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Background:Rapidly destructive coxopathy (RDC) is an unusual subset of osteoarthritis of the hip characterized by rapid chondrolysis with progressive loss of the joint space as the first manifestation of the disease. Because rapid progression of RDC makes it difficult to obtain sequential radiographs in its early stage, the process of disease progression in the early stage remains unclear. Although the pathogenesis of RDC is still unclarified, the potential causes of RDC include subchondral insufficiency fracture of the femoral head resulting from osteoporosis, pelvic posterior inclination in RDC as a mechanical factor, and increased serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 as a biological factor.Objectives:This study aimed to differentiate the process of disease progression in the early stage of RDC and provide its new classification system.Methods:This monocentric retrospective study included 42 female patients who met the criteria of RPOH, chondrolysis >2 mm during 12 months from the onset of hip pain based on a series of radiographs and computed tomography (CT). This study also included 9 female patients with osteoarthritis secondary to developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), who demonstrated chondrolysis >2 mm during 12 months from the onset of hip pain. Cortical thickness index (CTI) correlated with bone mineral density of the hip, pelvic tilt, and serum concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 were analyzed.Results:RDC were classified into two types based on the absence (type 1, n=17) and presence (type 2, n=25) of subsequent femoral head destruction shown by CT within 12 months after the onset of hip pain. MMP-3 significantly increased in RDC type 2 compared with type 1 and DDH. Increased posterior pelvic tilt was found in RDC type 2 compared with DDH. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses indicated that MMP-3 may be associated with differentiation between RDC types 1 and 2. No difference was found in CTI between RDC types and DDH.RDC type 2 hips developed partial (type 2A) and massive (type 2B) femoral head destruction within the first 12 months. Whereas partial destruction showed 40% collapse ratio. Increased posterior pelvic tilt was found in massive destruction. Femoral head destruction started earlier within the first 6 months in massive destruction compared with that in partial destruction. From receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, pelvic tilt differentiated the femoral head destruction types using the initial radiograph at the onset before first demonstration of femoral head destruction. No difference was found in CTI or MMP-3 between the two subtypes.Conclusion:Disease progression of RDC during 12 months after the onset of hip pain could be classified into two distinct types based on the absence (type 1) and presence (type 2) of femoral head destruction in association with MMP-3 and pelvic tilt as biological and mechanical factors, respectively. MMP-3 may be helpful to differentiate those two types in the early stage of RPOH. The extent of femoral head destruction could further differentiate RDC type 2 into two subtypes based on pelvic tilt.Acknowledgments :This study was supported by the Japan Hip Joint Foundation.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Objective and Background Periodontitis is an inflammatory disorder of the supporting tissue of teeth, which is composed of gingival soft tissue, cementum covering the tooth root, alveolar bone and periodontal ligament. The receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) is known to be an essential factor for osteoclastogenesis. Recent clinical studies indicate that levels of RANKL in the gingival crevicular fluid are increased while levels of its decoy receptor, osteoprotegerin (OPG), are decreased in patients with periodontitis. Although the gingival sulcus is composed of gingival tissue, RANKL and OPG expression in gingival epithelial cells is not fully understood. The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of RANKL and OPG in gingival tissue and which factors regulate RANKL expression in gingival epithelial cells. Material and Methods Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis, western blotting and immunohistochemistry were performed to confirm RANKL and OPG expression in gingival epithelial cells (GECs) and in gingival tissue. Immunostaining was also examined to confirm tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and TNF receptor type 1 (TNFR1) expression in gingival tissue. Ca9-22 cells, a human gingival epithelial cell line and human primary GECs were treated with TNF-α. Ca9-22 cells were treated by antibodies against TNF receptors, an inhibitor and an activator of protein kinase A (PKA) signaling and inhibitors of p38, Erk and NF-κB signaling to examine TNF-α-RANKL signaling pathways. Results RANKL mRNA and protein were expressed in GECs. Immunohistochemistry also showed RANKL expression in gingival tissue. On the other hand, the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry assay showed that GECs did not express OPG. In addition, TNF-α and TNFR1 proteins were expressed in junctional epithelium. TNF-α increased RANKL expression in GECs. TNF-α-induced RANKL expression was inhibited by an antibody against TNFR1 and an inhibitor of PKA signaling. Surprisingly, forskolin, a PKA activator, increased TNF-α-induced RANKL expression. Conclusion RANKL, TNF and TNFR1 were coexpressed in junctional epithelium of gingival tissue. TNF-α induced RANKL expression via TNFR1 and PKA signaling in GECs of junctional epithelium.

