Spatially and Temporally Regulated Modification of the Receptor-like Protein Tvrosine Phosphatase ζ/β isoforms with Keratan Sulphate in the Developing Chick Brain

Protein tyrosine phosphatase ζ (PTPζRPTPβ) is a proteoglycan-type receptor-like protein tyrosine phosphatase specifically expressed in the brain. In addition to the transmembrane form (PTPζ-A), the extracellular splice variant (PTPζ-S) occurs as a major soluble chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan in the brain. We prepared antibodies which specifically recognize PTPζ-A and -S, and analysed the carbohydrate structures on the two PTPζ isoforms in the developing chick brain. lmmunoprecipitation experiments using these antibodies revealed that almost all of the keratan sulphate recognized by a monoclonal antibody (5D4) was exclusively bound to PTPζ-A and PTPζ-S. Addition of keratan sulphate to these proteoglycans markedly increased from embryonic day (E) 11, in contrast to the addition of Le^X and HNK-1 carbohydrates, which gradually increased during development in accordance with expression of the core proteins, suggesting that keratan sulphate modification plays some specific roles. Moreover, at the early embryonic stage keratan sulphate was observed only in several restricted regions, especially at boundary regions such as the roof plate of the tectum, the zona limitans intrathalamica in the diencephalon, and the mesencephalon-metencephalon boundary. At the mesencephalon-metencephalon boundary, keratan sulphate modification of PTPζ isoforms was specifically observed from E3 to E6 on a ring of cells encircling the neural tube and their radially oriented processes, which were identified as radial glial fibres. This expression pattern of keratan sulphate spatiotemporally corresponded well to the formation of the fovea isthmi, a groove separating the mesencephalon from the metencephalon. These results suggest that carbohydrates including keratan sulphate on PTPζ isoforms play important roles in brain development by modulating the cell-cell and/or cell-substrate interactions mediated by these molecules.     

Acute hemodynamic effects of intravenous bolus injection of isosorbide dinitrate in aged patients with congestive heart failure]

In order to investigate whether intravenous bolus injection of isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) is a safe and efficient therapy in aged patients with congestive heart failure, we studied acute hemodynamic effects in 11 patients. Peak effects on preload were observed after 5 to 10 minutes of bolus injection and unloading effects continued effectively for 60 minutes. At peak effect, pulmonary systolic pressure decreased from 50.2 +/- 2.6 to 36.2 +/- 2.6 mmHg (-28.5%, p less than 0.01) and pulmonary end diastolic pressure decreased from 25.0 +/- 2.2 to 18.5 +/- 2.1 mmHg (-26.0%, p less than 0.01). Mean pulmonary artery wedge pressure decreased from 23.4 +/- 2.2 to 16.0 +/- 2.1 mmHg (-31.6%, p less than 0.01). Mean right atrial pressure decreased from 10.5 +/- 1.8 to 7.4 +/- 2.0 mmHg (-29.5%, p less than 0.01). Blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac index, systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance showed no significant changes. Thus, intravenous bolus injection of ISDN showed a potent vasodilator effects on preload, and may be a safe and useful treatment for aged patients with acute congestive heart failure.     

A case of double cancer: renal cell carcinoma and transitional cell carcinoma of urinary bladder

This is a case report on a patient with double cancer of kidney and urinary bladder. The patient was a 65-year-old female, and she was admitted with the chief complaint of gross hematuria and right flank pain. After careful examinations, she was diagnosed with right nonfunctioning kidney caused by invasive bladder cancer. Computerized tomography incidentally revealed a mass in the upper pole of the left kidney. Selective left renal arteriography showed stretched arteries and irregularity and tortuosity of the smaller vessels. She was diagnosed with double cancer of bladder and left kidney. Owing to the damage of the right renal function, left partial nephrectomy, total cystectomy, right nephroureterectomy and left ureterocutaneostomy were performed. According to DMSA scintigraphy measured 15 days later, the uptake value of the left kidney was 13.25%, compared to the preoperative value of 25.62%. To date, this case is 36th reported case in Japan.     

