Selection of cellular genetic markers for the detection of infectious poliovirus.

AIMS: Cellular responses of an established cell line from human intestinal epithelial cells (INT-407 cells) against poliovirus (PV) infections were investigated in order to find cellular genetic markers for infectious PV detection. METHODS AND RESULTS: Gene expression profile of INT-407 cells was analysed by DNA microarray technique when cells were infected with poliovirus 1 (PV1) (sabin) at multiplicity of infection of 10-3 and incubated for 12 h. Poliovirus infection significantly altered the gene expressions of two ion channels, KCNJ4 and SCN7A. The expression profile of KCNJ4 gene was further investigated by real-time RT-qPCR, and it was found that KCNJ4 gene was significantly regulated at 24 h postinfection of PV1. CONCLUSIONS: KCNJ4 gene, coding a potassium channel protein, is proposed as a cellular genetic marker for infectious PV detection. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first study to show the availability of cellular responses to detect infectious PV. The selection of cellular genetic markers for infectious viruses using DNA microarray and RT-qPCR can be applicable for the other enteric viruses.

Specific inhibitor of puromycin-sensitive aminopeptidase with a homophthalimide skeleton: identification of the target molecule and a structure-activity relationship study.

2-(2,6-Diethylphenyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-1,3-dione (2: PIQ-22) was found to be a potent and specific inhibitor of puromycin-sensitive aminopeptidase (PSA). Lineweaver-Burk plot analysis showed that PSA is inhibited by PIQ-22 in a non-competitive manner. Structure -activity relationship studies indicated that tautomerism of the imidobenzoylketone group in the cyclic imide moiety of the PIQ-22 skeleton is important for the inhibitory activity.

Novel alpha-glucosidase inhibitors with a tetrachlorophthalimide skeleton.

Novel alpha-glucosidase inhibitors with a tetrachlorophthalimide skeleton were prepared and their structure-activity relationships were analyzed. Among them, N-phenyl-4,5,6,7-tetrachlorophthalimide (CPOP: 2) and N-(4-phenylbutyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrachlorophthalimide (CP4P: 6) showed very potent inhibitory activity, being more potent than 1-deoxynojirimycin (dNM: 1). Mechanistic studies revealed that CPOP (2) and CP4P (6) inhibit alpha-glucosidase non-competitively and competitively, respectively.

Potent homophthalimide-type inhibitors of B16F10/L5 mouse melanoma cell invasion.

Recently, we developed a series of novel and potent aminopeptidase inhibitors with a homophthalimide skeleton. Among them, N-(2,6-diethylphenyl)homophthalimide (PIQ-22) possesses a specific aminopeptidase-inhibiting activity more potent than that of bestatin or actinonin, as assayed in terms of hydrolysis of L-alanine 4-methylcoumaryl-7-amide (Ala-AMC) by human acute lymphoblastic leukemia MOLT-4 cells. We show here that PIQ-22 and its 2,6-dimethylphenyl derivative (PIQ-11) are more potent inhibitors of tumor cell invasion than bestatin and actinonin in a Matrigel assay using mouse melanoma B16F10/L5 cells.

Extraneural metastasis of intracranial germinoma with syncytiotrophoblastic giant cells--case report.

A 14-year-old boy presented with an extraneural metastasis of germinoma with syncytiotrophoblastic giant cells (STGC). The tumor was located in the pineal area, suprasellar cistern, and frontal base, and associated with the slight elevation of the beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) serum level. Following radiation therapy, the tumor completely disappeared, and the beta-HCG level decreased to normal. Two years after the initial treatment, metastasis of the tumor to the left femur was observed without recurrence of the primary lesion. The biopsy specimen revealed germinoma, the diagnosis was germinoma with STGC because of the associated elevation of HCG level. The metastatic tumor was treated by chemotherapy with cisplatin and etoposide, and the tumor completely disappeared. With adjuvant chemotherapy, he has been recurrence-free for 3 years. Extraneural metastasis occurs more frequently from germinoma with STGC than germinoma. Aggressive chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy in the initial treatment might have to be tried to avoid metastasis from germinoma with STGC.

Primitive neuroectodermal tumor in the spinal epidural space--case report.

