Search for Gamma-Ray Spectral Lines from Dark Matter Annihilation up to 100 TeV toward the Galactic Center with MAGIC

Linelike features in TeV γ rays constitute a "smoking gun" for TeV-scale particle dark matter and new physics. Probing the Galactic Center region with ground-based Cherenkov telescopes enables the search for TeV spectral features in immediate association with a dense dark matter reservoir at a sensitivity out of reach for satellite γ-ray detectors, and direct detection and collider experiments. We report on 223 hours of observations of the Galactic Center region with the MAGIC stereoscopic telescope system reaching γ-ray energies up to 100 TeV. We improved the sensitivity to spectral lines at high energies using large-zenith-angle observations and a novel background modeling method within a maximum-likelihood analysis in the energy domain. No linelike spectral feature is found in our analysis. Therefore, we constrain the cross section for dark matter annihilation into two photons to ⟨σv⟩≲5×10^{-28}  cm^{3} s^{-1} at 1 TeV and ⟨σv⟩≲1×10^{-25}  cm^{3} s^{-1} at 100 TeV, achieving the best limits to date for a dark matter mass above 20 TeV and a cuspy dark matter profile at the Galactic Center. Finally, we use the derived limits for both cuspy and cored dark matter profiles to constrain supersymmetric wino models.

Conceptual design and demonstration of a three-color laser interferometer for noise reduction in fusion plasma measurements

A three-color laser interferometer consisting of three Mach-Zehnder-type, one-color laser interferometers with heterodyne detection and coaxial laser beams is demonstrated. The three-color laser interferometer is considered as three sets of a two-color laser interferometer. From the two sets of the two-color laser interferometer, the value consisting only of the noise floor can be assessed. The noise floor can be reduced by subtracting the value consisting only of the noise floor from the measurement value obtained with the other two-color laser interferometer. In the case of the three lasers with wavelengths 9.25 μm, 10.59 μm, and 532 nm, a 15% noise reduction was obtained compared to the two sets of the two-color laser interferometers contained in the three-color laser interferometer. The 100-Hz noise reduction by 53% was achieved, and the other frequency noises were equal to or less than the smallest noise achieved by the two-color laser interferometers. The 100-Hz noise floor is caused by the vibration noise, which remains because of the non-coaxiality of the three beams.

Application of MinION Amplicon Sequencing to Buccal Swab Samples for Improving Resolution and Throughput of Rumen Microbiota Analysis

The Illumina MiSeq platform has been widely used as a standard method for studying the rumen microbiota. However, the low resolution of taxonomic identification is the only disadvantage of MiSeq amplicon sequencing, as it targets a part of the 16S rRNA gene. In the present study, we performed three experiments to establish a high-resolution and high-throughput rumen microbial profiling approach using a combination of MinION platform and buccal swab sample, which is a proxy for rumen contents. In experiment 1, rumen contents and buccal swab samples were collected simultaneously from cannulated cattle (n = 6) and used for microbiota analysis using three different analytical workflows: amplicon sequencing of the V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene using MiSeq and amplicon sequencing of near full-length 16S rRNA gene using MinION or PacBio Sequel II. All reads derived from the MinION and PacBio platforms were classified at the species-level. In experiment 2, rumen fluid samples were collected from beef cattle (n = 28) and used for 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing using the MinION platform to evaluate this sequencing platform for rumen microbiota analysis. We confirmed that the MinION platform allowed species-level taxa assignment for the predominant bacterial groups, which were previously identified at the family- and genus-level using the MiSeq platform. In experiment 3, buccal swab samples were collected from beef cattle (n = 30) and used for 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing using the MinION platform to validate the applicability of a combination of the MinION platform and buccal swab samples for rumen microbiota analysis. The distribution of predominant bacterial taxa in the buccal swab samples was similar to that in the rumen samples observed in experiment 2. Based on these results, we concluded that the combination of the MinION platform and buccal swab samples may be potentially applied for rumen microbial analysis in large-scale studies.

Effect of vitamin K3 supplementation on immunoglobulin G concentration in colostrum of periparturient Holstein dairy cows

This study was to examine the effects of dietary vitamin K (VK) 3 supplementation on immune-related substances in milk, oxidative stress indices in plasma and VK1, and menaquinone 4 (MK-4) in plasma and milk in periparturient dairy cows. Forty healthy perinatal Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were used in this study. Twenty-one animals were randomly selected and categorized into the VK3 supplemented (50 mg/day/head as VK3) group; the remaining 19 were categorized into the control group. On day 3 after calving, blood and milk were sampled, and their chemical components were determined. The VK3 supplemented group had significantly higher menaquinone 4 levels in plasma and milk on day 3 postpartum than the control group. In addition, there was a significant increase in the immunoglobulin G (IgG) level in milk. VK3 may be absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and converted to MK-4, the biologically active form of VK, in the mammary gland and other tissues. It was thought that the increase in MK-4 level in plasma and milk induced an increase in the concentration of IgG in milk. VK3 supplementation to periparturient dairy cows may contribute to the production of colostrum with high concentrations of IgG and MK-4.

Effects of dietary vitamin K3 supplementation on vitamin K1 and K2 (menaquinone) dynamics in dairy cows

The effect of dietary vitamin K₃ (VK3) on ruminant animals is not fully investigated. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of dietary VK3 on lactation performance, rumen characteristics, and VK1 and menaquinone (MK, or VK2) dynamics in the rumen, plasma, and milk of dairy cows. Eight Holstein dairy cows in late lactation periods were used in two crossover trials including a control (nontreatment) and a 50 or 200 mg/day (d) VK3 supplementation group. After 14 days, plasma, ruminal fluid, and milk were sampled and their VK1 and MKs contents were measured using fluorescence-high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Milk production was unchanged after feeding 50 mg/day VK3 but marginally decreased after feeding 200 mg/day VK3. The molar ratio of propionate in ruminal fluid was significantly increased on feeding 200 mg/day VK3. Additionally, MK-4 concentrations significantly increased in both plasma and milk after VK3 feeding (50 and 200 mg/day). In ruminal fluid, MK-4 concentrations increased after 200 mg/day VK3 feeding. These results suggest that VK3 may be a good source of MK-4, the biologically active form of VK, in Holstein dairy cows during their late lactation periods. This study provides a basis for understanding the physiological role of VK in dairy cows.

