On-Site Evaluation of Constituent Content and Functionality of Perilla frutescens var. crispa Using Fluorescence Spectra.

Perilla frutescens leaves are hypothesized to possess antioxidant and amyloid-ß (Aß) aggregation inhibitory properties primarily due to their polyphenol-type compounds. While these bioactivities fluctuate daily, the traditional methods for quantifying constituent contents and functional properties are both laborious and impractical for immediate field assessments. To address this limitation, the present study introduces an expedient approach for on-site analysis, employing fluorescence spectra obtained through excitation light irradiation of perilla leaves. Standard analytical techniques were employed to evaluate various constituent contents (chlorophyl (Chl), total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and rosmarinic acid (RA)) and functional attributes (DPPH radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and Aß aggregation inhibitory activity). Correlations between the fluorescence spectra and these parameters were examined using normalized difference spectral index (NDSI), ratio spectral index (RSI), and difference spectral index (DSI) analyses. The resulting predictive model exhibited a high coefficient of determination, with R2 values equal to or greater than 0.57 for constituent contents and 0.49 for functional properties. This approach facilitates the convenient, simultaneous, and nondestructive monitoring of both the chemical constituents and the functional capabilities of perilla leaves, thereby simplifying the determination of optimal harvest times. The model derived from this method holds promise for real-time assessments, indicating its potential for the simultaneous evaluation of both constituents and functionalities in perilla leaves.

[Two Cases at Community Pharmacies of Mercaptopurine Removal from a Disk-type Powder-packaging Machine by Wiping It with Water].

"Leukerin® powder 10%" containing mercaptopurine (6-MP) is an oral anticancer drug that requires careful handling. As a powder formulation, there are risks of exposure due to scattering during dispensing and possible 6-MP contamination to other drugs due to adhesion to the packaging machine. We previously reported that wiping with an alcohol-containing towel is useful for removing scattered powder after dispensing. However, it is recommended to wipe disk-type powder-packaging machines with water instead of cleaning with the alcohol-containing towel. Hence, we scattered 6-MP powder 100 mg (total amount of 6-MP: 10 mg), and then wiped with water three times using different types of cloth each time. We confirmed that third time wiping cloth did not have any 6-MP. Furthermore, we confirmed that the adhering 6-MP could be removed by wipe-cleaning (water-wiping twice and dry-wiping once) after dispensing 6-MP powder at two pharmacies that routinely dispensed 6-MP powder using a disk-type powder-packaging machine. In addition, we confirmed the adhesion of 6-MP in parts of the machine not cleaned by wipe-cleaning and also in parts that were washed only with water, in both the pharmacies. Based on the above observations, we recommend the following steps for cleaning disk-type powder-packaging machines after dispensing 6-MP powder: (1) wipe-cleaning that includes water-wiping twice and then dry-wiping once, (2) cleaning all areas of the packaging machine, and (3) wipe-cleaning with water before washing with water.

Proposal of a novel index for selection of optimal annuloplasty ring size for tricuspid annuloplication.

BACKGROUND: Optimal ring size in tricuspid annuloplasty (TAP) surgery to treat functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) was investigated because optimal ring size remains undefined. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixty seven patients who underwent TAP at our institution were retrospectively studied. Tricuspid Annuloplasty Ring size Index (TARI) was defined as implanted tricuspid annuloplasty ring size divided by body surface area (BSA). Different TARI cut-off values were tested to determine which value produced the greatest difference in TR improvement (TRI=preoperative minus postoperative TR grade) between patients with TARI smaller (group S) and larger (group L) than the cut-off. Group S was also subdivided by ring type: Cosgrove rings (SC) and MC3 rings (SM). TARI and TRI were negatively correlated (r=-0.307). A TARI threshold of 18.9 mm/m(2) produced the greatest and most significant difference (P<0.0005) in TRI. Defining groups S and L using this threshold, TRI was significantly greater for group S (1.77 ± 0.80) than for group L (0.97 ± 0.83); P <0.0005. There was no difference in TRI between groups SC and SM. CONCLUSIONS: A novel index TARI that normalizes tricuspid annuloplasty ring size by BSA was developed. Choosing ring size to make TARI <18.9 mm/m(2) is likely to be better than setting an upper limit of absolute ring size in the surgical treatment of TR.

Long-term results of modified Bentall procedure using flanged composite aortic prosthesis.

PURPOSE: We have been using the flanged composite aortic prosthesis and Carrel button technique to re-attach the coronary ostia in aortic root replacement procedures at our institution over the last twenty five years. Our objective was to evaluate the long-term results of aortic root replacement with this technique. METHODS: A total of 73 patients from January 1984 to August 2010 were included in this study. The median age was 52.7 ± 14.4 years (range 28-80 years). There were 48 male and 25 female patients. 44 patients (60.3%) had annuloaortic ectasia, and 15 patients (20.5%) had acute type A aortic dissection. Marfan syndrome was recognized in 12 patients (16.5%). RESULTS: The early mortality rate was 5.5% (n = 4). Causes of death were multiple organ failures in two patients and sepsis in another two patients. The actuarial survival rate was 84.2% at 5 years, 64.3% at 15 years and 51.9% at 25 years. Only one patient with aortitis needed a reoperation because of coronary pseudoaneurysm after 23 years from the previous operation. CONCLUSION: This modified Bentall procedure is reliable and safe, with superior long-term survival and a low rate of aortic reoperation.

