Clinical and simulator wear study of alumina ceramic THR to 17 years and beyond

Three THAs with cementless monolithic alumina ceramic sockets and cementless Co-alloy stems were retrieved because of aseptic loosening after 17 and 24 years. At revision heads and cups were marked for orientation. Maps were drawn of wear patterns with the use of light microscopy and surveyed by SEM. In a simulator experiment 28-mm-diameter alumina heads and liners were used. The cups were mounted inverted in a hip simulator and run with calf serum as the lubricant. The hip loads were 2 kN maximum and a 1-Hz frequency for 20 million cycles. Wear severity was classified into five grades. In retrieved implants, SEM analysis showed that the main wear zones (MWZ) had Grade 4 wear. The peripheral wear zones (PWZ) showed grain pull-out regions (Grade 5 wear). These corresponded to neck-socket impingement and head-acetabular cup separation. Gray was due to transferred CoCr particles from the stem. In the simulator study, the MWZ had only localized areas of grain pull out surrounded by polished surface regions (Grade 4 wear) at 20 million cycles; stripe wear was not seen. The alumina ceramic bearings proved excellent up to 22 years in simulator studies and clinical studies. However, microseparation kinematics would be necessary in the simulator to duplicate the more peripheral wear zones.

Effects of stool dilution on the faecal Helicobacter pylori antigen test

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effects of stool dilution on the results of the faecal Helicobacter pylori antigen test.

METHODS

Stool samples from nine children with H. pylori infection were diluted with normal saline at dilutions of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 times, and optical density (OD) was measured.

RESULTS

The faecal H. pylori antigen test yielded positive results for all samples at dilutions of 1:10 and less, although the sample from the case whose original stool showed the lowest OD value changed from positive to negative at a dilution of 1:50.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that stools at dilutions of less than 1:10 usually do not yield false-negative results in the faecal H. pylori antigen test, even in patients with low faecal antigen levels.

Homogeneous climate variability across East Antarctica over the past three glacial cycles

Recent ice core studies have raised the disturbing possibility that glacial-interglacial climate changes may be non-uniform across Antarctica. These findings have been confined to records from the Ross Sea sector of the continent, but significant deviations in other areas would call into question the widely assumed validity of the climate record obtained from Vostok, East Antarctica, on large spatial scales. Here we present an isotopic profile from a core drilled at Dome Fuji, situated 1,500 km from Vostok in a different sector of East Antarctica. The two records show remarkable similarities over the past three glacial cycles (the extent of the Dome Fuji record) in both large-amplitude changes, such as terminations, interglacials and interstadials and more subtle glacial events, even when the origin of precipitation is accounted for. Our results indicate that Antarctic climate is essentially homogeneous at the scale of the East Antarctic Plateau, possibly as a consequence of the symmetry of the plateau and the adjacent ocean.

Combination therapy with polymyxin B-immobilized fibre haemoperfusion and teicoplanin for sepsis due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

The aim of the present study was to determine whether treatment with polymyxin B-immobilized fibre (PMX-F) haemoperfusion, teicoplanin, or both in combination is effective in patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) sepsis. Sixty patients with MRSA sepsis were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: (A) PMX-F treatment (N=15), (B) teicoplanin treatment (N=15), (C) PMX-F and teicoplanin in combination (N=20) and (D) conventional therapy (N=10). PMX-F treatment was repeated twice. Teicoplanin was administered by intravenous injection. Plasma endotoxin levels were determined by endospecy test. Plasma endotoxin levels were reduced in groups A and C (P<0.05). Survival rates were 53, 47, 90, and 20% in groups A, B, C and D, respectively (group C versus group A, P<0.05; group C versus group B, P<0.01; group C versus group D,P <0.001). The mean duration of stay was 44, 42, 28 and 56 days in groups A, B, C and D, respectively. Our data suggest that combination therapy with PMX-F and teicoplanin is effective for sepsis caused by MRSA.

Epstein-Barr virus infections of the central nervous system

OBJECTIVE

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a lymphotropic herpes virus causing infectious mononucleosis (IM), also causes various central nervous system (CNS) infections. In the present study, EBV CNS infections were investigated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

For adult inpatients in our hospital and related hospitals between 1984-2002, CNS syndromes with IM symptoms were examined, and serologic positives were assessed according to established criteria. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from seven patients.

RESULTS

Ten patients with EBV-related CNS infections were found; their mean age was 36 years (20-79 years). The neurologic forms were as follows: acute encephalitis (4 patients), acute cerebellar ataxia (1), acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) (2), myelitis (1), and meningitis (2). The PCR from CSF was positive in two patients with meningitis, one patient with ADEM, and one patient with encephalitis-associated chronic EVB infection. One case of encephalitis and another of relapsing ADEM were attributed to chronic EBV infection.