Tsukamoto Y, Usui M, Yamamoto G, Takagi Y, Tachikawa T, Yamamoto M, Nakamura M. Role of the junctional epithelium in periodontal innate defense and homeostasis. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 750–757. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S Background and Objective: The junctional epithelium provides the front-line defense against periodontal bacterial infection. The migration of neutrophils into the junctional epithelium might represent a protective reaction against bacterial infections. However, neutrophils penetrate into the junctional epithelium even under sterile conditions. In this study, we analyzed and compared the number of neutrophils and the cytokine expression related to neutrophil migration in the junctional epithelium in conventional and germ-free mice. Material and Methods: Germ-free and conventional ICR mice were used at 12 wk of age. Frozen sections were used for the detection of Gr-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2/CXCL2) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells in the two groups of mice. Laser capture microdissection and RT-PCR analysis were used to evaluate the expression of keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC/CXCL1), MIP-2, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) mRNAs in the two groups of mice. Results: Morphometric examination indicated an increase in the area of the junctional epithelium upon bacterial infection. Immunohistochemical studies also detected an increased number of neutrophils in the junctional epithelium upon bacterial infection. Higher up-regulation of KC and MIP-2 were detected in the junctional epithelium of conventional mice than in germ-free mice, whereas the expression of Il-1β and Tnfα mRNAs was not affected. Conclusion: Junctional epithelium cells constitutively expressed several types of chemokines and cytokines and the expression of chemokines was augmented by bacterial infection. Therefore, the constitutive expression of cytokines in junctional epithelium might be related to the morphological and functional homeostasis of the junctional epithelium in addition to the defense against the bacterial infection.

To cite this article: Saito F, Kajii TS, Sugawara-Kato Y, Tsukamoto Y, Arai Y, Hirabayashi Y, Fujimori O, Iida J: Morphological evaluation of cranial and maxillary shape differences of the brachymorphic mouse with spontaneous malocclusion using three-dimensional micro-computed tomography Orthod Craniofac Res 2011;14:100–106 Structured Abstract Authors – Saito F, Kajii TS, Sugawara-Kato Y, Tsukamoto Y, Arai Y, Hirabayashi Y, Fujimori O, Iida J Objectives – The aim of this study was to determine whether significant cranial and maxillary deformity exists in BALB/c-bm/bm (brachymorphism) mouse with spontaneous malocclusion using three-dimensional (3D) images. Materials and Methods – Thirty female mice were divided into the following three groups: control group (BALB/c mice, n = 10), Norm group (BALB/c-bm/bm mice with normal occlusion, n = 10), and Mal group (BALB/c-bm/bm mice with malocclusion, n = 10). Nine points in the skull were selected, and transverse and antero-posterior distances were measured using three-dimensional images of micro-computed tomography (CT). Moreover, 3D images were superimposed at the median plane to visualize the skull shape asymmetry. Results – The transverse distances at the posterior cranial and maxillary region and the antero-posterior distances in the Norm and Mal groups were significantly shorter than those in the control group. The nasal septum of the Mal group was significantly shorter than that of the Norm group. Morphological measurements and superimposed 3D images showed that lateral deviation occurred at the anterior cranial and maxillary region in the Mal group. Conclusion – The 3D micro-CT images revealed that the antero-posterior length and posterior transverse width at the cranium and maxilla in BALB/c-bm/bm mice were significantly smaller than those in BALB/c mice. It was quantitatively and morphologically clear that BALB/c-bm/bm mice show a spontaneous transverse crossbite owing to lateral deviation of the maxilla and nasal bone.

