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In this study, eight types of bacteria were cultivated, including Staphylococcus aureus. The infrared absorption spectra of the gas surrounding cultured bacteria were recorded at a resolution of 0.5 cm−1 over the wavenumber range of 7500–500 cm−1. From these spectra, we searched for the infrared wavenumbers at which characteristic absorptions of the gas surrounding Staphylococcus aureus could be measured. This paper reports two wavenumber regions, 6516–6506 cm−1 and 2166–2158 cm−1. A decision tree–based machine learning algorithm was used to search for these wavenumber regions. The peak intensity or the absorbance difference was calculated for each region, and the ratio between them was obtained. When these ratios were used as training data, decision trees were created to classify the gas surrounding Staphylococcus aureus and the gas surrounding other bacteria into different groups. These decision trees show the potential effectiveness of using absorbance measurement at two wavenumber regions in finding Staphylococcus aureus. Graphical abstract

The electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy technique was used to study various organic radicals, such as 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxyl (TEMPO), 4-hydroxy-TEMPO (TEMPOL), 2-X-nitronylnitroxide (2-X-NN, X = Ph, NO2Ph, or cyclohexyl), 4-Y-benzonitronylnitroxide (4-Y-PhBzNN, Y = Ph or NO2Ph), and 2-Z-iminonitroxide (2-Z-IN, Z = Ph or NO2Ph) dispersed in a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) matrix. The experiments were conducted at room temperature. The complex nature of the recorded ESR spectra could be attributed to the superposition of the rotational diffusion component of TEMPO (or TEMPOL) in the nanospace of the PMMA matrix with the rigid-limit component. A single component of the rigid-limit was observed for 2-X-NN and 4-Y-PhBzNN radicals dispersed in the PMMA matrix. The isotropic components of g and hyperfine ( A ) tensor, estimated by analyzing the solution spectra, were used to determine the g and A components of 4-Y-PhBzNN. Only the rotational diffusion component was observed for the 2-Z-IN radical. These results demonstrated that the PMMA matrix contains cylindrical nanospaces. Various radicals other than TEMPO derivatives could be used in the ESR spin probe technique as probe molecules for determining the structures, sizes, and shapes of the nanospaces.

Gas samples were collected from the air surrounding single and mixed laboratory cultures, and preliminary data on human breath samples were also obtained. The infrared spectra of a variety of gasses were measured at high resolution (0.5 cm

There is clinical demand for simple and contact-free diagnosis techniques in medical practice. This study shows that the infrared absorptions of volatile metabolites can be used to distinguish between the air around Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, other bacteria, and normal room air. Gas samples were collected from the air surrounding single and mixed laboratory cultures, and preliminary data on human breath samples are also presented. The infrared spectra of a variety of gasses are measured with a high resolution of 0.5 cm-1 to obtain information about the wavenumber position of the key bands. Hence, it is not necessary to specify the molecular species of biomarkers. This work also shows that discrimination rates can be improved by observing additional infrared absorptions caused by different characteristic volatile molecules. The significance of this work is that the specific wavenumber positions of the key bands that allow the application of infrared lasers are provided. As a result, it is considered that Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii can be monitored more sensitively and easily. With further research and development, this simple approach could be used in future applications to identify infections in healthcare settings.

Coumarin (C9H6O2) and coumarin derivative, coumarin 6H (C15H15NO2) samples were observed with a polarizing microscope at and around the melting points. The states of the two samples are crystalline at room temperature. When the temperature of the Coumarin sample was raised and a part was melted, the crystalline phases coexisted with the liquid phase. The crystal surface coexisting with the liquid phase went through a repetition of melting and crystallization on slightly modulating the sample temperature. The two-phase coexisting state was observed with a digital camera attached to a microscope. The changes in the number of pixels in the crystal part of the photographed image showed Debye relaxation with temperature change. It was found that the relaxation time was 4.9 s when the number of pixels decreased due to surface melting or increased due to surface crystallization. This relaxation time was in good agreement with that of the dynamic-specific heat measured by AC calorimetry. The coumarin 6H microcrystal also coexisted with the melt in a temperature range at and around the melting point. The change in the number of pixels of the coumarin 6H crystal part showed Debye relaxation with respect to the temperature, and the relaxation time was 15 s, which was the same as the relaxation time of the dynamic-specific heat measured in the melting temperature range of coumarin 6H.