Bounds on Lorentz Invariance Violation from MAGIC Observation of GRB 190114C

On January 14, 2019, the Major Atmospheric Gamma Imaging Cherenkov telescopes detected GRB 190114C above 0.2 TeV, recording the most energetic photons ever observed from a gamma-ray burst. We use this unique observation to probe an energy dependence of the speed of light in vacuo for photons as predicted by several quantum gravity models. Based on a set of assumptions on the possible intrinsic spectral and temporal evolution, we obtain competitive lower limits on the quadratic leading order of speed of light modification.

Effects of an increased concentrate diet on rumen pH and the bacterial community in Japanese Black beef cattle at different fattening stages

This study evaluated the effects of increasing the proportion of concentrate in the diet on the rumen pH and bacterial community in Japanese Black beef cattle at different fattening stages. Six rumen-cannulated beef cattle were studied in the middle (Mid group, n=3, age 21–22 months) and late (Late group, n=3, age 31 months) fattening stages. The cattle were fed rice straw with control (CON period) or high-concentrate (HC period) diets for 14 consecutive days in each period. Rumen pH was measured continuously and the rumen fluids were collected on the last day of each period. The 24-hr mean and minimum rumen pH in the Mid group were significantly (P<0.05) lower during the HC period compared with the CON period, whereas those in the Late group were continuously low during both periods. In the Late group, the ruminal volatile fatty acid and lactic acid concentrations were significantly (P<0.05) higher during the HC period. During the HC period, the proportions of Prevotella and Caloramator were significantly (P<0.05) higher and lower, respectively, in the Mid group. From these findings, significant changes in the rumen pH and bacterial community induced by dietary changes were mainly observed in the Mid group. Therefore, the ruminal fermentative function in response to a higher concentrate diet might adapt differently in Japanese Black beef cattle at the two different fattening stages.

Development of thermal image plate using ceramic luminescence materials for aligning and stabilizing beam axis of CO2 laser

A thermal image plate (TIP) using ceramic luminescence materials has been developed in order to visualize a beam spot of a CO₂ laser which is used as a light source of an interferometer developed in JT-60SA. By using CaAlSiN₃:Eu²⁺ (CASN), the TIP was developed, and its property was assessed. A CASN TIP was able to visualize the invisible CO₂ laser beam as a negative image. The beam diameter and the stability of the beam axis measurement obtained with the CASN TIP were approximately the same as that obtained with a commercial TIP. Furthermore, the time response of the CASN TIP at the best was approximately the same as that of the commercial TIP. The CASN TIP which had the highest time response was applied to the beam axis stabilizer, and then the beam axis stabilization was successfully performed in 2 h.

Faraday-cup-type lost fast ion detector on Heliotron J

A Faraday-cup type lost-fast ion probe (FLIP) has been designed and installed in Heliotron J for the purpose of the studies of interaction between fast ions and MHD instabilities. The FLIP can measure the co-going fast ions whose energy is in the range of 1.7-42.5 keV (proton) and pitch angle of 90^∘-140^∘, especially for fast ions having the injection energy of neutral beam injection (NBI). The FLIP successfully measured the re-entering passing ions and trapped lost-fast ions caused by fast-ion-driven energetic particle modes in NBI heated plasmas.

Highly time-resolved evaluation technique of instantaneous amplitude and phase difference using analytic signals for multi-channel diagnostics

A fluctuation analysis technique using analytic signals is proposed. Analytic signals are suitable to characterize a single mode with time-dependent amplitude and frequency, such as an MHD mode observed in fusion plasmas since the technique can evaluate amplitude and frequency at a specific moment without limitations of temporal and frequency resolutions, which is problematic in Fourier-based analyses. Moreover, a concept of instantaneous phase difference is newly introduced, and error of the evaluated phase difference and its error reduction techniques using conditional/ensemble averaging are discussed. These techniques are applied to experimental data of the beam emission spectroscopic measurement in the Heliotron J device, which demonstrates that the technique can describe nonlinear evolution of MHD instabilities. This technique is widely applicable to other diagnostics having necessity to evaluate phase difference.

First measurement of time evolution of electron temperature profiles with Nd:YAG Thomson scattering system on Heliotron J

A Nd:YAG Thomson scattering system has been developed for Heliotron J. The system consists of two 550 mJ 50 Hz lasers, large collection optics, and 25 radial channel (∼1 cm spatial resolution) interference polychromators. This measurement system achieves a S/N ratio of ∼50 for low-density plasma (ne ∼ 0.5 × 10(19) m(-3)). A time evolution of electron temperature profiles was measured with this system for a high-intensity gas-puff (HIGP) fueling neutral-beam-injection plasma. The peripheral temperature of the higher-density phase after HIGP recovers to the low-density pre-HIGP level, suggesting that improving particle transport in the HIGP plasma may be possible.

