[Postoperative interstitial pneumonia: 2 cases after lobectomy]

Two patients with postoperative interstitial pneumonia are reported. Preoperative diagnosis was primary lung cancer without idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP). Within one week after operation acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP) occurred on the nonoperated side and developed. Steroid therapy was performed but one was dead. AIP is a fatal complication after pulmonary resection and steroid therapy may be useful in some cases of postoperative AIP.

Two anomalous cases of the hepato-mesenteric and the gastro-splenic trunks independently arising from the abdominal aorta

This report describes two arterial anomaly cases in the celiaco-mesenteric region, which were encountered in two Japanese male cadavers in the dissecting room at Kurume University School of Medicine in 1999. In these cases, the usual celiac trunks were not identified, and the hepato-mesenteric and the gastro-splenic trunks were independently arising from the abdominal aorta. Moreover, in the first case, the common hepatic artery passed ventral side of the portal vein and divided into the hepatic proper and the gastroduodenal arteries. This type of arterial anomaly belongs to the Type V of Adachi's classification and the Type IV' of Morita's classification. In the second case, the common hepatic artery passed dorsal side of the portal vein and divided into the hepatic proper and the gastroduodenal arteries. This type of arterial anomaly belongs to the Type VI of Adachi's classification and the Type IV' of Morita's classification.

[Evaluation of the rapid detection test for influenza A and B viruses using neuraminidase activity]

The ZstatFlu test (ZymeTx, USA) is a rapid detection kit for influenza A and B viruses. This test is based upon the reaction between viral neuraminidase from influenza viruses and a chromogenic substrate. The clinical performance of the ZstatFlu test was determined by comparison with viral isolation in cell culture. A total of 176 respiratory specimens from 172 pediatric patients with influenza like illnesses during the 1998/99 season were tested. Influenza viruses were recovered from 97 specimens (type A: 6, type B: 91) in cell culture. ZstatFlu demonstrated 67.4% sensitivity (29/43) and 62.7% specificity (37/59) for throat swabs. Of the 22 ZstatFlu-positive, culture-negative throat swabs tested by RT-PCR, 18 were positive by RT-PCR. ZstatFlu showed 48.1% sensitivity (26/54) and 90.0% specificity (18/20) for nasopharyngeal aspirates. Of the two ZstatFlu-positive, culture-negative nasopharyngeal aspirates tested by HI titer of paired sera, one showed a 4-fold increase of HI titer. Nasopharyngeal aspirates therefore showed lower sensitivity than throat swabs at this test, different from EIA test kits such as Directigen FluA or FLU OIA. Overall, only 5 specimens were false positive by the ZstatFlu test. Therefore, this test demonstrated high specificity and positive predictive value. In conclusion, the ZstatFlu test is useful for the rapid detection of influenza A and B viruses to identify patients who need antiviral treatment.

Specific microbial colonizations in the periodontal sites of HIV-infected subjects

The purpose of this study was to examine colonization by specific organisms at periodontal sites in HIV-seropositive [HIV(+)] subjects. A total of 67 HIV(+) and 32 HIV(--) subjects were investigated. The specific pathogens included black-pigmented anaerobic rods (BPAR), Porphyromonas gingivalis, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Candida albicans and mycoplasma species. P. gingivalis was present in the HIV(+) subjects more frequently than in the HIV(--) periodontitis patients (P < 0.01). The cell numbers of BPAR and P. gingivalis and percentages as the total of CFUs on blood agar cultured in an anaerobic chamber were statistically higher in periodontal pocket samples from HIV(+) than from HIV(--). A. actinomycetemcomitans was also detected at a high rate (41.8%) in HIV(+) patients. The average cell numbers of C. albicans were higher in samples from the HIV(+) group (P < 0.05). The detection rate of mycoplasma species in the HIV(+) patients was significantly lower than that in HIV(--) subjects (P < 0.05), and most isolated mycoplasma strains were Mycoplasma salivarium.

Serum carotenoids and vitamins and risk of cervical dysplasia from a case-control study in Japan

The relationships between risk of cervical dysplasia and dietary and serum carotenoids and vitamins were investigated in a case-control study. Cases were 156 women who attended Papanicolaou test screening in nine institutes affiliated with Japan Study Group of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Cervical Cancer and had cervical dysplasia newly histologically confirmed. Age-matched controls were selected from women with normal cervical cytology attending the same clinic. Blood sample and cervical exfoliated cells were obtained for measuring serum retinol, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin/lutein, cryptoxanthin, lycopene and alpha-tocopherol and for HPV detection. Higher serum level of alpha-carotene was significantly associated with decreased risk of cervical dysplasia after controlling for HPV infection and smoking status (odds ratio (OR) = 0.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.04-0.62 for the highest as compared with the lowest tertile). Decreased risk for the highest tertile of serum lycopene (OR = 0.28) was marginally significant. Decreased risks observed for the highest tertiles of beta-carotene (OR = 0.65) and zeaxanthin/lutein (OR = 0.53), were not statistically significant.

Utility of the monoclonal antibody HIK1083 in the diagnosis of adenoma malignum of the uterine cervix

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to qualify a staining technique for the diagnosis of adenoma malignum.

METHODS

The gastric mucin expression of adenoma malignum, ordinary endocervical adenocarcinoma, and normal cervical glands was immunohistochemically compared using the monoclonal antibody HIK1083.

RESULTS

The three categories were clearly distinguished, with 90% (9/10) of cases with positive adenoma malignum, 30% (3/10) of cases with weakly positive ordinary cervical adenocarcinoma, and no (0/10) cases of positive normal cervical glands.

CONCLUSIONS

This preliminary report indicates that the use of HIK1083 is valuable in the diagnosis of adenoma malignum.

[Surgical management of pulmonary disease due to nontuberculous mycobacteria]

Between 1983 and 1998, 9 patients with nontuberculous mycobacteriosis (NTM) underwent pulmonary resection. 8 patients were men and 1 was woman. Mean length of preoperative period was 20.3 months (range 6 months to 51 months). Most operative indication was localized NTM resistant to multidrug therapy. Lobectomy was performed in 7 patients, segmentectomy in one, partial resection in one. We have no operative mortality but air leaks occurred in one and he needed thoracoplasty. Mean postoperative follow up period was 67.7 months. Only one patients relapsed 34 months after the first operation. For localized NTM, early surgical management results good outcome.