Inclusion compounds (ICs) have the potential to act as drug carriers. In this study, an IC consisting of acetaminophen incorporated into 2,4,6-tris(4-chlorophenoxy)-1,3,5-triazine (CLPOT) was synthesized ([CLPOT-acetaminophen]). Elemental analysis, 1H NMR spectroscopy and thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), of the IC confirmed that ~0.1 acetaminophen molecules were included as guest molecules per CLPOT unit cell. The inclusion of acetaminophen in the 1D nanochannels of CLPOT was further confirmed by the DTA results of [CLPOT-acetaminophen], which showed the endothermal peak at 157 °C indicating the desorption of acetaminophen confined in the CLPOT nanochannels. These results suggest that CLPOT could be used as a stable microscopic carrier of biomaterials.

The small crystal of n -hexatriacontane was observed by polarizing microscope in the melting transition temperature region. In the region, the area expansion which started from the surface defects appeared. It gradually grew. The area of the small crystal changed reversibly with the temperature modulation. The angle of the axis of optical anisotropy also changed with the temperature modulation but did not change reversibly. After the entire region of the sample was expanded, the area hardly increased though the sample was heated. When the temperature was reached at the upper-end of the melting temperature region, the sample melted immediately.

Background— The influences of antiplatelet therapy discontinuation on the risk of stent thrombosis and long-term clinical outcomes after drug-eluting stent implantation have not yet been addressed adequately. Methods and Results— In an observational study in Japan, 2-year outcomes were assessed in 10 778 patients undergoing sirolimus-eluting stent implantation. Data on status of antiplatelet therapy during follow-up were collected prospectively. Incidences of definite stent thrombosis were 0.34% at 30 days, 0.54% at 1 year, and 0.77% at 2 years. Thienopyridine use was maintained in 97%, 62%, and 50% of patients at 30 days, 1 year, and 2 years, respectively. Patients who discontinued both thienopyridine and aspirin had a significantly higher rate of stent thrombosis than those who continued both in the intervals of 31 to 180 days, 181 to 365 days, and 366 to 548 days after stent implantation (1.76% versus 0.1%, P P =0.02; and 2.1% versus 0.14%, P =0.004, respectively). When discontinuation of aspirin was taken into account, patients who discontinued thienopyridine only did not have an excess of stent thrombosis in any of the time intervals studied. Adjusted rates of death or myocardial infarction at 24 months were 4.1% for patients taking thienopyridine and 4.1% for patients not taking thienopyridine ( P =0.99) in the 6-month landmark analysis. Conclusions— Discontinuation of both thienopyridine and aspirin, but not discontinuation of thienopyridine therapy only, was associated with an increased risk of stent thrombosis. Landmark analysis did not suggest an apparent clinical benefit of thienopyridine use beyond 6 months after sirolimus-eluting stent implantation.

The transradial approach for catheterization is becoming increasingly more popular. At present, the choice of the right or left radial artery depends on the operator's preference. We examined how the laterality influenced the effectiveness of the approach. Employing Judkins-type catheters, we performed coronary angiography in 232 patients with the left approach and in 205 patients with the right approach. Although access time did not differ between the two groups of patients, the duration of catheter manipulation was shorter in the left- than in the right-approach group (11.7 ± 5.9 vs. 9.8 ± 4.4 min; P < 0.001). Because of the shorter duration of catheter manipulation, the total procedural duration was shorter in the left-approach group (13.7 ± 6.4 vs. 11.4 ± 4.8 min; P < 0.001). The fluoroscopy time was shorter in the left- than in the right-approach group (3.7 ± 2.5 vs. 5.0 ± 3.3 min; P < 0.001). The amount of contrast material did not differ between the groups (79 ± 27 vs. 83 ± 25 ml). The rate of guidewire usage to engage the coronary ostium was higher in the right- than in the left-approach group because of the severe tortuosity of the right subclavian artery (20/205 vs. 0/232; P < 0.001). Thus, for operators with significant experience, the left radial approach may provide increased procedural efficacy for coronary angiography compared to the right radial approach. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;61:333–337. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The small crystal of n -hexatriacontane was observed by a polarizing microscope in the rotator phase transition temperature region. In the temperature region, the rotator phase coexists with the solid phase (low-temperature ordered phase). The boundaries of two phases move reversibly with the temperature change. The area fractional change of the rotator phase can be described by the Debye relaxation. The relaxation time decreases and the relaxation strength increases as the sample temperature is raised. The relaxation time agrees well with that of the dynamic specific heat, which was measured in the frequency range of 0.0003≤ f /Hz≤0.05.

