Surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot in a 78-year-old woman: a case report

BACKGROUND

Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart disease mostly diagnosed and treated in early childhood. However, there are some adult cases receiving treatment.

CASE PRESENTATION

We describe a 78-year-old Japanese woman who presented with severely hypertrophic right ventricle, ventricular septum defect, overriding aorta, and severe infundibular stenosis in the right ventricular outflow tract. As hypoxemia was mild and daily exertion was sufficiently possible, home oxygen therapy was introduced. After 1 month, she was referred because of a positive blood culture. The blood culture test was positive four times, therefore, the antibacterial drug was administered according to active infective endocarditis. SpO2 repeatedly decreased during hospitalization, thus oxygen was needed. As there were infective endocarditis onset and progressive hypoxemia, we planned a surgical correction.

CONCLUSION

Tetralogy of Fallot was diagnosed and successfully treated with complete surgical correction, and the development of infective endocarditis was the definitive indication for surgery at this late age.

Untreated atrial septal defect after intracardiac repair for tetralogy of Fallot

Tetralogy of Fallot was repaired previously in a preschooler through right ventriculotomy, providing excellent exposure for ventricular septal defect closure and right ventricular outflow tract obstruction relief. Herein, we describe the preschooler as a 50-year-old man with untreated atrial septal defect found at pulmonary valve replacement in the remote period after tetralogy of Fallot repair. It was inferred intraoperatively that the previous tetralogy of Fallot was repaired only through right ventriculotomy, and atrial septal defect closure was performed together with pulmonary valve replacement.

Intracardiac Three-Dimensional Image as Surgical Decision-Making Tool of Congenital Heart Disease

This study aimed to evaluate the anatomical reproducibility of a preoperative intracardiac 3D image (IC image) created using computed tomography, and to investigate its usefulness as a surgical decision-making tool. Between 2012 and 2022, ventricular septal defect (VSD) patients, and double outlet right ventricle (DORV) or transposition of the great arteries (TGA) with pulmonary stenosis (PS) patients who underwent cardiac surgery and had preoperative computed tomography were enrolled. SYNAPSE VINCENT® (Fujifilm) was used to create an IC image which was analyzed retrospectively. In 14 VSD patients, the diagnostic consistency rate in the Soto classification with intraoperative findings was 100% (14/14) for IC image versus 64% (9/14) for transthoracic echocardiography (P = 0.04). The defect size showed a higher correlation coefficient with IC image (0.837, P = 0.001) than with transthoracic echocardiography (0.567, P = 0.034). In 11 DORV/TGA with PS patients, the diagnostic consistency rate in the Lev classification was 100% (9/9) for IC image versus 77% (7/9) for transthoracic echocardiography (P = 0.47). The secondary interventricular foramen (SVF)/left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) ratio by IC image was significantly smaller in the biventricular-repair group (median 0.71, IQR 0.67-1.06) than in the univentricular-repair group (median 1.79, IQR 1.53-2.42) (P = 0.006). An IC image is useful as a surgical decision-making tool for simple VSDs and complex congenital heart diseases such as DORV or TGA with pulmonary stenosis. The SVF/LVOT ratio determined from the IC image may be a useful indicator for avoiding LVOT obstruction.

De Vega Tricuspid Annuloplasty for Pediatric Patients: Growth Potential of the Plicated Annulus

Although De Vega annuloplasty is an important option for pediatric patients with functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR), little is known about its long-term results, including the future of the plicated annulus. We retrospectively reviewed our experience with pediatric patients who underwent the De Vega annuloplasty between 2005 and 2020. Tricuspid valve assessments were performed by transthoracic echocardiography. The targeted diameter of annular plication was 80 to 90% of normal tricuspid diameter, according to the patient's condition. The study included 55 patients (41 with biventricular physiology (group B), 14 with univentricular physiology (group U)) with a median follow-up of 5.0 years. Median age at operation was 5.0 years. There was one late death due to severe mitral regurgitation. Tricuspid valve reoperation was required in five patients and the 10-year freedom from reoperation was 91.9% for the entire cohort. The 10-year freedom from the composite adverse outcome of death, reoperation, and significant TR was 79.2% in group B versus 56.6% in group U (p = 0.034). TR grade significantly decreased after surgery (p < 0.001), without significant aggravation during the postoperative follow-up. No patients presented tricuspid stenosis. Mean Z-scores of annular diameter immediately after operation and at the latest follow-up were - 0.65 ± 0.56 versus - 0.47 ± 0.65 (p = 0.57). De Vega annuloplasty is a safe, efficient, and durable procedure for functional TR in pediatric patients including those with univentricular physiology, allowing adequate growth of the plicated annulus without the progression of tricuspid stenosis.

Oblique coronary transfer technique in arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries

BACKGROUND

Mortality rates after the arterial switch operation (ASO) for transposition of the great arteries (TGA) are still suboptimal mainly due to postoperative myocardial ischemia. The present study aimed to investigate the clinical impact of our modification of coronary transfer technique, wherein the coronary cuffs are transferred oblique to the pulmonary trunk to avoid torsion of the coronary arteries.

METHODS

From September 2010 to August 2020, all 37 consecutive patients who underwent ASO for TGA with our modification, that is, the oblique coronary transfer technique, were retrospectively reviewed. Cardiac dimensions and patency of the coronary arteries were examined by cineangiography, and hemodynamic parameters were measured by cardiac catheterization and transthoracic echocardiography.

