Removal of residual pesticides in vegetables using ozone microbubbles

The removal of fenitrothion (FT) pesticide residues from vegetables by immersion in ozone-microbubbled solution was demonstrated. FT-treated lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and strawberries were immersed in ozone-microbubbled, ozone-millibubbled, and dechlorinated water. After that the percentage of residual FT in the vegetables was determined. Residual FT was efficiently removed from lettuce by immersing it in ozone-microbubbled solution containing more than 1.0 ppm dissolved ozone, or continuously generated ozone-microbubbled solution containing 2.0 ppm dissolved ozone. Similarly, for cherry tomatoes and strawberries, the continuously generated ozone-microbubbled solution containing 2.0 ppm dissolved ozone was highly effective. These results showed that ozone microbubbles effectively removed residual pesticides not only from leafy vegetables but also from fruity vegetables.

Prevention of excessive collagen accumulation by human intravenous immunoglobulin treatment in a murine model of bleomycin-induced scleroderma

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by fibrotic changes in skin and other organs involving excessive collagen deposition. Here we investigated the effect of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) on fibrosis in a murine model of bleomycin (BLM)-induced scleroderma. Scleroderma was induced in C3H/He J mice by subcutaneous BLM injections daily for 35 days. The collagen content in skin samples from the BLM-injected group (6·30 ± 0·11 mg/g tissue) was significantly higher than the PBS group (5·80 ± 0·10 mg/g tissue), and corresponded with dermal thickening at the injection site. In contrast, mice treated with IVIG for 5 consecutive days after initiating BLM injection showed lesser collagen content significantly (IVIG group, 5·61 ± 0·09 mg/g tissue; BLM vs. IVIG). In order to investigate the cellular and protein characteristics in the early stage of the model, the skin samples were obtained 7 days after the onset of experiment. Macrophage infiltration to the dermis, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1)-positive cells, and increased TGF-β1 mRNA expression were also observed in the BLM group. IVIG inhibited these early fibrogenic changes; MCP-1 expression was significantly lesser for the IVIG group (1·52 ± 0·19 pg/mg tissue) than for the BLM group (2·49 ± 0·26 pg/mg tissue). In contrast, TGF-β1 mRNA expression was significantly inhibited by IVIG. These results suggest that IVIG treatment may inhibit macrophage recruitment to fibrotic sites by down regulating MCP-1 and TGF-β production, and thus could be a potential drug for managing fibrotic disorders such as SSc.

Heart rate variability during high-intensity field exercise in female distance runners

The purposes of this study were to demonstrate the transition of heart rate variability (HRV) during trials in the field and to examine the relationship between peak frequency of high-frequency band (HF) and stride frequency. Ten healthy long-distance college female runners (age 19-21 years) performed a 3000 m realistic time trial. The time-series power spectrum analysis by maximum entropy method was used to evaluate cardiac autonomic nervous activity during the race. Cross-correlation coefficients were calculated to estimate the degree of linear co-ordination between the central peak frequency of HF and stride frequency. Just after starting, the decrease in HF (0.15-1.00 Hz) and a transient increase of low-frequency band (LF)/HF were found. After that, the HF remained at a low level and LF/HF decreased sharply. These findings suggested that the parasympathetic activity was suppressed and sympathetic activity increased just after starting, and the sympathetic activity reached the saturated level according to continuation of high-intensity exercise. In spite of the significant decrease of HRV during trials, peak frequency of HF could be differentiated clearly. The cross-correlation coefficient of peak frequency of HF and stride frequency was from 0.703 to 0.868. This finding indicated that exercise rhythm reflected HRV during high-intensity running in the field.

Differences in the relationship between lipid CHD risk factors and body composition in Caucasians and Japanese

OBJECTIVES

To examine differences in the relationship between fat distribution and lipid coronary risk factors in Caucasian and Japanese population and further to determine whether the cut-points for body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) proposed by WHO and NHLBI are applicable to Japanese population as a predictor of a lipid risk factor abnormality or not.

RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES

Subjects were 895 participants of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging in the US (BLSA) and 1705 participants of the Longitudinal Study of Aging by the National Institutes for Longevity Science in Japan (NILS-LSA). Subjects were divided into four demographic groups as younger (age<65 y) men and women, and older (age> or =65 y) men and women. Blood total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol and anthropometry were measured. Regression coefficients of BMI and WC on risk factors, sensitivity and specificity of the BMI and WC cut-points for blood lipid abnormality, and mean values of blood lipids at BMI or WC cut-points were computed in both populations.

RESULTS

Height, weight, WC and BMI were significantly greater in the BLSA than those in the NILS-LSA subjects. Total cholesterol, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol were significantly greater in the NILS-LSA than in the BLSA subjects. Sensitivities of BMI and WC cut-points were much lower in the NILS-LSA than in the BLSA subjects. Specificities of BMI and WC cut-points were higher in the NILS-LSA than in the BLSA subjects. Mean values of triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol at BMI=25 were significantly greater in the NILS-LSA than in the BLSA subjects. At the WC cut-point (94 cm for men, 80 cm for women), mean values of all lipids were significantly greater in the NILS-LSA than in the BLSA subjects with the exception of triglycerides in younger women.

