Prediction of 1H Singlet Relaxation via Intermolecular Dipolar Couplings Using the Molecular Dynamics Method

Dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization has been applied in various fields, including chemistry, biology, and medical science. To expand the scope of these applications, the nuclear singlet state, which is decoherence-free against dipolar relaxation between spin pairs, has been studied experimentally, theoretically, and numerically. The singlet state composed of proton spins is used in several applications, such as enhanced polarization preservation, molecular tagging to probe slow dynamic processes, and detection of ligand-protein complexes. In this study, we predict the lifetimes of the nuclear spin states composed of proton spin pairs using the molecular dynamics method and quantum chemistry simulations. We consider intramolecular dipolar, intermolecular dipolar between solvent and solute, chemical shift anisotropy, and spin-rotation interactions. In particular, the relaxation rate of intermolecular dipolar interactions is calculated using the molecular dynamics method for various solvents. The calculated values and the experimental values are of the same order of magnitude. Our program would provide insight into the molecular design of several NMR applications and would be helpful in predicting the nuclear spin relaxation time of synthetic molecules in advance.

Phase I and biomarker study of OPB-51602, a novel signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 inhibitor, in patients with refractory solid malignancies

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of OPB-51602, an oral, direct signal transduction activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) inhibitor, in patients with refractory solid tumors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three cohorts were studied: cohort A, a sequential dose escalation of OPB-51602 administered intermittently (days 1-14 every 21 days); cohort B, an expansion cohort evaluating the dose lower than the MTD; cohort C, evaluating continuous daily dosing.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients were studied at 2, 4, and 5 mg per day dosing. The MTD was 5 mg; first-cycle dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were grade 3 hyponatremia in one patient, and grade 3 dehydration in another. Intermittent dosing of both 2 and 4 mg doses were tolerable, and the recommended phase II dose was 4 mg. Cohort B investigated 4 mg intermittently, whereas cohort C investigated 4 mg continuously. Common toxicities included fatigue, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and early-onset peripheral neuropathy. Drug-induced pneumonitis occurred in two patients in cohort C. Continuous dosing was associated with a higher incidence of peripheral neuropathy and a lower mean relative dose intensity, compared with intermittent dosing. Steady-state pharmacokinetics was characterized by high oral clearance, mean elimination half-life ranging from 44 to 61 h, and a large terminal-phase volume of distribution. An active metabolite, OPB-51822, accumulated to a greater extent than OPB-51602. Flow cytometry of peripheral blood mononuclear cells demonstrated pSTAT3 (Tyr(705)) inhibition following exposure. Two patients achieved partial responses at 5 mg intermittently and 4 mg continuously; both had epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation-positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with prior EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor exposure.

CONCLUSION

OPB-51602 demonstrates promising antitumor activity, particularly in NSCLC. Its long half-life and poorer tolerability of continuous dosing, compared with intermittent dosing, suggest that less frequent dosing should be explored.

CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER

NCT01184807.

Behavior of endocrine disrupting chemicals in Johkasou improved septic tank in Japan

The behavior of estrogens (estrone: E1, 17beta-estradiol: E2, estriol: E3 and ethinylestradiol: EE2) and an androgen (testosterone) in the water and sludge from Johkasou in Japan was investigated. The concentrations of E1, E2, E3 and testosterone in water samples from the Johkasou were 33-500, N.D. approximately 150, N.D. approximately 6,700 and 500 ng/L, respectively. In sludge samples, the concentrations of E1, E2, E3, and testostrerone were N.D. approximately 39, N.D. approximately 6.7, N.D. approximately 60 and 0.2-9.0 ng/L, respectively. EE2 was not detected in all samples. The removal rates of E1, E2, E3 and testosterone in Johkasou were 45%-91%, 66%-100%, 90%-100%, and about 90%, respectively.

Histological evaluation of internally-fixed osteochondral lesions of the knee

We evaluated the histological changes before and after fixation in ten knees of ten patients with osteochondritis dissecans who had undergone fixation of the unstable lesions. There were seven males and three females with a mean age of 15 years (11 to 22). The procedure was performed either using bio-absorbable pins only or in combination with an autologous osteochondral plug. A needle biopsy was done at the time of fixation and at the time of a second-look arthroscopy at a mean of 7.8 months (6 to 9) after surgery. The biopsy specimens at the second-look arthroscopy showed significant improvement in the histological grading score compared with the pre-fixation scores (p < 0.01). In the specimens at the second-look arthroscopy, the extracellular matrix was stained more densely than at the time of fixation, especially in the middle to deep layers of the articular cartilage. Our findings show that articular cartilage regenerates after fixation of an unstable lesion in osteochondritis dissecans.

Flowering response of rice to photoperiod and temperature: a QTL analysis using a phenological model

In this study we have attempted to quantify the thermal and photoperiodical responses of rice (Oryza sativa L.) flowering time QTLs jointly by a 'date-of-planting' field experiment of a mapping population, and a 'phenological model' analysis that separately parameterizes the two responses, based on daily temperature, daily photoperiod and flowering date. For this purpose, the 'three-stage Beta model', which parameterizes the sensitivity to temperature (parameter alpha), the sensitivity to photoperiod (parameter beta), and earliness under optimal conditions (10 h photoperiod at 30 degrees C) (parameter G), was applied to 'Nipponbare' x 'Kasalath' backcross inbred lines that were transplanted on five dates. QTLs for the beta value were detected in the four known flowering time QTL (Hd1, Hd2, Hd6 and Hd8) regions, while QTLs for the G value were detected only in the Hd1 and Hd2 regions. This result was consistent with previous reports on near-isogenic lines (NILs) of Hd1, Hd2 and Hd6, where these loci were involved in photoperiod sensitivity, and where Hd1 and Hd2 conferred altered flowering under both 10 and 14 h photoperiods, while Hd6 action was only affected by the 14 h photoperiod. Hd8 was shown to control photoperiod sensitivity for the first time. Interestingly, Hd1 and Hd2 were associated with a QTL for the alpha value, which might support the previous hypothesis that the process of photoinduction depends on temperature. These results demonstrate that our approach can effectively quantify environmental responses of flowering time QTLs without controlled environments or NILs.

