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1.
Vet Anim Sci ; 14: 100222, 2021 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34917853

ABSTRACT

High-yield dairy cows need high energy feed during periods of increased milk production. The transitional feeding to high energy feed increases the risk of developing a variety of metabolic disorders. Here, five Holstein cows were fed a four-stage feeding protocol (3 weeks for each stage) ranging from 54.9 to 73.7% total digestive nutrients (TDN). The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of lactic acid bacteria on high-energy-fed cows associated with transitional feeding, and to evaluate the effects of probiotics on intestinal bacterial changes and inflammatory responses. Three feed transition periods were established for five cows, and Lactobacillus plantarum RGU-LP1 (LP1) was fed as a probiotic during the high-energy feeding period. The number of lymphocyte subsets such as CD3-, CD4-, and CD8 positive cells decreased in response to the high energy feed. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytokine (IL-1ß and IL-2) gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was shown to increase in those animals receiving the high energy feed. However, supplementation with LP1 resulted in an increase in the number of lymphocyte subsets and the expression of IL-1ß and IL-2 were returned to the level at low energy diet. These results suggest that high energy diets induce inflammatory cytokine responses following LPS stimulation, and that the addition of LP1 mitigates these results by regulating the LPS-induced inflammatory reaction. Therefore, the functional lactic acid bacteria LP1 is expected to regulate inflammation resulting from high energy feeding, and this probiotic could be applied to support inflammatory regulation in high-yield dairy cows.

2.
Int J Obes (Lond) ; 42(1): 52-58, 2018 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29064477

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Longitudinal growth data of children were analyzed to clarify the relationship between the timing of body mass index (BMI) rebound and obesity risk in later ages. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Of 54 558 children born between April 2004 and March 2005 and longitudinally measured in April and October every year in the preschool period, 15 255 children were analyzed wherein no longitudinal measurement is missing after 1 year of age. BMI rebound age was determined as the age with smallest BMI value across longitudinal individual data after 1 year of age. Rebound age was compared between overweight and non-overweight groups. The subjects were divided into groups based on the timing of rebound. The sex- and age-adjusted mean of the BMI, height and weight s.d. scores for age group, along with 6 months weight and height gain, were compared among groups using analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Among those who were overweight at 66-71 months of age, BMI rebound age obtained at approximately 3 years of age was compared with the non-overweight group, whose BMI rebound age was utmost 66 months or later (P<0.001). The comparison among BMI age group showed that earlier BMI rebound results in larger BMI (P<0.001) and larger weight and height gain after the rebound (P<0.001). Among the group with BMI rebound earlier than 30 months of age, low BMI was observed (P<0.001). Slight elevation of height and weight gain was observed before the BMI rebound among groups with rebound age earlier than 60 months of age (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Earlier BMI rebound timing with pre-rebound low BMI leads to greater childhood obesity risk; hence, early detection and prevention is necessary for such cases.


Subject(s)
Body Mass Index , Pediatric Obesity/epidemiology , Child , Child Development , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Japan/epidemiology , Longitudinal Studies , Male , Risk Factors
3.
Oncogene ; 36(31): 4434-4444, 2017 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28368418

ABSTRACT

In the process of cancer spreading, different modes of invasion exist. One is expansive invasion, in which a group of cancer cells gradually expands along with cancer cell proliferation. Invasion of cancer cells is also modified by their interaction with stromal cells including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Cancer cells co-invade with CAFs, and invasion by CAFs frequently precede invasion by cancer cells, which indicates CAF-led cancer cell invasion. Here, we show that CAFs induce apoptosis in gastric cancer cells, which prevented expansive invasion by cancer cells and instead facilitated CAF-led invasion. Death receptor 4 and activation of caspase-8 in cancer cells mediated cancer cell apoptosis induced by CAFs, which was dependent on contact between cancer cells and CAFs. Apoptotic cancer cells in turn released apoptotic vesicles and stimulated invasion of CAFs. Accordingly, cancer cells followed the migrating CAFs. Treatment with a caspase inhibitor, ZVAD, or forced expression of a death domain fragment in cancer cells prevented cancer cell apoptosis induced by CAFs and increased expansive invasion by cancer cells in extracellular gel invasion assays, while the rate of cancer cell invasion led by CAFs was decreased. Death domain-fragment expression also prevented intramural invasion by gastric cancer cells in the stomach. Because CAF-led invasion is characterized by the movement of individual cancer cells away from the tumour, adequate cancer cell apoptosis may promote cancer dissemination.


