Medical assistance at the Brazilian juniors tennis circuit--a one-year prospective study

A prospective study was conducted during one year to evaluate injuries in Brazilian Junior tennis players during the national circuit, in 2001. Male and female athletes in the age categories under 12, under 14, under 16 and under 18 years, all members of The Brazilian Tennis Confederation, participated in the study. Two physiotherapists and/or one physician evaluated the athletes. A total of 280 medical examinations were performed in 151 tennis players who needed medical treatment during the tournaments. The 151 athletes had 1-6 medical treatments during the tournaments and the mean was 1.8 treatment per athlete. The overall incidence was 6.9 medical treatments for every 1,000 games played. Medical assistance tothe athletes was performed on court in 83 (29.6%) occasions, 185 (66.1%) at the medical department and in both in 12 (4.3%) occasions. Retirement of the match was reported in 9 (3.2%) lesions. The most frequent injuries were: muscle contractures (76 - 27.14%), muscle pain/fatigue (36-12.85%), muscle strain (35-12.52%), tendinopathies (20 - 7.14%), cramps (16 -5.71%), ankle sprain (12 -4.28%) and low back pain (10-3.57%). Muscle pathology was the major source of injuries causing the athlete to seek medical assistance. Preventative measures are important to reduce the number of injuries, which may include muscle stretching programs and adequate nutrition and hydration.

Acute effects of ethanol on feeding behavior and leptin-induced STAT3 phosphorylation in rat hypothalamus

OBJECTIVE

Drinking ethanol stimulates the appetite, producing a positive energy balance. The mechanism by which ethanol regulates the appetite in the central nervous system, however, has not been fully understood. The aim of this study is to investigate the interaction of ethanol with the satiety effect of leptin, a hormone which suppresses the appetite in the hypothalamic region.

DESIGN

: Leptin (7.5 micro g) or the same dose of phosphate buffer saline (PBS) was administered into the third ventricle (i.c.v.), 30 min after an intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of ethanol (0.5 g/kg body weight) or the same dose of PBS.

MATERIALS

Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 290-320 g were used.

MEASUREMENTS

Food intake was measured 2, 12 and 24 h after leptin i.c.v. infusion. The tyrosine phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator transcription factor 3 (STAT3) in the hypothalamus was analyzed by Western blotting.

RESULTS

The cumulative food intakes in the saline/leptin group (saline i.p.+leptin i.c.v.) were markedly reduced to about 45% of the saline/PBS group (saline i.p.+PBS i.c.v.) at 2, 12 and 24 h time points (P<0.05, 0.001, and 0.005, respectively). As compared with the saline/leptin group, those of the ethanol/leptin group (ethanol i.p.+leptin i.c.v.) were significantly increased to the level seen in the saline/PBS group at 12 and 24 h time points (P<0.05, and P<0.005 vs the saline/leptin group, respectively). Ethanol administration resulted in about a 50% reduction of the leptin-induced STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation seen in the hypothalamic protein as compared to that of the saline/leptin group.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that ethanol-induced enhancement of the appetite may, in part, result from leptin resistance transiently caused by ethanol to attenuate the leptin signal transduction.

Comparison of dry ice-baited centers for disease control and New Jersey light traps for measuring mosquito abundance in California

Mosquito catch in New Jersy light traps (NJLTs) has been declining in recent years, compromising the sensitivity of the California mosquito monitoring program. Centers for Disease Control traps (CDCTs) operated without light and augmented with dry ice have been considered for replacement or augmentation. To provide information on comparative sensitivity and ability to measure abundance over time and space, catch of mosquitoes in NJLTs was compared to catch in CDCTs operated concurrently at 8-10 sites within the Coachella Valley, Kern, San Joaquin County, and Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control Districts. The CDCTs always collected more female mosquitoes than did NJLTs; however, differences in sensitivity varied markedly over time and space precluding the calculation of a universal conversion factor. Regressions of the catch of female Culex tarsalis in CDCTs as a function of catch in NJLTs within districts indicated that the slopes varied markedly, again precluding the derivation of a universal function. Therefore, we recommend that mosquito surveillance programs replace or supplement NJLTs with systematically operated CDCTs to enhance sampling sensitivity for females of most mosquito species. However, both trap types should be operated concurrently at several sites within each district to derive regression functions to convert historical relative abundance data from NJLTs to equivalent counts in CDCTs for retrospective analyses.

Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota suppresses serum immunoglobulin E and immunoglobulin G1 responses and systemic anaphylaxis in a food allergy model

BACKGROUND

Our previous study using allergen-sensitized murine splenocyte cultures has shown that Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS), a lactic acid bacterium widely used as a starter for fermented milk products, suppresses IgE production through promoting a dominant Th1-type response mediated by IL-12 induction.

OBJECTIVE

We tried to evaluate the ability of LcS to suppress both IgE response and allergic reactions in vivo using a food allergy model with ovalbumin-specific T cell receptor transgenic (OVA-TCR-Tg) mice.

METHODS

The ability of heat-killed LcS to induce IL-12 in serum was tested. OVA-TCR-Tg mice were fed a diet containing OVA for 4 weeks and injected with LcS intraperitoneally three times in the first week of this period. Cytokine and antibody secretion by splenocytes, and serum IgE and IgG1 responses were examined. The inhibitory effect of LcS on systemic anaphylaxis induced by intravenous challenge of OVA-fed OVA-TCR-Tg mice with OVA was also tested.

RESULTS

Intraperitoneal injection of LcS induced an IL-12 response in the serum of OVA-TCR-Tg mice. In the food allergy model, LcS administration skewed the pattern of cytokine production by splenocytes toward Th1 dominance, and suppressed IgE and IgG1 secretion by splenocytes. The ability of LcS to modulate cytokine production was blocked by anti-IL-12 antibody treatment. LcS also inhibited serum OVA-specific IgE and IgG1 responses and diminished systemic anaphylaxis.

CONCLUSION

LcS administration suppresses IgE and IgG1 responses and systemic allergic reactions in a food allergy model, suggesting a possible use of this lactic acid bacterium in preventing food allergy.

