Seasonal changes in the histochemical properties of the olfactory epithelium and vomeronasal organ in the Japanese striped snake, Elaphe quadrivirgata

Seasonal changes in the histochemical properties of the vomeronasal and olfactory epithelia of the Japanese striped snake were examined in four seasons, viz. the reproductive, pre-hibernating, hibernating and post-hibernating seasons. In the vomeronasal and olfactory supporting cells, secretory granules were much more abundant in the hibernating season than in the other seasons. In the vomeronasal and olfactory receptor cells, the lipofuscin granules were much fewer in the post-hibernating season than in the other seasons. In histochemical studies with 21 lectins, several lectins stained the vomeronasal and olfactory epithelia (receptor cells, supporting cells and free border) more weakly in the hibernating season than in the reproductive season. However, all lectins stained both epithelia in the hibernating season after sialic acid removal in a similar manner as in the reproductive season after sialic acid removal. These lectin histochemical studies indicate that sialic acid residues in the vomeronasal and olfactory epithelia are more numerous in the hibernating season than in the reproductive season. The results suggest that during hibernation, the vomeronasal and olfactory receptor cells possibly undergo rapid cell turnover, and that during this time, the vomeronasal and olfactory epithelia are securely protected from pathogens by an innate immune defence system.

Plasma ghrelin concentration is decreased by short chain fatty acids in wethers

To examine the effects of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) on plasma ghrelin concentration, 4 wethers were injected intravenously with SCFA solutions [acetate (ACE), propionate (PRO), and butyrate (BUT) (0.8 mmol/kg BW)] and saline. The experiment was conducted after a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Each solution was injected into the jugular vein catheter with blood samples taken at -10, 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min relative to the injection time also from this catheter. Plasma ghrelin concentrations decreased after injection with ACE, PRO, and BUT. Although plasma glucose concentrations increased after injection with PRO and BUT (P < 0.05), the increment areas were greater with BUT than with PRO. Plasma insulin concentrations increased after injection with PRO and BUT (P < 0.05). The decrement areas in plasma ghrelin concentrations were equal in ACE, PRO, and BUT. These data suggest that SCFAs inhibit ghrelin secretion in wethers and not through increased circulating glucose and insulin as previously proposed.

Molecular and immunohistochemical detection of rotavirus in urinary sediment cells of children with rotavirus gastroenteritis

This is the first report showing that rotavirus infects the urinary sediment cells in immunocompetent children with rotavirus gastroenteritis. We found that inclusion-bearing cells were frequently detected in the urine samples of patients with rotavirus gastroenteritis. These cells were positive for cytokeratin, which was sometimes coexpressed with rotavirus antigen, in our immunohistochemical analysis. Moreover, in nested RT-PCR experiments, we detected rotavirus double-stranded RNA in some urine samples of patients with rotavirus gastroenteritis. We concluded that rotavirus could lead to infection of the urinary sediment cells concomitantly with rotavirus gastroenteritis.

Lectin histochemical study on the olfactory bulb of the newt, Cynops pyrrhogaster

The function and/or morphological features of the vomeronasal olfactory system remain unclear in aquatic animals, although the system appeared first in urodeles based on phylogenic data. We examined the lectin binding patterns in the olfactory bulb of a semi-aquatic urodele, the Japanese red-bellied newt, Cynops pyrrhogaster, using 22 different lectins. Eleven of the lectins showed specific binding to the nerve fibres and glomeruli in the olfactory bulb. Among these, Wheat germ agglutinin, pokeweed and peanut agglutinin preferentially bound the main olfactory bulb, reflecting variation in the expression of glycoconjugates between the main and accessory olfactory bulbs. By contrast, the types of lectins bound to the Cynops olfactory bulb were considerably different from those reported in other urodele families. These results suggest a histochemical distinction between the main and accessory olfactory bulbs, and that glycoconjugate expression may differ significantly among urodele families.

