Rotational acetabular osteotomy with a resection of the lateral edge of the acetabulum for the treatment of advanced coxarthrosis

INTRODUCTION

We compared the functional and radiological results of a rotational acetabular osteotomy (RAO) with and without a resection of the lateral edge of the acetabulum. The purpose of the resection was to obtain good joint congruency.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

RAO was performed on 71 hips to treat advanced coxarthrosis caused by acetabular dysplasia. RAO without a resection (non-resection group) was performed in 54 patients (57 hips) with a median age of 43.1 years. The remaining 14 patients (14 hips), who had a median age of 44.6 years, received RAO with a resection of the lateral edge of the acetabulum (resection group).

RESULTS

The average postoperative total hip joint score was better than the average preoperative score in the non-resection group (P < 0.001), but not in the resection group. In the resection group, all hips displayed progressive osteoarthritic change and ten hips had chondrolysis of the hip joint and a collapse of the transferred acetabulum within 3 years. In the non-resection group, 15 hips showed progressive osteoarthritic change, 24 hips had no change, and 18 hips showed a decrease in the osteoarthritic stage.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrated that resection of the lateral edge of the acetabulum is not a useful adjunct to the RAO procedure for the treatment of advanced coxarthrosis.

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and angiogenesis in patellar tendon grafts in the early phase after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

The aim of this study was to clarify vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and angiogenesis in the patellar tendon (PT) autograft in the early phase after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using a rabbit model. The right knees of 30 Japanese white rabbits underwent ACL reconstruction using the medial third of the PT complex. We evaluated the grafted tendon at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 weeks after ACL reconstruction by immunohistology for proliferating cell nuclear antigen, VEGF, and CD31, which is a marker for vascular endothelial cells. At week 1 , few cells were observed at the midsubstance of the grafted tendon. A number of proliferating cells were observed at the surface area of the PT graft 2 weeks after graft transplantation, while no vessel formation was observed in the graft at the same time. VEGF was highly expressed 2-3 weeks postoperatively. Vessel formation in the PT graft increased with time from 3 to 8 weeks after ACL reconstruction. The rates of proliferating cells and VEGF-expressing cells decreased with time from 3 to 8 weeks. This study has suggested that VEGF is involved in the graft remodeling process particularly at the early phase after ACL reconstruction.

Improvement of Functional Properties of Whey Protein Isolate Through Glycation and Phosphorylation by Dry Heating

Whey protein isolate (WPI) was glycated with maltopentaose (MP) through the Maillard reaction, and the MP-conjugated WPI (MP-WPI) was then phosphorylated by dry heating in the presence of pyrophosphate. Glycation occurred efficiently, and the sugar content of WPI increased approximately 19.9% through the Maillard reaction. The phosphorylation of MP-WPI was enhanced with an increase in the dry-heating time from 1 to 5 d, and the phosphorus content of WPI increased approximately 1.05% by dry heating at pH 4.0 and 85 degrees C for 5 d in the presence of pyrophosphate. The electrophoretic mobility of WPI increased with an increase in the phosphorylation level. The stability of WPI against heat-induced insolubility at pH 7.0 was improved by conjugation with MP alone, and further improved by phosphorylation. Although the emulsifying activity of WPI was barely affected by glycation and phosphorylation, the emulsifying stability of phosphorylated MP-WPI (5 d), was 2.2 times higher than that of MP-WPI. Gelling properties such as hardness, resiliency, and water-holding capacity of heat-induced WPI gel were markedly improved, and the gel was rendered transparent by phosphorylation. The calcium phosphate-solubilizing ability of WPI was enhanced by phosphorylation. These results suggested that phosphorylation by dry heating in the presence of pyrophosphate after conjugation with MP is a useful method for improving the functional properties of WPI.

Phospholipase C-delta1 and -delta3 are essential in the trophoblast for placental development

Phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PLC) is a key enzyme in phosphoinositide turnover and is involved in a variety of physiological functions. We analyzed PLCdelta1 knockout mice and found that PLCdelta1 is required for the maintenance of skin homeostasis. However, there were no remarkable abnormalities except hair loss and runting in PLCdelta1 knockout mice, even though PLCdelta1 is broadly distributed. Here, we report that mice lacking both PLCdelta1 and PLCdelta3 died at embryonic day 11.5 (E11.5) to E13.5. PLCdelta1/PLCdelta3 double-knockout mice exhibited severe disruption of the normal labyrinth architecture in the placenta and decreased placental vascularization, as well as abnormal proliferation and apoptosis of trophoblasts in the labyrinth area. Furthermore, PLCdelta1/PLCdelta3 double-knockout embryos supplied with a normal placenta by the tetraploid aggregation method survived beyond E14.5, clearly indicating that the embryonic lethality is caused by a defect in trophoblasts. On the basis of these results, we conclude that PLCdelta1 and PLCdelta3 are essential in trophoblasts for placental development.

