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We measured changes in plasma ghrelin and GH concentrations in mature Holstein cows and 3-mo-old female Holstein calves fed at scheduled times. Our objective was to determine the characteristics of ghrelin secretion in dairy cattle and its influence on GH. Animals were fed at 0800 and 1600 for 2 wk before and during experiments. Plasma was sampled for 24 h at 2-h intervals in Exp. 1. In mature cows, plasma ghrelin concentrations decreased (P < 0.01) just after 0800 but not at the 1600 feeding. Ghrelin concentrations were lower (P < 0.01) in calves than in mature cows and they did not decrease after feeding in calves. The temporal relationship between ghrelin and GH remained unclear. In Exp. 2, plasma was sampled 2 h before and after both morning and evening feedings at 20-min intervals. Plasma ghrelin concentrations decreased (P < 0.05) 40 min after 0800 feeding and 60 min after 1600 feeding in mature cows. These results indicate that in mature cows, plasma ghrelin concentration decreased after feeding, but this decrease was not evident in 3-mo-old calves. Further studies are required to define the relationship between plasma ghrelin and GH concentrations. Key Words: Calves, Cows, Feeding, Ghrelin, Growth Hormone

J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2004;75:110-115 Background: Although autonomic failure (AF) is a critical symptom of multiple system atrophy (MSA), it may not appear until late in the disease process. Objectives: [...]

A T-shaped duodenal cannula of silicone with a gutter-type small inner flange with a polyester surgical mesh connected to the barrel of the cannula as anchor was developed and evaluated. It presented several advantages over the conventional hard ones in terms of application, recovery, and safety.

We examined the effect of added Mo[O.sub.3] on the initial permeability and other material characteristics in order to develop Mn-Zn ferrites with a high permeability. It was found that although Mo[O.sub.3] addition could expand the diameters of crystalline grains, it could also promote porosity, thereby impeding grain growth. When the amount of Mo[O.sub.3] was increased, the grain diameter expanded, peaked, and then gradually declined under the influence of porosity. However, by prolonging the top-temperature sintering period to curb porosity, it was possible to realize the grain-growth-promotion effect of Mo[O.sub.3]. Thus, we confirmed that high-permeability MnZn ferrites could be obtained using a sintering technique which would enhance ferrite density.

A study of the magnetic properties and magnetostriction of grain-oriented (Tb(x)Dy(1-x))(Fe(1-y)Mn(y))1.95 compounds, prepared by Bridgman method, indicates an enhancement of lambda(100) and lowering of spin reorientation temperature with Mn substitution. Applying suitable stress induces good thermal stability and large magnetostriction in low applied fields when x is 0.5 and y is 0.1. This compound finds use in giant magnetostrictive actuators.

As a first step for clarifying coercivity mechanism in high-performance permanent magnet, the effect of particle size on coercivity in [Sm.sub.2][Fe.sub.17][N.sub.3] was studied by mechanically grinding method without exposing in air. The coercivity increases with increasing the grinding time, reaches a maximum value of 1.23 T at grinding time for 60 min and gradually decreases beyond 90 min grinding. The resultant maximum energy product reaches up to 329 kJ/[m.sup.3] for 60 min grinding. However, the coercivity of 1.23 T is still too small compared with the anisotropy field, suggesting that the surface effect controls the coercive force in this system, rather than the size effect. Index Terms--[Sm.sub.2][Fe.sub.17][N.sub.3], high-pressure nitrogenation process, mechanical grind, zinc, coercivity (coercive force)

The scope of this short review is to point out how such an old reaction as the Kröhnke-type ring closure is still used nowadays to enable simple access to pyridines or polypyridines. Besides the usual Stille or Suzuki coupling reactions, which deal, respectively, with stannylated derivatives or boronic derivatives, the Kröhnke reaction can reach its target molecules with commercially available starting materials in a simple reaction medium without any special care. 1 Introduction 2 The Kröhnke Reaction 3 Applications 3.1 Catalysis 3.2 Materials 3.2.1 Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells 3.2.2 OLEDs and LECs 3.3 Biological Applications 3.3.1 Luminescent Probes 3.3.2 Chemosensors 3.3.3 Anticancer Compounds 3.3.4 Antimicrobial Activity 4 Miscellaneous 5 Summary and Outlook. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background/aim: Quality of life (QOL) of the patients and medical costs are important in current medical treatments, especially those for chronic diseases. We have reported the effectiveness of ‘half elemental diet (ED)’ as maintenance therapy for patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the QOL of CD patients and medical costs of half-ED. Methods: Fifty-one CD patients in remission were randomly assigned to a half-ED group (n =26) or a free diet group (n =25). The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of relapse during a 2-year period. This time, we investigated the QOL of the patients and medical costs of half-ED, as secondary outcomes. QOL was evaluated using the Japanese version of the IBDQ scoring system, and medical costs were calculated monthly from the receipts. Results: IBDQ score was not significantly different between the two groups at 1 and 13 months after the start of maintenance treatment. Medical costs were not significantly different between them either. This study showed that half-ED therapy did not affect the treatment of CD patients, neither regarding their QOL nor medical costs. Conclusion: This study has confirmed this half-ED therapy is beneficial for patients with Crohn’s disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A miniature (millimeter-scale) synthetic jet actuator is integrated with a chemical gas sensor (chemFET) to effect inhalation and exhalation of ambient gas samples and induce small-scale mixing at the surface of the sensor. The fluidically integrated jet transports ambient fluid into the jet/sensor assembly through integrated fluid channels, impinges the sample fluid on the sensing element, and finally ejects the sample fluid to the ambient. The response of the sensor in the presence of the active jet is compared to its response when the jet is inactive. The jet actuator directs entrained ambient air toward the active surface of the sensor, and the impingement of sample gas onto the surface of the sensor results in faster response time. Because the operating characteristics of the integrated synthetic jet actuator can be easily optimized for specific configurations, it is concluded that jet-assisted sampling and sample transport coupled with turbulent impingement can offer significant advantages for gas sensor systems [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: To determine whether concentrations of heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP) measured before hospital discharge predict critical cardiac events in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Patients: 92 consecutive patients with DCM were enrolled and followed up for four years. Main outcome measures: Serum concentrations of H-FABP, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), cardiac troponin T before hospital discharge and survival rate. Results: 23 patients died of cardiac causes, received a left ventricular assist device or underwent heart transplantation during the four-year follow up. Univariate analyses showed that New York Heart Association functional class, heart rate, ejection fraction, serum H-FABP and plasma BNP were significant variables. According to multivariate analysis, serum H-FABP and plasma BNP concentrations were independent predictors of critical cardiac events. Cardiac troponin T before hospital discharge was not a predictor. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for death from critical cardiac events was similar between H-FABP and BNP. Patients with an H-FABP concentration at or above the median (⩾ 5.4 ng/ml) had a significantly lower survival rate than those below the median, according to analysis by log rank test (p < 0.0001). When combined with BNP concentration at or above the median (⩾ 138 pg/ml), H-FABP below the median predicted the worst prognosis among the combinations. Conclusions: The concentration of serum H-FABP before discharge from hospital may be an independent predictor for critical cardiac events in DCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We previously reported that inhibition of gastric motility and hypertrophy of the small intestinal mucosa were observed after ileo-jejunal transposition which induced hypersecretion of enteroglucagon. Our aim was to study the effect of four enteroglucagon-related peptides (glucagon, glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1, -2 and glicentin) on gastroduodenal motility and their mechanisms of action. Methods: The effect of these four peptides on motilin-induced interdigestive contractions was studied in dogs with vagally denervated gastric pouches equipped with four strain gauge force transducers on the pouch, gastric body, antrum and duodenum. Whether or not nitric oxide synthase inhibitor or phentolamine and propranolol reverses the inhibitory effect of those peptides was also studied. Results: Glucagon inhibited contractions in the pouch and stomach but had no effect on duodenal contractility. GLP-1 inhibited contractions at all sites. GLP-2 inhibited contractions in the pouch but did not affect motility in the neurally intact gastroduodenum. Glicentin had no effect on contractions at any site. Pretreatment with either a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor or phentolamine and propranolol reversed the inhibitory effect of glucagon, GLP-1 and GLP-2 on contractions in the pouch, but did not alter the inhibitory effect of glucagon and GLP-1 on motility in the neurally intact stomach and duodenum. Conclusions: These results suggest that the effects of four peptides on gastroduodenal motility differ, and changes occur in the enteric neural modulation of motor activity after chronic surgical extrinsic denervation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to study the effect and mechanism of action of intraduodenal and intrajejunal dai-kenchu-to, an