Using observational methods to evaluate public open spaces and physical activity in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Open public spaces have been identified as important facilities to promote physical activity (PA) at the community level. The main goals of this study are to describe open public spaces user's characteristics and to explore to what extent these characteristics are associated with PA behavior. METHODS: A system of direct observation was used to evaluate the PA levels on parks and squares (smaller parks) and users's characteristics (gender and age). The 4 parks and 4 squares observed were selected from neighborhoods with different socioeconomic status and environmental characteristics. The settings were observed 3 times a day, 6 days per week, during 2 weeks. RESULTS: More men than women were observed in parks (63.1%) and squares (70.0%) as well as more adults and adolescents than older adults and children. Users were more physically active in parks (men = 34.1%, women = 36.1%) than in squares (men = 25.5%, women 22.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The characteristics of public open spaces may affect PA in the observed places. Initiatives to improve PA levels in community settings should consider users' characteristics and preferences to be more effective and reach a larger number of people.

Detection of corn intrinsic and recombinant DNA fragments and Cry1Ab protein in the gastrointestinal contents of pigs fed genetically modified corn Bt11.

Genetically modified corn has been approved as an animal feed in several countries, but information about the fate of genetically modified DNA and protein in vivo is insufficient. Genetically modified corn Bt11 is developed by inserting a recombinant DNA sequence encoding insecticidal Cry1Ab protein from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki. We examined the presence of corn intrinsic and recombinant cry1Ab gene by PCR, and the Cry1Ab protein by immunological tests in the gastrointestinal contents of five genetically modified corn Bt11-fed and five nongenetically modified corn-fed pigs. Fragments of corn zein (242 bp), invertase (226 bp) and of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/ oxygenase genes (1,028 bp) were detected in the gastrointestinal contents of both Bt11 and nongenetically modified corn-fed pigs. Fragments of recombinant cry1Ab gene (110 bp and 437 bp) were detected in the gastrointestinal contents of the Bt11-fed pigs but not in the control pigs. Neither corn intrinsic nor cry1Ab gene fragments were detected in the peripheral blood by PCR. The gastrointestinal contents were positive for Cry1Ab protein by ELISA, immunochromatography, and immunoblot; however, these methods did not work for blood and precluded conclusions about any potential absorption of the protein. These results suggest that ingested corn DNA and Cry1Ab protein were not totally degraded in the gastrointestinal tract, as shown by their presence in a form detectable by PCR or immunological tests.

Detection of genetically modified maize DNA fragments in the intestinal contents of pigs fed StarLink CBH351.

We tried to detect DNA fragments derived from maize in the intestinal contents of pigs fed genetically modified (GM) StarLink CBH351 maize (SL) or non-GM maize. Intestinal contents of 8 SL and 8 non-GM maize-fed pigs were collected at slaughter, and the genes of the recombinant cry9C and the maize intrinsic zein (Zel) were assayed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) 3 times with a total of 4 primer pairs of different expected lengths. The cry9C gene (either 103 or 170 bp) was detected in the rectal contents (with a frequency of 25-37.5%) and in the cecal contents (25-50%) of the pigs fed SL. In a similar fashion, the zein (Zel) gene (either 242 or 329 bp) was detected in the rectal contents (with a frequency of 31.3%) and in the cecal contents (25-37.5%) of pigs fed on SL non-GM maize. These results suggested that ingested DNA was not totally degraded, but is present in a form detectable by PCR.

Surgery of proximal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Aneurysms of the proximal segment of anterior cerebral artery (A1) are uncommon, but present a unique challenge to surgeons because of the risk of injury to the nearby perforating arteries. Surgical issues and treatment options, however, have not been detailed in the previous literature. METHOD: We report a consecutive series of 11 patients with A1 aneurysms focusing on the surgical considerations. The A1 aneurysms represented 3.4% of the 322 cerebral aneurysms treated in our hospital in the last 6 years. All patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage, and 8 patients (73%) had multiple aneurysms. FINDINGS: All aneurysms were secured by neck clipping via pterional craniotomy without any surgery-related morbidity. All of the aneurysms projected superiorly or posteriorly from the origin of the perforating artery of the A1 segment. The aneurysm dome was tightly adherent to the perforating arteries in 7 cases (64%) and the base extended broadly along the axis of the parent artery in 4 cases (36%). INTERPRETATION: Separating the perforating arteries from the neck or dome of the A1 aneurysm and preserving the vessel presents a substantial challenge to the surgeon, because the aneurysm is almost always behind the parent artery in the surgical field, making it difficult to achieve good access for this particular type of dissection. Consideration should be given to additional orbitotomy, wide opening of the Sylvian fissure, mobilization of the MCA and ICA, selection of aperture clip and intra-operative shortening of the clip blades.

