Laparoscopic resection of a gastric duplication cyst located near the esophagogastric junction

We herein describe the rare case of a patient with a gastric duplication cyst who underwent laparoscopic resection. A 67-year-old man was referred to our hospital with an intra-abdominal lesion incidentally diagnosed on abdominal computed tomography. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed normal esophageal and gastric mucosa without any lesions. Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed an 18 mm well-defined mass adjacent to the lesser curvature side of the esophagogastric junction. Following clinical diagnosis as an intra-abdominal mass, the patient underwent laparoscopic surgery in a five-port setting. The lesion originated from the stomach, near the muscular layer. The stomach muscle layer was partially resected; however, no communication between the mass and gastric mucosa was identified. Macroscopically, the resected specimen was 19 × 18 mm with a smooth surface and distinct margins. Microscopic examination confirmed the diagnosis of a gastric duplication cyst. The inner surface was covered with gastric gland pit-type columnar epithelial cells without atypia or neoplastic changes. The cyst wall presented layers of mucosa, muscularis mucosae, submucosa, muscularis propria, and subserosa. The patient's course after the procedure was uneventful, and he was discharged 8 days postoperatively. Gastric duplication cysts are rare and mostly asymptomatic, and their laparoscopic partial resection is safe and effective.

Nodal Degree Correlations Around Twitter’s Influencers Revealed by Two-Hop Followers

In recent years, with the spread of social networking services (SNSs), communication has been facilitated among people regardless of age, occupation, and geographical locations. The SNSs are used not only for directly developing friendships, but also as a tool for spreading friendships, allowing users to exchange information in real-time with people having common interests. Twitter, in particular, is a service with a large number of users and a considerable influence on information diffusion. In this study, the characteristics of the follower networks centered on various Twitter influencers are analyzed, and the common characteristics that do not depend on individual influencers are clarified for the world-famous influencers (US and international). Furthermore, after theoretically analyzing the relationship between the characteristics of the nodal degree distribution and the degree correlation, the degree dependence of the correlation coefficient expressing the degree correlation is clarified using numerical experiments.

Clinicopathological features of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm derived from ectopic pancreas: A systematic review

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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The ectopic pancreas can be complicated with pancreatitis, pseudocyst formation, cyst formation, insulinoma, adenoma, and malignant transformation. Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) derived from the ectopic pancreas is rare and can undergo malignant transformation.

•

It is challenging to diagnose IPMN derived from ectopic pancreas preoperatively using the existing imaging modalities. Moreover, the clinicopathological characteristics of these tumors have not been elucidated.

•

We performed a review of case reports on IPMNs derived from the ectopic pancreas, including intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma (IPMC) that was treated in our hospital, to determine the clinicopathological features of the tumors.

•

This is the first systematic review of the literature on IPMN derived from the ectopic pancreas. The review revealed that IPMN derived from the ectopic pancreas was diagnosed incidentally in most patients, and some patients were asymptomatic.

•

The existing imaging modalities may not accurately diagnose the condition preoperatively and differentiate between IPMN and IPMC. Risk factors for malignant transformation should be clarified through further research.

Alteration in faecal bile acids, gut microbial composition and diversity after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

Background

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a well established treatment for severe obesity and type 2 diabetes. Although the gut microbiota is linked to the efficacy of LSG, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. The effect of LSG for morbid obesity on the gut microbiota and bile acids was assessed here.

Methods

Severely obese subjects who were candidates for LSG were included and followed until 6 months after surgery. The composition and abundance of the microbiota and bile acids in faeces were assessed by 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing, quantitative PCR and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry.

Results

In total, 28 patients with a mean(s.d.) BMI of 44·2(6·6) kg/m2 were enrolled. These patients had achieved excess weight loss of 53·2(19·0) per cent and showed improvement in metabolic diseases by 6 months after LSG, accompanied by an alteration in the faecal microbial community. The increase in α-diversity and abundance of specific taxa, such as Rikenellaceae and Christensenellaceae, was strongly associated with reduced faecal bile acid levels. These changes had a significant positive association with excess weight loss and metabolic alterations. However, the total number of faecal bacteria was lower in patients before (mean(s.d.) 10·26(0·36) log10 cells per g faeces) and after (10·39(0·29) log10 cells per g faeces) operation than in healthy subjects (10·83(0·27) log10 cells per g faeces).

Conclusion

LSG is associated with a reduction in faecal bile acids and greater abundance of specific bacterial taxa and α-diversity that may contribute to the metabolic changes.

