Expression of ZIC family genes in meningiomas and other brain tumors

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Zic zinc finger proteins are present in the developing rodent meninges and are required for cell proliferation and differentiation of meningeal progenitors. Although human <it>ZIC </it>genes are known to be molecular markers for medulloblastomas, their expression in meningioma has not been addressed to date.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We examined the mRNA and protein expression of human <it>ZIC1</it>, <it>ZIC2</it>, <it>ZIC3</it>, <it>ZIC4 </it>and <it>ZIC5 </it>genes in meningiomas in comparison to other brain tumors, using RT-PCR, analysis of published microarray data, and immunostaining.</p> <p>Results</p> <p><it>ZIC1</it>, <it>ZIC2 </it>and <it>ZIC5 </it>transcript levels in meningiomas were higher than those in whole brain or normal dura mater, whereas all five <it>ZIC </it>genes were abundantly expressed in medulloblastomas. The expression level of <it>ZIC1 </it>in public microarray data was greater in meningiomas classified as World Health Organization Grade II (atypical) than those classified as Grade I (benign). Immunoscreening using anti-ZIC antibodies revealed that 23 out of 23 meningioma cases were ZIC1/2/3/5-immunopositive. By comparison, nuclear staining by the anti-ZIC4 antibody was not observed in any meningioma case, but was strongly detected in all four medulloblastomas. ZIC-positive meningiomas included meningothelial, fibrous, transitional, and psammomatous histological subtypes. In normal meninges, ZIC-like immunoreactivities were detected in vimentin-expressing arachnoid cells both in human and mouse.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>ZIC1, ZIC2, and ZIC5 are novel molecular markers for meningiomas whereas <it>ZIC4 </it>expression is highly selective for medulloblastomas. The pattern of <it>ZIC </it>expression in both of these tumor types may reflect the properties of the tissues from which the tumors are derived.</p

Targeting miR-223 in neutrophils enhances the clearance of Staphylococcus aureus in infected wounds

Abstract Argonaute 2 bound mature microRNA (Ago2‐miRNA) complexes are key regulators of the wound inflammatory response and function in the translational processing of target mRNAs. In this study, we identified four wound inflammation‐related Ago2‐miRNAs (miR‐139‐5p, miR‐142‐3p, miR‐142‐5p, and miR‐223) and show that miR‐223 is critical for infection control. miR‐223Y/− mice exhibited delayed sterile healing with prolonged neutrophil activation and interleukin‐6 expression, and markedly improved repair of Staphylococcus aureus‐infected wounds. We also showed that the expression of miR‐223 was regulated by CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha in human neutrophils after exposure to S. aureus peptides. Treatment with miR‐223Y/−‐derived neutrophils, or miR‐223 antisense oligodeoxynucleotides in S. aureus‐infected wild‐type wounds markedly improved the healing of these otherwise chronic, slow healing wounds. This study reveals how miR‐223 regulates the bactericidal capacity of neutrophils at wound sites and indicates that targeting miR‐223 might be of therapeutic benefit for infected wounds in the clinic

幼児を持つ母親の就業状況別家族機能とソーシャルサポート

調査報告Report幼児を持つ母親の就業状況による家族機能とソーシャルサポートの特徴を明らかにし、育児支援のありかたについて示唆を得ることを目的に、質問紙調査を実施した。その結果、正職員は,家庭内でのサポートが得られ、情緒機能は恵まれているが夫と話す時間が少ない。自営業は、夫以外の家族のサポートが得られている。間食は不規則であるが、生活リズムのしつけはなされている。パートは、正職員、自営業などの勤労婦人と比較し、夫・家庭内のサポートが得られていない。主婦は、情緒、教育、健康保持機能が高い。家庭内に夫以外で子育てのことで相談できる人は少ない。無職は、健康保持機能が高く、夫と話す時間がある等の特徴が見られた

Cerebral aneurysms and inflammation

Multiple inflammatory factors, playing a crucial role in cerebral aneurysm formation, have been identified. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) has been revealed to have a close connection with several risk factors that affect aneurysm formation. Remarkable expression in aneurysm walls of mRNA for TNF-α has been observed in humans. Possible therapeutic interventions to reduce the formation of cerebral aneurysms may include the inhibition of mediators of inflammation

急性脳梗塞に対する血栓回収療法中にCarotid Cavernous Fistulaをきたした一例

Objective:We report a rare complication, carotid cavernous fistula (CCF), due to vessel perforation during thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke (AIS).Case Presentation:An 88-year-old woman underwent thrombectomy for left C4 occlusion of the internal carotid artery. There was strong resistance at the medial C4 while the microguidewire was guided distally, and a CCF was found after deploying and retrieving the stent. It was thought to have been caused by perforation due to intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis of the internal carotid artery.Conclusion:During thrombectomy for intracranial large vessel occlusion underlying intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis, the risk of vascular injury should be kept in mind