A 4-year-old boy presented with a rare case of an epidural tumor causing compression of the thoracic spinal cord manifesting as rapid worsening of gait disturbance. The tumor was grossly totally resected, and radiotherapy and chemotherapy were subsequently administered. The histological diagnosis was primitive neuroectodermal tumor. He has been free of recurrence for more than 6 years. Early tumor resection followed by chemotherapy and irradiation is recommended for patients with primitive neuroectodermal tumor and unstable symptoms.

Roentgenological study of the sagittal diameter of the cervical spinal canal in normal adult Japanese.

The sagittal diameter of the cervical spinal canal on roentgenograms in normal adult Japanese aged 15 years or over, 505 males and 492 females, was investigated to define the normal distribution and lower limit. Lateral roentgenograms of cervical spinal canals were taken at a constant focus-film distance of 1.5 m. The mean +/- SD magnification coefficient was 1.17 +/- 0.02. The mean +/- SD sagittal diameters of the cervical spinal canals at each vertebral level were: C-1, 21.0 +/- 2.2 mm; C-2, 18.0 +/- 1.7 mm; C-3, 15.8 +/- 1.5 mm; C-4, 15.2 +/- 1.5 mm; C-5, 15.3 +/- 1.5 mm; C-6, 15.7 +/- 1.5 mm; and C-7, 15.9 +/- 1.4 mm. The lowest mean -2 SD values were: C-1, 16.6 mm; C-2, 14.6 mm; C-3: 12.8 mm; C-4, 12.2 mm; C-5, 12.3 mm; C-6, 12.7 mm; and C-7, 13.1 mm. The smallest diameter was at the C-4 level, but there was no significant difference between values at the C-4 and C-5 levels. Males had significantly larger diameters than females (mean difference 0.8 mm) (p < 0.01). Younger subjects had greater diameters than older subjects. The incidence of spondylotic changes was 40.1% in subjects aged 50-59 years, 57.7% in those aged 60-69 years, and 76.6% in those aged 70-79 years. Males had a higher incidence than females. Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament was observed in 2.1% of all subjects. This study suggests that patients with a sagittal diameter in the cervical spinal canal of less than 12 mm have a high risk of cervical myelopathy.

Coil embolization for intracranial aneurysm by direct puncture of the carotid artery in elderly patients.

SUMMARY: Seven aneurysms in elderly patients (average 78 year-old) were treated by intra-aneurysmal coil embolization. The 19 gage elastic needle or 4.0Fr. sheath introducer was placed into the carotid artery, and 3.0Fr. microcatheter was advanced into the aneurysm. An operative difficulty to approach to the aneurysm due to arteriosclerosis was ameliorated by this method. Mobility related to this procedure was a local hematoma at the puncture site in one case.

Germinoma of the optic nerve: case report.

This report concerns the unusual case of a germinoma primarily arising from the right optic nerve. The patient is a 31-year-old male who presented with progressive loss of vision, but with no clinical evidence suggestive of hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction, including diabetes insipidus. The neuroimaging studies disclosed a tumor in the right optic nerve, but no intracranial tumors. Histologically, the tumor consisted of proliferating large clear cells with lymphocytic infiltration. The immunohistochemical studies revealed that the tumor cells expressed placental alkaline phosphatase. Perusal of the literature revealed that germinomas arising from the optic nerve have not been described heretofore. The histogenesis of the optic nerve germinoma is considered in relation to the proposed theory on the genesis of intracranial germ cell tumors.

Effect of mechanical pressure on the blood flow in human palatal mucosa measured by temperature controlled thermoelectrical method.

Mucosal blood flow in the human palate was measured by a temperature controlled thermoelectrical method based on the thermal conductivity of mucosal tissue using a blood flow monitor and a non-invasive surface probe. The effect of mechanical pressure on the palatal mucosal tissue was studied. Mechanical pressure (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 or 15.0 g mm-2) to the mucosal surface was exerted circumferentially around the surface probe. In five out of seven subjects, the blood flow showed a tendency to be almost constant under the mechanical pressures which are 10.0 g mm-2 or higher. The effect of the duration of the pressure (10.0 g mm-2) exertion on the blood flow was also investigated and it was revealed that the blood flow tended to be constant after 60s in every subject. In the present study, it was also demonstrated that the temperature controlled thermoelectrical method is appropriate for studying the blood flow dynamics in oral mucosa.

Antitumor effects of an antiangiogenic polysaccharide from an Arthrobacter species with or without a steroid.

