Effect of transgenic GDNF expression on gentamicin-induced cochlear and vestibular toxicity

Gentamicin administration often results in cochlear and/or vestibular hair cell loss and hearing and balance impairment. It has been demonstrated that adenovirus-mediated overexpression of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) can protect cochlear hair cells against ototoxic injury. In this study, we evaluated the protective effects of adenovirus-mediated overexpression of GDNF against gentamicin ototoxicity. An adenovirus vector expressing the human GDNF gene (Ad.GDNF) was administered into the scala vestibuli as a rescue agent at the same time as gentamicin, or as a protective agent, 7 days before gentamicin administration. Animals in the Rescue group displayed hearing thresholds that were significantly better than those measured in the Gentamicin or Ad.LacZ/Gentamicin groups. In the Protection group, Ad.GDNF afforded significant preservation of utricular hair cells. The data demonstrated protection of the inner ear structure, and rescue of the inner ear structure and function against ototoxic insults. These experiments suggest that inner ear gene therapy may be developed as a clinical tool for protecting the ear against environmentally induced insults.

Long-term restoration of masticatory function with fixed mandibular implants in cases of oral cancer

The results of the present study show that the fixed mandibular implant system enables patients who have operations to treat oral cancer to use a stabilized denture continuously over an extended period of time.

Effects of intestinal muscular wrapping on remnant intestinal motility after massive small bowel resection in conscious canines

We searched the effect of the muscular valve on the management of short bowel syndrome. The motility of the remnant intestine with a special muscular valve after 80% massive distal small bowel resection (MSBR) was evaluated in conscious dogs. The valve (muscular ring) was made by the autointestinal muscle layer holding vascular pedicle. Interdigestive and postprandial bowel motility using bipolar electrodes and/or contractile strain gauge force transducers 2-4 weeks after the surgery, and data of this group (Group I) were compared to the motility in dogs after MSBR without valve construction (Group II) and in controls (Control). Results; Fasting duodenal migrating myoelectric (or motor) complexes (MMCs) in Group I occurred at longer intervals than in Control and almost similarly to those in Group II. MMCs arising from the duodenum were often interrupted before the jejunum above the valve and the anastomosis. The velocity of duodenal MMC propagation was slowed in every intestinal segment including that from the duodenum to the proximal jejunum, and to the jejunum above the anastomosis. Transit time in MSBR group (I and II) from the duodenum to the terminal ileum was extremely shorter than in Control, but there were no differences between in Groups I and II. The duration of the postprandial period without duodenal MMCs in Group I was significantly prolonged than in Control, but was shorter than that in Group II. The muscular valve was frequently activated, and the jejunum covered with the valve was contracted frequently which synchronized with the valve activity. It seemed the valve worked as sphincter. However, intestinal obstruction was not occurred through the jejunum covered by the valve. In conclusion, changes in gut motility after MSBR with the valve construction compensate for the shortened intestine and maintain the bowel content earlier postoperatively in comparison with the MSBR alone, and also contribute to the adaptive increase in the remnant intestinal absorption.

The role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in infants with cholestasis

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was assessed in the diagnosis of cholestatic liver disease in infants.

METHODS

ERCP was performed in 50 infants who had prolonged cholestasis. Their ages ranged from 25 to 274 days (mean, 69 days), and their weight ranged from 2.6 to 6.7 kg (mean, 4.7 kg). Incomplete visualization of the biliary tree or visualization of only the pancreatic duct was followed by exploratory laparotomy. In those in whom the biliary tree was visualized completely, the caliber of the bile duct was compared with that of the pancreatic duct.

RESULTS

ERCP was completed in 43 patients (success rate, 86%) without complications. In the 7 patients in whom ERCP failed, 6 had biliary atresia (BA) diagnosed by exploratory laparotomy. The other patient had congenital biliary dilatation (CBD). In 29 of the 43 patients, the biliary tree was seen partially or only the pancreatic duct was visualized. These patients had BA diagnosed by laparotomy. Complete visualization of the biliary tree was obtained in 14 patients. Of these, 9 had neonatal hepatitis (NH), 2 had a paucity of intrahepatic bile ducts (PIBLD), and 3 had CBD. In all of the patients with NH, cholestasis improved spontaneously. The 2 patients with PIBLD had biopsy-proven disease. The caliber of the bile duct was larger than that of the pancreatic duct in NH. This relationship was not observed in PIBLD.

CONCLUSIONS

ERCP is safe in infants. It is useful in the diagnosis of prolonged cholestasis.

Alteration of beta-catenin expression in esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma

beta-catenin regulates cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion and also functions as a signaling molecule. In this study, we examined the expression pattern of E-cadherin, alpha-catenin and beta-catenin in 22 cases of esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma by Western-blot analysis. Expression of E-cadherin, alpha-catenin and beta-catenin was lower in carcinomas than in normal esophageal mucosa in 4 cases (18.2%) for E-cadherin, 6 cases (27.3%) for alpha-catenin and 9 cases (40.9%) for beta-catenin. Expression of beta-catenin was not always correlated with that of E-cadherin. Over-expression of beta-catenin was observed in 3 cases (13.6%). Of 3 cases that presented with over-expression of beta-catenin, 2 showed cytoplasmic staining by immunohistochemistry. Nuclear localization of beta-catenin was observed in one case that had higher beta-catenin level in tumor tissue (1.4-fold higher than normal mucosa). The genomic DNA sequences of the beta-catenin and the APC gene were analyzed. No mutation of the beta-catenin gene was observed in any cases. Silent mutation of the APC gene was found in all the cases that showed over-expression or nuclear localization of the beta-catenin protein. These results indicate that alterations of the cadherin-catenin complex may play an important role in a sub-set of esophageal carcinogenesis. Furthermore, it is suggested that beta-catenin over-expression is not caused by genetic alteration of either the beta-catenin or the APC gene.

