How Different is the Core of

The structure of a neutron-rich ^{25}F nucleus is investigated by a quasifree (p,2p) knockout reaction at 270A MeV in inverse kinematics. The sum of spectroscopic factors of π0d_{5/2} orbital is found to be 1.0±0.3. However, the spectroscopic factor with residual ^{24}O nucleus being in the ground state is found to be only 0.36±0.13, while those in the excited state is 0.65±0.25. The result shows that the ^{24}O core of ^{25}F nucleus significantly differs from a free ^{24}O nucleus, and the core consists of ∼35% ^{24}O_{g.s.}. and ∼65% excited ^{24}O. The result may infer that the addition of the 0d_{5/2} proton considerably changes neutron structure in ^{25}F from that in ^{24}O, which could be a possible mechanism responsible for the oxygen dripline anomaly.

Simple excision and closure of a distal limb of loop colostomy prolapse by stapler device.

Stomal prolapse is one of the common complications in transverse colostomy and can be managed conservatively in most cases; however, laparotomy and reconstruction of the stoma may sometimes be required, especially in case of irreducible colostomy prolapse. We have reported a simple local repair with reconstruction of the loop colostomy. We herein report a new more simple technique to avoid laparotomy and allow excision of the irreducible colostomy prolapse and complete closure of the distal limb of loop colostomy when no decompression is required in the distal limb of the stoma. In this procedure, the number of stapler and the time with blood loss for the operation can be saved.

Vaccination of chickens with liposomal inactivated avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) vaccine by eye drop or coarse spray administration.

One hundred and twenty 30-day-old specific-pathogen-free chickens were inoculated with the liposomal inactivated avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) vaccine by eye drop or coarse spraying. All of the chickens produced anti-lipopolysaccharide antibodies of the IgG subclass in their sera as well as IgA antibodies in their oral mucus. The results demonstrated a rise in antibodies in the serum of chickens administered the APEC vaccine through nonparenteral mucosal routes. Bacterial counts in the blood decreased, and clinical signs were moderated in the vaccinated chickens after challenge with a strain of APEC. No harmful effects from the vaccination were observed. The liposomal inactivated APEC vaccine described in this paper would contribute to a practical method of control for avian colibacillosis.

Virulence factors of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli strains isolated from chickens with colisepticemia in Japan.

The virulence factors of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) isolated in Japan were investigated. Serogroups O, serotypes K1 and K5, and genes cva C, iss, iutA, papA, tsh, and usp, which have been thought to be related to virulence, were examined for their association with E. coli strains isolated from diseased and healthy chickens. The frequently recognized serogroups O1, O2, and O78 were found in 56 of 125 (44.8%) strains of diseased chickens (APEC) versus 13 of 100 (13.0%) strains of healthy chickens (commensal E. coli), a significant difference at risk ratio < 0.01. Although iss, iutA, and tsh were widely distributed in the APEC irrespective of O serogroup, papA, usp, and the K1 serotype were detected in serogroup O2 of APEC. The kfiD gene related to the K5 capsule and VT, LT, and ST genes related to exotoxins were not detected in any strains examined.

Decrease in glutathione (GSH) content in bovine sperm after cryopreservation: comparison between two extenders.

Growing evidence suggests that among the causes which deteriorate qualitative and functional characteristics of semen after freezing and thawing, there are those linked to oxidative stress and decrease detoxification of antioxidants present in the cells and seminal plasma. Overall, cryopreservation reduces the spermatozoal GSH content. In the present study we assessed the motility, capacitation status, ability to undergo acrosome reaction and levels of GSH in bovine spermatozoa after freezing and thawing, and compared the effects of the egg yolk tris-citrate and a commercial extenders (Bioxcell). Six semen samples were collected from each of five bulls and frozen and thawed in the two extenders. The level of total GSH of bovine spermatozoa detected in the raw semen ranged from 246.5 to 776.2 pmoles/mg of protein. The Bioxcell extender was superior in preserving GSH content (647.2+/-300.1 versus 223.6+/-154.0 pmoles/mL; P<0.05), motility levels (44.3+/-4.8 versus 41.8+/-4.0%; P<0.05), non-capacitated state (68.3+/-13.6 versus 61.3+/-17%; P<0.05) and a lower proportion of acrosome reacted spermatozoa post thaw (3.8+/-2.1 versus 6.3+/-3.1%; P<0.001) compared to egg yolk tris-citrate extender. These findings could be partially ascribed to the high GSH level contained in the commercial extender which seem able to alleviate oxidative damages to spermatozoa surviving freezing thawing procedures. Further researches are required in order to validate in vivo these results.