RESULTS

During a median 5.3 years of postoperative follow-up, there were no deaths and no patient required mechanical circulatory support. Median left ventricular ejection fraction was 68.8% (interquartile range 66.8-71.0, minimum 54.6). All patients maintained normal sinus rhythm without arrhythmia, except in the early postoperative period. Five patients underwent unplanned re-intervention for peripheral pulmonary stenosis, but none for coronary insufficiency. The 8-year freedom from re-intervention rate was 85.6%. Among a total of 110 transplanted coronary arteries, 108 (98.2%) remained patent, and two circumflex arteries were occluded much later after surgery, although with preserved ventricular function due to compensatory growth of other coronary branches.

CONCLUSION

The oblique coronary transfer technique, which aims to avoid torsion of the coronary arteries, provides good patency of the coronary arteries and subsequent improvement of postoperative mortality rates following ASO.

Posterior aortic plication for tracheal compression by aortic dilatation in infants with congenital heart disease

Two infants with congenital heart disease developed life-threatening airway obstruction due to progressive dilatation of the aorta. Both underwent posterior aortic plication with extracorporeal bypass (9 and 4 months of age). After surgery, the arterial diameter was adequately reduced with a smooth aortic route leading to a wide airway space. Both patients were weaned from the ventilator shortly after surgery and are currently asymptomatic.

Good syndrome with cytomegalovirus hepatitis: successful resection of Thymoma: a case report

BACKGROUND

Good syndrome is a rare condition, manifesting as immunodeficiency due to hypogammaglobulinemia associated with thymoma. Herein, we present a patient with Good syndrome whose thymoma was resected after treatment of cytomegalovirus hepatitis.

CASE PRESENTATION

The patient was a 45-year-old woman presenting with fever, cough, and nasal discharge, and was diagnosed with thymoma and hypogammaglobulinemia. She subsequently developed cytomegalovirus hepatitis that was treated by immunoglobulin. After resolution of the hepatitis, she underwent thymectomy through a left anterior thoracotomy. Her postoperative course was uneventful, and while receiving ongoing immunoglobulin therapy, she has been doing well without signs of infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Management of infections is important for patients with Good syndrome. To minimize the risk of perioperative infection, we should take care while planning the surgical approach and procedure.

P6009Poor outcomes in pulmonary arterial hypertension as a member of RNF213-associated vascular diseases

Background

A variant of c.14429G>A (p.Arg4810Lys, rs112735431) in the ring finger protein 213 gene (RNF213; NM_001256071.2) has been recently identified as a risk allele for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), suggesting that PAH can be added as a new member of RNF213-associated vascular diseases including Moyamoya disease and peripheral pulmonary stenosis.

Purpose

Our aim was to identify the clinical features and outcomes of PAH patients with RNF213 p.Arg4810Lys variant.

Methods

Whole-exome sequencing was performed in 139 idiopathic (or possibly heritable) PAH patients. Hemodynamics and prognosis were evaluated in the patients with RNF213 p.Arg4810Lys variant and the patients with bone morphogenic protein receptor type 2 (BMPR2) mutations.

Results

The RNF213 p.Arg4810Lys variant was identified in a heterozygous state in 11 patients (7.9%). Time-course changes in hemodynamics after combination therapy in the patients with the RNF213 p.Arg4810Lys variant were significantly poorer compared with those in BMPR2 mutation carriers (n=36) (comparison of changes in mean pulmonary arterial pressure, P=0.007). The event-free rate of death or lung transplantation was significantly poorer in RNF213 p.Arg4810Lys variant carriers than in BMPR2 mutation carriers (5-year event-free rate since the introduction of prostaglandin I2 infusion, 0% vs. 93%, P<0.001) (Figure).

Time to death or lung transplantation

Conclusions

PAH patients with the RNF213 p.Arg4810Lys variant were associated with a poor reactivity to vasodilator drugs and poor clinical outcomes even in the recent era. Earlier consideration of lung transplantation might be required for RNF213 p.Arg4810Lys variant carriers developing PAH. Documentation of the RNF213 p.Arg4810Lys variant, as well as already known pathogenic genes, can provide clinically relevant information for therapeutic strategies, leading to a personalized approach for the treatment of PAH.

[Cardiac Strangulation Induced by Epicardial Pacemaker Leads Causing Heart Failure;Report of a Case]

A 5-year-old girl has a history of epicardial VVI-pacemaker implantation due to congenital heart block at the age of 2 months. Five years later, she developed heart failure at the same time of battery depletion. The chest X-ray indicated the loop formation of the epicardial leads and the echocardiogram demonstrated paradoxical movement of ventricles. The 3-dimensional computed tomography finally revealed strangulation of biventricular apex caused by loop of the leads. She underwent reoperation. Cardiac strangulation was relieved by total removal of the loop and repositioning of right atrial and ventricular electrodes in a gentle curve of the leads. She was discharged and doing well. Cardiac strangulation is a rare, but it can be lethal. Therefore epicardial pacemaker leads should not be positioned around the ventricle with excessive redundancy.

