Comprehensive data on ionising radiation from Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in the town of Miharu, Fukushima Prefecture: The Misho Project.

Data related to radioactivity released from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident on 15 March 2011 gathered by residents of Miharu, Fukushima Prefecture, and by Tohoku University are presented. These data sets consist of (1) the earliest radiation monitoring by a Geiger counter in the town, (2) ratios of radioactivity between (132)Te and (137)Cs for a wide area between Fukushima and Tokyo, (3) radiation measurement of soil samples collected from 18 school grounds, and (4) external radiation exposure of 1400 students using OSL badges. By combining and analysing these various data sets, a curve for the cumulative total external exposure as a function of time, with 16 : 00 h on 15 March 2011 being time zero, is obtained. The average cumulative external dosage is estimated to be 10 mSv (σ = 4.2 mSv) over 10 years. In addition, the initiative that the residents of Miharu took in response to the FDNPP accident, which became known as The Misho Project (MP), is documented; in particular, the time at which the municipality instructed the immediate ingestion of iodine tablets by those under the age of 40, 13 : 00 h on 15 March 2011, is assessed.

Evaluation of silica gel-immobilized phosphorylcholine columns for size exclusion chromatography and their application in the analysis of the subunit structures of fish-egg lectins.

Columns of phosphorylcholine (PC) immobilized on silica gel were shown to be useful for size exclusion chromatography (SEC) of proteins. The columns provided good separation of proteins in 50mM sodium phosphate buffer (pH 6.9) containing 0.25 M NaCl, and there was a linear relationship between the retention times and the logarithmic values of the molecular weights with a correlation coefficient (R(2)) of 0.978-0.992. The columns were used in analyzing the subunit structures of the rhamnose-binding lectins CSL1, CSL2, and CSL3, isolated from chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) eggs. Although the lectins, which are a group of carbohydrate-binding and hydrophobic proteins, behaved anomalously in SEC with conventional matrices, they could be eluted from the immobilized PC columns without non-size-related retention, thereby allowing their molecular weights to be reliably estimated.

Oncolytic activity of Sindbis virus in human oral squamous carcinoma cells.

BACKGROUND: Sindbis virus (SIN) infection causes no or only mild symptoms (fever, rash, and arthralgia) in humans. However, SIN has a strong cytopathic effect (CPE) on various cancer cells. This study focuses on the oncolytic activity of SIN AR399 on oral cancer cells compared with reovirus, a well-known oncolytic virus that targets cancer cells. METHODS: We analysed the cytotoxicity and growth of SIN in 13 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines (HSC-2, HSC-3, HSC-4, Ca9-22, H-1, Sa-3, KON, KOSC-2, OK-92, HO-1-N1, SCC-4, SAT, SKN-3) and normal human oral keratinocytes (NHOKs). RESULTS: Sindbis virus infection induced CPE in 12 OSCC cell lines at a low multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 0.01, but not in the OSCC cell line, HSC-4 or NHOKs. Sindbis viral growth was not observed in NHOKs, whereas high SIN growth was observed in all OSCC cell lines, including HCS-4. The cytotoxicity and growth of SIN was the same as reovirus at an MOI of 20 in 12 OSCC cell lines. The CPE was shown, by terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling assays, to be apoptotic cell death. Furthermore, quantitative RT-PCR of mRNA in HSC-3 and HSC-4 cells after SIN infection showed that activation of caspases, cytochrome c, and IkappaBalpha was associated with SIN-induced apoptosis. CONCLUSION: As a replication-competent oncolytic virus, SIN may be a useful therapeutic modality for oral cancers.

The adaptive responses in several mediators linked with hypertrophy and atrophy of skeletal muscle after lower limb unloading in humans.

