Mortality risk factors and fulminant sub-phenotype in anaerobic bacteremia: a 10-year retrospective, multicenter, observational cohort study

PURPOSE

During the last decade, the incidence of anaerobic bacteremia (AB) has been increasing. Patients with AB may develop complex underlying diseases, which can occasionally be accompanied by fatal or fulminant outcomes. However, the risk factors for AB-related mortality remain unclear. Herein, we sought to elucidate the risk factors for AB-related mortality.

METHODS

In this multicenter, retrospective, observational study, we enrolled patients with culture-proven AB from six tertiary hospitals in Japan, between January 2012 and December 2021. Data on patient and infection characteristics, laboratory findings, treatment, and outcome were collected, and their associations with mortality were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 520 participants were included. The 30-day mortality in the study cohort was 14.0% (73 patients), and malignant tumors were frequently observed comorbidities in 48% of the entire cohort. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed a Charlson comorbidity score of > 6, serum creatinine level of > 1.17 mg/dL, and hypotension to be independent risk factors for 30-day mortality in AB (odds ratios [ORs] 2.12, 2.25, and 5.12, respectively; p < 0.05), whereas drainage significantly reduced this risk (OR, 0.28; p < 0.0001). Twelve patients (2.3% of the whole cohort and 16.4% of the deceased patients) presented with extremely rapid progression leading to fatal outcome, consistent with "fulminant AB."

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified acute circulatory dysfunction and performance of drainage as independent predictive factors for 30-day AB-related mortality and revealed the existence of a fulminant AB sub-phenotype. Our findings could serve as a practical guide to predict the clinical outcomes of AB.

Use of a Latent Topic Model for Characteristic Extraction from Health Checkup Questionnaire Data

OBJECTIVES

When patients complete questionnaires during health checkups, many of their responses are subjective, making topic extraction difficult. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop a model capable of extracting appropriate topics from subjective data in questionnaires conducted during health checkups.

METHODS

We employed a latent topic model to group the lifestyle habits of the study participants and represented their responses to items on health checkup questionnaires as a probability model. For the probability model, we used latent Dirichlet allocation to extract 30 topics from the questionnaires. According to the model parameters, a total of 4381 study participants were then divided into groups based on these topics. Results from laboratory tests, including blood glucose level, triglycerides, and estimated glomerular filtration rate, were compared between each group, and these results were then compared with those obtained by hierarchical clustering.

RESULTS

If a significant (p < 0.05) difference was observed in any of the laboratory measurements between groups, it was considered to indicate a questionnaire response pattern corresponding to the value of the test result. A comparison between the latent topic model and hierarchical clustering grouping revealed that, in the latent topic model method, a small group of participants who reported having subjective signs of urinary disorder were allocated to a single group.

CONCLUSIONS

The latent topic model is useful for extracting characteristics from a small number of groups from questionnaires with a large number of items. These results show that, in addition to chief complaints and history of past illness, questionnaire data obtained during medical checkups can serve as useful judgment criteria for assessing the conditions of patients.

Prediction model for glucose metabolism based on lipid metabolism

OBJECTIVES

We developed a robust, long-term clinical prediction model to predict conditions leading to early diabetes using laboratory values other than blood glucose and insulin levels. Our model protects against missing data and noise that occur during long-term analysis.

METHODS

RESULTS of a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were divided into three groups: diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and normal (n = 114, 235, and 325, respectively). For glucose metabolic and lipid metabolic parameters, near 30-day mean values and 10-year integrated values were compared. The relation between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and variations in HbA1c was analyzed in 158 patients. We also constructed a state space model consisting of an observation model (HDL-C and HbA1c) and an internal model (disorders of lipid metabolism and glucose metabolism) and applied this model to 116 cases.

RESULTS

The root mean square error between the observed HbA1c and predicted HbA1c was 0.25.

CONCLUSIONS

In the observation model, HDL-C levels were useful for prediction of increases in HbA1c. Even with numerous missing values over time, as occurs in clinical practice, clinically valid predictions can be made using this state space model.

Clinicopathological significance of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-B and vascular endothelial growth factor-A expression, PDGF receptor-β phosphorylation, and microvessel density in gastric cancer

Background

Angiogenesis is important in the growth and metastasis of various kinds of solid tumors, including gastric cancers. The angiogenic process is triggered by several key growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-B, that are secreted by tumors. Our aim was to define: i) the expression pattern of VEGF-A and PDGF-B in tumor cells and the activation of PDGF receptor (PDGFR)-β tyrosine kinase in stromal cells of human gastric adenocarcinomas; and ii) the relationship between VEGF-A and PDGF-B expression and microvessel density (MVD), to determine if there is a rationale for a new therapeutic strategy.

Methods

A series of 109 gastric adenocarcinoma cases that had undergone surgical resection was examined immunohistochemically using antibodies against VEGF-A, PDGF-B, and CD34, followed by further examination of PDGFR-β phosphorylation by immunoblotting analysis.