CONCLUSIONS

The Japanese subjects have smaller BMI and WC, worse total and LDL-cholesterol levels and better HDL-cholesterol levels compared to Caucasians. Sensitivities of BMI and WC for predicting lipid risk factor abnormality are much lower in Japanese. The cut-points for BMI and WC proposed by WHO and NHLBI may be too high for predicting an abnormality in triglycerides, total and LDL-cholesterol in Japanese. For detecting an abnormal HDL-cholesterol level, the BMI and WC cut-points may not be as beneficial for the Japanese population as for Caucasians.

Cytokine and antibody production during the course of resolution in Plasmodium yoelii 17XL-infected BALB/c mice treated with febrifugine and isofebrifugine mixture from leaves of Hydrangea macrophylla var. Otaksa

Cytokine and antibody production was investigated during the course of resolution of primary infection in Plasmodium yoelii 17XL-infected BALB/c mice treated with a mixture of febrifugine and isofebrifugine. The infected mice in an untreated control group showed a progressively increasing parasitemia, leading to mouse death. In contrast, infected mice given the mixture orally showed low parasitemia levels during administration. Following a transient increase in parasitemia in the bloodstream of the treated mice, no parasites could be detected by microscopic examination. Analysis of cytokines in plasma showed that the plasma IFN-gamma levels elevated significantly within the first week of infection in both groups. Furthermore, on day 20 the plasma IFN-gamma and IL-4 levels elevated significantly in the treated mice and the production of both cytokines was sustained until at least day 40. The production of both cytokines in the treated mice was coincident with a decrease in parasitemia. The production of parasite-specific antibodies in the course of P. yoelii 17XL infection was also monitored. In the drug-treated mice, the titers of parasite-specific IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b and IgG3 elevated significantly from day 20; and the production of parasite-specific antibodies was coincident with a decrease in parasite numbers in the bloodstream.

Muscle performance after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

We measured muscle strength in 36 patients after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with autogenous bone-patellar tendon-bone graft. Quadriceps and hamstring isokinetic strength was assessed during concentric contraction at 60 and 180 degrees /s and was measured at 1, 6, 12 and 24 months postoperatively. At 24 months quadriceps muscle strength had recovered to approximately 90% of the level of the uninvolved side, both at 60 and 180 degrees /s. In contrast, hamstring muscle strength had already recovered to approximately 90% at 6 months. Age, gender, activity level, and anterior tibial laxity did not affect the muscle performance. However, the recovery of muscle strength was delayed in patients with anterior knee pain.

Ozonolysis mechanism of lignin model compounds and microbial treatment of organic acids produced

Treatment methods comprising ozonolysis and microbial treatment of lignin discharged from the pulp manufacture industries were investigated by using a sulfite pulp wastewater and a lignin model compound, i.e. sodium lignosulfonate. Dynamic behaviors for the formations of intermediate derivatives such as muconic acid, maleic acid, and oxalic acid produced from the ozonolysis of sulfite pulp wastewater were observed from data of UV absorption at 280 nm by a spectrophotometer and at 210 nm by high performance liquid chromatography. The microorganisms that were isolated by the enrichment culture method were used to degrade the organic acids such as oxalic acid and acetic acid. Time courses of biological degradation of these organic acids indicated diauxic growth, which was found in a culture with mixed substrates. In the treatment of sodium lignosulfonate, the ozonolysis and microbial treatment using activated sludge converted sodium lignosulfonate into carbon dioxide and water almost completely.

A study of volumetric visualization and quantitative evaluation of bone trabeculae in helical CT

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability of quantitative evaluation of bone trabeculae by helical CT.

METHODS

Ten specimens of human cadaver mandibular condyles were examined using both micro-CT and helical CT, and volume rendered three-dimensional (3D) images were obtained from the CT data. Micro-CT was used as the reference standard. From the micro-CT data images, bone trabeculae in each condyle were extracted by image processing and their volumes were calculated automatically. From the helical CT data images, the cortical bone was manually removed and bone trabeculae in each condyle were extracted using opacity curve and colour mapping thresholds. The optimal cut-off CT value that resulted in a similar volume of bone trabeculae obtained from helical CT and micro-CT data was investigated.

RESULTS

The optimal cut-off CT value to assess the volume of bone trabeculae accurately on 3D images obtained with helical CT data was found to be 200 Hounsfield units.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that quantitative evaluation of bone trabeculae using helical CT might be a valid and useful method.

Job stress, social support at work, and insomnia in Japanese shift workers

A cross-sectional study was conducted to clarify the contribution of psychological job stress to insomnia in shift workers. A self-administered questionnaire concerning job stress, sleep, depressive symptoms and lifestyle factors was submitted to a sample of 530 rotating shift workers of age 18-59 years (mean age 27) in an electric equipment manufacturing company. Perceived job stress, i.e., job demands, job control and social support at work, was assessed using the Japanese version of the Job Content Questionnaire. Insomnia was regarded as prevalent if the workers had at least one of the following symptoms in the last year; less than 30 minutes to fall asleep, difficulty in maintaining sleep, or early morning awakening almost everyday. Overall prevalence was 37.8%. Logistic regression analyses while adjusting relevant factors showed that lower social support at work was significantly associated with a greater risk of insomnia than the higher social support (adjusted OR 2.5). Higher job strain with lower social support at work increased the risk, compared to lower strain with higher support at work (crude OR 1.8; adjusted OR 1.5). Our findings suggest the low social support at work independently associated with insomnia in shift workers.

