Mean power frequency during speech in myalgia patients

The purpose of this study was to clarify a difference of mean power frequency (MPF) during speech between control and myalgia patients groups. The control group consisted of 20 asymptomatic volunteers and the myalgia patients group consisted of 19 patients. A bilateral electromyogram (EMG) of masseter muscles during speech movement was recorded using surface electrodes, and the EMG data were stored and analysed with a computer-based EMG analyzer. The MPF during the entire duration of EMG burst during speech was compared between the control and myalgia group. The average (SD) MPFs during speech in the myalgia and control groups were 214.06 (17.23) and 183.39 (22.35) Hz, respectively, significantly higher in the former (P < 0.001). In myalgia patients, firing rates or recruitment of motor units innervated by high threshold motoneurons might decrease and lead to a higher MPF. The result suggests the possibility that muscle pain, that is a subjective experience, could be evaluated by objective data that is calculated from electromyographic activities which is recorded during speech.

Rapid current ramp-up by cyclotron-driving electrons beyond runaway velocity

The toroidal current has been rapidly ramped-up after the formation of an initial closed flux surface in an electron cyclotron heated discharge in the low aspect ratio torus experiment device. A current carrying fast electron tail is developed well beyond the runaway velocity against the reverse voltage from self-induction, suggesting a forward driving force on the tail by the cyclotron absorption of high N(parallel) electron Bernstein waves.

Characteristic of milk whey culture with Propionibacterium freudenreichii ET-3 and its application to the inflammatory bowel disease therapy

After the screening of microorganism culture, the culture of Propionibacterium freudenreichii ET-3 in the milk whey (milk whey culture) was found to stimulate the growth of our own Bifidobacteria in the colon but not the growth of other microorganisms. One of the active substances was identified as 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (DHNA).In healthy volunteers, the ingestion containing milk whey culture significantly increased the population of Bifidobacteria to total fecal bacterium. In the TNBS-induced colitis model of rats, milk whey culture significantly accelerated the healing of the colitis in a dose-dependent manner. It has been reported that DHNA inhibited the lymphocyte infiltration through reduction of MAdCAM-1 in DSS colitis model of mice and that the ingestion of milk whey culture was effective in the treatment of ulcerative colitis in human pilot study. These findings suggest that milk whey culture is a useful prebiotic for the therapy of inflammatory bowel disease.

Anomalous metallic state in the vicinity of metal to valence-bond solid insulator transition in LiVS2

We investigate LiVS2 and LiVSe2 with a triangular lattice as itinerant analogues of LiVO2 known for the formation of a valence-bond solid (VBS) state out of an S=1 frustrated magnet. LiVS2, which is located at the border between a metal and a correlated insulator, shows a first order transition from a paramagnetic metal to a VBS insulator at Tc approximately 305 K upon cooling. The presence of a VBS state in the close vicinity of insulator-metal transition may suggest the importance of itinerancy in the formation of a VBS state. We argue that the high temperature metallic phase of LiVS2 has a pseudogap, likely originating from the VBS fluctuation. LiVSe2 was found to be a paramagnetic metal down to 2 K.

High-aperture cryogenic light microscopy

We report here the development of instruments and protocols for carrying out high numerical aperture immersion light microscopy on cryogenic specimens. Imaging by this modality greatly increases the lifetimes of fluorescence probes, including those commonly used for protein localization studies, while retaining the ability to image the specimen with high fidelity and spatial resolution. The novel use of a cryogenic immersion fluid also minimizes the refractive index mismatch between the sample and lens, leading to a more efficient coupling of the light from the sample to the image forming system. This enhancement is applicable to both fluorescence and transmitted light microscopy techniques. The design concepts used for the cryogenic microscope can be applied to virtually any existing light-based microscopy technique. This prospect is particularly exciting in the context of 'super-resolution' techniques, where enhanced fluorescence lifetime probes are especially useful. Thus, using this new modality it is now possible to observe dynamic events in a live cell, and then rapidly vitrify the specimen at a specific time point prior to carrying out high-resolution imaging. The techniques described can be used in conjunction with other imaging modalities in correlated studies. We have also developed instrumentation to perform cryo-light imaging together with soft X-ray tomography on the same cryo-fixed specimen as a means of carrying out high content, quantifiable correlated imaging analyses. These methods are equally applicable to correlated light and electron microscopy of frozen biological objects.

