Persistent magnetic coherence in magnets

When excited, the magnetization in a magnet precesses around the field in an anticlockwise manner on a timescale governed by viscous magnetization damping, after which any information carried by the initial actuation seems to be lost. This damping appears to be a fundamental bottleneck for the use of magnets in information processing. However, here we demonstrate the recall of the magnetization-precession phase after times that exceed the damping timescale by two orders of magnitude using dedicated two-colour microwave pump-probe experiments for a Y3Fe5O12 microstructured film. Time-resolved magnetization state tomography confirms the persistent magnetic coherence by revealing a double-exponential decay of magnetization correlation. We attribute persistent magnetic coherence to a feedback effect, that is, coherent coupling of the uniform precession with long-lived excitations at the minima of the spin-wave dispersion relation. Our finding liberates magnetic systems from the strong damping in nanostructures that has limited their use in coherent information storage and processing.

Clinical findings of triglyceride deposit cardiomyovasculopathy

Background

Triglyceride (TG) deposit cardiomyovasculopathy (TGCV) is a novel cardiovascular disorder and was recently encoded as an orphan disease in Europe (ORPHA code: 565612). Defective intracellular lipolysis results in TG accumulation in the myocardium and coronary arteries in TGCV. The myocardial washout rate (WR) of iodine-123-β-methyl-p-iodophenylpentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) is an essential indicator to evaluate myocardial lipolysis in vivo, and decreased WR (<10%) of BMIPP is one of the essential items of diagnostic criteria for TGCV.

Purpose

To clarify clinical findings of TGCV including comorbid conditions and laboratory findings.

Methods

We enrolled 234 patients who underwent BMIPP scintigraphy between September 2015 and July 2019. The distributions of TGCV in each comorbidity, cardiac functions and laboratory findings were investigated.

Results

In total, 104 patients were diagnosed with definitive TGCV. The BMIPP WR of TGCV patients was −1.37±10.6%. TGCV patients had various comorbid conditions, including coronary artery disease (75%), diabetes mellitus (56%), and heart failure (21%). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of TGCV patients was significantly lower than that of non-TGCV patients (38.1±18.0% vs. 43.6±18.9%, p-value=0.026). Moreover, among those who did not take lipid-lowering drugs, there was no difference in the serum TG level between TGCV and non-TGCV patients (TGCV: n=44, 127±84.6 mg/dL, non-TGCV: n=66, 133±70.7 mg/dL, p-value=0.73).

Conclusions

TGCV patients showed multiple coexistence of coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, or heart failure with lower LVEF. Serum TG level was not significantly different between TGCV and non-TGCV patients. Serum TG did not affect the intracellular TG accumulation in TGCV patients directly, and this result was consistent with the pathophysiological hypothesis that the TG accumulation in the myocardial cytoplasm is due to intracellular lipase dysfunction.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Seronegative neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in primary familial brain calcification with PDGFB variant

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This case indicates that the PDGFB variant is associated with PFBC as well as with NMOSD.

Erythroblast appearance associated with natalizumab

Despite having a high rate of occurrence, erythroblast appearance in peripheral blood may not be a recognized adverse effect of natalizumab (NTZ) treatment. Additionally, the time course and cause of erythroblast appearance remain unclear. We report two cases of multiple sclerosis wherein NTZ treatment led to erythroblast appearance in peripheral blood. Erythroblasts appeared after NTZ administration; however, their counts did not increase and the administration of medication was continued. NTZ can inhibit erythroblastic island formation associated with maturing of erythroblast via VLA-4. Clinicians do not need to be afraid; however, careful observation is recommended because some patients may develop anemia.

Acute necrotizing encephalopathy and a carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2 variant in an adult

A 54-year-old Japanese man had a fever of over 40 °C for 7 days and developed unconsciousness, seizure and respiratory arrest. T2-weighted imaging magnetic resonance imaging revealed high-intensity signals on bilateral thalamus and it gradually extended to the brain white matter. Moreover, the lesion progressed to the spinal gray matter. The patient was diagnosed with acute necrotizing encephalopathy. CPT2 variants have been reported to be associated with acute necrotizing encephalopathy particularly in children and spinal cord lesions are extremely rare. We report a case of ANE in an adult with a CPT2 variant who developed spinal cord lesions.

Analysis of five cases of human herpesvirus-6 myelitis among 121 cord blood transplantations

Reports of myelitis associated with human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) following allogeneic transplantation are rare. Of 121 cases of cord blood transplantation (CBT) performed at Nagano Red Cross Hospital, five cases (4.1%) of HHV-6 myelitis developed at around the time of engraftment. The major symptom identified in all five patients was superficial pain or pruritus linked to segmental levels of the spinal cord. Other identified symptoms were fever or low-grade fever in all five patients, autonomic nerve disorder in four patients, bladder and rectal disturbance in two patients, and extrapyramidal disorder in two patients. These symptoms were experienced primarily 16-39 days after CBT. HHV-6 PCR tests were all positive for cerebrospinal fluid and for plasma. Of the four cases tested by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), three showed spinal cord abnormality. Antiviral therapy using foscarnet or ganciclovir was effective in every case. Although one case treated from 12 days after onset experienced long-term pain resembling postherpetic neuralgia, symptoms in the four cases were completely relieved after antiviral therapy. In summary, the major symptoms of HHV-6 myelitis were superficial pain linked to segmental levels of the spinal cord. Prognosis may be improved by early initiation of antiviral therapy.

