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Objective: To examine the association between hospital surgical volume of caesarean hysterectomy and surgical morbidity in women with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). Design: Population‐based retrospective cohort study. Setting: National Inpatient Sample, January 2016 to December 2018. Population: Six thousand and ten women with PAS who underwent caesarean hysterectomy in 738 centres. Methods: (1) Comprehensive modelling for relative hospital surgical volume cut‐point selection, (2) multinomial regression analysis for characterising hospital surgical volume, and (3) binary logistic regression analysis to examine the volume–outcome relationship. Main outcome measures: Surgical morbidity (haemorrhage, coagulopathy, shock, urinary tract injury, and death). Results: The majority of centres had five surgeries over the 3‐year period (468 centres, 63.4%) and were grouped as the low‐volume group. Surgical morbidity decreased after a relative hospital surgical volume of 25 cases (24 centres, 3.3%) was reached, grouped as the high‐volume group. The remaining centres were grouped as the mid‐volume group (246 centres, 33.3%). In multivariable analysis, women in the high‐volume group were more likely to be Black, have lower median household income, medical comorbidity, previous caesarean delivery, placenta praevia or placenta percreta, and to have undergone surgeries at large urban teaching hospitals compared with those in the low‐volume group (all, P < 0.05). After controlling for patient demographics, hospital characteristics and pregnancy factors, performance of caesarean hysterectomy at high‐volume centres was associated with a 22% decreased risk of surgical complications compared with surgery at the low‐volume centres (adjusted odds ratio 0.78, 95% CI 0.64–0.94). Conclusion: Caesarean hysterectomy for PAS is a rare surgical procedure. Higher hospital surgical volume may be associated with improved surgical outcome in PAS. Higher hospital caesarean hysterectomy volume may be associated with improved surgical outcome in PAS. Higher hospital caesarean hysterectomy volume may be associated with improved surgical outcome in PAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyse populational trends and perioperative complications following conservative surgery versus oophorectomy in women <50 years of age with ovarian torsion.Design: Population-based retrospective observational study.Setting: Nationwide Inpatient Sample in the USA (2001-2015).Population: In all, 89 177 ovarian torsions including 20 597 (23.1%) conservative surgeries and 68 580 (76.9%) oophorectomies.Methods: (1) Trend analysis to assess utilisation of conservative surgery over time, (2) multivariable binary logistic regression to identify independent factors associated with conservative surgery and (3) inverse probability of treatment weighting with a generalised estimating equation to analyze perioperative complications.Main Outcome Measures: Trends, characteristics and complications related to conservative surgery.Results: Performance of conservative surgery increased from 18.9 to 25.1% between 2001 and 2015 (32.8% relative increase, P = 0.001) but decreased steadily after age 15, and sharply declined after age 35 (P < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, younger age exhibited the largest effect size for conservative surgery among the independent factors (adjusted odds ratios 3.39-7.96, P < 0.001). In the weighted model, conservative surgery was associated with an approximately 30% decreased risk of perioperative complications overall (10.0% versus 13.6%, odds ratio 0.73, 95% confidence interval 0.62-0.85, P < 0.001) and was not associated with venous thromboembolism (0.2 versus 0.3%, P = 0.457) or sepsis (0.4 versus 0.3%, P = 0.638).Conclusion: There has been an increasing utilisation of conservative surgery for ovarian torsion in the USA in recent years. Our study suggests that conservative surgery for ovarian torsion may not be associated with increased perioperative complications.Tweetable Abstract: Conservative surgery for ovarian torsion may not be associated with increased perioperative complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Swallowing reflex is known to be evoked by gastroesophageal regurgitation or oesophageal stimulation in animal studies. However, details regarding the stimulating material, bolus size and stimulation area remain unclear for the stimulation‐induced type of swallowing reflex in humans. Here, we evaluated the effects of different kinds of stimulation via water and air injection of the oesophagus on the initiation of the swallowing reflex. Nine healthy individuals participated in this study. A fibre‐optic endoscope was passed transnasally, and a thin catheter for injection was passed through the other side. The tip of the catheter was placed at the upper, upper middle, lower middle or lower region of the oesophagus, and the rate of injection was controlled at 0.2 mL/s. Swallowing reflex latency was calculated as the time from injection via air or thin/thick fluid until the onset of white‐out in endoscopic images. Reflex latency was significantly shorter when injection occurred at the upper region of the oesophagus than at the lower region, for both thin and thick fluids (P < .01). At the upper region of the oesophagus, the latency was significantly shorter after injection of thin fluid than with thick fluid (P < .05). Injection of air did not induce the swallowing reflex at all sites. These findings suggest that while the swallowing reflex is evoked by stimulation via fluid injection of the oesophagus in humans, sensitivity is greatest in the upper region of the oesophagus compared with the lower region and can vary depending on the injecting material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective EphrinA2-EphA2 and ephrinB2-EphB4 critically engage in bidirectional signalling to modulate alveolar bone remodelling. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of lipopolysaccharides ( LPS) derived from Porphyromonas gingivalis on ephrin/Eph signalling in periodontal ligament fibroblasts ( PDLFs). Material and Methods The primary cultured PDLFs were incubated in the absence (as a control) or presence of P. gingivalis LPS at 0.001-10 μg/ mL for 24 hours. The PDLFs were then stimulated with P. gingivalis LPS at the optimal concentration (0.1 μg/ mL) for different periods (6-48 hours). The expression of ephrinA2, ephrinB2, EphA2 and EphB4 was assessed by quantitative reverse-transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. The osteoblastic markers alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), and the osteoclastogenesis-related factors receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand ( RANKL) and osteoprotegerin were also evaluated. Results The ephrinA2 and EphA2 expression was upregulated and EphB4 expression was downregulated by stimulation of P. gingivalis LPS. EphrinA2 mRNA expression in the PDLFs was significantly upregulated from 12 to 48 hours ( P<.05), whereas EphA2 exhibited no change for the first 24 hours, after which there was a significant increase at 48 hours ( P<.05). EphB4 exhibited lower mRNA expression at 12 and 24 hours than did the control ( P<.05), but the change was insignificant at 48 hours. In contrast, the expression of ephrinB2 remained unchanged. The expressions of ephrinA2, EphA2, ephrinB2 and EphB4 at the protein level showed a similar pattern to that at the mRNA level. The expression of Runx2 and osteocalcin significantly decreased, whereas that of RANKL/osteoprotegerin increased. Conclusion The present study suggest that P. gingivalis LPS would contribute to a dysregulation of bone remodelling, whereby ephrinA2/EphA2 expression is stimulated and EphB4 expression is inhibited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/purpose Washing the face with a mild cleanser is generally recommended for acne care. Occasionally, the general public has the misconception that acne is exacerbated by cleansers and furthermore it has concerns about inducing skin irritation and xerosis by intensive washing. Recently, we developed a new cleanser based on sodium laureth carboxylate and alkyl carboxylates ( AEC/soap) that cleans sebum well without penetrating the stratum corneum. Methods We designed a controlled clinical trial conducted on adult Japanese males with moderate or less acne. Twenty subjects washed their faces with AEC/soap base cleanser twice a day for 4 weeks. Assessment of the efficacy was conducted prior to the start of the study, and at the end of weeks 2 and 4. Results Significant improvement of the acne was observed within 2 weeks, and acne lesions were not detectable in 25% of the subjects at week 4. Sebum secretion levels on the skin significantly increased on the forehead, but significantly decreased on the cheek which correlated with the improvement. No complaints of dryness or irritation occurred during the study. Conclusion Washing the face twice a day with facial cleanser based on AEC/soap is an effective care for moderate or less grade facial acne. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The pH at the surface of healthy human skin is around 5. Cleansing the skin with soap increases the pH of the skin, which then returns to a more acidic pH within a few hours. However, the effects of skin cleansing with soap over a long time on the pH regulatory system is still unclear. Object We compared the pH of the skin between users of a soap-based cleanser and of a mild-acidic cleanser prior to and following the cleansing. Method This study had two groups of subjects, one group who had used a soap-based cleanser for more than 5 years and the other group who had used a mild-acidic cleanser for more than 5 years. The pH on the inner forearm of each subject was measured prior to and for 6 h after cleansing with a soap bar. Result There were no differences between the pH of the skin these two groups prior to cleansing, immediately after cleansing or in the pH recovery rate for 6 h. Conclusion These results suggest that long-term continuous use of a soap-based cleanser does not affect the pH-maintaining mechanism of human skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Cosmetic Science is the property of Wiley-Blackwell 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.)

Custom-made information support systems for community-based flood risk management were developed. These systems were designed to satisfy residents' needs for local flood risk and safety information in their community through the implementation of flood risk communication. To extend these support systems to an integrated support system for community-based flood risk management, the systems were combined with evacuation-support plans for individuals requiring assistance. Basic evacuation data on people requiring assistance in episodic disasters were obtained and analysed by conducting an evacuation drill in a virtual disaster scenario. It became apparent that additional temporary evacuation spots are required to ensure the safety of individuals requiring assistance and their assistants because their travelling speeds were much slower than had been supposed. The supporting systems were found to be effective in enhancing residents' awareness of the need for both self-reliance and mutual aid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral Diseases (2011) , 462-468 Oral squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are malignant tumours that frequently invade the mandibular bone and bone invasion is a common clinical problem. Recent studies have revealed that bone resorption by osteoclasts is an important step in the process of bone invasion by oral SCCs. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of bone invasion by oral SCCs remain unclear. Oral SCCs invade the mandibular bone through an erosive, mixed or infiltrative pattern that correlates with clinical behaviours. The expressions of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-11, tumour necrosis factor (TNF) α and parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) were higher in the infiltrative pattern than in the erosive pattern. These cytokines lead to receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) expression or osteoprotegerin (OPG) suppression not only in oral SCC cells but also in cancer stromal cells to induce osteoclastogenesis. Taken together, oral SCCs provide a suitable microenvironment for osteoclastogenesis to regulate the balance of RANKL and OPG. In this review, we introduce recent advances in the knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms, by which oral SCC invades mandibular bone based on the recent findings of our lab and others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suzuki S, Fujisawa D, Hashimoto K, Asano T, Maimaiti M, Matsuo K, Tanahashi Y, Mukai T, Fujieda K. Partial paternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 6 in monozygotic twins with transient neonatal diabetes mellitus and macroglossia. Transient neonatal diabetes mellitus (TNDM) usually develops within the first few weeks of life and resolves at a median age of 3 months. In most of the cases, TNDM is caused by the over-expression of a paternally expressed imprinted PLAGL1 locus on chromosome 6q24. The most frequent manifestation other than TNDM is intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), and in some cases macroglossia. We investigated monozygotic twins who had macroglossia without IUGR. Both of the twins developed insulin-dependent hyperglycemia within the first week of life, which subsequently resolved. DNA profiling with polymerase chain reaction amplification was performed for polymorphic microsatellite markers of chromosome 6. The six informative markers, located between 6p24 and 6q15, showed normal biparental inheritance. However, the six distal informative markers, located between 6q23.2 and the 6q telomeric region, showed the absence of a maternal allele and the presence of a single paternal allele. The monosomy of the 6q telomeric region was not confirmed by chromosome banding showing 46, XX. These findings provide further evidence that partial paternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 6 (pUPD6) causes TNDM. The phenotypes other than diabetes observed in patients with partial pUPD6 may differ from those observed in patients with complete pUPD6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antigen-specific mucosal immunity is generally induced by the stimulation of inductive mucosal sites. In this study, we found that the replication-deficient vaccinia virus vector, DIs, generates antigen-specific mucosal immunity and systemic responses. Following intradermal injection of recombinant DIs expressing simian immunodeficiency virus gag (rDIsSIV gag), we observed increased levels of SIV p27-specific IgA and IgG antibodies in faecal extracts and plasma samples, and antibody-forming cells in the intestinal mucosa and spleen of C57BL/6 mice. Antibodies against p27 were not detected in nasal washes, saliva, and vaginal washes. The enhanced mucosal and systemic immunity persisted for 1 year of observation. Induction of Gag-specific IFN-γ spot-forming CD8+ T cells in the spleen, small intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes, and submandibular lymph nodes was observed in the intradermally injected mice. Heat-inactivated rDIsSIV gag rarely induced antigen-specific humoral and T-helper immunity. Moreover, rDIsSIV gag was detected in MHC class II IA antigen-positive (IA+) cells at the injection site. Consequently, intradermal delivery of rDIs effectively induces antigen-specific humoral and cellular immunity in gut-mucosal tissues of mice. Our data suggest that intradermal injection of an rDIs vaccine may be useful against mucosally transmitted pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the immunogenicity of completely replication-deficient vaccinia virus Dairen I strain recombinant encoding simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) gag/pol (rDIs) in both mucosal and systemic compartments. When administered either intranasally or intragastrically, rDIs elicited enhanced levels of both SIV Gag p27-specific IgA antibodies and specific plasma antibodies, and the enhanced immunity persisted for the 1-year of observation by intranasal immunization. Increases were observed in antigen-specific IgA antibody-forming cells (AFC) in intestinal mucosal tissues and in IgG AFC in spleens. Furthermore, induction of type 1 and 2 helper cytokines in CD4+ spleen T cells and of CD8+ IFN-γ spot-forming cells in mucosal tissues was observed in the intranasally immunized mice. Moreover, not even high-dose rDIs generated an SIV gene signal in the brain tissues of immunized mice. These findings suggest that mucosal immunization with the DIs recombinant hold promise as a safe mucosal vector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To identify pathogenic and/or disease-specific short peptides in sera from patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS: Serum samples from 40 patients with SSc, 30 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, 21 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 30 patients with osteoarthritis, and 26 healthy donors were tested. Short peptides with molecular weights of smaller than approximately 3 kd, purified from the sera by magnetic bead-based hydrophobic interaction chromatography 18, were detected and their amino acid sequences determined using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Effects of the identified peptides on fibroblasts and microvascular endothelial cells were tested