Regional comparison of nitrogen export to Japanese forest streams

Nitrogen (N) emissions in Asian countries are predicted to increase over the next several decades. An understanding of the mechanisms that control temporal and spatial fluctuation of N export to forest streams is important not only to quantify critical loads of N, N saturation status, and soil acidification N dynamics and budgets in Japanese forested watersheds is not clear due to the lack of regional comparative studies on stream N chemistry. To address the lack of comparative studies, we measured inorganic N (nitrate and ammonium) concentrations from June 2000 to May 2001 in streams in 18 experimental forests located throughout the Japanese archipelago and belonging to the Japanese Union of University Forests. N concentrations in stream water during base flow and high flow periods were monitored, and N mineralization potential in soil was measured using batch incubation experiments. Higher nitrate concentrations in stream water were present in central Japan, an area that receives high rates of atmospheric N deposition. In northern Japan, snowmelt resulted in increased nitrate concentrations in stream water. The potential net N mineralization rate was higher in surface soil than in subsurface soil, and the high potential for N mineralization in the surface soil partly contributed to the increase in nitrate concentration in stream water during a storm event. Regional differences in the atmospheric N deposition and seasonality of precipitation and high discharge are principal controls on the concentrations and variations of nitrates in stream water in forested watersheds of Japan.

Effects of surface soil removal on dynamics of dissolved inorganic nitrogen in a snow-dominated forest

To clarify the effect of vegetation and surface soil removal on dissolved inorganic nitrogen (N) dynamics in a snow-dominated forest soil in northern Japan, the seasonal fluctuation of N concentrations in soil solution and the annual flux of N in soil were investigated at a treated site (in which surface soil, including understory vegetation and organic and A horizons, was removed) and control sites from July 1998 to June 2000. Nitrate (NO3-) concentration in soil solution at the treated site was significantly higher than that of the control in the no-snow period, and it was decreased by dilution from melting snow. The annual net outputs of NO3- from soil at the treated site and control sites were 257 and -12 mmol m(-2) year(-1), and about 57% of the net output at the treated site occurred during the snowmelt period. NO3- was transported from the upper level to the lower level of soil via water movement during late autumn and winter, and it was retained in soil and leached by melt water in early spring. Removing vegetation and surface soil resulted in an increase in NO3- concentration of soil solution, and snowmelt strongly affected the NO3- leaching from treated soil and the NO3- restoration process in a snow-dominated region.

Sesquiterpenoids from the fruits of Ferula kuhistanica and antibacterial activity of the constituents of F. kuhistanica

Ethyl acetate extracts of the air-dried fruits of Ferula kuhistanica afforded three daucane esters: kuhistanicaol H, I and J, together with nine other known compounds. Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic evidence. Isolated compounds in this paper and previously reported compounds from the roots and stems of F. kuhistanica were tested for antibacterial activity. Some of them were selectively toxic against Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA and MRSA).

Estrogen receptor levels and lipid peroxidation in hepatocellular carcinoma with hepatitis C virus infection

AIMS/BACKGROUND

Our preliminary studies showed that estradiol suppresses hepatic carcinogenesis and fibrogenesis in animal models. Hepatic estrogen receptors (ERs) medicate estradiol action in the liver. This study was performed to assess possible implications of menopause and hepatic ER levels for the development of cirrhosis with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

One thousand, one hundred and ninety-nine consecutive HCC patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis were divided into two groups, based on a menopausal age of 49 years. Liver tissues were obtained during surgical resection of HCC and metastatic liver tumor.