A sulfated polysaccharide-peptidoglycan complex, DS-4152, isolated from the culture supernatant of an Arthrobacter species inhibited angiogenesis and tumor growth and enhanced the antiangiogenic activity of 11 steroid hormones by 2 to 100 times. In the presence of cortisone acetate or tetrahydro S, DS-4152 suppressed chick chorioallantoic membrane angiogenesis and murine tumor M5076 cell-induced s.c. angiogenesis. The antitumor effects of DS-4152 administered in combination with a steroid whose dose level did not affect tumor growth were examined. DS-4152 significantly inhibited the growth of s.c.-implanted B16 melanoma in combination with cortisone acetate. DS-4152 plus tetrahydro S inhibited the growth of s.c. solid tumors and prolonged the survival time of mice bearing highly metastasizing M5076. The body weight increase was not affected by any administration. On the other hand, the survival of mice with ascitic M5076 tumors was not affected by the combination of DS-4152 plus tetrahydro S. The antiangiogenic activity of DS-4152 was more potent than that of heparin. Furthermore, DS-4152 is an angiogenesis inhibitor by itself, without steroid hormones. Successive s.c. treatment with heparin caused hemorrhagic death, but with DS-4152, suppressed tumor growth without reducing body weight.

[Histochemical investigation on glycogen in the epithelium of mucosa under denture base].

Accumulation of glycogen in the epithelium of the oral mucosa was evaluated in relation to the existence of wound and inflammation of the oral mucosa histochemically and histopathologically. Antemolar rhombus (the anterior part of the intermolar palate) of adult Wistar rat was employed as experimental area. Experimental wound of palatal mucosa was made by excision of crestal one third of the palatine ruga. Inflammation of the connective tissue was artificially induced by the insertion of silk thread or silk thread immersed in 5% formalin in the connective tissue parallel to the crest line of palatine ruga. The experimental area was examined histochemically and histopathologically up to 72 hours after experimental operation. In excision wound the accumulation of glycogen was observed in prickle cell layer of the epithelium after 24 hours. Although the inflammatory reaction was observed more prominently in the thread inserted connective tissue, the accumulation of glycogen in the epithelium could not be detected. The findings of this study suggested that inflammation itself does not induce the accumulation of glycogen in the epithelium of the oral mucosa and the accumulation could be an indication of wound and/or its healing process of oral epithelium.

[Magnetic resonance imaging of diseased cervical and lumbar intervertebral discs].

Magnetic resonance images (MRI) of diseased cervical and lumbar intervertebral discs involving both intrinsic and extrinsic cord lesions were examined using either a 0.15 T resistive or a 0.5 T superconductive magnetic imaging system. High resolution images were obtained by means of a surface coil in most cases. The vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and spinal cord were delineated in greatest detail on spin-echo (SE) images with a long repetition time (TR) and a short echo time (proton density-weighted image), on which the spinal cord was appreciated without overshadowing by the cerebrospinal fluid-filled subarachnoid space. Protrusion of degenerated intervertebral discs into the spinal canal was clearly demonstrated not only on sagittal but also on parasagittal and transverse views. The location of protruded discs and compression of the spinal cord, caudal sac, and nerve roots were well visualized three-dimensionally. Pathological features of intervertebral discs were better appreciated on T2-weighted images with long TR and SE pulse sequences. Degeneration of intervertebral discs resulted in decreased signal intensity in cases involving lumbar disc lesions but not those involving cervical disc lesions. In a case of suspected myelomalacia, the intrinsic cord lesion resulting from traumatic disc protrusion appeared as focal low signal intensity on T1-weighted images and as somewhat high intensity on T2-weighted images. The inversion recovery sequence with median inversion time displayed an inferior image of low contrast and was judged uninformative in comparison to SE images. The authors' observations demonstrate that MRI is an essential diagnostic technique for spinal cord disorders.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[MRI findings of cervical cord injury. A case report of long-term follow-up].

