A second group of hepatitis C viruses

cDNA clone 11–7 was isolated by immunoscreening a cDNA library that was prepared from a pooled plasma of non-A non-B hepatitis (NANBH) patients using expression vector gt 11. This cDNA corresponds to known nucleotide positions 3983–4745 of the genome of hepatitis C virus (HCV). This clone was used as a probe for screening the HCV-related cDNAs in a cDNA library similarly prepared by using gt 10. As a result, six more cDNA clones were isolated and analyzed for their nucleotide sequences. The results strongly suggested that there are at least two groups of HCV, group I and group II. According to our classification, the prototype HCV and clone 11–7 belong to group I HCV, and their nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences were diverged from those of group II HCV. Genetic variation observed in the nucleotide and the amino acid sequences between the two groups resembles that in the NS3 region of the genome between Japanese encephalitis virus and West Nile fever virus. Polypeptides produced inEscherichia coli carrying a clone 11–7 or a group II cDNA clone E reacted with antibodies in the blood of 12 or 4 out of 14 individual chronic NANBH patients, respectively. Our data clearly indicate the existence of a second group of HCV.     

Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma of submandibular gland origin

A case of polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA) in the submandibular gland is reported. A 72 year old woman presented with a 5 year history of a gradually expanding tumor in the submandibular region. The surgical specimen revealed a relatively well demarcated tumor, 35 × 35 × 20 mm in size. Macroscopically, necrosis and hemorrhage were not seen in the solid tumor. Histologically, the tumor growth pattern was variable, composed of tubular, papillary, solid, trabecular and cribriform structures. Immunohistochemically, some tumor cells were positive for epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), S-100 protein, keratin, and carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA). Electron microscopically, prominent microvilli projected into the luminal spaces, and basal lamina and hemidesmosomes were seen in the tumor cells adjacent to the connective tissues. The submandibular gland is an extremely rare location for PLGA. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case of its kind reported in the English literature.     

Pigmentary degeneration indwed by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea and the fate of pigment epithelial cells in the rat retina

Pigmentary degeneration of the retina was induced by a single intraperitoneal Injection of 75mgkg of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) In female Brown-Norway colored rats at 50 days of age, which were then observed at 24, 48 and 72 h and 7, 21,35 and 150 days after the treatment. MNU-treated rats showed selective destruction of the photoreceptor cells by an apoptotic mechanlsm 24 h after the treatment, and the destruction was completed by day 7. During the photoreceptor cell degeneration, proliferation of Miller cells and infiltratlon of macrophages was prominent 72h and 21 days aRttr the treatment, respectively. Müller cell proliferation and macrophage infiltratbn corresponded to degenerative photo-receptor cell phagocytosis, and prollferating Müller cell processes responded to stabilize the damaged retina. Pigment epithelial cell detachment from the Bruch's membrane was seen 72 h after the treatment, and migration within all layers of the retina was seen at day 7 when photoreceptor Cells were lost. At 21, 35 and 150 days after the treatment, lack of photoreceptor cells and deposition of pigment epithelial cells within the retina but not in contact to vascular endothe-lial cells were characteristic. MNU-induced photoreceptor apoptosis followed by Miiller cell and macrophage reaction then pigment epithellal cells deposition withln the retina partially resembles retinitis pigmentosa in humans.     

Ophthalmomyiasis caused by Sarcophaga crassipalpis (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) in a hospital patient

Nine sarcophagid larvae were found on the right eyelid, cornea, and bulbar conjunctiva of a debilitated patient in a hospital in Osaka, Japan. Inflammation of the right eyelid and conjunctival congestion, probably initiated or aggravated by the larvae, were found. The larvae were removed and reared for accurate identification, and, on the basis of the characteristics of the 3rd instar and adult flies, the species was identified as Sarcophaga crassipalpis Macquart. This is a report of ophthalmomyiasis caused by this facultative parasite in a human. Patients with diminished consciousness in hospitals need protection from flies.     

Resting CD4(+) T cells with CD38(+)CD62L(+) produce interleukin-4 which contributes to enhanced replication of T-tropic human immunodeficiency virus type 1

A significant increase in the CD38(+) population among T lymphocytes has been observed in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected carriers. We previously reported a higher replication rate of T-tropic HIV-1 in the CD4(+)CD38(+)CD62L(+) than CD38(-) subset under conditions of mitogen stimulation after infection. Here, we revealed a similarly high susceptibility in the CD38(+) subset on culture with conditioned medium containing Th2 cytokine, interleukin (IL)-4 that was produced endogenously from this subset on stimulation with mitogen or anti-CD3 antibody for 3 days. The contribution of IL-4 to the upregulated production of virus in the CD38(+) subset was confirmed by culture of this subset with recombinant human IL-4. In contrast, the rate of replication in the CD38(-) subset was not augmented in the conditioned medium from either subset or with IL-4. However, there were no differences in the surface expression of IL-4 receptor or HIV-1 receptors CD4 and CXCR4 between the two subsets. Thus, the CD4(+)CD38(+)CD62L(+) subset comprises a specific cell population secreting endogenous Th2 cytokine that contributes to the efficient production of T-tropic HIV-1 through upregulation at a certain stage of the viral life cycle, probably after the adsorption step.     

