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Generally, floral characteristics and pollination are important factors enhancing the quality and quantity of reproductive output for regeneration in plant conservation. However, lack of evidence‐based management could decrease fitness under ex‐situ conservation. We investigated the capitulum and pollination characteristics of Eriocaulon heleocharioides Satake (Eriocaulaceae), which is extinct in the wild, to develop an evidence‐based conservation management plan incorporating previously ignored reproductive characteristics.To evaluate the functional characteristics of capitula, pollen–ovule ratio, and reproductive status (maximum pollination success/florivory damage) were investigated along six flowering sequences of capitulum. To evaluate the effect of plant density on pollen transfer, high‐ and low‐density plots were established. Total deposited pollen on stigma, insect visitation, and visit duration per capitulum were observed.A significantly lower pollen–ovule ratio was observed in the first of six capitula, reflecting higher female functionality. The highest pollination success was found in the second–fourth capitula, whereas florivory increased along the terminal capitula position. High plant density affected the pollen deposited on stigmas via insect visitation and low pollinator visit duration.Different capitula in E. heleocharioides could have different effects: different sexual functionality, enhancement of reproductive output both in quality and quantity through active pollen transfer, and escaping from florivores. High plant density could facilitate outcross‐pollen transfer in E. heleocharioides. Multiple perspectives are important for determining potential reproductive success in ex‐situ conservation. Thus, density management reflecting capitulum characteristics could improve the efficiency of conservation efforts for E. heleocharioides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The modified intra-cerebral challenge assay for acellular pertussis vaccines is used in Japan, Korea, China and possibly other Asian countries as the potency assay for routine release of acellular pertussis (aP) and combination vaccines. National reference standards, typically of whole cell pertussis (Pw) vaccine, are in use in these countries, but there is no agreed international reference standard for acellular pertussis vaccines. We report here the results of a collaborative study initiated in September 2006 in which fourteen laboratories performing the modified intra-cerebral challenge assay took part. These laboratories compared their various national references of Pw vaccine, the third International Standard for whole cell pertussis vaccine, a previously studied two-component freeze-dried aP vaccine preparation coded JNIH-3, and four different aP vaccines in combination with diphtheria and tetanus toxoids. The results of this study show that the modified intra-cerebral challenge assay works reliably although there are inter-laboratory variations in potency estimates. Pw and aP vaccines show apparent differences in dose–response lines in some assay systems. This indicates dissimilarity in performance in at least some of these assay systems. Estimates of relative potency for aP vaccines in terms of the Pw vaccine national or in-house reference preparations differ significantly from one another. Different mouse strains were used in each country and the different strains may also differ in their responsiveness to Pw and aP vaccines. Estimates for different types of aP vaccine formulations show less inter-laboratory variation in terms of JNIH-3 than in terms of the third IS for Pw vaccine and the remaining variation is not apparently related to the different mouse strains. This study thus suggests that an aP vaccine standard would improve inter-laboratory agreement. These data do not show significant dissimilarity in dose–response lines between JNIH-3 and the various vaccine products included, irrespective of the differences in aP components. Available data indicate that JNIH-3 is sufficiently stable to serve as an International Standard. On the basis of these results and with the agreement of the participants, it was proposed that JNIH-3 should be established as an International Standard for acellular pertussis vaccine for use in the modified intra-cerebral challenge assay and other protective bioassays, with an assigned activity of 34 International Units (IU) per ampoule. A WHO Working Group on Standardization of Acellular Pertussis Vaccines: potency assay met in Beijing, China, 7–9 November 2007. This group considered the report of this study, the comments of the participants and implications of the use of JNIH-3 as a reference standard and recommended establishment of JNIH-3 as an International Standard. The results of this study and the report of the Working Group were submitted to the Expert Committee on Biological Standardization (ECBS) of WHO which established JNIH-3 as the first International Standard for acellular pertussis vaccine in the modified intra-cerebral challenge assay and other protective bioassays with an assignment of 34IU per ampoule in October 2008. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Chromosome 1p13 is linked with schizophrenia in Japanese families, and one of the candidate genes in this region is the netrin G1 (NTNG1) gene at 1p13.3. Associations of 56 tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with schizophrenia were explored by transmission disequilibrium analysis in 160 Japanese trios and by case–control analysis in 2174 Japanese cases and 2054 Japanese controls. An association between SNP rs628117 and schizophrenia was identified by case–control comparison (nominal allelic p =0.0009; corrected p =0.006). The associated polymorphism is located in intron 9 and in the haplotype block encompassing the alternatively spliced exons of the gene. Allelic association of a different SNP in the same haplotype block in Japanese families was previously reported. These findings support that the NTNG1 gene is associated with schizophrenia in the Japanese. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The regulator of the G-protein signaling 4 (RGS4) has been implicated in the susceptibility to schizophrenia. RGS4 interacts with ErbB3 that acts as receptors for neuregulin 1 and these proteins may play a role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia via glutamatergic dysfunction. Recently, two meta-analysis studies provided different interpretations for the genetic association between RGS4 and schizophrenia. We attempted to confirm this association in a case-control study of 1918 Japanese patients with schizophrenia and 1909 Japanese control subjects. Four widely studied single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped, and none showed association with schizophrenia. SNP 1 (rs10917670), p =0.92; SNP 4 (rs951436), p =0.91; SNP 7 (rs951439), p =0.27; and SNP 18 (rs2661319), p =0.43. A haplotype block constructed by these SNPs spans the 5′ flanking region to the 5′ mid-region of the RGS4 gene. Previous meta-analysis showed that both two major haplotypes of this block were risk haplotypes. The two common haplotypes were observed in the Japanese population. However, neither haplotype was significantly associated with schizophrenia. We conclude that the common haplotypes and SNPs of the RGS4 gene identified thus far are unlikely to contribute to the genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia in the Japanese population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Effects of Si addition on microstructure, transformation temperature and mechanical properties of a Ni-free biomedical superelastic β-Ti alloy, Ti–24at.%Nb–3at.%Al (TiNbAl), were examined in the compositional range from 0 to 0.9at.%Si. After the solution treatment at 1273K, the constituent phases of the alloys with Si concentration lower than 0.7at.% are parent β-phase (bcc) and athermal ω-phase. The alloys with Si concentration higher than 0.7at.% contains incoherent (Ti, Nb)3Si particles. Then, the solid solubility limit of Si in TiNbAl at 1273K is estimated to be 0.7at.%Si. Tensile tests revealed that the stress for inducing martensite is raised by Si addition. Thermomechanical analysis revealed that the reverse martensitic transformation finish temperature (A f) becomes lower by Si addition by −250K/at.%Si. The critical stress for slip deformation evaluated using residual strain increases with increasing Si concentration up to 0.7at.%Si and the hardening rate is estimated to be 300MPa/at.%Si. This hardening caused by Si addition is due to the solid-solution strengthening. When Si concentration exceeds 0.7at.%, incoherent Ti3Si-type precipitates are formed during the homogenization at 1273K, and no further hardening occurs. Consequently, apparent transformation strain drastically decreases when Si concentration is higher than 0.7at.%. The Ti3Si-type particles are suggested to act as an obstacle for the stress-induced martensitic transformation. It was concluded that Si is effective to reduce M s and to raise critical stress for slip of TiNbAl, and that the formation of Ti3Si-type precipitates exhibits negative effect for superelasticity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Effects of 0.05mass% boron addition on the transformation behavior and the tensile properties at room temperature were investigated for Ti–24at.% Nb–3at.% Al (TiNbAl). The martensitic transformation temperatures (M s) measured by differential scanning calorimetry decreased upon the addition of boron. The tensile properties were evaluated by a cyclic loading–unloading tensile test with a constant strain increment of 1% carried out at room temperature. It was found that superelasticity appeared regardless of boron addition. By considering the residual strain and the maximum applied stress per cyclic deformation, relationships between maximum stress and residual strain were evaluated. It was found that flow-stress of the B-added TiNbAl was higher than that of TiNbAl, and that the critical stress for slip (σ SLIP) became higher upon boron addition: boron addition is effective for strengthening. The stress for inducing the martensitic transformation (σ SIMT) became higher by the boron addition, mainly due to the lowering of martensitic transformation temperature. When increasing the number of deformation cycles, σ SIMT becomes lower regardless of boron addition. However, the reduction of σ SIMT per cycle is smaller in B-added TiNbAl than TiNbAl, due to strengthening by boron addition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Immunoregulatory conditions in atopic dermatitis (AD) involve both Th1 and Th2, although primarily Th2. The suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 (SOCS3) may mediate Th2 regulatory response through negative regulation of Th1 pathways. We examined SOCS3 expression in skin lesions of patients with severe AD and compared it with that in patients