Observation of the magnon Hall effect

The Hall effect usually occurs in conductors when the Lorentz force acts on a charge current in the presence of a perpendicular magnetic field. Neutral quasi-particles such as phonons and spins can, however, carry heat current and potentially exhibit the thermal Hall effect without resorting to the Lorentz force. We report experimental evidence for the anomalous thermal Hall effect caused by spin excitations (magnons) in an insulating ferromagnet with a pyrochlore lattice structure. Our theoretical analysis indicates that the propagation of the spin waves is influenced by the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya spin-orbit interaction, which plays the role of the vector potential, much as in the intrinsic anomalous Hall effect in metallic ferromagnets.

Noxious cold stimulation induces mitogen-activated protein kinase activation in transient receptor potential (TRP) channels TRPA1- and TRPM8-containing small sensory neurons

Two cold-sensitive transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, TRPA1 and TRPM8, have been identified and considered interesting because of their possible roles in thermosensation, nociception and other functions. Recently, we have reported that the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase occurred in primary afferent neurons in response to noxious heat stimulation of the peripheral tissue, i.e. activity-dependent activation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and p38 in dorsal root ganglion neurons. In the present study, we investigated the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase, p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase in the rat dorsal root ganglion by cold stimulation using immunohistochemistry. Cold stimuli (28-4 degrees C) were applied by immersion of the hind paw into a water bath (six times of 10 s stimulation and 10 s interval, total 2 min). Noxious cold stimulation induced phosphorylated-extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and phosphorylated-p38, but not phosphorylated-c-Jun N-terminal kinase, in small to medium diameter sensory neurons with a peak at 2 min after stimulation. We found that a cold stimulation at 4 degrees C showed a marked increase in the number of activated neurons. Furthermore, double staining for phosphorylated-extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and phosphorylated-p38 showed no colocalization in the dorsal root ganglion neurons. We then performed double-labeling experiments for TRPA1 and TRPM8 mRNA and phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase. The majority of phosphorylated-extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase-positive neurons also expressed TRPM8 mRNA, whereas phosphorylated-p38 heavily colocalized with TRPA1 mRNA after noxious cold stimulation. Our data suggest that the noxious, but not innocuous, cold stimulation in vivo induced differential activation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and p38 pathways in each subpopulation containing TRPA1 or TRPM8 in dorsal root ganglion.

The effect of site and type of nerve injury on the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the dorsal root ganglion and on neuropathic pain behavior

A number of rat neuropathy models have been developed to simulate human neuropathic pain conditions, such as spontaneous pain, hyperalgesia, and allodynia. In the present study, to determine the relative importance of injury site (proximal or distal to the primary afferent neurons) and injury type (motor or sensory), we examined pain-related behaviors and changes of brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in the dorsal root ganglion in sham-operated rats, and in the L5 dorsal rhizotomy, L5 ventral rhizotomy, L5 dorsal rhizotomy+ventral rhizotomy, and L5 spinal nerve transection models. L5 ventral rhizotomy and spinal nerve transection produced not only mechanical and heat hypersensitivity, but also an increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA/protein in the L5 dorsal root ganglion at 7 days after surgery. In contrast, rats in the L5 dorsal rhizotomy and dorsal rhizotomy+ventral rhizotomy groups did not show both pain behaviors at 7 days after surgery, despite brain-derived neurotrophic factor upregulation in medium- and large-size neurons in the L5 dorsal root ganglion. On the other hand, L5 spinal nerve transection, but not dorsal rhizotomy, dorsal rhizotomy+ventral rhizotomy or ventral rhizotomy, increased the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the L4 dorsal root ganglion at 7 days after surgery. Taken together, these findings suggest that the upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in the L4 and L5 dorsal root ganglion neurons may be, at least in part, involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms of neuropathic pain and that the selective nerve root injury models may be useful for studying the underlying mechanisms of chronic pain after nerve injury.

Microcirculation in the macular area of eyes with an idiopathic epiretinal membrane

PURPOSE

To measure the microcirculation in the macula area of eyes before and after the removal of an idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) by vitreous surgery.

METHODS

Tissue blood flow in the macula was examined with the Heidelberg retina flowmeter in 12 eyes with an ERM before and 3, 6, and 12 months after vitrectomy. Blood flow measurements were performed in a 10 x 5 degree area in the macula that was divided into superior and inferior areas. At least three measurements were obtained, and the mean blood flow (MBF) was calculated by scanning laser Doppler flowmetry. The ratio of the MBF in the affected eye to that in the fellow eye was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The ratios of the MBF in the affected to the fellow eye in the superior area before and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery were 0.73, 0.51, 0.77, 0.88, and 1.01, respectively. The ratios of the MBF in the inferior area for the same periods were 0.70, 0.52, 0.75, 0.83, and 0.98, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Eyes with an ERM showed abnormal hemodynamics in the macula that gradually improved after vitrectomy to a status comparable with the MBF of the normal fellow eye.

[Cavernostomy and simultaneous removal of fungus ball of pulmonary aspergilloma]

Between 1991 and 2000, 21 patients (16 male and 5 female) underwent 28 cavernostomies for the treatment of pulmonary aspergilloma. The median age was 59.4 years (range 37-85 years). The mean %VC was 59.6 (range 30.4-91.2), and the mean FEV 1.0 was 1.51 ml (range 0.64-2.67 ml). The mean body mass index was 17.6 (range 12.7-23.2). The most common complaint was hemoptysis. The underlying lung disease was tuberculosis in 17 cases, atypical mycobacteriosis in 2, and unclassified in 2. All cases had been diagnosed as complex aspergilloma. The mean surgical duration was 136 minutes (range 85-203 min.) and the mean blood loss during surgery was 242 ml(range 5-810 ml). No death or major complications occurred in the postoperative course. During follow-up, 4 patients died of massive hemoptysis, cancer, respiratory failure or an unknown cause. Relapses of aspergilloma occurred in 9 patients (42.9%). Recavernostomy was performed safely on 5 patients. In conclusion, although the relapse rate of aspergilloma was high after cavernostomy, safe reoperations were performed. Cavernostomy is thus an effective treatment in high-risk patients.

