Measurements of Strong-Interaction Effects in Kaonic-Helium Isotopes at Sub-eV Precision with X-Ray Microcalorimeters

We have measured the 3d→2p transition x rays of kaonic ^{3}He and ^{4}He atoms using superconducting transition-edge-sensor microcalorimeters with an energy resolution better than 6 eV (FWHM). We determined the energies to be 6224.5±0.4(stat)±0.2(syst)  eV and 6463.7±0.3(stat)±0.1(syst)  eV, and widths to be 2.5±1.0(stat)±0.4(syst)  eV and 1.0±0.6(stat)±0.3(stat)  eV, for kaonic ^{3}He and ^{4}He, respectively. These values are nearly 10 times more precise than in previous measurements. Our results exclude the large strong-interaction shifts and widths that are suggested by a coupled-channel approach and agree with calculations based on optical-potential models.

Improvement of freezing tolerance in transgenic tobacco leaves by expressing the hiC6 gene

A cryoprotective protein, HIC6, was expressed transgenically in tobacco, a cold-sensitive plant, and the localization of the protein within the cell as well as freezing tolerance of the transgenic tobacco was investigated. For constitutive expression of HIC6 in tobacco, its corresponding gene was subcloned into pBI121. Through the transformation with pBI121/hiC6, fifteen transgenic tobacco lines were acquired, out of which twelve lines expressed the HIC6 protein. None of the transgenic tobacco lines, however, showed significant differences in freezing tolerance from the control plants (wild-type and transformed with pBI121) at -1, -3, and -4 degrees C, with the exception that their freezing temperature was -2 degrees C. In order to increase the accumulation level of HIC6, pBE2113 with a stronger promoter was used. Eight lines expressed the protein out of thirteen lines transformed with pBE2113/hiC6. The accumulation levels of the protein were clearly higher in the tobacco plants transformed with pBE2113/hiC6 than in those with pBI121/hiC6. The HIC6 protein seemed to be localized in mitochondria of the transgenic tobacco plants. Freezing-tolerance tests at -1 - -4 degrees C showed that the degree of electrolyte leakage was significantly lower in the plants with pBE2113/hiC6 than in the control plants. A leaf browning observation also showed that high accumulation of HIC6 significantly suppressed injury caused by freezing to the transgenic tobacco at -3 degrees C.

Cryoprotective activities of group 3 late embryogenesis abundant proteins from Chlorella vulgaris C-27

The nucleotide sequence of hiC12, isolated as a cDNA clone of hardening-induced Chlorella (hiC) genes, was identified. The clone encodes a late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) protein having six repeats of a 11-mer amino acid motif, although in a slightly imperfect form. To overexpress the hiC61) and hiC12 genes, their coding regions were PCR amplified and subcloned into a pGEX-1lambdaT vector. The HIC6 and HIC12 proteins were expressed as GST fusion proteins in E. coli, then purified. The two HIC proteins were found to be effective in protecting a freeze-labile enzyme, LDH, against freeze-inactivation. On a molar concentration basis, they were about 3.1 x 10(6) times more effective in protecting LDH than sucrose and as effective as BSA. Cryoprotection tests with five kinds of chain-shortened polypeptides, synthesized based on the 11-mer amino acid motif of the HIC6 protein showed that the cryoprotective activity decreased with a decrease in the repeating units of the 11-mer motif. In fact, cryoprotective activities of three kinds of single 11-mer amino acids were very low even at high concentrations. All the results suggested that the sufficiently repeated 11-mer motif is required for the cryoprotective activities of Chlorella LEA proteins.

Genomic organization of the genes for human and mouse CC chemokine LEC

Liver-expressed chemokine (LEC) is a CC chemokine that is selectively expressed in the liver. We report here the structures of the human and mouse genes for LEC. The human LEC gene (SCYA16) was isolated from a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clone that also contained CC chemokine genes for MPIF-1/Ckbeta8, HCC-2/Lkn-1/MIP-5/MIP-1delta, and HCC-1. The LEC gene is approximately 5.0 kb in length and has a three-exon and two-intron structure common to most CC chemokine genes. However, the promoter region is devoid of a typical TATA box, and transcription initiates at multiple sites. The gene for CC chemokine HCC-1, which is most similar to LEC, is located approximately 2.2 kb upstream from the 5' end of the LEC gene in a head-to-tail fashion. The mouse DNA fragment that hybridized with the human LEC cDNA was isolated from a BAC clone that also contained the CC chemokine genes for C10, MRP-2/CCF18/MIP-1gamma, and RANTES. Sequence analysis revealed that the isolated gene does not encode a functional chemokine because of deletions, insertions, and base changes. Southern blot analysis revealed that the sequence isolated from the BAC clone was the only one hybridizing with human LEC cDNA in the mouse genome. Therefore, mice may have only an LEC pseudogene.

