Rate control of cell sheet recovery by incorporating hydrophilic pattern in thermoresponsive cell culture dish

Thready stripe-polyacrylamide (PAAm) pattern was fabricated on a thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PIPAAm) surface, and their surface properties were characterized. A PIPAAm surface spin-coated with positive photoresist was irradiated through a 5 µm/5 µm or a 10 µm/10-µm black and white striped photomask, resulting in the radical polymerization of AAm on the photoirradiated area. After staining with Alexa488 bovine serum albumin, the stripe-patterned surface was clearly observed and the patterned surface was also observed by a phase contrast image of an atomic force microscope. NIH-3T3 (3T3) single cells were able to be cultured at 37°C on the patterned surfaces as well as on a PIPAAm surface without pattern, and the detachment of adhered cells was more rapidly from the patterned surface after reducing temperature. Furthermore, the rate of detachment of 3T3 confluent cell sheet on the patterned surface was accelerated, compared with on a conventional PIPAAm surface under the static condition. The rate control of cell sheet recovery should contribute the preservations of cell phenotype and biological functions of cell sheet for applying to clinical trials.

Engineered antibody Fc variant with selectively enhanced FcγRIIb binding over both FcγRIIa(R131) and FcγRIIa(H131)

Engaging inhibitory FcγRIIb by Fc region has been recently reported to be an attractive approach for improving the efficacy of antibody therapeutics. However, the previously reported S267E/L328F variant with enhanced binding affinity to FcγRIIb, also enhances binding affinity to FcγRIIa(R131) allotype to a similar degree because FcγRIIb and FcγRIIa(R131) are structurally similar. In this study, we applied comprehensive mutagenesis and structure-guided design based on the crystal structure of the Fc/FcγRIIb complex to identify a novel Fc variant with selectively enhanced FcγRIIb binding over both FcγRIIa(R131) and FcγRIIa(H131). This novel variant has more than 200-fold stronger binding affinity to FcγRIIb than wild-type IgG1, while binding affinity to FcγRIIa(R131) and FcγRIIa(H131) is comparable with or lower than wild-type IgG1. This selectivity was achieved by conformational change of the C(H)2 domain by mutating Pro to Asp at position 238. Fc variant with increased binding to both FcγRIIb and FcγRIIa induced platelet aggregation and activation in an immune complex form in vitro while our novel variant did not. When applied to agonistic anti-CD137 IgG1 antibody, our variant greatly enhanced the agonistic activity. Thus, the selective enhancement of FcγRIIb binding achieved by our Fc variant provides a novel tool for improving the efficacy of antibody therapeutics.

A New Approach to Evaluate the Delayed Fracture Behavior of an Optical Glass Fiber

The method for the direct measurement of subcritical crack growth in silica optical fiber with 125μm in diameter was developed. The obtained crack velocity da/dt as a function of stress intensity factor KI was expressed by means of log da/dt vs log KI linear relation with slope n. The obtained value of n showed 22.6 (25 °C,60%r.h.) with small standard deviation 0.7. These results indicate that the postulated crack growth law used for the lifetime prediction is valid and the present approach can solve the problem in the conventional method for evaluating the value of n where the evaluated value has been widely scattered.

[The efficacy of perioperative administration of steroid and erythromycin in the surgery for lung cancer complicated with interstitial pneumonia]

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the efficacy of perioperative administration of steroid and erythromycin in surgery for lung cancer complicated with interstitial pneumonia (IP) to prevent postoperative acute exacerbation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We operated on 21 lung cancer patients with IP for 10 years. The patients were given 400 mg of erythromycin over 1 week before surgery and re-administered on the 1st operative day. The patients were also given 125 mg of methylprednisolone intravenously just before operation and continued until the 2nd operative day.

RESULTS

Lobectomy was performed in 16, segmentectomy or partial resection in 2 each, and completion pneumonectomy in 1. Three patients developed acute exacerbation of IP, but it occurred after the re-operation due to postoperative complications in 2. We experienced no operative death within 30 days, however, 2 died during the hospital stay due to multiple organ failure and sepsis. Seven of 21 patients had postoperative complications; air leakage over 1 week in 4, arrhythmia in 3, and atelectasis, postoperative bleeding, and pneumonia in 1 each, the morbidity rate was 33%.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that the administration of steroid and erythromycin in surgery for lung cancer with IP was suspected the usefulness to prevent a postoperative acute exacerbation of IP.

Effects of purinenucleotide analogues on microtubule assembly

This minireview summarizes the syntheses of various purinenucleotide analogues and their effects on microtubule (Mt) assembly. 27 analogues were so far synthesized and, together with 3 analogues commercially available (ITP, XTP and dGTP), their effects on Microtubule assembly were investigated. The positions C2, C6, C8, and ribose moiety of purine nucleotides were modified or substituted. It was found that the microenvironments of the purine base and ribose moiety are important for the nucleotides to support Mt assembly. Introduction of amino group into position C2 of ATP, formation of 2-amino ATP, caused Mt assembly substantially. 2-Amino deoxy ATP and deoxy GTP are more potent than GTP in supporting assembly. The introduction of reactive thiol group into C6 (6-SH-GTP) largely reduces the activity of the analogue to support assembly. However, sequestering reactivity of the thiol group by association with methyl group largely recovers the ability of the analogue to promote assembly. Free rotation of the glycosidic linkage was found to be also innevitable in promoting assembly, as the introduction of sulfur atom between C8 of the purine base and C2' of the ribose moiety (formation of 8,2'-S-cyclo purine nucleotides) caused total inhibition. Purinenucleoside triphosphate supports assembly better than GTP but the deoxy-type analogues are totally inhibitory. 2-Amino-8-hydroxy ATP and other analogues support assembly much better than does GTP. However, their diphosphate analogues are totally incapable of supporting assembly. Introduction of a bulky fluorescent probes into C3' can be made to visualize the fluorescent signal in assembled Mts. Together with the suggestions proposed from electron chrystallography of zinc-induced tubulin sheets, interactions of the purine base and ribose moieties with surrounding amino acid residues are discussed.

