Tensile fatigue strength of light cure composite resins for posterior teeth

The fatigue property of the composite resin has recently been a subject of research. In this study, the fatigue strength and the tensile strength of composite resins stored in water were investigated. Two types of light cure composite resins were used: a Hybrid type and am MFR type. Dumbbell-shaped specimens were prepared. After storage at 37 +/- 0.5 degrees C for 24 hours, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months, the fatigue test and the direct tensile test were performed. The staircase method was employed to analyze the fatigue strength under a 10(5) cyclic load. The fatigue strength of the Hybrid type at 24h ours was 54.7 MPa; that of the MFR type was 28.1 MPa. Both fatigue strengths decreased during water storage. Otherwise, the tensile strength of the Hybrid type was 77.0 MPa; that of the MFR type was 53.5 MPa. After 12 months of storage, the tensile strength of the Hybrid type remained unchanged during water storage; however, that of the MFR type decreased.

Role of cerebral ATP-sensitive K+ channels in arterial pressure regulation during acute cerebral ischaemia in SHR and WKY rats

1. ATP-sensitive K+ channels (KATP) are activated either by decreased intracellular ATP content or ATP/ADP ratio during ischaemia. We examined the role of a cerebral KATP in arterial pressure regulation during acute cerebral ischaemia using SHR and WKY rats. Thirteen week old male SHR or WKY rats were anaesthetized with urethane, and arterial pressure and heart rate were recorded under an artificial ventilation. 2. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injections of glibenclamide, a specific inhibitor of KATP, elicited dose-dependent vasopressor responses in WKY with bilateral ligation of carotid arteries, whereas it caused smaller vasopressor responses in SHR than WKY. 3. Systemic administration of AVP V1 receptor antagonist, OPC-21268, abolished the vasopressor responses of i.c.v. injections of glibenclamide in WKY but not in SHR. 4. Intracerebroventricular injections of glibenclamide caused both the increase in plasma concentration of AVP and the decrease in pituitary AVP content in WKY with bilateral ligation of carotid arteries, whereas it elicited no significant change in plasma and pituitary concentration of AVP in SHR with bilateral ligation of carotid arteries. 5. Cerebral KATP may play a role in the protection of excess hypertension by inhibiting AVP release from the pituitary glands during acute ischaemia in WKY, but this mechanism might not work in SHR during acute cerebral ischaemia.

Naturally occurring accessory gene mutations lead to persistent human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection of CD4-positive T cells

Proviral DNA from cells surviving severe but transient cytopathic effects, mediated by infection with recombinant human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) carrying a single gene mutation at vif, vpr, or vpu, was characterized by use of HIV-1-specific primer pairs in a two-step PCR. Deletion mutations were detected in a region that spanned the vif and vpr open reading frames. Cloning and sequencing of the amplified DNA from this region revealed frequent large deletions in a limited number of nucleotide positions. Analyses of the deletions suggested that (i) genetic recombination, (ii) template-primer slippage, and (iii) misalignment of the growing point during reverse transcription of the HIV-1 genome might be the mechanisms that generated the mutations. Apart from the large deletions, smaller deletions that gave frameshift mutations in vif and/or vpr prevailed. In addition, cells infected with a triple mutant defective in vif, vpr, and vpu did not show any cytopathic effect. Thus, mutations generating multiple accessory gene defects during HIV-1 replication correlate with viral persistence and loss of cytopathogenicity.

Satisfactory remission achieved by PUVA therapy in a case of crisis-type adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma with generalized cutaneous leukaemic cell infiltration

We used PUVA therapy in a patient with crisis-type adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma and generalized cutaneous leukaemic cell infiltration. PUVA proved very effective in reducing leukaemic cells and in clearing the eruption. To understand the way in which PUVA produced a reduction in the number of leukaemic cells, we examined peripheral blood cells by light and electron microscopy. Light microscopy was of little help, but electron microscopy revealed that PUVA induced apoptosis-like changes in circulating leukaemic cells. This suggests that apoptosis-like changes in leukaemic cells might be the reason for the success of this treatment.

