Measles encephalomyelitis in a patient with a history of vaccination

Secondary vaccine failure (SVF) of measles is generally believed to run a milder course of illness than an ordinary course of infection. Severe complications such as central nervous system involvement have rarely been reported. A 12 year old girl, who had received a live attenuated measles vaccine 10 years earlier, developed an encephalomyelitis in the absence of symptoms indicative of ordinary measles such as Koplik spots. Anti-measles hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titer and measles IgM and IgG antibody titers were measured in a commercial laboratory. Measles virus genomic sequence was detected by polymerase chain reaction. Both serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples obtained at acute phase already showed extremely high titers of HI (x8192 in serum and x1024 in CSF, respectively) and IgG antibody along with the presence of IgM antibody. Polymerase chain reaction detected the measles virus genomic sequence in the acute phase CSF. The patient's definite history of measles vaccination, high titers of HI and IgG antibodies observed at the very early stage of illness and the clinical course indicated that this patient has an encephalomyelitis due to SVF of measles. It is suggested that measles virus can be a pathogen of encephalitis without symptoms indicative of ordinary measles in individuals who received live attenuated measles vaccines.

[A case of 48 XXYY Klinefelter's syndrome]

We observed a patient with 48 XXYY Klinefelter syndrome who visited our hospital because of a short penis as chief complaint. The patient was a 21-year-old, tall and obese man. He had gynecomastia. The penis was short and bilateral testes were underdeveloped. Endocrinologically the LH and FSH showed high level and the testosterone was low. A diagnosis of very rare 48 XXYY Klinefelter was made based of the chromosomal analysis.

Production of anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy

We report a case of acute renal failure occurring about 90 days after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for a right renal stone. On left renal needle biopsy, immunofluorescence demonstrated linear fixation of IgG and C3 along the glomerular basement membrane (GBM). Serum circulating antitype IV collagen NC1 domain antibody was detected after ESWL, while it was not detected in the serum taken before ESWL. Based on these findings, the diagnose of anti-GBM antibody-mediated glomerulonephritis was made. Circulating antibodies against several GBM components (type IV collagen NC1 domain, laminin, fibronectin and heparan sulfate proteoglycan) was consistently negative in 9 randomly selected patients who underwent ESWL for renal stones. These findings suggest that the production of these autoantibodies associated with irradiation of shock waves to the kidney was not frequent, but, after ESWL, patients deserve close follow-up.

Structure and expression of the mRNA encoding urinary stone protein (osteopontin)

The chemical nature of urinary stone protein is poorly understood. We have sequenced a cDNA of urinary calcium oxalate stone protein extracted with EDTA. cDNA sequences showed complete identity between urinary stone protein and human osteopontin. Osteopontin protein was detected by staining with Stains-All, which specifically stains phosphoproteins, and by digestion with the highly specific protease thrombin, demonstrating that urinary calcium oxalate stones consist of osteopontin protein. We used a technique of in situ hybridization to detect osteopontin mRNA in the kidney. In control rats, distal tubular cells were sporadically positive, and proximal tubular cells and glomeruli were negative for osteopontin mRNA. A rat model of stone formation was induced with glyoxylic acid. In stone-forming rats, staining of distal tubular cells was remarkably increased, but proximal tubular cells and glomeruli were still negative. Immunostaining for the osteopontin protein also revealed that epithelial cells of distal tubules were weakly positive in control rats and significantly increased in stone-forming rats, although proximal tubular cells and glomeruli were negative. Northern blot analysis showed a significant increase of osteopontin mRNA in stone-forming rats in proportion to the dosage and the duration of the stone-inducing drugs. These results show that osteopontin in the kidney is presumably involved in urinary stone formation as the stone matrix.

Relationship between the incidence infection stones and the magnesium-calcium ratio of tap water

In a previous study we showed that the magnesium-calcium ratio of tap water is negatively correlated with the incidence of calcium-containing urinary stones. In this study we examined the relationship between the incidence of struvite stones, water hardness and the regional geological features on the basis of our previous study and an epidemiological study of urolithiasis performed in Japan. The magnesium-calcium ratio of tap water was found to correlate positively with the incidence of struvite stones. The tap water magnesium-calcium ratio was high in regions of basalt and sedimentary rock and was low in granite and limestone areas. The incidence of struvite stones in the regions of basalt and sedimentary rock was higher than that in the granite and limestone areas. Thus, this study suggested that the incidence of struvite stones is related to the magnesium-calcium ratio of tap water and to the regional geology, as is the case for calcium-containing stones.

[Effect of verapamil on urinary calcium and oxalate excretion in renal stone formers]

The effect of the calcium antagonist verapamil on urinary calcium and oxalate excretion was examined and compared with that of trichlormethiazide to evaluate whether verapamil is useful in the prevention of calcium oxalate renal stones. Twenty-four-hour urine of 16 renal stone formers was measured at the outpatient clinic before and after administration of 120 mg/day verapamil for a mean duration of 2.7 months (range, 2 weeks to 6 months). The 24-hour urine was analyzed for creatinine, calcium, oxalic acid, magnesium and citric acid and the results compared with those in 20 renal stone formers who were administered trichlormethiazide. Verapamil was found to significantly reduce the urinary oxalate excretion of the 5 hyperoxaluric (> or = 50 mg/day) patients but no significant effect on urinary calcium, magnesium or citric acid was observed. Conversely, trichlormethiazide significantly decreased urinary calcium excretion in the hypercalciuric (> or = 250 mg/day) patients. Calcium oxalate risk index of hypercalciuric and hyperoxaluric patients was significantly reduced after the administration of verapamil. These findings suggest that verapamil is effective in reducing urinary oxalate excretion in the hyperoxaluric patients.

