Crosstalk Pathway between Trehalose Metabolism and Cytokinin Degradation for the Determination of the Number of Berries per Bunch in Grapes

In grapes, the number of flowers per inflorescence determines the compactness of grape bunches. Grape cultivars with tight bunches and thin-skinned berries easily undergo berry splitting, especially in growing areas with heavy rainfall during the grapevine growing season, such as Japan. We report herein that grape cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase 5 (VvCKX5) determines the number of berries per inflorescence in grapes. The number of berries per bunch was inversely proportional to the VvCKX5 expression level in juvenile inflorescences among the cultivars tested. VvCKX5 overexpression drastically decreased the number of flower buds per inflorescence in Arabidopsis plants, suggesting that VvCKX5 might be one of the negative regulators of the number of flowers per inflorescence in grapes. Similarly, the overexpression of grape sister of ramose 3 (VvSRA), which encodes trehalose 6-phosphate phosphatase that catalyzes the conversion of trehalose-6-phosphate into trehalose, upregulated AtCKX7 expression in Arabidopsis plants, leading to a decrease in the number of flower buds per Arabidopsis inflorescence. VvCKX5 gene expression was upregulated in grapevine cultured cells and juvenile grape inflorescences treated with trehalose. Finally, injecting trehalose into swelling buds nearing bud break using a microsyringe decreased the number of berries per bunch by half. VvCKX5 overexpression in Arabidopsis plants had no effect on the number of secondary inflorescences from the main inflorescence, and similarly trehalose did not affect pedicel branching on grapevine inflorescences, suggesting that VvCKX5, as well as VvSRA-mediated trehalose metabolism, regulates flower formation but not inflorescence branching. These findings may provide new information on the crosstalk between VvSRA-mediated trehalose metabolism and VvCKX-mediated cytokinin degradation for determining the number of berries per bunch. Furthermore, this study is expected to contribute to the development of innovative cultivation techniques for loosening tight bunches.

Physiological characterization of leaf and internode after bud break in Japanese indigenous Koshu grape by comparative RNA sequencing analysis

Koshu is indigenous to Japan and considered the most important wine grape in Japan. Koshu grape berry possesses characteristics that make it unique from European V. vinifera as wine grape. However, the physiological characteristics of Koshu leaf and internode remain unknown. An understanding of those characteristics would contribute to improvements in Koshu cultivation, thereby enhancing grape berry and wine quality. To identify the genes responsible for the physiological characteristics of Koshu, we comprehensively analyzed leaf and internode differences at the transcriptome level between Koshu and Pinot Noir by RNA sequencing. A total of 248 and 131 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in leaves and internodes, respectively. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses of these DEGs revealed that "flavonoid biosynthesis" and "glutathione metabolism" pathways were significantly enriched in Koshu leaves. On the other hand, when internodes were compared, "flavonoid"-related GO terms were specifically detected in Koshu. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis suggested that the expression of such genes as leucoanthocyanidin reductase and flavonol synthase in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway was higher in Koshu than Pinot Noir. Measurement of the relative expression levels of these genes by RT-qPCR validated the results obtained by RNA sequencing. The characteristics of Koshu leaf and internode, which are expected to produce flavonoids with antibacterial activity and UV protection function, would suit Japanese climate as a survival strategy.

High Constitutive Overexpression of Glycosyl Hydrolase Family 17 Delays Floral Transition by Enhancing FLC Expression in Transgenic Arabidopsis

Vitis vinifera glycosyl hydrolase family 17 (VvGHF17) is a grape apoplasmic β-1,3-glucanase, which belongs to glycosyl hydrolase family 17 in grapevines. β-1,3-glucanase is not only involved in plant defense response but also has various physiological functions in plants. Although VvGHF17 expression is negatively related to the length of inflorescence in grapevines, the physiological functions of VvGHF17 are still uncertain. To clarify the physiological functions of VvGHF17, we conducted a phenotypic analysis of VvGHF17-overexpressing Arabidopsis plants. VvGHF17-overexpressing Arabidopsis plants showed short inflorescence, similar to grapevines. These results suggested that VvGHF17 might negatively regulate the length of inflorescence in plants. VvGHF17 expression induced a delay of floral transition in Arabidopsis plants. The expression level of FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC), known as a floral repressor gene, in inflorescence meristem of transgenic plants were increased by approximately 10-fold as compared with wild plants. These results suggest that VvGHF17 induces a delay of floral transition by enhancing FLC expression and concomitantly decreases the length of plant inflorescence.

