Reproductive isolation between sympatric Anguilla japonica and Anguilla marmorata

Species-specific restriction fragment length polymorphism in the intron of the androgen receptor gene (ar5) was found in glass to silver-stage individuals of Anguilla japonica (n = 51) and A. marmorata (n = 21). The sequence analysis of 16S rDNA from 328 anguillid leptocephali collected in the North Equatorial Current of the western North Pacific Ocean revealed the specimens to be A. japonica (n = 194), A. marmorata (n = 128), A. bicolor pacifica (n = 5) and A. luzonensis (n = 1). All leptocephali of A. japonica and A. marmorata were monomorphic and did not share an allele at the ar5 locus, indicating that the two species are reproductively isolated.

Geographic distribution and environmental control of vertebral count in Ammodytes spp. along the northern Pacific coast of Japan

To examine species composition and population structures in sand lance (Ammodytidae) along the northern Pacific coast of Japan, genetic analysis were carried out for specimens collected in 2014 from Otsuchi Bay, Iwate, Ishinomaki Bay, Miyagi, off Soma, Fukushima and Ise-Mikawa Bays, Aichi. The samples consisted of Ammodytes japonicus and Ammodytes heian, of which the latter is a recently described species. Neither species exhibited significant genetic differences among localities. Only A. japonicus was found in the most southern locality at Aichi, but it decreased northward to <90% in Miyagi and Fukushima and the two species occurred almost evenly in Iwate suggesting a latitudinal cline in their species composition along the northern Pacific coast of Japan, off Tohoku. The vertebral counts differed between A. japonicus and A. heian with modes of 65 and 63, respectively, but this characteristic did not differ significantly within a locality (Iwate). This suggests that the vertebral counts of Ammodytes spp. in Japanese waters are probably strongly determined by the environment than by a species-specific genetic trait.

Development of horn antenna mixer array with internal local oscillator module for microwave imaging diagnostics

A new antenna array is proposed in order to improve the sensitivity and complexity of microwave imaging diagnostics systems such as a microwave imaging reflectometry, a microwave imaging interferometer, and an electron cyclotron emission imaging. The antenna array consists of five elements: a horn antenna, a waveguide-to-microstrip line transition, a mixer, a local oscillation (LO) module, and an intermediate frequency amplifier. By using an LO module, the LO optics can be removed, and the supplied LO power to each element can be equalized. We report details of the antenna array and characteristics of a prototype antenna array.

Sibilant /s/ Simulator Based on Computed Tomography Images and Dental Casts

The sibilant /s/ is produced by raising the tongue against the roof of the mouth to form a narrow constriction, which is adjusted so that the airstream emerging from it impinges on the incisors. However, the location where the sibilant sound occurs is unclear, as are the details of the mechanisms of its generation. In this study, we used a realistically shaped replica produced with a three-dimensional printer and demonstrated that turbulent flow was generated in the oral tract near the incisors and lips and that sufficiently developed turbulent flow generated a sound source up to 20,000 Hz at 333, 500, and 667 cm3/sec, which agrees with the range of physiological flow rates typical for /s/. The characteristics of the sound spectra agreed with those of the sibilant /s/ sound emitted by our control individual. Such a physical perspective could yield knowledge useful for oral surgery and speech science – for example, to predict how the generation of sibilants may be occasionally affected by orthodontic and prosthodontic treatments.

Safety and effectiveness of 6 months' etanercept monotherapy and combination therapy in Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis: effect of concomitant disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs

OBJECTIVE

To assess real-world safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of etanercept monotherapy, etanercept plus methotrexate (MTX), or etanercept plus other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) in Japanese patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) despite previous treatment with DMARD.

METHODS

In this 24-week, all-cases postmarketing surveillance study, adverse events (AE) were coded using the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities. Effectiveness was assessed every 4 weeks using the 28-joint Disease Activity Score and the European League Against Rheumatism response criteria.

RESULTS

Of 13,861 patients (81% women) in the analysis, 3616, 2506, and 7739, respectively, were classified into etanercept monotherapy (ETN-mono), etanercept plus DMARD other than MTX (ETN + DMARD), and etanercept plus MTX (ETN + MTX) groups. Rates of AE and serious AE (SAE) in the ETN + MTX group were lower than in other groups. Risk of SAE or serious infections was not significantly increased with higher versus lower MTX doses at baseline or with concomitant use of salazosulfapyridine or bucillamine in ETN + DMARD versus ETN-mono groups. A greater likelihood of achieving clinical remission was seen with ETN + MTX versus ETN-mono (OR 1.36; 95% CI, 1.16-1.60; p < 0.001). Higher MTX dose at baseline was associated with a higher remission rate (> 8 mg vs 0 to ≤ 4 mg, OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.07-2.00, p = 0.016; 6 to ≤ 8 mg vs 0 to ≤ 4 mg, OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.01-1.60, p = 0.038).

