Ultralow-loss mirror of the parts-in-10(6) level at 1064 nm

We describe an ultralow-loss and high-reflectance mirror at 1064 nm. A Fabry-Perot cavity is fabricated with two mirrors to measure the finesse and the transmission efficiency on resonance. The finesse was cross checked by two different methods: measurements of the cavity decay time and of the frequency-response function. As a result, a loss of 6 +/- 6 x 10(-6) (6 +/- 6 parts in 10(6), scatter and absorption) and a finesse of 2236 +/- 54 were measured during the cavity decay time. This result coincides with that of the response function within accuracies cited above. To our knowledge, the loss is the lowest obtained at 1064 nm.

Chemopreventive effects of beta-carotene, alpha-tocopherol and five naturally occurring antioxidants on initiation of hepatocarcinogenesis by 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline in the rat

Inhibitory effects of naturally occurring antioxidants on the initiation stage of hepatocarcinogenesis were studied. Group 1 rats were given a diet containing beta-carotene (beta-CT, 0.02%), alpha-tocopherol (alpha-TP, 1.5%), glutathione (GLT, 5%), vanillin (VNL, 1%), quercetin (QCT, 1%) or ellagic acid (ELA, 1%), or 3 doses of diallyl sulfide (DAS, 200 mg/kg, i.g.) over an 8-day period. On day 7, the animals received a single dose of 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f] quinoline (IQ, 100 mg/kg, i.g.), 12 h after two-thirds partial hepatectomy for initiation and 2 weeks thereafter, were placed on promotion regimen comprising phenobarbital (0.05% in diet) and a single dose of D-galactosamine (100 mg/kg, i.p.). Groups 2 and 3 were treated as described for Group 1, but without test material or IQ, respectively. Survivors were killed at week 11 and antioxidant influence was assessed by comparing values for preneoplastic glutathione S-transferase placental form-positive (GST-P+) foci between Groups 1 and 2. All lesions larger than 70 microns in diameter consisting of approximately 5 cells in cross section were counted. Numbers of GST-P+ foci/cm2 in Group 1 were: beta-CT, 7.99; alpha-TP, 8.21; GLT, 9.71; DAS, 10.37; VNL, 10.57; QCT, 11.1; ELA, 12.5 (n = 11-15). All, except ELA, showed a significant decrease as compared with the Group 2 value of 14.54 (n = 15). Only beta-CT showed a significant decrease for the area value. This is the first report to show that beta-CT, alpha-TP, GLT, DAS, VNL, QCT exert inhibitory effects on initiation of hepatocarcinogenesis by the food carcinogen IQ, suggesting that these antioxidants might find application as chemopreventive agents. Furthermore, the current protocol proved practical for the assessment of chemopreventive agents within 11 weeks, a relatively short period.

[An epidemiological study of penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae in Japan]

In order to investigate penicillin resistance (Pcr) in Streptococcus pneumoniae from clinical sources in Japan, a total 1,127 strains of S. pneumoniae was collected at random from 36 institutions participating to "Working group for Pcr S. pneumoniae" around the country in 1993-1994. These strains were isolated more frequently from sputum (38.2%), throat (31.4%), nasal discharge (16.4%), and otorrhea (5.7%). A small number of isolates from blood (19 strains; 1.8%), cerebrospinal fluid (11 strains; 1.0%), and pleural fluid (2 strains; 0.2%) were included respectively. Patients from whom S. pneumoniae was isolated have mostly been associated with children < or = 12 years of age and adults 60 < or = years olds. These isolates were tested for susceptibility to penicillin G, ampicillin, oxacillin, cefixime, cefdinir, imipenem, panipenem, erythromycin, clindamycin, minocycline, and vancomycin by an agar dilution method using Mueller Hinton agar supplemented with 10% sheep blood. Strains with the MICs > or = 0.125 micrograms/ml for penicillin G were defined as a Pc resistance. Of the 1,127 strains, 471 strains (41.8%) were identified as a Pc resistance. Pcr S. pneumoniae were almost resistant to other beta-lactams, including ampicillin, oxacillin, ceftizoxime, cefixime, cefdinir. Although, the MICs of imipenem and panipenem ragned from 0.004-2.0 micrograms/ml with 2 peaks distributions, these antibiotics inhibited the growth of most of Pcr S. pneumoniae at the lowest concentrations of < or = 0.5 microgram/ml. Only vancomycin resistant strain was not detected in these isolates. Most of the Pcr strains were simultaneously resistant to macrolides and minocycline. Further more, isolation frequencies of Pcr S. pneumoniae in west Japan, were relatively high compared with those of east Japan.

