[A case of idiopathic thoracic spinal cord herniation]

We report a case of idiopathic thoracic spinal cord herniation. A 63-year-old female came to our hospital complaining of a slowly progressive gait disturbance that began 5 years ago. She showed signs of a left dominant spastic paraparesis and sensory disturbance. Her left foot had already became a drop foot from 2 years ago. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and computed tomographic (CT) myelography demonstrated that the atrophic spinal cord had displaced to the ventral side with a dilated dorsal subarachnoid space at T2-3 level. Surgery was performed via T2-3 laminoplastic laminectomy. The ventral aspect of the spinal cord revealed a defect in the inner layer of the duplicated dura mater, into which the gliotic spinal cord herniated. The herniated spinal cord was repositioned and the dural defect was repaired using a GORE-TEX dura substitute. Postoperative course was uneventful. Although the patient showed marked improvement in the right lower limb, there was slight improvement in the left lower limb. The clinical symptoms of this disease are uncommon and progress slowly, and if left untreated will result in paraparesis. Therefore early diagnosis and operation is important to prevent the progression of symptoms and to achieve a satisfactory outcome.

Demonstration of Inter- and Intracellular Distribution of Boron and Gadolinium Using Micro-Proton-Induced X-Ray Emission (Micro-PIXE)

Micro-proton-induced X-ray emission (Micro-PIXE) was applied to determine inter- and intracellular distribution of boron (10B) and gadolinium (157Gd), the capture atoms used to kill tumor cells in neutron capture therapy (NCT). Cultured 9L gliosarcoma cells on Mylar film were exposed to sodium borocaptate (BSH) and gadobenate dimeglumine (Gd-BOPTA). To analyze the inter- and intracellular distribution of 10B and 157Gd in 9L gliosarcoma cells, the cells were irradiated using a proton beam of 1.7 or 3 MeV energy collimated to 1 microm diameter and emission X-ray was detected. The distribution of 10B and 157Gd in 9L gliosarcoma cells was then examined. In this study, we could directly analyze the inter- and intracellular distribution of 10B and 157Gd elements in 9L gliosarcoma cells directly using Micro-PIXE. This is the first report on the distribution of 10B employing a method to detect gamma-rays resulting from the nuclear reaction of 10B using particle-induced gamma-ray emission (PIGE). These results show that the distribution of 157Gd elements was correctly measured using micro-PIXE. 157Gd should have the same tendency as 10B in cultured 9L gliosarcoma cells and agree with the distribution in 9L gliosarcoma cells. Further investigation is necessary for a higher spatial resolution and optimization of the measurement time or improvement of the sampling method. In the future, it will be possible to employ this method to analyze the intracellular microdistribution of the capture element and in the development of new drugs for NCT.

Technical advantages of an ultrasonic bone curette in spinal surgery

Object. The authors discuss the safety and efficacy of an ultrasonic bone curette in various spinal surgeries and report its advantages in clinical application.

Methods. Between April 2002 and September 2003, 76 patients with various spinal diseases (29 cervical, five thoracic, 40 lumbosacral, and two foramen magnum regions) were treated microsurgically by using a Sonopet ultrasonic bone curette with longitudinal and torsional tips and lightweight handpieces. The operations were performed successfully and the device was easy to handle. There were no instrument-related complications or -induced damage to any structure even when removing osseous spurs or ossified lesions near the dura mater, nerves, and vessels.

Conclusions. The ultrasonic curette is a useful instrument for procedures performed near the dura mater or other neural tissue without excessive heat production or mechanical injury. This device is recommended for various spinal surgeries in addition to high-speed drills or other tools.

Relation between the TIMI frame count and the degree of microvascular injury after primary coronary angioplasty in patients with acute anterior myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relation between thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count (TFC) and coronary blood flow velocity (CBFV) parameters reflecting the degree of microvascular injury in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

RESULTS

TFC and CBFV were measured after primary coronary angioplasty in 103 consecutive patients with their first anterior wall acute myocardial infarction. TFC correlated inversely with the averaged peak velocity (r = -0.43, p < 0.0001). However, TFC did not correlate significantly with diastolic deceleration time and with the averaged systolic peak velocity (r = -0.16, p = 0.22, and r = -0.23, p = 0.16, respectively). The patients were divided into two groups according to presence (35 patients) or absence (68 patients) of systolic flow reversal. There was no significant difference in TFC between the two groups (29 (16) v 25 (13), p = 0.20).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the TFC reflects epicardial CBFV. However, it is not accurate enough to assess the degree of microvascular injury after primary coronary angioplasty.