Organization of the chemokine gene cluster on human chromosome 17q11.2 containing the genes for CC chemokine MPIF-1, HCC-2, HCC-1, LEC, and RANTES

To understand the organization of the human CC chemokine gene cluster on chromosome 17q11.2, we determined the nucleotide sequence of a region 181 kb long containing five CC chemokine genes, MPIF-1 (SCYA23), HCC-2 (SCYA15), HCC-1 (SCYA14), LEC (SCYA16), and RANTES (SCYA5), by the random shot-gun method. The four CC chemokine genes, MPIF-1, HCC-2, HCC-1, and LEC, are clustered within a region 40 kb long, whereas the RANTES gene is located approximately 10 kb apart from the four chemokine gene minicluster. These chemokine genes are arranged in the same orientation, and their sizes are relatively long, 3.1 (HCC-1)-8.8 kb (RANTES) when compared with other CC chemokine genes, such as MIP-1alpha/LD78alpha (SCYA3) (1.9 kb) and MCP-1 (SCYA2) (1.5 kb). In contrast to most other human CC chemokine genes that consist of three exons, the MPIF-1 and HCC-2 genes, separated by 12 kb, have four exons. When the nucleotide sequences of the MPIF-1 and HCC-2 genes are compared, they are well conserved, including introns and flanking sequences, except for the middle region of the long first intron, indicating that they have been generated recently in evolutionary terms by duplication. In addition to the CC chemokine genes, more than 30 exons are identified in the sequenced region by similarity search against expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and also by the gene prediction program GenScan. This indicates that the chemokine cluster sequenced in this study is a gene-rich region in the human genome.

Chemokine PARC gene (SCYA18) generated by fusion of two MIP-1alpha/LD78alpha-like genes

Two loci in the human genome, chromosomes 4q12-q21 and 17q11.2, contain clusters of CXC and CC chemokine subfamily genes, respectively. Since mice appear to contain fewer chemokine genes than humans, numerous gene duplications might have occurred in each locus of the human genome. Here we describe the genomic organization of the human pulmonary and activation-regulated CC chemokine (PARC), also known as DC-CK1 and AMAC-1. Despite high sequence similarity to a CC chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1alpha)/LD78alpha, PARC is chemotactic for lymphocytes and not for monocytes and does not share its receptor with MIP-1alpha. Analyses of the BAC clones containing the human PARC gene indicated that the gene is located most closely to MIP-1alpha (HGMW-approved symbol SCYA3) and MIP-1beta (HGMW-approved symbol SCYA4) on chromosome 17q11.2. Dot-plot comparison suggested that the PARC gene had been generated by fusion of two MIP-1alpha-like genes with deletion and selective usage of exons. Base changes accumulated before and after the fusion might have adapted the gene to a new function. Since there are variably duplicated copies of the MIP-1alpha gene called LD78beta (HGMW-approved symbol SCYA3L) in the vicinity of the MIP-1alpha gene, the locus surrounding the MIP-1alpha gene seems to be a "hot spring" that continuously produces new family genes. This evidence provides a new model, duplication and fusion, of the molecular basis for diversity within a gene family.

Isolation of cDNA encoding a novel human CC chemokine NCC-4/LEC

We have determined the entire sequence of human cDNA encoding a novel CC chemokine NCC-4 by 5' and 3' RACE methods. Two types of transcripts, 579 bp and 1503 bp long, respectively, are generated through alternative polyadenylation sites. Both species contain an open reading frame encoding 120 amino acids with 19-38% identity to other human CC chemokines. The short and long transcripts are expressed highly selectively in the liver at nearly equivalent levels. There seems to be one copy of the gene per haploid genome. We now designate NCC-4 as LEC from liver-expressed chemokine.

A YAC contig of the human CC chemokine genes clustered on chromosome 17q11.2

CC chemokines are cytokines that attract and activate leukocytes. The human genes for the CC chemokines are clustered on chromosome 17. To elucidate the genomic organization of the CC chemokine genes, we constructed a YAC contig comprising 34 clones. The contig was shown to contain all 10 CC chemokine genes reported so far, except for one gene whose nucleotide sequence is not available. The contig also contains 4 CC chemokine-like genes, which were deposited in GenBank as ESTs and are here referred to as NCC-1, NCC-2, NCC-3, and NCC-4. Within the contig, the CC chemokine genes were localized in two regions. In addition, the CC chemokine genes were more precisely mapped on chromosome 17q11.2 using a somatic cell hybrid cell DNA panel containing various portions of human chromosome 17. Interestingly, a reciprocal translocation t(Y;17) breakpoint, contained in the hybrid cell line Y1741, lay between the two chromosome 17 chemokine gene regions covered by our YAC contig. From these results, the order and the orientation of CC chemokine genes on chromosome 17 were determined as follows: centromere-neurofibromatosis 1-(MCP-3, MCP-1, NCC-1, I-309)-Y1741 breakpoint-RANTES-(LD78gamma, AT744.2, LD78beta)-(NCC-3, NCC-2, AT744.1, LD78alpha)-NCC-4-retinoic acid receptor alpha- telomere.

