Using two detectors concurrently to monitor ambient dose equivalent rates in vehicle surveys of radiocesium contaminated land

In response to the accident at Tokyo Electric Power Company's Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP), vehicle-borne monitoring was used to map radiation levels for radiological protection of the public. By convention measurements from vehicle-borne surveys are converted to the ambient dose equivalent rate at 1 m height in the absence of the vehicle. This allows for comparison with results from other types of survey, including surveys with hand-held or airborne instruments. To improve the accuracy of the converted results from vehicle-borne surveys, we investigated combining measurements from two detectors mounted on the vehicle at different heights above the ground. A dual-detector setup was added to a JAEA monitoring car and compared against hand-held survey meter measurements in Fukushima Prefecture. The results obtained by combining measurements from two detectors were within ±20% of the hand-held reference measurements. The mean absolute percentage deviation from the reference measurements was 7.2%. The combined results from the two detectors were more accurate than those from either the roof-mounted detector, or the detector inside the vehicle, taken alone. One issue with vehicle-borne surveys is that ambient dose equivalent rates above roads are not necessarily representative of adjacent areas. This is because radiocesium is often deficient on asphalt surfaces, as it is easily scrubbed off by rain, wind and vehicle tires. To tackle this issue, we investigated mounting heights for vehicle-borne detectors using Monte Carlo gamma-ray simulations. When radiocesium is deficient on a road compared to the adjacent land, mounting detectors high on vehicles yields results closer to the values adjacent to the road. The ratio of ambient dose equivalent rates reported by detectors mounted at different heights in a dual-detector setup indicates whether radiocesium is deficient on the road compared to the adjacent land.

Coupling the advection-dispersion equation with fully kinetic reversible/irreversible sorption terms to model radiocesium soil profiles in Fukushima Prefecture

Radiocesium is an important environmental contaminant in fallout from nuclear reactor accidents and atomic weapons testing. A modified Diffusion-Sorption-Fixation (mDSF) model, based on the advection-dispersion equation, is proposed to describe the vertical migration of radiocesium in soils following fallout. The model introduces kinetics for the reversible binding of radiocesium. We test the model by comparing its results to depth profiles measured in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, since 2011. The results from the mDSF model are a better fit to the measurement data (as quantified by R²) than results from a simple diffusion model and the original DSF model. The introduction of reversible sorption kinetics means that the exponential-shape depth distribution can be reproduced immediately following fallout. The initial relaxation mass depth of the distribution is determined by the diffusion length, which depends on the distribution coefficient, sorption rate and dispersion coefficient. The mDSF model captures the long tails of the radiocesium distribution at large depths, which are caused by different rates for kinetic sorption and desorption. The mDSF model indicates that depth distributions displaying a peak in activity below the surface are possible for soils with high organic matter content at the surface. The mDSF equations thus offers a physical basis for various types of radiocesium depth profiles observed in contaminated environments.

[Case of fulminant mixed cryoglobulinemia developing after atrial myxoma resection]

A 63-year-old man, with a 13-year history of asymptomatic proteinuria, was diagnosed with left atrial myxoma at the onset of heart failure. After resection of the tumor by hypothermal surgery, the patient developed fever, renal failure and skin rash. The diagnosis was type II mixed cryoglobulinemia accompanied by an IgMlambda clone with high titers of rheumatoid factor activity and polyclonal IgG. Treatment with high doses of steroids and plasmapheresis was ineffective, and the patient died of colon necrosis due to thrombotic occlusion in the supra-mesenteric arteries. Although the patient had suffered from sporadic Raynaud's phenomenon and purpura of the lower extremities from the age of 60 years, cryoglobulinemia was not suspected before surgery because of the atrial myxoma. Thus, we suggest that it is important to perform laboratory tests for cryoproteins before hypothermal surgery.

Reduction of factor XII in antiphospholipid antibody-positive patients with thrombotic events in the rheumatology clinic

Although rheumatological diagnosis often includes an assessment of antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies, the significance of other prothrombotic factors has not been established in thrombotic patients who are not afflicted with either arteriosclerosis or vasculitis syndrome. We have observed both the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies and a reduction of factor XII in such patients. Our results identified both lupus anticoagulant-positive (50%) and anticardiolipin antibody-positive (58%) patients. In addition, 83% of patients showed factor XII antigen level reduction. Furthermore, 70% of aPL-positive thrombotic patients showed factor XII antigen level reduction. Only two cases had antiphospholipid antibody alone, and 4/12 showed just factor XII antigen reduction. Recently, it has been reported that the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies induces factor XII reduction, and that anti-factor XII autoantibody can be detected in thrombotic patients. However, our results indicate that there are smaller factor XII reductions in non-thrombotic controls who are positive for antiphospholipid antibodies. Furthermore, anti-factor XII autoantibody was not detected in patients with decreased factor XII levels. Kindred research suggested that in two patients there was a genetic component to factor XII reduction. We concluded that the presence of both antiphospholipid antibodies and reduced serum factor XII was observed in most thrombotic patients from our rheumatology clinic. It is therefore possible to consider that the coexistence of these prothrombotic factors can contribute to the onset of thrombosis.