AIM: To determine the adaptive changes in several molecules regulating muscle hypertrophy and atrophy after unloading, we examined whether unilateral lower limb suspension changes the mRNA and protein levels of SRF-linked (RhoA, RhoGDI, STARS and SRF), myostatin-linked (myostatin, Smad2, Smad3 and FLRG) and Foxo-linked (P-Akt, Foxo1, Foxo3a and Atrogin-1) mediators. METHODS: A single lower limb of each of eight healthy men was suspended for 20 days. Biopsy specimens were obtained from the vastus lateralis muscle pre- and post-suspension. RESULTS: The volume of the vastus lateralis muscle was significantly decreased after unloading. The amount of RhoA, RhoGDI or SRF protein in the muscle was not significantly changed post-suspension. An RT-PCR semiquantitative analysis showed increased levels of myostatin mRNA but not Smad2, Smad3 or FLRG mRNA. Unloading did not elicit significant changes in the amount of p-Smad3 or myostatin protein in the muscle. The amount of p-Akt protein was markedly reduced in the unloaded muscle. Lower limb SUSPENSION DID NOT INFLUENCE THE EXPRESSION PATTERN OF FOXO1, FOXO3A OR ATROGIN-1. CONCLUSION: Unloading inducing a mild degree of muscle atrophy may decrease p-Akt and increase myostatin but not SRF-linked mediators.

Expression of mRNA for specific fibroblast growth factors associates with that of the myogenic markers MyoD and proliferating cell nuclear antigen in regenerating and overloaded rat plantaris muscle.

AIM: To examine the relations between specific fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and satellite cell activation during muscle regeneration and hypertrophy in vivo, we measured mRNA expression of FGFs and myogenic markers in rat plantaris muscle after bupivacaine administration and synergist ablation. METHODS: mRNA levels for MyoD, myogenin, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), p21, M-cadherin, Pax7, FGF-1, FGF-2, FGF-3, FGF-4, FGF-5, FGF-6, FGF-7, FGF-8 and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) were measured continually for up to 72 h after bupivacaine administration and synergist ablation. FGF-5, FGF-7 and HGF proteins were immunostained at 72 h after bupivacaine administration. RESULTS: MyoD and PCNA mRNAs started increasing 24 h after bupivacaine administration. Myogenin, p21, M-cadherin and Pax7 mRNAs started to increase after 48 and 72 h. After synergist ablation, MyoD, PCNA, M-cadherin and Pax7 mRNAs had increased at 24 and 48 h, and myogenin and p21 mRNAs at 12 and 24 h. FGF-1, FGF-7 and HGF mRNAs after the treatments started to increase at the same time as MyoD and PCNA mRNAs. FGF-5 was expressed at the same time as MyoD and PCNA mRNAs after bupivacaine administration but did not after the ablation. FGF-2, FGF-3, FGF-4, FGF-6 and FGF-8 mRNAs were not associated with the expression of the myogenic markers. FGF-7 and HGF proteins were expressed in immature muscle fibre nuclei and the extracellular matrix, but FGF-5 protein was preferentially expressed in extracellular matrix. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that FGF-1, FGF-7 and HGF are associated with specific myogenic marker expression during muscle regeneration and hypertrophy.

Syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone associated with limbic encephalitis in a patient with drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome.

Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS)/drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a severe multiorgan reaction with reactivation of herpesviruses. Various features are often seen during the course of the disease. Many aspects of this syndrome suggest close similarities between DIHS/DRESS and graft-versus-host disease. We describe a patient with phenobarbital-induced hypersensitivity syndrome who revealed syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) associated with limbic encephalitis during the course of the disease. In view of previous reports that SIADH and limbic encephalitis are caused by reactivation of latent herpesviruses after transplantation, both conditions may be secondarily caused by reactivation of latent herpesviruses, which is typically observed in DIHS/DRESS. These neurological symptoms should be added to a growing list of important complications of DIHS/DRESS because of the high mortality rate associated with them.

Several herpesviruses can reactivate in a severe drug-induced multiorgan reaction in the same sequential order as in graft-versus-host disease.

