Effects of the collagenolytic cell wall component of Fusobacterium necrophorum subsp. necrophorum on bovine hepatocytes.

The effects of the collagenolytic cell wall component (CCWC) of Fusobacterium necrophorum subsp. necrophorum on bovine hepatic cell and cytoskeletons were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated that CCWC damaged the cell surfaces, forming tiny holes on the cell membranes. Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) profiles revealed that CCWC degraded bovine cytokeratin and vimentin and by indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) method, it was shown that CCWC caused the deformation of hepatocellular vimentin. This suggested that CCWC contributes to bovine hepatic injury and it may be as important pathogenic factor in the development of bovine hepatic abscesses.

Computer imaging analysis of the correlation between intensities of glomerular immune-deposits and histopathology in patients with IgA nephropathy.

The relationship between the intensities of IgA, C3c, and C9 deposition in renal glomeruli and the severity of histopathologic injuries in patients with IgA nephropathy was examined using Microscope-Photometer 01K and a computer. Percentages of glomerular adhesion to Bowman's capsules, crescent formation, and glomerular sclerosis were calculated in the renal specimens. There was a significant correlation between the intensity of each C3c and C9 deposition in glomeruli and the degree of glomerular adhesion to Bowman's capsules and crescent formation in patients with IgA nephropathy. There was no significant correlation between the intensity of C3c or C9 deposition in glomeruli and the degree of glomerular sclerosis. No relationship was found between the intensity of IgA deposition in glomeruli and the degree of histopathologic injuries. The patients with negative or trace amounts of glomerular C3c deposits showed less severe glomerular injuries. Thus, the intensity of C3c and C9 deposition in glomeruli appears to be one of the critical factors responsible for the active progression of glomerular inflammatory process in patients with IgA nephropathy.

Plasma lidocaine, monoethylglycinexylidide, and glycinexylidide concentrations after epidural administration in geriatric patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of age on the pharmacokinetics of lidocaine after epidural administration. METHODS: Two percent lidocaine with epinephrine (5 microg/mL) was administered in two different age groups: an adult group (age 42 +/- 6 years, n = 10) and an elderly group (age 77 +/- 4 years, n = 10). Concentrations of lidocaine and its active metabolites, monoethylglycinexylidide (MEGX) and glycinexylidide (GX), were measured in plasma samples obtained after 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 minutes of administration using high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. RESULTS: No significant differences in plasma concentrations of lidocaine and its metabolites were observed between the two groups during the 3 hours of study. However, the elderly group showed significantly longer mean residence times (MRTs) and lower plasma clearance of lidocaine during the period compared with the adult group (P < .05). Plasma concentration ratios of MEGX/lidocaine were significantly lower in the elderly group after 2 hours of lidocaine administration (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The increase in plasma lidocaine concentration after epidural anesthesia in elderly patients was not as high as anticipated. However, the elderly patients showed longer MRTs, lower clearance, and lower ratios of MEGX/lidocaine than did the adult (middle-age) patients.

[Protective effects of the bark of Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc. on experimental liver injuries].

The methanol extract from the bark of Myrica rubra SIEB. et ZUCC. showed protective effects on liver injuries induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) in rats. In this study, the fractions and some compounds from the bark of M. rubra were investigated for the protection against CCl4 inducing liver injuries in rats. The active principles for the protection were recognized in two fractions (M-3 and M-5 Fr. 1) obtained from the methanol extract, and one of the active principles in the fraction (M-3) was found to be myricanol 5-O-beta-D-(6'-O-galloyl)-glucopyranoside. In addition, these fractions protecting liver injuries induced by CCl4 showed significant protective effects against cholestasis induced by ANIT.

[Pulmonary Mycobacterium gordonae infection treated with clarithromycin].