Artificial inseminations with frozen semen and application of DNA fingerprint for parents/offspring conformation on Great Pyrenees

Frozen semen of Great Pyrenees, air-shipped from France, was artificially inseminated (AI) to two Great Pyrenees bitches. Blood LH and P concentrations and vulval width principally determined optimal breeding time of bitches. AI were performed on 17 to 21 days from the onset of estrous bleeding, and 25 days after final Al, pregnancy of one bitch, with two fetuses, was identified by ultrasound image diagnostic equipment. On 62 days, the bitch whelped one male pup and one female pup. Blood samples were obtained from four parents and offspring, and their DNA was extracted. DNA samples digested with four kinds of restriction endonucleases, and resulting fragmented DNA were used as test samples for DNA fingerprinting with Myo prove. As a result bands from pups, displayed by any enzyme, were inherited from either parent, and clear parent-offspring relationships were identified.

Use of microsatellite markers for parentage testing of two litters of beagles born after artifcial insemination with mixed fresh semen

This study was undertaken to determine if 20 kinds of microsatellite markers, which have already been reported, were useful for the parentage testing of 16 Beagle puppies born after artificial insemination using intentionally mixed semen from six male Beagles. Of the 20 kinds of markers used in this study, 17 kinds (the exceptions were CPH6, FH0020 and FH0419) produced 3 to 5 kinds of alleles, and using these markers, the parentage was finally established for all of the 16 puppies. These 17 kinds of markers showed sufficient amplification in PCR and had no non-specific PCR products or alleles with single-base-alterations, which makes them very useful as markers for identification of individual Beagles and useful for parentage testing.

Canine parentage testing based on microsatellite polymorphisms

To establish an accurate method for parentage testing in dogs, microsatellite DNA repeat length polymorphisms were examined. We selected twenty microsatellite markers reported previously and examined their application for parentage testing in Beagles and Labrador Retrievers. Heterozygosity (He), Polymorphism Information Content (PIC), the probabilities of Paternity Exclusion (PE) and the combined PE were calculated from allelic frequencies of the markers. All markers amplified by polymerase chain reactions were polymorphic and many markers showed high He and PIC in the both breeds. The final combined PEs in Beagles and Labrador Retrievers were 0.999994 and 0.999920, respectively. The results suggest that the twenty markers can be applied for routine parentage testing in dogs.

Expression of messenger RNA for gonadotropin receptor in the granulosa layer during the ovulatory cycle of hens

The present experiments were conducted to evaluate the mRNA levels of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) in granulosa layers during the ovulatory cycle of hens, in relation to the release of LH and steroid hormones. After the release of LH, progesterone (P4) and estradiol-17beta (E2), found 4-5 h before ovulation, LHR and FSHR mRNA levels were observed to decrease in the granulosa layers of the largest (F1) and second largest (F2) preovulatory follicles, with the greatest in the LHR mRNA level of F1. P4 concentrations in the granulosa layers of F1 and F2 increased 4-5 h before ovulation, with greater in F1 than in F2. F2 concentrations in the theca layers were greater in F2 than in F1 throughout the ovulatory cycle. Also, the injection of ovine LH caused decreases in the mRNA levels of LHR and FSHR in the granulosa layers. However, these decreases were abolished by the injection of aminoglutethimide, an inhibitor of steroid synthesis. These results suggest that in hen granulosa cells, the mRNA levels of not only LHR but also FSHR are down-regulated by LH and the down-regulation may be mediated steroid hormones.

A case of a bitch with imperforate hymen and hydrocolpos

A 38-month-old female Golden retriever was presented with dysuria and dyschezia. It was difficult to visualize the vagina by vaginoscopy due to a cystic polyp on the hymen. The polyp was 2 x 3 cm in diameter, round, and pink in color. From clinical and imaging evaluations the original diagnosis was mucometra or pyometra. From endoscopic examination of the vagina an imperforate hymen was finally diagnosed. The ovaries, uterus, and half of the vagina were removed through a median abdominal incision. The vagina contained about 1.5 liters of fluid, but the uterus and ovaries appeared normal. This is a rare case with imperforate hymen and hydrocolpos with a polyp on the hymenal membrane in bitch.

