Effect of copper salts added to primer on bonding of MMA-TBB resin to dentin treated with phosphoric acid

The effects of addition of various copper salts to 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) primer were studied with regard to tensile bond strength of methyl methacrylate-tributylborane (MMA-TBB) resin to dentin. Bovine dentin surfaces were treated with 10% phosphoric acid, then with a primer consisting of aqueous 35% HEMA and a copper salt, and finally bonded to acrylic rods with MMA-TBB resin. The types of copper salts and concentrations in the primers were varied. The optimal concentration of copper salts in the primers was 0.5-3 mumol/g. The primers containing copper salts of sulfate, methacrylate, methacryloyloxyethyl phthalate, or methacryloyloxyethyl succinate were especially effective among the eight copper salts studied in increasing bond strength, producing mean bond strengths of 14.2-16.1 MPa and mean minimum values of 9.9-11.7 MPa. These bond strengths were higher than those obtained with the commercial 4-META/MMA-TBB resin system. A model experimental study concerning the molecular weight of poly (MMA) formed in the presence of some copper salts suggested that the increase in bond strength was produced through an increase in molecular weight of MMA-TBB resin by the copper salts.

Estimation of Der p and Der f I quantities in the reference preparations of Dermatophagoides mite extracts

A monoclonal antibody-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (MoAb-ELISA) was developed to measure the major Dermatophagoides mite allergens, Der p I and Der f I. The assay was highly species-specific and sensitive. Using this assay system, the absolute mass unit of Der p I and Der f I in the reference preparations of the extracts was estimated. The primary standards used were the purified Der p I and Der f I preparations. The reference preparations of the D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae extracts (92-Dp and 92-Df), which had been prepared from the same amount of mite bodies of both species, were found to contain the same levels of the Der I allergens, 10.1 micrograms/ml of Der p I and 10.0 micrograms/ml of Der f I, respectively. A histamine release assay with leucocytes from mite-allergic donors showed that the total allergenic potency of 92-Dp and 92-Df was comparable. This results indicates that the estimated Der I levels in these extracts seem to be valid, at least, in the balance between the two species, although further comparisons of the absolute quantities by several different laboratories are needed. The Der I levels in the WHO/IUIS international reference preparation of D. pteronyssinus and the CBER standard mite extracts, E4-Dp and E5-Df, were also estimated using this assay system. They were found to contain 4.4 micrograms/vial and 13.3 micrograms/ml of Der p I and 9.5 micrograms/ml of Der f I, respectively.

Effect of initial therapy on dynamics of immunogloblin G levels to some periodontopathic bacteria in serum and gingival crevicular fluid

Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the IgG antibody levels to specific gram-negative periodontopathic bacteria in serum of 21 adult periodontitis patients and the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from 42 sites with destructive lesions and 21 healthy sites were evaluated before and after initial preparation. Porphyromonas gingivalis, Bacteroides forsythus, Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella nigrescens, Campylobacter rectus, Treponema denticola and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in subgingival plaque samples from the patients were examined by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy. Subgingival plaque, GCF, and serum samples were taken at baseline and three weeks after initial preparation. For 14 patients, changes in clinical parameters due to the initial preparation were correlated with reduction of periodontopathogens and to IgG antibody levels in GCF and serum against them. P. gingivalis, T. denticola and C. rectus were found to be predominant in destructive sites. No significant differences were found in GCF IgG antibody levels between destructive and healthy sites. In destructive sites, the prevalence of P. gingivalis and C. rectus was significantly correlated with elevated IgG antibody against these microorganisms in GCF. The initial preparation resulted in significant reduction of serum IgG antibody levels against all microorganisms tested. No decrease in GCF IgG antibody was observed, but levels to P. gingivalis and C. rectus were significantly increased (p<0.05). The assessment of GCF IgG antibodies to specific periodontopathic bacteria may be of considerable value in reflecting the conditions of periodontitis.

