114 BOVINE EMBRYO-MATERNAL RECOGNITION MAY OCCUR EARLIER IN AI THAN IN EMBRYO TRANSFER (ET)

Embryo-maternal recognition is known to be mediated by the trophoblast and/or its secretory product during the preimplantation period. However, it was recently proposed that embryo-maternal recognition (along with the maternal immune system) could be activated by zona pellucida-degradation products including oligosaccharide chains from very early stage embryos (Fujiwara et al. 2009 J. Reprod. Immunol. 81, 1–8). If this is true, we predict that mammalian mothers recognise the presence of an embryo immediately after fertilization in vivo. The purpose of the present study was to compare the expressions of immune tolerance genes in bovine endometrial-luminal lymphoid (ELL) cells collected from animals after AI or embryo transfer (ET). ELL cells were collected from recipient cows inseminated with frozen–thawed semen on Day 0 (=oestrus, n = 8) and from cows that received a transferred embryo on Day 7 (n = 8) of the oestrous cycle. On Days 9 and 11, ELL cells ipsilateral to the corpus luteum were flushed non-surgically from four cows of each group using Ringer's solution (500 mL). To eliminate large cell clusters of endometrium and the embryo (blastocyst), the flushing medium was passed through an embryo collection filter (EmCon filter, 75 μm stainless steel screen). A single viable blastocyst was collected from each recipient cow. The recovered flushing medium containing ELL cells was centrifuged. The ELL cells were suspended in PBS and separated by Lympholyte-H (Cedarlane, Ontario, Canada) gradient centrifugation. Using RT-real-time PCR, transcripts for four immune tolerance genes in ELL cells from AI or ET examined were transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and forkhead box P3 (Foxp3). Data were normalized to that of an endogenous control (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) and analysed using ANOVA followed by Scheffe′s test. Transcripts for TGF-β, M-CSF, IL-10, and Foxp3 were detected in all RT-samples derived from ELL cells on Days 9 and 11 of the oestrous cycle. Transcript levels of TGF-β, M-CSF and IL-10 in the AI group were the same as those of the ET group (P > 0.05), although the transcript level of Foxp3, a master regulator of the function of regulatory T-cells, in the AI group was significantly higher than that of the ET group on Days 9 and 11 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the transcript level of Foxp3 in the ET group on Day 11 was significantly higher than that of the ET group on Day 9 (P < 0.05). These results indicate that the embryo-maternal recognition in AI occurs earlier than in ET, and suggest that cows recognise an embryo earlier than those generally believed.

Anti-tumour effects of transcatheter arterial embolisation administered in combination with thalidomide in a rabbit VX2 liver tumour model

OBJECTIVE

Using a liver tumour model we investigated whether thalidomide enhances the anti-tumour effect of transcatheter arterial embolisation (TAE).

METHOD

First, the viability of VX2 tumour cells co-cultured with thalidomide in a 21% and 1% O(2) atmosphere was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Second, we randomly assigned 20 rabbits bearing VX2 liver tumours to 4 groups: Group 1 (thalidomide plus TAE), Group 2 (TAE only), Group 3 (thalidomide only) and Group 4 (control). Thalidomide was orally administered for 5 days. The anti-tumour effects were assessed by the tumour proliferation rate using MRI and by immunohistochemical analysis of the area of intratumoural vessels. Analysis of variance and Tukey's honestly significant difference test were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The viability of cells grown under hypoxic and normal conditions was not significantly different, nor was there a difference among the four groups. The tumour size increased by 55.9±29.3% in Group 1, 250.6±73.3% in Group 2, 355.2±51.7% in Group 3 and 424.7±110.7% in Group 4; the difference between Group 1 and the other three groups was significant. The area of intratumour vessels in specimens was 0.22±0.28% in Group 1, 0.42±0.29% in Group 2, 1.44±1.00% in Group 3 and 6.00±2.17% in Group 4; the difference between Group 1 and the other groups was statistically significant, as was the difference between Groups 3 and 4.

CONCLUSION

Thalidomide used in combination with TAE enhanced anti-tumour effects in rabbits bearing VX2 liver tumours.

LTD₄ induces HB-EGF-dependent CXCL8 release through EGFR activation in human bronchial epithelial cells

Airway epithelial cells release proinflammatory mediators that may contribute to airway remodeling and leukocyte recruitment. We explored the hypothesis that leukotriene D₄ (LTD₄) may trigger the release of proremodeling factors through activation of the EGF receptor (EGFR). We particularly focused on the effects of LTD₄ on release of heparin-binding EGF-like factor (HB-EGF) and IL-8 (CXCL8), a potent neutrophil chemoattractant that may be released downstream of EGFR activation. To address this hypothesis, both primary (NHBE) and transformed bronchial human epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) were grown on an air-liquid interface and stimulated with LTD₄. HB-EGF and CXCL8 were evaluated by ELISA in cell culture supernatants. To explore the EGFR signaling pathway, we used a broad-spectrum matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor, GM-6001, two selective EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, AG-1478 and PD-153035, an HB-EGF neutralizing antibody, and a specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) against the EGFR. Expression of the CysLT₁ cysteinyl leukotriene receptor was demonstrated by RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry in both BEAS-2B and NHBE cells. Four hours after stimulation with LTD₄, HB-EGF and CXCL8 were significantly increased in cell culture supernatant. GM-6001 and montelukast, a specific CysLT₁ receptor antagonist, blocked the LTD₄-induced increase in HB-EGF. All inhibitors/antagonists decreased LTD₄-induced CXCL8 release. siRNA against EGFR abrogated CXCL8 release following stimulation with LTD₄ and exogenous HB-EGF. These findings suggest LTD₄ induced EGFR transactivation through the release of HB-EGF in human bronchial epithelial cells with downstream release of CXCL8. These effects may contribute to epithelial-mediated airway remodeling in asthma and other conditions associated with cysteinyl leukotriene release.

