A Sense of Belonging and Help Seeking: Examining Factors Related to the Mental Health of High School Students with High Autistic Traits without Diagnosis

Certain individuals are clinically undiagnosed for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) but exhibit strong ASD characteristics. This study examined the differences between a control group and a "high autistic traits" group involving individuals who scored 9 or higher on the Autism-Spectrum Quotient-16 Japanese Version, based on their sense of belonging, help-seeking style, and relationship with mental health. The participants were 608 Japanese public high school students. Of them, 129 (21.2%) and 479 (78.8%) were in the high autistic traits and control groups, respectively. A multiple regression analysis was performed using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) as the dependent variable for the groups. The analysis revealed no differences between the two groups regarding grade, gender, physical illness, insomnia, or mental health status; however, they differed regarding avoidant help-seeking style and teacher acceptance. Moreover, avoidant help-seeking scores in the high autistic traits group and teacher acceptance showed a significantly positive and significantly negative association with GHQ, respectively. The results indicated that children with autistic traits internally suppress them, experiencing distress. Teachers are aware that these students seek support from them, but the students seem reluctant to ask them for help. This can negatively impact the mental health of children with high autistic traits.

Transitions in sense of coherence among middle-aged women raising adolescents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective

A longitudinal study was conducted among Japanese women raising adolescents to determine how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected their sense of coherence (SOC) and to provide suggestions for supporting them.

Methods

The SOC scores of 138 pairs of middle-aged women and their children (junior high school students) were compared at two time points: 2019 (before the pandemic, T1) and 2020 (during the pandemic, T2).

Results

Overall, the women's SOC did not change, whereas the adolescents' SOC increased. In contrast, 44% of the women's SOC scores decreased during the pandemic; no differences were detected between the SOC maintenance and increase group (G1) and the SOC decrease group (G2) in mental health, subjective physical health, social capital, and job status, and the child variables were not related. Multiple regression analysis of G1 and G2 with SOC at T2 as the dependent variable showed that for G2, at T1, having good mental and physical health conditions, a rich social capital, and having a job were positively associated with SOC during the pandemic.

Conclusion

Middle-aged Japanese women, who often work as informal workers, are easily laid off and are involved in care work. Thus, the change in their socioeconomic status due to the pandemic may have been severe. Given the long-term social impact of the pandemic, it is necessary to consider support for women, including economic and social support such as employment and building human connections.

Difficulties and distress experienced by Japanese public health nurses specializing in quarantine services when dealing with COVID-19: A qualitative study in peri-urban municipality

Public health nurses (PHNs) are among the few municipal civil servants who lead community infection control and prevention initiatives in Japanese public health centers (PHCs). This study aims to investigate the distress faced by PHNs and clarify their difficulties and working environment relative to infection prevention control activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. We adopted a qualitative description methodology in this study of 12 PHNs who were involved in COVID-19 prevention and control in PHCs in Prefecture A. The distress during the early phase of the pandemic was due to the uncertainty of the SARS-CoV-2 related disease, which caused panic in medical institutions and among residents. PHNs were overwhelmed, distressed and exhausted by their inability to control the 'pandemic', lack of patient cooperation for prevention control and the unsustainable organizational environment. They were also distressed because they were one of the specialized personnel responsible for saving residents' lives with limited medical resources and while having identity crises due to an inability to carry out the PHN's role of controlling infection in the community. For future crises, rapid, drastic innovation defying conventional organizational systems is critical to reform sustainable organizations so that they play an effective role in the community. Innovation in crisis communication and strengthening the medical system will help achieve a resilient community in a health crisis.