[Evaluation of preoperative diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism--special reference to normocalcemic cases]

Since the opening of our clinic 117 years before, we have treated 62 cases of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), among which there were 6 cases (1 male, 5 females) whose calcium levels fell within the normal range. However, in all these cases the serum ionized calcium (Ca++) levels and the serum ionized calcium/calcium ratio (Ca++/Ca ratio) were high. Moreover, in comparing them with hypercalcemic patients (56 cases), the serum Ca++ levels were significantly lower, but the (Ca++/Ca ratio) was significantly higher. Also, the excised weight of 606.1 +/- 520.3 mg was significantly smaller than that of hypercalcemic patients, which was 1,967.9 +/- 2,086.3 mg. Preoperative locations showed significantly lower levels in comparison with hypercalcemic patients by all methods including computed tomography (CT), ultrasonography, scintigraphy, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In normocalcemic patients following parathyroidectomy, although the decrease in serum calcium levels was not significant, the serum Ca++ levels and the Ca++/Ca ratio decreased significantly, so that not only are they useful parameters for preoperative diagnosis of PHPT, but they are also considered necessary and indispensable for observation of the post-operative course and judging therapeutic effects including the operation. Based on our study we concluded that in multiple and recurrent stone formers with normal range of serum Ca levels, regardless of the presence or absence of local diagnosis, if the serum Ca++ level and Ca++/Ca ratio are high, existence of primary hyperparathyroidism must be suspected, and adequate treatments should be instituted promptly.

Glucose metabolism in renal stone patients

The calciuric response and the changes of plasma glucose and insulin produced by a 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test were determined in 27 male patients with idiopathic calcium renal stones (6 with dietary hypercalciuria, 5 with nondietary hypercalciuria and 16 with normocalciuria) and 22 healthy male subjects. The subjects were classified as obese (> or = 120% ideal weight) and nonobese. The incidence of an abnormal response to glucose loading was similar in the stone patients and the healthy subjects. In addition, the plasma glucose and insulin levels after oral glucose load did not differ between the stone patients and control subjects and were affected by the individual degree of obesity. Urinary calcium excretion increased significantly after glucose ingestion in both the stone patients and the control subjects. Urinary calcium excretion was greater in the stone patients than in the control subjects due to the presence of patients with nondietary hypercalciuria, and the increment in urinary calcium excretion in the dietary hypercalciuric and normocalciuric stone patients was indistinguishable from that in the control subjects. The degree of obesity did not affect the increment in urinary calcium excretion. These results suggest that overconsumption of refined carbohydrates such as sugar-sweetened soft drinks, soda and cakes may be a risk factor for stone formation, especially in the patients with nondietary hypercalciuria.

On the mechanism of papaverine inhibition of the voltage-dependent Ca++ current in isolated smooth muscle cells from the guinea pig trachea

The effects of papaverine, a smooth muscle relaxant agent, on the voltage-dependent Ca++ current were examined in isolated smooth muscle cells from the guinea pig trachea. The tight-seal whole cell voltage clamp technique was used. Papaverine (1-100 microM) inhibited the Ba++ inward current (IBa) through the voltage-dependent L-type Ca++ channel in a concentration-dependent fashion. The inhibitory effect of papaverine on IBa appeared to have both tonic and use-dependent components. In addition to the reduction of the maximal conductance of IBa, papaverine (20 microM) shifted the quasi-steady-state inactivation curve of IBa to more negative membrane potentials by approximately 10 mV. These effects of papaverine on IBa were completely reversible. Although it has been suggested that papaverine inhibited phosphodiesterase to increase intracellular cyclic AMP, phosphodiesterase inhibitors (theophylline, 500 microM, and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, 500 microM), isoproterenol (2 microM) and dibutyryl cyclic AMP (1 mM) did not affect IBa. Thus, papaverine inhibits IBa in a way independent of intracellular cyclic AMP. Papaverine also had inhibitory effects on other membrane currents (i.e., the voltage-dependent transient outward K+ current and the Ca(++)-activated oscillatory K+ current), which may result in an enhancement of the excitability of the cells. These results suggest that inhibition of the voltage-dependent L-type Ca++ channel is involved in the papaverine-induced relaxation of the tracheal smooth muscle.

