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Background: Hemostasis is very important for a safe surgery, particularly in endoscopic surgery. Accordingly, in the last decade, vessel-sealing systems became popular as hemostatic devices. However, their use is limited due to thermal damage to organs, such as intestines and nerves. We developed a new method for safe coagulation using a vessel-sealing system, termed flat coagulation (FC). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of this new FC method compared to conventional coagulation methods. Methods: We evaluated the thermal damage caused by various energy devices, such as the vessel-sealing system (FC method using LigaSure™), ultrasonic scissors (Sonicision™), and monopolar electrosurgery (cut/coagulation/spray/soft coagulation (SC) mode), on porcine organs, including the small intestine and liver. Furthermore, we compared the hemostasis time between the FC method and conventional methods in the superficial bleeding model using porcine mesentery. Results: FC caused less thermal damage than monopolar electrosurgery's SC mode in the porcine liver and small intestine (liver: mean depth of thermal damage, 1.91 ± 0.35 vs 3.37 ± 0.28 mm; p = 0.0015). In the superficial bleeding model, the hemostasis time of FC was significantly shorter than that of electrosurgery's SC mode (mean, 19.54 ± 22.51 s vs 44.99 ± 21.18 s; p = 0.0046). Conclusion: This study showed that the FC method caused less thermal damage to porcine small intestine and liver than conventional methods. This FC method could provide easier and faster coagulation of superficial bleeds compared to that achieved by electrosurgery's SC mode. Therefore, this study motivates for the use of this new method to achieve hemostasis with various types of bleeds involving internal organs during endoscopic surgeries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2-keto-3-deoxy-D-glycero-D-galacto-nononic acid (KDN) is a minor component of sialic acids detected in vertebrates, such as human cancer cells, rat liver, and fish tissues. Although the enzyme activity of KDN-cleaving sialidase (KDN-sialidase) has been detected in rainbow trout, the gene responsible for its expression has not been identified in vertebrates. We evaluated sialidases in human and various fish for their KDN-cleaving activity using an artificial substrate, methylumbelliferyl-KDN (MU-KDN). Four of the human sialidases tested (NEU1, NEU2, NEU3, and NEU4) did not hydrolyze MU-KDN. Although most fish Neu1s showed negligible KDN-sialidase activity, two Neu1b sialidases from Oreochromis niloticus and Astyanax mexicanus, a paralog of Neu1, exhibited a potent KDN-sialidase activity. Further, O. niloticus and Oryzias latipes Neu3a exhibited a drastically high KDN-sialidase activity, while Danio rerio Neu3.1 showed moderate activities and other Neu3 proteins exhibited little activity. All the Neu4 sialidases tested in fish cleaved KDN and Neu5Ac from MU-KDN and MU-Neu5Ac, respectively, with equivalent potential. To our knowledge, this is the first report to identify KDN-sialidase genes in vertebrates and we believe that KDN-sialidase activity could be conserved among fish Neu4s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the photocatalytic activities of graphene oxide-metal ion hybrid namely rGO–M (rGO is reduced graphene oxide and M = Mn2+, Fe3+, Ni2+, Co2+ and Al3+). The hybrids exhibit photocatalytic behavior to split water and generate hydrogen gas under UV light irradiation at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gaze or eye movements are used as a communication interface in daily life. Herein, we developed a simple method for gaze estimations based on planar approximations of voltage ratios calculated from multiple electro-oculogram signals not affected by drift phenomena, which decrease accuracy. Subsequently, we conducted simulations using an eyeball battery model and investigated the effects of adjusting electrode arrangements, determination coefficients for planar approximations of voltage ratios, and threshold values for angles between simultaneous linear equations, to improve the estimation accuracy and decreased the number of required electrodes. Numerical experiments were used to identify arrangements of six electrodes with errors that were approximately 5° less than those of nine-electrode L-shaped arrangements, indicating improved estimation accuracy with fewer electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the frequency, characteristics, and clinical significance of transient hyperintensity foci on T1-weighted images (T1WI) in acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM).Materials and Methods: Patients diagnosed with ADEM underwent MR studies at the time of disease onset and every 3 months or more often thereafter. The frequency and appearance timing of abnormal signals including T1WI and their morphological characteristics were evaluated. Relations between patient symptoms and abnormal signals on MRI were also