Morphology of microphase separated domains in rod–coil copolymer melts

We investigate the morphology of microphase separated domains in diblock copolymers where each chain consists of a stiff rod block and a flexible coil block. A simplified phenomenological model system is introduced, which is coarse-grained in terms of the local concentration difference between the two blocks and the local director field of the rod part. Computer simulations of this set of time-evolution equations in two dimensions show in the weak segregation regime that the elastic energy in the rod-block rich domains affects drastically the structures of microphase separated domains. A coil-to-rod transition is incorporated into the model system to examine the elastic and anisotropic effects. The effects of the external electric field are also investigated to control the domain morphology.

A new synthetic matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor modulates both angiogenesis and urokinase type plasminogen activator activity

Proteolytic degradation of the extracellular matrix is essential to angiogenesis. Two families of proteases, the serine proteases of plasminogen activator/plasmin system and the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are closely involved in these processes. The treatment of mice with a diet containing a new synthetic MMP inhibitor, OPB-3206: 3S-[4-(N-hydroxyamino)-2R-isobutylsuccinyl] amino-1methoxy-3, 4-dihydrocarbostyril, abrogated the development of new vessels in a rat corneal assay, and in a mouse Matrigel assay. In an in vitro angiogenesis model, OPB-3206 inhibited the migration and the tube formation of bovine aortic endothelial cells at 10-100 times lower concentrations than those required to inhibit the growth of these cells. OPB-3206 as well as other MMP inhibitory drugs, batimastat/BB-94 and marimastat/BB-2516, also selectively inhibited tubular morphogenesis in vitro. OPB-3206 reduced the activities of interstitial collagenase and type IV collagenase, but the concentrations of 50% inhibition against these MMPs were much higher than those of BB-94 and BB-2516. However, this new compound also inhibited urokinase type plasminogen activator activity on fibrin zymogram, while BB-94 and BB-2516 did not. Furthermore, the addition of urokinase type plasminogen activator reduced the inhibitory effect of the tubular morphogenesis of vascular endothelial cells by OPB-3206. The treatment of mice with a diet containing this new compound also reduced the growth of implanted mammary carcinomas as well as the lung metastasis of colon carcinoma. The anti-angiogenic effect of OPB-3206 appeared to be associated with its inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis.

Treatment for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome using an oral dopamine prodrug, docarpamine

Dopamine treatment constitutes a major advance towards the management of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) by causing renal and mesenteric vasodilatation as well as diuretic and positive inotropic actions. Docarpamine, an oral dopamine prodrug, is converted into dopamine after enteral administration, and the generated dopamine causes renal vasodilatation and diuresis. The purpose of this study was to assess whether docarpamine had beneficial effects in patients with OHSS. Twenty-seven patients, hospitalized because of OHSS and refractory to the initial therapy with intravenous albumin, were treated by docarpamine, after informed consent had been obtained. A 750-mg tablet of docarpamine was taken every 8 h. In some cases, the plasma levels of free dopamine were measured. The daily urinary outputs before and 1, 2, 3 and 4 days after the docarpamine treatment were 839 +/- 424 ml, 1121 +/- 608 ml, 1168 +/- 504 ml, 1325 +/- 815 ml and 1133 +/- 509 ml, respectively. There were significant differences between the first and each of the others (p < 0.05). In 19 (86.4%) of 22 patients treated, clinical symptoms associated with ascites were gradually improved after administrating docarpamine. The plasma free dopamine concentration rose to as high as 55.9 +/- 33.2 mg/ml during the first hour, which corresponded to the usual intravenous drip infusion treatment with dopamine. Moreover, there were no major adverse effects of docarpamine in this study. This was the first demonstration of docarpamine treatment in patients with intravenous albumin-resistant OHSS. Although no effect was seen in pregnant women, diuresis was increased in some women, and ascites decreased. These findings indicate that oral docarpamine administration could be one of the options in the management of patients with OHSS using dopamine therapy.

A rise of the serum level of von Willebrand factor occurs before clinical manifestation of the severe form of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

BACKGROUND

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) appears to be caused by increased capillary permeability in the vascular endothelial cells. Such cells secrete excess amounts of von Willebrand factor (vWF), a large adhesive glycoprotein.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated the circulating levels of vWF and of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) twice, on the days of oocyte retrieval and embryo transfer, in 46 women who developed early-onset OHSS.

RESULTS

Nineteen, 14, and 13 women developed mild, moderate, and severe OHSS, respectively. Inconsistent changes were observed in the VEGF during oocyte retrieval and embryo transfer. However, the net increase in serum vWF during that period showed an increase in absolute value at the time of embryo transfer that paralleled an increase in the severity of OHSS. That is, in mild OHSS, the serum vWF increased from 140 +/- 44 to 164 +/- 28%; in moderate OHSS, it increased from 113 +/- 47 to 186 +/- 22%; and in severe OHSS, it increased from 120 +/- 35 to 274 +/- 63%. All 9 women with a vWF level > 230% at embryo transfer developed severe OHSS, while 9 of 13 women with severe OHSS exhibited a vWF > 230% at embryo transfer.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that a rise of the serum level of vWF occurs prior to clinical manifestation of OHSS in patients with severe OHSS but not in patients with mild OHSS.

