Search

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that protein–calorie malnutrition aggravates the gut translocation of Candida albicans triggered by mesenteric ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury in an experimental model while testing a natural product containing the antifungal anethole/polygodial mixture (Kolorex®). METHODS: MFI strain white mice (n = 90) were randomly allocated to a 4-week dietary regimen: (1) standard pellet diet containing 25% casein; (2) low-protein (2.5%) casein diet; (3) as group 2 plus oral supplementation with 20 µL of a 5% solution of Kolorex® during the last 4 days. Twenty rats from each of these groups (termed 1a, 2a and 3a) were orally inoculated with Candida suspension 6 h prior to mesenteric IR injury. Animals of each group but without Candida inoculation (termed 1b, 2b and 3b) served as control. A colon permeability study was carried out as well. Rats were killed prior to the IR injury and 3 h afterwards. Control rats were killed at the same time. RESULTS: Over 60% of the mesenteric lymph nodes and 30% of kidney samples were positive for C. albicans in the low-protein-fed rats after IR injury. Kolorex® significantly decreased that rate of positivity and also significantly reduced the concentration of C. albicans per gram of each positive tissue sample examined. Protein–calorie malnourished animals showed a statistically significant increase in colon permeability and this phenomenon further increased after IR injury. The groups of rats treated with Kolorex® compound showed a partial, although significant, improvement of this parameter. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that Kolorex® might exert a competitive effect against with C. albicans colonization. The present study represents the first experimental in vivo investigation of the anethole/polygodial-containing compound under the specific conditions of calorie–protein malnutrition and the results have potential clinical interest.

OBJECTIVE: Metals undergo redox cycling and there is increasing evidence of free radical generation and oxidative injury in the pathogenesis of liver injury and fibrosis in metal storage diseases. The aim of the present study was to test a natural hepatoprotective compound in metal-induced liver injury. METHODS: Hepatocytes were isolated from Wistar rats by collagenase perfusion method and cultured as such and also with α-linolenic acid (LNA)-bovine serum albumin (BSA). Hepatocytes were then cultured with a graded dilution of PN-M001 (100 µg/mL and 200 µg/mL), which is a curcuma/absinthium-containing compound, or sylibin (100 µg/mL) dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide for 10 min before the addition of metallic salts (iron, copper and vanadium). Lysosomal fractions were prepared for lysosome fragility tests in which β-galactosidase activity and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage were measured, as well as oxidative damage tests in the presence of hydrophilic and lipophilic free radical generators. Quenching activity by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was also assessed. RESULTS: Malonildialdehyde accumulation in the medium showed a direct time-course increase with incubation time. Both PN-M001 and sylibin showed a significant protective effect against all challenge metal ions, as expressed by the half inhibition concentration (IC50) against lipid peroxidation. However, on a molar ratio, sylibin seemed to be more effective than PN-M001 in Fe-induced peroxidative damage (P

OBJECTIVE: Experimental and clinical studies have shown that a novel symbiotic (known as SCM-III) exerts a beneficial effect on gut translocation and local and systemic inflammatory and microbial metabolic parameters. The present investigation was a preliminary trial on the effectiveness of SCM-III for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). METHODS: Sixty-eight consecutive adult patients with IBS who were free from lactose malabsorption, abdominal surgery, overt psychiatric disorders and ongoing psychotropic drug therapy or ethanol abuse were studied prospectively and divided into 2 groups that were comparable for age, gender, body size, education and pattern of presenting symptoms. The 2 groups were blindly given for 12 weeks either SCM-III 10 mL t.i.d or the same dosage of heat-inactivated symbiotic. RESULTS: Treatment with SCM-III was ‘effective’ or ‘very effective’ in more than 80% of the patients (P

