Uniform mixing of high-Tc superconductivity and antiferromagnetism on a single CuO2 plane of a Hg-based five-layered cuprate

We report a site selective Cu-NMR study on underdoped Hg-based five-layered high-Tc cuprate HgBa2Ca4CU5O(12+delta) with a Tc = 72 K. Antiferromagnetism (AFM) has been found to take place at T(N) = 290 K, exhibiting a large antiferromagnetic moment of 0.67-0.69 microB at three inner planes (IP). This value is comparable to the values reported for nondoped cuprates, suggesting that the IP may be in a nearly nondoped regime. Most surprisingly, the AFM order is also detected with M(AFM)(OP) = 0.1 microB even at two outer planes (OP) that are responsible for the onset of superconductivity (SC). The high-Tc SC at Tc = 72 K can uniformly coexist on a microscopic level with the AFM at OP's. This is the first microscopic evidence for the uniform mixed phase of AFM and SC on a single CuO2 plane in a simple environment without any vortex lattice and/or stripe order.

Renal Dysplasia with Unilateral Renal Agenesis in a Dog

This report describes a renal dysplastic lesion associated with renal agenesis in a 3-year-old dog with chronic renal failure. Haematological examination revealed non-regenerative anaemia, azotaemia, increased creatinine and hyperphosphataemia. At necropsy, the right kidney and right ureter could not be identified. The left kidney was slightly enlarged, with a reduced cortico-medullary ratio. Histologically, the medulla of the left kidney had persistent mesenchyme and primitive tubules (tall pseudostratified columnar epithelium), dilated collecting ducts lined by flattened epithelium, and adenomatoid proliferation of cuboidal epithelium; fetal or immature glomeruli could not be identified. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a renal dysplastic lesion with unilateral agenesis in animals.

Bio-sorption of acidic gelatine hydro-gels implanted in the back tissues of Fisher's rats

Recent advance in tissue engineering therapy requires new scaffold materials. Acidic gelatine powders (10 wt%) were, thus, dissolved in water, were or were not cross-linked, and freeze-dried. After sterilization, prepared small sponges were implanted in 7-week-old Fisher's rats' subcutaneous tissues for up to 2 weeks. Sponges absorbed body fluid and changed into hydro-gels in vivo. Non-cross-linked hydro-gels were absorbed within 3 days, while cross-linked hydro-gels were eliminated after 7 days' implantation. Histological observations revealed that the common captivation process was mild while granulocytes and macrophages were encountered. Because acidic gelatine sponges can accommodate various basic growth factors, it can be speculated that prepared sponges might be used as short-time hydro-gel scaffolds and growth-factor carriers.

Characterization of apatite formed on alkaline-heat-treated Ti

Alkaline-heat-treated titanium self-forms an apatite surface layer in vivo. The aim of the present study was to materialistically characterize the surface of alkaline-heat-treated titanium immersed in simulated body fluid (AHS-TI) and to examine the differentiation behavior of osteoblasts on AHS-TI. SEM, thin-film XRD, FTIR, and XPS analyses revealed that AHS-TI contained a 1.0- micro m-thick, low-crystalline, and [002] direction-oriented carbonate apatite surface. Human osteoblast-like SaOS-2 cells were cultured on polystyrene, titanium, and AHS-TI, and RT-PCR analyses of osteogenic differentiation-related mRNAs were conducted. On AHS-TI, the expression of bone sialoprotein mRNA was up-regulated as compared with that on polystyrene and titanium (p < 0.05). On AHS-TI, the expression of osteopontin and osteocalcin mRNAs was up-regulated as compared with that on polystyrene (p<0.05). The results indicate that the apatite was bone-like and accelerated the osteogenic differentiation of SaOS-2, suggesting that alkaline-heat treatment might facilitate better integration of titanium implants with bone.

A new ultimate anus-preserving operation for extremely low rectal cancer and for anal canal cancer

To avoid permanent colostomy, we perform a new ultimate anus preserving operation for extremely low rectal cancer or for anal canal cancer. According to our pathologic study, two different removal methods of anal canal were theoretically considered. One is internal sphincter resection (ISR method), and the other is both deep-superficial external sphincter and internal sphincter resection (ESR method). Six patients received ISR and ten patients ESR. No severe intraoperative complications occurred and the postoperative course was uneventful. All patients receiving ISR had excellent anal function without soiling. Some patients receiving ESR sometimes complained of night soiling but satisfied the anus preservation. The median follow-up was 15 months, (range, 3-28 months). We had recurrences in two female patients receiving ISR. One had para-aortic and lateral lymph node recurrences without anastomotic recurrence. She underwent lateral and para-aortic lymphadenectomy, but died of lung metastasis, regardless of intensive chemotherapy. Another had pelvic recurrence with abdominal dissemination. She underwent abdominoperineal resection and is alive with pelvic re-recurrence. ISR and ESR are excellent procedures for anus preservation, but ISR needs a strict indication.