Mental stress and physical exercise increase platelet-dependent thrombin generation

Thrombin generation is an important factor in the pathogenesis of thrombogenic disorders and acute coronary syndromes. Increase in mental stress has been associated with the initiation of the acute coronary syndromes, but the exact mechanism is not known. The present study examined the effects of physical exercise and mental stress on platelet-dependent thrombin generation. Twelve healthy men (mean age 34.2 +/- 2.4 years) underwent a treadmill exercise test and a mental stress test by performing mental arithmetic. Platelet-dependent thrombin generation and plasma concentrations of catecholamines, thrombin-antithrombin III complex (TAT), plasmin-alpha2 plasmin inhibitor complex (PIC), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) were measured before, immediately after, and at 10 and 30 min after stress. Thrombin generation increased significantly immediately after exercise, followed by rapid normalization. Mental stress caused a significant increase in thrombin generation 10 min after stress. While plasma concentrations of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine were elevated immediately after exercise, and rapidly returned to baseline, only plasma norepinephrine increased immediately after mental stress. TAT and PIC concentrations did increase immediately after exercise; however, PAI-1 remained unchanged. The increase in thrombin generation with exercise and mental stress was unaffected by treatment with 81 mg/day of aspirin of 7 days. However, it was inhibited by a single oral 40-mg dose of metoprolol. Both exercise and mental stress cause an increase in platelet-dependent thrombin generation, which was suppressed by beta-blocker therapy, but not by aspirin.

Yeast two-hybrid screening using constitutive-active caspase-7 as bait in the identification of PA28gamma as an effector caspase substrate

Caspase-3 and -7 represent executioner/effector caspases that directly cause apoptotic morphological changes by cleaving various death substrates. The substrates for caspases generally interact with active caspases, but not with inactive zymogens of caspase or procaspases. Here, to isolate proteins that interact with caspase-7, we established a yeast two-hybrid screening system using reversed-caspase-7, a constitutive active mutant of caspase-7 as a bait plasmid. Screening of an adult brain cDNA library led to isolation of proteasome activator 28 subunit, PA28gamma. In vitro translates of PA28gamma were cleaved by both recombinant caspase-3 and -7. Mutagenesis of potential cleavage site DGLD80 to EGLE80 completely abolished caspase-mediated cleavage. Moreover, endogenous PA28gamma was cleaved during not only Fas-induced apoptosis of HeLa cells, but also cisplatin-induced cell death of MCF7 cells, which are devoid of caspase-3. These findings indicate that PA28gamma is an endogenous substrate for caspase-3 and -7 and that yeast two-hybrid screening using reversed-caspase is a novel and useful approach to clone substrates for effector caspases.

Effect of formaldehyde on the expression of adhesion molecules in nasal microvascular endothelial cells: the role of formaldehyde in the pathogenesis of sick building syndrome

BACKGROUND

Formaldehyde is associated with sick building syndrome (SBS), a set of diffuse and irritative symptoms predominantly involving the eyes and the respiratory tract. However, its pathophysiological mechanism in SBS has not yet been clarified.

OBJECTIVE

In this study we investigated the effect of formaldehyde on the expression of adhesion molecules on human mucosal microvascular endothelial cells (HMMECs). Furthermore, we investigated the effect of formaldehyde on adhesiveness of HMMECs to eosinophils.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HMMECs were incubated with various concentrations of formaldehyde (1 ng/mL-1 microg/mL) for 24 h, and the expressions of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1) on HMMECs were evaluated by flow cytometry. The change in the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 mRNA was then evaluated by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. To understand the role of formaldehyde in eosinophilic inflammation of the nasal mucosa, we examined the effects of formaldehyde on the adhesiveness between HMMECs and eosinophils by eosinophil adhesion assay.

RESULTS

Formaldehyde increased the surface expressions of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 on HMMECs. Formaldehyde also induced ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 mRNA. In addition, the adhesiveness between HMMECs and eosinophils was also increased by formaldehyde.

CONCLUSION

These in vitro studies suggest that formaldehyde may play a role as the irritant of the nasal mucosa by increasing the expressions of adhesion molecules on HMMECs and by enhancing the adhesiveness between HMMECs and eosinophils.

Rb+ and Na+ spin relaxation in aqueous gellan solutions and implication of selective site binding of alkali metal ions

87Rb NMR was applied to investigate the site binding of Rb+ ions in gellan gum gels. The temperature dependence of the transverse and longitudinal relaxation NMR relaxation rates of 87Rb+ ion and 23Na+ ion have been compared in aqueous 5% (w/v) rubidium-type and sodium-type gellan. In each sample, the relaxation rates were sensitive to the conformation (helix or random coil). In rubidium-type gellan, significant line-broadening effects (losses in intensity) were found, which is due to the presence of cation-binding sites in the ordered conformation. In sodium-type gellan, such an enhancement of the relaxation was not observed. These results indicated that gellan gum produced highly selective binding sites for alkali metal ions, in which Rb+ ion bound more strongly than Na+ ion. The 87Rb NMR line shift suggested selective site binding of ions to form the cross-linking domains in gellan gels.

Dietary restriction initiated late in life can reduce mitochondrial protein carbonyls in rat livers: western blot studies

Life long dietary restriction has a variety of beneficial effects such as retarding the age-related decline of physiological functions as well as the onset of diseases, thus prolonging the life span of experimental animals. In the present work we investigated the effect of DR initiated late in life on rats regarding oxidative modifications of liver mitochondrial proteins in terms of generation of carbonyl moieties by western blot using antibodies against dinitrophenylhydrazones after the reaction of the proteins with dinitrophenylhydrazine. Protein carbonyls in mitochondria of 30-month-old animals increased by about 55% as compared with their 10-month-old counterparts. Every-other-day feeding initiated at the age of 26.5 months and continued for 3.5 months resulted in the decrease of the carbonyls to the level of the ad libitum fed young animals. Our findings suggest that DR initiated late in life can have a beneficial effect by reducing the accumulated oxidative damage in mitochondrial proteins.

Runoff characteristics of nutrients from citrus fruit grove and its effects on water area

In this study, field observations are carried out in order to make clear the runoff characteristics of pollutants from citrus fruit grove, especially nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and other inorganic materials. Long-term observation in the test fields continued for more than 7 months and detailed observations during one rainfall are also carried out. From these observations, the following results are obtained. 1) Nitrogen concentration in grove soil leachate is usually in a range of 25 to 45 mgN/L, and the main component is nitrate, whereas phosphorus concentration is in a range of 0.1 to 0.8 mgP/L and the main component is phosphate. Concentration of nutrients is higher than that in environment around it. 2) Runoff loading rate of any materials from grove soil can be unified and expressed as a power function of the flow rate. In this case, runoff style of each material is characterized by the power coefficient beta x. 3) It is understood that the runoff characteristics are affected by the pH and rate of rainfall, and the ways of affecting the runoff characteristics are different in each material. 4) It is also suggested that detailed investigations are required to estimate the effect of pollutant runoff because the runoff characteristics are widely changed by the rainfall characteristics.

