Preparation of polybenzoxazole nanofibers by a downsizing process

Poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) (PBO) nanofibers were prepared from commercially available PBO fiber by a simple downsizing process for the first time.

[Development of Rapid Assay of Transthyretin in Whole Blood]

Transthyretin (TTR), a rapid turnover protein with a half-life of 2 days, which is shorter than that of albumin, is considered to be a sensitive indicator of a patient's nutritional status. We have newly developed a rapid assay of TTR by immunochromatography (IC) using samples of whole blood as well as serum at volumes of 10 μL. The fundamental performance was evaluated using control sera. In addition, whole blood samples were measured by IC and the results were compared with measured levels of plasma samples by turbidimetry and those of sera by nephelometry. The limit of quantification was 8.3 mg/dL. The linearity was 8.7-35.4 mg/dL. The reproducibility was 6.1-8.6% coefficient of variation. Bilirubin, hemolysis, chyle, and rheumatoid factor did not influence the measured levels. An increase of 1% in hematocrit resulted in a decrease of 1% in the measured levels. The correlation between IC (y) and nephelometry (x) was determined to be y = 0.927x+2.62 (r = 0.935, n = 64). The newly developed IC showed good performance and it was suggested that IC would be useful for nutrition monitoring as point of care test.

Evaluation of nanodispersion of iron oxides using various polymers

In order to create Fe2O3 and Fe2O3·H2O nanoparticles, various polymers were used as dispersing agents, and the resulting effects on the dispersibility and nanoparticulation of the iron oxides were evaluated. It was revealed that not only the solution viscosity but also the molecular length of the polymers and the surface tension of the particles affected the dispersibility of Fe2O3 and Fe2O3·H2O particles. Using the dispersing agents 7.5% hydroxypropylcellulose-SSL, 6.0% Pharmacoat 603, 5.0% and 6.5% Pharmacoat 904 and 7.0% Metolose SM-4, Fe2O3 nanoparticles were successfully fabricated by wet milling using Ultra Apex Mill. Fe2O3·H2O nanoparticles could also be produced using 5.0% hydroxypropylcellulose-SSL and 4.0 and 7.0% Pharmacoat 904. The index for dispersibility developed in this study appears to be an effective indicator of success in fabricating nanoparticles of iron oxides by wet milling using Ultra Apex Mill.

Facile preparation of aramid nanofibers from Twaron fibers by a downsizing process

We introduce a simple preparation procedure for aramid nanofibers from Twaron fibers by using a downsizing process.

Immunocytochemical study of parvalbumin, calbindin D-28k, and calretinin in the superficial dorsal horn of the rat spinal cord following unilateral hindpaw inflammation

The effect of noxious stimulation on the immunore-activity of the calcium-binding proteins parvalbumin (PV), calbindin-D-28k (CB) and calretinin (CR) was investigated in the superficial dorsal horn of lumbar levels L5-L3 of the rat spinal cord. Freund's adjuvant was injected unilaterally into the hindpaw to induce inflammation. Immunohistochemical techniques were utilized to investigate changes in the calcium-binding proteins 2h and 1, 2, 4, and 7 days after injection. At 24h after injection, a decrease in the intensity of fluorescence of PV-immunoreactive (IR) fibers was observed in the superficial layer (substantia gelatinosa) of the ipsilateral dorsal horn (L5-L3) in most animals. Comparatively fewer animals exhibited changes in the CB- and CR-IR fibers, except at the L3 level 2 days after, and at the L4 level 7 days after the hindpaw injection. After the peak response, at 24h in most animals, there was a decline in the number of responders at 2 days and no differences were noted at 4 days. However, at 7 days, there was again an increase in the number of animals revealing diminished fluorescence intensity in the ipsilateral substantia gelatinosa. Changes in immunoreactivity of calcium binding proteins in the interneurons of the superficial lumbar dorsal horn may reflect hyperactivity within these neurons following noxious stimulation.

