Influence of parameter settings in voxel-based morphometry 8. Using DARTEL and region-of-interest on reproducibility in gray matter volumetry

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether reproducibility of gray matter volumetry is influenced by parameter settings for VBM 8 using Diffeomorphic Anatomical Registration Through Exponentiated Lie Algebra (DARTEL) with region-of-interest (ROI) analyses.

METHODS

We prepared three-dimensional T1-weighted magnetic resonance images (3D-T1WIs) of 21 healthy subjects. All subjects were imaged with each of five MRI systems. Voxel-based morphometry 8 (VBM 8) and WFU PickAtlas software were used for gray matter volumetry. The bilateral ROI labels used were those provided as default settings with the software: Frontal Lobe, Hippocampus, Occipital Lobe, Orbital Gyrus, Parietal Lobe, Putamen, and Temporal Lobe. All 3D-T1WIs were segmented to gray matter with six parameters of VBM 8, with each parameter having between three and eight selectable levels. Reproducibility was evaluated as the standard deviation (mm³) of measured values for the five MRI systems.

RESULTS

Reproducibility was influenced by 'Bias regularization (BiasR)', 'Bias FWHM', and 'De-noising filter' settings, but not by 'MRF weighting', 'Sampling distance', or 'Warping regularization' settings. Reproducibility in BiasR was influenced by ROI. Superior reproducibility was observed in Frontal Lobe with the BiasR1 setting, and in Hippocampus, Parietal Lobe, and Putamen with the BiasR3*, BiasR1, and BiasR5 settings, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Reproducibility of gray matter volumetry was influenced by parameter settings in VBM 8 using DARTEL and ROI. In multi-center studies, the use of appropriate settings in VBM 8 with DARTEL results in reduced scanner effect.

Assessment for revascularization of transplanted pancreatic islets at subcutaneous site in mice with a highly sensitive imaging system

BACKGROUND

The subcutaneous space is one of the ideal sites for pancreatic islet transplantation, owing to the minimal invasiveness and easy access. However, the results of pancreatic islet transplantation in subcutaneous sites remain unsatisfactory. One of the main obstacles to successful pancreatic islet transplantation in subcutaneous sites is poor revascularization. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the revascularization process at subcutaneous sites with a highly sensitive imaging system combining a dorsal skinfold chamber (DSC) technique and multiphoton laser scanning microscopy (MPLSM).

METHODS

A few pancreatic islets isolated from C57BL/6-Tg (CAG-EGFP) mice were syngeneically transplanted into nonmetallic DSCs mounted on the backs of C57BL/6J mice. Time-dependent changes in the newly formed vessels of pancreatic islets were imaged using MPLSM on days 1, 4, 7, 11, and 14 (n = 6). Texas Red was injected intravenously to visualize blood vessels. To evaluate islet graft revascularization, we measured vascular volume surrounding the islet using the Volocity system (Improvision).

RESULTS

The percentages of vascular volume at days 1 and 14 were assumed to be 0 and 100%, respectively. The vascular volume on each day was 9.4 ± 6.5% (day 4), 34.9 ± 11.2% (day 7), and 21.1 ± 4.6% (day 11).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study showed that a highly sensitive imaging system combining the DSC technique and MPLSM was a useful tool to analyze the revascularization process of pancreatic islets in a subcutaneous site.

Pyogenic knee arthritis caused by group A β-hemolytic Streptococcus: a toxic shock-prevented case

Pyogenic knee arthritis caused by group A β-hemolytic Streptococcus (GAS) is rare. GAS sometimes causes group A β-hemolytic streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. We encountered a case of pyogenic knee arthritis caused by GAS that resolved after appropriate treatment (emergency arthroscopic synovectomy and medication) administered within 48 h of onset. In cases of a history of another infection with acute knee joint pain, the possibility of GAS-induced pyogenic knee arthritis should be considered, and proper treatment should be administered immediately.

