Relationship between screen time and nutrient intake in Japanese children and adolescents: a cross-sectional observational study

Background

Sedentary behaviors have recently become an important public health issue. We aimed to investigate the relationship between screen time and nutrient intake in children and adolescents.

Methods

The present study was conducted in 2013. Data were collected from children and adolescents aged between 6 and 15 years old in Shika town. Questionnaires were distributed to 1459 subjects, 1414 of whom participated in the study (96.9%). Sedentary behaviors were assessed based on participants’ screen behaviors (television (TV) viewing, personal computer (PC) use, and mobile phone (MP) use). The main outcomes were the intake of nutrients from a validated food frequency questionnaire. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to examine the significance of differences in nutrient intake estimates. Multivariate linear regression analyses, adjusting for age, BMI, and physical activity, were used to provide parameter estimates (β) and 95% CI for the relationship between screen time and nutrient intake.

Results

In boys, longer TV viewing times correlated or tended to correlate with a lower intake of protein, potassium, calcium, iron, vitamin K, vitamin B-2, and total dietary fiber. In girls, longer TV viewing times correlated with a lower intake of protein, sodium, calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B-2. Longer TV viewing times correlated with a higher intake of n-6 fatty acids in girls. PC use was related or tended to be related to a lower intake of potassium, iron, vitamin K, and folic acid in boys, but not in girls. A relationship was observed between MP use and a lower intake of vitamin K in boys, and MP use and a higher intake of vitamin D in girls.

Conclusions

The present results revealed that longer TV viewing times are associated with less protein, minerals, vitamins, and total dietary fiber intake in children and adolescents. It was also revealed that boys with PC use have less minerals and vitamins. These results support the need to design intervention programs that focus on decreasing TV viewing time in both sexes and PC use in boys while encouraging adherence to dietary guidelines among children and adolescents.

The associations between lifestyles and mental health using the General Health Questionnaire 12-items are different dependently on age and sex: a population-based cross-sectional study in Kanazawa, Japan

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to examine potential differences of the associations between mental health and lifestyle factors across a wide range of age.

METHODS

In August/September 2011, data were collected from 4693 males (age 51.6 ± 19.5) and 5678 females (age 52.4 ± 19.4) living in Kanazawa, Japan. A cross-sectional community-based survey was conducted with self-administered questionnaire including the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) 12-item version, sociodemographic, and lifestyle factors. Associations between the GHQ scores and other variables were examined using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by multiple comparisons and logistic regression stratified by age and gender.

RESULTS

Multiple comparisons indicated that people aged 20-39 or 40-64 had higher GHQ scores than older aged. The two-way ANOVA revealed significant interaction between body mass index and age group, and between exercise and age group. Overweight or underweight males aged 40-64 had poorer mental health than those at normal weight. In the elderly, being underweight was significantly associated with poor mental health. There were no significant effects of exercise on mental health for young adults. The logistic regression showed significant negative effects of short-time sleep in adults.

CONCLUSIONS

The associations between mental health and lifestyles differ across age groups. Further study is needed to reveal effects of aging on lifestyle and mental health with a longitudinal design.

Association study of genetic variants on chromosome 7q31 with susceptibility to normal tension glaucoma in a Japanese population

The caveolin 1 to caveolin 2 (CAV1-CAV2) gene region on chromosome 7q31 has been reported to be associated with susceptibility to primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and normal tension glaucoma (NTG) in previous studies. We investigated whether genetic variants in the CAV1-CAV2 region are associated with NTG in Japanese patients. Two hundred and ninety-two Japanese patients with NTG and 352 Japanese healthy controls were recruited. We genotyped three single-nucleotide polymorphisms; that is, rs1052990, rs4236601, and rs7795356, in the CAV1-CAV2 gene region and assessed the allelic diversity among cases and controls. The frequency of the minor allele (G) of rs1052990 was significantly decreased in NTG cases compared with controls (P=0.014, OR=0.71), whereas NTG or POAG cases had a significantly higher frequency of the allele than controls in previous studies. Conversely, rs7795356 did not show any significant association with NTG cases, and rs4236601 was monomorphic in the Japanese study population. Our findings did not correspond with previous positive results, suggesting that CAV1-CAV2 variants studied in the present study are not important risk factors for NTG susceptibility in all populations. Further studies are needed to elucidate the possible contribution of the CAV1-CAV2 region to the development of glaucoma.

Investigation of the association between the GLC3A locus and normal tension glaucoma in Japanese patients by microsatellite analysis

Purpose:

To investigate whether the GLC3A locus harboring the CYP1B1 gene is associated with normal tension glaucoma (NTG) in Japanese patients.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred forty-two Japanese patients with NTG and 101 Japanese healthy controls were recruited. Patients exhibiting a comparatively early onset were selected as this suggests that genetic factors may show stronger involvement. Genotyping and assessment of allelic diversity was performed on 13 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers in and around the GLC3A locus.

Results:

There were decreased frequencies of the 444 allele of D2S0416i and the 258 allele of D2S0425i in cases compared to controls (P = 0.022 and P = 0.034, respectively). However, this statistical significance disappeared when corrected (Pc > 0.05). We did not find any significant association between the remaining 11 microsatellite markers, including D2S177, which may be associated with CYP1B1, and NTG (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

Our study showed no association between the GLCA3 locus and NTG, suggesting that the CYP1B1 gene, which is reportedly involved in a range of glaucoma phenotypes, may not be an associated factor in the pathogenesis of NTG.

Effects of temperature gradient correction of carbon dioxide absorbent on carbon dioxide absorption †

BACKGROUND

The effects of temperature gradients in CO(2) absorbents on water content and CO(2) absorption are not clear. We constructed a novel temperature gradient correction (TGC) canister, and investigated the effects of temperature gradient correction on the water content and longevity (time to exhaustion) of CO(2) absorbent using a simulated anaesthesia circuit.

