Search

Background: Complete mesocolic excision (CME) with central vascular ligation (CVL) requires the surgeon to sharply dissect the mesocolon and approach the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and superior mesenteric vein (SMV) for ligation of the supplying vessels relating to right-sided colon cancer at their origin. Even with preoperative images, it can still be challenging to identify these structures during laparoscopic surgery because of various intraoperative conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) for identification of blood vessels during right-sided colon cancer surgery. Methods: We performed IOUS on 19 patients diagnosed with right-sided colon cancer at our institution, in January–October 2020. Preoperatively, a three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) angiogram was obtained for the majority of patients to visualize the SMA, SMV, and their respective branches. The running position of the ileocolic artery (ICA) and right colic artery (RCA) related to the SMV and the presence of the middle colic artery were identified and compared using preoperative 3D-CT, IOUS, and intraoperative findings. Results: Nineteen patients [seven men and 12 women with a mean age of 73.9 ± 8.4 years (range 58–82 years)] were studied, including some with a body mass index of > 30 kg/m2, locally advanced cancer, and severe adhesion. There were IOUSs that detected the SMA, SMV, and their tributaries in all patients. The positional relationships between the SMV and the ICA and RCA revealed by IOUS were consistent with the preoperative and intraoperative findings. Conclusion: IOUS is a safe, feasible, and reproducible technique that can assist in detecting the branching of the SMA and SMV during CME with CVL in laparoscopic right-sided colon cancer surgery, regardless of individual conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 is a regulator of T-cell responses to external stimuli, such as pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. We have previously shown that STAT3 is activated (phosphorylated) at high levels in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) T cells and mediates chemokine-induced migration and T:B cell interactions. Stattic, a small molecular STAT3 inhibitor, can partially ameliorate lupus nephritis in mice. To understand the role of STAT3 better in T-cell pathophysiology in lupus nephritis and its potential as a treatment target, we silenced its expression in T cells using a cd4-driven CRE-Flox model. We found that lupus-prone mice that do not express STAT3 in T cells did not develop lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, or glomerulonephritis. Moreover, the production of anti-dsDNA antibodies was decreased in these mice compared to controls. To dissect the mechanism, we also used a nephrotoxic serum model of nephritis. In this model, T cell–specific silencing of STAT3 resulted in amelioration of nephrotoxic serum-induced kidney damage. Taken together, our results suggest that in mouse models of autoimmune nephritis, T cell–specific silencing of STAT3 can hamper their ability to help B cells to produce autoantibodies and induce cell tissue infiltration. We propose that STAT3 inhibition in T cells represents a novel approach in the treatment of SLE and lupus nephritis in particular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beet western yellows virus (BWYV; genus Polerovirus, family Luteoviridae) is one of the most important viruses causing yellowing disease of many field and vegetable crops. This study isolated different poleroviruses from sugar beet, spinach, radish and brassica in Japan, and identified them as BWYV‐JP, Beet leaf yellowing virus (BLYV), Brassica yellows virus (BrYV) and BrYV‐R (radish strain) based on host range and molecular analysis. Among over 100 plant species from 19 families inoculated with the vector Myzus persicae, about half of the species in 13 families were infected with some of these viruses. BLYV shared a similar host range to Beet mild yellowing virus (BMYV). These had a much more limited host range than BWYV‐JP, which resembled BWYV‐USA. The host range of BrYV was similar to that of Turnip yellows virus (TuYV). Phylogenetic analyses at the 5′ portion (replication‐related gene) of the genome showed that BLYV, BMYV, BWYV (‐JP and ‐USA) and Cucurbit aphid‐borne yellows virus (CABYV) formed one large group, whereas BrYV and TuYV were grouped together. BLYV and BWYV were most closely related to each other, and were more closely related to CABYV than to BMYV. However, at the 3′ end (coat protein gene), BLYV and BWYV‐JP formed a distinct group, separated from the BrYV group, which in turn was more closely related to BWYV‐USA, BMYV, TuYV and Beet chlorosis virus, a group originating from outside Asia. Thus, this study presents host range differences and phylogeographical relationships of BWYV‐like poleroviruses that are distributed worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we propose an efficient algorithm for solving six-dimensional molecular Ornstein-Zernike (MOZ) equation. In this algorithm, the modified direct inversion in iterative subspace, which is known as the fast convergent method for solving the integral equation theory of liquids, is adopted. This method is found to be effective for the convergence of the MOZ equation with a simple initial guess. For the accurate averaging of the correlation functions over the molecular orientations, we use the Lebedev-Laikov quadrature. The appropriate number of grid points for the quadrature is decided by the analysis of the dielectric constant. We also analyze the excess chemical potential of aqueous ions and compare the results of the MOZ with those of the reference interaction site model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Tinea is an infectious disease by dermatophytes, of which Trichophyton species accounts for the overwhelming majority of case. Tinea often causes itching with inflammation. In terms of pruritus by fungal infection, however, tinea has not been investigated sufficiently to date. Aim: To evaluate itch caused by Trichophyton infection and the effect of antifungal agents on the infection, by measuring scratch behaviour and profiles of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Methods: We used a previously established mouse model of contact hypersensitivity induced by trichophytin, a crude extract from Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Scratching behaviour was recorded using a counting device that measured an electric current induced in a coil by movement of magnets that had been inserted into the hind paws of each animal. We investigated expression of various genes in lesional skin of mice and in normal human epidermal keratinocytes. We also investigated the antipruritic effects of the corticosteroid dexamethasone (DEX) and three antifungal agents: ketoconazole (KCZ), terbinafine (TBF) and liranaftate (LNF). Results: Biphasic peaks of scratching were observed at 1 h and at 6–7 h during an observation period of 14 h after trichophytin induction. For lesional skin, RNA was extracted 24 h after trichophytin challenge, and increased expression was seen in the genes for interleukin (IL)‐17A, interferon‐γ, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)‐2 and Dectin‐1, whereas there was no obvious change in the genes for IL‐31 and prostaglandin (PG)E2. Furthermore, KCZ inhibited histidine decarboxylase (HDC) expression in vitro and in vivo, and inhibited scratching in the very early phase. LNF inhibited expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and IL‐8 in vitro, and TSLP, TNF‐α, IL‐1α