High-grade surface osteosarcoma of the humerus

We presented a case of high-grade surface osteosarcoma of the humerus in a 12-year-old girl and the results of our analysis of 26 cases reported in the literature. Twelve of the 21 patients for whom substantial follow-up information was reported had died of the disease, and the results of the analysis regarding the efficacy of chemotherapy and medullary involvement were ambiguous. It is emphasized that high-grade surface osteosarcoma is a distinct entity, since it is associated with a poorer prognosis than other osteosarcomas arising on the surface of bone.

Direct effect of cadmium on citrate uptake by isolated rat renal brush border membrane vesicles

High incidence of multiple kidney stone formation has been observed among workers exposed to cadmium (Cd). Citrate is known to be a protective factor against renal stone formation. To study the direct effect of cadmium on citrate uptake by the renal brush border membrane, we exposed isolated rat renal brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) to cadmium and determined their citrate uptake characteristics. BBMV were prepared by the divalent cation precipitation method. Citrate uptake was measured by the Millipore rapid membrane filtration technique. Preincubation of BBMV with 2 and 10 mM CdCl2 for 1 min significantly inhibited citrate uptake compared with that of BBMV without Cd. Analysis of the time course of citrate uptake during 30-min preincubation of BBMV with 0.5 mM Cd also revealed significant reduction of the uptake compared with that of the control BBMV without preincubation. These findings indicate that preincubation of BBMV with cadmium results in time-dependent and concentration-dependent inhibition of citrate uptake.

Long-term sequential changes of antibody to p40tax in HTLV-I carrier mothers and children

Antibody to p40tax (anti-p40tax) in serum specimens obtained sequentially from a human T cell lymphotropic virus type I carrier population of mothers and children were assayed. The prevalences of anti-p40tax at the initial sampling were 88% (7/8) in children and 55% (16/29) in mothers. Two of the seven positive children lost their anti-p40tax during the investigation period, resulting in a final prevalence of 63% (5/8) in children. However, anti-p40tax status was constant in all the 22 mothers with multiple serum samples (15 remained positive and seven remained negative). A decline in the absorbance value of EIA for anti-p40tax was observed in seven of the 15 anti-p40tax positive mothers. This decline may result in the disappearance of anti-p40tax in some of them.

Developmental and tissue-specific regulation of the gene for the wheat basic/leucine zipper protein HBP-1a(17) in transgenic Arabidopsis plants

Wheat basic/leucine zipper protein HBP-1a(17) binds in vitro specifically to ACGT motif-containing cis-acting elements, such as the type I element of plant histone promoters and the G-box of hormone- and light-inducible promoters. To address the in vivo function of HBP-1a(17), we isolated and structurally analyzed the HBP-1a(17) gene and examined its expression in transgenic Arabidopsis plants. The HBP-1a(17) gene is composed of 14 exons; the basic region and leucine zipper are encoded by separate small exons, as is the case for other bZIP protein genes. The G-box of the HBP-1a(17) promoter bound specifically to HBP-1a(17) and its related HBP-1a isoforms, suggesting that the HBP-1a(17) gene may be autoregulated, although the binding affinity of these proteins in vitro is very low. In Arabidopsis plants, activation of the HBP-1a(17) promoter was highly restricted to photosynthetically active mesophyll, and guard cells and vascular bundles of vegetative leaves. Etiolation of transgenic plants resulted in inhibition of expression of the HBP-1a(17) promoter. Indeed, the HBP-1a(17) promoter contains several sequence elements homologous to cis-acting elements conserved in light-inducible promoters. It is, therefore, assumed that the HBP-1a(17) gene is light regulated and that HBP-1a(17) is involved in light-responsive gene transcription via the G-box.