Effects of growth hormone gene polymorphism on lipogenic gene expression levels in diaphragm tissues of Japanese black heifers

Two SNPs, i.e. L127V and T172M, of bovine growth hormone (GH) causing the presence of GH gene haplotypes A, B, and C was previously shown to alter intramuscular fatty acid (FA) composition in Japanese Black (JB) heifers. To determine the SNP effect on somatotropic hormone concentration and lipogenesis, we measured plasma GH, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations. We also measured mRNA levels of fatty acid synthase (FASN), stearoyl-coA desaturase (SCD), and sterol regulatory element binding proteins-1 (SREBP-1) and FA composition in diaphragm tissues. Heifers with genotype CC had the lowest plasma insulin concentration and FASN and SCD mRNA levels among genotypes. FASN mRNA levels in haplotype A tended to positively correlate with saturated FA (SFA) content and negatively correlated with C18:2 and unsaturated FA (USFA) contents. SCD mRNA levels in haplotype A positively correlated with monounsaturated FA (MUFA) contents and negatively correlated with C18:0 content. They also tended to positively correlate with C16:1, C18:1, and USFA contents and USFA/SFA ratio and negatively correlate with SFA content. Taken together, GH gene polymorphism affects the lipogenic genes expression levels and their relationships with fatty acid compositions in diaphragm tissues of JB heifers at 31 months of age.

Increased plasma ghrelin suppresses insulin release in wethers fed with a high-protein diet

Ghrelin is a multifunctional peptide that promotes an increase of food intake and stimulates GH secretion. Ghrelin secretion is regulated by nutritional status and nutrients. Although a high-protein (HP) diet increases plasma ghrelin secretion in mammals, the mechanisms and the roles of the elevated ghrelin concentrations due to a HP diet have not been fully established. To clarify the roles of elevated acylated ghrelin upon intake of a HP diet, we investigated the regulation of ghrelin concentrations in plasma and tissues in wethers fed with either the HP diet or the control (CNT) diet for 14 days, and examined the action of the elevated plasma ghrelin by using a ghrelin-receptor antagonist. The HP diet gradually increased the plasma acylated-ghrelin concentrations, but the CNT diet did not. Although the GH concentrations did not vary significantly across the groups, an injection of ghrelin-receptor antagonist enhanced insulin levels in circulation in the HP diet group. In the fundus region of the stomach, the ghrelin levels did not differ between the HP and CNT diet groups, whereas ghrelin O-acyltransferase mRNA levels were higher in the group fed with HP diet than those of the CNT diet group were. These results indicate that the HP diet elevated the plasma ghrelin levels by increasing its synthesis; this elevation strongly suppresses the appearance of insulin in the circulation of wethers, but it is not involved in GH secretion. Overall, our findings indicate a role of endogenous ghrelin action in secretion of insulin, which acts as a regulator after the consumption of a HP diet.

A novel electron density reconstruction method for asymmetrical toroidal plasmas

A novel reconstruction method is developed for acquiring the electron density profile from multi-channel interferometric measurements of strongly asymmetrical toroidal plasmas. It is based on a regularization technique, and a generalized cross-validation function is used to optimize the regularization parameter with the aid of singular value decomposition. The feasibility of method could be testified by simulated measurements based on a magnetic configuration of the flexible helical-axis heliotron device, Heliotron J, which has an asymmetrical poloidal cross section. And the successful reconstruction makes possible to construct a multi-channel Far-infrared laser interferometry on this device. The advantages of this method are demonstrated by comparison with a conventional method. The factors which may affect the accuracy of the results are investigated, and an error analysis is carried out. Based on the obtained results, the proposed method is highly promising for accurately reconstructing the electron density in the asymmetrical toroidal plasma.

Localization of connectin-like proteins in leg and flight muscles of insects

In leg muscle sarcomeres of a beetle, approximately 6 mum sarcomere length at rest, projectin ( approximately 1200 kDa) was located on the myosin filament up to 2 mum from the both ends of the filament, using immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy. On the other hand, projectin linked the Z line to the myosin filament and bound on the myosin filament in beetle flight muscle, approximately 3-4 mum sarcomere length at rest. Connectin-like protein ( approximately 3000 kDa) was detected by immunoblot tests in beetle, bumblebee and waterbug leg muscles. Immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopic observations revealed that the connectin-like protein linked the myosin filament to the Z line in beetle leg muscle.

A high-protein diet induces dissociation between plasma concentrations of growth hormone and ghrelin in wethers

High-carbohydrate or high-fat diets have been demonstrated to change ghrelin concentrations in plasma; however, there remains a need to clarify the effects of dietary protein on the interaction between circulating GH and ghrelin concentrations in the ruminant. In this study, we investigated the postprandial changes in plasma concentrations of GH and ghrelin and their interactions when wethers were fed either a high-protein (HP; 40% CP) or a low-protein (LP; 10% CP) diet for 2 wk. The wethers were divided into 2 groups and fed once a day for 2 wk in a randomized crossover design. Each diet contained the same level of ME. Blood was collected from the animals at specific times over 24 h to measure hormones and metabolites. Feeding once a day caused a prompt reduction in the GH and ghrelin concentrations regardless of the type of diet that the wethers consumed. The preprandial concentrations (P = 0.04), area under the curve (AUC; P = 0.04), and incremental AUC (iAUC; P = 0.06) for ghrelin in HP-fed wethers were or tended to be greater than those in LP-fed wethers although concentrations for GH were the same for both diets (P = 0.23). In addition, the time it took for the postprandial ghrelin concentrations to recover to the preprandial concentrations was greater in HP-fed wethers than in LP-fed wethers although this was not true for GH concentrations. Similarly, as for ghrelin, postprandial increase (P < 0.001) and AUC (P = 0.03) for insulin concentration was greater in the HP-fed wethers than in the LP-fed wethers. From these findings, we concluded that dietary proteins (or some other derived metabolites) may dissociate the interaction between plasma concentrations of GH and ghrelin in wethers.

