Aminopyrazine analogues were studied as sensitive and selective chemiluminescence derivatization reagents for pyruvic acid. These analogues reacted with pyruvic acid under acidic conditions at 100 degrees C to produce Cypridina luciferin derivatives, which exhibit chemiluminescence by reaction with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of potassium t-butoxide in dimethylformamide. Of the four aminopyrazine analogues (2-amino-5-phenylpyrazine, 2-amino-5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)pyrazine, 2-amino-5-(3,4, 5-trimethoxyphenyl)pyrazine, and 2-aminoquinoxaline), in the present test 2-amino-5-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl) pyrazine was the most sensitive for pyruvic acid, and the chemiluminescence intensity was about four times higher than that obtained with aminopyrazine.

Indicators and Reagents↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A possible association of Pro12Ala polymorphism in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma2 gene with obesity in native Javanese in Indonesia.

BACKGROUND: Peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma) is a nuclear hormone receptor that serves as a master regulator of adipocytes-specific genes contributing to adipocytes differentiation, susceptibility to obesity, and insulin sensitivity. The substitution of proline to alanine at codon 12 of the PPAR gamma2 gene (Pro12Ala polymorphism) is most frequently identified and the associations with diabetes, obesity, and other clinical parameters have been reported and discussed in several ethnic groups. Among native Javanese ethnicity, however, there is no report about this polymorphism. AIMS AND METHODS: Aims of this study were to estimate the allele frequency of the Pro12Ala polymorphism of PPAR gamma2 gene among native Javanese in Indonesia and to investigate the relationship between this polymorphism and obesity or diabetes. This study included 540 native Javanese subjects consisting of 337 diabetic patients and 203 normal glucose tolerance subjects. Both groups included totally 160 obese subjects (body mass index > or = 25 kg/m(2)). PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used for the genotype determination. RESULTS: The allele frequency of Pro12Ala polymorphism in PPAR gamma2 gene among native Javanese is lower than that in other ethnic groups. No association is seen between the Pro12Ala and diabetes (0.01 vs 0.017%, p = 0.404), a trend of the higher BMI was observed in Pro12Ala carriers in nondiabetic subjects, although this association is limited by small numbers. CONCLUSION: In this study, no association is seen between the Pro12Ala polymorphism in PPAR gamma2 gene and diabetes; a weak association with obesity is seen.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Case report of deaths caused by freon gas.

A report of two autopsies which is thought to be the first case of its kind in Japan is presented here. The cause of death was concluded to be oxygen deficiency from the filling of a compartment by Freon gas escaping from a cylinder. However, the authors suspect that Freon per se is not a non-toxic substance as had been believed but has some toxicity because of the existence of fat droplets in hepatocytes of mice exposed to reon gas and because of the behavioral findings on them during experiments.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Studies on the composition of gases in the post-mortem body: animal experiments and two autopsy cases.

The composition of gases was measured in a cadaver, particularly in the stomach, using gas chromatography. High concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2) and a low concentration of methane (CH4) were found. At an environmental temperature of 25 degrees C, the concentrations of CO2 and H2 were approximately 80% and 10%, respectively, at an advanced stage of putrefaction, while at an environmental temperature of 15 degrees C the concentrations were approximately 60% and 35%, respectively. These gases were not produced until the fourth day at 15 degrees C, but after that the volume of gases was greater than that produced at 25 degrees C, the cadaver becoming greatly enlarged. Oxygen (O2) in air injected into a body disappeared during putrefaction. This study revealed that H2 was the main component of inflammable gas in a dead body. The mechanisms of production of the gases are also discussed.

Abdomen↗

PubMedDate not supplied

MRI of placental polyps.

OBJECTIVE: Placental polyp is intrauterine polypoid placental tissue retained after delivery or abortion and may cause life-threatening bleeding. We studied the value of MRI in diagnosing placental polyps. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two women, 26 and 32 years old, with histologically proven placental polyp were included in this study. These patients were treated with local injections of methotrexate or transcatheter arterial embolization. The MR images before and after these treatments were studied retrospectively. RESULTS: High intensity pedunculated masses of 3-4 cm in size were observed in the expanded uterine cavity on T2-weighted and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted SE images. Bloody contents were observed around the masses. Placental polyps were more intensely enhanced than the myometrium by the contrast media, and the enhanced T1-weighted images indicated the retained placental tissues with an adherent part to the myometrium. Magnetic resonance imaging was also useful in following up the reduction in the size of the lesions and in the blood flow after the treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance imaging may be useful in diagnosing and following up placental polyps.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Anomalous vessels in the middle ear associated with congenital anomalies of the internal carotid artery.

A case with unilateral hypoplasia of the internal carotid artery was reported. The rerouting of anomalous vessels in the middle ear, visualized by otoscopy, was demonstrated with CT and MRI. Associations with internal carotid hypoplasia, the intercarotid collaterals, both anomalous middle ear arteries and the enlarged internal maxillary artery were confirmed with MRI. MR images were helpful to diagnose not only the anomalous vessels but also the multiple anastomoses.