Comparison of imaging methods for localization of parathyroid tumors

Preoperative localization of parathyroid tumors by computed tomography (CT), thallium-201/technetium-99m pertechnetate subtraction scintigraphy (Tl-201/Tc-99m), ultrasonography (US), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was compared in patients with hyperparathyroidism (HPT) to examine the characteristics of each method. A total of 87 patients with HPT were divided into two groups according to the time when they were examined. Patients in group I were examined before MRI had been introduced in our hospital, and a 2.5-MHz transducer probe was used for US. Those in group II were examined by MRI and US using a 7.5-MHz transducer probe. Group I included 45 patients (36 with primary hyperparathyroidism [PHPT] and 9 with secondary hyperparathyroidism [SHPT]), and group II included 42 patients (15 with PHPT and 27 with SHPT). In both PHPT and SHPT and SHPT of group I and PHPT of group II, there was no significant difference in detection rates between all diagnostic methods. In patients with SHPT in group II, the detection rate was significantly higher for CT than for Tl-201/Tc-99m and MRI (both p less than 0.01), and for US than for Tl-201/Tc-99m (p less than 0.01). In both groups I and II, the detection rate of each study method was significantly higher in patients with PHPT than in those with SHPT (all p less than 0.01). Compared with group I, the rate was significantly improved in group II, in both types of patients. Regarding the location of the parathyroid tumor, the detection rate of CT was significantly higher for upper parathyroid glands than for lower glands, whereas that of US and Tl-201/Tc-99m was significantly higher for lower glands. The detection rate sharply increased when the tumor weight reached 250 mg (CT, US) or 1,000 mg (Tl-201/Tc-99m, MRI).

Molecular cloning and sequencing of cDNA encoding urinary stone protein, which is identical to osteopontin

We have sequenced a cDNA of urinary stone protein. cDNA sequences show complete homology between urinary stone protein and human osteopontin (bone sialoprotein) (nucleotides 265-886 and 1183-1424). Osteopontin is a recently discovered bone matrix protein which has been implicated in mediating mineral formation within bone extracellular matrix. This result shows that osteopontin is presumably involved in stone formation as stone matrix.

Homeostasis as regulated by activated macrophage. V. Suppression of diabetes mellitus in non-obese diabetic mice by LPSw (a lipopolysaccharide from wheat flour)

A lipopolysaccharide from wheat flour (LPSw) which was isolated and characterized is shown to exert definitely a suppressive effect on incidence of type 1 diabetes in mice. Therapeutic effect on type 2 diabetes in patients was also obtained, though only from preliminary results. The percutaneous route of administration is most favorable. The important role that precursor tumor necrosis factor, free or cell bound, may play in this mechanism is discussed.

Homeostasis as regulated by activated macrophage. III. Protective effect of LPSw (lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of wheat flour) on gastric ulcer in mice as compared with those of other LPS from various sources

Protective effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from various sources on gastric ulcer has been examined in mice using parenteral as well as oral route. Ulcer is induced by indomethacin, stress or alcohol. LPS was prepared from 6 species of bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pantoea agglomerans, Serratia ficaria, Enterobacter cloacae, Bordetella pertussis, Alcaligenes faecalis) and from wheat flour. When administered intravenously, LPS of Pantoea agglomerans was the most effective among other LPS examined. Lipopolysaccharide of wheat flour (LPSw) showed a significantly protective effect by the oral route, especially when given ad libitum in drinking water to mice.

Homeostasis as regulated by activated macrophage. I. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from wheat flour: isolation, purification and some biological activities

Based on our new concept of ontogenic inflammation, we have sought a substance which can prime macrophage in terms of the endogenous production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF). A lipopolysaccharide (LPSw) was found in wheat flour, purified and characterized. The molecular size of LPSw was about 5 kDa on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and it contained 3-deoxy-D-manno-octulosonic acid: 1, hexosamine: 4 and one phosphorus in a single molecule. LPSw can prime macrophage to release TNF when given intradermally, percutaneously or even orally in mice as well as in humans, in exactly the same way as intravenous administration of interferon gamma.

A new method for determination of urinary citrate

We have developed a new assay technique using high-performance liquid chromatography. The assay was performed at a flow rate of 0.7 ml/min, a temperature of 60 degrees C and an ultraviolet absorption of 214 nm. Comparison of the results of the new assay with the results obtained for identical samples using the conventional fluorometric method demonstrated a very high correlation coefficient of 0.931.

Renal damages after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy evaluated by Gd-DTPA-enhanced dynamic magnetic resonance imaging

Renal damages after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including Gd-DTPA-enhanced dynamic MRI in 37 patients with renal stone by spin echo methods (T1 and T2-weighted scan) and small tip angle gradient echo method (T2-weighted scan). Sixty-eight percent of the patients had changes in the MRI findings after ESWL. The frequently observed findings were perirenal fluid collection (38%), loss of corticomedullary junction (35%), and increased signal intensity of muscle and other adjacent tissue (34%). Preoperative Gd-DTPA-enhanced dynamic MRI showed low intensity band which suggests Gd-DTPA secretion from the glomerulus into the renal tubulus. In all cases the low intensity band became unclear after ESWL because of renal contusion due to ESWL. MRI, including Gd-DTPA-enhanced dynamic MRI, is considered to be a good procedure for evaluation of renal damages due to ESWL.

Influence of morphologic factors on calcium-containing stone formation

Pathogenesis of urolithiasis cannot be explained only by metabolic disorder. In the present study, morphologic differences of the renal pelvic-caliceal system (PCS) were examined on both the stone and normal sides in calcium-containing stone formers. The results indicated that as compared to the normal side, the urine flow in the PCS was stagnant or not straight on the stone side even in the same individual, showing unfavorable conditions for stone formation. It is therefore considered that morphologic disorders of the urinary tract may be one of the causes for stone formation.

