Formation and evolution of carbonaceous asteroid Ryugu: Direct evidence from returned samples

Samples of the carbonaceous asteroid Ryugu were brought to Earth by the Hayabusa2 spacecraft. We analyzed 17 Ryugu samples measuring 1 to 8 millimeters. Carbon dioxide-bearing water inclusions are present within a pyrrhotite crystal, indicating that Ryugu's parent asteroid formed in the outer Solar System. The samples contain low abundances of materials that formed at high temperatures, such as chondrules and calcium- and aluminum-rich inclusions. The samples are rich in phyllosilicates and carbonates, which formed through aqueous alteration reactions at low temperature, high pH, and water/rock ratios of <1 (by mass). Less altered fragments contain olivine, pyroxene, amorphous silicates, calcite, and phosphide. Numerical simulations, based on the mineralogical and physical properties of the samples, indicate that Ryugu's parent body formed ~2 million years after the beginning of Solar System formation.

Near infrared photoimmunotherapy targeting DLL3 for small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has a poor prognosis, and its treatment options are limited. Delta-like protein 3 (DLL3) is expressed specifically in SCLC and is considered a promising therapeutic target for patients with this disease. Rovalpituzumab tesirine (Rova-T) was the first antibody-drug conjugate targeting DLL3. Although Rova-T development was unfortunately terminated, DLL3 remains an ideal target for SCLC. Near infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a new form of cancer treatment that employs an antibody-photosensitiser conjugate followed by NIR light exposure and damage target cells specifically. In this study, we demonstrate DLL3-targeted NIR-PIT to develop a novel molecularly targeted treatment for SCLC.

METHODS

The anti-DLL3 monoclonal antibody rovalpituzumab was conjugated to an IR700 photosensitiser (termed 'rova-IR700'). SCLC cells overexpressing DLL3 as well as non-DLL3-expressing controls were incubated with rova-IR700 and then exposed to NIR-light. Next, mice with SCLC xenografts were injected with rova-IR700 and irradiated with NIR-light.

FINDINGS

DLL3-overexpressing cells underwent immediate destruction upon NIR-light exposure, whereas the control cells remained intact. The xenograft in mice treated with rova-IR700 and NIR-light shrank markedly, whereas neither rova-IR700 injection nor NIR-light irradiation alone affected tumour size.

INTERPRETATION

Our data suggest that targeting of DLL3 using NIR-PIT could be a novel and promising treatment for SCLC.

FUNDING

Research supported by grants from the Program for Developing Next-generation Researchers (Japan Science and Technology Agency), KAKEN (18K15923, JSPS), Medical Research Encouragement Prize of The Japan Medical Association, The Nitto Foundation, Kanae Foundation for the Promotion of Medical Science.

A photo-responsive polymeric azopyridine ligand with metal-complexation sensitivity: application to coordination equilibrium studies on the polymer complexes of a cobalt(ii) Schiff base

A photo-responsive polymeric azopyridine ligand with complexation sensitivity provided coordination equilibrium for complexation with cobalt salen in a dilute solution.

Tuning the Magnetic Quantum Criticality of Artificial Kondo Superlattices CeRhIn_{5}/YbRhIn_{5}

The effects of reduced dimensions and the interfaces on antiferromagnetic quantum criticality are studied in epitaxial Kondo superlattices, with alternating n layers of heavy-fermion antiferromagnet CeRhIn_{5} and seven layers of normal metal YbRhIn_{5}. As n is reduced, the Kondo coherence temperature is suppressed due to the reduction of effective Kondo screening. The Néel temperature is gradually suppressed as n decreases and the quasiparticle mass is strongly enhanced, implying dimensional control toward a quantum critical point. Magnetotransport measurements reveal that a quantum critical point is reached for the n=3 superlattice by applying small magnetic fields. Remarkably, the anisotropy of the quantum critical field is opposite to the expectations from the magnetic susceptibility in bulk CeRhIn_{5}, suggesting that the Rashba spin-orbit interaction arising from the inversion symmetry breaking at the interface plays a key role for tuning the quantum criticality in the two-dimensional Kondo lattice.