Effects of low-intensity aerobic training on the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration in healthy elderly subjects

The concentration of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is inversely correlated with the risk of coronary heart disease. The effects of low-intensity aerobic training on serum HDL-C and other lipoprotein concentrations were examined in healthy elderly subjects. The subjects were randomly assigned to two groups matched for sex, age, height, and weight. The training group (n = 20, 10 men and 10 women aged 67 +/- 4 years) participated in a supervised physical exercise regimen using a bicycle ergometer at an intensity of 50% estimated maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) for 60 minutes two to four times per week for 5 months. In contrast, the control group (n = 20, 10 men and 10 women aged 68 +/- 4 years) did not perform any particular physical training. The training protocol resulted in significant increases in the VO2max (P < .05), HDL-C, HDL2-C, and HDL2-C/HDL3-C ratio (P < .01). The change in HDL2-C (r = .57, P < .01) and HDL2-C/HDL3-C (r = .63, P < .01) was positively associated with an increase in the total exercise duration per week. In addition, the total weekly exercise duration also showed a significant positive relationship with HDL-C (r = .75, P < .01), HDL2-C (r = .81, P < .01), and HDL2-C/HDL3-C (r = .71, P < .01) after the training period. The changes in body weight and the VO2max were not significantly correlated with any lipid parameters. Low-intensity aerobic training may improve the profile of HDL-C and its subfractions in healthy elderly subjects. Also, the total exercise duration may be an important factor for improving HDL-C and HDL2-C in elderly subjects.

Successful metaphase chromosome analysis of human elongated spermatids using mouse oocytes

Human elongated spermatids from azoospermic patients were inserted into mouse oocytes by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The injection resulted in survival rates of 46.5% (180 out of 387) and activation rates of 36.1% (65 out of 180). The rate of two pronuclear (2PN) formation was 35.4% (23 out of 65). Only 34.8% (eight out of 23) metaphase chromosome spreads from 2PN zygotes could be analysed; however, all were of normal karyotype. Cytogenetic analysis at the first metaphase revealed that human elongated spermatid chromosomes were able to undergo replication in a heterogeneous environment.

Expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), membrane-type 1 MMP and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 and activation of proMMP-2 in pancreatic duct adenocarcinomas in hamsters treated with N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine

In order to assess the significance of changes in metalloproteinase activity in pancreatic carcinogenesis, the expression of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9, respectively), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and TIMP-2, and membrane-type 1 MMP (MT1-MMP) and MT2-MMP in ductal lesions in a rapid-production model for pancreatic duct carcinomas (PCs) in hamsters initiated with N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine (BOP) and in subcutaneous transplantable tumors of hamster pancreatic duct carcinoma (HPDs) was investigated. Northern analysis revealed MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-2 and MT1-MMP mRNAs to be overexpressed in PCs. Immunohistochemically, elevated levels of MMP-2 were apparent in early duct epithelial hyperplasias and staining increased from atypical hyperplasias to carcinomas. Gelatin zymography demonstrated clear activation of proMMP-2 but not proMMP-9 in both of primary and HPD tumors, the MT1-MMP mRNA level and proMMP-2 activation being significantly correlated (r = 0.893, P < 0.001). In our rapid production model, 0.1 and 0.2% OPB-3206, an inhibitor of MMPs, given in the diet after two cycles of augmentation pressures for 48 days decreased the incidence and number of carcinomas. Gelatin zymography demonstrated that OPB-3206 inhibited activation of proMMP-2 in pancreatic cancer tissues. These results indicate that overexpression of MMP-2, TIMP-2 and MT1-MMP, and cell surface activation of proMMP-2 by MT1-MMP, are involved in the development of PCs, and that MMP-2 expression at the protein level appears in the early phase of pancreatic duct carcinogenesis. OPB-3206 may be a candidate chemopreventive agent for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas.

[Exercise therapy]

Accumulating evidence indicates that physically active subject have lower all cause morbidity and mortality than those of sedentary subject. It has been established that low intensity aerobic training improve coronary risk by increasing HDL, HDL2-cholesterol, apolipoprotein-AI and HDL-C/TC, and decreasing triglyceride. Also low intensity training lowers blood pressure and improve insulin resistance. It would be suggested that regular aerobic training may decrease in fibrinogen, platelet aggregation and PAI-1 antigen, and increase in t-PA activity. The low intensity training at 50% VO2max for 60 min/day, 3 times a week can be recommended to exercise therapy in the wide-variety of subjects including coronary heart disease.

[The effects of low intensity aerobic training on the physiological indexes and the quality of life in middle-aged white collar workers]

The effects of short-term low intensity aerobic training on the physiological indexes and the Quality of Life were examined in 43 middle-aged White Collar Workers. Training was carried out for 205 +/- 117 minutes/week, at least 2-3 times/week for 2 months on a cycle ergometer or walking with intensity level set at the 50% VO2max. Following this training protocol, thirty-six men (exercise group) completed the 2-month training program and 7 men dropped out (the dropout group). In the exercise group, both the VO2max (l/min) and VO2max/wt increased significantly (VO2max (l/min): P < 0.05. VO2max/wt: P < 0.01), whereas the weight, body mass index, %fat, fat (kg) and the waist hip ratio (WHR) decreased significantly (WHR: P < 0.05, others: P < 0.01) after 2 months. In addition, the DBP and serum TC, LDL-c/HDL-c decreased significantly (LDL-c/HDL-c: P < 0.01, others: P < 0.05) whereas the HDL-c increased significantly (P < 0.05). A modified Croog questionnaire was used to assess the subject's Quality of Life. The questionnaire consisted of 59 questions and the overall assessment was based on eight components. Regarding the Quality of Life, physical symptoms, work performance and satisfaction, total Quality of Life all improved significantly (physical symptoms, P < 0.05; others: P < 0.01) and social participation also tended to improve (P < 0.08). There was a significantly negative correlation between the initial Quality of Life and the changes in the Quality of Life (6 of the 8 components). In the all subjects, there was a significantly positive correlation between the changes in physical symptoms and the changes in VO2max/wt (r = 0.36, P < 0.05). In the dropout group, the FBS increased significantly (P < 0.05) but no other variables regarding the Quality of Life significantly changed after 2 months. In conclusion the above results suggest that short-term low intensity aerobic training in the present study can help improve the physiological indexes, VO2max and Quality of Life in middle-aged White Collar Workers and the observed improvement in the Quality of Life was also found to be greater in the subjects with a low Quality of Life than in those with a high Quality of Life.

