[Experiments of contamination with bacteria while transfusion between the newly developed porous polymer plug and by air needle plug]

We newly developed a transfusion plug that has an air passage of polymer porous material (I Cap). This porous polymer material theoretical does not pass the infectious microorganisms. We experimented contaminations during the transfusions by I Cap and that using air needles. Trypticated soy broth was used for the experiments. Experiments of transfusion in a dusty environment revealed that the transfusions by air needles got 100% contamination and that by I Cap was 0%. The experiments in a clinic room transfusions also revealed that air needle resulted in 30.3% contamination but on the contrary 0% with the I Cap. Dusty air was flown under high pressure (1.5 atmospheric pressure) through the same filter of I Cap for 30 minutes into the trypticated soy broth. These experiments revealed that the filter did not permeate bacteria and that transfusions with air needle was contaminated with dust.

Enhancement of hematopoietic response of mice by intraperitoneal administration of a beta-glucan, SSG, obtained from Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Effects of intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of SSG, a (1----3)-beta-D-glucan obtained from the culture filtrate of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum IFO 9395, on hematopoietic responses of mice were investigated. Numbers of spleen and peripheral leukocytes increased 7 d after administration of SSG (250 micrograms/mouse). The percentages of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) in both spleen and peripheral blood increased markedly. The numbers of macrophage progenitor cells also increased in both spleens and femurs of the mice administered SSG. Furthermore, levels of colony-stimulating activity (CSA) in sera were elevated, and two peaks were observed (at 6 h and on day 7 after administration). Elevated CSAs were also observed in the cultures of peritoneal cells taken from mice 3 or 6 h after administration of SSG. These results may suggest that i.p. administration of SSG into mice enhanced the production of colony-stimulating factors (CSFs), and then increased the numbers of both spleen and peripheral blood leukocytes.

Alpha 2-adrenoceptor-blocking properties of midaglizole (DG-5128) in rats

The alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonistic potency of midaglizole was evaluated and compared with that of the selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonists yohimbine and idazoxan. Intravenously administered midaglizole, like yohimbine and idazoxan, reversed the clonidine-induced inhibition of the tachycardic response to cardiac nerve stimulation in pithed rats. Midaglizole, yohimbine and idazoxan inhibited the pressor responses to B-HT 920 (alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist), in a dose-related manner, to a greater extent than the response to methoxamine (alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist). Conversely, prazosin produced a highly selective antagonism of the methoxamine-evoked response in this preparation. Midaglizole failed to antagonize centrally mediated hypotension and bradycardia induced by intravenous clonidine, whereas the other alpha 2-antagonists attenuated the clonidine-induced cardiovascular responses in intact rats. These results suggest that midaglizole is a selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist and, unlike yohimbine and idazoxan, is characterized by its ability to block peripheral but not central alpha 2-adrenoreceptors when administered systemically.

Input-output organization of reticulospinal neurones, with special reference to connexions with dorsal neck motoneurones in the cat

