Biological treatment of ammonia gas at high loading

The exhaust gas from compost processing plants contains a large amount of ammonia. To treat ammonia gas at high loads, bench-scale experiments were carried out. First, nitrifying bacteria were enriched from soil and immobilized on porous ceramics. The ceramics were packed in an acrylic cylinder (diameter, 100 mm; packed height, 190 mm) and ammonia gas was introduced to the top of the cylinder. The concentration and flow rate of ammonia gas were gradually increased and finally 85 ppm was introduced at a space velocity of 800 h(-1) (empty bed residence time (EBRT), 4.5 sec). The ammonia load was 1.0 kg N/m3 day(-1). The exhaust contained 1.5-2 ppm of ammonia. Then the packed ceramics were transferred to another acrylic cylinder (diameter, 50 mm; packed height, 800 mm). A high concentration of ammonia gas (1,000 ppm) was introduced at a space velocity of 96 h(-1) (ammonia loading, 1.44 kg N/m3 day(-1); EBRT, 37.5 sec). The exhaust contained 2 ppm of ammonia (removal rate, 99.8%). The packed bed was washed with water intermittently or continuously, and the wastewater from the cylinder contained a large amount of ammonium and nitrate ions of at a 1:1 ratio. Stoichiometric analysis showed that half of the introduced ammonia was oxidized to nitrate, and the rest was converted to ammonium ion. Thus, ammonia gas was effectively treated at a high load by biofiltration with nitrifying bacteria.

Neuro-Behçet's disease: analysis of apparent diffusion coefficients

Little is known about the diffusion properties of brain lesions in neuro-Behçet's disease (NBD). We looked at 19 NBD lesions (13 active, six chronic) in six patients, using diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI). We calculated the apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) of the lesions and compared them with normal contralateral brain, expressing this ratio as relative ADC (rADC). The rADC was 1.29+/-0.33 in active and 1.44+/-0.47 in chronic lesions, i.e., significantly higher than in the control regions. Increased diffusivity in both active and chronic phases in NBD is different from the pattern in ischaemic infarcts, so that ADC analysis might be helpful for differentiating between these conditions.

Car seatbelt use during pregnancy in Japan: determinants and policy implications

CONTEXT

Pregnant women are exempted from the current seatbelt legislation in Japan despite the fact that seatbelt use is essential to reduce the risk of fatalities for these women and their fetuses in car crashes.

OBJECTIVE

To examine factors that might influence seatbelt use during pregnancy.

METHODS

A cross sectional study, with data collected via an anonymous, self administered questionnaire at obstetric clinics in suburban areas of Japan. Altogether 880 pregnant women receiving prenatal care in July 2001 were recruited. The relative effects of factors that might influence seatbelt use during pregnancy were estimated using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Almost 70%-80% of pregnant women were consistent seatbelt wearers before pregnancy but seatbelt compliance was reduced by about half at 20 weeks or more gestation. Only 20% had received information on maternal seatbelt use, with one third reporting that seatbelt use is beneficial during pregnancy. Those who perceived that maternal seatbelt use is beneficial tended to maintain use, but daily car users and those who knew that they were exempted from seatbelt legislation were more likely to reduce use.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge of the legislative exemption for pregnant women, misunderstanding of the benefits, and daily car use contributed to the reduction in seatbelt use after pregnancy.

Cell death induced by the phenolic antioxidant tert-butylhydroquinone and its metabolite tert-butylquinone in human monocytic leukemia U937 cells

2-tert-Butyl-4-hydroquinone (TBHQ), a phenolic antioxidant used as a food additive, and its metabolite 2-tert-butyl-1,4-benzoquinone (TBQ) were both cytotoxic in human monocytic leukemia U937 cells, TBQ being the more strongly cytotoxic. Both compounds induced caspase activity towards DEVD-MCA as a substrate and the cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase in cells. Enzyme activities of caspase-3,-7,-6 and -9 seemed to be induced, and procaspases-3 and-7 were processed to active forms in cells treated with TBHQ and TBQ. They induced nuclear condensation and fragmentation in some cells. Electron microscopic examination revealed severe disruption of mitochondrial structure and the formation of intracellular vacuoles. Morphological changes were more marked in the cells treated with TBHQ than TBQ. Mitochondrial transmembrane potential was disrupted. Cytochrome c was released from mitochondria to cytosol and ATP level was moderately decreased by the treatment of cells with these chemicals. Cellular glutathione (GSH) appeared to contribute to defense against cell death induced by TBQ, but its contribution was not marked in the case of TBHQ. TBHQ and TBQ exhibited the apoptotic features in various assays, but the mode of cell death may not be defined as a typical apoptosis or necrosis.