Complete cloning and sequencing of rat gp330/"megalin," a distinctive member of the low density lipoprotein receptor gene family

We completed the cDNA cloning and sequencing of gp330, the major kidney glomerular antigen for rat Heymann nephritis. The deduced 4660-aa sequence, expected to constitute a mature protein of M(r) 516,715, consists of a probable N-terminal signal peptide sequence (25 aa), an extracellular region (4400 aa), a single transmembrane domain (22 aa), and a C-terminal cytoplasmic tail (213 aa). The extracellular region contains three types of cysteine-rich repeats characteristic of the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene family--36 LDLR ligand-binding repeats forming four clusters of putative ligand-binding domains, 16 growth factor repeats separated by 8 YWTD spacer regions, and 1 C-terminal epidermal growth factor repeat. The cytoplasmic tail contains two copies of the (FX)NPXY motif, which represents a signal for coated pitmediated internalization and an additional similar motif. The overall structure of gp330 is similar to that of the LDLR-related protein (LRP)/alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor and shows even greater similarity to the Caenorhabditis elegans protein, reported as a homologue of LRP. However, gp330 differs from these proteins in (i) the cysteine-rich repeat arrangements found in the extreme extracellular N- and C-terminal regions, (ii) the distribution pattern of cysteine residues in the YWTD spacer regions, (iii) the location of the RX(K/R)R consensus recognition sequence of furin, a precursor processing endoprotease, and (iv) the length and structure of the cytoplasmic tail. We suggest the name megalin (from Greek mega) for gp330, the largest plasma membrane protein identified so far in vertebrates. The cloned cDNA will be useful for studies on the physiological functions of gp330/megalin and for determining its role in Heymann nephritis.

[A therapeutic trial of experimental tuberculosis with gamma-interferon in an immunocompromised mouse model]

It has been well documented that IFN-gamma plays an important role in the host defense against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection through activating macrophages to kill the organism. In the present study, we studied the effects of in vivo injection of monoclonal antibody against IFN-gamma (anti-IFN-gamma mAb) on the mycobacterial infection to confirm the role of this cytokine. The injection of anti-IFN-gamma mAb suppressed the enhanced expression of MHC class II and ICAM-1 on pulmonary parenchymal macrophages induced by intravenous injection of Mycobacterium bovis BCG. The number of bacilli recovered from lung of mice treated with anti-IFN-gamma mAb and injected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv was significantly larger than that of the control infected mice. From these results, it was indicated that anti-IFN-gamma mAb blocked the activities of endogenously synthesized IFN-gamma, thus inhibited the activation of macrophages to kill the bacilli. Next, CD4+ T cell-depleted mice were prepared by injecting anti-CD4 mAb and used as immunocompromised animal. When infected with M. tuberculosis, the multiplication of the bacilli within the lungs of such immunocompromised mice was much more enhanced in comparison with the control mice with intact CD4+ T cells. Administration of IFN-gamma significantly reduced the number of the bacilli in lung. Further, in an in vitro study with human lung macrophages, IFN-gamma enhanced the killing activity of macrophages against M. tuberculosis in a dose dependent manner, and suboptimal dose of 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 synergistically augmented the effect of IFN-gamma.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Vasodilator nerves]

In addition to sympathetic vasoconstrictor nerves, nonadrenergic, noncholinergic vasodilator nerves control the vascular tone. In cerebral arteries of various species of animals, nitric oxide (NO) is a potential candidate for the vasodilator transmitter. In rat mesenteric arterioles, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) functions as a transmitter. In guinea pig mesenteric arteries, multiple transmitters including NO and CGRP mediate the vasodilator response. The physiological and pathophysiological significance of vasodilator nerves is to be determined.