Rapid determination of bovine lactoferrin in dairy products by an automated quantitative agglutination assay based on latex beads coated with F(ab )2fragments

This study evaluated an automated immunoassay for bovine lactoferrin (LF) in dairy products based on latex beads coated with F(ab')2 fragments.

METHODS

F(ab')2 fragments were obtained by pepsin digestion of rabbit anti-bovine LF (IgG fraction) and polystyrene latex beads were coated with the F(ab')2 fragments. We used the beads to develop a rapid and homogeneous light scatter immunoassay employing an autoanalyzer (the Automated Latex assay). The Automated Latex assay was easy to perform and could rapidly determine bovine lactoferrin in lactoferrin-supplemented products. It was sensitive enough for testing products and showed good precision.

[Surgery for acute aortic dissection concomitant with preceding axillofemoral bypass to prevent malperfusion of visceral organs and limb ischemia]

A 52-year-old man was admitted with sudden onset of epigastralgia. Abdominal X-ray showed dilated intestine and computed tomography (CT) revealed extended type A aortic dissection. Marked abdominal distention and weak pulse of right femoral artery were recognized so malperfusion of visceral organs due to narrowing true lumen compressed by thrombosed false lumen was suggested. In the operation, right axillo-right femoral bypass was established preceding to median sternotomy. This graft was used as an arterial perfusion site of cardiopulmonary bypass, and replacement of the ascending aorta was performed under hypothermic circulatory arrest and retrograde cerebral perfusion. Sign of malperfusion of visceral organs was showed for several days after the operation but it disappeared without further intervention. Axillofemoral inflow of cardiopulmonary bypass may be effective procedure in these cases.

Multifocal Primary Intracerebral Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma-Case Report-

A 58-year-old female presented with a unique case of multifocal primary intracerebral malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) manifesting as partial seizure. Neuroimaging showed a mass lesion in the right frontal lobe, which was totally removed. The histological diagnosis was MFH. Follow-up neuroimaging one month after surgery showed another lesion rapidly growing in the left frontal lobe. This lesion was totally removed, and identified as MFH. Her condition gradually worsened. Neuroimaging performed 3 months after first operation revealed bilateral recurrence. She died of respiratory failure 7 months after the initial diagnosis of MFH. Primary intracranial MFH is an extremely rare entity with only 31 cases of solitary tumor previously reported.

Genetic organization of the Francisella plasmid pFNL10

We report here the molecular characterization of pFNL10, a 3990-bp cryptic plasmid of Francisella novicida-like F6168. The plasmid was maintained in F. novicida Utah 112 and F. tularensis LVS strains. We sequenced the entire plasmid and found six open reading frames (ORFs)-ORF1, ORF2, ORF3, ORF4, ORF5, and ORFm. ORF3, ORF4, ORF5, and ORFm are located on the same strand, and we designated it the plus strand. ORF1 and ORF2 are on the complementary strand. The ORFs appear to be arranged in two operons, one comprising ORF5 and ORF4 and the other ORF1 and ORF2. There exist two distinct promoters similar to the Escherichia coli sigma(70) promoter, one 5' to ORF1-ORF2 operon and the other 5' to ORF5-ORF4 operon. We found that in both promoters the transcriptional start is an adenosine. ORF3 is positioned in tandem with ORF5-ORF4, but has its own transcriptional start, a thymidine. However, sequence analysis revealed no recognizable promoter in physical proximity to ORF3. Sequence analysis revealed transcriptional terminators immediately downstream of the two operons. Experimental results showed that the ORF1-ORF2 terminator is authentic. But we could not definitively confirm the ORF5-ORF4 terminator. Two sets of direct repeats, one 31 and the other 13 bp, characteristic of ori are positioned between the two promoters. ORF1 encodes a protein that bears homology to the replication initiation protein RepA of various bacteria, and disruption of this ORF indeed blocked pFNL10 replication. In contrast, ORF2 disruption caused formation of plasmid multimers, suggesting aberrant replication. Our analysis also suggests that pFNL10 replicates by the theta mode. The ORF5-ORF4 operon resembles the phd-doc operon of Escherichia coli bacteriophage P1, but the significance of this similarity is unclear.