Variations in otolith patterns, sizes and body morphometrics of jack mackerel Trachurus japonicus juveniles were investigated. Under transmitted light, translucent (W(t)) and opaque otoliths (W(o)) were detected in juveniles collected from Wakasa Bay between July 2005 and April 2006, whereas only opaque otoliths (G(o)) were detected in Goto-nada Sea individuals between May and June 2006. Three groups of juveniles were distinguished based on differences in hatch season, otolith size and growth history, and body morphometrics. As T. japonicus has different spawning seasons according to spawning grounds, each group was estimated to hatch in different waters. Juveniles with W(t) otoliths were considered to have stayed in coastal habitat longer, as the hatch area was estimated to be near Wakasa Bay. Juveniles with W(o) and G(o) otoliths appear to recruit to coastal waters at larger size, since their hatch areas were estimated to be far from each collection area. Larger otoliths of W(t) were attributed to otolith accretion after the second growth flexion, which was observed only for W(t) . Standard length of W(t) fish at the second otolith growth flexion was estimated to correspond to recruitment size to coastal rocky reefs in Wakasa Bay. Body morphometrics were correlated with otolith size after removing body size effect, suggesting that morphological variations of T. japonicus juveniles were also associated with the timing of recruitment to coastal habitat.

Ayu Plecoglossus altivelis is an annual osmeroid fish with a single breeding season. Its reproductive mode tends to vary such that large females spawn once, while small females spawn twice with an interval of some 2 weeks. The hypothesis was examined that certain female reproductive modes are governed by adequate resource allocation according to maternal body size, to maximize lifetime reproductive success. A series of rearing experiments revealed that immediately before spawning, larger females had relatively higher diversion from the soma and higher investment into the gonad, in contrast to smaller females which maintained higher protein synthetic activity for further reproduction. It was concluded that the extant plasticity in the reproductive mode that occurred in P. altivelis was an outcome of different tactics on the semelparity-iteroparity continuum rather than maladaptive deviation from the optimum.

The effects of tolcapone, a catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitor, on the bioavailability and efficacy of levodopa were evaluated in 12 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), 8 of whom showed signs of daily motor fluctuations (wearing-off phenomenon). Motor disabilities were assessed in 12 patients at 7 time points before and after the chronic administration of tolcapone using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). The UPDRS score was improved at all points of determination. Eight patients with wearing-off phenomenon on levodopa showed symptomatic improvement on the combination. The area under the curve (AUC) for levodopa increased by 34% (p = 0.0059) after the administration of tolcapone. The elimination half-life (T1/2) of levodopa was significantly prolonged by 81% (p = 0.0001) after the treatment. The AUC of 3-O-methyldopa, a metabolite of levodopa, was decreased by 79% (p = 0.0001) and the Cmax (maximum concentration) was also decreased by 80%d after the administration (p = 0.0001) of tolcapone. The combination of tolcapone and levodopa was well tolerated. Our findings suggest that tolcapone improves the pharmacokinetics of levodopa in plasma and motor symptoms of fluctuating PD patients. It is suggested that tolcapone may be useful drug adjunct to levodopa in treating patients with PD with wearing-off phenomena.

SUMMARY We determined the kinetics and phenotypes of infiltrating B cells in gastric ulcer in the rat induced by gastric injection of acetic acid (day 0). Few B cells were found in the lesion in the early stages of ulceration. On day 40, two kinds of B cells with phenotypes of IgMhighIgDlowOX33 (CD45)+OX19 (CD5)- and IgMlowIgDhighOX33 (CD45)+ OX19(CD5)- were scattered in the granulation tissue of open ulcers, but not in the healed scar tissue. On day 180, those two kinds of B cells formed primary follicles in the granulation tissue of open ulcers, but were absent from the healed scar tissue. The IgMhighIgDlowOX33 (CD45)+OX19 (CD5)- B cell was considered to be identical to the marginal zone B cell of rat spleen. This phenotype of B cell might be associated with inflammatory process in chronic gastric ulcer.