Alteration of beta-catenin expression in esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma

beta-catenin regulates cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion and also functions as a signaling molecule. In this study, we examined the expression pattern of E-cadherin, alpha-catenin and beta-catenin in 22 cases of esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma by Western-blot analysis. Expression of E-cadherin, alpha-catenin and beta-catenin was lower in carcinomas than in normal esophageal mucosa in 4 cases (18.2%) for E-cadherin, 6 cases (27.3%) for alpha-catenin and 9 cases (40.9%) for beta-catenin. Expression of beta-catenin was not always correlated with that of E-cadherin. Over-expression of beta-catenin was observed in 3 cases (13.6%). Of 3 cases that presented with over-expression of beta-catenin, 2 showed cytoplasmic staining by immunohistochemistry. Nuclear localization of beta-catenin was observed in one case that had higher beta-catenin level in tumor tissue (1.4-fold higher than normal mucosa). The genomic DNA sequences of the beta-catenin and the APC gene were analyzed. No mutation of the beta-catenin gene was observed in any cases. Silent mutation of the APC gene was found in all the cases that showed over-expression or nuclear localization of the beta-catenin protein. These results indicate that alterations of the cadherin-catenin complex may play an important role in a sub-set of esophageal carcinogenesis. Furthermore, it is suggested that beta-catenin over-expression is not caused by genetic alteration of either the beta-catenin or the APC gene.

Alteration of beta-catenin expression in esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma

beta-catenin regulates cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion and also functions as a signaling molecule. In this study, we examined the expression pattern of E-cadherin, alpha-catenin and beta-catenin in 22 cases of esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma by Western-blot analysis. Expression of E-cadherin, alpha-catenin and beta-catenin was lower in carcinomas than in normal esophageal mucosa in 4 cases (18.2%) for E-cadherin, 6 cases (27.3%) for alpha-catenin and 9 cases (40.9%) for beta-catenin. Expression of beta-catenin was not always correlated with that of E-cadherin. Over-expression of beta-catenin was observed in 3 cases (13.6%). Of 3 cases that presented with over-expression of beta-catenin, 2 showed cytoplasmic staining by immunohistochemistry. Nuclear localization of beta-catenin was observed in one case that had higher beta-catenin level in tumor tissue (1.4-fold higher than normal mucosa). The genomic DNA sequences of the beta-catenin and the APC gene were analyzed. No mutation of the beta-catenin gene was observed in any cases. Silent mutation of the APC gene was found in all the cases that showed over-expression or nuclear localization of the beta-catenin protein. These results indicate that alterations of the cadherin-catenin complex may play an important role in a sub-set of esophageal carcinogenesis. Furthermore, it is suggested that beta-catenin over-expression is not caused by genetic alteration of either the beta-catenin or the APC gene.

Transduction of the contralateral ear after adenovirus-mediated cochlear gene transfer

Cochlear gene transfer is a promising new approach for inner ear therapy. Previous studies have demonstrated hair cell protection with cochlear gene transfer not only in the inoculated, but also in the uninoculated ear. To characterize the kinetics of viral spread, we investigated the extent of transgene expression in the contralateral (uninoculated) cochlea after unilateral adenoviral cochlear gene transfer. We used a lacZ reporter gene vector, and demonstrated spread of the adenovirus into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) after cochlear inoculation of 25 microl viral vector. Direct virus application into the CSF resulted in transduction of both cochleae, whereas virus inoculation into the bloodstream did not. The cochlear aqueduct was identified as the most likely route of virus spread to the contralateral cochlea. These data enhance our understanding of the kinetics of virus-mediated transgene expression in the inner ear, and assist in the development of clinical applications for inner ear gene therapy. Our results showed a functional communication between the CSF and the perilymphatic space of the inner ear, that is not only of importance for otological gene transfer, but also for CNS gene transfer. Gene Therapy (2000) 7, 377-383.

Biomechanical analysis of a double-bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

The objective of this study was to experimentally evaluate a single-bundle versus a double-bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by comparing the resulting knee biomechanics with those of the intact knee. Ten human cadaveric knees were tested using a robotic/universal force-moment sensor testing system. The knees were subjected to a 134-N posterior tibial load at five flexion angles. Three knee conditions were tested: 1) intact knee, 2) single-bundle reconstruction, and 3) double-bundle reconstruction. Posterior tibial translation of the intact knee ranged from 4.9 +/- 2.7 mm at 90 degrees to 7.2 +/- 1.5 mm at full extension. After the single-bundle reconstruction, posterior tibial translation increased to 7.3 +/- 3.9 mm and 9.2 +/- 2.8 mm at 90 degrees and full extension, respectively, while the corresponding in situ forces in the graft were up to 44 +/- 19 N lower than those in the intact ligament. Conversely, with double-bundle reconstruction, the posterior tibial translation did not differ significantly from the intact knee at any flexion angle tested. This reconstruction also restored in situ forces more closely than did the single-bundle reconstruction. These data suggest that a double-bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction can more closely restore the biomechanics of the intact knee than can the single-bundle reconstruction throughout the range of knee flexion.

Successful manual reduction of locked metacarpophalangeal joints in fingers

BACKGROUND

Many studies on the etiology and operative treatment of locked metacarpophalangeal joints in fingers have been reported, but there have been few investigations on manual reduction. The rate of success of manual reduction in previous reports has been low, and no consensus has been reached with regard to the best method of manual reduction. On the basis of our experience with operative treatment, we devised a safe method of manual reduction.

METHODS

Between January 1987 and December 1995, we reduced a locked metacarpophalangeal joint in twelve female patients; every locked finger was successfully reduced, and complications such as fracture did not occur during manual reduction. The average duration of follow-up was five years and nine months (range, three years and two months to nine years and three months).

RESULTS

Six patients had no recurrence of the locking. Four of the six remaining patients had one or two incidents of locking, had no alteration in the activities of daily living, and did not want operative treatment. The two remaining patients reported that they had incidents of locking several times a day, and they requested operative treatment as they were afraid of additional recurrences. One patient had an open reduction fifteen months after the initial episode of locking, and the other patient elected not to have an operation for personal reasons.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that our method of manual reduction should be used to treat a locked metacarpophalangeal joint in a finger and that operative treatment should be limited to patients in whom manual reduction is unsuccessful or the reduction is unstable.