Specific Inhibition by Cyclodextrins of Raw Starch Digestion by Fungal Glucoamylase

alpha-, beta-, and gamma-cyclodextrins (CDs) completely inhibited raw starch digestion by glucoamylase I (GA I, MW 90,000) from Aspergillus awamori var. kawachi, and inhibited by 85% the raw starch adsorption of GA I at the CD concentrations of 1-5 mM. CDs at 1-5 mM did not inhibit gelatinized starch hydrolysis by GA I, but at the concentration of 50 mM, they inhibited such hydrolysis slightly. GA I was specifically adsorbed onto CD-Sepharose 6B, but glucoamylase I' (GA I', MW 73,000), which does not adsorb onto or digest raw starch, from the same strain was not adsorbed onto that gel. The adsorption of the glucoamylases onto raw starch and CD-Sepharose 6B was correlated to their digestion of raw starch. The hydrophobic adsorption of GA I onto CDs and raw starch occurred competitively at the Cp region, which is on the C-terminal side of Gp-I in the site for raw starch affinity of GA I, and inclusion complexes were formed.

An Avicel-affinity Site in an Avicel-digesting Exocellulase from aTrichoderma virideMutant

A single form of exo-type cellulase (Exo I; MW, 65,000), purified from a Trichoderma viride protease-depressed mutant, HK-75, digested Avicel to cellobiose exowise, and hydrolyzed cellotriose, cellotetraose, and cellopentaose in the strict manner of splitting off by cellobiose units. Exo I, however, hydrolyzed cellohexaose by both cellobiose and cellotriose units. Exo I was proteolyzed by papain into two fragments; GPExo (MW, 9,000) and Exo I' (MW, 56,000). The GPExo intensively adsorbed onto Avicel but did not hydrolyze it. Exo I' had nearly identical activity to that of intact Exo I toward cellooligosaccharides but was almost inert to Avicel in digestion and adsorption. Sequence analysis of N-terminal and C-terminal amino acids showed that GPExo was between Gly435 and Leu496 and Exo I' between Glu1 and Gly434 in Exo I. Exo I therefore consists of two domains, one for adsorption to Avicel, as demonstrated by the Avicel-affinity site, GPExo and the other for the cleavage of glycosidic linkages as demonstrated in Exo I'.

Characterization of ASKP1240, a fully human antibody targeting human CD40 with potent immunosuppressive effects

Blocking the CD40-CD154 interaction is reported to be effective for transplantation management and autoimmune disease models in rodents and nonhuman primates. However, clinical trials with anti-CD154 mAbs were halted because of high incidence of thromboembolic complications. Thus, we generated and characterized a fully human anti-CD40 mAb ASKP1240, as an alternative to anti-CD154 mAb. In vitro ASKP1240 concentration-dependently inhibited human peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation induced by soluble CD154. In addition, ASKP1240 did not destabilize platelet thrombi under physiological high shear conditions while mouse anti-human CD154 mAb (mu5C8) did. And ASKP1240 itself did not activate platelet and endothelial cells. In vivo administration of ASKP1240 (1 or 10 mg/kg, intravenously) to cynomolgus monkeys, weekly for 3 weeks, significantly attenuated both delayed-type hypersensitivity and specific antibody formation evoked by tetanus toxoid. The immunosuppressive effect was well correlated with the CD40 receptor saturation. Thus, these results suggest that ASKP1240 is immunosuppressive but not prothromboembolic, and as such appears to be a promising therapeutic candidate for the management of solid organ transplant rejection and autoimmune diseases therapy.

Cooling dynamics of photoexcited C6(-) and C6H(-)

We report conclusive evidence of an efficient cooling mechanism via the electronic radiative transitions of hot small molecular anions isolated in vacuum. We stored C6(-) and C6H(-) in an ion storage ring and observed laser-induced electron detachment with delays up to several milliseconds. The terminal hydrogen atom caused a drastic change in the decay profiles. The decay of photoexcited C6H(-) is slow and nonexponential, which can be explained by depletion cooling, whereas that for C6(-) occurs extremely fast, on a time scale below 0.1 ms and can only be explained by electronic radiative cooling via low-lying electronic excited states.