evaluated.Results: Five ADEM patients were included in this study. Linear (n = 2) or nodular (n = 1) T1-hyperintensity foci appeared in 3 patients (60%, 3/5). Locations of T1-hyperintensity foci were both cortical/subcortical region and basal ganglia (n = 1), subcortical region alone (n = 1), and internal capsule (n = 1). Those T1-hyperintensity foci were located within the T2-weighted image (T2WI) and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) hyperintensity foci on initial MRI. Some T1-hyperintensity foci also showed hyperintensity on diffusion-weighted image (DWI) and contrast enhancement. T1-hyperintensity appeared at 14-43 days (median, 28 days), and disappeared in 2 patients at 91 days and 627 days after disease onset. There were no neurological sequelae remained in any patients.Conclusion: T1-hyperintensity foci is not a rare finding (60%) and it can be observed after improvement in symptoms in ADEM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the other hand, one of the 32 patients with IP undergoing pulmonary surgery had AE within 30 days after surgery. In this study, we examined the incidence of AE within 30 days after nonpulmonary surgery in patients with IP. B To the Editor: b Acute exacerbation (AE) of interstitial pneumonia (IP) is described as an acute respiratory deterioration accompanied by newly developed bilateral ground-glass opacity and/or consolidation identified on chest radiographs or computed tomography (CT) scans. [Extracted from the article]

Osteoporosis has become a worldwide public health problem, in part due to the fact that it increases the risk of fragility hip fractures (FHFs). The epidemiological assessment of FHFs is critical for their prevention; however, datasets for FHFs in Japan remain scarce. This was a multicenter, prospective, observational study in the northern district of Kyushu Island. Inclusion criteria were age > 60 years with a diagnosis of FHF and acquisition of clinical data by an electronic data capture system. Of 1294 registered patients, 1146 enrolled in the study. Nearly one third of patients (31.8%) had a history of previous fragility fractures. The percentage of patients receiving osteoporosis treatment on admission was 21.5%. Almost all patients underwent surgical treatment (99.1%), though fewer than 30% had surgery within 48 h after hospitalization. Bone mineral density (BMD) was evaluated during hospitalization in only 50.4% of patients. The rate of osteoporosis treatment increased from 21.5% on admission to 39.3% during hospitalization. The main reasons that prescribers did not administer osteoporosis treatment during hospitalization were forgetfulness (28.4%) and clinical judgment (13.6%). Age and female ratio were significantly higher in patients with previous FHFs than in those without. There was a significant difference in the rate of osteoporosis treatment or L-spine BMD values in patients with or without previous FHFs on admission. In conclusion, this study confirmed that the evaluation and treatment of osteoporosis and FHFs is still suboptimal in Japan, even in urban districts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Imaging findings of pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) vary widely, sometimes resembling those of high-grade glioma (HGG). This study aimed to identify the imaging parameters that can be used to differentiate PA from HGG.Methods: Altogether, 60 patients with PAs and 138 patients with HGGs were included in the study. Tumor properties and the presence of hydrocephalus, peritumoral edema, and dissemination were evaluated. We also measured the maximum relative cerebral blood flow (rCBFmax) and volume (rCBVmax) and determined the minimum apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCmin) in the tumor’s solid components. The relative T1 (rT1), T2 (rT2), and contrast-enhanced T1 (rCE-T1) intensity values were evaluated. Parameters were compared between PAs and HGGs using the Mann-Whitney U test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was also used to evaluate these imaging parameters. A value of P < .05 was considered to indicate significance.Results: Intratumoral hemorrhage and calcification were observed in 10.0% and 21.7% of PAs, respectively. The rCBFmax and rCBVmax values were significantly lower in PAs (0.50 ± 0.35, 1.82 ± 1.21) than those in HGGs (2.98 ± 1.80, 9.54 ± 6.88) (P < .0001, P = .0002, respectively). The ADCmin values were significantly higher in PAs (1.36 ± 0.56 × 10−3 mm2/s) than those in HGGs (0.86 ± 0.37 × 10−3 mm2/s) (P < .0001). ROC analysis showed that the best diagnostic performance was achieved with rCBFmax.Conclusion: The rCBFmax, rCBVmax, and ADCmin can differentiate PAs from HGGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serum tumor markers in patients with cancer assist with establishing diagnosis, estimating prognosis, monitoring treatment, and detecting tumor recurrence. Changes in the p53 tumor suppressor gene are the most common genetic abnormalities in many different human