Search

Purpose: Symptomatic narcolepsy is characterized as low orexin (hypocretin) levels (≤ 110 pg/ml) due to neurological diseases. However, we have experienced the cases that show symptoms similar to narcolepsy, complaining of pathological sleepiness even in cases with intermediate orexin levels (110-200 pg/ml). Therefore, we reevaluated the previously reported cases to make the concept of disease to the group in which the orexin concentration is intermediate.Methods: Although orexin-deficient symptomatic narcolepsy has been reported worldwide, facilities that are capable of measuring orexin are still limited. Currently, our laboratory handles with almost all the CSF samples from Asian countries for determining orexin levels. We measured over 2500 cases including 182 cases suspected of symptomatic narcolepsy/hypersomnolence. Therefore, we subdivided these cases into three groups according to CSF orexin levels, low orexin group (≤ 110 pg/ml), intermediate orexin group (110-200 pg/ml), and normal orexin group (> 200 pg/ml). We defined "symptomatic hypersomnia" for hypersomnolence cases with intermediate CSF orexin levels. MSLT was recommended but not necessary. Short sleep latency (< 8 min) without SOREMPs should be observed on MSLT when performed. We compared symptoms (excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy) and objective measures (mean sleep latency and number of SOREMPs in MSLT) among the three groups, attempting to characterize the "symptomatic hypersomnia" group.Result: Among the 182 cases with clinical hypersomnolence, there were 32 cases of symptomatic narcolepsy (16%) and 14 cases of symptomatic hypersomnia (8%). Causative diseases of symptomatic narcolepsy cases consist of immune-mediated demyelinating disorders (34%) and neurodegenerations (19%), whereas those of symptomatic hypersomnia are immune-mediated demyelinating disorders (43%) and encephalopathies (14%). Significant differences were not found between orexin levels and the existence of cataplexy, SOREMPs, and short sleep latency among three hypersomnolence groups. From these results, we found that it is difficult to estimate orexin concentration from subjective symptoms and PSG/MSLT findings.Conclusion: We identified that 32 symptomatic narcolepsy and 14 cases of symptomatic hypersomnolence with intermediate CSF orexin levels. We proposed these latter cases as a novel category of "symptomatic hypersomnia". Currently, symptomatic hypersomnia cases with intermediate orexin levels or short sleep latency (< 8 min) without SOREMPs were not classified as a specific entity. However, symptomatic hypersomnia had similar severity of hypersomnolence symptoms to symptomatic narcolepsy. Therefore, these cases including equivalent pathophysiology are enough to make a comparable category as "symptomatic hypersomnia". Since it is difficult to estimate the orexin concentration from subjective symptoms and physiological findings (PSG/MSLT), further studies for the characterization of "symptomatic hypersomnia" and understanding its pathophysiology are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: The infundibular recess (IR), commonly illustrated as a V-shaped hollow in the sagittal view, is recognized as a small extension of the third ventricle into the pituitary stalk. The precise morphology of the human IR is unknown. The present study sought to delineate the morphology of the IR using magnetic resonance imaging. Materials and Methods: Subjects included 100 patients without acute cerebral infarcts, intracranial hemorrhage, intrasellar or suprasellar cysts, hydrocephalus, inflammatory disease, or brain tumors. Patients with symptoms of increased intracranial pressure, intracranial hypotension, or pituitary dysfunction were excluded. Thin-sliced, seamless T2-weighted sequences involving the optic chiasm, entire pituitary stalk, and pituitary gland were performed in axial and sagittal planes for each patient. The numbers of slices delineating the pituitary stalk and IR were recorded from the axial images and quantified as ratios. Results: The pituitary stalk consistently appeared as a styloid- or cone-shaped structure with variable inclinations toward the third ventricle floor. The IR was delineated as a smoothly tapering, tubular extension of the third ventricle located in the central portion of the pituitary stalk. In 81 % of patients, the IR passed through the entire length of the pituitary stalk and reached the upper surface of the pituitary gland, which was identified in 40 % of the midsagittal images. Conclusions: The IR is a cerebrospinal fluid-filled canal passing through the center of the pituitary stalk and connects the third ventricle to the pituitary gland. It may function in conjunction with the pituitary gland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Whether proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) relieve heartburn or precordial pain after endoscopic resection (ER) for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of PPI therapy for these symptoms after ER for ESCC.Methods: We conducted a multicenter prospective randomized controlled trial among 15 hospitals in Japan. In total, 229 patients with cT1a ESCC were randomly assigned to receive PPI therapy for 5 weeks after ER (the PPI group, n = 115) or follow-up without PPI therapy (the non-PPI group, n = 114). The primary end point was the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-like symptoms after ER from a self-reported questionnaire (Frequency Scale for Symptoms of GERD). Secondary end points were ulcer healing rate at 5 weeks, incidence of pain, improvement rate of symptoms in those who started PPI therapy because of GERD-like symptoms in the non-PPI group, and adverse events.Results: No significant difference was observed in the incidence of GERD-like symptoms after ER between the non-PPI and PPI groups (30 % vs 34 %, respectively). No significant differences were observed in the ulcer healing rate at 5 weeks (84 % vs 85 %) and incidence of pain within 1 week (36 % vs 45 %). In nine of ten patients (90 %) who started PPI therapy because of GERD-like symptoms in the non-PPI group, PPI administration relieved GERD-like symptoms. No adverse events related to PPI administration were observed.Conclusion: PPI therapy is not efficacious in reducing symptoms and did not promote healing of ulcers in patients undergoing ER for ESCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Global hypomethylation has been suggested to cause genomic instability and lead to an increased risk of cancer. We examined the association between the global methylation level of peripheral blood leukocyte DNA and breast cancer among Japanese women.Methods: We conducted a hospital-based case-control study of 384 patients aged 20-74 years with newly diagnosed, histologically confirmed invasive breast cancer, and 384 matched controls from medical checkup examinees in Nagano, Japan. Global methylation levels in leukocyte DNA were measured by LUminometric Methylation Assay. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between global hypomethylation and breast cancer were estimated using a logistic regression model.Results: Compared with women in the highest tertile of global methylation level, ORs for the second and lowest tertiles were 1.87 (95% CI=1.20-2.91) and 2.86 (95% CI=1.85-4.44), respectively. Global methylation levels were significantly lower in cases than controls, regardless of the hormone receptor status of the cancer (all P values for trend <0.05).Interpretation: These findings suggest that the global methylation level of peripheral blood leukocyte DNA is low in patients with breast cancer and may be a potential biomarker for breast cancer risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The ability to suppress soil nitrification through the release of nitrification inhibitors from plant roots is termed 'biological nitrification inhibition' (BNI). Here, we aimed at the quantification and characterization of the BNI function in sorghum that includes inhibitor production, their chemical identity, functionality and factors regulating their release. Methods: Sorghum was grown in solution culture and root exudate was collected using aerated NHCl solutions. A bioluminescence assay using recombinant Nitrosomonas europaea was employed to determine the BNI activity. Activity-guided chromatographic fractionation was used to isolate biological nitrification inhibitors (BNIs). The chemical structure was analyzed using NMR and mass spectrometry; pH-stat systems were deployed to analyze the role of rhizosphere pH on BNIs release. Results: Sorghum roots released two categories of BNIs: hydrophilic- and hydrophobic-BNIs. The release rates for hydrophilic- and hydrophobic- BNIs ranged from 10 to 25 ATU g root dwt. d. Addition of hydrophilic BNIs (10 ATU g soil) significantly inhibited soil nitrification (40 % inhibition) during a 30-d incubation test. Two BNI compounds isolated are: sakuranetin (ED 0.6 μM; isolated from hydrophilic-BNIs fraction) and sorgoleone (ED 13.0 μM; isolated from hydrophobic-BNIs fraction), which inhibited Nitrosomonas by blocking AMO and HAO enzymatic pathways. The BNIs release required the presence of NH in the root environment and the stimulatory effect of NH lasted 24 h. Unlike the hydrophobic-BNIs, the release of hydrophilic-BNIs declined at a rhizosphere pH >5.0; nearly 80 % of hydrophilic-BNI release was suppressed at pH ≥7.0. The released hydrophilic-BNIs were functionally stable within a pH range of 5.0 to 9.0. Sakuranetin showed a stronger inhibitory activity (ED 0.2 μM) than methyl 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate (MHPP) (ED 100 μM) (isolated from hydrophilic-BNIs fraction) in the in vitro culture-bioassay, but the activity was non-functional and ineffective in the soil-assay. Conclusions: There is an urgent need to identify sorghum genetic stocks with high potential to release functional-BNIs for suppressing nitrification and to improve nitrogen use efficiency in sorghum-based production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has a major role in cancer progression, as well as normal organ development and human pathology such as organ fibrosis and wound healing. Here, we performed a gene expression array specialized in EMT of colorectal cancer (CRC). From a comprehensive gene expression analysis using epithelial- and mesenchymal-like CRC cell lines, and following the ontology (GO) analysis, SIX1 gene was identified to be an EMT-related gene in CRC. Using SW480 cells stably transfected with a SIX1 expression construct and their control counterparts, we demonstrated that SIX1 overexpression represses CDH1 expression and promotes EMT in CRC. SIX1-induced CDH1 repression and EMT in CRC cells were correlated at least in part with posttranscriptional ZEB1 activation and miR-200-family transcriptional repression. In primary tumors of CRC, in accord with the functional findings, aberrant expression of SIX1 in cancer cells was observed at the disruption of the basement membrane and at the tumor invasive front, where tumor cells underwent EMT in vivo. Taken together, SIX1 overexpression is suggested to occur in carcinogenesis, and contribute to repression of CDH1 expression and promotion of EMT partly through repression of miR-200-family expression and activation of ZEB1 in CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anisotropic diffractive gratings formed by birefringent molecular alignment are fabricated by a holographic technique using a photo-cross-linkable liquid crystalline copolymer (PLCCP). Depending on the exposure energy used for holographic recording, bright or dark regions of the interference fringe can be chosen for the molecular-aligned region, analogous to positive- and negative-type photoresist processing in photolithography. In conjunction with simultaneously generated surface relief gratings, the anisotropic refractive index modulation inherent in the PLCCP film exhibits different diffraction properties depending on the incident beam polarization. The anisotropic refractive index grating profiles are quantitatively presented for two cases determined by the exposure energy, based on the Fourier analysis of diffractive optics. The selection of different grating formations selected by varying only the exposure energy could provide a strategy for the fabrication of functionalized diffractive optical elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has a crucial role in normal and disease processes including tumor progression. In this study, we first classified epithelial-like and mesenchymal-like oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines based on expression profiles of typical EMT-related genes using a panel of 18 OSCC cell lines. Then, we performed methylation-based and expression-based analyses of components of the Wnt signaling pathway, and identified WNT7A and WNT10A as genes silenced by mesenchymal-specific DNA hypermethylation in OSCCs. A significant association was revealed between some clinicopathological findings and the DNA methylation status of WNT7A (normal vs tumor, P=0.007; T1-2 vs T3-4, P=0.040; I-III vs IV, P=0.016) and WNT10A (N0-N1 