Equivalent current dipole estimated from SSR potential distribution over the human hand. Sympathetic skin response.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine whether or not the potential distribution of the sympathetic skin response (SSR) on the palm and dorsum of the hand can be described by an equivalent current dipole (ECD) as an SSR source model. METHODS: The SSR of 22 normal subjects were simultaneously obtained from two electrodes placed on the palm and the dorsum of hand, with an indifferent electrode on the thumbnail. We then measured the SSR potential distribution in 10 of the 20 subjects who had responded to stimulation with a clear dorsal SSR. To do this, 18 electrodes were attached to the palm and dorsum of the hand. SSR-evoking stimulation (sound, voice and rapid inspiration) were randomly delivered to the subject at time intervals of more than 1min to minimize the habituation effect. We estimated the ECD from the measured potential distribution. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The SSR-evoked by stimulation was negative in potential at the palmar sites of all 22 subjects, and was positive in potential at the dorsal sites of the hand in 20 of the 22 subjects. The SSR potential distribution, which was measured in 10 subjects, reached its maximum negative and positive potential near the base of the middle finger on the palm, and near the corresponding site on the dorsum of the hand, respectively. The SSR potential measured on the dorsum of the hand, however, was about 1/3 in amplitude of those on the palmar sites. These results suggest that the SSR source is located on the palm (probably the sweat glands) as confirmed by the estimated ECD (a negative pole on the palm and a positive pole on the dorsum of the hand). We speculate that the SSR may result from the potential difference caused by the Na(+) concentration gradient in the sweat, which results from intracanal reabsorption of Na(+). SIGNIFICANCE: The ECD resulting from the Na(+) concentration gradient within the canal of sweat glands is thought to be the source of the SSR from the negative pole on the palm to the positive pole on the dorsum.     

Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma

Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a recently established subtype of RCC, which has rarely been reported in Japan. In this communication, the authors report two Japanese cases of chromophobe RCC together with the immunohistochemical findings. The tumors were composed of sheets and cribriform glands formed by tumor cells with cloudy and reticular cytoplasm. Ultrastructurally, the cytoplasm was filled with numerous microvesicles. The tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin, epithelial membrane antigen, and Tamm-Horsfall protein. Occasionally, LeuM1-positive cells were also noted. Vimentin was negative, unlike the usual RCC. Reactivity for peanut agglutinin was more frequent than that to Lotus tetragonolobus agglutinin. The results of this study suggest that the tumor cellq possessed phenotypes similar to the distal nephron rather than to the proximal tubular cells.     

Study of monoclonal gammopathy in Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital

We investigated 361 patients with monoclonal gammopathy in whom immunoelectrophoresis was performed (1,037 tests) between 1986 and 2002 at Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital. In this study, we identified 222 patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Malignant transformation of MGUS to multiple myeloma occurred in 15 patients (6.8%). No significant differences were observed in the means of total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), albumin/globulin ratio (A/G ratio), IgG, IgA, or IgM level in the initial examination between the patients who remained as MGUS and patients with malignant transformation of MGUS. However, the rate of progression to malignancy was high when the levels of normal immunoglobulins other than M protein were below the normal range. Since the number of MGUS cases detected and the number of protein fractionation performed were proportionate, and MGUS was found by protein fractionation in routine tests, protein fractionation is essential for detection of MGUS, and it is necessary to add serum protein fractionation to routine initial examination. In addition, long-term follow-up of patients with monoclonal gammopathy and preparation of a database of patient information are useful for monitoring the outcome.     

Reaction of poly(acrylamide-co-vinylamine) with tresyl-PEG in the presence of PC12 cells

Tresylation of an amine containing polymer film in the presence of PC12 cells did not result in a significant loss of cell viability, at least as assessed by trypan blue exclusion or MTT assay. PC12 cells were cultured atop reactive poly(acrylamide-co-vinyl amine) films or tissue culture polystyrene and exposed for 2 h to tresylated polyethylene glycol (TPEG) or unreactive hydrolyzed TPEG in 0.1M TES (N-tris hydroxymethyl-2-aminoethane sulfonic acid). The loss in trypan blue viability was limited ( approximately 80% retained), provided the TPEG concentration was 10 micromol/g or less. Similarly when microencapsulated PC12 cells (in a non-reactive polyacrylate hydrogel) were exposed to TPEG (10 micromol/g in 0.1M TES) the loss of MTT activity was small. The loss of vaibility was attributed to the toxicity of the tresyl leaving group and not the reaction itself. Thus, it may be possible to surface modify cell containing microcapsules, at least under limited conditions, in order to improve their biocompatibility without compromising the viability of the enclosed cells. This should lead to the development of new (reactive) polymers for microencapsulation since biocompatibility need not be a design consideration in the first instance.     

