Amyloid Signature Proteins in Feline Amyloidosis.

In human amyloidoses, amyloid signature proteins (ASPs), such as serum amyloid P component (SAP) and apolipoprotein E (ApoE), are deposited in tissues together with amyloid fibrils and are implicated in the pathogenesis of amyloidosis. Few reports describe ASPs in animals. In this study, we examined feline amyloidosis and performed immunohistochemical and proteomic analyses of SAP, ApoE, apolipoprotein A-I (ApoAI) and apolipoprotein A-IV (ApoAIV). Ten cases of systemic amyloidosis, three cases of amyloid-producing odontogenic tumour and three cases of islet amyloidosis were used for immunohistochemistry (IHC) and/or proteomic analyses. IHC showed that ApoE was present in amyloid deposits in all samples. ApoAI and ApoAIV differed in the degree of co-deposition with amyloid depending on the type of amyloid and the affected organ. SAP was negative in all amyloid deposits. Proteomic analysis showed that ApoE was present in all samples, but ApoAI and ApoAIV were detected only in some samples and SAP was not detected in any samples. The observation that ApoE was detected in all types of amyloid suggests the involvement of ApoE in the development of feline amyloidosis. ASPs in feline amyloidosis are significantly different from those in human amyloidosis, suggesting that the involvement of ASPs in the pathological condition differs between animal species.

Optimum rolling ratio for obtaining {001}<110> recrystallization texture in Ti-Nb-Al biomedical shape memory alloy.

The rolling rate (r) dependence of textures was investigated in the Ti-26Nb-3Al (mol%) alloy to reveal the conditions required to form the {001}<110> recrystallization texture, which is a desirable orientation for the ß-titanium shape memory alloy. {001}<110> was the dominant cold-rolling texture when r=90% and it was transferred to the recrystallization texture without forming {112}<110>, which is detrimental for the isotropic mechanical properties of the rolled sheet. A further increase in r resulted in the formation of {112}<110> in both rolling and recrystallization textures. Therefore, r should be controlled to form only the {001}<110> rolling texture, because the {112}<110> texture can overwhelm the {001}<110> texture during recrystallization.

Immunochemical characterization of anti-H monoclonal antibodies obtained from a mouse immunized with human saliva.

Three IgM class anti-H monoclonal antibodies (1E3, 1E5 and 3H1) were obtained from a BALB/c mouse immunized with human O type saliva. These antibodies were found to agglutinate red cells from O group and A and B subgroups but not from Bombay and para-Bombay individuals whose H antigen was barely detected by anti-H reagents. The agglutination reactions of these antibodies were inhibited by H antigens from human tissues. It was also demonstrated that both 1E3 and 3H1 reacted with H disaccharide (Fuc alpha 1-->2Gal beta), H type 1 (Fuc alpha 1-->2Gal beta 1-->3GlcNAc beta), H type 2 (Fuc alpha 1-->2Gal beta 1-->4GlcNAc beta), H type 3 (Fuc alpha 1-->2Gal beta 1-->3GalNAc alpha) and H type 4 (Fuc alpha 1-->2Gal beta 1-->3GalNAc beta) but not with Lea (Gal beta 1-->3[Fuc alpha 1-->4]GlcNAc beta), Leb (Fuc alpha 1-->2Gal beta 1-->3[Fuc alpha 1-->4]GlcNAc beta), X (Gal beta 1-->4[Fuc alpha-->3]GlcNAc beta) or Y (Fuc alpha 1-->2Gal beta 1-->4[Fuc alpha 1-->3]GlcNAc beta). On the other hand, 1E5 was found to react with H type 1, H type 2, Leb and Y. Because of the unique reactivities against various fucosyl linkages these monoclonal antibodies could be useful not only as anti-H reagents but also as reagents for the structural analysis of fucosylated glycoconjugates.