Experience and Resilience of Japanese Public Health Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Impact on Burnout

Japanese public health nurses (PHNs) at public health centers (PHCs) have played critical roles in infection prevention and control during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to examine the actual pandemic-related experiences of PHNs and the relation between their experiences, individual resilience, two components of organizational resilience (system and human resilience), and burnout. An analysis of the responses of 351 PHNs revealed that mid-level PHNs scored higher in experience and lower in organizational resilience compared with those in other positions. More than 80% of respondents experienced inappropriate staff allocation. Multiple regression revealed that burnout was positively associated with the components of the experience of PHNs and negatively with individual and human resilience. In hierarchical multiple regression with depersonalization as the dependent variable, the sign of system resilience reversed from negative to positive when human resilience was added. The results highlight the need to prepare for future health crises including establishing a system with enough personnel, promoting human resilience such as collaboration among staff members, and burnout prevention measures, especially among mid-level PHNs. The study also described alternative approaches to comprehend system resilience-namely, a suppression variable of human resilience, promotion of depersonalization, and multicollinearity-and the need for further research on organizational resilience.

Antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli isolates from Japanese raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes viverrinus) in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan: Emergence of extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant human-related clones

Introduction. Wild animals are one of the putative reservoirs of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, but the significance of raccoon dogs remains to be investigated.Hypothesis. Raccoon dogs can be a reservoir of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.Aim. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance, mainly extended-spectrum cephalosporins resistance, in Escherichia coli isolates from faeces of 80 Japanese raccoon dogs in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.Methodology. All of the 80 faecal samples were streaked onto deoxycholate-hydrogen sulfate-lactose (DHL) and cefotaxime (CTX)-supplemented DHL (DHL-CTX) agars. Susceptibilities to ten antimicrobials were determined using the agar dilution method. Additionally, extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and AmpC-type β-lactamases (ABLs) were identified in addition to sequence types (STs), in ESC-resistant isolates by a polymerase chain reaction and sequencing.Results. Out of all the samples, 75 (93.8 %) and 20 (25.0 %) E. coli isolates were isolated by DHL and DHL-CTX agars, respectively. Significantly higher resistance rates to most of the drugs were found in DHL-CTX-derived isolates than DHL-derived isolates (P<0.01). Genetic analysis identified CTX-M-14 (n=6), CTX-M-2 (n=2), CTX-M-1 (n=1) and CTX-M-55 (n=1) as ESBLs, and CMY-2 (n=8) and DHA-1 (n=1) as ABLs in 20 DHL-CTX-derived isolates. Most of the detected STs were related to Japanese humans (i.e. ST10, ST58, ST69, ST131, ST357, ST648 and ST4038). Notably, this is the first report on ST69, ST131, ST155 and ST648, which are well-known international high-risk clones in Japanese raccoon dogs.Conclusion. Our findings underscore the need to understand the significance of raccoon dogs as an antimicrobial-resistant bacteria reservoir using one health approach.

A study on the examination of sense of coherence-related factors in Japanese junior high school students and their mothers

This study examined the relationship between the sense of coherence (SOC), which is conceptually the ability to successfully cope with stress, of Japanese junior high school students and their mothers, and investigated SOC-related factors among the students. We analyzed self-reported data from 134 junior high school students (aged 12–14 years) and their mothers (average age: 45.5 ± 4.1 years), based in an urban area of Japan. We found a weak correlation between the SOC total scores of female students and their mothers; further, few subscales showed weak correlations. However, the SOC of male students was not correlated with that of their mothers, including the three subcomponents that constitute the SOC. The results of multiple regression analysis indicated that the SOC of female students was negatively associated with ASD-related characteristics, sensitivity to evaluation, and avoidant help-seeking style, and positively associated with a sense of belonging to the school. However, male students’ SOC showed a negative relationship with excessive response to evaluation and a strong sense of parental control. To improve SOC in adolescents, it is necessary to consider their gender differences and support them, both at home and school.

