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Objectives : To characterise the clinical signs of suspected cerebrovascular disease in dogs. Materials and Methods : Medical records of one hospital were searched from November 2009 to December 2016 for dogs that suffered of cerebrovascular disease. We diagnosed cerebrovascular disease based on acute onset, clinical signs and magnetic resonance imaging findings. The medical history, clinical signs, concurrent disease, area of infarction, cerebrospinal fluid results, month at onset and outcome were investigated in the cerebrovascular disease group and in a control group (dogs with brain disorders other than cerebrovascular disease). Results : A total of 122 CVD cases were extracted from the 5312 patients that visited during the study period. Of these 122 cases, 66 (1.2%) matched the subject selection criteria of our study and were included in the analysis. Forebrain infarction was observed in 51 of 66 cases, of which 24 (47.1%) suffered from seizures. The number of dogs diagnosed with cerebrovascular disease was disproportionately high in August (nine of 59 cases) and December (13 of 59 cases). In the outcome survey, deterioration was observed in 11 of 55 cases. Clinical Significance : Seizure is an important clinical sign of cerebrovascular disease in dogs. There was a significant seasonal variation in the number of dogs diagnosed with cerebrovascular disease in Japan. Clinical features observed in this report differ from those of previous reports and highlight the need for additional research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the association between sarcopenic obesity and the decline in estimated GFR in people with type 2 diabetes. Methods: We enrolled 745 people with type 2 diabetes (mean age 64.6 years, 53.6% men). Body composition was evaluated using dual‐energy X‑ray absorptiometry. Skeletal muscle index, calculated as appendicular non‐fat mass (kg) divided by height squared (m2), was used to determine sarcopenia. Sarcopenic obesity was defined as the coexistence of sarcopenia and a ratio of android to gynoid fat mass greater than the median values in each gender. The association of sarcopenic obesity both with the annual rate of decline in estimated GFR and a >30% decline in estimated GFR was evaluated using multivariate linear regression models and Cox proportional hazard models, respectively. Results: Participants with sarcopenic obesity were at an increased risk of a high annual rate of decline in estimated GFR, even after adjustment for the confounding variables (standardized β = −0.228, P <0.001). Sarcopenic obesity was also significantly associated with risk of a >30% decline in estimated GFR (hazard ratio 4.52, 95% CI 2.16–9.47; P < 0.01) in multivariate model. Conclusions: Sarcopenic obesity evaluated by dual energy X‑ray absorptiometry is associated with a faster decline in renal function in people with type 2 diabetes. What's new?: People with sarcopenic obesity, defined as the coexistence of sarcopenia and obesity, were reported to have an extremely high risk of metabolic abnormalities including insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and diabetes; however, the impact of sarcopenic obesity on decline in renal function has not been fully established.This study demonstrated that sarcopenic obesity was significantly associated with a high annual rate of estimated GFR (eGFR) decline and a >30% decline in eGFR in both men and women with type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Functional dyspepsia (FD), a heterogeneous disorder, involves multiple pathogenetic mechanisms. Developing treatments for FD has been challenging. We performed a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind clinical trial to determine the efficacy of rikkunshito, a Japanese herbal medicine, in FD patients. Methods: FD patients (n = 192) who met the Rome III criteria without Helicobacter pylori infection, predominant heartburn, and depression were enrolled at 56 hospitals in Japan. After 2 weeks of single‐blind placebo treatment, 128 patients with continuous symptoms were randomly assigned to 8 weeks of rikkunshito (n = 64) or placebo (n = 61). The primary efficacy endpoint was global assessment of overall treatment efficacy (OTE). The secondary efficacy endpoints were improvements in upper gastrointestinal symptoms evaluated by the Patient Assessment of Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders‐Symptom Severity Index (PAGI‐SYM), the Global Overall Symptom scale (GOS), and the modified Frequency Scale for the Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (m‐FSSG), and psychological symptoms evaluated by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Key Results: Rikkunshito increased OTE compared to placebo at 8 weeks (P = .019). Rikkunshito improved upper gastrointestinal symptoms (PAGI‐SYM, GOS, and m‐FSSG) at 8 weeks, especially postprandial fullness/early