vs N2-N3, P=0.046) in the advanced stages of OSCC. Moreover, we found that E-cadherin expression in cancer cells may be positively regulated by WNT7A, whose expression is negatively regulated by mesenchymal-specific DNA hypermethylation or ZEB1 in mesenchymal-like OSCC cells. Our findings indicate that epithelial-specific gene silencing through mesenchymal-specific DNA hypermethylation may stabilize the phenotypic plasticity of cancer cells during EMT/MET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between human diseases caused by infection with Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157 strains and O157 strains isolated from cattle was investigated in an area where stockbreeding is prolific. For this purpose, the stx genotypes, the molecular epidemiological characteristics of 268 STEC O157 strains including 211 human-origin strains and 57 cattle-origin strains, and clinical manifestations of 210 STEC-infected people were analyzed. Of 211 human-origin strains, 92 strains (44%) were of the stx1/stx2 genotype, and 74 strains (35%) were of the stx2c genotype. Most of the people infected with stx2c genotype strains presented no symptoms or mild symptoms such as slight diarrhea, except for 3 patients with bloody diarrhea. Of the 57 cattle-origin strains, 27 strains (47%) were of the stx2c genotype and 17 strains (30%) were of the stx1/stx2 genotype. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and insertion sequence (IS) analysis demonstrated that 11 isolates (41%) of the 27 cattle isolates of the stx2c genotype had high homology (>95% identity) with human isolates. These results suggest that some genetic patterns of the stx2c genotype strains might be preserved in cattle or their surrounding environment for several years, and during these periods, they might have opportunities to infect people through various routes. Because of the mild virulence of the stx2c genotype strains, they seemed to be transmitted asymptomatically from cattle to humans and then spread from person to person. It may be a public health concern. Further, they occasionally cause severe symptoms in humans; therefore, caution is warranted for infections by stx2c genotype O157 strains, in addition to stx2-possessing genotype O157 strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tropical pasture grass, Brachiaria humidicola (Rendle) Schweick, produces nitrification inhibitory compounds (termed biological nitrification inhibitors or BNIs) in its shoot and root tissues and releases BNIs from its roots. In the present study, two BNI compounds were isolated and identified from the shoot tissue of B. humidicola using activity-guided fractionation. The recombinant Nitrosomonas europaea containing luxAB genes derived from the bioluminescent marine gram-negative bacterium Vibrio harveyi, were used to determine BNI activity. The BNI compounds in the shoot tissue were identified as linoleic acid (LA) and linolenic acid (LN) using authentic-chemicals obtained from ©Sigma (ED80 16.0 μg ml−1 for both LA and LN) for verification. None of the other tested free fatty acids namely stearic acid, oleic acid, arachidonic acid, and cis-vaccenic acid showed any inhibitory effect on nitrification. Among the fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) evaluated [methyl oleate, methyl linoleate (LA-ME) and methyl linoleneate (LN-ME)], only LA-ME showed an inhibitory effect (ED80 8.0 μg ml−1). The inhibitory effect of LA, LN and LA-ME in the soil was stable for 120 days at 20°C. Soil treated with LA, LN and LA-ME showed a very low accumulation of NO3 − and the maintenance of soil inorganic N in the NH4 + form. The inhibitory effect of LA-ME on soil nitrification was greater than that of LA or LN. In addition to BNI activity, both LA and LA-ME showed a suppressive effect on urea hydrolysis in soil. Both LA and LN blocked the AMO (ammonia monooxygenase) and HAO (hydroxylamino oxidoreductase) enzymatic pathways in Nitrosomonas. Since LA and LN can be produced from vegetable oils such as soybean, flax or sunflower, they have the potential for use as nitrification inhibitors in production agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new sampling calorimeter using very thin scintillators and the multi-pixel photon counter (MPPC) has been proposed to produce better position resolution for the international linear collider (ILC) experiment. As part of this R&D study, small plastic scintillators of different sizes, thickness and wrapping reflectors are systematically studied. The scintillation light due to beta rays from a collimated 90Sr source are collected from the scintillator by wavelength-shifting (WLS) fiber and converted into electrical signals at the PMT. The wrapped scintillator that gives the best light yield is determined by comparing the measured pulse height of each 10 x 40 x 2 mm strip scintillator covered with 3M reflective mirror film, teflon, white paint, black tape, gold, aluminum and white paint+teflon. The pulse height dependence on position, length and thickness of the 3M reflective mirror film and teflon wrapped scintillators are measured. Results show that the 3M radiant mirror film-wrapped scintillator has the greatest light yield with an average of 9.2 photoelectrons. It is observed that light yield slightly increases with scintillator length, but increases to about 100% when WLS fiber diameter is increased from 1.0 mm to 1.6 mm. The position dependence measurement along the strip scintillator showed the uniformity of light transmission from the sensor to the PMT. A dip across the strip is observed which is 40% of the maximum pulse height. The block type scintillator pulse height, on the other hand, is found to be almost proportional to scintillator thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of flexible endoscopy by a single endoscopist in the therapy of foreign body ingestion was assessed at an adult urban emergency hospital. Fifty-one adult patients with upper GI foreign body ingestion treated at Detroit Receiving Hospital from 1988 to 2004 were identified. Endoscopic and hospital medical records were reviewed to evaluate etiology, treatment, and outcomes for these patients. The etiology was related to eating in 38(75%) patients, most of whom were eating meat; phytobezoars were seen in four, often after previous upper GI surgery. True foreign bodies were found in 13 patients (25%) and included a screwdriver, a ballpoint pen, spoons, coat hanger pieces, batteries, and latex gloves. Dysphagia was the most common symptom (75%); pain was common in patients with true foreign bodies, and 62% of