Fermented milk containing Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota prevents the onset of physical symptoms in medical students under academic examination stress

This pilot study investigated the effects of the probiotic Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS) on psychological, physiological, and physical stress responses in medical students undertaking an authorised nationwide examination for promotion. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 24 and 23 healthy medical students consumed a fermented milk containing LcS and a placebo milk, respectively, once a day for 8 weeks until the day before the examination. Psychophysical state, salivary cortisol, faecal serotonin, and plasma L-tryptophan were analysed on 5 different sampling days (8 weeks before, 2 weeks before, 1 day before, immediately after, and 2 weeks after the examination). Physical symptoms were also recorded in a diary by subjects during the intervention period for 8 weeks. In association with a significant elevation of anxiety at 1 day before the examination, salivary cortisol and plasma L-tryptophan levels were significantly increased in only the placebo group (P<0.05). Two weeks after the examination, the LcS group had significantly higher faecal serotonin levels (P<0.05) than the placebo group. Moreover, the rate of subjects experiencing common abdominal and cold symptoms and total number of days experiencing these physical symptoms per subject were significantly lower in the LcS group than in the placebo group during the pre-examination period at 5-6 weeks (each P<0.05) and 7-8 weeks (each P<0.01) during the intervention period. Our results suggest that the daily consumption of fermented milk containing LcS may exert beneficial effects preventing the onset of physical symptoms in healthy subjects exposed to stressful situations.

Exploring the mineral-water interface: reduction and reaction kinetics of single hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles

Here we show that particle impact chronoamperometry allows the quantitative electrochemical characterization of individual mineral nanoparticles with adequate proton concentrations. Through this approach, we extract the kinetics and thermodynamics of the reductive dissolution of single hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles.

In spite of their natural and technological importance, the intrinsic electrochemical properties of hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles are not well understood. In particular, particle agglomeration, the presence of surface impurities, and/or inadequate proton concentrations are major obstacles to uncover the fundamental redox activities of minerals in solution. These are particularly problematic when samples are characterized in common electrochemical analyses such as cyclic voltammetry in which nanoparticles are immobilized on a stationary electrode. In this work, the intrinsic reaction kinetics and thermodynamics of individual hematite nanoparticles are investigated by particle impact chronoamperometry. The particle radius derived from the integrated area of spikes recorded in a chronoamperogram is in excellent agreement with electron microscopy results, indicating that the method provides a quantitative analysis of the reduction of the nanoparticles to the ferrous ion. A key finding is that the suspended individual nanoparticles undergo electrochemical reduction at potentials much more positive than those immobilized on a stationary electrode. The critical importance of the solid/water interface on nanoparticle activity is further illustrated by a kinetic model. It is found that the first electron transfer process is the rate determining step of the reductive dissolution of hematite nanoparticles, while the overall process is strongly affected by the interfacial proton concentration. This article highlights the effects of the interfacial proton and ferrous ion concentrations on the reductive dissolution of hematite nanoparticles and provides a highly effective method that can be readily applied to study a wide range of other mineral nanoparticles.

Endovascular Treatment of Unruptured Paraclinoid Aneurysms: Single-Center Experience with 400 Cases and Literature Review

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Paraclinoid aneurysms have been increasingly treated endovascularly. The natural history of these aneurysms has gradually been elucidated. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment for these aneurysms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of 377 patients with 400 paraclinoid aneurysms treated between January 2006 and December 2012. Their clinical records, endovascular reports, and radiologic and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Because aneurysms ≥7 mm are at higher risk of rupture, we classified aneurysms as small (<7 mm) or large (≥7 mm).

RESULTS

Overall, 115 of the 400 aneurysms (28.8%) were large (≥7 mm). Thromboembolic complications were found significantly more often with large aneurysms than with small ones (7.4% vs 1.0%, P = .001). Hemorrhagic complications were found only with small aneurysms (0.7%). The 6-month morbidity rates were similar for small (1.0%) and large (0.8%) aneurysms. Immediate angiographic outcomes were similar (P = .37), whereas recurrences and retreatment occurred more frequently with large aneurysms (P = .001 and P = .007, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that aneurysm size was the only independent predictor for recurrence (P = .005). Most recurrences (81%) were detected by scheduled angiography at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Aneurysm size influenced the type of complication (thromboembolic or hemorrhagic) and the recurrence rate. Given the approximately 1% annual rupture rate for aneurysms ≥7 mm, analysis of our data supports the rationale of using prophylactic endovascular treatment for unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms ≥7 mm.

