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Background: PASI score is globally used to assess disease activity of psoriasis. However, it is relatively complicated and time‐consuming, and the score will vary due to the inconsistent subjectivity between dermatologists. Therefore, an AI system capable of assessing psoriasis severity will be useful. Objectives: To propose a simplified PASI system (Single‐Shot PASI) and associated AI models capable of assessing psoriasis severity. Methods: Overall, 705 psoriasis images of the trunk's front and back were used in our research. Considering the relatively small number of images, we used data augmentation techniques to expand the data. A psoriasis expert's scores were used as teacher data. Various convolutional neural network models and hyperparameters were adjusted using a fivefold cross‐validation. From these adjustments, we discovered that fine‐tuning Imagenet2012‐pretrained InceptionV3 whose last linear layer was replaced by a two‐layer perceptron (30 hidden units and five output units) exhibited the best performance. Results: To validate our deep learning system, 10 images were selected as test sets and were excluded from the training sets. The AI assessment of Single‐Shot PASI was almost consistent with the clinical severity. We examined whether AI assistance would affect human scoring. In this study, 13 dermatologists and 9 medical students were invited as evaluators. Mean absolute differences from AI scores and standard deviation among evaluators reduced with AI assistance. In addition, the evaluator's scores got close to the teacher's score with AI's assistance. Conclusions: We proposed a Single‐Shot PASI system and developed an associated AI system capable of assessing psoriasis severity simply by uploading a single clinical image. An easy‐to‐use scoring system and our freely available AI software would help dermatologists and patients with psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: The learning automaton (LA) team model has been proposed as one method for modeling multi‐agent systems. It is modeled as a noncooperative game of learning automata. In this model, each LA operates independently from each other, and there exists a Nash equilibrium, that is, the existence of an optimal mixed strategy in the mixed strategy space of the game has been proven. However, for modeling multi‐agent systems more generally, the information exchange among agents and the acquisition of cooperative behaviors such as the formation of autonomous community are required. In this paper, in order to complement the LA team model, we propose a new LA team model with some fully or partially collaborative learning behaviors. In this new model, each automaton performs reinforcement learning process in order to identify random environments exchanging information with its adjacent automata. Several computer simulations indicate the availability of the proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY Digitized electrical products have many functions, and these user interface specifications have become large scale. Therefore, in short development period, it is a problem that time for usability evaluation is insufficient. In this paper, we propose a user interface design method that can evaluate consistency in device operation, by simple processes. Features of the proposed method are to use similarity of functions or interactions, as software metrics. The similarities are calculated from the design information, and are analyzed by using an agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC). As a result of the AHC, functions or interactions are classified into several groups, and their consistencies are able to be judged. This is an automatic evaluation method that does not require manpower. Thus, unlike conventional usability evaluation, efficiency of the design work can be expected. As a result of evaluating user interfaces for digital camera by using the method, this technique was able to identify the points to be corrected in the interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of sitagliptin in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance ( IGT). Methods In a double-blind, parallel-group study, 242 Japanese subjects with IGT, determined by a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test ( OGTT) at week −1, were randomized (1 : 1 : 1) to placebo (n = 83), sitagliptin 25 mg (n = 82) or 50 mg (n = 77) once daily for 8 weeks. Glycaemic variables were assessed using another OGTT at week 7 and meal tolerance tests ( MTTs) at weeks 0 and 8. Primary and secondary endpoints were percent change from baseline in glucose total area under the curve 0-2 h ( AUC0-2 h) during the MTT and OGTT, respectively. Results Least squares mean percent change from baseline in glucose AUC0-2 h during the MTT were −2.4, −9.5 and −11.5%, and during the OGTT were −3.7, −21.4 and −20.1% with placebo, sitagliptin 25 mg once daily, and 50 mg once daily, respectively (p < 0.001 for either sitagliptin dose vs placebo in both tests). Sitagliptin treatment enhanced early insulin response during the OGTT and decreased total insulin response, assessed as the total AUC0-2 h during the MTT. Sitagliptin