Interferon-gamma-dependent stimulation of Fas antigen in SV40-transformed human keratinocytes: modulation of the apoptotic process by protein kinase C

Fas antigen is a cell membrane protein that has been suggested to mediate apoptosis. Using SV40-transformed human keratinocytes, we investigated the Fas-antigen-dependent apoptotic process. The expression of Fas antigen mRNA was markedly induced by interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) treatment (500 U/ml). After IFN-gamma treatment in the presence of anti-Fas monoclonal antibody, apoptosis was induced, as detected by the formation of nucleosome-sized fragments of DNA and morphologically by apoptotic cells with round homogeneous nuclear beads detected by acridine orange staining. The apoptotic SV40-transformed keratinocytes were analyzed quantitatively by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using antihistone and peroxidase-conjugated anti-DNA antibodies to detect cell death. The IFN-gamma- and anti-Fas antibody-dependent apoptotis was observed by 3 h, and the maximal response was observed by 12 h. The induction of apoptosis was significantly augmented by treatment with 10 ng/ml 12-o-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA). TPA alone had no effect on either Fas antigen expression or on the apoptotic process. Other protein kinase C activators (1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol and mezerein) also stimulated IFN-gamma-dependent apoptosis, whereas 4-o-methyl phorbol myristate acetate, a very weak protein kinase C activator, had only a slight effect. The TPA-induced augmentation of apoptosis was inhibited by the protein kinase C inhibitor, 1-(5-isoquinoline-sulfonyl)-2-methyl piperazine dihydrochloride (H-7). However, H-7 inhibited only the TPA-induced augmentation of apoptosis; the basal IFN-gamma- and anti-Fas-dependent apoptosis remained in the presence of H-7. Northern blot analysis revealed that c-jun mRNA was induced by IFN-gamma plus anti-Fas antibody treatment as well as by TPA treatment; the addition of IFN-gamma alone to the incubation medium had no effect on the expression of c-jun mRNA. These results indicate that IFN-gamma induces a Fas-antigen-dependent apoptotic process in SV40-transformed keratinocytes and that TPA augments the process through the activation of protein kinase C.

Genetic mapping of the polycystic kidney gene, pcy, on mouse chromosome 9

The murine polycystic kidney disease gene, pcy, is an autosomal recessive trait located on chromosome 9. To determine the genetic locus of pcy, 222 intraspecific backcross mice were obtained by mating C57BL/6FG-pcy and Mus molossinus. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of 70 of the 222 backcross progeny showed that pcy, dilute coat color (d), and cholecystokinin (Cck) were located in the order d--pcy--Cck from the centromere. Simple sequence repeat length polymorphism analysis of DNA of all 222 backcross mice was carried out using four markers which were located near the central regions of d and Cck. One and eight recombinations were detected between D9Mit24 and pcy and between D9Mit16 and pcy, respectively. However, no recombinant was observed among pcy, D9Mit14, and D9Mit148. These findings strongly suggest that D9Mit14 and D9Mit148 are located near the pcy gene and are good markers for chromosomal walking to this gene.

Decreased sensitivity to beta-adrenergic stimulation of the ventricular cells isolated from the spontaneously hypertensive rat heart

1. The stimulatory effects of isoproterenol on the L-type Ca2+ current (ICa) were compared between the control (WKY) and hypertensive (SHR) rat heart cells, using the patch-clamp method. 2. The current density and the shape of the current-voltage relationship for ICa were not different between the two groups. However, the maximal percentage increase in response to isoproterenol was smaller in SHR (+91% in SHR and +81% in WKY), and the ED50 was significantly higher in SHR (0.081 mu mol/L in SHR and 0.020 mu mol/L in WKY). IBMX, a potent phosphodiesterase inhibitor, significantly increased the isoproterenol-stimulated ICa in SHR, but not in WKY. These results suggest an impaired cAMP production in SHR heart cells.

