Polyfluorinated surfactant (C n F2 n +1CONH(CH2)2N+(CH3)2C16H33 Br-; designated as CnF-S, where n = 1−3)/clay hybrid compounds have been shown to provide polyfluorinated microcavities in the clay ...interlayers with molecular dimensions. The aggregation behavior of a water-soluble porphyrin (tetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrinatoantimony(V); Sb(V)TSPP) that cointercalates with the surfactant in the polyfluorinated microcavity was investigated. One of the key findings in this study was that the absorption spectra of Sb(V)TSPP molecules that intercalate in the C3F-S polyfluorinated surfactant/clay hybrid microstructures are drastically changed upon dispersion in benzene. The monomer Soret absorption band of Sb(V)TSPP (422 nm) was observed to split into both a longer (438 nm) and a shorter (388 nm) wavelength component. These spectral changes are dependent on the adsorbed amount of Sb(V)TSPP and can be accounted for on the basis of dimer formation. The absorption and emission measurements suggest that two types of dimers (J and H dimers) are formed in the polyfluorinated surfactant/clay hybrid interlayers. It was also found that when the adsorbed amount of surfactant molecules decreased, i.e., when the volume of the polyfluorinated microcavity in the interlayer increased, then the dimerization of Sb(V)TSPP was enhanced. In the case of C2F-S and C1F-S polyfluorinated/clay hybrid compounds, similar spectral behavior arising from dimerization was observed. In contrast, in the case of the hydrocarbon analogues (C3H-S) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)/clay hybrid compounds, the absorption and emission arising from Sb(V)TSPP indicates that it essentially retains its monomer character. Small-angle X-ray scattering experiments revealed that the clearance space (distance between the layers) for the hybrid compounds in benzene increases compared to that of the solid hybrid compounds. This result indicates a penetration of the benzene molecules into the hybrid layers. It is proposed that the aggregation mechanism of Sb(V)TSPP in polyfluorinated surfactant/clay hybrid compounds obeys the following sequence: (1) formation of a polyfluorinated environment of interlayers that have very weak intermolecular interactions among the surfactant molecules; (2) upon penetration of the benzene solvent molecules, swelling of the hybrid compounds and solvation of Sb(V)TSPP in the interlayers; (3) expulsion of Sb(V)TSPP molecules from the polyfluorinated assemblies into the interlayer space; and (4) migration of Sb(V)TSPP molecules to the microcavities, with concomitant dimer (H and J) formation.
In polymyositis (PM)/dermatomyositis (DM), T cells infiltrate the muscle tissues and interact with muscle cells via cell surface molecules. Recently, myoblasts have been reported to express CD40, but ...little is known about the role of CD40 in myoblasts. In the present study we examined the expression and involvement of CD40 and CD40 ligand (CD40L) in the interaction between muscle cells and T cells in PM/DM. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that CD40 was expressed on muscle cells in five of five PM and four of five DM patients, and that infiltrating mononuclear cells (MNCs) expressed CD40L in all cases of PM/DM. These CD40L-expressing MNCs were primarily CD4+ T cells. IFN-gamma, which is known to induce CD40 expression on various types of cells, was also expressed on the MNCs in four of the PM and four of the DM patients. Although cultured human myoblasts (SkMC 2859) did not express CD40 constitutively, IFN-gamma induced CD40 expression in a dose-dependent manner. To clarify the functional roles of CD40-mediated signals, the effects of a trimeric form of recombinant human CD40L on cytokine production were studied in SkMC 2859 that were prestimulated with IFN-gamma to express CD40. Recombinant human CD40L markedly increased the production of IL-6, IL-8, IL-15, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 of SkMC 2859. The expression of these humoral factors in muscle cells of PM and DM was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. These results suggest that interaction between T cells and muscle cells via the CD40-CD40L system contributes to the immunopathogenesis of PM/DM by augmenting inflammation via cytokine production by the muscle cells.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and morphologic characteristics of normal variations in the glenohumeral ligament complex (GHLC).
Anatomic study in cadavers.