Spermidine promotes retinal ganglion cell survival and optic nerve regeneration in adult mice following optic nerve injury.

Spermidine acts as an endogenous free radical scavenger and inhibits the action of reactive oxygen species. In this study, we examined the effects of spermidine on retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death in a mouse model of optic nerve injury (ONI). Daily ingestion of spermidine reduced RGC death following ONI and sequential in vivo retinal imaging revealed that spermidine effectively prevented retinal degeneration. Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase-1 (ASK1) is an evolutionarily conserved mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase and has an important role in ONI-induced RGC apoptosis. We demonstrated that spermidine suppresses ONI-induced activation of the ASK1-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Moreover, production of chemokines important for microglia recruitment was decreased with spermidine treatment and, consequently, accumulation of retinal microglia is reduced. In addition, the ONI-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in the retina was inhibited with spermidine treatment, particularly in microglia. Furthermore, daily spermidine intake enhanced optic nerve regeneration in vivo. Our findings indicate that spermidine stimulates neuroprotection as well as neuroregeneration, and may be useful for treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases including glaucoma.

Aberrant progenitors common to megakaryocytic and myeloid cells in a Down's infant with transient abnormal myelopoiesis.

Phenotypic characteristics of blasts were studied in a Down's infant with transient abnormal myelopoiesis (TAM). Two major subpopulations were identified: (1) CD33+CD42b+ cells with platelet peroxidase activity, the commitment of which to megakaryocytic lineage was supported by an increased expression of GATA-1 mRNA; (2) CD33+CD34+CD7+CD4+ cells with immature ultrastructure, which could be either immature megakaryocytic or myeloid cells with aberrant differentiation. Mixed colonies containing megakaryocytes and monocyte/macrophages in the peripheral blood suggested the presence of progenitors common to these subpopulations. These results may indicate that subpopulations of blasts with phenotypic diversity could be derived from aberrant common progenitors to megakaryocytic and myeloid lineages in this patient.

Steroidal glycosides and cardenolide glycosides from Asclepias fruticosa.

Asclepias fruticosa afforded, in addition to five known pregnane glycosides and 11 known cardenolide glycosides, four new pregnane glycosides and eleven new cardenolide glycosides. Structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and from chemical evidence.

Steroidal glycosides from Cynanchum caudatum.

The aerial part of Cynanchum caudatum afforded 10 new pregnane glycosides which had sarcostin or deacylmetaplexigenin as the aglycone moiety. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and from chemical evidence.

Steroidal glycosides from the aerial part of Asclepias incarnata.

The aerial part of Asclepias incarnata afforded 34 pregnane glycosides. These were confirmed to have lineolon, isolineolon, ikemagenin, 12-O-nicotinoyllineolon, deacylmetaplexigenin, metaplexigenin, rostratamine, 12-O-acetyllineolon, 15beta-hydroxylineolon and 15beta-hydroxyisolineolon moieties as their aglycones, and 2.6-dideoxyhexopyranose, glucopyranose and allopyranose as the corresponding sugar constituents. Their structures were determined using both spectroscopic and chemical methods.

Protein binding of four antiepileptic drugs in maternal and umbilical cord serum.

