Atmospheric Humidity Influences Oviposition Rate of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) Through Morphological Responses of Host Cucumis sativus Leaves.

We investigated the effects of morphology of host cucumber, Cucumis sativus L., leaves acclimatized to different atmospheric humidity levels on oviposition by adult females of the twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch. Cucumber seedlings were grown at a vapor pressure deficit (VPD) of 0.4, 1.9, or 3.0 kPa at 28°C (90%, 50%, or 20% relative humidity, respectively) in growth chambers until the second true leaves had expanded. Adult females of T. urticae were released on the adaxial surfaces of leaf squares cut from first and second true leaves in each treatment group, and held in the same humidity condition. Eggs were counted 2 d after release. The lower acclimatization humidity (higher VPD) increased trichome (leaf hair) density of the host leaves and oviposition rate, but the relationship between the trichome and oviposition differed between leaf positions. The leaf mass per area (LMA) was greater in first true leaves than in second true leaves, but was not influenced by VPD. A linear regression model with oviposition rate as the dependent variable and trichome density and LMA as independent variables showed that both variables influenced the oviposition rate approximately equally. We conclude that oviposition was accelerated under low humidity (high VPD) conditions indirectly probably through an increase in the trichome density of host leaves.

Prophylactic intra-arterial administration of fasudil hydrochloride for vasospasm following subarachnoid haemorrhage.

PURPOSE: We evaluated patients treated with prophylactic intra-arterial administration of fasudil hydrochloride (IAF) after subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between August 1998 and December 2012, 92 patients with aneurysmal SAH were treated with IAF for angiographic vasospasm without ischemic symptoms after their follow-up angiography. Patients comprised 50 women and 42 men, aged 24-83 (mean 56.6) years. IAF consisted of 15 mg of fasudil hydrochloride dissolved in 20 ml physiological saline and injected through a catheter during approximately 15 min, after diagnostic angiography. The clinical outcome was evaluated using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at discharge and ischemic lesions resulting from vasospasm were assessed on computed tomography (CT) scan at discharge. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients underwent surgical clipping and 44 patients underwent endovascular coiling. Angiographic improvement was observed in all patients (100 %). At discharge, 76 (83.0 %) of 92 patients showed good recovery on GOS. Nine patients developed progression of delayed ischemic neurological deficits (DIND) and three of these patients had ischemic lesions on CT scans. No patient had any significant changes in vital signs or any other adverse effects resulting from IAF. CONCLUSION: IAF therapy was safe and effective for patients with vasospasm following SAH. Prophylactic IAF therapy may prevent symptomatic vasospasm.

Population genetic structure and Wolbachia infection in an endangered butterfly, Zizina emelina (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae), in Japan.

Zizina emelina (de l'Orza) is listed on Japan's Red Data List as an endangered species because of loss of its principal food plant and habitat. We compared parts of the mitochondrial and nuclear genes of this species to investigate the level of genetic differentiation among the 14 extant populations. We also examined infection of the butterfly with the bacterium Wolbachia to clarify the bacterium's effects on the host population's genetic structure. Mitochondrial and nuclear DNA analyses revealed that haplotype composition differed significantly among most of the populations, and the fixation index F ST was positively correlated with geographic distance. In addition, we found three strains of Wolbachia, one of which was a male killer; these strains were prevalent in several populations. There was linkage between some host mitochondrial haplotypes and the three Wolbachia strains, although no significant differences were found in a comparison of host mitochondrial genetic diversity with nuclear genetic diversity in Wolbachia-infected or -uninfected populations. These genetic analyses and Wolbachia infection findings show that Z. emelina has little migratory activity and that little gene flow occurs among the current populations.

Empirical growth curve estimation considering multiple seasonal compensatory growths of body weights in Japanese Thoroughbred colts and fillies.

Thoroughbred horses are seasonal mating animals, and their foals are born yearly in spring seasons. In northern regions or countries, the foals generally show a typical seasonal compensatory growth pattern, where their growth rate declines in winter and increases in the next spring. In this study, a new empirical approach is proposed to adjust for this compensatory growth when growth curve equations are estimated, by using BW of Japanese Thoroughbred colts and fillies raised in Hidaka, Hokkaido. Based on the traditional Richards growth curve equation, new growth curve equations were developed and fit to the weight-age data. The foals generally experience 2 major winter seasons before their debut in horseracing. The new equations had sigmoid subfunctions that can empirically adjust the first and second year compensatory growths, combined with the Richards biological parameter responsible for the maturity of animals. The unknown parameters included in the equations were estimated by SAS NLMIXED procedure. The goodness-of-fit was examined by using several indices of goodness-of-fit (i.e., Akaike's information criterion, Bayesian information criterion, -2 log likelihood, and residual sum of squares) for the multiple applications of the subfunctions. The indices indicated the best fit of the new equations including both subfunctions for the first and second compensatory growths to the weight-age data. The shapes of the growth curves were improved during the periods of compensatory growth. The proposed method is one of the useful approaches for adjusting multiple seasonal compensatory growths in growth curve estimations of Thoroughbreds and for the management of young horses during the compensatory periods.

