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Background and Purpose: The ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) is present in both the heart and kidneys, and plays a crucial role in maintaining intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis in cells in these organs. This study aimed to investigate the impact of M201‐A on RyR2, as well as studying its effects on cardiac and renal functions in preclinical and clinical studies. Experimental Approach: Following the administration of M201‐A (1,4‐benzothiazepine‐1‐oxide derivative), we monitored diastolic Ca2+ leak via RyR2 and intracellular Ca2+ concentration in isolated rat cardiomyocytes and in cardiac and renal function in animals. In a clinical study, M201‐A was administered intravenously at doses of 0.2 and 0.4 mg·kg−1 once daily for 20 min for four consecutive days in healthy males, with the assessment of haemodynamic responses. Key Results: In rat heart cells, M201‐A effectively inhibited spontaneous diastolic Ca2+ leakage through RyR2 and exhibited positive lusi‐inotropic effects on the rat heart. Additionally, it enhanced natriuresis and improved renal function in dogs. In human clinical studies, when administered intravenously, M201‐A demonstrated an increase in natriuresis, glomerular filtration rate and creatinine clearance, while maintaining acceptable levels of drug safety and tolerability. Conclusions and Implications: The novel drug M201‐A inhibited diastolic Ca2+ leak via RyR2, improved cardiac lusi‐inotropic effects in rats, and enhanced natriuresis and renal function in humans. These findings suggest that this drug may offer a potential new treatment option for chronic kidney disease and heart failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this longitudinal study was to evaluate the relationship between beta‐3 adrenergic receptor polymorphism and environmental factors such as smoking on periodontal disease by considering effect modification. Materials and Methods: A total of 294 subjects who participated in all follow‐up surveys over the 6‐year study period were analysed. After dividing subjects into tertiles according to the number of years exposed to smoking, we conducted Poisson regression analysis to compare the incidence rate ratio (IRR) for periodontal disease events during the 6‐year study period with beta‐3 adrenergic receptor genotype (1: Arg allele carriers, 2: Arg allele non‐carriers) for each tertile adjusted for other four variables. Results: The number of years exposed to smoking (mean ± standard deviation) for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd tertiles was 0 ± 0, 20.1 ± 9.1 and 45.3 ± 7.7 years, respectively. The IRRs ± SE were 0.89 ± 0.08 (p = 0.218) for the 1st tertile, 1.93 ± 0.36 (p < 0.001) for the 2nd tertile and 2.56 ± 0.23 (p < 0.001) for the 3rd tertile. Conclusion: There was a clear dose–response relationship between beta‐3 adrenergic receptor genotype and periodontal disease progression based on the number of years exposed to smoking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the possible correlation between vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism and susceptibility to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and periodontal disease. Material and Methods: This study analysed 345 participants, who were all 79 years of age. Kidney function levels were determined based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; non-reduced function: =60 and reduced function: <60 ml min-1 1.73 m-2). VDR TaqI genotyping was also studied. We calculated the periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA). After classifying participants into quartile groups according to eGFR or PISA values, the subjects were then split into two groups (highest quartile versus the other three groups combined). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the odds ratios between the eGFR and VDR TaqI genotype with the different PISA groups. The eGFR was set as the dependent variable while the VDR TaqI genotype, HbA1C, gender, smoking habits and body mass index were defined as independent variables. Results: A significant association was observed between the VDR TaqI genotype and eGFR in the PISA high group (odds ratio = 3.97, p = .027). Conclusion: Study results suggest that VDR TaqI genotype might be associated with CKD during inflammatory conditions caused by periodontal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional reconstruction of the human heart was performed to define the structure of the intramyocardial microvasculature. A total of 200 consecutive serial sections of 6 μm each were prepared from the left ventricular tissue of an autopsied human heart with normal coronary arteries. The corresponding arteriole, venule, and all capillaries were reconstructed using three-dimensional software. The