Ambient heat exposure after the rainy season is associated with an increased risk of Stroke

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Stroke is a major global health issue and Climate change is the biggest and most urgent challenges. The Asia and Pacific region have been more vulnerable to climate change and extreme heat exposure than other regions of the world. Despite the growing concern for heat waves, few studies have investigated heat exposure and the risk of Stroke in the elderly considering effect of Asian meteorological factors.

Purpose

We aimed to examine the association between heat exposure and the risk of Stroke in the elderly and to evaluate possible effect-measure modifications by the rainy season, which is a characteristic climatic occurrence in East Asia.

Methods

Our study was designed as a time-stratified case-crossover. The study included 3367 residents in the city, Japan, aged 65 years or older who were dispatched to emergency hospitals between 2012 and 2019 for the onset of Stroke during and a few months after the rainy seasons (Picture 1). We examined the association between temperature and Stroke onset during and a few months after the rainy seasons with conditional logistic analysis adjusted for relative humidity, barometric pressure, and particulate matter less than 2.5 µm in diameter (pm 2.5). Furthermore, we examined analyses on effect-measure modification where is the exposure of a 1°C increase in temperature and potential effect modifier as stratified during and after the rainy seasons.

Results

Heat exposure during one month after the rainy season was associated with Stroke risk; the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for a 1°C increase in temperature was 1.34 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29-1.39). In stratified type of the stroke, Hemorrhagic stroke (OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.24-1.51), Ischemic stroke (OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.24-1.53), and Transient ischemic attack (OR: 1.43, 95%CI: 1.23-1.68) were significantly associated with heat exposure during one month after the rainy season respectively (Picture 2). In the results of analyses on effect modification, one month after the rainy season group was highest than other groups when reference was during the rainy seasons (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.3-1.39, P<0.001 [Measure of effect modification on additive scale]).

Conclusions

The present study suggests that heat exposure increases the risk of Stroke onset during the month after the end of the rainy season in the elderly. We propose that public health measures, such as maintenance designed high-insulated housing and improved air conditioning control, be implemented in the Asia and Pacific region to address heat exposure during one month after the rainy season, which can affect the incidence of stroke in the elderly.

Heat exposure after the rainy season is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular emergency

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Climate change and global warming are some of the biggest issues in our society. Despite the growing concern for heat waves, while some previous studies have examined the effects of heat on CVD by focusing on maximum or mean daily temperature or long heat exposure periods, few studies have investigated the hourly effects of heat exposure and the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in the elderly.

Purpose

We aimed to examine the association between heat exposure and the risk of CVD in the elderly and to evaluate possible effect-measure modifications by the rainy season in East Asia.

Methods

Our study was designed as a time-stratified case-crossover. The study included 6527 residents in Japan, aged 65 years or older who were dispatched to emergency hospitals between 2012 and 2019 for the onset of CVD during and a few months after the rainy seasons. We examined the association between temperature and CVD onset for each year and for hourly intervals (lag) before the emergency call during the most relevant months.

Results

Heat exposure during one month after the rainy season was associated with CVD risk; the odds ratio (OR) for a 1°C increase in temperature was 1.34 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29–1.39). By hourly time interval (lag) before the emergency call during the month after the end of the rainy season, 0-6 hour before the case event (lag 0–6) were associated with CVD risk, particularly for lag 0–1 (OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.28–1.39). For longer periods, the highest risk was at lag 0-23 (OR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.34-1.46) (Picture).

Conclusions

The present study suggests that heat exposure increases the risk of CVD onset during the month after the end of the rainy season in the elderly. Hourly exposure in less than one day to heat rise obtained from the temporal resolution may triggers CVD onset.

Pseudodidymellaceae fam. nov.: Phylogenetic affiliations of mycopappus-like genera in Dothideomycetes

The familial placement of four genera, Mycodidymella, Petrakia, Pseudodidymella, and Xenostigmina, was taxonomically revised based on morphological observations and phylogenetic analyses of nuclear rDNA SSU, LSU, tef1, and rpb2 sequences. ITS sequences were also provided as barcode markers. A total of 130 sequences were newly obtained from 28 isolates which are phylogenetically related to Melanommataceae (Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes) and its relatives. Phylogenetic analyses and morphological observation of sexual and asexual morphs led to the conclusion that Melanommataceae should be restricted to its type genus Melanomma, which is characterised by ascomata composed of a well-developed, carbonaceous peridium, and an aposphaeria-like coelomycetous asexual morph. Although Mycodidymella, Petrakia, Pseudodidymella, and Xenostigmina are phylogenetically related to Melanommataceae, these genera are characterised by epiphyllous, lenticular ascomata with well-developed basal stroma in their sexual morphs, and mycopappus-like propagules in their asexual morphs, which are clearly different from those of Melanomma. Pseudodidymellaceae is proposed to accommodate these four genera. Although Mycodidymella and Xenostigmina have been considered synonyms of Petrakia based on sexual morphology, we show that they are distinct genera. Based on morphological observations, these genera in Pseudodidymellaceae are easily distinguished by their synasexual morphs: sigmoid, multi-septate, thin-walled, hyaline conidia (Mycodidymella); globose to ovoid, dictyosporus, thick-walled, brown conidia with cellular appendages (Petrakia); and clavate with a short rostrum, dictyosporus, thick-walled, brown conidia (Xenostigmina). A synasexual morph of Pseudodidymella was not observed. Although Alpinaria was treated as member of Melanommataceae in a previous study, it has hyaline cells at the base of ascomata and pseudopycnidial, confluent conidiomata which is atypical features in Melanommataceae, and is treated as incertae sedis.