Two-dimensional thick-slice MR digital subtraction angiography in the assessment of small to medium-size intracranial arteriovenous malformations

Assessment of intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) by conventional catheter angiography carries risks; moreover, this invasive procedure is often repeated for follow-up. We investigated the clinical applicability of two-dimensional thick-slice, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance digital subtraction angiography (2D MRDSA) with high temporal resolution in the assessment of AVMs. We performed 78 2D MRDSA studies of treated or untreated small to medium-size AVMs on a 1.5 tesla imager. Two observers independently evaluated demonstration of nidus flow void on T2-weighted images and each component of the AVM on 2D MRDSA employing a three-point grading scale. In 55 patients with AVMs, the mean ratings of nidus flow voids, feeding vessels, nidi, draining vessels and early venous filling on MRI were 2.8, 2.4, 2.6, 2.8 and 2.8, respectively. sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for an AVM using 2D MRDSA were 87, 100, 100 and 78%, respectively and for nidus flow voids on T2-weighted images 80, 91, 96 and 66%, respectively. 2D MRDSA can thus demonstrate haemodynamic features of AVMs. It can be employed as a less invasive, dynamic angiographic tool for follow-up of AVMs previously delineated by catheter angiography.

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of dural sinus thrombosis

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful to diagnose dural sinus thrombosis. However, the representative appearance of dural sinus thrombosis on diffusion-weighted MRI has not been established. This study was aimed at determining whether cytotoxic or vasogenic edema is more predominant in the affected cerebral parenchyma and assessing the time courses and prognosis of dural sinus thrombosis lesion. The studies on sixteen patients with dural sinus thrombosis who underwent diffusion-weighted MRI were retrospectively reviewed. The diagnosis was confirmed by digital subtraction angiography in 11 patients and magnetic resonance angiography in five patients. Diffusion-weighted images with echo-planar imaging were obtained using two or three b values, with the highest b value of up to 1,000 s/mm(2). A region of interest was placed on an area of abnormal signal intensity to calculate apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs). Nine of the 16 patients had lesions with an increased ADC, whereas, three of these nine patients also had lesions with a decreased ADC. Among 11 patients who underwent initial MRI within 7 days of their last episode, eight had lesions with an increased ADC, of whom three had lesions mixed with both decreased and increased ADC areas. Follow-up studies of these three patients revealed the development of hemorrhagic infarction in two and subcortical hemorrhage in one. Vasogenic edema develops more predominantly and earlier in dural sinus thrombosis, though cytotoxic edema was also associated with the pathological changes in the early phase. Decrease of ADC value is presumed to reflect severe pathological conditions and indicate possible future development of infarction or hemorrhage.

Association analysis of polymorphisms in the prepronociceptin gene and schizophrenia

The human prepronociceptin (ppNoc) gene is located on chromosome 8p21, and several linkage studies have suggested that the susceptibility locus for schizophrenia is present in this chromosomal region. We investigated genetic variations in the promoter and coding regions of the ppNoc gene to determine if there may be an association between naturally occurring mutations and the manifestation of schizophrenia. Association analyses for the variations found were conducted between 87 unrelated schizophrenic patients and 100 healthy controls. Polymorphisms were found at both the -503 locus (G/A) in the promoter region and the 353 locus (Ala118Gly) in exon 3. Additionally, rare variants were identified at the -261 locus (A/G) in the promoter region, the 515 locus (Gln172Arg) in exon 3, and the 561 locus (G/A) in the untranslated region of exon 3. A significant difference was observed in allele frequency at the 353 locus between controls and patients with continuous-course schizophrenia (P = 0.0237), and between patients with and without prominent negative symptoms (P = 0.0201). However, neither difference was significant after Bonferroni correction. In addition, there were no significant differences in genotype and allele frequencies at either the -503 or 353 locus between the control group and patients with schizophrenia. These results suggest that ppNoc gene polymorphisms have no association with schizophrenia.

Preparation, structure, and amphoteric redox properties of p-phenylenediamine-type dyes fused with a chalcogenadiazole unit

4,7-Bis(dialkylamino)benzo[c][1,2,5]chalcogenadiazoles are a novel class of organic dyes that undergo reversible two-stage one-electron oxidation as well as one-electron reduction. They exhibit absorption maxima in the long-wavelength region, which are assigned as intramolecular charge transfer bands from the phenylenediamine moiety to the electron-accepting heterocycle. Their redox properties as well as molecular and crystal structures are affected by the alkyl substituents on the amino nitrogen and/or by the chalcogen atom (O, S, Se) in the heterocycle.

