Abnormal expansion of peripheral gamma delta T cells in patients with neurologic disorders

The proportions and the variable region usages of peripheral gamma delta T cells were investigated in 205 patients with various neurologic disorders. Flow cytometric analysis was performed with monoclonal antibodies against C delta, V delta 1, V delta 2. V delta 1-J delta 1/J delta 2, and V gamma II (9) epitopes. Further analysis was carried out with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using variable region-specific primers. The proportion of gamma delta T cells in 33 patients with cerebral palsy (CP) (mean +/- SD; 11.1 +/- 11.0%) was significantly higher than that in 35 normal controls (5.6 +/- 2.6%) (p < .01). Of 205 patients, persistent gamma delta T cell expansion over 15% was observed in 15 patients (M/F = 13/2). Nine of these 15 were patients with CP. Six of the 9 with CP had neither perinatal nor postnatal events related to the neurologic abnormalities. None of the 9 with CP had active infections or autoimmune disorders that could induce gamma delta T cell expansion. Of the 15, 13 had V gamma II/V delta 2-dominant expansion and 2 showed V delta 1-dominant expansion. Unusual expansions of V delta 4 and V delta 6, which were not usually found in peripheral blood, were detected by RT-PCR in one case with CP and V delta 1-dominant expansion. This study showed subclinical immunologic abnormalities with marked and persistent gamma delta T cell expansion in patients with neurologic disorders, especially CP. These results might indicate the existence of neuroimmunologic disorder(s).

Comparison of commercial isotonic fluids intravenously administered to rehydrate fasted bullocks

Holstein bullocks were used in this study to compare the effectiveness of five commercial parenteral fluids (saline IS, Hartmann's IH, 5%-glucose 5G, Ringers IR, and 1/2 Ringer's and 2.5% glucose combination solutions RG) in correcting the disturbances associated with dehydration induced by fasting for 48 hr. These five commercial fluids (30 ml/kg) were given to bullocks with dehydration induced by fasting for 48 hr. Arterial and venous blood samples were taken before fasting, and at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 240, 360 min, and 24 hr after initiation of fluid administration. Fasting for 48 hr induced significant reductions in body weight and relative plasma volume (rPV), of approximately 7.72 and 21.93%, respectively. During the administration period, rPV showed a progressive increase from approximately 88.1% after fasting to 113.0% with no significantly differences between groups. A rapid decrease of rPV when fluid administration has been finished was observed in the 5G and RG groups. The results of the fluid administration trial showed that the 1/2 Ringer's and 2.5% glucose combination solution inhibited the acidification of the blood, produced no change in the electrolyte balance of serum, and induced a proper reabsorption rate of glucose in the renals, and was therefore considered the best choice for the rehydration of adult cattle which have had no appetite for over 2 days.

Chi-star, a chi-related 11-mer sequence partially active in an E. coli recC1004 strain

BACKGROUND

chi sequence (5'GCTGGTGG) of Escherichia coli was first identified as a site that increased the plaque size of bacteriophage lambda. Subsequent studies showed that this site is responsible for both the attenuation ofRecBCD exonuclease activity and the promotion of RecA, RecBCD-mediated recombination. It is known that bacteriophage lambda containing the chi site makes very small plaques on a recC* (recC1004) mutant because chi is not recognized by the RecBC*D mutant enzyme.

RESULTS

We cloned E. coli chromosomal fragments in lambda which allowed lambda to form larger plaques on this recC1004 mutant. The fragments were found to share a chi-like 11-mer sequence, 5'GCTGGTGCTCG. Substitution of these fragments with a synthetic 11-mer of this sequence and single-base-pair substitution analysis of its last four nucleotides demonstrated that this sequence is both necessary and sufficient for the observed activity. The sequence, designated X* (chi-star), protected rolling-circle DNA replication in the recC1004 mutant and in the recBCD+ strain, most likely because it attenuated the exonuclease activity of the RecBC*D and RecBCD+ enzyme. chi-star, did not significantly stimulate lambda recombination in two assays.

