Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Analysis Using Deaminated DNA of Dodecamer Expansions in CSTB, Associated with Unverricht-Lundborg Myoclonus Epilepsy

Progressive myoclonus epilepsy of the Unverricht-Lundborg type is an autosomal recessive disorder that is characterized clinically by myoclonic seizures and ataxia. The majority of affected individuals carry repeat expansions of a dodecamer in the promoter region of the cystatin B gene. The unusually high GC content of this tract is refractory to conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and, as a result, a circumventive procedure involving the deamination of DNA with sodium bisulfite has been proposed. This study evaluates the effectiveness of this deamination modification for the detection of dodecamer repeat variants. An analysis of 258 healthy Japanese individuals revealed an allele with four copies of the dodecamer repeat with a frequency of 0.01, in addition to the more commonly observed two and three copy repeat alleles. Homozygous repeat expansions 600 and 680 base pairs in length were detected in the analyses of two affected individuals. For these cases, sequencing, along with an alternative PCR-stutter formation, revealed 41 and 48 copies, respectively, of the dodecamer repeat. The complete conversion of C to T was observed in the expanded tracts, indicating that no methylation occurred at the CpG sites. Based on these results, it was concluded that the use of deaminated DNA allows for a precise analysis of consecutive GC tracts.

Antibacterial activity of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens phage endolysin without holin conjugation

To characterize the enzymatic activity and antibacterial activity of endolysin encoded by a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens phage, the open reading frame encoding endolysin was amplified by PCR and cloned into the expression plasmid pET21d(+). The resultant plasmid was used to transform Escherichia coli JM109(DE3). Production of endolysin in the cytosol facilitated cell lysis without coproduction of holin, which is considered to degrade or alter the cytoplasmic membrane. The phage endolysin was overexpressed and purified. Although the specific activity of the purified phage endolysin towards lyophilized Micrococcus luteus cells was 1/11 of the activity of chicken egg white lysozymes, the endolysin showed stronger antibacterial activity towards E. coli W3110, E. coli JM109(DE3) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 than chicken egg white lysozymes. The antibacterial activity of the endolysin towards these three bacterial strains was marked when EDTA was added to the endolysin solution.

Near-threshold diffractive psi-meson photoproduction from the proton

Photoproduction of a phi meson on protons was studied by means of linearly polarized photons at forward angles in the low-energy region from threshold to Egamma = 2.37 GeV. The differential cross sections at t = -|t|min do not increase smoothly as Egamma increases but show a local maximum at around 2.0 GeV. The angular distributions demonstrate that phi mesons are photoproduced predominantly by helicity-conserving processes, and the local maximum is not likely due to unnatural-parity processes.

Relationship between stress factor and periodontal disease in a rural area population in Japan

OBJECTIVES

Several studies conducted in Western countries have shown significant associations between stress factors and periodontal disease. However, there have been only a few studies conducted in Asian countries. The present study was designed to identify possible relationship between stress and periodontal disease in residents of a rural area in Japan. -

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data were collected from 1,089 adults with at least six natural teeth in a typical farming district of Japan. Subjects were asked to complete a questionnaire on daily stresses in various aspects of life. Data on gender, occupation, smoking, alcohol drinking habits, dental health behavior and systemic disease status were obtained from the questionnaires. Periodontal disease status was assessed using clinical attachment loss (CAL), and the subjects were dichotomized according to mean CAL<1.5 mm (control group) and>/=1.5 mm (diseased group). Logistic regression was applied to assess the associations between stress and other factors with periodontal disease, and odds ratios (ORs) as well as 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

RESULTS

In bivariate analysis, significant relationships were found between periodontal disease and stress within 1 month (P<0.001), job stress (P<0.001), self-health-related stress (P<0.001) and family health-related stress (P<0.01). Logistic regression analysis revealed that subjects who felt job stress (OR=1.71, P<0.05) and those who felt stress due to self health (OR=1.72, P<0.05) were more prone to have periodontal disease than were those who never or only rarely felt such stress. Significant correlations were also found between periodontal disease and smoking habit, frequency of dental clinic visits and hyperlipidemia (OR=1.8, P<0.05, OR=2.0, P<0.001, OR=2.1, P<0.05, respectively). -

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that stress related to self health and job might be potential risk indicators for development of periodontal diseases. Intervention measures including stress reduction may provide adjunctive approaches for preventing and treating periodontal disease.

Formation and resolution of ankylosis under application of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) to class III furcation defects in cats

OBJECTIVES

Periodontal regeneration under application of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) is compromised by ankylosis. Ankylosis disappearance following application of BMP has been observed in the case of a small defect, which might be beneficial change for periodontal regeneration. However, the histological observation of ankylosis disappearance has not been demonstrated in a large defect. The purpose of this present study was to confirm resolution of ankylosis during periodontal regeneration by recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2) applied to class III furcation defects.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Class III furcation defects were created in the premolars of six adult cats. The rhBMP-2 material, prepared by applying rhBMP-2 to a combination of polylactic acid-polygricolic copolymer and gelatin sponge (PGS; 0.33 microg rhBMP-2/mm(3) PGS) or control material containing only PGS, was implanted into each defect. The cats were killed at 3, 6 or 12 weeks after surgery and serial sections were prepared for histological and histometrical observation.

