Determination of the magnetic ground state in the martensite phase of Ni-Mn-Z (Z = In, Sn and Sb) off-stoichiometric Heusler alloys by nonlinear AC susceptibility

DC and AC magnetic measurements were carried out to clarify the difference in the magnetic ground state depending on the kinds of Z element used in the martensite phase in Ni-Mn-Z (Z = In, Sn and Sb) off-stoichiometric Heusler alloys. Magnetic field cooling effects were observed in the DC thermomagnetization curves in the low temperature regions, and a frequency dependence on AC susceptibility was also observed in both real and imaginary parts of the susceptibility. Negative divergence was clearly observed in nonlinear AC susceptibility only for the Ni(50)Mn(40)Sb(10) alloy, suggesting that the magnetic feature of its ground state is the spin-glass state. The magnetic ground state of the martensite phase in these alloys would relate to the magnetic configuration of the Mn atoms in the ferromagnetic austenite phase.

Clinical application of arterial spin-labeling MR imaging in patients with carotid stenosis: quantitative comparative study with single-photon emission CT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Arterial spin-labeling is an emerging technique for noninvasive measurement of cerebral perfusion, but concerns remain regarding the reliability of CBF quantification and clinical applications. Recently, an ASL implementation called QUASAR was proposed, and it was shown to have good reproducibility of CBF assessment in healthy volunteers. This study aimed to determine the utility of QUASAR for CBF assessment in patients with cerebrovascular diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty patients with carotid stenosis underwent CBF quantification by ASL (QUASAR) within 3 days of performance of (123)I-iodoamphetamine-SPECT. CVR to acetazolamide also was assessed by ASL and SPECT. In surgically treated patients, the respective scans before and after the procedures were compared.

RESULTS

Regional CBF and CVR values measured by ASL were significantly correlated and agreed with those measured by SPECT (r(s) = 0.92 and 0.88, respectively). A Bland-Altman plot demonstrated good agreement between 2 methods in terms of CBF quantification. Furthermore, ASL could detect pathologic states such as hypoperfusion, impaired vasoreactivity, and postoperative hyperperfusion, equivalent to SPECT. However, ASL tended to overestimate CBF values especially in high-perfusion regions.

CONCLUSIONS

ASL perfusion MR imaging is clinically applicable and can be an alternative method for CBF assessment in patients with cerebrovascular diseases.

[Subscapular elastofibroma]

Elastofibroma is a tumor that is localized mainly at the subscapular region. We report 2 cases of subscapular elastofibromas. Case 1, 75-year-old woman was seen at the hospital because of a left dorsal tumor. Computed tomography (CT) scan revealed the tumor of 6 cm in diameter in the inferior angle of left scapula. The patient underwent excision of the tumor. Case 2, 90-year-old man underwent excision a tumor of 5 cm in diameter in the inferior angle of right scapula simultaneously with the operation of right lung cancer. Histological examinations showed increased elastic fiber with elastica van Gieson staining. These specimens confirmed the diagnosis of elastofibroma There have been no signs of recurrence after surgery.

[Present status and future prospects of nutritional support teams]

Academic interest in nutritional support teams (NSTs) has increased rapidly in Japan since 1999, when they were first planned by the Japanese Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (JSPEN). The JSPEN promoted their use extensively after 2006 when extra medical fees were approved for medical management by NSTs under the national health insurance system. The purpose of NSTs is to provide the best nutritional support to patients who are malnourished or at high risk of developing malnutrition, without causing conflict among different medical staff. NSTs offer appropriate medical support and help prevent the deterioration of patients' health. The teams are comprised of specialized medical staff with nutritional expertise who work at the bedside and are committed to establishing good medical practice. The main targets of NSTs are patients who undergo surgery or are being treated in a geriatric or internal medicine unit, including those with lifestyle-related diseases. Therefore, most targets of NSTs are patients with common conditions. A package medical system based on the diagnostic-procedure combination was established, and regional medical centers were integrated to ensure high-quality medical care throughout Japan. Under this system, NSTs are expected to resolve individual patients' dietary issues. In addition, improvement of medical care quality and the training of reliable medical staff are necessary to provide nutritional management in the clinical setting. It will be necessary to the revise the assessment of NSTs as proposed by a committee of the Japanese Nutritional Support Promotion Group or to carry out surveillance to evaluate the outcomes of NST activity.

Stress-assisted large magnetic-field-induced strain in single-variant Co-Ni-Ga ferromagnetic shape memory alloy

The magnetic anisotropy and the magnetic-field-induced strain (MFIS) in a single-variant Co(47.5)Ni(22.5)Ga(30.0) ferromagnetic shape memory alloy (FSMA) have been investigated. From the magnetization curves for the single crystal, the hard c-axis was confirmed, and the uniaxial magnetic anisotropy constant K(u) at 300 K was evaluated to be -1.07 × 10(6) erg cm(-3) for the single-variant Co(47.5)Ni(22.5)Ga(30.0) martensite phase. The magnitude of compressive shear stress for the variant rearrangement was estimated to be 6.0-7.5 MPa from the stress-strain curves. An assisted stress τ(assist) of 6.0 MPa was applied before applying a magnetic field, and then a magnetic stress τ(mag) of 0.3 MPa was added. As a result, a large MFIS of about 7.6 % was obtained at room temperature in the martensite phase of the single-variant Co(47.5)Ni(22.5)Ga(30.0).

