Plasminogen is essential for granulation tissue formation during the recovery process after liver injury in mice.

Summary Background: The involvement of plasminogen in liver repair has been reported, but its exact role in promoting this process is unknown.

Objective: To elucidate the underlying mechanism, we examined the dynamics of liver repair by using a reproducible liver injury model in plasminogen gene-deficient mice and their wild-type littermates.

Methods: Liver injury was induced by photochemical reaction and the subsequent responses were histologically analyzed.

Scheduled maintenance therapy with infliximab improves the prognosis of Crohn's disease: a single center prospective cohort study in Japan.

The main goal of Crohn's disease (CD) treatment at present is to induce and maintain remission for as long as possible, and several approaches have been used as induction and maintenance therapies. There are no reports that have compared the effects on mid- and long-term prognosis among the induction and maintenance therapies, especially between infliximab, a chimeric antibody to tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and nutritional therapies. A total of 262 CD patients with induced remission were enrolled in the cohort study.

Initial brain lesion size affects the extent of subsequent pathophysiological responses.

The severity of an ischemic stroke is variable in patients, because the occlusion position on the artery and the territory of distal vessels are individual. However, the relationship between the extent of initial brain lesion and the subsequent pathophysiological responses is poorly understood. Here, we studied the effects of the initial brain lesion size on the subsequent pathophysiological responses by using a photochemically induced thrombotic brain damage (PIT-BD) model, in which the brain lesion size can be well-reproducibly controlled than that induced by a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCA-O) model.

Molecular analysis of aortic intimal hyperplasia caused by Porphyromonas gingivalis infection in mice with endothelial damage.

Background And Objective: Porphyromonas gingivalis infection is thought to be a significant etiological factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases. However, scant definitive evidence has been presented concerning the pathological molecular mechanisms of these disorders. In the present study, we performed a molecular analysis of the developmental mechanisms of aortic intimal hyperplasia induced by P.

Enhancement of fibrinolysis by gel-filtered platelets and its quenching by cytochalasin B and GPIIb/IIIa antagonists.

The effects of gel-filtered platelets on euglobulin clot lysis time (ECLT) were analyzed to elucidate the possible role of platelets in thrombolysis. Gel-filtered platelet-supplemented ECLT (plt-ECLT) was significantly shorter than ECLT without platelets (regular ECLT). Abciximab, anti-glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa) antibody, and cytochalasin B nullified the enhancement of ECLT by platelets, and increased plt-ECLT beyond regular ECLT.

Extracranial-intracranial bypass surgery at high magnification using a new high-resolution operating microscope: technical note.

Background: We report a precise technique for EC-IC bypass surgery using a stereoscopic high-resolution microscope at magnifications of 40x and 50x.

Methods: A stereoscopic operating microscope (Mitaka MM50 Surgical Microscope; Mitaka Kohoki Co, Tokyo, Japan) was used in STA-MCA anastomosis. This microscope has 2 optical systems, a standard zooming system, a newly developed high-magnification system, and 4 fixed working distances of 200, 250, 300 and 350 mm, with highest magnifications of 50.

Sirtuin 1 overexpression mice show a reference memory deficit, but not neuroprotection.

Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is the closest mammalian homologue of yeast silent information regulator 2 (Sir2) and has a role in lifespan modulation. Reportedly, SIRT1 is also linked to neurodegenerative diseases. However, there are limited studies that report the relation between SIRT1 and neurodegenerative diseases using in vivo transgenic (Tg) methods.

Tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) induces stromelysin-1 (MMP-3) in endothelial cells through activation of lipoprotein receptor-related protein.

Tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) is approved for treatment of ischemic stroke patients, but it increases the risk of intracranial bleeding (ICB). Previously, we have shown in a mouse stroke model that stromelysin-1 (matrix metalloproteinase-3 [MMP-3]) induced in endothelial cells was critical for ICB induced by t-PA. In the present study, using bEnd.