CONCLUSION

Combination therapies with etanercept plus MTX or other DMARD were reasonably well tolerated, and ETN + MTX at higher doses was more effective than ETN-mono in Japanese patients with RA.

Stem cell therapy: social recognition recovery in a FASD model

To better understand the cellular pathogenetic mechanisms of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and the therapeutic benefit of stem cell treatment, we exposed pregnant rats to ethanol followed by intravenous administration of neural stem cells (NSCs) complexed with atelocollagen to the new born rats and studied recovery of GABAergic interneuron numbers and synaptic protein density in the anterior cingulate cortex, hippocampus and amygdala. Prenatal ethanol exposure reduced both parvalbumin-positive phenotype of GABAergic interneurons and postsynaptic density protein 95 levels in these areas. Intravenous NSC treatment reversed these reductions. Furthermore, treatment with NSCs reversed impaired memory/cognitive function and social interaction behavior. These experiments underscore an important role for synaptic remodeling and GABAergic interneuron genesis in the pathophysiology and treatment of FASD and highlight the therapeutic potential for intravenous NSC administration in FASD utilizing atelocollagen.

Development of 3D microwave imaging reflectometry in LHD (invited)

Three-dimensional (3D) microwave imaging reflectometry has been developed in the large helical device to visualize fluctuating reflection surface which is caused by the density fluctuations. The plasma is illuminated by the probe wave with four frequencies, which correspond to four radial positions. The imaging optics makes the image of cut-off surface onto the 2D (7 × 7 channels) horn antenna mixer arrays. Multi-channel receivers have been also developed using micro-strip-line technology to handle many channels at reasonable cost. This system is first applied to observe the edge harmonic oscillation (EHO), which is an MHD mode with many harmonics that appears in the edge plasma. A narrow structure along field lines is observed during EHO.

Safety and effectiveness of switching from infliximab to etanercept in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: results from a large Japanese postmarketing surveillance study

Finding an effective treatment strategy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who have not benefited from previous tumor necrosis factor-α antagonist treatment is important for minimizing RA disease activity and improving patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare the safety and effectiveness of etanercept in patients with and without infliximab (IFX) treatment experience. Patients (n = 7,099) from a large postmarketing observational study of etanercept use in Japan were divided into 2 cohorts based on previous IFX use (pre-IFX and non-IFX). Baseline characteristics were assessed in each cohort. Adverse events (AEs) and European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) responses were monitored every 4 weeks for 24 weeks. At baseline, pre-IFX patients were younger and had fewer comorbidities and a shorter RA duration than non-IFX patients. During the study, pre-IFX patients received concomitant methotrexate more often than non-IFX patients. The incidence of AEs and serious AEs were significantly lower in pre-IFX patients, as was the percentage of patients who discontinued treatment. Both cohorts had significant improvement (P < 0.001) in EULAR responses at the end of the treatment period. This study demonstrated that etanercept was effective and well tolerated in active RA patients with and without prior IFX treatment.

Safety and effectiveness responses to etanercept for rheumatoid arthritis in Japan: a sub-analysis of a post-marketing surveillance study focusing on the duration of rheumatoid arthritis

The aim is to investigate the relationship of duration of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with safety and effectiveness of etanercept (ETN) in Japan. Post-marketing surveillance data for 7,099 patients treated with ETN were analyzed. Baseline characteristics, treatment effectiveness, incidence of adverse events (AEs), and serious AEs (SAEs) in relation to duration of RA were studied. At baseline, patients with RA for longer duration were older, weighed less, had more comorbidities, allergies, and corticosteroid use, but smoked less and had less morning stiffness. By 2-5 years with RA, more than half of the patients had advanced to Steinbrocker radiographic stage III or IV. Methotrexate (MTX) was the most commonly used pre-treatment disease-modifying antirheumatic drug; however, concomitant MTX use and its dose were lower among patients with longer duration of RA. Remission rates (26.6%) were greatest among patients having RA for <2 years. Less AEs and SAEs were observed among patients with shorter duration of RA. These results suggest that RA treatment in Japan in the era pre-biologics may not have been adequate to control disease activity and prevent joint destruction. Patients with shorter duration of RA may have better physical status which allows the opportunity to treat more intensively putting a higher percentage of patients in remission and possibly decreasing exposure to SAEs.

