Occurrence of human respiratory syncytial virus in summer in Japan.

In temperate zones, human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) outbreaks typically occur in cold weather, i.e. in late autumn and winter. However, recent outbreaks in Japan have tended to start during summer and autumn. This study examined associations of meteorological conditions with the numbers of HRSV cases reported in summer in Japan. Using data from the HRSV national surveillance system and national meteorological data for summer during the period 2007-2014, we utilized negative binomial logistic regression analysis to identify associations between meteorological conditions and reported cases of HRSV. HRSV cases increased when summer temperatures rose and when relative humidity increased. Consideration of the interaction term temperature × relative humidity enabled us to show synergistic effects of high temperature with HRSV occurrence. In particular, HRSV cases synergistically increased when relative humidity increased while the temperature was ⩾28·2 °C. Seasonal-trend decomposition analysis using the HRSV national surveillance data divided by 11 climate divisions showed that summer HRSV cases occurred in South Japan (Okinawa Island), Kyushu, and Nankai climate divisions, which are located in southwest Japan. Higher temperature and higher relative humidity were necessary conditions for HRSV occurrence in summer in Japan. Paediatricians in temperate zones should be mindful of possible HRSV cases in summer, when suitable conditions are present.

Electron microscopy and diffraction of layered, superconducting intercalation complexes.

Several layered, transition metal dichalcogenide intercalation complexes with unique superconducting properties have been examined by high-resolution electron microscopy and electron diffraction. Details of the crystalline lattice and of the lattice imperfections have been directly resolved. The results can be correlated with the available x-ray diffraction and chemical data, and they confirm and extend the postulated models.

Effects of motherwort (Leonurus sibiricus L) on preneoplastic and neoplastic mammary gland growth in multiparous GR/A mice.

Chronic ingestion of methanol extract of the above-ground part of motherwort (Leonurus sibiricus L) in drinking water at the concentration of 0.5% enhanced the development of both pregnancy-dependent mammary tumours (PDMT) and mammary cancers originated from PDMT. By contrast, the treatment markedly suppressed the development of mammary cancers that originated from hyperplastic alveolar nodules (HAN) associated with the decreased formation of HAN. The incidence of uterine adenomyosis was also inhibited in mice given motherwort. The urinary excretion of allantoin, creatine and creatinine and glucose tolerance were stimulated by motherwort. The cause of discrepancy of the effects of motherwort on mammary cancers due to their origins is not clear at present. However, the stimulation by the agent of the excretion of any carcinogenic factors may at least partly contribute to its inhibition of mammary cancers originating from HAN.

Effect of platelet-activating factor on lipoprotein lipase and blood lipids.

We investigated the effect of platelet-activating factor (PAF) and of the PAF specific antagonist CV-6209 on plasma lipid metabolism, and particularly on post-heparin plasma lipolytic activity in male Wistar rats. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity was enhanced by intravenous injection of PAF before intravenous injection of heparin when the PAF dose was low (0.2 micrograms/kg). PAF activated hepatic triacylglycerol lipase (HTGL) activity dose-dependently. Plasma triacylglycerols (TG) significantly decreased with the activation of LPL and/or HTGL. Plasma total cholesterol (TC) and phospholipid (PL) levels decreased at a low dose of PAF (0.2 micrograms/kg), but increased when higher doses were used. The PAF antagonist CV-6209 partially reversed the PAF induced effects on HTGL, TC and PL.

Ascorbic acid protects against peroxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein, maintaining its recognition by LDL receptors.

Peroxidatively modified low-density lipoprotein (LDL) may contribute to atherosclerotic processes; therefore, protecting LDL against peroxidation may thus reduce or retard the progression of atherosclerosis. We have evaluated the protective effects of ascorbic acid on copper-catalyzed LDL peroxidative modification. The protective effects of ascorbic acid on copper-catalyzed LDL peroxidative modification were examined by measurement of concentration of lipid hydroperoxides in LDL and by the provision of LDL cholesterol to lymphocytes via LDL receptor-mediated pathway. The measurement of concentration of lipid hydroperoxides in LDL showed that ascorbic acid inhibited peroxidative modification of LDL. Also, ascorbic acid preserved the ability of LDL to be recognized by LDL receptors in peripheral blood lymphocytes to the same extent as native LDL. These findings indicate that ascorbic acid may protect LDL against peroxidative modification, maintaining its ability to act as a ligand for LDL receptors in vivo.

A missense mutation (Trp 26-->Arg) in exon 3 of the apolipoprotein CII gene in a patient with apolipoprotein CII deficiency (apo CII-Wakayama).

We studied the molecular basis of a case of apolipoprotein CII (apo CII) deficiency with a history of familial consanguinity. DNA sequence analysis of the apo CII gene from the patient revealed a homozygous nucleotide change: a T-->C transition for codon 26 (TGG) at nucleotide 2967 of the third exon resulting in a Trp26-->Arg substitution. His mother was heterozygous of the same mutation and showed half the value of normal apo CII/apo CIII. Analysis of his brother who showed the normal apo CII concentration revealed no mutation at the same place. These results suggested that this missense mutation could be the cause of apo CII deficiency in this kindred.

Effect of alpha-tocopherol on in vitro and in vivo metabolism of low-density lipoproteins in haemodialysis patients.

It has been reported that some modified low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) such as glycated LDL and malondialdehyde-rich LDL (MDA-LDL) probably exist in the circulation. The present study was undertaken to investigate the in vitro and in vivo metabolism of MDA-LDL occurring in chronic haemodialysis patients and the effects of alpha-tocopherol on these abnormalities. MDA-LDL from haemodialysis patients was degraded more rapidly by human monocyte-derived macrophages and disappeared more slowly from the circulation when compared with LDL from healthy controls. Treatment with alpha-tocopherol at doses of 600 mg/day for 2 weeks resulted in improvement of these metabolic abnormalities depending upon the degree of return to normal MDA concentrations in LDL.