Electrophysiological correlates of visual search asymmetry in humans

Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) were recorded during a visual search task to evaluate parallel and serial models of visual processing. A target stimulus elicited a discrete posterior negative wave in the 150-300 ms latency range. Furthermore, there was a close correlation between the search performance and the activity of the negative wave. When the target had a unique feature, neither the search time nor the characteristics of the negative wave was affected by the number of items in display. However, when the target lacked a unique feature, both the search time and the latency of the negative wave increased with the number of items. These results were consistent with a claim that an object with a unique feature is detected preattentively.

Simultaneous occurrence of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and remote intracerebral hemorrhage--case report

A 77-year-old female presented with a rare aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage accompanied by a remote hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage. With a past history of hypertension, she suddenly developed right hemiparesis followed by delayed loss of consciousness. Left carotid angiography demonstrated a left internal carotid-posterior communicating artery aneurysm. The intracerebral hematoma was located in the posterior limb of the internal capsule ipsilateral to the ruptured aneurysm. The aneurysm was clipped with a fenestrated clip 3 weeks after the onset. The rise in blood pressure at the onset of intracerebral hemorrhage probably caused the rupture of the internal carotid-posterior communicating artery aneurysm.

Kinetic studies on the removal of extracellular tert-butyl hydroperoxide by cultured fibroblasts

In fibroblasts toxic hydroperoxides are removed mainly by GSH peroxidase. The reaction depends on NADPH, since GSSG must be reduced by GSSG reductase for recycling. In this work we have studied the kinetics of tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBH) removal by cultured fibroblasts in relation to the GSSG reduction. The rate of the reaction showed biphasic dependence on tBH concentration. About a third of the reaction was saturated below 10 microM tBH, while the rest of the reaction showed less steep dependence, reaching a plateau at 200 microM tBH. The latter reaction is thought to be due to GSH peroxidase, and the concentration dependence could be explained on the basis of reaction kinetics of GSH peroxidase and GSSG reductase. The maximum rate of tBH removal was estimated as 40-50 nmol tBH/min/mg of protein, while the glutathione reductase activity is the solubilized cell was 33.0 +/- 3.5 nmol GSSG/min/mg of protein. It was concluded that, under the oxidative stress as in the present experiments, the step catalyzed by GSSG reductase is rate-limiting in the reaction sequence.

Elicitation of nickel sulfate (NiSO4)-specific delayed-type hypersensitivity requires early-occurring and early-acting, NiSO4-specific DTH-initiating cells with an unusual mixed phenotype for an antigen-specific cell

The elicitation in immunized mice of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses to nickel sulfate (NiSO4) was found to be mediated by the sequential activities of two different antigen-specific Thy-1+ cells. Early-acting (2-hr) NiSO4-specific, DTH-initiating cells were required for elicitation of subsequent 24-hr NiSO4-specific DTH and had an unusual phenotype for an antigen-specific cell (Thy-1+, CD5+, CD3-, CD4-, CD8- CD23+, CD45RA+ (B220+), IL-2R-, IL-3R+, sIg-, MHC Class II-, Mel-14-, CD44+ (Pgp-1+), J11d+ (HSA+), MAC-1+, LFA-1, and Fc gamma II-R+). In contrast, the late-acting, NiSO4-specific DTH-effector T cells were: Thy-1+, CD5+, CD3+, CD4+, CD8-, CD23-, B220-, IL-2R+, IL-3R-, sIg-, MHC Class II-, Mel-14+, CD44- (Pgp-1-), J11d- (HSA-), MAC-1-, LFA-1+, and Fc gamma II-R-. Our results led us to surmise that the early-acting DTH-initiating cells were necessary to locally recruit the late-acting effector T cells. Relatively high doses of anti-B220 (CD45RA) and anti-CD23 (IgE Fc epsilon RII receptor) monoclonal antibodies were necessary to completely eliminate all DTH-initiating cells, and therefore completely block subsequent expression of some late NiSO4-specific DTH activity that was due to the late-acting DTH effector T cells. In addition, we found that mast cells were important for expression of early-acting, DTH-initiating cell activity in this NiSO4-specific, DTH system. This was probably due to the absence of mast cells in mast cell-deficient WBB6F1-W/Wv mice. Our results indicated that two different antigen-specific Thy-1+ cells are necessary to elicit NiSO4-specific DTH in mice and that mast cells are necessary for expression of the early component that is due to early-acting, DTH-initiating cells.

[Coronary artery bypass grafting in a patient with a single coronary artery]

Coronary artery bypass grafting in a patient with a single coronary artery is reported. A 61-year-old male who had chest pain and palpitation was transferred to our hospital. His ECG showed ischemic change, and CPK rose to a high level. Emergency coronary angiography revealed a type L II A (Lipton's criteria) single coronary artery and atherosclerotic stenosis on three major branches. He underwent CABG of LAD using LITA, #3 and #14 using saphenous vein grafts. Post operative angiography confirmed patent grafts, and the patient was free from symptoms.

