Effects of vibration on flexibility: a meta-analysis

Exogenous stimulation of skeletal muscle or tendon is often used to improve range of motion. Despite substantial research efforts, however, the effects of vibration on flexibility have not been clarified. In this review, we investigated the effects of acute and chronic intervention programs which used vibration to improve flexibility in young healthy individuals. Effect size was calculated using data from a total of 600 participants in 19 studies before and after the introduction of vibration-based intervention, and a total of 324 participants in 13 studies on the additive effects of vibration compared with the identical conditions without vibration. Sub-group analyses were performed based on intervention period, type of exercise, and type of vibration. Meta-analysis showed that vibration interventions had significant effects on flexibility (standardized mean difference [SMD]=-0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI]=-1.14- -0.43; p<0.001), albeit with the possibility of heterogeneity (I(2)=75%). Another meta-analysis revealed a significant additive effect of vibration on flexibility compared with the identical condition without vibration (SMD=0.25, 95%CI=0.03-0.48; P=0.03), with small heterogeneity (I(2)=0%). The risk of publication bias was low judged from Kendall's τ statistic. We concluded that the use of vibration might lead to additive improvements in flexibility.

The effects of whole-body vibration on muscle strength and power: a meta-analysis

Exercise with whole-body vibration (WBV) is becoming popular as an alternative to conventional training or as supplementary training. However, despite increasing research efforts in this field, additive effects of WBV on muscle performance remain unclarified. In this review, we investigated the additive effects of long-term WBV on muscle strength and power. This meta-analysis was restricted to randomized controlled trials lasting for at least 5 weeks comparing exercise with and without WBV, or comparing only WBV exposure and control. Data from a total of 314 participants in 10 studies on knee extension muscle strength, and 249 participants in 7 studies on countermovement jump height were pooled using random-effect models. Meta-analysis showed significant additional effects of WBV on muscle strength (standardized mean difference [SMD]=0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.21-1.32; p=0.007) and countermovement jump (SMD=0.87, 95% CI=0.29-1.46; p=0.003). Based on these findings, we concluded that the use of WBV would lead to greater improvements in both knee extension muscle strength and countermovement jump than under identical conditions without WBV.

Physical activity, body weight, and pancreatic cancer mortality

In a study of 32 687 subjects with data on physical activity and body mass index (BMI) collected serially over time, we examined associations with pancreatic cancer mortality (n=212). Despite plausible biologic mechanisms, neither physical activity (multivariate relative risks for increasing levels: 1.00, 0.98, 0.92, and 1.31, respectively) nor BMI (corresponding findings: 1.00, 0.84, 1.08, and 0.99, respectively) significantly predicted pancreatic cancer mortality.

Physical activity and all cause mortality in women: a review of the evidence

A computer assisted literature search was performed (Medline, 1966-2000) to examine the association of physical activity with all cause mortality in women. It was concluded that, by adhering to current guidelines for physical activity and expending about 4200 kJ of energy a week, women can postpone mortality. The magnitude of benefit experienced by women is similar to that seen in men.

A locus for female discrimination behavior causing sexual isolation in Drosophila

The genetic basis of sexual isolation that contributes to speciation is one of the unsolved questions in evolutionary biology. Drosophila ananassae and Drosophila pallidosa are closely related, and postmating isolation has not developed between them. However, females of both species discriminate their mating partners, and this discrimination contributes to strong sexual isolation between them. By using surgical treatments, we demonstrate that male courtship songs play a dominant role in female mate discrimination. The absence of the song of D. pallidosa dramatically increased interspecies mating with D. ananassae females but reduced intraspecies mating with D. pallidosa females. Furthermore, genetic analysis and chromosomal introgression by repeated backcrosses to D. pallidosa males identified possible loci that control female discrimination in each species. These loci were mapped on distinct positions near the Delta locus on the middle of the left arm of the second chromosome. Because the mate discrimination we studied is well developed and is the only known mechanism that prevents gene flow between them, these loci may have played crucial roles in the evolution of reproductive isolation, and therefore, in the speciation process between these two species.

Fortuitously discovered persistent left superior vena cava in young competitive athletes. Clinical implications of sports physicians

This report describes two athletes with persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) accidentally identified during preparticipation medical evaluation. The clinical implications of PLSVC for sports physicians are also discussed. A 16-year-old male ice hockey player and an 18-year-old male high-level field hockey player visited our institute for medical evaluation prior to participating in competition. Neither complained of palpitation, faintness or syncope, which would have suggested a possible cardiac rhythm disturbance, or had been informed of any abnormalities in previous physical examinations. Nonetheless, echocardiography revealed dilated coronary sinuses, and venography confirmed PLSVC and, in one case, showed the absence of the right superior vena cava. Electrocardiograms showed the field hockey player to have an ectopic atrial rhythm with left axis deviation of the frontal plane P-wave and the ice hockey player to have normal sinus rhythm. Symptom-limited treadmill testing revealed nothing abnormal, and after explaining the possible rhythm instability and the potential risk associated with cardiac surgery, the subjects were permitted full participation in competitive sports. Although information is scarce, available data on PLSVC suggest it is benign for competitive athletes. Nevertheless, complications arising from other cardiovascular anomalies, from potential cardiac rhythm disturbances, and from cardiac surgery necessitated by major injuries should be considered prior to participation in competitive sports.