treatment also suppressed glucagon response during the MTT. The incidence of adverse events, including hypoglycaemia, was low and generally similar in all treatment groups. Conclusions Treatment with sitagliptin significantly reduced glucose excursions during both an MTT and an OGTT; this effect was associated with an increase in early insulin secretion after oral glucose loading as well as a blunted glucagon response during an MTT. Sitagliptin was generally well tolerated in subjects with IGT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Sun's oxygen isotope composition is enriched in 16O compared with meteorites, cometary dust, Earth, Moon, and Mars [1]. To account for the enrichment, dust that formed Solar System bodies should have had 16O-depleted oxygen isotope compositions, likely due to the oxygen isotope exchange between silicate dust and 16O-depleted H2O vapor [2]. Recent experimental studies [3, 4] have determined oxygen isotope exchange kinetics between amorphous Mg silicates and H2O vapor under the protoplanetary disk-like low pressure conditions. The obtained kinetics suggests that oxygen isotope exchange may occur at lower temperatures than that for crystallization of amorphous silicate, except for short-duration high temperature heating [3, 4]. Because crystallization of amorphous silicates suppresses the effective oxygen exchange due to extremely sluggish exchange reaction between crystalline silicates and H2O vapor [3, 4], it is important to understand both crystallization and oxygen isotope exchange behaviors of amorphous silicate dust in protoplanetary disks. Methods: In this study we aim to examine the progress of oxygen isotope exchange and crystallization reactions of amorphous silicate dust particles in steady-state accretion disks. Monte Carlo simulation. We made three-dimensional Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate trajectories of dust particles in the steady-state accretion disk [5-7], where the inner part of disk is heated by viscous heating (a viscosity model) [7]. Dust size was assumed to be 0.08 µm, well coupled with gas, within the size range of silicate grains in the matrix of chondritic meteorites [8]. We adopted a of 10-2 and 10-3 and the steady accretion rate of M of 10-6, 10-7 and 10-8 MSun yr-1. Oxygen isotope exchange and crystallization reactions. We used diffusive oxygen isotope exchange kinetics of amorphous silicate dust having the forsterite (Mg2SiO4) stoichiometry with H2O vapor [3] and its crystallization kinetics in vacuum [9]. The reported reaction kinetics was simplified into the Avrami equation to include in the present disk model. One thousand amorphous silicate dust particles were released at 5.2 au from the central star, near the H2O snowline, and the progresses of reactions were calculated for dust moving inward radially by accretion and outward/vertically by diffusion at each time step [5-7]. Calculation continued for 106 yr, and the highest temperatures (Tox and Tcr), where dust had experienced by the time when oxygen isotope exchange and crystallization reactions completed, respectively, were recorded. Results and Discussion: Different particles show different Tox and Tcr, and we here use the mode temperatures of Tox- and Tcr-distributions (Tmox and Tmcr) for discussion. We found that Tmox and Tmcr depend on the disk parameters (a and M ̇). In the case of a=10-3, Tmox and Tmcr (in kelvin) are (~690, ~850), (~700, ~860), and (~730,~870) for M ̇ of 10-6, 10-7 and 10-8 MSun yr-1, respectively. In the case of a=10-2, they are (~760, ~890), (770, ~900), and (~790, ~910) for Ṁ of 10-6, 10-7 and 10-8 MSun yr-1, respectively. Tmox is lower than Tmcr for amorphous forsterite dust moving in protoplanetary disks irrespective of disk parameters. In all calculations, there is no particle that completed crystallization before the completion of oxygen isotope exchange. These results suggest that oxygen isotope exchange of amorphous silicate dust with forsterite stoichiometry occurs in the accretion disk prior to crystallization. We also conclude that the oxygen isotope exchange temperature and the crystallization temperature of amorphous forsterite dust exist at temperatures of 700-800 K and 850-900 K, respectively, in protoplanetary disks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To clarify the effects of uterine myometrial suture techniques at prior caesarean section on the incidence of pathologically diagnosed placenta accreta in placenta praevia with prior caesarean section ( PPPC). Design Case-control study. Setting Eleven tertiary referral hospitals in central Japan. Population A total of 98 cases of placenta praevia, a history of one or more prior caesarean sections, and a history of uterine transverse incision and usage of only absorbable thread for myometrial sutures at the prior caesarean section. Exclusions were a history of myomectomy or Strassmann's operation. Methods Cases were grouped into a pathologically diagnosed placenta accreta group (38 cases) and a no accreta group (60 cases). Clinical characteristics including uterine suture methods at prior caesarean section were compared (single-layer versus double-layer closure; continuous versus interrupted