We propose a method to obtain the dynamic specific heat at hundreds of microhertz and higher. This low-frequency measurement is needed in order to gather the data covering the wide frequency dispersion of the dynamic specific heat in the temperature regions of the first-order phase transitions. By using the method, we can use medium-size cylindrical samples, the radius and the thickness of which are several millimetres. Although a sample of this size has the advantage of being easily handled, systematic measurement and analysis using a millimetre-size sample to obtain the low-frequency dynamic specific heat has not been attempted before. We introduce the results of the dynamic specific heat and thermal conductivity at the frequencies from 0.0003 to 0.05 Hz obtained by using the method.

Clinical trials suggest an increased frequency of restenosis after coronary intervention in left anterior descending (LAD) compared to the left circumflex or right coronary arteries. Experimental studies correlate stent-induced arterial injury and the extent of neointima formation. This study investigates whether the coronary artery affects the relationship between arterial injury and neointima hyperplasia in the porcine stent model.Non-lipemic farm pigs underwent stent placement in the LAD (n = 26) and the right coronary artery (RCA; n = 30). Quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) was performed before and after stent placement, and at follow-up; quantitative histomorphometry and injury score were analyzed at 30-day follow-up.Initial procedure balloon/artery ratios (LAD 1.17 +/- 0.11 vs RCA 1.17 +/- 0.09, P = NS), and minimal stent lumen diameters (MLD; LAD 2.91 +/- 0.31 vs RCA: 2.93 +/- 0.28 mm, P = NS) were similar suggesting no difference in deployment technique. At follow-up there was more restenosis in the LAD (diameter stenosis: 55.0 +/- 26.4% vs 37.3 +/- 18.1%, and MLD: 1.24 +/- 0.78 mm vs. 1.71 +/- 0.57 mm, P0.05 for both comparisons). No differences were seen for injury score (1.09 +/- 0.51 vs 1.01 +/- 0.57; LAD vs RCA) or stent area (6.13 +/- 0.99 vs 6.55 +/- 1.42 mm2). Histomorphometry demonstrated smaller lumen area (2.15 +/- 0.94 vs 2.96 +/- 1.29 mm2) and thicker neointima (0.63 +/- 0.25 vs 0.51 +/- 0.17 mm; all P0.05) in the LAD. Multiple linear regression analysis identified the LAD as an independent predictive factor for increased neointima formation.These observations establish an animal model that is consistent with clinical experience showing that restenosis after stenting is more common in the LAD. The findings may be useful for understanding and developing systemic and local antirestenotic strategies.

Background —Restenosis within stents may be prevented by ionizing radiation from an intravascular source. Methods and Results —A liquid β − radiation ( 188 Re) balloon was evaluated in a randomized and blinded porcine coronary model of stent restenosis. Group A pigs (n=17) received 0,16, 22, or 29 Gy at 0.5-mm depth, followed by stenting. Restenosis was quantified by angiography, ultrasound, and histomorphometry at 30 days. Group B (n=7) was stented first and then treated with 0 or 29 Gy with follow-up at 60 days. There was a measurable effect at 16 Gy, which improved with increasing doses. At 29 Gy, the histological stenotic area was reduced by 67% (22% versus 66% in controls, P P P =0.003). Radiated vessels had distinctive histology consisting of neointimal fibrin and reduced smooth muscle cells and matrix ( P Conclusions — 188 Re balloon brachytherapy in porcine coronary arteries results in dose-dependent and injury-independent inhibition of stent restenosis for up to 60 days. Restenosis at the borders of the irradiated zone is a potential limitation and may be related to underdosing. Brachytherapy with the 188 Re balloon appears to be safe and feasible for clinical studies.

慢性腎不全 (CRF) に伴う脳梗塞の臨床的特徴を検討した.対象はCRF患者645例.脳梗塞は49例 (7.6%) に認めた.内訳は血液透析 (HD) 群293例中15例 (5.1%), 腹膜透析 (PD) 群148例中7例 (4.7%), 保存期群204例中27例 (13.2%) であった.基礎疾患としてHD群で糖尿病性腎症を高率に認めた.初発症状はHD群で片麻痺での発症が有意に少なかった.CT・MRI所見では高率にラクナ梗塞を検出した.合併症として虚血性心疾患, 糖尿病を有意に高率に認めた.項目別検討ではHD群でHtが有意に低かった.CRF脳梗塞は, 保存期および, 糖尿病, 虚血性心疾患, 高齢, 高血圧などの危険因子の高い群に多く認められたが, 直接死因となる主幹部梗塞は稀であった.また特にHD群ではラクナ梗塞を高率に認めたことにはHt低値, 糖尿病等の合併症との関連が示唆された.今後はエリスロポエチン使用における, 脳梗塞の発症とHtの観点からの検討が必要と考えられた.