RESULTS

The proportion of females among the HCC subjects < or =49 years of age was significantly lower (15.0%) than was the proportion of females among subjects >49 years of age (29.8%). Univariate analysis showed that HCV-related cirrhotic patients who developed HCC were more likely to have low hepatic levels of ER and copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD) protein and a high hepatic level of a lipid peroxidation product, malondialdehyde (MDA). Logistic regression identified age greater than 49 years (odds ratio [OR]: 7.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.8-21.3), male sex (OR: 3.5, 95% CI: 1.3-10.2), a decreased ER level (OR: 16.8, 95% CI: 7.3-34.6), and an increased MDA (OR: 8.3, 95% CI: 2.8-24.0) as the variables independently associated with the development of HCC in HCV-infected patients with cirrhosis. ER level was significantly correlated with CuZn-SOD level (r=0.583) and was inversely proportional to MDA level (r=-0.553). The study also showed that ER levels in the cirrhotic livers from premenopausal females were significantly higher than in male cirrhotic livers.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that increased lipid peroxidation and impaired SOD function in the liver may be associated with decreased hepatic ER levels in HCV-infected patients with cirrhosis and HCC, and that HCV-related cirrhotic women before menopause might have the ability to protect against developing HCC via hepatic ER.

[What characteristics have the elderly who contact friends at hospitals?]

PURPOSES

The purposes of this study are to examine two points; 1) What effects do regular visits to hospitals have on the existence of friend?. and 2) Do the elderly use hospitals as substitutes for other meeting places or independent of other places?.

METHODS

Data concerning 2,447 older adults were obtained from a national survey for the elderly aged 60 and over, conducted in 1996. 1) To examine effects of regular visits to hospitals on friends, friendships as a dependent variable, regular visits to hospitals as a confounding variable, and some two way-interaction terms as independent variables were entered in logistic regression analysis. 2) To analyze relationships between hospitals and other meeting places, correspondence analyses and logistic regression were used. 3) Existence of friends whom the elderly contact at hospitals as a dependent variable, existence of friends whom they meet at other places as a confounding variable, and some two way-interaction terms as independent variables were entered in logistic regression analysis. 3) Relationships between clinics and other meeting places were also analyzed using correspondence analyses and logistic regression.

RESULTS

1. Although regular visits to hospitals did not have a significant direct impact on existence of friends, the respondents with low activities of daily living who regularly visits hospitals were more likely to have friends than ones did not visits hospitals. 2. The respondents who meet friends at hospitals were also more likely to have contacts with friends at community centers for the elderly or community organization. 3. The respondents who meet friends at clinics had similar characteristics to those who meet friends at hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS

Regular visits to hospitals may contribute to maintain contacts with friends, especially in the elderly with low ADL. The elderly may use hospitals as meeting places with friends independent of other places. Hospitals may have similar functions to what clinics as meeting places with friends.

CDNA cloning of feline leptin and its mRNA expression in adipose tissue

Leptin, the product of the obese (ob) gene, is an adipocyte-derived hormone involved in regulating food intake and energy expenditure in humans and rodents. To determine the primary structure of feline leptin, we cloned the feline leptin cDNA using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of complementary DNA (cDNA) ends (RACE) methods. The full-length feline leptin cDNA was 2935 bp with a 501 bp open reading frame encoding the precursor peptide of 167 amino acids including 21 residues of signal peptide. The sequence of a 146-amino acid mature leptin was 81.5-91.8% homologous to those of other species. RT-PCR analysis revealed that the leptin mRNA was expressed in adipose tissues and not detected in liver, heart, kidney, lung, pancreas. brain and skeletal muscle. These data show that feline leptin is highly homologous to leptins of other species, and expressed in adipose tissues in cats.

Association study of polymorphisms in the GluR5 kainate receptor gene (GRIK1) with schizophrenia

The glutamatergic dysfunction hypothesis suggests genes involved in glutamatergic transmission as candidates for schizophrenia susceptibility genes. We screened single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the entire coding sequence of the GluR5 kainate receptor gene, GRIK1, by polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism and direct sequencing. We identified six SNPs including three known ones, 522A/C (174T, synonymous), 1173C/T (391D, synonymous), and 2705C/T (902L/S), as well as three novel ones, 995C/T (332A/V), 2400C/T (800L, synonymous), and 2585A/G (862R/Q). We genotyped Japanese samples of schizophrenia (n = 193-203) and healthy controls (n = 199-215) for three SNPs those were commonly observed in our samples, 522A/C, 1173C/T, and 2705C/T. We observed no significant associations of the SNPs and their haplotypes with schizophrenia. Therefore, we conclude that GRIK1 does not play a major role in schizophrenia pathogenesis in the Japanese population.