[Relationship between epidemiological data of adenovirus type 7 in Kawasaki City and restriction enzyme assay pattern of the virus]

Since April 1995 increased number of type 7 were isolated in Japan and also in Kawasaki city. From May 1996 to March 1999, Adenovirus type 7 (Ad7) were isolated from 49 patients with high body temperature, and longer febrile period were observed in infants and younger children. Lower respiratory tract infection occurred and a young child developed fatal pneumonia. Ad7 were isolated not only in summer but in winter. They were prevalent all season. We analyzed 27 strains of Ad7 genetically using restriction enzyme and compared the results with epidemiological and clinical data. Consequently we can not found any difference in genetic pattern between these Ad7 regardless of age or symptom. The pattern was all the same as Ad7d that of already issued in Japan.

Low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma with cardiovascular involvement--a report of three cases

BACKGROUND

In low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma, it has been reported that vascular space involvement in surgical specimens is found in over 50% of patients. However, in contrast to intravenous leiomyomatosis, it has been thought that further tumor extension to large vessels is rarely observed.

CASES

We present three cases of low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma with cardiovascular involvement by recurrent tumors observed on imaging studies. Two cases demonstrated tumor infiltration inside the inferior vena cava while the other case showed tumor growth in the left ventricle.

CONCLUSION

This report suggests that attention should be paid to the possibility of cardiovascular invasion during the entire course of this disease.

Inhibitory activities of 2-pyridinecarboxylic acid analogs on phytogrowth and enzymes

Five 2-pyridinecarboxylic acid-related compounds (1, 2 and 5-7) showed germination inhibition against the seed of Brassica campestris L. subsp. rapa HOOK fil et ANDERS at a concentration of 5.0 x 10(-4) M. These compounds also demonstrated inhibitory activity on the growth of the root of this plant at a concentration of 3.0 x 10(-4) M; among these compounds, 2-pyridylacetic acid (5) showed the strongest inhibitory activity, and the effect was slightly stronger than that of sodium 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate (2,4-D) used as a positive control. The amounts of chlorophyll in the cotyledons of this plant treated with these active compounds was lower than that of the control group. Four compounds (1 and 5-7) with germination inhibition also showed inhibitory activities against alpha-amylase and carboxypeptidase A, and 5 was the strongest inhibitor toward both enzymes.

[Optical immunoassay test for rapid detection of influenza A and B viruses: an evaluation]

The optical immunoassay test (FLU OIA, BioStar, USA) for rapid detection of influenza A and B viral antigens was compared with viral isolation in cell culture. A total of 103 respiratory specimens were tested on 75 pediatric patients with acute respiratory illnesses. Influenza viruses were recovered in 40 specimens (type A: 5, Type B: 35). FLU OIA demonstrated 80.0% sensitivity and 68.8% specificity for nasopharyngeal aspirates and 36.7% sensitivity and 83.9% specificity for throat swabs. We also tested FLU OIA, retrospectively, using 78 supernatant samples from pediatric patients with influenza A virus infection frozen after cell culture. FLU OIA demonstrated 91.4% sensitivity and 92.3% specificity for nasopharyngeal aspirates and 50.0% sensitivity and 91.7% specificity for throat swabs diluted in viral transport media. Nasopharyngeal aspirates showed higher sensitivity than throat swabs for detection of influenza virus by FLU OIA. We believe this rapid test kit is useful for the detection of influenza A and B viruses.

Association of Helicobacter pylori with gastroduodenal diseases

Helicobacter pylori was first cultured in vitro in 1982. This bacterium is a spiral gram-negative rod which grows under microaerophilic conditions. The ecological niche is the mucosa of the human stomach which had been thought to be aseptic before the discovery of this bacterium. This organism causes a long-lasting infection throughout a person's life if there is no medical intervention. Numerous persons are infected with the organism around the world, and the rate of infection in Japan is nearly 50% of the population. However, the route of infection remains unclear because the organism has not been isolated from any environment other than several animals. H. pylori is now recognized as a causative agent of gastritis and peptic ulcers. Though gastritis, and especially chronic active gastritis, is observed at least histologically in all persons with H. pylori, peptic ulcers develop in only some infected persons. Specific factors in the host and/or the bacteria are needed for the development of peptic ulcer disease. Furthermore, H. pylori is considered to be related to the development of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, especially those of low grade. Also, H. pylori infection is a major determinant for initiating the sequence of events leading to gastric cancer. In some patients with low-grade gastric MALT lymphoma, the eradication of H. pylori led to a regression of lesion. Gastric cancer has been induced in Mongolian gerbils with long-term H. pylori infection. The combinations of drugs, which consist of an antisecretory agent (acid-suppressing agent) and antimicrobial agents, are used for the eradication of the organism. Eradication therapy is recommended at least for patients with peptic ulcers.

Gastric ulcers in SCID mice induced by Helicobacter pylori infection after transplanting lymphocytes from patients with gastric lymphoma

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Several studies have indicated that host factors are important in Helicobacter pylori-induced gastroduodenal diseases. We examined the pathological role of host immune responses in H. pylori infection by reconstituting components of the human immune system into severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice by transplantation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from H. pylori-infected patients.

METHODS

PBMCs obtained from patients with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma were injected intraperitoneally into SCID mice, designated MALToma-hu-SCID mice. One month after transplantation, H. pylori was administered orally to the mice. The mice were killed and examined for pathological changes and immunologic features.

RESULTS

Human lymphocytes were detected in hu-SCID mice, and T- and B-cell functions were preserved for 1 month. Administration of H. pylori led to gastric ulcers with bleeding in the MALToma-hu-SCID mice. The gastric mucosa of control mice injected with Escherichia coli or transplanted with PBMCs from patients with peptic ulcers or gastritis or from healthy volunteers showed no pathological changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Host immune responses against H. pylori appear to be involved in the development of gastric ulcers in patients who have MALT lymphoma.