3D grazing collision of two black holes

We present results for two colliding black holes (BHs), with angular momentum, spin, and unequal mass. For the first time, gravitational waveforms are computed for a grazing collision from a full 3D numerical evolution. The collision can be followed through the merger to form a single BH, and through part of the ringdown period of the final BH. The apparent horizon is tracked and studied, and physical parameters, such as the mass of the final BH, are computed. The total energy radiated in gravitational waves is shown to be consistent with the total initial mass of the spacetime and the apparent horizon mass of the final BH.

The membrane-anchored MMP inhibitor RECK is a key regulator of extracellular matrix integrity and angiogenesis

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are essential for proper extracellular matrix remodeling. We previously found that a membrane-anchored glycoprotein, RECK, negatively regulates MMP-9 and inhibits tumor invasion and metastasis. Here we show that RECK regulates two other MMPs, MMP-2 and MT1-MMP, known to be involved in cancer progression, that mice lacking a functional RECK gene die around E10.5 with defects in collagen fibrils, the basal lamina, and vascular development, and that this phenotype is partially suppressed by MMP-2 null mutation. Also, vascular sprouting is dramatically suppressed in tumors derived from RECK-expressing fibrosarcoma cells grown in nude mice. These results support a role for RECK in the regulation of MMP-2 in vivo and implicate RECK downregulation in tumor angiogenesis.

The milk protein promoter is a useful tool for developing a rat with tolerance to a human protein

Biopharmaceuticals intended for humans are immunogenic in animals. Antibodies associated with their administration make it difficult to perform repeated-dose pharmacology and toxicology studies in animals. Despite suggestions to solve this problem with transgenic animal technology, an effective strategy has not yet been reported. The objective of the present study was to provide an efficient strategy to develop rats tolerant to biopharmaceuticals such as human gene-based proteins. The present study used transgenic rat lines (lines 311-6, 308-5, and 305-1) carrying a fusion gene designed to express the human growth hormone (hGH) gene under the control of the bovine alphaS1 casein gene promoter. Three lactating females with the transgene, produced approximately 4 mg/ml, 300 microg/ml, and 10 ng/ml in their milk. Male 8-week-old rats from these three lines were immunized with hGH three times (week 0, 1, and 3 ) and the production of antibodies against hGH in their sera were examined at week 4. While the hGH serum antibody titers increased over 1000-fold in wild-type control rats, there was no detectable antibody against hGH in the sera of these three transgenic lines. Human growth hormone in their sera was undetectable (lines 308-5 and 305-1) or much lower than the endogenous biologic level of rat growth hormone (line 311-6). Importantly, lines 308-5 and 305-1 developed tolerance to hGH without detectable hGH in their sera and these lines will be very useful for the repeated dose pharmacology and toxicology studies. These results suggest that a milk protein promoter can be a useful tool to develop transgenic rats that are tolerant to biopharmaceuticals intended for humans.

Expression of C-C chemokine TARC in human nasal mucosa and its regulation by cytokines

BACKGROUND

Although interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5 have been demonstrated to play a critical role in the pathophysiology of allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis, the mechanism that causes the predominance of Th2 lymphocytes has yet to be clarified. Thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) has been known to facilitate the recruitment, activation and development of Th2 polarized cells, leading investigators to suggest a role for TARC in the development of Th2 responses.

OBJECTIVE

To gain a better understanding of the role of TARC in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis we investigated the cellular sources of this chemokine in nasal mucosa. In addition, the effect of cytokines on TARC production has been investigated.

METHODS

The expression of TARC in human nasal mucosa was assessed by immunohistochemistry. To study the effect of cytokines on TARC production, epithelial cells, endothelial cells and fibroblasts, isolated from inferior nasal mucosa samples, were stimulated by a variety of cytokines including IL-4, IL-13, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interferon (IFN)-gamma.

RESULTS

Epithelial cells in nasal mucosa in subjects with allergic rhinitis expressed higher signal level than those in non-allergy patients. Combined stimulation with IL-4 and TNF-alpha, as well as IL-13 and TNF-alpha, synergistically induced TARC expression in epithelial cells. Furthermore, the amount of TARC induced by these cytokines was higher in epithelial cells obtained from patients with allergic rhinitis than in those from non-allergic patients.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate a crucial role of nasal epithelial cells in the expression of TARC, and that Th2 cytokine IL-4 and IL-13 may promote Th2 responses by inducing TARC production from epithelial cells.

[A case of pyoderma gangrenosum after mitral valve replacement]

A 48-year-old male with treated hypothyroidism underwent mechanical valve replacement for mitral valve regurgitation. After the operation, the patient developed progressive median chest wound ulceration. The wound did not heal with conventional therapies for mediastinitis such as administration of antibiotics, debridement of necrotic tissue or continuous irrigation. The entire surgical wound opened spontaneously. Bacterial cultures yielded negative and the wound biopsy specimen revealed non-specific inflammatory change. The anti-TSH receptor antigen level was high. Pyoderma gangrenosum based on auto-immune deficiency was diagnosed and high dose corticosteroid therapy was started. The wound healed completely in 5 months.

[Cell death protection by anti-apoptotic factor]

Neurodegenerative disorders including ALS and Parkinson's disease are characterized by progressive loss of neuronal cell death. Apoptosis, a morphologically and biochemically defined form of cell death caused by active cellular signaling, has been long implicated in neurodegeneration. Recently, the basic molecular mechanism of apoptosis has been elucidated and a subset of cysteine proteases called caspases were shown to be the executioner of apoptosis. On the other hand, endogenous caspase inhibitor called inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) were also identified. XIAP, the most potent apoptosis inhibitor among human IAPs, is shown to be direct and selective inhibitor for caspase-3, -7 and -9. We have very recently shown that XIAP has ubiquitin ligase activity which promotes the degradation of caspase-3 and this protease activity enhances the anti-apoptotic activity of XIAP. Regarding the involvement of apoptosis in neurodegenerative diseases, several lines of evidence indicated that caspases are involved in the pathogenesis of ALS and polyglutamine disease, suggesting the effectiveness of anti-apoptotic therapy for these diseases. Moreover, caspase-independent programmed cell death is also suggested to be involved in neurodegenerative disorders. Based on these findings, the therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative disease should include both anti-apoptotic and anti-non-apoptotic cell death treatments.

