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Gene expression analysis comparing nonpregnant with pregnant bovine uteri, including placenta, was performed with a custom cDNA microarray containing 1,933 independent genes. These genes were classified into six categories according to biological function, as follows: cell and tissue structural dynamics (108 genes), intercellular communication (221), intracellular metabolism (265), cell cycle and apoptosis (26), regulation of gene expression (113), expressed sequence tag (EST) and function unknown (617), and uncomplemented genes (583 clones). This array possessed bovine placental/endometrial specificity, as it included many pregnancy-specific molecules, such as pregnancy-associated glycoprotein-1 (PAGs), placental lactogen (PLs), and prolactin-related protein-1 (PRPs). A total of 77 genes were induced and 12 repressed in the placenta/endometrium. Our results point to a fundamental role for bovine placental-specific genes such as PAGs, PLs, and PRPs, in implantation and placentogenesis, and document that cDNA microarray analysis from bovine placenta/endometrium is possible and is a specific tool for monitoring genome-wide gene expression during the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy., (Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

The mean concentration and daily intake of inorganic food additives (nitrite, nitrate, and sulfur dioxide), antioxidants (BHA and BHT), a processing agent (propylene glycol), and a sweetener (sodium saccharin) were estimated based on the results of an analysis of 34,489 food samples obtained in official inspections by 106 local governments in Japan in fiscal year 1998. The ratios of mean concentrations of these seven food additives to each allowable limit were 20.0%, 53.9%, 15.5%, 6.2%, 0.4%, 18.5%, and 5.7%, respectively. The daily intakes of these food additives estimated from their concentrations in foods and the daily consumption of foods were 0.205, 0.532, 4.31, 0.119, 0.109, 77.5, and 7.27 mg per person, respectively. These amounts were 6.8%, 0.3%, 12.3%, 0.5%, 0.7%, 6.2%, and 2.6% of the acceptable daily intake (ADI), respectively, when body weight was assumed to be 50 kg. No remarkable differences in the daily intakes of these seven food additives or the ratios to the ADI were observed compared with the results based on the official inspections in fiscal years 1994 and 1996.

We describe a method of mechanical agitation to determine rates of dialkyl phthalate migration from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products into saliva simulant. The method consists of rotary shaking of a sample with 30 mL of saliva simulant (pH 7.0) at 35 degrees C in a 50 mL glass tube at 300 rpm for 15 min, then measuring the amount of dialkyl phthalate in the saliva simulant by HPLC with a UV detector. The migration rates of diisononyl phthalate (DINP), di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) from PVC plates containing about 45% (w/w) plasticizer (molded in our laboratory) were identical. However, the migration rates from molded plates containing 13% (w/w) DBP were almost double those of DINP and DEHP at the same ratios. In addition, the amounts of DINP that migrated in vitro after rotary shaking for 15 min were equivalent to those in vivo determined in saliva from volunteers who chewed plates for 60 min. The migration rates of dialkyl phthalates from 11 commercially available toys ranged from 15.6 to 85.2 micrograms/cm2/h [relative standard deviation (RSD), 3 to 12%].

A gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) method using selected ion monitoring (SIM) is described for the simultaneous determination of phthalate di- and monoesters in poly(vinylchloride) (PVC) products. The method consists of the following four procedures; (1). liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate from the acidified aqueous homogenates of the PVC products, (2). esterification with trimethylsilyldiazomethane (TMSD) and methanol, (3). clean-up using Florisil column chromatography and (4). quantitative determination of methylated phthalate monoesters by GC-MS using SIM. The methylated monoesters show a characteristic mass fragment pattern at m/z 163, 149 and 91. The calibration curves for the monoesters were linear from 0.05 to 10 ng (injection volume 1 micro l). Overall recoveries ranged from 86.6 to 94.3%. The limits of detections for these methylated derivatives were in the range of 2.0-5.0 ng/g (S/N=3). This method was applied to phthalate monoesters in PVC toy products. Mono-n-butyl phthalate and mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate were found at levels of 6.42-11.62 micro g/g and 30.50-41.81 micro g/g, respectively. No monoethyl phthalate, mono-n-hexyl phthalate and monobenzyl phthalate were found in the toy products. The method was also applied to these compounds in human saliva.