Galacto-oligosaccharides ameliorate dysbiotic Bifidobacteriaceae decline in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes

Gut microbiota affects the host’s metabolism, and it is suggested that there are differences in gut microbiota composition between patients with type 2 diabetes and healthy individuals. Additionally, dysbiosis may increase the concentration of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), causing metabolic endotoxemia, which induces impaired glucose tolerance. Several studies have reported relationships between metabolic diseases and the gut microbiota; and prebiotics, such as oligosaccharides, are commonly consumed to regulate gut microbiotas in healthy individuals. Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) are a major prebiotic, which specifically increase Bifidobacteriaceae abundance. Recent studies have reported that Bifidobacteriaceae improved metabolic endotoxemia or impaired glucose tolerance. However, there are few studies reporting the effects of GOS on patients with type 2 diabetes. In the current study, we compared clinical parameters, faecal gut microbiota, their associated metabolic products and their components such as LPS, and LPS-binding protein (LBP) produced by the host, between patients with diabetes and healthy controls. We then assessed the effects of GOS on glycaemic control, and gut microbiotas and metabolites in patients with type 2 diabetes in a double-blind controlled manner. LBP levels were significantly higher in patients with diabetes than those of healthy subjects, which was consistent with previous reports. The abundance of Bifidobacteriaceae and the diversity of intestinal microbiota were significantly lower in patients with diabetes than in healthy subjects. Interestingly, Bifidobacteriaceae was markedly restored in patients with diabetes after consumption of GOS, whereas LBP and glucose tolerance did not improve during this short-term trial period. In the present study, we demonstrated that GOS can ameliorate dysbiosis in patients with diabetes, and continuous intake of GOS may be a promising method for managing type 2 diabetes.

Expression of Protein Kinases C βI, βII, and VEGF during the Differentiation of Enamel Epithelium in Tooth Development

Protein kinase C (PKC) is an important molecule involved in various cell function, and mediates induced secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). It is hypothesized that PKC and VEGF may be associated with tooth development. Using the laser microdissection method and real-time reverse-transcription-polymerase chain-reaction (RT-PCR), we investigated the expression of PKC βI and βII, VEGF, and amelogenin (used as a marker of differentiation to ameloblasts) in the inner and outer enamel epithelia, stellate reticulum, and dental papilla in each stage of the dental germ. We found that the expression levels of PKC βI and βII were increased in the inner enamel epithelium during the early bell stage. In addition, the increased expression levels of PKC βI and βII were accompanied by increased VEGF expression. These results indicate that PKC βI, βII, and VEGF are closely associated with the differentiation of the inner enamel epithelium to ameloblasts.

Erratum to: 36th International Symposium on Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine: Brussels, Belgium. 15-18 March 2016

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s13054-016-1208-6.].

Degradation-stage effect of self-etching primer on dentin bond durability

It is well-known that self-etching primers can be altered. However, the effects from altered primers on the dentin bond durability have yet to be thoroughly identified. In this study, we examined the effects from 5 altered Liquid A primers in different stages of degradation-where 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) and 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP), used in Liquid A primers, were altered by the hydrolysis of the methacryloxy ester portion in the HEMA and MDP-on the hybrid layer's quality and dentin bond durability. The hypothesis was that degradation stages of altered Liquid A primers have no effect on the hybrid layer's quality and on dentin bond durability. Bond strengths, obtained after thermo-cycling, were strongly dependent on the degradation stage of the altered Liquid A primer. Alterations of self-etching primers reduced dentin bond durability and decreased the created hybrid layer's quality.

Evaluation of free energy landscape for base-amino acid interactions using ab initio force field and extensive sampling

Structural data of protein-DNA complex show redundancy and flexibility in base-amino acid interactions. To understand the origin of the specificity in protein-DNA recognition, we calculated the interaction free energy, enthalpy, entropy, and minimum energy maps for AT-Asn, GC-Asn, AT-Ser, and GC-Ser by means of a set of ab initio force field with extensive conformational sampling. We found that the most preferable interactions in these pairs are stabilized by hydrogen bonding, and are mainly enthalpy driven. However, minima in the free energy maps are not necessarily the same as those in the minimum energy map or enthalpy maps, due to the entropic effect. The effect of entropy is particularly important in the case of GC-Asn. Experimentally observed structures of base-amino acid interactions are within preferable regions in the calculated free energy maps, where there are many different interaction configurations with similar energy. The full geometry optimization procedure using ab initio molecular orbital method was applied to get the optimal interaction geometries for AT-Asn, GC-Asn, AT-Ser, and GC-Ser. We found that there are various base-amino acid combinations with similar interaction energies. These results suggest that the redundancy and conformational flexibility in the base-amino acid interactions play an important role in the protein-DNA recognition.