A decrease in myocardial uptake of iodine-123-labeled metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) has been reported in idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) using 123I-MIBG myocardial scintigraphy. However, the patient with autosomal recessive juvenile parkinsonism (AR-JP), caused by the parkin gene, presented here showed normal 123I-MIBG myocardial uptake, suggesting that AR-JP is a distinct disease entity from PD. Although the clinical features of AR-JP are sometimes quite similar to those of late-onset idiopathic PD, 123I-MIBG myocardial scintigraphy may be a powerful tool to differentiate PD from other parkinsonian syndromes, including AR-JP.

To investigate the underlying mechanisms of the left ventricular (LV) apical ballooning syndrome, we evaluated the functional responsiveness to dobutamine stimulation in patients with the syndrome. Over a 22-month period, 11 consecutive patients with the apical ballooning syndrome were referred to our institution. All 11 patients were women and 57 to 85 years of age (mean 73 +/- 10). Among them, 10 patients underwent low-dose dobutamine echocardiography within 24 hours after admission (17 +/- 8 hours). Echocardiography was repeated in the convalescent phase (48 +/- 33 days) to assess functional outcome. In the resting state, all patients showed akinetic wall motion in the midportion of the left ventricle and apical left ventricle. After low-dose dobutamine infusion, akinetic wall motion detected at rest did not show any improvement despite the hypercontractile basal LV wall. In the convalescent phase, LV dysfunction was not observed on echocardiography in all 11 patients. The LV apical ballooning syndrome has a unique feature that reversible dysfunction lacks functional amelioration during dobutamine administration. In conclusion, this finding suggests that the pathophysiologic mechanisms of the syndrome appear to be distinct from those of myocardial stunning after transient ischemia, and catecholamine-mediated cardiac toxicity may play a role in the development of the syndrome.

A 41-year-old man with hypertension and hyperlipidemia who complained of left hemiparesis after a temporal headache was admitted to our hospital. A cervical MRI with gadolinium enhancement revealed an intramural hematoma is compatible with right extracranial internal carotid artery dissection. Two weeks later, he complained of sudden onset of pain in the right side of his neck. The right extracranial internal carotid artery dissection followed by the right extracranial vertebral artery dissection was diagnosed. Spontaneous cervical artery dissection (SCAD) is one of the causes of stroke in young adults. The pathogenesis of SCAD remains unknown. Minor trauma like an excessive sneeze, migraine, and connective tissue disorders such as fibromuscular dysplasia and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome are well-known as risk factors for SCAD. Pathologically skin collagen abnormalities have been seen in German patients with SCAD without clinical evidence for any specific connective tissue disorder. We examined the ultrastructural morphology of the Japanese patient's dermal connective tissue components by electron microscopy. The patient's collagen fibers contained fibrils with highly variable diameters, and there were other ultrastructural abnormalities, including flower-like fibrils and large-diameter composite fibrils. This is the first report of a case of ultrastructural abnormalities of dermal connective tissue in a Japanese patient with SCAD.

A decrease in myocardial uptake of iodine-123-labeled metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) has been reported in idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) using 123I-MIBG myocardial scintigraphy. However, the patient with autosomal recessive juvenile parkinsonism (AR-JP), caused by the parkin gene, presented here showed normal 123I-MIBG myocardial uptake, suggesting that AR-JP is a distinct disease entity from PD. Although the clinical features of AR-JP are sometimes quite similar to those of late-onset idiopathic PD, 123I-MIBG myocardial scintigraphy may be a powerful tool to differentiate PD from other parkinsonian syndromes, including AR-JP.

Recently, an everolimus-eluting stent utilizing a bioresorbabale PLA polymer coating to release the agent everolimus has proven safe and effective in preventing restenosis for up to six months in de novo coronary arteries. But the use of a bioresorbable polymer-coated everolimus-eluting stent for in-stent restenosis lesions has not been previously investigated. This is a case report of one-year angiographic follow-up results after the implantation of a bioresorbable PLA polymer-coated everolimus-eluting stent for the treatment of recurrent in-stent restenosis. The case involved a 63-year-old female who had repeatedly presented with recurrent in-stent restenosis in the LCX. We successfully treated this recurrent ISR lesion by using a bioresorbable PLA polymer-coated everolimus-eluting stent; the one-year follow-up angiography revealed prevention of ISR after the implantation of this device.

