Immunohistochemical analysis of estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, Ki-67 antigen, and human papillomavirus DNA in normal and neoplastic epithelium of the uterine cervix

To investigate the relationship between the sex steroid receptor (estrogen receptor [ER] and progesterone receptor [PR]) status and the cell proliferation kinetics during the menstrual cycle in normal and neoplastic epithelium of the uterine cervix, immunohistochemical localization of ER, PR, and cell proliferation-associated antigen, Ki-67, was investigated in 35 normal cervical specimens, 3 condylomas, 26 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) samples, and 22 invasive squamous carcinoma samples. The presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA was also studied. In the normal cervix, basal cells were usually ER positive, PR negative, and Ki-67 negative throughout the menstrual cycle. Parabasal cells were ER positive and PR negative in the follicular phase, but ER negative and PR positive, and Ki-67 positive in the luteal phase, and Ki-67-positive cells increased in number in the luteal phase. In contrast, PR positivity was observed in the cells of condyloma (2 of 2 cases), CIN (19 of 26 cases), and invasive squamous carcinoma (13 of 22 cases) irrespective of the menstrual phase. Moreover, most neoplastic cells containing HPV DNA type 16/18 were ER negative, whereas several lesions containing HPV DNA type 31/33/35 were weakly ER positive. Many Ki-67-labeled cells were observed in the neoplastic lesions. These results suggest that reduced ER expression and increased PR expression are associated with the proliferation of normal cervical squamous epithelium, and this proliferation-related receptor status, which is probably induced by HPV infection, is usually expressed in neoplastic cervical squamous cells.

Luteinizing hormone induces progesterone receptor gene expression in cultured porcine granulosa cells

We have examined the effect of LH on the regulation of the progesterone receptor (PR) in cultured porcine granulosa cells. In this study we used the RNase protection assay to evaluate the PR mRNA levels with a porcine cDNA clone isolated by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. This clone was regarded as part of the porcine PR cDNA because of its 98.3% and 95.7% homology to the hormone-binding domain of human PR cDNA in amino acid and nucleotide sequences, respectively. Treatment with LH (500 ng/ml) increased porcine PR mRNA to a maximum level of 8.6 +/- 1.1-fold (mean +/- SE) after 3-h exposure. This induction was mimicked by (Bu)2cAMP as well as by FSH and hCG, and the increased PR caused by LH and (Bu)2cAMP occurred in a dose-dependent manner. Basal and LH-induced PR mRNA levels were not affected by progesterone (100 ng/ml), estrogen (100 ng/ml), and RU 486 (10 ng/ml) at 3 h. The mechanism of the increased PR mRNA levels was studied in the presence of actinomycin-D and cycloheximide. While inhibition of RNA synthesis with actinomycin-D blocked LH-induced PR mRNA expression, inhibition of protein synthesis with cycloheximide increased basal and LH-induced PR mRNA levels. These results indicate that the expression of PR mRNA is positively regulated by LH, and this induction does not require ongoing protein synthesis. There may be a cycloheximide-sensitive mechanism that modulates PR mRNA stability. From our results we suspect that progesterone modulates ovarian function through LH-induced PR in granulosa cells.

Effects of long term treatment with an alpha 1 adrenoceptor blocker on cardiac hypertrophy, contractility, and myosin isoenzymes in spontaneously hypertensive rats

STUDY OBJECTIVE

The aim was to investigate the effects of long-term treatment with an alpha 1 blocker, bunazosin hydrochloride, on blood pressure, heart weight, myocardial contractility, and ventricular myosin isoenzyme pattern in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).

DESIGN

Bunazosin hydrochloride was given orally in a dose of 10 mg.kg-1.d-1 for 8-9 weeks. Isometric tension development was measured in isolated left ventricular papillary muscles. The left ventricular myosin isoenzyme pattern was determined by pyrophosphate gel electrophoresis.