We investigated ...84 cadaver shoulders and recorded visualization of the superior glenohumeral ligament (SGHL), middle glenohumeral ligament (MGHL), and anterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament (AIGHL). In cases with an AIGHL, we noted the location of its origin with respect to the anterior glenoid in terms of a clock face as in a right shoulder. If an MGHL was present, the site of its glenoid attachment was recorded. The presence of a cord-like MGHL, the Buford complex, and a sublabral foramen was also investigated.
Of these, 79 (94.1%) manifested an SGHL, 53 (63.1%) an MGHL, and 76 (90.5%) an AIGHL. The AIGHL originated in an area located between the 2- and 5-o’clock position; in 11 (14.5%), the origin was at the 2-o’clock position; in 49 (64.5%) at the 3-o’clock position; in 11 (14.5%), the 4-o’clock position; and in 5 (6.5%) at the 5-o’clock position. Two common variations in the attachment of the MGHL were seen; 30 of 53 MGHL (56.6%) originated from the labrum separate from the origin of the SGHL, and 23 (43.4%) from the labrum at the origin of the SGHL. Of the 84 specimens, 15 (17.9%) manifested a cord-like MGHL, and one (1.2%) the Buford complex. None of the specimens had a sublabral foramen, a finding that requires further investigation.
Our results suggest that the Buford complex is a rare variant of the GHLC, and the cord-like MGHL appears to be a relatively common normal variant.
The present study provides useful information concerning normal variations of the GHLC to arthroscopists considering Bankart repair.
OBJECTIVES: We investigated the clinical usefulness of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) for the treatment of diarrhea during enteral nutrition in elderly patients.
METHODS: This study included 10 men and ...10 women (mean age ± standard deviation: 79.3 ± 5.1 y) who had diarrhea during long-term nutrition management. When administering SDF, the initial dose was 7 g and thereafter gradually increased at 1-wk intervals. After 4 wk, the administration was discontinued for 2 wk to confirm the effects of SDF.
RESULTS: After the administration of SDF, serum diamine oxidase activity significantly increased (
P < 0.001): The water content of the feces decreased significantly after the administration of fiber (
P < 0.01). The frequency of daily bowel movements also decreased significantly (
P < 0.05). Simultaneously, the fecal features improved. Concerning intestinal flora, there were no significant changes in the total number of bacteria or the number of anaerobic bacteria. The fecal pH decreased significantly 4 wk after the administration of fiber (
P < 0.05). The total level of short-chain fatty acids increased significantly 4 wk after the administration of fiber (
P < 0.05). There were no significant changes in the various nutritional indices.
CONCLUSIONS: The administration of SDF is useful for controlling spontaneous, favorable bowel movement by improving symptoms of small intestinal mucosal atrophy and normalizing the intestinal flora.
This work presents the first investigation of an effective methodology for the synthesis of transparent and durable thin films with a high regularity along the c-axis using titania nanosheets (TN) on ...electrodes. This technique, an electrophoretic deposition method (EPD), was found to be applicable for the preparation of TN thin films deposited on ITO electrodes, a promising nanomaterial for the design of UV−visible light-sensitive energy conversion systems. The deposition of TN was found to be significantly affected by the concentrations, viscosity, and pH values of the aqueous TN solutions. Using quartz crystal analysis (QCA), the optimal deposition conditions for the most adhesive amounts of TN were established, and the delicate balance between the TN solution viscosity and surface charges of the TN layers that govern the amount of TN deposited on the substrate was discerned. Moreover, the deposited thin films were greatly improved by the addition of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) into the solutions, initiating an increase in the deposition weight and optical transmittance, thus leading to firm adhesion onto the substrate. Methyl viologen (MV2+) was intercalated into the TN layers and irradiated with UV light shorter than the end absorption of TN, leading to a blue coloring for the TN/MV2+ thin films attributed to the formation of reduction products from MV2+ and clearly indicating photocatalytic reactivity.
