Fine structure of the Gamow-Teller resonance in 90Nb and level density of 1+ states

The fine structure of the Gamow-Teller resonance in a medium-heavy nucleus is observed for the first time in a high-resolution 90Zr(3He,t)90Nb experiment at the Research Center for Nuclear Physics, Osaka. Using a novel wavelet analysis technique, it is possible to extract characteristic energy scales and to quantify their relative importance for the generation of the fine structure. This method combined with the selectivity of the reaction permits an extraction of the level density of 1+ states in 90Nb.

Effects of hypoglossal and facial nerve injuries on milk-suckling

Functional roles of the perioral anatomical structures involved in breastfeeding were examined in newborn rat pups in which the hypoglossal (XII) and facial (VII) nerves had been resected at the neonatal stage. The XII nerve controls tongue movement and is comprised of two functionally distinct branches: the medial branch related to protrusion of the tongue and the lateral branch related to its retraction. Newborn rat pups with bilateral resection of either of the XII nerve components (main trunk: XII-trunk; medial branch: XII-med; lateral branch: XII-lat) failed to suckle milk and did not survive. Unilateral XII nerve-resected neonates showed different milk-suckling capabilities, which thus resulted in differences in survival rate (XII-trunk: 38%; XII-med: 24%; XII-lat: 92%) and postnatal growth during the postnatal 3 weeks until P21. Unilateral and bilateral resections of the VII nerve innervating the buccolabial musculature produced lowered suckling capabilities and retarded postnatal growth, although all pups showed 100% survival. The results indicate a crucial role of the tongue, especially of protruding muscular elements innervated by the XII-med nerve, in breastfeeding. The results also indicate differential effects of the VII and XII nerve components on suckling capability, survival, and postnatal growth of newborn rat pups.

Long-term conservative therapy for endometrial adenocarcinoma in young women

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of long-term conservative therapy with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) for endometrial carcinoma in young patients who had experienced failure after initial therapy or relapse, we reviewed the clinical and pathologic records of eight patients diagnosed with well-differentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma without myometrial invasion who were treated with MPA for over 6 months because of treatment failure or relapse.

RESULTS

The average duration of MPA treatment was 22 months. All patients were followed-up for a mean of 76.5 months. Seven patients responded to initial MPA treatment within a period of 14 months (mean, 7.9 months). All these patients experienced relapse and the mean time to relapse was 11.6 months (range, 4-33 months). All six patients with relapse were treated with additional treatments of MPA, and all but one responded to this treatment within a period of 16 months (mean, 8.0 months). Six patients ultimately underwent hysterectomy. All presented well-differentiated endometrioid adenocarcinomas without extrauterine disease. Three became pregnant and two delivered full-term normal infants. No patient died of the disease.

CONCLUSION

Although lesions are expected to disappear with prolonged MPA treatment, this form of progestin therapy is hazardous because recurrence occurs frequently. Only strictly selected patients should therefore be indicated for long-term MPA treatment and careful evaluation before and after treatment should be performed.

Development of schematic face preference in macaque monkeys

This study investigated schematic face preferences in infant macaque monkeys. We also examined the roles of whole and partial features in facial recognition and related developmental change. Sixteen infant monkeys, all less than two months old, were presented with two stimulus pairs. Pair A consisted of "face" and "parts," with the components representing facial parts (i.e. eyes, mouth, and nose). Pair B consisted of "configuration" and "linear," each including three black squares. In each pair, one of two stimuli represented a facial configuration, namely "face" and "configuration." Visual following responses toward each stimulus were analyzed. The results revealed an early preference for schematic faces in these nonhuman primates. Infants less than one month of age showed a preference only for a stimulus that contained only whole facial configuration (i.e. "configuration" in Pair B). One-month-old macaque infants showed a preference only for "face" but not for "configuration." This result means that their preference at that age was affected by both the shape of the components and the overall configuration. As the developmental change and the contribution of both facial features are similar to those in human infants, it may suggest that primates share common cognitive processes in early schematic face recognition.

Gamow-teller strengths in proton-rich exotic nuclei deduced in the combined analysis of mirror transitions

Isospin symmetry is expected for the T(z)=+/-1-->0 isobaric analogous transitions in isobars with mass number A, where T(z) is the z component of isospin T. Assuming this symmetry, strengths of analogous Gamow-Teller (GT) transitions within A = 50 isobars were determined from a high energy-resolution study at 0 degrees in combination with the decay Q value and lifetime from the beta decay. This method can be applied to other pf-shell nuclei and can be used to study GT strengths of astrophysical interest.