Results

MVD was higher in diffuse-type than intestinal-type cancers (p < 0.001). VEGF-A overexpression correlated to PDGF-B overexpression in both the intestinal-type (p < 0.005) and diffuse-type (p < 0.0001) groups, indicating that VEGF-A and PDGF-B are secreted simultaneously in the same tumor, and may thus play important roles together in angiogenesis. However, several differences between intestinal-type and diffuse-type cancers were observed. In the diffuse-type cancer group, higher MVD was related to the PDGF-B proportion (p < 0.05) and VEGF-A overexpression (p < 0.05), but not to PDGF-B overexpression or the VEGF-A proportion. On the other hand, in the intestinal-type cancer group, higher MVD was correlated to overexpression (p < 0.005), intensity (p < 0.05), and proportion (p < 0.05) of PDGF-B, but not of VEGF-A. In addition, phosphorylation of PDGFR-β was correlated with depth of cancer invasion at statistically significant level.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that PDGF-B, which is involved in the maintenance of microvessels, plays a more important role in angiogenesis in intestinal-type gastric carcinomas than VEGF-A, which plays a key role mainly in the initiation of new blood vessel formation. In contrast, VEGF-A has a critical role for angiogenesis more in diffuse-type cancers, but less in those of intestinal type. Thus, a therapy targeting the PDGF-B signaling pathway could be effective for intestinal-type gastric carcinoma, whereas targeting VEGF-A or both VEGF-A and PDGF-B signaling pathways could be effective for diffuse-type gastric carcinomas.

Synergistic roles of amelogenin and ameloblastin

Amelogenin and ameloblastin, the major enamel matrix proteins, are important for enamel mineralization. To identify their synergistic roles in enamel development, we generated Amel X(-/-)/Ambn(-/-) mice. These mice showed additional enamel defects in comparison with Amel X(-/-) or Ambn(-/-) mice. In 7-day-old Amel X(-/-)/Ambn(-/-) mice, not only was the ameloblast layer irregular and detached from the enamel surface, as in Ambn(-/-), but also, the enamel width was significantly reduced in the double-null mice as compared with Amel X(-/-) or Ambn(-/-) mice. Proteomic analysis of the double-null teeth revealed increased levels of RhoGDI (Arhgdia), a Rho-family-specific guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor, which is involved in important cellular processes, such as cell attachment. Both Amel X(-/-)/Ambn(-/-) mice and Ambn(-/-) mice displayed positive staining with RhoGDI antibody in the irregularly shaped ameloblasts detached from the matrix. Ameloblastin-regulated expression of RhoGDI suggests that Rho-mediated signaling pathway might play a role in enamel formation.

Proliferation and adhesion of periodontal ligament cells on synthetic biominerals

OBJECTIVE

Hydroxiapatite (HA) has been suggested as a useful biomaterial to support the regeneration of tissues. In this study, we investigated the adhesion of periodontal ligament (PDL) cells on octacalcium phosphate (OCP) and its hydrolyzed apatitic product (HL), which are known precursors of HA.

METHODS

Rat PDL cells were cultured on OCP or HL-coated dishes. Cell proliferation and adhesion and mRNA expression of collagen I, fibronectin integrin subunits were examined. Cell adhesion inhibition assays were carried out by GRGDSPK (Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Pro-Lys).

RESULTS

In early culture period, the cell number of PDL cells was lower on OCP and HL than that on control without any coating. However, the cell number on OCP or HL caught up with control later period. mRNA expression level of collagen I and fibronectin on OCP and HL were similar among OCP HL and control, although they differed early in the culture period. Integrin subunits were expressed on both OCP and HL as well as on control. Cell adhesion was inhibited by RGD inhibitor peptide.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicated that rat PDL cells produce collagen I and fibronectin on OCP and HL, and then show increased cell numbers depending on adhesion to the matrices through integrins.

3D digital subtraction angiography of intracranial aneurysms: comparison of flat panel detector with conventional image intensifier TV system using a vascular phantom

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Compared with the image intensifier (I.I.)-TV system, the flat panel detector (FPD) system of direct conversion type has several theoretic advantages, such as higher spatial resolution, wide dynamic range, and no image distortion. The purpose of this study was to compare the image quality of 3D digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in the FPD and conventional I.I.-TV systems using a vascular phantom.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An anthropomorphic vascular phantom was designed to simulate the various intracranial aneurysms with aneurysmal bleb. The tubes of this vascular phantom were filled with 2 concentrations of contrast material (300 and 150 mg I/mL), and we obtained 3D DSA using the FPD and I.I.-TV systems. First, 2 blinded radiologists compared the volume-rendering images for 3D DSA on the FPD and I.I.-TV systems, looking for pseudostenosis artifacts. Then, 2 other radiologists independently evaluated both systems for the depiction of the simulated aneurysm and aneurysmal bleb using a 5-point scale.

RESULTS

For the degree of the pseudostenosis artifacts at the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery at 300 mg I/mL, 3D DSA with FPD system showed mild stenoses, whereas severe stenoses were observed at 3D DSA with I.I.-TV system. At both concentrations, the FPD system was significantly superior to I.I.-TV system regarding the depiction of aneurysm and aneurysmal bleb.

CONCLUSION

Compared with the I.I.-TV system, the FPD system could create high-resolution 3D DSA combined with a reduction of the pseudostenosis artifacts.

Reduction of radiation dose for cerebral angiography using flat panel detector of direct conversion type: a vascular phantom study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Compared with image intensifier television (I.I.-TV) system, an angiography system using the flat panel detector (FPD) of direct conversion type has a high spatial resolution, which may improve image quality, reduce patient exposure, or both. Our purpose was to evaluate the detection of simulated aneurysmal blebs under dose reduction with the FPD system in comparison with the I.I.-TV system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A vascular phantom was designed to simulate various intracranial aneurysms with and without blebs, and this phantom was filled with 3 different concentrations of contrast material (300, 150, and 100 mg I/mL). 2D digital subtraction angiography (DSA) at low-dose mode of FPD system was compared with 2D DSA at a standard-dose mode of FPD system and a conventional mode of I.I.-TV system. Data analysis was based on 171 observations (57 aneurysms [20 with bleb and 37 without bleb] x 3 contrast material concentrations) by each of 7 radiologists, and the detection performances of blebs were compared using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

RESULTS

The mean dose measurements with a phantom during 2D DSA were 0.36 mGy/frame with low-dose mode of FPD system, 0.72 mGy/frame with standard-dose mode of FPD system and 0.76 mGy/frame with I.I.-TV system. The mean Az at 100 mg I/mL was significantly higher for low-dose mode of FPD than for conventional-dose mode of I.I.-TV mean Az, 0.85 versus 0.56; P < .01), though differences were not significant with 150 and 300 mg I/mL between both systems.