An unknown red pigment was purified from an apple syrup product imported from Canada, using a DIAION HP-20 column with methanol as the eluent. By spectroscopic means and chemical synthesis, the isolated pigment was identified as 4-aminocarminic acid, which is the major pigment of acid-stable carmine (a red colorant illegal in Japan). In addition, HPLC and TLC methods were proposed to detect this illegal colorant. While the color of carminic acid changed from yellow to red in the pH range of McIlvaine buffer (3.0-7.0), the color of 4-aminocarminic acid was always red, and also the ultraviolet/visible (UV/Vis) spectra did not change. These characteristics are useful to distinguish 4-aminocarminic acid from carminic acid.

The mean concentrations and daily intake of four antifungal agents were estimated based on the results of an analysis of 7,005 samples of food obtained in official inspections by Japanese local governments in fiscal year 1998. The mean concentration of diphenyl was 0.0004% of the allowable limit, and those of imazalil, o-phenylphenol, and thiabendazole were 14.0%, 3.5%, and 5.7%, respectively. The daily intakes of these antifungal agents per person, estimated from their concentrations and the daily consumption of the foods, were 0.000326, 1.89, 11.5, and 23.3 micrograms, respectively, and assuming a body weight of 50 kg, the amounts of these antifungal agents consumed were 0.000013%, 0.15%, 0.12%, and 0.47% of the acceptable daily intake, respectively. These values are similar to the values obtained on the basis of the results of the official inspection in fiscal years 1994 and 1996, except that the amount of diphenyl is much lower (1/100).

Successful somatic cloned animal production has been reported in various domesticated species, including cattle; however, it is associated with a high rate of pregnancy failure. The low cloning yield could possibly arise from either an abnormal and/or poorly developed placenta. In comparison to control cows, fewer placentomes were found in somatic cell nuclear recipient (NT) cows at day 60 of gestation, suggesting a retardation of fetal/placental growth in these animals. NT cows not only had fewer numbers of chorionic villi but also had poorly developed caruncles. Macroscopic examination revealed atypical development of the placentome in terms of shape and size. Histological disruption of chorionic villi and caruncular septum was found in NT cows. Of particular interest was that the expression of genes, as well as proteins in the placentome, was disparate between NT and artificially inseminated cows, especially placental lactogen (PL) and pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG). In contrast, prolactin-related protein-1 (PRP-1) signals were comparable across cows, including NT cows carrying immotile fetuses. The expression of extracellular matrix degrading molecule, heparanase (HPA), in NT cows was divergent from that of control cows. Microarray data suggest that gene expression was disorientated in early stages of implantation in NT cows, but this was eliminated with progression of gestation. These findings strongly support a delay in trophoblast development during early stages of placentation in NT cows, and suggest that placental specific proteins, including PLs, PAGs, and HPA, are key indicators for the aberration of gestation and placental function in cows.

The mean concentration and daily intake of five preservatives were estimated based on the results of an analysis of 89,927 samples of food obtained in official inspections by Japanese local governments in fiscal year 1998. The mean concentration of benzoic acid was 9.5% of the allowable limit, and those of dehydroacetic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, propionic acid, and sorbic acid were 1.5%, 5.7%, 1.7%, and 23.9%, respectively. Daily intake levels of these preservatives per person estimated from the concentration and daily consumption of foods were 6.23 mg, 0.0303 mg, 1.02 mg, 8.10 mg, and 25.0 mg, respectively, and assuming a body weight of 50 kg, the amounts of benzoic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and sorbic acid consumed were 2.5%, 0.2%, and 2.0% of their acceptable daily intakes, respectively. These values were similar to those obtained based on the results of the official inspections in fiscal years 1994 and 1996.