In vitro antimicrobial activities of bakuchiol against oral microorganisms

Bakuchiol was isolated from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia, a tree native to China with various uses in traditional medicine, followed by extraction with ether and column chromatography combined with silica gel and octyldecyl silane. In this study, the antimicrobial activities of bakuchiol against some oral microorganisms were evaluated in vitro. The cell growth of Streptococcus mutans was inhibited in a bakuchiol concentration-dependent manner, and growth of S. mutans was completely prevented by 20 microg of bakuchiol per ml. The bactericidal effect of bakuchiol on S. mutans was dependent on temperature and stable under the following conditions: sucrose, 0 to 10% (wt/vol); pH, 3.0 to 7.0; organic acids (3% [wt/vol] citric and malic acids). Bakuchiol showed bactericidal effects against all bacteria tested, including S. mutans, Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus sobrinus, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Actinomyces viscosus, and Porphyromonas gingivalis, with MICs ranging from 1 to 4 microg/ml and the sterilizing concentration for 15 min ranging from 5 to 20 microg/ml. Furthermore, bakuchiol was also effective against adherent cells of S. mutans in water-insoluble glucan in the presence of sucrose and inhibited the reduction of pH in the broth. Thus, bakuchiol would be a useful compound for development of antibacterial agents against oral pathogens and has great potential for use in food additives and mouthwash for preventing and treating dental caries.

Factors determining outcome in elderly patients with severe COPD on long-term domiciliary oxygen therapy

The objective of the present study was to identify factors that determine outcome in elderly patients receiving long term domiciliary oxygen therapy (LTOT) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). One hundred fifty-seven COPD patients (121 male, 36 female) receiving LTOT were followed-up from 1983 to 1994. Univariate and multivariate analysis by Cox's proportional hazards ratio model and Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were used to quantify the relationship among a total of 34 baseline variables and overall mortality. By December 31, 1995, 96 patients (61.2%) had died and 13 (8.3%) were unavailable for follow up. Mean age of the patients was 79.2 yrs and mean duration of LTOT was 2.81 yrs. The mean FEV1 was 0.80 L and mean FEV1/FVC was 48%. The overall survival was poor and 5-yr survival was 21.6% (median survival: 3.01 yrs). Among the variables tested by univariate analysis, factors associated with poor outcome were as follows: %IBW < or = 85 (HR = 2.15, p < 0.001), serum albumin (g/dl) < or = 3.5 (1.81, p < 0.01), hemoglobin (g/dl) < or = 11.0 (1.86, p < 0.01), FEV1/FVC > 50% (0.63, p < 0.05), and high dyspnea ranking (grade 4 or 5) (1.74, p < 0.05). The coexistence of bronchiectasis (3.96, p < 0.01) and malignancy (1.85, p < 0.01) also contributed to poor outcome. Multivariate analysis showed that independent prognostic factors influencing outcome included: nutritional status (%IBW) (HR = 2.08, p < 0.01), dyspnea ranking (2.04, p < 0.01), coexistence of malignancy (2.02, p < 0.01), and FEV1/FVC (0.52, p < 0.01). We conclude that the outcome in elderly COPD patients receiving LTOT is poor, and that outcome is independently influenced by four major factors: malnutrition, severity of dyspnea, coexistence of malignancy, and airflow obstruction.

Interferon-associated retinopathy in a uniform regimen of natural interferon-alpha therapy for chronic hepatitis C

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The development of retinal lesions induced by a uniform regimen of interferon-alpha therapy for chronic hepatitis C was prospectively investigated.

METHODS

Eighty-one patients received 6 mega units of natural interferon-alpha intramuscularly daily for 2 weeks and then 3 times a week for 22 weeks. The total dose of interferon-alpha administered was uniformly 478 mega units per patient. Two expert ophthalmologists prospectively examined the patients for retinal lesions before, during and after the therapy.

RESULTS

Retinopathy was not found in comparison groups or any of the patients before treatment. In total 34.6% (28/81) of the patients showed cotton-wool spots or minor retinal hemorrhage, or both lesions, during therapy, but these lesions were reversed during or after interferon therapy. The occurrence rates of cotton-wool spots alone, retinal hemorrhage alone and both lesions were 13.6% (11/81), 6.2% (5/81), and 14.8% (12/81), respectively. The appearance of retinopathy did not correlate with patients' background including viral loads and response to the therapy, but was more frequently found in older patients and patients with hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus; disappearance of retinopathy was more prolonged than in patients without these complications. Almost all the lesions appeared 2-4 months after the start of the therapy, and the severity of the lesions did not differ between patients with and without hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus.

CONCLUSION

Although it is not clear if interferon-associated retinopathy occurs in a dose-dependent manner, the present study shows a standard pattern of the occurrence of retinopathy in patients with chronic hepatitis C receiving a uniform dosage of natural interferon-alpha.

Posterior Synechia of the Iris After Combined Pars Plana Vitrectomy, Phacoemulsification, and Intraocular Lens Implantation

PURPOSE

Combined pars plana vitrectomy, phacoemulsification, and intraocular lens implantation has become a widely accepted treatment for cataracts in patients with vitreoretinal diseases. We examined factors influencing the development of posterior synechia after this triple procedure.

METHODS

One hundred and three patients (107 eyes) were evaluated. The frequency of postoperative posterior synechia, the preoperative diagnosis, whether gas tamponade was used, and the type of lens implanted were reviewed.

RESULTS

Twenty-one eyes (19.6%) developed posterior synechia, and the highest rate (12/39 eyes, 30.8%) was in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Posterior synechia was more frequent after gas tamponade (28.1%) than in eyes without tamponade (10.1%). In proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) patients, fibrin deposition and the amount of retinal photocoagulation were causative factors for posterior synechia.

CONCLUSIONS

Factors promoting postoperative synechia after the triple procedure included (1) the existence of PDR, (2) expanding gas tamponade, (3) fibrin deposition in PDR, and (4) the amount of photocoagulation in PDR.

Characterization of vitamin B12 compounds from edible shellfish, clam, oyster, and mussel

Vitamin B12 content of various edible shellfish was determined by both Lactobacillus leichmannii ATCC 7830 microbiological and intrinsic factor-chemiluminescence methods. The values determined by the microbiological method were 1.2-19.8 (M/C ratio) fold greater in the shellfish than the values determined by the chemiluminescence method. Vitamin B12 compounds were purified from most eaten shellfish, oyster (M/C, 1.5), mussel (M/C, 1.2), and short-necked clam (M/C, 2.7), and partially characterized. TLC and HPLC patterns of each red-colored vitamin B12 compound (M/C, 1.0-1.2) purified from these shellfish were identical to those of authentic vitamin B12. Although the higher values in the determination of vitamin B12 by the microbiological method may be due to the occurrence of vitamin B12-substitutive compounds, the edible shellfish would be excellent vitamin B12 sources judging from the values (> or = 6 micrograms/100 g) determined by the chemiluminescence method.