Positron emission tomography and plasma biochemistry findings in schizophrenic patients before and after electroconvulsive therapy

The clinical effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on the morbidity of paranoid schizophrenic patients were assessed by positron emission tomography (PET) and plasma biochemistry studies before and after ECT. The present study included five patients whose average age was 41.4 years. The average duration of illness was 23.0 years. To avoid any effect of changes in drugs on PET, no changes were made in the medication of any of the five patients during the study period. ECT improved the clinical symptoms in every patient. Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) on PET in both temporal lobes and the left cerebellum was higher in paranoid schizophrenia before ECT than in normal subjects, and rCBF after ECT in both frontal lobes, the right temporal lobe and the right putamen was lower than before ECT as mental symptoms improved. These findings suggest high cerebral blood flow volume in paranoid schizophrenia. Plasma biochemistry studies revealed a lower level of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) after ECT than before ECT, but a higher level of prolactin existed.

Hypometabolism and dipole localization in hemimegalencephaly: a case report

A case of hemimegalencephaly was studied by means of neuroimaging (CT, MRI and PET) and magnetoencephalography (MEG). Hemimegalencephaly (HM) is a neuronal migration disorder. This is the first report of evaluation of HM with the use of PET and MEG from not only the morphological but also the functional point of view. PET with 11C-glucose showed a low radioactive concentration in the affected hemisphere, which suggested a metabolic deficit. MEG proved the epileptic foci existed mainly in the affected hemisphere, especially around a heterotopia and the pachygyric cortex, which was disclosed on MRI.

Open heart operation in a young child with spherocytosis

Open heart operations on patients with hereditary spherocytosis have been reported rarely. Young children who have not yet undergone splenectomy have a high risk of intraoperative hemolysis because of the heart-lung machine and secondary renal failure. We report the case of a 15-month-old child with spherocytosis who underwent an open heart operation without serious complications as a result of careful and appropriate perioperative management.

[Growth of the hypoplastic aortic arch after arch repair for coarctation and interruption of the aorta]

Surgical treatment for a hypoplastic aortic arch associated with coarctation or interruption of the aorta is controversial. We evaluate the changes of diameter of proximal transverse aortic arch after surgery in 28 patients. Proximal transverse aortic arch in all patients was preoperatively 3.5 +/- 0.9 mm (2.5 to 7 mm), and 54 +/- 12% (36 to 84%) to the normal aortic valve dimension (n-AVD: 16.6 X BSA0.6). While postoperative proximal transverse aortic arch was 6.5 +/- 1.8 mm, and 76 +/- 12% to the n-AVD, and significantly grew more than the preoperative arch dimension (p = 0.0001). In 18 patients having two times cardiac catheterization postoperatively, proximal transverse aortic arch was 6.5 +/- 1.6 mm, and 75 +/- 13% to n-AVD on the 1st postoperative examination. On the 2nd examination, the arch was 9.9 +/- 1.9 mm, and 88 +/- 12% to n-AVD, and significantly grew with increasing years (p < or = 0.0003). We concluded that the proximal transverse aortic arch, which was more than 36% to n-AVD in diameter, if not dilated surgically, grew with increasing years after aortic arch repair.

[Reoperation for obstructed extracardiac conduit after Rastelli operation--an autogenous tissue reconstruction (Danielson) method]

Eight patients with a mean age of 13.0 years underwent reoperation for obstructed extracardiac dacron conduit with xenograft valve at a mean of 7 years after Rastelli operation. In two patients, infective endocarditis of the stenotic conduit was the main indication for the reoperation. Diagnoses included 3 tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia, 3 d-TGA (III), 1 truncus arteriosus, and 1 corrected TGA. The conduit was completely excised leaving the posterior half of the autogenous external peel of conduit as the new outflow bed and a monocusped patch was then placed. Operations were mostly carried out allowing the heart to continue to beat. One patient with c-TGA who underwent concomitant replacement of aortic and left A-V values died in the hospital 4 months postoperatively. In other 7 patients, systolic pressure gradient across the right ventricular outflow decreased from a mean of 80.3 mmHg to 16.0 mmHg. Postoperative pulmonary regurgitation by UCG were trivial in 3 and grade III in 3 patients. One patient required re-reoperation late postoperatively for re-stenosis due to contracture of Golaski outflow patch. Three patients did not require any homologous blood during either the operation or the rest of the hospital stay. The results suggests that this method is a simple and effective option for reoperation of obstructed extracardiac dacron conduits late after Rastelli operation.

