[Analysis of computed X-ray tomography of the brain in incontinence patients with senile dementia. Relationship between circulatory defect of the brain, brain atrophy and urinary incontinence]

To evaluate the condition of incontinence in patients with senile dementia, we performed computed tomography X-rays to the brain and analyzed the relationship among the circulatory defect of the brain, the brain atrophy and the degree of incontinence. There were 92 patients subjected to this study who were hospitalised due to senile dementia; 74 patients had vascular dementia, 10 patients had senile dementia of Alzheimer type, and 8 patients had the mixed type. (age ranged: 54-95 years; mean: 80.3 years). The degree of incontinence in these patients varied as follows: 18 patients with continence, 16 patients with moderate incontinence, 58 patients with total incontinence. The diagnosis of circulatory defect of the brain was based on computed tomography observation of periventricular lucency (P.V.L.), and the degree of brain atrophy was evaluated based on 4 criteria: the Lateral body ratio, the Huckman number, the Evans ratio, and the enlargement of the subarachnoid space. Among the 92 patients, P.V.L. was present in 31 patients, among them 27 patients suffered from incontinence. There was a significant correlation between P.V.L. and incontinence (p < 0.001). As the incontinence progressively worsened (Continence, Moderate incontinence Total incontinence), the lateral body ratio increased to 24.8, 27.8, 28.6, (p < 0.05). The Huckman number also increased to 18.3, 19.3, 21.3, (p < 0.01), and the evans ratio likewise 29.9, 32.3, 33.7 (p < 0.01). The enlargement of the subarachnoid space was also correlated with the severity of incontinence. We conclude that urinary incontinence originating from senile dementia is connected to brain atrophy and is strongly influenced by the circulatory disorders of the brain.

Purification and characterization of a cell growth factor from a human leukemia cell line: immunological identity with ferritin

We have succeeded in long-term cultivation of a human erythroleukemia cell line, K-562-T1 (T. Okabe, M. Fujisawa, and F. Takaku, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 81: 453-455, 1984). The cells grown in a protein-free chemically defined medium have been shown to produce cell growth factors (A. Mihara et al., In Vitro Cell. Dev. Biol., 23: 317-322, 1987). In this study, we have purified a cell growth factor from the conditioned medium that stimulates the proliferation of human leukemia cells, HL-60. In the purified factor, two major protein bands of 24 kDa and 22 kDa were identified on a sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel. The 22 kDa protein was stained with a monoclonal antibody to the light chain of ferritin. The growth-promoting activity of the purified factor was coprecipitated with a monoclonal antibody to the light chain or heavy chain of human ferritin. These results suggest that K-562-T1 cells produce a cell growth factor that is related to ferritin.

Handling characteristics of gallium alloy for dental restoration

The handling characteristics of a gallium alloy (Gallium Alloy GF) were compared to those of a spherical high-copper amalgam (Tytin). Ten dentists each restored four identical MO preparations in acrylic typodont teeth (no. 30), two with amalgam and two with gallium alloy. Each restoration was evaluated immediately following completion by the operator for six clinically relevant criteria. Each criterion was scored between 1 and 5, where 1 = very poor, 2 = poor, 3 = fair, 4 = good, and 5 = very good. Three two-sided Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare the median scores for significant differences (P < 0.05). The first test indicated no significant difference between scores for the first- and second-placed restorations, within criteria and within alloy type (n = 10). The second test indicated a significant difference between amalgam and gallium alloy, within criteria and within restoration sequence (n = 10), for each criterion except resistance to fracture during removal of the matrix band. The third test indicated a significant difference between amalgam and gallium alloy, within each criteria, combining scores for first- and second-placed restorations (n = 20). During simulated clinical placement, amalgam was rated significantly higher than gallium alloy in each handling characteristic evaluated.