CONCLUSION

We have discovered that a mutant RecBCD enzyme responds, in vivo, to a longer chi variant.

[Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in patients with multivessel coronary disease: does complete revascularization improve the long-term survival?]

The influence of complete revascularization on long-term outcome of patients with multivessel coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) was determined by analysis of 10-year survival in 167 consecutive patients treated at Juntendo University Hospital during 1984-1993. Forty-nine patients were completely revascularized and 118 had incomplete revascularization according to the anatomical classification. Among patients with anatomically incomplete revascularization, 56 were categorized as functionally adequate revascularization and 62 as functionally inadequate revascularization according to Faxon's criteria. Baseline characteristics showed incompletely revascularized patients had a higher incidence of prior myocardial infarction triple-vessel disease and/or chronic total occlusion in at least one lesion. The 10-year survival was slightly better in patients with complete (100%) than in those with incomplete revascularization (79%), but not statistically significant (p = 0.089). Event-free survival was not significantly different between the two groups. However, the need for coronary artery bypass surgery was higher in the incomplete revascularization group than that in the complete revascularization group (100% vs 81%, p = 0.013). The influence of the degree of functional revascularization on outcome was not clear in the present study. Long-term survival appeared to be better in patients with complete revascularization than that in patients with incomplete revascularization, but even in the latter, coronary artery bypass grafting in the later period could improve outcome. The effect of functional revascularization status should be further investigated in a larger population.

Thoracoscopic enucleation of a large leiomyoma located on the left side of the esophageal wall

Thoracoscopic enucleation through the right thorax was successfully performed for a large leiomyoma located on the left wall of the upper-middle esophagus. Using intraoperative esophagoscopy, the exact location of the tumor was identified by trans-illumination. Two sling tapes passed around teh esophagus made the procedure as easy as that for tumor located on the right wall of the esophagus. We considered that the thoracoscopic approach through the right thorax can be applied to various types of esophageal leiomyoma, even a large one located on the left side of the esophagus.

Laparoscopic intragastric surgery for gastric leiomyoma

Laparoscopic intragastric surgery (LIGS) was performed on a 63-year-old man with a gastric leiomyoma adjacent to the cardia. Because the tumor was about 5 cm in maximum diameter and showed ulceration, the possibility that the tumor was a leiomyosarcoma could not be ruled out preoperatively. Conventionally, major surgery has been performed on patients with a tumor located near the cardia, although it was not always malignant. Enucleation by LIGS enabled us to avoid excessive invasiveness and provided a favorable result. LIGS may be an appropriate new, minimally-invasive operation for gastric myogenic tumors and should be considered for such cases.

Laparoscopic colpopoiesis using sigmoid colon

A new technique for colpopoiesis using sigmoid colon autograft by a laparoscopic surgery is introduced for the first time. This technique requires advanced skills perform and may be the choice in respect to naturalness and permanency of the neovagina with minimum invasion.

Protective efficacy of an affinity-purified hemolysin vaccine against experimental swine pleuropneumonia

Protective efficacy of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae extracellular hemolytic toxins, RTX-toxin I (Apx I) and Apx II, was evaluated in pigs. The hemolysins were purified from culture supernatant of A. pleuropneumoniae strain HA-337, serotype 1 by immunoaffinity chromatography using a monoclonal antibody specific for Apx I or Apx II as ligand. Four pigs were vaccinated with the purified hemolysins absorbed on aluminum phosphate gel adjuvant. Four pigs of a control group were given placebo. Hemolysin-neutralizing antibodies were detected only in vaccinated group after booster injection. One of four control pigs died following an aerosol challenge with the homologous strain, and three surviving pigs developed serious clinical signs of pneumonia and had extensive lung lesions. In contrast, there was no mortality in vaccinated group. Only transient hyperthermia was observed in two vaccinated pigs after challenge. A necropsy, two vaccinated pigs had slight localized pulmonary lesions, though the remaining two had no lung lesions at all. These results indicate that the hemolysin vaccine made of Apx I and Apx II has good protective activity against swine pleuropneumonia caused by A. pleuropneumoniae serotype.