Shrinkage in the horizontal dimensions of the vulva (vulvar shrinkage) as an indicator of standing heat in the beagle

During the proestrous and estrous periods in 12 beagles, the following parameters were measured daily: the horizontal dimensions of the vulva, vaginal cytology, and serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone concentrations. Measurements of serum LH concentrations allowed for the identification of the LH surge and the optimal time for artificial insemination (AI). Nine out of the 12 beagles became pregnant through AI and completed a gestation. Shrinkage in the horizontal dimensions of the vulva (i.e., vulvar shrinkage) was primarily observed prior and subsequent to the LH surge. In six of the nine (66.7%) beagles that became pregnant, vulvar shrinkage was observed on the days in which the LH surge was confirmed, and the rate of vulvar shrinkage tended to be greater at higher serum LH concentrations. Further vulvar shrinkage was identified in all nine beagles within two days of the LH surge. An increase in the serum progesterone concentration was observed after the LH surge in each of the beagles that became pregnant, together with clinical signs of estrous behavior (i.e., standing heat) as well as a change in vulva condition from swollen to soft. This demonstrates that vulvar shrinkage is induced in response to the onset of the LH surge and that the LH surge can be predicted through the measurement of the horizontal dimensions of the vulva, vaginal cytology, and the assessment of serum progesterone concentrations in beagles.

Long-term cryopreserved allogeneic nervous and vascular tissue transfers in monkeys

Four adult Japanese monkeys were used. Donor tissues were harvested from the radial artery, saphenous vein and median nerve, 10 cm in length, and cryopreserved at -196 degrees C in a stepwise manner for long-term preservation for more than 6 months. After rapid thawing of the tissue, the allogeneic tissue transfer was performed of the radial artery to the radial artery, the saphenous vein to the ulnar artery and the median nerve to the median nerve between male and female monkeys. After one year follow-up, angiography was performed and the transferred tissue was harvested for scanning electron microscopic examination and histological examination. As a result, the allogeneic artery in the radial artery was completely patent with no stenosis, whereas there was obstruction of the allogeneic vein in the ulnar artery. Good axonal recovery of the median nerve was observed on histological examination. The cellular structure of neurovascular tissue can be maintained even after long-term cryopreservation. The antigenicity of tissue may be reduced significantly by being frozen, and cryopreserved allogeneic artery can be transferred successfully without the use of immunosuppressive agents. In this report, clinical aspects and the great potential of allogeneic neurovascular tissue transfer, especially in combination with arterial transfer, using cryopreservation are discussed.

Clinical, serological and genetic study in patients with CREST syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To assess the clinical, serological and genetic features of Japanese patients with CREST syndrome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Clinical features, autoantibodies and human histocompatibility leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing were studied in thirty patients with CREST syndrome, including 29 females and one male, with a mean age of 59.0 years (ranging from 40 to 76 years).

RESULTS

Interstitial pneumonia on chest X-ray and renal involvement were rare. Mitral regurgitation and tricuspid regurgitation were present in 56.7% and 76.7%, respectively. Sjören's syndrome (SS) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) were highly associated, however the positivity of the marker antibodies to those syndromes, such as anti-SSA, anti-SSB, anti-mitochondrial (AMA) and anti-smooth muscle autoantibodies were less frequent than that of primary SS and PBC without the other autoimmune diseases. The histological findings of PBC were all early stages in Scheuer's classification. HLA-Cw6 were associated with CREST-PBC overlap syndrome (p<0.05). However the HLA antigen was not correlated with CREST syndrome, and the frequency of HLA-DR2 between CREST syndrome with or without PBC was significantly different (p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

It was suggested that there was a genetic difference between CREST syndrome alone and CREST-PBC overlap syndrome and there were differences (the positivity of AMA and the severity of bile duct lesion) between PBC and CREST-PBC overlap syndrome.

Osteochondroma of the mandibular body

We have treated four cases of osseous ostechondromas arising on the mandibular body, where this tumor rarely presents on the craniomaxillofacial bones. There were no recurrences after simple surgical resection of these tumors.

Determination of optimal time for mating by artificial insemination with chilled semen using luteinizing hormone surge as an indicator in beagles

Artificial insemination (AI) was conducted using the second fraction of semen, which was collected from 15 male dogs, diluted to a total sperm count of 100x10(6) for each insemination with egg-yolk Tris (eyT) citrate acid buffer and incubated at 4 degrees C for 48 hours. Luteinizing hormone (LH) surge was detected to determine the optimal time for mating using canine LH assay kits. Artificial insemination using 100x10(6) sperm was performed on the fourth and sixth days or the fifth and seventh days after the LH surge. The conception rates were 33% (4/12) and 89% (8/9), respectively; the whelping rates also showed similar results. Serum LH and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations were measured in nine dogs, and the mean LH concentration (+/- standard deviation) at LH surge was 15.77+/-7.66 ng/ml. The time of the LH surge detected by the canine LH assay kit was very similar to that measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA).

