[Delayed Hydrocephalus Following Embolization with Hydrogel Coils for an Unruptured Aneurysm at the Tip of the Basilar Artery:A Case Report]

We report the case of a 62-year-old woman with delayed hydrocephalus following endovascular embolization with hydrogel coils for an unruptured aneurysm at the tip of the basilar artery. She underwent the first and second embolizations with bare platinum coils and matrix coils, respectively. However, recanalization and regrowth of the aneurysm was observed, and a successful third embolization with hydrogel coils(2 mm/4 cm×2)was performed. However, progressive ventricular enlargement was observed during 8 months after the third treatment. MRI with fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence showed edema in the perianeurysmal white matter, as well as marked communicating hydrocephalus. The aneurysmal wall was enhanced with the administration of gadolinium-DTPA. The cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)protein level was 113 mg/dL. A ventriculo-peritoneal shunt was placed, and the patient was discharged without symptoms. It was postulated that endovascular embolization with hydrogel coils causes inflammation of the aneurysmal wall and perianeurysmal white matter, followed by elevation of CSF protein and subsequent communicating hydrocephalus.

Gold Nanoparticles Inhibit Matrix Metalloproteases without Cytotoxicity

Nanoparticles (NPs) are currently the focus of considerable attention for dental applications; however, their biological effects have not been fully elucidated. The long-term, slow release of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) digests collagen fibrils within resin-dentin bonds. Therefore, MMP inhibitors can prolong the durability of resin-dentin bonds. However, there have been few reports evaluating the combined effect of MMP inhibition and the cytotoxic effects of NPs for dentin bonding. The aim of this study was to evaluate MMP inhibition and cytotoxic responses to gold (AuNPs) and platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) stabilized by polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in cultured murine macrophages (RAW264) by using MMP inhibition assays, measuring cell viability and inflammatory responses (quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction [RT-qPCR]), and conducting a micromorphological analysis by fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. Cultured RAW264 cells were exposed to metal NPs at various concentrations (1, 10, 100, and 400 µg/mL). AuNPs and PtNPs markedly inhibited MMP-8 and MMP-9 activity. Although PtNPs were cytotoxic at high concentrations (100 and 400 µg/mL), no cytotoxic effects were observed for AuNPs at any concentration. Transmission electron microscopy images showed a significant nonrandom intercellular distribution for AuNPs and PtNPs, which were mostly observed to be localized in lysosomes but not in the nucleus. RT-qPCR analysis demonstrated inflammatory responses were not induced in RAW264 cells by AuNPs or PtNPs. The cytotoxicity of nanoparticles might depend on the core metal composition and arise from a “Trojan horse” effect; thus, MMP inhibition could be attributed to the surface charge of PVP, which forms the outer coating of NPs. The negative charge of the surface coating of PVP binds to Zn2+ from the active center of MMPs by chelate binding and results in MMP inhibition. In summary, AuNPs are attractive NPs that effectively inhibit MMP activity without cytotoxicity or inflammatory responses.

Hidden osteophyte formation on plain X-ray is the predictive factor for development of knee osteoarthritis after 48 months--data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether the detection of osteophytes anywhere in the knee could serve as a pre-radiographic biomarker for osteoarthritis (OA) development.

METHODS

Baseline magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) of 132 participants in the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) were studied. Based on radiographs, 66 knees were assessed as osteoarthritis-free (no-osteoarthritis [NOA], or Kellgren/Lawrence [K/L] severity grade 0/1 both at baseline and 48 months), and another 66 knees were assessed as having radiographic OA changes (pre-radiographic osteoarthritis [PROA], or with K/L grade 0/1 at baseline and grade ≥ 2 at 48 months). Using baseline MRI data, we examined eight sites of osteophyte formation: the medial and lateral femoral condyle (MFC and LFC, respectively); medial and lateral tibial plateau (MTP and LTP, respectively); medial and lateral facets of the patellofemoral joint (PM and PL, respectively); tibial spine (TS); and femoral intercondylar notch (IC). Knee joint osteophyte size was assessed via the 8-point marginal osteophytes item of the whole-organ magnetic resonance imaging score (WORMS). The frequencies and distributions of osteophytes were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Mild-size osteophytes (defined as score ≥ 2) were observed more frequently at the MFC (P = 0.00278), MTP (P = 0.0046), TS (P = 0.0146), PM (P < 0.0001), PL (P = 0.0012), and IC (P < 0.0001) in PROA knees than in NOA knees. Moderate-size osteophytes (defined as score ≥ 4) were more frequently observed in PROA knees than in NOA knees only at the IC (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Knees with osteophyte formation at the IC, even those of K/L severity grade 0/1, are at risk for the development of radiographic OA by 48 months.