Two dinucleotide repeat polymorphisms at the D8S1218 and D8S1219 loci

Summary Two polymorphic dinucleotide (CA) repeat dones were isolated from a CEPH mega-YAC clone (844E2), and were localized to chromosome 8 using a panel of 13 mouse/human somatic cell hybrids.     

Bloom''s syndrome with porokeratosis of Mibeili and multiple cancers of the skin, lung and colon

A 38-year-old Japanese male with Bloom's syndrome (BS) and porokeratosis of Mibelli (PM) developed multiple carcinomas of the skin and lung. There were multiple, spontaneous chromosomal aberrations and frequent sister chromatid exchanges (SCE). Cutaneous delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions were defective and serum IgM was decreased. The lung cancer was treated with radiation, which was effective but caused a severe pulmonary atelectasis and esophageal stricture. The patient expired one-and-a-half years later because of pneumonia. Autopsy disclosed an adenocarcinoma of the colon. The concurrent PM was considered responsible for the occurrence of multiple skin cancers.     

Converging patterns of inputs from oral structures in the postcentral somatosensory cortex of conscious macaque monkeys

Single neuronal activities were recorded in the oral region of the postcentral gyrus in conscious Japanese monkeys. Among 5,756 neurons isolated, receptive fields (RFs) and submodalities were identified in 1,502 neurons in area 3b, 970 in area 1, and 1,461 in area 2. The relative incidence of neurons that had bilateral RFs increased gradually upon moving caudally from area 3b to area 2 (bilateral integration). A total of 276 neurons had bimaxillary RFs covering both the maxillary and mandibular divisions of the trigeminal nerve, such as the upper and lower lips, upper and lower teeth, palate and tongue, or combinations thereof. There was also a tendency for the relative incidence of neurons with bimaxillary RFs to increase across the postcentral gyrus but with an abrupt change in area 2 (bimaxillary integration). A total of 382 neurons had composite RFs covering more than one of five oral structures: lip, cheek mucosa, teeth/gingiva, tongue, and palate. The relative incidence of neurons with composite RFs was significantly higher in area 2 than in areas 3b and 1 (interstructural integration). These results indicate that the convergence of inputs from oral structures proceeds in a hierarchical manner across the postcentral gyrus, but chiefly in area 2 for the bimaxillary and interstructural integrations. The relative incidence of neurons with composite RFs was higher among neurons associated with the teeth/gingiva or palate than among neurons associated with the tongue or lip in all three areas. We interpret this to mean that anatomical or functional differences between oral structures might be reflected in the converging patterns in the oral representation.     

Pre-operative higher hematocrit and lower total protein levels are independent risk factors for cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome after superficial temporal artery–middle cerebral artery anastomosis with pial synangiosis in adult moyamoya disease patients—case-control study

Neurosurgical Review - Superficial temporal artery (STA)–middle cerebral artery (MCA) anastomosis is a standard treatment for adult moyamoya disease (MMD) patients. Cerebral hyperperfusion...     

Association between central sensitivity syndrome and psychological factors in people with presurgical low back pain: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundLow back pain (LBP) is a major problem; it causes significant burden, incurs considerable economic and human costs, and adversely affects the quality of life (QoL). Central sensitivity syndrome (CSS) is known as a group of overlapping conditions that share a common pathophysiological mechanism of central sensitization. Previous studies have shown that CSS is present in several disorders. However, it has been studied for people with presurgical LBP. The purpose of the study was to investigate the proportion of patients with CSS for presurgical LBP and to analyse the association of CSS with clinical symptoms and psychological factors.MethodsData of demographics, the central sensitization inventory (CSI), psychological measures, clinical symptoms of 238 patients with presurgical LBP were evaluated. The patients were divided into two groups depending on the CSI scores (≥40 and < 40). The two groups were compared, and the correlation between the CSI scores and other outcomes was analysed. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis was performed to identify factors contributing to the CSI scores.Results13.0% of participants were CSS. All outcomes were significantly different between the groups and significant associations were found between the CSI scores and all other outcomes. In addition, Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) was most significant associated scale for the CSI scores.ConclusionWe found that certain patients had CSS with presurgical LBP. The CSI scores were significantly associated with the majority of the factors. The PCS was the factor with the most influence on the CSI scores.