BACKGROUND: Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS) is a severe multiorgan systemic reaction. Numerous studies have linked reactivation of human herpesvirus (HHV)-6 with the development of DIHS. Recent articles have suggested that reactivation of other herpesviruses besides HHV-6 might also be involved in the development of DIHS. On the other hand, recent studies have provided evidence for a role of reactivation of various herpesviruses in the development of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). OBJECTIVES: We attempted to determine whether sequential herpesvirus reactivation could be detected in four patients with severe DIHS, as observed in patients with GVHD, and be coincident with various clinical manifestations that developed after discontinuation of the causative drugs. METHODS: Detection and quantification of viral DNA [cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), HHV-6 and HHV-7] in sequential blood samples were performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction assays, based on TaqMan technology. RESULTS: In these patients, the cascade of virus reactivation initiated by HHV-6 or EBV extended to EBV or HHV-7, and eventually to CMV. Clinical manifestations of this syndrome followed by failure of various organs occurring despite discontinuation of the drug were coincident with these herpesvirus reactivations. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that various herpesviruses can reactivate in the setting of severe drug reactions in a similar sequential order to that described in GVHD. The sequential reactivation of these herpesviruses is responsible for the development of multiorgan failure occurring after discontinuation of the causative drug.

[Aortic root enlargement in elderly patients].

From January 2003 to June 2005, 12 elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis underwent aortic root enlargement (ARE) by Nicks procedure. Their ages ranged from 74 to 87 with a mean of 79.3. Stented bioprosthesis were used in 11 cases. There was no death. Cardiothoracic ratio on chest X-ray decreased from 59.4 to 53.6% and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class improved from 3.4 to 1.3. Echocardiography also showed remarkable improvement, in peak pressure gradient (PG) from 98.3 to 20.7 mmHg, in left ventricular mass index (LVMI) 181 to 137 g/m2. LVM and LVMI regression rates were 25.3 and 22.3%, respectively. Comparative study of those with ARE alone and those with combined operation showed much hazardous effect in the latter, but no significant difference in echocardiographic findings postoperatively. ARE by Nicks procedure, if it could be performed without concomitant procedure, is a safe and effective option also in elderly patients with small aortic annulus.

The expression of IGF-I and myostatin mRNAs in skeletal muscle of hypophysectomized and underfed rats during postnatal growth.

AIM: To determine the roles of myostatin and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) during postnatal growth, we examined IGF-I and myostatin mRNA expression in the skeletal muscles of hypophysectomized and underfed rats during postnatal growth. METHODS: Five-week-old rats were divided into four groups: freely fed control, moderately underfed, severely underfed and hypophysectomized. Four weeks later, blood and muscle samples were gathered to determine serum IGF-I, myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms, IGF-I Ea, IGF-I Eb and myostatin mRNA. RESULTS: The weights of soleus, plantaris and masseter muscles were decreased in underfed and hypophysectomized rats. Hypophysectomy resulted in significant increases of type I MHC at the expense of type IIx in plantaris muscle and of neonatal MHC at the expense of types IIx and IIb in masseter muscle. Serum IGF-I was decreased by underfeeding and hypophysectomy. Plantaris muscle IGF-I Ea mRNA in underfed and hypophysectomized rats was significantly lower than in normal controls. Plantaris muscle IGF-I Eb mRNA in underfed rats was significantly lower than in normal controls. Masseter muscle IGF-I Eb mRNA in severely underfed rats was significantly lower than in normal control and hypophysectomized rats. Soleus muscle myostatin mRNA in hypophysectomized rats was significantly higher than in normal and significantly underfed rats. No significant differences in plantaris and masseter muscle myostatin mRNA were observed between groups. CONCLUSION: Suppressed muscle growth caused by hypophysectomy and underfeeding may be attributed mainly to reduced circulating IGF-I and partially to reduced IGF-I mRNA, rather than to a change in myostatin.

