Topographical evaluation of optical disks with polycarbonate substrates in the manufacturing process

An optical contour mapping with a laser-interference method was carried out to evaluate the topographical deformation of optical memory disks. The dynamics of the deformation in a manufacturing process was studied. Reflective films and a protective resin coating increased the dishing, irrespective of the original shape of a substrate. A bonding process decreased the dishing and contributed to mechanical stability that lasted for a long period in daily use. In the case of a 0.6-mm-thick substrate, as with a DVD disk, the large dishing of the single substrate was suppressed by the bonding to less than 100 microm. In addition, it was shown that distortions arising from the molding process remained in the final product and that the initial process should be carefully controlled.

Coniferyl aldehyde 5-hydroxylation and methylation direct syringyl lignin biosynthesis in angiosperms

A central question in lignin biosynthesis is how guaiacyl intermediates are hydroxylated and methylated to the syringyl monolignol in angiosperms. To address this question, we cloned cDNAs encoding a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (LsM88) and a caffeate O-methyltransferase (COMT) from sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) xylem. Mass spectrometry-based functional analysis of LsM88 in yeast identified it as coniferyl aldehyde 5-hydroxylase (CAld5H). COMT expressed in Escherichia coli methylated 5-hydroxyconiferyl aldehyde to sinapyl aldehyde. Together, CAld5H and COMT converted coniferyl aldehyde to sinapyl aldehyde, suggesting a CAld5H/COMT-mediated pathway from guaiacyl to syringyl monolignol biosynthesis via coniferyl aldehyde that contrasts with the generally accepted route to sinapate via ferulate. Although the CAld5H/COMT enzyme system can mediate the biosynthesis of syringyl monolignol intermediates through either route, k(cat)/K(m) of CAld5H for coniferyl aldehyde was approximately 140 times greater than that for ferulate. More significantly, when coniferyl aldehyde and ferulate were present together, coniferyl aldehyde was a noncompetitive inhibitor (K(i) = 0.59 microM) of ferulate 5-hydroxylation, thereby eliminating the entire reaction sequence from ferulate to sinapate. In contrast, ferulate had no effect on coniferyl aldehyde 5-hydroxylation. 5-Hydroxylation also could not be detected for feruloyl-CoA or coniferyl alcohol. Therefore, in the presence of coniferyl aldehyde, ferulate 5-hydroxylation does not occur, and the syringyl monolignol can be synthesized only from coniferyl aldehyde. Endogenous coniferyl, 5-hydroxyconiferyl, and sinapyl aldehydes were detected, consistent with in vivo operation of the CAld5H/COMT pathway from coniferyl to sinapyl aldehydes via 5-hydroxyconiferyl aldehyde for syringyl monolignol biosynthesis.

Imaging of optical disc using reflection-mode scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy

A phase-change optical disc was observed using a reflection-mode scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscope (RS-SNOM). In an a.c.-mode SNOM image, the 1.2 microm x 0.6 microm recording marks were successfully observed although the data were recorded on the groove. In contrast, no recording marks could be resolved in a d.c.-mode SNOM image. These results are in good agreement with those from a numerical simulation using the finite difference time domain method. The resolution was better than 100 nm with a.c.-mode SNOM operation and the results indicate that recording marks in phase-change optical media can be directly observed with the RS-SNOM.

Effects of dietary protein restriction on nitrogen balance and cardiovascular functions in aged rats

Effects of aging and dietary protein restriction on nitrogen balance and cardiovascular functions were examined. Male Fischer 344 rats 6-7 months old were fed ad libitum until 24 or 25 months old with either a 12% or a 23% protein diet, respectively. The nitrogen balance measured at the age of 24 months old demonstrated a significant difference between the two groups: the group with the 23% protein diet had a negative balance, while the group with the 12% protein diet had a positive balance. Endothelium-dependent relaxation with acetylcholine of the thoracic aortas was impaired by age but to a lesser extent to the protein-restricted animals. In addition, increased ability of platelet aggregation according to aging was also significantly suppressed by protein restriction. These observations demonstrate that protein restriction delays the aging effects of nitrogen loss and reduced cardiovascular function.