Inhibition of spontaneous rat osteosarcoma lung metastasis by 3S-[4-(N-hydroxyamino)-2R-isobutylsuccinyl]amino-1-methoxy-3,4-dihydroc arbostyril, a novel matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor

In the present experiment, we examined the effects of OPB-3206, 3S-[4-(N-hydroxyamino)-2R-isobutylsuccinyl]amino-1-methoxy-3,4- dihydrocarbostyril, a novel metalloproteinase inhibitor, on the growth and metastasis of transplantable osteosarcomas (spontaneous osteosarcoma, selected lung metastatic lesions; S-SLM), which were previously established in rats. OPB-3206 inhibited the activities of interstitial collagenase, gelatinases A and B, and stromelysin in vitro. After oral administration to rats, its serum concentration peaked at 40 min and the drug was no longer detectable at 8 h. When OPB-3206 was orally administered at 0%, 0.1% and 0.4% in the diet for 4 weeks, starting 7 days after subcutaneous transplantation of osteosarcomas to male Fischer 344 rats, numbers of lung metastatic nodules were significantly reduced by the highest dose, while the growth of subcutaneous tumors was not affected. Zymographic analysis showed the presence of pro matrix metalloproteinase (proMMP)-2, proMMP-9 and MMP-9 activities in S-SLM. In animals fed 0.4% OPB-3206, the activity of proMMP-9 was increased, but that for MMP-9 had become undetectable. The results thus suggest that OPB-3206 selectively inhibits lung metastasis of rat transplantable osteosarcomas by inhibiting MMP-9 activation.

Blood pressure lowering effect of low intensity aerobic training in elderly hypertensive patients

PURPOSE

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of 9 months of low intensity aerobic training on blood pressure in elderly hypertensive patients who were receiving antihypertensive medication.

METHODS

The training group (N = 13; mean age 75.4 +/- 5.4 yr) agreed to take part in physical training using a treadmill with an exercise intensity at the blood lactate threshold (LT) for 30 min three to six times a week for 9 months. The rest (N = 13; mean age 73.1 +/- 4.2 yr) served as controls.

RESULTS

The resting systolic (-15 +/- 8 mm Hg), mean (-11 +/- 6 mm Hg), and diastolic blood pressures (-9 +/- 9 mm Hg) decreased significantly after 3 months of training and the blood pressure of all participants stabilized at a significantly lower level by the end of the study (9 months) in the training group, whereas no significant changes in blood pressure were found in the control group. Both the pretraining systolic and diastolic blood pressure of those recruited patients negatively correlated with those changes after the training (SBP: P < 0.01; DBP: P < 0.05, respectively). After 1 month of detraining in five patients, the blood pressure levels were similar to those in the pretraining state. The LT increased significantly in the training group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, an additional antihypertensive effect of mild aerobic training at the LT was confirmed in elderly patients receiving antihypertensive medication. The cessation of such training in five patients, however, resulted in a relatively rapid return to pretraining levels within a month.

Material analysis end-station of the Hyogo-ken beamline at SPring-8

Plans to construct surface-analysis equipment which will be placed on beamline BL24XU of SPring-8 are presented. There are three experimental hutches in BL24XU, which are available simultaneously by using diamond monochromators as beam splitters. The purpose of the surface-analysis equipment is the simultaneous measurement of fluorescent and diffracted X-rays in grazing-incidence geometry. The instrument is equipped with a solid-state detector (SSD) and a flat position-sensitive proportional counter (PSPC) combined with analysing crystals for X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. A curved PSPC and the goniometer that mounts the SSD used for XRF are also installed for X-ray diffraction. X-ray fluorescence holography and polarized X-ray emission spectroscopy modes are available, so three-dimensional images of atomic configurations and also the anisotropic structure of materials will be studied.

Structural abnormalities of autosomal chromosomes in the male partner do not influence fertilization and early development of embryos after intracytoplasmic sperm injection

The objective of this study was to determine whether or not abnormalities in the autosomal structure of the male partner have any influence on fertilization and early embryo development after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Thirty-seven couples in whom the male partners were examined by the same andrologist were included in this study. Six couples (group I) in whom the male partner possessed autosomal structural abnormality underwent seven ICSI cycles. As a control group, 31 couples (group II) in which the male partner was karyotypically normal underwent 41 ICSI cycles. Although the normal fertilization rates seen in group I were significantly higher than those in group II (P < 0.05), there was no significant difference in the cleavage rates between the two groups. We did not perform the analysis of the female partner's chromosomes, but we surmise that structural autosomal abnormalities in the male partner do not adversely influence fertilization at ICSI and early development of embryos.