with the Th1 disorder, psoriasis. We assessed SOCS3 expression in skin lesions from seven patients with severe AD and five patients with typical psoriasis, and in skin from three normal subjects, using immunohistochemical staining, in situ hybridization and reverse transcription PCR. Strong SOCS3 expression was found in skin lesions in all patients with AD, but only weak expression in patients with psoriasis and in normal subjects. Overexpression of SOCS3 is prominent in the skin of patients with severe AD and consequently may prove useful for evaluating the severity of AD as a Th2-dominant condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Our previous study showed that large keratohyaline granules (KHG) in molluscum contagiosum that stained with haematoxylin also reacted with anti-Ted-H-1 monoclonal antibody (mAb), but not with antifilaggrin mAb or antiloricrin polyclonal antibody (pAb). This finding indicated that the Ted-H-1 antigenic protein is a haematoxylin-stainable protein in KHG. Objectives To clarify the identity of the major component protein of the large KHG in solar keratosis, another disorder in which large KHG are observed. Methods An enzyme immunohistochemical study was performed using antifilaggrin mAb, anti-Ted-H-1 mAb and antiloricrin pAb. Immunofluorescent double staining and immunoelectron microscopic analyses were performed using anti-Ted-H-1 mAb and antiloricrin pAb. Results Antifilaggrin mAb, anti-Ted-H-1 mAb and antiloricrin pAb reacted with normal KHG in nonlesional skin of solar keratosis, while only anti-Ted-H-1 mAb reacted with the large KHG in the lesions of solar keratosis. Antifilaggrin mAb did not react with large KHG. Antiloricrin pAb reacted with the cell membrane of the stratum granulosum, but not with large KHG. Conclusions These findings suggest that the haematoxylin-stainable protein in the large KHG would be a Ted-H-1 antigen protein which was neither filaggrin nor loricrin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The joint tensile strength and metallurgical properties of a friction welded joint of commercially pure Ti and pure Ni has been investigated in as welded and post-weld heat treated conditions. While friction pressure did not significantly impinge on joint tensile strength, joint tensile strength was affected by friction time. A 1–1·5 μm thick interlayer is essential to join pure Ti and pure Ni using friction welding. A maximum joint tensile strength of 450 MPa was achieved and the joint fractured in the Ti original (not heat affected zone) substrate, i.e. the joint efficiency was approximately 112% relative to Ti substrate and 94·5% relative to Ni substrate. The joint tensile strength abruptly decreased as heating temperature was increased to 873 K and/or the Larson-Miller parameter was increased to approximately 19–20 × 103. The joint tensile strength rapidly decreased with increasing interlayer thickness up to approximately 10 μm, and then remained constant for further increase in interlayer thickness. Four layers occurred at the interface of joints heated to more than 873 K, namely Ti2Ni, TiNi, TiNi2, TiNi3. The fracture of heated joints propagated mainly in the Ti2Ni layer and/or at the interface between the TiNi and TiNi3 layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) may in some cases prove quite difficult. OK-432, prepared from the penicillin-treated Su strain of type III Group A Streptococcus pyogenes, has been shown to be effective for treating not only cancer but verruca vulgaris as well, suggesting this agent to create the Th1 pathway through IL-12 induction. Four AD patients consented to trial use of the OK-432 ointment. OK-432 was found to bring about complete cure in the present four cases. Based on results from its use, OK-432 may be concluded to be highly effective for treating AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this investigation was to correlate magnetic resonance (MR) images of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) injuries with gross macroscopic findings. Twenty-seven knees with MPFL injury following an initial patellar dislocation were examined using axial proton-density and T2-weighted fast spin-echo MR imaging. MR findings were subsequently correlated with open exploration. MPFL injury was observed in 26 (96%) of the 27 knees. From the MR images, discontinuity, irregularity and/or high-signal intensity changes anterior to the femoral attachment were seen in 13 (82%) of the 16 knees with substantial-tear type injuries of the MPFL. In 8 (80%) of the 10 knees with avulsion-tear type injuries, detachment of the MPFL from the femoral attachment, accompanied with or without high-signal intensity changes, was confirmed. MPFL injury types could be accurately diagnosed on 21 (81%) out of 26 knees using MR imaging. MR imaging was an acceptable method in diagnosing MPFL injury types. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article focuses on Radioallergosorbent test, which is now widely used for detecting IgE antibodies to various allergens. This method is recognized as a simple and rapid method for diagnosis of allergic diseases in which reaginic antibodies play major roles. On the other hand, it has been observed that a large number of individuals infected with parasites produce antibodies which have similar properties to reaginic antibodies. Echinococcosis is a disease widely spread in the world and although the incidence of the disease is not high, it is a severe disease when infection occurs.