Purification and partial sequences of Aralia cordata cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase

Cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) (EC 1.1.1.195) from a dicot, Aralia cordata, was purified to homogeneity and its properties were characterized. The enzyme shows a preference for cinnamyl alcohols and cinnamyl aldehydes as substrates. The M(r) is estimated at 72,000. The enzyme is composed of two heterogeneous subunits of slightly different sizes, and it differs from the bean enzyme in the size of subunits. Partial amino acid sequencing of the purified enzyme was carried out both from the N-terminus and using selected peptides obtained by cyanogen bromide cleavage.

Treatment of Kawasaki disease using the intravenous aspirin anti-inflammatory effect of salicylate

Serum salicylate concentrations were measured in 60 patients with acute phase Kawasaki disease (KD), who were treated with intravenous aspirin (IVASP), to evaluate its anti-inflammatory effect in the treatment of KD. Patients with serum salicylate concentrations > or = 150 micrograms/ml showed shorter durations of fever (7.1 +/- 2.0 vs 10.4 +/- 6.6 days; P < 0.05), shorter durations of positive serum C-reactive protein (14.6 +/- 4.5 vs 22.3 +/- 10.6 days; P < 0.01) and lower incidences of coronary arterial involvements (0/10 vs 6/24; P < 0.05) than did patients with serum salicylate concentrations < 150 micrograms/ml. Significant linear correlations were recognized between daily IVASP dosage and serum salicylate concentrations (r = 0.73; P < 0.01), and between serum salicylate concentrations and serum free salicylate concentrations (r = 0.82; P < 0.01). These correlations did not differ between the presence and absence of coronary arterial involvements. Based on these findings we concluded that a beneficial anti-inflammatory effect in the treatment of KD is achieved when the serum salicylate concentration is > or = 150 micrograms/ml, and that such concentrations could be achieved by increasing the daily IVASP dosage to 100 mg/kg per day or more.

Effect of protein deprivation on insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins in rats

The effect of protein deprivation on plasma concentration of insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBP) was studied in rats. A significant decrease in the concentration of IGFBP of molecular weight (mass) approximately 40 kDa was observed in protein-deprived rats. There was no prominent effect of protein deprivation on the concentration of IGFBP with molecular weights of about 30 kDa or 22-24 kDa. The binding capacity to plasma IGFBP of exogenously-added 125I-labelled insulin-like growth factor-1 (125I-IGF-1) was also studied. IGFBP of molecular weight about 30 and 22-24 kDa (the native form of this protein is presumed to be 29 kDa) in protein-deprived rat plasma bound more 125I-IGF-1 than those in protein-fed rat plasma. This suggested that these IGFBP in protein-deprived rat plasma are relatively unsaturated by endogenous IGF-1. The response of IGFBP to protein deprivation which was elucidated in the present investigations add further evidence to our previous assumption that IGFBP play an important role in protein nutrition.

Formation of lignans (-)-secoisolariciresinol and (-)-matairesinol with Forsythia intermedia cell-free extracts

In vivo labeling experiments of Forsythia intermedia plant tissue with [8-14C]- and [9,9-2H2,OC2H3]coniferyl alcohols revealed that the lignans, (-)-secoisolariciresinol and (-)-matairesinol, were derived from two coniferyl alcohol molecules; no evidence for the formation of the corresponding (+)-enantiomers was found. Administration of (+-)-[Ar-3H]secoisolariciresinols to excised shoots of F. intermedia resulted in a significant conversion into (-)-matairesinol; again, the (+)-antipode was not detected. Experiments using cell-free extracts of F. intermedia confirmed and extended these findings. In the presence of NAD(P)H and H2O2, the cell-free extracts catalyzed the formation of (-)-secoisolariciresinol, with either [8-14C]- or [9,9-2H2,OC2H3]coniferyl alcohols as substrates. The (+)-enantiomer was not formed. Finally, when either (-)-[Ar-3H] or (+-)-[Ar-2H]secoisolariciresinols were used as substrates, in the presence of NAD(P), only (-)- and not (+)-matairesinol formation occurred. The other antipode, (+)-secoisolariciresinol, did not serve as a substrate for the formation of either (+)- or (-)-matairesinol. Thus, in F. intermedia, the formation of the lignan, (-)-secoisolariciresinol, occurs under strict stereochemical control, in a reaction or reactions requiring NAD(P)H and H2O2 as cofactors. This stereoselectivity is retained in the subsequent conversion into (-)-matairesinol, since (+)-secoisolariciresinol is not a substrate. These are the first two enzymes to be discovered in lignan formation.