Selective mass enhancement close to the quantum critical point in BaFe2(As1-x P x )2

A quantum critical point (QCP) is currently being conjectured for the BaFe₂(As_1-x P _x )₂ system at the critical value x _c  ≈ 0.3. In the proximity of a QCP, all thermodynamic and transport properties are expected to scale with a single characteristic energy, given by the quantum fluctuations. Such a universal behavior has not, however, been found in the superconducting upper critical field H _c2. Here we report H _c2 data for epitaxial thin films extracted from the electrical resistance measured in very high magnetic fields up to 67 Tesla. Using a multi-band analysis we find that H _c2 is sensitive to the QCP, implying a significant charge carrier effective mass enhancement at the doping-induced QCP that is essentially band-dependent. Our results point to two qualitatively different groups of electrons in BaFe₂(As_1-x P _x )₂. The first one (possibly associated to hot spots or whole Fermi sheets) has a strong mass enhancement at the QCP, and the second one is insensitive to the QCP. The observed duality could also be present in many other quantum critical systems.

Calibration of the microcalorimeter spectrometer on-board the Hitomi (Astro-H) observatory (invited)

The Hitomi Soft X-ray Spectrometer (SXS) was a pioneering non-dispersive imaging x-ray spectrometer with 5 eV FWHM energy resolution, consisting of an array of 36 silicon-thermistor microcalorimeters at the focus of a high-throughput soft x-ray telescope. The instrument enabled astrophysical plasma diagnostics in the 0.3-12 keV band. We introduce the SXS calibration strategy and corresponding ground calibration measurements that took place from 2012-2015, including both the characterization of the microcalorimeter array and measurements of the x-ray transmission of optical blocking filters.

Instrumentation for dual-probe scanning near-field optical microscopy

To investigate local carrier motions, we developed a dual-probe scanning near-field optical microscope (SNOM) with two fiber probes where one is for photoexcitation and the other is for light collection. This instrumentation is based on two important techniques: the design of probe structures and distance control between the sample surface and the two probes. A finite-difference time-domain method numerically analyzed and optimized the design for high efficiency photoexcitation and light collection, while a dual band modulation realized distance control. Real time detection of the oscillations of the probe tips using different frequencies independently controls the distance between the probe tip and the sample surface as well as the distance between the two probes. Thus, the collection probe can be scanned around an illumination probe without destroying the probe tips. To demonstrate our SNOM, we performed photoluminescence spectroscopy under the dual-probe configuration and observed carrier motions in an InGaN quantum well.

MO-F-213AB-04: Biological Effect of Dose Shadowing by Fiducial Markers in Spot Scanning Proton Therapy with a Limited Number of Fields

PURPOSE

In spot scanning proton therapy, accurate patient positioning before and during treatment is essential. A small gold ball marker is suitable as a fiducial for prostate treatment. However, it has been pointed out that the marker causes dose shadowing because the protons are scattered with their energy quickly diminished. In this research we explore the possibility that the biological effect of dose shadowing can be mitigated with a limited number of fields.

METHODS

The proton dose distribution in prostate was simulated using Geant4. The simulations include the Hokkaido University spot scanning nozzle and a water phantom positioned isocentrically. The PTV was delineated at the center of the phantom and a gold ball of 2 mm in diameter was placed at the middle of the PTV. The plan was created by single-field optimization and each of the following beam arrangements was investigated; (1) single lateral field (2) two lateral fields (3) two lateral + one anterior fields (4) four-field box. The dose prescription was D95 = 74 GyE (37 fr). The minimum dose and tumor control probability (TCP) were compared for the four beam arrangements.

RESULTS

For (1)-(4), the minimum dose values were 55%, 77%, 78%, and 84% of the prescribed dose, respectively. The reduction of the TCP values from those in the absence of the gold marker were 50%, 2%, 1.1%, and 0.7%, using the TCP model by Wang et al. (Int.J.Radiat.Oncol.Biol.Phys. 55, 2003) and 2%, 0.7%, 0.5%, and 0.4%, using the biological parameters in Levegrün et al. (Int.J.RadiatOncol.Biol.Phys. 51, 2001), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Although dose shadowing by the gold marker is locally non-negligible, the size of the affected domain is tiny. It was found that with a minimum number of fields, the TCP nearly recovers to the value without the gold marker.