[Studies on renal damages after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy using Gd-DTPA-enhanced dynamic MRI]

Renal damages after ESWL treatment were examined by Gd-DTPA enhanced dynamic MRI. Gd-DTPA was used as the contrast medium and fast magnetic resonance imaging with suspended respiration using the flip angle of 20 degrees and gradient echo technique at 0.5 Tesla was used for photographing. In normal kidneys, a low intensity band was observed with the passage of Gd-DTPA through the kidney from 1 to 2 minutes after the injection. In patients who underwent ESWL treatment, however, the low intensity band which was observed before ESWL treatment became partly obscure after ESWL treatment. Furthermore, these find changes in the renal parenchyma could not be fully detected by usual MRI which does not use Gd-DTPA. Gd-DTPA enhanced dynamic MRI was considered to be effective for finding the limited dose of shock waves for ESWL treatment.

[The effectiveness of prophylactic dietary treatment in renal stones]

By following individual dietary guidelines which were established from analysis of the dietary intake and habits of male renal stone patients, the stone recurrence rate in 75 male calcium stone patients who had only received individual dietary instruction decreased markedly, as compared with that in 114 male calcium stone patients who had not received such instructions. Among 75 patients, recurrence was noted in 6 normocalciuric recurrent stone patients and 1 normocalciuric single stone patient during the period of outpatient visits. Investigation of the daily consumption of various nutrients and urinary excretion revealed no differences among the 6 normocalciuric recurrent stone patients, hypercalciuric recurrent stone patients, hypercalciuric single stone patients and normocalciuric single stone patients. Our findings suggest that the high recurrence rate in the normocalciuric recurrent stone patients is associated with stone lithogenic factors, such as heredity and anatomy, that could not be controlled by the daily treatment in this group.

[Indications for surgical treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism]

From 1978 to 1990 subtotal parathyroidectomy was carried out on 41 patients for secondary hyperparathyroidism. The indications for parathyroidectomy and suitable operative time, especially in the point of view of renal osteodystrophy are discussed. Serum ALP and PTH level and the presence of generalized fibrous osteitis were good indicators for parathyroidectomy. Furthermore, 99mTc-Pyrophosphate bone scintigraphy and Dual Photon Absorptiometry were proved to be valuable for patient selection for parathyroidectomy. Parathyroidectomy for patients in whom 99mTc-pyrophosphate bone uptake is diminished or patients in whom bone mineral contents are dramatically decreased must be carefully performed.

[The anticancer effects of high energy shock waves on rat bladder cancer induced by BBN]

The in vivo anticancer effects of high energy shock waves (HESW), on bladder cancer induced by N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine (BBN), were studied in the rat using the Siemens lithotriptor (Lithostar). There was no significant difference in the anticancer effects in delaying tumor growth, measured as the whole bladder weight including the weight of the cancer, between the groups with and without exposure to HESW. However, light microscopic examination revealed extensive submucosal bleeding and exfoliation of mucosa, and electron microscopic examination revealed degeneration of pleomorphic microvilli, swelling of mitochondria, and destruction of mitochondrial cristae in the cancer cells in bladders exposed to HESW. Flow cytometric determination of DNA content in the cancer cells exposed to HESW indicated a selective diminution of cells in the G2 and M phases and an increase of cells in the G0 and G1 phases of the cell cycle. While the mechanism of HESW-induced anticancer effect could not be determined on the basis of this study, these changes in the morphology and the cell cycle of cancer cells induced by HESW exposure suggest some kind of biological effects following exposure to HESW. It is expected that HESW be an effective method for the treatment of human cancer in combination with chemotherapy and radiation.

Epidemiology of urolithiasis in the elderly

To estimate the epidemiology of upper urinary stones in the elderly, a total of 1,957 patients (1,349 men and 608 women) with urolithiasis were studied. The ratio of men to women was approximately 3:1 in middle-aged (between 30 and 59 years), 1:1 in young (29 or younger) and 1:1 in old patients (60 or older). Compared with the age distribution of the entire Japanese population, the incidence of urinary stones was very low in both male and female children, twice as high in middle-aged men, slightly higher in middle-aged women, and equal or slightly lower in the male and female elderly. Stones of calcium oxalate and uric acid occurred more frequently and those of calcium phosphate and struvite less frequently in men than in women. This tendency was especially obvious in the middle-aged. In the old generation, calcium oxalate stones occurred almost equally in men and women. Results of urinary stone analysis were similar among men of the three generations, although the incidence of uric acid stones increased with patient age. In women, however, the incidence of calcium oxalate was higher in the young and old generations, while that of calcium phosphate was higher in the middle-aged.

Relationship between metabolic acidosis and calcium phosphate urinary stone formation in women

The relationship between the degree of metabolic acidosis and calcium phosphate stone formation was studied. Furthermore, the reasons why renal tubular acidosis (RTA) and primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) dominantly occur in women, and female stone formers more often produce calcium phosphate stone are discussed. Blood was slightly more acidotic in women than in men in both the urolithiasis and the control groups. Likewise, blood was significantly more acidotic and urinary pH significantly higher in patients with PHPT. Patients with RTA had severe metabolic acidosis, and urinary pH was highest among all groups. Calcium phosphate concentration was significantly higher in women than in men, and was also higher in patients with PHPT than in those with urolithiasis. All patients with RTA had pure calcium phosphate stones. The reasons why females are more acidotic and have more calcium phosphate in stones are suspected to be related to progesterone and urinary tract infection.