Dipyridamole-induced ischemia in a child with jeopardized collaterals after Kawasaki syndrome

The case of a 4-year-old boy with dipyridamole-induced ischemia is herein reported. The patient developed typical Kawasaki syndrome at 2 years of age, accompanied by coronary aneurysms in the left coronary artery (LCA) and the right coronary artery (RCA). The LCA was totally occluded at segment 6 and a distal area of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) was supplied by collaterals from the conus branch and the posterior descending artery (PD). Thallium-201 (Tl-201) myocardial scintigraphy was performed with intravenous administration of dipyridamole (DIP). DIP was infused at a dosage of 0.6 mg/kg for 5 min. Three minutes after the injection, myocardial ischemia occurred. Although 4 mg/kg of aminophylline was administered, the symptoms lasted for 20 min. Electrocardiogram suggested that ischemic lesions were located in the anteroseptal and inferior wall. Collaterals from PD could be recognized as jeopardized vessels and these collaterals probably participated in the ischemic attack. DIP could have increased the coronary flow into the uninvolved proximal branches of RCA. Subsequently DIP reduced coronary flow in the distal region of the stenotic RCA. Although T1-201 myocardial scintigraphy with DIP is a useful technique to estimate viability of the ischemic myocardium, it should be performed prudently in patients with multivessel diseases, such as those with jeopardized collaterals secondary to Kawasaki syndrome.

Effect of diltiazem and thromboxane A2 synthetase inhibitor (OKY-046) on vessels following experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage

In order to examine the functional changes in the vascular smooth muscle, the effects of a thromboxane A2 synthetase inhibitor (OKY-046) and a calcium channel blocker (diltiazem) on vessels following subarachnoid hemorrhage, and the contractile activity of cerebral vessels with various vasoactive agents, were investigated by studying isometric tension recordings in rings of cat basilar artery. The maximum contractile activities of the vessels in response to noradrenalin and adrenaline during the course of subarachnoid hemorrhage were significantly less than those in the control group. On the other hand, the maximum contractile activity of the vessels in response to prostaglandin F2 alpha on the seventh day following subarachnoid hemorrhage was significantly augmented compared with that in the control group. A significant decline in the relaxation of responsiveness to diltiazem during the course of subarachnoid hemorrhage was observed compared with that of diltiazem in the control group. This responsiveness to vasoactive agents was not influenced by the application of OKY-046. The present study reveals functional changes in vascular smooth muscle exposed to subarachnoid hemorrhage in response to vasoactive agents and a calcium entry blocker. Thromboxane A2 may not be a significantly influential factor in the present results. It is suggested that cerebral vasospasm may well be related to functional changes of the arterial wall, which appear to be associated with derangement of the mechanisms of smooth muscle constriction and dilatation based on organic changes.

Formation of the lignan, (-) secoisolariciresinol, by cell free extracts of Forsythia intermedia

A crude cell-free extract from Forsythia intermedia catalyses the formation of (-)secoisolariciresinol, and not its (+) enantiomer, when incubated with coniferyl alcohol in the presence of NAD(P)H and H2O2. This is the first report of an enzyme reaction specifically involved in the coupling reaction between two phenylpropanoid monomers to afford an optically pure lignan.