[Effects of exogenous adenosine on myocardial recovery after acute hemorrhage]

This study was designed to investigate whether reperfusion with adenosine had an effect on myocardial high energy phosphate levels and cardiac function in hearts extracted from acutely hemorrhaged rats. Rats were bled to a mean arterial pressure of 0 mmHg for 5, 10 or 15 minutes and hearts were removed and assigned to one of three groups: 1) Hearts freeze clamped for measuring high energy phosphates; 2) Hearts perfused by Langendorff method at a constant perfusion pressure of 90 mmHg for 30 minutes followed by freeze clamping and determining high energy phosphates and; 3) Hearts perfused with adenosine (20 microM) and treated in the same way as in group 2. In group 1 myocardial ATP was significantly reduced as compared with control. When reperfusion started within 10 min, ATP contents recovered to the levels of control, and there were no significant changes between groups 2 and 3. LVP and LV dp/dt in group 3 were significantly higher than those in group 2. When reperfusion started after 15 min, ATP remained at a low level and few hearts could be resuscitated. These findings suggest that early resuscitation with adenosine might facilitate cardiac recovery following acute hemorrhage.

Single-step purification of prostatic acid phosphatase: immunoaffinity chromatography with a monoclonal antibody

BACKGROUND

Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) is an important protein which should be studied further as a tumor marker or as a biologically functional molecule. The purpose of the study was to establish a simple and reliable method to obtain highly pure PAP.

METHODS

Spleen cells from mice immunized with prostatic epithelial cells prepared from benign prostatic hyperplasia tissue were fused with myeloma cells X63Ag8-653. Hybrid cells of interest were selected using the indirect immunofluorescence method with unfixed frozen tissue sections. One clone of the hybrid cell lines was established which secreted the monoclonal antibody specifically reactive to prostatic acid phosphatase. Using this monoclonal antibody, we purified the antigen from human prostatic tissue by means of single-step immunoaffinity chromatography.

RESULTS

SDS-PAGE profiling under reducing conditions indicated that the protein recognized by this antibody consisted of several components of molecular weight 41,000-45,000. Partial amino acid sequence analysis of this protein indicated that these components involved a heterogeneously modified single polypeptide, and that this antigen is identical to human prostatic acid phosphatase.

CONCLUSIONS

This single-step method saves the time needed to purify prostatic acid phosphatase and requires only half a day for the whole procedure. Moreover, the purity of the isolated protein was extremely high. This method seems to be useful not only for purifying prostatic acid phosphatase but also for purifying other proteins from the prostate gland and for analysis of antigenic macromolecules.

Disaccharide analysis of the skin glycosaminoglycans in chronically ultraviolet light-irradiated hairless mice

The alteration of main disaccharide units in the skin of hairless mice (HOS:Hr 1) after chronic and repeated ultraviolet light (UV) radiation was investigated using high performance liquid chromatography after labeling with 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone. The total amount of main disaccharide units increased by UVA irradiation at the 24th and 36th weeks in comparison with the control. At the 36th week UVA significantly increased hyaluronic acid-derived delta Di-HA (HA). Dermatan sulfate-derived delta Di 4S (DS) and chondroitin sulfate-derived delta Di-4S (CS) increased at the 36th week, although not statistically significant. The total amount of main disaccharide units was increased significantly by UVB irradiation at the 24th week as compared with the control. Concerning the compositional change in main disaccharide units after a 36-week repeated exposure, the decrease in delta Di-HA(HA) and the increase in delta Di-4S (DS) were found in the order of control, UVA- and UVB-irradiated groups. These results, for the first time, indicate the precise alterations of glycosaminoglycans, both in the total amount and in the composition, confirming the previous histochemical findings. This disaccharide analysis should provide a useful method to examine the biochemical changes of skin glycosaminoglycans in photoaging.