Simple tests to determine urinary risk factors and calcium oxalate crystallization in the outpatient clinic

We developed 2 simple and rapid tests for measurement of constituent concentrations and the stone-forming tendency of urine in the outpatient clinic. The concentrations of urinary constituents of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, uric acid and oxalic acid were measured using 2 types of simple colorimetric tests (vial and quantitative filter types). The intensity of the color developing after a given interval was compared with a color standard of 4 levels. The results obtained using the colorimetric test were slightly lower in value than but significantly correlated with those obtained with standard measurements. The second test measured the crystal-forming ability of urine. A 10 ml. urine sample was pipetted into 4 vials that each contained different concentrations of oxalic acid and calcium. After a given interval the turbidity in each vial was compared with a control (0 mg. oxalic acid and calcium). If turbidity occurred in urine with low concentrations of oxalic acid and calcium the sample had a large tendency for crystals to form.

Coenzyme Q10 attenuates cyanide-activation of the ATP-sensitive K+ channel current in single cardiac myocytes of the guinea-pig

The effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on the cyanide (CN-)-induced ATP-sensitive K+ channel current (KATP) was examined in single atrial myocytes, using the patch clamp technique. Superfusion of the cells with a CN-/low glucose bathing solution induced an outward current in the whole-cell clamp condition. Glibenclamide (1 microM) abolished this current, indicating that the current was carried through the KATP channel. After steady-state activation by CN-, pinacidil (a KATP channel opener, 300 microM) failed to further increase the current. In cell-attached patches, CN-, when applied to the bath, induced bursting openings of an 80 pS channel (the KATP channel). In cells preincubated for 30 min in a solution containing CoQ10 (100 micrograms/ml), CN(-)-activation of the KATP channel was markedly attenuated both at the whole cell and at the single channel level. At the steady-state effect of CN- in CoQ10-treated cells, pinacidil (300 microM) activated the current to the maximum level achieved by CN- in the control cells. These results suggest that CoQ10 reduces in the CN(-)-induced KATP current not by affecting the channel itself but by preventing depletion of intracellular ATP caused by CN-.

[Studies on calcium oxalate crystal formation in urolithiasis. Multi-regressive analysis of urinary CaOx crystalline volumes and the effects of urinary various substances on CaOx crystal formation]

Because human urine contains various substances which can affect each other, it is quite difficult to clarify the mechanism of formation of calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal in urine. The authors recently determined CaOx crystalline content and the concentrations of other substances in urine specimens from patients with urolithiasis and healthy volunteers, and subjected the data to multi-regressive analysis for the purpose of assessing the effect of these urinary substances on CaOx crystal formation. 1. In analysis of urine from patients with urolithiasis, the partial correlation coefficients of CaOx crystal formation with oxalic acid, sodium, calcium, uric acid magnesium were 0.67, 0.28, 0.18, and -0.10, respectively. The formula of regression was as follows: Amount of CaOx crystal (X 10(6) microns3/ml) = 3.59 X 10(-2) Ox (mM/L) + 4.72 X 10(-3) Ca (mM/L) + 4.52 X 10(-3) Na (mM/L) + 2.51 X 10(-4) UA (mM/L) -2.39 X 10(-2) Mg (mM/L) -1.65. The multiple correlation coefficient was 0.759. Thus, in patients with urolithiasis, urinary crystal formation was most dependent on the oxalic acid level, sodium, calcium, and uric acid were found to promote crystal formation, while magnesium to suppress it. 2. In analysis of urine from healthy volunteers, the partial correlation coefficients of CaOx crystal formation with oxalic acid and inorganic phosphorus were 0.51 and -0.24, respectively. The formula of regression was as follows: Amount of CaOx crystal (X 10(6) microns3/ml) = 1.91 X 10(-2) Ox (mM/L) -3.43 X 10(-4) P (mM/L) +0.29 The multiple correlation coefficient was 0.525.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Preparation of a standard diet for out-patients in the study of lithogenesis]

With the development of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy treatment, the duration of hospitalization for stone patients fortunately has become shorter. However, a detailed analysis of lithogenesis is not possible during such patients' short hospital stays. We prepared a standard diet to be eaten at home for investigation of lithogenesis at the out-patient clinic. This diet was nutritionally well-balanced and contained the following: energy: 2000 Kcal, total protein: 70-75 g, animal protein: 30-35 g, carbohydrate: 510 g, fat and oil: 50-60 g, calcium: 600-630 mg and magnesium: 320 mg. The urine of 24 male patients with stones on a free diet and the same patients after 3 days on the standard diet was analyzed for urea-nitrogen, uric acid, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, citric acid and oxalic acid. The results were compared with those in 17 healthy male subjects who were eating the standard diet (controls). It was found that 66% of hypercalciuria (greater than = 300 mg/day) on a free diet became normocalciuria on the standard diet. The hypercalciuria was therefore thought to be of dietary origin. Moreover, urinary excretion of urea nitrogen, uric acid, sodium and phosphorus by patients remarkably decreased after 3 days on the standard diet, which was not different from that of controls. These results suggest that the standard diet at home is useful in the screening of hypercalciuria and also quite adequate for patients with stones.