Thermochemical stabilities and structures of the cluster ions OCS+, S2+, H+(OCS), and C2H5+ with OCS molecules in the gas phase

The gas-phase clustering reactions of OCS+, S2+, H+(OCS), and C2H5+ ions with carbonyl sulfide (OCS) molecules were studied using a pulsed electron-beam high-pressure mass spectrometer and applying density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In the cluster ions OCS+(OCS)(n) and H+(OCS)(OCS)(n), a moderately strong, here referred to as "semi-covalent", bond was formed with n = 1. However, the nature of bonding changed from semi-covalent to electrostatic with n = 1 --> 2. The bond energy of S2(+)(OCS) was determined experimentally to be 12.9 +/- 1 kcal/mol, which is significantly smaller than that of the isovalent S2(+)(CS2) complex (30.9 +/- 1.5 kcal/mol). DFT based calculations predicted the presence of several isomeric structures for H+(OCS)(OCS)(n) complexes. The bond energies in the C2H5+(OCS)(n) clusters showed an irregular decrease for n = 1 --> 2 and 7 --> 8. The nonclassical bridge structure for the free C2H5+ isomerized to form a semi-covalent bond with one OCS ligand, [H3CCH2...SCO]+, i.e., reverted to classical structure. However, the nonclassical bridge structure of C2H5+ was preserved in the cluster ions C2H5+(OCS)(n) below 140 K attributable to the lack of thermal energy for the isomerization. DFT calculations revealed that stability orders of the geometric isomers of H+(OCS)(OCS)(n) and C2H5+(OCS)(n) changed with increasing n values.

Cariogenicity of the Probiotic Bacterium Lactobacillus salivarius in Rats

Probiotic bacteria such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria are considered to be non-pathogenic and non-toxigenic on the basis of long years of safe usage. However, some species of lactobacilli are thought to be associated with the development of dental caries. The purpose of the present study was to examine the cariogenicity of the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus salivarius in rats. Rats were divided into six groups, and infected with L. salivarius LS1952R and/or Streptococcus mutans MT8148R. L. salivarius LS1952R became established in the oral cavity of rats and induced significant level of dental caries even when infected for only 5 days from 18 to 22 days of age. In addition, the caries scores of rats superinfected with both Streptococcus mutans MT8148R and L. salivarius LS1952R from 18 days of age were significantly higher than those infected with either L. salivarius LS1952R or S. mutans MT8148R alone. Since strain LS1952R can adhere to saliva-coated hydroxyapatites, it is concluded that L. salivarius strain LS1952R possesses an inherent cariogenic activity following adherence to the tooth surface.

Expression of a candidate marker for progenitor cells, Musashi-1, in the proliferative regions of human antrum and its decreased expression in intestinal metaplasia

AIM

Reliable makers for progenitor cells in the human stomach have not been elucidated. The aim of the present study was to clarify whether Musashi-1 (Msi-1), which has recently been proposed as a stem cell marker in mouse intestine, serves as a marker for progenitor cells in human stomach.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Immunohistochemistry revealed that Msi-1+ cells were detected especially in the isthmus/neck region (the putative position of stem cells) of the adult antrum, but were limited to the basal regions of fetal pyloric glands during the early stages of development. These results suggest that Msi-1 expression occurs specifically in the stem cell-containing regions. Msi-1+ cells were intermingled with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)+ cells in the isthmus/neck region of the adult antrum, but did not coexpress PCNA or Ki 67. Msi-1 expression overlapped partly with expression of MUC 5 AC and MUC 6, indicating that Msi-1+ cells retain some features of both foveolar and pyloric gland cell differentiation phenotypes. In contrast, Msi-1 expression in gastric glands showing intestinal metaplasia (IM) became weaker than that in the glands without IM.

CONCLUSION

The specific expression of Msi-1 within the proliferative regions suggests that Msi-1 is a marker of cells with progenitor characteristics before active proliferation in human antrum.

A decade-long sour-taste sensation successfully treated with a proton-pump inhibitor

We report a case study of a 54-year-old Japanese woman who persistently suffered from a sour-taste sensation in her mouth for 10 years, and was treated with a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI). She found sour-tasting meals irritable, and after eating such meals the sour-taste sensation worsened. She also complained of eructation and regurgitation. Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy showed duodenal erosion, superficial gastritis, and erosive oesophagitis. After 2 weeks of PPI therapy (lansoprazole, 30 mg day(-1)) the sour taste subjectively decreased to 70%, and after 6 weeks the symptoms disappeared. In addition to increased sensitivity of the mouth, gastro-oesophageal reflux might have created her obstinate sour-taste sensations. It is suggested that in such cases PPI therapy should be attempted.

Immunohistochemical localization of senescence marker protein-30 (SMP30) in the submandibular gland and ultrastructural changes of the granular duct cells in SMP30 knockout mice

Senescence Marker Protein-30 (SMP30) is a calcium-regulating protein that decreases in an androgen-independent manner as aging occurs. An enzyme-labeled antibody technique has demonstrated that SMP30 localized to the ducts (granular, intercalated, and striated ducts) of mouse submandibular glands. Immunoelectronmicroscopy demonstrated that the granular duct cells were strongly positive for SMP30, but that pillar cells in the granular duct were negative for the protein. In SMP30-knockout (KO) mice, the granular ducts were smaller in diameter. Swelling of mitochondria in the granular duct cells was observed; however, this phenomenon was not observed in the pillar cells. After administration of alpha-isoproterenol, a beta-adrenergic stimulant, a large numbers of small secretory granules were present in the granular duct cells and an expansion of the rough endoplasmic reticulum in SMP30-wild type (WT) mice; in contrast, little change was observed in SMP30-KO mice. These results suggest that SMP30 may be closely related to a signal transduction pathway in the granular duct cells of submandibular glands.

