RESUMEN
Lactobacillus plantarum strains produce either glycerol (Gro)- or ribitol (Rbo)-backbone wall teichoic acid (WTA) (Gro-WTA and Rbo-WTA, respectively). The strain WCFS1 has been shown to be able to activate the tarIJKL locus involved in Rbo-WTA synthesis when the tagD1F1F2 locus for Gro-WTA synthesis was mutated, resulting in switching of the native Gro-WTA into Rbo-WTA. Here, we identify a regulator involved in the WTA backbone alditol switching and activation of the tarIJKL locus. Promoter reporter assays of the tarI promoter (Ptar) demonstrated its activity in the Rbo-WTA-producing mutant derivative (ΔtagF1-2) but not in the parental strain WCFS1. An electrophoresis mobility shift assay using a Ptar nucleotide fragment showed that this fragment bound to Ptar-binding protein(s) in a cell-free extract of WCFS1. Three proteins were subsequently isolated using Ptar bound to magnetic beads. These proteins were isolated efficiently from the lysate of WCFS1 but not from the lysate of its ΔtagF1-2 derivative, and were identified as redox-sensitive transcription regulator (Lp_0725), catabolite control protein A (Lp_2256) and TetR family transcriptional regulator (Lp_1153). The role of these proteins in Ptar regulation was investigated by knockout mutagenesis, showing that the Δlp_1153 mutant expressed the tarI gene at a significantly higher level, supporting its role as a repressor of the tarIJKL locus. Notably, the Δlp_1153 mutation also led to reduced expression of the tagF1 gene. These results show that Lp_1153 is a regulatory factor that plays a role in WTA alditol switching in Lb. plantarum WCFS1 and we propose to rename this gene/protein wasR/WasR, for WTA alditol switch regulator.
Asunto(s)
Regulación Bacteriana de la Expresión Génica , Lactobacillus plantarum/genética , Nucleotidiltransferasas/genética , Fosfotransferasas/genética , Deshidrogenasas del Alcohol de Azúcar/genética , Ácidos Teicoicos/biosíntesis , Pared Celular/química , Lactobacillus plantarum/metabolismo , Nucleotidiltransferasas/biosíntesis , Fosfotransferasas/biosíntesis , Deshidrogenasas del Alcohol de Azúcar/biosíntesisRESUMEN
This study investigated the protective effects of melatonin (MT) against gentamicin (GM)-induced testicular toxicity and oxidative damage in rats. GM (100 mg kg(-1) ) was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) to rats for 6 days. MT (15 mg kg(-1) ) was administered i.p. to rats for 6 days at 1 hr after the GM treatment. GM caused a decrease in prostate and seminal vesicle weights, sperm count and sperm motility. Histopathological examination showed various morphological alterations in the testis, characterised by degeneration of spermatogonia/spermatocytes, decrease in the number of early spermatogenic cells and vacuolisation. In addition, an increased malondialdehyde concentration and decreased glutathione content and glutathione reductase, catalase and glutathione-S-transferase activities were found in the testis. In contrast, MT treatment significantly attenuated the testicular toxicity of GM, including decreased reproductive organ weights, sperm count, and sperm motility and increased histopathological alterations. MT also had an antioxidant benefit by decreasing the lipid peroxidative product malondialdehyde and increasing the level of the antioxidant glutathione and the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the testis. These results indicate that MT prevents testicular toxicity induced by GM in rats, presumably due to its potent antioxidant activity, and its ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation, and restore antioxidant enzyme activity.