EGF receptor activation during allergic sensitization affects IL-6-induced T-cell influx to airways in a rat model of asthma

EGF receptor (EGFR) is involved in cell differentiation and proliferation in airways and may trigger cytokine production by T cells. We hypothesized that EGFR inhibition at the time of allergic sensitization may affect subsequent immune reactions. Brown Norway rats were sensitized with OVA, received the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, AG1478 from days 0 to 7 and OVA challenge on day 14. OVA-specific IgE in serum and cytokines and chemokines in BAL were measured 24 h after challenge. To evaluate effects on airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), rats were sensitized, treated with AG1478, intranasally challenged, and then AHR was assessed. Furthermore chemotactic activity of BALF for CD4(+) T cells was examined. The eosinophils, neutrophils and lymphocytes in BAL were increased by OVA and only the lymphocytes were reduced by AG1478. OVA significantly enhanced IL-6 concentration in BAL, which was inhibited by AG1478. However AHR, OVA-specific IgE and IL-4 mRNA expression in CD4(+) T cells were not affected by AG1478. BALF from OVA-sensitized/challenged rats induced CD4(+) T-cell migration, which was inhibited by both AG1478 treatment in vivo and neutralization of IL-6 in vitro. EGFR activation during sensitization may affect the subsequent influx of CD4(+) T cells to airways, mainly mediated through IL-6.

Promotion of beta-cell differentiation by the alkaloid conophylline in porcine pancreatic endocrine cells

We previously found that conophylline, an alkaloid isolated from the leaves of Ervatamia microphylla, induced beta-cell differentiation in rat pancreatic acinar carcinoma cells and in cultured fetal rat pancreatic tissue and that it also decreased the blood glucose level in streptozotocin-treated fetal rats. In the present research, we looked into the effect of conophylline on the differentiation of newborn pig pancreatic endocrine cells into insulin-secreting cells. Conophylline potentiated the differentiation of monolayer cells into insulin-producing cells in the presence of nicotinamide in 3 weeks. Next we prepared islet-like cell clusters (ICC). Cononophylline together with nicotinamide also increased the number of insulin-producing cells and the insulin content in ICC in 3-6 weeks. The ICC thus prepared were sensitive to the glucose concentration for the insulin secretion. Conophylline increased the mRNA expression of PDX-1, neurogenin3, neuroD/Beta2, and insulin in ICC. Thus, the vinca alkaloid conophylline potentiated beta-cell differentiation in porcine pancreatic endocrine-rich cells in cluster cultures. Pig pancreatic cells are practical candidate for use in transplantation therapy. Conophylline may thus be useful for the large-scale preparation of porcine insulin-producing cells for the regeneration therapy of type-1 diabetes mellitus.

226 EFFECT OF AMMONIA IN BOVINE FOLLICULAR FLUID AND OOCYTE MORPHOLOGY DERIVED FROM ABATTOIR OVARIES

In cattle, high intake of crude protein elevates rumen ammonia and blood urea nitrogen and has been associated with decreased fertility. The aim of this study was to analyze the concentration of ammonia in bovine follicular fluid derived from abattoir ovaries and to examine the relation between ammonium concentration and morphology of oocytes from antral follicles. In the first experiment, follicular fluid was collected within 1 h of slaughter from 3919 small (2-5 mm in diameter), 366 medium (6-9 mm), and 159 large (10-20 mm) follicles from 203 ovaries. Ammonium concentration was analyzed in 6 batches pooled from follicular fluids of each size (derived from 15, 39, 7, 36, 81, and 25 ovaries, respectively). Ammonium concentration was measured by the microdiffusion method using an Ami Check Meter kit (Kyoto Daiichi Kagaku Co., Ltd., Japan). In the second experiment, follicular fluids were aspirated from small (2-5 mm) follicles of 38 cows to evaluate the relationship between ammonium concentration and oocyte morphology. Oocytes were classified into 4 morphological categories according to the surrounding cumulus cells (Konishi M et al. 1996 Theriogenology 45, 573-581): grade 1 (≥5 layers); grade 2 (3-4 layers); grade 3 (1-2 layers); and grade 4 (denuded, degenerated cumulus cell mass or ooplasm). The oocyte morphology for the low-ammonium group (<330 μmol, 239 oocytes from 19 cows) and high-ammonia group (≥330 μmol, 255 oocytes from 19 cows) was compared. Statistical significance was tested by chi-square test or t-test Ammonium con- centrations of small (281.8 ± 20.0 μM), medium (175.4 ± 15.8 μM), and large (96.3 ± 9.3 μM) follicles were significantly different (P < 0.0001). Ammonium concentrations in follicular fluid of the 38 cows ranged from 180.6 to 802.4 μM. In a comparison of oocyte morphology between the low- (263.8 ± 41.6 μM) and high-ammonium (423.0 ± 108.9 μM) groups, the number of grade 1, 2, 3, and 4 oocytes in the former (80, 68, 18, and 73, respectively) were not significantly different from the numbers in the latter (96, 61, 27, and 71, respectively; P = 0.30-0.99). These results indicate that, in follicles of different sizes derived from abattoir ovaries, the ammonium concentration was higher in small follicles than in the other sizes of follicles. However, there was no evidence that in vivo exposure of bovine oocytes to ammonium badly influenced oocyte morphology. Further studies are needed to examine the relationship between ammonium concentration and the developmental potential of oocytes.

