Combined repeated-dose and reproductive/developmental toxicity screening test of benzene, 1,1′-oxybis-, tetrapropylene derivs. in rats

We have conducted animal toxicity tests of chemicals for a chemical safety program implemented by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan. Here we conducted a combined repeated-dose and reproductive/developmental toxicity screening test of benzene, 1,1′-oxybis-, tetrapropylene derivs. (BOTD). BOTD was administered to 9-week-old Crl:CD(SD) male and female rats by gavage at 0, 40, 200, or 1000?mg/kg/day. Males were treated for 42 days including mating period. Females were treated for 42–53 days through the premating, mating, pregnancy, and until Day 4 of lactation periods. Increases in prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time values were observed only in males at 200 and 1000?mg/kg/day. Hypertrophy of centrilobular hepatocytes was observed with increased liver weight in both sexes at 200 and 1000?mg/kg/day, but there was no histologic evidence of hepatotoxicity. Diffuse hypertrophy of follicular cells in thyroid glands was observed in females at 200?mg/kg/day and in both sexes at 1000?mg/kg/day, with an increased blood cholesterol level in females at 1000?mg/kg/day. The conception index was decreased for females at 1000?mg/kg/day; and no abnormalities were detected in the reproductive indices of implantation, delivery, or pups’ condition, although a slight increase in the pups’ body weight was noted at birth. Our data indicate a no-observed-adverse-effect level of 40?mg/kg/day for repeated-dose toxicity on the basis of the prolongation of blood coagulating time, and of 200?mg/kg/day for reproductive/developmental toxicity on the basis of the decreased conception index.     

Relationship between bone mineral density and bone stiffness in bone fracture

Objectives Using cancellous bone blocks of racehorses, the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD), which indicates bone strength, and stiffness in bone fracture occurrences was studied.Methods Two groups of cancellous bone blocks were prepared: a fractured group, using the first phalangeal bones of seven racehorses with sagittal fractures; and a nonfractured group, using the first phalangeal bones of nine autopsied racehorses without any fractures. By a peripheral quantitative computed tomography scan, the BMD values were shown as color images and evaluated. In addition, the BMD values obtained from the fractured and nonfractured groups were compared with the stiffness values obtained from a compression test.Results The difference between the average BMD values of the fractured and nonfractured groups was easily observed on the BMD color-conversion display image. The average BMD of the fractured group (472.1 mg/cm³) was significantly higher than that of the nonfractured group (284.5 mg/cm³, P = 0.005). Moreover, the average stiffness of the fractured group (5564.5 N/cm) was significantly higher than that of the nonfractured group (3808.6 N/cm, P = 0.008).Conclusion These results suggest that the occurrence of a fracture does not depend on the BMD or the bone stiffness value.     

The effcct of eel bone powder on bone mineral density in mouse femoral bone

Improvement in bone mineral density (BMD) in the femur after administration of eel bone powder (EBP) was evaluated in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. Female ICR mice were given ovariectomies or sham operations at 9 weeks of age, then housed for 2 weeks during which they were allowed free access to a normal diet. Subsequently, the mice were divided into 3 groups: sham-operated mice fed a normal diet, OVX mice fed a normal diet, and OVX mice fed a diet containing EBP. After the mice in these 3 groups had been housed for 2 months (during which time they were allowed free access to their respective diets), they were dissected and analyzed. The BMD values in the removed femurs were measured by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). Femoral total and femoral cancellous BMD values were higher in the EBP-treated group than in the nontreated group. Total BMD: the value in the EBP-treated group was 573 mg/cm³, and that in the non-treated group was 451 mg/cm³ (p<0.05). Cancellous BMD: the value in the EBP-treated group was 242 mg/cm³, and that in the non-treated group was 143 mg/cm³ (p<0.05). However, cortical BMD values did not significantly differ between the EBP-treated group and the non-treated group. Cortical BMD: The value in the EBP-treated group was 1891 mg/cm³, and that in the non-treated group was 1900 mg/cm³. pQCT was used to measure the cortical and cancellous BMD in the long bones. By use of a color conversion technique to display BMD, regional changes in the long bones can be expressed and easily measured. It has been well documented that EBP is effective for improvement or prevention of BMD reduction associated with OVX.     

Annular dynamics of memo3D annuloplasty ring evaluated by 3D transesophageal echocardiography

Background

We assessed the mitral annular motion after mitral valve repair with the Sorin Memo 3D® (Sorin Group Italia S.r.L., Saluggia, Italy), which is a unique complete semirigid annuloplasty ring intended to restore the systolic profile of the mitral annulus while adapting to the physiologic dynamism of the annulus, using transesophageal real-time three-dimensional echocardiography.

Methods

17 patients (12 male; mean age 60.4?±?14.9 years) who underwent mitral annuloplasty using the Memo 3D ring were investigated. Mitral annular motion was assessed using QLAB®version8 allowing for a full evaluation of the mitral annulus dynamics. The mitral annular dimensions were measured throughout the cardiac cycle using 4D MV assessment2® while saddle shape was assessed through sequential measurements by RealView®.

Results

Saddle shape configuration of the mitral annulus and posterior and anterior leaflet motion could be observed during systole and diastole. The mitral annular area changed during the cardiac cycle by 5.7?±?1.8%.The circumference length and diameter also changed throughout the cardiac cycle. The annular height was significantly higher in mid-systole than in mid-diastole (p?<?0.05).

Conclusions

The Memo 3D ring maintained a physiological saddle-shape configuration throughout the cardiac cycle. Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography analysis confirmed the motion and flexibility of the Memo 3D ring upon implantation.