Dorsal neck motoneurones receive disynaptic tectal and pyramidal EPSPs via common reticulospinal neurones (RSNs). This study was aimed at identification of the RSNs projecting directly to neck motoneurones and mediating these EPSPs. 1. Stimulation of the tectum and the cerebral peduncle evoked monosynaptic descending volleys in the spinal cord, which were chiefly mediated by reticulospinal neurones in the pons and the medulla. Systematic tracking of the C3 and C7 segments was made to locate descending volleys in the spinal funiculi. The tectal monosynaptic volley was largest in the medial part of the ventral funiculus and decreased gradually as the recording electrode was moved to the lateral part of the ventral funiculus and the lateral funiculus. In contrast, the peduncle-evoked monosynaptic volley was distributed rather evenly in the ventral funiculus and the ventral half of the lateral funiculus. 2. Differences in funicular distribution of the two descending volleys suggest the existence of subgroups of RSNs which differed in strength of inputs from the two descending fibre systems and in the funicular location of descending axons. 3. The RSNs were classified into the following four groups; (1) mRSNs which descended in the medial part of the ventral funiculus, (2) in RSNs which descended in the ventrolateral funiculus, (3) 1RSNs which descended in the dorsal 2/3 of the lateral funiculus and (4) coRSNs which descended in the contralateral funiculi. The mRSNs were located in a fairly localized region corresponding to the nucleus reticularis pontis caudalis (N.r.p.c), while inRSNs, 1RSNs and coRSNs were mainly in the nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis (N.r.g.), in the nucleus reticularis magnocellularis (N.r.m.) and in the nucleus reticularis ventralis (N.r.v.). RSNs were further divided into three types depending on the levels of projection. L-RSNs projected to the lumbar spinal segments. C-RSNs descended to the C6-C7 spinal segment but not to the lumbar segments. N-RSNs projected to the C3 but not to the C6-C7 segments. 4. Stimulation of the tectum and the cerebral peduncle produced monosynaptic negative field potentials in the medial two thirds of the reticular formation in the pons and medulla.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Immunohistopathological properties of pleomorphic adenoma in salivary gland

Fifty-eight salivary gland pleomorphic adenomas and 5 normal salivary glands were studied immunohistochemically with respect to intermediate filaments (keratin, desmin, and vimentin), actin and S-100 protein to observe the cellular differentiation of these tumor cells. Normal myoepithelial cells showed positive immunostaining for actin, vimentin and S-100 protein. Pleomorphic adenomas expressed keratin, vimentin and S-100 protein to various degrees, but only a few tumor cells of pleomorphic adenoma revealed actin. The results indicate that the tumor cells of pleomorphic adenoma show a bipolar differentiation capability of both epithelial and mesenchymal origins, although normal myoepithelial cells show only mesenchymal characteristics. The findings also support previous reports using light and electron microscopy, and also contribute to more precise diagnosis and a better understanding of the histogenesis of this tumor.

[Contamination and flow speed determination during fluid replacement using newly developed I-cap]

The authors have developed a new cork (I-cap) for transfusion bottle. The I-cap does not require a needle for allowing the air into the bottle. Instead, we put a water-repellent porous filter (W-R filter) made of sintered high molecular weight porous material in it, to allow passage of the air to and from the bottle. The results obtained in experiments designed to determine the contamination and flow-speed with the I-cap, standard cork and soft-bag, were as follow: 1) There was no bacterial contamination when the I-cap was employed, even under high pressure (1.5 atmospheric pressure). 2) Fluid replacement requiring "air-needles" was easily contaminated. 3) Flow-speed, when an I-cap is used, was more stable than when using conventional methods. 4) Flow-speed was most unstable when soft-bags were employed. Thus, the I-cap we have developed, allows the safe use of hard-type infusion bottles, without requiring an "air-needle" and ensuring a steady flow-speed. Our data demonstrate that I-cap can be safely and universally adapted for hard-type infusion bottles.

Determination of precise focus distribution and tailored lobectomy in temporal lobe epilepsy

For the purpose of precise localization of epileptic foci, combined depth and subdural electrodes were applied to patients with intractable complex partial seizures. To determine speech-related areas, extraoperative functional mapping of the temporal lateral cortex was also carried out through the subdural electrodes. Based on these data, the extent of surgical resections was tailored to include as much of the epileptogenic areas as possible, while preserving the functionally essential zones of the lateral cortex. The results thus acquired have been satisfactory in terms of seizure control and the preservation of speech function.