Asunto(s)
Antibacterianos/toxicidad , Antioxidantes/farmacología , Gentamicinas/antagonistas & inhibidores , Gentamicinas/toxicidad , Melatonina/farmacología , Testículo/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Glutatión/metabolismo , Peroxidación de Lípido/efectos de los fármacos , Masculino , Malondialdehído/metabolismo , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de los fármacos , Ratas , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Recuento de Espermatozoides , Motilidad Espermática/efectos de los fármacos , Testículo/metabolismo , Testículo/patologíaRESUMEN
In the literature, most researchers evaluate individuals' nutritional status and chewing ability by types of foods chosen or blood test. However, most of previous researches enrolled small sample size and the results might be influenced by personal preference of foods as well as the individuals' response to invasive examination. In this study, researchers assessed individuals' nutritional status and chewing ability with non-invasive test and excluded the personal preference of foods. This study had two aims: first, to explore associations between chewing ability, edentulous or dentulous, self-perceived oral health and individuals' nutritional status and quality of life; second, to assess whether the association proposed by Locker's model is valid. This study used the database of Phase I 'Publicly-funded Denture Installation Plan for the Elderly' of Kaohsiung City Government. Nine hundred and fifty-four subjects aged 65 years and older completed the questionnaires for data analysis. The research results supported and verified the theoretical model proposed by Locker. Individual's chewing ability associated significantly with his/her nutritional status and quality of life. The results demonstrated that better chewing ability of the elderly leads to better nutritional status and quality of life. The appropriateness of the indicators and measurements of individual's chewing ability and nutritional status used in this study has been evaluated and presented. These indicators and measurements are suggested to be generally used for clinical or research application on future-related issues. Consequently, the maintenance or improvement in the chewing ability of the elderly is extremely beneficial to healthy ageing.
Asunto(s)
Masticación/fisiología , Estado Nutricional , Calidad de Vida , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Boca Edéntula , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
AIMS: Both the neuronal-derived neuropeptide Y (NPY) and the gut hormone peptide YY (PYY) have been implicated in the regulation of energy balance and glucose homeostasis. However, despite similar affinities for the same Y receptors, the co-ordinated actions of these two peptides in energy and glucose homeostasis remain largely unknown. METHODS: To investigate the mechanisms and possible interactions between PYY with NPY in the regulation of these processes, we utilized NPY/PYY single and double mutant mouse models and examined parameters of energy balance and glucose homeostasis. RESULTS: PYY(-/-) mice exhibited increased fasting-induced food intake, enhanced fasting and oral glucose-induced serum insulin levels, and an impaired insulin tolerance, - changes not observed in NPY(-/-) mice. Interestingly, whereas PYY deficiency-induced impairment in insulin tolerance remained in NPY(-/-) PYY(-/-) mice, effects of PYY deficiency on fasting-induced food intake and serum insulin concentrations at baseline and after the oral glucose bolus were absent in NPY(-/-) PYY(-/-) mice, suggesting that NPY signalling may be required for PYY's action on insulin secretion and fasting-induced hyperphagia. Moreover, NPY(-/-) PYY(-/-) , but not NPY(-/-) or PYY(-/-) mice had significantly decreased daily food intake, indicating interactive control by NPY and PYY on spontaneous food intake. Furthermore, both NPY(-/-) and PYY(-/-) mice showed significantly reduced respiratory exchange ratio during the light phase, with no additive effects observed in NPY(-/-) PYY(-/-) mice, indicating that NPY and PYY may regulate oxidative fuel selection via partly shared mechanisms. Overall, physical activity and energy expenditure, however, are not significantly altered by NPY and PYY single or double deficiencies. CONCLUSIONS: These findings show significant and diverse interactions between NPY and PYY signalling in the regulation of different aspects of energy balance and glucose homeostasis.
Asunto(s)
Tejido Adiposo/metabolismo , Neuropéptido Y/metabolismo , Péptido YY/metabolismo , Animales , Ingestión de Alimentos , Metabolismo Energético , Ayuno/sangre , Prueba de Tolerancia a la Glucosa , Homeostasis , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Ratones Noqueados , Actividad Motora , Neuropéptido Y/genética , Neuropéptido Y/farmacología , Péptido YY/genética , Transducción de SeñalRESUMEN
This study investigated the protective effects of melatonin (MLT) against doxorubicin (DXR)-induced testicular toxicity and oxidative stress in rats. DXR was given as a single intraperitoneal dose of 10 mg kg(-1) body weight to male rats at 1 h after MLT treatment on day 6 of the study. MLT at 15 mg kg(-1) body weight was administered daily by gavage for 5 days before DXR treatment followed by an additional dose for 5 days. Sperm analysis, histopathological examination and biochemical methods were used for this investigation. DXR caused a decrease in the weight of seminal vesicles, epididymal sperm count and motility and an increase in the incidence of histopathological changes of the testis. In addition, an increased malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and decreased glutathione content, glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities were observed. On the contrary, MLT treatment significantly ameliorated DXR-induced testicular toxicity in rats. Moreover, MDA concentration and GR, GST and SOD activities were not affected when MLT was administered in conjunction with DXR. These results indicate that MLT had a protective effect against DXR-induced testicular toxicity and that the protective effects of MLT may be due to both the inhibition of lipid peroxidation and increased antioxidant activity.
