Preweaning Megasphaera elsdenii Supplementation in Dairy-Beef Calves: Impact on Performance, Behavior, and Rumen Development.

This study evaluates the effects of an oral probiotic capsule containing a live culture of M. elsdenii NCIMB 41125 on performance, feeding behavior, rumen pH VFA, and development of dairy-beef crossbred calves. Thirty-one male dairy-beef crossbred calves (Holstein x Angus; mean ± SD; 45.3 ± 7.1 kg; 8.2 ± 2.0 d old) were enrolled in a blinded, 76-d randomized trial. Calves were randomly assigned to one of 3 treatments: placebo, probiotic capsule administration on d 15, or probiotic capsule on d 15 plus a second capsule on d 39 of the study. Calves were housed individually with ad libitum access to water and calf starter and were fed 7L/d of milk replacer (1050g of powder/d) in 2 meals until d 41, then 3.5L/d in 2 meals until weaning on d 56. Behavioral observations were recorded in 1-min intervals using a wall-mounted camera. Rumen fluid samples were collected on d 14, 35, 49, 58, and 70, and analyzed for pH and VFA. Upon euthanasia on d 77, forestomach weights were recorded, and rumen papillae dimensions were measured. Mixed linear models were used for statistical analysis. Probiotic treatment resulted in greater daily solid feed DMI and ADG, particularly during weaning and postweaning periods. Additionally, probiotic treated calves spent more time drinking water and tended to have lower rumen pH compared with control. Empty rumen weight and papillae area were greater in calves supplemented with the probiotic capsule on d 15 compared with the other treatments. These findings suggest that preweaning M. elsdenii supplementation enhances performance and rumen development in dairy-beef crossbred calves. However, the impacts of timing and number of capsule applications on rumen development and calf performance should be further investigated. Further research should also investigate the probiotic's impact on the rumen microbiome and fermentation dynamics throughout the rearing period using detailed microbiome analysis.

Multiscale character of the nonlinear coherent dynamics in the Rayleigh-Taylor instability.

We report nonlinear solutions for a system of conservation laws describing the dynamics of the large-scale coherent structure of bubbles and spikes in the Rayleigh-Taylor instability (RTI) for fluids with a finite density ratio. Three-dimensional flows are considered with general type of symmetry in the plane normal to the direction of gravity. The nonlocal properties of the interface evolution are accounted for on the basis of group theory. It is shown that isotropic coherent structures are stable. For anisotropic structures, secondary instabilities develop with the growth rate determined by the density ratio. For stable structures, the curvature and velocity of the nonlinear bubble have nontrivial dependencies on the density ratio, yet their mutual dependence on one another has an invariant form independent of the density ratio. The process of bubble merge is not considered. Based on the obtained results we argue that the large-scale coherent dynamics in RTI has a multiscale character and is governed by two length scales: the period of the coherent structure and the bubble (spike) position.

Efficient tumor suppression by glioma-specific murine cytotoxic T lymphocytes transfected with interferon-gamma gene.

We have recently shown that exogenous expression of the mouse interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) gene augmented the cell-killing potential of a line of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) specific against a murine glioma line (203-glioma). In the present work, we further investigated the in vivo antitumor effects of the E gamma-6 and E gamma-9 sublines of this CTL line transfected with the IFN-gamma gene. Using the Winn assay to test the neutralization of subcutaneous gliomas, we determined that these CTL sublines were more effective than the E-4 parent CTL line and that suppression of the tumor growth was dependent on the number of effector cells (CTLs). Moreover, intravenous injection of E gamma-9 cells was more effective in suppressing the tumor growth than intravenous injection of E-4 cells. These results suggest that transfection of antitumor effector cells with the IFN-gamma gene could improve the efficacy of adoptive immunotherapy against cancer.

Augmentation of tumor targeting in a line of glioma-specific mouse cytotoxic T-lymphocytes by retroviral expression of mouse gamma-interferon complementary DNA.

