Age-related changes in cortical bone in women: metacarpal bone mass measurement study

The mechanism of age-related cortical bone loss was investigated in 229 Japanese women, 41-94 years of age, by metacarpal bone mass measurement. While no significant correlation was found between bone width and age, a significant increase in bone marrow width, and significant decreases in cortical bone density and total bone mass were observed in association with aging (P < 0.0001). There was a significant negative correlation between total bone mass and bone marrow width (r = -0.239; P < 0.0005), and significant positive correlations between both total bone mass and cortical bone density (r = 0.539; P < 0.0001) and cortical bone width (r = 0.839; P < 0.0001). The findings suggested that age-related cortical bone loss in middle-aged and elderly women resulted from two different factors; a decrease in cortical bone density caused by progression of intracortical porosity, and a decrease in cortical bone width as a result of bone loss on the endosteal surface. The latter had a greater influence on an age-related cortical bone loss than the former.

In vitro and in vivo activities of levofloxacin against biofilm-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Interactions between biofilm cells of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and levofloxacin were studied. P. aeruginosa incubated for 6 days with Teflon sheets formed a biofilm on its surface. Against the biofilm bacteria, levofloxacin at an MIC determined by the standard method for the strain was highly bactericidal whereas gentamicin, ceftazidime, and ciprofloxacin showed no significant killing activity. Levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and gentamicin, but not ceftazidime, exhibited killing activity against nongrowing cells of the strain incubated in phosphate buffer. In addition, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and ceftazidime, but not gentamicin, showed the ability to penetrate an agar containing alginate. These findings may explain the efficacy of levofloxacin and the ineffectiveness of gentamicin and ceftazidime against biofilm bacteria; however, the cause of the ineffectiveness of ciprofloxacin still remains to be determined. In experimental pneumonia in guinea pigs, in which the biofilm mode of growth of the strain was observed in the lung, only levofloxacin exhibited substantial therapeutic efficacy. These findings suggest the significant role of levofloxacin in therapy of biofilm bacterium-associated infectious diseases.

High incidence of diabetic nephropathy in early-onset Japanese NIDDM patients. Risk analysis

OBJECTIVE

Because early-onset Japanese NIDDM patients (diagnosed before age 30 years) can develop diabetic end-stage renal failure (ESRF) in their thirties, this study was performed to elucidate the incidence and determinants for the development of diabetic nephropathy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The incidence of diabetic nephropathy and its relationship to baseline characteristics and long-term metabolic control were determined in 426 early-onset Japanese NIDDM patients who were followed for a mean of 6.8 years.

RESULTS

Of these 426 patients, 41 developed diabetic nephropathy manifested by persistent proteinuria (incidence rate [95%CI]/1,000 person-years; 14.1 [10.4-19.1]). Among patients whose mean HbA1c (measured by a high-performance chromatography method that is standardized and comparable to the one used in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial study) was around 7% or less, few developed nephropathy. The incidence of nephropathy increased with increasing mean HbA1c level in a dose-dependent manner (chi 2 trend = 49.9, P < 0.0001). Diastolic blood pressure and duration of diabetes at entry had significant predictive effects independent of metabolic control.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence rate of diabetic nephropathy in early-onset Japanese NIDDM patients is potentially high, similar to or higher than that in Pima Indian NIDDM or Caucasian IDDM patients of comparable age. Diabetic nephropathy in NIDDM patients aged in their thirties or forties is likely to be an early feature that leads to ESRF, and this would contribute to the marked increase in the number of new patients with diabetic ESRF in Japan. NIDDM is a serious disease if near-normal glycemia is not achieved.