CONCLUSION

The FPD system allows a considerable dose reduction during 2D DSA without loss of the image quality.

Amelogenin-mediated regulation of osteoclastogenesis, and periodontal cell proliferation and migration

We previously reported that amelogenin isoforms M180 and leucine-rich amelogenin peptide (LRAP) are expressed in the periodontal region, and that their absence is associated with increased cementum defects in amelogenin-knockout (KO) mice. The aim of the present study was to characterize the functions of these isoforms in osteoclastogenesis and in the proliferation and migration of cementoblast/periodontal ligament cells. The co-cultures of wild-type (WT) osteoclast progenitor and KO cementoblast/periodontal ligament cells displayed more tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive cells than the co-cultures of WT cells. The addition of LRAP to both co-cultures significantly reduced RANKL expression and the TRAP-positive cells. Proliferation and migration rates of the KO cementoblast/periodontal ligament cells were lower than those of WT cells and increased with the addition of either LRAP or P172 (a porcine homolog of mouse M180). Thus, we demonstrate the regulation of osteoclastogenesis by LRAP, and the proliferation and migration of cementoblast/periodontal ligament cells by LRAP and P172.

Search for nu(e) from the sun at Super-Kamiokande-I

We present the results of a search for low energy nu(e) from the Sun using 1496 days of data from Super-Kamiokande-I. We observe no significant excess of events and set an upper limit for the conversion probability to nu(e) of the 8B solar neutrino. This conversion limit is 0.8% (90% C.L.) of the standard solar model's neutrino flux for total energy=8-20 MeV. We also set a flux limit for monochromatic nu(e) for E(nu(e))=10-17 MeV.

Search for supernova relic neutrinos at Super-Kamiokande

A search for the relic neutrinos from all past core-collapse supernovae was conducted using 1496 days of data from the Super-Kamiokande detector. This analysis looked for electron-type antineutrinos that had produced a positron with an energy greater than 18 MeV. In the absence of a signal, 90% C.L. upper limits on the total flux were set for several theoretical models; these limits ranged from 20 to 130 macro nu(e) cm(-2) s(-1). Additionally, an upper bound of 1.2 macro nu(e) cm(-2) s(-1) was set for the supernova relic neutrino flux in the energy region E(nu)>19.3 MeV.

A case of POEMS syndrome associated with reactive amyloidosis and Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia

A72-year-old Japanese man presented with a 5-year history of fatigue, night sweats, oedema of dorsum of foot, muscle weakness, and paresthesia of the lower extremities. On examination, the patient fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for POEMS syndrome, but was unusual in that he also had underling Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia with IgM kappa. The M protein of POEMS syndrome is usually IgG and IgA with lambda light chains. To our knowledge, there are only three cases of POEMS syndrome with IgM kappa including our case. Autopsy findings revealed that small lymphocytes were more prominent than plasma cells in the bone marrow. These plasma cells were stained with IgM kappa. Amyloid deposits identified by Congo red stain were detected predominantly in the vascular walls of the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas and kidney. This amyloid protein was classified as amyloid associated protein. This is the first case of POEMS syndrome associated with reactive amyloidosis and Waldenström's macroglobulinaemiae.

Function of the 3 portions of the inferior glenohumeral ligament: a cadaveric study

The stabilizing function of the inferior glenohumeral ligament of the anterior band and posterior band has been investigated, but little is known about the function of the axillary pouch. The strain of the 3 portions of the inferior glenohumeral ligament in 17 fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders was measured with use of linear transducers. The measurements were performed under the following conditions: 0 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, and 60 degrees of glenohumeral elevation in the coronal, scapular, and sagittal planes and internal to external rotations in 10 degrees increments. The anterior band and axillary pouch showed significant strain increases when the arm was elevated and externally rotated in the coronal and scapular planes but no increase in the sagittal plane. The posterior band showed no strain in the coronal and scapular planes, but a significant strain increase with the arm elevated and internally rotated in the sagittal plane. We conclude that the anterior band and axillary pouch, which showed the greatest strain in abduction and external rotation, are anterior stabilizers, whereas the posterior band, which showed the greatest strain in flexion and internal rotation, is a posterior stabilizer. We recommend that the 6 o'clock position be firmly repaired during the Bankart procedure.

Effect of arm elevation and rotation on the strain in the repaired rotator cuff tendon. A cadaveric study

In 14 cadaveric shoulders, a rotator cuff tear (2 cm wide and 1.5 cm long) was created and repaired under a 3-kg tensile force with the arm in adduction. Strain on the repaired tendon was measured at 0 degrees, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, and 45 degrees of elevation in the sagittal, scapular, and coronal planes and from 60 degrees of internal rotation to 60 degrees of external rotation. The strain in all of the planes decreased significantly with the arm elevated more than 30 degrees. With 30 degrees of elevation in the scapular and coronal planes, the strain increased in internal rotation and decreased in external rotation. In all of the positions measured, the strain in the sagittal plane was significantly greater than in the other planes. We concluded that more than 30 degrees of elevation in the coronal or scapular plane and rotation ranging from 0 degrees to 60 degrees of external rotation compose the safe range of motion after repair of the rotator cuff.