Detection of mecA, femA, and femB genes in clinical strains of staphylococci using polymerase chain reaction

MecA, a structural gene located on the chromosome of Staphylococcus aureus, characterizes methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and femA and femB(fem) genes encode proteins which influence the level of methicillin resistance of S. aureus. In order to examine effectiveness of detecting mecA and fem genes in identification of MRSA, the presence of these genes in 237 clinically isolated strains of staphylococci was investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). An amplified mecA DNA fragment of 533 base pairs (bp) was detected in 100% of oxacillin-resistant S. aureus, in 16.7% of oxacillin-sensitive S. aureus, in 81.5% of S. epidermidis, and in 58.3% of other coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS). While the PCR product of femA (509 bp) or femB (651 bp) was obtained from almost all the S. aureus strains except for five oxacillin-resistant strains (2.5%), neither of these genes were detected in CNS. Therefore, the detection of femA and femB together with mecA by PCR was considered to be a more reliable indicator to identify MRSA by differentiating it from mecA-positive CNS than single detection of mecA.

Ultrahigh-frequency stabilization of a diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser with a high-power-acceptance photodetector

We describe the ultrahigh-frequency stabilization of a diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser by use of a high-poweracceptance photodetector. The photodetector, which is constructed with an optical power divider and eight combined photodiodes, is developed to reduce shot-noise-limited FM noise. The laser frequency is locked to a Fabry-Perot cavity with a finesse of 25,600 by the Drever-Hall technique. By using the optical power of 47 mW at the photodetector, we reduce the relative FM noise at the error signal to the shot-noise limit of 4.2x10(-5) Hz/ radicalHz below the Fourier frequency of 500 Hz.

[Survey or nosocomial infection chiefly due to MRSA in the Sapporo Medical University Hospital]

Nosocomial infection followed by MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is an important and serious problem in most of the Japanese hospitals. Around 70% of S. aureus isolated from patient's samples in Sapporo Medical University Hospital are MRSA. As one of measures to reduce the nosocomial infection, we consider that it is a first choice to survey the environmental conditions which seemingly cause nosocomial infection. In the present paper, we report the results in respect of MRSA contamination in our hospital in general, and results of coagulase types of MRSA found in patient's samples and that obtained from nasal cavity, finger tips of medical staffs (Doctors and Nurses) and swabbed materials in the ward floor, patient's lavatory etc.

193-mHz beat linewidth of frequency-stabilized laser-diode-pumped Nd:YAG ring lasers

We describe frequency-stabilized laser-diode-pumped Nd:YAG ring lasers locked to a high-transmission and high-finesse reference Fabry-Perot cavity. The cavity has a resonant linewidth of 38.0 kHz, a finesse of 19,400, and a transmission efficiency of 79.4% for the TEM(00) mode. We measure the frequency stability by locking two lasers one free spectral range apart and observe the heterodyne beat signal. As a result, the spectral densities of frequency noise are reduced to 10 mHz/ radicalHz, and a beat linewidth of 193 mHz is obtained. The linewidth is 0.73 times the Schawlow-Townes limit.