Inverse correlation of thioredoxin expression with estrogen receptor- and p53-dependent tumor growth in breast cancer tissues

Estrogen receptor (ER) and p53 are important transcription factors in the growth regulation of tumor cells in breast cancer. We reported previously that thioredoxin (TRX) regulates the DNA binding activities of ER and p53 in vitro. The expression of pS-2, a trefoil factor, is also correlated with that of ER. To clarify the regulation mechanism of tumor growth in breast cancer, here we investigated the expression of TRX, ER, pS-2, and p53 and the mitotic index (MI) in 147 breast cancer tissues using immunohistochemical analysis. Of 123 TRX+ cases, ER+ cases (n = 62) showed a higher pS-2 score and lower MI than did ER- cases (n = 61). Furthermore, p53- cases (no mutation in p53; n = 76) also showed a lower MI than did p53+ cases (n = 47). There was no significant correlation between pS-2 and ER, MI and ER, or p53 and MI in the TRX- group. Among the ER+ and p53- cases (ER+/p53- group; n = 61), MI was lower in the TRX+ group (n = 46) than in the TRX- group (n = 15). However, in all other groups (n = 86) with abnormalities in the immunohistochemical expression of either p53 or ER, there was no significant correlation between MI and TRX expression. In the TRX+ and ER +/p53- group (n = 46), histological grading was lower than that in all other groups (n = 101). These findings suggest that TRX expression is linked to the ER- and p53-dependent regulation of tumor growth in breast cancer. In addition, TRX expression in ER+ and p53 intact (wild-type p53+) groups may mean better prognosis than in other conditions.

Subcutaneous infection with Mycobacterium fortuitum after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation

Reports of cases of mycobacterial infections after SCT are rare. We report a 30-year-old female with a cutaneous infection of Mycobacterium fortuitum 30 months after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The patient was successfully treated with surgical debridement followed by oral minocycline and clarithromycin. Mycobacterial infections should be considered in SCT patients with undiagnosed refractory chronic cutaneous infection, and surgical debridement is useful for the diagnosis and treatment of such infections.

Use of alternative therapies in older outpatients in the United States and Japan: prevalence, reporting patterns, and perceived effectiveness

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence, patterns of reporting, and perceived effectiveness of alternative medical therapies (ATs) among older white American, African American, and Japanese outpatients.

METHODS

This study used a questionnaire to interview participants (N = 593; age, >59 y), who were outpatients of geriatric outpatient clinics in Saint Louis, Missouri, and Tokyo, Japan (white Americans, n = 180; African Americans, n = 106; and Japanese, n = 307).

RESULTS

Use of >1 AT was greatest among older Japanese (74.3%), followed by white Americans (61.1%) and African Americans (47.2%; p <.001). The most common ATs used among the Japanese (and significantly more than the white and African American groups) were lifestyle diet, herbal therapy, massage, acupressure, and acupuncture. The white and African American groups were more frequent users of relaxation techniques and spiritual healing compared with the Japanese group. Contrary to prior studies of the general population, the use of >1 AT did not correlate with any sociodemographic variables. Reported use of ATs to doctors was low but similar in all three groups (white Americans = 48%, African Americans = 42%, and Japanese = 46%). Perceived effectiveness was high but similar in all three groups (white Americans = 85%, African Americans = 92%, and Japanese = 84%). Although chronic conditions were common reasons for use of ATs, nonmedical reasons (e.g., general health or religious reasons) were also common.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of ATs was greater in Japan than in the United States, but for both countries, use by older persons was greater than previous reports of the general population. Because sociodemographic variables do not predict use, and reported use to doctors is low and perceived effectiveness is high, increased awareness and understanding about ATs by health care professionals seems imperative.

Plunge waveforms from inspiralling binary black holes

We study the coalescence of nonspinning binary black holes from near the innermost stable circular orbit down to the final single rotating black hole. We use a technique that combines the full numerical approach to solve the Einstein equations, applied in the truly nonlinear regime, and linearized perturbation theory around the final distorted single black hole at later times. We compute the plunge waveforms, which present a non-negligible signal lasting for t approximately 100M showing early nonlinear ringing, and we obtain estimates for the total gravitational energy and angular momentum radiated.

A serine protease, HtrA2, is released from the mitochondria and interacts with XIAP, inducing cell death

X chromosome-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) is an endogenous inhibitor of caspase-3, -7, and -9. Smac/DIABLO, an inhibitor of XIAP, is released from mitochondria upon receiving apoptotic stimuli and binds to the BIR2 and BIR3 domains of XIAP, thereby inhibiting its caspase-inhibitory activity. Here we report that a serine protease called HtrA2/Omi is released from mitochondria and inhibits the function of XIAP by direct binding in a similar way to Smac. Moreover, when overexpressed extramitochondrially, HtrA2 induces atypical cell death, which is neither accompanied by a significant increase in caspase activity nor inhibited by caspase inhibitors, including XIAP. A catalytically inactive mutant of HtrA2, however, does not induce cell death. In short, HtrA2 is a Smac-like inhibitor of IAP activity with a serine protease-dependent cell death-inducing activity.

Development and characterization of a monoclonal antibody specific for fucosyltransferase VII (Fuc-TVII): discordant expression of CLA and Fuc-TVII in peripheral CD4+ and CD8+ T cells

Although cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen (CLA) is thought to be specifically expressed on skin "homing" T cells, it has become clear that CLA is not directly involved in binding to E-selectin but represents an excellent marker for high levels of fucosyltransferase VII (Fuc-TVII): Fuc-TVII can regulate the ability of T cells to migrate into the skin by generating a binding site for E-selectin. In this study, by using a novel monoclonal antibody for Fuc-TVII, we investigated whether expression of Fuc-TVII could be selectively detected in various CLA+ cell lines and peripheral blood T cells. Fuc-TVII was readily detected in the cytoplasm, but not in the membrane, of CLA+ cell lines. Cytoplasmic Fuc-TVII expression was also detectable in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells purified from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Nevertheless, there were significant numbers of CLA-expressing CD4+ or CD8+ T cells that did not coexpress Fuc-TVII, and vice versa: either the CD4+ or the CD8+ T cell population consisted of a variable ratio of CLA+ Fuc-TVII+, CLA+ Fuc-TVII-, and CLA- Fuc-TVII+ cells; and CLA+ Fuc-TVII- cells were the most abundantly identifiable phenotype in peripheral blood CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Thus, according to their expression pattern, skin "homing" T cells can be subdivided into at least three populations, CLA+ Fuc-TVII+, CLA+ Fuc-TVII-, and CLA- Fuc-TVII+ cells. Our study provides convincing evidence that skin "homing" T cells are phenotypically heterogenous and that Fuc-TVII expression, in combination with CLA expression, is a useful phenotypic marker for identifying skin "homing" T cells in mixed cell populations.