Changes in circulating adiponectin and metabolic hormone concentrations during periparturient and lactation periods in Holstein dairy cows

Although our previous report demonstrated that adiponectin and AdipoR1 gene expressions changed among different lactation stages in the bovine mammary gland, its in vivo kinetics remain unclear in ruminant animals. In this study, we investigated the changes in circulating concentrations of adiponectin, as well as other metabolic hormones and metabolites, (i) during the periparturient period and (ii) among different lactation stages, in Holstein dairy cows. In experiment 1, serum adiponectin concentrations increased after parturition. Serum insulin concentrations were lower in the postpartum than prepartum period, whereas serum growth hormone (GH) concentrations increased in the postpartum period. Serum nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) levels were increased during the postpartum period and were dependent on the parity. In experiment 2, there was no significant difference in plasma adiponectin concentrations among lactational stages. Plasma insulin concentrations tended to be lower in early lactation while plasma GH levels tended to be higher. Plasma NEFA concentrations were significantly lower in mid- and late-lactation stages than non-lactation stages. These findings indicate that elevation of serum adiponectin might be involved in energy metabolism just around parturition, and might exert its action through regulation of receptor expression levels in target tissues in each lactational stage in Holstein dairy cows.

Effects of 5'-uridylic acid feeding on postprandial plasma concentrations of metabolites and metabolic hormones in pre-weaning goats

5'-Uridylic acid (UMP), which is present at high concentrations in cow's colostrum, has been shown to cause a reduction in increased plasma levels of insulin and glucose after ingestion of milk replacer in pre-weaning calves. However, the precise mechanisms of UMP action have not been investigated, and its action has not been investigated in other pre-weaning ruminants. In order to demonstrate whether UMP causes changes in postprandial metabolic and hormonal parameters in pre-weaning goats, 11 Saanen kids were given milk replacer (twice a day) without (n = 5) or with (n = 6) UMP (1 g for each meal, 2 g/day for each head) for 14 days. Analysis of blood samples taken in the morning of day 14 demonstrated that the feeding of milk replacer with UMP abolished the significant changes in postprandial plasma glucose, NEFA, GH and insulin concentrations induced by feeding of milk replacer alone, and demonstrated a tendency to increase IGF-I levels. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups at any sampling time. We conclude that UMP feeding with milk replacer showed a tendency to blunt the postprandial changes in levels of some plasma metabolites and hormones that are induced by replacer alone in pre-weaning goats.

Important roles of tachykinins in the development of allergic nasal hyperresponsiveness in guinea-pigs

BACKGROUND

Although it has been suggested that the use of tachykinin receptor antagonists might prove to be an effective treatment for allergic rhinitis (AR), they are not used clinically. Therefore, we decided to examine the effects of tachykinin receptor antagonists on AR symptoms in an appropriate experimental model.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate newly developed tachykinin receptor antagonists in a Japanese cedar pollen-induced AR model and to determine their effect on allergen-induced sneezing, nasal blockage, and nasal hyperresponsiveness (NHR).

METHODS

Sensitized guinea-pigs were challenged by forced inhalation of pollen once every week. Sneezing and nasal blockage were observed after pollen challenges. NHR (nasal blockage) to an intranasal application of leukotriene D(4) was assessed 2 days after an antigen challenge. We also evaluated whether intranasal dosing with a tachykinin causes NHR. NK(1) and NK(2) receptor antagonists were administered before an intranasal treatment with antigen or tachykinin. Amounts of tachykinins present in nasal cavity lavage fluid were measured by an enzyme immunoassay.

RESULTS

Although an NK(1) and NK(2) receptor dual antagonist showed no effect on pollen-induced sneezing and biphasic nasal blockage, it did completely suppress the development of NHR. Experiments using specific NK(1) or NK(2) receptor antagonists revealed that NK(2) receptor activation was preferentially involved in the development of hyperresponsiveness. Increases in the levels of substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA) in the nasal tissue were noted 20 min-1 h after the challenge. Intranasal instillation of either SP or NKA-induced NHR, which was almost completely inhibited by NK(2) receptor antagonists and partially inhibited by NK(1) receptor antagonists.

CONCLUSIONS

SP and NKA, which are released early after the challenge, mediate the development of NHR by preferentially activating NK(2) receptors. Therefore, NK(2) receptor antagonists might prove to be effective treatment of AR.

Pathogenesis of cBFL in common with IPF? Correlation of IP-10/TARC ratio with histological patterns

BACKGROUND

A Th1 predominant immune response has been shown in acute hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Predominance of Th2 appears to favour the development of pulmonary fibrosis through the profibrotic process and has been described as crucial in the progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Chronic bird fancier's lung (cBFL) can present with a histological pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP)-like lesions. Little is known about the Th1/Th2 balance in the pathogenesis of cBFL.

METHODS

To evaluate the relevance of Th1-type chemokines (interferon-inducible protein, IP-10) and Th2-type chemokines (thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine, TARC) and their receptors (CXCR3 and CCR4) to the histological patterns of cBFL, 40 patients with cBFL who underwent surgical lung biopsies, 12 with acute BFL (aBFL) and 10 healthy volunteers were analysed. IP-10 and TARC levels in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were measured by ELISA. Immunohistochemistry for CXCR3 and CCR4 was performed on surgical lung specimens.

RESULTS

The ratio of TARC to IP-10 in the serum of patients with UIP-like lesions was significantly higher than in patients with cNSIP/OP-like lesions, aBFL and healthy volunteers. The ratio of CCR4 to CXCR3 in patients with UIP-like lesions was significantly higher than in those with cNSIP/OP-like lesions and fNSIP-like lesions. The ratio of CCR4-positive to CXCR3-positive cells correlated with the ratio of TARC to IP-10 in serum.

CONCLUSIONS

A Th2 predominant immune response may play an important role in the development of UIP-like lesions, as already observed in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. A Th1 predominance may play a role in the development of cNSIP/OP-like lesions in cBFL.

