[Experiments of contamination with bacteria while transfusion between the newly developed porous polymer plug and by air needle plug]

We newly developed a transfusion plug that has an air passage of polymer porous material (I Cap). This porous polymer material theoretical does not pass the infectious microorganisms. We experimented contaminations during the transfusions by I Cap and that using air needles. Trypticated soy broth was used for the experiments. Experiments of transfusion in a dusty environment revealed that the transfusions by air needles got 100% contamination and that by I Cap was 0%. The experiments in a clinic room transfusions also revealed that air needle resulted in 30.3% contamination but on the contrary 0% with the I Cap. Dusty air was flown under high pressure (1.5 atmospheric pressure) through the same filter of I Cap for 30 minutes into the trypticated soy broth. These experiments revealed that the filter did not permeate bacteria and that transfusions with air needle was contaminated with dust.

Enhancement of hematopoietic response of mice by intraperitoneal administration of a beta-glucan, SSG, obtained from Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Effects of intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of SSG, a (1----3)-beta-D-glucan obtained from the culture filtrate of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum IFO 9395, on hematopoietic responses of mice were investigated. Numbers of spleen and peripheral leukocytes increased 7 d after administration of SSG (250 micrograms/mouse). The percentages of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) in both spleen and peripheral blood increased markedly. The numbers of macrophage progenitor cells also increased in both spleens and femurs of the mice administered SSG. Furthermore, levels of colony-stimulating activity (CSA) in sera were elevated, and two peaks were observed (at 6 h and on day 7 after administration). Elevated CSAs were also observed in the cultures of peritoneal cells taken from mice 3 or 6 h after administration of SSG. These results may suggest that i.p. administration of SSG into mice enhanced the production of colony-stimulating factors (CSFs), and then increased the numbers of both spleen and peripheral blood leukocytes.

Alpha 2-adrenoceptor-blocking properties of midaglizole (DG-5128) in rats

The alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonistic potency of midaglizole was evaluated and compared with that of the selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonists yohimbine and idazoxan. Intravenously administered midaglizole, like yohimbine and idazoxan, reversed the clonidine-induced inhibition of the tachycardic response to cardiac nerve stimulation in pithed rats. Midaglizole, yohimbine and idazoxan inhibited the pressor responses to B-HT 920 (alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist), in a dose-related manner, to a greater extent than the response to methoxamine (alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist). Conversely, prazosin produced a highly selective antagonism of the methoxamine-evoked response in this preparation. Midaglizole failed to antagonize centrally mediated hypotension and bradycardia induced by intravenous clonidine, whereas the other alpha 2-antagonists attenuated the clonidine-induced cardiovascular responses in intact rats. These results suggest that midaglizole is a selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist and, unlike yohimbine and idazoxan, is characterized by its ability to block peripheral but not central alpha 2-adrenoreceptors when administered systemically.

Input-output organization of reticulospinal neurones, with special reference to connexions with dorsal neck motoneurones in the cat

Dorsal neck motoneurones receive disynaptic tectal and pyramidal EPSPs via common reticulospinal neurones (RSNs). This study was aimed at identification of the RSNs projecting directly to neck motoneurones and mediating these EPSPs. 1. Stimulation of the tectum and the cerebral peduncle evoked monosynaptic descending volleys in the spinal cord, which were chiefly mediated by reticulospinal neurones in the pons and the medulla. Systematic tracking of the C3 and C7 segments was made to locate descending volleys in the spinal funiculi. The tectal monosynaptic volley was largest in the medial part of the ventral funiculus and decreased gradually as the recording electrode was moved to the lateral part of the ventral funiculus and the lateral funiculus. In contrast, the peduncle-evoked monosynaptic volley was distributed rather evenly in the ventral funiculus and the ventral half of the lateral funiculus. 2. Differences in funicular distribution of the two descending volleys suggest the existence of subgroups of RSNs which differed in strength of inputs from the two descending fibre systems and in the funicular location of descending axons. 3. The RSNs were classified into the following four groups; (1) mRSNs which descended in the medial part of the ventral funiculus, (2) in RSNs which descended in the ventrolateral funiculus, (3) 1RSNs which descended in the dorsal 2/3 of the lateral funiculus and (4) coRSNs which descended in the contralateral funiculi. The mRSNs were located in a fairly localized region corresponding to the nucleus reticularis pontis caudalis (N.r.p.c), while inRSNs, 1RSNs and coRSNs were mainly in the nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis (N.r.g.), in the nucleus reticularis magnocellularis (N.r.m.) and in the nucleus reticularis ventralis (N.r.v.). RSNs were further divided into three types depending on the levels of projection. L-RSNs projected to the lumbar spinal segments. C-RSNs descended to the C6-C7 spinal segment but not to the lumbar segments. N-RSNs projected to the C3 but not to the C6-C7 segments. 4. Stimulation of the tectum and the cerebral peduncle produced monosynaptic negative field potentials in the medial two thirds of the reticular formation in the pons and medulla.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Immunohistopathological properties of pleomorphic adenoma in salivary gland