and MIP2 in vivo, and also scratching in the early phase. TBF did not induce any significant alterations in either gene expression or scratching. DEX suppressed expression of all the chemical mediators except HDC in vitro and in vivo, and inhibited scratching. Conclusion: Antifungals can inhibit itching induced by fungal infection through different mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence suggests that minimally invasive esophagectomy has several advantages with regard to short-term outcomes, compared to open esophagectomy in esophageal cancer patients. However, the impact of minimally invasive esophagectomy on long-term respiratory function remains unknown. The objective of this study is to assess the association between use of the minimally invasive esophagectomy and long-term respiratory dysfunction in esophageal cancer patients after esophagectomy. This retrospective single institution study using prospectively collected data included 87 consecutive esophageal cancer patients who had undergone esophagectomy. All patients underwent a respiratory function test before, and one year after esophagectomy. Logistic regression analysis was used to compute the hazard ratio for long-term respiratory dysfunction. Minimally invasive esophagectomies were performed in 53 patients, and open esophagectomies in 34 patients. The two groups showed no significant differences in terms of postoperative complications and postoperative course. Nor were any differences observed between the two groups in terms of volume capacity (L) and forced expiratory volume 1.0 (L) before esophagectomy (P > 0.34). However, one year after esophagectomy, the decreases in volume capacity and forced expiratory volume 1.0 were significantly less in the minimally invasive esophagectomy group than in the open esophagectomy group (P = 0.04 and P=0.007, respectively).Multivariate analyses revealed that minimally invasive esophagectomy was an independent favorable factor for maintenance of forced expiratory volume 1.0 (hazard ratio = 0.17, 95% confidence interval 0.04-0.71; P = 0.01). Minimally invasive esophagectomy may be an independent favorable factor for maintenance of long-term respiratory function in esophageal cancer patients after esophagectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weight loss after esophagectomy is common and is associated with unfavorable prognosis. However, the clinical features and surgical methods that influence postesophagectomy weight loss are not well characterized. This study aims to determine those features (especially the surgical methods) that may affect postoperative weight loss. We reviewed 221 esophageal cancer patients who had undergone esophagectomy at Kumamoto University Hospital (Kumamoto, Japan) between November 2012 and June 2015. Among these, we recruited 106 patients who had undergone transthoracic esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction, had no cancer recurrence within 1 year and no missing follow-up data.We tabulated the body weight changes and risk factors associated with weight loss exceeding 10% at 1-year postesophagectomy. The mean body weights at baseline and 1-year postsurgery were 60.3 kg (standard error (SE): 0.91) and 52.6 (SE: 0.91), respectively. One year postsurgery, the body weights had changed as follows: mean: -12.2%; median: -12.9%; standard deviation: 9.06; range: -36.1-18.56%; interquartile range:-10.5 to-14.0%. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the absence of pyloroplasty was the sole risk factor for more than 10% weight loss (OR: 3.22; 95% CI: 1.08-11.9; P=0.036).Our data suggest that pyloroplasty with esophagectomy can overcome the post-surgical weight loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of novel CuII complexes with a Schiff base obtained by condensation of salicylaldehyde and an l-aspartic acid ester are described. The physicochemical properties of the complexes were compared with those of related CuII complexes obtained earlier. All the complexes studied were characterized by elemental analysis as well as by IR, UV-Vis, and EPR spectroscopies. The activity of the complexes and their hybrid systems (HS) with TiO2 in visible-light-driven photocatalysis in organic solvents was investigated. After irradiation with visible light, the complexes and corresponding HS reduce Cr6+ to Cr3+ more efficiently than bare TiO2. To determine the molecular orbital compositions and energies and to explain the electronic spectra and redox properties of the systems studied, density functional calculations of the optimized structures of representative model complexes were performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spectrum width and intensity of ozone (O 3 ) observed in the MLT region behaves quite differently than in the stratosphere for submillimeter-wave limb emission spectroscopic observation. For example, O 3 spectra in the stratosphere are stronger during the day than at night. Conversely, spectra in the MLT region at night are stronger than those occurring during the day due to diurnal variations in O 3 behavior. These opposing behaviors cause problems, including oscillations and inaccuracies particularly for O 3 vertical profiles in the MLT region retrieved with an application of one retrieval procedure for the entire vertical range (stratosphere to thermosphere). Recently, we developed an optimal retrieval method for O 3 in the MLT region for spectra, observed by the Superconducting Submillimeter-Wave Limb-Emission Sounder (SMILES) instrument on the International Space Station. Optimizations were performed for frequency window range, retrieval vertical range, vertical grids, and a priori information for O 3 and temperature. Precision and accuracy were evaluated by error analysis and comparisons with previous products. The random error was estimated to be about 5% and 35% in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere, respectively, for nighttime O 3 profiles in the MLT region. The total systematic error was about 6% in the MLT region. Certain improvements for both random noise (from 50% to 35%) and systematic error (from 10% to 6%) were obtained. We succeeded in revealing the positive correlation between O 3 and ClO at nighttime in the upper mesosphere using the optimized O 3 profiles; furthermore, its chemical mechanism was explained quantitatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We discuss discrete stochastic processes with two independent variables: one is the standard symmetric random walk, and the other is the Poisson process. Convergence of discrete stochastic processes is analysed, such that the symmetric random walk tends to the standard Brownian motion. We show that a discrete analogue of Ito’s formula converges to the corresponding continuous formula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the second order linear differential equation (A) (p(t)y')' + q(t)y = 0;. which is oscillatory, under the assumption that p(t) and q(t) are positive, continuously differentiable and monotone functions on [0;∞). After studying qualitative properties, including amplitudes and slopes, of oscillatory solutions, we establish the existence of three types of solutions of (A) referred to as moderately bounded, small of large oscillatory solutions. Essential use is made of pairs of quadratic forms P(t)y'(t)² + Q(t)y(t)², R(t)y'(t)² + S(t)y(t)², which are monotone for all possible solutions y(t) of (A) but have different monotonicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study that investigated the effect of praseodymium (Pr) on cobalt-chromium alloy magnetic films. Effect of Pr on the magnetic properties of the magnetic films; Influence of Pr on the microstructure of the magnetic films; Methodology.