A method for qualitative and quantitative analyses of polysorbates in powdered soup by HPLC was studied. Polysorbates in samples were extracted with acetonitrile after rinsing with n-hexane to remove fats and oils. The extract was cleaned up using a Bond Elut silica gel cartridge (500 mg). The cartridge was washed with ethyl acetate and polysorbates were eluted with a small amount of acetonitrile-methanol (1:2) mixture. The eluate was treated with cobalt thiocyanate solution to form a blue complex with polysorbate. In order to determine polysorbate, the complex was subjected to HPLC with a GPC column, using a mixture of acetonitrile-water (95:5) as a mobile phase, with a detection wavelength of 620 nm. The recoveries of polysorbate 80 added to powdered soups were more than 75% and the determination limit was 0.04 mg/g. When the proposed method was applied to the determination of polysorbates in 16 commercial samples of powdered soup for instant noodles and seasoning consomme, no polysorbates were detected in any sample.

The effects of long-term concurrent administration of powdered fish meal and sodium nitrite were examined in F344 rats. A total of 600, 6-week-old rats were divided into 6 male and 6 female groups, each consisting of 50 animals. Rats in groups 1-3 and 7-9 were respectively fed diets supplemented with 64%, 32% and 8% (basal diet) fish meal, and simultaneously given 0.12% sodium nitrite in their drinking water. Groups 4-6 and 10-12 were respectively given 64%, 32% and 8% fish meal and tap water. At the 104th week, all surviving animals were killed and examined histopathologically. Treatment with fish meal dose-dependently increased the incidences and multiplicities of atypical tubules, adenomas and renal cell carcinomas in sodium nitrite-treated males. Females were less susceptible than males for renal tumor induction. In males given the 64% fish meal diet alone, the incidence and multiplicity of atypical tubules were also significantly increased as compared with the 8% fish meal alone case. Nephropathy was apparent in fish meal-treated groups in a clear dose-dependent manner, irrespective of the sodium nitrite treatment, and was more prominent in males than in females. Dimethylnitrosamine was found in the stomach contents after 4-week treatment with 64% fish meal plus 0.12% sodium nitrite, at a level twice that in the 8% fish meal plus 0.12% sodium nitrite group. The results clearly indicate that concurrent administration of fish meal and sodium nitrite induces renal epithelial tumors. Further studies are required to elucidate how nephropathy and nitrosamines produced in stomach contents may contribute to the observed renal tumor induction.

An unknown color in chewing gum imported from Canada was determined. The color was identified by TLC and HPLC as the trisodium salt of 3-hydroxy-4[(4-sulfopheny)azo]-2,7-naphthalenedisulfonic acid (RS-SA), one of the subsidiary colors of sunset yellow FCF. The concentration of RS-SA in sunset yellow FCF used in the chewing gum was 4.3%