CONCLUSION

Our study identified a variety of EBV-related CNS infections. EBV CNS infections are divided into two groups: 1) CNS syndromes associated with primary EBV or reactivated infection, and 2) those associated with chronic EBV infection; it is notable that in the former, diverse CNS syndromes including ADEM can occur, whereas in the latter, chronic or recurrent CNS syndromes are produced.

A case of adult influenza A virus-associated encephalitis: magnetic resonance imaging findings

A 27-year-old man presented with fever, convulsive seizure, and sudden impairment of consciousness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities were found in the bilateral thalami, including the brain stem and white matter. The possibility of a previous influenza A virus infection was considered, and cerebrospinal fluid cells and interleukin-6 were elevated. The MRI findings closely resembled those found in cases of childhood acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE). The present case suggests that adult influenza A virus-associated encephalitis/encephalopathy or ANE can occur during winter influenza epidemics.

Acute viral encephalitis: the recent progress

In the new Japanese control law for infectious diseases, most varieties of acute viral encephalitis belong to Category IV requiring report of all cases at sentinel hospitals. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) encephalitis comprises the majority of cases. With the increased prevalence of diagnostic procedures such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), several forms of HSV-1, and -2 central nervous system (CNS) infections, including acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, brainstem encephalitis, and myelitis, have been clarified. Since 1990 we have conducted a survey of HSV CNS infections in the Kyushu and Okinawa regions, and the data are reviewed here. Trends include an increase in a new subtype of non-herpetic acute limbic encephalitis. In contrast, the incidence of Japanese encephalitis (JE) in Japan has dramatically decreased to a few patients per year; however, JE remains a threat for those with decreased or absent immunity to the JE virus. Imported emerging and reemerging CNS infections such as Murray Valley and West Nile encephalitis can occur in Japan. Influenza-associated encephalitis/encephalopathy is also described as a threat for adults as well as young children.

Recurrent herpes simplex virus type 2 meningitis: a case report of Mollaret's meningitis

It is well known that herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2 produces acute meningitis, while HSV type 2 rarely causes recurrent meningitis (Mollaret's meningitis). We report the history of a 40-year-old patient with recurrent HSV type 2 meningitis (Mollaret's meningitis). The patient had seven episodes of meningeal symptoms within a 7-year period. In the seventh episode, HSV type 2 DNA was confirmed by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). A real-time quantitative PCR study of the first CSF sample detected 2,000 copies of the HSV genome, which rapidly disappeared following treatment with acyclovir. The present case may be the first case of HSV type 2 Mollaret's meningitis to be documented in Japan. In our case, HSV serum antibody titers were at low levels during the whole course of the disease. The possible pathophysiology of this case is discussed.

Cerebrospinal fluid levels of cytokines and soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor in acute disseminated encephalomyelitis

We determined the concentrations of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-10, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and soluble TNF receptor 1 (sTNFR1) in CSF from 18 patients with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) to investigate the role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of the disease in the acute stage. Cytokines and sTNFR1 were measured by ELISA. The CSF IL-6, IL-10, TNF-alpha, and sTNFR1 concentrations were elevated in 16, 13, 3, and 11 of the 18 patients with ADEM, respectively. CSF concentrations of IL-10 and sTNFRI correlated positively with each other in the patients (P<0.01). Myelin basic protein levels in CSF of the patients with elevated CSF sTNFR1 levels were significantly higher than those in CSF of the patients with normal CSF sTNFR1 levels (P<0.05). IL-1beta and IFN-gamma were not elevated in CSF. Our results suggest that IL-6 and TNF-alpha mediate inflammation in the central nervous systems in ADEM. We speculated that TNF-alpha is related to demyelination and that IL-10 is induced to modulate TNF-alpha-induced inflammation in ADEM.

CONCLUSION

these findings suggest that cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-alpha, soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor 1, interleukin-6, and interleukin-10 are related to the pathogenesis of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in the acute stage.

Herpesvirus infections of the central nervous system

In recent years, advances in the diagnosis and treatment of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) have been achieved due to the prevalence of antiviral drugs and the introduction of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to test the cerebrospinal fluid. The several clinical forms of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infections of the central nervous system (CNS), including acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and brainstem encephalitis, have been clarified. However, fatal, prolonged, or relapsed cases are still observed, and early detection and appropriate treatment is necessary to lead to a good prognosis for these intractable HSE cases. In adult HSV-2 infections, meningitis and myelitis associated with genital herpes are common. In the past, HSV-2 myelitis has been reported as a form of fatal necrotizing myelopathy; however, using PCR and magnetic resonance imaging studies, mild surviving cases are increasingly likely to be identified. Meanwhile, various CNS syndromes resulting from the herpes group viruses, including varicella-zoster virus and Epstein-Barr virus have also been reported. These herpesviruses have several characteristics in common, e.g., they exist in the latent state and they occur in both mucocutaneous and CNS infections. Adult HSV-1 and -2 infections of the CNS are discussed together with other herpes group virus infections of the CNS.