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase is over-expressed during apoptotic death of neuronal cultures and is recognized by a monoclonal antibody against amyloid plaques from Alzheimer's brain

The age-induced apoptotic death of cerebellar neurons in culture is associated with over-expression of a 38-kDa particulate protein identified as glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). Both the age-induced apoptosis and the 38-kDa protein overexpression were effectively suppressed by the presence of tetrahydroaminoacridine, an antidementia drug, or aurintricarboxylic acid. This over-expressed 38-kDa protein and purified GAPDH were found to react with a monoclonal antibody (mAb), Am-3, which was raised against amyloid plaques from Alzheimer's brain, but not with mAb, AmT-1, which was produced using synthetic amyloid beta peptide. These results raise the possibility that GAPDH is also involved in the neurodegeneration during the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Plasma tissue factor pathway inhibitor in disseminated intravascular coagulation: comparison of its behavior with plasma tissue factor

In order to assess the clinical implication of tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) in disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), plasma concentrations of TFPI were measured together with plasma tissue factor (TF) in 30 healthy subjects and 49 patients with DIC associated with a variety of underlying diseases. The mean TFPI concentration was elevated in patients with DIC at presentation (205.8 +/- SD 79.1 ng/ml) as compared with healthy subjects (97.3 +/- 22.2 ng/ml, P < 0.001). The mean plasma TF concentration in patients with DIC (412.7 +/- 445.7 pg/ml) was also higher than that in healthy subjects (137.5 +/- 50.6 pg/ml, P < 0.001). Elevated TF levels were found predominantly in patients with DIC caused by cancer and leukemia, whereas TFPI was elevated in all underlying disease categories. Plasma TFPI concentration did not correlate with plasma TF. In addition, hemostatic markers of DIC such as thrombin-antithrombin complex, prothrombin fragment 1 + 2, plasmin-plasmin inhibitor complex, FDP or fibrinogen did not correlate with TFPI. Serial determinations of plasma TFPI in each patient demonstrated that the behavior of TFPI was independent of the changes in plasma TF and other hemostatic parameters. These findings indicate that plasma TFPI does not decrease in DIC and is not valuable for monitoring the progress of DIC.

Establishment and characterization of a villous lymphoma cell line from splenic B-cell lymphoma

A new B-cell line (VL51) with cytoplasmic villi was established from a female patient with splenic lymphoma with circulating villous lymphocytes (SLVL). The patient exhibited a clinical picture characteristic of SLVL, including massive enlargement of the spleen. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-negative villous lymphocytes were seen in the peripheral blood, bone marrow (BM) and both red and white pulps of the spleen. Monoclonality of the VL51 cell line was confirmed by clonal genotype abnormalities in the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) gene and the T-cell receptor beta (TCR beta) gene. Evidence for commitment of phenotype of the VL51 cell line to the B lineage was also shown by the immunophenotype, including expression of CD10, CD19, CD20 and surface immunoglobins. The VL51 cells were positive for Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen (EBNA). The VL51 cell line is the first SLVL cell line to be established, and it is expected to be useful in clarifying the leukemogenesis of SLVL.

Induction of DNA fragmentation in human myelogenous leukaemic cell lines by phenothiazine-related compounds