Effect of l-phenylalanine supplementation and a high-protein diet on pharmacokinetics of cefdinir in healthy volunteers: an exploratory study

BACKGROUND

Upregulation of oligopeptide transport activity by dietary protein, certain dipeptides and amino acids has been reported in the rat intestine and a human intestinal cell line.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, the pharmacokinetics of cefdinir were investigated after L-phenylalanine supplementation and a high-protein diet (HPD) in humans to explore changes in the activities of intestinal and renal oligopeptide transporters.

METHODS

A normal-protein diet (NPD, 73.2 +/- 2.6 g/day), NPD + l-phenylalanine (7.5 g/day), or HPD (141.3 +/- 3.7 g/day) was given to six male healthy volunteers for 12 days followed by a single dose of cefdinir after an overnight fast in a randomized three-way crossover study with a 22-day washout. Blood and urine were collected over a 12-h period after administration of cefdinir. Concentrations of cefdinir in plasma and/or urine were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

Plasma concentrations and urinary excretion of the drug did not change throughout the study. Physiological variables and laboratory values did not reveal any differences between the three periods except for serum and urinary nitrogen levels and serum triglyceride.

DISCUSSION

A reason for the unchanged pharmacokinetics of cefdinir may be due to lower doses of L-phenylalanine and protein in humans than in animals when converting animal effective doses to humans.

CONCLUSION

In humans, L-phenylalanine supplementation and HPD do not seem to upregulate intestinal and renal oligopeptide transport in the ranges of duration and dose examined.

Effect of MKC-733, a 5-HT receptor partial agonist, on bowel motility and symptoms in subjects with constipation: an exploratory study

BACKGROUND

MKC-733, a 5-HT(3) receptor partial agonist, is a novel enteroprokinetic compound.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of MKC-733 on bowel motility and symptoms in a small group of subjects with constipation. Tolerability was also examined.

METHODS

The study was conducted in a single-blind and dose-escalation manner on 14 male and female subjects with constipation aged 22-67 years. After a 1 week run-in period, subjects were treated with placebo (b.i.d.) for 1 week, and 0.2 and 0.5 mg of MKC-733 (b.i.d.) for 2 weeks sequentially. Geometric mean and per cent elimination of surrogate markers of bowel motility were measured by a radio-opaque marker technique at the end of each treatment period. They were analysed on the whole group and subgroups with low (n = 6) and high (n = 8) bowel motility based upon the geometric mean value after placebo treatment. Subjects kept diaries of their bowel habits and gastrointestinal symptoms.

RESULTS

Percent elimination increased after treatment with 0.5 mg MKC-733 compared with placebo treatment in the whole group (70.4 +/- 33.5% vs. 47.1 +/- 36.6%, mean +/- SD, P < 0.05). In the low bowel motility group, both geometric mean and percent elimination increased after treatment with 0.5 mg MKC-733 compared with placebo (7.1 +/- 0.9 vs. 5.9 +/- 0.5, P < 0.05; 60.0 +/- 35.8% vs. 13.3 +/- 19.4%, P < 0.05). Stool frequency increased after the first-week treatment with MKC-733 compared with placebo (P < 0.05). Numbers of sensation of incomplete evacuation and gastrointestinal symptoms decreased to half and less after the treatment with MKC-733. No serious adverse effect was noted.

CONCLUSION

Multiple doses of 0.5 mg MKC-733 improve bowel motility, which was clearly demonstrated in the subjects with decreased bowel motility. MKC-733 at the doses studied might be effective in increasing stool frequency and reduce gastrointestinal symptoms related to constipation. MKC-733 was well tolerated. Further studies will be needed to clarify efficacy and safety of MKC-733 on a larger population.

Effect of a thin HA coating on the stress/strain distribution in bone around dental implants using three-dimensional finite element analysis

Three-dimensional finite element analysis was performed for thin hydroxyapatite (HA) coated and titanium dental implants to study the effects on stress/strain distribution in the mandible with application of axial and oblique loads. The implants were of screw and cylinder types. With an axial load, the maximum equivalent bone stresses in the titanium implants were 21.5 and 29.0 MPa for the cylinder and screw types respectively, and the stress and strain distributions differed. For the cylinder type, the highest stress was located at the implant base, and for the screw type, it was located at the top edge of the first thread within the cortical bone. For the HA-coated cylinder and screw implants, the maximum equivalent bone stresses were 7.1 and 7.2 MPa respectively. The stress and strain distributions were similar, and the highest stress was located on the upper side of the cortical bone around the implant neck for both implants. Of the implants examined, the screw type HA-coated implant had the most uniform stress distribution in bone.

Production of menaquinone (vitamin K2)-7 by Bacillus subtilis

Menaquinone-7 (MK-7) is a highly bioactive homologue of vitamin K. We obtained a diphenylamine-resistant mutant strain D200-41 from Bacillus subtilis strain MH-1 which was isolated from fermented soybeans, natto. The mutant strain exhibited decreased production of MK-6. Using strain D200-41, efficient production of MK-7 was achieved. We found that, compared with an agitated and aerated culture, production of MK-7 was increased by static culture. The sporulation of the cells progressed more slowly in a static culture than in an agitated culture. The maximum concentration of MK reached about 60 mg/l in a medium containing 10% soybean extract, 5% glycerol, 0.5% yeast extract and 0.05% K2HPO4 (pH 7.3) when D200-41 cells as well as MH-1 cells were statically cultured at 45 degrees C for 5 d after being cultured with shaking at 37 degrees C for 1 d.

Chronic bird fancier's lung: histopathological and clinical correlation. An application of the 2002 ATS/ERS consensus classification of the idiopathic interstitial pneumonias

BACKGROUND

Chronic bird fancier's lung (BFL) has often been misdiagnosed as one of the idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs).