The relationship between superficial findings and the inner structure of gastric ulcers is unclear. The present study was undertaken to clarify the relationship between them.In the first study, 43 patients with active gastric ulcers were examined by endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in each stage of Sakita's endoscopic classification. In the second study, 16 patients with gastric ulcer scars were examined by EUS in both S1 stage and S2 stage.Ulcer area, ulcer length, thickness of the ulcer base, and diameter of the crater differed significantly in each endoscopic stage. Ulcer area, ulcer length, and thickness of the ulcer base differed significantly even between S1 stage and S2 stage. Mean ulcer area in S1 stage was 96.9 mm2; this shows that the ulcer scar in S1 stage is incomplete with regard to tissue contraction. Although ulcer area in S2 stage had shrunk significantly compared with that in S1 stage, it still remained 53.3 mm2. This implies that the risk of local recurrence remains even in S2 stage.Sequential observation by EUS showed that the healing of the ulcer surface strongly reflected the healing within the ulcers.

This study was designed to clarify the recovery time course of water immersion stress ulcers. Rats were divided into two groups: the control group and the cetraxate group. In the cetraxate group, 6 h after water immersion stress, cetraxate (300 mg/kg) was administered intragastrically twice a day until the end of the experiment. Ulcer indices were observed immediately, 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after water immersion stress in each group. Changes in gastric mucosal prostaglandin (PG) levels were measured by means of high-performance liquid chromatography. In the control group ulcer healing was not observed within 1 day after stress. Gastric lesions had decreased significantly after 3 days, but 21 days were required for total healing. Accelerated ulcer healing was observed in the cetraxate group. Four kinds of PGs were detected in gastric mucosa: 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, PGF2 alpha, PGE2, and PGD2. Recovery of PG levels differed from each other. Fourteen days were required for full recovery of PGD2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha. In contrast, 7 days were required for recovery of PGF2 alpha and PGE2. Cetraxate accelerated the recovery of gastric mucosal PGD2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha levels, especially the former. These results suggest that PGs, especially PGD2, are linked with the healing processes of stress ulcers.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of short-term physical exercise that did not change body mass on insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion, and glucose and lipid metabolism in 39 non-obese Japanese type 2 diabetic patients. Insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion were estimated with homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and HOMA-B-cell function proposed by Matthews et al., respectively. All patients were hospitalized and were engaged in low-intensity exercise that consisted of walking and dumbbell exercise for successive 7 days. There were no changes in hospital diet and the dose of any medications used throughout the study. Fasting glucose, insulin, and lipids were measured before and after exercise. After exercise, serum triglyceride levels significantly decreased, but no significant changes were observed in total and HDL cholesterol concentrations. Fasting glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR levels significantly decreased after exercise, but HOMA-B-cell function did not change during the study. There was no significant difference between BMI levels before and after exercise. From these results, it can be concluded that short-term (7 days) low-intensity physical exercise combined with hospital diet reduces serum triglycerides, insulin resistance, and fasting glucose levels without affecting BMI in non-obese Japanese type 2 diabetic patients.

Publisher Summary The high viscoelasticity of the synovial fluid is known to play an important role in joints. The viscoelasticity of the synovial fluid is mainly because of the presence of hyaluronate (HA), the samples and results of which are discussed in detail in this chapter. HA is a major component of biopolymers found in cartilage, eye vitreous humor, and synovial fluid, and plays a very important role due to its marketed viscoelasticity. Furthermore, HA has many functions, such as inhibiting the modulation of lymphocytes to lymphoblasts and preventing target cells from killing sensitized lymphocytes. In synovial fluid, HA is generally believed to be essential for lubrication of joints and for shock absorption. Viscosity of synovial fluid gives lubrication that contributes to the smooth movement of joints. On the other hand, elasticity of synovial fluid fits the role of a shock absorber that protects the synovial tissue and cartilage against permanent deformation. Therefore, the viscoelastic properties of HA have attracted considerable attention.

