Antioxidative and antihypertensive effects of Welsh onion on rats fed with a high-fat high-sucrose diet.

The effects of Welsh onion on the development of hypertension and autoxidation were studied in 6-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were fed with a control diet or a high-fat high-sucrose (HFS) diet with or without 5% Welsh onion (green-leafy type or white-sheath type) for 4 weeks. The systolic blood pressure was elevated and the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in plasma were increased in the rats fed with the HFS diet without Welsh onion.

Inhibition of the antigen-induced activation of rodent mast cells by putative Janus kinase 3 inhibitors WHI-P131 and WHI-P154 in a Janus kinase 3-independent manner.

We analyzed the effects of the Janus kinase 3 (Jak3)-specific inhibitor WHI-P131 (4-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)-amino-6,7-dimethoxyquinazoline) and the Jak3/Syk inhibitor WHI-P154 (4-(3'-bromo-4'-hydroxyphenyl)-amino-6,7-dimethoxyquinazoline) on the antigen-induced activation of mast cells. In the rat mast cell line RBL-2H3, both WHI-P131 and WHI-P154 inhibited the antigen-induced degranulation and phosphorylation of p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), p38 MAPK and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). The phosphorylation of Gab2, Akt and Vav was also inhibited by WHI-P131 and WHI-P154, indicating that these inhibitors suppress the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K).

Novel missense polymorphism in the regulator of G-protein signaling 10 gene: analysis of association with schizophrenia.

Dysfunction of neuronal signal transduction via G-protein has previously been speculated to be involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS) is a protein that acts as a GTPase-activator for Galpha protein. A total of 33 Japanese patients with schizophrenia were screened for mutations in the coding region of the RGS10 gene, and a novel missense polymorphism (Val38Met) in the RGS domain was detected.

High efficiency photocurrent generation by two-dimensional mixed J-aggregates of cyanine dyes.

Two-dimensional mixed J-aggregates of structurally and spectrally analogous anionic cyanine dyes, coadsorbed on a self-assembled monolayer of aminoalkanethiolate on Au(111), generated a high-efficiency (20-30% quantum efficiency) cathodic photocurrent and a significant photovoltaic effect in reversible Fe2+/Fe3+ redox solution.

Pigmented villonodular synovitis of the temporomandibular joint: differential diagnosis and case report.

Pigmented villonodular synovitis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is rare. We present a patient in whom the lesion had invaded the infratemporal fossa and destroyed the mandibular condyle.

Expression of Dmrt1 protein in developing and in sex-reversed gonads of amphibians.

Many genes are known to be involved in gonadal differentiation in vertebrates. Dmrt1, a gene that encodes a transcription factor with a DM-domain, is considered to be one of the essential genes controlling testicular differentiation in mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. However, it still remains unknown which testicular cells of animals other than mice and chicks express Dmrt1 protein.

Progress in pursuit of therapeutic A2A antagonists: the adenosine A2A receptor selective antagonist KW6002: research and development toward a novel nondopaminergic therapy for Parkinson's disease.

Research and development of the adenosine A2A receptor selective antagonist KW6002 have focused on developing a novel nondopaminergic therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD). Salient pharmacologic features of KW6002 were investigated in several animal models of PD. In rodent and primate models, KW6002 provides symptomatic relief from parkinsonian motor deficits without provoking dyskinesia or exacerbating existing dyskinesias.

Antioxidant activity of a Schiff base of pyridoxal and aminoguanidine.

We recently reported that PL-AG, a Schiff base of pyridoxal and aminoguanidine, was more effective than aminoguanidine (AG), a well-known anti-diabetic-complication compound, in preventing nephropathy in diabetic mice and presented brief data indicating the antioxidant activity of the adduct. In the present study, we additionally investigated the inhibitory activity of PL-AG in comparison with that of AG against in vitro and in vivo oxidation. PL-AG was more potent than AG and reference compounds such as pyridoxal and pyridoxamine in any of the five antioxidant activities examined in vitro, i.

[Postoperative evaluation of surgically treated cases with temporary silicone implant in temporomandibular joint].

