Sevoflurane versus halothane anesthesia after acute cryogenic brain injury in rabbits: relationship between arterial and intracranial pressure

The relationship between intracranial pressure and arterial blood pressure during sevoflurane or halothane anesthesia was evaluated in New Zealand white rabbits after cryogenic brain injury. Fourteen rabbits were randomized to be anesthetized with 1.5 MAC of sevoflurane or halothane in oxygen. All animals were paralyzed with pancuronium, and mechanically ventilated. A cryogenic lesion was created over the left hemisphere. Thirty minutes later, the intracranial pressure had risen to a mean value of 15 mm Hg. The inhaled concentration of anesthetic drugs was then increased to achieve a blood pressure of 35 mm Hg. Baseline measurements were made of monitored variables including mean arterial pressure, intracranial pressure, esophageal temperature, end-tidal CO2, and arterial blood gases. Neosynephrine was then infused to raise the blood pressure from 35 to 100 mm Hg during 20 min. The PaCO2 was maintained between 38 and 42 mm Hg. At baseline, there were no significant differences in mean arterial pressure, intracranial pressure, and blood gas values between the two groups. The intracranial pressure in the sevoflurane anesthesia group increased from 11 +/- 1 to 44 +/- 4 mm Hg as mean arterial pressure increased from 35 to 100 mm Hg. Intracranial pressure in the halothane anesthesia group increased from 9 +/- 1 to 32 +/- 3 mm Hg during the same range of blood pressure. Linear regressions of intracranial pressure on mean arterial pressure were performed for each of the two anesthetic groups. The slope of the regression line for the sevoflurane animals (0.491) was significantly greater than that for the halothane animals (0.323, p < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Fat-free mass in Japanese boys predicted from bioelectrical impedance and anthropometric variables

OBJECTIVE

To develop the best prediction equation for estimating fat-free mass (FFM) from bioelectrical impedance and anthropometric variables in Japanese boys.

SUBJECTS

141 boys, aged 9-14 years, were recruited from elementary schools managed by Osaka City.

METHODS

FFM was calculated from underwater weighting (UW) using a two-component model. Prediction equations were developed using multiple regression analyses. Adjusted R2 and standard errors of the estimate (SEE) ranged from 0.831 to 0.854 and from 1.25 to 1.80 kg in the validation group (n = 84), and ranged from 0.817 to 0.912 and from 1.27 to 1.86 kg in the cross-validation group (n = 57), respectively. The validation group and cross-validation group were combined in order to develop a more stable prediction equation with a greater sample size (n = 141).

RESULTS

The variables ZI (height2/impedance), body mass (M) and abdominal skinfold thickness were found to be the best combination of predictors. Adjusted R2 and SEE for finally developed regression equations ranged from 0.949 to 0.975 and from 1.50 to 2.10 kg.

CONCLUSION

As a result of all analyses and considering the practicability of the measurement, we recommend the equation FFM = 0.56ZI+0.20M+1.66, with an adjusted R2 of 0.971 and SEE of 1.59 kg, which can predict FFM with high precision in Japanese boys.

Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in Korea: 1983-92

Between March 1983 and December 1992, we performed 178 allogeneic BMTs for patients with hematopoietic stem cell disorders: 48 acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), 27 acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), 40 chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), 55 severe aplastic anemia (SAA), 6 myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), 1 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and 1 hybrid leukemia. Twenty-five of 48 AML are in disease-free survival (DFS). Fifteen of 27 ALL are in unmaintained remission. Twenty-four of 40 CML are in DFS. Forty-four out of 55 SAA patients are alive and well. Comparing the survival between standard (< or = CR1: 21 of 31 (68%)) and high risk (> or = CR2: 4 of 17 (24%)) AML, our data suggest that the preparative regimen for high risk AML was not potent enough to eradicate the residual disease in advanced AML. Although our cases are limited and the follow-up period is short, the result of ALL (overall: 56%, standard risk (adult < or = CR1, children < or = CR2: 10 of 14 (71%) and high risk (adult > or = CR2, children > CR2): 5 of 13 (38%)) and CML (overall: 60%; CP: 19 of 27 (70%), AP or BC: 5 of 13 (38%)) are promising. The probability of 5 year survival of SAA was 80 +/- 4 years.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Strand scission in DNA induced by S-nitrosothiol with hydrogen peroxide

Strand breaks can be produced in pBluescript plasmid DNA by S-nitrosothiol and H2O2 in the presence of a metal chelator, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid. S-Nitrosothiols with a wide range of stability were found to be active as a DNA cleaver in the presence of H2O2. Strand breaks were temperature dependent, occurring more rapidly at higher temperature. Sodium azide and mannitol inhibited S-nitrosothiol/H2O2-induced strand breaks in DNA. Catalase inhibited damage to DNA in a concentration-dependent manner whereas both superoxide dismutase and a yeast protector protein did not prevent damage to DNA. It is suggested that observed strand breaks in DNA are mediated by hydroxyl radicals arising from the reaction between H2O2 and thiyl radicals generated by homolytic decomposition of S-nitrosothiol.

