Ionized magnesium level in whole blood of healthy Japanese children

Magnesium (Mg) catalyzes or activates more than 300 enzymes in the body, and it plays a pivotal role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Until recently Mg has only been measured as a total substance concentration; however, it is the free ionized form of magnesium (iMg2+) that is physiologically active. In 1992, a novel ion selective electrode (ISE) utilizing a neutral carrier-based membrane for assessment of iMg2+ in whole blood, plasma or serum was designed and it was used to measure the iMg2+ level in whole blood of 160 healthy Japanese children. There was a significant positive correlation between serum total magnesium (SMg) and iMg2+. Percent ionized magnesium (iMg2+/SMg) was 58.3 +/- 4.1% and increased with growth (age and bodyweight). The level of iMg2+ was 1.29 +/- 0.08 mg/dL (range, 1.09-1.51) ¿0.535 +/- 0.033 mmol/L (range, 0.452-0.627)¿ and was constant irrespective of growth. On the other hand, SMg, serum total calcium (SCa) and ionized calcium (iCa2+) decreased with growth. Thus only iMg2+ level was constant irrespective of growth. It is suspected that the buffer action of protein binding Mg may keep the iMg2+ level constant, because iMg2+ plays an important part in the activation of many enzymes.

[Antimicrobial activity of macrolides against clinical isolates]

Antimicrobial activity of 6 macrolides was determined using a micro-broth dilution method, against 535 clinical isolates of 22 species, which were isolated in 1996 from 325 facilities in Japan. Results were as follows. 1. In general, antimicrobial activities of 14-membered macrolides were higher than those of 16-membered macrolides. The antimicrobial activities of 14-membered macrolides were in the order of clarithromycin (CAM), erythromycin (EM), roxithromycin (RXM). Among 16-membered macrolides, rokitamycin (RKM) was the most potent, josamycin (JM) was next potent followed by midecamycin (MDM). More numbers of highly-resistant strain of > 100 micrograms/ml were recognized in 14-membered macrolides than in 16-membered macrorides. 2. Most of S. pyogenes (group A) strains were distributed in the susceptible range and almost none was found in the resistant range. 3. S. pneumoniae strains were distributed widely from the susceptible range to the highly resistant range, and as high as 37.1% fell into the high resistance of > 100 micrograms/ml range. 4. Against Peptostreptococcus spp. and MRSA, 16-membered macrolides were more effective than 14-membered macrorlides, and their antibacterial activities were in the order of RKM, JM, MDM. Ratio of high-resistant strains of > 100 micrograms/ml against 14-membered macrolides was much higher than that against 16-membered macrolies. 5. Most of M. (B.) catarrhalis strains were distributed in the susceptible range of < or = 1.56 micrograms/ml, and most of H. influenzae strains were distributed within the moderately resistant and the resistant ranges. 6. In M. (B.) catarrhalis and H. influenzae, no correlation between macrolide resistance and beta-lactamase production was recognized. 7. Most of C. jejuni strains were susceptible to all macrolides used in this study.

Normal ontogenic observations on the expression of Eph receptor tyrosine kinase, Cek8, in chick embryos

The spatio-temporal pattern of expression for the Eph receptor tyrosine kinase, Cek8, was observed in normal chick embryos from H-H stage 6 to 23 by immunohistochemical techniques. Expression of Cek8 was already present in embryos at H-H stage 6, where it was located in the neural plate of the brain region, paraxial mesoderm, and the primitive streak. Regions expressing Cek8 subsequently increased during development to include the neural folds of the brain, rhombomeres 3 and 5, the caudal part of the neural plate, neural crest cells related to the formation of glossopharyngeal nerve ganglia, invaginated cells throughout the primitive groove and the epithelium of the rudiment of the gall bladder. Cek8 was also expressed in the mesenchymal cells of the pharyngeal arches, allantoic stalk and limb buds as well as in the areas surrounding the eye vesicles and nasal pits. Furthermore, cells in the tail bud progressing to the secondary neurulation expressed Cek8. Thus, the spatiotemporal patterns of Cek8 expression appears to have intimate relationships with tissue rebuilding, the maturation of differentiated cells, and the spatial organization of tissues. Consequently, it appears that Cek8 plays an integral role in the developmental events leading to the formation of a wide--though not inclusive--variety of tissues and organ systems.