Genetic variation and correlations among responses to five insecticides within natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae)

To investigate the genetic basis of cross-resistance to insecticides, natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster (Meigen) were first collected from four different locations in Japan. After 10-80 isofemale lines of each population had been established in a laboratory, the susceptibility of each line to each of the insecticides permethrin, malathion, fenitrothion, prothiophos, and DDT was examined. Broad ranges of continuous variation in susceptibility to all the chemicals were observed within each natural population as a whole. In addition, highly significant correlations among responses to organophosphates were observed. However, based on the coefficients of determination, about less than half of variation in responses to one insecticide could be explained by variation in responses to another insecticide, suggesting that not only a common resistance factor but also other factors could be involved in a natural population. Genetic analyses by using resistant and susceptible inbred lines from the same natural population demonstrated that resistance to organophosphates in some resistant lines could be due to a single or tightly linked factors, and that resistance in the other line may be due to more than one major factor. These observations could suggest that several resistance factors may be involved within each natural population, and that some of major factors could contribute to correlations among responses to organophosphates. These major factors could then contribute to the broad ranges of continuous variation observed at the level of the populations.

Mate choice in Drosophila melanogaster and D. sechellia: criteria and their variation depending on courtship song

Courtship song is one of the most important male signals in Drosophila mating. A female D. melanogaster copulates more readily when given a conspecific type of courtship song. Female D. melanogaster accepted winged D. sechellia more than wingless ones in a no choice test. Copulation frequencies varied between strains and were significantly correlated with male mating propensity of D. sechellia. Females from three of five strains of D. sechellia accepted winged D. melanogaster less than wingless ones in no choice tests, suggesting that D. melanogaster songs reduce mating in D. sechellia females. Multiple choice tests showed that males prefer conspecifics. In female choice tests, D. melanogaster females copulated with winged heterospecific D. sechellia males more than with wingless conspecific D. melanogaster males in the confined condition, suggesting that song differences between D. melanogaster and D. sechellia affect D. melanogaster females less than the absence of courtship song. Copyright 2000 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.

Physiological profile of middle-aged and older climbers who ascended Gasherbrum II, an 8035-m Himalayan peak

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate the physiological characteristics of a group of middle-aged and older Japanese climbers who ascended Gasherbrum II, an 8035-m peak in the Karakoram Range of the Himalayas.

METHODS

Body composition, cardiac structure, and respiratory gas exchange during exercise were estimated in eight climbers with differing levels of experience (seven men and one woman, aged 54 to 63 years) 6 months before their expedition.

RESULTS

Using supplementary O2, the four experienced climbers ascended beyond Camp 4 (7400 m) without showing any health problems and were able to attempt the summit. In contrast, the others, who had minimal experience at extreme altitude, suffered from altitude sickness on the way to Camp 4. Body mass index values were relatively high, but their low percentage of body fat (14.9%-21.4%) was indicative of the climbers' substantial lean body weight. Cardiac structures were generally normal, although three experienced male climbers had borderline hypertension and eccentric hypertrophy of the left ventricle. Peak VO2 ranged from 30.9 to 45.6 ml/kg/min, and no significant relationship between fitness level and the success or failure of the ascent was evident.

CONCLUSIONS

Even sexagenarians are capable of safely climbing 8000-m peaks with supplementary O2. An exceptionally high fitness level, as is seen in elite older athletes, does not appear to be required. What is essential, however, is moderate fitness, good health, and extensive experience.

Courtship song recognition in the Drosophila melanogaster complex: heterospecific songs make females receptive in D. melanogaster, but not in D. sechellia

The courtship song emitted by male wing vibration has been regarded as one of the most important signals in sexual isolation in the species of the Drosophila melanogaster complex. Inter- and intraspecific crosses were observed using males whose wings were removed (mute) or females whose aristae were removed (deaf). Females of D. melanogaster, D. simulans, and D. mauritiana mated with heterospecific males in the song-present condition (cross between normal females and winged males) more often than in the no-song condition (cross between normal females and wingless males or between aristaless females and winged males) or they showed no preference between the two conditions. It is possible that in these females heterospecific courtship songs play a role as if they were conspecific. In contrast, the females of D. sechellia mated with D. melanogaster or D. simulans males in the no-song condition more often than in the song-present condition, suggesting that they reject males with heterospecific song. Female mate recognition depending on the courtship song in D. melanogaster, D. simulans, and D. mauritiana is considered to be relatively broader and that in D. sechellia narrower.