Development of a high dynamic range spectroscopic system for observation of neutral hydrogen atom density distribution in Large Helical Device core plasma

We report development of a high dynamic range spectroscopic system comprising a spectrometer with 30% throughput and a camera with a low-noise fast-readout complementary metal-oxide semiconductor sensor. The system achieves a 10(6) dynamic range (∼20 bit resolution) and an instrumental function approximated by a Voigt profile with Gauss and Lorentz widths of 31 and 0.31 pm, respectively, for 656 nm light. The application of the system for line profile observations of the Balmer-α emissions from high temperature plasmas generated in the Large Helical Device is also presented. In the observed line profiles, emissions are detected in far wings more than 1.0 nm away from the line center, equivalent to neutral hydrogen atom kinetic energies above 1 keV. We evaluate atom density distributions in the core plasma by analyzing the line profiles.

Development of polyvinyl alcohol bioartificial pancreas with rat islets and mesenchymal stem cells

To improve the function of the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) bioartificial pancreas, we focused on bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). We examined whether the function of PVA-encapsulated rat islets could be improved by coencapsulation with syngeneic MSCs. We macroencapsulated 1,500 rat islet equivalents (IEQ) with or without 1 × 10(6) MSCs with the use of 3% PVA solution before implantation intraperitoneally into diabetic BALB/c mice. We evaluated the function of the device in vitro (the residual rate, viability, and insulin-releasing function of the islets) and in vivo assessments (blood glucose and serum C-peptide changes after transplantation and glucose tolerance test). Although cultured islets also were destroyed, the shapes of the islets cocultured with MSCs were preserved but not different from encapsulated islets without MSCs. At 96 hours after culture the residual rates of islet recovery among those cocultured with versus without MSCs were 66% versus 39.5%, respectively, (P = .03). On the other hand, there was no significant difference between encapsulated islets with versus without MSCs. Furthermore, the stimulation index of the islets was improved by coculture with MSCs (2.6 ± 0.6 vs 1.4 ± 0.1; P = .03), but no beneficial effects were observed between islets encapsulated with versus without MSCs. The viability of islets cocultured with MSCs was significantly better than that without MSCs (84.2 ± 2.5 vs 73.3 ± 0.9; P = .037), but MSCs did not improve the viability of encapsulated islets. There were no significant differences in blood glucose or serum C-peptide between islets encapsulated with versus without MSCs. The histologic findings showed many degenerative islets and MSCs soon after transplantation. In conclusion, further studies are necessary to develop a novel PVA bioartificial pancreas that can be used with MSCs.

Self-monitoring has potential for home exercise programmes in patients with haemophilia

Haemophiliacs who have had to keep a physically inactive lifestyle due to bleeding during childhood are likely to have little motivation for exercise. The purpose of this study is to clarify the effectiveness of the self-monitoring of home exercise for haemophiliacs. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with intervention over 8 weeks at four hospitals in Japan. Subjects included 32 male outpatients aged 26-64 years without an inhibitor who were randomly allocated to a self-monitoring group and a control group. Individual exercise guidance with physical activity for improvement of their knee functions was given to both groups. The self-monitoring materials included an activity monitor and a feedback system so that the self-monitoring group could send feedback via the Internet and cellular phone. The self-monitoring was performed by checking exercise adherence and physical activity levels, bleeding history and injection of a coagulation factor. Both groups showed significant improvements in exercise adherence (P < 0.001) and physical function such as the strength of knee extension (P < 0.001), range of knee extension (P < 0.001), range of ankle dorsiflexion (P < 0.01), a modified Functional Reach (P < 0.05) and 10 metre gait time (P < 0.01). In particular, improvements in exercise adherence (P < 0.05), self-efficacy (P < 0.05), and strength of knee extension (P < 0.05) were significant in the self-monitoring group compared with those in the control group. No increase in bleeding frequency and pain scale was noted. The self-monitoring of home exercise for haemophilic patients is useful for the improvement of exercise adherence, self-efficacy and knee extension strength.