Asunto(s)
Antibióticos Antineoplásicos/toxicidad , Doxorrubicina/toxicidad , Melatonina/farmacología , Testículo/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Catalasa/metabolismo , Glutatión/metabolismo , Glutatión Reductasa/metabolismo , Glutatión Transferasa/metabolismo , Masculino , Malondialdehído/metabolismo , Ratas , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Superóxido Dismutasa/metabolismo , Testículo/enzimología , Testículo/metabolismoRESUMEN
Enterococcus faecalis is a facultative anaerobic gram-positive commensal bacterium common in the gastrointestinal tract of animals and humans. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of heat-killed E. faecalis EF-2001 (EF-2001) on acute gastric ulcer using a murine model of ethanol (EtOH)-induced acute gastric injury. EF-2001 (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg/day) was administered by oral gavage for 5 days before EtOH treatment (10 mL/kg body weight). EF-2001 effectively attenuated EtOH-induced gastric mucosal injury with reduced gastric mucosal ulcer and histological damage score. Pretreatment of EF-2001 markedly suppressed the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs; ERK1/2, JNK, and p38MAPK). In addition, EF-2001 significantly inhibited phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and subsequently suppressed the upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1 beta, and interleukin 6 in gastric tissues. Taken together, these results suggest that EF-2001 exerts a gastroprotective effect against acute gastric injury, and the underlying mechanism might be associated with the suppression of MAPKs and NF-κB signaling and consequent reduction of pro-inflammatory mediators or cytokines.
Asunto(s)
Enterococcus faecalis , Úlcera Gástrica/prevención & control , Animales , Supervivencia Celular , Citocinas/genética , Etanol , Mucosa Gástrica/metabolismo , Mucosa Gástrica/patología , Calor , Masculino , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos ICR , Proteínas Quinasas Activadas por Mitógenos/metabolismo , FN-kappa B/metabolismo , Óxido Nítrico/metabolismo , Células RAW 264.7 , Úlcera Gástrica/inducido químicamente , Úlcera Gástrica/genética , Úlcera Gástrica/patologíaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The skeleton, which is strongly controlled by endocrine factors, has recently been shown to also play an active endocrine role itself, specifically influencing energy metabolism. However, much less is known about this role. Therefore, we sought to identify novel endocrine factors involved in the regulation of both bone mass and whole-body glucose homeostasis. METHODS: We used transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of Y1 receptor deficient osteoblasts combined with the generation of a novel osteoglycin deficient mouse model and performed comprehensive in vivo phenotype profiling, combined with osteoglycin administration in wildtype mice and human studies. RESULTS: Here we identify a novel role for osteoglycin, a secreted proteoglycan, in coordinating bone accretion with changes in energy balance. Using an osteoglycin knockout mouse model, we show that at a whole body level, osteoglycin acts to suppress bone formation and modulate whole body energy supplies by altering glucose uptake through changes in insulin secretion and sensitivity, as well as by altering food intake through central signaling. Examining humans following gastric surgery as a model of negative energy balance, we show that osteoglycin is associated with BMI and lean mass as well as changes in weight, BMI, and glucose levels. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, we identify osteoglycin as a novel factor involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis and identify a role for it in facilitating the matching of bone acquisition to alterations in energy status.