Multiple photoionization of Xe near the 3d5/2-shell threshold photoionization region is studied by threshold electron–ion coincidence spectroscopy. The coincidence spectra of Xe3+ to Xe7+ ions exhibit characteristic profiles associated with multi-step post-collision interactions in Auger cascades following 3d5/2-shell threshold photoionization. The Auger cascade decay channels leading to the formation of multiply charged ions are deduced from the energies of the profile peaks, which increase gradually with increasing charge state. The formation of Xe3+ to Xe5+ ions is found to arise from cascades of normal Auger decays, whereas the formation of Xe6+ and Xe7+ ions involves double Auger decays. The branching ratio of double to normal Auger decays is estimated to be 0.25 (±0.1) for the decays following the creation of 3d5/2-hole states in Xe.

The ultra clean sputtering process (UC-process) was newly introduced in the fabrication of CoNiCr and CoCrTa thin film media to establish the new concept of controlling the microstructure and magnetic properties. The relation between cleanness during film deposition process and magnetic properties has been discussed in connection with their microstructure. The UC-process presented enables the control of the fine structure of the thin film media and resulted in excellent magnetic properties. This study demonstrates that the UC-process is very superior to the normal process presently used and plays a dominant role for the thin film media fabrication.

The aerodynamic response of a suspended-cable roof over a railway station is examined using a full aeroelastic model in a boundary-layer wind tunnel. The results of the wind-tunnel tests, conducted in thin and thick boundary-layer flow conditions, are presented and compared with those obtained for a section model in smooth and turbulent flow conditions. Vortex-induced oscillation at relatively low wind speed and flutter at high wind speeds were observed in a thin boundary-layer flow. Furthermore, it is shown that the presence of structures beneath the roof results in a sdecrease in the vertical oscillations of the roof. However, a train parked in the station on the upstream track caused an aerodynamic torsional instability for wind speed exceeding 70 mph (113 km/hr).

We measured the secondary electron emission (SEE) of cover glasses for space solar cells by beam blanking scanning electron microscopy (BBSEM) with a Faraday cup. The SEE yield of the cover glass is very important for analyzing the charge profile of the satellite. We observed the SEE of a cover glass coated with ZrO/sub 2/. This cover glass was chosen for the National Space Development Agency of Japan's (NASDA's) Engineering Test Satellite-8 (ETS-8), which is to be launched in 2004. We found the maximum SEE yield of the cover glass to be about 3 for a 1 keV electron beam and that SEE yield depends on the coating material on cover glasses. We investigated the influence of high-energy electrons and protons around satellites on the SEE of a cover glass. As a result, we found that the SEE of a cover glass irradiated with high-energy electrons and protons decreased. This indicates that the differential voltage degreasing with increasing satellite operation.

We have developed an in-pipe micro locomotive system. This system is composed of an outside host and a microrobot. The outside host supplies energy and transmits commands to the robot by using microwaves. The microrobot is 9.5 mm in diameter and 60 mm in length. The microrobot moves in a pipe of 10 mm diameter without wire. The microrobot consists of a microwave (RF) module used for energy supply and communication, a control circuit and a locomotive mechanism using a piezoelectric bimorph actuator. The RF module consists of a compact antenna, power divider, rectifying circuits, filter and communication MMIC. The antenna receives two frequencies of microwaves: 22 GHz for energy supply and 24 GHz for communication. The rectifying circuits convert the microwave into DC. The demanded energy of 480 mW is supplied via microwave. The control circuit drives the locomotive device and other devices installed in the robot by outside commands. The direction and speed of the system are also controlled by commands. The condition of the system is communicated between the robot and the outside host. The locomotive mechanism using a piezoelectric bimorph actuator moves according to inertia drive method.