Immunological study on circulating murine osteoprotegerin/osteoclastogenesis inhibitory factor (OPG/OCIF): possible role of OPG/OCIF in the prevention of osteoporosis in pregnancy

Osteoprotegerin (OPG)/osteoclastogenesis inhibitory factor (OCIF) is a soluble member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family and plays a crucial role in the negative regulation of osteoclastic bone resorption. We have immunized OPG/OCIF knockout mice with murine rOPG/rOCIF and established a panel of hybridomas producing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to murine rOPG/rOCIF. Utilizing the mAbs, we developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) systems: one detecting both homodimeric and monomeric forms of murine OPG/OCIF and the other detecting only dimeric form of murine OPG/OCIF. With the aid of these ELISA systems we showed that OPG/OCIF is present mainly as a monomer in murine blood. The concentration of OPG/OCIF in normal mouse sera was approximately 500 pg/ml and there was no statistical difference in the serum concentration of OPG/OCIF among genders, age, and strains. Interestingly, the concentration of circulating OPG/OCIF in mouse markedly increased during pregnancy. The result indicated that circulating OPG/OCIF plays an important role in the protection of bone from excess resorption during pregnancy in mammals.

In vitro antibody response to the tetrapeptide repeats of Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein by splenocytes from mice infected with P. yoelii yoelii

The antibody response to the recombinant protein, R32tet32, which contained the repetitive sequence (NANP)n of Plasmodium falciparum CSP was determined in C57BL/6 mice during the course of nonlethal infection with Plasmodium yoelii 17X. Marked suppression of the IgG antibody response to R32tet32 occurred when mice were immunized at peak parasitemia (on day 16). In vitro antibody responses of spleen cells from acutely infected mice to R32tet32 were similarly suppressed. Stimulation of normal spleen cells cultured for 5 days with 100 ng/ml of R32tet32 gave an optimal IgG antibody response, but spleen cells from infected mice obtained at peak parasitemia failed to respond to a broad range of antigen concentrations. Cocultivation studies employing enriched lymphocyte populations from infected and uninfected C57BL/6 mice indicated that both T and B cells from infected mice were defective in their response to R32tet32. The response to the repetitive region was restored by the addition of recombinant mouse interleukin-2 (IL-2) at a dose of 50 U/ml to cultures of spleen cells from infected mice.

Synovial chondromatosis in the temporomandibular joint complicated by displacement and calcification of the articular disk: report of two cases

Two cases of synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are presented, including correlation of CT and MR imaging characteristics with surgical and pathologic findings. The usefulness of CT and MR imaging in the diagnosis of TMJ disorders is discussed.

Coordinate-transform technique for closed-fringe analysis by the fourier-transform method

A coordinate-transform technique is proposed that enables the Fourier-transform method to analyze an interferogram that includes a closed-fringe pattern. First, the closed-fringe pattern is converted to an open-fringe pattern by transformation of the Cartesian coordinate system to a polar coordinate system. Then the phase distribution for the open-fringe interferogram is determined by the conventional Fourier-transform method. The phase distribution for the original closed-fringe pattern is obtained by inverse coordinate transformation from the polar coordinate system back to the Cartesian coordinate system. Computer simulation and experiments were performed for a closed-fringe pattern generated by interference of a spherical wave with a reference plane wave, and results are presented that demonstrate the validity of the proposed technique.

Cloning and expression of a down-regulated gene (TrEnodDR1) of white clover responded by the nod genes derived from Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii strain 4S

The nodulation genes of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii 4S (strain 4S) were cloned into cosmid vector pLAFR1 named pC4S8 which was contained nodNMLFEDABCIJ and a part of nodT as an insert. The pC4S8 was transferred to strain H1, Sym plasmid (pRt4Sa) cured strain of strain 4S, and isolated as Tc resistant and nodulation restored mutant, strain H1(pC4S8). During infection process of this strain, visible symbiotic features, such as root hair curling (Hac), root hair deformation (Had) and infection thread formation (Inf) were also restored. The nodule forming ability of strain H1(pC4S8) was increased 3-4 times in nodule number than that of strain 4S. Then, to investigate the effect of Rhizobium nod genes on the host plant (Trifolium repens L.) gene expression, cDNAs which were responded to the inoculation of rhizobia were differentially screened based on the presence or absence of nod genes treated with strains H1(pC4S8) or H1, respectively. The cDNA, TrEnodDR1 (Trifolium repens early nodulin down regulation 1) gene was isolated from cDNA library prepared from white clover seedlings treated with nod- strain H1, but didn't exhibit in nod+ treated cDNA library, as a down-regulated gene. Expression analysis of TrEnodDR1 was performed in various tissues of white clover, it is suppressed in root nodule and also strongly suppressed by the inoculation of rhizobia in the seedlings. It is discussed that TrEnodDR1 gene is suppressed when the white clover comes into symbiosis with rhizobia.