Activation of immediate early gene, c-fos, and c-jun in the rat small intestine after ischemia/reperfusion

BACKGROUND

Activated immediate early genes (IEGs) play key roles in mediating cellular response after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injuries in some organs such as liver, heart and kidney. However, there is no report investigating an association between the activation of IEGs and cellular regeneration or programmed cell death after I/R in small intestine.

METHODS

We examined a sequential expression of c-fos and c-jun after I/R in rat small intestine using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Northern blot analysis, and compared the patterns with coexistent two parameters: (1) regeneration determined by immunohistochemical detection of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, (2) programmed cell death determined with the terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) method and DNA fragmentation.

RESULTS

The expression of c-fos and c-jun mRNA increased markedly 15 min after reperfusion and was, respectively, 6.3 and 4.4 times higher than in controls. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression was significantly elevated between 5 min and 4 hr, peaking at 30 min after reperfusion. Apoptosis showed a peak 60 min after reperfusion. Apoptosis after I/R was detected in the nuclei of absorptive epithelial cells by the TUNEL method, and these apoptotic signals were consistent with the expression of c-Fos and c-Jun proteins using an immunohistochemical method.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that overexpression of c-fos and c-jun after I/R in the small intestine correlates with programmed cell death and subsequent cellular regeneration.

Rapid systemic accumulation of transcripts encoding a tobacco WRKY transcription factor upon wounding

An immediate-early, transiently activated wound-responsive gene was identified in tobacco by fluorescent differential display screening. The full-length cDNA encodes a polypeptide of 356 amino acids with a relative molecular mass of 39,082 Da. The deduced amino acid sequence shows two characteristic features; a leucine-zipper motif found in the more N-terminal region and a WRKY domain containing a zinc-finger motif located in the central region. The gene was designated as wizz (wound-induced leucine zipper zinc finger). Northern analysis showed that upon wounding wizz transcripts were locally and systemically accumulated within 10 min, reached a maximum level by 30 min, and decreased thereafter to the basal level. Analyses of a WIZZ-GFP fusion protein clearly indicated that WIZZ is a nuclear factor. WIZZ specifically binds to sequences containing two TTGAC core motifs that are separated by a spacer of appropriate length. The binding activity was dependent on bivalent cations, most probably zinc. In transient reporter assays, however, WIZZ did not show transactivation activity in tobacco suspension cells, suggesting that it functions together with other components. The results indicate that WIZZ is a new transcription factor which participates in early stages of the wound response.

A case of Currarino triad with familial sacral bony deformities

We describe a male patient presenting with Currarino triad: a recto-urethral fistula, sacral bony deformity, and a presacral teratoma. Clinical screening of his family revealed three additional cases with incomplete forms of this association. Cytogenetic findings in the patient and his mother were normal. This case suggests that the occurrence of an anorectal malformation together with a sacral bony deformity should raise a physician's index of suspicion for associated presacral tumors, and that screening of the patient's family members with sacral radiographs is necessary.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia in identical twins

The authors present a pair of identical twins with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) diagnosed prenatally, who underwent successful surgical repair. They were diagnosed as having CDH at 32 weeks' gestation and showed respiratory distress soon after cesarean section at 33 weeks' gestation. Both survived after scheduled perinatal management followed by surgery, for which the prenatal diagnosis of CDH was valuable.

Functional ileus in neonates: Hirschsprung's disease-allied disorders versus meconium-related ileus

Sixty-eight neonates with functional ileus were reviewed. Twelve required laparotomy; in seven, histological studies revealed decreased ganglia and ganglion cells of the myenteric plexus (MP) (Group A), and in five, MP was normal (Group B). In the remaining 56 cases, obstructive symptoms were relieved following conservative therapy (Group C). All Group A cases except one had normal birth weight, while Group B and C cases showed significantly lower birth weights. A marked caliber change of the small intestine and/or small-caliber distal intestine with meconium stagnation in the proximal intestine was commonly demonstrated at operation in Group A and B, or on contrast enema in Group C. Four Group A cases died of enteritis, and three survivors suffered from prolonged obstructive symptoms. The grade of histological abnormality of MP correlated with the clinical outcome. In Group B, three died of sepsis shortly after surgery, but two survivors have been free from symptoms. Group A can be categorized as Hirschsprung's disease-allied disorders (HAD). Group B and C can be categorized as meconium-related ileus (MRI). The similarity of the macroscopic findings of HAD and MRI, and the occurrence of MRI exclusively in low birth weight neonates, strongly suggest that functional immaturity of MP plays a role in the etiology of MRI.

Efficacy of the axially loaded pivot shift test for the diagnosis of a meniscal tear

Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has improved the diagnostic accuracy of meniscal pathology, the authors believe that physical examination remains essential to the evaluation of knee pathology. In this study, the diagnostic accuracy of five clinical tests for meniscal pathology was prospectively evaluated in 160 patients, who thereafter underwent arthroscopy. 69% (109 knees) of the knees tested had associated ACL deficiency. There were 144 meniscal lesions in 130 of the 160 knees which were examined. The sensitivity of the tests was lower than the specificity. Conventional tests such as McMurray and Apley tests showed a low accuracy rate of 45% and 28% respectively. The diagnostic value of the axially loaded pivot shift test was significantly higher, indicating that this remains a useful diagnostic aid.