The total and protein free levels of 4 antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in serum from 35 maternity patients who had been treated with AED monotherapy throughout pregnancy were studied. Results were compared with those in the umbilical cord serum at the time of delivery, and the placental transfer of AEDs was evaluated from the viewpoint of the protein binding capacity of the drug. The materials consisted of 35 samples of maternal and umbilical cord serum in total and included 13 patients on phenobarbital (PB), 7 on phenytoin (PHT), 7 on carbamazepine (CBZ) and 8 on valproic acid (VPA). The mean fetal/maternal total concentration ratios were 0.86, 0.91, 0.73 and 1.59 for PB, PHT, CBZ and VPA, respectively, only the VPA ratio being above 1. On the other hand, the mean fetal/maternal free fraction ratios were 1.13, 1.10, 1.42 and 0.50 for PB, PHT, CBZ and VPA, respectively, only the VPA ratio being less than 1. Correlation of the 2 ratios showed a reciprocal proportion with a correlation coefficient of -0.90 (P < 0.005). It was considered that the fetal/maternal total concentration ratio of 4 AEDs was regulated by the fetal/maternal free fraction ratio of the corresponding AEDs and that the difference in fetal/maternal free fraction ratio depended on the type of drug being administered.

Methyl cinnamate derivatives enhance UV-induced mutagenesis due to the inhibition of DNA excision repair in Escherichia coli B/r.

UV-induced mutagenesis in Escherichia coli B/r WP2 was enhanced by certain derivatives of methyl cinnamate which themselves were not mutagenic. Methyl ferulate, methyl isoferulate and methyl sinapate showed this effect markedly. Such an enhancement effect was absent with the derivatives of cinnamic acid and ethyl cinnamate and was not observed in Escherichia coli WP2s uvrA. Methyl sinapate also enhanced 4NQO-induced mutation and suppressed liquid-holding recovery in the above repair-proficient strain. The presence of methyl sinapate in plating agar medium decreased the survival of UV-irradiated cells of a recombination-repair-deficient strain, CM571 recA. However, the effect was not observed with those of WP2s uvrA. In an in vitro experiment in which the removal rate of thymine dimers was measured, methyl sinapate clearly inhibited this repair event. From these results, we conclude that methyl sinapate inhibits DNA excision repair, thus enhancing UV mutagenicity.

Enhancing effects of cinoxate and methyl sinapate on the frequencies of sister-chromatid exchanges and chromosome aberrations in cultured mammalian cells.

Sister-chromatid exchanges (SCEs) induced by mitomycin C (MMC), 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO) or UV-light in cultured Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO K-1 cells) were enhanced by cinoxate (2-ethoxyethyl p-methoxycinnamate) or methyl sinapate (methyl 3,5-dimethoxy 4-hydroxycinnamate). Both substances are cinnamate derivatives and cinoxate is commonly used as a cosmetic UV absorber. Methyl sinapate also increased the frequency of cells with chromosome aberrations in the CHO K-1 cells treated with MMC, 4NQO or UV. These increasing effects of methyl sinapate were critical in the G1 phase of the cell cycle and the decline of the frequencies of UV-induced SCEs and chromosome aberrations during liquid holding was not seen in the presence of methyl sinapate. Both compounds were, however, ineffective in cells treated with X-rays. In cells from a normal human embryo and from a xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) patient, MMC-induced SCEs were also increased by the post-treatment with methyl sinapate. The SCE frequencies in UV-irradiated normal human cells were elevated by methyl sinapate, but no SCE-enhancing effects were observed in UV-irradiated XP cells. Our results suggest that the test substances inhibit DNA excision repair and that the increase in the amount of unrepaired DNA damage might cause the enhancement of induced SCEs and chromosome aberrations.

Biomechanical behavior of hydroxyapatite as bone substitute material in a loaded implant model. On the surface strain measurement and the maximum compression strength determination of material crash.