sutures in the inner myometrial layer). Main outcome measure The incidence of placenta accreta. Results No difference was found comparing single-layer with double-layer closure in the incidence of placenta accreta (37.1 versus 39.7%, P = 0.805); however, a significant difference was found comparing continuous with interrupted sutures (58.1 versus 29.9%, P = 0.008). Multivariable logistic regression analysis with stepwise selection for the eight factors meeting the criterion of P < 0.10 in univariate analysis was used, and four independent factors were selected, as follows: gravidity ≥ 3 (adjusted odds ratio, aOR, 3.4, 95% confidence interval, 95% CI, 0.99-11.6, P = 0.050); total praevia (versus non-total, aOR 18.4, 95% CI 3.2-107.0, P = 0.001); anterior/centre placenta (versus posterior, aOR 16.4, 95% CI 3.7-72.2, P < 0.001); and continuous sutures (versus interrupted, aOR 6.0, 95% CI 1.4-25.2, P = 0.015). Conclusions In this limited study, a history of continuous sutures on the inner side of the uterine wall showed potential to influence the development of placenta accreta in PPPC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) is an important regulator of colonic motility and secretion; yet the role of serotonergic neurons in the colon is controversial. Methods We used immunohistochemical techniques to examine their projections throughout the enteric nervous system and interstitial cells of Cajal ( ICC) networks in the murine proximal to mid colon. Key Results Serotonergic neurons, which were mainly calbindin positive, occurred only in myenteric ganglia (1 per 3 ganglia). They were larger than n NOS neurons but similar in size to Dogiel Type II ( AH) neurons. 5- HT neurons, appeared to make numerous varicose contacts with each other, most n NOS neurons, Dogiel Type II/ AH neurons and glial cells. 5- HT, calbindin and n NOS nerve fibers also formed a thin perimuscular nerve plexus that was associated with ganglia, which contained both n NOS positive and negative neurons, which lay directly upon the submucosal pacemaker ICC network. Neurons in perimuscular ganglia were surrounded by 5- HT varicosities. Submucous ganglia contained n NOS positive and negative neurons, and calbindin positive neurons, which also appeared richly supplied by serotonergic nerve varicosities. Serotonergic nerve fibers ran along submucosal arterioles, but not veins. Varicosities of serotonergic nerve fibers were closely associated with pacemaker ICC networks and with intramuscular ICC ( ICC- IM). 5- HT2B receptors were found on a subpopulation of non-5- HT containing myenteric neurons and their varicosities, pacemaker ICC- MY and ICC- IM. Conclusions & Inferences Myenteric serotonergic neurons, whose axons exhibit considerable divergence, regulate the entire enteric nervous system and are important in coordinating motility with secretion. They are not just interneurons, as regularly assumed, but possibly also motor neurons to ICC and blood vessels, and some may even be sensory neurons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a novel and complementary method for fabrication of flexible electronics. This method is not based on conventional printing using inks, but is based on the application of a toner-based method such as Xerox or laser printing, followed by a lamination process. The lamination method is a solvent-free and material-saving process that simultaneously seals the devices, and the fabricated flexible devices have structural durability against bending. We have also shown that thermal lamination has an oriented growth effect, and the electrical characteristics of flexible organic field-effect transistors did not degrade under a bending radius of 1 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The colonic migrating motor complex (CMMC) is a spontaneous, rhythmic, and neurally mediated motor pattern generated by myenteric neurons, which can propel fecal pellets in mice. Our aim was to determine whether submucous neurons were also activated during the CMMC. Methods The isolated murine colon was opened and sections of mucosa were removed to expose the submucous ganglia, which were then loaded with Fluo-4. Key Results Colonic migrating motor complexes, which occurred spontaneously or by mechanically stimulating the mucosa, were identified by displacement of the tissue (duration = 23.3 s). Between CMMCs, spontaneous Ca2+ transients (frequency = 0.9 Hz) were observed in 55% ( n = 8) of submucous neurons. During the CMMC, 98% (seven ganglia, n = 7) of submucous neurons within the same ganglion exhibited rapid Ca2+ transients (1.6 Hz) superimposed on a sustained rise in Ca2+ (duration ∼23 s) that occurred 1.7 s following the mucosal stimulus; whereas other neurons exhibited a similar, but delayed response that occurred either at 7 or 13 s following the stimulus. The activity in submucous neurons was correlated with activity in adjacent nerve varicosities. Ondansetron (1 m m; 5-HT3 antagonist) significantly reduced the frequency and duration of the Ca2+ transient responses. Conclusions & Inferences Activity in the submucous neurons appears to be secondary to that in the myenteric plexus and appears to be generated largely by activity in myenteric descending (serotonergic) interneurons. During the CMMC, there is likely to be an increase in secretion to lubricate and facilitate fecal pellet propulsion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Neuronal communication within the myenteric plexus occurs when action potentials along nerve fibers produce Ca2+ transients in varicosities leading to exocytosis of vesicles and neurotransmitters release. We used Ca2+ transients in varicosities to monitor action potential activity in myenteric nerve pathways both between and during the colonic migrating motor complex (CMMC) in the isolated murine colon. Methods Strips of longitudinal muscle were removed to reveal the myenteric ganglia, which were then loaded with Fluo-4. Key Results Many varicosities, including synaptotagmin 1 labeled varicosities, exhibited ongoing Ca2+ transients (duration of unitary Ca2+ transient 3.9 s). Between CMMCs, varicosities fired at a frequency of 0.6 Hz, which correlated with spontaneous inhibitory junction potentials in the circular muscle, suggesting they were mainly in inhibitory nerve pathways. During a CMMC other previously quiescent varicosities fired at 1.3 Hz (max. 2.0 Hz) for the duration (24 s) of the CMMC, suggesting they were on excitatory nerve pathways. Activity in varicosities was correlated with Ca2+ transient responses in a number of neurons. Some varicosities appeared to release an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduced activity in nNOS-positive neurons. Varicosities along the same nerve fiber exhibited identical patterns of activity that allowed nerve fibers to be traced throughout the myenteric plexus and internodal strands. Activity in varicosities was reduced by hexamethonium (100 μmol L−1), and blocked by ω-conotoxin GVIA (200 nM) and tetrodotoxin (1 μmol L−1; TTX). Conclusions & Inferences Ca2+ imaging of varicosities allows for a determination of activity in neural pathways within the enteric nervous system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented regarding the tumour-induced osteomalacia (TIO).

Ghrelin is an orexigenic peptide discovered in the stomach as a ligand of the orphan G-protein coupled receptor, and participates in the regulation of growth hormone (GH) release. Previous studies have demonstrated that ghrelin suppressed water intake and stimulated the secretion of arginine vasopressin in rats. We examined the effect of ghrelin on the excitatory synaptic inputs to the magnocellular neurosecretory cells (MNCs) in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in in vitro rat and mouse brain slice preparations. The application of ghrelin (10−7∼10−6 m) caused a significant increase in the frequency of the miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) in a dose-related manner without affecting the amplitude. The increased frequency of the spontaneous EPSCs persisted in the presence of tetrodotoxin (1 μM). Des- n-octanoyl ghrelin (10−6 m) did not have a significant effect on the mEPSCs. The ghrelin-induced potentiation of the mEPSCs was significantly suppressed by previous exposure to the transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) blocker, ruthenium red (10 μM) and GH secretagougue type 1a receptor selective antagonist, BIM28163 (10 μm). The effects of ghrelin on the supraoptic MNCs in trpv1 knockout mice were significantly attenuated compared to those in wild-type mice counterparts. These results suggest that ghrelin participates in the regulation of synaptic inputs to the MNCs in the SON via interaction with the GH secretagogue type 1a receptor, and that the TRPV1 channel may be involved in ghrelin-induced potentiation of mEPSCs to the MNCs in the SON. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have fabricated silver nanoprisms of 100–600 nm side length by focussed ion beam lithography and measured the light intensity scattering spectra using dark-field microscopy. Two resonance peaks due to localized surface plasmon excitation were observed in the spectra and their central frequency shown to depend on the prism size. The near-field electromagnetic intensity distribution with TE-polarized light at the vacuum wavelength of 632.8 nm was measured. We have obtained a much lower light intensity enhancement than previously numerically predicated. However, scattering spectra obtained numerically, taking into account roundness of the prism corners, agree well with experimental ones. At the same time, the numerically determined field distribution was different to the near-field intensity obtained experimentally. Our results suggest the particular shape of the corner region of the prism is a key factor for obtaining a large light intensity enhancement and shaping the local field distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Respiratory inflammation and hyperresponsiveness caused by various pathological stimulants and microbial infections are associated with excessive production of nitric oxide (NO) in airway epithelial and phagocytic cells. For example, in viral pneumonia caused by influenza and Sendai virus, NO contributes critically to inflammatory processes and pathological exacerbation in the airway. NO-mediated respiratory complications may be dependent on the