Viscosity minima in binary mixtures of ionic liquids + molecular solvents

The viscosity (η) of four binary mixtures (ionic liquids plus molecular solvents, ILs+MSs) was measured in the 283.15 < T/K < 363.15 temperature range. Different IL/MS combinations were selected in such a way that the corresponding η(T) functions exhibit crossover temperatures at which both pure components present identical viscosity values. Consequently, most of the obtained mixture isotherms, η(x), exhibit clear viscosity minima in the studied T-x range. The results are interpreted using auxiliary molecular dynamics (MD) simulation data in order to correlate the observed η(T,x) trends with the interactions in each mixture, including the balance between electrostatic forces and hydrogen bonding.

P-ρ-T measurements of H2O up to 260 GPa under laser-driven shock loading

Pressure, density, and temperature data for H2O were obtained up to 260 GPa by using laser-driven shock compression technique. The shock compression technique combined with the diamond anvil cell was used to assess the equation of state models for the P-ρ-T conditions for both the principal Hugoniot and the off-Hugoniot states. The contrast between the models allowed for a clear assessment of the equation of state models. Our P-ρ-T data totally agree with those of the model based on quantum molecular dynamics calculations. These facts indicate that this model is adopted as the standard for modeling interior structures of Neptune, Uranus, and exoplanets in the liquid phase in the multi-Mbar range.

Electrolyte ion adsorption and charge blocking effect at the hematite/aqueous solution interface: an electrochemical impedance study using multivariate data analysis

A model-free multivariate analysis using singular value decomposition is employed to refine an equivalent electrical circuit model in order to probe the electrochemical properties of the hematite/water interface in dilute NaCl and NH4Cl solutions using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The result shows that the surface protonation is directly related to the mobility and trapping of charge carriers at the mineral surface. Moreover, the point of zero charge can be found at pH where the charge transfer resistance is the highest, in addition to the minimum double layer capacitance. The inner-sphere interaction of the NH4(+) ion with the surface is indicated by an increase of capacitance for charge carrier trapping from the protonated surface as well as lower double layer capacitance and open circuit potential. It is clear that the intrinsic electrochemical activity of hematite depends on the degree of surface (de)protonation and other inner-sphere adsorption, as these processes affect the charge carrier density in the surface state. This work also highlights an important synergistic effect of the two spectral analyses that enables EIS to be utilized in an in-depth investigation of mineral/water interfaces.

Application of vasopressin radioimmunoassay to clinical study: role of vasopressin in hypo- and hypernatremia and some other disorders of water metabolism

Plasma and urinary arginine vasopressin (AVP) in normal subjects and in patients with various water metabolism disorders was measured using a sensitive, specific radioimmunoassay. The AVP plasma levels in normal subjects were 3.1 +/- 1.2 pg/ml. The parallel changes in plasma osmolality, plasma AVP concentration, and urinary osmolality were observed after water load. In patients with various kinds of hyponatremia and impaired water excretion, plasma AVP concentrations were within or over normal levels, suggesting that persistent secretion of AVP may play an important role in the pathogenesis of hyponatremia. Variable levels of plasma AVP were observed in patients with essential hypernatremia, which in turn suggested that osmoreceptors may be selectively damaged in some patients, and that ADH-secreting neurons are also involved in others. Our radioimmunoassay facility made it possible for us to measure plasma and urinary DDAVP in the treatment of diabetes insipidus.

A thermophysical and structural characterization of ionic liquids with alkyl and perfluoroalkyl side chains

Novel fluorinated ionic liquids composed of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium cations and perfluoroalkylsulfonates or perfluoroalkylcarboxylates anions were investigated from thermodynamic, thermophysical and simulation perspectives.

CT enteroclysis/enterography findings in drug-induced small-bowel damage

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the CT enteroclysis (CTE)/enterography findings of patients with small-bowel mucosal damage induced by aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and to compare these findings with the duration of drug use and endoscopic findings.

METHODS

CTE findings of 11 patients (22 lesions) with drug-induced small-bowel damage were reviewed, including 8 NSAID users and 3 aspirin users. Three patients were short-term users (6 months or shorter) and eight were long-term users (3 years or longer). Nine patients also underwent videocapsule endoscopy (VCE) or double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE).