Fifty-eight salivary gland pleomorphic adenomas and 5 normal salivary glands were studied immunohistochemically with respect to intermediate filaments (keratin, desmin, and vimentin), actin and S-100 protein to observe the cellular differentiation of these tumor cells. Normal myoepithelial cells showed positive immunostaining for actin, vimentin and S-100 protein. Pleomorphic adenomas expressed keratin, vimentin and S-100 protein to various degrees, but only a few tumor cells of pleomorphic adenoma revealed actin. The results indicate that the tumor cells of pleomorphic adenoma show a bipolar differentiation capability of both epithelial and mesenchymal origins, although normal myoepithelial cells show only mesenchymal characteristics. The findings also support previous reports using light and electron microscopy, and also contribute to more precise diagnosis and a better understanding of the histogenesis of this tumor.

[Contamination and flow speed determination during fluid replacement using newly developed I-cap]

The authors have developed a new cork (I-cap) for transfusion bottle. The I-cap does not require a needle for allowing the air into the bottle. Instead, we put a water-repellent porous filter (W-R filter) made of sintered high molecular weight porous material in it, to allow passage of the air to and from the bottle. The results obtained in experiments designed to determine the contamination and flow-speed with the I-cap, standard cork and soft-bag, were as follow: 1) There was no bacterial contamination when the I-cap was employed, even under high pressure (1.5 atmospheric pressure). 2) Fluid replacement requiring "air-needles" was easily contaminated. 3) Flow-speed, when an I-cap is used, was more stable than when using conventional methods. 4) Flow-speed was most unstable when soft-bags were employed. Thus, the I-cap we have developed, allows the safe use of hard-type infusion bottles, without requiring an "air-needle" and ensuring a steady flow-speed. Our data demonstrate that I-cap can be safely and universally adapted for hard-type infusion bottles.

Determination of precise focus distribution and tailored lobectomy in temporal lobe epilepsy

For the purpose of precise localization of epileptic foci, combined depth and subdural electrodes were applied to patients with intractable complex partial seizures. To determine speech-related areas, extraoperative functional mapping of the temporal lateral cortex was also carried out through the subdural electrodes. Based on these data, the extent of surgical resections was tailored to include as much of the epileptogenic areas as possible, while preserving the functionally essential zones of the lateral cortex. The results thus acquired have been satisfactory in terms of seizure control and the preservation of speech function.

Effect of orally administered beta-glucan on macrophage function in mice

The effect of orally administered SSG, a beta-1,3-glucan obtained from the culture filtrate of the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum IFO 9395, on the function of peritoneal macrophages in CDF1 mice was examined. Oral administration of SSG (20, 40, 80 or 160 mg/kg, daily for 10 consecutive days) enhanced the acid phosphatase activity of peritoneal macrophages. The greatest enhancing effect was observed at 80 mg/kg of SSG. Relatively long periods of administration (more than 10 consecutive days) were needed to induce significant enhancing effects. Phagocytic activity, candidacidal activity, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production and interleukin-1 (IL-1) production of peritoneal macrophages were also enhanced after the administration of SSG by the oral route (80 or 160 mg/kg). However, the durations of the activated state after completion of administration differed depending on the activity. Enhanced activity of lysosomal enzyme (acid phosphatase) was also shown in peritoneal macrophages taken from C3H/HeJ mice, which is a nonresponder strain to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). These results demonstrate that SSG given by the oral route can activate peritoneal macrophages in mice.

Effect of cysteine on the inactivation of cystathionine gamma-lyase by D,L-propargylglycine

In vivo inactivation of cystathionine gamma-lyase by D,L-propargylglycine, a suicide inhibitor, was found to be less profound in rat kidney than in the liver. We investigated the cause of this difference using rat tissues. We fractionated kidney extract to characterize the substance which protected enzyme, and found that cysteine exhibits protecting action. Addition of 0.3 mM L-cysteine to the incubation mixture containing dialyzed kidney supernatant and 0.5 mM D,L-propargylglycine resulted in the protection of cystathionine gamma-lyase from the inactivation by the inhibitor. The content of cysteine in the kidney was six-fold higher than that in the liver. Thus, we have concluded that one of the reasons why the in vivo inactivation of cystathionine gamma-lyase in rat kidney was less than that in the liver is the presence of a higher concentration of cysteine in the kidney. S-Carboxymethylcysteine, a cysteine derivative, exhibited a similar, but weaker, protective effect.

Zygomatic approach for resection of mesial temporal epileptic focus

By using the zygomatic approach, temporal mesial and polar epileptic foci are easily accessible through an incision in the inferior temporal gyrus. In this approach, a major part of the superior and middle temporal gyrus is preserved, and there is no risk of postoperative dysnomia even on the dominant side for speech. Combined use of depth and subdural electrodes is advisable for precise determination of focus distributions throughout the mesial and lateral structures of the temporal lobe. We have applied this approach in 5 patients with satisfactory results.

