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Objectives: A few studies reported that both decrease and increase in body mass index (BMI) were associated with the development of dementia in later life. However, it is unclear what changes in body composition are associated with cognitive decline. This study investigated the longitudinal influences of changes in body composition on cognitive function among community-dwelling adults. Design, Setting and Participants: This longitudinal study included older adults aged ≥60 years without cognitive impairment who participated in National Institute for Longevity Sciences -Longitudinal Study of Aging. Measurements: Cognitive function was assessed using the MMSE. Body composition was measured by a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry system. Then, BMI, fat mass index (FMI), fat-free mass index (FFMI), and muscle mass index (MMI) were calculated. The changes in body composition over 6 years (second wave to fifth wave) were calculated, and three groups were created: decreased group, decrease of >5%; stable group, change within 5%, and increased group, increase of >5%. In statistical analysis, a linear mixed model was applied by sex to investigate the influences of body composition changes on cognitive function over 4 years (fifth wave to seventh wave). Results: This study analyzed 515 participants (mean age, 67.05 years; 53.4% men). Men with decreased group in FFMI and MMI exhibited faster declines in MMSE scores than those with stable group (β [95% CI]: FFMI, −0.293 [−0.719 to −0.020]; MMI, −0.472 [−0.884 to −0.059]). In women, there was no significant association between body composition changes and cognitive functions. Conclusions: Decrease in fat-free mass and muscle mass is associated with faster cognitive declines in men. These results suggest the importance of continuous monitoring of muscle mass to prevent cognitive decline in later life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pim-2 kinase is overexpressed in multiple myeloma (MM) cells to enhance their growth and survival, and regarded as a novel therapeutic target in MM. However, the impact of Pim-2 inhibition on bone disease in MM remains unknown. We demonstrated here that Pim-2 expression was also upregulated in bone marrow stromal cells and MC3T3-E1 preosteoblastic cells in the presence of cytokines known as the inhibitors of osteoblastogenesis in MM, including interleukin-3 (IL-3), IL-7, tumor necrosis factor-α, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and activin A, as well as MM cell conditioned media. The enforced expression of Pim-2 abrogated in vitro osteoblastogenesis by BMP-2, which suggested Pim-2 as a negative regulator for osteoblastogenesis. Treatment with Pim-2 short-interference RNA as well as the Pim inhibitor SMI-16a successfully restored osteoblastogenesis suppressed by all the above inhibitory factors and MM cells. The SMI-16a treatment potentiated BMP-2-mediated anabolic signaling while suppressing TGF-β signaling. Furthermore, treatment with the newly synthesized thiazolidine-2,4-dione congener, 12a-OH, as well as its prototypic SMI-16a effectively prevented bone destruction while suppressing MM tumor growth in MM animal models. Thus, Pim-2 may have a pivotal role in tumor progression and bone loss in MM, and Pim-2 inhibition may become an important therapeutic strategy to target the MM cell-bone marrow interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the proliferation of genetically modified (GM) products and the almost exponential growth of land use for GM crops, there is a growing need to develop quantitative approaches to estimating the risk of escape of transgenes into wild populations of crop relatives by natural hybridization. We assessed the risk of transgene escape by constructing a population genetic model based on information on fitness-related QTLs obtained from an F population of wild soybean G. soja × cultivated soybean Glycine max. Simulation started with ten F and 990 wild soybeans reproducing by selfing or outcrossing. Seed production was determined from the genetic effects of two QTLs for number of seeds (SN). Each seed survived winter according to the maternal genotype at three QTLs for winter survival (WS). We assumed that one neutral transgene was inserted at various sites and calculated its extinction rate. The presence of G. max alleles at SN and WS QTLs significantly decreased the probability of introgression of the neutral transgene at all insertion sites equally. The presence of G. max alleles at WS QTLs lowered the risk more than their presence at SN QTLs. Although most model studies have concentrated only on genotypic effects of transgenes, we show that the presence of fitness-related domestication genes has a large effect on the risk of transgene escape. Our model offers the advantage of considering the effects of both domestication genes and a transgene, and they can be widely applied to other wild × crop relative complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have previously shown that WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) has tumour-suppressing effects and that its expression is frequently reduced in pancreatic carcinoma. In this study, we examined WWOX expression in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas (IPMN) to assess the function of WWOX in pancreatic duct tumourigenesis using immunohistochemistry and methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction analysis. Among 41 IPMNs including intraductal papillary mucinous adenomas (IPMAs) and intraductal papillary mucinous carcinomas (IPMCs), loss or reduced WWOX immunoreactivity was detected in 3 (15%) of 20 IPMAs and 17 (81%) of 21 IPMCs. In addition, hypermethylation of the WWOX regulatory site was detected in 1 (33%) of 3 WWOX(-) IPMAs and 9 (53%) of 17 WWOX(-) IPMCs, suggesting that hypermethylation may possibly be important in the suppression of WWOX expression. Reduction of WWOX expression was significantly correlated with a higher Ki-67 labelling index but was not correlated with the ssDNA apoptotic body index. Interestingly, decreased WWOX expression was significantly correlated with loss of SMAD4 expression in these IPMNs. The results indicate that downregulation of WWOX expression by the WWOX regulatory region hypermethylation is critical for transformation of pancreatic duct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although many mechanical devices are being developed for functional end-to-end anastomosis (FETEA), the best choice remains to be determined. The mechanical strength of each device is an important factor associated with anastomotic leakage. In turn, anastomotic patency is related to postoperative stenosis. This study examined the bursting pressure and circumference of several FETEAs.Methods: Young domestic pigs were used in this study. In experiment 1, a 10-cm segment of intestine was transected using an EndoGIA 60 blue, EndoGIA 60 green, or GIA 60 blue stapler, and the bursting pressure of each instrument's mechanical staple line was examined. In experiment 2, after FETEA had been created with EndoGIA 60 blue, the bursting sites were