Atmospheric Humidity Influences Oviposition Rate of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) Through Morphological Responses of Host Cucumis sativus Leaves

We investigated the effects of morphology of host cucumber, Cucumis sativus L., leaves acclimatized to different atmospheric humidity levels on oviposition by adult females of the twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch. Cucumber seedlings were grown at a vapor pressure deficit (VPD) of 0.4, 1.9, or 3.0 kPa at 28°C (90%, 50%, or 20% relative humidity, respectively) in growth chambers until the second true leaves had expanded. Adult females of T. urticae were released on the adaxial surfaces of leaf squares cut from first and second true leaves in each treatment group, and held in the same humidity condition. Eggs were counted 2 d after release. The lower acclimatization humidity (higher VPD) increased trichome (leaf hair) density of the host leaves and oviposition rate, but the relationship between the trichome and oviposition differed between leaf positions. The leaf mass per area (LMA) was greater in first true leaves than in second true leaves, but was not influenced by VPD. A linear regression model with oviposition rate as the dependent variable and trichome density and LMA as independent variables showed that both variables influenced the oviposition rate approximately equally. We conclude that oviposition was accelerated under low humidity (high VPD) conditions indirectly probably through an increase in the trichome density of host leaves.

Carvedilol Suppresses Apoptosis and Ion Channel Remodelling of HL-1 Cardiac Myocytes Expressing E334K cMyBPC

BACKGROUND

Besides its antiarrhythmic action, carvedilol has an activity to suppress cardiac tissue damage. However, it is unknown whether it has any effect on cellular apoptosis and ion channel remodelling.

PURPOSE

To know whether carvedilol has any effect on apoptosis and ion channel remodeling of HL-1 cells expressing E334K MyBPC, and comparing it with bisoprolol.

METHOD

We examined effects of carvedilol and bisoprolol on the levels of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins and ion channels as well as apoptosis of HL-1 cells transfected with E334K MyBPC using Western blot and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Carvedilol decreased the protein levels of p53, Bax and cytochrome c and increased that of Bcl-2 in HL-1 cells expressing E334K MyBPC. Bisoprolol failed to affect the protein levels. Both carvedilol and bisoprolol increased the protein levels of Cav1.2 but not that of Nav1.5. Carvedilol was stronger than bisoprolol at decreasing the number of annexin-V positive cells in HL-1 cells expressing E334K MyBPC.

CONCLUSION

Carvedilol suppressed apoptosis of HL-1 cells expressing E334K MyBPC through modification of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins, whose was associated with an increase of Cav 1.2 protein expression.

Controllable Rashba spin-orbit interaction in artificially engineered superlattices involving the heavy-fermion superconductor CeCoIn5

By using a molecular beam epitaxy technique, we fabricate a new type of superconducting superlattices with controlled atomic layer thicknesses of alternating blocks between the heavy-fermion superconductor CeCoIn5, which exhibits a strong Pauli pair-breaking effect, and nonmagnetic metal YbCoIn5. The introduction of the thickness modulation of YbCoIn5 block layers breaks the inversion symmetry centered at the superconducting block of CeCoIn5. This configuration leads to dramatic changes in the temperature and angular dependence of the upper critical field, which can be understood by considering the effect of the Rashba spin-orbit interaction arising from the inversion symmetry breaking and the associated weakening of the Pauli pair-breaking effect. Since the degree of thickness modulation is a design feature of this type of superlattices, the Rashba interaction and the nature of pair breaking are largely tunable in these modulated superlattices with strong spin-orbit coupling.

Selection of microalgae suitable for culturing with digestate from methane fermentation

The effects ofdigestate on the growth rates of Euglena gracilis, Chlorella vulgaris, and Dunaliella tertiolecta were investigated to select suitable microalgae for culturing with digestate from methane fermentation. Microalgae were cultured in an aqueous solution containing digestate at concentrations of 5%, 10%, 13%, 20%, 40%, 50%, and 100%, and Cramer-Myers (CM) solution as a control, at photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFDs) of 75-150 micromol m(-2) s(-1) with continuous illumination at 30 degrees C. The number of cells was monitored daily, and specific growth rates (mu) were calculated as cellular multiplication rates. The maximum mu values of these species were greater in appropriate concentrations of digestate than in CM medium. The maximum mu values were 0.047 h(-1) in 10% digestate for E. gracilis, 0.065 h(-1) in 20% digestate for C. vulgaris, and 0.052 h(-1) in 50% digestate for D. tertiolecta at a PPFD of 150 micromol m(-2) s(-1). The mu of D. tertiolecta were 2.5 and 1.1 times higher than those of E. gracilis and C. vulgaris, respectively, in 50% digestate. These results demonstrated that these species could be cultured at high growth rates with diluted methane fermentation sludge and that, among these species, Dunaliella sp. was suitable for culturing at higher concentration of digestate under relatively low-level light conditions.