Association of L* protein of Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus with microtubules in infected cells

We used an antibody raised against a synthetic peptide corresponding to amino acid residues 70-88 for characterizing the L* protein of Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV), which is only synthesized in DA subgroup strains from an alternative AUG and is out of frame with the viral polyprotein; evidence suggests that L* protein is critical to viral persistence, demyelination, and growth in murine macrophage cell lines. It was synthesized with kinetics similar to that of other viral proteins, although less in amount. After synthesis, it remained stable in the cytoplasm and was not incorporated into virions. Immunofluorescent staining and immunoblotting of microtubule preparations demonstrated that it is associated with microtubules. Expression of L* protein also demonstrated that the 5' one third of the coding region may be responsible for the association. The association of L* protein with microtubules may be important in the disease-inducing and in vitro characters of L* protein.

Nucleotide sequence, structural organization, and functional characterization of the small recombinant plasmid pOM1 that is specific for Francisella tularensis

pOM1 is a recombinant 4442-bp plasmid that includes the replicon of the Francisella novicida-like strain F6168 cryptic plasmid pFNL10 and the tetracycline resistance gene (tetC) of plasmid pBR328. pOM1 can stably replicate and is maintained in Francisella tularensis biovars tularensis, palaearctica, and palaearctica var. japonica. The replicon of pOM1 includes the ori region and the repA gene. The ori region, located upstream of the repA gene includes two sets of 31- and 13-bp direct repeats (DR), with AT-rich regions preceding each of the DRs. Two putative promoters of the repA gene were found connected with the DR regions. A 40-kDa protein was encoded by the repA gene and found essential for replication. Expression of the tetC gene is regulated by an Escherichia coli sigma(70)-like promoter and is dependent on the F. tularensis strain and its environment.

Adrenergic mediation of TNF alpha-stimulated ICAM-1 expression on human brain microvascular endothelial cells

Adrenergic innervation derived from locus ceruleus has been implicated in regulating BBB permeability and inflammatory responses associated with neurological disorders. This report demonstrates that adrenergic agents attenuate the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha)-induced expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) on cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) derived from human brains. HBMEC were incubated with isoproterenol (1-10 microM) alone or in the presence of propranolol (10 microM) for 30 min followed by the addition of various concentrations of TNF alpha. ICAM-1 expression on cultured HBMEC was dose-dependently upregulated by TNF alpha. Incubation with isoproterenol significantly reduced levels of ICAM-1 expression indicating the possible involvement of adrenergic agents on ICAM-1 expression. Treatment with propranolol (beta 1/beta 2-adrenergic antagonist) and butoxamine (beta 2-adrenergic antagonist), but not atenolol (beta 1-adrenergic antagonist) reversed this inhibitory effect. Isoproterenol also dose-dependently stimulated cAMP production (assayed by RIA) by HBMEC; propranolol treatment abolished this effect. These data show that the beta 2-adrenergic receptor/cAMP pathway may be partly involved in TNF alpha-stimulated ICAM-1 expression and indicate the possible involvement of adrenergic mediation of capillary function including BBB integrity.

Thymol derivatives from Eupatorium fortunei

Sixteen new thymol derivatives have been isolated from Eupatorium fortunei and their structures determined based on spectroscopic data. They were classified into three groups (i-iii) depending on the oxidation levels: (i) one oxygen function at the 9-position, (ii) two oxygen functions at the 8- and 9-positions, and (iii) three oxygen functions at the 8-, 9-, and 10-positions. The hydroxyl groups are acylated with tigloyl, angeloyl, acetyl, isobutyryl, 3-methyl-2-butenoyl, or 2-methylbutyryl moieties. The compounds having chiral centers showed no specific rotation and exist as racemic mixtures.

Clinical results of implantation of an endovascular covered stent-graft via midsternotomy for distal aortic arch aneurysm

We have been implanting endovascular stent grafts (EVG) via midsternotomy for distal aortic arch surgery since February 1997. The early clinical results are evaluated.

METHODS

There were 11 true aneurysms (8 fusiform, 3 saccular) and one chronic type B dissection. The average age was 68 yr (63-81). EVGs were PTFE-covered two-8 bend Z stents in the first eight cases and made with the same stents and ultrathin woven Dacron grafts in the last four cases.

RESULTS

Total arch replacement and aortocoronary bypass grafting were combined in one and two patients, respectively. The average retrograde cerebral perfusion time was 42+/-8 min. The cardiopulmonary bypass time averaged 211+/-26 min. All patients awoke early after operation (4.5+/-1.2 h). All but one case was extubated within 24h. There was no operative mortality, but paraplegia and cerebral infarction were complicated in one case each. Their maximum diameter (73.9+/-21.2mm) decreased significantly after operation (68.7+/-20.1mm) and one year thereafter (63.1+/-16.0 mm). True aneurysms were thrombosed completely. A chronic type B dissection revealed impending rupture due to false lumen infection one year after operation. The whole descending aorta replacement was performed but the patient died 6 months thereafter due to cerebro-vascular complication.