We have carried out temporary silicone implants after diskectomies or arthroplasties in temporomandibular joint surgeries to avoid postoperative adhesion and to maintain articular space. We evaluated 19 joints in 15 patients who had received dacron-reinforced silicone implant after silicone sheet removal through follow-up for at least 6 months. The cases included temporomandibular joint disorder (10 joints in 9 patients), psoriatic arthritis (2 joints in 1 patient), ankylosis (4 joints in 3 patients) and synovial chondromatosis (2 joints in 2 patients).

Mutation and association analysis of the DAP-1 gene with schizophrenia.

Glutamate dysfunction has been hypothesized to be involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. The human homolog of Drosophila discs large protein (hDLG) and post-synaptic density-95-associated protein-1 (DAP-1) is one of the major proteins that are involved in intracellular signal transduction via N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors. In the present study 33 Japanese patients with schizophrenia were screened for mutations in the DAP-1 gene.

Sensitivity and specificity of the Sanita-kun Aerobic Count: internal validation and independent laboratory study.

The Sanita-kun Aerobic Count consists of a transparent cover film, an adhesive sheet, a layer of nonwoven fabric, and a water-soluble compound film, including a culture medium formula for detection of aerobic microorganisms. The Sanita-kun sheet was validated for 14 food categories in an internal study and an independent study was conducted on ground beef and hot dogs. Both studies showed no significant difference in performance between 5 or 8 replicates of the Sanita-kun sheets and AOAC Method 966.

Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging study of unilateral sideways disc displacements of the temporomandibular joint.

The aim of our study was to find symptomatic diagnostic factors for sideways displacement of the temporomandibular joint disc, compared with anterior or rotational disc displacement. A consecutive series of 2310 temporomandibular joints were examined with MRI to define the clinical signs and symptoms particularly related to sideways disc displacement compared to anterior disc displacement with logistic regression model. Bone change of the mandibular condyle and age were negatively related factors in differentiating cases with lateral disc displacement from anterior disc displacement without reduction.

Distribution of adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonist KW-6002 and its effect on gene expression in the rat brain.

A novel adenosine A(2A) receptor selective antagonist, KW-6002 [(E)-1,3-diethyl-8-(3,4-dimethoxystyryl)-7-methyl-3,7-dihydro-1H-purine-2,6-dione], possesses antiparkinsonian activities in rodent and primate models. In the present study, we investigated the distribution of [14C]KW-6002 in forebrain after oral administration at pharmacologically effective doses. Also, we monitored the effects of the compound on preproenkephalin (PPE) and preprotachykinin (PPT) gene expression in rat striatum.

[An autopsy case with subacute spinal cord disease showing progressive paraplegia].

We report a 72-year-old woman who died of respitory failure. History included onset of diabetes mellitus at the age of 67 years and hypertension at the age of 72 years. The patient had been in good health otherwise until 2000, when she had onset of numbness or tingling of the bilateral lower limbs.

Theoretical prediction for the ground state of (10 )H e with the method of analytic continuation in the coupling constant.

Using the method of analytic continuation in the coupling constant with a (8)He +n+n model, we investigated the ground state of (10)He. In addition to a solution with the two valence neutrons in p states ( [ p(1/2 )p(1/2 )](0+ )), we obtained a solution with the valence neutrons in s states ( [s( 1/2) s(1/2)](0+) ) as the ground state. Experimentally, such a state has not yet been observed.

Neuroprotection by adenosine A2A receptor blockade in experimental models of Parkinson's disease.

Adenosine A2A receptors are abundant in the caudate-putamen and involved in the motor control in several species. In MPTP-treated monkeys, A2A receptor-blockade with an antagonist alleviates parkinsonian symptoms without provoking dyskinesia, suggesting this receptor may offer a new target for the antisymptomatic therapy of Parkinson's disease. In the present study, a significant neuroprotective effect of A2A receptor antagonists is shown in experimental models of Parkinson's disease.

Targeting oncogenesis by introduction of a 5.2-kbp segment of the 5' regulatory region of the human thyrotropin beta-subunit gene.