SUBJECTS

14 male SHR (seven treated and seven untreated rats) aged 23 to 24 weeks were studied.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The blood pressure of the bunazosin treated rats was approximately 14% lower than that of the untreated rats at the end of the treatment period. The ventricular weight of treated SHR was significantly lower (around 8%) than that of untreated rats, but there were no significant differences between the two groups in the mechanical data obtained from isolated left ventricular papillary muscles. The myosin isoenzyme pattern of the left ventricle was significantly shifted toward VM-1 in the bunazosin treated SHR, the VM-1 concentration in the treated group being 38% greater than in the untreated group.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that long term treatment with bunazosin hydrochloride reduces blood pressure and leads to the regression of cardiac hypertrophy in SHR. Myocardial energetics (as represented by the myosin isoenzyme pattern) were affected, but there was no influence on myocardial tension development.

Incidence and characterization of Staphylococcus aureus from the tongues of children

Three hundred and seven children who had no diseases other than dental disease were examined for their oral carriage of Staphylococcus aureus, the most common persistent human pathogen. Eighty-four percent of them were positive for staphylococci, and 33% were positive for S. aureus. Among the 100 strains of S. aureus isolated, 40 strains produced enterotoxin, and 19 strains produced exfoliative toxin. Their susceptibility to antibiotics was also investigated: Six strains demonstrated resistance to methicillin (MIC greater than or equal to 12.5 microgram/mL), and 50% of the isolates were borderline resistant (MIC of 3.13 to 6.25 micrograms/mL) to the drug. These data suggest that the mouths of children could be reservoirs of pathogenic S. aureus.

Immunohistochemical analysis of oestrogen receptors, progesterone receptors and Ki-67 in leiomyoma and myometrium during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy

Immunohistochemical distribution of oestrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and the cell proliferation-associated antigen Ki-67 was investigated in leiomyomas and the myometrium during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. In the myometrium, ER expression was observed in the proliferative phase, but was suppressed in the secretory phase and during pregnancy. In leiomyomas, ER expression was observed throughout the menstrual cycle, but was suppressed during pregnancy. However, PR was expressed both in the myometrium and leiomyomas throughout the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. In both the myometrium and leiomyomas, a higher number of Ki-67-positive cells was observed during pregnancy than in the secretory phase, and Ki-67 was negative during menopause. The Ki-67-positive cell count in leiomyomas was significantly higher than that in the myometrium throughout the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Thus both myometrium and leiomyomas have high growth activity under the hormonal milieu of high progesterone levels. The growth potential of leiomyomas is apparently higher than that of myometrium throughout the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy.

Isolation of chicken-bek and a related gene; identification of structural variation in the ligand-binding domains of the FGF-receptor family

cDNA clones carrying the chicken-bek gene and a related gene were isolated. Deducing the amino acid sequence of chicken-bek allowed us to predict that it encodes for a receptor tyrosine kinase related to the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor, and that the chicken-bek gene and Cek3 are closely related. However, a significant structural difference was identified between chicken-bek and Cek3 within the putative extracellular region, in such a manner that the structure of the immunoglobulin-like domain was conserved. A probe specific to the altered structure detected mRNA in the tissues as did a probe common to bek and Cek3, indicating heterogeneity in the FGF-receptor family in a novel manner. Furthermore, another bek-like gene was isolated and the expressions of its mRNA and protein product were analysed in tissues and cultured cells.

[Clinico-pathological study of cervical carcinoma with massive infiltration of eosinophils]

Eight patients with cervical carcinoma with massive stromal infiltration of eosinophils were selected for a clinicopathological study among 474 patients with cervical carcinoma at stages Ib-IIIb who underwent radical hysterectomy between 1971 and 1989 at Kyoto University Hospital. The 8 patients ranged in age from 28 to 48 years and had menstrual cycles. The peripheral leucocyte count in 5 patients showed eosinophilia of the peripheral blood. Histologically, the cervical carcinoma was a locally advanced tumor with invasion of more than 2/3rds the depth of the cervical wall in 6 cases, and with parametrial involvement in 4 cases. Massive infiltration of eosinophils was observed not only around the cancer nests but also within the regional lymph nodes. Mast cells expressing immunoreactivity for histamine were scarce around the tumor. Consequently, the production of an eosinophil chemotactic factor by the tumor cells was strongly suggested. PAS and Alcian-blue staining as well as electron microscopy revealed that the tumor cells in most cases had the histological characteristics of both squamous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Collectively, these clinicopathological characteristics of cervical carcinoma with massive infiltration of eosinophils distinguish this tumor from conventional cervical carcinomas.