Transcriptional regulation of uncoupling protein-2 gene expression in L6 myotubes

OBJECTIVE

To increase the understanding of the transcriptional regulation of UCP2 gene expression in skeletal muscle cells, we examined the effect of all-trans-retinoic acid (tRA), a ligand (after the conversion to 9-cis-RA) of the retinoid X receptor (RXR), and linolenic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) ligand, on the expression of UCP2 mRNA in cultured L6 myotubes.

RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES

UCP2 gene expression in L6 myotubes was confirmed by Northern blot analysis. The time- and concentration-dependency of tRA and linolenic acid on UCP2 gene expression was assessed by dot blot quantification. The mRNA levels of PPAR subtypes (alpha, gamma and delta) were determined by RT-PCR.

RESULTS

tRA induced UCP2 gene expression in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Similar to tRA, UCP2 mRNA was markedly increased by 0.5 mM linolenic acid. In L6 myotubes, PPARdelta mRNA was abundant, whereas PPARalpha mRNA was lower and PPARgamma mRNA was minimal.

CONCLUSIONS

UCP2 mRNA expression in L6 myotubes is up-regulated by tRA and linolenic acid, possibly through a mechanism involving PPAR and RXRs.

Effect of superior capsule and coracohumeral ligament release on strain in the repaired rotator cuff tendon. A cadaveric study

Twelve cadaveric shoulders were used to determine the effects of release of the superior capsule and the coracohumeral ligament on the strain in the repaired rotator cuff tendon. A rotator cuff tear (2 cm wide and 1.5 cm long) was created and repaired under a 3-kg tensile force. The strain in the repaired tendon was measured with use of linear transducers with the arm in 50 different positions. Release of either the superior capsule or the coracohumeral ligament diminished the tension of the repaired rotator cuff by an average of 25% with the arm in adduction. Release of both of these structures further reduced the tension by an average of 44% in adduction and 43% to 60% with the arm in 15 degrees of elevation. The maximum reduction of tension in the repaired rotator cuff occurred when both the superior capsule and coracohumeral ligament were divided and when the arm was positioned in adduction and in 60 degrees of external rotation. Release of the coracohumeral ligament is equally as efficient as releasing the superior capsule in reducing the strain of the repaired rotator cuff. Releasing both structures seems to be desirable when releasing one structure or the other is not sufficient.

[Intermittent administration of 5-FU and isovorin to patients with advanced and recurrent colon cancer]

We attempted a new regimen of intermittent administration of 5-FU and low-dose Isovorin (F.I) to four patients with advanced and recurrent colon cancer. A partial response (PR) was achieved in two of four patients who had evaluable lesions for this treatment. We observed few side effects among these patients. Only one patient among four showed grade 1 neuropathy after two administrations of this chemotherapy. However, after a two-week pause in administration, the neuropathy disappeared and we could continue the therapy. This patient with multiple liver metastases achieved a partial response. Other patients had no side effects such as bone marrow suppression or digestive symptoms. This intermittent F.I treatment might be an effective and promising therapy with few side effects even for patients with poorer conditions.

Superior labral strain during the throwing motion. A cadaveric study

We studied the strain on the superior labrum of 10 fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders with the arm in simulated positions of a pitching motion. We used linear transducers to measure the strain in both the anterior and posterior superior labrum with the arm in various planes and rotations simulating the motions of pitching: early cocking, late cocking, acceleration, deceleration, and follow-through. Predetermined loads, according to the percent of maximum voluntary contraction of the biceps muscle during each phase of pitching, were calculated and applied to the long head of the biceps tendon using a spring device. Only during the late cocking phase, when the arm was in maximal external rotation, was the increase in strain statistically significant for the anterior and posterior portions and the strain on the posterior portion significantly greater than that on the anterior portion of the labrum. The increased strain in the posterior portion may be due to the anatomic orientation of the long head of the biceps tendon at the superior labrum. The increased strain in the late cocking phase may contribute to the detachment of the labrum with the eccentric contraction of the biceps muscle that occurs with rapid extension of the elbow.

Constraints on neutrino oscillations using 1258 days of Super-Kamiokande solar neutrino data

We report the result of a search for neutrino oscillations using precise measurements of the recoil electron energy spectrum and zenith angle variations of the solar neutrino flux from 1258 days of neutrino-electron scattering data in Super-Kamiokande. The absence of significant zenith angle variation and spectrum distortion places strong constraints on neutrino mixing and mass difference in a flux-independent way. Using the Super-Kamiokande flux measurement in addition, two allowed regions at large mixing are found.

Solar 8B and hep neutrino measurements from 1258 days of Super-Kamiokande data

Solar neutrino measurements from 1258 days of data from the Super-Kamiokande detector are presented. The measurements are based on recoil electrons in the energy range 5.0-20.0 MeV. The measured solar neutrino flux is 2.32+/-0.03(stat)+0.08-0.07(syst)x10(6) cm(-2) x s(-1), which is 45.1+/-0.5(stat)+1.6-1.4(syst)% of that predicted by the BP2000 SSM. The day vs night flux asymmetry (Phi(n)-Phi(d))/Phi(average) is 0.033+/-0.022(stat)+0.013-0.012(syst). The recoil electron energy spectrum is consistent with no spectral distortion. For the hep neutrino flux, we set a 90% C.L. upper limit of 40x10(3) cm(-2) x s(-1), which is 4.3 times the BP2000 SSM prediction.