[Enecphalocele: 26 retrospective cases at the Maternal and Neonatal Center of La Rabta, Tunis]

Encephalocel is leff frequent than spina bifida and anencephalia. Its incidence is 0.25@1000 births. It concern as much female than male. This neural defect is frequency associated to others malformations face (20%) squelette (17%), kidney (13%). In our study the ultra sound is performant in 82% of the cases. Encephalocel is still a lethal and severe abnormality.

[Use of passing intestine pump (EN) from home ingredient nutrition passing pipe nutrition method (HEN) in home medical treatment support]

Introducing the passing intestine pump (EN) into home medical treatment from October 1999 for passing intestine nutrition management, and to the passing intestine nutrition management to the management is thought to increase the quality of life (QOL) of the patient and the family. The life style of the patient broadens and this seems to be an effective piece of home support equipment. We here in report the actual general management of the passing intestine pump in home medical treatment.

[Fetal pathology aspects of 97 cases of anencephaly. CMNR Tunisian study]

So, the epidemiologic study done for 8 years at CMNR Tunis has shown that the incidence is 1.15@1000 births (between 0.52 and 1.66@1000 per year). This anomaly is more frequent in female sex (sex linked = 0.59). The antenatal echographic diagnosis is efficient in 90.5%. This anomaly is more shown at low socio-economic group. The improvement of the socio-economic level and specially the daily uptake of acid folic in periconceptionnel time decrease the frequency of this congenital malformation.

[Value of fetal MRI in the prenatal diagnosis of renal polycystic disease: a case report]

We present a case of foetal polycystic kidney disease diagnosed at 34 weeks of gesttion thanks to resonance imaging (MRI). MRI demonstrated enlarged foetal kidneys that were low signal intensity on T1 weighted images and high signal intensity on T2 weighted images. These MRI findings suggested a high water containing of the renal parenchyma.

A critical role of sterols in embryonic patterning and meristem programming revealed by the fackel mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana

Here we report a novel Arabidopsis dwarf mutant, fackel-J79, whose adult morphology resembles that of brassinosteroid-deficient mutants but also displays distorted embryos, supernumerary cotyledons, multiple shoot meristems, and stunted roots. We cloned the FACKEL gene and found that it encodes a protein with sequence similarity to both the human sterol reductase family and yeast C-14 sterol reductase and is preferentially expressed in actively growing cells. Biochemical analysis indicates that the fk-J79 mutation results in deficient C-14 sterol reductase activity, abnormal sterol composition, and reduction of brassinosteroids (BRs). Unlike other BR-deficient mutants, the defect of hypocotyl elongation in fk-J79 cannot be corrected by exogenous BRs. The unique phenotypes and sterol composition in fk-J79 indicate crucial roles of sterol regulation and signaling in cell division and cell expansion in embryonic and post-embryonic development in plants.

NO-mediated MaxiK(Ca) channel activation produces relaxation of guinea pig aorta independently of voltage-dependent L-type Ca(2+) channels

The role of L-type Ca(2+) channels in the relaxation to nitric oxide (NO)-mediated MaxiK(Ca) channel activation was examined in guinea pig aorta. Acetylcholine (ACh) produced an endothelium-dependent relaxation of guinea pig aorta precontracted with noradrenaline (NA), which was abolished by an NO synthase inhibitor, N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA). Both endothelium-dependent relaxation by ACh and endothelium-independent relaxation by an NO donor, (+/-)-(E)-ethyl-2-[(E)-hydroxyimino]-5-nitro-3-hexeneamide (NOR3), were strongly suppressed by a soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) inhibitor, 1H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazolo-[4,3-a]-quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), suggesting that increased intracellular cGMP plays the key role in both responses. ACh- and NOR3-induced relaxations were significantly suppressed by iberiotoxin (IbTX), a selective blocker of MaxiK(Ca) channels. ACh- and NOR3-induced relaxations were greatly attenuated when arteries were precontracted with high KCl instead of NA, supporting the idea that K(+) channel activation mediates the relaxant responses. (6) NOR3-induced relaxations were not affected by a L-type Ca(2+) channel blocker, diltiazem. Furthermore, endothelium-independent relaxation by a K(ATP) channel opener, (+)-7,8-dihydro-6, 6-dimethyl-7-hydroxy-8-(2-oxo-1-piperidinyl)-6H-pyrano[2,3-f] benz-2,1, 3-oxadiazole (NIP-121) was not affected by diltiazem and nicardipine. These findings suggest that blockade of L-type Ca(2+) channels is not a major mechanism responsible for the vascular relaxation due to NO-mediated MaxiK(Ca) channel activation in guinea pig aorta.