satiety (P = .015 and P = .001) and bloating (P = .007 and P = .002) of the PAGI‐SYM subscales at 4 weeks and 8 weeks. Improvement of HADS at 8 weeks (P = .027) correlated with those of PAGI‐SYM (r = .302, P = .001), GOS (r = .186, P = .044), and m‐FSSG (r = .462, P < .001), postprandial fullness/early satiety (r = .226, P = .014), dyspepsia (r = .215, P = .019), and PDS (r = .221, P = .016). Conclusion & inferences: Rikkunshito may be beneficial for FD patients to simultaneously treat gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY We have designed and developed a tri-stable rotary solenoid actuator, which has a simple structure and simple operation. The plunger has two stabilities at the extreme positions along an angular stroke and the third stability at the center of it. The third has been successively achieved by using the electromagnetic restoring torque, which is designed to be larger than the inertia torque. The dynamic characteristics were determined by utilizing an optimal design program that is specially constructed based on the response surface method in order to design the coil winding and the power supply for the coil excitation. A prototype solenoid was constructed and used to verify the tri-stable motions and accuracy of the previously constructed design program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background For the contraction and relaxation of gastric smooth muscles to occur, the intracellular Ca2+ concentration must be increased and decreased, respectively. The Na+/Ca2+ exchanger ( NCX) is a plasma membrane transporter that is involved in regulating intracellular Ca2+ concentrations. Methods To determine the role of NCX in gastrointestinal tissues, we examined electric field stimulation ( EFS)-induced relaxations in the circular muscles of the gastric fundus in NCX1 and NCX2 heterozygote knockout mice ( HET). Key Results The myenteric plexus layers and the longitudinal and circular muscle layers in the gastric fundus of wild-type mice ( WT) were strongly immunoreactive to NCX1 and NCX2. EFS induced a transient relaxation that was apparent during the stimulus and a sustained relaxation that persisted after the end of the stimulus. The amplitudes of EFS-induced transient relaxation and sustained relaxation were greater in NCX1 HET and NCX2 HET than in WT. When an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase was added following the EFS, neither NCX1 HET nor NCX2 HET exhibited transient relaxation, similar to WT. Furthermore, when a PACAP antagonist was added following the EFS, sustained relaxation in NCX1 HET and NCX2 HET was not observed, similar to WT. Next, we examined the effect of NCX heterozygous deficiency on relaxation in response to NO and PACAP in smooth muscles. The magnitude of NOR-1- and PACAP-induced relaxations in NCX1 HET and NCX2 HET was similar to that of WT. Conclusions & Inferences In this study, we demonstrate that NCX1 and NCX2 expressed in neurons regulate the motility in the gastric fundus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Few studies have evaluated the effects of rabeprazole on low-dose aspirin ( LDA)-induced gastroduodenal injuries. Aim To conduct a randomised, double-blind, triple-dummy, active-controlled, multicentre trial, named the PLANETARIUM study, to assess the efficacy, dose-response relationship and safety of rabeprazole for peptic ulcer recurrence in Japanese patients on long-term LDA therapy. Methods Eligible patients had a history of endoscopically confirmed peptic ulcers and were receiving long-term LDA (81 or 100 mg/day) therapy for cardiovascular or cerebrovascular protection. Subjects were randomly segregated into three groups receiving rabeprazole 10 mg once daily (standard dose in Japan), rabeprazole 5 mg once daily, or teprenone (geranylgeranylacetone; mucosal protective agent commercially available in Japan) 50 mg three times per day as an active control. The primary endpoint was recurrence of peptic ulcers over 24 weeks. Results Among 472 randomised subjects, 452 subjects ( n = 151, 150, 151, respectively) constituted the full analysis set. The cumulative recurrence rates of peptic ulcers over 24 weeks in the 10- and 5-mg rabeprazole groups were 1.4% and 2.8%, respectively, both of which were significantly lower than that in the teprenone group (21.7%). The cumulative occurrence rate of bleeding ulcers over 24 weeks in the teprenone group was 4.6%, while bleeding ulcers were not observed in the 10- or 5-mg rabeprazole groups. Rabeprazole was well tolerated at both doses. Conclusion Rabeprazole prevents the recurrence of peptic ulcers with no evidence of a major dose-response effect in subjects on low-dose aspirin therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The newly installed BL28XU beamline at SPring-8 is dedicated to in situ structural and electronic analysis of rechargeable batteries. It supports the time range (1 ms to 100 s) and spatial range (1 µm to 1 mm) needed for battery analysis. Electrochemical apparatus for battery charging and discharging are available in experimental hutches and in a preparation room. Battery analysis can be carried out efficiently and effectively using X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption fine-structure analysis and hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Here, the design and performance of the beamline are described, and preliminary results are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of interocclusal distance (IOD) on bite force and masseter electromyographic (EMG) activity during different isometric contraction tasks. Thirty-one healthy participants (14 women and 17 men, 21·2 ± 1·8 years) were recruited. Maximal Voluntary Occlusal Bite Force (MVOBF) between the first molars and masseter EMG activity during all the isometric-biting tasks were measured. The participants were asked to bite at submaximal levels of 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% MVOBF with the use of visual feedback. The thickness of the force transducer was set at 8, 12, 16 and 20 mm (= IOD), and sides were tested in random sequence. MVOBF was significantly higher at 8 mm compared with all other IODs ( P < 0·001). Only in women, IOD always had significant influence on the corresponding root-mean-square (RMS) value of EMG ( P < 0·011). When biting was performed on the ipsilateral side to the dominant hand, the working side consistently showed higher masseter EMG activity compared with the balancing side ( P < 0·020). On the contralateral side, there was no difference between the masseter EMG at any IODs. The results replicated the finding that higher occlusal forces can be generated between the first molars at shorter IODs. The new finding in this study was that an effect of hand dominance could be found on masseter muscle activity during isometric biting. This may suggest that there can be a general dominant side effect on human jaw muscles possibly reflecting differences in motor unit recruitment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ti-Ni-Si glassy alloy supercapacitors, devices that store electric charge on their TiO2 surfaces that contain many nanometer-sized cavities, display many advantages over other power-source technologies. The use of de-alloying and anodic oxidization methods has made possible the synthesis of a TiO2 surface accessible to electron trapping. Until recently, no studies have addressed the 'dry' electric storage in light glassy alloys. Our device realizes AC electric storage from 193 to 453 K with a voltage variation from 10 to 150 V, and DC capacitance of ∼4.8 F (∼52.8 kF/cm3), on the basis of electric double layers, deep electronic trapping sites and Shottky barriers. Further gains could be attained with surface optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) is a plasma membrane transporter involved in regulating intracellular Ca2+ concentrations. NCX is critical for Ca2+ regulation in cardiac muscle, vascular smooth muscle, and nerve fibers. However, little is known about the physiological role of NCX in the myenteric neurons and smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. Methods To determine the role of NCX1 and NCX2 in gastrointestinal tissues, we examined electric field stimulation (EFS)-induced responses in the longitudinal smooth muscle of the distal colon in NCX1- and NCX2-heterozygote knockout mice. Key Results We found that the amplitudes of EFS-induced relaxation that persisted during EFS were greater in NCX2 heterozygous mice (HET) than in wild-type mice (WT). Under the nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) condition, EFS-induced relaxation in NCX2 HET was similar in amplitude to that of WT. In addition, an NCX inhibitor, YM-244769 enhanced EFS-induced relaxation but did not affect EFS-induced relaxation under the NANC condition, as in NCX2 HET. Unlike NCX2 HET, NCX1 HET displayed no marked changes in colonic motility. These results indicate that cholinergic function in the colon is altered in NCX2 HET. The magnitude of acetylcholine (ACh)-induced contraction in NCX2 HET was similar to that in WT. In contrast, EFS-induced ACh release was reduced in NCX2 HET compared with that in WT. Conclusions & Inferences In this study, we demonstrate that NCX2 regulates colonic motility by altering ACh release onto the myenteric neurons of the distal colon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The use of proton pump inhibitors for prevention of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ( NSAID)-induced gastrointestinal adverse events is well documented. However, data regarding the efficacy and safety of this approach in Japan are scarce. Aim To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of esomeprazole in preventing NSAID-induced peptic ulcers in Japanese at-risk patients. Methods Male and female Japanese adult patients (aged ≥20 years) with