examined, and the bursting pressures of buttressed and nonbuttressed FETEA were measured and compared. In experiment 3, the circumference of FETEA was compared between the closed technique and reinforcement.Results: The bursting pressure of EndoGIA 60 blue was significantly higher than that of the other devices. When an anastomotic crotch was buttressed, the bursting pressure (44 +/- 13 mmHg) was significantly increased over that of the nonbuttressed FETEA (27.5 +/- 5.8 mmHg; p < 0.05). The circumference of FETEA using the wide technique (92.7 +/- 2.3 mm) was larger than that using the offset technique (55.7 +/- 5.8 mm).Conclusions: The bursting pressure of the mechanical staple line using the EndoGIA 60 stapler was the strongest. Functional end-to-end anastomosis was stronger when created with buttress of an anastomotic crotch, and larger circumferences were created with the wide technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Asian Vigna group of grain legumes consists of six domesticated species, among them black gram is widely grown in South Asia and to a lesser extent in Southeast Asia. We report the first genetic linkage map of black gram [ Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper], constructed using a BC1F1 population consisting of 180 individuals. The BC1F1 population was analyzed in 61 SSR primer pairs, 56 RFLP probes, 27 AFLP loci and 1 morphological marker. About 148 marker loci could be assigned to the 11 linkage groups, which correspond to the haploid chromosome number of black gram. The linkage groups cover a total of 783 cM of the black gram genome. The number of markers per linkage group ranges from 6 to 23. The average distance between adjacent markers varied from 3.5 to 9.3 cM. The results of comparative genome mapping between black gram and azuki bean show that the linkage order of markers is highly conserved. However, inversions, insertions, deletions/duplications and a translocation were detected between the black gram and azuki bean linkage maps. The marker order on parts of linkage groups 1, 2 and 5 is reversed between the two species. One region on black gram linkage group 10 appears to correspond to part of azuki bean linkage group 1. The present study suggests that the azuki bean SSR markers can be widely used for Asian Vigna species and the black gram genetic linkage map will assist in improvement of this crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diurnal cycle of rainfall over the eastern equatorial Indian Ocean was studied for the period 23rd October 2001 to 31st October 2003 using hourly data from the Triton buoy positioned at 1.5° S and 90° E. An analysis of the active and weak spells of rainfall for different seasons revealed peaks in the late evening hours in Winter, Summer and Fall and in early morning hours (in Spring) in 2002. The active spell of rainfall peaked in the afternoon hours, during Winter, Spring and Summer in 2003, which agrees with the previous results of Janowiak et al. (1994). An analysis of rainfall events showed that Fall 2002 had a maximum number of rainfall events (90) and minimum (60) were observed in Spring 2003. Further it was found that the majority of rain events (>60%) were less than 3 hours in duration throughout the study period. The longer duration rainfall events (i.e. rain events greater than 6 hour duration) contributed significantly to Spring 2002 (20% of the total rainfall) and Winter 2003 (21% of the total rainfall). Harmonic analysis of the hourly rainfall data for different seasons revealed that diurnal harmonic explains more than 80% of the variance for all seasons. Furthermore, the diurnal harmonic has a maximum amplitude for all seasons except summer, where the semidiurnal and six hourly harmonics are significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of digital x-ray imaging for measuring gastric motility in patients subjected to laparoscopically assisted distal gastrectomy without preservation of the pylorus (LADG) or laparoscopically assisted pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (LAPPG) for early gastric cancer. Between April 1998 and February 2002, 52 patients with preoperative stage IA gastric cancer underwent laparoscopically assisted distal gastrectomy, with 26 receiving LADG for tumors in the lower third of the stomach and 26 receiving LAPPG for tumors in the middle third of the stomach. The gastric emptying ratio at 15 min after the ingestion of the test meal was 61.8% +/- 28.0% for LADG and 42.9% +/- 18.0% for LAPPG ( p < 0.01). The motility index was 2.65% +/- 2.54% for LADG and 8.13% +/- 2.46% for LAPPG ( p < 0.001). In conclusion, LAPPG results in better motility than LADG for patients with early gastric cancer arising in the middle third of the stomach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: After laparoscopic surgery (LS), patients show faster recovery of intestinal transit than after conventional open surgery (OS). To prove the mechanism of this advantage, we compared the recovery of intestinal transit using steel carbon balls.Methods: Rats underwent either open laparotomy or were insufflated with carbon dioxide followed by the administration of steel balls (0.6 mm). An abdominal radiograph was taken 12 h after the operation. Compliance of the intestinal walls was analyzed with a computer-driven barostat device.Results: An abdominal radiograph of 12 h after administration of the steel carbon balls showed the balls scattered in the small and large intestine of the LS patients, whereas they remained mostly in the stomach of the OS patients. Compliance of the intestinal walls was sustained at approximately 100 microl/mmHg in the LS patients, whereas it dropped to 94 microl/mmHg in the OS patients with the increase in balloon pressure. Histologically, the extent of serosal edema was more severe in the OS than in the LS patients. In terms of intestinal transit and irritation LS has advantage over OS.Conclusions: Intestinal transit recovery, as measured by the migration of steel carbon balls, is faster in LS, and gastric emptying is slow in OS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary:A 7-year-old boy with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in second remission received an allogeneic PBSCT from his HLA-matched sister. Acute grade II graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) resolved with corticosteroids. Chronic GVHD in the skin and oral mucosa at around day 60 responded to corticosteroids and cyclosporin A. At 6 months after the transplant, he developed hepatic dysfunction with elevated serum transaminases and gamma-globulin. Liver biopsy revealed chronic inflammation with lymphocytes and plasma cells in portal areas without destruction of bile ducts, suggesting autoimmune hepatitis. While rare, autoimmune hepatitis should be considered a potential long-term complication in patients with hepatic dysfunction in the late post-transplant phase.Bone Marrow Transplantation (2003) 31, 829-832. doi:10.1038/sj.bmt.1703923 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment failure with conventional approaches, including systemic and regional chemotherapy, for refractory advanced primary or