Color pattern formation on the wing of a butterfly Pieris rapae. 2. Color determination and scale development

It has been shown that microcautery on the prospective apical black region of the early pupal forewing of a butterfly, Pieris rapae, causes alteration of the scale color on the adult wing and a delay in histogenesis of the pupal wing. From these results, it has been assumed that the developmental delay of scale cells in the pupal wing alters their developmental fate and the hypothesis that different color fates of scales are determined by differences in the developmental timetables between scale cells is proposed. In this study, we attempted to find the developmental timetables of individual scales expressing specific color to test this hypothesis. It was found that the holes on the upper surface of a scale become larger as they develop and the hole sizes of scales in the white region are always larger than in the black region on the same wings either during pupal period or after eclosion. This suggests that the scale hole size is a good index that reflects developmental rate of the scale and a difference in the hole size between adult scales is attributed to a difference in the developmental timetables when their ancestral scale precursor cells were in the pupal period. A comparison of the hole sizes between adult scales in different color regions suggested that normal white scales were in a more advanced state than were the black ones but white scales induced by microcautery were in a less advanced state than black ones on the same wing. This supports our hypothesis.

Dicentric Y chromosome in an azoospermic male

We describe a 28 year old male with a pseudodicentric Y chromosome who suffered from azoospermia attributed to maturation arrest of the primary spermatocyte, as diagnosed by testicular biopsy. Chromosome analysis, using G, Q and C banding techniques, revealed an abnormal karyotype of 45,X[7]/46,X,psu dic (Y)(pter-->q11.2::q11.2-->pter)[33]. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) DNA analysis did not detect the absence of DAZ and RBM1 which are candidates for azoospermic factor (AZF) genes. Therefore, it is suggested that the maturation arrest of the primary spermatocyte in this patient was caused either by a pairing dysfunction between the X and Y chromosomes during meiosis or by deletions in the autosomal or the Y chromosomal spermatogenesis controlling genes, excluding DAZ and RBM1.

Intracytoplasmic injection with late spermatids: a successful procedure in achieving childbirth for couples in which the male partner suffers from azoospermia due to deficient spermatogenesis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the feasibility of using late spermatids in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for patients in which there is a total lack of normal and testicular sperm.

DESIGN

Clinical study.

SETTING

Private fertility center with adjacent laboratory facilities.

PATIENT(S)

Thirty-six males diagnosed with azoospermia underwent testicular biopsy and the resulting spermatids from nine patients were used to fertilize oocytes retrieved from their respective wives by ICSI.

INTERVENTION(S)

Intracytoplasmic spermatid injection of oocytes with late spermatids obtained by testicular biopsy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Fertilization, pregnancy, and delivery rates.

RESULT(S)

Three of the cases resulted in pregnancies with childbirth occurring in all three, identical twins in one, and individual singletons in the other two cases.

CONCLUSION(S)

It is possible to achieve successful levels of pregnancy and childbirth in cases of azoospermia by intracytoplasmic injection of late spermatids.

The clinical efficacy of gamete intrafallopian transfer by minilaparotomy versus in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical performance of gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) and in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET).

METHODS

Infertile women were divided into 2 groups: for GIFT, 239 patients (326 cycles) with at least 1 patent tube; and, for IVF-ET, 125 patients (210 cycles) with bilateral tubal occlusion. A specially designed retractor was developed to replace the gametes into an appropriate section of the Fallopian tube accurately and safely. Several parameters, including the pregnancy and delivery rates of each group, were compared.

RESULTS

The success rate per trial in the GIFT group was approximately 1.5 times higher than that in the IVF group (pregnancy rate: 44.2% vs. 31.0%, p < 0.01; delivery rate: 33.4% vs. 22.9%, p < 0.01). The pregnancy and delivery rates of GIFT decreased steadily with the number of trials. These apparent decreases were not observed up to the 3rd trial in IVF-ET cases.

CONCLUSIONS

GIFT with a minilaparotomy procedure yielded significantly higher success rates than IVF-ET. Accordingly, GIFT is considered to be the first treatment choice in infertility cases with at least 1 patent Fallopian tube.

Leukopenia-inducing effect of a combination of a new 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-derived drug, BOF-A2 (emitefur), with other 5-FU-derived drugs or BV-araU (sorivudine) in rats

BOF-A2 (emitefur: 3-(3-[6-benzoyloxy-3-cyano-2-pyridyloxycarbonyl]benzoyl)-1-ethoxy- methyl-5- fluorouracil), a novel 5-FU (5-fluorouracil)-derived drug, was co-administered with other conventional 5-FU-derived drugs or BV-araU [sorivudine: 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl-(E)-5-(2-bromovinyluracil)] for 8 consecutive days to rats. BOF-A2 (6 or 8 mg/kg, p.o.) co-administered with other 5-FU-derived drugs elevated the plasma 5-FU concentration 3- to 23.3-fold and decreased the peripheral white blood cell (WBC). The percentage decreases of WBC by 5-FU (4 mg/kg, i.p.), UFT (16 mg/kg, p.o.), tegafur (FT; 16 mg/kg, p.o.), carmofur (HCFU; 15 mg/kg, p.o.), doxifluridine (5'-DFUR; 16 mg/kg, p.o.) and flucytosine (200 mg/kg, p.o.) were 25.7%, 31.9%, 70.3%, 32.0%, 58.6% and 30.0%, respectively, compared with each drug alone. On the other hand, these phenomena did not occur with BV-araU. These findings can be attributed to the fact that the inhibitory activity of CNDP (3-cyano-2,6-dihydroxypyridine) for 5-FU degradation (IC50: 6.3 x 10(-9) M) is potent and 6000 times greater than that of BVU [(E)-5-(2-bromovinyl) uracil], another inhibitor of 5-FU degradation.