[A cooperative study on concomitant with low-dose divided administration of cisplatin (CDDP) and sustained drip infusion of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for unresectable advanced gastric cancer. Osaka Cisplatin Gastric Cancer Study Group]

For patients with unresectable gastric cancer registered between July 1994 and September 1995, the following dosage regimen was examined: a drip infusion of cisplatin (CDDP) at 7 mg/m2/day for 5 consecutive days and 2-day withdrawal a week for 3 weeks with concomitant sustained drip infusion of 5-FU at 300 mg/m2/day for 21 days. The whole cycle was repeated again after 2-week withdrawal. The antitumor effect was seen in 39.4% among 33 cases. With respect to histological classification, there was no difference in appearance of the effect between the moderately differentiated type at 62.5% and the low-differentiated type at 42.9%. The cases which became resectable after the administration included those in which the tumor disappeared completely in the resected specimens. As adverse reactions encountered in the cases above Grade 3, anorexia, nausea and vomiting and diarrhea were seen as clinical symptoms in 10, 5.3 and 11.8%, respectively. As laboratory test values, decrease in hemoglobin, leukocytopenia and thrombocytopenia were seen in 16.7, 15.8 and 5%, respectively, while renal or liver dysfunction did not occur. This dosage regimen was considered useful for unresectable advanced gastric cancer, although myelosuppression should be watched carefully.

Immunohistochemical localization of activin A in human endometrial tissues during the menstrual cycle and in early pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the possible localization of activin A in human endometrial tissue.

METHODS

Human endometrial tissue was collected from 33 patients who were undergoing abdominal hysterectomy. Human decidual tissue was collected from 11 patients, who were having a therapeutic abortion. Tissue was fixed in Bouin's solution and made into paraffin sections. Tissue sections were stained with monoclonal antibodies against the inhibin/activin alpha- and betaA-subunits and activin A using an avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex technique.

RESULTS

No immunostaining with antibody against the alpha-subunit was observed in the human endometrium during the menstrual cycle or in the decidua during early pregnancy. By contrast, immunostaining for the betaA-subunit and activin A was observed in the cytoplasm of endometrial glands at all phases of the menstrual cycle and in the decidua during early pregnancy. The intensity of immunostaining for the betaA-subunit was strong during the menstrual phase, became weaker during the early proliferative phase, and was intense again at the late proliferative phase. The immunostaining for the betaA-subunit was weak during the early secretory phase and became very intense toward the midsecretory and late secretory phases. The intensity of immunostaining for activin A changed during the menstrual cycle and showed a tendency similar to that for betaA-subunit. The stromal cells were weakly immunoreactive with antibodies against the betaA-subunit and activin A from the menstrual to the midsecretory phase and became strong in the late secretory phase. Intense staining for the betaA-subunit and activin A was observed in the cytoplasm of decidual cells during early pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

Activin A, but not inhibins, is localized in the endometrial tissue. The endometrium may be a major source of activin A during the normal menstrual cycle, and the decidua may be one of the sources of activin A during early pregnancy.

Acoustic anisotropy in bovine cancellous bone

This paper presents the experimental results on the acoustic anisotropy in bovine cancellous bone. The propagation of both fast and slow longitudinal waves in bovine cancellous bone was experimentally examined in relation to the structural anisotropy, or the trabecular arrangement. Propagation speeds of the fast and slow waves were measured as a function of the propagation angle to the trabecular alignment, and theoretically estimated by use of Biot's theory for an isotropic medium.

Onset age-dependent variations of three islet specific autoantibodies in Japanese IDDM patients

The age related incidence rate of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus shows a bimodal distribution, not only in Caucasians but also in Japanese. To evaluate the onset age-related autoimmune profile at presentation in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) autoantibody, islet cell antibody (ICA), and insulin autoantibody (IAA) were measured in 137 newly diagnosed Japanese IDDM patients with onset ages between 0-29 years. The prevalence of GAD autoantibody was significantly increased from the lowest (32%) in the 0-5 years onset age group to 75% in the 13-19 years onset age group (P < 0.05), whereas the IAA prevalence significantly decreased from the peak (48%) in the 6-12 years onset age group to 10% in the 20-29 years onset age group (P < 0.05). The ICA prevalence was increased from the lowest (32%) in the 0-5 years onset age group to the highest (53%) in the 20-29 years onset age group similar to that for the GAD autoantibody. Such results demonstrate that there was age-related autoimmune characteristics at presentation of IDDM in Japanese as well as in Caucasians.