Direct and trans-generational responses to food deprivation during development in the Glanville fritillary butterfly.

Life history characteristics and resulting fitness consequences manifest not only in an individual experiencing environmental conditions but also in its offspring via trans-generational effects. We conducted a set of experiments to assess the direct and trans-generational effects of food deprivation in the Glanville fritillary butterfly Melitaea cinxia. Food availability was manipulated during the final stages of larval development and performance was assessed during two generations. Direct responses to food deprivation were relatively minor. Food-deprived individuals compensated, via increased development time, to reach a similar mass as adults from the control group. Delayed costs of compensatory growth were observed, as food-deprived individuals had either reduced fecundity or lifespan depending on the type of feeding treatment they had experienced (intermittent vs. continuous). Female food deprivation did not directly affect her offspring's developmental trajectory, but the way the offspring coped with food deprivation. Offspring of mothers from control or intermittent starvation treatments reached the size of those in the control group via increased development time when being starved. In contrast, offspring of mothers that had experienced 2 days of continuous food deprivation grew even larger than control animals, when deprived of food themselves. Offspring of food-deprived Glanville fritillary initially showed poor immune response to parasitism, but not later on in development.

Effects of morphological characteristics of Cucumis sativus seedlings grown at different vapor pressure deficits on initial colonization of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae).

We investigated the effects of morphological characteristics of cucumber, Cucumis sativus L., seedlings grown at different vapor pressure deficits (VPDs) on initial colonization of whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) biotype B. The seedlings were grown at a VPD of 3.8 or 0.4 kPa for 9 d at 30 degrees C under a photoperiod of 12:12 (L:D) h. Pairs of seedlings, one grown at high VPD and the other at low VPD, were then installed in cages with a VPD of 1.3 kPa, and adults of B. tabaci between 150 and 200 were released. Leaves of high-VPD seedlings had fewer B. tabaci than those of low-VPD seedlings 24 h after release. They also had higher relative chlorophyll content, were thicker and tougher, and had abaxial trichomes with higher density. Water stress caused by the high VPD probably decreased the initial colonization of B. tabaci through changes in these leaf morphological characteristics.

Endovascular therapy for massive haemothorax caused by ruptured extracranial vertebral artery aneurysm with neurofibromatosis Type 1.

Extracranial vertebral artery aneurysm is uncommon, and the common cause is penetrating trauma. Rupture of extracranial vertebral artery aneurysm into the thoracic cavity is extremely rare and fatal due to haemorrhagic shock by massive haemothorax. We report an intrathoracic rupture of the extracranial vertebral artery aneurysm with neurofibromatosis Type 1, successfully treated by coil and liquid embolisation.

Preoperative portal vein embolization with a mixture of gelatin sponge and iodized oil: efficacy and safety.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether portal vein embolization (PVE) using a mixture of gelatin sponge (GS) pieces and iodized oil is safe and effective in inducing hypertrophy of the future liver remnants (FLR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: PVE was performed in 14 patients (eight male and six female, mean age 65 years, range 35-81 years) diagnosed with malignant liver tumor before surgery, whose FLR volumes were judged too small to allow for safe resection. Liver volume change, biochemical data change, complications related to PVE, and postoperative complications were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: PVE was successful in all patients, and there were no procedural complications. Absolute FLR volume and FLR/total liver volume (TLV) ratio increased by 102 cm3 and 8% (mean values), respectively. Planned hepatectomies were cancelled in three patients due to extrahepatic metastasis or bile duct infection. Five of the 11 patients (45%) who underwent hepatectomies had major postoperative complications. However, complications due to hepatic failure were not seen. In 10 patients, except one whose outcome was fatal outcome, the mean hospitalization days with and without major complications were 73 and 33 days, respectively. CONCLUSION: PVE using a mixture of GS and iodized oil seems to be effective and safe in inducing hypertrophy of the FLR.