Intra-operative monitoring of the pelvic circulation using a transanal Doppler probe

The authors have developed a new device to examine the pre-, intra-, and postoperative pelvic blood flow, consisting of a plastic rectoscope with a commercially available 10 MHz flat Doppler probe mounted at the tip surrounded in use by a thin, acoustic gel filled condom and inserted transanally. Blood flow in the superior rectal artery can easily be detected in this way through the posterior wall of the rectum. The authors have used this technique in 70 patients, 49 undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysmectomy and 21 aorto-femoral bypass surgery. In all cases following clamping of the infrarenal aorta a synthetic bifurcated graft was anastomosed usually to the aorta using an end-to-end or end-to-side anastomosis. Immediately after application of the aortic clamp the Doppler recorder was started in order to determine the time when rectal blood flow reappeared. In the superior mesenteric artery dominant group, a good pulse wave was seen within 15 min of clamping and 88% of the aneurysm and 62% of the aorto-iliac patients fell into this group. Fourteen patients in this group underwent triple vessel ligation (bilateral internal iliac and inferior mesenteric arteries) without any postoperative colonic ischaemia. In an additional study consisting of eight patients with vasculogenic impotence and/or hip claudication, the effectiveness of surgery was assessed by the increase in amplitude of the Doppler signals following reconstruction of the internal iliac artery. Following successful internal iliac reconstruction, an improvement in the amplitude of the waveform could be observed and followed postoperatively. In conclusion, the transanal Doppler probe can be used to follow the adequacy of the pelvic circulation allowing safer aorto-iliac and aorto-femoral surgery.

Functional structure of protein: exposed vs hidden function

The dev analysis was used to construct the functional structure of protein (3). Based on this principle, the intramolecular interaction of dev peak was investigated. Two types of peak were observed: one is the hidden peak which interacts strongly with another region of the molecule and the other is the exposed peak whose interaction was weak. Analysis was made with trypsin and its inhibitor and on the intermolecular interaction between their exposed peaks. One interaction between their exposed peaks was found to coincide with one which had been already known to be authentic between their active sites.

Effects of long-term medication for essential hypertension on cardiac hypertrophy and function

The effects of long-term treatment of hypertensive patients with alacepril (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor) on cardiac mass and function were investigated. A total of 12 patients was examined. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly reduced by treatment with alacepril for 1 year. Left ventricular mass, as estimated by echocardiography, was significantly decreased by alacepril treatment, although electrocardiographic and chest x-ray findings were not significantly altered. Cardiac pump function, which was also assessed by echocardiography, was not changed. These results indicate that long-term treatment of hypertension with alacepril induces regression of cardiac hypertrophy without any change in cardiac contractile function.

Immunohistochemical localization of oestrogen receptors and progesterone receptors in the human ovary throughout the menstrual cycle

Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the distribution of oestrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR) in the human ovary during folliculogenesis. Primordial and preantral follicles did not contain ER or PR. The granulosa cells of antral follicles had ER, but negligible PR, before the LH surge. In contrast, at the time of LH surge, these cells of the dominant follicle contained PR, but not ER. On the other hand, granulosa cells of the non-dominant follicles had ER, but not PR. After ovulation, the PR persisted in the luteinized granulosa cells and in the corpus luteum during early pregnancy. The theca interna and surrounding stromal cells were ER-negative and PR-positive throughout the menstrual cycle. Thus, the results show that ER and PR are not expressed simultaneously in the granulosa cells, the thecal cells, or the stromal cells during folliculogenesis. Mechanisms controlling the expression of steroid receptors during the normal menstrual cycle and in early pregnancy are discussed.