We developed a sandwich enzyme immunoassay system for intact rat osteocalcin to improve the region specificity for the detection of this molecule. We synthesized two peptides of N-terminal 20 residues and C-terminal 10 residues of rat osteocalcin. After conjugating these peptides with carrier protein, we obtained anti-N- and anti-C-terminal rat osteocalcin antibodies in rabbits raised against these two peptides, respectively. By using these antibodies, we measured intact rat osteocalcin levels in a two-site immunoassay manner. These antibodies did not show the cross-reactivity to human osteocalcin. The immunoreactive peak corresponding to the intact molecules was detected by our intact osteocalcin method after high-performance liquid chromatographic fractionation of osteocalcin fragments in plasma from uremic rats. Furthermore, the intact rat osteocalcin was stable over 8 hours at 25 degrees C. Intact rat osteocalcin levels extracellularly secreted from ROS 17/2.8 cells were measured by this method, showing time- and dose-dependent significant increases when administered 1,25(OH)2D3. The inhibition for the secretion of intact osteocalcin by actinomycin D was also detected quantitatively with this method. In ovariectomized rats, intact osteocalcin levels in plasma were acutely elevated after ovariectomy, and its elevation was significantly depressed by 17beta-estradiol administration. These data suggest that this sandwich method is able to measure the intact form of osteocalcin secreted by osteoblasts. As the antibodies identify the specific regions of osteocalcin molecule, this method would be useful for sensitive estimation of bone turnover for various experimental conditions in rats.

SUMMARY We investigated the effect of sucralfate on angiogenesis in granulation tissue of gastric ulcers induced by acetic acid in rats using the carmine dye method. Intragastric administration of sucralfate at a dose of 500 mg/kg twice daily for 9 days significantly accelerated ulcer healing and significantly increased the extent of angiogenesis in the ulcer base on the tenth day after ulcer induction. As we reported previously, intragastric administration of cimetidine at a dose of 100 mg/kg once daily for 9 days decreased the extent of angiogenesis on the tenth day. However, combination treatment using sucralfate and cimetidine accelerated ulcer healing significantly, without altering the extent of angiogenesis. It is concluded, therefore, that the treatment with sucralfate may be effective in peptic ulcer disease from the standpoint of angiogenesis in the ulcer base.

Purpose We examined the effects of prostaglandin analogues on the blood-aqueous barrier(BAB) permeability in rabbit eyes at an early phase of endotoxin-induced uveitis(EIU). Subjects and methods One drop of 0.005% latanoprost or 0.12% unoprostone were applied to rabbit eyes. Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharides were injected to induce uveitis. The changes in flare intensity in normal eyes and EIU eyes after application of eye drops were evaluated. The effect of cyclooxygenase inhibitor on the flare intensity changes caused by the application of unoprostone was also examined. Results Flare intensity increased significantly after a single instillation of unoprostone, and the increase was not prevented by pretreatment with cyclooxygenase inhibitor. In eyes with EIU, unoprostone caused an additional increase of flare intensity to uveitis induced flare change. Latanoprost had no effects on BAB in eyes with normal and with uveitic conditions. Conclusion Latanoprost and unoprostone did not cause an excessive inflammatory reaction in rabbit eyes at an early phase of EIU.