Morphologic analyses of positive peritoneal cytology in endometrial carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between the morphologic features of endometrial adenocarcinoma cells in peritoneal fluids (effusions and washings) and macroscopic intraabdominal adenocarcinoma at laparotomy as well as prognosis.

STUDY DESIGN

Seventy-one patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma who showed positive peritoneal cytology at laparotomy were clinically divided into three groups: 25 patients with macroscopic neoplastic seeding in the peritoneal cavity (type 1), 38 patients without macroscopic peritoneal metastasis who survived with no evidence of disease (type 2) and 8 patients without macroscopic peritoneal metastasis who later developed recurrence of adenocarcinoma (type 3). Morphologic features of the adenocarcinoma cells in smears of peritoneal fluids were examined.

RESULTS

Most of the smears from type 1 patients showed moderate to high cellularity, scalloped edges of cell clusters and isolated adenocarcinoma cells, whereas these features were seldom observed in type 2 patients. Although not all type 3 patients demonstrated these three features, patients in the series whose specimens exhibited none of the three features did not show any peritoneal lesions or have a recurrence of their disease.

CONCLUSION

The finding of endometrial adenocarcinoma cells exhibiting high cellularity, scalloped edge of cell clusters and isolated cells in smears of peritoneal fluid is associated with the presence of intraabdominal macroscopic metastatic lesions and could be regarded as a risk factor for intraabdominal recurrence of carcinoma.

Assessment of the revised International Federation of Gynecology and obstetrics staging for early invasive squamous cervical cancer

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the value of the International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FIGO) classification (1995) for early invasive cervical cancer. Methods. Clinico-pathological analysis was performed in 402 patients with invasive squamous cervical cancer in whom the depth of stromal invasion was 5 mm or less.

RESULTS

The incidence of lymph node metastasis was 1.2% (1/82) in patients with 3 mm or less depth of invasion; the node-positive patient was in stage IA1. The incidence of lymph node metastasis was 6.8% (5/73) in patients with 3-5 mm depth of invasion; this increased with increasing horizontal spread from 3.4% for 7 mm or less to 9.1% for more than 7 mm. None of the patients in this series had metastasis to the parametrial tissues. Of 4 patients with recurrence, 3 had horizontal spread of more than 7 mm and the remaining patient was in stage IA2.

CONCLUSION

The FIGO definition of early squamous cervical cancer is generally acceptable in its present form.

Molecular typing of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 isolated in Okayama Prefecture using pulsed field gel electrophoresis and random amplification of polymorphic DNA

Three outbreaks and many isolated cases of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 occurred in 1996 and 1997 in Okayama Prefecture, Japan. In an attempt to investigate the route of these infections, the strains isolated from the 3 outbreaks (total 33 strains) and 15 isolated cases (total 15 strains) were investigated using random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). In addition, 10 strains from an outbreak in Tojo Cho, Hiroshima Prefecture (June 1996), 2 strains from the particular types of meat in Kochi Prefecture, and 42 strains isolated from bovine feces in a farm in Okayama Prefecture were also investigated in the same manner. PFGE was much more useful than RAPD for molecular typing of the clinical isolates, in that it allowed us to classify them into 10 PFGE groups. We noted that the strains differed according to the time and place of the outbreaks (or isolated cases). This indicates that O157:H7 infections in Okayama Prefecture were caused by different strains (although some cases were aggravated by the same strains as were found in other areas). The isolates from bovine feces were classified into 5 groups by PFGE profiles, but none of them were identical to those of the clinical isolates.

Efficacy of aquatic exercises for patients with low-back pain

We have studied 35 patients (25 female and 10 male) with low-back pain who were managed with aquatic exercises after an appropriate period of treatment for their condition in the medical institution. The exercises employed consisted of strengthening exercises for the abdominal, gluteal, and leg muscles, stretching of the back, hip, hamstrings, and calf muscles, walking in water, and swimming. All the patients had been participating in the exercise program for more than 6 months. The frequency of performing exercises was once a week for 7 patients, twice a week for 19, and 3 or more times a week for the remaining patients. The method used in this study was a survey questionnaire which was composed of questions about the patient's physical and psychological condition. Those patients who had performed exercises twice or more in a week showed a more significant improvement in the physical score than those who performed exercises only once a week. More than 90% of the patients felt they had improved after 6 months of participation in the program. The improvement in physical score was independent of the initial ability in swimming. The results obtained suggested that exercises in water may be one of the most useful modes of exercise for a patient with low-back pain.

Antibodies to human gastric epithelial cells and heat shock protein 60 in Helicobacter pylori positive mucosa associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Development of gastric mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is thought to be closely associated with host immune reactions to Helicobacter pylori.

AIM

To investigate humoral immune responses in patients with MALT lymphoma to antigens shared by H pylori and human gastric epithelial cells.

METHODS

Sera were obtained from H pylori positive patients with MALT lymphoma (n = 11) or other gastroduodenal diseases (peptic ulcer, n = 40; non-ulcer dyspepsia, n = 20) and from H pylori negative healthy control subjects (n = 10). Antibodies to HGC-27 human gastric epithelial cells and human recombinant heat shock protein (Hsp) 60 were examined using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblotting.

RESULTS

Antibody titres to HGC-27 cells were significantly elevated in H pylori positive patients with MALT lymphoma when compared with titres in patients with other gastroduodenal diseases and in healthy subjects. Immunoblotting of sera from patients with MALT lymphoma often detected a band with a molecular mass corresponding to Hsp60, and both ELISA and immunoblotting showed elevated antibody titres to the recombinant human Hsp60. Antigenic similarity between Hsp60 and H pylori HspB was documented by immunoblotting experiments.

CONCLUSIONS

Autoantibodies reactive with host gastric epithelial cells are often increased in MALT lymphoma, and Hsp60 is a major target antigen. Immune responses induced by immunological cross reactivity between H pylori HspB and human Hsp60 in gastric epithelium may be involved in the development of MALT lymphoma.