Involvement of CUP-SHAPED COTYLEDON genes in gynoecium and ovule development in Arabidopsis thaliana

When mutations in CUP-SHAPED COTYLEDON1 (CUC1) and CUC2 are combined, severe defects involving fusion of sepals and of stamens occur in Arabidopsis flowers. In addition, septa of gynoecia do not fuse along the length of the ovaries and many ovules have their growth arrested. CUC2 is expressed at the tips of septal primordia during gynoecium development and at the boundary between nucellus and chalaza during ovule development. These expression patterns are partially consistent with the phenotype of the mutant gynoecium. CUC2 mRNA is also shown to be expressed at the boundaries between meristems and organ primordia during both the vegetative and reproductive phases. This expression pattern indicates that CUC2 is generally involved in organ separation in shoot and floral meristems.

Role of MaxiK channels in vasoactive intestinal peptide-induced relaxation of rat mesenteric artery

We investigated the functional relevance of large conductance voltage-dependent and Ca(2+)-sensitive K(+)(MaxiK) channels in vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-induced relaxation of rat mesenteric artery. VIP, which is known to increase cAMP levels, produced a concentration-dependent relaxation in endothelium-denuded arteries. Iberiotoxin, a MaxiK channel blocker, greatly diminished the VIP-induced relaxation. In a similar manner, a significant portion of the relaxant response to dibutyryl-cAMP (DBcAMP), a membrane-permeable analog of cAMP, was inhibited by iberiotoxin. These results suggest that activation of MaxiK channels significantly contributes to the relaxant response of rat mesenteric artery to VIP, possibly via cAMP-mediated pathways.

Mechanistic aspects of green tea as a cancer preventive: effect of components on human stomach cancer cell lines

It is now well accepted that (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) inhibits carcinogenesis in the digestive tract in rodents. To understand the mechanisms of anticarcinogenesis, we first studied growth inhibition by EGCG in human stomach cancer cell lines established at Seoul National University (SNU cell lines). Inhibition by EGCG of [3H]thymidine incorporation into eight SNU cell lines was examined, in relation to transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) responsiveness. Various tea polyphenols derived from green tea and black tea induced growth inhibition and apoptosis of human stomach cancer cell line KATO III, and inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) release from the cells, in the order of (-)-epicatechin gallate (ECG), EGCG, (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC), teaflavins (TF) and (-)-epicatechin (EC). In addition, we demonstrated that EGCG inhibited TNF-alpha gene expression in KATO III cells, as well as okadaic acid-induced AP-1 and NF-kappa B activation. The inhibitory potencies of EGCG for AP-1 and NF-kappa B binding to DNA were different between KATO III cells and mouse fibroblast cell line BALB/3T3. Thus, EGCG and other tea polyphenols may interact with various transcription factors, in addition to AP-1 and NF-kappa B, in nuclei of various cells, resulting in inhibition of TNF-alpha gene expression and TNF-alpha release.

Transgenic tobacco over-expressing a homeobox gene shows a developmental interaction between leaf morphogenesis and phyllotaxy

The tobacco gene, NTH1, encodes a polypeptide of 326 amino acids and is a member of the class1 KN1-type family of homeobox genes. Expression of NTH1 has mainly been observed in vegetative and reproductive shoot apices, not observed in roots or expanded leaves. Over-expression of NTH1 in transgenic plants caused abnormal leaf morphology, consisting of wrinkling and curvature. Interestingly, the direction of leaf curvature tended to be conserved among almost all of the leaves in any given transformant. In transgenic plants exhibiting clockwise or anticlockwise phyllotaxy, leaves curved to the right or left, respectively, when looking from the shoot apex toward the base. Micro-surgical experiments demonstrated that the presence of the shoot apex is necessary for the development of leaf curvature, indicating that the order of formation of leaves on the stem (the generative spiral) affects leaf development. We found a correlation between the severity of leaf curvature and the value of the plastochron ratio, a parameter of phyllotaxy. Transformants with more severe phenotypes had larger plastochron ratios. From these findings, we discuss the possibility that an increase in the plastochron ratio, caused by over-expression of NTH1 in the shoot apex, may be involved in leaf curvature.