[Two elderly patients with sarcoidosis and Sjögren's syndrome]

Two elderly patients with sarcoidosis complicated with Sjögren's syndrome are described. Case 1: A 70-year-old woman was admitted due to dry eyes. Histological examination of a minor salivary gland specimen revealed lymphocytic infiltration, which was compatible with Sjögren's syndrome. Because uveitis was demonstrated, transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) was performed, to confirm a diagnosis of lung sarcoidosis. Histological examination of TBLB showed non-caseating granulomas compatible with sarcoidosis. Case 2: A 70-year-old woman was admitted due to dyspnea on exercise and blurred vision. Two years previously, Sjögren's syndrome was diagnosed because of a positive Shirmer test and positive SS-A antibody. Result of ophthalmic examination were compatible with uveitis. Histological examination of TBLB showed non-caseating granulomas compatible with sarcoidosis. Certain similarities between sarcoidosis and Sjögren's syndrome in terms of immunological aspects have attracted attention. In the present manuscript, a possible relationship between the two diseases as well as the characteristics of elderly sarcoidosis are discussed.

Progressive outer retinal necrosis in a patient with nephrotic syndrome

Progressive outer retinal necrosis syndrome (PORN) is a variant of necrotizing herpetic retinopathy and the majority of the described cases were related to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. We present a patient who is HIV negative with nephrotic syndrome and prednisolone use for 4 months who showed clinical features of PORN. Low CD4 counts and lymphocytopenia suggested immunosuppression. In the left eye, tractional retinal detachment at the posterior pole followed by incomplete posterior vitreous detachment developed. In addition to intravenous administration of acyclovir, vitreous surgeries including stripping of the posterior hyaloid and silicone-oil tamponade were successfully performed to repair the retinal detachment in the left eye and to prevent it in the right eye.

Characterization of a vitamin B12 compound in the edible purple laver, Porphyra yezoensis

The edible purple laver, Porphyra yezoensis, contained 51.49+/-1.51 microg of vitamin B12 compounds per 100 g dry weight of the laver (mean +/- SEM, n = 4). A vitamin B12 compound was purified from the lyophilized purple laver and partially characterized. The silica gel 60 TLC and reversed-phase HPLC patterns of the purified pink-colored compound were identical to those of authentic vitamin B12, but not to those of vitamin B12 analogues inactive for humans.

Swelling/deswelling mechanism of calcium alginate gel in aqueous solutions

To elucidate the mechanism of dimensional changes in alginate impression in solutions, the relationship between the ion concentrations in three types of solutions (nonelectrolyte and monovalent and divalent metallic salts) and change in gel volume was examined. The gel in the monovalent metallic salt solution expanded and a decrease in monovalent cation and an increase in Ca2+ were observed. This suggests that the crosslinking density of the gel reduced due to dissociation of Ca2+ from the calcium alginate gel. In divalent metallic salt solutions, the shrinkage occurred according to crosslinking of unreacted residue. In the nonelectrolytic solution, gel, neither ethylene glycol nor acetonitrile showed any volume changes, while that in glutaraldehyde contracted. It is speculated that the former two solutions were affected by the fact that the gel has no semipermeability, and that the latter result was due to chemical interaction between the gel and solution.

A new method for quantification of metamorphopsia in patients with epiretinal membrane

PURPOSE

A new method for quantification of metamorphopsia was applied to study distorted vision in patients with epiretinal membrane.

METHOD

Sixty-three patients with unilateral epiretinal membrane in the macula were examined. A modified Amsler chart (a grid of black lines on a white background measuring 12 x 12 cm with grid squares of 2 x 2 cm) was prepared. If patients saw any of the grid lines as irregular or curved, they were asked to trace these on the chart. The length of all lines drawn by the patients was measured, except those on the outer border. The length of the grid is 1200 mm, but it should be drawn longer by patients with metamorphopsia. The severity of metamorphopsia was also scored subjectively and the relationship of grid length to the subjective score and the visual acuity was analyzed.

RESULTS

The grid length ranged from 1200 to 1259 mm (mean = 1223.3 mm) and was correlated significantly with the subjective score (P <.01, rho =.387).

CONCLUSION

This method might be applicable for evaluating the severity of metamorphopsia and the surgical outcome in patients with epiretinal membrane.

[Effects of inhaled corticosteroid in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

We examined the efficacy of inhaled corticosteroid (beclomethazone dipropionate: BDP) in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Eighty-six patients with COPD were divided into 3 groups: COPD treated without BDP (group 1, n = 26), COPD treated with BDP (group 2, n = 25), and BDP-treated COPD with asthmatic symptoms (group 3, n = 35). Pulmonary function test findings, symptoms, and prognosis for the 3 groups were retrospectively compared. No significant differences in yearly decline of FEV1.0 were observed. Of the patients treated with inhaled corticosteroid (groups 2 and 3), 30% exhibited improved FEV1.0. Of these patients, monthly decline of FEV1.0 correlated negatively with bronchial reversibility in FEV1.0 before and after inhalation of salbutamol (delta FEV1.0) (r = -0.28, p = 0.03). Cough and sputum scores were significantly improved in groups 2 and 3 (p < 0.01). Fewer admissions and episodes of acute exacerbation were noted in groups 2 and 3 than in group 1. From these results, we concluded that inhaled corticosteroid was effective in elderly COPD patients with bronchial reversibility and airway symptoms.