Spin/orbital and magnetic quantum number selective magnetization measurements for CoFeB/MgO multilayer films

Spin selective magnetic hysteresis (SSMH) curves, orbital selective magnetic hysteresis (OSMH) curves and magnetic quantum number selective SSMH curves are obtained for CoFeB/MgO multilayer films by combining magnetic Compton profile measurements and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer measurements. Although the SQUID magnetometer measurements do not show perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) in the CoFeB/MgO multilayer film, PMA behavior is observed in the OSMH and SSMH curves for the |m|  =  2 magnetic quantum number states. These facts indicate that magnetization switching behavior is dominated by the orbital magnetization of the |m|  =  2 magnetic quantum number states.

Reduced preoperative serum albumin and absence of peritoneal dissemination may be predictive factors for long-term survival with advanced gastric cancer with positive cytology test

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal lavage cytology cancer-positive (CY1) is a critical prognostic factor and is taken as representing stage IV in gastric cancer. There is no consensus treatment strategy for CY1-gastric cancer, and the detailed clinicopathological features remain obscure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Among 790 gastric cancer patients between 2005 and 2009, 52 cases of CY1 were identified (6.6%). A multivariate prognostic model was applied to the univariate prognostic factors to identify independent prognostic factors and factors associated with long-term survival in CY1-gastric cancer.

RESULTS

(1) Five-year overall survival (OS) was 17.6% in CY1-gastric cancer as compared with 93.9% in CYX and 77.7% in CY0 (77.7%), where tumors with pT2 or beyond were included in 11% of CYX, 73% of CY0, and 98% of CY1 cases. (2) On univariate analysis, factors associated with a negative prognosis were the presence of peritoneal dissemination (p = 0.029) and high preoperative serum albumin (p = 0.011) in CY1-gastric cancer. The multivariate Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression model using propensity score identified preoperative albumin as a critical independent prognostic indicator. (3) Long-term survivors were identified and, were often characterized by long-term postoperative adjuvant treatment.

CONCLUSION

Reduced preoperative serum albumin and absence of peritoneal dissemination may be predictive factors for long-term survival in patients with advanced gastric cancer with positive cytology test. Long-term postoperative adjuvant therapy might improve survival of patients with CY1.

[A case of colchicine-responsive Mollaret's meningitis with MEFV gene mutation]

A 66-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with recurrent meningitis. She presented with 10 episodes of meningitis in 10 months. Examination of cerebrospinal fluid demonstrated pleocytosis, with neutrophils dominant at the early stage, and lymphocytes dominant at the late stage. Mollaret cells were found and the level of IL-6 was increased in cerebrospinal fluid. Several antibiotics and antiviral agents failed to prevent relapse. However, colchicine therapy successfully prevented the recurrence of meningitis. Genetic testing for familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) showed a mutation in the MEFV gene. It is difficult to diagnose the cause of Mollaret's meningitis in some patients. FMF, neuro-Behçet's disease, and neuro-Sweet disease should be included in the differential diagnosis of recurrent meningitis. In addition, colchicine therapy can prevent the relapse of meningitis in such cases.

The role of an uncommon type of oral streptococcus sanguis in the etiology of behcet's disease

The relationships of Behcet's disease (BD) with oral diseases and the prevalence of an uncommon type of oralStreptococcus sanguis (Str. sanguis) in the oral cavity were investigated in a case-control study. BD patients were compared to patient controls (collagen disease) and healthy controls.An interview questionnaire survey of BD and oral diseases showed that during the pre-onset, onset, and post-onset periods, the incidences of tonsillitis and dental caries, or the history of dental treatment, were greater in BD cases. Typological analysis showed a higher prevalence of an uncommon type ofStr. sanguis, differing from the common type, among BD cases compared to control groups. These results, showing a higher incidence of tonsillitis and dental caries during the presymptomatic period, a greater frequency of dental treatments during the symptomatic period, and the presence of an uncommon type ofStr. sanguis, indicate thatStr. sanguis of an uncommon type is related to increased risk of BD, and the possibility of a causal role is suggested.

The application of atelocollagen gel in combination with porous scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering and its suitable conditions

For improving the quality of tissue-engineered cartilage, we examined the in vivo usefulness of porous bodies as scaffolds combined with an atelocollagen hydrogel, and investigated the suitable conditions for atelocollagen and seeding cells within the engineered tissues. We made tissue-engineered constructs using a collagen sponge (CS) or porous poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) with human chondrocytes and 1% hydrogel, the concentration of which maximized the accumulation of cartilage matrices. The CS was soft with a Young's modulus of less than 1 MPa, whereas the porous PLLA was very rigid with a Young's modulus of 10 MPa. Although the constructs with the CS shrank to 50% in size after a 2-month subcutaneous transplantation in nude mice, the PLLA constructs maintained their original sizes. Both of the porous scaffolds contained some cartilage regeneration in the presence of the chondrocytes and hydrogel, but the PLLA counterpart significantly accumulated abundant matrices in vivo. Regarding the conditions of the chondrocytes, the cartilage regeneration was improved in inverse proportion to the passage numbers among passages 3-8, and was linear with the cell densities (10(6) to 10(8) cells/mL). Thus, the rigid porous scaffold can maintain the size of the tissue-engineered cartilage and realize fair cartilage regeneration in vivo when combined with 1% atelocollagen and some conditioned chondrocytes.