[Subaortic stenosis in coarctation or interruption of the aorta--changes of left ventricular outflow tract dimension after aortic arch repair and pulmonary artery banding]

Left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) dimension was measured in seven patients with coarctation (CoA) or interruption (IAA) of the aorta before and after aortic arch repair and pulmonary artery banding. The age of patients ranged 3 to 69 (mean 16) days, the weight 3.0 to 3.9 (mean 3.4) kg. Associated cardiac anomalies were VSD in 6, MA and DORV in 1. In five patients compared by ultrasound, preoperative LVOT dimension ranged from 3.5 to 5.0 (mean 4.4) mm with the ratio to the normal aortic valve dimension (n-AVD; 16.6 x BSA0.6) from 54 to 82 (mean 69)%. Postoperative dimension increased 5.0 to 7.4 (mean 5.7) mm and the ratio to the n-AVD increased 65 to 89 (mean 80)%. In three patients compared by LV graphy, preoperative LVOT dimension ranged from 4.0 to 4.5 (4.2) mm and the ratio ranged from 61 to 72 (68)%. Postoperative dimension increased from 4.5 to 6.7 (5.3) mm, and 74 to 80 (78)% to n-AVD after operation. Postoperative pressure gradients between LV and ascending aorta in each patient were 1 to 9 (mean 6) mmHg. In any patients, LVOT obstruction did not advance after aortic arch repair and pulmonary artery banding.

PET imaging of non-small-cell lung carcinoma with carbon-11-methionine: relationship between radioactivity uptake and flow-cytometric parameters

Carbon-11-methionine PET scans were obtained from 24 patients with non-small-cell lung carcinoma for whom surgical treatment was considered. The tumor mass was visualized with clear delineation. After PET scanning, the tumor was removed by lobectomy or pulmonectomy. The tumor tissue was first processed to yield tumor cell suspensions and then subjected to DNA flow cytometry. Comparison between 11C uptake rate and flow-cytometric data gave the following results: 11C uptake rate in the tumor correlated well with the cellular DNA content (DNA index) of tumor cells at the resting state of cell division (G0 + G1-phase) (r = 0.67). The correlation between 11C uptake rate and S-phase cell percentage was markedly high (r = 0.76), and the correlation between 11C uptake rate and S+G2/M-phase cell percentage was extremely high (r = 0.86). It was concluded that the tumor uptake rate of 11C-methionine was representative of tumor growth rate in this tumor type.

Cerebral blood flow and oxygen metabolism in the Rett syndrome

Positron emission tomography (PET) was performed on six patients with the Rett syndrome and the results were compared with the concurrent clinical status of the patients. The cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) was low in five patients, and oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) was low in four patients; both had a tendency to decline with advancing age. Although the cause is unknown, it is suggested that impaired oxidative metabolism exists in the Rett syndrome. An analysis of the distribution among brain regions showed that the ratios of values for the frontal cortex to those for the temporal cortex for both the cerebral blood flow (CBF) and CMRO2 were lower than those for the controls, which may indicate the loss of hyperfrontality in the Rett syndrome. Distribution of brain metabolism may be immature in the Rett syndrome.

[Regional pulmonary function in intra-emphysematous bulla and peri-emphysematous bulla]

We have measured regional alveolar volume and regional ventilation of emphysematous lesions and periemphysematous lesions with positron emission tomography and N-13 gas in 10 patients. The purpose of the study was to investigate how emphysematous lesion develops. The subjects were all male (except one) who put on a mask in supine position, and were connected with a spirometer. We gave N-13 gas in this closed circuit and had the gas rebreathed by the subjects. After activity reached equilibrium in closed circuit, an equilibrium scan was made. We took "activity gas" from the closed circuit and measured activity by well counter during equilibrium to get quantitative alveolar volume. The activity in closed circuit during equilibrium showed activity in the thoracic unit. After equilibrium, we used air to wash out radioactive gas from the circuit. During washout we took 3 sequential images. The decreased rate of activity in the region of interest from these 3 sequential washout images was expressed in a monoexponential curve. The index of monoexponential denotes V/V. Alveolar volume in emphysematous lesions was 34.8 +/- 19.5 ml/100ml thoracic volume, and V/V in these lesions was 0.27 +/- 0.21/min. On the other hand alveolar volume in periemphysematous lesions was 76.5 +/- 13.1 ml/100ml thoracic volume, and V/V was 0.38 +/- 0.22/min. Thus alveolar volume in periemphysematous lesions was relatively high. These results indicate that the effect of emphysematous lesions as compared with periemphysematous lesions was not direct compression of alveolar space. The direct effect was compression to the bronchiole of peripheral lesions, and check valve mechanism occurred in the bronchiole causing peripheral lesions resulting in the destruction of the alveolar wall.

Death of serum-free mouse embryo cells caused by transforming growth factor beta 1 and effects of nutritional factors

Transforming growth factor beta 1 (1 ng/ml) caused death of serum-free mouse embryo cells cultured in a medium consisting of a 1:1 mixture of Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's medium and Ham's F12 medium supplemented with fibronectin, insulin, transferrin, epidermal growth factor, and high density lipoprotein. Cell death occurred in the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids including linoleic acid in the absence of selenium. The death could be reversed by adding alpha-tocopherol to the culture indicating a mechanism involving fatty acid peroxidation. Butylated hydroxytoluene was a poor suppressor of cell death in contrast to alpha-tocopherol. High density lipoprotein and fatty acid-free albumin also suppressed cell death at the level of 20 micrograms/ml and 1 mg/ml, respectively. Transforming growth factor beta 1 also caused a low rate of cell growth after heat treatment of the cells at 45 degrees C.