Studies on osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow stromal cells cultured in type I collagen gel by RT-PCR analysis

The purpose of this investigation was to examine by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis the osteogenic differentiation of twice-passaged Sprague-Dawley rat bone marrow stromal cells in type I collagen gel cultured for 3 weeks. Two culture media were used here, namely Dulbecco's modified Eagle (DME) medium supplemented with vitamin C [Dex (-)] and those with vitamin C, dexamethasone and beta-glycerophosphate [Dex (+)]. Culture with Dex (-) medium in collagen gel for 3 weeks brought about the well-developed cell network and middle-stage osteogenic phenotype expression characterized by mRNA for alkaline phosphatase, osteonectin and osteopontin while those for bone sialo protein and osteocalcin were not detected. On the contrary, culture with Dex (+) medium in collagen gel for 3 weeks lead to necrosis of the cells. These results indicate that culture in collagen gel with Dex (-) DME medium containing vitamin C was useful for three-dimensional culture and middle-stage osteogenic differentiation of twice-passaged bone marrow stromal cells. This study might contribute to tissue engineering therapy to fix bone and periodontal defects in the future.

Video-assisted gasless transanal endoscopic microsurgery: a review of 217 cases of rectal tumors over the past 10 years

BACKGROUND

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) has been suggested as a minimally invasive procedure of low morbidity for rectal tumor excision. However, the complicated setup of TEM instruments and the expensive cost are disadvantages to wider acceptance. The aims of this study are to introduce a new modality of modified video-assisted gasless TEM (V-TEM) using a video system and no CO(2) insufflation of the rectum, and discuss our experience during past 10 years.

METHODS

217 patients, with a mean follow-up of 61 months, underwent V-TEM for adenoma (n = 102), Tis (n = 83), T1 (n = 28) and T2 (n = 4) rectal tumors, located 3-20 cm from the dentate line.

RESULTS

The mean size of the tumor was 39 mm, and the mean duration of the operation was 63 min including setup time, and the mean duration of hospital stay was 5.8 days. Seven (3.2%) patients underwent conversion to radical surgery owing to T1 with massive invasion or T2 tumors histopathologically. Two (0.9%) patients had recurrent disease which was managed by repeat V-TEM. The postoperative course in all patients was free from any significant complications. Transient fecal soiling was present in 12 (5.5%) patients. The cost of V-TEM was decreased compared to that of conventional TEM (USD 40000).

CONCLUSION

V-TEM was a cheap, safe, simple and minimally invasive procedure for benign and early cancer in the proximal rectum.

Effects of two vitamins, two growth factors and dexamethasone on the proliferation of rat bone marrow stromal cells and osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of the addition of five cytokines such as vitamin C, vitamin D, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and dexamethasone (Dex) to Dulbecco's modified Eagle (DME) medium on the proliferation of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats' bone marrow stromal cells and osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells by conducting 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. For bone marrow stromal cells, vitamin C was needed for doubling the cell viability. While BMP, TGF-beta and vitamin D maintained the growth rate given by vitamin C, Dex with beta-glycerophosphate (beta-GP) slightly reduced this cell proliferation rate. For MC3T3-E1 cells, the addition of four cytokines examined (vitamin C, vitamin D, TGF-beta and BMP) did not significantly increase the cell proliferation while Dex with vitamin C and beta-GP slightly enlarged the cell proliferation. It can be pointed out that vitamin C in DME medium is indispensable for rapid proliferation of bone marrow stromal cells that contain many osteo-progenitor cells but is not effective for quick increase of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. This finding appears to contribute to tissue engineering therapy to fix bone and periodontal defects in dentistry.

Two types of plastid ftsZ genes in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha

Two types of ftsZ genes (MpftsZ1 and MpftsZ2) were isolated from the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha by degenerate reverse transcription PCR. The MpFtsZ1 and MpFtsZ2 proteins are predicted to localize in chloroplasts. Genomic Southern analysis suggested that each ftsZ gene is a single-copy nuclear gene. Northern analysis confirmed that both genes are active. A phylogenetic tree constructed with the deduced MpFtsZ amino acid sequences suggests that MpFtsZ1 and MpFtsZ2 can be classified into the plant chloroplastic FtsZ1 and FtsZ2 families, respectively. This result suggests that two ftsZ families exist universally in land plants. The determination of the intron structures of both MpftsZ genes supported this hypothesis. The transformation of a sense MpftsZ2 overexpression construct into M. polymorpha produced a large chloroplast phenotype in a transgenic plant. The mean number of chloroplasts was 38.2 (standard deviation, 21.4; n = 200) in epidermal cells of wild-type plants, whereas the mean number of chloroplasts was 7.4 (standard deviation, 4.4; n = 200) in the transgenic plant. Southern analysis showed that the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter- MpftsZ2 construct was inserted in at least three positions. Northern analysis suggested that the high accumulation of MpftsZ2 mRNA blocked plastid division. Determination of the chlorophyll content and the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters suggested that the macrochloroplasts function like chloroplasts in wild-type plants under normal light conditions. However, the transgenic plant grew more slowly than did wild-type plants.

Cellular reactions to polylactide-based sponge and collagen gel in subcutaneous tissue

Polylactide copolymer and collagen are now used as bio-absorbable scaffold materials for restoration of lost oral tissues. Polylactide caprolactone (PLCL) sponge and collagen gel were examined for their cellular reactions when implanted in 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats' subcutaneous tissues for up to 8 weeks. The PLCL sponges were slowly absorbed by a mild chronic inflammation process in which multinucleated giant cells covered and slowly captivated the sponge surfaces without thick encapsulation. On the other hand, collagen gel was surrounded by thick inflammatory reaction zones and infiltrated by acute inflammation cells including neutrophils, lymphocytes and macrophages, and disappeared more rapidly. Although the bio-absorption process differed, both materials, when combined, appear to be useful scaffold materials for tissue engineering therapy in future dental practice.

