Expression of homing-associated cell adhesion molecule (H-CAM/CD44) on human CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells

We investigated the expression of CD44 molecule on CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells. Significantly lower expression of CD44 was observed on bone marrow (BM) CD34+ cells compared with circulating CD34+ cells in cord blood and peripheral blood. Using fluorescence-activated cell sorting, human CD34+ BM cells were fractionated into CD44+ and CD44- populations. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that the majority of CD34+CD44- cells expressed B-lymphocyte-associated CD10 and CD19 antigens, whereas only a part of CD34+CD44+ cells were positive for CD19. Myeloid and erythroid progenitor cells were found predominantly in CD34+ CD44+ cell fractions. In short-term suspension cultures, cell proliferation and G1-->S transition in the cell cycle were enhanced in CD34+CD44+ cells. In contrast, a large part of CD34+CD44- cells underwent apoptotic cell death. Although co-culture with BM stromal cells could partially prevent CD34+CD44- cells from undergoing apoptosis, significant increase of apoptotic cells was consistently observed. Furthermore, CD34+CD44- cells plated on BM stromal cells could differentiate into CD34-CD44-CD10-CD19+ cells. These findings suggest that CD34+CD44- cells expressing CD19 would represent unique B-lymphocyte-committed precursors in BM, which might undergo apoptotic cell death in the early steps of B-cell differentiation.

Lipoprotein(a) levels and apolipoprotein(a) isoforms related to life style risk factors

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] has been considered to be a predictor of premature coronary heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases. Lp(a) levels are largely genetically determined, but the detailed mechanism of Lp(a) elevation is uncertain. We examined the association between Lp(a) levels and apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] phenotypes as well as that of Lp(a) level and other various conditions. The subjects were 280 healthy Japanese (102 males and 178 females) aged 39 to 70 years who were living in a rural community in 1992. We obtained apo(a) phenotypes determined by SDS-PAGE as well as Lp(a) levels and other cardiovascular risk factors. We combined apo(a) phenotypes form 4 groups according to molecular weights (from high apo(a) molecular weight to low: I, II, III and IV). Lp(a) levels were associated with apo(a) phenotype-groups, that is, they were inversely associated with apo(a) molecular weight. Small apo(a) phenotypes were less frequent than large ones. The median Lp(a) level was higher in smoking (29.2 mg/dL) than in non-smoking subjects (18.5 mg/dL) in phenotype-group III. Adjusted means of total cholesterol and fibrinogen levels in apo(a) phenotype-group IV were the highest of all phenotype-groups. Age, apo(a) phenotype, smoking status, total cholesterol and fibrinogen were positively correlated with Lp(a) levels by multiple regression analysis. Lp(a) levels were found to be mainly associated with apo(a) phenotype, but varied broadly within the same apo(a) phenotype at various conditions, such as smoking status and high total cholesterol.

Novel formula for cell kinetics in xenograft model of hepatocellular carcinoma using histologically calculable parameters

The growth rate of tumors should be assessed in terms of both tumor cell proliferation and death. The former is considered to be determined by growth fraction and cell-cycle time, whereas the latter is mainly determined by apoptosis, especially in tumors with a low level of necrosis. While most hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) in a relatively early stage contain only a small amount of necrosis, the growth rate supposedly depends mainly on growth fraction, cell-cycle time, and apoptosis. However, their quantitative relationship remains unknown. We have derived a novel theoretical formula for determining this relationship in nonnecrotic HCC, using Ki-67-positive index, apoptotic score, and a correction factor, all calculable by histological assessment without injecting labeling agents. Furthermore, we confirmed the reliability of this formula, using a xenograft model of human HCC with less than 15% necrosis. In this model the values of cell-cycle time calculated from the formula were very close to those estimated by a conventional double-labeling method and showed high correlations. Since our novel formula can clarify the cell kinetics without cumbersome labeling procedures, it is expected to be clinically applicable to HCC with a small portion of necrosis, using the radiographically measured growth rate and the histologically assessed cell kinetic parameters.