A case of embryonal carcinoma arising in the basal ganglia of the cerebrum]

The occurrence sites of intracranial primary germ cell tumors are most often the pineal and suprasellar regions. The histological type observed most frequently in these tumors is germinoma. Cases of embryonal carcinoma arising in the basal ganglia are rarely reported. To our knowledge, only 4 such cases have been previously reported in the literature. A case of an embryonal carcinoma arising in the basal ganglia is reported. A 17-year-old boy was admitted to our hospital on July 30, 1988 because of headache and vomiting, and a right hemiparesis. On admission, physical inspection showed no abnormalities and neurological examination revealed obtunded consciousness, a right central facial paresis and a right hemiparesis with Hoffman and Babinski reflexes. Noncontrast CT scan showed a large mass of low-to slightly high-density in the region of the left basal ganglia accompanied with midline shift and ventricular dilatation. Enhancement of the lesion was made by contrast CT scan. It was not homogeneous. Cerebral angiogram displayed a contralateral shift and an unrolling of the anterior cerebral artery, a lateral stretch of middle cerebral artery, a downward stretch of anterior choroidal artery and a tumor stain fed by the Heubner artery. On August 3, left frontotemporal craniotomy was performed. The tumor was totally removed in a piecemeal manner using microsurgical techniques. Histopathological diagnosis was mixed-type of germ cell tumor comprising embryonal carcinoma and teratoma. Postoperative CT scan showed complete disappearance of the tumor. A course of radiation of 4950 rads and two courses of a combination chemotherapy with cis-platinum, vinblastine and bleomycin were given within 3 months after the operation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

A surgical case of aortic regurgitation with Beh?et disease

A case of Beh?et disease associated with aortic valve regurgitation treated with aortic valve replacement is reported. The patient was treated successfully with special surgical techniques for prevention of post operative paravalvular leakage and occurrence of pseudo aneurysm because the patient was under long-term steroid therapy for Beh?et disease.     

Epidemiological studies of air pollution and health effects in areas near roadways with heavy traffic in Tokyo]

Recent concern regarding health effects of air pollution in Japan has concentrated mainly on traffic-induced air pollution and its health effects in large cities. In Japan, where many people in large cities have been living near major roadways, the increase of automobile exhaust due to heavy traffic congestion will predictably cause a greater impact on people living near major roadways. We surveyed the characterization of residential suspended particulate matter (SPM) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations along the major roadways in Tokyo, along with a health survey on the respiratory conditions of residents living in the same area, to examine the relationships between indoor pollutant levels, prevalence of respiratory symptoms and distance from roadways. The environmental monitoring was conducted in five phases. Using a newly developed SPM sampler and NO2 filter badge, continuous 4 day (96 hours) measurements were conducted in two hundred residential homes for four weeks. NO2 was measured in the living room, kitchen and outside of each home, while SPM was monitored in the living room. Health information was collected in October 1987 using ATS-DLD self-administered questionnaires. Of the 1,093 homes investigated, responses from 805 homes were received. The following results were obtained. SPM and NO2 concentrations showed large variations. Indoor pollution levels mostly depended on indoor sources, i.e. cigarette smoking and unventilated space heaters, and the effects of those indoor sources were influenced by the building structure with respect to air tightness. An association between increase in pollutant levels and the distance from the roadway was observed. However its effect is small compared to indoor source effects. The prevalence rate of respiratory symptoms was higher in those areas nearest roadways with heavy traffic both in children and adults. These results suggest the presence of a relationship between automobile exhaust and health effects.     

Bleeding from foveolar hyperplasia developing on a gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the stomach

A 52‐year‐old Japanese woman who presented with gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding underwent a proximal gastrectomy for a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) with a foveolar hyperplasia at the apex of the tumor, 4.5 cm in size, located in the upper body of the stomach. Although GIST are often asymptomatic and are found only incidentally, clinical symptoms such as bleeding, abdominal pain, or obstruction, occasionally lead to a premorbid diagnosis. When submucosal tumors present GI bleeding, the source of the bleeding usually is an ulceration of the mucosa over the tumor. However, in the present study, it was thought that the bleeding originated from the region of foveolar hyperplasia.     