METHODS

Experiments were divided into two groups according to the type of canister used: the TGC canister (n=6) or the conventional canister (n=6). One kilogram of fresh CO(2) absorbent was placed into the canister. The anaesthetic ventilator was connected to a 3 litre bag and 300 ml min(-1) of CO(2) was introduced. Oxygen (500 ml min(-1)) was used as fresh gas. The anaesthetic ventilator was set at a ventilatory frequency of 12 bpm, and tidal volume was adjusted to 700 ml.

RESULTS

Before the experiment, the water content of the fresh CO(2) absorbent in the conventional canister and TGC canister was 16.1 (0.9)% and 15.7 (1.1)%, respectively. After the experiment, the water content of CO(2) absorbent near the upper outer rim of the canister increased to 32.4 (0.7)% in the conventional canister, but increased to only 20.6 (1.3)% in the TGC canister (P<0.01). The longevity of CO(2) absorbent in the conventional canister and TGC canister was 434 (9) min and 563 (13) min (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Temperature gradient correction prevented a local excessive increase in water content and improved the longevity of CO(2) absorbent.

Successful case of adult ABO-incompatible liver transplantation: beneficial effects of intrahepatic artery infusion therapy: a case report

BACKGROUND

In Japan ABO-incompatible liver transplantation has been done on >100 occasions up to 2003. However, <30% are cases involving adults. The difficultly of ABO-incompatible liver transplantation is associated with the high frequency of humoral rejection and local disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), leading to many postoperative complications. We report a successful case of adult ABO-incompatible liver transplantation with the use of an intrahepatic artery infusion.

METHODS

A 36-year-old man with Wilson disease, underwent living donor liver transplantation from an ABO-incompatible donor. The immunosuppressive therapy included multiple perioperative plasmaphereses, splenectomy, and treatment with tacrolimus, methylprednisolone, and cyclophosphamide. The dose and blood level of tacrolimus were the same as in ABO-compatible cases. In addition to these therapies, we administered an intrahepatic arterial infusion with prostaglandin (PG) E1 alone.

RESULTS

After perioperative plasmapheresis and cyclophosphamide, antidonor blood group antibody titers remained undiluted and without vascular complications throughout the postoperative course, but there was a tendency for bleeding that continued for 10 days after transplantation. On postoperative day 10, a reexploration was performed for intraabdominal bleeding. During another operation on postoperative day 59 a biloma was found and drained. The patient has now survived for 120 days after transplantation with normal liver function.

CONCLUSIONS

Beneficial effect of intrahepatic artery infusion with PGE1 seems to be useful in adult ABO-incompatible liver transplantation.

Translational heating of D(2) molecules thermally desorbed from Si(100) and Ge(100) surfaces

The translational energies of D(2) molecules thermally desorbed from the Si(100) and Ge(100) surfaces under a heating rate of 6 K/s have been measured. In contrast to the previous laser desorption study, results show a considerable translational heating; the observed translational temperature is about 3 times higher than the desorption temperature for both surfaces. This fact indicates that energy barriers for adsorption are present even in the desorption pathway. Detailed balance is applicable to the adsorption and desorption dynamics of hydrogen on the Si(100) surface.

[The effects of nutrition and life-style on calcaneal bone mass in high school students]

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the effects of nutrient/food intake and lifestyle, especially exercise, on calcaneal bone mass in both male and female high school students.

METHODS

A total of 798 healthy Japanese high school students (281 boys and 517 girls) were recruited, and their calcaneal bone was assessed by ultrasound using Lunar Achilles. The subjects were thereby divided into a lower bone mass group and a normal bone mass group according to stiffness at the cut-off level of 90 for the boys, and 77 for the girls. Information on lifestyle including frequency of food consumption and regular exercise during the period at junior high school and high school was collected by questionnaire. Nutrient intake was assessed by a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire.

RESULTS

1. The intake of total energy and fat in the lower bone mass group was lower than in the normal bone mass group in both sexes. 2. The frequency of subjects not consuming milk in the lower bone mass group was higher than in the normal bone mass group in both sexes. In the boys, the frequency of the subjects who liked to eat green vegetables in the lower bone mass group was lower in the normal bone mass group. 3. The mean stiffness for subjects undertaking exercise during junior high school was higher than in subjects not exercising, even after adjustment for age in both sexes. The frequency of subjects with a habit of sun bathing in the lower bone mass group was significantly lower than in the normal bone mass group in the girls. 4. An analysis using a logistic model was performed to select the factors related to lower bone mass without being confounded with other factors. Lower energy intake in boys and lower fat intake, no exercise during high school life and no milk consumption in girls were each independently related to lower bone mass.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that nutrition and exercise habit affect calcaneal bone mass in high school students of both sexes, especially milk consumption being an important factor related to bone mass in girls.

Increased matrix metalloproteinases 1, 2, and 3 in the monkey uveoscleral outflow pathway after topical prostaglandin F(2 alpha)-isopropyl ester treatment

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of topical prostaglandin F(2 alpha)--isopropyl ester (PGF(2 alpha)-IE) administration on immunoreactivity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 1, 2, and 3 within the anterior segment tissues of monkey eyes.

METHODS

Eight eyes from 4 cynomolgus monkeys were evaluated. One eye from each monkey was treated with 2 mg of PGF(2 alpha)-IE twice daily for 5 days, and intraocular pressure reduction was measured. After fixation and processing, deparaffinized sections of anterior segments were immunostained using antibodies to MMP-1 (interstitial collagenase), MMP-2 (gelatinase A), or MMP-3 (stromelysin-1). Optical density along 2 line segments overlying the iris root, ciliary muscle, and adjacent sclera and perpendicular to their long axes was measured using imaging densitometry.

