HPLC-studies on nonmercapt-mercapt conversion of human serum albumin

Human mercaptalbumin (HMA) and nonmercaptalbumin (HNA) could be separated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) at neutral pH. Using HPLC, the present authors found the nonmercapt-mercapt conversion (HNA ← HMA) during hemodialysis and the mercapt-nonmercapt conversion (HMA ← HNA) after hemodialysis in chronic renal failure, indicating HMA as the covalent carrier protein for sulfur-containing amino acids.     

Trial of duplication procedure for complete dentures by CAD/CAM

summary The purpose of this study was to duplicate the shapes of complete dentures by using a computer-aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) system. The shapes of the complete dentures of an edentulous patient were measured using a non-contact type shape measurement system and morphological data at the interval of 0.25 mm were obtained in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. Measurement was performed from the occlusal surface and mucosal surface sides. Based on the three-dimensional morphological data, cutter paths for cutting were generated. For cutting, the three-step method consisting of rough cutting, finish cutting, and partial finish cutting was used and for duplicating the dentures the modelling wax was cut using a computerized numerical control (CNC) processor and ball-end mills with diameters of 6 mm and I mm. The method for the controlling of three axes (X, Y, and Z) of CNC machine was used, and cutting was performed only from two directions. Although further improvements are needed in the measurement and cutting in acute slope areas, the duplication of complete dentures appears to be possible using the CAD/CAM system.     

Altered surface expression of effector cell molecules on neutrophils in myelodysplastic syndromes

The surface expression of effector cell molecules on neutrophils was examined in 18 patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and 20 healthy control subjects. The MDS patients were further classified as low clinical risk (L-MDS, n  = 7) and high clinical risk (H-MDS, n  = 11). The expression of Fc receptors for IgG (FcR), complement receptors (CR) and cellular adhesion molecules on neutrophils was determined by flow cytometry and monoclonal antibodies. The effect of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) on L-selectin shedding and CR up-regulation on neutrophils was also examined. The percentage of FcRI-positive neutrophils and CD11b/CR3 expression on neutrophils were significantly increased in the H-MDS patients when compared to the controls. In contrast, the expression of FcRII, FcRIII, L-selectin, LFA-1 and CD18 on neutrophils was significantly reduced in the H-MDS patients compared with the controls. The L-MDS neutrophils exhibited lower expressions of CR1, L-selectin, LFA-1 and CD18 than those of the controls. Neutrophils from some H-MDS patients showed impaired L-selectin shedding and CR up-regulation after stimulation with G-CSF or TNF, although these were not significantly different when assessed in the whole H-MDS group. These findings suggest that an altered surface expression of effector cell molecules and an impaired modulation of cellular adhesion molecules on neutrophils may contribute to the increased susceptibility to bacterial infections in MDS patients.     

Nocturia Potentially Influences Maintenance of Sexual Function in Elderly Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Objective: This study examined the relationship between bothersome symptoms of nocturia and erectile function. Methods: Subjects comprised patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Patients were prospectively followed on treatment with the alpha‐1 blocker naftopidil for 8 weeks. Patient backgrounds and efficacy of naftopidil associated with LUTS and sexual activity were evaluated. Results: The percentage of patients who identified nocturia as the most bothersome symptom was 30.2% (n = 135), representing the highest percentage among International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) items. The number of patients with nocturia as the most bothersome symptom plateaued at an IPSS for nocturia of two or three points. In contrast, the number of patients with slow stream as the most bothersome symptom increased with symptom severity according to IPSS for slow stream. Logistic regression analysis on association between nocturia and erectile function confirmed that the odds ratio was 1.41 (P < 0.05). Naftopidil showed excellent efficacy related to male LUTS, but International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF5) total score was almost unchanged. Among patients with nocturia improved by naftopidil, IIEF5 total score was significantly changed in the group with IPSS nocturia score ≤1 as compared to the group with IPSS nocturia score ≥2 per night (P = 0.038). Conclusion: Nocturia the most bothersome symptom correlated with aging. Nocturia could associate erectile dysfunction, and keeping the frequency of nocturia at ≤1 episode might be meaningful for maintaining quality of life in elderly men.     

Application of a three-dimensional reconstruction method to analysis of the residual ridge

summary The purpose of this study was to develop a new method of analysing the shape of the residual ridge. The line of the residual ridge crest was regarded as the reference for artificial tooth arrangement and a method of determining it was evaluated. The shape of a plaster model was measured with a contact-type shape measurement system. The measurement data in each frontal section were interpolated by cubic splines. The points corresponding to the residual ridge crest were calculated and superimposed onto the image of the plaster model on a monitor screen of an image processor. Using these points and the image of the plaster model, the line of the residual ridge crest was marked on the plaster model. It was concluded that this method could be used to determine the line of the residual ridge crest on a plaster model.     

Predicting optimal continuous positive airway pressure in Japanese patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome

Background and objective: Several algorithms that predict the optimal CPAP have been developed for Caucasian patients with OSA syndrome, but these algorithms do not allow for racial differences in craniofacial anatomy. We investigated whether an equation that included data on craniofacial structure, physique and severity of OSA could more accurately predict the optimal CPAP for Japanese patients with OSA syndrome. Methods: In 170 Japanese patients with OSA syndrome, the optimal CPAP was determined by manual titration during polysomnography. An equation predicting the optimal pressure was derived from anthropometric, polysomnographic and cephalometric data. This equation was validated in another 110 Japanese patients with OSA syndrome. Results: Stepwise multiple regression analysis identified AHI, BMI, mean SaO₂ and a cephalometric parameter: the angle between a line from point B to the menton (Me) and a line from Me to the hyoid bone (H) (BMeH), as independent predictors of optimal CPAP. The following equation was constructed to predict the optimal CPAP: 27.78 + (0.041 × BMeH) + (0.141 × BMI) + (0.040 × AHI) ? (0.312 × mean SaO₂). This equation accounted for 47% of the variance in optimal pressure (R² = 0.47, P < 0.0001). The measured optimal pressure and the pressure calculated using this equation were very similar in the other 110 patients with OSA syndrome (9.5 ± 3.0 and 9.2 ± 2.1 cmH₂O, respectively). Conclusion: Optimal CPAP was more accurately predicted by combining a cephalometric parameter with BMI and polysomnographic data in Japanese patients with OSA, suggesting that craniofacial structure may be important in the pathogenesis of OSA syndrome among Asians.     