Establishment of an intermittent cold stress model using Tupaia belangeri and evaluation of compound C737 targeting neuron-restrictive silencer factor

Previous studies have shown that intermittent cold stress (ICS) induces depression-like behaviors in mammals. Tupaia belangeri (the tree shrew) is the only experimental animal other than the chimpanzee that has been shown to be susceptible to infection by hepatitis B and C viruses. Moreover, full genome sequence analysis has revealed strong homology between host proteins in Tupaia and in humans and other primates. Tupaia neuromodulator receptor proteins are also known to have a high degree of homology with their corresponding primate proteins. Based on these similarities, we hypothesized that induction of ICS in Tupaia would provide a useful animal model of stress responses. We exposed young adult Tupaia to ICS and observed decreases in body temperature and body weight in both female and male Tupaia, suggesting that Tupaia are an appropriate animal model for ICS studies. We further examined the efficacy of a new small-molecule compound, C737, against the effects of ICS. C737 mimics the helical structure of neuron-restrictive silencer factor (NRSF/REST), which regulates a wide range of target genes involved in neuronal function and pain modulation. Treatment with C737 significantly reduced stress-induced weight loss in female Tupaia; these effects were stronger than those elicited by the antidepressant agomelatine. These results suggest that Tupaia represents a useful non-rodent ICS model. Our data also provide new insights into the function of NRSF/REST in stress-induced depression and other disorders with epigenetic influences or those with high prevalence in women.

Urinary retention due to an isolated sacral root injury caused by sacral fracture

STUDY DESIGN

A case report.

SETTING

Urodynamic laboratory in a university hospital, Chiba, Japan.

CASE REPORT

A young woman who suffered from urinary retention following a skiing accident. A sacral X-ray (lateral view) revealed an S2-3 sacral fracture. The patient gradually regained the ability to urinate. At 3 months after the accident, she still suffered difficult urination, although her neurological findings were normal. A urodynamic study showed an acontractile detrusor and a neurogenic sphincter electromyogram (EMG), together indicative of isolated sacral nerve injury.

CONCLUSIONS

It was postulated that the S2-3 sacral fracture had led to bilateral traction of the S2-3 nerve roots, producing transient bladder paralysis (parasympathetic fibers) and incomplete sphincter paresis (somatic fibers). Sacral fracture is also of high clinical suspicion for urinary retention in frail elderly people, because it can result from simple falls.

Content analysis of group work sessions in the context of an educational program for inpatient diabetes patients

This study investigated the changes in emotions and attitudes of diabetic patients as observed in group work sessions linked to an inpatient diabetic educational program. Using content analysis of transcripts from Sessions 1 and 3 of 8 selected groups (40 patients), in Session 1 negative emotions or attitudes such as anxiety, remorse, or self-blame, a lack of understanding of diabetes, along with a willingness to undertake self-care were frequently expressed. In Session 3, more positive emotions and attitudes towards self-care (willingness, specific plans, and resolutions), satisfaction, and relief or hope were frequently expressed. These results suggest that the patients participating in the group work sessions moved toward adaptation to diabetes, although the effects of the group work were not separated from those of the inpatient educational program.

Overexpression of mitochondrial manganese superoxide dismutase protects against radiation-induced cell death in the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HLE

We investigated the potential role of mitochondrial manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) in protective activity against irradiation by analyzing cell viability by a colony formation assay and by detecting apoptosis in stably human Mn-SOD gene-transfected HLE, a hepatocellular carcinoma cell line. We found that overexpression of Mn-SOD reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species in the mitochondria and intracellular phospholipid peroxidation product (4-hydroxy-2-nonenal) and prevented cell death. The production of intracellular nitric oxide after irradiation was not changed by Mn-SOD overexpression. The results suggested that Mn-SOD might play an important role in protecting cells against radiation-induced cell death by controlling the generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and intracellular lipid peroxidation.