Matrix metalloproteinase and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase in serum and lavage synovial fluid of patients with temporomandibular joint disorders

We measured matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. All patients were fully investigated, by visual analogue pain scores, plain radiographs and double-contrast arthrotomograms. The patients were grouped according to whether or not they were in pain. There were 35 patients with painful joints; 16 painless crepitating joints and 10 with chronic closed locked joints. A further group of 9 volunteers with no symptoms of TMJ abnormalities were used as controls. We found that synovial fluid concentration of MMP-3 was significantly increased (1117.2 (164.0) ng/ml) (P< 0.05) in the painful group compared with controls (436.2 (94.8) ng/ml) and with the two groups with painless TMJ (475.0 (113. 0) ng/ml/crepitation, and 516.0 (115.1) ng/ml/closed locked joints). MMP-1 and TIMP-1 were not recordable in most joints, and the serum concentrations of MMP-1, MMP-3, and TIMP-1 were similar to those in controls in all groups. There was no correlationship between MMP-3 concentration and joint morphology as shown by plain radiographs and double contrast arthrotomograms. These findings indicate that the synovia of painful joints are inflamed.

Seasonal fluctuation in susceptibility to insecticides within natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster: empirical observations of fitness costs of insecticide resistance

To investigate genetic variation and seasonal fluctuation in susceptibility to insecticides, natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster were collected from Katsunuma in mid summer and late fall for two consecutive years. After isofemale lines of each population collected in each season had been established in a laboratory, the susceptibility of each line to five insecticides, including permethrin, malathion, prothiophos, fenitrothion, and DDT, was examined. Lines of each population exhibited the broad ranges of variation in susceptibility to all chemicals. Comparison between populations in different seasons indicated that genetic variation in susceptibility to organophosphates fluctuated in consistency with the population size, in which the susceptibility increased in fall. In addition, highly significant correlations were observed among responses to organophosphates, and the correlations also fluctuated with seasons. On the other hand, genetic variation in susceptibility to permethrin and DDT was less fluctuated. These results suggest that not only a common resistance factor for organophosphate resistance but also different resistance factor(s) for each insecticide could be involved within a natural population, and that the fluctuation observed in the susceptibility to organophosphates could be associated with fitness costs of organophosphate resistance factor(s).

[Obesity, insulin resistance and the implication of thiazolidinediones]

The mechanism of insulin resistance in obesity is not fully understood. In muscle cells, the number of insulin receptor, the function of glucose transporter 4 and the activity of tyrosine kinase decrease. The rink of body fat accumulation and insulin resistance in muscle is thought through free fatty acid and tumor necrosis factor alpha secreted in adipose tissue. Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are useful to reduce insulin resistance especially in obesity. TZDs seem to cause small weight gain, but to reduce visceral fat in 12-24 weeks. In longer period, it hasn't been studied very much. There are some unsolved problems. So now, targets of TZDs are obese diabetes failed in other medicines. When using TZDs, be cautious of excess eating and physical inactivity.

Dietary sodium, an independent determinant for urinary deoxypyridinoline in elderly women. A cross-sectional study on the effect of dietary factors on deoxypyridinoline excretion in 24-h urine specimens from 763 free-living healthy Japanese

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of sodium, protein and calcium in habitual diets on bone resorption.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

SETTING

A community-based study.

SUBJECTS

Healthy free-living male (n=342) and female (n=421) volunteers aged 20-79 y recruited for a health and nutrition examination survey conducted by a local government.

METHODS

Bone resorption was assessed by the measurement of free deoxypyridinoline in 24 h urine. Dietary assessment was by one-day dietary record method. Sodium and urea in 24 h urine were also measured for assessment of sodium and protein intake. The relationships between deoxypyridinoline excretion and the dietary factors were examined using correlation and multiple regression statistics.

RESULTS

In women aged 50-79 y, protein intake was positively associated with deoxypyridinoline excretion (P<0.05); and the urinary deoxypyridinoline/creatinine ratio was positively associated with both the urinary calcium/creatinine ratio (P<0.01) and sodium/creatinine ratio (P<0.05). In the multiple regression model, the association of the deoxypyridinoline/creatinine ratio and sodium/creatinine ratio was still significant (P<0.05) after adjustment for possible confounders, in this sex and age group.

CONCLUSION

In elderly women, habitual excess sodium in diets may result in bone loss through accelerated bone resorption.