Increased expression of interleukin 17 in inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Interleukin (IL) 17 is a cytokine which exerts strong proinflammatory activities. In this study we evaluated changes in IL-17 expression in the inflamed mucosa and in the serum of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS

Tissue samples were obtained endoscopically or surgically from patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) (n=20), Crohn's disease (CD) (n=20), infectious colitis (n=5), ischaemic colitis (n=8), and normal colorectal tissues (n=15). IL-17 expression was evaluated by a standard immunohistochemical procedure. Serum IL-17 levels were determined by ELISA. IL-17 mRNA expression was analysed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

IL-17 expression was not detected in samples from normal colonic mucosa, infectious colitis, or ischaemic colitis. In the inflamed mucosa of active UC and CD patients, IL-17 expression was clearly detectable in CD3(+) T cells or CD68(+) monocytes/macrophages. The average number of IL-17(+) cells was significantly increased in active UC and CD patients compared with inactive patients. IL-17 mRNA expression was not detected in normal mucosa but was detectable in the mucosa from active UC and CD patients. IL-17 was not detected in the sera from normal individuals, infectious colitis, or ischaemic colitis patients but IL-17 levels were significantly elevated in IBD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

IL-17 expression in the mucosa and serum was increased in IBD patients. It is likely that IL-17 expression in IBD may be associated with altered immune and inflammatory responses in the intestinal mucosa.

Fishing for bioactive substances from scorpionfish and some sea urchins

Venom proteins from the dorsal spine of two scorpionfish, Hypodytes rubripinnis and Synanceia verrucosa were assayed for mitogenicity and cytotoxicity. The two venoms had both mitogenic and cytotoxic activity on murine splenocytes and murine P388 leukemic cells. In H. rubripinnis, the second gel chromatographic fraction showed cytotoxic activity on P388 leukemic cells. On native PAGE, the glycoprotein isolated by concavalin A sepharose chromatography appeared to have a molecular mass of 110 kDa. In addition, two D-galactose-binding lectins (SUL-I and SUL-II) and a heparin-binding lectin (TGL-I) were purified from the globiferous pedicellariae of the toxopneustid sea urchins, Toxopneustes pileolus and Tripneustes gratilla, respectively. SUL-I (Nakagawa et al., 1999a) had mitogenic activity and cytotoxic activity but SUL-II and TGL-I did not. SUL-I did not show sequence homology to SUL-II. A hemolytic lectin with a molecular mass of 29 kDa was isolated from the coelomic fluid of T. gratilla. The hemolytic activity of the lectin was dependent on Ca2+ concentration and inhibited by lactose. The present results suggest that some species of scorpionfish and sea urchins may be novel sources for biologically active substances such as anti-tumor compounds or new lectins.

Characteristic transfer of colostrum-derived biologically active substances into cerebrospinal fluid via blood in natural suckling neonatal pigs

The characteristic transfer of colostral components into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) via serum after natural suckling has been studied by sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) electrophoresis, two-dimensional electrophoresis, immunoblot and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay methods in non-suckling pigs. Total protein concentrations in the serum increased immediately after first suckling, reached a peak value at 12 h, corresponding to a 2.3-fold compared with pre-suckling level. The protein concentration in CSF also increased and reached peak value at 6 h corresponding to 1.6-fold compared with presuckling level. IgG in serum not detected before suckling, increased steeply after suckling, IgG, IgM and IgA transported into the serum were observed in completely intact form by immunoblot method. The IgG transported into serum was quickly transferred into CSF after natural suckling in contrast to the case of bovine IgG. Serum concentration of transferrin was maintained at high level before suckling and was not changed by suckling. Transferrin also detected in CSF was not changed by suckling. Bovine lactoferrin (Lf) administered into the intestinal lumen was transported into serum (0.01%) and also detected in CSF after 6 h as undegraded form (3.1%). Thus, homologous IgG and bovine Lf are transported into CSF, suggesting that the transport of macromolecules into CSF is selective in neonatal pigs.

Application of internal standardization to rapid coprecipitation technique using lanthanum phosphate for flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination of iron and lead

By applying an internal standardization, we could use a rapid coprecipitation technique using lanthanum phosphate as a coprecipitant for preconcentration of iron(III) and lead in their flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination. Indium as an internal standard was added to the initial sample solution together with lanthanum and phosphoric acid; the coprecipitation of iron(III) and lead was then carried out at pH about 3. After measuring the atomic absorbances of iron, lead, and indium in the final sample solution, we determined the contents of iron(III) and lead in the original sample solution by using the internal standardization with indium. In this method, complete collection of the precipitate was not required after the coprecipitation of iron(III), lead, and indium, because the ratio of the recovery of iron(III) or lead to that of indium was almost constant regardless of the recovery of the precipitate. This method was simple and rapid, and was available for the determination of 2-300 micrograms L-1 of iron(III) and 5-400 micrograms L-1 of lead in some water samples.

Germinated barley foodstuff exhibits different adsorption properties for hydrophilic versus hydrophobic bile acids

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Germinated barley foodstuff (GBF), a type of dietary fiber, exhibits therapeutic effects in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. However, the precise mechanisms responsible for these effects are still under investigation. On the other hand, it has been suggested that bile salts in the gut lumen play an important role in the integrity of the intestinal mucosa. The aim of the present study was to investigate the ability of GBF to adsorb bile salts in vitro.