Rate Equations and Kinetic Parameters of the Reactions Involved in Pyrite Oxidation by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans

Rate equations and kinetic parameters were obtained for various reactions involved in the bacterial oxidation of pyrite. The rate constants were 3.5 μM Fe 2+ per min per FeS 2 percent pulp density for the spontaneous pyrite dissolution, 10 μM Fe 2+ per min per mM Fe 3+ for the indirect leaching with Fe 3+ , 90 μM O 2 per min per mg of wet cells per ml for the Thiobacillus ferrooxidans oxidation of washed pyrite, and 250 μM O 2 per min per mg of wet cells per ml for the T. ferrooxidans oxidation of unwashed pyrite. The K m values for pyrite concentration were similar and were 1.9, 2.5, and 2.75% pulp density for indirect leaching, washed pyrite oxidation by T. ferrooxidans , and unwashed pyrite oxidation by T. ferrooxidans , respectively. The last reaction was competitively inhibited by increasing concentrations of cells, with a K i value of 0.13 mg of wet cells per ml. T. ferrooxidans cells also increased the rate of Fe 2+ production from Fe 3+ plus pyrite.

[Traumatic transection of the left main bronchus and laryngeal fracture resulting from blunt trauma--a successful case of emergency operation]

A 18-year-old female, who had incomplete transection of the left main bronchus and laryngeal fracture, due to blunt trauma, is reported. Chest X-ray on admission showed subcutaneous emphysema extending to the cervical soft tissues and marked pneumomediastinum. Bronchoscopic examination revealed disruption of the left main bronchus, leaving only the membranous portion. An emergency operation was performed 5 hours after the injury. A week later, bronchoscopic reexamination revealed tracheal stenosis just below the vocal cord, due to fracture of the cricoid and thyroid cartilages, which was enlarged to a certain extent by laryngoscopic intervention under cooperation of the laryngologist. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and two months later, was well with tracheostomy.

[Arylsulfatase activity of asthmatic children]

Human eosinophil arylsulfatase (AS) is known to inactivate a slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A). Arylsulfatase A (AS-A) and arylsulfatase B (AS-B) activity was assayed by a modification of the method of Inoue using chromatography, and peripheral eosinophil cell counts were obtained to observe the circadian rhythm of 6 healthy controls and 7 children with asthma. There was no significant diurnal variation in AS between the two groups. Eosinophil counts of both groups were lower in the morning and higher at night. Theophylline and beta 2 stimulants did not affect these activities significantly. Forty asthmatic children were selected to evaluate AS activity and eosinophil counts during and after attacks. AS-B activity was significantly higher in children during attacks than at other times, 5.70 +/- 2.00 vs. 3.74 +/- 0.66 4 MUnmol/ml/2hr (p less than 0.05). This result was more evident within 24 hours of the attack (p less than 0.01). Eosinophil counts were significantly lower during attack, and there was a negative correlation between the eosinophil counts and AS-B activity. AS-B activity in mild asthmatic children was greater than in severe cases. A significant rise in AS-B was seen in EIB negative asthmatics (p less than 0.01), but no remarkable change was seen in either AS-A or AS-B in the EIB positive group. The data suggest that higher AS-B activity during asthma attacks could inactivate SRS-A and modulate allergic inflammatory reaction.

[A radical operation of Chiari's disease using the internal shunt tube of the inferior vena cava]

A case with the Budd-Chiari syndrome due to the right hepatic occlusion who was successfully operated by using the internal shunt tube of the inferior vena cava was reported. The patients was 33 year old male. Midsternal incision and right subcostal oblique incision were made and the internal shunt tube was inserted through the right auricle to the inferior vena cava. The hepatic vein was approached through the longitudinal suprahepatic caval venotomy. Then membranous obstruction in the right hepatic vein ostia was resected. Mesenteric venous pressure dropped immediately from 360mm H2O to 160mm H2O by direct manometry. All the blood bled from the right hepatic vein was transfused through the internal shunt tube to the right atrium. The patient tolerated the procedure and his postoperative course was free from the complication. The resected membrane was congenital anomaly and an operative liver biopsy was demonstrated the evidence of congestive liver with fibrosis.

Competitive Inhibition of Ferrous Iron Oxidation by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans by Increasing Concentrations of Cells

The oxidation of ferrous iron (Fe 2+ ) to ferric iron (Fe 3+ ) with dioxygen (O 2 ) by various strains of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans was studied by measuring the rate of O 2 consumption at various Fe 2+ concentrations and cell concentrations. The apparent K m values for Fe 2+ remained constant at different cell concentrations of laboratory strains ATCC 13661 and ATCC 19859 but increased with increasing cell concentrations of mine isolates SM-4 and SM-5. The latter results are explained by the competitive inhibition of the Fe 2+ -binding site of a cell by other cells in the reaction mixture. Possible mechanisms involving cell surface properties are discussed.