Intramyocardial delivery of basic fibroblast growth factor-impregnated gelatin hydrogel microspheres enhances collateral circulation to infarcted canine myocardium

The present study examined whether basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-impregnated acidic gelatin hydrogel microspheres (AGHM) would enhance collateral development to the infarct area in dogs with coronary occlusion. Studies were conducted in 28 dogs with a 2-week occlusion of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). The dogs were divided into 3 groups according to treatment: Group A treated with bFGF-impregnated AGHM in the infarct area; Group B with free-form bFGF; Group C with AGHM alone. Coronary angiography (n=15; Group A, 7 dogs; Group B, 5 dogs; Group C, 3 dogs) and a regional myocardial blood flow study (n=13; Group A, 6 dogs; Group B, 4 dogs; Group C, 3 dogs) were repeated at a 2-week interval. Coronary angiography revealed that in Group A, antegrade flow in the LAD distal to the occlusion, which was assessed by Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) grade, was significantly increased after treatment. In contrast, in Groups B and C, the treatment did not change the flow grade in the LAD. In Group A, the regional myocardial blood flow in the collateral dependent area was significantly increased after treatment, and the regional myocardial blood flow reserve after adenosine injection was also significantly increased. These measurements remained after treatment in Groups B and C. The immunohistochemical study with factor VIII-related antigen revealed an increase of vascular density in the ischemic region in Group A. Intramyocardial delivery of bFGF-impregnated AGHM, but not free-form bFGF, improves the collateral circulation to the infarct area of a coronary occlusion in dogs.

Modulation of aromatase expression in human breast tissue

Aromatase plays an important role in breast cancer development through its role in the synthesis of estrogen. Aromatase expression in breast tissue can be regulated by several mechanisms. The major promoter usage for aromatase expression in breast tumors (i.e. cAMP-stimulated promoters I.3 and II) is different from that in normal breast tissue (i.e. glucocorticoid-stimulated promoter I.4). Recent characterization of transcription factors that interact with the two important regulatory elements near promoters I.3 and II, i.e. S1 and CREaro, helps us better understand the mechanism of the switch of promoter usage between normal breast tissue and cancer tissue. It is thought that in normal breast tissue, the function of promoters I.3 and II is suppressed through the binding of EAR-2, COUP-TFI, and EARgamma to S1, and through the binding of Snail/Slug proteins to their binding site that quenchs the CREaro activity. In cancer tissue, the expression levels of EAR-2, COUP-TFI, EARgamma, Snail, and Slug decrease, and aromatase expression is then up regulated through the binding of ERRalpha-1 to S1 and the binding of CREB or related factors to CREaro. Results from this and other laboratories reveal that aromatase activity in aromatase expressing cells can also be modified by treatment with aromatase inhibitors and the antiestrogen ICI 182, 780. While aromatase inhibitors are used to treat breast cancer, the treatment has been found to increase the level of aromatase in the breast tissue of some patients. The enhancement of aromatase activity by aromatase inhibitors is thought to be due to a decrease of aromatase protein degradation by enzyme-inhibitor complex formation, up-regulation of the aromatase gene transcription through a cAMP-mediated mechanism, and an induction of aromatase expression by gonadtropins that are released from the pituitary in response to a reduction of estrogen levels in circulation in premenopausal women. Antiestrogen ICI 182, 780 has been found to suppress aromatase expression, but the mechanism has not yet been determined. In addition, aromatase activity and expression can be affected by environmental chemicals. A detailed structure-function study has revealed that flavones, but not isoflavones, are inhibitors of aromatase. It was found that flavones bind to the active site of aromatase in an orientation in which their rings-A and -C mimic rings-D and -C of the androgen substrate. The modulation of aromatase expression by endocrine disrupting chemicals is exemplified by two organochlorine pesticides (i.e. toxaphene and chlordane) that have been found to be antagonists of ERRalpha-1 orphan receptor. These compounds reduce ERRalpha-1 activity, resulting in a suppression of aromatase expression.