A case of solitary pulmonary lymphangioma

Solitary pulmonary lymphangiomas are rare benign lesions thought to result from the development of abnormally proliferating lymphatic vessels. This report describes a case of solitary pulmonary lymphangioma resected under video assisted thoracoscopic surgery and diagnosed using histological and immunohistochemical investigations.

Skeletal muscle regeneration associated with the stroma reaction during tumor invasion in the rat tongue

This study was aimed to demonstrate the regeneration of skeletal muscle fibers in the stroma reaction during tumor invasion, using the rat model of tongue carcinoma. By oral administration of 4-nitroquinoline N-oxide, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) appeared in the epithelium, and deeply invaded the muscular layer, inducing the stroma reaction around the tumor. Regenerating muscle fibers, characterized by the immature profiles of sparse myofibrils, centrally disposed multi-nuclei, and abundant mitochondria, were extended from the surrounding normal muscles into the stroma. By immunohistochemistry, some of them expressed BF-45, a marker for an early stage of myodifferentiation, similar to the regenerating muscle fibers in the bupivacaine hydrochloride-induced injury. They were closely associated with the stromal components such as ED-1-positive macrophages, alpha-smooth muscle actin-positive myofibroblasts, and factor VIII-related antigen-positive vascular endothelial cells, suggesting the roles of their interactions in muscle regeneration. Immature muscle fibers were usually devoid of acetylcholinesterase-positive endplates on them, but some were reinnervated by the terminal axons. The present results indicate that skeletal muscle regeneration is induced in association with the stroma reaction during SCC invasion in the tongue.

Effect of SMP-500, a novel acyl-coA:cholesterol acyltransferase inhibitor, on the cholesterol esterification and its hypocholesterolemic properties

We investigated the effects of SMP-500, a novel acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) inhibitor, on ACAT activities in the liver and intestine, and in macrophages. We measured its effects on the serum cholesterol levels and hepatic cholesterol content in mice, rabbits and hamsters. SMP-500 inhibited ACAT activities in rabbit liver and small intestine microsomes with IC(50) values of 72 and 84 nmol/l, respectively, and acted as a competitive inhibitor of rabbit liver ACAT. SMP-500 potently inhibited cholesterol esterification in rat peritoneal macrophages (IC(50) = 15 nmol/l). In high-fat and high-cholesterol diet-fed mice and in high-cholesterol diet-fed rabbits, SMP-500 reduced the serum cholesterol levels and the hepatic cholesterol content. SMP-500 also reduced the serum and hepatic cholesterol in normal chow-fed hamsters in a dose-dependent manner. In all the animal models, SMP-500 reduced the hepatic free cholesterol content as well as the total and esterified cholesterol. Administered orally, SMP-500 had a direct inhibitory effect on hepatic ACAT activity. These results indicate that SMP-500 is a potent and competitive ACAT inhibitor and may have a therapeutic potential for treating hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis.

Changes in fresh nasal bone fractures with time on computed tomographic scans

Twenty cases of fresh nasal bone fractures were examined for which computed tomographic (CT) scans were obtained at the time of initial consultation, immediately after surgery, and 1 month after surgery. CT scans were obtained in the axial position from the nasal bone to the nasal apex, with slice intervals and slice thicknesses of 2 mm. For evaluation after reduction, classification of fracture and measurement of angle (0) of the fractured portion were performed by CT examination. The authors considered angles close to 0 deg to indicate good reduction. In addition, they performed overall evaluation based on the shape of the arch formed by the nasal bone and maxilla. Based on this, they compared the result of evaluation immediately after surgery with that found 1 month after surgery. Evaluation of reduction by CT examination performed immediately after surgery revealed excellent results in 2 patients, good results in 10 patients, and fair results in 8 patients. Reevaluation of reduction by CT 1 month after surgery revealed excellent results in 10 patients, good results in 9 patients, and fair results in 1 patient. The shape of the nasal bone tended to improve with time.

Fingertip replantation using a single volar arteriovenous anastomosis and drainage with a transverse tip incision

Four cases of fingertip replantation using a single volar arteriovenous anastomosis and drainage with a transverse tip incision are reported. Because of lack of suitable arteries for anastomosis in the amputated finger, in each case a volar radial vein was anastomosed to the proximal digital artery and external drainage was performed through a transverse tip incision. In 3 cases the replanted fingertip survived completely; partial necrosis occurred in 1 case. Because veins are more superficial and larger than arteries, they are more available for anastomosis. The results indicate that this method is a useful alternative in fingertip replantation.

Insertion of intradermal needles into painful points provides analgesia for intractable abdominal scar pain

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Conventional treatments are often ineffective for patients having painful abdominal scars. There are painful points in and around scar tissue. We tested the hypothesis that insertion of intradermal needles into these painful points reduces scar pain.

