GM-CSF-producing CCR2+CCR6+ Th17 cells are pathogenic in dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis model in mice

Although excessive immune responses by Th17 cells, a helper T cell subset, are implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the mechanism by which its localization in an inflamed colon is regulated remains unclear. Chemokines and their receptors are involved in the pathogenesis of IBD, however, the relative significance of each receptor on Th17 cells remains unknown. We generated C–C motif chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) knockout (KO) and CCR6 KO mice in the syngeneic background using the CRISPR/Cas9 system and found that the phenotypes of experimental colitis worsened in both mutant mice. Surprisingly, the phenotype of colitis in CCR2/CCR6-double knockout (CCR2/6 DKO) mice was opposite to that of the single-deficient mice, with significantly milder experimental colitis (p < .05). The same was true for the symptoms in CCR6 KO mice, but not in wild type mice treated with a CCR2 inhibitor, propagermanium. Colonic CCR2⁺CCR6⁺ Th17 cells produced a potentially pathogenic cytokine GM-CSF whose levels in the gut were significantly reduced in CCR2/6 DKO mice (p < .05). These results suggest that GM-CSF-producing CCR2⁺CCR6⁺ Th17 cells are pathogenic and are attracted to the inflamed colon by either CCR2 or CCR6 gradient, which subsequently exacerbates experimental colitis in mice.     

Polymerization of propene with zirconocene-containing supported catalysts activated by common trialkylaluminiums

This paper reports on propene polymerization conducted with modified Kaminsky-type catalysts activated by common alkylaluminiums. Several kinds of heterogeneous catalysts containing zirconocene were prepared by supporting Et[IndH₄]₂ZrCl₂, iPr(Flu)(Cp)ZrCl₂ and Cp₂ZrCl₂ on A1₂O₃, SiO₂, MgO, MgCl₂, MgF₂, CaF₂ and AlF₂ using an impregnation method. When Al₂O₃, MgCl₂, MgF₂, CaF₂ and AlF₃ were used as carriers, the resulting catalysts were easily activated by common trialkylaluminiums to give isotactic, syndiotactic and atactic polypropene in fairly good yields, whereas the other supported catalysts, combined with common trialkylaluminiums, did not show any polymerization activity. However, highly active catalysts were obtained by supporting the zirconocene compound on SiO₂ that had been reacted with a small amount of methylaluminoxane. The use of C1-containing alkylaluminiums always killed the catalyst activity.     

Aicardi–Goutières syndrome with systemic lupus erythematosus and hypothyroidism

We report a case of Aicardi–Goutières syndrome with systemic lupus erythematosus and hypothyroidism. A 3-year-old girl, diagnosed with Aicardi–Goutières syndrome at 9 months, was transferred to our hospital for fever of unknown origin. Severe spasticity with dystonic posturing and flexion contracture of the limbs were noted. Interstitial pneumonia with pleural effusion was evident. Immunological investigations revealed positive antinuclear antibodies and reduced thyroid function. Prompt treatment with steroids, cyclophosphamide, and levothyroxine sodium hydrate elicited a good response. It is necessary to emphasize that its possible relationship between Aicardi–Goutières syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus and/or hypothyroidism.     

Up to 8-year follow-up of valve replacement with carbomedics valve

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to report midterm valve replacement (VR) results with the Carbo-Medics valve (Sulzer Carbomedics, Austin, TX). METHODS: From 1991 to 1999, 468 patients aged 13 to 76 years (mean 56 years) underwent VR with CarboMedics valve: 239 aortic (A), 167 mitral (M), and 62 A+M or double valve replacement (DVR). Mean follow-up time was 4.4 years; follow-up was 99.1% complete for 2,016 patient-years (PY). The anticoagulation level was targeted to an international normalized ratio of 1.47 to 2.8. RESULTS: The hospital mortality rate was 1.2%. Actuarial analysis for the entire group at 7 years for survival was 87%+/-2.3%. Freedom from valve-related death was 94%+/-1.9%. Freedom from thromboembolic and bleeding events, respectively, were as follows: for AVR, 82%+/-4.9% (2.4%/PY) and 88%+/-2.9% (1.6%/PY); for MVR, 95%+/-2.1% (0.8%/PY) and 91%+/-3.1% (1.3%/PY); and for DVR, 96%+/-3.2% (0.7%/PY) and 85%+/-9.7% (1.0%/PY). Actuarial freedom from reoperation was 98%+/-1.4%. CONCLUSIONS: The CarboMedics valve can be implanted with satisfactory early mortality and a low incidence of valve-related events even under low-intensity anticoagulation, as shown in a Japanese population.     

Sudden onset pharyngeal pain associated with dissecting vertebral artery aneurysm

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We report a case of sudden onset pharyngeal pain due to dissection of the vertebral artery. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 65-year-old patient presented with sudden onset of unilateral pharyngeal pain, which was first, diagnosed as idiopathic glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Magnetic resonance image and cerebral angiography revealed a dissecting vertebral artery aneurysm. The anatomical site of the aneurysm may explain this complication. CONCLUSIONS: Sudden onset of pharyngeal pain, although rare, should be considered as a complication of dissection of the vertebral artery even though there are no other general or neurological symptoms.     

ARGYROPHIL CELL CARCINOID OF THE STOMACH -A LIGHT- and ELECTRON-MICROSCOPIC OBSERVATION-

A case of argyrophil cell, B type, carcinoid of the stomach In a 36-year-old male is presented. The patient had no special clinical manifestations as to carcinoid syndrome, and the biochemical analysis on the preoperative urine and blood and on the tumor tissue itself failed to disclose significant increase in either active or end products of corresponding amines. Diagnosis was based merely on morphological findings including those of silver impregnations of both argentaffin and argyrophil reactions and electron-microscopic demonstration of the specific secretory granules. The importance of preoperative diagnosis by all possible means on cases such as ours is our special emphasis in order to obtain correlative analysis of silver reactions and biochemistry along with electron-microscopy. ACTA PATH. JAP. 22:541–553. 1972.