Low Amino Acid Score of Breakfast is Associated with the Incidence of Cognitive Impairment in Older Japanese Adults: A Community-Based Longitudinal Study.

BACKGROUND: The protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) represents the degree of utilizable dietary protein, namely the protein quality. The PDCAAS of a diet is required to be evaluated on a meal-by-meal basis, as food digestion and absorption occur with each meal intake. Although a positive association between protein intake and cognitive function has been reported, no study has investigated the association between PDCAAS of a diet and cognitive function. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between PDCAAS of a diet and cognitive impairment in older adults. DESIGN: Longitudinal epidemiological study. SETTING: Community-based setting. PARTICIPANTS: We analyzed 541 community-dwellers who participated in both baseline and follow-up survey. They were 60-83 years of age without cognitive impairment at baseline. MEASUREMENTS: Cognitive impairment was defined as a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≤27. Individual PDCAASs were calculated for each of three regular meals from the 3-day dietary records at baseline. Participants were classified into two groups according to the sex-specific tertiles (T1-T3) of the PDCAAS for each meal (i.e., T1 as the low score group and T2-T3 as the medium and high score group). The dependent variable was cognitive impairment observed after 4 years, and the explanatory variables were the PDCAAS groups for each meal (the medium and high group as the reference) and covariates (sex, age, body mass index, education, depressive symptoms, medical history, protein intake at each meal, and the MMSE score at baseline). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the low PDCAAS group for cognitive impairment after 4 years. RESULTS: A significant association was observed only between a low PDCAAS of breakfast and the incidence of cognitive impairment (the adjusted odds ratios [95% confidence intervals] of low PDCAAS for cognitive impairment for breakfast, lunch, and dinner were 1.58 [1.00-2.50], 0.85 [0.54-1.34], and 1.08 [0.71-1.65], respectively). CONCLUSION: A lower PDCAAS of breakfast, i.e., a diet with poor quality of protein, was associated with the incidence of cognitive impairment in older adults of the community.

The Association between Dietary Amino Acid Intake and Cognitive Decline 8 Years Later in Japanese Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have reported a relationship between low protein intake and cognitive decline and have suggested that this association may be related to specific amino acid intake. However, the effects of amino acid intake on the maintenance of cognitive function have yet to be clarified. We examined the longitudinal association between dietary amino acid intake and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults. DESIGN: Longitudinal epidemiological study. SETTING: Community-based setting. PARTICIPANTS: This study comprised 427 study participants aged 60-82 years with no cognitive decline, defined as a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of >27 at baseline, who also participated in a follow-up. The average and standard deviation of the follow-up period was 8.2 ± 0.3 years. MEASUREMENTS: Dietary intake was assessed using three-day dietary records at baseline. Participants were classified into quartiles (Q1-Q4) based on the intake of 19 amino acids for males and females. Next, we classified participants into Q1 and Q2-Q4 groups. Cognitive function was assessed using the MMSE both at baseline and at follow-up. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between the Q1 group and cognitive decline (MMSE ≤27), using the Q2-Q4 group as a reference group. Covariates were age, sex, body mass index, years of education, severity of depressive symptoms, history of lifestyle diseases (hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, stroke, and ischemic heart disease), energy intake (kcal/d), protein intake (g/d), and MMSE score at baseline. RESULTS: Cognitive decline was present in 133 (31.1%) participants. After adjustment for covariates, including total protein intake, the ORs (95% CIs) for cognitive decline were 2.40 (1.21-4.75) for lysine, 2.05 (1.02-4.09) for phenylalanine, 2.18 (1.09-4.34) for threonine, and 2.10 (1.06-4.15) for alanine. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that lysine, phenylalanine, threonine, and alanine intake is important for the maintenance of cognitive function in older people, independent of total protein intake.