SAR analysis of a re-entrant resonant cavity applicator for brain tumor hyperthermia treatment with a 3-D anatomical human head model

A re-entrant resonant cavity applicator system for non-invasive brain tumor hyperthermia treatments was presented. We have already confirmed the effectiveness of the heating properties of this heating system with cylindrical agar phantoms and with computer simulations.

277 EFFECTS OF ERYTHROCYTE AND ERYTHROCYTE HEMOLYSATE ON BOVINE PREIMPLANTATION EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT IN VITRO UNDER REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES CONDITION

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage preimplantation embryos by increasing DNA fragmentation, leading to early embryonic death. Erythrocytes have been shown to protect other cells and tissues against ROS. In mice, erythrocytes were recently found to improve the early development of embryos by their antioxidant effect. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of erythrocytes on the in vitro development of bovine IVF embryos in medium supplemented with ROS. COCs were aspirated from ovaries collected from a local slaughterhouse and were cultured for 22 h in TCM-199 containing 5% fetal bovine serum. IVF was performed using an IVF100 (Research Institute for the Functional Peptides, Yamagata, Japan) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In experiment 1, IVF embryos were cultured in CR1aa medium supplemented with an oxidizing agent, 0.5 mM hypoxanthine and 0.01 U mL-1 xanthine oxidase (HX/XOD), in the presence and absence of erythrocytes (5 × 104, 5× 105, 5×106, and 5 × 107 erythrocytes mL-1). In experiments 2 and 3, the development of embryos under the condition without ROS was assessed in the presence and absence of erythrocytes (5 × 106 erythrocytes mL-1) or erythrocyte hemolysate (hemoglobin concentration of 1.9 g L-1), respectively. At 7 days after in vitro culture, the development to the blastocyst stage of IVF embryos was examined using a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed using Fisher’s PLSD test and Student’s t-test In experiment 1, the presence of HX/XOD significantly inhibited embryo development to the blastocyst stage in vitro (P < 0.05). The addition of erythrocytes to medium supplemented with HX/XOD markedly improved preimplantation development (Table 1). In experiments 2 and 3, supplementation of erythrocytes or erythrocyte hemolysate promoted the development of embryos to the blastocyst stage (experiment 2: erythrocyte 42.4 ± 3.1%, control 28.5 ± 5.7%, P < 0.1; experiment 3: erythrocyte hemolysate 39.1 ± 3.3%, control 30.2 ± 1.0%, P < 0.1). In conclusion, we suggest that the addition of erythrocytes to culture medium can counteract the negative effects of ROS on embryo development and blastocyst formation. Table 1.Effect of HX/XOD and erythrocyte supplementation on embryo development to blastocyst stage

A combination of cisplatin-eluting gelatin microspheres and flavopiridol enhances anti-tumour effects in a rabbit VX2 liver tumour model

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the combination of cisplatin-eluting gelatin microspheres (GMSs) and flavopiridol enhances anti-tumour effects in a rabbit VX2 liver tumour model. Tumour-bearing rabbits (n = 21) were divided into five groups and infused from the proper hepatic artery. Group 1 (n = 5) received cisplatin-eluting GMSs (1 mg kg(-1)) and flavopiridol (3 mg kg(-1)), group 2 (n = 5) cisplatin-eluting GMSs alone (1 mg kg(-1)), Group 3 (n = 5) flavopiridol (3 mg kg(-1)), Group 4 (n = 3) GMSs alone (1 mg kg(-1)), and Group 5 (n = 3) was the control group receiving physiological saline (1 ml kg(-1)). On days 0 and 7 after procedures the liver tumour volume was measured using a horizontal open MRI system and the relative tumour volume growth rates for 7 days after treatment were calculated. On T(1) weighted images, the tumours were visualised as circular, low-intensity areas just below the liver surface. After treatment, the signals remained similar. The relative tumour volume growth rate for 7 days after treatment was 54.2+/-22.4% in Group 1, 134.1+/-40.1% in Group 2,166.7+/-48.1% in Group 3, 341.8+/-8.6% in Group 4 and 583.1+/-46.9% in Group 5; the growth rate was significantly lower in Group 1 than the other groups (p<0.05). We concluded that in our rabbit model of liver tumours the combination of cisplatin-eluting GMSs and flavopiridol was effective.