A flower-shaped cannula for three-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy

A simple flower-shaped cannula, in which up to three laparoscopic instruments can be inserted and manipulated freely, is described. Using this cannula, a three-incision gasless laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed easily.

Radiographic changes in the patella after total knee arthroplasty without resurfacing the patella. Comparison of osteoarthrosis and rheumatoid arthritis

The necessity of patellar resurfacing has aroused considerable controversy. Between 1986 and 1996, we have routinely performed 208 primary total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) without resurfacing the patella. However, we have occasionally observed gradual postoperative patellar deterioration which caused peripatellar pain. This study observed the radiographic changes in the patella after TKA without resurfacing the patella to assess the effect of the changes on the clinical results. Sixty out of 208 TKAs were assessed in this study. The original diagnoses were osteoarthrosis (OA) in 17 joints and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in 43 joints. Fourteen patients (23.3%) complained of postoperative peripatellar pain: 2 of the 17 patients with OA (11.8%) and 12 of the 43 with RA (27.9%). Lateral tilt of the patella slightly decreased with time, but lateral shift increased slightly. Patellar length and width increased throughout the follow-up period. The thickness of the patella, especially in the RA cases, significantly (Mann-Whitney, p < 0.05) decreased with time. According to these radiographic findings, as time passed the thickness of the patella decreased, its length and width increased, and the patella as a whole became flattened. On examining the effect of this flattening on postoperative pain, it was found that about 70% of those patients whose patellar thickness had decreased to 80% or less complained of peripatellar pain. In the case of the OA patients, however, there was no statistically significant correlation between patellar flattening and pain. It is concluded that patellar resurfacing should be considered for the patient with rheumatoid arthritis. Because patellar flattening did not develop in many patients with OA and few of them complained of peripatellar pain, patellar resurfacing should not be performed routinely.

[Vesicoureteral reflux and urinary incontinence in myelodysplastic patients: a comparison between those who had anti-reflux surgery alone and those who were treated by anti-reflux surgery combined with bladder augmentation with or without sling operation]

BACKGROUND

Vesicoureteral reflux and urinary incontinence are frequently observed among myelodysplastic patients. Since the conservative therapy is not always effective to improve these pathologies, surgical intervention is necessary for some of the patients.

METHODS

Thirty-eight myelodysplastic patients were divided into 2 groups: Group A comprised 17 patients who had been operated by anti-reflux surgery (crossover method) alone and Group B 21 patients who had undergone anti-reflux surgery (Orikasa's method) and augmentation enterocystoplasty with or without sling operation. Cessation rate of reflux, bladder capacity, bladder compliance and operative complications were analyzed in the 2 groups. A questionnaire was sent to the patient asking to answer frequency of clean intermittent catheterization (CIC), severity of urinary incontinence, satisfaction rate for operation and so on. Mean followed-up periods were 11.7 (5.3-13.6) years for Group A and 3.7 (0.6-6.9) years for Group B, respectively.

RESULTS

Reflux was successfully eradicated in 19 of 24 ureters (79%) of Group A and in 25 of 29 ureters (86%) of Group B, which was not significantly different. In Group A, bladder capacity and compliance slightly improved. The latter, however, remained less than 10 ml/cmH2 O. Bladder capacity and compliance of Group B increased more than twice the original value with statistical significance. Operative complication in Group A was ureteral obstruction in 1 patient, which eventually necessitated peritoneal dialysis. In Group B revision of ventriculoperitoneal shunt was necessary in 4 patients, incomplete ileus was conservatively treated in 3, and a bladder stone was formed in 1. The patients assessed that frequency of pyelonephritis was less in Group B compared to Group A. Other subjective parameters, however, such as frequency of CIC, severity of urinary incontinence, postoperative changes in the amount of urinary incontinence, and satisfaction rate for operation, were not different between the 2 groups.

COMMENTS

Though operation-related complications occurred more frequently in those of Group B, these patients enjoyed significant improvement in bladder capacity and bladder compliance. We conclude when the conservative therapy fails to cure and improve vesicoureteral reflux and urinary incontinence, surgical interventions including anti-reflux surgery and augmentation cystoplasty with or without sling operation are recommended as a treatment option.

