Search

I propose, as geometric structure in an internal space, a helical field that is responsible for intrinsic properties of point particles, particularly, electron. For the novel theoretical development, plasma astrophysical analogy is made extensively. Transition between our conventional space and the infinitesimal space is considered in an operational manner. It is shown that rotational eigenvalue equation satisfied by the vector field equivalent to Gromeka-Beltrami flow provides a coordinate-rotor that captures complex orthogonality between the internal coordinate space and isotopic, angular momentum space. Self-consistent normalization of rotational coordinate owing to the rotor is compared to renormalization of electric charge. It is also found that chiral asymmetry of the helical eigenflows can be reflected in electroweak symmetry breaking. The theoretical prototype suggests possible geometrical features of a fundamental framework ruling matters and forces with higher dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The EORTC QLQ-STO22 (QLQ-STO22) is a firmly established and validated measure of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for people with gastric cancer (GC), developed over two decades ago. Since then there have been dramatic changes in treatment options for GC. Also, East Asian patients were not involved in the development of QLQ-STO22, where GC is most prevalent and the QLQ-STO22 is widely used. A review with appropriate updating of the measure was planned. This study aims to capture HRQoL issues associated with new treatments and the perspectives of patients and health care professionals (HCPs) from different cultural backgrounds, including East Asia. Methods: A systematic literature review and open-ended interviews were preformed to identify potential new HRQoL issues relating to GC. This was followed by structured interviews where HCPs and patients reviewed the QLQ-STO22 alongside new issues regarding relevance, importance, and acceptability. Results: The review of 267 publications and interviews with 104 patients and 18 HCPs (48 and 9 from East Asia, respectively) generated a list of 58 new issues. Three of these relating to eating small amounts, flatulence, and neuropathy were recommended for inclusion in an updated version of the QLQ-STO22 and covered by five additional questions. Conclusions: This study supports the content validity of the QLQ-STO22, suggesting its continued relevance to patients with GC, including those from East Asia. The updated version with additional questions and linguistic changes will enhance its specificity, but further testing is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The core light-harvesting complexes (LH1) in bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) b-containing purple phototrophic bacteria are characterized by a near-infrared absorption maximum around 1010 nm. The determinative cause for this ultra-redshift remains unclear. Here, we present results of circular dichroism (CD) and resonance Raman measurements on the purified LH1 complexes in a reaction center-associated form from a mesophilic and a thermophilic Blastochloris species. Both the LH1 complexes displayed purely positive CD signals for their Qy transitions, in contrast to those of BChl a-containing LH1 complexes. This may reflect differences in the conjugation system of the bacteriochlorin between BChl b and BChl a and/or the differences in the pigment organization between the BChl b- and BChl a-containing LH1 complexes. Resonance Raman spectroscopy revealed remarkably large redshifts of the Raman bands for the BChl b C3-acetyl group, indicating unusually strong hydrogen bonds formed with LH1 polypeptides, results that were verified by a published structure. A linear correlation was found between the redshift of the Raman band for the BChl C3-acetyl group and the change in LH1-Qy transition for all native BChl a- and BChl b-containing LH1 complexes examined. The strong hydrogen bonding and π–π interactions between BChl b and nearby aromatic residues in the LH1 polypeptides, along with the CD results, provide crucial insights into the spectral and structural origins for the ultra-redshift of the long-wavelength absorption maximum of BChl b-containing phototrophs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated seasonal changes in carbon demand and flux by mesozooplankton communities at subtropical (S1) and subarctic sites (K2) in the western North Pacific Ocean to compare the impact of mesozooplankton communities on the carbon budget in surface and mesopelagic layers. Fecal pellet fluxes were one order higher at K2 than at S1, and seemed to be enhanced by copepod and euphausiid egestion under high chlorophyll a concentrations. The decrease in pellet volume and the lack of any substantial change in shape composition during sink suggest a decline in fecal pellet flux due to coprorhexy and coprophagy. While respiratory and excretory carbon by diel migrants at depth (i.e., active carbon flux) was similar between the two sites, the actively transported carbon exceeded sinking fecal pellets at S1. Mesozooplankton carbon demand in surface and mesopelagic layers was higher at K2 than S1, and an excess of demand to primary production and sinking POC flux was found during some seasons at K2. We propose that this demand was met by supplementary carbon sources such as feeding on protozoans and fecal pellets at the surface and carnivory of migrants at mesopelagic depths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statistical imputation of classical human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles is becoming an indispensable tool for fine-mappings of disease association signals from case-control genome-wide association studies. However, most currently available HLA imputation tools are based on European reference populations and are not suitable for direct application to non-European populations. Among the HLA imputation tools, The HIBAG R package is a flexible HLA imputation tool that is equipped with a wide range of population-based classifiers; moreover, HIBAG R enables individual researchers to build custom classifiers. Here, two data sets, each comprising data from healthy Japanese individuals of difference sample sizes, were used to build custom classifiers. HLA imputation accuracy in five HLA classes (HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQB1 and HLA-DPB1) increased from the 82.5-98.8% obtained with the original HIBAG references to 95.2-99.5% with our custom classifiers. A call threshold (CT) of 0.4 is recommended for our Japanese classifiers; in contrast, HIBAG references recommend a CT of 0.5. Finally, our classifiers could be used to identify the risk haplotypes for Japanese narcolepsy with cataplexy, HLA-DRB1*15:01 and HLA-DQB1*06:02, with 100% and 99.7% accuracy, respectively; therefore, these classifiers can be used to supplement the current lack of HLA genotyping data in widely available genome-wide association study data sets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our goal is to evaluate the association between histopathology of glomerulosclerosis (GS) and atherosclerosis (AS) in the nephrectomized normal parenchyma together with patients' background, and erectile dysfunction (ED) of patients treated with