Magnetic anisotropy in Ni-Fe-Ga-Co ferromagnetic shape memory alloys in the single-variant state

The effects of the addition of Co on the magnetic anisotropy in Ni(55-x)Fe(18)Ga(27)Co(x) (x = 1-6) single-variant ferromagnetic shape memory alloys have been investigated. By the addition of Co from 1 to 6 at.%, the Curie temperature T(C) is increased from 318 to 405 K, keeping the martensitic transformation temperatures above room temperature. As a result, the value of the uniaxial magnetic anisotropy constant |K(u)| at 300 K increases with increasing x of the Co concentration and the martensite phase of Ni(49)Fe(18)Ga(27)Co(6) exhibits a relatively high value of |K(u)| = 1.15 × 10(5) J m(-3) at 300 K. With increasing Co concentration, on the other hand, the c axis changes from the magnetic easy axis to the hard axis at 4.2 K, that is, the sign of K(u) is reversed from positive to negative between 2 and 3 at.% Co. Furthermore, K(u) in Ni(53)Fe(18)Ga(27)Co(2) is positive below 100 K and negative above 100 K up to T(C), reducing the magnetic anisotropy around 200 K. From the present results, it is evident that the magnetic anisotropy of Ni(55-x)Fe(18)Ga(27)Co(x) (x = 1-6) single-variant ferromagnetic shape memory alloys is very sensitive to Co concentration and also temperature.

Improvement in respiratory function by percutaneous vertebroplasty

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) improves back pain and corrects spinal misalignment to some extent, and thus may improve respiratory function.

PURPOSE

To retrospectively investigate changes in respiratory function after PVP.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

41 patients (mean age 72.0 years, range 59-86 years; 39 women, two men) who had undergone PVP for vertebral compression fractures (37 thoracic vertebral bodies [Th6-Th12] and 50 lumbar vertebral bodies [L1-L5]) caused by osteoporosis visited our hospital for follow-up consultation between January and June 2005. At this follow-up consultation, respiratory function testing, including percent forced vital capacity (FVC%) and percent forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)%), was performed. We retrospectively compared these values with those taken before PVP using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

RESULTS

FVC% was 85.2+/-30.3% before PVP and 91.5+/-16.8% at follow-up (mean 10 months after PVP), which represented a significant difference (P<0.003). No significant difference in FEV(1)% was detected. Regarding the number of treatment levels, that is, single vertebroplasty versus multiple vertebroplasty, no significant difference in improvement of FVC% was confirmed (P=0.1). FVC% was abnormally low (<or=79%) before PVP in 16 patients and improved to within normal range postoperatively in six of these patients (38%).

CONCLUSION

PVP improves preoperatively decreased lung function, but this improvement takes time.

Platelet-derived growth factor signals play critical roles in differentiation of longitudinal smooth muscle cells in mouse embryonic gut

In the development of mouse gut, longitudinal smooth muscle cells (LMC) and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) originate from common precursor cells expressing c-Kit. Recently, some gastrointestinal stromal tumours, which develop from smooth muscle layers of the gut and have gain-of-function mutations of c-kit, have been reported to have gain-of-function mutations of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor alpha gene. These data raise the possibility that PDGF signalling might be involved in the development of LMC. Therefore, we examined the expression pattern of the PDGF signal family of embryonic gut by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, and investigated the role of PDGF signals in the development of smooth muscle layers in mouse gut using a new organ culture system. During embryonic development, the circular muscle layer expressed PDGF-A, enteric neurons expressed PDGF-B and common precursor cells of LMC and ICC expressed both PDGF receptor alpha and beta. The selective PDGF receptor inhibitor AG1295 suppressed the differentiation of LMC in gut explants. We conclude that PDGF signals play critical roles in the differentiation of LMC in mouse embryonic gut.

Identification of COL6A1 as a differentially expressed gene in human astrocytomas

Diffuse infiltrating gliomas are the most common tumors of the central nervous system. Gliomas are classified by the WHO according to their histopathological and clinical characteristics into four classes: grade I (pilocytic astrocytoma), grade II (diffuse astrocytoma), grade III (anaplastic astrocytoma), and grade IV (glioblastoma multiforme). Several genes have already been correlated with astrocytomas, but many others are yet to be uncovered. By analyzing the public SAGE data from 21 patients, comprising low malignant grade astrocytomas and glioblastomas, we found COL6A1 to be differentially expressed, confirming this finding by real time RT-PCR in 66 surgical samples. To the best of our knowledge, COL6A1 has never been described in gliomas. The expression of this gene has significantly different means when normal glia is compared with low-grade astrocytomas (grades I and II) and high-grade astrocytomas (grades III and IV), with a tendency to be greater in higher grade samples, thus rendering it a powerful tumor marker.

[Retrospective study of two cases of acute datura poisoning]

We saw 2 cases of datura poisoning, with the main complaint of impaired consciousness, which were brought to the emergency department of this hospital. The poisonous constituent of the datura is tropane alkaloid, which is said to have a short half-life period that makes it difficult to determine its quantity in the blood or urine. We stored the urine and blood specimens taken when the patients were brought in and sent them for analysis at a public health center a few days later. The determined amounts for both patients are as follows. Case 1: serum atropine, 70 ng/mL; scopolamine, 210 ng/mL; urine atropine, 0.34 mg/L; scopolamine, 0.11 mg/L. Case 2 : serum atropine, 60 ng/ mL ; scopolamine, 380 ng/mL ; urine atropine, 0.22 mg/L ; scopolamine, 0.14 mg/L. We attempted to compare these results with literature on the possible measurement of a determined amount in light of comparative considerations of the correlation between blood concentration and clinical conditions, but encountered some difficulties due to the lack of available reports. However, as our own experiment cases are retrospective we report them as valuable cases in which it is possible to obtain a determined amount of tropane alkaloid.

Definitions of recovery and outcomes of major depression: results from a 10-year follow-up

OBJECTIVE

Consensus operational definitions for symptomatic remission and recovery of a major depressive episode have been proposed but only irregularly followed.