A novel wx mutation caused by insertion of a retrotransposon-like sequence in a glutinous cultivar of rice (Oryza sativa)

DNA polymorphism of the Wx gene in glutinous rice cultivars was investigated by PCR-RF-SSCP and heteroduplex cleavage analysis using Brassica petiole extract, and the nucleotide sequence variations were identified. Most japonica-type glutinous rice was found to have a 23-bp duplication in the second exon, which causes loss of the function of granule-bound starch synthase (GBSS) encoded by the Wx gene. Without the 23-bp duplication, there was an insertion of 7,764 bp in the ninth exon of the wx allele of 'Oragamochi'. Expression analysis of the wx allele using RT-PCR and Northern blot analysis revealed that transcripts of the 'Oragamochi' wx allele are about 1-kb shorter and that the deduced amino acid sequence of the transcript lacks a motif important for GBSS. Therefore, this insertion was considered to be the cause of the glutinous trait of 'Oragamochi'. This 7,764-bp insertion had long terminal repeats, a primer binding site, and a polypurine tract, but no sequence homologous with gag and pol, suggesting that it is a non-autonomous element. Furthermore, it had a structure similar to Dasheng and may be a member of Dasheng.

Gene expression of telomerase related proteins in human normal oral and ectocervical epithelial cells

We analyzed telomerase activities and gene expressions of telomerase components: hTERT, hTR, hTEP1, telomeric repeat binding factors: TRF1, TRF2, and c-myc, Max and Mad in human normal oral and ectocervical epithelial keratinocytes, comparing with those of squamous carcinoma cells and HPV16- or SV40-immortalized cells. Significant telomerase activity and hTERT expression were detected in primary keratinocytes. However, both were dramatically down-regulated during serial passages. The down-regulation of hTERT mRNA was associated with augmented expression of TRF1. Expression of c-myc was slightly decreased, whereas Mad was expressed in parallel with that of hTERT during passages. We also detected an alternate splicing of hTERT transcript in two of four cancer cells and normal aged epithelial cells. These results suggest that the senescence of normal oral and ectocervical keratinocytes is accompanied with up-regulation of TRF1 and down-regulation of telomerase activity due to transcriptional suppression of active form of hTERT in vitro.

Genomic organization of the S core region and the S flanking regions of a class-II S haplotype in Brassica rapa

The nucleotide sequence of an 86.4-kb region that includes the SP11, SRK, and SLG genes of Brassica rapa S-60 (a class-II S haplotype) was determined. In the sequenced region, 13 putative genes were found besides SP11-60, SRK-60, and SLG-60. Five of these sequences were isolated as cDNAs, five were homologues of known genes, cDNAs, or ORFs, and three are hypothetical ORFs. Based on their nucleotide sequences, however, some of them are thought to be non-functional. Two regions of colinearity between the class-II S-60 and Brassica class-I S haplotypes were identified, i.e., S flanking region 1 which shows partial colinearity of non-genic sequences and S flanking region 2 which shows a high level of colinearity. The observed colinearity made it possible to compare the order of SP-11, SRK, and SLG genes in the S locus between the five sequenced S haplotypes. It emerged that the order of SRK and SLG in class-II S-60 is the reverse of that in the four class-I S haplotypes reported so far, and the order of SP11, SRK and SLG is the opposite of that in the class-I haplotype S-910. The possible gene designated as SAN1 (S locus Anther-expressed Non-coding RNA like-1), which is located in the region between SP11-60 and SRK-60, has features reminiscent of genes for non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), but no homologous sequences were found in the databases. This sequence is transcribed in anthers but not in stigmas or leaves. These features of the genomic structure of S-60 are discussed with special reference to the characteristics of class-II S haplotypes.

Identification of S haplotypes in Brassica by dot-blot analysis of SP11 alleles

A self-incompatibility system is used for F(1) hybrid breeding in Brassicaceae vegetables. The determinants of recognition specificity of self-incompatibility in Brassica are SRK in the stigma and SP11/SCR in the pollen. Nucleotide sequences of SP11 alleles are more highly variable than those of SRK. We analyzed the S haplotype specificity of SP11 DNA by Southern-blot analysis and dot-blot analysis using 16 S haplotypes in Brassica oleracea, and found that DNA fragments of a mature protein region of SP11 cDNA, SP11(m), of eight S haplotypes can detect only the SP11 alleles of the same S haplotypes. This specificity makes these methods useful for S haplotype identification. Therefore, we developed two methods of dot-blot analysis for SP11. One is dot blotting of DNA samples, i.e. plant genomic DNA probed with labeled SP11(m), and the other is dot blotting of SP11(m) DNA fragments probed with labeled DNA samples, i.e. the SP11 coding region labeled by PCR using a template of plant genomic DNA. The former is useful for testing many plant materials. The latter is suitable, if there is no previous information on the S haplotypes of plant materials.

Release of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 from a newly developed carrier

After implantation of a polymer-coated gelatin sponge (PGS) containing either 0.4 or 1.0 mg of 125I-rhBMP-2 for each 1 cm(3) of PGS into the right ulnar of rabbits, changes in the level of radioactivity at the implant site and in the blood were measured for 21 days after implantation, and the cumulative excretion ratio of radioactivity in the urine and feces was calculated. For both doses, radioactivity at the implant site was eliminated biphasically. The concentration of trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-precipitable radioactivity in the blood reached a maximum 6 h after implantation, at which time it was equivalent to 1.41% of the administered dose (0.4 mg/cm(3)). The remaining radioactivity was eliminated rapidly thereafter, falling below the detection limit within 48 h. The t(1/2alpha) was about 0.1 days, the t(1/2beta) was about 3 days, and the mean resident time (MRT) value was about 4 days. By 17 days after implantation, 88.1% of the administered radioactivity had been excreted in the urine, and 1.7% had been excreted in the feces. TCA precipitation test results indicated that most of the radioactivity excreted in urine was a low-molecular weight decomposition product. At 21 days after implantation, the radioactivity of the PGS implant site had declined to 0.5% of the administered amount. Autoradiographs of the implant site taken 28 days after implantation revealed that, at both doses, the residual radioactivity was confined to the area of the implanted PGS. These results indicate that PGS retains an appropriate amount of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2) at the orthotopically implanted site for at least 21 days enough to induce bone regeneration. Thus, PGS shows great clinical potential as a carrier for rhBMP-2.