Subject(s)
Apoptosis , Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts/physiology , Neoplasm Invasiveness , Stomach Neoplasms/pathology , Animals , Caspase 8/physiology , Cell Communication , Cell Line, Tumor , Extracellular Vesicles/physiology , Female , Humans , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Receptors, TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand/physiology
4.
Int J Obes (Lond) ; 41(4): 606-612, 2017 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28093572

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The evacuation and disruption in housing caused by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and following nuclear radiation may have influenced child health in many respects. However, studies regarding longitudinal childhood growth are limited. Therefore, in this study we aimed to explore the influence of the earthquake on longitudinal changes in body mass index in preschool children. METHODS: Participants were children from nursery schools who cooperated with the study in the Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures. The exposed group consisted of children who experienced the earthquake during their preschool-age period (4-5 years old). The historical control group included children who were born 2 years earlier than the exposed children in the same prefectures. Trajectories regarding body mass index and prevalence of overweight/obesity were compared between the two groups using multilevel analysis. Differences in the changes in BMI between before and after the earthquake, and proportion of overweight/obesity was compared between the two groups. We also conducted subgroup analysis by defining children with specific personal disaster experiences within the exposed group. RESULTS: A total of 9722 children were included in the study. Children in the exposed group had higher body mass indices and a higher proportion of overweight after the earthquake than the control group. These differences were more obvious when confined to exposed children with specific personal disaster experiences. CONCLUSIONS: Children's growth and development-related health issues such as increased BMI after natural disasters should evoke great attention.


Subject(s)
Body Mass Index , Disasters , Earthquakes , Fukushima Nuclear Accident , Pediatric Obesity/epidemiology , Stress, Psychological/epidemiology , Child, Preschool , Diet , Female , Health Surveys , Humans , Japan/epidemiology , Longitudinal Studies , Male , Prevalence , Social Environment , Stress, Psychological/complications , Weight Gain
5.
Emerg Med J ; 20(5): 418-20, 2003 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-12954678

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To reduce the time between arrival at hospital of a patient with acute myocardial infarction and administration of thrombolytic therapy (door to needle time) by the introduction of nurse initiated thrombolysis in the accident and emergency department. METHODS: Two acute chest pain nurse specialists (ACPNS) based in A&E for 62.5 hours of the week were responsible for initiating thrombolysis in the A&E department. The service reverts to a "fast track" system outside of these hours, with the on call medical team prescribing thrombolysis on the coronary care unit. Prospectively gathered data were analysed for a nine month period and a head to head comparison made between the mean and median door to needle times for both systems of thrombolysis delivery. RESULTS: Data from 91 patients were analysed; 43 (47%) were thrombolysed in A&E by the ACPNS and 48 (53%) were thrombolysed in the coronary care unit by the on call medical team. The ACPNS achieved a median door to needle time of 23 minutes (IQR=17 to 32) compared with 56 minutes (IQR=34 to 79.5) for the fast track. The proportion of patients thrombolysed in 30 minutes by the ACPNS and fast track system was 72% (31 of 43) and 21% (10 of 48) respectively (difference=51%, 95% confidence intervals 34% to 69%, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction and administration of thrombolysis by experienced cardiology nurses in A&E is a safe and effective strategy for reducing door to needle times, even when compared with a conventional fast track system.