Effects of troglitazone on fat distribution in the treatment of male type 2 diabetes

We investigated the efficacy of additional administration of 400 mg troglitazone (+T), which became available as a treatment for type 2 diabetes following the demonstration of its ability to reduce insulin resistance, in combination with diet (D + T) or sulfonylurea (S + T) therapy. Body fat area as determined by computed tomographic (CT) scanning at the umbilical level, as well as several clinical and biochemical parameters of glycemic control and lipid metabolism, were compared before and after 3 months of additional treatment with troglitazone. The body mass index (BMI) tended to increase in both groups (22.7 +/- 0.6 v 23.2 +/- 0.6 kg/m2 in D + T, nonsignificant [NS]; 22.2 +/- 0.5 v 22.3 +/- 0.5 kg/m2 in S + T, NS), while it tended to decrease in the control group (only diet therapy, 23.6 +/- 0.6 v 23.1 +/- 0.8 kg/m2, NS). Mean blood pressure ([BP] 96 +/- 3 v 89 +/- 4 mm Hg, P < .05) decreased significantly in the D + T group. Changes in the glycemic and lipid profile and leptin did not reach statistical significance. The D + T group showed a significant decline in immunoreactive insulin ([IRI] 12.4 +/- 1.2 v 8.0 +/- 1.0 microU/mL, P < .05), reflecting markedly reduced insulin resistance, as well as a significant increase in plasma insulin-like growth factor-1 ([IGF-1] 175.7 +/- 14.2 v 189.8 +/- 12.6 ng/mL, P < .05). A slight weight gain was associated with a tendency for subcutaneous fat to increase, while visceral fat decreased in both troglitazone-treated groups. The decrease in the visceral to subcutaneous fat ratio (V/S ratio) was statistically significant in the D + T group (1.09 +/- 0.11 v 0.94 +/- 0.09, P < .05), while the V/S ratio in the control group did not change. A notable finding of this study is the difference in the response to troglitazone between subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue. It is suggested that troglitazone may exert beneficial effects by reducing visceral fat.

Optical imaging of the spontaneous neuronal activities in the male rat major pelvic ganglion following denervation of the pelvic nerve

Measurement of groups of neuronal activities following pelvic nerve transection to the major pelvic ganglion (MPG) of the rat was performed using voltage-sensitive dye (RH795) and an optical recording system. In control MPG, averaged neuron diameters were 32.0 +/- 0.6 x 22.6 +/- 0.4 microm. Application of KCl (10-50 mM) to the ganglia exhibited excitation which increased in a dose-dependent fashion. Fluctuating membrane potentials were not observed in control ganglion neurons. After the denervation of pelvic nerve chronically (2-6 weeks), the spontaneous neuronal activities were recorded in 91% of the experiments (n = 32). The activity was occurring somewhat periodically (2-15 s). Averaged neuron diameters were 41.3 +/- 1.3 x 24.7 +/- 0.9 microm in denervated MPG which is significantly larger than control. Since average neuron size increased 4 weeks after the denervation, the new excitatory activities could have influenced the change of the neuron size. The new activities might produce contraction of target organs in the pelvic viscera.

[Mutagenicity studies of magnesium sulfate--reverse mutation test with bacteria and chromosomal aberration test with mammalian cells in culture]

The mutagenicity potential of magnesium sulfate was re-assessed using the current procedure of the reverse mutation test with bacteria and chromosomal aberration test with mammalian cells (a Chinese hamster lung fibroblast cell line; CHL/IU) in culture. In the reverse mutation test with bacteria, Salmonella typhimurium TA100, TA98, TA1535 and TA1537 and Escherichia coli WP2 uvrA were use and the maximum dose level was set at 5000 micrograms/plate irrespective of the absence or presence of metabolic activation. Five dose levels (313-5000 micrograms/plate) were selected for all strains except for TA98 without metabolic activation and for TA1537 with metabolic activation, for which 6 dose levels (156-5000 micrograms/plate) were selected. Magnesium sulfate induced no increase in the number of colonies with reverse mutation in any of the strains irrespective of the absence of presence of metabolic activation in the dose-range-finding study or in the main study. In the chromosomal aberration test with mammalian cells, a Chinese hamster lung fibroblast cell line (CHL/IU) in culture was used and the maximum dose level was set at 5.0 mg/mL both in the direct and metabolic activation methods. Three dose levels (1.25-5.0 mg/mL) were selected. Magnesium sulfate induced no increase in the incidence of cells with chromosomal aberration or those with genome mutation (polyploidy) in any of the strains irrespective of the absence of presence of metabolic activation. Thus, it is concluded that magnesium sulfate does not have mutagenic potential under the presence experimental conditions.