Cloning of the gene coding for Staphylococcus hyicus exfoliative toxin B and its expression in Escherichia coli

The Staphylococcus hyicus exfoliative toxin B (SHETB) gene was cloned into pUC118 and expressed in Escherichia coli. The nucleotide sequence of the SHETB gene consists of a coding region of 804 bp specifying a polypeptide of 268 amino acid residues, which included a putative 20-residue signal sequence.

Effects of biceps loading and arm rotation on the superior labrum in the cadaveric shoulder

Effects of loading the long head of the biceps brachii (LHB) and arm rotation on the strain of the superior labrum (anterior and posterior) in 10 fresh frozen cadaveric shoulder joints were studied. Loads were applied to the rotator cuff muscles to stabilize the humeral head. The strain of the anterior and posterior portions of the labrum with the biceps loaded with 0.42 kg, 1.36 kg, and 2.31 kg were measured using linear transducers. The humerus was rotated externally (30, 45, 60, and 90 degrees) and internally (30, 45, and 60 degrees) with the arm elevated 60 degrees at glenohumeral joint (simulated 90 degrees elevation of arm to the trunk). The strain increased with an increase in the weight of the load to LHB and with increase in rotation angle both internally and externally. Since the strain in the posterior portion was larger than that of the anterior portion it seems likely that the labrum, especially the posterior portion, is subject to large strain during biceps loading and arm rotation.

Eye-head coordination abnormalities and regional cerebral blood flow in Alzheimer's disease

1. Three patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and three healthy controls (HC) were examined for eye-head coordination. Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was measured in AD patients. 2. Eye-head coordination was analyzed using a Vision analyzer, and magnetic sensors. The authors measured the rCBF with 123I-IMP, and 99mTc-ECD SPECT. 3. AD reduced gaze accuracy and head movements, and prolonged the latency of saccade as compared to HC. AD patients had a tendency to focus on the target by using eye movements only. 4. AD reduced the rCBF in the inferior parietal part and the visual area, relative to the motor area. Damage of these areas may have caused the eye-head coordination disorders in the AD patients.

Nosema tyriae n.sp. and Nosema sp., microsporidian parasites of Cinnabar moth Tyria jacobaeae

Nosema tyriae n.sp. was found in 63% of a population of Cinnabar moth larvae (Tyria jacobaeae). The infection was found in the gut wall, silk glands, and fat body and was probably generalized but appeared to be of low pathogenicity. Merogony and sporogony were by binary fission of diplokaryotic stages. Fresh spores were elongate, slightly pointed at the anterior end, and measured 4.7 x 2.0 microm. Ultrastructural features of special interest were 20-nm tubules connecting the surface of sporonts with host cell cytoplasm and, in the spores, a deeply domed polar sac, polaroplast consisting of closely packed longitudinally arranged membranes and loosely packed horizontally arranged membranes, and 10.5-14 coils of the polar tube in a single rank. The 16S rRNA genes of N. tyriae and Nosema bombycis from silkworms, Bombyx mori, differed by only six nucleotides and N. tyriae spores gave a moderately positive reaction with a monoclonal antibody raised to N. bombycis. N. tyriae was infective to B. mori but was less virulent than N. bombycis. However, no amplification product was obtained by PCR using N. tyriae DNA and primers considered to be specific for N. bombycis. Also, the spores of the two species are of entirely different shapes. A second diplokaryotic microsporidium, Nosema sp., found as a light infection in only one of the larvae had much smaller developmental stages and spores measuring 3.8 x 2.0 microm (fixed). Ultrastructurally it was distinguished by an abundance of dense membranes in cytoplasmic vesicles in both meronts and sporonts. Spores with up to 15 coils of the polar tube in irregular clusters or with about 12 coils in a single rank were observed in the tissues fixed from the one larva infected with this parasite. As this larva had been kept with N. tyriae-infected larvae for a few days before examination, it is possible that the two types of spores resulted from a double infection.

Stereoselective permeation of new fluorinated quinolone derivatives across LLC-PK1 cell monolayers

We examined the stereoselective membrane permeation of new fluorinated quinolone derivatives (NQs) across LLC-PK1 cell monolayers, using levofloxacin (LVFX) and its R-(+) isomer. LVFX permeation was 1.6-fold greater in the basal-to-apical direction than that in the apical-to-basal direction, suggesting that LVFX permeated LLC-PK1 cell monolayers in a secretory-oriented manner. In contrast to LVFX, the permeation of the R-(+) isomer was almost identical in both directions. LVFX permeation in the basal-to-apical direction was significantly reduced in the presence of guanidine, enoxacin, and L-arginine, whereas tetraethylammonium, D-arginine, D- and L-lysine had no effect on the basal-to-apical permeation of LVFX. Basal-to-apical permeation of the R-(+) isomer was not affected by these compounds. Cellular accumulation of LVFX was inversely increased when guanidine suppressed the appearance of LVFX in the apical medium in a concentration-dependent manner. These results imply that the inhibitory effect of guanidine on the basal-to-apical permeation of LVFX involves the permeation process across the apical membrane. Guanidine trans-stimulated the efflux of LVFX from LLC-PK1 cells but did not affect cimetidine efflux. These results suggest that some NQs, like LVFX and its R-(+) isomer, are stereoselectively secreted across LLC-PK1 cell monolayers and that an organic cation transport system, which favors guanidine as a typical substrate, may be involved in the secretory-oriented permeation of some NQs.