Craniofacial adaptations induced by chincup therapy in Class III patients

The purpose of the present study is to examine the effects of an orthopedic force produced by chincup treatment in patients with Class III malocclusion. Anteroposterior maxillary and mandibular changes were examined as were changes in the vertical dimension. Further, the possibility of posterior displacement of temporomandibular joints in treated Class III subjects was evaluated. Serial lateral headfilms of 22 young females (average age, 9 years), who had received chincup therapy were compared with those of 20 skeletal Class III subjects of similar age who received no treatment during the interval studied. A computerized x-y coordinate program was applied to analyze the cephalometric landmarks and measurements. The treated group showed improvement of the skeletal Class III pattern associated with a slight increase (0.8 degrees per year) in SNA and a slight decrease (-0.7 degrees per year) in SNB and also a decreased gonial angle. The distance from the condyle to the chin (Co-Gn or effective mandibular length) increased significantly less in the treated group in comparison with controls. Increases in lower anterior facial height were not different between the treated and untreated groups. In addition, the cranial base angles N-S-Ba and N-S-Ar showed no statistical difference between groups, but these angles tended to increase with time in both groups. Basion and Articulare showed almost the same amount of backward and downward movement in both groups. The results of this study indicate that the primary effect of chincup therapy was in producing a reduction in mandibular growth increments during the period studied. Maxillary growth was not affected during treatment. Further, the results of this study fail to support the hypothesis that chincup appliance significantly induces the posterior displacement of the glenoid fossa.

[Intra-arterial chemotherapy via reservoir system for advanced bladder cancer and prostate cancer]

A clinical study was performed on the efficacy of intra-arterial chemotherapy using a reservoir system for advanced urological malignancies. The reservoir system was indwelted in the femoral subcutaneous layer by Seldinger's method. Fifteen cases of inoperable complicated advanced bladder cancer and 10 cases of postoperative local recurrent bladder cancer were administered intra-arterial chemotherapy using a reservoir system. Then, 23 cases of local relapsed prostate cancer and two cases of endpocrine-resistant prostate cancer were administered the chemotherapy. The administered anti-cancerous agents were methotraxate, cis-platinum and adriamycin, then 5-FU or carboplatin was administered as maintenance therapy. The mean number of courses of chemotherapy was six for bladder cancer and four for prostate cancer. During stabilization of the local lesion, no distant deterioration was recognized. The overall clinical efficacy was a positive response (PR) and no change (NC): for 18 and 7 cases of bladder cancer, and 11 and 14 cases of prostate cancer, respectively. The median duration of stabilization was 23 months for bladder cancer and 12 months for prostate cancer. The adverse effects were fever than those with systemic chemotherapy.

Alteration in the GyrA subunit of DNA gyrase and the ParC subunit of DNA topoisomerase IV in quinolone-resistant clinical isolates of Staphylococcus epidermidis

We examined 22 clinical isolates of Staphylococcus epidermidis to analyze the association of alterations in GyrA and ParC with fluoroquinolone resistance. The simultaneous presence of GyrA and ParC alterations was associated with a high level of fluoroquinolone resistance in the clinical isolates of S. epidermidis.

Extrahepatic biliary cystadenocarcinoma arising from the left hepatic duct

A 54-year-old man, who had no clinical symptoms, underwent a routine health checkup at our hospital. Abdominal ultrasonography disclosed a well demarcated tumor containing a solid portion occupying the dilated left hepatic duct and a cystic portion expanding into the parenchyma of the left hepatic lobe, with mild dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts. These findings were later confirmed by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography revealed a complete defect at the level of the left hepatic duct, while drip infusion cholangiographic-CT (DIC-CT) disclosed a defect of the left hepatic duct only, with the distal portions of the left intrahepatic ducts being visualized on the image. Hepatic angiography revealed light stains in the solid portion in the parenchymal phase. At left lobectomy, a multiloculated polyp-like tumor was found arising from the left hepatic duct and expanding into the parenchyma of the left hepatic lobe. Microscopically, all the lining cells in the cysts and the tumor cells in the solid portion showed the features of papillary adenocarcinoma. In this patient with extrahepatic biliary cystadenocarcinoma, DIC-CT was useful in identifying the site of origin of the tumor, and hepatic angiography was also useful in differentiating this rare malignant tumor from benign cystadenoma.