this group had psychiatric difficulties or problems with drug abuse. Nearly 80% of the food-related group had post-surgical or other upper GI pathology. One patient had an esophageal stricture secondary to previous Sengstaken-Blakemore tube insertion. Flexible endoscopy was successful in extracting the foreign body in almost all (49) patients, with snare extraction the most common therapeutic modality. Both failures were of true foreign bodies that could not be safely removed. In one of these cases, it became necessary to employ the gallstone lithotripter, and the overtube was required in patients with metallic or sharp foreign bodies to protect the upper aerodigestive structures. Most upper GI foreign bodies are related to food impaction, with meat most often found. Underlying pathology is the rule and should be dealt with immediately. Flexible endoscopy is the treatment of choice for upper GI foreign body removal with near perfect success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Helicobacter pylori infection are major causes of gastric mucosal lesions. In Japan, histamine-2 receptor antagonists are frequently prescribed, but the literature regarding their efficacy is limited. In this study, we compare the effects of famotidine and rebamipide on NSAID-associated gastric mucosal lesions using upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.Methods: This study examined 112 patients taking NSAIDs for either gastric hemorrhage or erosion. Before treatment, the patients were assessed by endoscopy. Using blind randomization, patients were divided into two groups: group F (famotidine, 20 mg/day) and group R (rebamipide, 300 mg/day). Efficacy was examined 4 weeks later using endoscopy.Results: After treatment, the Lanza score decreased significantly in group F (P < 0.001) but not in group R (P = 0.478). The change in the Lanza score in group F was significantly greater (P = 0.002) than that in group R.Conclusions: Famotidine was superior to rebamipide in treating NSAID-associated mucosal lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/hypothesis: Resistin and the resistin-like molecules (RELMs) comprise a novel class of cysteine- rich proteins. Among the RELMs, RELMβ and RELMγ are produced in non-adipocyte tissues, but the regulation of their expression and their physiological roles are largely unknown. We investigated in mice the tissue distribution and dimer formation of RELMβ and RELMγ and then examined whether their serum concentrations and tissue expression levels are related to insulin resistance. Methods: Specific antibodies against RELMβ and RELMγ were generated. Dimer formation was examined using COS cells and the colon. RELMβ and RELMγ tissue localisation and expression levels were analysed by an RNase protection assay, immunoblotting and immunohistochemical study. Serum concentrations in high-fat-fed and db/db mice were also measured using the specific antibodies. Results: The intestinal tract produces RELMβ and RELMγ, and colonic epithelial cells in particular express both RELMβ and RELMγ. In addition, RELMβ and RELMγ were shown to form a homodimer and a heterodimer with each other, in an overexpression system using cultured cells, and in mouse colon and serum. Serum RELMβ and RELMγ levels in high-fat-fed mice were markedly higher than those in mice fed normal chow. Serum RELMβ and RELMγ concentrations were also clearly higher in db/db mice than in lean littermates. Tissue expression levels revealed that elevated serum concentrations of RELMβ and RELMγ are attributable to increased production in the colon and bone mar- row. Conclusions/interpretation: RELMβ and RELMγ form homo/heterodimers, which are secreted into the circulation. Serum concentrations of RELMβ and RELMγ may be a novel intestinal-tract-mediating regulator of insulin sensitivity, possibly involved in insulin resistance induced by obesity and a high-fat diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-stage explicit Runge-Kutta type methods using derivatives for the system y′(t) = f( y( t)), y( t 0) = y 0 are considered. Derivatives in the first stage have the standard form, but in the second stage, they have the form included in the limiting formula. The κth-order Taylor series method uses derivatives f∼’, f∼",..., f ( κ−1) Though the values of derivatives can be easily obtained by using automatic differentiation, the cost increases proportional to square of the order of differentiation. Two-stage methods considered here use the derivatives up to f (κ−3) in the first stage and f, f∼’ in the second stage. They can achieve κth-order accuracy and construct embedded formula for the error estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/hypothesis. Oxidative stress is associated with diabetes, hypertension and atherosclerosis. Insulin resistance is implicated in the development of these disorders. We tested the hypothesis that oxidative stress induces insulin resistance in rats, and endeavoured to identify mechanisms linking the two. Methods. Buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), an inhibitor of glutathione synthase, was administered to Sprague-Dawley rats and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Glucose metabolism and insulin signalling both in vivo and in 3T3-L1 adipocytes were examined. In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, the effects of overexpression of a dominant negative mutant of inhibitory κB (IκB), one role of which is to block oxidative-stress-induced nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation, were investigated. Results. In rats given BSO for 2 weeks, the plasma lipid hydroperoxide level doubled, indicating increased oxidative stress. A hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp study and a glucose transport assay using isolated muscle and adipocytes revealed insulin resistance in BSO-treated rats. BSO treatment also impaired insulin-induced glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In BSO-treated rat muscle, adipose tissue and 3T3-L1 adipocytes, insulin-induced IRS-1 phosphorylation in the low-density microsome (LDM) fraction was specifically decreased, while that in whole cell lysates was not altered, and subsequent translocation of phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase from the cytosol and the LDM fraction was disrupted. BSO-induced impairments of insulin action and insulin signalling were reversed by overexpressing the dominant negative mutant of IκB, thereby suppressing NF-κB activation. Conclusions/interpretation. Oxidative stress induces insulin resistance by impairing