Liposome uptake by HepG2 human hepatoma cells was investigated in comparison with the uptake by J774 murine macrophage-like cells. HepG2 cells accumulated liposomes (egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (EPC)/Chol; 75/25, diameter 0.2 micron) at 37 degrees C comparably to J774 macrophage-like cells. Confocal microscopic observations revealed that J774 cells internalized EPC/Chol liposomes efficiently but HepG2 cells kept most of the liposomes bound on their plasma membrane surfaces. Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-coated liposomes (0.2 micron) containing poly(ethylene glycol) cholesteryl ether (PEG-Chol) avoided cellular uptake at 37 degrees C by either cell line. In both cell lines, binding of PEG-coated liposomes was lower than that of EPC/Chol liposomes when incubation was carried out at 4 degrees C. To analyze the binding process at 37 degrees C, surface-bound liposomes were removed from the cells by pronase treatment. A reduction of the amount of bound-liposomes on cell surfaces was observed in the case of PEG-coated liposomes. Therefore, PEG-coating reduces direct binding of liposomes to the cell surfaces. The presence of apolipoprotein E (apoE) increased the uptake to EPC/Chol liposomes via its receptor in both cell lines. In contrast, cellular uptake of PEG-coated liposomes was not enhanced by treatment with apoE. Therefore, while apoE-mediated liposome uptake occurs in the case of EPC/Chol liposomes, it does not occur for PEG-coated liposomes; PEG-coating also inhibits protein-mediated binding to the cells. These results further imply that elusion from liver clearance of PEG-coated liposomes is not only due to the reduction of uptake by Kupffer cells but also by hepatocytes when liposomes are small enough to go through the fenestrates of the endothelial lining.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare has been proposed an analytical method for food colors by HPLC. Conditions in the method and modified conditions of the proposed method were applied for permitted and nonpermitted food colors, and relative retention times were obtained. The relative retention times would be a clue of the confirmation of these nonpermitted colors by other method.

The effect of poly(ethylene glycol) cholesteryl ethers (PEG(n)-Chols) with two different numbers of units (n = 50 and 200) in the hydrophilic PEG moiety on cellular endocytic activity was studied on HT-1080 cells. The amphipathic molecules were soluble in aqueous solution. When fluorescein derivatives of PEG-Chols (one fluorescein at the distal end of PEG) were incubated with the cells in culture, the cellular fluorescence was localized at the plasma membrane level and in intracellular vesicles. Fluorescence quantification indicated that for the same external concentration, twice more FPEG(50)-Chol than FPEG(200)-Chol was associated with the cells under the same conditions. Regardless of the length of PEG moiety, PEG-Chols' interaction with cells reduced the endocytic internalization of a fluid phase marker, horseradish peroxidase (HRP) depending on the cell-associated amount. In contrast, internalization of 125I-labeled epidermal growth factor (EGF) through receptor-mediated endocytosis did not change upon incubation with PEG(50)-Chol. The effect of PEG(200)-Chol was also small, since EGF internalization showed a reduction of 10-20%, while at the same concentration as much as 80% of HRP uptake was inhibited. PEG(50)-Chol did not influence the internalization of a larger ligand, 125I-transferrin (Tfn). However, in the presence of PEG(200)-Chol, the uptake of 125I-Tfn decreased remarkably, and yet, PEG(200)-Chol has no influence on the binding and internalization of a monoclonal antibody directed toward the ectodomain of the Tfn-receptor. These results suggested that incorporation of PEG-Chols in the outer monolayer of the plasma membrane specifically inhibited clathrin-independent, but not clathrin-dependent endocytosis.

Background: We evaluated the usefulness of in vitro tumor culture system using a specialized collagen gel matrix (CGM assay) as a chemosensitivity test., Patients and Methods: Chemosensitivity results of CGM assay were compared with other in vivo and in vitro assays on an implantable murine bladder tumor cell line (MBT-2). In addition we investigated the possibility of the clinical use of CGM assay using clinical specimens obtained from urogenital malignant tumor patients by comparing the result with that of the other chemosensitivity test, SDI testing using single cells (conventional SDI test). Methods of CGM assay were as follows. Tumor tissues on the collagen gel matrices were incubated under the existence of anticancer drugs following 4 days preculture. Drug sensitivities were evaluated by counting the number of viable cells adjusted to the tumor weight., Results: Inhibition rates in MBT-2 were high in the order of mitomycin C, cisdiamminedichloroplatinum (II), (2"R)-4'-0-tetrahydropyranyl adriamycin. Four of 6 anticancer drugs were decided as chemosensitive drugs. These results corresponded to the results of the antitumor effects on subcutaneously transplanted MBT-2 in vivo, moreover was correlated well with those of the conventional SDI test. Twenty of 22 cases, including 11 of 13 bladder cancer cases, 1 of 3 renal cancer cases, 2 of 3 testicular cancer cases and 1 of 1 adrenal cortical cancer cases, were evaluable in the clinical study of the CGM assay. Corresponding rates between the results of the CGM assay and those of the conventional SDI test performed simultaneously in 12 cases were excellent for each anticancer drug., Conclusion: This CGM assay can serve as an effective tool for chemosensitivity testing because of its convenience and high evaluable rate.