Effect of disorder outside the CuO2 planes on Tc of copper oxide superconductors

The effect of disorder on the superconducting transition temperature T(c) of cuprate superconductors is examined. Disorder is introduced into the cation sites in the plane adjacent to the CuO2 planes of two single-layer systems, Bi(2.0)Sr(1.6)Ln(0.4)CuO(6+delta) and La(1.85-y)Nd(y)Sr0.15CuO4. Disorder is controlled by changing rare earth (Ln) ions with a different ionic radius in the former, and by varying the Nd content in the latter with the doped carrier density kept constant. We show that this type of disorder works as weak scatterers in contrast to the in-plane disorder produced by Zn, but remarkably reduces T(c), suggesting novel effects of disorder on high-T(c) superconductivity.

Behavior pattern (innate action) of individuals in fish schools generating efficient collective evasion from predation

The schooling of fishes is one typical animal social behavior. One primary function of fish school is to protect members when attacked by predators. One main way that the school reduces the predator's chance of making a successful kill is to confuse the predator as it makes its strike. This may be accomplished by collective evasion behaviors organized through integration of motions of individual fish made based on their innate actions (behavior patterns). In order to investigate what kind of behavior pattern of individuals can generate the efficient collective evasion of a school, we present a model of evasion behavior pattern which consists of three component behavior patterns, schooling, cooperative escape, and selfish escape behavior patterns and the rule for choice of one among them with proper timing. Each fish determines its movement direction taking into account simultaneously three kinds of elemental motions, mimicking its neighbors, avoiding collisions with its nearest neighbors, and escaping from an approaching predator. The weights of three elemental motions are changed depending on which component behavior pattern the fish carries out. The values of the weights for three component behavior patterns can be definitively determined under the condition that the collective evasion of the school becomes the most efficient, that is, the probability that any member is eaten by the predator becomes minimum.

Expression of inhibin α, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor and stem cell factor in Sertoli cell-only syndrome: relation to successful sperm retrieval by microdissection testicular sperm extraction

BACKGROUND

Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (TESE) has provided new hope for successful sperm retrieval to patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCO). We determined expression of the inhibin alpha subunit, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and stem cell factor (SCF) in Sertoli cells obtained from patients with SCO immunohistochemically and compared expression rates with rates of microdissection TESE sperm retrieval.

METHODS

Testicular biopsy specimens were obtained from 52 men with non-obstructive azoospermia who underwent microdissection TESE and were diagnosed with SCO by histological analysis.

RESULTS

All specimens showed intense staining for the inhibin alpha subunit. Moderate or intense staining for GDNF was observed in 65.8% of specimens. All but one showed moderate or intense staining for SCF. Among specimens negative for GDNF, the sperm retrieval rate was significantly higher (100%) for specimens with intense staining for SCF than for specimens with no or moderate staining (30.7%) (P<0.05) for SCF.

CONCLUSION

GDNF expression differs among patients with SCO. The sperm retrieval rate was high in cases of no staining for GDNF and intense staining for SCF.

Association of the hCLCA1 gene with childhood and adult asthma

Asthma is caused by bronchial inflammation. This inflammation involves mucus overproduction and hypersecretion. Recently, a mouse model of asthma showed that gob-5 is involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. The gob-5 gene is involved in mucus secretion and its expression is upregulated upon antigen attack in sensitized mice. The observation suggests that human homologue of gob-5, hCLCA1 (human calcium-dependent chloride channel-1), may be involved in human disease. We screened for single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in hCLCA1 in the Japanese population. We identified eight SNPs, and performed association studies using 384 child patients with asthma, 480 adult patients with asthma, and 672 controls. In haplotype analysis, we found a different haplotype distribution pattern between controls and childhood asthma (P<0.0001) and between controls and adult asthma (P=0.0031). We identified a high-risk haplotype (CATCAAGT haplotype; P=0.0014) and a low-risk haplotype (TGCCAAGT haplotype; P=0.00010) in cases of childhood asthma. In diplotype analysis, patients who had the CATCAAGT haplotype showed a higher risk for childhood asthma than those who did not (P=0.0011). Individuals who had the TGCCAAGT haplotype showed a lower risk for childhood asthma than those who did not (P<0.0001). Our data suggested that variation of the hCLCA1 gene affects patients' susceptibility for asthma.