Dynamics of neural crest-derived cell migration in the embryonic mouse gut

Neural crest-derived cells that form the enteric nervous system undergo an extensive migration from the caudal hindbrain to colonize the entire gastrointestinal tract. Mice in which the expression of GFP is under the control of the Ret promoter were used to visualize neural crest-derived cell migration in the embryonic mouse gut in organ culture. Time-lapse imaging revealed that GFP(+) crest-derived cells formed chains that displayed complicated patterns of migration, with sudden and frequent changes in migratory speed and trajectories. Some of the leading cells and their processes formed a scaffold along which later cells migrated. To examine the effect of population size on migratory behavior, a small number of the most caudal GFP(+) cells were isolated from the remainder of the population. The isolated cells migrated slower than cells in large control populations, suggesting that migratory behavior is influenced by cell number and cell-cell contact. Previous studies have shown that neurons differentiate among the migrating cell population, but it is unclear whether they migrate. The phenotype of migrating cells was examined. Migrating cells expressed the neural crest cell marker, Sox10, but not neuronal markers, indicating that the majority of migratory cells observed did not have a neuronal phenotype.

Development of software for internal dose calculation from bioassay measurements

Recently developed biokinetic models of ICRP permit increasingly realistic descriptions of the behaviour of radionuclides in the human body. This, however, has made the interpretation of bioassay data extremely difficult. Thus computer programs for implementing these models are in need, but very few are available. The present work describes personal-computer-based software, MONDAL2 (monitoring to dose calculation ver. 2), that enables users to estimate intake activity and the resulting effective doses from bioassay measurements for both workers and members of the public. This software runs on Microsoft Windows 95, 98, Millennium edition, 2000 or XP. If the system is to be fully copied to a hard disk, hard disk space of 23 MB is required. This software is distributed by the National Institute of Radiological Sciences free of charge.

Runx2 expression and action in chondrocytes are regulated by retinoid signaling and parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP)

OBJECTIVE

Runx2 (also known as Cbfa1) is a transcription factor required for chondrocyte maturation and osteoblast differentiation. While there is information on the regulation of its expression during osteogenesis, much less is known about it during cartilage maturation. Here we asked whether Runx2 expression and function are affected by retinoic acid (RA) and parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP), which represent an important stimulator and inhibitor of chondrocyte maturation, respectively.

DESIGN

We first cloned and characterized Runx2 expressed by chick chondrocytes (cRunx2). We then constructed expression vectors of cRunx2 and a dominant-negative form (DN-cRunx2) and determined their effects on chondrocyte maturation in culture before and during retinoid and PTHrP treatment.

RESULTS

cRunx2 showed similar transactivation activity to that of its mammalian counterparts although it has a very short QA domain and lacks a small portion of the PST domain. cRunx2 over-expression stimulated chondrocyte maturation, as indicated by increases in alkaline phosphatase activity (APase), mineralization, and type X collagen and MMP-13 expression, and by maintenance of Indian hedgehog (Ihh) expression. RA treatment stimulated cRunx2 gene expression and boosted its pro-maturation effects. PTHrP treatment blocked Runx2 expression and its pro-maturation effects. Over-expression of DN-cRunx2 inhibited maturation and even prevented RA from exerting its pro-maturation role.

CONCLUSIONS

As previously indicated by mammalian studies, cRunx2 has chondrocyte pro-maturation activity. Its expression and roles are favorably modulated by retinoid signaling but are completely inhibited by PTHrP. A model integrating cRunx2 with PTHrP, Ihh and retinoid signaling and operating during skeletogenesis is proposed.

Database of calculated values of retention and excretion for members of the public following acute intake of radionuclides

Intakes of radionuclides can be estimated from measurements of radioactivity in the whole body or in specific organs or in excreta by comparing them with predicted retention or excretion data calculated using standard biokinetic models. For occupational exposure monitoring, data are presented by ICRP for 29 radionuclides in Publication 78 (1997) and by the authors for 42 radionuclides as electronic look-up tables in Microsoft Excel. In the present work, values of retention and excretion were computed for selected radionuclides inhaled or ingested by members of the public. Graphs were constructed from the computed results showing the predicted monitoring data as functions of time following acute intakes of radionuclides. A graphical database was assembled on the Web site http//www.nirs.go.jp/RPD/ to provide a tool for the interpretation of bioassay measurements.