Asunto(s)
Huesos/metabolismo , Metabolismo Energético/efectos de los fármacos , Péptidos y Proteínas de Señalización Intercelular/fisiología , Adiposidad , Adulto , Animales , Peso Corporal , Metabolismo de los Hidratos de Carbono , Dieta Alta en Grasa , Femenino , Glucosa/metabolismo , Intolerancia a la Glucosa , Homeostasis/efectos de los fármacos , Humanos , Resistencia a la Insulina , Secreción de Insulina , Masculino , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Ratones Noqueados , Obesidad , Osteoblastos/metabolismo , Osteoblastos/fisiología , Osteogénesis , Proteoma , Proteómica , Receptores de Neuropéptido Y , Transducción de Señal , TranscriptomaRESUMEN
To examine the role of simian virus 40 (SV40) large T and small t antigens in tumorigenesis in animals, we generated transgenic mice which expressed either both the SV40 large T and small t antigens or the SV40 large T antigen alone under the control of the mouse mammary tumor virus long terminal repeat. The mouse mammary tumor virus long terminal repeat directs the expression of transgenes in ductal epithelial cells of several organs, including the mammary gland, lung, and kidney, and in lymphoid cells. The mice which expressed both the T and t tumor antigens developed lung and kidney adenocarcinomas, while those which expressed large T alone did not. Both types of mice developed malignant lymphomas with similar frequencies and latency periods. Our results show that the SV40 small t antigen cooperates with the large T antigen in inducing tumors in slowly dividing epithelial cells in the lung and kidney.
Asunto(s)
Antígenos Transformadores de Poliomavirus/genética , Transformación Celular Neoplásica , Ratones Transgénicos/genética , Virus 40 de los Simios/genética , Animales , Escherichia coli/genética , Femenino , Genes , Genes Virales , Masculino , Virus del Tumor Mamario del Ratón/genética , Ratones , Neoplasias Experimentales/microbiología , Neoplasias Experimentales/patología , Linaje , Transcripción GenéticaRESUMEN
This study investigated the gastroprotective effects of diallyl disulfide (DADS), a secondary organosulfur compound derived from garlic (Allium sativum L.) on experimental model of ethanol (EtOH)-induced gastric ulcer in rats. The antiulcerogenic activity of DADS was evaluated by gross/histopathological inspection, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and lipid peroxidation with antioxidant enzyme activities in the stomach. DADS (100 mg/kg) was administered by oral gavage 2 h prior to EtOH treatment (5 ml/kg). The animals were killed 1 h after receiving EtOH treatment. Pretreatment with DADS attenuated EtOH-induced gastric mucosal injury, as evidenced by decreased severity of hemorrhagic lesions and gastric ulcer index upon visual inspection. DADS also prevented histopathological alterations and gastric apoptotic changes caused by EtOH. An increase in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and inducible nitric oxide synthase was observed in the gastric tissues of EtOH-treated rats that coincided with increased serum TNF-α and interleukin 6 levels. In contrast, DADS effectively suppressed production of pro-inflammatory mediators induced by EtOH. Furthermore, DADS prevented the formation of gastric malondialdehyde and the depletion of reduced glutathione content and restored antioxidant enzyme activities, such as catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase in the gastric tissues of EtOH-treated rats. These results indicate that DADS prevents gastric mucosal damage induced by acute EtOH administration in rats and that the protective effects of DADS may be due to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
Asunto(s)
Compuestos Alílicos/uso terapéutico , Antiulcerosos/uso terapéutico , Disulfuros/uso terapéutico , Úlcera Gástrica/tratamiento farmacológico , Compuestos Alílicos/farmacología , Animales , Antiulcerosos/farmacología , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Catalasa/metabolismo , Disulfuros/farmacología , Etanol , Femenino , Mucosa Gástrica/efectos de los fármacos , Mucosa Gástrica/metabolismo , Mucosa Gástrica/patología , Glutatión/metabolismo , Glutatión Peroxidasa/metabolismo , Glutatión Reductasa/metabolismo , Interleucina-6/sangre , Interleucina-6/metabolismo , Óxido Nítrico Sintasa de Tipo II/sangre , Óxido Nítrico Sintasa de Tipo II/metabolismo , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Úlcera Gástrica/inducido químicamente , Úlcera Gástrica/metabolismo , Úlcera Gástrica/patología , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/sangre , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/metabolismoRESUMEN