MR study of normal joint function using a low field strength system

A functional MR study was performed using a 0.064 T permanent magnet MR system. The shoulder joints, elbow joints, hip joints, and knee joints of three volunteers (mean height and weight, 176 cm and 71 kg, respectively) were examined at incremental joint angles in three to eight stages during flexion-extension, abduction-adduction, or pronation-supination movement. Each set of 16 images was obtained in 4 min, 49 s using three-dimensional Fourier transformation methods with gradient echo pulse sequences. The images were evaluated in static mode and sometimes in cine mode. The findings obtained about the physiology of these normal joints was generally compatible with findings previously accumulated in the field of kinesiology. The study suggests that this method can be useful for in vivo study of kinesiology and pathogenesis of diseases and that patients with most types of contracture or deformity can be examined by MR imaging.

[Late postoperative pulmonary vascular resistance in patients with tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary atresia]

Twenty-two patients with tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary atresia underwent cardiac catheterization and angiocardiography late after repair. In ten patients, the disease was not associated with the major aortopulmonary collateral artery (MAPCA), but in 12 patients, the disease was associated with it. Three patients died after restudy, two because of pulmonary hypertension and one because of pneumonia. Pulmonary artery mean pressure was 15-92 (28 +/- 21) mmHg, being higher in 75% of the patients with MAPCA than the normal range. The number of pulmonary artery subsegments connected to the central pulmonary arteries was determined from pulmonary arteriography, being 22-42 (38 +/- 6). Pulmonary artery mean pressure and pulmonary vasculature resistance (PVR), 0.8-35.2 (10 +/- 9), inversely correlated with the number of the centrally connected pulmonary artery subsegments (r = -0.81, p less than 0.001 vs PAP, r = -0.85, p less than 0.001 vs PVR). PVR per subsegment also inversely correlated with them (r = -0.81, p less than 0.001). These findings suggest that pulmonary vasculature resistance is abnormally high in this disease, and increase as the number of the centrally connected pulmonary artery subsegments decrease.

[Surgical treatment of tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia: early and late results]

From 1968 to 1987, 45 consecutive patients with tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary atresia underwent corrective surgery. In the former 10 years, there were 8 operative deaths (40%) in the 20 patients and no late death. In the recent 10 years, there were 4 operative deaths and 4 late deaths in the 25 patients. In the 17 patients associated with large aorto pulmonary collateral artery (LAPCA) which was ligated in the most patients, there were 5 operative deaths (29%) and 3 late deaths. Nine patients (53%) survived long-term. There were 7 operative deaths (25%), one late death and 20 patients (71%) being long-term survivors in the 28 patients without LAPCA. Pulmonary hemodynamics were investigated in 10 patients without LAPCA and 11 with LAPCA after corrective surgery. Pulmonary arterial mean pressure (PAm) ranged from 9-24 (17 +/- 6) mmHg in patients without LAPCA and 15-92 (37 +/- 23) mmHg in those with LAPCA. Pulmonary arteriography showed arborization abnormality in 7 of the 11 patients with LAPCA. PAm inversely correlated well with number of pulmonary artery segments connected to the central pulmonary arteries. Postoperative pulmonary hypertension was found in patients with less than 16 bronchopulmonary segments connected to the central pulmonary arteries, and two of them died of pulmonary hypertension late after surgery. These results suggested that unifocalization to connect the central pulmonary artery more than 15 bronchopulmonary segments may be an important strategy for correction of this anomaly with LAPCA.

[Quantitative regional alveolar volume and specific ventilation (V/VA) in healthy subjects measured with positron emission tomography]

We have measured quantitative regional alveolar volume and specific ventilation in healthy subjects by Nitrogen-13 gas and Positron Emission Tomography. Studies have proceeded in the supine position. Subjects have rebreathed N-13 gas in closed circuit. After radioactivity has reached equilibrium, Scan was carried out. During equilibrium, we have taken radioactive gas from the closed circuit to make quantitative alveolar volume and we have measured the radioactivity by well counter. This value means radioactivity in unit of thoracic volume. Well counts/PET counts denote alveolar volume/thoracic volume. After equilibrium, RI has been washed out by air, during the washout phase we have 3 sequential images. Using these sequential images, we have fitted RI activity in the washout phase monoexponential curve. Index of the monoexponential curve means -V/V, if we do not consider rebreathing from dead space. The data shows a large alveolar volume in the ventral region compared to that in the dorsal region, and also a high V/V in the dorsal region compared to that in the ventral region. It seems that the error of V/V in healthy subjects due to rebreathing from dead space is about 8%.