Diagnostic value of spinal MR imaging in spontaneous intracranial hypotension syndrome

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) presents with orthostatic headache, and the diagnosis is made on the basis of low CSF pressure and brain MR imaging findings characteristic of the disorder. However, a broad spectrum of symptoms and MR imaging findings of SIH is recognized, and some cases have no typical MR imaging abnormalities. SIH is believed to be caused by CSF leakage from the spinal dural sac, whereas the usefulness of MR imaging of the spine remains unclear. Our aim was to elucidate the diagnostic value of brain and spinal MR imaging

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The sensitivities for the detection of SIH were retrospectively evaluated in 18 patients with SIH treated in our institutions between January 1998 and August 2007.

RESULTS

Brain MR imaging detected abnormalities in 15 of the 18 patients (83%): diffuse pachymeningeal enhancement in 15 (83%), descent of the cerebellar tonsil in 13 (72%), brain stem sagging in 13 (72%), enlargement of the pituitary gland in 12 (67%), and subdural fluid collection in 13 (72%). Spinal MR imaging detected abnormalities in 17 of the 18 patients (94%): distention of the epidural veins in 14 (78%), epidural fluid collection on fat-saturated T2-weighted images in 16 (89%), and abnormal visualization of the nerve root sleeve in only 1 (6%). The sensitivity for SIH was 83% for brain MR imaging and 94% for spinal MR imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

Spinal MR imaging is useful for the diagnosis of SIH, especially in the early stage.

Charge dynamics in thermally and doping induced insulator-metal transitions of (Ti1-xVx)2O3

Charge dynamics of (Ti1-xVx)2O3 with x=0-0.06 has been investigated by measurements of charge transport and optical conductivity spectra in a wide temperature range of 2-600 K with the focus on the thermally and doping induced insulator-metal transitions (IMTs). The optical conductivity peaks for the interband transitions in the 3d t_{2g} manifold are observed in both the insulating and metallic states, while their large variation (by approximately 0.4 eV) with change of temperature and doping level scales with that of the Ti-Ti dimer bond length, indicating the weakened singlet bond in the course of IMTs. The thermally and V-doping induced IMTs are driven with the increase in carrier density by band crossing and hold doping, respectively, in contrast with the canonical IMT of correlated oxides accompanied by the whole collapse of the Mott gap.

Decreased diameter of the optic nerve sheath associated with CSF hypovolemia

The subarachnoid space around the optic nerve can be detected by fat-saturated T2-weighted MR imaging of the orbit, and dilation of this space reflects increased intracranial pressure. We examined 3 patients with CSF hypovolemia with MR imaging of the orbit and measured the optic nerve sheath diameter before and after treatment. We showed that the subarachnoid space is decreased in patients with CSF hypovolemia and the usefulness of this finding.

Allergenic pollens and spores in the working environment of Japanese pear farmers

Occupational allergies such as pollinosis are reported in several agricultural works in Japan. Many pollens and spores were observed in Japanese pear orchard during the artificial pollination season. By the study on daily symptoms in an allergic farmer, we confirmed that the pollinosis symptoms were most common and most severe during the artificial pollination. These results suggest that the exposure to allergenic pollens and spores induces allergic symptoms. Thus, caution should be paid for the avoidance of the exposure to these allergenic pollens and spores to prevent the allergy.

Extraction of weak transition strengths via the (3He, t) reaction at 420 MeV

Differential cross sections for transitions of known weak strength were measured with the (3He, t) reaction at 420 MeV on targets of 12C, 13C, 18O, 26Mg, 58Ni, 60Ni, 90Zr, 118Sn, 120Sn, and 208Pb. Using these data, it is shown that the proportionalities between strengths and cross sections for this probe follow simple trends as a function of mass number. These trends can be used to confidently determine Gamow-Teller strength distributions in nuclei for which the proportionality cannot be calibrated via beta-decay strengths. Although theoretical calculations in the distorted-wave Born approximation overestimate the data, they allow one to understand the main experimental features and to predict deviations from the simple trends observed in some of the transitions.

Isotopic dependence of the giant monopole resonance in the even-A 112-124Sn isotopes and the asymmetry term in nuclear incompressibility

The strength distributions of the giant monopole resonance (GMR) have been measured in the even-A Sn isotopes (A=112-124) with inelastic scattering of 400-MeV alpha particles in the angular range 0 degrees -8.5 degrees . We find that the experimentally observed GMR energies of the Sn isotopes are lower than the values predicted by theoretical calculations that reproduce the GMR energies in 208Pb and 90Zr very well. From the GMR data, a value of Ktau = -550 +/- 100 MeV is obtained for the asymmetry term in the nuclear incompressibility.

