Kenji Miyata

Reaction behavior of wood in an ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride

Reaction of Japanese beech (Fagus crenata) in an ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C2mim][Cl]), which can dissolve cellulose, was investigated. Although both lignin and polysaccharides such as cellulose and hemicelluloses can be liquefied at a treatment temperature of around 100°C, the liquefaction of polysaccharides mainly occurs at the beginning of the treatment with [C2mim][Cl]. Cellulose crystallinity in the wood was gradually broken down as the treatment continued. The solubilized polymers were depolymerized to low molecular weight compounds. The results indicate that [C2mim][Cl] is an effective solvent and reagent for the liquefaction of wood components and subsequent depolymerization of them.

Difference in Urinary N-Acetyl-β-D-Glucosaminidase Activity between Male and Female Beagle Dogs

Urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activity differed greatly between male and female beagle dogs in an age-matched group. The NAG activity in males per animal, per body weight, or per 16-hour urine sample was approximately double that in females and was 2.4-fold higher when the activity was considered relative to urinary creatinine. On the other hand, alanine aminopeptidase activity relative to urinary creatinine was not significantly different between males and females. These findings indicate that when using urinary NAG activity to detect drug nephrotoxicity in dogs, some consideration must be given to different control levels between males and females before starting drug administration.

Sex Difference of N-Acetyl-β-D-Glucosaminidase Activity in the Kidney, Urine, and Plasma of Mice

N-Acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activities in urine, kidney, and plasma were compared in an age-matched group of male and female ds mice. In males, the NAG activity in the kidney was significantly higher (p less than 0.001), and the urinary NAG activity (unit/g creatinine) was 8-fold higher than those for females, while plasma NAG levels were significantly lower (p less than 0.001). These findings indicate that when using urinary NAG activity to detect drug nephrotoxicity in mice, the different basal levels between males and females should be considered before drug administration.