Atherosclerotic pseudoaneurysm of the left subclavian artery: a case report.

A subclavian artery aneurysm is rare. We report the case of a 61-year-old man with a history of hypertension and angina pectoris who was diagnosed with an atherosclerotic aneurysm of the left subclavian artery. An incidental computed tomography scan revealed a 37-mm saccular aneurysm adjacent to both the proximal left subclavian artery and the distal aortic arch. He underwent an aneurysmectomy with total aortic arch replacement via a median sternotomy. Operative findings revealed that the aneurysm had originated from the left subclavian artery and was located 1 cm distal to the ostium. The final pathological diagnosis was a pseudoaneurysm.

The roles of natriuretic peptides in pericardial fluid in patients with heart failure.

BACKGROUND: It is well known that the plasma concentrations of atrial and brain natriuretic peptides, as cardiac hormones, are elevated in heart failure. HYPOTHESIS: Pericardial fluid in patients with various heart diseases contains both natriuretic peptides that are released into the pericardial fluid. However, it is unknown whether these peptides reflect cardiac function in patients with various heart diseases, more than both the peptides in blood. METHODS: Plasma and pericardial fluid samples were obtained from 22 patients undergoing cardiac surgery for the measurement of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in plasma and pericardial fluid. RESULTS: The ANP levels in pericardial fluid were higher in patients with impaired left ventricular systolic function (ejection fraction<50% versus>or=50%; 77.0+/-4.9 versus 14.0+/-50.9, p=0.017), but not BNP.However, BNP levels in pericardial fluid were significantly higher in patients with left ventricle dilatation (left ventricular diastolic dimension54 mm; 130.3+/-68.9: 709.7+/-324.7, p=0.0168). Moreover, BNP levels in pericardial fluid were significantly higher in Grade III than Grade II and I (Grade I: echo-free space<5 mm, Grade II: 5-10 mm, Grade III: >10 mm). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that BNP levels in pericardial fluid served as more sensitive and accurate indicators of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, and that increased BNP levels in pericardial fluid may have an important pathophysiologic role in heart failure as a cardiocyte-derived antifibrotic factor.

The fundamental properties of Homer 1 in association with cardiac ryanodine receptor in mouse heart.

BACKGROUND: Homer, known as a scaffolding protein that regulates postsynapse signaling in neurons, has been poorly explored in cardiac research. We show the fundamental properties of Homer 1 in mouse heart in association with cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR), a binding protein of Homer 1. METHODS AND RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry of adult mouse heart with Homer 1 antibody showed striated staining on Z-bands both in atria and ventricles. The interactions between Homer 1 and RyR were confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation assays. Immunostaining of adult isolated cardiomyocytes showed partial co-localization of both proteins. In neonatal primary cultures, targeting of Homer 1 preceded that of RyR in their Z-band arrangement. CONCLUSIONS: Homer 1 binds to RyR in adult mouse heart and precedes RyR in Z-band arrangement in the early postnatal period.

Arrays of double-decker porphyrins on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite.

Three double-decker complexes of cerium(IV) were synthesized, which commonly have a 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-docosyloxyphenyl)porphyrin (C22OPP) moiety as one of the two tetrapyrrole rings. The three complexes-Ce(Pc)(C22OPP), Ce(C22OPP)2, and Ce(BPEPP)(C22OPP)-are distinguished by the other rings, which are Pc (=phthalocyanine), C22OPP, and BPEPP (=5,15-bis[4-(phenylethynyl)phenyl]porphyrin), respectively. The rate of inter-ring rotation of Ce(BPEPP)(C22OPP) was estimated to be approximately 3 s(-1) in solution at room temperature. These complexes assemble into ordered arrays at the interface of 1-phenyloctane and the highly oriented pyrolytic graphite surface, owing to the affinity of the long alkyl chains toward the surface, as revealed by means of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) with molecular resolution. The shape of the upper ring is reflected in the STM image. Thus, Ce(Pc)(C22OPP), Ce(C22OPP)2, and Ce(BPEPP)(C22OPP) were observed as circular, square, and elliptic features, respectively. Possible molecular arrangements in the array of Ce(BPEPP)(C22OPP) are proposed by comparing STM images and molecular models. In the mixed arrays of Ce(BPEPP)(C22OPP) and H2(C22OPP), the double-decker complexes were distinguished by brighter features. Competitive adsorption experiments showed that the adsorption of Ce(BPEPP)(C22OPP) is less favorable than that of H2(C22OPP) by DeltaG(app) = 2.7 kJ mol(-1). Ce(BPEPP)(C22OPP) molecules appeared elliptic when placed within their own row, while they appeared isotropic when flanked by H2(C22OPP) molecules. Implications of the differences in the observed shapes to the inter-ring rotation are discussed.