Postmarketing surveillance of safety and effectiveness of etanercept in Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Our aim was to evaluate real-world safety and effectiveness in a 6-month postmarketing surveillance study covering all Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who received etanercept during a 2-year period. Data for 13,894 patients (1334 sites) enrolled between March 2005 and April 2007 were collected. Adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported in 4336 (31.2%) and 857 (6.2%) patients, respectively. The most frequent AEs were injection site reactions (n = 610, 4.4%) and rash (n = 339, 2.4%), whereas pneumonia (n = 116, 0.8%) and interstitial lung disease (n = 77, 0.6%) were the most frequent SAEs. Significant improvement in the proportion of patients with a good European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response was observed from week 4 (17.6%) to week 24 (31.6%) (p < 0.001); 84.3% of patients had good or moderate EULAR responses at week 24. The percentage of patients achieving remission increased significantly from week 4 (9.3%) to week 24 (18.9%) (p < 0.001). Patients with early moderate RA were less likely to experience SAEs and were more likely to achieve remission compared with patients with more severe disease. The safety and effectiveness of etanercept was demonstrated in Japanese patients in one of the largest observational trials conducted thus far in RA patients treated with biologics.

Simultaneous projection and detection system of four different frequencies for microwave imaging reflectometry in Large Helical Device

A simultaneous projection/detection system of four different frequencies for microwave imaging reflectometry (MIR) was developed for three-dimensional observation of electron density fluctuations in the Large Helical Device (LHD). The microwave with four frequency components at 60.410, 61.808, 63.008, and 64.610 GHz is projected in a continuous-wave mode to illuminate the target LHD plasma. A two-dimensional horn-antenna mixer array (2D HMA) receives the reflected wave from the plasma as well as the wave from the local oscillator operating at 55.800 GHz. The first intermediate frequency (IF) signals at 4.610, 6.008, 7.208, and 8.810 GHz were confirmed to be obtained by downconversion of these microwaves using the 2D HMA. Each of these first IF components is filtered from each other and downconverted again for the superheterodyne detection. It was confirmed that both the amplitudes and the phases of the detected signals reflect the fluctuations in LHD plasmas.

Development of electron cyclotron emission imaging system on Large Helical Device

A combined system of microwave imaging reflectometry and electron cyclotron emission (ECE) imaging has been developed for the Large Helical Device. This system includes a wide-band two-dimensional horn-antenna mixer array (HMA). The HMA consists of horn antennas, waveguides, mixers, and intermediate frequency circuits. The frequency response of the HMA is between 50 and 110 GHz. The ECE signal is selected using a 95 GHz local oscillator and a 93 GHz high-pass filter.

Calibration of electron cyclotron emission radiometer for KSTAR

We developed and installed an electron cyclotron emission radiometer for taking measurements of Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) plasma. In order to precisely measure the absolute value of electron temperatures, a calibration measurement of the whole radiometer system was performed, which confirmed that the radiometer has an acceptably linear output signal for changes in input temperature. It was also found that the output power level predicted by a theoretical calculation agrees with that obtained by the calibration measurement. We also showed that the system displays acceptable noise-temperature performance around 0.23 eV.

The effect of group-based lifestyle interventions on risk factors and insulin resistance in subjects at risk for metabolic syndrome: the Tabaruzaka Study 1

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two group-based lifestyle interventions in ameliorating the risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MS) and insulin resistance.

METHODS

Ninety-eight subjects who had at least one component of MS were randomized into standard intervention (SI) (4-month intervention; n = 50) and extended intervention (EI) (10-month intervention; n = 48) groups, and 39 subjects were followed up for a control group. The effects of intervention were evaluated after 10, 22 and 34 months.

RESULTS

At month 10, the standard and EI groups showed improved body mass index (BMI) (SI, -0.28; EI, -0.47; control, -0.09), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose and A1c and a decreased mean number of components of MS (SI, -0.37; EI, -0.51; control, 0.08). At month 34, the effects on BMI (SI, -0.66; EI, -0.60; control, -0.05) and HDL-cholesterol were sustained for both the intervention groups. In controls, the increases in fasting plasma glucose and the mean number of components of MS from the baseline to month 34 were greater than those in the standard and EI groups. Whole body insulin sensitivity index and hepatic insulin resistance index were also improved at month 10.

CONCLUSIONS

Group-based lifestyle intervention could be an efficient way to prevent MS. Its effects were sustainable, at least in part, for 2 years. These effects may be mediated by an improvement in insulin sensitivity.