CONCLUSION

Implantation of EVGs reduces operative invasion for distal arch surgery. This procedure should improve mortality, while long-term results have not been clarified.

Sarpogrelate reduces mechanical hemolysis in patients with heart valve prostheses

OBJECTIVE

We evaluate the clinical efficacy of sarpogrelate, an antiplatelet drug that improves red blood cell deformability, to reduce the intravascular hemolysis problems suffered frequently by patients implanted with heart valve prostheses.

SUBJECTS

Subjects were 34 patients undergoing mechanical heart valve replacement and having serum lactate dehydrogenase concentrations 20% above the maximum normal range.

METHOD

Sarpogrelate was given daily, 100 mg orally for the first 6 months and 200 mg thereafter.

RESULTS

Average serum lactate dehydrogenase decreased significantly from 423 +/- 108 IU/l, to 391 +/- 83 IU/l with the 100 mg dose, and to 361 +/- 86 IU/l with the 200 mg dose. The percentage of reticulocytes decreased from 15.5 +/- 5.3/1000 to 15.3 +/- 5.7/1000 at the 100 mg dose and 13.1 +/- 4.0/1000 at the 200 mg dose. Serum iron concentrations increased significantly from 63.2 +/- 24.8 micrograms/dl to 76.2 +/- 16.2 micrograms/dl at the 100 mg dose, and to 70.9 +/- 26.2 micrograms/dl with the 200 mg dose.

CONCLUSION

Sarpogrelate is a useful drug for patients with implanted heart valve prostheses and subsequent high serum lactate dehydrogenase because it works as an antiplatelet drug and reduces mechanical hemolysis.

Human brain capillary endothelium: 2-arachidonoglycerol (endocannabinoid) interacts with endothelin-1

In brain, the regulatory mechanism of the endothelial reactivity to nitric oxide and endothelin-1 may involve Ca(2+), cytoskeleton, and vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein changes mediated by the cGMP/cGMP kinase system.(1) Endothelium of human brain capillaries or microvessels is used to examine the interplay of endothelin-1 with the putative vasorelaxant 2-arachidonoyl glycerol, an endogenous cannabimimetic derivative of arachidonic acid. This study demonstrates that 2-arachidonoyl glycerol counteracts Ca(2+) mobilization and cytoskeleton rearrangement induced by endothelin-1. This event is independent of nitric oxide, cyclooxygenase, and lipoxygenase and is mediated in part by cannabimimetic CB1 receptor, G protein, phosphoinositol signal transduction pathway, and Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels. The induced rearrangements of cellular cytoskeleton (actin or vimentin) are partly prevented by inhibition of protein kinase C or high levels of potassium chloride. The 2-arachidonoyl glycerol-induced phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein is mediated by cAMP. These findings suggest that 2-arachidonoyl glycerol may contribute to the regulation of cerebral capillary and microvascular function.

Caffeic and coumaric acid esters from Calystegia soldanella

Esters of trans-4-hydroxycinnamic acid, cis-4-hydroxycinnamic acid and trans-3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid with long-chain alcohols (n=15-20), were isolated from the stems of Calystegia soldanella.

L* protein of Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus is required for virus growth in a murine macrophage-like cell line

We sought to confirm the importance of L* protein for growth of Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) in a macrophage-like cell line, J774-1. The protein is out of frame with the polyprotein and synthesized in DA but not GDVII subgroup strains of TMEV. A recombinant virus, DANCL*/GD, which substitutes the DA 5' noncoding and L* coding regions for the corresponding regions of GDVII and synthesizes L* protein, grew with little restriction in J774-1 cells. In contrast, another recombinant virus, DANCL*-1/GD, which has an ACG rather than an AUG as the starting codon of L* protein at nucleotide 1079, resulting in no synthesis of L* protein, did not grow well. No significant difference between the rates of adsorption to J774-1 cells of these viruses was observed. RNase protection assay demonstrated that DANCL*/GD viral RNA significantly increased, whereas only a minimal increase was observed for DANCL*-1/GD. The present study suggests that L* protein is required for virus growth in macrophages.