GIF-0173 protects against cerebral infarction through DP1 receptor activation.

The neuroprotective effects and mechanism of action of GIF-0173, a Delta12-prostaglandin J analogue, were investigated in the early phase of cerebral ischemia. GIF-0173 was administered intravenously immediately following middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in photochemically induced thrombosis model of rat. Neurological scores and infarct sizes were examined at 24 h after MCAO.

[13C]-pantoprazole breath test to predict CYP2C19 phenotype and efficacy of a proton pump inhibitor, lansoprazole.

Background: (13)CO(2) is produced on metabolism of (13)C-labelled-pantoprazole ([(13)C]-pantoprazole) by CYP2C19.

Aim: To investigate whether the [(13)C]-pantoprazole breath test can predict CYP2C19 status and efficacy of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in Japanese.

Methods: We classified 110 healthy volunteers as rapid metabolizers (RM), intermediate metabolizers (IM) or poor metabolizers (PM) of CYP2C19 by genotyping.

[NMR analyses of oligosaccharides from a new water-absorbing polysaccharide produced by the family oxalobacteraceae].

Partial acid hydrolysis of a new water-absorbing polysaccharide (WAP) from the family Oxalobacteraceae gave six di-, four tri-, two tetra-, two penta-, and one hexasaccharides composed of mannose, glucose, and/or galactose. The structures of oligosaccharides 1-15 were elucidated by extensive 2D NMR spectroscopic analyses. (1)H- and (13)C-NMR chemical shift assignments of oligosaccharides 1-14 are presented.

Involvement of platelet activation by P2Y12 receptor in the development of transplant arteriosclerosis in mice.

Background: Although activated platelets influence inflammation by intraplatelet mediators in transplantation, their mechanism of involvement in the progression of transplant arteriosclerosis has not yet been elucidated. We, therefore, investigated this question using P2Y12 receptor knockout (KO) mice, in which platelets cannot be aggregated by adenosine diphosphate stimulation.

Methods: Carotid arteries from 129X1 mice were orthotopically transplanted into wild-type or KO mice in a minor antigen(s)-mismatched strain combination.

CYP2C19 genotype is associated with symptomatic recurrence of GERD during maintenance therapy with low-dose lansoprazole.

Background/aims: Maintenance therapy of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is usually performed with a low dose of a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI). Because PPIs are metabolized by CYP2C19 in the liver, we investigated whether a patient's CYP2C19 genotype was associated with symptomatic recurrence of GERD during maintenance therapy with a low dose of a PPI.

Methods: We enrolled 124 patients with erosive GERD whose esophageal mucosal breaks were endoscopically proven to be cured after treatment with lansoprazole 30 mg/day for 8 weeks.

Technical note: Estimation of feed intake while grazing using a wireless system requiring no halter.

A simple, compact bite counter was used to record dairy cow jaw movements. This information was used to estimate feed intake. The device is composed of a pendulum, a microcontroller, and a transmitter attached to a collar.

Neuroendoscopic removal of intraventricular hemorrhage combined with hydrocephalus.

Objective: The neuroendoscope is playing an increasing role in the diagnosis and treatment of several types of lesions, in particular in the ventricular system. Hydrocephalus associated with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a good indication for neuroendoscopic surgery. We describe herein our experiences with 17 cases of IVH combined with hydrocephalus treated using a neuroendoscope.

Upregulation of S100 calcium-binding protein A9 is required for induction of smooth muscle cell proliferation by a periodontal pathogen.

We investigated the effect of a periodontal pathogen, Porphyromonas gingivalis, on human aortic smooth muscle cell (hAOSMC) proliferation as mechanisms of atherosclerosis. Cultured hAOSMCs exposed to the supernatant of plasma incubated with P. gingivalis showed a marked transformation from a contractile to proliferative phenotype, resulting in enhancement of cell growth.

Quality of life of patients and medical cost of "half elemental diet" as maintenance therapy for Crohn's disease: secondary outcomes of a randomised controlled trial.