Giant organized thrombus in the left sinus of valsalva causing intermittent left coronary obstruction: an unusual case of acute myocardial infarction.

A 48-year-old Japanese man was admitted to hospital for acute myocardial infarction associated with a giant organized thrombus occupying the left sinus of Valsalva. Cardiac catheterization revealed no organic stenosis in either coronary artery, but left ventriculography and aortography showed a filling defect above the left coronary cusp. Transesophageal echocardiography was immediately performed and showed a round mass filling the left sinus of Valsalva. A solid, round mass approximately 2.5 cm in diameter was removed during emergency surgery and determined to be a thrombus on the basis of microscopic findings. This is the second report of a giant organized thrombus occupying the entire left sinus of Valsalva, obstructing the ostium of the left coronary artery intermittently, and leading to acute myocardial infarction.

Perfusion flow assessment of coronary shunt during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: Coronary shunts are widely used to prevent myocardial ischemia during off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (OPCAB) procedures. Although clinical effectiveness has been reported, actual perfusion flow has not been well assessed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate actual shunt flow and its pattern during passive coronary perfusion in clinical OPCAB. METHODS: In 15 OPCAB cases, the coronary perfusion flow of the external shunt (1.7 or 2.0 mm) during anastomosis and the free flow of the shunt were measured with an in-line electromagnetic or ultrasonic flow probe. The perfused coronary blood vessel was either the left anterior descending coronary artery or the right coronary artery. The inflow vessel of the external shunt was either the femoral artery (FA) or the ascending aorta (AA). RESULTS: Free flow values of a 1.7-mm FA shunt, 1.7-mm AA shunt, and 2.0-mm FA shunt were 34+/- 7, 39 +/- 3, and 44 +/- 7 mL/min. Perfusion flows were 13 +/- 4, 14 +/- 3, and 22 +/- 4 mL/min, respectively. Perfusion flow was significantly lower than free flow and correlated well with coronary resistance. Although inflow site did not influence net perfusion flow, diastolic/systolic flow fraction ratio was significantly greater when the shunt was perfused from the FA. CONCLUSIONS: External shunt from FA would provide limited but effective perfusion flow with a physiological pattern, which is passively regulated by coronary resistance.

Clinical characteristics of primary vesicoureteral reflux in infants: multicenter retrospective study in Japan.

PURPOSE: We evaluate clinical characteristics of primary vesicoureteral reflux in infants in a multicenter study in Japan with special reference to the relation of renal parenchymal damage to urinary tract infection and gender. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Infants younger than 1 year old with primary vesicoureteral reflux were recruited from 14 hospitals during the 3-year registration period beginning in January 1996 and ending in December 1998. Various clinical parameters as well as renal parenchymal lesion on dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 356 infants enrolled 296 (83%) were male and 60 (17%) were female. In 85% of infants presenting symptom was febrile urinary tract infection. There were 204 bilateral (57%) and 152 unilateral (43%) cases. Reflux was bilateral in 56% of males versus 65% of females, and high grade (grades IV and V) in 58% of males versus 55% of females. Diffuse parenchymal lesion was similarly noted in infants with or without prior urinary tract infection (38% and 46%, respectively) and was more often noted in male than in female infants (42% versus 25%). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the current use of screening prenatal ultrasound, many infants are still diagnosed as having vesicoureteral reflux only after the occurrence of urinary tract infection. The greater severity of renal parenchymal lesion in male infants combined with similar incidence of diffuse parenchymal lesion in those with or without prior infection suggests preexisting congenital abnormalities in the male refluxing kidney.

Urinary concentrations of alpha-1-microglobulin and albumin in patients with reflux nephropathy before and after puberty.

We determined urinary concentrations of alpha(1)-microglobulin and albumin in 155 patients with reflux nephropathy including 72 prepubertal (48 males and 24 females) and 83 postpubertal patients (43 males and 40 females) to elucidate the effect of age and gender in the progression of renal damage. Vesicoureteral reflux was resolved in all patients at least two years before enrollment into this study. Renal scarring was diagnosed with (99m)technetium dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan. More severe renal scarring was found predominantly in male compared to female patients. Urinary alpha(1)-microglobulin levels were significantly lower in postpubertal female patients (mean +/- SD: 1.59 +/- 1.02 mg/g creatinine) than in prepubertal males and females (3.32 +/- 3.53 and 4.06 +/- 4, respectively; p < 0.007 and p < 0.002, respectively), and in postpubertal males (3.69 +/- 2.6; p < 0.002) regardless of severity of renal scarring. In the patients with severe unilateral renal scarring, urinary albumin levels were significantly higher in postpubertal males (81.9 +/- 239.5) than in prepubertal males and postpubertal females (25.8 +/- 63.1 and 13.8 +/- 7.7, respectively; p < 0.05 and p < 0.05, respectively). Our results suggest that glomerular injury may develop during adolescence predominantly in male patients with severe renal scarring. In contrast, renal damage indicated by urinary alpha(1)-microglobulon level appears to be ameliorated in female postpubertal patients. This gender difference may be attributed to sex hormones.