Association between electrocardiographic ischemic abnormalities and ischemic heart disease risk factors in a Japanese population

This cross-sectional study was undertaken to investigate the association of electrocardiographic (ECG) ischemic abnormalities with ischemic heart disease (IHD) risk factors in a Japanese population. Resting ECGs of 1201 subjects (572 men and 629 women, aged 30 to 89 years), were coded independently by two coders according to the Minnesota Code. Blood pressure (BP) was recorded using a standard sphygmomanometer, and non-fasting serum total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were measured. Codes 1.1 and 1.2 were classified as myocardial infarction and codes 1.3, 4.1-4.4, 5.1-5.3 and 7.1 were classified as ischemia. Prevalence of ECG with evidence of IHD (IHD ECG) was defined as myocardial infarction and ischemia together. Levels of risk factors were compared between subjects with IHD ECGs and those without IHD ECGs. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to ascertain the associations between IHD ECG and risk factors. The prevalence of myocardial infarction in the total population was 1.5% and 0.7% in men and women, respectively and the prevalence of IHD ECGs was 10% and 11.3% in men and women, respectively. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was consistently higher in subjects with IHD ECGs in the total population of both sexes (P < 0.001, P = 0.001 for men and women respectively). Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was higher only in men with IHD ECGs (P = 0.002). In middle-aged men (aged 30-59 years), total cholesterol was considerably higher in subjects with IHD ECGs, although this relationship was statistically not significant. In multiple logistic regression analysis, SBP was independently associated with IHD ECGs in both sexes (P = 0.001). Associations between IHD ECGs with total cholesterol, alcohol intake and smoking were not statistically significant. This study showed that electro-cardiographic IHD evidences in Japanese are predominantly associated with blood pressure level in both sexes.

The associations between alcohol drinking and dietary habits and blood pressure in Japanese men

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the relationships between blood pressure and alcohol, nutrients and electrolytes intakes in Japanese men.

DESIGN AND METHOD

A dietary survey was conducted in a rural population of Japan by the 2-day dietary record method, and blood pressure was measured with a standard sphygmomanometer. Blood pressure levels, nutrients and electrolytes intakes were compared among the non-drinkers and the tertiles of the alcohol-drinking subjects. The relationships between blood pressure and nutrients, electrolytes and alcohol intakes were also determined by multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

Age and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were positively, and percentage of energy from fat and carbohydrates was negatively, related to the drinking categories. Univariate analysis showed that SBP was significantly related to age, body mass index (BMI) and alcohol intake, and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was also significantly related to age, BMI and alcohol intake. Both SBP and DBP had a significant inverse relationship with the percentage of energy from fat (P < 0.01). Both SBP and DBP were significantly related to drinking categories when the effects of age, BMI and percentage energy from fat intake on blood pressure were adjusted for (P < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed SBP to be significantly and positively associated with age, BMI and alcohol intake, and negatively associated with potassium intake, whereas DBP was significantly and positively associated with BMI and total energy intake, and was negatively associated with potassium and the percentage of energy intake from fat and carbohydrates.

CONCLUSION

The positive association between alcohol drinking and blood pressure persisted even after consideration of the effects of age, BMI and other macronutrient and electrolytes intakes. The reduction of alcohol intake should be an important public health strategy in the primary prevention of hypertension in this population.

Alcohol intake and serum lipids in a Japanese population

BACKGROUND

Previous epidemiological and clinical studies have shown that alcohol, which increases high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, has an anti-atherogenic effect. But data on the effects of alcohol on low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol are scarce. In this paper a cross-sectional study on the associations of alcohol in graded doses with serum lipids in a Japanese population is presented.

METHODS

The daily alcohol intake of 832 Japanese men aged 35-59 was determined and the subjects were divided into five categories according to their daily alcohol consumption. The associations of alcohol intake and the kind of alcoholic beverage with serum lipids were determined by multiple regression analyses taking into consideration the differences of other confounding factors, i.e. age, body mass index (BMI) and smoking.