capillary network extended right and left along the cardiomyocyte with major and minor axes of about 130 and 120 μm, respectively. The capillary length from an arteriole to an adjacent venule was about 350 μm. Two types of sack-like structures, the precapillary sinus and the capillary sinus, were present in the capillary network, and many capillaries diverged from these sinuses. The cardiomyocytes were covered with reticular capillaries. In contrast, the precapillary and capillary sinuses were surrounded by many cardiomyocytes. The arterial and venous capillaries were positioned alternately, forming a lattice pattern. Intramyocardial microcirculatory units forming a capillary network from an arteriole to adjacent venules on both sides were present. The sizes of myocardial micronecroses corresponded to that of the intramyocardial microcirculatory unit. These results show that the capillary network is an ordered and anatomically regulated structure and that the microcirculatory unit and the precapillary and capillary sinuses may play an important role in maintaining the intramyocardial microcirculation during contraction and relaxation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine whether the long-term use of a fluoride mouthrinse affects the salivary levels of mutans streptococci. Two hundred and fifteen schoolchildren (aged 9–10 years) participated. One hundred and forty-nine of these children had used a fluoride mouthrinse since 5 years of age at nursery school, and the remaining 66 children had not. DFT (decayed and filled teeth) was recorded, and the salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus were measured using mitis salivarius bacitracin agar. The group that had used a fluoride mouthrinse had a significantly lower prevalence of both S. mutans and S. sobrinus (p = 0.038) and a significantly lower DFT score (p < 0.001) than the other group. Using logistic regression analysis including caries experience at baseline as a dependent variable, the odds ratio of carrying S. mutans alone was 8.0 (p = 0.066) and that of carrying both S. mutans and S. sobrinus was 16.5 (p = 0.022) in the group that had not used the fluoride mouthrinse. Children carrying both S. mutans and S. sobrinus had a higher caries incidence in 1 year than the others, with odds ratios of 5.73 (p = 0.067) in the group with a fluoride mouthrinse and 3.47 (p = 0.035) in the group without it. These results show that the long-term use of a fluoride mouthrinse is associated with reduced salivary levels of mutans streptococci and this bacterial reduction may partly contribute to the suppression of dental caries in children using a long-term fluoride mouthrinse. Copyright © 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the fundamental modes of radiation hydrodynamic linear waves that arise from one-dimensional small-amplitude initial fluctuations with wave number k in a radiating and scattering grey medium by taking into account the gravitational effects. The equation of radiative acoustics is derived from three hydrodynamic equations, Poisson’s equation, and two moment equations of radiation, by assuming a spherical symmetry for the matter and radiation and by using the Eddington approximation. We solve the dispersion relation as a quintic function of angular frequency ω, the wave number k being a real parameter. Numerical results reveal that wave patterns of five solutions are distinguished into three types: the radiation-dominated, type 1, and type 2 matter-dominated cases. In the case of no gravitaional effects (Kaneko et al., 2005), the following wave modes appear: radiation wave, conservative radiation wave, entropy wave, Newtonian-cooling wave, opacity-damped and cooling-damped waves, constant-volume and constant-pressure diffusions, adiabatic sound wave, cooling-damped and drag-force-damped isothermal sound waves, isentropic radiation-acoustic wave, and gap mode. Meanwhile, the gravitaional effects being taken into account, the growing gravo-diffusion mode newly arises from the constant-pressure diffusion at the point that k agrees with Jeans’ wave number specified by the isothermal sound speed. This mode changes to the growing radiation-acoustic gravity mode near the point that k becomes Jeans’ wave number specified by the isentropic radiation-acoustic speed. In step with a transition between them, the isentropic radiation-acoustic wave splits into the damping radiation-acoustic gravity mode and constant-volume diffusion. The constant-volume diffusion emerges twice if the gravitational effects are taken into account. Since analytic solutions are derived for all wave modes, we discuss their physical significance. The critical conditions are given which distinguish between radiation-dominated and type 1 matter-dominated cases, and between type 1 and type 2 matter-dominated cases. Waves in a self-gravitating