Expression of gamma delta T cell receptor on caprine globule leukocytes

Histochemical characteristics and immunological surface phenotypes of globule leukocytes (GLs) of normal goats were investigated in the intestine. In the small intestine, GLs were concentrated in the base of the villus and around the crypt, whereas in the cecum and colon they were randomly distributed. Their cytoplasmic granules exclusively stained with phosphotungstic acid hematoxylin, and were negative for peroxidase and histamine in contrast to those of subepithelial mast cells. The existence of chondroitin sulfate in some granules of GLs and heparin in most granules of mast cells were revealed by alcian blue staining and digestion with chondroitinase ABC. Isolated intestinal GLs were positive for T cell receptor (TcR) 1-N24 (gamma delta) and CD8 alpha, and negative for WC1-N3 and WC1-N4. Cryostat sections of ileum revealed preferential intraepithelial distribution of both TcR1-N24+ cells and CD8+ cells. WC1-N3+ and WC1-N4+ cells were rarely seen in the epithelium and lamina propria. These results indicate that caprine GLs are a gamma delta T cell subset, which is a different cell population from WC1 positive gamma delta T cells.

Immunohistologic studies on subpopulations of lymphocytes in cattle with enzootic bovine leukosis

The distribution of subpopulations of lymphocytes in lymph nodes and tumors from cattle with enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) was examined by immunohistochemistry using a panel of monclonal antibodies against leukocyte differentiation molecules of EBL. The lesions in lymph nodes could be divided into three types based on the extent of infiltration and proliferation of neoplastic cells with provirus and differential expression of leukocyte differentiation molecules. The number of B-B2+, sIgM+ cells was reduced in frequency in follicles during the neoplastic cell proliferation. CD4- and CD8-positive alpha/beta T cells and gamma/delta T cells positive for WC1 (workshop cluster designation) were also reduced in frequency in areas infiltrated with neoplastic cells. Almost all neoplastic cells were B-B2- and IgM-positive. However, there were a few B-B2- and/or IgM-negative cells or cells stained faintly in all cases. WC1+ cells were not observed in tumor tissues. However, CD4+ and CD8+ cells were observed throughout tumor tissues, suggesting a role for these cells in tumor immunity.

The earliest site of atrial activation in patients with isomeric appendages

BACKGROUND

The sinus node is known to be duplicated in hearts with bilateral right appendages, but its site is uncertain when both appendages are of morphologically left pattern.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the earliest site of activation of the atria, and to assess this site of activation relative to the anticipated location of the sinus node in patients with isomeric atrial appendages.

STUDY DESIGN

Electrophysiological recordings by epicardial mapping during operations through a median sternotomy.

PATIENTS

Since 1987, 44 consecutive patients with isomeric right appendages and 23 with isomeric left appendages.

RESULTS

In 77% of the patients with isomeric right appendages, the site of earliest activation was superiorly located at the junction of one or other atrium and a superior caval vein; in other words, in the anticipated site of a sinus node. In contrast, an inferior site of earliest activation at the junction of an atrium with an hepatic vein was most common in patients with isomeric left appendages (56%). The site of earliest activation was not related to the veno-atrial junctions in six patients with isomeric right appendages (14%), nor in five with isomeric left appendages (22%). Moreover, in six patients with isomeric right appendages (13%), and three with isomeric left appendages (13%), additional sites of earliest activation were observed when the dominant site was suppressed. The locations of the earliest activation observed by epicardial mapping did not always accord with those expected from the preoperative electrophysiological examination, nor did they always match the anticipated site of the sinus node as documented by previous histological investigations.

CONCLUSIONS

Epicardial mapping showed marked variation in functional arrangement of the earliest atrial activation. This information could be of future use when planning surgical procedures.

Pericardial malignant mesothelioma: case report and discussion of immunohistochemical and histochemical findings

An extremely rare case of malignant mesothelioma of the pericardium is reported. The tumor appeared to be the biphasic type of diffuse malignant mesothelioma which present many small to fine lipid droplets in the cytoplasm, particularly that of the epithelial cell, and a positive immunohistochemical reaction with antibodies to low molecular weight cytokeratin (45-50 kDa) in all of the tumor cells. The literature is also reviewed and the presence of lipid droplets and the importance of the immunohistochemical positivity to low molecular weight cytokeratin for differential diagnosis from other malignant tumors, such as invasive adenocarcinoma or primary sarcoma of the pleura, or soft tissue sarcoma involving the pleura is discussed.