Rapid current ramp-up by cyclotron-driving electrons beyond runaway velocity

The toroidal current has been rapidly ramped-up after the formation of an initial closed flux surface in an electron cyclotron heated discharge in the low aspect ratio torus experiment device. A current carrying fast electron tail is developed well beyond the runaway velocity against the reverse voltage from self-induction, suggesting a forward driving force on the tail by the cyclotron absorption of high N(parallel) electron Bernstein waves.

Sympatric spawning of Anguilla marmorata and Anguilla japonica in the western North Pacific Ocean

Extensive collections were made of the larvae of the temperate Japanese eel Anguilla japonica and the tropical giant mottled eel Anguilla marmorata in an overlapping area of the North Equatorial Current region of the western North Pacific Ocean. Collections of 189 A. marmorata and > 2500 A. japonica larvae during nine surveys from 1991 to 2007 showed that these two anguillid eels have similar spawning areas just west of the southern West Mariana Ridge. In July to August 2006 and August 2007, morphologically and genetically identified A. marmorata preleptocephali were mainly collected between 14.5-15 degrees N and 142-142.5 degrees E, where A. japonica preleptocephali were also caught in some of the same net tows. Fewer A. marmorata preleptocephali, however, were collected (n = 31) compared to those of A. japonica (n = c. 165), and fewer small larvae of A. marmorata were collected per tow than A. japonica (n = 1-10 and 1-294, respectively), suggesting relatively smaller spawning aggregations of A. marmorata. The distribution of preleptocephali and small larvae was wider in longitude in A. marmorata (131- 143 degrees E) than in A. japonica (137-143 degrees E), while the latitudinal range was almost the same (12-17 degrees N). Although spawning by these two species overlaps both spatially and temporally, the tropical eels of the North Pacific population of A. marmorata probably have a much longer spawning season with fewer spawners, at least in summer, and recruit to a much wider latitudinal range of growth habitats.

Identification of larval Anisakis spp. (Nematoda: Anisakidae) in Alaska pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) in northern Japan using morphological and molecular markers

The Alaska pollock, Theragra chalcogramma (Pallas), is an important raw source for surimi and other food products in Japan. However, Alaska pollock caught in the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions has been reported to harbor Anisakis species that pose considerable food safety problems. Here, we identified the third-stage (L3) Anisakis spp. sampled from Alaska pollock caught in northern Japan using a combination of morphological and molecular analyses which included PCR-RFLP and sequencing of the ITS (ITS1-5.8S rDNA-ITS2) region and mtDNA cox2 gene markers. Four Anisakis spp. were confirmed, namely Anisakis simplex (sensu stricto [s.s.]), A. pegreffii, A. brevispiculata, and an Anisakis sp. belonging to the Anisakis Type II group. The identification of 4 different Anisakis spp. occurring in Alaska Pollock, and the identification of A. brevispiculata and an Anisakis sp. (Anisakis Type II) in the northwest Pacific region, are first reports. Anisakis simplex (s.s.) composed the majority of Anisakis spp. in Alaska pollock at 91.0%, followed by A. pegreffii (5.2%), Anisakis sp. (Anisakis Type II) (2.4%), and A. brevispiculata (1.4%).

Development of microwave imaging reflectometry in large helical device

Three key devices of the microwave imaging reflectometry (MIR) are under development in large helical device (LHD). The 2-D mixer array is developed by stacking the one-dimensional array of the planar Yagi-Uda antenna. The new type of the bandpass filter bank is modified to match the requirement of the MIR. The low-cost quadrature demodulator is also developed for the phase detection system. By using the low-price commercial wireless devices, the development cost becomes much lower than the expensive waveguide system. These devices enable the development of 2-D/3-D microwave imaging system for the plasma diagnostics and industrial applications.

Neural stem cell transplantation in a model of fetal alcohol effects

Neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation has been investigated and developed in areas such as brain injury, stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, emerging evidence suggest that many of clinical symptoms observed in psychiatric disease are likely related to neural network disruptions including neurogenesis dysfunction. In the present study, we transplanted NSCs into a model of fetal alchol effects (FAE) for the purpose of investigating the possibility of regenerative therapy for the FAE. We labeled NSCs with fluorescent dye and radioisotope which were transplanted into FAE rats by intravenous injection. The transplanted cells were detected in wide areas of brain and were greater in number in the brains of the FAE group compared to the control group. Furthermore NSC transplantation attenuated behavioral abnormalities in FAE animals. These results suggest NSC transplantation as a potental new therapy for human FAE.