What can we learn from Werner syndrome? A biased view from a rheumatologist

Abstract Werner syndrome (WS), caused by the mutation of the RecQ3 DNA helicase gene (loss of function), manifests scleroderma-like skin changes and juvenile cataracts in addition to a variety of clinical and biochemical aging phenotypes at an early stage of life, followed by death at an average age of 46 years. WS has been nominated as a top-ranking premature aging syndrome, or a human model of accelerated aging. Analyses of clinical and biological deterioration of body systems observed in WS may shed a unique light on the role of gene(s) in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and normal human aging.

The relationship between anagliptin concentration showing over 80% inhibition of plasma dipeptidyl peptidase-4 activity and its protective effect against glucagon-like peptide-1 degradation

In dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, the inhibition of plasma DPP-4 activity by 80% is considered sufficient to have an effect on glycemic control improvement through the elevation of intact glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). To clarify whether or not the 80% inhibition is sufficient to protect against GLP-1 degradation, we investigated rats with a continuous infusion of exogenous GLP-1. When GLP-1 was infused into the femoral or portal vein, the steady state active GLP-1 levels in plasma significantly increased (P<0.05) at the 80% inhibitory concentration (IC80) of anagliptin (a highly selective DPP-4 inhibitor) against plasma DPP-4 activity, compared with control. In addition, the peptide levels increased in a concentration-dependent manner at drug concentrations from IC80 to 10-fold IC80, and the levels at the 10-fold IC80 were significantly higher (P<0.05) than those at IC80. The concentration dependency on GLP-1 increment was also confirmed based on the experiment in which the endogenous active GLP-1 levels were measured after an oral carbohydrate load. These findings suggest that an almost complete inhibition (80%) of plasma DPP-4 activity was insufficient to protect GLP-1 degradation, and much higher drug concentrations such as 10-fold IC80 are necessary to potently protect GLP-1 from degradation by DPP-4 commonly present in blood and tissues.

Thioredoxin-1 attenuates early graft loss after intraportal islet transplantation in mice

AIMS

Recent studies suggest that decreasing oxidative stress is crucial to achieve successful islet transplantation. Thioredoxin-1 (TRX), which is a multifunctional redox-active protein, has been reported to suppress oxidative stress. Furthermore, it also has anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of TRX on early graft loss after islet transplantation.

METHODS

Intraportal islet transplantation was performed for two groups of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice: a control and a TRX group. In addition, TRX-transgenic (Tg) mice were alternately used as islet donors or recipients.

RESULTS

The changes in blood glucose levels were significantly lower in the TRX group compared with the TRX-Tg donor and control groups (p<0.01). Glucose tolerance and the residual graft mass were considerably better in the TRX group. TRX significantly suppressed the serum levels of interleukin-1β (p<0.05), although neither anti-apoptotic nor anti-chemotactic effects were observed. Notably, no increase in the 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine level was observed after islet infusion, irrespective of TRX administration.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrates that overexpression of TRX on the islet grafts is not sufficient to improve engraftment. In contrast, TRX administration to the recipients exerts protective effects on transplanted islet grafts by suppressing the serum levels of interleukin-1β. However, TRX alone appears to be insufficient to completely prevent early graft loss after islet transplantation. We therefore propose that a combination of TRX and other anti-inflammatory treatments represents a promising regimen for improving the efficacy of islet transplantation.

Collagenase H is crucial for isolation of rat pancreatic islets

The role(s) of collagenase G (ColG) and collagenase H (ColH) during pancreatic islet isolation remains controversial, possibly due to the enzyme blends used in the previous studies. We herein examined the role of ColG and ColH using highly pure enzyme blends of recombinant collagenase of each subtype. Rat pancreases were digested using thermolysin, together with ColG, ColH, or ColG/ColH (n = 9, respectively). No tryptic-like activity was detected in any components of the enzyme blends. The efficiency of the collagenase subtypes was evaluated by islet yield and function. Immunohistochemical analysis, in vitro collagen digestion assay, and mass spectrometry were also performed to examine the target matrix components of the crucial collagenase subtype. The islet yield was highest in the ColG/ColH group (4,101 ± 460 islet equivalents). A substantial number of functional islets (2,811 ± 581 islet equivalents) was obtained in the ColH group, whereas no islets were retrieved in the ColG group. Mass spectrometry demonstrated that ColH reacts with collagen I and III. In the immunohistochemical analysis, both collagen I and III were located in exocrine tissues, although collagen III expression was more pronounced. The collagen digestion assay showed that collagen III was more effectively digested by ColH than by ColG. The present study reveals that ColH is crucial, while ColG plays only a supporting role, in rat islet isolation. In addition, collagen III appears to be one of the key targets of ColH.