[Studies on maternal transmission of HIV-1]

To investigate HIV-1 transmission from mother to child, samples taken from 3 HIV-1 sero-positive pregnant mothers, 3 children born by caesareans from their mothers and therapeutic abortion from 2 HIV-1 sero-positive mothers were tested for HIV-1 antibody by westernblot, p24 antigen by antigen captured ELISA, proviral DNA by Nested-PCR and isolation of HIV-1 virus from peripheral blood, cord blood, amniotic fluid and placenta. HIV-1 proviral DNA was detected in the peripheral blood of all mothers, but p24 antigen and virus isolation were not detected. None of the HIV-1 markers, except for antibody, was detected in the samples from their children and placenta. These facts strongly suggest that there was no HIV-1 transmission from mother to child.

Effects of fibrin on the secretion of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 from endothelial cells and on protein kinase C

We previously demonstrated that cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) overlaid with a fibrin clot induced a slight increase in tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) secretion and marked reduction in plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) secretion. In this study, the intracellular signal transduction after fibrin stimulation was further investigated by analyzing cyclic AMP (cAMP) and protein kinase C (PK-C). When HUVECs were stimulated by fibrin clots, t-PA mRNA increased to 130% but PAI-1 mRNA decreased to 42%. These changes concurred with the data on the protein levels of t-PA and PAI-1 as previously reported. The effect of fibrin on t-PA production in HUVECs was not significantly altered after the elevation of cAMP by either forskolin or dibutyryl cAMP. Furthermore, an effect of fibrin on t-PA production did not appear when the cells were treated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H-7). The suppressive effect of fibrin on PAI-1 secretion from HUVECs was not altered by elevation of cAMP. Regarding the activation of PK-C by PMA, PAI-1 secretion was enhanced, but was suppressed by fibrin stimulation. H-7 suppressed PAI-1 secretion and further stimulation by fibrin almost completely abolished PAI-1 secretion. These changes were well associated with mRNA levels of t-PA and PAI-1. These results suggested that fibrin on HUVECs preferably down-regulates PK-C resulting in a decrease of PAI-1 in both the protein and mRNA levels and that effect of fibrin on t-PA secretion is neither involved in PK-C nor cAMP pathway.

Glucose induces calcium-dependent and calcium-independent insulin secretion from the pancreatic beta cell line MIN6

The present study was undertaken to determine whether there are Ca2+ -dependent and -independent pathways of glucose-induced insulin secretion from the pancreatic beta cell line MIN6. Glucose at a concentration of 16.7 mmol/l caused marked increases in cellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) and insulin secretion, which depended on glucose metabolism. When cells were pretreated with 20 mmol/l mannoheptulose, an inhibitor of glucokinase, the 16.7 mmol/l glucose induced a rise in [Ca2+]i and insulin secretion disappeared. Also, L-leucine and L-arginine increased [Ca2+]i and induced insulin secretion. Under Ca2+ -free conditions, insulin release was still induced, without any change in [Ca2+]i, by these three different stimulants. The cumulative values of insulin secretion were 13.7-29.3% of the control, which were significantly less than that in the presence of Ca2+. Cellular alkalinization occurred in response to all these stimulants, irrespective of the presence of Ca2+. Forskolin, a diterpene activator of adenylate cyclase, produced insulin secretion independently of [Ca2+]i, which accompanied cellular alkalinization. Also, a high glucose level increased cellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) production in the presence and absence of Ca2+, and the effect was diminished by approximately 73% in Ca2+ -free conditions. These results indicate that a high glucose level stimulates both Ca2+ -dependent and -independent insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells. We suggest that the cAMP production and the cellular alkalinization participate in the Ca2+ -independent mechanism. Spermatogonial proliferation is under the control of FSH, whereas the survival of germ cells is dependent on Sertoli cell function. The observed rise in the number of mitotically inactive Ad-spermatogonia can be explained by a transformation of Ap-spermatogonia into resting Ad-spermatogonia.