RESULTS

Serum triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol were higher (P < 0.001) with higher alcohol intake while LDL-cholesterol was lower (P < 0.01). In multiple regression analysis, after adjusting for age, BMI and number of cigarettes smoked per day, HDL-cholesterol and the ratio of HDL-cholesterol to LDL-cholesterol were found to have a significant positive relationship with daily alcohol consumption (P < 0.001) and LDL-cholesterol to have a significant negative relationship (P < 0.001). The kind of alcoholic beverage had no significant relationship with serum HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol; however, serum triglycerides were found to be significantly lower in those who drank beer (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Alcohol drinkers have a higher HDL-cholesterol level and lower LDL-cholesterol level than non-drinkers. This anti-atherogenic lipid profile in alcohol drinkers may be explained by the effect of alcohol on serum lipids independent of age, BMI and smoking.

4-Methyl-7,11-heptadecadienal and 4-methyl-7,11-heptadecadienoic acid: new antibiotics from Sporothrix flocculosa and Sporothrix rugulosa

4-Methyl-7,11-heptadecadienal [1] and 4-methyl-7,11-heptadecadienoic acid [2] were isolated as new compounds from liquid cultures of Sporothrix flocculosa and Sporothrix rugulosa. Compounds 1 and 2 inhibited the growth of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycospersici, Trichoderma viride, and Bacillus subtilis.

Genome size and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of Vibrio cholerae strains belonging to different serovars and biotypes

The genome size of Vibrio cholerae has been determined by pulsed field gel electrophoresis following digestion of chromosomal DNA with endonucleases. The genome size of all the classical strains examined was about 3000 kb and that of El Tor biotype was 2500 kb. The NotI and SfiI digestion patterns of the genomes of several V. cholerae strains belonging to different serovars and biotypes showed distinct restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). RFLP analysis together with the genome size can be used to differentiate strains of different serovars and biotypes of V. cholerae.

Penile agenesis: an unusual variant

An unusual variant of penile agenesis with a high rectal termination of the urethra is reported. The difficulties faced in the management of this case and the possible aetiology of this rare anomaly are discussed.

Positron annihilation studies in lysozyme and catalase

Positron annihilation studies have been carried out in two enzymes, lysozyme and catalase. Temperature dependence of the positron lifetimes in these two enzymes has been investigated. The results explained in terms of the free volume model and fluctuations between different conformational microstates of enzyme structures provide a new insight into the mechanism of bio-activity of these enzymes.

Intestinal endometriosis

Two cases with intestinal endometriosis, one with a right iliac fossa mass and the other with subacute intestinal obstruction, are presented. In both the cases, the diagnosis was not suspected clinically and was reached only on histological examination of the resected specimens.

Acute abdomen: an unusual presentation of a blind-ending bifid ureter

This case report features the unusual presentation of a blind-ending ureteric duplication (BEUD) as acute abdomen. The partially obstructed BEUD had mimicked acute appendicitis, leading to previous errors in the diagnosis and management of the case. A high index of suspicion is necessary to diagnose such a rare congenital anomaly when it presents as acute abdomen.

Vasopressinergic neurons in periependymal and periventricular areas of the rostral third ventricle of the rat

On the lateral wall of the rostral third ventricle, an area separates the ependyma from the neurosecretory PVN neurons. Since VP from the latter discharges into the vasculature, the above area may be regarded as constituting an interface between the ventricular and vascular compartments of the CNS. As VP release into the two compartments is integrated, the interface region has been explored for possible existence of a neural infrastructure that would allow such an integration. Immunohistochemical staining for VP following colchicine treatment reveals the presence of an elaborate vasopressinergic network in the interface region that is divisible into a medial periependymal and a lateral periventricular area. A closer examination indicates that the ependymal, periependymal, periventricular and PVN areas (in that order medio-laterally) are all interconnected through this network. The medial area appears to be receptive in nature, while the connectivity of the lateral area points to an effector function. All in all, such a neural network would provide a sound morphological basis for integration of neuroendocrine mechanisms modulating VP release into the ventricular and vascular compartments of the CNS.

