Dual Immunoglobulin Domain-Containing Cell Adhesion Molecule Increases Early in Renal Tubular Cell Injury and Plays Anti-Inflammatory Role

Dual immunoglobulin domain-containing cell adhesion molecule (DICAM) is a type I transmembrane protein that presents in various cells including renal tubular cells. This study evaluated the expression and protective role of DICAM in renal tubular cell injury. HK-2 cells were incubated and treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 30 μg/mL) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 100 μM) for 24 h. To investigate the effect of the gene silencing of DICAM, small interfering RNA of DICAM was used. Additionally, to explain its role in cellular response to injury, DICAM was overexpressed using an adenoviral vector. DICAM protein expression levels significantly increased following treatment with LPS or H2O2 in HK-2 cells. In response to oxidative stress, DICAM showed an earlier increase (2-4 h following treatment) than neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) (24 h following treatment). DICAM gene silencing increased the protein expression of inflammation-related markers, including IL-1β, TNF-α, NOX4, integrin β1, and integrin β3, in H2O2-induced HK-2 cell injury. Likewise, in the LPS-induced HK-2 cell injury, DICAM knockdown led to a decrease in occludin levels and an increase in integrin β3, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels. Furthermore, DICAM overexpression followed by LPS-induced HK-2 cell injury resulted in an increase in occludin levels and a decrease in integrin β1, integrin β3, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels, suggesting an alleviating effect on inflammatory responses. DICAM was elevated in the early stage of regular tubular cell injury and may protect against renal tubular injury through its anti-inflammatory properties. DICAM has a potential as an early diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for renal cell injury.

Favorable Long-Term Outcomes with Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for High-Risk Multiple Myeloma Patients with a Positive Result On 18F-FDG PET/CT at Baseline

BACKGROUND

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT) is a useful tool for identifying high-risk features in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). This study evaluated the role of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in patients presenting with positive results on PET/CT scans.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The medical records of 210 patients who underwent PET/CT at diagnosis were retrospectively reviewed. Eligible patients for transplantation proceeded to upfront ASCT with high-dose chemotherapy (HDT) after induction therapy with novel agents.

RESULTS

The presence of a number of focal lesions (FL) >3 and extramedullary disease (EMD) occurred in 111 and 35 patients, respectively. ASCT was performed in 54 patients. Among patients with FL > 3, those treated with ASCT showed a prolonged 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates compared to those not treated with ASCT (PFS, 60.2% vs. 23.5%, P < 0.001; OS, 91.7% vs. 63.6%, P = 0.005). In patients with FL ≤ 3, treatment by ASCT was associated with a higher 2-year PFS rate than no treatment by ASCT (74.0% vs. 54.9%, P = 0.040). The OS of patients treated with ASCT was not significantly longer than that of patients not treated with ASCT (P = 0.115). In multivariate analysis, FL > 3, Revised International Staging System (R-ISS), and upfront ASCT were independent prognostic factors for PFS and OS.

CONCLUSION

Presenting FL > 3 on baseline PET/CT represents a high-risk feature in patients with NDMM. Frontline ASCT with HDT prolonged the survival of patients with FL > 3.

Effect of Etomidate on Endothelium-dependent Relaxation Induced by Acetylcholine in Rat Aorta

The goals of this in vitro study were to investigate effects of etomidate on endothelium-dependent relaxation induced by acetylcholine in rat aorta, and to elucidate the associated cellular mechanism. In endothelium-intact rings precontracted with phenylephrine 10−6 M, dose-response curves for acetylcholine (10−9 to 10−5 M) and calcium ionophore (10−9 to 10−6 M) were generated in the presence and absence of etomidate (5×10−6, 10−5 M). In endothelium-intact or -denuded rings precontracted with phenylephrine 10−6 M, sodium nitroprusside (10−9 to 10−6 M) dose-response curves were generated in the presence and absence of etomidate (10−5 M). Etomidate (5×10−6, 10−5 M) produced a significant rightward shift in the dose-response curves induced by acetylcholine (receptor-mediated endothelium-dependent agonist) and calcium ionophore A23187 (non receptor-mediated endothelium-dependent agonist). Etomidate (10−5 M) had no effect on sodium nitroprusside (endothelium-independent nitric oxide donor)-induced vasorelaxant response in both endothelium-intact and -denuded rings. These results indicate that etomidate at clinically relevant concentrations attenuates endothelium-dependent relaxation induced by acetylcholine by an acting at a site distal to the endothelial muscarinic receptor, but proximal to guanylate cyclase activation of vascular smooth muscle in rat aorta.

Serum cystatin C is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the serum cystatin C level and cardiovascular disease risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

We studied 523 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and calculated estimated 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (%). Subclinical atherosclerosis was defined as brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity ⩾1700 ms, indicating the presence of arterial stiffness.

RESULTS

Cystatin C level was significantly higher in the subclinical atherosclerosis group (brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity ⩾ 1700 ms) than in the non-subclinical atherosclerosis group (brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity < 1700 ms) (7.54 ± 3.15 mg/L vs 10.04 ± 5.12 mg/L, p < 0.001). Subclinical atherosclerosis was mainly determined by age, duration of diabetes and cystatin C level, but not by serum creatinine, 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease score and estimated glomerular filtration rate in the multiple linear regression analysis. In addition, an increase in cystatin C level was independently associated with the risk of subclinical atherosclerosis after adjusting for age, sex, duration of diabetes, smoking, hypertension, 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk score, serum creatinine level, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and haemoglobin A1c (odds ratio = 1.200, 95% confidence interval: 1.04-1.38, p = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

Serum cystatin C level was significantly associated with subclinical atherosclerosis. This result suggests that an increase in cystatin C level could be a valuable surrogate marker for the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Apolipoprotein B: novel indicator of elevated intraocular pressure

PURPOSE

Many studies have reported associations between elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and systemic health parameters, which suggest a common mechanism links IOP elevation and various related cardiometabolic risk factors. Furthermore, according to a recent study, serum apolipoprotein B (APO B) level is a predictor of coronary artery disease. This study was undertaken to analyse the relationship between serum apolipoprotein levels and IOP.

METHODS

Healthy people (28,852) who attended a community hospital for a health checkup between January 2011 and December 2013 were enroled in the study. We measured age, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and apolipoprotein A1 (APO A1) and APO B, APO B/APO A1 ratios, and IOP.

RESULTS

Univariate regression analysis showed IOP was positively correlated with BMI, SBP, DBP, TC, LDL-C, TG, APO B, and APO B/APO A1 (P<0.001), and negatively correlated with HDL-C (P<0.001). On the other hand, multivariate regression analysis adjusted for age, BMI, SBP, and DBP, revealed IOP was positive correlated with TC, TG, LDL-C, APO B, and APO B/APO A1, and negatively correlated with HDL-C (all <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Among the various lipid profiles investigated, APO B was found to be most strongly correlated with IOP, regardless of sex. Additional studies are required to confirm the validity of apolipoprotein level as an index for predicting IOP.