Subject(s)
Emergency Service, Hospital/standards , Myocardial Infarction/nursing , Thrombolytic Therapy/nursing , Humans , Program Evaluation , Prospective Studies , Thrombolytic Therapy/standards , Time Factors
6.
J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr ; 32(4): 428-33, 2001 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11396808

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Histologic studies of rectosigmoidal mucosal biopsies of infants with isolated blood-streaked stool have shown many eosinophils and revealed aggregates of small dark granules (nuclear dust). However, no description of the nuclear dust has been made for this condition and the nature of the nuclear dust has not been thoroughly investigated. We determined the characteristics of these particles in biopsies from infants with streaked rectal bleeding. METHODS: Nineteen infants who were younger than 6 months old and had isolated rectal bleeding were studied, as were six age-matched control infants. Rectosigmoidal mucosal biopsies were immunohistochemically assessed using anticarcinoembryonic antigen and macrophage-associated antibodies and examined for apoptotic cells by modified in situ TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labelling. The number of apoptotic epithelial cells was compared between rectal bleeding and control groups. RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry showed that at least some of the nuclear dust consisted of apoptotic epithelial cells. Infants with rectal bleeding also showed nodular lymphoid hyperplasia (n = 16), abundant eosinophils (>20/high power field, n = 14) in the mucosa, and a significantly high number of apoptotic epithelial cells relative to the control group. Rectal bleeding disappeared at 6-month follow-up in 14 of 18 infants (one was lost to follow-up) who were fed a different milk formula or breast-fed (their mothers were restricted from having cow's milk and eggs). CONCLUSIONS: The high number of apoptotic epithelial cells in rectosigmoidal mucosal biopsies of infants with streaked rectal bleeding is probably caused by accelerated epithelial cell turnover and apoptosis.


Subject(s)
Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage/pathology , Intestinal Mucosa/pathology , Milk Hypersensitivity/complications , Proctocolitis/immunology , Rectal Diseases/pathology , Apoptosis , Biopsy , Eosinophilia , Epithelial Cells , Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage/etiology , Humans , Hyperplasia , Immunohistochemistry , Infant , Infant Food , Infant, Newborn , Intestinal Mucosa/cytology , Milk Hypersensitivity/pathology , Milk, Human/immunology , Proctocolitis/complications , Proctocolitis/pathology , Rectal Diseases/etiology
7.
Tohoku J Exp Med ; 193(3): 221-7, 2001 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11315769

ABSTRACT

A closed-loop control system for standing with functional electrical stimulation (FES) using percutaneous intramuscular electrodes in complete paraplegia is described. The system consisted of ultrafine percutaneous intramuscular electrodes, a 32-channel stimulator and a stretch sensor with active current control to detect knee buckling. The closed-loop control system was applied in a T8 completely paraplegic patient. Compared to the stretch sensor with a wide use flexible goniometer for direct current control during standing, the stretch sensor was superior to the flexible goniometer in both ease of use and response. The average time delay from the start of knee buckling until the sensor turned on was 0.56+/-0.19 seconds (Mean+/-S.D.) in the goniometer and 0.21+/-0.06 seconds in the stretch sensor. The average time delay from the start of knee buckling until the recovery from knee buckling was 1.01+/-0.05 seconds in the goniometer and 0.78+/-0.06 seconds in the stretch sensor. The continuous standing ability of the patient increased from 12 minutes with open-loop stimulation to 30 minutes with the closed-loop control. No complications such as falling occurred during clinical use. This system prevented falling due to knee buckling during standing and prolonged upright activities in complete paraplegics.