Effects of Take-up Speed of Melt Spinning on the Structure and Mechanical Propertiesof Maximally Laser Drawn PA9-T Fibers

A new semiaromatic polyamide, PA9-T, was melt-spun at take-up speeds from 200 to 1000m min−1. The as-spun fibers were drawn with CO2 laser-heated drawing to their maximal draw ratio (DRmax). The drawing stress was recorded during this process. The effects of take-up speed of melt-spinning on maximally drawn fibers were characterized through measurements of density, birefringence, wide-angle X-ray diffraction, crystal orientation, tensile testing, and dynamic viscoelastic analysis. All as-spun fibers were essentially amorphous and their birefringence and density increased slightly with the increase of take-up speed. Lower take-up speeds yielded higher DRmax values, and fibers drawn to their DRmax exhibited superior structure and mechanical properties. The tensile strength and Young's modulus achieved were the highest reported to date for PA9-T: 737 MPa and 5.8 GPa, respectively.

Synthesis and antibacterial activity of novel 1beta-methyl carbapenems with cycloalkylamine moiety at the C-2 position

Novel 1beta-methyl carbapenems with a cycloalkylamine moiety as a side chain were synthesized and their structure-activity relationships were studied. These carbapenems showed potent antibacterial activities against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and moderate urinary recovery when administered intraperitoneally in mice.

[Antitumor effect of the angiogenesis inhibitor, TNP470, on squamous cell carcinoma cells in head and neck cancer]

The antitumor effect of the angiogenesis inhibitor TNP470, O-(chloro-acetyl-carbamoyl) fumagillol, a synthetic analogue of fumagillin, was studied in vitro and in vivo on, cell line KB which produced interleukin (IL)-8. In vitro, TNP470 reduced the production of IL-8 from KB cells, the same as anti-IL-8 antibody (Ab.) The combination of anti-IL-8 Ab (10 micrograms/ml) and TNP470 (10 ng/ml) significantly inhibited the proliferation of KB cells, compared to no treatment (p < 0.05). Proliferation of KB cells was also significantly more suppressed by simultaneous treatment of cisplatin and TNP470 (1 mg/ml), than cisplatin alone. The in vivo antitumor effect of TNP470 was studied using anti-IL-8 Ab, anti-vascular endothel growth factor (VEGF) Ab, and TNP470, in administered by different routes, i.e., intratumoral (i.t.), intraperitoneal (i.p.), and intravenous. TNP470 (10 mg/ml) showed an antitumor effect, and intratumoral administration of TNP470 was the most effective route. Combined administration of anti-IL-8 Ab (i.p.) and TNP470 (i.t.) reduced tumor volume more than anti-IL-8 Ab alone did. These results suggest that the combination of TNP470, cisplatin, and anti-IL-8 Ab could be a beneficial treatment for solid tumors of the head and neck.

The perineuronal proteoglycan surface coat in the adult rat brain, with special reference to its reactions to Gömöri's ammoniacal silver

The present study showed that many neurons in the adult rat brain possessed a perineuronal sulfated proteoglycan surface coat which reacted to cationic iron colloid and aldehyde fuchsin. This surface coat was stained supravitally with Ehrlich's methylene blue and doubly stained with Ehrlich's methylene blue and aldehyde fuchsin. The surface coat was also stained with Gömöri's ammoniacal silver and doubly stained with Gömöri's ammoniacal silver and cationic iron colloid. The surface coat was usually expressed together with a nerve cell surface glycoprotein net detectable with lectin Wisteria floribunda agglutinin. These findings indicate that the perineuronal proteoglycan surface coat is identical to Cajal's superficial reticulum and contains some collagenous elements. It was further demonstrated that collagenase digestion erased Gömöri's ammoniacal silver impregnation within the perineuronal proteoglycan surface coat.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of 1beta-methylcarbapenems with quaternary ammonium side chains

The synthesis and antibacterial activity of 1beta-methylcarbapenems with quaternary ammonium groups at the C-2 position have been studied. Two types of new carbapenem derivatives have been synthesized. These 1beta-methylcarbapenems, one type having a (2S,4S)-2-[1,1-dimethyl-2-(1-piperazinyl)carbonyl]pyrrolidinio-4-+ ++ylthio group and the other type having a (2S,4S)-2-(4-carbamoylmethyl-4-methylhomopiperazinio-1-yl carbonyl)pyrrolidin-4-ylthio group, show potent and well balanced antibacterial activity as well as high stability against dehydropeptidase-I. The in vivo potency of these two carbapenems was compared with that of meropenem. The structure-activity relationships leading to these carbapenems are also described.