Contrast and assimilation on different depth planes

The relative importance of contrast and assimilation for determining the perceived brightness was estimated. Assimilation decreased when a test spot had such a binocular disparity that the spot and its background appeared on different depth planes respectively. However, contrast was not affected by the binocular depth cue. These results indicate that the cortex takes an important role in assimilation process.

Decreased interleukin-6 level in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with Alzheimer-type dementia

We examined IL-6 levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients clinically diagnosed with Alzheimer-type dementia (ATD) and with vascular dementia (VD) and of age-matched normal subjects. The IL-6 levels in the CSF of ATD, but not VD patients, were significantly decreased. In the early onset ATD patients (disease onset < 65 years), IL-6 levels were reduced to 21% of the control level. The IL-6 levels in the CSF were not associated with the severity of the dementia or the duration of the disease since the identification of the first symptoms.

[Bilateral testicular Leydig cell tumor with adrenocortical adenoma: a case report]

A case of bilateral testicular Leydig cell tumor with left adrenocortical adenoma in a 27-year-old male is presented. He underwent bilateral radical orchiectomy, and was diagnosed with a malignant Leydig cell tumor. Computed tomography revealed left adrenal mass and primary adrenal tumor or metastatic malignant Leydig cell tumor was suspected. Left adrenalectomy was performed and the histopathological diagnosis was adrenal cortical adenoma. The adrenal cortex and testicle are of common mesodermal origin and the histologic pattern may overlap. Examination of the adrenal gland is necessary for patients with testicular Leydig cell tumor. We review and briefly discuss a case recently reported in Japan.

Postoperative chronic subdural hematoma following craniotomy--four case reports

Postoperative chronic subdural hematoma (CSH) following craniotomy developed in only four of 372 patients undergoing craniotomy for aneurysm surgery (1 patient) and brain tumor surgery (3 patients) between April, 1991 and November, 1993, an incidence of only 1.1%. There were three males and one female, aged from 32 to 66 years (mean 56 yrs). The period between craniotomy and development of CSH ranged from 3 to 5 months (mean 4.3 mos). Postoperative hematomas were located on the operative sides in three patients and the contralateral side in the other. Early postoperative computed tomographic scans found subdural fluid collection in all patients. Magnetic resonance images showed linear meningeal enhancement in all patients. Postoperative CSH may be caused by mixture of blood in subdural cerebrospinal fluid collection which persists due to reduced brain elasticity and wide subarachnoid membrane opening resulting in neomembrane formation and finally development of hematoma.

Toxicological study on antineoplastons A-10 and AS2-1 in cancer patients

Antineoplastons, which were firstly described by Burzynski, are naturally occurring peptides and amino acid derivatives which control neoplastic growth. We conducted a toxicological study of the Antineoplastons A-10 and AS2-1 in combination with other anticancer agents or radiation in 42 patients, 46 tumors with terminal stage cancer. Antineoplaston A-10 oral formulation and A-10 injectable formulation was administered in 14 and 25 patients respectively. The maximum daily dose was 10 g and 40 g, respectively and the longest term of administration was 610 days and 67 days, respectively. Antineoplaston AS2-1 oral formulation and AS2-1 injectable formulation was administered in 33 and 10 patients, respectively, the maximum daily dose was 12 g and 30 g, respectively, and the longest term was 1070 days and 25 days, respectively. The major adverse effects that may have been related to these agents as used in combination with other conventional chemotherapeutic agents or radiation were general weakness, myelosuppression, and liver dysfunction, but these effects were not seen when either Antineoplaston was administered alone. The minor adverse effects observed in single use of either Antineoplaston A-10 or AS2-1 were excess gas, maculopapullar rash, fingers rigidity, reduced cholesterol, reduced albumin, increased amylase, eosinophilia, increased alkaline phosphatase, headache, hypertension, palpitation, peripheral edema but these adverse effects did not limit to continuation of either agent. The evaluation of the usefulness of the Antineoplastons in combination therapy based on the imaging findings during the course of treatment revealed disappearance or measurable shrinkage of the tumor lasting more than one months as visualized by magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography was seen in 15 tumors (32.6%). No increase in size of tumor for more than 3 months was observed in 8 (17.4%). The mean survival time of these patients was significantly longer than that in patients with tumors showing progressive increasing (17.52 + 3.31 months vs 4.80 + 0.65 months, p < 0.005). Antineoplaston A-10 and AS2-1 are less toxic than conventional chemotherapeutics and they were useful in maintenance therapy for cancer patients.