radical nephrectomy (RN) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). ED was assessed with the International Index of Erectile Function in 65 patients who were less than age 70 years at the time of questionnaire. Glomeruli status was assessed by the extent of global GS. AS was graded based on lumen occlusion and frequency of involvement. Patients' backgrounds included any comorbidities, post-RN renal insufficiency, tumor pathology, demographics and social status. The presence of diabetes mellitus and lack of a spouse were independent predictors for severe ED, whereas G0/1 AS was an independent predictor for mild/no ED. The extent of global GS was significantly lower in patients with mild/no ED than in other patients. Our study represents the first report identifying healthy arterial status in the renal parenchyma as a significant indicator of favorable erectile function and that the evaluation of AS severity is not a superior indicator of severe ED in the presence of comorbidities or social status among patients treated with RN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:We previously reported that expressions of the pro-angiogenic cytokines angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), follistatin, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, hepatocyte growth factor, leptin, platelet-derived growth factor-BB, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1, and vascular endothelial growth factor were associated with the response to sorafenib in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of the present study is to examine the same relationship in a larger cohort.Methods:In the current retrospective cohort study, we measured serum levels of the eightcytokines in 120 consecutive HCC patients who were treated with sorafenib. We evaluated the effects of increased expression of serum cytokines on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).Results:Elevated expression of Ang-2 correlated both with significantly shorter PFS (hazard ratio (HR), 1.84; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.21-2.81), and OS (HR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.21-3.17). Patients with more than three cytokines expressed above the median similarly had significantly shorter PFS (HR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.30-3.06) and OS (HR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.19-3.22). Differences in OS were evident in cases with the evidence of macroscopic vascular invasion or extrahepatic metastasis.Conclusion:High expression of Ang-2 or more than cytokines in serum is associated with poor PFS and OS in HCC patients treated with sorafenib. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the distribution of cavernous nerve (CN) fibers around the prostate by electrical nerve stimulation during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy to classify the distribution of the CN fibers. Electrical stimulation was performed on 30 consecutive patients with localized prostate cancer; middle of the neurovascular bundle (NVB, point A), base of the NVB (point B), the rectal wall 1 cm posterolateral to the NVB (point C) and the lateral aspect of the prostate (point D). We measured the intraurethral pressure at the midportion to detect the changes in intracavernosal pressure. The mean maximum changes were 10.5±7.9, 11.6±8.8, 9.6±7.4 and 6.7±7.0 cm H2O at points A, B, C and D, respectively. The patterns of CN fiber distribution were divided into four groups: type 1 (23%), the bundle corresponding to the NVB; type 2 (7%), the bundle from the rectal wall to the prostate; type 3 (27%), the plate including NVB and posterolateral to NVB; and type 4 (43%), the plate between the rectal wall posterolateral to the NVB and the lateral aspect of the prostate. Distribution of the CNs in a bundle-like formation was considered to account for 30%, whereas a plate-like formation accounted for 70%. Understanding these four patterns of CN fiber distribution should facilitate accurate CN-sparing radical prostatectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We successfully created a percutaneous transhepatic portacaval shunt under ultrasonography (US) guidance in a 46-year-old man with refractory ascites. The shunt was created to salvage an attempt to create a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) that failed because of the elevated level of portal vein bifurcation due to alcoholic liver cirrhosis. Under US guidance, we simultaneously punctured the right branch of the portal vein and the inferior vena cava (IVC) using a two-step biliary drainage set. An Amplatz gooseneck snare was introduced transjugularly to retrieve the percutaneously inserted guidewire. The intrahepatic tract between the portal vein and the IVC was dilated using a balloon catheter, and a stent was placed in the tract. The patient showed complete resolution of ascites at discharge. We assume that our method is an alternative method for TIPS creation in patients with inadequate anatomical relations between the portal vein branches and the hepatic veins. This approach is thought to be feasible for patients with occluded or small hepatic veins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented about the potential role of the flow cytometric monitoring of DNA damage in ataxia-telangiectasia diagnosis.

We investigated porcine dental follicle cells at the early crown-formation stage and examined the behavior of cells grown in a collagen type I (Col-I) matrix. Clone-porcine dental follicle cells (DFC-I) and controls, viz., dental follicle itself, nonclone-dental follicle cells, periodontal ligament cells (PDLC), and bone marrow stromal cells, were obtained from 6-month-old pigs. DFC-I showed a different gene expression pattern from controls by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis. In addition, Col-I treatment enhanced DFC-I proliferation and increased their alkaline phosphatase activity compared with nontreated DFC-I. The expression of periostin, biglycan, and osteocalcin (OCN) in cells growing on collagen was upregulated, similar to the pattern seen in PDLC. DFC-I with and without Col-I treatment were combined with β-tricalcium phosphate particles and implanted into immunodeficient mice. Significant differences were found in the gene expression patterns of bone sialoprotein, OCN, and periostin in both treated and non-treated implants at 2 and/or 4 weeks. The results showed that Col-I induced the mineralization pathway in these cells. Hard tissue formation was observed in both implant types at 8 weeks. Our results suggest that Col-I facilitates the differentiation of DFC-I along the mineralization process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) plays an important role in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes. Genes involved in OXPHOS have been reported to be down-regulated in skeletal muscle from patients with type 2 diabetes; however, hepatic regulation is unknown. We analysed expression of genes involved in OXPHOS from the livers of 14 patients with type 2 diabetes and 14 subjects with NGT using serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) and DNA chip analysis. We evaluated the correlation between expression levels of genes involved in OXPHOS and the clinical parameters of individuals with