Differentiating benign and malignant salivary gland tumours: diagnostic criteria and the accuracy of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI with high temporal resolution.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the optimal diagnostic criterion of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) for predicting salivary gland malignancy using a dynamic sequence with high temporal resolution, as well as the accuracy of this technique. METHODS: The DCE-MRI findings of 98 salivary gland tumours (74 benign and 24 malignant) were reviewed. MR images were sequentially obtained at 5-s intervals for 370 s. Two parameters, peak time and washout ratio (WR) were determined from the time-signal intensity curve. The optimal thresholds of these parameters for differentiating benign and malignant tumours were determined, along with the diagnostic accuracy of the criterion using these thresholds. RESULTS: A peak time of 150 s and a WR of 30% were identified as optimal thresholds. As the criterion for malignancy, the combination of peak time <150 s and WR <30% provided a sensitivity of 79% (19/24), specificity of 95% (70/74) and an overall accuracy of 91% (89/98). Three of the five false-negative cases were malignant lymphomas of the parotid gland. CONCLUSION: Peak time <150 s with WR <30% comprised the optimal diagnostic criterion in predicting salivary gland malignancy, providing a sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 95%. The use of high temporal resolution might improve the accuracy of DCE-MRI. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Although several studies have reported the usefulness of DCE-MRI in the differential diagnosis of salivary gland tumours, the specific diagnostic criteria employed have differed widely. We determined the optimal criterion and its accuracy using a dynamic sequence with high temporal resolution.

Effects of compression force on elasticity index and elasticity ratio in ultrasound elastography.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between compression force and hardness values in ultrasound elastography. METHODS: Ultrasound elastography was performed using an elastography phantom, comprising inclusions with different elasticities and echogenicities. The compression force was set to approximately 100 gw (light force) and approximately 500 gw (heavy force). The elasticity index (EI) of the inclusion was measured. The EI was a relative hardness value of a structure within an elastographic image. Similarly, the EI of the background was measured as a reference. The elasticity ratio (ER) was calculated as the EI of the inclusion divided by the EI of the reference. RESULTS: The hardness of the phantom could be discerned with both the EI and ER, regardless of the compression force. The EI and ER with heavy force tended to be higher than those with light force, but the difference was not significant. A strong correlation was observed between the EI and ER of soft structures, whereas the correlation between the EI and ER of hard structures was weak, and the ER values varied widely. CONCLUSIONS: The EI offers potential as a good indicator for assessing the hardness.

Effects of curcumin supplementation on exercise-induced oxidative stress in humans.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of curcumin supplementation on exercise-induced oxidative stress in humans. 10 male participants, ages 26.8±2.0 years (mean±SE), completed 3 trials in a random order: (1) placebo (control), (2) single (only before exercise) and (3) double (before and immediately after exercise) curcumin supplementation trials. Each participant received oral administration of 90 mg of curcumin or the placebo 2h before exercise and immediately after exercise. Each participant walked or ran at 65% of V˙2max on a treadmill for 60min. Blood samples were collected pre-exercise, immediately after exercise and 2h after exercise. The concentrations of serum derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites measured immediately after exercise were significantly higher than pre-exercise values in the placebo trial (308.8±12.9 U. CARR, P<0.05), but not in the single (259.9±17.1 U. CARR) or double (273.6±19.7 U. CARR) curcumin supplementation trials. Serum biological antioxidant potential concentrations measured immediately after exercise were significantly elevated in the single and double curcumin supplementation trials compared with pre-exercise values (P<0.05). These findings indicate that curcumin supplementation can attenuate exercise-induced oxidative stress by increasing blood antioxidant capacity.

Free jejunal diversionary conduit flaps following radiation damage to the pharynx: a technique for regaining oral feeding while preserving vocal function.