Possible pre-Cushing's syndrome due to an adrenal adenoma incidentally discovered

We demonstrated the functional evaluation of adrenal incidentaloma in 8 patients who had no abnormal finding associated with Cushing's syndrome. Adrenal tumors were incidentally discovered by abdominal echogram in 5 patients and by computed tomography (CT) in 3 patients. Serum cortisol levels and urinary excretion of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) were within normal limits in four of 8 patients. Urinary excretion of free cortisol was also within normal limits except for patient 8. Urinary excretion of 17-OHCS, however, was not suppressed by dexamethasone administration in five of 8 patients. Excretion of urinary 17-OHCS did not increase in response to metyrapone in 3 of 4 dexamethasone-insuppressible patients, but increased in 3 dexamethasone-suppressible ones. Serum cortisol increased in response to exogenous ACTH in all 6 patients examined. 131I-Adosterol accumulation was found in only the tumor side in 7 patients and bilaterally in one patient. Adrenalectomy was done in 7 patients, and microscopic findings showed adrenocortical adenoma. Serum cortisol was significantly suppressed in response to dexamethasone in the post-operative stage in all 7 patients examined. These results indicate that these adrenal incidentalomas seem to have a cortisol over-production which is dexamethasone-insuppressible and ACTH-dependent, and that they can be classified as "Pre-Cushing's Syndrome."

What factors affect ventricular performance after a Fontan-type operation?

Postoperative conditions after a Fontan-type operation, particularly as they affect results in the early term, are thought to depend on factors such as the state of pulmonary circulation and ventricular function. In this study, we attempted to determine the factors that influence ventricular characteristics in the middle term after Fontan-type procedures. Catheterization was performed at a mean of 15 months after operation in 57 patients with univentricular atrioventricular connection who underwent the operation between 1.0 and 22.6 years of age. End-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, ejection fraction, and end-diastolic pressure of the systemic ventricle were analyzed together with an estimation of the systemic flow index. These parameters were influenced significantly by the presence of atrioventricular valve insufficiency. The morphologically left ventricle showed a better ejection fraction than did the morphologically right ventricle, whereas the systemic flow index was greater in patients undergoing total cavopulmonary connection than in those receiving an atriopulmonary connection. Young age was significantly associated with a better postoperative contractility, whereas the potential for impaired ventricular compliance was suggested in several patients undergoing operation after 4 years of age. On the basis of our results, we conclude that total cavopulmonary connection performed at a young age should be the surgical procedure of choice and that atrioventricular insufficiency must be treated properly at, and even after, the initial definitive repair.

[Prevalence of pertussis in Fukuoka: incidence and MICs of antibiotics for Bordetella pertussis isolate]

For bacteriological examinations of whooping cough patients, nasopharyngeal specimens were directly inoculated on the cyclodextrin solid medium (CSM) supplemented with 5 micrograms of cephalexin (CEX) per ml. The inoculated plates were cultured in an incubator at 35 degrees C for 3 to 7 days. During the period from 1990 to 1993, B. pertussis (43 strains) and B. parapertussis (1 strain) were isolated from 145 whooping cough patients and 34 relatives. B. pertussis were isolated sufficiently in June to December during the year. It was suggested that during this period epidemics of whooping cough occurred. All isolates of B. pertussis had K antigen consisting of 1, 3, and 6. The determination of minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of antibiotics to B. pertussis was carried out by the micro dilution technique modified from the standard methods. The Stainer-Scholte broth, supplemented with heptakis (2,6-O-dimethyl) beta-cyclodextrin, was used for dilution of the drug, and also for cultivation of bacteria. For determining susceptibility of bacteria to antibiotics, twenty seven isolates of B. pertussis and one of B. parapertussis were precultured on CSM at 35 degrees C for 2 days. The turbidity of broth cultures was adjusted to that of McFarland no. 0.5, and diluted to the concentration of 10(6) CFU/ml. One hundred microliters of these suspensions were added to 25 microliters of each antibiotic solution. After incubation for 3 days at 35 degrees C, the turbidity of the bacteria was read macroscopically for determining the MICs. On the other hand, we compared the agar dilution MICs of 23 antibiotics to the broth microdilution MICs for 27 B. pertussis isolates.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Establishment of canine pulmonary hypertension with dehydromonocrotaline. Importance of larger animal model for lung transplantation