We reported a case of 51-year-old female immunocompetent patient with pulmonary Mycobacterium gordonae infection. The patient complained persistent cough and sputum and occasionally hemosputum. Chest radiograph and computed tomography (CT) of the lung showed bronchiectasis and small nodules in middle lobe. Bronchofiberscopy was performed twice, and bronchial washing specimen repeatedly revealed acid-fast bacilli. The organism was identified as Mycobacterium gordonae by biochemical tests and direct sequence method. She was treated with clarithromycin (400 mg/day) over 6 months and the chest CT findings showed improvement. The case was considered to be sensitive to clarithromycin in vitro drug susceptibility test. The case suggested that clarithromycin was a useful therapeutic agent to Mycobacterium gordonae infection.

[Serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in patients with renal disease by a spintrap method using electron spin resonance (ESR)].

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in serum samples of patients with chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) and chronic renal failure (CRF) was measured by a spin trap method using electron spin resonance (ESR). Twenty-three patients with CGN, 10 patients with CRF and 10 healthy adults were examined. Among 23 patients with CGN, there were 12 patients with IgA nephropathy and one patient with membranous nephropathy diagnosed by immunofluorescence of renal biopsy specimens. Other CGN patients were diagnosed by its clinical criteria. The serum activity of SOD in patients with CGN or CRF was significantly higher than those in healthy adults (p < 0.05). The serum SOD activity in patients with CRF was also higher than those in patients with CGN (p < 0.05). Marked high levels of serum SOD activity were observed histologically in the advanced stage of IgA nephropathy. These results suggest an increase in serum SOD activity may reflect renal injuries in patients with CGN and CRF.

[Comparative studies of clinicopathological findings in patients with adult and juvenile onset of IgA nephropathy].

Comparative studies of clinicopathological findings were carried out in 89 patients with adult and juvenile onset of IgA nephropathy. Among 89 patients with IgA nephropathy, there were 42 patients with juvenile onset, i.e less than 19 years old, and 47 patients with adult onset, i.e. more than 35 years old. Clinical activities of both groups were examined as follows; urinary protein, mean blood pressure renal function (PSP 15 min, Ccr) and serum IgA (s-IgA). The histology of renal tissues was also examined by light microscopy and immunofluorescence in both groups. The levels of mean blood pressure or s-IgA in patients with adult onset group were significantly higher than those in patients with juvenile onset group (p less than 0.001). The levels of Ccr in patients with adult onset group were markedly decreased. The patients with more than 1.0g/day of proteinuria and more than 110 mmHg of mean blood pressure showed severe proliferative glomerular injuries by light microscopy. It is suggested that the patients with adult onset of IgA nephropathy show severe progressive and/or exacerbating factors during the clinical course.

Inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir4.1 is localized at the calyx endings of vestibular afferents.

Inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) channel Kir4.1 (also called Kcnj10) is expressed in various cells such as satellite glial cells. It is suggested that these cells would absorb excess accumulated K(+) from intercellular space which is surrounded by these cell membranes expressing Kir4.1. In the vestibular system, loss of Kir4.1 results in selective degeneration of type I hair cells despite normal development of type II hair cells. The mechanisms underlying this developmental disorder have been unclear, because it was thought that Kir4.1 is only expressed in glial cells throughout the entire nervous system. Here, we show that Kir4.1 is expressed not only in glial cells but also in neurons of the mouse vestibular system. In the vestibular ganglion, Kir4.1 mRNA is transcribed in both satellite cells and neuronal somata, whereas Kir4.1 protein is expressed only in satellite cells. On the other hand, in the vestibular sensory epithelia, Kir4.1 protein is localized at the calyx endings of vestibular afferents, which surround type I hair cells. Kir4.1 protein expression in the vestibular sensory epithelia is detected beginning after birth, and its localization gradually adopts a calyceal shape until type I hair cells are mature. Kir4.1 localized at the calyx endings may play a role in the K(+)-buffering action of vestibular afferents surrounding type I hair cells.

Foliar trichome- and aquaporin-aided water uptake in a drought-resistant epiphyte Tillandsia ionantha Planchon.