METHODS

The binding capacities of GBF, enzymatically digested GBF (GBF-fiber), and alpha-cellulose for unconjugated and conjugated bile salts were measured using Langmuir's method. The morphology of these fibers was observed by light and fluorescence microscopy.

RESULTS

GBF adsorbed bile salts very strongly, especially hydrophobic bile salts. Even after enzymatic digestion, the GBF fiber still exhibited strong binding capacity, whereas alpha-cellulose exhibited very low binding capacity. Microscopically, GBF consists mainly of aleurone, a lattice-like cell wall with cytoplasm enclosed. After enzymatic digestion, the cytoplasm was also digested.

CONCLUSION

GBF possesses a great capacity to adsorb bile salts. This may be part of the mechanism for the therapeutic effects of GBF in UC patients.

DTG thermal analyses and viscosity measurements of three commercial agar impression materials

Three commercial agar impression materials, two for clinical uses and one for dental laboratory, were examined for their thermal properties by differential thermogravimetric (DTG) thermal analyses and viscosity measurements. On DTG profiles, an endothermic peak along with weight loss at around 100 degrees C was observed on all three agar impression materials as a result of water evaporation. Two clinical agar impression materials were more susceptible to this trend than the remaining one dental laboratory agar impression material. The viscosity of three agar impression materials could be expressed in the exponential function of temperature. Viscosity at 46 degrees C of one dental laboratory agar impression material far exceeded those of two clinical agar impression materials. Monitoring the viscosity could facilitate the detailed analysis of setting process of agar impression materials upon cooling, and might be useful for future development of agar-based dental impression materials.

Interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha induce chemokine and matrix metalloproteinase gene expression in human colonic subepithelial myofibroblasts

BACKGROUND

Colonic subepithelial myofibroblasts may play a role in the inflammatory responses and in extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolism. In this study, we investigated the effects of interleukin (IL)-1beta and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha on chemokine (IL-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1) and ECM turnover (proliferation of subepithelial myofibroblasts, and secretion of ECM and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)) in colonic subepithelial myofibroblasts.

METHODS

Human colonic subepithelial myofibroblasts were isolated using the method described by Mahida et al. Chemokine and MMP expressions were determined by ELISA and Northern blotting. Nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB and NF-IL6 DNA binding activities were evaluated by electrophoretic gel mobility shift assays (EMSA).

RESULTS

IL-1beta and TNF-alpha did not affect the proliferation of subepithelial myofibroblasts, but stimulated the secretion of types I and IV collagens weakly. Unstimulated subepithelial myofibroblasts secreted a large amount of MMP-2, but a small amount of IL-8, MCP-1 and MMP-1. IL-1beta and TNF-alpha both induced a dose- and time-dependent increase in IL-8, MCP-1 and MMP-1 secretion, and weakly stimulated MMP-2 secretion. IL-1beta and TNF-alpha both rapidly evoked NF-kappaB DNA-binding activity. The inhibition of NF-kappaB activation markedly blocked both IL-1beta- and TNF-alpha-induced IL-8 and MCP-1 mRNA expression, but did not affect MMP-1 mRNA expression.

CONCLUSIONS

These observations indicate that chemokine secretion and ECM metabolism are collectively regulated by the proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha, in colonic subepithelial myofibroblasts. Thus, colonic subepithelial myofibroblasts may play an important role in the pathophysiology of inflammation in the colon.

Total mesorectal excision, lateral lymphadenectomy and autonomic nerve preservation for lower rectal cancer: significance in the long-term follow-up study

We clarify the significance of total mesorectal excision (TME), lateral lymphadenectomy (LLA), and of autonomic nerve preservation (ANP) compared to conventional surgery (CVS), for lower rectal cancer. All 458 patients curatively resected between 1962 and 1997 were retrospectively investigated. In Period I from 1962-1974, when CVS only was performed, in Period II from 1975-1984, TME or TME + LLA was performed, and in Period III from 1985-1997, TME + ANP, TME + ANP + LLA, or TME + LLA was performed. In Dukes A + B disease, there was no significant difference among the three periods, regardless of operation methods. In Dukes C disease, in Period I, CVS (42 patients: pts) had a local recurrence (LR) rate of 45.2% and 5-year disease-free survival (5YDFS) rate of 33.3%. In Period II, TME + LLA (82 pts) had a lower LR rate of 26.8% (p = 0.0628) and higher 5YDFS 51.0% (p < 0.05) vs CVS. In Period III, TME + ANP (12 pts) had LR 25.0% and 5YDFS 55.6%, TME + ANP + LLA (45 pts) had LR 13.3% (p < 0.005, vs CVS) and 5YDFS 56.1% (p < 0.01, vs CVS), and TME + LLA (18 pts) had LR 16.7% (p < 0.05, vs CVS) and 5YDFS 20.8%. Also, CVS had the lowest curability rate 64.8% and the highest mortality rate 7.2%. TME and/or LLA was significant for reducing LR and improving survival in patients with Dukes C lower rectal cancer, compared to CVS. ANP was beneficial with LLA. TME + ANP was suitable for Dukes A or B disease.

Over-etching effects on micro-tensile bond strength and failure patterns for two dentin bonding systems

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine (1) the weakest zone of resin-dentin bonds and (2) the relation between bond strength and failure mode to clarify the effect of demineralized dentin.