Spontaneous formation of closed-field torus equilibrium via current jump observed in an electron-cyclotron-heated plasma

Spontaneous current jump resulting in the formation of closed field equilibrium has been observed in electron-cyclotron-heated toroidal plasmas under steady external fields composed of a toroidal field and a relatively weak vertical field in the low aspect ratio torus experiment device. This bridges the gap between the open field equilibrium maintained by a pressure-driven current in the external field and the closed field equilibrium at a larger current. Experimental results and theoretical analyses suggest a current jump model that is based on the asymmetric electron confinement along the field line appearing upon simultaneous transitions of field topology and equilibrium.

Short-term effects of hyposmotic shock on Na+/K+-ATPase expression in gills of the euryhaline milkfish, Chanos chanos

Changes in expression of gill Na+/K+ -ATPase (NKA) on a short-term (96 h) time-course following hyposmotic shock (direct transfer to fresh water) of the euryhaline, marine milkfish were studied on gene, protein, and cell levels in this paper. Plasma osmolality and [Na+] responded with rapid declines in 3 h post-transfer yet, thereafter, remained constant. Plasma [Cl-] gradually fell to a significantly lower level at 6 h post-transfer. Gills responded to hyposmotic shock by a dual phase enhancement of NKA activity and protein abundance; (a) Before 24 h: NKA activity increased as early as 3 h and reached a maximum level from 6 to 12 h post-transfer coincided with the sustained lower levels of plasma osmolality, [Na+], and [Cl-] since 3 h post-transfer. This was followed by a gradual rise in alpha-subunit protein levels that peaked at 12 h post-transfer. Meanwhile, alpha-mRNA of NKA did no show significant change. (b) After 24 h: NKA activity as well as the amounts of alpha-subunit mRNA and protein increased significantly. Direct freshwater transfer induced a prompt and significant decrease of NKA immunoreactive (NKIR) cell abundance in filaments before 24 h, followed by a significant increase after 24 h due to their development in filaments and lamellae. Increased number of NKIR cells after 24 h of hyposmotic shock may occur in conjunction with rise of NKA activity as well as alpha-subunit mRNA and protein abundance. In conclusion, milkfish is able to avoid an excessive drop in plasma ions immediately upon hyposmotic shock and maintain plasma ions on a marginal lower level in fresh water. Notably, the initial increase in NKA activity (adjustive phase; 3-12 h) and delayed increase in NKA mRNA and protein abundance (regulatory phase; 48-96 h) indicate the importance of a higher level of the gill enzyme in milkfish upon hyposmotic shock.

Proteomics of the rice cell: systematic identification of the protein populations in subcellular compartments

Despite recent progress in sequencing the complete genome of rice ( Oryza sativa), the proteome of this species remains poorly understood. To extend our knowledge of the rice proteome, the subcellular compartments, which include plasma membranes (PM), vacuolar membranes (VM), Golgi membranes (GM), mitochondria (MT), and chloroplasts (CP), were purified from rice seedlings and cultured suspension cells. The proteins of each of these compartments were then systematically analyzed using two-dimensional (2D) electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, and Edman sequencing, followed by database searching. In all, 58 of the 464 spots detected by 2D electrophoresis in PM, 43 of the 141 spots in VM, 46 of the 361 spots in GM, 146 in the 672 spots in MT, and 89 of the 252 spots in CP could be identified by this procedure. The characterized proteins were found to be involved in various processes, such as respiration and the citric acid cycle in MT; photosynthesis and ATP synthesis in CP; and antifungal defense and signal systems in the membranes. Edman degradation revealed that 60-98% of N-terminal sequences were blocked, and the ratios of blocked to unblocked proteins in the proteomes of the various subcellular compartments differed. The data on the proteomes of subcellular compartments in rice will be valuable for resolving questions in functional genomics as well as for genome-wide exploration of plant function.

Perfluorooctane sulfonate concentrations in surface water in Japan

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a class of specialty chemicals used in a variety of applications, and has been found to be globally distributed in many living organisms including humans. Several analytical methods have been developed for determination of PFOS in environmental samples and biological matrices. However, these methods employ liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), an instrumentation which has limited accessibility because it is expensive to use and maintain. In the present study we present the development of a robust analytical method using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) in combination with solid phase extraction. The high yield and concentration of the present method enabled us to quantify PFOS as low as 0.1 ng/L. This method was applied to the determination of PFOS in 142 surface water samples collected from various geographic locations around Japan. The geometric mean (geometric standard deviation) (ng/L) for river samples (n = 126) was 2.37 (4.13), with a median of 1.68 and a range of 0.3-157 ng/L, and for coastal sea water samples (n = 16) was 1.52 (4.14), with a median of 1.21 and a range of 0.2-25.2 ng/L. However, the concentrations in most of the samples were much lower than the values reported in the US, except for those from the Jinzu (135.0 ng/L) and Tama (157 ng/L) Rivers. Because surface waters in the Ara (13.0-38.5 ng/L), Tama (0.7-157.0 ng/L), and Yodo (0.9-27.3 ng/L) Rivers, sources of drinking water for more than eight million people, were moderately contaminated with PFOS, more work is needed to assess exposure to PFOS.