Actinin-4, a novel actin-bundling protein associated with cell motility and cancer invasion

Regulation of the actin cytoskeleton may play a crucial role in cell motility and cancer invasion. We have produced a monoclonal antibody (NCC- Lu-632, IgM, k) reactive with an antigenic protein that is upregulated upon enhanced cell movement. The cDNA for the antigen molecule was found to encode a novel isoform of nonmuscle alpha-actinin. This isoform (designated actinin-4) was concentrated in the cytoplasm where cells were sharply extended and in cells migrating and located at the edge of cell clusters, but was absent from focal adhesion plaques or adherens junctions, where the classic isoform (actinin-1) was concentrated. Actinin-4 shifted steadily from the cytoplasm to the nucleus upon inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase or actin depolymerization. The cytoplasmic localization of actinin-4 was closely associated with an infiltrative histological phenotype and correlated significantly with a poorer prognosis in 61 cases of breast cancer. These findings suggest that cytoplasmic actinin-4 regulates the actin cytoskeleton and increases cellular motility and that its inactivation by transfer to the nucleus abolishes the metastatic potential of human cancers.

Identification of semaphorin E as a non-MDR drug resistance gene of human cancers

To improve cancer chemotherapy, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of drug resistance is essential. To identify the molecules responsible for drug resistance that is unrelated to MDR1 or MRP gene products, a eukaryotic expression cDNA library of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (CDDP)-resistant ovarian cancer TYKnuR cells was introduced into Cos-7 cells. After repeated CDDP selection, cDNA homologous to murine semaphorin E was isolated from surviving cells. Human semaphorin E (H-sema E) was overexpressed in CDDP-resistant cell lines and was readily induced not only by diverse chemotherapeutic drugs but also by x-ray and UV irradiation. Transfection of H-sema E conferred a drug-resistant phenotype to CDDP-sensitive cells. In addition, the aberrant expression of H-sema E protein was detected immunohistochemically in 14 of 42 (33.3%) recurrent squamous cell carcinomas removed at autopsy after extensive radiochemotherapy. Recently, another member of the semaphorin family, CD100, was shown to significantly improve the viability of B lymphocytes. These results suggest the involvement of semaphorins in diverse cell survival mechanisms.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of a novel oral carbapenem, CS-834

We have studied an ester prodrug of a carbapenem to develop a potent orally active beta-lactam antibiotic. A variety of 1 beta-methylcarbapenem derivatives have been synthesized. We have found that some derivatives having an amide group in the C-2 side chain show potent and well balanced antibacterial activities as well as high stability against dehydropeptidase-I. Oral absorption of derivatives has been optimized by modifying the C-3 ester promoiety. Pivaloyloxymethyl (1R, 5S, 6S)-6-[(R)-1-hydroxyethyl]-l-methyl-2-[(R)-5-oxopyrrolidin-3-yl thio]- l-carbapen-2-em-3-carboxylate, CS-834, has been selected as the most promising compound for further evaluation.

Aberrant expression of a hemidesmosomal protein, bullous pemphigoid antigen 2, in human squamous cell carcinoma

Through yet unidentified mechanisms, squamous epithelial cells become committed to terminal differentiation after detachment from the basement membrane. In squamous cell carcinoma, these mechanisms seem to be disturbed. A murine monoclonal antibody, designated NCC-Lu-226 (IgG1, K), which recognizes an antigen expressed in basal cells of squamous epithelium at the epithelio-connective tissue border, was obtained. A cDNA clone encoding the antigen was isolated from a cDNA library by immunoselection. DNA sequencing and a database search revealed that this cDNA clone was identical to a hemidesmosomal transmembrane protein, bullous pemphigoid antigen 2 (BPA-2; also known as BPAG2, BP180, or type XVII collagen). Immunoelectron microscopy validated the specific reactivity of this monoclonal antibody with skin hemidesmosomes. Enhanced expression and abnormal distribution of BPA-2 was revealed immunohistochemically in various precancerous and cancerous tissues, including solar keratosis (4 of 5), Bowen's disease (3 of 5), invasive squamous cell carcinoma (7 of 7) of the skin, and squamous cell carcinoma of the lung (14 of 14), esophagus (12 of 13), and cervix (14 of 17). The specific expression of BPA-2 protein in squamous cell carcinoma was confirmed by RT-PCR and Northern hybridization. BPA-2 has possible phosphorylation sites and is actually phosphorylated in cultured keratinocytes and squamous cell carcinoma. The aberrant expression of BPA-2 may reflect dysfunction of the hemidesmosome that occurs as a relatively early event in multistep carcinogenesis of squamous epithelium.