METHODS

Human premolars were sectioned to expose the dentin surfaces, and the dentin surfaces were conditioned with phosphoric acid for 15, 60, 120, or 180s. Resin-dentin bonded specimens were produced using two adhesives: One-Step (Bisco) and OptiBond Solo (Kerr). Each sample was sectioned to produce a beam (adhesive area: 0.9mm(2)). Microtensile bond tests were then conducted, and the mean bond strengths (n=12 for each group) were statistically compared using two-way ANOVA and Duncan's multiple-range test (p<0.05). The fractured surfaces of all specimens were examined using SEM, and the areas of failure were measured using an image analyzer.

RESULTS

For One-Step, the bond strength decreased with increase in acid-conditioning time (15s: 50.7+/-9.7, 60s: 40.8+/-11.0, 120s: 23.6+/-4.9 and 180s: 12.1+/-4.6MPa) (p<0.05). For OptiBond Solo, the bond strength in the case of 15s acid-conditioning time (42.6+/-7.9MPa) was significantly greater than that for the other times (60s: 31.9+/-10.3, 120s: 31.8+/-14.4 and 180s: 31.8+/-7.4MPa) (p<0.05). Fractography showed that the area percentage of the hybrid layer increased with increase in etching time for both systems.

CONCLUSIONS

The integrity of the hybrid layer, especially the top part, has an effect on bond strength.

Interleukin-17 stimulates chemokine (interleukin-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) secretion in human pancreatic periacinar myofibroblasts

BACKGROUND

Interleukin (IL)-17 is a newly identified T-cell-derived cytokine that can regulate the functions of a variety of cell types. In this study, we investigated the effects of CD4+ T-cell-derived cytokines on chemokine secretion in human pancreatic periacinar myofibroblasts.

METHODS

The secretion of IL-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 was evaluated by ELISA and Northern blot. The expression of IL-17 receptor (R) was analyzed by Northern blot and a binding assay using 125I-labeled IL-17. The activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) was assessed by an electrophoretic gel mobility shift assay (EMSA).

RESULTS

IL-17 induced a dose-dependent increase in IL-8 and MCP-1 secretion. The effects of IL-17 on IL-8 and MCP-1 mRNA abundance reached a maximum as early as 3 h. and then gradually decreased. IL-17 and IFN-gamma synergistically increased IL-8 secretion and additively enhanced MCP-1 secretion. IFN-gamma induced a weak increase in IL-17R mRNA abundance, but incubation with IFN-gamma for 24 h had no effects on 125I-labeled IL-17-binding, indicating that the co-stimulatory effects of IL-17 and IFN-gamma were not regulated by the modulation of IL-17R expression. Furthermore, IL-17 induced a rapid increase in NF-kappaB DNA-binding activity, and the combination of IL-17 and IFN-gamma further enhanced NF-kappaB DNA-binding activity.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, it becomes clear that IL-17 is an inducer of IL-8 and MCP-1 secretion in human pancreatic periacinar myofibroblasts. The combination of IL-17 with IFN-gamma further enhances chemokine secretion. These findings indicate a linkage between T-cell-mediated immunity and inflammatory responses in the pancreas.

Ambulatory monitoring of behavior in daily life by accelerometers set at both-near-sides of the joint

In this paper we examined a new joint motion monitoring method by use of accelerometers to monitor subjects' detailed motion in daily activities. In this method two accelerometers are set at as near points of both sides around the joint as possible. The difference between these two sensors' outputs mainly depend on the joint angle because the centrifugal and the turning acceleration occurred by the rotation around the joint can be neglected. In the experiments we tried to monitor various subject's behaviors of his upper and lower extremities and whole body motion, and could show this method is useful for the ambulatory monitoring of behavior in daily life.

Structural characterization of the O-antigenic polysaccharide chain of Porphyromonas circumdentaria NCTC 12469

Structural studies were carried out on an O-antigenic polysaccharide moiety derived from Porphyromonas circumdentaria NCTC 12469, a reference strain of Porphyromonas species. The polysaccharide chain was composed of D-glucose, D-galactose, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine in a molar ratio of 1:2:1:1. On the basis of results from 1H- and 13C-NMR spectroscopic analyses including COSY, TOCSY, and HMQC experiments together with results of Smith degradation, methylation analysis, and partial acid hydrolysis, it is concluded that the polysaccharide chain has a pentasaccharide repeating unit of -->6)-beta-D-Glcp-(1-->6)-beta-D-Galp-(1-->3)-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1-->3)-beta-D-GalpNAc-(1-->. The immunoreaction between P. circumdentaria LPS and the corresponding antiserum was strongly inhibited by the pentasaccharide fragment (Glc-Gal-Gal-GlcNAc-GalNAc) isolated from partial acid hydrolysis of the above polysaccharide, suggestive of O-antigen specific antibodies in the used antiserum.

Circular stapling procedure for mucosal prolapse of the rectum associated with outlet obstruction

The aim of this study was designed to investigate the outcome from using the new circular stapling device in the surgical treatment for mucosal prolapse of the rectum associated with outlet obstruction. The treatment consisted of resection of the mucosal prolapse through a transverse incision and resecting a suitable part of the mucosa between the rectum and the anal canal, using an HCS33 circular stapler. Eleven patients successfully underwent this operation without morbidity or mortality, and were assessed clinically and by rectoanal manometry and defecography pre- and post-operation. The mean operating time was 39 (range 22-49) min. The postoperative proctalgia and complications were mild, and the patients were discharged at 4 days after the operation. The pre-operative constipation was improved, and the patient's satisfaction was increased at one month after operation in comparison with the preoperative level. Rectoanal function test at 6 months after the operation demonstrated normalization of the maximum resting and squeezing pressures of the anal canal and rectal compliance to the normal levels. No patient has had recurrence of symptoms during the follow-up period. Our data suggest that this procedure may be a useful surgical treatment, as it causes little postoperative complication and enables early discharge of the patients. However, long-term outcomes of recurrence, continence, and constipation need to be evaluated in a more extended follow-up.