Subject(s)
Electric Stimulation Therapy/instrumentation , Muscle, Skeletal/physiology , Paraplegia/rehabilitation , Posture/physiology , Adult , Electrodes, Implanted , Humans , Leg/physiology , Male
8.
Immunogenetics ; 52(3-4): 186-94, 2001.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11220620

ABSTRACT

The protein kinase, interferon-inducible double-stranded (ds)RNA-dependent activator (PRKRA) is a dsRNA-binding protein which activates a protein kinase participating in the antiviral activity of interferon. Our previous studies indicated that the nucleotide sequence encoding PRKRA, which appeared to be an intronless gene, was present in PAC HS265J14 containing the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DR subregion. In this study, we further investigated and characterized the PRKRA gene on the human genome by means of Southern blotting and polymerase chain reaction with homozygous typing cell lines for HLA genes. Results indicated that the presence of PRKRA in the DR subregion was dependent on the DR53 group. Consistently, fluorescence in situ hybridization profiles with PRKRA as a probe showed that the hybridization signal on Chromosome (Chr) 6p21.3 was seen only in the samples carrying the DR haplotypes that belonged to the DR53 group. Interestingly, another hybridization signal, which was mapped on Chr 2q31.2-q32.1, was always detected in the samples examined, i.e., even in the samples negative for the DR53 group. The outcome of a sequence-database homology search further indicated that the PRKRA gene with introns appeared to be present in a recently opened draft-sequence, RP11-65L3 (GenBank accession number AC009948), which is located between D2S335 and D2S2257. Together, the data presented here indicate that the PRKRA gene in the DR subregion is a processed pseudogene (PRKRApsi), which could have been generated only on the DR53 common ancestor's genome, and that the master copy of PRKRApsi is most probably present on Chr 2q31.2-q32.1.


Subject(s)
Chromosomes, Human, Pair 2/genetics , HLA-DR Antigens/genetics , Haplotypes/genetics , RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , eIF-2 Kinase/metabolism , Alleles , Base Sequence , Blotting, Southern , Cell Line , DNA Probes/genetics , Genetic Variation/genetics , HLA-DRB1 Chains , Homozygote , Humans , In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence , Introns/genetics , Molecular Sequence Data , Mutation/genetics , Polymerase Chain Reaction
9.
J Med Syst ; 24(6): 321-31, 2000 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11143590

ABSTRACT

From the summer of 1999 to the spring of 2000, we undertook an on-site investigation of the management and operational status of telehealth in the Pacific. The writers also gathered additional materials upon returning to Japan to provide as detailed a report as possible on the current status and analysis of telemedicine in the Pacific. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, various regions around the world has sought a gentler alternative to "deterrence by arms." The writers of this paper believe one such means is telemedicine. We believe telemedicine services may help offset the emotional stress and sense of inequality experienced by "islanders and civilians living around military bases," which the financial benefits of the so-called "base-economy" alone has never been able to remedy. There are numerous medical support activities currently operating in the Pacific region, and telecommunications is the most effective tool for connecting and unifying such a vast region. We believe that projects for this region must have a clear focus and objective and be able to demonstrate concrete results in order to win subsidies or aid.


Subject(s)
Developing Countries , Telemedicine , Japan , Pacific Islands
10.
Gene ; 240(1): 125-32, 1999 Nov 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10564819

ABSTRACT

We have previously found the sequence having potential for encoding a new protein in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II region. The predicted amino acid sequence showed a significant sequence homology to the Xenopus double-stranded RNA-binding protein (Xlrbp) and the human cellular protein bound to the transactivation response (TAR) of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) RNA (TRBP). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with poly(A)(+) RNA prepared from human peripheral lymphocytes and direct sequencing analyses in this study showed that the transcripts of the gene encoding the putative RNA-binding protein occurred in human cells: the gene was provisionally named Homo sapiens RNA-binding protein (hsRBP). From the result of Southern blot analyses, it appears that multiple copies of hsRBP are present in the human genome. Together with the known cDNAs having a high sequence homology to hsRBP, the data presented here suggest that the multigene family of the double-stranded RNA-binding protein exists in the human genome.