Alpha 1-antitrypsin and hepatic fibrosis

The administration of alpha 1-antitrypsin, both sialo and asialo types, to rats with chronic liver injury accelerated hepatic fibrosis. More fibrosis was seen histologically and the amount of hydroxyproline in the liver increased. Moreover, the growth of HEL cells (human embryonal lung fibroblast) in culture was promoted by alpha 1-antitrypsin though the action of the asialo type was very weak by contrast with the sialo type.

Tumor necrosis factor as an activator of human granulocytes. Potentiation of the metabolisms triggered by the Ca2+-mobilizing agonists

TNF stimulated superoxide (O2-) release directly in human granulocytes in a dose-dependent manner (1 to 1000 U/ml), although its potency was weak. TNF-induced O2- release was inhibited by cAMP agonists or ionomycin, and was not accompanied with an increase in cytoplasmic free Ca2+ [( Ca2+]i) and membrane potential changes (depolarization). These findings indicate that neither Ca2+ mobilization nor membrane depolarization is required for TNF-receptor-mediated cell activation. The pretreatment of human granulocytes with TNF enhanced O2- release and membrane depolarization in parallel stimulated by the receptor-mediated Ca2+-mobilizing agonists (FMLP, Con A, and wheat germ agglutinin) or the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin, but not by PMA, a direct activator of protein kinase C. The optimal effect was obtained by pretreatment of cells with 100 U/ml TNF for 5 to 10 min at 37 degrees C, although the magnitude of enhancement varied according to the agonists used as subsequent stimuli. TNF did not affect an increase in [Ca2+]i stimulated by the Ca2+-mobilizing agonists, except Con A. Con A-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was enhanced by TNF in a dose-dependent manner. These diverse effects of TNF could be partly explained by the exclusive potentiation by TNF of the metabolic events triggered by an increase in [Ca2+]i.

Tumor necrosis factor as an activator of human granulocytes. Potentiation of the metabolisms triggered by the Ca2+-mobilizing agonists

TNF stimulated superoxide (O2-) release directly in human granulocytes in a dose-dependent manner (1 to 1000 U/ml), although its potency was weak. TNF-induced O2- release was inhibited by cAMP agonists or ionomycin, and was not accompanied with an increase in cytoplasmic free Ca2+ [( Ca2+]i) and membrane potential changes (depolarization). These findings indicate that neither Ca2+ mobilization nor membrane depolarization is required for TNF-receptor-mediated cell activation. The pretreatment of human granulocytes with TNF enhanced O2- release and membrane depolarization in parallel stimulated by the receptor-mediated Ca2+-mobilizing agonists (FMLP, Con A, and wheat germ agglutinin) or the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin, but not by PMA, a direct activator of protein kinase C. The optimal effect was obtained by pretreatment of cells with 100 U/ml TNF for 5 to 10 min at 37 degrees C, although the magnitude of enhancement varied according to the agonists used as subsequent stimuli. TNF did not affect an increase in [Ca2+]i stimulated by the Ca2+-mobilizing agonists, except Con A. Con A-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was enhanced by TNF in a dose-dependent manner. These diverse effects of TNF could be partly explained by the exclusive potentiation by TNF of the metabolic events triggered by an increase in [Ca2+]i.

Antitumor and immunomodulating activities of a beta-glucan obtained from liquid-cultured Grifola frondosa

The effects of the beta-1,3-glucan, LELFD, obtained from liquid-cultured mycelium of Grifola frondosa, on the growth of syngeneic tumors and immune responses in mice were examined. In Meth A or IMC solid tumor systems, LELFD administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) or intralesionally (i.l.) exhibited significant antitumor effects. However, the growth of L1210 and P388 leukemias was unaffected by the injection of LELFD. The injection of LELFD i.p. enhanced the activities of natural killer cells and macrophages in mice. LELFD also enhanced the antibody response when it was injected i.p. with sheep red blood cells into mice. Furthermore, it was found that LELFD could activate the alternative complement pathway.

[Use of Rokitamycin dry syrup in cases of upper deep cervical lymphadenitis and otitis media with exudatives]

Dry syrup of Rokitamycin (RKM.DS), a new macrolide antibiotic with 16-membered ring developed by Toyo Jozo Co., Ltd., was used on cases of upper deep cervical lymphadenitis (UDCL) and of otitis media with exudatives (OME) likely caused by chlamydia infections, and its clinical effects were investigated. 1) In four cases of UDCL (C. psittaci infections), daily doses of 20.0-28.6 mg/kg were administered for 10-42 consecutive days and good efficacies were observed with two cases of excellent results and two cases of good results. 2) In one case of OME (C. trachomatis infection) a daily dose of 30.0 mg/kg was administered for 15 consecutive days and good effectiveness was observed. 3) No side effect was observed in any of the cases. From the above results, it became clear that RKM.DS could effectively used as a therapeutic agent for UDCL and OME in children.