The HDL2/HDL3 ratio in menopause.

OBJECTIVES: The influence of the menopause on the HDL2/HDL3 ratio was assessed in association with hypertriglyceridemia. METHODS: Fasting blood samples were collected from 607 patients. Commercially available enzymatic methods were used for determination of TG, and total HDL-C. HDL2 and HDL3 were measured by ultracentrifugation. RESULTS: The HDL2/HDL3 ratio had a strong negative correlation with TG (r=-0.272, P<0.0001 and r=-0.314, P<0.0001) in both pre- and postmenopausal women. No significant differences were observed in HDL2, HDL3, and HDL2/HDL3 ratio between pre- and postmenopausal women without hypertriglyceridemia. Postmenopausal women had a significantly higher HDL2/HDL3 ratio than premenopausal women with hypertriglyceridemia. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that menopausal status not only increases plasma LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but also increases the HDL2/HDL3 ratio when associated with elevation of plasma triglyceride levels. These changes may increase the risk for CHD due to enlargement of the lipid pool.

Interleukin-8 expression in the esophageal mucosa of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that inflammatory cell infiltration can be detected in patients with endoscopically negative gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as well as those with erosive reflux esophagitis. In this study, we examined the expression of mRNA for interleukin (IL)-8, a potent chemokine for neutrophils, in the esophageal mucosa of patients with GERD and compared the results with their endoscopic findings and symptoms. METHODS: Biopsy samples were obtained from 80 patients. Endoscopic diagnosis was performed according to the Los Angeles classification. Patients with typical symptoms such as heartburn despite normal endoscopic findings were classified as the non-erosive GERD group. Total cellular RNA was extracted from the biopsy samples and IL-8 mRNA was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Localization of IL-8 protein in the esophageal mucosa was done by immunostaining. RESULTS: Expression of IL-8 mRNA was correlated with the endoscopic grade of esophagitis or with inflammatory cell infiltration, but not with the symptoms of the patients. Expression of IL-8 mRNA was also detected in all patients with non-erosive GERD. The level of IL-8 expression in non-erosive GERD was low compared with that in erosive GERD, but was higher than that in normal controls. IL-8 immunostaining was found in the basal layers of the esophageal mucosa. Administration of lansoprazole, a proton-pump inhibitor, decreased both IL-8 mRNA and protein levels in the esophageal mucosa. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that IL-8 in the esophageal mucosa may be involved in the pathogenesis of esophageal inflammation, including non-erosive GERD.

[A successful management of acute myocardial infarction with severe left main trunk lesion using beating heart coronary artery bypass grafting: report of a case].

A 56-year-old male was admitted for sudden onset of severe chest pain and diagnosed as acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Emergency coronary angiography revealed complete obstruction of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and 99% stenosis of left circumflex coronary artery (LCX), which was almost same with obstruction of the left main trunk coronary artery. Emergency coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to LAD and LCX was performed under a beating-heart. Left ventricular wall motion was improved after bypass grafting. CABG under a beating-heart is a new strategy for critical cases such as acute coronary syndrome. The better patency rate and the more complete revascularization that may be achieved with the new generation of stabilizers and retractors may improve long-term results.

Does daily physical exercise favorably affect the bone mass of postmenopausal women?

To investigate the effects of physical exercise on bone mass during the climacteric and menopausal period. The study group were 1123 postmenopausal Japanese women (mean: 55.4 +/- 3.7 years). Their current bone mineral density of lumbar vertebrae (L2-4) was analyzed taking the presence or absence of regular physical exercise, the type of exercise and its duration into consideration. Of the 1123 postmenopausal women, 643 (57.3%) were currently involved is some form of physical exercise on a regular basis. Bone mineral density did not differ significantly between the women exercising at present (1.035 +/- 0.08 g/cm2) and the women who had never been involved in regular physical exercise at any time in their life (1.089 +/- 0.08 g/cm2). The bone mineral density did not differ significantly in relation to the duration of physical activity (less than 6 months: 1.054 +/- 0.169 g/cm2; 6 months to 3 years: 1.049 +/- 0.128 g/cm2; over 5 years: 1.024 +/- 0.168 g/cm2). Although a majority of the postmenopausal women surveyed were involved in some form of physical activity, the practice of mild exercise at and around the time of perimenopause did not significantly increase bone mineral density.