Selection of highly osteogenic and chondrogenic cells from bone marrow stromal cells in biocompatible polymer-coated plates

To enrich the subpopulation that preserves self-renewal and multipotentiality from conventionally prepared bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs), we attempted to use 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) polymer-coated plates that selected the MSCs with strong adhesion ability and evaluated the proliferation ability or osteogenic/chondrogenic potential of the MPC polymer-selected MSCs. The number of MSCs that were attached to the MPC polymer-coated plates decreased with an increase in the density of MPC unit (0-10%), whereas no significant difference in the proliferation ability was seen among these cells. The surface epitopes of CD29, CD44, CD105, and CD166, and not CD34 or CD45, were detectable in the cells of all MPC polymer-coated plates, implying that they belong to the MSC category. In the osteogenic and chondrogenic induction, the MSCs selected by the 2-5% MPC unit composition showed higher expression levels of osteoblastic and chondrocytic markers (COL1A1/ALP, or COL2A1/COL10A1/Sox9) at passage 2, compared with those of 0-1% or even 10% MPC unit composition, while the enhanced effects continued by passage 5. The selection based on the adequate cell adhesiveness by the MPC polymer-coated plates could improve the osteogenic and chondrogenic potential of MSCs, which would provide cell sources that can be used to treat the more severe and various bone/cartilage diseases.

Involvement of fibroblast growth factor 18 in dedifferentiation of cultured human chondrocytes

OBJECTIVE

Chondrocytes inevitably decrease production of cartilaginous matrices during long-term cultures with repeated passaging; this is termed dedifferentiation. To learn more concerning prevention of dedifferentiation, we have focused here on the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family that influences chondrocyte proliferation or differentiation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We have compared gene expression between differentiated cells in passage 3 (P3) and dedifferentiated ones in P8 of human cultured chondrocytes. We also performed ligand administration of the responsive factor or its gene silencing, using small interfering RNA (siRNA).

RESULTS

FGFs 1, 5, 10, 13 and 18 were higher at P8 compared to P3, while FGFs 9 and 14 were lower. Especially, FGF18 showed a 10-fold increase by P8. Ligand administration of FGF18 in the P3 cells, or its gene silencing using siRNA in the P8 cells, revealed dose-dependent increase and decrease respectively in type II collagen/type I collagen ratio. Exogenous FGF18 also upregulated expression of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), the anabolic factor of chondrocytes, in P3 chondrocytes, but P8 cells maintained a low level of TGF-beta expression, suggesting a decrease in responsiveness of TGF-beta to FGF18 stimulation in the dedifferentiated chondrocytes.

CONCLUSION

FGF18 seems to play a role in maintenance of chondrocyte properties, although its expression was rather high in dedifferentiated chondrocytes. Upregulation of FGF18 in dedifferentiated chondrocytes implied that it may be a marker of dedifferentiation.

[Postoperative risk management of chest surgery in intensive care unit (ICU)]

The postoperative risk management of chest surgery in intensive care unit (ICU) must be considered in the measure of patient safety of the hospital organization, ICU and chest surgery itself. In reference to a patient safety, measures of a section promoting medical safety, a maintenance and check of ventilators and machines especially in the ICU, and an improvement of knowledge for treatment of critical ill patients must are warranted. In the postoperative patient undergoing chest surgery such as a lobectomy, the postoperative pain management is important and measures for early ambulation to maintenance of vital capacity must be performed.

Long-time exposure of mouse embryos to the sperm produces high levels of reactive oxygen species in culture medium and relates to poor embryo development

Small amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS), metabolites of oxygen, are necessary for sperm-fertilizing capability. However, in excessive levels, their role in infertility has been extensively studied. The conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) method employs a prolonged co-incubation of gametes for 16-18 h to reach fertilization. However, it has been shown that this long period might create high levels of ROS. We aimed at finding out whether ROS increases in vitro during prolonged incubation with fertilized oocytes and whether high level of ROS relates to poor embryo development. To confirm if levels of ROS relate to length of time, we measured the ROS levels in fertilization medium (FM), which contained mouse embryos exposed to spermatozoa. To evaluate the contribution of sperm in production of ROS, we measured the ROS in the medium with only sperm. The measurements were performed by chemiluminescence assay using luminol as a probe after 4 and 18 h of incubation separately. The ROS levels were significantly increased after 18 h as compared with 4 h (p < 0.0001). Moreover, ROS in the medium with only sperm was also increased after 18 h (p < 0.0001), demonstrating that they were generated either by spermatozoa or as a result of possible reaction of sperm with medium during prolonged incubation. In addition, we compared embryo development after 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 18 h of incubation. The number of degenerated embryos exposed to sperm for 12 and 18 h was significantly higher than those exposed for 4 or 6 h (p < 0.01). These results demonstrate that ROS concentrations appear to be related to the length of incubation time, and their excessive levels have a negative effect on embryo development. We suggest reducing incubation time to at least 4 h.