Use of robotic technology for diathrodial joint research

Knowledge of diarthrodial joint mechanics and specific function of the ligaments are needed in order to understand injury mechanisms, improve surgical procedures and design better post-surgical rehabilitation protocols. To facilitate these needs, a robotic/universal force-moment sensor (UFS) testing system was developed to measure joint kinematics in multiple degree-of-freedom and the in situ forces in the ligaments. When operated in the position control mode, the testing system applies a known load to the intact joint while the motion and force data are recorded. After transection of a ligament, the recorded motion for the intact joint is repeated and new force and moment data is recorded by the UFS. Since the robot reproduces the identical initial position as well as path of joint motion before and after a ligament is transected, the in situ force in the ligament is the difference between the two sets of force and moment data. In force control mode, a known force is applied to the intact knee while the kinematics are recorded. After ligament transection, the same force is applied while the changes in kinematics are again recorded. Testing in this mode is similar to a clinical examination that diagnoses ligament injury. To date, this testing system has been used for experimental studies that examine the anterior cruciate ligament & posterior cruciate ligament of the knee and ligaments of the shoulder. A three-dimensional finite element model has also been constructed based on CT/MRI scans of a knee specimen and validated using data obtained with the testing system. Once in vivo kinematics (such as during gait analysis or throwing activities) are available, the robotic/UFS testing system can be programmed to reproduce these joint kinematics on young human cadaveric specimens in order to generate a database for in situ forces in the ligaments, or Ligament replacement grafts. With appropriate computational models, the stresses and strains in these tissues in vivo can also be determined. Potential applications of this combined approach include pre-operative surgical planning, improvement of surgical procedures as well as development of appropriate post-operative rehabilitation protocols.

Role of PDGF B-chain and PDGF receptors in rat tubular regeneration after acute injury

Various polypeptide growth factors are generally considered to be involved in the regulation of the nephrogenic process both after acute renal injury and during renal development. Because platelet-derived growth factor B-chain (PDGF-B) has been reported to be expressed in immature tubulus of the developing kidney, PDGF-B could play a role in the process of tubulogenesis. We examined the expression of PDGF-B and PDGF receptors alpha and beta and their localization in kidneys after ischemia/reperfusion injury. The mRNA expressions of PDGF-B, PDGFR-alpha, and PDGFR-beta were enhanced after injury. In the immunohistochemical analysis and/or in situ hybridization, PDGF-B and PDGFR-alpha, beta were expressed after reperfusion in the S3 segment of the proximal tubuli, where they were not expressed normally. The expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and vimentin were concomitantly observed with PDGF-B and PDGFRs in the tubular cells of injured S3 segment at 48 hours after injury. Next, the inhibition of the PDGF-B/PDGFRs axis with either Trapidil or Ki6896, which was found to inhibit the phosphorylation of PDGFR-beta selectively, resulted in a rise of serum creatinine, higher mortality rate, abnormal regenerating process, and suppressed proliferation of tubular epithelial cells. These findings suggest that the PDGF-B/PDGFRs axis is involved in the proliferation of injured tubular cells and plays an important role in the regeneration of tubular cells from acute ischemic injury.

Tracheal agenesis in a child who survived for 6 years

The authors report on a child with tracheal agenesis who survived for 6 years and 10 months. A female infant was born with respiratory distress and an absence of audible cry. With mask ventilation, gastrostomy and division of the esophagus was performed just after birth. She was well ventilated with an endotracheal tube inserted through the cervical esophagostomy after thoracic esophageal banding. An accidental extubation caused her anoxic encephalopathy at 9 months of age. She had been alive without artificial ventilatory support until she died of acute esophageal bleeding.

Cochlear gene transfer: round window versus cochleostomy inoculation

Two possible approaches for cochlear gene transfer have been inoculation via the round window membrane and through a cochleostomy. The aim of this study was to determine which of the two is more effective. Using both approaches, normal-hearing and deafened guinea pigs were inoculated with adenovirus carrying the reporter gene lacZ. After 5 days, the animals were killed and the cochlear tissue was stained with X-gal. The distribution and intensity of staining was estimated by a score system developed to compare gene transfer results between animals. We found that gene transfer via the cochleostomy resulted in a better distribution throughout the cochlea and in higher staining intensity, due to more efficient transfection. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) results showed that neither virus inoculation through a cochleostomy nor through the round window membrane had a significant effect on the click-ABR threshold measured on day 5 following virus injection. Gene transfer via both approaches was also found to be more effective in deafened animals than in hearing animals.

A clinical and molecular study of a patient with Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome

Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome (SGBS) is one of the overgrowth syndromes. Microdeletions of the glypican-3 (GPC3) gene were described by Pilia et al. (1996). Glypican-3 encodes a putative extracellular proteoglycan which is expressed in embryonic mesodermal tissues and plays an important role in embryonal growth. We report a Japanese patient with SGBS who had a single base deletion in the exon 7 of the GPC3 gene. This is the first report of a single base deletion of the GPC3 gene.

Use of a Palmaz stent for tracheomalacia: case report of an infant with esophageal atresia

A male infant with congenital cardiac anomalies and esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA-TEF) showed intractable respiratory symptoms after delayed primary repair of EA-TEF. Computed tomography demonstrated that the trachea was compressed by the enlarged aorta. Artificial ventilation was necessary even after aortopexy performed at 2 months of age. At 140 days of age, an expandable metallic stent (Palmaz stent) was inserted through a rigid bronchoscope into the trachea underfluoroscopic control. His respiratory status improved dramatically, and he was extubated in 18 hours. Although the follow-up period has been 9 months, the short-term result is satisfactory. The expandable metallic stent placement should be considered in patients with EA-TEF who show intractable respiratory symptoms caused by tracheomalacia.

Sustained ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem cells mediated by thrombopoietin

The hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) is defined as a cell that can either self-replicate or generate daughter cells that are destined to commit to mature cells of different specific lineages. Self-replication of the most primitive HSC produces daughter cells that possess a long (possibly unlimited) clonal lifespan, whereas differentiation of HSC produces daughter cells that demonstrate a progressive reduction of their clonal lifespan, a loss of multilineage potential, and lineage commitment. Previous studies indicated that the proliferation of HSC ex vivo favors differentiation at the expense of self-replication, eventually resulting in a complete loss of HSC. In contrast, transplantation studies have shown that a single HSC can repopulate the marrow of a lethally irradiated mouse, demonstrating that self-renewal of HSC occurs in vivo. Thrombopoietin (TPO) has been shown to function both as a proliferative and differentiative factor for megakaryocytes and as a survival and weakly proliferative factor for HSC. Our studies focused on the effects of exogenous TPO on HSC in mouse long-term bone marrow cultures (LTBMC). Previous results indicate that HSC decline in LTBMC in the absence of TPO. In contrast, the continuous presence of TPO resulted in the generation of both long- and short-term repopulating HSC as detected by an in vivo competitive repopulation assay. HSC were generated over a 4-month period at concentrations similar to normal bone marrow. Our results demonstrate that TPO can mediate the self-replication of HSC in LTBMC, and provide proof that HSC can self-replicate ex vivo.