A yang-promoting Chinese herbal suppository preparation enhances the antioxidant status of red cells in male human subjects

In the 16-week pilot study, the effect of a Yang-promoting Chinese herbal suppository preparation (VI-28) on the red cell antioxidant status was examined in 31 healthy male subjects aged 41-66 years old. VI-28 treatment for 12 weeks (one suppository (0.3 g) daily for week 1-4; one every 2 days for week 5-8; one every 3 days for week 9-12) produced a time/dose-dependent alteration in red cell antioxidant status. The VI-28-induced change is characterized by a slight depletion in cellular reduced glutathione (GSH) level and a decrease in susceptibility to peroxide-induced lipid peroxidation as well as increases in catalase (CAT) and Cu-Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. While a reversal trend of change was observed in cellular GSH level, the susceptibility to lipid peroxidation as well as the CAT activity after the cessation of treatment for 4 weeks, the SOD activity exhibited a protracted increase. The results indicate that VI-28 treatment enhances red cell antioxidant status in male subjects. The beneficial effect of VI-28 treatment on red cells may re fl ect a corresponding change in antioxidant status of peripheral tissues.

Solitary fibrous tumour of the face: a rare case report

Solitary fibrous tumour is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm that most commonly involves the pleura. The diagnosis of solitary fibrous tumour is primarily histological. It consists of histological and positive immunohistochemical findings of CD-34 and vimentin. Recently, solitary fibrous tumour has been reported to occur in extrapleural soft tissues, such as the orbit, nasal cavity, abdominal cavity, parotid gland, scalp and neck. In an extensive review of the literature, we found no reports of solitary fibrous tumour arising in the facial soft tissue, other than in the parotid gland. This rare location of an uncommon lesion can lead to a confusing diagnosis. We report a case of solitary fibrous tumour originating in the temporal region of the face, and call for awareness of this tumour among plastic surgeons.

Diagnosing and optimizing water treatment processes by using particle counter: a case study in Korea

The goal of the flocculation process is to change the particle size distribution to best suit the subsequent processes. Although several methods exist to evaluate the flocculation process, no single universally accepted method has yet to be developed. The purpose of this paper is to present experiences whereby particle counting was used in the diagnosis and optimization of the flocculation process. A commercially available on-line continuous particle counter has been used in evaluating the design and the operation of this process at two conventional Water Treatment Plants. The evaluation is based on particle dynamics, i.e., the change of the number of small and large particles. Some design deficiencies in the distribution channel and flocculation process have been identified from this method, and thus some operational parameters are suggested for optimum performance. Because the optimum condition may be site-specific, the method presented in this paper will be beneficial in the evaluation of the flocculation process at other water treatment plants.

Catalytic asymmetric synthesis of cyclopentenones from propargyl malonates and allylic acetate by successive action of homogeneous palladium(II) and cobalt on charcoal catalysts in a one-pot reaction

The tandem action of a homogeneous chiral Pd(II) catalyst and a heterogeneous Co/C catalyst leads to a two-step one-pot highly enantioselective Pauson-Khand-type reaction.

Colloidal cobalt nanoparticles: a highly active and reusable Pauson-Khand catalyst

A new Pauson-Khand catalyst based on colloidal cobalt nanoparticles has been developed; the catalyst is highly effective for many intra- and inter-molecular Pauson-Khand reactions and can be recycled and reused many times without losing catalytic activity.

The first Ru(II)-catalysed asymmetric hydrogen transfer reduction of aromatic ketones in aqueous media

The first water-soluble asymmetric hydrogen-transfer ruthenium(II) catalyst system consisting of [Ru(p-cymene)Cl2]2, (S)-proline amide, and sodium formate, which gives high conversion rates with high ee values up to 95.3% and is reusable, has been developed.

Sensate sole-to-sole reconstruction using the combined medial plantar and medialis pedis free flap

The coverage of soft-tissue defects of the sole needs special consideration because of the forces of weight bearing on the reconstruction. A variety of free tissue transfers have been advocated for soft-tissue replacement of the weight-bearing portions. However, there is no doubt that the ideal tissue for resurfacing the sole is the plantar tissue itself. The authors present a case of reconstructing the sole with the combined medial plantar and medialis pedis free flap that involves approximately 70% of the weight-bearing portion. This contralateral, combined fasciocutaneous free flap based on the posterior tibial-medial plantar vascular system is a good alternative in covering extensive sole injuries.

Evaluation of biological and chemical insecticide mixture against Aedes aegypti larvae and adults by thermal fogging in Singapore

To improve the operational efficiency of dengue vector control in Singapore, larvicide and adulticide were applied together by thermal fog generator (Agrofog AF40). The mixture consisted of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Vectobac 12 AS) as biological larvicide at 1.5 L/ha and pirimiphos-methyl (Actellic 50 EC) as adulticide at 100 g ai/ha, diluted 10-fold with water. Aerosol of this mixture was evaluated against the mosquito Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) in bioassays using cages of 10 adult females exposed at heights of 0.3-2.4 m and distances of 3-12 m from the hand-held generator. Cups containing 200 mL water were treated at ground level by exposure to the aerosol application at the same distances from the generator. Subsequent larval bioassays on days 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 post-spray involved exposing 20 larvae/cup for 48 h. Droplets had VMD 57 microm and female mosquitoes were killed by 2 s exposure to the aerosol at 3 m. We obtained 92-100% mortality of the adult mosquitoes and 100% control of larvae at 3 m distance, but only 10-13% mortality at 12 m from the fogger. In treated cups, larvae showed high mortality (92%) when exposed for 48 h even 1 month post-treatment. Results demonstrate the practical advantage of using this mixture of Vectobac 12AS and Actellic 50 EC for simultaneous control of Aedes adults and larvae, with prolonged larvicidal efficacy in treated containers.

The effect of prostaglandin E1 versus ischemia-reperfusion injury of musculocutaneous flaps

The purpose of this study was twofold. To evaluate whether prostaglandin El can increase the survival of the flap, and to determine its function against ischemia-reperfusion injury in musculocutaneous flaps. Thirty-five Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250 to 350 g were analyzed. The transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap was used in all rats. The rats were divided into three groups: group 1 (N = 15), the control group with 4-hour ischemic injury and intraflap injection of normal saline followed by reperfusion; group 2 (N = 15), prostaglandin E1 intraflap injection of 1 microg immediately after ischemic injury and reperfusion 4 hours later; and group 3 (N = 5), the sham-operated group. Analysis consisted of flap skin survival area measurements, immunohistochemical study using anti-intercellular adhesion molecule (anti-ICAM-1) monoclonal antibody, and histological evaluation including endothelium-sticking leukocytes at 24 hours and 5 days after reperfusion. The group treated with prostaglandin E1 showed immunohistochemical findings with decreased expression of ICAM-1 on the surface of the endothelium, and histology showed significant (p < 0.01) reduction of leukocyte adhesion at 24 hours and 5 days after reperfusion. These two factors were considered to play a role against ischemia-reperfusion injury, and led to improved survival of the flap. These results suggest that prostaglandin E1 may increase flap survival and may have a protective mechanism against ischemia-reperfusion injury by decreasing leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion through decreased expression of ICAM-1.