Effect of orally administered beta-glucan on macrophage function in mice

The effect of orally administered SSG, a beta-1,3-glucan obtained from the culture filtrate of the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum IFO 9395, on the function of peritoneal macrophages in CDF1 mice was examined. Oral administration of SSG (20, 40, 80 or 160 mg/kg, daily for 10 consecutive days) enhanced the acid phosphatase activity of peritoneal macrophages. The greatest enhancing effect was observed at 80 mg/kg of SSG. Relatively long periods of administration (more than 10 consecutive days) were needed to induce significant enhancing effects. Phagocytic activity, candidacidal activity, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production and interleukin-1 (IL-1) production of peritoneal macrophages were also enhanced after the administration of SSG by the oral route (80 or 160 mg/kg). However, the durations of the activated state after completion of administration differed depending on the activity. Enhanced activity of lysosomal enzyme (acid phosphatase) was also shown in peritoneal macrophages taken from C3H/HeJ mice, which is a nonresponder strain to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). These results demonstrate that SSG given by the oral route can activate peritoneal macrophages in mice.

Effect of cysteine on the inactivation of cystathionine gamma-lyase by D,L-propargylglycine

In vivo inactivation of cystathionine gamma-lyase by D,L-propargylglycine, a suicide inhibitor, was found to be less profound in rat kidney than in the liver. We investigated the cause of this difference using rat tissues. We fractionated kidney extract to characterize the substance which protected enzyme, and found that cysteine exhibits protecting action. Addition of 0.3 mM L-cysteine to the incubation mixture containing dialyzed kidney supernatant and 0.5 mM D,L-propargylglycine resulted in the protection of cystathionine gamma-lyase from the inactivation by the inhibitor. The content of cysteine in the kidney was six-fold higher than that in the liver. Thus, we have concluded that one of the reasons why the in vivo inactivation of cystathionine gamma-lyase in rat kidney was less than that in the liver is the presence of a higher concentration of cysteine in the kidney. S-Carboxymethylcysteine, a cysteine derivative, exhibited a similar, but weaker, protective effect.

Zygomatic approach for resection of mesial temporal epileptic focus

By using the zygomatic approach, temporal mesial and polar epileptic foci are easily accessible through an incision in the inferior temporal gyrus. In this approach, a major part of the superior and middle temporal gyrus is preserved, and there is no risk of postoperative dysnomia even on the dominant side for speech. Combined use of depth and subdural electrodes is advisable for precise determination of focus distributions throughout the mesial and lateral structures of the temporal lobe. We have applied this approach in 5 patients with satisfactory results.

Rate Equations and Kinetic Parameters of the Reactions Involved in Pyrite Oxidation by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans

Rate equations and kinetic parameters were obtained for various reactions involved in the bacterial oxidation of pyrite. The rate constants were 3.5 μM Fe 2+ per min per FeS 2 percent pulp density for the spontaneous pyrite dissolution, 10 μM Fe 2+ per min per mM Fe 3+ for the indirect leaching with Fe 3+ , 90 μM O 2 per min per mg of wet cells per ml for the Thiobacillus ferrooxidans oxidation of washed pyrite, and 250 μM O 2 per min per mg of wet cells per ml for the T. ferrooxidans oxidation of unwashed pyrite. The K m values for pyrite concentration were similar and were 1.9, 2.5, and 2.75% pulp density for indirect leaching, washed pyrite oxidation by T. ferrooxidans , and unwashed pyrite oxidation by T. ferrooxidans , respectively. The last reaction was competitively inhibited by increasing concentrations of cells, with a K i value of 0.13 mg of wet cells per ml. T. ferrooxidans cells also increased the rate of Fe 2+ production from Fe 3+ plus pyrite.

[Traumatic transection of the left main bronchus and laryngeal fracture resulting from blunt trauma--a successful case of emergency operation]

A 18-year-old female, who had incomplete transection of the left main bronchus and laryngeal fracture, due to blunt trauma, is reported. Chest X-ray on admission showed subcutaneous emphysema extending to the cervical soft tissues and marked pneumomediastinum. Bronchoscopic examination revealed disruption of the left main bronchus, leaving only the membranous portion. An emergency operation was performed 5 hours after the injury. A week later, bronchoscopic reexamination revealed tracheal stenosis just below the vocal cord, due to fracture of the cricoid and thyroid cartilages, which was enlarged to a certain extent by laryngoscopic intervention under cooperation of the laryngologist. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and two months later, was well with tracheostomy.