Thoracoscopic surgery combined with a supraclavicular approach for removing superior mediastinal tumor

This report introduces our new technique of thoracoscopic surgery combined with a supraclavicular approach for removing superior mediastinal tumor. A 68-year-old woman noticed a tumor palpable in the left supraclavicular fossa. The patient had no pain around the neck and shoulder. A radio-opaque shadow 6 cm in diameter was detected in her left apical lung field on chest roentgenogram. Chest CT and MRI showed that the tumor was located in the superior mediastinum, extending up to the thoracic inlet, and there was no invasion of the surroundings. At first, a thoracoscopic examination was performed to assess the possibility of the excision. After dissecting the tumor from the mediastinal tissue and the first costovertebrae as far as possible by thoracoscopic surgery, a supraclavicular approach was used to enter the thoracic cavity. Complete resection of the tumor was successfully performed by thoracoscopic surgery combined with a supraclavicular approach. The tumor was removed in a plastic bag through the supraclavicular defect. Postoperative histopathology revealed that the tumor was a benign neurogenic one. A satisfactory follow-up of 5 postoperative days was observed without any complications, and the patient was discharged. The procedure was safe, easy, and minimally invasive to perform. Moreover, the supraclavicular approach could be used to add trocar port if needed.

Embolic materials for endovascular treatment of cerebral lesions

Recently developed soft microcatheters can be maneuvered endovascularly into the brain, permitting treatment of lesions without conventional neurosurgery. Progress in biomaterial science has contributed significantly to the development of this new therapeutic modality termed intravascular neurosurgery or interventional neuroradiology. Although embolic materials play an important role, ideal materials have yet to be devised. Various embolic materials in clinical use are reviewed, such as cyanoacrylates, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer mixtures, Ethibloc, ethanol, estrogen, poly(vinyl acetate), cellulose acetate polymer, poly(vinyl alcohol), gelatin sponges, microfibrillar collagen, surgical silk sutures, detachable balloons, and coils. The materials are reviewed in the context of treatment application for various brain lesions, such as arteriovenous malformations, cerebral aneurysms, and head and neck tumors. Further developments in biomaterial polymer science can bring about progress against brain diseases.

Effects of growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone and its analogs on GH secretion from cultured adenohypophysial cells in cattle

The effects of the human growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone (hGRF(1-44)-NH2: hGRF-44), bovine GRF (bGRF(1-44)-NH2: bGRF-44), and their analogs (hGRF(1-29)-NH2, [D-Ala2]- hGRF(1-29)-NH2, bGRF(1-29)-NH2,[D-Ala2,Ala15]-bGRF(1-29)-NH2) as well as rat GRF(rGRF) on bovine GH release from anterior pituitary (AP) cells were studied in vitro in steers. The AP cells were incubated for 2 hr with the GRFs after preincubation for 3.5 d. Both of the hGRF-44 and hGRF(1-29)-NH2 (hGRF-29) significantly stimulated GH release from cultured cells at doses from 10(-14) to 10(-8)M (P < 0.01). The analog [D-Ala2]-hGRF-29 significantly induced GH release in media at doses from 10(-18) to 10(-8) M (P < 0.01). The bGRF-44, bGRF(1-29)-NH2 (bGRF-29), and [D-Ala2, Ala15]-bGRF-29 significantly induced GH release in media at doses as low as 10(-18), 10(-17), and 10(-16)M, respectively (P < 0.01). At doses from 10(-11) to 10(-8)M, there were no significant differences in GH-releasing potency between the hGRFs and bGRFs. The rGRF significantly stimulated GH release at doses ranging from 10(-14) to 10(-8) M (P < 0.01). The linear regression tests showed that the hGRFs, bGRFs, and rGRF, at doses from 10(-14) to 10(-8)M, induced GH release in a dose-related manner (P < 0.01). These results suggest that the hGRF, bGRF, and their analogs, as well as rGRF, are potent secretagogues of GH release from adenohypophysial cells in vitro in cattle.