[Meningoencephalitis in Kawasaki disease]

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a syndrome characterized by various degrees of vasculitis in small-and medium-sized arteries. We discussed the characteristic manifestations and prognosis of 5 KD patients (male 3, female 2) with meningoencephalitis in the acute stage. The incidence was 3.7% (5 of 138 patients) in our institute. The age of onset was between 3 months and 15 months. The clinical manifestations included disturbance of consciousness and seizures; disturbance of consciousness developed in all patients in the early acute stage. The duration was between 2 and 11 days; seizures developed as status convulsions in two. Electroencephalograms (EEG) demonstrated certain abnormalities in 2 of 4 patients studied. Computed-tomographic scanning (CT scan) revealed fluid collection in the frontal extracerebral space, and monocyte-predominant pleocytosis was observed in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in all 5 patients studied. The age of onset in the 5 KD patients was significantly earlier than that in non-complicated cases (n = 138, P less than 0.01). Blood hemoglobin (P less than 0.05) and hematocrit (P less than 0.05), serum total protein (P less than 0.01), and serum albumin levels (P less than 0.01) were also significantly lower. Moreover the period until CRP values turned negative was significantly longer (P less than 0.05) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate was significantly lower (P less than 0.01) in these 5 patients. It was considered that meningoencephalitis in KD may develop in cases having more severe and prolonged inflammatory changes; the clinical findings revealed a serious form of KD. We suggest that this might because by vasculitis of small arteries, arterioles, capillaries, and venules, which consists of infiltration of lymphocytes and large mononuclear cells, and edema. There was no neurological sequela in 4 of the 5 patients. However, one patient was found to have hearing difficulty 3 years after the onset. Therefore, the prognosis of meningoencephalitis in KD was considered to be generally favorable.

Effect of dietary proteins on the plasma immunoreactive insulin-like growth factor-1/somatomedin C concentration in the rat

Plasma immunoreactive insulin-like growth factor-1/somatomedin C (IR-IGF-1) was determined in rats fed for 1 week on a protein-free diet, or diets containing gluten, gluten supplemented with lysine and threonine, maize-gluten meal (with arginine), maize-gluten meal (with arginine) supplemented with tryptophan and lysine, or casein. IR-IGF-1 concentration was higher in the arterial plasma of rats fed on a diet containing casein at 120 g/kg diet (4-8 U/ml) than in rats fed on a protein-free or a low-casein (50 g/kg diet) diet (1.5-2 U/ml). The plasma of rats fed on gluten or maize-gluten meal as the protein source showed intermediate values. However, giving a diet containing an amino acid mixture as recommended by the National Research Council (1978) but deprived of lysine or tryptophan did not affect significantly the plasma IR-IGF-1 concentration. Total IGF-1 concentration (which was measured immunologically after extraction of the plasma with acid-ethanol) was also lower in the rats fed on the protein-free diet than in those fed on the casein (120 g/kg diet) diet. The ratio IR-IGF-1:total IGF-1 was higher in the rats fed on the casein diet (120 g casein/kg diet) than in those fed on the protein-free diet. The results suggest an important influence of IR-IGF-1 or IR-IGF-1:total IGF-1 ratio on protein anabolism and nutrition. IR-IGF-1 and total IGF-1 were found in the fractions of molecular weights 40 kDa and 150 kDa after gel filtration of rat plasma. A larger amount of IGF-1 was recovered in the fraction of 150 kDa in the rats fed on the casein diet. 125I-IGF-1 added to the plasma of rats fed on the protein-free diet was found mainly in the fraction of 40 kDa after gel-filtration. On the other hand, 125I-IGF-1 added to the plasma of rats fed on the gluten or casein diets was mainly recovered in the free IGF-1 fraction. The results suggest that IGF-binding protein(s) of molecular weight about 40 kDa was not saturated with IGF-1 in the rats fed on the protein-free diet. The results indicate the important role of IGF-1 and its binding proteins in the regulation of protein metabolism in rats.

Cleavages of aromatic ring and beta-O-4 bond of synthetic lignin (DHP) by lignin peroxidase

Lignin peroxidase from a white-rot basidiomycete, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, catalyzed cleavages of the aromatic ring and the beta-O-4 bond of a synthetic lignin, a dehydrogenation copolymer (DHP) of coniferyl alcohol and a (beta-O-4)-(beta-beta) lignin substructure model trimer.