In spite of the proven efficacy of the newer immunomodulative pharmacologic treatments for multiple sclerosis, such as steroid pulse therapy for exacerbation and beta-interferon subcutaneous injections for prevention, those treatments have not yet satisfied the criteria for direct management of the disease. Thus, even now, patients with multiple sclerosis still need symptomatic therapy to improve their quality of life and ameliorate the impairments in their activities of daily living due to their various neurologic deficits. This article reviews the management of a wide range of neurologic symptoms of multiple sclerosis, including spasticity, bladder dysfunction, paroxysmal symptoms, and chronic pain.

The percutaneous arm approach through the radial or brachial artery for diagnostic cardiac catheterization has advantages, such as a lower incidence of access-site complications and decreased patient discomfort, particularly when smaller diameter catheters are employed. However, the pressure produced by high-flow jets of contrast material exiting from an end-hole against the vascular wall can cause coronary dissection or myocardial blushing. To avoid this type of complication, we designed and developed a new miniature (4 French) catheter with two side-holes for coronary angiography. Under conditions similar to those of a clinical situation, we obtained the relationship between the pressure produced by the jets exiting from an end-hole and the force with which the tip of the catheter was pushed against the vascular wall. The presence of the side-holes substantially decreased the pressure at forces ranging between 0 and 15 gf, and at all injection rates (2.0 3.5 ml/second), but their location did not affect the pressure. In a preliminary clinical study, the new catheters with side-holes were feasible and effective for coronary angiography through the radial artery. Furthermore, the distribution of contrast material decreased the incidence of dislodgement of the catheter from the coronary ostia and enabled good visualization of the coronary ostia and proximal branches.

The radial artery approach is becoming more popular for diagnostic cardiac catheterization and interventional procedures because of its lower incidence of access site complications and decreased patient discomfort after the procedure. However, Allen's test reveals inadequate blood supply through the ulnar artery to the hand, and therefore the approach does not seem to be suitable in 10%-30% of patients. Here we demonstrated a new percutaneous ulnar artery approach for coronary angiography in nine patients. We succeeded in obtaining an entry site into the left ulnar artery in seven patients. The average time for cannulation and that for catheterization procedure were comparable with those of the radial approach previously reported from other laboratories. Complications such as bleeding, loss of an ulnar pulse, ulnar nerve injury, and the formation of an aneurysm or fistula were not observed in any patient. The ulnar approach may be another technique that decreases patient discomfort and risk, while preserving the radial artery as a potential coronary bypass graft for surgical myocardial revascularization. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2001;53:410-414.

Background —Stent-induced coronary restenosis is a major clinical and public health problem. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is an important regulator of cell division, and blocking of its expression after angioplasty may limit intimal proliferation. Methods and Results —We cloned the porcine PCNA gene and constructed a chimeric hammerhead ribozyme to a segment of the gene with human homology. In vitro studies with both cultured porcine and human vascular smooth muscle cells demonstrated uptake of ribozyme within the nucleus and significant inhibition of cellular proliferation. The ribozyme was then delivered locally into pig coronaries in a stent model. At 30 days, histomorphometric analysis showed neointimal thickness of 0.51±0.20 mm in the ribozyme group versus 0.71±0.27 and 0.66±0.25 mm in stent controls and scrambled ribozyme control, respectively ( P =0.002, P =0.03). Quantitative angiographic analysis showed late loss of 1.4±0.5 mm for ribozyme versus 1.9±0.4 and 2.0±0.4 mm for the controls ( P =0.05 and P =0.02). Conclusions —Chimeric hammerhead ribozyme to PCNA inhibits smooth muscle cell proliferation in vitro and reduces both histomorphometric and angiographic restenosis in the porcine coronary stent model when delivered locally.

Endocrinological evaluations of a 48-year-old man with Fabry disease revealed low levels of serum thyroid hormones and high levels of serum thyrotropin (TSH), indicating that the patient had primary hypothyroidism. Also, an exaggerated growth hormone (GH) response to hypoglycemic stimuli was observed. Thin layer chromatography of the lipid extract of the thyroid gland obtained by biopsy demonstrated marked accumulation of ceramide trihexoside (CTH) and ceramide dihexoside (CDH). These findings strongly suggest that thyroid hypofunction and hypothalamic dysfunction could be involved in Fabry disease.(Internal Medicine 33: 172-176, 1994)

EST is a specific thiol protease inhibitor newly synthesized as a drug for muscular dystrophy.Following the first Phase I study of EST single dose (First report), the second Phase I study on EST continuous administration was performed in healthy adult male volunteers to investigate its safety and pharmacokinetics.In the first stage, 100mg was administered 3 times a day after meals for 1 day, and in the next stage, 100 mg was administered 3 times a day after meals for 7 consecutive days.No change due to EST was found from the observation of the subjective and objective symptoms and clinical tests.EST was detected as E-64-c (effective form of EST) in serum and urine after oral administration. No accumulation of EST was observed after continuous administration, and approximately 30% of total EST was collected in urine.