Immunomodulation by orally administered beta-glucan in mice

Orally administered SSG, a beta-1,3-glucan obtained from the culture filtrate of the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum IFO 9395, was examined for effects on immune responses in mice. The proliferative responses of spleen cells from SSG-administered mice (40 or 80 mg/kg, daily for 5 or 10 consecutive days) to a T-cell mitogen, concanavalin A (Con A), or a B-cell mitogen, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), were higher than those from normal mice. Oral administration of SSG (80 mg/kg) to mice also enhanced the activities of both natural killer (NK) cells in spleen and the lysosomal enzyme of peritoneal macrophages. Furthermore, significant inhibition of tumor growth was observed in syngeneic tumor systems when SSG was administered directly after tumor implantation. The inhibiting effect required high doses of SSG (over 80 mg/kg). These results demonstrate that SSG can potentiate the immune response of mice following oral administration.

Evaluation of histopathologic parameters in predicting cervical lymph node metastasis of oral and oropharyngeal carcinomas

A retrospective study of 53 patients with squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity and oropharynx was undertaken to evaluate histopathologic parameters in predicting cervical lymph node metastasis. Biopsy and surgical specimens were examined for degree of differentiation, pattern and depth of stromal invasion, lymphatic-vascular invasion, and lymphoplasmacytic response in relation to metastasis. The incidence of lymph node metastasis in tumors showing grade III type diffuse invasion (71.4%) and with stromal invasion of more than 8 mm in depth (83.3%) was significantly higher than that of tumors with well-demarcated boundaries (44.4% to 5.2%) and superficial invasion (35.3% to 8.3%). Lymph node metastasis also increased in the presence of lymphatic-vascular invasion by tumor cells, whereas the degree of differentiation and lymphoplasmacytic response was not related to metastasis. Thus, the pattern and the depth of stromal invasion and the presence of lymphatic-vascular invasion were important indicators in prediction of cervical lymph node metastasis. Prophylactic neck dissection is advocated when grade III type diffuse invasion, invasion exceeding 8 mm in depth, or grade II type invasion accompanied by a 4 mm to 8 mm depth of invasion is observed in a biopsy specimen.

Solubilized glycosyltransferases and biosynthesis in vitro of glycolipids

The assembly of most of the ceramide-linked glycolipids (GSLs) in eukaryotic cells occurs in Golgi bodies. At least 18 different glycolipid:glycosyltransferases (GSL:GLTs) have been characterized, 10 of which have been solubilized. These GLTs can be classified into 2 distinct groups: 1) GLTs dedicated to either Dol-P-P-sugar(s) or ceramide-linked sugar(s); and 2) GLTs with dual loyalties (i.e., they compete with glycolipid- and glycoprotein-bound oligosaccharides). Studies with solubilized and purified GalNAcT-1 and GalNAcT-2 from embryonic chicken brains prove that GalNAcT-1 (UDP-GalNAc:GM3 beta 1-4GalNAcT) is specific for GSL, whereas GalNAcT-2 (UDP-GalNAc:Gb3 beta 1-3GalNAcT) can transfer to an oligosaccharide containing the alpha-linked terminal galactose. Similarly, GalT-3 (UDP-Gal:GM2 beta 1-3GalT) is more specific for ganglio-oligosaccharide and GalT-4 (UDP-Gal:Lc3 beta 1-4GalT) can transfer galactose to N-acetylglucosamine linked to p-nitrophenol, glycolipid or glycoprotein. Both GalT-3 and GalT-4 have been separated and purified from embryonic chicken brains. Studies with solubilized SAT-4 and SAT-3, from bovine spleen and embryonic chicken brains, respectively, suggest the existence of 2 different gene-expressed alpha 2-3SATs. The newly discovered FucT-3 (GDP-Fuc:NeuGc-iLc6-alpha 1-3FucT) from human colon carcinoma (Colo-205) has also been solubilized and separated from other GSL:GLTs. Using a new activity gel-Western blot combined technique, the molecular mass of this FucT-3 was determined to be 105 kDa.