The binding and intake of liposomes containing a different molar content and chain length of a PEG-Chol derivative had been studied in cultured macrophage cell line J774. The decrease in binding and endocytosis of the liposomes containing PEG-Chol is dependent on (i) the PEG chain length, (ii) the molar content of the surfactant, (iii) the liposome concentration in the external medium. The best results in reducing the uptake of liposomes were obtained by a PEG-Chol liposome suspension with a high molar content (25%) which presents a non negligible amount of free PEG-Chol. Moreover, we could show an increase by 2 for binding and by about 5 for endocytosis of filtrated-liposomes containing 25 mol% of 8800PEG-Chol, in the absence of free PEG-Chol in the suspension. Binding and intake of control liposomes was also inhibited in the presence of free PEG-Chol. Fluid phase endocytosis of SRh was inhibited up to 45% of control in the presence of liposomes containing PEG-Chol or free PEG-Chol. Based on the comparison of 4400PEG-Chol with the most commonly used PEG derivative 5000PEG-PE, PEG-Chol is more powerful in terms of reducing their binding and endocytosis by J774 cells. Inhibition of the fluid phase endocytic process is attributed to the binding of PEG-Chol to the cells' plasma membrane inducing a decrease in surface hydrophobicity of the cells, resulting in a marked decrease in the extent of phagocytic ingestion.

The official methods for 'readily oxidizable substances (ROS)' in propionic acid as a food additive were compared. The methods examined were those adopted in the Compendium of Food Additive Specifications (CFAS) by the Joint FAO-WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, FAO, The Japanese Standards for Food Additives (JSFA) by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Japan, and the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) by the National Research Council, USA. The methods given in CFAS and JSFA are the same (potassium permanganate consumption). However, by this method, manganese (VII) in potassium permanganate was readily reduced to colourless manganese(II) with some substances contained in the propionic acid before reacting with aldehydes, which are generally considered as 'readily oxidizable substances', to form brown manganese (IV) oxide. The FCC method (bromine consumption) for 'ROS' could be recommended because it was able to obtain quantitative results of 'ROS', including aldehydes.

Urinary bladder carcinogenesis associated with melamine treatment was examined with concomitant use of NaCl to allow assessment of the relationship between uroliths and lesion development. Analysis of the chemical composition of calculi was also performed. F344/DuCrj male rats received diets containing 3 or 1% melamine alone or in combination with either 10 or 5 % NaCl, or 10% NaCl alone for 36 weeks, and then diet without NaCl supplement for a further 4 weeks. The water intake, used as an index of urinary output, was increased by NaCl treatment. The incidences of bladder transitional cell carcinomas and papillomas were 90 and 55% in the group treated with 3% melamine alone; 0 and 15% in the group treated with 3% melamine and 10% NaCl; and 21 and 42% in group treated with 1% melamine alone; and zero in the other groups. Calculus formation resulting from melamine administration was suppressed dose-dependently by the simultaneous NaCl treatment, along with the occurrence of hyperplasia of the papilla in the kidneys. The main constituent of calculi were melamine itself and uric acid (total contents 61.1-81.2%), contained in equal molar ratio. The results indicate that melamine-induced proliferative lesions of the urinary tract of rats were directly due to the irritative stimulation of calculi, and not molecular interactions between melamine itself or its metabolites with the bladder epithelium.