Identification of several small main-effect QTLs and a large number of epistatic QTLs for drought tolerance related traits in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Cultivated groundnut or peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), an allotetraploid (2n = 4x = 40), is a self pollinated and widely grown crop in the semi-arid regions of the world. Improvement of drought tolerance is an important area of research for groundnut breeding programmes. Therefore, for the identification of candidate QTLs for drought tolerance, a comprehensive and refined genetic map containing 191 SSR loci based on a single mapping population (TAG 24 x ICGV 86031), segregating for drought and surrogate traits was developed. Genotyping data and phenotyping data collected for more than ten drought related traits in 2-3 seasons were analyzed in detail for identification of main effect QTLs (M-QTLs) and epistatic QTLs (E-QTLs) using QTL Cartographer, QTLNetwork and Genotype Matrix Mapping (GMM) programmes. A total of 105 M-QTLs with 3.48-33.36% phenotypic variation explained (PVE) were identified using QTL Cartographer, while only 65 M-QTLs with 1.3-15.01% PVE were identified using QTLNetwork. A total of 53 M-QTLs were such which were identified using both programmes. On the other hand, GMM identified 186 (8.54-44.72% PVE) and 63 (7.11-21.13% PVE), three and two loci interactions, whereas only 8 E-QTL interactions with 1.7-8.34% PVE were identified through QTLNetwork. Interestingly a number of co-localized QTLs controlling 2-9 traits were also identified. The identification of few major, many minor M-QTLs and QTL × QTL interactions during the present study confirmed the complex and quantitative nature of drought tolerance in groundnut. This study suggests deployment of modern approaches like marker-assisted recurrent selection or genomic selection instead of marker-assisted backcrossing approach for breeding for drought tolerance in groundnut.

Hot water treatments to inactivate Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella in mung bean seeds

The majority of the seed sprout-related outbreaks have been associated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella. Therefore, an effective method is needed to inactivate these organisms on the seeds before they are sprouted. This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of various hot water treatments to inactivate E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella populations on mung beans seeds intended for sprout production and to determine the effect of these treatments on seed germination after the seeds were dipped in chilled water for 30 s. Mung bean seed inoculated with four-strain cocktails of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella were soaked into hot water at 80 and 90 degrees C with shaking for various periods and then dipped in chilled water for 30 s. The treated seeds were then assessed for the efficacy of the treatment for reducing populations of the pathogens and the effects of the treatment on germination. After inoculation and air drying, 6.08 +/- 0.34 log CFU/g E. coli O157:H7 and 5.34 +/- 0.29 log CFU/g Salmonella were detected on the seeds. After hot water treatment at 90 degrees C for 90 s followed by dipping in chilled water for 30 s, no viable pathogens were found and no survivors were found in the enrichment medium and during the sprouting process. The germination yield of the seed was not affected significantly. Therefore, hot water treatment followed by dipping in chilled water for 30 s could be an effective seed decontamination method for mung bean seeds intended for sprout production.

Baicalein, a flavonoid extracted from a methanolic extract of Oroxylum indicum inhibits proliferation of a cancer cell line in vitro via induction of apoptosis

A methanolic extract of the fruits of Oroxylum indicum, which is widely used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic and anti-hypersensitivity effects, inhibited in vitro proliferation of HL-60 cells. The flavonoid baicalein was found as an active component in the extract. Analysis of freeze-dried fruits of the plant indicated that this component comprised about 4% of the material by dry weight. In this study, we investigated the in vitro effects of baicalein on the viability and induction of apoptosis in the HL-60 cell line. The cell viability after treating with baicalein for 24 h was quantified by counting viable cells using trypan blue staining. The results showed that baicalein caused a 50% inhibition of HL-60 cells at concentrations of 25-30 microM. The inhibition of proliferation of HL-60 cells due to 36-48 h exposure to 10 or 20 microM baicalein was associated with the accumulation of cells at S or G2M phases. However, proliferation inhibition at a higher dose may be associated with induction by apoptosis, as evidenced by the typical nuclear fragmentation using DNA fragmentation assay and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). The results indicate that baicalein has anti-tumor effects on human cancer cells, and Oroxylum indicum extract could be used in supplementary cancer therapy.

Properties of Whey Protein Isolates Extruded under Acidic and Alkaline Conditions

Whey proteins have wide acceptance and use in many products due to their beneficial nutritional properties. To further increase the amount of whey protein isolates (WPI) that may be added to products such as extruded snacks and meats, texturization of WPI is necessary. Texturization changes the folding of globular proteins to improve interaction with other ingredients and create new functional ingredients. In this study, WPI pastes (60% solids) were extruded in a twin-screw extruder at 100 degrees C with 4 pH-adjusted water streams: acidic (pH 2.0 +/- 0.2) and alkaline (pH 12.4 +/- 0.4) streams from 2 N HCl and 2 N NaOH, respectively, and acidic (pH 2.5 +/- 0.2) and alkaline (pH 11.5 +/- 0.4) electrolyzed water streams; these were compared with WPI extruded with deionized water. The effects of water acidity on WPI solubility at pH 7, color, microstructure, Rapid Visco Analyzer pasting properties, and physical structure were determined. Alkaline conditions increased insolubility caused yellowing and increased pasting properties significantly. Acidic conditions increased solubility and decreased WPI pasting properties. Subtle structural changes occurred under acidic conditions, but were more pronounced under alkaline conditions. Overall, alkaline conditions increased denaturation in the extruded WPI resulting in stringy texturized WPI products, which could be used in meat applications.

