This study aimed to assess the effects of examination stress on salivary cortisol, immunoglobulin A (IgA), and chromogranin A (CgA) in nursing students. Saliva samples were collected from 15 healthy females before and immediately after the one-hour examination, and two hours after the examination. Salivary cortisol, IgA, and CgA concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Both IgA and CgA concentrations statistically increased immediately after the examination (P < 0.05) and decreased two hours after the examination. No significant differences were observed between before and after the examination in the salivary cortisol concentration. These findings suggest that the acute stress due to the examination is associated with raised salivary IgA and CgA, but not cortisol.

Several common biological properties between cancer cells and embryonic stem (ES) cells suggest the possibility that some genes expressed in ES cells might play important roles in cancer cell growth. The transcription factor ZFP57 is expressed in self-renewing ES cells and its expression level decreases during ES cell differentiation.This study showed that ZFP57 is involved in the anchorage-independent growth of human fibrosarcoma HT1080 cells in soft agar. ZFP57 overexpression enhanced, while knockdown suppressed, HT1080 tumor formation in nude mice. Furthermore, ZFP57 regulates the expression of IGF2, which plays a critical role in ZFP57-induced anchorage-independent growth. ZFP57 also promotes anchorage-independent growth in ES cells and immortal fibroblasts. Finally, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that ZFP57 is overexpressed in human cancer clinical specimens. Taken together, these results suggest that the ES-specific transcription factor ZFP57 is a novel oncogene.

Hassab's operation is a satisfactory approach to controlling varices, especially when combined with preoperative endoscopic treatment. Platelet counts were significantly higher after surgery. This therapy was important for cirrhotic patients contraindicated for liver transplantation in that they could continue their therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and HCV as needed.

To determine the prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) among Japanese pregnant women without complications, and to clarify the correlation between RLS and clinical outcomes, RLS screening was conducted using the Johns Hopkins Telephone Diagnostic Interview for 140 pregnant women in their third trimester. The frequency of positive RLS screening test was 15.7%. No significant differences were found in the hemoglobin, ferritin, and folate levels and in the delivery outcomes between the RLS and control groups. In the future, it will be necessary to clarify whether a similarly high prevalence of RLS exists in Japanese pregnant women with complications.

There were no adverse effects on survival rate, food consumption or hematology data, although diarrhea and bodyweight retardation were observed in the male and female 2.5% groups. Significant increases of kidney and adrenal weights were noted in both male and female 2.5% group. Macroscopically, dilatation of the cecum was observed in both male and female 2.5% group, and enlargement of the adrenals was observed in the male of 2.5% group. Significantly higher incidences of benign or malignant pheochromocytoma were observed in the male 1.3% group and both male and female 2.5% groups. Significantly positive trends were noted in the incidences of kidney pelvic and papilla mineralization in both sexes and cortico-medullary junction in females. To investigate possible mechanisms underlying Ge-132-associated development of pheochromocytoma, male F344 rats were administered diets containing 0, 0.6, or 2.5% Ge-132 for 4 or 13 weeks. Although loose stools and increasing water consumption were observed in treated groups, there were no bodyweight retardation. Significant elevation of inorganic phosphorus in the serum was found in the 2.5% group at week 13. Dilatation of the cecum and increased cecum weight were evident macroscopically in the 2.5% group. Significant elevation of Ki-67 positive ratio in adrenal medullary cells was also found in the 2.5% group. These data indicated that Ge-132 ingestion induced disturbance in calcium/phosphorus homeostasis, and secondarily induced the development of benign or malignant pheochromocytoma in rats. Such secondary pheochromocytomas are considered to be not relevant for human risk assessment.