High-throughput method to analyze tegafur and 5-fluorouracil in human tears and plasma using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

Rationale: We developed a new high-throughput method to analyze tegafur (FT) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in tear and plasma samples using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC)/tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS).

Methods: The tear samples (10 μL) spiked with FT, 5-FU, and 5-chlorouracil (internal standard) were diluted using 40 μL of 2 M ammonium acetate and 250 μL of acetonitrile with 2% formic acid; 20 μL of plasma spiked with the two drugs and internal standard was diluted with 80 μL of 2 M ammonium acetate and 500 μL of acetonitrile with 2% formic acid. After centrifugation, the clear supernatant extract (15 μL) was directly injected into the HILIC/MS/MS instrument, and each drug was separated on a Unison UK-Amino column (50 mm × 3 mm i.

Relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor and macular edema in retinal vein branch obstruction.

Purpose: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) with cystoid macular edema (CME). Monitoring changes in VEGF is crucial for evaluating treatment but requires vitreous or aqueous humor sampling, which hampers its clinical application. We investigated the correlation between VEGF and protein concentration in the aqueous humor (flare) and whether this could be used to monitor treatment-related VEGF changes.

Activation of AP-1 and increased synthesis of MMP-9 in the rabbit retina induced by lipid hydroperoxide.

Purpose: We identified the temporal expression of activator protein-1 (AP-1) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) after linoleic acid hydroperoxide (LHP) induction of retinal neovascularization.

Methods: After injection of LHP into the vitreous of rabbits, samples were collected for AP-1 binding activity and mRNA for MMP-9 and MMPs activity. AP-1 binding activity was measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assay.

Anaemia, iron deficiency and vitamin A status among school-aged children in rural Kazakhstan.

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of anaemia and iron deficiency and vitamin A status among school-aged children in rural Kazakhstan and identify factors associated with anaemia in this population.

Design: A cross-sectional design.

Setting: School-aged children in rural Kazakhstan.

Comparison of a small volume of hypertonic saline solution and dextran 40 on hemodynamic alternations in conscious calves.

The hemodynamic effects of rapid intravenous (IV) administration of 10% dextran 40 in saline solution (D40) and 7.2% hypertonic saline solution (HSS) in calves were compared. Calves received isotonic saline solution (ISS), HSS or D40 (3 calves/group) and were monitored of blood pressure, and cardiac output (CO) for 180 min.

Production of a monoclonal antibody to canine thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) and detection of TARC in lesional skin from dogs with atopic dermatitis.

A monoclonal antibody to canine thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC/CCL17) was developed to examine the association of TARC with the immunopathogenesis of canine atopic dermatitis (AD). Recombinant canine TARC was prepared using an E. coli expression system.

Isolation and expression of five-amino-acid-deleted variant of feline hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) cDNA.

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a pleiotropic cytokine that stimulates a wide array of cellular targets, including hepatocytes and other epithelial cells, melanocytes, endothelial and hematopoietic cells. We have cloned a different form of cDNA, with a deletion of 15 base pairs predicted to result in the loss of 5 amino acids from the first kringle domain. To investigate the biological activity, original and deleted variant of feline HGF cDNAs were transiently expressed in COS-7 cells.

Comparison of the effects of isotonic and hypertonic sodium bicarbonate solutions on acidemic calves experimentally induced by ammonium chloride administration.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate and compare the effects of intravenously (IV) administered infusion of isotonic solution (ISB) or hypertonic sodium bicarbonate solution (HSB) on acid-base equilibrium and the plasma osmolarity in acidemic calves experimentally induced by 5 M-NH(4)Cl, IV infusion (1.0 ml/kg, over 1 hr). The ISB and HSB infusion induced progressive and significant increases in their HCO(3)(-) and BE levels that persisted throughout the period of fluid administration.

Effects of intravenous infusion of hypotonic lactated Ringer's solution on calves with diarrhea.

The effects of intravenous infusion of hypotonic lactated Ringer's (LR: n=14) on plasma volume and venous blood gases were compared to those of hypotonic Ringer's solutions (RS: n=7) in diarrheic Japanese Black breed calves with metabolic acidosis. Venous blood samples were collected immediately before and after, and at 24 hr after the fluid infusion therapy. The LR and RS infusions increased relative plasma volume to 147.

Canine hepatocyte growth factor: molecular cloning and characterization of the recombinant protein.

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a pleiotropic cytokine originally identified and cloned as a potent mitogen for hepatocytes. The HGF receptor is the transmembrane tyrosine kinase encoded by c-MET proto-oncogene. Various lines of evidence suggest that the HGF/c-MET receptor system plays essential roles in monocyte-macrophage function, mammalian development, angiogenesis and organ regeneration.

Cytokine profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from dogs experimentally sensitized to Japanese cedar pollen.

Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica, CJ) pollinosis is mediated by type-I hypersensitivity and induces seasonal rhinitis and conjunctivitis in humans. Previous studies showed that dogs could be experimentally sensitized with CJ pollen. In this study, we carried out quantitative analysis of mRNA levels of various cytokines in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of 12 dogs experimentally sensitized to Japanese cedar pollen.

Effect of intravenous infusion of isotonic sodium bicarbonate solution on acidemic calves with diarrhea.

The effect of 1.35% isotonic sodium bicarbonate solution (ISB) administered intravenously on acid-base equilibrium was examined in 18 acidemic Japanese black beef calves with spontaneous diarrhea. The infusion volumes of ISB were decided based on the first half volumes of base needed.

Evaluation of isotonic sodium bicarbonate solution for alkalizing effects in conscious calves.

After intravenous (i.v.) infusion of various volumes of 1.

Effect of isotonic and hypotonic lactated ringer's solutions with dextrose intravenously administered to dehydrated heifers.

To determine the effects of rapid infusion of essential fluids in a volume of hypotonic lactated Ringer's solution, the central venous pressure (CVP) and acid-base equilibrium were investigated in to mildly dehydrated heifers. Mild dehydration was induced in 9 Holstein heifers by withholding food and water until 7.0+/-5.

Lipid hydroperoxide stimulates subretinal choroidal neovascularization in the rabbit.

The authors sought to evaluate the effect of linoleic acid hydroperoxide (18:2/LHP) in promoting choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Albino male rabbits received a subretinal injection of various amounts of LHP (ranging from 5 to 200 microg) dissolved in 50 microl of sodium borate buffer. Control eyes received the buffer only.