A limited number of patients with resectable advanced esophageal cancer can be cured by surgery alone. Although a regimen that consists of docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil ( DCF) is a potential preoperative chemotherapy ( PCT) option for squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, the influence of DCF on subsequent esophagectomies remains unclear. A total of 80 patients who received preoperative DCF chemotherapy, and 174 patients who did not receive any preoperative treatment were retrospectively analyzed. There were no treatment-related deaths. No delays in surgery due to adverse events related to DCF were reported. Although patients who received PCT had significantly more advanced cancers and worse preoperative conditions, the incidence rates of complications did not increase. Although the frequency of severe complications was significantly higher in patients who received PCT, this treatment was not an independent factor for the occurrence of severe complications. PCT with DCF did not negatively affect subsequent esophagectomies with regard to the frequency of complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since its first outbreak in Japan in 2003, koi-herpesvirus ( KHV) remains a challenge to the carp Cyprinus carpio L. breeding industry. In this study, inactivation of KHV in water from carp habitats (carp habitat water) was investigated with the aim of developing a model for rapidly inactivating the pathogen in aquaculture effluent. Experiments with live fish showed that, in carp habitat water, KHV lost its infectivity within 3 days. Indications were that inactivation of KHV was caused by the antagonistic activity of bacteria (anti- KHV bacteria) in the water from carp habitats. Carp habitat water and the intestinal contents of carp were therefore screened for anti- KHV bacteria. Of 581 bacterial isolates, 23 showed anti- KHV activity. An effluent treatment model for the disinfection of KHV in aquaculture effluent water using anti- KHV bacteria was developed and evaluated. The model showed a decrease in cumulative mortality and in the number of KHV genome copies in kidney tissue of fish injected with treated effluent compared with a positive control. It is thought that anti- KHV bacteria isolated from the intestinal contents of carp and from carp habitat water can be used to control KHV outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining the reflectivity of first mirrors is indispensable in future fusion devices. While a retroreflector (corner cube mirror) is useful for laser diagnostics, impurities tend to accumulate and form a thick deposition layer in the central region, which causes degradation of reflectivity, due to the hollow shape of the retroreflector. Two mirror structures are tested to retain the reflectivity in the Large Helical Device (LHD). One is a bending mirror structure with a protective cylinder with fins and it could maintain the reflectivity over a three-month experimental campaign. The other is a cover window just in front of the reflector. Candidates of the window materials were exposed to the LHD plasmas and the degradation of the transmissivity of ZnSe and silicon, which are used for infrared and far infrared laser light, respectively, were small. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nano-geological diagnosis has been applied to the deposition layer formed on the Si specimens installed at the first wall surface during 2007FY Large Helical Device (LHD) experiment. Cross-sectional views of the deposition layers with nanometer-resolution were successfully observed by using focused ion beam fabrication technique and transmission electron microscopy observations. On the specimen located close to the divertor plates, deposition layer with ∼800nm thick was observed, and it has very fine and stratified layer structures in nanometer-level. Thickness of each layer is so various from 5 to 100nm, and majority of the composition elements such as Fe, Cr, Ni, O and C were continuously changed towards the depth direction from the top surface. Characteristics of each layer show the operational history in the LHD and the mechanism of dusts formation by flaking of the layer. This work provides the completely new knowledge about the deposition layer in fusion devices. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Effects of neutron irradiation on YAG laser welded V–4Cr–4Ti alloy were irradiated in High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR). The samples were irradiated in Li environment at 723K and 873K up to the dose of 3.7dpa. After the irradiation, the microstructure and Vickers hardness of the welded samples were compared of the base metal, which were simultaneously irradiated at the same irradiation cycle. At 723K, very high density of dislocations was formed. But prominent Ti(CON) formation, which was commonly observed in He gas and vacuum environment condition, was not detected [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We study microcrystalline germanium (μc-Ge) film as narrow gap semiconductor materials for infrared absorbers by reactive sputtering with inert gas/mixtures. H2 mixed with Ne, Ar and Xe was used as sputtering gases, in order to research effects of the ion damage. A higher deposition rate is obtained by using inert gases with a larger mass. But the crystallinity becomes lower by the damage due to larger mass ions. In the Ar/H2 mixtures, the structure changes from crystalline to amorphous with increase in the Ar/H2 flow rate ratio. The damage of Xe ion is too large to crystallize the films, but the influence of Ne on the crystallinity is not significant. The photo-sensitivity is obtained in the mixed structures between crystalline and amorphous given by proper ion damages. The amorphous parts probably contribute suppression of the grain-boundary defects. The observation of photo-sensitivity indicates the possibility of μc-Ge as a narrow gap material for PV cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In order to clarify the radiation damages caused by charge-exchanged helium particles, metal specimens were inserted into the first wall position by using material probe system in LHD, and then, exposed to the neutral beam heated helium plasmas (87s in total). After the exposure, dense helium bubbles with size of 1–2nm and dislocation loops were confirmed in all specimens from transmission electron microscope observation. It means that the energy of incidence helium particles is sufficiently higher than that of the minimum energy for creating the knock-on damage (E min). Majority of such incidence helium particles are energetic neutrals created by charge-exchange collisions [R.J. Goldston, P.H. Rutherford, Introduction to Plasma Physics, 1996, p. 156]. It was tried to estimate the flux and energy of CX-helium to the first walls by comparing with systematic helium ion irradiation experiments , [M. Tokitani et al., J. Nucl. Mater. 