Childhood bronchial mucoepidermoid tumors

A very rare case of a childhood bronchial mucoepidermoid tumor is presented. A 4-year-old girl was hospitalized with prolonged pneumonia. Computed tomography of the chest showed a tumor with calcifications in the right upper lobe. Subsequently, the patient underwent right upper lobectomy. Histologically, the tumor was a low-grade mucoepidermoid tumor originating from the bronchus. Three years postoperatively there has been no evidence of disease. A review of the literature indicates that 30 cases of bronchial mucoepidermoid tumors in children have been reported. Symptoms result from associated bronchial obstruction. Children with recurrent or prolonged pneumonia should undergo aggressive diagnostic investigation by chest tomography or bronchoscopy. Appropriate therapy for childhood bronchial mucoepidermoid tumor is total resection of the lesion while sacrificing as little of the normal lung tissue as possible.

Adherence of oral streptococci to composite resin of varying surface roughness

The adherence of oral bacteria to composite resins plays an important role in the development of secondary caries. The present study deals with the adherence to composite resin having various surface roughness of S.oralis, which is frequently isolated from composite resin squares attached to maxillary first molars. available commercial resin was used in this experiment. In vitro bacterial adhesion test was carried out under a sucrose independent conditions. The surface roughness values of each specimen ranged between 0.2 micron and 3.0 microns. No relationship was observed between the surface roughness values and bacterial adhesion because S. oralis adhered firmly to the filler particles of all composite resin surfaces.

Effect of growth hormone-releasing factor on the response to insulin of cows during early and late lactation

The euglycemic clamp technique was used to determine the effect of bovine growth hormone-releasing factor on glucose kinetics and on the response to insulin of 4 dairy cows during early lactation (mean, 35 d postpartum) and of 6 dairy cows during late lactation (mean, 194 d postpartum). Beginning 3 d prior to experiments, cows were injected twice daily with either saline or 2.5 micrograms/kg of growth hormone-releasing factor. On the day of the experiment, saline or the releasing factor (0.0119 microgram/kg per min) was infused into each cow for 5 h. After a basal period, insulin was infused at 1 and then at 6 mU/kg per min; plasma glucose concentrations were maintained at basal concentrations by the infusion of normal glucose. Growth hormone-releasing factor reduced the glucose infusion rate that was required to maintain euglycemia during the insulin infusions during late lactation but had no effect during early lactation. During the insulin infusions of the late lactation experiment only, the rates of glucose appearance, disappearance, and metabolic clearance were lower when plasma growth hormone was elevated. The results demonstrated that elevated concentrations of growth hormone decreased the responsiveness of peripheral tissues to high concentrations of insulin during late lactation but apparently had little effect during early lactation.

Laparoscopic reconstruction of vagina using sigmoid autograft

With the advent of advanced laparoscopic techniques in surgery, new applications have been found, which have expanded the role of laparoscopy in the gynecological field. The aim of this paper is to introduce our laparoscopic technique of taking a sigmoid colon autograft for colpopoiesis in a patient with congenital agenesis of the vagina. This technique is less invasive and is easy to perform, and it may be the best choice of operation in respect to the naturalness and the permanency of the vagina that results. The success of this laparoscopic technique of taking a sigmoid autograft for colpopoiesis suggests diverse possible applications in the future.

Intraoperative manometry during laparoscopic operation for esophageal achalasia: does pneumoperitoneum affect manometry?

The effects of pneumoperitoneum on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) were evaluated during laparoscopic operation for esophageal achalasia. Intraoperative manometry was performed in three patients who underwent laparoscopic cardiomyectomy with Dor's fundoplication and five patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The LES pressure and the length of the high-pressure zone (HPZ) did not change during pneumoperitoneum in either the achalasia and the LC group. In the achalasia group the LES pressure was sufficiently decreased following completion of cardiomyectomy, and the length of the HPZ was found to be sufficiently long after completion of fundoplication. The postoperative courses of the achalasia patients were uneventful, and they have had no symptoms of achalasia or gastroesophageal reflux since the operation. Accordingly, intraoperative manometry during 12 mmHg pneumoperitoneum was considered to be available for laparoscopic surgery for esophageal achalasia.