Delaying embryo development by storing at 4°C for synchronization to recipients in microinjection technique in rabbits

Short-term storage of embryos at low temperature induces developmental arrest of the embryo and would appear to be a valuable aid in embryo-transfer techniques to avoid wasting embryos. Embryo storage at 4°C was examined to allow synchronization with embryo-transfer recipients using the microinjection technique. Superovulation was induced in female Japanese White donor rabbits four days before mating with males. At the same time, control recipients were injected with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to allow synchronization (R1); the hCG injections were delayed by 24 h in the experimental group (R2). DNA constructs for expressing human C-reactive protein or apolipoprotein AII were microinjected into the male pronuclei of the ova. The microinjected embryos were immediately transferred to recipients (R1) or stored at 4°C in phosphate-buffered saline containing 10% fetal bovine serum. After 17-20 h, the stored embryos were incubated at 37°C for one hour, and the morphologically normal embryos were transferred to recipients (R2). In the R1 rabbits, 855 embryos were transferred to 29 recipients, and 72.4% of the recipients became pregnant. Seven of the 84 offspring were transgenic. In the R2 rabbits, 478 embryos were transferred to 16 recipients, and 62.5% of the recipients became pregnant. Two of the 39 offspring were transgenic. There were no differences in pregnancy rate, litter size and transgenic integration rate between R1 and R2. These results suggest that the short-term 4°C storage of microinjected embryos can be a valuable method for synchronization with recipients, and reducing wastage of embryos and the sacrifice of rabbits.

Dental abnormalities in Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia

Described for the first time in 1971, Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia (SIOD) is an autosomal-recessive multisystem disorder that is caused by bi-allelic mutations of SMARCAL1, which encodes a DNA annealing helicase. To define better the dental anomalies of SIOD, we reviewed the records from SIOD patients with identified bi-allelic SMARCAL1 mutations, and we found that 66.0% had microdontia, hypodontia, or malformed deciduous and permanent molars. Immunohistochemical analyses showed expression of SMARCAL1 in all developing teeth, raising the possibility that the malformations are cell-autonomous consequences of SMARCAL1 deficiency. We also found that stimulation of cultured skin fibroblasts from SIOD patients with the tooth morphogens WNT3A, BMP4, and TGFβ1 identified altered transcriptional responses, raising the hypothesis that the dental malformations arise in part from altered responses to developmental morphogens. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic study of the dental anomalies associated with SIOD.

Design of the polarization multi-pass Thomson scattering system

A novel configuration of the multi-pass Thomson scattering (TS) system is proposed to improve the time resolution and accuracy of electron temperature measurements by use of a polarization control technique. This configuration can realize a perfect coaxial multi-passing at each pass, and the number of round trips is not limited by the optical configuration. To confirm the feasibility of the new method, we installed this system in the GAMMA 10 plasma system. As a result, the integrated scattering signal of the double-pass configuration is about two times larger than that of the single-pass configuration. These results are in good agreement with the design.

Development of polarization-controlled multi-pass Thomson scattering system in the GAMMA 10 tandem mirror

In the GAMMA 10 tandem mirror, the typical electron density is comparable to that of the peripheral plasma of torus-type fusion devices. Therefore, an effective method to increase Thomson scattering (TS) signals is required in order to improve signal quality. In GAMMA 10, the yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG)-TS system comprises a laser, incident optics, light collection optics, signal detection electronics, and a data recording system. We have been developing a multi-pass TS method for a polarization-based system based on the GAMMA 10 YAG TS. To evaluate the effectiveness of the polarization-based configuration, the multi-pass system was installed in the GAMMA 10 YAG-TS system, which is capable of double-pass scattering. We carried out a Rayleigh scattering experiment and applied this double-pass scattering system to the GAMMA 10 plasma. The integrated scattering signal was made about twice as large by the double-pass system.