Chest x-ray findings in the acute phase of Kawasaki disease

We reviewed the chest x-ray (CXR) findings and clinical courses of 129 patients with Kawasaki disease and found abnormal CXR findings in 14.7% of the patients. Reticulogranular pattern was the most frequent abnormality (89.5%), while peribronchial cuffing (21.1%), pleural effusion (15.8%), atelectasis (10.5%) and air trapping (5.3%) were also seen. In each of these patients, CXR abnormalities appeared within 10 days after the onset of illness. In the group with abnormal CXR findings, a statistically significant increase was noted in duration of fever, incidence of adventitious sounds, serum CRP levels and incidence of coronary arterial lesions and pericardial effusion, as compared with the group having normal CXR findings. The pathological basis of these CXR changes is not clear, since no biopsy or autopsy specimen was obtained from these patients, none of these patients showed definite heart failure, it is difficult to consider that abnormal CXR findings were due to heart failure. On the other hand, physical signs and previous pathological reports suggested that the causes of abnormal CXR findings were lower respiratory tract inflammation and/or pulmonary arteritis.

Aromatic ring cleavage of 4,6-di(tert-butyl)guaiacol, a phenolic lignin model compound, by laccase of Coriolus versicolor

It was found that 2,4-di(tert-butyl)-4-(methoxycarbonylmethyl)-2-buten-4-ol ide (II) was formed as an aromatic ring cleavage product of a phenolic lignin model compound, 4,6-di(tert-butyl)guaiacol (I), by laccase of Coriolus versicolor. Based on isotopic experiments with 18O2 and H2 18O, the mechanism of formation of II from I is discussed.

Degradation mechanisms of phenolic beta-1 lignin substructure model compounds by laccase of Coriolus versicolor

Phenolic beta-1 lignin substructure model compounds, 1-(3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxy-phenyl)-2-(3,5-dimethoxy-4-ethoxyphenyl)propa ne-1, 3-diol (I) and 1-(3,5-dimethoxy-4-ethoxyphenyl)-2-(3, 5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane-1,3-diol (II) were degraded by laccase of Coriolus versicolor. Substrate I was converted to 1-(3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3,5-dimethoxy-4-ethoxyphenyl)-3- hydroxypropanone (III), 1-(3,5-dimethoxy-4-ethoxyphenyl)-2-hydroxyethanone (IV), syringaldehyde (V), 1-(3,5-dimethoxy-4-ethoxyphenyl)-3-hydroxypropanal (VI), 2,6-dimethoxy-p-hydroquinone (VII), and 2,6-dimethoxy-p-benzoquinone (VIII). Furthermore, incorporations of 18O of 18O2 into ethanone (IV) and 18O of H218O into hydroquinone (VII) and benzoquinone (VIII) were confirmed. Substrate II gave 1-(3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane-1, 2-diol (IX), 1-(3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-hydroxyethanone (X), and 3,5-dimethoxy-4-ethoxybenzaldehyde (XI). Also 18O of H218O was incorporated into glycol (IX) and ethanone (X). Based on the structures of the degradation products and the isotopic experiments, it was established that three types of reactions occurred via phenoxy radicals of substrates caused by laccase: (i) C alpha-C beta cleavage (between C1 and C2 carbons); (ii) alkyl-aryl cleavage (between C1 carbon and aryl group); and (iii) C alpha (C1) oxidation.

Gallium-67 myocardial imaging for the detection of myocarditis in the acute phase of Kawasaki disease (mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome): the usefulness of single photon emission computed tomography

Myocardial imaging with gallium-67 citrate was used to detect myocarditis in 46 consecutive infants and children (31 boys and 15 girls, mean age 21 months) with Kawasaki disease. In all of them planar imaging (group A) was performed at 6 hours and at 48 or 72 hours after the intravenous administration of a mean (SD) dose of gallium-67 citrate (0.07 (0.02) mCi/kg). Thirty four patients (24 boys and 10 girls, mean age 21 months) also had single photon emission computed tomography imaging (group B) soon after planar imaging. The patients had been ill for from 5 days to 16 days (mean (SD) 10.5 (2.4) days in group A and 10.6 (3.0) days in group B). The colour images obtained at 48 or 72 hours were positive in 41% of group A and in 64% of group B. Among the patients with clinically suspected myocarditis, 63% in group A and 80% in group B had positive myocardial images. Single photon emission computed tomography imaging permitted the identification of tracer in the myocardium, the pericardium only, or in the heart chambers. Myocardial imaging with gallium-67 citrate, especially when used with single photon emission computed tomography imaging, is useful for the detection of myocarditis in the acute phase of Kawasaki disease.