A study of therapy for pediatric hepatoblastoma: prevention and treatment of pulmonary metastasis

Our results of treatment for pediatric hepatoblastoma are presented with special emphasis on pulmonary metastasis. The pulmonary metastasis rate of hepatoblastoma was 44% (11/25). In 19 patients with resected hepatoblastomas, the 5-year survival rate without pulmonary metastasis was 90% (9/10); while with pulmonary metastasis it was 22% (2/9). Six patients with unresected hepatoblastomas all died within 4 months regardless of chemotherapy and/or metastasis. To improve survival in patients with hepatoblastoma, preoperative or postoperative chemotherapy was thought to be essential for tumors extending over 2 hepatic segments and having predictable factors for pulmonary metastasis (large size or histological evidence of capsular invasion). A long-term multidisciplinary approach including hepatic lobectomy, current multiagent chemotherapy (including CDDP, THP-ADR), and partial pulmonary resection for localized lung areas with metastases would ultimately be needed.

Sacrococcygeal teratoma: a series of 19 cases with long-term follow-up

A series of 19 cases of sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) with follow-up of 5 to 25 years is presented. Twelve patients were neonates, age 0 to 26 days (5 immature teratomas and 7 mature teratomas, representing 3, 6, 2, and 1 Altman's type I, II, III, and IV tumors, respectively), four were infants, age 1 to 6 months (all mature teratomas, representing 1, 1, and 2 Altman's type I, II, and IV tumors), and 3 were children, age 1 to 4 years (all malignant teratomas, all Altman's IV tumors). Eight babies were delivered by elective caesarean section (CS). Though the mean gestational age at CS was 34.3 weeks in our series, we now believe that CS often must be performed earlier, depending on a tumor size or fetal condition. Eleven neonates and 4 infants were operated upon using a sacral approach in 10 and an abdominosacral approach in 5, and all survived. However, 4 patients had neurogenic bladder and were treated by urinary catheterization or vesicostomy for 2 to 5 years after surgery. Postoperative urogenital sequelae are seen in patients with a large tumor, urethral compression, urinary retention, or edema of the lower body. Malignant tumors usually had metastasized by the time of diagnosis, but the prognosis for outcome has been improved following surgery and combination chemotherapy.

Numerical study of chaos based on a shell model

A shell model is introduced to study a turbulence driven by the thermal instability (Rayleigh-Benard convection). This model equation describes cascade and chaos in the strong turbulence with high Rayleigh number. The chaos is numerically studied based on this model. The characteristics of the turbulence are analyzed and compared with those of the Gledzer-Ohkitani-Yamada (GOY) model. Quantities such as a mean value of total fluctuation energy, it's standard deviation, time averaged wave spectrum, probability distribution function, frequency spectrum, the maximum instantaneous Lyapunov exponent, distribution of instantaneous Lyapunov exponents, are evaluated. The dependences of these quantities on the error of numerical integration are also examined. There is not a clear correlation between the numerical accuracy and the accuracy of these quantities, since the interaction between a truncation error and an intrinsic nonlinearity of the system exists. A finding is that the maximum Lyapunov exponent is insensitive to a truncation error. (c) 1999 American Institute of Physics.

Complications associated with enteral nutrition using catheter jejunostomy after esophagectomy

The present study was conducted on 78 patients, encountered over a 7-year period, who had a catheter-feeding jejunostomy placed at the time of thoracoabdominal esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. A broad-based attachment of the jejunal wall to the peritoneum at the place of entry of the catheter was used. Enteral nutrition was begun an average of 10 days after the operation, the caloric content was increased gradually, and the mean duration was 69 days. There were three patients who suffered from local skin erosion at the site of catheter entry, and seven who developed diarrhea and/or a feeling of abdominal fullness, but none of the patients showed any signs of peritonitis or ileus. The morbidity rates related to enteral nutrients and placement of the catheter jejunostomy were 8.9% and 3.8%, respectively. These findings demonstrate that a broad-based attachment of the jejunal wall to the peritoneum at the place of entry of the catheter is useful for preventing leakage or twisting of the jejunum, and for reducing the incidence and severity of the complications of catheter jejunostomy feeding.

Hair cell protection from aminoglycoside ototoxicity by adenovirus-mediated overexpression of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor

Aminoglycosides are commonly used antimicrobial drugs that often have ototoxic side effects. The ototoxicity often involves permanent loss of cochlear hair cells (HCs). Neurotrophic factors have been shown to protect a variety of tissues, including HCs, from toxic trauma. To determine if glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) can protect cochlear HCs from trauma, we inoculated an adenoviral vector encoding the human GDNF gene into guinea pig cochleae via the round window membrane 4 days prior to injection of aminoglycosides. Control groups showed little or no negative influence of the viral inoculation on cochlear structure and function. In contrast, ears that were inoculated with the GDNF vector had better hearing and fewer missing HCs after exposure to the ototoxins, as compared with controls. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of gene therapy for cochlear application and suggest that virus-mediated overexpression of GDNF may be developed as a valuable prevention against trauma-induced HC death.

Inner ear transgene expression after adenoviral vector inoculation in the endolymphatic sac

Gene transfer has been performed in a variety of organs. In the mammalian inner ear, viral vectors have been used to introduce exogenous reporter genes via the scala tympani into the cochlea. While scala tympani inoculation is clinically feasible, it is not without risks. Moreover, transgene expression has so far been restricted to the cochlear tissues in the perilymphatic spaces that are contiguous with the scala tympani. To achieve gene transfer of vestibular organs and cells surrounding the endolymphatic space, and to extend the clinical utility of inner ear gene therapy, we developed a new surgical approach for vector inoculation. A replication-deficient adenoviral vector, Ad.RSVntlacZ, was injected into the guinea pig endolymphatic sac. A large number of blue (LacZ-positive) cells was observed in the endolymphatic sac and duct, the vestibule, and the ampulla. Blue cells were also detected in the cochlea, mainly in cells bordering the endolymphatic space: marginal cells in the stria vascularis and supporting cells in the organ of Corti. These findings indicate that inoculation of viral vectors into the endolymphatic sac can provide efficient gene transfer into a variety of cell types that are not accessible via scala tympani inoculation.