Effect of Lipo-PGE1 on Health-related Quality of Life in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Japan

We investigated the effect of Lipo-PGE1, a prostaglandin (PG) E1 preparation used to treat cutaneous ulcers associated with systemic sclerosis (SS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), on health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) using the Medical Outcome Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire. A total of 192 SS and SLE patients were treated for 3 months. At baseline the scores for each of the five SF-36 subscales were significantly lower than the age- and sex-adjusted standard values for the Japanese general population. After treatment, mean (± SD) SF-36 scores for body pain and general health perception significantly increased from 48.6 ± 24.1 to 55.3 ± 26.1 and from 36.8 ± 16.7 to 40.2 ± 17, respectively. Emotional QOL parameters including vitality and mental health, however, showed no improvement. Physician-rated symptom scores significantly improved after administration of Lipo-PGE1. In conclusion, Lipo-PGE1 improved both cutaneous ulcers and HR-QOL, especially physical QOL.

Involvement of the protein kinase Cγ isoform in development of tolerance to nitrous oxide–induced antinociception in mice

Prolonged exposure to nitrous oxide (N2O) results in development of acute tolerance to its antinociceptive effect. Cross-tolerance to N2O-induced antinociception is also observed in morphine-tolerant animals. Despite increasing evidence of tolerance development to N2O-induced antinociception, the details of the mechanisms that underlie this tolerance remain unknown. The present study was conducted to investigate the involvement of brain protein kinase C (PKC) isoform in these two types of tolerance to N2O-induced antinociception in mice. Prolonged exposure (41 min in total, including 30 min pre-exposure and 11 min of antinociceptive testing) to 70% N2O produced a reduction in N2O-induced antinociception, indicating development of acute tolerance. The prolonged exposure to 70% N2O caused an activation of PKCgamma isoform in the brain, but not the PKCepsilon isoform. Pretreatment with a PKCgamma-antisense oligonucleotide but not the corresponding mismatch oligonucleotide (i.c.v.) prevented the development of acute tolerance to N2O-induced antinociception. Chronic morphine treatment (10 mg/kg, s.c., b.i.d. for 5 days) resulted in development of tolerance to morphine-induced antinociception and cross-tolerance to N2O-induced antinociception. The development of tolerance to morphine and cross-tolerance to N2O were both inhibited by pretreatment with PKC inhibitor, chelerythrine (1 nmol, i.c.v.). Morphine-tolerant mice showed an activation of PKC within the brain, which was suppressed by pretreatment with chelerythrine (1 nmol, i.c.v.). Thus, activation of brain PKC, in particular, the PKCgamma isoform, appears to play an important role in the development of both acute tolerance and cross-tolerance to N2O-induced antinociception in mice.

Metronomic chemotherapy for hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC)

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Background: Low dose continuous chemotherapy (metronomic chemotherapy) is trying to many advanced cancers. Metronomic chemotherapy has important anti-angiogenic activity to tumor vessels. For patients who progressed after docetaxel, no standard options exist. We have experienced complete regression of bone metastases on super scan by low does cisplatin, UFT, diethylstilbestrol, and dexamethasone (CUDD) in a patient with HRPC (Int JCO, 8,118, 2003). Methods: CUDD consisting of weekly 5 mg/body of cisplatin plus 125 mg/body of diethylstilbestrol and daily 300–450 mg of UFT/day plus 0.5–1 mg of dexamethasone were given to 47 HRPC patients, (median and range of age: 66 and 52–72, respectively). The ECOG performance status was 0 to 1. Gleason score was 7 in 10 patients and 8 in 17 patients and 9 in 20 patients, respectively. Metastatic site was bone in 45 (EOD grade 1:10, 2:18, 3: 15, 4:2), lymph node in 8. Six cases became refractory to docetaxel were treated with CUDD plus CPM (50 mg/day). Results: Among the 45 patients assessable for bone metastasis, 12 (27 %) obtained marked improvement on bone scan. One was EOD grade 4 (super bone scan) and 9 were EOD grade 1–3. Eighteen (40 %) were stable and 15 (33%) progressed on bone scan. Among 8 patients of lymph node metastasis, 3 (38%) showed partial response, 2 (25%) no change and 3 (38%) progression. Twenty-five (53 %) out of 47 patients showed a PSA decline of 50% or greater. Among the 25 patients assessable for bone pain, 7 (28%) improved, 12 (48%) remained stable and 6 (24%) progressed. Their median response duration and median survival time were 8 months (range; 2 to 44 months) and 20 months (range, 4 to 48 months), respectively. Their median response duration was 3 months. Three of 6 refractory to docetaxel were responded to CUDD plus CPM. Their median response duration was 10 months. Conclusions: CUDD is effective in almost half of hormone refractory prostate cancer patients and has advantage of minimal side effect. Three of 6 docetaxel refractory cases also responded to CUDD plus CPM.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Hard tissue formation in subcutaneously transplanted rat dental pulp