Aminobisphosphonates are drugs used in the treatment of hypercalcemia, Paget's disease, osteoporosis, and malignancy. Some patients treated with aminobisphosphonates have a transient febrile reaction ...that may be caused by an increased serum concentration of proinflammatory cytokines. Aminobisphosphonates induce the production of certain proinflammatory cytokines in vitro, especially in cells of monocytic lineage. A unique feature of aminobisphosphonates is that they bind the Vgamma2Vdelta2 class of T cells, which are found only in primates, and stimulate cytokine production. The effects of aminobisphosphonates on other cells, including macrophages, are incompletely understood. We show in this study that treatment of murine macrophages with pamidronate, a second generation aminobisphosphonate, induces TNF-alpha production. Furthermore, pretreatment of murine macrophages with pamidronate before stimulation with IFN-gamma significantly augments IFN-gamma-dependent production of TNF-alpha. This pamidronate-mediated augmentation of TNF-alpha production results in sustained phosphorylation of the tyrosine residue at position 701 of STAT1 after IFN-gamma treatment. Our data suggest that this sustained phosphorylation results from inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatase activity. We also show that pamidronate treatment increases TNF-alpha production in vivo in mice. Pamidronate-augmented TNF-alpha production by macrophages might be a useful strategy for cytokine-based anticancer therapy.
Arylzinc compounds, ArZnX, were conveniently prepared in high yields by the reaction of zinc powder with aryl iodides, which contain electron-withdrawing groups such as CO2CH3, CN, Br, or CF3 at the ...ortho-, meta- or para-position, or electron-donating groups such as CH3, OCH3, or H, at 70 °C in THF, at 100 °C, or at 130 °C in diglyme, respectively. Pd(dba)2 exhibited an outstanding efficient catalytic effect for the cross-coupling of these ethereal solutions of ArZnX with allylic halides to afford a variety of functionalized allylbenzenes in high yields; the reactions were mostly carried out at 0 °C for 5−30 min in the presence of 5 mol % of catalyst. The conversion of the aryl iodides to allylbenzenes via two reactions could be accomplished in one pot.
Cisplatin causes nephropathy accompanied by two types of cell death, necrosis and apoptosis, according to its dosage. The mechanisms of necrosis are still unclear. In this study, we examined how high ...doses of cisplatin induce cell injury and whether a high affinity sodium-dependent glucose transporter (SGLT1) has a cytoprotective function in renal epithelial LLC-PK
1 cells. Cisplatin decreased in transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and increased in the number of necrotic dead cells in a time dependent manner. Phloridzin, a potent SGLT1 inhibitor, enhanced both TER decrease and increase of necrotic dead cells caused by cisplatin. Cisplatin increased in the intracellular nitric oxide, superoxide anion and peroxynitrite productions. Phloridzin enhanced the peroxynitrite production caused by cisplatin. The intracellular diffusion of ZO-1 and TER decrease caused by cisplatin were inhibited by
N-nitro-
l-arginine methyl ester, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor. Protein kinase C was not involved in the cisplatin-induced injury. 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(4-sulfonatophenyl)-porphyrinato iron (III) and reduced glutathione, peroxynitrite scavengers, inhibited the cisplatin-induced ZO-1 diffusion, TER decrease, and increase of necrotic dead cells. These results suggest that peroxynitrite is a key mediator in the nephrotoxicity caused by high doses of cisplatin. SGLT1 endogenously carries out the cytoprotective function by the reduction of peroxynitrite production.
An intensive survey on community response to the sonic environment was conducted in a residential–industrial mixed use area. The size of the study area is comparatively small, about 6 ha. The survey ...consists of (1) observation of the sonic environment, where the density of observation points is about 7 points/ha, and (2) the investigation of the community response to the sonic environment applying a free response questionnaire method. The results of the survey are summarized as follows. The sonic environment is not homogeneous even in such a small area as investigated here. There are some differences in response to the sonic environment in which respondents live in different social contexts. Responses to questions on the sonic environment depend upon the dominant sounds. Thus, sonic environments observed be researchers and described by respondents cannot be regraded as homogenous. The fact suggests that the intensive survey is necessary for examining the community response to the sonic environment.
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