[Effects of Heart Rate on Myocardial Native T Value Acquired by 5s(3s)3s MOLLI Sequence].

Quantitative evaluation of myocardial native T value by measuring modified Look-Locker inversion recovery (MOLLI) method is clinically useful and is used for follow-up of various myocardial diseases. The heart rate during the scan can vary even in the same subjects. Therefore, it is important to know the effects of the heart rate on the native T value of the myocardium.

Relationship between Measurement Errors in Myocardial T Mapping and Heart Rate.

Purpose: Modified Look-Locker inversion recovery (MOLLI) using a 5s(3s)3s scheme is robust to tachycardia, but some errors are occasionally observed in myocardial T mapping. We sought to evaluate the relationship between measurement errors in T mapping and heart rate (HR) using a confidence map.

Methods: We enrolled 69 male patients with normal native T values of the septal myocardium measured by a 5s(3s)3s MOLLI.

PCR-RFLP identification of prohibited animal derived DNA in animal feed.

A method for confirming identification of prohibited species tissue in animal feed has been developed on the basis of PCR-RFLP analysis. In Japan, to prevent the spread of BSE through animal feed, the use of animal protein in feed has been regulated. Species-specific PCR detection of prohibited species materials in feed has been used as one of a series of laboratory tests to ensure the proper implementation of the feed regulations.

Investigation of errors by radiological technologists and evaluation of preventive measures: general and mobile X-ray examinations.

The first objective in this study was to identify the errors of incidents and accidents that occurred in general and mobile X-ray examinations. Based on the analysis of results, the second purpose in this study was to propose useful measures to prevent such errors. As much as 553 radiological technologists in the Gunma Prefecture were surveyed on their experience with errors related to general and mobile X-ray examinations.

High GC contents of primer 5'-end increases reaction efficiency in polymerase chain reaction.

Many studies have suggested that regulation of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is influenced by several factors. However, the understanding of reaction efficiency factors is not sufficient. Here we propose that high GC contents of primer 5'-end increases reaction efficiency in PCR.

Development of primers for detection of heat-treated cetacean materials in porcine meat and bone meal.

The feed ban introduced after the detection of the first case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in 2001 in Japan has been modified to allow some of the previously prohibited animal materials to be used in animal feed. Recently, porcine materials were allowed to be used in feed for pigs, poultry, and fish. Materials from other mammals, including whales, remain prohibited.

Impact of potential changes to the current bovine spongiform encephalopathy surveillance programs for slaughter cattle and fallen stock in Japan.

Cattle slaughtered in Japan for human consumption, regardless of their age, have been tested for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) since October 2001. Beginning in April 2004, all fallen stock from 24 months of age also have been tested. We evaluated the impact of potential changes to the current BSE surveillance programs for both slaughter cattle and fallen stock using a simple stochastic model.

Development of PCR primers for the detection of porcine DNA in feed using mtATP6 as the target sequence.

In Japan, PCR identification of species-specific, animal group-specific and plant DNA is employed as part of the audit program to ensure compliance with the feed ban in place for the control of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Since October 2001, animal proteins other than dairy proteins, egg proteins and gelatin have been prohibited to be used in feed for ruminants. Meat-and-bone meal (MBM) derived from poultry, pig and/or fish is allowed to be used in feed for poultry, pigs and fish.

Risk of introduction of BSE into Japan by the historical importation of live cattle from the United Kingdom.

All cattle imported from the United Kingdom to Japan since 1980 and slaughtered before 2002 were traced (n=33), and the number of cattle that were possibly infected with BSE and entered the animal feed chain was calculated. Because there was no effective system to avoid recycling of the BSE agent via animal feed until the early 1990s, of the 33 cattle imported from the UK into Japan, most probably 7 or 8 were infected and entered the animal feed chain, 2 of which entered the animal feed chain in each of 1992 and 1993. In terms of infectivity, 400-550 cattle oral ID(50) of the BSE agent entered the feed chain in each of these years.

Developing PCR primers using a new computer program for detection of multiple animal-derived materials in feed.

To reduce the risk of the bovine spongiform encephalopathy agent being recycled to cattle through animal feed, in October 2001 Japan introduced a feed ban prohibiting the use of animal proteins in feed. PCR identification of feed ingredients is part of the audit program to ensure the proper implementation of the feed ban. For efficient analysis, screening of feed products for materials from multiple species is essential.

Interlaboratory validation of the modified murine local lymph node assay based on adenosine triphosphate measurement.

Introduction: The murine local lymph node assay (LLNA) is a well-established alternative to the guinea pig maximization test (GPMT) or Buehler test (BT) for the assessment of the skin sensitizing ability of drugs and chemicals. Daicel Chemical Industries Ltd. has developed a modified LLNA based on the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content (LLNA-DA).