While dental pulp appears to be able to form mineralized matrices that do not always resemble dentin, the precise characteristics of the hard tissue and the mechanism of its induction remain unknown. Therefore, we evaluated hard tissue induced by transplantation of pulp into subcutaneous tissue. Seven days after transplantation, initial hard tissue was formed at the inner periphery of the pulp. After 14 days, this hard tissue expanded inwardly. Mineralized matrix was immunopositive for osteocalcin, osteopontin, and bone sialoprotein, but negative for dentin sialoprotein. Transplantation of GFP-labeled pulp into wild-type rats showed these formative cells to have been derived from the transplant. TEM observation revealed apatite crystals within necrotic cells and matrix vesicles at the initial stage of calcification. These results indicate that pulp cells possess the ability to form a bone- or cementum-like matrix. Calcification of the matrix may occur in necrotic cells and matrix vesicles, followed by collagenous calcification.

Gastric mucin is expressed in a subset of endocervical tunnel clusters: type A tunnel clusters of gastric phenotype

AIMS

Gastric mucin expression has been demonstrated in a group of endocervical glandular lesions. The aim of this study was to gain further insight into endocervical lesions with a gastric phenotype.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Various types of tunnel clusters (TC) were examined for gastric mucin by alcian blue/periodic acid-Schiff staining and immunohistochemistry for HIK1083. Five of 34 cases of TC expressed gastric mucin defined by PAS dominant neutral mucin and immunopositivity for pyloric gland mucin. Histologically, TC expressing gastric mucin showed lobular arrangements of small to medium-sized glands composed of mucin-rich columnar cells and were classified as Flumann's type A TC. Neither type B TC nor normal endocervical glands expressed PAS dominant neutral mucin and none of them was immunopositive for pyloric gland mucin. Five patients with type A TC of gastric phenotype ranged in age from 33 to 79 years (mean 58 years) and were multiparous. Type A TC of gastric phenotype, ranging from 2 to 4 mm in maximum diameter, were incidental findings in hysterectomy specimens.

CONCLUSION

Type A TC of gastric phenotype could be related to lobular endocervical glandular hyperplasia of gastric phenotype. The pathogenesis of gastric metaplasia in TC remains unclear.

Congenital fibrosis of the extraocular muscles (CFEOM) syndrome associated with progressive cerebellar ataxia

We here report on a Japanese family with congenital fibrosis of the extraocular muscles (CFEOM) syndrome associated with slowly progressive cerebellar ataxia. The pedigree indicated autosomal dominant inheritance. All affected individuals showed a complete loss of upgaze function with ptosis, and severe or moderate restriction of downgaze function probably from the birth. Horizontal gaze function was well preserved, except for the eldest patient, who showed both eyes almost totally fixed in exotrophic position. The primary vertical and horizontal position of each eye varied from patient to patient. Aberrant eye movements were observed on attempted upgaze. They showed amblyopia and/or astigmatism, but none of them complained of diplopia. Pupillary reactions were normal, and retinal pigmentary degeneration or optic atrophy was not observed. These ophthalmological findings were consistent with the CFEOM phenotype. The two middle-aged patients, but not the two younger patients, showed slowly progressive gait ataxia with juvenile onset. Magnetic resonance images of the brain indicated cerebellar atrophy in addition to congenital hypoplasia in the cerebellar vermis. Molecular genetic analysis provided a negative linkage to the FEOM3 locus. Linkage to the FEOM1 locus could not be excluded in our family, but mutation in KIF21A, a major cause of the CFEOM1 phenotype, was not detected. We consider that this family may broaden the spectrum of the clinical features of CFEOM or the related disorders presenting with the CFEOM phenotype.

Ca2+ Channel Currents Inhibited by Serum from Select Patients with Guillain-Barré Syndrome

We performed an electrophysiological study demonstrating inhibition of spontaneous muscle action potentials within a coculture of rat muscle and spinal cord by exposure to serum, as well as purified IgG, from patients with the acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). However, exposure to serum from two patients with the acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) form of GBS had no effect. Using a whole-cell recording technique, we then investigated the effects of serum and purified IgG from patients with GBS on voltage-dependent calcium channel (VDCC) currents in nerve growth factor-differentiated PC12 cells. Serum from patients with GBS (AMAN) inhibited VDCC currents in PC12 cells, which was fully reversible by washing with the bath solution. Similarly, purified IgG from the serum of two patients with GBS (AMAN) also inhibited VDCC currents in PC12 cells. In contrast, sera from patients with AIDP and healthy volunteers did not affect VDCC currents in PC12 cells. These results suggest that muscle weakness in some patients with GBS might be induced by inhibition of Ca2+ channel currents within motor nerve terminals.