IRS-1 phosphorylation and PI 3-kinase activation in the LDM fraction, and NF-κB activation is likely to be involved in this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to elucidate the incidence and natural course of abdominal abscess complicating Crohn's disease (CD). Methods: Of 352 patients with CD who were observed at our hospital between 1985 and October 2001, we studied 35 patients (9.9%) with abscesses in the mid-abdominal region (the abdominal wall, peritoneal cavity, retroperitoneum, and subphrenic region). Results: The cumulative incidence of complication with an abscess was 9% and 25%, respectively, 10 and 20 years after CD onset. Of the 35 CD patients with abscess, 60% had had surgery by the time of the present study. The age when the abscess developed was 30.1 +/- 8.1 years, and the duration of illness from the onset of CD until development of an abscess was 10.8 +/- 6.3 years (range, 0-29 years). The location of involvement was: abdominal wall, n = 14 (40%); peritoneal cavity, n = 10 (29%); retroperitoneum or iliopsoas, n = 9 (26%); and subphrenic region, n = 2 (6%). In terms of location of abscess, it occurred most often on the right side (65.7%). Almost all abscesses occurred near the site of an anastomosis. Diseased segments of the bowel responsible for abscess formation were categorized radiographically as showing mild stenosis (6.5%), intermediate stenosis and/or simple fistula (41.9%), and severe stenosis and/or multiple fistulas (51.6%). Conservative treatment (including drainage of abscess) alone was effective in 7 patients (20%) and surgery was needed in 28 patients (80%). During the 5.3-year follow-up after treatment for the abdominal abscess, 9 of the 35 patients (26%) had recurrence of an abscess, mostly within 3 years. Conclusions: Abscess formation was noted in about 10% of patients with CD, with 46% of abscesses occurring in a diseased bowel segment near an anastomotic site. Of the diseased bowel segments responsible for abscess formation, half had neither severe stenosis nor multiple fistulas. Almost all patients underwent surgery for the abscess, and, in more than a quarter of the patients, there was recurrence within a few years after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Crohn's colitis, frequently accompanied by stenosis or narrowing, can be difficult to assess through conventional methods. We evaluated the usefulness of virtual computed tomographic colonography (CTC) for the detection of colonic lesions due to Crohn's disease.Methods: Forty-two lesions in 33 patients with Crohn's disease were examined by CTC and barium enema (BE). Twenty-two patients also were examined by colonoscopy (CS). The visualization ability of CTC was compared with those of the other two methods.Results: In the visualization of elevated lesions, there was no significant difference between CTC and BE (18 of 20, p = 0.487) or between CTC and CS (15 of 16, p = 0.99); however, ulcerative lesions were less often visualized by CTC. However, CTC enabled identification of serious lesions in the colon proximal to the stenosis in nine patients and was superior to BE and CS in terms of its ability to visualize the proximal site of the stenosis (p = 0.003).Conclusion: CTC is clinically useful for the evaluation of Crohn's colitis, especially those with stenotic lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predispositions to essential hypertension and cardiovascular diseases are possibly associated with gene polymorphisms of the renin-angiotensin system. Gene polymorphisms of angiotensinogen and angiotensin- converting enzyme genes have been suggested to be risk factors for hypertension and myocardial infarction. Concerning the polymorphism of aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) gene, earlier studies have shown inconsistent results in terms of its relation to hypertension. In the present case-control study, we investigated the association of -344T/C polymorphism in the promoter region of human CYP11B2 gene with genetic predisposition to hypertension. The genotype of -344T/C polymorphism was determined in essential hypertension subjects (n=250) and normotensive subjects (n=221). The distributions of three genotypes (TT, TC, and CC) were significantly different between the hypertensive and the normotensive groups (???[SUP2] = 9.61, P = 0.008). Namely, the frequency of C allele was higher in the hypertensive patients than in the normotensive subjects (34.2 vs 26.5%, P=0.010). Our data suggest that the -344C allele of CYP11B2 gene polymorphism is associated with the genetic predisposition to develop essential hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the measurement of tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) immunoreactivity as a pre-synaptic marker and serotonin receptor 2A (5HT2A receptor) density as a post-synaptic marker in the serotonergic system in 10 postmorten brains of suicide victims. Examination whether TPH gene polymorphism could affect TPH immunoreactivity and 5HT2A receptor gene polymorphism could affect 5HT2A receptor density in 28 postmortem brain samples.

Unlabelled: Magnetic response imaging has demonstrated increased signal intensities within the basal ganglia in patients with hepatic encephalopathy; the densities are considered to represent manganese deposition. We measured whole blood manganese concentrations in nine children with congenital portosystemic venous shunts detected by screening tests for galactosaemia. Beyond 1 year of age, these patients showed significantly higher manganese concentrations than controls (2.40 +/- 0.43 versus 1.48 +/- 0.38 micrograms/dl; P = 0.0001). Four of the nine patients were studied by magnetic response imaging. T1-weighted images showed increased signal intensities in the basal ganglia of those four patients, suggesting manganese accumulation.Conclusion: Children with congenital portosystemic venous shunts showed manganese elevations in blood and magnetic response imaging changes in the basal ganglia. These children should avoid excessive manganese intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which found that G649, an allelic variant of the human histamine receptor with low basal activity, is resistant to upregulation upon antagonist exposure. Method of the study; Results and discussion; Conclusion.