First RFLP linkage map of red clover ( Trifolium pratense L.) based on cDNA probes and its transferability to other red clover germplasm

We constructed a genetic linkage map of red clover ( Trifolium pratense L., 2n=2 x=14) using RFLP markers from cDNA probes of a backcrossed mapping population, and investigated the transferability of the markers to other red clover germplasm. The map contains 157 RFLP markers and one morphological marker on seven linkage groups. The total map distance was 535.7 cM and the average distance between two markers was 3.4 cM. All of the cDNA probes of the map were hybridized to the fragments of genomic DNA from 12 plants derived from three varieties, and 87% of the cDNA probes detected polymorphic bands that corresponded to those of mapping parents. This result indicated that RFLP markers on the present map were transferable to the genome analysis of other red clover germplasm. This is the first report to construct a linkage map of Trifolium species; it should provide fundamental and useful genetic information relevant to the breeding of red clover and genus Trifolium.

Combined study with FDG PET and Tl SPECT in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

This study aimed to determine whether combined examinations of myocardial 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) and stress-redistribution 201Tl single-photon emission computed tomography (Tl SPECT) were useful in clarifying myocardial ischaemia and evaluating the prognosis in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM). Twenty-two patients with IDCM underwent echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, FDG PET, and Tl SPECT. In scintigraphic analysis, the total defect score (TDS) was semiquantitatively determined as the sum of scores of the 17 left ventricular (LV) segments with a 5-point scale (0 as normal to 4 as absent). Patients were classified according to the scintigraphic findings as follows: eight patients with small defects on Tl and FDG (TDS < or = 20) (group I), eight patients with small defects on FDG (TDS < or = 20) with FDG uptake increased relative to Tl or 'mismatch' (group II), and six patients with large defects on FDG and Tl (TDS >20) (group III). Eleven patients (50%) showed reversible defects on Tl and all showed preserved FDG uptake. The patients in group III had significantly lower LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (P<0.05, respectively) and a poorer prognosis as shown by the Kaplan-Meier event-free curve compared with those in groups I and II (P<0.01, respectively). Although patients in group II had significantly greater TDS on Tl compared with those in group I (P<0.01), no significant differences in LVEF and prognosis were found between patients in groups I and II. In multivariate analysis, a TDS on FDG revealed an independent predictor of subsequent cardiac events. In conclusion, such mismatched areas can be assumed to consist of impaired but viable myocardium, and may be associated with ischaemia of the microvasculature. Impaired myocardial glucose metabolism is a more powerful predictor of future cardiac events than perfusion abnormality in patients with IDCM.

Effectiveness of electrolyzed acidic water in killing Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enteritidis, and Listeria monocytogenes on the surfaces of tomatoes

A study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of electrolyzed acidic water, 200-ppm chlorine water, and sterile distilled water in killing Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes on the surfaces of spot-inoculated tomatoes. Inoculated tomatoes were sprayed with electrolyzed acidic water, 200-ppm chlorine water, and sterile distilled water (control) and rubbed by hand for 40 s. Populations of E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, and L. monocytogenes in the rinse water and in the peptone wash solution were determined. Treatment with 200-ppm chlorine water and electrolyzed acidic water resulted in 4.87- and 7.85-log10 reductions, respectively, in Escherichia coli O157:H7 counts and 4.69- and 7.46-log10 reductions, respectively, in Salmonella counts. Treatment with 200-ppm chlorine water and electrolyzed acidic water reduced the number of L. monocytogenes by 4.76 and 7.54 log10 CFU per tomato, respectively. This study's findings suggest that electrolyzed acidic water could be useful in controlling pathogenic microorganisms on fresh produce.

Triphasic vascular responses to bradykinin in the mesenteric resistance artery of the rat

The vascular effects of bradykinin were studied in rat perfused mesenteric vascular beds with active tone. Bolus injections of bradykinin (1-1000 pmol) but not des-Arg(9)-bradykinin (bradykinin B(1) receptor agonist) induced triphasic vascular responses: the initial sharp vasodilation followed by transient vasoconstriction and subsequent gradual vasodilation. The triphasic vascular responses to bradykinin were abolished by FR 172357 (3-bromo-8-[2,6-dichloro-3-[N-[(E)-4-(N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl) cinnamidoacetyl]-N-methylamino]benzyloxy]-2-metylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine) (bradykinin B(2) receptor antagonist, 0.1 microM). Endothelium removal with sodium deoxycholate and N(w)-nitro-L-arginine (300 microM) abolished the bradykinin-induced initial sharp vasodilation. Indomethacin (0.5 microM) and seratrodast (thromboxane A(2) receptor antagonist, 0.5 and 5 microM) abolished the bradykinin-induced second vasoconstriction. The bradykinin-induced third vasodilation was abolished by capsaicin (1 microM) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-(8-37) (CGRP receptor antagonist, 0.5 microM). These findings suggest that the bradykinin-induced initial sharp vasodilation is endothelium dependent, that endogenous thromboxane A(2) is involved in the second vasoconstriction, and that the third slow vasodilation is produced by activation of capsaicin-sensitive CGRP-containing nerves.

Evaluation of left ventricular function using electrocardiographically gated myocardial SPECT with (123)I-labeled fatty acid analog

Electrocardiographically (ECG) gated myocardial SPECT with (99m)Tc-tetrofosmin has been used widely to assess left ventricular (LV) function. However, the accuracy of variables using ECG gated myocardial SPECT with beta-methyl-p-(123)I-iodophenylpentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) has not been well defined.