Surgical treatment of stage III lung cancer after chemotherapy and radiotherapy

We have experienced eight patients with advanced bronchogenic carcinomas who underwent resectional surgery after receiving preoperative adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy during the period March, 1990, to February, 1992. Four patients were in stage IIIA and four in stage IIIB, of which six had epidermoid carcinomas and two small cell carcinomas. All patients were male with ages ranging from 48 to 73 (mean 56.7) years. The induction chemotherapy for six patients consisted of cisplatin and VP-16 (Etoposide) only, and two patients were given fluorouracil/cyclophosphamide and cyclophosphamide/adriamycin/cisplatin in addition to cisplatin/VP-16, respectively. All patients also received four to six weeks of radiotherapy following chemotherapy and were re-evaluated for the possibility of surgery after four weeks of observation. All patients underwent pneumonectomies. Postoperative histological staging revealed complete responses in two patients, partial responses in three and no response in three. Patients were followed-up for seven to 33 (mean 21.5) months after the diagnosis of lung cancer. Six patients died 1, 2, 3, 10, 14 and 26 months postoperatively and two patients are alive, revealing no evidence of tumor recurrence 24 months postoperatively. Induction therapy may induce a better resectability by the conversion of the lung cancer to a lower clinical stage by the time of surgery.

The thiol-specific antioxidant protein from human brain: gene cloning and analysis of conserved cysteine regions

The complete cDNA encoding human thiol-specific antioxidant protein (PRP) was isolated from a human brain cDNA library in the lambda Zap expression vector. An open reading frame (ORF) was identified and found to encode a polypeptide of 197 aa with a M(r) of 21,729. The cDNA contained 98 bp of 5'-untranslated sequence (UTR) and 259 bp of 3'-UTR containing a poly(A) signal, AATAAA. Expression of the human PRP cDNA in Escherichia coli yielded a functionally active protein. The observed local sequence homologies between human PRP and other homologous proteins whose functions have not yet been defined give important insight into elucidating the biochemical function of a new protein family which has highly conserved regions containing cysteine.

Determination of SCH 39304 by megabore capillary gas-liquid chromatography

A gas-liquid chromatographic procedure for determination of SCH 39304 at low nanogram concentrations in serum, cerebrospinal fluid, and urine is presented. The methodology combines a high selectivity and sensitivity nitrogen-specific detector, a gas chromatograph equipped with a capillary "megabore" column, and an internal standard that is very similar in chemical structure to the drug being assayed. This method is suitable for both pharmacokinetic studies as well as for monitoring drug levels in patients receiving SCH 39304 for antifungal treatment.

Purification and characterization of thiol-specific antioxidant protein from human red blood cell: a new type of antioxidant protein

A thiol-specific antioxidant protein (Protector Protein, PRP) was purified from human red blood cells (RBC). The PRP exists as a predominant protein in human RBC, which showed distinct thiol-specific antioxidant activities in the presence of dithiothreitol (DTT) as a reducing equivalent. The human RBC PRP (HRPRP) completely inhibited visible absorption spectral changes of oxyhemoglobin, DNA cleavage, and the peroxidation of RBC membrane by a nonenzymatic Fe3+/O2/thiol mixed-function oxidation system capable of generating hydroxyl radical. These observations suggest that HRPRP could act as a new type of antioxidant protein to maintain the RBC integrity by scavenging reactive oxygen species.

Regulation of chemotaxis by the platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta

Chemotaxis is an important component of wound healing, development, immunity and metastasis, yet the signalling pathways that mediate chemotaxis are poorly understood. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) acts both as a mitogen and a chemoattractant. Upon stimulation, the tyrosine kinase PDGF receptor-beta (PDGFR-beta) autophosphorylates and forms a complex that includes SII2(Src homology 2)-domain-containing proteins such as the phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C-gamma, Ras-GTPase-activating protein (GAP), and phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase. Specific tyrosine-to-phenylalanine substitutions in the PDGFR-beta can prevent binding of one SH2-domain-containing protein without affecting binding of other receptor-associated proteins. Here we use phospholipase C-gamma and PDGFR-beta mutants to map specific tyrosines involved in both positive and negative regulation of chemotaxis towards the PDGF-BB homodimer. Our results indicate that a delicate balance of migration-promoting (phospholipase C-gamma and phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase) and migration-suppressing (GAP) activities are recruited by the PDGFR-beta to drive chemotaxis towards PDGF-BB.