RESULTS

Compared with the contralateral vehicle-treated eyes, statistically significant increases in optical density scores were observed in the iris root, ciliary muscle, and adjacent sclera for all 3 MMPs (P<.01). In these tissues, MMP-1 immunoreactivity was increased by a mean +/- SD of 89% +/- 16%, 61% +/- 8%, and 66% +/- 57%, respectively; MMP-2 immunoreactivity by 129% +/- 53%, 82% +/- 27%, and 267% +/- 210%, respectively; and MMP-3 immunoreactivity by 207% +/- 84%, 83% +/- 49%, and 726% +/- 500%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of monkey eyes with PGF(2 alpha)-IE induces elevation of MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-3 in tissues of the uveoscleral outflow pathway. These increases suggest that MMPs might play an important role in the increased uveoscleral outflow observed with topical prostaglandin treatment.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Immunoreactivity of MMPs in tissues of the monkey uveoscleral outflow pathway is increased after topical treatment with PGF(2 alpha)-IE. This response also might be involved in the intraocular pressure--lowering effect of other prostanoids used to treat glaucoma.

Reduced TIGR/myocilin protein in the monkey ciliary muscle after topical prostaglandin F(2alpha) treatment

PURPOSE

Mutations in the trabecular meshwork inducible glucocorticoid response (TIGR) gene, also known as myocilin, have recently been linked to some forms of glaucoma. Recent studies have shown that TIGR protein also is expressed in the ciliary muscle. Because uveoscleral outflow, which traverses the ciliary muscle, is increased by prostaglandins (PGs), the present study assessed whether topical PGs alter the amount of TIGR protein within the ciliary muscle.

METHODS

Vehicle was topically applied to one eye, and 2 microg PGF(2alpha)-isopropyl ester (PGF(2alpha)-IE) was applied to the other eye of cynomolgus monkeys twice daily for 5 days. Pressure reductions of 5 mm Hg in the PGF(2alpha)-IE-treated eyes were confirmed. The eyes were then fixed and paraffin sections were cut from each eye. The distribution of TIGR protein in the ciliary muscle was determined by confocal scanning laser microscopy. Additional sections were immunostained with a polyclonal antibody to recombinant TIGR protein or with a polyclonal antibody to a synthetic peptide corresponding to the leucine zipper region within the TIGR protein. Staining intensity in the ciliary muscle was assessed by measuring optical density (OD) along two line segments overlying the ciliary muscle, by using a high-resolution imaging densitometer.

RESULTS

TIGR protein immunoreactivity was observed in ciliary muscle fibers throughout the ciliary muscle. Extracellular TIGR immunoreactivity colocalized with collagen type IV immunoreactivity. Intracellular staining also was present. Immunoreactivity was less intense in the sections from the PGF(2alpha)-IE-treated eyes compared with the vehicle-treated eyes. This was reflected in the reduction of mean OD scores in each monkey. Overall, the reduction of mean OD scores in the treated eyes was 42.1% +/- 9.9% (P < 0.005) with the anti-recombinant TIGR antibody and 27.3% +/- 10.4% with the anti-TIGR peptide antibody (P < 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

TIGR protein immunoreactivity was present both intracellularly and extracellularly in the ciliary muscle of the cynomolgus monkey. This suggests that extracellular TIGR protein is in contact with aqueous humor in the uveoscleral outflow pathway. Moreover, IOP-lowering topical PGF(2alpha)-IE treatment decreases the amount of TIGR protein in the ciliary muscle.

Molecular Bilayer-Based Superstructures of a Fullerene-Carrying Ammonium Amphiphile: Structure and Electrochemistry

The synthesis of a water-soluble C60-carrying single-chain ammonium amphiphile, 10- (N-methyl-2-fulleropyrrolidyl)decyltrimethylammonium bromide (1) as well as the characterization of aqueous solutions and cast films of 1 are described. X-ray diffraction study suggests that cast films of 1 form a multilayer structure based on biomembrane-like molecular bilayers. Electron microscopy has revealed that 1 produces both fibrous and disk-like aggregates with 10-12 nm of thickness through self-organization of 1 in aqueous solution. Differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic light scattering, FTIR, and UV-visible absorption studies were also carried out to characterize aqueous solutions and cast films of 1. Electrochemistry for an aqueous solution and for cast films of just 1 and 1 incorporated in lipid films on electrodes was conducted. It was found that films of just 1 and of 1/lipid cast on electrodes showed electron transfer reactions leading to the generation of the fullerene dianion or trianion. In contrast, electrochemistry of aqueous solution of 1 at a bare electrode gives a cathodic current near -0.5 to -0.6 V against SCE; however, an anodic current for the solution did not appear.

Regulation of connexin phosphorylation and cell-cell coupling in trabecular meshwork cells

PURPOSE

To investigate the expression of functional gap junctions and the effect of protein kinase C (PKC) on such junctions in confluent cultures of bovine trabecular meshwork (TM) cells.

METHODS

Expression of the gap junction protein connexin43 in TM cells was examined by immunofluorescence microscopy. Intercellular communication by gap junctions was assessed by observing the diffusion of fluorescent dye from an individual cell injected with lucifer yellow. The phosphorylation of connexin43 was evaluated by immunoblot analysis with a monoclonal antibody to this protein.

RESULTS

Immunofluorescence staining revealed that connexin43 was localized to sites of contact between adjacent TM cells. Exposure of cells to the PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA; 10 nM, 1 hour) had no marked effect on the pattern of connexin43 immunofluorescence. Injection of a TM cell with lucifer yellow resulted in the spread of the dye into neighboring cells. Dye coupling was inhibited by PMA in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and this inhibition was prevented by pretreatment of cells with the PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide I. Immunoblot analysis of control TM cell lysates yielded connexin43 bands corresponding to the nonphosphorylated protein (43 kDa) and three phosphorylated forms (47, 48, and 49 kDa). Cells exposed to PMA (10 nM, 1 hour) yielded an additional band corresponding to a 44-kDa form of phosphorylated connexin43 and showed a decrease in the intensity of the band corresponding to the nonphosphorylated protein and an increase in the intensity of the 47-kDa band.