As an initial approach to experiments directed toward effective adoptive immunotherapy for cancer using lymphokine genes, we transferred retrovirally a complementary DNA encoding mouse gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma) into a specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte clone, designated E-4, against 203 glioma cells (a 20-methylcholanthrene-induced mouse glioma line) and confirmed the efficacy of IFN-gamma production from the exogenous gene on augmentation of tumor targeting. Of five, two gene-transferred subclones constitutively produced 8 to 10 times the amount of IFN-gamma as compared with the parental E-4. Correspondingly, these two subclones exhibited 2 to 3 times higher killing activity against 203 glioma than the parental cells; the enhancement of the killing activities was abrogated by an adequate addition of anti-IFN-gamma antibody. No alteration was seen after the gene transfer in cell surface phenotypes, Thy-1+, Lyt-1-, Lyt-2+,3+, and asialo-GM1-. The surface expression of a major histocompatibility complex Class I antigen, H-2Kb, was not altered remarkably, but the Class II antigen, I-Ab, was partially and slightly enhanced on the two IFN-gamma-producing sublines mentioned above on fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis. Since it is considered that in the vicinity of the constitutively IFN-gamma producing cytotoxic T-lymphocyte cells tumor cells are exposed to a high concentration of IFN-gamma, the cells may be stimulated to induce or enhance the expression of surface antigens including major histocompatibility complex antigens as well as tumor-associated antigens relevant to immune recognition. The 203 glioma cells pretreated with IFN-gamma were more efficiently killed by both the parental E-4 and the gene-transferred sublines. Taken together, the results suggested that the augmented specific tumor-killing activity of our gene-transferred cytotoxic T-lymphocytes was ascribed to the constitutive production of IFN-gamma derived from the exogenous gene.

[Cavitating pleomorphic carcinoma of the lung; report of a case].

We report a case of a previously healthy 76-year-old male with cavitating pleomorphic carcinoma of the lung. He was admitted because of an abnormal lung shadow on chest X-ray. Computed tomography (CT) showed a well-demarcated nodular shadow within thin-walled cavity in the right upper lobe. Because the lesion was revealed as adenocarcinoma by transbronchial lung biopsy, right upper lobectomy was performed. By histopathologic examination of the resected specimen, the nodule contained a component of spindle cell features and the cavity wall was composed of adenocarcinoma. The final diagnosis was pleomorphic carcinoma. Postoperative course has been uneventful for 12 months after surgery.

[Usefulness of the eradication of Helicobacter pylori for the patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and lung cancer: report of a case].

A 61-year-old female was admitted because of an abnormal lung shadow on chest X-ray. She had suffered from idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) for more than 7 years. Computed tomography (CT) revealed that an irregular shadow, about 2 cm in diameter, was located in the upper lobe of the right lung. After intravenous immunogrobulin injections for 5 days, a hematology test indicated increased platelet counts and we performed thoracoscopic surgery successfully without blood transfusions. However, 4 months after surgery, a hematology test indicated decreased platelet counts again. Thirteen months after the operation, gastrointestinal fiberscopic examination showed Helicobacter pylori infection. After the urea breath test, eradication therapy let to a recovery in platelet counts.

Increased in vitro and in vivo tumoricidal activity of a macrophage cell line genetically engineered to express IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-6, or TNF-alpha.