using synthesized peptides and sera containing the peptides. RESULTS: A group of peptides with mass/charge (m/z) values of 1,865, 1,778, 1,691, 1,563, and 1,450 were detected predominantly in the SSc sera. These peptides were identified as family members of complement C3f-des-arginine (DRC3f) derived from C3b. The level of DRC3f (m/z 1,865) was related to vascular involvement in SSc and to SSc disease activity. The synthesized peptides of DRC3f and C3f, as well as the filtrated sera containing DRC3f, enhanced proliferation of microvascular endothelial cells, but not fibroblasts. Both DRC3f and C3f increased production of transforming growth factor beta1 by dermal microvascular endothelial cells. CONCLUSION: This comprehensive peptidomics analysis revealed the predominance of DRC3f in the sera of patients with SSc. Investigation of DRC3f may be a useful tool for the diagnosis and evaluation of disease activity in SSc. Moreover, its demonstrated effects on endothelial cells suggest a potential role for DRC3f in the pathophysiologic mechanisms of SSc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The Revised European American Lymphoma classification uses the term Hodgkin's-like anaplastic large cell lymphoma (HD-like ALCL) for borderline cases with features of both anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) and classical Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL). The aim of this study was to clarify the association between cytotoxic molecule (CM) expression and clinical outcome in HD-like ALCL. Methods and results: Subjects were 59 patients with HD-like ALCL, defined by nodal presentation without mediastinal bulky lesions, T- or null-cell phenotype, CD30+ anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)– phenotype and by confluent sheets or nodules of large cells mimicking classic Hodgkin and Reed–Sternberg cells. We evaluated the presenting features and prognosis of subjects on categorization into two defined groups, namely CM (TIA1 and/or granzyme B)-positive ( n = 21) and CM-negative ( n = 38). The series consisted of 18 women and 41 men ranging from 16 to 88 years of age (median 59 years). The CM+ group had poorer disease-specific survival than the CM– group ( P = 0.02) despite the absence of differences in other clinical characteristics. Multivariate analysis confirmed that CM expression was an independent prognostic factor, in contrast to phenotypic categorization (T-cell vs. null-cell group), which had no prognostic impact on disease-specific survival. Conclusion: CM expression is predictive of prognosis in HD-like ALCL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: The clinical phenotype is 8 to 10 times more prevalent in males than in females in patients with Brugada syndrome. Brugada syndrome has been reported to be thinner than asymptomatic normal controls. We tested the hypothesis that higher testosterone level associated with lower visceral fat may relate to Brugada phenotype and male predominance. METHODS AND RESULTS: We measured body-mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BF%), and several hormonal levels, including testosterone, in 48 Brugada males and compared with those in 96 age-matched control males. Brugada males had significantly higher testosterone (631 +/- 176 vs 537 +/- 158 ng/dL; P = 0.002), serum sodium, potassium, and chloride levels than those in control males by univariate analysis, and even after adjusting for age, exercise, stress, smoking, and medication of hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, whereas there were no significant differences in other sex and thyroid hormonal levels. Brugada males had significantly lower BMI (22.1 +/- 2.9 vs 24.6 +/- 2.6 kg/m(2); P < 0.001) and BF% (19.6 +/- 4.9 vs 23.1 +/- 4.7%; P < 0.001) than control males. Testosterone level was inversely correlated with BMI and BF% in both groups, even after adjusting for the confounding variables. Conditional logistic regression models analysis showed significant positive and inverse association between Brugada syndrome and hypertestosteronemia (OR:3.11, 95% CI:1.22-7.93, P = 0.017) and BMI (OR:0.72, 95% CI:0.61-0.85, P < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Higher testosterone level associated with lower visceral fat may have a significant role in the Brugada phenotype and male predominance in Brugada syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Some, but not all studies have provided evidence that the CagA status of Helicobacter pylori strains is a predictive factor for the outcome of eradication therapy. Aim To clarify the association between CagA status and eradication outcome. Methods We included studies reporting the numbers of successful and failed cases in H. pylori-eradication therapy according to the CagA status. Fourteen studies (1529 patients) were included of 325 articles identified in the search. The pooled risk ratio for H. pylori-eradication failure in CagA-negative relative to CagA-positive strains and the pooled risk difference in eradication success between the two groups were used as summary statistics. Meta-regression was used for examining the source of heterogeneity. Results The summary risk ratio for eradication failure in CagA-negative relative to CagA-positive was 2.0 (95% CI: 1.6–2.4, P < 0.001), corresponding with the summary risk difference for eradication success between the groups of 11% (95% CI: 3–19%, P = 0.011). Meta-regression analysis demonstrated that usage of polymerase chain reaction examination for CagA status and a high proportion of non-ulcer dyspepsia patients were factors for heterogeneity among studies. Conclusions Our meta-analysis confirmed the importance of the presence of CagA as a predictor for successful eradication of H. pylori. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Allogeneic peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) transplantation requires granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) administration to mobilize PBPCs in healthy donors. The effects of G-CSF on pulmonary functions, however, have not been clearly elucidated in PBPC donors. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Respiratory status by measurements of arterial blood gas was prospectively evaluated serially in 25 healthy donors (9 men, 16 women; age, 18-61 years) administered a dose of 10 microg per kg for 5 days. RESULTS: White blood cell (WBC) counts increased in all the subjects after G-CSF administration; means on Days 0, 3, and 5 were 6 x 10(9), 33.4 x 10(9), and 33.6 x 10(9) per L, respectively. The mean PaO(2) values on the respective days were 93.1, 85.8, and 81.8 mmHg, and these changes were significant (p < 0.0001), remaining significant after adjustment for the WBC count. Levels of both PaCO(2) and AaDO(2) were significantly higher after G-CSF administration than those before G-CSF administration (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0004, respectively). SaO(2) was significantly decreased after G-CSF administration (p = 0.0002). Age was identified as a significant predictive factor for the increase of AaDO(2) and PaO(2) decline. These observations clearly indicate that the gas exchange was significantly affected during G-CSF administration in healthy PBPC donors. CONCLUSION: Considering an increasing use of PBPC mobilization by G-CSF, careful monitoring of the respiratory status is important to ensure safety of PBPC donors, especially elderly donors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Exposure to environmental carcinogens leads to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC); however, the impact of genetic variations in carcinogen metabolisms and DNA repair on OSCC risk considering environmental exposures has not been clearly elucidated. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study with 122 cases and 241 controls. The risk of OSCC was evaluated in 10 genetic polymorphisms of nine genes, such as CYP1A1, CYP2E1, GSTM1, GSTT1, XPA, XPC, XPC, XPF and ERCC1. Gene-environment interaction was also evaluated. RESULTS: We found that CYP2E1 and XPA polymorphisms significantly affected the OSCC risk. Gene-environment interactions with smoking were significant for CYP2E1 and ERCC1 polymorphisms. Odds ratios for gene-environment interaction were 7.98 (P = 0.036), 9.67 (P = 0.017) and 8.49 (P = 0.031) for CYP2E1RsaI, DraI and ERCC1 polymorphisms, respectively. No interaction was observed with heavy drinking and any polymorphisms. CONCLUSION: CYP2E1, XPA and ERCC1 polymorphisms may affect the risk of OSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ratios of RV: LV length (RV/LV), pulmonary: aortic valve diameter (PV/AV), tricuspid: mitral valve diameter, ductal: isthmus diameter (DA/isth.) and carotid-subclavian artery index (CS index) were calculated. we compared the fetal cardiac dimension measurements among the groups. The formula, which means PV/AV * DA/isth. * 1/CS index, predicted the need of CoA repair after birth (P < 0.001; CoA group: 6.4±3.5, non-CoA group: 1.8±0.7). [Extracted from the article]

New strains of Melon necrotic spot virus (MNSV), designated MNSV-YS and MNSV-KS, caused much more severe growth retardation on melon plants than MNSV-NH, which was previously reported as the most severe strain of MNSV in Japan. MNSV-YS spread much more quickly than MNSV-NH in infected plants, and induced more severe growth retardation, even though the appearance of necrotic lesions on inoculated cotyledons was much slower. MNSV-KS had properties intermediate between those of the other two strains. The results suggest that faster-spreading strains can multiply more rapidly as a result of lower levels of activity in inducing necrotic lesions in melon plants. The complete sequences of MNSV-YS and MNSV-KS were determined, and an RT–PCR–RFLP method based on these sequences was successfully developed to detect and discriminate between the three strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: The Brugada-type ECG, a terminal r' wave accompanied by ST segment elevation in the right precordial leads, is not a very rare condition. Most of the cases are men in Japan and elsewhere; however, information about the clinical features of these cases is lacking. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics of subjects with the Brugada-type ECG, specifically Japanese men. METHODS AND RESULTS: We extracted male Brugada-type ECG cases from 3,374 men followed biennially from 1958 through 2001 in Nagasaki, Japan, and compared the clinical characteristics at diagnosis between these cases and four age-matched male controls for each case. A total of 34 cases with the Brugada-type ECG were observed during follow-up. Body mass index (BMI) at diagnosis was significantly lower in Brugada-type ECG cases than in 136 controls (20.2 +/- 2.1 kg/m(2) vs 21.8 +/- 2.8 kg/m(2), P = 0.003). The BMI trend in cases was always lower than that in controls throughout the 8-year observation period (from 4 years before diagnosis to 4 years after diagnosis). Pulse rate at diagnosis was also somewhat lower in Brugada-type ECG cases than in controls (68.9 +/- 7.7 beats/min vs 72.7 +/- 11.1 beats/min, P = 0.038). The significance disappeared after controlling for BMI (P = 0.131) or body weight (P = 0.153). CONCLUSION: The cases with the Brugada-type ECG had lower BMI than controls, leading to a clue to possible basic mechanisms of the Brugada-type ECG with a focus on this association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ogasawara T, Yoshimine Y, Kiyoshima T, Kobayashi I, Matsuo K, Akamine A, Sakai H. In situ expression of RANKL, RANK, osteoprotegerin and cytokines in osteoclasts of rat periodontal tissue. J Periodont Res 2004; 39; 42–49. © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2004 This study examined the in situ expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK), osteoprotegerin, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) in the osteoclasts of rat periodontal tissue. In periodontal disease, osteoclasts cause resorption of the alveolar bone. The function of osteoclasts is regulated by interaction with periodontal ligament cells (PDLs). Furthermore, various kinds of molecules such as RANKL, RANK, osteoprotegerin, IL-1β and TNFα are known to be related to the osteoclasts differentiation and function. It is therefore important to observe the expression of RANKL, RANK, osteoprotegerin and cytokines in osteoclasts and PDLs. Four-week-old Wistar rats were used. Tooth movement was performed by the Waldo method, and the pathological bone resorption was induced. The demineralized maxillae and mandiblae were embedded with paraffin. In situ hybridization was performed to detect RANKL, RANK, osteoprotegerin, IL-1β, and TNFα mRNAs in osteoclasts and other cells using the specific RNA probes, respectively. Both RANKL and RANK were concomitantly expressed in some osteoclasts. RANKL was also positive in osteoblasts and PDLs. No IL-1β- and TNFα-positive osteoclast was noted. The positive signals of osteoprotegerin were detected in almost all osteoblasts, PDLs and odontoblasts. No osteoprotegerin-positive osteoclasts were observed. The number and the distribution pattern of RANKL- and RANK-expressing osteoclasts changed when orthodontic excessive force was applied to periodontal tissue. In addition, IL-1β and TNFα were shown to be expressed in osteoclasts under pathological status. These findings suggest that an autocrine mechanism of RANKL–RANK exists in osteoclast, which is heightened in the pathological conditions. Furthermore, the autocrine mechanism of IL-1β and TNFα is also provided in osteoclast under pathological condition. These autocrine mechanisms therefore seem to regulate the osteoclast function in both physiological and pathological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

‘Granular cell’ tumor observed in the malar subcutis of a Djungarian hamster was examined to determine its cellular origin. Histologically, the tumor consisted of a solid growth of oval or spindle-shaped large cells with abundant cytoplasm filled with eosinophilic granules that were periodic acid-Schiff-positive and diastase-resistant. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive to anti-vimentin and anti-desmin antibodies and a few cells showed positivity to anti-actin antibody as well. They did not react to myoglobin, S-100 protein, and glial fibrillary acidic protein ( GFAP). Electron microscopic studies revealed that the tumor cells had pinocytotic vesicles, dense plaque and microfilaments. The first granular cell variant of myogenic tumor reported here in Djungarian hamsters was differentiated from granular cell tumor of Schwann cell origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Enumeration of CD34+ cells in peripheral blood (PB) before apheresis predicts the number of CD34+ cells collected, although flow cytometric techniques used are complex and expensive. In an attempt to determine the optimal timing for peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) collection, the usefulness of circulating immature cell (CIC) counts in PB was evaluated.Study Design and Methods: CIC counts in PB and CD34+ cell counts in the apheresis product from 249 collections were assessed, and the relationship between these two parameters was evaluated by with the Pearson rank correlation analysis, the Fisher exact test, and the U-test.Results: CIC counts were correlated significantly with the number of CD34+ cells per kg of patient's body weight in the apheresis product (Pearson rank correlation analysis: r = 0.635, p < 0.0001). When a level of 1 x 10(9) CICs per L was selected as a cutoff value, the sensitivity and specificity for collecting more than 1 x 10(6) CD34+ cells per kg of body weight were 75.7 and 85.5 percent, respectively.Conclusion: The present study strongly suggests that the number of CICs in PB may estimate the number of CD34+ cells collected. The data indicate that CIC counts above 1 x 10(9) per L can be used as a good predictor for PBPC collections containing more than 1 x 10(6) CD34+ cells per kg of body weight in a single apheresis procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Fcgamma receptor IIIb (FcgammaRIIIB) genes that encode neutrophil-specific antigens NA1 and NA2 differ at 5 nucleotides (nts); in 4, the result is an amino acid (AA) difference between the two alleles. The role of each of these differences in antigen expression is not known. Persons with FcgammaRIIIB genes that differ from NA1-FcgammaRIIIB and NA2-FcgammaRIIIB by 1 nt have been described. This study compared NA1 and NA2 expression on granulocytes in persons with variant FcgammaRIIIB genes and in healthy blood donors.Study Design and Methods: Reactions of NA1- and NA2-specific MoAbs and alloantibodies with granulocytes were assessed by flow cytometry in 74 healthy blood donors and 6 persons with known variant FcgammaRIIIB genes. The granulocytes were tested with 1 NA1-specific MoAb, 1 NA2-specific MoAb, 4 NA1-specific alloantibodies, and 4 NA2-specific alloantibodies.Results: Analysis of granulocytes from persons with variant NA genotypes found that single-base substitutions in FcgammaRIIIB at 141 and at 349 are important in NA1 expression and those at 227 and 277 are important in NA2 expression. Among blood donors, neither age, sex, nor race affected the expression of NA1 or NA2. The NA2-specific MoAb reacted more intensely with granulocytes from NA2-double-dose cells than with those from NA-single-dose cells, but this was not true for the NA2-specific alloantibodies. There was no difference in the reactions of the NA1-specific MoAbs and alloantibodies with donor samples of known NA1-double-dose or NA-single-dose cells. The intensity of reactions of