Reversed intestinal malrotation with concurrent cecal carcinoma

A 57-year-old man was admitted with a type 2 (ulcerated with clear margin) cancer in the cecum. Contrast-enhanced CT showed that the superior mesenteric vein was anterior to the superior mesenteric artery, and the patient was suspected of having intestinal malrotation. A laparoscopic-assisted ileocecal resection was performed. At operation, the cecum and the transverse colon passed through the root of the mesentery behind the superior mesenteric artery with the duodenum. Therefore, this was thought to be a reversed-type intestinal malrotation. After the operation, 3D-CT colonography with duodenography images were reconstructed to retrospectively confirm the diagnosis of a reversed malrotation. These images clearly demonstrated the abnormal anatomy and overall orientation of the intestine. Patients with a reversed intestinal malrotation and concurrent cecal cancer are extremely rare. Herein, we present a patient who underwent a laparoscopic-assisted ileocecal resection for cecal cancer that presented concurrently with a reversed intestinal malrotation.

Risk factors for infantile atopic dermatitis and recurrent wheezing

BACKGROUND

The pathogenic mechanisms of atopic dermatitis (AD) and recurrent wheezing (RW) during infancy are not fully understood.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated immunological markers associated with AD and RW during infancy.

METHODS

We followed a cohort (n = 314) from birth to 14 months of age. Some of the participants underwent a physical examination and blood test at 6 and 14 months of age. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were performed to find which immunological markers could be risk factors for AD and RW.

RESULTS

Of 16 immunological markers found in cord blood, only immunoglobulin (Ig) E was associated with AD at 6 months of age (adjusted OR [aOR], 1.607). None of the markers was associated with AD or RW at 14 months of age. Of 23 immunological markers at 6 months of age, total IgE (aOR, 1.018) and sensitization to egg white (aOR, 23.246) were associated with AD at 14 months of age. Phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced production of interleukin (IL) 4 from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) (aOR, 1.043) was associated with RW at 14 months of age.

CONCLUSION

Cord blood IgE was a risk factor for AD at 6 months of age. Total IgE and sensitization to egg white at 6 months of age were risk factors for AD at 14 months of age. PHA-induced IL-4 production in PBMCs at 6 months of age was a risk factor for RW at 14 months of age.

Tetraparesis resembling acute transverse myelitis in a captive chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes): long-term care and recovery

BACKGROUND

A 24-year-old, male chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) developed acute tetraparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a diffuse T2-weighted hyperintensive lesion, indicating inflammation at the C1-2 level. All infective, autoimmune, and vascular investigations were unremarkable.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The chimpanzee's condition most resembled acute transverse myelitis (ATM) in humans. The chimpanzee was in severe incapacitated neurological condition with bedridden status and required 24-hour attention for 2 months followed by special care for over a year. Initially, corticosteroid therapy was performed, and his neurological symptoms improved to some extent; however, the general condition of the chimpanzee deteriorated in the first 6 months after onset. Pressure ulcers had developed at various areas on the animal's body, as the bedridden status was protracted. Supportive therapy was continued, and the general condition, appetite, mobility, and pressure ulcers have slowly but synergistically recovered over the course of 2 years.

Quantitative investigation and classification by MRI of residual cleft cysts in the pituitary glands of cows

The application of MRI to 167 Holstein cows and 76 Japanese black cows made it possible to distinguish two types of residual cleft cysts (RCCs) in their pituitary glands on the basis of the differences in signal intensity: fluid-filled lesions with an intensity equal to that of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (hypointense on T1-weighted images and hyperintense on T2-weighted images); and solid lesions that were hypointense compared with cerebral parenchyma and isointense with CSF on T1-weighted images, and hypointense compared with cerebral parenchyma on T2-weighted images. Solid material was observed in lesions with a mean (sd) diameter of 2.09 (1.28) mm in 56 (33.5 per cent) of the Holstein cows, and in lesions with a mean diameter of 1.91 (0.89) mm in 20 (26.3 per cent) of the Japanese black cows. Four of the Holstein cows had RCCs more than 7 mm in diameter. Long-term development of the RCCs was suggested by histological findings of epithelial stratification and a structural shift from having a single to a stratified epithelial layer within the residual clefts of the affected pituitary glands.