Scandium ion-promoted photoinduced electron-transfer oxidation of fullerenes and derivatives by p-chloranil and p-benzoquinone

In the presence of scandium triflate, an efficient photoinduced electron transfer from the triplet excited state of C(60) to p-chloranil occurs to produce C(60) radical cation which has a diagnostic NIR (near-infrared) absorption band at 980 nm, whereas no photoinduced electron transfer occurs from the triplet excited state of C(60) (3C(60)) to p-chloranil in the absence of scandium ion in benzonitrile. The electron-transfer rate obeys pseudo-first-order kinetics and the pseudo-first-order rate constant increases linearly with increasing p-chloranil concentration. The observed second-order rate constant of electron transfer (k(et)) increases linearly with increasing scandium ion concentration. In contrast to the case of the C(60)/p-chloranil/Sc(3+) system, the k(et) value for electron transfer from 3C(60) to p-benzoquinone increases with an increase in Sc(3+) concentration ([Sc(3+)]) to exhibit a first-order dependence on [Sc(3+)], changing to a second-order dependence at the high concentrations. Such a mixture of first-order and second-order dependence on [Sc(3+)] is also observed for a Sc(3+)-promoted electron transfer from CoTPP (TPP(2-) = tetraphenylporphyrin dianion) to p-benzoquinone. This is ascribed to formation of 1:1 and 1:2 complexes between the generated semiquinone radical anion and Sc(3+) at the low and high concentrations of Sc(3+), respectively. The transient absorption spectra of the radical cations of various fullerene derivatives were detected by laser flash photolysis of the fullerene/p-chloranil/Sc(3+) systems. The ESR spectra of the fullerene radical cations were also detected in frozen PhCN at 193 K under photoirradiation of the fullerene/p-chloranil/Sc(3+) systems. The Sc(3+)-promoted electron-transfer rate constants were determined for photoinduced electron transfer from the triplet excited states of C(60), C(70), and their derivatives to p-chloranil and the values are compared with the HOMO (highest occupied molecular orbital) levels of the fullerenes and their derivatives.

Efficiency of using frozen-thawed testicular sperm for multiple intracytoplasmic sperm injections

PURPOSE

To compare fertilization and pregnancy rates of fresh and frozen-thawed testicular sperm injections (TESE-ICSI).

METHODS

Sperm collected from the testes of 28 azoospermic patients by an open testicular biopsy technique was used for initial ICSI or cryopreserved.

RESULTS

Fresh-sperm ICSI treatment (28 cycles) resulted in a 58.1% fertilization rate and a 32.1% clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer, while frozen-thawed sperm (24 subsequent cycles) had rates of 54.5 and 29.2%, respectively. The PR was lower using frozen-thawed sperm from nonobstructive azoospermia patients (9.1%) than from obstructive azoospermia patients (46.2%). PR declined to 0% upon the fourth ICSI attempt.

CONCLUSIONS

Fertilization, embryo cleavage, and pregnancy rates were unaffected by fresh or frozen-thawed sperm use. A 57.1% cumulative clinical PR was achieved using the latter. The PR was significantly lower using frozen-thawed sperm from nonobstructive azoospermia patients than from obstructive azoospermia patients.

Survey on occupational health management of VDT workers among 84 Japanese companies

This survey of 84 companies described the present status of occupational health management of VDT workers in Japan, in relation to the official Guideline (Guidelines on Occupational Health for VDT Work, 1985). The majority admitted 80% or more of their workers engage in VDT works. Four hours of VDT work per day was widely used as a criteria for the eligibility to the VDT health examination. Some specific measurement was performed at health examination among 54.8% of the companies. The most popular item was "near vision." A larger number of follow-up measures was performed with ophthalmic cases than with muscloskeletal cases. From these findings, with consideration to the results of the preceding literatures, we made 8 suggestions for the on-going revision of the Guideline: 1) including recommendation for flat panel display and portable computers, 2) widening target of VDT health education also to general workers, 3) clarification of the categorization of VDT workers, 4) offering practical measures to secure off VDT period, 5) use of subjective symptoms to screen high-risk workers, 6) supply of the latest scientific information on each measuring item, 7) periodical revision to provide state-of-the-art management, and 8) clear statement of the purpose and limitation of the Guideline.

Sequential changes in luminal microflora and mucosal cytokine expression during developing of colitis in HLA-B27/beta2-microglobulin transgenic rats

BACKGROUND

Transgenic rats expressing HLA-B27 and human beta2-microglobulin (HLA-B27 rats) spontaneously develop chronic colitis resembling human inflammatory bowel disease. We investigated the sequential changes in the luminal bacterial flora and mucosal cytokine mRNA expression in this model.

METHODS

HLA-B27 rats were maintained in a specific pathogen-free environment, and luminal microflora was evaluated by standard bacterial culture technique. The expression of mucosal cytokine mRNA was analysed by RT-PCR methods.