[Pharmacokinetics of balofloxacin in the intraocular tissues of pigmented rabbits]

We performed the pharmacokinetics of balofloxacin in plasma and intraocular tissues in pigmented rabbits upon its oral administration. The penetrations of balofloxacin into plasma and aqueous humor of the anterior chamber reached their peaks of 6.46 micrograms/ml and 0.70 microgram/ml, respectively, and the ratio of drug concentration in aqueous humor to that of plasma was 0.12 at 1 hour after an oral administration of 20 mg/kg. Concentrations in plasma and aqueous humor of the anterior chamber reached 0.27 microgram/ml and 0.18 microgram/ml, respectively, at The T 1/2 (alpha) and T 1/2 (beta) of the drug in aqueous humor were longer than those in plasma The T 1/2 (alpha) and T 1/2 (beta) of the drug in aqueous humor were longer than those in plasma at a dose of 20 mg/kg. The concentrations in iris and ciliary body were much higher than in any other intraocular tissue in 24 hours after single administration of 20 mg/kg, and those concentrations remained at high levels for a long time.

[Exposure to blood during midwifery operations--a questionnaire study]

A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to all midwives working in Nara Prefecture to investigate blood exposure events at delivery and to consider protective measures for the exposure. Out of the 203 midwives 193 responded to the questionnaire. The median number of deliveries in which the midwives had assisted within the past one year was 35 after excluding those who had not assisted in deliveries at all. The incidence of needle-stick injuries was estimated to be 86.2 per 100 persons within the past one year. The occurrence in the subgroup who had worked as midwife for less than 5 years was 2-3 times higher than that in those who worked for more than 5 years. Over 90% of the midwives had experiences of direct blood contact events to the skin while assisting in their 10 most recent deliveries. Blood contact events occurred in the finger-hand-arm area in 85% of the midwives, on the legs in 62%, in the face in 20% and in the eyes in 1%. Around 20% of the midwives had unintentionally sucked amniotic fluid when using a tracheal catheter on a newborn. The most common occasion where direct blood contact events occurred was while bathing an infant for removing blood and amniotic fluid. The midwives wore a disposal gown more often when assisting in labors of parturient women infected with blood-born infectious diseases than without the diseases, and similarly for wearing gloves when measuring blood loss and for usage of a mechanical device for sucking amniotic fluid in the tracheae of an infant. Based on the results obtained in this questionnaire study and our previous study about blood contact events observed in a delivery room, protective measures for midwives against exposure to blood at delivery are required and some ideas are presented.

[Exposure to blood during midwifery procedures--blood contact events to midwives occurred in a delivery room]

Midwives are often exposed to blood during delivery procedures. A study aimed at clarifying actual status of blood contact during midwifery procedures was performed. Observations in a delivery room were conducted to record blood contact events experienced by midwives from the time of episiotomy until 2 hour after expulsion of the placenta. All gloves used by midwives were collected and tested for holes. Blood contact was defined as any contact with blood of a parturition woman as recognized visually by an observer. During a one-month study period data was obtained from a total of 19 midwives (12 midwives and 7 student midwives) who assisted in 8 deliveries. All of the midwives wore gowns with long sleeves, gloves and caps but did not use eye protection or masks. None of the parturient women had Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Deliveries caused widespread blood exposure to the midwives throughout the complete course. Protection from most of this exposure was provided by the gowns and gloves. However, direct blood contacts occurred to the fingers, hands or forearms in several midwives. These events were caused by partly because the midwives unintentionally performed procedures without gloves and partly because blood penetrated the gown and soaked to the skin. Direct blood contacts to the foot in two midwives and to the mouth in one also occurred. The overall perforation rate for gloves examined was 4 out of 154 (2.6%). Two gloves were broken during washing sharp instruments contaminated with blood, one was torn when wearing, and the remaining one appeared to have had a hole prior to use.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The effects of long-term low intensity aerobic training and detraining on serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in elderly men and women

The effects of long-term low intensity aerobic training and detraining on serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations were examined in 30 elderly men and women. These subjects were randomly divided into two groups. The training group [n = 15; 7 men and 8 women; mean age 75.5 (SD 5.6) years] agreed to take part in physical training using a treadmill with an exercise intensity at the blood lactate concentration threshold for 30 min 3-6 times a week for 9 months. The other group [n = 15; 7 men and 8 women; mean age 73.7 (SD 4.4) years] did not perform any particular physical training and was followed as the control. Following this training period the high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) had increased significantly (P < 0.01) while the total cholesterol (TC):HDL-C ratio had decreased significantly (P < 0.01) in the training group after 9 months but had not changed in the control group. The TC, triglyceride (TG) and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) had not changed significantly in either group. No significant difference was seen between the groups throughout the period for TC. LDL-C or TG. There was, however, a significant correlation between the initial TC:HDL-C ratio and the change in the TC:HDL-C ratio following 3 months of training (P < 0.05). After 1 month of detraining in 5 patients, the HDL-C had decreased significantly (P < 0.05) while the TC:HDL-C had increased significantly in the training group (P < 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Angiotensin II formation by an alternative pathway during exercise in humans

OBJECTIVE

We postulated a 'kinin-tensin system' in which angiotensin II (Ang II) is cleaved by one or more serine protease independent of renin or angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). The aim was to determine whether this alternative Ang II-forming pathway by serine proteases participates in the rise in plasma levels of Ang II during exercise in humans.

DESIGN AND METHODS

The study consisted of two double-blind crossover experiments. in experiment 1 six healthy volunteers who had been taking either placebo (group P) or the ACE inhibitor captopril (150 mg/day for 3 days; group C) performed a cycle ergometer graded exercise test at four different exercise intensities: stage 1, half of the intensity at the blood lactate threshold (WLT); stage 2, the intensity at WLT; stage 3, the intensity at 4 mmol/l blood lactate; and stage 4, an intensity between stage 3 and maximum intensity. In experiment 2 the same volunteers took captopril (150 mg/day for 3 days) and performed exercise at an intensity corresponding to 90% of the 4 mmol/l blood lactate intensity for 30 min during intravenous drip injection of a serine protease inhibitor, nafamostat [NAF; 0.2 mg/kg per h; NAF(+) group] or saline [NAF(-) group].