Protein kinase C in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: comparison with the mammalian enzyme

Protein kinase C (PKC) was detected in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae with bovine myelin basic protein as the phosphate acceptor. The enzyme was purified at least 500-fold by a four-step column chromatographic procedure (phenyl-Sepharose CL-4B, Mono Q, Heparin-5PW, and hydroxyapatite). The molecular mass was approximately 90 kDa, as estimated by gel-filtration analysis. Yeast PKC was activated by the simultaneous addition of Ca2+, diacylglycerol, and phosphatidylserine. Free arachidonic acid alone could activate the enzyme to some extent. However, yeast PKC did not respond significantly to tumor-promoting phorbol esters. GTP did not serve as phosphate donor. The yeast enzyme showed substrate specificity distinctly different from that of mammalian PKCs. H1 histone and protamine were poor substrates. With myelin basic protein as a model substrate, yeast PKC phosphorylated threonyl residues preferentially, whereas rat brain PKCs phosphorylated seryl residues preferentially. Further studies should elucidate the role of yeast PKC in cellular regulation and cell cycle control.

Comparison of arteriosclerosis obliterans of lower limbs between China and Japan

Clinical data on 50 patients with arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) in China (Group A) and Japan (Group B) respectively were studied for better understanding of these changing trends. The results showed that the incidence of ASO peaked in Group A in the 50 to 69 age range (88%) and in Group B in the 55 to 74 age range (78%). Group A had a lower ratio of smokers and cases of diabetes mellitus than Group B but a higher ratio of hypertension and a higher total cholesterol level. Angiography showed that the prevalence of atherosclerotic lesions in the lower extremities as a whole was similar for both groups. They were different in location, extent and severity of the arteries involved between the two groups. We believe that this study has shown various differences between the two groups but that the causes are probably multifactorial.

Influence of long-term arotinolol treatment on myocardial mechanics and ventricular myosin isoenzymes in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Alterations in myocardial mechanics and left ventricular myosin isoenzymes by long-term treatment of hypertension with arotinolol were examined in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Approximately 20 mg/kg/day arotinolol was administered to 22-week-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats for 8-10 weeks. There was no significant difference in systolic blood pressure between arotinolol-treated and untreated rats. However, ventricular weight tended to decrease in the arotinolol-treated group, although not significantly. There were no significant differences in isometric developed tension and dT/dtmax of isolated left ventricular papillary muscles between the arotinolol-treated and untreated groups. The left ventricular myosin isoenzyme pattern, on the other hand, obtained by pyrophosphate gel electrophoresis, showed a significant shift toward VM-1 as a result of long-term arotinolol treatment.

Significance and actual status of the dissection of paraaortic lymph nodes in the cases with gastric cancer

The results of the surgical resection of the paraaortic lymph nodes metastases of the gastric cancer were evaluated in 116 cases. The frequency of the dissection of paraaortic lymph nodes (No. 16 lymph node) was 20%; the metastatic ratio was 24%. When classified by regions, the highest frequency of metastasis was observed in the cases of upper gastric cancer. The effect of the dissection of No. 16 was more conspicuous when No. 16 metastases were absent than when No. 16 metastases were present. Particularly, the prognosis was improved in the case of n1 and n2 population of the cases which were positive with respect to the proximal lymph node metastasis. It appears altogether that the dissection has considerable significance as prophylactic treatment.

