Effect of drinking-water temperature on heat balance and thermoregulatory responses in dairy heifers

A study was made to determine the effect of heat dissipation from drinking water (8 kg at 10, 20, or 30�C) on the heat balance and thermoregulatory responses of 4 dairy heifers housed at 24, 29, and 34�C. No effect of drinking-water temperature on heat production or heart rate was found. Respiration rate, mean skin-surface temperature, and rectal temperature all decreased with decreasing drinking-water temperature. Rectal temperature reached a minimum 20 min after watering. The respiration rate, skin temperature, and rectal temperature returned to prior-to-watering values 120-180 min after watering. The cooling efficiency of drinking water was about 40%, and decreased at high environmental temperature, because the cooling potential was used initially in depressing heat loss responses. It is suggested that in order to eliminate excessive heat load, chilled drinking water could be effective during the night time when the environmental temperature is lowest.

Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy in a patient with positive antinuclear antibody and lupus anticoagulant findings

A 64-year-old woman complained of blurred vision in her right eye. A pale optic disc with a blurred nasal margin was found in the right fundus. An inferior altitudinal defect in the right eye was observed on Goldmann perimetry. Her right visual acuity deteriorated to 0.1. Her antinuclear antibody and lupus anticoagulant test results were positive. Intravenous methylprednisolone (1,000 mg/day) improved her right visual acuity to 1.0. We believe that the anterior ischemic optic neuropathy in our patient may be associated with the presence of positive antinuclear antibody and lupus anticoagulant findings.

Sleep apnea associated with congenital diseases and moderate hypertrophy of tonsils

In this paper, we studied 3 children with moderate hypertrophy of the palatine tonsils and adenoids and serious congenital diseases. The first patient was a 4-year-old girl with Fallot's tetralogy, the second was a 6-year-old girl with Goldenhar syndrome and ventricular septal defect, aortic stenosis and patent ductus arteriosus, and the third was a 3-year-old boy with cerebral palsy and epilepsy. We examined obstructive apnea during sleep in these patients using all-night polysomnogram or apnomonitor before surgical therapy. After tonsillectomy or adeno-tonsillectomy we confirmed significant improvement of clinical symptoms and obstructive sleep apnea in these patients by all-night polysomnograms or apnomonitor.

Persistent bacteriuria caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli

The predominant strain of Escherichia coli, the most frequently associated causative agent of urinary tract infections (UTI), in the rectal flora of patients with UTI has been reported to match the strain associated with the etiologic agent of UTI. Since acquisition of UTI may depend on the immediate surrounding flora of the patient, the chromosomal DNAs of strains of E. coli isolated from 3 patients suffering from recurrent cystitis and asymptomatic bacteriuria were examined by multiple polymerase chain reaction using 6 sets of primers for all the known urovirulence factors and by pulsed-filed gel electrophoresis. Genetically identical or similar strains were continuously isolated from these patients and each strain carried the identical urovirulence factors. The findings strongly supported the previous notion that the acquisition of UTI is dependent upon the occurrence of the strain carrying the urovirulence factors in patients or in the environment.

Arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase in porcine anterior pituitary cells: its localization and possible function in gonadotrophs

Arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase, which oxygenates positions 12 and 13 of arachidonic and linoleic acids, is present in porcine anterior pituitary cells. Colocalization of the 12-lipoxygenase with various pituitary hormones was examined by immunohistochemical double-staining using antibodies against 12-lipoxygenase and various anterior pituitary hormones. Under light microscopy, approximately 7% of the cells producing luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were positive for 12-lipoxygenase, whereas the enzyme was detected in less than 2% of the cells producing thyrotrophin, prolactin, growth hormone (GH), and adrenocorticotrophin. In an attempt to examine the participation of 12-lipoxygenase metabolites in pituitary hormone release, we incubated the primary culture of porcine anterior pituitary cells with 12-hydroperoxy-arachidonic acid or 13-hydroperoxy-linoleic acid. Significant stimulation of LH and FSH release by these hydroperoxides was observed at 10 microM in a time-dependent manner. At doses around 10 microM these compounds produced responses of similar magnitude to 1 nM gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH), but higher concentrations (30 microM) of the compounds were required for GH release. In contrast, 12-hydroxy-arachidonic and 13-hydroxy-linoleic acids were almost ineffective. Furthermore, the gonadotrophin release by 1 nM GnRH was inhibited by nordihydroguaiaretic acid (a lipoxygenase inhibitor) with an IC50 of about 5 microM. Thus, the hydroperoxy (but not hydroxy) products of 12-lipoxygenase may be involved in the release of pituitary hormones especially LH and FSH.