UNLABELLED: Radiotherapy is an accepted primary treatment modality for head and neck malignancies. However, in severe cases, the chronic radiation damage has resulted in dysphagia, aspiration and choking. Failure in conservative therapeutic strategies for this swallowing dysfunction will result in either preservation of voice with loss of oral feeding, or vice versa. We introduce our surgical technique based on the free jejunal diversionary conduit flaps, which helps patients to resume oral feeding and preserves vocal function, while reducing the risk of aspiration. METHOD: Six patients suffering from swallowing dysfunction following radiotherapy were enrolled. All were dependent on tube feeding. A subcutaneously transferred free jejunal flap connected the left buccogingival sulcus to the cervical oesophagus, which permanently separates the airway from the native aerodigestive tract by creating a new inlet for food passage. Simultaneously created pharyngostomy drains accumulation of saliva and food residue in the epiglottic vallecula and the pyriform sinus. For the cases with tight fibrotic neck skin, we divided this technique into two stages. RESULTS: All cases could take at least semi-solid food orally, with some minor complications in the initial four cases. Five cases were independent of tube feeding. Two recent cases with modifications did not experience any complication and could start oral intake much earlier (7 days after surgery) than previous cases (118 days on average). CONCLUSION: The free jejunal diversionary conduit flaps offer post-radiotherapy patients with swallowing dysfunction the option to resume oral feeding while preserving their voice and reducing the risk of aspiration.

Bifid mandibular canals: cone beam computed tomography evaluation.

OBJECTIVES: For surgical procedures involving the posterior mandible, it is important to be familiar with the details of the bifid mandibular canal. To our knowledge, there have been no systematic studies evaluating the bifid mandibular canal using sectional imaging. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence and configuration of the bifid mandibular canal using cone beam CT. METHODS: 252 patients (301 mandible sides) underwent cone beam CT between October 2004 and September 2005 and were included in this study. The cone beam CT images were evaluated for the presence and configuration of the bifid mandibular canal. The patterns of bifurcation were classified into four types according to the classification of Nortjé et al (Variations in the normal anatomy of the inferior dental (mandibular) canal: a retrospective study of panoramic radiographs from 3612 routine dental patients. Br J Oral Surg 1977; 15: 55-63). The diameter of the accessory canal was classified into two categories: 50% or more and less than 50% of the diameter of the main mandibular canal. RESULTS: Of the 301 subjects, 47 (15.6%) demonstrated a bifid mandibular canal. They were Type I in 2, Type II in 40, Type III in 0, and Type IV in 5 cases. The diameter of the accessory canal was greater than or equal to 50% of the main canal in 23, and less than 50% in 24 cases. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the cone beam CT, a bifid mandibular canal was found in 15.6% of cases, a markedly higher proportion than found in previous reports using panoramic images. Cone beam CT is considered a suitable modality for detailed evaluation of bifid mandibular canals.

Differentiation between superficial and deep lobe parotid tumors by magnetic resonance imaging: usefulness of the parotid duct criterion.

BACKGROUND: The location of a parotid tumor affects the choice of surgery, and there is a risk of damaging the facial nerve during surgery. Thus, differentiation between superficial and deep lobe parotid tumors is important for appropriate surgical planning. PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of using the parotid duct, in addition to the retromandibular vein, for differentiating between superficial and deep lobe parotid tumors on MR images. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Magnetic resonance images of 42 parotid tumors in 40 patients were reviewed to determine whether the tumor was located in the superficial or deep lobe. In each case, the retromandibular vein and the parotid duct were used to locate the tumor. The parotid duct was only used in cases where the tumor and the duct were visualized on the same image. RESULTS: Using the retromandibular vein criterion, 71% of deep lobe and 86% of superficial lobe tumors were correctly diagnosed, providing an accuracy of 81%. However, the accuracy achieved when using the parotid duct criterion was 100%, although it could be applied to only 28 of the 42 cases. Based on these results, we defined the following diagnostic method: the parotid duct criterion is first applied, and for cases in which it cannot be applied, the retromandibular vein criterion is used. The accuracy of this method was 88%, which was better than that achieved using the retromandibular vein criterion alone. CONCLUSION: The parotid duct criterion is useful for determining the location of parotid tumors. Combining the parotid duct criterion with the retromandibular vein criterion might improve the diagnostic accuracy of parotid tumor location compared to using the latter criterion alone.