METHODS

Thirty-six patients (29 men, 7 women; mean age, 61.6 +/- 15.6 y) with ischemic heart disease underwent ECG gated myocardial SPECT with (123)I-BMIPP and with (99m)Tc-tetrofosmin and left ventriculography (LVG) within 1 wk. LV ejection fraction (LVEF), LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), and LV end-systolic volume (LVESV) were determined on gated SPECT using commercially available software for automatic data analysis. These volume-related items on LVG were calculated with an area-length method and were estimated by 2 independent observers to evaluate interobserver validity. The regional wall motion with these methods was assessed visually.

RESULTS

LVEF was 41.1% +/- 12.5% on gated SPECT with (123)I-BMIPP, 44.5% +/- 13.1% on gated SPECT with (99m)Tc-tetrofosmin, and 46.0% +/- 12.7% on LVG. Global LV function and regional wall motion between both gated SPECT procedures had excellent correlation (LVEF, r = 0.943; LVEDV, r = 0.934; LVESV, r = 0.952; regional wall motion, kappa = 0.92). However, the correlations of global LV function and regional wall motion between each gated SPECT and LVG were significantly lower. Gated SPECT with (123)I-BMIPP showed the same interobserver validity as gated SPECT with (99m)Tc-tetrofosmin.

CONCLUSION

Gated SPECT with (123)I-BMIPP provides high accuracy with regard to LV function and is sufficiently applicable for use in clinical SPECT. This technique can simultaneously reveal myocardial fatty acid metabolism and LV function, which may be useful to evaluate various cardiac diseases.

Biphasic changes in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure during dynamic exercise in patients with nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to clarify the serial changes in left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) during dynamic exercise in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

BACKGROUND

Although HCM is characterized by impaired resting LV diastolic function, serial changes in LVEDP during exercise have not been characterized.

METHODS

We simultaneously measured LV pressure and LV dimensions during symptom-limited supine bicycle exercise in 5 healthy individuals and 20 patients with HCM. Exercise thallium-201 scintigraphic studies were also performed.

RESULTS

The LVEDP (baseline: 12 +/- 5 mm Hg) progressively increased to a maximum value at peak exercise (28 +/- 8 mm Hg) in 11 patients with HCM (group I). In the remaining nine patients with HCM (group II), changes in LVEDP during exercise were biphasic, with an initial progressive increase and a subsequent gradual decline up to peak exercise (14 +/- 4 mm Hg at baseline, 27 +/- 5 mm Hg at the critical heart rate, 16 +/- 3 mm Hg at peak exercise). Exercise-induced changes in LV dimensions and LV peak systolic pressures were similar in both groups. However, the maximum first derivative of LV pressure was greater and the LV pressure half-time was shorter in group II than in group I at a similar peak exercise heart rate. The biphasic changes in LVEDP disappeared by pretreatment with propranolol. The LV hypertrophy scores were higher in group I than in group II. Exercise thallium-201 images showed more severe perfusion defects in group I than in group II patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The biphasic changes in LVEDP seen during exercise may be related to improved coronary microcirculation in response to beta-adrenergic stimulation in patients with mild to moderate HCM.

Architecture of baked breads depicted by a magnetic resonance imaging

The architecture of baked breads made of fresh dough and frozen dough was depicted by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Pieces of bread (16 mm cubic cakes) were soaked in organic solvents containing various concentrations of heavy metals (Cu(2+), Co(2+) and Fe(3+)) and images of the grain structure of the breads were obtained. Of the organic solvents tested, acetone was preferable because of its single peak that prevents chemical shift effects on images, the retention of the bread structure, and the solubility of heavy metals. The heavy metals, especially Fe(3+), shortened the overly long relaxation times of acetone to practical lengths for imaging and stained the materials to provide high contrasts. The images obtained in acetone with 8 mM Fe(3+) were suitable for analyzing crumb grain structures. The bread of fresh dough showed a uniform distribution of pores of various sizes made of thin gluten sheets, whereas the pores in the bread of frozen dough were less, prominently large, non-uniformly distributed, and made of thick gluten sheets.

Ontogenetic changes of water states and structural organization in growing kidney beans: parameter-imaging based on the diffusion measurements

Physical states of cell-associated water in growing kidney beans was studied by NMR microscopy. 1H-NMR images indicated the changes of water amount in the individual tissues. The seed gradually reduced water and water in the tissues of the pod varied according to growth stages. Images that reflect diffusive motion provide different contrast from that of the proton images; signal intensity was maintained in the tissues containing small amounts of water and showing weak signal on the proton images. These images are related to the activity of metabolism and physiological functions. The parameter-images provided the structural information about cellular matrix, the barrier spacing of water compartments and the reduced permeability of cell-membranes surrounding the compartment, were created based on the restricted diffusion of cell-associated water. The properties of the water compartment changed with the stages of growth in individual tissues of the fruits. Two types of water compartments were detected; one had approximately 65 microm spacing and constant permeability (20-25%) throughout the stages of growth, and another had the smaller and variable spacing (approximately 35 microm), and a lower permeability. The former belongs to the seed and the mesocarp, the exocarp and the epidermis of the pod. While the latter characterizes the properties of the primary tissue in the pod, the endocarp, which increased with development of the pod then showed reduction with the decrease of water in the pod with the fruit growth.