RESULTS

Small-bowel abnormalities were visible in 8 of 11 patients (73%) on CTE. Multiple lesions were seen in five patients, including all short-term users. Lesions were classified into three types. Type 1 (mucosal patchy enhancement) was found in four of eight patients (50%, 12 lesions) all were short-term users. Small erosions with mild oedema/redness were shown by DBE. Type 2 (homogeneous hyperenhancement) was found in two of eight patients (25%, four lesions) who were long-term users. Large ulcers with marked oedema/redness were shown by DBE. Type 3 (stratification enhancement) was found in four of eight patients (50%, six lesions), both short-term and long-term users. Annular or large ulcers with strictures were shown by VCE or DBE.

CONCLUSION

On CTE, Type 1 lesions in patients with mostly short-term aspirin or NSAID use, Type 2 lesions in patients with long-term use and Type 3 lesions in both types of patients were detected. CTE may have usefulness for the detection of mild damage.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

Small-bowel abnormalities owing to aspirin or NSAID present with three different patterns on CTE.

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases: important signaling modulators and therapeutic targets

By catalyzing hydrolysis of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases are critical regulators of their intracellular concentrations and their biological effects. As these intracellular second messengers control many cellular homeostatic processes, dysregulation of their signals and signaling pathways initiate or modulate pathophysiological pathways related to various disease states, including erectile dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension, acute refractory cardiac failure, intermittent claudication, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and psoriasis. Alterations in expression of PDEs and PDE-gene mutations (especially mutations in PDE6, PDE8B, PDE11A, and PDE4) have been implicated in various diseases and cancer pathologies. PDEs also play important role in formation and function of multimolecular signaling/regulatory complexes, called signalosomes. At specific intracellular locations, individual PDEs, together with pathway-specific signaling molecules, regulators, and effectors, are incorporated into specific signalosomes, where they facilitate and regulate compartmentalization of cyclic nucleotide signaling pathways and specific cellular functions. Currently, only a limited number of PDE inhibitors (PDE3, PDE4, PDE5 inhibitors) are used in clinical practice. Future paths to novel drug discovery include the crystal structure-based design approach, which has resulted in generation of more effective family-selective inhibitors, as well as burgeoning development of strategies to alter compartmentalized cyclic nucleotide signaling pathways by selectively targeting individual PDEs and their signalosome partners.

Increasing small conductance Ca2+-activated potassium channel activity reverses ischemia-induced impairment of long-term potentiation

Global cerebral ischemia following cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CA/CPR) causes injury to hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons and impairs cognition. Small conductance Ca(2+)-activated potassium channels type 2 (SK2), expressed in CA1 pyramidal neurons, have been implicated as potential protective targets. Here we showed that, in mice, hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) was impaired as early as 3 h after recovery from CA/CPR and LTP remained impaired for at least 30 days. Treatment with the SK2 channel agonist 1-Ethyl-2-benzimidazolinone (1-EBIO) at 30 min after CA provided sustained protection from plasticity deficits, with LTP being maintained at control levels at 30 days after recovery from CA/CPR. Minimal changes in glutamate release probability were observed at delayed times after CA/CPR, implicating post-synaptic mechanisms. Real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction indicated that CA/CPR did not cause a loss of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor mRNA at 7 or 30 days after CA/CPR. Similarly, no change in synaptic NMDA receptor protein levels was observed at 7 or 30 days after CA/CPR. Further, patch-clamp experiments demonstrated no change in functional synaptic NMDA receptors at 7 or 30 days after CA/CPR. Electrophysiology recordings showed that synaptic SK channel activity was reduced for the duration of experiments performed (up to 30 days) and that, surprisingly, treatment with 1-EBIO did not prevent the CA/CPR-induced loss of synaptic SK channel function. We concluded that CA/CPR caused alterations in post-synaptic signaling that were prevented by treatment with the SK2 agonist 1-EBIO, indicating that activators of SK2 channels may be useful therapeutic agents to prevent ischemic injury and cognitive impairments.

ASC amino-acid transporter 2 (ASCT2) as a novel prognostic marker in non-small cell lung cancer

Background:

ASC amino-acid transporter 2 (ASCT2) is a major glutamine transporter that has an essential role in tumour growth and progression. Although ASCT2 is highly expressed in various cancer cells, the clinicopathological significance of its expression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear.