A Study of Trap Profiles in Thin Silicon Dioxide Films at Dielectric Breakdown Using Percolation Model

A Monte Carlo simulation of wear-out process in thin silicon dioxide films is performed to investigate the correlation between the electron trap distribution and the dielectric breakdown. Non-uniformity of the trap generation and its dependence on the stress conditions are monitored by the measurements of the charge centroid. In order to include these experimental observations into Degraeve's percolation model [IEDM Tech. Dig., pp.863-866 (1995)], we introduce exponential trap profiles decaying from the Si/SiO2 interface. Our new model successfully reproduces critical threshold voltage shifts from the information about critical charge centroids for various stress conditions. Finally, as a reasonable explanation of the stress dependent breakdown properties, we suggest that the bond strain caused by lattice mismatch at the interface is accelerated by the electric field.

Characterization of aortic aneurysms in cardiovascular disease patients harboring Porphyromonas gingivalis

OBJECTIVE

Porphyromonas gingivalis was recently shown to cause intimal hyperplasia in a mouse model by a novel cholesterol-independent mechanism, suggesting to be a pathogen-specific feature of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to characterize the clinical and histopathological features of aortic aneurysms in cardiovascular disease patients harboring oral P. gingivalis.

SUBJECT AND METHODS

Aortic aneurysm specimens were collected from 76 Japanese patients who underwent surgery, of whom dental plaque specimens were also collected from 31 patients. Bacterial DNA was extracted from each specimen to detect P. gingivalis by polymerase chain reaction. Histopathological analyses of the aortic aneurysm specimens, including immunohistochemical staining for embryonic myosin heavy chain isoform (SMemb) and S100 calcium-binding protein A9 (S100A9), were also performed.

RESULTS

The number of aneurysms occurring in the distal aorta was significantly higher in subjects positive for P. gingivalis in dental plaque compared with those who were negative. The expressions of S100A9 and SMemb were also significantly greater in the subjects positive for P. gingivalis in dental plaque. On the other hand, there were no significant differences in adipocellular accumulation between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that aortic aneurysms in patients harboring oral P. gingivalis have greater expression of S100A9 and proliferative smooth muscle cells, which was different from the present patients without oral P. gingivalis.

A novel nonsecosteroidal VDR agonist (CH5036249) exhibits efficacy in a spontaneous benign prostatic hyperplasia beagle model

To date, there have been no reports showing the efficacy of nonsecosteroidal vitamin D receptor (VDR) agonists in a benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) animal model. To examine the efficacy of CH5036249, a novel nonsecosteroidal VDR agonist, we orally administered the compound at 0.03 microg/kg to a beagle model with spontaneous BPH. Prostate volume was checked by rectal ultrasonic probe periodically during 11 months of administration and the prostate tissues histologically examined. CH5036249 inhibited prostate growth in two out of three dogs compared with vehicle-treated dogs. In the prostate specimens, substantial atrophy of the epithelium was observed in all dogs administered CH5036249. At the dose given, serum calcium levels slightly increased in the CH5036249-treated dogs but stayed within a normal range. We next examined the cell growth inhibition of CH5036249 using human prostate stromal cells and found the cell growth inhibitory activity of CH5036249 to be comparable to that of 1alpha,25(OH)2D3. The bioavailability from oral administration in rats was 95.1% with a t1/2 of 17.6 h. Both micro-AMES and micronucleus tests were negative. Although the results are still preliminary, we consider the novel nonsecosteroidal VDR agonist CH5036249 to be a possible new drug candidate for the treatment of BPH in humans.

Effect of amino acid and glucose administration following exercise on the turnover of muscle protein in the hindlimb femoral region of Thoroughbreds

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY

In man, muscle protein synthesis is accelerated by administering amino acids (AA) and glucose (Glu), because increased availability of amino acids and increased insulin secretion, is known to have a protein anabolic effect. However, in the horse, the effect on muscle hypertrophy of such nutrition management following exercise is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effect of AA and Glu administration following exercise on muscle protein turnover in horses. We hypothesise that administration of AA and Glu after exercise effects muscle hypertrophy in horses, as already shown in man and other animals.