[AIH in male infertility due to retrograde ejaculation after retroperitoneal lymph node dissection]

A patient with testicular cancer (non-seminoma, stage IIB) who had undergone resection for primary disease and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection as well as chemotherapy and radiotherapy 6 years before developed iatrogenic retrograde ejaculation. The infertility was treated by oral medications, including herbal medicine and injections of a hormone preparation as well as artificial insemination of husband (AIH). After 24 sessions of AIH for 4 years, his spouse gave birth to a healthy baby girl. We believe that for patients with iatrogenic retrograde ejaculation AIH is an effective method of increasing fertility to be employed more often.

Malignancy associated with chronic empyema: radiologic assessment

Radiologic findings of six cases of malignancy associated with chronic empyema 5-39 years in duration were reviewed. Pathologic examination confirmed three B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas, one round-cell sarcoma, one mesothelioma, and one adenocarcinoma. Retrospective findings on plain chest radiographs suggested the occurrence of malignancy: increased radiopacity in the thoracic cavity, soft-tissue bulgings and/or unsharpness of fat planes in the chest walls, destruction of bone near the empyema, and extensive medial deviation of the calcified pleurae. Computed tomography delineated masses with soft-tissue attenuation more clearly than radiography in all cases. Magnetic resonance images of three cases were informative because empyema cavities were surrounded by low-intensity rims, and two of them showed a signal intensity different from that of necrotic tumors. Scintigraphy revealed increased uptake of gallium in all cases. Ultrasonography was useful for biopsy guidance. Every radiologist should know this entity in observation of chest radiographs obtained in patients with chronic empyema, and further radiologic assessment and aggressive biopsy are recommended if malignancy is suspected.

Assessment of the long-term results of ileocecal conduit urinary diversion

We reviewed our 12.5-year experience with ileocecal conduit (ICC) and report the long-term results of 147 cases of ICC compared with those of our 102 cases of ileal conduit (IC). We usually performed ICC following total cystectomy for carcinoma of the bladder, while we chose IC in cases of high stage or recurrent malignancies. The average follow-up period was 41.7 months in the ICC group and 28.8 months in the IC group. The postoperative mortality (6.1%) and the incidence of early complications (21.1%) in the ICC group were comparable with the reported incidences for IC. In the later period, stomal problems were most frequently encountered. Urinary tract complications are important because they affect renal function in the course of a long period of time. Excretory urogram showed a satisfactory result and serum creatinine remained within the normal limits even in patients followed up for a long time in both groups. The incidences of pyelonephritis and urinary stones in the ICC group were 13.6 and 5.4%, respectively. We had expected a much lower incidence of these complications and ICC could not cover all the drawbacks of IC. However, at present, there is no ideal or perfect method of urinary diversion, ICC should be one of the acceptable options which has a satisfactory long-term result.

Characteristics and usage of different ureteral stent catheters

Presuming that complications associated with ureteral stenting vary in type and occurrence depending on the material and cross-section of the stent, six types of stents immersed in 48 different preparations of artificial urine for 1 month to observe surface changes with a scanning electron microscope. As a result, there was less encrustation on the silicone material compared with other material types, probably due to the smoothness of the surface. This may be related with higher frequency of spontaneous removal or migration to the bladder of this catheter type. Because silicone catheters have softer and thicker walls with a narrow lumen, they may be appropriate for long-term stenting, but not for urinary drainage. In alkaline bacteriuria, struvite encrustation was observed on all stents. This reaction was especially intense with Towers peripheral stents, which had most irregular and uneven surfaces. In aseptic alkaline urine, calcium phosphate crystals partly covered with proteinaceous debris were noted on catheter surfaces. Although in some patients encrustation of uric acid occurred in the bladder portion of the stents, there was no uric acid encrustation in this experimental study.

[Patent urachus associated with abdominal abscess: report of a case]

A case of the patent urachus associated with abdominal abscess was reported. A 44-year-old woman was consulted to our clinic with the complaints of bladder irritability and discharge from the navel on October 27, 1987. A fist-sized tumor around the umbilicus was pointed out and the cystography from the umbilicus demonstrated that the contrast medium reached to the urinary bladder. The cystoscopy showed the protruded lesion on the dome of the bladder. The pre-operative diagnosis was patent urachus. She received resection of the urachus on November 11, 1987. The pathological finding was pyogenic granuloma of the urachus due to chronic inflammation.

Glibenclamide specifically blocks ATP-sensitive K+ channel current in atrial myocytes of guinea pig heart

Effects of glibenclamide on the control membrane ionic currents, acetylcholine or adenosine-induced K+ current, and nicorandil-induced K+ current were examined in single atrial myocytes of guinea pig heart. The nystatin-whole cell clamp technique was used. Nicorandil evoked the time-independent K+ current which is probably the current through the ATP-sensitive K+ channel. Glibenclamide inhibited this current in a concentration-dependent fashion, although it had no effect on the other currents. We concluded that glibenclamide specifically inhibits the ATP-sensitive K+ channel current in cardiac myocytes.