A 63 year-old male, who sustained anterior cervical cord injury in a fall on his back during skiing, was consecutively examined by MRI from acute, up to the chronic stage. Right after the fall (2.5 hours later) the injured cord showed high intensity in T2 weighted images. This high intensity area stayed the same up to the chronic stage (6 months later). T1 weighted SE images showed no parenchymal change in the acute stage, but 3 months later a low intensity area appeared in the damaged cord. Thereafter, the injured cord exhibited localized low intensity on T1 weighted images, and high intensity on T2 weighted images, at subsequent MRI examinations. During the course of the examinations no significant neurological recovery was observed. Referring to the findings of our experimental cord injury studies, the high intensity in the T2 weighted images of the acute stage represents hemorrhagic necrotic tissue with edema, while those of the chronic stage suggest myelomalacia, and surrounding gliotic tissue. The low intensity in the T1 weighted images of the chronic stage reflects also this myelomalacia itself. We conclude that MRI of cervical cord injury is a useful diagnostic tool, not only delineating the level of the cord injury, but also aiding in the prognosis.

The sulfated polysaccharide-peptidoglycan complex potently inhibits embryonic angiogenesis and tumor growth in the presence of cortisone acetate.

In combination with cortisone acteate, the sulfated polysaccharide (SP)-peptidoglycan (PG) complex produced by an Arthrobacter species was found to inhibit both embryonic angiogenesis of chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and growth of solid Sarcoma 180 tumor in mice. Three fractions obtained from the SP-PG complex by gel filtration showed a great difference in the inhibitory effect on angiogenesis of the CAM, whereas in ex vivo study such a difference was reduced. Of the three fractions, SP-PG-L having the lowest molecular weight and peptidoglycan content exhibited the highest antiangiogenic and antitumor activities, even higher than those of heparin. Neither desulfation nor sulfation of the SP-PG complex greatly affected the antiangiogenic activity, and dextran sulfates and mannoglucan sulfates were lacking the activity. This suggested that glycosyl sequences of sulfated polysaccharides are more important for the activity, rather than content or intramolecular distribution of sulfate groups.

[Spinal melanotic schwannoma: report of a case].

A case of spinal dumbbell shaped melanotic schwannoma was reported. A 58-year-old housewife had a 3-months history of progressive gait disturbance. She also complained of mild backache and numbness in both legs. Her family history was not remarkable. When examined on admission, October 10, 1982, mild weakness of both legs with spasticity and sensory impairment below the level of T10 dermatome without sacral sparing were evident. Her deep tendon reflexes were hyperactive on both sides and plantar responses were extensor bilaterally. Sphincteric disturbance was not significant. The function of her cranial nerves was intact. She had neither cutaneous lesions, abdominal mass nor organomegaly. Thoracic plain X-rays revealed erosion of the right side vertebral body and pedicle of the 10th thoracic vertebra. Myelography disclosed a complete block at the same level by an epidural mass. On CT-myelogram, soft tissue density mass compressing the thoracic cord was apparent in the right epidural space of the spinal canal which extended to the paravertebral region through the right intervertebral foramen. Partial destruction of the body and the right side pedicle was easily recognized. Laminectomy from T9 to T11 exposed a large extradural mass which was encapsulated, elastic soft and pigmented in nature. The tumor was dumbbell shaped and extended to the right paravertebral region through the intervertebral foramen. Costotransversectomy was performed to excise the mass entirely. Following the total removal of the tumor, internal fixation was carried out by means of Harrington instrumentation with methylmethacrylate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Intracranial physiological calcification on computed tomography (Part 2): Calcification in the choroid plexus of the lateral ventricles].

In this paper, we describe calcification in the choroid plexus of lateral ventricles with a discussion of the frequency of occurrence in categories of age, sex, and laterality, and its correlation with pineal calcification. The study was conducted on 2877 consecutive cases (1450 males and 1427 females) that had plain CT scanning. Three types of CT scanners (SCN-200, Somatom 2 and TCT-10 A) were used. This series included only calcification of the choroid plexus in the trigone of the lateral ventricles (glomus). Calcification was found in none of the cases aged under 9 years, 5.9% aged from 10 to 14 years and 17.4% aged from 15 to 19 years. The calcification rate strikingly increased with increasing age of the cases. It was 51.5% of cases between 30 and 39 years of age. After that, the increasing rate of calcification gradually decreased, however calcification was found in 74.4% of cases aged over 80 years. The calcification rate was 64.7% in our total series of cases aged over 20 years, 66.5% aged over 30 years and 70.7% aged over 50 years. The calcification rate of male cases was greater than that of females in the age group of over 15 years. However, there was a significant difference only in the cases ranging from 60 to 79 years of age. The initial incidence of male cases was found at the age of 12 years and that of females at the age of 16 years. There was no difference in calcification on right and left sides.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)