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) enhances hyaluronic acid synthesis in rabbit pericardium

We examined which substances stimulate hyaluronic acid synthesis in rabbit pericardium and pericardial cells. (1) The addition of 10% (v/v) pericardial fluid to the incubation medium of the pericardium enhanced hyaluronic acid synthesis to about 2.5-times over the control, suggesting that there were some stimulating factors of the hyaluronic acid synthesis in the pericardial fluid. (2) The addition of 100 ng/ml insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) to the incubation medium caused an approx. 2-fold increase of hyaluronic acid synthesis over the control in the pericardium. (3) IGF-I stimulated the hyaluronic acid synthesis in pericardial cells in a dose-dependent manner, but did not significantly stimulate the sulfated glycosaminoglycan synthesis. (4) The increase in the hyaluronic acid synthesis induced by IGF-I (100 ng/ml) or pericardial fluid was blocked by the copresence of monoclonal anti-IGF-I antibody. (5) IGF-I caused possible induction of the hyaluronic acid synthase activity and general protein and RNA synthesis before the initiation of DNA synthesis in pericardial cells. These results suggest a new biological action of IGF-I that stimulates hyaluronic acid synthesis in pericardium or the pericardial cavity of heart.

Analysis of reruptured cerebral aneurysms and the prophylactic effects of barbiturate therapy on the early stage

During the past seven years, we have studied 661 cases of ruptured intracranial aneurysms. Rebleeding occurred in 65 cases (10%) and, within this group, 43 cases (70%) rebled within the first 6 hours after initial subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). Analysis of these 43 cases led to the following conclusions: 22 patients incurred rebleeding from causes such as transfer (6 cases), neuroradiological examinations (13 cases), and tracheal intubation during anaesthesia etc. (3 cases), while no special causative factors were discovered in the other 21 cases. Rebleeding occurred in 19 patients even while on absolute bed rest and in 11 patients who had induced systemic arterial hypotension (under 140 mmHg) through treatment. Six cases experienced rebleeding while undergoing angiography within 6 hours after the first subarachnoid haemorrhage. Eight of 17 reruptured anterior cerebral complex (Acom) aneurysm cases and 8 of 11 reruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm cases had an intracerebral haematoma on initial CT-scan following the first attack, demonstrating that the risk of rebleeding was very high in cases of intracerebral haematoma. The mortality rate for these rebleeding cases was high i.e. 65%. Therefore, because the time factor could precipitate rebleeding, early transfer and operation was considered optimal for minimizing rebleeding soon after an aneurysm rupture, even though angiography within 6 hours of the first SAH was a serious risk. Barbiturate therapy, performed as early as possible for serious cases, was considered to be effective in preventing rebleeding.

Modulation of porcine granulosa cell functions by interleukin-1

Increasing evidence suggests that functions of the immune system and gonads are closely related with each other. In cultures of granulosa and luteal cells, macrophages have been shown to modulate steroidogenic functions. In this paper we present the modulatory effects of interleukin-1, a cytokine produced predominantly by activated macrophages, on gonadotropin-induced differentiation, as well as growth of cultured porcine granulosa cells.

Use of transanal intubation in Doppler ultrasonic assessment of blood flow of the rectal wall

To date, tentative early use of these newly designed Doppler probes to evaluate intestinal or pelvic blood flow, using transanal intubation, seems to be considerably effective and has produced easily obtainable and repeatable results preoperatively, intraoperatively and postoperatively. No complications using this technique have yet been observed.

The assessment of pelvic circulation after internal iliac arterial reconstruction: a retrospective study of the treatment for vasculogenic impotence and hip claudication

The standard surgical treatment of vasculogenic impotence or hip claudication involves repairing vascular lesions, especially in the internal iliac arteries. It is difficult, however, to make a definite diagnosis or an accurate judgement of the therapeutic effects of this treatment due to the trouble in ruling out any other disorders. During the last five years, 19 patients with impotence and associated apparent internal iliac artery stenosis or occlusion and 2 patients with hip claudication, underwent internal iliac arterial reconstruction. The patients' ages ranged from 37 to 70 with a mean age of 63.7 and the main procedure performed in all patients was aorto-iliac to femoral bypass grafting, or abdominal aortic aneurysmectomy. A retrospective study revealed that 74 per cent of those treated regained penile erectile activity postoperatively, and that hip claudication disappeared completely in all cases. One of the patients received percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for the treatment of vasculogenic impotence, after which his postoperative penile brachial pressure index (PBPI) improved, demonstrating a statistically significant difference compared to the preoperative value. Trans-anal Doppler measurement also proved useful in providing complication-free perioperative understanding of pelvic circulation.

