Aldosterone and corticosterone in amniotic fluid during various stages of pregnancy

Concentrations of unconjugated aldosterone and corticosterone were measured in amniotic fluid (AF) at different stages of pregnancy. At 9–20 weeks gestation the mean AF level of aldosterone was 14.4±0.7 ng/dl, and of corticosterone 82.9±6.4 ng/dl. Both showed the same pattern during pregnancy, with a rise in AF levels in the last few weeks. At 28–40 weeks gestation the mean AF aldosterone level was 25.5±2.0 ng/dl and the mean AF corticosterone was 218.3±26.6 ng/dl.     

Automated pelvic anatomical coordinate system is reproducible for determination of anterior pelvic plane

Most of computer-assisted planning systems need to determine the anatomical axis based on the anterior pelvic plane (APP). We analysed that our new system is more reproducible for determination of APP than previous methods. A pelvic model bone and two subjects suffering from hip osteoarthritis were evaluated. Multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) images were scanned with various rotations by MDCT scanner. The pelvic rotation was calibrated using silhouette images. APP was determined by an optimisation technique. The values of variation of APP caused by pelvic rotation were analysed with statistical analysis. APP determination with calibration and optimisation was most reproducible.The values of variance of APP were within 0.05° in model bone and 0.2° even in patient pelvis. Furthermore, the values of variance of APP with calibration/optimisation were significantly lower in comparison without calibration/optimisation. Both calibration and optimisation are actually required for determination of APP. This system could contribute to the evaluation of hip joint kinematics and computer-assisted surgery.     

Campest-5-en-3-one,an oxidized derivative of campesterol,activates PPARα, promotes energy consumption and reduces visceral fat deposition in rats

Dietary campest-5-en-3-one (campestenone), an oxidized derivative of campesterol, significantly reduced visceral fat weight and the concentration of triacylglycerol in serum and liver of rats. Dietary campestenone dramatically increased the activities and the mRNA expressions of mitochondrial and peroxisomal enzymes involved in β-oxidation in the liver. Campestenone activated human peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α as determined using the novel GAL4 ligand-binding domain chimera assay system with coactivator coexpression. In contrast, dietary campestenone reduced the activities and the mRNA expressions of enzymes involved in fatty acid synthesis, except for the malic enzyme. Dietary campestenone decreased the sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) mRNA level. Energy expenditure was significantly higher in the feeding of campestenone in rats. Dietary campestenone reduced hepatic cholesterol concentration and increased fecal excretion of neutral steroids originated from cholesterol. Lymphatic absorption of cholesterol was reduced by the coadministration of campestenone in rats cannulated in the thoracic duct. These observations suggest a possibility that campestenone has an ability to prevent coronary heart disease by improving obesity and abnormality of lipid metabolism.     

Pathogenesis of Hand-Foot Syndrome induced by PEG-modified liposomal Doxorubicin

PEGL-DOX is an excellent treatment for recurrent ovarian cancer that rarely causes side-effects like cardiotoxicity or hair loss, but frequently results in Hand-Foot Syndrome (HFS). In severe cases, it can become necessary to reduce the PEGL-DOX concentration or the duration of the drug therapy, sometimes making it difficult to continue treatment. In this study, we prepared an animal model to compare the effects of DOX versus PEGL-DOX, and we noticed that only treatment with PEGL-DOX resulted in HFS, which led us to conclude that extravasation due to long-term circulation was one of the causes of HFS. In addition, we were able to show that the primary factor leading to the skin-specific outbreaks in the extremities was the appearance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to interactions between DOX and the metallic Cu(II) ions abundant in skin tissue. ROS directly disturb the surrounding tissue and simultaneously induce keratinocyte-specific apoptosis. Keratinocytes express the thermoreceptor TRPM2, which is thought to be able to detect ROS and stimulate the release of chemokines (IL-8, GRO, Fractalkine), which induce directed chemotaxis in neutrophils and other blood cells. Those cells and the keratinocytes then undergo apoptosis and simultaneously release IL-1β, IL-1α, and IL-6, which brings about an inflammatory state. In the future, we plan to develop preventative as well as therapeutic treatments by trapping the ROS.     

Contributions of large wood to the initial establishment and diversity of riparian vegetation in a bar-braided temperate river

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of large wood (LW) on the physical environment and the initial establishment of vascular plant species in the Rekifune River, a large bar-braided monsoonal river in Japan. The physical environment and the diversity and composition of plant species were compared in relation to the orientation of LW pieces. We found that shading effects were more prevalent in the immediate vicinity of LW pieces than in quadrats distant from LW. The effect was especially strong at the center of LW jams (the “jam center”). Fine sand and silt were concentrated in the quadrats downstream from the LW pieces. In contrast, cobbles dominated the upstream quadrats. The highest diversity was found in the jam center, while intermediate values were observed in the quadrats surrounding LW. Indicator species analysis detected 21 indicator species only in the jam center. The LW jams favored the deposition of plant fragments and sediment and created shaded areas within and around the structures. Buried seeds may be transported with LW during a flood, and seeds dispersed by wind and stream flows may be trapped by the complex structure of LW jams. The specific environmental conditions and the trapping of seeds and plant fragments result in the early establishment of mid-successional tree species at LW jams. In conclusion, the LW pieces deposited on gravel bars altered the light and substrate conditions and thereby provided specific safe sites for various riparian plant species.