We produced transgenic mice carrying a fusion gene (TTP-5) consisting of a 5.2-kbp segment of the 5' flanking sequence of the human thyrotropin beta-subunit (TSH beta) gene linked to the simian virus 40 large T antigen (SVT) gene. These mice developed pituitary tumors 6 months after birth and wasted away.

Differential diagnosis of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition of the temporomandibular joint.

Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) deposition disease (pseudogout) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is rare. It is characterized by the presence of crystal deposits that are birefringent under polarized light. Although these crystals are characteristically weakly birefringent, some other crystals such as those of calcium oxalate, synthetic steroids, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid are also birefringent.

Reactions of a series of 1-aminobenzimidazoles and 1-amino-3-methylbenzimidazolium chlorides with 2,4-pentanedione.

Reactions of a series of 1-aminobenzimidazoles and 1-amino-3-methylbenzimidazolium chlorides with 2,4-pentanedione were carried out and pyridazino[1,6-a]benzimidazoles and 2-pyrazolylanilines were generated. The product ratios of these compounds remarkably depended on the reaction conditions and on the electronic character of the substituent at the benzene moiety. The possible mechanisms involved in these reactions are discussed.

Rescue of locomotor impairment in dopamine D2 receptor-deficient mice by an adenosine A2A receptor antagonist.

In Parkinson's disease a degeneration of dopaminergic neurons of the nigrostriatal pathway is observed. Loss of dopaminergic regulation of striatal neuron activity results in altered motor functions. Adenosine A2A (A2AR) and dopamine D2 (D2R) receptors are colocalized in striatal medium spiny neurons.

Reactions of chloride salts of 7-amino-9-ethylguanine and 1-amino-3-methylbenzimidazoles with lead(IV) acetate: formation of 8-aza-9-ethylguanine and 1-methyl-1H-benzotriazoles.

Reaction of 7-amino-9-ethylguaninium chloride with lead(IV) acetate (LTA) in MeOH yielded 8-aza-9-ethylguanine. Similarly, the reaction of 1-amino-3-methylbenzimidazolium chloride or its substituted derivatives (6-methyl, 5,6-dimethyl and 5-nitro) with LTA gave the corresponding 1-methyl-1H-benzotriazole (or 1-methyl-2-azabenzimidazole) derivatives along with N-methylformananilide derivatives.

[Prevalence of glucose intolerance in Japan--from the National Circulatory Disorders Basic Survey, 1990].

The prevalence of glucose intolerance was surveyed in 8,063 people over 30 years old from the general population of Japan. The data used in the analysis were from the Fourth National Circulatory Disorders Basic Survey, which was conducted in 1990. Survey items included history of diabetes mellitus, body mass index (BMI) and daily life activity.

Oxidation of 1-amino-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, a 1-amino analog of MPTP, by type A and B monoamine oxidase.

A 1-amino analog of MPTP, 1(N)-amino-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, was synthesized and the oxidation was examined using human synaptosomal mitochondria as sources of type A and B monoamine oxidase. An oxidation product, 1-amino-4-phenylpyridinium ion, was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorometric detection. The amino analog was a substrate of both type A and B monoamine oxidase and the oxidation depended linearly on the enzyme amount and the reaction time with an optimal pH around 7.

Reactions of 1-methylbenzimidazole derivatives with m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid.

Oxidation of seven 1-methylbenzimidazole (MBI) derivatives (with pKa's ranging from 1.6 to 6.0) was carried out with m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid and structures of the products formed were identified.

Cytotoxicity of 1-amino-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine and 1-amino-4-phenylpyridinium ion, 1-amino analogues of MPTP and MPP+, to clonal pheochromocytoma PC12 cells.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) induces parkinsonism in humans after its oxidation into 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) by type B monoamine oxidase. The 1-amino analogues of MPTP and MPP+, 1-amino-4-phenyl-1,2,3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (APTP) and 1-amino-4-phenylpyridinium ion (APP+), were synthesized, and their cytotoxicity to clonal pheochromocytoma PC12 cells was examined using a tetrazolium formazan assay. After incubation for 48 and 72 h, both APP+ and APTP were found to be cytotoxic to PC12 cells, whereas with the N-methyl analogues, only MPP+, but not MPTP, was cytotoxic.