Child of agriculture families are likely to be exposed to agricultural chemicals, even if they are not involved in farm activities. This study was designed to determine whether such children are exposed to higher levels of pesticides than children whose parents are not involved in agriculture and whose homes are not close to farms. Household dust and soil samples were collected in children's play areas from 59 residences in eastern Washington State (26 farming, 22 farmworker, and 11 nonfarming families). The majority of the farm families lived within 200 feet of an operating apple or pear orchard, whereas all reference homes were located at least a quarter of a mile from an orchard. Four organophosphorous (OP) insecticides commonly used on tree fruit were targeted for analysis: azinphosmethyl, chlorpyrifos, parathion, and phosmet. Samples were extracted and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass selective detection. Pesticide concentrations in household dust were significantly higher than in soil for all groups. OP levels for farmer/farm-worker families ranged from nondetectable to 930 ng/g in soil (0.93 ppm) and from nondetectable to 17,000 ng/g in dust (17 ppm); all four OP compounds were found in 62% of household dust samples, and two-thirds of the farm homes contained at least one OP above 1000 ng/g. Residues were found less frequently in reference homes and all levels were below 1000 ng/g. Household dust concentrations for all four target compounds were significantly lower in reference homes when compared to farmer/farmworker homes (Mann Whitney, U test; p < 0.05). These results demonstrate that children of agricultural families have a higher potential for exposure to OP pesticides than children of nonfarm families in this region. Measurable residues of a toxicity, I compound registered exclusively for agricultural use, azcnphosmettyl were found in household dust samples from all study homes, suggesting that low level exposure to such chemicals occurs throughout the region. Children's total and cumulative exposure to this pesticide class from household dust, soil, and other sources warrants further investigation.
Asunto(s)
Polvo/análisis , Insecticidas/análisis , Compuestos Organotiofosforados , Residuos de Plaguicidas/análisis , Suelo/análisis , Adulto , Agricultura , Niño , Preescolar , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales , Familia , Humanos , LactanteRESUMEN
Psychiatric factors are etiologically important in a proportion of patients with erectile dysfunction. We determined the prevalence of psychopathology and the impact it has on current erectile dysfunction (ED) assessment and management. A group of 120 consecutive men with ED presenting to the Human Sexuality Clinic for the first time was prospectively investigated. All patients participated in a standardized evaluative protocol, including history, physical exam, assessment by a psychiatrist (using DSM-IV criteria), selective hormonal screen, and diagnostic intracavernosal injection. Follow-up appointments were to discuss diagnostic findings and, eventually, treatment choices. The prevalence of significant psychiatric pathology, excluding interview stress, was 33%. Only 16 of 40 cases were recognized and highlighted in the initial assessments by urological staff. There was no significant difference in the modalities of treatment choices between patients with psychiatric problems and those without. 10% of the patients had multiple organic risk factors, normal ICI, and significant psychiatric pathology. Psychopathology or emotional factors play a significant role in the etiology of ED and they are difficult to identify in a non-directed assessment. Even in the face of significant vascular risk factors, psychological abnormalities may be the primary etiology. Treating the 'phallodynamically challenged' individual without adequately addressing the possible presence of psychopathology, will account for treatment failures and have the potential for leaving untreated serious emotional problems.
Asunto(s)
Disfunción Eréctil/psicología , Disfunción Eréctil/terapia , Trastornos Mentales/epidemiología , Disfunción Eréctil/complicaciones , Humanos , Masculino , Trastornos Mentales/diagnóstico , Persona de Mediana Edad , Prevalencia , Estudios Prospectivos , Psiquiatría/métodos , Urología/métodosRESUMEN
Between November 1990 and December 1992, 217 patients with stomach cancer were enrolled in a prospective study evaluating the prognostic value of DNA flow cytometry. Laurén's histological type was evaluated in 216 cases, of which 102 (47%) were of the diffuse type, 74 (34%) were of the intestinal type, and 40 (19%) were mixed type tumors. Laurén's histological type showed a significant correlation with age (p = 0.028), sex (p = 0.004), tumor size (p = 0.002), T stage (p = 0.006), overall TNM stage (p = 0.008), histological grade (p < 0.001), and tumor ploidy (p < 0.001). Intestinal type stomach cancer showed a significantly higher proportion of aneuploidy [diffuse vs. intestinal type; 41/102 (40%) vs. 52/74 (70%)]. After a median follow-up of 66.1 months (range, 29.6-78.1), 110 of 216 patients (51%) survived. Patients with intestinal type stomach cancer had a significantly better survival than did those with diffuse type stomach cancer (64% vs. 42% of patients surviving, p = 0.020). Our study suggests that there are biological differences between the two subtypes of Laurén's classification of stomach cancer in addition to the morphological differences. Laurén's classification should remain valid in future studies investigating the pathogenetic and clinical aspects of stomach cancer.