Genetically engineered monocytes and macrophages may have potential as effector cells for the adoptive immunotherapy of cancer. As a first step, we have transfected the genes encoding either mouse interferon (IFN)-gamma, human interleukin (IL)-6, mouse IL-4, or mouse tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha into the mouse macrophage cell line, J774A.1 cells using retroviral vectors. In vitro activation of J774A.1 cells by gene modification was assessed by morphological changes, proliferative activity was determined by [3H]-TdR uptake, and cytolytic activity was assessed using an 18-hour chromium-51 (51Cr) release assay. In vivo tumoricidal activity was studied by means of local adoptive immunotherapy using intratumoral injection of transfected effector cells. IFN-gamma gene-transfected J774A.1 [J7(IFN-gamma)] cells developed filamentous processes, increased doubling times, and enhanced tumoricidal activity against three tumor cell lines: the TNF-sensitive fibrosarcoma line WEHI 164 and the TNF-alpha-resistant cell lines B16 melanoma and C1300 neuroblastoma. IL-6-, TNF-alpha-, and IL-4-gene-transfected J774A.1 cells also had augmented tumoricidal activity but did not display any changes in morphology or growth. Cytolytic activity was markedly reduced after the addition of anti-TNF-alpha antibodies. Cytolytic J7(IFN-gamma) cells showed upregulated expression of TNF-alpha messenger RNA. After intratumoral injection of J7(IL-4) and J7(IFN-gamma) cell mixtures, 50% of established B16 melanomas were rejected by C57BL/6 mice, thereby demonstrating synergistic killing. Further studies on gene-transfected macrophages should better define their potential usefulness in tumor immunotherapy.

Immunohistochemical study of the cells infiltrating human renal allografts by the ABC and the IGSS method using monoclonal antibodies.

Sixty renal allograft tissues obtained from 29 patients were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. These tissues were histologically classified into 4 patterns according to the distribution pattern of the infiltrating cells: normal, focal, focal-diffuse, and diffuse types. Clinical signs of acute rejection were observed in 88% of the patients with the diffuse type infiltration, and 83% of those with the focal-diffuse type infiltration but in only 13% of those with the focal type infiltration. Twenty-four renal allografts were analyzed by the ABC and the IGSS methods using monoclonal antibodies. The number of T cells (Leu 1) accounted for about 80% of the total number of infiltrating cells; 2-8% of the cells were B cells (Leu 12); about 10% were NK/K cells (Leu 7); and 4-6% were monocytes/macrophages (Leu M3). As to helper/inducer T cell (Leu3a) and killer/suppressor T cell (Leu2a), which are T lymphocyte subsets, there were more Leu3a- than Leu2a-positive cells in focal type tissue, but there were more Leu2a- than Leu3a-positive cells in focal-diffuse and diffuse type tissue. In most cases that developed clinical signs of acute rejection, there were more Leu2a- than Leu3a-positive cells. The Leu3a/Leu2a ratio in most of the AZA-administered cases dropped immediately after the transplantation and maintained a low value, but in the CSA-administered cases it decreased gradually post-transplant.

Relationship between sleep efficiency and urinary excretion of catecholamines in bed-rested humans.

The relationship between urinary excretion of catecholamines during sleep and sleep disturbance was examined in four healthy subjects who were confined to bed for approximately 1 week under an entrained condition. Polysomnographic recordings were made throughout the period of continuous bed rest. Free epinephrine and norepinephrine excretion were measured. Sleep efficiency, i.e., percentage of total sleep time over an allotted sleep period, was an indicator of sleep disturbance. All subjects showed a negative correlation between sleep efficiency and epinephrine excretion (average correlation coefficient -0.79, p less than 0.004). Norepinephrine excretion correlated negatively with sleep efficiency in only one subject, and the group average correlation coefficient of -0.28 was not significant. Circadian variations were observed in sleep efficiency and catecholamine excretion. Although epinephrine excretion was influenced by psychophysiological stress arising from the experimental conditions of forced bed rest, the correlation between sleep efficiency and epinephrine excretion remained stable and negative. The urinary excretion of epinephrine could be an effective indicator of sleep disturbance.

Small-cell carcinoma of the gallbladder - a clinicopathological, immunohistochemical and flow cytometric study of 15 cases.