Effects of ifenprodil on voltage-gated tetrodotoxin-resistant Na+ channels in rat sensory neurons

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To examine a possible mechanism for the antinociceptive action of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist ifenprodil, we compared its effects with those of ketamine on tetrodotoxin-resistant Na+ channels in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons, which play an important role in the nociceptive pain pathway.

METHODS

Experiments were performed on dorsal root ganglion neurons from Sprague-Dawley rats, recordings of whole-cell membrane currents being made using patch-clamp technique.

RESULTS

Both drugs blocked tetrodotoxin-resistant Na+ currents dose dependently, their half-maximal inhibitory concentrations being 145+/-12.1 micromol (ketamine) and 2.6+/-0.95 micromol (ifenprodil). Ifenprodil shifted the inactivation curve for tetrodotoxin-resistant Na+ channels in the hyperpolarizing direction and shifted the activation curve in the depolarizing direction. Use-dependent blockade of tetrodotoxin-resistant Na+ channels was more marked with ifenprodil than with ketamine. When paired with lidocaine, these drugs produced similar additive inhibitions of tetrodotoxin-resistant Na+ channel activity.

CONCLUSIONS

The observed suppressive effects on tetrodotoxin-resistant Na+ channel activity may, at least in part, underlie the antinociceptive effects of these N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists.

Regional difference in the healing process of colitis induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid in rats

We recently reported an improved method to induce colitis by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid. This method enabled us to induce colitis at appropriate regions. This study aimed to investigate the regional differences on the healing process of colitis in rats. Colitis was induced at the proximal, middle or distal colon. On Day 10, the size of colitis was large in the order of the middle, distal and proximal colon. Colitis of the proximal colon healed more rapidly than that of the middle colon. Prostaglandin E(2) generation in the normal colonic mucosa was measured. Prostaglandin E(2) generation correlated with sizes of colitis among three regions. It was found that there was the regional difference on the healing process of the colitis and prostaglandin E(2) generation may show the different protective integrity of the colonic mucosa from the fact that higher prostaglandin E(2) generation showed larger colitis size.

α-Lactalbumin suppresses interleukin-6 release after intestinal ischemia/reperfusion via nitric oxide in rats

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were underwent superior mesenteric artery occlusion for 45 min followed by reperfusion under urethane anesthesia. Each milk proteins (300 mg/ kg) were injected into the duodenum 1 h before the induction of ischemia. IL-6 release in the blood was measured in course of time. Whey protein isolate (WPI) had the suppressive effect against ischemia/reperfusion-induced IL-6 release, while casein and bovine serum albumin had no effect. Both alpha-lactalbumin (aLA) and beta-lactoglobulin (bLG), major components contained in WPI, significantly inhibited the increase of IL-6. However, aLA had more potent activity compared with bLG. Positive correlation between serum aLA level and efficacy for Ischmia/reperfusion was observed. N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, significantly reversed suppressive effect on IL-6 release by aLA. These findings show that aLA has a marked suppressive effect on pro-inflammatory cytokine release, at least in part, through NO-mediated mechanism.

Indoxyl sulfate induces skeletal resistance to parathyroid hormone in cultured osteoblastic cells

Skeletal resistance to parathyroid hormone (PTH) is well known to the phenomenon in chronic renal failure patient, but the detailed mechanism has not been elucidated. In the process of analyzing an animal model of renal failure with low bone turnover, we demonstrated decreased expression of PTH receptor (PTHR) accompanying renal dysfunction in this model. In the present study, we focused on the accumulation of uremic toxins (UTx) in blood, and examined whether indoxyl sulfate (IS), a UTx, is associated with PTH resistance. We established primary osteoblast cultures from mouse calvariae and cultured the cells in the presence of IS. The intracellular cyclic adenosine 3',5' monophosphate (cAMP) production, PTHR expression, and free radical production in the primary osteoblast culture were studied. We found that the addition of IS suppressed PTH-stimulated intracellular cAMP production and decreased PTHR expression in this culture system. Free radical production in osteoblasts increased depending on the concentration of IS added. Furthermore, expression of organic anion transporter-3 (OAT-3) that is known to mediate cellular uptake of IS was identified in the primary osteoblast culture. These results suggest that IS taken up by osteoblasts via OAT-3 present in these cells augments oxidative stress to impair osteoblast function and downregulate PTHR expression. These finding strongly suggest that IS accumulated in blood due to renal dysfunction is at least one of the factors that induce skeletal resistance to PTH.