Pyloric motor abnormality in patients with infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis

There are no published data of manometric studies of pyloric motor function in patients with infantile hypertropic pyloric stenosis (IHPS). The present study attempted to examine the characteristics of motor abnormality of the pylorus in five children with IHPS. Using a transducer-built-in manometric catheter cannulated through the pylorus under fluoroscopy, the pressure in the pyloric canal was recorded continuously over 3 h during fasting. Clusters of high-amplitude spastic contractions of over 300 mmHg were recorded at intervals. The frequency was 1-3/min (mean 1.7 cpm) and the duration was 7-15 s. These periodic spastic contractions were suppressed temporarily for 20-30 min after intravenous injection of 0.01 mg/kg atropine. After pyloromyotomy, these spastic contractions decreased remarkably in amplitude, but there were no changes in frequency. It is concluded that the underlying motor abnormality observed in hypertrophied pyloric muscle is clusters of high-amplitude contractions, although more precise measurements of basal pyloric pressure are needed to explore the pathophysiology of IHPS in detail. The effect of pyloromyotomy may be related to the decrease in high-amplitude contractions.

[Basic calponin expressing human neuroblastoma cell line of KP-N-YS]

Recent studies have demonstrated that human neuroblastoma (NB) cell lines have at least two morphological appearance of neuroblastic (N-type) and substrate-adhesive (S-type) cells. Our previous study revealed that S-type cells expressed alpha-smooth muscle actin and/or desmin, suggesting the smooth muscle cell characteristics of S-type cells. In the present study, a new human NB cell line, KP-N-YS, was established from bone marrow metastasis of a four-year-old boy with advanced NB, originating from the left adrenal gland. Subsequently N-type cell clone (YS1n) and S-type cell clone (YS2s) was isolated from the parent cell line. Parent and clones cell lines were identified as NB by surface membrane antigen and cytoskeletal protein analysis, and these cell lines were demonstrated as common progenitors by chromosomal analysis. Furthermore the presence of basic calponin were determined by indirect immunofluorescence, Western blot, as well as by RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction). Our demonstration of basic calponin not in N-type cells, but in S-type cells supports the plausible smooth muscle cell characteristics of this NB cell line.

Beneficial effects of a novel inhibitor of platelet-derived growth factor receptor autophosphorylation in the rat with mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis

1. Our original compound, Ki6896 ((4-t-butylphenyl)(4-[(6,7-dimethoxy-4-quinolyl) oxy]phenyl) methanone) strongly inhibited the autophosphorylation of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) beta-receptor (IC50=0.31 microM) and that of basic fibroblast growth factor receptor (IC50=3.1 microM), whereas it did not inhibit some other kinases. 2. The [3H]thymidine incorporation and the growth of mesangial cells under the stimulation of PDGF were inhibited by Ki6896 in a dose-dependent manner. 3. In the mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis rats induced by anti-Thy-1 monoclonal antibody, glomerulosclerosis was ameliorated and the number of glomerular proliferating cells was decreased by the daily administration of Ki6896. However, the accumulation of type I collagen and fibronectin in the glomeruli was not suppressed by Ki6896.

Change in nitric oxide in humans due to application of a pneumatic tourniquet

The nitric oxide profile produced by application of a pneumatic tourniquet was investigated in the plasma of 15 patients. Nitrite (NO2-) and nitrate (NO3-) plasma concentrations were measured simultaneously by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). UV detection using the Griess reaction was done after the reduction of nitrate to nitrite. The plasma nitrate concentration 5 min after reperfusion was significantly higher than the concentrations before ischemia, immediately before reperfusion, and the next day. In contrast, there was no significant difference in the plasma nitrite concentrations before ischemia, immediately before reperfusion, 5 min after reperfusion, and the next day. These findings suggest that the generation of NO is important in ischemic reperfusion injury.

Mechanisms underlying the antireflux effect of Nissen fundoplication in children

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

It is reported that the main mechanism responsible for gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is transient lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation in children. However, the effect of Nissen fundoplication on transient LES relaxation has not been investigated in children. This study examined the effect of Nissen fundoplication on motor patterns of the LES in children with pathological GER.

METHODS

Esophageal manometry and pH were recorded concurrently for 2 hours after administration of apple juice (10 mL/kg). In seven children documented to have pathological GER by prolonged esophageal pH monitoring (%time pH less than 4.0>5.0), studies were performed preoperatively and 1 to 3 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Nissen fundoplication virtually eliminated reflux in all patients. Percentage of time pH was less than 4.0 reduced from 15+/-9 to 0+/-0. Basal LES pressure did not change significantly (pre, 21+/-10 mm Hg v post, 27+/-9 mm Hg). The number of transient LES relaxation reduced significantly from 13+/-4 to 7+/-7, and the mean nadir LES pressures during swallow-induced LES relaxation and transient LES relaxation increased significantly from 1+/-1 mm Hg to 13+/-5 mm Hg and from 0+/-0 mm Hg to 11+/-7 mm Hg, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest the antireflux effects of Nissen fundoplication may be based on changes of LES motor patterns that result in incomplete LES relaxation and reduction of the number of transient LES relaxation.

[Correlation between pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase (PyNPase)/platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor and histological prognostic factor, and influences of 5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5'-DFUR) administration on PyNPase levels. 5'-DFUR Joint Research Group in the Osaka Area for Gastric Cancer]

PURPOSE

Pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase (PyNPase), among which thymidine phosphorylase (dThdPase) exists mainly in human tumor tissues, is an enzyme to convert 5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5'-DFUR) to 5-fluorouracil. Recently, it was reported that dThdPase was identical to platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor, angiogenetic factor. Therefore, we expect that there is possibility of dThdPase being a prognostic factor.