Compositions of surface layers formed on amalgams in air, water, and saline

The surface layers formed on both a zinc-free and a zinc-containing dental amalgam after polishing and aging in air, water, or saline, were characterized using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to determine the compositions of the surface layers which might govern the release of mercury from amalgam. The XPS data revealed that the formation of the surface layer on the zinc-containing amalgam was affected by the environment in which the amalgam was polished and aged, whereas that on the zinc-free amalgam was not affected. In addition, among the elements contained in amalgam, zinc was the most reactive with the environment, and was preferentially dissolved from amalgam into water or saline. Mercury atoms existed in the metallic state in the surface layer.

Passive protection of mice against Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae infection by monoclonal antibodies

Mouse monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), Y-4b, F-6b and K-6a recognized as capsular antigens of A. pleuropneumoniae serotypes 1, 2 and 5, respectively, and MAb H-1b as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of serotype 2 were produced. We examined the passive immunizing efficacy of these MAbs on A. pleuropneumoniae infection in C3H/HeJ mice. On the challenge infection of homologous serotype strains, they showed a sufficient protective effect in immunized mice. It was concluded that MAbs recognized as capsular antigen and LPS have a serotype-specific protective effect on A. pleuropneumoniae infection, suggesting the important role in preventing A. pleuropneumoniae infection.

[A case of clear cell adenocarcinoma of the female urethra]

A 49-year-old female visited our hospital because of bloody discharge from the urethra. On examination, an elastic-soft mass was palpable beneath the anterior vaginal wall. The vaginal mucosa was intact. Cystourethroscopy demonstrated neither tumor nor diverticular orifice. Pathological specimen obtained by needle biopsy revealed clear cell adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent anterior pelvic exenteration and modified Kock pouch urinary diversion. The microscopic appearance suggested that the tumor arose from the paraurethral duct. Stains for prostatic specific antigen and prostate specific acid phosphatase were negative. Forty cases of clear cell adenocarcinoma of the female urethra reported in the literature were reviewed.

Enhanced evaporation of mercury from amalgams in non-oxidizing environments

The release of mercury from two freshly triturated amalgams exposed to a reducing atmosphere, hydrogen, was quantitated at three different temperatures. A low-copper and a high-copper amalgam were placed into a flowing hydrogen gas atmosphere for 60 min after trituration, and then the hydrogen was replaced by compressed air. The results were compared to those obtained in a previous study in which air and argon atmospheres were used under identical conditions. At 37 degrees C, the rate of evaporation of mercury from the amalgams was similar when they were exposed to hydrogen before being exposed to air. During exposure to hydrogen, the evaporation rate appeared to exceed the limit of the gold film mercury analyzer (284 pg/mm2/s), but was rapidly reduced upon exposure to air. The results were identical to those from argon exposure. When the same experiment was performed at 80 degrees C, the evaporation rate after hydrogen exposure was greater than that after exposure to argon, and far greater than that during exposure to air alone. Similar results were achieved at 110 degrees C, but there was less difference between hydrogen and argon exposure. The results support previous studies which show that the evaporation of mercury from amalgam is mainly limited by the formation of an oxide film.

Butyrolactone I, a selective inhibitor of cdk2 and cdc2 kinase

We screened cdc2 kinase inhibitors from cultured mediums of micro organisms using purified mouse cyclin B-cdc2 kinase and a specific substrate peptide for cdc2 kinase. A selective inhibitor of cdc2 kinase was isolated from the cultured medium of Aspergillus species F-25799, and identified as butyrolactone I. Butyrolactone I inhibited cdc2 and cdk2 kinases but it had little effect on mitogen-activated protein kinase, protein kinase C, cyclic-AMP dependent kinase, casein kinase II, casein kinase I or epidermal growth factor-receptor tyrosine kinase. Its inhibitory effect was found to be due to competition with ATP. Butyrolactone I selectively inhibited the H1 histone phosphorylation in nuclear extracts. It also inhibited the phosphorylation of the product of retinoblastoma susceptibility gene in nuclear extracts and intact cells. Thus butyrolactone I should be very useful for elucidating the function of cdc2 and cdk2 kinases in cell cycle regulation.