Electromyographic investigation of chin cup therapy in Class III malocclusion

Electromyographic activity was evaluated in 20 patients (10 girls and 10 boys, mean age 10 years) with Class III malocclusion who were treated with a chin cup appliance. The posttreatment data were obtained at the end of phase 1 chin cup treatment when the anterior crossbite had been corrected. EMG activity of the masseter and temporal muscles for each subject were studied during unilateral chewing using the following parameters: mean cumulative voltage (MCV), mean maximum peak voltage (MMPV), and rotational direction of the differential lissajous EMG (DL-EMG). The ANB angle improved from -1.0 degree (mean) to 0 degree. The electromyographic study revealed a decrease in masseter muscle activity on both the working (chewing) and balancing sides, with no improvement in the coordination of bilateral masseter and anterior temporal muscles.

Ultrastructural features of odontoclasts that resorb enamel in human deciduous teeth prior to shedding

Three dental hard tissues, i.e., cementum, dentin, and enamel, are resorbed by multinucleated cells referred to as "odontoclasts." These cells have morphological and functional characteristics similar to those of bone-resorbing osteoclasts. However, concerning enamel resorption, which is a process that may occur during tooth eruption, satisfactory ultrastructural data on odontoclastic resorption are still lacking. Ultrastructural and histochemical characteristics of odontoclasts resorbing enamel of human deciduous teeth prior to shedding were examined by means of light microscopy and transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Odontoclasts that that resorbed enamel were tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multinucleated giant cells that were essentially the same as those that resorbed dentin and cementum. Ultrastructurally, they had numerous mitochondria, lysosomes, and free polysomes in their cytoplasm. In addition, they were characteristically rich in large cytoplasmic vacuoles containing enamel crystals in the cytoplasm opposite the ruffled border. Although they extended a well-developed, ruffled border against enamel surface, a clear zone--an area typically devoid of organelles--was rarely seen in these cells. In many cases, the cells were in very close contact with the enamel surface by the peripheral part of their cytoplasm. The enamel prisms at the resorption surface contained more loosely packed and electron-lucent enamel crystals compared with those of unresorbed, intact enamel. Furthermore, numerous thin needle- or plate-like enamel crystals that were liberated from the enamel matrix were found in the extracellular channels of the ruffled border and in various-sized cytoplasmic vacuoles in their cytoplasm. The superficial layer of the enamel matrix undergoing odontoclastic resorption stained positively with toluidine blue and for TRAP activity. The results of the present study suggest that odontoclasts resorbing enamel secrete acids as well as organic components, including hydrolytic enzymes, into the resorption zone underlying their ruffled border and that they phagocytose crystals that have been liberated from the partially demineralized enamel matrix by acids, subsequently dissolving them intracellularly.

Case report KY: functional analysis of a follow-up chin cup patient with TMJ pain

At 19 years 1 month, the patient returned to the clinic for a follow-up screening of chin-cup patients. She was the only TMJ dysfunction patient who agreed to undergo further treatment. Mandibular kinesiograph, computer-aided axiograph, and electromyograph records were gathered to aid in evaluating function. Splint therapy and orthodontic retreatment relieved the TMJ pain associated with balanced muscular activity and helped to achieve more normal movement of the mandible.