type 2 diabetes and NGT. Both gene analyses showed that genes involved in OXPHOS were significantly upregulated in the type 2 diabetic liver. In the SAGE analysis, tag count comparisons of mitochondrial transcripts showed that ribosomal RNAs (rRNA) were 3.5-fold over-expressed, and mRNAs were 1.2-fold over-expressed in the type 2 diabetes library. DNA chip analysis revealed that expression of genes involved in OXPHOS, which correlated with several nuclear factors, including estrogen-related receptor-α or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, was a predictor of fasting plasma glucose levels, independently of age, BMI, insulin resistance and fasting insulin levels ( p = 0.04). Surprisingly, genes involved in OXPHOS did not correlate with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α or nuclear respiratory factor 1. Our results indicate that upregulation of genes involved in OXPHOS in the liver, which are regulated by different mechanisms from genes in the skeletal muscle, is associated with fasting hyperglycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunization involving a DNA vaccine prime followed by an adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) boost elicited a protective immune response against SHIV challenge in monkeys. However, the hepatocellular tropism of Ad5 limits the safety of this viral vector. This study examines the safety and immunogenicity of a replication-defective chimeric Ad5 vector with the Ad35 fiber (Ad5/35) in BALB/c mice and rhesus monkeys. This novel Ad5/35 vector showed minimal hepatotoxicity after intramuscular administration with the novel Ad5/35 vector. In addition, an Ad5/35 vector expressing HIV Env gp160 protein (Ad5/35-HIV) generated strong HIV-specific immune responses in both animal models. Priming with a DNA vaccine followed by Ad5/35-HIV boosting yielded protection against a gp160-expressing vaccinia virus challenge in BALB/c mice. The Ad5/35-HIV vector was significantly less susceptible to the pre-existing Ad5 immunity than a comparable Ad5 vector. These findings indicate that an Ad5/35 vector-based HIV vaccine may be of considerable value for clinical use.Gene Therapy (2005) 12, 1769–1777. doi:10.1038/sj.gt.3302590; published online 4 August 2005 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/hypothesis. Type 2 diabetes is characterised by excessive hepatic glucose production and frequently leads to systemic vascular complications. We therefore analysed the relationship between the gene expression profile in the liver and the pathophysiology of Type 2 diabetes. Methods. Liver biopsy samples were obtained from twelve patients with Type 2 diabetes and from nine non-diabetic patients. To assay gene expression globally in the livers of both groups, we made complementary DNA (cDNA) microarrays consisting of 1080 human cDNAs. Relative expression ratios of individual genes were obtained by comparing cyanine 5-labelled cDNA from the patients with cyanine 3-labelled cDNA from reference RNA from the liver of a non-diabetic patient. Results. On assessing the similarities of differentially expressed genes, the gene expression profiles of the twelve diabetic patients formed a separate cluster from those of the non-diabetic patients. Of the 1080 genes assayed, 105 (9.7%) were up-regulated and 134 (12%) were down-regulated in the diabetic livers (p<0.005). The genes up-regulated in the diabetic patients included those encoding angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor, endothelin and platelet-derived growth factor. They also included TGF superfamily genes such as TGFA and TGFB1 as well as bone morphogenetic proteins. Among the down-regulated genes in the diabetic patients were molecules defending against stress, e.g. flavin-containing monooxygenase and superoxide dismutase. Conclusions/interpretation. These findings suggest that livers of patients with Type 2 diabetes have gene expression profiles indicative of an increased risk of systemic vascular complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of heat stress, mechanical stretching or a combination of both on the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) and total protein level were studied in a culture system. Rat skeletal muscle cells (L6) were cultured on flexible-bottomed culture plates. They were subjected to one of the four following conditions: (1) 97 h incubation at 37 °C, (2) 1 h incubation at 41 °C followed by 96 h incubation at 37 °C, (3) 1 h incubation at 37 °C followed by 96 h cyclic stretching (18% of initial length, 2-s stretch and 4-s release) at 37 °C or (4) 1 h incubation at 41 °C followed by 96 h cyclic stretching at 37 °C. The expression of HSP72 and HSP90 and total protein was determined in the crude homogenates, supernatant and pellets. Cellular protein concentrations in the homogenates and pellets were increased by heat stress and/or mechanical stress (stretch). A cumulative effect of the combination of heating and stretch on the protein concentration in the homogenates and in the pellets was noted. The expressions of HSP72 and HSP90 in the pellets were also increased by heat stress and/or stretch. However, HSP90 in the supernatant did not change following heat stress and/or stretch. The regulation of HSP72 and HSP90 expression in skeletal muscle cells may be closely related to total protein, the abundance of which is also stimulated by mechanical and heat stresses. These observations suggest strongly that heating and passive stretch of muscle may be useful as a means of increasing muscle mass, not only in athletes but also in patients during rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale. Administration of phencyclidine (PCP) to animals produces abnormal behavior such as hyperlocomotion, stereotyped behavior, and ataxia; this abnormal behavior is only weakly blocked by dopamine D[sub 2] receptor antagonists. This study examined the effects of a novel thiazole derivative, NRA0045 which potently antagonizes not only dopamine D[sub 4] receptors but also 5-HT[sub 2A] and α[sub 1] adrenaline receptors, and NRA0160, a selective dopamine D[sub 4] receptor antagonist, on PCP-induced abnormal behavior, and accompanying increases in extracellular levels of glutamate in the medial prefrontal cortex. Furthermore, this study compared the effects of these drugs with those of clozapine and haloperidol. Methods. To study the effects of NRA-drugs, atypical and typical antipsychotics, we measured locomotor activity with an infra-red sensor, and stereotypy and ataxia on a rating scale. Extracellular glutamate levels were measured by in vivo microdialysis. Results. NRA0045 (1 or 3 mg/kg) or clozapine (1 mg/kg) attenuated hyperlocomotion, stereotypy, and ataxia induced by PCP (7.5 mg/kg) without affecting behavior after saline injection. Although haloperidol (0.1 or 1 mg/kg) attenuated or inhibited PCP-induced behavior, this drug also affected behavior after saline injection. NRA0160 (0.1, 1, or 3 mg/kg) had no effect on behavior induced by PCP or saline. NRA0045 (3 mg/kg), but not NRA0160, inhibited PCP-induced increases in glutamate levels in the medial prefrontal cortex. PCP-induced hyperlocomotion correlated with the PCP-induced increases in glutamate levels in this brain region. Conclusions. These results suggest that the effects of NRA0045 on PCP-induced abnormal behavior are similar to those of the atypical antipsychotic clozapine. NRA0045 probably attenuates PCP-induced abnormal behavior by inhibiting the PCP-induced increase in glutamate levels in the medial prefrontal cortex; this inhibition may be mediated via the blockade of 5-HT[sub 2A] receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The significance of p34cdc2 expression in human tumors has not been fully explained. The aim of the current study was to elucidate the clinicopathologic significance of immunohistochemical p34cdc2 expression in carcinoma of the colon and rectum. Methods. The immunohistochemical expression of p34cdc2 was examined in 90 consecutive colorectal tumor cases, and p34cdc2 expression and the clinicopathologic features of the patients and their tumors were compared. Results. Lymph node metastasis was significantly more frequent in tumors expressing p34cdc2 (47.8%, 11 of 23 tumors) than in tumors not expressing p34cdc2 (22.4%, 15 of 67 tumors; P=0.020). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that tumor depth (P=0.008) and p34cdc2 expression (P=0.022) were independently associated with lymph node metastases of colorectal carcinomas. Conclusions. The immunohistochemical expression of p34cdc2 is independently associated with lymph node metastasis in colorectal carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary. To establish simian/human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) clones bearing a chimeric envelope carrying subtype E V3 loop among subtype B envelope, four subtype E V3 sequences were substituted into SHIVMD14, a SHIV clone bearing an envelope derived from a CXCR4 (X4)/CCR5 (R5)-dual tropic subtype B HIV-1 strain. SHIV-TH09V3, an only V3-chimera clone capable of replicating in human and macaque peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), was propagated in pig-tailed macaque PBMCs and in cynomolgus macaque splenic mononuclear cells. The propagated virus stocks were intravenously inoculated into respective macaque species. SHIV-TH09V3 infected both macaque species as shown by plasma RNA viremia, isolated viruses from PBMCs and plasma, and antibody production against viral proteins. To assess how the substituted V3 sequence affected coreceptor usage, SHIV-TH09V3 stocks propagated in vitro and after isolation from macaques were verified for their corecepor usage by GHOST cells assay. SHIV-TH09V3 maintained R5-tropic phenotype both in vitro and after isolation from macaques, in contrast to the X4/R5-dual tropic SHIVMD14. This indicates the substituted V3 sequence among the backbone of SHIVMD14 governs coreceptor usage. Future study of infecting macaques with SHIV-TH09V3 and SHIVMD14 will focus on differences of the outcome caused by the different V3 sequences in connection with coreceptor usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated T/NK-cell lymphoproliferative disease (LPD) has been linked to several different disorders, including chronic active EBV infection, EBV-associated hemophagocytic syndrome, hypersensitivity to mosquito bites, hydroa vacciniforme, aggressive NK-cell leukemia, and nasal/nasal-type NK-cell lymphoma. In most instances, these disorders are refractory to conventional treatments and have a poor prognosis. Here, we report a new treatment strategy for EBV-associated T/NK-cell LPD, consisting of immunochemotherapy, intensive combination chemotherapy, and stem cell transplantation. The five patients studied, two with T-cell and three with NK-cell LPD, lacked a human leukocyte antigen-matched, related donor, and therefore received bone marrow grafts from HLA-matched, unrelated donors. The preconditioning regimen consisted of total-body irradiation (12?Gy), etoposide (900?mg/m2), and cyclophosphamide (120?mg/kg) or melphalan (210?mg/m2). All patients had residual LPD by a quantitative PCR technique prior to transplantation. After unrelated bone marrow transplantation (UBMT), four of the five patients remain in continuous complete remission at a median of 19 months, without detectable EBV-DNA in peripheral blood. Thus, UBMT appears to be a reasonable option for the treatment of patients with EBV-associated T/NK-cell LPD. Detection of EBV-DNA by PCR offers an important tool for assessing minimal residual disease in patients with EBV-associated T/NK-cell LPD.Bone Marrow Transplantation (2003) 31, 105-111. doi:10.1038/sj.bmt.1703796 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liposomes are micro-compartments made of lipid bilayer membranes withcharacteristics quite similar to those of biological membranes. To formartificial cell-like structures, we generated liposomes that containedsubunit proteins of cytoskeletons: tubulin or actin. Spherical liposomeswere transformed into bipolar or cell-like shapes by mechanical forcesgenerated by the polymerization of encapsulated subunits of microtubules.Disk- or dumbbell-shaped liposomes were developed by the polymerizationof encapsulated actin. Dynamic processes of morphological transformationsof liposomes were visualized by high intensity dark-field lightmicroscopy.Topological changes, such as fusion and division of membrane vesicles,play an essential role in cellular activities. To investigate themechanism of these processes, we visualized in real time the liposomesundergoing topological transformation. A variety of novel topologicaltransformations were found, including the opening-up of liposomes and thedirect expulsion of inner vesicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Rationale: Repeated administration of phen-cyclidine (PCP) produces behavioral sensitization to PCP. Although the precise mechanism is unknown, glu-tamatergic neurotransmission seems to play an important role in the development of sensitization. Objectives: The present study examined whether a novel compound, MS-153 ((R)-(-)-5-methyl-1-nicotinyl-2-pyrazoline), which has an ability to enhance glutamate uptake and inhibit glutamate release, would block the development of be-havioral sensitization to PCP. Methods: For studying ef-fects of MS-153, locomotor activity was measured by an infrared sensor and ataxia was measured by a rating scale. Results: MS-153 (10 and 100 mg/kg) enhanced lo-comotion and ataxia induced by a single injection of PCP (7.5 mg/kg). Repeated administration of PCP (20 mg/kg, once in every day, for 5 days) developed sen-sitization to locomotion- and ataxia-inducing effects of PCP (7.5 mg/kg). MS-153 given 60 min and 120 min la-ter of every PCP treatment blocked the development of behavioral sensitization to both locomotion- and ataxia-inducing effects of PCP. Co-administration of MS-153 with repeated saline treatment did not produce hypersen-sitivity to PCP. Conclusions: These results suggest that the attenuation of glutamatergic neural transmission en-hances acute effects of PCP, in contrast, blocks the be-havioral sensitization developed by repeated PCP treat-ment. Therefore, glutamatergic neural transmission plays an important role in the development of behavioral sensi-tization to PCP. Keywords Phencyclidine · Behavioral sensitization · Locomotion · Ataxia · Glutamate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haemorrhagic diathesis develops in chronic renal failure, in which calcium antagonists are used widely as antihypertensive agents. Although