METHODS

Measurements of the rate of synthesis (Rs) and rate of degradation (Rd) of muscle protein in the hindlimb femoral region of thoroughbred horses were conducted using the isotope dilution method to assess the differences between the artery and iliac vein. Six adult Thoroughbreds received a continuous infusion of L-[ring-2H5]- phenylalanine during the study, the stable period for plasma isotope concentrations (60 min), resting periods (60 min), treadmill exercise (15 min) and recovery period (240 min). All horses were given 4 solutions (saline [Cont], 10% AA [10-AA], 10% Glu [10-Glu] and a mixture with 10% AA and 10% Glu [10-Mix]) over 120 min after exercise, and the Rs and Rd of muscle protein in the hindlimb measured.

RESULTS

The average Rs during the 75-120 min following administration of 10-Mix was significantly greater than for the other solutions (P<0.05). The second most effective solution was 10-AA, and there was no change in Rs after 10-Glu.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of AA following exercise accelerated Rs in the hindlimb femoral region, and this effect was enhanced when combined with glucose, because of increasing insulin secretion or a decreased requirement for AA for energy.

POTENTIAL RELEVANCE

Further studies are required regarding the effect on muscle hypertrophy of supplementing amino acids and glucose in the feed of exercising horses.

Orbital dilution effect in ferrimagnetic Fe(1-x)Mn(x)Cr(2)O(4): competition between anharmonic lattice potential and spin-orbit coupling

Magnetic and structural phase diagram in a spinel-type solid solution system Fe(1-x)Mn(x)Cr(2)O(4) has been investigated. The cubic-to-tetragonal transition temperature T(s 1) is gradually reduced by the substitution of Mn(2+) (3d(5)) for Jahn-Teller-active Fe(2+) (3d(6)) ions, implying the long-range nature of the ferroic interaction between orbitals. In the paramagnetic tetragonal phase for x < 0.5, the c parameter is shorter than a because of the anharmonicity of the elastic energy. The crystal structure further changes to orthorhombic at around the ferrimagnetic transition temperature T(N 1). T(s 1) and T(N 1) meet at x = 0.5, and Mn substitution of more than 0.5 gives rise to another tetragonal phase with a < c. The systematic change in crystal structure is discussed in terms of competition between the anharmonic lattice potential and the intra-atomic spin-orbit interaction at Fe(2+).

Repair of huge left ventricular pseudoaneurysm after sutureless repair

A 72-year-old man underwent sutureless repair of an oozing-type left ventricular free wall rupture. Echocardiography 8 months after sutureless repair revealed a huge left ventricular pseudoaneurysm and severe mitral regurgitation (MR). Therefore, left ventricular reconstruction and restrictive mitral annuloplasty were performed. The patient's clinical condition was improved and no residual MR has been detected for 12 months. We conclude that left ventricular reconstruction and restrictive mitral annuloplasty could be useful for left ventricular pseudoaneurysm with MR.

The mechanism of mucus production in bronchial asthma

Mucus production is a cardinal feature of bronchial asthma, contributing to morbidity and mortality in the disease. Goblet cells are major mucus-producing cells, and goblet cell hyperplasia (GCH) is one feature of airway remodeling, defined as structural changes occurring in the airway. A number of studies have demonstrated that Th2-type cells play critical roles in this process and that particularly interleukin-13 (IL-13), among Th2-type cytokines, is a central mediator for GCH. However, the mechanism underlying how Th2 cytokines induce mucus production or GCH is poorly understood. Mouse calcium-activated chloride channel-3 (mCLCA-3; gob-5)/human CLCA-1 acts as a downstream molecule of Th2 cytokines, IL-4/IL-9/IL-13 signals, playing an important role in mucus production. Moreover, we have recently found that pendrin, an anion transporter, is induced by IL-13 and causes mucus production in airway epithelial cells. It is hoped that if we can clarify how mucus is produced, this will lead to development of novel therapeutic reagents to suppress mucus production in bronchial asthma.

