A promiscuous T cell hybridoma restricted to various I-A molecules

In a previous study, we identified T cell receptor and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) contact sites on the pigeon cytochrome c p43-58 peptide. Positions 46 and 54 of p43-58 were shown to be the MHC-binding sites. Specific amino acids were identified on the MHC-binding sites which bound to the relevant I-A molecule. In the present study, using NOD (I-A^g7) mice, we established a T cell hybridoma, NOE33-1-2, specific for a p43-58 analog 46R50E54A with arginine (R) and alanine (A) at positions 46 and 54, respectively. Interestingly, NOE 33-1-2 recognized 46R50E54A in the presence of not only I-A^g7, but also I-A^{d, s, u and v}. In contrast to previous reports that promiscuous T cells were able to recognize peptide antigens with various HLA-DR or I-E molecules consist of monomorphic α and polymorphic β chains, the promiscuous T cell clone NOE33-1-2 recognized peptides with various I-A molecules lacking the monomorphic chain.     

A middle meningeal artery which arises from the internal carotid artery in which the first branchial artery participates.

A middle meningeal artery arising from the internal carotid artery was found in the right half of the head of an 85-year-old male cadaver during student dissection practice. It arose from the lateral aspect of the internal carotid artery in the carotid canal, arrived at the foramen lacerum after running forward. It then ran backward under the trigeminal ganglion and took the usual course after passing its posterior margin. On one hand, the maxillary artery did not issue the middle meningeal artery, gave off only a small twig supplying the lateral pterygoid muscle at the corresponding position. It was corroborated by the fact that the foramen spinosum was absent in this example. During usual development, the middle meningeal artery primarily springs from the supraorbital branch of the stapedial artery that arises from the dorsal part of the second branchial artery. Later, by the formation of the external carotid artery connecting with the common trunk of the infraorbital and mandibular branches (maxillomandibular division) of the stapedial artery and by the atrophy of the proximal part of it, the middle meningeal artery is finally supplied by the external carotid artery. But in this example, it is supposed that the middle meningeal artery arose from a more distal position of the internal carotid artery owing to the persistence of the anastomosis between the dorsal part of the first branchial artery and the supraorbital branch and the interruption of the connection between the supraorbital branch and maxillomandibular division of the stapedial artery.     

Induction of hRAD9 is required for G2/M checkpoint signal transduction in gastric cancer cells.

DNA damage triggers the activation of checkpoints that delay cell cycle progression to allow for DNA repair. Loss of G2 checkpoints provides a growth advantage for tumor cells undergoing aberrant mitosis. However, the precise mechanisms of G2 checkpoints acting in gastric cancer are unknown. Here, we analyzed the G2 checkpoint function in two gastric cancer cells, MKN-28 cells containing a mutant p53 gene and MKN-45 cells which have wild-type p53. Two agents damaging DNA, camptothecin (CPT) or ultraviolet light (UV), were utilized to trigger a G2 phase cell cycle checkpoint response in these tumor cells. Both CPT and UV inhibited the growth of MKN-45 cells, whereas they did not affect the growth of MKN-28 cells. CPT induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and enhanced the expression of human RAD9 (hRAD9) in MKN-45 cells. In addition, hRAD9 showed perinuclear staining and similar localization with Bcl-2 in MKN-45 cells but not in MKN-28 cells after having applied CPT or UV light. These results suggest that besides p53 activity, the induction of hRAD9 is required for G2/M checkpoint signal transduction in gastric cancer cells.     

Molecular analysis of structural protein genes of the Yamagata-1 strain of defective subacute sclerosing panencephalitis virus. III. Nucleotide sequence of the hemagglutinin gene

The full-length cDNA corresponding to the mRNA for the hemagglutinin (H) protein of the Yamagata-1 strain of the subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) virus was cloned and the nucleotide sequence was determined. The mRNA corresponding to the H protein was composed of 1952 nucleotides and contained a single large open reading frame, which encoded 620 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 69,723. This cDNA clone expressed the H protein in Cos 7 cells, and the transfected cells showed hemadsorption. The nucleotide and amino-acid sequence homology with the Edmonston strain of MV were 98.0% and 96.6%, respectively. The deduced amino acid sequence had a single hydrophobic domain near the N-terminus that was long enough to serve as an anchor in the membrane. Five potential glycosylation sites were found on the H protein at identical positions as in the H protein of MV. Cysteine and proline were located at almost identical positions as those of the H protein of MV. In addition, monoclonal antibody study revealed that three epitopes, including the domains that were involved in the biological activities of the H protein of MV, were conserved on the Yamagata-1 strain. These results suggested that the H protein of the Yamagata-1 strain of defective SSPE virus is structurally and functionally similar to that of the Edmonston strain of MV.     

