Acquisition of an externalized eye by Japanese monkeys.

Many animals use tools to augment motor function ("motor tools", like rake), while the use of tools to acquire sensory information or to augment sensory function ("sensory tools", like endoscope) has been reported only in humans. In the present study, we trained Japanese monkeys to acquire the sensory tool use to re-construct a possible developmental course of the human-specific tool use via motor tool use training. After they mastered the rake use, we systematically introduced a series of external mirror and video arrangements, so as to separate visual cues from their actual origins in visuomotor space. Finally, the monkeys could acquire the use of sensory tool-a sort of endoscope attached to a rake-to explore the experimental space to find and retrieve the food. The results indicated a critical role of environmental control to develop even higher order behavioral sequences like human-specific sensory tool use in nonhuman primates.

Statistical analysis of the adverse effects of glycopeptide antibiotics, based on pharmacokinetics and toxicokinetics (PK/TK).

The effects of vancomycin hydrochloride (VCM) and teicoplanin complex (TEIC) on hepatic function and renal function were evaluated in rats. VCM was injected via the jugular vein at doses of 40, 100, and 250 mg/kg, and TEIC was injected via the jugular vein at doses of 10, 30, 40, 50, and 60 mg/kg, both after being dissolved in 1 ml of saline solution. Increased doses of VCM significantly increased the integrated plasma concentrations, from 0 to 8 h, for blood urea nitrogen (BUN(0-8)) and serum creatinine (SCr(0-8)). TEIC gave rise to a slight increase in both BUN(0-8) and SCr(0-8) as its dose was increased. On the other hand, TEIC significantly increased the integrated plasma concentrations, from 0 to 8 h, for aspartate aminotransferase (AST(0-8)), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT(0-8)), at doses from 40 mg/kg to 60 mg/kg, though VCM did not increase these concentrations. This study suggests the importance of paying attention to hepatic function--in addition to renal function--when TEIC is administered to patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).