Development of horn antenna mixer array with internal local oscillator module for microwave imaging diagnostics

A new antenna array is proposed in order to improve the sensitivity and complexity of microwave imaging diagnostics systems such as a microwave imaging reflectometry, a microwave imaging interferometer, and an electron cyclotron emission imaging. The antenna array consists of five elements: a horn antenna, a waveguide-to-microstrip line transition, a mixer, a local oscillation (LO) module, and an intermediate frequency amplifier. By using an LO module, the LO optics can be removed, and the supplied LO power to each element can be equalized. We report details of the antenna array and characteristics of a prototype antenna array.

Development of novel treatment with a bioabsorbable esophageal patch for benign esophageal stricture

Using a large animal model, we examined whether circumferential stricture after esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) can be treated by grafting a bioabsorbable esophageal patch. Circumferential ESD was performed on the thoracic esophagus in pigs (n = 6) to create a stricture, for which one of the following interventions was performed: (1) the stricture site was longitudinally incised, and an artificial esophageal wall (AEW) was grafted after placing a bioabsorbable stent (AEW patch group, n = 3); (2) endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) was performed every other week after stricture development (EBD group, n = 3). In both groups, esophageal fluoroscopy was performed 8 weeks after the interventions, and the esophagus was excised for histological examination of the patched site. In the AEW patch group, esophageal fluoroscopy revealed favorable passage through the patched site. Histologically, the mucosal epithelium and lamina propria had regenerated as in the normal area. In the EBD group, the circumferential stricture site showed marked thickening, and there were hypertrophic scars associated with epithelial defects on the luminal surface. Histologically, defects of the mucosal epithelium and full-thickness proliferation of connective tissue were observed. AEW patch grafting was suggested to be a potentially novel treatment strategy for post-ESD esophageal circumferential stricture.

Genetic epidemiology of tooth agenesis in Japan: a population- and family-based study

Tooth agenesis is one of the most common congenital anomalies in humans. However, the etiology of tooth agenesis remains largely unclear, as well as evidence base useful for genetic counseling. Therefore, we estimated the prevalence and sibling recurrence risk, and investigated agenetic patterns systematically. Tooth agenesis was classified into two subtypes: hypodontia (one to five missing teeth) and oligodontia (six or more missing teeth). The prevalence of these two subtypes were 6.8% [95% confidence interval (CI): 6.1-7.7%] and 0.1% (95% CI: 0.04-0.3%), respectively, and sibling recurrence risk of these were 24.5% (95% CI: 13.8-38.3%) and 43.8% (95% CI: 26.4-62.3%), respectively. This result suggests that the severe phenotype, oligodontia, might be mostly transmitted in a dominant fashion. Using a simple statistical modeling approach, our data were found to be consistent with a bilateral symmetry model, meaning that there was equal probability of missing teeth from the right and left sides.

[Usefulness of image fusion for the treatment guidance of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula]

Before treating an arteriovenous fistula, it is important to understand its features, particularly the shunting point, sinus form, and drainage route. However, this can often be difficult owing to the large number of vessels that accumulate in the fistula region. In this study, we employed image fusion technology to understand the pathology of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas (CSdAVFs) prior to treatment. We performed the following three types of fusions on the workstation: three-dimensional rotation angiography (3DRA) images from different feeding arteries to gain a detailed understanding of fistula architecture and shunting points; three-dimensional computed tomography (3DCT) and 3DRA images for determining the correlation between the skull base bone and the sinus shunt to predict the point of shunt access;and time-of-flight magnetic resonance imaging (TOF MRI) scans and 3DRA source images for investigating retrograde leptomeningeal venous drainage. Compared to individual images, the fused images more effectively provided a detailed understanding of CSdAVFs. Herein, we report our experience with image fusion for CSdAVF and review the relevant literature.