Poly(ethylene glycol)-coated liposomes were prepared with poly(oxyethylene) cholesteryl ethers (mPEG-Chol). PEG unit numbers tested were 50, 100 and 200, of which the average molecular weights (m) of PEG were 2200, 4400 and 8800, respectively. Properties of both PEG-coated liposomes and PEG-Chol molecules were investigated. These liposomes exhibited a long circulation time in the blood after i.v. injection in rats, estimated by both the lipid membrane marker, L-alpha-dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine [2-palmitoyl-9,10-3H](3H-DPPC), and an internal aqueous marker, 3H-inulin. Accumulation in the liver and spleen at 8h-post-injection was significantly reduced compared with conventional liposomes. The percentage of PEG-Chol incorporation in liposomal membranes was also investigated. Liposomes composed of egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (EPC)/PEG-Chol at various molar ratios were separated from free PEG-Chol molecules, which are not incorporated in liposomal membranes by chromatography over Sepharose CL-4B columns, PEG-Chol incorporation reached approx. 14 and 18 mol% of the total lipids with 25% PEG-Chol unit numbers of 200 and 50, respectively. The occupied area per molecule of PEG-Chol was larger than that of Chol, and the fluorescence anisotropy (r) of the initial 25 mol% (8800)PEG-Chol liposomes was smaller than that observed for 12.5 mol% Chol liposomes. PEG-coated liposomes containing calcein were incubated at 37 degrees C in heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum (FBS). In the presence of FBS, calcein leakage was increased with PEG-Chol percentage incorporation and an increase in FBS concentration. The amount released from PEG-coated liposomes represented 60% at maximum and was larger than that of the control liposomes. PEG-Chol molecules are interesting compounds since they can be easily synthesized in a large amount on an industrial scale. The basic physical-chemistry characteristics investigated in this article are critical to assess the pharmacological application of PEG-Chol liposomes as drug delivery systems.

Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate (methyl paraben) in foods produced by the Honey Bee was determined by HPLC and confirmed by GC-MS. The compound was detected at a mean concentration of 22.3 +/- 6.8 mg/kg (between 14.2 and 31.9 mg/kg) in commercial royal jelly, but was not detected in honey, propolis or pollen lumps at the detection limit of 1 mg/kg. Fresh royal jelly collected from apiaries contained methyl p-hydroxybenzoate at a concentration of 20.3 +/- 4.7 mg/kg (between 12.5 and 31.7 mg/kg). These results indicate that the methyl p-hydroxybenzoate in royal jelly is not added but is a natural component.

Carbon monoxide in imported tilapia was determined with a gas chromatograph equipped with a molecular sieve 13x column (2.3 m), a methanizer and a FID for the inspection of imported food. The concentration of carbon monoxide in the sample, which was vacuum packed and suspected to be treated with carbon monoxide, was 16 x 10 micrograms/kg in fish meat, and 37 x 10(3) microliters/l in the bubble in the package. On the other hand, carbon monoxide in the reference, which was vacuum packed but was not treated with carbon monoxide, was 10 micrograms/kg in fish meat and 76 microliters/l in the bubble in the package. Carbon monoxide was less than 4 micrograms/kg in two vacuum packed fish meat of tilapia sold in a market in Tokyo. From these results, the suspected sample was concluded to be treated with carbon monoxide for color fixating of protoheme in fish meat.

Polyvinylpolypyrroridone (PVPP) has been used in many countries for removing polyphenols in beer and wine, and was permitted as a food additive in Japan in April 1995. Prior to this approval of the compound, we studied procedures for identifying PVPP and its water soluble substances by colorimetry and infrared (IR) spectrometry for the establishment of the specification.

Studies on the stability of ferrous ion in the feeds added iron lactate were conducted for a chronic toxicity test. No significant changes in contents of ferrous ion were observed in all samples when feeds containing 0.2 and 5% of iron lactate were stored in the dark at room temperature (25 +/- 2 degrees C) for 72 hours, or feeds containing 1 and 2% iron lactate stored at 4 degrees C for 90 days.