Shoot apical meristem and cotyledon formation during Arabidopsis embryogenesis: interaction among the CUP-SHAPED COTYLEDON and SHOOT MERISTEMLESS genes

The shoot apical meristem and cotyledons of higher plants are established during embryogenesis in the apex. Redundant CUP-SHAPED COTYLEDON 1 (CUC1) and CUC2 as well as SHOOT MERISTEMLESS (STM) of Arabidopsis are required for shoot apical meristem formation and cotyledon separation. To elucidate how the apical region of the embryo is established, we investigated genetic interactions among CUC1, CUC2 and STM, as well as the expression patterns of CUC2 and STM mRNA. Expression of these genes marked the incipient shoot apical meristem as well as the boundaries of cotyledon primordia, consistent with their roles for shoot apical meristem formation and cotyledon separation. Genetic and expression analyses indicate that CUC1 and CUC2 are redundantly required for expression of STM to form the shoot apical meristem, and that STM is required for proper spatial expression of CUC2 to separate cotyledons. A model for pattern formation in the apical region of the Arabidopsis embryo is presented.

The PINHEAD/ZWILLE gene acts pleiotropically in Arabidopsis development and has overlapping functions with the ARGONAUTE1 gene

Several lines of evidence indicate that the adaxial leaf domain possesses a unique competence to form shoot apical meristems. Factors required for this competence are expected to cause a defect in shoot apical meristem formation when inactivated and to be expressed or active preferentially in the adaxial leaf domain. PINHEAD, a member of a family of proteins that includes the translation factor eIF2C, is required for reliable formation of primary and axillary shoot apical meristems. In addition to high-level expression in the vasculature, we find that low-level PINHEAD expression defines a novel domain of positional identity in the plant. This domain consists of adaxial leaf primordia and the meristem. These findings suggest that the PINHEAD gene product may be a component of a hypothetical meristem forming competence factor. We also describe defects in floral organ number and shape, as well as aberrant embryo and ovule development associated with pinhead mutants, thus elaborating on the role of PINHEAD in Arabidopsis development. In addition, we find that embryos doubly mutant for PINHEAD and ARGONAUTE1, a related, ubiquitously expressed family member, fail to progress to bilateral symmetry and do not accumulate the SHOOT MERISTEMLESS protein. Therefore PINHEAD and ARGONAUTE1 together act to allow wild-type growth and gene expression patterns during embryogenesis.

Differential sensitivity to ATP-sensitive potassium channel openers of norepinephrine-induced contraction of guinea pig and rat aorta

Vasorelaxant effects of ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channel openers were examined on the tonic phase of vascular contraction induced by norepinephrine (NE) in guinea pig and rat aorta. K(ATP) channel openers, NIP-121 and cromakalim, produced glibenclamide-sensitive and concentration-dependent relaxations in guinea pig and rat aorta preconstricted with NE. However, the vascular relaxations induced by both K(ATP) channel openers were less pronounced in guinea pig aorta than in rat aorta. D-cis-Diltiazem, at the concentration up to 10(-5) M, did not appreciably inhibit the NE-induced contraction of guinea pig aorta, whereas the compound almost completely inhibited the NE-induced contraction of rat aorta at the same concentration. By contrast, sodium nitroprusside relaxed the NE-induced contractions in both guinea pig and rat aorta with similar potencies. These findings suggest that vasorelaxant effects of K(ATP) channel openers on the NE-induced sustained contraction in guinea pig aorta is not attributable to the subsequent inhibition of Ca2+ influx through L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. Lower sensitivity of guinea pig aortic smooth muscle to K(ATP) channel openers is most likely due to the low dependence of NE-induced contraction on the Ca2+ influx in this vascular smooth muscle.