Force distribution of the temporomandibular joint and temporal bone surface subjected to the head-chincup force

The present study is an in vitro study of chincup therapy. The purpose of the study was to investigate the localization and distribution of stress induced by the head-chincup appliance. Thin single and three-dimensional strain gauges were affixed on a young dry human skull capped by the head-chincup appliance. Three kilograms of force was then applied in the direction of the condyle. In a slight opening (5 mm at the incisor position), compressive force was observed to be constant at the anterior part of mandibular neck and tensile force at the posterior part. The joint cavity showed both tensile and compressive forces, whereas its posterior site showed only compressive force. Stress distribution at the lateral surface of the temporal bone indicated that long-term use of the chincup appliance affects the craniofacial structures. The longitudinal laminagraph records of a clinical case were also presented to support the current biomechanical findings.

[Intraarterial chemotherapy via reservoir system for far-advanced bladder and prostate cancer]

A clinical study was performed on the efficacy of intraarterial chemotherapy using reservoir system for far-advanced urological malignancy. The reservoir system was indwelled in the femoral subcutaneous layer using Seldinger's method. Fifteen cases with inoperable complicated advanced bladder cancer and ten cases with postoperative local recurrent bladder cancer received intraarterial chemotherapy using the reservoir system. Then, 23 cases with local relapsed prostate cancer and two cases with endocrine-resistant prostate cancer received chemotherapy. The administered anti-cancerous agents were methotrexate, cis-platinum and adriamycin, and 5-FU or carboplatin were administered as maintenance therapy. The mean courses of chemotherapy were six for bladder cancer and four for prostate cancer. During stabilization of the local lesion, no distant deterioration was recognized. Overall clinical efficacy was as follows: PR:18 cases and NC:7 cases for bladder cancer; then, PR:11 cases and 14 cases for prostate cancer. The median duration of stabilization was as follows: 23 months for bladder cancer and 12 months for prostate cancer. Complications were fewer than with systemic chemotherapy.

Functional significance of adhesion molecules in Fas-dependent apoptotic cell death induced by interleukin-2-activated T cells

We investigated the functional significance of the adhesion molecules CD2 and lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1: CD11a/CD18) in Fas-Fas ligand (FasL) death pathway. Interleukin-2-activated T cells expressed a large amount of FasL protein and could efficiently kill a Fas-sensitive leukemic cell line, MML-1. The major part (over 80%) of MML-1 cell death was Fas-dependent. Antibodies to CD2 and CD11a/CD18 completely inhibited MML-1 target cell lysis, whereas effector to target cell binding was partially reduced or not affected at all. These results suggest that effector/target interaction via CD2/CD58 and LFA-1/CD54 systems would be essential for triggering target cell death. More interestingly, there is the discordance in the ability of anti-CD2, and particularly anti-LFA-1 antibodies, to block Fas-dependent cell death versus effector to target conjugate formation. This suggests some non-adhesive role for CD2 and LFA-1 in induction of Fas-dependent cell death. Although these antibodies were capable of inhibiting T cell proliferative response, there was no significant reduction of FasL or granzyme B expression. Thus, the signaling pathway for growth inhibition via CD2 and LFA-1 could not be linked to signaling for FasL and granzyme B expression.

Purification and characterization of a nylon-degrading enzyme

A nylon-degrading enzyme found in the extracellular medium of a ligninolytic culture of the white rot fungus strain IZU-154 was purified by ion-exchange chromatography, gel filtration chromatography, and hydrophobic chromatography. The characteristics of the purified protein (i.e., molecular weight, absorption spectrum, and requirements for 2,6-dimethoxyphenol oxidation) were identical to those of manganese peroxidase, which was previously characterized as a key enzyme in the ligninolytic systems of many white rot fungi, and this result led us to conclude that nylon degradation is catalyzed by manganese peroxidase. However, the reaction mechanism for nylon degradation differed significantly from the reaction mechanism reported for manganese peroxidase. The nylon-degrading activity did not depend on exogenous H2O2 but nevertheless was inhibited by catalase, and superoxide dismutase inhibited the nylon-degrading activity strongly. These features are identical to those of the peroxidase-oxidase reaction catalyzed by horseradish peroxidase. In addition, alpha-hydroxy acids which are known to accelerate the manganese peroxidase reaction inhibited the nylon-degrading activity strongly. Degradation of nylon-6 fiber was also investigated. Drastic and regular erosion in the nylon surface was observed, suggesting that nylon is degraded to soluble oligomers and that nylon is degraded selectively.