Lead and cadmium were known to be eluted from some imported gold-decorated glassware, which was bonded at a quarantine station. Elution of lead and cadmium was confirmed to be occurred from the gold-decorated portion, but not from glass itself. No elution of these heavy metals was observed from gold-decorated glassware in the market.

The amounts of the melamine resin monomers, formaldehyde and melamine, that migrated from melamine tableware into food-simulating solvents were studied under various conditions. Undetectable or limited release of both monomers was determined in the extract when water was used as a food-simulating solvent. The release of both monomers into 4% acetic acid, another food-simulating solvent, was observed when the migration test was carried out at 95°C for 30 min. The molar concentration ratios of formaldehyde to melamine (F/M ratio) in 4% acetic acid as the extractant were between 9.4 and 46.2. The F/M ratio decreased biexponentially during eight repetitions of the extraction procedure using 4% acetic acid at 95°C for 30 min. The F/M ratio then remained between 1.9 and 2.6 from the 8th to the 20th repetition of the test. Migration of monomers was undetectable or limited to trace amounts when melamine wares were treated under simulated household conditions.

In the hemimandibulectomy patients the mandible is severely deviated and the occlusion is unstable, therefore the prosthodontic treatment for these patients is generally not successful. To investigate the stability of the mandibular position in occlusion of these patients, the differences of the range and the position of the mandible in occlusion between during the 5-mm opening and closing movement and during the 10-mm movement were analyzed three-dimensionally with the Jaw Movement Analyzer MM-JI-E. In this study, four hemimandibulectomy patients were selected as the subjects. The findings were as follows: 1. In three subjects, the range of the mandible in occlusion during the 10-mm opening and closing movement was larger than that during the 5-mm movement in almost all directions. On the contrary in one subject, the range of the mandible in occlusion during the 10-mm opening and closing movement was smaller than that during the 5-mm movement in almost all directions. 2. The relative relationship of the mandibular position in occlusion during the 10-mm opening and closing movement to that during the 5-mm movement varied in four subjects. In one subject, the mandible rotated horizontally towards the outside and moved upward. In another subject, the mandible rotated horizontally towards the inside and moved downward. In the other subject, the mandible moved inward and upward. In the other subject, the mandible moved outward and downward.

Release of lead and cadmium from plastic tableware was examined. Samples were treated with 2 ml of 4% acetic acid or 0.1N HCl per cm2 of the surface area at 60 degrees C or 95 degrees C for 30 min. No migration of lead and cadmium from samples containing up to 391 ppm lead or 6863 ppm cadmium was observed.

Current specifications for food packaging made of polyolefine plastics were applied to biodegradable plastics. No lead and cadmium were detected in any biodegradable plastic samples with the exception of bacterial cellulose, which contained trace amounts of lead and cadmium. Potassium permanganate consumption amount was less than the current specification level for polyofines. Sugars leached from bacterial cellulose was 22 +/- 1 microgram per 100 cm2 as glucose, and amino acids leached from poly-gamma-methylglutamate films was 8 +/- 3 micrograms per 100 cm2 as glutamic acid.

Material and migration tests of food-contact plastic wares made of polystyrene were carried out. The average concentration of volatile substances (sum of toluene, ethylbenzene, isopropylbenzene, n -propylbenzene, and styrene) in materials was 861 +/- 692 ppm. Styrene was observed in 95% of 19 samples. alpha-Methylstyrene, which is one of the material compounds of polystyrene, was detected in one sample. Release of volatile substances into n-heptane was not observed at the detection limits of 0.1 ppm.

Migration and material tests of food-contact plastic wares were carried out in compliance with the Thai Food Act. Sample materials studied were melamine resin, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride. Migration levels of phenol, formaldehyde, colors and heavy metals were determined. A test for vinyl chloride monomer in polyvinyl chloride was carried out. Migrant and residual levels in all samples were in compliance with the Act.