METHOD

We examined the predictive validity of different definitions of recovery in a multi-center 10-year follow-up study of an inception cohort of untreated unipolar major depressive episodes (n = 95). Time to recovery and time to recurrence after recovery were estimated by Kaplan-Meier survival analyses for alternative definitions requiring 2, 4, 6 or 12 months of remission to declare recovery.

RESULTS

The median time to recovery was 3.0, 4.0, 4.0 and 12.0 months respectively. The index episode lasted longer than 24 months in 9.4%, 9.2%, 12.6% and 24.5%. The median time to subthreshold recurrence was 16.0, 32.0, 42.0 and 74.0 months.

CONCLUSION

Either 4- or 6-month duration of remission defined a change point before which the episode was continuous and after which the recurrence was reasonably unlikely.

Cervical spine movement during laryngoscopy using the Airway Scope compared with the Macintosh laryngoscope

The Airway Scope is a new rigid laryngoscope. This intubation device provides a non-line-of sight view of the glottis. A non-line-of sight view is expected to cause less movement of the cervical spine during laryngeal visualisation. We compared the degree of cervical spine movement during laryngoscopy with the Airway Scope and conventional direct laryngoscope. Twenty patients requiring general anaesthesia and tracheal intubation were studied. Movements of the cervical spine were measured using radiography in the same patient during laryngoscopy with the Airway Scope and a Macintosh laryngoscope. Cervical spine movement during laryngoscopy with the Airway Scope was 37%, 37% and 68% less than that with the Macintosh laryngoscope at the C0/C1, C1/C2 and C3/C4 motion segments, respectively (p < 0.05). The movement of the atlanto-occipital distance using the Airway Scope was 42% less than that during laryngoscopy using the Macintosh laryngoscope (p < 0.05). Laryngoscopy using the Airway Scope involves less movement of the cervical spine compared to conventional laryngoscopy using the Macintosh laryngoscope.

[Risk factors of recurrence in resected stage I non-small cell lung cancer]

We reviewed risk factors of recurrence in resected pathological stage I non-small cell lung cancer (I NSCLC). Objective is 229 complete resected I NSCLC in our department. Risk factors of recurrence were carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), histology, differentiation, lymphatic invasion, blood vessel invasion, pleural invasion and tumor size. By univariate analysis, lymphatic invasion (p=0.009), blood vessel invasion (p=0.008), pleural invasion, p1 (p=0.013), p2 (p=0.001), and tumor size (value of cut off was 2 cm) were significant risk factors of recurrence. By multivariate analysis, blood vessel invasion (p=0.004), pleural invasion (p1 or p2) [p=0.001], were significantly risk factors of recurrence. It was suggested that I NSCLC presenting pathological blood vessel invasion and/or pleural invasion should be recognized as cases with a high risk of recurrence, and a strict follow-up and adjuvant therapy should be in consideration.

Time-varying modeling of gene expression regulatory networks using the wavelet dynamic vector autoregressive method

MOTIVATION

A variety of biological cellular processes are achieved through a variety of extracellular regulators, signal transduction, protein-protein interactions and differential gene expression. Understanding of the mechanisms underlying these processes requires detailed molecular description of the protein and gene networks involved. To better understand these molecular networks, we propose a statistical method to estimate time-varying gene regulatory networks from time series microarray data. One well known problem when inferring connectivity in gene regulatory networks is the fact that the relationships found constitute correlations that do not allow inferring causation, for which, a priori biological knowledge is required. Moreover, it is also necessary to know the time period at which this causation occurs. Here, we present the Dynamic Vector Autoregressive model as a solution to these problems.

RESULTS

We have applied the Dynamic Vector Autoregressive model to estimate time-varying gene regulatory networks based on gene expression profiles obtained from microarray experiments. The network is determined entirely based on gene expression profiles data, without any prior biological knowledge. Through construction of three gene regulatory networks (of p53, NF-kappaB and c-myc) for HeLa cells, we were able to predict the connectivity, Granger-causality and dynamics of the information flow in these networks.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Additional figures may be found at http://mariwork.iq.usp.br/dvar/.

Development of noninvasive tonometer using resonance phenomenon

A tonometer is used to measure ocular pressure either by shooting a short blast of compressed air onto the cornea or by applying pressure directly to the cornea. At present, the tonometer is the primary instrument available for measuring ocular pressure. However, measuring ocular pressure by such means can either frighten or injure the patient. We propose an improved method of measuring ocular pressure in which the tonometer is applied over the patient's closed eyelid for several seconds. The sensor part of the newly developed tonometer contains a bimorph type transducer and weighs only 28.7 (g). When the sensor is placed on the eyelid and the transducer is vibrated by altering the applied voltage, the current flowing through the transducer changes in relation to the ocular pressure. Ocular pressure can thus be determined based on the current flowing through the system. During measurement, patients are generally unaware of the vibrations of the sensor and report no pain.

Magnetic-field-induced shape recovery by reverse phase transformation

Large magnetic-field-induced strains have been observed in Heusler alloys with a body-centred cubic ordered structure and have been explained by the rearrangement of martensite structural variants due to an external magnetic field. These materials have attracted considerable attention as potential magnetic actuator materials. Here we report the magnetic-field-induced shape recovery of a compressively deformed NiCoMnIn alloy. Stresses of over 100 MPa are generated in the material on the application of a magnetic field of 70 kOe; such stress levels are approximately 50 times larger than that generated in a previous ferromagnetic shape-memory alloy. We observed 3 per cent deformation and almost full recovery of the original shape of the alloy. We attribute this deformation behaviour to a reverse transformation from the antiferromagnetic (or paramagnetic) martensitic to the ferromagnetic parent phase at 298 K in the Ni45Co5Mn36.7In13.3 single crystal.