Renal lesions of the FGS strain of mice: a spontaneous animal model of progressive glomerulosclerosis

The strain of FGS/Nga mouse is reported to develop proteinuria and progressive glomerulosclerosis. We studied the renal pathology of that strain periodically for 1 year. Focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis was observed 3 months after birth and the lesion progressed to the glomerular obsolescence in a year. Electron microscopic study revealed electron dense deposits (DD) in the mesangium and the splitting of glomerular basement membrane. Studies using immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy revealed that these DD were contained IgA, IgM, C3 and the retroviral envelope antigen (gp70). Clinically, proteinuria began at the age of 3 months and the renal function was decreased on time course. No other organs were involved. We studied the renal lesions of FGS mice by the histological and immunohistochemical methods and concluded that this mouse strain provides the tool for studying the mechanisms of the progression of glomerulosclerosis.

Tetrapropylammonium perruthenate as a mild and efficient oxidant for sensitive steroidal alcohols

Tetrapropylammonium perruthenate N-methylmorpholine N-oxide oxidation of steroidal alcohols is described. The reagent combination is mild and gave good yields of the corresponding ketones. Although the oxidation can generate ketones from 3-, 11-, 15-, 17-, and 20-hydroxy steroids, the oxidation of homoallylic alcohols proceeds in low yields. Finally, we observed that the oxidation reagents will convert 17 alpha-hydroxy-20-keto steroids to 17-keto systems in excellent yield.

Removals of hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical by thiol-specific antioxidant protein as a possible role in vivo

Thiol-specific antioxidant protein (Protector Protein; PRP) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae was found to remove hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical in the presence of dithiothreitol (DTT). Without DTT as a reducing equivalent, the antioxidant protein did not show the activities for destroying hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical. N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) was observed to prevent the PRP from both removing hydrogen peroxide and protecting the cleavage of DNA. These observations suggest that the sulfhydryl of cysteine in PRP could function as a strong nucleophile to attack and destroy H2O2 and .OH.

[The equation relating body density to percent body fat in boys and girls]

This paper was designed to examine appropriateness of equations for calculating percent body fat from body density. Subjects were 141 boys and 163 girls aged 9-14 years. Body density (Db) was determined by underwater weighing (UW). Residual volume was measured by helium dilution technique (COMP-100, Fukuda Co.). Percent body fat (%fat) was calculated from the formula of Lohman et al. or Brozek et al. The %fat ranged between -0.52% and 44.20% in boys and between 4.94% and 47.44% in girls when the formula of Lohman et al. was used, while the range was 7.00%-45.56% in boys and 11.71%-48.35% in girls when the formula of Brozek et al. was used. In order to examine which formula is more appropriate for the assessment of body composition in boys and girls, %fat values calculated from both formulae were compared. Comparison criterion was essential lipid (boy: 3-5%, girl: 9%). The number of boys whose %fat was 5% or below was 18/141 (12.8%) and the number of girls whose %fat was 10% or below was 19/163 (11.7%) when the formula of Lohman et al. was applied, while the minimum value was 7.00% in boys and 11.71% in girls when the formula of Brozek et al. was utilized. From these results, it is suggested that the formula of Brozek et al. may be more appropriate than the formula of Lohman et al. for the estimation of %fat in boys and girls.

A computed tomographic analysis of changes in the spinal canal after anterior lumbar interbody fusion

Thirteen patients with spondylolisthesis (six isthmic type and seven degenerative type) and ten patients with intervertebral disk herniation were treated by anterior lumbar interbody fusion. Preoperative and postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans were performed for each patient, and changes in anteroposterior (AP) diameter and lateral diameter of the dural sac, the area of the dural sac, and the amount of disk bulging were measured. The periodic tomogram was done in all patients postoperatively, and one- and two-year fusion rates were calculated. The calculations were compared with the early and late clinical results. The early clinical results after operation were excellent in 26.1%, good in 56.5%, and fair in 17.4%. The late clinical results were similar to early results. The early clinical results correlated with the changes in the spinal canal, such as an increase in AP diameter of the dural sac and a decrease in amount of disk bulging after anterior interbody fusion. There was statistical correlation between the early clinical results and the change in AP diameter of the dural sac. But the late clinical results were influenced by multiple factors including solid bony fusion.