Pulmonary artery morphology and hemodynamics in pulmonic valve atresia with ventricular septal defect before and after repair

Cardiac catheterization and angiography were performed in 22 patients with pulmonic valve atresia and ventricular septal defect to evaluate pulmonary morphology and hemodynamics before and after repair. In 12 of the 22, pulmonic valve atresia and ventricular septal defect were associated with major aortopulmonary collateral arteries, which were ligated in most. Mean postoperative pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) ranged from 9 to 92 mm Hg (mean 28 +/- 19) and pulmonary vascular resistance ranged from 1.1 to 35.2 U.m2 (mean 6.4 +/- 8.0). These data correlated (r = 0.89, p less than 0.001). The number of pulmonary artery subsegments connected to the central pulmonary arteries was 22 to 42 (mean 38 +/- 6). Univariate analysis revealed that the mean postoperative PAP correlated with the number of pulmonary artery subsegments connected to the central pulmonary arteries (r = -0.81, p less than 0.001), with mean postoperative PAP (r = 0.79, p less than 0.001), with the postoperative pulmonary artery area index of the right and left pulmonary arteries at prebranching (r = -0.76, p less than 0.001), and with the sum of the pulmonary artery areas after branching (r = -0.69, p less than 0.005). Pulmonary vascular resistance correlated with the number of pulmonary artery subsegments connected to the central pulmonary arteries (r = -0.85, p less than 0.001), with the mean preoperative PAP (r = 0.79, p less than 0.001), with the sum of the pulmonary artery areas after branching (r = -0.73, p less than 0.001), and with the postoperative pulmonary artery area index (r = -0.70, p less than 0.001). The incidence of pulmonary vascular resistance being less than 3 U.m2 was significantly higher in patients with greater than 36 pulmonary artery subsegments connected to the central pulmonary arteries and with a preoperative pulmonary artery area index greater than 0.5 (88%) (p less than 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

CT and MR appearance of focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver in children with biliary atresia

Two children with biliary atresia are described in whom focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver occurred following portoenterostomy. The lesions were low-or iso-dense on unenhanced CT and became hypodense post-contrast enhancement. There was normal 99mTc phytate on hepatic colloid scintigraphy. On T2-weighted spin echo MR images, there was increased signal intensity within the masses, and the surrounding liver parenchyma was divided by linear septa in one of the two cases.

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.

[Clinico-radiological correlation of Wilson's disease by magnetic resonance imaging, computed and positron emission tomography]

Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) examinations were performed on five patients with Wilson's disease at intervals from 6 to 29 months. We studied the clinical correlation with MRI and CT, and whether the examination of MRI and CT could be useful for evaluation of the therapeutic effect. Positron emission tomography (PET) was also carried out on 4 cases except for an asymptomatic case (patient 2, sister of patient 1). Close relationship has been observed by MRI between dystonia and the lesion of the lenticular nuclei, abnormality of smooth pursuit eye movements and the brain stem lesion, and severe dysarthria/dysphagia and the lesion of the caudate and lenticular nuclei, respectively. In patient 4, repeated MRI of an interval of 18 months demonstrated decrease of the abnormal high signal in the lateral part of the putamen on T2-weighted image in accordance with marked improvement of clinical manifestations. In patient 3, who had severe dystonia of the extremities and trunk, T2-weighted image showed high signals in the lenticular nuclei. Marked decrease of the high signal in the lenticular nuclei was observed by MRI in this patient after 29 months, when her neurological manifestations were markedly improved. Patient 5 with severe cerebellar signs disclosed abnormal signals in the middle cerebellar peduncles, brain stem and dentate nuclei in addition to low signals in the caudate and lenticular nuclei, and high signals in the lateral part of the putamen on T2-sequence.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Clinical application of 99mTc-SQ30,217 myocardial imaging--a study of pharmacokinetics and imaging time]

99mTc-SQ30217 555 MBq (15 mCi) was intravenously injected to 6 healthy subjects to study its safety, pharmacokinetics and the imaging time. Neither side effects nor abnormalities in physical findings, hemato-biochemical tests, urinary test, etc. caused by this agent were observed in any case and its safety was suggested. Radiation dose estimates over the entire body was 4.88 mGy/1,110 MBq (0.488 rad) and that over the major organs was less than 10 mGy and they were within the allowable ranges. 99mTc-SQ30217 showed biphasic disappearance curve in blood with the half-life of alpha-phase 0.02 hour and that of beta-phase 10.14 hours. 99mTc-SQ30217 was considered to show characteristic pharmacokinetics in that the myocardial accumulation was high in an early stage of the administration, but it rapidly decreased. Both heart to liver ratio and heart to lung ratio were high within 10 minutes, but they decreased after 15 minutes. As a result of SPECT imaging of 4 patients with ischemic cardiac disease, the images obtained with 99mTc-SQ30217 at an early period after the administration was as good as those with 201Tl and the appearance of defects in the images with both agents was similar. 99mTc-SQ30217 was considered to be sufficiently useful as a 99mTc-labelled agent for myocardial blood flow.