Methods:

One hundred and four patients with surgically resected NSCLC were evaluated as one institutional cohort. Tumour sections were stained by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for ASCT2, Ki-67, phospho-mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin), and CD34 to assess the microvessel density. Two hundred and four patients with NSCLC were also validated by IHC from an independent cohort.

Results:

ASC amino-acid transporter 2 was expressed in 66% of patients, and was closely correlated with disease stage, lymphatic permeation, vascular invasion, CD98, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and mTOR phosphorylation, particularly in patients with adenocarcinoma (AC). Moreover, two independent cohorts confirmed that ASCT2 was an independent marker for poor outcome in AC patients.

Conclusions:

ASC amino-acid transporter 2 expression has a crucial role in the metastasis of pulmonary AC, and is a potential molecular marker for predicting poor prognosis after surgery.

Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of interleukin-8 expression and its relationship to KRAS mutation in lung adenocarcinoma

Background:

On the basis of our recent findings of oncogenic KRAS-induced interleukin-8 (IL-8) overexpression in non-small cell lung cancer, we assessed the clinicopathological and prognostic significances of IL-8 expression and its relationship to KRAS mutations in lung adenocarcinomas.

Methods:

IL-8 expression was examined by quantitative RT–PCR using 136 of surgical specimens from lung adenocarcinoma patients. The association between IL-8 expression, clinicopathological features, KRAS or EGFR mutation status and survival was analysed.

Results:

IL-8 was highly expressed in tumours from elderly patients or smokers and in tumours with pleural involvement or vascular invasion. In a non-smokers' subgroup, IL-8 level positively correlated with age. IL-8 was highly expressed in tumours with KRAS mutations compared with those with EGFR mutations or wild-type EGFR/KRAS. Lung adenocarcinoma patients with high IL-8 showed significantly shorter disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) than those with low IL8. DFS and OS were significantly shorter in the patients with mutant KRAS/high IL-8 than in those with wild-type KRAS/low IL-8. Cox regression analyses demonstrated that elevated IL-8 expression correlated with unfavourable prognosis.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that IL-8 expression is associated with certain clinicopathological features including age and is a potent prognostic marker in lung adenocarcinoma, especially in oncogenic KRAS-driven adenocarcinoma.

Neurological deterioration due to missed thoracic spinal stenosis after decompressive lumbar surgery

There have been a few reports of patients with a combination of lumbar and thoracic spinal stenosis. We describe six patients who suffered unexpected acute neurological deterioration at a mean of 7.8 days (6 to 10) after lumbar decompressive surgery. Five had progressive weakness and one had recurrent pain in the lower limbs. There was incomplete recovery following subsequent thoracic decompressive surgery.

The neurological presentation can be confusing. Patients with compressive myelopathy due to lower thoracic lesions, especially epiconus lesions (T10 to T12/L1 disc level), present with similar symptoms to those with lumbar radiculopathy or cauda equina lesions. Despite the rarity of this condition we advise that patients who undergo lumbar decompressive surgery for stenosis should have sagittal whole spine MRI studies pre-operatively to exclude proximal neurological compression.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1388–91.

Effect of Hexamethylene Diisocyanate as Compatibilizer on the Mechanical Properties of Banana Fiber/Poly(butylene succinate) Composites

We prepared banana fiber (BF)/poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) composites using hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) as a compatibilizer. BF was treated with NaOH aqueous solution (BF-A). Both BF/PBS/HDI and BF-A/PBS/HDI composites were made by applying a batch type twin-kneader at 130°C. Dumbbell specimens were prepared by an injection molding machine at 130°C. Effect of concentration of NaOH aq on tensile strength and impact strength, effect of amount of HDI on tensile strength and Izod impact strength, and effect of mixing time on tensile strength and Izod impact strength of BF/PBS/HDI and BF-A/PBS/HDI composites were studied. When contents of HDI in composites were increased, tensile strength increased. In addition, when mixing times were increased, tensile strength increased. Although the mechanical properties of PBS were first degraded with the addition of BF, alkaline treatment to BF and the addition of HDI improved the mechanical properties. This probably due to the promotion of the adhesion between BF and PBS. The surface morphology of the fracture surfaces of the composites were observed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). It shows that higher mechanical properties can be expected from compatibilized composites based on BF-As with aliphatic polyesters.

Feasibility trial for adjuvant chemotherapy with docetaxel plus cisplatin followed by single agent long-term administration of S-1 chemotherapy in patients with completely resected non-small cell lung cancer: Thoracic Oncology Research Group Study 0809

BACKGROUND

We conducted a multicentre feasibility study for single agent long-term S-1 chemotherapy following docetaxel plus cisplatin in patients with curatively resected stage II-IIIA non-small cell lung cancer.

