Anti-human immunodeficiency virus agent 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine inhibits replication of Epstein-Barr virus

We show that the anti-human immunodeficiency virus agent, 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT), which suppresses infectivity and cytopathic effects of human immunodeficiency virus, also effectively inhibits Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA replication. However, AZT has no effect on four other human herpesviruses: cytomegalovirus, varicella-zoster virus, and herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2. The combination of acyclovir and AZT, while it is not synergistic, has an additive effect against EBV replication. AZT may prove to be a useful drug for treatment of coinfections with human immunodeficiency virus and EBV.

What is expected of CT in the evaluation of stroke?

This study was based on 5042 cranial CT examinations in a 2-year period. 19.8% of all cranial CT scans were performed for confirmation or evaluation of clinically suspected stroke. 87% of the clinical diagnoses of stroke were confirmed by CT scan. Intracranial hemorrhage made up a small percentage in this study. The establishment of this diagnosis was a valuable service in the patients' management. Brain tumor may rarely present clinical symptoms mimicking stroke and may have a normal CT initially.

Effect of acyclic pyrimidines related to 9-[(1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxy)methyl]guanine on herpesviruses

A series of pyrimidines related to the potent antiherpetic agent 9-[(1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxy)methyl]guanine (1, BW B759U), all containing the same acyclic chain, have been synthesized. Some of the compounds were derivatives of the naturally occurring bases, cytosine, uracil, and thymine; others included compounds in which the 5-position of the cytosine and uracil moieties were substituted by bromo, iodo, fluoro, methyl, and amino groups. Other variations of the cytosine derivatives were the 5-aza, 2-mercapto, 4-methylamino, 4-dimethylamino, and isocytosine congeners. A 4-aminopyrimidine adduct was also made. Antiviral testing showed that 1-[(1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxy)methyl]cytosine (18, BW A1117U) was equivalent to the guanine analogue in potency against human cytomegalovirus and Epstein Barr virus. Other compounds in the series were largely inactive in antiviral screening against the herpesviruses.

Microwave-induced thermoelastic pressure wave propagation in the cat brain

This paper presents direct measurements of acoustic pressure wave propagation in cat brains irradiated with pulsed 2.45-GHz microwaves. Short rectangular microwave pulses (2 microseconds, 15 kW peak power) were applied singly through a direct-contact applicator located at the occipital pole of a cat's head. Acoustic pressure waves were detected by using a small hydrophone transducer, which was inserted stereotaxically into the brain of an anesthetized animal through a matrix of holes drilled on the skull. The measurements clearly indicate that pulsed microwaves induce acoustic pressure waves which propagate with an acoustic wave velocity of 1523 m/s.

Synovial cysts of the lumbar spine: CT evaluation

Seven cases of surgically proven intraspinal synovial cysts are reported. Computed tomographic (CT) scans demonstrated a series of low-density masses adjacent to the facet joints; in three cases, a dense rim indicated a calcified wall on the cyst; in one, the wall was partially calcified; and in three the mass appeared to be filled with gas. In all of these cases, there was severe degenerative facet disease at the same level as the synovial cyst. In six patients, the cysts were unilateral, while one was bilateral; seven cysts were located at the level of L4-L5, and one at L3-L4. We conclude from this study that the intraspinal synovial cyst can be identified reliably by the CT scan.

Novel acyclic adenosine analogs inhibit Epstein-Barr virus replication

The effect of three new acyclic adenosine analogs, (S)-9-(3-hydroxy-2-phosphonylmethoxypropyl)adenine [(S)-HPMPA], 9-(2-phosphonylmethoxyethyl)adenine (PMEA), and (S)-9-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)adenine [(S)-DHPA], on Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) replication was studied. Both (S)-HPMPA and PMEA but not (S)-DHPA effectively inhibited EBV DNA replication in virus-producer P3HR-1 cells and in latently infected Raji cells superinfected with P3HR-1 virus, as determined by cRNA-DNA hybridization and density gradient centrifugation. The 50% effective doses for inhibiting virus replication were 0.08 and 1.1 microM for (S)-HPMPA and PMEA, respectively. Both drugs were cytostatic but not cytotoxic to the cells at a concentration as high as 100 microM. These results indicate that (S)-HPMPA and PMEA are potent and selective anti-EBV agents in vitro.