The improved image of indocyanine green angiography in young healthy volunteers

PURPOSE

The authors performed indocyanine green (ICG) angiography in healthy volunteers using a high resolution ICG video system to obtain baseline images for subsequent studies.

METHODS

Ten eyes of 10 healthy, young volunteers were studied. Before ICG angiography, all eyes were examined ophthalmoscopically and biomicroscopically and found to be intact. Indocyanine green (50 mg) dissolved in 2 mL of distilled water was injected through the antecubital vein. Video ICG angiogram was recorded until 30 minutes after the dye injection.

RESULTS

Although the choroidal dye filling varied among subjects, it always began in the macular area. In the 10 volunteers, initial dye filling had two patterns: flush (n = 2) and reticular (n = 8). Patchy dye-filling delay in the posterior fundus was a common finding (n = 9). Vertical filling delay running between the medial and nasal cilial arteries was observed in nine eyes. The choroidal circulation filled completely before the retinal circulation did. At 30 minutes after dye injection, interstitial tissue staining of the choroid and vascular silhouette resulting from dye washout was observed in all eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

Arterioles and capillaries of the choroid were well delineated by ICG angiography, resulting in better understanding of the physiologic and pathologic conditions of the choroidal circulations and the chorioretina itself.

[Chorioretinal malformation in vascular loop formation on the optic disc]

We have studied the eyes of a 57 year-old man, with good visual acuity, who was found to have an unusual prepapillary vascular loop formation in both eyes. Ophthalmoscopic examination revealed that the central retinal vein ran a course beneath the retinal pigment epithelium in right eye. Fluorescein angiography showed the prepapillary vascular loops to originate from the central retinal artery in both eyes. We also noted arterial, but not arteriovenous, shunt formation in the retina of both eyes. By indocyanine green angiography we demonstrated the presence of a drainage system, the so called posterior ciliary vein, which was connected directly to the central retinal vein temporal to the optic disc in the right eye. We believe this to be a new type of chorioretinal vascular formation which is different from the chorio-vaginal vein and the optico-ciliary vein.

Hepatic cirrhosis: magnetisation transfer contrast in the globus pallidus

The magnetisation transfer ratio (MTR), a quantitative tissue characteristic, and the pallidal index were measured in the globus pallidus of 37 patients with hepatic cirrhosis and 37 control subjects. The MTR decreased with severity of the disease, as indicated by the serum total bililubin, indocyanine green 15-min retention rate, and plasma ammonia. The pallidal index correlated significantly with haematological parameters, although the correlation coefficients tended to be lower than those between MTR and haematological parameters. This change in MTR corresponded to the results of the manganese chloride experiments. T1 shortening in the pallidum of patients with cirrhosis is presumably caused by paramagnetic effects, and possibly attributed to manganese deposition.

[Changes in blood polyamine levels following chemotherapy in patients with invasive urinary bladder carcinoma]

BACKGROUND

Polyamines are recognized as cell growth factors. We attempted to determine whether blood polyamines are useful biochemical makers for monitoring the efficacy of the chemotherapy on bladder tumors.

METHODS

The blood concentrations of three polyamines, diamine, spermidine and spermine, were determined in 31 patients with invasive urinary bladder carcinoma, following chemotherapy with cisplatin, methotrexate and pirarubicin. Clinical response was evaluated by CT after 3 weeks. In 26 patients who underwent subsequent surgical therapy, the effectiveness of the chemotherapy were histopathologically evaluated by a pathologist according to the response criteria for bladder cancer treatment.