Effect of aggressive haemoperfusion on the clinical course of patients with paraquat poisoning

The effect of aggressive haemoperfusion; i.e. haemoperfusion of 10 h or more during the first 24 h after ingestion, on the clinical course of paraquat poisoning was studied. Among 40 patients admitted within 15 h after ingestion of paraquat with an SIPP of less than 100 (h x micrograms ml-1), 21 received aggressive haemoperfusion and 19 received conventional haemoperfusion; i.e. haemoperfusion of less than 10 h during the same period. Survival rates of patients with severity between an SIPP of 100 and Proudfoot's curve in the two groups were compared by the log-rank test. Aggressive haemoperfusion did not improve the outcome but did improve the survival rates; that is, the number of patients surviving at particular points in time (P < 0.05). The length of haemoperfusion for the aggressive haemoperfusion group was longer than that for the conventional group on the first day (P < 0.001), but the difference was insignificant during the following two days. Neither the time from ingestion to haemoperfusion, urine volume from the first to third day, nor initial plasma-paraquat concentrations and SIPP were significant between groups. These findings imply that aggressive haemoperfusion reduces the severity of paraquat poisoning and elongates survival time. We, therefore, propose that the efficacy of more aggressive haemoperfusion, such as the 'continuous haemoperfusion' proposed by Okonek et al., should be further studied.

Determining amalgam marginal quality: effect of occlusal surface condition

Currently there is no "standard" finishing and polishing procedure for dental amalgam restorations. This investigation evaluated the effect of four different finishing techniques on the durability of dental amalgam restorations as determined by the marginal breakdown. Burnishing immediately before carving or as part of the condensation process seems to improve the carving characteristics of the amalgam.

[Preventive chemotherapy after transurethral prostatectomy: a randomized study]

The usefulness of preventive chemotherapy was studied in transurethrally prostatectomized patients with no prior urinary tract infections. They were divided into two groups (A and B) randomized by the envelope method. A was administered intravenously piperacillin (PIPC) 2 g once after surgery, and twice on the following day. B was similarly administered PIPC intravenously, followed by oral administration of tosufloxacin tosilate (TFLX) 300 mg twice daily from the second to the fifth day. Of the total of 135 cases, 104, 45 in A and 59 in B, conformed to the patient standards established for analysis. Efficacy was assessed by the primary physician and also according to a unified standard in which the onset of a post-surgical infection and a bacteriuria of 10(4) or greater CFU/ml observed ten days after surgery were regarded as ineffective. An intergroup statistically significant difference was not observed in the efficacy rate assessed by the primary physician. However, according to the unified standard assessment, B showed a significantly higher efficacy rate (88.1%) than A (62.2%). The administration of TFLX following PIPC was useful. With an indwelling catheter, B exhibited a significantly greater efficacy rate when the retention period was four days or longer. The efficacy was greater in both groups if lavage was not performed, and this effect was greater in A. Consequently, the administration of TFLX was considered more useful for long-term indwelling catheter cases. Neither serious side effects, nor clinical test abnormalities were observed in this study.

Local pathological reactions and immune response of chickens to ISA-70 and other adjuvants containing Newcastle disease virus antigen

Chickens were examined for gross and microscopic changes at the injection site for 16 weeks after an intramuscular injection of the following oil adjuvant emulsions containing inactivated Newcastle disease virus (NDV) antigen: ISA-70, Freund's incomplete adjuvant (FIA), Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA), and aluminum phosphate gel (APG). The reactions induced by ISA-70 emulsion were characterized by proliferation of macrophages, epithelioid cells, and fibroblasts around the small cysts in the muscle. Infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells also was present. These changes peaked 2 weeks postinjection and were milder than lesions due to the Freund's adjuvants. FCA induced the most severe granulomatous lesions with abscess formation. The reactions to APG were characterized by proliferation and accumulation of macrophages. The serological results revealed that the enhancing effect of ISA-70 on NDV antigen was the same as that of FIA.