Effect of Arachidonic Acid-enriched Oil Diet Supplementation on the Taste of Broiler Meat

To elucidate the relationship between the arachidonic acid (AA) content and the taste of broiler meat, the effects of AA-enriched oil (AAO) supplements on the fatty acid content and sensory perceptions of thigh meat were evaluated. Four types of oil, including corn oil (CO), a 1:1 mixture of AAO and palm oil (PO) (1/2 AAO), a 1:3 mixture of AAO and PO (1/4 AAO), and a 1:7 mixture of AAO and PO (1/8 AAO) were prepared. Each type of oil was mixed with silicate at a ratio of 7:3, and added to the diet at a final proportion of 5% of fresh matter. Broiler chickens were fed these diets for 1 wk before slaughter. In thigh meat, the AA content of the 1/2 and 1/4 AAO groups was significantly higher than that of the CO group. The AA content in thigh meat (y, mg/g) increased linearly with increasing dietary AAO content (x, g/100 g of diet), according to the equation y = 0.5674+0.4596× (r² = 0.8454). The content of other fatty acids was not significantly different among the 4 diet groups. Sensory evaluation showed that the flavor intensity, umami (L-glutamate taste), kokumi (continuity, mouthfulness, and thickness), and aftertaste of the 1/2 and 1/4 AAO groups were significantly higher than that of the CO group. There were significant positive correlations between AA content in thigh meat and the flavor intensity, total taste intensity, umami, and aftertaste. These data suggest that the taste of broiler meat can be improved by the amount of dietary AA supplementation.

Destabilization of the medial meniscus leads to subchondral bone defects and site-specific cartilage degeneration in an experimental rat model

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate subchondral bone changes using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and regional differences in articular cartilage degeneration, focusing on changes of cartilage covered by menisci, in the early phase using a destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) model.

METHOD

The DMM model was created as an experimental rat osteoarthritis (OA) model (12 weeks old; n = 24). At 1, 2, and 4 weeks after surgery, the rats were sacrificed, and knee joints were scanned using a Micro-CT system. Histological sections of the medial tibial plateau, which was divided into inner, middle, and outer regions, were prepared and scored using the modified OARSI scoring system. The cartilage thickness was also calculated, and matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13), Col2-3/4c, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression was assessed immunohistochemically.

RESULTS

Subchondral bone defects were observed in the middle region, in which the cartilage thickness decreased over time after surgery, and these defects were filled with MMP13- and VEGF-expressing fibrous tissue. The OARSI score increased over time in the middle region, and the score was significantly higher in the middle region than in the inner and outer regions at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after surgery. Col2-3/4c and MMP13 expression was observed primarily in the meniscus-covered outer region, in which the cartilage thickness increased over time.

CONCLUSION

Loss of meniscal function caused cartilage degeneration and subchondral bone defects in the early phase site-specifically in the middle region. Furthermore, our results might indicate cartilage covered by menisci is easily degraded resulting in osmotic swelling of the cartilage in early OA.

Secretion of Mono- and Diacylglycerol Lipase fromPenicillium camembertiiU-150 bySaccharomyces cerevisiaeand Site-directed Mutagenesis of the Putative Catalytic Sites of the Lipase

Yeast cells carrying intronless mono- and diacylglycerol lipase (MDGL) genes, constructed by recombination of the genomic gene and cDNA, secreted MDGL into the culture supernatant. Most of the yeast MDGL were extensively glycosylated while they had a similar glyceride specificity to that of native MDGL. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to directly confirm the involvements in enzyme activity of the presumptive amino acid residues to form the catalytic center of MDGL. These residues were conserved in the primary structure alignment of a lipase family from filamentous fungi. Mutant lipase proteins in which Ser83, Ser145, or His259 was replaced with glycine were secreted by yeast transformants as inactive proteins. Mutant proteins replacing Asp199 with glycine or asparagine were not detected in the culture supernatant. Replacing other two highly conserved aspartic acids (at positions 232 and 243) with glycine did not render the enzyme inactive. These results indicate that Ser83, Ser145, and His259 in MDGL, are essential to enzyme activity. Asp199 is also likely to be involved.