Surgical correction of ventricular septal defect with aortic regurgitation in a dog

An 8-month-old entire Miniature Dachshund, weighing 4.2 kg, was presented for examination following delvelopment of a cough. Ventricular septal defect had been diagnosed tentatively in its infancy on the basis of a cardiac murmur detected by auscultation and echocardiography. Echocardiography using a B mode right parasternal long-axis view showed a defect at the atrioventricular junction and a thickened cusp of the aortic valve prolapsing into the defect. Colour-flow Doppler showed shunt blood flow across the defect at the level of the atrioventricular junction, from left to right. The sinus of Valsalva was dilated, with turbulent blood flow. Aortic regurgitation was also observed. Cardiac catheterisation studies confirmed the diagnosis of a supracristal ventricular septal defect with aortic regurgitation. Despite medication with digoxin, enalapril and aminophylin, started from the first admission, left ventricular internal dimensions gradually increased, and fractional shortening of the left ventricle gradually decreased. Surgery, with the aid of extracorporeal circulation, to close the ventricular septal defect, was performed 1 year after the initial examination. The aortic valve was left untreated. Postoperatively, the systolic murmur disappeared. Shunt flow from the left to the right ventricle was no longer observed on echocardiography, however there was still a small amount of aortic regurgitation during diastole visualised with colour-flow Doppler echocardiography. The prolapse of the cusp of the aortic valve on B-mode echocardiography was no longer observed and thickening of the cusp had not progressed. Left ventricular function measurement using M mode echocardiography showed a reduced left ventricular volume overload with reduced left ventricular internal dimensions and increased fractional shortening. The cough was relieved and no follow-up medication was scheduled. Early surgical closure of the ventricular septal defect improved the patient's condition and controlled prolapse and thickening of the aortic valve.

Involvement of brain protein kinase C in nitrous oxide-induced antinociception in mice

Exposure of mice to the anesthetic gas nitrous oxide (N(2)O) produces a marked antinociceptive effect. Protein kinase C is a key regulatory enzyme that may be targeted by general anesthetics. However, a relationship between N(2)O-induced antinociception and protein kinase C has yet to be established. The present study was conducted to identify whether protein kinase C might influence N(2)O-induced antinociception in mice. Regular exposure (11 min) to N(2)O produced concentration-dependent antinociception in mice, as determined using the abdominal constriction test. N(2)O-induced antinociception was attenuated by i.c.v. pretreatment with phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate, a protein kinase C activator. This phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate antagonism of N(2)O-induced antinociception was reversed by i.c.v. pretreatment with calphostin C, a protein kinase C inhibitor. Long-term exposure (41 min in total, including 30 min prior to, and 11 min of analgesic testing) to 70% N(2)O produced reduced analgesic effects, compared with regular exposure to 70% N(2)O, thus indicating acute tolerance to N(2)O-induced antinociception. However, mice pretreated with calphostin C, chelerythrine, which is another protein kinase C inhibitor, and phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate, did not develop acute tolerance. Regarding activation of protein kinase C, regular exposure to 70% N(2)O did not increase protein kinase C within the membrane fraction of brain tissue, as determined by immunoblot analysis, but long-term exposure to 70% N(2)O did. The i.c.v. pretreatment with calphostin C and phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate prevented the increase in protein kinase C observed with long-term exposure to 70% N(2)O. These results suggest that brain protein kinase C negatively regulates the antinociceptive effect of N(2)O, and that activation of brain protein kinase C is related to the development of acute tolerance to N(2)O-induced antinociception in mice.

DDS for anti-aging and regenerative medicine (review)

In this paper we summarized, first the present status and history of the development of research in anti-aging and regenerative medicine in Japan, and secondly some of our research using DDS in the field of both medicine. The regenerative medicine has been developed in Japan by using the fund from the Government, particularly as the Millennium Project. While anti-aging medicine developed following the social interest on it in Japan and it was influenced by American Society (A4M). Next, we summarized our research on DDS for anti-aging and regenerative medicine. In most cases we used oily or solid nanoparticles as carriers of drug. Those particles have a property of both of targeting and slow release in the DDS technology. The two properties are important for anti-aging and regenerative medicine, since drugs have to be administered safely and for long time. We applied prostaglandin E1, granulocyte-colony stimulate factor (G-CSF), and retinoid into the systems.

Case study of a pregnant woman with decidualized ovarian endometriosis whose preoperative findings suggested malignant transformation

BACKGROUND

Because both decidualization and malignant transformation of endometriosis are characterized by mural nodules on the wall of the cyst, the preoperative differential diagnosis is reportedly difficult.

CASE

A 31-year-old woman was referred to our hospital at ten weeks of gestation. Sonographic examination revealed an intrauterine gestational sac and ovarian endometrial cyst. At 21 weeks of gestation, characteristic findings associated with malignant transformation of ovarian endometriosis were seen on color-flow Doppler sonography and contrast magnetic resonance imaging. Under the diagnosis of malignant transformation of ovarian endometriosis, right salpingo-oophorectomy was performed at 22 weeks' gestation. However, histopathologic examination revealed ovarian endometriosis with marked decidual changes but no evidence of malignancy.

CONCLUSION

During pregnancy, intracystic vascularized excrescences of an endometrial cyst indicate not only malignant transformation but also decidualization. Thus, the preoperative differential diagnosis is reportedly difficult. However, the present findings of decidualization on magnetic resonance imaging seemed to be slightly different from those of malignant transformation, and therefore, might help distinguish decidualized endometriosis from malignant transformation preoperatively.