Small cell carcinoma (SC) of the gallbladder is an uncommon tumor, and not enough information of this tumor has been previously reported. The SCs in this series occured in nine women and six men (mean age; 64.5 years). Histologically, they consisted of small atypical cells with scanty cytoplasm, hyperchromatic nuclei and inconspicuous nucleoli growing in sheets and cords. Two tumors contained neoplastic glands similar to those of well-differentiated adenocarcinoma and a histological transition between SC and adenocarcinoma was seen in one of the two tumors. Argyrophil granules were present in 10 tumors. The tumor cells were immunoreactive to epithelial markers (epithelial membrane antigen: 12/14; AE1/AE3: 12/14; CAM 5.2: 9/14; carcinoembryonic antigen: 7/14) and neuroendocrine markers (neuron specific enolase: 11/14; chromagranin A: 4/14; Leu 7: 10/14; adrenocorticotrophic hormone: 6/14). Abnormalities in tumor suppressor gene p53 expression were found in 9 of 14 SCs by using monoclonal antibody PAb 1801. Flow cytometry revealed aneuploidy in 7 (78%) of 9 in the SC and 26 (40%) of 65 in the adenocarcinoma. The survival curve of the SCs was less favorable than that of papillary adenocarcinoma and well differentiated adenocarcinoma in pTNM stage 2-4 (P=0.0027, P=0.0017, respectively). These results suggested that the SCs of the gallbladder arose from common primitive cells capable of endocrine and epithelial differentiation, while most SCs (78%) showed DNA aneuploid by flow cytometry and their prognosis was worse than that of differentiated adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder.

Undifferentiated spindle cell carcinoma of the gallbladder: a clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical, and flow cytometric study of 11 cases.

Eleven primary spindle cell carcinomas (SpCCs) of the gallbladder are reported. They occurred in eight women and three men ranging in age from 59 to 80 years (mean age, 66.5 years). Histologically, the tumors showed interlacing bundles of atypical spindle cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm, oval to elongated nuclei, and conspicuous nucleoli. Eight SpCCs contained tiny foci of neoplastic glands similar to those seen in adenocarcinoma, and two of these cases also had small foci of neoplastic squamous epithelium. A gradual transition between the squamous cell carcinoma and the spindle cell component was observed in one tumor. Immunohistochemically, all SpCCs were positive for at least one of the epithelial markers (epithelial membrane antigen, nine cases; AE1/AE3, nine cases; carcinoembryonic antigen, three cases; and EAB 903, one case), and the tumor cells also were immunoreactive to mesenchymal marker (vimentin, eight cases), muscle markers (alpha-smooth muscle actin, one case; desmin, one case), and histiocytic marker (HAM 56, one case). Abnormalities in tumor suppressor gene p53 expression also were found in two of the 11 SpCC cases using monoclonal antibody PAb 1801. In six cases for which data were available flow cytometry revealed aneuploidy in three SpCCs (50%). The survival curve of the SpCC cases (mean survival, 9 months) was less favorable than that of 224 cases of adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder (mean survival, 81 months) (P = .0011). These results indicate that SpCC of the gallbladder is an epithelial tumor with sarcomatoid components and its prognosis is unfavorable.

Feed-out of rear surface perturbation due to rarefaction wave in laser-irradiated targets

We report experimental results on hydrodynamic perturbation transfer from the rear to the front of laser-irradiated targets. Flat polystyrene foils with rear-surface perturbations were irradiated by partially coherent light. We observed phase inversion of the rear surface after the shock breakout at the rear surface. Perturbations on the laser-irradiated surface arose due to the rippled rarefaction wave. Experimental results were well reproduced by a simple model with unperturbed hydrodynamic quantities calculated from the one-dimensional simulation.

Pancreatic juice output after pancreatoduodenectomy in relation to pancreatic consistency, duct size, and leakage.