Determination of plasma and brain concentrations of SCH 39166 and their correlation to conditioned avoidance behavior in rats

Plasma and brain concentrations of the dopamine D1 receptor antagonist, SCH 39166, were measured and compared to behavioral activity in the conditioned avoidance response paradigm (CAR). SCH 39166 was administered at two behaviorally active doses (1 mg/kg, SC and 10 mg/kg, PO) and the time course for CAR activity was compared with the plasma and brain concentrations of unconjugated SCH 39166. Conjugation and N-demethylation of SCH 39166 after oral administration were also determined and first pass metabolism examined. Results from these studies demonstrated a similar time-dependent disappearance of unconjugated SCH 39166 from both the plasma and brain, independent of route of administration. Brain concentrations of SCH 39166 were approximately 5-fold higher than corresponding plasma concentrations, regardless of route. However, plasma and brain concentrations of unconjugated SCH 39166 were higher after SC administration of 1.0 mg/kg, than after PO administration of 10 mg/kg, suggesting a substantial first pass metabolism of SCH 39166. In addition, total (conjugated and unconjugated) plasma concentrations of SCH 39166 were at least 10-fold higher than unconjugated concentrations of SCH 39166 after PO administration of 10 mg/kg, demonstrating that a high proportion of drug was conjugated. Metabolism to the N-desmethyl analog, SCH 40853, was observed after PO administration of 10 mg/kg SCH 39166 and a high proportion of conjugation of the desmethyl analog was also seen. Finally, plasma concentrations of unconjugated SCH 39166 exhibited a high positive correlation (r = 0.934, P < 0.001) with brain concentrations of unconjugated SCH 39166.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Mycobacterium fortuitum peritonitis associated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

Runyon group IV atypical mycobacteria, Mycobacterium fortuitum, is an environmental organism and is capable of producing a variety of clinical infections such as cutaneous infection, abscess and pulmonary and ocular infection. Rarely, it has been a documented cause of peritonitis in patients receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). We report a case of M. fortuitum peritonitis in a patient undergoing CAPD and emphasize the importance of mycobacterial cultures in patients with CAPD-associated peritonitis whose routine culturing yields no organisms repeatedly.

[Physical fitness and motor ability in obese boys 12 through 14 years of age]

Excess body fat has generally been considered to be an influential factor to physical fitness and motor ability in obese boys. However, little information is available on the physical fitness and motor ability in obese boys. The purpose of this study was to clarify characteristics of physical fitness and motor ability in obese boys. The subjects were three hundreds and five boys aged 12-14 years. Nineteen physical fitness and motor ability items were tested and skinfold thickness was measured at six sites. Bioelectrical impedance was measured using a tetrapolar impedance plethysmograph (Selco SIF-891). Body density was calculated from the formula of Kim et al. The results of comparison clearly indicated that the obese group was significantly poorer in 1,500-m run, 5-min run, 50-m run, running long jump and many other variables, but was superior only in back strength. To analyze the factorial structure in boys, principal factor analysis was applied to the correlation matrix which was calculated with 19 variables, and then five factors were extracted. The obese group was significantly poorer in total body endurance and muscular endurance than the non-obese group. From these results, it was confirmed that the excess body fat could be one of the most important factors that affects the state of many physical fitness and motor ability elements in obese boys. However, the relationships between physical fitness, motor ability and the degree of fatness seem to be rather complicated. A great deal of data should be accumulated for more detailed analysis on the influence of the excess body fat in obese boys.

Enhancement of the attachment on microcarriers and tPA production by fibroblast cells in a serum-free medium by the addition of the extracts of Centella asiatica

The addition of ethanol extracts of Centella asiatica showed a remarkable enhancement of fibroblast cells attachment to Cytodex beads in serum-free (SF) medium. It also improves tPA production in both batch and perfusion cultivations. The optimal concentration for SF medium was determined as 2 ppm of the extracts when using Cytodex III. In batch cultivation a high specific tPA production rate was obtained, compared to that from 5% FBS containing medium. However, a fast specific growth rate was observed in 5% FBS medium. In perfusion cultivation a reasonably good cell density and tPA production was achieved at a perfusion rate of 2.4 x 10(6) (viable cell/ml) and 0.65 (micrograms/ml), respectively at 22 ml/min.