The atmospheric epiphyte Tillandsia ionantha is capable of surviving drought stress for 6 months or more without any exogenous water supply via an as of yet to be determined mechanism. When plants were soaked in water for 3 h, leaves absorbed a remarkably large amount of water (30-40% on the basis of fresh weight), exhibiting a bimodal absorption pattern. Radiolabeled water was taken up by the leaves by capillary action of the epidermal trichomes within 1 min (phase 1) and then transported intracellularly to leaf tissues over 3 h (phase 2). The removal of epidermal trichome wings from leaves as well as rinsing leaves with water significantly lowered the extracellular accumulation of water on leaf surfaces. The intracellular transport of water was inhibited by mercuric chloride, implicating the involvement of a water channel aquaporin in second-phase water absorption. Four cDNA clones (TiPIP1a, TiPIP1b, TiPIP1c, and TiPIP2a) homologous to PIP family aquaporins were isolated from the leaves, and RT-PCR showed that soaking plants in water stimulated the expression of TiPIP2a mRNA, suggesting the reinforcement in ability to rapidly absorb a large amount of water. The expression of TiPIP2a complementary RNA in Xenopus oocytes enhanced permeability, and treatment with inhibitors suggested that the water channel activity of TiPIP2a protein was regulated by phosphorylation. Thus, the high water uptake capability of T. ionantha leaves surviving drought is attributable to a bimodal trichome- and aquaporin-aided water uptake system based on rapid physical collection of water and subsequent, sustained chemical absorption.

The effects of clonidine premedication on sevoflurane requirements and anesthetic induction time.

UNLABELLED: We assessed the effects of oral clonidine preanesthetic medication (4.5 microg/kg) on the vital capacity rapid-inhalation anesthetic induction time (VCRII time) and minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration (MAC) to prevent a response to a verbal command in 50% of patients (MAC-Awake) by its hypnotic effect, and on MAC-Skin incision for the analgesic effect in patients anesthetized with sevoflurane. We studied 104 adult patients (control group: n = 52, clonidine group: n = 52) aged 30-48 yr scheduled to undergo general anesthesia. Fifty-two patients received oral clonidine 4.5 microg/kg 1.5 h before arrival in the operating room (clonidine group). The patients exhaled to residual volume and took three vital capacity breaths of 5% sevoflurane in oxygen. The VCRII time was defined as the time interval between the initiation of the VCRII and the disappearance of the response to verbal command. Anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane in oxygen and air. The end-tidal (ET) sevoflurane concentration reached a predetermined value, then the ratio of predetermined ET to inspiratory concentration was maintained at > or =0.95 for at least 15 min before skin incision. After skin incision, the patients were observed for gross purposeful muscular movements. MAC was defined as the average of the cross-over midpoints in each cross-over. After maintaining the ET sevoflurane concentration for 15 min, patients were judged to be awake or asleep. Average times for VCRII using 5% sevoflurane were achieved in 44+/-11 s (mean +/- SD) and 27+/-6 s in the control and clonidine groups, respectively (P = 0.0001). MAC-Awake values of sevoflurane were 0.66%+/-0.03% and 0.35%+/-0.02% (P = 0.0001), and MAC-Skin incision values were 1.97%+/-0.19% and 1.29%+/-0.13% (P = 0.0001) in the control and clonidine groups, respectively. These results suggest that clonidine may have a more potent hypnotic effect than analgesic effect. IMPLICATIONS: Oral clonidine preanesthetic medication (4.5 microg/kg) significantly reduces vital capacity rapid inhalation anesthetic induction time and minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration awake for sevoflurane.

A "bubble-tip" (Airguide) tracheal tube system: its effects on incidence of epistaxis and ease of tube advancement in the subglottic region during nasotracheal intubation.