A one-step conversion of benzene to phenol with a palladium membrane

Existing phenol production processes tend to be energy-consuming and produce unwanted by-products. We report an efficient process using a shell-and-tube reactor, in which a gaseous mixture of benzene and oxygen is fed into a porous alumina tube coated with a palladium thin layer and hydrogen is fed into the shell. Hydrogen dissociated on the palladium layer surface permeates onto the back and reacts with oxygen to give active oxygen species, which attack benzene to produce phenol. This one-step process attained phenol formation selectivities of 80 to 97% at benzene conversions of 2 to 16% below 250 degrees C (phenol yield: 1.5 kilograms per kilogram of catalyst per hour at 150 degrees C).

Comparative study between daily and 5-days-a-week administration of oral 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy in mice: determining the superior regimen

BACKGROUND

Oral administration of derivatives of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is currently used to treat colorectal cancer in the United States. Oral chemotherapy possesses certain advantages: it is simple, easy to administer, and has few side effects. We compared conventional daily oral administration of 5-FU (daily schedule) with administration on 5 consecutive days followed by 2 drug-free days (5-days-a-week schedule) in a mouse tumor model.

METHODS

The maximal tolerated dose (MTD) in the 5-days-a-week schedule and in the daily schedule were determined in 6-week-old non-tumor-bearing CDF1 male mice. In antitumor experiments, CDF1 mice were inoculated subcutaneously with Colon26 cells (1x10(6) per mouse). Antitumor efficacy was evaluated in terms of the ratio of tumor size in treated to control mice (T/C ratio).

RESULTS

The MTD of 5-FU in the 5-days-a-week schedule was 42 mg/kg, and in the daily schedule was 29 mg/kg. In the 5-days-a-week schedule dose escalation nearly 1.4 times that in the daily schedule was possible, although the total dose over 7 days was similar between the two schedules (203 mg/kg and 210 mg/kg, respectively). When the doses of 5-FU were compared under the condition of no body weight loss, the 5-days-a-week schedule produced a comparative dose escalation of 2.1 times per day (from 20 to 42 mg/kg), and 1.5 times per total weekly amount (from 140 to 210 mg/kg) compared to the daily schedule. With regard to the antitumor effect as indicated by the T/C ratio, the 5-days-a-week schedule produced over 70% tumor suppression, whereas the daily schedule produced only 50% suppression at the MTD. Therapeutic efficacy was calculated in terms of the ratio of body weight change to antitumor effect (T/C ratio), and revealed that the MTD of 42 mg/kg 5-FU in the 5-days-a-week schedule produced a therapeutic efficacy almost three times that of the MTD of 29 mg/kg 5-FU in the daily schedule (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Using oral administration of 5-FU, we confirmed that the 5-days-a-week schedule allowed dose intensity escalation and was superior to the daily schedule in both enhancement of antitumor effect and protection against adverse effects.

Differentiation of Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 in sera of patients with HSV central nervous system infections by type-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

OBJECTIVE

To differentiate by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using type-specific glycoprotein G herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and type 2 in serum collected from patients with HSV central nervous system (CNS)infections.

METHODS

HSV 1 and 2 typing in convalescent sera of 17 patients with HSV acute encephalitis, myelitis, or meningitis was determined by the type-specific IgG ELISA kit (Gull Laboratory, Inc.). HSV CNS infections were diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or conventional serologic tests from acute to convalescent stages.

RESULTS

In 13 of 17 patients, HSV type 1 and HSV type 2 antibodies were positive; 11 patients with HSV type 1 and 2 patients with HSV type 2 were found. All 10 patients with encephalitis showed equivocal or positive results for HSVtype 1. In two of three cases of myelitis, HSV type 1 was demonstrated. Each case of myelitis and meningitis reacted to both types 1 and 2.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that the kit is useful for type differentiation of HSV CNS infections from convalescent sera, and can play a supplementary role in HSV typing by PCR or previous serologic tests.