A potential pitfall of MR imaging for assessing mandibular invasion of squamous cell carcinoma in the oral cavity.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Whether MR imaging is superior to CT in evaluating the presence and extent of mandibular invasion by squamous cell carcinoma remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to directly compare the diagnostic accuracy of MR imaging and that of CT. METHODS: MR and CT images in 51 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity were evaluated for the presence and extent of mandibular invasion. The results were correlated with histopathologic findings. RESULTS: Twenty-five of 51 patients had histopathologic evidence of mandibular cortical invasion. The tumor involved both the cortex and the bone marrow in all 25 patients and involved the inferior alveolar canal in 5 patients. The sensitivity and specificity for mandibular cortical invasion were 96% and 54% for MR imaging and 100% and 88% for CT, respectively. Those for inferior alveolar canal involvement were 100% and 70% for MR imaging and 100% and 96% for CT, respectively. In both evaluations, the specificity of MR imaging was significantly lower than that of CT (McNemar test, P = .004 in the former and P = .002 in the latter). Chemical shift artifact by bone marrow fat was postulated to be the source of most false-positive cases on MR imaging findings for mandibular cortical invasion. Those for inferior alveolar canal involvement were due to MR imaging visualization of the tumor and surrounding inflammation with similar signal intensity. CONCLUSION: In assessing the presence and extent of mandibular invasion by squamous cell carcinoma, the specificity of MR imaging was significantly lower than that of CT.

The effect of solar irradiation on the fading of nylon and polyester fabrics dyed with selected disperse dyestuffs on radiant energy basis.

Solar total, UVA and UVB irradiances were measured separately using three kinds of wavelength band detectors in Tokyo, Japan in November 1999. Characteristics of diurnal variations were examined: Total irradiance reached a maximum value of about 600 W m(-2) at around noon. The variation pattern of UVA irradiance was observed to be similar to the total irradiance. The energy level was about 4.65% of total irradiance. Diurnal variation of UVB was in the form of a steeper bell curve due to the absorption in the air mass. UVB energy to solar total irradiance was about 0.07%. Photodegradation characteristics of two disperse dyestuffs were investigated on the basis of solar radiant energy. A UVA fluorescent lamp was applied to examine the fading characteristics to find the wavelength dependency. As a result, nylon dyeings were less lightfast by a factor of about 6 and 13 for C I Disperse Blue 27 and C I Disperse Blue 165, respectively, compared with polyester on the radiant energy basis. Visible light, as well as UVA, radiation contribute to fading of C I Disperse Blue 165 whereas UVA mostly cause the fading of C I Disperse Blue 27.

Suppression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha by beta2-adrenoceptor activation: role of mitogen-activated protein kinases in renal mesangial cells.

OBJECTIVE: The present study examined the inhibitory effect of beta2-adrenoceptor activation on the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades and the contribution of these pathways to the suppression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated rat renal mesangial cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experiments were performed using cultured mesangial cells in the presence of LPS (1 microg/ml) and/or the beta2-adrenoceptor agonist, terbutaline (10(-6) 10(-8) M). The levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1 and 2(Erk 1/2), p38, c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK) and TNF-alpha were estimated. RESULTS: LPS activated Erk-1/2 and p38 levels, by 4.7-fold and 1.8-fold, respectively (P < 0.05), which were suppressed by terbutaline (10(-6) - 10(-8) M) in a dose dependent way. These inhibitory actions of terbutaline were prevented by the beta2-adrenoceptor antagonist, ICI 118,551(10(-6) M) but not by an inhibitor of the cAMP-PKA pathway, H-89 (5 x 10(-6) M). The selective MAPK/Erk-1 inhibitor, PD98059 (10(-5) M) and the specific p38 inhibitor SB203580 (10(-5) M) significantly decreased LPS-induced TNF-alpha production in the cells. CONCLUSIONS: Inhibition of MAPK cascades (Erkl/2 and p38) plays an important role in the suppression of TNF-alpha following beta2-adrenoceptor activation but the inhibitory effect on MAPK is independent of the cAMP-PKA pathway in the mesangial cell.