RESULTS

Ankylosis was observed in some of the rhBMP-2/PGS group at 3 and 6 weeks, but not at 12 weeks. At 6 weeks, osteoclast-like cells were visible in the rhBMP-2/PGS group with ankylosis. Residual PGS was evident between the bone and root surface in the rhBMP-2/PGS group without ankylosis at 3 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Resolution of ankylosis by osteoclast-like cells possibly occurred under application of rhBMP-2. Residual PGS might play an important role in preventing ankylosis formation.

Estrogenic activity of 37 components of commercial sunscreen lotions evaluated by in vitro assays

Thirty-seven chemical components of commercial sunscreen lotions were evaluated for estrogen agonistic and/or antagonistic activity using two in vitro assays, (1) an ELISA-based estrogen receptor competitive binding assay (ER-ELISA) and (2) a modified yeast two-hybrid estrogen assay, with and without addition of a rat liver preparation, S9 mix. Eleven compounds, most of which were benzophenone derivatives and parabens, showed binding affinity to ER by ER-ELISA without S9 mix. Although the activities of almost all of the compounds were attenuated by addition of S9 mix, 4-octylphenylsalicylate and 2,2'-dihydroxy-4,4'-dimethoxybenzophenone acquired estrogenic activity, suggesting metabolic activation of these compounds. Two benzophenones showed agonistic activity in the yeast two-hybrid assay without S9 mix. The activity of one of these was reduced by S9 treatment and a further two benzophenones was activated. Eight parabens were active in this assay without S9 exposure, but their activities were eliminated by S9 treatment. Benzophenones with para-phenolic hydroxyl groups and parabens with branched and/or longer linear chains were generally more potent in both bioassays. In addition, weak antagonistic activity of 4-t-butylphenyl-salicylate, 2-ethylhexyl 4-dimethylaminobenzoate and (+/-)-alpha-tocopherolacetate was observed with S9 treatment. In vivo testing of the compounds reported here to have estrogen agonistic and antagonistic activities is required to confirm their effects at an organismal level.

FK 506 inhibits tolerance induction in mice liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

In the orthotopic mouse liver transplantation model, allografts are accepted without immunosuppression, and donor-specific tolerance is induced upto 40 days. Although FK 506 is a well-known immunosuppressive agent, its influence on tolerance induction is not known. In this study, we examined the influence of FK 506 on tolerance induction in a mouse liver transplant model.

METHODS

Orthotopic liver transplantation was performed from B10.BR (H-2K) to B10.D2 (H-2D mice). In the experimental group, FK 506 (1 mg/kg/d) was given subcutaneously to the recipients from day 0 to day 21, whereas the control group received a placebo (1 mg/kg/d). On day 40, donor skin grafts were transplanted to the recipients to examine the survival times of the recipients and the skin grafts. On day 14, donor-type cells in recipient's blood, spleen, kidney, thymus, and lymph nodes were examined by RT-PCR using specific donor-type MHC class I and II primers.

RESULTS

All recipients survived for more than 100 days. The mean survival time of skin grafts in the experimental group was significantly reduced compared to that of controls. On day 14, either donor-type MHC class I- or class II-positive cells were detected in the control group, whereas donor-derived MHC class II-positive cells disappeared in the experimental group.

CONCLUSIONS

In the early period after mouse liver transplantation, FK 506 inhibits tolerance induction paradoxically. Some donor-derived MHC class II-positive cells might play an important role in tolerance induction.

Enhancement of nitric oxide and superoxide generations by alpha-tocopheryl succinate and its apoptotic and anticancer effects

Tocopheryl succinate (TS), a succinyl ester of alpha-tocopherol (alpha-T), has been reported to have various biological activities. In this communication, we review the current findings about TS including our recent studies of its effects on nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide (O2-) generations implicated in cancer and atherosclerosis. First, we investigated the effect of TS on NO production in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) under atherosclerosis-like conditions using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-gamma (IFN). TS enhanced LPS/IFN-dependent NO production, but alpha-T itself did not. The enhancement by TS of NO production was inhibited by alpha-T but not by antioxidants such as ascorbic acid and 2[3]-t-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (BHA). TS enhanced the amount of protein kinase Calpha (PKCalpha) in VSMC, and PKC inhibitors inhibited TS-enhanced NO production, suggesting that the enhancing effect of TS on NO production is caused by up-regulation of PKC. Second, we found that TS induced apoptosis in VSMC associated with increase in O2- generation via NADPH-dependent oxidase. We further observed that a mouse breast cancer cell line C127I was more susceptible for TS-induced apoptosis than a mouse breast normal cell line NmuMG, and that superoxide dismutase, alpha-T, and BHA inhibited TS-caused morphological cell damage in C127I. From these results, O2- itself and/or other reactive oxygen species are assumed to associate with TS-induced cell toxicity, and antioxidative defense systems are supposed to be lowered in cancer cells. Finally, we found that intravenous injection of TS vesicles completely inhibited the growth of melanoma cells B16-F1 inoculated on the back of hairless mice and enhanced their survival time.