[Surgically treated pleomorphic carcinoma of the lung]

We experienced 3 resected cases of pleomorphic carcinoma of the lung. Each cases were 74-year-old man (case 1), 74-year-old woman (case 2) and 69-year-old man (case 3). Two patients (case 1 and 2) were histologically diagnosed as pleomorphic carcinoma composed of spindle cell carcinoma with giant cell carcinoma. One patient (case 3) was similarly diagnosed as pleomorphic carcinoma composed of spindle cell carcinoma with adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Although lymph nodes metastasis were not recognized in all patients, invasion to vessels were recognized in 2 patients (case 1 and 3). In one patient (case 1), recurrence was recognized at contralateral side 1 month after surgery and he died of other disease 2 months after surgery. The other 2 patients were alive without recurrence 24 and 5 months after surgery. Recently it is reported that recurrence is recognized at early phase after surgery and prognosis is poor in a case with vessel invasions in spite of pathological NO state. Since one patient (case 3) had nonmetastatic lymph nodes with vessel invasions, careful observation is considered to be necessary.

The Stenting to Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis (ICS) in Petrous Portion. The Evaluation of Plaque Figures in Magnetic Resonance Image

SUMMARY

In the safety stenting, it is important to get to know the characteristics of a plaque. In petrous carotid artery stenosis, it is difficult to know the characteristics of the plaque.We paid our attention to the MPRAGE (Magnetization Prepared Rapid Acquisition with Gradient Echo) method on high resolving power MRI. By the MPRAGE method, low intensity was observed in these lesions of all cases. This result suggested that the plaque in petrous portion was a fibrous plaque. This method is useful to get to know the characteristics of a plaque in petrous portion before endovascular treatment.

Nematode infection in Alymphoplasia (aly) mice: worm species-dependent differential effect of defects of the gut-associated lymphatic tissue system

Mice homologous for the alymphoplasia mutation (aly) show the systemic absence of secondary lymphoid tissues, with disorganized splenic architecture, including the absence of the germinal centre and follicular dendritic cells. In this study, we examined the influence of defects of gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), such as Peyer's patches and the mesenteric lymph nodes, on the host response to helminth infection in aly/aly mice. The present study showed that most of the worms were expelled by day 7 after Nippostrongylus brasiliensis infection in both control aly/+ and aly/aly mice. In aly/aly mice, the number of peripheral blood eosinophils, intestinal goblet cells and mucosal mast cells were increased by N. brasiliensis infection in aly/aly mice to the same level as in the controls. Conversely, aly/aly mice developed more severe Heligmosomoides polygyrus infections than control aly/+ mice, as demonstrated by increased faecal egg counts, with reduced immune responses such as the numbers of intestinal goblet cells and mucosal mast cells. These results suggested that the dependency of GALT in activation of Th2 responses against gastrointestinal nematodes was different depending on the species of nematode.

Surgical and radiotherapy treatment of a spinal cord ependymoma in a dog

A 4-year-old Beagle dog was presented for investigation of a left pelvic limb gait abnormality. Neurolocalisation indicated a lumbar (L2 to L5) spinal cord lesion. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), an intramedullary mass was demonstrated at L3. The mass was partially removed under general anaesthesia and a diagnosis of ependymoma was made on histological examination. The dog was treated with postoperative orthovoltage x-ray radiation (total dose; 44 Gy given in 11 fractions over a 4 week period) combined with low dose carboplatin (25 mg/m2). The dog was alive 16 months after surgery without further neurological deficits. No further tumour growth was detected on subsequent MRI evaluations.