Single lung isografting in rats with pulmonary hypertension has been reported. However, it is hard to evaluate cardiopulmonary hemodynamics accurately or to use circulatory assists during procedures using rats. Therefore, we tried to establish a model of pulmonary hypertension in the beagle. Twenty young beagles were randomized into 3 groups. An injection of dehydromonocrotaline of 1.5 mg/kg (group 1, n = 7), 3.0 mg/kg (group 2, n = 10), or 4.5 mg/kg (group 3, n = 3) was performed via the right atrium. Two dogs in group 2 and all the dogs in group 3 died of acute pulmonary edema. During the 8 weeks after injection, the systolic pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance index increased significantly in group 2 from 21 +/- 2 to 56 +/- 9 mmHg and from 106 +/- 39 to 826 +/- 176 dynes.sec.cm-5.m2, respectively (P < 0.01). The changes in group 1 were less pronounced. The dogs in group 2 also had a rise in their plasma endothelin-1. Pathologic analysis revealed thickening of the media in small pulmonary arteries and hypertrophy of the right ventricular myocardium. Our data indicate that beagles treated with 3.0 mg/kg dehydromonocrotaline produced a unique, relatively noninvasive model of pulmonary hypertension. In the model, right ventricular failure prevented us from clamping one pulmonary artery. These relatively large animals with pulmonary hypertension will be valuable for further studies of lung transplantation.

[Clinical efficacy of sulbactam/cefoperazone for the treatment of geriatric patients with respiratory tract infections]

We performed clinical studies on sulbactam/cefoperazone (SBT/CPZ) for the treatment of geriatric patients with respiratory tract infections. Seven patients with pneumonia, 7 with acute bronchitis, 6 with chronic respiratory tract infections were treated with SBT/CPZ. The patients were administered with a daily dose of 2.0 g or 4.0 g for 4-14 days. The clinical responses were excellent in 3, good in 13, fair in 3, and poor in 1 patients. The efficacy rate was 80.0%. No side effects were observed in any patients, but elevations of GOT, GPT were observed in two cases. Causative organisms were E. coli (2 strains), P. aeruginosa (2), MSSA (1), MRSA (1), S. pneumoniae (1), H. influenzae (1), K. oxytoca (1), and E. aerogenes (1). The bacteriological effect rate was 60%. One strain of MRSA and one of two strains of P. aeruginosa persisted in 2 patients.

[Clinicopathological study of IgA nephropathy: the influence of age on renal histological changes and prognosis]

Clinicopathological features and prognosis were studied in 291 Japanese patients (4 to 60 years of age) with IgA nephropathy to investigate the influence of age on this disease. Histological assessment was done using the semiquantitative scoring system consisting of the activity index (A1) and chronicity index (C1). 1) Cl scores, especially global glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial change, markedly increased with age, while Al scores slightly increased. 2) The Cl scores and rate of chronic renal failure (CRF) increased, especially in patients beyond 30 years of age. 3) A higher rate of CRF or regular hemodialysis was found in patients with Cl > or = 4 compared to those with Cl < 4 (21.7%, 2.9% respectively). These results suggest that chronic, irreversible histologic changes increase with age, especially beyond the age of 30 years, which worsens the prognosis of patients with IgA nephropathy.