The GATO gene annotation tool for research laboratories

Large-scale genome projects have generated a rapidly increasing number of DNA sequences. Therefore, development of computational methods to rapidly analyze these sequences is essential for progress in genomic research. Here we present an automatic annotation system for preliminary analysis of DNA sequences. The gene annotation tool (GATO) is a Bioinformatics pipeline designed to facilitate routine functional annotation and easy access to annotated genes. It was designed in view of the frequent need of genomic researchers to access data pertaining to a common set of genes. In the GATO system, annotation is generated by querying some of the Web-accessible resources and the information is stored in a local database, which keeps a record of all previous annotation results. GATO may be accessed from everywhere through the internet or may be run locally if a large number of sequences are going to be annotated. It is implemented in PHP and Perl and may be run on any suitable Web server. Usually, installation and application of annotation systems require experience and are time consuming, but GATO is simple and practical, allowing anyone with basic skills in informatics to access it without any special training. GATO can be downloaded at [http://mariwork.iq.usp.br/gato/]. Minimum computer free space required is 2 MB.

Selective transvenous embolization for dural arteriovenous fistulas with the aid of superselective venograms of fistulous drainages and involved sinuses

SUMMARY

For the treatment of transvenous embolization (TVE) of dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) the sites of arteriovenous shunts, fistulous drainage, and the pathological changes inside the affected sinuses were explored in detail by means of preoperative arteriograms, superselective arteriograms, and superselective venograms. Out of 42 adult patients with DAVFs involving a total of 63 sinuses, three distinctive findings were identified as essential for indication of selective TVE for DAVFs. The first is extra-sinus fistulous drainage, which is embolizable fistulous drainage, remote from the major dural sinus, that flows into the sinus lumen. The second is intramural fistulous drainage, which is embolizable fistulous drainage located within the dural leafs of the involved sinus and separate from the major sinus lumen. The third consists of several lumens inside the affected sinuses, which suggests a variety of histological changes in the developmental process of sinus thrombosis and DAVFs. The extra-sinus drainage was occluded in three torcular heroplili fistulas and three transverse sinus fistulas. The intramural fistulous drainage was eliminated in three superior sagittal sinus fistulas. Several lumens inside the affected sinuses were encountered in 17 posterior fossa fistulas (68%) and 10 cavernous sinus fistulas (34%). These distinctive findings were recognized in 52% of the DAVFs. Out of various modalities for treatment of DAVFs, TVE has been the method of choice for the treatment of diffuse DAVFs. The TVE of DAVFs do not correspond to simple sinus occlusion, but imply selective occlusion of fistulous drainages and sinus lumens. The recognition of these three distinctive types of fistulous drainages have clinical impact in that it helps to completely occlude all the fistulous components of fistulas as well as preserve or restore the normal venous outflow through the involved sinus.

Type I restriction enzyme with RecA protein promotes illegitimate recombination

Illegitimate (non-homologous) recombination requires little or no sequence homology between recombining DNAs and has been regarded as being a process distinct from homologous recombination, which requires a long stretch of homology between recombining DNAs. However, we have found a type of illegitimate recombination that requires an interaction between long homologous DNA sequences. It was detected when a plasmid that carried 2-kb-long inverted repeats was subjected to type I (EcoKI) restriction in vivo within a special mutant strain of Escherichia coli. In the present work, we analyzed genetic requirements for this type of illegitimate recombination in well-defined genetic backgrounds. Our analysis demonstrated dependence on RecA function and on the presence of two EcoKI sites on the substrate DNA. These results are in harmony with a model in which EcoKI restriction enzyme attacks an intermediate of homologous recombination to divert it to illegitimate recombination.

[Prevention of parenchymal air leakage after lung resection; comparison of effectiveness in drug formation of fibrin adhesive]

We investigated the comparative effectiveness of the seat and glue types of fibrin adhesive, to clarify which is more useful in preventing postoperative parenchymal air leaks after lung resection. One hundred sixteen patients received fibrin adhesive to prevent postoperative air leakage after lung resection carried out by the same surgeon. Ninety-two lobectomies and 24 partial resections were assessed. There were 29 patients with emphysematous lung. In the seat type group, an average of 2.6 postoperative days elapsed before chest drain removal. In the glue type, this average was 3.2 days, a significant difference. This difference was also evident in the lobectomy group. However, among emphysematous lung patients and the partial resection group, there was no apparent difference. Prolonged air leakage was seen in 2 patients with emphysematous lung, but no difference in terms of drug formation could be seen. The seated type of fibrin adhesive was more useful than the glue type in preventing postoperative air leaks, but in emphysematous lung patients, better surgical technique would seem to be the critical factor.

Phase II study of cisplatin, ifosfamide, and irinotecan with rhG-CSF support in patients with stage IIIb and IV non-small-cell lung cancer

A phase II study of cisplatin, ifosfamide, and irinotecan with recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) support was conducted in previously untreated patients with stage IIIB or IV non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Between June 1998 and August 2001, 50 patients were registered in this phase II study. Cisplatin (20 mg m(-2)) and ifosfamide (1.5 g m(-2)) were administered on days 1-4 and irinotecan (60 mg m(-2)) was given on days 1, 8, and 15, respectively. This regimen was repeated every 4 weeks. rhG-CSF was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 50 microg m(-2) on days 5-18 except on the days of irinotecan treatment. In total, 49 patients were assessable for toxicity and response and 50 for survival. In all, 33, patients (67.3%; 95% confidence interval 57.4-77.2%) achieved an objective response. The median response duration was 192 days and the median time to progression for 49 patients was 170 days. The median survival time was 540 days with 1- and 2-year survival rates of 63.5 and 30.7%, respectively. Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia developed in 63.3 and 38.8% of the patients, respectively. In conclusion, the combination of cisplatin, ifosfamide, and irinotecan with rhG-CSF support was highly effective for the treatment of stage IIIB or IV NSCLC with acceptable toxicities.