Effects of macronutrient intake on thigh muscle mass during home-based walking training in middle-aged and older women

We examined whether post-exercise macronutrient supplementation during a 5-month home-based interval walking training (IWT) accelerated exercise-induced increases in skeletal muscle mass and strength in healthy middle-aged and older women. Thirty-five women (41-78 years) were randomly divided into two groups: IWT alone (CNT, n = 18) or IWT plus post-exercise macronutrient (7.6 g protein, 32.5 g carbohydrate, and 4.4 g fat) supplementation (NUT, n = 17). For IWT, all subjects were instructed to repeat five or more sets of 3-min low-intensity walking at 40% peak aerobic capacity (Vo2 peak ), followed by a 3-min high-intensity walking above 70% Vo2 peak per day for 4 or more days per week. We determined Vo2 peak , thigh muscle tissue area by computer tomography, and thigh muscle strength in all subjects before and after IWT. We found that an increase in hamstring muscle tissue area was 2.8 ± 1.2% in NUT vs -1.0 ± 0.7% in CNT and that in isometric knee flexion force was 16.3 ± 3.7% in NUT vs 6.5 ± 3.0% in CNT; both were significantly higher in NUT than in CNT (both, P < 0.001). Thus, post-exercise macronutrient supplementation enhanced the increases in thigh muscle mass and strength, although partially, in home-based IWT in middle-aged and older women.

Tacrolimus inhibits the revascularization of isolated pancreatic islets

AIMS

Immunosuppressive drugs could be crucial factors for a poor outcome after islet allotransplantation. Unlike rapamycin, the effects of tacrolimus, the current standard immunosuppressant used in islet transplantation, on graft revascularization remain unclear. We examined the effects of tacrolimus on islet revascularization using a highly sensitive imaging system, and analyzed the gene expression in transplanted islets by introducing laser microdissection techniques.

METHODS

Islets isolated from C57BL/6-Tg (CAG-EGFP) mice were transplanted into the nonmetallic dorsal skinfold chamber on the recipients. Balb/c athymic mice were used as recipients and were divided into two groups: including a control group (n = 9) and tacrolimus-treated group (n = 7). The changes in the newly-formed vessels surrounding the islet grafts were imaged and semi-quantified using multi-photon laser-scanning microscopy and a Volocity system. Gene expression in transplanted islets was analyzed by the BioMark dynamic system.

RESULTS

The revascularization process was completed within 14 days after pancreatic islet transplantation at subcutaneous sites. The newly-formed vascular volume surrounding the transplanted islets in the tacrolimus-treated group was significantly less than that in the control group (p<0.05). Although the expression of Vegfa (p<0.05) and Ccnd1 (p<0.05) was significantly upregulated in the tacrolimus-treated group compared with that of the control group, no differences were observed between the groups in terms of other types of gene expression.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrates that tacrolimus inhibits the revascularization of isolated pancreatic islets without affecting the characteristics of the transplanted grafts. Further refinements of this immunosuppressive regimen, especially regarding the revascularization of islet grafts, could improve the outcome of islet allotransplantation.