DNA-mediated immunization of glycoprotein 350 of Epstein-Barr virus induces the effective humoral and cellular immune responses against the antigen

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a human pathogen that is involved in numerous diseases and tumors. Since the EBV infection occurs in the early ages of life, and most of the population is subsequently exposed to EBV, the conventional method of vaccination to induce the prophylactic immunity cannot be considered effective in coping with the virus infection. In this study, we tested whether the injection of a plasmid vector that contained the gene for glycoprotein 350 (gp350), which had been identified as a ligand for virus' adsorption and a target for virus neutralizing antibodies, could induce effective immune responses against the antigen. As a result, the injection of the constructed plasmid vector into mice induced the production of gp350-specific antibodies. A major isotype of the gp350-specific antibodies was IgG1. The antibodies efficiently mediated the antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity against the cells expressing the gp350 antigen. In addition, the injection of the constructed plasmid vector stimulated the precursor T cell population that was specific to the gp350 antigen. In addition, gp350-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes were efficiently stimulated by the injection of the constructed plasmid vector. These results suggested that the injection of the plasmid vector, containing the gp350 gene of Epstein-Barr virus, could be one of the most effective ways to induce both prophylactic and therapeutic vaccinations against the virus infection.

Inhibitory effect of ursolic acid purified from Origanum majorana L on the acetylcholinesterase

We screened 139 herbal spices in search of the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor from natural resources. AChE inhibitors, which enhance cholinergic transmission by reducing the enzymatic degradation of acetylcholine, are the only source of compound currently approved for the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Among these herbs, edible plants and spices, the ethanol extract from Origanum majorana L. showed the highest inhibitory effect on AChE in vitro. By sequential fractionation of Origanum majorana L. the active component was finally identified as ursolic acid (3 beta-Hydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid). The ursolic acid of Origanum majorana L. inhibited AChE activity in a dose-dependent and competitive/non-competitive type. The Ki value (representing the affinity of the enzyme and inhibitor) of Origanum majorana L. ursolic acid was 6 pM, and that of tacrine was 0.4 nM. The concentration required for 50% enzyme inhibition of the active component (IC50 value) was 7.5 nM, and that of tacrine was 1 nM. This study demonstrated that the ursolic acid of Origanum majorana L. appeared to be a potent AChE inhibitor in Alzheimer's Disease.

5-Hydroxytryptamine attenuates free radical injury in primary mouse cortical cultures

The effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) on several types of neuronal injury in mouse cortical cell cultures were tested. Co-treatment with 5-HT prevented free radical-mediated neuronal necrosis induced by FeCl2 or buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) in a dose-dependent manner. Subtype antagonists did not reverse the protective effect and 5-HT showed direct free radical scavenging activity evidenced by its ability to reduce the stable free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) in a cell-free system. Excitotoxic necrosis induced by NMDA or apoptosis induced by staurosporine was not sensitive to 5-HT treatment. These features raise the possibility that the endogenous neurotransmitter 5-HT may work as an innate antioxidant defense mechanism in the CNS.

Dicobalt octacarbonyl catalyzed carbonylated cycloaddition of triynes to functionalized tetracycles

[reaction: see text]. We have demonstrated that a dicobalt octacarbonyl catalyzed double [2 + 2 + 1] carbonylative cycloaddition reaction of triyne can be carried out to yield a novel 5.5.5.6 tetracyclic di-enone system.

Haloperidol and clozapine increase neural activity in the rat prefrontal cortex

Haloperidol and clozapine have been widely used to alleviate schizophrenic symptoms, but their physiological effects in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) are not known. Effects of haloperidol and clozapine on single unit activity were investigated in the medial PFC of anesthetized rats. Injection (intraperitoneal) of haloperidol (1 mg/kg) or clozapine (20 mg/kg) significantly elevated discharge rates of PFC neurons. Considering that hypofrontality is one characteristic of schizophrenic symptoms, these results raise the possibility that enhancement of PFC neural activity contributes to therapeutic effects of haloperidol and clozapine.

Haloperidol-induced neuronal apoptosis: role of p38 and c-Jun-NH(2)-terminal protein kinase

We examined patterns and mechanisms of cell death induced by haloperidol. Cortical cell cultures exposed to 10-100 microM: haloperidol for 24 h underwent neuronal death without injuring glia. The degenerating neurons showed hallmarks of apoptosis, featuring cell body shrinkage, nuclear chromatin condensation and aggregation, nuclear membrane disintegration with intact plasma membrane, and prominent internucleosomal DNA fragmentation. Neither glutamate antagonists nor antioxidants prevented the haloperidol-induced neuronal apoptosis. The c-Jun-NH(2)-terminal protein kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase were activated within 1 h and were sustained over the next 3 h following exposure of cortical neurons to 30 microM haloperidol. Haloperidol-induced neuronal apoptosis was partially attenuated by 10-30 microM PD169316, a selective inhibitor of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. Inclusion of 1 microg/ml cycloheximide, a protein synthesis inhibitor, or 100 ng/ml insulin prevented activation of both kinases and subsequent neuronal death. The present study demonstrates that cortical neurons exposed to haloperidol undergo apoptosis depending on activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and c-Jun-NH(2)-terminal protein kinase sensitive to cycloheximide and insulin.

A vascularized osteocutaneous fibular free flap for reconstruction of a complex injury of the foot

The foot plays a vital role in standing and gait. Its function results from harmonious interaction of bones, joints, and soft tissue. An imbalance or a defect in these structures can result in problems. The cuneiform bone of the foot consists of three bones: medial, intermediate, and lateral. Its structure plays an important role in maintaining the skeletal arch and it supports the body's weight. A defect or dislocation can disrupt the distribution of the weight-bearing complex of the foot and can lead to difficult gait.