calcium antagonists are reported to impair platelet function, it has not been examined whether calcium antagonists alter bleeding time. The present study was conducted to clarify whether calcium antagonists affect bleeding time in chronic renal failure. Patients with chronic renal failure without and with calcium antagonists were enrolled (n = 156), and bleeding time (Ivy's method) as well as blood parameters (BUN, creatinine, platelet counts, and haemoglobin) were compared in patients with normal and prolonged bleeding time. Among patients not taking calcium antagonists (n = 34), three cases manifested prolonged bleeding time, whereas abnormal bleeding time was observed in 31 patients out of 122. Positive correlations were observed between bleeding time and BUN in both calcium antagonist-untreated (r = 0.46) and -treated groups (r = 0.25). The odds ratio for pro- Iongation of bleeding time in patients taking calcium antagonists was 3.52 (95% CI, 1.01-12.33). In 12 calcium antagonist-treated patients with prolonged bleeding time, the withdrawal of calcium antagonists markedly shortened bleeding time (from 11.3 ± 0.8 to 5.4 ± 0.8 min, P < 0.05, n = 12). In contrast, in the additional group (n = 9), the continued treatment with calcium antagonists had no effect on bleeding time (from 11.7 ± 0.9 to 10.0 ± 1.0 min). Despite the inhibitory effect of calcium antagonists on bleeding time, no clinically serious events associated with haemorrhagic diathesis developed. In conclusion, calcium antagonists prolong bleeding time in patients with chronic renal failure. The subclinical (laboratory) effect of calcium antagonists however is not necessarily associated with haemorrhagic events of clinical significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary. The toxic dose of methamphetamine (METH) (5 mg/kg, s.c., ×4, 2 hr intervals) decreased contents of dopamine, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), and homovanillic acid (HVA) in striatum, and decreased contents of serotonin (5-HT) in both striatum and nucleus accumbens. Administration of low doses of a non-selective endothelial and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (5 and 10 mg/kg, i.p., ×1) intensified the METH-induced decreases in contents of dopamine and its metabolites in striatum. NO substrate, L-arginine (500 mg/kg, i.p., ×4) reversed these effects of L-NAME on the METH-neurotoxicity. L-NAME did not change the METH-induced hyperthermia. These findings, which are contrary to our previous study with a high dose of L-NAME, suggest that the inhibition of endothelial or neuronal NOS-mediated NO production by low doses of L-NAME enhanced the METH-induced neurotoxicity. The finding that L-NAME can have opposite effects on the METH-neurotoxicity according to the dosing is important, however, additional experiments should be performed to clarify which type of NOS is related to these effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Although glucocorticoids elicit systemic hypertension, they are also demonstrated to cause marked increases in renal blood flow. The mechanism of this alteration, however, remains undetermined. Methods. Dogs were treated with dexamethasone (DEX) for 7 days, and renal, as well as systemic hemodynamic, responses to DEX were assessed. In addition, the role of intrarenal angiotensin (ANG) II in mediating the glucocorticoid-induced renal vasodilation was examined in conscious unrestrained dogs. Results. Seven-day treatment with DEX caused prominent increases in mean arterial pressure (MAP; from 80 ± 2 to 98 ± 5 mmHg) and in renal plasma flow (RPF; from 142 ± 4 to 191 ± 7 ml/min), with decreases in renal vascular resistance [RVR; from 0.26 ± 0.01 to 0.22 ± 0.01 mmHg/(ml/min)] and in the filtration fraction (FF; from 0.24 ± 0.01 to 0.20 ± 0.01). DEX treatment did not alter plasma ANG II levels, but enhanced candesartan-induced reduction in MAP. In contrast, the candesartan-induced increase in RPF (19 ± 2% increase) was completely abolished by DEX. DEX treatment markedly reduced renal tissue ANG II content (from 1.09 ± 0.07 to 0.71 ± 0.04 pg/mg tissue), which paralleled the response of renal tissue angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity (−20 ± 4%). Finally, intravenous ANG II administration caused a greater reduction in RPF during the DEX treatment period (−17 ± 2% vs −11 ± 1% in the control period). Conclusions. Glucocorticoids cause hypertension, but they also cause a paradoxical decrease in RVR and increase in RPF. The renal responses to candesartan and exogenous ANG II during DEX treatment suggest that the attenuation of intrarenal ANG-mediated vascular tone plays an important role in the altered renal hemodynamics. The decreased ANG tone is likely caused by reduced ANG II formation, resulting in part from suppressed ACE activity, but not from decreased sensitivity to ANG II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract. We screened the protein-coding region of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha gene (PPARA) and the flanking intron sequences for mutations in 57 unrelated Japanese subjects with maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY). We found three missense mutations, designated P22R, D140Y, and V227A. The D140Y and V227A mutations were found at similar frequencies in MODY and in nondiabetic Japanese subjects, suggesting that they were unlikely to be pathogenic. The P22R mutation was found in a single female subject with MODY. Two of her four siblings, all of whom were diagnosed with diabetes before age 35 years, also inherited the P22R mutation. However, two other diabetic siblings had not inherited the mutant allele, implying that the P22R mutation was not the cause of MODY in this family. Variation in the coding region of PPARA is unlikely to be a major cause of MODY in Japanese people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulating evidence has shown the importance of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in chorioretinal angiogenesis. However, whether or not VEGF is indeed critical for the pathogenesis of subretinal neovascularization (SRN) in adulthood, which is a serious complication of age-related macular degeneration, has to be further investigated. We constructed an adenovirus expressing an entire ectodomain of the human VEGF receptor/flt-1 fused to Fc portion of human IgG (Adflt-ExR): this soluble receptor is secreted from Adflt-ExR-transfected cells. We studied the effect of Adflt-ExR on the formation of experimental SRN. Experimental SRN was induced by intense photocoagulation on the retina in pigmented rats and Adflt-ExR was injected into the femoral muscle. The formation of SRN assessed by fluorescein angiography was more significantly inhibited for 7 days in the Adflt-ExR-treated rats than in the control rats who received either an adenovirus vector encoding LacZ gene or balanced salt solution (BSS). The serum concentration of this soluble receptor increased for 7 days and thereafter gradually decreased. An immunohistochemical study disclosed the fibroblast cell proliferation and inflammatory cell infiltration to be reduced in the photocoagulation spot of Adflt-ExR-treated rats. VEGF plays a crucial role in the formation of SRN and VEGF soluble receptor gene transfection can inhibit SRN. This method will