Tracer clearance in radionuclide cisternography in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension

We semiquantitatively analysed radionuclide cisternography in three patients with spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage diagnosed by typical symptoms and magnetic resonance imaging findings before and several months after treatment with epidural blood patch. Radioactivity in the whole CSF space was measured immediately after and at 1, 5, 7 and 24 h after intrathecal injection of (111)In-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA). Initial findings included the vague appearance of leakage in the thoracic spine in two patients, early bladder filling at 1 h in one and a lack of tracer filling into the high cranial convexity in all three. The radioactivity count rapidly decreased within several hours after injection and reached 20% of the initial value at 24 h. In contrast, no rapid decrease was observed after treatment and more than 50% of tracer remained at 24 h after injection. Semiquantitative analysis of tracer clearance may provide additional information in the diagnosis of CSF leakage, especially with no obvious qualitative findings.

Gamow-Teller strengths in the A = 14 multiplet: a challenge to the shell model

A new experimental approach to the famous problem of the anomalously slow Gamow-Teller (GT) transitions in the beta decay of the A=14 multiplet is presented. The GT strength distributions to excited states in 14C and 14O were studied in high-resolution (d,2He) and (3He,t) charge-exchange reactions on 14N. No-core shell-model calculations capable of reproducing the suppression of the beta decays predict a selective excitation of Jpi=2+ states. The experimental confirmation represents a validation of the assumptions about the underlying structure of the 14N ground state wave function. However, the fragmentation of the GT strength over three 2+ final states remains a fundamental issue not explained by the present no-core shell model using a 6homega model space, suggesting possibly the need to include cluster structure in these light nuclei in a consistent way.

Insufficiency of PTH action on bone in uremia

Abnormal bone turnover and mineral metabolism is observed in patients on dialysis. Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHP) develops in response to mineral metabolism changes accompanying renal failure. As a factor of disease progression, the phenomenon of skeletal resistance to parathyroid hormone (PTH) is observed. With recent advances in the treatment of SHP, over-secretion of PTH can now be controlled. However, blood PTH levels 2 to 3 times higher than normal are considered necessary to maintain normal bone turnover in patients with renal failure. Various causes of skeletal resistance to PTH have been reported, including decrease in PTH receptor in osteoblasts, accumulation of 7-84 PTH fragment, and accumulation of osteoprotegerin. This skeletal resistance to PTH is not only a high-turnover bone accompanying SHP, but may also play a crucial role in the onset of low-turnover bone disease. We have produced a rat model of renal failure with normal level of PTH secretion and analyzed the bone of this model. Our results confirmed that bone turnover is lowered accompanying renal function impairment. We also found that this lowered bone turnover is improved by intermittent administration of PTH. In addition, PTH receptor gene expression is also decreased in low-turnover bone, as is observed in high-turnover bone disease. These findings confirm the presence of skeletal resistance to PTH in low-turnover bone accompanying renal failure. Control of calcium, phosphorus, and PTH levels with the target to maintain normal bone turnover is important in maintaining the quality of life of patients on dialysis.

Phase II clinical trials of combination S-1 plus low-dose twice weekly cisplatin for advanced or recurrent gastric cancer

14013

Background: We reported the efficacy and safety of combined S-1 + low-dose consecutive cisplatin therapy for advanced or recurrent gastric cancer (Clin Cancer Res. 10:1664–9, 2004). However, this procedure was complicated because the daily dosage of CDDP was necessary. We confirmed that 6 mg/m2 dosage of twice weekly Cisplatin were maintained equal protein binding Pt concentration after daily treatment of 3 mg/m2 dosage of Cisplatin. We examined an effect and safety of a Combination S-1 plus low-dose twice weekly Cisplatin treatment. Methods: All the subjects were admitted to the hospital as inpatients for the first 2 weeks of therapy. S-1 was administered orally daily at the daily dose level of 80 mg/m2 (administered in two divided doses). Cisplatin 6 mg/m2 was administered by intravenous drip infusion over 30 minutes on 2days of the week (Day1 and Day4). Each treatment cycle consisted of 4 weeks of drug administration followed by a 2-week drug-free period (6 weeks in total). Results: 32 patients were enroled in this study. The response was rated as complete response in 1 case, partial response in 24 cases and stable disease in 5 cases. The response rate was 78.1% (25/32). The median survival time was 10.3 months. The response rate did not differ between previously untreated patients and patients who had received prior treatment. The major adverse reactions to the therapy were bone marrow suppression and gastrointestinal symptoms. The total incidence of grade 3 or more severe adverse reactions was 15.6% (5/32). Conclusion: Combination S-1 + low-dose twice weekly Cisplatin therapy thus appears to be highly efficacious and safe, offers promise as a useful treatment strategy even at outpatient clinics. [Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Spontaneous formation of closed-field torus equilibrium via current jump observed in an electron-cyclotron-heated plasma