Pharmacokinetics of a new proton pump inhibitor, YJA-20379-8, after intravenous and oral administration to spontaneously hypertensive rats and DOCA-salt-induced hypertensive rats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the causes for the differences observed in the pharmacokinetics of YJA-20379-8 in 16-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). To see if the hereditary characteristics of SHRs was the cause, 20 mg/kg of the drug was intravenously infused over 15 min and 50 mg/kg of the drug was orally administered to 6-week-old SHRs and 16-week-old SHRs and their age-matched control Kyoto-Wistar (KW) rats. Also to see if the hypertensive status itself was the cause, the same doses were administered to 16-week-old deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) salt-induced hypertensive rats (DOCA-salt rats) and their age-matched control Sprague-Dawley rats. The areas under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to time infinity (for intravenous study) and to the last sampling time in plasma (for oral study) were significantly smaller after both intravenous and oral administration, and the total body clearances of the drug were significantly faster after intravenous administration to 6-week-old SHRs, 16-week-old SHRs, and 16-week-old DOCA-salt rats than those in their respective age-matched control rats. The above pharmacokinetic parameter changes in 16-week-old SHRs were due to both hereditary characteristic of SHRs and the hypertensive status itself.

Radical cyclization of beta-alkoxyacrylates: synthesis of a C2-symmetric, L-shaped molecule with four fused tetrahydropyran rings

A C2-symmetric, L-shaped tetracycle with four fused tetrahydropyran rings was synthesized from (3R, 4R)-1, 6-dibenzoyloxy-hexane-3, 4-diol employing radical cyclization reactions of beta-alkoxyacrylates.

General pharmacological properties of YJA20379-2, a new antiulcer agent

The general pharmacological properties of YJA20379-2 2-dimethylamino-4,5-dihydrothiazolo[4,5:3,4]pyridol[1,2-a]++ +benzoimidazole, a novel proton pump inhibitor with antiulcer activities were investigated in mice, rats, guinea pigs and rabbits. YJA20379-2 at oral doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg did not affect the general behaviour, hexobarbital hypnosis and motor coordination in mice. The drug did not have analgesic or anticonvulsant action at 200 mg/kg. Locomotor activity and body temperature were not influenced at 100 mg/kg. At a concentration up to 2 x 10(-4) g/ml, YJA20379-2 did not produce any contraction or relaxation of isolated preparations, such as the rat fundus, the guinea pig ileum and the rat uterus, and did not antagonize the contractile response to several spasmogens, such as histamine, acetylcholine, serotonin and oxytocin. At dosages up to 200mg/kg p.o. YJA20379-2 did not affect the pupil size of mice. Intestinal propulsion of mice was not affected up to 200 mg/kg p.o. and the drug did not affect urinary excretion at 100 mg/kg p.o. These results indicate that at dosages up to 100 mg/kg p.o. YJA20379 was found not to affect this pharmacological profile. However, at 200 mg/kg the drug lowered body temperature and showed decreases in locomotor activity and urine volume.

Biochemical and pharmacological characteristics of a newly synthesized H+/K+-ATPase inhibitor, YJA20379-8, 3-butyryl-4-[R-1-methylbenzylamino]-8-ethoxy-1,7-naphthyridine, in pigs and rats

We have investigated the effect of the newly synthesized proton-pump inhibitor YJA20379-8, 3-butyryl-4-[R-1-methylbenzylamino]-8-ethoxy-1,7-naphthyridine, on gastric mucosal proton pump (H+/K+-ATPase) activity, gastric acid secretion and gastric lesions in experimental animals. In lyophilized pig gastric microsomes, YJA20379-8 was shown to inhibit H+/K+-ATPase activity; the inhibitory effect was not affected by pH, the IC50 (dose resulting in 50% inhibition) being 28.0 microM and 30.0 microM at pH 6.4 and pH 7.4, respectively. The effect was fully reversed by dilution and subsequent washing of the incubation mixtures of H+/K+-ATPase and YJA20379-8, suggesting the reversible nature of the enzyme inhibition. In pylorus-ligated rats, YJA20379-8 administered by different routes (intraduodenal, subcutaneous, intravenous or oral) resulted in dose-dependent suppression of basal gastric acid secretion. The duration of antisecretory action of 30 mg kg(-1) YJA20379-8 given intraduodenally was very brief (less than 7 h). Pretreatment with YJA20379-8 also dose-dependently prevented gastric lesions induced by absolute ethanol and water-immersion stress in rats. These results suggest that YJA20379-8 might exert its antiulcer activity partly by reversible suppression of acid secretion and partly by protecting the gastric mucosa against ulcerative stimuli.

General pharmacological properties of YJA 20379-1, a novel proton pump inhibitor with antiulcer activities

The general pharmacological properties of YJA 20379-1 (2-amino-4,5-dihydro-8-phenylimidazo[2,1-b]thiazolo[4,5-g]benzo thi azole), a novel proton pump inhibitor with antiulcer activities, were investigated in mice, rats, guinea pig and rabbits. YJA 20379-1 at oral doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg did not affect the general behaviour, hexobarbital hypnosis, motor coordination and body temperature in mice. The drug does not have analgesic and anticonvulsant action at 200 mg/kg p.o. The locomotor activity was not affected at 100 mg/kg p.o., but at 200 mg/kg, the activity was suppressed. YJA 20379-1 (at 2 x 10(-4) g/ml) did neither produce any contraction nor relaxation of isolated organs such as rat fundus, rat uterus, guinea pig ileum and guinea pig vas deferens, and the drug did not antagonize the contractile response to several spasmogens, such as histamine, acetylcholine, serotonin and oxytocin, and the drug up to 200 mg/kg p.o. did not affect pupil size of mice. The intestinal propulsion in mice was not affected up to 200 mg/kg p.o. The gastric emptying in rats was not affected at 100 mg/kg p.o., even if retardation in gastric emptying occurred at 200 mg/kg. YJA 20379-1 did not show anti-inflammatory action nor did it affect urinary excretion up to 200 mg/kg p.o. From these results, it is suggested that YJA 20379-1 at the high dose of 100 mg/kg p.o. may not exert any adverse effects.

Orbital floor and infraorbital rim reconstruction after total maxillectomy using a vascularized calvarial bone flap

A number of techniques have been introduced to support the orbital floor after maxillectomy without orbital exenteration. These methods include skin graft or muscular sling, but they have resulted in severe complications, such as enophthalmos, global ptosis, diplopia, and facial deformity. Currently, advanced microvascular reconstruction using bone and soft tissue is performed by many surgeons. This usually results in the filling of the postmaxillectomy defect, but the lack of support for the orbital rim and floor by the bone flap may still cause the complications mentioned above. Vascularized calvarial bone flap was chosen in this study for reconstruction of the orbital floor and infraorbital rim to function as a buttress, to reconstruct recipient sites of poor vascular bed after radiation therapy, and to withstand further postoperative radiation. By providing a solid floor and rim, these complications can be prevented with satisfactory function and aesthetically acceptable results. From September of 1995 to July of 1998, we performed vascularized bone flap for the reconstruction of the orbital floor and infraorbital rim in four cases after total maxillectomy involving the orbital floor. With a follow-up period from 19 to 35 months (mean, 27 months), we obtained significant improvement of functional and aesthetically acceptable results without global ptosis, enophthalmos, diplopia, or severe facial contour deformity.