Gravitational unloading effects on muscle fiber size, phenotype and myonuclear number

The effects of gravitational unloading with or without intact neural activity and/or tension development on myosin heavy chain (MHC) composition, cross-sectional area (CSA), number of myonuclei, and myonuclear domain (cytoplasmic volume per myonucleus ratio) in single fibers of both slow and fast muscles of rat hindlimbs are reviewed briefly. The atrophic response to unloading is generally graded as follows: slow extensors > fast extensors > fast flexors. Reduction of CSA is usually greater in the most predominant fiber type of that muscle. The percentage of fibers expressing fast MHC isoforms increases in unloaded slow but not fast muscles. Myonuclear number per mm of fiber length and myonuclear domain is decreased in the fibers of the unloaded predominantly slow soleus muscle, but not in the predominantly fast plantaris. Decreases in myonuclear number and domain, however, are observed in plantaris fibers when tenotomy, denervation, or both are combined with hindlimb unloading. All of these results are consistent with the view that a major factor for fiber atrophy is an inhibition or reduction of loading of the hindlimbs. These data also indicate that predominantly slow muscles are more responsive to unloading than predominantly fast muscles.

Left ventricular mass and global function in essential hypertension after antihypertensive therapy

This study compares left ventricular global function in 55 patients (25 with hypertrophy and 30 without hypertrophy) with essential hypertension, whose blood pressure had been stable for longer than 1 year, with that in 35 healthy subjects. Left ventricular global function was calculated using the echocardiographic Doppler index as described by Tei et al. (Tei index). No significant differences were observed in echocardiographic left ventricular systolic function between the three groups. Left ventricular global function differed significantly between the three groups, however, suggesting impaired left ventricular global function even in the absence of left ventricular hypertrophy. Similar changes were observed in the ratio of peak velocity of atrial systole to peak velocity of early diastole during left ventricular inflow waveform (A/E), indicating that this disorder mainly reflects impaired left ventricular diastolic function. Unlike A/E, the Tei index is not affected by increasing age, and, therefore, is appropriate for evaluating left ventricular global function in hypertensive patients, most of whom are middle-aged or older. This index may be useful for determining treatment strategy and evaluating treatment effects.

Differential nociceptive responses in mice lacking the alpha(1B) subunit of N-type Ca(2+) channels

The role of N-type Ca(2+) channels in nociceptive transmission was examined in genetically engineered mice lacking the alpha(1B) subunit of N-type channels and in their heterozygote and wild-type littermates. In alpha(1B)-deficient mice, N-type channel activities in dorsal root ganglion neurons and spinal synaptoneurosomes were eliminated without compensation by other types of voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels. The alpha(1B)-deficient mice showed a diminution in the phase 2 nociceptive responses more extensively than in the phase 1 nociceptive responses of the formalin test. The alpha(1B)-deficient mice exhibited significantly increased thermal nociceptive thresholds in the hot plate test, but failed to increase mechanical nociceptive thresholds in the tail pinch test. These results suggest a crucial role of N-type channels in nociceptive transmission, especially for persistent pain like phase 2 of the formalin test and for nociception induced by thermal stimuli.

Echocardiographic evaluation of right cardiac function in patients with chronic pulmonary diseases

It is clinically important to evaluate the severity of right ventricular (RV) overload in patients with chronic pulmonary diseases (CPD). For such evaluation, echocardiography has been widely used because the procedure is noninvasive and can be performed repeatedly. We evaluated the severity of RV overload in CPD patients to assess the usefulness of pulsed Doppler echocardiography. The A/E ratio and deceleration time of early RV inflow velocity correlated significantly with the mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) both in patients with and without CPD. The acceleration time/RV ejection time (AcT/RVET) was significantly lower in CPD patients than control subjects and correlated significantly with MPAP. Furthermore, AcT/RVET improved in patients with mild respiratory failure after oxygen therapy, along with a decrease in MPAP. We also compared the new index of myocardial performance (NI) in control subjects and patients with pulmonary tuberculosis sequelae (TB) undergoing home oxygen therapy. The NI was significantly higher in the TB group. Although these results were satisfactory, the pulsed Doppler echocardiography has certain disadvantages because monitoring is influenced by anatomical factors and it is difficult to perform in patients with atrial fibrillation or tachycardia. We conclude that echocardiography using a Doppler method is a useful noninvasive technique for assessment of the right heart system. The precision of this procedure can be improved by combination with other echocardiographic indices of RV overload.

