Early and Definitive Diagnosis of Toxic Shock Syndrome by Detection of Marked Expansion of T-Cell-Receptor Vβ2-Positive T Cells

We describe two cases of early toxic shock syndrome, caused by the superantigen produced from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and diagnosed on the basis of an expansion of T-cell-receptor Vβ2-positive T cells. One case-patient showed atypical symptoms. Our results indicate that diagnostic systems incorporating laboratory techniques are essential for rapid, definitive diagnosis of toxic shock syndrome

A preliminary study of Rb-Sr systematics and trace element abundances on impact-melted LL-chondrites from Antarctica

Rb-Sr systematics, REE, Ba, Sr, Rb, K, Ca and Mg abundances were analyzed in 1) whole-rock samples from 8 Antarctic LL-chondrites including 4 impact-melted rocks and 2 non-Antarctic LL chondrites, and 2) 8 mineral separates from one of the impact-melted meteorites, Y-790964. In a ^(Rb)-^(Sr) evolution diagram, analyses from the severely shocked meteorites deviate from the 4.5 b. y.-evolution line although those of normal LL-chondrites are plotted on or close to the line, suggesting a late thermal evolution of these impact-melted meteorites. Analyses of mineral separates and a whole-rock from Y-790964 yield a Rb-Sr internal isochron age of 1197±54 (2σ) m. y. and an initial ^(Sr)/^(Sr) ratio of 0.73160±0.00028 (2σ). This age is the youngest known among impact-related materials in brecciated meteorites. In addition, the impact-melted meteorites have somewhat higher and fractionated REE, Sr, Rb and K abundances compared with normal LL chondrites. The 1.2 b. y. age is interpreted as a time of melting induced by intense impacts on the LL-chondrite parent body, accompanied by REE, Rb/Sr and K fractionations. Therefore, we suggest that strong impact and regolith processes on the LL-chondrite parent body never ceased until at least 1.2 b. y. ago

Uterine leiomyomata: a retrospective study of correlations with hypertension and diabetes mellitus from the Japan Nurses’ Health Study

We performed a scrutiny survey of self-reported uterine leiomyomata (UL) to investigate the associations of parental history with hypertension and personal history of hypertension in the UL cases in Japanese women. Questionnaires that included items on the sites of UL determined by imaging techniques and surgical procedure were mailed to 2015 women with a self-reported UL at a baseline survey of the Japan Nurses’ Health Study (n = 15,019). We found that women with a past history and a maternal history of hypertension had an increase in their risk of UL. A maternal history of hypertension was significantly associated with an increase in the risk of UL in women without a past history of hypertension but not in the women with a past history of hypertension. A past history and a parental history of diabetes mellitus were not associated with an increase in the risk of UL. Women of reproductive age with a maternal history of hypertension may be at a higher risk for hypertension and UL.Impact Statement What is already known on this subject? A positive association of uterine leiomyomata (UL) with a past history of hypertension has been found but the association of a parental history of hypertension with UL has not yet been clarified. What do the results of this study add? Maternal hypertension, as well as a personal history of hypertension, was associated with an increased risk of UL and a past history and a parental history of diabetes mellitus were not associated with an increase in the risk of UL. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Women of a reproductive age with a maternal history of hypertension may be at a higher risk for hypertension and UL