Polarization-mode dispersion measurement by an optical time-domain reflectometer with polarimetry assuming backscattering by randomly oriented nonspherical particles

In previous work on polarization-mode dispersion (PMD) measurement with an optical time-domain reflectometer with polarimetry (p-OTDR), scatterers were assumed to be a cloud of small spherical particles in a fiber. We have found that the p-OTDR waveforms were fitted well by modified Mueller matrices, assuming scattering by a cloud of nonspherical particles. We realized a PMD measurement based on the p-OTDR Jones matrix eigenanalysis (JME) method. The measured PMD was consistent with that of JME standard measurement with transmission-type polarimetry.

Wideband tunable wavelength conversion of 10-Gbit/s return-to-zero signals by optical time gating of a highly chirped rectangular supercontinuum light source

We propose a novel technique for wideband tunable wavelength conversion of return-to-zero signals by optical time gating of a supercontinuum (SC) light source. A SC pulse generated by nonlinear propagation in a normal-dispersion fiber has a rectangular shape with highly linear upchirping. By control of the optical time-gating position, the center wavelength of time-gated SC pulse can be precisely tuned. Error-free 10-Gbit/s wavelength conversion with a tuning range of 27.1 nm is experimentally demonstrated.

Bone mineral density after total joint arthroplasty of lower extremities in rheumatoid arthritis patients

We studied the effects on the axial bone mass of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) for lower extremities in 48 female rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Twenty-nine postmenopausal RA patients treated only with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) served as controls. They were studied for an average duration of 63 months. The reduction in the bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine (L2-4) was significant in both groups (p < 0.01-0.05), but it was not statistically different between the two groups. The BMD of the femoral neck decreased significantly in both groups (p < 0.01-0.05) after 2 years, but it was not statistically different between the two groups. Our data suggest that TJA slowed the rapid axial bone loss usually associated with advanced RA.

Co-operative regulation of the transcription of human dihydrodiol dehydrogenase (DD)4/aldo-keto reductase (AKR)1C4 gene by hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-4alpha/gamma and HNF-1alpha

Human dihydrodiol dehydrogenase (DD) 4/aldo-keto reductase (AKR) 1C4 is a major isoform of hepatic DD that oxidizes trans-dihydrodiols of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to reactive and redox-active o-quinones and that reduces several ketone-containing drugs. To investigate the mechanism of transcriptional regulation of the human DD4 gene, the 5'-flanking region of the gene was fused to the luciferase gene. The results of luciferase assays using HepG2 cells and of 1,10-phenanthroline-copper footprinting indicated that two positive regulatory regions were located in regions from -701 to -684 and from -682 to -666. The former region contained a putative hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-4 binding motif, and the latter region contained an HNF-1 consensus binding sequence. DNA fragments of the HNF-4 or HNF-1 motif gave a shifted band in a gel-shift assay with nuclear extracts from HepG2 cells. The formation of the DNA-protein complex was inhibited by the HNF-4 or HNF-1 motif of the alpha(1)-antitrypsin gene. A supershift assay using antibodies to human HNF-4alpha, HNF-4gamma and HNF-1alpha showed that HNF-4alpha and HNF-4gamma bound to the HNF-4 motif, and that HNF-1alpha interacted with the HNF-1 motif. Introduction of mutations into the HNF-4 or HNF-1 motif lowered the luciferase activity to 10 or 8% respectively of that seen with the intact human DD4 gene. These results indicate that HNF-4alpha, HNF-4gamma and HNF-1alpha regulate co-operatively the transcription of the human DD4 gene in HepG2 cells.

Synthesis and structural characterization of a new series of vanadoselenites, [Se(x)V(4-x)O(12-x)](4-x)- (x=1,2)

Two new vanadoselenites, [SeV(3)O(11)](3)(-) and [Se(2)V(2)O(10)](2)(-), were synthesized by reacting SeO(2) with VO(3)(-). Single-crystal X-ray structural analyses of [(n-C(4)H(9))(4)N](3)[SeV(3)O(11)].0.5H(2)O [orthorhombic, space group P2(1)2(1)2, a = 22.328(5) A, b = 44.099(9) A, c = 12.287(3) A, Z = 8] and [[(C(6)H(5))(3)P](2)N](2)[Se(2)V(2)O(10)] [monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n, a = 12.2931(3) A, b = 13.5101(3) A, c = 20.9793(5) A, beta = 106.307(1) degrees, Z = 2] revealed that both anions are composed of Se(x)()V(4)(-)(x)()O(4) rings. The (51)V, (77)Se, and (17)O NMR spectra established that both [SeV(3)O(11)](3)(-) and [Se(2)V(2)O(10)](2)(-) anions maintain this ring structure in solution.