herbal medicine clinically effective for uncomplicated postoperative adhesive intestinal obstruction, on upper gastrointestinal motility. Five mongrel dogs were equipped with four strain-gauge force transducers on the antrum, duodenum, and proximal and distal jejunum to measure contractile activity. Dai-kenchu-to (0.5, 1.5, and 3.0 g) was administered into the duodenal or proximal jejunal lumen. The effect of atropine, hexamethonium, phentolamine, propranolol, and ondansetron on intraduodenal and intrajejunal dai-kenchu-to-induced contractions was studied. Plasma motilin was measured by specific radioimmunoassay. Intraduodenal and intrajejunal dai-kenchu-to induced phasic contractions in the duodenum and proximal jejunum, respectively, and those contractions migrated distally. Phasic contractions induced by intraduodenal and intrajejunal dai-kenchu-to were inhibited by atropine and hexamethonium at all sites. Plasma motilin was not affected by dai-kenchu-to. Intraduodenal and intrajejunal dai-kenchu-to stimulates upper gastrointestinal motility at and distal to the administration sites through cholinergic receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although there is great deal of evidence suggesting that vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) has immunomodulating effects on human colonic lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMC), it remains unclear which type of cell carries functional VIP receptors. In this study we investigated the presence of functional VIP receptors by measuring intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in isolated epithelial cells, bulk LPMC, T cells, and macrophages in human colonic mucosa. Methods: Epithelial cells and LPMC were isolated from non-pathologic segment of colonic mucosa of surgical specimens from five patients with colonic cancer. Mucosal T cells and macrophages were further isolated from LPMC. Each cell population was cultured with various concentration of VIP for 60 min at most. Then, intracellular cAMP was extracted and measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Results: When isolated epithelial cells were examined, VIP increased intracellular cAMP in a dose-dependent fashion, as observed in HT-29 cells used as a positive control. In contrast, the concentration of cAMP was essentially stable in response to VIP when isolated LPMC were examined. This was the case even when separated T cells and macrophages were individually investigated. To evaluate the possible effects of enzyme digestion for LPMC isolation on the VIP response, HT-29 cells were precultured with collagenase and deoxyribonuclease (DNase I), resulting in less enhancement of cAMP by VIP. Conclusions: In this study we failed to show VIP-responsive enhancement of cAMP in mucosal immune cells, suggesting that epithelial cells may be major effecter cells of VIP in human colonic mucosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although epithelial cells in ulcerative colitis may be metabolically deficient, it remains unknown whether epithelial cells modulate energy metabolism in inflamed mucosa. The purpose of the present study is to investigate whether inflammatory mediators such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) alter energy metabolism in epithelial cells. Methods: Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) levels in HT29 cells cultured with LPS, IL-1β, IL-6, or TNF-α were measured with high-performance liquid chromatography, using a reversed-phase chromatography column. Cellular and mitochondrial (antimycin A-sensitive) respiration rates were determined polarographically, using a Clark-type oxygen electrode. Results: When the cells were cultured with LPS, IL-6, and TNF-α but not IL-1β, ATP levels increased significantly at 6 h, followed by a decrease at 24 h. Enhancement of oxygen consumption, which was completely blocked by antimycin A, was also shown at 3 h by the exposure to these substrates. Conclusion: LPS and proinflammatory cytokines induced cellular ATP generated by mitochondrial phosphorylation. An active energy production in epithelial cells on the exposure to inflammatory mediators may be critical for escape from chronic mucosal inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease, it is critical to develop a system that uses simple and reproducible models for analyzing the "normal" mucosal defense mechanism. In the present study, germ-free mice were conventionalized by the oral administration of microorganisms prepared from the feces of genetically identical mice. Histological assessment and mucin characterization of small intestine and colon were then carried out. Histological findings in the gut were site-dependent and clearly time-dependent. Acute inflammation was most evident in the cecum. The cecal mucosa exhibited hyperplastic changes in epithelial cells, infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells, crypt abscesses, and epithelial projections on the epithelial surface 7 days after conventionalization. Some of the changes were similar to those seen in human ulcerative colitis. The histological findings in the conventionalized mice were comparable to those in specific pathogen-free mice after 28 days. Mucin histochemistry revealed that bacterial