Selective cone suppression by the L-M- and M-L-cone-opponent mechanisms in the luminance pathway

We investigated how transient changes of background color influence the L- and M- (long- and middle-wavelength-sensitive-) cone signals in the luminance pathway. Motion identification thresholds were measured for a drifting sinusoidal grating (1 cycle/deg) modulated along different vector directions in L- and M-cone contrast space. The color of a central 4-deg-diameter region was briefly altered (500 ms) by incrementing or decrementing either L- or M-cone excitation. Incrementing L-cone and decrementing M-cone excitation produced a field that appeared reddish relative to the yellow surround. Likewise, incrementing M-cone and decrementing L-cone produced a field that appeared greenish. Motion identification thresholds were obtained on the yellow field following the brief color transitions. The results show that the threshold for the L-cone direction was selectively elevated by the background substitution of incrementing L-cone and decrementing M-cone excitation (shift toward reddish color). The same substitution, however, did not affect the threshold in the M-cone direction. Similarly, the threshold for the M-cone direction was selectively elevated by the background substitution of incrementing M-cone, decrementing L-cone excitation (shift toward greenish) without affecting the threshold in the L-cone direction. Experiments using the motion quadrature paradigm confirmed that these effects occur within the luminance mechanisms. These results indicate that the activation of L-on plus M-off signals suppresses the L-cone signal and that the activation of L-off plus M-on signals suppresses the M-cone signals in the luminance pathway. We propose a retinal model based on the experimental results.

Human papillomavirus infection and other risk factors for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in Japan

Various risk factors were investigated in 167 cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN) case and control pairs in Japan. CIN cases showed evidence of nine known risk factors including smoking and sexual behaviour. However, after adjustment for papillomavirus infection, the highest determinant, the only remaining risk factors were: being married, early age at first pregnancy and multiparity.

Triterpenoid saponins of Acanthopanax nipponicus leaves

Five new triterpenoid saponins, nipponosides A-E (1, 3-6), were isolated from Acanthopanax nipponicus leaves, along with a known saponin, kalopanaxsaponin G (2). Nipponosides A-E were characterized as the 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->6)-beta -D-glucopyranosyl ester of 3-oxohederagenin, oleanolic acid 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, gypsogenin 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 3beta,23,29-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid, and 3beta,20alpha, 23-trihydroxy-30-nor-olean-12-en-28-oic acid, respectively. The structures of these new compounds were based on chemical and spectral methods.

Microhardness evaluations of resin-dentin bonding areas by nano-indentation

The purpose of this experiment was to determine the hardness values of the hybrid layer and its surroundings through the continuous use of a microhardness measuring device. Black's Class V cavities were prepared in nine dog teeth. The cavities were divided into four groups according to the dentin adhesive system applied. The adhesive systems were: "Bond One System", "Liner Bond II sigma System", "One Step System", and "Single Bond System". The treated teeth were observed at seven days post-application. Specimens were cross-sectioned perpendicularly or horizontally to the resin-dentin interface and embedded in epoxy resin. Their surfaces were polished. The microhardness of the resin-dentin bonding area was measured with a nano-indentation tester. The hardness values at a point of 10 microns distant from the interface in the direction of the dentin differed between systems. It appeared that this was influenced by the presence of the decalcified dentin not impregnated by resin, differences in the chemistry forming the hybrid layer, and the composition of the bonding resin. The hardness of the dentin-bonding interface and its surroundings was determined, and these areas were observed using SEM. Three layers were confirmed the healthy dentin layer, the composite resin layer, and the hybrid layer, (in which decalcified dentin impregnated by resin and that not impregnated by resin are considered to be mix). In the hybrid layer, no impression was found by SEM although the hardness in the bonding interface was significantly different. These layers appear to be more elastic and softer than the healthy dentin.

[Evaluation on the clinical background on early death in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis during the past five years]

We evaluated the clinical background of early death (within 3 months after admission to our hospital) in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis during the past five years (1992-1996). Among 65 active pulmonary tuberculosis patients who died during the past five years, 32 (49%) died directly of tuberculosis. Thirteen (41%) of those 32 patients died of acute respiratory failure and 9 patients (28%) died in emacitation state. Twenty two patients (69%) died within 3 months after admission to our hospital (the early death group) and 10 patients (31%) died after 3 months (the late death group). Thirteen patients (59%) in the early death group died of acute respiratory failure. On the other hand, none in the late death group died of acute respiratory failure but 4 patients died of chronic heart and/or respiratory failure and 4 patients died in emarciation state. Compared to the patients in the late death group, more patients in the early death group had long total delays (patient's and doctor's delays), had coexisiting diseases, had fallen into acute respiratory failure, and were under malnutrition. We evaluated the nutritional condition of patients using the Onodera's PNI (Prognostic Nutritional Index; 10 x serum almumin concentration + 0.005 x peripheral lymphocyte count) and the PNI value was lower among the patients in the early death group than among those in the late death group. To prevent death due to tuberculosis, we emphasize that it is important to start anti-tuberculosis therapy before patients fall into acute respiratory failure and/or malnutrition.

Effect of ultrasound application on skin metabolism of prednisolone 21-acetate

PURPOSE

The effect of ultrasound on skin penetration and metabolism of prednisolone (PN) and prednisolone 21-acetate (PNA) was investigated in the hairless mouse skin in vitro.

METHODS

The abdominal skin excised freshly was pretreated under different ultrasound intensities (4.32, 2.88, and 1.50 W/cm2) for 10, 30, and 60 min. The penetration/metabolism rate of PNA and its metabolite (PN) was then measured using a side-by-side diffusion cell.

RESULTS

The skin penetration of PN was enhanced by the ultrasound pretreatment. This enhancement was attributed to the decrease in the stratum corneum barrier capacity by ultrasound energy. The steady-state appearance rate of PN following the skin bioconversion of PNA decreased appreciably with increasing the product of the duration of pretreatment (Dp, min) and the intensity of ultrasound applied (Iu, W/cm2). When the product value was less than 40 W/cm2 . min, the steady-state appearance rate of the PN hardly increased in spite of the penetration enhancement of PNA.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicated a possible deactivation of the skin enzymes by ultrasound energy.