CONCLUSIONS

TM cells communicate with each other through gap junctions, and the communication is inhibited by PKC, probably, at least in part, through phosphorylation of connexin43.

Reduction of collagen type I in the ciliary muscle of inflamed monkey eyes

PURPOSE

To investigate in monkey ciliary muscle the relationship between the extent of anterior segment inflammation and alterations of collagen type I as determined by quantitative imaging densitometry.

METHODS

Anterior segment inflammation was induced in one eye of five cynomolgus monkey by cannulation of the anterior chamber, by anterior chamber injection of bovine serum albumin, or by disruption of the iris and anterior lens capsule with a needle. Increases in inflammatory cells were scored in hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections. Parallel eye sections were immunostained for collagen type I and developed using diaminobenzidine. Optical density (OD) was measured along two line segments overlying the immunostained ciliary muscle using two-dimensional imaging densitometry. To assess antibody labeling of ciliary muscle structures, additional sections were double-immunostained using antibodies to collagen type I and calponin and examined by confocal microscopy.

RESULTS

In each of the inflamed eyes, hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections showed signs of chronic inflammation including lymphocytes and macrophages dispersed among ciliary muscle fibers and in the iris. Double label confocal microscopy showed collagen type I immunoreactivity in the interstitial extracellular matrix between bundles of ciliary smooth muscle fibers. Collagen type I OD scores in each of the inflamed eyes were less by 16% to 55%, compared with the contralateral control eyes. The mean of the OD scores for all inflamed eyes was 39%+/-7% less than the mean of the control eye scores (mean +/- SEM, P < 0.001). Regression analysis showed a close correlation between inflammatory cell scores in the treated eyes and the reduction of OD scores (r = 0.94, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that the density of collagen type I in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of monkey ciliary muscle is reduced during anterior segment inflammation and support the view that reduction of ciliary muscle ECM may contribute to increased uveoscleral outflow facility during anterior segment inflammation.

Topical prostaglandin F2alpha treatment reduces collagen types I, III, and IV in the monkey uveoscleral outflow pathway

BACKGROUND

Topical prostaglandin F2alpha isopropyl ester increases uveoscleral outflow in monkeys and humans.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of prostaglandin F2alpha isopropyl ester with topical administration on collagen types I, III, and IV within the anterior segment tissue of monkey eyes.

METHODS

Eight eyes of 4 cynomolgus monkeys were evaluated. One eye of each monkey was treated with 2 microg of prostaglandin F2alpha isopropyl ester twice daily for 5 days, and intraocular pressure reduction was confirmed. These eyes were fixed in methacarn, and paraffin sections were immunostained using antibodies to collagen types I, II, or IV. To measure staining intensity, optical density (OD) was determined using 2-dimensional imaging densitometry. Mean OD scores along line segments placed over the ciliary muscle were determined.

RESULTS

Mean+/-SD OD scores for collagen types I, III, and IV were less in the ciliary muscle of prostaglandin-treated eyes than in vehicle-treated eyes by 52%+/-7%, 45%+/-6%, and 45%+/-5%, respectively. In the sclera adjacent to the ciliary body, mean OD scores for collagen types I and III were less in prostaglandin-treated eyes, by 43%+/-32% and 45%+/-13%, respectively. The scleral stroma was minimally immunoreactive for collagen type IV. All differences were significant by the paired Student t test (P<.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows reduced collagen types I, III, and IV immunoreactivity in the ciliary muscle and adjacent sclera following topical prostaglandin F2alpha isopropyl ester treatment. These reductions may contribute to the increased uveoscleral outflow observed with topical prostaglandin treatment.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The cellular mechanism by which certain prostaglandins lower intraocular pressure is not known. The present study provides immunohistochemical data demonstrating that intraocular pressure reduction that occurs with topical prostaglandin F2alpha is associated with a reduction of collagens within the uveoscleral outflow pathway.

Relationship between shift work and onset of hypertension in a cohort of manual workers

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the possibility of a relationship between blood pressure level and rotating 3-shift work in a prospective follow-up of workers in a zipper and aluminum sash factory in Japan.

METHODS

Altogether 1551 men aged 18-49 years were followed prospectively for 5 years, and the cumulative incidence of hypertension among 3-shift workers was compared with that of day workers. A multiple logistic analysis was used for adjusting for base-line characteristics such as age, body mass index, blood pressure, and drinking habit.

RESULTS

In the younger age group, the relative risk of the rotating 3-shift workers during the observational period was increased compared with that of day workers after adjustment for the confounding factors. In the older group, the cumulative incidence of hypertension was not higher for workers who had continued shift work. However, a relatively high risk of hypertension was found for workers who converted from 3-shift work to day work when compared with those who remained on shift work and day work.

CONCLUSIONS

It is suggested that there is an association between 3-shift work and blood pressure.

Matrix metalloproteinase-1 localization in the normal human uveoscleral outflow pathway

PURPOSE

To determine the distribution of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) in the uveoscleral outflow pathway and other anterior segment tissues of normal human eyes.

METHODS

Normal human eyes were fixed in methacarn and sectioned and immunostained using a specific polyclonal antibody to MMP-1. Immunoreactivity was visualized using diaminobenzidine. To compare the staining intensity in various tissues, the mean optical density within the ciliary body, mid-iris stroma, iris root, uveal trabecular meshwork, cornea, and sclera was determined using imaging densitometry. To determine the cellular distribution of MMP-1 in ciliary muscle, additional sections were double-immunostained using antibodies to MMP-1 and calponin. These sections were examined by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Specificity of the antibody to MMP-1 in ocular tissues was confirmed by western blot analysis with uveal tract homogenates.

RESULTS

Moderate-to-strong MMP-1 immunoreactivity was observed in ciliary muscle, iris, sclera, corneal endothelium, and ciliary nonpigmented epithelium. Lighter immunoreactivity was observed in corneal epithelium, blood vessels, trabecular meshwork, Schlemm's canal, and associated collector channels. Confocal microscopy showed that ciliary muscle MMP-1 was primarily inside ciliary muscle cells. Densitometry showed that net optical density was approximately fivefold greater in ciliary muscle, iris root, and sclera than in trabecular meshwork.