Genes for dimeric and tetrameric human metallothionein (hMT) were designed and successfully overexpressed in Escherichia coli to generate functional oligomeric hMTs. An hMT synthesized with prokaryotic codons, a linker encoding a gly-gly-gly tripeptide, and Met-deficient hMT-II was ligated to create a dimeric hMT, from which a tetrameric hMT was then constructed. The increased molecular size of the constructs resulted in improved stability and productivity in E. coli. The oligomeric proteins formed inclusion bodies which were dissolved with dithiothreitol, and the purified apo-metallothioneins were reconstituted with Cd or Zn ions in a reducing condition. The oligomeric hMT proteins incubated with Cd ions showed a typical Cd-thiolate absorbance peak at 245–255 nm. The dimeric and tetrameric hMT proteins exhibited both Cd and Zn binding activities that were respectively two and four times higher than those of the hMT-II monomer protein. These novel oligomeric hMTs may be useful in bioremediation for heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract. We simultaneously determined complex electro-optic coefficients and the thickness change of the poled polymer in the electric-field modulation measurements using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. The different ratios of the real and imaginary parts of the complex electro-optic coefficients are explained in terms of the detuning energy. The thickness change increased at the resonance frequency of the sample with sandwich structure and the resonance frequency strongly depended on the weight of the glass substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present our clinical experience with dynamic contrast-enhanced MR angiography (MRA) with subtraction for assessing intracranial vascular abnormalities. Ten patients with various cerebrovascular disorders underwent dynamic contrast-enhanced MRA on a 1.0-T system. Thirty sections (2 mm) were acquired in 29-30 s. Maximum intensity projection images and subtracted source images were compared with those obtained by conventional angiography. In all cases, the presence or absence of abnormalities in the targeted vessels, as well as the morphology of the sagittal sinuses, was clearly visualized as in conventional angiography, without any obstructions such as hyperintense hematomas or thrombi, or intraluminal turbulence. Although the temporal and spatial resolutions with current hardware are insufficient, these preliminary results suggest that dynamic contrast-enhanced MRA with subtraction may be useful for assessing vascular lesions with hemorrhage or thrombus, and the dural sinuses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The odontoclast, which is morphologically similar to osteoclast, is thought to play a major role in root resorption of deciduous teeth. High collagenolytic activity has been detected in the root resorbing tissue. In order to identify collagenase-producing cells and the role of collagenase in root resorption of deciduous tooth, in situ hybridization of collagenase mRNA in bovine root-resorbing tissue sections was performed using a digoxigenin-labeled, nonradioactive RNA probe. Collagenase mRNA expression was clearly observed in odontoclasts in addition to the macrophages, fibroblasts, odontoblasts, and cementoblasts. Multinuclear odontoclasts showed intense tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity. We also examined interleukin-1 (IL-1) mRNA expression in the root-resorbing tissue by in situ hybridization. IL-1 transcripts were found to be expressed in odontoclasts, fibroblasts, and macrophages suggesting that IL-1 might be an important factor for promoting root resorption. These results suggest that the collagenase produced by odontoclasts may play a key role in dentin collagen degradation in root resorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variant of the Robinson property (ROB) is introduced. The property ROB is equivalent to the usual Robinson property and hence is equivalent also to the interpolation property, in any compact logic closed under the Boolean operations. On the other hand, it will be shown that ROB is not always equal to the interpolation property, if a logic is not closed under them. Next, we will study ROB and various interpolation properties for equational logics, which are typical examples of compact logics not closed under the Boolean operations. It will be shown that an equational logic has ROB if and only if it has the amalgamation property for isomorphic embeddings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of morphine-HCl (MOR), methionine-enkephalin (ME) and dynorphin (DYN) on spinal and spino-bulbo-spinal (SBS) reflexes were studied. Although spinal intrathecal administration of MOR (15μg) did not produce any apparent effect on these reflexes, systemically administered MOR (3mg/kg i.v.) reduced the electrical toe stimulation-induced SBS reflex. Furthermore, MOR (3mg/kg i.v.) increased the polysynaptic reflex induced by electrical stimulation of low-threshold dorsal root afferents in intact (non-spinal) rats, but not in spinal rats. Intrathecally administred DYN (0.5 and 5 μg) reduced both the electrical toe stimulation-induced spinal and SBS reflexes, while ME (15μg) only reduced the SBS reflex. These results indicate the physiological multiplicity of spinal opioid receptors. MOR may affect supraspinal nuclei but not the spinal pathway which possesses MOR-sensitive opioid receptors, whereas ME and DYN affect spinal opioid peptide receptors and modulate the reflex activities in which they participate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an avian embryo grows within an eggshell, the whole egg is moved by embryonic activity and also by the embryonic heartbeat. A technical interest in detecting minute biological movements has prompted the development of techniques and systems to measure the cardiogenic ballistic movement of the egg or ballistocardiogram (BCG). In this context, there is interest in using an electromagnetic induction coil (solenoid) as another simple sensor to measure the BCG and examining its possibility for BCG measurement. A small permanent magnet is attached tightly to the surface of an incubated egg, and then the egg with the magnet is placed in a solenoid. Preliminary model analysis is made to design a setup of the egg, magnet and solenoid coupling system. Then, simultaneous measurement with a laser displacement measuring system, developed previously, is made for chicken eggs, indicating that the solenoid detects the minute cardiogenic ballistic movements and that the BCG determined is a measure of the velocity of egg movements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous noninvasive studies of the mean heart rate of embryonic birds have prompted an investigation into the instantaneous heart rate (IHR), which may be informative in