[Liposarcoma of the pleural cavity; report of a case]

A 43-year-old-woman who had sever anterior chest pain visited our hospital on April 3, 2000. A well-defined abnormal shadow was seen in the middle and lower field of the right lung on chest X-ray. Computed tomography showed a large fat density mass in the right pleural cavity with a septum enhanced by contrast medium. Percutaneous needle biopsy revealed lipoma or liposarcoma. Complete resection could be done with combined resection of right lung, lpericardium, parietal pleura and diaphragm. Final histologic diagnosis was well differentiated liposarcoma. There are few reports of liposarcoma arising in the thoracic cavity, we present our case and review the 23 cases reported from the Japanese literatures.

Administration of anti-interleukin 18 antibody fails to inhibit development of dermatitis in atopic dermatitis-model mice NC/Nga

BACKGROUND

Interleukin (IL)-18 has been shown to activate basophils to produce histamine and IL-4 and to induce naive T cells to differentiate into T-helper (Th) 2 cells. However, when expressed together with IL-12, IL-18 induces Th1 cell development and inhibits IgE synthesis. Previously we reported that serum IL-18 levels were elevated in the sera from atopic dermatitis-model mice NC/Nga, prior to the onset and during the development of dermatitis.

OBJECTIVES

We studied whether neutralization of IL-18 activity might affect dermatitis in NC/Nga mice, to investigate the role of IL-18 on dermatitis.

METHODS

NC/Nga mice were given weekly anti-IL-18 antibody starting at 5 weeks of age to 13 weeks and development of dermatitis, scratching behaviour and serum IgE concentrations were evaluated.

RESULTS

Continuous injections of anti-IL-18 antibody failed to inhibit the onset and development of dermatitis and IgE elevation. The treatment, rather, tended to lead to an exacerbation of dermatitis and scratching behaviour. In addition, the administration of anti-IL-18 antibody did not ameliorate the responsiveness of lymphocytes to IL-4, which was previously demonstrated as an immunological abnormality in the mouse.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that, at least in NC/Nga mice, IL-18, although excessively expressed before the onset of dermatitis, shows antiallergic actions.

Haemodynamic assessment in patients with dural arteriovenous fistulae: dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced MRI

Cerebral haemodynamics in patients with dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVF) have not been fully investigated and their effects are not clear. Our purpose was to assess impaired haemodynamics in patients with DAVF using dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced MRI (DSC-MRI). We used this technique in eight control subjects (group I) and 17 patients with DAVF who were scheduled to undergo or had already undergone endovascular embolisation and/or surgical excision. There were seven patients with cavernous sinus DAVF (CSDAVF) and the other ten had unilateral transverse/sigmoid sinus DAVF. All patients with CSDAVF underwent DSC-MRI preoperatively (group II) and those with transverse/sigmoid sinus DAVF underwent preoperative DSC-MRI (group III) and postoperative (group IV) assessment. The ratios of relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV), cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and mean transit time (rMTT) were calculated relative to contralateral values. Patients in group II had no significant haemodynamic impairment in grey (GM) or white matter (WM), but cerebellar rMTT were significantly prolonged ( P<0.05). Group III showed haemodynamic impairment characterised by significant increase in rCBV, prolongation of rMTT and decrease in rCBF in GM ( P<0.05). Significantly increased rCBV and prolonged rMTT in the GM ( P<0.05) were obvious in group III patients irrespective of retrograde leptomeningeal venous drainage (RLVD). In group IV, rCBV and rCBF returned to normal values, whereas rMTT was still significantly prolonged in GM ( P<0.05). Our study indicates that patients with CSDAVF may have impaired cerebellar perfusion, and that those with transverse/sigmoid sinus DVAF can have disturbed cerebral haemodynamics, even in the absence of RLVD.

Effect of 1DMe, a neuropeptide FF analog, on acetylcholine release from myenteric plexus of guinea pig ileum

Since neuropeptide FF (NPFF) is a putative neurotransmitter to exert anti-opioid activity, we examined the effects of [D-Tyr', (NMe)Phe3]neuropeptide FF (IDMe), a stable NPFF analog, on acetylcholine (ACh) release from a longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus (LMMP) preparation of guinea pig ileum in which opioids were known to inhibit ACh release when muscarinic autoinhibition was not fully activated. In the presence of atropine, 1DMe increased spontaneous and electrical field stimulation (EFS)-evoked ACh release in a concentration-dependent manner. Naloxone also increased ACh release. The stimulatory effects of 1DMe and naloxone were not additive. In the absence of atropine, 1DMe did not affect ACh release. Morphine decreased spontaneous and EFS-evoked ACh release in the presence of 1 microM atropine. 1DMe as well as naloxone counteracted the inhibitory effects of morphine on EFS-evoked ACh release. The combination of 1DMe and naloxone was not more inhibitory than either drug alone. 1DMe had no appreciable effect on norepinephrine-induced inhibition of spontaneous and EFS-evoked ACh release. These results first demonstrated the effects of a NPFF analog on neurotransmitter release: 1DMe had a stimulatory effect on spontaneous and EFS-induced ACh release from the LMMP preparation of guinea pig ileum, probably by counteracting the inhibitory effect of endogenous opioids on ACh release.

Oral administration of persimmon leaf extract ameliorates skin symptoms and transepidermal water loss in atopic dermatitis model mice, NC/Nga

BACKGROUND

We have previously shown that persimmon leaf extract and its major flavonoid constituent, astragalin, inhibited histamine release by basophils and that oral administration of these substances prior to the onset into an atopic dermatitis (AD) model mouse, NC/Nga, prevented development of dermatitis.