CONCLUSIONS

MMP-1 was prominently identified in regions of the anterior segment of normal human eyes associated with the uveoscleral outflow pathway and in the iris, corneal endothelium, and ciliary nonpigmented epithelium. These data support the hypothesis that MMP-1 activity is involved in regulating uveoscleral outflow facility.

[The development of the Japanese version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the examination of the factor structure]

This article presents an evaluation of the factor structures of the Japanese version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). The MBI is a widely used psychometric instrument for measuring 'burnout' developed by Maslach and her co-workers. The MBI consists of four subscales: Emotional Exhaustion, Personal Accomplishment, Depersonalization, and Involvement. The MBI was translated into Japanese along with a back-translation and was administered to a sample of 267 nurses. Various psychometric analyses showed that the Japanese version of the MBI has high reliability for the 22 items scored for the frequency dimension. The factor analysis using principal factoring with an oblique rotation resulted in three factor structures that had different implications from the MBI: Emotional Exhaustion/Depersonalization, Personal Accomplishment, and Physical Exhaustion. The correlationship between the MBI and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), measures of depression, showed that burnout was a unique phenomenon.

Cloning and expression of the gene encoding flavodoxin from Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Miyazaki F)

The gene encoding a flavodoxin of Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Miyazaki F) was cloned, and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. A 1.6-kbp DNA fragment, isolated from D. vulgaris (Miyazaki F) by double digestion with SalI and EcoRI, contained the flavodoxin gene and its regulatory region. An expression system for the flavodoxin gene under control of the T7 promoter was constructed in E. coli. The purified protein was soluble and exhibited a characteristic visible absorption spectrum. HPLC analysis of the recombinant flavodoxin revealed the presence of an identical FMN to that found in the native D. vulgaris flavodoxin, and its dissociation constant with FMN was determined to be 0.38 nM. In vitro H2 reduction analysis indicated that the recombinant flavodoxin is active, and its redox potential was determined to be E1 = -434 and E2 = -151 mV using methyl viologen and 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, respectively. Its redox behavior was also examined with the recombinant flavodoxin adsorbed onto a graphite electrode. The mutant, A16E, was also produced, which revealed the feature of a conserved Glu residue at the surface of the molecule.

Cloning and expression of the rubredoxin gene from Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Miyazaki F)--comparison of the primary structure of desulfoferrodoxin

A gene encoding rubredoxin from Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Miyazaki F) was cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. A 1.1-kilobase pair DNA fragment, isolated from D. vulgaris (Miyazaki F) by double digestion with SmaI and SalI, contained two genes, the rubredoxin gene (rub) and the desulfoferrodoxin gene (rbo) which was situated upstream of rub. The deduced amino acid sequence of desulfoferrodoxin was homologous to those from other strains and Cys residues that are responsible to bind irons were also conserved. The expression system for rub was constructed under the control of the T7 promoter in E. coli. The purified protein was soluble and had a characteristic visible absorption spectrum. Inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission analysis and electron paramagnetic resonance analysis of the recombinant rubredoxin revealed the presence of an iron ion in a distorted tetrahedral geometry that was the same as native D. vulgaris rubredoxin. In vitro NADH reduction analysis indicated that recombinant rubredoxin was active, and its redox potential was determined as -5 mV.

Apical tubules in marginal cells of the differentiating stria vascularis

BACKGROUND

Apical tubules (ATs) in marginal cells (MCs) of the stria vascularis appear in limited stages of differentiation of the MCs, but their origin and roles remain uncertain. The present study was designed to solve the problem of whether the ATs are intracellular compartments derived from the Golgi apparatus (GA).

METHODS

The cochleae of Wistar rats at ages of postnatal days 1, 3, and 5 were prepared for electron microscopy and cytochemistry using thiamine pyrophosphatase (TPPase) and coenzyme A phosphatase (CoA-Pase) as marker enzymes of trans Golgi cisterns and fluorescent labelled lectin, griffonia simplicifolia agglutinin-I (GS-1).

RESULTS

The ATs appeared in the apical cytoplasm of the MCs between postnatal days 1 and 5. Reaction products of TPPase and CoA-Pase activities were localized in the trans-Golgi cisterns and the ATs, which were occasionally in a close apposition to the GA. The reaction was found along the apical plasma membrane of the MCs only in case of TPPase. Heavy reactions to GS-1 were seen in the supranuclear region as well as along the apical plasma membrane of the MCs.

CONCLUSIONS

The present ultrastructural and cytochemical studies indicate that the ATs, which appear in the MCs at limited perinatal stages, originate from the trans-Golgi cisterns. These ATs may be involved in the apical plasma membrane supply for the differentiation of the MCs prior to the generation of EP.

Preventive effect of 1-(2-tetrahydrofuryl)-5-fluorouracil in combination with uracil on colonic carcinogenesis induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine in rats

Thymidylate synthetase (TS) and thymidine kinase (TK) are key enzymes in de novo and salvage pathways for pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis, respectively. A high incidence of colorectal adenocarcinomas with varied grades of cell differentiation can be induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) in rats. The marked increases of TS and TK activities were found in the poorly and well-differentiated adenocarcinomas of the colon, respectively. Oral administration of 1-(2-tetrahydrofuryl)-5-fluorouracil in combination with uracil (UFT) markedly reduced the number and accumulated area of colonic carcinomas, and TS activity in the poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas. A potential balance between the de novo and the salvage pathways for pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis was suggested to be related with the histopathological grades of cell differentiation. Suppression of colonic TS activity by UFT administration reduced the colonic carcinogenesis and the potency of the poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas of the colon.