329–333 (2004) 761]. The estimated flux and energy from size and density of the defects is the order of ∼1019 He/m2 s, and about 1–2keV, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The exchange interactions proper to the proton-neutron version of the interacting boson-fermion-fermion model are derived from the proton-neutron quadrupole-quadrupole interaction. The influence of the exchange interactions on the F-spin content of wave functions is analysed for a typical odd-odd nucleus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When a colloidal solution consisting of nanosized acicular material and bacterial cells is stimulated with sliding friction at the interface between the hydrogel and interface-forming material where the frictional coefficient increases rapidly, the nanosized acicular material accompanying the bacterial cells forms a penetration intermediate. This effect is known as the Yoshida effect in honor of its discoverer. Through the Yoshida effect, a novel property in which penetration intermediates incorporate exogenous plasmid DNA has been identified. This report proposes a possible mechanism for exogenous plasmid acquisition by penetration intermediates in the Yoshida effect. Escherichia coli cells, pUC18, and chrysotile were used as recipient cells, plasmid DNA, and nanosized acicular material, respectively. Even when repeatedly washing the mixture consisting of pUC18 and chrysotile, transformation efficiency by pUC18 was stable. Accordingly, pUC18 adsorbed onto chrysotile was introduced into recipient E. coli cells. At saturation, the amount of pUC18 adsorbed onto chrysotile was 0.8–1.2 µg/mg. To investigate whether pUC18 adsorbed on chrysotile is replicated by polymerase, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out with the chrysotile. Amplification of the β-lactamase gene coded in pUC18, which was adsorbed onto chrysotile, was strongly inhibited. This suggests that DNA adsorbed onto chrysotile is not replicated in vivo. When we searched for substances to release pUC18 adsorbed onto chrysotile, we found that a 300-bp single- or double-stranded segment of DNA releases pUC18 from chrysotile. Competitive adsorption onto chrysotile between double-stranded DNA and pUC18 was then examined through the Yoshida effect. The 310- and 603-bp double-stranded nucleotides caused 50% competitive inhibition at the same molar ratio with pUC18. Hence, the adsorbed region of pUC18 is about 300 bp in length. As the culture period for recipient cells increases, transformation efficiency decreases while the expression levels of small RNA of 300–600 bp also decrease. These results suggest that pUC18 adsorbed onto chrysotile can be released by 300-bp small RNA, replicated by DNA polymerase, and transferred to daughter cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Low friction and low wear states were realized with partly-polished diamond films. Polycrystalline diamond films were deposited onto TiC substrates by microwave chemical vapor deposition using a gas mixture of CH4 and H2. The deposited diamond film was polished with each other up to a surface roughness R a =0.25 μm. A newly developed pin-on-disk examination method was proposed in order to realize sliding between parallel flat surfaces without misalignment. These pins were fabricated using one of the following metals: hard die steel, D2, and stainless steels, AISI440C, AISI420 and AISI304. Friction and wear tests were carried out in ambient air, dry air and in a nitrogen atmosphere. In the case of D2, we confirmed a very low and stable friction coefficient μ =0.08 when the test were performed in an ambient atmosphere without the usage of lubrications. Furthermore, we obtained much lower friction coefficients in the nitrogen atmosphere. Among all metals studied, the wear volume was also very minute in the case of the hard metals of D2 and AISI440C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Recently, several research and development (R&D) programs of beryllium and its alloys for fusion reactor application have been conducted in Japan and the community of beryllium research has grown. In the R&D area of beryllium technology for a solid breeding blanket, a major subject is applications of beryllides, for which lifetime evaluation as neutron multiplier, impurity effect on irradiation behavior and recycling of irradiated materials are under investigation. As for neutron multiplier materials, recent R&D has focused on Be–Ti alloys based on Be12Ti as an advanced option, because of their superior properties compared with beryllium metal in such respects as compatibility with structural materials and oxidation resistance at higher temperatures. In this paper, recent results on beryllide R&D in Japan are described. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Effects of helium on the microstructural evolution in tungsten were investigated using computer simulation based on a rate theory. Two cases were considered: helium with high energy (1keV) and low flux (1018/m2s) and helium with low energy (30eV, which cannot produce displacement damage) and high flux (1022/m2s). Neutron irradiation at 10−6 dpa/s and 873K was used in the calculations as a typical irradiation condition. Helium–vacancy clusters with high concentration were formed near the incident surface during neutron and helium irradiations. The formation of helium–vacancy clusters suppressed the helium diffusion deeper into the specimen. The results show that a helium plasma with low energy and high flux has a greater effect on the accumulation of helium–vacancy clusters near the incident surface than would a helium plasma with high energy and low flux. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We have performed a large set of high-resolution cosmological simulations using smoothed particle hydrodynamics to study the formation of the first luminous objects in the Lambda cold dark matter cosmology. We follow the collapse of primordial gas clouds in eight early structures and document the scatter in the properties of the first star-forming clouds. Our first objects span formation redshifts from to ∼50 and cover an order of magnitude in halo mass. We find that the physical properties of the central star-forming clouds are very similar in all of the simulated objects despite significant differences in formation redshift and environment. This suggests that the formation path of the first stars is largely independent of the collapse redshift; the physical properties of the clouds have little correlation with spin, mass or assembly history of the host halo. The collapse of protostellar objects at higher redshifts progresses much more rapidly due to the higher densities, which accelerates the formation of molecular hydrogen, enhances initial cooling and shortens the dynamical time-scales. The mass of the star-forming clouds cover a broad range, from a few hundred to a few thousand solar masses, and exhibit various morphologies: some have disc-like structures which are nearly rotational supported; others form flattened spheroids; still others form bars. All of them develop a single protostellar ‘seed’ which does not fragment into multiple objects up to the moment that the central gas becomes optically thick to H2 cooling lines. At this time, the instantaneous mass accretion rate on to the centre varies significantly from object to object, with disc-like structures having the smallest mass accretion rates. The formation epoch and properties of the star-forming clouds are sensitive to the values of cosmological parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Hyperthermia is known to protect against cellular injury through the expression of heat shock proteins. In this study, the therapeutic effects of hyperthermia on experimental colitis in the rat were evaluated. Materials and methods: Male Wistar rats were given a single intracolonic injection of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS). Hyperthermia was induced in anesthetized rats by placing them in a temperature-controlled water bath. We started the hyperthermic treatment on the day after the enema. The severity of colitis was evaluated pathologically, and the activities of tissue myeloperoxidase were measured 6 days after