Steroidal saponins from the bulbs of Lilium candidum

Five new spirostanol saponins and a new furostanol saponin were isolated from the fresh bulbs of Lilium candidum. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, including two-dimensional NMR spectroscopic techniques and the result of acid hydrolysis. The isolated saponins contained a branched triglycoside moiety assigned as O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)]-beta - D-glucopyranose with the formation of an O-glycosidic linkage to C-3 of the aglycone as the common structural feature. The inhibitory activity of the saponins on Na+/K+ ATPase was evaluated.

Position of immobilization after dislocation of the shoulder. A cadaveric study

BACKGROUND

After reduction of a shoulder dislocation, the torn edges of a Bankart lesion need to be approximated for healing during immobilization. The position of immobilization has traditionally been adduction and internal rotation, but there is little direct evidence to support or discredit the use of this position. The purpose of the present study was to determine the relationship between the position of the arm and the coaptation of the edges of a simulated Bankart lesion created in cadaveric shoulders.

METHODS

Ten thawed fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were used for experimentation. All of the muscles were removed to expose the joint capsule. A simulated Bankart lesion was created by sectioning the anteroinferior aspect of the capsule from the labrum. With linear transducers attached to the anteroinferior and inferior portions of the Bankart lesion, the opening and closing of the lesion were recorded with the arm in 0, 30, 45, and 60 degrees of elevation in the coronal and sagittal planes as well as with the arm in rotation from full internal to full external rotation in 10-degree increments.

RESULTS

With the arm in adduction, the edges of the simulated Bankart lesion were coapted in the range from full internal rotation to 30 degrees of external rotation. With the arm in 30 degrees of flexion or abduction, the edges of the lesion were coapted in neutral and internal rotation but were separated in external rotation. At 45 and 60 degrees of flexion or abduction, the edges were separated regardless of rotation.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated that, in the cadaveric shoulder, there was a so-called coaptation zone in which the edges of a simulated Bankart lesion were kept approximated without the surrounding muscles.

An immunohistochemical study of the localization of biglycan, decorin and large chondroitin-sulphate proteoglycan in adult rat temporomandibular joint disc

To analyse regional variations in extracellular matrix components of adult rat temporomandibular joint discs, immunohistochemical techniques were used to examine the localization of two small dermatan-sulphate proteoglycans, biglycan and decorin, and a large chondroitin-sulphate proteoglycan. Staining for biglycan was intense in the posterior band, although it had a rather weak and even distribution throughout the disc. In contrast, staining for decorin was faint in the intermediate zone and the central part of the posterior band, moderate in the anterior and posterior attachments and most intense in the junction between the anterior band and attachment. The upper surface of the disc stained more intensely than the lower. Similarly, there was intense staining for large chondroitin-sulphate proteoglycan in the peripheral band, but both the anterior and the temporal parts of the posterior attachments were faintly stained. These results demonstrate marked regional differences in the expression of biglycan, decorin and large chondroitin-sulphate proteoglycan in the temporomandibular joint discs of adult rats. These variations probably reflect the different biomechanical environments caused by the complicated articulatory functions of the temporomandibular joint.

New steroidal constituents from the bulbs of Lilium candidum

Eight spirostanol saponins, including four new compounds, and two known furostanol saponins were isolated from the fresh bulbs of Lilium candidum. The structures of new compounds were determined to be (25R,26R)-26-methoxyspirost-5-ene-3 beta,17 alpha-diol 3-O-¿O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)] -beta-D-glucopyranoside¿, (25R,26R)-26-methoxyspirost-5-ene-3 beta,17 alpha-diol 3-O-¿O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-O-[6-O-acetyl-beta-D-glucopyranos yl- (1-->4)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside¿, (25R,26R)-26-methoxyspirost-5-ene-3 beta,17 alpha-diol 3-O-¿O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside¿ and (25S)-spirost-5-ene-3 beta,27-diol 3-O-¿O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-O - [beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside¿, respectively, on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, including two-dimensional NMR techniques, and the result of hydrolysis. The inhibitory activity of the isolated saponins on Na+/K+ ATPase was evaluated.

[Diagnosis for human parvovirus B19-polyarthritis: usefulness of empty particle B19.ELISA and B19-DNA.PCR]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the usefulness of new ELISA for human parvovirus B19 (B19) antibodies and PCR for the diagnosis of acute onset of B19 polyarthritis.

METHODS

We evaluated the reproducibility and sensitivity on the detection of anti-B19 antibody by ELISA using recombinant VP-1 and VP-2 (empty particle), and then studied for the prevalence of IgM and IgG B19 antibody in 125 samples for anti-B19 tests. The random study on anti-B19 antibody assay as well as PCR for B19-DNA was also performed in 130 cases with acute onset of arthritis excluding those with known origins, 224 with rheumatoid arthritis and 149 with other categories.

RESULTS

The results by using B19-empty particle ELISA were reproducible and showed the assay was a sensitive way for clinical use. IgM anti-B19 antibodies were positive not only in all samples from erythema infectiosum, but also often in those from hemolytic anemia, pure red cell aplasia, fetal hydrops, hepatic injury, fever of unknown origin. Among 130 with acute onset of arthritis, 21 showed positive tests for IgM anti-B19 antibody and/or B19 DNA. On the other hand, 4 among 224 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were positive for IgM anti-B19 antibody, but all of 149 in control group were negative for IgM anti-B19 antibodies and for B19 DNA.

CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION

Anti-B19 ELISA using B19-empty particle which has been introduced as a routine test system, is a useful tool for the diagnosis of acute onset of B19 arthritis. An additional examination using PCR for B19 DNA may contribute for understanding persistent B19 polyarthritis or reactivation of B19 infection.