Safe and effective treatment of refractory facial lesions in atopic dermatitis using topical tacrolimus following corticosteroid discontinuation.

BACKGROUND: Topical corticosteroids are commonly applied in atopic dermatitis (AD) treatment. However, their chronic use may be associated with significant side effects at the application site. Skin atrophy and other undesirable effects are frequently seen after long-term corticosteroid treatment. In addition, when application of corticosteroids is discontinued, a rebound phenomenon in the facial lesions can occur within several days. Topical tacrolimus, an immunosuppressant currently used to prevent rejection after solid-organ transplantation, presents a potential alternative therapeutic agent for AD. OBJECTIVE: The present study is the first trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topically applied tacrolimus ointment after corticosteroid discontinuation without a washout phase in severe, long-term facial AD. PATIENTS/METHODS: Forty-seven patients with facial refractory AD were recruited, of whom 38 had undergone topical corticosteroid treatment for at least 4 weeks before enrollment (group 1) and the other 9 had not received steroid treatment (group 2). All 47 patients received 0.1% tacrolimus ointment, and the severity index and pruritus score were assessed as an AD clinical activity index every week and compared with baseline data. RESULTS: Both the severity index and pruritus score improved significantly in group 1 after 1 and 2 weeks of application (p < 0.01, respectively). Group 2 showed the greatest improvement at 4 weeks (p < 0.05). In this trial, none of the patients experienced a rebound phenomenon associated with tacrolimus treatment. A transient sensation of burning at the application site was the only adverse event in 31 of the 47 (66%) enrolled patients, but this condition improved after several days. Spectrophotometric assessment of the facial lesion following treatment revealed significant improvement in group 1 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present results indicate that topical tacrolimus treatment following corticosteroid discontinuation is safe and effective in refractory facial AD.

beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonist suppresses renal tumour necrosis factor and enhances interleukin-6 gene expression induced by endotoxin.

BACKGROUND: beta(2)-Adrenoceptor activation regulates tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production in cultured renal cells. However, it remains uncertain whether, in vivo, the administration of beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonists regulate renal TNF-alpha and IL-6 mRNA following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation to cause endotoxaemia. This study was performed in order to evaluate the effect of beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonist on renal TNF-alpha and IL-6 production. METHODS: Four-week-old Wistar rats pre-treated with the beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonist terbutaline or formoterol, and/or the beta- and beta(2)-adrenoceptor antagonists (propanolol, ICI118,551), were injected with LPS (1 mg i.p.), and then 2, 4 or 6 h later, kidneys (cortex, medulla), spleen, thymus and plasma were collected to assay TNF-alpha and IL-6 mRNA levels and their respective protein release. RESULTS: Administration of beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonists suppressed TNF-alpha mRNA expression in the whole kidney, by 61% (P<0.05), as well as plasma, spleen and thymus TNF-alpha protein and mRNA expression 2 hours after injection of LPS. On the other hand, although IL-6 levels in plasma, spleen and thymus mRNA expression were suppressed significantly by administration of beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonists, the basal- and LPS-induced IL-6 mRNA levels in the whole kidney were increased 1.6- and 1.2-fold (P<0.05), respectively, by treatment with beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonists. beta(2)-Adrenoceptor agonist suppressed LPS-induced TNF-alpha mRNA expression by 35% (P<0.05) and stimulated LPS-induced IL-6 mRNA expression by 1.5-fold (P<0.05) in the medullary region of kidney. CONCLUSIONS: beta(2)-Adrenoceptor agonists down-regulate renal TNF-alpha mRNA expression following LPS-induced endotoxaemia. This effect was particularly apparent in the renal medulla. IL-6 mRNA expression in the renal medulla was up-regulated by the agonists whereas plasma, spleen and thymus IL-6 levels were completely inhibited by the agonist, which suggests the existence of tissue specific regulation of IL-6 production in the kidney by beta(2)-adrenoceptor activation.

Beta2-adrenoceptor agonist suppresses tumour necrosis factor production in rat mesangial cells.