Gas-Phase Ion/Molecule Reactions in C5F8

Gas-phase ion-molecule reactions in octafluorocyclopentene (C5F8) were studied with a pulsed electron beam mass spectrometer. When a few Torr of major gas, CH4, Ar, or N2, containing approximately 10 mTorr C5F8 was ionized by 2 keV electrons, C5F8+, C5F7+, C4F6+, C4F5+, and C3F3+ were formed as major fragment ions. The interaction between those ions and C5F8 is found to be a weak electrostatic interaction. The cation...C5F8 bonding energies are around 10 kcal/mol, which were reproduced well by (U)B3LYP/6-311+G(d) calculations. The proton affinity of C5F8 (=148.6 kcal/mol by B3LYP/6-311+G(d)) was found to be smaller than that of C2H4 (=162.8 kcal/mol). In the negative mode of operation, the intense signal of C5F8- was observed during the electron pulse. This indicates that C5F8 has a positive electron affinity (1.27 eV by (U)B3LYP/6-311+G(d)). The C5F8- ion was quickly converted to a complex C10F16-. This complex did not react further with C5F8 down to 170 K. The theoretical calculation revealed that a C5F7-F-...C5F8 interaction mode in (C5F8)2- was converted to a C5F7*...C5F9- one via fluoride-ion transfer. The F- ion was found to form a strong covalent bond with C5F8, but the interaction in F-(C5F8)- - -C5F8 is a weak electrostatic interaction due to the charge dispersal in F-(C5F8). The halide ions except F- interact with C5F8 only weakly. Thermochemical stabilities for the cluster ions I-(CH3I)n (n = 1, 2) were also determined.

Expression and purification of recombinant swine interleukin-4

The swine interleukin-4 (SwIL-4) cDNA was cloned by RT-PCR. It was expressed using an expression vector pQE30 in E. coli, a baculovirus AcNPV vector pVL1392 in insect cells, and a pCAGGS vector in mammalian cells. The rSwIL-4 proteins expressed from bacteria and insect cells were purified using a chelating affinity column and a mAb-coupled immunoaffinity column. The amount of the products and their bioactivities were compared. All recombinant cytokines were efficiently reacted with the specific antibodies and the molecular weight of rSwIL-4 was approximately 16 kDa in E. coli, 15 and 18 kDa in insect cells, and 15 and 20 kDa in mammalian cells. Variations of molecular weight observed in insect and mammalian cells were probably due to different modification ways of glycosylation. All these recombinant proteins retained their antigenicity and were biologically active in inducing human TF-1 cell proliferation in vitro. The simple purification method will make it possible to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo effects of IL-4 in pigs.

Comparative study on evaluation methods for serum testosterone level for PADAM diagnosis

The International Society for the Study of the Aging Male (ISSAM) recommends that a diagnosis be based on a patient's total testosterone (TT), calculated free testosterone (cFT), or calculated bioavailable testosterone (cBT) for partial androgen deficiency of the aging male (PADAM). The purpose of this study was to confirm whether hypogonadism of patients with PADAM is related to symptoms and clarify which criteria of testosterone recommended by ISSAM is suitable for Japanese patients. A total of 90 patients with PADAM symptoms were included in this study. Endocrinologic profiles were reviewed as appropriate, and PADAM symptoms were judged by means of several questionnaires. Laboratory values and symptoms were compared between patients with and without hypogonadism. Even when any criterion of testosterone was used for diagnosis of hypogonadism, AMS (total and subscales), IIEF-5, or SDS scores of PADAM symptoms did not differ significantly between patients classified as having and not having hypogonadism. No other endocrinologic variables than testosterone differed significantly between them, either. PADAM symptoms are not related to testosterone level and it is still obscure whether ISSAM's criterion can be adopted for Japanese patients with PADAM. Other pathology needs to be addressed for evaluation and diagnosis of PADAM in Japan.

Expression and characterization of the recombinant swine interleukin-6

The swine interleukin-6 (SwIL-6) cDNA was cloned by RT-PCR and each expression system of recombinant SwIL-6 in Escherichia coli, insect cells, and mammalian cells was developed. Recombinant SwIL-6 produced in bacteria was applied for generation of the polyclonal antibodies. The rSwIL-6 was purified from supernatant of insect cells with a Q-sepharose or anti-SwIL-6 monoclonal antibody based immunoaffinity column. The antibodies showed that the molecular weight of rSwIL-6 was approximately 26kDa in E. coli, 25, 26, 30kDa in insect cells, and 26 and 30kDa in mammalian cells. These variations of molecular weight were probably due to the different modifications of glycosylation. All these recombinant proteins retained the antigenicity and biological activity on 7TD1 mouse cells.

Powdery mildew pathogens can suppress the chitinase gene expression induced in detached inner epidermis of barley coleoptile

Two-step PCR (RT-PCR and nested PCR) was used to detect gene expression in powdery mildew pathogen-infected cells of detached inner epidermis of barley coleoptiles. Cellular contents of infected cells were microscopically suctioned with a micropipette and subjected to PCR. Triosephosphate isomerase and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase genes involved in the glycolytic pathway and a stimulus-induced endochitinase gene were targeted, and their expression was determined by detecting cDNAs derived from spliced transcripts. The two gycolysis-related genes were constantly expressed in the tissue irrespective of pathogen inoculation. In contrast, chitinase gene expression was induced in non-infected inner epidermis after detachment. After inoculation, this expression was selectively suppressed in pathogen-invaded cells, in spite of continuous expression in non-invaded cells of the same epidermis. Thus, the present method enabled us to directly analyze transcripts in individual cells at the infection site and assess the capability of the pathogen to regulate host gene expression.