A phase I study of EST, a newly synthesized specific thiol protease inhibitor developed as a drug for muscular dystrophy, was performed in healthy adult male volunteers to investigate its safety and pharmacokinetics. EST was administered orally in single doses of 100 mg during fasting, or of 100 mg or 200 mg after a meal. The following results were obtained.The clinical tests and observation of the subjective and objective signs and symptomsfound no change due to EST.EST was detected as E-64-c (effective form of EST) in serum and urine after oral administration. The absorption of EST was slower when administered after a meal than during fasting. The AUC (area under the serum concentration curve) and urinary excretion rate were greater following administration after a meal, which indicates a tendency to better bioavailability of EST.As for the comparison of 100 mg and 200 mg administration after a meal, a distinct dosedependency was observed in the serum concentration and urinary excretion.

弁置換術を契機とし急速にakinesia, kinesie paradoxaleが出現し, L-DOPAが無効であつた症例を経験した.症例は47才,男性. 35才時僧帽弁置換術を施行.術後ショック状態となり,意識障害持続.意識清明化と共に著明なakinesiaが出現した.神経学的にはakinesia, kinesie paradoxaleの他に左手のdystonic postureと両側錐体路徴候を認めた. CTでは両側淡蒼球に石灰化を認めた.神経症候学的に本例はpure akinesiaに類似する一方, CO中毒後のakinesia, kinesie paradoxaleにも類似する面も有していた. akinesiaおよびkinesie paradoxaleの発症機構として,いくつかの責任病巣が考えられるが,本例はCO中毒後のそれに類似しており,病巣として淡蒼球が推定された.

虚血性脳梗塞98例について全血粘度, 赤血球変形能, 血漿フィブリノーゲン (以下fbg.) を測定しその臨床的意義を検討した.対象症例は臨床像 (特にCTおよび血管写所見) より皮質枝梗塞38例, 穿通枝梗塞60例の二群に分け, さらに急性期, 慢性期に分類して検討した. (1) 脳梗塞例のヘマトクリット (以下Ht) 補正全血粘度は対象群に比し有意に高値を呈した. (p

It is well known that guanidinoacetic acid (GAA), precursor of creatine, is mainly producted by the kidney and the concentration of GAA in serum and urine and decreased in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). However, the mechanism for the excretion of this substance by the kidney still remains to be clarified. Therefore, this study is aimed to assess the restoration of the metabolic function of the transplanted kidney and the excretory manoeuvre by means of measurements of serum and urinary guanidino compounds, especially the GAA levels using fluorometric HPLC.

Background: Earfy clinical trials with drug eluting stents have suggested limitations including edge restenosis and malaposition. Persistent bio-stable polymer and/or drug may be causal. Biodegradable polymers hold potential advantage if they are metabolized prior to tissue toxicity and deliver drug during the optimal window. Local delivery of active drug from a slowly biodegradable, high molecular weight polylactic acid (PLA) coated stent could lead to inhibition of intimal hyperplasia without impaired healing. Methods: We compared PLA polymer containing 160 or 220 ug of Everolimus(E), 180 ug Sirolimus(S), and bare metal stent. 40 stents were deployed in coronary artehes of 19 pigs with sacrifice at 28 days. Endpoints were assessed by quantitative coronary angiog raphy @CA), histomorphometry, and histology at 28 and 90 days. Results:There was reduction of intimal hyperplasia as assessed by QCA and histomorphometry by both E and S (Table 1). At both 28 and 90 days, there was complete reendothelialization and ho difference in inflammation or fibrin between the bare stent and druglpolymer groups. Conclusion: Everolimus and Sirolimus delivered via stent and thin layer biodegradable polymer are equally effective at inhibition of intimal hyperplasia. At follow-up evaluation. complete healing without toxic or inflammatory reaction was seen. A clinical trial to determine safety and efficacy of the Everolimus coated stent has commenced.