developmental studies of cardiac rhythm. Using the acoustocardiogram (ACG), a noninvasive, long-term measuring system for embryonic IHR is developed, and the IHR in chickens during the last half of embryonic development is determined. The system, which uses a micro-computer, samples the ACG at a frequency of 50 Hz, restores the ACG wave by sinc function and calculates the IHR with an error in accuracy of less than 1 beat min-1. It was found that characteristic, transient bradycardia begins to appear late in the second week of incubation, and, with the additional development of transient tachycardia, the embryonic cardiac rhythm becomes more arrhythmic towards hatching. Simultaneous measurements of IHR with somatic movements showed no relationship between arrhythmia and embryonic activities. This system is useful, providing new evidence on long-term IHR developmental patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delivery of 2 μg of cholera toxin (CT), a specific, irreversible activator of adenyl cyclase, via the blood causes dilation of capillaries and stromal edema of the ciliary processes. These morphologic changes occur within 3 h, are maximal at 12 to 24 h, then gradually return to normal by 72 h. In the late phase of hypotony, ultrastructural changes in the ciliary epithelia, similar to Greeff vesicles, are due to a 'paracentesis effect' from hypotony, caused by decreased aqueous flow through the eye. Delivery of 2 μg of the B subunit of CT (Sub-B) causes very mild capillary dilation and stromal edema of ciliary processes. These changes reach their peak at 3 h, then return to normal at 24 h. No significant damage occurred to the pigmented or nonpigmented epithelium with either agent. No hemorrhage, invasion of inflammatory cells or appearance of fibrin exudates in the ciliary processes could be detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two phospholipase A2 (PLA2) isoforms, tentatively denoted as DE-1 and DE-2 PLA2s, were purified from the hepatopancreas of red sea bream (Pagrus major) to near homogeneity by sequential column chromatography on S-Sepharose fast flow, DEAE-Sepharose fast flow and butyl-Cellulofine, and by ion-exchange, gel-filtration and reversed-phase HPLC. The purified DE-1 and DE-2 PLA2s both showed a single band with the apparent molecular mass of approx. 13.5 kDa by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and were found to be both related to group I PLA2 based on the N-terminal amino acid sequences. DE-1 PLA2 had a pH optimum in the alkaline region at around pH 10 and required approximately 10 mM of Ca2+ and 4-10 mM of sodium deoxycholate for its maximal activity, using 2 mM of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine as substrates. DE-2 PLA2 also had a pH optimum in the alkaline region at around pH 8-9 and required >10 mM of Ca2+ and approximately 6 mM of sodium deoxycholate for its maximum activity with 2 mM of phosphatidylcholine as a substrate; its enzymatic activity towards phosphatidylethanolamine was greatly inhibited by the addition of sodium deoxycholate. The results demonstrate that red sea bream hepatopancreas contains two enzymatically distinct group I PLA2 isoforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Colloid & Polymer Science is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Colloid & Polymer Science is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Colloid & Polymer Science is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Colloid & Polymer Science is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Colloid & Polymer Science is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Reported here are the results from two experiments designed to investigate Mateeff and Gourevich's (1983, 1984) claim that adult observers make large constant errors when judging the direction of briefly presented peripheral targets, with respect to a continuously visible scale. Experiment 1 involved a virtually exact duplication of Mateeff and Gourevich's paradigm. Experiment 2 involved adjusting the position of a light emitting diode (LED) so as to match the direction of a LED previously flashed in the periphery. No significant constant errors were found in either experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence of facial vision has been doubted, perhaps because of its identification with dermo-optical perception. To determine whether more credence should be granted to this alleged phenomenon, we studied both blind and sighted people. Ninety-two percent of the partially blind people reported experiencing facial vision, but only 30% of the totally blind people reported the experience. Eighty-five percent of the sighted people also reported experiencing facial vision when a shadow moved across their eyelids. In response to a questionnaire asking about subjective visual experiences, 43% of the sighted people reported seeing as though through a window on their face. The boundaries of two monocular fields mapped by apparent locations of pressure phosphenes agreed with the boundary of the area in which facial vision is experienced. The findings indicate that facial vision can be experienced by both blind and sighted persons and that it can be explained in part by the principles of visual direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soon after Wheatstone published his results obtained with the twelve earliest stereograms. Brewster disputed the result obtained with one of them. This stereogram consisted of a thick vertical line presented to one eye and a thin vertical and thick inclined line to the other. Wheatstone reported seeing depth with this figure but Brewster did not. We conducted three experiments to explore the possible reason for the disagreement. Experiment 1 indicated that the stereogram produces a variety of perceptions including the depth as reported by Wheatstone and the rivalry as reported by Brewster. Experiment 2 showed that Brewster's procedure of keeping the eyes fixed while viewing the stereogram reduces the proportion of subjects reporting depth. In Experiment 3, the top half and the bottom half of the stereogram were presented in different trials. The top of the stereogram that contains no conflicting cues produced reliable depth, but the bottom that does, did not. It is concluded that the difference in the procedures they used and the nature of the stimulus were responsible for the conflicting results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of stereopsis, made possible by the invention of the stereoscope, freed binocular vision from the yoke of monocular phenomena. Wheatstone