Therapeutic effect and mechanism of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in Parkinson's disease

The therapeutic effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on clinical performance was assessed by a double-blind study in 9 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Nine other patients underwent sham stimulation as controls. The modified Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) staging scale, the Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scale, and the Unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS) were used to assess changes of clinical performance. Patients were assessed prior to and following 2 months of rTMS. In addition, the mechanism of rTMS was investigated by dopamine and homovanillic acid (HVA) in the lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 17 patients before and after therapeutic rTMS for three or four months. rTMS was applied manually to the frontal areas 60 times per session, i. e., 30 times per side using a large circular coil, a pulse intensity of 700 V, and a frequency of 0.2 Hz. Sessions were continued once a week for 2 months. The 9 control patients showed no changes of symptoms between the initial evaluation and that after 2 months of sham rTMS. In contrast, all 9 patients receiving rTMS showed a significant decrease of the modified H&Y and UPDRS scores after 2 months, while the Schwab and England ADL Scale scores increased significantly. In the second CSF sample from patients receiving rTMS, HVA showed a significant decrease These results suggest that rTMS is beneficial for the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and that it may act via inhibition of dopaminergic systems.

Neurosyphilis showing transient global amnesia-like attacks and magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities mainly in the limbic system

We report a case of neurosyphilis with transient global amnesia (TGA)-like attacks on the first presentation. MRI abnormalities in bilateral limbic systems, including a few lesions in the basal ganglia and thalamus, were identified. Depression and dementia became apparent, accompanied by a high treponemal antibody titer and mild cortical atrophy. Antisyphilitic therapy brought about mild improvement, and the MRI abnormalities decreased.

Magnetic circular dichroism of 3d5/2 --> 2p3/2 resonant inelastic X-ray scattering at the Ho L(III)-edge in Ho3Fe5O12

Magnetic Circular Dichroism (MCD) of Resonant Inelastic X-ray Scattering (RIXS) of 3d(5/2) --> 2p(3/2) decay (Ho Lalpha1) was measured at the Ho L(III)-edge in Ho3Fe5O12. The MCD-RIXS, in which the intermediate state has the 2p4f(n+1) configuration due to the quadrupolar transition of 2p --> 4f, was also observed at the pre-edge region of the Ho L(III)-edge. The obvious superposition of two peaks, which comes from the high-energy off-resonant Raman scattering and the fluorescence, could be found in both the RIXS and the MCD-RIXS when the energy of the incoming X-ray was 7eV higher than the white line. The dependence of the integration of the MCD-RIXS spectra on the incident x-ray energy could roughly reproduce the MCD of X-ray absorption spectra (XAS).

An easy method for the intraluminal administration of peppermint oil before colonoscopy and its effectiveness in reducing colonic spasm

BACKGROUND

Systemic administration of a cholinergic blocking agent or glucagon is used to reduce spasms, but it is inconvenient and sometimes causes side effects. This study is an evaluation of the intracolonic administration of peppermint oil during colonoscopy for the control of colonic spasm.

METHODS

Each patient in the treated group (n = 409) was given approximately 200 mL of the solution (a mixture of 8 mL of peppermint oil and 0.2 mL of Tween 80 per 1 L of water with 0.04% indigo carmine) by using a hand pump attached to the accessory channel of the colonoscope. Changes in patient posture were made to distribute the solution. The patients in the control group (n = 36) were given the solution without peppermint oil.

RESULTS

A satisfactory spasmolytic effect was seen in 88.5% of the treated patients and in 33.3% of those in the control group (p<0.0001). No adverse effect was observed. The mean time to onset was 21.6 +/- 15.0 seconds, and the effect continued for at least 20 minutes. In patients with irritable bowel syndrome, efficacy was significantly lower (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The intraluminal administration of peppermint oil by using a hand pump is a simple, safe, and convenient alternative to the systemic injection of a cholinergic blocking agent or glucagon during colonoscopy.

Platelet monoamine oxidase B and plasma beta-phenylethylamine in Parkinson's disease

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the correlation between changes in platelet monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) activity and plasma beta-phenylethylamine (PEA) concentrations in patients with Parkinson's disease and controls.

METHODS

Platelet MAO-B activity and plasma PEA were measured with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in patients with Parkinson's disease treated with levodopa (12 men and 12 women) or selegiline (three men and three women), and physically healthy subjects as a control group (10 men and 10 women).

RESULTS

Platelet MAO-B activity was significantly higher in the Parkinson's disease group (mean 542 (SD 318) pmol/10(7) platelets/30 min) than in the control group (mean 349 (SD 307) pmol/10(7) platelets/30 min) (p<0.05). By contrast, the plasma PEA concentrations in patients with Parkinson's disease were significantly lower than in the control group (mean 532 (SD 243) pg/ml; 931 (SD 560) pg/ml) (p<0.01). The plasma PEA concentrations in patients with Parkinson's disease treated with selegiline were prominently higher than in patients with no selegiline treatment (p<0.001). There was a significantly negative correlation between platelet MAO-B activity and plasma PEA concentrations in patients (n=24, r=-0.466, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The increase in platelet MAO-B activity and decrease in plasma PEA concentrations in patients with Parkinson's disease may be involved in the pathophysiological processes of the disease, and these changes are reversed by treatment with selegiline.