[Microorganisms isolated from urinary tract infection and their beta-lactamase production and evaluation of clinical efficacy of sulperazone]

Clinical survey of microorganisms isolated from urinary tract infection (UTI) was carried out at the four major hospitals in Mie Prefecture from May to July, 1987, and production of beta-lactamase of the microorganisms was determined by the acidimetric method, "beta-checker". Among the total of 460 strains isolated from urine samples, 135 of gram positive cocci and 325 of gram negative rods were contained. Sixty percent of the gram negative rods and 14% of gram positive cocci produced beta-lactamase. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli and Serratia marcescens were representative organisms which produced beta-lactamase. Acinetobacter, Klebsiella, Enterobacter and Citrobacter species produced beta-lactamase at a higher rate but those were not so frequently isolated. In the sensitivity test to Sulperazone, the representative organisms isolated from urine, as a whole, had a sensitivity of 74% and E. coli, Klebsiella, S. epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were highly sensitive, while Enterobacter cloacae and Serratia marcescens showed low sensitivity. The clinical efficacy of Sulperazone was evaluated in 26 patients with complicated UTI. Overall effectiveness rate and eradication rate of beta-lactamase production organisms were 73.1 and 63%, respectively. Sulperazone is concluded to be a useful antibiotic for treating complicated UTI induced by beta-lactamase production organisms from the point of microbiology and safety.

Chondrosarcoma of the mandible. Report of case and a survey of 23 cases in the Japanese literature

A huge chondrosarcoma of the mandible (80 X 95 X 100 mm in size) with extension into the infratemporal fossa is described. The tumour was successfully treated by surgical removal and postoperative irradiation. A survey of the Japanese literature revealed 23 cases of chondrosarcoma with involvement of the mandible. The tumours occurred equally in males and females whose mean age was 38 years. The molar region was the site of predilection. The most common symptom was swelling and it was accompanied by pain in 7 cases and paraesthesia in 5 cases. Radiographically, the lesions were quite variable and with the exception of 3 cases in which information was not available, they consisted of a combination of irregular radiopacity and radiolucency in 9 cases, whereas the predominant feature was radiopacity in 6 cases and radiolucency in 4 cases. There was no radiographical abnormality in 2 cases. Root resorption of adjacent teeth was noted in 3 of 6 cases where information existed. Computed tomography was thought to be quite valuable in determining the nature and extent of the tumour. Although an elevation of serum alkaline phosphatase was observed in our case, results of laboratory tests were mostly of no diagnostic significance. Surgical removal was employed in 22 cases alone or in conjunction with irradiation and/or chemotherapy. Of 14 cases on whom information was available, local recurrence occurred in 6 cases in which radiotherapy was not given and distant metastasis in 2 of 10 cases on whom information was available. Of 20 patients on whom information was available on the postoperative course, 7 patients died 5 months to 6 years after the primary treatment.

Alpha 1-acid glycoprotein and hepatic fibrosis

The relationship between alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (alpha 1-AG) and liver fibrosis was studied. Immunoperoxidase staining of liver specimens from patients with chronic hepatitis showed large amounts of alpha 1-AG to be located primarily in hepatocytes adjacent to areas of piecemeal necrosis, bridging fibrosis and fibrous septa. In patients with severe chronic active hepatitis, hepatocytes throughout the liver stained similarly to those adjacent to areas of piecemeal necrosis. In cell cultures of human embryonal lung (HEL) fibroblasts, addition to the culture medium of alpha 1-AG promoted cell growth. It is known that alpha 1-AG is also produced in the liver. It thus appears likely that alpha 1-AG is a promoter of hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatitis.

The effects of a highly branched beta-1,3-glucan, SSG, obtained from Sclerotinia sclerotiorum IFO 9395 on the growth of syngeneic tumors in mice

The effects of a highly branched beta-1,3-glucan, SSG, obtained from a culture filtrate of a fungus, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum IFO 9395, on the growth of syngeneic tumors and antitumor effector cells were examined. In the Meth A solid tumor systems, SSG administered intraperitoneally (i.p.), intralesionally (i.l.), or intravenously (i.v.) showed significant antitumor activities. Furthermore, SSG administered i.p. also showed effective activities against IMC carcinoma. SSG enhanced nonspecific antitumor effector functions, such as natural killer activity of spleen cells and the cytolytic activity of peritoneal macrophages. Additionally, SSG increased the specific immune response (cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity) against allogeneic tumor cells.

Phorbol myristate acetate potentiates superoxide release and membrane depolarization without affecting an increase in cytoplasmic free calcium in human granulocytes stimulated by the chemotactic peptide, lectins and the calcium ionophore

We investigated the inter-relationships of superoxide (O2-) release, membrane depolarization and an increase in cytoplasmic free Ca2+, [Ca2+]i, in human granulocytes stimulated by various agonists. When concanavalin A or the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin was used as stimulus, an increase in [Ca2+]i clearly preceded the onset of membrane depolarization, which was followed by O2- release. On the other hand, when N-formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine or wheat-germ agglutinin was used as stimulus, no demonstrable lag was seen in any of the responses. O2- release and membrane depolarization stimulated by all these agonists were markedly potentiated in parallel by pretreatment of cells with a low concentration of phorbol myristate acetate (0.25 ng/ml), whereas an increase in [Ca2+]i was not affected or minimally potentiated. The lag time between addition of the stimulus (concanavalin A or ionomycin) and onset of membrane depolarization or O2- release was significantly reduced by pretreatment of cells with phorbol myristate acetate, whereas the lag time between addition of concanavalin A and onset of the increase in [Ca2+]i was not affected. The dose-response curves for triggering of O2- release and membrane depolarization by each of receptor-mediated agonists in phorbol myristate acetate-pretreated or control cells were identical. These findings suggest that; (a) an increase in [Ca2+]i stimulates membrane depolarization indirectly; (b) a low concentration of phorbol myristate acetate potentiates membrane depolarization and O2- release by acting primarily at the post-receptor level, in particular, at the level distal to an increase in [Ca2+]i, but not by augmenting an increase in [Ca2+]i; and (c) the system provoking membrane depolarization and the system activating NADPH oxidase share a common pathway, which may be susceptible to a low concentration of phorbol myristate acetate.