Magic numbers in exotic nuclei and spin-isospin properties of the NN interaction

The magic numbers in exotic nuclei are discussed, and their novel origin is shown to be the spin-isospin dependent part of the nucleon-nucleon interaction in nuclei. The importance and robustness of this mechanism is shown in terms of meson exchange, G-matrix, and QCD theories. In neutron-rich exotic nuclei, magic numbers such as N = 8, 20, etc. can disappear, while N = 6, 16, etc. arise, affecting the structure of the lightest exotic nuclei to nucleosynthesis of heavy elements.

A new recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 carrier for bone regeneration

A gelatin sponge was formed by foaming and heat treating a gelatin solution, followed by coating the solid with poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) to reinforce the gelatin framework. This sponge was tested for its suitability as a biodegradable porous, recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP)-2 carrier. Incorporation of rhBMP-2 into the sponge was closely related to its bulk density of gelatin sponge. The calcium content in the sponges, as assessed by an ectopic bone formation assay in rats, increased with the increasing sponge bulk density. Histologic and peripheral quantitative computed tomography analysis of implants in this ectopic assay system revealed cell growth throughout the carrier in 4 weeks after implantation regardless gelatin bulk density. The carrier containing rhBMP-2 maintained its three-dimensional structure after implantation; the carrier resisted collapse caused by soft tissue pressure during rapid bone formation as assessed by soft X-ray photographs. These results indicate that this newly developed sponge has excellent carrier characteristics to introduce rhBMP-2 into areas needed for bone regeneration.

Expression of telomerase components in oral keratinocytes and squamous cell carcinomas

Telomerase activity was measured using a telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP), and expressions of the telomerase components, telomerase associated protein 1 (hTEP1), human telomerase RNA component (hTR), and human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) were measured by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in cultured normal oral keratinocytes and oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells. Telomerase localization was analyzed by in situ hybridization (ISH) in normal, precancerous and cancerous oral tissues. There was a strong correlation of telomerase activity with the expression levels of hTERT but not with hTEP1 or hTR mRNA in the cultured cells. Not only hTEP1 and hTR but also hTERT expression were detected in the basal cells of normal oral mucosa, and the cells expressing these mRNAs were also seen in the upper layer of leukoplakia of gingiva, and a heterogeneous pattern of expression was observed in the oral SCC tissues. These results indicate that there are at least two steps in the increase of telomerase activity during carcinogenesis in oral squamous cells; a change in distribution of cells expressing these telomerase components and the over-expression of hTERT gene in individual cells.

Reverse correlation of E-cadherin and snail expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells in vitro

The loss of E-cadherin expression has been shown to correlate to the invasion and metastasis of many types of carcinomas. We established E-cadherin positive (HOC719-PE) and negative (HOC719-NE) clones from an oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). HOC719-PE cells showed epithelial morphology with E-cadherin expression in the cell membrane, whereas HOC719-NE cells demonstrated fibroblastic morphology without E-cadherin expression. In invasion assay and three dimensional culture, HOC719-NE showed much higher invasive ability than HOC719-PE cells. These cells expressed similar levels of mRNAs for alpha- and beta-catenin. However, HOC719-NE cells, but not HOC719-PE cells, showed strong expression of snail, a transcription factor implicated in the differentiation of epithelial cells into mesenchymal phenotype. This reverse expression of snail and E-cadherin was further observed in other SCC cells including HOC313, and TSU cells that we previously reported to show no expression of E-cadherin protein. These results indicated that the expression of snail has a key role for the acquisition of more invasive and metastatic phenotypes of SCC and the clones we reported here will be useful tools for understanding the mechanism of the transition from epithelial to mesenchymal SCC cells.

Studies on the constituents of Broussonetia species. VII. Four new pyrrolidine alkaloids, broussonetines M, O, P, and Q, as inhibitors of glycosidase, from Broussonetia kazinoki SIEB

Four new pyrrolidine alkaloids, broussonetines M, O, P, and Q, were isolated from the branches of Broussonetia kazinoki SIEB, (Moraceae). Broussonetines M, O, P, and Q were formulated as (2R,3R,4R,5R)-2-hydroxymethyl-3,4-dihydroxy-5-[(10S)-10,13-dihydroxy-tri decyl]pyrrolidine (1), (2R,3R,4R,5R)-2-hydroxymethyl-3,4-dihydroxy-5-[(E)9-oxo-13-hydroxy-3- tridecenyl]pyrrolidine (2), (2R,3R,4R,5R)-2-hydroxymethyl-3,4-dihydroxy-5-[(E)10-oxo-13-hydroxy-3-++ +tridecenyl]pyrrolidine (3), and (2R,3S,4R,5R)-2-hydroxymethyl-3-hydroxy-4-(beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy++ +)-5-[10-oxo-13-(beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy)tridecyl]pyrrolidine (4) respectively, by spectroscopic and chemical methods. 1-4 inhibited beta-glucosidase, beta-galactosidase and beta-mannosidase.