RESULTS

Mean regression rate in the size of the tumor after the chemotherapy was 40.8%. Of 31 patients, clinical CR was observed in 2, PR in 11, and NC in 18. Of 26 patients who were histopathologically evaluated, grade 3 was observed in 5, grade 2 in 4, grade 1b in 4, grade 1a in 12, and grade 0 in 1. One week after chemotherapy, the levels of spermine and total polyamine in the patients with CR and PR were significantly lower than those in the patients with NC. Similarly one week after chemotherapy, the levels of spermine and total polyamine in the patients with grade 3 and grade 2 were significantly lower than those in the patients with grade 1b, grade 1a and grade 0.

CONCLUSION

The study suggested that the levels of blood polyamines could be used as biochemical markers for monitoring the efficacy of the chemotherapy on bladder tumors.

Alterations in the GyrA subunit of DNA gyrase and the ParC subunit of DNA topoisomerase IV associated with quinolone resistance in Enterococcus faecalis

The gyrA and parC genes of 31 clinical isolates of Enterococcus faecalis, including fluoroquinolone-resistant isolates, were partially sequenced and analyzed for target alterations. Topoisomerase IV may be a primary target in E. faecalis, but high-level fluoroquinolone resistance was associated with simultaneous alterations in both GyrA and ParC.

Detection of Mycoplasma genitalium in patients with urethritis

PURPOSE

We attempted to detect Mycoplasma genitalium in urethral swab specimens by a polymerase chain reaction based assay to determine the prevalence of M. genitalium in patients with urethritis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We examined a total of 171 Japanese men who presented to our hospital from February 1995 through January 1997. Of these men 150 had symptoms and signs compatible with acute urethritis and 21 had no symptoms or signs of urethritis. Urethral swab specimens were used to culture Neisseria gonorrhoeae, to detect Chlamydia trachomatis by an enzyme immunoassay and to detect M. genitalium by a polymerase chain reaction based assay.

RESULTS

Gonococcal urethritis was diagnosed in 74 symptomatic men, and nongonococcal urethritis was diagnosed in 76 symptomatic men. Of the 74 cases of gonococcal urethritis 3 (4.1%) were positive for M. genitalium, and 14 (18.9%) were positive for C. trachomatis. Of the 76 cases of nongonococcal urethritis 10 (13.2%) were positive for M. genitalium, and 42 (55.2%) were positive for C. trachomatis. While only 1 of the 42 cases with chlamydial nongonococcal urethritis (2.4%) was positive for M. genitalium, 9 of the 34 chlamydia negative nongonococcal urethritis cases (26.5%) were positive for the mycoplasma. In contrast, all 21 cases men were negative for N. gonorrhoeae, M. genitalium, and C. trachomatis.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalences of M. genitalium in patients with gonococcal urethritis and nongonococcal urethritis who attended our clinic were 4.1 and 13.2%, respectively. M. genitalium was detected significantly more often in men with nongonococcal urethritis than in asymptomatic men. In addition, its prevalence in men with chlamydia negative nongonococcal urethritis (26.5%) was significantly greater than in those with chlamydia positive nongonococcal urethritis (2.4%). These findings suggest that M. genitalium may be associated with the development of nongonococcal urethritis independent of C. trachomatis.

CD4+ and CD8+ cell cytokine profiles in neonates, older children, and adults: increasing T helper type 1 and T cytotoxic type 1 cell populations with age

The growing body of evidence suggestive of T helper types 1 and 2 (Th1/Th2) including their counterparts T cytotoxic types 1 and 2 (Tc1/Tc2) cell responses during various human disease states necessitates determination of normal T cell subsets' cytokine profiles. We show here, using intracellular cytokine staining and flow cytometry, that in healthy subjects interferon (IFN)-gamma producing CD4+ (Th1) and CD8+ (Tc1) cell populations progressively increase with age with strong correlation to CD45RO surface antigen expression. Meanwhile populations of cells capable of producing IL-4 (Th2 and Tc2) are comparably minimal across all age groups. Collectively, these results may reflect the maturation and expansion of Th1 and Tc1 cell populations from the neonatal period to adulthood, most probably dependent on antigen exposure.