[Effect of tumor necrosis factor and interferon-gamma on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) A and B gene expression in THP-1 monocytic cells]

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a potent mitogen of mesenchymal cells. A and B chains of PDGF are transcribed in atherosclerotic plaques but details of the mechanism of the expression of either chains in vivo are not understood. It has been suggested that differentiated macrophages, which are the major origin of foam cells, but not monocytes hardly secrete PDGF in vitro. In the present study, we investigated the effect of 1) tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a macrophage derived cytokine which promote the differentiation from monocytes to macrophages, and 2) interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), a T cell derived macrophage activating factor, on the production and mRNA expression of PDGF A and B chains in a human monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1. THP-1 cells were cultured in the presence of one of the experimental cytokines with or without the addition of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). PMA is known to induce the differentiation of monocytes (including THP-1 cells) to macrophages within a period of 24 hours. Thus the treatment of THP-1 cells with a cytokine and/or PMA in vitro was expected to mimic the effect of the cytokine during the differentiation of monocytes to macrophages in vivo. Unstimulated THP-1 cells expressed no detectable amount of PDGF A or B mRNA. The treatment of THP-1 cells with PMA resulted in the strong expression of both PDGF A and B mRNAs. Stimulated with TNF-alpha (50 U/ml) on day 0, THP-1 cells expressed PDGF A mRNA significantly from 1 up to 3 days after the treatment, whereas the expression of PDGF B and mRNA was only weakly detected on day 2. The maximum signal of PDGF A mRNA was ten times stronger than that of PDGF B mRNA. Within the same period, relatively small number of TNF-alpha treated THP-1 cells had differentiated to macrophages as detected by the reduction of nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) (35% of total cells) and by the counting of adherent cells (35% of total cells). THP-1 cells simultaneously treated with TNF-alpha and PMA strongly expressed PDGF A and B gene. Most remarkably, the expression of PDGF B mRNA was greatly enhanced with compared to the treatment with PMA alone. In addition, TNF-alpha augmented the secretion of PDGF proteins in PMA stimulated THP-1 cells. In contrast, INF gamma per se had no effect on PDGF gene expression, NBT reducing activity and cell adherence in unstimulated THP-1 cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Long term clinical results with 19 mm or 21 mm standard aortic St. Jude Medical prosthesis

Comparison of long term clinical results after aortic valve replacement with 19 mm or 21 mm vs. 23 mm or larger bileaflet prostheses has not yet been reported. Between December 1979 and September 1993, 80 consecutive patients who underwent isolated aortic valve replacement at Niigata University using a standard St. Jude Medical valve were assigned to small size group (19 mm and 21 mm, n = 34) or to large size group (23 mm or larger, n = 46). In the small size group, patient's age was older, body surface area smaller, female patients and calcified aortic stenosis were dominant (all p < 0.01). The left ventricular systolic dimension was shorter (p < 0.001), while the cardiothoracic ratio was similar to that of the large size group. All patients received warfarin treatment, and target thrombotest level was 15 to 25% (equivalent to INR 1.6 to 2.1). Actuarial survival rates including hospital death in the small size group (94% at fifth postoperative year) were comparable to those in the large size group. Cerebrovascular event occurred in two patients with the small size prosthesis (1.3%/pty) and three with larger prosthesis (0.9%/pty). Major hemorrhagic complication was not observed in either group. No significant difference was noticed in the proportion free from valve-related morbidity. In the patients with aortic stenosis (n = 41), the left ventricular posterior wall thickness decreased from 15 mm preoperatively to 11 mm late post surgery in both groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Vasodilator innervation of small cerebral arteries of guinea pigs

The neuronal influence on the resistance of cerebral arteries was analyzed in middle cerebral arteries of guinea pigs. Calcitonin gene-related peptide- and vasoactive intestinal peptide-immunoreactive nerves and NADPH-diaphorase-positive nerves were present in the distal portion of the middle cerebral artery. Isolated middle cerebral arteries were cannulated and perfused at a constant flow rate (1 ml/min) and the perfusion pressure was monitored. Prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) and K+ (50 mM) elicited a sustained increase of the perfusion pressure (vasoconstriction), while noradrenaline and 5-hydroxytryptamine caused only a slight constriction. Electrical field stimulation (FS) at 8 Hz did not elicit a contractile response. In tissues precontracted with PGF2 alpha, FS induced a tetrodotoxin-sensitive vasodilator response. Endothelium-denudation and removal of the effect of sensory nerves by capsaicin-treatment did not affect the FS-induced vasodilation. In contrast, nitro-L-arginine, an inhibitor of NO formation, attenuated the FS-induced vasodilatation. These results show that the resistance of the cerebral vessels of guinea pigs is under the influence of vasodilator nerves and that the neurogenic vasodilator mechanism involves NO synthesis.