Heating properties of non-invasive hyperthermia treatment for abdominal deep tumors by 3-D FEM

This paper discusses the heating properties of a new type of hyperthermia system composed of a re-entrant type resonant cavity applicator for deep tumors of the abdominal region. In this method, a human body is placed in the gap of two inner electrodes and is non-invasively heated with electromagnetic fields stimulated in the cavity. Here, we calculated temperature distributions of a simple human abdominal phantom model that we constructed to examine the heating properties of the developed hyperthermia system. First, the proposed heating method and a simple abdominal model to calculate the temperature distribution are presented. Second, the computer simulation results of temperature distribution by 3-D FEM are presented. From these results, it was found that the proposed simple human abdominal phantom model composed of muscle, fat and lung was useful to test the heating properties of our heating method. Our heating method was also effective to non-invasively heat abdominal deep tumors.

The effects of repeated allergen challenge on airway smooth muscle structural and molecular remodeling in a rat model of allergic asthma

The effects of remodeling of airway smooth muscle (SM) by hyperplasia on airway SM contractility in vivo are poorly explored. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between allergen-induced airway SM hyperplasia and its contractile phenotype. Brown Norway rats were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) or saline on day 0 and then either OVA-challenged once on day 14 and killed 24 h later or OVA-challenged 3 times (on days 14, 19, and 24) and killed 2 or 7 days later. Changes in SM mass, expression of total myosin, SM myosin heavy chain fast isoform (SM-B) and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), tracheal contractions ex vivo, and airway responsiveness to methacholine (MCh) in vivo were assessed. One day after a single OVA challenge, the number of SM cells positive for PCNA was greater than for control animals, whereas the SM mass, contractile phenotype, and tracheal contractility were unchanged. Two days after three challenges, SM mass and PCNA immunoreactive cells were increased (3- and 10-fold, respectively; P < 0.05), but airway responsiveness to MCh was unaffected. Lower expression in total myosin, SM-B, and MLCK was observed at the mRNA level (P < 0.05), and total myosin and MLCK expression were lower at the protein level (P < 0.05) after normalization for SM mass. Normalized tracheal SM force generation was also significantly lower 2 days after repeated challenges (P < 0.05). Seven days after repeated challenges, features of remodeling were restored toward control levels. Allergen-induced hyperplasia of SM cells was associated with a loss of contractile phenotype, which was offset by the increase in mass.

High-risk status of HIV-1 infection in the very low epidemic country, Mongolia, 2007

Thirty-six HIV-1 cases had been reported by December 2007 in Mongolia. Therefore, Mongolia has been regarded as a very low HIV-1 epidemic country, although the surveillance system is not fully developed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk status of HIV-1 infection in Mongolia. A total of 1415 blood samples from high-risk populations including female sex workers, men who have sex with men, mobile men, tuberculosis patients and male sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic clients and 1050 samples from healthy controls were collected. The seroprevalences of anti-HIV-1/2, anti- Treponema pallidum, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs Ag), anti-hepatitis C virus and hepatitis B surface antibody in the high-risk populations were 0%, 23.1%, 15.5%, 8.0% and 48.2%, and those in the controls were 0%, 3.1%, 14.7%, 4.4% and 44.4%, respectively. HIV-1 prevalence is currently low. However, according to the high prevalence of STIs in the high-risk populations, the risk status for HIV-1 infection is estimated to be high.

CT Angiography Covering Both Cervical and Cerebral Arteries on a 16-Detector Row System: Modification of Contrast Dose and Injection Rate by Patient Weight

We assessed the feasibility of modifying the contrast dose and injection rate based on patient weight in four patient groups in whom CT angiography was performed with contrast agent 350 mgI/mL at different injection doses in combination with a saline flush (40 mL). Patients were assigned to one of four groups: group A: injection dose (ID) of 1.3 mgI/kg; group B: ID of 1.1 mgI/kg; group C: ID of 0.9 mgI/kg; and group D (the control group): a fixed dose of 75 mL at 3 mL/s (25 s). In groups A to C, the injection time was fixed at 20 s. We measured the attenuation of target vessels and visually assessed the images obtained. The average dose and rates were 81.3/4.1, 63.8/3.2, and 49.4/2.5 (mL/mL/s) for groups A, B, and C, respectively. The doses of groups B and C were significantly smaller that that of group D. Cerebral vessels showed no significant attenuation difference between group D and groups A and B, but the attenuation of only a few assessed regions was significantly lower in group C than in group D. In the visual assessment, no difference was found among the four groups. Cervical and cerebral CT angiograms can be obtained at a dose of 1.1 mgI/kg, which can effectively reduce the contrast dose.