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to assess the clinical therapeutic effect of persimmon leaf extract and astragalin in NC/Nga mice suffering from dermatitis and the dose-response preventive effects of persimmon leaf extract on dermatitis and transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

METHODS

The efficacy of persimmon leaf extract or astragalin in NC/Nga mice was judged by measurement of skin severity, scratching behaviour, serum IgE levels or TEWL.

RESULTS

Oral administration of persimmon leaf extract (250 mg kg(-1)) or astragalin (1.5 mg kg-1) for 4 weeks into NC/Nga mice with overt dermatitis resulted in a decrease in the severity of the condition. The preventive effect of persimmon leaf extract on the dermatitis was dose-dependent and continuous intake of persimmon leaf extract significantly decreased its onset and development. In addition, TEWL was also suppressed at a persimmon leaf extract dose of 250 mg kg(-1). No significant adverse reaction by these substances could be observed.

CONCLUSIONS

These observations suggest that persimmon leaf extract or the flavonoid astragalin may be alternative substances for the management of AD.

Origin of Ca2+ necessary for carbachol-induced contraction in longitudinal muscle of the proximal colon of rats

The origin of Ca2+ necessary for carbachol (CCh)-induced contraction of longitudinal muscle of the proximal colon of rats was studied. CCh induced contraction of the muscle consisting of two phases, phasic and tonic phases, with a concomitant biphasic increase in [Ca2+]i. After removal of Ca2+ from the bathing solution of the colonic segments, CCh-induced contraction was rapidly inhibited; there was almost complete inhibition 1 min after the removal. Nicardipine, a blocker of voltage-dependent calcium channel, also significantly inhibited CCh-induced contraction. On the other hand, treatment of the colonic segments with thapsigargin, an inhibitor of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+-ATPase, did not significantly affect the contraction except causing a slight decrease in the rate of contraction. These results suggest that Ca> entering through voltage-dependent calcium channels, but not released from SR, is essential for CCh-induced contraction of longitudinal muscle of the proximal colon of rats. This strict dependency of the CCh-induced contraction on extracellular Ca2+ was discussed in relation to the results obtained in the fundus of rats.

NGF induces neurite outgrowth via a decrease in phosphorylation of myosin light chain in PC12 cells

The relationship between phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC) and neurite outgrowth induced by nerve growth factor (NGF) was studied in PC12 cells. Inhibitors of Rho kinase, HA-1077 or Y-27632 also induced neurite outgrowth. As already reported botulinum exoenzyme C3 which inactivates Rho protein also induced neurite outgrowth. Calyeulin A, an inhibitor of phosphatase counteracted both NGF- and C3- induced neurite outgrowth. Treatments of both NGF and C3 resulted in significant and transient decrease in phosphorylated MLC. These results suggest that NGF induces neurite outgrowth of PC12 by a transient decrease in phosphorylated MLC which is brought about by activation of MLC phosphatase via inhibition of Rho-Rho kinase pathway.

Post-traumatic high flow priapism: demonstrable findings of penile enhanced computed tomography

Post-traumatic high flow priapism is a rare disease. A review of English published reports revealed 63 cases. Enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the penis has not previously been used as a diagnostic method for post-traumatic high flow priapism. We present a case of post-traumatic high flow priapism diagnosed with enhanced CT of the penis. Additionally, diagnostic modalities for post-traumatic high flow priapism are discussed with review of published work.

Expression of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels, SK3, in the interstitial cells of Cajal in the gastrointestinal tract

A role for small-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (SK) channels on spontaneous motility of the gastrointestinal tract has been suggested. Although four subtypes of SK channels were identified in mammalian tissues, the subtypes of SK channel expressed in the gastrointestinal tract are still unknown. In this study, we investigated the expression and localization of SK channels in the gastrointestinal tract. RT-PCR analysis shows expression of SK3 and SK4 mRNA, but not SK1 or SK2 mRNA, in the rat intestine. SK3 immunoreactivity was detected in the myenteric plexus and muscular layers of the stomach, ileum, and colon. SK3-immunoreactive cells were stained with antibody for c-kit, a marker for the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), but not with that for glial fibrillary acidic protein in the ileum and stomach. Immunoelectron microscopic analysis indicates that SK3 channels are localized on processes of ICC that are located close to the myenteric plexus between the longitudinal and circular muscle layers and within the muscular layers. Because ICC have been identified as pacemaker cells and are known to play a major role in generating the regular motility of the gastrointestinal tract, these results suggest that SK3 channels, which are expressed specifically in ICC, play an important role in generating a rhythmic pacemaker current in the gastrointestinal tract.

[Multiple dural arteriovenous fistulas involving both the cavernous sinus and the posterior fossa: report of two cases and review of the literature]