Regulation of endothelin-1 production in cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is secreted from all rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) examined, in addition to endothelial cells (ECs). An average secretion rate of ET-1 from rat VSMCs was determined to be 10% that excreted from ECs. We examined the effects of 22 substances on ET-1 secretion from VSMCs and compared them with those from ECs. Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta), acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors, epidermal growth factor, angiotensin II, and adrenaline stimulated ET-1 secretion from VSMCs, whereas forskolin, thrombin, and platelet-derived growth factor-BB reduced it. Only TGF-beta and phorbol ester elicited consistent effects on ET-1 secretion from VSMCs and ECs. Regulation of ET-1 and adrenomedullin secretion from VSMCs was distinctly different. These data suggest that ET- 1 production in VSMCs is regulated by a mechanism separate from that in ECs and from adrenomedullin production in VSMCs. Chromatographic analysis showed immunoreactive ET-1 secreted from VSMCs was mainly composed of big ET- 1, whereas approximately 90% of that from ECs was ET-1. By TGF-beta stimulation of VSMCs, the ratio of big ET-1 to ET-1 was further increased. Because big ET-1 is converted into ET-1 only on the surface of the ECs in the culture system, big ET-1 secreted from the VSMCs may function as a mediator transmitting a signal from VSMCs to ECs in vivo.

Herpes simplex virus myelitis: clinical manifestations and diagnosis by the polymerase chain reaction method

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) myelitis has previously been reported to be a form of acute ascending necrotizing myelitis caused by HSV type 2 (HSV-2). We studied neurological symptoms, clinical course, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and diagnosis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods in 9 patients with HSV myelitis. In 6 cases, disease onset was marked by sensorimotor disturbances of lower extremities and urinary disturbances, with the transverse myelopathy gradually ascending to the cervicothoracic spinal cord level. The other 3 cases showed transverse myelopathy without an ascending pattern. Six cases showed acute progression, while 3 cases showed a subacute course. There were 2 cases with recurrent episodes. Three patients recovered, however, in the remaining 6 patients severe sequelae such as paraplegia persisted despite antiviral therapy. MRI showed a hyperintense lesion on T2-weighted images. Gadolinium enhancement was observed in 2 cases, and 1 case showed a hyperintense lesion both on T1- and on T2-weighted images, suggesting hemorrhagic necrosis. HSV-2 was detected by PCR techniques in all 6 cases with an ascending pattern. HSV-1 DNA was detected in 2 and HSV-2 DNA in 1 of the 3 cases with a nonascending pattern. Our findings demonstrate diverse clinical manifestations of HSV myelitis.

Mutation analysis of transforming growth factor beta type II receptor, Smad2, Smad3 and Smad4 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Mutations of the transforming growth factor beta type II receptor (TGFbetaRII) gene and Smad family genes have been observed in several human cancers. However, there has been no report on mutation analysis of the entire coding regions of these genes in esophageal cancer, and the role of these genes in the development of esophageal cancer remains unknown. We performed polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism analysis of TGFbetaRII, Smad2, Smad3 and Smad4 genes and microsatellite assay in 20 esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCC). We detected polymorphisms at exon 2 of Smad3 and intron 6 of Smad4. No mutation was found in TGFbetaRII, Smad2, Smad3 and Smad4 genes. These results suggest that mutation of TGFbetaRII, Smad2, Smad3 and Smad4 genes is a rare event in ESCC.

Androgen-regulated expression of a novel member of the aldo-keto reductase superfamily in regrowing rat prostate

The rat prostate is dependent on androgen for normal growth and differentiation. In addition, the organ undergoes rapid cell death upon withdrawal of androgen on castration, and the atrophied tissue is capable of regrowth after androgen replacement in adult animals. In our search for novel factor(s) that participate in this androgen-induced proliferation of adult rat prostate cells, we have generated a complementary DNA (cDNA) library enriched in cDNAs transiently up-regulated after androgen stimulation in castrated rat ventral prostate using a PCR-based subtractive hybridization technique. Sequence analysis of about one hundred clones in the library showed that approximately 70% of them are identical or closely related to genes of known function, the remaining ones showing no or very low similarity to any genes characterized previously. Among the former a new member of the rat aldo-keto reductase superfamily that is closely related to aflatoxin, B1 aldehyde reductase has been identified. The newly identified protein (androgen-inducible aldehyde reductase, AIAR) and rat aflatoxin B1 aldehyde reductase (AFAR) exhibit 80% amino acid sequence homology. The enzymatic activity toward 4-nitrobenzaldehyde of recombinant AIAR expressed in Escherichia coli was about 16% of that of rat AFAR. Northern blot analysis revealed AIAR expression in various adult rat tissues in addition to the ventral and dorsolateral prostates, which differs from the highly restricted expression of AFAR in the kidney and liver. The AIAR messenger RNA (mRNA) content of the ventral prostate was low in normal and castrated rats, transiently increased after androgen administration to castrated rats, attaining a peak 12-24 h after the treatment. Although the physiological substrate(s) of AIAR has not been identified, the current results suggest that AIAR expression is associated with some growth-related processes in regrowing rat prostate.