Diclofenac-induced gastric mucosal fluorescence in rats

We previously reported that the gastric mucosa emits fluorescence of porphyrins at the onset of gastric lesions induced by hemorrhagic shock. In this study, we investigated whether the fluorescent substance concerns with the gastric mucosal injuries induced by diflofenac, a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID). In the gastric mucosa treated with diclofenac, lesions were generated and myeloperoxidase activity increased. Diclofenac administration also increased thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, a index of tissue peroxidation. After diclofenac treatment, the gastric mucosal fluorescence intensities rose. HPLC analysis demonstrated that the fluorescent substances were mesoporphyrin and protoporphyrin, which were the same as found in hemorrhagic shock. Pretreatment of the tissue with radical scavenging substances, catalase and troxipide, restrained the increase of mucosal fluorescence intensity, tissue peroxidation, and lesion formation. These findings indicate that diclofenac treatment induced the generation of porphyrins as well as tissue peroxidation in gastric mucosal tissue. This study suggests that autofluorescence observation is a useful tool to identify diclofenac-induced gastric injury.

Job strain, social support in the workplace, and haemoglobin A1c in Japanese men

OBJECTIVES

To examine the association between job strain (defined in the model of job demands and job control) and social support at the workplace with levels of glycosylated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)

METHODS

All male employees aged 40-60 in a manufacturing firm, Japan, were invited to take part in the study. A blood sample was taken from the participants and HbA1c (%) was measured. Job strain and social support at the workplace were assessed with the job content questionnaire (JCQ). After excluding those who had a history of diabetes mellitus or other chronic diseases, data from 268 male day workers were analyzed.

RESULTS

Age adjusted average concentrations of HbA1c were significantly higher in the highest quartile group of job strain or the lowest quartile group of social support at the workplace (p<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that job strain was significantly and positively related to HbA1c (p<0.05), whereas social support at the workplace was significantly and negatively related to HbA1c (p<0.05), both after controlling for other covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

Greater job strain and lower social support at the workplace may be associated with increased concentrations of HbA1c. Increased blood glucose may be a physiological mediator between job strain or social support at the workplace and coronary heart disease.

Helicobacter pylori infection among Japanese children

BACKGROUND

In Japan, there are few reports describing Helicobacter pylori infection among young children. The aim of the present study was to identify risk factors associated with H. pylori in school-aged children.

METHODS

Subjects were first-grade students of three elementary schools (n = 310) and second-grade students of a junior high school (n = 300). Personal information, such as student's medical history, parent's history, family size, sibshipsize and household pets, was collected from guardians using a questionnaire. Saliva samples and personal information were collected twice (1995 and 1996). By using the saliva samples, H. pylori IgG antibody was measured using a commercial kit. To analyze the risk factors for H. pylori infection, sex- and age-adjusted odds ratios (OR) were calculated using a multiple logistic model.

RESULTS

Among the children, factors related to Helicobacter antibody in saliva included spending a longer period of time in a nursery school or kindergarten (OR = 4.0) and a maternal history of stomach disease (OR = 2.8). Birth order (OR = 2.2), sleeping situation (OR = 2.3) and sibshipsize (OR = 1.6) were not factors that were significantly related to Helicobacter antibody in the saliva. Chewing food for the infant, family size, rooms in the household, sharing a bedroom during childhood, pets, a past history and a paternal history were not related to positivity.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that transmission is person-to-person, mainly through close contact with other children and intrafamilial infection. Helicobacter pylori infection seems to occur frequently early in life, probably before 6 years of age.

Schistosoma mansoni infection cancels the susceptibility to Plasmodium chabaudi through induction of type 1 immune responses in A/J mice

Susceptibility to Plasmodium chabaudi depends on the relative dominance of T(h)1/T(h)2 responses in host mice. A T(h)2-dominant response during the early phase of infection in susceptible A/J mice causes a fatal disease course due to severe malaria. Schistosoma mansoni is a potent inducer of a T(h)2-dominant response not only to the parasite antigens, but also to other antigens concurrently existing in the host animals. In spite of S. mansoni infection, these A/J mice escape death from malaria and showed accompanied enhanced production of IFN-gamma to malaria antigens. Treatment with anti-IFN-gamma mAb in S. mansoni-infected A/J mice abolished the resistance to malaria, indicating that IFN-gamma was responsible for the resistance to P. chabaudi in S. mansoni-infected A/J mice. Results in this study show that under certain circumstances, S. mansoni infection can promote type 1 immune responses in A/J mice that normally develop T(h)2 responses.