Noradrenergic and dopaminergic interrelation in schizophrenia

Growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) responses to the acute administration of clonidine (150 micrograms) and apomorphine (0.5 mg) were investigated in parallel in 20 drug-free subchronic and chronic schizophrenic patients and in nine control subjects. Neither basal levels of the two hormones nor their mean responses to both stimuli differed significantly between the two groups. However, eight patients had blunted GH responses to clonidine and seven to apomorphine; only two patients showed blunted GH responses to both stimuli. The blunted GH response to apomorphine correlated with the chronicity of the disorder. A greater than normal GH response to clonidine stimulation was observed in paranoid patients. Significant correlations were observed between negative symptoms and GH responses to clonidine (negative), between negative symptoms and PRL responses to apomorphine (positive), and between positive symptoms and PRL responses to apomorphine (negative).

Locally delivered minocycline and guided tissue regeneration to treat post-juvenile periodontitis. A case report

A case of post-juvenile periodontitis in a 28-year-old female patient is described along with new periodontal treatment modalities. Administration of minocycline-HCl with local drug delivery system was introduced as a part of initial periodontal therapy following microbiological and immunological examinations. The lesions were subsequently treated by guided tissue regeneration, which resulted in considerable gain of attachment with minimal recession of marginal gingiva. This observation suggests that the local delivery of antibiotics and regenerative therapy may prove to be effective alternative modalities in treatment of post-juvenile periodontitis.

Small-angle scattering study of alpha 1 inhibitor III from rat blood plasma

The alpha 1 proteinase inhibitor III from rat blood plasma, homologous to the alpha 2-macroglobulin family of proteins, has been studied in solution using small-angle scattering of X-rays and of neutrons: the radius of gyration, Rg, was found to be 4.5 nm, and the largest distance within the molecule, Dmax = 14 nm. When the inhibitor reacts with chymotrypsin or methylamine, the resulting derivatives yield slightly higher Rg-values, 4.7 and 4.85 nm, respectively. The data of the native protein are consistent with a model, the projection of which resembles the letter V and which is formed by the two identical halves of an elliptic cylinder with semi-axes of 2.1 and 5.5 nm and a length of 11 nm. This elliptic cylinder model also explained the scattering from the monomeric complement proteins C3 and C4, as well as that from the monomers of the dimeric and tetrameric alpha 2-macroglobulin family of proteins (Osterberg, R., et al. (1991), Biochemistry 30, 7873-7878). Due to the conformational change occurring when the thiol ester bond is split, the cleft in the V-form seems to be closed; and as a result, the models of the chymotrypsin and methylamine derivatives are more compact than that of the native protein.

Surgical excision of a broad-based left atrial myxoma: report of a case

We report herein the case of a 72-year-old woman who underwent successful resection of an unusual type of broad-based left atrial myxoma. The tumor, which was attached to the fossa ovalis and anterior wall of the left atrium posterior to the aorta, was resected en bloc with the interatrial septum and the affected free wall of the left atrium. The defect in the left atrium and atrial septum was then reconstructed with an equine pericardial patch. To our knowledge, this type of cardiac myxoma, with a base extending from the septum to the atrial wall, has not been previously reported.