Simultaneous resection of pancreas and liver metastases from different metachronous primary cancers.

Resection of a pancreatic head tumor and partial resection of the liver for metastatic lesions were carried out simultaneously in a 72-year-old woman. The patient had a history of two previous operations, right nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (clear cell type), done 14 years previously, and an Autincloss procedure for cancer of the left breast (solid tubular carcinoma); (T1N0M0; stage I) done 7 years previously. At the current presentation, preoperative radiographic examination showed a hypervascular tumor in each of the pancreatic and hepatic lesions, but with different patterns. On the basis of histological findings in the two resected specimens, it was difficult to establish whether the hepatic tumor originated from the renal cell carcinoma or the breast cancer, but postoperative immunohistochemical studies for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), estrogen receptors, and gross cystic disease fluid protein (GCDFP)-15 showed that the pancreatic tumor had metastasized from the renal cell carcinoma, and the liver tumor from the breast cancer. The immunohistochemical investigation of different markers thus proved to be useful in making the final diagnosis of metastatic lesions from different and metachronous cancers.

Recurrent giant longitudinal duodenal ulcer with massive hemorrhage in a Helicobacter pylori-negative patient.

A 67-year-old man, in whom a linear ulcer running from the duodenal bulb to the descending part had been noted 3 years previously, was admitted to our hospital because of abdominal pain and melena. Duodenoscopy revealed a bleeding giant longitudinal ulcer, which was more extensive than before. Tests for Helicobacter pylori (Hp) were negative. The ulcer was cured by endoscopic hemostasis and repeated blood transfusions. Attention must be paid to Hp-negative post-bulbar duodenal ulcers because of the frequent complications including hemorrhage.

[A detection method for recombinant DNA from genetically modified maize CBH351].

A method using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was designed for the detection of genetically modified maize CBH351, which has not authorized as safe for use in foods and feeds in Japan yet. We analyzed a recombinant DNA (r-DNA) sequence introduced into CBH351 maize and designed specific primer pairs to amplify a segment including part of the r-DNA. The PCR products obtained by using the designed primer pairs are specific for CBH351 and should prevent false positive results caused by other maizes and other main cereal crops. The r-DNA introduced into CBH351 could be detected from maize samples containing 0.05-0.1% CBH351 maize. This sensitivity is theoretically equivalent to a level of several genome copies and so this technique is a very efficient means to detect CBH351 maize.

Impairment in the expression and activity of Fyn during differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into the Th2 subset.

We previously showed that the amounts of Fyn protein in Th2 clones were approximately one-third to one-fifth of those in Th1 clones. In this study we examined the role of Fyn in the polarization of naive CD4+ T cells toward the Th2 subset using fyn(-/-) mice. The fyn(-/-) naive CD4+ T cells efficiently produced Th2 cytokines and polarized toward the Th2 subset even in the absence of IL-4 and IL-13. The expression of Fyn in wild-type CD4+ T cells decreased at a transcription level concomitant with polarization toward the Th2 subset. These results suggest that Fyn plays a role in the down-regulation of the differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into the Th2 subset.

Shh and Ptc are associated with taste bud maintenance in the adult mouse.

In mammals, taste receptor cells are organized into taste buds on tongue. Taste buds are trophically maintained by taste neurons and under continuous renewal, even in adults. We found that the receptor for Sonic hedgehog (Shh), Patched1 (Ptc), was expressed around taste buds where cells were proliferating, and that Shh was expressed within basal cells of taste buds. Denervation caused the loss of Shh and Ptc expression before the degeneration of taste buds.

A multiplex PCR method of detecting recombinant DNAs from five lines of genetically modified maize.