Development and evaluation of a multiplex PCR assay for rapid detection of toxigenic Vibrio cholerae O1 and O139

A multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay was developed for concurrent detection of rfb sequences specific for the O1 and the O139 serogroups of Vibrio cholerae and for ctxA specific sequences. The multiplex PCR assay was found to be highly specific and sensitive and was capable of detecting 65 cfu and 200 cfu per assay of V. cholerae O1 and O139, respectively. Evaluation of the multiplex PCR assay using 121 stool samples from patients admitted to the Infectious Diseases Hospital, Calcutta, showed the assay to be 100% sensitive and 95.2% specific when the culture method was taken as the standard. In addition to the 38 PCR positive stool samples, an additional four samples which were negative by culture method but positive by PCR assay belonged to the O139 serogroup. All the 38 stool samples positive for either O1 or O139 serogroup by PCR assay were also positive for the ctxA amplicon indicating that the O1 and O139 V. cholerae strains have the genetic potential of producing cholera toxin.

[Bioethics in severely neurologically disturbed children]

Informed consent is essential for bioethical considerations when physicians treat severely neurologically disturbed children. Because these patients are immature for their decision-making, proxy consent must be given to their physicians by their guardian to accept within agreeable limits of treatments and care for them. Prior to obtaining the consent, given by their guardians, physicians are obliged to provide their guardians with necessary informations regarding patients' physical conditions and details of procedures for proposed treatments, as well as possible risks involved in these treatments and care to be provided. Clinical applications of bioethical considerations are given to the patients with following diseases: spina bifida cystica and other neural tube defects, congenital metabolic disorders such as cretinism and phenylketonuria, malignant tumors such as neuroblastoma and retinoblastoma, and intractable epilepsy. Bioethical considerations are also given to prenatal diagnosis for early discovery, diagnosis and possible treatments of severely neurologically disturbed fetuses.

[A case of esophagopleural fistula successfully cured by conservative therapy after middle and lower lobectomy of right lung]

We experience a case of esophagopleural fistula successfully cured by conservative therapy after the lung cancer operation. A 46-year-old man was received middle and lower lobectomy for adenoid cystic carcinoma of the right lung. Complication of empyema associated with an esophagopleural fistula occurred on postoperative 4th day. Conservative therapy of nothing by mouth, intravenous hyperalimentation and antibiotics was started. Three thoracic drains were inserted and the thoracic irrigation of total 3,000 ml warm saline per day twice on one day was continued. The esophagopleural fistula was closed on 6th week and the patient was discharged on 11th week after the therapy start. This complication is much rare, but recent advance in the diagnostic methods seemed to increase the indication of conservative therapy in future.

[Usefulness of continuous venous daily chemotherapy of 5-fluorouracil and low-dose cisplatin for patients undergoing noncurative surgery]

We examined the usefulness of continuous venous daily chemotherapy of 5-FU and low/I dose CDDP for patients undergoing noncurative surgery. Twelve patients with carcinoma (1 esophageal, 6 gastric, 4 colorectal carcinoma cases and 1 carcinoma case of unknown origin) underwent resection of primary lesion and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. The schedule for the chemotherapy was as follows: 2-7 courses of 24-hours continuous venous infusion of CDDP (5mg/day on day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) and 5-FU (250 mg/day on day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 1, 3, 5). Several patients received a bolus infusion of Epirubicin (10 mg/1 week or 30 mg/2 week). Mean total volumes of CDDP and 5-FU were 120 mg and 5.38 g, respectively. Nine cases could be evaluated. Results of the chemotherapy were 1 CR, 1 PR, 3 NC and 4 PD, and the overall response rate was 22%. Side effects were found in 6 cases, but were not so severe. One-year survival rate was 47%, and 50% survival time was 9 months. The prognosis of the patients seemed to be relatively good. These results suggest that continuous chemotherapy of 5-FU and low dose CDDP may be useful for patients undergoing noncurative surgery.