ER-dependent estrogenic activity of parabens assessed by proliferation of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells and expression of ERalpha and PR

Estrogenic activities of the phenolic preservatives methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, isopropylparaben and isobutylparaben were examined by assaying estrogen-receptor (ER)-dependent proliferation of MCF-7 cells. All the compounds stimulated the proliferation to about the same level as the maximal cell yield attained with 3x10(-11) M 17beta-estradiol, but at a concentration in the order of 10(5) to 10(7) higher than 17beta-estradiol. The cell-proliferative effects of parabens were completely suppressed by anti-estrogen ICI 182,780. MCF-7 cells treated with butylparaben and isobutylparaben exhibited a decrease in gene expression of ERalpha and an increase in that of progesterone-receptor (PR), but the effects of these parabens were not as prominent as those of 17beta-estradiol. Western blot analysis indicated that these parabens caused a slight decrease in expression of ERalpha protein. Competitive binding to human ERalpha and ERbeta in vitro revealed that the parabens with longer side-chains showed greater affinity for estrogen receptors, and that they had similar relative binding affinity (RBA) values to both ERalpha and ERbeta. RBA values were much smaller than that of diethylstilbestrol. In conclusion, parabens have ER-dependent estrogenic activities, and their effects on the intracellular signaling pathway might be different from that of 17beta-estradiol.

Increase in diameter of ventricular septal defect and membranous septal aneurysm formation during the infantile period

Serial changes in diameters of ventricular septal defect (VSD), and in the formation patterns of membranous septal aneurysm (MSA), were evaluated using two-dimensional (2-D) echocardiography during the infantile period. We studied 65 patients with VSD, who were classified into three groups by clinical feature. The patients with severe respiratory symptoms and significant failure to thrive were classified as group A (n = 15). The patients with no respiratory symptoms and mild or moderate failure to thrive were classified as group B (n = 38). Group C had no or trivial clinical symptoms and no need for surgical repair (n = 12). Group A showed rapid enlargement of VSD during early infancy. In this group, the mean diameter of VSD at age 5 months was 75% larger than the mean diameter at age 1 month (an increase of 5.5 to 9.6 mm; p<0.05). The other two groups (B, C) showed a slower enlargement as compared with group A. The rapid enlargement of VSD in group A seemed to induce the rapid increase in pulmonary blood flow with severe clinical symptoms. We suggest that careful observation of the changes in VSD diameters by periodic echocardiography is important in predicting the clinical course and in deciding the operation indication.

Evidence of 29Si NMR paramagnetic shifts in rare-earth zeolite LSX

Paramagnetic shifts have been observed for the first time in rare-earth zeolites; the 29Si MAS NMR spectra of rare-earth ion-exchanged low silica X show a large range of isotropic chemical shifts that can be attributed to Fermi contact interactions with the lanthanide electronic moments.

Linked polymorphisms (-333G>T and -286A>G) in the promoter region of the CCK-A receptor gene may be associated with schizophrenia

Cholecystokinin A receptors (CCKAR) modulate CCK-stimulated dopamine release, and mutations in the CCKAR gene may predispose affected individuals to schizophrenia. Our previous study suggested that -286A>G polymorphism (previously named 201A>G) in the CCKAR gene promoter is associated with schizophrenia. In the present study, we carried out a further investigation of the promoter and intron 1 of the CCKAR gene. In addition to polymorphisms reported previously (-333G>T, -286A>G, -241G>A, 773A>T, and 779T>C), two novel polymorphisms (-388(GT)(8)>(GT)(9) and -85C>G) were identified. These polymorphisms were in a linkage disequilibrium. Association analyses between schizophrenic patients and controls revealed that the frequencies of the A allele and AA genotype at the -286 loci, as well as the frequency of the GG genotype at the -333 loci, were significantly higher in patients than in controls. Furthermore, patients with paranoid type schizophrenia, auditory hallucinations, or a positive family history had a significantly higher frequency of the -286A allele than the control group. The results supported our previous data, and suggest the possible involvement of the -333G>T and the -286A>G polymorphisms in the promoter region of the CCKAR gene in the predisposition to schizophrenia.