We have developed a multi-layered bimorph actuator whose power consumption is low and whose displacement is large. Each actuator layer comprises a piezoelectric element and elastic plate. Because volume of the piezoelectric element is constant, the actuator expands in the direction of applied voltage, but contracts in the perpendicular direction. This bends the elastic plate, amplifying displacement. Layer number determines actuator force. We also developed in-pipe locomotive mechanism utilizing the developed actuator and conventional stack type piezoelectric actuator. The power consumption and moving speed of two-actuator mechanism were investigated. The mechanism of the multi-layered actuator moves 2.5 times faster compared with that of the conventional one, and consumes only 1/80 of electric power of the conventional one.

A 73-year-old male, who underwent resection of soft palate cancer and was under treatment for esophageal ulcer at our medical department, complained of palpitation. On the suspicion of hyperthyroidism, enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was performed. T3 and T4 were increased, and FT4 and TSH were normal. However, T3 and T4 measured again by radioimmunoassay (RIA) were normal. Therefore, the patient serum was examined for interfering substances such as antibody against bovine intestinal alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and heterophilic antibody. Substances interfering with ALP and anti-rabbit IgG human antibody were detected. It is necessary to consider the possible presence of these substances when results of EIA are evaluated.

S Kawakita1, F Marotta2, Y Naito3, U Gumaste4, S Jain5, J Tsuchiya1, E Minelli21Biokenkyusho Research Laboratory, Shizuoka, Japan; 2WHO-cntr for Biotechnology and Natural Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; 3Immunology Research Institute and Clinic, Nagoya, Japan; 4Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra, India; 5Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA Abstract: The aim of this study was to test the combined effect of a quality-controlled red clover extract (RCE) standardized to contain 40% isoflavones by weight (genistein, daidzein, biochanin A, and formononetin present as hydrolyzed aglycones) together with a modified alkaline supplementation on bone metabolic and biomechanical parameters in an experimental model of surgically-induced menopause. Sprague–Dawley female rats were maintained under controlled standard conditions of light and fed with conventional food of standard calcium content and no alfalfa or soybean components. Rats were randomized into four groups: Group A represented normal rats (sham operated) while three other groups were ovariectomized (OVX) and fed for three months as follows: standard food (group B), 6 mg/kg/day food mixed with RCE (Group C), or given 6 mg/kg/day of RCE plus a modified alkaline supplementation (BP) through a nasogastric tube at a dose of 16 mg (group D). The animals were killed 90 days after surgery. As compared to group B, RCE or RCE + BP treatments brought about significantly higher level of estradiol and mitigated the weight loss of the uterus and improved maximum load of the femoral neck. Osteocalcin level showed an over 65% increase in group B but both RCE and RCE + BP treatments prevented such abnormality with a significantly better result in RCE + BP group which virtually normalized such parameter as well as urinary excretion of DPD. Group C and D reduced the over 20% loss of bone mineral density and bone mineral content/body weight ratio observed in untreated post-ovariectomy group. Untreated ovariectomy caused about 48% decrease of cancellous bone mass in the femoral neck while this abnormality was prevented at similar extent by both RCE and RCE + BP treatments. Ovariectomy determined an over 80% increase of bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) level but both RCE and RCE + BP treatments significantly mitigated such variable. The BALP decrease yielded by the combined RCE + BP treatment was statistically lower than RCE alone. Taken together these data show that red clover preparation in dosages amenable to clinical practice do improve OVX-induced osteoporosis while a mild metabolic alkalosis might further synergize some therapeutic aspects. Keywords: red clover, alkaline supplementation, osteoporosis, ovariectomy