[Prediction of coronary artery bypass graft flow--analysis of time density curve obtained from digital subtraction angiography]

To predict the coronary artery bypass graft(CABG) flow based on the time density curve(TDC) obtained from the digital subtraction aortograms(DSA), we developed a pulsatile CABG model (perfusion pressure 60, 130 mmHg, pulse rate 53, 126/min, cardiac output 3-7 l/min, diameter of the graft 2.1-6.0 mm). After positioning the regions of interest (ROI), we injected contrast medium (5-40 ml/sec, 5-40 ml) into the outlet conduit. Concerning the TDCs, we calculated appearance time(Ta), peak densities(Dp), peak time(Tp), disappearance time(Td), integral of TDC, delta Tp (difference of Tp between two ROI) and delta Ta (difference of Ta between two ROI).

RESULTS

Perfusion pressure, graft flow and output curve were similar to those of patients with CABG. Ta, Tp, Td and delta Tp were affected by both the injection rate and the volume of the contrast medium; while Dp and the TDC integral were only affected by the latter parameter. Under the same conditions of contrast medium injection, the TDC depended strongly on graft flow, diameter of the graft, output and pulse rate. 21.6 + 0.92 pi.d2/4.delta 1/delta Tp.60 provided the most accurate estimation of CABG flow (r = 0.865, p less than 0.01). We conclude that densitometric analysis of DSA may be useful in the prediction of CABG flow.

[Development of all-silicone detachable balloons]

Treatment of cerebral vascular lesions such as carotid cavernous sinus fistulas and giant aneurysms is now being performed with intravascular detachable balloon embolization techniques. We have developed several types of all-silicone detachable balloons. Our balloons have self-sealing valves (with or without collars) and detach with simple traction. The self-sealing valve is smaller than 0.6 mm and the balloon can easily be placed through a 7-F catheter. We started clinical trials and a representative case was reported.

1-[11C]pyruvate turnover in brain and muscle of patients with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy. A study with positron emission tomography (PET)

We examined pyruvate turnover using 1-[11C]pyruvate in the brain and epicranial muscle of 6 patients with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy (MEM), diagnosed by muscle biopsy and mitochondrial enzyme assay. The radioactivity was measured by positron emission tomography (PET). The time-activity curve for 11C in both brain and muscle generated after i.v. injection of 1-[11C]pyruvate consisted of 2 components in normal subjects and patients, i.e. a fast and a slow component which were assumed to represent the aerobic (mitochondrial) and anaerobic (glycolytic) metabolism of pyruvate, respectively. In the brain and muscle of patients, the aerobic component was smaller and the anaerobic larger than in normals. The extent of this abnormality seemed to reflect the severity of the disease. The same slight abnormality for [11C]pyruvate turnover was also observed in the brain of MEM patients who were without cerebral symptoms. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral oxygen consumption (CMRO2) of most patients were lower than those of normals, and the oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) was decreased in many patients.

[Cerebral blood flow and cerebral oxygen metabolism in patients with dementia of frontal lobe type]

This study was designed to investigate the differences in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) between patients with dementia of frontal lobe type and patients with Alzheimer's disease. Positron emission tomography (PET) using 15O steady state inhalation technique was carried out in 5 patients with a clinical diagnosis of dementia of frontal lobe type and 7 patients with a clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. CBF and CMRO2 were significantly decreased in the frontal cortex except for precentral region in patients with dementia of frontal lobe type in comparison to those values in patients with Alzheimer's disease. However, in patients with dementia of frontal lobe type CBF and CMRO2 in the parietal cortex and the occipital cortex were relatively preserved when compared with patients with Alzheimer's disease. In comparison with values for CBF and CMRO2 in the posterior part of brain [frontal or temporal/(parietal + occipital)/2 ratio], both values in the frontal cortex were markedly decreased in all 5 patients with dementia of frontal lobe type, but there was no marked reduction in the frontal cortex in patients with Alzheimer's disease. In addition, in 2 patients with dementia of frontal lobe type whose duration of the disease was more than 7 years, CBF and CMRO2 in the temporal cortex were markedly reduced in comparison with values in the posterior part of brain. These results suggested that PET findings of marked reduction in CBF and CMRO2 in the frontal cortex are useful to distinguish dementia of frontal lobe type from Alzheimer's disease.

Magnetic resonance imaging in chronic liver disease evaluated in relation to hepatic fibrosis--clinical and experimental results

In 21 patients with chronic liver disease, the ratio of liver to muscle signal intensity on T1-weighted images was negatively correlated with the progression of hepatic fibrosis defined according to findings by laparoscopy and liver biopsy, and differentiated six patients with early chronic hepatitis from eight with liver cirrhosis. On T2-weighted images, the number of low intensity nodules comparable in size to regenerating nodules surrounded by connective tissues showed a positive correlation with stage. When hepatic fibrosis with no necrosis or fat infiltration was induced in rats, T2 values were positively correlated with hepatic hydroxyproline content, though there was no such correlation for T1 values. These results suggest that MR imaging may be useful for determining the progression of hepatic fibrosis in chronic liver disease. T2 values may directly reflect hepatic fibrosis.