Alterations in PNA binding of keratinocytes in oral keratosis

Changes in the expression of peanut lectin (PNA) were examined in keratinocytes of oral keratosis showing a mixture of hyperortho- and hyperparakeratinized epithelium. In the hyperorthokeratinized epithelium, which was reacted with anti-filaggrin antibody in both granular and cornified cells, PNA bound to the surface of keratinocytes from the spinous layer to the granular layer. Neither anti-filaggrin nor PNA reactions were detected in keratinocytes of the hyperparakeratinized epithelium. After neuraminidase pretreatment, however, PNA staining appeared in all cells, except cornified cells, of both hyperortho- and hyperparakeratinized epithelia. These findings suggest that PNA-binding epitopes in keratinocytes were modified by sialic acid during the hyperparakeratotic process of oral keratosis.

Lectin histochemical analysis of the olfactory bulbs in the barfin flounder (Verasper moseri)

Several lines of evidence have shown that the olfactory system of the fish contains the main and accessory olfactory systems. However, morphological data indicate that the accessory olfactory bulb, the primary centre for the accessory olfactory system, will not differentiate in the fish. Therefore, the fish olfactory bulb is supposed to engage in both main and accessory olfactory systems. To examine this possibility, we investigated the olfactory bulb of the barfin flounder (Verasper moseri) by histochemical examination using lectins. The olfactory bulb of the barfin flounder showed a laminar structure with four layers, and diffuse glomerular architecture was observed in the glomerular layer. Based on the expression patterns of sugar residues, the glomerular layer of the barfin olfactory bulb was largely divided into three portions. Heterogeneity in the lectin-binding pattern among olfactory glomeruli was clearly demonstrated by the fluorescent double-lectin staining. The results of this study suggest that the fish olfactory bulb contains both regions equivalent to the main and accessory olfactory bulbs, and they are subdivided into small subsets with different functions.

Molecular analysis of aortic intimal hyperplasia caused by Porphyromonas gingivalis infection in mice with endothelial damage

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Porphyromonas gingivalis infection is thought to be a significant etiological factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases. However, scant definitive evidence has been presented concerning the pathological molecular mechanisms of these disorders. In the present study, we performed a molecular analysis of the developmental mechanisms of aortic intimal hyperplasia induced by P. gingivalis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The effects of P. gingivalis-induced bacteremia on intimal hyperplasia were evaluated using a mouse model of aortic hyperplasia created by photochemical-induced endothelial cell injury. Alterations of gene expression profiles in injured blood vessels of the mice were extensively analyzed using DNA microarray assays to identify the key molecules involved in P. gingivalis-induced hyperplasia. In addition, human aneurismal specimens from patients with or without P. gingivalis infection were analyzed histochemically.

RESULTS

Intravenous administration of P. gingivalis dramatically induced intimal hyperplasia in the mouse model. Concomitantly, S100 calcium-binding protein A9 (S100A9) and embryonic isoform of myosin heavy chain (SMemb), a proliferative phenotypic marker of smooth muscle cells, were significantly overexpressed on the surfaces of smooth muscle cells present in the injured blood vessels. Similarly, increased expressions of S100A9 and SMemb proteins were observed in aneurismal specimens obtained from P. gingivalis-infected patients.

CONCLUSION

We found that bacteremia induced by P. gingivalis leads to intimal hyperplasia associated with overexpressions of S100A9 and SMemb. Our results strongly suggest that oral-hematogenous spreading of P. gingivalis is a causative event in the development of aortic hyperplasia in periodontitis patients.

Assessment of secondary attack rate and effectiveness of antiviral prophylaxis among household contacts in an influenza A(H1N1)v outbreak in Kobe, Japan, May–June 2009

This report describes the assessment of the secondary attack rate (SAR) and the effectiveness of post-exposure antiviral prophylaxis among household contacts in the first domestic outbreak of a novel influenza A(H1N1)v between mid-May and early June 2009 in Kobe city, Japan. Of the 293 subjects, 14 (4.8%) household contacts met the case definition and most secondary cases were probably infected around the time of symptom onset date of the respective index case. The SAR among household contacts who did not receive prophylaxis was 7.6%, similar to the rate of seasonal influenza, and the attack rate in siblings was significantly higher than that in parents. We conclude that it is important to establish routine infection control measures for households in order to prevent the spread of the virus among household contacts and, possibly, to the community. We could not conclude whether antiviral prophylaxis was effective or not. However, among close contacts with underlying disease who received prophylaxis, nobody developed a severe form of the disease.