Methods of evaluation of release of carbon dioxide from effervescent suppositories

Two different test methods were studied for the evaluation of release profiles of carbon dioxide, CO2, from effervescent suppositories. Three lots of commercial suppositories containing sodium bicarbonate and anhydrous sodium dihydrogen phosphate were used. The volume of CO2 released from these suppositories in normal saline with or without polysorbate 80 as a medium was measured with a gas burette. In the measurement performed using the apparatus without stirring, method 1, only 60% of CO2 was released from the suppositories in the medium without polysorbate 80. In this measurement, a native release profile was detected because the medium was not stirred. In the case with stirring, however, method 2, 100% was released from those suppositories in the medium containing 1% polysorbate 80 with comparatively low standard deviations. These findings indicate that method 1 is most beneficial for a test comparing the effects of various factors such as additives and melting points on the release profiles of CO2 from the effervescent suppositories. However, this method is not practical for quality control of formulations because of the incomplete release of CO2; method 2, in contrast, is useful because of its complete release and low standard deviations. These results suggest that methods 1 and 2 for release tests of CO2 are most applicable to the early and late formulation studies of effervescent suppositories, respectively.

In vitro stability of biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics

Biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics consist of both beta-tricalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite. This study was performed to examine the in vitro stability of biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics in deionized distilled water and in physiological solutions. Biphasic calcium phosphates of two different molar ratios and pure hydroxyapatite and pure beta-tricalcium phosphate granules were tested. X-ray diffraction data were obtained before and after immersion. Surface morphology was compared using scanning electron microscopy. The pure beta-tricalcium phosphate and the beta-tricalcium phosphate in the biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics gradually converted to apatite. Needle-like apatite crystals were observed on the surface of biphasic calcium phosphate and beta-tricalcium phosphate, but hydroxyapatite showed no change.

Bond strengths of various materials to dentin using Amalgambond

This study evaluated the bond strength of four restorative materials to dentin using Amalgambond. Two high-copper amalgams [Tytin; spherical, (T) and Epoque 80; lathe-cute, (E)], a gallium alloy [Gallium Alloy GF (G) and a resin composite [P-50 (P)] were tested. The polished dentin surface was treated with dentin-enamel activator (10 seconds), washed, dried, and adhesive agent was applied (30 seconds). In group A, the dentin adhesive was placed onto the dentin and while still wet, T, E, or G was condensed in cylinders (4 mm diameter) with condensation forces suggested by the manufacturer for a clinical situation. In group B, the cylindrical specimens of restorative material were allowed to set and then adhered to the treated dentin using the adhesive system. For the composite (control), the adhesive was applied to the treated dentin and while still wet, P was layered into the cylinder and cured for a total of 90 seconds. After storage in water (37 degrees C) for 24 hours, all the specimens were tested for tensile bond strength. This study revealed that the bond strength of P was significantly higher than the other materials tested and also that amalgam allowed to set for 1, 6 or 24 hours before adhesion to dentin had a significantly greater bond strength than freshly condensed amalgam. Although the desired high bond strength did not develop in the bonding of the metallic restorative materials, signs of bonding were found.

The characteristics of blood-brain barrier in three different conditions--infarction, selective neuronal death and selective loss of presynaptic terminals--following cerebral ischemia

We investigated the extravasation of serum albumin using immunohistochemistry in three different conditions, i.e., infarction, selective neuronal death and selective loss of presynaptic terminals following cerebral ischemia in gerbils. In selective neuronal death, which is typically found in the CA1 neurons of the hippocampus after 5-min bilateral cerebral ischemia, selective damage of postsynaptic components with intact presynaptic sites was demonstrated by immunohistochemical examination for microtubule-associated protein 2 and synapsin I, and albumin extravasation did not become apparent before postsynaptic structures were destroyed. In cerebral infarction, which was consistently observed in the thalamus after 15-min forebrain ischemia, massive albumin extravasation was visible early after ischemia due probably to the ischemic endothelial necrosis. In selective loss of presynaptic terminals, which was detected at the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus in the contralateral, nonischemic hippocampus after unilateral cerebral ischemia, immunoreaction for albumin was not visualized. Since endothelium and glial cells were intact in morphological aspects in selective damage of both pre- and postsynaptic sites, it was thought that extravasation was facilitated by the stimulation of endothelial cells and glial cells with unknown factors that were induced by the destruction of post- but not presynaptic elements.