Regiospecific oxygenations during ring cleavage of a secondary metabolite, 3,4-dimethoxybenzyl alcohol catalyzed by lignin peroxidase

Enzymatic oxidation of veratryl alcohol yielded a new ring cleavage product (delta-lactone) in addition to the two known gamma-lactone products. The experiment with 18O-enriched water and dioxygen clearly showed that one oxygen atom each from water and dioxygen is specifically incorporated into the cleavage product at the original C3 or C4 position of 3,4-dimethoxybenzyl alcohol. A new type of reaction mechanism proposed for the ring cleavage of this compound is rationally explained in good accord with the one-electron transfer mechanism.

Endomyocardial biopsy findings in pediatric patients with post myocarditic state

Endomyocardial biopsy was performed on eight children 5 to 12 years old, who were in post myocarditic state. They were evaluated within 2 to 25 months (mean lyr and 1 m) after the onset of the symptoms. Two of the patients developed heart failure and six patients developed other cardiac manifestations such as syncope, palpitation or ECG abnormalities at onset. Definite elevation of viral antibody titer was observed in four patients. Radionuclide angiography was also performed in all eight patients. An abnormal perfusion area was observed in six patients as a focal hypoperfusion area by T1-201 myocardial imaging. Ejection fraction was examined by Tc-99m-HSA gated equilibrium ventriculography. LVEF was reduced in 3 patients and RVEF was reduced in 2 patients. Judging from the histopathological findings, these patients were divided into three categories: chronic or smoldering myocarditis (3 patients); healing or healed myocarditis (4 patients); and post myocarditic hypertrophy (1 patient). Measurement of left ventricular function was obtained by cardiac catheterization and left ventriculography (LVG), which revealed some abnormal findings such as increased left ventricular mass index, increased left ventricular end diastolic volume index (LVEDVI) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Therefore, endomyocardial biopsy findings of pediatric patients in a post myocarditic state reveal certain histopathological abnormalities even in the long-term follow-up period in the absence of cardiac dysfunction.

Arylglycerol-γ-Formyl Ester as an Aromatic Ring Cleavage Product of Nonphenolic β- O -4 Lignin Substructure Model Compounds Degraded by Coriolus versicolor

4-Ethoxy-3-methoxyphenylglycerol-γ-formyl ester (compound IV) was identified as a degradation product of both 4-ethoxy-3-methoxyphenylglycerol-β-syringaldehyde ether (compound I) and 4-ethoxy-3-methoxyphenylglycerol-β-2,6-dimethoxyphenyl ether (compound II) by a ligninolytic culture of Coriolus versicolor . An isotopic experiment with a 13 C-labeled compound (compound II′) indicated that the formyl group of compound IV was derived from the β-phenoxyl group of β- O -4 dimer as an aromatic ring cleavage fragment. However, compound IV was not formed from 4-ethoxy-3-methoxyphenylglycerol-β-guaiacyl ether (compound III). γ-Formyl arylglycerol (compound IV) could be a precursor of 4-ethoxy-3-methoxyphenylglycerol (compound VI), because 3-(4-ethoxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-formyloxy propane (compound VII) was cleaved to give 3-(4-ethoxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-propanol (compound VIII) by C. versicolor . 4-Ethoxy-3-methoxyphenylglycerol-β,γ-cyclic carbonate (compound V), previously found as a degradation product of compound III by Phanerochaete chrysosporium (T. Umezawa, and T. Higuchi, FEBS Lett., 25:123-126, 1985), was also identified from the cultures with compound I, II, and III and degraded to give the arylglycerol (compound VI). An isotopic experiment with 13 C-labeled compounds II′ and III′ indicated that the carbonate carbon of compound V was derived from the β-phenoxyl groups of β- O -4 substructure.