Clinical characteristics of B-cell lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (B-LAHS): comparison of CD5+ with CD5- B-LAHS

OBJECTIVE

B-cell lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (B-LAHS) has been increasingly reported in Asia and is regarded as a variant of intravascular lymphomatosis (IVL). Recently CD5 was reported to be expressed in some cases of diffuse large cell lymphoma and IVL. We therefore examined the expression of CD5 on lymphoma cells in B-LAHS and compared the clinical and laboratory data between CD5+ and CD5- B-LAHS.

METHODS

The expression of CD5 on lymphoma cells was examined using flow cytometry and immunohistochemical analysis of paraffin sections. The clinical records were reviewed to characterize clinical features.

PATIENTS

Twelve patients with B-LAHS; ten men and two women, age ranging from 41 to 82 years (median, 63.5 years) were included in this study.

RESULTS

B-LAHS is characterized by fever and hepatosplenomegaly without lymphadenopathy at the initial presentation. Histological examination showed hemophagocytosis and infiltration of lymphoma cells in the bone marrow, and in some cases intravascular proliferation of lymphoid cells characteristic of IVL. All patients showed increased levels of lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein, ferritin and soluble interleukin-2 receptor. In eight of the twelve patients, lymphoma cells were positive for CD5. But no differences were observed in the clinical or laboratory findings between CD5+ B-LAHS and CD5- B-LAHS.

CONCLUSION

No clinical differences were observed between CD5+ B-LAHS and CD5- B-LAHS. Further studies are required to elucidate the differences in pathogenesis between these two subgroups of B-LAHS.

Decrease in Ca(2+)-sensitizing effect of UD-CG 212 Cl, a metabolite of pimobendan, under acidotic condition in canine ventricular myocardium

We studied the influence of acidosis on the positive inotropic effect of UD-CG 212 Cl (4,5-dihydro-6-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1H-benzimidazole-5-yl]-5-methyl-3(2H)-pyridazinone), an active metabolite of pimobendan, in canine ventricular trabeculae loaded with aequorin. The positive inotropic effect of UD-CG 212 Cl was markedly suppressed under acidotic conditions. The maximal contractile response to UD-CG 212 Cl was attained at 10(-5) M in the control condition at pH 7.4, but was not achieved even at 10(-4) M during acidosis. The maximal inotropic effect of UD-CG 212 Cl was 18% of the maximal response to isoproterenol (ISO(max)) in association with an increase in Ca(2+) transients of 7% of ISO(max) in the control, while they are 8 and 6% of ISO(max) under acidosis, respectively. Acidosis abolished the increase in myofilament Ca(2+) sensitivity induced by UD-CG 212 Cl, whereas the increase in Ca(2+) transients induced by the compound was not affected by acidosis. In conclusion, UD-CG 212 Cl elicited a positive inotropic effect even under acidosis, however, UD-CG 212 Cl was much less effective as a cardiotonic agent under acidosis mainly due to a decrease in the Ca(2+)-sensitizing effect under acidotic condition.

Prevention of neutrophil-mediated hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury by superoxide dismutase and catalase derivatives

Our previous study demonstrated that the combination of mannosylated superoxide dismutase (Man-SOD) and succinylated catalase (Suc-CAT), both of which are designed to be targeted to liver nonparenchymal cells, is a promising approach to prevent the initial phase of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury induced by occlusion of the portal vein for 30 min followed by a 1-h reperfusion in mice. In this study, the preventive effects of these agents were examined on late-phase injury mediated by infiltrating neutrophils, a more severe condition than the initial one. Administration of Suc-CAT alone or with Man-SOD to mice undergoing hepatic ischemia/reperfusion significantly suppressed the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 along the hepatic sinusoid and prevented neutrophil infiltration in the liver. Man-SOD and Suc-CAT also prevented the increase in plasma glutamic pyruvic transaminase and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase activities after reperfusion lasting 3 and 6 h. Histological evaluation of liver tissues confirmed the efficacy of this treatment, suggesting that these SOD and catalase derivatives have the ability to suppress neutrophil-induced hepatic injury. These results demonstrate that targeted delivery of antioxidant enzymes to liver nonparenchymal cells is a promising approach to reducing the reactive oxygen species produced by Kupffer cells and neutrophils infiltrating into the tissue. Since Suc-CAT is partially taken up by hepatocytes via a catalase-specific uptake mechanism, such a fraction could also be involved in its preventive effect against the injury.

Green fluorescent protein-transgenic rat: a tool for organ transplantation research

The purpose of this study is to evaluate green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic rats for use as a tool for organ transplantation research. The GFP gene construct was designed to express ubiquitously. By flow cytometry, the cells obtained from the bone marrow, spleen, and peripheral blood of the GFP transgenic rats consisted of 77, 91, and 75% GFP-positive cells, respectively. To examine cell migration of GFP-positive cells after organ transplantation, pancreas graft with or without spleen transplantation, heart graft with or without lung transplantation, auxiliary liver and small bowel transplantation were also performed from GFP transgenic rat to LEW (RT1(1)) rats under a 2-week course of 0.64 mg/kg tacrolimus administration. GFP-positive donor cells were detected in the fully allogenic LEW rats after organ transplantation. These results showed that GFP transgenic rat is a useful tool for organ transplantation research such as cell migration study after organ transplantation without donor cell staining.

Mammary involvement in a patient with sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease of unknown etiology. Sarcoidosis affects multiple organs; the lungs, lymphoid system, eyes and skin are usually involved. Commonly, any organ system may be affected. Sarcoid involvement in the nervous system, locomotor system, lacrimal and salivary glands, heart, kidney and liver has been recognized in patients with sarcoidosis. However, sarcoid involvement of the breast parenchyma has been extremely rare in patients with sarcoidosis. Herein, we report a patient with a sarcoid breast mass who had bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy and lymphocytosis in bronchoalveolar lavage analysis.