To clarify the mechanism of gastric ulcer recurrence, we studied acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers. The healing of these gastric ulcers was then studied for 4-21 weeks after the injection. Forty-eight ulcers were examined by macroscopic observation and scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM) and by histologic study of the ulcers. SAM has a higher radio frequency and provides more detailed information about the gastric wall than endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS). Thirteen healed and 35 non-healed gastric ulcers were observed by macroscopic observation over 4-21 weeks. SAM enabled us to observe the normal gastric wall of the rat in five different layers. The SAM echo patterns of the healed ulcers were all one pattern. On the other hand, we were able to classify the echo patterns of the non-healed ulcers into two different patterns; one pattern consisted of a high-echogenic region in the first and second layers with an underlying relatively high echogenic region in a horizontal pattern. The other pattern showed a poorly defined and spotted low-echogenic region in the first and second layers which fanned out toward the fifth layer. However, these two different ulcers could not be distinguished macroscopically. Histologic findings supported the results of the SAM study which showed one pattern in healed ulcers and two patterns in non-healed ulcers. In the non-healed ulcers the two different patterns may be ascribed to the proliferation of collagen fibers. SAM makes it possible to image the proliferation of collagen fibers and identify the two different types with an accuracy of 97%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The function of the minor duodenal papilla in humans was studied by duodenoscopy using indigo carmine dye and a pH sensor. By this method it was possible to classify the function of the minor papilla into three types: Type I: pancreatic juice excretion without secretin administration; Type II: pancreatic juice excretion following secretin administration; Type III: no pancreatic juice excretion despite secretin administration. To determine the relative numbers of each type, the findings in 23 normal subjects were compared with those in 26 patients with benign papillary stenosis. In normal individuals, there were 11 Type I, 4 Type II and 8 Type III, while in patients with papillary stenosis we observed 20 Type I, 4 Type II and 2 Type III function, indicating that in patients with papillary stenosis, the incidence of Type I minor papilla was significantly high. From this it can be inferred that a minor papilla that does not excrete pancreatic juice spontaneously may begin such excretion, if pancreatic duct pressure persistently increases.

16560 Background: This is a pilot study to assess the efficacy and safety of combination chemotherapy of intraperitoneal (IP) carboplatin and intravenous (IV) taxane (paclitaxel or docetaxel) in ad...

In addition to wasp kinins, the wasp venom contains a series of hydrophobic peptides, mastoparans and chemotactic peptides as major peptidergic components. The first major component in the venom is mastoparam. The peptides in the mastoparan family are tetradecapeptide amides which cause degranulation of the mast cells to release histamine from the cells, and act on the adrenal chromaffin cells to release catecholamines and adenylic acids. Some mastoparans cause hemolysis and serotonin release from the platelets. The new cytotrophic peptides as the second major components are tridecapeptide amides possessing chemotactic activity for polymorphonuclear leucocytes and monocytes. Some of the peptides in this family also cause histamine release from the mast cells. Mastoparan takes a random coil structure in aqueous solution but changes its conformation to α-helix in methanolic solution or in the presence of lysophosphatidyl choline. This fact is confirmed also by the transferred nuclear overhauser effect by NMR analysis. The similar phenomenon was observed in the family of chemotactic peptides. The helical conformation of these peptides are amphipathic structure in which all of side chains of the hydrophobic amino acids are located on one side of the axis, and those of the basic or the hydrophilic amino acid residues are on an opposite side. Mastoparan enhances the membrane conductivity of the lipid bilayer when the peptide is investigated by the black lipid membrane experiment. This indicates that the peptide may be assembled in the membrane by changing its conformation and. for some reason, enhances the ion transfer through the membrane. These properties of the peptide may reveal various activities on the cell membrane.

A case of optic neuropathy induced by thinner sniffing is reported. A 17-year-old girl, who had been sniffing a lacquer thinner for three months, suffered acute blindness followed by optic atrophy. Brain computed tomography revealed symmetrical low attenuation areas in the bilateral putamen. An analysis of the thinner by gas chromatography showed that its major components in a vaporized state were methyl alcohol and metyhl acetate. The optic neuropathy was induced by these solvents. In the diagnosis of the intoxication of mixed organic solvents, the measurement of each solvent in its vapor phase is considered to be quite important.