Growth of normal oral keratinocytes and squamous cell carcinoma cells in a novel protein-free defined medium

A novel protein-free synthetic medium was developed for the culture of normal human oral keratinocytes. This medium, designated PFM-7, supports the serial cultivation of primary or secondary normal oral keratinocytes in protein-free, chemically defined conditions. Normal oral keratinocytes in PFM-7 exhibited nearly equal growth in mass culture without noticeable changes in morphology, response to added growth factors, or gene expression of growth factors and their receptors, compared to cells in Keratinocyte-SFM containing epidermal growth factor and bovine pituitary extract. Furthermore, PFM-7 supported the serial subcultivation of human squamous cell carcinoma cells and enabled both normal and malignant oral squamous cells derived from the same patient to grow under the same protein-free defined conditions. These results indicate that PFM-7 can be used for precise investigations of growth mechanisms, cell products, and gene expression associated with carcinogenesis of human epidermal cells.

Local effects of transforming growth factor-beta1 on rat calvaria: changes depending on the dose and the injection site

Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) has opposite effects on osteoblastic cells in vitro, namely an inhibitory or stimulatory effect on cell differentiation. Because these effects are dependent on TGF-beta1 concentration or culture condition, we investigated whether the in vivo effects of TGF-beta1 on bone formation in infant rat calvaria were affected by the dose or the injection site. Human platelet-derived TGF-beta1 was injected subcutaneously onto the periosteal surface of parietal bone of 4-week-old rats at doses of 5 or 20ng/100microl per animal for 14 days, and the local effect on bone formation was examined by bone histomorphometry. TGF-beta1 treatment for 7 days decreased the mineral apposition rate, bone formation rate, and elongated mineralization lag time at the injection site. This change became more prominent when treatment continued for 14 days. These changes were restricted to the TGF-beta1-exposed area. Multiple subcutaneous injections of a relatively high dose (200ng/100microl per animal) of TGF-beta1 induced woven bone formation, in addition to marked inhibition of bone formation rate and prolongation of mineralization lag time. On the other hand, direct exposure of TGF-beta1 in the subperiosteal layer induced woven bone with periosteal cell proliferation even at a single injection of a low dose (5 or 50ng/25 microl) of TGF-beta1. In conclusion, the in vivo effects of TGF-beta1 on bone formation varied depending on its concentration and injection site. Also, subcutaneous injection of relatively low doses of TGF-beta1 inhibited local lamellar bone formation.

Effects of human PTH(1-34) and bisphosphonate on the osteopenic rat model

It has been demonstrated that the intermittent administration of human parathyroid hormone (hPTH) is beneficial for restoration of bone mass in osteoporotic patients. The mechanisms of anabolic effects of hPTH have been determined by ovariectomized rat models and other larger remodeling animals. However, treatment with hPTH may increase the cancellous bone mass at the expense of cortical bone mass and cessation of the treatment results in rapid bone loss. Efforts have been made to maintain newly formed bone mass after withdrawal of the hPTH treatment. These issues are not well understood. In this article, the authors would like to represent previous studies of their own and others concerning these issues.

MRI of adenomyotic cyst of the uterus

The radiologic and pathologic features of three cases of adenomyotic cysts are presented. Two cases were subserosal and one was intramyometrial. All three cases had cystic spaces filled with hyperintense fluid on T1-weighted images, which were surrounded by hypointense tissue on T2-weighted images.

Pharmacokinetics of recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-I in diabetic rats

Pharmacokinetics of recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-I (rhIGF-I) was investigated after iv administration (0.32, 1.0, and 3. 2 mg/kg) to normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. rhIGF-I was eliminated from plasma biexponentially in both normal and diabetic rats. Plasma concentrations of rhIGF-I were lower at almost all the time points examined in diabetic rats than in normal rats. The pharmacokinetic parameters of total body clearance (CLtotal), mean residence time (MRT), and elimination rate constant (kel) indicated that rhIGF-I disappeared more rapidly in diabetic rats than in normal rats at any dosage. The amounts of IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) in plasma were assessed by determining the endogenous IGF-I and. Levels of the 150 kDa complex, a ternary complex of IGF-I with IGFPB-3 and an acid-labile subunit, the 50 kDa complex, a complex of IGF-I with IGFBP-2, were found to be lower in diabetic rats than in normal rats. Fractions of rhIGF-I free and bound to the binding proteins were estimated by gel chromatographic separation of rhIGF-I in plasma after iv administration, and the pharmacokinetics of free and bound rhIGF-I was analyzed independently. Plasma concentrations of free and bound rhIGF-I were lower in diabetic rats than in normal rats, especially the concentrations of the 150 kDa complex were much lower. The reduced IGFBP-3 would be responsible for the faster elimination of rhIGF-I in diabetic rats.