malignancies. Several studies have demonstrated that serum p53 antibodies (S-p53Ab) comprise an early marker of malignant disease, a marker for treatment effects and a prognostic factor for patients with several types of tumors. We recently reported that S-p53Ab is useful for patients with gastric cancer. We describe a rare situation in which unusually high serum p53 antibodies helped to detect recurrent gastric cancer in the small intestine after gastrectomy. Further studies are required to gain a more precise understanding of the clinical impact of S-p53Ab titer monitoring in gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The colony-forming unit assay reported by Kubota is a potentially useful method for toxicity evaluation since the method enables us to preserve the specimens. However, no study has yet reported on the utility of Kubota's method in conducting the CFU assay in toxicity evaluation. Therefore, we examined the optimum test conditions for CFU assays by Kubota's method using bone marrow cells from dogs, a widely used species in toxicity studies, to establish a useful hematopoietic toxicity evaluation system in vitro. We established test conditions for colony-forming unit granulocytes-macrophage assay and colony-forming unit erythroid assay. Optimum conditions for colony-forming unit granulocytes-macrophage assay were 20 % of colony-stimulating dog serum, 1 × 10 cells/dish, and culture periods of 3 days for neutrophil colonies and 8 days for macrophage colonies. Appropriate conditions for colony-forming unit erythroid assay were 2 IU/ml recombinant human erythropoietin, 0.265-2.5 × 10 cells/dish, and a culture period of 2-4 days. We also examined the response to bone marrow toxicants doxorubicin and azidothymidine in these systems. Both compounds reduced the numbers of colonies in a concentration-dependent manner in both assays. Taken together with these results, we confirmed that our method efficiently functioned as an evaluation system for bone marrow toxicity in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We established test conditions for colony-forming unit assay using rat bone marrow cells in which the colony specimens can be preserved. In our test system, all colonies can be transferred from a petri dish to a slide glass with whole agar medium because the agar medium volume is small and movable, enabling the agar medium to be dried and then fixed on the slide glass. Appropriate conditions for the colony-forming unit granulocyte-macrophage assay were as follows: 10 to 30 ng/ml recombinant murine granulocyte and macrophage colony-stimulating factor, 1 × 10 cells/dish, and culture periods of 3 days for neutrophil colonies and 8 days for macrophage colonies. Appropriate conditions for the colony-forming unit erythroid assay were as follows: 2 IU/ml recombinant human erythropoietin, 0.25 to 1 × 10 cells/dish, and culture period of 2-3 days. We also examined responses of bone marrow toxicants 5-fluorouracil and doxorubicin in these test systems, finding that both compounds decreased the numbers of colonies in a concentration-dependent manner in both assays. These findings suggest that these test systems are useful tools in evaluating bone marrow toxicity of these particular compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some features of tidal current ellipses near the ocean floor are estimated from the bottom-limit solutions of the tidal equations with constant eddy viscosity. It is verified that a clockwise rotating ellipse becomes broad descending through the bottom boundary, whereas a counterclockwise ellipse becomes narrow except near the critical latitude. The major axis of an ellipse near the floor is directed 45° leftward (rightward) against that of the overlying tidal flow ellipse poleward from the critical latitude in the northern (southern) hemisphere. Equatorward from the critical latitude, the major axis near the floor lines up with that of the overlying tidal current ellipse in both hemispheres. The retrograde rotating hodograph against the overlying clockwise tidal hodograph appears near the floor around the critical latitude. These features are confirmed from the numerical studies using the large eddy simulation model. The deflection of the major axis poleward from the critical latitude is a little smaller, about 19°. Furthermore, the effects of nontraditional Coriolis force resulting from the horizontal component of the earth-rotating vector on the development of turbulence were investigated. When the diurnal tidal current is directed westward, the effective vertical eddy viscosity becomes maximum with developing turbulence. While in the case of a semidiurnal tide, a northward tidal current is preferred for turbulence development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Despite recent advances in surgical techniques, blood loss can still determine the postoperative outcome of hepatectomy. Thus, the preoperative identification of risk factors predicting increased blood loss is important. Methods: We studied retrospectively the clinical records of 482 patients who underwent elective hepatectomy for liver disease, and analyzed the clinicopathological and surgical parameters influencing intraoperative blood loss. Results: Red cell transfusion was required for 165 patients (35 %). Based on blood transfusion requirement and hepatic failure, we estimated predictive cut-off values at 850 and 1500 ml. The factors found to be significantly associated with increased blood loss were as follows: male gender, obstructive jaundice, non-metastatic liver carcinoma, Child-Pugh B disease, decreased uptake ratio on liver scintigraphy, platelet count, or prothrombin activity, longer hepatic transection time, operating time, the surgeon's technique, J-shape or median incision, major hepatectomy, and not using hemostatic devices ( p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified male gender, low prothrombin activity, longer transection time, longer operation time, and not using hemostatic devices as factors independently associated with increased blood loss ( p < 0.05). Conclusions: Male gender and low prothrombin activity represent risk factors for increased blood loss during hepatectomy. Moreover, every effort should be made to reduce the transection and operating times using the latest hemostatic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often used to detect and treat neonatal cerebral disorders. However, neonatal MR image interpretation is limited by intra- and inter-observer variability. To reduce such variability, a template-based computer-aided diagnosis system is being developed, and several methods for creating templates were evaluated. Method: Spatial normalization for each individual's MR images is used to accommodate the individual variation in brain shape. Because the conventional normalization uses as adult brain template, it can be difficult to analyze the neonatal brain, as there are large difference between the adult brain and the neonatal brain. This article investigates three approaches for defining a neonatal template for 1-week-old newborns for diagnosing neonatal cerebral disorders. The first approach uses an individual neonatal head as the template. The second approach applies skull stripping to the first approach, and the third approach produces a template by averaging brain MR images of 7 neonates. To validate the approaches, the normalization accuracy was evaluated using mutual information and anatomical landmarks. Results: The experimental results of 7 neonates (revised age 5.6 ± 17.6 days) showed that normalization accuracy was significantly higher with the third approach than with the conventional adult template and the other two approaches ( P < 0.01). Conclusion: Three approaches to neonatal brain template matching for spinal normalization of MRI scans were applied, demonstrating that a population average gave the best results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using large eddy simulation (LES) incorporating the effect of the horizontal component of the earth's rotation vector, we studied the seafloor turbulent boundary layer to investigate the dependence of the boundary layer thickness on the overlying geostrophic flow orientation. The thickest boundary layer appears for the westward geostrophic flow: it is almost twice that of the eastward flow. The turbulent disturbances in the boundary layer are elongated slightly leftward relative to the geostrophic flow. Linear stability analysis for the Ekman's spiral flow showed that the growth rate is maximum for the westward geostrophic flow and the unstable roll-like mode appears, which points slightly leftward relative to the geostrophic flow. These properties correspond to the feature near the bottom of the developed turbulent layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of the current clinical pathway for pulmonary resections. Methods: This study examined variances from expected clinical pathway outcomes for pulmonary resections performed between 2005 and 2009. Data on a total of 383 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The median length of hospital stay (LOS) using the clinical pathway was 12 days (range: 1-188 days); the mean LOS was 15.5 days. The cost per day with use of the clinical pathway was 102 726 yen. Poor control of pain from intercostal neuralgia was the most frequently observed variance from expected outcomes. It affected 119 of 168 electronic clinical pathway patients (70.8%). The clinical pathway was terminated in 3.9% of patients (15/383) due to serious or life-threatening complications. Conclusions: This study showed the single institutional experience of the clinical pathway for pulmonary resections. These findings indicate a need to revise certain aspects of the pathway, based on data from our analysis of variances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phase of the sea surface height annual variation in the East China Sea along China’s continental coast is delayed from that in the open