A comparison of facial color pattern and gazing behavior in canid species suggests gaze communication in gray wolves (Canis lupus)

As facial color pattern around the eyes has been suggested to serve various adaptive functions related to the gaze signal, we compared the patterns among 25 canid species, focusing on the gaze signal, to estimate the function of facial color pattern in these species. The facial color patterns of the studied species could be categorized into the following three types based on contrast indices relating to the gaze signal: A-type (both pupil position in the eye outline and eye position in the face are clear), B-type (only the eye position is clear), and C-type (both the pupil and eye position are unclear). A-type faces with light-colored irises were observed in most studied species of the wolf-like clade and some of the red fox-like clade. A-type faces tended to be observed in species living in family groups all year-round, whereas B-type faces tended to be seen in solo/pair-living species. The duration of gazing behavior during which the facial gaze-signal is displayed to the other individual was longest in gray wolves with typical A-type faces, of intermediate length in fennec foxes with typical B-type faces, and shortest in bush dogs with typical C-type faces. These results suggest that the facial color pattern of canid species is related to their gaze communication and that canids with A-type faces, especially gray wolves, use the gaze signal in conspecific communication.

Preventive effects of hyaluronan from deterioration of gait parameters in surgically induced mice osteoarthritic knee model

OBJECTIVE

Osteoarthritis (OA) leads to pain and loss of function in affected joints. Gait disturbance results from these symptoms of OA, and gait analysis can be important to evaluate the progression of OA. The purpose of this study was to analyze gait pattern in a rodent model of OA and to assess the effects of intra-articular injection of hyaluronan (IAI-HA) by gait analysis, along with histological evaluation.

DESIGN

OA was induced by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) of C57BL/6 mice. IAI-HA started 3 weeks after DMM surgery. Mice were allocated to three groups and were given either 800-kDa HA (800-HA), 6000-kDa HA (6000-HA) or saline. We compared these three groups with a sham group by gait analysis using CatWalk. Histological evaluation was performed to assess articular cartilage changes in the knee joints.

RESULTS

Mice injected with 800-HA or 6000-HA showed gait patterns similar to that of the sham mice, while the saline-injected group showed gait disturbances 12 and 16 weeks after DMM surgery. Histological changes in articular cartilage were similar among the 800-HA, 6000-HA and saline-treated groups, demonstrating OA progression throughout the experimental time points. Positive gait-related effects of IAI-HA might occur by its pain relieving effect and/or by preventing contracture.

CONCLUSION

IAI-HA prevented gait disturbances in the DMM model, but did not prevent histological changes associated with OA progression.

Techniques for Universal Evaluation of Astringency of Green Tea Infusion by the Use of a Taste Sensor System

A practical method for universal evaluation of the astringency of green tea infusion by a taste sensor system was established. The use of EGCg aqueous solution as a standard enabled analysis with high accuracy and reproducibility. The sensor output was converted into taste-intensity on the basis of Weber's and Weber-Fechner laws, which was named the "EIT(ast)" value ("EIT" and "ast" are abbreviations for "Estimated Intensity of Taste" and "astringency" respectively). It was clarified that green tea infusion is to be classified into eight grades on the EIT(ast) scale. Furthermore, the high correlation of the EIT(ast) value with the human gustatory sense and the high stability of the taste sensor were proved.

Treatment efficiency of mini-implant-borne distalization depending on age and second-molar eruption

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of molar distalization depending on age and second-molar eruption using the Beneslider.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Treatment of 51 patients (mean age 17.8 ± 9.6 years) was investigated retrospectively by means of pre- and posttreatment cephalograms. Patients were divided into three groups: 14 children with unerupted upper second molars (group 1), 23 adolescents with second molar in place (group 2), and 14 adults (group 3). The distalization forces applied were 2.4 N in group 1 and 5.0 N in groups 2 and 3. Treatment changes were evaluated and examined statistically for significant differences.

RESULTS

In all patients a Class I molar relationship was achieved. All mini-implants remained stable during treatment. Mean distalization distance as measured by the displacement of the center of resistance was 3.6 ± 1.9 mm (range 1.2-8.5 mm depending on treatment needs). Since no significant tipping was detected, the type of movement can be described as bodily movement. Mean overall distalization speed was 0.6 ± 0.4 mm per month. There were no statistical differences between the groups.

CONCLUSION

We found the Beneslider to be an effective appliance that enables bodily distalization in adequate treatment time. The higher resistance due to erupted second molars can be compensated by the use of higher forces without significantly reducing distalization speed.