Characterization of specific antibodies and the establishment of sandwich ELISA and ELISPOT systems for swine IL-4

We produced four monoclonal antibodies (mAb) and two polyclonal antibodies using the purified cytokine expressed in bacteria and characterized them. Specific binding of each of the mAb and polyclonal antibodies to recombinant swine IL-4 (rSwIL-4) purified from Escherichia coli and baculovirus was demonstrated in an indirect ELISA and/or in western blotting. We established a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for measuring concentration of SwIL-4 in biological samples and established an enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay for detecting IL-4-secreting cells using a mAb and a polyclonal IgG from goat. The detection limit of the sandwich ELISA for SwIL-4 was 78 pg/ml. Using sandwich ELISA, SwIL-4 was detected in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of pigs experimentally infected with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and could quantitate in supernatants of mitogen-stimulated PBMC culture. The ELISPOT system is useful for the detection of IL-4 producing cells in swine PBMC culture.

Immuno-histochemical expression of alpha1, alpha2 and alpha3 integrin subunits during angiogenesis in vitro

Aortic explants were obtained from mouse fetuses and cultured in collagen gels. Immuno-fluorescence microscopy, antibodies (anti alpha1, alpha2 and alpha3 integrin subunits) were used. Fibroblastic cells migrated from the aortic explant after one day of cultivation. The migrating cells located in the peripheral part of the aortic explant were positive for alpha1 and alpha2 integrin subunit antibodies. Immuno-fluorescence-positive staining for the alpha3 integrin subunit antibody was clearly seen in the migrating cells located near the aortic explant and surrounding tube-like structures. In an immuno-electron microscope study performed by pre-embedding immuno labeling, gold particles associated with the alpha3 integrin subunit were found to reside on the membranes of the cells surrounding the capillary-like tubes. Two synthetic peptides, GRGDSP (Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Pro) and KDGEA (Lys-Asp-Gly-Glu-Ala), were added to the growth medium to study their effects on cell migration. KDGEA, a compound containing the recognition sequence for alpha2beta1 integrin, decreased cell migration, while GRGDSP exhibited no effect. The migration of fibroblastic cells is an important phenomenon for tube formation. The present study suggested that the alpha1 and alpha2 integrin subunits are both involved in the cell migration, and more specifically, that the alpha2 integrin subunit participates in cell migration through the KDGEA sequence. The alpha3 integrin subunit played a role in tube formation.

Comprehensive gene expression analysis of the response to straight-chain alcohols in Saccharomyces cerevisiae using cDNA microarray

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to examine the gene expression profiles of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae subjected to straight-chain alcohols.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Lipophilic alcohols with high log Pow values were more toxic to yeast than those with low log Pow values. Morphological changes after exposure to ethanol, 1-pentanol, 1-octanol were observed, whereas n-pentane as a model hydrocarbon affected the surface of the outer membrane, with little change in organelles. Using cDNA microarrays, quite a few up-regulated gene categories were classified into the category 'cell rescue, defence and virulence' by ethanol, and the category 'energy' and 'metabolism' by 1-pentanol. Meanwhile, the characteristic genes up-regulated by n-pentane were not observed, and the expression profile was distantly related to ethanol, 1-pentanol and 1-octanol.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that gene expression profiles at the whole genome level were intimately associated with the cell growth inhibition and morphological changes by straight-chain alcohols with differing log Pow values.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The study of comprehensive gene expression profiles by cDNA microarrays elucidates the straight-chain alcohol adaptation mechanisms.

Usefulness of FDG-PET to diagnose intravascular lymphomatosis presenting as fever of unknown origin

Intravascular lymphomatosis (IVL) is a rare systemic disease characterized by proliferation of lymphoid cells within the lumina of small arteries, veins, and capillaries. Diagnosis requires skin, liver, lung, bone marrow, renal, meningeal, or brain vessel biopsy but is often made only when the illness has progressed or post mortem because early involvement of organs was not evident. We report a case of IVL presenting as fever of unknown origin (FUO). In this case, gallium scintigraphy and computed tomography (CT) showed no evidence of malignancy, whereas (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) showed increased FDG uptake in the sternum, left and right vertebra, humerus, femur, and especially ilium. The diagnosis was made on iliac bone marrow biopsy examination. FDG-PET was useful for the detection of spread of disease in a patient with IVL suffering from FUO.

Anti-Salmonella activity of (2E)-alkenals

AIMS

This study investigated the effect of a series of naturally occurring aliphatic (2E)-alkenals against Salmonella choleraesuis subsp. choleraesuis ATCC 35640 and evaluated their antibacterial action.