A 69-year-old man presented with unusual nodular cutaneous lesions of 3 years duration predominantly involving the chest, upper back and scalp. Histopathological changes in biopsy specimens from affected skin resembled those seen with granuloma annulare even though there was a lack of epitheloid cells. Based on the sluggish course of the condition, leukocytosis with monocytosis in peripheral blood and the findings on electron microscopic examination of peripheral blood cells, he was diagnosed as having chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMMoL). At lower magnification under the electron microscope, the nodular skin lesions showed pleomorphic cell features with monocytes and histiocytic cells of abnormal appearance. The skin lesions were thus considered to be an unusual type of leukaemia cutis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor discussing the study that investigates the associated support of the protein phosphatase 3 catalytic subunit (PPP3CC) gene in schizophrenia is presented.

Realistic and properly planned excavation cycle times developed prior to tunnel construction are an important issue for dependable project management, including cost estimation and time saving. Existing design studies, conducted to estimate the total cost for geological disposal, have been limited to estimates of approximate construction total time schedules. There were no case studies which compared the detailed excavation cycle time used in design studies with the actual results from an excavation taking into account each excavation cycle operation and task. In this paper, analyses of actual cycle time recorded during the sinking of the Ventilation Shaft of the Mizunami Underground Research Laboratory and comparison with the planned cycle time developed in the design stage are intended for an evaluation of the baseline work plan and schedule and for optimization of the calculations for application to shaft construction in any future repository in Japan. Actual times to perform three operations, drill and blast, muck removal and concrete lining emplacement were much larger than expected and represent the largest portion of the total excavation cycle time and had the largest impact on the efficiency of the excavation cycles and schedules. Operating at increasingly greater depths and excavating harder, more competent rock combined to significantly affect the shaft sinking speed. The underlying reasons for increases in actual times for the excavation cycle operations compared to their design estimates fall into three categories: constraints on construction; to ensure safety; and maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marijuana use activates cannabinoid receptors (CB-Rs) producing several behavioral effects related to addiction, mood, and appetite. We investigated the association between CNR2 gene, which encodes cannabinoid CB2 receptor (CB2-R) and eating disorders in 204 subjects with eating disorders and 1876 healthy volunteers in Japanese population. The effect of treatment with CB2-R ligands on mouse food consumption was also determined. The CB2-R ligands used suppressed food intake in a time- and strain-dependent manner when food was available ad libitum and during the 12-h fast except, AM 630-the CB2-R antagonist that stimulated food consumption in food-deprived mice. There is an association between the R63Q polymorphism of the CNR2 gene and eating disorders ( P = 0.04; Odds ratio 1.24, 95% CI, (1.01-1.53). These results suggest that cannabinoid CB2-R is involved in the endocannabinoid signaling mechanisms associated with the regulation of food intake and in eating disorders. Synapse 64:92-96, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The protein interacting with C-kinase 1 (PICK1) has been implicated in the susceptibility to schizophrenia. PICK1 interacts with enzymes and receptors that play roles in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia via glutamatergic dysfunction. Recently, two studies reported associations between schizophrenia and two PICK1 gene polymorphisms, rs3952 in Chinese and Japanese populations and rs2076369 in a Japanese population. We attempted to confirm these associations in a case–control study of 1765 Japanese patients with schizophrenia and 1851 Japanese control subjects. Neither polymorphism was associated with schizophrenia (rs3952, p =0.755; rs2076369, p =0.997). A haplotype block with these polymorphisms spanning the 5′ region of the PICK1 gene showed high linkage disequilibrium in the Japanese population (D′=0.98, r 2 =0.34); however, neither haplotype was significantly associated with schizophrenia. We conclude that the common haplotypes and polymorphisms of the PICK1 gene identified thus far are unlikely to contribute to genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia in the Japanese population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We report