Two novel oleanolic acid saponins having a sialyl Lewis X mimetic structure from Achyranthes fauriei root

Two novel triterpene glycosides, achyranthosides E and F, were isolated as methyl esters from the root of Achyranthes fauriei, an antiinflammatory medicinal plant. Their structures were characterized as oleanolic acid glucuronides having unique substituents composed of C6H9O5 and C9H15O7, respectively, at the C-3 position of glucuronic acid. These compounds are active components which can inhibit the excess recruiting of neutrophiles to injured tissues 1,000 times more potently than sialyl Lewis X.

Analysis of immunoglobulin A antibodies to Helicobacter pylori in serum and gastric juice in relation to mucosal inflammation

Helicobacter pylori is a major etiologic agent in gastroduodenal disorders. In this study, immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies to H. pylori antigens were evaluated in serum and gastric juice specimens obtained from patients with gastritis or peptic ulcers by utilizing antibody capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ACELISAs). Urease alpha subunit (UA), urease beta subunit (UB), the 66-kDa heat shock protein (HSP), and the 25-kDa protein (25K) were used as antigens for the ACELISAs. The antibody titers of the ACELISAs reflect the ratio of H. pylori-specific IgA to total IgA. The ratio is stable, although the antibody concentration fluctuates in gastric juice. By using ACELISAs it was possible to evaluate quantitatively not only serum IgA antibodies but also gastric juice secretory IgA (S-IgA) antibodies. In both serum IgA and gastric juice S-IgA ACELISAs, the titers of antibody to HSP and 25K were remarkably correlated with the histologic grade of gastritis, whereas those to UA and UB were not strongly correlated with histologic grade. Thus, it is useful for estimating the histologic grade of gastritis to quantify serum IgA and gastric juice S-IgA antibodies to HSP and 25K.

[Impact of influenza A virus infection as a cause of pediatric hospitalization and use of rapid antigen test of influenza A virus]

From the winter of 1997 to the spring of 1988, a severe epidemic caused by influenza A (H3N2) developed in Japan. During the epidemic (December 1997 to February 1998), 239 children were admitted to the pediatric ward of Nippon Kokan Hospital: as many as 76 (31.8%) were hospitalized with influenza A (H3N2) infection. Most were young healthy children (mean age, 3.7 years), suggesting the need of influenza immunization for this age group. 110 specimens of hospitalized children were examined by rapid antigen test of influenza A virus (Directigen Flu A, Becton Dickinson, USA). The rapid test showed about 90% sensitivity and specificity, as compared with isolation and serum hemagglutination inhibition test. Directigen Flu A proved to be a reliable, rapid screen for influenza A from symptomatic patients.

Modification of Helicobacter pylori adhesion to human gastric epithelial cells by antiadhesion agents

Helicobacter pylori is a major etiological agent in gastroduodenal disorders. H. pylori adhesion to human gastric mucosa is the initial step of H. pylori colonization. Inhibition of H. pylori adhesion is thus a therapeutic target in preventing H. pylori infection. We have previously established a method using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to analyze quantitatively H. pylori adhesion to gastric epithelial cells. This method is suitable for screening antiadhesion agents. Some mucoprotective agents are proved to have antiadhesion effects in vitro, and they may modify H. pylori adhesion. This evidence gives us a useful clue to analyze the molecular mechanism of H. pylori adhesion to mucosa. Furthermore, in clinical trials, these mucoprotective agents enhanced the eradication rate when administered with antibiotics. In conclusion, the antiadhesion agents may have potential as therapeutic regimens against H. pylori infection.

Requirement of the glycosyl parts in platycodin D to stimulate pancreatic exocrine secretion

The whole structure of platycodin D is found to be essential to stimulate the volumetric increase in the pancreatic exocrine secretion, while the prosapogenins prepared from platycodin D increased only protein output of pancreatic juice.

Ovarian metastasis in endometrial carcinoma

A retrospective study was conducted to investigate the clinical significance of ovarian metastasis in 439 patients with clinical stage I endometrial cancer surgically treated by performing total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and pelvic lymphadenectomy. Histologic examination revealed that 22 patients (5%) had ovarian metastasis. The maximum diameter of the ovarian metastases ranged from 1 to 100 mm. In 18.2% (4/22) of patients with ovarian metastasis, the maximum diameter was less than 2 mm. Patients with metastasis limited to the ovarian surface showed 100% positive peritoneal cytology, 0% lymph node metastases, and 50% recurrence, while patients with metastasis inside the ovary showed 10% positive peritoneal cytology, 36% lymph node metastases, and 53% recurrence. The prognosis of patients with ovarian metastasis alone was situated midway between that of patients with cancer limited to the uterus and that of patients with lymph node metastasis alone. The lymph node status was of importance to determine the prognosis of patients with ovarian metastasis. The series also suggests that there may be two routes for ovarian metastasis; one is a route via the fallopian tube to the ovarian surface and the other is a route via the lymphatics to the inside of the ovary.

Flow cytometry measurements of subsets of T, B and NK cells in peripheral blood lymphocytes of atomic bomb survivors

Previous studies of blood cells from atomic bomb survivors have shown that frequencies of chromosome aberrations and somatic mutations are elevated in heavily exposed survivors and that T-cell functions and the number of mature T cells are decreased in the survivors who were exposed to radiation as adults. Current progress in flow cytometry allows a sophisticated analysis of various subsets of T, B and NK cells. In the present study, proportions of such subsets in peripheral blood lymphocytes from atomic bomb survivors (159 survivors estimated to be exposed to > or =1.5 Gy) and 252 controls were measured using multiple combinations of monoclonal antibodies to lymphocyte differentiation antigens to investigate whether the previous radiation exposure had altered the composition of the subsets. Among T-cell subsets, the proportion of CD4+ T-cell subsets was decreased significantly in the heavily exposed survivors; this tendency was apparent for the CD4+CD45RA+ naive T-cell subset. However, there were no significant differences in the proportions of CD8+ T-cell subsets between the exposed survivors and controls. As for the B-cell subsets, the proportion of both CD5+ and CD5 B cells as well as CD23+ and CD23- B cells increased in the heavily exposed survivors. Further, no effect of radiation was found in the proportion of NK-cell subsets. These results strongly suggest that previous radiation exposure altered the composition of T and B cells in the peripheral blood of atomic bomb survivors, and they raise the possibility that atomic bomb radiation may have affected the developmental processes of T and B cells.