Carotid Artery, Internal↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Middle ear imaging using virtual endoscopy and its application in patients with ossicular chain anomaly.

Virtual endoscopy (VE) is a recently developed technique to provide a realistic surface rendering of various organs, which can be applied to the use of three-dimensional (3D) studies of several lesions. However, its advantages in otological disease have not been well investigated. In this study, we evaluated the application of VE in patients with ossicular chain anomalies. Virtual middle ear endoscopy was a time-saving method, however, we needed the appropriate technical procedures of algorithm and reconstruction spacing to generate accurate 3D images of ossicles. We obtained virtual surgical views of middle ear structures and related anomalies, and confirmed by intraoperative findings that these images were mostly compatible with the actual lesions of ossicles. VE allowed an identification of the anatomy of the ossicles and adjacent structures simultaneously. The elements of the stapedial crura were clearly visualized with VE images in 93.3% of normal ears. Pathological ossicular chain findings such as malleus or incus fixation, dislocation and disruption, except footplate fixation were investigated successfully. One possible procedure, using alterable CT value in the obtained VE images on the monitor, is proposed for further detection of fine lesions of the ossicles. These observations suggest that virtual middle ear simulations accurately represent major intraoperative findings. This technique may have an important role in preoperative planning, surgical training, and/or postoperative evaluation in otology.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Three-dimensional imaging of the temporal bone using a helical CT scan and its application in patients with cochlear implantation.

Recent advanced techniques for the reconstruction of three-dimensional (3D) images allow further visual recognition of the fine structures of the temporal bone. We demonstrate the advantages of reconstruction 3D imaging in helical CT scans of the normal temporal bone and in patients who have received cochlear implants. After the temporal bone was scanned in the axial plane in the helical scan mode, the data were transferred to a workstation and 3D reconstruction was performed. The normal temporal bone structures were well recognized on these 3D images. The spatial relationship between the lymphatic space of the inner ear and the electrode array is visible. This method provides a detailed anatomy of the insertion of the electrodes into the cochlea and provides precise images of electrode routes by means of varying the angles of view on the computer display. Individual electrodes could not be distinguished. The information from 3D images may be useful not only for pre-but also postoperative investigations in cochlear implantation.

Cochlear Implants↗

PubMedDate not supplied

YKL-39, a human cartilage-related protein, induces arthritis in mice.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether YKL-39, a recently cloned secretory protein of articular chondrocytes, is arthritogenic in mice. METHODS: Recombinant YKL-39 (rYKL-39) was expressed and purified from E. coli. To induce arthritis in mice, rYKL-39 (1, 10 or 50 g in Freund's incomplete adjuvant) was injected into the right footpad of mice from four different strains (BALB/c, DBA/1J, C57BL/6 and ICR). The mice received a second immunization with rYKL-39 by intradermal injection into the root of the tail 10 days after the first immunization. Severity of arthritis was assessed by scoring each paw on a scale from 0 to 4. Sixty days after thefirst immunization, the mice were sacrificed and the joints were examined by immunohistochemistry and radiography. The anti-YKL-39 and anti type II-collagen (CII) antibody titres were also assayed using ELISA. RESULTS: Immunization with YKL-39 induced arthritis in all strains of mice tested, among which BALB/c was most susceptible. Histological examination showed synovial proliferation and irregularity of the cartilage surface in YKL-39-injected BALB/c mice. Moreover radiographic analysis revealed pathological changes in these mice. The YKL-39-immunised mice produced not only anti-YKL-39 antibody but also antibody against type II collagen, suggesting a spreading of autoimmunity after YKL-39. CONCLUSIONS: YKL-39, a cartilage-related protein, is found to induce arthritis accompanied by pathologic changes in bone and cartilage. A better understanding of the immune response against cartilage-related components including YKL-39 may help to elucidate the pathological processes of arthritic disorders.

Adipokines↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Osteoarthritic articular chondrocytes stimulate autologous T cell responses in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the presence of specific T cell immune response to autologous chondrocytes in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from OA or post-traumatic patients were co-cultured with irradiated autologous chondrocytes, and their proliferative response was assessed using 3H-thymidine incorporation. Expression of HLA-class II molecules was also assessed on chondrocytes by immunohistochemistry or flow cytometry. RESULTS: T cell responses to autologous chondrocytes in OA yielded a significantly greater mean stimulation index (6.35 +/- 1.63) compared to controls (1.21 +/- 0.09, p < 0.01). This response was partially blocked by antibodies against HLA class I, class II, CD4 or CD8. Increased expression of HLA-DP, -DQ, and -DR was observed. CONCLUSION: This study showed the autologous T cell-stimulating property of OA chondrocytes in vitro. The elucidation of the autoimmune responses may contribute to the understanding of immune-mediated mechanisms in OA.

Aged↗