Interactions among gastric somatostatin, interleukin-8 and mucosal inflammation in Helicobacter pylori-positive peptic ulcer patients

BACKGROUND

To investigate whether Helicobacter pylori infection, but not drugs, affects gastric somatostatin, interleukin-8 (IL-8), histological inflammation through eradication therapy, and interactions among these parameters.

METHODS

Twenty-eight H. pylori-positive patients (21 males; mean age 47.0 years) with either gastric ulcer (GU: n = 11) or duodenal ulcer (n = 17) diagnosed endoscopically were treated with dual therapy. Eradication was defined as negative microbiologic tests and 13C-urea breath test. Levels of antral and gastric juice somatostatin and mucosal IL-8 were measured by radioimmunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Histology was assessed by the Sydney system.

RESULTS

H. pylori was eradicated in 15 patients (10 males, 6 GU) out of 28 (54%). The patients' backgrounds did not affect the eradication of H. pylori. Successes in eradication significantly increased antral and juice somatostatin contents, and dramatically decreased IL-8 levels and histological gastritis. In contrast, persistent H. pylori infection did not affect somatostatin and histological gastritis. An inverse correlation was present between changes in somatostatin levels and histological activity. No relationship was observed in changed values between antral somatostatin and IL-8.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that eradication of H. pylori, but not the drugs used, induced an increase in somatostatin levels in the antrum and gastric juice, suggesting a close relationship between H. pylori and gastric somatostatin regulation. A close correlation between an increase in gastric somatostatin levels and the normalization of histological activity was present, suggesting that certain peptide-immune interactions in the gastric mucosa exist in H. pylori infection.

Relationships between sperm motility characteristics assessed by the computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) and fertilization rates in vitro

PURPOSE

Some studies have suggested that computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) estimates of concentration and movement characteristics of progressively motile spermatozoa are related to fertilization rates in vitro. However, it has also been suggested that the greater number of motility parameters assessed by CASA does not imply more precision in predicting fertility. This study was carried out to investigate the relationships between the CASA estimates and fertilization rates in vitro.

METHODS

Semen quality analysis was performed using CASA in 136 in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycles with at least 3 oocytes collected. The CASA estimates before and after swim-up were compared between 108 cycles with fertilization rate > 50% ("good" group) and 28 cycles with fertilization rate < or = 50% ("poor" group).

RESULTS

Before swim-up, there were significant correlations between fertilization rates and CASA estimates, including amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) (r = .269), curvilinear velocity (VCL) (r = .297), straight line velocity (VSL) (r = .266), and rapid sprm movement (Rapid) (r = .243). There was also a significant correlation between the fertilization rates and straightness (STR) after swim-up (r = -0.178). As for sperm movement characteristics, there were significant differences of ALH (p < .005), VCL (p < .001), VSL (p < .005), and Rapid (p < .01) between "good" and "poor" groups before swim-up. After swim-up, there were significant differences of VCL (p < .005), average path velocity (VAP) (p < .005), and Rapid (p < .05) between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that some of the CASA estimates provide reliable estimation of the fertilizing ability of human sperm. There were significant differences of the two sperm movement characteristics, including VCL and Rapid (before and after swim-up), indicating that the total distance traveled by rapid sperm movement might be important in human sperm fertilizing abilities.

Upstream regions directing heart-specific expression of the GATA6 gene during mouse early development

The expression of murine transcription factor GATA6 is restricted to tissues including the heart and gastrointestinal systems during embryogenesis, and is maintained throughout postnatal life. We have characterized the 5' upstream region (6.4 kb) of the mouse GATA6 gene, and identified two closely spaced transcription initiation sites. The flanking sequence lacks a typical TATA-box, and is rich in guanine and cytosine. The role of the 5' upstream region was examined using the lacZ reporter gene in transgenic mice. A construct containing the 5' flanking sequence (4.9 kb), untranslated exon 1 and 1.3 kb intron 1 could drive the gene expression in the embryonic and adult heart regions. Weak expression was also observed in the stomach, liver, and bronchial arch in addition to the cardiac region. Deletion of the 5' upstream region ( approximately 1.2 kb) or intron 1 abolished all this expression, indicating that at least two cis-acting control elements are necessary for heart-specific expression of GATA6 in vivo.