CT Angiography Covering Both Cervical and Cerebral Arteries Using Contrast Material with a Reduced Dose and Higher Concentration on a 16-Detector Row System: Effect of the Iodine Delivery Rate and a Saline Flush

We assessed the effect of iodine delivery rates (IDRs) and a saline flush in CT angiography that covered both cervical and cerebral arteries when a contrast material of higher concentration (350 mgI/mL) was employed. In three patient groups whose CT angiography was performed at different IDRs with or without a saline flush, we measured the attenuation of target vessels and visually evaluated the images obtained. Our results indicated that a higher IDR was effective to increase the attenuation value of both cervical and cerebral arteries without changing that of the venous system, although it did not significantly affect visualization of these vessels. Further, the addition of a saline flush could reduce the injection speed without a decrease in the attenuation of the target vessels.

RASSF1A hypermethylation in pretreatment serum DNA of neuroblastoma patients: a prognostic marker

The tumour suppressor gene RASSF1A is known to be frequently silenced by promoter hypermethylation in neuroblastoma tumours. Here we explored the possible prognostic significance of aberrant promoter hypermethylation of RASSF1A in serum DNA samples of patients with neuroblastoma as a surrogate marker for circulating tumour cells. We analysed the methylation status of the RASSF1A gene in matched tumour and pretreatment serum DNA obtained from 68 neuroblastoma patients. Hypermethylation of RASSF1A in tumour samples was found in 64 patients (94%). In contrast, serum methylation of RASSF1A was observed in 17 patients (25%). Serum methylation of RASSF1A was found to be statistically associated with age ⩾12 months at diagnosis (P=0.002), stage 4 (P<0.001) and MYCN amplification (P<0.001). The influence of serum RASSF1A methylation on prognosis was found to be comparable with that of the currently most reliable marker, MYCN amplification on univariate analysis (hazard ratio, 9.2; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.8–30.1; P<0.001). In multivariate analysis of survival, methylation of RASSF1A in serum had a hazard ratio of 2.4 (95% CI, 0.6–9.2), although this association did not reach statistical significance (P=0.194). These findings show that the methylation status of RASSF1A in the serum of patients with neuroblastoma has the potential to become a prognostic predictor of outcome.

Depletion of CD8+ T cells enhances airway remodelling in a rodent model of asthma

Airway remodelling is induced by persistent airway inflammation and may lead to severe asthma. T cells play a pivotal role in asthmatic airway inflammation but their role in remodelling is poorly understood. Although previous studies have revealed that CD8(+) T cells inhibit the late airway response and airway inflammation in a rat model of asthma, their effects on airway remodelling have not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to examine the role of CD8(+) T cells in airway remodelling. Brown Norway rats were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) on day 0. CD8(+) T cells in rats were depleted during the repeated challenges by treating them with a CD8alpha monoclonal antibody (OX-8). Control rats were treated with mouse ascites. Sensitized rats were challenged with OVA on days 14, 19 and 24 or were sham challenged with phosphate-buffered saline. On day 29, bronchoalveolar lavage and lung tissues were harvested. Repeated OVA inhalations evoked significant increases in the numbers of periodic acid-Schiff-positive epithelial cells and proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive epithelial cells, and in airway smooth muscle mass compared to the control group. CD8-depleted rats had significant enhancement of these changes, principally affecting the large airways. These results suggest that endogenous CD8(+) T cells have inhibitory effects on airway remodelling in this model of asthma.

34 COMPARISON OF IN VIVO DEVELOPMENT DURING EARLY PREGNANCY OF CLONED FETUSES DERIVED FROM BOVINE FETAL FIBROBLASTS AT THE EARLY G1 AND G0 PHASES

Enhanced development of bovine somatic cell nuclear transfer (NT) embryos to full term has been achieved using fibroblasts at the early G1 (eG1) phase instead of cells at the quiescent (G0) phase (Urakawa et al. 2004 Theriogenology 62, 714–728). The high abortion rate and abnormal placental development of NT embryos using G0 phase cells is related to the low formation rate of embryonic disks and the aberrant development of the trophectoderm in utero until Day 14 of gestation (Ideta et al. 2007 Cloning Stem Cells 9, 571–580). The purpose of this study was to examine the morphological development of conceptuses such as fetuses and fetal membranes in the early pregnancy of NT embryos using eG1 phase cells (eG1-NT embryos) and G0 phase cells (G0-NT embryos). Blastocysts derived from eG1-NT and G0-NT embryos were transferred to recipient heifers, and the conceptuses at Day 50 of gestation were retrieved nonsurgically using prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and oxytocin (Lavoir and Betteridge 1996 J. Reprod. Fertil. 106, 95–100). In vitro-fertilized (IVF), parthenogenetic and artificially inseminated (AI) embryos were used as controls. Data were analyzed using chi-square test and Student’s t-test. Pregnancy rates at Day 30 of recipient heifers carrying eG1-NT, G0-NT, IVF, parthenogenetic, and AI embryos were similar (57 to 100%; 4/7 to 8/8). Two recipient heifers carrying parthenogenetic embryos returned to estrus between Day 30 and 50 of gestation, whereas all other pregnancies remained viable. Most fetuses at Day 50 of gestation of all experiment groups (20/24) were recovered nonsurgically by several PGF2α and oxytocin treatments. The recovery rates of normal fetuses derived from eG1-NT embryos (83%, 5/6), IVF embryos (80%, 4/5), and AI embryos (88%, 7/8) were greater than those of G0-NT embryos (33%, 2/6) and parthenogenetic embryos (0%, 0/7). The amniotic fluid volume of G0-NT embryos was significantly greater than that of AI embryos (P < 0.05). But the amniotic fluid volume of eG1-NT embryos was the same as that of AI embryos (P > 0.05). The fetal weights of eG1-NT and IVF embryos were significantly greater than the fetal weight of AI embryos (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that efficient production of cloned offspring is possible by NT using donor cells that are in the early G1 phase.