BACKGROUND: A soft pancreas with a main pancreatic duct (MPD) with normal diameter has been considered a high risk for pancreatic anastomotic leakage because of a relatively high output of pancreatic juice, but data are lacking. METHODS: An attempt was made to assess the relationship between the consistency of the pancreas, MPD diameter, pancreatic juice output, and pancreatic leakage after partial pancreatoduodenectomy. The pancreatic parenchyma was classified as of soft, intermediate, and hard consistency in 70 consecutive patients undergoing operation (groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively) by one surgeon. The MPD diameter was determined by means of endoscopic pancreatography or abdominal ultrasonography. Pancreatic juice output was measured for 21 days after operation by using a catheter inserted into the MPD. Anastomotic leakage was identified radiologically by using contrast medium. RESULTS: The mean (SD) pancreatic juice output during a period of 10 days (postoperative days 5 to 14) was 1554 (1073) ml in group 1 (n = 29), 1513 (1060) ml in group 2 (n = 13), and 187 (220)ml in group 3 (n = 28) (groups 1 and 2 versus group 3, p < 0.0001). The MPD diameter was 3.0 (1.6) mm in group 1, 5.9 (2.5) mm in group 2, and 6.6 (2.6) mm in group 3 (group 1 versus groups 2 and 3, p = 0.0001). Anastomotic leaks occurred in four (14%) patients in group 1, three (23%) in group 2, and none in group 3 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a pancreatic parenchyma with an intermediate or normal consistency produced more pancreatic juice and had a higher leak rate.

Solitary pancreatic metastasis of malignant fibrous histiocytoma treated by distal pancreatectomy.

A tumor in the body of the pancreas was detected in a 31-year-old man who had undergone a resection of a malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) of the left distal femur 2 years before. The patient underwent a distal pancreatectomy with regional lymph node dissection. The surgical specimen revealed MFH metastatic to the pancreas. He is alive without recurrence or metastasis at 1 year after pancreatectomy. This case seems to be the first report of successfully resected pancreatic metastasis of a malignant fibrous histiocytoma in the published literature, as far as we can determine.

Distribution and characterization of vanilloid receptors in the rat stomach.

The cloned vanilloid receptor-1 (VR1) is recognized as a common molecular target for protons, noxious heat, and vanilloids. The presence of VR1 in the dorsal root, trigeminal, and nodose ganglia has been firmly established, but it is unclear in the gut, despite this VR1 may be important for gastric mucosal homeostasis. In this study we used an antibody and a radioligand to show the distribution of vanilloid receptors (VRs) in rat stomach and to characterize it. The deafferentiation of capsaicin-sensitive nerves in rats was induced by consecutive injections of capsaicin. VR1-immunopositive nerve endings were predominantly found in the mucous neck cells of the proliferation zone, and around blood vessels in the submucosa. Radioreceptor assay using [3H]-resiniferatoxin (RTX) revealed the existence of high affinity and single-class binding site in the membrane fractions of the mucosa. Capsaicin completely inhibited the specific binding of [3H]-RTX. Both the VR1 immunoreactivity and the receptor density of [3H]-RTX binding sites significantly reduced by the application of capsaicin for prolonged periods of time in the mucosa of rats. Our results indicate that VRs are expressed in the rat stomach, and suggest that they may be involved in mucosal protection by increasing cell proliferation and blood flow.

Usefulness of early diastolic flow propagation velocity measured by color M-mode Doppler technique for the assessment of left ventricular diastolic function in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Flow propagation velocity (FPV) of left ventricular (LV) filling flow has been shown to be a useful index for the evaluation of LV diastolic function, which is relatively independent of preload in myocardial infarction and dilated cardiomyopathy, but the usefulness of FPV for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) has not yet been determined. In 23 HCM patients and 26 control subjects, peak transmitral flow velocities in early diastole (E) and during atrial contraction (A), E/A ratio, deceleration time of E velocity, and isovolumic relaxation time were measured with the conventional Doppler technique, and FPV was measured from color M-mode Doppler images of LV filling flow. The time constant of LV isovolumic pressure decay (tau) was measured by a micro-manometer-tipped catheter in all HCM patients and 13 control subjects. Flow propagation velocity was significantly lower and deceleration time was significantly greater in HCM patients than in the control subjects, though no significant differences were observed in the other noninvasive indexes. Tau was significantly prolonged in HCM patients compared with that of control subjects (54+/-12 cm/s and 32 +/-7 cm/s, respectively; P<.0001). While the conventional indexes did not correlate with tau among the 36 patients in whom invasive studies were performed, FPV correlated well with tau (r = -0.76, P<.0001). Flow propagation velocity is a useful noninvasive index for the assessment of LV diastolic function in patients with HCM.