Identification of the duplicated segments in rice chromosomes 1 and 5 by linkage analysis of cDNA markers of known functions

We mapped two loci for ADP-ribosylation factor homologues (ARF1, ARF2) and two loci for cysteine proteinase inhibitors (oryzacystatin-I and -II: OCI, OCII) by linkage analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphism loci in rice (Oryza sativa L.) genomic DNAs using their cDNAs as probes.Oc-1 andArf-2 were found to be closely located to each other on chromosome 1, whileOc-2 andArf-1,both found on chromosome 5, were also located close to each other. The map distances are about 2 cM in both pairs. In each chromosome, theArf locus was located about 27 cM from that of the aldolase gene (Ald-2 in chromosome 1 andAld-1 in chromosome 5). These three genes are in the same order,Ald-Arf-Oc, but in opposite orientations relative to the distal ends of the linkage group. The presence of two sets of three linked genes on chromosomes 1 and 5 strongly suggests a structural similarity of the blocks of the two chromosomes, which probably reflects duplication of the segment. A recent investigation by other workers has shown that these rice blocks correspond to two regions in maize chromosomes 8 and 6, that have previously been shown to share many duplicated nucleotide sequences. It is therefore very likely that the duplication of the region occurred before the divergence of rice and maize during the evolution of the subfamilies of the grasses (Gramineae). In view of a recently discovered possible structural similarity between the small GTP-binding protein superfamily, which includesArf andras proteins, and the cystatin family, the close linkage ofOc andArf loci found in the present study suggests a possible cluster of genes related to the small GTP-binding proteins.

[A case report of miliary tuberculosis with acute respiratory failure diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction method]

A 51-year-old male was admitted because of cough and high fever. His chest X-ray and CT revealed miliary shadows, he was administered some antibiotics. But on the 8th day, his chest X-ray revealed ground glass shadows and he was under severe hypoxemia. We suspected miliary tuberculosis with acute respiratory failure due to his clinical course. The intensive therapy with antituberculosis drugs, hydrocortisone (1 g/day) was started and intubation was performed. The smear of the clinical samples did not show acid-fast bacilli on admission. However, by the polymerase chain reaction amplification method specific DNA fragments of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex were detected from BALF and bone marrow. He was extubated after the 13th day and he recovered. It is difficult to separate and identify tubercle bacilli rapidly, but PCR is available for early diagnosis.

Milbemycin derivatives: epoxidation of milbemycins

Epoxidation reactions (MCPBA epoxidation and Sharpless epoxidation) were examined as a means of chemically modifying milbemycins as part of our program for discovering anthelmintics. 8,9-Epoxy-, 14,15-epoxy-, 8,9-14,15-diepoxy-, and 3,4-8,9-14,15-triepoxymilbemycin A4 were selectively obtained from milbemycin A4 and its derivatives, in which either the C-5 and C-7 hydroxyl groups or C-5 alone were protected as appropriate by a silyl ether (in the former case) or a carbonyl group. Further silylation or epoxidation on these epoxidized compounds indicated that the configuration of each epoxide moiety of the mono- and diepoxides is in accord with that of the corresponding epoxide moiety of the triepoxide. Furthermore, in order to confirm the absolute configurations of these epoxide functionalities, an X-ray analysis of a carbamate derivative from the triepoxymilbemycin was conducted.

[A case of vertebral metastasis revealed by incomplete spinal analgesia for cesarean section]

A 36-year-old woman was scheduled for Cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. She was a carrier of hepatitis-B-virus and diabetic. She was complaining of low back pain. Spinal anesthesia was performed in the left lateral decubitus position. Because lumbar puncture in the midline was difficult, left paramedian approach was tried. Then she began to complain of right leg pain. Another attempt was made at other site, but her pain was not relieved. After confirming drop of blood-tinged cerebrospinal fluid, 0.3% dibucaine 2.0 ml was injected. Sensory anesthesia was assessed by pin-prick, but anesthesia was not effective. Then epidural catheter was inserted at Th12-L1 using median approach. She received 1.0% lidocaine 15 ml. However, sensory anesthesia was insufficient (Th4-Th12). Therefore O2-N2O was administered in addition to regional anesthesia. After the delivery, she still complained of low back pain. Later examination revealed metastatic bone tumor of L2 from hepatoma. This case suggests that in a patient with such incomplete spinal or epidural anesthesia and neurological finding, vertebral metastatic tumor should be ruled out.