Decontamination of lettuce using acidic electrolyzed water

The disinfectant effect of acidic electrolyzed water (AcEW), ozonated water, and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solution on lettuce was examined. AcEW (pH 2.6; oxidation reduction potential, 1140 mV; 30 ppm of available chlorine) and NaOCl solution (150 ppm of available chlorine) reduced viable aerobes in lettuce by 2 log CFU/g within 10 min. For lettuce washed in alkaline electrolyzed water (AIEW) for 1 min and then disinfected in AcEW for 1 min, viable aerobes were reduced by 2 log CFU/g. On the other hand, ozonated water containing 5 ppm of ozone reduced viable aerobes in lettuce 1.5 log CFU/g within 10 min. It was discovered that AcEW showed a higher disinfectant effect than did ozonated water significantly at P < 0.05. It was confirmed by swabbing test that AcEW, ozonated water, and NaOCI solution removed aerobic bacteria, coliform bacteria, molds, and yeasts on the surface of lettuce. Therefore, residual microorganisms after the decontamination of lettuce were either in the inside of the cellular tissue, such as the stomata, or making biofilm on the surface of lettuce. Biofilms were observed by a scanning electron microscope on the surface of the lettuce treated with AcEW. Moreover, it was shown that the spores of bacteria on the surface were not removed by any treatment in this study. However, it was also observed that the surface structure of lettuce was not damaged by any treatment in this study. Thus, the use of AcEW for decontamination of fresh lettuce was suggested to be an effective means of controlling microorganisms.

Combined effects of hydrostatic pressure, temperature, and the addition of allyl isothiocyanate on inactivation of Escherichia coli

Combined effects of hydrostatic pressure, temperature, and the addition of allyl isothiocyanate (AIT) on the inactivation of Escherichia coli, including type O157, were investigated. Inactivation to undetectable levels by hydrostatic pressure alone requires 400 to 600 MPa. E. coli growth was delayed with increasing of applied pressure and the AIT concentration added subsequently. The antibacterial effects of AIT vapor increased on JCM 1649 and IFO 3301 after pressurization. The bactericidal effects of pressurization with the addition of AIT at 4 degrees C or 40 degrees C were greater than at 20 degrees C, and all bacteria tested were effectively killed at 200 or 250 MPa with 10 to 80 microg/ml of AIT. We tried to apply the combined treatment to a food product "Asazuke" (low salt vegetables), and it was confirmed that E. coli inoculated into the product was inactivated the same as in the in vitro test. We also studied the inactivation mechanism behind pressurization with AIT from the relationship between pressure resistance and precultivation temperature, and it was suggested that destruction of membrane structure caused bacterial kill.

Thermal and physicochemical properties of rice grain, flour and starch

Three types of rices, namely, Thailand rice (Indica), Nipponbare (Japonica), and Himenomochi (Japonica waxy), in grain, flour, and starch forms have been studied for their thermal and physicochemical properties. In grain form, Indica was slender and Japonica rices were bold and thick. Indica had the highest protein and amylose equivalent. Protein contents in isolated starches varied from 0.2 to 0.9%. Cooked Indica grain was hardest and waxy rice was softest; stickiness was highest in Japonica rice. Glass transition temperature (T(g)) was highest in Indica rice flour (approximately 222 degrees C) and almost the same in Japonica rice flours. Melting point was highest for Japonica (approximately 264 degrees C) and almost the same for Japonica waxy and Indica rice flours. T(g) values of starches were almost the same in Indica and Japonica waxy (approximately 237 degrees C); defatting caused reduction in this property in all of the starches. Highest melting point was shown by Indica starch (approximately 276 degrees C) and was almost the same for the other two starches. Protein and fats play a critical role in glass transition and melting points of rice flours and their respective starches. Viscosities of the cooked pastes of flour and starch during cooking in an RVA instrument and their gel and other properties have been discussed.

Observations of xenon gas-treated barley cells in solution by atomic force microscopy

Barley cells cut from a sprout were exposed to either air or high-pressure xenon gas for 3 days and the surface of those cells was observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) to examine the effect of the gas treatment. This method enabled the direct observation of the fresh surface of the barley cells in solution at high resolution. The cuticle layer was preserved on the primary cell wall of 0.48 MPa xenon gas-treated barley cells, while air-treated barley cells lost the cuticle layer from the primary cell wall. These findings indicate that the high-pressure xenon gas treatment is effective to preserve the cuticle layer attached to the primary cell wall. AFM is a powerful tool for the observation of the surface structure of living plant cells in solution.

Effect of electric field on physical states of cell-associated water in germinating morning glory seeds observed by 1H-NMR

Morning glory seeds in dry conditions (0.099 g H2O/dry wt.) were exposed to electric fields and germinated. The physical state of water in the germinating seeds of both control and exposed groups were examined using 1H-NMR spectroscopy and NMR microscopy. Three water fractions were observed which were characterized by different relaxation times (T1) and chemical shifts. The average region containing long T1 fractions was approximately 50 micrometer in diameter and consisted of half-permeable barriers. The maximum intracellular water transport rate was 2.3x10-5 cm2/s. The treatment with electric field (500 kV/m for 60 min) increased the fraction with the shortest T1 and decreased that with the longest T1. Because the total water content in the treated seeds (3.4 g H2O/dry wt.) was similar to that in the untreated seeds (3.9 g H2O/dry wt.), the treated seeds held more water in a condition in restricted motion than the untreated seeds. It is thought that the membrane systems were affected by the electric polarization which led to an unusual accumulation of water and the hydration of stored macromolecules during the imbibition process. This set of events led to excessive swelling of stored macromolecules, resulting in the disruption of membrane systems and irregular organization of tissue structures.