Three subunit a isoforms of mouse vacuolar H(+)-ATPase. Preferential expression of the a3 isoform during osteoclast differentiation

Vacuolar H(+)-ATPase (V-ATPase) is a multi-subunit enzyme with a membrane peripheral catalytic (V(1)) and an intrinsic (V(o)) sector. We have identified three cDNA clones coding for isoforms of mouse V(o) subunit a (a1, a2, and a3). They exhibit 48-52% identity with each other and high similarity to subunit a of other species. The a1 isoform was mainly expressed in brain and liver. The a2 isoform was observed in heart and kidney in addition to brain and liver. Transcripts for the a3 isoform were strongly expressed in heart and liver. The a3 isoform was induced during osteoclast differentiation, and localized in the plasma membrane and cytoplasmic filamentous structures. In contrast to a3, the a1 isoform was constitutively expressed and localized in the cytoplasmic endomembrane compartments of the same cells. These findings suggest that the a3 isoform is a component of the plasma membrane V-ATPase essential for bone resorption.

Biochemical and physiological properties of pedicellarial lectins from the toxopneustid sea urchins

Pedicellarial lectins (SUL-I, SUL-II, and TGL-I) were purified from the toxopneustid sea urchins, Toxopneustes pileolus and Tripneustes gratilla using gel filtration chromatography, affinity chromatography, and reverse-phase HPLC. SUL-I (Nakagawa et al., 1996) and SUL-II from the large globiferous pedicellariae of T. pileolus are D-galactose-binding lectins with molecular masses of 32 kDa and 23 kDa, respectively; while TGL-I from the globiferous pedicellariae of T. gratilla is a Ca(2+)-independent heparin-binding lectin with a molecular mass of 23 kDa. SUL-I induced mitogenic stimulation on murine splenocytes but TGL-I did not. At higher dose ranges SUL-I exhibited inhibitory effects on the cells. The dual response to SUL-I was effectively inhibited by D-galactose. SUL-I enhanced norepinephrine-induced contraction of isolated rat mesenteric artery with endothelium. When endothelium was removed from the artery, acetylcholine did not relax the norepinephrine-induced contraction. In the same artery the enhancing effect of the contraction by SUL-I was abolished, suggesting that SUL-I acts on the endothelium of mesenteric artery, and may release prostanoids. The present results suggest an extracellular function for SUL-I that may have wide-ranging effects in physiological processes. The primary role of pedicellarial lectins from T. pileolus and T. gratilla might be defense against a foreign body.

Implications of gastric topical bioactive peptides in ammonia-induced acute gastric mucosal lesions in rats

BACKGROUND

Ammonia, one of the pathogenic factors in Helicobacter pylori-induced mucosal injury, induces acute mucosal lesions in the rat glandular stomach.

METHODS

The effect of ammonia administered intragastrically on gastric peptides was investigated in urethane-anesthetized rats.

RESULTS

Gastric mucosal lesions were observed 5 min after 0.3% ammonia (4 ml/kg, intragastrically). Immunoreactive endothelin-1 (ET-1) and immunoreactive thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) concentrations in the gastric wall decreased significantly 2 min and 5 min after ammonia, respectively. A significant increase in gastric juice immunoreactive ET-1 and TRH levels was reciprocally observed. The severity of gastric mucosal injury and changes in gastric immunoreactive ET-1 and TRH concentrations were shown to be concentration-dependent 30 min after ammonia. Atropine (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, -20 min) prevented ammonia-induced injury accompanied by a block of changes in gastric immunoreactive ET-1 and TRH concentrations. BQ-485 (ET(A) receptor antagonist; 2 mg/kg, subcutaneously) also abolished ammonia-induced lesions and gastric immunoreactive TRH changes.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggested that gastric ET-1 and TRH play a role in ammonia-induced gastric mucosal injury mediated via a muscarine and an ET(A) receptor.

In vitro effects of endothelin-1 on somatostatin and thyrotropin-releasing hormone release from the rat stomach

The effects of endothelin (ET) 1 on the release of somatostatin (SS) and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) from the rat stomach were studied in vitro. The rat stomach was incubated in medium 199 with 1.0 mg/ml of bacitracin (pH 7.4) for 20 min. The amounts of SS and TRH released into the medium were measured by individual radioimmunoassays. With the addition of ET-1, the release of SS from the rat stomach was inhibited significantly in a dose-related manner, whereas TRH released from the stomach was enhanced significantly. These effects of ET-1 on SS or TRH release were blocked by BQ-485, a blocker of ETA receptor. These findings suggest that ET-1 inhibits SS and stimulates TRH release from the rat stomach in vitro, and that these effects are mediate via ETA receptor.