Activity of platelet-activating-factor-acetylhydrolase and the nitric oxide metabolite level in the plasma of pregnant women who develop transient hypertension during later pregnancy

It is reported that plasma platelet-activating-factor-acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) is elevated in patients with essential hypertension. In this study, plasma PAF-AH activity was measured during pregnancy and after delivery to examine the relationship between plasma PAF-AH activity and the development of transient hypertension (TH) during pregnancy. Moreover, in order to examine the involvement of endothelial injury in TH, the plasma level of nitric oxide metabolite (NOx; NO2+NO3) was measured. The plasma PAF-AH activity in 51 pregnant women was consecutively measured in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters of gestation, and after delivery. Forty-one cases were normal pregnancies and 10 cases were complicated by TH later during pregnancy. The PAF-AH activity in the normal pregnancy group decreased in the 2nd trimester of gestation compared with the 1st trimester, but was elevated in the TH group. The incidence of elevation of PAF-AH in the TH group was significantly (7/10; 70.0%; P<0.01, Chi-squared test) higher than in the normal pregnancy group (9/41; 22.0%). The plasma NOx levels in the 2nd trimester were higher than those in the 1st trimester in both the normotensive and TH group (P<0.05 for both comparisons). The 51 patients were classified into two groups according to the change in the PAF-AH in the 2nd trimester: group A consisted of 35 patients whose PAF-AH activity did not increase, and group B consisted of 16 patients whose PAF-AH activity increased. The incidence of development of TH during later pregnancy in group B was significantly (7/16; 43.8%; P<0.01, Chi-squared test) higher than in group A (3/35; 8.6%). Hypertension developed after 36 weeks' gestation in all patients in the TH group. The results of the present study suggest that changes in PAF metabolism may relate to regulation of blood pressure in pregnant women whose pregnancy is complicated with TH, whereas NO metabolism does not differ between women with TH and those having a normal pregnancy.

Effects of aging on cardiovascular responses to gravity-related fluid shift in humans

BACKGROUND

Fluid shift induced by postural change causes autonomic neural responses of the cardiovascular system that buffer blood pressure fluctuation. The aim of the study was to clarify the effects of aging on cardiovascular autonomic functions in response to gravity-related fluid shift that unloads or loads the baroreceptors in human subjects.

METHODS

A chest electrocardiogram, blood pressure by Finapres, and stroke volume by impedance method were measured in healthy young men (23-31 years old) and healthy elderly men (74-80 years old) during supine rest, at 90 degrees head-up tilt and thermoneutral head-out water immersion. Spectral analysis was applied to the time series data of the R-R intervals (heart rate variability [HRV]) and systolic blood pressure (blood pressure variability [BPV]). The arterial baroreflex gain for heart rate was estimated using frequency transfer function analysis.

RESULTS

The young subjects had stable blood pressure, despite the larger amount of fluid shift induced by both tilt and immersion, and had marked changes in HRV and BPV. The elderly subjects failed to maintain stable blood pressure during these perturbations, despite less fluid shift and no significant changes in HRV and BPV. The arterial baroreflex gain for heart rate was not changed in the elderly subjects, whereas the gain decreased with upright in the young subjects and showed an increasing tendency during immersion compared with upright posture.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the adaptivity of the autonomic nervous system to gravity-related fluid shift is reduced in elderly people, and this may cause blood pressure instability.

Effects of in vivo administration of anti-IL-10 or anti-IFN-gamma monoclonal antibody on the host defense mechanism against Plasmodium yoelii yoelii infection

Our previous reports indicated that C57BL/6 mice infected with a lethal variant of Plasmodium yoelii 17X (P. yoelii 17XL) produced high levels of interleukin 10 (IL-10) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) while mice infected with the nonlethal variant of the parasite did not produce detectable levels of IL-10. In the present study, the involvement of IL-10 and IFN-gamma in exacerbation or regulation of blood-stage malaria was investigated by using the lethal variant of P. yoelii 17XL and monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against the cytokines. C57BL/6 mice were injected intraperitoneally with a neutralizing anti-IL-10 mAb or anti-IFN-gamma mAb after inoculation with P. yoelii 17XL. Treatment of mice with anti-IL-10 mAb resulted in substantial prolongation of survival and 60% of treated mice survived while 100% of control mice died by day 11. On the contrary, treatment of mice with anti-IFN-gamma mAb exacerbated infection and all mice died after an earlier period than those treated with normal rat Ig. No differences in parasitemias were found between treated and untreated mice. To elucidate the involvement of nitric oxide in the host protection or exacerbation, mice were treated with aminoguanidine, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthetase, after inoculation of P. yoelii 17XL. Neither mortality nor parasitemia was influenced by the treatment. These results indicate that an IFN-gamma response is associated with protective immunity in mice infected with P. yoelii 17XL, while an IL-10 response is associated with disease exacerbation during the infection.

Troxipide, a novel antiulcer compound, has inhibitory effects on human neutrophil migration and activation induced by various stimulants

BACKGROUND

Neutrophils are considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori-associated gastroduodenal diseases on account of their potent biological functions as effector cells. Troxipide, a new antiulcer compound used for patients with gastric ulcer or gastritis, has been shown to inhibit migration and activation of guinea pig neutrophils, but little is known about the pharmacological effects on human neutrophils.

AIMS

To study the effects of troxipide on chemotactic migration and superoxide generation by human neutrophils.