Molecular analysis of structural protein genes of the yamagata-1 strain of defective subacute sclerosing panencephalitis virus. II. Nucleotide sequence of a cDNA corresponding to the P plus M dicistronic mRNA

The nucleotide sequence of a cloned cDNA corresponding to the P+M dicistronic mRNA of a subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) virus was determined and compared with data of measles virus (MV). The dicistronic mRNA of the SSPE virus consisted of the 3 proximal 626 nucleotides of P mRNA, intercistronic trinucleotides, a full length of M mRNA, and 75 poly A nucleotides. The part encoding the P protein had a high homology to MV, except at the noncoding region. The terminating consensus sequence of the P gene and the intercistronic trinucleotides of the SSPE virus were CTAC(A)₆ and CCT; in MV they are TTAT(A)₆ and CTT, respectively. In the M gene, the starting consensus sequence was exactly the same as MV, but at the 5 proximal end, one third of this gene was different: The first ATG codon of the MV M gene signaling opening of the reading frame was changed to ACG in the SSPE virus and one long open reading frame started from the third ATG codon. The stop codon (TAG) of the MV M gene was also changed to CAG in the SSPE virus. Thus, the deduced SSPE-virus M protein lacked 50 amino acids at the amino terminal and had 15 extra amino acids at the carboxyl end when compared with the MV M protein.     

A new balloon catheter for selective cerebral perfusion

Selective cerebral perfusion (SCP) is a better method than hypothermic circulatory arrest for brain protection in aortic arch surgery because of fewer time limitations; however; it is more troublesome during surgery. We developed a new catheter for SCP, the SP Stud catheter, with a rib-surface balloon to reduce slipping to eliminate the need for snaring or clamping. To evaluate the slipping resistance of the new catheter, we compared it with two different balloon catheters; a Foley balloon catheter with a smooth-surface balloon as long as the SP Stud catheter, and a Retro-TH catheter with a smooth-surface balloon of discoid shape half as long as the SP Stud catheter. The “draw-strength”, which refers to the slipping resistance, was measured in 20 autopsy carotid arteries in the three groups. The average draw-strengths of SP Stud catheter, foley balloon catheter, and Retro-TH catheter were 92.3±4.0, 20.8 ±1.5, and 17.9±0.8g, respectively, in sclerotic carotid arteries. The SP Stud catheter demonstrated approximately four times more resistance to slipping than the Foley balloon or Retro-TH catheters. The SP Stud catheter demonstrated a higher slipping resistance than conventional catheters, which may allow selective cerebral perfusion without snaring or clamping the carotid arteries, minimize the change of cerebral embolism, and clear the operative field.     

Cordyceps militaris Fruit Body Extract Decreases Testosterone Catabolism and Testosterone-Stimulated Prostate Hypertrophy

The androgens testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are essential for a variety of systemic functions in mature males. Alteration of these hormones results in late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). The fruit bodies of fungi of the genus Cordyceps have been regarded as folk medicine or health food with tonic and antifatigue effects. The extract from the fruit body of Cordyceps militaris parasitizing Samia cynthia ricini (CM) was evaluated as a novel-candidate natural product for ameliorating male andropause symptoms. To explore the effects of CM on LOH and BPH, CM was applied to rat models and cultured testicular cells and prostate cells. The concentrations of androgens in the serum and culture media were determined by ELISA. Expression of steroidogenic enzymes and androgen-related genes was evaluated by qPCR, and prostatic cell proliferation was assessed with the cell-viability assay. CM maintained the serum levels of testosterone and DHT, but inhibited testosterone-induced prostate hypertrophy. CM also increased the secretion of testosterone and DHT by primary testicular cells, with no changes in the mRNA expression of steroidogenic enzymes, but decreased the growth of prostatic cell lines. Our data suggest that CM could improve both LOH and BPH in males.     

Expandable metallic stent treatment for malignant colorectal strictures

Four patients were treated by placement of an expandable metallic stent (two Gianturco Z-stents, two Ultraflex stents) for malignant colorectal strictures. All four patients were able to defecate after stent placement. Stent migration was recognized in one patient. Two patients suffered from tenesmus after stent placement.     

A double bifurcated graft for abdominal aorta and bilateral iliac artery reconstruction

Revascularization of the hypogastric artery often tends to be neglected in aortoiliac reconstructive surgery; however, its incomplete revascularization can result in unfavorable complications such as buttock claudication or necrosis, vascular impotence, and colonic ischemia. Multiple vascular lesions in the abdominal aorta and bilateral iliac arteries were reconstructed using a newly designed double bifurcated graft in five male patients. All five patients demonstrated excellent graft limb patency and postoperative improvement of the ankle-brachial pressure index without any clinical signs of ischemia in regions of the hypogastric artery. Thus, we conclude that an aggressive approach toward hypogastric circulation maintenance is essential in aortoiliac reconstructive surgery. By using this double bifurcated graft, rapid and safe revascularization of the bilateral hypogastric arteries concomitant with the external iliac or femoral arteries can be performed.     

Diaphragm reconstruction with autologous fascia lata: Report of a case

When the diaphragm is excised so wiely that the defect cannot be closed directly during an operation on either thoracic or epigastric tumors, a reconstruction of the defect is necessary. We used harvested autologous fascia lata to reconstruct the diaphragm in a patient undergoing a pleuropneumonectomy with a partial diaphragmatic resection for malignant mesothelioma.