The loss of outer capsid protein P2 results in nontransmissibility by the insect vector of rice dwarf phytoreovirus

A transmission-defective (TD) isolate of rice dwarf phytoreovirus lacked the ability to infect cells when derived from the virus-free insect vector Nephotettix cincticeps. Analysis by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the purified virus showed that among six structural proteins, the P2 outer capsid protein (encoded by genome segment S2) was absent from the TD isolate, whereas all six proteins were present in the transmission-competent (TC) isolate. P2 was not detected on immunoblots of rice plants infected with the TD isolate. Genome segment S2 and its transcript were detected in both TD and TC isolates. Sequence analysis of the S2 segment of the TD isolate revealed the presence of a termination codon due to a point mutation in the open reading frame, which might explain the absence of P2 in the TD isolate. These results demonstrate that the P2 protein is one of the factors essential for infection by the virus of vector cells and, thus, influences transmissibility by vector insects.

Genetic analysis of Drosophila virilis sex pheromone: genetic mapping of the locus producing Z-(11)-pentacosene

Z-(11)-pentacosene, Drosophila virilis sex pheromone, is predominant among the female cuticular hydrocarbons and can elicit male courtship behaviours. To evaluate the genetic basis of its production, interspecific crosses between D. novamexicana and genetically marked D. virilis were made and hydrocarbon profiles of their backcross progeny were analysed. The production of Z-(11)-pentacosene was autosomally controlled and was recessive. Of the six D. virilis chromosomes only the second and the third chromosomes showed significant contributions to sex pheromone production, and acted additively. Analysis of recombinant females indicated that the locus on the second chromosome mapped to the proximity of position 2-218.

[A mutagenicity study of calcipotriol (MC903)]

Calcipotriol (MC903), an anti-psoriasic agent, was examined for mutagenicity in the reverse mutation test and the chromosomal aberration test in vitro, and the micronucleus test in Slc:ddY mice. 1. In the reverse mutation test using Salmonella typhimurium (TA100, TA1535, TA98, TA1537) and Escherichia coli (WP2uvrA), MC903 did not significantly increase revertant colonies in any of the test strains with or without metabolic system. 2. In the chromosomal aberration test with a Chinese hamster fibroblast cell line (CHL), MC903 did not significantly increase aberrant cells in the direct method or in the activation method. 3. In the micronucleus test with male mice, MC903 did not significantly increase in the number of polychromatic erythrocytes with micronuclei in the bone marrow. These results suggest that MC903 has no mutagenic as well as clastogenic effects under the present experimental condition.

Reproductive isolation between Drosophila lini and its siblings

Courtship behavior and reproductive isolation between nine strains of Drosophila lini and its siblings from Taiwan (TWN), Dinghushan (DHS) and Nankunshan (NKS) in China, and Pyinoolwin (MMY) and Yangon (RGN) in Myanmar were investigated. No premating and postmating isolation between the Taiwan and mainland China strains were found. Crosses between mainland China (DHS and NKS) or the TWN strain and the MMY or RGN strain produced fertile F1 hybrid females and sterile F1 hybrid males. Crosses between MMY strains and RGN strains which showed strong premating isolation produced either no F1 hybrids, or fertile F1 hybrid females and sterile males in some cases. These results suggest the existence of at least three genetically distinct sibling species of D. lini.

P element-induced mutations in Drosophila melanogaster showing high interspecific crossability between D. melanogaster females and D. simulans males

Homozygous stocks for the second or the third chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster with a single insertional plwB element were screened for high crossability with D. simulans. Reciprocal crosses between each of these stocks and D. simulans were made, and the insemination rate at two or three days was examined. From two cycles of screening of the original 575 stocks, one stock (# 687) which showed high insemination rate was selected and was backcrossed to a w strain to substitute the background. We obtained a stock which showed 10% insemination rate with D. simulans males (control was 0%). No stocks exhibiting a high crossability with D. simulans females were acquired. Revertant strains, from which the P element had been lost, were obtained from the backcrossed # 687 stock. The insemination rates of 13 revertants to D. simulans males ranged from 1% to 33%. Seven of these 13 were not significantly different from the control line but were significantly different from the backcrossed # 687 stock. It was concluded that the mutation showing high crossability with D. simulans males was caused by the P element transposition.