endoscopically confirmed history of peptic ulcers who required long-term oral NSAID therapy for a chronic inflammatory condition were randomised to 24 weeks' treatment with esomeprazole 20 mg once daily or matching placebo. The primary end point was the Kaplan- Meier estimated proportion of ulcer-free patients. Results Overall, 343 patients were randomised to treatment (esomeprazole, n = 175; placebo, n = 168). The Kaplan- Meier estimated ulcer-free rate over the 24-week treatment period was significantly higher (log-rank P < 0.001) in esomeprazole-treated patients (96.0%; 95% CI 92.8, 99.1) than in placebo recipients (64.4%; 95% CI 56.8, 71.9). Esomeprazole was effective at preventing peptic ulcers in both Helicobacter pylori-positive and -negative patients (96.3% vs. 95.5% of patients ulcer-free, respectively); however, in the placebo group, the proportion of ulcer-free patients at 24 weeks was markedly lower among H. pylori-positive than -negative patients (59.7% vs. 69.9%). The NSAID type did not seem to affect the estimated ulcer-free rate with esomeprazole. Treatment with esomeprazole was well tolerated. Conclusion Esomeprazole 20 mg once daily is effective and safe in preventing ulcer recurrence in Japanese patients with a definite history of peptic ulcers who were taking an NSAID ( identifier: NCT00542789). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We screened sera from patients with various neurological disorders for the presence of anti-neutral glycosphingolipids antibodies and only found them in sera from relapsing polychondritis with limbic encephalitis patients. Neutral glycosphingolipids are resident in membrane lipid rafts where high affinity nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor, Trk is co-localized. Therefore, we examined whether these antibodies influence the action of NGF in NGF-responsive cells. The results strongly suggest that these antibodies enhance NGF-induced Trk autophosphorylation and neurite outgrowth as well as neurofilament M expression. These data strongly indicate that these anti-neutral glycosphingolipids antibodies have an functional impact on NGF-Trk-mediated intracellular signal transduction pathway. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Our previous study showed that atropine significantly inhibited the sustained relaxation induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS) in the circular muscle strips prepared from the mouse antrum, and that pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) partially mediated the sustained relaxation. The muscarinic receptor subtype associated with the sustained relaxation was examined in the present study by using each muscarinic receptor subtype of knockout (KO) mice. EFS-induced sustained relaxation in the antrum prepared from M2 receptor KO mice was significantly less than that of wild-type mice. Atropine failed to inhibit this relaxation. On the other hand, similar sustained relaxation and inhibitory effects of atropine to those of wild-type mice were observed in M1, M3 and M4 receptor KO mice. Exogenously added PACAP-27 relaxed the antral strips of wild-type and M2 receptor KO mice to a similar extent. Immunohistochemical study revealed that M2 receptor immunoreactivity was localized with PACAP-immunoreactivity in enteric neurons within the antrum of wild-type mice. In contrast, atropine did not affect the EFS-induced sustained relaxation in the gastric fundus. These results suggest that M2 receptors modulate the sustained relaxation, probably through the regulation of PACAP release, in the mouse antrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After conditioning Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus for 2 weeks, the photoperiod regime of 12 tanks of fish was changed to a 6L : 6D photoperiod while 12 further tanks were retained on the conditioning photoperiod regime (12L : 12D). Blood samples were collected 3 days (first sampling) and 3 months (second sampling) after changing the photoperiod regime. Blood was collected at 6 h intervals from both photoperiod regimes (1000, 1600, 2200 and 0400 hours). At the first sampling time, fish in the 6L : 6D had significantly higher cortisol both in the light and dark phases than levels in fish in the 12L : 12D photoperiod. At the second sampling time, the levels were significantly higher only in the light phase. The levels of cortisol, glucose and Cl− in fish exposed to the 6L : 6D photoperiod, however, were far lower than those of acute stress-induced levels observed in fish exposed to a stress experiment. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in overall values of all the variables between the photoperiod regimes at the second sampling time. This indicated that the fish exposed to the 6L : 6D photoperiod were not chronically stressed. Significantly higher blood lymphocyte counts were observed in fish exposed to the 6L : 6D compared to those of the 12L : 12D photoperiod during the light phase at the second sampling time. Other variables (glucose, Cl−, haematocrit and neutrophil) did not show a significant difference between the treatments at either sampling time. These results demonstrated that the artificial photoperiod regime did not cause a significant acute or chronic stress response in Nile tilapia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine that regulates the immune response, inflammation, and hematopoiesis. Overproduction of IL-6 plays pathologic roles in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and the blockade of IL-6 may be therapeutically effective for the disease. This study was undertaken to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a humanized anti-IL-6 receptor antibody, MRA, in patients with RA. METHODS: In a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 164 patients with refractory RA were randomized to receive either MRA (4 mg/kg body weight or 8 mg/kg body weight) or placebo. MRA was administered intravenously every 4 weeks for a total of 3 months. The clinical responses were measured using the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. RESULTS: Treatment with MRA reduced disease activity in a dose-dependent manner. At 3 months, 78% of patients in the 8-mg group, 57% in the 4-mg group, and 11% in the placebo group achieved at least a 20% improvement in disease activity according to the ACR criteria (an ACR20 response) (P < 0.001 for 8-mg group versus placebo). Forty percent of patients in the 8-mg group and 1.9% in the placebo group achieved an ACR50 response (P < 0.001). The overall incidences of adverse events were 56%, 59%, and 51% in the placebo, 4-mg, and 8-mg groups, respectively, and the adverse events were not dose dependent. A blood cholesterol increase was observed in 44.0% of the patients. Liver function disorders and decreases in white blood cell counts were also observed, but these were mild and transient. There was no increase in antinuclear antibodies or anti-DNA antibodies. Anti-MRA antibodies were detected in 2 patients. CONCLUSION: Treatment with MRA was generally well tolerated and significantly reduced the disease activity of RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The alteration of pancreatic endocrine and exocrine secretory responses induced by secretagogues and neural input was investigated in post-weaning growth-retarded (GR) piglets. Blood and pancreatic juice were collected from these animals (6–8-weeks old). Plasma insulin and pancreatic digestive enzymes induced by nutrients, drugs and vagal stimulation were measured biochemically. The pancreas was inspected by immunohistochemical analysis. In GR piglets, the plasma glucose and insulin concentrations at the resting state were very low, and the secretory response was also markedly reduced, with maximum inhibition of 90% by glucose administration and 83% by arginine administration. The insulin secretion was not increased by 2-deoxy-D-glucose administration in GR piglets. The pancreatic juice secretions induced by vagal stimulation and secretagogues in GR piglets were not different from those induced in the control piglets. However, amylase activity in the pancreatic juice and in the pancreas was significantly decreased in GR piglets, although trypsin and chymotrypsin activities were not different. In the immunohistochemical analysis, the numbers of islets and the staining degree for insulin antibody also declined in the pancreases of GR piglets. These results indicated the reduction of insulin and amylase secretions from the pancreas in GR piglets, suggesting that a dysfunction of pancreatic endocrine and exocrine secretion during growth after weaning may be an important factor in the induction of growth retardation in piglets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Several lines of evidence have recently demonstrated the occurrence of specific lactoferrin (Lf) receptors in different cells. We report here, for the first time, the characteristics of binding, and distribution of Lf receptors in the bovine intestinal tract with special emphasis on the epithelium overlying Peyer's patches (EOPP). Brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMV) were prepared from the mucosa of duodenum, jejunum, ileum, colon, EOPP in jejunum and EOPP in ileum. Receptor binding assays were carried out using 125 I-labelled bovine Lf. Specific and saturable Lf receptors were found in BBMV of all the intestinal segments examined. Non-linear regression and Scatchard plot analyses clearly revealed that EOPP had the highest binding maximal (Bmax ), and lowest in colon. The maximum dissociation constant (Kd ) 3.74 μ m was in the ileum. We found that bovine transferrin competed with Lf for the same binding site of receptors. In contrast, no binding of bovine serum albumin occurred. It was concluded that Lf receptors in the mucosal lining are attributable to mediate multifunctional