RESULTS

In experiment 1 plasma Ang II levels increased from at rest to after exercise in both groups P and C. Although there was a significant treatment effect, captopril did not significantly alter the exercise-induced changes in Ang II level. In experiment 2 the increase in Ang II level after 30 min exercise in the NAF(+) group was significantly lower than in the NAF(-) group.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest the presence of an alternative Ang II-forming pathway independent of ACE, and that one or more NAF-sensitive serine protease is responsible, at least partly, for generating Ang II during exercise.

[Effect of BOF-A2 on experimental and spontaneous metastasis model of mouse colon 26]

We investigated the effects of BOF-A2 on the metastasis of colorectal cancer using artificial (experimental) and spontaneous metastasis of Colon 26 tumor cells. BOF-A2 suppressed pulmonary nodules in the artificial metastasis of Colon 26 tumor cells into the lung, and the T/C (%) was 53.1% at 20 mg/kg or 8.3% at 40 mg/kg. BOF-A2 also suppressed pulmonary nodules in the spontaneous metastasis of Colon 26 tumor cells into the lung, and the T/C (%) was 33.3% at 40 mg/kg in postoperative treatment, 33.3% at 10 mg/kg, or 16.7% at 20 mg/kg in preoperative treatment. These effects were accompanied by the prolongation of survival time at each dose. From these results, BOF-A2 showed antimetastatic activity and survival effect, and may be useful for adjuvant chemotherapy to prevent cancer from metastasis to the lung.

[Intraocular penetration of current antibiotics]

We studied the intraocular penetration of 42 antibiotics in white rabbit eyes between 1980 to 1990 in our department. The parenteral route (intravenous, intramuscular): the ratios of maximum aqueous humor to serum level were 5.28-11.6% in penicillins (PCs), 5.95-20.17% in cephems and 13.4-30.27% in aminoglycosides (AGs). The aqueous concentration of antibiotics reached a peak within 1/4-1 hour after injection. Oral administration: the ratios of aqueous to serum level were 8.52-20.6% in PCs, 3.62-20.11% in cephems, 22.8-75.8% in macrolides (MLs) and 6.38-23.6% in quinolones. The aqueous concentration of antibiotics reached a peak within 1-4 hours after oral administration. The ratio of aqueous to serum level was the highest in MLs. The aqueous level reached a peak faster and the ratio of aqueous to serum level was higher by injection than by oral administration.

[The effects of exercise training on metabolic phases. With special reference to intraorganic fat and amino acids in Sprague-Dawley rats with streptozotocin diabetes]

We attempted to clarify the effects of aging and the difference between heavy and mild exercise training on the fat and amino acid (AA) systems of streptozotocin diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats in vivo. We exercised two groups of rats, both composed of juvenile and aged rats. The first group, however, consisted of diabetic rats only, the second of normal rats only. Both groups underwent mild training, 20 cm/s, or heavy training, 33 cm/s, for an hour a day, five times a week for four weeks. We looked for fat and amino acids in the serum, liver, red skeletal muscles and heart muscles at the pre- and post-training stages. The results were as follows: Although we observed decreased triglyceride (TG) levels in the serum, liver and intraskeletal muscles in the normal control group, similar decreases were also observed in the diabetic group undergoing insulin treatment with mild exercise training. On the other hand, we observed a clear increase in the rats subjected to heavy exercise training. This increase was particularly significant in the aged rats. There was, however, no significant change in the TG levels in the intraheart muscles of either the juvenile or aged rats, including the diabetic ones. Exercise training in the normal control group produced decreases in total AA, glycogenic AA, branched chain AA and ketogenic AA. Although there was no significant decrease in the TG levels in the serum, we could see clear signs of a decrease in the liver and the intraskeletal muscles. By contrast, the more the rats undergoing insulin treatment for diabetes were exercised, the greater the increase in the amount of AA in the livers and intraskeletal muscles. These changes were especially significant in the aged group. Consistent with previous reports, the diabetic groups produced different results for fat and AA in proportion to the intensity of exercise training and age of the rats. We also demonstrated that the differences were very small in the serum, but significant in the organs, livers and skeletal muscles. From the above findings, we have concluded that exercise training should play a major role in the treatment of diabetes in consideration not only of serum, but also transitions of the whole body's metabolic phases, including the intraorganic systems.

Effects of the plasma concentration of 5-fluorouracil and the duration of continuous venous infusion of 5-fluorouracil with an inhibitor of 5-fluorouracil degradation on Yoshida sarcomas in rats

The correlations of the 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) level in the plasma and the duration of continuous 5-FU infusion with the antitumor activity of 5-FU on Yoshida sarcomas in rats were examined. The circadian variation in the plasma level of 5-FU during continuous infusion was prevented by treatment with 3-cyano-2,6-dihydroxypyridine (CNDP), which strongly inhibits 5-FU degradation. On continuous venous infusion of 2 to 30 mg/kg of 5-FU over 24 h with CNDP at a molar ratio of 1:10 into normal rats, the 5-FU level in the blood was linearly proportional to the dose of 5-FU. The optimum schedule for antitumor activity on Yoshida sarcomas in rats was found to be infusion of 5-FU at 5 mg/kg over 24 h for 6 consecutive days, which gave a plasma 5-FU level of 176 ng/ml. Continuous infusion of 5-FU to give a plasma level of 300 ng/ml for 6 consecutive days from day 5 after implantation of tumor cells, when the tumors weighed about 1.0 g, resulted in complete regression of the tumors in all rats.