Interleukin-16 in synovial fluids from cases of various types of arthritis

OBJECTIVES

To examine the characteristic relationship between interleukin-16 (IL-16) and clinical data in various types of arthritis.

METHODS

We measured IL-16 levels of the synovial fluids (SF) of patients with various types of arthritis, which included rheumatoid arthritis, traumatic arthritis, pseudogouty arthritis, gouty arthritis, and osteoarthritis, by an enzyme immunosorbent assay, and examined their correlations with clinical parameters.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Higher levels of IL-16 in synovial fluid from patients with rheumatoid arthritis, traumatic arthritis, and pseudogouty arthritis, compared to those with osteoarthritis, and gouty arthritis were indicated. Also, synovial IL-16 levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis correlated significantly, especially with synovial matrix metalloproteinase-3 levels. But the IL-16 levels of both synovial fluid and peripheral blood did not correlate with conventional inflammatory parameters such as C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, or rheumatoid factor. Although the function of IL-16 in inflammatory arthritis has not yet been defined, these data indicated some essential features of IL-16.

Evaluation of ionic pollutants of acid fog and rain using a factor analysis and back trajectories

Fog and rain water samples were collected at the same time in the Akita Hachimantai mountain range in northern Japan from June to September in 1998 and 1999. The various ion concentrations in these samples were analyzed, and the fog droplet sizes were measured for each fog event. As the fog droplet size increased, the ion concentration decreased. The slope of log-log plots of the concentration versus the droplet size differed with the kind of ion. In order to characterize the air pollutant, moreover, these data were quantitatively analyzed by an oblique rotational factor analysis. We found that three factors were extracted as the air pollutant source: (NH4)2SO4, acids (HNO3 + H2SO4) and sea-salt. Combining the factor analysis with the 72 h back-trajectory at 850 hPa level, we found that the contribution of each factor varied with the transport pattern of air masses.

Application of acid-treated yeast cell wall (AYC) as a pharmaceutical additive. II: effects of curing on the medicine release from AYC-coated tablets

Acid-treated yeast cell wall (AYC) was newly prepared by acidifying brewers' yeast cell wall. Core tablets containing 3% of acetaminophen (AAP) were coated with the AYC aqueous dispersion containing 5% (w/v) of AYC and 0.35% (w/v) of glycerol. The curing of AYC-coated tablets was performed at various curing periods of time and temperatures. The effects of curing on AAP release from AYC-coated tablets, the weight and thickness of the coated layer of AYC and the water sorption into the AYC-coated tablets were studied. The tensile strength and pore size distribution of the AYC cast film were measured. In the case of 60, 80, or 100 degrees C curing, AAP release from AYC-coated tablets showed a sigmoidal release profile with an initial lag time. The duration of the lag time increased with the increasing curing time and temperature, though the release rate after the lag time hardly changed. At 120 degrees C curing, the release rate after the lag time decreased with the increasing curing time and a sustained release was observed. The weight and thickness of the AYC-coated layer and the water sorption rate into AYC-coated tablets decreased with the increasing curing time and temperature. The tensile strength of the AYC cast film increased with increasing the curing temperature, particularly at 120 degrees C curing. It is considered that the water was evaporated from the AYC-coated layer and the adhesion force between AYC particles increased during curing, making the structure of the AYC-coated layer densely firm. The changes in the duration of lag time and the release rate may be due to changes in the structure of the AYC-coated layer caused by curing. These results show that it is feasible to control the lag time and the release rate of AAP from AYC-coated tablets by varying the curing time and temperature.