Allopurinol and thiazide effects on new urinary stone formed after discontinued therapy in patients with urinary stones

We treated 87 patients with calcium-containing urinary stones with either allopurinol alone (44 patients) or in combination with thiazide (43 patients) and studied new stone formation before, during, and after the discontinuation of the drug therapy. The number of stones formed were 1.18, 0.24, and 0.13 before, during, and after discontinuation of the drug therapy, respectively, in the patients treated with allopurinol alone and 1.32, 0.20, and 0.09 in those treated in combination with thiazide. No differences were observed in these values and the duration of each observation period between the two groups. Decreases in the incidence of stone formation even after interruption of drug therapy suggested that recurrence-preventive effects observed following administration of these drugs include the effects of medical guidance. However, allopurinol therapy was effective in preventing recurrence in patients with hyperuricosuria.

[Effects and side effects of ureteral stenting during extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy]

We retrospectively studied the effects and side effects of placing indwelling ureteral stents in 196 cases who underwent extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy with a ureteral stent. The average period of ureteral stenting was approximately 22 days. Placing ureteral stents was mainly for large renal stones (79.3%), single kidney etc. There were no significant differences between the stunted and non-stunted patients with approximately 2 cm sized single renal stone with respect to the stone free rate, stone free period, and symptoms during stenting, which suggested that ureteral stenting might be unnecessary in those patients. High fever was highest in incidence of the symptoms and complications during stenting (17.2%). It occurred frequently in patients with infected stones or cystine stones. The percentages of pyrexia and stone street in patients using Towers type's stents were higher than those using the others. It was also shown that the bladder portions of the stents in patients using Towers peripheral ureteral stents were densely encased in calculous material and were very brittle. Fortunately the ureteral portions were removed intact. This study suggests that use of an indwelling ureteral stent may not contribute to the higher rate of being free of stones after the treatment of small to medium sized renal calculi, and that stents should be removed or changed early.

[Clinical studies on thirty-two cases of childhood urolithiasis]

We evaluated 32 patients with urinary calculi under 16 years of age over the past 14 years since the founding of the Department of Urology, Kinki University School of Medicine. They comprised 0.8% of the total urolithiasis patients. They consisted of 18 boys and 14 girls with a male-to-female ratio of 1.29. The average age was 8.7 years for boys and 10.4 years for girls without any marked peak. The most frequently chief complaint was hematuria which was present in 15 cases (47%). Although pyuria was seen in seven cases (22%), urinary bacterial culture was positive only in 5. The underlying diseases could be diagnosed in 13 cases (41%), of which eight cases (62%) developed metabolic disorder. The sites of calculi were determined in 29 cases (91%), of which 28 had stones in the upper urinary tract. Surgical treatment was performed on 16 cases in 17 sessions. Ureterolithotomy was done in as many as five cases, followed by pyeloplasty in four cases. Nephrectomy was performed in only one case. There was only one case which had been treated with extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL). The composition of calculi was found in 21 cases (66%), the majority or 13 cases (57%) of which had calcium-containing stones. Nevertheless, there was no case of hypercalciuria. When compared to the previous reports in Japan, it was worthy of note that calculi in the upper urinary tract and calcium-containing stones had higher incidences. It is expected that more patients will be treated with ESWL in the future.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Heparin uncouples the muscarinic receptors from GK protein in the atrial cell membrane of the guinea-pig heart

The effects of heparin on activation of the G protein-gated muscarinic K+ channel were examined in atrial cells of guinea-pig heart. The inside-out patch clamp technique was used. The pipette solution contained 1.1 microM acetylcholine (ACh). In the inside-out patches, intracellular GTP activated the muscarinic, K+ channel. When heparin (0.05-5 units/ml) was further added to the intracellular side of the patch membrane, the channel openings were depressed in a concentration-dependent fashion. The effects of heparin were reversible after wash-out. Heparin did not affect GTP-gamma S-induced activation of the K+ channel. Therefore, it is suggested that heparin may uncouple the muscarinic receptors from GK protein in the cardiac atrial cell membrane.

Clinical effects of prophylactic dietary treatment on renal stones

From the investigation of the dietary intake and habits of male Japanese renal stone patients we established several general guidelines. Fluid intake should be increased, especially after dinner. Unbalanced diets should be corrected and avoided (the diet should include different types of food, with vegetables being eaten at every meal and an excessive intake of meat should also be avoided). Three meals a day should be eaten and an excessive intake at dinner should be avoided. The interval from dinner until retiring should be extended. By following these individual dietary guidelines the stone recurrence rate in 199 male calcium stone patients who had received individual dietary instruction decreased remarkably compared to that in male calcium stone patients who had not received individual dietary instruction, not only during the period of outpatient visits but also after outpatient visits were discontinued. From these results we conclude that individual dietary management should be the primary measure for the prophylaxis of renal stone disease in Japan.

Dietary intake and habits of Japanese renal stone patients

The daily consumption of various nutrients as well as the daily habits of 241 male stone patients were investigated. Hypercalciuric (300 mg. or more per day) calcium stone patients ingested much more total protein, fats, oils and calcium than normocalciuric calcium stone patients, and uric acid stone patients ingested much more total and animal protein, and carbohydrates than calcium stone patients. However, the amount of ingested calcium by the patients (470 mg.) was similar to that of age-matched healthy male subjects (476 mg.) and did not reach the level of the daily nutritive requirements (600 mg.). The patients ingested large amounts of nutrients, especially animal protein, during the evening meal. From these results it was believed that synthetic dietary management, including not only ingesting various amounts of nutrients but also changing dietary habits, is necessary for the prophylaxis of renal stones.