Effects of bunazosin on plasma glucose levels in hypertensive diabetic patients

Twenty-nine hypertensive diabetic patients received 1.5 to 4.0 mg of bunazosin daily for three months. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly reduced by the bunazosin treatment, while heart rate was unchanged. No significant changes were noted in fasting plasma glucose levels or in levels of hemoglobin A1c. Serum lipid levels remained unchanged during treatment. It is concluded that bunazosin does not adversely affect glucose metabolism or increase serum lipid levels in hypertensive diabetic patients.

[Evaluation of the extended operation in stage 4 esophageal cancer]

For the last four years, 174 cases of thoracic esophageal cancer have been resected in our department. Stage 4 cancer cases were encountered in 73 cases (42%) of total resected cancer cases. As the location of lesion, 1m was most frequent in 52%, followed by Ei in 23%. The 2-year and 3-year survival rate were 25% and 17% respectively. Analyzing 73 cases of stage 4 cancer, a0-2n3,4 was found in 52 cases (71%), a3n0-2 12(16%), a3n3,4 7(10%) and M1 2(3%). Invasion to the trachea and bronchi was seen in 11 and that to the aorta was in 7. As for surgical procedures, the combined resection of the aorta was performed in two cases. The postoperative course was smooth, however, the prolonged survival was not obtained due to the recurrence of cancer. The lymph node metastasis was widely observed in the cervical region, mediastinum and abdominal cavity. The thoracic paratracheal lymph node metastasis was the most frequent. The lymph node dissection was necessary in these three regions. Especially the sufficient dissection in the upper mediastinal lymph nodes, that is, the right recurrent nerve nodes, the left recurrent nodes and the infraaortic arch nodes, was very important.

[Studies on bacterial contamination of chlorhexidine coated filaments of the toothbrush]

The purpose of the present investigation was to determine bacterial contamination of chlorhexidine coated and uncoated (normal) nylon filaments of toothbrushes. Ten healthy subjects were employed in this study and the test toothbrush of four lines and thirty-eight tufts were used twice a day. Test periods were 1, 8, and 20 days for each filaments of toothbrush and after they brushed the used toothbrush was kept at the constant condition (20 degrees C, 65% RH). After each test period, those toothbrushes were immediately collected and kept at the same condition for drying. After 0, 3, 6, 9, and 24 hours of drying, two tufts of filaments were pulled out from the toothbrush and cutted into two parts (end- and root-side of tufts) by sterile scissors. Each cutted part of filaments was washed with PBS and the aliquots was incubated on Brucella blood agar plate at 37 degrees C for 48 hours. The number of bacteria attached to filaments was enumerated. The results were as follows: 1. The number of bacteria attached to both end- and root-sides of chlorhexidine coated filaments decreased with the time of drying. 2. At the root-side of the normal filaments, the number of contaminated bacteria increased with the test periods. 3. The isolated bacteria from tested toothbrushes were mainly gram positive at shorter period, however, gram negative rods were also found at longer period. 4. The anti-bacterial activity of the end-side of chlorhexidine coated filaments diminished at eight days of the use, however, their activity at the root-side still remained even at twenty days. From these results, it was clear that the bacterial contamination of toothbrush was affected by several factors such as the condition of drying, the site of tufts, the using period of toothbrush and so on. To prevent this problem, it is important to keep it at good storage condition and to change it periodically. The developed chlorhexidine coated filaments of the toothbrush also indicates to be one of the useful way for prevention of bacterial contamination of toothbrush.