The phylogeny of acetic acid bacteria based on the partial sequences of 16S ribosomal RNA: the elevation of the subgenus Gluconoacetobacter to the generic level

Thirty-six strains of acetic acid bacteria classified in the genera Acetobacter, Gluconobacter, and Acidomonas were examined for their partial base sequences in positions 1220 through 1375, 156 bases, of 16S rRNA. The strains of the Q10-equipped Gluconobacter species examined were divided into two subgroups, which included the type strains of Gluconobacter oxydans, the type species of the genus Gluconobacter, and of a second species, Gluconobacter cerinus, respectively. The base differences numbered four between the two type strains. The strains of the Q9-equipped species examined classified in the type subgenus Acetobacter of the genus Acetobacter were not very distant phylogenetically from those of the genus Gluconobacter. The calculated number of base differences was 9-6 between the type strains of G. oxydans and G. cerinus and the type strains of Acetobacter aceti and Acetobacter pasteurianus. In contrast, the strains of the Q10-equipped species examined classified in the subgenus Gluconoacetobacter of the genus Acetobacter were very distant phylogenetically from those of the Acetobacter and Gluconobacter species mentioned above. The number of base differences was calculated to be 14-8. Furthermore, the strains of the methanol-assimilating, Q10-equipped species of the genus Acidomonas examined were located in phylogenetically isolated positions. The type strain of Acidomonas methanolica (identical to Acetobacter methanolicus), the type species of the genus Acidomonas, had 16-9 base differences. The data obtained here indicated that the members of the subgenus Gluconoacetobacter of the genus Acetobacter can be distinguished at the generic level. The new genus Gluconoacetobacter was proposed with the type species, Gluconoacetobacter liquefaciens, in recognition of the genus Acidomonas along with the genera Acetobacter and Gluconobacter in the classification of the acetic acid bacteria.

TEL/AML1 fusion gene resulting from a cryptic t(12;21) is uncommon in adult patients with B-cell lineage ALL and CML lymphoblastic transformation

TEL is a new member of the ETS-like family on chromosome 12 and forms fusion genes with several partners in leukemia. Among these fusion genes, the TEL/AML1 translocation resulting from t(12;21) is found in approximately one quarter of the childhood B-cell lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cases and its prognosis is excellent. We examined 42 adult patients with B-cell lineage ALL and 13 adult patients with lymphoblastic transformation of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) to detect TEL/AML1 fusion genes using the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Southern blotting, but no translocation was detected. These findings indicate that absence of the TEL/AML1 fusion transcript partly correlates with the poorer outcome of adult B-cell lineage ALL as compared with childhood ALL and the TEL/AML1 fusion transcript is specific for pediatric B-cell lineage ALL.

Reproductive toxicity, mutagenicity and antigenicity of pamiteplase (genetical recombination)

Pamiteplase (genetical recombination), YM866, is a novel recombinant modified human tissue-type plasminogen activator developed by Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan. An intended route of administration in the clinical use of this drug is intravenous administration. We conducted an intravenous fertility and general reproduction studies of this drug in male and female rats and teratology study of this drug in rabbits at the dose levels of 0 (vehicle control), 0.1, 0.3 or 1 mg/kg/day. In the rat, no treatment-related abnormalities were observed up to the maximum dose in parental animals and their offspring. In the teratology study in rabbits, prolonged coagulation time at the injection site was observed at 0.3 mg/kg or more. One death and one abortion occurred at 1 mg/kg on days 22 and 23 of pregnancy, respectively. No toxic effects on the litters were observed up to the maximum dose. Results of evaluation of the mutagenicity of YM866 and its ability to induce chromosome aberrations using the L5178Y TK+/- mouse lymphoma assay, human lymphocyte chromosome aberration assay and the micronucleus assay in mice were negative. Evaluation of the immunogenicity of YM866 by repeated intravenous injection in chimpanzees elicited no confirmed antibody titers.