Spontaneous current jump resulting in the formation of closed field equilibrium has been observed in electron-cyclotron-heated toroidal plasmas under steady external fields composed of a toroidal field and a relatively weak vertical field in the low aspect ratio torus experiment device. This bridges the gap between the open field equilibrium maintained by a pressure-driven current in the external field and the closed field equilibrium at a larger current. Experimental results and theoretical analyses suggest a current jump model that is based on the asymmetric electron confinement along the field line appearing upon simultaneous transitions of field topology and equilibrium.

Osteoarthritis development in novel experimental mouse models induced by knee joint instability

OBJECTIVE

Although osteoarthritis (OA) is induced by accumulated mechanical stress to joints, little is known about the underlying molecular mechanism. To apply approaches from mouse genomics, this study created experimental mouse OA models by producing instability in the knee joints.

METHODS

The models were of four types: severe, moderate, mild, and medial, depending on the severity and direction of instability imposed by combinations of ligament transection and menisectomy. OA development was evaluated by X-ray and histology by Safranin-O staining, and quantified using our original gradings. Expressions of type II, IX and X collagens and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, -3, -9 and -13 were further examined by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization (ISH).

RESULTS

The severe, moderate and mild models exhibited OA development in the posterior tibial cartilage. The severe model showed cartilage destruction at 2 weeks and osteophyte formation at 4-8 weeks after surgery; however, the mild model showed only a partial cartilage destruction at 8 weeks. The grading confirmed that the OA disorders progressed depending on the severity of joint instability. In the medial model, the OA development in the medial tibial cartilage was similar to that in the posterior cartilage of the mild model. Among the collagens and MMPs, type X collagen and MMP-13 were markedly induced and colocalized in the early stage OA cartilage.

CONCLUSION

We established four types of mouse models exhibiting various speeds of OA progression. By applying a mouse genomics approach to the models, molecular backgrounds in various stages of OA development can be clarified.

Nursing care for dialysis patients in Japan

In Japan, the number of chronic renal failure patients requiring dialysis treatment is increasing by approximately 10,000 patients a year, totalling 229,538 or 1,801.2 patients per one million population at the end of December, 2002 according to the survey conducted by the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy. The primary disease is diabetic nephropathy (28.1% of patients), and with greater numbers of long-term and elderly patients, the incidence and severity of complications continue to increase. Dialysis units provide more diversified care, but budget cuts in health care make it difficult to secure sufficient personnel, and the workload on nurses has intensified. In this study, a survey of 157 out of 300 randomly selected dialysis facilities in Japan was made regarding nursing systems and nurses' concerns for medical care of dialysis patients.

Isolation of a lactic acid bacterium and yeast consortium from a fermented material of Ulva spp. (Chlorophyta)

AIMS

Microbiota in a fermented culture of Ulva spp. was examined with the objective to characterize the type of fermentation and to obtain starter microbes for performing seaweed fermentation.

METHOD AND RESULTS

Fermented Ulva spp. cultures which were obtained and transferred in a laboratory were examined for their microbiota. With phenotypic characterization and phylogenetic analysis based on rRNA gene nucleotide sequences, the predominant micro-organisms were identified as Lactobacillus brevis, Debaryomyces hanseni var. hansenii, and a Candida zeylanoides-related specimen, suggesting that the observed fermentation can be categorized to lactic acid and ethanol fermentation. Inoculating the individually cultured cell suspensions of the three kinds of micro-organisms with cellulase induced the fermentation in various kinds of seaweed.