Effect of high energy shock waves on tumor cells

Exposure of bladder tumor cell strain HT-1197, chronic bonemarrow leukemic cell strain K-562, and African green-turtle normal kidney cell strain Vero to high energy shock waves resulted in ultrastructural changes and a reduction in cell viability as determined by 3H-thymidine incorporation assay and flowcytometer. K-562 was the most sensitive while Vero was the most resistant to the high energy shock wave. By flowcytometry using anti BrdU antibody, described K-562 in the S phase was found to be inhibited by the exposure. Electron microscopy revealed destruction of microvilli over the cell surface and swollen mitochondria in K-562 and HT-1197. These effects were related to the number of high energy shock wave exposures. Our study demonstrates that a high energy shock wave has an anti-tumor effect in vitro.

[A case of metastatic ureteral tumor]

We report a case of metastatic ureteral tumor resulting from gastric cancer in a 56-year-old female. She had undergone distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer in our hospital 3 years earlier, on the histological diagnosis of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with absolute curative resection. In March, 1987, she visited our hospital complaining of microscopic hematuria and lumbago. Intravenous pyelography and left retrograde pyelography revealed the stenotic change of the left ureter and hydronephrosis. Endoscopic ureteral biopsy was performed, and the histological diagnosis was an inflammatory change of the ureter. But the hydronephrosis increased, so partial ureterectomy was performed. The histological examination confirmed adenocarcinoma in the left ureter resulting from gastric cancer. From the 340th postoperative day, she complained of general fatigue and vomiting, and gastroscopy revealed recurrent gastric cancer.

Determination of urinary oxalate by high-performance liquid chromatography monitoring with an ultraviolet detector

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) monitoring with an ultraviolet detector was carried out to measure urinary oxalate levels in urolithiasis. Interfering substances in urine were removed by anion exchange prior to chromatography. This procedure was found excellent with respect to sensitivity, reproducibility, and analytical recovery. The findings were in agreement with colorimetric date. The mean oxalate level in 24-hour urine was 30.5 +/- 15.1 mg in patients with a single episode and 36.3 +/- 9.8 mg in recurrent stone formers. The latter values was significantly higher than the normal control level (27.4 +/- 3.8 mg).

Inhibitory effect of glutamic acid and aspartic acid on calcium oxalate crystal formation

The effects of Glu and Asp on calcium stone formation was evaluated in three experiments. Studies using mixed suspension, mixed product removal crystallization and scanning electron microscopy showed that Glu and Asp inhibited the nucleation rate, growth rate and suspension density (crystal mass produced) in proportion to the concentration. The main amino acids in calcium oxalate stones and calcium phosphate stones were Glu and Asp. However, the main amino acids in uric acid stones were glycine and urea, and there were no specific amino acids in struvite stones. The activity of urinary GOT and GPT, which convert Asp and alanine, respectively, to Glu in normal subjects was significantly greater than in calcium stone formation.

Calcium oxalate crystal formation in patients with hyperparathyroidism and hyperthyroidism and related metabolic disturbances

The crystallization of calcium oxalate in the urine of patients with hyperparathyroidism and hyperthyroidism was studied using a mixed suspension mixed product removal (MSMPR) system. In addition, calcium metabolism in hyperthyroidism and its relationship to urolithiasis was investigated. The urines from all the three groups (normal subjects, hyperparathyroid and hyperthyroid patients) showed reduced nucleation rates and increased growth rates in comparison with the control synthetic urine. The nucleation rate was not significantly different between the three human urine groups, while the growth rate was significantly higher in the hyperparathyroid group compared to the normal and hyperthyroid groups. Crystal volume (suspension density) in the hyperparathyroid group was approximately twice that in the other two groups. Serum and ionized calcium levels in hyperparathyroid patients were higher than in normal subjects, while hyperthyroid patients had levels only slightly higher than those in normal subjects. The hyperparathyroid and hyperthyroid groups differed significantly from the normal group in urinary calcium excretion. These two groups also showed significantly higher levels of serum alkaline phosphatase and urinary hydroxyproline than did the normal group. Although hyperthyroid patients have a calcium metabolism similar to hyperparathyroid patients, the incidence of urolithiasis is no different between hyperthyroid and normal subjects. The results of both crystallization and calcium metabolism in hyperparathyroid patients were not significantly different between those with and without urolithiasis. The result of crystallization was also not significantly different between hyperparathyroid patients with and without hypercalciuria. This study suggests that hypercalciuria alone does not produce urinary stones and that urine from hyperparathyroid patients may contain promotors of calcium oxalate crystallization and calcium stone formation.

Relationship of plasma and urine composition to recurrence of calcium urinary stones in patients on drug therapy

Factors relating alterations in plasma and urine composition to recurrence of urinary stones during drug therapy were investigated by using a multiple regression analysis technique. These factors were influenced not only by the efficacy of the drugs but also by other factors (plasma or urinary constituents and overall health of the patients, etc.). In order to study the effect of drug therapy or other treatment on the alteration of plasma and urine constituents, multiple regression analysis is more appropriate than Student's paired t-test which has been used by some workers. These two analytical methods yield different results even if used on the same data.