Child death related to insulin omission by mother

A 4-year-old child was found dead in her house. She had been suffering from insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) for 3 years. She had been admitted to hospital three times, and attended the hospital once a month. Her glycaemic control remained poor. Autopsy findings revealed a remarkably fatty liver and lack of beta cells in the pancreatic islets of Langerhans. The laboratory reported ketoacidosis, ketonuria, glycosuria, and high levels of vitreous glucose and ketones. Her father had been absent for the 3 days before her death, and the mother should have fed her. Her mother was found drunk on the floor. No detailed history was available because of the mother's death, but the probability of the mother's omission of the insulin injection was suggested. Poor control of IDDM might have also been closely connected to general neglect by the mother. This case was considered child abuse.

Solitary osteochondroma of the mandibular symphysis

Osteochondroma is a benign neoplasm that usually develops in long bones and very rarely occurs in craniofacial bones. Nearly all reported mandibular osteochondromas have arisen in the condyle and the coronoid process, and occurrence in other locations is extremely rare. We describe a case of osteochondroma arising from the inferior border of the mandibular symphysis.

Quantitative trait loci for phyllochron and tillering in rice

Morphogenetic processes in sequentially growing leaves and tiller buds are highly synchronized in rice ( Oryza sativa L.). Consequently, the appearance of successive leaves in the main tiller acts as the "pacemaker" for the whole shoot system development. The time interval between the appearance of successive leaves (days/leaf) in the main tiller is called the 'phyllochron'. The objectives of the investigation reported here were: (1) to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that control rice phyllochron and (2) to understand the roles of phyllochron QTLs as an underlying developmental factor for rice tillering. For this purpose we developed a set of recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross between IR36 ( indica) and Genjah Wangkal (tropical japonica). Composite interval mapping detected three phyllochron QTLs located on chromosomes 4, 10 and 11, where the presence of a Genjah Wangkal allele increased phyllochron. The largest QTL (on chromosome 4) was located on the genomic region syntenic to the vicinity of the maize Teopod 2 mutation, while the QTL on chromosome 10 was close to the rice plastochron 1 mutation. These three phyllochron QTLs failed to coincide with major tiller number QTLs. However, one tiller number QTL was associated with small LOD peaks for phyllochron and tiller-bud dormancy that were linked in coupling phase, suggesting that linked small effects of phyllochron and tiller-bud dormancy might result in a multiplicative effect on tiller number.

Association of dietary habits with symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in Bangladeshi adolescents

The prevalences of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in Bangladeshi adolescents and their associations with intake of various hard food items were investigated. A group of 1200 randomly selected high school students aged 12-17 years from three communities (rural, semi-urban and urban) completed a questionnaire on dietary habits and presence of TMD symptoms and were examined clinically. In bivariate analysis, no significant relationship was observed between TMD symptoms and eating of hard foods. However, in logistic regression analysis, clicking showed a significant correlation with consumption of hard vegetable and fruits more than three times per week (P < 0.05). A statistically significant correlation was also observed between consumption of all hard food items (at least one item in each of the four categories of hard food) more than 12 times per week and pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) (P < 0.05). A positive association was found between pain in the TMJ and older age (15-17 years) (P < 0.001). The prevalence of pain in the TMJ was significantly higher in males (P < 0.01). Prevalences of clicking and pain in the TMJ were significantly higher in subjects living in a rural area than in subjects living in an urban area (P < 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively). Subjects having one or more decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) showed significantly higher prevalences of clicking (P < 0.01) and restricted mouth opening (P < 0.01). The results suggest that prevalence of TMD symptoms are related to prolonged consumption of hard food items.

Genetic polymorphisms and antiviral activity in the bovine MX1 gene

Bovine MX1 cDNAs consisting of 2280 bp from 11 animals of five breeds and from a cultured cell line were sequenced and compared with previously reported data. Ten nucleotide substitutions were synonymous mutations, and a single nucleotide substitution at 458 resulted in an amino acid exchange of Ile (ATT) and Met (ATG). A 13-bp deletion-insertion mutation was also found in the 3'-UTR. Based on the nucleotide substitutions found in this study, bovine MX1 cDNA was classified into 11 genotypes. A phylogenetic tree of the 11 genotypes suggested that the genotypes observed in Brahman were a great genetic distance from other genotypes. An 18-bp deletion-insertion variation at position 171 was found to be the result of alternative splicing. The 18-bp deletion-insertion is located at the boundary between exon 3 and intron 3. Permanently transfected 3T3 cell lines expressing bovine MX1 mRNA were established to analyse the antiviral potential against VSVDeltaG*-G infection. Transfected cell clones expressing bovine MX1 mRNA showed a significantly smaller number of cells infected with VSVDeltaG*-G compared with the control cells. These results indicate that the bovine MX1 protein has potent antiviral activity.