Application of acid-treated yeast cell wall (AYC) as a pharmaceutical additive I. AYC as a novel coating material

Acid-treated yeast cell wall (AYC) was newly prepared by acidifying the cell wall of brewer's yeast and the potential to use AYC as a novel coating material was studied. AYC had an oval shape with the diameter of several microm. The rheogram of AYC aqueous dispersion showed the plastic fluid property that is generally observed in the suspension. Core tablets containing 3% of acetaminophen (AAP) were coated with the AYC aqueous dispersion containing 5% (w/v) of AYC and 0.35% (w/v) of glycerol at various coating percents. The AAP release profile from the AYC-coated tablets was studied by the JP13 paddle method using solutions at various pH. Tensile strength and permeability of oxygen and water vapor of AYC cast film were measured. The AAP release from the AYC-coated tablets showed sigmoidal release profile with an initial lag time and the duration of the lag time depended on the coating percent of AYC. The pH of the dissolution fluid or the storage at room temperature for 120 days had little affect on AAP release from the AYC-coated tablets. These results suggest that it is possible to control the start time of medicine release independent of the pH by coating of AYC, that is the time-controlled release. The AYC cast film showed a large tensile strength and an extremely small oxygen permeability coefficient and a sufficient level of water permeability coefficient in order to protect from moisture. These results present that AYC has the high utility as a novel aqueous coating material for DDS preparations.

Levels of rheumatoid factor isotypes, metalloproteinase-3 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in synovial fluid from various arthritides

When synovial effusion is the only symptom, it is often difficult to make an exact diagnosis of the arthritic disease. To distinguish various types of arthritis with synovial effusion, we measured the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3, Stromelysin), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and rheumatoid factor (RF) isotypes in synovial fluid (SF) from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), pyogenic arthritis (PA), pseudogouty arthritis (PG), gouty arthritis (GA) and traumatic arthritis (TA). SF was aspirated from the knee joint or the ankle joint. Levels of IgG-, IgM- and IgA-RF isotypes were measured by ELISA. Levels of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in SF were simultaneously determined by a one-step EIA system. Levels of IgG-RF, IgM-RF and MMP-3 in SF from RA patients were significantly higher than those in OA, PA, PG, GA and TA. However, IgA-RF in SF from RA patients, when compared with PA and GA, did not show a significantly increased level. In addition, TIMP-1 in SF from RA, when compared with PA and TA, also has not shown a significantly increased level. Therefore, in addition to analysing clinical data, measurements of IgG-RF, IgM-RF and MMP-3 in SF may contribute in distinguishing RA from other arthritic diseases.

Application of Carbopol to controlled release preparations I. Carbopol as a novel coating material

We investigated the application of Carbopol(R) (CP) as a novel coating material prepared with various grades of CP having different degrees of cross-linking and molecular weights. Viscosity and spray mist size of CP aqueous solutions at various concentrations of CP were measured. Core tablets containing theophylline (TP), as a model drug, were coated with CP at various coating ratios. The TP release profile from the CP-coated tablets was studied by the JP13 paddle method. CP tablets were prepared by compressing CP powder, and the swelling behavior of the CP tablets in JP 1st fluid, purified water, and JP 2nd fluid was observed. The spray mist size of all CP aqueous solutions was small at a concentration of 1% and below, and drastically increased over a concentration of 1%. This result suggests that the appropriate concentration of the CP solution for coating is 1% or below. Sustained release of TP from the CP-coated tablets at a coating ratio of only 3% was observed in the JP 1st fluid and purified water, although fast release was observed in the JP 2nd fluid. The fast release in the latter fluid may be due to the fact that CP is an acid material. These results suggest that it is feasible to control the drug release by use of an extremely small amount of CP coating and that CP is useful as a novel coating material.

Controlled release from solid dispersion composed of poly(ethylene oxide)-Carbopol interpolymer complex with various cross-linking degrees of Carbopol

Solid dispersion composed of the poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-Carbopol((R)) (CP) interpolymer complex containing phenacetin (PHE) was prepared by using six grades of CP having various cross-linking degrees. We attempted to control the medicine release from the PEO-CP solid dispersion by varying the CP grade. The powder X-ray diffraction pattern and differential scanning calorimetry curves suggested that PHE existed in the amorphous state, and PEO in the crystalline state disappeared in the solid dispersions. The release profile of PHE varied depending on the CP grade. A small release rate was observed at CP910 and CP971P that are cross-linked at low and middle degrees, respectively. The Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectra showed that the amount of the PEO-CP complex formed by hydrogen bonding changed depending on the CP grade. With the cross-linked CP, a good correlation was observed between the hydrogen bonding percent and the percent released of the PHE after 60 min (D(60 min)), indicating that PHE release was controlled by the amount of PEO-CP complex formation in the solid dispersion. These results show that it is feasible to control the medicine release from PEO-CP solid dispersion by varying the CP grade.