Epistatic interactions among the P element-induced high interspecific crossability strains in Drosophila melanogaster

Five Drosophila melanogaster strains showing high interspecific crossability with D. simulans males, derived from the previous screening of a set of autosomal plwB transposants, were selected and the effect of the plwB insertion under the same genetic background (white strain) on the interspecific crossability was examined. This phenotype was recessive in the two strains but semidominant in the other three strains. Trans-heterozygotes, however, showed high interspecific crossability compared with the parental homozygotes, suggesting some epistatic interactions between them. In three strains, the effect of the plwB insertion region in different backgrounds (w1118 strain) on the crossability was also tested. Homozygotes of a strain (#687) showed high interspecific crossability comparable to the w background, while homozygotes of both #68 and #783 strains showed lower crossability than w1118. Although #783 heterozygotes showed intermediate values between #783 homozygotes and w1118, #68 heterozygotes showed a significantly higher insemination rate than w1118 and the #68 homozygotes. These results suggest that the region around the plwB insertion sites of #68 and #783 affects the interspecific crossability either positively or negatively depending on the genetic background. In all the stocks, positive correlation between interspecific crossability and the intraspecific mating speed was detected.

Genetic basis and evolution of species-specific courtship song in the Drosophila auraria complex

The interpulse interval (IPI) of courtship song in the Drosophila auraria complex is the only parameter that is consistently species-specific among the several courtship elements examined within the complex. The genetic basis of the species-specific courtship song was examined by analysing the song of interspecific hybrids and of backcross progeny. IPI of all interspecific hybrids except two showed intermediate values, suggesting autosomal control of species-specific IPI. However, significant deviation for shorter IPI from midparent was found in thirteen out of 20 crosses. The chromosomal analysis between D. auraria and D. biauraria revealed that the two major autosomes had significantly large effects on IPI, but the sex chromosome and cytoplasm had no effect. Since no interaction was detected, it is concluded that each autosome acts additively in the determination of species-specific IPI. The common ancestors of the D. auraria complex may also have had autosomal control of IPI, which has been conserved during speciation in the complex.

[Involvement of the intraabdominal lymph nodes in a case of subacute necrotizing lymphadenitis]

A 40-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of fever, polyposia and polyuria in October 1990. The fasting blood sugar level was 471mg/dl and abdominal CT showed enlargement of the liver, kidneys, and intraabdominal lymph nodes. Although severe diabetes mellitus was controlled with insulin, intraabdominal lymph node swelling continued. Lymph node biopsy was performed under laparotomy. Four from intraabdominal lymph nodes, in addition to one from the left axillary lymph nodes. Four showed findings of non specific lymphadenitis, but one specimen obtained from near the right kidney demonstrated focal necrosis and invasion of macrophages and immunoblasts, which were compatible with the features of subacute necrotizing lymphadenitis (SANL). In SANL, lymphadenopathy is usually observed in the cervical region of young female and the involvement of intraabdominal lymph nodes is quite rare. This patient is the second case of SANL involving an intraabdominal lymph node reported in Japan, and it is suggested that SANL should be considered as a causative disorder of intraabdominal lymphadenopathy.

[Abnormal antithrombin III: abnormalities of heparin or protease binding domain]

Two patients with abnormal antithrombin III manifested abnormality in heparin binding activity (abnormal antithrombin III "Toyma") or protease binding activity (abnormal antithrombin III "Aomori"). Antithrombin III "Toyama" is hereditarily homozygous with Arg47 to Cys47 (TGC-->TGT) mutation, and antithrombin III "Aomori" is hereditarily heterozygous with Arg393 to His393 (CGT-->CAT). The former is classified as type II-c, and the latter as type II-b according to Lane's classification2). Both patients showed cerebral thrombosis after age 20. Heparin cofactor II activity in the former case was slightly higher than normal. Oral anticoagulant therapy was used in the both cases. These cases were examined by biological and immunological assay, heparin sepharose column chromatography, binding activity to cultured porcine endothelial cells, restriction fragment length polymorphysm and polymerase chain reaction. The authors developed an antithrombin III assay method to be able to estimate real activity without the influence of heparin cofactor II activity11), and to apply the low molecular weight heparin to prevent relapse of thrombosis, and finally to find an anticoagulant substance in an interesting case of hepatocellular carcinoma (Edmondson type 1) producing normal antithrombin III30).

The antithrombin III gene polymorphism in Japan: Examination for haplotypes relevant to disordered antithrombin III biosynthesis

In the human antithrombin III (AT III) gene of Caucasian, two restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLPs) have been identified and used for the linkage analysis of many congenital AT III abnormality and deficiency. In the present study, we attempted to examine the existence and distribution of these RFLPs in Japanese and utilize them for the molecular survey of the members in the AT III Toyama kindred and 4 type Ia deficient families. An AT III cDNA clone was isolated by ourselves and served as a hybridization probe. In Japanese, the intragenic polymorphism, which is referred to + and - alleles, was evenly distributed (.49: .51), and the 5'-length polymorphism, designated as S and F alleles, was also conserved at a ratio of .4 to .6. However, the combined genotypes of both polymorphisms revealed disproportionate, and + and S, and - and F alleles seemed mainly to coexist. AT III genes of the AT III Toyama kindred showed the homozygous genotype of -/F, and all affected members of the deficient families demonstrated no distinguishable alterations on Southern blots, suggesting that a subtle defect in the AT III gene or the "trans-acting" disordered mechanism is responsible for the decreased AT III levels. According to some reports that a defective AT III gene is the cause of inherited AT III deficiency, it was implied that the abnormal AT III gene was located on the haplotype of -/F in 3 families and +/F in one. In two deficient families with heterozygous genotypes, the RFLPs were considered to bring a clue to determine the structural changes.

Treatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation with low molecular weight heparin. Research Group of FR-860 on DIC in Japan

A multicenter cooperative study was carried out involving 47 nationwide institutions in Japan to assess the efficacy and safety of LMWH (FR-860) in DIC. Fifty-six cases were challenged by FR-860 injection principally for 5 days at doses of 75 U/kg/day in group I (n = 27) and 150 U/kg/day in group II, (n = 29). Scoring points were defined based on the severity of bleeding symptoms, organ failures, and abnormal coagulation-fibrinolytic tests. Therapeutic effects of FR-860 were evaluated objectively according to degrees of improvement of these scores. Six patients (10.7%) died of their underlying diseases or complications other than DIC. Hemorrhagic side effects occurred in 1 and 3 cases of groups I and II, respectively. Bleeding symptoms improved excellently or moderately in 45.5 and 31.6% of the cases in groups I and II, respectively. Concerning organ failures and coagulation-fibrinolytic tests, remarkable improvement was observed in 31.6 and 66.7% of the cases of the group I, whereas they remained 14.3% and 51.7% in group II. The overall usefulness of FR-860 was 66.7% in group I and 58.6% in group II. These results demonstrate that FR-860 is effective in DIC at a dose of 75 U/kg/day.

Genetic analysis of variation in the number of primary spermatocytes per cyst in Drosophila virilis

Two experiments were performed with the aim of clarifying the genetic basis of variation in the number of primary spermatocytes per cyst in the B12 strain of Drosophila virilis and identifying the chromosome responsible for the variation. First, crosses between B12, showing a mean cell number of 11.81, and strain TK with a mean of 7.91, were performed. From the results obtained, it was considered that there were two factors, i.e., a recessive gene and certain modifiers, which shifted the cell number toward a higher value in B12. Second, chromosomal analysis with a marker strain and the B12 strain revealed that the third chromosome of B12 was responsible for the major effect of changing the primary spermatocyte number, although this chromosome did not exert a sufficient effect alone, and furthermore that at least one of the modifiers located on the second chromosome.

Clinical effect of low molecular weight heparin (fragmin) on DIC: a multicenter cooperative study in Japan

A multicenter cooperative study was carried out involving 47 nationwide institutes in Japan to assess the efficacy and safety of low molecular weight heparin (Fragmin) on DIC. Fifty-six DIC cases were challenged by Fragmin injection principally for 5 days with the doses of 75 U/kg/day in the I group (n = 27) and 150 U/kg/day in the II group (n = 29). Scoring points were defined based on the severity of bleeding symptoms, organ failures and abnormal coagulation-fibrinolytic examinations, and therapeutic effect of Fragmin was evaluated objectively according to the improvement degrees of these scores. Six cases (10.7%) died of the underlying diseases or complications other than DIC and hemorrhagic side effects occurred in 3.7 and 10.3% cases of the I and II groups, respectively. However, in bleeding symptoms, 45.5 and 31.6% cases of the I and II groups improved excellently or moderately. In organ failures and coagulation-fibrinolytic examinations, remarkable improvement was observed in 31.6 and 66.7% cases of the I group, while they remained 14.3 and 51.7% in the II group, respectively. The overall utility of Fragmin was 66.7% in the I group and 58.6% in the II group. These results demonstrate that Fragmin is effective on DIC with a dose of 75 U/kg/day.

Heparin enhances thrombin-stimulated prostaglandin I2 production by cultured endothelial cells

Endothelial cells from human umbilical vein were incubated in vitro with thrombin in the absence or presence of unfractionated heparin (UFH), low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) or dermatan sulfate (DS) to clarify the effect of these glycosaminoglycans on thrombin-stimulated prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) production. Although DS did not affect the thrombin stimulation, UFH and LMWH each enhanced it about 1.5-fold. Pretreatment of cells with either UFH or LMWH also enhanced the thrombin stimulation. In addition, UFH and LMWH each enhanced PGI2 production stimulated by calcium ionophore A23187, but did not affect that stimulated by arachidonic acid. From these results, it was suggested that UFH and LMWH might cause a physical change of cell membrane, which would caused an easier liberation of arachidonic acid by phospholipases.