Background/aim: Quality of life (QOL) of the patients and medical costs are important in current medical treatments, especially those for chronic diseases. We have reported the effectiveness of 'half elemental diet (ED)' as maintenance therapy for patients with Crohn's disease (CD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the QOL of CD patients and medical costs of half-ED.

Cerebroside elicitor confers resistance to fusarium disease in various plant species.

ABSTRACT In the rice blast fungus pathosystem, cerebroside, a compound categorized as a sphingolipid, was found in our previous study to be a non-racespecific elicitor, which elicits defense responses in rice. Here we describe that cerebroside C is produced in diverse strains of Fusarium oxysporum, a common soilborne agent of wilt disease affecting a wide range of plant species. In addition, some type of cerebroside elicitor involving cerebroside A, B, or C was detected in other soilborne phytopathogens, such as Pythium and Botrytis.

Gastrointestinal polyposis with esophageal polyposis is useful for early diagnosis of Cowden's disease.

Cowden's disease, one of the several hamartoma syndromes, is characterized by hyperplastic lesions and hamartomas distributed in the whole body. About thirty percent of patients with Cowden's disease have been reported to be complicated by malignant tumors. Based on the criteria of the International Cowden Consortium, this disease is mainly diagnosed as trichilemmoma of the face and oral mucosal papillomatosis.

Contribution of salicylic acid glucosyltransferase, OsSGT1, to chemically induced disease resistance in rice plants.

Systemic acquired resistance (SAR), a natural disease response in plants, can be induced chemically. Salicylic acid (SA) acts as a key endogenous signaling molecule that mediates SAR in dicotyledonous plants. However, the role of SA in monocotyledonous plants has yet to be elucidated.

Supramolecular complex formation and crystallization of isocitrate dehydrogenase from Thermus thermophilus HB8: preliminary studies with X-Ray crystallography and atomic force microscopy.

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) observation of a crystal surface of the thermostable isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH) from a thermophilic eubacterium, Thermus thermophilus HB8, suggested that the crystal consists of huge homo-complexed ellipsoidal bodies of the protein, with averaged long- and short-axis diameters of 18.6 nm and 10.9 nm respectively.

A source of hydrogen sulfide and a mechanism of its release in the brain.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is recognized as a neuromodulator as well as neuroprotectant in the brain. H2S can be produced from cysteine by enzymes such as cystathionine beta-synthase. However, a mechanism for releasing H2S under physiologic conditions has not been identified.

RACK1 functions in rice innate immunity by interacting with the Rac1 immune complex.

A small GTPase, Rac1, plays a key role in rice (Oryza sativa) innate immunity as part of a complex of regulatory proteins. Here, we used affinity column chromatography to identify rice RACK1 (for Receptor for Activated C-Kinase 1) as an interactor with Rac1. RACK1 functions in various mammalian signaling pathways and is involved in hormone signaling and development in plants.

Nitric oxide donor, NOC7, reveals biphasic effect on contractile force of isolated rat heart after global ischemia.

Purpose: Our purpose was to investigate whether the NO donor, 3-(2-hydroxy-1-methyl-2-nitroso-hydrazino)-N-methyl-1-propanamine (NOC7), restored cardiac function following global ischemia in an isolated rat heart model and whether intracellular messengers were involved in its effect.

Methods: Isolated rat hearts (n = 36) were randomly divided into six groups. The sham control group was perfused with modified Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate buffer (KHB) alone.

Cutaneous pharmacokinetics of topically applied maxacalcitol ointment and lotion.

Unlabelled: Maxacalcitol (22-oxacalcitriol), a vitamin D3 analogue, is widely used for the treatment of psoriasis in Japan. The effects of topically applied dermatologic preparations have routinely been assessed by their pharmacodynamic profiles and their concentrations in the skin correlate well with these profiles.

Objectives: Recently, a maxacalcitol lotion formulation (M514102) was developed for the treatment of psoriatic lesions on the face and scalp.