Determination by HPLC fluorescence analysis of the natural enantiomers of sex pheromones in the New World screwworm fly, Cochliomyia hominivorax.

Bioassays of six racemic synthesized candidate sex pheromone compounds against male New World screwworm Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel) flies showed that the most potent bioactivity was found with 6-acetoxy-19-methylnonacosane and 7-acetoxy-15-methylnonacosane compared with four other isomeric acetoxy nonacosanes and a larger aliphatic ketone. As all these methyl-branched compounds have two asymmetric carbons and four possible enantiomers, characterization of the natural enantiomers was essential. All four enantiomers for the two most bioactive isomers of the natural sex pheromone were synthesized for bioassay. Hydrolysis and derivatization of these enantiomers with different fluorescent reagents was followed by column-switched high-performance liquid chromatography. The use of two linked, reversed-phase columns of different polarity held at sub-ambient temperatures allowed good separation of each enantiomer. This analysis applied to natural material was successful, as (6R,19R)-6-acetoxy-19-methylnonanocosane, and (7R,15R)- and (7R,15S)-7-acetoxy-15-methylnonanocosane were detected in extracts of recently colonized female flies.

A study on the socio-psychiatric aspects of short-term ARP (Alcohol Rehabilitation Program).

The duration of the majority of Alcohol Rehabilitation Programs (ARP) at major hospitals specializing in this treatment is three months. Recently, however, because of diverse backgrounds and patients needs, long periods of hospitalization have become difficult. In response to this, Okamotodai Hospital initiated a one-month ARP program three years ago. One feature of this program is that it can be freely structured to meet the requirements of individual patients. This study compares the prognosis of patients treated under this one-month program with that of those who have undergone the three-month program. A group of 56 patients who had completed a one-month ARP program during a period of two to three years was compared with a group of 46 patients who had completed a three-month program over a similar period. The backgrounds of the subjects were researched by questionnaire. A comparison of the prognosis of patients in the respective programs showed there was no statistical difference, with a recovery rate of 45% for both programs. Results of this study statistical difference, with a recovery rate of 45% for both programs. Results of this study cannot be generalized, due to the lack of subjects and recovery of questionnaires. Since enforcement of the one-month ARP, increasing number of patients have been using the program. This fact doesn't necessarily show that the use of ARP improve, although the possibility remains that utilization of the one-month ARP is promoted. In recent years, utilization of brief intervention has been demonstrated and recovery from alcoholism in the outpatient clinics reported. Considering such things, results of the study show that the one-month ARP is a valid and effective program.

Hematopoietic development of primordial germ cell-derived mouse embryonic germ cells in culture.

Induction of hematopoiesis in an embryonic germ (EG) cell line derived from mouse primordial germ cells (PGCs) was examined. When single undifferentiated EG-1 cells were inoculated directly into the methylcellulose medium, both primitive and definitive erythropoiesis were seen in embryoid bodies derived from the EG cells as observed in ES cells, and production of myeloid cell lineages was stimulated by IL-3. These results indicate that EG cells acquired in vitro potency to differentiate toward hematopoietic cells, although they were derived from PGC and are distinct from inner cell mass-derived ES cells with regard to gene expression and patterns of DNA methylation corresponding to genomic imprinting. It turns out that they are useful for study of cell differentiation in the animals whose ES cells are not available.

Rapid diagnosis of red sea bream iridovirus infection using the polymerase chain reaction.

A simple and sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based assay is described for detection of the red sea bream iridovirus (RSIV) in infected fish. The assay involves amplification of a portion of the ribonucleotide reductase small subunit (RNRS) gene of the virus from DNA isolated from the spleen. The system was tested on red sea bream following an experimental infection. In our infection model, disease signs first became apparent 5 to 6 d post-infection, and mortality commenced at Day 6 and reached 90% by Day 9. No amplified product was detected from fish at 1 or 2 d post-infection, but 3 of 5 fish tested positive at Day 3, and all fish tested positive at Days 5 and 8. Thus, infection could be detected prior to the appearance of overt symptoms. This PCR method should be of considerable value for aquaculture to detect RSIV infection.

Longitudinal changes in computerized EEG and mental function of the aged: a nine-year follow-up study.

Computer-analyzed EEG data and mental functions of the healthy aged (28 survivors and 20 nonsurvivors) were followed for nine years in a study of their relationship with age and longevity. The study revealed that decrease in fast waves occurred from early senescence. The slowing of EEG, the increase in theta waves, and the decrease in alpha frequency became obvious in late senescence, after the late 70s or beyond 80 years. The amount of alpha waves was maintained until the early 80s. The decline of mental functions occurred with the slowing of EEG in late senescence. The slowing of EEG and the lowered scores of psychometrics were closely related to the longevity of life, comparing the survivors and nonsurvivors in retrospect.

Effects of idebenone on electroencephalograms of patients with cerebrovascular disorders.

A daily dose of 90 mg of idebenone was given to nine patients with cerebrovascular disorders to investigate its effects on clinical symptoms and electroencephalograms (EEG). Changes in EEG before and after the administration were compared quantitatively by computer analysis using the wave-form recognition method. Significant increase in frequency in the alpha band (O1) and trends of increased appearance of beta waves, decreased appearance of alpha 1 bands, and lowered amplitude in the alpha 1 and alpha 2 bands were observed after administration of idebenone. The theta waves of 30 microV and over had a significantly diminished maximum amplitude (C3) and a tendency to appear less often. Mean frequency of the EEG and appearance of fast waves apparently increased in the patients showing improvement of the clinical symptoms as compared with those not showing improvement. The results suggested that idebenone improved the EEG in the patients with cerebrovascular disorders, causing changes in EEG similar to those observed with psychostimulants.

The electroencephalographic study on adult-type Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

Polygraphic recordings were performed 22 times during a period of about two years on a 25-years-old man with the Lennox-Gastaut syndrome of the adult type. He had several generalized convulsions initially when he was eight years old, and had the Lennox-Gastaut syndrome since the age of 17 years. The paroxysmal fast rhythm shown 214 times in the recordings, which appeared only in the light stage of sleep, was analyzed. The pattern of the paroxysms, and the relationship between the pattern and the clinical seizures was studied. The parozysms were composed of a series of spikes and slow spike and wave. They appeared diffuse and bilaterally synchronous. And so, were classafied these paroxysms into four types. A through D, from the differences of basic activity before appearance of the paroxysms, amplitude, frequency and fluctuation of amplitude and frequency. Consequently D type was thought to be different from the other types of the pattern in spite of the differences in frequency, fluctuation of that and duration of the discharge. All of the clinical seizures which appeared with these paroxysmal fast rhythms was local tonic spasm in the lip. But D type never failed to associate with local tonic spasms and usually developed generalized tonic seizure. Except for D type, it was shown obviously that the same local tonic spasm appeared when the duration of the paroxysm was longer than 4.9 sec. We proposed the paroxysmal fast rhythm of a name "tonic seizure discharge" on the basis of the findings of this patient.