Association of caries and treatment experiences with subjective symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in female adolescents

A 2-year cohort study of subjective symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) was performed. A total of 229 female adolescents, all 15 years of age, completed questionnaires and underwent dental examinations at baseline, 1- and 2-year follow-up surveys. The questionnaire included questions on typical TMD symptoms; i.e. temporomandibular joint (TMJ) noise, tiredness in jaws, pain on jaw movements, and difficulty in mouth opening. The relative risk was computed to determine the relationships of the baseline number of filled teeth (FT) and decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) increment with the incidence of TMD. The percentage of subjects with one or more subjective symptoms at 17 years of age was 30.6%, significantly higher than the percentages at 15 (17.0%) and 16 (19.7%) years of age (P < 0.01). The symptom-emerging rate of TMJ noise during the 2-year period was 13.5%, which was the highest among the rates of possible subjective symptoms. Individuals with a 2-year increment in DMFT of > or =2 had a 2.14-times increased risk of experiencing mild symptoms, and individuals with baseline FT of > or =3 had 2.41-times increased risk of experiencing mild or severe subjective symptoms. The results of this study showed that TMD symptoms occurred in a relatively high percentage of female adolescents during the 2-year period and suggested that DMFT is one factor affecting the incidence of TMD.

Oral parafunctions and association with symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in Japanese university students

We examined whether oral parafunctions are associated with symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in 3557 Japanese university students, aged between 18 and 26 years. Participants completed a questionnaire regarding various oral parafunctions and subjective symptoms related to TMD, and underwent a dental examination. The prevalence of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) noise, TMJ pain and impaired mouth opening was 41.7, 16.0 and 16.3%, respectively. The most prevalent parafunction was sleeping on one side (60.2%), followed by supporting the jaw by leaning on the palm of the hand (44.8%). Mean age, decayed, missing and filled teeth, and number of teeth were not significantly different between TMD positive and negative groups according to unpaired t-test. The chi-squared test revealed that the ratio of females was significantly higher among students with TMD than without TMD. Multiple logistic regression models adjusted for age and gender demonstrated that chewing on one side caused an increased risk of TMJ noise [odds ratio (OR) = 1.52, P < 0.001], TMJ pain (OR = 1.54, P < 0.001), and impaired mouth opening (OR = 2.00, P < 0.001). Tooth clenching also increased the risk of TMJ noise (OR = 1.86, P < 0.001), TMJ pain (OR = 1.79, P = 0.001) and impaired mouth opening (OR = 1.88, P < 0.001). Further prospective cohort studies, including other potential risk factors, are required to clarify these relationships.

Inheritance of early elongation ability in floating rice revealed by diallel and QTL analyses

In floating rice, stem elongation begins much earlier than in non-floating rice, which is the major survival mechanism for flooding. Inheritance of this early elongation ability was studied using diallel and quantitative trait locus (QTL) analyses. The diallel analysis was undertaken using a set of 6x6 half-diallel crosses involving four floating ("Goai", "Habiganj Aman VIII", "Badal 106", and Oryza rufipogon strain W120) and two non-floating ("Latisail" and "Patnai 23") parents. The additive gene effects were higher than the dominant effects. The dominant alleles were concentrated in the cultivated floating parents (("Goai", "Habiganj Aman VIII", "Badal 106"), whereas the recessive alleles were in the wild floating parent (W120). A QTL analysis using a "Patnai 23" x "Goai" F(2) population detected two putative QTLs. Of these QTLs, the one on chromosome 12 behaved as a partially dominant major gene that explained more than half of the total genetic variation.

DDT and metabolites residues in the southern bent-wing bat (Miniopterus schreibersii bassanii) of south-eastern Australia

The southern bent-wing bat (Miniopterus schreibersii bassanii) is an insectivorous, obligate cave dwelling species found in south-eastern South Australia and western Victoria, Australia. In recent times, the finger of blame for an apparent population decline at Bat Cave, Naracoorte (one of only two known maternity roosts for this species, the other being Starlight Cave, Warrnambool) has been pointed at pesticide use in the region, following the finding of organochlorine and organophosphate insecticide residues in bat guano. This study sampled juvenile southern bent-wing bats from Bat Cave and Starlight Cave, and determined DDT, DDD and DDE concentrations in liver, pectoral muscle, brain and back-depot fat tissues. DDT was detected in only three tissue samples (highest concentration, 126 microg kg(-1) (wet weight) in back-depot fat), DDD was detected only in brain tissue (highest concentration, 115 microg kg(-1) (wet weight)), but DDE was detected in most tissues (highest concentration, 24,200 microg kg(-1) (wet weight) in back-depot fat). A minimum DDE body burden was estimated for each bat, and then for each sex at each site, from the data from all tissues sampled. The DDE body burdens estimated were highest in male bats from Starlight Cave (114 microg kg(-1)), then females from Starlight Cave (54.5 microg kg(-1)), and males from Bat Cave (53.2 microg kg(-1)). Female bats at Bat Cave contained the lowest estimated body burden (24.2 microg kg(-1)). Comparisons of DDE concentrations between the sexes showed that contamination was not statistically different within each maternity site. The different chemical concentrations observed in the Bat Cave and Starlight Cave bats is suggestive of different feeding locations, and perhaps an emerging population split, further threatening a species already at risk as a result of landscape scale changes to land use across their range.