Interaction of thrombin with heparin cofactor II and antithrombin III on prostacyclin production by cultured endothelial cells

To investigate the physiologic function of heparin cofactor II (HCII), endothelial cells from human umbilical vein were incubated in vitro for 20 min with 0.5 NIH U/ml thrombin in the presence of HCII or antithrombin III (ATIII), and prostacyclin production determined by radioimmunoassay for 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha, the stable metabolite of prostacyclin. Although ATIII at 20 mInh.U/ml slightly but significantly inhibited thrombin-induced prostacyclin production, neither unfractionated heparin (UFH) nor low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) at 1 U/ml accelerated the inhibitory effect of ATIII. HCII at 10 and 20 mInh.U/ml did not decrease thrombin stimulation of prostacyclin production in the presence or absence of UFH or LMWH. However, HCII caused a marked decrease in the thrombin-stimulated prostacyclin prostacyclin production in the presence of 2 mg/ml dermatan sulfate (DS). The significant inhibition by HCII occurred when the DS concentrations were 0.2 microgram/ml and higher. From these results we suggest that HCII may prevent a prostacyclin-induced inhibition of platelet aggregation for hemostasis when plasma is exposed to vascular smooth muscle cells or fibroblasts which synthesize a significant amount of DS.

Beneficial effect of low molecular weight heparin on the hemodialysis model in dogs

The effect of FR-860, one of low molecular weight heparins, was investigated on the hemodialysis model in dogs for comparison with that of conventional unfractionated heparin (UF-heparin). In a bolus injection model, FR-860 at 12.5-100 U/kg prolonged the dialysis time (the time until the arterial circuit pressure reaching 500 mmHg) in a dose-dependent manner and UF-heparin at 50 U/kg also prolonged it. Additionally, FR-860 (12.5-50 U/kg/hr) and UF-heparin (25 and 50 U/kg/hr) continuously inhibited the rise of the arterial circuit pressure in an infusion model. In both models, the efficacy of FR-860 was more potent than that of UF-heparin. FR-860 and UF-heparin decreased the amount of blood loss remaining in the dialyzer in the infusion model. During hemodialysis, both FR-860 and UF-heparin showed activated plasma anti-F.Xa activity, prolongation of aPTT and such of thrombin time in a dose-dependent manner in those models. However, FR-860 was higher in anti-F.Xa activity and weaker in prolongation of aPTT and thrombin time than UF-heparin. These results suggest that FR-860 is more beneficial in in efficacy and higher in safety against the bleeding risk than UF-heparin hemodialysis.

An evaluation of fibrinolytic therapy of pulmonary thromboembolism using non-invasive examinations and the relationship of urokinase dosage to clinical outcome and coagulation-fibrinolytic changes

We administered urokinase (UK) 24 x 10(4) unit (U.) + dextran sulfate (DS) 1,500 or 3,000 mg (UK24), UK 48 x 10(4) U. + DS 3,000 mg (UK48) and UK 60 x 10(4) U. (UK60) over 6 hrs daily for 5 consecutive days to 26 patients with pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE). The fibrinolytic effect of UK was evaluated by a combination of clinical and laboratory findings (score), isotopic perfusion defect and A-a DO2. Prominent recovery was observed in 60% cases of the UK48 and UK60 groups but none in the UK24 group. Fibrin degradation products (FDP) D and D-D increased significantly when alpha 2 plasmin inhibitor (alpha 2PI) decreased to less than 3 mg/dl. These results suggest that fibrinolytic therapy of PTE can be evaluated objectively using noninvasive examinations and UK treatment is successful when 48 or 60 x 10(4) U. of UK is administered over 6 hrs and a 50% decrease of alpha 2PI is obtained.

The role of diagnostic criteria, isotopic perfusion defect and alveolar-arterial oxygen difference in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism and the evaluation of fibrinolytic therapy

We have previously adopted tentative diagnostic criteria for pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) based on the scoring system concerning clinical signs. In the present study, using 26 patients with PTE, we examined the effectiveness of these criteria to diagnose PTE and to evaluate fibrinolytic effects of urokinase (UK) with the combination of isotopic perfusion defect (IPD) and alveolar-arterial oxygen difference (A-aDO2). All patients obtained more than 20 scoring points and satisfied the levels of "highly probable". The values of scoring points, A-aDO2 and IPD demonstrated significant difference according to the type of PTE but they could not predict the fibrinolytic effects of UK beforehand. However, they revealed significant improvement in effective cases compared to ineffective cases after UK therapy. So, it is suggested that these criteria are sensitive to differential diagnosis of PTE and useful to evaluate fibrinolytic effects of UK objectively with the combination of IPD and A-aDO2.