[Arylsulfatase activity of asthmatic children]

Human eosinophil arylsulfatase (AS) is known to inactivate a slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A). Arylsulfatase A (AS-A) and arylsulfatase B (AS-B) activity was assayed by a modification of the method of Inoue using chromatography, and peripheral eosinophil cell counts were obtained to observe the circadian rhythm of 6 healthy controls and 7 children with asthma. There was no significant diurnal variation in AS between the two groups. Eosinophil counts of both groups were lower in the morning and higher at night. Theophylline and beta 2 stimulants did not affect these activities significantly. Forty asthmatic children were selected to evaluate AS activity and eosinophil counts during and after attacks. AS-B activity was significantly higher in children during attacks than at other times, 5.70 +/- 2.00 vs. 3.74 +/- 0.66 4 MUnmol/ml/2hr (p less than 0.05). This result was more evident within 24 hours of the attack (p less than 0.01). Eosinophil counts were significantly lower during attack, and there was a negative correlation between the eosinophil counts and AS-B activity. AS-B activity in mild asthmatic children was greater than in severe cases. A significant rise in AS-B was seen in EIB negative asthmatics (p less than 0.01), but no remarkable change was seen in either AS-A or AS-B in the EIB positive group. The data suggest that higher AS-B activity during asthma attacks could inactivate SRS-A and modulate allergic inflammatory reaction.

[A radical operation of Chiari's disease using the internal shunt tube of the inferior vena cava]

A case with the Budd-Chiari syndrome due to the right hepatic occlusion who was successfully operated by using the internal shunt tube of the inferior vena cava was reported. The patients was 33 year old male. Midsternal incision and right subcostal oblique incision were made and the internal shunt tube was inserted through the right auricle to the inferior vena cava. The hepatic vein was approached through the longitudinal suprahepatic caval venotomy. Then membranous obstruction in the right hepatic vein ostia was resected. Mesenteric venous pressure dropped immediately from 360mm H2O to 160mm H2O by direct manometry. All the blood bled from the right hepatic vein was transfused through the internal shunt tube to the right atrium. The patient tolerated the procedure and his postoperative course was free from the complication. The resected membrane was congenital anomaly and an operative liver biopsy was demonstrated the evidence of congestive liver with fibrosis.

Competitive Inhibition of Ferrous Iron Oxidation by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans by Increasing Concentrations of Cells

The oxidation of ferrous iron (Fe 2+ ) to ferric iron (Fe 3+ ) with dioxygen (O 2 ) by various strains of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans was studied by measuring the rate of O 2 consumption at various Fe 2+ concentrations and cell concentrations. The apparent K m values for Fe 2+ remained constant at different cell concentrations of laboratory strains ATCC 13661 and ATCC 19859 but increased with increasing cell concentrations of mine isolates SM-4 and SM-5. The latter results are explained by the competitive inhibition of the Fe 2+ -binding site of a cell by other cells in the reaction mixture. Possible mechanisms involving cell surface properties are discussed.

Alpha 1-antitrypsin and hepatic fibrosis

The administration of alpha 1-antitrypsin, both sialo and asialo types, to rats with chronic liver injury accelerated hepatic fibrosis. More fibrosis was seen histologically and the amount of hydroxyproline in the liver increased. Moreover, the growth of HEL cells (human embryonal lung fibroblast) in culture was promoted by alpha 1-antitrypsin though the action of the asialo type was very weak by contrast with the sialo type.