Effect of rebamipide, a novel antiulcer agent, on Helicobacter pylori adhesion to gastric epithelial cells

Helicobacter pylori is a major etiological agent in gastroduodenal disorders. The adhesion of H. pylori to human gastric epithelial cells is the initial step of H. pylori infection. Inhibition of H. pylori adhesion is thus a therapeutic target in the prevention of H. pylori infection. Experiments were performed to evaluate the effect of rebamipide, a novel antiulcer agent, on H. pylori adhesion to gastric epithelial cells. MKN-28 and MKN-45 cells, derived from human gastric carcinomas, were used as target cells. Ten H. pylori strains isolated from patients with chronic gastritis and gastric ulcer were used in the study. We evaluated the effect of rebamipide on H. pylori adhesion to MKN-28 and MKN-45 cells quantitatively using our previously established enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The adhesion of H. pylori to MKN-28 and MKN-45 cells was significantly inhibited by pretreatment of these cells with 100 microg of rebamipide per ml. However, the adhesion was not affected by the pretreatment of H. pylori with rebamipide. On the other hand, the viabilities of H. pylori, MKN-28 cells, and MKN-45 cells were not affected by rebamipide. Our studies suggest that rebamipide inhibits the adhesion of H. pylori to gastric epithelial cells.

[Evaluation of a rapid enzyme immunoassay membrane test for diagnosis of influenza A virus infection]

A rapid enzyme immunoassay membrane test, Directigen Flu A (Becton Dickinson, USA), was evaluated by using virus isolates and clinical specimens. The reference laboratory diagnosis was based on the results of virus isolation. Directigen Flu A was reactive for all subtypes of human influenza A viruses, including reference strains of H1N1, H2N2 and H3N2. Moreover, H5N1 (Hongkong/156/97) was also detected by this kit. No cross reactivity was detected with other respiratory viruses. Directigen Flu A showed positive reaction with the solution containing influenza A virus of 2.4 x 10(3) pfu/assay. The rapid test demonstrated 77.9% sensitivity and 98.4% specificity for testing of throat swabs from children with respiratory symptoms. It showed higher sensitivity and specificity (92.1% and 100%) for testing of nasopharyngeal aspirates. Directigen Flu A should be useful for the rapid diagnosis of influenza A virus infection.

A clinicocytopathologic study of adenoma malignum of the uterine cervix

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the nature and the clinical course of adenoma malignum (the so-called minimal deviation adenocarcinoma) of the uterine cervix by conducting a retrospective study of 6 cases consecutively treated in a single institute.

METHODS

The pathologic classification of adenoma malignum was performed according to the WHO classification (1994).

RESULTS

These tumors accounted for only 1.32% (6/453) of invasive cervical adenocarcinomas. All the cases showed either a watery discharge or atypical genital bleeding, or both, at the time of diagnosis. The preoperative cytologic diagnosis of adenoma malignum was made in 83.3% (5/6) of cases. The preoperative punch biopsy, on the other hand, failed to confirm the diagnosis of adenoma malignum in all cases, although the presence of the disease was suspected in 2 cases (33%). The 5-year survival rate and 5-year disease-free survival rate were 100 and 83.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This series demonstrates that cytologic examination is a potent screening method to detect this rare disease. When the presence of this disease is suspected by the cytologic examination, a deep biopsy is necessary to make an accurate diagnosis. An ordinary cervical biopsy is usually insufficient to detect deeply positioned tumor glands. The prognosis of the disease may be better than that for ordinary cervical adenocarcinoma.

Prognostic validity of neoplastic cells with notable nuclear atypia in endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVE

To investigate how the architectural grade of endometrial adenocarcinoma should be adjusted in the presence of neoplastic cells with notable nuclear atypia in order to assign the histologic grade.

METHODS

Four hundred seventy-six patients with stage I endometrial cancer (endometrioid type) who were surgically treated in a single institute formed the study population. The architectural grade and the proportion of tumor cells with notable nuclear atypia were examined for each case. The effects of notable nuclear atypia on the disease-free survival of each architectural grade were analyzed.

RESULTS

The disease-free survival of architectural grade 1 and grade 2 tumors was significantly affected and was worse than that of architectural grade 3 tumors when more than 25% of the tumor cells showed notable nuclear atypia. Tumors that had 26% to 50% of neoplastic cells with notable nuclear atypia showed a similar probability of recurrence as did tumors that had more than 50% of neoplastic cells with notable nuclear atypia.

CONCLUSION

The series suggests that the upgrading of architectural grade 1 or 2 tumors, in which more than 25% of the neoplastic cells show notable nuclear atypia, into a grade 3 tumor may be more practical than upgrading by one architectural grade 1 or 2 tumors, in which the majority of neoplastic cells show notable nuclear atypia.

Lifespan of human memory T-cells in the absence of T-cell receptor expression

To evaluate the intrinsic lifespan of human memory T-cells in the absence of T-cell receptor signaling, we used radiation-induced mutant CD4+ T-cells lacking surface expression of TCR/CD3 complex as an in vivo cell marker. We analyzed the long-term kinetics of TCR/CD3 - mutant T-cells among CD4+ CD45RA+ naive and CD4+ CD45RA- memory T-cell fractions in peripheral blood of gynecological cancer patients receiving radiotherapy. Both the proportion and number of these mutant T-cells decayed exponentially with time following radiotherapy. The estimated half-life of mutant memory T-cells was 2 to 3 years and did not differ from that of mutant naive T-cells. These results indicate that the lifespan of mature CD4+ T-cells is limited regardless of their memory or naive phenotype in the absence of TCR/CD3 expression. This finding may suggest that continued T-cell receptor signaling is required for lifetime maintenance of human memory T-cells.