ocean area, most probably because of seasonal strong monsoon winds. To elucidate this mechanism, we conducted an idealized model experiment using a rectangular shallow ocean with a sloped seafloor forced by southward blowing winds. We obtain a locally confined high SSH near the western boundary found in the East China Sea. The delay of the phase of the sea surface height (SSH) along the China coast can be interpreted as follows. The SSH of the East China Sea is high over large areas in September and low in March due to the expansion/contraction of seawater, which is attributable to the sea surface heat flux. However, near the continental boundary SSH becomes high in January and low in July under the influence of a monsoon winds. The phase delay along the continental boundary should appear by superposing these two time series with a phase difference near the boundary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  The sea surface height anomaly in the Pacific equatorial area was separated into equatorial modes using satellite altimeter data. The power-spectral density (PSD) was obtained for the east-west wavenumber and frequency for each separated mode. The PSD distribution was compared with the theoretical dispersion curve for the equatorial modes derived by Matsuno (1966). The first Rossby modes have a high-density distribution that is slightly lower than the theoretical dispersion curve, but the Kelvin mode and the higher Rossby modes have high-density distribution that almost matches each dispersion curve. Results of analyses of satellite observational data show that wave motion near the equator mainly shows characteristics of equatorial waves, especially for a intraseasonal time scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the dephasing processes in a weak localization (WL) experiment of a two-dimensional electron system on liquid helium. From low-field magnetoconductivity measurements we can separate the damping of WL on the dephasing of electrons due to electron?electron interaction and the motion of the helium vapour atoms. We observe an intermediate regime where both damping mechanisms are of comparable importance and determine the cross-over from one dominant regime to the other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 56 pediatric and adolescent patients (median age 7 years, range 1–21) with various solid tumors, peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) were mobilized with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) alone, and the yields of PBSC and engraftment kinetics following autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) were evaluated retrospectively. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (10 μg/kg) was injected subcutaneously for mobilization when patients showed no influence of previous chemotherapy, and administration was continued for 5 days. The peaks of CD34+ cells and colony-forming units-granulocyte/macrophage in the blood were observed on days 4 through 6 of G-CSF administration in all patients. Peripheral blood stem cell harvest was commenced on day 5 of G-CSF treatment. Compared to the results in patients mobilized by chemotherapy plus G-CSF (N=18), the progenitor cell yields were lower in patients mobilized with G-CSF alone. However, there were no significant differences in WBC and ANC engraftment compared to the chemotherapy plus G-CSF mobilization group. Platelet recovery following autologous PBSCT was delayed in patients mobilized with G-CSF alone. The median time taken for ANC and platelet counts to reach 0.5 × 109 and 20 × 109/l was 12 days (range: 9–28) and 15 days (8–55), respectively, in all patients who received PBSC mobilized by G-CSF alone. In summary, mobilization with G-CSF alone can mobilize sufficient CD34+ cells for successful autografting and sustained hematological reconstitution in pediatric and adolescent patients with solid tumors, and even in heavily pre-treated patients.Bone Marrow Transplantation (2006) 37, 661–668. doi:10.1038/sj.bmt.1705304; published online 20 February 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interannual variability of the Kuroshio volume transport passing through the 137°E meridian south of Japan was simulated with an ocean general circulation model (OGCM). The time series of the Kuroshio volume transport over the 1000 m depth in the OGCM is well reproduced by the one-dimensional quasi-geostrophic (QG) vorticity equation with a windstress forcing. In our analysis of the OGCM and QG results, we found that peaks and troughs of the time series of the Kuroshio volume transport with 2–3 yr time-scale were induced by windstress curl, both local and immediately eastward, whereas longer time-scale variability was also induced by windstress curl near the dateline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sea surface salinity (SSS) derived from a network developed at Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD/Nouméa) has been analyzed during the period 1995–1998 in the tropical