[Pulmonary nocardiosis concurrent with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in a case of smoldering adult T-cell leukemia]

A 76-year-old man, with concomitant pulmonary nocardiosis and Pneumocystis carinii (PC) pneumonia, is described. He suffered from smoldering type adult T-cell leukemia and strongyloidiasis. Chest X-rays showed bilateral infiltrative shadows. Nocardia asteroides was isolated from sputum and bronchofiberscopic aspirates. PC was not detected, however, despite the chest X-ray raising the suspicion of PC pneumonia. Since PC antigen was detected by immunoelectrophoresis in the absence of other clinical or histologic data, we diagnosed a latent PC infection. He improved with the use of cefuzonam and ST compounds, but experienced recurrence five months after discharge. N. asteroides and PC were detected from sputum on the second admission. As multiple concurrent infections with opportunistic organisms are not uncommon in immunocompromised hosts, we must maintain a high index of suspicion for opportunistic infection in cases such as this one.

[A study on nephrotoxicity of arbekacin and vancomycin in rats]

Nephrotoxicities of arbekacin (ABK) and/or vancomycin (VCM) were examined by administrating rats intravenously with single doses or 10 times repeated daily doses. ABK was found less toxic to kidney than VCM, and the toxicity was strengthened by combined treatment with VCM and ABK. Fosfomycin decreased the nephrotoxicity when added to the single or combined treatment with ABK and VCM.

[Clinical problems of alcoholics with a history of methamphetamine abuse]

The authors studied the clinical problems of alcoholics with a history of methamphetamine abuse as compared with alcoholics with no history. The samples were in- and out-patients of Kanagawa Prefectural Center of Psychiatry, Serigaya Hospital, from January to December 1992. This study covered 26 alcoholics who had abused methamphetamine from 1 to 40 years before, with an average age at admission was 43.5 years. This compared with a 50.4 year average for 89 alcoholics who had no history of methamphetamine abuse. Hepatitis C antibodies (HCVAb) were significantly more commonly observed in ex-methamphetamine abusers than in non-abusers (73.1% vs. 18.0%). Hepatitis B antigens (HBsAg) were no more common among abusers than non-abusers (0% vs. 2.2%). Blood transfusion history tended to be greater in ex-methamphetamine abusers than non-abusers (38.5% vs. 29.2%) but the difference did not reach conventional levels of statistical significance. Ex-abusers often wore tattoos (23.1%) whereas none of the non-abusers did, a significant difference. Significantly more ex-methamphetamine abusers were diagnosed as suffering from alcoholic hallucinosis than non-abusers (42.3% vs. 7.9%). As more ex-methamphetamine abusers than non-abusers were living alone (61.5% vs. 31.5%), were on welfare (61.5% vs. 23.8%), and living in skid-row areas (15.4% vs. 5.6%), the authors concluded that their living conditions were unstable.

Effect of alterations of basic amino acid residues of Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin II on enterotoxicity

Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin II (STII) is composed of 48 amino acid residues. Among these, one histidine, two arginine, and six lysine residues are basic. Isoelectric focusing showed that the isoelectric point of STII is 9.7, indicating that the side chains of some of these basic amino acid residues project outside the molecule. To understand the role that these basic amino acid residues play in toxicity, STII was chemically modified with ethoxyformic anhydride, maleic anhydride, and phenylglyoxal, which alter the side chains of basic amino acid residues in proteins. Maleic anhydride, which modifies the epsilon amino group, caused a significant loss of enterotoxic activity, but the other two modifiers did not. This indicated that lysine residues play an important role in the expression of the enterotoxic activity of STII and that the contribution of the other basic amino acid residues to the toxicity is relatively low. To confirm this hypothesis, we substituted these nine basic amino acid residues by oligonucleotide-directed site-specific mutagenesis and examined the enterotoxicity of these purified mutant STIIs. The enterotoxic activity was reduced when the lysine residues at positions 18, 22, 23, and 46 were substituted. In particular, the substitution at positions 22 and 23 induced a remarkable reduction. These results demonstrate that the lysine residues at positions 22 and 23 are very important in the expression of the enterotoxic activity of STII.