Solution structure of clostridial collagenase H and its calcium-dependent global conformation change

Collagenase H (ColH) from Clostridium histolyticum is a multimodular protein composed of a collagenase module (activator and peptidase domains), two polycystic kidney disease-like domains, and a collagen-binding domain. The interdomain conformation and its changes are very important for understanding the functions of ColH. In this study, small angle x-ray scattering and limited proteolysis were employed to reveal the interdomain arrangement of ColH in solution. The ab initio beads model indicated that ColH adopted a tapered shape with a swollen head. Under calcium-chelated conditions (with EGTA), the overall structure was further elongated. The rigid body model indicated that the closed form of the collagenase module was preferred in solution. The limited proteolysis demonstrated that the protease sensitivity of ColH was significantly increased under the calcium-chelated conditions, and that the digestion mainly occurred in the domain linker regions. Fluorescence measurements with a fluorescent dye were performed with the limited proteolysis products after separation. The results indicated that the limited proteolysis products exhibited fluorescence similar to that of the full-length ColH. These findings suggested that the conformation of full-length ColH in solution is the elongated form, and this form is calcium-dependently maintained at the domain linker regions.

Overall burden of bloodstream infection and nosocomial bloodstream infection in North America and Europe

In this systematic review, we estimated the total number of episodes of bloodstream infection (BSI) and deaths from BSI per year in North America and Europe, using data from population-based settings. Then, we estimated the number of episodes and deaths from nosocomial BSI from population-based studies and nosocomial infection surveillance systems. We estimated 575 000-677 000 episodes of BSI per year in North America (536 000-628 000 in the USA and 40 000-49 000 in Canada) and 79 000-94 000 deaths (72 000-85 000 in the USA and 7000-9000 in Canada), using estimates from three population-based studies. We estimated over 1 200 000 episodes of BSI and 157 000 deaths per year in Europe, using estimates from one population-based study in each of the following countries: Denmark (9100 episodes and 1900 deaths), Finland (8700 episodes and 1100 deaths) and England (96 000 episodes and 12 000-19 000 deaths). There were substantial differences in estimates of nosocomial BSI between population-based and nosocomial infection surveillance data. BSI has a major impact on the morbidity and mortality of the general population, as it ranks among the top seven causes of death in all included countries in North America and Europe. However, it is difficult to obtain precise estimates of nosocomial BSI, owing to the limited number of studies. This review highlights the need for a greater focus on BSI research in order to reduce the overall burden of disease by improving the outcome of patients with BSI. It also emphasizes the role of infection control and prevention methods in reducing the burden of nosocomial BSI.

Werner syndrome: a changing pattern of clinical manifestations in Japan (1917~2008)

As ~75% of the Werner syndrome (WS) patients recognized between 1904 and 2008 all over the world are of Japanese origin, the most case reports and clinical studies on WS has been published in Japanese journals. Thus, the detailed English-written clinical review on the recent WS case reports has been warranted. Although WS has been characterized by a variety of clinical manifestations mimicking premature aging, the recent longevity and delayed age-associated manifestations observed both from Japanese WS and general population may suggest a common environmental effect on some gene(s) other than WRN and may give us a newer pathophysiological look at WS and also natural aging through the molecular dysfunction of WRN.

A novel approach to biomarker discovery in head and neck cancer using an autoantibody signature

Despite the dismal prognosis for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), there have been no novel treatments in over 40 years. Identification of novel tumor antigens in SCCHN will facilitate the identification of potential novel treatment targets. Tumor antigens are proteins selectively expressed by tumor cells and recognized by the host immune system. Phage-displayed tumor antigens were enriched by biopanning with normal and then SCCHN-specific serum. Ninety-six phage clones were sequenced for identification, and 21 clones were validated using Luminex. One of these proteins, L23, a novel tumor antigen in SCCHN, was validated as an oncogene. L23 is upregulated in SCCHN compared with normal keratinocytes. Knockdown of L23 inhibited proliferation, invasion and cell survival. Overexpression of L23 had the reverse effect. Overexpression of L23 in non malignant cells led to transformation. Injection of SCCHN cells with knockdown of L23 in mice, induced tumors that were significantly smaller than control tumors. In conclusion, the immunomic screen yielded a panel of antigens specific to SCCHN; one of these proteins, L23, is a novel oncogene in SCCHN.