Chicken liver fatty acid synthase is cleaved by kallikrein into polypeptides ranging in molecular weight from 10,000 to 100,000. Fractionation of the digest by ammonium sulfate and chromatography on a Matrix Red A affinity column resulted in the isolation of a polypeptide (Mr = 26,000) containing the beta-hydroxyacyl dehydratase activity, but no other partial activities normally associated with the fatty acid synthase. The specific activity of the dehydratase increased 9 to 12 times in this fraction, an increase that is within the expected range based on relative molecular weight. Kinetic parameters of the purified dehydratase toward the model substrate, crotonyl-CoA, showed no change in apparent Km values and a 12-fold increase in Vmax values as compared to dehydratase activity of the intact synthase. However, the purified fragment did not catalyze the hydration of the crotonyl-N-acetylcysteamine derivative, a substrate that is readily hydrated by the intact synthase. Antibodies against the purified 26-kDa fragment cross-react with the intact synthase and the hydratase-containing fragments produced at all stages of digestion with kallikrein or trypsin as shown by Western blot analyses. The results show that the beta-hydroxyl dehydratase activity of the fatty acid synthase is located in the reduction Domain II (Tsukamoto, Y., Wong, H., Mattick, J. S., and Wakil, S. J. (1983) J. Biol. Chem. 258, 15312-15322) of the synthase subunit.

Radiographs of 175 patients with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) of the spine or ankylosing spondylitis were reviewed. DISH most frequently began in the middle and lower portions of the thoracic spine; it was rare in the upper portion. A few vertebrae were first affected, and then involvement extended, sometimes throughout the thoracic spine. The anterior and lateral aspects of vertebral bodies were mainly affected. Hyperostosis vertically spanning the anterior aspects of the vertebrae varied in thickness up to 10 mm, and the rate at which the hyperostosis proliferated was not specific for any vertebra. Males were 12 times more frequently affected than females, especially in the older age groups. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension have reportedly been associated with DISH, but no such correlation was found in this study. Despite the existence of criteria for differential diagnosis, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish ankylosing spondylitis from DISH radiologically. The radiologic features helpful in the differential diagnosis are described, and a review of the pertinent literature is included.

Bacterial cell walls, water-soluble fragments of the wall peptidoglycan, N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanyl-D-isoglutamine (MDP), and 6-O-acyl derivatives of MDP were examined for migration-stimulating activity on human peripheral blood monocytes by using a multiwell chemotaxis assembly. Cell walls isolated from 11 bacterial species caused a definite increase in monocyte migration, but the walls of Micrococcus lysodeikticus were scarely active. The migration-enhancing activity of Staphylococcus epidermidis cell walls was retained by a monomer as well as a polymer of disaccharide peptides which were prepared by digestion of the peptidoglycan with enzymes. It was finally revealed that the migration of monocytes was enhanced by MDP. 6-O-Octadecanoyl-MDP, 6-O-(2-tetradecylhexadecanoyl)-MDP, and 6-O-(3-hydroxy-2-docosylhexacosanoyl)-N-acetylmuramyl-L-seryl-D-isoglutamine were active, but to a lesser extent. A checkerboard assay demonstrated that the increased monocyte migration caused by S. epidermidis cell walls was directed toward a positive stimulus (chemotaxis).

Four kinds of prostaglandins (PGs), 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, PGF2 alpha, PGE2 and PGD2, in rat gastric mucosa were decreased at 1 or 6 h after oral administration of indomethacin (2 or 12 mg/kg). With 2 mg/kg of indomethacin, the PG levels had slightly recovered 6 h later. Gastric lesions were observed 6 h after administration of indomethacin (12 mg/kg), but not with 2 mg/kg. Omeprazole (20 mg/kg, i.p.) prevented ulcer formation caused by indomethacin, without improvement of the reduced gastric mucosal PG levels. PGD2 (0.5 mg/kg, p.o.) reduced indomethacin-induced gastric lesions and considerable amounts of PGD2 existed in the gastric mucosa. We conclude that H+ is a determining factor in the genesis of indomethacin-induced gastric lesions and persistent decreases in tissue PG levels also participate in ulcer formation.