Improvement of the matching speed of AIMS for development of an automatic totally tuning system for hyperthermia treatment using a resonant cavity applicator

In this paper, we discuss the improvement of the speed of AIMS (Automatic Impedance Matching System) to automatically make impedance matching for a re-entrant resonant cavity applicator for non-invasive deep brain tumors hyperthermia treatments. We have already discussed the effectiveness of the heating method using the AIMS, with experiments of heating agar phantoms. However, the operating time of AIMS was about 30 minutes. To develop the ATT System (Automatic Totally Tuning System) including the automatic frequency tuning system, we must improve this problem. Because, when using the ATTS, the AIMS is used repeatedly to find the resonant frequency. In order to improve the speed of impedance matching, we developed the new automatic impedance matching system program (AIMS2). In AIMS, the stepping motors were connected to the impedance matching unit's dials. These dials were turned to reduce the reflected power. AIMS consists of two phases: all range searching and detailed searching. We focused on the three factors affecting the operating speed and improved them. The first factor is the interval put between the turning of the motors and AD converter. The second factor is how the steps of the motor when operating all range searching. The third factor is the starting position of the motor when detail searching. We developed the simple ATT System (ATT-beta) based on the AIMS2. To evaluate the developed AIMS2 and ATT- beta, experiments with an agar phantom were performed. From these results, we found that the operating time of the AIMS2 is about 4 minutes, which was approximately 12% of AIMS. From ATT-beta results, it was shown that it is possible to tune frequency and automatically match impedance with the program based on the AIMS2.

Heating properties of the needle type applicator made of shape memory alloy by 3-D anatomical human head model

Since the human brain is protected by the skull, it is not easy to non-invasively heat deep brain tumors with electromagnetic energy for hyperthermia treatments. Generally, needle type applicators were used in clinical practice to heat brain tumors. To expand the heating area of needle type applicators, we have developed a new type of needle made of a shape memory alloy (SMA). In this paper, heating properties of the proposed SMA needle type applicator were discussed. Here, in order to apply the SMA needle type applicator clinically. First, we constructed an anatomical 3-D FEM model from MRI and X-ray CT images using 3D-CAD software. Second, we estimated electric and temperature distributions to confirm the SMA needle type applicator using the FEM soft were JMAG-Studio. From these results, it was confirmed that the proposed method can expand the heating area and control the heating of various sizes of brain tumors.

147 A PROSTAGLANDIN F2Alpha RECEPTOR ANTAGONIST MAY INHIBIT BAX EXPRESSION IN BOVINE PRE-IMPLANTATION EMBRYOS DURING EMBRYO FLUSHING

Several in vivo studies have shown negative effects of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) on embryonic survival in cows. The PGF2α receptor (FPr) was detected in bovine embryos (Scenna FN et al. 2006 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 18, 180). Recently, it was reported that addition of a FPr antagonist (AL-8810) to the embryo flushing medium prevented the detrimental action of PGF2α on pregnancy (Scenna FN et al. 2008 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 20, 154). In the present study, we examined the morphological development in utero and gene expression of bovine pre-implantation embryos collected using flushing medium containing AL-8810. Embryos were collected from superovulated donors on Day 7 after artificial insemination with medium containing 1000 nm AL-8810 (n = 4, Sigma-Aldrich, St, Louis, MO, AL embryos) or with vehicle (n = 4, DMSO, Sigma-Aldrich, CON embryos). Following collection, the embryos were classified by quality and stage, and then 2 to 5 grade-1, stage 4 and 5 embryos (IETS classification) were transferred to recipient heifers (AL-embryos: n = 4, CON embryos: n = 4) for transient development in utero up to Day 15 of gestation. Embryos at Day 15 occasionally collapsed after uterine flushing due to breaches in trophectoderm (TE) tissue caused by the collection procedures. Only whole embryos were used and evaluated in this study. Using real-time PCR, the TE cells were examined to quantify the mRNA levels for 3 genes, interferon-τ (maternal recognition of pregnancy, INF-τ), connexin 43 (cell communication, CX 43) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (apoptosis, Bax). Data were analyzed using Student’s t-test and chi-square test. The average number of ova/embryos recovered at Day 7 was 12.0 ± 4.1 (AL embryos) and 8.8 ± 5.8 (CON embryos). There was no significance in the percentages of transferable embryos (AL-embryos; 67.0 ± 14.4%, 35/48 and CON-embryos; 79.6 ± 7.1%, 27/35; P > 0.05) between the 2 groups. The whole-embryo recovery rate on Day 15 for AL embryos (73.3%, 11/15) was >30 percentage points greater than that for CON embryos (41.2%, 7/17). The length of major axis of embryos and the diameter of embryonic disks were the same between AL embryos (59.6 ± 12.3 mm, 0.44 ± 0.03 mm, respectively) and CON embryos (49.3 ± 24.6 mm, 0.43 ± 0.05 mm, respectively). Transcripts of INF-τ and CX 43 in TE cells did not differ significantly between AL embryos and CON embryos (P > 0.05). However, the abundance of Bax transcripts in TE cells tended to be lower in AL embryos than in CON embryos (P = 0.07). These results suggest that addition of an FPr antagonist to the embryo flushing medium may promote the developmental capacity of pre-implantation embryos in utero.