Three phase 99Tcm (V)DMSA scintigraphy in Paget's disease: an indicator of pamidronate effect

The use of three phase 99Tcm (V)DMSA scintigraphy is reported in a patient with Paget's disease of bone before and after intravenous pamidronate therapy. It was a useful modality for estimating the activity of Pagetoid lesions and the therapeutic effect of pamidronate, from a different aspect to bone scintigraphy. Three phase 99Tcm (V)DMSA scintigraphy evaluates both the blood flow and the metabolic activity of Pagetoid bone.

MR appearance of parasymphseal insufficiency fractures of the os pubis

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the MRI features of parasymphyseal insufficiency fractures of the os pubis.

DESIGN AND PATIENTS

MRI was performed in four postmenopausal women with parasymphyseal insufficiency fractures. The diagnosis was confirmed with plain films in every patient. T1-weighted and T2-weighted images were obtained in four patients using a 1.5-T unit. Postcontrast T1-weighted imaging was also done in three patients.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

MRI of pubic parasymphyseal insufficiency fracture characteristically demonstrates a hyperintense mass lesion with a hypointense rim on T2-weighted imaging, showing peripheral and septal enhancement after contrast administration. It is important to have this entity in mind in patients with osteoporosis, especially in patients with a history of pelvic irradiation for malignant disease, so as not to misinterpret it as a chondroid tumor or bone metastasis.

Changes in cellular composition induced by neocarzinostatin pretreatment in Meth A-bearing mice and the responsible antitumor effector cells

We previously reported that tumor eradication was induced by a single injection of neocarzinostatin (NCS) between 1 day and 4 weeks before Meth A transplantation in Balb/c mice via augmenting host-mediated antitumor activity. In order to elucidate the mechanism of this tumor eradication, the cellular components of spleen and regional lymph nodes, tumor infiltrating cells and antitumor effector cells were investigated. Pretreatment with NCS on day -3 caused an increase in the percentage of T-cell subsets, a decrease in the percentage of B-cells, Mac-1+ cells and asialo GM1+ cells and a decrease of the total cell number in the spleen. These changes were observed before but not during the period of tumor regression and were also observed in non-transplanted mice with NCS treatment. In the lymph nodes, while B-cells increased on Meth A transplantation, this was suppressed by NCS pretreatment. Although histological examination of tumor nodules showed the presence of only a few host immune cells in the tumor tissue, the area of necrosis was already extensive on day 7 and expanded thereafter. In vivo depletion of whole T-cells, T-cell subsets or asialo GM1+ cells by antibody treatment suggests that the antitumor effector cells in tumor eradication were Thy1,2+/Lyt2+, and at least some of which also express asialo GM1 antigen and that L3T4+ T-cells were also involved in tumor eradication.

Developmental changes in pharmacokinetics of recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-I in rats

Developmental changes in pharmacokinetics of recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-I (rhIGF-I) were investigated after i.v. administration to rats aged 4 and 7 weeks, as young growing rats and adult rats, respectively. rhIGF-I in the plasma declined multi-exponentially in both groups of rats. Plasma concentrations of rhIGF-I were lower at almost all the time points examined in 4 weeks old rats than 7 weeks old rats. The values of total body clearance (CL[total]) and mean residence time (MRT) indicated that rhIGF-I disappeared more rapidly in 4 weeks old rats than 7 weeks old rats at any dosage. Dose-dependent pharmacokinetics was observed in 7 weeks old rats: the higher the dosage was, the larger the value of CL(total) came to be, but not in 4 weeks old rats. The amounts of IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) in the plasma were assessed by determining the endogenous IGF-I, and the levels of the 150 kDa complex, a ternary complex of IGF-I with IGFPB-3 and an acid labile-subunit, were found to be lower in 4 weeks old rats than in 7 weeks old rats. In rats at 4 weeks of age, the elimination of rhIGF-I was significantly faster than for the 7 week old rats, which would be due to the lower plasma levels of IGFBP-3 in young growing rats.

Muscarinic autoinhibition and modulatory role of protein kinase C in acetylcholine release from the myenteric plexus of guinea pig ileum

The modulatory role of protein kinase C on phospholipase A2, activation of which had been suggested to result in acetylcholine release from cholinergic neurons, was studied in longitudinal muscle preparations with the myenteric plexus of guinea pig ileum. The relationship of muscarinic autoinhibition to the modulation was also examined. Phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu), an activator of protein kinase C, dose-dependently increased spontaneous and electrical field stimulation-induced acetylcholine releases from the preparation. The inhibitors of protein kinase C, staurosporine and calphostin C, inhibited the stimulatory effects of PDBu, but neither inhibitor affected spontaneous or electrical field stimulation-induced acetylcholine release in the absence of PDBu. On the other hand, atropine significantly increased electrical field stimulation-induced release by blocking a muscarinic autoinhibitory mechanism. Under the auto-inhibition blocked condition, U73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C, and staurosporine significantly inhibited the effect of atropine on electrical field stimulation-induced release. An inhibitor of phospholipase A2, mepacrine, inhibited PDBu-induced acetylcholine release and also inhibited the effect of atropine on electrical field stimulation-induced release. An activator of phospholipase A2, melittin, and a product of the phospholipase, arachidonic acid, increased the spontaneous and electrical field stimulation-induced releases. These results suggest that the phospholipase C-protein kinase C system modulates acetylcholine release from cholinergic neurons by activating phospholipase A2 in the myenteric plexus of guinea pig ileum, and the activation of muscarinic autoreceptor may negatively modulate acetylcholine release at a point upstream of the system.