Osteoarthritis development in novel experimental mouse models induced by knee joint instability

OBJECTIVE

Although osteoarthritis (OA) is induced by accumulated mechanical stress to joints, little is known about the underlying molecular mechanism. To apply approaches from mouse genomics, this study created experimental mouse OA models by producing instability in the knee joints.

METHODS

The models were of four types: severe, moderate, mild, and medial, depending on the severity and direction of instability imposed by combinations of ligament transection and menisectomy. OA development was evaluated by X-ray and histology by Safranin-O staining, and quantified using our original gradings. Expressions of type II, IX and X collagens and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, -3, -9 and -13 were further examined by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization (ISH).

RESULTS

The severe, moderate and mild models exhibited OA development in the posterior tibial cartilage. The severe model showed cartilage destruction at 2 weeks and osteophyte formation at 4-8 weeks after surgery; however, the mild model showed only a partial cartilage destruction at 8 weeks. The grading confirmed that the OA disorders progressed depending on the severity of joint instability. In the medial model, the OA development in the medial tibial cartilage was similar to that in the posterior cartilage of the mild model. Among the collagens and MMPs, type X collagen and MMP-13 were markedly induced and colocalized in the early stage OA cartilage.

CONCLUSION

We established four types of mouse models exhibiting various speeds of OA progression. By applying a mouse genomics approach to the models, molecular backgrounds in various stages of OA development can be clarified.

Milk/dairy products consumption, galactose metabolism and ovarian cancer: meta-analysis of epidemiological studies

Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer death among women and the leading cause of gynaecological cancer death in the United States. Milk/dairy products consumption was considered to be a risk factor for ovarian cancer mainly because milk carbohydrate-lactose and galactose metabolism is toxic to oocytes. However, recent evidence does not support this hypothesis completely. We collected epidemiological studies related to the association between milk/dairy products consumption or galactose metabolism (lactose, galactose, galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase, lactose/transferase) and ovarian cancer published between January 1966 and August 2003 and found 27 items from 22 independent studies. Twenty studies were case-control studies and the other two were cohort studies. A meta-analysis method was conducted to estimate relative risk combining all relative data. In general, we did not find any association between milk/dairy products or galactose metabolism and ovarian cancer risk in this meta-analysis. The consumption of whole milk and butter, which contain relatively high amounts of fat, was positively (relative risk > 1.2), but not significantly, associated with an increased risk.

Acute effect of milnacipran on the relationship between the locus coeruleus noradrenergic and dorsal raphe serotonergic neuronal transmitters

The present studies sought to investigate the effect of milnacipran called the serotonin (5-HT) and noradrenaline (NA) reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) on the interaction of central locus coeruleus noradrenergic and dorsal raphe nucleus serotonergic functional activity by utilizing in vivo microdialysis. A single administration of milnacipran (60 mg/kg, s.c.) markedly decreased the levels of NA and its metabolite, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymandelic acid (HMMA), in the locus coeruleus and the levels of, a metabolite of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA) in the dorsal raphe nucleus. Combined administration of yohimbine (2 mg/kg, s.c.),?alpha(2)-adrenoceptor?antagonist, at 2 h after milnacipran (60 mg/kg, s.c.) led to a significant increase in NA levels in the locus coeruleus, although yohimbine alone had no effect on these levels. Under similar experimental condition, 5-HIAA levels in the dorsal raphe nucleus remained unchanged. NAN-190 (1 mg/kg, s.c.), 5-HT(1A) receptor partial agonist, alone markedly decreased the levels of 5-HIAA in the dorsal raphe nucleus, although this level was not affected by WAY100635, the selective 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist. WAY100635 recovered the milnacipran-induced decrease of 5-HIAA levels in the dorsal raphe nucleus to control levels. On the other hand, NAN-190 did not affect the milnacipran-induced decrease of 5-HIAA levels. Behavioral signs (locomotion and rearing) were markedly observed following milnacipran alone or combined administration of milnacipran and yohimbine. However, the behavioral signs after coadministration of milnacipran and WAY100635 or NAN-190 were relatively poor. These results may suggest that an increase of NA in the locus coeruleus with the treatment of yohimbine after milnacipran results from negative feedback following the blockade of alpha(2)-adrenoceptors achieved with yohimbine, and that WAY100635 but not NAN-190 recovered milnacipran-induced decrease of 5-HIAA in the dorsal raphe nucleus to control levels by preventing the activation for the presynaptic 5-HT(1A) autoreceptor.