[Histopathological and electron microscopic changes in mice treated with puffer fish toxin]

The histopathological examination of a male ddY mouse given an intraperitoneal injection of the crude extract containing 169 micrograms/ml of tetrodotoxin (TTX) prepared from the ovary of Takifugu porphyreus was carried out. Two crude extract solutions (0.42 and 0.21 microgram/ml) were prepared; one kills an animal in 10 min (group 1), and other kills it in 40 min (group 2) after the injection. As a result, a remarkable inflation of the gall bladder was observed macroscopically in both groups. By light microscopic observed, both groups showed the congestion in the brain, heart, liver, gall bladder, lung and kidneys, while nerve cells were characterized by the vacuolation and disappearance of Nissl's body only in group 2, probably because of the mitochondrial degeneration. Electron microscopically, a part of cristae of mitochondria and ribosome of endoplasmic reticulum disappeared or vacuolated in the nerve cells of group 2. This was also observed in a part of pre and postsynaptic mitochondria of synapse. However, little significant changes were observed in group 1 and in other tissues of group 2. These results show that a cytopathological change of mice by TTX is mainly detected in nerve tissues when a small amount of TTX is administered to the animals.

Serum hyaluronate in patients with acute and fulminant hepatitis

We evaluated serum hyaluronate (HA) levels in 17 patients with acute hepatitis and 9 with fulminant hepatitis (FH). Upon admission, patients with FH showed increased levels of serum HA and these levels showed significant correlation with biochemical parameters such as human hepatocyte growth factor, hepaplastin test, and prothrombin activity. In patients with AH, the levels of serum HA decreased during convalescence. Higher serum HA levels were observed in patients with type A acute hepatitis than in patients with non-A type. In patients with FH, serum HA levels were decreased in the survivors, while they were elevated in the non-survivors. These findings suggest that serum HA levels may be a useful indicator for evaluating the prognosis of patients with acute and fulminant hepatitis. Further study is necessary to determine whether there is a causal relationship between elevated serum HA levels and the type of hepatitis virus.

[Health check on divers and compressed air workers]

We have conducted the health check of 3,554 compressed air workers and 1,821 divers, and also examined the incidence and severity of aseptic bone necrosis by using Roentgen pictures. We could classify 4,859 of 5,375 persons into four groups (A-D), based on our classification. We could also classify 4,205 of 5,375 persons that had had a bone X ray examination on the basis of the criteria described by Ota and Matsunaga (A-C). 4,859 persons belonged to four groups: class A (persons who can work, no limitations): 4,099 (84.4%), class B (persons who can work under conditions below 1.0 kg/cm2): 357 (7.3%), class C (persons who had better quit work under hyperbaric conditions, though they are not prohibited by regulations): 183 (3.8%), class D (persons who must be prohibited from working in a hyperbaric environment by laws of the Ministry of Labor): 88 (1.8%). About 90% of compressed air workers and divers (classes A and B) were permitted to work under hyperbaric conditions. Most of those belonging to classes C and D suffered from hypertension, cardiovascular disease and liver dysfunction. The incidence of aseptic bone necrosis was 11.1% (465 out of 4,205 persons). Eight persons (2.2%) belonged to criteria A which means poor prognosis. They were classified into class D. There is no differences between compressed air workers and divers in the incidence of aseptic bone necrosis.

Molecular cloning of a cell-surface glycoprotein that can potentially discriminate mesothelium from epithelium: its identification as vascular cell adhesion molecule 1

It has long been a practical problem for surgical pathologists to distinguish mesothelium from epithelium in order to make a positive diagnosis of mesothelioma. In this study, we developed a new monoclonal antibody, designated MS-2761 (IgG1, k), against cultured non-neoplastic mesothelial cells. Immunohistochemistry and slot-blot analysis revealed that this monoclonal antibody reacted with 100% (12/12) of benign and malignant mesothelioma tissues and a mesothelioma cell line, but not with 99% (77/78) of epithelial tumour tissues and 97% (33/34) of epithelial tumour cell lines. A gene encoding the cell-surface antigen defined by this monoclonal antibody was isolated from a mesothelial cell cDNA library constructed with a mammalian cell expression vector through transfection of Cos-7 cells and immunoselection by panning. DNA sequencing and a database search revealed that the gene was identical to vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1, also referred to as INCAM110). The prominent VCAM1 transcript in mesothelium was 3.2 kb in size with seven Ig-like domains, in addition to a minor transcripts with six Ig-like domains. This monoclonal antibody potentially discriminates mesothelium from epithelium and may become a tool for differential diagnosis of mesothelioma.