Distribution of grifolan NMF-5N (I/B), a chemically modified antitumor beta-glucan in mice

The distribution of a 3H-labeled chemically modified antitumor beta-glucan, grifolan NMF-5N (I/B), in various tissues after an injection into mice was examined in order to obtain information on distribution of the parent antitumor beta-glucan, grifolan NMF-5N. Grifolan NMF-5N was treated with sodium metaperiodate and sodium borotritide to obtain tritium-labeled grifolan NMF-5N [3H-grifolan (I/B)]. When 3H-grifolan (I/B) was administered into normal mice by intraperitoneal (i.p.) or intravenous (i.v.) injection, radioactivity was detected in various mouse tissues. Next, 3H-grifolan (I/B) was injected into tumor-bearing mice 7 d after the tumor inoculation, which is the most effective administration timing for the antitumor effect of grifolan NMF-5N. The results indicated a strong radioactivity in spleens and tumor masses. These results suggested a close relationship between the antitumor activity and the distribution of grifolan NMF-5N in mice.

[Cortical and subcortical somatosensory evoked potentials to median nerve stimulation in man]

In order to define the precise locations of precentral and postcentral gyri during neurosurgical operations, somatosensory evoked potentials to contralateral median nerve stimulation were recorded from the cerebral cortex in 19 cases with organic cerebral lesions which located near the central sulcus. In addition to that, distribution patterns of early components of SEPs were displayed by Nihonkoden Atac 450 in 3 cases who had bone defects after wide decompressive craniectomy but were without any sensory disturbances In 4 cases, in whom deep electrodes were inserted for the stereotaxic operations or other reasons, frontal subcortical SEPs were recorded in order to know the origins of frontal components of SEPs. From the parietal cortex, N19, P22 and P23 were observed. And from the frontal cortex, P20 and N25 were obtained. Their average peak latencies were as follows; (table; see text) Because all subjects had organic lesion in the brain, the peak latencies were a little bit longer, and their standard deviations were larger than those in normal cases. Usually, clear-cut phase reversal could be observed between N19 and P20 across the central sulcus. So, the precentral and postcentral gyri were easily identified during the operations. N19 and P23 appeared over the wide areas of the parietal cortex. Also, P20 and N25 were recorded almost whole areas of the frontal cortex. On the other hand, P22 appeared from relatively restricted part of the postcentral gyrus where sensory hand area might have been located. Depth recording from the frontal subcortical area revealed that P20 could be recorded from the bilateral frontal subcortical areas and there observed no phase reversal between the cortical and subcortical SEPs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Lesions of spinal and trigeminal dorsal root entry zone for deafferentation pain. Experience of 35 cases

Spinal and trigeminal dorsal root entry zone destruction (DREZ-tomy) was performed on 35 patients with deafferentation pain of various types. Overall, satisfactory pain relief was obtained in 65.5% of spinal DREZ-tomy cases in the follow-up observation. The result in the brachial plexus avulsion group was the best (82.4% improved), followed by the limb pain group without root avulsion (50.0%), but the truncal or visceral pain group showed the worst result (33.3%). Two patients with postherpetic trigeminal neuralgia were completely relieved of pain in the average follow-up period of 32 months, while in 2 patients with postrhizotomy facial pain, pain recurred 4 months after the operation in 1, and, in the other, pain in the medial part of the face remained unchanged. Complications were seen in about 60% of the patients, which were, however, all mild, except for 2 cases of death due to gastrointestinal disease.