METHOD AND RESULTS

A homologous series of aliphatic (2E)-alkenals from C5-C13 were tested for their antibacterial activity against Salm. Choleraesuis. The antibacterial action of (2E)-alkenals against Salm. choleraesuis increases with increasing carbon chain length. (2E)-Dodecenal (C12) was the most effective against this food-borne bacterium with minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 6.25 microg ml-1 (34 micromol l-1), followed by (2E)-undecenal (C11) with an MBC of 12.5 microg ml-1 (77 micromol l-1). The activity was found to correlate with the hydrophobic alkyl chain length from the hydrophilic aldehyde group. The time-kill curve study showed that (2E)-dodecenal was bactericidal against Salm. choleraesuis at any growth stage.

CONCLUSIONS

The antibacterial activity of (2E)-alkenals against Salm. choleraesuis was found to correlate with the hydrophobic alkyl chain length. The conjugated double bond is not essential in eliciting the activity but is associated with increasing it.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Because of their easy availability and wide distribution in many edible plants, (2E)-alkenals can be used as anti-Salmonella agents.

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

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

Evidence for the involvement of the optic nerve as a migration route for larvae in ocular toxocariasis of Mongolian gerbils

Although Toxocara canis, an important pathogen of ocular disease, tends to migrate to the eye, the precise migratory route has yet to be determined experimentally. Mongolian gerbils, Meriones unguiculatus, known as a useful animal model for human toxocariasis, were used to investigate the migration route toward the eyes. Infective larvae of T. canis were directly inoculated into the intracranial region. Haemorrhagic lesions or larvae were observed in 56.3% of cases. Histopathologically, a larva was observed in the optic nerve of gerbils 6 days after inoculation, and two larvae were found in the optic chiasma in the gerbils having a haemorrhage in the retina 9 days after inoculation. These results indicate that T. canis migrates from the brain to the eye through the optic nerve. Considering these data and previous studies showing that the ocular changes appear as early as 3 days of infection in the oral-administrated gerbils, there are two phases in the migration to the retina: a haematogenous early phase and an optic nerve route late phase.

Effects of bilateral resection of facial nerves on suckling in developing rats

The purpose of the present study is to investigate functional role of the facial nerve on suckling in developing rats. The bilateral resection of facial nerves on postnatal day 1 (P1) resulted in cell loss of facial motoneurons and complete facial paralysis without any whisker movement or nictitating reflex at the end of the postnatal 3 weeks. Although the body weight of the nerve-resected rats increased gradually for the postnatal 3 weeks, they weighed less than the control rats without nerve resection. The nerve-resected rats contained less milk (0.25 +/- 0.02 g) than the control rats (0.35 +/- 0.02 g) in the stomach on P17. On P21, the body weight of the nerve-resected rats (25.33 +/- 0.32 g) was decreased by 28% compared to that of the control rats (35.08 +/- 0.57 g). Although their growth was substantially more retarded than that of the control animals, most (92%) of the nerve-resected pups could survive without facial nerve innervation. The orofacial musculature innervated by the facial nerve plays an important role in breastfeeding, but the present study shows that these muscles are not essential for the survival of neonatal rats.

Effects of alpha-linked galactooligosaccharide on adjuvant-induced arthritis in Wistar rats and type II collagen-induced arthritis in DBA/1J mice

alpha-Linked galactooligosaccharide (alpha-GOS) has been reported to change the composition of enteric microflora. In the present study, the antiarthritic effect of alpha-GOS was evaluated by employing adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) in Wistar rats and type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in DBA/1J mice. The animals were given alpha-GOS orally. This substance had beneficial effects on both clinical signs, such as erythema and swelling of the limbs, and histopathological findings in the hind paw joints in a dose-dependent manner. alpha-GOS reduced the plasma nitrite/nitrate (NOx) level in rats with AIA. In the cell culture system employing peritoneal macrophages from rats with AIA, alpha-GOS enhanced interleukin-1 production without lipopolysaccharide stimulation in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that alpha-GOS stimulates peritoneal macrophages through modulation of enteric microflora. Since alpha-GOS modulates the composition of the enteric microflora, the antiarthritic effects of alpha-GOS could be partly attributable to its immunomodulating activity. Thus, alpha-GOS is a potential functional food for the treatment of human rheumatoid arthritis.

Is the mass screening for neuroblastoma ineffective?

Though a recent study (Schilling et al. 2002) concluded that the mass screening for neuroblastoma targeting children age 12 months was ineffective, we pointed out several serious problems and reestimated its effectiveness using their data. They employed the subjects in the "control area" as controls, not the "non-participants" whose biases are fewer because their area is the same as that of the participants. The incidence of neuroblastoma among the subjects in the "control area" was about 25% smaller than that of the "non-participants". This leads to underestimation of the effectiveness of the mass screening. They combined false negatives with true positives to calculate the incidence of the "screened group". But since many spontaneous regression cases are included in the true positives, this method inflates the incidence of the "screened group", leading to underestimation of the effectiveness of the mass screening. When the false negatives are compared with the non-participants, the incidence of the cases in stage 4 among the latter is about 40% of that of the former, and the mortality is less than two-thirds. The percentage of spontaneous regression cases among the true positives is estimated to be about 40%. These results are better than those of the Japanese screening programs (targeting infants age 6 months), supporting the effectiveness of mass screening for neuroblastoma.