Penile nodule in a young adult

A 20 year old male presented with a nodule, 1.25 cm x 1 cm, on the ventral aspect of the foreskin of his penis. The nodule was excised by circumcision. On histology it was found to be a multiloculated cyst located in the dermis of the prepuce. It contained eosinophilic material and was lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelium. There was no evidence of inflammation or malignancy in any of the sections of this median raphe cyst. The aetiology of such cysts is discussed in addition to a review of the literature.

Vasopressinergic neurons and the associated blood vessels in the rat anterior hypothalamus: an immunohistochemical study

The paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic (SON) nuclei of the hypothalamic neurosecretory system have been extensively investigated by many workers. The functional aspects of vasopressin secretion (elaborated by the PVN and SON neurons) in relation to the vasculature of the anterior hypothalamus are also well documented. However, the available data concerning vasopressin (VP) functions are largely based on physiological studies. Corroborative morphological correlation with regard to this has received little attention. The present report elucidates the intricate anatomical relationships between the VP-neurons and the adjoining capillaries in the rat anterior hypothalamus. A peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) immunocytochemical study, using a commercial VP antibody, was carried out for this purpose. The observations are interpreted from a functional standpoint. VP-immunostained elements, i.e. the somata and the processes (mainly dendrites), were localized (i) close to the wall, (ii) on the endothelium, and (iii) occasionally, in the lumen of the hypothalamic capillaries. The findings provide immunocytochemical evidence that the vasopressinergic elements are in direct relationship with the hypothalamic vasculature. This raises some interesting possibilities for the former to be involved in: (i) affecting the permeability of the blood-brain barrier for transport of various nutrient substances (important in aging and Alzheimer's disease), (ii) inducing an alteration in the water permeability of the brain vessels on which depends the precise adjustment of brain water content and of brain volume (fundamental to normal functioning of the brain), and (iii) serving as osmoreceptors of the blood flowing through the capillaries and thus providing a feedback mechanism for VP modulation.

Vasopressinergic axon collaterals and axon terminals in the magnocellular neurosecretory nuclei of the rat hypothalamus

Axon collaterals emerging from the vasopressinergic neurons of the supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular (PVN) nuclei and recurving back towards their respective nuclei have been previously reported. Since such axon collaterals can play a role in the neuromodulation of SON and PVN, these nuclei have been further investigated immunohistochemically under the light and electron microscope. The PAP technique, using a commercial antibody, was employed. Vasopressin-positive axon collaterals were seen to recurve towards their nuclei of origin. In the latter, vasopressinergic intrinsic neurons were also observed. Under the electron microscope, axon terminals containing vasopressin-immunoreactive neurosecretory granules were noted. Such terminals presumably arise from the vasopressin-positive recurrent axon collaterals or from the intrinsic neurons for the purpose of neuromodulation within the SON and PVN.

Ultrastructural features of presumptive vasopressinergic synapses in the hypothalamic magnocellular secretory nuclei of the rat

Despite convincing physiological evidences for vasopressin (VP) autoregulation in the supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular (PVN) nuclei, the morphological demonstration of VP synapses has lagged behind. The present work investigates the possible existence of such synapses in the SON and PVN of the rat. Electron microscopy of sections immunostained with VP antibody (1:5,000) and conjugated with avidin-biotin demonstrated presynaptic terminals containing neurosecretory granule (NSG)-like bodies, 80-100 nm in diameter. The terminals formed axodendritic, axosomatic and axoaxonic synapses, though the postsynaptic elements remained largely unidentified. Other ultrastructural features of synaptic specialization were evident. The NSG-like bodies exhibited a varying and dynamic relationship to the presynaptic membrane, suggesting their involvement in synaptic mechanisms.

