A Novel Nonradioactive Method for Measuring Aromatase Activity Using a Human Ovarian Granulosa-Like Tumor Cell Line and an Estrone ELISA

The following sentences should have read: Results, Reproducibility     

Molecular diversity of TEX101, a marker glycoprotein for germ cells monitored with monoclonal antibodies: variety of the molecular characteristics according to subcellular localization within the mouse testis

TEX101 was characterized as a unique germ cell marker molecule using the specific monoclonal antibody (mAb), TES101. Although this mAb has strong affinity/specificity for TEX101, TES101 mAb loses its reactivity under reducing conditions. In this study, we have generated new mAbs against TEX101 to compensate for the shortcomings of the TES101 mAb using different approaches. First, we immunized mice with the antigen on a baculovirus expression system and isolated new anti-TEX101 mAbs, 6002 and 6035. Second, we raised the mAb Ts4 from spleen cells of an immunologically naive old mouse. Western blot analysis revealed that the new mAbs possess immunoreactivity under reducing/non-reducing conditions. Immunopositive staining of the mAbs against Bouin-fixed sections was observed in spermatocytes, spermatids and testicular spermatozoa, but not in other cells, similar to paraformaldehyde (PFA)-fixed frozen sections stained with TES101 as previously reported. However, whereas the mAbs 6002/6035 mainly showed immunoreactivity only in spermatocytes in PFA-fixed frozen sections, the reactivity of the mAbs to spermatids and testicular spermatozoa was clearly recovered when the PFA-fixed sections were autoclaved or treated with SDS. Peptide mapping and deglycosylation analysis indicated that the epitopes for TES101, 6002 and 6035 are located within TEX101(25-94), whereas Ts4 recognized N-linked carbohydrate moieties on TEX101 in Triton X-100-soluble mouse testicular extracts but not in the extracellular or water-soluble fractions. These results suggest strongly that the molecular association or structure of N-linked carbohydrate moieties of TEX101 varies according to its subcellular localization within the seminiferous tubules. These new mAbs will be valuable tools for further analysis of TEX101, including its function(s).     

Lack of evidence for the involvement of catecholaminergic mechanisms in the behavioral anti-methamphetamine effect of L-histidine in the mouse

The effects of L-histidine (HIS) on the hypermotility and the changes in brain monoamine dynamics induced by methamphetamine (MAMP) were examined in mice. HIS (1000 mg/kg) completely inhibited the hypermotility induced by MAMP (1 mg/kg). MAMP (1 mg/kg) significantly increased the dopamine level and decreased the 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid level. MAMP (5 and 10 mg/kg) also produced changes in the levels of noradrenaline, serotonin and their metabolites. HIS administered alone caused no significant changes in the levels of these amines and metabolites, nor did it affect MAMP-induced alterations in monoamine dynamics. These results suggest that catecholaminergic mechanisms are not involved in the behavioral anti-MAMP action of HIS.     

Efficacy of sitting balance training with delayed visual feedback among patients with stroke: a randomized crossover clinical trial

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine the effect of delayed visual feedback on the center of pressure and sitting balance in patients with stroke. [Participants and Methods] This was a single-blinded, randomized crossover trial. The duration of each intervention in real-time visual feedback and delayed visual feedback conditions while sitting on the platform was five days. We measured the center of pressure, function in sitting test, and functional independence measure for physiotherapy assessment. [Results] Twenty patients with stroke were included in this study. The delayed visual feedback condition improved the center of pressure for lateral distance, function in sitting test, and functional independence measure. The lateral center of pressure deviation increased significantly after 500 ms of intervention. The function in sitting test evaluated the interaction between pre- and post-training, and these conditions revealed that timing and condition factors contributed to the improvement. Sitting balance training affected the functional independence measure. [Conclusion] Sensory-motor and cognitive learning was facilitated through balance training with delayed visual feedback, and the internal model was updated with the efference copy of error correction. Sensory-motor feedback to visual stimulation can improve postural control, balance, and activities of daily living.     

Fast magnetic resonance imaging of liver.

Recent magnetic resonance (MR) units with a stronger gradient system have allowed various fast MR imaging techniques to develop. These fast scan techniques have easily realized breath-holding acquisition in the liver and the image quality has been greatly improved without sacrificing spatial resolution. The majority of the fast imaging techniques have been devoted to T2-weighted imaging to obtain useful T2-weighted images in the shortest possible time. Among the fast sequences, fast spin-echo (FSE) sequence is the most promising technique and allows high-quality T2-weighted images with reduced motion artifacts. However, FSE sequences using multiple refocused pulses may essentially realize only poor soft-tissue contrast due to magnetization transfer and T2-filtering effects, and therefore, echo-planar (EP) imaging is expected to provide high image contrast. In addition, single-shot EP imaging allows even diffusion-weighted (DW) and perfusion-weighted (PW) imaging in the liver due to its short scanning time. Recent development of fast gadolinium-enhanced 3D MR angiography has also impacted liver imaging. Combined with such gadolinium-enhanced 3D-MRA sequences and zerofilling image interpolation technique, biphasic gadolinium-enhanced 3D-MRA (whole-liver dynamic MR imaging in the arterial phase and MR portography in the portal phase) can be obtained.     