Effects of long-term, light exercise under restricted feeding on age-related changes in physiological and metabolic variables in male Wistar rats

The effects of long-term, light exercise under restricted feeding on age-related changes in physiological and metabolic functions were examined in male Wistar rats. Adult (100 days old) rats were divided into sedentary (R10S) and exercise (R11E) groups, and given 10 and 11 g/day, respectively, of a 20% casein diet until they reached 900 days of age. Group R11E simultaneously underwent 3000 m/day of running exercise throughout the test period. As compared with the sedentary group, long-term, light exercise significantly increased body nitrogen retention and serum protein levels, decreased body fat and plasma insulin levels, prevented age-related decline in the basal metabolic rate, and reduced age-associated histopathological changes in the kidney and liver. Long-term, light exercise further enhanced the benefits of restricted feeding on age-related deterioration in physiological and metabolic variables and improved body composition, but did not prolong survival at 900 days of age.

Ribose 1,5-bisphosphate regulates rat kidney cortex phosphofructokinase

Phosphofructokinase (EC 2.7.1.11) is a major enzyme of the glycolytic pathway, catalyzing the conversion of fructose 6-phosphate to fructose 1,6-bisphosphate. In this study, we demonstrated the effect of ribose 1,5-bisphosphate on phosphofructokinase purified from rat kidney cortex. Ribose 1,5-bisphosphate relieved the phosphofructokinase from ATP inhibition and increased the affinity for fructose 6-phosphate at nanomolar concentrations. These activating effects of ribose 1,5-bisphosphate were enhanced in the presence of AMP. Ribose 1,5-bisphosphate reduced the inhibition of the phosphofructokinase induced by citrate. These results suggest that ribose 1,5-bisphosphate is an activator of rat kidney cortex phosphofructokinase and synergistically regulates the enzyme activity with AMP.

Effects of glucocorticoids on bone mineral density in rheumatoid arthritis patients. A longitudinal study

We carried out a comparative study in 78 post-menopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Forty-four women with a mean disease duration of 17.5 years had been treated with low-dose glucocorticoid (prednisone at < 5 mg/day) for at least 12 months. They were studied for an average period of 3 years and 8 months. The remaining 34 women had been treated only with nonsteroidal anti-rheumatic drugs (NSAIDs) and served as the control group. Bone mineral density (BMD) in the lumbar spine (L2-4) and femoral neck was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Reduction of BMD in the lumbar spine was significant in both groups (P < 0.05 to approximately 0.01), but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. BMD of the femoral neck decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in the prednisone group, but again the difference was not significant between the two groups. Our data suggest that low-dose prednisone administration probably does not induce significant axial bone loss in female RA patients.

Control of medicine release from solid dispersion composed of the poly(ethylene oxide)-carboxyvinylpolymer interpolymer complex by varying molecular weight of poly(ethylene oxide)

Solid dispersion composed of the poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-carboxyvinylpolymer (CP) interpolymer complex containing phenacetin (PHE) was prepared by using nine grades of PEO having different molecular weights from 2000 to 4500000. We attempted to control the medicine release from the PEO-CP solid dispersion by varying the molecular weight of PEO. The physicochemical properties of the solid dispersion were analyzed by powder X-ray diffractometry and thermal analysis. The interaction between PEO and CP was analyzed by IR spectroscopy. Transmittance of the polymer solution was measured to study the complexation between PEO and CP. The release profile of PHE varied depending on the molecular weight of PEO. The minimum release rate was observed at the PEO molecular weight of 35000. It was found that the amount of the PEO-CP complex formation by hydrogen bonding changed depending on the molecular weight of PEO. These results indicate that it is feasible to control the medicine release from the PEO-CP solid dispersion by varying the molecular weight of PEO.