Arrest of follicular development in a patient with 17 alpha-hydroxylase deficiency: folliculogenesis in association with a lack of estrogen synthesis in the ovaries

The degree of follicular development was examined in a patient with 17 alpha-hydroxylase deficiency that accounted for impairment of estrogen and androgen biosynthesis. The ovarian content of P was markedly higher than those of any other steroids requiring 17 alpha-hydroxylation for synthesis. The morphologic analysis of the ovaries demonstrated that normal follicles could not develop to more than 2.2 mm in diameter, and most follicles with diameters of 1.0 mm or more yielded to atresia. It is known that estrogen and FSH act synergistically on the growth of the follicles. Our data suggest that the follicles can develop up to the size of 2.2 mm in diameter at most with the sole stimulation of gonadotropin.

Reevaluation of immunoreactive gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) levels in general circulation in women: changes in levels and episodic patterns before, during and after gonadotropin surges

In order to reevaluate the earlier varying data regarding circulatory gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), we assayed extracted GnRH from the plasma frequently collected at mid-cycle in 11 women. For the analysis of episodic GnRH patterns and basal levels, blood samples were obtained at 6 h intervals for 72 h and at 15 min intervals for 2 h every 12 h throughout the experimental period. All blood samples were assayed for GnRH and selected samples for LH, FSH, estradiol and progesterone. For GnRH assay, 5 or 6 ml of blood was mixed with 60 mg of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, disodium salt, and 3 mg of phenylmethylsulfonyl floride immediately after blood collection. These enzyme inhibitors prevented the destruction of GnRH in the blood at room temperature for at least 4 h. Plasma GnRH was extracted through several steps including florisil absorption, acidic extraction and washing with organic solvent. Nonspecific immunoreactivity in the plasma was markedly decreased through this extraction process. Our assay values (approximate range, 0.1-2.0 pg/ml) of plasma GnRH in normal women corresponded to the low range of those obtained by others who used the alcohol extraction method. The basal levels of GnRH did not change significantly throughout 3 different periods, i.e., before, during and after the LH surges, and fluctuated between a small range of 0.11 and 1.44 pg/ml. Although the peak levels of GnRH observed in its episodic patterns did not change between the periods before and during the LH surges, they decreased significantly after the LH surge compared with those seen during the LH surges (0.93 +/- 0.07 vs 1.17 +/- 0.09 pg/ml, p less than 0.05). The present data demonstrate that immunoreactive GnRH in the extracted peripheral plasma does not change significantly in its mean, basal and peak levels during the periovulatory period except for a minor but significant decrease in the peak levels shortly after an LH surge.

Biphasic stimulatory effects of estrogen on gonadotropin surges induced by continuous administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone in women

The present experiments were performed to study the effects of preovulatory levels of estrogen on GnRH-induced gonadotropin release. Twelve female volunteers in various phases of the menstrual cycle received estradiol infusion for 66 h at a constant rate of 500 micrograms/24 h which is grossly equivalent to its production rate during the preovulatory follicular phase. In 8 of the women, GnRH was administered concomitantly from 6 h after the initiation of estradiol infusion. The administered doses of GnRH were 2.5 and 5 micrograms/h. Blood samples obtained throughout the infusion were analysed for LH, FSH, estradiol and progesterone. The sole administration of estradiol failed to induce the positive feedback effect on gonadotropin release within the experimental period in the early follicular phase (days 3-7) in 4 women. In 5 women treated during the follicular phase, remarkable LH releases were induced after a lag period by the infusion of both GnRH and estradiol. The induced LH surge formed a prolonged biphasic pattern. Although a similar pattern of FSH was observed in some cases, its response was minimal compared with that of LH. In 3 women during the luteal phase, however, a combined administration of estradiol and GnRH induced only a short term release of LH which was terminated in only 12 h. The present data indicate that 1) Preovulatory levels of estrogen affect the late part of the LH surge which is induced by constant administration of low doses of GnRH resulting in a prolonged biphasic release of LH, and 2) These effects of both hormones are not manifest in the presence of high levels of progesterone. These results indicate the possibility of a role of GnRH and estrogen in the mechanism of the prolonged elevation of a gonadotropin surge at mid-cycle.

Reduction in pituitary desensitization and prolongation of gonadotropin release by estrogen during continuous administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone in women: its antagonism by progesterone

The present study was designed to elucidate gonadal steroid influences on gonadotropin release and subsequent pituitary desensitization to GnRH. Sixteen women, 10 of whom were normal and 6 of whom had hypogonadism, were infused with GnRH at rates ranging from 0.313-10 micrograms/h via an indwelling iv catheter for 66 h. Blood samples obtained throughout the GnRH infusion were analyzed for LH, FSH, estradiol, and progesterone. A prompt and substantial release of gonadotropin occurred in women with ovarian failure or during the luteal phase in normal women compared with that during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Thereafter, a gradual decrease in gonadotropin secretion occurred due to pituitary desensitization, which was slower in the follicular phase than in other groups. A dose-related increase in integrated LH release occurred during GnRH infusion, but this response tapered off with administration of large doses of GnRH to women with ovarian failure or during the luteal phase. In contrast, it increased linearly up to the maximum dose of GnRH in the follicular phase. These data suggest that 1) basal levels of estrogen suppress the early rapid release of gonadotropin in response to GnRH and reduce subsequent pituitary desensitization, resulting in the prolonged release of LH; 2) estrogen widens the range of dose-related increases in gonadotropin in response to GnRH; and 3) these effects of estrogen are antagonized by progesterone.