activities of Lf in the gut, especially in the EOPP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case report describes a short-coupled variant of Torsades de Pointes with a characteristic ECG pattern consisting of a prominent J wave in leads V3-V6, in which an electrical storm was evoked with autonomic receptor stimulation and a blockade test. The patient's frequent VF attacks were triggered by short-coupled premature ventricular contractions with a right bundle branch block morphology and left-axis deviation, and were suppressed by deep sedation followed by a combination therapy using verapamil and mexiletine. Interestingly, with the use of those drugs, the prominent J wave diminished. The mechanism underlying this syndrome is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Pioglitazone is considered to reduce insulin resistance. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy, safety and clinical profile of pioglitazone in patients whose type 2 diabetes were poorly controlled with α-glucosidase inhibitor alone or α-glucosidase in combination with sulfonylurea. Methods: Twenty patients with type 2 diabetes were treated with pioglitazone (30 mg q.d.) orally for 16 weeks. Results: There were significant reductions in HbA1C , FPG and postprandial plasma glucose at week 16. As adverse events, oedema, hypoglycaemia-like reaction, increases in LDH, CPK, etc. were noted. There was no significant change in TNF-α. Leptin levels increased significantly at week 16 and were still increasing 4 weeks after the treatment. Per cent body fat was almost constant throughout the study period. When efficacy was classified by demographic variables, pioglitazone was found to be more effective in the subjects who had a higher postprandial 2-h plasma glucose level, leptin level or per cent body fat value. Conclusion: Pioglitazone was considered to be effective when used in patients whose type 2 diabetes were poorly controlled with α-glucosidase inhibitor alone or α-glucosidase in combination with sulfonylurea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proposes an inter-reflection representation technique in computer graphics in which inter-reflections are simulated by allowing the same quantity of reflection components. Characteristics of human vision on inter-reflections; Representation of pseudo inter-reflection; Generation of multi-level silhouette.

Summary The characteristic transfer of colostral components into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) via serum after natural suckling has been studied by sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) electrophoresis, two-dimensional electrophoresis, immunoblot and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay methods in non-suckling pigs. Total protein concentrations in the serum increased immediately after first suckling, reached a peak value at 12 h, corresponding to a 2.3-fold compared with pre-suckling level. The protein concentration in CSF also increased and reached peak value at 6 h corresponding to 1.6-fold compared with pre-suckling level. IgG in serum not detected before suckling, increased steeply after suckling, IgG, IgM and IgA transported into the serum were observed in completely intact form by immunoblot method. The IgG transported into serum was quickly transferred into CSF after natural suckling in contrast to the case of bovine IgG. Serum concentration of transferrin was maintained at high level before suckling and was not changed by suckling. Transferrin also detected in CSF was not changed by suckling. Bovine lactoferrin (Lf) administered into the intestinal lumen was transported into serum (0.01%) and also detected in CSF after 6 h as undegraded form (3.1%). Thus, homologous IgG and bovine Lf are transported into CSF, suggesting that the transport of macromolecules into CSF is selective in neonatal pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gastrin is known to have stimulatory effects on gastric mucosa; however, long-term effect of gastrin stimulation is not well known. Aim and methods: To investigate the long-term effect of hypergastrinaemia, we established hypergastrinaemic transgenic mice by introducing a mutated human gastrin gene. Homozygously transgene-expressing mice showed serum gastrin levels of more than 600 pg/mL. Results: Neither progastrin nor glycine-extended gastrin titre elevation were observed in hypergastrinaemic transgenic mice. Stomachs from the 30–35-week-old transgenic mice were 30–50% heavier and their mucosa were markedly thicker than those of the controls. The hypertrophic gastric mucosa of hypergastrinaemic transgenic mice consisted of elongated pits with widespread proliferative zones, and comprised depleted glandular regions. In situ hybridization study indicated that expression of H, K-ATPase mRNA in parietal cells of hypergastrinaemic transgenic mice was markedly decreased. By gastrin binding assay in vivo , specific gastrin binding