Dst in the course of post stroke depression

The dexamethasone suppression test was administered to five patients with post-stroke depression, at initial evaluation and also in follow-up. It showed parallel results to clinical course of depression in four out of five patients.

Congenital glanular sinus: possible variant of blind accessory urethral channel

We report a case of congenital sinus opening at an unusual position on the glans penis of an asymptomatic subject. The differential diagnosis and embryological implications of this rare anomaly are discussed. We believe that our case represents an uncommon location for a blind accessory urethral channel.

Ultrastructural observation on the rat supraoptic neurons following acute operative stress

The response of the SON to various forms of stress is well documented. However, the effect of operative stress, which is a common and important clinical event requiring the mediation of vasopressin, has largely escaped attention. The present report describes the ultrastructural changes in the neurons of the caudal (retrochiasmatic) part of the SON following a deepseated linear incision on the dorsum of the rat. The observations were confirmed to the first forty-eight hours after trauma. At 24-hours post-operatively, a marked depletion of the neurosecretory granules was observed. This was associated with a proliferation of the granular and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi cisternae and ribosomes. A few of the neurosecretory granules were seen to lie in the close vicinity of the Golgi complexes. At 48-hours after trauma, these features persisted. In addition, an accumulation of neurosecretory granules was conspicuous in some axon pre-terminals. From the above findings, it is suggested that an increased demand for vasopressin during the early postoperative period is met by the supraoptic neurons by a liberation of their neurosecretory contents. An attempt at replenishment of the latter is evidenced by a proliferation in the membrane components and ribosomes. The pooling of neurosecretory granules in occasional axon pre-terminals may indicate an imbalance in the synthesis-secretion coupling of vasopressin.

Nonspecific esterase isozymes that focus at identical isoelectric points are kinetically analogous

Isoelectric focusing (IEF) of soluble nonspecific esterases of rat kidney and testis exhibits an identical array of organophosphate-resistant cathodal isozymes. To ascertain whether such isozymes that focus at the same pI are also kinetically analogous, two isozymes, both focused at pI 7.2, were isolated, one from each organ, by elution from cut-out, unstained gel segments. Although the esterases of the whole soluble fraction of kidney and testis exhibited different kinetic properties and organophosphate susceptibility, no differences were observed with regard to the isozymes. Therefore, because of similar electrophoretic and kinetic behavior, the two isozymes can be regarded as phenotypic expressions of similar genetic products.

Changes in the surface fine structure of ependyma of the rat third ventricle following operative leakage of cerebrospinal fluid

The role of the ventricular ependyma in the elaboration of cerebrospinal fluid under resting conditions is well documented. In an attempt to elucidate its response to cerebrospinal fluid leakage, male young adult Wistar rats were subjected to lumbar spinal transection under intraperitoneal Nembutal anaesthesia. Control animals received a sham operation, involving opening up the cerebrospinal fluid space and its closure. A scanning electron microscopical study of the third ventricular ependyma on the seventh postoperative day revealed pronounced surface modifications in the experimental animal which included (i) bulbous dilatations in the ciliary shafts with frequent apical blebbing, and an overall turgid appearance of most cilia; (ii) a profusion of tall and stout microvilli in the non-ciliated zones; (iii) an increase in the size and number of blebs; and (iv) a greater number of supraependymal cells especially on the ventricular floor. The significance of these changes is discussed in the light of available studies. The results, considered collectively, seem to reflect an augmented activity of the ventricular ependyma as a compensatory measure to counteract the effects of cerebrospinal fluid leakage caused by surgical trauma. Such activity may be both absorptive and secretory in nature.

