Topographic mapping of P300 and frontal cognitive function in Parkinson's disease

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between P300 that is one of the event-related potentials and frontal cognitive functions in Parkinson's disease (PD) without clinically apparent dementia. Subjects were 20 PD cases 48 to 79 years of age, all of whom were within normal limits on the Mini-Mental State examination, and 55 age-matched healthy adults. P300 was elicited with an auditory oddball paradigm and recorded at 15 sites on the scalp. Cognitive functioning of the frontal lobe was evaluated using the New Modified Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and the Letter Pick-Out Test (LPOT) which reflects selective attention and semantic categorization. P300 latency was delayed in 30.0% of P300 demonstrated abnormal distribution in 20.0%. the WCST and the LPOT were abnormal in 15.0%, P300 latency significantly correlated with number of subcategories achieved on the WCST. P300 amplitude correlated with scores on the LPOT. These results suggest that cognitive dysfunction which linked partly to the frontal lobe might begin in PD even without clinically apparent dementia.

Changes in Ca2+ signaling and contractile protein isoforms in smooth muscle cells from guinea pig ileum during culture

Single smooth muscle cells (SMCs) isolated from guinea pig ileum using collagenase and papain were cultured on laminin-coated dishes in MEM containing fetal calf serum. Temporal changes in intracellular calcium ion concentration in response to carbachol and to ATP were investigated using fluo-3/AM and fluorescence microscopy. It was observed that carbachol caused an increased intracellular calcium ion in freshly isolated single SMCs but a reduced or negative response of cultured SMCs before confluence. On the other hand, ATP was observed to cause an increase in the calcium ion content of SMCs throughout the culture. SDS-PAGE and Western blot analyses revealed changes in the expression of contractile proteins as follows. l-Caldesmon and non-muscle type myosin heavy chain (NMHC) (considered to be marker molecules for dedifferentiation in smooth muscle cells) and non-muscle type tropomyosin were not observed in freshly isolated single SMCs. l-Caldesmon and NMHC appeared in the cultured SMCs within 2 days and the tropomyosin isoform was observed 6 days following seeding. Simultaneously, smooth muscle type myosin heavy chain (SMHC) decreased strikingly and the 41 kDa tropomyosin monomer was lost. The content of alpha-actin decreased gradually to a minimum on day 6 when non-muscle type tropomyosin appeared, and the cells began to proliferate rapidly. These results suggest that the loss of contractility in cultured smooth muscle cells is more closely related to changes in contractile protein profiles than to receptor-mediated signal transduction and that in addition to NMHC and l-caldesmon, non-muscle type tropomyosin may be useful as a marker molecule for de-differentiation of smooth muscle cells.

Corrosion behavior and surface structure of orthodontic Ni-Ti alloy wires

The corrosion behaviors of a commercial Ni-Ti alloy orthodontic wire and a polished plate with same composition in 0.9% NaCl and 1% lactic acid solutions were examined using an electrochemical technique, an analysis of released ions, and a surface analysis by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The effect of polishing the wire on the corrosion was also examined. The XPS analysis demonstrated the presence of a thick oxide film mainly composed of TiO2 with trace amounts of Ni hydroxide, which had formed on the wire surface during the heat treatment and subsequent pickling processes. This oxide layer contributed to the higher resistance of the as-received wire to both general and localized corrosion in 0.9% NaCl solution, compared with that of the polished plate and the polished wire. The thick oxide layer, however, was not stable and did not protect the orthodontic wire from corrosion in 0.1% lactic acid solution.

[Bone mineral density of eating disorder]

Osteoporosis recently has been added to growing list of medical complications assisted with eating disorder in particular Anorexia nervosa. These often occur early in the course of anorexia in adolescent girls, presumably because this disorder not only interrupts the normal rapid bone accretion characteristic of adolescences, but also accelerate bone loss. The pathogenesis of osteoporosis in AN has not been completely characterized. While low body mass and amenorrhea are clearly important variables, other focters also may be involved. Some possible contributing factors in patients with AN include low Ca intake, increased glucocorticoids, insulin growth factor 1 deficiency. Simple weight gain needs to be part of the treatment, although it and exercise remain of unproven benefit for osteoporosis in patients with AN. But some studies have found that the clinical course of osteoporosis is not reversed simply with weight restoration. Long term studies are needed to answer the question of whether osteoporosis assisted with eating disorder is reversible.