The usefulness of prevention consolidation therapy of esophageal varices using an argon plasma coagulation technique

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: esophageal variceal ligation (EVL) has been spread widely as a simple and effective method for treating esophageal varices. However, in view of the unacceptably high rate of recurrence associated with this technique, the availability of other supplemental consolidation therapies has been earnestly desired. Under these circumstances, attempts such as endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) have been made for this particular therapeutic purpose. In the current study, we tested the clinical usefulness and safety of the argon plasma coagulation technique (APC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: 11 patients with imminent signs of esophageal varix rupture in our hospital were subjects in the present study. Before APC was performed, these patients underwent EVL with consequent improvement of esophageal varices from F3 (largest sized varices) to disappear or F1 (straight). RESULTS: the patients were followed up for a mean post-treatment period of 637.4 (SD +/-56.5) days, and no obvious recurrence of varices in the so-called critical area was noted. In addition, no serious complications were observed. CONCLUSION: our current clinical study has demonstrated that APC may be an effective prevention consolidation therapy after EVL without serious complications.

Clinical study of vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials and auditory brainstem responses in patients with brainstem lesions

A total of 13 patients, who were diagnosed with localized brainstem lesions using MRI, were investigated. The diagnoses were multiple sclerosis in five patients, brainstem hemorrhage in three patients, pontomedullary infarction in one patient and Wallenberg's syndrome in four patients. In addition, 42 ears of 21 normal adult volunteers were also examined. In a patient with upper brainstem lesions mainly affecting the midbrain, the auditory brainstem response (ABR) was abnormal but the vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) was normal. In four patients with middle brainstem lesions which mainly affected the pons, both ABR and VEMP were abnormal. In five patients with lower brainstem lesions which mainly affected the medulla, the ABR was normal but the VEMP was abnormal. In those patients with middle-to-lower brainstem lesions, a disappearance of VEMP reactions, delay of the positive-negative (PN) wave, increase in PN interpeak latency and decrease in PN amplitude on the affected side were confirmed. In conclusion, the VEMP test comprises a useful new diagnostic method for identifying lower brainstem lesions.

Participation of Cbfa1 in regulation of chondrocyte maturation

OBJECTIVE

Cbfa1 is a transcription factor, which is classified into the runt family. The mice lacking this gene display complete loss of bone formation, indicating that Cbfa1 is an essential factor for osteoblast differentiation. The Cbfa1-deficient mice also show an abnormality in cartilage development. Although cartilage anlagens are well formed in these mice, endochondral ossification is blocked, and most of chondrocytes fail to differentiate into their maturation form as characterized by the absence of type X collagen and low levels of alkaline phosphatase activity. It is suggested that Cbfa1 may participate in chondrocyte differentiation. In this study, we have investigated the role of Cbfa1 in chondrocytes during their cytodifferentiation in vitro.

DESIGN

To investigate the role of Cbfa1 in regulation of chondrocyte differentiation, we over-expressed Cbfa1 or its dominant negative form in cultured chick chondrocytes using a retrovirus (RCAS)system and examined changes in chondrocyte behaviour induced by the introduced genes.

RESULTS

Mature chondrocytes isolated form the cephalic portion of sterna seemed to express Cbfa1 more prominently than immature chondrocytes isolated from the one-third caudal portion of sterna. Over-expression of Cbfa1 in immature chondrocytes strongly stimulated alkaline phosphatase activity and matrix calcification. In contrast, expression of a dominant negative form of Cbfa1, which lacks the C-terminal PST domain, severely inhibited alkaline phosphatase activity and matrix calcification in mature chondrocytes.

CONCLUSION

Taken together with the observation that Cbfa1 transcripts dominantly localized in hypertrophic chondrocytes as well as in osteoblasts, it is suggested that Cbfa1 plays an important role in the progression of chondrocyte maturation.

Induction of micronuclei in a rat alveolar epithelial cell line by alpha particle irradiation

Dose-response relationships for the induction of micronuclei were characterised in the rat alveolar epithelial cell line (SV40T2) exposed to either alpha particles(241Am: 3.2 MeV, 128 keV.micron-1, 0.093 Gy.min-1 at the cell-Mylar interface) or X rays (200 kVp, 1 Gy.min-1). The frequency of micronucleus formation was 1.6-3.0% for unirradiated subjects but increased for irradiated ones in a dose-dependent manner. A linear relationship between the dose and the micronucleus formation was observed until 1 Gy for alpha particles and 4 Gy for X rays. The linear slope for alpha particles was 28.5% per Gy and the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) was 4.3, as calculated from the slopes. The slope for alpha particles was dependent on the energy of the alpha particles. These results indicate that the micronucleus assay is available for biodosimetry of alpha particle irradiation in the rat alveolar epithelial cells, although consideration should be given to the range of the linearity and the LET of alpha particles.