Doppler microwave. A clinical assessment of its efficacy as an arterial pulse sensing technique

A new Doppler microwave device designed for noninvasive arterial pulse detection by assessment of arterial wall motion was clinically evaluated. Carotid pulse tracings obtained with the microwave device were compared with simultaneously obtained intra-aortic pressure pulse waves. Ease and quality of the recording were also evaluated in 25 consecutive patients undergoing echocardiography. In 92% of the patients tested, good quality carotid pulse tracings could be obtained. T1/2 values and systolic time intervals were calculated from these recordings and correlated well with the known disease states of these patients, which ranged from aortic stenosis and aortic insufficiency to chronic heart failure. Finally, microwave tracings were faithful reproductions of invasive recordings of arterial pressures when compared on the basis of left ventricular ejection times and pulse contour.

Two strains of Epstein-Barr virus (B95-8 and a P3HR-1 subclone) that lack defective genomes induce early antigen and cause abortive infection of Raji cells

The heterogeneity of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) obtained from P3HR-1 cells has permitted derivation of a distinct subclone of P3HR-1 (L. Heston, M. Rabson, N. Brown, and G. Miller, Nature (London) 295:160-163, 1982). We have analyzed the biologic properties and genomic structure of this subclonal virus (clone 13) compared with those of parental P3HR-1 and B95-8 viruses. Synthesis of EBV compared with those of parental P3HR-1 and B95-8 viruses. Synthesis of EBV proteins in Raji cells superinfected with virus derived from P3HR-1, clone 13, and B95-8 was analyzed both by fluorography of radiolabeled proteins and by immunoblotting. Highly concentrated preparations of clone 13 and B95-8 virus induced most of the spectrum of EBV proteins in Raji cells with the exception of the 145,000-, 140,000-, and 110,000-molecular-weight proteins, which were either undetectable or reduced. Moreover, both clone 13 and B95-8 viruses also induced the same patterns of early antigen diffuse components as the parental P3HR-1 virus did. However, only P3HR-1 virus could induce EBV DNA synthesis in superinfected Raji cells, as determined both by buoyant density centrifugation and by in situ cytohybridization with biotinylated recombinant EBV DNA probes. Defective heterogeneous molecules present in P3HR-1 virus have been implicated in early antigen induction after superinfection of Raji cells. Therefore, Southern blots of clone 13, P3HR-1, and B95-8 viruses were hybridized to recombinant EBV fragments representing the sequences contained within the defective molecules in P3HR-1. The parental P3HR-1 contained the previously described defective molecules. No evidence for defective molecules was found in clone 13 or B95-8 viruses. These data indicate that concentrated preparations of both clone 13 and B95-8 viruses can induce abortive infection in Raji cells, but while the defective molecules are not needed for induction of early antigen diffuse components, they may be required for the induction of viral DNA synthesis.

Differential effects of acyclovir and 9-(1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxymethyl)guanine on herpes simplex virus and Epstein-Barr virus in a dually infected human lymphoblastoid cell line

We investigated the effects of acyclovir and 9-(1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxymethyl)guanine (DHPG) on a lymphoblastoid cell line dually infected with Epstein-Barr virus and herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1. The numbers of Epstein-Barr virus genomes were reduced during 70 days of treatment with either drug. Both drugs suppressed HSV replication in a dose-related manner. In the continued presence of the drugs, HSV developed resistance, rapidly to acyclovir and much more slowly to 30 microM DHPG. Analysis of HSV glycoprotein C production and viral DNA showed that treatment with 100 microM DHPG eliminated HSV production, curing the cell line of HSV persistent infection.