Interferon-alpha and -gamma differentially reduce rapid immature T-cell death by contact with HIV-1 carrier cell clones in vitro

The non-antigen specific rapid cytotoxic (CT) death of immature TdT+CD4+CD8+ T cells due to contact with HIV-1 carrier T-cell clones we have found recently is a novel phenomenon. The effects of interferons (IFN) on this CT reaction were studied in vitro. Treatment of the HIV-1 carrier clones, referred to as "effectors," with IFN-alpha but not IFN-gamma, or of the susceptible immature TdT+CD4+CD8+ T cells, referred to as "targets," with IFN-gamma but not IFN-alpha, for 24 hr prior to CT testing was found to reduce the CT reaction. Simultaneously, a down-regulated CD8 expression and an up-regulated antigen expression of both major histocompatibility antigen complex class I (MHC-I) and HIV-1 gp120/gp160 in the IFN-alpha treated effector (gp120+CD8+ HPB-ALL/HIV), and/or simultaneously up-regulated antigen expression of both CD8 and MHC-I in the IFN-gamma treated target (CD4+CD8+ HPB-ALL) were found to be associated with reduced CT reaction. However, altered antigen expression in the IFN-gamma treated effectors or IFN-alpha treated targets did not affect the ultimate degree of CT reaction. This study thus suggests a possible therapeutic efficacy of IFN by reducing the direct elimination of the T-cell precursors in HIV-1 infection.

Inhibition of anchorage-independent growth of tumor cells by IT-62-B, a new anthracycline

IT-62-B, a new anthracycline isolated from fermentation broths of Streptomyces sp. IT-62, reversed certain tumor cell phenotypes in vitro including some of human origin. The observed normal phenotypes were anchorage dependence of cell growth, flattened cell morphology and restoration of actin stress fibers. The extent of the anchorage dependence of cell growth induced by IT-62-B was generally greater than that by doxorubicin or pirarubicin. The cell-flattening effect of IT-62-B on cells of T24 (human bladder), but not on C-33A (human cervix), accompanied inhibition of fos gene expression. T24 cells, once flattened by IT-62-B, retained their flat morphology even in drug-free, fresh medium and eventually died in several days. IT-62-B, unlike doxorubicin, only slightly inhibited the topoisomerase II reaction in vitro and DNA synthesis in isolated cell nuclei.

Existence of early-onset NIDDM Japanese demonstrating severe diabetic complications

OBJECTIVE

To identify the clinical characteristics of early-onset NIDDM patients with severe diabetic complications.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The clinical cases of a large number of diabetic patients who visited a diabetes center within the period 1970-1990 were reviewed. Of a total of 16,842 diabetic patients, 1,065 (6.3%) had early-onset NIDDM (diabetes diagnosed before 30 years of age). These 1,065 patients were divided into two groups, those who developed proliferative retinopathy before the age of 35 (n = 135) and those who did not (n = 930). Development of proliferative retinopathy, nephropathy, renal failure, blindness, and atherosclerotic vascular disease were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The subgroup of 135 patients was characterized by poor glycemic control, often requiring insulin therapy and a higher familial prevalence of diabetes, and contained a greater proportion of women than the subgroup of 930 patients. Of the 135 patients, 99 (67%) developed proliferative retinopathy before the first visit. The 135 patients developed severe progressive complications in contrast to the 930 patients. A total of 81 patients (60%) developed diabetic nephropathy at a mean age of 31 years, 31 (23%) developed renal failure requiring dialysis at a mean age of 35 years, 32 (24%) became blind at a mean age of 32 years, and 14 (10%) developed atherosclerotic vascular disease at a mean age of 36 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Some Japanese early-onset NIDDM patients develop severe diabetic complications in their youth. Most of them had no symptoms nor regular treatment regarding diabetes until they were noticed to have developed severe diabetic complications. Although the relevant prevalence and the pathogenetic mechanism underlying the rapid onset of the complications remain to be determined, prolonged inadequate treatment of and familial predisposition to diabetes may be contributing factors. Careful diabetes care in the twenties, not only for IDDM but also for NIDDM patients, is warranted.