contribute to future gene therapy for age-related macular degeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We reviewed the CT and MRI of seven patients with primary malignant lymphoma of the maxillary sinus to find if there are characteristic imaging findings suggestive of the disease. The images were analysed for appearance, size, signal, internal characteristics, extent of tumour, bone change and lymph node enlargement. In two patients, the tumour first presented with mucosal thickening. In the remaining five, the tumours were an expansile mass 4–6 cm in diameter at the time of detection. Although it was difficult to distinguish tumour from mucosa or obstructed fluid on CT, T2-weighted MRI enabled us to separate tumour from normal mucosa or fluid. In two patients, the tumours were heterogeneous. Calcification and haemorrhage were observed in one patient. Periantral soft-tissue infiltration was always present, even when tumour appeared as slight mucosal thickening. Posterior extension was seen in all patients. Permeative and lytic bone destruction accompanied most cases of periantral soft-tissue infiltration; mixed destruction and sclerosis was also observed. Mucosal thickening with periantral soft-tissue infiltration may suggest malignant lymphoma of the maxillary sinus in its early form. Various types of bone change may accompany the periantral soft-tissue infiltration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to define the incidence and characteristics of sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) in pediatric peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients in Japan. A questionnaire was sent to all dialysis units with at least two pediatric PD patients. Among 687 patients registered, 11 cases (1.6%) of SEP were diagnosed. The mean age of patients with SEP at the start of PD was 9.7±3.6 years and at SEP diagnosis, 19.1±3.8 years. All patients had undergone PD for more than 5 years, and the mean PD duration was 9.6±3.3 years. SEP was diagnosed in 6.6% and 12% of patients dialyzed for >5 years and >8 years, respectively. The incidence of peritonitis among patients with SEP was not different from that among the Japanese pediatric registry. All patients had virtually no residual urine volume and 9 had impaired peritoneal ultrafiltration. Peritoneal calcification was the most-frequent radiological finding. Peritoneal biopsy was performed in 7 patients and confirmed sclerotic peritonitis in all. Ten patients transferred to hemodialysis, and only 1 patient underwent surgery. Three patients died. We recommend that patients on PD for more than 5 years who have impaired peritoneal ultrafiltration or peritoneal calcification should be carefully managed as presumptive cases of SEP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop an AIDS vaccine for human use as well as a suitable animal model for AIDS research, we constructed a series of HIV-1/SIVmac chimeric viruses (SHIVs). We successfully generated a SHIV (designated as NM-3rN) having the HIV-1 env gene, which enabled the evaluation of the efficacy of HIV-1 Env-targeted vaccines in macaque monkeys instead of chimpanzees. Two NM-3rN derivatives (NM-3 and NM-3n) induced long-term anti-virus immunities without manifesting the disease. The monkeys vaccinated with NM-3 or NM-3n became resistant to a challenge inoculation with NM-3rN. Serum from a monkey vaccinated with NM-3 neutralized not only the parental HIV-1 (NL432), but also an antigenically different HIV-1 (MN). In vivo experiments confirmed the heterologous protection against an SHIV having the HIV-1 (MN) env. In addition to specific immunity including neutralizing antibodies and cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity, nonspecific immunity such as natural killer activity is associated with this protection. These data suggest that the live vaccine has the ability to protect individuals against various types of HIVs. These SHIVs should contribute to the development of future anti-HIV-1 live vaccines in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the indication and advantages of venous sac embolization of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) using interlocking detachable coils (IDCs).Methods: We performed percutaneous embolization in 12 PAVMs in four patients using IDCs, initially placed in the venous sac or at the feeding artery to prevent systemic migration of additional coils. We placed the IDCs in the venous sac in PAVMs with the following vascular architecture: the draining vein was larger than the feeding arteries and both vessels were interposed with the venous sac or there were short feeding arteries.Results: Complete occlusion was achieved in all 12 PAVMs without significant complications. We deployed IDCs in the venous sac in eight PAVMs and in the feeding artery in four.Conclusion: Venous sac embolization may be beneficial in PAVMs with large out-flow vessels or short feeding arteries. IDCs are suitable for this procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the association of alleles of regions having regulatory potential in the IL-6 gene, with SLE, the AT-rich minisatellite in the 3' flanking region and the 5' promoter-enhancer of the IL-6 gene were genotyped by PCR- and RFLP-based methods. The A T-rich minisatellite allele distribution pattern was significantly different in SLE (n = 146) as compared to 139 controls (X²[sub 7] = 48.97, P = 0.001, Caucasians; and X²[sub 7] =19.93, P = 0.006, African-Americans). In either race, short allele sizes (≤ 792 bp) were seen exclusively in SLE patients (P = 0.001), whereas the 828-bp allele was overrepresented in controls (P = 0.015 and 0.002). In contrast, there was no preferential association of SLE with G/C alleles in the 5' region of the IL-6 gene. Furthermore, our results suggest that the 3' minisatellite alleles have biological significance: (1) B lymphoblastoid cells of patients having one or two SLE-associated alleles secreted IL-6 in 3- to 4-fold higher levels than non-allelic cells (P < 0.05); (2) higher percentages (approximately 4-fold) of IL-6 positive monocytes were observed in individuals having SLE-associated IL-6 alleles; (3) in lupus patients having SLE-associated minisatellite alleles, IL-6 mRNA stability was significantly enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The present study was conducted to compare pharmacokinetic behaviors of nicardipine enantiomers given in different doses with different formulations of racemic nicardipine in healthy volunteers. Methods: One or two 20-mg racemic nicardipine tablets, and a 40-mg sustained-release capsule of nicardipine were administered to eight healthy volunteers in a cross-over fashion and pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated. Enantiomer concentrations were determined by GC-MS combined with chiral stationary phase HPLC. Results and conclusions: Serum concentration of (+)-nicardipine was approximately 2–3 times higher than that of (−)-nicardipine in 20- and 40-mg doses of conventional formulations and a non-linear increase in bioavailability with dose was demonstrated. The value for AUC of (+)-nicardipine was approximately 2.3–2.8 times greater than that of the (−)-nicardipine ( P < 0.05) when 20 and 40 mg racemic nicardipine were administered in a conventional preparation. Relative