Interstitial microwave antennas for thermal therapy

This paper presents a new microwave antenna design with improved heating at the tip for interstitial hyperthermia and thermocoagulation. Temperature distribution patterns surrounding a conventional insulated antenna and the new sleeved coaxial slot radiator are measured in a saline phantom under transient and steady-state conditions. The new design provides an improved steady-state temperature distribution over the active region of the radiator. In contrast to the cold zone at the tip of a conventional insulated antenna the new sleeved coaxial slot antenna provides maximal (sixfold greater) power deposition at its tip.

Metabolic activation of 9([2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethoxy]methyl)guanine in human lymphoblastoid cell lines infected with Epstein-Barr virus

9-([2-Hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethoxy]methyl)guanine (BW B759U) is more potent and has a more prolonged inhibitory effect against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in vitro than does acyclovir (ACV). To assess the mechanism of this difference, we first compared the extent of phosphorylation of the two drugs in superinfected Raji cells. BW B759U is phosphorylated to levels 100-fold higher than is ACV. In addition, lower levels of phosphorylation of BW B759U and ACV were observed in uninfected Raji cells. Studies on the kinetics of formation of BW B759U triphosphate in superinfected Raji cells indicated that drug-phosphorylating activity was detected as early as 3 h after superinfection; this activity was steadily maintained for the first 7 h, followed by a burst of activity between 7 and 10 h and a doubling of phosphorylation between 10 and 25 h. During the superinfection cycle, the pool sizes of deoxyribonucleoside and ribonucleoside triphosphates were increased and reached their maxima at 10 h after infection. The maximal amount of triphosphorylated drug in a virus producer cell, P3HR-1 (LS), was obtained at 21 h after drug treatment. During long-term drug treatment, approximately 44 and 77% reduction in EBV genome copies per cell was observed on days 3 and 7, respectively. In a separate experiment, after treatment of P3HR-1 (LS) cells with BW B759U for 36 h, 4.2 pmol of BW B759U triphosphate per 10(6) cells was achieved. After the cells were released into drug-free medium, drug triphosphate was rapidly decreased to 11% of the original level in 1 day. Thereafter, the decrease was slow but steady, down to 0.22 pmol/10(6) P3HR-1 cells by 5 days. We calculated that 0.22 pmol of BW B759U triphosphate per 10(6) cells represents a cellular concentration of 0.22 microM, which is theoretically enough to inhibit EBV replication. This is based upon a comparison with the 50% effective dose of BW B759U (0.05 microM) for inhibition of genome replication and a Ki of 0.08 microM for BW B759U triphosphate inhibition of EBV DNA polymerase.

Ependymoma of filum terminale: metrizamide-enhanced CT evaluation

Two cases of surgically proven myxopapillary ependymomas of filum terminale are reported. In both, myelography and metrizamide-enhanced computed tomographic (CT) scans were performed. An intramedullary tumor in the lower thoracic spine, soft-tissue masses in the neural foramina and enlarged bony spinal canal in the lower thoracic and upper lumbar spine were noted in one case and, in the other, an intradural extramedullary tumor at T12-L1 level. Both patients had normal cranial CT scans, and both presented with similar symptoms--low back pain and weakness and paresthesia of leg or legs for up to 3 years' duration. Myelography and metrizamide-enhanced CT scans were performed in order to evaluate disc disease in one patient and spinal stenosis in the other. Ependymoma was an incidental finding, which was then removed by surgical resection. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis.