Septum-like structures in lipoma and liposarcoma: MR imaging and pathologic correlation

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the septum-like structures in predominantly lipomatous tumors, by correlating fat-suppressed MR images with histopathologic findings.

DESIGN AND PATIENTS

The MR findings of three cases of well-differentiated liposarcoma (atypical lipoma), one case of lipoma-like component of dedifferentiated liposarcoma, and nine cases of lipoma were analyzed. T1-, T2-, and fat-suppressed T1-weighted images after Gd-DTPA administration were obtained. Surgical specimens from five patients (four with liposarcoma and one with lipoma) were also scanned with a MR unit, and compared with the pathologic findings.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Enhancement features of lipoma and liposarcoma were well visualized on fat-suppressed T1-weighted images after Gd-DTPA administration. The septum-like structures of liposarcoma are thick and enhanced considerably, while septa of lipoma are thin and enhanced only slightly. Pathologically, the septum-like structures of liposarcoma contained muscle fibers and the septa of lipoma represented fibrous capsule. Identification of well-enhanced septa in a predominantly lipomatous tumor helps to differentiate malignant tumors from lipomas. As the septum-like structures of liposarcoma contain a skeletal muscle component the tumor might need more extensive surgical procedures including resection of adjacent muscles.

Effect of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rh G-CSF) on rat bone: inhibition of bone formation at the endosteal surface of vertebra and tibia

The effect of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rh G-CSF) on bone was evaluated by histomorphometry using Sprague-Dawley rats. rh G-CSF was injected at doses of 0, 50, 150, and 450 microg/kg for 6 weeks. In vivo double fluorochrome labeling was performed before sacrifice. No significant change in body weight was observed. Bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar vertebrae and femora was significantly decreased in G-CSF-treated groups. In the lumbar vertebra, osteoid surface, osteoid thickness, trabecular thickness, and labeled surface in G-CSF-treated groups were also significantly lower. In addition, osteoclast number and osteoclast surface were significantly higher in the G-CSF-treated groups. The endocortical surface at the mid-tibia showed lower labeled surface and mineral apposition rate in G-CSF-treated groups, without significant changes at the periosteal surface. Furthermore, numerous granulocytes fully occupied the bone marrow area. We conclude that proliferating granulocytes in the bone marrow may inhibit bone-forming cells from contacting the bone surface, resulting in reduction of bone formation; and increased osteoclastic bone resorption induced by G-CSF treatment contributed to the reduction of BMD.

3D-spiral CT of multiple exostoses

We report pre- and post-operative three-dimensional (3D)-spiral CT images in a patient with multiple exostoses. Images of 3D-CT, which were performed using the integrated 3D software of the CT system, showed the exact shapes and locations of the individual tumors around the knee joint in comparison with the surgical findings and resected specimen. 3D-spiral CT images of multiple exostoses would be useful for the planning of surgical procedure.

[Clinical studies using measurement of N-telopeptides of type 1 collagen (NTx) in patients with bone metastasis--comparison with bone scintigraphy and other metabolic bone markers]

Urinary metabolites of N-telopeptide of type 1 collagen cross-links (NTx) are known as a bone resorption marker. We performed a multi-center trial of NTx measurement in evaluation of bone metastasis. In total, 251 patients with or without bone metastasis from various malignancies were studied. Comparing with other bone markers such as urinary total deoxypyridinoline, osteocalcin, and bone specific alkaline phosphatase, NTx was the most sensitive one to detect bone metastasis and its levels correlated well with the extensiveness of bone metastasis. Measurement of NTx will be useful to determine to order bone scan in patients with malignancy and to monitor the clinical course in patients with bone metastasis.

Ca(2+)-independent fusion of secretory granules with phospholipase A2-treated plasma membranes in vitro

The fusion of secretory granules with plasma membranes prepared from rat parotid gland was studied in vitro to clarify the mechanism of exocytosis. Fusion of the granules with plasma membranes was measured by a fluorescence-dequenching assay with octadecyl rhodamine B, and release of amylase was also measured to confirm the fusion as a final step of the secretory process. Plasma membranes that had been pretreated with porcine phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in the presence of 20 microM Ca2+ fused with the granules within 30 s, and induced amylase release by reacting with the membranes of granules, whereas without this pretreatment they had no significant effect. The fusion process accompanied by amylase release was induced in the presence of 10 mM EGTA, and therefore was apparently Ca(2+)-independent. On the other hand, the presence of EGTA or 100 microM quinacrine, an inhibitor of PLA2, during treatment of plasma membranes with PLA2 inhibited their fusogenic activity, suggesting the importance of activation of PLA2. Arachidonic acid and linoleic acid were released from the plasma membranes during the PLA2 treatment. The presence of albumin, an adsorbent of fatty acids, during the treatment also inhibited the activity. Pretreatment of the membranes with arachidonic acid or linoleic acid did not have any effect, but the presence of exogenously added arachidonic acid during PLA2 treatment enhanced the membrane-fusion-inducing effect of PLA2. Pretreatment of the membranes with lysophosphatidylcholine induced fusogenic activity. These findings suggest that the conformational change in the plasma-membrane phospholipids induced by PLA2 and the presence of arachidonic acid or linoleic acid produced by PLA2 are important in the process of fusion of secretory granules with the plasma membranes of rat parotid acinar cells and that the fusion process itself is independent of Ca2+.