Epistaxis and tubal obstruction in the subglottic region are difficulties encountered during nasotracheal intubation. Trauma to the nasal airway must be avoided, especially in patients receiving anticoagulant therapy. In addition, smooth passage of the tracheal tube through the larynx is desired. The tip of an Airguide tracheal tube system has a soft, round, glossy balloon head which should be less traumatic to the nasal mucosa than other more commonly used tubes. We, therefore, determined whether the Airguide reduces the incidence of epistaxis and increases smooth passage of the tracheal tube in the subglottic region during nasotracheal intubation. Sixty-six patients were divided into two groups, Airguide (n = 39) and Standard (n = 27). Each group was divided into two subgroups, topical epinephrine application as a mucosal decongestant and non-epinephrine. The incidences of epistaxis and smooth passage were compared between the two groups. The Airguide group had a significantly lower incidence of epistaxis (9/39 vs 13/26; P < 0.05; bleeding was not checked in one patient in the Standard group) and provided a significantly smoother passage in the subglottic region than the Standard group (tube impingement in the subglottic region, 0/39 vs 11/27; P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the incidence of epistaxis between the subgroups with and without topical application of epinephrine. The Airguide helps to minimize epistaxis and increases navigability in the subglottic region during nasotracheal intubation.

Detection of cytotoxic effects of Clostridium novyi type A on bovine kidney cells.

The cytotoxic effects of a toxic preparation from Clostridium novyi type A were demonstrated on tissue-cultured bovine kidney cells. The cytotoxic response was dose-dependent and could be neutralized by homologous antiserum. Scanning electron microscopy revealed damaged kidney cell surfaces. These findings indicated that the cytotoxicity may contribute to the formation of the foci in bovine tissue during an infection with C. novyi.

End-tidal sevoflurane concentration for tracheal extubation (MACEX) in adults: comparison with isoflurane.

Sevoflurane has a non-pungent odour and provides smooth induction of anaesthesia. In contrast, isoflurane is irritating to the airway when used for induction, and this may also be evident during emergence from anaesthesia. We measured the end-tidal concentration of anaesthetic that prevented response to extubation in 50% of patients (MACEX) in adults receiving either sevoflurane or isoflurane. Airway complications during emergence from anaesthesia were also noted. We studied 51 adult patients, ASA 1, aged 36-59 yr. Patients received sevoflurane (n = 29) or isoflurane (n = 22) for elective intraocular surgery. The concentration at which extubation was attempted was determined by a modification of Dixon's up-and-down method. When tracheal extubation was accomplished without coughing and gross purposeful muscular movements within 1 min after extubation, it was considered a smooth tracheal extubation. Patients who developed breath-holding or laryngospasm immediately after tracheal extubation were regarded as not having been extubated smoothly. In addition, patients were observed for respiratory events during the remainder of the emergence period. MACEX values for sevoflurane and isoflurane were 1.07% and 0.83%, respectively. ED95 values of sevoflurane and isoflurane were 2.04% and 1.19%, respectively. In 12 patients in the isoflurane group, extubation was smooth but six patients had coughing episodes during the remainder of the emergence period. In contrast, one of 15 patients in the sevoflurane group in whom tracheal extubation was smooth coughed later (P = 0.035). Airway obstruction was frequent when tracheal extubation was performed at end-tidal concentrations exceeding 1 MACEX for each anaesthetic.

Correlation between reduction of polymorphonuclear leucocytes in glomeruli injected with a newly developed monoclonal antineutrophil antibody and proteinuria in Masugi nephritis.

The effects of the reduction of neutrophils in glomeruli on the improvement of proteinuria and glomerular injuries were determined in the first (heterologous) phase of Masugi (nephrotoxic) nephritis. Male (6-week-old) WKA/Hkm rats were initially injected with 2.0 ml of a newly developed monoclonal antineutrophil antibody and then injected with 1.0 ml of nephrotoxins. This monoclonal anti-neutrophil antibody was found to have selectively reduced the number of neutrophils in the glomerular capillary lumen in cases of Masugi nephritis by light microscopy. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels or superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in renal tissues of such rats were also examined. However, there were no significant differences in the levels of proteinuria and the number of glomerular cells containing resident cells and infiltrated mononuclear cells in the first phase of Masugi nephritis with or without pretreatment with antineutrophil antibody. No significant differences were observed in the levels of MDA or SOD activities in renal tissues of Masugi nephritis with or without pretreatment with such an antibody either. It appeared that infiltration of neutrophils in the glomeruli might not be related to proteinuria and glomerular injuries in the first phase of Masugi nephritis. It was postulated that the massive proteinuria in the first phase of Masugi nephritis might be correlated with the activities of reactive oxygen species induced by the glomerular cells, i.e. glomerular resident cells and infiltrated mononuclear cells.