Radionuclide imaging for assessment of myocarditis and postmyocarditic state in infant and children. Thallium-201 myocardial imaging and technetium-99m-HSA gated equilibrium ventriculography

T1-201 myocardial imaging and Tc-99m-HSA gated equilibrium ventriculography were performed in 1 infant and 11 children between 2 months old and 12 years old with myocarditis. The time of first evaluation was between 1 week and 13 months after the onset. Their clinical manifestations were congestive heart failure in 2 patients, pericardial effusion in 2 patients, syncope in 1 patient, convulsions in 1 patient and palpitations in 7 patients. Significant elevation of virus antibody titer was demonstrated in 6 patients. A perfusion defect was observed with T1-201 imaging in 9 of 12 patients with myocarditis. A right ventricular image was observed in 5 patients. A reduced LVEF was present in 4 patients and a reduced RVEF was found in 2 patients. Cardiac catheterization was performed in 8 patients and an endomyocardial biopsy was done in 7. The myocardial specimens revealed postmyocarditic pathological changes upon microscopic evaluation. No coronary artery obstructive or stenotic lesions were observed in these patients. T1-201 myocardial imaging is a useful non-invasive technique for evaluating the cardiac performance and myocardial damage in acute myocarditis and the postmyocarditic state. We conclude that T1-201 uptake of myocardium is dependent upon both regional coronary perfusion and the activity of myocardial cells in patients with myocarditis and in the postmyocarditic state.

[Antitumor effect of FU-O-G, new antitumor agent, following long term administration]

FU-O-G, the O-glucuronide methylester of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), is a compound with a unique chemical structure. It is an antitumor agent of the prodrug type which exerts its activity by enzymatically liberating 5-FU in tumor tissues. It has been reported that the antitumor activity of this compound is superior to those of 5-FU and Tegafur (FT-207) in the treatment of various transplantable tumors. In this study, long-term administration of FU-O-G to mice bearing relatively slow-growing tumors such as Lewis lung carcinoma, mammary tumor FM3 A and hepatoma MH-134 was carried out. Consequently, FU-O-G was shown to be remarkably effective against those tumors, whereas 5-FU and FT-207 were hardly effective. Long-term daily administration was shown to be more effective than intermittent dosage in the treatment of Lewis lung carcinoma. In combination therapies of FU-O-G with other antitumor drugs, FU-O-G exhibited a synergistic effect against Lewis lung carcinoma when combined with Carboquone (CQ) or Nimustine hydrochloride (ACNU).

The C-C bond cleavage of a lignin model compound, 1,2-diarylpropane-1,3-diol, with a heme-enzyme model catalyst tetraphenylporphyrinatoiron(III)chloride in the presence of tert-butylhydroperoxide

The catalytic C-C bond cleavage of a lignin model compound was investigated by use of tetraphenylporphyrinatoiron(III)chloride as a model for enzymic degradation of lignin. The C-C bond of the lignin model compound 1,2-bis(4-ethoxy-3-methoxyphenyl) propane-1,3-diol was oxidatively cleaved by catalysis of iron-porphyrins in the presence of tert-butylhydroperoxide or iodosylbenzene at a room temperature. The products formed after complete oxidation of the substrate were identified as 4-O-ethylvanillin, alpha-hydroxy-4-ethoxy-3-methoxyacetophenone, 4-O-ethylvanillic acid, 4-ethoxy-3-methoxyphenylglycol, 4-ethoxy-3-methoxy-alpha-(4-ethoxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-beta-hydroxypropi ophenone and formaldehyde.

Characterization of factors stimulating differentiation of mouse myeloid leukemia cells from a Yoshida sarcoma cell line cultured in serum-free medium

A clone, YS-T22, of cells from Yoshida sarcoma cell line, YSSF-212T, grown in "serum-free" culture medium produced factors stimulating differentiation of mouse myeloid leukemia cells (M1) to macrophages and granulocytes. The formation of macrophages and granulocytes was accompanied by induction of phagocytosis, locomotive activity, and lysosomal enzyme activities. The rates of induction of these differentiated phenotypes were proportional to the concentration of the factor added and the period of treatment. The factor stimulating differentiation of M1 cells was a heat-labile, nondialyzable proteinaceous substance that was inactivated by trypsin but not by ribonuclease or glycosidases. On diethylaminoethyl cellulose chromatography, the factor stimulating differentiation of M1 cells from conditioned medium of YS-T22 cells was eluted in various fractions with or without activity of the colony-stimulating factor.