Prenatal development of the palatine gland of rats

The present study aimed to elucidate the prenatal development of the rat palatine gland. Parasagittal 5 microm thick serial sections made from Wistar rats at embryonic days (E) 17 to 22 were stained with haematoxylin-eosin (HE), Alcian blue-Kernechtrot or immunohistochemistry for 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) as a marker of proliferating cells. Additionally, three-dimensional images of developing glandular parenchyma were reconstructed from serial HE sections with a personal computer. At E 17, several thickenings of the palatal epithelium had appeared which thereafter became the epithelial cords. Branching and lumenization commenced at E 20, and immature acini were observed at E 21. Three-dimensional reconstruction showed that the proximal part of the epithelial cord differentiated into the duct, and the distal part of the epithelial cord differentiated into the acinus. In immunohistochemical staining, there were many BrdU-positive cells in the epithelial cords including thickenings of the palatal epithelium, ducts, and acini. The BrdU labeling index of the cells of the epithelial cord was the highest (statistically significant) of the three in the primitive palatine gland. In conclusion, during the development of the rat palatine gland, epithelial cords with very high proliferative activity arise from the palatal epithelium, and then the proximal part of the epithelial cord differentiates into the duct, and the distal part of the epithelial cord differentiates into the acinus. Proliferation of these glandular parenchyma contributes to the growth of the developing palatine gland.

Contamination of organotin compounds and imposex in molluscs from Vancouver, Canada

Gastropods and bivalves were collected at 15 sites at Vancouver and Victoria, Canada between 24 May and 7 June, 1999, to establish tissue concentrations of butyltin and phenyltin compounds, to record imposex symptoms in gastropods, and to assess the present status of organotin contamination around Vancouver. No neogastropods (such as Nucella lima) were found around Vancouver. Neogastropod populations could have been extirpated by severe TBT contamination in Vancouver, as relatively high concentrations of TBT were detected in tissues of Mytilus trossulus from Vancouver, and the neogastropods distributed in Vancouver might be sensitive to TBT. Recovery from imposex, however, was observed in neogastropod populations from three sites at Victoria and Mission Point. TBT contamination has continued around Vancouver, arising from continuous use of TBT in antifouling paints for vessels larger than 25 m in length; however, TBT has decreased around Victoria and Mission Point. Different patterns of TBT accumulation in tissue were observed among the bivalve species from Vancouver. The highest TBT concentration detected in Tresus capax suggested some possible adverse effects. TBT was the most predominant butyltin component in almost all bivalve specimens surveyed, suggesting a low rate of TBT metabolism. Phenyltin compounds were not detected in any molluscan specimens in this study.

The diversity of bovine MHC class II DRB3 genes in Japanese Black, Japanese Shorthorn, Jersey and Holstein cattle in Japan

We sequenced exon 2 of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II DRB3 gene from 471 individuals in four different Japanese populations of cattle (201 Japanese Black, 101 Holstein, 100 Japanese Shorthorn, and 69 Jersey cattle) using a new method for sequence-based typing (SBT). We identified the 34 previously reported alleles and four novel alleles. These alleles were 80.0-100.0% identical at the nucleotide level and 77.9-100.0% identical at the amino acid level to the bovine MHC (BoLA)-DRB3 cDNA clone NR1. Among the 38 alleles, eight alleles were found in only one breed in this study. However, these alleles did not form specific clusters on a phylogenetic tree of 236-base pairs (bp) nucleotide sequences. Furthermore, these breeds exhibited similar variations with respect to average frequencies of nucleotides and amino acids, as well as synonymous and non-synonymous substitutions, in all pairwise comparisons of the alleles found in this study. By contrast, analysis of the frequencies of the various BoLA-DRB3 alleles in each breed indicated that DRB3*1101 was the most frequent allele in Holstein cattle (16.8%), DRB3*4501 was the most frequent allele in Jersey cattle (18.1%), DRB3*1201 was the most frequent allele in Japanese Shorthorn cattle (16.0%) and DRB3*1001 was the most frequent allele in Japanese Black cattle (17.4%), indicating that the frequencies of alleles were differed in each breed. In addition, a population tree based on the frequency of BoLA-DRB3 alleles in each breed suggested that Holstein and Japanese Black cattle were the most closely related, and that Jersey cattle were more different from both these breeds than Japanese Shorthorns.

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens phage endolysin can enhance permeability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa outer membrane and induce cell lysis

To determine the function of the C-terminal region of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens phage endolysin on Pseudomonas aeruginosa lysis, the permeabilization of the outer membrane of P. aeruginosa was analyzed. Glu-15 to His (E15H) and Thr-32 to Glu (T32E) substitutions were introduced into the Bacillus phage endolysin. Neither E15H nor T32E substitution induced enzymatic and antibacterial activities. These two, Glu-15 and Thr-32, were considered to be the active center of the enzyme. The addition of purified E15H and T32E proteins to P. aeruginosa cells induced the release of periplasmic beta-lactamase from the cells, indicating that both proteins enhance permeabilization of the outer membrane. However, the addition of E15H and T32E proteins to P. aeruginosa cells did not induce the release of cytoplasmic ATP from the cells. These results indicate that the antibacterial activity of the endolysin requires both the C-terminal enhancement of the permeabilization of the P. aeruginosa outer membrane and N-terminal enzymatic activity.