western Pacific. The measurements were made with thermosalinographs installed on merchant ships selected for their regularity and routes. The western tropical Pacific was sampled mainly along three regular routes across the equator leading to an average of a one month frequency. We analyze here how such a network can be efficient in monitoring the SSS at time scales longer than one month. For this purpose we have used results derived from the Princeton Ocean Model (POM) which is forced by the surface flux of National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) reanalysis data. The interannual variability of the simulated SSS exhibits very similar features to (sub-sampled) observations despite its being weakly damped to a climatology in order to avoid biases. Even smaller time scale phenomena can be simulated, like the erosion/reconstruction of the region composed of low density waters lying within the Pacific warm pool. The agreement between the observational data and the simulations indicate that the network sampling is sufficient to monitor the SSS variability of the western tropical Pacific from three-month to interannual time scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The annual variabilities of the sea surface height in the Pacific Ocean were investigated by analyzing the TOPEX/POSEIDON satellite data and by solving a reduced gravity model. We discuss how adequately the simple model can capture the variabilities of the sea surface height, and what the cause of the variabilities is. Three large amplitude peaks in the satellite data are found along the 12°N longitude line. Two elongated zones with a large amplitude are also found: one extends east-west along 6°N and the other extends northwestward from South America around 25°S. These features are adequately reproduced in the numerical simulation of the reduced gravity model. The propagation of the Rossby wave is analyzed by the use of the extended Eliassen-Palm flux to investigate the mechanism of these annual variabilities. The two east peaks around 12°N can be explained in terms of the interference between the local Ekman pumping and the free wave emitted near the western coast of North America, and the most western peak is affected by the Rossby wave formed by the local wind stress. The elongated zonal area around 6°N is mainly due to the local Ekman pumping. Another area around 25°S results from the convergence of the free Rossby wave emitted from the eastern boundary and the area with the strong wind stress curl off South America. A discrepancy between the satellite data and the model results suggests that the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean is relatively calm in the model but not in the satellite data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We induced acute skeletal muscle necrosis in rats using bupivacaine hydrochloride and found that both 2,5- and 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid significantly increased in skeletal muscle. A single administration of dimethyl sulphoxide, a free radical scavenger, significantly lowered concentrations of 2,5- and 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid. These results suggest that dimethyl sulphoxide is an effective hydroxyl radical scavenger and may be useful in the treatment of myopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report here a patient who suffered from PCR- confirmed human herpesvirus type 6 (HHV-6) meningoencephalitis after allogeneic purified CD34+ cell transplantation from his HLA-mismatched sibling donor, even though he had been on intense prophylaxis with i.v. ganciclovir (GCV), acyclovir (ACV) and γ-globulin containing a specific antibody against HHV-6. Serological evaluation disclosed that both the donor and recipient had IgG antibody against HHV-6 before transplantation. His blood WBC count started to transiently increase on day 10, and all blood components had decreased by day 20. He then developed a severe headache and high blood pressure, and sporadic abnormal neurological findings including nystagmus and delirium. An analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) revealed 8 cells/μl, a glucose level of 130 mg/dl and a protein level of 201 mg/dl (normal, 50 mg/dl) on day 26. At the time, HHV-6 was detected only in CSF by a PCR-based method and he was diagnosed as having meningoencephalitis due to the local reactivation of HHV-6. Although he failed to respond to high-dose therapy with ACV (60 mg/kg/day) and γ-globulin, the DNA of this virus disappeared from the CNS upon treatment with GCV (30 mg/kg/day) combined with the intraventricular infusion of α-interferon. His clinical course was further complicated with meningoencephalitis due to staphylococcus epidermidis, and he died of tentorial herniation on day 79 without the recovery of blood components. This experience may indicate that intense prophylaxis to prevent reactivation of HHV-6 in the CNS is essential for the management of such profoundly immunosuppressed patients. Bone Marrow Transplantation (2000) 25, 787–790. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-β′-iminodipropionitrile (IDPN)-induced monoamine and hydroxyl radical changes in the rat brains were studied. IDPN caused decreases in 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels in all brain regions, strongly indicating that IDPN's neurotoxicity primarily affects 5-HT containing neurons. Dopamine and its metabolites' levels decreased in the some regions, most likely due to depression of dopamine metabolic turnover. Our results more clearly demonstrate IDPN-induced monoamine alterations in the rat brain more than previous reports. To clarify one of the pathogenesis of IDPN-induced neurological disorders, we measured hydroxyl radical levels. 2,3-DHBA increased at 1st day, and decreased in some regions at 7th days after discontinuing IDPN. We conclude, hydroxyl radical formation causes neuronal damage, and monoamine changes contribute to IDPN-induced neurological disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The colony-forming units granulocyte and macrophage (CFU-GM) assay, using either rat or dog haematopoietic progenitor cells, assesses the toxicity of new compounds. To identify the characteristics of colony formation in this system, a time-course study of CFU-GM assays using rat and dog bone marrow cells was tested. Neutrophil colonies, macrophage colonies and mixed colonies of neutrophils and macrophages were formed in soft agar medium. Neutrophil colonies reached their maximum number on days 3–4 and decreased markedly thereafter. Macrophage colonies reached their maximum number on days 7–8 and remained steady thereafter. Only a small number of mixed colonies of neutrophils and macrophages were formed beginning around day 4. There were no significant differences between rat and dog bone marrow cells in the occurrence of these maxima, or in any other growth phenomenon. This result suggests that to evaluate the influence of compounds on neutrophil colonies and macrophage colonies, observations should be made on days 4 and 8, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fourty seven cases of osteomyelitis of the jawbones were studied radiopathologically and the following results were observed: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is widely accepted that a long-term, alternate-day administration of adrenal corticosteroids after thymectomy is one of the most effective treatments of myasthenia gravis. However, some patients with myasthenia gravis show a tendency to develop steroid dependency, and require extremely prolonged administration of fairly high doses of steroids. Various types of adverse reactions to steroids are likely to occur in such cases. To avoid this, intermittent, single-dose administration of steroids was performed on a trial basis in the present study. Prednisolone, in doses of 50-100 mg, was given once every 3-7 days in three steroid-dependent myasthenic patients, in one case for up to 6 years. The effects of the intermittent treatment were as good as, and adverse effects less frequently found than in single-dose, alternate-day administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracellular tumor-associated antigens are targeted by antibodies known as T-cell receptor mimic antibodies (TCRm-Abs), which recognize T-cell epitopes with better stabilities and higher affinities than T-cell receptors. However, TCRm-Abs have been proven difficult to produce using conventional techniques. Here, we developed TCRm-Abs that recognize the survivin-2B-derived nonamer peptide, AYACNTSTL (SV2B80-88), presented on HLA-A*24 (SV2B80-88/HLA-A*24) from immunized mice by using a fluorescence-activated cell sorting-based antigen-specific plasma cells isolation method combined with a high-throughput single-cell-based immunoglobulin-gene-cloning technology. This approach yielded a remarkable efficiency in generating candidate antibody clones that recognize SV2B80-88/HLA-A*24. The screening of the antibody clones for their affinity and ability to bind key amino-acid residues within the target peptide revealed that one clone, #21-3, specifically recognized SV2B80-88/HLA-A*24 on T2 cells. The specificity of #21-3 was further established through survivin-2B-positive tumor cell lines that exogenously or endogenously express HLA-A*24. A bispecific T-cell engager comprised of #21-3 and anti-CD3 showed specific cytotoxicity towards cells bearing SV2B80-88/HLA-A*24 by recruiting and activating T-cells in vitro. The efficient development of TCRm-Ab overcomes the limitations that hamper antibody-based immunotherapeutic approaches and enables the targeting of intracellular tumor-associated antigens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a letter to the editor regarding a case of Guillain-Barré syndrome associated with cerebellar ataxia and positive serum anti-GD1b lgG antibody.

Presents a letter to the editor about a case of myasthenia gravis accompanied by erythema elevatum diutinum and rheumatoid arthritis.