Antitumor activity of a new series of platinum complexes: trans(+/-)-1,2-cyclohexanediammineplatinum(II) conjugated to acid polysaccharides

Complexes with trans(+/-)-1,2-cyclohexanediammineplatinum(II) conjugated to acid polysaccharides were synthesized and their antitumor activities were tested in female CDF1 mice with intraperitoneal leukemia L1210 cells. Platinum was released from the polymers under physiological conditions, with half-lives from 3.3 to 19.3 h. A hyaluronic acid-supported complex was the most effective against the tumors (all six mice survived for 60 days). The group given a chondroitin polysulfate-supported complex had five survivors, the chondroitin sulfate A group also had five, the chondroitin sulfate C group had three and the heparan sulfate group had two. Part of the antitumor activity was due to increased efficacy of the polymers. The bioavailability of these complexes is high. Therefore, acid polysaccharides should be a good system for delivering antitumor platinum complexes.

[Effects of prednisolone farnesylate (PNF) gel on skin and ocular mucosa]

Various tests for irritation, phototoxicity, contact sensitivity and photocontact sensitivity of PNF gel were conducted. The results were as follows. 1) In the primary dermal irritation test and trypan blue test, slight erythema was noted in the rabbits treated with 0.8 and 1.6% PNF gel, although similar reaction occurred in those treated with the base. 2) In the test for the primary irritation to the ocular mucosa, severe irritant reactions were caused by 0.8 and 1.6% PNF gel and its base. However these reactions disappeared 7 days after irritation. 3) In the phototoxicity test and contact sensitivity test, no positive reactions were detected by 0.8 and 1.6% PNF gel. On the other hand, in the photocontact sensitivity test, positive reaction were noted in the guinea pig treated with 0.8 and 1.6% PNF gel and its base.

Conformation-dependent change in antitumor activity of linear and branched (1----3)-beta-D-glucans on the basis of conformational elucidation by carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

The antitumor activity of (1----3)-beta-D-glucans was tested in order to clarify its conformation-dependent response together with conformational elucidation by carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C-NMR) spectroscopy. It was shown that the following three conformations, single chain, single helix and triple helix, are readily distinguished by the high-resolution solid-state 13C-NMR method. It turned out that preparations of linear (1----3)-beta-D-glucans of a triple helical conformation were ineffective in the inhibition of tumor growth. These linear (1----3)-beta-D-glucans were converted to an effective form in the inhibition of tumor growth when they were lyophilized from dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solutions as a result of a conformational change from the triple helical to the single chain forms. They were not effective, however, when assayed in DMSO solution. In contrast, it was found that a branched (1----3)-beta-D-glucan is effective not only in either saline solutions of the triple helical sample or the lyophilized sample from DMSO, but also in DMSO solution. The aforementioned drastic change in antitumor activity was interpreted in terms of resulting conformational changes as analyzed by the 13C-NMR method.

Relationship between conformation and biological response for (1----3)-beta-D-glucans in the activation of coagulation factor G from limulus amebocyte lysate and host-mediated antitumor activity. Demonstration of single-helix conformation as a stimulant

The relationship between the conformation of (1----3)-beta-D-glucans in gel or hydrated form and the stimulation of two types of biological responses, namely, activation of coagulation Factor G from limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) and host-mediated antitumor activity was examined. Both types were activated by the single-helical conformation, as revealed by high-resolution, solid-state 13C-n.m.r. spectroscopy. The potency of activation of Factor G was increased over 100-fold by treatment with a NaOH solution which leads to a complete or partial conversion from the triple to the single helix. Such a single-helix specific response was also demonstrated for the antitumor activity of curdlan, although the distinction was less pronounced for branched (1----3)-beta-D-glucans. The presence of the single-helix conformation was observed in schizophyllan gel, even though the triple helix is the most stable form of branched glucans in aqueous media.