Vertebral derotation in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis causes hypokyphosis of the thoracic spine

The underlying purpose of this commentary and position paper is to achieve evidence-based recommendations on prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Such prevention can take different forms (primary, secondary and tertiary), occur at different levels (i.e. in a clinical setting, at the workplace, at national level) and involve several types of activities. Members of the Scientific Committee (SC) on MSDs of the International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH) and other interested scientists and members of the public recently discussed the scientific and clinical future of prevention of (work-related) MSDs during five round-table sessions at two ICOH conferences (in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2009, and in Angers, France, in 2010). Approximately 50 researchers participated in each of the sessions. More specifically, the sessions aimed to discuss new developments since 1996 in measures and classification systems used both in research and in practice, and agree on future needs in the field. The discussion focused on three questions: At what degree of severity does musculoskeletal ill health, and do health problems related to MSDs, in an individual worker or in a group of workers justify preventive action in occupational health? What reliable and valid instruments do we have in research to distinguish ??normal musculoskeletal symptoms?? from ??serious musculoskeletal symptoms?? in workers? What measures or classification system of musculoskeletal health will we need in the near future to address musculoskeletal health and related work ability? Four new, agreed-upon statements were extrapolated from the discussions: 1. Musculoskeletal discomfort that is at risk of worsening with work activities, and that affects work ability or quality of life, needs to be identified. 2. We need to know our options of actions before identifying workers at risk (providing evidence-based medicine and applying the principle of best practice). 3. Classification systems and measures must include aspects such as the severity, frequency, and intensity of pain, as well as measures of impairment of functioning, which can help in prevention, treatment and prognosis. 4. We need to be aware of economic and/or socio-cultural consequences of classification systems and measures.     

Right ventricular systolic and diastolic function at rest in patients with coronary artery disease. Assessment with equilibrium radionuclide ventriculography

Right ventricular systolic and diastolic function was studied in patients with ischemic heart disease using equilibrium radionuclide ventriculography. In patients with inferior myocardial infarction and proximal right coronary lesions, the right ventricular ejection fraction (0.43 +/- 0.06, n = 10, mean +/- SD) and peak filling rate (1.7 +/- 0.4 EDV/sec) were lower than normals (0.57 +/- 0.07 and 2.7 +/- 0.4 EDV/sec, n = 10, p less than 0.001, respectively). In these patients, the right ventricular time to peak filling rate was longer than in normals (225 +/- 36 msec vs 136 +/- 45 msec, p less than 0.001), while the left ventricular ejection fraction remained normal. In patients with inferior myocardial infarction and distal right coronary lesions, the right ventricular ejection fraction, peak filling rate and time to peak filling rate were not different from those in normals. Even in patients with proximal right coronary lesions, the right ventricular ejection fraction was normal unless they had an inferior myocardial infarction. A decreased left ventricular ejection fraction and abnormal motion of the ventricular septum did not affect the right ventricular ejection fraction. The present results suggest that patients with an inferior myocardial infarction and proximal right coronary lesion often develop right ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction.     

Effects of swimming training on aerobic capacity and exercise induced bronchoconstriction in children with bronchial asthma

BACKGROUND: A study was undertaken to determine whether swimming training improved aerobic capacity, exercise induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), and bronchial responsiveness to inhaled histamine in children with asthma. METHODS: Eight children with mild or moderate asthma participated in swimming training every day for six weeks. The intensity of training was individually determined and set at 125% of the child's lactate threshold (LT), measured using a swimming ergometer. Another group of eight asthmatic children served as control subjects. Aerobic capacity and the degree of EIB were assessed by both cycle ergometer and swimming ergometer before and after swimming training. RESULTS: The mean (SD) aerobic capacity at LT increased by 0.26 (0.11) kp after training when assessed with the swimming ergometer and by 10.6 (4.5) W when assessed with the cycle ergometer, and these changes were significantly different from the control group. The mean (SD) maximum % fall in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) to an exercise challenge (cycle ergometer) set at 175% of LT decreased from 38.7 (15.4)% before training to 17.9 (17.6)% after training, but with no significant difference from the control group. There was, however, no difference in histamine responsiveness when compared before and after the training period. CONCLUSION: A six week swimming training programme has a beneficial effect on aerobic capacity but not on histamine responsiveness in children with asthma.     

Autoantibody against N(epsilon)-(carboxymethyl)lysine: an advanced glycation end product of the Maillard reaction.

Prolonged incubation of proteins with reducing sugar produces advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are implicated as factors for aging and diabetic complications. We previously demonstrated the presence of N(epsilon)-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML), one of the main AGE structures, in human and animal tissues using a monoclonal anti-CML antibody (6D12). These findings suggest that CML structures present in vivo could serve as immunogens to generate autoantibodies. This suggestion was tested in the present study. First, plasma samples from diabetic rats reacted positively with AGE bovine serum albumin (BSA). These reactivities increased with the duration of diabetic states and were inhibited specifically by CML-BSA. Second, a fraction purified from plasma of diabetic patients, which bound to AGE-BSA, showed a positive reaction to CML-BSA and furthermore also to human lens proteins, which are known to undergo CML modification in vivo. Finally, patients with renal failure caused by diabetes or nondiabetic pathologies had a higher autoantibody activity against CML structure than that in normal subjects or diabetic patients without renal failure. These results indicate that CML accumulated in vivo serves as an immunological epitope to generate an autoantibody specific for CML that might be used as a potential marker for diabetic nephropathy or chronic renal failure.