[Interstitial pneumonitis associated with Sweet's syndrome in the elderly]

Sweet's syndrome occurring during the course of interstitial pneumonitis in a 70-year-old woman was encountered. She was admitted because of dyspnea on exercise, dry cough and interstitial shadow on chest x-ray. Lung biopsy, together with other findings confirmed interstitial pneumonitis. Five days after admission, genital ulcer and aphtha on the oral mucosa were detected and exudative erythema appeared on her right shoulder, chest and back. Histological examination of the skin lesions demonstrated numerous nutrophilic infiltration in the upper dermis, indicating Sweet's syndrome. The skin eruption rapidly disappeared on treatment with colchicine. Although six months after admission interstitial pneumonitis caused respiratory failure, treatment with prednisolone and cyclophosphamide was effective. Serological and immunological tests demonstrated hyper-gammaglobulinemia and positive reaction for anti SS-A antibody. Pathological examination of the lip revealed numerous lymphocyte infiltrates around the duct of the minor salivary gland, suggesting Sjögren's syndrome as the background disease of Sweet's syndrome and interstitial pneumonitis. This evidence indicating that even in elderly patients, skin lesions of Sweet's syndrome may reveal the background disease.

Pseudovitamin B(12) is the predominant cobamide of an algal health food, spirulina tablets

The vitamin B(12) concentration of an algal health food, spirulina (Spirulina sp.) tablets, was determined by both Lactobacillus leichmannii ATCC 7830 microbiological and intrinsic factor chemiluminescence methods. The values determined with the microbiological method were approximately 6-9-fold greater in the spirulina tablets than the values determined with the chemiluminescence method. Although most of the vitamin B(12) determined with the microbiological method was derived from various vitamin B(12) substitutive compounds and/or inactive vitamin B(12) analogues, the spirulina contained a small amount of vitamin B(12) active in the binding of the intrinsic factor. Two intrinsic factor active vitamin B(12) analogues (major and minor) were purified from the spirulina tablets and partially characterized. The major (83%) and minor (17%) analogues were identified as pseudovitamin B(12) and vitamin B(12), respectively, as judged from data of TLC, reversed-phase HPLC, (1)H NMR spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and biological activity using L. leichmannii as a test organism and the binding of vitamin B(12) to the intrinsic factor.

[A new method for quantification of metamorphopsia in patients with epiretinal membrane]

PURPOSE

We have developed a new method for quantification of metamorphopsia and applied it to study distorted vision resulting from epiretinal membrane (ERM).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We prepared a modified Amsler chart, which was a square grid formed by black lines on a white background with 12 cm on a side and divided into 2 cm quadrants. The patients were asked to trace any straight lines on the chart which appeared irregular or curved. The length of all lines traced by the patients was measured except for the outer frame. The total length of the chart itself was 1,200 mm, but it would appear longer in patients with metamorphopsia. In addition, the severity of metamorphopsia was scored subjectively as follows: 1, absent; 2, slight; 3, mild; 4, moderate; and 5, severe. The relationship of the length to the score and to the visual acuity were analysed. Sixty-three patients with unilateral ERM were examined.

RESULT

The length of the line ranged from 1,200 to 1,259 mm (mean 1,223.3 mm) and was correlated significantly to the score.

CONCLUSION

This method might be applied usefully in evaluating the severity of metamorphopsia and the surgical outcome of eyes with ERM.

A new technique for separation of posterior vitreous in vitreous surgery

To describe a new and effective technique, hydroseparation, for use in detaching the posterior cortical vitreous from the retina by the simple injection of fluid into the subhyaloid space. This technique was used in 7 eyes of 6 patients with diabetic retinopathy who had limited posterior vitreous detachment. Following core vitrectomy, a 32 gauge cannula was inserted into the subhyaloid space and a balanced salt solution (BSS) was injected. The injected fluid spread easily to the periphery, causing the vitreous cortex to be smoothly separated, except for areas with firm vitreoretinal adhesion. In those areas, we also used microscissors to separate the tissue. No iatrogenic retinal break occurred in any case. This simple technique, which exerts minimal traction force on the retina, was safe and useful for inducing posterior vitreous detachment in patients with diabetes.

[Stump curettage cytologic examination of excised tumor is more sensitive than histologic examination]

Some malignant lung tumors relapse on the cutting line in spite of a negative histologic stump. Histologic examination is limited to only few sites of excised sample. Conversely, stump curettage cytologic examination is useful to examine the whole area. We conducted a simultaneous histological and cytological study to assess the value of stump curettage cytologic examination. Forty-two staple-excised peripheral small lesions (< 3 cm in diameter) from 35 patients, aged 50 to 82 years, were assessed. Ten were subject to VATS and 32 to thoracotomy. Preoperative diagnoses were: 15 undiagnosed lesions (lung cancer: 8, benign lesion: 7), 18 lung cancers and 9 metastatic cancer. The whole area of the excised stump was curetted before observing the cross section to prevent malignant cell contamination. After that, the sample was cut vertically to staple line and pathologically examined. Thirty-eight percent (11/29) of histologically negative stumps were cytologically positive. Twenty-seven malignant lesions underwent only excision and 6 stumps were finally cytologically positive. Two of 6 cytological positive lesions relapsed at the staple site were excised at the second operation. Stump curettage cytological examination was more sensitive than histological examination to detect malignant cell contamination.

[Large cell carcinoma of the lung with metastasis of the gastric submucosa]

A 66-year-old man was admitted with dyspnea on exertion and an abnormal shadow on chest roentgenogram. Transbronchial biopsy yielded a diagnosis of large cell carcinoma of the lung. His dyspnea improved following irradiation and corticosteroid treatment and one month later, he was admitted again for chemotherapy. Because occult blood in stool was detected, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed. Gastric submucosal large cell carcinoma was diagnosed, and this was considered to be metastatic from the lung. Such cases diagnosed prior to death are rare.

Dried green and purple lavers (Nori) contain substantial amounts of biologically active vitamin B(12) but less of dietary iodine relative to other edible seaweeds

Vitamin B(12) concentrations of dried green (Enteromorpha sp.) and purple (Porphyra sp.) lavers (nori) were determined by both Lactobacillus leichmannii ATCC 7830 microbiological and intrinsic factor chemiluminescence methods. The values determined by using the microbiological method (63.58 +/- 2.90 and 32.26 +/- 1.61 microg/100 g of dry weight) were identical to those found by using the chemiluminescence method (69.20 +/- 2.21 and 25.07 +/- 0.54 microg/100 g of dry weight) in both dried green and purple lavers, respectively. A silica gel 60 thin-layer chromatography of both laver extracts shows that non-coenzyme forms (hydroxo and cyano forms) of vitamin B(12) predominate in both dried lavers. The dried lavers contained lesser amounts of dietary iodine ( approximately 4-6 mg/100 g of dry weight) relative to other seaweeds, suggesting that excessive intake of the dried lavers is unlikely to result in harmful intake of dietary iodine. These results indicate that the dried lavers (nori) are the most excellent source of vitamin B(12) among edible seaweeds, especially for strict vegetarians.