Detection of Helicobacter pylori associated antigen and heat shock protein 60 on follicular dendritic cells in the germinal centres of low grade B cell lymphoma of gastric mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)

AIMS

To investigate the localisation of Helicobacter pylori antigens and the expression of human heat shock proteins (HSP) in stomachs affected by MALT lymphoma.

METHODS

Surgically resected stomachs from 24 patients with MALT lymphoma were immunostained with anti-H pylori rabbit antibodies (ORP-1 and ORP-2) and anti-human HSP60 mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAb) (LK-1 and LK-2).

RESULTS

Follicular dendritic cells of germinal centres in the stomachs affected by MALT lymphoma were immunostained with anti-H pylori polyclonal antibodies and with anti-human HSP60 mAb, as were the epithelial cells. None of the lymph node samples reacted.

CONCLUSIONS

Human HSP60, which cross reacts with anti-H pylori polyclonal antibodies, is often expressed on follicular dendritic cells in gastric MALT lymphoma tissues and may be aetiologically relevant to lymphomagenesis of MALT lymphoma.

Structural significance of the benzoyl group at the C-3'-N position of paclitaxel for nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor production by murine macrophages

The antitumor agent paclitaxel (Taxol) mimics the actions of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on murine macrophages (M phi). Recently, we have shown that the benzoyl group at the C-3' position of paclitaxel is the most important site to induce nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production by C3H/HeN M phi (Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 210, 678-686, 1996). In the present study, synthetic analogs of paclitaxel with replacement of the C-3'-N position were examined for their potencies to induce NO and TNF production by peritoneal M phi of LPS-responsive C3H/HeN mice and LPS-hyporesponsive C3H/HeJ mice, by human blood cells and human M phi. In this structure-activity relationship study, we found that (i) the p-substitution of the benzoyl group definitely affects the activity to activate C3H/HeN M phi, (ii) the analogs having a methyl or chloro group at the p-position exhibit stronger activity than that of paclitaxel, (iii) there is good correlation between NO and TNF production by the M phi in response to compounds, (iv) the compounds tested do not induce either NO or TNF production by C3H/HeJ M phi or TNF production by human cells, (v) a previous treatment of C3H/HeN M phi with the inactive compounds can hardly affect either paclitaxel- or LPS-induced TNF production by the M phi, (vi) paclitaxel and its analogs marginally affect LPS-induced TNF production by human blood cells, and (vii) there is no correlation between the NO/TNF inducibility to C3H/HeN M phi and growth inhibitory activity against M phi-like J774.1 and J7.DEF3 cells.

The value of squamous cell carcinoma antigen as a predictor of nodal metastasis in cervical cancer

Preoperative serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC) levels were examined in 148 cases of stage Ib squamous cervical cancer undergoing radical hysterectomy. The effect of the pelvic lymph node status on the marker level was examined by comparing 113 cases with cancer limited to the uterus and 23 cases with cancer confined to the uterus and pelvic lymph nodes using two different multivariate analyses. Ninety-five percent of patients with cancer limited to the uterus showed SCC levels of 4 ng/ml or below. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of patients with serum levels above 4 ng/ml exhibited pelvic lymph node metastasis. The marker values exceeding 4 ng/ml increased the risk of nodal metastasis by eight times, compared with serum levels of 4 ng/ml or below. Multivariate analyses confirmed that the pelvic lymph node metastasis had a larger impact on the marker level than did tumor size or depth of stromal infiltration. SCC levels greater than 4 ng/ml can be considered a high-risk zone for nodal metastasis.

Antibody and cytokine responses in Helicobacter pylori-infected various mouse strains

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in the stomach is etiologically closely associated with chronic active gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastric cancer and gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. In this study, we examined the antibody responses and cytokine profiles of three strains of mice (BALB/c, C3H/He, and C57BL/6) infected with H. pylori. Following this, correlations between host-immune reactions and intensity of inflammation were analyzed. H. pylori (ATCC43504) was intragastrically administered once a week to the mice from 4 weeks of age, and they were sacrificed at the ages of 4 and 7 months. In these mice, we examined the histology of the stomach, antibody titers against H. pylori, and serum levels of cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, TNF-alpha, IL-2 and Interferon-gamma). In BALB/c mice, inflammation of the stomach was minimal. Inflammation was observed in 63.6% of C57BL/6 mice and 33.3% of C3h/He mice. In C57BL/6 and C3H/He mice, all the cytokines tended to increase. In contrast, BALB/c mice were inactive in cytokine production except for IL-2. Two C3H/He mice developed severe inflammation with lymph follicles; one showed a response largely typical of Th-1, and the other showed a response largely typical of Th-2. Although a definite correlation was not shown between Th-1/Th-2 response evaluated by cytokine production and intensity of inflammation, it appears that in H. pylori-induced inflammation both cell-mediated (Th-1) and humoral (Th-2) immunity play a role in pathogenesis.

The effectiveness of the "Clean-Area-System" for infection control in the dental clinic

The use of effective infection control procedures and universal precautions in dental clinics, prevents cross contamination that could extend to dental health care workers and patients. The present study was initiated to investigate airborne environmental contamination in the dental clinic by viable cell count of oral streptococci grown on Mitis-Salivarius and blood agar plates. The reduction of the contamination by the "Clean-Area-System" was evaluated. "Andersen-Microbe-Sampler-Apparatus" and "Laser-Particle-Counter-System" were used for sampling and counting the bacterial cells and airborne dust, respectively. Numbers of viable cells counted as total colony forming units (CFUs) in the dental clinic were found to be significantly higher than those in the waiting room and the research laboratory. We found that the "Clean-Area-System" significantly reduced the CFUs grown on blood agar plates (p < 0.05), and that using the "Clean-Area-System" combined with the "Extra-Oral-Vacuum-Aspirator" is desirable in dental procedures such as cavity preparation. The "Extra-Oral-Vacuum-Aspirator" reduced airborne environmental contamination during tooth cutting and ultrasonic scaling procedures. In non-grinding procedures, this system proved to be very useful for infection control in the operative area. The authors concluded that the combined use of "Clean-Area-System" (dust collection ablation) and "Extra-Oral-Vacuum-Aspirator" (absorb dust ablation) was effective to reduce airborne environmental contamination in the dental clinic. We also fully confirmed that oral streptococci were an adequate indicator in the assessment for infection control in dental institutions.