Elevated plasma leptin levels associated with high blood pressure and TG rich lipoproteins but not associated with plasma gonadotropins, estradiol and cortisol levels in peri- and postmenopausal lean women with undefined symptoms.

We evaluated associations of leptin with blood pressure, plasma lipid metabolism, and endocrine status in 140 perimenopausal Japanese women. In this study, the mean plasma leptin level is 8.6 +/- 4.8 ng/ml and the range is 1.7 to 29.6 ng/ml. There were significant correlations between plasma leptin concentration and systolic blood pressure (r +/- 0.647, p < 0.0001) and diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.242, p = 0.0043). We observed significant correlation of plasma leptin concentration and LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride concentrations. However, no significant differences were observed in the correlation of plasma leptin and LH, FSH, estradiol and cortisol concentrations. In conclusion, leptin showed a significant association with blood pressure and lipid metabolism. It is suggested that leptin may play an important role in physiological regulation of sympathetic nervous system and lipid metabolism in peri-and postmenopausal women.

The effect of physicians' advice and recommendations on the compliance with hormone replacement therapy in the treatment of postmenopausal symptoms in Japanese women--a prospective study.

A retrospective study was performed to determine the compliance of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), the reason for discontinuation. This study comprised 477 postmenopausal women who attended the women's psychosomatic and menopause clinic between January 1991 and December 2002. For the purposes of analysis, the women were classified into two groups. In Group A (242 subjects), subjects were allowed to decide whether or not to suspend or discontinue the drug, taking their condition into account, after their symptoms were alleviated. In Group B (235 subjects), all the women were informed as to the drug's excellent effects on osteoporosis and skin tissue before HRT was started and after their symptoms were alleviated. In Group A, the percentage of women who were still on this therapy was 77.7%, 34.3%, 21.1% and 8.7% at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months respectively after the start of therapy. Alternatively, in group B, the 24-month continuation rate was more than 50%. At 36 months (47.2%) and 60 months (38.7%) continuation rates were also significantly higher than those in group A (P < 0.0001). The leading reasons in the women's decision to discontinue HRT were improvement of symptoms (68.0% and 77.8% in group A and B, respectively, p = 0.408). The incidence in the women's decision to discontinue HRT by the reason of fear of cancer was significantly higher in group A (10.8%) than in group B (2.8%) (P = 0.008). In this study, the key factor affecting HRT compliance proved to be physician's advice. This means that when HRT is administered to Japanese women with the objective of alleviating menopausal symptoms and, high compliance can be expected provided individual patients are allowed to decide for themselves when HRT should begin end.

Adequate reduction degree of pituitary gonadotropin levels in the clinical management of short-term hormone replacement therapy of women with menopausal symptoms.