METHODS

Patients with abdominal scar pain with painful points that is not relieved by conventional treatments were allocated to a treatment group (n = 23), a sham-treatment group (n = 23), or a control group (n = 24). In the treatment group, intradermal needles were inserted into painful points detected by a pressure threshold meter (pain < or = 2.5 kg/cm(2)). In the sham-treatment group, the same needles were inserted into nonpainful points. The needles were kept in place for 24 hours. This process was repeated 20 times over a 4-week period. Responses were evaluated before and at the end of treatment, and 4 and 26 weeks after the treatment. Continuous and lancinating pain was evaluated on a 10-cm visual analog scale. We measured the area of pain and the pressure required to initiate painful-point pain. All patients took diclofenac as needed and completed a diary of daily diclofenac consumption.

RESULTS

Patients in the treatment group showed a marked reduction in all pain parameters (>70%). In contrast, analgesia was minimal in the other groups. The decreases in the pain threshold pressure correlated with the decreases in continuous and lancinating pain (r =.57 and r =.63, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that insertion of intradermal needles into painful points is a remarkably effective treatment for intractable abdominal scar pain. Analgesia presumably results from inactivation of painful points, through a yet to be elucidated mechanism.

Intraoperative prostaglandin E1 improves antimicrobial and inflammatory responses in alveolar immune cells

OBJECTIVE

Anesthesia and surgery decrease antimicrobial and increase proinflammatory functions of alveolar immune cells. Thus, anti-inflammatory agents that do not further suppress antimicrobial functions are required. We tested the hypothesis that intraoperative prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) suppresses proinflammatory responses and prevents the reduction in antimicrobial responses of alveolar immune cells.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind study.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENTS

A total of 40 patients undergoing elective orthopedic surgery under propofol/fentanyl anesthesia.

INTERVENTION

In double-blind fashion, the patients received PGE1 from the beginning to the end of surgery (PGE1 group, n = 20) or nothing (control group, n = 20).

METHODS AND MAIN RESULTS

Alveolar immune cells were harvested by bronchoalveolar lavage immediately after induction of anesthesia; 2, 4, and 6 hrs after induction of anesthesia; and at the end of surgery. We measured opsonized and nonopsonized phagocytosis. Microbicidal activity was evaluated to directly kill Listeria monocytogenes in alveolar macrophages. Finally, we determined the expression of proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-8, interferon-gamma, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and that of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) by semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction. Nonopsonized and opsonized phagocytosis and microbicidal activity of alveolar macrophages decreased and the expression of genes for all pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines increased significantly over time in both groups. Starting 2-4 hrs after induction of anesthesia, the increases in gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines were 1.5-3 times smaller in the PGE1 than in the control group. Starting 6 hrs after anesthesia, the increase in gene expression of IL-10 was 1.5-3 times greater in the PGE1 than in the control group. Intraoperative decreases in phagocytic and microbial activities were the same in the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative PGE1 not only suppressed proinflammatory responses, but also protected antimicrobial functions of alveolar macrophages, possibly because PGE1 is mostly inactivated in the pulmonary intravascular space. Our results suggest that intraoperative PGE1 protects the pulmonary immune defense in alveolar immune cells.

UDP-sugar transporter implicated in glycosylation and processing of Notch

Glycosylation modifies protein activities in various biological processes. Here, we report the functions of a novel UDP-sugar transporter (UST74C, an alternative name for Fringe connection (Frc)) localized to the Golgi apparatus in cellular signalling of Drosophila. Mutants in the frc gene exhibit phenotypes resembling wingless and Notch mutants. Both Fringe-dependent and Fringe-independent Notch pathways are affected, and both glycosylation and proteolytic maturation of Notch are defective in mutant larvae. The results suggest that changes in nucleotide-sugar levels can differently affect Wingless and two distinct aspects of Notch signalling.

Rebound perioperative hyperkalemia in six patients after cessation of ritodrine for premature labor

IMPLICATIONS

This report describes six patients who had marked hyperkalemia 60-150 min after cessation of intravenous ritodrine, which had been administered for management of preterm labor. Abnormal electrocardiographic findings are very important clues for a prompt diagnosis of hyperkalemia.

Completion pneumonectomy for recurrent or second primary lung cancer

OBJECTIVE

We studied 8 patients undergoing completion pneumonectomy for recurrent or second primary lung cancer.

METHODS

Subjects were men who averaged 62 years of age. Of these 6 had p-stage I, and 2 p-stage II disease at initial operation. At the second operation, we diagnosed 3 with second primary lung cancer and 5 with recurrent lung cancer. We predicted postoperative pulmonary function by calculating the predicted forced expiratory volume in 1.0 second (FEV1.0) from residual numbers of subsegments after completion pneumonectomy. All predicted FEV1.0 in our 8 cases ranged from 544 to 926 (773 +/- 144) ml/m2.

RESULTS

Six patients experienced postoperative complications and morbidity was 75%. One patient undergoing completion sleeve pneumonectomy after radiation therapy for local carina recurrence died on 7th postoperative day due to anastomotic dehiscence and pneumonia. Overall operative mortality was 12.5% (1/8). Four remain alive and actuarial 5-year survival was 37.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

Careful consideration is needed in determining operative indications for completion pneumonectomy for patients after radiation therapy. Patients with recurrent squamous cell carcinoma who have p-stage I disease at initial operation and those with second primary lung cancer and p-stage I or II disease can expect relatively a long-term survival, and we concluded that completion pneumonectomy could be conducted in these cases with a satisfactory prognosis.

Organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, and butyltin compounds in blubber and livers of stranded California sea lions, elephant seals, and harbor seals from coastal California, USA

Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), DDTs (p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDD, p,p'-DDT), chlordanes (CHLs; cis-chlordane, cis-nonachlor, trans-nonachlor, and oxychlordane), hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), tris(4-chlorophenyl)methane (TCPMe), tris(4-chlorophenyl)methanol (TCPMOH), and mono- (MBT), di-(DBT), and tri-butyltin (TBT) were determined in blubber and livers of 15 California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), 6 northern elephant seals (Mirounga augustirostris), and 10 harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) found stranded along the coasts of California, USA, during 1991-1997. Among the organochlorines analyzed, DDTs were predominant, followed in decreasing order by PCBs, CHLs, TCPMe, TCPMOH, HCHs, and HCB. The greatest concentrations of organochlorines were found in California sea lions. The highest DDT and PCB concentrations found in the blubber of California sea lions were 2,900 and 1,300 microg/g, lipid weight, respectively. Concentrations of TCPMe and TCPMOH in California sea lions were correlated significantly with DDT concentrations. Concentration ratios of various organochlorines in harbor seal livers were different from those in California sea lions and elephant seals, which suggested that the sources of exposure of harbor seals to organochlorines were different from those in the other two species. Concentrations of butyltin compounds in livers of pinniped species ranged from 2 to 99 ng/g, wet weight, which were less than those observed in cetaceans and in California sea otters.

Recovery of intraoperative microbicidal and inflammatory functions of alveolar immune cells after a tobacco smoke-free period

BACKGROUND

Tobacco smoking inhibits alveolar macrophage function, but cessation of smoking markedly reduces the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications. The authors therefore evaluated the effect of nonsmoking duration on both antimicrobial and inflammatory functions of alveolar macrophages during anesthesia and surgery.

METHODS

The authors studied 15 patients who had never smoked, 15 current smokers, and 41 former smokers, all of whom underwent general anesthesia. Former smokers were further allocated to one of three groups depending on their smoke-free periods: 2 months (n = 13), 3-5 months (n = 13), and 6-12 months (n = 15). Alveolar immune cells were collected by bronchoalveolar lavage immediately after induction of anesthesia, at 2 and 4 h after induction of anesthesia, and at the end of surgery. Opsonized and nonopsonized phagocytosis were measured. Microbicidal activity was determined as the ability of the macrophages to kill Listeria monocytogenes directly. Finally, we determined the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin 1beta, interleukin 8, interferon gamma, and tumor necrosis factor alpha, and of antiinflammatory cytokines (interleukin 4 and 10) by semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Nonopsonized and opsonized phagocytosis and microbicidal activity of alveolar macrophages (antimicrobial functions) decreased 20-50%, and the expression of genes for all proinflammatory and antiinflammatory cytokines increased 3-30-fold over time in all groups. Starting 4 h after induction of anesthesia, the decreases in antimicrobial functions were 1.5-3 times greater in current and former smokers (2 months' abstinence) than in patients who had never smoked. Starting 4 h after anesthesia, the increase in expression of all cytokines, except interleukin 8, was twofold to fivefold less in current and former smokers (2-6 months' abstinence) than in patients who had never smoked.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that former smokers may have a limited ability to mount effective pulmonary immune defenses for long as 6 months after stopping cigarette use.

[A surgical treatment for ischemic heart disease associated with systemic lupus erythematodes: report of a case]

We reported a case of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) associated with systemic lupus erythematodes (SLE). A 45-year-old male who had been treated for SLE with prednisolone for 9 years was transferred to our department for a surgical treatment due to ischemic heart disease (IHD). We successfully performed CABG resolving various perioperative complications. The intensive care is indispensable in the case of IHD with SLE.

Molecular characterization of human UDP-glucuronic acid/UDP-N-acetylgalactosamine transporter, a novel nucleotide sugar transporter with dual substrate specificity

A novel human nucleotide sugar transporter (NST) which transports both UDP-glucuronic acid (UDP-GlcA) and UDP-N-acetylgalactosamine (UDP-GalNAc) has been identified, cloned and characterized. The strategy for the identification of the novel NST involved a search of the expressed sequence tags database for genes related to the human UDP-galactose transporter-related isozyme 1, followed by heterologous expression of a candidate gene (hUGTrel7) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and biochemical analyses. Significantly more UDP-GlcA and UDP-GalNAc were translocated from the reaction medium into the lumen of microsomes prepared from the hUGTrel7-expressing yeast cells than into the control microsomes from cells not expressing hUGTrel7. The possibility that this transporter participates in glucuronidation and/or chondroitin sulfate biosynthesis is discussed.

Gamma-ray-irradiated red blood cells stored in mannitol-adenine-phosphate medium: rheological evaluation and susceptibility to oxidative stress

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the rheological properties and the oxidative susceptibility of gamma-ray-irradiated red blood cells (RBCs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

RBCs in mannitol-adenine-phosphate (MAP) medium were irradiated with 35 Gy and stored at 4 degrees C for 4 weeks. The deformability of the RBCs was examined under shear flow in relation to the morphological and biochemical changes. The RBCs were further exposed to 1 mM FeSO(4) and 5 mM ascorbate to examine the oxidative susceptibility.