Simultaneous reconstruction of the Achilles tendon and soft-tissue defect using only a latissimus dorsi muscle free flap

The combined loss of the Achilles tendon and the overlying soft tissue in the young ambulant patient with expectations of a normal life is a challenging problem. These patients need not only soft tissue but also dynamic and functional reconstruction. Four cases of major defects of the Achilles tendon and overlying soft tissue after trauma are presented. In each case, the tendon and the overlying soft tissues were reconstructed using only a latissimus dorsi muscle free flap and overlying split-thickness skin graft. In conventional methods, evolved in the reconstruction of the Achilles tendon and soft tissue, the size of the defect was a limit. However, this technique can be used to reconstruct an extensive defect, including distal calf muscle to the plantar metatarsal area. In one case, the flap was harvested in a myocutaneous unit, and the skin portion was deepithelialized for the coverage and enough padding on the bony exposure area in reverse position. The purpose of the present study was to reevaluate the potential of denervated muscle flap for a force-bearing conduit as an alternative reconstructive method of the Achilles tendon. The denervated latissimus dorsi muscle in this study eventually experienced the process of atrophy and fibrosis but maintained its original length. Although there remained some atrophic muscle fibers, a fibrosis of the muscle fibers formed a tendon-like fibrous band, and so the action of the posterior calf muscle could be transmitted through the tendon-like fibrotic change of the denervated latissimus dorsi muscle. The advantages of this technique are that (1) it is a single procedure, (2) it is adaptable to a wide range of defect sizes, (3) it allows faster wound healing supported by well-vascularized tissues, (4) it produces satisfactory function of the ankle joint and a padding effect, and (5) it produces good contour of the posterior calf to the sole and an acceptable donor-site morbidity.

Biochemical and pharmacological characteristics of a newly synthesized H+-K+ ATPase inhibitor, YJA20379-1, 2-amino-4,5-dihydro-8-phenylimidazole[2,1-b]thiazolo[5,4-g]benzothiazol e

The biochemical and pharmacological characteristics of a newly synthesized H+-K+ ATPase inhibitor, 2-amino-4,5-dihydro-8-phenylimidazole[2,1-b]thiazolo[5,4-g]benzothiazole (YJA20379-1), were investigated. In the pig gastric microsomes, YJA20379-1 inhibited the gastric H+-K+ ATPase regardless of pH condition, IC50 values being 21 and 24 microM at pH 6.4 and 7.4, respectively. The inhibitory activity of YJA20379-1 was antagonized by dithiothreitol treatment but could not be reversed by dilution and washing of the enzyme preparation. In Sprague-Dawley rats, YJA20379-1, administered i.d., p.o, i.v., or s.c., significantly inhibited basal gastric acid secretion, with ED50 values of 4.7, 20.2, 6.3, and 13.4 mg/kg, respectively. The antisecretory action of YJA20379-1 was short lasting (less than 7 h at an oral dosing of 30 mg/kg). Oral administration of YJA20379-1 also prevented the formation of ethanol, indomethacin, and water immersion stress induced gastric lesions and mepirizole-induced duodenal ulcers in rats. Furthermore, YJA20379-1 accelerated the healing of acetic acid induced chronic gastric ulcers in rats. In conclusion, these results suggest that YJA20379-1 has a potent inhibitory activity on the gastric H+-K+ ATPase but much shorter duration of antisecretory action than omeprazole, thereby exerting its anti-ulcer effects partly with cytoprotective activity.

Pharmacokinetic changes of a new proton pump inhibitor, YJA-20379-8, after intravenous and oral administration to rats with uranyl nitrate-induced acute renal failure

Because the physiological changes that occur in patients with acute renal failure could alter the pharmacokinetics of the drugs used to treat the disease, the pharmacokinetics of YJA-20379-8, a new reversible proton pump inhibitor, were investigated after 15-min intravenous (20 mg/kg) and oral (50 mg/kg) administration to control rats and rats with uranyl nitrate-induced acute renal failure (U-ARF). The impaired kidney function was observed in rats with U-ARF on the basis of physiological parameters. After intravenous administration of YJA-20379-8, the pharmacokinetic parameters were not significantly different between two groups of rats except significant increase in volume of distribution at steady state in rats with U-ARF (8000 versus 4520 ml/min). However, after oral administration to rats with U-ARF, AUC(0-16)hr was significantly smaller (126 versus 293 microg min/ml) and this was due to decreased absorption of YJA-20379-8 from gastrointestinal tract; the percentages of oral dose of YJA-20379-8 recovered from gastrointestinal tract at 24 hr as unchanged drug was significantly greater (19.9% versus 6.61%) in rats with U-ARF.

The biochemical and pharmacological properties of a newly synthesized H+-K+ ATPase inhibitor, 2-dimethylamino-4,5-dihydrothiazolo[4,5:3,4]pyridol-[1,2-a]benzimidazol e

This study was designed to determine the effect of a newly synthesized proton pump inhibitor, 2-dimethylamino-4,5-dihydrothiazolo[4,5:3,4]pyridol[1,2-a]be nzimidazole (YJA20379-2), on gastric H(+)-K(+) ATPase activity, acid secretion, and experimental gastroduodenal lesions or ulcers in rats. YJA20379-2 inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner the proton pump (H(+)-K(+) ATPase) activity in isolated hog gastric mucosal microsomes, therefore, confirming its classification as a proton pump inhibitor. The inhibitory efficacy of YJA20379-2 on the proton pump was about eight times higher than that of omeprazole at pH 7.4. The activity of the inhibited enzyme was not restored by dilution and washout method, so this implied that the inhibition of YJA20379-2 is not reversible. YJA20379-2, given intraduodenally or orally, potently suppressed acid secretion in pylorus-ligated rats, with ED50 values of 3.6 and 7.7 mg.kg(-1), respectively. Pretreatment with YJA20379-2 dose dependently protected the gastric mucosa from damage induced by absolute ethanol, water-immersion stress, indomethacin, and the duodenal mucosa from damage induced by mepirizole in rats, with ED50 values of 11.0, 21.0, 0.5, and 18.7 mg.kg(-1), respectively. Repeated administration of YJA20379-2 also dose dependently accelerated spontaneous healing of acetic acid induced gastric ulcers. These results suggest that YJA20379-2 has potent antisecretory and antiulcer effects, which are exerted by suppression of H(+)-K(+) ATPase activity in gastric parietal cells, such that YJA20379-2 may be useful for the clinical treatment of peptic ulcer diseases.