[Surgical treatment of thoracic aortic disease combined with coronary artery bypass grafting operation]

We evaluated the early outcome of surgical treatment of thoracic aortic disease combined with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Between January 2001 and December 2007, a total of 22 patients underwent thoracic aortic surgery with CABG. Four patients had an emergency operation performed for acute type A aortic dissection (group D). Three patients with a dissection of the right coronary artery (RCA) and 1 patient with cardiac ischemia during operation underwent CABG. One of the 18 patients with non-dissecting aneurysm (group N) underwent CABG due to injury of RCA. A comparative study was made between the study groups and a control group of 68 patients (group S) who underwent thoracic aortic replacement without CABG. Hospital mortality was 4.5% (1/22 patients) due to low output syndrome. There were significant differences in operation time, total cardiopulmonary bypass time and cardiac arrest time between groups D and N, and between groups N and S. There was also a significant difference in ventilation time and the duration of stay in the intensive care unit between groups D and N. However, there were no significant differences in postoperative complications among all the groups. This operation provides satisfactory early clinical outcomes. Thoracic aortic surgery combined with CABG can be carried out safely in elderly patients.

Single-operator method for double-balloon endoscopy: a pilot study

Double-balloon endoscopy (DBE) is a new technique that allows diagnosis and treatment throughout the entire small intestine. We have recently developed a method that allows a single operator to perform DBE, by employing "grip and pinch" and "hold (or 'keep') and slide" techniques. This one-person method obviates the need for two operators who must cooperate closely.

Cerebral CT angiography using a reduced dose of contrast material at high iodine concentration in combination with a saline flush

AIM

To determine whether cerebral computed tomography (CT) angiography with a 16-detector row system can be performed using a reduced dose of contrast material.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-eight patients were assigned to one of four protocols: A=50 ml of 350 mg I/ml with a saline flush (SF, 40 ml); B=75 ml of 350 mg I/ml with an SF; C=75 ml of 350 mg I/ml without an SF; and D=100ml of 300 mg I/ml without an SF. The attenuation of the internal carotid, middle cerebral, and anterior cerebral arteries were measured. The demonstration of vessels was also assessed.

RESULTS

There were no significant attenuation differences of the arteries among the four groups, neither were any significant differences noted on the visual assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

By using a reduced dose (50 ml) at higher iodine concentration (350 mg I/ml) with an SF, CT angiograms comparable with those acquired with a standard dose and concentration can be obtained.

[Redo aortic root replacement for prosthetic valve detachment associated with recurrent aneurysm of sinus of valsalva due to aortitis syndrome]

We report a case of 44-year-old male with aortitis syndrome who suffered a prosthetic aortic valve detachment and recurrent aneurysm of sinus of Valsalva 5 years after aortic valve replacement and patch closure of non-coronary sinus of Valsalva. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) and angiography revealed severe aortic regurgitation and complicated aneurysm formation of sinus of Valsalva due to prosthetic valve and prosthetic patch dehiscence. Aortic root replacement was performed successfully after induction of steroid therapy to control inflammation. His postoperative course has been uneventful for 18 months.

[The utility of coronary magnetic resonance angiography in children under six years of age with Kawasaki disease]

BACKGROUND

To follow up coronary arterial lesions due to Kawasaki disease (KD) using noninvasive magnetic resonance coronary angiography (MRCA), we studied a method to improve the quality of images in young children.

METHOD

Non-contrast enhanced, free-breathing MRCA with the vector ECG gating real-time navigator-echo 3D steady-state free precession (SSFP) technique was performed using a 1.5-T whole-body MR imaging system (Philips) in 68 children with KD aged 4 months to less than 6 years. A flex medium coil was used. Data were acquired with a 180 to 200 mm field of view (FOV) and were reconstructed with a 512 x 360 matrix. Patients were sedated during the examination. Many parameters were optimized for each patient; i.e., FOV, acquisition delay, turbo-field echo-factor, navigator-window and resolution, which resulted in the acquisition of high-resolution and high-signal images of the coronary arteries.