complex reactions of NO, with simultaneously produced superoxide forming several reactive nitrogen species, most notably ONOO−. These reactive nitrogen oxides can react with biologically important proteins, enzymes, lipids, and nucleic acids via oxidation, nitration, or nitrosylation reactions, producing nitrative stress. Recent studies indicate that nitrative stress is involved in inflammation by a number of mechanisms including modulation of host immune response, destruction of tissue architecture, activation or inactivation of enzymes and transcription factors, and so on. There is accumulating evidence for the involvement of NO and nitrative stress in respiratory diseases. In this review, we focus on the molecular mechanisms of NO-induced and nitrative stress-mediated respiratory inflammation and pathogenesis during respiratory viral infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the utility of easy Z-score imaging system (eZIS) in 27 diffuse axonal injury (DAI) cases. Twenty-seven DAI patients were examined with an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2* sequence and with eZIS (seven women, 20 men; age range, 19–35 years; median age: 26.6 years). In this investigation, we excluded patients who exhibited complications such as acute subdural hematoma, acute epidural hematoma, intracerebral hematoma, or brain contusion. We examined the neuropsychological tests and correlated with findings from MRI/eZIS. Furthermore, we evaluated the degree of ventricular enlargement in the bifrontal cerebroventricular index (CVI). Patients were divided into two groups: the enlargement group (bifrontal CVI > 35%, 12 patients) and the non-enlargement group (bifrontal CVI < 35%, 15 patients). All of the patients showed cognitive deficits as observed from the neuropsycological test results. Fifteen out of 27 patients by MRI T1/T2 weighted images and fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), 22 out of 27 patients by MRI T2* weighted images and 24 out of 27 patients by eZIS showed abnormal findings. In MRI T2* weighted imaging, the white matter from the frontal lobe, corpus callosum, and brainstem showed abnormal findings. With eZIS, 22 patients (81.5%) showed blood flow degradation in the frontal lobe, and 12 patients (44.4%) in cingulate gyrus. In the enlargement group, Functional Independence Measure, Mini-Mental State Examination, Verbal IQ (VIQ)/Full Scale IQ (FIQ), Trail Making Test-B (TMT-B), and Non-paired of Miyake Paired Test were significantly lower. Amongst 12 patients without ventricular enlargement who had no abnormal findings in MRI T1/T2 weighted images and FLAIR, abnormal findings were detectable in seven patients with MRI T2* weighted imaging and to 10 patients with eZIS. Results of the MRI examination alone cannot fully explain DAI frontal lobe dysfunction. However, addition of the eZIS-assisted analysis derived from the single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) data enabled us to understand regions where blood flow was decreased, i.e., where neuronal functions conceivably might be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of the adherence capacity of fungi to surfaces of both oral tissue and different tissues would be of interest in the fungal dissemination as an oral and systemic pathogen. We developed an in vitro adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-based assay technique to extract the cellular and fungal ATP separately, which allowed the quantitative evaluation of the adhesion of the yeast to monolayers of human gingival epithelial cells (GEC), gingival fibroblasts (GF) and pulmonary fibroblasts (PF). Seven oral isolates of Candida species (three of Candida albicans, three of Candida tropicalis and one of Candida glabrata) were used in the study. The adherent level of the Candida species varied depending on both the isolates and the cell origins, although all the Candida isolates had a significantly higher level of adherence to GEC than to GF except the single isolate of C. tropicalis. Whereas the adherent level of the five isolates to GEC was significantly higher than that to PF, the adherent level of the remaining two isolates of C. tropicalis to GEC was significantly lower than that to PF. These results suggest that candidal adherence to host tissue cells should be regulated in an isolate-dependent and cell-origin-dependent manner, and that the phenomena may be involved in the colonisation and/or dissemination of the fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) is important to induce antigen-specific antitumour immunity in cancer immunotherapy with antigen-loaded DCs. However, DCs from tumour-bearing hosts are immature and functionally defective for antigen presentation. We examined whether DCs from tumour-bearing mice could be an effective part of a DC/tumour cell fusion vaccine. Materials and methods Dendritic cells from healthy (DC-Hs) or MC38 tumour-bearing mice (DC-TBs) were examined for endocytotic capacity of FITC-labelled dextran, antigen-presenting capacity in allogeneic mixed leucocyte reaction (allo-MLR) and expression of I-A[sup b] , CD80, and CD86. Fusion cells (FCs) of DC-Hs or DC-TBs and MC38 cells (FC-Hs or FC-TBs) were generated