Changes in Japanese Junior High School Students' Sense of Coherence Before and After the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study of Children and Mothers

We conducted a longitudinal study to clarify the changes in the sense of coherence (SOC); that is, the ability to cope with stress successfully, of 166 Japanese junior high school students and their mothers before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. First, we analyzed changes in SOC at three time points for all students and divided them into two groups: Group 1 included students with SOC scores that increased or maintained before and after the onset of the pandemic and Group 2 included students with decreased SOC scores after the onset of the pandemic. Second, we conducted a comparative analysis between the two groups. Overall, results indicated that student's SOC scores increased. Additionally, interpersonal stress scores were lower after the onset of the pandemic than before. There were almost no differences in family relationships, financial conditions, or personality tendencies between the two groups. However, Group 2 did not regain their sense of belonging to school. In this group, the frequency of stress experiences in club activities after the onset of the pandemic, troubles with the opposite gender, and inability to catch up with the contents of the subject lecture were high. The accumulation of small stressors may have hindered the maintenance of a sense of school affiliation. Mothers of students in Group 2 either were full-time employees at baseline or had started a new job after the onset of the pandemic. Their children may have been affected by the household's damaged financial budget and changes in mother's working styles. As COVID-19 reduced the number of days students went to school, students' SOC could have reduced had they not felt a sense of presence or belonging due to the lack of participation in club activities, school events, etc. Teachers and mothers should communicate carefully with their students and children, respectively, to develop a sense of belonging.

Factors Influencing Sense of Coherence: Family Relationships, High School Life and Autism Spectrum Tendency

Adolescence is marked by significant life stress. Recently, school refusal and dropouts as well as suicide among Japanese adolescents have increased. Sense of coherence (SOC) is recognized as a competency that helps people deal with stress. The purpose of this study was to examine the factors influencing SOC in male and female high school students. We conducted a survey with 203 pairs of high school students and their mothers, in Tokyo, to explore their SOC, family relationships, school belonging, and autistic traits. Analysis of the data revealed a weak relationship between female students’ SOC and that of their mothers, and no relationship between male students’ SOC and their mothers’ SOC. Feelings of acceptance and recognition from teachers improved students’ SOC, irrespective of gender. Low SOC in mothers had a negative impact on female students’ SOC, and children’s lack of imagination (an autism spectrum tendency) had a negative impact on male students’ SOC. This study revealed the importance of support at home and school according to the needs of both genders.

Emotion estimation using a wearable heart rate monitoring device in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) during veterinary clinical procedures

Fatal accidents in captive elephants occasionally occur because humans are unable to gauge elephants’ emotions solely by their behavior. The intellectual capacity of elephants makes them capable of understanding circumstantial changes and associated emotions, allowing them to react accordingly. Physiological markers, such as heart rate variability, may be effective in determining an elephant’s emotional state. In this study, a wearable heart rate monitor was used to determine the emotional state of a female Indian captive elephant (Elephas maximus indicus). The average heart rate was higher when the elephant underwent painful treatment than when it underwent non-painful treatment. In addition, the heart rate increased both before and after the treatment, which included radiography and blood collection.

Novel treatment for chronic pododermatitis in an Indian elephant (Elephas maximus indicus) with Mohs' paste

Asian and African elephants are frequently afflicted by foot disorders that can be very challenging to manage even with aggressive therapy. Such conditions may have indirect life-threatening effects. Mohs’ paste (zinc chloride based escharotic agent) was used to treat a female Indian elephant (Elephas maximus indicus) aged 39 years with foot disorder at Kanazawa Zoological Gardens. Degenerated hyperplastic tissue was observed inside the hoofs of digits 2 and 5. Mohs’ paste was applied on the lesions, which coagulated the hyperplastic tissue and restrained its proliferation. Subsequently, the hyperplastic tissue could be trimmed with little pain, and the disorder became manageable. Mohs’ paste treatment was effective and is expected to be an alternative treatment for hoof disorder.