Nested PCR for detection and typing of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus in pigs

A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed to detect porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus. A common primer set for European and North American type isolates of PRRS virus was designed for reverse transcription PCR, and a specific primer set for each of the 2 type isolates was designed for nested PCR. The PCR that used a specific primer set detected the corresponding type of the virus at a level equivalent to 1 TCID50/100 microliters, but not the other type of isolates. Therefore, the method clearly differentiated the 2 types of virus from each other. The detection of PRRS virus by the nested PCR was as sensitive as virus isolation in cultures of porcine alveolar macrophages from infected pigs at the acute stages, and was more sensitive from pigs at the convalescent stages. The infecting virus type was determined by use of 2 specific primer sets even when virus isolation was negative in naturally infected pigs. It was concluded that the nested PCR is useful for diagnosis and typing of PRRS virus and studies of persistent infection by the virus.

Peroral insertion techniques of self-expanding metal stents for malignant gastric outlet and duodenal stenoses

Self-expanding metal stents (EMS) have gained widespread popularity for the palliative treatment of various stenoses in blood vessels, biliary ducts, bronchi, and the gastrointestinal tract. Regarding stenoses of the upper gastrointestinal tract, EMS insertion for gastric outlet and duodenal stenoses is considerably more difficult than for esophageal stenoses. We describe a reliable EMS insertion technique for malignant gastric outlet and duodenal stenoses.

Antibacterial activity of silver ions implanted in SiO2 filler on oral streptococci

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of silver ions in composite resin dental materials, an in vivo investigation was conducted into the antibacterial effect of SiO2 filler implanted with silver ions on oral streptococci. METHODS. SiO2 filler samples (0.1g) were implanted with silver ions. The effect of the filler with silver ions (Ag+ filler) was tested on oral streptococci bacteria. These bacterial strains had been isolated predominantly from composite resin surfaces. The organisms tested were anaerobically cultured in 5 mL Trypticase Soy Broth containing 0.5 per cent yeast extract at 37 degrees C for 10-12 h. Each bacterial strain was adjusted to a concentration of 1 x 10(6) cells per mL with reduced transport fluid (RTF). Ag+ filler was immersed in 1 mL of RTF and anaerobically incubated 2, 6 and 12 h to study the antibacterial effect. The survival of bacteria was then estimated by culturing on TSBY agar plates. A plate with approximately 100 discrete colonies was chosen from the serial agar cultures, and the number of colonies was counted at each sampling time.

RESULTS

The Ag+ filler showed significantly more antibacterial activity than the control filler without silver ions.

SIGNIFICANCE

These results indicate that the antibacterial effect found in this study was due to the silver ions released by the Ag+ filler and that it may be useful to add this filler to composite resin dental materials for secondary caries protection.

Human V delta 2+ gamma delta T-cell tolerance to foreign antigens of Toxoplasma gondii

Little is known about the mechanisms involved in human gammadelta T-cell tolerance to self or to foreign antigens. Patients with congenital toxoplasmosis offer a unique opportunity to examine Vdelta2+ gammadelta T-cell tolerance. Analysis of gammadelta T cells in patients with congenital toxoplasmosis revealed evidence for anergy of these cells with or without clonal Vdelta2+ gammadelta T-cell expansion in the acute phase of the Toxoplasma infection. T cells in general were unresponsive and did not proliferate upon exposure to mitogens or to Toxoplasma lysate antigens or in response to live Toxoplasma-infected cells when the congenitally infected infants were 1 month of age, and they exhibited selective anergy to Toxoplasma lysate antigens and live Toxoplasma-infected cells when the infants were aged 5 months. During the chronic phase of congenital toxoplasmosis in the patients who were more than I year of age, the repertoires of the gammadelta T-cell receptors were found to be within normal ranges. In addition, in the chronic phase, the gammadelta T cells proliferated and secreted gamma-interferon in response to exposure to live Toxoplasmia-infected cells. By contrast, alphabeta T cells remained anergic. Vdelta2+ gammadelta T cells have been considered to undergo extrathymic maturation and thus to be subject to development of peripheral tolerance. Our findings indicate that Vdelta2+ gammadelta T-cell tolerance was lost in these infected infants earlier than alphabeta T-cell tolerance. These findings suggest that gammadelta T cells play a role in protection against Toxoplasma gondii in the chronic phase when congenitally infected children are more than 1 year of age, especially in those in whom alphabeta T cells continue to exhibit deficits in specific immune responses to Toxoplasma antigens.