Esophageal cancer after distal gastrectomy.

The effect of gastrectomy on the subsequent development of esophageal cancer was investigated. Duodenogastroesophageal reflux is thought to be common in patients after distal gastrectomy, but whether this contributes to the development of esophageal cancer in such patients is controversial. We retrospectively evaluated 153 patients who underwent subtotal esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal cancer between January 2002 and July 2005. They were divided into two groups, according to whether or not they had previously undergone a gastrectomy: group 1, comprising 14 patients who had undergone gastrectomy and group 2, comprising 139 patients who had not. Clinical profiles of the patients were obtained from the medical records and the whole resected esophagus was histopathologically examined. The interval between gastrectomy and esophagectomy in group 1 was significantly shorter in the patients who had undergone gastrectomy for gastric cancer (10.5 +/- 4.2 years) than in those who had undergone gastrectomy for a peptic ulcer (28.9 +/- 3.0 years). The interval was also somehow shorter in the patients for whom anastomosis had been performed by Billroth I (21.3 +/- 5.6 years) compared with Billroth II (29.7 +/- 3.2 years), although the difference did not reach its statistical significance (P = 0.11). Moreover, the proportion of lower third tumors in patients after gastrectomy was significantly higher compared with that of the patients with intact stomach. These findings suggest that a history of gastrectomy is associated with more lower-third squamous cell esophageal carcinoma.

Endovascular therapy for abdominal pseudoaneurysms: analysis from technical and clinical aspects.

PURPOSE: To clarify the factors of outcomes by endovascular therapy for abdominal pseudoaneurysm (PSA) from both technical and clinical aspects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixteen patients with PSAs underwent embolization. Embolic methods were classified into two groups: proximal and distal embolization (PDE) and proximal embolization alone (PE). The patients were classified into four groups by shock index. Pre-embolization hemoglobin (Hb) level and decrease in Hb level were evaluated. Outcomes were classified into two groups: successful recovery and failure despite successful PSA embolization. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in success, recurrence, and complication rate, and outcomes between the two embolic methods. There was a statistically significant correlation between the grades of shock indices and outcomes (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference between the Hb levels and outcomes. CONCLUSION: Outcomes were not dependent on the embolic methods. Shock index reflecting clinical status may be a simple predictor of outcome. PSA should therefore be treated by optimal embolic methods as quickly as possible to avoid rupture.

Effects of transdermal and oral estrogen supplementation on endothelial function, inflammation and cellular redox state.

The incidence of ischemic heart disease shows a sharp rise after menopause. However, the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on cardiovascular disease are still controversial. Not only oxidative stress, but also inflammation has been suggested to play an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular events. We compared the effects of HRT on endothelial function, cellular antioxidant system and inflammation between oral and transdermal administration in mild hypercholesterolemic postmenopausal women. Transdermal estradiol replacement was administrated to 12 patients (mean age 53 years) for 12 weeks, and oral conjugated equine estrogen was administrated to 12 patients (mean age 54 years) for 12 weeks. The flow-mediated endothelium-dependent dilation of the brachial artery, serum levels of thioredoxin as a marker of the cytoprotective antioxidant system, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured every 4 weeks. The flow-mediated vasodilation increased with HRT (oral, baseline 4.9 +/- 0.5, 4-week 8.9 +/- 0.7*, 8-week 9.9 +/- 0.6*, 12-week 9.4 +/- 0.7*; transdermal, 4.7 +/- 0.6, 8.3 +/- 0.7*, 9.1 +/- 0.8*, 8.9 +/- 0.9%*, * = p < 0.01 versus baseline). The thioredoxin levels decreased with HRT (oral, 26.1 +/- 7.2, 24.1 +/- 8.2, 22.1 +/- 7.8, 19.1 +/- 7.0*; transdermal, 26.9 +/- 7.4, 23.4 +/- 8.7, 21.1 +/- 7.9, 19.2 +/- 7.2 ng/ml*, * = p < 0.01 versus baseline). There were no differences in the variation of the flow-mediated vasodilation or thioredoxin concentrations between the 2 groups. The hs-CRP levels increased with oral HRT (0.32 +/- 0.12, 0.72 +/- 0.17*, 0.86 +/- 0.23*, 0.88 +/- 0.21 mg/dl*, * = p < 0.01 versus baseline), while transdermal HRT did not elicit any changes (0.35 +/- 0.15, 0.34 +/- 0.17, 0.38 +/- 0.20, 0.36 +/- 0.22 mg/dl). The differences of hs-CRP concentrations between the 2 groups analyzed by 2-way ANOVA were significant (p < 0.01). Oral HRT instigated inflammation, but transdermal did not. Both oral and transdermal HRT, however, improved endothelial function and decreased oxidative stress through affecting the cellular redox state. These differentials in the effects caused by the course of administration may affect the future cardiovascular events.