Evaluation of somatotype in the reticulated giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata) using three-dimensional laser measurement

The giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is a difficult animal to keep in captivity as it has high mortality due to nutrition-related disorders, perhaps because the giraffe's condition is difficult to evaluate. Image analysis techniques have recently become popular and may be useful for evaluating the giraffe's somatotype. The present study aimed to evaluate the giraffe somatotype using a three-dimensional laser measurement device, and to examine the usefulness of this method. First, ten zoo staff members visually evaluated the somatotypes of three giraffes housed at Kanazawa Zoological Gardens, Japan. Next, three-dimensional point cloud datasets were obtained from these giraffes using the device. The point cloud datasets indicated that the cross-sectional area and width of the largest giraffe's body were large in the abdominal region in the transverse sections. However, by visual examination, the ten zoo staff members deemed a different giraffe to be the largest. These results indicated that the three-dimensional laser measurement device could be used to evaluate giraffe somatotype in detail, and that this method may be an alternative to visual evaluation.

Molar eruption and identification of the eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) at different ages

To treat dental disorders and estimate age, it is important that veterinarians understand teeth eruption sequence for the animal in question. Few dental images of the eastern grey kangaroo have been published. In the present study, radiographic imagings of 29 kangaroos, ranging in age from 12 months to 10 years 9 months, was used to surveil the replacement of premolars and the eruption of molars. These images revealed eruption patterns in five stages, while the second and third deciduous premolars were shed non-systematically. Furthermore, the third premolars and fourth molars erupted in the mandible earlier than in the maxilla, which may contribute to the frequency of mandibular dental disorders.

Positive change and sense of coherence in Japanese mothers of children with congenital appearance malformation

The purpose of this study was to clarify the factors related to perceived positive change and sense of coherence in mothers (n = 293) of children with cleft lip and palate. The strongest negative correlation with sense of coherence was stigmatizing words from others; there were positive correlations with social capital and perceived positive change. Multiple regression showed that to be aware of positive changes, mothers share their feelings with mothers in the same position, are rooted in a safe community and do not feel isolated in parenting. People who have experienced adversity may have the opportunity to enhance sense of coherence by obtaining perceived positive change.

New techniques to collect live Sarcoptes scabiei and evaluation of methods as alternative diagnostics for infection

Sarcoptes scabiei is a widespread, highly contagious skin disease that affects many mammals including humans. The biological characteristics of S. scabiei remain unclear. Therefore, the ability to collect adequate amount of mites for studies is required to advance our understanding of the parasite. The present study aimed to find a method to collect an adequate amount of live S. scabiei mites within a short time frame. The cornified layer and fur from an infected raccoon dog were inserted into a 50-ml catheter tip-type syringe. A 1.5-ml microtube was attached at the tip of the syringe to collect the mites, which crawled out from the cornified layer and fur. Four conditions were examined, and the following condition was determined to be the best: the syringe and microtube were shaded by aluminum foil, and the microtube was heated using a pet heater (36 °C). In addition, the effectiveness of this method as an alternative method to diagnose S. scabiei infections in animal was evaluated. S. scabiei live mites were not detected in the raccoon dog samples 24 h after the administration of medication (ivermectin or selamectin). The present study revealed that this technique was useful to collect adequate amounts of live mites, and the mites prefer a heated environment and actively move when using the shaded conditions. In addition, this technique was effective as an alternative diagnostic technique to detect live mites on an animal body.

Hematological and pathological features of massive hepatic necrosis in two radiated tortoises (Astrochelys radiata)

Two radiated tortoises (Astrochelys radiata) exhibited anorexia and hypokinesia. In both cases, hematological and serum biochemical examinations revealed high alkaline phosphatase levels, moderately high aspartate aminotransferase levels and white blood cell counts approximately within the normal range. Despite being treated, the tortoises died 9 and 43 days after the first clinical examination. Gross pathological examinations revealed that the livers of both animals were extremely swollen and contained pale yellow necrotic tissue. Histopathological assessment revealed that the livers contained a massive area of hepatic necrosis surrounded by migration of macrophages and multinucleated giant cells. In one of the cases, severe fibrosis was observed. The present study provides reference information for similar cases in the future.