Immunohistochemical study of steroidogenic enzymes in the ovary and placenta during pregnancy in the dog

Using the immunohistochemical technique, we attempted to identify the source of secretion of steroid hormones between the mid- and late-terms of gestation in dogs by investigating steroid converting enzymes such as cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (SCC), 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase (3 beta-HSD), 17 alpha-hydroxylase/C17, 20lyase (c17), and aromatase in the ovaries and placenta. Aromatase positive cells were slightly confirmed in luteal cells in the mid-term of gestation (day 40), whereas, in the late-stage (day 50 and 60), the number of aromatase positive cells had increased. However, the oestrogen precursor (c-17 positive cells), could barely be identified in the marginal regions of the corpora lutea (CL) and completely disappeared in the late-stage of gestation. The androgen precursors, convertase SCC and 3 beta-HSD, were confirmed in all regions of the CL during the mid-stage of gestation (day 40), showing particularly strong cell reactions in the marginal region of the CL. Yet, these positive reactions of SCC and 3 beta-HSD in the marginal region of the CL disappeared in the late-stage of gestation. Moreover, it was discovered that the number of SCC and 3 beta-HSD positive cells had decreased in all regions of the CL. None of the enzymes were detected in the placenta. The above results indicated that the source of oestrogen secretion in pregnant dogs is considered to be the CL, and that, compared with the mid-stage of gestation, there was an increased number of oestrogen synthesizing cells within the CL in the late-stage. However, the biosynthetic site of oestrogen precursors from the luteal cells during the late-stage of gestation is still unknown.

TRAM flaps in patients with abdominal scars

Of 114 patients who had TRAM flap breast reconstruction, 46 (40 percent) had preexisting abdominal surgical scars. Sixty-six free TRAM flaps and 9 pedicled TRAM flaps were performed in the 46 patients. The records were analyzed to determine what impact, if any, abdominal scars had on postoperative complications. There were no reconstructive failures or significant (>25 percent) flap losses. Eight minor complications occurred in 7 patients (15 percent). The incidences of abdominal-wall weakness (4.3 percent), partial flap loss (4.3 percent), minor fat necrosis (4.3 percent), and donor-site wound problems (4.3 percent) were acceptable. Subcostal scars and multiple abdominal scars were found to predispose to skin complications. Right lower paramedian scars precluded free TRAM flaps because of damage to the inferior epigastric vessels in three of three patients. Both obesity (p = 0.003) and smoking (p = 0.05) were associated with a greater risk of wound-healing complications. We conclude that with certain technical modifications, TRAM flap reconstruction is a safe and effective procedure in patients with abdominal scars.

Syndactylic toe transfer for fingertip reconstruction

In the case of multiple fingertip reconstruction requiring toe transfer, double toes can be elevated in the syndactylic fashion with a single vascular pedicle for transfer, followed by separation a few weeks later. The biggest advantage of this procedure is that the problem of limitation of recipient arteries for multiple toe transfer is solved. We reconstructed fingertips of three patients by this procedure with three variations based on combinations between the wrap-around flap and whole-toe transfer. All three patients survived completely and achieved an aesthetically pleasing result. This report introduces the concept and technique of the syndactylic toe transfer for fingertip reconstruction.

Nasal reconstruction using free temporoparietal fascial flap transfer (Upton's method)

Reconstructive surgery for severe nasal deformity after radical operation of the maxillary antrum was performed by free temporoparietal fascia transfer to the nasal membrane, followed by secondary-rib cartilage grafting. Correction of nasal deformity caused by severe scar contracture and tissue defect in the nasal cavity has been considered difficult. However, skin grafting with temporoparietal fascia transfer to the nasal membrane can make it possible to perform cartilage grafting without exposure. This method should be nominated as a useful procedure for correction of severe nasal deformity caused by nasal membranous scar contracture.

[A case of muscle metastasis of renal cell carcinoma treated by local resection and tensor fascia lata myocutaneous flaps]

A 44-year-old male with a little finger tip-sized tumor palpable on the left epigastric wall and a left renal tumor detected on computerized tomography (CT) was referred to this hospital in June 1991. Nephrectomy was performed in July 1991 under the diagnosis of a left renal tumor. Histologically, the tumor was a renal cell carcinoma, grade 2, clear and granular cell type. The tumor in the left abdominal wall was not extracted. As a tumor also developed in the scapular tunica muscularis, tumors in the left musculus rectus abdominis and the scapular tunica muscularis were extracted to the extent possible in July of 1992. Histologically, these tumors were metastatic clear cell carcinomas. The tumor in the left musculus rectus abdominis recurred and another was palpable in the left lateral femur. In August of 1993, the tumors in the left musculus vastus lateralis and the left musculus abdominis were extracted together with the tunica muscularis, and the defective region on the abdominal wall was closed with a left musculus tensor fascia lata flap. No evidence of recurrence has been observed to date.