Transcriptional roles of nuclear factor kappa B and nuclear factor-interleukin-6 in the tumor necrosis factor alpha-dependent induction of cyclooxygenase-2 in MC3T3-E1 cells

When a mouse osteoblastic cell line MC3T3-E1 was cultured in the presence of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), the release of prostaglandin E2 and the cyclooxygenase activity increased in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The increase of the enzyme activity was attributed mostly to the induction of cyclooxygenase-2 rather than cyclooxygenase-1 as judged by the inhibitory effect of NS398, Western blotting, and Northern blotting. In this system we attempted to elucidate the transcriptional regulation of the cyclooxygenase-2 gene. As examined by the luciferase assay, two positive regulatory regions (-186 to -131 and -512 to -385 base pairs) were found in the 5'-flanking promoter region of the mouse cyclooxygenase-2 gene in the TNF alpha-stimulated cells. The former included putative NF-IL6 (C/EBP beta) and AP2 elements, and the latter contained the NF kappa B motif. A DNA probe including the NF-IL6 and AP2 sites gave positive bands upon electrophoretic mobility shift assay using the nuclear extracts of MC3T3-E1 cells. The bands were supershifted by the addition of anti-NF-IL6 antibody but not by anti-AP2 antibody. A probe including the NF kappa B site also gave positive bands, which were supershifted by anti-NF kappa B p50 and p65 antibodies. Furthermore, when the motif of NF-IL6 or NF kappa B or both was subjected to point mutation, the luciferase activity was markedly reduced. These data suggested a potential role of both NF-IL6 and NF kappa B in the induction of cyclooxygenase-2 by TNF alpha.

Adrenomedullin-immunoreactive neurons in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the rat

The existence of adrenomedullin (AM) in the rat hypothalamus was examined by immunohistochemistry. AM-immunoreactive neurons were found in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and in the magnocellular parts of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). The co-existence of AM-, oxytocin- and/or vasopressin-immunoreactivity was identified in the same neurons in the hypothalamus. The results suggest that the AM may play a role in neurotransmission or in cardiovascular control with neurohypophyseal hormones.

Prevention of reovirus type 2-induced diabetes-like syndrome in DBA/1 suckling mice by treatment with antibodies against intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1

Reovirus type 2-induced diabetes-like syndrome in suckling mice is considered to be an animal model for human insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. We have previously demonstrated that immunopathologic pancreatic islet cell damage might be relevant to reovirus type 2 infection. In this study the involvement of adhesion molecules in the development of reovirus type 2-induced diabetes-like syndrome was examined. In infected mice infiltration of mononuclear cells mixed with polymorphonuclear leucocytes in and around pancreatic islets (insulitis) was observed in association with abnormal glucose tolerance. The treatment with monoclonal antibodies against intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) prevented the development of insulitis with abnormal glucose tolerance in a dose dependent manner. These results suggest that ICAM-1 and LFA-1 molecules may, at least in part, participate in islet cell damage, resulting in reovirus type 2-induced diabetes-like syndrome. The role of ICAM-1 and LFA-1 molecules on the development of insulitis is discussed.

Cardiovascular-related peptides influence hypothalamic neurons involved in control of body water homeostasis

The cardiovascular-related peptides, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and endothelin (ET) were originally isolated from the atrium, brain and endothelial cells, respectively. ANP and BNP have hypotensive, natriuretic, diuretic and vasodilator effects. ET has strong vasoconstrictor effects. Centrally applied ANP and BNP attenuate pressure and drinking responses and vasopressin secretion induced by angiotensin II. Similar application of ET increases blood pressure in vivo and vasopressin secretion in vitro. To clarify direct effects of these peptides on neurons in the regions involved in body water homeostasis, extracellular recordings were made from neurons in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and regions of anteroventral third ventricle (AV3V) of rat hypothalamic slice preparations. ANP and BNP inhibited AV3V neurons, suggesting direct actions of the peptides on drinking. In the SON, these peptides inhibited selectively putative vasopressin neurons but not putative oxytocin neurons, suggesting direct actions of the peptides on vasopressin secretion. We demonstrated that the inhibitory response by ANP and BNP is mediated through a second messenger cGMP system but not cAMP. Contrary to natriuretic peptides, ET excited AV3V neurons but inhibited SON neurons. Roles of ANP, BNP and ET on the central regulatory systems of body water homeostasis, acting as neurotransmitters or neuromodulators, will be discussed.