A case of ruptured aneurysm in the hypoplastic proximal anterior cerebral artery (A1 portion) is reported. This 25-years old man complained of the sudden onset of severe headache and vomiting on January 11, 1989. He was referred to our hospital on the same day, and CT scan revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage. Cerebral angiography on the next day revealed an aneurysm in the hypoplastic A1 portion of the right anterior cerebral artery, and no branch was present at the site of the aneurysmal neck. He was operated on using the right pterional approach. The A1 portion was trapped and the aneurysm was removed successfully. The histology of the aneurysm was that of the usual type of the saccular aneurysm. The post-operative course was uneventful. He was discharged with no neurological deficit two months after the operation. As far as we know, there has been no report on a ruptured aneurysm in the hypoplastic A1 portion. We also reviewed the 55 aneurysms in the A1 portion that have been reported in the literature.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antihypertensive effect of a new calcium antagonist, clentiazem, on inpatients or outpatients with essential hypertension. After blood pressure was stable and greater than 160/95 mmHg with placebo for at least a 2-week observation period, oral clentiazem was administered once daily and dosage was increased stepwise from 10 to 40 mg over 10 weeks. Blood pressure significantly decreased by the second week of the study, and this hypotensive effect was maintained until the eighth week. Cumulative effective rate (percent of patients whose blood pressure decreased in 20/10 mmHg) in 62 outpatients were as follows; 10.3% at 10 mg, 39.6% at 20 mg, 70.2% at 30 mg, 76.6% at 40 mg. There was no significant postural change observed in the blood pressure from supine to standing position. Side effects such as dizziness, general malaise and gait disturbances were observed in 3 (3.9%) of 76 patients. No abnormal changes in clinical laboratory examinations or electrocardiograms were caused by clentiazem. Thus these data demonstrated that clentiazem produces certain antihypertensive effects with sufficient safety.

This paper describes the successful test operation of a 50 t/h concentrate feed rate (or on the anode copper basis 9000 tlm) with the Mitsubishi Process. Particular emphasis is given to the analyses of the furnace capacity by the measurement of flow pattern and oxygen potential. Smelting rate on the unit hearth area of the smelting furnace is now one-ton of concentrate/m2·h. The results of the analyses show the further potential of the furnace capacity of the process.

Correlation between the electroretinographic oscillatory potential and psychophysical contrast sensitivity function was examined in patients with different stages of diabetic retinopathy. Contrast sensitivity function was evaluated by Arden's grating test. The amplitude of the oscillatory potential was significantly reduced in cases with low contrast sensitivity (P less than 0.01).

The human heart antigens demonstrated in citric acid extracts by immunodiffusion were submitted to further analysis. Heart antigens were precipitated at 30% to 70% saturated ammonium sulphate. These fractions contained antigens reactive with rabbit antisera to human heart. The third fraction out of four proteins which were separated by Sephadex G-150 gel filtration, was reactive against rabbit antisera to human heart. The intensely stained proteins of both heart antigens were located at the nineth protein band out of proteins separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. This protein exhibited precipitin line against rabbit antisera to human heart by two-dimensional electrophoresis, and had mobility between that of serum alpha2 and beta1 globulin in immunoelectrophoresis.

The effects of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) were studied on densely granulated somatotroph adenoma cells and sparsely granulated somatotroph adenoma cells in culture by measuring release of growth hormone (GH) as well as ultrastructural morphometrical parameters and comparing them with those of control adenoma cells. Both types of adenoma cells cultured with GHRH showed similar increases of GH release into culture media and exhibited similar increases in cytoplasmic volume densities (CVD) of endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus and decreases in CVD of secretory granules and secretory granule diameter. These results indicate that (1) both types of somatotroph adenoma cells react similarly to GHRH stimulation, despite their morphologic differences, and (2) GHRH stimulates GH synthesis as well as GH release by somatotroph adenoma cells.

Left ventricular (LV) wall motion abnormality evaluated by LV contrast angiography was compared with that of RI angiography and ultrasonic cardiotomography (UCT). Phase images and UCT were performed in 15 patients with akinesis or dyskinesis (Group I), 17 with localized hypokinesis (Group II), and 11 without abnormality (Group III). In the RAO phase image, the LV was divided into apical, antero-lateral, and inferior segments. When there was a difference of more than 15 degrees in the mean of pixel phase values in each segment, the motion abnormality was judged to be present. The sensitivity was 90% in Group I and 25% in Group II, respectively, and the specificity was 86% in Group III. In the LAO phase images, when the standard deviation of phase values within the LV was more than 10 degrees, the motion abnormality was judged to be present. The sensitivity was 100% in Group I and 71% in Group II, respectively, and the specificity was 91% in Group III. In UCT, the sensitivity was 73% in Group I and 12% in Group II, respectively, and the specificity was 100% in Group III. Thus, the RAO phase image is rewarding in evaluating the site of the motion abnormality, and the LAO phase image is also helpful in the detection. On the other hand, it was difficult to detect the abnormality of wall motion of the apical region by UCT.