Efficacy of common antiseptics against multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVES: The incidence of infections caused by multidrug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has been increasing. Antiseptics are frequently used to prevent mycobacterial infection. The aim of this study was to determine those antiseptics that are useful against MDR-TB. DESIGN: We evaluated bactericidal activity against clinical isolates of MDR-TB in vitro. METHOD: Thirteen strains of MDR-TB were tested against povidone-iodine (PVP-I), cresol, akyldiaminoethyl glycine hydrocloride (AEG), and glutaraldehyde. After bacilli were exposed to the antiseptic solution with 2% human serum, the disinfectant was inactivated by addition of neutraliser. RESULTS: PVP-1 at a final concentration of 0.2% killed all of the strains within 120 seconds, and PVP-I at 0.1% killed 99.9% or more bacilli within 60 seconds. Most strains were killed after exposure to 0.5% cresol at 300 seconds and to 1.0% cresol at 60 seconds; 3.0% cresol killed all bacilli within 120 seconds, while 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.5% AEG all required 60 minutes to kill 99.9% or more of the bacilli; 2.0% glutaraldehyde required 10 minutes to kill all bacilli. CONCLUSION: The bactericidal activities of antiseptics for MDR-TB were similar to those for drug-sensitive M. tuberculosis strains. PVP-I would be a useful antiseptic against MDR-TB. The bactericidal activities of glutaraldehyde are effective against MDR-TB as an antiseptic for medical equipment.

Effects of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty on sleep architecture and patterns of obstructed breathing.

In this retrospective study, 72 obstructive sleep apnea patients with polysomnograms taken before and after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty were evaluated. Postoperatively, there was a significant improvement of sleep architecture and respiratory indices. In addition, a second group of 17 patients also had position recordings with their polysomnograms. Time spent in supine and lateral sleep positions changed postoperatively. There was significant decrease of the apnea plus hypopnea index in the lateral position. This study indicates that there is significant improvement of sleep architecture and respiratory indices in the majority of patients after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, particularly in the lateral sleep position.

Percutaneous absorption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs from in situ gelling xyloglucan formulations in rats.

The potential of gels formed in situ by dilute aqueous solutions of a xyloglucan polysaccharide derived from tamarind seed as sustained release vehicles for percutaneous administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs has been assessed by in vitro and in vivo studies. Chilled aqueous solutions of xyloglucan that had been partially degraded by beta-galactosidase formed gels at concentrations of 1-2% w/w when warmed to 37 degrees C. The in vitro release of ibuprofen and ketoprofen at pH 7.4 from the enzyme degraded xyloglucan gels and the subsequent permeation of these fully ionized drugs through cellulose membranes followed root-time kinetics over a period of 12 h after an initial lag period. Diffusion coefficients were appreciably higher when the drugs were released from 1.5% w/w xyloglucan gels than when released from 25% w/w Pluronic F127 gels formed in situ under identical conditions. The difference in release rates was attributed to differences in the structure of the gels. The permeation rate of ibuprofen through excised skin was higher than that of ketoprofen when released from both gels, but of similar magnitude through cellulose membranes. Plasma concentrations of ibuprofen and ketoprofen from gels formed in situ following topical application of chilled aqueous solutions of xyloglucan and Pluronic F127 to the abdominal skin of rats were compared. The bioavailabilities of ibuprofen and ketoprofen were significantly higher when released from xyloglucan gels compared to Pluronic F127 gels. Occlusive dressing techniques had a greater enhancing effect on the bioavailability of ibuprofen when released from Pluronic gels.

In situ gelling xyloglucan formulations for sustained release ocular delivery of pilocarpine hydrochloride.