N-钙黏素融合蛋白对P19细胞神经分化的影响

目的 探讨细胞问黏附分子对胚胎癌P19细胞体外定向神经细胞分化的作用.方法 通过单层培养技术,采用视黄酸为诱导剂诱导P19细胞神经细胞分化,在浓度分别为0.1%明胶、2.5 mg/L和10 mg/L的N-钙黏素融合蛋白(N-cad-Fc)包被的培养板上进行培养,观察细胞形态的变化情况,用神经细胞特异标志蛋白β-Ⅲ型微管蛋白(Tuj-1)抗体进行免疫荧光染色,反转录聚合酶链式反应(RT-PCR)检测干细胞标志蛋白(oct3/4)、神经前体细胞标志蛋白巢蛋白(nestin)、神经元素1(ngn1)、微管相关蛋白(map2)和神经胶质细胞的特异性标志蛋白(gfap)的表达情况.结果 使用5×10-7mol/L的视黄酸成功诱导了P19细胞神经细胞分化,0.1%明胶组、2.5 mg/L N-cad-Fc组和10 mg/L N-cad-Fc组分化为神经元细胞的百分率分别为7.8%、28.6%和26.8%,在包被有N-cad-Fc的培养板上培养,神经标志性蛋白ngn1和map2的表达明显提前、增强,干细胞标志蛋白oct3/4表达提前减弱,未见神经胶质细胞的特异性标志蛋白gfap表达.结论 视黄酸可以诱导P19细胞向神经细胞分化,细胞间黏附分子对分化有促进作用.     

A Case of Gallbladder Perforation in Which the Developmental Pattern was Demonstrated by Laparoscopy

Abstract: A 58-year-old man with diabetes mellitus was referred to our clinic because of epigastric colicky pain of sudden onset with fever. An ultrasonography (US) and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) demonstrated marked thickening of the gallbladder wall and a pericholecystic echo-free space. A laparoscopy showed tight adhesion between the greater omenturn and the parietal peritoneum, and pooling of bile on the liver surface, the greater omenturn, and in the perisplenic area. The gallbladder itself could not be seen. A surgical laparotomy revealed perforation of the gallbladder with a pericholecystic abscess. No laparoscopic observation of free bile has been reported in cases of gallbladder perforation. In the present case, US, EUS and laparoscopy were useful for early diagnosis of gallbladder perforation. In addition, laparoscopy played an important role in determining the type of gallbladder perforation.     

Sodium dodecyl sulfate-bovine plasma albumin complex

The acid-induced isomerization (the N-F transition) and expansion of sodium dodecyl sulfate-bovine plasma albumin complex (AD_m;m, molar ratio of added sodium dodecyl sulfate to bovine plasma albumin; 0 ± m ± 12) were studied by measuring CD-resolved secondary structure, fluorescence polarization and lifetime of tryptophyl fluorophors, acid-titration with the electrostatic correction for the surface potential, ¹H-n.m.r. spectra and cross relaxation time between irradiated and observed protons. The immobilization of tryptophyl fluorophors observed in the F-form of AD₀ was suppressed in the F-form of AD₁₀. The acid-titration analysis of AD₁₂ showed non salt-bonding between carboxylate groups and cationic side chains in the F-form, as in the case of AD₀, indicating charged side chains being presumably mobile. ¹H-n.m.r. spectra and cross relaxation times between irradiated and observed protons in the F-form of AD₁₀ indicated the increase in the local motion. On the other hand, AD₁₀ and AD₁₂ did not show any significant change in the CD-resolved secondary structure in the N-F transition region. The F-form of AD₁₀ or AD₁₂ may therefore be the molten-globule state which has secondary structure similar to the N-form of the complexes with fluctuating tertiary structure (side chains).     

P19细胞心肌体外分化诱导条件的优化

目的分别观察P19细胞心肌分化诱导中的几种影响因素,优化P19细胞心肌分化的诱导条件。方法使用悬滴法或96孔板悬浮培养法制备细胞聚集体(aggregates),二甲基亚砜(DMSO)为诱导剂诱导P19细胞的心肌分化。普通光学显微镜下观察跳动的心肌细胞的产生来确定诱导是否成功,免疫荧光染色确认心肌特异性蛋白Tro-ponin T的表达,RT-PCR方法检测分化诱导后心肌细胞标志基因的表达情况。结果使用96孔板悬浮培养法诱导细胞形成聚集体后转入贴壁培养阶段时细胞聚集体贴壁状态优于传统的悬滴法。DMSO的加入可以提高细胞形成聚集体后贴壁时细胞聚集体的完整性。1×107~2×108L-1的接种浓度下心肌细胞分化诱导效率较高。在可观察到跳动的心肌细胞之前即可检测到Troponin T的表达。结论通过对细胞形成聚集体的诱导方法、诱导剂、接种浓度等因素的优化可以提高P19细胞的心肌分化效率,为开发高效心肌分化诱导法提供了条件。