Many investigators have advocated that hydroxyapatite ceramics may be extremely prospective bone substitute material mainly through evidence with its given biocompatibility towards bone and demonstrated continuity between living bone and hydroxyapatite. Its mechanical brittleness and strength, however, have been the most serious considerations. In this paper, a study has been performed using animal experiments, massive hydroxyapatite ceramics are implanted into rectangular bone defect created by operation at the load-bearing area in close contact with tibia plateau. The changes of surface strain at the hydroxyapatite implantation of retrieved tibiae are measured at any week after implantation when the compressive stress were applied in the direction of long axis in order to clarify the mechanical behaviors of hydroxyapatite living bone complex. The compression strength of hydroxyapatite implant crash was also determined at each week after implantation. Results revealed that the hydroxyapatite living bone complex has been proven to have sufficient flexibility such that it shows no hysteresis in stress versus strain relationship up to 200 kg of applied load. The strain pattern on the surface of hydroxyapatite implant develops quite similar to that of natural cortical bone. The material crash of hydroxyapatite implant tolerates up to 500 kg of load at 52 weeks after implantation. These characteristics suggest that it achieves normal skeletal function in the points of biomechanical properties in vivo.

[Phenolic constituents of licorice. IV. Correlation of phenolic constituents and licorice specimens from various sources, and inhibitory effects of licorice extracts on xanthine oxidase and monoamine oxidase].

The roots and/or rhizomes of Glychyrrhiza uralensis, G. glabra and G. inflata, and commercial licorice specimens from various regions or countries were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and classified into three types based on their phenolic constituents. i) Type A: The roots and rhizomes of G. uralensis, commercial licorice specimens from northwestern region of China (Seihoku-kanzo) and from northeastern region of China (Tohoku-kanzo) in Japanese markets, and also several licorice specimens from Chinese markets. They contain licopyranocoumarin (6), glycycoumarin (7) and/or licocoumarone (8), which were not found in G. glabra and G. inflata. ii) Type B: The root and rhizome of G. glabra, and the licorice specimens imported from the Soviet Union and Afghanistan. They contain glabridin (9) and glabrene (10), which were not found in the samples of the other two Glycyrrhiza species. A root sample of Glycyrrhiza species from Turkey also contains 9 and 10. iii) Type C: The root sample of G. inflata. They contain licochalcones A (11) and B (12), which were not found in the samples of the other two Glycyrrhiza species. Commercial licorice specimens obtained in Japan, which were imported from Sinkiang of China (Shinkyo-kanzo), and some licorice specimens obtained from Chinese markets, have also been found to contain 11 and 12. The phenolics 6-12, characteristic constituents of types A, B or C, were not found in a specimen of cortex-free licorice from a Japanese market (kawasari-kanzo). Extracts of some licorice specimens of types A and B, and all of the licorice specimens of type C inhibited 40-56% of the xanthine oxidase activity at the concentration of 30 micrograms/ml. Extracts of some licorice specimens of types A and B also showed inhibitory effects on monoamine oxidase (44-64% inhibition, at the concentration of 30 micrograms/ml), which were slightly weaker than that of harmane hydrochloride.

[Two siblings of Leber's congenital amaurosis with an increase in very long chain fatty acid in blood: relationship between peroxisomal disorders and Leber's congenital amaurosis].

We reported two siblings of Leber's congenital amaurosis associated with increased level of very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) in blood. Case 1, a 3 1/2-year-old boy had congenital blindness, severe psychomotor retardation, hepatomegaly, profound hypotonia, loss of deep tendon reflexes, muscular atrophy and weakness, and non-convulsive status epilepticus characterized by a sudden respiratory failure, and also showed a flat electroretinogram, non-pigmentary retinal degeneration, severe atrophy of the brain stem and cerebellum, hepatic fibrosis, decreased motor and sensory conduction velocities and atlanto-axial instability. Sural nerve biopsy revealed severely decreased number of total myelinated fibers without remarkable demyelination or remyelination. Case 2, an elder sister of case 1, with pigmentary retinal degeneration, hepatomegaly and pericarditis had died at 3 months. Autopsy revealed hypomyelination and heterotopy of the cerebral white matter, hepatic fibrosis, renal microcysts and normal adrenal cytoarchitecture. In case 1, the level of VLCFA was increased twofold and sevenfold of controls in serum and in red cell membrane, respectively. Phytanic or trihydroxycholestanoic acid was not detected in the serum and bile. Normal shaped peroxisomes were definitely recognized in biopsied liver by means of electronmicroscopic histochemistry. From the above findings, these patients was thought to be a new variant of peroxisomal disorders relating to degradation of VLCFA, other than Zellweger syndrome, infantile Refsum disease and infantile adrenoleukodystrophy. It was concluded that peroxisomal functions should be studied in cases of Leber's congenital amaurosis.