Body image change in pregnancy: a comparison of normal weight and overweight primigravidas

BACKGROUND

Body image in pregnancy has been linked to maternal and neonatal health. This study examined the relationship between prepregnancy body weight and body image change in primigravid women.

METHODS

Through a self-administered, free-response questionnaire, 76 primigravidas of at least 30 weeks' gestation described their feelings about current appearance and body shape and compared these to prepregnancy feelings. Respondents also completed the Body Shape Questionnaire to measure current concern with body shape.

RESULTS

Women who were overweight before pregnancy were more likely to have had a positive change in body image when they were at more than 30 weeks' gestation. Women who were normal weight before pregnancy were more likely to have had a negative change. Despite overweight women's positive changes, their body shape concerns were more negative than those of normal weight women.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study highlights the relationship between social values, prepregnancy body weight, and body image change during pregnancy. Some women may benefit from discussing their experiences in a patient-centered context.

Physiological and subjective responses to standing showers, sitting showers, and sink baths

The purpose of this study was to investigate physiological and subjective responses during and after bathing in three different bathing methods. Eight healthy males bathed for 10 minutes, and then rested for 30 minutes. Three kinds of bathing methods - standing shower, sitting shower and sink bath - were adopted in this experiment. Water temperature and flow volume of the showers were kept at 41 degrees C and 11 liter/min, while water temperature of the bath was kept at 40 degrees C. Rectal temperature, skin temperatures and heart rate of the subjects were measured continuously during bathing and the subsequent 30-minute rest. Blood pressure and votes for thermal sensations were recorded before bathing, after 5 and 10 minutes of bathing, and 5, 10, 20 and 30 minutes after bathing. The following results were obtained. 1) Although rectal temperature rose, on the average, by 0.15 degrees C in all bathing methods, there were no significant differences among the three bathing methods at any time in the experiment. 2) Mean skin temperature (Tsk) during the sink bath was significantly higher than that in the standing or sitting shower. After bathing, Tsk of sink bath was slightly higher than those of the remaining conditions, but did not significantly differ among the bathing methods. 3) Heart rate increased gradually during all the bathing methods, however, only HR in the standing shower exceeded 100 beats/min which was significantly higher than those of the two remaining bathing methods. 4) Blood pressure (BP) decreased rapidly during the sink bath in contrast to an increased BP in the sitting and standing showers.

Indocyanine green videoangiographic findings in detachment of the retinal pigment epithelium

BACKGROUND

Several forms of retinal pigment epithelial detachment have been reported. The authors used indocyanine green (ICG) videoangiography, which is useful to study the choroidal vasculature and Bruch membrane, to study pigment epithelial detachments.

METHODS

Ninety-eight pigment epithelial detachments in 75 eyes were classified based on the appearance of choroidal neovascular membranes or late phase findings of ICG videoangiography done at the initial examination. The authors also followed the evolution of 51 such detachments not associated with choroidal neovascularization (CNV).

RESULTS

Sixty-four pigment epithelial detachments without CNV were divided into five groups. Among eyes with pigment epithelial detachments that showed intense hyperfluorescence, all except one of the patients had both eyes involved and had several pigment epithelial detachments, sometimes with exudative retinal detachments. Weak hyperfluorescence was observed more often in younger patients. During follow-up of eyes with pigment epithelial detachments that showed irregular hypofluorescence, a neovascular membrane developed in one eye, microrips developed in four eyes and retinochoroidal folds in one eye. Most eyes that showed irregular hyperfluorescence developed atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium. In 34 pigment epithelial detachments with CNV, either irregular hypofluorescence or absence of fluorescence was observed in areas that corresponded to the pigment epithelial detachment.