Mechanical properties of several nickel-titanium alloy wires in three-point bending tests

The purpose of this study was to clarify the mechanical properties of 42 brands of nickel-titanium alloy orthodontic wires from 9 manufacturers by conducting three-point bending tests under uniform testing conditions. Manufacturers included A-Company, Hoya Medical, Lancer, Ormco, Rocky Mountain, Sankin, Tomy (GAC), TP, and 3M/Unitek. Cobalt-chrome, and titanium-molybdenum alloy wires were also tested as a reference for comparison of force levels. All reported data were recorded during the unloading process to simulate the force that a wire exerts on a tooth as it is moved into the dental arch from a position of malocclusion. The following results were obtained for the nickel-titanium wires tested. (1) Among the 0.016 inch round wires tested under a maximum deflection of 1.5 mm, the difference between the smallest (Copper nickel-titanium 35) and the largest (Aline) load values was 136 g. For the 0.016 x 0.022 inch rectangular wires tested, the difference between the smallest (Copper nickel-titanium 40) and the largest (Aline) load values was 337 g. (2) The change in load between 1.5 and 0.5 mm of deflection was examined to clarify the superelastic properties of the wires tested. For the 0.016 inch wires, 17 wire brands produced a load difference of less than 100 g, and two brands produced a difference of at least 100 g (Aline and Titanal = 100 g). For the 0.016 x 0.022 inch wires, 15 brands produced a load difference of less than 100 g, and eight brands produced a difference of over 100 g. The smallest and largest load differences were 3 g (Copper nickel-titanium 35) and 200 g (Aline). (3) The majority of the samples with a smaller load difference between deflections of 1.5 mm and 0.5 mm in the unloading process were found among super-elastic wires, while samples with a larger load difference were predominantly found among work-hardened wires. Compared with cobalt-chrome and TMA wires, nickel-titanium alloy wires exert significantly less force. However, the amount of force varies greatly from brand to brand. Consequently, when using nickel-titanium alloy wires, brands must be selected carefully by taking into consideration the severity of the malocclusion and the stage of orthodontic treatment in each case. It is the intent of this study to offer clinicians an unbiased guide for the selection of appropriate nickel-titanium alloy wires.

Disordered expression of the sucrase-isomaltase complex in the small intestine in Otsuka Long-Evans tokushima fatty rats, a model of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus with insulin resistance

To clarify the relationship between diabetes mellitus and carbohydrate digestion, the activities of sucrase and isomaltase, which form a complex enzyme (SI complex) on the brush border membranes, were compared in the progression of diabetes mellitus in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima fatty (OLETF) rats, a model of human non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus with insulin resistance, and Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rats as non-diabetic controls. Until 40 weeks of age, OLETF rats were obese and had a high plasma glucose level, compared to age-matched LETO rats, but the sucrase and isomaltase activities showed no significant differences between the two strains. Oral glucose tolerance test revealed that during 40-48 weeks of age, NIDDM became very severe with advancing insulin resistance in OLETF rats. In OLETF rats, in contrast to LETO rats, at 48 weeks of age, abnormal increases in the sucrase and isomaltase activities occurred, along with a remarkable decrease in body weight and a further great increase in the plasma glucose level in the non-fasting state. Hyperinsulinemia occurred in 20-week-old OLETF rats; however, at 40 and 48 weeks of age, the plasma insulin level in the non-fasting state in OLETF rats was not significantly different from that in LETO rats. The level of mRNA encoding the SI complex increased abnormally in 48-week-old OLETF rats. These results suggest that the advance of insulin resistance leads to an increase in the expression of the SI complex on the transcriptional level.

Pulmonary rehabilitation program survey in North America, Europe, and Tokyo

PURPOSE

To study a comparison of problems arising in pulmonary rehabilitation programs in North America, Europe, and Tokyo.

METHODS

The survey instrument was a 13-item questionnaire sent in December 1994 to institutions in North America (n = 178), Europe (n = 179), and Tokyo (n = 399).

RESULTS

Response rates were 51%, 40%, and 51% for North America, Europe, and Tokyo, respectively. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs were available at 56% of hospitals in North America and 74% in Europe, but at only 20% of hospitals in Tokyo. Most PRPs were conducted in an outpatient setting in North American (98%), whereas both outpatient (55%) and inpatient programs (65%) were adopted in Europe. Although the type of lung disease for which patients in both North America and Europe were referred to PRPs was mainly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, this accounted for only 34% of referrals in Tokyo. However, referrals for primary tuberculosis sequelae (P = 0.028) and bronchiectasis (P = 0.021) were more common in Europe, similar to the situation in Tokyo. The following PRP items were available at significantly higher rates in North America than in Europe, and most were unavailable in Tokyo: family education, psychological support, nutritional instruction, treadmill, bicycle ergometer, walking training, and increasing the activity of daily living.

CONCLUSION

Pulmonary rehabilitation programs in North America are more multidimensional. However, target diseases differ among North America, Europe, and Tokyo. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs in Tokyo differed from those in North America and Europe and were poorly programmed. Problems arising in PRPs in the three regions include lack of staff and insufficient reimbursement.

[The clinical features of 9 cases of intraocular malignant lymphoma of oculocerebral origin]

We reviewed a series of 13 eyes in 9 cases of intraocular lymphoma with or without intracranial involvement during the past 15 years. The cases were characterized by moderate or no inflammation in the anterior ocular segment and by the presence of vitreous opacity and fundus lesions. Contrary to the accepted view that this disease simulates uveitis with various manifestations, the fundus lesions in the present series showed disseminated or tumorous subretinal lesions suggestive of proliferation of tumor cells. Only a few cases showed retinal vasculitis or retinal exudates. Electrooculograms showed findings suggestive of widespread impairment of the retinal pigment epithelium. Because of poor prognosis and sensitivity to radiation, we advocate early diagnosis and treatment for this disease.