Altered cerebellum development and dopamine distribution in a rat genetic model with congenital hypothyroidism

Thyroid hormones play crucial roles in the development and functional maintenance of the central nervous system. Despite extensive studies of the neural function of thyroid hormones, little is known about the effects of hypothyroidism on behavioural traits and the mechanisms underlying such effects. In the present study, we report an investigation of congenitally hypothyroid mutant rdw rats, revealing a novel function of thyroid hormones in the central nervous system. The rdw rats were subjected to behavioural analyses such as the rotarod test, open field test and circadian activity measurement. To determine the cause of behavioural disorders, cerebellar morphogenesis was examined by immunohistochemical analysis, and the axonal transport of dopamine in the nigrostriatal pathway was analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography and western blotting. The effects of thyroxine administration to the rdw rats were examined by behavioural analysis. The rdw rats showed severe impairment of motor coordination and balance. This could be explained by the fact that the rats showed severe retardation of cerebellar morphogenesis, which correlates with the small somata and poor dendritic arborisation of Purkinje cells and retarded migration of granule cells particularly during the first two postnatal weeks. Moreover, the rdw rats showed hypoactivity, characterised by decreased circadian locomotor activity. After weaning, thyroxine administration improved the dwarfism in rdw rats but had no effect on cerebellar function. In addition, the rdw rats showed anxiety and depression intrinsically to novel surroundings. Interestingly, the rdw rats showed high levels of dopamine in the substantia nigra and low levels in the striatum, an important centre for the coordination of behaviour. Furthermore, low levels of tubulin in the striatum were detected, indicating the aberrant axonal transport of dopamine in the nigrostriatal pathway as a result of the reduced delivery of microtubules. These findings indicate an important function of thyroid hormones in cerebellar formation and in the regulation of axonal transport of dopamine. Moreover, rdw rats will be useful for studies of brain function and behavioural disorders in congenital hypothyroidism.

(1S*,2S*,4R*,5R*)-Cyclo-hexane-1,2,4,5-tetra-carb-oxy-lic acid

The title compound, C₁₀H₁₂O₈, a prospective raw material for colourless polyimides which are applied to electronic and microelectronic devices, lies about an inversion centre and the cyclo­hexane ring adopts a chair conformation. Two crystallographycally independent carb­oxy­lic acid groups on adjacent C atoms are in equatorial positions, resulting in a mutually trans conformation. In the crystal, O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds around an inversion centre and a threefold rotoinversion axis, respectively, form an inversion dimer with an R₂²(8) motif and a trimer with an R₃³(12) motif.

Fabrication of Y2O3-Doped Zirconia/Gadolinia-Doped Ceria Bilayer Electrolyte Thin Film SOFC Cells of SOFCs by Single-Pulsed Laser Deposition Processing

An 8 -mol. % Y₂O₃-doped zirconia/10-mol. % GdO₂-doped ceria (YSZ/GDC) bilayer electrolyte and a Gd_0.5Sr_0.5CoO₃ (GSCO) cathode were deposited by a single-processing, pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method to fabricate anode support cells. No additional heat treatment was needed. Laser frequencies of 10, 20, and 100 Hz were used to deposit bilayer electrolytes between the NiO–YSZ (NiO:YSZ = 60:40 wt. %) anode substrate and the GSCO cathode thin film. The GDC thin film produced at 10 Hz was smooth, well-crystallized, and highly dense. The crystallinity of the GSCO cathode on the GDC was also improved. We concluded the GDC crystallinity affected the crystallinity of the cathode thin film. The resistivity of the YSZ single layer (5.7 μm thickness) was 1.4 times higher than that of the YSZ/GDC bilayer (YSZ 3.0 μm thickness, GDC 2.7 μm thickness) at 600 °C and that of the YSZ-GDC interface became low. The optimum YSZ thickness was found to be approximately 3.0 μm, at which thickness there was effective blocking of the passage of hydrogen molecules and electrons. A cell with a YSZ (3.0 μm thickness, fabricated at 20 Hz)/GDC (5.0 μm thickness, fabricated at 10 Hz) bilayer and GSCO cathode thin film exhibited a maximum power density of 400 mW·cm^–2 at a comparatively low temperature of 600 °C.