Responses of peri-implant tissues to undisturbed plaque formation in dogs: clinical, radiographic, and microbiological findings

The present investigation evaluated the clinical and microbiological effects of long-term undisturbed plaque formation on peri-implant tissues. Four mongrel dogs were used in the study. The mandibular 3rd and 4th premolars were extracted. Three months later, four Brånemark implants (BR, n = 8) or Integral implants (IN, n = 8) were placed in the edentulous area of each dog. After another 3 months, an abutment connection was performed. Plaque control regiment was maintained for 30 days until the superstructure was placed (Day 0: baseline). Then the plaque control program was terminated to allow gross plaque accumulation. Clinical, radiographical and microbiological data were recorded at the baseline, and at 90 and 180 days after the termination of the plaque control. Values for the clinical indices such as probing depth, plaque index and bleeding on probing increased at day 90 on both the implant and tooth sites, and remained unchanged at day 180. Significantly more implant sites showed bleeding on probing than did tooth sites. Neither implants nor tooth sites showed clinically significant changes in mobility. No distinct bone resorption was observed over time by radiography. In microscopic morphological observations, cocci dominated at the baseline, and decreased by day 180, while the proportion of motile bacteria increased. In a culture study, black-pigmented anaerobic rods, which consisted predominantly of Porphyromonas gingivalis-like bacteria, were consistently found from the baseline to day 180. No Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans-like organisms were isolated. These results indicate that, although the long-term plaque accumulation did not cause marked periodontal destruction, the peri-implant tissue may be more susceptible to plaque accumulation than the periodontal tissue, and that teeth may serve as a reservoir for the bacterial colonization of the implant sulcus.

Acute ethanol decreases NMR relaxation times of water hydrogen protons in fish brain

The traditional belief about ethanol's mechanism of action is based on ethanol's lipophilicity and capability to penetrate and disorder lipid bilayers. This traditional belief is now being supplanted by growing evidence that ethanol has relatively selective actions on certain synaptic receptors, such as those for NMDA, serotonin, and GABA. It was recently argued that these receptor specificities are secondary to a preferential ability of ethanol to displace membrane bound water in the domains of certain receptors. The data obtained in this study are consistent with the original hypothesis: any disorganization of cellular water by ethanol will be detectable by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. In particular, the relaxation times of water hydrogen protons reflect how constrained water molecules are by the macromolecules within cells. The relaxation time of "bulk" water is lengthened relative to water molecules that are under the influence of electromagnetic fields of macromolecular surfaces within cells. Here, we tested this hypothesis in living fish, which dosed themselves by swimming in water that had added ethanol. Estimates of brain alcohol at 5 min after initial exposure revealed that the brain concentration was only about 1/3 that of the water in which they were swimming. The average value of the NMR relaxation time T1, but not T2, was decreased at 5 min (when brain concentrations were on the order 100 mM) and reached statistical significance at 10 and 30 min after initial exposure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Dopamine increases the ovarian progesterone synthesis of PMSG-treated rats by regulating 3 beta-HSD activity]

Little is known about the dopamine system in the ovary. The present study has been undertaken to investigate the effect of dopamine (DA) on the ovarian steroidogenic enzymes of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG)-treated immature rats. Ovarian cells from PMSG-treated rats were cultured for 1-5 hours with or without DA, D1 agonists or bulbocapnine (Bul)(D1 antagonist). Progesterone (P) and estradiol (E2) in the media were assayed by specific RIAs. The enzyme activities were assayed by adding radioactive substrates in the media before incubation. DA and D1 agonists increased P in the media which was caused by the increment of 3 beta -hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta -HSD) activity because cholesterol side chain cleavage enzyme (CSCC) activity showed no significant change. The stimulating effects of DA and DA agonists on P and 3 beta -HSD activity were inhibited by Bul. DA showed no effect on 17 alpha-hydroxylase activity. DA decreased 17.20 lyase activity, but this decrement was probably a non specific effect. DA alone did not affect the E2 level in the media and aromatase activity. The present results suggest that DA mainly stimulated 3 beta -HSD activity of the PMSG-treated rat ovary which regulated P synthesis.

[The role of the dopaminergic system in the rat ovary]

Although many studies have been carried out on the dopaminergic system, little is known about the dopaminergic system in the ovary. The present study was undertaken to investigate the role of the dopamine (DA) system in ovarian function especially in steroidogenesis using rat ovaries. Ovarian cells from PMS-treated rats were incubated for 1 hour with or without DA or other drugs. DA, norepinephrine (NE) and isoproterenol (Iso) increased the levels of progesterone (P4) and cAMP in the media. D1 agonists (SKF38393, SKF82526-J, CY208-243) increased P4 secretion, whereas bromocriptine (D2 agonists) did not show any effect on the P4 level in the media. The effect of NE and Iso on P4 and cAMP levels was inhibited by propranolol (Pro; beta-blocker), while the increase of P4 and cAMP levels caused by DA or D1 agonists was suppressed by bulbocapnine (Bul; D1 antagonists). Propranolol (beta-blocker) or domperidone (D2 antagonists) did not affect the levels of P4 and cAMP. The presence of dopamine D1 receptor in the PMS-treated rat ovary was revealed by a kinetic study. The maximal number of binding sites (Bmax) of ovarian D1 receptor was 1.33fmol/mg tissue and the Kd value was 0.357nM. These results suggest that the DA system may physiologically play a role in the steroidogenesis in the ovary through D1 receptor.