Intramembranous and endochondral bone changes induced by a new bisphosphonate (YM175) in the beagle dog

Oral treatment with a new bisphosphonate, YM175, for 13 wk resulted in increased bone tissue mass by both intramembranous and endochondral ossification processes in adult beagle dogs. Intramedullary bone formation due to intramembranous process was observed in dogs treated with a highly toxic dose of YM175. The newly formed woven bone trabeculae, showing immature to relatively mature figures, were present between the preexisting cancellous bone. The immature bone consisted of spindle-shaped mesenchymal cells with osteoid tissues. Many active osteoblasts surrounded the immature woven bone, while only few osteoclasts were seen on the surfaces of the new bone. Endochondral bone change was observed at the costochondral junction in all YM175-treated groups. Accumulation of unresorbed mineralized cartilage with its covering of bone at this site resulted in an increase in length of the area of primary spongiosa. Although the endochondral bone change induced by YM175 was due to a bisphosphonate-induced inhibitory effect on bone resorption, the intramedullary bone formation is unique to YM175.

Androgen receptors, 5 alpha-reductase activity and androgen-dependent proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells

To assess the direct effect of androgen on the development of atherosclerosis, we investigated the effect of androgen and its receptor expression in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) isolated from rat aorta. We detected the androgen receptor mRNA in VSMC by reverse transcription of the total RNA coupled with amplification of the resulting cDNA by polymerase chain reaction. Binding studies revealed the presence of a single class of binding sites for testosterone (Kd 7.37 nM, Bmax 10.59 fmol/mg protein) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT; Kd 4.89 nM, Bmax 11.37 fmol/mg protein) in VSMC. Measurement of 5 alpha-reductase activity suggested that testosterone is converted to DHT in VSMC (Km 0.36 microM, Vmax 623 fmol/mg protein/h). Moreover, in the present study, DHT significantly stimulated DNA synthesis of VSMC (120-160% of control). The mitogenic activity of testosterone is much less potent than that of DHT. Considering these results, we concluded that androgen may directly accelerate atherosclerosis by stimulating the proliferation of VSMC.

Familial primary hyperparathyroidism complicated with Wilms' tumor

We describe a familial occurrence of primary hyperparathyroidism. The proband is a 60-year-old woman who had a parathyroid adenoma. Her older sister had a parathyroid adenoma with cementifying jaw fibroma and her younger sister died of parathyroid adenocarcinoma with pulmonary metastasis at the age of 38. We have not yet obtained evidence for other endocrine disorders suggesting multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) in this pedigree. The proband is complicated with Wilms' tumor. It is now widely accepted that respective predisposed genes of MEN type 1 and Wilms' tumor, and PTH gene are located on chromosome 11. The manifestation observed in this case may be related to mutational abnormalities on chromosome 11.

Maintenance of bone mass by physical exercise after discontinuation of intermittent hPTH(1-34) administration

Human PTH(1-34) has been recognized for its marked anabolic effect on bone, but that effect has been reported to be lost after cessation of PTH treatment. The objective of this study was to determine the fate of hPTH-stimulated bone and whether this anabolic effect of PTH could be maintained by daily exercise. Eleven-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were ovariectomized (OVX) and human PTH(1-34) (30 micrograms/kg) was injected subcutaneously three times per week for 12 weeks beginning one week after surgery. After the cessation of PTH treatment, treadmill exercises were performed for 8 weeks (15.7 m/min, 1 h/day, 5 days/week). The results of histomorphometric assessment in the proximal tibial metaphysis demonstrated that hPTH treatment partially prevented OVX-induced cancellous bone loss. Eight weeks following the cessation of PTH treatment, PTH-stimulated bone mass went back to the OVX control level. Daily exercise did maintain PTH-stimulated bone mass; however, this exercise did not increase the bone mass in PTH-untreated OVX rats.

[Pharmacokinetics and toxicological study on the intraperitoneal administration of cisplatin and etoposide in gynecological malignancies]

We administered cisplatin and etoposide into the peritoneal cavity of 13 postoperative patients with gynecological malignancies, and studied the pharmacokinetics and toxicity in the combination of both drugs. Cisplatin 100 mg/body and etoposide 200 mg-400 mg/body were mixed together in 500 ml or 1,500 ml of normal saline and administered intraperitoneally on the day of operation and two or three weeks later. The peritoneal peak level of free cisplatin, diluted with 500 ml, was about two times higher than that, diluted with 1,500 ml. However, there was no difference in the peritoneal and plasma AUC. The peritoneal level and AUC of etoposide, diluted with 500 ml, was about two times higher than that, diluted with 1,500 ml. Among the groups of 1,500 ml, peritoneal and plasma levels and AUC were almost proportional to the doses. Nausea and vomiting were experienced in all patients. With the increase of etoposide, more marrow suppression was observed. However, we encountered no other significant side effects. In conclusion, intraperitoneal administration of cisplatin and etoposide in this setting can be used safely with minimum side effects, and the dilution of 1,500 ml seems to be better.