A series of phenothiazine, benzo[a]phenothiazine and benz[c]acridine derivatives were compared for their ability to induce nucleosome-sized DNA fragmentation (a biochemical hallmark of apoptosis), using agarose gel electrophoresis and a fluorescence activated cell sorter. Significant DNA fragmentation-inducing activity was detected in 12H-benzo[a]phenothiazine, 5-oxo-5H-benzo[a]phenothiazine and 9-methyl-12H-benzo[a]phenothiazine, which induced the monocytic differentiation of human myelogenous leukaemic cell lines. On the other hand, an other three benzo[a]phenothiazines, six 10-[n-(phthalimido)alkyl]-2-substituted-10H-phenothiazines, six 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-(2-substituted-10H-phenothiazin-10-yl)alkyl-1- ureas, and twelve benz[c]acridines showed little or no DNA fragmentation-inducing activity. Active benzo[a]phenothiazines induced DNA fragmentation in four human myelogenous leukaemic cell lines (HL-60, ML-1, U-937, THP-1), but not in human T-cell leukaemic MOLT-4 and erythroleukaemic K-562 cell lines, which were also resistant to other apoptosis-inducing agents. Ca2+-depletion from the culture medium did not significantly affect their DNA fragmentation-inducing activity. The differentiation and apoptosis-inducing activity of benzo[a]phenothiazines have an important role for their medicinal efficacy.

Immunohistochemical localisation of stem cell factor (SCF) with comparison of its receptor c-Kit proto-oncogene product (c-KIT) in melanocytic tumours

In order to characterise the distribution and role of stem cell factor (SCF), a recently-reported growth factor for normal melanocytes, we carried out an immunohistochemical study on benign and malignant melanocytic tumours with a comparison with the presence of its receptor c-Kit proto-oncogene product (c-KIT). In normal skin, SCF was mainly observed in endothelial cells of blood vessels but not frequently in basal melanocytes, whereas c-KIT was predominantly localised in tissue mast cells. In benign neoplastic melanocytes (common melanocytic naevi), localisation of SCF and c-KIT was complementary: SCF was mostly found in dermal naevus cells while c-KIT was revealed in epidermal naevus cells, although the expression of the latter antigen was not frequent. Malignant melanoma cells showed less frequent expression of these antigens than those in benign lesions. Of five cultured melanoma cell lines, SCF was observed in only one, and c-KIT was not found in any melanoma cells. No quantitative or qualitative alterations assessed by Western blot analysis were induced in the presence of phenotypic modifiers (sodium butyrate and HMBA). Present data suggest that loss of SCF expression in neoplastic melanocytes is commonly associated with malignant transformation of pigment cells rather than loss of its receptor c-KIT.

Pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase-activity and biological characteristics of breast-cancer

We investigated whether Pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase (PyNPase) activity in breast cancer tissue correlated with biological characteristics of breast cancer. PyNPase activity, ER, PgR, EGFR, DNA ploidy pattern, PCNA positive cells and amplification of the c-erbB-2 gene were determined in specimens from 138 patients. PyNPase activity was significantly higher in ER negative than ER positive carcinomas (p<0.05), in PgR negative than PgR positive carcinomas (p<0.05) and significantly higher in tumors with c-erbB-2 gene amplification compared with tumors with no amplification (p<0.05). The results suggest that PyNPase activity in breast cancer tissue may be a new biological characteristic of breast cancer.

A novel membrane glycoprotein involved in ascidian hemocyte aggregation and phagocytosis

Invertebrate hemocytes undergo several cellular defense reactions. To clarify the molecular mechanisms for cellular recognition between hemocytes and also between hemocytes and foreign materials, we established hybridoma clones producing monoclonal antibodies that inhibit hemocyte aggregation (i.e. a cellular reaction between hemocytes) in the solitary ascidian, Halocynthia roretzi. The antibody, A74, also inhibited phagocytosis of foreign materials by H. roretzi hemocytes. Immunocytochemistry of H. roretzi hemocytes using A74 antibody revealed the localization of the A74 antigen on the surface of hemocytes. The A74 antigen, which is referred to as A74 protein, was purified from a hemocyte membrane preparation by three chromatographies on phenyl-Sepharose, A74 antibody-immobilized Sepharose and Mono Q. The A74 protein was a glycoprotein with a molecular mass of 160 kDa; N-glycosidase or neuraminidase treatment resulted in a reduction of its molecular mass. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of A74 protein showed little similarity to other known proteins. Thus, the A74 protein is a novel membrane protein that plays an important role in ascidian cellular defense reactions.