Pyrogenic action of endothelin in conscious rabbit

Injection of 0.3 nmol/kg endothelin(ET)-1 into the ear vein of conscious rabbits induced a significant increase in body temperature. ETB receptor specific agonist, namely 4-Ala-ET-1, also caused an elevation of the body temperature in a dose-dependent manner by injection into the ear vein of rabbit. These results suggest that ET play important roles in regulation of body temperature through selective stimulation of ETB receptor.

Inhibition of neuromuscular transmission in isolated mouse phrenic nerve-diaphragm by the enterotoxin of Clostridium perfringens type A

The enterotoxin of Clostridium perfringens type A, a channel forming protein toxin, inhibited neuromuscular transmission under conditions of low calcium. Twitch tension of isolated phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparations elicited by electrical stimulations to the phrenic nerve was recorded isometrically, and the preparations were exposed to the purified enterotoxin. In Krebs solution containing 0.5 mM calcium, the enterotoxin (20 micrograms/ml) reduced within 10 min the amplitude of the twitch tension to 34 +/- 7% (mean +/- S.D., n = 11) of that recorded before the treatment. The effects of the enterotoxin on the twitch tension were irreversible and proceeded independently of stimulation. The reduction of the twitch tension by the enterotoxin was apparent in Krebs solution containing less than 0.6 mM calcium and the degree of reduction was inversely related to the concentration of calcium. The reduction of the twitch tension by the enterotoxin was also dependent on temperature and concentration of the toxin. At temperatures below 20 degrees C, no obvious reduction of twitch tension was observed with 20 micrograms/ml of the enterotoxin. Enterotoxin at a concentration of 0.4 micrograms/ml caused 16 +/- 2% (mean +/- S.D., n = 4) reduction of twitch tension, and the degree of the reduction in twitch tension increased with toxin concentration, reaching a plateau of 65 +/- 4% (mean +/- S.D., n = 7) at 6.5 micrograms/ml of the enterotoxin. The effects of the enterotoxin were antagonized by 2 microM physostigmine. Unlike curare, pretreatment of the preparation with enterotoxin did not antagonize the neuromuscular block by decamethonium. Neither the tension of muscular twitch elicited by direct electrical stimulation to the muscle nor the resting membrane potentials of muscle fibers recorded intracellularly were affected by the enterotoxin. The enterotoxin (2.2 micrograms/ml) reduced the frequency, but not mean amplitude or amplitude distribution, of miniature end-plate potentials, from 0.91 +/- 0.07/sec to 0.72 +/- 0.07 (mean +/- S.E., n = 5). The results suggest that the enterotoxin will provide a novel tool for the studies on the mechanism of the neuromuscular transmission because of the unique characteristics of the inhibition and of the known mechanism of its action on the cell membrane.

[Renal cell carcinoma with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma: report of a case]

We report a case of left renal cell carcinoma extending into vena cava with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. A 41-year-old man presented to our outpatient clinic with macroscopic hematuria. Upon laparotomy, numerous white nodules were identified on diaphragm and serosa of liver, stomach, small intestine and mesentery. Biopsied specimen showed malignant mesothelioma of peritoneum and renal cell carcinoma of left kidney. He was treated with intraperitoneal cisplatinum and intravenous pirarubicin for mesothelioma, and chemoembolization for renal tumor. After two courses of therapy, he suffered from disseminated intravascular coagulation and died of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Autopsy revealed that intraperitoneal nodules were markedly decreased in number and renal tumor had changed into hemorrhagic necrosis, but tumor thrombus in vena cava had little necrotic change.