[Measurement and fluctuation of urinary glucaric acid in pregnant women]

It is known that urinary excretion of glucaric acid (GA) is an indirect index of hepatic P-450 microenzyme induction. We measured and analyzed urinary excretion of GA and plasma lipids in non-pregnant women, pregnant women and postpartum women. GA was measured by a new method for the inhibition of beta-glucuronidase activity and plasma lipids were measured by routine laboratory methods and we obtained the following results. 1. The concentration of urinary GA was correlated with that of urinary creatinine in pregnant women. 2. The urinary GA and plasma HDL-cholesterol did not change during the first of gestation, but steeply increased in the middle of gestation, and postpartum values were lower than at term. 3. Plasma total lipids, triglycerides, and total cholesterol continuously increased throughout gestation. 4. Plasma free fatty acids and lipid peroxide steeply increased in late in gestation. These results and several reports suggested that the change in GA in pregnant women reflected their own metabolism not fetal or placental metabolism. It seems that grasping and understanding their metabolism can make their disease clear.

[Lipids metabolism evaluated of by vitamin E to total lipid ratio in maternal and cord sera in normal pregnancy]

Changes in plasma levels of lipids peroxide (LPO) and vitamin E(VE) are observed in pregnant women. We measured levels of VE and lipids in 80 maternal and cord sera in normal delivery and obtained the following results. 1. For each lipid and VE, the concentration gradients were preserved in maternal sera to cord sera through placentas. 2. The concentration of VE correlated with that of total lipids (TL) in both sera. 3. The VE to TL ratio (VE/TL ratio) inversely correlated with the concentration of LPO in both sera. 4. The concentration of VE correlated with the VE/TL ratio and there was a more significant correlation of the VE and VE/TL ratio than that of VE and TL in both sera. 5. The VE/TL ratio in maternal serum correlated with VE/TL ratio and the concentration of VE in cord serum. These results suggested that lipids in serum was a regulatory factor in VE and that VE and lipids maintained the gradation of the concentration according to their own placental transport systems. It seems that the fetus has a unique VE which is comparatively lowered. This may be due to the effects of the accelerated lipid metabolism in the fetus.

[Studies on hypogeusia in hyperemesis gravidarum]

We measured changes in gustatory sensitivities and gustation threshold levels and those of some trace elements, vitamin E and lipids in the serum of 38 patients suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, 12 normal pregnant women in the first trimester and 22 healthy non-pregnant women by means of filter discs and an electrogusto meter (EGM) and we obtained the following results. 1. Gustatory sensitivity to sweetness was found to be significantly lowered in the patients with hyperemesis gravidarum when tested with filter discs (p < 0.05). 2. Gustation threshold levels were significantly lowered in the patients with hyperemesis gravidarum and the normal pregnant women tested with the EGM (p < 0.01). 3. There was considerable heterogeusia of women in the patients with hyperemesis gravidarum (p < 0.05). 4. Zn and Mg in serum decreased (p < 0.01), but Cu increased significantly in the patients with hyperemesis gravidarum and the normal pregnant women (p < 0.01). 5. Total cholesterol and phospholipid in serum significantly decreased, but lipid peroxide in serum significantly increased in the patients with hyperemesis gravidarum (p < 0.01). These results suggested that the gustatory test was helpful in investigating hyperemesis gravidarum and that biological defense systems (scavenger systems) to free radicals were damaged in patients with hyperemesis gravidarum.

[Measurement and its fluctuation of urinary glucaric acid in newborns]

It is known that urinary excretion of glucaric acid(GA) is an indirect index of hepatic P-450 microenzyme induction. We measured and analyzed urinary excretion of GA in 56 newborns and 26 mothers by a new method for the inhibition of beta-glucuronidase activity and obtained the following results. 1. The concentration of urinary GA was correlated with that of urinary creatinine and total bilirubin in newborns. 2. There were no significant correlations between gestational age, sex, body weight at birth, placental weight and the urinary GA concentration. 3. The urinary excretion of GA in newborns was decreased the in first few days after birth, but a transitional increase was observed on the fifth day after birth. 4. The concentration of urinary GA was correlated with that of direct bilirubin in serum on the fifth day after birth. 5. There was a negative correlation between the urinary GA concentration on the first day after birth and that of direct bilirubin in serum on the fifth day after birth. These results suggested that hepatic P-450 microsomal enzyme was induced by bilirubin in newborns and it was possible to estimate the clinical course of jaundice by measuring the urinary excretion of GA.