Involvement of maxi-K(Ca) channel activation in atrial natriuretic peptide-induced vasorelaxation

Large conductance, voltage- and Ca2+-sensitive K+ (maxi-K(Ca)) channels play an important role in the regulation of vascular smooth muscle excitability and contractility. The activity of maxi-K(Ca) channels is modified by a variety of intracellular messengers including cGMP, as well as by voltage and Ca2+. In the present study, we investigated the functional relevance of maxi-K(Ca) channels in atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)-mediated vasorelaxation in the isolated rat mesenteric artery. ANP produced concentration-dependent relaxation in the de-endothelialized rat mesenteric artery. Iberiotoxin, a specific blocker of maxi-K(Ca) channels, greatly attenuated the ANP-induced vasorelaxation. Similarly, a large portion of the vascular relaxation induced by 8-Bromo-cGMP, a membrane permeable analogue of cGMP, was inhibited by iberiotoxin. These results indicate that activation of maxi-K(Ca) channels contributes substantially to the vascular relaxation produced by ANP in the rat mesenteric artery. Intracellular cGMP, increased by ANP, and the subsequent activation of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) may play a central role in the activation of maxi-K(Ca) channels in the ANP-produced vascular relaxation.

Synthesis of novel dioxane nucleosides having two bases, physico-chemical properties, and their biological activities

Novel dioxane nucleosides having two bases, 2(R)-(5-fluorouracil-1-yl)-5(R)-hydroxymethyl-3(R)-(uracil-1-yl)-1,4-dioxane (7a) and 2(S)-(5-fluorouracil-1-yl)-5(R)-hydroxymethyl-3(R)-(uracil-1-yl)-1,4-dioxane (7b) were synthesized from uridine to develop a new category of nucleoside for therapeutic use. Some derivative of precursors of the nucleoside were also synthesized and several compounds synthesized were tested antitumor activity using human gastric cancer cell lines in culture.

Raman scattering tensors of tyrosine

Polarized Raman scattering measurements have been made of a single crystal of L-tyrosine by the use of a Raman microscope with the 488.0-nm exciting beam from an argon ion laser. The L-tyrosine crystal belongs to the space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) (orthorhombic), and Raman scattering intensities corresponding to the aa, bb, cc, ab and ac components of the crystal Raman tensor have been determined for each prominent Raman band. A similar set of measurements has been made of L-tyrosine-d4, in which four hydrogen atoms on the benzene ring are replaced by deuterium atoms. The effects of NH3-->ND3 and OH-->OD on the Raman spectrum have also been examined. In addition, depolarization ratios of some bands of L-tyrosine in aqueous solutions of pH 13 and pH 1 were examined. For comparison with these experimental results, on the other hand, ab initio molecular orbital calculations have been made of the normal modes of vibration and their associated polarizability oscillations of the L-tyrosine molecule. On the basis of these experimental data and by referring to the results of the calculations, discussions have been presented on the Raman tensors associated to some Raman bands, including those at 829 cm-1 (benzene ring breathing), 642 cm-1 (benzene ring deformation), and 432 cm-1 (C alpha-C beta-C gamma bending).

Genes involved in organ separation in Arabidopsis: an analysis of the cup-shaped cotyledon mutant

Mutations in CUC1 and CUC2 (for CUP-SHAPED COTYLEDON), which are newly identified genes of Arabidopsis, caused defects in the separation of cotyledons (embryonic organs), sepals, and stamens (floral organs) as well as in the formation of shoot apical meristems. These defects were most apparent in the double mutant. Phenotypes of the mutants suggest a common mechanism for separating adjacent organs within the same whorl in both embryos and flowers. We cloned the CUC2 gene and found that the encoded protein was homologous to the petunia NO APICAL MERISTEM (NAM) protein, which is thought to act in the development of embryos and flowers.

Free radical chemistry of cigarette smoke and its implication in human cancer

Multiple components in cigarette smoke were analyzed for their ability to form active oxygen species using a spin trapping agent, 5, 5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide. The main source of O2 and H2O2 was ascribed to polyphenols in a particulate phase, whereas a synergistic effect was also observed between these polyphenols and nicotine. The vapor phase contained a factor which produced OH from H2O2 which was identified as carbonyl sulfide. Nitric oxide in the vapor phase did not show such reactivity. The formation of an active oxygen species in cigarette smoke could provide an important clue to elucidate the mechanism of tobacco carcinogenesis, since they show genotoxic effects to induce DNA strand breaks as well as epigenetic effects to act as cell proliferation signals.

Nitric oxide and active oxygen species in severe sepsis and surgically stressed patients

To clarify how the kinetics of nitric oxide (NO) and active oxygen species are correlated with the occurrence of organ dysfunction in sepsis, the levels of monocyte-associated NO2, NO3, and active oxygen species were examined in severely septic patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (group M; n = 5), and the results compared with those of postoperative patients who had undergone gastrointestinal surgery (group S; n = 5) and healthy volunteers (group C; n = 10). The production of NO2 and NO3 by monocytes was significantly higher in group M than in the other two groups, while the production of active oxygen species by monocytes was significantly higher in groups M and S, than in group C. A significant correlation between the production of NO2 and that of active oxygen species by monocytes was noted only in group M. These findings indicate that the simultaneous activation of NO and active oxygen species production by monocytes is a prerequisite for the onset of multiple organ dysfunction in severe sepsis.