Role of activity of gastrointestinal microflora in absorption of calcium and magnesium in rats fed beta1-4 linked galactooligosaccharides

Rats fed a diet containing beta1-4 linked galactooligosaccharides (GOS) (5 g/100 g of diet) absorbed calcium and magnesium more efficiently than those fed the control diet. However, the increment obtained through GOS-feeding was reduced by neomycin sulfate (0.67 g/100 g of diet). Since the decrease in cecal pH in rats fed GOS was suppressed by neomycin-feeding, bacterial action in the digestive tract was considered to be reduced by neomycin-feeding. Our findings suggest that the action of intestinal bacteria is necessary for the effects of GOS.

Augmentation of the pharmacological action of corydalis tuber by saussurea root in isolated mouse ileum

To understand the meaning of blending crude drugs in Chinese medicinal prescriptions, the influence of Saussurea root on the pharmacological action of Corydalis tuber was examined. Saussurea root increased the depression of acetylcholine-induced contraction caused by the hot water extract solution of Corydalis tuber in mouse ileum at low dosage, which showed no direct influence on acetylcholine. Dehydrocostuslactone in Saussurea root was characterized as the component having increasing activity and the relationship between the concentration of acetylcholine and the variation in the contraction depressed by Corydalis tuber alone or a mixture of the Corydalis tuber and dehydrocostuslactone was investigated for clarification of the mode of action.

Influence of humoral immunoreaction on hepatic nonparenchymal cells in ex situ xenoperfused rat livers

BACKGROUND

The influence of xenogeneic humoral immunoreaction on hepatic nonparenchymal cells (NPCs) was evaluated ex situ in xenoperfused rat livers.

METHODS

Isolated rat livers were perfused via the portal vein (PV) for 240 min. The perfusates consisted of fresh rat blood (group 1), fresh human blood (group 2), and fresh human blood containing 5 microg/mL soluble complement receptor type 1 (Group 3).

RESULTS

Deposition of human IgM and C(5b-9) complement was observed in group 2, although only human IgM deposition was detected in group 3. Portal vein pressure in group 2 rose drastically during the first 10 min. Creatine kinase BB component gradually increased in all groups, followed by an elevation in alanine aminotransferase and both parameters were significantly higher in group 2 than in groups 1 and 3. In group 2, platelet thrombi in the peripheral PVs and periportal hemorrhage were observed after 10 min, and massive necrosis around the central veins after 240 min; these changes were not observed in group 1 or 3. Production of tumor necrosis factor alpha and alpha interferon and expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) were lower in group 2 than in groups 1 and 3. In group 2, there were negative areas for ICAM-1 and tumor necrosis factor alpha staining around the central veins after 240 min, which were consistent with necrotic areas.

CONCLUSIONS

In xenoperfused rat livers, humoral mediators initially caused the disturbance of microcirculation, which would induce long ischemia in the pericentral areas, resulting in massive necrosis. NPC necrosis may be responsible for less production of cytokines and adhesion molecules in the xenoperfused livers.

Disruption of the p16/cyclin D1/retinoblastoma protein pathway in the majority of human hepatocellular carcinomas

p16, cyclin D1 and retinoblastoma protein (pRB) regulate G1 to S transition and are commonly targeted in various cancers. However, few studies have simultaneously examined all components of the p16/cyclin D1/pRB pathway (RB pathway) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To clarify the role of the disruption of the RB pathway in HCC, we analyzed p16, pRB and cyclin D1 in 47 HCCs. Inactivation of p16 was detected in 30 of 47 HCCs (64%) by Western blot analysis and significantly correlated with hypermethylation of the promoter of this gene. pRB expression was found to be absent in 13 of 47 HCCs (28%) by immunohistochemistry. We found that 38 of 47 HCCs (81%) contained at least one inactivation in either pRB or p16. Furthermore, there was a significant inverse correlation between p16 and pRB inactivation (p = 0.041). Overexpression of cyclin D1 was detected in 5 of 47 HCCs (11%) by immunohistochemistry. The cases with cyclin D1 overexpression exhibited an advanced clinicopathological appearance and also contained inactivation of pRB and/or p16. These findings suggest that inactivation of pRB and/or p16 is a major event in human hepatocarcinogenesis, while cyclin D1 overexpression may confer additional growth advantages to the tumor in addition to pRB and/or p16 inactivation in HCC.

Ubiquitin-protein ligase activity of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein promotes proteasomal degradation of caspase-3 and enhances its anti-apoptotic effect in Fas-induced cell death

The inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) family of anti-apoptotic proteins regulate programmed cell death and/or apoptosis. One such protein, X-linked IAP (XIAP), inhibits the activity of the cell death proteases, caspase-3, -7, and -9. In this study, using constitutively active mutants of caspase-3, we found that XIAP promotes the degradation of active-form caspase-3, but not procaspase-3, in living cells. The XIAP mutants, which cannot interact with caspase-3, had little or no activity of promoting the degradation of caspase-3. RING finger mutants of XIAP also could not promote the degradation of caspase-3. A proteasome inhibitor suppressed the degradation of caspase-3 by XIAP, suggesting the involvement of a ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in the degradation. An in vitro ubiquitination assay revealed that XIAP acts as a ubiquitin-protein ligase for caspase-3. Caspase-3 was ubiquitinated in the presence of XIAP in living cells. Both the association of XIAP with caspase-3 and the RING finger domain of XIAP were essential for ubiquitination. Finally, the RING finger mutants of XIAP were less effective than wild-type XIAP at preventing apoptosis induced by overexpression of either active-form caspase-3 or Fas. These results demonstrate that the ubiquitin-protein ligase activity of XIAP promotes the degradation of caspase-3, which enhances its anti-apoptotic effect.