metastatic hepatic cancers has evoked periodic waves of enthusiasm for isolated hepatic perfusion (IHP) over the past 50 years. With technical refinements of the procedure and the introduction of a novel biochemical regimen combining tumor necrosis factor and melphalan, several hepatobiliary-oncological centers initiated clinical trials of IHP in the 1990s. In parallel, a percutaneous technique of IHP has been developed in this era as a minimally invasive, simple form of IHP, and phase I and II studies have been done in some specialized centers. This study attempts to review past and current techniques of IHP, and to outline their possible role in the treatment of unresectable hepatic tumors, with special reference to hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal hepatic metastases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the relationship between plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and systolic and diastolic cardiac function, determined by echocardiography, in 63 patients with Duchenne's progressive muscular dystrophy (DMD) (age range 8-21 years). The relationship between shortening fraction of the left ventricle and ANP and BNP levels was curvilinear rather than linear: When the shortening fraction was >15%, increases in ANP and BNP levels were minimal. However, if the shortening fraction was <15%, both natriuretic peptide levels increased dramatically. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that only the deceleration time of the early diastolic filling wave predicted plasma BNP concentration among various diastolic echocardiographic parameters determined by mitral flow. Three patients died of cardiac dysfunction during a 2-year follow-up period. These patients had a severely decreased deceleration time (<65% of normal) in association with increases in both natriuretic peptide levels. In conclusion, plasma ANP and BNP levels are not sensitive markers for the early detection of cardiac systolic dysfunction in patients with DMD. However, in patients with systolic dysfunction, an increase in the concentrations of these peptides, associated with a decrease in the deceleration time of early diastolic filling, suggests poor prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a case of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) with repeated transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). Magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple cerebral infarcts and ischemic changes in the cerebral white matter. Cerebral angiographies showed no abnormalities. Technetium-99m-ethyl cysteinate dimer (Tc-99m-ECD) brain SPECT showed multiple decreased perfusion areas, which were more extensive than the lesions demonstrated on MRI. After treatment with an antiplatelet agent, the patient subsequently recovered from the TIAs. Although no interval changes were observed by MRI after therapy, follow-up Tc-99m-ECD SPECT revealed a marked improvement in brain perfusion. This is the first imaging report of remarkable post-therapy improvement in brain perfusion in APS cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interactions between vanadium pentoxide hydrate (V2O5· nH2O) sol and colloid solutions of ultra fine titanium dioxide TiO2 and zirconium dioxide particles ZrO2 were studied. When mixed with an intrinsic V2O5· nnH2O sol, TiO2 particles in the mixed sol are sandwiched by V2O5· nH2O layer sheets to form intercalation compounds. An Interlayer distance of V2O5· nH2O was increased by this treatment and the surface area was also increased from 7.9 m2 g−1 for the V2O5· nH2O to ca. 50 m2 g−1. When the TiO2 sol was contacted with K-type V2O5· nH2O, microporous nature appeared in the sample and the surface area incrased up to ca. 100 m2 g−1. The porous structure was maintained up to 300°C, above which materials were separated into two phases, anhydrous V2O5 and anatase type TiO2. Ultrafine ZrO2 particles were intercalated stoichiometrically in both intrinsic and K-type V2O5· nH2O giving ZrO2-V2O5· nH2O for all the mixing ratios from ZrO2/V2O5 = 5 to 20. Physico-chemical properties were almost unvaried and the materials were nonporous. Their surface areas are around 50 m2 g−1 for the former and around 60 m2 g−1 for the latter. The layered structure was maintained up to 300°C above which the sample was crystallized into ZrV2O7. The reaction temperature is about 150°C lower than that the heated mixture of ZrO2 and V2O5 powders. The electron microscope observations of the prepared materials showed that the number of the stacked layers was decreased from more than 10 sheets for the sample before intercalation to about 2–4 sheets by exfoliation. This indicates that V2O5· nH2O is exfoliated by ion exchangeably reacting to ultrafine titanium oxide and zirconium oxide particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 15-year-old boy with refractory juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) underwent intense immunosuppressive therapy followed by purified blood CD34+ cell autografting. He had been taking prednisolone (PDN) daily or every other day combined with methotrexate once a week to control the disease for 7 years. He suffered from psychological complications and a very short stature due to the adverse effects of these drugs. CD34+ cells were purified in bulk from G-CSF-mobilized PBSC using an Isolex 300. After the administration of cyclophosphamide (200 mg/kg) and anti-lymphocyte globulin (45 mg/kg), 3.6 × 106/kg purified CD34+ cells were infused. his post-transplant course was uneventful except for herpes-zoster infection. he is now more than 1 year post transplant and has not taken any immunosuppressive medication. his rate of growth has increased (>10 cm/year) due to the effects of the cessation of PDN and the administration of recombinant human growth hormone (rGH), in contrast to the gain of 2 cm in the preceding 3 years with rGH treatment. Although the durability of this remission is unknown, intense immunosuppressive therapy followed by purified blood CD34+ cell autografting might be acceptable for adolescent patients with refractory JRA to achieve a drug-free period for physical and psychological maturation. Bone Marrow Transplantation (2001) 27, 333–336. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents experimental evidence that an aromatic compound that has a quadrupole moment locates in a polar headgroup region in the lipid membranes, but not in a membrane interior hydrophobic region, and discusses correlation to the site of action of benzocaine and butamben on sodium channels. The 2H NMR spectra of benzocaine-d4, benzocaine-d5, butamben-d4, and butamben-d9 in the model membranes were observed. The 2H NMR spectra of perdeuterated palmitic acid and selectively deuterated palmitic acids at C2, C3, C5, C6, C9, or C10, which were inserted into the lipid membranes, were also observed. The phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylcholine (PC), and liquid mixtures composed of PS, PC, and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), which contain or do not contain cholesterol, were employed. A moment analysis was applied to the 2H NMR spectra of palmitic-d31 acid. An order parameter, S(CD), for each carbon segment was calculated from the observed quadruple splitting. We concluded that in the lipid mixture containing cholesterol, the aromatic rings of benzocaine and butamben locate around the glycerol moiety of the lipids and that when there exists no cholesterol, they locate a little more inside from the headgroup region, directing, in both cases, their amino groups upward (polar region) and the ethyl and butyl groups downward (hydrophobic region). These data cast a question on the site of action of the neutral local anesthetics in the sodium channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlabelled: Retrograde holodiastolic flow in the abdominal aorta (retrograde flow) detected by pulsed Doppler echocardiography is usually noted in patients with aortic regurgitation or patent ductus arteriosus. Similar abnormal flow often is present in patients with acute phase Kawasaki Disease (KD). In 21 patients with acute phase KD, 15 had a retrograde flow. Retrograde flow was recognised in only 3 of patients with acute infection (n = 31) and in no healthy controls (n = 10). The ratio of the time velocity integral for diastolic retrograde flow to that for antegrade flow (regurgitant fraction) was significantly greater in patients with KD (median value 23%) than in patients with acute infection (1%) or healthy individuals (1%) (P < 0.001 for both). Four patients with coronary arterial involvement (one with an aneurysm and three with transient dilation of the coronary arteries) had a greater regurgitant fraction than the 17 patients without coronary arterial involvement (median values: 31% versus 18%, P < 0.05). The C-reactive protein was increased for a longer period of time in patients with KD with a greater regurgitant fraction (P < 0.01). Plasma nitric oxide (NO) metabolite concentrations were significantly greater in patients with KD than in those with acute infection or in healthy controls (P < 0.001 for both). There was a positive correlation between plasma NO metabolite concentrations and the regurgitant fraction in patients with KD (r = 0.69).Conclusion: Retrograde flow in the abdominal aorta is increased in patients with Kawasaki disease. Further studies are needed to clarify the causal relationship between the abnormal flow and the overproduction of nitric oxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report here a patient who suffered from PCR- confirmed human herpesvirus type 6 (HHV-6) meningoencephalitis after allogeneic purified CD34+ cell transplantation from his HLA-mismatched sibling donor, even though he had been on intense prophylaxis with i.v. ganciclovir (GCV), acyclovir (ACV) and γ-globulin containing a specific antibody against HHV-6. Serological evaluation disclosed that both the donor and recipient had IgG antibody against HHV-6 before transplantation. His blood WBC count started to transiently increase on day 10, and all blood components had decreased by day 20. He then developed a severe headache and high blood pressure, and sporadic abnormal neurological findings including nystagmus and delirium. An analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) revealed 8 cells/μl, a glucose level of 130 mg/dl and a protein level of 201 mg/dl (normal, 50 mg/dl) on day 26. At the time, HHV-6 was detected only in CSF by a PCR-based method and he was diagnosed as having meningoencephalitis due to the local reactivation of HHV-6. Although he failed to respond to high-dose therapy with ACV (60 mg/kg/day) and γ-globulin, the DNA of this virus disappeared from the CNS upon treatment with GCV (30 mg/kg/day) combined with the intraventricular infusion of α-interferon. His clinical course was further complicated with meningoencephalitis due to staphylococcus epidermidis, and he died of tentorial herniation on day 79 without the recovery of blood components. This experience may indicate that intense prophylaxis to prevent reactivation of HHV-6 in the CNS is essential for the management of such profoundly immunosuppressed patients. Bone Marrow Transplantation (2000) 25, 787–790. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the plasma concentrations of atrial and brain natriuretic peptides (ANP and BNP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) during dobutamine infusion and their relationship with hemodynamic parameters in 14 patients with surgically repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Dobutamine was infused at an initial dose of 5 μg/kg/min and increased by 5 μg/kg/min up to 20 μg/kg/min. The plasma ANP, BNP, and cGMP concentrations were determined before infusion, at the end of each stage, and 15 minutes after discontinuing dobutamine infusion. The plasma concentrations of ANP, BNP, and cGMP were elevated in all patients before dobutamine infusion. The ANP, BNP, and cGMP concentrations decreased in 11 of the 14 patients during dobutamine infusion. In contrast, the plasma ANP and BNP concentrations increased in the remaining 3 patients without a change in the cGMP concentration. The right ventricular pressure and volume were significantly elevated in these patients. The plasma cGMP concentration correlated with the ANP concentration ( r= 0.62, p < 0.01) but not the BNP concentration. The plasma ANP concentration during dobutamine infusion correlated with right ventricular systolic pressure ( r= 0.71, p < 0.05), mean right atrial pressure ( r= 0.29, p < 0.05), and mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure ( r= 0.32, p < 0.05). The BNP concentration correlated with right ventricular volume ( r= 0.61, p < 0.05) and systolic pressure ( r= 0.46, p < 0.05). In conclusion, rapid changes in ANP, BNP, and cGMP concentrations during dobutamine infusion reflect the changes in atrial and ventricle pressure and volume overload. In surgically repaired TOF, the ANP concentration is affected by right ventricular systolic pressure, right atrial pressure, and pulmonary capillary pressure. Furthermore, the BNP concentration reflects right ventricular pressure and volume overload. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Surgery has been regarded as the standard treatment for patients with non-small cell lung cancer in the early stage, while radiotherapy has become an effective alternative for medically inoperable patients and those who refuse surgery. Methods. We reviewed the records of 31 patients with stage I–II non-small cell lung cancer treated by radiotherapy between 1980 and 1997. There were 15 patients in stage I and 16 in stage II. The variables analyzed for influence on cause-specific survival and loco-regional control were: age, performance status, clinical stage, tumor size, tumor site, radiation field, radiation dose, and combination with chemotherapy. Results. The overall and cause-specific 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-years survival rates were 71% and 77%; 63% and 73%; 34% and 48%; and 17% and 32%, respectively. Five-year survival rate for patients with peripheral tumor in the lung was 72%, with 70% loco-regional control, while the 5-year survival rate of patients whose tumor originated in the central region was 20%, with 25% loco-regional