METHODS

The chemotactic response of neutrophils was determined in a multi-well chamber with a polycarbonate filter and the generation of O2- by neutrophils was measured using a chemiluminescence method. Concentrations of troxipide in gastric mucosa were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

Incubation of neutrophils with 10(-6) to 10(4) M troxipide caused inhibition of recombinant interleukin-8-induced migration. These concentrations of troxipide also inhibited superoxide generation by neutrophils stimulated by formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine or platelet activating factor. These phenomena were not simply due to the direct cytotoxic effects since the above concentrations of troxipide did not induce neutrophil apoptosis. The concentrations of troxipide detected in the gastric mucosa after oral administration were in the range able to inhibit chemotactic migration and superoxide generation by neutrophils in vitro.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that troxipide may exert its therapeutic effect in patients with gastric ulcer or gastritis by inhibiting inflammatory responses and mucosal injury mediated by neutrophils in gastric mucosa.

Detectability of anterior displacement of the articular disk in the temporomandibular joint on helical computed tomography: the value of open mouth position

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to establish the diagnostic reliability of anterior displacement of the articular disk in the temporomandibular joint on helical computed tomography.

STUDY DESIGN

Ninety-four consecutive patients were examined through use of both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. On axial computed tomography, anterior disk displacement was defined as the presence of an area of soft tissue density that was semilunar in shape and located in front of the mandibular condyle.

RESULTS

With magnetic resonance imaging taken as the diagnostic gold standard in evaluation of articular disk position, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for computed tomography were 91%, 100%, and 97%, respectively, in the closed mouth position and 96%, 99%, and 98%, respectively, in the open mouth position.

CONCLUSIONS

The detectability on axial helical computed tomography of anterior displacement of the articular disk in the temporomandibular joint in the open mouth position was almost equal to that on magnetic resonance imaging. It is recommended that the open mouth position be added when helical computed tomography is used to evaluate patients with temporomandibular joint disease.

A case of clitoral metastasis without skin involvement from rectal cancer

An 84-year-old woman visited a private dermatologist and gynecologist due to pain in the external genitals. However, no abnormality was found. She was referred to a surgeon in our hospital to clarify the etiology of the pain. Rectal cancer and liver metastatic tumor were detected, and the rectal cancer was resected. However, the pain increased after the operation and she was referred to our department. No macroscopic abnormalities of the external genitals were found. However, a vaginal examination could not be performed due to severe pain. By local examination under anesthesia, enlargement of the clitoris was detected. A simple clitoridectomy was performed. Histological examination revealed that the clitoral tumor was metastatic cancer originating from rectal cancer.

Current trend in prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Japan, 1964-1992

Prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Japan was investigated through studying the published reports from 1964 to 1992 by searching the electronic data base and some leading Japanese journals following certain inclusion criteria. Out of total 74 retrieved reports, 14 were found eligible for review, some containing data of multiple community and/or periods and were converted into total of 40 reports following a predetermined criteria. Review analysis of only the prevalence of diabetes was done paying much attention to age range, survey methodology and response rate. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was done in 19 (47.5%) with and in 21 (52.5%) reports without initial urine and/or blood sugar screening. OGTT was done using 75, 50, or 100 grams glucose following either Japan Diabetes Society or WHO criteria. The recent prevalence was estimated ranging from 9.6-11.9% in both sexes of 40 years or over, 4.2-13.1% in men and 2.6-12.9% in women. The higher prevalences were found in and around 1990 and the lower values in and around 1970. Regression analysis shows the upward trend of the prevalence of diabetes 2.2% in men (p < 0.01), 1.6% in women (p < 0.01) by 10 years.

Immunological characterization of circulating osteoprotegerin/osteoclastogenesis inhibitory factor: increased serum concentrations in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis

Osteoprotegerin (OPG)/osteoclastogenesis inhibitory factor (OCIF) is a soluble member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family of proteins and plays an important role in the negative regulation of osteoclastic bone resorption. Whether OPG/OCIF circulates in human blood and how its level changes under pathological conditions is not known. To address these issues, a panel of monoclonal antibodies was generated against recombinant OPG/OCIF and screened for reactivity with solid-phase monomeric and homodimeric forms of the recombinant protein. Antibodies that showed high affinity for both forms of OPG/OCIF and those that selectively recognized the homodimer were identified, enabling development of two types of sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA): one that detects both forms of OPG/OCIF equally and one specific for the homodimer. Characterization of circulating OPG/OCIF with these ELISAs revealed that the protein exists in human serum mainly in the monomeric form. The serum concentration of OPG/OCIF increased with age in both healthy Japanese men and women, and was significantly higher in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis than in age-matched controls. Within the osteoporotic group, serum OPG/OCIF concentrations were higher in patients with low bone mass. Serum OPG/OCIF concentrations were also significantly increased in those postmenopausal women with a high rate of bone turnover, as determined by increased serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and urinary excretion of pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline. The results suggested that circulating OPG/OCIF levels are regulated by an age-related factor(s) and that the increased serum concentration may reflect a compensative response to enhanced osteoclastic bone resorption and the resultant bone loss rather than a cause of osteoporosis.

Baroreflex control of muscle sympathetic nerve activity is attenuated in the elderly

To determine whether the baroreflex control of sympathetic nerve activity is attenuated in the elderly, muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) from the tibial nerve was monitored using microneurography, and heart rate and blood pressure were recorded during the depressor (phase II) or pressor (phase IV) period to Valsalva's maneuver in 10 younger subjects and 7 aged subjects. The baroreflex slope for heart rate showed attenuation in the aged subjects during the pressor phase but not during the depressor phase, the baroreflex slope for MSNA was also attenuated in the aged subjects during the pressor and tended to be attenuated during the depressor phases. These data suggest impaired baroreflex function for both heart rate and sympathetic nerve activity in the elderly.