[Outcome of repeated pulmonary aspiration in frail elderly. The Project Team for Aspiration Pneumonia]

Aspiration pneumonia is a major cause of death among frail elderly patients. Pulmonary aspiration is commonly reported in association with episodes of pneumonia, but the clinical significance and outcome in patients with recurrent pulmonary aspiration remain uncertain. We studied outcomes retrospectively in elderly patinents with recurrent aspiration. A total of 38 patients (M25, F13: mean age 81.4 yr) who were recognized to have undergone repeated aspiration were enrolled. Of them, 89.5% had suffered cerebrovascular disorder or other neurological disorders as the major underlying disease, and 63.2% showed moderate or severe cognitive impairment. Activities of daily living (ADL) were low and 97.4% were bedridden. At the time of enrollment, 79% had aspiration pneumonia or aspiration bronchitis. The mean number of admissions during the observation period was 2.3, and 60.9% of admissions were due to pneumonia. Of the patients obsered, 84.2% died during the observation period: the median survival time was 736 days. Major causes of death were pneumonia, respiratory failure, and asphyxia (65.6%). Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) was carried out in 16 patients and these patients survived longer than patients who did not undergo PEG, although 75% of the PEG group died of pneumonia. We conclude that: 1) repeated pulmonary aspiration mostly occurrs with underlying diseases of cerebrovascular disorders, dementia, and deterioration of ADL, and 2) although the prognosis following repeated pulmonary aspiration was poor. PEG contributed to a longer survival, but did not prevent pneumonia.

Low sucrase activity in the small intestine of a senescence-accelerated strain of mouse, SAMP1

The small intestinal sucrase activity in a senescence-accelerated strain of mouse, SAMP1, was significantly lower than that in other strains, including its control strain, SAMR1. In contrast, the activity of isomaltase, which usually associates with sucrase to form a complex enzyme (SI complex), in SAMP1 was comparable to that in other strains. Thus, the ratio of the sucrase to isomaltase activities (S/I ratio) in SAMP1 was very low (about 0.15), compared with that in other strains (around 0.7). The S/I ratio in SAMP1 was abnormally low, even at a young age, indicating that senescence did not result in the low sucrase activity. Western blot analysis suggests that a large part of the isomaltase subunit occurred alone without the association of the sucrase subunit in this strain. In contrast, Northern blot analysis shows that the level of mRNA for the SI complex in SAMP1 was comparable to that in SAMR1. When the pancreatico-biliary ducts were ligated in SAMP1 to reduce the level of pancreatic proteases, a remarkable increase was observed in the sucrase activity, whereas the isomaltase activity was increased to a much smaller extent. This marked increase in sucrase activity resulted in the S/I ratio increasing to 0.84 18 h after the ligation. These results suggest the sucrase subunit of the SI complex to be abnormally unstable against pancreatic proteases in SAMP1.

[Aqueous levels of eosinophil cationic protein and major basic protein in patients with retinal detachment associated with atopic dermatitis]

We measured the aqueous levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and major basic protein (MBP) to investigate a possible relationship between cytotoxic eosinophil granule proteins and retinal detachment (RD) in patients with atopic dermatitis. While aqueous ECP was detected in only 1 of 15 cases of RD associated with atopic dermatitis, aqueous MBP was detected in 6 of 14 cases (42.9%). 11 cases of RD without atopic dermatitis were also studied, but neither ECP nor MBP was detected. Although the role of aqueous ECP and MBP was not elucidated, the results indicate that cytotoxic eosinophil granule proteins, especially MBP, are present in aqueous humor in certain cases of RD associated with atopic dermatitis.

[A case of chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis successfully treated with combination therapy of antifungal drugs and ulinastatin]

A 64-year-old woman with a history of old tuberculosis, had a fungus ball shadow with meniscus sign in the upper right lung field on a chest X-ray film in 1991. Based on the chest X-ray findings, pulmonary aspergilloma was suspected. Because the size of the intracavitary fungus ball increased, the patient was treated with itraconazole over one year in 1995, but there was no improvement. One month later, she was admitted because of fever, hemoptysis and productive cough, and chest X-ray showed an enlargement of intracavitary mass and infiltrative shadow in the right lung. Chronic necrotizing aspergillosis was diagnosed on the basis of her clinical and radiographic features, and positive serological test. Although itraconazol and amphotericin B were given, cavity and intracavitary fungus ball shadow kept growing. Combination therapy of antifungal drugs and ulinastatin markedly improved symptoms and resulted in complete disappearance of the fungus ball on chest CT scan.

[Two cases of papillary adenocarcinoma of the thyroid gland associated with chylothorax]

Case 1. An 85-year-old woman had a papillary adenocarcinoma of the thyroid gland and a pleural effusion. The pleural effusion appeared to be a chylous exudate and it did not re-accumulate after thoracenthesis. Thoracic imaging indicated that the chylothorax was caused by direct invasion of the thoracic duct by the thyroid carcinoma. Case 2. A 53-year-old woman had a 20-year history of recurrent chylothorax. She died due to sepsis one year after the third admission for dyspnea and chylothorax. The autopsy findings included papillary adenocarcinoma of the thyroid gland with metastasis to the left supraclavicular lymph nodes. The thoracic duct was inflamed, fibrotic, and completely obstructed. Invasion by the carcinoma may have compressed and destroyed the thoracic duct, and caused chylothorax. Recurrent inflammatory granulation caused total obstruction of the thoracic duct. Reports of chylothorax associated with carcinoma of the thyroid gland are rare.

[Six patients with pneumonitis related to blended Chinese traditional medicines]

We encountered six patients with pneumonitis related to blended chinese traditional medicine (Kampo). The duration of treatment with kampo ranged from 14 to 110 days (mean: 38 days). The most common complaints were dyspnea, fever, and dry coughing. Fine crackles were heard at the bases of both lungs. Abnormal laboratory findings included high values of C-reactive protein and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase in all patients, lactate dehydrogenase in 5 patients, and eosinophil count in 1 patient. Chest X-ray films and CT films revealed diffuse reticulo-nodular interstitial shadows with consolidation in both lung fields in 3 patients and pleural effusion in 1 patient. Bronchoalveolar lavage was done in 4 patients; examination of the lavage fluid showed lymphocyte alveolitis, either pure or associated with neutrophilia and eosinophilia in 3 patients. Inverted CD4/CD8 lymphocyte ratios were found in 3 patients. Transbronchial lung biopsy was done in 4 patients and specimens from 3 of those 4 showed organizing pneumonitis with thickening of alveolar septa. Lymphocyte stimulation tests were positive in 4 patients. Discontinuation of the drug (2 patients) or administration of corticosteroids (4 patients) was followed by rapid improvement. Patients being treated with kampo preparations should be observed for signs and symptoms of drug-induced pneumonitis.