5-Fluorouracil derivatives. XX. Synthesis and antitumor activity of 5'-O-unsaturated acyl-5-fluorouridines

Various kinds of 5'-O-unsaturated acyl 5-fluorouridines were synthesized to obtain 5-fluorouridine derivatives with low toxicity and high antitumor activity. Antitumor activity of the compounds against L-1210 leukemia in mice was examined, and the 5'-O-4-pentenoyl derivative showed the highest antitumor activity.

[Study on new quinolone-resistant strains isolated from urine--annual changes of its frequency and the relation to drug volume]

There is concerned that the new quinolone-resistant strains have increased along with its widespread usage. We analysed the annual changes in frequency of ofloxacin-resistant strains isolated from urine in the past four years at two different types of hospitals, department of urology in Sapporo Medical College and Muroran City Hospital, since the usage of these agents seem to be related to the annual changes of the frequencies. The results were summarised as follows: 1) In the two hospitals, drug volume of the new quinolones had been increased, in particular, the past six years from 1984. 2) The annual changes in frequency of ofloxacin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus have been increasing from 0 to 41.2 percent in Sapporo Medical College and 16.7 to 96.7 percent in Muroran City Hospital. The frequency of ofloxacin-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa also have been increasing from 24 to 66.7 percent in Sapporo Medical College and 37.5 to 81.8 percent in Muroran City Hospital. 3) The frequency of ofloxacin-resistant indole positive Proteus spp. and Serratia marcescens for four years at Sapporo Medical College (indole positive Proteus spp.: 0-1.8 percent, Serratia marcescens: 10-43 percent) was very different from that at Muroran City Hospital (indole positive Proteus spp.: 65-82 percent, Serratia marcescens: 71-100 percent). The difference seems to be caused by the hospital acquired infection.

[Adult T cell leukemia with CD4- and CD8-]

A 53-year-old woman born in Kamo village of Shizuoka prefecture was admitted to Juntendo Izunagaoka hospital complaining cough and appetite loss. On physical examinations, general lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly were recognized. And also dry rales and wet rales were heard in the bilateral lungs. On hematological examinations, leukocytes has counted 74,900/microliters, of which 61% atypical lymphocytes, and there were HTLV-I infection and positive anti-ATLA antibody. By the above results, she was diagnosed as adult T cell leukemia (ATL). T cell subset analysis was (CD4-, CD8-, CD3-), which is rare in ATL. Three months after the admission, she was died of disturbances of respiratory function in spite of VEPA therapy. Surface marker changed from CD3- to CD3+ in the course. To illuminate this mechanism will be a key step for the future study.

Antitumor activity of 7-ethyl-10-[4-(1-piperidino)-1-piperidino]carbonyloxy-camptothec in, a novel water-soluble derivative of camptothecin, against murine tumors

The search for new water-soluble analogues of camptothecin (CPT) with higher activity and less toxicity has led to the development of a novel compound, 7-ethyl-10-[4-(1-piperidino)-1-piperidino]carbonyloxy-camptothecin (CPT-11), which showed significant antitumor activity against a broad spectrum of experimental tumor models by i.p., i.v., or oral administration. When its activity against L1210 was compared with that of CPT and known derivatives, CPT-11 was most effective, giving the highest maximum increase in life span (ILS) and showing good activity over a wide dose range. The antitumor activity of CPT-11 was shown against tumors not only in the ascites form but also in the solid form. Included among the more susceptible murine tumors are S180, Meth A fibrosarcoma, Lewis lung carcinoma, Ehrlich carcinoma, MH134 hepatoma, mammary carcinoma of C3H/HeN mice, L1210, and P388 leukemia. Probable cures of these tumors were induced frequently by CPT-11. The antitumor activity of CPT-11 against i.p.-implanted L1210 was superior to that of Adriamycin in maximum ILS, the number of cured mice, and the therapeutic ratio. CPT-11 at a dose of 100 mg/kg produced an ILS in excess of 300% with five of six mice surviving tumor free, and effected 100% tumor regression at 200 mg/kg, whereas the optimum dose of Adriamycin, 12.5-25 mg/kg, brought about 114-129% ILS with one of six mice surviving. The acute toxicity of CPT-11 was extremely low, particularly in the case of oral administration. CPT-11 is expected to be clinically useful.