Seven lines of genetically modified (GM) maize have been authorized in Japan as foods and feeds imported from the USA. We improved a multiplex PCR method described in the previous report in order to distinguish the five lines of GM maize. Genomic DNA was extracted from GM maize with a silica spin column kit, which could reduce experimental time and improve safety in the laboratory and potentially in the environment. We sequenced recombinant DNA (r-DNA) introduced into GM maize, and re-designed new primer pairs to increase the specificity of PCR to distinguish five lines of GM maize by multiplex PCR. A primer pair for the maize intrinsic zein gene (Ze1) was also designed to confirm the presence of amplifiable maize DNA. The lengths of PCR products using these six primer pairs were different. The Ze1 and the r-DNAs from the five lines of GM maize were qualitatively detected in one tube. The specific PCR bands were distinguishable from each other on the basis of the expected length. The r-DNA could be detected from maize samples containing 0.5% of each of the five lines of GM maize. The sensitivity would be acceptable to secure the verification of non-GMO materials and to monitor the reliability of the labeling system.

Effects of deoxycholic acid and its epimers on lipid peroxidation in isolated rat hepatocytes.

We studied the effects of deoxycholic acid and its three epimers with beta-hydroxyl groups (3alpha,12beta-, 3beta,12alpha-, and 3beta,12beta-dihydroxy-5beta-cholan-24-oic acids), which were hydrophilic and less cytotoxic, on lipid peroxidation to elucidate the relationship between structural features of bile acids and their effect on lipid peroxidation. Taurodeoxycholate markedly increased the production of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, end products of lipid peroxidation, in isolated rat hepatocytes, whereas epimers of taurodeoxycholate did not. Deoxycholic acid inhibited mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase and NADH:ferricytochrome c oxidoreductase activities, leading to free radical generation, whereas epimers of deoxycholic acid had no effect on mitochondrial enzymes. These findings suggested that hydrophobic bile acids cause lipid peroxidation by impairment of mitochondrial function, leading to the generation of free radicals; and epimerization of alpha-hydroxyl groups in the steroid nucleus to beta-hydroxyl groups results in a decrease of the toxic effects of deoxycholic acid on lipid peroxidation.

Molecular genetic identification of a candidate receptor gene for sweet taste.

A cDNA clone encoding a novel member of the putative taste receptor T1R family, designated T1R3, was isolated from circumvallate papillae of the mouse tongue using degenerate primers. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis showed predominant expression of the receptor in circumvallate papillae. In situ hybridization analysis revealed that T1R3 was expressed in a subset of taste receptor cells in taste buds and that the topographic distribution of T1R3 in various taste papillae was different from those of the other T1R members. Genetic mapping of T1R3 with a mouse/hamster radiation hybrid panel located the gene on the distal end of mouse chromosome 4 correlated with the Sac locus affecting sweet sensitivity of mice. Our results indicate that T1R3 may serve as the receptor for sweet perception in mice.

[Detection of recombinant DNA from genetically modified papaya].

A method using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed to detect the genetically modified (GM) papaya (55-1 line), of which the mandatory safety assessment has not been finished in Japan because of insufficient data. The papaya intrinsic papain gene was used as an internal control. The results of PCR amplification of the papain gene segment indicated that a commercial silica membrane type kit (QIAGEN DNeasy plant mini) was useful for extraction of DNA from papaya fruit, but not for extraction from canned papaya fruit. On the other hand, a commercial ion-exchange type kit (QIAGEN Genomic-tip) provided enough purified DNA for PCR from canned papaya fruit. Compared with the parental line and other commercial non-GM papayas, the DNA from GM papaya fruit provided specific amplification bands in PCR with five primer pairs (Nos. 2-6) including beta-glucuronidase and neomycin phosphotransferase II gene-specific ones. On the other hand, the primer pairs recognizing these genes showed false-positive results when we used DNAs from canned papaya. Therefore, we recommend that the primer pairs (Nos. 5 and 6) recognizing the sequences derived from two different species of organism should be used in order to detect specifically the GM papaya in canned fruits.

Malignant schwannoma of the esophagus with lymph node metastasis: literature review of schwannoma of the esophagus.