Multiple dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are rare, accounting for 7% of all intracranial DAVFs. The authors describe two cases of multiple DAVFs involving both the cavernous sinus and the posterior fossa. The first patient was a 45-year-old man who presented with visual disturbance, chemosis, exophthalmus, and tinnitus. Angiograms demonstrated DAVFs involving the right cavernous sinus and the ipsilateral sigmoid sinus. Soon after transarterial embolization via the right occipital artery, the patient's symptoms completely disappeared. Six months later, follow-up angiograms showed disappearance of the cavernous DAVF and a subtle opacification of the sigmoid sinus DAVF. The patient has been free from symptoms for four years. The second patient was a 75-year-old woman who presented with progressive tinnitus two years after stereotactic radiosurgery for right cavernous DAVF. Angiograms showed a new lesion in the contralateral transverse and sigmoid sinuses. Transvenous embolization (TVE) of the affected sinuses was successful and the patient's symptoms disappeared. The patient's course has been uneventful after treatment, and follow-up MR angiograms have not shown any recurrence of lesions. To our knowledge, 25 cases of multiple DAVFs have been reported in the literature, of which we reviewed 12 cases of multiple DAVFs affecting the cavernous sinus. The patients' ages ranged from 43 to 75 years with a mean of 57.4 and their distribution showed female predominance. Other DAVFs occurred mostly in the transverse and sigmoid sinuses. With the exception of our case (second patient), the posterior fossa lesions were located on the same side as the cavernous sinus DAVF. Multiple DAVFs were detected simultaneously in 5 of the 12 cases with the initial angiograms. In the other 7 cases, cavernous DAVFs had been treated, but were followed by posterior fossa lesions occurring after various intervals (4 months to 2.5 years). All the patients presented with ocular signs due to cavernous DAVFs. Based upon our review of the literature, we discuss here three possible hypotheses. The first possibility for formation of multiple DAVFs concerns their primary etiology, viz. that they develop after a huge sinus thrombosis involving several sinuses and its recanalization. A second possibility is the secondary formation of DAVFs. Preexisting cavernous sinus DAVFs induce sinus thrombosis and/or venous hypertension, which results in the formation of multiple lesions. A third possibility is that they are due to other factors, including increased angiogenic activity and some technical problems associated with TVE. Our review indicates that careful follow-up for several years should be made after treatment of cavernous DAVFs.

Possible role of orexin A in nonadrenergic, noncholinergic inhibitory response of muscle of the mouse small intestine

The effect of a novel peptide, orexin A, on longitudinal muscle of ICR mouse small intestine was examined in vitro. Exogenous orexin A induced a transient contraction in duodenal, jejunal and ileal segments. Atropine and tetrodotoxin completely inhibited the contractions. Contraction of longitudinal muscle of jejunal segments induced by electrical field stimulation was still observed after the jejunal segment had been desensitized to orexin A, suggesting that orexin A is not a final neurotransmitter to induce the contraction. On the other hand, in the presence of atropine and guanethidine, orexin A induced a transient gradual relaxation in duodenal, jejunal and ileal segments. Electrical field stimulation also induced significant relaxation of the muscle in jejunal segments. The electrical field stimulation-induced relaxation was inhibited by 55% after the desensitization of the segments to orexin A. Although the electrical field stimulation-induced relaxation was inhibited by 47% by a nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG), orexin desensitization did not affect the relaxation which persisted after L-NOARG treatment. The exogenous orexin A-induced relaxation was completely inhibited by L-NOARG. The results suggest that orexin A partially mediates nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) relaxation via activation of nitrergic neurones in longitudinal muscle of ICR mouse small intestine.

[Activation of ATP-sensitive K+ channels by ADP and K+ channel openers: homology model of sulfonylurea receptor carboxyl-termini]

The ATP-sensitive K+ channels (KATP) are composed of Kir6.0 subunits and sulfonylurea receptors (SUR1, 2A and 2B). SUR2A and SUR2B are splice variants and differ only in the C-terminal 42 amino acid residue (C42). SURs are supposed to be the subunit that determines the different response of KATPs to intracellular nucleotides, K+ channel openers and inhibitors. In this study, we report that C42 of SURs plays critical roles in differential activation of various KATPs by ADP and K+ channel openers such as diazoxide and nicorandil. KATPs containing distinct SURs and Kir6.2 were reconstructed on HEK293T cells. Much higher concentrations of ADP were necessary to activate channels which SUR1 or SUR2B. In all KATPs containing different SUR, diazoxide increased the potency of ADP for channel activity without affecting its efficacy. From the electrophysiological data obtained from C-terminal chimeras and point mutants in the second nucleotide binding domain (NBDs), we developed the homology model of each SUR-NBD2 based on the crystallgraphically determined structure of HisP, a member of the ABC protein superfamily. In this model, C42 is located just beneath the Walker A motif of NBD2 and regulates the binding of nucleotide to NBD2 by affecting the 3-D construct of NBD2. This homology model well explains the different response of KATPs to ADP. Based on this model, it will be possible to develop new ligands for KATPs.

Effects of erbium,chromium:YSGG laser irradiation on canine mandibular bone

BACKGROUND

Only relatively few reports have described the morphological effects on bone produced by erbium,chromium: yttrium,scandium,gallium,garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser irradiation, and none has investigated the atomic changes or estimated the temperature increases involved. The objectives of this study were to investigate the morphological, atomic, and temperature changes in irradiated areas during and after laser irradiation, and to evaluate the cutting effect on canine mandibular bone in vitro.

METHODS

Two canine mandibular bones were cut into 3 to 5 cm pieces and irradiated by an Er,Cr:YSGG laser utilizing a water-air spray at 5 W and 8 Hz for 10 or 30 seconds. During and after laser irradiation, temperature increases in the irradiated areas were measured by thermography. The samples were then observed by stereoscopy and scanning electron microscopy to determine morphological changes and by energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy to evaluate atomic alterations.

RESULTS

Regular holes or grooves having sharp edges and smooth walls were produced, but no melting or carbonization was observed. The maximum temperature increase was an average 12.6 degrees C for 30-second irradiation. The continuous time of a temperature increase of more than 10 degrees C was consistently less than 10 seconds. An atomic analytical examination revealed that the calcium:phosphorus ratio was not significantly changed between the lased and unlased areas (P>0.0 1).

CONCLUSION

These results showed that the Er,Cr:YSGG laser cuts canine mandibular bone effectively without burning, melting, or altering the calcium:phosphorus ratio of the irradiated bone.