The purpose of this study was to clarify the adequate reduction rate of pituitary gonadotropins in ideal clinical management of shortterm hormone replacement therapy (ST-HRT) in postmenopausal women with undefined symptoms. Subjects included a total 324 postmenopausal patients between 48 and 61 years of age who visited the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Osaka Medical College Hospital for the consult of menopausal symptoms. Administration of conjugated equine estrogen (0.625 mg/day) and progestin (2.5 mg/day) in the patients for 8 weeks. HRT was markedly effective in 28.7% of cases, effective in 40.7%, fairly effective in 21.9%, and ineffective in 8.6% of cases. The plasma concentration of FSH and LH after administration decreased significantly (P < 0.001) by 58.1% and 59.9% for markedly effective cases, and by 31.0% and 36.1% for effective cases. On the other hand, decreases in FSH and LH concentration were 14.1% and 1.3% for the fairly effective and 8.5% and -5.1% for ineffective cases, demonstrating a significantly greater decrease in plasma FSH and LH levels in the markedly effective and effective cases than those in ineffective cases (P < 0.001). There were significant differences in the reduction rates of plasma FSH and LH levels between in cases showing (59.9% and 53.2%) and not showing the side effects (24.8% and 25.9%), respectively (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, efficacy of ST-HRT was significantly correlated to the degree of decrease in plasma FSH and LH levels in patients with undefined symptoms. In addition, efficacy appeared to be correlated to the incidence of side effects. The degree of reduction of FSH (24.8-31.0%) and LH (25.9-36.1%) from the baseline may possibly be used as the suitable therapeutic window for hormone levels during HRT. The present results suggest that plasma gonadotropin levels could be a useful indicator for the management of patients undergoing short-term HRT for women with menopausal symptoms.

Does decreased T1 signal intensity in the retrodiscal tissue of the temporomandibular joint reflect increased density of collagen fibres?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether decreased signal intensity on T(1) weighted MR images of the retrodiscal tissue of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) reflects increased density of collagen fibres. METHODS: Corrected sagittal T(1) weighted MR images of six TMJs from six fresh cadavers (three males and three females; age range 76-87 years, mean 80.8 years) were obtained. Following MRI, slices of tissue samples were taken from the cadavers that exactly matched the planes of the MR image. These samples were fixed, decalcified and stained (haematoxylin-eosin stain, Elastica van Gieson's stain) for light microscopy. The samples were evaluated for density of collagen fibres according to Hall et al (1984) and for vascularity, arterial wall thickness, fat content and elastin. In these sagittal samples, the retrodiscal tissue was divided anteroposteriorly and vertically into six areas and each area was classified by histological parameters. The MR images were similarly divided into six areas. Areas with reduced signal intensity were classified as the low signal group and those with no reduced signals were classified as the control group. RESULTS: Collagen density assessed histologically differed between the low signal intensity group and the control group, and loose collage density on the histological samples was observed significantly more often in the low signal group (Fisher's exact test, P=0.03). There were no statistically significant differences in the other categories between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that reduced T1 signals of retrodiscal tissue do not necessarily reflect a dense distribution of collagen fibres.

[Coronary vasospasm during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting; report of two cases].

Coronary vasospasm is one of the most dangerous and fatal complications of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) operation. Our experiences in recent 2 cases happened during off-pump CABG (OPCAB) are presented. Case 1: A 63-year-old male who had 3 vessels disease underwent OPCAB using left internal thoracic artery (LITA) and the radial artery. When the sternotomy was going to be closed, ST elevation of electrocardiogram (ECG) occurred and was followed by ventricular fibrillation. Intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) and percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS) were applied immediately and an additional grafting to first diagonal artery (D 1) was carried out using a saphenous vein. Case 2: A 67-year-old male underwent OPCAB using LITA and the radial artery. ST elevation of ECG suddenly occurred and was followed by complete atrio-ventricular (AV) block when the sternum was closed. IABP and the ventricular pacing were applied immediately. While OPCAB may be less invasive operating method than conventional CABG, we should pay more attention to the coronary vasospasm.

Method of producing tissue sections from endometrial scrapings.

Endometrial cytology is important not only for observing cytological findings, but also for assessing histological architecture. Therefore, we attempted to produce a histological preparation from the sample using an automatic fixation apparatus (ACF 1000) which employs a membrane filter method. After observation of the cytological features, the cover slip was removed and a paraffin-embedded section was prepared. Producing a histological section from a cytological specimen prepared with the ACF 1000 apparatus was more useful and easier than with the techniques described to date. Peelability of the cell was avoided by using a silane-coated membrane filter. Observation of the same cell cluster as that observed in the cytological sample was also facilitated in the histological section by this technique.