Asunto(s)
ADN de Neoplasias/análisis , Neoplasias Gástricas/clasificación , Neoplasias Gástricas/genética , Adulto , Anciano , Femenino , Citometría de Flujo , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estadificación de Neoplasias , Ploidias , Estudios Prospectivos , Método Simple Ciego , Neoplasias Gástricas/mortalidad , Neoplasias Gástricas/patología , Análisis de Supervivencia , Tasa de SupervivenciaRESUMEN
A Chelex-100 resin column has been employed for the preliminary concentration of trace elements in water samples before their determination by neutron-activation analysis. The column, filled with a 1:1 mixture of the resin (50-100 mesh) and Pyrex glass powder of the same mesh-size, is shown to maintain a constant flow-rate and give reproducible results. By a combination of preconcentration and neutron-activation analysis it is possible to determine Ba, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, La, Mg, Mn, Sc, U, V and Zn in sea-water and/or fresh water simultaneously at the parts per milliard level.
RESUMEN
Gastric teratomas are extremely rare neoplasms and almost exclusively benign. They occur predominantly in males and generally present as a palpable abdominal mass. To our knowledge, only one adult case has been described in the Korean literature. We report a case in which an immature gastric teratoma in a 3-month-old boy was revealed by CT and US.
Asunto(s)
Neoplasias Gástricas/epidemiología , Teratoma/epidemiología , Humanos , Lactante , Masculino , Neoplasias Gástricas/diagnóstico por imagen , Teratoma/diagnóstico por imagen , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X , UltrasonografíaRESUMEN
Thirty-seven patients were evaluated on computed tomography concerning the different modes of spread (peripancreatic vascular invasion and peritoneal implanting) in the pancreatic carcinoma arising in the four anatomic segments. Each was graded from 0 to 3. The median diameter of the adenocarcinomas was 4.5 cm. It was found that high propensity for vascular invasion occurred in the carcinomas of the body and neck, probably due to the anatomical proximity of the these structures, and the high incidence of intraperitoneal seeding in the carcinomas of the tail was found probably because of its intraperitoneal location.
Asunto(s)
Neoplasias Pancreáticas/diagnóstico por imagen , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Invasividad Neoplásica , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/patología , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos XRESUMEN
The role of color Doppler imaging was evaluated in differentiating hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) from metastases and hemangiomas by the amount of tumoral color signals. Intratumoral and peritumoral color signals were analyzed by a three-step grading system (grade 1 to 3) in 51 patients (32 HCCs, seven metastases, and 12 hemangiomas). Correlation of grading scores for intratumoral and peritumoral color signals was evaluated with the size of the tumors as well. HCCs demonstrated a higher grade of intratumoral color signals than did metastases or hemangiomas in all (p < 0.05) and biopsy-proved lesions (p = 0.0084); there was no significant difference in the degree of peritumoral color signals in all (p > 0.05) or 17 biopsy-proved HCCs (p = 0.2078) from the other tumor groups. In addition, the grade of both intratumoral and peritumoral color signals was not related with the tumor size in all groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, color Doppler imaging provided a valuable role in the diagnosis of HCCs based on the qualitative analysis of the intratumoral color signals.