Giant pseudoaneurysm of the extracranial vertebral artery successfully treated using intraoperative balloon catheters.

Traumatic pseudoaneurysms of the extracranial vertebral artery rarely occur, because of its deeply protected anatomical location. Because the direct surgical approach has resulted in high morbidity and mortality rates, ligation of the vertebral artery has been adopted, but this can cause an ischemia in the vertebrobasilar system. We report the case of a 73-year-old woman with a huge pseudoaneurysm of the right vertebral artery that occurred after attempted placement of a cardiac pacemaker. The aneurysm was 7 x 7 x 5 cm in size and its neck was situated just distal to the right subclavian artery. Direct surgical repair of the injured vessel and removal of the aneurysm were successfully performed using balloon catheters placed intraoperatively in both the innominate artery and the right vertebral artery.

Pathological features of mucinous carcinoma of the breast are favourable for breast-conserving therapy.

AIM: The effectiveness of breast-conserving therapy for mucinous carcinoma has not been well documented. We examined clinical and pathological features of cases to determine whether patients with mucinous carcinoma were suitable candidates for this treatment. METHOD: Cases of pure type (n=52) and mixed type (n=24) mucinous carcinomas were reviewed with emphasis on the risk factors associated with local recurrences after breast-conserving therapy. RESULTS: Large pure mucinous carcinomas had a low incidence of extensive intraductal spreading (EIS). An inverse correlation existed between the incidence of EIS and tumour size (P<0.05). Comedo type EIS was infrequent (11%) in pure mucinous carcinoma. Incidences of lymphatic vessel invasion (4%) and nodal involvement (4%) were lower in pure mucinous carcinoma than in mixed carcinoma (P<0.05). No nodal involvement occurred in patients with pure mucinous carcinoma less than 3 cm in diameter. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with pure mucinous carcinomas, except those invading the local skin, are suitable candidates for breast-conserving therapy. Most pure mucinous carcinomas, including a large tumour up to 5 cm in diameter, can be treated with this therapy.

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction during pregnancy. Case report.

Malfunction of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt is reported in a 25-year-old woman at 32 weeks of gestation. Pregnancies and delivery in women with cerebrospinal fluid shunts are rarely reported, and malfunction of a shunt system during pregnancy is extremely unusual.

Flunitrazepam effects on human sleep EEG spectra: Differences in NREM, REM and individual responses.

Flunitrazepam (FNZ) (4mg), an intermediate type benzodiazepine (BDZ) hypnotic, was administered orally to five healthy male subjects (Ss) for seven consecutive nights. Sleep EEG from the baseline night (BLN), the initial drug night (IDN), the fourth and the seventh drug nights (4DN, 7DN) was subjected to fast Fourier transform (FFT) analysis. During NREM sleep of 4DN and 7DN the sigma band (11.0-12.5 Hz) activity was similarly enhanced in every S. In REM of 4DN and 7DN beta band (23.0-29.0 Hz) was enhanced, but with larger variations among Ss. High intra-individual consistency of the relative EEG power patterns on 4DN and 7DN was observed. These results suggest that 1) EEG responses to FNZ are different in sleep states; explorations of these differences may provide better understandings of sleep mechanisms, and 2) individual variations in EEG responses may reflect individual variations of the BDZ receptor system. These methods may be useful for exploring receptor changes in neuropsychiatric disorders.