bioavailability of the sustained-release preparation vs the conventional preparation was 28% and 44% for (+)- and (−)-nicardipine, respectively, for the 40-mg dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LaGaO3-based perovskite oxide doped with Sr and Mg exhibits high ionic conduction over a wide oxygen partial pressure. In this study, the stability of the LaGaO3 based oxide was investigated. It became clear that LaGaO3 based oxide is very stable for reduction and oxidation. SOFCs utilizing LaGaO3-based perovskite type oxide for electrolyte were further studied for the decreased temperature solid oxide fuel cells. The power generation characteristics of cells were strongly affected by the electrode, both anode and cathode. It became clear that Ni and LnCoO3 (Ln: rare earth) are suitable for anode and cathode, respectively. Rare earth cations in the Ln-site of Co-based perovskite cathode also have a great effect on the power generation characteristics. In particular, high power density could be attained in the temperature range from 973 to 1273 K by using doped SmCoO3 for the cathode. The electrical conductivity of SmCoO3 increases with increasing Sr amount doped for the Sm site and attained the maximum at Sm0.5Sr0.5CoO3. The cathodic overpotential and the internal cell resistance exhibit almost opposite dependence on the amount of doped Sr. Consequently, the power density of the cell reaches a maximum when Sm0.5Sr0.5CoO3 is used for cathode. On this cell, the maximum power density is as high as 0.58 W/cm2 at 1073 K, although a 0.5 mm thick electrolyte is used. Therefore, this study reveals that the LaGaO3 based oxide for electrolyte and the SmCoO3 based oxide for cathode are promising for solid oxide fuel cells at intermediate temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We previously extracted crystal surface binding substance (CSBS) from human urine and showed that it appeared to constitute a substantial proportion of urinary macromolecular inhibitors of calcium oxalate crystallization. CSBS was isolated from human urine and fractionated by three consecutive chromatography procedures in order to characterize protein inhibitors of calcium oxalate crystallization. Sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and NH2-terminal amino acid sequencing revealed that inhibitory fractions eluted from a final, hydroxyapatite column contained prothrombin and osteopontin. Hydroxyapatite column fractions also contained other, unidentified protein inhibitors of calcium oxalate crystallization. CSBS contained also human serum albumin, α1-acid glycoprotein, α2-microglobulin, α2-HS glycoprotein, retinol-binding protein, transferrin, and Tamm-Horsfall protein, but these proteins seemed to play no direct role in inhibitory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the usefulness of intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (IADSA) in hepatocellular carcinoma, IADSA was prospectively performed, combined with conventional film-screen angiography, in 40 patients in whom the tumor was histologically proven or highly suspected. Of the 16 main tumors less than 2 cm, IADSA detected 7 that were missed by film-screen angiography; 6 of these were less than 1 cm in size. With other diagnostic modalities including ultrasound, routine CT study, and CT after intraarterial Lipiodol injection, the detection rate of these tumors was low. IADSA's contribution is important in the detection of small hepatocellular carcinomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper deals with the effect of adverse pressure gradient on boundary layer stability and transition in an incompressible fluid qualitatively as well as quantitatively. In order to produce various kinds of pressure gradients along a flat plate located horizontally, the cross sectional area of the working chamber is varied by the vertical side walls. Changes in velocity profiles and in intensity of streamwise velocity fluctuation in a boundary layer are measured in the transition region. The distribution of dynamic pressure at 0.43 mm from the surface is correlated with that of intensity of velocity fluctuation. Moreover, transition length is correlated with a shape parameter. Further, the process of transition is shown to be different from the case of zero pressure gradient when the half included angle is 3.6 degree. Finally, mention is made of the relation between transition Reynolds number and a characteristic frequency from the standpoint of linear stability theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with interactions between shock waves and laminar boundary layers on flat plates with heat transfer. In order to describe this phenomenon the boundary layer is divided into inner viscous layer and outer inviscid layer after Gadd. The boundary layer approximations are assumed to remain valid in the inner layer and the momentum integral equation for the layer is utilized instead of the Pohlhausen's wall condition. In the outer inviscid layer the motion is described by Euler's equation in terms of the isobar coordinates and the deflection angle is determined to match with that at the outer edge of the inner layer. The present theory predicts that self-induced separation does occur for highly cooled wall and yields results in good agreement with the measurement of Lewis et al. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Event-related potentials (ERP) and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) activation using 15O-labeled water associated with retrieval and retention of episodic memory were studied during a visual paired-association task with delayed response in eight healthy subjects. In both studies, the subjects memorized four pairs of figures during the learning period. They were presented with each cue (S1) and asked to judge whether the following figure (S2) formed one of the memorized pairs. In an attempt to identify brain activity related to memory function, a choice reaction task with delay was used as a behavioral control. The ERP study showed a posterior positive component in the difference waveform, which was obtained by subtracting responses in the choice reaction task from those in the paired association task, between 300 and 850 ms after S1 presentation. It was maximal at the parietal midline electrode and distributed predominantly over the left posterior quadrant of the scalp. The rCBF activation study showed a greater increase in rCBF in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (Brodmann’s area 46), left inferior frontal cortex (Brodmann’s area 44/45), left thalamus, and bilateral cerebellar hemisphere during the paired association task as compared to the choice reaction task, which suggests a possible involvement of cerebello-thalamo-cortical circuit in the memory processing. Additionally, it is suggested that the scalp distribution of the ERP component may not necessarily represent regional cortical activation below the electrodes where such a component is observed and could indirectly represent activation in remote areas such as subcortical regions. It seems that ERP and rCBF activation may provide information about different aspects of higher brain function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A concentrated live retrovirus is required for in vitro experiments. A cuprammonium-regenerated