RESULTS

Clinical symptoms of colitis appeared at 8 weeks of age. The total number of obligate anaerobes was higher than those of facultative anaerobes during the experimental period. At 6 weeks of age, the colonization of Bacteroides spp., Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. was already detectable at high concentrations, whereas Clostridium spp. and Eubacterium spp. were not detected. The expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-Ibeta, IL-8 and TNF-alpha) appeared at 8 weeks of age, and these were detectable until 17 weeks. A similar pattern was observed in the expression of Th1 cytokines (IL-2, IL-12 and IFN-gamma). On the other hand, the expression of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-beta) was weak. IL-4 mRNA expression was weakly detectable only at 6 and 8 weeks of age. The expression of IL-10 and TGF-beta mRNA was scarcely detectable throughout the experimental period.

CONCLUSION

The development of colitis may be mediated by both the predominant expression of Th1 cytokines and the weakness of Th2 cytokine expression in the mucosa. The colonization of anaerobic bacteria, especially Bacteroides spp., may be initiating and promoting these cytokine responses.

Pregnancy achieved following ICSI from a man with Klinefelter's syndrome and spinal cord injury

Klinefelter's syndrome and spinal cord injury are major causes of male infertility. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a relatively new method of assisted reproduction. A testicular biopsy was obtained from a patient with the double complications of non-mosaic 47,XXY Klinefelter's syndrome and spinal cord damage, and motile spermatozoa were collected. ICSI was then performed. Of the four sperm-injected oocytes, three became fertilized and cleaved. Two embryos were implanted, resulting in a single pregnancy with visible evidence of a heartbeat appearing at 6 weeks gestation. The pregnancy is now entering its 20th week. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of a pregnancy resulting from the sperm of a patient with double complications.

Birth of healthy twins from in vitro development of human refrozen embryos

OBJECTIVE

To avoid the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and promote pregnancy rate by freezing pronuclear embryos at the oocyte retrieval and using developed refrozen supernumerary embryos in the event of failed pregnancies.

DESIGN

A case study.

SETTING

Private IVF center.

PATIENT(S)

Healthy infertile woman undergoing IVF treatment.

INTERVENTION(S)

Slowly frozen and rapidly refrozen embryos at varying stages of embryonic development were transferred.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Survival rate of refrozen and thawed embryos; safety of refrozen embryo transference.

RESULT(S)

Fertilized pronuclear embryos that were frozen, thawed, and developed to morula embryos were subsequently vitrified, rethawed, and cultured until blastocyst formation before transfer. Healthy fraternal twins were born by caesarian section. The result of transfer was the novel finding of a successful delivery after the use of refrozen embryos.

CONCLUSION(S)

The transfer of refrozen supernumerary embryos resulted in successful pregnancy and delivery. We will continue to investigate the safety and efficacy of the elective freezing of all embryos as well as their refreezing so that supernumerary embryos can be reused to avoid ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome or in cases of repeated failed pregnancies.

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum diagnosed 25 years after the onset of cardiovascular disease

A 63-year-old man who had experienced cerebral infarction and myocardial infarction at an early age, and repeatedly underwent coronary angioplasty was admitted to our hospital for cardiac evaluation. A coronary angiography showed complex multi-vessel disease with significant stenosis in all major vessels and coronary-artery bypass grafts. A funduscopic examination to evaluate hypertensive and diabetic changes revealed angioid streaks. Therefore, a skin biopsy was performed despite the absence of characteristic skin lesions. Histopathologic examinations revealed calcification and fragmentation of elastic fibers. Therefore, he was finally diagnosed as having pseudoxanthoma elasticum 25 years after the onset of cardiovascular disease.

[A case of lung metastasis from colon cancer treated successfully with combined chemotherapy of CPT-11 and 5'-DFUR]

The patient was a 52-year-old woman who had sigmoid colon cancer with liver metastasis and multiple lung metastases. Resection of curability B was performed, and alternating adjuvant chemotherapy consisting of hepatic artery injection of 5-FU and systemic administration of CPT-11 was performed. Lung recurrence was found and no antitumor effect of chemotherapy was observed, so the CPT-11 which had been administered every other week was given every week in a dose of 60 mg/body, half of the original dose. Moreover, 5'-DFUR was administered in a dose of 800 mg/day every day. As a result, lung metastasis tumors were reduced markedly. Adverse events such as nausea, vomiting and depilation were mitigated, and no other toxicity was observed. The patient could thus be treated extremely safely in the outpatient clinic. This was considered to be a valuable case suggestive of the significance of combination chemotherapy of CPT-11 and 5'-DFUR and the importance of appropriate administration of CPT-11.

[Cellular immunotherapy for local recurrence of rectal cancer after surgery by activated lymphocyte administration--a case report]

Intrapelvic recurrence of the rectal cancer after surgery is a challenging status. We report here a case of intrapelvic tumor due to the recurrence of rectal cancer postoperatively treated by adoptive cellular immunotherapy.