The salting-out test to identify virulent Yersinia pseudotuberculosis

A total of 54 strains including 8 serotypes of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis were examined to find out about their cell surface hydrophobicity and virulence plasmid-associated properties. All the strains which aggregated in 0.9% saline expressed the properties of calcium-dependent growth and autoagglutination. However, the hydrophilic strains did not possess virulence plasmid-associated properties. The above results suggest that the salting-out test with 0.9% saline could be an effective measure to differentiate the virulence plasmid-carrying strains of Y. pseudotuberculosis from those of plasmidless virulence.

Estimation of the functional reserve of the human liver by urinary D-glucaric acid excretion after vitamin C administration

The excretion of D-glucaric acid in the urine (uGA) correlates with the total liver content of hepatic cytochrome P-450, the metabolism of which depends on adenosine triphosphate (ATP) being produced by intrahepatic cellular mitochondria. Five cases of compensated liver cirrhosis group with less than 0.4 mg/kg/min of the maximum removal rate of indocyanine green (ICGR max), and 5 cases with normal hepatic function (control group), were monitored for uGA before and after P-450 activation induced by administration of 1 g of vitamin-C. Before vitamin-C administration, no differences in uGA excretion were observed comparing the cirrhosis with the control group. After administration of vitamin-C, the excretion of uGA was significantly lower in the cirrhosis group. The measurement of uGA is considered to represent vitamin-C induced activation by P-450, and is a new method for evaluation of the functional reserve of the liver.

Studies on penem and carbapenem. I. Syntheses and oral absorption of ester-type prodrugs of sodium (5R,6S)-2-(2-fluoroethylthio)-6-[(1R)-1-hydroxyethyl]penem-3-c arboxylat e

Acyloxyalkyl esters (2a-d), alkyloxycarbonyloxyalkyl esters (2e-g) and (5-methyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxol-4-yl)methyl ester (2h) of (5R,6S)-2-(2-fluoroethylthio)-6-[(1R)-1-hydroxyethyl]penem-3- carboxylic acid (1) were synthesized. Enhanced oral absorption was observed in mice reflecting increased lipophilicity, compared with the parent 1 itself. Among them, the ester 2h showed a prolonged plasma level and a large area under the blood concentration-time curve (AUC) in rats. These ester-type prodrugs of penem 1 in phosphate buffer (pH 6.86) were much more stable than those of cephalosporins which easily degraded via isomerization to delta 2 cephalosporins.

A rapid detection of circulating antigens of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs by a dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

This report describes a dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Dot-ELISA) for detecting circulating antigens in the sera of dogs infected with Dirofilaria immitis (D. immitis). Circulating D. immitis antigens could be detected in 24 of 25 infected dogs. The remaining animal had two immature worms. However, non-infected dogs and dogs infected with other parasites were all negative. Few cross-reactions to different parasite antigens were observed. The advantages of the Dot-ELISA include; 1) there is no need for pretreatment and dilution of sera and samples could be immediately bound to nitrocellulose paper set into microfiltration apparatus, 2) this assay could be carried out within 2 h at room temperature, 3) the resulting enzyme-reaction could be measured by both visual observation and densitometric reading.

A rapid microassay for detecting hepatitis B surface antigen by dot enzyme immunoassay

This study describes a dot enzyme immunoassay (Dot-EIA) for detecting hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The results demonstrated that the detection level of this assay for HBsAg was 1.5 ng/ml; no false-positive or -negative readings were observed. Also, this Dot-EIA had some advantages over standard EIA: (1) antiserum could be directly and immediately bound on nitrocellulose paper set into microfiltration apparatus, (2) the paper could be easily washed under reduced pressure using a water aspirator, (3) all assay steps could be performed at room temperature within 2 h, (4) the well-defined brown spots could be evaluated by both visual observation and densitometric reading. The Dot-EIA reported here may be useful for rapid diagnosis and screening of HBsAg in serum.

A rapid microassay for dirofilarial antibodies by using antigen-coated nitrocellulose paper

This study describes an enzyme (horseradish peroxidase)-linked immunosorbent assay using nitrocellulose (NC) paper (Dot-ELISA) for the detection of antibodies against Dirofilaria immitis in dogs. Dirofilarial antigens prepared were directly bound on NC paper set into a microfiltration apparatus to ensure their uniformity. Of the 23 infected dogs tested, 21 were determined positive by visual observation of brown-colored spots on NC paper. The positive and negative readings were further confirmed by using a densitometer. Sera from 15 non-infected and 17 other parasite-infected dogs were all negative, i.e. no false positive readings and low cross-reactivities were found using this technique. Also, a large number of samples could be assayed simultaneously within 1.5 h. The Dot-ELISA technique reported here may be useful to veterinarians and also may be a means of field surveying human filariasis.