Prolonged injection angiography (PIA), in which large amounts of contrast material are administered for three or four seconds, was used to visualize the vasculature of 70 intracranial neoplasms. Tumor stains were demonstrated better with or solely by PIA in all pituitary adenomas with suprasellar extension and in most meningiomas. PIA was less effective in tumors with marked arteriovenous shunts or in low-grade gliomas. PIA is especially indicated when avascular or hypovascular masses are encountered on conventional angiography or when contrast enhancement is encountered on computed tomography (CT). PIA is also indicated to demonstrate neoplasms which are not enhanced with contrast media on CT since PIA demonstrates the venous anatomy surrounding the tumors especially well.

During follow-up radiologic observations of 88 subjects with benign gastric polyps, four rare cases were encountered. In two of these, the polyps had become detached; in the other two, they decreased in size. One of the latter eventually disappeared. Possible causes, though not yet established, are considered. These four cases are discussed in light of earlier reports in the literature.

Radiological changes in the cervical spine were investigated among eighty two patients with classical or definite rheumatoid arthritis. Sixty six cases out of eighty two (80.5%) complained of the subjective symptoms such as pain in the neck and so forth.Thirty four cases out of eighty two (41.5%) were found the objective finding such as limitation of neck rotation and flexion sideway. There are no abnormal neurological signs in this series.Radiological change of the cervical spine, in the strict sense, were found in sixty five cases of this series (79.3%).Radiological changes in the atlanto-axial joints, especially anterior subluxation of the atlas on the axis were more commonly observed among the group of the patients with those clinical symptoms.Rheumatoid changes in the synovial atlanto-axial joint were also confirmed in a autopsy case with classical rheumatoid arthritis which had expired of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Thirty-five patients with classical rheumatoid arthritis have been followed for more than five years. The average duration of disease of the series was 13.5 years and the average age was 50.0 years.The series was collected between 1960 and 1964.In 1966 and 1971, the follow up assessments were carried out on laboratory finding, disease activity, functional capacity and X-ray findings.On the whole their level of disease activity tended to subside. However, there was a gradual but progressive worsening in the functional capacity. With regard to X-ray findings, the development of the radiological changes varied with the joints involved.Intercarpal joints and radio-carpal joints were most frequently involved and the X-ray changes of those jojnts progressed rapidly.In spite of beeing frequently affected, the X-ray changes of knee joints and ankle joints were less advanced in comparison with intercarpal joints and radio-carpal joints.

Case 1: The 14 year old girl was admitted to our clinic with spastic gait and spastic weakness of the extremities on September, 1963.Although the first diagnosis was the tumor of upper cervical cord, the X-ray pictures revealed the odontoid process to be high and project into the foramen magnum.The narrowing of spinal cavity was found at the part of foramen magnum by myelography.Theese findings suggested that basilar impression caused her neurological signs.Case 2: The 40 year old female had sufferd from unsteady gait for 7 years. Numerous examinations could not explain the cause of her complaints befor she was admitted to our clinic.However, the diagnosis could be readily made by proving the odontoid process to project above Chamberlain's line and MacRae's line.Case 3: The 16 year old male revealed wry neck without tension of the sterno-mastoid muscle.In the lateral view of his cervical spine, the posterior arch of atlas was completely fused with occipital bone.The assymmetry of the atlanto-axial articulation was observed with the high position of the odontoid process.It is obvious that his wry neck is due to the rotation and the malformation of the atlantoaxial articulation.Although basilar impression has been mainly dealt by neurosurgeon, it should be given attention in the field of orthopedic surgery because it associates with malformation of atlas and axis and reveals the signs of cervical cord tumor.