METHODS

We investigated for a possible correlation between PyNPase activities in tumor tissues and prognostic factors of histological findings, examined the influences of preoperative oral 5'-DFUR administration to PyNPase levels and investigated for a correlation between HPLC methods and ELISA methods in patients with gastric cancer.

RESULTS

Higher levels of PyNPase were observed in patients with advanced t,n,v, and ly factors. PyNPase levels decreased by 5'-DFUR in patients with differentiated cases. A high correlation was found between HPLC and ELISA methods.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that we must investigate possibility of PyNPase being a prognostic factor in more detail.

A secondary aortoenteric fistula, successfully treated with proper preoperative diagnosis

A rare case, presented as a secondary aortoenteric fistula after an abdominal aortic aneurysmectomy with Y-graft replacement 9 months earlier, is reported. The course was clinically very unique, in that the first manifestation of the aorto enteric fistula occurred while the patient had already been hospitalized after the orthopaedic surgical treatment for the pyogenic vertebral spondylitis. After the episode of gastrointestinal bleeding, radiological studies were promptly collected, and with the proper diagnosis, a successful surgical treatment was given under the stable hemodynamic condition, and the patient recovered uneventfully. Retrospectively considered, there are several findings that would suggest that seemingly a secondary aorto enteric fistula could have resulted from an early process of the primary aorto enteric fistula having been under progress without any detectable manifestations before the previous aneurysmectomy. The diagnostic values of computed tomography and the scintigraphy for this rare clinical entity is also underlined.

Long-term observation of glomerulonephritis induced by multiple injections with anti-Thy-1 antibody in rats

Multiple injections with a mouse monoclonal anti-rat Thy-1 antibody (five times, at weekly intervals) induced marked glomerular sclerotic lesions which are characterized by adhesion of glomerular capillaries to Bowman's capsule and persistent proteinuria in rats. Abnormal production of type I collagen and increased accumulation of type IV collagen and fibronectin were observed in these glomeruli. The glomerular expression of mRNA for these matrix components and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) were markedly increased at 4 days after the last injections with anti-Thy-1 antibody, but decreased to below the levels of control rats at 5 weeks. This may be down-regulation of mRNA in mesangial cells. The glomerular sclerotic lesions were not progressive but the process of glomerular healing seemed to be retarded. The proteinuria and the glomerular adhesion were irreversible.

Structure and expression of the human septin gene HCDCREL-1

Septins are a family of highly conserved filament-forming proteins that have been shown to mediate cytokinesis and cytoskeletal organization in fungi and Drosophila. The gene encoding the human septin family member HCDCREL-1 has been shown to be transcribed from a locus immediately adjacent to that of the platelet glycoprotein (GP) Ib b. The HCDCREL-1 gene possesses a non-consensus polyadenylation signal that apparently is not efficiently utilized, resulting in the expression of a readthrough transcript also containing the platelet GPIb beta coding region. As a first step in understanding the regulation and function of HCDCREL-1, we have analyzed the structure of this gene and characterized its expression in a variety of human cells. Our results indicate that the gene is expressed at high levels in platelets and neural tissue, and is transcriptionally complex.

Risk factors for low birthweight in Japanese infants

The purpose of our study was to identify risk factors for low birthweight (LBW; birthweight < 2500 g) in Japanese infants. The data was collected from questionnaires completed by the parents of 23132 infants who underwent a standardized well baby check-up for 1-month-old infants, conducted by the Fukuoka City Medical Association from 1987 to 1995. The following eight factors and their second-order interaction terms were examined as potential risk factors for LBW: maternal age at delivery, history of live-born LBW infant, history of abortion in previous pregnancies, maternal smoking, coffee and alcohol consumption during pregnancy, prenatal training and live birth order. The results of multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the following three factors and one interaction term significantly contributed to LBW: history of live born LBW infant, maternal smoking, live birth order and the interaction between maternal smoking and live birth order. The smoker-related risk for LBW was quite different in each of the three groups stratified by live birth order. Efforts should be made, for example, to increase the accessibility of early, high-quality prenatal care for the high-risk groups with previous LBW babies and to implement smoking intervention, ranging from specific medical procedures to broad-scale public health and health-related educational programs in schools.

Activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase during ischemia and reperfusion in mouse liver

We have generated a mouse model for hepatic ischemia in which surgical subcutaneous transposition of the spleen allows hepatic ischemia to be applied without affecting other tissues. Using this mouse model we investigated the relationship between the length of ischemic periods in the liver and subsequent liver function; furthermore, we assayed the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) during ischemia and reperfusion. Although prior to this study only the activated form of JNK was known to be translocated to the nucleus, we found that JNK translocates to the nucleus during ischemia without activation and is then activated during reperfusion. These results suggest a novel mechanism of JNK activation.

Effect of a glutamine-enriched diet on small bowel allograft during immunosuppressive therapy

The effect of an orally administered glutamine-enriched elemental diet was examined following orthotopic small bowel allotransplantation using Brown Norway rats as donors and Lewis rats as recipients. The recipients was treated with FK 506 and randomized to receive glutamine-free elemental enteral diet solution (glutamine-free group), glutamine-enriched elemental diet solution containing 7500 mg of glutamine per 100 g diet (glutamine-enriched group) or standard chow (chow group) ad libitum for 7 d. There were no histological changes due to resection. Weight loss in the glutamine-enriched group was significantly less than that of the chow group. Both plasma glutamine levels and the ratio of glutamine to total amino acids in the homogenate of the graft mucosa of the glutamine-enriched group were significantly higher than those of the glutamine-fee group. Villous height and crypt depth were significantly decreased in the glutamine-free group. The BrdU labeling index in the graft epithelium and alkaline phosphatase activity in the homogenate of the graft mucosa of the glutamine-enriched group were significantly higher than those of the glutamine-free group. Therefore, orally administered glutamine-enriched elemental diet appears to promote the regeneration and differentiation of the graft mucosa following small bowel allotransplantation.