Ca2+-independent phospholipase A2 activity in apical plasma membranes from the rat parotid gland

An apical-enriched plasma membrane fraction (A-PM) was prepared from rat parotid gland by Mn2+ precipitation. In this fraction, phosphatidylcholine (PC) labelled at the sn-2 position was mainly decomposed into two labelled compounds (free fatty acid and 1,2-diacylglycerol) under Ca2+-free conditions. Studies using double-labelled PC and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (as a phospholipase D inhibitor) showed that they were produced through different pathways: free fatty acid was released by phospholipase A2 (PLA2) while 1,2-diacylglycerol may be produced by sequential action of phospholipase D and phosphatidate phosphatase. The PLA2 in A-PM did not require Ca2+ for its activity and was highly activated by Triton X-100 and ATP. The inhibitor of the well-documented Ca2+-independent PLA2, bromoenol lactone, did not inhibit the PLA2 activity in A-PM. Although PLA2 activity was detected in other subcellular fractions, the highest specific activity was in A-PM. Its distribution among various fractions was roughly similar to that of the marker enzyme of apical plasma membranes. These findings suggested that Ca2+-independent PLA2 activity is present in apical plasma membranes from rat parotid gland. In addition, to clarify the involvement of the PLA2 in exocytosis, the fusion of exogenous PLA2-treated membranes with secretory granules was examined by fluorescence dequenching assay. This study clearly demonstrated the facilitation of fusion by PLA2 treatment, which suggests some involvement of apical PLA2 in saliva secretion.

High-flow arteriovenous malformation of the lower extremity: ethanolamine oleate sclerotherapy

We report the case of a young man presenting with high-flow arteriovenous malformation (AVM), in whom percutaneous direct nidus puncture ethanolamine oleate (EO) sclerotherapy was useful in the management of the AVM. To our knowledge, this is the first report of percutaneous trans-nidus EO sclerotherapy for AVM in the extremities. Percutaneous trans-nidus sclerotherapy should be considered as an alternative choice for the management of symptomatic AVM.

An inwardly rectifying K(+) channel, Kir4.1, expressed in astrocytes surrounds synapses and blood vessels in brain

Glial cells express inwardly rectifying K(+) (Kir) channels, which play a critical role in the buffering of extracellular K(+). Kir4.1 is the only Kir channel so far shown to be expressed in brain glial cells. We examined the distribution of Kir4.1 in rat brain with a specific antibody. The Kir4.1 immunostaining distributed broadly but not diffusely in the brain. It was strong in some regions such as the glomerular layer of the olfactory bulb, the Bergmann glia in the cerebellum, the ependyma, and pia mater, while little activity was detected in white matter of the corpus callosum or cerebellar peduncle. In the olfactory bulb, Kir4.1 immunoreactivity was detected in a scattered manner in about one-half of the glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive astrocytes. Immunoelectron microscopic examination revealed that Kir4.1 channels were enriched on the processes of astrocytes wrapping synapses and blood vessels. These data suggest that Kir4.1 is expressed in a limited population of brain astrocytes and may play a specific role in the glial K(+)-buffering action.

Effect of 1DMe, a neuropeptide FF analog, on acetylcholine release from myenteric plexus of guinea pig ileum

Since neuropeptide FF (NPFF) is a putative neurotransmitter to exert anti-opioid activity, we examined the effects of [D-Tyr', (NMe)Phe3]neuropeptide FF (IDMe), a stable NPFF analog, on acetylcholine (ACh) release from a longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus (LMMP) preparation of guinea pig ileum in which opioids were known to inhibit ACh release when muscarinic autoinhibition was not fully activated. In the presence of atropine, 1DMe increased spontaneous and electrical field stimulation (EFS)-evoked ACh release in a concentration-dependent manner. Naloxone also increased ACh release. The stimulatory effects of 1DMe and naloxone were not additive. In the absence of atropine, 1DMe did not affect ACh release. Morphine decreased spontaneous and EFS-evoked ACh release in the presence of 1 microM atropine. 1DMe as well as naloxone counteracted the inhibitory effects of morphine on EFS-evoked ACh release. The combination of 1DMe and naloxone was not more inhibitory than either drug alone. 1DMe had no appreciable effect on norepinephrine-induced inhibition of spontaneous and EFS-evoked ACh release. These results first demonstrated the effects of a NPFF analog on neurotransmitter release: 1DMe had a stimulatory effect on spontaneous and EFS-induced ACh release from the LMMP preparation of guinea pig ileum, probably by counteracting the inhibitory effect of endogenous opioids on ACh release.

Mechanism of a nitric oxide donor NOR 1-induced relaxation in longitudinal muscle of rat proximal colon

We previously suggested that nitric oxide (NO)-mediated relaxation of the rat proximal colon is not associated with change in cyclic GMP content. We further studied the intracellular mechanism of NO-induced relaxation by measuring changes in tension and intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), simultaneously. NOR 1, NO donor, relaxed the longitudinal muscle of the rat proximal colon, which was precontracted by carbachol, with a concomitant decrease in [Ca2+]. ODQ, an inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase, partially inhibited the relaxant effect of only higher concentrations of NOR 1, but Rp-8-Br-cGMPS, an inhibitor of cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG), did not have any effects on the relaxant effect of NOR 1. When the preparations were transferred to normal solution after the treatment with thapsigargin, an inhibitor of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+-ATPase, in the absence of Ca2+, contraction with a concomitant increase in [Ca2+]i occurred. NOR 1 did not show significant effects on the tension and [Ca2+]i in thapsigargin-treated preparations. In high K+-precontracted preparations, NOR 1 relaxed the preparations with a slight change in [Ca2+]i. The relaxant effect was significantly inhibited by ODQ and Rp-8-Br-cGMPS. These results suggest that NO induces the relaxation preferentially by acting thapsigargin-sensitive function of SR and in turn decreasing [Ca2+]i, although a cyclic GMP-PKG pathway is suggested under the experimental conditions of a high K+ concentration.