Response of ependyma of the rat third ventricle to operative loss of cerebrospinal fluid: a transmission electron microscopical study

The ependyma of the cerebral ventricles has been implicated in absorption and secretion of cerebrospinal fluid under resting and experimental conditions by various workers. To investigate the response of the ventricular ependyma to experimental leakage of the fluid, spinal transection was carried out in young adult Wistar rats in the lumbar region. The ependyma of the third ventricle was processed for transmission electron microscopy on the 7th post-operative day. The ependymal cells in the sham-operated control animal exhibited regional variations in respect of cilia, microvilli and in their relationship to the subjacent subependymal zone. However, most cells showed apical mitochondria and Golgi cisternae with few profiles of granular and smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Pinocytotic and dense-coated vesicles were not prominent features. In the operated rat, a few ultrastructural changes were noted. A profusion of microvilli and blebs with secondary surface modifications was characteristically seen on the ventricular face. Pinocytotic and dense-coated vesicles appeared to be consistent features. Proliferation of mitochondria, Golgi cisternae, polyribosomes and of smooth and granular endoplasmic reticulum was evident throughout the cytoplasm. The mitochondria, in many cases, presented a pleomorphic appearance with increased electron density. The above modifications in the fine structure, considered collectively, point to an increased ependymal activity. The evidences of both absorptive (presence of microvilli, pinocytotic and dense-coated vesicles) and secretory features (presence of blebs, proliferation in membrane components and in polyribosomes) within the same cell suggest its simultaneous involvement in both absorption and secretion. The observed changes may be interpreted as a compensatory attempt by the ependymal cell toward conservation and replenishment of cerebrospinal fluid.

Changes in the surface fine structure of rat third ventricular ependyma following chronic acetazolamide treatment

Participation of non-choroidal elements, particularly of ventricular ependyma, in CSF production is well recognized. The present investigation is an attempt to elucidate possible surface changes in the ventricular lining following chronic acetazolamide administration in the rat. A progressive time-dependent change was observed in the ependyma of the third ventricle. In the dorsal ciliated zone the appearance of dilatations and surface evaginations on cilial shafts were the predominent features. The ventral non-cilated area was characterized by eruption of blebs and microvilli with apical swellings. The significance of these surface fine structural changes are discussed in the light of available studies. It appears that the ependyma is stimulated into increased activity. However, the precise nature of such a response--whether secretory or absorptive--must remain conjectural until correlative scanning and transmission electron microscopic data become available.

Changes in the surface of fine structure of choroid plexus epithelium following chronic acetazolamide treatment

Surface changes in the epithelium of the choroid plexuses of the lateral and third ventricles of rats induced by chronic administration of acetazolamide have been studied by scanning electron microscopy. After 3 weeks atrophic changes were evident, the microvilli and blebs normally seen on the ventricular surface of the cells appeared attenuated, and in extreme cases they disappeared, leaving the cell surface completely denuded. Localized areas of hypertrophy, indicated by secondary spherical budding, were occasionally observed. The atrophic changes accord with the known inhibitory effects of acetazolamide on CSF formation: perhaps the small number of cells undergoing hypertrophy compensate to some extent for the atrophic ones and maintain some CSF secretion.

Enzyme histochemistry of basal ganglia in the septally cannulated rat

Stereotaxic septal cannulation in one hemisphere of the rat results in displacement of the ipsilateral basal ganglion along its rostrocaudal axis. In an attempt to elucidate any metabolic changes in the ganglion due to possible alteration in its vascular supply in the displaced position, enzyme histochemical studies were undertaken on the forebrain of septally cannulated rats. A survey of hydrolases (acid and alkaline phosphatases, ATPase, cholinesterase and non-specific esterases), dehydrogenases (succinate and lactate) and diaphorases (NADH- and NADPH- tetrazolium reductases) revealed no difference in activity between the ganglia of the two sides. Cortical activity appeared to be enhanced with a rostral shift of the ganglion and decreased with a caudal shift. In the light of available histoenzymatic data on ischaemic brain damages, the present results rule out the existence of any major metabolic difference between the two basal ganglia. This underlines the extraordinary degree of functional plasticity of subcortical nuclear masses, despite considerable physical displacement.