Effect of insulin on the glucose utilization in isolated cardiac myocytes from adult rat

The acute effects of insulin on glucose utilization in isolated rat quiescent cardiac myocytes were studied. Insulin (80 nM) increased the rate of glucose clearance by 2-3 times in the presence of glucose ranging from 0.3 microM to 5.5 mM. Glucose transport, which was measured in terms of both D-glucose uptake in the presence of 0.3 microM D-glucose and initial rate of uptake of 3-O-methylglucose, was stimulated 3-fold in the presence of insulin. At higher glucose concentrations (greater than 100 microM), a decrease in glucose clearance rate due to a shift of the rate-limiting step from glucose transport to a post-transport step in the pathway of glucose metabolism was observed. At the physiological concentration of glucose (5.5 mM), about 73% of glucose was metabolized into lactate, about 10% was oxidized into CO2 and the rest (17%) remained inside the cells. The pentose phosphate pathway did not contribute to the glucose metabolism in these cells. Insulin (80 nM) significantly increased the uptake of glucose (112%), and the conversions of glucose into lactate (16%), glycogen (64%), and triglyceride (18%), but not into CO2 (3%). Insulin transiently increased the percentage of I-form of glycogen synthase by 16% above basal, but did not affect the percentage of a-form of glycogen phosphorylase. The content of glucose 6-phosphate in the cells was increased by 46% above the basal value in the presence of insulin. These results indicate that insulin has different acute stimulatory effects on various steps in the metabolic pathway of glucose in isolated quiescent cardiac myocytes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Antitumor activity of a new camptothecin derivative, SN-22, against various murine tumors

The antitumor activity of a new camptothecin derivative, SN-22, was evaluated by using various murine tumors. SN-22 showed strong activity against the ascites tumors Ehrlich carcinoma, MM46, CCM, L1210, L5178Y, P388, Meth A, and B16 melanoma. In particular, the maximum increase in life span values for Ehrlich, MM46 and CCM were as high as 253-606% and many mice were cured of these tumors. The effect of SN-22 against solid tumors was also determined. The inhibition ratios were higher than 70% for MM46 and L5178Y. The LD50 of SN-22 in ICR mice was about 1.5 times that of the parent camptothecin.

[Antitumor activity of new derivatives of camptothecin]

With the purpose of obtaining more potent and less toxic camptothecin (CPT) analogs, we prepared many derivatives of CPT. Among them, 7-ethyl-CPT (SN 22) and 7-ethyl-10-hydroxy-CPT (SN 38) showed strong antitumor activity with less toxicity. They were, however, insoluble and when they were made soluble, their activity was markedly diminished, as a result of cleavage of the delta-lactone ring. We therefore attempted to make soluble derivatives without breaking the delta-lactone ring and obtained 7-ethyl-10-[4-(1-piperidino)-1-piperidino]-carbonyloxy-CPT (CPT-11), which showed very strong antitumor activity by i.p., i.v. or p.o. administration against the ascites type of L1210 leukemia, P388 leukemia, sarcoma 180, Meth A fibrosarcoma, B16 melanoma, Ehrlich carcinoma and MH134 hepatoma and the solid type of sarcoma 180, Meth A fibrosarcoma, Lewis lung carcinoma, C3H/HeN mammary carcinoma, Ehrlich carcinoma and MH134 hepatoma. The antileukemic activity of CPT-11 against L1210 was much higher than that of adriamycin. The acute toxicity of CPT-11 was extremely low, particularly in the case of oral administration, the LD50 being 765.3 mg/kg, 22 times greater than that of CPT-Na.