Theoretical analysis of right gastroepiploic artery grafting to right coronary artery

BACKGROUND

The right gastroepiploic artery (GEA) has been used as the second reliable arterial graft for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However, concern regarding the flow competition with the recipient coronary artery has remained.

METHODS

An application of in situ GEA grafting to the right coronary artery (RCA) was studied by using a theoretical model. The theoretical model of CABG was given variables; ie, the diameters and the lengths of both in situ GEA and proximal segment of the RCA, and the degree of proximal stenosis in the RCA. According to the range of these variables obtained from clinical data, the ratio of the GEA flow to the flow of the RCA distal to the anastomosis was calculated.

RESULTS

Main factors to determine the flows in the two parallel paths were the inner diameters of both vessels, and the degree of the proximal stenosis. When the inner diameters of the GEA were 0.5 mm larger than that of the RCA, the GEA carried more than 50% of the total flow of the RCA distal to the anastomosis despite a moderate stenosis in the RCA. When the inner diameter of the GEA was equal to, or 0.5 mm smaller than, that of the RCA, the GEA flow was dominated by the native RCA flow unless the proximal stenosis was critical.

CONCLUSIONS

If the inner diameter of the GEA is 0.5 mm larger than that of the RCA, CABG with the GEA can be applied more widely. If not, the application would basically be limited.

Repair of leaking postinfarction ventricular septal defect under circulatory arrest via left thoracotomy

We treated a 60-year-old woman for postinfarction ventricular septal defect (VSD) and closed it by the infarction exclusion method. Postoperatively she was complicated by Candida sternal mediastinitis and residual shunt of VSD. After her sternal infection came under control we repaired the leaking VSD via left thoracotomy under hypothermic circulatory arrest. She recovered well and repair of the leaking VSD under circulatory arrest via left thoracotomy seemed to be a safe and promising alternative for VSD repair.

Maintenance of blood heparin concentration rather than activated clotting time better preserves the coagulation system in hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass

In cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), despite heparin regimens in which the activated clotting time (ACT) is kept at more than 400 s, there is biochemical evidence of thrombin generation indicating activation of the coagulation system and increased fibrinolytic activity. Therefore, to reduce the coagulant activation has been one of the main issues in the improvement of CPB. The purpose of this study was to compare the heparin concentration with the ACT and to evaluate the effect of keeping higher heparin concentration on the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems during hypothermic CPB, employing moderate hypothermia (MHT) or deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHT). Heparin was either administered to maintain an ACT >400 s (ACT group) or to maintain a whole blood heparin concentration of 3 mg/kg (heparin group). At the lowest core temperature during CPB, the ACT and the heparinase ACT (unrelated to heparin concentration) were increased the most whereas the whole blood heparin concentration was less than half the initial concentration in both ACT groups of MHT and DHT. The thrombin-antithrombin III (TAT) content just after CPB in both MHT and DHT was significantly lower in the heparin group than in the ACT group. In conclusion, ACT does not reflect the whole blood heparin concentration during hypothermic CPB. Furthermore, maintenance of the higher heparin concentration during hypothermic CPB may suppress the activation of the coagulation system via thrombin inhibition. That effect was more remarkable in deep hypothermic CPB. Therefore, we believe that anticoagulation management during hypothermic CPB should be based on the maintenance of the higher blood heparin concentration.

Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) subgroup strain-specific infection in neural and non-neural cell lines

GDVII subgroup strains of Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) are highly virulent and produce acute polioencephalomyelitis in mice. Neither viral persistence nor demyelination is demonstrated in the few surviving mice. In contrast, DA subgroup strains are less virulent and establish a persistent central nervous system infection which results in demyelinating disease. We previously reported a subgroup-specific infection in a macrophage-like cell line, J774-1 cells; i.e., GDVII strain does not replicate in J774-1 cells, whereas the DA strain actively replicates in these cells. In addition, this subgroup-specific virus growth is shown to be related to the presence of L* protein, a 17 kDa protein translated out-of-frame of the viral polyprotein from an AUG located 13 nucleotides downstream from the polyprotein's AUG. The present paper demonstrated that this subgroup-specific infection is observed in murine monocyte/macrophage lineage cell lines, but not in other murine cell lines including neural cells. An RNase protection assay also suggested that L* protein-related virus growth is regulated at the step of viral RNA replication. As macrophages are reported to be the major cell harboring virus during the chronic demyelinating stage, the activity of L* protein with respect to virus growth in macrophages may be a key factor in clarifying the mechanism(s) of TMEV persistence, which is probably a trigger to spinal cord demyelination.