Enzymatic interesterification of triglyceride with surfactant-coated lipase in organic media

Several surfactant-coated enzymes have been prepared by coating lipases of various origins with a nonionic surfactant, glutamic acid dioleylester ribitol (2C(18)Delta(9)GE). Enzymatic interesterification of tripalmitin with oleic acid using the surfactant-coated lipase was carried out in organic media. The surfactant-coated lipases could effectively catalyze the interesterification of glycerides better than did the powder lipases. A suitable organic solvent was an aliphatic hydrocarbon such as isooctane. The enzymatic activity for the interesterification strongly depended on the origin of the lipase. The surfactant-coated lipase prepared by Mucor javanicus showed the highest enzymatic activity for the interesterification of glycerides, although its powder lipase did not show enzymatic activity. Selective interesterification of glycerides could be performed by adjusting the concentration ratio of oleic acid to tripalmitin in isooctane. Di-substituted glyceride could be selectively produced when the concentration ratio of carboxylic acid to glycerides was 7. (c) 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Ageing in Werner syndrome

Oxidative stress markers including pentosidine and homocysteine were examined comparing them with inflammation markers including highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in serum from patients with Werner syndrome (WS) and healthy individuals. Elevation of serum pentosidine correlated significantly with normal aging in healthy individuals (p < 0.0004). Serum pentosidine in WS increased significantly compared with age-matched healthy individuals (p < 0.05). Serum homocysteine levels increased insignificantly with normal aging in healthy individuals and in WS compared with age-matched healthy individuals. As both pentosidine and homocysteine levels did not correlate with hsCRP or MMP-9, both oxidative stress markers may be differentially regulated by inflammation.

Intraoperative ultrasound examination is useful for monitoring transplanted islets: a case report

A 39-y-old man, who had an episode of pancreatic bleeding due to chronic pancreatitis, received total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TP with IAT). Intraoperative ultrasound (US) examination was done to detect transplanted islets and evaluate the quality of US imaging. Islet isolation from the resected total pancreas was performed and approximately 230,000 islet equivalents (IEQ) (the tissue volume was 600 µL and the purity was 30%) were acquired. A double lumen catheter, used for transplantation and for monitoring the portal vein pressure, was inserted into the portal vein via the superior mesenteric vein, and the tip of the catheter was positioned at the bifurcation of the anterior and posterior branch of the portal vein to selectively infuse the islets into the right lobe of the liver in order to prevent total liver embolization. Intraoperative US examination (central frequency 7.5 MHz, Nemio™ XG, Toshiba Medical System Co.) was started at the same time as the transplantation. US examination revealed the transplanted islets as hyperechoic clusters that flowed from the tip of the catheter to the periphery of the portal vein. There were no findings of portal thrombosis or bleeding in the US image, and also no increase of the portal vein pressure during transplantation. In conclusion, we succeeded in visualizing human islets using US, which enabled us to perform islet transplantation safely. The hyperechoic images were considered to be viable islets. Intraoperative US examination can be useful for detecting islets at transplantation in a clinical setting.

Imaging spectroscopy diagnosis of internal electron temperature and density distributions of plasma cloud surrounding hydrogen pellet in the Large Helical Device

To investigate the behavior of hydrogen pellet ablation, a novel method of high-speed imaging spectroscopy has been used in the Large Helical Device (LHD) for identifying the internal distribution of the electron density and temperature of the plasma cloud surrounding the pellet. This spectroscopic system consists of a five-branch fiberscope and a fast camera, with each objective lens having a different narrow-band optical filter for the hydrogen Balmer lines and the background continuum radiation. The electron density and temperature in the plasma cloud are obtained, with a spatial resolution of about 6 mm and a temporal resolution of 5 × 10(-5) s, from the intensity ratio measured through these filters. To verify the imaging, the average electron density and temperature also have been measured from the total emission by using a photodiode, showing that both density and temperature increase with time during the pellet ablation. The electron density distribution ranging from 10(22) to 10(24) m(-3) and the temperature distribution around 1 eV have been observed via imaging. The electron density and temperature of a 0.1 m plasma cloud are distributed along the magnetic field lines and a significant electron pressure forms in the plasma cloud for typical experimental conditions of the LHD.