Pharmacokinetics of a new proton pump inhibitor, YJA-20379-8, in rats with 48-hour water deprivation

The pharmacokinetics of YJA-20379-8 after the intravenous, 20 mg/kg, and oral, 50 mg/kg, administration of the drug, and tissue distribution of YJA-20379-8 after intravenous administration of the drug, 20 mg/kg, to control and 48-h water-deprived rats were reported. After 15-min intravenous infusion of YJA-20379-8, the drug was not detected in urine and less than 0.5% of intravenous dose of the drug was excreted in bile, suggesting that YJA-20379-8 is essentially completely metabolized in rats. Therefore, the CL (clearance) of YJA-20379-8 represents the CLNR (metabolic clearance) of the drug in rats. After oral administration of YJA-20379-8, the F values were low; the values were 21.2 and 19.4% for control and water-deprived rats, respectively. The values were considerably low considering that 93.4 and 84.6% orally administrated YJA-20379-8 were absorbed from rat GI tract of control and water-deprived rats, respectively. This could be due to considerable first-pass (hepatic, gastric, and intestinal) effects. Recently, it was found that gastric and intestinal first-pass effects of YJA-20379-8 were considerable in rats. The amounts of YJA-20379-8 in small intestine, brain, lung, stomach, and kidney increased significantly in water-deprived rats. However, the T/P ratios were comparable (not significantly different) for both groups of rats, indicating that tissue distribution of the drug was not affected by water deprivation.

Biochemical and pharmacological properties of a new proton pump inhibitor, 2-amino-4,5-dihydropyrido[1,2-a]thiazolo [5,4-g] benzimidazole (YJA20379-5)

This study was designed to determine biochemical and pharmacological properties of a newly synthesized benzimidazole derivative, 2-amino-4,5-dihydropyrido [1,2-a] thiazolo [5,4-g] benzimidazole (YJA20379-5) in vitro and in vivo. In the leaky membrane vesicles of pig gastric mucosa, YJA20379-5 inhibited the K(+)-stimulated H+,K(+)-ATPase activity in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, with IC50 values being 43 microM and 31 microM at pH 6.4 and 7.4, respectively. YJA20379-5, given intraduodenally, had a potent inhibitory effect on the gastric acid secretion in pylorus-ligated rats. The ED50 value for acid secretion was 15.4 mg/kg. YJA20379-5, administered orally, also suppressed gastric damages induced by water-immersion stress, indomethacin and ethanol, and duodenal damage induced by mepirizole in rats; the ED50 values were 17.6, 4.7, 3.0 and 18.7 mg/kg, respectively. Furthermore, repeated oral administration of YJA20379-5 accelerated the spontaneous healing of acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers in rats. It is concluded that the antisecretory activity of YJA20379-5 appears to be associated with inhibition of H+,K(+)-ATPase, while its antigastric and antiduodenal lesion activities are primarily related to the antisecretory effect.

Stability, blood partition, and pharmacokinetics of a new proton pump inhibitor, YJA-20379-8

Stability, blood partition, and pharmacokinetics (including tissue distribution and biliary excretion) of YJA-20379-8 were studied using an HPLC analysis. YJA-20379-8 was stable for up to 48 h incubation in a water-bath shaker kept at 37 degrees C and at a rate of 50 oscillations per min in pH solutions ranging from 1 to 14. YJA-20379-8 rapidly reached equilibrium between plasma and blood cells of three rabbit blood, and the equilibrium plasma to blood cell concentration ratios were independent of the initial YJA-20379-8 blood concentrations; the mean values were 1.42-1.56 for three rabbit blood at initial YJA-20379-8 blood concentrations of 1-5 micrograms/ml. As expected from blood partition of the drug between plasma and blood cells, there was no in vitro 'blood storage effect' of YJA-20379-8. After intravenous administration of YJA-20379-8, 10, 20, and 50 mg/kg, to rats, the values of t1/2, MRT, Vss, and CL were dose-independent. However, after intravenous administration of the drug, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, to rabbits, the values of t1/2, MRT, and Vss were dose-dependent. After oral administration of the drug, 20, 50, and 100 mg/kg, to rats, the F values (9.00, 16.7, and 11.3% for 20, 50, and 100 mg/kg, respectively) were low considering considerable absorption of the drug from rat gastrointestinal tract (98, 80, and 76% for 20, 50, and 100 mg/kg, respectively) and this could be due to hepatic, gastric, and/or intestinal first-pass metabolism. YJA-20379-8 was under detection limit in urine samples and the contribution of biliary excretion of unchanged YJA-20379-8 to nonrenal clearance of the drug was negligible (less than 0.5% of intravenous dose) in rats, suggesting that the CL (or nonrenal clearance) of YJA-20379-8 could represent metabolic clearance in rats. YJA-20379-8 had a good affinity to almost all rat tissues studied and this was supported by a relatively high value of Vss (3.93-3.93 ml/kg) after intravenous administration of the drug to rats.

Biochemical and pharmacological characteristics of 3-butyryl-8-methoxy-4-[(2-thiophenyl)amino]quinoline, a new proton-pump inhibitor, in rabbit gastric microsomes and in rats

We have investigated the properties of the newly synthesized proton-pump inhibitor, 3-butyryl-8-methoxy-4-[(2-thiophenyl)amino]quinoline (YJA20379-6), on gastric mucosal proton-pump (H+/K+-ATPase) activity, gastric acid secretion and gastroduodenal lesions in experimental rats. YJA20379-6 markedly inhibited H+/K+-ATPase activity in rabbit isolated gastric mucosal microsomes, confirming its classification as a proton-pump inhibitor. The inhibitory efficacy of YJA20379-6 on the proton pump was approximately 14-times higher than that of omeprazole at pH 7.4. YJA20379-6 given intraduodenally had a potent inhibitory effect on gastric secretion in pylorus-ligated rats (ED50 22.9 mg kg(-1)) but was less active than omeprazole. Pretreatment of rats with YJA20379-6 dose-dependently protected the gastric mucosa from damage induced by water-immersion stress, indomethacin and absolute ethanol, and the duodenal mucosa from damage induced by mepirizole. Repeated administration of YJA20379-6 also dose-dependently accelerated the spontaneous healing of acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers. These results suggest that YJA20379-6 has potent anti-secretory and anti-ulcer effects which are exerted by suppression of H+/K+-ATPase activity in gastric parietal cells. YJA20379-6 might be useful for the clinical treatment of peptic ulcer diseases.

