Clinical characteristics of restless legs syndrome in end-stage renal failure and idiopathic RLS patients.

This study was done to identify the clinical characteristics of uremic restless legs syndrome (RLS). Consecutive uremic RLS patients (n = 15) and idiopathic RLS patients (iRLS; n = 20) were evaluated. The groups were compared with respect to their clinical course, subjective symptoms [using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the International Restless Legs Syndrome Severity Scale (IRLS)], polysomnographic (PSG) variables, the results of the suggested immobilization test (SIT), and the drug doses used to treat RLS.

Clinicopathological study of invasive ductal carcinoma with large central acellular zone: special reference to magnetic resonance imaging findings.

Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) with central acellular zone is sometimes encountered, but its clinicopathological features have not yet been fully investigated. The clinicopathological features of 10 resected cases of IDC with a large central acellular zone were investigated. The tumor size ranged from 6 to 28 mm with a mean of 14.

An improved computer-aided diagnosis scheme using the nearest neighbor criterion for determining histological classification of clustered microcalcifications.

Objectives: Our purpose was to evaluate the potential usefulness of the nearest neighbor case which was assumed to be the similar case in a CAD scheme for determining the histological classification of clustered microcalcifications.

Methods: Our database consisted of current and previous magnification mammograms obtained from 93 patients before and after three-month follow-up examination. It included 11 invasive carcinomas, 19 noninvasive carcinomas of the comedo type, 25 non-invasive carcinomas of the noncomedo type, 23 mastopathies, and 15 fibroadenomas.

Virtually complete E-selective alpha,beta-unsaturated ester synthesis by Hg(OTf)2-catalyzed hydration of sec-ethoxyalkynyl acetate.

The reaction of alkyl-substituted sec-ethoxyalkynyl acetates with water catalyzed by Hg(OTf)2 afforded alpha,beta-unsaturated esters in excellent yield with high catalytic turnover up to 1000 times under very mild reaction conditions with virtually complete E-selectivity, superior even to that of the HWE reaction.

In vitro and in vivo antibacterial activities of DC-159a, a new fluoroquinolone.

DC-159a is a new 8-methoxy fluoroquinolone that possesses a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity, with extended activity against gram-positive pathogens, especially streptococci and staphylococci from patients with community-acquired infections. DC-159a showed activity against Streptococcus spp. (MIC(90), 0.

Repeated exacerbations of ocular inflammation with vitreous hemorrhage in a patient with HLA-B27 associated uveitis.

HLA-B27 associated uveitis is characterized by recurrent alternating acute unilateral attacks of intraocular inflammation in the anterior chamber. The aim of this study was to report an unusual case of repeated exacerbations with vitreous hemorrhage in HLA-B27 associated uveitis. Thirty four-year-old man was diagnosed as HLA-B27 associated uveitis in his right eye.

MexAB-OprM specific efflux pump inhibitors in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Part 7: highly soluble and in vivo active quaternary ammonium analogue D13-9001, a potential preclinical candidate.

A series of 4-oxo-4H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidine derivatives, substituted at the 2-position with piperidines bearing quaternary ammonium salt side chains, were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to potentiate the activity of the fluoroquinolone levofloxacin (LVFX) and the beta-lactam aztreonam (AZT) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Attachment of the charged entity using an N-ethylcarbamoyloxy linker led to the discovery of the highly soluble compound 22 (D13-9001), which maintained good potency in vitro and displayed excellent activity in vivo in a rat pneumonia model of P. aeruginosa.

Catalytic activation of the leaving group in the S(N)2 reaction.

A novel catalytic activation of the leaving group in the S(N)2 reaction is achieved as an extension of our mercuric triflate-catalyzed reactions. Derivatives of anilinoethyl 4-pentynoate reacted smoothly with catalytic amounts of Hg(OTf)(2) to give indoline derivatives in excellent yield with efficient catalytic turnovers under very mild conditions. The reaction of optically pure secondary alcohol derivatives resulted in inversion of stereochemistry, which is a definitive feature of the S(N)2 reaction.

Structural element responsible for the Fe(III)-phytosiderophore specific transport by HvYS1 transporter in barley.

Hordeum vulgare L. yellow stripe 1 (HvYS1) is a selective transporter for Fe(III)-phytosiderophores, involved in primary iron acquisition from soils in barley roots. In contrast, Zea mays yellow stripe 1 (ZmYS1) in maize possesses broad substrate specificity, despite a high homology with HvYS1.

Structure and quantum chemical analysis of NAD+-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase: hydride transfer and co-factor specificity.

The crystal structure of Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans isocitrate dehydrogenase complexed with NAD+ and citrate has been solved to a resolution of 1.9 A. The protein fold of this NAD+-dependent enzyme shares a high similarity with those of NADP+-dependent bacterial ICDHs.

Large ophthalmic segment aneurysms with anterior optic pathway compression: assessment of anatomical and visual outcomes after endosaccular coil therapy.