Clinical characteristics of breast cancer patients with family history

This study was conducted to acquire information as to the clinicopathological characteristics of breast cancer patients with family history. Of 583 patients with breast cancer, 60 (10.3%) had family history in at least one relative within the second-degree. The affected family member was most frequently a sister (43%), followed by the mother (23%) and an aunt (20%). Comparison of the data for the patients between with and without family history revealed no significant differences for any of mean age, menopausal status, histological type, histological staging, and estrogen receptor status. Although the sample size was small, neither the survival rate nor the bilaterality of disease was influenced by the family history of breast cancer.

Uptake of doxorubicin by cultured kidney epithelial cells LLC-PK1

The renal handling of doxorubicin (DXR) was investigated using a kidney epithelial cell line, LLC-PK1. The uptake of DXR by LLC-PK1 cells cultured on plastic dishes was shown to be temperature and concentration dependent. The initial uptake of DXR was slightly saturable. The Km and Vmax of the saturable component were calculated to be 20.2 microM, and 0.355 nmol/mg protein/10 min, respectively. The release of DXR from LLC-PK1 cells was very slow at 37 degrees C and almost negligible at 4 degrees C, indicating that most of the DXR in the cells irreversibly binds to cellular constituents and that only a slight amount of unbound DXR participates in the efflux out of the cells. DXR uptake at 37 degrees C was significantly decreased in the presence of 2,4-dinitrophenol. However, organic cations and aminoglycoside antibiotics, such as tetraethylammonium, N1-methylnicotinamide, guanidine, gentamicin and neomycin, did not inhibit DXR uptake, suggesting that a process distinct from the organic cation transport system and absorptive endocytosis might be involved in the uptake of DXR by LLC-PK1 cells.

Subcutaneous loperamide prevents gastric lesions induced by necrotizing agents in rats

The effects of subcutaneous loperamide on gastric lesions induced by necrotizing agents were investigated in the rat. Loperamide produced a dose-dependent increase of gastric fluid volume and inhibition of gastric lesions caused by 0.6 N HCl or absolute ethanol. Pretreatment with naloxone almost completely blocked both fluid pooling effect and mucosal protective effect of loperamide. Omeprazole reduced the acidity of the gastric fluid in rats treated with loperamide without significantly decreasing the fluid volume. Various volumes of acid, given orally immediately before 0.6 N HCl, volume-dependently prevented gastric lesions. We conclude that subcutaneous loperamide protects the gastric mucosa against necrotizing agents through luminal dilution of irritants, which is mediated by naloxone-sensitive opiate receptors.

Expression of osteocalcin in cementoblasts forming acellular cementum

To determine the phenotypic expression of cementoblasts responsible for acellular cementum, an immunohistochemical study was performed using a polyclonal antibody raised against the aminoterminal peptide of rat osteocalcin (OC). Maxillary first molars of Wistar male rats aged 2 and 3 wk were used for observations. Serial sections of decalcified paraffin embedded specimens were stained either with hematoxylin and eosin or with the anti-OC antibody. In 2-wk-old rats, apical roots were lined with the epithelial root sheath. A thin layer of acellular cementum was seen at most of the root surface, but was not seen near to root apex. In 3-wk-old rats, cellular cementum began to be formed at root apex, and acellular cementum became more thick than in 2-wk-old rats. Acellular and cellular cementum were lined with the fibroblast-like cells. Osteocalcin staining was detected in cells lining root surface in both 2- and 3-wk-old rats. Almost all cells lining cellular cementum were positive for OC. In contrast OC positive cells lining acellular cementum and root surface devoid of cementum appeared at a specific site of the root. The cells at the interradicular area of root surface were positive but the cells at the outer area (the opposite side of the interradicular area) were negative for OC. Osteoblasts and odontoblasts were positive with the antibody. The present results suggest that the OC expression of cementoblasts forming acellular cementum is similar to that of cells forming cellular cementum as well as osteoblasts and odontoblasts, and has a role for calcification of acellular cementum.

[The disturbance of reversible operation in space in the early stage of Alzheimer's disease]

Constructional apraxia is one of the neuropsychological findings frequently observed in the early stage of the Alzheimer's disease, which may result from the visuo-spatial disturbances. The visual space consists of a variety of visual information processing, viewer-centered coordinate system, objects-centered coordinate system, integration of both coordinate systems, and verifying visual representation with the knowledge in the memory. The reversible operation in space, or mental rotation appears to play an important role in visuo-spatial functions, which refers to the operation of the visual representation at one orientation in viewer-centered coordinate system to construct the representation in object-centered coordinate system so that one can look like if it were presented at another orientation. To the present, little is known about reversible operation or mental rotation in patients with Alzheimer's disease. In this present paper, we attempted to investigate the ability of reversible operations in space so as to understand the mechanisms underlying constructional apraxia, or visuo-spatial disturbances in the early stage of Alzheimer's disease. The subjects were 12 patients with Alzheimer's disease in early stage (AD group), 12 patients with multi-infarcts dementia as disease control (MID group), 12 age matched persons as healthy control (HC group). In perspective taking tasks, that requires the subjects to imagine the spatial arrangement of the objects at the different view points from the subjects' one, AD group showed more severe deficits than MID group and HC group. Moreover, in a task that the subjects were asked to assume the photo-angle of the photograph taken of the model which was in front of them, AD group was imparied compared to the control groups. These disturbances were closely associated with deficits in Block Design test of WAIS. These results clearly demonstrate that the patients with Alzheimer's disease have disturbance in reversible operation in space and that the disturbance may be responsible for visuo-spatial dysfunctions, not only the constructional apraxia, but also a variety of performance deficits in the early stage of Alzheimer's disease.