Reduced susceptibility to collagen-induced arthritis in mice deficient in IFN-gamma receptor

Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) is an arthritic model that was developed after immunization with type II collagen (CII). Apparently, contradictory results have been reported regarding the role of IFN-gamma in the development of CIA. Therefore, we employed IFN-gamma R-deficient mice to study the role of IFN-gamma. To introduce the CIA susceptibility gene (H-2q), IFN-gamma R-deficient (H-2b/b/IFN-gamma R-/-) mice were mated with DBA/1 (H-2q/q/IFN-gamma R+/+) mice; next, the F1 mice were interbred to yield F2 offspring bearing different combinations of H-2 (H-2q/q, H-2q/b, and H-2b/b) and IFN-gamma R (IFN-gamma R+/+, IFN-gamma R+/-, and IFN-gamma R-/-) genes. Although the H-2q allele appeared to confer susceptibility to CIA, mice that were homozygous for the IFN-gamma R mutation showed a substantially decreased incidence and severity of CIA. The CII-specific IgG levels of serum samples, which are known to be involved in the development of CIA, were remarkably reduced in IFN-gamma R-/- mice. Furthermore, the anti-CII IgG2a levels controlled by IFN-gamma R were significantly reduced in IFN-gamma R-/- F2 mice compared with those seen in IFN-gamma R+/+ and IFN-gamma R+/- mice, although the levels of all IgG subclass Abs examined were lower in IFN-gamma R-/- mice than in IFN-gamma R+/+ mice. No clear evidence of the imbalance of Th1/Th2 cytokines was observed in CII-immunized, IFN-gamma R-deficient mice. Taken together, these results suggest that IFN-gamma exacerbates CIA by affecting, at least, levels of CII-specific IgG Ab rather than the imbalance of Th1/Th2 cells.

Outcomes for patients undergoing one or more total hip and knee arthroplasties

Either total hip arthroplasty (THA), total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or both were performed in 105 patients from 1981 to 1994. These patients were experiencing severe joint destruction in the lower extremities due to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These patients were followed for more than 2 years after their last operation. Eighty-six patients were alive and 19 patients had died at the time of follow-up. The 86 living patients were divided into four groups based on the number of replaced joints. Their pre- and postoperative conditions, including such factors as pain, mobility and disability for the quality of life (QOL), were compared. All of the four groups showed some reduction in pain and disability, and an improvement in ambulation after the operations. The 19 deceased patients were classified into two groups, one including those with multiple (three or four) arthroplasties and the other, those with only a small number (one or two). The mean age at death was lower (55.7+/-6.2 years) in patients with multiple arthroplasties than that (69.1+/-7.5 years) in patients with only a small number of arthroplasties. Secondary diseases from RA, such as amyloidosis, spinal injury and pulmonary fibrosis, were found to be the primary cause of death in patients with multiple arthroplasties. The most important finding in this study is that although RA patients with multiple arthroplasties in the lower extremities improved their QOL, they were still afflicted with secondary diseases derived from RA and experienced complications that could shorten their lifespan.

Formation of water-insoluble gel in dry-coated tablets for the controlled release of theophylline

Sodium alginate (ALNa) of a natural polysaccharide is known to form a water-insoluble gel when combined with a bivalent metal. In this study, we prepared tablets containing ALNa and calcium gluconate (GLCa) as a bivalent metal, and studied the application of the water-insoluble gel involving the controlled release of a test drug by permeation of water. Dry-coated tablets containing theophylline (TP) as a model drug, ALNa and GLCa were prepared by the dry power compression method. The controlled release of TP was evaluated by the dissolution test according to JP XIII. The release rate was extremely high for the tablets which contained only TP and GLCa. A zero order or sigmoidal release profile was observed for the tablets that contained only TP and ALNa. On the other hand, the lowest dissolution rate and a sigmoidal release profile were observed for the tablet containing TP and GLCa in its core and ALNa in its outer phase. These results suggest that dry-coated tablets containing ALNa and GLCa and prepared by the direct powder compression method would be useful for the controlled release of drugs.

Sex-specific effects of growth hormone on hepatic 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity and gene expression in hypothyroid rats

To investigate the effects of growth hormone (GH) on 11beta-HSD1, we determined changes in hepatic 11beta-HSD1 activity in hypothyroid rats following treatment with subcutaneous (s.c) injection of GH for periods ranging from 24 h to 7 days. In male rats, hypothyroidism markedly reduced the hepatic 11beta-HSD1 activity and serum testosterone levels (p < 0.01). Subcutaneous injection of GH once daily to male hypothyroid rats for 48 h inhibited hepatic 11beta-HSD1 activity. However, the same daily dose of GH administered to male hypothyroid rats for 7 days, resulted in a marked increase in hepatic 11beta-HSD1 activity and gene expression (p < 0.01). Furthermore, daily s.c injections of GH to castrated male hypothyroid rats for 7 days reduced hepatic 11beta-HSD1 activity rather than inducing it, the same response seen in hypothyroid female rats. In addition, the treatment of castrated male hypothyroid rats with testosterone for 7 days significantly increased this enzyme activity (p < 0.01). The changes in hepatic 11beta-HSD1 were demonstrated to be associated with the testes in hypothyroid male rats following treatment with GH for 7 days. Moreover, the prolonged exposure to GH required to induce hepatic 11beta-HSD1 in intact hypothyroid male rats and the lack of a similar effect in castrated male hypothyroid rats suggests that this action is indirect and that it may be mediated by androgen production from Leydig cells of the testes and induced by the daily injections of GH. Treatment of hypothyroid male rats with GH at 6-h intervals, however, feminized the hepatic 11beta-HSD1 gene expression.