Familial dilated cardiomyopathy and human leucocyte antigen. A report of two family cases

Two familial cases of dilated cardiomyopathy were evaluated by HL-A typing. In the case of the first family, the mode of inheritance is likely to be an autosomal dominant trait. Only the affected individuals carried the identical HL-A haplotype (A2, Bw54, Cw1, DR4, DQw3), while the unaffected members do not share this pattern. In the second family case, the disease is probably inherited by autosomal recessive traits. All of the family members examined shared the identical HL-A haplotype (A24, Bw52, DR2, DQw1), but only the affected individuals were homozygous for this haplotype.

A rapid detection of toxocaral antibodies by dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (dot-ELISA) in dogs

This study describes an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using antigen-coated nitrocellulose (NC) paper (Dot-ELISA) for detecting antibodies against Toxocara canis infection in dogs. Some advantages could be achieved by using a Dot-ELISA; 1) antigen could be directly and immediately bound on NC paper, 2) this assay could be carried out within 1.5 h, 3) all assay steps could be performed at room temperature, 4) the well-defined blue spots formed on NC paper could be evaluated by both visual observation and densitometric reading. The Dot-ELISA reported here may prove to be useful for the diagnosis of canine toxocariasis.

Carcinogenicity of extract of airborne particles using newborn mice and comparative study of carcinogenic and mutagenic effect of the extract

An organic extract of airborne particles collected in Tokyo and its fractions (neutral, acidic, and basic) were investigated in Ames Salmonella assays for mutagenicity and in newborn mice for carcinogenicity. Mutagenicity to TA100 and TA98 strains was detected in the whole extract, the neutral, the acidic and the basic fractions with and without metabolic activation. In the carcinogenicity test, the incidence of lung tumor was as follows: whole extract, 4/25; neutral fraction, 7/25; acidic fraction, 0/20; basic fraction, 1/11; vehicle, 2/39; and uninjected, 3/47. The neutral fraction of the extract of the airborne particles showed highly potent mutagenicity and a high incidence of lung tumors in mice.

Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of a new penem, sodium (5R,6S)-2-(2-fluoroethylthio)-6-[(1R)-1-hydroxyethyl]penem-3- carboxylate

The synthesis and in vitro antimicrobial activity of a new penem antibiotic, sodium (5R,6S)-2-(2-fluoroethylthio)-6-[(1R)-1-hydroxyethyl]penem-3-ca rbo xylate (1), are reported. The MIC values of 1 are compared with those of some related 2-haloalkylthio penems prepared in this work, and also Sch 29482 and thienamycin.

Detection of circulating immune complexes in the sera of dogs infected with Dirofilaria immitis, by Clq-binding enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

The presence of circulating immune complexes (CIC) in the sera of dogs infected with Dirofilaria immitis was detected by using a Clq-binding enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Specificity of this assay with different concentrations of heat-aggravated canine IgG (ACG) was observed, i.e., the ELISA readings, expressed as microgram equivalents ACG/ml, increased with increasing amounts of ACG. The intra-assay variability was below 10%. The CIC levels of infected and uninfected dogs were 177.0 +/- 104.7 micrograms/ml and 22.8 +/- 45.8 micrograms/ml (mean +/- SD), respectively. The highest level was observed in 12 dogs with amicrofilaraemic infection. Age distribution of CIC levels in the 23 infected dogs also showed a significant positive correlation. These findings suggested that the CIC are present in the sera of dogs with dirofilariasis and may relate to canine glomerulonephritis.

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detecting antibodies against Dirofilaria immitis in dogs

Antisera prepared in mice by injection of antigens from Dirofilaria immitis, Toxocara canis, Dipylidium canium and Fasciola hepatica and sera from Dirofilaria-infected and non-infected dogs were tested at different dilutions using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). For this ELISA, adult D. immitis antigen was fractionated by gel filtration methods and then absorbed with immunoadsorbent-fixed IgG fractions from mouse sera immunized with various parasites. The results indicated satisfactory discrimination between antisera to D. immitis and those to other parasites. A significant ELISA O.D. value was considered to be greater than or equal to 0.30 with a 1 : 250 dilution of the dog sera. However, the lack of significant differences between the O.D. value of microfilaraemic and amicrofilaraemic infections was observed. These facts suggest that the use of immunoadsorbent chromatography for canine dirofilariasis is especially useful for purifying antigens and eliminating cross-reactions against other parasitic infections, when immunological methods are used for serodiagnosis.