CONCLUSION

The intense hyperfluorescence is thought to be due to the accumulation of protein-rich fluid within the pigment epithelial detachment. Most pigment epithelial detachments that showed weak fluorescence probably represent variants of central serous choroidopathy. Pigment epithelial detachments that showed irregular hypofluorescence or hyperfluorescence were associated with age-related macular degeneration, and the former was correlated closely with CNV. Close follow-up therefore is recommended for eyes with pigment epithelial detachments that show irregular hypofluorescence.

[Second generation shock wave lithotripsy: experience with the Siemens Lithostar]

In 1980, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) was incorporated as a nonsurgical method of stone removal in the cases of nephrolithiasis and rapidly found worldwide acceptance. Several devices commonly designated "second generation" lithotripters vs "first generation" Dornier HM3 are now under experimental or clinical trial. We report our clinical experience of ESWL using a Siemens Lithostar and compared it with that obtained using a Dornier HM3. One hundred patients were treated during the period of April through October, 1986 using an HM3, and 100 other patients were treated using a Lithostar from April to August, 1988. More cases were treated with a Lithostar than with a HM3. Nearly 10% of all patients treated by ESWL required additional therapeutic approaches (excepted ureteral stent) either with HM3 or Lithostar. However, in the cases of ureteral stone, with the Lithostar more cases required adjuvant procedures (TUL) than HM3. Significantly more shock waves were needed with Lithostar than HM3 for complete fragmentation of the same size of renal and ureteral stones. The stone-free rate during a one month period after ESWL was nearly the same for HM3 and Lithostar (HM3: 84.3%, Lithostar: 83.5%). Lithostar is a multifunctional lithotriptor which has most of the advantages required by the lithotripter.

A pitfall in the interhemispheric translamina terminalis approach for the removal of a craniopharyngioma. Significance of preserving draining veins. Part I. Clinical study

The interhemispheric translamina terminalis approach has made total removal of a craniopharyngioma less risky. Nevertheless, one of the pitfalls of this approach is cutting of the draining veins combined with retraction. A case of craniopharyngioma in which a subcortical hematoma developed is reported. The divided draining veins and the 60-minute retraction period were thought to have caused this complication. We therefore determined the clinical effect of cutting the draining veins and retraction on the regional cerebral blood flow and the motor nerve action potential. There were marked changes and a hematoma occurred mostly when the veins were divided and retraction was applied over the area.

[Prophylaxis of recurrence of superficial bladder tumor by intravesical chemotherapy]

During the past 10 years, we have experienced 110 bladder tumor cases. Among them, 70 patients were diagnosed superficial bladder tumor. Of these 70 cases, 30 were treated with intravesical adriamycin (ADR) and peplomycin (PEP), 13 with ADR only and one case with PEP and remaining 26 with TUR and hydrostatic pressure technique. We studied the efficacy of combination intravesical chemotherapy with ADR and PEP and other treatments in the prevention of recurrence in the superficial bladder tumor cases. The recurrence rate during 3 years of each group, was 25% in the group treated with ADR and PEP, 35% with ADR and 55% in remaining group. 3 years recurrence rate in the group treated with ADR and PEP was significantly low than that in the group tread with TUR and hydrostatic pressure technique alone (Wilcoxon test). Side effects was pollakisuria, pain after micturition and others. Anaphylactic shock appeared in one case. From these results we concluded that intravesical chemotherapy with combined agents is more effective than that with a single one or no treatment after TUR.

Pionic carbon/oxygen capture ratios in blood and muscle tissue of pig

The pionic carbon/oxygen capture ratio for the blood and muscle tissue of a pig was measured using an intrinsic Ge detector in order to investigate possible explanations for an enhanced lesion observed in the autopsy of pion-irradiated patients. Pure iron was also irradiated in order to determine the energies and intensities of pionic x-rays from iron. It was expected that some of them originated from haemoglobin and could be observed in the spectrum for a blood sample. TE plastic (Shonka A-150) and Lucite were also investigated for comparison with other work.

[Clinical experience with a Terumo guide wire in the urinary tract]

TERUMO guide wire was used for treatment of urinary tract diseases in 30 cases of percutaneous nephrolithotomy, 35 cases of transurethral retrieval for ureteral stones and one case each of stricture of uretero-ileal junction with a ureteral stone, urethral stricture after mechanical instrumentation, and cystic dilatation of terminal seminal duct with hematospermia. The advantages of the use of TERUMO guide wire in the urinary tract are described. The rigid stem wire with a floppy terminal portion is superior to other types of guide wires concerning flexibility, elasticity, degree of sliding and maneuverability.