both the NA1- and NA2-specific MoAbs and alloantibodies were strongly correlated on double-dose cells but not on single-dose cells. In fact, granulocytes from 7 healthy blood donors, phenotyped as NA-single-dose with the MoAbs, were phenotyped as NA2-double-dose with the alloantibodies. Variations in FcgammaRIIIB are common in blacks, but 5 of the 6 donors were white. These results suggest that FcgammaRIIIB variations may be common in both whites and blacks.Conclusions: NA2 expression is affected by polymorphisms in FcgammaRIIIB 227 and FcgammaRIIIB 277, both of which are involved in an FcgammaRIIIb N-glycosylation site. Polymorphisms in FcgammaRIIIB at 141 and 349 appear more important to NA1 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background High cell counts in granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-mobilized granulocytes are detrimental to concentrate storage. An eightfold dilution with autologous plasma improves storage, but this method is impractical. The purpose of this study was to identify an infusible solution that could be used in place of autologous plasma to dilute and store granulocytes. Materials and Methods Granulocytes collected from donors given dexamethasone (8 mg per os) and/or G-CSF (5 µg/kg subcutaneously [SQ]) were diluted eightfold in the following cell culture media: X-Vivo 10, Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s minimal essential medium (DMEM) or Iscoves modified Dulbecco’s medium (IMDM); or in the following infusible solutions: Plasma-Lyte A; Normosol R; lactated ringers, supplemented with 1% human serum albumin and 50 mm histidine (LRAH); or Plasma-Lyte A supplemented with 50 mm histidine buffer or 25 mm HEPES buffer plus 1% human serum albumin. The granulocytes were stored for 48 h at room temperature. White blood cell (WBC) counts, WBC viability and pH were measured after ≈ 2 h, 24 h and 48 h of storage. Results Cell counts, viability and pH were maintained after 2 h, 24 h and 48 h in cells stored in the three cell culture media. The pH fell slightly after 48 h to 6·86 ± 0·10 in granulocyte concentrates diluted in LRAH, but fell to a greater extent after 24 h and 48 h, to 6·36 ± 0·23 (48-h value) in granulocyte concentrates diluted in Plasma-Lyte A and to 6·40 ± 0·19 (48-h value) in granulocyte concentrates diluted in Normosol R. The cell counts of concentrates diluted in LRAH were stable for 48 h, but fell in granulocyte concentrates stored in Plasma-Lyte A and Normosol R. Plasma-Lyte A supplemented with histidine maintained the pH of diluted granulocyte concentrates better than Plasma-Lyte A supplemented with HEPES; 6·91 ± 0·10 and 6·65 ± 0·11, respectively, after 24 h. Cell counts were maintained best in granulocyte concentrates diluted in Plasma-Lyte A supplemented with albumin and one or both of the buffers. Conclusions Culture media were best for granulocyte storage, but they are not approved for in vivo use. Infusible solutions are not buffered adequately and lack sufficient protein, but infusible solutions, such as lactated Ringer’s solution or Plasma-Lyte A supplemented with buffers and albumin, hold promise as effective and licensable solutions for granulocyte storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been shown that a test capsule originally designed as a simple and reliable aid to evaluate masticatory ability could help to identify the characteristics of chewing loops between individuals in evaluation of masticatory movement, and detect even a slight disorder in the stomatognathic system. In this study, the Sirognathograph® Analysing System was used to record and analyse mandibular movement with the test capsule and seven foods. In terms of total examination of the chewing rhythm, the test capsule showed a higher SX/SY ratio of chewing cycle duration (SX: variance between individuals, SY: variance between chewing loops of each person) than those of the comparative foods, excluding chewing gum. The coefficient of variation of the test capsule in the dimensions of the chewing path was lower than those of the comparative foods. Reverse and crossover patterns in chewing gum have been frequently observed in subjects with craniomandibular disorders. Subjects with a low frequency of such patterns in chewing gum tended to have a low frequency with the test capsule as well. Those with a high frequency in chewing gum tended to show such patterns with the test capsule more frequently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural findings in a rare case of papillary cystadenocarcinoma arising from the left sublingual gland of a 55-year-old Japanese man are reported. Histologically, the tumor tissue was found to be composed of various-sized cystic cavities in which papillary epithelial projections with thin fibrovascular cores were observed. The papillary projections consisted of a single layer to several layers of high columnar epithelial cells. Invasion to the surrounding fibrous tissue and into the lymphatics was observed, thus suggesting an aggressive potential in the present case. The possibility of the involvement of myoepithelial cells could be excluded based on the immunohistochemical and ultrastructural findings. The immunohistochemical and ultrastructural findings also suggested that this type of salivary gland tumor, at least the present case, may arise from striated or excretory ducts. There was positive immunostaining for tumor markers CA19-9 and CA125. However, the biological role of these carbohydrate antigens in salivary gland tumors is unclear at present. Further investigations are, therefore, called for to solve this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The retrograde atrial potential at a successful ablation site is usually obscured by the wide and large ventricular potential during atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia or ventricular pacing, which makes it difficult to determine