The effect of Antineoplaston, a new antitumor agent on malignant brain tumors

Antineoplaston (Ap), a new antitumor agent, was clinically tested for effects on malignant brain tumors. The materials were 3 cases of glioblastoma (G,B), 2 cases of anaplastic astrocytoma, 1 case of pontine glioma, 2 cases of metastatic brain tumor and 1 case of medulloblastoma. All patients underwent radiochemotherapy and surgical resection of the tumors except the cases of pontine glioma, metastatic brain tumor and anaplastic astrocytoma. For gliomas, radiochemotherapy was used with Hu-IFN-beta. Ap was administered at a dose of 7-10 g/day in combination with remission maintenance therapy of gliomas. Complete response was obtained in one anaplastic astrocytoma. Partial response was obtained in 2 cases, a pontine glioma and a metastatic brain tumor. No change was observed in 2 cases, an anaplastic astrocytoma and a multiple brain metastasis. Progression of the disease was observed in 4 cases, 3 glioblastomas and 1 medulloblastoma, which showed continuous increase in tumor size. The effects of Ap on malignant brain tumors were considered due to synergy, since it was administered with other drugs and acceleration of tumor cellular differentiation. Ap is useful as an approach to remission maintenance therapy for brain tumors.

[A case report of surgical repair of a ruptured aneurysm of the sinus Valsalva in an aged person with cardiac cachexia]

A 71-year-old woman underwent surgical repair of a ruptured aneurysm of the sinus Valsalva. She had an aneurysm of the right coronary sinus ruptured into the right atrium. There was no VSD. The patient suffered from heart failure for 38 years and went into cardiac cachexia. Direct closure from the right atrium was performed and the patient has resumed full physical activities. As far as we know, this is one of the oldest patients who underwent successful surgery for this disease in this country.

[Coronary artery bypass grafting in a patient with right aortic arch associated with retroesophageal anomalous left subclavian artery]

A rare case of coronary artery bypass grafting in a patient with right aortic arch was presented. A 62-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with angina pectoris. Coronary angiography revealed total obstruction of left anterior descending artery and jeopardized collateral from right coronary artery. Aortography disclosed right aortic arch associated with retroesophageal anomalous left subclavian artery. As the symptom of neither the vascular ring nor the subclavian steal syndrome was recognized, left internal thoracic artery along with the saphenous vein was used for bypass conduit. The patient is doing well without any troubles 7 months after the operation. Attention should be made to use left internal thoracic artery in a patient with right aortic arch.

Epitopes and biological activities of two monoclonal antibodies to platelet integrin alpha IIb beta 3

We have developed two monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), B6A3 and C4G1. The whole molecules of the two MAbs inhibited in vitro human platelet aggregation induced by either ADP, collagen or thrombin, and their F(ab')2 fragments inhibited ex vivo platelet aggregation induced by ADP in monkey. The concentrations necessary for complete inhibition were 5 and 1 microgram/ml for B6A3 and C4G1, respectively. The Fab fragment of C4G1 but not B6A3 inhibited platelet aggregation. B6A3 and C4G1 bound to activated platelets with dissociation constants of 0.25 and 0.82 nM, respectively. B6A3 recognized an epitope on beta 3, which was sensitive to reduction and alkylation of cystine residues, and C4G1 recognized a conformational epitope on the alpha IIb beta 3 complex, which was sensitive to EDTA. The binding of fibrinogen to activated platelets was inhibited by both MAbs. However, the binding of fibrinogen to isolated alpha IIb beta 3 was inhibited by the whole molecule of C4G1 but not B6A3, although both MAbs bound to the isolated alpha IIb beta 3. The binding of these MAbs to the isolated alpha IIb beta 3 was not inhibited by either Arg Gly Asp Ser (RGDS) or fibrinogen gamma-peptide. In addition, B6A3 but not C4G1 bound to human endothelial cells. These MAbs should contribute to the elucidation of the mechanism of platelet aggregation.

Visual evoked potentials of adaptation to left-right reversed vision

During the course of the adaptation to left-right reversed vision, visually, evoked potentials (VEPs) were measured for a light flash presented on either side of a fixation. The VEP amplitudes and latencies changed drastically as the adaptation progressed. The time course of the change was quite different between occipital scalp loci. These results indicate that the adaptation to the optical distortion takes place even in the relatively early stage of the visual information processing.

Electrophysiological correlates of human visual recognition memory

In a visual recognition task for random patterns, event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded concurrently with the behavioral performance. A prove stimulus, the feature of which was physically different from a sample stimuli to be memorized, elicited a posterior negative wave in the 220-280-ms latency range. Stimulus complexity and longer retention interval decreased not only the accuracy of behavioral performance but also the amplitude of the negative wave. Furthermore, when the subject failed to recognize the difference, the negative wave was not observed. The posterior negative wave might, therefore, reflect traces of visual short-term memory.