Hemoperfusion with polymyxin B-immobilized fiber attenuates the increased plasma levels of thrombomodulin and von Willebrand factor from patients with septic shock

AIMS

The present study assessed whether plasma levels of thrombomodulin and von Willebrand factor (vWF) are altered in patients with septic shock and whether treatment with polymyxin B-immobilized fiber (PMX-F) affects these levels.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients with septic shock and 20 normal healthy controls were included in this study. Plasma levels of thrombomodulin and vWF were measured by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). The treatments with direct hemoperfusion using PMX-F column on patients with septic shock were repeated twice for 2 h each. Healthy controls were not subjected to hemoperfusion.

RESULTS

13 of 24 patients with septic shock survived (survival rate was 54.2%). Levels of blood endotoxin decreased significantly from 41.2 +/- 4.8 pg/ml at baseline to 13.2 +/- 3.6 pg/ml after direct hemoperfusion. Systolic blood pressure increased significantly from 82 +/- 6 mm Hg at baseline to 118 +/- 12 mm Hg after treatment. The patients with septic shock demonstrated significantly increased plasma levels of thrombomodulin (p < 0.001) and vWF (p < 0.001) compared with those in healthy controls. These increased levels of plasma thrombomodulin and vWF in patients with septic shock decreased significantly after treatment with PMX-F (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that plasma thrombomodulin and vWF may be related to septic shock and that PMX-F is effective in reducing these factors in patients with septic shock.

Repeated haloperidol treatment decreases sigma(1) receptor binding but does not affect its mRNA levels in the guinea pig or rat brain

The effects of chronic treatment with haloperidol on sigma (sigma) receptors were investigated across brain regions and species. The regional distribution of [3H](+)-pentazocine binding to sigma(1) receptor was similar between the guinea pig and rat brains. The highest level of binding was detected in the brain stem and lowest in the striatum and hippocampus. The regional distribution of [3H]1, 3-di (2-tolyl) guanidine ([3H]DTG) binding in the presence of 100 nM (+)-pentazocine to sigma(2) receptor was similar to that of the [3H](+)-pentazocine binding in the guinea pig brain, while in the rat brain high levels of [3H]DTG binding were detected in the cortex, frontal cortex and cerebellum. The intraperitoneal administration of 2 mg/kg of haloperidol to guinea pig and rats once a day for 21 days produced inhibition of [3H](+)-pentazocine binding but did not affect [3H]DTG binding to sigma(2) receptors in any brain region examined. The effects of haloperidol on [3H](+)-penazocine binding in the rat were much weaker than those in the guinea pig. The regional distribution of the level of sigma(1) receptor mRNA determined by the ribonuclease protection assay was similar to that of the [3H](+)-pentazocine binding activity, except in the cortex and cerebellum where the levels of sigma(1) receptor mRNA were low in guinea pig and rat. Treatment with haloperidol did not affect the levels of sigma(1) receptor mRNA in any brain region in either species. These findings suggested that the sigma receptors differentially distributed in brain regions are down regulated by treatment with haloperidol across sigma receptor subtypes and animal species without changing the transcriptional activity of the sigma(1) receptor. The mechanisms by which sigma receptors could be differently regulated in vivo by chronic treatment with haloperidol in different species may contribute to the therapeutic efficacy of haloperidol.

Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering Studies on Nucleation Formation of Dextran Precipitation in the Presence of Boron

In the present study, the nucleation formation process of dextran precipitation in the presence of boron was investigated by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) techniques. The formation mechanism of aggregates or nuclei is very important in the initial step of crystallization. SAXS measurement is an excellent technique for observing these processes. The results of SAXS measurement suggest that boron, as a trace impurity, induces the aggregating of dextran molecules intermolecularly as a process in the nucleation formation of dextran precipitate nuclei and causes precipitation of dextran through an elongation process. These reactions occur readily at low boron concentrations. In fact, boron, which was detected at low levels in dextran solutions, was concentrated in the precipitates. Therefore, an aqueous solution of boron-free dextran should be resistant to precipitation. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

Polymyxin b-immobilized fiber reduces increased plasma endothelin-1 concentrations in hemodialysis patients with sepsis

We studied whether plasma endothelin (ET)-1 concentrations are altered in patients with septic shock who are undergoing hemodialysis and whether polymyxin B-immobilized fiber (PMX-F) treatment affects on these concentrations. Fifteen hemodialysis patients with septic shock treated with PMX-F (group A), 10 such patients who received conventional treatments (group B), 20 hemodialysis patients without septic shock (group C) and 20 healthy controls (group D) were included in this study. Plasma ET1 levels were measured by radioimmunoassay and endotoxin levels were determined by endospecy test. The survival rate in group A (67%) was higher than that in group B (30%). Blood endotoxin levels decreased significantly from 36.4+/-8.2 pg/mL to 10.6+/-3.8 pg/mL (p < 0.01) after PMX-F treatment in group A. The pretreatment plasma ET-1 levels in patients in group A (58.6+/-9.8 pg/mL) and group B (56.8+/-7.8 pg/mL) were significantly higher than those in group C (p < 0.01) and group D (p < 0.001). Plasma ET-1 levels in group C (11.2+/-3.2 pg/mL) were higher than those in group D (2.6+/-0.6 pg/mL) (p < 0.01). Plasma ET-1 levels following hemodialysis (10.9+/-3.0 pg/mL) were not altered significantly compared with those before hemodialysis. Plasma ET-1 levels decreased significantly in group A after PMX-F treatment (11.4+/-3.6 pg/mL) (p < 0.01); the levels in group B were not altered after conventional treatment. Our data suggest that ET-1 may be associated with septic shock in patients undergoing hemodialysis and that PMX-F is effective in reducing plasma ET-1 levels in these patients.

Identification and characterization of a PDZ protein that interacts with activin type II receptors

We have identified a mouse PDZ protein that interacts with the activin type IIA receptor (ActRIIA), which we named activin receptor-interacting protein 1 (ARIP1). By using yeast two-hybrid screening, we isolated a cDNA clone of ARIP1 from a mouse brain cDNA library. We detected two forms of ARIP1, ARIP1-long and ARIP1-short, which may be produced by alternative splicing. ARIP1-long had one guanylate kinase domain in the NH(2)-terminal region, followed by two WW domains and five PDZ domains (PDZ1-5). ARIP1-short had a deletion in the NH(2)-terminal region and lacked the guanylate kinase domain. Both forms interacted with ActRIIA through PDZ5. The COOH-terminal residues of ActRIIA (ESSL) agree with a PDZ-binding consensus motif, and ARIP1 recognized the consensus sequence. ARIP1 interacts specifically with ActRIIA among the receptors for the transforming growth factor beta family. Interestingly, ARIP1 also interacted with Smad3, which is an activin/transforming growth factor beta intracellular signaling molecule. The mRNA of ARIP1 was more abundant in the brain than in other tissues. Overexpression of ARIP1 controls activin-induced and Smad3-induced transcription in activin-responsive cell lines. These findings suggest that ARIP1 has a significant role in assembling activin signaling molecules at specific subcellular sites and in regulating signal transduction in neuronal cells.

Increased cerebrospinal fluid levels of substance P in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Short communication

To clarify the mechanism of brain and spinal cord impairment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), we measured the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of substance P (SP) in 11 patients with sporadic ALS. Findings were compared with those obtained in controls and diseased controls. The CSF SP levels of patients with ALS, and particularly in patients with a disease duration of less than 2.5 years, were significantly higher than those in controls. These findings strongly suggested that SP may play an important role in the pathophysiology of ALS.

Production of recombinant Der fI (a major mite allergen) by Aspergillus oryzae

Der fI is a major mite allergen. To produce Der fI by Aspergillus oryzae, we placed a DNA fragment encoding precursor-type recombinant Der fI E(-1)K (reDer fI E(-1) K), which had the C-terminal amino acid of the pro-sequence (Glu) changed to Lys, downstream of the glaA gene promoter and introduced it into Aspergillus oryzae. In liquid culture, most of the reDer fI E(-1)K produced by the transformants was degraded when culture was shaken vigorously. However, the degradation of reDer fI E(-1)K was suppressed when it was shaken gently. The processed reDer fI E(-1)K could be obtained after lysylendopeptidase and endoglycosidase Hf (Endo Hf) treatment. The yield of processed reDer fI E(-1)K was 8 mg/l. When the transformant was grown on a wheat bran culture, the yield of processed reDer fI E(-1)K reached 48 mg/kg. Because processed reDer fI E(-1)Ks obtained from both cultures had almost the same IgE-binding activity and elicited the same skin reaction as native Der fI, they could be very useful for diagnostic purposes or immunotherapy.