a rare case of irreducible chronic palmar dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). This case showed that the dislocated ulnar head was impacted to the palmar cortex of the radius probably due to the dynamic force of the pronator quadratus muscle. Re-attachment of the ulnar styloid and partial resection of the ulnar head were necessary to make the reduction of the DRUJ possible. The continuity of the radioulnar ligament to the ulnar head was restored and the stability of DRUJ was maintained after reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mixture of bentonite and silica sand is expected to be an important engineered barrier in a high-level radioactive waste repository. Therefore, the diffusion behavior of radionuclides in this mixture is a key issue for the safety assessment of geological disposal.This study determined the apparent diffusion coefficients of strontium ions in montmorillonite and silica sand mixtures under different temperatures at a total dry density of 1.8 Mg m−3, while the mixing ratios of montmorillonite and silica sand were adjusted to obtain partial dry densities of Na-montmorillonite from 1.0 to 1.7 Mg m−3. When the total dry density of the pure montmorillonite sample was identical to the partial dry density of the montmorillonite in the mixture samples, the apparent diffusion coefficients in the mixture samples at 298 K were almost the same as those in pure montmorillonite. However, the activation energy in the mixture sample was found to be higher than that in the pure sample having a partial dry density of 1.2 Mg m−3, whereas it was lower in the sample having a partial dry density of 1.7 Mg m−3. This suggests that the diffusion behaviour of strontium ions was affected by the addition of silica sand at these partial dry densities, although there was no significant effect of the silica sand on the apparent diffusion coefficient.The microstructures of the compacted montmorillonite samples were observed with microfocus X-ray computerized tomograph (micro-CT). Three-dimensional images of the microstructures were obtained for the pure and the mixture samples under the dry and wet states. The micro-CT observations suggest the addition of silica sand to the montmorillonite samples could affect the degree of water-saturation and/or swelling of montmorillonite particles. This agrees with the results of the XRD measurements that determined the effects of silica sand on the basal spacing of montmorillonite. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Argpyrimidine (ARP) is an advanced glycation end product thought to be generated from a reaction between methylglyoxal and arginine residues in proteins. In this study, we observed marked accumulation of an approximately 56 kD protein, reactive to anti-ARP antibodies, in the red blood cells (RBCs) of some patients with refractory schizophrenia. This ARP-modified protein was purified from the blood of schizophrenic patients and identified as selenium binding protein 1 (SBP1) by LC-MS/MS. This is the first report of ARP-modified proteins accumulating in RBCs of patients with diseases involving carbonyl stress. We also observed high accumulation of ARP-modified SBP1 in the RBCs of patients with chronic kidney disease. Therefore, this modified protein may be a novel marker of carbonyl stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We implemented a two-step approach to detect potential predictor gene variants for neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia (TD) in schizophrenic subjects. First, we screened associations by using a genome-wide (Illumina HumanHapCNV370) SNP array in 61 Japanese schizophrenia patients with treatment-resistant TD and 61 Japanese schizophrenia patients without TD. Next, we performed a replication analysis in 36 treatment-resistant TD and 138 non-TD subjects. An association of an SNP in the DPP6 (dipeptidyl peptidase-like protein-6) gene, rs6977820, the most promising association identified by the screen, was significant in the replication sample (allelic P=0.008 in the replication sample, allelic P=4.6 × 10−6, odds ratio 2.32 in the combined sample). The SNP is located in intron-1 of the DPP6 gene and the risk allele was associated with decreased DPP6 gene expression in the human postmortem prefrontal cortex. Chronic administration of haloperidol increased Dpp6 expression in mouse brains. DPP6 is an auxiliary subunit of Kv4 and regulates the properties of Kv4, which regulates the activity of dopaminergic neurons. The findings of this study indicate that an altered response of Kv4/DPP6 to long-term neuroleptic administration is involved in neuroleptic-induced TD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and study aim: Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) are being used increasingly to treat superficial oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinomas. The aim of this study was to