The true HCV MTCT and de-carrier rates were found to be much higher and lower than those reported previously. The maternal liver dysfunction (sALT >or=110 IU/mL) and blood loss (>or=500 g) at delivery are the next risk factors to maternal viral load (>or=10(5) copies/mL) for MTCT.

IL-2 and IL-12 up-regulated the production of IFN-γ in DMNC through increasing their susceptibility to LPS. TNF-α production is independent of such a mechanism.

Spatial variation of phosphorus fractions in bottom sediment, pore water and overlying water in three shallow eutrophic lakes, Nishiura, Kitaura and Sotonasakaura, Japan, and the contributions of the fractional P to mobilization of phosphorus from sediment were examined in this study. The vertical distributions of dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) concentrations in overlying and pore water differed with lake and sampling site. In particular, DIP was high in pore water in the surface layer of the sediment for the middle to downlake areas of Lake Kitaura. DIP release flux calculated from a gradient of the concentrations at the sediment-water interface was high compared with other sites. The distribution of fractional P content in sediments was highly variable. The citratedithionite-bicarbonate-non-reactive phosphorus (CDB-NRP) fraction, in particular, differed greatly among the three lakes. According to correlation in the ratios between CDB-NRP and loss on ignition, sediments of these lakes were classified in three clusters. The CDB-NRP fraction was suggested to play a role in DIP release from sediment. The possibility of nitrate concentration playing a role in the control of DIP release was considered.

We investigated the prevalence of measles-sensitive pregnant women and the clinical usefulness of measles vaccination in postpartum women. Measles antibody levels were measured in 751 pregnant women. Forty-four women were vaccinated postpartum, and screened for antibody levels and adverse effects 1 month after vaccination. The prevalence of measles-sensitive pregnant women was 10-20%, with the highest prevalence in those under 24 years of age. Almost all (97.7%) vaccinated women acquired immunity, and did not show any adverse effects. Serum measles antibody levels should be determined in all pregnant women as a screening tool, and sensitive women should be vaccinated immediately after delivery.