Mandibular reconstruction using a poly(L-lactide) mesh combined with autogenous particulate cancellous bone and marrow: a prospective clinical study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stability and viability of mandibular bone regeneration using a poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) mesh and autogenous particulate cancellous bone and marrow (PCBM). Sixty-two procedures were undertaken at eight hospitals (22 malignant tumours, 30 benign tumours, five cysts, two osteomyelitis, two trauma, and one atrophy of the alveolar ridge); the success rate was 84%. The follow-up period was between 9 and 200 months (mean 88.2 months). Consequently, bone regeneration at 6 months postoperation was excellent in 35 cases (57%), good in 17 cases (27%), and poor in 10 cases (16%). In six of the 'poor' cases, the PLLA mesh was removed due to local infection early after surgery. Bone resorption>20% was observed in only one of 46 cases with a follow-up term of >1 year. There were no signs of any other adverse effects except in one case where a section of the tray broke off late in the follow-up period. It is concluded that this method is stable and effective due to favourable morphological and functional recovery and low invasiveness. It may thus be a useful alternative procedure for mandibular reconstruction.

[Thoracocervical giant perimedullary arteriovenous fistula treated with transarterial embolization: a case report]

A 43-year-old woman with progressive gait disturbance and dysesthesia of the limbs and trunk visited our hospital. Upon examination, a thoracocervical giant perimedullary arteriovenous fistula(GPMAVF)was detected. The GPMAVF was fed by both of the highest intercostal arteries and the thyrocervical trunk. The dilated drainage vein widely compressed the spinal cord from the upper thoracic to the cervical regions. Transarterial embolization with n-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate was performed, and the fistula was completely obliterated. The dilated drainage vein was thrombosed, and it decreased in size after treatment. The patient's symptoms and magnetic resonance imaging results significantly improved. We suggest that endovascular treatment is effective for GPMAVFs, given sufficient analysis of the anatomical architecture.

Impact of five SNPs in dopamine-related genes on executive function

OBJECTIVES

Dopamine neurotransmission is a critical factor for executive function, which is controlled by the prefrontal cortex in humans. Although the contribution of genetic factors to the regulation of brain dopaminergic activity is widely acknowledged, identification of a genotype-phenotype association has not yet been clearly established. In this study, we therefore evaluated the effects of five functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in specific genes related to dopamine neurotransmission on executive function in a general population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Participants of the health examination at the Shimane Institute of Health Science were recruited for this study (n = 964). To evaluate executive function, the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) was administered. SNPs were genotyped using the TaqMan method.

RESULTS

A significant association was found between an SNP in the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene (rs4680) encoding the low-activity Met allele and FAB score (P = 0.003). Of note, the flexibility subset of the FAB was associated with the SNP in COMT (P = 0.003) after adjustment for confounding factors. The generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction method identified that the combination of two SNPs in the COMT gene (rs4680) and the dopamine D4 receptor gene (rs1800955) had a significant effect on FAB score.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicates a contribution of rs4680 in the COMT gene to the variability in executive function, as assessed by the FAB. In addition, we have indicated that a complex gene-gene interaction between SNPs in the genes related to dopamine neurotransmission may influence executive function in a general population.

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.

Short communication: Molecular typing of Prototheca zopfii from bovine mastitis in Japan

Prototheca zopfii causes bovine mastitis, resulting in reduced milk production and the secretion of thin watery milk with white flakes. Prototheca zopfii has been biochemically and serologically divided into at least 2 genotypes, P. zopfii genotype 1 and P. zopfii genotype 2. The latter is known to be the main causative agent of bovine protothecal mastitis. Prototheca zopfii was later reclassified into 5 varieties: var. zopfii (genotypes 1 and 2), var. 1 (formerly Prototheca blaschkeae), var. 3 (formerly P. moriformis), and var. portoricensis. In this study, the 18S ribosomal DNA sequences of diverse clinical specimens from different areas in Japan were studied to clarify the pathogenicity of P. zopfii var. zopfii. The phylogenetic tree revealed that all genotype 2 isolates were grouped in a cluster of P. zopfii var. zopfii SAG 2021(T) (type strain genotype 2), and were independent from the cluster of the genotype 1 isolates. Thus, all isolates from bovine mastitis in Japan were identified as P. zopfii genotype 2. Therefore, P. zopfii var. zopfii genotype 2 is associated with bovine mastitis.