[Recent advances in Alzheimer's disease research--amyloid precursor protein trafficking, processing, and mutations in Alzheimer's disease linked genes]

Recent advances in Alzheimer's disease (AD) research were briefly reviewed. The AD affected brain is characterized by numerous amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and neuronal losses. The amyloid is composed of amyloid beta peptide (A beta), a 40-42 amino acid fragment of large membrane protein, amyloid precursor protein (APP). A beta is cleaved by proteolytic enzyme, beta, and gamma secretase yielding N and C terminus of the A beta. Considerable effort has been directed to identify these enzymes, and to find the intracellular compartments where A beta is generated. Endosome, lysosomal pathway, or related acidic compartment is one of the candidates for A beta generation. Biochemical and immunopathological data implicate that A beta 42 is more important than A beta 40 in the pathogenesis of AD. On the other hand, many missence mutations in APP gene and other gene, S182 (presenilin1), and STM2 (presenilin2) were identified in familial AD. Neuropathology in these FAD appear basically quite similar, and AD is regarded as cerebral A beta amyloidosis. It was established that missense mutations in the genes encoding APP, presenilin1, and presenilin2, all treated APP processing, leading to increased production of A beta 42. AD amyloid is composed of many other proteins than A beta, designated as amyloid associated proteins, It should be a key issue to determine the precise mechanism, by which A beta is generated, and the alteration of APP trafficking resulting in increased A beta 42 generation with these mutant genes.

Changes in tumor necrosis factor-a and interleukin-1 beta production following liver surgery on cirrhotic patients

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The purpose of this study is to investigate the possible participation of inflammatory cytokine release from macrophages/monocytes following liver surgery on cirrhotic patients in the pathogenesis of postoperative organ failures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Postoperative changes in tumor necrosis factor-a and interleukin-1 beta production in peripheral blood monocytes stimulated by lipopolysaccharide were examined in cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing hepatic resections.

RESULTS

Monocytes separated from the blood in cirrhotic patients prior to operation showed a greater ability to produce tumor necrosis factor-a and interleukin-1 beta than those in healthy volunteers. Monocytes in postoperative cirrhotic patients showed a greater ability to produce tumor necrosis factor-a and interleukin-1 beta in the presence of lipopolysaccharide than healthy controls and preoperative cirrhotic patients. In the case of postoperative hepatic failure, tumor necrosis factor-a and interleukin-1 beta production in monocytes showed a remarkable rise along with progression toward hepatic failure.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that tumor necrosis factor-a and interleukin-1 beta play an important role in the pathogenesis of postoperative liver failures. When there are any stimuli to produce cytokines in monocytes, such as ischemia, significant tissue injury and/or endotoxin, organ failures could develop and progress subsequently.

[Aging brains and the dementias]

Dementia has been defined generally as an acquired persistent impairment of intellectual function caused by organic brain diseases. The rapidly increasing incidence of dementias has been claimed on the basis of epidemic studies in Japan as well as in Western developed countries. These observations are justified by the facts that most dementias are found in people over the age of 65 years, and that the elderly population is increasing rapidly resulting in both absolute numbers and percentage of the population. In Japan, it is estimated that 1.5 million of demented persons are present. The purpose of this paper is to describe clinical manifestations and morphological alterations of aged and demented individuals, diagnostic process to differential diagnosis to provide knowledgeable approach to management, and adequate care of the demented individuals. In aged brain, there are a variety of morphological changes. Some of these are usually observed in aged brains; atrophy of the brains, loss of neurons, accumulations of lipofuscin. Others observed in pathologically aged brains, or accelerated aging brains are Alzheimer's neurofibrillary tangles, senile plaques, and granulovacuolar degeneration. Psychiatric manifestations associated with aging and dementing diseases are described. It should be realized that clinical manifestations of the demented reflect primarily the topography of the organic lesions in the brain, and functional alterations, and are influenced by psychological and socio-environmental factors.

Detection of HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies among Chlamydia trachomatis infected pregnant women in Japan

An anonymous unlinked HIV antibody test was conducted on 1632 Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) antibody positive women from 10 institutes of 7 prefectures in Japan. All the sera were negative for both HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies. The result may support the suggestion that HIV prevalence is low among general population in Japan. Such a test as this study will be useful not only for developing a reliable HIV surveillance system but also for the study of sexual behavior of general population, since C. trachomatis infection is sensitive to reflect sexual contact.

Implication of sensory neurons in the diverse mechanisms of adaptive cytoprotection in the rat stomach

Adaptive cytoprotection is mediated by diverse mediators and mechanisms. We investigated the implication of capsaicin-sensitive afferent neurons in the adaptive cytoprotection in the rat stomach, taking special notice of nitric oxide, prostaglandins and luminal dilution. Sensory deafferentation abolished the protective effect of capsaicin against 0.6 N HCl-induced gastric injury but not the indomethacin-resistant or NG-nitro-L-arginine-resistant adaptive cytoprotection conferred by 0.1 N NaOH. Nor did it attenuate the protection by 0.35 N HCl which accompanied luminal dilution. These findings suggest that certain mild irritants do not require sensory neurons to provide nitric oxide- and prostaglandins-mediated adaptive cytoprotection and, furthermore, that capsaicin-sensitive afferent neurons are not crucial, either, so long as there is a contribution of luminal dilution in the adaptive cytoprotection.