Mouthguards: difference in longitudinal dimensional stability between single- and double-laminated fabrication techniques

Abstract –  Though the use of mouthguards (MGs) has increased with the increase in sporting activities, little is known about the influence of their fabrication methods on longitudinal dimensional stability. The objective of this study was to compare the difference in the longitudinal dimensional stability between single and laminated MGs. Single-layer MGs were made from a 4.0 mm thick ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) sheet and laminated MGs were made from two 2.0 mm thick sheets of EVA. MGs were kept in a 37°C water bath for 60 h, equivalent to the time period of 3-months inter-oral use. MG deformation was analyzed by measuring designated points on the MG border using a profile projector (J-12, Nikon Inc., Tokyo, Japan) before and after the water immersion. A finite-element model was also created to examine the time course of stress accumulation during the sheet forming process using Finite Element software. Longitudinal deformation was smaller in the laminated MGs than in the single-layer MGs in the anterior area ( P  < 0.05). Finite element method (FEM) analysis also showed the largest stress accumulation in the anterior incisal area where deformations were mainly observed. Laminated double layer MGs have advantages over single-layer MGs in terms of longitudinal stability due to lower stress accumulation during the fabrication process.     

Surgical management of insulinoma: Diagnosis of tumor location and high incidence of malignancy

The findings in twenty-two patients with insulinoma were reviewed, as continuous efforts should be made to establish preoperative localization of the tumor. Superselective arteriography and percutaneous, transhepatic portal vein and pancreatic venous catheterization are highly recommended approaches. At the time of surgical intervention, a cautious exploration of the pancreas after thorough mobilization is most important. Recent use of intraoperative ultrasonography increases the likelihood of finding these occult tumors which locate deeply in the head of the pancreas. Apart from the diagnostic problems, we wish to emphasize the high incidence of malignancy (7/22, 31.8 per cent) in our series. Althout patients with malignant isulinoma had a much better prognosis compared to those with a pancreatic ductal malignancy, pancreatic resection with regional lymphnode dissection seems to be a rational procedure. Enucleation can be done when intraoperative findings of the tumor and regional lymphonode indicate no malignant features and no multiple lesions. However, at the first operation, enucleation is still a procedure of choice, even for the malignant insulinoma in the head with a well-defined capsule and no metastatic lesions, the objective being to avoid a duodenopancreatectomy or total pancreatectomy. These data were reported at the 30th Congress of Société Internationale de Chirurgie, Hamburg, Germany, 1983     

Development of MoAb HMSA-2 for melanosomes of human melanoma and its application to immunohistopathologic diagnosis of neoplastic melanocytes

To characterize the biologic and molecular nature of melanosomal proteins, we recently developed two mouse monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs), human melanosome-associated antigen (HMSA)-1 and HMSA-2, for melanosomes isolated from human malignant melanoma. This study describes the methods of development for MoAb HMSA-2 and the specificity and distribution of antigen(s) reactive with it in normal and pathological tissues. Characteristically, MoAb HMSA-2 was found to detect neoplastic melanocytes on formalin-fixed and paraffin-processed specimens. The reaction patterns for benign and malignant melanocytic tumors were different, i.e., homogeneous reactivity in the dermal cells of common melanocytic nevi but heterogeneous reactivity in the same type of cells in malignant melanoma. MoAb HMSA-2 reacted positively with the epidermal melanocytes in the lesions of dysplastic melanocytic nevi, but not with those of common melanocytic nevi. Reaction products with MoAb HMSA-2 were localized in the cytoplasm. MoAb HMSA-2 did not react with normal melanocytes even on frozen sections. Benign and malignant epithelial and soft tissue tumors of the skin were usually negatively stained with MoAb HMSA-2. Findings indicate that MoAb HMSA-2 is a unique MoAb which identifies neoplastic melanocytes and which can be useful in differentiating each type of melanocytic tumor.