Effects of chicken essence tablets on resting metabolic rate

Resting energy expenditure (REE) values after consuming chicken essence tablets were significantly higher than those observed after consuming skim milk protein tablets (control trial). The increased thermogenic effects continued at least for a period of one hour and gradually decreased towards the baseline. The REE values during control treatment did not show such an augmented response.

Seasonal distribution of enteropathogens detected from diarrheal stool and water samples collected in Kathmandu, Nepal

A total of 334 diarrheal fecal samples (from 210 males and 124 females) collected in Kathmandu, Nepal, were studied for various kinds of enteropathogens. Overall, 33% (111/334) fecal samples were positive for one or more enteropathogens. There was no difference in detection rates between males and females. Enteropathogen detection rates in summer, winter, spring, and autumn were 61% (40/66), 52% (45/87), 31% (25/81), and 25% (25/100), respectively. Altogether eight species of bacteria, three genera of viruses, and five species of protozoan parasites were detected with considerable seasonal variations. Among the bacterial isolates, enteropathogenic Escherichia coli topped the list followed by Vibrio sp. Only one sample had Shigella (S. sonnei). Rotavirus type A was the most frequently detected among the enteric viruses, followed by human enterovirus and human adenovirus, respectively. Among the enteric protozoan parasites, Giardia intestinalis was the most frequently detected followed by Cryptosporidium parvum. Detection of bacterial and protozoan pathogens showed a slightly high tendency in the summer season compared with that in the other seasons (p>0.05), whereas the detection of viruses was significantly high in the winter season (p<0.05). Of the total 57 water samples, 43 (75%) showed one or more bacterial species out of which 51% (22/43) were E. coli. Among the E. coli isolates, 68% were EPEC. Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (O157) was not detected.

Quantitative analysis of red color sign in the endoscopic evaluation of esophageal varices

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Bleeding due to esophageal variceal rupture is associated with an extremely high mortality rate. Variceal bleeding is frequent in patients who have a red color sign on endoscopy. However, the red color sign is subjectively evaluated on the basis of color tone and the shape of the varices. To allow standardization and facilitate consensus, an objective method of assessing the red color sign is needed. In this study, a system was established for quantifying the red color sign during endoscopic evaluation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between July 1995 and February 1997, 55 untreated patients with portal hypertension and esophageal varices identified on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were enrolled in the study. Images obtained about 5 cm oral to the esophagogastric junction during endoscopy were stored on magnetic optical disks using an endoscopic image processor. The still images were transmitted to a computer and analyzed using computer software. The RGB components (R, red; G, green; B, blue) were measured at points showing flare consistent with the red color sign. The endoscopic assessment was based on the Japanese Research Society for Portal Hypertension's general rules for recording endoscopic findings in esophagogastric varices.

RESULTS

The ratio of the red color area to the variceal area increased with increasing red color grade. There were significant positive correlations between the R and G, and G and B components. This suggests that comparing the R components alone would allow assessment of the color differences in the red color area and in the varices. The R value was significantly higher in the red color area (115 +/- 20) than in the varices (57 +/- 19). An R value of 90 was found at the boundary between the two parts (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The red color area can be automatically calculated and quantified using the analysis program. Improvements in data storage methods may allow real-time evaluation during endoscopy in the future.

Expression profiles of COUP-TF, DAX-1, and SF-1 in the human adrenal gland and adrenocortical tumors: possible implications in steroidogenesis

Chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor (COUP-TF), DAX-1, and steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) are orphan members of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. COUP-TF and DAX-1 have been shown to negatively regulate the transcriptional activity of SF-1, a steroidogenic cell-specific activator of various steroidogenic cytochrome P450 genes. We therefore examined the expression levels and immunolocalization of COUP-TF, DAX-1, and SF-1 in human adrenal gland (NL) and adrenocortical adenomas, and compared the results with CYP17 expression levels and its enzyme activities to study their potential correlation with adrenocortical steroidogenesis. In NL (n = 10), expressions of COUP-TF, DAX-1, and SF-1 were detected in the nuclei of adrenocortical cells, but not in the medulla. In cortisol-producing adenomas causing Cushing syndrome (CS, n = 20), CYP17 expression was upregulated (298 +/- 2% vs NL 98 +/- 4%), whereas expression levels of both COUP-TFs (COUP-TFI, 52 +/- 5% vs NL 98 +/- 4%; COUP-TFII, 18 +/- 4% vs NL 98 +/- 4%) and DAX-1 (42 +/- 4% vs NL 100 +/- 4%) were reduced. In deoxycorticosterone-producing adenomas (DOC, n = 2), on the other hand, CYP17 expression was extremely reduced (8 and 12% vs NL 98 +/- 4%), whereas DAX-1 expression increased markedly (350 and 360% vs NL 100 +/- 4%). Expression levels of SF-1 did not differ between NL (100 +/- 8%) and CS (106 +/- 10%), but its expression appeared to be decreased in DOC (25 and 20%). These results showed CYP17 expression to be upregulated and downregulated in CS and DOC, respectively, in a manner reciprocal to that of its repressors, COUP-TF and/or DAX-1. In summary, the results indicate that co-localization of COUP-TF, DAX-1, and SF-1 in NL was lost in adrenocortical tumors and that these orphan receptors play an important role in the regulation of steroidogenesis in human adrenals.

[Incidence and prognosis of, and risk factors for the home-bound in a community elderly population]

This longitudinal study examined numbers of homebound and bed bound individuals over time, and risk factors in a rural community elderly populations. A total of 731 older persons who needed no assistance of another person in traveling from their homes participated in the baseline survey in 1992 and were assessed annually for their ability to travel for subsequent six-years. We defined operationally a homebound status as the necessity for assistance of another person to be able to leave home, but without being bedbound. During the follow-up period, 86 homebound (23.7 per 1,000 person-years) and 32 bedbound cases (8.4 per 1,000 person-years) were noted, the former being 2.8 times more likely to occur. Of the newly bound cases 26% returned to a state capable of leaving home by themselves one year later, and maintained this independent living level even two years later. Of the other cases who remained as homebound or bedbound one year later, only one (1/31) had returned to independent living after two years; most of them became bedbound at home, hospital admitted or deceased. Stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis showed that independent risk factors for the homebound include older age, male gender, slower walking speed, history of hospital admission in the previous year, lower masticatory ability, and higher level of serum beta 2-microglobin. These results indicate that health promotion programs for prevention of becoming homebound among community elderly people should target more intensively assistance to maintaining walking and masticatory ability. In addition, public health professionals should pay more attention to elderly people shortly after hospital discharge.

Sulfide oxidation in gram-negative bacteria by expression of the sulfide-quinone reductase gene of Rhodobacter capsulatus and by electron transport to ubiquinone

The oxidation of sulfide was studied in recombinant bacteria expressing the sulfide-quinone reductase gene (sqr) from Rhodobacter capsulatus. Sulfide was oxidized by the Escherichia coli strain W3110 harboring the sqr construct (pKKSQ) under anaerobic conditions and nitrate was utilized as a terminal electron acceptor. Following the oxidation, elemental sulfur and nitrite were produced as the final reaction products. This activity was retained in the membrane preparation and was sensitive towards antimycin A, stigmatellin, and azide. As a consequence of the ubiquinone deficiency, this activity was markedly decreased. In additon, by recovery of ubiquinone, the oxidation was also restored to rates similar to those of the wild-type strain. These results indicate that sulfide oxidation in this strain occurs via the quinone pool in vivo, and that this sulfide-quinone reductase (SQR) in particular utilizes ubiquinone as a more appropriate electron acceptor than menaquinone or demetylmenaquinone. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show a direct interaction between SQR and ubiquinone in cells. When expressed in Pseudomonas putida and Rhizobium meliloti, the SQR conferred on these organisms the ability to oxidize sulfide as well as E. coli in vivo.