Selective inhibition of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor autophosphorylation and PDGF-mediated cellular events by a quinoline derivative

This report describes the biological effects of our original compound, Ki6783 ((3,4-dimethoxy)-4-phenoxy-6,7-dimethoxyquinoline), a potent and selective inhibitor of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor autophosphorylation. This compound strongly inhibited autophosphorylation of the PDGF beta-receptor in cultured rat glomerular mesangial cells (MC) bearing this receptor (IC50 0.1 microM), although it did not inhibit autophosphorylation of other growth factor receptors even at 100 microM. In a cell-free kinase experiment, it showed selective inhibition of PDGF beta-receptor tyrosine kinase. A kinetic study of the compound to this tyrosine kinase revealed a competitive mode of action to ATP. [3H]Thymidine incorporation and cell proliferation of MC were inhibited by Ki6783 in a dose-dependent manner after Ki6783 and PDGF-BB were added to the culture medium. Furthermore, this compound normalized the fibrotic cell shape of v-sis-transformed NIH3T3 cells, which grow in an autocrine manner via the PDGF receptor. These effects could be explained by the inhibition of intracellular signal transduction triggered by PDGF receptor autophosphorylation, in which activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase occurs. These results suggest that Ki6783 is one of the more potent and selective inhibitors of PDGF receptor autophosphorylation and that it may be useful in ameliorating cell abnormalities due to excess action of PDGF and its receptor systems in several diseases.

Electrogastrography after operative repair of esophageal atresia

Esophageal atresia (EA) is a life-threatening disorder associated with operative complications. Postoperative gastric electrical control activity detected by a non-invasive electrogastrography (EGG) technique was investigated in 13 children aged 1-17 years to clarify whether gastric motility disorders were present. EGG abnormalities were present in 5 patients; persistent dysrhythmias were found in 3. Roentgenographic examinations showed mild gastroesophageal reflux in 3 (60%) of the dysrhythmic patients; 2 others had postprandial dysrhythmias. The mean spectral frequency (MSF) of EA cases with dysrhythmia was significantly higher than that of patients without dysrhythmia in both fasting and postprandial states (P < 0.05). The variability of the peak spectral frequencies (PSFV) in patients with dysrhythmia was significantly higher than in those without dysrhythmia in both fasting and postprandial states (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in MSF and PSFV between EA patients without dysrhythmia and controls. These results suggest that gastric motor activity may be disordered in patients following operative repair of EA, although they remain asymptomatic. EGG may be a useful screening examination for postoperative gastric functional disorders.

Hypoxia, but not reoxygenation, induces interleukin 6 gene expression through NF-kappa B activation

Interleukin (IL) 6 is one of major mediators of inflammation, and IL-6 gene activation during hypoxia/reoxygenation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, molecular events involved in IL-6 gene expression during hypoxia/reoxygenation remain to be identified. We have previously shown that NF-kappa B plays an essential and indispensable role in the transcriptional activation of the IL-6 gene induced by various stimuli, including IL-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. We show here that hypoxia, but not reoxygenation, induces the activation of NF-kappa B through the degradation of a major inhibitor of NF-kappa B, I kappa B alpha. This hypoxia-induced NF-kappa B activation resulted in the kappa B-dependent transcriptional activation of the IL-6 gene. Interestingly, the time course of hypoxia-induced NF-kappa B activation was rather slow as compared with those of NF-kappa B activation induced by other stimuli, such as IL-1: a significant NF-kappa B activation was not observed before 1 hr of hypoxia treatment and persisted for up to 7 hr of hypoxia treatment. However, hypoxia-induced NF-kappa B activation was not inhibited by cycloheximide, which indicates that hypoxia directly triggers NF-kappa B activation. Furthermore, while hypoxia is unlikely to generate reactive oxygen intermediates, pretreatment of cells with antioxidants such as N-acetyl cysteine and alpha-tocopherol inhibited NF-kappa B activation induced by hypoxia. Thus, we discuss possible implications of these results for a postulated role of reactive oxygen intermediates in NF-kappa B activation.

Successful treatment of blunt trauma involving complete laceration of the pancreas and duodenum in a 7-year-old child: report of a case

The acute onset of peritoneal signs and shock in a 7-year-old boy who had been hit in the epigastrium by a log-seesaw mandated surgical treatment. Enhanced computed tomography (CT) demonstrated complete laceration of the pancreas as well as duodenal injury, and a duodenoduodenostomy with distal pancreaticogastrostomy was subsequently performed. Temporary external drainage of the stomach and distal pancreas led to an uneventful recovery in the early postoperative period. Although the patient's postoperative development was appropriate for his age, the orifice of the distal pancreas spontaneously closed 2.5 years following surgery. We present this report to stress the fact that every effort should be made to preserve the pancreas following abdominal injury in children.

Primary structures of fungal fructosyl amino acid oxidases and their application to the measurement of glycated proteins

Fructosyl amino acid oxidase (FAOD), which is active toward model compounds of the glycated proteins in blood, N epsilon-fructosyl N sigma-Z-lysine and N-fructosyl valine, was purified to homogeneity from Aspergillus terreus GP1. Though the enzyme did not use glycated proteins directly as its substrate, it used glycated human serum albumin (HSA) when HSA was treated with a protease. Linear relationships between both the concentration and the increase in absorbance and the glycation rate of glycated HSA and the increase in absorbance were observed. cDNAs coding for FAODs were cloned from cDNA libraries of A. terreus GP1 and Penicillium janthinellum AKU 3413. The coding region for both fungal FAODs consisted of 1314 bp encoding 437 amino acids. The sequence of a dinucleotide-binding motif, GXGXXG, was in the deduced N-terminal region and a similar sequence to that the active site of bacterial sarcosine oxidases was found near the C-terminal region of FAOD. The of C-terminal tripeptides SKL and AKL of FAODs from A. terreus and P. janthinellum, respectively, represent typical peroxisomal-targeting signals. Finally, FAOD protein was produced in Escherichia coli transformants in an active form, and at the same level as in the original fungi.