Subject(s)
DNA/genetics , HLA-DR Antigens/genetics , RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , Amino Acid Sequence , Base Sequence , Blotting, Southern , DNA/chemistry , Gene Dosage , Gene Expression Regulation , Genome, Human , Histocompatibility Antigens Class II/genetics , Humans , Lymphocytes/cytology , Lymphocytes/metabolism , Molecular Sequence Data , Multigene Family/genetics , Protein Biosynthesis , RNA/genetics , RNA, Messenger/genetics , RNA-Binding Proteins/physiology , Sequence Alignment , Sequence Analysis, DNA , Sequence Homology, Amino Acid , Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid , Transcription, Genetic
11.
Pediatr Res ; 44(2): 187-91, 1998 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9702912

ABSTRACT

The pathophysiology of neonatal meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is related to mechanical obstruction of the airways and to chemical pneumonitis. It has also been suggested that meconium causes inhibition of surfactant function. To assess its in vitro effect on surfactant function and morphology, we used a pulsating bubble surfactometer to measure the dynamic surface tension of meconium-surfactant mixtures and observed their electron microscopic structures. The mixtures were prepared by adding serial dilutions of human meconium to various concentrations of Surfactant-TA (Surfacten) that had been used for the prevention and treatment of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. Inhibition of the surface tension-lowering properties of Surfactant-TA was caused by the addition of meconium and depended on the concentration of the surfactant; the inhibition could be overcome by increasing the surfactant concentration. When meconium was added to Surfactant-TA, the characteristic ultrastructural features of the latter, the loosely stacked layers, changed to a spherical lamellar structure and folded linear structures. These results suggest that meconium inhibits surfactant function by altering surfactant morphology. Our morphologic and functional findings support the new concept that surfactant inhibition may play a role in the pathophysiology of MAS.


Subject(s)
Biological Products , Meconium , Pulmonary Surfactants/antagonists & inhibitors , Humans , In Vitro Techniques , Infant, Newborn , Microscopy, Electron , Protein Folding , Pulmonary Surfactants/ultrastructure , Structure-Activity Relationship , Surface Properties
12.
Acta Paediatr Jpn ; 39(3): 382-4, 1997 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9241908

ABSTRACT

A case of congenital Listeria septicemia is reported. A 2256 g male infant suffering from respiratory and circulatory failure with shock-like symptoms and high levels of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, -6, and -8), was admitted to the Morioka Red Cross Hospital. Listeria monocytogenes was cultured from cord blood, contents from the external ear canal, rectum and stomach. The infant was treated with surfactant replacement as well as conventional therapy. The high levels of interleukin-1 beta decreased with the improvement of the circulatory function, which might have been the major cause of the poor clinical state.


Subject(s)
Cytokines/blood , Listeriosis/blood , Listeriosis/congenital , Sepsis/microbiology , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Interleukin-1/blood , Leukocyte Count , Male , Platelet Count , Pulmonary Surfactants/therapeutic use , Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn/therapy , Sepsis/blood
13.
Eur J Pediatr ; 156(2): 131-8, 1997 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9039518

ABSTRACT

UNLABELLED: Surfactant proteins (SP-A and SP-BC), albumin (ALB), and stable microbubble (SM) count were measured in tracheal aspirates from infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) receiving single-dose Surfactant-TA (surfactant group, n = 32) or no surfactant (control group, n = 12), and those without RDS (non-RDS group, n = 8) to determine biochemical and biophysical status of surfactant in the course of RDS after surfactant replacement. Surfactant therapy resulted in immediate and sustained elevations of SP-BC/ALB and SM count with a rapid fall in ventilatory index to levels measured in the non-RDS group, whereas these indices improved slowly in the control group. The SP-A/ ALB was initially low in both RDS groups and increased to levels measured in the non-RDS group by age 48 h. Multiple regression analysis showed that SP-BC/ALB, postnatal age, SM count, SM count/SP-A plus SP-BC, and surfactant therapy were independently associated with the severity of RDS as assessed by ventilatory index (r = 0.75, P < 0.0001; number of samples = 256). Infants with a relapse response to surfactant (n = 9) had levels of SP-A/ALB and SP-BC/ALB similar to those measured in the sustained group (n = 23), but had significantly lower SM count and SM count/SP-A plus SP-BC between 24 and 96 h of age. CONCLUSION: Surfactant therapy normalizes the surfactant and respiratory status of infants with RDS. Surfactant dysfunction rather than depletion may explain the relapse response seen in some surfactant recipients.