Comparison of mouse and human ankles and establishment of mouse ankle osteoarthritis models by surgically-induced instability

OBJECTIVE

Prevalence of ankle osteoarthritis (OA) is lower than that of knee OA, however, the molecular mechanisms underlying the difference remain unrevealed. In the present study, we developed mouse ankle OA models for use as tools to investigate pathophysiology of ankle OA and molecular characteristics of ankle cartilage.

DESIGN

We anatomically and histologically examined ankle and knee joints of C57BL/6 mice, and compared them with human samples. We examined joints of 8-week-old and 25-month-old mice. For experimental models, we developed three different ankle OA models: a medial model, a lateral model, and a bilateral model, by resection of respective structures. OA severity was evaluated 8 weeks after the surgery by safranin O staining, and cartilage degradation in the medial model was sequentially examined.

RESULTS

Anatomical and histological features of human and mouse ankle joints were comparable. Additionally, the mouse ankle joint was more resistant to cartilage degeneration with aging than the mouse knee joint. In the medial model, the tibiotalar joint was markedly affected while the subtalar joint was less degenerated. In the lateral model, the subtalar joint was mainly affected while the tibiotalar joint was less altered. In the bilateral model, both joints were markedly degenerated. In the time course of the medial model, TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining and Adamts5 expression were enhanced at early and middle stages, while Mmp13 expression was gradually increased during the OA development.

CONCLUSION

Since human and mouse ankles are comparable, the present models will contribute to ankle OA pathophysiology and general cartilage research in future.

A new voluntary blood collection method for the Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) and Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus)

Various training methods have been developed for animal husbandry and health care in zoos and one of these trainings is blood collection. One training method, recently widely used for blood collection in Ursidae, requires setting up a sleeve outside the cage and gives access to limited blood collection sites. A new voluntary blood collection method without a sleeve was applied to the Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) and Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) with access to various veins at the same time. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of this new method and suggests improvements. Two Andean and two Asiatic black bears in Yokohama and Nogeyama Zoological Gardens, respectively, were trained to hold a bamboo pipe outside their cages. We could, thereby, simultaneously access superficial dorsal veins, the dorsal venous network of the hand, the cephalic vein from the carpal joint, and an area approximately 10 cm proximal to the carpal joint. This allowed us to evaluate which vein was most suitable for blood collection. We found that the cephalic vein, approximately 10 cm proximal to the carpal joint, was the most suitable for blood collection. This new method requires little or no modification of zoo facilities and provides a useful alternative method for blood collection. It could be adapted for use in other clinical examinations such as ultrasound examination.

Extraction of an incisor embedded within the nasal cavity in two guinea pigs

Oral examination of two guinea pigs revealed that the unilateral incisor was absent. On radiographic examination, the incisor was identified within the nasal cavity in both patients. Under anesthesia in both patients, the skin was incised from the nostril to 1.5 cm proximal, and the premaxilla and part of the maxilla were exposed. The bone was removed using a surgical drill, and the incisor was exposed in the nasal cavity. The root was grasped with forceps and carefully extracted as it was degraded and very fragile. Diagnosis was easy using oral and radiographic examination. In guinea pig patients where an incisor is absent on oral examination, this condition should be considered.

Mental health of patients with human immunodeficiency virus in Japan: a comparative analysis of employed and unemployed patients

In developed countries, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has become a chronic disease. The aims of this study were to clarify the physical, social, and psychological factors affecting Japanese HIV patients in a stable condition and to identify factors related to mental health of employed and unemployed HIV patients. The target subjects were people with HIV infection who were treated as outpatients at core hospitals for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) treatment in Japan. A questionnaire including items from the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was sent to each medical facility with a request for participation from the HIV-infected outpatients. Responses from 1199 patients were analyzed. Mental health was reportedly better in the employed patients than in the unemployed patients. The unemployed patients were more likely to have resigned from their jobs because of poor health, to have resigned voluntarily, or to have been unfairly dismissed. Once the patients stopped working because of HIV, returning to work became difficult. In the employed patients, a good workplace environment was strongly related to lower scores on HADS. Higher HADS scores were recorded for employed patients infected with HIV for six years or more. For the unemployed patients, a relationship was observed between strong feelings of stigmatization and HADS scores. Quitting a job because of an experience related to HIV status may be related to feelings of stigmatization.