A possible novel isoform of peripheral myelin P0 protein: a target antigen recognized by an autoantibody in a patient with malignant lymphoma and peripheral neuropathy

We tried to characterize a 35-kD antigen recognized by the serum IgG of a patient with malignant lymphoma and peripheral neuropathy. By Western blotting, the serum IgG reacted with the 35-kD antigen in the human, bovine and mouse peripheral nerve (PN) but not with other neural and non-neural tissues. Immunohistochemical analysis showed immunoreactivity of the IgG in the compact myelin of PN. We constructed a human sciatic nerve cDNA library and screened it using IgG of the patient. Three independent clones were obtained. Sequence alignment indicated that the inserts of these clones were homologous to the P0 cDNA, but that all three corresponded to the 3'-untranslational region of the P0 cDNA. To biochemically analyze the 35-kD antigen, myelin fractions of the human and bovine PN were prepared. The 35-kD antigen was purified from the crude myelin fraction by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. When the immunoreactivities of the 35-kD antigen for the IgG of the patient and a monoclonal anti-P0 antibody were compared with those of P0 protein for these antibodies, the 35-kD antigen reacted with both antibodies, but the P0 protein reacted with only the monoclonal anti-P0 antibody. These results suggest that the 35-kD antigen is an isoform of P0 protein. Although it is unlikely that the autoantibody may be the primary cause of neuropathy, because they were also detected in patients with lymphoma without overt neuropathy, they appear to be a modifying factor in the progression of neuropathy.

Lethal adenovirus infection in a patient who had undergone nonmyeloablative stem cell transplantation

We present a case of adenovirus (ADV) infection in a patient who had undergone nonmyeloablative stem cell transplantation (NST). A 50-year-old man with chronic myelogenous leukemia in the second chronic phase underwent NST from an HLA 2-loci-mismatched sibling. ADV hemorrhagic cystitis developed and progressed to lethal pneumonia. ADV was isolated from urine, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and postmortem specimens of kidney and liver. Because there are few reports of lethal pneumonia associated with ADV in Japan, we present the case and discuss the cause of and therapy for the infection.

Clinicopathologic features and endoscopic treatment of superficially spreading colorectal neoplasms larger than 20 mm

BACKGROUND

A colorectal neoplasm that spreads superficially over the mucosa is known as a laterally spreading tumor. The clinicopathologic features of these large lesions and the efficacy and safety of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) were studied retrospectively.

METHODS

Surgically or endoscopically resected laterally spreading tumors larger than 20 mm in diameter were studied. Lesions were divided into 2 macroscopic subtypes: F-type, composed of superficially spreading lesions with a flat and smooth surface, and G-type, composed of superficially spreading aggregates of nodules that form relatively flat, broad-based lesions with granulonodular and uneven surfaces.

RESULTS

Thirty-three lesions were of the F-type and 87 the G-type. G-type (mean +/- SD, 35.3 +/- 11.4 mm) lesions were significantly larger (p < 0.01) than F-type (26.0 +/- 7.2 mm) lesions. F-type lesions had a significantly higher frequency of invasive cancer (27.2%) than G-types (10.3%)(p < 0.05). Of the 120 lesions, 81 (67.5%) were resected endoscopically. Patients with 78 of these lesions were followed postoperatively for 60.8 +/- 20.1 months. The rate of local recurrence of endoscopically treated tumors as determined at colonoscopy was 7.4% (6/78). These lesions were completely resected endoscopically. Distant metastases were not detected. Thirteen (16.0%) patients had local bleeding after EMR that was stopped endoscopically. Microperforation of the colonic wall as a result of EMR was diagnosed in 1 (1.2%) of 81 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Laterally spreading tumors larger than 20 mm, especially those of the G-type, have a low rate of invasion despite their relatively large size. The F-type lesion has a higher malignant potential than the G-type. EMR is an effective and safe treatment for the large laterally spreading tumor.

[Falling accidents among metropolitan elderly resulting in emergency ambulance transfer]

The aim of this study was to examine the frequency and number of falling accidents in the the elderly population and to investigate the characteristics of the accidents. The investigation was performed in 58 Tokyo metropolitan townships for a one-year period from September 1st, 1997, and the 517 cases, in which persons were over 65 years old, fell down were studied (136 men, 381 women). The yearly accident frequency for 1,000 elderly over 65 population was 4.13 cases for men and 7.88 cases for women, being 1.9 times higher in women. Also the number of accidents in each township was significantly correlated to the population of the elderly over 65 (men r = 0.674, women r = 0.846, p < 0.001). The analysis by age showed the percentage of accidents in single-family housing among the oldest-old population was significantly higher than the young-old population (p < 0.05) for both men and women. According to logistic regression analysis results, injured body part and the form of dwelling house were significantly correlated as risk factors of fracture (p < 0.05). The odds ratio of injured body part was 7.559 (95% CI 4.926-11.598), and that of the form of dwelling house was 1.660 (95% CI 1.067-2.584), showing that injury of limbs and the accidents in single-family housing would increase risk of fracture. Promoting preventative measures for falling accidents in single-family housing appears important in the prevention of falling accidents among the metropolitan elderly.

An unfolded putative transmembrane polypeptide, which can lead to endoplasmic reticulum stress, is a substrate of Parkin

A putative G protein-coupled transmembrane polypeptide, named Pael receptor, was identified as an interacting protein with Parkin, a gene product responsible for autosomal recessive juvenile Parkinsonism (AR-JP). When overexpressed in cells, this receptor tends to become unfolded, insoluble, and ubiquitinated in vivo. The insoluble Pael receptor leads to unfolded protein-induced cell death. Parkin specifically ubiquitinates this receptor in the presence of ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes resident in the endoplasmic reticulum and promotes the degradation of insoluble Pael receptor, resulting in suppression of the cell death induced by Pael receptor overexpression. Moreover, the insoluble form of Pael receptor accumulates in the brains of AR-JP patients. Here, we show that the unfolded Pael receptor is a substrate of Parkin, the accumulation of which may cause selective neuronal death in AR-JP.

Characterization of two genes, Sig1 and Sig2, encoding distinct plastid sigma factors(1) in the moss Physcomitrella patens: phylogenetic relationships to plastid sigma factors in higher plants

We isolated the cDNA for a sigma factor from the moss Physcomitrella patens, which possesses unusually large N-terminal extension and the conserved subdomains 1.2-4.2. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that this novel sigma factor and PpSIG1*(2), a plastid sigma factor previously identified from Physcomitrella, were classified into SigA and SigB groups, two major classes of higher plant plastid sigma factors, respectively. According to the nomenclature recently proposed, we renamed PpSIG1* into PpSIG2, and named the novel sigma factor PpSIG1. A transient expression assay using a green fluorescent protein showed that the N-terminal region of PpSIG1 acts as a chloroplast-targeting signal. Reverse transcription-PCR experiments showed that light induces the expression of the Sig1 and Sig2 genes encoding PpSIG1 and PpSIG2, respectively. Thus, PpSIG1 and PpSIG2 are likely plastid sigma factors regulating plastid gene expression in response to light signals.