Mechanism of free fatty acid transfer from rat heart fatty acid-binding protein to phospholipid membranes. Evidence for a collisional process

Fatty acid binding proteins (FABP) are a family of low molecular weight proteins found in many tissues that actively utilize free fatty acids (ffa). FABP would be expected to have a particularly important role in the heart, where over 80% of energy requirements are derived from oxidation of long chain fatty acids. The precise physiological function of heart FABP (H-FABP) has not been definitively identified, although it is thought to play a role in intracellular ffa transport. To examine the possible role of H-FABP in cardiac myocyte transfer of ffa, we examined the transfer of fluorescent anthroyloxy ffa (AOffa) from H-FABP to model phospholipid membranes, using a resonance energy transfer assay. In contrast to previous observations of ffa transfer from liver FABP and from membranes, transfer from H-FABP to membranes appears to occur by a different mechanism. AO-palmitate (16:0) transfer was 1.5-fold slower than AO-stearate (18:0) transfer, and mono-unsaturation did not affect the transfer rate. The AOffa transfer rate from H-FABP increased with increasing ionic strength and decreased slightly between pH 7 and 9. These results suggest that the rate of ffa transfer from H-FABP to membranes is independent of the ffa aqueous solubility. Thermodynamic analysis showed that the free energy of activation for the ffa transfer process arises primarily from an enthalpic component, with only a small entropic contribution, again suggesting the lack of an aqueous phase route of ffa delivery. Finally, the ffa transfer rate was found to be directly dependent on the concentration of acceptor membranes. These data therefore suggest that transfer of AOffa from H-FABP to membranes may occur via collisional interactions between the protein and membranes.

Biological resurfacing of full-thickness defects in patellar articular cartilage of the rabbit. Investigation of autogenous periosteal grafts subjected to continuous passive motion

We compared the effects of continuous passive motion with those of intermittent active motion on the results of the resurfacing with autogenous periosteal grafts of full-thickness defects on the articular surface of rabbit patellae. Of 45 rabbits with defects, 30 received grafts. Fifteen of these had continuous passive motion for two weeks and intermittent active motion for four weeks; the other 15 had intermittent active motion for six weeks. In 15 the defects were not grafted (control group) and they had intermittent active motion for six weeks. Ten more rabbits had a sham operation. Six weeks after surgery, the results were assessed by the gross appearance, histology, histochemistry, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. By all assessments the quality of neochondrogenesis produced by periosteal grafts was superior to that in ungrafted defects (p less than 0.05) and the results in continuous passive motion treated animals were superior to those in intermittent active motion treated animals (p less than 0.05). The periosteal grafts produced hyaline cartilage containing type II collagen but the organisation of its fibres was irregular.

Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for the patients with hemopoietic stem cell disorders: CUMC experience

Bone marrow transplantation from an HLA-identical sibling is increasingly used as a curative therapy for patients with hemopoietic stem cell disorders including acute leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia and severe aplastic anemia. Between March 1983 and March 1991, we performed 86 cases of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) for the patients with hemopoietic stem cell disorders: 25 acute myelogenous leukemia (AML); 15 acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL); 20 chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML); and 26 severe aplastic anemia (SAA). Ten out of 25 AML are in disease free survival (DFS). The causes of death were recurrence of leukemia (12), acute GVHD (3), sepsis (1) and veno-occlusive disease (1). Nine of 15 ALL are in unmaintained remission. Thirteen out of 20 CML are in DFS. Among 26 SAA, 21 are enjoying DFS, but 1 died of engraftment failure, 3 of graft rejection followed by cytomegalovirus (1) and aspergillus pneumonia (1). Comparing the survival between standard [less than or equal to CR1: 9/14 (64%)] and high risk [greater than or equal to CR1: 1/11 (9%)] AML, our data suggest that preparative regimen for high risk AML was not potent enough to eradicate the minimal residual disease in advanced AML. Although our cases are limited and the follow-up period is short, our result of ALL [overall: CCR (60%), standard risk (adult less than or equal to CR1, children less than or equal to CR2; 8/11 (73%) and high risk; 1/4 (25%)] and CML [overall: 65%, CP; 9/10 (90%), AP; 4/6 (67%), BP; 0/4 (0%)] are optimistic. It is of our interest that the incidence of death related with IP (1/33: 3%) and with AGVHD 94/33: 12%) were much less than that of other's observation but the explanation for this still remains to be clear.