Cyclosporin A in treatment of refractory patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy

To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of cyclosporin A (CyA) in the treatment of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), a microemulsion form of this drug (Neoral) was orally given to seven patients with the disease who were unresponsive or resistant to conventional therapies. The daily dose of CyA was carefully controlled in order to keep the plasma trough concentration between 100 and 150 ng/ml. Within 1 month of initiation of CyA, all patients subjectively showed improvement of clinical symptoms, while both modified Rankin and INCAT disability scores were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) and grip strength was significantly increased (p < 0.05) 3 months after initiation compared with before. Total protein in the cerebrospinal fluid was significantly decreased 3 and 6 months after starting CyA (p < 0.05). Although the maximal motor nerve conduction velocity showed a significant improvement in the median nerve 1 to 1.5 years after commencement of CyA (p < 0.05), there were no significant changes in any other neurophysiological parameters. One patient with anti-sulphoglucuronyl paragloboside IgM antibodies gradually became resistant to CyA, but the rest have since been in good neurological condition without complications ascribable to this drug. These results suggest that oral CyA may be effective even for refractory cases with CIDP. CyA should be actively considered as a therapeutic option when patients with CIDP are resistant to conventional treatment.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome due to systemic lupus erythematosus with hemophagocytic syndrome: an autopsy report

This report concerns a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who died of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) 1 day after the onset of pulmonary symptoms. Autopsy demonstrated severe hemophagocytosis in the bone marrow and histopathology indicating a marked increase in vascular permeability in both lungs and kidneys. In this patient, active SLE and associated hemophagocytic syndrome may have induced an increase in the production of inflammatory cytokines, which immediately induced ARDS. Since fatal ARDS can occur as a life-threatening complication of SLE, careful observation is necessary, particularly when there are clinical findings suggestive of associated hemophagocytic syndrome.

Cardiac myxoma of the tricuspid valve in a dog

A case of cardiac myxoma arising from the tricuspid valve is described in an 8-year-old dog that had suffered intermittent episodes of syncope. At surgical operation, a large, irregular, gelatinous mass was found attached to the septal leaflet of the tricuspid valve. The excised tumour, measuring 5x4x3.5 cm, had a grey-to-yellow, friable, mucoid, multilobulated and polypoid appearance, with focal haemorrhage. Histologically, the tumour consisted of a hypocellular mass of a myxoid matrix, rich in acid mucopolysaccharides, with a supporting structure of spindle-like, elongated or stellate cells scattered in an abundant stroma. The surface of the mass was covered by a single layer of endothelial-like cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the surface cells of the mass were positive for the endothelial marker CD34 and the constituent cells within the mass reacted positively and uniformly with antibodies to vimentin and alpha-smooth muscle actin. The dog died 36 h after the operation and, at necropsy, wide dissemination of myxomatous embolization to the intrapulmonary arteries was found.

Efficacy of tacrolimus in treatment of polymyositis associated with myasthenia gravis

We report a patient with polymyositis (PM) associated with myasthenia gravis (MG). Both disorders had been controlled for around 15 years by oral prednisolone and a cholinesterase inhibitor following surgical removal of invasive thymoma and radiotherapy, but muscular weakness due to myalgia and an increase in serum levels of myogenic enzymes, mainly ascribable to the recurrence of PM, reappeared immediately after cessation of these drugs, which was done because the patient had multiple bone fractures and severe osteoporosis due to the long-term corticosteroid therapy. Oral tacrolimus was therefore tried, and produced an improvement in muscular symptoms in association with normalization of myogenic enzymes. PM associated with MG as in this patient might be the best indication for tacrolimus, considering its efficacy in MG, but this drug should also be actively considered as a therapeutic option in refractory cases of PM alone, particularly when either corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive agents are not usable.

Malignant lymphoma associated with rheumatoid arthritis, developing shortly after initiation of oral methotrexate

We report a patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who developed malignant lymphoma of the diffuse large B-cell type in the right submandibular region shortly after initiation of oral methotrexate (MTX). Despite cessation of MTX, the lymphadenopathy did not regress, and only reached complete remission after 3 courses of CHOP therapy followed by irradiation. In this patient highly active RA itself was considered to be the main cause of malignant lymphoma, and MTX might have contributed to the development by modifying the immune system. When RA is highly active, MTX should be used carefully because of the possible development of malignant lymphoma as well as other serious complications.

Comparison between in vivo and in vitro pharmacokinetics of succinylcholine in humans

PURPOSE

To compare the in vivo and in vitro pharmacokinetics of succinylcholine (SCh) in humans.

METHODS

A bolus of SCh 1 mg.kg(-1) (n = 7) or 2 mg.kg(-1) (n = 11) was given to 18 patients anesthetized with thiopental. Arterial blood samples for determination of in vivo SCh concentrations were collected every 30 s for 5 min. Another 20-ml blood sample was obtained before induction of anesthesia for determination of in vitro SCh. Concentrations of SCh were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. In vivo and in vitro concentrations of SCh vs time data were analyzed by the one-compartment model.

RESULTS

The respective in vivo and in vitro pharmacokinetic parameters (SCh 1 mg.kg(-1) vs SCh 2 mg.kg(-1)) were as follows: Plasma clearance was 4.17 +/- 2.37 and 1.85 +/- 0.28 l.min(-1), P < 0.05, vs 2.91 +/- 2.01 and 1.27 +/- 0.43 l.min(-1), P < 0.05. Elimination half-life was 25.4 +/- 10.6 and 47.4 +/- 5.4 s, P < 0.002 vs 26.3 +/- 10.0 and 75.2 +/- 21.8 s, P < 0.00005.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the rapid disappearance of SCh from the circulation is due to diffusion out of the blood vessels rather than to enzymatic hydrolysis.