High-sensitivity analysis of serum C-reactive protein in young patients with lumbar disc herniation

We measured the serum concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) by a high-sensitive method in patients with lumbar disc herniation. There were 48 patients in the study group and 53 normal controls. The level and type of herniation were evaluated. The clinical data including the neurological findings, the angle of straight leg raising and post-operative recovery as measured by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, were recorded. The high-sensitive CRP (hs-CRP) was measured by an ultrasensitive latex-enhanced immunoassay. The mean hs-CRP concentration was 0.056 +/- 0.076 mg/dl in the patient group and 0.017 +/- 0.021 mg/dl in the control group. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.006). There was no other correlation between the hs-CRP concentration and the level and type of herniation, or the pre-operative clinical data. A positive correlation was found between the concentration of hs-CRP before operation and the JOA score after. Those with a higher concentration of hs-CRP before operation showed a poorer recovery after. The significantly high concentration of serum hs-CRP might indicate a systemic inflammatory response to impingement of the nerve root caused by disc herniation and might be a predictor of recovery after operation.

[Mediastinal lymph-node carcinoma with no apparent primary lesion; report of a case]

A 57-year-old woman was admitted to our department because of a chest X-ray showing a mass shadow about 40 mm in diameter in the right side of the middle of the mediastinum. A chest computed tomography(CT) scan demonstrated a large tumor, adherent to the superior vena cava and right pulmonary artery. No other metastases and no primary tumor were found. The tumor was resected through median sternotomy. Intraoperative frozen section analysis showed that the mediastinal tumor was a metastatic lymph-node carcinoma. Postoperative examination, too, did not detect the primary lesion. Radiotherapy was given after the operation. This case was thought to be a very rare case of T0N2M0 lung cancer or primary mediastinal lymph-node carcinoma (yolk sac tumor).

A case in which biventricular assist device support was required after aortic valve replacement with a bioprosthetic valve

We report the case of a 45-year-old man with severe aortic regurgitation. The patient underwent aortic valve replacement with a bioprosthetic valve, but was unable to be weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Intraoperative coronary angiography revealed stenosis of the right coronary orifice, so an intra-aortic balloon pump was inserted and coronary artery bypass grafting to the right coronary artery was conducted; however, weaning from CPB again failed. Left ventricular assist using a Gyro centrifugal pump was performed between the left atrium and left femoral artery, along with right ventricular assist using a Nikkiso centrifugal pump between the right atrium and pulmonary artery. Flow rates averaged from 2.0 to 2.8 l/min for the left-side ventricular assist device (VAD) and 2.1-3.8 l/min for the right-side VAD. The bypass rate reached approximately 70% at maximum. No thromboembolic events were documented during VAD support. The patient underwent explantation of VADs on postoperative day 4. No thrombus was identified on the bioprosthetic aortic valve by transesophageal echocardiography. The left-side pump displayed no thrombus, while the right-side pump had a small thrombus at the shaft. The patient was discharged from the hospital and was alive as of 2 year postoperatively. To the best of our knowledge, no clinical study has yet compared the antithrombotic properties of two centrifugal pumps in one patient where mechanical support was performed for the same duration and flow rate.

Prospective randomized pilot trial of selective biliary cannulation using pancreatic guide-wire placement

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

In difficult cases of selective bile duct cannulation, several expanded techniques are available which have only been partially evaluated in randomized studies. This study describes a prospective, randomized trial investigating a further technique for obtaining selective biliary access--pancreatic duct wire placement.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

During a six-month study period, 107 consecutive patients required deep selective biliary cannulation. Accessing the bile duct using a catheter failed within 10 min in 53 of the patients, who were randomly assigned to either pre-insertion of a guide wire into the pancreatic duct or persistence with a conventional catheter. The success rate and complication rate were compared between these two groups.

RESULTS

In the pancreatic duct-guide wire group (n=27), the success rate was significantly greater than in the conventional group (93% vs 58%). No pancreatitis complications occurred within either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Inserting a guide wire into the pancreatic duct to facilitate deep selective bile duct cannulation is better than persisting with a conventional catheter. Further studies will be needed to confirm these results and to compare this method with other sophisticated techniques for obtaining selective access to the bile duct.

Beam-polarization asymmetries for the p(gamma-->, K+)Lambda and p(gamma-->, K+)Sigma(0) reactions for E(gamma)=1.5-2.4 GeV

Beam polarization asymmetries for the p(gamma-->,K+)Lambda and p(gamma-->,K+)Sigma(0) reactions are measured for the first time for E(gamma)=1.5-2.4 GeV and 0.6<cos((theta(c.m.)(K+))<1.0 by using linearly polarized photons at the Laser-Electron-Photon facility at SPring-8 (LEPS). The observed asymmetries are positive and gradually increase with rising photon energy. The data are not consistent with theoretical predictions based on tree-level effective-Lagrangian approaches. Including the new results in the development of the models is, therefore, crucial for understanding the reaction mechanism and to test the presence of baryon resonances which are predicted in quark models but are thus far undiscovered.