the appropriate ablation site for a concealed accessory pathway. A pacing maneuver named the 'simultaneous pacing method' is proposed herein to differentiate the retrograde atrial potential from the ventricular potential for a successful ablation of the concealed accessory pathway. Catheter ablation was performed in 12 patients with a single left free-wall concealed accessory pathway. The atrial insertion site was determined by the simultaneous pacing method in six patients (group I) and by ventricular pacing in six patients (group II). In the simultaneous pacing method, electrograms recorded during ventricular pacing in the earliest retrograde atrial activation site are a fusion of the ventricular potential and the following retrograde atrial potential. When atrial and ventricular pacings are performed simultaneously (simultaneous pacing), the end portion of the electrograms recorded at the same site is solely the ventricular component, because atrial is activated earlier. The atrial potential can be confirmed during ventricular pacing in comparison with the electrograms during the 'simultaneous pacing.' Radiofrequency catheter ablation was successful in eliminating conduction through the accessory pathway in all 12 patients. The radiofrequency applications in group I were significantly fewer than those in group II (1.7 ± 1.0 in group I, 5.3 ± 3.2 in group II, P ' 0.05). The total procedure time in group I was significantly shorter than in group II (57.8 ± 15.7 vs 106.7 ± 41.6 mins in group II, respectively, P < 0.05). The fluoroscopy time in group I was significantly shorter than in group II (54.0 ± 7.9 vs 81.3 ± 26.3 mins, respectively. P < 0.05). We were able to determine the atrial insertion site of accessory pathways by the simultaneous pacing method. The simultaneous pacing method was useful in eliminating concealed left free-wall accessory pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MPB64, a specific antigen to Mycobaeterium tuberculosis complex (TB complex), was produced and secreted by a clone of M. smegmatis-MPB64 where the structural gene of MPB64 was inserted using a new mycobacteria, E. coli shuttle plasmid pNIS vector. Antibodies against the recombinant MPB64 (rMPB64) were used for the reverse particle latex agglutination (RPLA) test to detect the MPB64 antigen rapidly. RPLA tests were applied to the stock cultures and the clinical isolates of mycobacteria to identify TB complex. RPLA with anti-MPB64 antibody-coated latex beads completely distinguished TB complex from other mycobacteria. Thus, it is suggested that RPLA with anti-MPB64 antibody would be a new, easy and inexpensive method for the rapid diagnosis of tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uterine leiomyosarcoma occurring spontaneously in a domestic golden hamster was examined histologically and immunohistochemically. The histological findings for this tumour were similar to those for leiomyosarcomas described in other species. Immunohistochemical examination demonstrated the positivity of neoplastic cells with α-smooth muscle actin and desmin. From the results mentioned above, the tumour of this case was revealed to be of smooth muscle origin. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a uterine leiomyosarcoma in domestic golden hamsters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spontaneously occurring cutaneous tumours in three golden hamsters were characterized using histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural methods. Histologically, the tumours were composed of sheets of round to oval plasmacytoid cells with eccentrically placed nuclei. Tissue sections were weakly positive for anti-B lymphocyte antigen (BLA) staining. Ultrastructurally, large amounts of rough endoplasmic reticulum in the cytoplasm were observed. BLA positivity and characteristics of ultrastructure showed the plasma cell origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals use coping behaviors to deal with unpleasant daily events. Such behaviors can moderate or mediate the pathway between psychosocial stress and health‐related outcomes. However, few studies have examined the associations between coping behaviors and genetic variants. We conducted a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) on coping behaviors in 14088 participants aged 35 to 69 years as part of the Japan Multi‐Institutional Collaborative Cohort Study. Five coping behaviors (emotional expression, emotional support seeking, positive reappraisal, problem solving and disengagement) were measured and analyzed. A GWAS analysis was performed using a mixed linear model adjusted for study area, age and sex. Variants with suggestive significance in the discovery phase (N = 6403) were further examined in the replication phase (N = 7685). We then combined variant‐level association evidence into gene‐level evidence using a gene‐based analysis. The results showed a significant genetic contribution to emotional expression and disengagement, with an estimation that the 19.5% and 6.6% variance in the liability‐scale was explained by common variants. In the discovery phase, 12 variants met suggestive significance (P < 1 × 10−6) for association with the coping behaviors and perceived stress. However, none of these associations were confirmed in the replication stage. In gene‐based analysis, FBXO45, a gene with regulatory roles in synapse maturation, was significantly associated with emotional expression after multiple corrections (P < 3.1 × 10−6). In conclusion, our results showed the existence of up to 20% genetic contribution to coping behaviors. Moreover, our gene‐based analysis using GWAS data suggests that genetic variations in FBXO45 are associated with emotional expression. A significant association was identified between a gene encoding F‐Box Protein 45 and emotional expression as human coping behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]