the induction of colitis. Furthermore, cytokines, and hyperthermia-induced heat shock proteins in colonic mucosa were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting. We also investigated the effects of geranylgeranylacetone and zinc protoporphyrin IX on the therapeutic effect of hyperthermia. Results: Hyperthermia significantly improved the macroscopic scores of colitis. The TNBS-induced increases in the activities of myeloperoxidase in the colonic tissue were blunted significantly in hyperthermia-treated animals. Furthermore, hyperthermia attenuated increases in cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractants-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α in the colon. Furthermore, hyperthermia induced the production of heat shock proteins in rat colonic mucosa, and the combination of geranylgeranylacetone with hyperthermia further induced the heat shock protein HSP70, which resulted in further improvement of TNBS-induced colitis. On the other hand, the combination of zinc protoporphyrin IX with hyperthermia attenuated the therapeutic effect of hyperthermia. Conclusions: Hyperthermia ameliorates TNBS-induced colitis in rats through the expression of HSP70 and HO-1. It is postulated that hyperthermia may be useful for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is a tryptophan-catabolising enzyme inducing immune tolerance. The present study aimed to investigate IDO expression and its prognostic significance in endometrial cancer. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase expression in endometrial cancer tissues (n=80) was immunohistochemically scored as four groups (IDO−, 1+, 2+, and 3+). The high IDO expression (IDO2+ or 3+) in tumour cells was found in 37 (46.3%) of the 80 cases, and was positively correlated with surgical stage, myometrial invasion, lymph-vascular space involvement, and lymph node metastasis, but not with the histological grade. Patients with high IDO expression had significantly impaired overall survival and progression-free survival (PFS) (P=0.002 and P=0.001, respectively) compared to patients with no or weak expression of IDO (IDO− or 1+). The 5-year PFS for IDO−/1+, 2+, and 3+ were 97.7, 72.9, and 36.4%, respectively. Even in patients with early-stage disease (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics I/II, n=64), the PFS for IDO2+/3+ was significantly poor (P=0.001) compared to that for IDO−/1+. On multivariate analysis, IDO expression was an independent prognostic factor for PFS (P=0.020). These results indicated that the high IDO expression was involved in the progression of endometrial cancer and correlated with the impaired clinical outcome, suggesting that IDO is a novel and reliable prognostic indicator for endometrial cancer.British Journal of Cancer (2006) 95, 1555–1561. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6603477 www.bjcancer.com Published online 21 November 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Increase in interleukin-8 in the oesophageal mucosa has been associated with the pathogenesis of reflux oesophagitis. Aim To assess the effect of bile acids on the interleukin-8 expression in normal human oesophageal epithelial cells and to determine its molecular mechanisms. Methods Human oesophageal epithelial cells were stimulated with unconjugated bile acids, conjugated bile acids and inflammatory cytokines. Protein and mRNA of interleukin-8 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. In addition, we examined protein kinases and transcription factors involved in interleukin-8 synthetic pathways using protein kinase inhibitors and luciferase expression vectors, respectively. Results Unconjugated bile acids induced interleukin-8 production from human oesophageal epithelial cells stronger than conjugated bile acids. However, conjugated bile acids in acidic media resulted in remarkable increase of interleukin-8 production compared with those in neutral-pH media. Mutation of the binding site of NF-kB, AP-1 and NF-IL6 abrogated the induction of luciferase activities by 100%, 70% and 30%, respectively. Inhibitor of protein kinase A, protein kinase C or p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase attenuated the production of interleukin-8 by cholic acid. Conclusions These results indicate that bile acids induce interleukin-8 expression from oesophageal epithelial cells mainly via the activation of NF-kB as well as AP-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of studies have shown that activated mast cells are involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and allergic diseases. Tryptase is one of the serine proteases that stored almost exclusively in the secretory granules of mast cells. It acts to induce microvascular leakage, the chemotaxis of inflammatory cells, and stimulates the release of inflammatory cytokines through the mitogen-activated protein kinase /activator protein-1 pathway and protease-activated receptor (PAR) nuclear factor- κB pathway. Recent studies have strongly indicated that tryptase and PAR are implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease and experimental colitis. The effect of anti-tryptase therapy on human inflammatory bowel disease and experimental colitis has been demonstrated. The result of a pilot study has revealed that systemic administration of a specific tryptase inhibitor is safe and there is evidence of activity in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Recently, we found that nafamostat mesilate, which selectively inhibits tryptase activity at low concentration, could reduce intestinal inflammation in rats. In addition, nafamostat mesilate enema improved clinical and endoscopic findings in ulcerative colitis patients, resistant to conventional therapy such as corticosteroids and sulfasalazine/5-aminosalicylic acid. These studies suggest that anti-tryptase therapy may represent a new therapeutic strategy for human inflammatory bowel disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the β decay from an even-even nucleus 124Ba to an odd-odd nucleus 124Cs in the interacting boson-fermion-fermion model (IBFFM). The even-even nucleus is described by the proton-neutron interacting boson model (IBM2) while the odd-odd nucleus is by the proton-neutron interacting boson-fermion-fermion model (IBFFM2). The result shows that the model is applicable to β-decay as well as the energy levels and the electromagnetic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Increase in interleukin-8 in the oesophageal mucosa has been associated with the pathogenesis of reflux oesophagitis. Aim To assess the effect of bile acids on the interleukin-8 expression in normal human oesophageal epithelial cells and to determine its molecular mechanisms. Methods Human oesophageal epithelial cells were stimulated with unconjugated bile acids, conjugated bile acids and inflammatory cytokines. Protein and mRNA of interleukin-8 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. In addition, we examined protein kinases and transcription factors involved in interleukin-8 synthetic pathways using protein kinase inhibitors and luciferase expression vectors, respectively. Results Unconjugated bile acids induced interleukin-8 production from human oesophageal epithelial cells stronger than conjugated bile acids. However, conjugated bile acids in acidic media resulted in remarkable increase of interleukin-8 production compared with those in neutral-pH media. Mutation of the binding site of NF-kB, AP-1 and NF-IL6 abrogated the induction of luciferase activities by 100%, 70% and 30%, respectively. Inhibitor of protein kinase A, protein kinase C or