CONCLUSIONS

A microbial consortium composed of a lactic acid bacterium, L. brevis, and yeasts, D. hansenii and a C. zeylanoides-related specimen, were predominant in a fermented culture of Ulva spp. Lactic acid and ethanol fermentation could be induced in various kinds of seaweed by adding this microbial consortium along with cellulase.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This is the first report of lactic acid and ethanol fermentation in seaweed, which is expected to provide a new material for food and dietary applications.

Changes in plasma catecholamine levels following injection of prostaglandin F2alpha into the basal cistern in rabbits

We measured plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations in a rabbit model simulating subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), following the injection of prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)) into the basal cistern. In this model, plasma epinephrine values increased significantly (to 4.2-fold those before injection), substantially more than norepinephrine (which increased 1.3-fold) at 5 minutes (min) after PGF(2alpha) injection. Dissection of autonomic outflow from the cervical spinal cord or ligation of the suprarenal veins reduced the changes in plasma catecholamine concentrations associated with PGF(2alpha) injection. These results suggest that the sympathetic discharge seen after PGF(2alpha) injection into the basal cistern in rabbits occurred through the sympatho-adrenal pathways.

Effects of a synthetic progestogen, altrenogest, on oestrus synchronisation and fertility in miniature pigs

Groups of six, six and eight miniature gilts, respectively, received 5, 10 or 15 mg/day of altrenogest for 18 days, and the numbers of corpora lutea and residual follicles were counted approximately 14 days after the treatment by an exploratory laparotomy. They were compared with the numbers in a control group of eight gilts which were examined six to eight days after oestrus. The interval between the last dose of altrenogest and the onset of oestrus increased with the dose of altrenogest, and was significantly longer after the treatments with 10 or 15 mg/day than after 5 mg/day (P < 0.01). Significantly more corpora lutea were observed in the gilts receiving 5 or 10 mg/day of altrenogest than in the control gilts (P < 0.1). Groups of six, seven and six miniature gilts that had respectively received 5, 10 or 15 mg/day of altrenogest were artificially inseminated; four, six and five of the gilts in these groups farrowed, and their mean (sd) litter sizes were 5.5 (2.4), 6.8 (1.2) and 5.0 (2.3), respectively. All six of a group of control gilts farrowed and their mean litter size was 5.8 (1.2).

Protective role of vanilloid receptor type 1 in HCl-induced gastric mucosal lesions in rats

BACKGROUND

Effects of vanilloid-receptor agonists and antagonists on HCl-induced gastric lesions in rats were investigated to elucidate the role of vanilloid receptor type 1 (VR1) in gastric mucosal defense mechanisms.

METHODS

Gastric lesions in rats were evaluated after intragastric administration of 0.6 N HCl. The localization of VR1 in the stomach was investigated immunohistochemically.

RESULTS

Intragastric administration of capsaicin inhibited the formation of gastric lesions in a dose-dependent manner (0.1-2.5 mg/kg). The functional VR1 antagonists ruthenium red and capsazepine markedly aggravated HCl-induced gastric lesions in rats. The gastroprotective effect of capsaicin was attenuated by ruthenium red or capsazepine. It is reported that resiniferatoxin, [6]-gingerol and lafutidine are compounds that activate VR1 and/or capsaicin-sensitive afferent neurons. These compounds significantly inhibited the formation of HCl-induced gastric lesions, and their gastroprotective effects were inhibited by treatment with ruthenium red. The immunohistochemical studies revealed that nerve fibers expressing VR1 exist along gastric glands in the mucosa, around blood vessels in the submucosa, in the myenteric plexus, and in the smooth muscle layers, especially the circular muscle layer.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that VR1 plays a protective role in the gastric defensive mechanism in rats.

Activation-induced cytidine deaminase expression in follicular lymphoma: association between AID expression and ongoing mutation in FL

Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) is required for somatic hypermutation (SHM) and class switch recombination (CSR) of the immunoglobulin (Ig) gene. AID has been reported to be specifically expressed in the germinal center (GC). Follicular lymphoma (FL) cells are known to be exposed to GC reaction, as characterized by a high degree of SHM with some heterogeneity in terms of intraclonal microheterogeneity and antigen selection. The heterogeneity of SHM pattern in FL intrigued us to investigate the AID expression. AID expression was investigated in 19 FL materials consisting of 15 cases of FL fresh cells and four cell lines. In all, 10 fresh cells and three cell lines expressed AID, but the others did not. SHM was investigated in 12 fresh cells and four cell lines. The ongoing mutation was significantly different between AID-positive and AID-negative FL fresh cells (unpaired Student's t-test, P=0.047). Ongoing mutation was not seen in any of the cell lines. AID expression was associated with the ongoing mutation in FL fresh cells (two-tailed Pearson's coefficient correlation, r=0.899, P=0.01). The switch off of AID expression may start in the B-lineage differentiation stage counterpart of FL after optimizing SHM, indicated by the cessation of the ongoing mutation in AID-negative FL fresh cells.