Excitatory input to burst neurons from the labyrinth and its mediating pathway in the cat: location and functional characteristics of burster-driving neurons

1. Spikes of single neurons were recorded extracellularly in the cat prepositus hypoglossi nucleus and the underlying reticular formation and were identified as type II neurons by horizontal rotation. Among these neurons, those activated by contralateral vestibular nerve stimulation with short latencies (1.5-3.0 ms) were selected for further study. 2. A class of these identified neurons was antidromically activated from the contralateral excitatory burst neuron (EBN) area immediately rostral to the abducens nucleus. Systematic tracking for antidromic stimulation revealed a wide distribution of effective spots in and near the EBN area, with varied latencies and thresholds, suggesting terminal branching in that area. The same neurons were also antidromically activated from the contralateral inhibitory burst neuron (IBN) area, the region near the midline, and the nucleus reticularis tegmenti pontis. 3. These neurons exhibited a characteristic firing pattern related to nystagmus: with contralateral rotation the firing rate gradually increased during the slow phase (type II response) and further steeply increased in a burst fashion before and during the contraversive quick phase. Since the time of occurrence of burst activity in these neurons was similar to that of contralateral ENBs and IBNs that received their axonal projection, it is suggested that they send excitatory input to burst neurons, and can thus be called burster-driving neurons (BDNs). 4. Intracellular study revealed that stimulation of the BDN area produced monosynaptic EPSPs in contralateral EBNs. The monosynaptic connection of BDNs with EBNs was confirmed by detecting unitary extracellular synaptic currents of EBNs with the spike-triggered averaging technique. 5. In contrast to BDNs, another class of nystagmus-related type II neurons in the prepositus hypoglossi and medullary reticular formation showed a discharge pattern similar to that of abducens motoneurons on the same side. None of them was antidromically activated from the contralateral pontine reticular formation including the EBN area. Some neurons responded antidromically to stimulation of the ipsilateral dorsomedial pontine reticular formation. 6. In conclusion, the input from the horizontal canal during rotation reaches the contralateral prepositus hypoglossi nucleus and the underlying reticular formation through the vestibular nuclei, and a class of neurons in these structures (BDNs) responds to the canal input in a burst fashion following a tonic type II activity. The axons of BDNs cross the midline and monosynaptically excite EBNs on the side of the canal stimulated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Host-mediated antitumor effect of grifolan NMF-5N, a polysaccharide obtained from Grifola frondosa

The antitumor mechanism of grifolan NMF-5N, a beta-1,3-glucan obtained from mycelia of Grifola frondosa, was examined. Grifolan NMF-5N did not show direct cytocidal effect on cultured tumor cells. However, intraperitoneal injection of grifolan NMF-5N increased the number of peritoneal exudate cells and peritoneal adherent cells which showed cytostatic activity towards syngeneic tumor cells. In an in vivo assay, the administration of carrageenan, an inhibitor of macrophage function, reduced the antitumor activity of grifolan NMF-5N. The delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction was augmented in the grifolan NMF-5N-administered mice. The administration of NMF-5N augmented the induction of cytotoxic T cells but the antitumor activity of grifolan NMF-5N was reduced in athymic nu/nu mice. In addition, the treatment with anti-Thy 1,2 antibody and complement C' of spleen cells taken from mice which showed regression of tumor due to grifolan NMF-5N, reduced the neutralizing effect in Winn assay. These results suggested that grifolan NMF-5N shows antitumor activity via host-mediated mechanisms and both macrophages and T cells play important roles in the mechanisms.

Selective inhibition of erythropoiesis by sera from patients with chronic renal failure

The pathogenesis of anemia in patients with chronic renal failure was studied by analyzing the effect of uremic sera on the in vitro colony growth of erythroid (CFU-E) and granulocyte-macrophage (CFU-GM) progenitor cells. Uremic sera from 20 of 30 patients inhibited erythroid colony growth below 70% of control even when cultured with normal human bone marrow of the same blood type. On the other hand, only one of the sera inhibited colony growth of CFU-GM as compared with normal sera. On Sephadex G-15 gel filtration, the CFU-E-inhibiting activity appeared in two different fractions: the void volume peak and the delayed eluant before the second peak. The inhibiting activity in the former fraction was noted only in uremic sera. The results of this study suggest the existence of a serum inhibitor(s) of erythropoiesis with a relative molecular mass of more than 1500 Da which are virtually impossible to dialyze by conventional membranes.

[A surgical case of aneurysm of the persistent sciatic artery]

Seventy two-year-old woman was admitted in September, 1985 to our hospital with complaints of painful mass in the right buttock and ischias. Aorto-peripheral arteriogram showed that enlarged right internal iliac and inferior gluteal arteries passed posteriorly to cross the right hip and down the posterior aspect of the femur to supply the popliteal artery. A saccular aneurysm was seen immediately posterior to the right femoral head. The femoral artery was small in size, but connecting to the popliteal artery. Delayed flow to the popliteal artery through the sciatic artery was noted in contrast to the femoral system. With Osborne's right buttock approach, the gluteus maximus muscle was divided in the direction of its fibers, exposing a 3.5 by 5 cm aneurysm which was located above, the sciatic nerve and adherent to it. The proximal sciatic artery and the trunk of the sciatic nerve passed beneath the piriformis muscle. The pressure of the dorsalis pedis artery decreased from 156/77 to 117/72 mmHg after ligation of the proximal sciatic artery. The aneurysm was dissected free from the sciatic nerve. Postoperatively she had no more gluteal discomfort, nor did she have any ischemic symptoms by walking.