Pathological studies on local tissue reactions in guinea pigs and rats caused by four different adjuvants

We investigated pathological changes at the injection site in guinea pigs and rats for 16 weeks following a single intramuscular injection of one of the following oil adjuvant emulsions; oil adjuvant ISA-70, Freund's incomplete adjuvant, Freund's complete adjuvant, and aluminium phosphate gel. In the animals injected with ISA-70 emulsion prepared by manual shaking, grossly, there was partial thickening of subcutaneous tissue, discoloration of inter-muscular connective tissue, and swelling of the inguinal lymph nodes at 2 and 4 weeks post injection (PI). Histopathologically, ISA-70 injected sites revealed acute inflammatory changes at 72 hrs PI, and peak reactions consisting of macrophage accumulation around oil cysts and fibrosis were observed at 4 weeks PI. These changes were less severe and of shorter duration than those in the other three adjuvants. Guinea pigs and rats injected with materials containing inactivated Newcastle disease virus (NDV) antigen similarly showed an infiltration of plasma cells and lymphocytes in addition to the changes described above. ISA-70 containing NDV antigen induced similar hemagglutination-inhibition titer to that induced by Freund's incomplete adjuvant.

Calmodulin is involved in catecholamine secretion from digitonin-permeabilized bovine adrenal medullary chromaffin cells

The role of calmodulin in exocytotic secretion was studied using digitonin-permeabilized bovine adrenal medullary chromaffin cells. Addition of calmodulin to the permeabilized cells increased Ca(2+)-dependent norepinephrine release in a dose-dependent manner. Unlike calmodulin, addition of caldesmon, actin or bovine serum albumin did not increase the release. Calmodulin increased the release at Ca2+ concentrations of more than 10(-6) M and its effect increased with increase in Mg2+ concentration. Th release of norepinephrine enhanced by calmodulin was inhibited by tetanus toxin, which specifically inhibits exocytotic secretion. These results indicate directly that calmodulin plays an important role in exocytotic secretion from chromaffin cells.

cdc2-like kinase is associated with the retinoblastoma protein

The growth-suppressive activity of the retinoblastoma (RB) protein is suggested to be regulated by phosphorylation. In studies on the kinase that phosphorylates the RB proteins, we have previously found that RB proteins can be phosphorylated by purified cdc2 kinase. In this study, we noted that RB proteins immunoprecipitated from human cell lysates are weakly phosphorylated in the absence of purified cdc2 kinase. Immunoblot analysis showed the presence of p34cdc2 in the immunoprecipitates with anti-RB monoclonal antibody. In addition, the coprecipitated kinase was found to have the same substrate specificity as cdc2 kinase. The associated kinase activity was particularly high in cells arrested in G1/S and S phase by aphidicolin. Furthermore, RB proteins were shown to be phosphorylated in nuclear extracts by some endogenous cdc2-like kinase(s). These results suggest that cdc2-like kinase is the main kinase for phosphorylation of RB proteins in vivo.

Protection from pseudorabies virus challenge in mice by a combination of purified gII, gIII and gVI antigens

The antigens gII, gIII and gVI were purified from the lysates of the pseudorabies virus (PRV) -infected HmLu-1 cells using Sepharose 4 B coupled with MAbs against these antigens. Mice immunized with either gII, gIII, gVI antigen or a mixture of them were challenged intraperitoneally with 8.5 x 10(3) plaque forming units of PRV. All the mice immunized with 1.5 and 4.5 micrograms of the mixture and 4.5 micrograms of the gIII antigen survived. The sera of mice immunized with the mixture had virus neutralizing activity which was independent of complement, hemagglutination inhibition activity, and recognized major (93 kilodaltons) and minor (129, 74, 68 and 50 kilodaltons) PRV proteins under reducing conditions in western blotting. The serological activity levels in the lower survival group were not different from those in the complete survival. These results indicate that the mixture of each glycoprotein is more effective for eliciting of protective immunities in mice and that serological activity do not always correlate with protection.

Constitutive production of angiotensin converting enzyme from rheumatoid nodule cells under serum free conditions

Angiotensin converting enzyme was assayed in serum free culture supernatants from unstimulated rheumatoid nodule cells. Angiotensin converting enzyme was released spontaneously and the angiotensin converting enzyme derived from rheumatoid nodule cells was suppressed in a dose and time dependent manner by the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide. These data suggest the constitutive de novo synthesis of angiotensin converting enzyme by rheumatoid nodule cells.