Angiogenic activity of subchondral bone during the progression of osteoarthritis in a rabbit anterior cruciate ligament transection model

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the longitudinal angiogenic activity of subchondral bone and cartilage during the progression of osteoarthritis (OA) using a rabbit model of OA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

OA was surgically induced by anterior cruciate ligament transaction (ACLT) in left knee of 12 months old female New Zealand white rabbits (n = 33). Histological examination, immunohistochemistry, and angiogenic activity assay was done at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 weeks after ACLT. Histologic evaluation was performed with haematoxylin and eosin, safranin-O staining to assess the OA change of medial femoral condyle (MFC) and lateral femoral condyle (LFC). CD31 immunohistochemistry was performed to confirm the vascular invasion at osteochondral junction. A co-cultured tubule formation assay was conducted to evaluate angiogenic activity of the subchondral bone and cartilage of MFC and LFC as well as synovium. Association between histological changes, angiogenic activity, and vascular invasion were evaluated.

RESULTS

OA changes increased in a time-dependent manner both in MFC and LFC. Angiogenic activity of subchondral bone showed a monomodal change during the OA progression, achieved a peak in the early to progressive stage and decreased to normal level in the late stage of OA. Surge of vascular invasion was observed following the increase of angiogenic activity in the progressive stage of OA. Angiogenic activity of cartilage did not change during the course of OA progression.

CONCLUSION

Angiogenic activity of subchondral bone was elevated in the early to progressive stage of OA and vascular invasion into the osteochondral junction followed.

Swollen head syndrome in broiler chickens in Japan: Its pathology, microbiology and biochemistry

Four-to-seven-week-old broilers with swollen head syndrome (SHS) from 4 different districts of Japan were examined for pathological, microbiological and biochemical findings. Periocular and mandibular subcutaneous swelling, sometimes accompanied by ocular, hepatic and cardiac lesions were observed. Histologically, diffuse fibrinopurulent inflammation with focal granulomatous lesions was characteristic of subcutaneous tissue of the head, especially periocular tissue. The air spaces of the cranial bones and middle ear showed fibrinopurulent inflammation. Upper respiratory lesions (rhinitis, sinusitis and tracheitis) were always present in chickens with SHS. The characteristic lesions of chicken colibacillosis, i.e. fibrinopurulent serositis, panophthalmitis, fibrinous thrombi in sinusoids of the liver and fibrinous exudation in the ellipsoids and lymphoid follicles of the spleen, were occasionally seen. No virological agents could be isolated. Turkey rhinotracheitis (TRT) virus gene was detected in tracheas from two flocks by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and serum antibodies against TRT virus were present. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from subcutaneous lesions. Serum alpha(1)-acid glyco-protein, an acute phase protein, was present at high concentration in chickens with SHS. This study suggests that upper respiratory lesions induce E. coli invasion into subcutaneous connective tissue adjacent to the infraorbital sinus and nasal cavity, and SHS in this study may possibly be a local infection of E. coli in facial subcutaneous connective tissue.

Attempts to reproduce swollen head syndrome in specific pathogen-free chickens by inoculating with Escherichia coli and/or turkey rhinotracheitis virus

Attempts to reproduce swollen head syndrome (SHS) lesions were carried out in specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens. In Experiment 1, chickens inoculated into the submucosal tissue of the nasal membrane or subcutaneous tissue of eyelids with four different strains of Escherichia coli, developed typical SHS lesions; purulent and necrotic lesions of facial subcutis (especially around their eyelids), periocular connective tissue, infraorbital sinus, air spaces, middle ears and eyeballs. The lesions elsewhere included splenic necrosis with fibrinous exudation, fibrin thrombi in hepatic sinusoids, and fibrinopurulent epicardi-tis and perihepatitis which occasionally accompanied lesions in SHS cases. In Experiment 2, SPF chickens inoculated intranasally with turkey rhinotracheitis (TRT) virus and/or E. coli showed no significant lesions in the facial skin, upper respiratory tract or other organs. However, the presence of TRT antibodies demonstrated that the virus infected the chickens. This study suggests that E. coli may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of SHS, but that the significance of TRT virus in the pathogenesis is still to be clarified.