p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase attenuated the production of interleukin-8 by cholic acid. Conclusions These results indicate that bile acids induce interleukin-8 expression from oesophageal epithelial cells mainly via the activation of NF-kB as well as AP-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of studies have shown that activated mast cells are involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and allergic diseases. Tryptase is one of the serine proteases that stored almost exclusively in the secretory granules of mast cells. It acts to induce microvascular leakage, the chemotaxis of inflammatory cells, and stimulates the release of inflammatory cytokines through the mitogen-activated protein kinase /activator protein-1 pathway and protease-activated receptor (PAR) nuclear factor- κB pathway. Recent studies have strongly indicated that tryptase and PAR are implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease and experimental colitis. The effect of anti-tryptase therapy on human inflammatory bowel disease and experimental colitis has been demonstrated. The result of a pilot study has revealed that systemic administration of a specific tryptase inhibitor is safe and there is evidence of activity in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Recently, we found that nafamostat mesilate, which selectively inhibits tryptase activity at low concentration, could reduce intestinal inflammation in rats. In addition, nafamostat mesilate enema improved clinical and endoscopic findings in ulcerative colitis patients, resistant to conventional therapy such as corticosteroids and sulfasalazine/5-aminosalicylic acid. These studies suggest that anti-tryptase therapy may represent a new therapeutic strategy for human inflammatory bowel disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: With the help of a general methodology of asymptotic expansions for mixing processes, we obtain the Edgeworth expansion for log-returns of a stock price process in Barndorff-Nielsen and Shephard''s stochastic volatility model, in which the latent volatility process is described by a stationary non-Gaussian Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process (OU process) with invariant selfdecomposable distribution on . The present result enables us to simultaneously explain non-Gaussianity for short time-lags as well as approximate Gaussianity for long time-lags. The Malliavin calculus formulated by Bichteler, Gravereaux and Jacod for processes with jumps and the exponential mixing property of the OU process play substantial roles in order to ensure a conditional type Cramér condition under a certain truncation. Owing to several inherent properties of OU processes, the regularity conditions for the expansions can be verified without any difficulty, and the coefficients of the expansions up to any order can be explicitly computed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Effects of helium ion irradiation for tungsten and other metals have been studied extensively as functions of ion energy, temperature and fluence, for a wide range of burning plasma conditions, using not only ion accelerators, but also large-sized plasma confinement devices such as TRIAM-1M and LHD. In this paper, recent results on blistering, erosion and many other irradiation effects such as internal damage evolution, change of mechanical properties and heat load resistance, and synergetic effects with neutron irradiation, are comprehensively reviewed for better understanding of the performance of tungsten under helium plasma bombardment. It is emphasised that helium irradiation is a serious issue for tungsten as a plasma facing material under burning plasma condition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the present study,Escherichia colicells exhibited antibiotic resistance after transformation with exogenous plasmid DNA adsorbed onto chrysotile particles during agar-exposure. We previously demonstrated penetration ofE. coliby chrysotile particles during agar-exposure. To further investigate the mechanism by which transformation ofE. coliis achieved through the use of chrysotile fibers, the interaction betweenE. colicells and chrysotile was examined during agar-exposure. Dispersion of chrysotile particles within the chrysotile solution was analyzed by flow cytometry. A suspension containingE. colicells expressing blue fluorescence protein and chrysotile particles was exposed to agar using stirring apparatus, which allowed a constant vertical reaction force to be applied to the surface of the gel. Fluorescence microscopy was then used to illustrate the adsorption of fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated DNA oligomers to chrysotile. Larger aggregates were observed when increasing concentrations of chrysotile were added to the solution. With prolonged exposure, during which surface moisture diffused into the agar gel, greater concentrations of chrysotile were observed on the agar surface. In addition, chrysotile aggregates exceeding 50 µm developed on the agar surface. They were shaped like a chestnut bur. The chrysotile aggregates penetrated the cell membranes of adherentE. colicells during agar-exposure due to sliding friction forces generated at the interface of the agar and the stirring stick.E. colicells thus acquired plasmid DNA and antibiotic resistance, since the plasmid DNA had been adsorbed onto the chrysotile particles. The inoculation of plasmid DNA intoE. colicells demonstrates the usefulness of chrysotile forE. colitransformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It has been reported that inflammatory cell infiltration can be detected in patients with endoscopically negative gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as well as those with erosive reflux esophagitis. In this study, we examined the expression of mRNA for interleukin (IL)-8, a potent chemokine for neutrophils, in the esophageal mucosa of patients with GERD and compared the results with their endoscopic findings and symptoms. Methods: Biopsy samples were obtained from 80 patients. Endoscopic diagnosis was performed according to the Los Angeles classification. Patients with typical symptoms such as heartburn despite normal endoscopic findings were classified as the non-erosive GERD group. Total cellular RNA was extracted from the biopsy samples and IL-8 mRNA was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Localization of IL-8 protein in the esophageal mucosa was done by immunostaining. Results: Expression of IL-8 mRNA was correlated with the endoscopic grade of esophagitis or with inflammatory cell infiltration, but not with the symptoms of the patients. Expression of IL-8 mRNA was also detected in all patients with non-erosive GERD. The level of IL-8 expression in non-erosive GERD was low compared with that in erosive GERD, but was higher than that in normal controls. IL-8 immunostaining was found in the basal layers of the esophageal mucosa. Administration of lansoprazole, a proton-pump inhibitor, decreased both IL-8 mRNA and protein levels in the esophageal mucosa. Conclusion: These results suggest that IL-8 in the esophageal mucosa may be involved in the pathogenesis of esophageal inflammation, including non-erosive GERD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tungsten divertor plates in fusion reactors will be subject to helium bombardment. Helium retention and thermal desorption is a concerned issue in controlling helium ash. In the present study, fluence dependence of thermal desorption behavior of helium in tungsten was studied at different irradiation temperatures and ion energies. Results