A new treatment for ischemic ulcers: foot bath therapy using high oxygen soluble fluid

We devised a new treatment for ischemic ulcer in which the diseased foot is soaked in perfluorodecalin, a fluorocarbon. Pure oxygen bubbles emerge from the perfluorodecalin, and dissolved oxygen levels reach 35% by volume within 60 minutes. The solution is placed in a bath once or twice a day for 2-3 hours and pure oxygen is allowed to bubble through it (3-5 1/min). Nine patients were treated by this technique. Drugs which seemed to have an effect on ischemic ulcers were not used during the treatment. Ischemic ulcers in three patients (5 X 5 mm, 23 X 6 mm and 10 X 5 mm) healed completely within two weeks and there were no recurrences. In six patients, the ulcers showed 30-70% reductions in size within 4 to 14 days. Four of them later underwent arterial reconstruction, which resulted in complete healing of the ulcers. In two patients, the ulcers reverted to their former size 6 to 12 months after the cessation of perfluorodecalin bath therapy.

Residual contamination of toothbrushes by microorganisms

Procedures for maintaining the cleanliness of oral cleaning instruments have been discussed infrequently. S. mutans and pathogenic microorganisms can be transferred readily when a toothbrush is used, increasing the risk of dental caries and infectious diseases. It is suggested that sterilization equipment or specific detergents be used.

Error analysis of optical fiber refractive-index profiling using the focusing method

The cause of measurement error in refractive-index profiling by the focusing method is investigated by comparison of intensity distributions and reconstructed refractive-index profiles obtained by the experiment, ray tracing, and diffraction integral. It is shown that the variations of intensity distribution and refractiveindex profile experimentally obtained are between those obtained by ray tracing and diffraction integral. Therefore, the focusing method based on ray optics generates a great deal of the measurement error for the small size fiber sample due to the diffraction. In particular, the diffraction produced by the index depression of the MCVD fiber causes much degradation of the measurement accuracy not only in the reconstruction of the index depression but also in that of the whole refractive-index profile.

Stimulatory effect of vanadate on hyaluronic acid synthesis in mesothelial cells from rabbit pericardium

Vanadate dose-dependently stimulated the incorporation of [3H]glucosamine into glycosaminoglycan, especially hyaluronic acid, in mesothelial cells from rabbit pericardium. The activity of hyaluronic acid synthase in the mesothelial cells treated with 50 microM vanadate for 0.5-1 h was stimulated to a level about 2 times over that of the control. Neither DNA synthesis nor protein synthesis in the mesothelial cells under the same experimental conditions was affected. The enhancement of the activity of hyaluronic acid synthase in the mesothelial cells treated with vanadate (50 microM) was not inhibited by the addition of cycloheximide (1 microgram/ml). These results suggest that vanadate stimulates the hyaluronic acid synthesis by activation of hyaluronic acid synthase in mesothelial cells from rabbit pericardium.

Popliteal vein entrapment caused by the third head of the gastrocnemius muscle

Three cases of the popliteal vein entrapment syndrome have been encountered during the past 3 years. The third head of the gastrocnemius muscle appeared to be the cause of this rare condition with the vessels in their normal position. Partial resection of the excess muscle was sufficient to relieve symptoms.

Pathological considerations of reoperative vascular patients

Since vascular disease is always progressive and a perfect vascular prosthesis has yet to be developed, postoperative complications are almost inevitable. In this paper, case histories of those who had to have a second operation or, in other words, re-operated patients, have been examined to ascertain the current problems in vascular surgery. Of 176 vascular reconstructive operations performed between January 1, 1980, and December 31, 1986, 29 re-operations were performed on 19 patients (mean age: 64 years; 15: male). The incidence of late graft failures was 8.4% and, of these, anastomotic aneurysms seemed to be the most serious complication (3.1% incidence rate). Late graft failures included intimal hyperplasia, occurring within two years in five cases, and four cases of progressing atherosclerosis, which appeared three years after the initial operation. In all cases of anastomotic aneurysm, arterial wall failure, possibly combined with the changing of implanted grafts, was considered to be related to the false aneurysmal formation. Knitted Dacron demonstrated susceptibility to atherosclerotic progression, whereas the major fault of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts was the insufficiency of the anastomotic diameter. In conclusion, it was revealed that many factors can provoke late graft failure. Improvement of long-term patency seems to be achieved by a more increased understanding of the pathological meaning of these factors, along with the proper application of medical techniques suited to the causes of vascular obstruction.