Detection of Cry1Ab protein in gastrointestinal contents but not visceral organs of genetically modified Bt11-fed calves.

The fate of insecticidal Cry1Ab protein was examined in the gastrointestinal (GI) contents and visceral organs of calves fed insect-resistant genetically modified maize Bt11. Twelve cross-breed (Japanese black x Holstein) calves were fed either Bt11 or non-genetically modified isoline maize for 90 d. Peripheral blood, rumen juice and feces were collected fortnightly, and GI contents and visceral organs were collected at slaughter at the end of the experiment. Samples were checked for Cry1Ab protein by immunological methods, and visceral organs were examined pathologically. Trace amounts of Cry1Ab protein were detected in the GI contents but not in the liver, spleen, kidney, muscle or mesenteric lymph nodes. No lesions were observed pathologically. Cry1Ab protein in the feces was degraded quickly at atmospheric temperature. These results suggested that only a trace amount of Cry1Ab protein survived passage through the GI tract but was not transferred to liver, spleen, kidney, lymph nodes or muscles.

The relationship between the visually evoked P300 event-related potential and gamma band oscillation in the human medial and basal temporal lobes: an electrocorticographic study.

We have recorded electrocorticographic activities (ECoG) from subdural electrodes on the human medial temporal lobe (MTL) and basal temporal lobe (BTL) in epileptic patients during cognitive visual tasks designed to evoke the P300 event related potential (ERP). From those recordings we examined the event related gamma band oscillation (ERGBO) and P300 ERP. While P300 was predominantly observed in the MTL, ERGBO was observed in both MTL and BTL. Resembling to P300, ERGBO responses were more often observed following rare stimuli than frequent stimuli. In average responses the ERGBO to rare stimuli followed P300, beginning at 440.5 ms and continuing for about 100 ms. Past studies suggest P300 ERP component reflects a role in cognitive function. Since ERGBO in the present study appeared in different regions and at a different latency from P300, ERGBO may reflect a different physiological role in the cognitive process.

The relationship of left ventricular mass to endothelium-dependent vasodilation of the brachial artery in patients with hypertension.

Although echocardiographically determined left ventricular mass and geometry predict cardiovascular morbid events in patients with hypertension, the mechanisms underlying this relation are unclear. There is considerable evidence that endothelium-dependent vasodilation is impaired in patients with hypertension. Thus, endothelial dysfunction may contribute to the mechanism that causes cardiovascular morbid events. This study was designed to examine the relationship between left ventricular geometry and endothelial function in patients with hypertension. The percentage increase in brachial arterial diameter during reactive hyperemia was examined by a high-resolution ultrasound technique in 49 patients with hypertension and 64 normotensive subjects. Patients with hypertension had an impairment of the percentage increase in brachial arterial diameter during reactive hyperemia and an increase in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) compared to normotensive subjects (percentage increase in diameter 5.6 +/- 3.0 vs. 8.0 +/- 2.5%, p < 0.001; TBARS levels 6.1 +/- 1.3 vs. 5.3 +/- 1.0 nmol/ml, p < 0.001). In patients with hypertension, there was a significant correlation between the left ventricular mass index and the percentage increase in brachial arterial diameter during reactive hyperemia (r = -0.583, p < 0.001), and the percentage increase in brachial arterial diameter during reactive hyperemia varied with the pattern of left ventricular geometry (normal ventricular geometry: 7.7 +/- 2.6%; concentric remodeling: 5.2 +/- 2.3%; eccentric hypertrophy: 4.2 +/- 1.8%; concentric hypertrophy: 2.9 +/- 2.6%). We conclude that (1) flow-mediated endothelium-dependent vasodilation in the brachial artery is impaired in patients with hypertension, (2) a relationship exists between the left ventricular mass index and flow-mediated endothelium-dependent vasodilation in the brachial artery in patients with hypertension and (3) increased oxidative stress may play a role in the endothelial dysfunction in patients with hypertension.