The role of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27 in squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus

The level of p27 expression decreases during tumor development and progression. Loss of p27 protein provides independent prognostic information in breast, prostate, colon, stomach and lung carcinomas. We generated a new polyclonal antibody against p27 and carried out immunohistochemical analysis of p27 expression in 61 specimens of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, 10 carcinoma in situ specimens, and 5 squamous epithelial dysplasia specimens of the esophagus. We examined the correlation of p27 expression with various clinicopathologic features and prognosis. In squamous epithelial dysplasia, the p27-positive cells were located in the superficial normal-appearing cells, not in the atypical cells. In carcinoma in situ, the expression of p27 was markedly lower than in normal esophageal epithelium. In advanced squamous cell carcinomas, high p27 correlated significantly with the degree of differentiation (p = 0.0002) and the depth of tumor invasion (p = 0.001) was statistically significant. The high p27 expression group had a better prognosis than did the low or negative p27 expression groups, but these differences were not statistically significant. These observations may imply that a decrease in p27 expression occurs early on in the carcinogenesis of esophageal carcinoma. In addition, p27 expression may correlate with the histologic differentiation of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.

Nutritional factors on longevity and quality of life in Japan

The relationship of nutrient intakes to life expectancies in Japan since the Second World War has demonstrated that sufficient intakes of animal protein and fat are crucial for attaining longevity. In the community dwelling elderly, the higher the serum albumin was, the longer the further life expectancy in the elderly. Serum total cholesterol showed a U-shape relationship to further life expectancies in the elderly. Low serum cholesterol was deleterious for higher levels of functional capacity. Low serum cholesterol and low serum alpha-tochopherol accelerated depressive status in the community dwelling elderly. For reducing malnutrition and for improving nutritional status in undernourished elders, we carried out intervention trials. Instructions on how to prepare ideal daily meals were useful in functionally independent elders because a certain group of Japanese elderly has been stigmatized for eating meat. In frail elders provided with daily meals in a nursing home, a digestive enzyme drug was helpful for enhancing serum albumin levels.

Identification and expression of a mouse ortholog of A2BP1

Human ataxin-2 contains a polyglutamine repeat that is expanded in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2). Ataxin-2 is highly conserved in evolution with orthologs in mouse, Caenorhabditis elegans, and Drosophila melanogaster. It interacts at its C-terminus with ataxin-2 binding protein 1, A2BP1. This study presents a highly conserved mouse ortholog of A2BP1, designated A2bp1. The amino acid sequence of the human and mouse protein is 97.6% identical. This remarkable degree of conservation supports the fact that these proteins have an important basic function in development and differentiation. Sequence analysis reveals the existence of RNA binding motifs. The A2bp1 transcript was found in various regions of the CNS including cerebellum, cerebral cortex, brain stem, and thalamus/hypothalamus. The A2bp1 protein was detected by immunocytochemistry in the CNS and connective tissue of the mouse embryo starting at stage E11, as well as in the heart at all stages. Mouse embryos showed varying expression of A2bp1 at all stages. Previous studies in other model systems had implicated the orthologs of ataxin-2 and A2BP1 in development. This study suggests a role for A2bp1 in embryogenesis as well as in the adult nervous system, possibly mediated by a function in RNA distribution or processing.

Cytomorphometric parameters and the metastatic potential of cutaneous and uveal melanoma: a comparison with prognostic factors

The Mean of the Ten Largest Nuclei (MTLN1) is one of the most important prognostic factors in uveal malignant melanoma. This study was performed to investigate the applicability of nuclear and nucleolar measurements as a prognostic factor for cutaneous melanoma. A routine light microscope (Carl Zeiss: Axiophot EL-Einnsatz; #451888) at 640 times magnification with a Micrometer Eye Piece (Carl Zeiss: #444034) was used to evaluate the correlation of MTLN1 and Mean of Ten Largest Nuclei (MTLN) with the occurrence of metastasis in 58 primary cutaneous melanoma. For uveal melanoma, cytologic classification was used for comparison. Prognostic value was determined by univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis. MTLN1 was the only significant factor for uveal melanoma (p = 0.05). For cutaneous melanoma, all factors were significantly associated with disease progression. MTLN1 was the only one to remain significant (p + 0.027) in multivariate linear regression analysis. Nuclear and nucleolar morphometry are significant prognostic factors for uveal and cutaneous melanoma.