showed that helium desorption could start at ∼400 K with increasing fluence, while no noticeable peaks were detected at low fluence. Total helium desorption reached a saturation value at high fluence range, which was not sensitive to irradiation temperature or ion energy for the conditions evaluated. Surface modifications caused by either ion irradiation or thermal desorption were observed by SEM. The relationship of surface modifications and helium desorption behavior was discussed. Some special features of elevated irradiation temperature and lower ion energy were also indicated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary Background : Recent studies have shown that Helicobacter pylori affects intracellular signal transduction in host cells, leading to the activation of transcriptional factors and the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines. On the other hand, rebamipide, an anti-gastritis and anti-ulcer agent, could scavenge reactive oxygen species and reduce interleukin-8 (IL-8) expression in gastric epithelial cells induced by H. pylori -stimulation through the attenuated activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Aims : In this study, we investigated the effects of rebamipide on gene expression in H. pylori -stimulated epithelial cells using DNA chip. Methods : H. pylori water extract (HPE) was prepared from NCTC11637, the type strain of H. pylori . Total RNA was extracted from MKN45 cells, a human gastric cancer cell line, following HPE-stimulation with and without rebamipide for 3 h, and differences in gene expression profiles were observed using GeneChip and Human 6800 probe array. Results : The GeneChip analysis demonstrated that 132 up-regulated genes and 873 down-regulated genes, such as growth factors, chemokines and transcription factors, were detected in MKN45 cells 3 h after stimulation of H. pylori . Among them, several genes, including bFGF, RANTES and MIP-2β, were previously unknown to be expressed in H. pylori -stimulated human gastric cells. Rebamipide reduced expression of 119 genes encoding cytokines, growth factors and their receptors and transcription factors. Conclusions : These findings suggest that rebamipide could inhibit inflammatory reactions and tumour progression by modifying H. pylori infection-induced gene expression in gastric epithelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate that the absorption spectroscopic method can be applied to a precise δD (an index of 12CH3D/12CH4) and δ13C (an index of 13CH4/12CH4) analysis for methane samples of natural isotopic abundance. We chose an appropriate absorption line pair whose absorption coefficients have nearly the same temperature dependences so as to minimize the temperature effect in absorbance ratio measurements. We measured 12CH3D/12CH4 ratio by using near-infrared external cavity diode lasers and a new type multi-pass cell. The δD value can be determined from the 12CH3D/12CH4 signal-intensity ratio with a fine correction by taking account of the interference of 13CH4 lines. Similarly, the δ13C value is determined from the 13CH4/12CH4 signal-intensity ratio, which is measured by using distributed-feedback laser and a modified Herriot-type cell and corrected for the abundance of 12CH3D. The precision was ±0.7 and ±0.027‰ for δD and δ13C, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The β[sub 2]-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) is the key target for the β[sub 2]-agonist drugs used for bronchodilation in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. To detect four SNPs with amino acid variations at positions -47T/C (CysBUP19Arg), 46A/G (Gly16Arg), 79C/G (Gln27Glu), and 491C/T (Thr164Ile) in the β2AR gene, we used the electronic microchip assay, denaturing highperformance liquid chromatography (DHPLC), and direct sequencing. Genomic DNA samples were obtained from the blood of 84 Japanese healthy volunteers. The agreement rates of the first data set with the final data (allele calls) were 99.7% (332/333), 99.2% (246/248), and 96.7% (329/340). The percentages of no allele designation (ND) were 2.06% (7/340), 2.75% (7/255), and 0.00% (0/340) for the electronic microchip assay, DHPLC, and direct sequencing, respectively. Furthermore, we found three samples that had a novel haplotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the Kaiko-Tokai project, we took a total of 15 near-surface sediment push cores from inside and outside seafloor clam colonies and bacterial mats in the Nankai Trough. In this study, we present the chemical and isotopic composition of pore fluids extracted from the sampled cores, with special emphasis on those taken at the Ryuyo Canyon, and discuss (a) the chemical relation between the seeping fluid and biological communities, and (b) the origin of cold seep fluids. Compared with bottom seawater, up to 5% depletion of chloride concentration, extremely high CH4 concentration of more than 300 μmol/kg, and slight δDH2O depletion are observed in pore fluids at the Ryuyo Canyon, which suggests that the Ryuyo Canyon is an active seep zone of low chloride, CH4-rich, low δDH2O fluid from the sea bottom. Remarkable depletion of sulfate and significant enrichment of dissolved inorganic carbon and of hydrogen sulfide are also observed in the pore fluids, particularly those taken within bacterial mats, while the carbon isotopic composition of pore fluid dissolved methane (δ13CCH4) shows large heterogeneity (up to 30‰) in and around the vents. These chemical and isotopic characteristics might be due to active anaerobic methane oxidation and hydrogen sulfide production (methane oxidation through sulfate reduction) in the sedimentary layer just below (within 30 cm) the vents on the seafloor. The carbon isotopic composition of methane can be considered direct evidence of the mediation process between methane-enriched cold seep fluid and the H2S-dependent biological community on the cold seep vent. After correcting for the effect of methane oxidation at the sediment surface, we estimate the end-member carbon isotopic composition of methane as less than −90‰ PDB, and the end-member CH4/C2H6 ratio as more than 103, which suggests a microbial, shallow layer is the origin of methane in the fluid. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

As regulators of malignant cell behaviour and communication with stroma, cytokines have proved useful in understanding cancer biology and developing novel therapies. In renal cell carcinoma, patients with inflammatory reactions are known to have poor prognosis. In order to elucidate the relation between renal cell carcinoma and the host, serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1beta, were measured. One hundred and twenty-two patients with renal cell carcinoma and 21 healthy control subjects were studied, and serum cytokine levels were measured using a highly sensitive ELISA kit. As a result, in the control group, interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-1beta levels were 1.79+/-2.03, 2.74+/-0.94 and 0.16+/-0.17 pg ml(-1), respectively. In the renal cell carcinoma patients, they were 8.91+/-13.12, 8.44+/-4.15 and 0.53+/-0.57 pg ml(-1), respectively, and significantly higher. In the comparison of stage, interleukin-6 level was significantly higher in the stage IV group compared to the other stage groups including the control group, while tumour necrosis factor alpha level was significantly higher in each stage group compared to the control group. As for grade, interleukin-6 level was significantly higher in the grade 3 group compared to the control, grade 1 and grade 2 groups, while tumour necrosis factor