Object: The optimal therapy for ophthalmic segment aneurysms with anterior optic pathway compression (AOPC) is undecided. Surgical results have been described, but the results of endovascular coil therapy have not been well documented.

Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed data obtained in all patients who harbored unruptured ophthalmic segment aneurysms with AOPC who underwent endovascular coil therapy at their institution.

Osteopontin aggravates experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis in mice.

Human endogenous uveitis is a common sight-threatening intraocular inflammatory disease and has been studied extensively using a murine model of experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU). It is possibly mediated by Th1 immune responses. In the present study, we investigated the role of osteopontin (OPN), a protein with pleiotropic functions that contributes to the development of Th1 cell-mediated immunity.

Breast focused ultrasound surgery with magnetic resonance guidance.

This paper will review the experience and current applications of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) for treatment of breast tumors. Because of the efficient screening mammography programs, most of the breast cancers diagnosed today in the United States and European Union are in early stage and are treated with limited surgery. The MRgFUS may offer an alternative treatment option to conventional surgical lumpectomy with the advantage of being a noninvasive procedure and potentially achieving a better cosmetic outcome.

Synthesis and absolute structure of manzacidin B.

[reaction: see text] Four possible stereoisomers of manzacidin B were synthesized using stereochemically defined synthetic routes via the azide 7 and oxazoline 11 starting with the (R)-alpha-methyl Garner aldehyde 5. Comparisons of the spectroscopic data of the synthetic isomers 4a-d with those of the natural manzacidin B revised the proposed structure 3 to (4S,5S,6R)-4d.

The crystal structure of a virus-like particle from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus provides insight into the evolution of viruses.

Pyrococcus furiosus is a hyperthermophilic archaeal microorganism found near deep-sea thermal vents and its optimal growth temperature of 100 degrees C. Recently, a 38.8-kDa protein from P.

A new hemostasis valve for neuroendovascular procedures.

A hemostasis valve is routinely used in neuroendovascular procedures to decrease the risk of thromboembolism (1,2) . Recently, a new hemostasis valve that is designed to minimize blood loss has been introduced. We report our initial experience in using this new hemostasis valve.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of MotY, a stator component of the Vibrio alginolyticus polar flagellar motor.

The polar flagellum of Vibrio alginolyticus is rotated by the sodium motor. The stator unit of the sodium motor consists of four different proteins: PomA, PomB, MotX and MotY. MotX and MotY, which are unique components of the sodium motor, form the T-ring structure attached to the LP ring in the periplasmic space.

Association of heat shock protein 70 induction and the amelioration of experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis in mice.

Experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU) serves as a model of human endogeneous uveitis. In the present study we examined whether induction of heat shock protein (HSP) 70 by oral geranylgeranylacetone (GGA) administration had a therapeutic effect on murine EAU. When C57BL/6 mice that had received oral administration of GGA (500mg/kg) were immunized with interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP)-derived peptide plus adjuvants, the expression levels of HSP70 mRNA and protein were rapidly and transiently upregulated in eyes of the GGA-treated mice, compared with those from vehicle-pretreated and IRBP-immunized mice.

Genetic polymorphisms in the promoter of the interferon gamma receptor 1 gene are associated with atopic cataracts.

Purpose: Previous reports have shown genetic predisposition for atopic dermatitis (AD). Some of the severe complications of AD manifest in the eye, such as cataract, retinal detachment, and keratoconjunctivitis. This study was conducted to examine the genetic association between the atopy-related genes and patients with ocular complications (ocular AD).

The evolving non-surgical ablation of breast cancer: MR guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS).

MRgFUS (MR guided Focused Ultrasound) being one of the non-surgical ablation techniques. We have already achieved favorable results in the past clinical study of MRgFUS to local treatment. New twenty one cases of invasive/noninvasive ductal carcinoma of the breast were treated by MRgFUS.

[Development of antituberculous drugs: current status and future prospects].

Worldwide, tuberculosis (TB) remains the most frequent and important infectious disease causing morbidity and death. One-third of the world's population is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), the etiologic agent of TB. The World Health Organization estimates that about eight to ten million new TB cases occur annually worldwide and the incidence of TB is currently increasing.

Structural similarity between the flagellar type III ATPase FliI and F1-ATPase subunits.

Construction of the bacterial flagellum in the cell exterior proceeds at its distal end by highly ordered self-assembly of many different component proteins, which are selectively exported through the central channel of the growing flagellum by the flagellar type III export apparatus. FliI is the ATPase of the export apparatus that drives the export process. Here we report the 2.

Tyrosinase gene family and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease in Japanese patients.

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to examine the genetic background of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease in a Japanese population by analyzing the tyrosinase gene family (TYR, TYRP1, and dopachrome tautomerase (DCT)).

Methods: 87 VKH patients and 122 healthy controls were genotyped using seven microsatellite markers on the candidate loci. We analyzed microsatellite (MS) polymorphisms at regions within tyrosinase gene family loci.