Enhancement of the quantum-liquid phase by increased resistivity in thick a-MoxSi1-x films

Effects of normal-state resistivity rho(n) on the vortex phase diagram at low temperature T have been studied based on dc and ac complex resistivities for thick amorphous MoxSi(1-x) films. It is commonly observed irrespective of rho(n) that, in the limit T=0, the vortex-glass-transition line B(g)(T) is independent of T and extrapolates to a field below the T=0 upper critical field B(c2)(0), indicative of the quantum-vortex-liquid (QVL) phase in the regime B(g)(0)<B<B(c2)(0). The relative width of the QVL phase increases along the B and T axes approximately proportional to rho(n). This result is consistent with a view that the QVL phase is caused by strong quantum fluctuations, which are enhanced with increasing rho(n).

Evidence for a narrow S = +1 baryon resonance in photoproduction from the neutron

The gamman-->K(+)K(-)n reaction on 12C has been studied by measuring both K+ and K- at forward angles. A sharp baryon resonance peak was observed at 1.54+/-0.01 GeV/c(2) with a width smaller than 25 MeV/c(2) and a Gaussian significance of 4.6sigma. The strangeness quantum number (S) of the baryon resonance is +1. It can be interpreted as a molecular meson-baryon resonance or alternatively as an exotic five-quark state (uuddsmacr;) that decays into a K+ and a neutron. The resonance is consistent with the lowest member of an antidecuplet of baryons predicted by the chiral soliton model.

Estrogenic and thyroid hormone activity of a series of hydroxy-polychlorinated biphenyls

A series of novel synthetic monohydroxy polychlorinated biphenyls (OH-PCBs) (5 trichloro-, 5 tetrachloro- and 5 pentachloro-compounds) have been characterized (1H and 13C NMR and high resolution MS) and their estrogenic and thyroid hormone activities assessed using a yeast two-hybrid assay, both with and without possible metabolic activation by rat liver S9 preparation. Moderate estrogenic activity was found for 2,3,4(')-trichlorobiphenyl-4-ol (compound 5) but this was eliminated when exposed to the S9 mix. 2,2('),3('),4,6-Pentachlorobiphenyl-3-ol (13) and 2('),3,3('),6-tetrachlorobiphenyl-4-ol (10) both showed weak estrogenicity in the absence of the S9 mix. The estrogenicity of compound (10) was enhanced 10-fold by exposure to S9 metabolic activation but that of compound (13) remained unchanged. 2('),4,5('),6-Tetrachlorobiphenyl-2-ol (6) showed strong thyroid hormonal activity (5% of that of T4) whereas 3('),4,6-trichlorobiphenyl-3-ol (4), compound (10) and 2,3('),4,5('),6-pentachlorobiphenyl-3-ol (14) showed moderate activity, and 2('),3,3('),5-tetrachlorobiphenyl-2-ol (8) and 3,3('),5,5('),6-pentachlorobiphenyl-2-ol (11) showed weak activity. The activity of (4) was eliminated by S9 metabolic activation whereas those of (6) and (14) were weakened and that of (10) remained unchanged.

Enhancement of acute lung injury related to bacterial endotoxin by components of diesel exhaust particles

BACKGROUND

Diesel exhaust particles (DEP) synergistically aggravate acute lung injury related to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mice, but the components in DEP responsible for this have not been identified. A study was undertaken to examine the effects of the organic chemicals (DEP-OC) and residual carbonaceous nuclei (washed DEP) derived from DEP on LPS related lung injury.

METHODS

ICR mice were divided into experimental groups and vehicle, LPS, washed DEP, DEP-OC, washed DEP+LPS, and DEP-OC+LPS were administered intratracheally. The cellular profile of the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, pulmonary oedema, lung histology, and expression of proinflammatory molecules and Toll-like receptors in the lung were evaluated.

RESULTS

Both DEP-OC and washed DEP enhanced the infiltration of neutrophils into BAL fluid in the presence of LPS. Washed DEP combined with LPS synergistically exacerbated pulmonary oedema and induced alveolar haemorrhage, which was concomitant with the enhanced lung expression of interleukin-1beta, macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha, macrophage chemoattractant protein-1, and keratinocyte chemoattractant, whereas DEP-OC combined with LPS did not. Gene expression of Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 was increased by combined treatment with washed DEP and LPS. The enhancement effects of washed DEP on LPS related changes were comparable to those of whole DEP.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the residual carbonaceous nuclei of DEP rather than the extracted organic chemicals predominantly contribute to the aggravation of LPS related lung injury. This may be mediated through the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and Toll-like receptors.