clarify whether ESD provided better results than EMR for en bloc and complete resection of superficial pharyngeal carcinomas. Patients and methods: A total of 76 superficial pharyngeal carcinomas in 59 consecutively treated patients were included. Patients underwent either conventional EMR (using a transparent cap or strip biopsy) (n=45 lesions) or ESD (n=31 lesions) between October 2006 and January 2011. The rates of en bloc resection, complete resection (defined as en bloc resection with tumor-free margins), major complications, and local recurrence were evaluated retrospectivelyas the therapeutic outcomes. Results: ESD yielded significantly higher rates of both en bloc and complete resection compared with EMR (en bloc 77.4% [24/31] vs. 37.8% [17/ 45], P=0.0002; complete 54.8% [17/31] vs. 28.9% [13/45], P=0.0379). ESD was more frequently complicated by severe laryngeal edema (4/21 [19.0%] vs. 1/31 [3.2%], P=0.1446) and was also more time-consuming (124.9±65.1 minutes vs. 57.2±69.6 minutes; P=0.0014). Local recurrence was observed more often after EMR than after ESD (3/45 [6.7%] vs. 0/31 [0%]), although this difference did not reach statistical significance (P= 0.2658). Conclusions: ESD appears to be a superior method of endoscopic resection of superficial pharyngeal carcinomas for achieving both en bloc and complete resection, although these benefits were also associated with a higher incidence of complications and a significantly longer procedure time. Large prospective studies are needed to compare ESD with conventional EMR for superficial phar-yngeal carcinomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a retrospective study which aims to examine whether endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) provided better results than endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for en bloc and complete resection of superficial pharyngeal carcinomas. The study showed that ESD yielded significantly higher rates of both complete resection and en bloc than with EMR. It concluded that ESD appears to be a superior method of superficial pharyngeal carcinomas endoscopic resection.

Background: This study evaluated the usefulness of MR angiography (MRA)-diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) mismatch in neuroendovascular therapy over 3 h after onset of acute cerebral infarction. Methods: The subjects were 14 cases (age, 73 ± 8.4 years) who had an anterior circulation deficit on DWI/MRA on arrival and underwent neuroendovascular therapy over 3 h after onset. MRA-DWI mismatch (MDM) (+) was defined as 'major artery lesion (+) and diffusion-weighted image-Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (DWI-ASPECTS) ≥6'; MDM (−) was defined as 'major artery lesion (+) and DWI-ASPECTS <6'. Results: Reperfusion was achieved in nine of 14 patients (64%) undergoing neuroendovascular therapy. Within the reperfusion group, in the five MDM (+) patients and the four MDM (−) patients, the outcome was a favorable clinical response in the MDM (+) group. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores after 90 days were 0-2 in 3 (60%) and 3-6 in 2 (40%) of the MDM (+) group patients and 0-2 in 0 (0%) and 3-6 in 4 (100%) of the MDM (−) group patients. In the MDM (+) group, a good outcome was achieved. However, the number of cases was small, so this was not a significant difference. Within the non-reperfusion group, in the three MDM (+) patients and the two MDM (−) patients, the mRS scores after 90 days were 0-2 in 1 (33%) and 3-6 in 2 (67%) of the MDM (+) group patients and 0-2 in 0 (0%) and 3-6 in 2 (100%) of the MDM (−) group patients. In both groups, the outcome was poor. Conclusions: With neuroendovascular therapy, a good outcome with reperfusion was achieved in the MDM (+) group compared to the MDM (−) group. This suggests that the presence or absence of MDM may be useful in determining prognosis after reperfusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Recent studies have shown that plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)-32 and proBNP-108 are increased in heart failure (HF) and that the BNP-32 assay kit in current clinical use cross-reacts with proBNP-108. We investigated why proBNP is increased without processing in HF was investigated. Design, setting and patients Plasma BNP-32 and proBNP-108 in normal individuals (n=10) and in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) (n=18) and HF (n=132) was measured. BNP-32 and proBNP-108 in ventricular and atrial tissue and in pericardial fluid using a specific fluorescent enzyme immunoassay following Sep-Pak C18 (Waters, Milford, Massachusetts, USA) cartridge extraction and gel filtration was also measured. Main outcome measures Levels of both BNP-32 and proBNP-108 were higher in HF than in control or AF (both p<0.01), and the levels of these peptides significantly correlated (r=0.94, p<0.001). The proBNP-108/total BNP (BNP-32+proBNP-108) ratio