TGF-beta 2 increases alpha-smooth muscle actin expression in bovine retinal pigment epithelial cells

PURPOSE

To examine whether transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-beta 2) induces the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA), a biochemical marker of myofibroblasts, in cultured bovine retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells.

METHODS

Bovine RPE cells were cultured in F-12 nutrient mixture supplemented with 5% fetal bovine serum (FBS), with or without TGF-beta 2 (0.01-10 ng/ml) for 6 days. During this culture period, cells did not reach a confluence. Alpha-SMA was detected immunocytochemically with a mouse monoclonal antibody, and the ratio of the number of alpha-SMA positive cells to the total number of cells was calculated.

RESULTS

About 10% of the cells in control cultures with only FBS were positive for alpha-SMA. TGF-beta 2 increased the ratio of positive cells dose-dependently (p < 0.0001), while a neutralizing antibody against TGF-beta 2 blocked this effect.

CONCLUSIONS

TGF-beta 2 induced expression of alpha-SMA in bovine RPE cells.

[Pneumonia caused by Saiboku-to]

A 72-year-old man was being treated with Saiboku-to for throat discomfort. Forty-two days after the start of Saiboku-to therapy, dyspnea and fever developed and he was admitted to the hospital. Arterial blood gas analysis showed arterial hypoxemia, and a chest X-ray film and chest CT scan showed diffuse linear-nodular shadows in both lung fields. The results of a lymphocyte-stimulation test were positive for Saiboku-to and Saiboko-to-induced pneumonia was diagnosed. Saiboku-to was stopped and prednisolone was given. The symptoms, respiratory status and chest X-ray findings markedly improved. To our knowledge, this is the fifth case of Saiboku-to-induced pneumonia reported in Japan.

[Cavitary lung cancer with a fungus ball-like shadow]

A 75-year-old woman had an irregularly shaped cavitary lesion in the right upper lung field on a chest X-ray film and a CT scan. Primary lung cancer was suspected, but no evidence of malignancy or of infection was found on examination of specimens obtained by transbronchial biopsy and by lavage. Seven months after the first examination the cavity was found to have enlarged and an intra-cavitary fungus ball like shadow was seen. On the basis of these findings, pulmonary aspergilloma with or without primary lung cancer was suspected. Examination of a specimen obtained by transbronchial biopsy revealed squamous cell carcinoma. Right upper lobectomy was done, and the resected tissue included a polypoid nodule and a cavity wall composed of a milky-white solid tumor. Microscopic examination revealed a moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma in both the cavity wall and the polypoid nodule, and no evidence of fungal involvement.

[Prediction and the results of postoperative performance status in patients with giant bulla--prospective study of 47 patients]

The discriminant function (Z) for predicting postoperative performance status in patients with giant bulla was addressed in our previous paper. In the present study, patients with dyspnea were classified into Group 1 or Group 2 based on preoperative function, Group 1 showing continuous improvement in dyspnea and Group 2 unchanged or worsened condition after bullectomy. Of the 47 patients in this study, 28 had dyspnea of grade 2 or more, 19 revealing no symptoms prebullectomy. The group predictions for the 28 patients were compared with the postoperative status in dyspnea for over four years following surgery. The predicted grouping in 26 of the 28 (93%) agreed with the postoperative status but in two it did not: one was familial bullous emphysema the other had repeated episodes of pneumonia, both of which were predicted for Group 1. All 19 patients without preoperative dyspnea were studied their symptoms and lung functions before and after bullectomy. After surgery, none showed dyspnea and significant changes of functions. As to preoperative pulmonary function, patients with FEV1.0% of more than 60% and delta N2 of less than 2% were improved, the prediction agreeing with the actual results. Fourteen patients with FEV1.0% of less than 55% showed high delta N2. When delta N2 exceeded 3.5%, deterioration of dyspnea was observed following surgery. Bullectomy is indicated in patients with low pulmonary function, by preoperative FEV1.0% and delta N2.

Multiplicity of rat liver 15-ketoprostaglandin delta 13-reductases

Five kinds of 15-keto-PG delta 13-reductases (enzymes I, II, III, IV and V) were separated and purified from rat liver cytosol. Four (enzymes I,II, III and IV) out of these enzymes were homogeneous by the criterion of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The molecular weights of enzymes I, II, III and IV were estimated to be 40,000, 25,000, 64,000 and 70,000 by the electrophoresis, and 42,000, 23,000, 66,000 and 72,000 by gel filtration on a Sephadex G-200 column, respectively. All of these enzymes exhibited the NADPH-dependent activities. In the cases of enzymes I, III and V, NADH was also effective as an electron donor, but to a lesser extent in enzymes I and III. The apparent K(m) values of enzymes I, II, III, IV and V for 15-keto-PGF2 alpha with NADPH were 276, 875, 842, 948 and 2767 nM. The enzymes had isoelectric points at 4.5, 4.9, 6.2, 6.4 and 5.4, respectively. Enzyme I exhibited the double bond reductase activities toward alpha, beta-ketoalkenes such as trans-benzylidene-acetone and trans-phenyl-1-propenylketone. Enzymes III and IV also catalyzed the double bond reduction of trans-phenyl-1-propenyl-ketone. All of these enzymes were markedly inhibited by various chemicals such as dicumarol, quercitrin, p-chloromercuri-benzoic acid, 5,5'-dithio-bis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) and so on.

[The presence of IgE on limbal Langerhans cells in patients with atopicdermatitis]

Limbal conjunctival biopsies from 8 patients with atopic dermatitis and from 5 age-matched healthy individuals undergoing cataract or retinal detachment surgery were analyzed by light microscopy and immunological techniques. They were immuno-double labelled with anti-CD1a and anti-IgE or anti-CD23 (IgE receptor). In the specimens from atopic dermatitis 24 approximately 75% of positive anti-CD1a staining cells were double-stained by anti-IgE. Weak positive immuno-double stained cells with anti-CD23 were also observed, but less than with anti-IgE. The ratio of positive anti-IgE double-stained cells to positive anti-CD1a stained cells seemed to be parallel to serum IgE level, but not significant. The presence of IgE and CD23 (IgE receptor) on conjunctival Langerhans cells seems to have a positive effect on IgE-dependent antigen presentation.