Subject(s)
Biological Products , Pulmonary Surfactants/analysis , Pulmonary Surfactants/therapeutic use , Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn/drug therapy , Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn/physiopathology , Albumins/analysis , Biomarkers/analysis , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Regression Analysis , Severity of Illness Index , Suction , Trachea
14.
Tohoku J Exp Med ; 180(3): 225-32, 1996 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9058507

ABSTRACT

In vitro co-culture of embryos and somatic cells is used to obtain well-developed embryos of humans and other species. However, it is not known whether direct cell-to-cell contact is essential to embryonic development. To elucidate this mechanism, we cultured mouse embryos using rabbit oviductal cell as a somatic cell. To avoid the direct contact we used a microporous membrane cell-culture insert. This cell-culture insert permits only the liquid portion of the culture medium to pass through it and was interposed between mouse embryos and cultured rabbit oviductal cells. When mouse embryos were placed on the cultured oviductal cells directly, 52.2% of two-cell-stage embryos developed to the blastocyst stage. In contrast, when the cell-culture insert was interposed between the embryos and the cultured oviductal cells, 50.0% of two-cell-stage embryos developed to that stage. There was no difference between the rate of blastocyst development in co-culture system with and without cell culture insert. Results indicate that oviductal factor (s), rather than a direct contact with oviductal cells, is essential to the enhancement of embryonic development in vitro.


Subject(s)
Cell Communication , Embryo, Mammalian/physiology , Fallopian Tubes/cytology , Animals , Coculture Techniques , Culture Media , Cytological Techniques , Embryonic and Fetal Development , Female , Membranes, Artificial , Mice/embryology , Rabbits
15.
Acta Paediatr Jpn ; 38(5): 444-8, 1996 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-8942001

ABSTRACT

Endotoxin in both amniotic fluid and cord blood was measured to detect intra-amniotic fetal infection. Both amniotic fluid and cord blood plasma were pretreated by a perchloric acid treatment, and the endotoxin level was measured by Endospecy test. Cut off values for endotoxin in amniotic fluid and cord blood were 8.5 pg/mL and 7.6 pg/mL, respectively. Escherichia coli intra-amniotic infection caused respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)-mimicking pneumonia. Abnormally high values of endotoxin in both amniotic fluid and cord blood were detected. Intra-amniotic infection caused by Gram-positive bacteria (group B streptococci, Enterococcus fecalis) was shown to be endotoxin negative in both amniotic fluid and cord blood. In cases of negative amniotic fluid culture, measurement of the value of endotoxin in the amniotic fluid is useful in identifying intra-amniotic fetal infection.


Subject(s)
Amniotic Fluid/microbiology , Chorioamnionitis/diagnosis , Endotoxins/analysis , Fetal Blood/microbiology , Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections/diagnosis , Limulus Test/methods , Perchlorates , Case-Control Studies , Chorioamnionitis/blood , Endotoxins/blood , Female , Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections/blood , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Pregnancy , Reproducibility of Results , Sensitivity and Specificity
16.
Acta Paediatr Jpn ; 38(4): 322-7, 1996 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-8840538

ABSTRACT

The stable microbubble (SM) test on gastric aspirate obtained at birth proved useful in identifying infants who would develop respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). This test involves only the count of stable microbubbles of < or = 15 microns in diameter. Larger bubbles (> 15 microns in diameter) are not necessary for the test and may interfere with stable microbubble counting. The aims of the present study were to determine: (i) if larger bubbles could be selectively removed by adding ethanol, a potent bubble breaker; and (ii) if the predictive value of this modified test, the ethanol resistive microbubble (ERM) test, on the development of RDS was similar to that of the SM test. Varying amounts of different concentrations of ethanol-water solutions were added to the top of the bubble crop generated by the SM test procedure, and the mean counts of stable microbubbles and larger bubbles in five regions were calculated. A volume of 10 microL of 47.5% ethanol was effective in defoaming larger bubbles generated by the SM test procedure without altering the stable microbubble counts. When concurrently performed on 43 samples of gastric aspirate obtained at birth from infants of less than 35 weeks gestation, the RDS predictive value of the ERM test was similar to that of the SM test. It was concluded that the ERM test may serve as an alternative to the SM test.