Sequential detection of different antigens induced by Epstein-Barr virus and herpes simplex virus in the same Western blot by using dual antibody probes

A dual antibody probing technique that permitted a color-coded identification of polypeptides representing different classes of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antigens as well as differentiation of the polypeptides induced by different herpesviruses in the same Western blot was developed. When the nitrocellulose sheet was probed first with monoclonal antibody against EBV early antigen diffuse component (EA-D) and then stained with 4-chloro-1-naphthol, four polypeptides specific for EA-D were identified by purple bands. Subsequently, the same nitrocellulose sheet was reprobed with human serum containing antibodies against EBV early antigen, viral capsid antigen, and nuclear antigen and stained with 3,3'-diaminobenzidine. Several brown bands corresponding to early, viral capsid, and nuclear antigen polypeptides were detected. The dual antibody probing technique was used in an analysis to differentiate polypeptides resulting from either EBV or herpes simplex virus infection, either in cells infected by individual virus or in a cell line dually infected by both viruses. On the basis of different colored bands in different lanes of the same gel, 20 polypeptides with molecular weights ranging from 31,000 to 165,000 were identified as herpes simplex virus-specific proteins. These results suggested that the dual antibody probing technique may be applicable in clinical diagnosis for detecting antigens and antibodies derived from different pathogens.

Interaction of ethanol and microwaves on the blood-brain barrier of rats

The combined effects of ethanol and microwaves on the permeation of Evans blue dye through the mammalian blood-brain barrier was studied in male Wistar rats. Anesthetized rats were infused through a cannula in the left femoral vein with 0.1, 0.3, 0.5 or 0.7 grams of absolute ethanol per kilogram of body mass. A control group was given 0.7 g/kg of isotonic saline. The left hemisphere of the brain was irradiated by 3.15-GHz microwave energy at 3.0 W/cm2 rms for 15 min. The rat's rectal temperature was maintained at 37.0 degrees C. Immediately after irradiation, 2% Evans blue dye in saline (2.0 ml/kg body mass) was injected through the cannula. The results show that as the quantity of alcohol was increased, the degree of staining was decreased or eliminated. The temperature of the irradiated area of the brain increased for the first 4 to 5 minutes of irradiation and then stabilized for the remainder of the irradiation period. The steady-state temperature was highest in animals receiving saline or the smallest dose of alcohol. As the quantity of alcohol was increased, the steady-state temperature was reduced. These results indicate that ethanol inhibits microwave-induced permeation of the blood-brain barrier through reduced heating of the brain.

Establishment and characterization of four human bladder tumor cell lines and sublines with different degrees of malignancy

We have established four human bladder tumor cultures, designated MGH-U1 to -U4 (also known as EJ, HM, RN, and RB in some previous reports). All have been grown in culture for over 30 passages and were free of Mycoplasma contamination. Characterizations of these cell lines were performed. These include isozyme profile, morphology with light and scanning electron microscopes, karyotype, growth rate, DNA content by flow cytometry, presence of cell surface ABH isoantigens, tumorigenicity in nude mice, lactic acid dehydrogenase isozymes, and colony formation in soft agar. Results obtained from these characterizations confirm that MGH-U1 and -U2 are sublines of a previously established bladder tumor cell line, T-24. These results also show that MGH-U3 and -U4, derived respectively from a grade 1 tumor and an urothelium biopsy with severe atypia, are likely to be independent human bladder cell lines and different from other transitional cell bladder carcinoma cell lines reported. The study further demonstrates that these four cell lines/sublines have different degrees of malignancy and a close correlation, in biological and malignant characteristics, between the cells in culture and those in the original tumors. Therefore these cultures may represent cells at different stages of malignant progression. These can be useful models for studies of the development and progression of bladder tumors and detection and treatment of bladder tumors of different grades and stages.