by treatment with polyethylene glycol (PEG). Mice vaccinated with FC-Hs or FC-TBs were studied for cytolytic activity of splenocytes and suppressive activity against established MC38 pulmonary metastases. Results Dendritic cell-TBs showed higher endocytotic capacity and lower antigen-presenting capacity than did DC-Hs, results indicating that DC-TBs are more immature and functionally defective for antigen presentation than are DC-Hs. Expression of surface molecules, however, was almost same between DC-Hs and DC-TBs. Splenocytes from mice immunized with FC-Hs or FC-TBs induced the same high cytolytic activity against MC38 cells. Vaccination of mice with FC-Hs or FC-TBs resulted in the same significant suppressive effect against established pulmonary metastases of MC38. Conclusion Dendritic cells from tumour-bearing mice, despite being functionally defective, are effective vehicles for immunotherapy using DC/tumour cell fusion vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary We propose the use of numerical calculations of the optical response of nonlinear Kerr-spheres, modifying the Mie theory. As a numerical example, we use a CuCl sphere coated with a Kerr-nonlinear sphere, taking into account the excitation of the Z3 -exciton. The results clearly show that optical bistable and/or optical switching devices can be realized on a nano- and meso-size scale when the real part of the dielectric constant of CuCl is negative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary We numerically evaluated the optical responses of a nonlinear microsphere put on prisms, i.e. in prism-coupling geometry where the incident light excites the WGM through near-field coupling. As numerical calculations, we employed the finite-difference time-domain method taking into account Kerr nonlinearity. The sphere was coated by a Kerr material with 160 nm thick. The third-order nonlinear susceptibility of the Kerr material χ(3) was assumed to be 7 × 10-14 [m2 V-2 ]. The diameter of the sphere was assumed to be 1 µm. The numerical results have shown that the control and/or the signal lights can induce the optical switching-like variation in the reflectance. Such a nonlinear response of the sphere has been interpreted by the variation in the dielectric constant of the sphere due to a Kerr nonlinearity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ten cats with sporotrichosis were examined clinically and pathologically. They were in very poor general condition, and had widespread ulcerated cutaneous lesions and respiratory signs. Gross internal abnormalities were found only in the lungs and lymph nodes. Histologically, an inflammatory infiltrate and yeast-like structures were observed in the skin, lungs, liver and lymph nodes. The spleen was congested and contained fungal elements. No microscopical changes were observed in the pancreas, kidneys and heart. was isolated from all the skin samples and nasal swabs obtained in vivo, and from all the samples of lung, liver, spleen, lymph nodes, heart and kidney taken postmortem. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In the present study, effects of different types of K+ channel modulators on the spontaneous rhythmic contractile activity were examined in guinea-pig urinary bladder smooth muscle (UBSM). Guinea-pig UBSM exhibited myogenic rhythmic contraction in the presence of atropine (1 μM), phentolamine (1 μM), propranolol (1 μM), suramin (10 μM) and tetrodotoxin (1 μM). Nisoldipine (100 nM) or diltiazem (10 μM) substantially diminished UBSM contractile activity. Nisoldipine-resistant component of UBSM rhythmic contraction was further inhibited by gadolinium (200 μM). Iberiotoxin (50 nM), a selective blocker of large-conductance, voltage-gated Ca2+-activated K+ (KCa) (BK) channel, dramatically increased both contraction amplitude and frequency whereas NS-1619 (30 μM), which increases BK channel activity, decreased them. Apamin (100 nM), a selective blocker of small-conductance, KCa (SK) channel, increased contraction amplitude but decreased frequency. A blocker of voltage-gated K+ (Kv) channel, 4-aminopyridine (100 μM), significantly increased contraction frequency. E-4031, a blocker of a novel inwardly rectifying K+ channel, i.e. the human ether-a-go-go-related gene (HERG) K+ channel, significantly increased contraction amplitude. Glibenclamide (1–10 μM) (KATP channel blocker) and Ba2+ (10 μM) (conventional Kir channel blocker) did not exhibit conspicuous effects on spontaneous contractile activity of UBSM. These findings imply that two types of KCa (BK and SK) channels have prominent roles as negative feedback elements to limit extracellular Ca2+ influx-mediated guinea-pig UBSM contraction by regulating both amplitude and frequency. It was also suggested that both non-KCa type of K+ (Kv and HERG-like K+) channels may contribute to the regulation of UBSM myogenic rhythmic contraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines photocatalytic deposition of a gold nanoparticle onto the top of a SiN cantilever tip. Effect of titanium dioxide for the deposition; Performance of gold nanoparticles; Limitations of resolution of the metal probes.