Hepatocellular carcinoma: MR appearance mimicking cavernous hemangioma

A case of hepatocellular carcinoma is reported in which a calculated T2 value of the tumor was exceptionally long and differentiation from cavernous hemangioma based on T2 signal intensity was difficult. Pathologically, the mass consisted of dense, homogeneous acinar formation (pseudoglandular type). The T2 prolongation of the mass was probably due to abundant fluid in the acini.

Coronary vein flowing into the umbilical portion of the left portal vein: angiographic appearance

The coronary vein has few variations. We describe a case of coronary vein with an unusual course. In this case, the coronary vein entered the umbilical portion of the left portal vein directly, whereas it usually flows into the portal trunk or splenic vein. The angiographic appearance is presented.

CT diagnosis of retrocaval ureter associated with double inferior vena cava: report of a case

A case of retrocaval ureter associated with double inferior vena cava, an exceedingly rare venous anomaly, is reported. This anomaly was correctly diagnosed by CT. CT after intravenous contrast injection showed the double inferior vena cavae on both sides of the abdominal aorta and the right ureter crossing the right inferior vena cava posteriorly. CT is a good diagnostic modality with which to demonstrate such a vascular anomaly, and the clinical usefulness of CT is stressed.

[Renal lymphoma; six cases]

Six patients had nine kidneys with lymphoma. Five patients (83%) had non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and three (50%) bilaterally. There were multiple nodules in four kidneys (44%). The lesions were changeful in the course. Gallium scintigraphy showed abnormal uptakes. Magnetic resonance imaging was examined in one case. The lesions were hypovascular in the angiographies. Inflammation is one of the different diagnosis.

[Avascular necrosis of the femoral head: chronological change of MR images]

Tl-weighted MR images of thirty-six hips in 25 patients with avascular necrosis of the femoral head were obtained two to five times during the course of 2 to 26 months. We investigated these MR images in the light of the chronological change and compared them with plain radiographs. MR images change in 16 femoral heads; in general, the abnormal low intensity area in the femoral head reduced in extent and the internal high intensity area became smaller of disappeared. Thirteen femoral heads among them became more flattened on plain radiographs in the same period. It is noted that four different zones are defined in the femoral head after bone necrosis takes place: the dead bone marrow, the dead marrow which still contains fat, the reactive interface and the hyperemic bone marrow. In Tl-weighted MR images, the dead bone marrow, the reactive interface and the hyperemic bone marrow are demonstrated as low intensity area, while the dead marrow containing fat may remain high in intensity. On the basis of this knowledge of histopathology and MR images of this disease, we suggest that reduction of the abnormal low intensity area and disappearance of the internal high intensity area on MR images can be regarded as diminution of hyperemia in the living bone marrow and loss of fat in the dead bone marrow, respectively.

[MR imaging of idiopathic transient osteoporosis of the hip]

Four patients with idiopathic transient osteoporosis of the hip were examined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI clearly showed low signal intensity in the affected femoral head on T1-weighted images and high signal intensity on T2-weighted images. After regression of hip pain, MR images became normal. MRI was a useful method for diagnosis and follow-up study of idiopathic transient osteoporosis of the hip.

Regenerating nodules of liver cirrhosis: MR imaging with pathologic correlation

To determine the pathologic basis for low-intensity nodules seen on MR images of the liver in patients with cirrhosis, we obtained spin-echo and gradient-echo MR images in 20 cirrhotic patients in whom partial hepatectomies were subsequently performed for hepatocellular carcinoma. Low-intensity liver nodules were shown on gradient-echo and spin-echo images in eight patients. Pathologic study of the liver in these patients showed that these nodules were regenerating nodules containing hemosiderin. Low-intensity nodules were seen only on T2-weighted spin-echo images in four other patients. Microscopic examination of the liver in these patients showed regenerating nodules without hemosiderin deposits. Broad fibrous septa containing vascular spaces were present in two of these four patients. These results suggest that regenerating nodules containing hemosiderin or those that are surrounded by vascular fibrous septa are visible on MR images as low-intensity nodules and that gradient-echo images are useful in demonstrating nodules with hemosiderin.

Computerized three-dimensional normal atlas

This paper presents our ongoing project in which normal human anatomy and its quantitative data are systematically arranged in a computer. The final product, the Computerized Three-Dimensional Normal Atlas, will be able to supply tomographic images in any direction, 3-D images, and coded information on organs, e.g., anatomical names, CT numbers, and T1 and T2 values.

[Thin-section computed tomography of the bronchi; 2. Right upper lobe and left upper division]

Thin (2mm) section contiguous computed tomographic (CT) scans were obtained through the bronchi of the right upper lobe and the left upper division in 30 patients. All segmental bronchi were identified. The right subsegmental bronchi were identified in 100%, and the left subsegmental bronchi in 97%. The type of the orifice of the right bronchus was trifurcated (53%), the extension of B1 was apicoanterior (50%), and the size of B2b was equal to B3a (63%). The extension of the left B3 was subapicoanterior (38%), and the size of B1+2c was equal to B3a (62%).