control. These differences had marginal significance on univariate analysis ( P = 0.07), but only tumor site (central vs peripheral ) showed marginal significant influence on cause-specific survival ( P = 0.08) and loco-regional control ( P = 0.07) on multivariate analysis. There were no fatal complications, including radiation-induced myelopathy. Conclusion. The present series showed satisfactory results with definitive radiotherapy for patients with medically inoperable stage I–II non-small cell lung cancer, with results similar to those in recent reports of radiotherapy. The only significant variable was that patients with peripheral tumors had a better prognosis than patients with central tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have established a Helicobacter pylori-infected Mongolian gerbil model, following Hirayama's method, to clarify gastric diseases associated with H. pylori infection. We administered the culture broth of H. pylori ATCC 43504 orally to 8-week-old male Mongolian gerbils. Alter H. pylori inoculation, the gerbils were fed in a vinyl isolator. Subsequently, over the course of 48 weeks, they were killed for histopathological examination, H. pylori culture, and serum antibody measurement. H. pylori colonization in the glandular stomach was seen in all the infected gerbils, but .only a few H. pylori were detected histologically. The serum antibody titer in the H. pylori-inoculated group increased gradually in comparison with controls. Acute inflammation, immature epithelium, and erosion were observed 2 weeks after H. pylori infection. Chronic inflammation was noted from 4 weeks after H. pylori infection. We also found intestinal metaplasia and gastric ulcers from 12 and 24 weeks after inoculation, respectively. Some histological findings were similar to those in humans, but the chronic inflammation in the gerbils was present mainly in the deep mucosa and submucosa. This appears to be a good animal model for H. pylori-associated gastric diseases and it may be useful for investigating the pathogenesis of H. pylori infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlabelled: Lactic acidaemia is sometimes associated with a defect of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHC), catalysing the thiamine-dependent decarboxylation of pyruvate. The activity of PDHC for different thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) concentrations was determined in 13 patients with lactic acidaemia, clinically responsive to thiamine treatment in order to assess the role of PDHC in the aetiology of thiamine-responsive lactic acidaemia. Culture of lymphoblastoid cells and skin fibroblasts and muscle biopsies were performed in these 13 patients. The activity of PDHC to sodium dichloroacetate (DCA), known as the activator of PDHC, was also examined. Three groups were identified according to PDHC activity. Group 1 (two patients) displayed very low PDHC activity, which was not increased by DCA. This PDHC activity increased at high TPP concentrations. Group 2 (five patients) displayed below normal PDHC activity at low TPP concentrations, increased by DCA. This PDHC activity became normal at high TPP concentrations. PDHC deficiency in these patients of groups 1 and 2 was due to a decreased affinity of PDHC for TPP. Group 3 included six patients with normal PDHC activity at low as well as high TPP concentrations. This PDHC activity was increased by DCA.Conclusion: High concentrations of TPP may be required for maximal activity of PDHC in some patients with lactic acidaemia. The assay of PDHC activity, performed at a low concentration of TPP (1 x 10(-4)mM) allows selection of patients with thiamine-responsive lactic acidaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-two children with chronic hepatitis serologically positive for hepatitis C virus (HCV) were treated with interferon-α (IFN-α). Liver biopsy showed chronic active hepatitis in 13 and chronic persistent hepatitis in 9 patients. A sustained clearance of HCV was observed in 8/22 children 12 months after the administration of IFN-α for 26 weeks, associated with normalization of HCV core antibody. Of these eight patients six had HCV genotype III and two HCV genotype II or IV. Hepatitis relapsed in seven other patients after completion of IFN-α with an increase in HCV core antibody titre, five with HCV genotype II, and two with HCV genotype III or IV. A second course of IFN-α suppressed the reactivation of HCV in all seven patients. Three of seven responders who relapsed after the first course remained negative for HCV RNA 12 months after their second course of IFN-α. However, the remaining four patients with HCV genotype II again relapsed after completing their second course of IFN-α. Seven children with the HCV genotype II resistant to IFN, including 8 weeks of IFN-β administration, and showed no significant reduction in HCV core antibody titre.Conclusion The genotype of HCV (III) and a reduction in the core antibody titre appear to be useful parameters for predicting the response to IFN-α therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlabelled: A 5-year-old Japanese girl was affected with acute nephritis. The patient had hypo-complementaemia and an elevation of anti-streptolysin O with positive throat culture of Group A streptococci. Four weeks after onset of the disease, serum complement level returned to normal, but proteinuria increased into the nephrotic range with a deterioration in renal function. Four weeks after onset, light microscopy of a renal biopsy showed diffuse endocapillary proliferation, and immunofluoroscopy revealed predominant IgA deposition in the mesangium. Electron microscopy showed electron dense deposits in the mesangial and subendothelial area, but subepithelial deposits were not found in the glomeruli. Histological diagnosis was IgA nephropathy, while her clinico-serological features were typical of acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.Conclusion: These results suggest that in some patients, IgA nephropathy may be triggered by streptococcal infection and misdiagnosed as acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis if renal histological examinations are not done. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlabelled: The development and timing of aortic valve prolapse (AoVP) and aortic regurgitation (AR) was studied by two-dimensional echocardiography in 99 consecutive patients with supracristal ventricular septal defect (VSD). Thirty patients (30%) had aortic valve prolapse (VSD + AoVP group), and 31 patients (31%) had AoVP with AR (VSD + AoVP + AR group). In the VSD + AoVP group, AoVP was detected first by echocardiography at the age of 6.8 +/- 4.2 years (mean +/- SD). In the VSD + AoVP + AR group, the interval from detection of AoVP to the appearance of AR was 3.4 +/- 2.0 years. The configuration of the prolapsed aortic valve was echocardiographically classified into two types: tear-drop type (small) prolapse and box type (large) prolapse. The frequency of tear-drop type prolapse was not significantly different between VSD + AoVP and VSD + AoVP + AR groups (43% versus 32%, respectively), indicating that even minor AoVP can result in AR. Four infants (4%) had AoVP at the ages of 1, 5, 7, and 11 months, respectively. All infants had tear-drop type prolapse. Two infants developed AR by colour flow mapping at the ages of 3 and 11 months, and the interval from prolapse to AR was only 2 and 4 months, respectively.Conclusion: Aortic valce involvement can develop under the age of 1 year in supracristal VSD. Regular evaluation by two-dimensional echocardiography with colour flow mapping is important in the follow-up of children with supracristal VSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer simulations of the dislocation density during Czochralski (CZ) single crystal growth were performed for silicon crystals with 8-inch or 10-inch diameter using a finite element computer code developed by the authors. In the computer code, a dislocation kinetics model called the Haasen-Sumino model was used for the constitutive equation of a crystal at elevated temperatures. The computer code provides the dislocation density distributions and stress distributions during the CZ growth process. In the simulations, two values for the Young’s modulus for the silicon single crystal were used in order to examine the effect of the Young’s modulus on the dislocation density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CD34+ cells were purified in bulk from apheresis-collected cells of children with cancer using monoclonal antibody (MoAb) and magnetic beads (Baxter ISOLEX system). To improve the purity of the final product for possibly better tumor cell purging and to make the manufacturer’s original procedure more cost-effective, we incubated the cells for 30 min with l-phenylalanine methylester hydrochloride (PME) to reduce the cell number by removing contaminating granulocytes and monocytes in the initial step before incubation with MoAb. Our modification prevented nonspecific interactions between MoAb and magnetic beads, and thereby saved expensive materials for purification. A total of 40 purifications were performed with samples containing a mean of 3.1 × 109 blood cells mobilized from 15 children by chemotherapy plus granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). The entire purification procedure, from the end of apheresis to storage, was completed within 5 h. After incubation with PME and double-layered (40/60%) Percoll separation, the number of CD34+ cells was reduced to 48 ± 29%, which suggests the possibility that half of the CD34+ cells in the inoculum were nonclonogenic in the hematopoietic progenitor assay. PME/Percoll-treated cells were then subjected to a final isolation procedure with MoAb according to the manufacturer’s suggestions, and 52 ± 42% and 32 ± 22%, respectively, of the CFU-GM and CD34+ cells present in the initial bag inoculums were recovered. The recovery rates were, respectively, 54% and 67%, when the calculation was limited to the isolation procedure with MoAb. The purity of isolated CD34+ cells and the plating efficiency in methylcellulose culture were, respectively, 77 ± 24% and 33 ± 13%. Fourteen children were subsequently autografted with purified CD34+ cells after marrow ablative chemotherapy. The median number of days... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the treatment of childhood solid tumors, we performed a pilot feasibility study of consecutive high-dose therapies, in which each course was followed by transplantation with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-mobilized peripheral blood cells which had been separated into CD34-positive and -negative fractions by an Isolex system (Baxter). Positive selection of CD34+ cells has been associated with inevitable cell loss. To overcome this loss, CD34+ cells that had migrated into the negative fraction were saved and used for the first transplant, which was followed by a second transplant after a 3- to 5-month interval. In this phase I feasibility study, the results in six children were evaluated for safety and engraftment. Multi-drug cytoreductive regimens using ranimustine (MCNU), melphalan, thiotepa, carboplatin, cyclophosphamide or VP-16 were comparable between the two transplant procedures in terms of their intensity. The number of CD34+ cells in the ‘CD34(+) fraction’ was 3.31 × 106/kg (0.63–4.3 × 106/kg), while this number in the ‘CD34(-) fraction’ could not be evaluated correctly due their scarcity (<0.1%). the median numbers of infused mnc and cfu-gm were, respectively, 4.2 × 106/kg and 1.75 × 105/kg in the CD34(+) fraction, and 4.8 × 108/kg and 3.35 × 105/kg in the CD34(-) fraction. The number of days required to achieve an ANC >0.5 × 109/l and a platelet count >20 × 109/l and >50 × 109/l were, respectively, 14.5, 15.0 and 19.5 in the first transplant with CD34- cells, and 13.5, 18.0 and 25.0 in the second transplant with CD34+ cells, with no essential difference between the two treatments. Although the small number of patients, the variation in clinical status and treatment,... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By using newly constructed high-pressure gas atomization equipment, the effect of atomizing gas (Ar, N, or He) on the formation tendency of amorphous alloy powders and their Curie temperature (T ), structural relaxation, glass transition (T ), and crystallization (T ) was examined for Fe-P-C, Fe-Si-B, Fe-Cr-Mo-P-C, Co-Si-B, Ni-Si-B, Ni-Pd-P, and Cu-Zr alloys with easy glass-forming capacity. Amorphous powders are formed in all the alloy systems and the critical diameter for the formation of amorphous powders is 25 to 44 µm for Ar and 44 to 100 µm for He. The average particle size is considerably smaller for He than for Ar and N, probably because of large kinematic viscosity of He. No appreciable differences in T , T , and T of FePC amorphous powders with the kind of atomizing gas are seen and these values are the same as those of the amorphous ribbon with 20 µm thickness. However, He-atomized FePC powders exhibit a lower onset temperature of relaxation and larger heats of relaxation and crystallization as compared with the Ar- and N-atomized powders, and the values of the He-atomized powders are comparable to those of the ribbon sample, indicating that He-gas atomization has a higher cooling capacity and results in the formation of a more disordered amorphous structure. This difference agrees with the tendency estimated under the assumption that heat removal from atomized droplets occurs by Newtonian cooling caused only by the convective heat transfer. Accordingly, the greater heat removal capacity of He gas is concluded to be a dominant factor for the formation of amorphous alloy powders with a more unrelaxed atomic configurations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of ex vivo expansion of the human progenitor cell population was tested in this study. In the presence of interleukin-3 and -6 we compared the abilities of various liquid culture conditions of human blood-derived hematopoietic progenitor cells to yield a suitable condition for the expansion of blood progenitor cells. Although the best result was obtained in the gastpermeable bag culture system, the enhancement effect (maximum of 3.8-fold for granulocyte/macrophage colony-forming