Stachybocins, novel endothelin receptor antagonists, produced by Stachybotrys sp. M6222. I. Taxonomy, fermentation, isolation and characterization

Stachybocins A, B and C, novel endothelin (ET) receptor antagonists, were isolated from the culture filtrate of Stachybotrys sp. M6222. They were extracted with ethyl acetate and then purified by alumina and silica gel column chromatographies. The molecular formulae of stachybocins were determined to be C52H70N2O10 (stachybocin A) and C52H70N2O11 (stachybocins B and C). It was supposed that they consisted of spirobenzofuran and terpene units from NMR spectra. They showed the inhibitory activity of 125I-ET-1 binding to rate ETA, human ETA and human ETB receptors.

Stachybocins, novel endothelin receptor antagonists, produced by Stachybotrys sp. M6222. II. Structure determination of stachybocins A, B and C

The structures of stachybocins A, B and C, new endothelin receptor antagonist, were determined by NMR spectral analysis using pulse-field-gradient technique. Stachybocin A consists of two spirobenzofuran units each fused to a substituted decalin, which were connected by a lysine residue. Stachybocins B and C are derivatives of stachybocin A with an additional hydroxy group at the same position in the different decalin unit.

Amino acids and peptides. XXV. Preparation of fibronectin-related peptide poly(ethylene glycol) hybrids and their inhibitory effect on experimental metastasis

Hybrids of fibronectin-related peptides [Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD), Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGDS)] and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were prepared and their inhibitory effects on experimental metastasis in mice were examined. The inhibitory effect of RGD was markedly potentiated by hybrid formation with poly(ethylene glycol) #6000. As to inhibitory effect, RGD was more potent than RGDS and RGD PEG hybrids were superior to RGDS PEG hybrids. Hybrid formation with PEG #6000 was more effective than that with PEG #4000.

[Primary pulmonary cryptococcosis with pleural effusion, and clinical studies of five cases]

A 35-year-old man was admitted with fever and right-sided chest pain. A chest X-ray film showed an apple-sized mass shadow in the right lower lobe and minimal pleural effusion Cryptococcus neoformans was identified by culture of the pleural effusion. Transbronchial lung biopsy was done, and pulmonary cryptococcosis was diagnosed. The patient's condition improved after treatment with fluconazole and miconazole. Two months after discharge he was readmitted with a massive ipsilateral pleural effusion. The serum cryptococcal antigen titer was almost normal, and examination of the effusion for cryptococcal antigen was negative. The effusion resolved with thoracic drainage and administration of imipenem. The second effusion was believed to have resulted not from cryptococcosis, but from another bacterial infectin. This case indicates that determination of cryptococcal antigen in serum is useful for diagnosis of pleural effusion and for monitoring pulmonary cryptococcosis. Clinical studies of five patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis indicated that symptoms and abnormal laboratory data were positive only in those with rather large lesions. In all cases the diagnosis was made after transbronchial lung biopsy, and treatment with antifungal agents including fluconazole was successful.

Amino acids and peptides. XXVI. Laminin-related peptide poly(ethylene glycol) hybrids and their inhibitory effect on experimental metastasis

Laminin-related peptide poly(ethylene glycol) hybrid, Tyr-Ile-Gly-Ser-Arg-aminopoly(ethylene glycol) was prepared by the solution method and carboxylated poly(ethylene glycol)-Tyr-Ile-Gly-Ser-Arg was prepared by the solid phase method. Their inhibitory effects on experimental tumor metastasis were examined in mice. The inhibitory effect of Tyr-Ile-Gly-Ser-Arg was significantly potentiated by hybrid formation with poly(ethylene glycol) either at amino- or carboxyl terminals of the peptide. Of the hybrids, Tyr-Ile-Gly-Ser-Arg-amino(polyethylene glycol) #6000 hybrid exhibited about 10 times more potent anti-metastatic effect than the peptide itself. The inhibitory effect of a mixture of the carboxylated poly(ethylene glycol) hybrid and Arg-Gly-Asp-aminopoly(ethylene glycol) hybrid also exhibited an inhibitory effect.