Marked reduction of Helicobacter pylori-induced gastritis by urease inhibitors, acetohydroxamic acid and flurofamide, in Mongolian gerbils

Urease has been suggested to be essential for colonization and pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori infection. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of urease inhibitors [acetohydroxamic acid (AHA) and flurofamide (FFA)] on H. pylori-induced gastritis in Mongolian gerbils. Animals were orally inoculated with H. pylori, and given urease inhibitors in their diet throughout the experimental period of six weeks or four weeks, starting from two weeks after H. pylori inoculation. With the administration of AHA at doses of 100, 500, and 2500 ppm throughout the experimental period, H. pylori-induced gastritis in animals was decreased in a dose-dependent manner, significantly so at 2500 ppm. Suppression of gastric lesions was also evident in animals administered 2500 ppm AHA after the H. pylori infection. Bacterial infection rates were reduced to 40-50% of the control value of 100%, by the highest dose of AHA. The potent urease inhibitor, FFA, also caused marked amelioration of H. pylori-associated gastritis on administration at 100 ppm throughout the six-week experimental period or for four weeks after H. pylori infection. Animals treated with FFA had few visible gastric lesions, and the proportion infected with H. pylori was reduced to less than 10%. Since antibiotic-resistant strains of H. pylori have become a serious problem, nonantibiotic urease inhibitors may be very useful to control H. pylori-associated gastroduodenal disease.

Apoptosis as an independent prognostic indicator in squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus

Apoptosis plays a crucial role in determining net cell proliferation and cell turnover in various tumors. The rate of apoptosis in tumor cells has been reported to be a useful prognostic indicator in colorectal carcinoma. We examined apoptosis in 72 specimens of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) digoxigenin-nick end labeling (TUNEL) method. We examined correlation of apoptosis with outcome, clinicopathological features, and expression of the apoptosis-related proteins p53 and Bcl-2. The percentage of apoptotic cells, or apoptotic index (AI), ranged from 0.8 to 9.4 (mean: 3.47; SD: 2.02). Overall, 5-year survival of patients with high AI (AI > or = 5.0; n = 18) tumors was significantly higher than that of patients with low AI tumors (AI < 5.0; n = 58; 76.9% versus 44.9%; P = 0.042). AI did not correlate significantly with the clinicopathological features of patient age and sex, depth of tumor and histological differentiation, lymph node metastasis, lymphatic invasion, or venous invasion. In p53-negative tumors, the AI was significantly higher than in p53-positive tumors. We concluded that AI may be a useful prognostic indicator in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma following curative surgery, and that apoptosis in this tumor is related to relative underexpression of p53 protein.

PKNbeta interacts with the SH3 domains of Graf and a novel Graf related protein, Graf2, which are GTPase activating proteins for Rho family

PKNbeta is a novel isoform of PKNalpha, which is one of the target protein kinases for the small GTPase Rho. By yeast two-hybrid screening of a human embryonic kidney 293 cell cDNA library with the PKNbeta linker region containing proline-rich motifs as a bait, clones encoding Graf (GAP for Rho Associated with Focal adhesion kinase) and a novel Graf-related protein, termed Graf2, were isolated. The full length of Graf2 contains a putative PH domain, a RhoGAP domain, and an SH3 domain as well as Graf. Northern and Western blot analyses demonstrated that Graf2 is expressed in several tissues, with the highest expression in skeletal muscle. Recombinant Graf2 exhibited GTPase-activating activity toward the small GTPase RhoA and Cdc42Hs, but not toward Rac1, in vitro. The SH3 domains of Graf and Graf2 purified from Escherichia coli bound directly to PKNbeta. Graf or Graf2 was co-immunoprecipitated with PKNbeta in COS-7 cells transiently transfected with Graf or Graf2 and PKNbeta expression constructs. The catalytically active form of PKNbeta phosphorylated Graf and Graf2 in vitro. The interplay of PKNbeta and the GTPase-activating proteins, Graf and Graf2, may offer a novel mechanism regulating the Rho-mediated signaling.