Asunto(s)
Carcinoma Hepatocelular/diagnóstico por imagen , Hemangioma/diagnóstico por imagen , Neoplasias Hepáticas/diagnóstico por imagen , Metástasis de la Neoplasia/diagnóstico por imagen , Ultrasonografía Doppler en Color , Adulto , Anciano , Biopsia con Aguja , Velocidad del Flujo Sanguíneo , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/irrigación sanguínea , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/patología , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Estudios de Seguimiento , Hemangioma/irrigación sanguínea , Hemangioma/patología , Humanos , Neoplasias Hepáticas/irrigación sanguínea , Neoplasias Hepáticas/patología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Metástasis de la Neoplasia/patología , Estadificación de Neoplasias , Distribución AleatoriaRESUMEN
Recently, water pollution with high concentrations of organic matter has occurred frequently in Hakata Bay. It is said that a high level of primary production provides much organic matter and affects water quality of the bay, and it is proved by the appearance of phytoplankton throughout the year. In this study, we simulated variations of phytoplankton population with a box-type model using monthly data in a long-term measurement and we analyzed the final growth rate changes of phytoplanktons that explain the conditions for its appearance. Consequently, we found that the final growth rate varies with pattern of half-year periodicity and water temperature and/or ambient nutrient controls the final growth rate to be low every January and July.
Asunto(s)
Modelos Teóricos , Fotosíntesis , Fitoplancton , Contaminantes del Agua/efectos adversos , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Japón , Nitrógeno , Periodicidad , Fósforo , Dinámica Poblacional , Estaciones del Año , TemperaturaRESUMEN
The primary production of phytoplanktons provides organic matter in high concentration in eutrophicated Hakata bay in Japan, even during the winter season in spite of low water temperature. Phytoplanktons may have the biological capabilities to maintain activities of photosynthesis under unfavorable conditions, and these capabilities affect water quality in the bays. In this study, characteristics of primary production were analyzed with a simple box-type ecosystem model. We introduced a concept of efficiency for absorption of sunlight energy to our simulation model of water quality to explain rather high growth rates of phytoplanktons in low sunlight intensity. Through simulation with a box model, we found that the efficiency of primary production in winter is higher than that in summer. It was suggested that the organic pollution comes from dissolved organic carbon (DOC) throughout the year and that the DOC is originated from the primary production of phytoplanktons in biological response of the seasonal change of ambient conditions.
Asunto(s)
Eutrofización , Modelos Teóricos , Fotosíntesis , Fitoplancton , Contaminación del Agua , Adsorción , Carbono/metabolismo , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Japón , Compuestos Orgánicos , Estaciones del Año , Luz Solar , TemperaturaRESUMEN
To examine the generation probability of oxygen-depleted sea water in Hakata Bay, possible 20 time-series of different hourly-solar-radiation intensities were generated stochastically, and a numerical simulation on dissolved oxygen was carried out for each time series. The results of the model calibration followed the seasonal variation of observed water quality well, and generated cumulative-frequency-distribution curves of daily solar radiation agreed well with the observed ones. The simulation results indicated that the exchange of sea water would have a great influence on the DO concentration, and that the concentration could change more than 1 mg/L in a day. This prediction method seems to be an effective way to examine a solution to minimize fishery damages when DO is depleted.
Asunto(s)
Eutrofización , Modelos Teóricos , Oxígeno/análisis , Luz Solar , Animales , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Explotaciones Pesqueras , Japón , SolubilidadRESUMEN
Epichlorohydrin (ECH) is an antifertility agent that acts both as an epididymal toxicant and an agent capable of directly affecting sperm motility. This study identified the time course of apoptotic cell death in rat epididymides after ECH treatment. Rats were administrated with a single oral dose of ECH (50 mg/kg). ECH-induced apoptotic changes were evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and its related mechanism was confirmed by Western blot analysis and colorimetric assay. The TUNEL assay showed that the number of apoptotic cells increased at 8 h, reached a maximum level at 12 h, and then decreased progressively. The Western blot analysis demonstrated no significant changes in proapoptotic Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression during the time course of the study. However, phospho-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-p38 MAPK) and phospho-c-Jun amino-terminal kinase (p-JNK) expression increased at 8-24 h. Caspase-3 and caspase-8 activities also increased at 8-48 h and 12-48 h, respectively, in the same manner as p-p38 MAPK and p-JNK expression. These results indicate that ECH induced apoptotic changes in rat epididymides and that the apoptotic cell death may be related more to the MAPK pathway than to the mitochondrial pathway.