The throat cultures were collected on swabs from total number of 3,599 of first grade children of elementary schools in Otsu City in 1978. Beta-hemolytic streptococci were isolated from 628 of 3,599 children (17.4%). Group A strains were found in 403 of 628 children (64.2%). Thus the frequency of recovery of group A streptococci from the children was 11.2% in this study. The size of tonsils in children with positive cultures for group A streptococci and negative response of ASO was larger than tonsils of children with negative cultures for group a strains and negative ASO response, and were smaller than the tonsils of children with positive cultures for group A strains and with positive ASO response. On the 20th day after oral administration of 400,000 units of penicillin derivative, group A strains were eradicated from throats in 76.2% of the treated children.

Echocardiographic analysis of right ventricular ejection time (RVET), pre-ejection time (RVPEP), RVPEP/ET and isovolumic relaxation time (RVIRT) was performed in patients with acute or chronic right ventricular pressure overloading. Fifty-five patients undergoing right ventricular cardiac catheterization, were categorized into seven groups; 11 patients with atrial septal defect (ASD) without pulmonary hypertension (PH) (group 1), 12 with ASD with PH (group 2), six with mitral stenosis (MS) without PH (group 3), nine with MS with PH (group 4), seven with primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) (group 5), seven with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) (group 6), and three patients with convalescence of PE (group 7). Corrected RVIRT (RVIRTc) and RVET (RVETc) were calculated by regression analysis correlating with heart rate in normal subjects. RVIRTc, RVETc, RVPEP and RVPEP/ET in seven groups were significantly correlated with systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) (r = 0.62, p less than 0.001; r = -0.41, p less than 0.01; r = 0.61, p less than 0.001; r = 0.65, p less than 0.001, respectively), but RVDd did not correlate with SPAP (r = 0.370, p less than 0.05). Comparing acute right ventricular pressure overloading group (group 6) with each of chronic right ventricular pressure overloading groups (groups 2, 4, 5, and 7), RVIRTc and RVDd were significantly increased in the former than the latter, but RVETc, RVPEP and RVPEP/ET were not significantly different in both groups. There was a significant correlation between RVIRTc and RVPEP/ET in chronic pressure overloading, but not in acute pressure overloading. We concluded that early diastolic RV relaxation and systolic performance were both impaired by increased afterload in chronic pressure overloading. In acute pressure overloading, however, early diastolic RV relaxation was more significantly impaired possibly because of acute changes of muscle architectures due to acute right ventricular expansion and anoxia.

From the intestinal tracts of 37 out of 69 birds belonging to four species of gulls (Larus fuscus, L. genei, L. argentatus, L. ridibundus) and three species of terns (Sterna sandvicensis, S. hirundo, S. minuta) 62 yeast isolates belonging to 16 species were obtained. The occurrences of individual yeast species were (% of positive birds in brackets): Saccharomyces cerevisiae (20%), Torulopsis glabrata (12%), S. oleaginosus (10%), Candida tropicalis (9%), C. albicans (9%) and T. pintolopesii (7%), other yeast species (1-4%). Average numbers of colony-forming units/g. wet intestinal contents in the seven host species were: Larus fuscus 5210; Larus genei 22,200; L. argentatus 5620; L. ridibundus 3180; Sterna sandvicensis 50; S. hirunda 211,000; S. minuta 9200.