Background: Massive alveolar lavage has been used clinically to remove materials accumulated in the alveoli. Recently, filling the lungs with oxygenated perfluorochemical (total liquid ventilation) has been investigated. However, effects of complete and prolonged filling of bilateral lungs with aqueous fluid, such as saline or Ringer’s solution, has not been evaluated, although it is possible to sustain gas exchange without the natural lung by using extracorporeal circulation and an artificial lung (extracorporeal lung assist: ECLA). It is also not known whether the lung can recover gas exchange ability after prolonged fluid filling. Methods: Normal mongrel dogs were endotracheally intubated under general anesthesia and mechanically ventilated. After initiation of venoarterial ECLA, warmed lactated Ringer’s solution was instilled into the lungs through the endotracheal tube, and the lungs were completely filled at a hydrostatic pressure of 15 cmH2O (fluid-filled group: group F). After the lungs were filled for 4 h, the fluid was drained and ventilation was re-instituted. ECLA, then mechanical ventilation was gradually weaned within 24 h after fluid drainage. In control group (group C), dogs were kept apneic for 4 h with their lungs inflated at an airway pressure of 15 cmH2O with air. Results: Transient hypoxemia occurred during fluid filling but every dog could be weaned from ECLA and mechanical ventilation to spontaneous respiration. The average rate of fluid absorption from the lung during fluid filling was 4.2±1.8 ml kg-1 h-1. After fluid drainage and restart of mechanical ventilation, bilateral lungs were expanded and well aerated. Total static respiratory system compliance (static compliance) remained unchanged even after fluid filling, and the weight of the lung water did not increase significantly compared to that in group C. Total urine volume was significantly increased in group F. Histologically, alveolar structures were preserved and no interstitial edema or bleeding was seen in either group. Conclusion: Complete filling of the bilateral lungs for 4 h with lactated Ringer’s solution under ECLA causes no deterioration in gas exchange or static compliance in normal dogs, although transient hypoxemia occurs during fluid filling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motility of Helicobacter pylori is essential for colonization. H. pylori has been shown to exhibit chemotactic activity toward urea and sodium and bicarbonate ions, which are secreted from the gastric epithelia. The importance of urease activity for chemotactic motility of H. pylori in a viscous environment has also been show. Consequently, application of drugs inhibiting chemotactic motility has been proposed as a strategy for H. pylori ereadication. This inhibitory effect can be evaluated through assay of chemotaxis and swarming. Numbers of bacteria attracted toward 1 μM flurofamide were reduced with increasing concentrations of sofalcone (0.2–222 μM). In addition, the size of the swarming zone was reduced in motility agar containing 22 and 222 μM sofalcone. On the other hand, 22 μM sofalcone did not inhibit bacterial growth on day 3. Bacterial swimming speed in brucella broth was slower in the presence of 22 and 222 μM sofalcone than in its absence. Sofalcone was found to inhibit chemotactic motility of H. pylori. This drug may be useful for inhibiting the bacterium’s ability to colonize the human stomach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1) and FGF-2 are mitogenic polypeptides that may contribute to neoplastic cell proliferation. In the present study, we established a serum-free culture system for ameloblastoma cells and demonstrated that the additon of FGF-1 and FGF-2 enhanced cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. Immunoperoxidase staining of cultured cells demonstrated strong expression of FGF-1 and FGF-2. In tissue specimens, FGF-1 was localized in epithelial cell components of ameloblastomas, whereas FGF-2 was mainly found in the basement membranes with only moderate staining in epithelium. These data suggest that both FGF-1 and FGF-2 may contribute to the growth and development of ameloblastomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For providing costimulatory signals, we utilized anti-CD28 monoclonal antibody (mAb) for the in vitro culture of turnout-draining lymph node (LN) cells. The proliferation of B16 melanoma-draining LN cells in the culture with anti-CD3 mAb was remarkably enhanced by the addition of anti-CD28 mAb. In culture with both anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 mAb, the B16-draining LN cells produced a higher level of interferon-γ, but not interleukin-4, than with anti-CD3 mAb alone. The B16-draining LN cells efficiently expanded in the culture with both anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 mAb and subsequently with a low dose of IL-2 (anti-CD3 plus anti-CD28/IL-2). The expanded cells consisted predominantly of CD8+ T cells and showed a specific cytolytic activity, in a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-restricted manner, even without in vitro restimulation. In addition, the adoptive transfer of the B16-draining LN cells, expanded in the culture protocol of anti-CD3 plus anti-CD28/IL-2, showed a significant anti-tumour effect against metastatic B16 melanoma in combination with IL-2. The cured mice thus acquired a specific protective immunity. Moreover, this protocol was also moderately effective against poorly immunogenic 3LL carcinoma. Overall, our results suggest the potential for another immunotherapeutic strategy based on ‘the costimulatory theory’ other than vaccination with B7-transfected tumour cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the information filtering system on the Internet. Significance of online information on educational systems; Categories of information filtering; Description of collaborative filtering technique.