Reproduction of sound from old wax phonograph cylinders using the laser-beam reflection method

A laser-beam reflection method was developed to reproduce the sound from old wax phonograph cylinders. Since this optical method is noncontacting and nondestructive, the sound even from repaired wax cylinders can be reproduced. In principle, the method is based on geometrical optics. However, the reflection phenomenon from the grooves of a wax cylinder does not exactly obey the law of geometrical optics because of the finite width of the illuminating beam. Severe problems concerning the properties of the reproduced sounds were found in developing the optical method; they were solved fairly well from quantitative investigations of the reproduced sound. As a result, the laser-beam reflection method is practical and powerful enough to reproduce the sound from all kinds of old wax cylinder.

Fibromuscular dysplasia in the extremities

Four patients had fibromuscular dysplasia of the extremities involving the brachial, deep femoral, popliteal, anterior and posterior tibial and peroneal arteries. One of them demonstrated a string-of-beads appearance in the superficial veins of the arm and this was pathologically confirmed as fibromuscular dysplasia. We believe this is the first report of this disease affecting the peripheral arteries and the superficial veins of the extremities. The sympathetic system seems to be related to the development of fibromuscular dysplasia.

[Familial occurrence of intracranial arteriovenous malformation]

It is beyond that cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a congenital disease based on abnormal vascular formation in the embryonic stage. Nevertheless, familial occurrence of cerebral AVMs has been previously reported only in five families throughout the world, when complications of specific diseases such as Sturge-Weber-Dimitri disease, von Hippel-Lindaeu disease, and Osler-Rendu-Weber disease were ruled out. We have recently encountered four cases of two familial AVMs. In this paper, we review nineteen cases of nine familial AVMs from literature including our four cases from two families. Case 1: A 50-year-old male was admitted in June, 1975, for clonic convulsion. Cerebral angiography showed an AVM situated in the left parietal region, which was supplied from callosomarginal and central arteries. Total excision of the AVM was performed. The patient was completely cured and discharged without abnormal neurological deficits. Case 2: A 16-year-old male was admitted in May, 1978, with about ten years history of general convulsions. This patient was the third child of Case 1. Cerebral angiography revealed an AVM situated in the right parietal region, which was supplied from callosomarginal and precentral arteries. Total resection of the AVM was performed. The patient was completely cured. Case 3: An 11-year-old boy was admitted to our hospital in a comatose state in January, 1978, and soon died. Cerebral angiography showed only presence of internal hydrocephalus. The autopsy revealed a hematoma in the right cerebellar hemisphere with bilateral intraventricular hematomas, and AVM was histologically found in the cerebellum.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Meningioma following irradiation for vascular nevus. A case report]

A case of meningioma that developed 37 years after irradiation therapy for vascular nevus of the scalp over the right frontoparietal region was reported. A 49-year-old male was admitted to the hospital of Gifu University on October 26, 1979, because of a generalized seizure. He had been born with a vascular nevus affecting the right frontoparietal scalp, for which he began receiving local irradiation at the age of 12. The total dose was not known because the only source of information regarding this treatment was the patient's memory. From the age of 17, the suffered from occasional attacks of dysesthesia in the left side of his body without consciousness disorder. He otherwise remained well for the intervening 37 years. Upon admission, he had a vascular nevus remaining with post irradiation skin changes over the right frontoparietal region. General and neurological examination were not remarkable. Right carotid angiogram and CT scan disclosed the presence of a right frontal tumor. A right frontotemporal craniotomy was performed on December 4, 1979 and a hard tumor was found firmly attached to the dura and bone at the right site. All visible tumor and involved bone were completely removed without difficulty. Histological examination of the surgical specimen showed the characteristic features of a transitional meningioma. There was no evidence of malignancy in the sections examined. Since Mann et al reported a malignant meningioma following irradiation therapy for optic nerve glioma, there have been many reports, over seventy cases of so-called radiation-induced meningioma. However, a meningioma following irradiation therapy for vascular nevus of scalp or face is exceedingly rare.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)