Detection of Sapovirus in oysters.

SaV sequences which are either genetically identical or similar were detected from oysters, feces from gastroenteritis patients, and domestic wastewater samples in geographically close areas. This is the first report of the detection of SaV in oysters which meet the legal requirements for raw consumption in Japan.

Persistence of caliciviruses in artificially contaminated oysters during depuration.

The fate of calicivirus in oysters in a 10-day depuration was assessed. The norovirus gene was persistently detected from artificially contaminated oysters during the depuration, whereas feline calicivirus in oysters was promptly eliminated. The prolonged observation of norovirus in oysters implies the existence of a selective retention mechanism for norovirus within oysters.

Serum adiponectin concentrations during treatment with olanzapine or risperidone: a pilot study.

Adiponectin is a recently identified adipocyte-derived protein, which is associated with glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity and adiposity. The aim of this study was to explore the alterations in serum adiponectin concentration during treatment with olanzapine or risperidone. Serum concentrations of adiponectin were investigated in body mass index (BMI, kg/m2)- and age-matched groups of non-diabetic, non-obese schizophrenic patients receiving a stable dose of olanzapine (n = 18) or risperidone (n = 15) for 4 weeks or more, and of mentally and physically healthy volunteers (n = 17).

Serum ghrelin concentrations in patients receiving olanzapine or risperidone.

Rationale: Although enhanced appetite and weight gain are potential side effects of treatment with antipsychotic agents, particularly olanzapine and clozapine, the mechanism is poorly understood.

Objectives: To test the hypothesis that ghrelin, a gastrointestinal hormone that enhances appetite, is involved in increased food intake and weight gain during treatment with antipsychotics.

Methods: Serum ghrelin concentrations were investigated in schizophrenic patients receiving olanzapine or risperidone, and in healthy volunteers.

Prolactin levels in schizophrenic patients receiving perospirone in comparison to risperidone.

Serum prolactin levels were investigated in 41 patients with schizophrenia who were receiving clinically effective doses of perospirone or risperidone for more than 4 weeks. In order to determine baseline prolactin levels, blood samples were obtained in the morning, 10 - 14 h after antipsychotic medication. Median levels were within normal limits in both female and male patients receiving perospirone, while risperidone induced significant elevation.