During direct ethoxylation of fatty methyl ester over Al-Mg composite oxide catalyst, the activity was nearly proportional to the total number of active Al acidic sites on the catalyst surface per unit weight of catalyst. Lower active Al acidic site densities resulted in a narrower ethylene oxide (EO) adduct distribution of obtained ethoxylate. We developed a new catalyst with a large surface area on which many acidic sites are distributed uniformly by partially poisoning the Al acid sites of high-Al content Al-Mg composite oxide with alkali. This catalyst was used for direct ethoxylation of fatty methyl esters to obtain ethoxylated fatty methyl esters with narrow EO adduct distribution efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the purpose of estimating the reaction mechanism of the direct ethoxylation of a fatty ester in the presence of an Al-Mg composite oxide catalyst, a labeled fatty methyl ester C11H23CO18OCH3 containing 18O isotope was synthesized and directly ethoxylated. The product was evaluated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The GC-MS spectra showed that the 18O isotope label was present only in the methoxy group at the molecular end of the ethoxylated fatty methyl ester. This supports the reaction mechanism of coordination anionic polymerization where the bond between the acyl and methoxy groups of the fatty methyl ester molecule was broken, caused by the bifunctional effect of the acid-base active sites; an intermediate chemisorption species was formed; and then ethylene oxide was addition-polymerized sequentially, in parallel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ehthylene oxide (EO) cannot react directly with fatty methyl esters that have no active hydrogen. We developed a new synthetic method, which directly inserts EO into fatty methyl esters (RCOOCH) to give [RCO(OCHCH)OCH]. This was achieved by the use of a novel solid catalyst modified by metal cations. Ethoxylates of fatty methyl esters obtained by this method were homogeneous monoesters and had good properties as nonionic surfactants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1) and FGF-2 are heparin-binding polypeptides that are potent mitogens for neoplastic cells. In this study, fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1), FGF-2, and fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR-1) were immunohistochemically analyzed in 10 patients with pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary gland by using specific monoclonal antibodies. The tumor tissues were histopathologically classified as: tubular, solid, myxoid or chondroid. Both FGF-1 and FGF-2 were immunohistochemically identified in the tumor cells of all histological types. In addition, immunoreactive FGF-2 was also found in the basement membrane of tubular type tumor cells. Conversely, FGFR-1-positive tumor cells were essentially confined to the tubular and solid areas of tumors. Tumor cells in the myxoid and chondroid areas were FGFR-1 immunonegative. These results suggest that the co-expression of FGF and its receptor appears to be related to the proliferative activity of tumor cells in the tubular and solid areas, whereas loss of FGF receptor expression may be associated with the differentiation of tumor cells into myxoid and chondroid tissue types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The localization of fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1) and FGF-2 in human oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was examined by immunohistochemical techniques using anti-FGF-1 and anti-FGF-2 monoclonal antibodies. Immunofluorescence staining of two oral SCC cell lines revealed that growing cancer cells were intensely positive for both FGF-1 and FGF-2, but confluent cells showed a faint immunostaining. In addition, two molecular mass species of FGF-1 (16 and 18 kDa) and one of FGF-2 (18 kDa) were identified by Western blot in cell extracts derived from growing SCC cells, but not from confluent SCC cells. The growing cell extracts significantly stimulated the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Immunoperoxidase staining of 13 oral SCC cases showed that both well-differentiated and poorly-differentiated cancer cells were positive for FGF-1 and FGF-2 with high frequency and intensity as compared to normal oral epithelium. These results indicate that SCC cells express high levels of endogenous FGF-1 and FGF-2, and suggest that these growth factors may contribute to cancer cell growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]