3 beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity and gestagen concentrations in bovine cotyledons and caruncles during gestation and parturition

3 beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD) activity in bovine cotyledons was much higher than in caruncles throughout the gestation period. The activity of this enzyme in cotyledons increased greatly to 150.6 +/- 5.8 pmol min-1 mg-1 protein during the seventh month of gestation, reached a peak of 221.0 +/- 34.9 pmol min-1 mg-1 protein during the eighth month, and decreased at parturition. Progesterone and 20 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone concentrations in cotyledons also increased sharply to 2.69 +/- 0.30 and 2.15 +/- 0.42 ng mg-1 protein, respectively, during the seventh month of gestation, reaching peaks of 2.86 +/- 0.47 and 2.51 +/- 0.36 ng mg-1 protein, respectively, during the eighth month and decreasing at parturition, in a manner similar to the activity of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. The fluctuation of 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone concentration in cotyledons was different from that of progesterone and 20 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone. These findings indicate that the activity of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in the placenta is enhanced during the third trimester, and progesterone synthesized in the cotyledons is converted concurrently to 20 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone before progesterone is transferred to the fetal blood.

Experimental study of cryopreserved allogeneic transfer of vessel: preliminary report

It has long been known that the antigenicity of tissues is depressed when they are kept at a very low temperature. In this study, Lewis rats and Brown Norway (B.N.) rats were used because these species are significantly dissimilar at the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Femoral arteries were harvested from Lewis rats, frozen while lowering the temperature in a stepwise fashion to -70 degrees C. After three weeks of cryogenic storage, the arteries were transplanted into Lewis and B.N. rats. At various times from the first to the twelfth week after surgery, grafted vessels were observed, and pathological and electron microscopic studies were carried out. The vessels were found to be in good condition at the end of the 12 week observation period. These results strongly suggest that prolonged cryopreservation of vessels makes allotransplantation without immunosuppression possible.

Aromatase activity and oestrogen concentrations in bovine cotyledons and caruncles during gestation and parturition

Two peaks of aromatase activities were detected in bovine cotyledons, 2.76 +/- 0.96 pmol min-1 mg-1 protein at month five of gestation and 3.62 +/- 0.78 pmol min-1 mg-1 protein immediately after parturition, but aromatase activity in caruncles was very low throughout gestation. Oestrone concentrations in the cotyledons and caruncles were 0.93 +/- 0.50 and 1.51 +/- 0.69 ng mg-1 protein at month five of gestation, but 4.31 +/- 1.66 and 3.36 +/- 0.98 ng mg-1 protein immediately after parturition, indicating a biphasic pattern. Our findings suggest that oestrogen synthesis in the bovine placenta increased to a maximum at least twice during the period from gestation to parturition; at month five of gestation and at parturition the changes in aromatase activity may only be partially explained by changes in oestrogen production.

Contact microradiographic analysis of feline tooth resorptive lesions

Feline tooth resorptive lesions were studied using contact microradiographic analysis of ground sections. Contact microdiagram films were developed with a PIAS-imaging device, and decalcification patterns were evaluated, revealing a clear boundary between normal tissue and the resorptive area, which was different from the image of dental caries in humans. By contrasting analysis, decalcification signs appearing in human caries were not observed in feline resorptive lesions.

Transplantation of long-term cryopreserved allocutaneous tissue by skin graft or microsurgical anastomosis: experimental studies in the rat

A step-wise method of freezing cutaneous soft tissue containing vessels to -196 degrees C for permanent preservation was developed. The methods of embryo cryopreservation were modified for soft-tissue preservation. Cutaneous tissue obtained from the abdominal wall of a Lewis rat was preserved for more than 3 weeks by this method and was then transplanted to a Brown Norway rat with the largest difference in major histocompatibility complex. Rejection reaction against the epidermal layer was markedly delayed, followed by a decrease in antigenicity of the dermis, with survival of the majority of the tissue for more than 6 months. A concept of artificial skin was formed based on these experimental results. A skin flap from the abdominal wall with a vascular pedicle consisting of the femoral artery and vein was similarly preserved and transplanted by vascular anastomosis. This transplant was made viable over a long period through the additional use of an immunosuppressant. Replantation of a rat hindleg also was successfully accomplished by using a skin flap from the abdominal wall with a vascular pedicle consisting of the femoral artery and vein, which had been cryopreserved for more than 3 weeks. These results with 65 pieces in five different treatment groups indicate the reliability of this method of preservation in maintaining the tissue in a state adequate for transfer without loss of viability over a long period. The applicability of this method of allograft preservation to the field of free-tissue transfer combined with microsurgical technique may introduce a new concept to the field of reconstructive surgery in the future. According to the results of the present experiment, the great potential for clinical application is described for the deepithelialized cryopreserved allocutaneous flap transfer.