[A case of paraesophageal omental herniation].

A 48-year-old woman underwent routine chest roentgenography and a mass shadow was seen in the posterior mediastinum. CT, MRI and celiac arteriography were performed, and paraesophageal omental herniation was diagnosed. Paraesophageal omental herniation is uncommon, and there have been no reports cases with complications. Therefore, this case is being followed-up carefully.

[Prognostic factors influencing survival after operations for gastric cancer in the elderly].

The prognostic factors influencing survival after operations for gastric cancer in the elderly were evaluated by Cox's proportional hazards model analysis. Data were obtained from 511 operations over a 10-year period, in patients with a mean age of 75.6 +/- 7.9 years. The significant prognostic factors of survival out of 47 examined risk factors were, in order of standardized coefficient values, (1) stage of cancer, (2) %IBW, (3) peritoneal dissemination (P-factor), (4) multiple non-gastric cancers, (5) postoperative hepatic injury and (6) postoperative cardiac complication. No other factors, including preoperative associated diseases and postoperative pulmonary complication (the major risk factor of operative death), were significant risk factors of survival. We conclude that by giving special postoperative attention to prevent hepatic injury and cardiac complication, the length of survival of elderly patients with gastric cancer will improve.

[Changes in surgical treatment of peptic ulcer in the elderly by H2-blockers].

It has common knowledge that the advent of H2-blockers has radically changed the treatment of peptic ulcer. We reviewed 26,667 endoscopic examinations, 5,800 consecutive autopsies and 134 consecutive patients operated for peptic ulcer over an 18-year period to evaluate the effects of H2-blockers on the treatment of peptic ulcer in the elderly (> or = 60 years of age). The number of operations for peptic ulcer in the elderly markedly declined after H2-blocker therapy was introduced. This is mainly due to decreased operative indications for gastric bleeding as a result of conservative treatment. However, the incidence of perforating ulcers has hardly changed even after the introduction of H2-blockers. More than 90% of these cases were non-diagnosed or non-treated ulcers and 50% of them were NSAID- or steroid-treated, which is characteristic in the elderly. We conclude that patients to be treated by anti-inflammatory drugs should be screened by endoscopy, and should be given anti-ulcer drugs prophylactically if necessary.

[Prognostic analysis for postoperative complications of abdominal surgery in the elderly].

In order to evaluate the prognostic importance of the conditions before abdominal surgery for patients over 60 years of age. Multivariate analyses of postoperative complications were performed in 634 patients (comprising 525 cases of elective abdominal surgery and 109 cases of emergency abdominal surgery). The Mortality rate was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the emergency group (11.9%) and relatively low among the elective abdominal surgery group (3.8%). In the emergency group, 13 patients died, and MOF (multiple organ failure) was found to be the direct cause of death in 11 (85%). Although, the majority (75%) of emergency operations were for benign disorders, the remainder (25%) had malignant tumors. It is noteworthy that among 25% of cases, obstructions and perforations due to large bowel cancers were found to be 59% and 19%, respectively. In the elective surgery group, postoperative pulmonary and cardiovascular complications were found in 11.6% and 9.6%, respectively. Death due to cardiovascular problems in rare (5%), however, postoperative pneumonia was the cause of death in 70% of all of postoperative death. Risk factors affecting postoperative pulmonary complications were malnutrition, advanced age, male sex, malignant disease, dementia, cerebrovascular disorders, impaired pulmonary function tests. Surprisingly, the risk factors were identical, except for impaired pulmonary function, for postoperative MRSA pneumonia. In our study, postoperative pulmonary death was not associated with impaired pulmonary function, and it appears to be rather affected by the presence of cerebrovascular disorders and malnutritional state. A poor nutritional states (< 40 according to Onodera's nutritional index) was present in over 50% of patients with cerbrovascular disorders and low ADL.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)