Laser surgery as a treatment for oral leukoplakia

Various treatment procedures for oral leukoplakia have been reported. However, after some treatments, oral leukoplakia show recurrence and/or malignant transformation, even following complete resection. Furthermore, patients with oral leukoplakia may develop new lesions in other oral cavity locations. Laser surgery for oral mucosal lesions has been reported to have many advantages, and it is widely used in the treatment of oral leukoplakia. In previous studies, recurrence and malignant transformation from the lesion have occasionally been observed following laser surgery. We reviewed the records of oral leukoplakia patients treated with laser surgery to assess its clinical usefulness. It has been reported that the rate of recurrence was 7.7-38.1%, while malignant transformation was 2.6-9% for oral leukoplakia treated with laser surgery. In the present study, there was 29.3% recurrence and 1.2% malignant transformation after laser surgery. This was similar to previous findings. This suggests that non-homogeneous leukoplakia on nonkeratinized epithelia, i.e. the tongue mucosa has a high risk for malignant transformation, so lesions should be excised after detecting abnormal epithelia using vital tissue staining. The wound healing process after laser surgery was satisfactory and no significant complications were observed. Management of oral leukoplakia prevents not only recurrence and malignant transformation, but also postoperative dysfunction: laser surgery is an excellent procedure that is able to overcome these problems.

Effect of P-deficiency on photoassimilate partitioning and rhythmic changes in fruit and stem diameter of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) during fruit growth

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) plants were grown in liquid culture inside the greenhouse of Hiroshima University, Japan. At the first fruiting stage, P was withdrawn from the rooting medium for a period of 19 d and its effect was studied on photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, partitioning of 13C and 15N, P contents of various organs, and changes in stem and fruit diameter of the plant in order to identify the mechanism of resource management on the part of the plant at low P. Compared to the control, P-deficiency treatment decreased biomass growth of all organs except the roots. The treatment also depressed leaf photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and diameter of fruit and stem after a lag period of about 1 week. The stem diameter of the plant shrank during daytime and expanded during the night; the adverse effect of P-deficiency on stem diameter change was more evident during the night than the day. The circadian rhythm in fluctuations of diameter was less manifested in the fruit compared with the stem. P-deficiency induced daytime shrinkage and reduced night expansion of fruit. However, within the plant, P-deficiency encouraged partitioning of 13C, 15N and P into the fruit at the cost of autotrophic organs such as leaves and the upper parts of the stem. The results were discussed in the light of a plausible effect of P-deficiency on water relations of the plant. It is concluded that, in spite of the preference in partitioning of C and N received within the plant parts, assimilate flow into the fruit is limited at low-P compared with the control, owing to the restriction in fruit expansion.

Yeast pheromone signaling pathway as a bioassay to assess the effect of chemicals on mammalian peptide hormones

The intercellular pheromone signal transduction pathways involved in sexual reproduction in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae constitute an extracellular network system involving cell surface receptors. The system is analogous to the signaling pathway of mammalian peptide hormones. The yeast mating pheromone alpha factor is homologous to mammalian gonadoliberins such as luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH). In this study, we used the yeast pheromone signaling pathway as a model system to evaluate the effect of industrial chemicals on mammalian peptide hormones. Haploid a- and alpha-cell types conjugate, using mating pheromones, to form diploid cells. However, in a cells treated with certain chemicals used in pesticides, fungicides, and industrial products (i.e., TPN (CAS No. 1897-45-6), thiuram (CAS No. 137-26-8), captan (CAS No. 133-06-2), oxine-copper (CAS No. 10380-28-6), zineb (CAS No. 12122-67-7), and ziram (CAS No. 137-30-4)) the induction of shmoo formation was suppressed even when commercial alpha-factor was added. The FUS1-lacZ gene, which is transcriptionally regulated by a pheromone, was transferred into yeast and the effects of TPN, captan, zineb, and ziram, under sublethal conditions, were investigated: beta-Galactosidase levels declined to levels similar to that of untreated control cells when in the absence of the alpha-factor. Furthermore, these chemicals influenced conjugation to alpha-cells, and mating efficiency declined as chemical concentration increased. Analysis of the yeast pheromone signaling pathway helps to establish chemical toxicity assay models for mammalian peptide signal transduction pathways.

Novel OK-432-conjugated tumor vaccines induce tumor-specific immunity against murine tongue cancer

Priming with tumor antigens is one of the most important strategies in cancer immunotherapy. To enhance tumor antigenicity, OK-432, a streptococcal preparation, was coupled to squamous cell carcinoma (KLN-205) by means of a 0.2% glutaraldehyde method. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether OK-432-conjugated tumor vaccines could induce tumor-specific immunity. Our originally developed mouse tongue cancer model was used throughout this work for the analysis of antitumor effects. Prepared OK-432-conjugated KLN-205 vaccines were immunized 3 times to DBA/2 mice. The results showed that the KLN-205 vaccines induced cytolytic activity and strongly suppressed both KLN-205 tumor incidence and growth, and survival of the mice was improved. Moreover, the histological results showed that a greater number of lymphocytes had infiltrated around tumor cells by 24 hours after tumor inoculation in the vaccine group. These results suggest that immunizations with KLN-205 vaccines increase the antitumor effects against tongue cancer.