sites were observed in the mid-glandular region of hypergastrinaemic transgenic mice that consisted mainly of prepit cells. Conclusions: These results suggest that long-term stimulation of gastrin increases the expression of CCK-B/gastrin receptors in the less-differentiated pit cells that are the main component of elongated gastric units, and lessens the well-differentiated characteristics of parietal cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The generation of reactive oxygen species is among the various mechanisms by which ultraviolet radiation damages skin. Tempol, a superoxide dismutase analogue which readily penetrates cell membranes when administered exogenously, has been shown to provide protection against some forms of oxygen-dependent damage. In this study, we measured the ability of Tempol to protect against ultraviolet A- and ultraviolet B-induced damage, using a previously described transgenic mouse model of cutaneous photoaging. The ability of Tempol to prevent ultraviolet radiation-induced elastin promoter activation was determined in vitro. Tempol provided over 50% protection against ultraviolet B and over 70% protection against ultraviolet A as measured in our in vitro system. These results demonstrate the ability of the superoxide dismutase mimic, Tempol, to protect against ultraviolet induced elastin promoter activation. This compound could be a useful pharmacological agent to prevent cutaneous photoaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using wood mice (Apodemus speciosus) captured in the wild in Niigata, we analysed the proportion of various endocrine cells in pancreatic islets for both immunohistochemical and microscopic characteristics. In both the dorsal and ventral portions of the pancreas, the centre of the pancreatic islets was occupied predominantly by insulin-positive (B) cells, surrounded by glucagon-positive (A), somatostatin-positive (D), and pancreatic-polypeptide-positive (PP) cells. Although the proportions of the various endocrine cells in pancreatic islets varied from one mouse to the next, in most animals B cells accounted for more than half of all endocrine cells. Dorsal and ventral portions of the pancreas differed in the proportions of various endocrine cells, specifically, in the A-to-PP cell ratio: the proportion of PP cells was higher in the ventral portion. The same tendency is seen in humans, rats and mice. Microscopic examinations revealed morphologically distinct secretory granules in A, B and D cells. The morphology of these granules was similar that of secretory granules found in rats and mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Recent studies have suggested that the nervous system may participate in inflammatory processes. Substance P (SP) acts as a chemical mediator as well as a neurotransmitter. Objective In order to clarify the pathogenesis of ocular allergic diseases, we assessed the concentration of SP in tears. Methods Using a highly sensitive and specific double-antibody enzyme immunoassay (EIA). we determined the SP concentration in tears of 10 patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, 10 with atopic dermatitis without keratoconjunctivitis (AD), 13 with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and 65 normal controls. Giemsa's staining for brush cytology samples and histocytological study by immunocytochemical staining of giant papillary conjunctival cells from VKC and normal controls was conducted. Results The mean SP level was low in the normal controls and AD. whereas patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis and VKC showed significant elevation of SP (P < 0.01). Brush cytology samples showed conjunctival epithelial cells with lymphocytes, neulrophils and eosinophils that were not seen in normal subjects. Histocytological examination demonstrated SP positive cells in the conjunctiva of patients with VKC, but not in normal controls. Conclusion This study suggests that the increased level of SP in tears may contribute to the pathogenesis and severity of ocular allergic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sixteen patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were examined for the presence of anti-protein A antibodies. The F(ab')2 preparations from five RA patients showed significant binding to IgG-free protein A on ELISA. The protein A binding was further examined by immunoblotting. The F(ab')2 preparations of high protein A-binding protein gave a specific reaction with IgG-free protein A on nitrocellulose paper. This demonstrates the presence of anti-protein A antibodies in patients with RA. Those RA patients with anti-protein A antibodies had more active disease as judged by the Lansbury's activity index. The level of serum rheumatoid factor (RAHA) was significantly higher in patients with anti-protein A antibodies than in those without anti-protein A antibodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]