RESULTS

The RBC deformability was decreased during storage, and the impairment was further enhanced by the irradiation, which promoted cell shrinkage and intracellular hemoglobin condensation accompanying potassium loss. Lipid peroxidation and protein aggregation of the RBC membrane as well as echinocytosis were not enhanced by the irradiation. The exposure to free iron did not stimulate the oxidation of the irradiated RBC membrane.

CONCLUSION

The decreased deformability of gamma-ray-irradiated RBCs in MAP medium was mainly induced by dehydration due to potassium loss, and the membrane lipids and proteins were stably preserved against oxidative stress.

[Results of carinal resection for primary lung cancer]

Carinal resection for primary lung cancer was clinical evaluated. Carinal resection was performed in 18 patients. Thirteen patients underwent carinal resection and the other 5 sleeve or wedge pneumonectomy. The carinal reconstruction was of montage type in 10 patients and the double-barrel type in 2. There were 2 operative deaths, postoperative mortality rate was 11.1%. The 5-year survival for 16 patients excluding the 2 operative deaths was 38.8%. The 5-year survivals were 41.7% and 21.4% for N0 and N2 disease, respectively. Selected patients with localized lesion without mediastinal lymph node metastasis are the candidate for carinal resection and reconstruction.

Intrathecal methylprednisolone for intractable postherpetic neuralgia

BACKGROUND

There is no effective treatment for intractable postherpetic neuralgia. Because there is evidence that postherpetic neuralgia has an inflammatory component, we assessed treatment with intrathecally administered methylprednisolone to reduce pain in patients with this disorder.

METHODS

We enrolled 277 patients who had had intractable postherpetic neuralgia for at least one year, 270 of whom were followed for two years. The patients were randomly assigned to receive intrathecal methylprednisolone and lidocaine (3 ml of 3 percent lidocaine with 60 mg of methylprednisolone acetate, 89 patients), lidocaine alone (3 ml of 3 percent lidocaine, 91 patients), or no treatment (90 patients) once per week for up to four weeks. Each weekly dose was injected into the lumbar intrathecal space. Pain was evaluated before randomization, at the end of the treatment period, and then four weeks, one year, and two years later. Samples of cerebrospinal fluid were obtained for measurement of interleukin-8 before and at the end of the treatment period.

RESULTS

There was minimal change in the degree of pain in the lidocaine-only and control groups during and after the treatment period. In the methylprednisolone-lidocaine group, the intensity and area of pain decreased, and the use of the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug diclofenac declined by more than 70 percent four weeks after the end of treatment. No complications related to intrathecal methylprednisolone were observed. Before treatment, the concentrations of interleukin-8 in the cerebrospinal fluid were inversely related to the duration of neuralgia in all the patients (r=-0.49, P<0.001). In the patients who received methylprednisolone, interleukin-8 concentrations decreased by 50 percent, and this decrease correlated with the duration of neuralgia and with the extent of global pain relief (P<0.001 for both comparisons).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this trial indicate that the intrathecal administration of methylprednisolone is an effective treatment for postherpetic neuralgia.

Decreased deformability of the X-ray-irradiated red blood cells stored in mannitol-adenine-phosphate medium

X-ray irradiation of blood is an effective way to prevent transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease. Red blood cells (RBCs) from normal donors suspended in mannitol-adenine-phosphate (MAP) medium were irradiated with X-ray of 15 and 35 Gy in minimum dose. The change of deformability of the RBCs during storage at 4 degrees C for 4 weeks was examined under shear stress of 13-130 dyn/cm2 using a rheoscope, in relation to the hematological and biochemical properties. (1) The deformability of RBCs was decreased during the storage, and it was further decreased by the irradiation. In addition, the number of undeformable RBCs against a given shear stress increased after the irradiation. (2) The cell volume gradually decreased, while the intracellular hemoglobin concentration increased. These changes were accelerated by the irradiation. The echinocytic transformation during the storage was not accelerated by the irradiation. (3) The content of aggregated proteins reducible with beta-mercaptoethanol in RBC membrane increased during the storage, but was not increased by the irradiation. Membrane lipid peroxidation was not increased during the storage and by the irradiation. (4) Leakage of potassium ions from RBCs during the storage was accelerated by the irradiation. In conclusion, shear-induced deformation of RBCs stored in MAP medium was impaired by X-ray irradiation, mainly due to dehydration caused by excess leakage of potassium ions from RBCs.

Supplemental intraoperative oxygen augments antimicrobial and proinflammatory responses of alveolar macrophages

BACKGROUND

The first goal was to test the hypothesis that 100% inspired oxygen maintained for approximately 8 h intraoperatively is not associated with impaired pulmonary oxygenation. The authors also tested the hypothesis that intraoperative inhalation of 100% oxygen augments proinflammatory and antimicrobial responses of alveolar macrophages during anesthesia and surgery.

METHODS

The authors studied patients administered 100% oxygen (n = 30) and 30% oxygen (n = 30) during propofol-fentanyl general anesthesia. Alveolar macrophages were harvested by bronchoalveolar lavage immediately, 2, 4, and 6 h after induction of anesthesia, and at the end of surgery. The authors measured "opsonized" and "unopsonized" phagocytosis and microbicidal activity. RNA was extracted from harvested cells and cDNA was synthesized. The expression of interleukin(IL)-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) was measured by semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Gene expression of all proinflammatory cytokines except IL-6 increased fourfold to 20-fold over time in both groups. However, expression of TNF-alpha and IL-8, IFN-gamma, and IL-6 and IL-1beta was 2-20 times greater in patients administered 100% than in those administered 30% oxygen. Unopsonized and opsonized phagocytosis and microbicidal activity decreased progressively, with the decreases being nearly twice as great during inhalation of 30% oxygen versus 100% oxygen.