Epimorphin functions as a key morphoregulator for mammary epithelial cells

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and EGF have been reported to promote branching morphogenesis of mammary epithelial cells. We now show that it is epimorphin that is primarily responsible for this phenomenon. In vivo, epimorphin was detected in the stromal compartment but not in lumenal epithelial cells of the mammary gland; in culture, however, a subpopulation of mammary epithelial cells produced significant amounts of epimorphin. When epimorphin-expressing epithelial cell clones were cultured in collagen gels they displayed branching morphogenesis in the presence of HGF, EGF, keratinocyte growth factor, or fibroblast growth factor, a process that was inhibited by anti-epimorphin but not anti-HGF antibodies. The branch length, however, was roughly proportional to the ability of the factors to induce growth. Accordingly, epimorphin-negative epithelial cells simply grew in a cluster in response to the growth factors and failed to branch. When recombinant epimorphin was added to these collagen gels, epimorphin-negative cells underwent branching morphogenesis. The mode of action of epimorphin on morphogenesis of the gland, however, was dependent on how it was presented to the mammary cells. If epimorphin was overexpressed in epimorphin-negative epithelial cells under regulation of an inducible promoter or was allowed to coat the surface of each epithelial cell in a nonpolar fashion, the cells formed globular, alveoli-like structures with a large central lumen instead of branching ducts. This process was enhanced also by addition of HGF, EGF, or other growth factors and was inhibited by epimorphin antibodies. These results suggest that epimorphin is the primary morphogen in the mammary gland but that growth factors are necessary to achieve the appropriate cell numbers for the resulting morphogenesis to be visualized.

Inhibitory effect of azelastine hydrochloride on synthesis and release of platelet activating factor from human alveolar macrophages

The effect of azelastine hydrochloride (azelastine) on synthesis and release of platelet activating factor (PAF) in alveolar macrophages obtained from asthmatic and non-asthmatic subjects was examined. Alveolar macrophages (AMs) were preincubated with or without azelastine and stimulated with f-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP, 10 microM) for 15 min. PAF activity was detected by aggregation of washed guinea pig platelets. PAF activity released from alveolar macrophages (AMs) from asthmatics without preincubation of azelastine was 15.97 [2.17] (mean [SD], ng/10(7) cells) in supernatants and 42.52 [10.16] in cell pellets. After preincubation with 10(-8), 10(-6), and 10(-4) M of azelastine, PAF activity reduced to 10.71 [2.73] (mean [SD], ng/10(7) cells), 7.86 [0.94], and 3.52 [0.31] in the supernatants, and 35.58 [7.37], 21.57 [4.36], and 14.77 [0.99] (n = 15) in the cell pellets, respectively. PAF activity in non-asthmatic subjects without preincubation of azelastine was 8.55 [1.16] (mean [SD], ng/10(7) cells) in supernatants and 32.64 [3.37] in cell pellets. After preincubation with 10(-8), 10(-6), and 10(-4) M of azelastine, PAF activity reduced to 6.68 [0.78] (mean [SD], ng/10(7) cells), 4.47 [0.51], and 2.97 [0.36] in the supernatants, and 29.53 [3.75], 14.78 [1.95], and 6.16 [0.55] (n = 20) in the cell pellets, respectively. Our results showed that preincubation with azelastine caused a dose-dependent inhibition of intra- and extracellular PAF activity from asthmatic and non-asthmatic macrophages in the same manner.

Evaluation of possible population bias among high-dose atomic bomb survivors in the frequency of the HLA-DQA1 allele and DR antigen types

Many studies have suggested a relationship between certain alleles of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and the prevalence of some diseases or the immunological responsiveness to certain antigens. Furthermore, our studies in the past have demonstrated decreased immune function among atomic-bomb survivors who were exposed to high doses of radiation. However, no studies have addressed the possibility of various degrees of radiation-induced immune suppression being dependent on HLA type. To investigate the possibility of differing frequency distributions of HLA type in the Hiroshima atomic bomb survivors, HLA-DQA1 alleles and HLA-DR antigens were typed for 291 survivors in a high-dose group (>1.5 Gy), 339 survivors in an intermediate-dose group (0.005-1.5 Gy), and 388 in a distally exposed control group (<0.005 Gy). These doses are whole-body exposures, mainly from gamma-rays but with a small neutron component. When examinees were grouped by distinct pairs of HLA-DQA1 allele or HLA-DR antigen, no sex- or dose-related differences were found. However, when subjects were grouped by the presence of a specific allele or antigen, males carrying DQA1*0103 in at least one of their two HLA-DQA1 loci exhibited frequency distributions that decreased as radiation dose increased. These results suggest, although weakly, a possible population bias among male survivors with respect to HLA polymorphism. However, this bias is unlikely to be great enough to have a substantial effect on the cancer risk estimates.

Effect of ecabet sodium on Helicobacter pylori adhesion to gastric epithelial cells

Helicobacter pylori is a major etiological agent in gastroduodenal disorders, with the adhesion of H. pylori to gastric epithelial cells being the initial step of H. pylori infection. Inhibition of H. pylori adhesion is thus a therapeutic target in preventing H. pylori infection. We evaluated the effect of ecabet sodium, an antiulcer agent, on H. pylori adhesion to gastric epithelial cells, using our previously established enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The adhesion of H. pylori was significantly inhibited by ecabet sodium in a dose-dependent manner. Our studies suggest that ecabet sodium inhibits the adhesion of H. pylori to gastric epithelial cells.