Two new in vitro calcification systems showing the higher calcifiability of enamel proteins than dentin and bone matrices

One of the difficulties in simulating in vivo calcification by in vitro experiments is how to prepare and apply a suitable calcifying solution. We have previously developed an entirely new model system consisting of 40% acrylamide gel blocks that contains matrix proteins and is immersed in fetal calf serum at 37 degrees C. (40% gel system) for 18 hr (Connect. Tissue Res., 33, 185, 1995). The gels were analyzed for immobilized calcium. In this system bovine enamel proteins (0.1% in the gel) showed the highest calcifiability among the tested matrices, followed by insoluble bovine dentin, bone and skin collagens. The 40% gel system provides a barrier for high molecular weight inhibitor molecules in the body fluid. The new calcifying system developed in this study consists of the matrix protein sealed in dialysis tubing within a glass chromatography column that was eluted with a calcifying solution. In this system (dialysis tubing system), again the enamel protein showed higher calcifiability than dentin, bone and skin collagens. It was also shown that enamel proteins became not only a reversible opaque gel, but also a relatively-irreversible coagulant, if the solution contained calcium and phosphate ions at concentration below saturation (1 mM calcium and 1 mM phosphate). With both systems combined, deposition and crystal growth of minerals in enamel proteins will be better understood than with previous methods.

Effect of some physico-chemical properties of matrix on lengthwise and oriented growth of octacalcium phosphate crystal

Relationship between some physicochemical properties of matrix, such as viscosity, density or structure of the framework, and crystal growth of octacalcium phosphate (OCP) was studied using various concentrations of polyacrylamide gels at 37 degrees C and at pH 6.5. Reaction was carried out in a model system of enamel formation, where calcium solution (30 mM) and phosphate solution (5 mM) were separated by a cation selective membrane with polyacrylamide gel on the PO4 side. OCP grew in ribbon-like morphology in 5-20% polyacrylamide gels. Crystal size of OCP decreased with an increase in gel concentration. In 30% gel, growth of OCP was disturbed, In 7.5% polyacrylamide gel, 1% albumin reduced the crystal size of OCP. In contrast, 1% enamel proteins did not much reduce the crystal size of OCP and OCP crystallized in its characteristic ribbon-like morphology.

[A case of progressive supranuclear palsy improved with tandospirone citrate]

We reported a 74-year-old male case of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) who responded to tandospirone citrate, a serotonin receptor (5-HT1A) agonist. The patient manifested postural instability and gait disturbance at 71 years. Additionally, he showed vertical gaze paresis, regidity of the neck, extremities and trunk, bradykinesia and mild cognitive impairment. A brain MRI revealed moderate atrophy of bilateral frontal/temporal lobes and of midbrain tegmentum one year after the onset. The patient had been diagnosed as PSP and treated with L-DOPA. However, L-DOPA therapy showed only transient response for a few months. His symptoms deteriorated gradually, and he became unable to sit, stand up or walk by himself. Tandospirone citrate was additionally administered at 30 mg/day. Rigidity and bradykinesia were remarkably improved in two weeks after the start of tandospirone treatment. He became able to stand up and walk a short distance with supports in four weeks. Cognitive disturbance was also slightly improved. Tandospirone citrate was effective on our case of PSP, especially on rigidity. Our findings suggest that combination of levodopa and tandospirone citrate is a useful therapy for PSP.

Generalized convulsions after consuming a large amount of gingko nuts

We report a 36-year-old woman, without any past or family histories of epilepsy, who presented frequent vomiting and generalized convulsions. About 4 h before the convulsion, she had consumed approximately 70-80 gingko nuts, seeds of Gingko biloba, in an attempt to improve her health. It is important to know that convulsion may be induced if a large amount of gingko nuts is consumed. The neurotoxicity of gingko nuts, particularly their convulsion-inducing effect, should be recognized.