units and 3.0-fold for erythroid burst-forming units) lasted for only a short period (less than 6 d). The results of this study are disappointing for clinical use, and attempts with currently available technology appear to be limited in their potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fourteen patients with HTLV-1-associated myelopathy were treated with high-dose intravenous gammaglobulin (IVGG). Ten received 10 g/day of IVGG and 4 received 400 mg/kg of body-weight/day of IVGG for 5 consecutive days. Improvement of spastic paraparesis was observed in 10 within 7 days of the commencement of IVGG. The therapeutic effects were sustained for more than 3 weeks in some patients. There were no side effects. Analysis of factors of relevance to the clinical improvement with IVGG showed that the beneficial response was preferentially found in patients having a high CSF titre of anti-HTLV-I antibodies, a high CSF IgG level and a marked brain MRI abnormality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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We describe the MRI findings in three Japanese patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6) in which a polymorphic CAG repeat was identified in the gene encoding the α1A voltage-dependent P/Q-type Ca2+ channel subunit (CACNL1A4). All showed slowly progressive cerebellar ataxia and mild pyramidal signs. Neuroradiologically, they had moderate cerebellar atrophy, most prominently in the superior vermis, whereas the brain stem appeared to be spared. No abnormal signal intensity was identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carmofur, a derivative of 5-fluorouracil, has recently been noted to have an infrequent but serious association with leukoencephalopathy. To our knowledge, there has been no report of early MRI findings in this leukoencephalopathy. We describe a case in which diffuse high signal intensity of the entire cerebral white matter, including the corpus callosum, was seen on T2-weighted magnetic resonance images. Although similar findings can be seen in many other diseases, carmofur-induced leukoencephalopathy should be suspected in a patient treated with carmofur. It is important to know the clinical and MRI characteristics of this condition, for early diagnosis and better prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In two previous papers by the same authors the data basis for the trade flows and the export prices in the Pacific Basin has presented and documented. In this third report the changing pattern of Pacific Basin trade over the period 1955-1975 is analyzed, using as tools export growth decomposition indexes, trend analysis, and regression analysis of the price elasticity of import market shares. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To establish the criteria for an abnormal signal-averaged electrocardiogram (SA-ECG) in patients with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy (DMD), we used the technique of fast-Fourier transformation and studied the effects of analyzed signal phase and attenuation of low frequency components by filter processing. Twenty-three patients with DMD and twenty age-matched healthy voluneers were studied. An abnormal SA-ECG was defined as an area ratio of high frequency components/low frequency components over the 97th percentile of normal controls. Frequency domain analysis of the terminal 40 ms of the QRS complex and 80 ms of the initial ST segment was most predictive for distinguishing DMD patients at risk for ventricular tachycardia (VT). Although filter processing reduced the power of low frequency components and increased the area ratios, the sensitivity for the prediction of VT was not significantly enhanced. The area ratios of 40-100 Hz/0-40 Hz were superior to the area ratios of 20-50 Hz/0-20 Hz for predicting patients with VT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the age-related criteria of signal-averaged electrocardiographic (SA-ECG) parameters in children. SA-ECGs were obtained in 82 healthy volunteers in six groups depending on age (group 1:1 day to <1 month; group 2:1 month to <1 year; group 3:1 to <6 years; group 4:6 to <12 years; group 5:12 to <20 years; group 6:20 to <40 years). To examine the effect of heart rate on the parameters of SA-ECG, right atrial pacings were performed in 4 children with a ventricular septal defect aged 1-7 years. The root mean square voltage (RMS) was high; and the filtered QRS (f-QRS) duration and the duration of the low amplitude signal (LAS) were low during childhood, especially in infants (group 2), compared with those in adults. Late duration (LD) had no significant difference among age groups. The criteria for ventricular late potential were as follows: RMS<25 μV, LAS>35 ms, f-QRS duration >110 ms, and LD>35 ms for those age 1 day to <1 month; RMS<40 μV, LAS>30 ms, f-QRS duration >100 ms, and LD>35 ms for those age 1 month to <1 year; RMS<20 μV, LAS>40 ms, f-QRS duration >130 ms, and LD>35 ms for those age 1 to <20 years; and RMS<15 μV, LAS>45 ms, f-QRS duration >135 ms, and LD>35 ms for those age 20 to <40 years. RMS and LAS correlated with f-QRS duration ( r=−0.78 and 0.76, respectively; p<0.05), suggesting that these parameters are associated with the thickness of the ventricular muscle and the ventricular conduction time. Right atrial pacing had no effect on the measured SA-ECG parameters. The age-related differences in SA-ECG parameters might be due to age-related differences in the thickness of the ventricular muscle and the ventricular conduction time but are not due to differences in the heart rate. The age difference of each parameter on SA-ECG should be considered for ventricular late potentials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a report of two patients in whom a pontine venous congestion occurred with a dural carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF), an extremely rare complication. This is the first such report. We underscore the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of dural CCFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chiang Khan meteorite fell on 18th November, 1981 at Chiang Khan, Thailand. It consists of olivine, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, Fe-Ni metal, troilite, chromite, plagioclase, glass, and phosphate in order of abundance. Olivine forms barred or porphyritic chondrules, and its composition is uniform (average Fo), close to the average composition of olivine in equilibrated H chondrites. Orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene also have compositions similar to those in equilibrated H chondrites. Both well-defined chondrules and their broken fragments are present in the recrystallized matrix. Microcrystalline plagioclase and clinopyroxene often occur in the groundmass of chondrules, but clear interstitial plagioclase is absent. Chemical composition of chromite plots in the field of chromites in H chondrites. Chiang Khan meteorite is thus classified as an equilibrated H 5 type chondrite. The equilibrium temperatures estimated by using mineral pairs are as follows: Opx-Cpx 800-900°C; Ol-Chromite 510°C. Water content is 0.24 wt %, and