Effects of YJA20379-4 on gastric secretion, Helicobacter pylori growth and various gastric and duodenal lesions in rats

Effects of a newly synthesized antiulcer agent, YJA20379-4, on gastric proton pump (H+/K+-ATPase) activity, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) growth, gastric acid secretion, and gastro-duodenal lesions, were examined in comparison with those of omeprazole. YJA20379-4 markedly inhibited the H+/K+-ATPase activity in a concentration-dependent manner and the inhibitory effect was increased under a weak acidic condition; the IC50 values were 32 and 81 microM at pH 6.4 and 7.4, respectively. The inhibition was completely antagonized by 0.5 mM dithiothreitol (DTT). In addition, YJA20379-4 showed a significant anti-H. pylori activity determined by the agar dilution method. The value of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC, 3.9-11.7 microg/ml) was at least 3 times more potent than that of omeprazole. In pylorus ligated rats, YJA20379-4 inhibited basal gastric acid secretion when administered by the intraduodenal route (ED50: 23.6 mg/kg). In experimental ulcer models, YJA20379-4 administered by the oral route dose-dependently prevented the development of gastro-duodenal lesions in rats. Moreover, repeated administration of YJA20379-4 promoted the healing of gastric ulcers induced by acetic acid. On the basis of the data obtained, it is suggested that YJA20379-4 has a wide spectrum of antiulcer activities, and its mode of antiulcer actions is dependent on the inhibition of H+/K+-ATPase activity and H. pylori growth and the enhancement of a mucosal defense. Thus, YJA20379-4 might prove to be a beneficial therapy for gastritis and peptic ulcer diseases.

Monitoring of dengue viruses in field-caught Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes by a type-specific polymerase chain reaction and cycle sequencing

Virologic surveillance for dengue through the detection of the prevalent serotype(s) circulating in the human population during inter- and intra-epidemic periods constitutes a reliable sentinel system for dengue outbreaks. We have applied a rapid and sensitive, semi-nested, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay using nonstructural protein 3 gene primers for the type-specific-detection of dengue viruses in artificially infected and in field-caught adult Aedes mosquitoes. In laboratory experiments, the assay was sensitive enough to detect one virus-infected mosquito head in pools of up to 59 uninfected heads. In a prospective field study conducted from April 1995 to July 1996, female adult Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquitoes were caught from selected dengue-sensitive areas in Singapore and assayed by RT-PCR. Approximately 20% of 309 mosquito pools were positive for dengue viruses. Of the 23 RT-PCR-positive Ae. aegypti pools (containing 1-17 mosquitoes each), 18 pools (78.3%) were positive for dengue 1 virus. There were 40 RT-PCR-positive Ae. albopictus pools (containing 1-33 mosquitoes each) of which 31 (77.5%) were positive for dengue 1 virus. The predominant virus type responsible for the current dengue epidemic since 1995 was also dengue 1. The geographic locations of the virus-infected mosquitoes correlated with the residences or workplaces of patients within dengue outbreak areas. A total of 43.5% of the positive Ae. aegypti pools and 25.0% of the positive Ae. albopictus pools contained only a single mosquito. Both Aedes species showed similar overall minimum infection rates of 57.6 and 50 per 1,000 mosquitoes. Infected Ae. aegypti were detected as early as six weeks before the start of the dengue outbreaks in 1995 and 1996. However, infected Ae. albopictus appeared later, when the number of cases was increasing. Virologic surveillance by RT-PCR for detecting dengue virus-infected Aedes mosquitoes in the field may serve as an early warning monitoring system for dengue outbreaks.

Inhibitory action of YJA20379, a new proton pump inhibitor on Helicobacter pylori growth and urease

The activities of two types of antiulcer agents against 9 strains of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) were determined by the agar dilution method. The antiulcer agents were YJA20379, a newly synthesized proton pump inhibitor developed by Yung-Jin Pharmaceutical company, and omeprazole. Both compounds were found to have significant activities against this organism. The MIC values of YJA20379 and omeprazole were 11.7 and 31.25 micrograms/ml, respectively. In addition, the inhibitory potency of both compounds was investigated on H. pylori urease which is believed to be an important colonization and virulence factor in the pathogenesis of gastritis and peptic ulcers. These compounds dose-dependently inhibited urease extracted with distilled water and their IC50 values were 16.4 x 10(-5) M and 14.3 x 10(-5) M, respectively. In addition, a pH-dependent study to determine whether inhibitory potency would be activated by acid condition was performed. It was found that unlike omeprazole, YJA20379 was not affected by acid condition. To determine the inhibition pattern and optimal concentration of substrate, kinetics were evaluated at various pH levels (pH 5.0, 7.0, and 8.5). The data show that YJA20379 noncompetitively inhibited H. pylori urease and KM/Ki values were 0.96 mM/60 microM (pH 5.0), 0.56 mM/141.5 microM (pH 7.0), and 1.94 mM/34 microM (pH 8.5), respectively. Based on data obtained, it is concluded that YJA20379 is a significant inhibitor of H. pylori growth and urease and therefore, taking these results into consideration, YJA20379 might be a beneficial therapy for gastritis and peptic ulcers induced by H. pylori.

Ipsilateral island fibula transfer for segmental tibial defects: antegrade and retrograde fashion

Five patients with segmental tibial defects whose contralateral fibula could not be used as a donor were treated with ipsilateral island fibular transfer in an antegrade or retrograde fashion. Antegrade-flow pedicled flaps based on the peroneal vessel as in the conventional free flap were used for the proximal or middle one-third tibial defects, whereas retrograde-flow pedicled flaps based on the communicating branch between the peroneal and posterior tibial vessels were used for the middle or distal one-third of the tibia. All patients had one of the following problems: a previously failed free flap, below-knee amputation of the opposite leg because of open tibia fracture, refusal to use the contralateral sound leg, or poor general condition to endure a lengthy operation. Four of the patients also had an associated fibular fracture on the same leg, which was ultimately used as one of the osteotomy sites. The follow-up period was from 31 to 48 months. Time to bony union ranged from 4 to 7 months. Time to full weight bearing was from 5 to 9 months after operation. All of the transferred fibulas showed hypertrophy after weight bearing. Nonunion occurred in two cases, which were treated with a long leg cast and cancellous bone graft, respectively. The limb was shorter by an average of 0.5 cm in three cases, longer by 1.1 cm in one case, and in the last case, it was uncheckable because the opposite limb was previously amputated. Limited arc of rotation was not a problem. Other disabling complications were not seen. We believe that these methods can be a valuable alternative to the contralateral free fibula flap in certain cases.

Synthesis and antitumor activity of (diamine)platinum(II) complexes of benzylmalonate derivatives

(Diamine)platinum(II) complexes of benzylmalonate derivatives as a leaving group designed in a wide range of lipophilicity and water-solubility were prepared and their antitumor activities were attempted to correlate to their lipophilicity or solubility. A good relationship was observed between their in vitro toxicity and solubility of the title complexes with the same carrier ligand, DACH (trans-(+/-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane): The most soluble complexes are most cytotoxic whereas the least soluble complexes are least cytotoxic. However, no relationship could be established between their in vivo activity and their lipophilicity or solubility presumably due to other pharmacokinetic factors involved in vivo. The molecular structure of (IPA)2Pt(DBM).2CH3OH (IPA = isopropylamine; DBM = dibenzylmalonate) was determined by X-ray diffraction: space group P2(1)/n, a = 11.433 (3), b = 14.461 (4), c = 17.478 (4) A, beta = 97.25 (3) degrees, z = 4, R = 0.0437.