Functional disorders of the sympathetic nervous system in mice lacking the alpha 1B subunit (Cav 2.2) of N-type calcium channels

N-type voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels (VDCCs), predominantly localized in the nervous system, have been considered to play an essential role in a variety of neuronal functions, including neurotransmitter release at sympathetic nerve terminals. As a direct approach to elucidating the physiological significance of N-type VDCCs, we have generated mice genetically deficient in the alpha(1B) subunit (Ca(v) 2.2). The alpha(1B)-deficient null mice, surprisingly, have a normal life span and are free from apparent behavioral defects. A complete and selective elimination of N-type currents, sensitive to omega-conotoxin GVIA, was observed without significant changes in the activity of other VDCC types in neuronal preparations of mutant mice. The baroreflex response, mediated by the sympathetic nervous system, was markedly reduced after bilateral carotid occlusion. In isolated left atria prepared from N-type-deficient mice, the positive inotropic responses to electrical sympathetic neuronal stimulation were dramatically decreased compared with those of normal mice. In contrast, parasympathetic nervous activity in the mutant mice was nearly identical to that of wild-type mice. Interestingly, the mutant mice showed sustained elevation of heart rate and blood pressure. These results provide direct evidence that N-type VDCCs are indispensable for the function of the sympathetic nervous system in circulatory regulation and indicate that N-type VDCC-deficient mice will be a useful model for studying disorders attributable to sympathetic nerve dysfunction.

Protein determination by high-performance gel-permeation chromatography: applications to human pancreatic juice, human bile and tissue homogenate

A high-performance gel-permeation chromatography (HPGPC) method to determine the proteins of human pancreatic juice, bile, and tissue homogenate has been developed. A diol-type silica gel column (35 x 8 mm I.D., 5 nm average pore diameter) was used under a column temperature of 8 degrees C. The eluent was acidic phosphate buffer with a high concentration of sodium chloride, nonionic detergent of polyoxyethylene (20) cetyl ether (Brij 58), glycerol and 2-propanol. The UV wavelength used for the protein detection was 210 nm. Analytical time was within 3.5 min. Good correlation coefficients were obtained with this HPLC method at a column temperature of 8 degrees C and a spectrophotometric bicinchoninic acid (BCA) method. A photometric pyrogallol-red molybdate complex method was found to correlate well with this HPLC method and with the BCA method only for tissue homogenate. Since this HPGPC protein assay method is simple, convenient, rapid, reproducible, and reliable, it is expected to be generally applicable to clinical and also to biochemical research.

Ontogenetic, gravity-dependent development of rat soleus muscle

We tested the hypothesis that rat soleus muscle fiber growth and changes in myosin phenotype during the postnatal, preweaning period would be largely independent of weight bearing. The hindlimbs of one group of pups were unloaded intermittently from postnatal day 4 to day 21: the pups were isolated from the dam for 5 h during unloading and returned for nursing for 1 h. Control pups were either maintained with the dam as normal or put on an alternating feeding schedule as described above. The enlargement of mass (approximately 3 times), increase in myonuclear number (approximately 1.6 times) and myonuclear domain (approximately 2.6 times), and transformation toward a slow fiber phenotype (from 56 to 70% fibers expressing type I myosin heavy chain) observed in controls were inhibited by hindlimb unloading. These properties were normalized to control levels or higher within 1 mo of reambulation beginning immediately after the unloading period. Therefore, chronic unloading essentially stopped the ontogenetic developmental processes of 1) net increase in DNA available for transcription, 2) increase in amount of cytoplasm sustained by that DNA pool, and 3) normal transition of myosin isoforms that occur in some fibers from birth to weaning. It is concluded that normal ontogenetic development of a postural muscle is highly dependent on the gravitational environment even during the early postnatal period, when full weight-bearing activity is not routine.