CASE REPORT

A 57-year-old Japanese man with an intrapelvic tumor showing bone destruction due to the recurrence of rectal cancer after abdomino-peritoneal resection was diagnosed by CT scan. He consented to simultaneous adaptive cellular immunotherapy for local recurrent lesions by administration of the activated lymphocytes. The tumor sample used for the activation of PBMC was obtained by operation. Tumor cells were prepared by mincing and enzymatic digestion of the tumor sample, and they were irradiated with a dosage of 50 Gy. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the same patient. PBMC for about 2 weeks to prepare cells for treatment were obtained from the blood sample. One million PBMC were incubated in 2 ml of the culture medium containing 10(5) irradiated autologous tumor cells and 100 IU/ml recombinant IL-2. The activated PBMCs, as autologous cancer specific killer T cells, were administered by direct regional injection (from 2 million to 8 x 10(7) cells). These injections were given repeatedly about once a week at 2-week intervals for three months. The surface phenotypes of activated PBMC or PBMC were tested by two color immunostaining technique with anti-CD3, -CD4, -CD8 and also anti-CD16, -CD25 or -CD56. Natural killer cell activity was also investigated. The clinical outcome was evaluated by CT scan and serum CEA levels. In the cultured activated PBMCs, NK cell activity was 40%, both CD3 and CD4 positive cells was 30%, and both CD3 and CD8 positive cells was 48%. There were far more CD8 cells than CD4 cells. In the PBMC, NK cell activity had increased, both CD3 and CD4 positive cells had decreased and both CD3 and CD8 positive cells had increased. There were then predominantly more CD8 cells than CD4 cells by repeated administration of the cultured activated PBMCs. The only adverse effect was grade 2 fever. Serum CEA levels fell from 293.7 ng/ml to 160 ng/ml, but the tumor size on the CT scan was slightly increased except for the directly administered region. We have been observing him as an outpatient.

Cloning and sequencing of two genes encoding chitinases A and B from Bacillus cereus CH

Two genes encoding chitinases A and B (chiA and chiB) from Bacillus cereus CH were cloned into Escherichia coli XL1-Blue MRF', by using pBluescript II SK+, and their nucleotide sequences were determined. Open reading frames of the chiA and chiB genes encoded distinct polypeptide chains consisting of 360 and 674 amino acid residues, respectively, with calculated molecular sizes of 39,470 and 74,261 Da, respectively. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequences with those of other bacterial chitinases revealed that chitinase A consisted of a catalytic domain, while chitinase B consisted of three functional domains, a catalytic domain, a fibronectin type III-like domain, and a cellulose-binding domain. The primary structures of these two proteins were not similar to each other.

The clinical utility of contrast-enhanced 3D MR angiography for cerebrovascular disease

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of contrast-enhanced 3D MR angiography (CE-MRA) with an automated bolus-detection algorithm (SmartPrep technique) and the specialized phased-array coils for the patients suspected cerebrovascular disease. Forty-three patients with brain attack were examined with CE-MRA. A tracker volume of SmartPrep technique was placed along the ascending aorta in the coronal image. After the bolus injection of gadolinium, an increase in signal that corresponded to the arrival of gadolinium was used to trigger centric re-ordered spoiled gradient echo arterial selective MRA with imaging time of 20-40 sec. We were able to achieve a 100% successful triggering rate of SmartPrep technique and selectively arterial-phase carotid and vertebral arteries with almost no venous contamination could be delineated. These techniques enabled high resolution imaging of entire craniocervical arteries from aortic arch to the circle of Willis. This CE-MRA was useful to evaluate both occlusion of arteries and the collateral pathways and to measure stenosis and residual flow of dissection accurately. CE-MRA was a reliable less-invasive alternative to investigate the patients of cerebrovascular disease.

Coprecipitation with lanthanum phosphate as a technique for separation and preconcentration of iron(III) and lead

The usefulness of coprecipitation with lanthanum phosphate for separation and preconcentration of some heavy metals has been investigated. Although lanthanum phosphate coprecipitates iron(III) and lead quantitatively at pH 2.3, iron(II) can barely be collected at this pH. This coprecipitation technique was applicable to the separation and preconcentration of iron(III) before inductively coupled plasma atomic-emission spectrometric (ICP-AES) determination; the recoveries of iron(III) and iron(II) from spiked water samples were 103-105% and 0.2-0.7%, respectively. The coprecipitation was also useful for separation of 20 microg lead from 100 mL of an aqueous solution that also contained 1-100 mg iron. Coprecipitation of iron was substantially suppressed by addition of ascorbic acid, which enabled recovery of 97-103% of lead added to the solution, bringing the recovery to within 1.6-5.0% of the relative standard deviations. Lanthanum phosphate can also coprecipitate cadmium and indium quantitatively, although chromium(III), cobalt, and nickel and large amounts of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium are barely coprecipitated at pH approximately/= 3.

The usefulness of restorative laparoscopic-assisted total colectomy for ulcerative colitis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of laparoscopic-assisted total colectomy with ileal J-pouch anal anastomosis in comparison with that of conventional open total colectomy in patients with ulcerative colitis. From 1990 until 1999, 11 patients underwent open total colectomy, while 21 patients had laparoscopic-assisted total colectomy. Patients characteristics, perioperative course, and recovery were compared. Differences between the groups were tested using Student's t-test for independent groups and chi-square tests when appropriate. Nasogastric tube could be removed after POD 1.1 vs. 4.8 (p < 0.05), the mean time to passage of stool was 1.7 (range, 1 to 3) vs. 5.4 (range, 3 to 7) days (p < 0.05), and in the laparoscopic group watery stool was soon made solid after POD 24.3 vs. 87.3 (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in the mean operating time and mean estimated operating blood loss between two groups. Postoperative morbidity did not differ significantly between the patients treated conventionally (45.5%) and laparoscopically (33.3%). The findings of this study indicate that laparoscopic-assisted total colectomy improved cosmetic results and to be a safe and effective treatment for the elective surgery of ulcerative colitis.