RESULTS

These conditions remarkably improved not only the quality of the images, but also the detection rate of coronary arterial segments (American Heart Association) in the children. The rates were as follows; Segments 1 (97%), 2 (97%), 3 (87%), 4 (66%), 5 (97%), 6 (96%), 7 (83%), 8 (56%), 9 (53%), 10 (21%), 11 (96%), 12 (29%), 13 (93%), 14 (54%), and 15 (65%).

CONCLUSION

MRCA is a useful method for evaluation coronary aneurysms from the early stages of KD, even in infants and small children.

Increase of integrin-linked kinase activity in cultured podocytes upon stimulation with plasma from patients with recurrent FSGS

Recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a major challenge in the field of transplantation. Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) has emerged as a key mediator of podocyte-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) interactions. To clarify the involvement of plasma factors in FSGS recurrence, we examined the effects of plasma from FSGS patients with or without posttransplant recurrence on cultured podocytes, focusing particularly on ILK activity. Podocytes from a conditionally immortalized mouse podocyte cell line were treated with plasma from 11 FSGS patients, and ILK activity was determined using an immune complex kinase assay. Treatment with plasma from three patients with recurrence induced an increase in ILK activity. In contrast, no increase in ILK activity was observed in cultured podocytes treated with plasma from the remaining three patients with recurrence and five patients without recurrence. Cultured podocytes treated with plasma that induced ILK activity showed alterations of focal contact and detachment from the laminin matrix. In conclusion, this preliminary study provides experimental evidence suggesting the possible presence of circulating toxic factors in the plasma of some patients with recurrent FSGS, which induce an increase in podocyte ILK activity that may lead to the detachment of podocytes from the GBM.

[Rupture of mycotic arch aneurysm with rapid enlargement]

An 85-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital for a lumbar compression fracture. Her white blood cells and C-reactive protein (CRP) were elevated to 20,400/microl and 30.58 mg/dl, respectively. Chest and back pain occurred suddenly, 16 days after admission. Computed tomography revealed aortic arch aneurysm and bleeding. Rupture of the aortic arch aneurysm was diagnosed and she was transferred to our hospital for an emergency operation. The aneurysm was treated by debridement of the infected aortic tissue, and total aortic arch replacement was performed. Bacterial culture of the aneurysmal wall demonstrated methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). Her postoperative course was uneventful. After surgery, antibiotics were administered for 2 weeks intravenously and orally. However oral antibiotics were administered again for about 2 months because wound infection occurred on the day 37 and 60 postoperatively. CRP normalized during her course of antibiotic therapy. Thereafter, the patient remained well without any sign of wound infection or mediastinitis.

Finite element analysis of the re-entrant type resonant cavity applicator for brain tumor hyperthermia

In this paper, we have proposed a new heating method in which high frequency electric fields in a re-entrant type resonant cavity are used for the heating of deeply seated tumors. In this method, a human head is placed between the gap of the inner re-entrant cylinders, and is heated with electromagnetic fields stimulated in the cavity without contact between the surface of the human head and the applicator. Here, we proposed a new method to control the heating area. In this method, the resonant frequency inside the cavity was changed, then we use the TM010-like mode and the TM012-like mode from various types of the resonant frequency. First, the computer simulation results of electric and magnetic field patterns are presented. Second, a comparison of the heating properties of TM010-like mode and TM012-like mode are discussed. The heating area of the center of agar phantom is more concentrated by using TM012-like mode than that of using TM010-like mode. From these results, it is confirmed that the proposed method can be controlled to heat the various sizes of deep tumors.

Heating properties of re-entrant resonant applicator for brain tumor by electromagnetic heating modes

This paper discusses a new method to control the heating area of a re-entrant resonant cavity applicator for brain tumor hyperthermia treatment non-invasively. We have already discussed about the effectiveness of a developed system with experiments of heating an agar phantom and computer simulations. Here, in order to heat a deep brain tumor, we propose the heating method of using several electromagnetic heating modes which are transverse magnetic (TM) modes. In this method, TM010-like and TM012-like modes obtained by selecting resonant frequencies can be used to heat the deep brain tumors. To control the heating area of the modes the agar phantom is used in the heating experiments by the developed system. From these results, we found that the heating area of the agar phantom by using TM012-like mode is about 50% of the heating area of TM010-like mode. It is found that the proposed heating system can be applicable to the hyperthermia treatment of brain tumors corresponding to the size and the position where it occurred.

Microcode optimization with neural networks

Microcode optimization is an NP-complete combinatorial optimization problem. This paper proposes a new method based on the Hopfield neural network for optimizing the wordwidth in the control memory of a microprogrammed digital computer. We present two methodologies, viz., the maximum clique approach, and a cost function based method to minimize an objective function. The maximum clique approach albeit being near O(1) in complexity, is limited in its use for small problem sizes, since it only partitions the data based on the compatibility between the microoperations, and does not minimize the cost function. We thereby use this approach to condition the data initially (to form compatibility classes), and then use the proposed second method to optimize on the cost function. The latter method is then able to discover better solutions than other schemes for the benchmark data set.