[Characteristics of early carcinomas and precancerous lesions in the urinary bladder]

Early transitional cell carcinomas of the urinary bladder are morphologically classified into papillary and non-papillary types, carcinoma in situ (CIS). Severe dysplasia is considered as a precancerous lesion for CIS which can be distinguished from the morphological appearance of its AgNORs. The conversion from severe dysplasia to CIS appears to require a longer time than that needed for invasive lesion to develop from CIS. It is postulated that mild or moderate dysplasia results in G1 and 2 grade papillary transitional cell carcinomas. Molecular analysis of different types of dysplasia is therefore clearly warranted to assist in diagnostic classification.

[Epidemic of influenza in Kyushu-Okinawa District (April 1994-March 1995)]

The prevalence of influenza in Kyushu-Okinawa District in April 1994- March 1995 was studied as the prevalence of influenza virus, to determine the sero-type of influenza viruses isolated in Kyushu- Okinawa District prefectures and cities. As a result, three sero-types of influenza viruses, i.e. type A/H1N1, type H3N2 and type B, were isolated in Kyushu-Okinawa District in this season, but most of the isolates were type A/H3N2 and type B. Weekly changes of reported influenza patients and period of virus isolation at local public health institutes revealed that influenza epidemics of the earlier part in this season was caused by type A/H3N2 and the latter part due to type B. Type A/H3N2 spread all over Kyushu-Okinawa District in a shorter period (about 2 weeks) through the westside of Kyushu and down south, and type B stayed about one month in northern Kyushu and took about 7 weeks to spread all over Kyushu-Okinawa District. Based on these results, the spread of influenza virus in Kyushu-Okinawa District was visualized on the isopleth maps.

Induction of cyclooxygenase type-2 (COX-2) in rat endometrium at the peak of serum estradiol during the estrus cycle

We investigated the induction of cyclooxygenase (COX) in rat endometrium during the estrus cycle. The estrus cycle was divided into five stages (proestrus, estrus, diestrus-1, diestrus-2, diestrus-3) by cytological observation of vaginal smears. COX-1 was detected in the endometrium during all five stages of the estrus cycle. In contrast, COX-2 in the endometrium was detectable only in three stages (diestrus-3, proestrus, estrus) and showed a peak at diestrus-3, coinciding with the peak in serum estradiol level, suggesting the estradiol-dependent induction of COX-2.

Delayed herpes zoster pseudodendrites. Polymerase chain reaction detection of viral DNA and a role for antiviral therapy

BACKGROUND

The late-onset pseudodendrites, delayed corneal mucous plaques, of herpes zoster ophthalmicus are reported to be of mechanical or immune origin and to be worsened by antiviral therapy.

OBJECTIVE

To study pseudodendrites to ascertain a viral presence in the lesions and their response to antiviral therapy.

DESIGN

Prospective clinical study.

SETTING

Outpatient and inpatient hospital-based corneal specialty referral practice; molecular virology laboratory.

PATIENTS

Six patients, aged 33 to 89 years, four with delayed herpes zoster ophthalmicus pseudodendrites and two with herpes zoster ophthalmicus neurotrophic ulceration. One patient was immunosuppressed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Findings from clinical evaluation; polymerase chain reaction assays of lesions and tear film of six patients; polymerase chain reaction and light and electron microscopy of the corneal button from one patient; and the clinical response of four patients to various antiviral drugs.

RESULTS

In contrast to reports in the current literature, delayed pseudodendrites may also be infectious, as they are positive for zoster DNA by polymerase chain reaction and appear responsive to certain antiviral therapy. The corneal button from an immunosuppressed patient had mature and immature viral particles in the basal cells within 2 weeks of transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first report of viral DNA in delayed zoster pseudodendrites. Recurrent viral infection may play a role in this form of zoster keratopathy and warrant antiviral therapy.

[Surgical problem of lung cancer with coexisting acute pulmonary tuberculosis]

Four patients with coexistent lung cancer and acute pulmonary tuberculosis were operated during recent 5 years. All were males and cigarette smokers (B.I. > 600). Adenocarcinoma were recovered from 3 patients, while the remaining 1 had squamous cell carcinoma. Only 1 curative resection was performed for lung cancer. In most cases, late stage of the disease was alleged to be a factor contributing to the poor prognosis.