Diagnostic value of pulsed Doppler echocardiography in acute pulmonary thromboembolism--comparison with pulmonary angiography and pulmonary artery pressure

The ratio of acceleration time to right ventricular ejection time (AcT/RVET) can be derived from the blood flow patterns recorded by pulsed wave Doppler echocardiography. In chronic cor pulmonale, AcT/RVET negatively correlates with pulmonary artery pressure (PAP). The present study evaluated the diagnostic value of AcT/RVET by comparing this variable with indices derived from pulmonary angiography (PAG) and PAP in 16 patients with acute pulmonary thromboembolism (APTE). AcT/RVET, PAP, and PAG severity indices (Miller index (MI) and UPET objective angiographic index (UI)) were measured during the acute phase on admission and the chronic phase after treatment. In the acute phase, AcT/RVET correlated with mean PAP (mPAP) (r=-0.68, p<0.05) and total pulmonary resistance (TPR) (r=-0.66, p<0.05), but not with MI or UI. During the chronic phase, AcT/RVET did not correlate with mPAP or TPR, but with both PAG indices (MI: r=0.76, p<0.05, UI: r=0.65, p<0.05). Before treatment of the APTE, AcT/RVET remained at low levels and could be used as an index of pulmonary hypertension. After treatment, however, following improvement of PAP, AcT/RVET was not useful for evaluating PAP, but might serve as an index for evaluating the volume of residual thrombi.

Polyvinyl alcohol as a useful indicator on iodometry: volumetric and spectrophotometric studies on iodine-PVA and iodine-starch complexes

Iodometry is one of the easiest, most rapid and accurate methods for the determination of a relatively small amount of oxidizing agent, such as residual chlorine. Starch has long been used as a useful color indicator in iodometry. However, we found that PVA (polyvinyl alcohol with partially saponificated; e.g., saponification degree of 88%) is a more useful color indicator than starch. For example, at 20 degrees C, the PVA indicator gave similar profiles of iodine concentration vs. titration efficiencies (percent recoveries) to those of starch at 0 degrees C. At 0 degrees C, the PVA indicator detected 1.1 mg I2/L (11 microg I2: with 10 mL sample volume) with a high percentage of recovery (=95%). Furthermore, at 20 degrees C an iodine concentration of 0.36 mg/L (which corresponds to a residual chlorine concentration of 0.1 mg Cl2/L) could be detected using PVA color indicator assuming an appropriate correction.

Effect of periodical starvation on the life history of Brachionus plicatilis O.F. Müller (Rotifera): a possible strategy for population stability

To estimate the changes in the life history of the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis O.F. Müller under starvation, we carried out an individual culture and determined the effects of periodical food deprivation on its asexual reproductive characteristics such as lifespan, reproductive period, age at first egg and offspring production, and lifetime fecundity (total number of offspring produced in her lifetime). Rotifers were fed for 1-3 h daily, and were then starved until the next day. Control animals were fed throughout their lifespan. Starved rotifers matured and produced their first offspring at an older age than the control animals. The periodical starvation resulted in a decrease in the lifetime fecundity to less than half that of the non-starved control. The reproductive period and lifespan were 2-3 times longer in the starved animals than in the control animals. The negative relationship between lifespan and lifetime fecundity is interpreted as a trade-off in an alternative life-history strategy of rotifers under starved conditions. The great decrease in fecundity and extension of lifespan enables rotifers to compensate to keep the population in equilibrium.

Eosinophilic lung diseases: diagnostic accuracy of thin-section CT in 111 patients

PURPOSE

To determine whether various eosinophilic lung diseases can be differentiated by means of thin-section computed tomography (CT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thin-section CT scans in 111 patients with eosinophilic lung diseases-40 with chronic eosinophilic pneumonia, 16 with Churg-Strauss syndrome, 16 with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), 13 with acute eosinophilic pneumonia, 12 with simple pulmonary eosinophilia, 11 with drug-induced eosinophilic pneumonia, and three with hypereosinophilic syndrome-were assessed independently by two observers. The observers recorded the abnormalities, diagnosis, and degree of confidence in the diagnosis.

RESULTS

The two observers made a correct first-choice diagnosis on average in 61% of readings. The correct diagnosis was made in 78% of cases of chronic eosinophilic pneumonia; 81%, acute eosinophilic pneumonia; 44%, Churg-Strauss syndrome; 84%, ABPA; 17%, simple pulmonary eosinophilia; 27%, drug-induced eosinophilic pneumonia; and 33%, hypereosinophilic syndrome. The two observers made a correct diagnosis with a high degree of confidence in 36% of readings. There was moderate agreement between the observers for the correct diagnosis (kappa, 0.47) and for the correct diagnosis with a high degree of confidence (kappa, 0.59).

CONCLUSION

Although eosinophilic lung diseases often can be differentiated by means of thin-section CT, correlation between CT findings and careful clinical evaluation are required for a definitive diagnosis.