The relationship between the concentrations of formaldehyde and melamine released into 4% acetic acid from dishes and bowls made of melamine-formaldehyde resin was determined. The average concentrations in the migration solution after the sample had been treated at 60, 80, and 95 degrees C for 30 min with 4% acetic acid were 0.0 +/- 0.1, 0.5 +/- 0.4 and 3.0 +/- 2.2 ppm, respectively for formaldehyde and 0.04 +/- 0.07, 0.21 +/- 0.20 and 1.19 +/- 1.18 ppm, respectively for melamine. The correlation between the concentrations of formaldehyde and melamine released at 95 degrees C was y=0.4858x-0.2728 (r=0.8860), where y is melamine concentration (ppm), x is formaldehyde concentration (ppm) and r is the correlation coefficient. The molar concentration ratios of formaldehyde to melamine (F/M ratio) were 15.4 +/- 11.6 at 80 degrees C and 14.9 +/- 10.1 at 95 degrees C. Hence the release of both migrants was affected by temperature but the F/M ratio was not affected. The release of both compounds was was increased on repetition of the migration test at 95 degrees C but their concentrations remained constant after the tenth and seventeenth repetitions of the treatment. During this period, the F/M ratio decreased according to the equation 1n y=-1.4344 1n x+3.7814 (r=-0.9984) for a sample before the tenth repetition of the treatment and remained between 1.7 and 1.9 after the twelfth repetition, where y is the F/M ratio and x is the number of repetitions of the treatment.

Solutions of 100 mg/kg 1-butylurea and 50 mg/kg sodium nitrite were administered daily by a stomach tube to pregnant ACI/N rats from the 13th to 21st day of gestation. Neurogenous tumors were induced in their offspring. The incidence of tumours and mean survival time of rats with nervous tumours were 64% (23/36) and 309 (189672) days respectively. Localization and histological findings of the nervous tumors were similar to those observed previously in rats whose mothers received 1-butyl-1-nitrosourea (BNU) during pregnancy. Neurogenous tumors did not develop in the offspring of the mothers that received 100 mg/kg of 1-butylurea alone in the same manner. In several rats of both group, a few spontaneous tumors of the testis, pituitary gland, urinary bladder, uterus, and colon were detected. In vivo formation BNU in stomach content after intubation of 1-butylurea and sodium nitrite was determined. BNU was detected in the stomach content at levels of 25 ppm at 30 min and 23 ppm at 60 min after administration. The concentration of BNU in the stomach content corresponded to 48.3 and 29.2 microng/rat, respectively.

The structures of the new azoxy antibiotics maniwamycins A and B have been determined by means of spectral analyses and chemical studies.

To patients with chronic complicated urinary tract infections (UTI) which were in compliance to the UTI standard, cefmenoxime (CMX) was given singly or in combination with cefsulodin (CFS) and efficacies of the respective preparations were examined. Of 53 patients examined, 40 were given CMX alone while 13 were given a combined preparation of CMX and CFS. Results are summarized as follows. With respect to the general clinical effects, 7 patients given CMX alone were markedly improved, 21 improved and 12 unchanged indicating an efficacy rate of 70%. In case of the CMX-CFS combined administration, 2 patients were markedly improved, 7 improved and 4 unchanged giving an efficacy rate of 69%. As for the bacteriological effects, 38 of 54 strains isolated from the patients given CMX alone were eliminated, 4 decreased, 12 unchanged and 15 substituted. Of 16 strains isolated from the patients given the CMX-CFS combined preparation, 4 were eliminated, 2 unchanged and 3 substituted. Thus, incidence of bacterial substitution was low in the combination treatment. The combination of CMX and CFS was more inhibitory to P. aeruginosa than CMX alone. Regarding side-effects, drug eruption was observed in one of the 53 patients and slight elevation of GOT and GPT was recognized in another.