Ligand recognition in mu opioid receptor: experimentally based modeling of mu opioid receptor binding sites and their testing by ligand docking

For three-dimensional understanding of the mechanisms that control potency and selectivity of the ligand binding at the atomic level, we have analysed opioid receptor-ligand interaction based on the receptor's 3D model. As a first step, we have constructed molecular models for the multiple opioid receptor subtypes using bacteriorhodopsin as a template. The S-activated dihydromorphine derivatives should serve as powerful tools in mapping the three-dimensional structure of the mu opioid receptor, including the nature of the agonist-mediated conformational change that permits G protein-coupling to "second messenger' effector molecules, and in identifying specific ligand-binding contacts with the mu opioid receptor. The analyses of the interactions of some opioid ligands with the predicted ligand binding sites are consistent with the results of the affinity labeling experiments.

Regulation of the redox order of four hemes by pH in cytochrome c3 from D. vulgaris Miyazaki F

The assignment of 1H-NMR signals of the heme methyl and propionate groups of cytochrome c3 of D. vulgaris Miyazaki F was performed. The heme assignment was revised for hemes 2 and 3 (sequential heme numbering). Namely, heme 4 is mainly reduced at first with hemes 1, 2 and 3 following it in this order. The p2H titration of heme methyl signals in four macroscopic oxidation states was performed in the p2H range of 5.2 to 9.0. While the heme methyl resonances in the fully oxidized state showed just small changes with p2H, most resonances in the intermediate oxidation states revealed clear p2H dependence. In particular, the methyl resonances of heme 1 shifted significantly in the acidic region. Then, the chemical shifts of beta-CH2 (next to the carboxyl group) of all propionate groups in the fully oxidized state were observed at various p2H in the range of 4.5 to 9.0. Only the propionate group at C-13 (IUPAC-IUB nomenclature) of heme 1 showed a clear change in this p2H range, its titration curve being similar to those of the methyl resonances of heme 1 in the intermediate oxidation states. pKa of the propionate group was 5.95 +/- 0.05. Analysis of the microscopic formal redox potentials was carried out for the observations at p2H 5.2, 7.1 and 9.0. The redox potentials of heme 1 showed the most remarkable p2H dependence, resulting in the change of the order of the redox potentials of four hemes. A significant change was also found in the interacting potential between hemes 1 and 2. In the light of the p2H-titration experiments, the propionate at C-13 of heme 1 was identified as the most plausible ionizable group responsible for the p2H dependence of microscopic redox potentials of heme 1 in the acidic region.

Some pharmacological properties of a newly synthesized 3-acetoxy-6 beta-acetylthio-10-oxo-N-cyclopropylmethyl-dihydronormorphine (KT-95)

The pharmacological properties of a newly synthesized 3-acetoxy-6 beta-acetylthio-10-oxo-N-cyclopropylmethyl-dihydronormorphine (KT-95) were examined. This compound, as well as (-)-3-acetyl-6 beta-acetylthio-N-cyclopropylmethylnormorphine (KT-90) and morphine, inhibited the twitch response to electrical stimulation of the guinea-pig ileal preparation that contains mu- and kappa-receptors. The inhibitory effect of KT-95 was about 17 times more potent than morphine, and about 4 times more potent than KT-90. In the guinea-pig ileal preparation, KT-95 behaved as a mu-antagonist against morphine in the presence of norbinaltorphimine (3 x 10(-8) M). In the rabbit vas deferens, containing kappa-opioid receptors, KT-95 inhibited the twitch response to electrical stimulation in a concentration-dependent manner. Norbinaltorphimine concentration-dependently caused parallel rightward shifts of the concentration-response curves to KT-95 in the guinea-pig ileum and in the rabbit vas deferens after electrical stimulation, suggesting that KT-95 behaved as an agonist for the kappa-opioid receptor. In the mouse vas deferens, that contains delta-receptors. KT-95 behaved also as a delta-antagonist against Leu-enkephalin in the presence of norbinaltorphimine. KT-95, KT-90 and morphine were examined for their potencies in displacing the specific binding of [3H]naloxone (mu-selective ligand), [3H]U69593 (kappa-selective ligand), and [3H]D-Ala2-D-Leu5-enkephalin (delta-selective ligand) to synaptosomal fractions from rat brain. Although KT-95 had a higher nonselective affinity to mu-receptors than KT-90 and morphine, the affinity of KT-95 to kappa-receptors was about 18 times higher than that of morphine, and about 5 times higher than that of KT-90. In the acetic acid-induced writhing test, subcutaneously injected KT-95 was more potent than morphine. Furthermore, the analgesic effect, induced by KT-95 (0.062 mumol/kg, s.c.), was abolished by simultaneous administration of norbinaltorphimine (0.020 mumol/mouse, s.c.), suggesting that the analgesic action of KT-95 is mediated through the kappa-opioid receptor. In the pressure test, KT-95 was 20.17 times more potent than morphine. The analgesic action, induced by KT-95 (2.05 mumol/kg, s.c.), was also in this test abolished by simultaneous administration of norbinaltorphimine (0.14 mumol/rat, s.c.), suggesting that this action of KT-95 is mediated through the kappa-opioid receptor. These results indicate that KT-95 behaves as a kappa-agonist with mu- and delta-antagonistic activities, and suggest that analgesia, induced by KT-95, is mainly mediated through kappa-receptors.

Differentiation of the rat stria vascularis

The differentiation of the rat stria vascularis (SV) was investigated by light- and electron microscopy and by immunocytochemistry. Loss of the basal lamina at the epithelial-mesenchymal interface of SVs as indicated by immunoreactions of laminin and fibronectin induces the formation of vascular feet by basal infoldings of the marginal cells (MCs), and the development of the strial capillaries (SCs) by mesenchymal cells in a manner of vasculogenesis is progressing at the same time. The production of fibronectin in the rough endoplasmic reticulum of mesenchymal cells and the involvement of this glycoprotein in a mechanical linkage between the vasoformative mesenchymal cells and endothelial ones of the SCs are indicated by immunocytochemistry. The plasma membrane of the marginal cells (MCs) begins to show immunoreactions of Na+.K+ ATPase at postnatal day 5 and is conjugated to each other by tight junctions at postnatal day 14. The apical tubules of the differentiating MCs do not seem to be involved in the endocytotic activity but are involved in the plasma membrane supply for the rapid differentiation.