Strength of bond to bone and cytotoxicity of sintered bodies of hydroxyapatite/zirconia composite particles

Regarding sintered bodies of hydroxyapatite (HAP)/zirconia (PSZ) composite particles prepared by covering the surface of HAP particles with PSZ particles, their strength of the bond to bone after implanting them into an organism and their cytotoxicity were evaluated. Cytotoxicity tests were conducted by the colony formation method. Cytotoxicity was not observed in the sintered bodies of HAP/PSZ composite particles, or in sintered monolithic HAP body and sintered monolithic PSZ body. The strength of bond between a sintered body and a bone was evaluated by measuring the shear strength at the interface between them after a fixed period following implantation of a sintered body into a rabbit femur. In all cases of the sintered monolithic HAP body, and the sintered bodies of HAP/PSZ composite particles and monolithic PSZ body, when the implantation period increased, the shear strength of the sintered body/bone interface tended to increase. In particular, this tendency was very high in the case of sintered bodies of HAP/PSZ with weight ratios of 1/1.0 and 1/1.5, the shear strength for each reaching 20 MPa 12 months after implantation.

Heat sensitivity of human parvovirus B19

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

To date there has been no published report on a systematic evaluation of the heat sensitivity of human parvovirus B19 (B19) and the related safety of the plasma-derived fractionated products. In this study, we examined the heat sensitivity of B19 by using the infectivity assay with cultured cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The heat sensitivity of B19 was examined by measuring the reduction in viral infectivity titres after heating liquid containing B19 at 60 degrees C. Viral infectivity was assayed by detection of viral antigens or viral mRNA in infected cells. As a control, canine parvovirus (CPV) was also heat-treated.

RESULTS

B19 displayed quite different inactivation kinetics to CPV when both were heated in liquid at 60 degrees C. In sharp contrast to the latter, B19 was rapidly inactivated within 1 h when the virus was suspended in 5% or 25% human serum albumin solution, phosphate-buffered saline, or complete medium. However, B19 appeared to be resistant to heat inactivation in liquid containing 60% sucrose.

CONCLUSIONS

The heat sensitivity of B19 in liquid was clearly different from that of CPV. Significantly, the efficiency to inactivate B19 and reduce its infectivity following heating in liquid was mainly affected by the composition of the solutions used for virus suspension.

Requirement of Ca2+ on activation of sperm motility in euryhaline tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus

Euryhaline tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus acclimates to the external spawning environment by modulating its mechanism for regulating sperm motility. Adaptation of sperm was performed by acclimating fish in various environments. In this paper, regulatory mechanisms of freshwater-acclimated tilapia were studied in detail. Tilapia sperm motility was vigorous in hypotonic conditions and decreased with increasing osmolality. Sperm motility was reduced in hypotonic conditions when extracellular Ca(2+) was chelated; however, extracellular Ca(2+) was not a major factor for motility activation since sperm were motile even when extracellular Ca(2+) levels were nominally depleted by EGTA. The Ca(2+) indicator, fluo 3, showed that intracellular [Ca(2+)] increased on motility activation independently of extracellular [Ca(2+)], accompanied by swelling of the sperm neck region called the sleeve structure. Intracellular [Ca(2+)] was not increased under hypertonic conditions, in which sperm were immotile, even on addition of extracellular Ca(2+). It is possible that Ca(2+) is stored in the neck region. Demembranated sperm were reactivated in the presence of Ca(2+), but cAMP failed to reactivate the motility. Furthermore, we detected phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of three proteins at serine and threonine residues on motility activation. It is likely that hypotonic shock causes an increase in intracellular [Ca(2+)] that activates motility activation via phosphorylation of some flagellar proteins.

Correlation between periodontal status and biting ability in Chinese adult population

This study investigated the relation between periodontal condition and biting ability in a Chinese population using the pressure-detecting sheet. A total of 142 subjects residing in Nanchang, Jiangxi province, China, participated in the study. The examination included probing pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing and coronal caries teeth. Biting abilities per person, biting force, biting pressure and occlusal contact area were measured using the sheet. Number of teeth present showed positive correlation with biting force and occlusal contact area, but were negatively correlated with biting pressure. No significant correlation was observed between the mean PD, percentage of pocket > or = 4 mm, bleeding index and any of biting abilities. The mean CAL showed a significantly negative correlation with biting force and occlusal contact area. Multiple stepwise regression analysis selected the number of teeth present, sex and age as the significant factors affecting the biting ability. However, no periodontal indices were picked up as the significantly contributing factor. There appears to be little effect of periodontal condition on biting ability. Ageing was selected as a contributing factor to reduction in the Chinese adults, but not in the Japanese population.

Comparison of a new system (Compactdry SCD) with conventional methods for quantitative urine cultures

AIMS

Compactdry SCD, a new quantitative, ready-to-use and self-diffusible dry medium sheet urine culture system, was compared with conventional methods to evaluate the results of quantitative urine cultures.

METHODS & RESULTS

Compactdry SCD was tested on 25 urine specimens, and results compared with those of traditional culture methods. The results from Compactdry SCD analysis correlated well with those from the standard plate count (SPC) method. In fact, the correlation was stronger than that dipslide systems and SPC. Even low-count bacteriuria (< 103 cfu ml(-1) and mixed bacteriuria were detected by Compactdry SCD.

CONCLUSIONS

The Compactdry SCD system provides results comparable to those obtained by SPC: simple interpretation, ease of use, long-term storage and good sensitivity.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This is the first report suggesting that the Compactdry SCD system has many advantages over traditional quantitative urine culture methods and that it is both appropriate and practical for clinical use.