[Efficacy and safety of intramuscular imipenem/cilastatin (IPM/CS) for complicated urinary tract infections]

An intramuscular preparation of imipenem/cilastatin (IPM/CS, 500 mg/500 mg) was administered to 59 patients with complicated urinary tract infections (UTI; cystitis and pyelonephritis) to evaluate its efficacy and safety. The obtained results are summarized as follows: In patients with cystitis, evaluations based on daily frequencies of administration were also performed. 1) According to the treating doctors, the drug showed an overall efficacy rate of 80% (45/56 patients). The efficacy rate was 89% in patients with cystitis treated by a u.i.d. regimen. Among patients treated by a b.i.d. regimen, the efficacy rate was 67% for cystitis cases and 84% for pyelonephritis cases. 2) When clinical efficacy was assessed according to the criteria for UTI drug efficacy evaluation, the drug was 'markedly effective' in 14 patients, 'effective' in 23, and ineffective in 11 patients, for an efficacy rate of 77% (37/48 patients). 3) The microbiological eradication rate was 88% (59/67 strains). The rate was 95% (20/21 strains) for Gram-positive bacteria and 85% (39/46 strains) for Gram-negative bacteria. The efficacy for Enterobacter faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 100% and 73%, respectively. 4) As side effects, pain at the injection site was reported by one patient and abnormal laboratory test values were observed in 2 patients. All of these reactions were mild and resolved shortly after the completion of treatment. Based on these findings, it is concluded that this intramuscular preparation of IPM/CS is effective for treating complicated urinary tract infections.

99Tcm-MAG3: a sensitive indicator for evaluating perfusion and rejection of renal transplants

Radionuclide renography has a role in evaluating perfusion of transplanted kidneys. In the course of rejection, cortical perfusion decreases before urinary excretion changes. Based on the facts that 99Tcm-MAG3 has different pharmacokinetics and shows a higher kidney-to-background count ratio than 99Tcm-DTPA, we postulated that 99Tcm-MAG3 was a sensitive and reproducible agent to measure cortical perfusion of transplanted kidneys. To clarify the feasibility of using 99Tcm-MAG3 to measure the cortical perfusion index (CPI), sequential renography was performed using 99Tcm-DTPA and 99Tcm-MAG3 in 14 patients with stable renal transplants, who had changes in serum creatinine concentration of less than 50% between the two studies. The CPI was calculated with 99Tcm-DTPA and 99Tcm-MAG3 and these were then compared and correlated with concurrent serum creatinine concentration. The CPI with 99Tcm-MAG3 was 1.43 times that with 99Tcm-DTPA in patients with changes in serum creatinine concentration equal to or less than 20%, and regression analysis revealed that the difference in CPI was larger in patients with more severely decreased renal perfusion than in patients with normal or mildly decreased renal perfusion. This preliminary study has indicated that the CPI with 99Tcm-MAG3 is a sensitive index for detecting changes in renal function, and thus is a feasible indicator of cortical perfusion when evaluating the rejection of transplanted kidneys.