[A clinical study of gastrointestinal flora in patients with, or without MRSA colonization in the upper-respiratory tract after introduction of preventive measures of hospital infection]

In early 1980's methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was reported as a major pathogenic organism of geriatric hospital infection in Japan. At the same time in the A geriatric hospital MRSA infection was prevalent. To decrease nosocomial infections some active preventive measures against hospital infection were taken since Oct. 1991. After introduction of preventive measures of hospital infection in geriatric ward (190 beds) nosocomial bacteremia and pneumonia were markedly decreased in comparison to the episode number before introduction of prevention. However several patients with MRSA colonization were observed every month. The aim of this clinical study was to clear how frequent MRSA was isolated from the gastric juice and stool. Any MRSA was not observed in 63 cultured stool, but just one MRSA was isolated in patients with MRSA colonization. On the other hand gram-negative organisms, which were E. coli, P. aeruginosa, P. mirabilis etc., were frequently observed in cultured stool. In conclusion, we considered frequency of MRSA colonization in gastrointestinal space was not so high but rather very low.

Sustained activation of blood coagulation in patients with cerebral thrombosis

Recent progress in the measurements of the hemostatic markers enables us to assess the detailed profiles of hemostatic activation in various diseases. To evaluate the degree of hemostatic system activation in patients with cerebral thrombosis, detailed coagulation studies were performed in 28 patients with acute-phase cerebral thrombosis and in 36 with chronic-phase cerebral thrombosis, together with 6 with chronic-phase cerebral hemorrhage and 37 age-matched healthy volunteers. In both acute-phase and chronic-phase cerebral thrombosis, plasma levels of thrombin-antithrombin III complex, plasmin-alpha 2-plasmin inhibitor complex and D-dimer were significantly higher, and antithrombin III and protein C were significantly lower than those in the normal group. Plasma fibrinogen concentration was significantly higher in chronic-phase cerebral thrombosis than that in chronic-phase cerebral hemorrhage. No significant difference was found in these variables between acute-phase and chronic-phase cerebral thrombosis. In addition, there was no difference in these parameters between chronic phase cerebral hemorrhage and normal subjects. These findings indicate that a sustained activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis is present in cerebral thrombosis, and it might contribute to the pathogenesis of cerebral thrombosis.

Immunophenotypes of Reed-Sternberg cells and their variants: a study of 68 cases of Hodgkin's disease

Utilizing a panel of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, routine paraffin sections in 68 cases of Hodgkin's disease were examined for the presence of immunoreactivity in Reed-Sternberg (R-S) and related cells by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex (ABC) technique. In 14 cases of lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin's disease (LPHD), R-S cells and the polyploid lymphocytic and histiocytic (L & H) variants of R-S cells were immunoreactive for L26 and alpha 1-antitrypsin (alpha 1-AT) in 9 (64%) and 6 (43%), respectively, whereas the remaining antibodies were negative or rarely positive against L & H variants of R-S cells. R-S cells in 24 cases of mixed cellularity Hodgkin's disease (MCHD) were positive with alpha 1-AT in 63% of cases, positive with LN3 in 71% of cases and positive for BerH2 in 92% of cases. The lacunar cell type of R-S cells in 19 cases of nodular sclerosing Hodgkin's disease (NSHD) were reactive for alpha 1-AT in all cases, BerH2 in 18 cases (95%), and LN3 in 17 cases (89%). Pleomorphic variant of R-S cells in 11 cases of lymphocyte depleted Hodgkin's disease (LDHD) showed reactivity with alpha 1-AT in 9 cases (82%), BerH2 in 6 cases (55%), and LN3 in 9 cases (82%). The incidence of L26 in R-S cells was higher in LPHD than in other three subtypes, whereas the immunohistochemical finding of alpha 1-AT had reverse relevance to the result of L26. The incidence of BerH2 in MCHD and NSHD was higher than that of this antibody in the whole of Hodgkin's disease. R-S cells in NSHD and LDHD were highly positive to LN3, and detection rate of these two types was higher than that in the whole of Hodgkin's disease. No cases showed immunoreactivity with anti-T-cell antibodies (CD3, UCHL1 and DFT1), a marker for natural killer cell (Leu7), and a marker for interdigitating reticulum cell (S-100 protein). These results suggest that correlation between predominant staining pattern and R-S cells and variants thereof in each histological subtype of Hodgkin's disease are as follows: LPHD shows L26+, alpha 1-AT-, BerH2-; MCHD and NSHD show L26-, alpha 1-AT+, BerH2+; and LDHD shows L26-, alpha 1-AT+, BerH2+ or L26+, alpha 1-AT+, BerH2-.