cellulose hollow fiber, termed BMM, originally developed for biohazardous viral removal, was used to concentrate two different retroviruses, an ecotropic murine leukemia virus (MuLV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The BMM was useful for concentrating live virus suspension 10- to 30-fold from 500-1000 ml of culture supernatant. The ecotropic MuLV concentrated by BMM was demonstrated to be viable and biologically intact by XC plaque-forming assay and reverse transcriptase assay. The concentrated MuLV reached a much higher titer in the spleen in mice than the original one. The virus concentration assessed by p24 antigen for HIV was clearly higher than that of the original culture supernatant of HIV-infected cell lines. Since BMM hollow fibers trapped viruses by the sieving mechanism but not by adsorption, the viral particles were recovered by washing and the total live virus recovery rate was high, about 50%. Furthermore 60 min sufficed to handle 1000 ml of supernatant in the case of a filtration area of 0.03 m. These results show that the BMM provides us with a rapid, safe and efficient method for concentrating live retroviruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nucleotide sequences of the 5′-portion of the HCV genome, consisting of 2672 nucleotides, were determined by analysis of clones derived from 5 different patients with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Comparison of 5 genomes and 8 isolates already reported demonstrated the significant genome diversity in the structural regions. Genetic divergence was outstanding in the envelope regions (E1 and NS1/E2, >59.7% identity) in contrast to the sequence conservation of the 5′ non-coding (>93.8% identity) or core regions (>82.0% identity). Although hypervariable regions were found in the NS1/E2 region as reported, hydropathicity was maintained for all clones, reflecting the biological functions of these regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary haemorrhage (PH) is a rare but very serious complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the treatment is still controversial. Some authors showed the effectiveness of methylprednisolone pulse therapy for PH, although its effect was often transient. A 12-year-old Japanese girl with lupus nephritis and recurrent massive PH in SLE was treated with methylprednisolone pulse therapy. The effect on PH was transient and she needed three cycles within a month and side-effects developed. Pulse therapy with cyclophosphamide, synchronized with plasmapheresis, was tried. Thereafter she did not experience PH for 7 months, whereas lupus nephritis did not improve. Pulse cyclophosphamide would be effective for life threatening massive PH in SLE patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was undertaken to investigate whether the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the serum of dogs undergoes physiological variation, using 10 normal Beagle dogs (5 males and 5 females), 1–2 years old, maintained in a healthy condition in a controlled environment. The CRP concentration in the sera collected seven times each day at intervals of approximately 3 h ranged from 0.8 to 16.4 µg/ml (mean 5.06±3.60) in one experiment and from 0.8 to 14.0 µg/ml (mean 4.50±2.80) in a second experiment. On examining the 24-h variations in the concentration of CRP in serum, neither consistent changes nor a definite pattern of circadian rhythm was detected. During 28 days observation, only very slight changes, which seemed attributable to analytical errors, were seen in any of the dogs, except one. The concentration of CRP in the serum during the 28 days ranged from 0.8 to 22.6 µg/ml (mean 3.65±1.40). The concentrations underwent no significant variations in individual dogs, but significant differences were found between the dogs (p<0.01). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reversed passive latex agglutination test (RPLA) using anti-canine haemoglobin (Hb) antibody was developed for detecting bleeding in the lower digestive organs in dogs, and its applicability as a simple test for faecal occult blood was assessed. In Ouchterlony's gel immunodiffusion test, the anti-canine Hb antibody used to sensitize the latex reacted with canine Hb but not with Hbs, plasmas or meat extracts from pigs, goats, sheep, cattle, horses or chickens, or with fish extracts. Using latex sensitized with 50 µg/mg of anti-canine Hb IgG antibody, the lowest limit of detection for canine Hb was 21 µg/ml, and the latex reacted negatively with all test specimens other than canine Hb. In an in vitro experiment with a mixture of canine faeces and erythrocytes, the antigenicity of the Hb was found to undergo only very slight changes even when the specimens were allowed to stand for 12 h at room temperature. Hb could not be detected by RPLA in any of four successive faecal samples from three experimental dogs after infusion of autologous blood (5, 3 or 1 ml) into the stomach. In 3 other experimental dogs given an infusion of autologous blood (5, 3 or 1 ml) into the ascending colon, the presence of Hb was confirmed by RPLA in all four successive faecal samples obtained from those which received 5 or 3 ml of blood and in all except that obtained following the first defecation from the animal which had received 1 ml of blood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A capillary reversed passive latex agglutination test (capillary RPLA) was developed which allows quantification of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) within approximately 15 min. The logarithmic regression line (calibration curve) obtained after measuring each CRP concentration three times in twofold dilutions of a standard canine serum containing 222 μg/ml of CRP was y=6.394+0.030 x ( r=0.995). Capillary RPLA permitted quantification of CRP in the range 6.9-222 μg/ml. The coefficients of variation ranged from 10.28% to 12.40%. The recovery rates (percentage recovery) of CRP by capillary RPLA were within the range 87% to 106%. On measuring the CRP concentrations in sera from 78 dogs by capillary RPLA, single radial immunodiffusion (SRID) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), close correlations were demonstrated between SRID and capillary RPLA ( y=7.250+1.109 x, r=0.978), between SRID and ELISA ( y=3.042+1.059 x, r=0.967), and between capillary RPLA and ELISA ( y=1.778+0.929 x, r=0.962). Capillary RPLA may be considered useful as a routine biochemical technique for measurement of serum CRP concentration in the dog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Profiles of the genomic DNA of 104 strains of T. equigenitalis isolated from brood mares with contagious equine metritis in Hokkaido during the breeding seasons from 1980 to 1993, as well as those of five strains (SS28, EQ56, EQ59, EQ70 and HH139) previously isolated in Japan were examined after restriction digestion and crossed-field gel electrophoresis. These profiles were essentially identical to each other and the various isolates and strains appeared to have a common genotype, designated 'genotype J', with respect to two restriction enzymes, ApaI and NotI. These results suggest a common source for all these isolates obtained over the course of more than 10 years in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]