Thermoreversible gels formed in situ by aqueous solutions of an enzyme-degraded xyloglucan polysaccharide were evaluated as sustained release vehicles for the ocular delivery of pilocarpine hydrochloride. In vitro release of pilocarpine from gels formed by warming xyloglucan sols (1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% w/w) to 34 degrees C followed root-time kinetics over a period of 6 h. The miotic responses in rabbit following administration of xyloglucan sols were compared with those from in situ gelling Pluronic F127 sols and from an aqueous buffer solution containing the same drug concentration. Sustained release of pilocarpine was observed with all gels, the duration of miotic response increasing with increase of xyloglucan concentration. The degree of enhancement of miotic response following sustained release of pilocarpine from the 1.5% w/w xyloglucan gel was similar to that from a 25% w/w Pluronic F127 gel.

Percutaneous absorption of indomethacin from pluronic F127 gels in rats.

Thermally reversible gels of the poly(oxyethylene)-poly (oxypropylene)-(polyoxyethylene) triblock copolymer, Pluronic F127, were evaluated as vehicles for the percutaneous administration of drugs using indomethacin as a model drug. In-vivo percutaneous absorption studies using a rat model suggest that a 20% w/w aqueous gel of Pluronic F127 may be of practical use as a base for topical administration of the drug. The addition of isopropyl myristate or (+)-limonene to the gel formulation significantly improved percutaneous absorption, particularly when the gel was applied using an occlusive dressing technique.

Effect of implanted ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer matrices containing 5-fluorouracil on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma.

The antitumour activity of ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVAl) copolymer matrices containing 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was evaluated against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in mice. A prolongation of the life-span of tumour-bearing mice following intraperitoneal implantation of therapeutic matrices was noted. These results indicated that EVAl matrices containing 5-FU may be effective in cancer chemotherapy. Matrices composed of EVAl copolymer could be useful vehicles for implanted, inserted, or surface-applied delivery systems for anticancer agents.

Injection sclerotherapy for gastric varices using N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate and ethanolamine oleate.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Tissue adhesive agents, such as the cyanoacrylates, have been used as an alternative to conventional sclerotherapy to treat gastric varices, but the long-term efficacy of this approach has not been determined. We evaluated the efficacy and long-term outcome of injection sclerotherapy with n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate and ethanolamine oleate in 16 patients with gastric varices. METHODOLOGY: We evaluated the effect of injection sclerotherapy in 16 Japanese patients with gastric varices. Injection sclerotherapy was performed on an emergency basis in 6 patients, an elective basis in 5 patients, and as prophylaxis in 5 patients. RESULTS: No bleeding was observed in the 7 patients in whom gastric varices disappeared during the 51 month follow-up period. The non-bleeding rate after treatment was significantly higher in this group than in the 9 patients in whom gastric varices did not disappear (p<0.05). Acute bleeding was stopped in 5 (83.3%) of 6 patients. The single failure was a patient in whom the sclerosant could not be injected into the gastric varices. No serious complications, such as emboli in other organs, were observed. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that this therapy is a safe and useful treatment for gastric varices and that the goal of injection sclerotherapy should be the disappearance of gastric varices.

Enamel and dentin bond strengths of single application bonding systems.

PURPOSE: To investigate the bonding ability to enamel and dentin of new single application bonding systems (Reactmer and One-Up Bond) and compare these with a commercial compomer (Clicker/F2000), and 2-step resin-based composite bonding systems (Fluoro Bond/Lite-Fil II A and Single Bond/Z100). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Labial surfaces of extracted bovine teeth were ground on wet 600-grit SiC paper to expose a flattened area of enamel or dentin and then washed and dried with oil-free compressed air. These surfaces were treated according to each adhesive system's instructions and the restorative materials were condensed into a Teflon mold (2 mm height, 4 mm internal diameter) and then irradiated. The finished specimens were stored in 37 degrees C distilled water for 24 hours from the start of light exposure to the material. Then these specimens were tested in a shear mode at a crosshead speed of 1.0 mm/minute. The mean and standard deviation were subjected to an ANOVA followed by the Duncan test (P< 0.05). RESULTS: The bond strengths of the single application bonding systems were 12.3 to approximately 14.5 MPa for enamel, and 13.7 to approximately 13.8 MPa for dentin. These values were comparable to those of the compomer (12.6 MPa for enamel, and 13.1 MPa for dentin), but lower than those of the two-step resin composite bonding systems (16.8 to approximately 21.7 MPa for enamel and 18.1 to approximately 18.4 MPa for dentin).