[A case of multiple cerebral aneurysm which showed rapid growth caused by left atrial myxoma]

A 24-year-old woman was admitted complaining of right hemiparesis and episodes of syncope. Computed tomography demonstrated a low density area in the left putaminal region. Intravenous digital subtraction angiography (IVDSA) showed two aneurysms in the distal segment of the right middle cerebral artery. Cerebral emboli from a cardiac source was suspected, and cardioechography was performed. Myxoma was located in the left atrium. The patient was transferred to a cardio surgical unit, and the myxoma was successfully removed. After removal by operation of the cardiac tumor, follow-up third IVDSA was performed. One aneurysm of the distal segment of the right middle cerebral artery had grown larger. On the other hand, the other aneurysm had disappeared. Clipping of the enlarged aneurysm was performed. After the clipping operation of the enlarged aneurysm, a follow-up 4th IVDSA was performed. A new aneurysm of the proximal segment of the left cerebral artery was observed. A follow-up 5th IVDSA was performed, revealing that the new aneurysm was enlarging. No operation was performed, because the aneurysm was the fusiform type. At present, the patient is complaining of slight right hemiparesis and has returned to her job. Here we reported a case of cerebral aneurysm caused by left atrial myxoma.

Expression of kinA and accumulation of sigma H at the onset of sporulation in Bacillus subtilis

Induction of the Bacillus subtilis kinA gene, which codes for a major kinase of the phosphorelay pathway, required the spo0H gene, coding for the sigma H protein, but not the genes spo0A, spo0B, and spo0F at the onset of sporulation. Also, the levels of sigma H in spo0A, spo0B, and spo0F mutants were increased at the onset of sporulation, though induction of spo0H transcription in all of these mutants was appreciably inhibited. In addition, kinA expression was almost completely eliminated in a medium supplemented with excess glucose and glutamine, even though the usual stationary-phase-associated increase in sigma H was observed under these conditions.

Stimulatory effect of hormonal signaling factors on (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)-ATPase activity in rat liver plasma membranes: cross talk with regucalcin

The effect of hormonal signaling factors on (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)-ATPase activity in rat liver plasma membranes was investigated. The presence of inositol-glycan (10(-7)-10(-5) M), dibutyryl cAMP (10(-4) and 10(-3) M) or inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3; 10(-6) and 10(-5) M) in the enzyme reaction mixture produced a significant increase in (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)-ATPase activity. These effects were completely inhibited by the presence of vanadate (10(-4) M), an inhibitor of the enzyme phosphorylation, and N-ethylmaleimide (5 x 10(-3) M), a SH group modifying reagent. Meanwhile, regucalcin, a Ca(2+)-binding protein isolated from rat liver cytosol, increased the enzyme activity by binding to the SH groups of (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)-ATPase in liver plasma membranes. The presence of regucalcin (0.25 microM) with an effective concentration completely inhibited the effect of inositol-glycan (10(-5) M) to increase (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)-ATPase activity, while the effect of dibutyryl cAMP (10(-3) M) or IP3 (10(-5) M) was not altered. The inositol-glycan effect was not modulated by the presence of dibutyryl cAMP or IP3. Now, the preincubation of the plasma membranes with regucalcin did not modify the effect of inositol-glycan on the enzyme activity, suggesting that regucalcin competes with inositol-glycan for the binding to the plasma membranes. The present results suggest that there may be a cross talk with regucalcin and hormonal signaling factors in the regulation of (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)-ATPase activity in liver plasma membranes.