Simple bone cyst: investigation on the presence of gas in the cavity using computed tomography--review of 52 cases

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether gas is present in the cavities of simple bone cysts.

STUDY DESIGN

Computed tomographic images of 52 simple bone cyst cases were reviewed and compared with the findings at surgery.

RESULTS

Whereas gas was confirmed at the time of surgery in 28 cases, no computed tomographic images indicated the presence of gas in the cavity. Bone expansion was noted in 13 of these 28 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

From these findings, we concluded that the presence of gas in the simple bone cyst cavity at surgery has been erroneously interpreted.

Gender difference in age-related changes in muscle sympathetic nerve activity in healthy subjects

Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) was measured directly along with blood pressure at rest in 69 healthy women (20-79 yr old) and 76 age-matched healthy men (16-80 yr old). All were nonobese and normotensive. In the women and men the MSNA was positively correlated with age (women: y = 0.788x - 5.418, r = 0.846, P < 0. 0001; men: y = 0.452x + 12.565, r = 0.751, P < 0.0001). The regression intercept of y was significantly lower (P < 0.0001) in the women than in the men, and the regression slope was significantly steeper (P < 0.0001) in the women. The MSNA was lower in women than in men among those <30 (P = 0.0012), 30-39 (P = 0. 0126), and 40-49 yr old (P = 0.0462) but was similar in women and men among those 50-59 (P = 0.1911, NS) and >/=60 yr old (P = 0.1739, NS). The results suggest that MSNA increases with age in women and men and that the activity is markedly lower in young women than in men but is markedly accelerated with age.

Saccharification and alcohol fermentation in starch solution of steam-exploded potato

Steam explosion pretreatment of potato for the efficient production of alcohol was experimentally studied. The amount of water-soluble starch increased with the increase of steam pressure, but the amounts of methanol-soluble material and Klason lignin remained insignificant, regardless of steam pressure. The potatoes exploded at high pressure were hydrolyzed into a low molecular liquid starch, and then easily converted into ethanol by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation using mixed microorganisms: an amylolytic microorganism, Aspergillus awamori, and a fermentation microorganism, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The maximal ethanol concentration was 4.2 g/L in a batch culture at 15 g/L starch concentration, and 3.6 g/L in a continuous culture fed the same starch concentration. In the fed-batch culture, the maximal ethanol concentration increased more than twofold, compared to the batch culture.

Flow cytometric method to detect lymphocyte transformation in drug-allergic hepatic injury

Flow cytometric methods for the analysis of incorporated bromodeoxyuridine are extremely rapid and simple. We investigated whether these methods were useful for detecting drug-allergic hepatic injury in 18 patients with drug-allergic hepatic injury, 18 healthy controls, and 9 nonallergic patients receiving drugs. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with drug solutions. Incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine was detected after labeling with FITC, and S-phase cells were counted by flow cytometry. Percentages of S-phase cells in drug-stimulated culture minus those in spontaneous cultures were less than 1% in both healthy controls and nonallergic patients receiving drugs. Taking 1% as the upper limit, 13 patients (72%) were judged as positive. After the in vitro addition of interleukin-2, two patients among five who had been judged as negative were judged as positive. Lymphocyte transformation test by flow cytometry may be useful in the diagnosis of drug-allergic hepatic injury.

Characterization of structural domains of human osteoclastogenesis inhibitory factor

Osteoclastogenesis inhibitory factor (OCIF) is a heparin-binding secretory glycoprotein that belongs to the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) family. OCIF is present both as a approximately 60-kDa monomer and a disulfide-linked homodimer. We attempted to characterize the seven structural domains of OCIF by determining the capabilities of various OCIF mutants to inhibit osteoclastogenesis, to interact with heparin, and to form dimers. We also examined a potential of domains 5 and 6, death domain homologous regions (DDHs), for inducing cell death by expressing OCIF/Fas fusion proteins. Our results show that: (i) the N-terminal portion of OCIF containing domains 1-4, which have structural similarity to the extracellular domains of the TNFR family proteins, is sufficient to inhibit osteoclastogenesis; (ii) a heparin-binding site is located in domain 7, and affinity for heparin does not correlate with the inhibitory activity; (iii) Cys-400 in domain 7 is the residue responsible for dimer formation; and (iv) the C-terminal portion containing domains 5 and 6, DDHs, has a high potential for mediating a cytotoxic signal when it is expressed in cells as an OCIF/Fas fusion protein in which the transmembrane region of Fas is inserted in front of DDHs.