scattering grey medium are also analyzed, which provides us some hints for the effects of energy and momentum exchange between matter and radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the fundamental modes of radiation hydrodynamic waves arising from one-dimensional small-amplitude initial fluctuations with wave number k in a radiating and scattering grey medium using the Eddington approximation. The dispersion relation analyzed is the same as that of Paper I (Kaneko et al., 2000), but is solved as a quintic in angular frequency ω while a quadratic in k2 in Paper I. Numerical results reveal that wave patterns of five solutions are distinguished into three types of the radiation-dominated and type 1 and type 2 matter-dominated cases. The following wave modes appear in our problem: radiation wave, conservative radiation wave, entropy wave, Newtonian-cooling wave, opacity-damped and cooling-damped waves, constant-volume and constant-pressure diffusion modes, adiabatic sound wave, cooling-damped and drag–force-damped isothermal sound waves, isentropic radiation-acoustic wave, and gap mode. The radiation-dominated case is characterized by the gap between the isothermal sound and isentropic radiation-acoustic speeds within which there is not any acoustic wave propagating with real phase speed. One of the differences between type 1 and type 2 matter-dominated cases is the connectivity of the constant-volume diffusion mode, which originates from the radiative mode in the former case, while from the Newtonian-cooling wave in the latter case. Analytic solutions are derived for all wave modes to discuss their physical significance. The criterion, which distinguishes between radiation-dominated and type 1 matter-dominated cases, is given by Γ0 = 9, where Γ0 = C p( tot)/ C V( tot) is the ratio of total specific heats at constant pressure and constant volume. Waves in a scattering grey medium are also analyzed, which provides us some hints for the effects of energy and momentum exchange between matter and radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Annexin V, a calcium-binding protein, is widely present in various organs and tissues. In the present study, plasma annexin V concentration was measured in 158 patients who were brought to the emergency room, including 25 patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction (AMI), 14 with cerebrovascular disease, 11 with trauma of the extremities, 11 with severe trauma associated with visceral damage, and 35 with witnessed cardiac arrest. Annexin V concentration in normal healthy individuals (n=110) was 1.9±0.7 ng/ml. Annexin V concentration in AMI and cardiac arrest patients was 11.0±4.9 and 15.3±7.9 ng/ml, respectively, being significantly higher than that in patients with cerebrovascular disease (5.4±2.7 ng/ml). The value in severe trauma patients was 15.9±9.4 ng/ml, being significantly higher than that in patients with trauma of the extremities (5.6±1.2 ng/ml). Annexin V concentrations in the cardiac arrest and AMI patients who survived more than 24 h after admission were lower than those in patients who died within 24 h after the onset of symptoms. Annexin V content in the lungs and myocardium in normal rats was extremely high in comparison to that in brain and skeletal muscle. These results suggest that the high levels of plasma annexin V in patients with AMI, cardiac arrest and severe trauma reflect the severity of damage of the myocardium and/or other visceral organs, and measurement of plasma annexin V concentration may help to assess the prognosis of patients brought to the emergency room. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed for the quantification of Streptococcus mutans. Primers targeting gtf genes of S. mutans were designed and tested for their specificity using 28 oral streptococcal strains, three other bacterial strains, and human DNA. The primers could amplify specifically the target DNA fragment from a mixture of oral streptococcus genomic DNA containing about 10 fg to 10 ng of S. mutans genome DNA. The real-time PCR produced a linear quantitative detection range over concentrations spanning seven exponential values, with a detection limit of a few copies of S. mutans’ genomic DNA per reaction tube. The results of the real-time PCR assay corresponded well to those of conventional culture assays for S. mutans in saliva samples. A real-time PCR assay for Streptococcus sobrinus and Streptococcus downei was also established and produced results that corresponded well to those from conventional culture assays for S. sobrinus in saliva samples. These assays will be useful as a new means to assess one of the important risk factors for caries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: Side-effects of medications cause xerostomia. There have been cases where a medication has been discontinued