used this freedom to determine the factors involved in the perception of size and distance, and interpreted them within a cognitive framework. He devised an adjustable stereoscope which allowed him to apply the systematic experimental procedures of physics to the phenomena of depth perception. Brewster, by contrast, tried to force the newly discovered binocular phenomena back into the mould of monocular vision, using the lever of visible direction. His interpretations of visual phenomena, be they monocular or binocular, could be reduced to the two fundamental 'laws' of visible direction and distinct vision. While Wheatstone's cognitive approach influenced Helmholtz, and thereby modern cognitive theorists. Brewster's interpretations, based as they were in analyses of the retinal projection, find an echo in modern direct theorists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhizobium huakuii bv. renge B3, a native symbiont of Astragalus sinicus, outcompeted Rhizobium sp. strain ACMP18, which was isolated from Astragalus cicer nodules, in the formation of root nodules on A.␣sinicus when plants were co-inoculated with these strains. The strains occupying the nodules were identified by antibiotic resistance and phage sensitivity markers and also by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) genomic fingerprintings, which were performed by using enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus sequences. In PCR genomic fingerprintings, the total genomic DNA isolated from pure bacterial culture and from squashed root nodules showed identical profiles, indicating that this technique can be a useful tool for identification of rhizobia in ecological studies. When Rhizobium sp. strain ACMP18 outnumbered R. huakuii bv. renge strain B3 by a factor of ten, and even when strain ACMP18 was added to plants 1 week before bacterization with strain B3, the strain B3 occupied most nodules. Dually infected nodules were not observed, although Rhizobium sp. ACMP18 formed active nodules on A. sinicus when the bacterial strain was inoculated alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a new fabrication method, called ‘two-step ultraviolet exposure’, to prepare anisotropic gratings in photocrosslinkable polymer liquid crystal films. Using the controllability of the reorientation direction of mesogenic molecules, anisotropic phase gratings, in which the mesogenic molecules were periodically modulated in orthogonal directions, were prepared by the use of one grating photomask. The resultant gratings diffract the light and convert the polarization states at the same time, and have applications as diffraction optical devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlabelled: Concentrations of galactose (Gal) in plasma and galactose metabolites in red blood cells (RBC) were determined in 18 normal neonates and 249 others with hypergalactosaemia according to the Paigen method. Normal neonatal values for plasma Gal, RBC galactose-1-phosphate (Gal-1-P), RBC uridine diphosphate glucose (UDP-Glc), and RBC uridine diphosphate galactose (UDP-Gal) were 0.96 +/- 0.71 mg/dl, 1.69 +/- 1.45 mg/dl of packed RBC, 1.00 +/- 0.45 mg/dl of packed RBC, and 1.44 +/- 0.45 mg/dl of packed RBC, respectively. The UDP-Gal concentration was higher and the UDP-Glc concentration lower than previously reported in normal children. Of the 249 cases with excessive Gal in whole blood, 23 showed high Gal concentrations in plasma; among these, four portacaval shunts and one case of congenital biliary atresia were diagnosed. In subjects homozygous or heterozygous for UDP-Gal-4 epimerase deficiency, concentrations of UDP-Gal and Gal-1-P were elevated only in RBC, corresponding to restriction of the metabolic abnormality to these cells. Most cases of hypergalactosaemia detected by the Paigen method have large excesses of Gal-1-P in RBC. Although a specific diagnosis based solely on blood Gal metabolites is difficult, individual concentrations reflect underlying conditions to some extent.Conclusion: In neonates, uridine diphosphate galactose concentrations were higher and uridine diphosphate glucose concentrations were lower than previously reported paediatric values. Patients with high plasma galactose concentrations should be investigated by hepatic imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract. We observed transient signals of Bragg grating formation in high-performance photorefractive high- and low-molar-mass liquid crystal mixtures (HL-LCMs). These transient signals including oscillation-like behavior can be explained by a complex time constant in the case of a finite applied dc field. The time constant for the space-charge field to reach its steady state and the oscillation frequency are estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antiinflammatory activity of a novel pyrrolidone derivative E-5110 was investigated using anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic animal models in comparison to indomethacin (IND) and piroxicam (PIR). The acute antiinflammatory activity of E-5110 on carrageenin paw edema was similar to IND, and half of PIR. E-5110 inhibited the pleural exudate volume and leucocyte infiltration in a reversed passive Arthus reaction more potent than IND. The chronic inflammatory responses in the established adjuvant- and type II collagen-induced arthritis were suppressed by E-5110 similar to IND and PIR. The analgesic potency of E-5110 was similar to IND and PIR, but the antipyretic activity of E-5110 was more potent than that of IND, and slightly more potent than that of PIR. The ulcerogenic effect of E-5110 on rat gastric mucosa was less than that of the reference drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlabelled: To determine whether plasma levels of total bile acids may provide a useful index for hypergalactosaemia due to porto-systemic shunts, these levels were determined in hypergalactosaemic neonates. Increased levels were found in all cases with portohepatic venous or portocaval shunts. The levels of both total bile acids and galactose were normalized when the shunts disappeared on the echograms. Both bile acids and galactose are almost completely absorbed by the liver via the first portal blood passage. Portosystemic shunts contribute to elevated levels of bile acids and galactose.Conclusion: Increased plasma levels of total bile acids serve as a diagnostic clue to the presence of portosystemic shunts in neonates with hypergalactosaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Experientia is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)