Structural fluctuation of methyl N,N'-diacetyl-beta-D-chitobioside in vacuo and in aqueous solution: molecular dynamics simulations and proton NMR spectroscopy

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of methyl N,N'-diacetyl-beta-D-chitobioside (GlcNAc beta-(1-->4)GlcNAc beta-OMe) have been performed both in vacuo and in aqueous solution with the explicit inclusion of the solvent water molecules. The beta-(1-->4) glycosidic linkage fluctuates considerably, over a range of +/- 10 degrees, in each of the MD simulations in vacuo and in aqueous solution. The intra- and inter-residue hydrogen bonds in vacuo are replaced by intermolecular hydrogen bonds with the solvent water molecules in aqueous solution. Multiple conformations (gg and gt) exist for the exocyclic hydroxymethyl groups. The results of the MD simulations are compared with those of 1H-1H nuclear Overhauser effect measurements.

Adhesion of composite to porcelain with various surface conditions

This study evaluated the adhesion of composite resin to five different surface conditions of porcelain samples that were treated with three kinds of silane agents. Two of these were commercially available Porcelain Liner M and Tokuso Ceramic Primer, and one was an experimental agent. The commercially available silane agents gave high bond strengths without hydrofluoric acid etching, which gave the greatest roughness on the porcelain surface. One component of these commercially available silane agents was gamma-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane, and the other was the carboxylic acid. As a result of the effective formation of siloxane bonds by mixing with acid solution, porcelain surface conditions did not affect the bond strengths.

Adhesion between the resin shell and composite resin

Adhesiveness between the resin shell and composite resin was examined. As the resin shell, SR-PE-ISOCETTE, made from thermosetting crown and bridge resin, was used. The shear bond strengths between the resin shell and photocurable composite resin bonded by various methods were measured after 1-day of immersion in water at 37 degrees C. Super-bond C & B treatment to the resin shell effectively improved the adhesiveness, giving a bond strength of about 14 MPa. Clearfil new bond, Clearfil porcelain bond, Unifast and MMA/TBBO treatment gave almost the same bond strengths of about 7-9 MPa. Silane coupling agents were not effective for improving the bond strength. It was revealed that 4-META was necessary for obtaining good adhesion between SR-PE-ISOCETTE and composite resin.

The influence of surface conditions and silane agents on the bond of resin to dental porcelain

The influence of porcelain surface condition and the application of silane agents on the adhesion between resin and dental porcelain were investigated. The experimental variables included three porcelain surface preparations, as polished, etched with phosphoric acid, or etched with hydrofluoric acid and three kinds of commercially available silane coupling agents. The shear bond strength between the light-cured composite and the dental porcelain was measured after one-day immersion in 37 degrees C water. Samples without the silane agent application were also tested as controls. Without the silane agent, hydrofluoric acid-etched specimens had a higher bond strength than polished or phosphoric acid-etched specimens. The combination of hydrofluoric acid-etching and an application of Cosmotech Porcelain Primer increased the bond strengths more than that of phosphoric acid-etching. With the application of Laminabond Porcelain Primer or Optec Silane Coupling Agent, high bond strengths were obtained regardless of the porcelain surface condition. Therefore, it seems the chemical reactions between the porcelain surface and silane agents were responsible for the high shear bond strengths.

Molecular dynamics simulation in vacuo and in solution of cyclolinopeptide A: a conformational study

The conformation of cyclolinopeptide A [c-(Pro-Pro-Phe-Phe-Leu-Ile-Ile-Leu-Val)], a naturally occurring peptide with remarkable cytoprotective activity, has been investigated by means of molecular dynamics simulations in various molecular environments. Structural and dynamical properties have been analyzed and compared with those experimentally determined. A detailed analysis of hydrogen bonds is reported.