the hydrogen isotopic composition (ΔD) is −89.5‰ In the thermal demagnetization experiment magnetization steadily decreased from 0 to 500°C, whereas the remanent magnetization obtained in the A.C. demagnetization experiment is very unstable, probably owing to the large grain size of the Fe-Ni metal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of neonatal alterations in 5-HT signalling on the regulation of endocrine stress response in adult rats. The neonatal blockade of 5-HT transmission by 5,7-DHT or ritanserin treatment did not alter the density of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) binding sites in the hippocampus, although a 5,7-DHT-induced lesion was clearly shown to decrease in 5-HT content by greater than 80% in the hippocampus. In addition, the animals pretreated with the blockade of 5-HT transmission during early life did not exhibit a hyperresponsiveness of the adrenocortical response to stress. On the other hand, the neonatal administration of the 5-HT uptake inhibitor, clomipramine, was shown to lower the stress responsiveness of the adrenocortical axis in adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serotonin (5-HT) caused a dose-dependent accumulation of inositol monophosphate (IP-1) in rat hippocampal slices (maximal effect +172%, EC=630 nM) in the presence of LiCl. The 5-HT response was blocked potently by a non-selective 5-HT receptor antagonist metergoline and a 5-HT/ 5-HT receptor antagonist ritanserin. The 5-HT receptor antagonist ketanserin and spiperone were, however, less potent at inhibiting the 5-HT response, m-Chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP), a 5-HT receptor agonist but a 5-HT antagonist stimulated directly PI turnover, yet mCPP inhibited 5-HT-stimulated PI response. These findings indicate that both 5HT and 5-HT receptors are involved with a complicated interaction of each receptor in 5-HT-stimulated PI hydrolysis in rat hippocampus. 10-Day treatment with para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA), a 5-HT synthesis inhibitor, resulted in a significant increase (maximal effect +225%, EC=580 nM) in 5-HT-stimulated IP-1 accumulation with no substantial change in EC value, which suggest that subchronic treatment with PCPA enhances the 5-HT-mediated PI hydrolysis in rat hippocampus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the exacerbating factors of hyperuricaemia in patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD). We studied 59 CCHD patients aged 1 month-30 years. The following variables were assessed: serum uric acid levels, red blood cell count, haemoglobin, hematocrit, partial oxygen pressure and arterial oxygen saturation. Uric acid excretion and renal function were also measured in ten patients with serum levels of uric acid greater than 8 mg/dl (hyperuricaemia group). Serum uric acid level correlated significantly with age and severity of polycythaemia. However, it did not correlate with partial oxygen pressure or arterial oxygen saturation. Uric acid excretion was measured in hyperuricaemia group. Urinary uric acid excretion (24 h) was within normal limits in infants but markedly lower in patients over 15 years of age. The aetiology of hyperuricaemia and decreased uric acid fractional excretion and clearance in infants appears to be secondary to diminished excretion of uric acid in concert with uric acid overproduction. Hyperuricaemia in adolescents and adults with CCHD, however, results mainly from age-related impairment of uric acid excretion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rickets in a 3-year-old boy and his 1-year-old sister, both with alopecia, was cured by treatment with 50,000 IU of vitamin D2 daily for 2 years and did not recur within 14 years after cessation of therapy. A diagnosis of vitamin-D-dependent rickets type II was made in these patients at the ages of 20 and 18 years based on the findings that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] did not inhibit DNA biosynthesis in phytohaemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocytes and that cultured skin fibroblasts showed impaired nuclear uptake and normal cytosol binding of [3H]1,25(OH)2D3. Surprisingly, the serum 1,25(OH)2D levels of these patients were high and their serum 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels were low, although neither patient showed any symptoms except alopecia. The presence of vitamin D metabolite imbalances in the absence of rickets in these patients might be explained by differences in sensitivity to 1,25(OH)2D3 of bone formation and vitamin D metabolism. In addition, changes of sensitivity to treatment with vitamin D derivatives might be a consequence of differentiation of target cells. From the present findings, it is suggested that in this disease treatment with a sufficient dose of vitamin D derivatives should be initiated in the active phase of rickets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nationwide neonatal screening program for phenylketonuria (PKU), maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), homocystinuria, histidinemia and galactosemia was started in Japan in 1977. The total number of infants screened had reached 6,311,754 by March, 1982. A follow-up study revealed the incidence of the disease in Japan: 1/108,823 for PKU; 1/450,840 for hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA); 1/1,577,939 for biopterin deficiency; 1/525,980 for MSUD; 1/1,051,959 for homocystinuria; 1/8,371 for histidinemia, and 1/788,969 for galactosemia type 1. The incidences of PKU, HPA, homocystinuria, and galactosemia (type 1) were found to be markedly low in Japan as compared with those in Caucasian countries. There was no great difference in the incidence of MSUD between both. On the other hand, the incidence of histidinemia was higher in Japan. It was found that most of the patients with PKU, HPA, MSUD, homocystinuria, or galactosemia are developing normally due to the early initiation of dietary treatment. These results clearly indicate that the neonatal mass screening program plays a great role in preventing the occurrence of handicapped children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semiconductive oxide glasses in the system V2O5–MnO–TeO2 were prepared, and the mechanism of d.c. conduction was studied. The Seebeck coefficient measurements at temperatures from 375–475 K indicated the glasses to be n-type semiconducting. The d.c. conductivity ranged from 5×10−5 to 1.9×10−6 S cm−1 at 405 K for V2O5=60 mol% and MnO=0–20 mol%, and decreased with increasing MnO content. The conduction was confirmed to obey the adiabatic small polaron hopping model, and was due to mainly hopping between V-ions in the glasses. The polaron band width J was estimated to be J=0.10–0.20 eV. The electron–phonon interaction coefficient γp was very large (21–26). The hopping mobility evaluated as 2.3×10−7–2.7×10−6 cm2 V−1 s−1 increased with increasing V2O5 content. The estimated carrier concentration was the order of 1019 cm−3. The principal factor determining conductivity was the polaron hopping mobility in these glasses. © 1998 Chapman & Hall [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]