Metalloproteinase inhibitor prevents hepatic injury in endotoxemic mice

This study was conducted to examine of [4-(N-hydroxyamino)-2R-isobutyl-3S-(phenylthiomethyl)-succinyl]-L- phenylalanine-N-methylamide (GI 129471), a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor, for its effects on increase of serum pro-inflammatory cytokine levels as well as hepatic injury in D-galactosamine plus lipopolysaccharide-injected mice. In vitro experiments showed that GI 129471 was able to inhibit the elevation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in LPS-stimulated human and mouse whole blood with IC50 values of 370 nM and 260 nM, respectively. When administrated i.p. at 40 mg/kg, GI 129471 significantly reduced serum TNF-alpha level but not other pro-inflammatory cytokines in D-galactosamine plus lipopolysaccharide-injected mice. Treatment of mice with GI 129471 also reduced biochemical indices of hepatic injury to the normal level. Histopathological findings indicated that GI 129471 treatment can prevent severe centrilobular necrosis in liver. These results suggest that release of TNF-alpha from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated cells is the critical step leading to hepatic injury in endotoxemia and that a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor with an inhibitory action on this step may be a promising drug for the clinical treatment of endotoxemia accompanied by hepatic injury.

Cortisol and TGF-beta inhibit secretion of platelet-activating factor-acetylhydrolase in a monocyte-macrophage model system [corrected]

Recent studies have suggested that platelet activating factor (PAF) plays an important role in various reproductive functions, including ovulation, implantation and parturition, and that the local concentration of PAF is modulated by PAF-acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH), a potent PAF inactivator. In this study, we investigated the possible effects of various bioactive substances, which are present at high concentrations in the human pregnant uterus, on PAF-AH secretion from decidual macrophages using a monocyte-macrophage model system, human myelocytic leukaemia cells (HL-60). By treatment with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), HL-60 cells were transformed to macrophage-like cells, which secreted PAF-AH into the culture medium time- and dose-dependently. After treatment with 10(-8) M TPA, the effects of various substances on the secretion of PAF-AH were examined. Among the substances examined, cortisol and TGF-beta suppressed PAF-AH secretion from TPA-stimulated HL-60 cells in a significant and dose-dependent way. Endothelin, epidermal growth factor, and brain natriuretic peptide had no significant effect on PAF-AH secretion from TPA-stimulated HL-60 cells. These results suggest that local PAF concentrations in the pregnant uterus might be regulated, at least partly, by cortisol and TGF-beta; thus these substances may play a role in the initiation of parturition via regulation of local PAF concentrations.

Diffuse cystic change of a term placenta with a normal newborn

We recently encountered a case of term placenta with a diffuse cystic lesion of the villi. A 19-year-old primipara at 36 weeks of gestation underwent cesarean section due to breech presentation with premature rupture of the membranes; she delivered a mature male baby of 2,502 g with an Apgar score of 9/9. The placenta was 940 g in weight and 29 x 20 x 3 cm in size, and macroscopically had multiple cystic lesions (3-8 mm in diameter) that resembled hydatidiform moles. However, histopathological examination revealed that the severe hydropic change was localized in the stem villi but not remarkable in the terminal chorionic villi. Moreover, abnormal proliferation of the trophoblast was not observed. However, the hypertrophic change was observed in the vascular wall of stem villi, in which hyperplasia of smooth muscle-like cells was present. The urinary hCG levels at 1 month and 2 months after delivery were less than 50 IU/l. These findings indicate that the multiple cystic lesions of the placenta in this case are essentially different from those of a trophoblastic disease, and that the diffuse cystic lesion of the villi might have been secondary to changes in the local circulation.

Isolation of a novel cytokine from human fibroblasts that specifically inhibits osteoclastogenesis

A factor which inhibits osteoclast-like cell formation was found in the conditioned medium of human embryonic lung fibroblasts, IMR-90. The factor, termed osteoclastogenesis inhibitory factor, OCIF, was purified to homogeneity. OCIF is a heparin-binding basic glycoprotein and has been isolated as a monomer with an apparent molecular weight (Mr) of 60,000 and a homodimer with a Mr of 120,000. The N-terminus of OCIF is blocked and the determination of internal amino acid sequences revealed that OCIF has no homology to known proteins. OCIF inhibited in a dose-dependent manner osteoclastogenesis elicited through three distinct signaling pathways stimulated by 1 alpha,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3, parathyroid hormone, and interleukin-11, respectively, in a dose range of 1 to 40 ng/ml (IC50 = 4 to 6 ng/ml). OCIF neither inhibits bone resorption by mature osteoclasts nor exerts any other biological activities. These data strongly suggest that OCIF is a novel cytokine which specifically inhibits osteoclastogenesis.

Rectal absorption of ozagrel from a suppository containing its commercial tablet in healthy human subjects

A suppository containing an ozagrel tablet was prepared using Witepsol H-15 as a base, and its rectal absorption was studied in male human volunteers. In comparison, a commercially available ozagrel tablet was administered orally to all the individuals in a cross-over design. After rectal dosing, ozagrel was absorbed rapidly at a Tmax of 0.75 h, and its elimination half-life was longer than after oral dosing. The extent of absorption of ozagrel after both administration routes was similar. However, the bioavailability of the rectal suppository is 92 +/- 37% (mean +/- S.D.; n = 6) relative to the oral tablet. The tablet-containing suppository is easy to prepare, with its content being accurate and reproducible. Thus, the present study suggests that the rectal administration of an ozagrel suppository is a practical and promising alternative to oral administration, especially for patients who cannot take tablets orally. This study demonstrated for the first time the possibility of an ozagrel suppository in human subjects.