Cryopreserved allogeneic vessel and nerve grafts: hind-limb replantation model in the rat

The authors have previously reported the permanent storage of skin and cutaneous flaps using cryopreservation. In this study, replantation of the hind limb was performed in rats, using an allogeneic femoral artery, vein, and sciatic nerve which had been cryopreserved for more than 3 weeks. Femoral arteries, veins of 2 cm in length, and sciatic nerves of 1.5 cm in length from Lewis rats were cryopreserved for more than 3 weeks to decrease antigenicity. The hind limb of a Brown Norway rat was completely amputated at its mid-length and the cryopreserved artery, vein, and nerve were interposed in the anastomosis of the femoral artery, vein, and sciatic nerve. Immunosuppressants were not used. Hind limbs were replanted in six rats, and all cases survived. Toe spread and gait-foot analysis revealed good results at 3 months postoperatively. Excellent axonal regeneration was observed in the pathologic examination of the sciatic nerve 1 cm distal to the transfer. This report introduces a long-term storage method for vessels and nerves and extends the possibilities for clinical use of cryopreserved vessels and nerves, using replantation in a rat model.

Combination of patch test and IgE for dust mite antigens differentiates 130 patients with atopic dermatitis into four groups

BACKGROUND

Patients with atopic dermatitis sometimes have positive responses to patch testing (PT) with dust mite antigens, which is believed to correlate with the elevated levels of specific IgE for those antigens.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to identify the correlation between the PT and serum IgE concerning the mite antigens.

METHODS

We studied 130 patients with atopic dermatitis by the PT reaction and the serum level of specific IgE for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus antigens.

RESULTS

Fifty-one of the 130 patients assessed as PT-positive had either high (32 of 130 patients; 24.6%) or low or no (19 of 130 patients; 14.6%) levels of mite-specific IgE; there was a significant difference between the groups with elevated and low IgE. Similarly, a total of 79 PT-negative patients also showed an elevated or low mite-specific IgE (42 of 130 patients [32.3%] or 37 of 130 patients [28.5%], respectively). It was noted that clinical morphologic findings were peculiar to three of the four groups; however, the patients who were PT-negative with a low IgE (37 of 130 patients) showed no particular clinical lesions.

CONCLUSION

Comparing the results from our 130 patients, there was no correlation between the serum IgE level and the PT reaction for dust mite antigens. Conversely, the results of PT and mite-specific IgE could be used to divide these patients into four distinct groups, each with its own particular clinical morphology, suggesting the heterogeneity of this disease.

Microsurgical use of polydioxanone (PDS) suture: an experimental report

Although many technological advances have been made in surgical materials, nylon is still the main suture material use for microvascular surgery. This study sought to evaluate polydioxanone (PDS) sutures for use in microvascular anastomoses. Twenty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this experiment. Spatula-type needles with 9-0 PDS suture were used to anastomose the right femoral arteries, with 9-0 nylon used on the left side. The arteries were observed for 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after surgery to determine arterial patency and to evaluate vascular pathology. Results were comparable between PDS and nylon. We suggest that if the suture material is redesigned to allow smooth passage through the tissue, and if the needle used in conjunction with the suture is improved, PDS may offer an excellent material for microvascular anastomosis.

Changes of plasma concentrations of steroid hormones, prostaglandin F2 alpha-metabolite and pregnant mare serum gonadotropin during pregnancy in thoroughbred mares

Plasma concentrations of estrogens, gestagens, cortisol (F), 13, 14-dihydro, 15-keto PGF2 alpha (PGFM) and pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) in 10 Thoroughbred mares were measured for a 11-month pregnancy period. Estrone (E1) and estradiol-17 beta (E2) levels gradually increased as the pregnancy advanced, showing a peak around Month 8 and decreased thereafter. Progesterone (P) levels increased on Months 3 and 11, and 17 alpha-OH-progesterone (17 alpha-OHP) levels peaked on Month 3, whereas 20 alpha-OH-progesterone (20 alpha-OHP) levels increased sharply after Month 6. PGFM indicated peaks on Months 2 and 11. F and PMSG levels peaked on Months 2 and 3. From factor analysis, Month, E1, E2 and 20 alpha-OHP were discriminated as Factor 1, increasing with the progress of pregnancy, PMSG, 17 alpha-OHP and P as Factor 2, showing a relation with the secondary corpus luteum, and PGFM and F as Factor 3, affecting PGFM change on Month 2 by F. P also related to both Factors 1 and 3, showing an inverse relation against PGFM. In conclusion E1, E2 and 20 alpha-OHP contained in Factor 1 were suggested to be important especially as parameters of placental function after Month 6.