METHODS

To define the clinical and pathological characteristics of chronic BFL, 26 patients with chronic BFL from whom a surgical lung biopsy specimen was taken between October 1992 and June 2001 were evaluated. The histopathological characteristics of the surgical lung biopsy specimens were examined and correlations between the histopathology and clinical characteristics were analysed. The quality of chronic inflammatory and fibrotic changes was expressed according to the 2002 ATS/ERS consensus classification of IIPs.

RESULTS

Two patients were diagnosed as having bronchiolitis obliterans organising pneumonia (BOOP)-like lesions, five as having cellular non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP)-like lesions, and eight as having fibrotic NSIP-like lesions. The other 11 patients were considered to have usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP)-like lesions because of the temporal heterogeneous appearances of the fibrotic changes. However, fibrosis in these patients had developed in centrilobular as well as perilobular areas, suggestive of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Nineteen patients (73.1%) had multinucleated giant cells, often with cholesterol clefts, while only five patients (19.2%) had granulomas. Patients with BOOP-like or cellular NSIP-like lesions tended to have recurrent acute episodes, whereas patients with UIP-like lesions had an insidious onset. Patients with BOOP-like or cellular NSIP-like lesions had a more favourable outcome than those with fibrotic NSIP-like and UIP-like lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

The qualities of chronic inflammatory and fibrotic lesions vary significantly among patients with chronic BFL but correlate with clinical features and prognosis.

Wiener Filter-Magnetoencephalography of Visual Cortical Activity

This paper reports a revised Wiener filter to resolve the inverse problem for magnetoencephalograms (MEGs) according to the structural and functional constraints based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Wiener filter-MEG imaging for half field stimulation with the chromatic stimulus resolved fast, slow and late responses in V1, V4 and the inferotemporal cortex, respectively. The time courses of these responses were roughly comparable with those reported by unit recording studies of the corresponding monkey visual cortical areas. Wiener filter-MEG imaging had comparable spatial resolution and better signal to noise ratio than fMRI. The background noise was robust in fMRI responses, but became virtually eliminated in Wiener filter responses. Wiener filter-MEG imaging with upper and lower quadrant field stimulation demonstrated V1 responses differentially distributed respectively in the lower and upper banks of the calcarine sulcus. These results demonstrate that responses in two cortical areas facing close to each other can be resolved by Wiener filter-MEG. The present method provides a way to image brain activities with millisecond- and millimeter-order spatiotemporal resolution.

Phylogeny and ontogeny of the lymphatic stomata connecting the pleural and peritoneal cavities with the lymphatic system--a review

This paper reviews the phylogeny and ontogeny of "lymphatic stomata" through which fluids and cells in the pleural and peritoneal cavities enter the lymphatic system. In amphibians, the pleuroperitoneal cavity is connected through numerous pores with the wide subvertebral lymphatic sinus corresponding to the thoracic duct in mammals. In reptiles, direct connections of the pleural and peritoneal cavities with the lymphatic system have been reported. In mammals, the pleural and peritoneal cavities are directly connected with lymphatics through lymphatic stomata. How do lymphatic stomata develop in mammals? In the rat, distinct lymphatics are noted in the subpleural space of the diaphragm periphery in 16 days old embryo. With age, the supleural lymphatics increase and form a polygonal network. They show a tubular appearance and possess many valves. Some of them become endowed with smooth muscle cells. In 19 days old embryos, some lymphatics appear in the subperitoneal space of the diaphragm. They extend centripetally and form many lateral projections that later elongate and connect with those from adjacent lymphatics, thus forming a lattice-like network or "lymphatic lacunae". During early postnatal days, the lymphatic lacunae project many bulges that subsequently come into contact with the pores among mesothelial cells lining the diaphragmatic peritoneum, thus forming lymphatic stomata. They increase until postnatal week 10. The lymphatic stomata in the costal pleura also develop during early postnatal days.

Postnatal development of lymphatic vessels and their smooth muscle cells in the rat diaphragm: a confocal microscopic study

This paper reports on how lymphatic vessels and their smooth muscle cells develop in the diaphragm of postnatal rats. Lymphatic endothelial cells in the diaphragm were labeled by an intraperitoneal injection of DiI-labeled acetylated low-density lipoprotein (DiIac-LDL). During postnatal week 1, DiI-ac-LDL was detected in many free cells in addition to distinct endothelial cells that formed lymphatic vessels. Occasionally, saccular lymphatics isolated from previously formed lymphatics were recognized; these were referred to as lymphatic islands. The DiI-ac-LDL-labeled free and lymphatic endothelial cells showed immunoreactivity for CD 34 and Flt-4, but most of them did not express either OX 62 or ED 1 immunoreactivity, with only some showing ED 1 immunoreactivity. This suggests that most of the DiI-ac-LDL-labeled elements were lymphatic endothelial cells, and that some were macrophages. After postnatal week 1, the DiI-ac-LDL positive cells were restricted to lymphatic vessels. Until postnatal week 6, lymphatic vessels increased as the diaphragm enlarged. Towards the end of postnatal week 2, free cells expressing alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) immunoreactivity increased in the diaphragm, and some of these were in contact with lymphatics. A coarse plexus of smooth muscle cells surrounding the lymphatic vessels first appeared at postnatal week 2, and this plexus became denser with age. Our findings indicate that lymphatic vessels are formed not only by sprouting from previously formed lymphatic vessels but also by migrating endothelial cells, and that smooth muscle cells may be differentiated from mesenchymal cells to form a plexus surrounding the lymphatic vessels.