Cyclic-AMP-dependent activation of an inter-phylum hybrid histone-kinase complex reconstituted from sea urchin sperm-regulatory subunits and bovine heart catalytic subunits

A cAMP-dependent histone kinase was purified and characterized from spermatozoa of the sea urchin Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus. The molecular mass of the kinase was estimated to be 178 kDa by native PAGE and 400 kDa by gel chromatography on a Superose 6 HR 10/30 column. The enzyme, composed of two 39-kDa catalytic subunits and two 48-kDa regulatory subunits, phosphorylates the lysine-rich histone subspecies (H1 and H2B) isolated from H. pulcherrimus spermatozoa. We isolated cDNA clones encoding a 39-kDa catalytic subunit and a 48-kDa regulatory subunit of the enzyme. The cDNA clone for the 39-kDa subunit was 3881 bp, and the 352-residue deduced amino acid sequence showed 78% similarity with the catalytic subunit of/mammalian cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). The cDNA for the 48-kDa subunit was 4589 bp and the 368-residue deduced amino acid sequence showed 57% similarity with the regulatory subunit of mammalian PKA, although the N-terminal 77 residues showed poor similarity. The mRNAs encoding both the catalytic subunit (7.5 kb) and the regulatory subunit (4.6 kb) were expressed in testis, ovary and egg. An inter-phylum hybrid enzyme, reconstituted from the regulatory subunit of cAMP-dependent histone kinase of sea urchin sperm and the catalytic subunit of bovine heart PKA, has a cAMP-dependent histone kinase activity. Thus, we suggest that the N-terminal 77-amino-acid residues of the regulatory subunit are not essential for inhibition by the regulatory subunit of the catalytic subunit, and that cAMP-dependent inhibitory activity of the regulatory subunit resides in the sequence between the inhibitory site and the C-terminus.

Cholinergic innervation of the lateralis medialis-suprageniculate nuclear complex (LM-Sg) of the cat's thalamus: a double labeling immunohistochemical study

The purpose of this study was to investigate morphological characteristics of the synaptic relations of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-positive terminals that are made with a variety of post-synaptic profiles in the lateralis medialis-suprageniculate nuclear complex (LM-Sg) using ChAT, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate immunohistochemistry in combination with electron microscopical observations. The ChAT immunopositive profiles make asymmetrical synaptic contacts with glutamate immunopositive dendrites that are presumably derived from projection neurons, and/or GABA immunopositive interneurons. The present results indicate that ascending cholinergic mechanisms may be important for modifying information in both the extrinsic and intrinsic circuitries of LM-Sg.

Rapid enlargement of cardiac rhabdomyoma during corticotropin therapy for infantile spasms

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the influence of corticotropin therapy on cardiac rhabdomyoma.

DESIGN

Analysis of data from echocardiography performed on in-patients.

PATIENTS

Six patients with rhabdomyoma who were admitted to the authors' medical centre with either convulsion (five cases) or prematurity (one case) between 1985 and 1995. Five had tuberous sclerosis.

INTERVENTION

Size of cardiac tumours of each patient was measured by echocardiography, and volume index was calculated as the ratio of the tumour volume to its initial volume.

MAIN RESULT

Increase in size of some of the tumours was found during corticotropin therapy on follow-up echocardiography. Maximum volume indexes of tumours in the case of patients (n = 4) who did not receive corticotropin therapy was 1.2 to 3.7, whereas those of patients (n = 2) who received therapy was 9.1 to 12; one of the latter patients died.

CONCLUSION

Corticotropin may contribute to the enlargement of cardiac rhabdomyoma. The size of cardiac rhabdomyomas must be carefully followed when patients are treated with corticotropin.

[Development of scales of relationships between grandchildren in adolescence and grandparents]

The purposes of this study are (1) to make scales of relationships between grandchildren in adolescence and grandparents, and (2) to clarify functions of grandparents perceived by grandchildren and functions of grandchildren perceived by grandparents. Subjects were 517 students in junior high schools, high schools and universities (mean of age: 17 years old), and 107 elderly persons at home (mean of age: 73 years old). As a result, factorial validity and reliability of the scales were confirmed. We found the functions of "daily emotional support", "acceptance of existence", "time perspectives", and "succession of generations" in both the grandchildren scale and the grandparents scale. Additionally we identified the function of "instrumental informational support" in the grandparents scale. The fact that the functions of "time perspectives", and "succession of generations" were found in two groups suggested the facilitation of mutual development between the generations. In addition, the function of "acceptance of existence" suggested possibilities of genuinely supportive relationships.