alpha level was significantly higher in each grade group compared to the control group. All cytokines had a positive correlation with tumour size. In regard to the correlation with CRP, all cytokines had a positive correlation with CRP, while interleukin-6 had a particularly strong correlation. In conclusion, interleukin-6 may be one of the factors for the poor prognosis of patients with renal cell carcinoma. In addition, tumour necrosis factor alpha may be useful in the early diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma and post-operative follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As regulators of malignant cell behaviour and communication with stroma, cytokines have proved useful in understanding cancer biology and developing novel therapies. In renal cell carcinoma patients with inflammatory reactions are known to have poor prognosis. In order to elucidate the relation between renal celt carcinoma and the host, serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor α, interleukin-1β, were measured One hundred and twenty-two patients with renal cell carcinoma and 21 healthy contro subjects were studied, and serum cytokine levels were measured using a highly sensitive ELISA kit. As a result, in the control group, interleukin-6, turnout necrosis factor α and interleukin-1β levels were 1.79 ± 2.03, 2.74 ± 0.94 and 0.16 ± 0.17 pg ml[sup -1], respectively. In the renal cell carcinoma patients, they were 8.91 ± 13.12, 8.44±4.15 and 0.53±0.57 pg ml[sup -1] , respectively, and significantly higher. In the comparison of stage, interleukin-6 level was significantly higher in the stage IV group compared to the other stage groups including the control group, while turnout necrosis factor α level was significantly higher in each stage group compared to the control group. As for grade, interleukin-6 eve was significantly higher in the grade 3 group compared to the control, grade I and grade 2 groups, while turnout necrosis factor α level was significantly higher in each grade group compared to the control group. All cytokines had a positive correlation with turnout size. In regard to the correlation with CRP, all cytokines had a positive correlation with CRP, while interleukin-6 had a particularly strong correlation. In conclusion, interleukin-6 may be one of the factors for the poor prognosis of patients with renal celt carcinoma. In addition, tumour necrosis factor α may be useful in the early diagnosis of renal celt carcinoma and post-operative... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: H. pylori infection potentiates aspirin-induced gastric mucosal injury by mechanisms that include accumulation of activated neutrophils. Aim: To determine the role of elastase and active oxygen species (AOS) produced by activated neutrophils in the gastric mucosal injury induced by administration of acidified aspirin to H. pylori -infected Mongolian gerbils. Methods: H. pylori ATCC43504 culture broth was administered by oral gavage to male Mongolian gerbils at 7 weeks of age. After 4 weeks, acidified aspirin (400 mg/kg) was administered orally, and 3 h later, the total area of gastric erosions, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity (an index of neutrophil accumulation), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS, an index of lipid peroxidation), and KC/GRO (a chemo-attractive cytokine in rodents) were measured in gastric mucosa. To determine the role of elastase or AOS derived from neutrophils in these circumstances, ONO-5046 (an elastase inhibitor), a combination of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (scavengers of AOS), and polaprezinc (an anti-ulcer agent with anti-inflammatory effects) were administered before aspirin. Results: ONO-5046 inhibited the increase in gastric erosions and mucosal TBARS induced by administration of aspirin to H. pylori -infected gerbils, but not the increases in MPO activity or KC/GRO contents. A combination of SOD and catalase or polaprezinc significantly reduced gastric erosions, TBARS concentrations, MPO activity and KC/GRO concentration. Conclusions: These results suggest that neutrophil-derived-elastase and -oxidants play an important role in the gastric mucosal injury induced by administration of aspirin to H. pylori -infected gerbils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased cyclic AMP (cAMP)-phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity in peripheral blood leucocytes is associated with the immunological inflammation that characterizes allergic diseases, such as atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis. Recently, it has been found that IL-13 has similar biological functions to IL-4. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible involvement of cAMP-PDE activity on IL-13 release from peripheral blood mononuclears cells (PBMC) from atopic asthma patients. Phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)-induced IL-13 release from PBMC was concentration-dependently inhibited by rolipram, a type 4 PDE inhibitor, as well as by dibutyryl cAMP, a membrane-permeant cAMP analogue. However, theophylline, a non-specific PDE inhibitor, and cilostazol, a type 3 PDE inhibitor, failed to inhibit IL-13 release. The inhibitory effect of rolipram was enhanced by the addition of forskolin (10-4 m), an adenylyl cyclase stimulator. PHA itself did not alter the intracellular cAMP level. Rolipram concentration-dependently increased cAMP level in PHA-stimulated PBMC, and this increase was synergistically facilitated by the addition of forskolin (10-4 m). These results suggest that type 4 PDE inhibitors, alone or synergistically in combination with forskolin, inhibit PHA-induced IL-13 release from PBMC of atopic asthma patients by elevating intracellular cAMP concentrations. These inhibitors have the potential to exert an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting IL-13 production in allergic diseases such as atopic asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We create mock pencil-beam redshift surveys from very large cosmological N-body simulations of two cold dark matter (CDM) cosmogonies, an Einstein–de Sitter model (τCDM) and a flat model with Ω[sub 0]=0.3 and a cosmological constant (ΛCDM). We use these to assess the significance of the apparent periodicity discovered by Broadhurst et al. Simulation particles are tagged as ‘galaxies’ so as to reproduce observed present-day correlations. They are then identified along the past light-cones of hypothetical observers to create mock catalogues with the geometry and the distance distribution of the Broadhurst et al. data. We produce 1936 (2625) quasi-independent catalogues from our τCDM (ΛCDM) simulation. A couple of large clumps in a catalogue can produce a high peak at low wavenumbers in the corresponding one-dimensional power spectrum, without any apparent large-scale periodicity in the original redshift histogram. Although the simulated redshift histograms frequently display regularly spaced clumps, the spacing of these clumps varies between catalogues and there is no ‘preferred’ period over our many realizations. We find only a 0.72 (0.49) per cent chance that the highest peak in the power spectrum of a τCDM (ΛCDM) catalogue has a peak-to-noise ratio higher than that in the Broadhurst et al. data. None of the simulated catalogues with such high peaks shows coherently spaced clumps with a significance as high as that of the real data. We conclude that in CDM universes, the regularity on a scale of ∼130 h[sup -1] Mpc observed by Broadhurst et al. has a priori probability well below 10[sup -3]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]