Immunohistochemical localization in the rat brain of an epitope corresponding to the fibroblast growth factor receptor-1

The localization of fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 was investigated in rat brain by immunohistochemistry using a polyclonal antibody against an acidic peptide sequence of chicken fibroblast growth factor receptor-1. For raising the antisera in rabbits, we synthesized the oligopeptide EDDDDEDDSSSEEKEAD which is a highly acidic region of chicken fibroblast growth factor receptor-1. The oligopeptide was used as a haptenic antigen by conjugating with poly-L-glutamate as a carrier protein. On immunospot assay, the best antiserum was capable of detecting 15.7 pmols of both the chicken and its analogous human oligopeptides but failed to react even with up to 1 nmol of poly-L-glutamate. When rat brain homogenate was examined by Western blots, the antiserum revealed two bands with molecular weights of 145,000 and 75,000 corresponding to known sizes of the membrane-bound and secreted forms of the rat receptor, respectively. Immunohistochemistry in rat brain demonstrated that putative fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 immunoreactivity sites were present mainly in neurons but also in tanycytes and ependymal cells. Positive neurons were distributed widely in various brain regions, but were particularly abundant in such regions as the lateral hypothalamus, substantia nigra, locus coeruleus and raphe nuclei. The present study suggests that fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 is expressed preferentially in certain neuronal systems that appear to be under the influence of fibroblast growth factors in the normal brain. The result should facilitate study of the functional significance of fibroblast growth factors in these brain neurons.

Two lectins from the marine sponge Halichondria okadai. An N-acetyl-sugar-specific lectin (HOL-I) and an N-acetyllactosamine-specific lectin (HOL-II)

Two lectins (HOL-I and HOL-II) were isolated from the marine sponge Halichondria okadai by affinity chromatography on a bovine submaxillary mucin (BSM)-Toyopearl and an acid-treated Sepharose 4B columns, respectively. In hemagglutination inhibition assays, GlcNAc, GalNAc, and their methyl glycosides were the most potent inhibitors among the monosaccharides tested against the HOL-I-mediated hemagglutination, suggesting that HOL-I can especially recognize the N-acetyl groups of the sugars. This N-acetyl specificity was supported by 1H NMR analyses; the highest field-shifts of the signal of the N-acetyl group among all the signals in Me beta GlcNAc were observed in 1H NMR spectra of mixtures of HOL-I and the sugar. Among the oligosaccharides tested, GlcNAc beta 1-->4(GlcNAc beta 1-->2)Man alpha 1-O(CH2)2 CH3 was the most potent inhibitor, and the inhibitory potency of the oligosaccharide was 2(4) times greater than those of GlcNAc and GalNAc. On the other hand, N-acetyllactosamine (Gal beta 1-->4GlcNAc) and its analogs were the strongest inhibitors toward HOL-II-induced hemagglutination. The agglutination was completely inert to Gal beta 1-->3GlcNAc, Gal beta 1-->6GlcNAc, Gal beta 1-->3GalNAc, Gal beta 1-->4GalNAc, and Gal beta 1-->6GalNAc. Furthermore, HOL-II exhibited no binding ability to BSM, asialo-BSM, fetuin, asialofetuin, alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, and human transferrin. These results indicate that HOL-II strictly recognizes simple Gal beta 1-->4GlcNAc unit.

Parallel scheme of the iterative blind deconvolution method for stellar object reconstruction

An algorithm for stellar object reconstruction without a reference star is described. The algorithm is based on parallel application of the iterative blind deconvolution method to several speckle frames, and it permits reconstruction of an object that satisfies the convolution relation in all the frames used. Computer simulations with noisy speckle images are carried out to demonstrate performances of the algorithm. The algorithm is applied to observational data of binary stars, and high-resolution images are clearly reconstructed. Binary parameters extracted from the images show good consistency with those obtained both with the power spectrum analysis and with the shift-and-add method.

The effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on progestin secretion and cyclic AMP synthesis in cultured luteal cells from pregnant rats

It is reported that steroid synthesis in ovarian cells is affected by epidermal growth factor (EGF). We cultured luteal cells from pregnant rats for 2 days with or without EGF, followed by incubation of the cells with or without stimulants (hCG, forskolin and dibutyryl cyclic AMP) for 5 hours. The levels of progesterone, 20 alpha-hydroxy-pregn-4-en-3-one (20 alpha-dihydroprogesterone) and cyclic AMP (cAMP) in the media were assayed. EGF had no effect on the basal levels of progesterone, 20 alpha-dihydroprogesterone and cAMP, but it suppressed these levels which were increased by the stimulants. We investigated binding capacity of [125I]-EGF to ovarian tissue of pregnant rats. Ovarian tissue had specific binding sites for EGF. The maximum number of binding sites was 2.38 fmol/mg tissue and the Kd value was 0.547 nM. It was indicated that EGF modified the reactivity of luteal cells to stimulants; counteracting the tropic effect of gonadotropins. It was shown that this effect of EGF might be exerted through its receptor in luteal cells.

Data reduction for stellar speckle interferograms of binary stars based on the shift-and-add method

The shift-and-add (SAA) method is used to estimate the magnitude difference of binary star components. A simple procedure based on the SAA method enables an accurate estimation of the magnitude difference. Some computer simulations confirm this. The use of this procedure in stellar speckle interferograms is also demonstrated.