[Fracture threshhold of rheumatoid arthritis patients]

The Bone mass measurement had been difficult while the fracture risk of the rheumatoid arthritic patient had been depended on osteoporosis. Recently, the accuracy of bone mass measurement became reliable that the adequate data could be obtained from the patients. This study shows the fracture threshold of rheumatoid patients by obtaining the bone mass density of those who had been suffering from fracture by DEXA. Twenty two limbs of 21 female patients were affected, average age of 65 and duration of 18 years, and the sites of fracture were femoral neck in 9 cases and humeral neck in 4 cases (62% of the fracture). The BMD of the spine in these patients shows. 828 g/cm2 which was below -3.4 sd of the normal japanese female and thought to be a fracture threshold in RA patients. The risk factors of the fractures in RA were ADL in the limbs, history of total joints arthroplasty and low body mass index.

Two independent outbreaks of measles in partially vaccinated junior high schools in Tottori, Japan

We analyzed retrospectively a relative risk of measles attacks in vaccinated vs. unvaccinated students using two independent outbreaks in Japan. The first involved 33/328 (10%) students where 64% students and 30% measles cases had been vaccinated. The second involved 27/241 (11%) students where 81% students and 48% measles cases had been vaccinated. The attack rates of vaccinated vs. unvaccinated students were significantly low (p < 0.001), but they accounted 25% in both episodes. The statistically significant clinical features among vaccinated and unvaccinated cases included the average duration of fever, 5.16 +/- 1.71 vs. 6.67 +/- 2.19 days (p = 0.01) and the incidence of complications, 0 vs. 25%, respectively. These results suggested that the measles in vaccinated cases were mostly due to secondary failures.

Decreased bradykinin binding sites in fibroblasts from progressive systemic scleroderma

The numbers of bradykinin receptors (BK-R) in cultured dermal fibroblasts from patients with progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) and from healthy controls were measured using a receptor binding assay. The numbers of BK-R were significantly fewer in PSS fibroblasts than in control fibroblasts (P < 0.02). However, no differences in affinity were observed in BK-R between PSS and control fibroblasts. The BK-R mRNA levels were determined in PSS and control fibroblasts by Northern blot hybridization using BK-R cDNA, but no significant differences were found. These findings suggest that the decrease in BK-R in PSS fibroblasts might occur during a posttranslational step.

Application of the solid dispersion method to the controlled release of medicine. IV. Precise control of the release rate of a water soluble medicine by using the solid dispersion method applying the difference in the molecular weight of a polymer

Solid dispersions were prepared by the evaporation of ethanol after dissolving into ethanol a water soluble medicine (oxprenolol hydrochloride (OXP)), four grades of water insoluble ethylcellulose (EC) and four grades of water soluble hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), both having different molecular weights. The precise control of the release rat of a water soluble medicine by applying the difference in the molecular weight of polymers was attempted. The pore size distribution in solid dispersion granules was measured before and after the dissolution test by mercury intrusion porosimetry to clarify the mechanism of medicine release from the granules when the molecular weights of polymers were different. The state of medicine in the solid dispersions was analyzed by thermal analysis and X-ray diffractometry. Although the difference was slight, the release rate of OXP from the granules of the OXP-HPC system decreased as the molecular weight of HPC increased. The release behavior of OXP in the OXP-EC system was scarcely affected by the molecular weight of EC. However, in the OXP-EC-HPC system, the release rate markedly decreased with a larger molecular weight of EC. It was thought from the results of the pore size distribution that there were two types of release routes for OXP; dissolving directly into the dissolution medium and diffusing in the swelled HPC phase, caused by the addition of HPC. The decrease in the release rate of OXP in the OXP-EC-HPC system was caused by the increase in the ratio of OXP dissolving via the latter route, occurring with a larger molecular weight of EC. These results suggest that it is feasible to precisely control the release of a water soluble medicine by varying the molecular weight of the polymers in the solid dispersion.