In vitro study using leukemia cell line panel to demonstrate rapid thymic T cell death due to contact with HIV-1 carrier cell clones

A rapid (within 1 h) and profound cytotoxic cell death of immature TdT+CD4+CD8+ and/or TdT+CD4+ thymic T cell type leukemia cell lines, and of normal thymocyte populations rich in TdT+CD4+CD8+ cells was induced by contact with some human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) carrier T cell clones. This cytotoxic reaction, without requiring a complete viral replication cycle in the thymic T cells, did not occur in any mature CD4+CD8+ and/or CD4+ T cells which are otherwise permissive for virus infection. Although it was not an antigen-specific cytotoxic reaction, the rapid and profound thymic T cell destruction was shown, at the individual clonal level, to be triggered specifically by the binding of CD4 molecules on thymic T cells with gp120/gp160 on HIV-1 carrier clones. The present study suggesting direct elimination of immature T cells by contact with some HIV-1-infected T cells, may provide a novel insight into the mechanism responsible for the mature CD4+ T cell depletion in HIV-1 infection.

Early gamma interferon responses in lethal and nonlethal murine blood-stage malaria

This study was undertaken to explore early differences in cytokine production during nonlethal and lethal blood-stage murine malaria infections. Cytokine analysis of spleens during these infections showed that the principal difference between two nonlethal and two lethal Plasmodium species was the production of gamma interferon 24 h after infection with nonlethal parasites. In contrast, no increases in interleukin-4 production were observed in the first 24 h and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels increased equally in both nonlethal and lethal infections. During the later phase of infection with nonlethal parasites, both gamma interferon and interleukin-4 levels increased markedly a few days before parasite clearance. Early increases in gamma interferon production in nonlethal infections of Plasmodium yoelii and Plasmodium chabaudi were dose related and increased significantly with the size of the inoculum. Studies with the nonlethal P. yoelii suggest that the early gamma interferon response is mediated by T cells and natural killer cells, as it was reduced in athymic mice and in mice depleted of their natural killer cells by treatment with specific antiserum. Infecting mice with increasing numbers of lethal P. yoelii and Plasmodium berghei parasites did not increase the amount of gamma interferon, interleukin-4, and tumor necrosis factor alpha produced in a dose-dependent fashion. We conclude that one consequence of the early production of gamma interferon and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, particularly after nonlethal P. yoelii infection, may be to adjust the balance of T-helper cell subset activation, and probably that of other immune responses, so as to enhance the mechanisms that are essential for elimination of the parasites. This suggests that a successful vaccine should contain antigens capable of inducing such responses.

[A case of uretero-aortic fistula]

We report a case of uretero-aortic fistula. A 69-year-old man with rectal cancer underwent a pelvic exenteration and a double--barreled cutaneous ureterostomy in the right lower abdomen. Stomal stenosis necessitated continuous indwelling of double J stents in the two ureters. Two years postoperatively, massive bleeding occurred during exchange of double J catheters. Occlusive ureterogram demonstrated a uretero-aortic fistula at the crosspoint between the left ureter and the aorta. The surgical repair consisted of closure of the aortic fistula, ligation of the left ureter proximal to the fistula and percutaneous left nephrostomy.

Acquired cytotoxic activity of CD8+ HIV-1IIIB carrier immature T cell clones specific to CD4+CD8+ (parental) human T cell clones and normal thymocytes

By infecting human leukemia cell lines in vitro with HIV-1IIIB' a number of HIV-1 carrier clones were generated. Among them, 5 of 13 CD8+ HIV-1 carrier T cell clones were shown to acquire a rapid cytotoxic activity (within 1 hour) specific to TdT+CD4+CD8+ immature T cells including normal thymocytes. This novel cytotoxic reaction, without requiring virus infection and indicating a rapid T cell precursor elimination during active lymphopoiesis, suggests a mechanism responsible for mature CD4+ T cell depletion in HIV-1 infected individuals.