Sex differential and dose dependence of phenobarbital-promoting activity in N-bis(2-hydroxypropyl)nitrosamine-initiated thyroid tumorigenesis in rats

Studies were made on the dose and sex dependence of thyroid tumor development in rats pretreated with N-bis(2-hydroxypropyl)nitrosamine (DHPN) followed by exposure to various doses of phenobarbital (PB). A direct dose-response relationship in induction of thyroid tumors was found in both male and female rats. Upon feeding the DHPN-treated rats with basal diet containing 20, 100, 500, and 2500 ppm of PB, the incidences of follicular adenoma were, respectively, 8, 45, 70, and 66% in male rats and 12, 17, 50, and 58% in female rats. Development of papillary adenomas in male rats was observed only at the higher doses of PB, at incidences of 12 and 20% for doses of 500 and 2500 ppm. Follicular carcinoma was also seen at higher doses of PB, at 16 and 12%, respectively, for the 500- and 2500-ppm groups. Neither follicular nor papillary carcinomas were induced in female rats; only a low incidence of papillary adenoma (4%) was observed with a PB concentration as high as 2500 ppm. A single injection of DHPN resulted in production of approximately 1 tumor/female rat and 2.5 tumors/male rat. DHPN combined with posttreatment with PB at doses up to 500 ppm did not increase tumor yield in female rats, whereas a 3-fold increase was observed in male rats for the 500-ppm-treated groups. When PB was increased to 2500 ppm a marked increase (8-fold) in tumor yield in male rats was observed, in contrast to a less than 3-fold increase in similarly treated female rats.

Geophysical variables and behavior: XXVII. Magnetic necklace: its therapeutic effectiveness on neck and shoulder pain: 2. Psychological assessment

The efficacy of magnetic necklaces (maximum static magnetic field 0.13 T) in controlling chronic neck and shoulder pain was studied. A double-blind experiment was performed on four groups of human adults (Total N = 101). The experimental design involved 52 subjects with chronic pain (35 women, 17 men) and 49 without symptoms of pain (20 women, 29 men). They were assigned in near-equal numbers into subgroups in which magnetic or nonmagnetic necklaces were worn 24 hr. a day for 4 wk. Subjective reports and psychological testing indicated that there were no statistically significant differences among treatment subgroups before treatment. Subjects in the pain group reported a statistically significant reduction in frequency and severity of pain immediately after treatment. However, treatment condition (magnetic vs nonmagnetic) did not significantly affect subjective reports, indicating that the reported improvement is attributable to the placebo effect.

Identification of two molecular forms of (Na+,K+)-ATPase in rat adipocytes. Relation to insulin stimulation of the enzyme

Two molecular forms of the (Na+,K+)-ATPase catalytic subunit have been identified in rat adipocyte plasma membranes using immunological techniques. The similarity between these two forms and those in brain (Sweadner, K. J. (1979) J. Biol. Chem. 254, 6060-6067) led us to use the same nomenclature: alpha and alpha(+). The K0.5 values of each form for ouabain (determined by inhibition of phosphorylation of the enzyme from [gamma-32P]ATP) were 3 X 10(-7)M for alpha(+) and 1 X 10(-5)M for alpha. These numbers correlate well with the K0.5 values for the two ouabain-inhibitable components of 86Rb+/K+ pumping in intact cells (1 X 10(-7) M and 4 X 10(-5)M). Quantitation of the Na+ pumps in plasma membranes demonstrated a total of 11.5 +/- 0.2 pmol/mg of membrane protein, of which 8.5 +/- 0.3 pmol/mg, or 75%, was alpha(+). Insulin stimulation of 86Rb+/K+ uptake in rat adipocytes was abolished by ouabain at a concentration sufficient to inhibit only alpha(+)(2-5 X 10(-6)M). Immunological techniques and ouabain inhibition of catalytic labeling of the enzyme from [gamma-32P]ATP demonstrated that alpha(+) was present in skeletal muscle membranes as well as in adipocyte membranes, but was absent from liver membranes. Since insulin stimulates increased Na+ pump activity in adipose and muscle tissue but not in liver, there is a correlation between hormonal regulation of (Na+,K+)-ATPase and the presence of alpha(+). We propose that alpha(+) is the hormonally-sensitive version of the enzyme.