This study aimed to investigate the time-course of the effect of beta2-adrenoceptor stimulation with terbutaline on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumour necrosis factor(TNF)-alpha production in rat mesangial cells. Cells were cultured from 0-24 h in the presence of LPS (1 microg/ml) and/or terbutaline (10(-7)-10(-8) mol/l). After 1 h of incubation, terbutaline inhibited TNF-alpha protein release as well as transcription and translation of TNF-alpha and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK, p42/p44) activity. At 3 h, terbutaline enhanced intracellular cAMP but suppressed TNF-alpha release and transcription. By 24 h, whereas terbutaline was no longer influencing transcription or translation, TNF-alpha release remained depressed which correlated with an increase in supernatant interleukin (IL)-6. Terbutaline did not affect the LPS-induced IL-10 produced in the cell. These findings indicate that beta2-adrenoceptor stimulation during an LPS challenge prevented TNF-alpha production as a consequence of MAPK inhibition and enhanced cAMP generation, which at a later stage was associated with an anti-inflammatory effect of IL-6.

Effect of beta(2)-adrenoceptor activation and angiotensin II on tumour necrosis factor and interleukin 6 gene transcription in the rat renal resident macrophage cells.

This study aimed to examine whether lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced increase in tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) gene transcription was regulated by beta-adrenoceptor activation and whether TNF-alpha and IL-6 gene transcription was regulated by angiotensin II in rat renal resident macrophage cells. The cells were transfected with a fusion gene with the 5'-flanking region of rat TNF-alpha or IL-6 genes linked to a luciferase coding sequence as a reporter. The stimulatory effect of LPS on TNF-alpha transcription was suppressed by isoproterenol (10(-8)-10(-5)M) in a dose-dependent manner, whereas IL-6 transcription was only decreased by the high concentration (10(-5)M) of isoproterenol. The addition of beta(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist (ICI118,551), but not a beta(1)-adrenoceptor antagonist (atenolol), blocked the inhibitory effect of isoproterenol. By contrast, angiotensin II (10(-8)-10(-5)M) enhanced IL-6 gene transcription in the cells in a dose-dependent manner which was inhibited by type 1 angiotensin II receptor antagonist (CV11,974). TNF-alpha and IL-6 secretion from the cells was altered with beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonists (terbutaline, formoterol) and angiotensin II corresponding to changes of TNF-alpha and IL-6 gene transcription. Angiotensin II had no effect on TNF-alpha secretion and gene transcription. These findings suggested that beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonist and angiotensin II potentially could influence renal immune function through the regulation of TNF-alpha and IL-6 gene transcription by the renal resident macrophage cells.

Modulation of interleukin-6 by beta2-adrenoceptor in endotoxin-stimulated renal macrophage cells.

BACKGROUND: Activation of the cAMP signaling pathway by means of beta2-adrenoceptor agonists has been shown to up-regulate interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene expression and to stimulate IL-6 production in macrophage cells. However, whether beta2-adrenoceptor activation can also modify the rate of IL-6 production in macrophage cells activated by the bacterial endotoxins has not yet been determined. Using renal resident macrophage cells treated with endotoxin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and beta2-adrenoceptor agonist, terbutaline, we investigated the role of cAMP pathway, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway (p42/p44) in regulating IL-6 production. METHODS: IL-6 protein, mRNA, and promoter activity were measured in these cells exposed to LPS (1 microg/ml) and/or terbutaline (10(-9) to 10(-6) M). Furthermore, the time course effects of terbutaline on cAMP, MAPK (p42/p44), and TNF-alpha release were evaluated in the cells. RESULTS: Terbutaline at high concentrations (10(-6) M) significantly up-regulated IL-6 by approximately 25% (P<0.05), whereas at a lower concentration (10(-8) M), it down-regulated IL-6 production by 42% (P<0.05). Terbutaline (10(-8) and 10(-6) M) caused a concentration- and time-dependent stimulation of cAMP (P<0.05) and TNF production (P<0.05) and a time-dependent decrease in MAPK activity (P<0.05). Following the addition of a cAMP inhibitor, IL-6 promoter activity was correlated with TNF-alpha levels and MAPK activity. CONCLUSIONS: A biphasic effect of beta2-adrenoceptor agonist on IL-6 production in renal resident macrophage cells became apparent when LPS was exposed to the cells. The terbutaline-induced down-regulation of IL-6 gene production was mediated by an inhibitory effect of terbutaline on TNF-alpha, which was exerted through the MAPK and cAMP pathways, whereas the up-regulation appeared to be due to a direct action of intracellular cAMP.