Leukemia inhibitory factor induces nociceptin mRNA in cultured rat cortical neurons

The effects of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) on the expression of neurotransmitter synthetase and neuropeptide mRNAs in cultured rat cortical neurons were examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Nociceptin mRNA expression was increased by treatment with 20 or 80 ng/ml LIF for 24 h, but choline acetyl transferase, glutamic acid decarboxylase, enkephalin, dynorphin, substance P, somatostatin and galanin mRNA expression were not altered by LIF. These observations indicated a specific effect of LIF on nociceptin gene regulation in cultured cortical neurons.

Reconstruction of heavily calcified aorta and its visceral branches without extracorporeal circulation

A 61-year-old Japanese female was referred to our hospital for surgical treatment of a localized heavily calcified abdominal aorta. Preoperative angiograms and computed tomograms revealed severe stenosis of the aorta, resembling a slit. Bypass grafting between the thoracic and abdominal aorta was successfully performed together with the reconstruction of the celiac artery, superior mesenteric artery, and bilateral renal arteries without extracorporeal circulation. Postoperative angiograms showed patency of the graft and branches. A localized heavily calcified abdominal aorta is relatively rare, and the cause of this entity might be Takayasu's aortitis.

Pseudohyperkalaemia caused by recentrifugation of blood samples after storage in gel separator tubes

Because hyperkalaemia above a certain level is life-threatening, erroneous interpretation of serum potassium concentration may misguide and complicate diagnostic procedures. We investigated a number of cases with pseudohyperkalaemia, which was assumed to have been caused by the recentrifugation of blood samples after storage in gel separator tubes. The time trend of serum potassium concentration was explored before (January-March 1997) and after (May-July 1997) ceasing the practice of recentrifuging blood samples after overnight storage. Next, we conducted an experiment on a volunteer's serum. The sample was divided into two groups and centrifuged once (control group) or twice (recentrifugation group). For both groups, serum potassium concentrations were measured immediately, and at 24, 48 and 72 h. For the recentrifugation group, the second centrifugation was done just before the measurement. The time series study showed that the mean serum potassium concentrations measured after overnight storage were 4.68 (95% CI: 4.60-4.76) mmol/L before and 4.14 (4.07-4.20) mmol/L after ceasing the practice of recentrifugation. The experiment showed that the mean serum potassium concentrations in the control group versus the recentrifugation group were 3.95 (95% CI: 3.89-4.01) mmol/L versus 4.05 (3.92-4.17) immediately (P=0.0979), 3.95 (3.89-4.01) versus 5.95 (5.61-6.29) at 24 h (P=0.0001), 4.13 (4.05-4.22) versus 6.90 (6.46-7.34) at 48 h (P=0.0001), and 4.22 (3.85-4.58) versus 7.61 (6.94-8.30) at 72 h (P<0.0001). Recentrifugation of blood samples after storage causes a spurious rise in serum potassium concentration to the degree of clinical significance. Clinicians and biochemists should take appropriate measures to stop this practice.

Microanatomy of the rat diaphragm with special reference to the lymphatics and mesothelial stomata

The three-dimensional microstructure of the rat diaphragm was studied in order to reveal morphological bases which permit peritoneal fluids to pass across the diaphragm to enter the pleural cavity. The methods used include scanning electron microscopy of either intact or alkali-treated tissues, enzyme-histochemistry, and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The peritoneal and pleural surfaces of the diaphragm are covered with mesothelial cells studded with numerous microvilli. There are many round gaps between mesothelial cells on the peritoneal side of the diaphragm. The subperitoneal connective tissue contains voluminous, irregularly shaped lymphatics which extended many funnel-shaped projections of the endothelia towards the pored region of the mesothelium. On coming into contact with the mesothelium, many of the lymphatic projections are perforated at their ends, thus giving rise to stomata connecting the peritoneal cavity and lymphatic lumen. Some projections ended blindly while plugging the mesothelial pores, thereby making visible some intercellular gaps in this contact. The subperitoneal sheet of collagen fiber network possesses clusters of pores which tightly fit the passage of the lymphatic projections. CLSM of the diaphragm after intraperitoneal injection of FITC-dextran has demonstrated the tracer both in the lymphatic lumen and in the connective tissue spaces. The tracer has also been detected in the lymphatics located in the subpleural connective tissue space. These results indicate that peritoneal fluid is allowed to flow into the lymphatics directly through the stomata and indirectly through the intercellular gaps between endothelia and mesothelial cells, and then drain into the subpleural lymphatics. Discussions were made on the probable mechanisms by which a hydrothorax may occur during continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

[A case of Churg-Strauss syndrome in which positive rheumatoid factor and MPO-ANCA preceded the development of clinical symptoms of vasculitis]

A 52-year-old man in whom bronchial asthma had been diagnosed in 1995 was admitted for the treatment of Churg-Strauss syndrome in June 1997. Positive tests MPO-ANCA and rheumatoid factor preceded the symptoms of vasculitis for several months. A skin biopsy revealed infiltration of eosinophils in the vessel walls, and the diagnosis of Churg-Strauss syndrome was confirmed. After systemic administration of corticosteroids, the symptoms other than mononeuritis improved markedly, and his MPO-ANCA and rheumatoid factor became negative. Rheumatoid factor and MPO-ANCA may be useful for the early diagnosis of Churg-Strauss syndrome in patients with bronchial asthma in which a well-controlled disease develops into an intractable condition.