CONCLUSION

Inhalation of 100% oxygen improved intraoperative decreases in phagocytic and microbicidal activity possibly because expression of proinflammatory cytokines was augmented. These data therefore suggest that intraoperative inhalation of 100% oxygen augments antimicrobial and proinflammatory responses in alveolar macrophages during anesthesia and surgery.

Elongated uvula with a pleomorphic adenoma: a rare cause of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

The authors encountered a case of elongated uvula with a pleomorphic adenoma originating from the minor salivary gland, causing frequent upper airway obstruction. A 75-year-old woman had obstructive sleep apnea syndrome brought about by the swallowing impact of the pendulous tumor into the hypopharyngeal and supralaryngeal spaces. Although there are some case reports about tumors originating from the uvula, this is the first reported to cause obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

[Intrathoracic transplantation of musculocutaneous flap for chronic empyema]

We have used the musculocutaneous (MC) flap to treat 4 patients with chronic empyema secondary to pulmonary tuberculosis. Subjects were 4 male patients aged 72.8 in average. The period of illness was 10 months at the shortest and 15 years at the longest. All of the patients had been introduced to our department after open drainage thoracostomy. Two patients had been performed intrathoracic transplantation of the pedicled omentum flaps, however infection had been recurred and one patient had been carried out abdominal surgery, thus in whom the omentum flap couldn't be used. Intrathoracic transplantation of two latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps and two rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flaps were carried out. After the radical operations, their refractory infected empyemas were completely healed. The MC flap was shown to be useful as a radical operation for severe chronic empyema, especially for the case in which the omentum flap can't be used.

Smoking decreases alveolar macrophage function during anesthesia and surgery

BACKGROUND

Smoking changes numerous alveolar macrophage functions and is one of the most important risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications. The current study tested the hypothesis that smoking impairs antimicrobial and proinflammatory responses in alveolar macrophages during anesthesia and surgery.

METHOD

The authors studied 30 smoking and 30 nonsmoking patients during propofol-fentanyl general anesthesia. Alveolar immune cells were harvested by bronchoalveolar lavage immediately and 2, 4, and 6 h after induction of anesthesia and at the end of surgery. The types of alveolar immune cell and macrophage aggregation were determined. The authors measured opsonized and unopsonized phagocytosis. Microbicidal activity was determined as the ability of the macrophages to kill Listeriamonocytogenes directly. Finally, RNA was extracted from harvested cells and cDNA was synthesized by reverse transcription. The expression of interleukin 1beta, 6, and 8, interferon gamma, and tumor necrosis factor alpha were measured by semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction using beta-actin as an internal standard.

RESULTS

The fraction of aggregated macrophages increased significantly over time in both groups, whereas phagocytosis of opsonized and nonopsonized particles and microbicidal activity of alveolar macrophages decreased significantly. The changes, though, were nearly twice as great as in patients who smoked. Gene expression of all proinflammatory cytokines in alveolar immune cells except interleukin 6 increased 2- to 20-fold over time in both groups. The expression of interleukin 1beta, interferon gamma, and tumor necrosis factor alpha, however, increased only half as much in smokers as in nonsmokers.

CONCLUSION

Smoking was associated with macrophage aggregation but markedly reduced phagocytic and microbicidal activity-possibly because expression of proinflammatory cytokines was reduced in these patients. Our data thus suggest that smokers may have a limited ability to mount an effective pulmonary immune defense after anesthesia and surgery.

Cardiopulmonary bypass produces greater pulmonary than systemic proinflammatory cytokines

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) impairs pulmonary endothelial injury in part by increasing expression of adhesion molecules that results in neutrophil influx. Although numerous proinflammatory cytokines up-regulate these responses, the extent to which systemic and pulmonary proinflammatory cytokines increase remains unknown. We therefore examined systemic and pulmonary gene expression and production of proinflammatory cytokines during CPB. Bronchoalveolar lavage and peripheral blood sampling were performed just after the induction of anesthesia and at the end of surgery in 80 patients undergoing CPB. RNA was extracted from harvested cells and cDNA was synthesized by reverse transcription. The expression of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) was measured by semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction using beta-actin as an internal standard. We also measured these cytokines in cultured alveolar macrophages and plasma monocytes in standard medium alone, or in the presence of lipopolysaccharide. We found 2- to 20-fold increases in gene expression for these cytokines in both plasma and alveolar leukocytes at the end of surgery. However, the increases were 4-8 times greater in alveolar than plasma leukocytes. Alveolar macrophages obtained at the end of surgery produced 1.5-3 times more IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha than those obtained at the beginning (P < 0.0001). Although plasma monocytes produced more IL-8 at the end of surgery (P < 0.001), TNF-alpha and IL-6 did not increase. The production of all cytokines was 1.5-3 times greater in alveolar macrophages obtained at the end of surgery than in plasma monocytes obtained simultaneously (P < 0.005). Our data thus suggest that CPB provokes a greater pulmonary than systemic inflammatory response.