was widely distributed and lower in HF (0.33 (0.17)) than in control (0.41 (0.06), p<0.05) and AF (0.45 (0.04), p<0.002). The proBNP-108/total BNP ratio was higher in HF with ventricular than in HF with atrial overload (0.45 (0.10) vs 0.20 (0.11), p<0.001). Consistent with this finding, the major molecular form were proBNP-108 and BNP-32 in ventricular (n=6, 0.67 (0.04)) and atrial (n=7, 0.76 (0.05), p<0.0001) tissues, respectively. ProBNP-108 was also the major molecular form of BNP in pericardial fluid (n=8, 0.82 (0.05)). The proBNP-108/total BNP ratio increased and decreased with HF deterioration and improvement, respectively. Conclusion These results suggest that BNP-32 and proBNP-108 is increased in HF and that the proBNP/total BNP ratio increases in association with pathophysiological conditions such as ventricular overload. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Recent studies have shown that plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)-32 and proBNP-108 are increased in heart failure (HF) and that the BNP-32 assay kit in current clinical use cross-reacts with proBNP-108. We investigated why proBNP is increased without processing in HF was investigated. Design, setting and patients Plasma BNP-32 and proBNP-108 in normal individuals (n=10) and in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) (n=18) and HF (n=132) was measured. BNP-32 and proBNP-108 in ventricular and atrial tissue and in pericardial fluid using a specific fluorescent enzyme immunoassay following Sep-Pak C18 (Waters, Milford, Massachusetts, USA) cartridge extraction and gel filtration was also measured. Main outcome measures Levels of both BNP-32 and proBNP-108 were higher in HF than in control or AF (both p<0.01), and the levels of these peptides significantly correlated (r=0.94, p<0.001). The proBNP-108/total BNP (BNP-32+proBNP-108) ratio was widely distributed and lower in HF (0.33 (0.17)) than in control (0.41 (0.06), p<0.05) and AF (0.45 (0.04), p<0.002). The proBNP-108/total BNP ratio was higher in HF with ventricular than in HF with atrial overload (0.45 (0.10) vs 0.20 (0.11), p<0.001). Consistent with this finding, the major molecular form were proBNP-108 and BNP-32 in ventricular (n=6, 0.67 (0.04)) and atrial (n=7, 0.76 (0.05), p<0.0001) tissues, respectively. ProBNP-108 was also the major molecular form of BNP in pericardial fluid (n=8, 0.82 (0.05)). The proBNP-108/total BNP ratio increased and decreased with HF deterioration and improvement, respectively. Conclusion These results suggest that BNP-32 and proBNP-108 is increased in HF and that the proBNP/total BNP ratio increases in association with pathophysiological conditions such as ventricular overload. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentration of 7Be in surface air at Nagano City has been measured during the period from August 2000 to March 2005. The average monthly concentrations of 7Be in surface air were in the range of 3.3–14 mBq/m3 with pronounced two peaks in spring and autumn. It took 30–40 hours to recover the 7Be concentrations observed before, once 7Be was washed out by wet precipitations. For a pronounced increase in the concentrations of 7Be found in winter, a low-pressure trough coming close to the Japanese Islands with high concentrations of 7Be is responsible under the characteristic distribution of atmospheric pressure around the Japanese Islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We tested if cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2) in the central nervous system plays a role in alcohol abuse/dependence in animal model and then examined an association between the CB2 gene polymorphism and alcoholism in human. Mice experiencing more alcohol preference by drinking showed reduced Cb2 gene expression, whereas mice with little preference showed no changes of it in ventral midbrain. Alcohol preference in conjunction with chronic mild stress were enhanced in mice treated with CB2 agonist JWH015 when subjected to chronic stress, whereas antagonist AM630 prevented development of alcohol preference. There is an association between the Q63R polymorphism of the CB2 gene and alcoholism in a Japanese population (P=0.007; odds ratio 1.25, 95% CI, (1.06–1.47)). CB2 under such environment is associated with the physiologic effects of alcohol and CB2 antagonists may have potential as therapies for alcoholism.The Pharmacogenomics Journal (2007) 7, 380–385; doi:10.1038/sj.tpj.6500431; published online 26 December 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on studies on the mechanical behavior of superconducting coils for superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES). Mechanical displacements of a model coil for one kilowatthour SMES; Analysis of non-linear behaviors such as friction and sliding between conductors and spacers; Preliminary stress conditions caused by refrigeration; Test coil specifications.