Lymphatics of the rat mammary gland during virgin, pregnant, lactating and post-weaning periods

The distribution and ultrastructure of the lymphatics of the rat mammary gland in virgin, pregnant, lactating and post-weaning periods were examined by enzyme-histochemistry for 5'-nucleotidase (5'-Nase) and transmission electron microscopy. Enzyme-histochemistry for 5'-Nase stained lymphatics in dark brown. In the lactating period, lymphatics abounded in the interlobular connective tissues, but in other periods they were few. The interlobular lymphatics drained into collecting lymphatics running along the mammary ducts. Gaps between lymphatic endothelial cells were significantly wider in lactating period than in other periods, while both number and area of vesicles in the lymphatic endothelial cells were significantly larger in the virgin period than in other periods. In the pregnant and lactating period, the lymphatics contained many lymphocytes and lipid droplets. The results show that during lactating period, the interlobular lymphatics increase and that gaps between lymphatic endothelial cells serve as a major route through which tissue fluids and particulate matters enter the lymphatics, while vesicles seem to be main trans-endothelial transport route during the virgin period. The results will provide basic information for our next investigation on lymphangiogenesis in association with breast cancer.

Pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma with endocrine differentiation: immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analyses

The majority of pancreatic malignant tumors are adenocarcinomas of the ductal type (ductal cell carcinomas) and combined tumors consisting of different tumor components are very rare. We present here a rare case of acinar cell carcinoma with apparent foci of endocrine differentiation. A 46-year-old man underwent pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy under the diagnosis of pancreatic tumor. The pancreatic tumor was mainly composed of typical acinar cell carcinoma, but some tumor cells were positive for both acinar and endocrine cell markers such as pancreatic amylase, trypsin, lipase and chromogranin A. At the electron-microscopic level, the tumor cells were seen to have numerous electron-dense neuroendocrine, as well as a few zymogen-like, granules. The tumor part positive for both acinar and endocrine cell markers originated from a subclone (dis-differentiated tumor cells) of the typical acinar cell carcinoma tissue of the pancreas.

MUC1 and MUC2 expression in human gallbladder carcinoma: a clinicopathological study and relationship with prognosis

Mucins are a group of high molecular weight glycoproteins consisting of a mucin core protein and O-linked carbohydrates. To date, nine apomucins (MUC1-8, and MUC5B) have been identified. Recent studies have demonstrated that MUC1 is expressed in tumors of various human organs, and may function as an anti-adhesion molecule that inhibits cell-to-cell adhesion, inducing tumor metastasis. MUC2 is a major secreted mucin of colon and is known to be expressed in cells showing intestinal metaplasia in the stomach and other organs. MUC2 expression in the mucosal epithelia is an apparently abnormal phenomenon related to the neoplastic process. In this study, we examined MUC1 and MUC2 expression in human gallbladder adenocarcinoma and its clinicopathological significance and relationship with the prognosis of the patients. MUC1 immunoreactivity was detected not only in the cancer cells but also in the cancer stroma. Cytoplasmic MUC1 expression was significantly relation to lymphatic invasion and lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001), and was associated with a poor outcome. In contrast, MUC2 was rarely expressed in gallbladder carcinomas, and its immunoreactivity was detected only in the cancer goblet cells. Overexpression of MUC2 was not significantly related to lymphatic invasion or lymph node metastasis, or prognosis of patients. These observations suggested that MUC1 expression plays a more important role than MUC2 expression in cancer cell growth and metastasis of human gallbladder adenocarcinomas.

A corrosion casting/scanning electron microscope method that simultaneously demonstrates clear outlines of endothelial cells and three-dimensional vascular organization

This paper describes a method that can definitively demonstrate endothelial cell boundaries on corrosion casts of arteries, veins, and capillaries. After perfusion with silver nitrate, a casting medium was injected into the entire vascular bed. The injected tissues were either exposed to light or immersed in the photographic developer to develop the silver halide, and corroded in a 5% NaOH solution at 60 degrees C overnight. Observations of the casts containing water in a low vacuum scanning electron microscope equipped with a cooling stage clearly showed endothelial cell boundaries on casts of every type of vessel as well as their three-dimensional architecture. The low vacuum scanning electron microscope images of wet casts were almost identical in quality to the back-scattered electron images of dried casts without any coating. Secondary electron images of the dried casts with metal coating clearly showed endothelial cell outlines and nuclear imprints. The secondary electron images at high magnification indicated that silver granules were precipitated in the grooves along endothelial cell boundaries on the casts. Since this method can demonstrate endothelial cell boundaries of every type of vessel in addition to their three-dimensional architecture, it will be a powerful tool for examining endothelial cell morphology and microvascular organization in pathological as well as normal tissues.

Efficient production of menaquinone (vitamin K2) by a menadione-resistant mutant of Bacillus subtilis

Efficient production of menaquinone (MK) by Bacillus subtilis was achieved. An edible strain of B. subtilis, isolated from the traditional Japanese food natto, was mutated to improve MK productivity. A menadione-resistant mutant producing 30% more MK than its parent strain was obtained. Soybean extract and glycerol were the best nitrogen and carbon sources, respectively, among the sources tested. Addition of yeast extract also increased MK productivity. The maximum concentration of MK reached about 35.0 mg/l after 4 days of culture in a jar fermenter. The pH of the medium decreased to 5.5 after the start of cultivation, then spontaneously increased to 7.7-8.0. This pH change might be important in the production of MK because only small amounts of MK were obtained when pH was controlled at 5.7, 6.0, 7.0, 7.5 or 8.0.

Visualization, quantification and therapeutic evaluation of angiogenic vessels in cancer by synchrotron microangiography

The usefulness of a synchrotron microangiography system for depicting, quantitating and therapeutically evaluating angiogenic vessels in cancer is illustrated. In 20 mice transplanted with murine colon cancer, sequential changes in the angiogenic vessels were determined by using synchrotron microangiography, using changes in tumor volume for reference. This system allowed the depiction and quantification of angiogenic vessels in the period from one to four weeks after transplantation. The effects of antiangiogenic therapy were evaluated by using a neutralizing antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor. The neutralizing antibody partially suppressed angiogenesis and tumor growth. Synchrotron microangiography is shown to be useful for the depiction, quantification and evaluation of angiogenic vessels in cancer.