Maternal serum uric acid levels in preeclamptic women with multiple gestations

Our study was designed to determine serum uric acid levels and establish clinically useful cutoff values for the diagnosis of preeclampsia in twin and triplet gestations. We reviewed the medical records of 129 multiple gestations with serum uric acid levels available. Fifty-five twin gestations were complicated by preeclampsia, 51 were not. Fifteen triplet gestations were complicated by preeclampsia, and 8 were not. Preeclampsia was defined as a persistent blood pressure > or =140/90 mmHg, and proteinuria, or elevated liver enzymes, thrombocytopenia, or eclamptic seizure. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated for twin and triplet gestations. Serum uric acid levels at different stages of gestation in twin gestations were determined. Maternal serum uric acid levels in preeclamptic twin and triplet gestations were significantly higher than those in nonpreeclamptics. Serum uric acid levels at varying gestational ages were significantly higher in preeclamptic twin gestations than in nonpreeclamptics. Maternal serum uric acid levels of 6.3 mg/dL and 6.8 mg/dL were found to be the most useful cutoff values for the diagnosis of preeclampsia in twin and triplet gestations, respectively. We conclude that compared to nonpreeclamptics, preeclamptic women with multiple gestations had significantly higher serum uric acid levels. Mean serum uric acid levels based on gestational age should be justified for the diagnosis of preeclampsia in multiple gestations.

Effects of dietary selenium and vitamin E on boar performance and tissue responses, semen quality, and subsequent fertilization rates in mature gilts

Three experiments involving 192 crossbred boars evaluated the effects of dietary Se (0 or .5 ppm) and vitamin E (0 or 220 IU/kg) on growth, tissue Se, and alpha-tocopherol concentrations, and on semen quality and its subsequent effect on fertilization rate in mature gilts. Diets formulated used torula yeast and dextrose or cornstarch as the basal feedstuffs and were provided from weaning through sexual maturity. The basal diets averaged .063 ppm Se and 3.46 mg alpha-tocopherol/kg diet. Experiment 1 was a 2 x 2 factorial and conducted as a randomized complete block design in six replicates. Boars were allotted at weaning (initial BW 7.7 kg) with growth and feed performance determined to 145 kg BW. Five boars were killed at weaning and three from each treatment group at periodic intervals to 145 kg BW. Serum and tissue Se and alpha-tocopherol concentration and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity were subsequently determined. No performance benefit from either nutrient was demonstrated. Tissue (serum, liver, and testis) GSH-Px activity and Se and alpha-tocopherol concentrations were higher (P < .01) at each period when that respective nutrient fortified the diet. Testis GSH-Px activity increased from weaning to 145 kg BW even when Se was not added to the diet. Experiment 2 was conducted after training three boars from each treatment group of Exp. 1 for semen collection. From 9 mo of age and for a 16-wk period, semen was collected three times weekly and the volume, sperm concentration, motility, and percentage of normal and abnormal sperm were determined. Boars fed either the nonfortified Se or vitamin E diets had sperm with lower motilities (P < .01) and a higher percentage of sperm cells with bent and shoehook tails (P < .01). Diets low in added Se seemed to have a greater detrimental effect on the percentage of motile and abnormal sperm than diets inadequate in vitamin E. Sperm cells had a high concentration of Se and alpha-tocopherol, and a high GSH-Px activity. Experiment 3 was conducted using the boars from Exp. 2; 34 mature gilts were inseminated at 12 and 24 h after estrus. Gilts were killed 5 to 7 d postcoitum and the reproductive tracts were recovered. The semen from boars fed the nonfortified Se diet had a lower fertilization rate of oocytes with fewer accessory sperm penetrating the zona pellucida. The results from these experiments indicate that dietary Se and vitamin E can affect boar semen quality, but the greater effect seemed to be from Se.

Experimental results using nafamostat mesilate as anticoagulant during extracorporeal lung assist for 24 hours in dogs

We report on the experimental application of nafamostat mesilate (NM, 6-amidino-2-naphthyl p-guanidinobenzoate dimethanesulfonate, FUT), a new anticoagulant, to extracorporeal lung assist (ECLA) with an artificial membrane lung. Venovenous ECLA, from the jugular vein to the femoral vein, was performed with a hollow-fiber membrane lung at a blood flow rate of approximate 82 ml kg-1 min-1 for 24 h in 7 dogs under anesthesia and hypoventilation. Heparin (10 U ml-1 in a priming lactated Ringer solution of 140 ml, and 200 U kg-1) was administered before blood access cannulation. After start of ECLA, however, no heparin was used, and nafamostat mesilate was continuously infused into the drainage line of the bypass circuit to control activated coagulation time (ACT) at about 150 to 200 s. To maintain the prolonged ACT, 8.0 +/- 1.7 mg kg-1 h-1 of NM was required. Arterial blood pressure and pulse rate decreased significantly. Though fibrin monomer test revealed hypercoagulability after 6 h of ECLA, platelet counts did not significantly decrease. Total blood loss remained less than 40 g. The artificial membrane lung sustained a good gas exchange and low flow resistance throughout ECLA. Macroscopic examination revealed small spotty thrombi in the artificial lung but no major pathologic changes of the visceral organs in the all dogs at autopsy. High-dose NM administration could control blood coagulation and decrease blood loss during ECLA for 24 h without deterioration of the artificial lung and systemic complication other than mild hypotension and bradycardia.

Efficacy of dietary D-alpha-tocopherol and DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate for weanling pigs

A 2 x 3 factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design was conducted using a total of 180 weanling pigs in five replicates. The study evaluated the efficacy of two dietary vitamin E sources (D-alpha-tocopherol, DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate) added at three dietary levels (16, 48, 96 IU/kg) during a 35-d postweaning trial. Pigs within each treatment were fed two similarly fortified vitamin E diets in sequence; the first contained 40% milk products and was fed to 14 d, and the second contained 20% milk product and 5% fat and was provided from 15 to 35 d postweaning. Five pigs per pen per replicate were bled weekly for serum analysis of alpha-tocopherol, Se, cholesterol, triglyceride, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity. At the end of the trial, one pig per pen was randomly selected and killed with liver, loin, lung, and heart excised and frozen for tocopherol analysis. Postweaning gains, feed intakes, and efficiencies were similar between the two vitamin E sources and at the various dietary levels. Serum tocopherol concentrations were consistently higher when D-alpha-tocopherol was provided. Vitamin E sources and levels had no effect nor did they influence weekly serum Se, cholesterol, or triglyceride concentrations or GSH-Px activity. A serum and tissue interaction (P less than .05) response occurred between dietary vitamin E source x level with alpha-tocopherol concentrations increasing linearly (P less than .01) as dietary vitamin E level increased, but at a higher rate when D-alpha-tocopherol than when DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate as fed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)