Estradiol supplementation suppresses hyperventilation-induced attacks in postmenopausal women with variant angina.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to examine whether estradiol (E2) supplementation suppresses anginal attacks in women with variant angina. BACKGROUND: Estrogen is known to improve endothelial function. Coronary spasm plays an important role in the pathogenesis of not only variant angina but also ischemic heart disease in general, and endothelial dysfunction seems to be involved in the pathogenesis of coronary spasm. METHODS: Fifteen postmenopausal women with variant angina (mean age 54.2 years) were given a hyperventilation (HV) test, a provocation test for coronary spasm, in the early morning of day 1 (baseline), day 3 (after 2-day transdermal E2 supplementation, 4 mg) and day 5 (after 2-day placebo administration). We measured the flow-mediated (endothelium-dependent) dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery with the ultrasound technique before each HV test. RESULTS: The anginal attacks with ST segment elevation were induced by HV in all patients on days 1 and 5. However, no attacks were induced on day 3. Supplementation with E2 augmented FMD (3.5 +/- 0.6*, 8.9 +/- 0.7 and 4.0 +/- 0.5* on days 1, 3 and 5, respectively; *p < 0.01 vs. day 3). The serum E2 levels on days 1, 3 and 5 were 22.7 +/- 2.8*, 96.2 +/- 9.2 and 30.7 +/- 7.1* pg/ml, respectively (*p < 0.01 vs. day 3). CONCLUSIONS: The present results demonstrated for the first time, to our knowledge, that E2 supplementation suppresses the HV-induced attacks in women with variant angina, in part because of the improvement of endothelial function.

Quassinoids from Eurycoma longifolia as plant growth inhibitors.

Seven quassinoids including a new 12-epi-11-dehydroklaineanone were isolated from the leaves of Eurycoma longifolia (Simaroubaceae) as plant growth inhibitors or related compounds. The strongest activity was found in 14,15beta-dihydroxyklaineanone.

Total occlusion of inferior vena cava in a patient with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome associated with behçet's disease.

Behçet's disease frequently involves the venous system, usually affecting small vessels, but sometimes large vessels such as the vena cava. Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is associated with an increased incidence of arterial and venous thrombosis. A 29-year-old male with Behçet's disease developed bilateral leg edema secondary to thrombotic occlusion of the inferior vena cava. Laboratory tests revealed positive antiphospholipid antibodies and lupus anticoagulant. Treatment with steroid and warfarin subsequent to intravenous administration of uro-kinase resulted in improvement of symptoms. The association of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and Behçet's disease may have caused the total thrombotic occlusion of the vena cava in this case.

Weekly 1 hour paclitaxel infusion in patients with recurrent gynecological tumors: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Intensifying the dose of paclitaxel given in a weekly schedule is useful towards improving the therapeutic index of paclitaxel in treating a variety of advanced and recurrent malignancies and is suitable for outpatient administration. This pilot study was carried out to evaluate the safety of weekly paclitaxel administration by 1 h infusion in the outpatient setting. METHODS: Eleven patients with recurrent gynecological tumors who had previously been treated with at least one platinum-based chemotherapy regimen participated in the study between May 1999 and March 2000. Paclitaxel was given at a dose of 70 mg/m(2 ) as a 1 h infusion every week for at least 20 consecutive weeks unless lesions became progressive. Intravenous dexamethasone and cimetidine and oral diphenhydramine were administered 30 min before paclitaxel infusion. RESULTS: The 11 patients received a total of 166 cycles of therapy. All patients received 70 mg/m(2 ) doses of paclitaxel without treatment delay. No hypersensitivity reactions were elicited. Grade 3 or 4 leukopenia and neutropenia occurred in 9 and 36% of the patients, respectively. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was required for only one patient and no patients experienced febrile neutropenia. Neurotoxicity was the most serious adverse effect and all patients experienced grade 1 or 2 peripheral neuropathy. Grade 1 or 2 myalgias were observed in 45% of the patients. Alopecia was universal. No Grade 3 or higher non-hematological toxicities were observed. CONCLUSION: Weekly 1 h paclitaxel administration is considered safe as a salvage therapy for recurrent gynecological tumors, making its use more convenient and easier in the outpatient setting. The current results support further evaluation.

3'-Azidoabscisic acid as a photoaffinity reagent for abscisic acid binding proteins.

3'-Azidoabscisic acid was synthesized as a potential photoaffinity reagent for abscisic acid binding proteins. This compound was stable in organic and aqueous solutions in the dark, but was decomposed by UV irradiation. Its biological activity was equivalent to that of abscisic acid, suggesting that it may be an effective photoaffinity reagent.