Adverse effect of dentine bonding agent on the oral mucosa of guinea pigs

The purpose of present study was to determine the possibility of nebulous discoloration of the oral mucosa of guinea pigs as a result of the application of dentine bonding agents. The materials used were the Clearfil Photo Bond (CPB) system's mixture agent, universal agent and catalyst agent. Four types of experimental catalysts were used. In male albino guinea pigs weighing 300-500 g, oral mucosa irritation tests were performed in accordance with the guidelines of the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CTFA). Macroscopical findings on the oral mucosa showed that there was strong nebulous discoloration immediately after application of CPB mix and CPB catalyst and throughout the experimental periods. However, CPB without 10-methacryloxdecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP) did not produce noticeable nebulous discoloration and inflammation. The CPB mix caused pathological changes, such as paraketosis and hyperkeratosis on the endepidermis of the mucosa, immediately after its application.

Genomic organization and mapping of mouse CDV (carnitine deficiency-associated gene expressed in ventricle)-1 and its related CDV-1R gene

We have previously reported that CDV (carnitine deficiency-associated gene expressed in ventricle)-1 was a downregulated gene in the hypertrophied ventricle of carnitine-deficient juvenile visceral steatosis mice and that the related gene (CDV-1R) showed no tissue specificity and no sensitivity to carnitine deficiency. In the present paper, the CDV-1/1R gene was isolated from a mouse genomic BAC library, and the genomic structure was characterized. We found that the CDV-1/1R gene consisted of at least 19 exons and encompassed approximately 48 kb. The splice sites conformed to the GT-AG rule, and the CDV-1R mRNA containing 19 exons was processed. CDV-1 mRNA containing 5 exons was constructed from the 3' half of CDV-1R. The first exon of CDV-1 consisted of the 3' side (116 bp) of intron 14 and exon 15 (87 bp) of CDV-1R. The presumed promoter sequence for CDV-1 located in the intron 14 of CDV-1R contained the common TATA box and consensus binding sites for various transcription factors (Nkx-2.5, Spl, C/EBP, SRF, YY1, and CREB), which seem to play roles in the heart-specific expression and carnitine deficiency-associated suppression of CDV-1. In the upstream region of the CDV-1 promoter, we found two VNTRs, 13 repeats of GATA1, and 16 copies of STRE involved in yeast stress response. The CDV-1/1R gene was located close to DSMIT68 on mouse Chromosome (Chr) 5, corresponding to human Chr 12q24. All these data revealed that two mRNA species, CDV-1 and CDV-1R, are expressed tissue-specifically by using promoters peculiar to each transcript in a single gene.

Identification of two novel mutations in the SLC25A13 gene and detection of seven mutations in 102 patients with adult-onset type II citrullinemia

Adult-onset type II citrullinemia (CTLN2) is characterized by a liver-specific deficiency of argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS) protein. We have recently identified the gene responsible for CTLN2, viz., SLC25A13, which encodes a calcium-binding mitochondrial carrier protein, designated citrin, and found five mutations of the SLC25A13 gene in CTLN2 patients. In the present study, we have identified two novel mutations, 1800ins1 and R605X, in SLC25A13 mRNA and the SLC25A13 gene. Diagnostic analysis for the seven mutations in 103 CTLN2 patients diagnosed by biochemical and enzymatic studies has revealed that 102 patients had one or two of the seven mutations and 93 patients were homozygotes or compound heterozygotes. These results indicate that CTLN2 is caused by an abnormality in the SLC25A13 gene, and that our criteria for CTLN2 before DNA diagnosis are correct. Five of 22 patients from consanguineous unions have been shown to be compound heterozygotes, suggesting a high frequency of the mutated genes. The frequency of homozygotes is calculated to be more than 1 in 20,000 from carrier detection (6 in 400 individuals tested) in the Japanese population. We have detected no cross-reactive immune materials in the liver of CTLN2 patients with any of the seven mutations by Western blot analysis with anti-human citrin antibody. From these findings, we hypothesize that CTLN2 is caused by a complete deletion of citrin, although the mechanism of ASS deficiency is still unknown.