Tumor necrosis factor as an activator of human granulocytes. Potentiation of the metabolisms triggered by the Ca2+-mobilizing agonists

TNF stimulated superoxide (O2-) release directly in human granulocytes in a dose-dependent manner (1 to 1000 U/ml), although its potency was weak. TNF-induced O2- release was inhibited by cAMP agonists or ionomycin, and was not accompanied with an increase in cytoplasmic free Ca2+ [( Ca2+]i) and membrane potential changes (depolarization). These findings indicate that neither Ca2+ mobilization nor membrane depolarization is required for TNF-receptor-mediated cell activation. The pretreatment of human granulocytes with TNF enhanced O2- release and membrane depolarization in parallel stimulated by the receptor-mediated Ca2+-mobilizing agonists (FMLP, Con A, and wheat germ agglutinin) or the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin, but not by PMA, a direct activator of protein kinase C. The optimal effect was obtained by pretreatment of cells with 100 U/ml TNF for 5 to 10 min at 37 degrees C, although the magnitude of enhancement varied according to the agonists used as subsequent stimuli. TNF did not affect an increase in [Ca2+]i stimulated by the Ca2+-mobilizing agonists, except Con A. Con A-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was enhanced by TNF in a dose-dependent manner. These diverse effects of TNF could be partly explained by the exclusive potentiation by TNF of the metabolic events triggered by an increase in [Ca2+]i.

Tumor necrosis factor as an activator of human granulocytes. Potentiation of the metabolisms triggered by the Ca2+-mobilizing agonists

TNF stimulated superoxide (O2-) release directly in human granulocytes in a dose-dependent manner (1 to 1000 U/ml), although its potency was weak. TNF-induced O2- release was inhibited by cAMP agonists or ionomycin, and was not accompanied with an increase in cytoplasmic free Ca2+ [( Ca2+]i) and membrane potential changes (depolarization). These findings indicate that neither Ca2+ mobilization nor membrane depolarization is required for TNF-receptor-mediated cell activation. The pretreatment of human granulocytes with TNF enhanced O2- release and membrane depolarization in parallel stimulated by the receptor-mediated Ca2+-mobilizing agonists (FMLP, Con A, and wheat germ agglutinin) or the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin, but not by PMA, a direct activator of protein kinase C. The optimal effect was obtained by pretreatment of cells with 100 U/ml TNF for 5 to 10 min at 37 degrees C, although the magnitude of enhancement varied according to the agonists used as subsequent stimuli. TNF did not affect an increase in [Ca2+]i stimulated by the Ca2+-mobilizing agonists, except Con A. Con A-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was enhanced by TNF in a dose-dependent manner. These diverse effects of TNF could be partly explained by the exclusive potentiation by TNF of the metabolic events triggered by an increase in [Ca2+]i.

Antitumor and immunomodulating activities of a beta-glucan obtained from liquid-cultured Grifola frondosa

The effects of the beta-1,3-glucan, LELFD, obtained from liquid-cultured mycelium of Grifola frondosa, on the growth of syngeneic tumors and immune responses in mice were examined. In Meth A or IMC solid tumor systems, LELFD administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) or intralesionally (i.l.) exhibited significant antitumor effects. However, the growth of L1210 and P388 leukemias was unaffected by the injection of LELFD. The injection of LELFD i.p. enhanced the activities of natural killer cells and macrophages in mice. LELFD also enhanced the antibody response when it was injected i.p. with sheep red blood cells into mice. Furthermore, it was found that LELFD could activate the alternative complement pathway.

[Use of Rokitamycin dry syrup in cases of upper deep cervical lymphadenitis and otitis media with exudatives]

Dry syrup of Rokitamycin (RKM.DS), a new macrolide antibiotic with 16-membered ring developed by Toyo Jozo Co., Ltd., was used on cases of upper deep cervical lymphadenitis (UDCL) and of otitis media with exudatives (OME) likely caused by chlamydia infections, and its clinical effects were investigated. 1) In four cases of UDCL (C. psittaci infections), daily doses of 20.0-28.6 mg/kg were administered for 10-42 consecutive days and good efficacies were observed with two cases of excellent results and two cases of good results. 2) In one case of OME (C. trachomatis infection) a daily dose of 30.0 mg/kg was administered for 15 consecutive days and good effectiveness was observed. 3) No side effect was observed in any of the cases. From the above results, it became clear that RKM.DS could effectively used as a therapeutic agent for UDCL and OME in children.