Subject(s)
Amniotic Fluid/chemistry , Ethanol , Gastric Juice/chemistry , Pulmonary Surfactants/analysis , Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn/diagnosis , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Infant, Premature, Diseases/diagnosis , Methods
17.
J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) ; 42(2): 87-96, 1996 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-8780967

ABSTRACT

In a previous study we observed favorable effects of egg white on serum lipids in rats and mice. The present study was designed to elucidate these effects in 24 female university students with moderate hypercholesterolemia. About 30% of total protein was supplied with egg white, tofu or cheese. The experiment was conducted for a complete menstruation cycle of each subject. Lipid intake was about 30% of total energy intake. The energy intake of each subject was constant throughout the experiment. Body weight was measured every morning. Daily activity was measured by a pedometer. Blood was withdrawn after an overnight fast on the first, 15th and last days and serum lipids were measured. Body weight was measured every morning. Daily activity was measured by a pedometer. Blood was withdrawn after an overnight fast on the first, 15th and last days and serum lipids were measured. Body weight and daily activity were maintained in all the groups throughout the experiment. The egg white group showed a similar decrease in the total cholesterol (Total-C) concentration but a greater increase of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration as compared to the tofu group and a greater decrease in Total-C and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations and a greater increase in the HDL-C concentration as compared to the cheese group (p < 0.05). The results indicate the favorable effects of egg white in the control of hypercholesterolemia.


Subject(s)
Cholesterol/blood , Egg White , Adult , Cheese , Cholesterol, HDL/blood , Cholesterol, LDL/blood , Energy Intake , Female , Humans , Hypercholesterolemia/diet therapy , Glycine max
18.
Nihon Rinsho ; 54(2): 346-52, 1996 Feb.
Article in Japanese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-8838080

ABSTRACT

A success in surfactant therapy for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome in Japan in 1980 has led to the introduction of scientific randomized controlled trials on the one hand, and a great interest in the constituents of the exogenous surfactant on the other. It contains 2% hydrophobic surfactant proteins B and C that are now known to be critical components in surface-active properties of lung surfactant. The application of molecular biology has fostered rapid progress in the elucidation of the structure, function and metabolism of the surfactant. The introduction of surfactant therapy has had a major impact on neonatal mortality and morbidity. Although various surfactant preparations are already in the market and a new generation of totally synthetic surfactant is under clinical evaluation, further studies are required to address the issue regarding optimization of surfactant therapy.


Subject(s)
Biological Products , Pulmonary Surfactants/chemistry , Pulmonary Surfactants/therapeutic use , Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn/metabolism , Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn/therapy , Humans , Infant, Newborn
19.
Acta Paediatr Jpn ; 37(5): 579-81, 1995 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-8533582

ABSTRACT

The endotoxin in blood was measured to establish both the cut-off value and to detect Gram-negative septicemia. We employed a new perchloric acid treatment method using an endotoxin-specific chromogenic Limulus test (Endospecy test). The cut-off value of endotoxin in blood was 11.2 pg/mL. All cases of septicemia (n = 7) showed high values of endotoxin. Three cases were Group B streptococci, and two cases were Escherichia coli. The others were showed to be negative in blood cultures. The paired values of endotoxin titers during a 48 h interval were useful to evaluate the effectiveness of antibiotics.


Subject(s)
Bacteremia/diagnosis , Endotoxins/blood , Limulus Test/methods , Perchlorates , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Predictive Value of Tests
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