Neutrophil number and interleukin-8 and elastase concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid correlate with decreased arterial oxygenation after cardiopulmonary bypass

Atelectasis is a major cause of decreased arterial oxygenation after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). There is a close relationship between atelectasis and inflammatory responses. We therefore tested the hypothesis that neutrophil number and the concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines and elastase in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid correlate with changes in arterial oxygenation. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed just after the induction of anesthesia and at the end of surgery in 80 patients undergoing CPB. Peripheral blood was sampled simultaneously. Arterial oxygenation was quantified by PaO(2)/fraction of inspired oxygen (FIO(2)) and intrapulmonary shunt (Q(s)/Q(t)). PaO(2)/FIO(2) and Q(s)/Q(t) decreased significantly at the end of surgery, whereas neutrophil number, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and elastase concentrations in the lavage fluid increased significantly. The increase in neutrophil count from the lavage fluid correlated significantly with the increases in IL-8 and elastase concentrations. The increase in neutrophil number and IL-8 and elastase concentrations in the lavage fluid correlated significantly with PaO(2)/FIO(2) and Q(s)/Q(t) at the end of surgery. In contrast, none of the plasma values correlated with these variables. Significant correlation between immune mediators and decreased arterial oxygenation suggests that inflammatory responses in the distal airway are strongly related to a decrease in arterial oxygenation after CPB.

Malignant transformation and EGFR activation of immortalized mouse liver epithelial cells caused by HBV enhancer-X from a human hepatocellular carcinoma

We have previously observed that all human hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) from HBV carriers examined had the integrated X region. In this study, HBV DNA was isolated from an integration site in one HCC that had a single, very small integrated viral DNA including the X region, but it had no expression of X gene as poly(A)RNA. It was found that HBV DNA was present between alphoid repetitive sequences, and it included Enhancer and X regions, encompassing the adr sequence from 910 to 1811. Nucleotides for 8 amino acids at the 3' end, a stop codon of X gene and a poly(A) signal downstream of X gene were lost by integration, and nucleotides for 7 amino acids and a stop codon were substituted by a connected alphoid sequence. When this cloned HBV DNA was transfected with an expression vector to an immortalized mouse liver epithelial cell line, MLE-10, malignant transformation occurred. Transformants having expressed poly(A)RNA of the X gene showed anchorage-independent growth in soft agar and tumor formation in the subcutis of nude mice. The mRNA level of EGFR was found to be remarkably enhanced in X-transformed cells, in contrast with the absence of this mRNA in parental and ras-transformed MLE-10. Our data provide evidence that the Enhancer-X region alone is the key contributor to the malignant change of pre-malignant liver cells in HBV carriers through activation of some specific genes, such as EGFR.

Detection of capillary protein leakage by indocyanine green and glucose dilutions in septic patients

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether indocyanine green (ICG) and glucose dilutions can detect generalized capillary protein leakage in septic patients without requiring repeated measurements.

DESIGN

Prospective, clinical study.

SETTING

General intensive care unit.

PATIENTS

Twelve consecutive patients who met the criteria of sepsis and 16 consecutive acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients without any underlying pathology inducing generalized protein capillary leakage.

INTERVENTIONS

Both ICG 25 mg and glucose 5 g were administered simultaneously, to calculate the plasma volume determined by the ICG dilution method (PV-ICG) and the initial distribution volume of glucose (IDVG), on day 1 of sepsis or on day 1 of hospitalization for the AMI patients. The relationship between these two volumes and the PV-ICG/IDVG ratio was evaluated in two patient groups.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Although the IDVG of the two patient groups was not statistically different, the PV-ICG in the septic patients was higher than that in the AMI patients (p < .01). Consequently, the PV-ICG/IDVG ratio in the septic patients was higher than that in the AMI patients (p < .01). Eight of the 12 septic patients had a PV-ICG/IDVG ratio of >0.45, which was not observed in any of the AMI patients. The PV-ICG/IDVG ratio in the septic patients correlated inversely with the total plasma protein concentration (r2 = .46, p < .025) and mean arterial pressure (r2 = .42, p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that overestimation of the PV-ICG can occur in septic patients and, further, suggest that simultaneous measurement of the two distribution volumes would help predict generalized capillary protein leakage in septic patients without repeated measurement.

Malignant transformation and EGFR activation of immortalized mouse liver epithelial cells caused by HBV enhancer-X from a human hepatocellular carcinoma

We have previously observed that all human hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) from HBV carriers examined had the integrated X region. In this study, HBV DNA was isolated from an integration site in one HCC that had a single, very small integrated viral DNA including the X region, but it had no expression of X gene as poly(A)RNA. It was found that HBV DNA was present between alphoid repetitive sequences, and it included Enhancer and X regions, encompassing the adr sequence from 910 to 1811. Nucleotides for 8 amino acids at the 3' end, a stop codon of X gene and a poly(A) signal downstream of X gene were lost by integration, and nucleotides for 7 amino acids and a stop codon were substituted by a connected alphoid sequence. When this cloned HBV DNA was transfected with an expression vector to an immortalized mouse liver epithelial cell line, MLE-10, malignant transformation occurred. Transformants having expressed poly(A)RNA of the X gene showed anchorage-independent growth in soft agar and tumor formation in the subcutis of nude mice. The mRNA level of EGFR was found to be remarkably enhanced in X-transformed cells, in contrast with the absence of this mRNA in parental and ras-transformed MLE-10. Our data provide evidence that the Enhancer-X region alone is the key contributor to the malignant change of pre-malignant liver cells in HBV carriers through activation of some specific genes, such as EGFR.