Novel FMN-binding protein from Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Miyazaki F). Cloning and expression of its gene in Escherichia coli

A gene encoding a novel FMN-binding protein from Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Miyazaki F) was cloned, and its expression system was constructed in Escherichia coli. The 1.4-kilobase pair DNA fragment isolated from D. vulgaris (Miyazaki F) by double digestion with KpnI and SmaI was found to express a protein binding FMN as a prosthetic group under control of the lac promoter in E. coli. This DNA fragment contained several putative open reading frames. The partial amino acid sequence of the polypeptide portion of the purified FMN-binding protein and its tryptic peptides were completely consistent with those deduced from the nucleotide sequence of the third open reading frame in the cloned SmaI-SmaI fragment of D. vulgaris (Miyazaki F) DNA, which may include promoter and regulatory sequences. The nucleotide sequence of FMN-binding protein indicated that the protein is composed of 122 amino acids including an initiator Met residue and lacks a signal peptide for secretion. The main redox potential of the FMN-binding protein was measured as -325 mV using direct current cyclic and differential pulse voltammetric techniques and an electroreflectance method, suggesting that this FMN-binding protein functions as a redox protein like other FMN-binding proteins. Immunoblot analysis of the whole proteins from D. vulgaris (Miyazaki F) clearly indicated that this protein is expressed in this bacteria. However, the protein was found to have a primary structure distinct from those of other FMN-binding proteins and to be the smallest FMN-binding protein yet reported.

Spectrum of proton-induced mutagenesis of the Escherichia coli crp gene

Mutation of the adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate receptor protein gene (crp) of Escherichia coli induced by protons, ionizing radiation of charged particles, was analyzed to determine the specificity of the mutational spectrum. The majority, 44 of 49 mutations detected, were base substitutions, and three frameshifts and two gross structural changes were also found. Base substitutions included 35 transversions and nine transitions. G:C to T:A transversions were the dominant type of base substitution, followed by G:C to C:G and A:T to T:A transversions. Almost all transitions were eight G:C to A:T changes. The spectrum of proton mutagenesis was quite different from that of X-ray mutagenesis of the crp gene, in which G:C to A:T transitions dominated.

Reduction of intraocular pressure after phacoemulsification and aspiration with intraocular lens implantation

We prospectively evaluated the pre- and postoperative intraocular pressures (IOP) of 1,118 cataract patients. All surgical procedures were performed by the same skilled surgeon using the same method of phacoemulsification and aspiration with intraocular lens implantation. The mean +/- SE preoperative IOP was 13.29 +/- 0.12 mm Hg, while the mean IOP values were 10.87 +/- 0.12, 9.94 +/- 0.09, and 10.43 +/- 0.14 mm Hg 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively, after surgery. When the preoperative IOP was in the low 20 s, a decrease of approximately 40% was achieved. The present study shows that the IOP decreased postoperatively to a greater extent than previously considered, and the rate of decrease was dependent on the initial measurement.

Role of mesenchymal cells in the neovascularization of the rabbit phallus

The neovascularization of the rabbit phallus at ages between prenatal days 15 and 21 was investigated by light- and electron microscopy, computer-aided light microscopic reconstruction, and immunocytochemistry. The phalli are embedded by an abundance of mesenchymal cells, which are in contact with the neighboring ones or with the endothelial lining of growing capillaries. They often form solid cell cords that eventually make contact with the growing capillaries. The computer-aided reconstruction of the serial light micrographs reveals that these cell cords are involved in connecting the adjacent capillaries. The incorporation of such mesenchymal cell projections into the endothelial lining, occasionally conjugated with simple attachment devices, is frequently observed by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The contact areas between the mesenchymal and endothelial cells show immunoreactions of fibronectin. These results indicate the successive transformation of mesenchymal cells to endothelial cells of the growing capillaries. As endothelial cells of the growing capillaries show mitotic proliferation, such vasoformative mesenchymal cells seem to be involved in the acceleration of the neocapillarization of the rabbit phallus. Fibronectin actively produced in the mesenchymal cells may participate in their migration and the mechanical linkage with the endothelial cells.

Cytochemical and immunocytochemical demonstration of acetylcholinesterase of the prenatal rat lower limb

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities in the prenatal rat lower limb were investigated by both cytochemistry and immunocytochemistry. Results indicate that the epidermal cells show immunoreactions of AChE at a limited stage at prenatal day 15, and mesenchymal cells which are occasionally in contact with the basal lamina or with the adjacent myotubes begin to show AChE activities at prenatal day 17. Such AChE-positive mesenchymal cells, involved in the formation of the muscular tissues, have almost disappeared in the subepidermis by prenatal day 19. This suggests that AChE independent of the neuromuscular system may be involved in the mesenchymal cell differentiation especially in the inductive process during myogenesis.

[Myocardial infarct size and left ventricular function in diabetic patients]

We determined the relationship between myocardial infarct size (MIS) estimated by electrocardiographic measurements of infarct size (QRS score) and left ventricular function estimated by angiographically left ventricular ejection fraction (EF). MIS estimated by QRS score were the same in both DM and NDM (5.2 +/- 0.5 vs 4.3 +/- 0.4: p greater than 0.05), but EF in DM was significantly lower than in NDM (43.1 +/- 1.4 vs 51. +/- 1.1%: p less than 0.05). There was clear linear correlation between MIS and EF in NDM (r = -0.71) but not in DM. EF was much lower in DM than in NDM even at the same QRS score level. There were no differences in blood pressure, serum lipid levels, age, and the site of the myocardial infarction. The most likely explanation for this appears to be due to a previous left ventricular disease in DM.