Clinical and pathologic studies on contraction band lesion: relation to acute myocardial infarction and unexplained sudden death

The relation between contraction band lesion (CBL) and major cause of death was investigated through the use of hearts from 500 serialized autopsy cases. Acute myocardial infarction (AMI), unexplained sudden death (USD), cardiac surgery death, cancer, infection, cerebrovascular disease, and ruptured aortic aneurysm were examined with respect to age, sex, heart weight, and CBL localization patterns. CBL was observed frequently with AMI, USD, and cardiac surgery death, but virtually unseen with cancer or in the remaining disease categories. In a comparison of average heart weight among the various groups, there appeared to be a correlation between heavy heart weight and increased frequency of CBL. In a second investigational phase, the relation between CBL and application of cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques was investigated in 100 separate autopsy cases. There was no significant difference between treated and untreated patients regarding frequency and pathology of CBL. We hypothesize that CBL-AMI and CBL-USD belong to the same disease group and that CBL develops before the onset of death with no connection to the mechanical and pharmacologic effects of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

An autopsy case of human T lymphotropic virus type I-associated myelopathy (HAM) with a duration of 28 years

An autopsy case of human T lymphotropic virus I-associated myelopathy (HAM) of a duration of 28 years in a 61-year-old man with serological confirmation of HTLV-I infection was reported. The spinal cord was grossly atrophic. There was severe symmetrical degeneration of the lateral funiculi, particularly of the bilateral pyramidal tracts, involving all levels of the spinal cord, but anterior horn cells were relatively well preserved. In the most severely damaged middle and lower thoracic segments, the white matter degeneration also involved the anterior funiculi. In the degenerated white matter, both the myelin and axons were equally lost and had been replaced by glial scars. Marked adventitial fibrosis was commonly seen in small parenchymal vessels in both the white and gray matter. Although there was no evidence of inflammation in the spinal cord, mild lymphocytic infiltration was occasionally observed in the subarachnoid and perivascular spaces in the brain stem, cerebellum and cerebrum. This case was considered as a burnt-out case of HAM.

Ultrastructure of swollen proximal axons of anterior horn neurons in motor neuron disease

We have investigated ultrastructurally swellings of the proximal axons directly connected with the somata of anterior horn cells in a patient with motor neuron disease. In the distal portion of the initial segment, the swellings consisted predominantly of increased amounts of neurofilaments running nearly parallel to the longitudinal axis together with other cytoplasmic organelles. In the first internode of the myelinated axon, as the swellings became larger, the neurofilaments lost their parallel orientation and became intermingled. Most of the cell bodies connected with the swellings and their dendrites showed no particular changes. The abnormal neurofilamentous accumulations in the proximal axons suggest abnormal axonal transport, which may be pathogenetically associated with motor neuron disease.

Two cases of pilomatrix carcinoma

We report two cases of pilomatrix carcinoma. Wide surgical excision, radiation, and chemotherapy were required for the first patient. The tumor eventually revealed the characteristics of a carcinoma, both clinically and histopathologically, as it recurred. In the second case, although the tumor exhibited the histology of pilomatricoma in the central part of the lesion, there were numerous outgrowing irregular nests of basaloid tumor cells with cellular atypia and frequent mitoses; these are the characteristic features of the pilomatrix carcinoma in its early stages.

Observation of the proximal portions of axons of anterior-horn cells in the human spinal cord

The proximal portions of axons of large anterior-horn cells were investigated in the lumbar cords of 10 normal human autopsy cases. Light-microscopically, 81 myelinated axons were observed to be connected with the cell body. Of the 81 axons, 78 emanated from the cell body and 3 others originated in the proximal part of primary dendrites. As for normal-looking neurons (n = 77), the length of the axon hillock plus initial segment was 64.0 +/- 12.3 microns (average +/- SEM), ranging from 47.5 to 110.0 microns, while the diameter of the thinnest portion of the initial segment was 2.40 +/- 0.30 microns (average +/- SEM), ranging from 1.32 to 3.92 microns. Electron-microscopically, the predominant organelles of the axon hillock were mitochondria, neurofilaments which merged into the axon and occasional granular endoplasmic reticulum. A few synaptic boutons were found on the surface of the axon hillock. The cell membrane of the initial segment consisted of a layer of electron-dense material (undercoating). The cytoplasm contained many neurofilaments, running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the initial segment. Among the neurofilaments, lysosomes, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, dense bodies and vesicular profiles as well as mitochondria were seen. At the beginning of the myelin sheath, the axoplasm contained mitochondria, many neurofilaments and occasional lysosomes.