An extremely rare case of malignant schwannoma of the esophagus with lymph node metastasis is reported. A 49-year-old woman was found to have an abnormal shadow on a chest X-ray film taken during an annual checkup. Upper gastrointestinal series showed extrinsic pressure on the middle thoracic esophagus, without a mucosal lesion. An exploratory operation was performed, with a tentative diagnosis of esophageal leiomyoma. The tumor was enucleated with part of the esophageal mucosa, and a few enlarged lymph nodes around the tumor were dissected. The resected tumor was an elastic firm mass, measuring 8.2 x 5.8 x 3.7 cm, and had a smooth surface. Histological examination of the tumor revealed the proliferation of spindle-shaped cells with chromatin-rich nuclei. The nuclei were variable in size and showed remarkable atypia. A paraesophageal lymph node had same findings as the main tumor. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were diffusely positive for S-100 protein and neuron-specific enolase. The pathological diagnosis of this tumor was malignant esophageal schwannoma with lymph node metastasis. Esophageal schwannoma is extremely rare. We reviewed the literature on 19 cases of esophageal schwannoma, including that in our patient. The majority of the tumors were benign. Only three cases of schwannoma were malignant, and this is the first reported case of malignant schwannoma with lymph node metastasis.

Impaired delayed-type hypersensitivity response in mutant mice secreting soluble CD4 without expression of membrane-bound CD4.

Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) is an important in vivo manifestation of cell-mediated immunity. We examined the DTH response to methylated bovine serum albumin of a novel mutant strain of mice that have soluble CD4 (sCD4) in their circulation without expression of CD4 on the cell surface. The DTH response of the mutant mice was severely impaired, although the response of CD4 knockout (KO) mice, generated by homologous recombination, was comparable to that of wild-type mice. The response of the mutant mice was restored by the neutralization of sCD4 with anti-CD4, and that of CD4KO mice was markedly reduced by the implantation of a diffusion chamber containing sCD4 cDNA transfectant cells. The restored DTH response of the mutant mice treated with anti-CD4 was abolished by treatment with anti-interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). IFN-gamma production by CD4 mutant and CD4KO mice was consistent with their DTH response and inversely related to the presence of sCD4 in their circulation, indicating that sCD4 impairs the DTH response by blocking the production of IFN-gamma in our mutant mice. These results raise the possibility that sCD4 could impair cell-mediated immunity. Our mutant mice would provide a useful tool with which to analyse the mechanisms of the DTH reaction.

False localization of rupture site in patients with multiple cerebral aneurysms and subarachnoid hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage and multiple intracranial aneurysms present a unique challenge to the neurosurgeon. Unless all aneurysms can be clipped through a single craniotomy, the surgeon must accurately determine which aneurysm has ruptured. Misjudgment may result in disastrous postoperative rebleeding from the untreated but true ruptured lesion. We assessed the risk of false localization of the rupture site and subsequent rebleeding and documented the problems in predicting the true rupture site when patients have multiple intracranial aneurysms. METHOD: We reviewed the records of a consecutive series of 93 patients treated over a period of 12 years who presented with their first subarachnoid hemorrhage and who had multiple intracranial aneurysms. The rupture site was determined on the basis of computed tomographic and angiographic findings, and the supposed ruptured aneurysm was clipped within 2 days of hemorrhage in each patient. Additional aneurysms that could not be accessed in the same surgical session were operated on at a later stage. All patients' records were reviewed, and all computed tomographic scans and angiograms, including repeat studies performed in some patients, were retrospectively reevaluated by the authors, who had no knowledge of the patients' clinical information. RESULTS: The location of the aneurysm that ruptured was verified at the time of surgery or during the autopsy in 76 patients (82%). The aneurysm that ruptured was the one predicted as ruptured by the surgeon before surgery in 69 patients (91%) and in retrospect in 72 patients (95%). Five of the 6 patients in whom the ruptured aneurysm was not correctly identified were thought to have only a single aneurysm. Four patients rebled after surgery, and 2 patients died as a result of the rebleeding. CONCLUSION: In the reported series, the most common cause of rebleeding soon after aneurysm surgery was failure to obliterate the ruptured aneurysm, usually because it was missed on the initial angiogram. The results support not only meticulous radiological investigation of all intracranial arteries before surgery but also thorough surgical inspection of the target aneurysm in all cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage even after one candidate lesion has been discovered.