Aldosterone-producing adenoma with prolonged amelioration by dexamethasone

Secretion of aldosterone from aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) is to some degree under the control of ACTH and the suppressible effect of glucocorticoid on plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) and blood pressure has been reported to be transient. We report a rare case of aldosteronism due to APA in which PAC and blood pressure were well controlled with small dose dexamethasone for over one year. No chimeric gene of glucocorticoid-remediable aldosteronism (GRA) was found in DNA of APA and leukocytes from peripheral blood and 17alpha-hydroxylase deficiency (17-OH-D) was ruled out by endocrinological examinations, this case indicates the possibility of an unknown mechanism of ACTH-dependent APA.

Nanosized Ni/SiO2 catalyst prepared by homogeneous precipitation in wet silica gel

A Ni/SiO2 catalyst was prepared by homogeneous precipitation of nickel hydroxide in a sol-gel-derived wet silica gel. The preparation process consists of two successive steps: gelation of silica in the presence of nickel nitrate and urea at 50 degrees C, followed by aging at higher temperature, typically at 80 degrees C, to decompose the urea. The decomposition of urea increases the pH of the solution in the wet gel, leading to the concurrence of structural rearrangement of silica gel and deposition of nickel species. As a result, the structure of the silica changes from a ramified polymeric network into particle aggregates that entrap the nickel cations in the particles. The resulting Ni/SiO2 contains large mesopores that have high thermal stability up to 1000 degrees C and highly dispersed Ni metal particles with typical crystallite size of 4 nm even at high Ni content at 20 wt%.

Early relapse after high-dose chemotherapy rescued by tumor-free autologous peripheral blood stem cells in acute lymphoblastic leukemia: importance of monitoring for WT1-mRNA quantitatively

A 24-year-old woman who suffered from ALL with MLL gene rearrangement received high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous PBSC transplantation during complete remission (CR). Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) used to detect MLL/LTG4 chimeric mRNA showed no minimal residual disease (MRD) in the graft or bone marrow at the transplantation. However, the leukemia relapsed four months after transplantation. Retrospective analysis of quantitative measurement of Wilms tumor gene (WT-1) mRNA showed an increased level in the bone marrow although it was within the normal range. These observations suggest that careful monitoring of MRD by quantitative measurement of WT-1 mRNA in addition to disease-specific chimeric mRNA is required to predict relapse.

X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) inhibits caspase-3 and -7 in distinct modes

The inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAP) regulates cell death by inhibiting caspases. The region of X-linked (X) IAP containing the second baculovirus IAP repeat domain (BIR2) is sufficient for inhibiting caspase-3 and -7. In this study, we found that the modes of inhibition of these two caspases were different: caspase-3 is inhibited in a competitive manner whereas caspase-7 inhibition occurs through a mixed competitive and noncompetitive mechanism. Binding assays revealed that the inhibition of caspase-3 by XIAP was totally dependent on the interaction between the active site of caspase-3 and the linker region between the BIR1 and BIR2 domains of XIAP. In contrast, the active site and the NH(2)-terminal region of caspase-7 bound to the linker region and the BIR2, respectively. Moreover the BIR2 with a mutated linker region, which inhibited caspase-3 very weakly, still bound to and inhibited caspase-7. Furthermore, a chimeric caspase-7/3 comprising the NH(2)-terminal portion of caspase-7 and COOH-terminal portion of caspase-3 was inhibited by XIAP by a mixed competitive and noncompetitive mechanism. Our results suggest that the linker region between BIR1 and BIR2 domains is responsible for active site-directed, competitive inhibition of both caspase-3 and -7, whereas the BIR2 itself is involved in noncompetitive inhibition of caspase-7.

Background electroencephalographic (EEG) activities of very preterm infants born at less than 27 weeks gestation: a study on the degree of continuity

AIMS

To clarify the features of the background electroencephalographic (EEG) activities in clinically well preterm infants born at less than 27 weeks gestation and to outline their chronological changes with increasing postconceptional age (PCA).

METHODS

EEGs of clinically well premature infants born at less than 27 weeks gestation were recorded during the early postnatal period. The infants were separated into three groups according to their PCA at the time of EEG recording (21-22 weeks PCA, 23-24 weeks PCA, and 25-26 weeks PCA). The mean and maximum duration of interburst intervals (IBIs), the mean duration of bursts, and the percentage of continuous and discontinuous patterns in each PCA group were evaluated.

RESULTS

There were three infants at 21-22 weeks PCA, seven at 23-24 weeks PCA, and five at 25-26 weeks PCA. Eighteen EEG recordings were obtained. The mean and maximum IBI duration decreased with increasing PCA. The percentage of continuous patterns increased with increasing PCA. Conversely, the percentage of discontinuous patterns decreased with increasing PCA.

CONCLUSIONS

In premature infants born at less than 27 weeks gestation, the characteristics of the background EEG activities were similar to those of older premature infants. These changes reflect the development of the central nervous system in this period.

Aortic subannular left ventricular aneurysm in a patient of Asian ancestry

An asymptomatic 50-year-old Japanese man was diagnosed with an aortic subannular left ventricular aneurysm during a routine physical checkup. Operative findings showed the subaortic aneurysm had developed beneath the noncoronary cusp of the aortic valve and expanded into the epicardium between the aortic root and left atrium. The operation involved patch closure of the orifice of the annular subaortic aneurysm, aortic valvuloplasty, and plication of the dilated ascending aorta.

Stable operation of a 300-m laser interferometer with sufficient sensitivity to detect gravitational-wave events within our galaxy

TAMA300, an interferometric gravitational-wave detector with 300-m baseline length, has been developed and operated with sufficient sensitivity to detect gravitational-wave events within our galaxy and sufficient stability for observations; the interferometer was operated for over 10 hours stably and continuously. With a strain-equivalent noise level of h approximately 5x10(-21)/sqrt[Hz], a signal-to-noise ratio of 30 is expected for gravitational waves generated by a coalescence of 1.4M-1.4M binary neutron stars at 10 kpc distance. We evaluated the stability of the detector sensitivity with a 2-week data-taking run, collecting 160 hours of data to be analyzed in the search for gravitational waves.