Schizophrenia-associated idiopathic unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia (Gilbert's syndrome)

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia (Gilbert's syndrome) is a benign hyperbilirubinemia found in the general population. There has been only 1 previous report of Gilbert's syndrome occurring in schizophrenic patients. The present study was conducted to determine the frequency of Gilbert's syndrome in schizophrenic patients relative to patients with other psychiatric disorders.

METHOD

Plasma bilirubin concentrations of every patient admitted to the psychiatric hospital during a 3-year period were collected, and patients were examined to exclude all other causes of hyperbilirubinemia. In addition, the psychiatric symptoms of schizophrenic patients (ICD-10 criteria) with hyperbilirubinemia were evaluated by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).

RESULTS

Schizophrenic patients showed a significantly higher incidence of hyperbilirubinemia (p < .05) relative to patients suffering from other psychiatric disorders, and schizophrenic patients with hyperbilirubinemia showed significantly higher scores on the positive and general psychiatric subscales of the PANSS (p < .0001) than patients without hyperbilirubinemia.

CONCLUSION

The apparently higher frequency of Gilbert's syndrome in schizophrenic patients may reflect a relationship between hyperbilirubinemia and schizophrenic psychosis. Hypothetical explanations, such as a possible genetic disposition for Gilbert's syndrome, an increased vulnerability of red cell membranes, and the role of estrogens in schizophrenic patients, are discussed.

[Prognostic factors of hepatocellular carcinoma: analysis by the proportional hazard model]

Five hundred fifty patients hospitalized to our hospital during 1990 to 1999 were studied. Subjects consisted of 413 males and 102 females and mean age was 62.1 years. Association with HBV infection, HCV infection and both infection was 11.1%, 78.4% and 2.5% respectively. According to the criteria based in Liver Cancer Study of Japan, 5 year survival rate in clinical stage I, II, III was 42.3%, 38.8% and 17.5%. Tumor morphology was nodular type in 78.9%, massive type in 9.1% and diffuse type in 10.5% of cases. Portal tumor thrombus and distal metastasis were observed in 19.9% and 6.3% of all cases. The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rate in patients received any therapy was 80.8%, 44.6% and 28.7%, respectively. Analysis by the proportional hazard model showed that HBV infection, advanced clinical stage, multiple tumors, a tumor diameter in excess of 5 cm and AFP positivity were shown as significant factors on poor prognosis.

Preparation of non-fouling surface through the coating with core-polymerized block copolymer micelles having aldehyde-ended PEG shell

A new type of surface modification with reactive polymeric micelle was carried out for the creation of non-fouling surface. Amphiphilic poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(D,L lactide) (PEG/PLA) copolymers possessing acetal group at PEG-end and methacryloyl group at PLA-end were quantitatively synthesized via an anionic polymerization technique. A micelle of narrow distribution was prepared from the block copolymer. Acetal groups on the micelle surface were quantitatively converted into aldehyde group by an acid treatment. The methacryloyl group located in the core of the micelle was polymerized via radical polymerization to form core-polymerized micelle having reactive aldehyde groups on the surface. The core-polymerized reactive micelle was coated to a primary amino-containing polypropylene (PP) plate that was prepared by a plasma treatment. A reductive amination reaction was employed for a conjugation of the reactive core-polymerized micelle on the surface via a covalent linkage. The coating was evaluated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, zeta-potential measurement, and the adsorption of bovine serum albumin, and compared with the PEG-coating under the same condition. The ratio of peak from &Cmacr;&z.sbnd;O bond to C&z.sbnd;&Cmacr;&z.sbnd;C bond indicated that the density of PEG on the surface was higher for the micelle coating than the linear PEG-coating. This is also confirmed by the zeta-potential measurement. By coating the amino-PP surface with micelle, the zeta-potential was remarkably decreased while the PEG-coating under the same condition decreased only appreciably, indicating that micelle coating efficiently masked the surface charge. Further, micelle-covered surface exhibited reduction of protein adsorption. The reduction of protein adsorption along with remarkably masked surface charge implies the high applicability of the micelle coatings to biomedical and bioanalytical applications.