[A case of primary amyloidosis associated with giant cell infiltration within a Bowman's capsule]

A 67-year-old man was hospitalized with a diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome. Physical findings at admission were generalized edema and macroglossia. Urinalysis showed massive proteinuria, + +occult blood, and granular and broad casts. Ig A lambda monoclonal gammopathy was noted in the serum. There was no evidence of myeloma in the bone marrow aspirate, scintigram or X-ray of the bone. A biopsy specimen of the kidney showed massive deposits of structureless material in the glomeruli. Marked cell infiltration was also observed in the interstitium. Multinucleated giant cells were occasionally seen in the Bowman's capsules and the interstitium. There were reactive changes in the Bowman's capsule adjacent to the giant cell. The deposits were proved to be amyloid by positive staining with Congo red and apple-green birefringence by polarized light. In addition, microfibrills seen on electron microscopy displayed deposits. Amyloid depositions were observed in other tissues such as gingiva, skin and tongue. Staining of amyloid with Congo red was resistant to potassium permanganate, and amyloid was positively stained with lambda-light chain of immunoglobulin. These findings indicated that the patient had primary amyloidosis. Infiltration of the multinucleated giant cell has been reported only in patients with familial amyloidosis and secondary amyloidosis associated with rheumatoid arthritis. To our knowledge the present case is a first report of the giant cell infiltration in a Bowman's capsule in primary amyloidosis.

[The discrimination of mono-syllable words in noise in listeners with normal hearing]

The discrimination of mono-syllable words (67S word-list) pronounced by a male and a female speaker was investigated in noise in 39 normal hearing subjects. The subjects listened to the test words at a constant level of 62 dB together with white or weighted noise in four S/N conditions. By processing the data with logit transformation, S/N-discrimination curves were presumed for each combination of a speech material and a noise. Regardless of the type of noise, the discrimination scores for the female voice started to decrease gradually at a S/N ratio of +10 dB, and reached 10 to 20% at-10 dB. For the male voice in white noise, the discrimination curve was similar to those for the female voice. On the contrary, the discrimination score for the male voice in weighted noise declined rapidly from a S/N ratio of +5 dB, and went below 10% at -5 dB. The discrimination curves seem to be shaped by the interrelations between the spectrum of the speech material and that of the noise.

The role of the rat submandibular gland in the excretion of bis (tributyltin) oxide: electron microscopy, X-ray microanalysis and atomic absorption analysis

The role of the submandibular glands in the excretion of parenterally administered bis (tributyltin) oxide (TBTO) was studied. Fine structural alterations of the submandibular glands were observed with an electron microscope. Accumulation sites of TBTO were determined with an X-ray microanalyzer and tin concentrations in saliva and blood were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

[Effects of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy with UFT (a combination of tegafur and uracil) on DNA-synthesizing enzyme activities in human colorectal carcinomas]

Thymidylate synthetase (TS) and thymidine kinase (TK) are known to catalyse the methylation of dUMP for the de novo synthesis of dTMP and the phosphorylation of thymidine for the salvage synthesis of dTMP in the pyrimidine pathway, respectively. High TS and TK activities have been observed in rapidly proliferating tissues such as foetal tissue, regenerating liver and carcinomas. TS and TK activities were measured in histologically normal colon mucosa and colorectal carcinomas with or without neo-adjuvant chemotherapy of an antitumor drug UFT (a combination of tegafur and uracil) in humans. In colorectal carcinomas, 5-FU and uracil levels were increased to 2.6- and 3.2-fold, respectively, those in normal colon mucosa by neo-adjuvant chemotherapy of UFT. In colorectal carcinomas, TS and TK activities were both increased to approximately 2- and 3-fold, respectively, those in normal colon mucosa without UFT treatment. In normal colon mucosa and colorectal carcinomas with neo-adjuvant chemotherapy of UFT, TS activities were reduced to approximately 50% and 40%, respectively, those without UFT treatment. These results indicate that neo-adjuvant chemotherapy with UFT may prevent dissemination of cancer cells during operation, and local recurrence and distant metastasis after operation, inhibiting DNA synthesis via the de novo pathway of pyrimidine synthesis in carcinomas.

Interleukin-1 production by polymorphonuclear leukocytes during the course of acute inflammation in rabbits

Inflammation-induced immune enhancement was observed when an antigen was introduced during an early period of casein-induced inflammation. An immune potentiation factor was detected at the early inflammatory site of mice and rabbits. This immune potentiation factor of rabbits was identified as interleukin-1 (IL-1) in respect of either its biologic activities or its molecular structure. Expression of IL-1 mRNA was observed only in peritoneal exudate cells from the early inflammatory site in parallel with the generation of the immune potentiation activity. The inflammation-induced immune potentiation was assumed to be mediated by newly synthesized IL-1 at the early inflammatory site. By using immunocytochemical staining, it was definitely proved with respect to a single cell level that the polymorphonuclear leukocytes were the major cells in synthesizing IL-1 at the casein-induced inflammation in rabbits.

Microcomputer-assisted filing system of cardiac catheterization records using a relational database management system

To efficiently store and retrieve cardiac catheterization records, we have developed a computer-assisted database, which comprises a 16-bit microcomputer with dual floppy disk drives, a 20 MB random-access memory, hard disk drive, and a line printer. All programmings were accomplished using a relational database management system (R:base 5000, Microrim, Inc.). Data inquiry procedures could be performed with direct operational commands of the system as well as with preprogrammed command files, and final results of searches were printed out with a line printer. The major advantages of the present system described in this report include: (1) the relatively easy and rapid creation of the database, (2) ease of modification of the database structures even after the system design is finished, (3) operational commands in combination with conditional operator(s) are flexible and powerful enough to allow the end user to retrieve data based on various kinds of criteria, (4) a high-level programming language provided by the R:base automates a series of database procedures with relative ease, (5) relational capabilities of the database management system can enhance the possibility of reconstruction of a new data file from a single or several preexisting data files, and (6) the system can be realized at reasonable cost.