Treatment with polymyxin B-immobilized fiber reduces platelet activation in septic shock patients: decrease in plasma levels of soluble P-selectin, platelet factor 4 and beta-thromboglobulin

OBJECTIVE

To clarify whether plasma concentrations of soluble P-selectin, platelet factor-4 (PF-4) and beta-thromboglobulin (betaTG) are altered in patients with septic shock and whether polymyxin B-immobilized fiber (PMX-F) treatment affects these changes.

SUBJECTS

Thirty patients with septic shock who were treated with PMX-F (group A), 20 such patients who received conventional therapies (group B) and 20 healthy control subjects(group C).

METHODS

ELISA using commercial kits. Endotoxin elimination by direct hemoperfusion using PMX-F.

RESULTS

Blood endotoxin levels decreased significantly from 49.4+/-8.8 pg/ml to 13.0+/-4.5 pg/ml after PMX-F treatment. The pretreatment plasma concentrations of soluble P-selectin, PF-4 and betaTG in patients in groups A and B were significantly higher than those in group C (p<0.001). Plasma concentrations of these factors decreased significantly in group A after PMX-F treatment (p<0.01); however, the concentrations in group B were not altered after conventional treatment. The survival rate of group A (60%) was higher than that of group B (30%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that soluble P-selectin, PF-4 and betaTG may be associated with septic shock and that PMX-F is effective in reducing these markers in patients with septic shock.

cDNA cloning and distribution of the Xenopus follistatin-related protein

Recently, several proteins which have a follistatin module have been isolated. One of them, the follistatin-related protein (FRP), is encoded by TSC-36 (TGF-beta-stimulated clone 36) in mouse, originally isolated as a cDNA clone up-regulated by TGF-beta1 in mouse osteogenic MC3T3E1 cells. To determine the physiological role of FRP in early Xenopus embryonic development, we cloned the Xenopus FRP (xFRP) cDNA. The resulting cDNA clone was a secreted glycoprotein consisting of 299 amino acid residues with about 70% similarity to the mammalian and avian FRPs. Northern blotting analysis revealed that xFRP gene expression started at stage 10, the onset of gastrulation, gradually increased during the blastula and neurula stages and was sustained through the tail-bud stage. Whole-mount in situ hybridization analysis showed the localization of xFRP mRNAs in the Spemann organizer, notochord, neural floor plate, hypochord and somite. The similarities with the pattern of expression of Xenopus follistatin mRNA suggests that xFRP may play a role in neuralization.

Intracellular effects of nitric oxide on force production and Ca2+ sensitivity of cardiac myofilaments

The gaseous free radical nitric oxide (NO*) has been implicated in a wide range of physiological functions and also has a role in the pathogenesis of cellular injury. It has been suggested that NO* and its congeners may exert effects on actin-myosin crossbridge cycling by modulating critical thiols on the myosin head. To understand the mode and site of actin of NO* in myofibrils, the effects of the NO* donor 3-(2-hydroxy-1-methyl-2-nitrosohydrazine)-N-methyl-1-propanamine (NOC-7) have been studied in Triton X-100-treated rabbit cardiac fibers, in which isometric force was measured at controlled degrees of activation. Experiments were undertaken after previous exposure of the preparations to NOC-7 (for 30 min). We found that NO* induced several alterations of myofibrillar function, i.e., decrease in Ca2+ sensitivity and Hill coefficient and potentiation of rigor contracture. We attributed the effect on rigor contracture to strong inhibition of myofibrillar creatine kinase (CK) activity, because it could be prevented by exogeneously added CK; such CK inactivation afforded by NO* may result in the myofibrillar ATP-to-ADP ratio. In further experiments, concentration of NO* released from NOC-7 was determined by the electron spin resonance spin-trapping technique; N-(dithiocarboxy)sarcosine-Fe2+ complex was used as the spin-trap. NO* at cumulative concentration of 0.69 microM was effective in producing both enhancement of rigor contracture and decrease of myofibrillar-bound CK activity; however, Ca2+-sensitivity (pCa50) was significantly decreased at >5.6 microM of NO*, suggesting a result from different mechanisms. Thus, the observed decrease in Ca2+ sensitivity seems to be associated with direct modification of the regulatory proteins by a relatively higher concentration of NO*, and possibly not via inhibition of myofibrillar CK activity. The data reported here indicate that CK may be a pathophysiologically main target for increased NO* formation at low molecular range in the disease state in cardiac muscle.