Differential property of antigenic characterization between piroxicam and ampiroxicam in contact hypersensitivity

Piroxicam (PXM; a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) has been reported to induce photosensitivity. In our previous report, however, ultraviolet-A (UVA)-irradiated or non-irradiated PXM did not induce any reactions in the in vivo model of contact hypersensitivity, while positive patch testing was shown by ampiroxicam (APX; a prodrug of PXM). The purpose of the present study was to clarify the influence of protein on the antigenicity of PXM using this model. Animals sensitized by UVA-irradiated 1% APX showed positive patch testing (open application) in UVA-irradiated 1% APX, while they were negative in challenge by UVA-irradiated PXM with or without 5% human serum albumin (HSA). Although animals sensitized by 1% thiosalicylate (TOS), which is thought to be an active hapten of PXM, were cross-reacted with UVA-irradiated 1% APX, they failed to react with UVA-irradiated 1% PXM with or without HSA. On the other hand, intra-dermal testing (intra-dermal application) in UVA-irradiated 0.1% PXM with 5% HSA was positive in animals sensitized by UVA-irradiated 1% APX, while 5% HSA alone, 0.1% PXM with 5% HSA and UVA-irradiated 0.1% PXM did not induce any reactions under this condition. Furthermore, concentration of PXM in the presence of HSA was reduced by UVA-irradiation in a time dependent manner, while the degradation of PXM was not observed in the absence of HSA. Finally, PXM almost disappeared at 120 min after the initiation of UVA-irradiation. The degradation of PXM irradiated by UVA was dependent on the concentration of HSA at the range of 0 to 4%. Hence, these results suggest that the presence of protein is necessary for the induction of the antigenic activity of PXM and the antigenic characterization of PXM is different from that of APX in contact hypersensitivity.

Maximal and minimal motor conduction velocity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and X-linked bulbospinal muscular atrophy measured by Harayama's collision method

Measurement of the maximal (Vmax) and minimal (Vmin) motor nerve conduction velocities was performed in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), bulbospinal muscular atrophy (BSMA), and control subjects. The collision method as described initially by Harayama and coworkers was used. This allowed for the correction of the velocity recovery effect (VRE) in Hopf's original method. The purpose of this study is to clarify the controversial results regarding the Vmin and the difference between Vmax and Vmin (Vmax-Vmin) in ALS and to compare these results with BSMA, and clarify the usefulness of Harayama's method. In ALS, a reduction of Vmax and Vmin, and an increase of Vmax-Vmin were found in both median and posterior tibial nerve. In BSMA, a reduction of Vmin and an increase of Vmax-Vmin in the median nerve were noted. Some patients whose results of conventional nerve conduction study were entirely within normal range showed abnormal results in Vmin and/or Vmax-Vmin. These results suggest that the correction of VRE is essential to determine a Vmin, and motor fibers with abnormally slow conduction velocities were present in ALS and BSMA. Harayama's collision method is useful to detect abnormalities of motor fibers with submaximal conduction velocities.

Spontaneous rupture of bladder diverticulum after postoperative radiotherapy for carcinoma of the uterine cervix: a case report

We present a case of spontaneous rupture of bladder diverticulum three years after postoperative whole pelvic irradiation (50.4 Gy) for carcinoma of the uterine cervix. The patient had suffered from a neurogenic bladder after hysterectomy, but excretory urography revealed no abnormalities. Bladder diverticulum was found two years later. Spontaneous rupture of the urinary bladder is one of the late complications associated with radiotherapy, although it is very rare. Postoperative neurogenic bladder may also be associated with rupture. We should be aware of this rare complication in patients who receive pelvic irradiation.