METHODS

Patients received three cycles of docetaxel (60 mg m(-2)) plus cisplatin (80 mg m(-2)) and then received S-1 (40 mg m(-2) twice daily) for 14 consecutive days with a 1-week rest for >6 months (maximum, 1 year). The primary end point was feasibility, which was defined as the proportion of patients who completed eight or more cycles of S-1 chemotherapy. If the lower 95% confidence interval (CI) of this proportion was 50% or more, then the treatment was considered as feasible. The sample size was set at 125 patients.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-one patients were enrolled, of whom 129 patients were eligible and assessable. In all, 109 patients (84.5%) completed 3 cycles of docetaxel plus cisplatin and 66 patients (51.2%, 95% CI: 42.5-59.8) completed 8 or more cycles of S-1 treatment. Grade 3/4 toxicities during the S-1 chemotherapy included anaemia (7.3%), neutropaenia (3.7%), and anorexia (3.7%).

CONCLUSION

The toxicity level was acceptable, although the results did not meet our criterion for feasibility. Modification of the treatment schedule for S-1 chemotherapy might improve the treatment compliance.

Prediction of Birefringence for Optical Memory Disk

Polycarbonate (PC) is considered to be a proper resin for optical memory disk, however PC resin shows high birefringence. It is very important to reduce birefringence of PC optical memory disk. This research is to obtain the relationship between birefringence and process conditions and to get the optimum condition for the production of low birefringence substrate of PC optical memory disk. The birefringence distribution of PC optical memory disk was theoretically predicted by the calculations of both the stress distribution caused by molecular orientation during the filling stage and the thermal stress caused by temperature difference during the cooling stage. The relationship between birefringence distribution and the process conditions such as rheological properties of PC resin, injection temperature, mold temperature, mold design and annealing condition is possible to be predicted theoretically by calculating shear stress during the injection process and thermal stress during the cooling process. The predicted results of birefringence distribution qualitatively agree with the experimental ones.

Neu5Acα2,6Gal and Neu5Acα2,3Gal receptor specificities on influenza viruses determined by a waveguide-mode sensor

To characterize the differences in the receptor-binding specificities of human and avian influenza viruses with glycan chains, the authors performed binding analyses using an evanescent field-coupled waveguide-mode biosensor. The experiments were performed on intact viruses and hemagglutinin proteins, using gold-nanoparticle-conjugated Neu5Acα2,6Gal and Neu5Acα2,3Gal glycan chains. Several influenza viruses belonging to subtypes H3N2 (A/Udorn/307/1972, A/Shandong/9/1993, A/Kiev/301/1994, A/Panama/2007/1999, A/Wisconsin/67/2005 and A/Brisbane/10/2007), H1N1 (A/Brisbane/59/2007 and A/California/07/2009) and H5N1 (A/chicken/India/NIV33487/2006) were used. High levels of glycan-based discrimination were observed with the H3N2 strain A/Brisbane/10/2007 due to its specificity with Neu5Acα2,6Gal, but not with Neu5Acα2,3Gal. Possible amino acid residues responsible for the discrimination of human and avian influenza viruses are discussed. These types of sensor-based discriminatory analyses would be very useful for distinguishing between influenza pandemics, especially during the transition and overlapping periods of human and avian influenza viruses with evolutionary changes.

Communicating by electrolarynx with a blind tetraplegic spinal cord injury patient on mechanical ventilation in the ICU

STUDY DESIGN

Single-subject case.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the atypical presentation of communication with a blind tetraplegic spinal cord injury patient on a respirator using an electrolarynx.

SETTING

Critical care center in Osaka, Japan.

METHODS

A 53-year-old blind man with tetraplegic spinal cord injury was admitted to our center. It was difficult for him to express his desires and to communicate with others about his severe condition and other details of his care. We began to use an electrolarynx to communicate with this patient because he could move his mouth.

RESULTS

With use of the electrolarynx, the patient gradually became better able to speak fluently by electrolarynx on the first day of use. The electrolarynx allowed us and his family to communicate with him. He was pleased with the improvement in communication.

CONCLUSION

An electrolarynx is a useful method for communicating with blind tetraplegic spinal cord injury patients on mechanical ventilation.