Microanalytical characterization and surface modification of TiNi orthodontic archwires.

Orthodontic archwires (equiatomic TiNi alloy) of both used (4 weeks) and unused conditions were microanalyzed by optical and scanning electron microscopes, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and electron diffraction to characterize the surface layers. They were also subjected to immersion and polarization corrosion tests in a 0.9% NaCl aqueous solution. Based on results obtained from these analytical and experimental studies, surfaces of TiNi archwires were further electrochemically treated to etch away nickel selectively and reform the surface morphology to uniform and porous surface layers. Main conclusions were: (a) surface layers of used archwires were covered contaminants causing the discoloration, and the contaminants were identified as mainly KCl crystals, (b) surfaces of both used and unused wires were observed to be irregular features characterized by lengthy island-like structures, where nickel was selectively dissolved, (c) corrosion tests in a 0.9% NaCl aqueous solution in immersion and polarization methods indicated that by increasing temperature from 3 degrees to 60 degrees C and acidity from pH 11 to pH 3, calculated corrosion rates increased, and (d) surface layers of TiNi archwires can be electrochemically modified to selectively etch nickel away, leaving a Ti-enriched surface layer and forming a uniformly distributed porous surface that may reduce the coefficient of friction against the orthodontic brackets.

[Preparation and evaluation of solid dispersions of pilocarpine hydrochloride for alleviation of xerostomia].

This investigation was carried out to try the application of pilocarpine hydrochloride (PC) solid dispersion as sustained release dosage form. Four preparations of PC with ethylcellulose and/or hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate were prepared by the organic solvent method. The preparation D including PC: ethylcellulose: hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate (1:9:10 at weight ratio) showed the best sustained release behavior in dissolution test among four preparations. The preparation D was examined by powder X-ray diffractometry and differential scanning calorimetry, and confirmed to be solid dispersion. Saliva secretory effect of preparation D was examined in healthy male volunteers, and its effect for Xerostomia was showed.

[Isolation and characterization of Azotobacter sp. for the production of poly-beta-hydroxyalkanoates]. / Aislamiento y caracterización de Azotobacter sp. para la producción de poli-beta-hidroxialcanoatos.

A microorganism (Azotobacter sp.) was isolated from soil samples from the Agronomy Faculty campus and its ability to accumulate poly-beta-hydroxyalkanoate (PHAs) polymers was analyzed. The isolated strain (named No 8) accumulated 8 micrograms PHA/m of culture media as intracytoplasmic granules. The following properties of the strain were analyzed: utilization of different carbon sources, antibiotic resistance, optimal pH and temperature, pigment production, nitrogen fixation, proteolytic activity, acid and hydrogen sulphide production, optimal growth temperature, cyst formation, growth on phenol and sodium fluoride, catalase, pleomorfism and mobility. The synthesized polymer showed valuable properties respect to organic solvents resistance.

[Evaluation of pluronic F127 as a base for gradual release of anticancer drug].

The property of pluronic F127 (PLF) as a base for an anticancer agent, mitomycin C (MMC) was evaluated. A weighed amount of PLF and MMC were slowly added to cold water and mixed completely. The solution was warmed to 37 degrees C and MMC containing PLF gel was formed. The cumulative amount of MMC which was released from the gel during a 3-hour period was calculated. 5.5 percent of MMC was released from PLF-MMC gel which contained 20 or 25% PLF and 3.8% MMC from PLF-MMC gel containing 30% PLF. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of large amount of PLF gel alone in rabbits or mouse revealed severe hepatorenal toxicity, and acute i.p. administered LD50 of PLF was supposed to be between 1.7 g and 5.0 g/kg body weight in mouse. Further evaluation of gradual releasing property of PLF is needed.