[An autopsied case of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus complicated by chronic thyroiditis and chronic hepatitis]

A deceased 59-year-old woman with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus complicated by chronic thyroiditis and chronic hepatitis was autopsied. She had had diabetes mellitus since she was 30 years old, and insulin therapy was started at 34 years. Laboratory findings were as follows: s-GOT 85, s-GPT 31, gamma-globulin 2.45 g/dl. Immunological tests were positive for anti-smooth muscle antibody and anti-ENA antibody with high titers of antithyroglobulin and anti-microsome antibodies. HLA analysis revealed the presence of DR-4. The thyroid biopsy specimen showed microscopic features characteristic of chronic thyroiditis at 52 years of age. She had been repeatedly admitted for the control of diabetes mellitus. She was admitted for the 9th time in June, 1987 following complaints of abdominal pain. After admission, her general condition became gradually worse, and she died of peritonitis in September, 1987. Pathological examination of the liver revealed an expansion of fibrous tissue on Glisson's capsule accompanied by lymphocytic infiltration and was diagnosed to be chronic inactive hepatitis. As for the thyroid gland, fibrous tissue replaced an extensive area of the thyroid gland, and normal thyroid tissue was not observed. Lymphocytic infiltration was less in comparison with that in the previous biopsy. As for the pancreas, atrophy of exocrine pancreatic tissue and fibrous change in interstitial tissue was observed. Lymphocytic infiltration was also seen in the interstitial exocrine tissue but not in the islet. Immunohistochemical examination of the islets using anti-insulin, glucagon and somatostatin antibodies by ABC peroxidase method showed the selective disappearance of B cells in the islets. The pathological changes in the thyroid gland, liver and pancreas suggest that autoimmune mechanism may be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic thyroiditis, chronic hepatitis and IDDM with exocrine pancreatic impairment in this case.

Efficacy of ivermectin against live mites and eggs of Sarcoptes scabiei in pigs

Sows infested with Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis (ssvs) were treated with 75, 150 and 300 micrograms/kg of ivermectin by a single subcutaneous injection at the neck region. Compared to the numbers of mites and eggs just before injection, those on post treatment weeks (PTW) 1, 2 and 4 showed significant decreases. Especially at 300 micrograms/kg, the counts showed almost all mites and eggs were eradicated on PTW 1, manifesting ivermectin to possess potential effect on ssve without apparent abnormal side effect. Potential mitocide effect of ivermectin on ssvs was revealed.

Adrenocorticotropin and cortisol levels in the plasma of bovine fetuses and neonates

Plasma ACTH and cortisol levels in the bovine fetuses over the period of 5 to 9 months of gestation and in the neonates immediately after birth and at 5 days old were studied. In the bovine fetuses, the plasma ACTH levels ranged from 60.8 +/- 17.8 to 71.3 +/- 19.7 pg/ml over the period of 5 to 7 months of gestation. It increased rapidly to 239.2 +/- 261.5 pg/ml at 8 months and to 406.9 +/- 409.4 pg/ml at 9 months of gestation. In the neonates immediately after birth it decreased to 182.3 +/- 110.7 pg/ml. The plasma cortisol levels ranged from 3.23 +/- 2.12 to 3.85 +/- 2.52 ng/ml over the period of 5 to 8 months of gestation and increased to 8.10 +/- 4.88 ng/ml at 9 months of gestation. It then increased rapidly to 88.35 +/- 42.78 ng/ml in the neonates immediately after birth. The correlation between plasma ACTH and cortisol levels in the fetuses of 5 to 7 months of gestation was not significant, but in the fetuses of 8 and 9 months of gestation and neonates were significant. However, especially immediately after birth, the increase in plasma cortisol occurred without a concomitant rise in plasma ACTH. According to these findings, it is suggested that the pituitary-adrenocortical axis in bovine fetus matures in the later stage of gestation and an increase of sensitivity in the fetal adrenal gland to ACTH may serve as a trigger for the onset of parturition.

Swellings of proximal axons in a case of motor neuron disease

Serial semithin sections of lumbar anterior horn cells from a patient with rapidly progressive sporadic motor neuron disease were searched for direct connections between swellings of neuronal processes and perikarya. Focal swellings of the proximal axons were not uncommonly seen to be connected directly to perikarya. These swellings varied in shape and size and some were identified as spheroids. Most of the cell bodies connected with swellings showed otherwise normal architecture. These observations suggest that the focal swellings of proximal axons, particularly the distal portion of the initial segment and the first internode of the myelinated axon, indicate an early pathological change, and may represent functionally and morphologically vulnerable sites.