Intracerebral displacement of basal ganglia following septal cannulation

The effects of septal cannulation on the displacement of basal ganglia form the basis of the present communication. In experimental rats, in which a cannula is chronically implanted for 30 days between the medial and lateral septal nuclei by stereotaxic procedures, considerable shift of the basal ganglion is always observed on the operated side. The displacement takes place along the long axis of the ganglion either rostrally or caudally. Besides gross asymmetry in their relative sizes, no histological differences are observed between the ganglia of the two sides. Control animals, in which the cannula is withdrawn immediately after the septal lesion, manifest similar, but less pronounced movements of the basal ganglia. The probable underlying mechanisms for such intracerebral shifts are discussed and the role of indirect mechanical forces is outlined. The extraordinary degree of plasticity of the subcortical nuclear masses in terms of mobility is also emphasized.

Effect of surgical trauma on the endogeneous heme iron in the brain

Paucity of electron-microscopic studies on the fate of endogenous heme iron, released as a result of planned surgery, in the central nervous system warranted the present work. During investigations of neuronal plasticity in the cat, an experimental model, in which the proximal cut end of the vagosympathetic trunk was rerouted into the diencephalon, presented an ideal substrate for studying this problem. At 3 months, the brain tissue containing the implant was processed for light and electron microscopy and histochemistry. Under light microscopy, Prussian-blue-positive, dense cytoplasmic aggregates were visible within the macrophages. The cells were mostly clustered around the junctional area between the central and peripheral nerve elements. Electorn-microscopic findings were highly characteristic and distinguished the macrophages from the surrounding neural elements by their rich content of electron-dense granules. While the latter were mostly scattered as free cytoplasmic particles, large aggregates of the same were also observed inside the lysosomes. Besides, a few inclusions were seen within astrocytic processes, close to the plasma membranes. At higher magnifications, the particles revealed the characteristic internal subunit structure of ferritin micelles. The uptake of hemoglobin and its subsequent conversion of ferritin within the macrophages and astrocytic processes are discussed at subcellular level in the light of other available studies.

Sensitivity of carboxylesterases of rat serum to diethyl-p-nitrophenyl phosphate

The effects of varying concentrations of the organophosphorus inhibitor E600 (diethyl-p-nitrophenyl phosphate) have been studied on the hydrolysis of a homologous series of n-alkyl aliphatic esters of alpha-naphthol by carboxylesterases of whole rat serum and by an esterase isozyme purified from the latter. The results indicate a regressing organophosphate susceptibility of the isozyme with progressively higher substrates. Inhibitor profiles of the whole serum, however, are more complex and do not exhibit any definite pattern in response to a sequential variation in the acyl carbon chain length of the esters. Both the isozyme and whole serum manifest an unusually high degree of organophosphate sensitivity towards substrates bearing odd number of carbon atoms in the acyl chain.

Response of solitary adrenal gland to surgical stress

Available reports on adrenal function following unilateral adrenalectomy mainly concern the gland's activity under basal conditions. Its response to superadded stress has largely escaped attention. The present communication deals with changes in morphology and in the behavior of acid phosphatase, non-specific esterases and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in solitary adrenal glands following operative trauma. Histochemical, electrophoretic and biochemical techniques have been employed in the study. Although the morphological response to identical trauma on both unilaterally adrenal-extomized and intact animals is indistinguishable, the enzymological response is strikingly different in the two groups. While in the latter, the enzyme activities exhibit an early rise following trauma, the same is delayed by another 8 hr in the former. In experments using ACTH, the overall pattern of exterase activity shows little deviation from that observed in untreated cases in both groups of animals. The findings indicate that in unilaterally adrenalectomized animals, susperadded operative stimuli fail to evoke the early response characteristic of the normal adrenal glands. Such latency points to the vulnerability of their existing defence mechanisms. The remarkable similarity of adrenal response with or without exogenous ACTH in these animals suggests that the reason for a delayed response is rooted in the target organ itself, and is not due to an altered plasma ACTH level.