Impact of different fluoride concentrations and pH of dentifrices on tooth erosion/abrasion in vitro.

BACKGROUND: This in vitro study analysed the effect of different fluoride concentrations in acidic or neutral liquid dentifrices in protecting enamel and dentine from erosive and abrasive wear. METHODS: Bovine enamel and dentine specimens (n = 132) were randomly allocated to 11 groups (each n = 12): experimental liquid dentifrices with 550 ppm F, 1100 ppm F, 5000 ppm F or 0 ppm F/placebo (each at pH 4.5 and pH 7.0); and commercial dentifrices with 550 ppm F (Colgate Baby, pH 7.0), 1100 ppm F (Crest, pH 7.0) and 5000 ppm F (Duraphat, pH 7.0). The specimens were subjected to erosion for 90 seconds, 4 times/day, over 7 days. Immediately after the first and last erosion, the specimens were brushed for 15 seconds using one of the dentifrices. Tooth wear was measured profilometrically (µm) and analysed by ANOVA (p < 0.05). RESULTS: All fluoridated liquid dentifrices significantly reduced enamel wear compared to the placebo and commercial dentifrices. Only liquid dentifrices with 1100 and 5000 ppm F significantly reduced dentine wear compared to placebo dentifrice. The pH had no effect, but the consistency had a significant impact on the effect of dentifrices. CONCLUSIONS: Liquid dentifrices with high F concentration appear to be a good option to prevent tooth wear.

Monoclonal anti-A and anti-A,B antibodies from a mouse immunized with A secretor saliva.

Using spleen cells from a mouse immunized with blood group A secretor saliva, we obtained 3 monoclonal anti-A antibodies (3H9, 5C6, 4D8) and 1 monoclonal anti-A,B antibody (2D10). In agglutination tests against red cells of A subgroups, 3H9 gave similar results to human anti-A serum, and 2D10 reacted with both A and B cells. 5C6 agglutinated especially A1 cells, while 4D8 showed stronger agglutination of A2 cells than the other antibodies. Using these antibodies, it is possible to distinguish the subgroups of A. The 4 antibodies had no reactivity with the red cells of 6 animal species and nonhuman primates except for group A anthropoid apes. All 4 antibodies were negative with Cad-positive, sheep and papain-treated O red cells that are agglutinated by the A-cell-reactive lectins. The activity of 3H9 was inhibited by A secretor saliva and that of 2D10 by both A and B secretor salivas. 4D8 showed a weak reaction with A secretor saliva. Antibody 5C6 was inhibited rather strongly even by A nonsecretor saliva. Thus, 5C6 is useful for application to test specimens in legal medicine, such as examination of blood or salivary stains for A antigens.

External control of drug release. IV. Controlled release of 5-fluorouracil from a hydrophilic polymer matrix by microwave irradiation.

A polymeric system capable of delivering 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) at increased rates on demand by external microwave irradiation was developed. Sustained-release systems were made by incorporating 5-FU into an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer. When exposed to release medium, the delivery systems released the drug slowly and continuously. Upon exposure to microwave irradiation, the drug was released at a much higher rate. Release rates returned to base line levels when the microwave irradiation was discontinued. This study demonstrated that release rates of 5-FU from a polymer matrix can be increased at desired times by external microwave irradiation.

Thermally gelling poloxamine Synperonic T908 solution as a vehicle for rectal drug delivery.

Thermally reversible gels of the block copolymer, Synperonic T908, have been evaluated as vehicles for the rectal administration of indomethacin. Prolonged plasma levels of indomethacin following rectal administration in such gels was observed with the 40% w/w Synperonic T908 gels when compared with commercial suppositories. The release rate decreased with an increase in gel concentration over the range 30% to 40% w/w. Histological observation showed no damage to the rectal mucosal membrane in animals at 6 h after the administration of a 40% w/w gel.