Identification of aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes by susceptibility testing: epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Japan

A multiple-primer PCR was used to identify genes encoding aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes in 381 clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The technique used three sets of primers delineating specific DNA fragments of the aph(3')-III, ant(4')-I, and aac(6')-aph(2") genes, which influence the MICs of gentamicin, tobramycin, and lividomycin. Isolates with none of the three genes detected were susceptible to all three agents. Isolates with the aph(3')-III gene showed resistance to lividomycin (MIC > 1,024 microg/ml), and those with the ant(4')-I gene were resistant to tobramycin (MIC > or = 8 microg/ml). Isolates with only the aac(6')-aph(2") gene were resistant to gentamicin (MIC > or = 8 microg/ml) and tobramycin in decreasing order; those with both the ant(4')-I and aac(6')-aph(2") genes also were resistant to gentamicin and tobramycin, but in increasing order. Susceptibility testing, then, could detect specific genes. In 381 Japanese MRSA isolates, the ant(4')-I, aac(6')-aph(2"), and aph(3')-III genes were prevalent in 84.5, 61.7, and 8.9%, respectively. Isolates with only the ant(4')-I gene had coagulase type II or III, but isolates with both the ant(4')-I and aac(6')-aph(2") genes included all coagulase types. Most isolates with coagulase type IV or VII carried the aac(6')-aph(2") gene. Of the MRSA isolates with ant(4')-I and/or aac(6')-aph(2") genes, 97% were resistant to aminoglycosides in clinical use, but a new aminoglycoside, arbekacin, had excellent activity against these isolates.

Cigarette smoking depletes cells spontaneously secreting Th(1) cytokines in the human airway

Cigarette smoking may modify the immune balance in the airway since it alters the course of diseases in which immune system has an important role. This study examined whether cigarette smoking could affect the distribution of cells secreting Th(1) or Th(2) cytokines in the human airway. We utilized cytokine ELISPOT assay to detect and quantitate the frequencies of cells spontaneously secreting cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). BALF was collected from six non-smokers and four heavy cigarette smokers without clinical airway symptoms. Cytokine ELISPOT assay was performed to quantitate cells secreting interleukin (IL-)2, IL-4 and interferon (IFN-)gamma with or without phorbor 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) stimulation. There were no cells spontaneously secreting IL-2 detected in all samples from smokers whereas most of non-smokers had detectable IL-2-secreting cells. The number of IFN-gamma-secreting cells was also extremely decreased in smokers. Mitogen-stimulated Th(1) cytokine-secreting cells were again significantly decreased in smokers' airways. The frequency of IL-2-secreting cells and CD4/CD8 ratio in BALF had a weak positive correlation. IL-4-secreting cells were not detected in any samples from both groups. These results show that cigarette smoking depletes Th(1) cytokine-secreting cells in the human airway. It may explain the susceptibility of smokers to certain airway disease conditions such as viral or mycobacterial infections and allergic diseases.

Polymorphism of the 5'-upstream region of the human SNAP-25 gene: an association analysis with schizophrenia

Recent studies have suggested that synaptic abnormalities may be part of the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. SNAP-25 (synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kD) is one of the synaptic proteins responsible for presynaptic neurotransmission, axonal elongation and synaptogenesis. Genetic variation in the 5'-upstream region of the SNAP-25 gene was analyzed in 87 unrelated schizophrenic patients and 100 healthy controls. A novel polymorphic (TAAA)(n) tandem repeat was identified in the 5'-upstream region. There were no significant differences between the patient and the control groups in the distribution of repeat numbers of alleles or genotypes. In addition, no associations were found between the polymorphism for subtypes, longitudinal courses or positive family history of the patients. Our results suggest that polymorphisms in the 5'-upstream region of the SNAP-25 gene have no association with schizophrenia.

Polymorphisms in the promoter and coding regions of the synapsin III gene. A lack of association with schizophrenia

The human synapsin III gene, located on chromosome 22q12-13, has previously been reported to indicate a susceptibility for schizophrenia. Noval rare variants (Thr136Thr in exon 3, Pro468Ser, Glu525Gln and Pro534Leu in exon 12, and 1769 G/C in the untranslated region of exon 13) were found in addition to the polymorphic variant (-196 G/A in the promoter region). No significant differences in genotypic or allelic frequencies of the -196 G/A polymorphism were found between 87 unrelated schizophrenic patients and 100 healthy controls, even when the patients were diagnostically subdivided into subtypes and course specifiers. Furthermore, allelic frequencies of the GATG repeat in intron 1 were not significantly different between the patients and the controls. These results suggest that synapsin III gene polymorphisms are not associated with schizophrenia.

Diffusion property in a hamartomatous lesion of neurofibromatosis type 1

Though diffusion-weighted MRI has been applied to various intracranial lesions, few reports had been presented about cerebral hamartomatous lesions in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). In this study, we report the interval changes of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in a presumed hamartomatous lesion. In our case, the ADC increased slightly over a 3 year period. This diffusion property may provide specific insight into the etiology of cerebral hamartomatous lesions observed in NF1.