Responses to umami substances in taste bud cells innervated by the chorda tympani and glossopharyngeal nerves.

The chorda tympani (CT) and glossopharyngeal (GL) nerves of several mammalian species respond differently to umami substances (US) such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), disodium 5'-inosinate (IMP) and disodium 5'-guanylate (GMP). In mice and rhesus monkeys, responses to US are greater in the GL than the CT nerve, with the GL nerve containing larger numbers of MSG-sensitive fibers. Gurmarin, a sweet response inhibitor, suppresses the mouse CT responses to the mixture of MSG and IMP to approximately 65% of control levels but not to the metabotropic and ionotropic glutamate agonists 2-amino-4-phophonobutyrate and N-methyl-D-aspartate. Gurmarin does not inhibit any taste responses in the GL. In mice, CT responses to MSG may be masked by their greater sensitivity to sodium ions. Calcium imaging studies demonstrate that some mouse taste cells isolated from the fungiform papilla innervated by the CT respond selectively (as indicated by a rise in intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations) to MSG and/or IMP or GMP. These MSG responses are not suppressed notably by reducing the Ca(2+) concentration of the stimulus solution, suggesting that the observed Ca(2+) release is from intracellular stores. Measurements of second messengers in the mouse fungiform papilla have revealed consistently that MSG elicits increases in both inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and adenosine 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate levels. Together, these results suggest that US may stimulate two different transduction mechanisms in the fungiform papilla. They also suggest that gurmarin-insensitive components of receptors for US, including metabotropic and ionotropic glutamate receptors, may be commonly involved in transduction for umami taste in taste cells on both anterior and posterior parts of the tongue.

Bile acid sulfonate and 7-alkylated bile acid analogs: effect on intestinal absorption of taurocholate and cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase activity in cultured rat hepatocytes.

The effects of sulfonate analogs of cholic (C), chenodeoxycholic (CDC), and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDC) and three 7-alkylated CDCs--7-methyl-, 7-ethyl-, and 7-propyl-CDCs--on taurocholate absorption from rat terminal ileum in situ and on cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase activity in primary culture of the rat liver were investigated. The sulfonate analogs of two dihydroxy bile acids CDC and UDC, but not C, significantly decreased the absorption of taurocholate. Taurine conjugates of 7-alkylated CDC slightly decreased the taurocholate absorption, and tauro-7-propyl-CDC significantly suppressed the absorption. Although the sulfonate analogs of C and CDC reduced cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase activity by 40% and 60% compared to control, UDC-sulfonate analog did not affect enzymatic activity. These results were consistent with those of the lead compounds, C, CDC, and UDC. The introduction of methyl group at C-7 position of CDC attenuated the reduction in cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase activity by CDC. However, elongation of the alkyl group resulted in an inhibitory effect. The present study revealed the following: 1) bile acid sulfonates act on cholesterol and bile acid metabolism in a similar manner as taurine conjugated bile acids; and 2) the biologic properties of CDC could be altered by the introduction of alkyl group at C-7 position.

Interferon gamma priming is not critical for IL-12 production of murine spleen cells.

Interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) priming is considered to be critical for interleukin 12 (IL-12) production of murine macrophages and human monocytes by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. In our present experiments, freshly prepared spleen cells (f-spleen cells) were confirmed not to produce detectable level of IL-12 by LPS stimulation, although they produced significant amount of IL-12 by the stimulation with LPS plus IFN-gamma. However, the stimulation only with LPS induced IL-12 production of spleen cells preincubated in the absence of IFN-gamma. Findings on IL-12 p40 mRNA accumulation were consistent with their IL-12 production. Essentially the same results were obtained using spleen cells from IFN-gamma deficient mice. In the presence of anti-IL-10, f-spleen cells produced IL-12 upon LPS stimulation, indicating that the failure of f-spleen cells in IL-12 production is caused by IL-10 produced by themselves upon LPS stimulation. In addition, f-spleen cells produced IL-12 upon CD40 ligand stimulation, and the production was hardly affected by the presence of IFN-gamma or preincubation. These results indicate that IFN-gamma priming is not critical for IL-12 production of spleen cells stimulated with LPS or CD40 ligand, although IFN-gamma enhances the production, especially, in response to LPS stimulation.