Application of the solid dispersion method to the controlled release of medicine. III. Control of the release of slightly water soluble medicine from solid dispersion granules

In order to control the release rate of slightly water soluble medicine by using the solid dispersion (SD) method, the SD was prepared with a water soluble polymer and the slightly soluble medicine, and the medicine release from the solid dispersion granules was studied. The SD granules were prepared by the evaporation of ethanol after dissolving into ethanol a slightly water soluble medicine (flurbiprofen (FP)) and soluble polymers (hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC)). HPC has four grades of molecular weight. The release rate of FP from SD was measured by the rotating basket method (JP XII). The release rate of FP from the SD granules was markedly larger than that from FP powder, and it was larger with a lower HPC molecular weight. It is speculated that these results were mainly based on the molecular dispersion state of FP and HPC in SD.

Infection of Chang cells with hepatitis C virus using hepatic biopsy specimens from patients with chronic hepatitis (type C)

The presence of hepatitis C virus sequence was detected in liver tissue extracts by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method using primers of non-coding region in six out of eight cases with chronic hepatitis seropositive for Chiron's antibody. Subsequently, liver extracts from these cases were added to cell cultures of Chang cells for 3 days. The liver extracts of the six cases positive for PCR appeared to infect the Chang cells.

Autokinetic illusion as affected by suggestions of experimenter and observer

Two experiments were done to examine whether an experimenter's suggestion and self-suggestion could affect the autokinetic illusion and to specify that effect. Exp. I compared the effect of a facilitative suggestion with a suppressive one, by measuring the moving latency, duration, frequency, and by analyzing the movement trace. Time and frequency did not detect any effects of marked individual differences. Trace analysis, on the other hand, showed that suggestions were effective in the expected direction for some subjects. Exp. II gave the suggestion for and against subjects' dominant direction of the movement and was designed to specify the effect. While effects indicated by time and frequency measures were not consistent, the movement trace showed the effect in suggested directions, which was more distinct for subjects whose nonsuggested illusion was not so markedly directed. These findings indicate that suggestion could affect the spatiotemporal aspect of the illusion, so the trace analysis may be useful for studies in this field.

Glycopeptides in pus of acute pleurisy patients

Glycopeptides were isolated from tryptic digests of pus from acute pleurisy patients. The hexose, hexosamine, and sialic acid contents rose over the first 2-4 days after admission to the hospital, continued at high levels for 5-8 hospital days, and fell to low levels after 9 hospital days. The course of duration after admission to the hospital was divided into three stages: 1-4 days after admission to the hospital, 5-8 hospital days, and 9-21 hospital days. Materials corresponding to these three stages were then collected for fractionation by DEAE-cellulose column chromatography. Fractionation of glycopeptides by DEAE-cellulose column chromatography yielded three glycopeptide fractions at 0.05 to 0.2 M NaCl. Column chromatography of crude material on DEAE-cellulose showed an increase in the 0.2 M NaCl fraction from the concentrate over a period of 4-8 hospital days due to a large increase in sialic acid-rich glycopeptide fraction.

Interleukin-1 and -2 in sera of patients with chronic hepatitis (type B)

IL-1 beta and IL-2 values in serum from 28 patients with chronic hepatitis B diagnosed by liver biopsy and 23 healthy controls were measured by the radioimmunoassay (RIA) method. Though both values in patients seropositive for anti-HBe were slightly higher than those in patients seropositive for HBeAg, the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant. In contrast, the relationship between IL-1 beta and IL-2 in patients with chronic hepatitis was statistically significant (P less than 0.001). In general, high values of serum IL-1 beta and IL-2 were seen in patients with chronic persistent hepatitis and low values of serum IL-1 beta and IL-2 were seen in patients with chronic active hepatitis (severe) and in some of these with chronic persistent hepatitis. Serum IL-1 beta and IL-2 values of all patients with chronic hepatitis were higher than in healthy controls (P less than 0.001). Serum IL-1 beta and IL-2 in chronic hepatitis (B) are important indicators of the grade of the inflammatory state of the liver.