Marked induction of gelatinases,especially type B,in host fibroblasts by human ovarian cancer cells in athymic mice

Two human ovarian adenocarcinoma cell lines, MCAS-3 and OVISE-3 were found to secrete little of any type of gelatinase in tissue culture. However, when these cell lines were implanted subcutaneously into nude mice the cyst fluids from the resultant tumors contained gelatinase A and/or B. The enzyme activities, especially of gelatinase B, were much higher in the malignant MCAS-3 tumors than in those of the less malignant OVISE-3 tumor cells. To elucidate the origin of gelatinase B in cyst fluids of the MCAS-3 tumors, murine skin fibroblasts (MSF) were isolated from a subcutaneous tumor in a nude mouse and tested for their proteinase secretion in culture. MSF cells, which secreted some gelatinase A and gelatinase B, were induced to secrete high levels of both enzymes, especially gelatinase B, by co-cultivation with MCAS-3 cells. In addition, gelatinase A activity was induced by incubation of MSF cells with the conditioned medium of either MCAS-3 or OVISE-3 cells, whereas gelatinase B was induced only with that of MCAS-3. Although cytokines or growth factors such as IL-1 TGF-1, TNF- or EGF stimulated the secretion of gelatinases A and B from MSF cells, their effects on gelatinase B activity were far less than that of the MCAS-3 conditioned medium. These results indicate that the major part of gelatinase B activity in the cyst fluids of the ovarian tumors is secreted by host interstitial cells stimulated by tumor-derived humoral factors. Similar tumor cell-host cell interactions may be important in the production of various proteinases in other tumor types.     

Two cases of a renal epithelial tumour resembling immature nephron

Summary Two cases of renal epithelial tumours are reported in females aged 46 and 66 years respectively. In spite of the large size of the tumours, neither invasive growth nor metastasis was observed. Histologically, the tumours were composed of immature epithelial cells forming tubules with abortive glomeruloid structures. Electron microscopy of tumour cells revealed poorly developed polarity and intracytoplasmic organelles. They showed similar immunohistochemical reactions to those of developing nephrons, particularly to those of the S-shaped body. The nuclear DNA content of the tumour cells was almost euploid. We conclude that the lesions were epithelial tumours of the kidney histologically mimicking developing renal parenchyma.     

Nutritional Assessment in Adult Patients with Dysphagia: A Scoping Review

Malnutrition negatively affects the quality of life of patients with dysphagia. Despite the need for nutritional status assessment in patients with dysphagia, standard, effective nutritional assessments are not yet available, and the identification of optimal nutritional assessment items for patients with dysphagia is inadequate. We conducted a scoping review of the use of nutritional assessment items in adult patients with oropharyngeal and esophageal dysphagia. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched to identify articles published in English within the last 30 years. Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Seven nutritional assessment categories were identified: body mass index (BMI), nutritional screening tool, anthropometric measurements, body composition, dietary assessment, blood biomarkers, and other. BMI and albumin were more commonly assessed in adults. The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM), defining new diagnostic criteria for malnutrition, includes the categories of BMI, nutritional screening tool, anthropometric measurements, body composition, and dietary assessment as its required components, but not the blood biomarkers and the “other” categories. We recommend assessing nutritional status, including GLIM criteria, in adult patients with dysphagia. This would standardize nutritional assessments in patients with dysphagia and allow future global comparisons of the prevalence and outcomes of malnutrition, as well as of appropriate interventions.     

Outcome of advanced renal cell carcinoma arising in end-stage renal disease: comparison with sporadic renal cell carcinoma

Clinical and Experimental Nephrology - The data regarding oncological outcome in advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) arising in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are limited. Patients diagnosed with...     

Antinociceptive effects of ONO-9902, an enkephalinase inhibitor,after visceral stress condition in rats

Purpose

The present study was designed to examine the antinociceptive effects of orally administered ONO-9902, an enkephalinase inhibitor, on both somatic and visceral pain after visceral stress conditions.

Methods

Twenty six male rats were examined. Tail-flick (TF) and colorectal distension (CD) tests were used to determine somatic and visceral antinociceptive effects, respectively. Measurements were performed in rats under immediate post-stress conditions (group ST; n = 14) and in rats nor under stress conditions (group NST; n = 12). In the stressed group, the same device, CD, for visceral antinociceptive effects was used for visceral stress and was applied with an intracolonic pressure of 60 mmHg for 20 min after drug administration. The TF latency and CD threshold were measured before and at 30, 40, 50, 60 and 90 min after administration of ONO-9902 300 mg · kg^?1 or distilled water.

Results

Orally administered ONO-9902 did not produce any changes in the % maximum possible effect (%MPE) in either TF or CD tests in the unstressed group. In the stressed group, %MPE in the CD test increased 18% and 31% at 30 and 40 min, respectively, after oral administration of ONO-9902 compared with the control group (P < 0.05). However, %MPE to TF test did not alter even after the CD-induced stress condition.

Conclusion

These results suggest that ONO-9902 may have analgesic effects on visceral pain but not on somatic pain under immediate post-stress conditions.