Evidence for the existence of the [2 0 2]3/2 deformed band in mirror nuclei 25Mg and 25Al

After 50 years of its prediction, the highest-lying [2 0 2]3/2 orbit among the six Nilsson single-particle orbits originating from the sd shells in prolately deformed nuclei and the rotational band on this orbit were identified. The band members were observed in 25Al at excitation energies of 6-7.5 MeV in a high-resolution 25Mg(3He,t) charge-exchange reaction at 0 degrees having a strong selectivity for Gamow-Teller transitions. In the comparison with the analogous M1 transitions in 25Mg, the J(pi)=3/2(+) bandhead state and the excited 5/2(+) and 7/2(+) members were clearly assigned.

Acute renal failure due to adenovirus-associated obstructive uropathy and necrotizing tubulointerstitial nephritis in a bone marrow transplant recipient

Management of post-transplant complications caused by severe adenoviral infection remains a major therapeutic challenge. A 17-year-old male who had undergone bone marrow transplantation for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia developed complete anuria following hemorrhagic cystitis 34 days after the transplant procedure. The computed tomogram scan revealed bilateral hydronephrosis, indicating acute renal failure because of obstructive uropathy. The emergency procedure of percutaneous nephrostomy caused massive bleeding in the left kidney, which eventually required a nephrectomy. Adenovirus-positive severe necrotizing tubulointerstitial nephritis was the histopathological diagnosis. Post-transplant acute renal failure because of hydronephrosis, which could be complicated by adenovirus-induced renal parenchymal disease, is of great concern and may cause significant problems with interventional treatment.

Excitation and decay of the isovector giant monopole resonances via the 208Pb(3He,t p) reaction at 410 MeV

The excitation and subsequent proton decay of the isovector spin-flip giant monopole resonance (IVSGMR) is studied via the 208Pb(3He,t) reaction at 410 MeV. In the inclusive spectrum (60+/-5)% of the non-energy-weighted sum-rule strength for this 2 variant Planck's over 2h omega resonance was found in the region 29<Ex(208Bi)<51 MeV. The central excitation energy and width of the IVSGMR are 37+/-1 MeV and 14+/-3 MeV, respectively. It is found that the branching ratio for proton decay is (52+/-12)% and that the deep neutron-hole states in 207Pb are strongly fed.

Random potential effect near the bicritical region in perovskite manganites as revealed by comparison with the ordered perovskite analogs

The orbital-charge-spin ordering phase diagram for half-doped perovskites Ln(1/2)Ba(1/2)MnO3 (Ln = rare earth) with ordered Ln/Ba cations has been investigated comparatively with that of the Ln/Ba solid-solution analogs. A large modification of the phase diagram is observed upon the A-site disordering near the original bicritical point between the charge-orbital ordering and ferromagnetic metallic phases. The random potential by quenched disorder inherent in the A-site solid solution is found to suppress the respective long-range orders and gives rise to the colossal magnetoresistive state.

Induction of cellular senescence in a telomerase negative human immortal fibroblast cell line, LCS-AF.1-3, by human chromosome 6

In immortal cells (LCS-AF.1-3) which originated from cultured skin fibroblasts from a patient with Li-Fraumeni syndrome, a specific deletion has been identified on chromosome 6. To examine the relationship between this deletion and the loss of function in aging genes, we performed microcell mediated chromosome transfer (MMCT) of normal human chromosome 6 into LCS-AF.1-3 cells and analyzed their characteristics. Transferred human chromosome 6 induced morphological changes in the cells and cellular senescence with growth suppression. In a revertant clone that had escaped from induced senescence, a specific deletion was found at D6S309 in the transferred chromosome 6. High molecular weight telomeric sequences were lost in a clone that had been induced to senescence by introduction of human chromosome 6. On the other hand, human chromosome 7 induces senescence in immortal cells by suppressing the alternative lengthening of telomere (ALT) mechanism. We also performed MMCT of chromosome 7 and discuss the effect of chromosome transfer by comparing the two chromosomes. LCS-AF.1-3 cells containing a transferred chromosome 7 showed no changes in immortality. These results suggest that genes which are new candidates for aging and which suppress the ALT mechanism are located in the region D6S309 in human chromosome 6.