[Clinical studies on medical disorders of patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy over 65 years of age]

The medical disorders of 269 in-patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy who were over 65 years old and hospitalized between September 1974 and March 1985, were reviewed. The most frequent preoperative disorder was of the cardiovascular system. A comparative examination of the operative group with the non-operative group was made by nine preoperative risk factors, which showed a statistically significant difference at the 0.1% level.

[Pulmonary function and movement of the thoracic cage in mild idiopathic thoracic scoliosis]

It has not yet been studied whether there is a threshold in the degree of scoliotic deformity, above which the pulmonary function is impaired. Neither has it been confirmed whether the pulmonary dysfunction has some relation to the development of scoliosis and its deterioration, if the impairment of pulmonary function does exists in patients with subclinically mild scoliosis. To elucidate these problems, the author investigated the respiratory function and the movement of the thoracic cage as well, in scoliotic patients with mild involvement on their thoracic spine. The results were as follows. In cases with mild deformity of less than fourty degrees, residual volume and functional residual capacity were increased and static lung compliance was decreased, but vital capacity remained within normal limits. Increased residual volume was observed even in the very mild case with a curvature of as much as ten degrees. No correlation was found between the degree of pulmonary dysfunction and the prognosis of scoliosis. The author believed that prognosis of scoliosis could not be predicted by testing the pulmonary functions alone. The movement of the thoracic cage was greater in the concave side of scoliosis than in the convex side on both tidal breathing and vital capacity measurement maneuver. Both the degree of deformity represented by Cobb's angle and that of rib hump correlated significantly with the restriction of the movement of the thoracic cage on the convex side of scoliotic deformity.

Effect of tungsten absorption edge filter on diagnostic x-ray spectra, image quality and absorbed dose to the patient

The X-ray spectra from a tungsten-target diagnostic tube were measured with a lithium-drifted silicon detector. Four characteristic X-ray peaks were clearly observed. When a 0.05-0.3 mm thick tungsten absorption edge filter was added to the tube, the number of photons in the spectra above the K-absorption edge decreased dramatically. The effect of the absorption edge filter on image quality and on the absorbed dose were investigated by both measurement and Monte Carlo calculation. The absorbed dose to the patient is reduced without image quality, being degraded.

Flow visualization of Bénard convection using holographic interferometry

An application of holographic interferometry to Rayleigh-Bénard flow is reported. A fluid seeded with fine alumina particles is illuminated with sheetlike light, and the light scattered from the plane is recorded in a hologram. The reconstructed images give 2-D full-field velocity information within the volume of moving liquid at any instant in time. The convective rolls are regular and oriented perpendicular to the long side of the cell. The vertical velocity distribution closely approximates a sinusoidal function of the horizontal distance and its maximum is nearly proportional to the half-power of the reduced temperature.

Neutral arylamidase in urine of healthy and nephrotic children

The neutral arylamidase activity in urine of healthy and nephrotic children was determined using L-leucyl-beta-napthylamide as substrate. The neutral arylamidase activity in urine samples from 13 nephrotic children (22.4+/-3.0 (S.E.) mumol/min/g of creatinine) was significantly higher (p less than 0.001) than that from 27 normal children (8.5+/-0.4). Two forms of neutral arylamidase were demonstrated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Sephadex G-200 gel filtration in urine samples from normal children. One was a high molecular weight arylamidase (more than 1 000 000), the other had a molecular weitht of 240 000 as estimated by Sephadex G-200 gel filtration. Two additional electrophoretically distinct froms of neurtral arylamidase were demonstrated on polyacrylamide gel in urine samples from nephrotic children. Two neutral arylamidases from normal children, one additional arylamidase from normal children, one additional arylamidase from nephrotic children and kidney membrane-bound neurtral arylamidase had identical KM values, effect of inhibition by L-methionine and heat stability. One of four urinary arylamidases from nephrotic children was suggested to be derived from plasma. It is concluded that an increase in urinary neutral arylamidase activity in nephrotic children is not only due to increased released from kidney membranes, but also due to leakage of plasma neutral arylamidase in the urine.