Narcolepsy in a hypocretin/orexin-deficient chihuahua

A two-year-old male chihuahua suffered attacks of muscle weakness and immobility, although it had no family history of paroxysmal attacks. No neurological or blood biochemical abnormalities were recorded when it was first examined. The attacks were typically elicited by stimulation, such as feeding, and a case of sporadic narcolepsy-cataplexy was therefore suspected. Treatment orally three times a day with 1 mg/kg imipramine, was effective in reducing the attacks. The concentration of hypocretin-1/orexin A in the dog's cerebrospinal fluid was less than 80 pg/ml (22.5 pmol/litre), compared with normal canine levels of 250 to 350 pg/ml (70.0 to 98.3 pmol/litre), supporting a diagnosis of hypocretin-deficient narcolepsy.

Masticatory performance with a prosthesis following maxillectomy: an analysis of 43 cases

To statistically evaluate the factors that influenced masticatory performance following Maxillectomy, masticatory performance was measured in 43 patients with a post-operative prosthesis by means of a spectrophotometer using adenosine triphosphate (ATP) granules. Our statistical analysis revealed that the number of occluding post-canine teeth and the patient's sex were factors that influenced masticatory performance and demonstrated that it was most important to improve occlusion in the pre-molar/molar region.

Diffuse retinochoroiditis due to Baylisascaris procyonis in Monglian gerbils

Baylisascaris procyonis, raccoon roundworm, causes a severe retinal lesion in humans. The lesion is termed as diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis (DUSN). To understand the pathogenesis of B. procyonis in gerbils, we inoculated 17 embryonated eggs/g body weight of B. procyonis into 15 male Mongolian gerbils, Merionis ungiculatus, and monitored their fundi with an ophthalmoscope. Six of 15 gerbils (40%) showed severe retinitis with a sinuous track due to larval movement. The lesions extended across nearly half of the affected fundi. Histopathological examination revealed perivasculitis in the optic disk region, inflammatory proliferation of the pigment cells, and vitreitis in most cases. These findings were similar to those in human cases of DUSN, suggesting that gerbils might be a useful model for understanding the pathogenesis of B. procyonis infection in humans.

Low risk endometrial cancer: A study of pelvic lymph node metastasis

The aim of our study was to find preoperative or intraoperative pathologic indicators that would discriminate a subgroup of early corpus cancers that would not require lymphadenectomy. A retrospective review of the medical records of 107 patients with endometrioid adenocarcinoma, FIGO grade 1 or 2 tumor, myometrial invasion ≤50%, and no intraoperative evidence of macroscopic extrauterine spread was performed. Clinicopathologic risk factors were analyzed with Fisher ′s exact test with regards to pelvic lymph node metastasis. The median age of the patients was 54 years. Pelvic lymph node metastasis was observed in five of 107 patients (4.7%), where two patients with small tumors of 2 cm or less had positive pelvic lymph nodes. The presence of positive pelvic lymph nodes did not correlate with depth of invasion, histologic grade, cervical invasion, peritoneal cytology, menopausal status, preoperative serum CA125 level, or primary tumor diameter. Only lymphvascular space involvement (P < 0.0001) was significantly correlated to pelvic lymph node metastasis. We suggest that all patients with endometrial cancer who are taken to the operating room for primary therapy should be prepared to undergo extended surgical staging, except when clinical or operative factors increase patients' morbidity.

Low risk endometrial cancer: a study of pelvic lymph node metastasis

The aim of our study was to find preoperative or intraoperative pathologic indicators that would discriminate a subgroup of early corpus cancers that would not require lymphadenectomy. A retrospective review of the medical records of 107 patients with endometrioid adenocarcinoma, FIGO grade 1 or 2 tumor, myometrial invasion <or=50%, and no intraoperative evidence of macroscopic extrauterine spread was performed. Clinicopathologic risk factors were analyzed with Fisher 's exact test with regards to pelvic lymph node metastasis. The median age of the patients was 54 years. Pelvic lymph node metastasis was observed in five of 107 patients (4.7%), where two patients with small tumors of 2 cm or less had positive pelvic lymph nodes. The presence of positive pelvic lymph nodes did not correlate with depth of invasion, histologic grade, cervical invasion, peritoneal cytology, menopausal status, preoperative serum CA125 level, or primary tumor diameter. Only lymphvascular space involvement (P < 0.0001) was significantly correlated to pelvic lymph node metastasis. We suggest that all patients with endometrial cancer who are taken to the operating room for primary therapy should be prepared to undergo extended surgical staging, except when clinical or operative factors increase patients' morbidity.