[Unresectable gastric cancer followed by remarkably effective tumor disappearance and good quality of life for 10 months after CDDP/5'-DFUR combination chemotherapy--a case report]

A 40-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital because of dysphagia and severe anemia (Hb 4.5 g/dl). She was diagnosed as having an advanced gastric cancer, which was unresectable because of liver metastasis, esophageal invasion and paraaortic lymph node metastasis. Combination chemotherapy with CDDP/5'-DFUR was started. CDDP of 80 mg/m2 was administered twice every 4 weeks by a 24-hour drip infusion method, and oral 5'-DFUR of 1,400 mg/m2 was administered for 4 days prior to the first administration of CDDP. Then, 5'-DFUR of 500 mg/m2 was given every day except for 7 days after the first administration of CDDP. Her performance status before the chemotherapy was 3, and improved to 1 a month after the first administration of CDDP. The patient was discharged very much improved on the 45th day after the first administration of CDDP. The side effect was nausea but tolerable. Six months after the first administration, her cancer disappeared on X-ray films, endoscopic and CT examinations. Her PS improved to 0, and she has remained alive with a good QOL for 10 months after the second administration of CDDP.

[A case of AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) producing gastric cancer successfully treated with FEP (5-FU, Epirubicin, cisplatin) therapy by continuous venous daily infusion of 5-FU and low-dose CDDP]

We reported our experience with a case of AFP producing gastric cancer with liver metastasis successfully treated with FEP therapy by continuous daily venous infusion of 5-FU and low-dose CDDP. A 59-year-old male was diagnosed with liver metastasis 2 months after partial gastrectomy of gastric cancer and then admitted. The patient received five courses of 24-hour continuous infusion of CDDP (5 mg/day, on day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) and 5-FU (250 mg/day, on day 1, 3, 5) and bolus infusion of Epirubicin (10 mg/day, on day 3). No remarkable side effect was encountered. Complete response at the liver metastasis was observed by CT scan. Serum AFP level was down from 614 ng/ml to the normal range of 0.5 ng/ml after the therapy. The patient has been well for 10 months with complete remission.

Mechanism of differential activities of ofloxacin enantiomers

Ofloxacin, a potent quinolone antibacterial agent, has a tricyclic ring structure with a methyl group attached to the asymmetric carbon at the C-3 position on the oxazine ring. The S isomer (DR-3355) of ofloxacin has antibacterial activity up to 2 orders of magnitude greater than that of the R isomer (DR-3354). This differential antibacterial activity was not due to different drug transport mechanisms of the two isomers but was found to be derived from the inhibitory activity against the target enzyme, DNA gyrase. Previous mechanistic studies have suggested that the bactericidal effect of the drug is mediated through the stabilization of a cleavable complex via a cooperative drug binding process to a partially denatured DNA pocket created by DNA gyrase. The drug binds to supercoiled DNA in a manner similar to that to which it binds to the enzyme-DNA complex. In the present studies, we first examined the binding of the two radiolabeled ofloxacin enantiomers to supercoiled pUC9 plasmid DNA. Surprisingly, the two enantiomers possessed similar apparent binding affinities and binding cooperatives. The major difference in binding between the two stereoisomers was the molar binding ratio: 4 for the more active S isomer versus 2 for the less active R isomer. We next examined the relative binding potencies of the stereoisomers to the DNA-DNA gyrase complex. The results of a competition assay showed that (S)-ofloxacin binds 12-fold better to the complex than (R)-ofloxacin. The binding potencies of the two enantiomers and two other quinolones correlated well with their respective concentrations causing 50% inhibition against DNA gyrase. The results are interpreted by a stacking model by using the concept of the cooperative drug-DNA binding mechanism, indicating that the potencies of quinolones cannot be determined solely by the DNA binding affinity and cooperativity but can also be determined by their capability in maximally saturating the binding site. The capability of the drug in saturating the binding pocket manifests itself in an increased efficacy at inhibiting the enzyme through a direct interaction between the drug and the enzyme. The results augment the previous suggestion that the binding pocket in the enzyme-DNA complex involves multiple receptor groups including not only DNA bases but also a gyrase subunit. The higher level of potency of (S)-ofloxacin is proposed to derive from the fact that a greater number of molecules are assembled in the pocket. This greater number of molecules optimizes the interaction between the drug and the enzyme, possibly through a contact between the C-7 substituent and the quinolone pocket on the B subunit of DNA gyrase.