Effective treatment for improving the survival rate of raccoon dogs infected with Sarcoptes scabiei

Sarcoptes scabiei is one of the important external parasites. Although ivermectin is the recommended treatment, many raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) that were rescued and brought to the Kanazawa Zoological Gardens (Yokohama, Japan) have died because of S. scabiei, even after receiving single ivermectin treatment. Therefore, supportive treatment should be required. The present study revealed the number of animals that survived was greater after the administration of ivermectin along with an antibiotic for all raccoon dogs, as well as following the administration of fluid therapy to the debilitated raccoon dogs infected with S. scabiei, immediately after the rescue. During the initial period, treatment to improve the general clinical condition was required prior to deworming treatment for S. scabiei.

Insufficient colostrum ingestion is a risk factor for polyarthritis and/or phlegmon in hand-reared reticulated giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata): 7 cases (2003-2012)

Seven reticulated giraffes were hand-reared at Nogeyama Zoological Gardens, because the dam had agalactia. Six of the 7 calves exhibited polyarthritis and/or phlegmon in the lower legs. However, the cause of the disorder was unclear. The present study reviewed the clinical records of the 7 giraffes, including the type and amount of colostrum ingested during the first 72 hr. The disorder involved the fetlocks and carpal and tarsal joints in 6 of the 7 calves within an average of 8 days of birth. The average amount of fed bovine or powdered colostrum was 0–2.4 l in the first 24 hr and 2.0–6.2 l during the first 72 hr. Insufficient colostrum quantity might be a factor in polyarthritis and/or phlegmon.

The process leading to affirmation of life with cleft lip and cleft palate: the importance of acquiring coherence

AIMS

The objectives of this study were to understand the experiences of people with cleft lip and cleft palate (CLCP) and to describe the processes and factors leading to the acquisition of high self-esteem.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted of 19 subjects with CLCP recruited via hospitals and through snowball sampling, and the results were analyzed qualitatively, comparing high and low self-esteem groups.

RESULTS

Participants with high self-esteem had gone through the phases of "noticing their difference from others", "knowing about and deepening their understanding of CLCP", "no denial of their life with CLCP" and "affirmation of life with CLCP". Seven factor categories including "received sufficient explanation of CLCP condition (from parents) in the early stage", "have not received negative messages about CLCP" and "feeling the presence of someone who accepts their feelings and supports them" were extracted as factors promoting these processes.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowing about and understanding CLCP enables individuals to acquire a sense of coherence in their lives, which may be related to gaining a feeling of control over their cleft condition, acquiring a sense of autonomy, and finding a meaning for their lives. Thus, medical professionals should provide explanations that enable patients to understand CLCP, and also facilitate interaction between patients with the same condition.

Long-term surveillance and treatment of subclinical cryptococcosis and nasal colonization by Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii species complex in captive koalas (Phascolarctes cinereus)

Cryptococcosis is an important systemic mycosis caused by members of the Cryptococcus neoformans species complex. This disease is potentially fatal in various animals, including koalas. We describe the long-term surveillance and treatment of subclinical cryptococcosis and nasal colonization of koalas by Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii. Of the 15 animals investigated through the use of samples obtained by nasal swabs, antigen titer measurements, and pathologic examination, C. neoformans was found associated with nine koalas and C. gattii with one animal. Nine koalas showed subclinical disease and one clinical infections and antigenemia. Treatment with fluconazole, itraconazole and amphotericin B upon detection of C. neoformans or C. gattii was not effective. The results of the present study showed that C. neoformans was the predominant species isolated from the nasal swab samples and the fungus might have naturally become associated with the koalas' nasal cavities at Kanazawa Zoological Gardens. The unclear treatment effectiveness might have been caused by a shorter treatment period that is routinely used and unstable itraconazole absorption. This investigation also underscores the need for identifying effective treatment regimens for subclinical cryptococcosis and efficient measures for eradicating C. neoformans and C. gattii in koalas.

Prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis infection in living raccoon dogs assessed by hematological examination

The prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in free-ranging raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus) was examined in the southeast region of Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, using a rapid immunomigration (RIM) test kit. Between April 2007 and March 2010, we examined 108 raccoon dogs rescued and housed by the Kanazawa Zoological Garden. D. immitis infection was found in 8 (7.4%) raccoon dogs. This is the first report to reveal the prevalence of D. immitis infection in living raccoon dogs. The prevalence of the infection was lower than previously reported values obtained on postmortem examination. One reason might be that the present study included young raccoon dogs infected with immature worms. Significant high-risk areas of D. immitis infection in the raccoon dogs were not observed.

Can I have a second child? Dilemmas of mothers of children with pervasive developmental disorder: a qualitative study

Background

Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) has an uncertain etiology, no method of treatment, and results in communication deficiencies and other behavioral problems. As the reported recurrence risk is 5%-10% and there are no methods of either prevention or prenatal testing, mothers of PDD children may face unique challenges when contemplating second pregnancies. The purpose of this study was to explore the mothers' lived experiences of second child-related decision-making after the birth of a child with PDD.

Methods

The participants for this study were restricted to mothers living within the greater Tokyo metropolitan area who had given birth to a first child with PDD within the past 18 years. The ten participants were encouraged to describe their experiences of second-child related decision-making after the birth of a child with PDD on the basis of semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was performed by using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), which is concerned with understanding what the participant thinks or believes about the topic under discussion.

Results

We identified two superordinate themes. The first was balancing hopes and fears, in which hope was the potential joy to be gained by the birth of a new child without PDD and fears were characterized as uncertainty of PDD and perception of recurrence risk, burden on later-born children, and negative effects on a child with PDD.

The second superordinate theme was assessing the manageability of the situation, which was affected by factors as diverse as severity of PDD, relationship between mother and father, and social support and acceptance for PDD. Our 10 participants suffered from extreme psychological conflict, and lack of social support and acceptance for PDD created numerous practical difficulties in having second children.

Conclusions

Our participants faced various difficulties when considering second pregnancies after the birth of children with PDD in the Japanese society. As lack of social support and acceptance for PDD also played a large role in second child-related decision-making, creating a social environment that more fully accepts those disabled and providing flexible support systems for families of children with PDD are crucial.

Electric-field control of ferromagnetism

It is often assumed that it is not possible to alter the properties of magnetic materials once they have been prepared and put into use. For example, although magnetic materials are used in information technology to store trillions of bits (in the form of magnetization directions established by applying external magnetic fields), the properties of the magnetic medium itself remain unchanged on magnetization reversal. The ability to externally control the properties of magnetic materials would be highly desirable from fundamental and technological viewpoints, particularly in view of recent developments in magnetoelectronics and spintronics. In semiconductors, the conductivity can be varied by applying an electric field, but the electrical manipulation of magnetism has proved elusive. Here we demonstrate electric-field control of ferromagnetism in a thin-film semiconducting alloy, using an insulating-gate field-effect transistor structure. By applying electric fields, we are able to vary isothermally and reversibly the transition temperature of hole-induced ferromagnetism.

The angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitor, cilazapril inhibits the platelet-derived growth factor B chain expression in glomeruli of spontaneously hypertensive rats

To clarify whether in vivo expression of growth factors in the glomerulus is induced in a hypertensive animal model, we investigated the expression of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) B chain, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), and angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 receptors in glomeruli of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. We also investigated the effects of treatment with cilazapril, and angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitor, on this expression. First, the expression of PDGF B chain, TGF-beta, and Ang II receptors from the glomerulus were investigated using the reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in SHR and WKY rats. Although there was no significant difference in PDGF B chain, TGF-beta, and Ang II receptors from the glomerulus were investigated using the reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in SHR and WKY rats. Although there was no significant difference in PDGF B chain, TGF-beta or Ang II receptor expression between SHR and WKY rats at the age of 7 weeks, the PDGF B chain expression of 16-week-old SHR was significantly higher (4.4-fold) than that of age-matched WKY rats. Next, we administered oral cilazapril at a dose of 10 mg/kg to 13-week-old SHR daily for 3 weeks. The systolic blood pressure in SHR treated with cilazapril was significantly lower than that in control SHR. After administration of cilazapril for 3 weeks, we examined the in vivo expression of growth factors and Ang II receptors in the glomerulus. The PDGF B chain expression was suppressed by treatment with cilazapril (2.5-fold) as compared with nontreated SHR. No alteration in TGF-beta or Ang II receptor expression was detected. We did not find any histological changes in the kidneys of SHR, WKY rats or cilazapril-treated SHR, and cilazapril treatment did not suppress the glomerular size. These findings indicate that the expression of PDGF B chain in the glomerulus preceded the appearance of histological changes in SHR and that the administration of cilazapril inhibited the expression of PDGF B chain without affecting the glomerular size. This suggests that angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitors directly suppress the Ang II-induced PDGF B chain promotion in the glomerulus of SHR at the established hypertensive stage.

Angiotensin II induces in vivo c-fos expression from rat renal cortex and medulla

In order to verify whether angiotensin II (Ang II) induced in vivo protooncogene, c-fos, expression in the rat renal cortex and medulla, we administered various concentrations of Ang II to Wistar rats and measured the c-fos expression from the renal cortex and medulla using the method of Northern hybridization. c-fos expression induced by 1 microgram (1.6 x 10(-6) M) of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) was also examined. The result was that the peak expression of c-fos mRNA was observed at approximately 10 min after Ang II administration in both rat renal cortex and medulla. This expression was reduced to the control level at 30 min. The measurement of the concentration of injected-Ang II and c-fos mRNA expression revealed that the peak expression of c-fos mRNA in the renal cortex and medulla was detected at the concentration of 1.0 x 10(-8) M and 1.0 x 10(-9) M Ang II, respectively. Nevertheless, ANP had no significant effect on the increase in c-fos mRNA expression. These data revealed that Ang II transiently increases the in vivo c-fos expression in both rat renal cortex and medulla but ANP does not. This protooncogene expression may induce vascular and mesangial proliferation in the kidney.

Alteration of renal receptors for atrial natriuretic peptide and vasopressin in spontaneously hypertensive rats treated with antihypertensive diuretics

To investigate the alteration of the renal atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) receptors in the controlled hypertensive state of spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) treated with antihypertensive diuretics, 12 weeks old SHRs were administered an antihypertensive diuretic, furosemide, trichloromethiazide, or indapamide, daily for 10 days and investigated by radiolabeled receptor assay (RRA) of ANP and AVP. The urine volume was significantly increased in all groups treated with antihypertensive diuretics as compared with the untreated control group on day 3. Systolic blood pressure was significantly decreased in groups treated with both trichloromethiazide and indapamide. The number of renal ANP receptors decreased; affinity was increased only in the SHR administered indapamide. The affinity of the renal AVP receptor was also decreased in that group. Alteration of ANP and AVP receptors was observed only in the group treated with indapamide. This indicates that the ANP and AVP receptor in the kidney of SHR was changed not only by diuresis or reduction of blood pressure, but by the pharmacological action of indapamide.