[The distribution of solutions in the epidural space]

In 21 patients the distribution within the epidural space of epidurally injected 99mTc-DTPA was assessed. The gamma emissions from the epidural space were measured externally with the patients in supine position by use of a gamma camera. The recordings over the patient's back were stored in digital computer for 60 min. The results were as follows; 1) The spread of the radionuclide was mainly to cephalad direction, and seldom crossed the L5 level to sacral region. 2) The solution injected in the epidural space would distribute to less resistant compartments and the spread depends on the power of injection, negative pressure in the high epidural space and capillary pressure. 3) The elimination half-life of the injected radionuclide was between 1 to 17 min depending on the region in the epidural space. 4) The solution injected in the epidural space may penetrate dura mater at the ink cuff area and local anesthetic agents may affect the spinal nerve roots in the subarachnoid space rather than at the extra-dural space. 5) With continuous infusion technique the diffusion and penetration of the local agent through the dura mater are facilitated and more profound anesthetic effects would be expected. In clinical practice the utilization of the continuous infusion method should be considered along with the bolus injection.

A prenylflavone, artonin E, as arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor

Several naturally occurring prenylflavones were tested for their inhibitory actions on arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase purified from porcine leukocytes. Of the compounds tested, artonin E (5'-hydroxymorusin) exhibited the most potent inhibition on arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase (IC50 = 0.36 microM). Arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase purified from porcine leukocytes and human platelets, 15-lipoxygenase from rabbit reticulocytes and fatty acid cyclooxygenase from bovine vesicular glands were inhibited by the compound only at higher concentrations (IC50 = 2.3, 11, 5.2 and 2.5 microM, respectively).

[The evaluation of commercially available silane coupling agents for porcelain adhesion]

We investigated the effectiveness of commercially available silane coupling agents on the adhesion between the composite resin and the porcelain. As silane coupling agents, we used Cosmotech primer. Clearfil porcelain bond. Porcelain liner M, and Scotchprime. As porcelain, we used Cosmotech porcelain DA2 which was etched either with hydrofluoric acid or with phosphoric acid gel. The tensile bond strengths between composite resin and the porcelain treated with silane coupling agents were measured after one day immersion in 37 degrees C water. Among the silane coupling agents, Clearfil porcelain bond gave the highest bond strength of about 175 kgf/cm2. When any of these silane coupling agents were used, the bond strengths were increased more by hydrofluoric acid etching than by phosphoric acid etching. Especially in the case of Scotchprime treatment, hydrofluoric acid etching was remarkably effective on the increase in the bond strengths. The value in hydrofluoric acid etching was 3 times higher than that in phosphoric acid etching. From SEM observation, hydrofluoric acid etching gave greater roughness to the porcelain surface, which resulted in greater mechanical interlocking of the resin. In the case of Cosmotech primer treatment, the combination with GC bonding agent did not increase the bond strengths, while combination with Clearfil new bond did. The phosphoric acid ester monomer in Clearfil new bond, which is known as strong acid, was supposed to catalyze the activation of silane coupling agent.

Micronucleus induction in mouse bone marrow by phenacetin administered intraperitoneally or orally

The extent and time course of induction of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) in mouse bone marrow were examined after administration of phenacetin as an insoluble suspension in olive oil by intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) or gastric intubation (p.o.) to 2 strains of mice, MS/Ae and CD-1, at doses up to 1200 mg/kg. The toxicity of phenacetin and the sensitivity of micronucleus induction differed in the 2 strains, but there was little difference in the extent of MNPCEs induced by the 2 administration routes.

Intermolecular nuclear Overhauser effect and atomic pair potential approaches to wheat germ agglutinin-sugar binding

The detailed binding mechanism of wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) with N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) was investigated using intermolecular 1H-1H nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) and atomic pair potential (APP) calculations. Negative NOE was observed on the 1H spectrum of 1-O-methyl derivative of GlcNAc in a solution containing WGA, when the aromatic region of the WGA spectrum was irradiated. Analyses of the time dependence of NOE revealed that H2 and the N-acetyl methyl protons of the sugar are in close proximity to the aromatic protons of WGA in the bound state. This was confirmed and further elucidated by the APP calculations. According to the calculation, the major binding force comes from a hydrogen-bonding between C3-OH of sugar and an acidic residue present in each of the two binding sites of WGA: Glu115 in site 1 and Asp29 in site 2. The binding is further assisted by the N-acetyl group which interacts with a few more polar amino acid residues in the binding sites. The optimized binding mode suggested by the APP calculations supports the NMR results in that H2 and a part of the N-acetyl methyl protons are within 4.5 A distance from protons of both Tyr64 and Tyr73 in site 1 and of Tyr159 in site 2.