Selective reduction of T cells bearing invariant V alpha 24J alpha Q antigen receptor in patients with systemic sclerosis

A novel subset of T cells characterized by the expression of an invariant T cell antigen receptor (TCR) encoded by V alpha 24J alpha Q gene segments was investigated in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated that the V alpha 24 TCR repertoire was selectively used in CD4-CD8- double-negative T cells both in patients and in healthy individuals, while almost all families of TCR V alpha were expressed in single-positive T cell fractions. The V alpha 24+ double-negative T cells were increased by approximately fivefold in patients. However, sequence analysis clearly showed significant differences in the V alpha 24 TCR repertoire dominating in patients and healthy donors. In healthy individuals, the invariant V alpha 24J alpha Q was expanded and comprised 20-50% of the total TCR-alpha, while their selective reduction was observed in SSc patients who also showed expansion of invariant V alpha 24 TCR other than V alpha 24J alpha Q. Analogous to murine invariant V alpha 14J alpha 281 TCR, these results suggest that T cells with invariant V alpha 24J alpha Q TCR would function as regulatory T cells, whereas T cells bearing other invariant V alpha 24 TCR in SSc patients could be autoaggressive T cells in nature.

Cyanamide-associated alcoholic liver disease: a sequential histological evaluation

This is the first study that we are aware of that followed the histopathological progression of the liver disease that was caused by the combination of both chronic alcohol use and cyanamide, an antidipsotropic agent. Two sequential liver biopsy specimens were obtained on 29 alcoholics who relapsed with varying histories of cyanamide treatment. Cyanamide induced ground-glass inclusions (GGIs) in the hepatocytes. Two groups were identified, depending on whether GGIs proliferated or regressed, which was, in turn, found contingent on the duration of cyanamide treatment and the drug-free period. Group 1 included 14 cases in which GGIs either emerged only in the second biopsy specimen or else were increased in the second specimen as compared in the initial specimen. Group 2 composed of 15 cases in which GGIs were either not observed in either specimen or decreased in the second specimen as compared in the initial specimen. Acidophilic bodies were sequentially increased in five cases (36%) of group 1 and in none of group 2. The severity of portal inflammation worsened in 10 cases (71%) of group 1 but in 2 cases (13%) of group 2, although the changes in fibrotic process did not differ between two groups. These differences could not be explained on the basis of the daily ethanol consumption and the length of relapses of the two groups. Thus, when cyanamide-treated alcoholics relapsed, the combined effect of cyanamide and alcohol produced the development of acidophilic bodies and portal inflammation along with the emergence of GGIs.

Instrumentational posterior fusion for atlanto-axial subluxation in a young child with Down's syndrome--case report

A 3-year-old girl with Down's syndrome and myelopathy caused by atlanto-axial subluxation (AAS) was treated by C-1 to C-2 posterior fusion with a one-piece cervical device (OPCD). Instrumentation was required because the posterior arch of C-1 was too tiny and fragile to tolerate wiring. Postoperative immobilization was another major problem in this mentally retarded young child, but a hard plastic cervical corset effectively restrained the neck. She had been confined to bed by severe quadriparesis, but became able to walk without assistance 8 months after surgery. We recommend OPCD instrumentation and postoperative immobilization using a hard plastic corset for the treatment of AAS associated with Down's syndrome in young children.