[Comparative study of the combined effect of HCFU and dipyridamole (DP) in colorectal carcinoma--TS inhibition rate. Kinki Cooperative Study Group of Chemotherapy for Colorectal Carcinoma]

In the forty-seven medical centers in the Kinki district, a comparative trial was conducted to investigate the enhancement of the efficacy of HCEU due to dipyridamol (DP), which is a biochemical modulator in patients with colorectal cancer who have had a curative resection. The trial consisted of two comparative groups: one group (Group A) received HCFU only for five days before operation and for two years from the second week, and the other group (Group B) was given HCFU + DP for the same trial period as Group A. The total number of patients collected was 653 (Group A: 327 patients; Group B: 326 patients) during the two-year trial period from October, 1991. Thymidylate Synthetase (TS) activity in the primary lesions, which is an index of proximity effect, was measured, and the TS inhibition rate (TSIR) was calculated from the activities. The results showed that the TSIR in the primary lesions for the HCFU + DP group (Group B: 0.33) was significantly higher than that of the HCFU group (Group A: 0.27) (p = 0.0006). There was no increase in the side effects of HCFU due to combined administration with DP. From the above results, the therapy with HCFU + DP is expected to be useful for patients with colorectal cancer who have undergone curative resection.

Changes of lymphocyte subpopulations in pigs infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus

Abnormal changes of T-cell subpopulation were observed in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of pigs infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus. Pigs with naturally occurring PRRS revealed increases in CD2+ and CD8+ cells, and decreases in CD4+ cells and the ratios of CD4+/CD8+ cells. Specific-pathogen-free pigs inoculated with PRRS virus showed remarkable decreases in total lymphocytes, CD4+ and CD2+ cells on Postinoculation Day (PID) 3. The decline of CD4+ cells continued for at least 14 days, while CD2+ cells showed a tendency to increase thereafter. On the other hand,CD8+ cells slightly decreased in number on PID 3, and then increased remarkably; their number was significantly larger on PIDs 28 and 35 than on PID 0. The ratios of CD4+/CD8+ cells were significantly low between PIDs 3 and 28 as compared with PID 0. However, there were no differences in thymocyte subpopulations between infected and non-infected pigs, suggesting that the PRRS virus does not modulate intrathymic T-cell differentiation. In an experiment with peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures, PRRS virus caused neither alteration of T-cell subpopulations nor cell proliferation, suggesting that the virus is not cytotoxic for CD4+ cells and not mitogenic for CD8+ cells.

Mycoplasma hyorhinis infection levels in lungs of piglets with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS)

The infection levels of Mycoplasma hyorhinis, M. hyopneumoniae and M. hyosynoviae in the lung of piglets were examined in relation to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS). These animals consisted of 43 PRRS piglets with PRRS, 2 piglets infected with PRRS virus but symptom-free, and 10 control piglets free of PRRS virus and its antibody. M. hyorhinis was isolated from 40 of the 43 PRRS piglets, from 1 of the 2 latent infected piglets and from 3 of the 10 control piglets. The number of M. hyorhinis isolated from the lungs of PRRS piglets was more than 10(5) CFU/g, but those isolated from the latent infected piglets and the control piglets were less than 10(3) CFU/g. In addition to this, Haemophilus parasuis and Pasteurella spp. were frequently isolated from the piglets with PRRS (51.2% and 25.6%, respectively). On the other hand, M. hyopneumoniae was isolated from only 4 of 55 piglets tested, and M. hyosynoviae was not isolated. M. hyorhinis was also detected directly in the lung emulsion samples from almost all the PRRS piglets using a polymerase chain reaction-based method.