owing to its severe side-effects. Therefore, the xerostomia must be treated to ensure that the primary disease is managed effectively. This study analyzed the actual status of patients with medication-induced xerostomia and investigates factors associated with its improvement. Methods: This study assessed 490 patients diagnosed with medication-induced xerostomia who had an unstimulated salivary flow of ≤0.1 mL/min and received treatment for xerostomia at a xerostomia clinic. Patient age, sex, medical history, medications used, disease duration of xerostomia, and psychological disorders were recorded. The anticholinergic burden was assessed using the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden scale. The unstimulated salivary flow was measured by the spitting method. According to their symptoms and diagnoses, the patients were introduced to oral lubricants, instructed on how to perform massage, and prescribed Japanese herbal medicines, and sialogogues. Factors associated with the subjective improvement of xerostomia and objective changes in the salivary flow rate were recorded at six months. Results: Xerostomia improved in 338 patients (75.3%). The improvement rate was significantly lower in patients with psychiatric disorders (63.6%) (P = 0.009). The improvement rate decreased as more anticholinergics were used (P = 0.018). However, xerostomia improved in approximately 60% of patients receiving three or more anticholinergics. The unstimulated salivary flow increased significantly more in patients who reported an improvement of xerostomia (0.033±0.053 mL/min) than in those who reported no improvement (0.013±0.02 mL/min) (P = 0.025). Conclusion: Xerostomia treatment improved oral dryness in 75.3% of patients receiving xerogenic medications in this study. If xerostomia due to side-effects of medications can be improved by treatment, it will greatly contribute to the quality of life of patients with xerogenic medications and may reduce the number of patients who discontinue medications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim We hypothesized that feeling mucosal dryness in one body region and the skin may be associated with dryness in other regions and that there are common background factors for dryness. In an earlier web-based survey, we reported prevalence figures of dry eyes, nose, mouth, skin, and vagina. In the present study, additional analyses were made to investigate the factors associated with dryness in each region, and simultaneous dryness in multiple regions. Methods A web-based questionnaire was completed by 310 Japanese women. The questions included dryness of the eyes, nose, mouth, vagina, and skin. Menopausal and other symptoms were also addressed. Multiple logistic regression modeling was performed to identify factors associated with dryness in each region and in multiple dry regions. Results Dry eyes were associated with dryness in the nose and with headache; dry nose was associated with dryness in the vagina and eyes; dry mouth was associated with sticky mouth symptom and dryness of the nose; dry skin was associated with use of xerogenic medications and vaginal discharge; and dryness of the vagina was associated with vaginal itchiness and dry nose. Vaginal discharge (odds ratio, 9.64; 95% confidence interval, 3.15-29.51) and sticky mouth (odds ratio, 6.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.29-31.29) were further associated with dryness in multiple regions. Conclusion The present results confirmed our study hypothesis by showing that dryness in one region was clearly associated with that in another or in multiple regions. The result implies the need for holistic diagnosis and counseling for patients with dryness complaints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In heart failure, intracellular Ca2+ leak from cardiac ryanodine receptors (RyR2s) leads to a loss of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) potentially contributing to decreased function. Experimental data suggest that the 1,4-benzothiazepine K201 (JTV-519) may stabilise RyR2s and thereby reduce detrimental intracellular Ca2+ leak. Whether K201 exerts beneficial effects in human failing myocardium is unknown. Therefore, we have studied the effects of K201 on muscle preparations from failing human hearts. K201 (0.3 μM; extracellular [Ca2+]e 1.25 mM) showed no effects on contractile function and micromolar concentrations resulted in negative inotropic effects (K201 1 μM; developed tension −9.8 ± 2.5% compared to control group; P < 0.05). Interestingly, K201 (0.3 μM) increased the post-rest potentiation (PRP) of failing myocardium after 120 s, indicating an increased SR Ca2+ load. At high [Ca2+]e concentrations (5 mmol/L), K201 increased PRP already at shorter rest intervals (30 s). Strikingly, treatment with K201 (0.3 μM) prevented diastolic dysfunction (diastolic tension at 5 mmol/L [Ca2+]e normalised to 1 mmol/L [Ca2+]e: control 1.26 ± 0.06, K201 1.01 ± 0.03, P < 0.01). In addition at high [Ca2+]e, K201 (0.3 μM) treatment significantly improved systolic function [developed tension +27 ± 8% (K201 vs. control); P < 0.05]. The beneficial effects on diastolic and systolic functions occurred throughout the physiological frequency range of the human heart rate from 1 to 3 Hz. Upon elevated intracellular Ca2+ concentration, systolic and diastolic contractile functions of terminally failing human myocardium are improved by K201. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether the traditional Chinese herbal medicine Banxia Houpu Tang (BHT, formula magnolia et pinelliae) prevents aspiration pneumonia and pneumonia-related mortality in elderly people. DESIGN: A prospective, observer-blinded, randomized, controlled trial. SETTING: Two long-term care hospitals for handicapped elderly patients in Japan from March 2005 to February 2006. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred four elderly patients (31 men and 73 women; mean age±standard deviation 83.5±7.8) with dementia and cerebrovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, or Parkinson's disease. INTERVENTION: Ninety-five participants (mean age 84.0, M:F=28:67) were randomly assigned to the BHT treatment group (n=47) or the control group (n=48) and took BHT or placebo for 12 months. MEASUREMENTS: The occurrence of pneumonia, mortality due to pneumonia, and the daily amount of self-feeding. RESULTS: Complete data were available for analysis on 92 of the 95 subjects randomized. Four patients in the BHT group developed pneumonia, and one of them died as a result. Fourteen patients in the control group developed pneumonia, and six of them died as a result. There was a significant difference between the two groups in pneumonia onset ( P=.008), and a tendency toward significance in pneumonia-related mortality ( P=.05). The relative risk of pneumonia in the BHT group compared with the control group was 0.51 (95% confidence interval (CI)=0.27–0.84, P=.008) and that of death from pneumonia was 0.41 (95% CI=0.10–1.03, P=.06) according to the Cox proportional hazards model. No adverse events were observed from treatment with BHT. The BHT group was able to maintain self-feeding better than the control group ( P=.006). CONCLUSION: Treatment with BHT reduced the risk of pneumonia and pneumonia-related mortality in elderly patients with dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: K201 (JTV519) is a 1,4-benzothiazepine derivative that exhibits a strong cardioprotective action and acts as a multiple-channel blocker, including as a K+ channel blocker. An experimental model of prolongation of the QT interval and torsades de pointes can be induced in rabbits by treatment with clofilium in the presence of the α1-adrenoreceptor agonist methoxamine. In this study we examined the effects of K201 with and without methoxamine on the QT and QTc intervals, and determined whether K201 inhibits clofilium-induced torsades de pointes in the presence of methoxamine (15 μg/kg/min) in rabbits (n =74). Administration of K201 (0, 40, 100, 200 and 400 μg/kg/min) with and without methoxamine prolonged the QT interval in a dose-dependent manner, and torsades de pointes did not occur in any animals. However, clofilium (50 μg/kg/min) with methoxamine induced torsades de pointes in all animals (6/6). Torsades de pointes occurred at rates of 100%, 67%, 40% and 0% at K201 concentrations of 0, 50, 200 and 400 μg/kg/min, respectively, in the clofilium-infused torsades de pointes model. Therefore, 400 μg/kg/min of K201 completely inhibited clofilium-induced torsades de pointes and attenuated the increase of repolarization caused by clofilium; the inhibitory effects of K201 may be related to its pharmacological properties as an α1-adrenoceptor blocker. Overall, our results show that K201 causes prolongation of the QT and QTc intervals, but does not induce torsades de pointes, with and without α1-adrenoceptor stimulation. Furthermore, K201 inhibits clofilium-induced torsades de pointes, despite QT prolongation, suggesting that QT prolongation alone is not a proarrhythmic signal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We established a rat chronic alveolar hypoxia in vivo model to evaluate the efficacy against hypoxic pulmonary hypertension of a new angiotensin II-receptor I blocker, olmesartan medoxomil. Three groups of rats were established: rats exposed for 2–6 weeks to 10% oxygen atmosphere in a normobaric chamber; hypoxic rats treated with olmesartan medoxomil oral administration (5 mg/day) every day; and control rats fed in a normoxic condition. After hypoxia treatment, the presence, etiology and severity of pulmonary hypertension, was echocardiographically evaluated, and expressions of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), transforming growth factor (TGF-β) and endothelin-1 genes measured by both immunohistochemical assay and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Olmesartan medoxomil significantly reduced the induction of hypoxic cor pulmonale not only on echocardiographical observations but also in BNP, TGF-β and endothelin gene expressions in molecular studies. However, systolic blood pressure was independent of olmesartan medoxomil. The present study clearly indicates that the angiotensin II-type I-receptor blocker olmesartan medoxomil has significant efficacy for hypoxic cor pulmonale. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an angiogenesis factor closely associated with the growth and metastasis of malignant tumours. Methodology: In the present study, we measured plasma VEGF levels in 20 normal subjects (N), 35 patients with benign lung diseases (B), 28 patients with untreated advanced lung cancer (NT) and 10 patients with treated lung cancer (T). In addition, we measured the VEGF levels in pleural effusions from five patients with primary lung cancer and two patients with active infectious diseases. Vascular endothelial growth factor was measured by ELISA. Results: The mean (±SD) plasma VEGF level in NT patients (160.8 ± 177.4 pg/mL) was fivefold higher than that in other patient groups (T, 17.7 ± 4.9 pg/mL; B, 28.3 ± 17.6 pg/mL) and the N group (14.9 ± 7.0 pg/mL; P < 0.01). Vascular endothelial growth factor from lung cancer pleural effusions (17 526.0 ± 22 498.2 pg/mL) was 25-fold higher than that from patients with active infectious diseases (665.5 ± 259.0 pg/mL). Conclusions: Plasma VEGF may be a good clinical indicator for the assessment of primary lung cancer and pleural effusion VEGF in primary lung cancer is higher than pleural effusion VEGF in patients with inflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of long-term prostaglandin E[sub 1] (PGE[sub 1]) aerosol was investigated in rats with chronic pulmonary hypertension induced by monocrotaline (MCT). Six-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were separated into groups of 6 and administered 1 mL of saline (group A) or 60 mg / kg of MCT. The MCT-treated mice were then administered either nothing (group B) or 5 mL of PGE[sub 1] (4 µg/mL) via a nebulizer every day for 1 week (group C), 2 weeks (group D), 3 weeks (group E), or 4 weeks (group F) after MCT injection. The pulmonary artery medial wall thickness was measured and the weight ratio of the right ventricle to the intraventricular septum plus the left ventricle (RV ratio) was determined 1 month after saline or MCT injection. Leukocytes positive for the activation markers CD18, CD49d, CD62L were determined in each group every week for 1 month. The pulmonary artery medial wall thickness and RV ratio gradually decreased in proportion to the duration of PGE[sub 1] inhalation. In groups E and F, the level of CD62L-positive leukocytes gradually decreased after MCT injection in proportion to the duration of PGE[sub 1] inhalation. We conclude that long-term inhalation of PGE[sub 1] is very useful therapy in chronic pulmonary hypertension and that the antileukocyte effect of PGE[sub 1] is associated with the suppression of CD62L-positive leukocytes at an early stage of progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of leukocytes (WBCs) and platelets (PLTs) in the pulmonary circulation may be important in the development of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary hypertension in rats. We investigated the suppressive effects of long-term prostaglandin E[sub 1] (PGE[sub 1] ) aerosol on the changes in WBCs and PLTs in the peripheral blood and the pulmonary microvasculature during the development of chronic pulmonary hypertension in MCT rats by real-time confocal scanning laser microscopy. The number of WBCs and PLTs in peripheral blood did not significantly change by inhalation of PGE[sub 1] . The number of WBCs and PLTs sequestered in the pulmonary microvasculature of rats subjected PGE[sub 1] inhalation immediately after MCT injection rats with (MCT plus PGE[sub 1] inhalation) significantly decreased from 1 to 4 weeks compared to rats not subjected to PGE[sub 1] inhalation (p < 0.01). The pulmonary systolic arterial pressure and the weight ratio of the right ventricle to the intraventricular septum plus the left ventricle (RV/IVS + LV weight ratio or RV weight ratio) in rats with MCT plus PGE[sub 1] inhalation significantly decreased compared to rats not subjected to PGE[sub 1] inhalation (p < 0.01). The levels of peripheral CD62L-positive WBCs in rats with MCT plus PGE[sub 1] inhalation significantly decreased from 1 to 2 weeks compared to rats not subjected to PGE[sub 1] inhalation, but the levels of peripheral CD18 and CD49d-positive WBCs did not significantly change. We