Repeated hepatic dearterialization for unresectable carcinomas of the liver: report of a 10-year experience

The effectiveness of repeated hepatic dearterialization (RHD) therapy was evaluated in 26 patients with unresectable primary and secondary liver tumors. RHD was performed in 12 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), 7 with hepatic metastases from colorectal carcinoma, and 7 with hepatic metastases from gastric carcinoma. It was repeatedly carried out by occluding the hepatic artery for 1 h twice daily. All patients concurrently received an intra-arterial infusion of anticancer drugs. More than 50% remission of the hepatic tumors, defined as a partial response (PR), was demonstrated in 8 patients (31%). A higher PR was seen in hepatic tumors from metastatic gastric cancer (5 out of 7 patients; 71%). Most patients who suffered severe complications had HCC with liver cirrhosis. These preliminary results suggest that RHD with intra-arterial chemotherapy is an acceptable palliative treatment for patients with unresectable liver metastasis from gastric cancer; however, the majority of patients with HCC are not responsive to such treatment, primarily because most have underlying cirrhosis predisposing to the development of postoperative complications at an unacceptably high rate.

A novel strategy for remission induction and maintenance in cancer therapy

The p53 tumor suppressor gene plays an important role in protecting cells from developing undesirable proliferation. The mutant p53 gene or malfunctioning p53 protein found in more than 50% of cancer cells impedes DNA repair or apoptosis induction. This may be why some cancers gain resistance to chemotherapy and radiation and become more resistant after frequent cancer treatments. A non-toxic p53 gene activator would induce cancer cell apoptosis and help damaged cancer cells to recover. Therefore, the combination use of chemotherapeutics or radiation with a non-toxic p53 gene activator will be crucial in cancer therapy, damaging DNA with chemotherapeutics or radiation on the one hand and promoting apoptosis induction with p53 gene activator on the other. This strategy would be most efficient for remission induction and maintenance in cancer therapy. Antineoplastons are naturally occurring peptides and amino acid derivatives that control neoplastic growth. Antineoplaston A10 and AS2-1 are chemically identified and synthesized antineoplastons proven to inhibit cancer cell growth by arresting the cell cycle in the G1 phase and inhibiting tumor growth by reducing mitosis. These agents are thought to be good candidates for clinically easily applicable non-toxic p53 gene activators. Our cases of advanced cancer responded well to combination treatment using chemotherapeutics and irradiation with antineoplaston A10 and AS2-1 in clinical trials being conducted in Kurume University Hospital. We describe herein the clinical cases and discuss the possible mechanism of action of this combination therapy.

Effects of vanilloid receptor agonists and antagonists on gastric antral ulcers in rats

Defunctionalization of capsaicin-sensitive afferent nerves by pretreatment with a neurotoxic dose of capsaicin aggravates gastric ulcers in rats. In the present study, we investigated the roles of vanilloid receptors in gastric antral ulcers, using vanilloid receptor agonists and antagonists. Gastric antral ulcers were induced by a combination of diethyldithiocarbamate and 1 N HCl in refed rats. The administration of ruthenium red (1.5 mg/kg, s.c., twice daily) aggravated gastric antral ulcers (ulcer index: control, 33.7+/-13.7 mm(2); ruthenium red, 99.9+/-11.0 mm(2)). A similar result was observed in rats pretreated with a neurotoxic dose of capsaicin. On the other hand, capsaicin (1-10 mg/kg, p.o., twice daily) inhibited antral ulcer formation (ulcer index: control, 99.2+/-20.6 mm(2); capsaicin 10 mg/kg, 37.0+/-11.7 mm(2)). A similar effect was obtained in rats treated with the novel antiulcer drug, lafutidine (3-10 mg/kg, p.o., twice daily), which has gastroprotective activity mediated by capsaicin-sensitive afferent nerves. The antiulcer effects of capsaicin and lafutidine were abolished by ruthenium red and by pretreatment with a neurotoxic dose of capsaicin. These results suggest that vanilloid receptors play a gastroprotective role in gastric antral ulcers. In addition, treatment with ruthenium red may be an alternative tool for defunctionalization of capsaicin-sensitive afferent nerves.