Exposure to cigarette smoke impairs alveolar macrophage functions during halothane and isoflurane anesthesia in rats

BACKGROUND

Smoking alters numerous alveolar macrophage functions and is an important risk factor for postoperative pulmonary complications. The authors therefore tested the hypothesis that smoke exposure impairs antimicrobial and proinflammatory responses in alveolar macrophages during halothane and isoflurane anesthesia with mechanical ventilation.

METHODS

Thirty control rats and 30 rats exposed to cigarette smoke were mechanically ventilated with 1.5 minimum alveolar concentration halothane and isoflurane. Ten smoke-exposed and control animals were assigned to one of three different anesthetic durations (0, 2, and 6 h). The fraction of aggregated cells and cell distribution were determined. Opsonized and unopsonized phagocytosis was measured. Microbicidal activity was determined as the ability to kill Listeria monocytogenes. The expression of interleukin (IL)-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, macrophage inflammatory protein-2, interferon-gamma, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha was measured by semiquantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Pulmonary lavage concentrations of these cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

During both halothane and isoflurane anesthesia, the fraction of aggregated macrophages increased, whereas unopsonized and opsonized phagocytosis and microbicidal activity decreased significantly over time in both groups. Responses observed in smoke-exposed rats were almost twice as great as those observed in the control rats. Gene expression and production of all proinflammatory cytokines except IL-6 increased 2-20-fold during anesthesia. The increases in IL-1beta, interferon-gamma, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the control rats were 1.5-8 times greater than those in the smoke-exposed rats.

CONCLUSION

Antimicrobial and proinflammatory responses of alveolar macrophages during anesthesia were markedly suppressed by smoke exposure. Our data suggest that smoke exposure reduces the efficacy of immune defenses during anesthesia.

Expression of genes for proinflammatory cytokines in alveolar macrophages during propofol and isoflurane anesthesia

Anesthesia and surgery induce macrophage aggregation and neutrophil influx, responses that characterize an inflammatory reaction in the distal airway. We thus evaluated the time-dependent expression of genes for proinflammatory cytokines during propofol and isoflurane anesthesia. We studied patients anesthetized with propofol (n = 20) or isoflurane (n = 20). Alveolar macrophages were harvested by bronchoalveolar lavage immediately, 2, 4, and 6 h after induction of anesthesia, and at the end of surgery. RNA was extracted from harvested cells and cDNA was synthesized by reverse transcription. Expression of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), IL-6, IL-8, interferon gamma, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha was measured by semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction using beta-actin as an internal standard. We observed two 10-fold increases in gene expression of all proinflammatory cytokines except IL-6. The increases in IL-8 and interferon gamma were 1.5-3 times greater during isoflurane than propofol anesthesia. Expression of the genes for IL-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha was similar with each anesthetic. Our data thus indicate that the pulmonary inflammatory response accompanying anesthesia and surgery is accompanied by the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, and that this expression was in some cases greater during isoflurane than propofol anesthesia.

IMPLICATIONS

Gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines in alveolar macrophages increased significantly over time. The increases were greater during isoflurane than propofol anesthesia, suggesting that inflammatory responses at transcriptional levels in alveolar macrophages are modulated by the type and duration of anesthesia.

Does indocyanine green accurately measure plasma volume independently of its disappearance rate from plasma in critically ill patients?

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether plasma volume determined by the indocyanine green (ICG) dilution method (PV-ICG) is equally accurate independently of its disappearance rate from plasma in the critically ill.

DESIGN

Retrospective clinical investigation.

SETTING

Intensive care unit of a university teaching hospital.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

192 adult patients were initially enrolled. The PV-ICG and the initial distribution volume of glucose (IDVG) were calculated utilizing a one-compartment model by simultaneous administration of ICG 25 mg and glucose 5 g on the first day of measurement in each patient. Twenty-one patients were excluded from the study because of a higher PV-ICG/IDVG ratio (> 0.45) indicating apparent overestimation of the PV-ICG associated with the generalized protein capillary leakage. The remaining 171 patients were divided into four groups according to the magnitude of their disappearance rate of ICG from plasma (Ke-ICG).

RESULTS

Convergence was assumed consistently in each ICG or glucose decay curve, even in the lower Ke-ICG less than 0.10/min. The relationship between the two volumes was not statistically different among groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that the measurement of the PV-ICG can be equally accurate independently of its disappearance rate from plasma unless there is generalized protein capillary leakage.

Mimicry of CD40 signals by Epstein-Barr virus LMP1 in B lymphocyte responses

The effect of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) on the activation and differentiation of normal B cells was investigated. B cells of transgenic mice expressing LMP1 under the control of immunoglobulin promoter/enhancer displayed enhanced expression of activation antigens and spontaneously proliferated and produced antibody. Humoral immune responses of LMP1 transgenic mice in CD40-deficient or normal backgrounds revealed that LMP1 mimics CD40 signals to induce extrafollicular B cell differentiation but, unlike CD40, blocks germinal center formation. Thus, these specific properties of LMP1 may determine the site of primary B cell infection and the state of infection in the natural course of EBV infection, whereas subsequent loss of LMP1 expression may affect the site of persistent latent infection.