colonization altered the number of rectal goblet cells and the mucin composition in a time-dependent fashion. Although this model shares only some characteristics of human inflammatory bowel disease, it is unique in demonstrating the acquisition of mucosal defense. Understanding of this process is critical for the elucidation of inflammatory bowel disease pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type IIbeta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase endows specificity on the mineralocorticoid receptor by metabolizing cortisol and regulates sodium absorption in renal and colonic epithelium. Altered expression of this enzyme may be associated with impaired sodium absorption often seen in colonic mucosa of inflammatory bowel disease. The aim of this study was to investigate possible abnormality of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase protein and mRNA expression in inflammatory bowel disease. In Crohn's disease, the colonic epithelium showed comparable levels of immunoreactivity and mRNA expression to those of control, except for the decreased immunoreactivity in severe inflamed lesions with deep ulcer. In contrary, a lack or decrease of immunoreactivity was relevant in ulcerative colitis regardless of the histological degree of inflammation. The mRNA expression was also significantly decreased in ulcerative colitis. This study demonstrates that abnormality of epithelial cells in ulcerative colitis includes the enzyme that regulates water and sodium absorption, which are physiologically essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To clarify the changes in vascular resistance in Crohn's disease, we studied changes in the thickness of arterial media histometrically. The resected specimens of mesenterium and intestine from 18 patients with Crohn's disease were used. Each intestinal lesion was classified into three grades: no inflammation, exudative change, and fibrosing change. In the ileum, significant atrophy in the media of the submucosal peripheral arteries was noted during exudative and fibrosing changes, while in the submucosal larger vessels or in the mesenterium, the thickness of the arterial media did not change. In the colon, atrophy in the media of the submucosal arteries was noted in all stages except in the larger vessel during exudative change, while no significant changes were noted in the mesenterium. In conclusion, it is suggested that circulatory disturbance occurs even in the early stage in Crohn's disease, and there seems to be increased vascular resistance in the area between the deep submucosal and the distal mesenteric arteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mineralocorticoid action is essential for colonic sodium and water absorption and is mediated via mineralocorticoid receptors in the upper half of colonic crypts. On the other hand, it has been established that sodium butyrate induces differentiation-like phenomenon in vitro. The aim of this study is to investigate whether this bacterial product participates in the regulation of gene and protein expression of mineralocorticoid receptor in vitro. IEC6 and T84 cells were stimulated by sodium butyrate and RNAs extracted. Gene expression of mineralocorticoid receptor was evaluated by northern blotting or semiquantitative RT-PCR. Protein expression was determined in T84 cells using immunohistochemistry. To investigate whether MR induction was associated with cellular differentiation, we also measured alkaline phosphatase in situ. The mineralocorticoid receptor gene was induced by sodium butyrate in both IEC6 and T84 cells. Immunoreactivity increased in butyrate-treated T84 cells, but receptor-containing cells were not uniformly distributed and often formed clusters. Induction of alkaline phosphate activity was also demonstrated in both IEC6 and T84 cells. Double staining by immunoreactivity and alkaline phosphatase activity clearly demonstrated the colocalization of both after butyrate treatment. In conclusion, sodium butyrate up-regulates gene and protein expression of the functionally important mineralocorticoid receptor in epithelial cells, after induction by differentiation-like condition in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of action of intragastric and intraduodenal capsaicin on gastrointestinal motility. Five mongrel dogs were equipped with eight strain gauge force transducers on the stomach, small intestine, and proximal colon. In the interdigestive state, capsaicin was administered into the gastric or duodenal lumen. The effects of atropine, hexamethonium, ondansetron, and FK888 on capsaicin-induced contractions were studied. Intragastric capsaicin induced contractions within 15 min in the gastric antrum, duodenum, proximal jejunum, and proximal colon. These stimulatory effects were inhibited by atropine at all sites; by hexamethonium in the small intestine and colon; by ondansetron in the antrum, duodenum, and colon; and by FK888 in the antrum and colon, respectively. Intraduodenal capsaicin had no effect on contractility. Stimulation of afferent fibers by capsaicin in the stomach but not in the duodenum augments contractile activity in local and distant regions of the gut via distinct pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]