A new anthracycline antibiotic, IT-62-B, converts the morphology of ras-transformed cells back to normal: taxonomy, fermentation, isolation, structure elucidation and biological characterization

A new antibiotic, IT-62-B was isolated from the culture broth of Streptomyces sp. IT-62 by extraction with acetone and then with ethyl acetate, followed by conventional column chromatography using silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 and silica ODS. Its structure (C39H47NO15, MW 769) was determined by 1H, 13C NMR, MS, IR and UV spectrometric techniques to be a new member of the baumycin-group anthracyclines. It showed moderate activity against Gram-positive bacteria and had antitumor activity against various tumor cell lines. Further, antibiotic IT-62-B converted the morphology of ras-transformed NIH3T3 cells and T-cells back to normal at concentrations inhibiting cell growth by 30% or more.

Distribution of a synthetic protease inhibitor in rat pancreatic acini after supramaximal secretagogue stimulation

Protease inhibitors may have a beneficial effect in acute pancreatitis. The effects of E3123, a new low molecular weight protease inhibitor, on the ultrastructure of isolated pancreatic acini were examined using transmission electron microscopy. Acini supramaximally stimulated with cerulein (10(-8) M) formed large cytoplasmic vacuoles similar to those generated in the cerulein-induced in vivo model of pancreatitis. Pretreatment of isolated acini with E3123 significantly reduced the size and number of vacuoles associated with cerulein treatment. The distribution of 3H-E3123 in acinar cells was examined using a pulse-chase protocol and electron microscopic autoradiography. Cellular levels of 3H-E3123 increased about 30-fold in acinar cells treated with cerulein (10(-8) M) compared to unstimulated controls. In cerulein-treated acini examined after a 5-min chase, 47.4% of the autoradiographic grains were associated with the rough endoplasmic reticulum and 13.2% were associated with zymogen granules. After 30 min of incubation, the grains associated with the endoplasmic reticulum decreased to 18.5% but increased to 26.3% over zymogen granules. Thus, E3123 is taken up by the acinar cell and follows a cellular itinerary similar to that of newly synthesized secretory proteins. One potential conclusion from these studies is that the ability of E3123 to reduce the formation of vacuoles in supra-maximally stimulated acini may be due to its inhibition of proteases within the secretory pathway.

Romurtide, a synthetic muramyl dipeptide derivative, promotes megakaryocytopoiesis through stimulation of cytokine production in nonhuman primates with myelosuppression

The response of megakaryocytes and cytokines to the administration of romurtide, a synthetic muramyl dipeptide derivative, was investigated in monkeys with myelosuppression by carboplatin-treatment. Romurtide increased the number of megakaryocytes and promoted the shift of megakaryocytes towards high ploidy class indicative of the promotion of the proliferation and maturation of megakaryocytes. The serum levels of interleukin-6, stem cell factor, and erythropoietin elevated significantly before the enhanced response of megakaryocytes induced by romurtide was observed. Romurtide also enhanced production of colony-stimulating factors (CSFs), such as granulocyte-CSF, macrophage-CSF, and granulocyte-macrophage CSF by monkey mononuclear cells. The stimulating effect of romurtide on the production of those cytokines and CSFs is likely to be responsible for the subsequent promotion of the proliferation and maturation of marrow megakaryocytes.

Increased serum concentrations of type IV collagen and laminin associated with granulosa cell tumour of the ovary

A 65 year old woman presented with an ovarian mass. Ultrasonography and computed tomography findings, and an increased serum oestrogen concentration were suggestive of an oestrogen producing ovarian tumour. The tumour was removed surgically and weighed 460 g. The pathological diagnosis was adult-type granulosa cell tumour. Strong immunohistochemical staining specific for type IV collagen and laminin was observed, and these components were localised to the pericellular region of the granulosa cells. The serum concentrations of these basement membrane components (measured by radioimmunoassay) were very high before surgery, but decreased rapidly thereafter. Serial measurement of type IV collagen and laminin, in conjunction with other tumour markers and oestrogen concentrations, might be helpful in evaluating prognosis of ovarian granulosa cell tumours, in detecting metastatic or recurrent lesions and in monitoring response to treatment.