Effect of oligofucose derivatives on acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer in rats

This study attempted to enhance the anti-ulcer activity of fucoidan from Cladosiphon okamuranus TOKIDA by chemical modification with a hydrophobic group. The suitable number of fucose residues in the effective compound was also clarified to obtain a compound of constant quality. Degraded fucoidans were coupled with several hydrophobic groups via Schiff bases, and their anti-ulcer activities were determined by acetic acid-induced ulcer models in rats. Size-fractionated oligofucose was also modified and assayed for anti-ulcer activity. Among the modified oligofucoses, only the oligofucose-dodecylaniline combination (OFDA) significantly promoted ulcer healing. The effective dose was 0.2 mg/kg/d. The most suitable number of fucose residues in the compound for the anti-ulcer activity was determined to be around 12. We succeeded in enhancing the anti-ulcer activity of Cladosiphon fucoidan by modification with dodecylaniline. The activity of this compound was comparable or greater than that of typical anti-ulcer agents. By determination of the optimal OF chain length for the anti-ulcer activity of OFDA, it became possible to obtain OFDA of constant quality.

[Preparation of a gel-forming ointment base applicable to the recovery stage of bedsore and clinical evaluation of a treatment method with different ointment bases suitable to each stage of bedsore]

A novel ointment base suitable for the treatment of bedsore at the recovery stage was developed by the use of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HM-HPMC) modified on the basis of the hydrophobicity. A considerable sustained release of drug (minocycline hydrochloride) formulated to the ointment (T50 of 170 min) was attained with a macrogol ointment (MO) mixed with the HM-HPMC and Carbopol (CP) of the formulating ratio of 3:7. It was also found that a change in the formulating ratio of HM-HPMC and CP lead to a change in the drug release rate. The water absorption property of the ointment base, required to absorb on exudative solution in applying to the bedsore treatment, was as high as that of an ointment base containing hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) and CP reported in our previous paper. We clinically evaluated the effectiveness of the bedsore treatment, in which different ointment bases were applied to patients at different stages of the bedsore. A total of 22 cases were divided into two categories for applying to the different treatments. One category comprised of 11 subjects was treated with a povidone-iodine sugargel, which was the conventional method in our hospital, while the other 11 subjects were treated by the use of the newly developed ointment bases in consideration for the different stages of the bedsore. In comparison of the clinical results with the healing index, we ascertained that the latter method was significantly more efficacious (p < 0.01-0.05) than the conventional one. The effectiveness was emphasized in treating the intractable bedsore classified into the grades IV and V. Therefore, we confirmed that the newly developed ointment base formulation is useful in treating bedsore at each stage.

Relationship among gastric motility, autonomic activity, and portal hemodynamics in patients with liver cirrhosis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

We examined the effects of the autonomic nervous function and the volume of portal blood flow to clarify the mechanism of the abnormal gastric motility in patients with liver cirrhosis.

METHODS

Heart rate variability, electrogastrogram (EGG), and volume of portal blood flow were measured before and after a meal in 27 patients with liver cirrhosis (LC group) and in 20 normal subjects (N group). Autonomic nervous function was evaluated by using spectral analysis of heart rate variability. We used the cine phase-contrast (PC) method, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure the portal flow, while the peak frequency and spectral power of the EGG were measured at pre- and postprandial change.

RESULTS

The ratio of low frequency power to high frequency power (LF/HF) was significantly higher, and the HF power was significantly lower in the LC group than in the N group both before and after a meal. In both groups, the electrogastrographic peak power ratio before and after a meal showed a positive correlation with the HF ratio, and an inverse correlation with the LF/HF ratio. In addition, portal blood flow volume was significantly decreased in the LC group than in the N group. However, the increased rate of portal blood flow after a meal correlated positively with the increased rate of electrogastrographic peak power. Moreover, gastric motility was positively correlated with esophageal varices and coma scale with the use of multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Parasympathetic hypofunction, sympathetic hyperfunction and portal hemodynamics were closely related with gastric motility in cirrhotic patients. In addition, gastric motility was decreased, at least in part, by the ingestion of food in cirrhotic patients because of abnormalities in autonomic functions and portal blood flow following a meal.