Segmental cervical spine movement with the intubating laryngeal mask during manual in-line stabilization in patients with cervical pathology undergoing cervical spine surgery.

UNLABELLED: We quantified the extent and distribution of segmental cervical movement produced by the intubating laryngeal mask (ILM) during manual in-line stabilization in 20 anesthetized patients with cervical pathology undergoing cervical spine surgery. All patients had neurological symptoms preoperatively. The ILM was inserted with the head and neck in the neutral position. Intubation was facilitated by transillumination of the neck with a lightwand. Cervical movement was recorded with single-frame lateral radiographic images taken 1) immediately before induction (baseline); 2) during ILM insertion (insertion); 3) when transillumination was first seen at the cricothyroid membrane (intubation A); 4) when the tube was being advanced into the trachea (intubation B); and 5) during ILM removal (removal). Radiographic images were digitized and the degree of flexion/extension and posterior movement measured for the occiput (C0) through to C5. During ILM insertion, C0-5 were flexed by an average of 1-1.6 degrees (all P < 0.05). During intubation A/B, C0-4 were flexed by an average of 1.4-3.0 degrees (all P < 0.01), but C5 was unchanged. During ILM removal, C0-3 were flexed by an average of 1 degree (all: P < 0.05), but C3-5 were unchanged. During insertion and intubation A/B, C2-5 were displaced posteriorly by an average of 0.5-1.0 mm (all: P < 0.05). During removal, there was no change at C1-5. Neurological symptoms improved in all patients. We conclude that the ILM produces segmental movement of the cervical spine despite manual in-line stabilization in patients with cervical spine pathology undergoing cervical spine surgery. This motion is in the opposite direction to direct laryngoscopy, suggesting that different approaches to airway management may be more appropriate depending on the nature of the cervical instability. IMPLICATIONS: The intubating laryngeal mask produces segmental movement of the cervical spine, despite manual in-line stabilization in patients with cervical spine pathology undergoing cervical spine surgery. This motion is in the opposite direction to direct laryngoscopy, suggesting that different approaches to airway management may be more appropriate depending on the nature of the cervical instability.

Glomerular nonenzymatic glycosylation and lipid peroxide are increased in the early phase of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats prior to major histopathologic alterations.

Levels of glomerular nonenzymatic glycosylation and lipid peroxide in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats were examined. Isolation of glomeruli was performed using a sieving technique. The levels of nonenzymatic glycosylation in the glomeruli of these rats were measured by the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) method. Measurement of lipid peroxide, i.e., malondialdehyde (MDA), levels in the renal cortex, medulla and isolated glomeruli was performed by the TBA test. Light-microscopic and immunofluorescent examinations were also performed. An increase in nonenzymatic glycosylation in the glomeruli was observed in the early phase, i.e., after 4 and 12 weeks, in STZ-induced diabetic rats. The levels of MDA in the renal cortex of 12-week-old STZ-induced diabetic rats were also significantly increased compared with those of control rats at the same age. Levels of MDA in the glomeruli of 12-week-old STZ-induced diabetic rats were slightly increased compared with those of control rats, but there was no statistical significance. In immunofluorescence, IgG or IgM was deposited in the glomerular mesangial areas and capillary walls in 12-week-old diabetic rats. However, there was no significant change in renal tissues after 4 and 12 weeks in STZ-induced diabetic rats. It was concluded that glomerular nonenzymatic glycosylation and lipid peroxide were already increased in the early phase of STZ-induced diabetic rats prior to the appearance of marked histologic alterations.