conclude that long-term inhalation of PGE[sub 1] is a very useful therapy in chronic pulmonary hypertension, and the mechanism of suppressing pulmonary hypertension is associated with suppressive effects on sequestered WBCs, especially CD62-positive WBCs and PLTs in the pulmonary microvasculature.Copyright © 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:In seven patients with systemic sclerosis (SS), we evaluated the clinical effectiveness of oral administration of saprogrelate hydrochloride (SH: 300 mg/day) for 2 months on Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) and respiratory failure estimated by Hugh-Jones classification. Methodology:We evaluated laboratory data (arterial blood gas (pH, PaO2 and PaCO2), pulmonary function tests (%VC, FEV1/FVC and %DLco), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), white blood cell count, C-reactive protein and the plasma levels of fibrinopeptide A (FPA), β-thrombogloblin (β-TG), platelet factor 4 (PF4) and thrombomodulin (TM)) before and after SH administration. Results:The frequency and duration of RP, as well as the coldness, numbness and pain of RP were significantly decreased after SH administration (P < 0.05, P < 0.01 and P < 0.001). Respiratory failure estimated by Hugh-Jones classification was also significantly decreased after SH administration (P < 0.05), and the %DLco was significantly increased (P < 0.01). The mPAP decreased significantly after SH administration (P < 0.05). Plasma FPA, β-TG and PF4 significantly decreased after administration (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). Conclusions:SH therapy could prevent RP and respiratory failure in patients with SS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:Intravascular ultrasound has the unique ability to provide cross-sectional images of the arterial wall. This study examined intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images of the proximal pulmonary arteries in primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH). Methodology: Study 1: Specimens from four patients who had died of PPH (in vitro PPH group) were compared with those of three patients who had died of subarachnoid haemorrhage but had no evidence of cardiopulmonary disease (in vitro control group). Three-centimetre segments of the following levels were examined by IVUS: pulmonary trunk, eight secondary branch arteries of the upper, middle, and lower lobes of both lungs, and the thoracic descending aorta. Study 2: Four patients with PPH (in vivo PPH group) and five patients without pulmonary hypertension and no evidence of cardiopulmonary disease (in vivo control group) were examined. The IVUS images of the apical segmental artery of the right upper lobe and the descending branch of the right pulmonary artery were studied. Results: Echographic examination of formalin-fixed preparations of secondary branch sections of the pulmonary artery failed to show a clear three-layer structure in the in vitro control group (24 preparations), but a distinct three-layer structure and increased vessel wall thickness were observed in the in vitro PPH group (32 preparations). Similar findings were obtained in the in vivo study. The mean echo density of the proximal pulmonary arterial wall correlated well with the mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPA) in the in vitro PPH, and also correlated with the mPA in the in vivo study (r = 0.960, P < 0.0001). The echo intensity of secondary branch sections of the pulmonary artery was higher in the in vitro PPH group than in the in vitro control group (180.5 ± 27.0 vs 132.5 ± 26.7 counts, P < 0.001); similar results were obtained in the in vivo study (144.7 ± 23.4 vs 85.0 ± 14.3 counts, P < 0.01). Conclusions: These results suggest that the histological changes detected in the pulmonary artery walls in the PPH group were responsible for the increased echo intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An oxygen concentrator that can be powered by a car battery was clinically evaluated. The oxygen concentrator was used on a 67-year-old man with sequelae of pulmonary tuberculosis who was receiving long-term home oxygen therapy (HOT) after long-term use of 4.7 years. His work required automobile trips over long distances. The equipment used was an adsorption-type oxygen concentrator capable of operating on a DC 12 V power supply, which could be powered from a residential power outlet (AC 100 V) using a dedicated voltage converter. Using this equipment, he was capable of driving himself in comfort for 2 hours or longer, over a period of 4 years. Furthermore, it was possible to stay in a hotel during a trip, inhaling oxygen generated by the equipment. Hereafter, this equipment should enable or facilitate long-distance driving, travel and lodging for HOT patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]