High prevalence of antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase in comparison to islet cell antibodies in patients with long-standing insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

To elucidate the clinical significance of antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD Ab) compared to islet cell antibodies (ICA) in recent-onset and long-standing insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). We examined GAD Ab and ICA in 29 recent-onset and 85 long-standing patients with IDDM. GAD Ab was detected by a radioimmunoassay kit using purified pig brain GAD as an antigen. The prevalence of GAD Ab in the recent-onset diabetic patients was 55.2%, slightly lower than that of ICA (65.5%). In contrast, the prevalence of GAD Ab in long-standing diabetic patients was 42.4%, which was significantly higher than that of ICA (23.5%) (p < 0.01). GAD Ab were consistently detected in approximately 40% of patients with long-standing disease, while ICA decreased according to duration of disease. The GAD Ab titer in ICA-positive patients (mean +/- SD, 1588.2 +/- 6755.1; range, 6-38574) was significantly higher than that in ICA-negative patients (mean +/- SD, 13.4 +/- 17.9; and range, 5-72 units) (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that GAD Ab are more useful than ICA to know participation of immune disorders in long-standing patients with IDDM.

Retrospective survey of surgical outcomes on rhegmatogenous retinal detachments associated with atopic dermatitis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the clinical features and surgical outcomes of retinal detachment associated with atopic dermatitis.

METHODS

One hundred twenty-one eyes of 98 patients with atopic dermatitis and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment were surgically treated and followed up for 1 year or longer. Fundus examination data on retinal breaks and detachment, and follow-up data on anatomic reattachment were obtained and compared between phakic and aphakic eyes using the chi 2 test.

RESULTS

Breaks were often multiple and located at the ora serrata (72%) and in the ciliary epithelium (15%). Irregularly shaped breaks (13.5%) and giant breaks (16%) also were seen. Most detachments (71%) were localized and shallow. No significant difference was identified with or without a history of cataract surgery. The prognosis after the initial surgery (reattachment rate, 72%) was unfavorable because of new break formation, but the results of reoperation (reattachment rate, 93%) were as successful.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with atopic dermatitis may have an abnormality in the anterior retina and ciliary epithelium that predisposes to retinal detachment. Findings suggest a possible traumatic trigger and the need to perform an encircling scleral buckle procedure with widespread retinopexy initially in these patients.

Immunohistochemical studies of glycosaminoglycans in nanophthalmic sclera

BACKGROUND

It has been observed that there may be some connection between scleral collagen changes, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) changes and nanophthalmic uveal effusion. In a previous paper we reported increased dermatan sulfate (DS) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) contents in nanophthalmos sclera using biochemical analysis. In the present work we used immunohistochemical methods to assess the GAG changes in nanophthalmos sclera.

METHODS

Scleral specimens from three nanophthalmic patients and five controls were processed to immunostaining with peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) methods. Monoclonal antibodies for chondroitin (Ch), chondroitin-4-sulfate (C4S), chondroitin-6-sulfate (C6S), DS and keratan sulfate (KS) were used. The specimens were observed under a light microscope.

RESULTS

Nanophthalmos scleral samples exhibited strong KS staining compared with the control specimens. Both the nanophthalmos and the control samples were stained with anti-Ch, anti-C4S, anti-C6S and anti-DS antibodies to the same intensity.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that an increased or abnormal distribution of KS may contribute to abnormalities in collagen fibers.

Two closely related receptor-type tyrosine phosphatases are differentially expressed during rat lung development

Transmembrane protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases) comprise a newly identified class of receptor-like molecules. In most cases their ligands and the substrates they dephosphorylate are not known. In order to begin to explore the functions of the PTPases in cell physiology and in mammalian development, we examined the expression patterns of two closely related receptor-type tyrosine phosphatase genes, namely LAR and PTP delta, in fetal rat lung and in selected adult rat tissues. In the lung, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry show that the LAR mRNA and protein are expressed exclusively in the epithelium. In the early embryonic or fetal lung (day 13 to 18) LAR is expressed by all of the epithelial cells of the forming bronchial tree. This widespread pattern of expression is lost later in fetal life (day 21) as the lung matures and acquires the morphologic and biochemical features of the adult organ. LAR gene expression is then confined to two epithelial progenitor cells of the distal airways, namely the bronchiolar Clara cell and the alveolar type II cell. The LAR gene products were also found abundantly expressed in epithelial progenitor cells of adult esophagus, skin, and small intestine, all of which are continuously renewing epithelia. The rat PTP delta gene, on the other hand, is specifically expressed in the mesenchyme of the developing lung. The level of the PTP delta mRNA decreases as the lung matures. These results suggest that the two closely related receptor-type tyrosine phosphatases are differentially expressed in a tissue-specific fashion. They are expressed mostly in proliferating cells or in cells which have potential to proliferate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Biochemical studies of glycosaminoglycans in nanophthalmic sclera

BACKGROUND

Since Brockhurst reported the connection between uveal effusion in nanophthalmic eyes and their scleral alterations and treated them with vortex vein decompression or sclerectomy, many observers have found abnormal accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in nanophthalmic sclera. These GAG abnormalities were thought to effect the collagen changes, though it was not clear which GAGs were changed.

METHODS

GAGs were isolated and their contents were determined in scleral specimens from three nanophthalmic patients and five age-matched controls, using electrophoresis and the cetylpyridinium method.

RESULTS

Hyaluronic acid, dermatan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate were the major GAGs in both nanophthalmic and control samples. Nanophthalmic sclera showed 2.4-fold, 10-fold and 5.5-fold increases in hyaluronic acid, dermatan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate, respectively, compared with the controls.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that increased levels of GAGs, particularly of dermatan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate may contribute to the abnormalities of collagen fibrillogenesis and be closely involved with the pathogenesis of nanophthalmos.

Breaks in the pars plicata following surgery for atopic cataract

Two cases involving retinal detachment caused by breaks in the pars plicata of the ciliary body are presented. In both, retinal detachment developed following surgery for atopic cataract. The residual lens capsules contracted with evidence of fibrotic change. Nonpigmented ciliary epithelium appeared to have become detached and torn by traction through the zonules of Zinn.