[An preliminary study on Quality of Life Scale for Elderly: an examination in terms of psychological satisfaction]

The purpose of this study was to construct Quality of Life Scale for Elderly (QOLS-E), which was to evaluate the older person's physical, social, and psychological states synthetically, and to find out which factors most influenced the person's psychological satisfaction. Two groups of people, 42 in total who were between 65 and 90 years old, participated in the study, with 25 living in the nursing home, and 17 in the hospital. Although the factor structure of QOLS-E was reasonable, the reliabilities were not very high, meaning further research was necessary to improve the scale. Multiple regression showed that Satisfaction with Activities of Daily Life was apt to be related to psychological satisfaction. Also, enjoying a hobby and positive relationships with institutional staff members appeared important for other facets of psychological satisfaction. As for subscales of psychological satisfaction, enjoying a hobby was significantly related to Acceptance of Own Life, and number of diseases to Mental Stability. Another subscales of QOLS-E, Satisfaction with Family Relationships, was also related to Acceptance of Own Life.

Morphological analysis of the early development of the chick neural tube separated from the floor plate and notochord

When the neural tube of avian embryos is separated from the notochord and floor plate, motoneurons in the spinal cord fail to develop. In order to investigate the factors involved in this phenomenon, cell proliferation activity and cell death were observed following paramedian incision of the neural tube at the level of the segmental plate using colchicine, BrdU, and TUNEL methods. If the notochord and/or floor plate produces a substance(s) that promotes cell division in the basal plate neuroepithelium or that supports the survival of the motoneuron's neuroblasts, mitotic figures should not be present in the neuroepithelium nor should substantial cell death be observed in the ventral aspect of the notochord- and floor plate-deprived neural tube. Surprisingly, however, neither result was observed in the present experiments, with the exception of a considerable amount of homogeneously distributed cell death. Neuroepithelial cells continued to proliferate and gave rise to neuroblasts. Nevertheless, motoneurons failed to develop, and the neural tube was enveloped by only the basement membrane of the alar plate (S. Hirano and H. Tanaka, 1994, Dev. Growth Differ: 36, 481-488). These morphological results revealed that the cause of the development of the anterior horn lacking a neural tube in the notochord- and neural tube-eliminated embryos is not the elimination of the source of the surviving factor(s) of the motoneuron's neuroblasts, but rather the elimination of the signals to induce the motoneurons, derived from the notochord and/or floor plate. The larger amount of cell death in the neural tube on the experimental side suggests that a nonspecific survival factor(s), necessary for the survival of a variety of types of neuroblasts, is also produced by the notochord and/or floor plate.

Effect of growth conditions on antimicrobial activity of DU-6859a and its bactericidal activity determined by the killing curve method

The effect of growth conditions on the antibacterial activity of DU-6859a against Staphylococcus auerus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was compared with those of levofloxacin, sparfloxacin, and ciprofloxacin. This activity was not affected by different media, inoculum size or the addition of human serum, but was decreased under acidic conditions, in human urine, and in the presence of magnesium and ferrous ion, as were the other quinolones tested. Time-kill curve studies demonstrated the bactericidal action of DU-6859a against S. aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa. Morphological alteration of these bacteria after exposure to DU-6859a also demonstrated its bactericidal activity. The frequency of spontaneous resistance to DU-6859a was less than or equal to those of the reference drugs.