Regulation of tumour necrosis factor and interleukin-6 gene transcription by beta2-adrenoceptor in the rat astrocytes.

The present study was designed to clarify the role of beta2-adrenoceptors in modulating the level of TNF and IL-6 gene transcription and their respective mRNA accumulations. Astrocytes were transfected with the 5'-flanking region of the TNF and IL-6 genes linked to a luciferase coding sequence as a reporter. The addition of isoproterenol had an inhibitory effect on the TNF and IL-6 promoter activity induced by LPS. The inhibitory effect was blocked in the presence of a beta2-adrenoceptor antagonist but not in the presence of a beta1-adrenoceptor antagonist. TNF and IL-6 mRNA and protein levels in the astrocytes were depressed by beta2-adrenoceptor activation which corresponded to changes in TNF and IL-6 promoter activity. These studies demonstrated that isoproterenol, via beta2-adrenoceptors, suppressed LPS-induced TNF and IL-6 promoter activities, mRNA accumulations, and protein levels in the astrocytes. Beta2-adrenoceptor activation may be an important mechanism for regulating TNF and IL-6 expression in brain diseases.

Dynamic viscoelastic properties in torsion of four commercially available resins for crown and bridge.

In order to clarify the viscoelastic properties of four commercial resins for crown and bridge, the dynamic shear modulus (G'), Knoop hardness (KHN), filler content, quantity of unreacted substance and thermal expansion were measured. The results were as follows. The G' (37 degrees C) of each material ranged from 2.61-11.1 GPa, and gradually decreased with increasing temperature. KHN (23 degrees C) ranged from 29.4 to 120, and the most significant correlation (0.999) was found between G' and KHN. Of the relationship among G', filler content and unreacted substance, there was a highly significant correlation (0.980) between G' and filler content. The coefficient of linear-thermal expansion (alpha) also ranged from 17.9-65.0 x 10(-6)/degree C (25-60 degrees C), and the correlation (-0.961) between G' and alpha was meaningful. It can be presumed that the temperature dependence of G' is closely connected with the specific volume of each material, together with an increase in temperature.

Rapid, sensitive and specific diagnosis of Bordetella pertussis using the polymerase chain reaction.

Use of a repetitive DNA sequence of Bordetella pertussis allowed successful detection of the organism by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The method was highly sensitive, being able to detect B. pertussis in specimens containing only a few cells. It was also highly specific, with no amplification of specimens containing other organisms, for example Haemophilus influenzae or Neisseria, being observed. A diagnosis could be made within 1 day. The PCR assay was also evaluated in clinical specimens. Among 47 nasopharyngeal specimens obtained from 24 patients with laboratory-confirmed pertussis, 27 were positive by PCR and 19 by culture. In particular, all three bronchial aspirates from one patient with pertussis were positive by PCR, but only one showed positive on culture. Eleven specimens from parapertussis patients and 65 specimens from patients without pertussis tested negative. It was concluded that this newly developed PCR method for the diagnosis of pertussis was more rapid and sensitive than the usual culture method. Polymerase chain reaction could have a major impact on the treatment and control of this infection and would be a useful tool for studying the pathogenesis of B. pertussis infection.

Respiratory failure caused by dual infection with Bordetella pertussis and respiratory syncytial virus.

Two infants with pneumonia caused by both Bordetella pertussis and respiratory syncytial virus (RS virus) suffered respiratory failure preceded by convulsion. Detection of respiratory pathogens with polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was crucial in the management of dually infected infants.