Glass-type hydrogen and deuterium absorption cells developed for D/H ratio measurements in the Martian atmosphere

Hydrogen and deuterium absorption cells of a new glass type have been developed for the D/H ratio measurements on the Japanese Mars mission PLANET-B. The H/D cells work as narrow-band rejection filters for the H/D Lyman-alpha line, respectively, when the H or D atoms are produced at a heated filament inside the cells. The absorption profiles of the cells were successfully measured with a high-resolution vacuum ultraviolet spectrometer with a wavelength resolution of 6.6 x 10(-4) nm. The derived optical thickness was found to be ~7 and ~14 for the hydrogen and deuterium cells, respectively. It was also found that the derived temperature of atomic gas ranges between the temperature of the cell wall and that of the heated filament, and it increases with increasing filament temperature. The measured profiles showed that the absorption efficiencies of the developed absorption cells are sufficient to observe the D/H ratios of the Martian atmosphere.

Infection with Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare with abscess, ulceration and fistula formation

Infections caused by Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex are generally manifested as pulmonary disease, osteomyelitis or lymphadenitis, and cutaneous infection is rare. We describe a case of M. intracellulare infection of the skin in a 79-year-old man without apparent immunologically disabling disease or therapy. He had cutaneous infection of the right hand over 10 years, developing a fistula and, finally, an ulcer and abscess, 2 months before his death from heart failure. Mycobacterium intracellulare was identified by both microbiological characteristics and DNA-DNA hybridization.

Cloning of a novel ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (E2) gene from the ciliate Paramecium tetraurelia

We isolated a 1.7 kb gene (UbcP1) for a ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme from a P. tetraurelia cDNA library and sequenced it. Its deduced polypeptide sequence consists of 425 amino acid residues (48 kDa). The UbcP1 protein contains novel N- and C-terminal extensions in addition to a UBC domain, and within the UBC domain it shares low identity with sequences of other known E2s. A constructed phylogenetic tree suggests that the UbcP1 protein may represent a member of a distinct subfamily of E2s. Southern blot analysis showed that the N-terminal extension of the UbcP1 is conserved in P. multimicronucleatum.

A 19-kb CpG island associated with single-minded gene 2 in Down syndrome chromosomal region

To help in isolating the genes involved in Down syndrome, we sought CpG islands in 4 Mb cosmid/PAC contigs spanning most of the 21q.22.2 band using seven rare cutting enzymes. A striking feature was observed upstream of hSIM2 where at least 41 rare-cutting sites were clustered within a 20-kb region. To investigate the structure of the cluster, a cosmid containing hSIM2 was submitted to shotgun sequencing. Sequence analysis revealed that the cluster was a long CpG island extending 19, 128 nucleotides which includes in the first and second exons of hSIM2. Taken together with our observation in which the CpG islands were concentrated within 1.2 Mb around hSIM2, we propose that this region functions as an R-band, and the cluster provides a unique element for marking of DNA for the spatial and temporal expression of the hSIM2 locus.

An integrated map with cosmid/PAC contigs of a 4-Mb Down syndrome critical region

The major phenotypic features of Down syndrome have been correlated with partial trisomies of chromosome 21, allowing us to define the candidate gene region to a 4-Mb segment on the 21q22.2 band. We present here a high-resolution physical map with megabase-sized cosmid/PAC contigs. This ordered clone library has provided unique material for the integration of a variety of mappable objects, including exons, cDNAs, restriction sites, etc. Furthermore, our results have exemplified a strategy for the completion of the chromosome 21 map to sequencing.

A new model of transient cerebral ischemia in neonatal rats

A new model of transient cerebral ischemia in 10-day- old rats is described. Under microscopic guidance, the right external and internal carotid arteries were electrically coagulated. A solid 0.47 mm diameter nylon thread was inserted into the right common carotid artery toward the ascending aorta up to 10-12 mm from the upper edge of the sternomastoid muscle (preischemic rats). A 60-min cerebral ischemia was induced by clamping the left external and internal carotid arteries (ischemic rats), followed by 3-h recirculation. 31P magnetic resonance (MRS) spectroscopic studies revealed that severe intracellular acidosis occurred and ATP disappeared completely for a least the last 20 min of ischemia. Cerebral blood flow (CBF), measured by the hydrogen clearance technique, decreased to approximately 11% of the preischemic level in the frontal cortex soon after the induction of ischemia. On resuscitation, ATP recovered completely and the preischemic intracellular pH level was restored within 180 min. CBF has recovered to approximately 30% of the preischemic level at 5 min after resuscitation. The CBF recovery was not compete even at 180 min after resuscitation. With this model, the effects of pure ischemia without hypoxia on the neonatal brain and the process of recovery from transient ischemia can be studied.

[Experience in administration low dose all-trans retinoic acid for a child with acute promyelocytic leukemia]

Ten year old boy with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) was treated with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). Immediately after the oral administration of ATRA (nine mg/m2 three times a day), DIC was controlled, and complete remission was achieved at day 39. The patient received ATRA therapy for 47 days, and then followed by conventional chemotherapy. Plasma ATRA level after 90 minutes of drug administration was 84.6 ng/ml. The superoxide generating activity of neutrophils in the bone marrow and peripheral blood was measured by chemiluminescence. The phagocytic function of neutrophils was markedly reduced in the ATRA-induced remission period, and was normal in the chemotherapy-induced remission. APL could be induced complete remission by three divided small doses of ATRA, and the ATRA-induced differentiated neutrophils might have lower phagocytic function.

Observations of thermospheric wind velocities and temperatures by the use of a Fabry-Perot Doppler imaging system at Syowa Station, Antarctica

A new optical instrument, the Fabry-Perot Doppler imaging system (FPDIS), has been developed for observations of two-dimensional distributions of thermospheric wind velocities and temperatures by the measurement of the Doppler shift and width of the aurora or of the airglow emission lines of atomic oxygen OI 557.7 nm and OI 630.0 nm over a wide field of view (165°). A technique for the derivation of Doppler temperatures and wind velocities was developed by use of a truncated Fourier series. Thermospheric wind velocities and temperatures have been obtained with unprecedented high temporal (1 min) and spatial (24 points for an all-sky image) resolutions. Errors in the derived wind velocities and temperatures are estimated to be less than 25 m/s and 100 K, respectively, for inner-fringe positions and 35 m/s and 170 K for outer-fringe positions, respectively. This system was applied to observations of thermospheric wind velocities and temperatures at Syowa Station (69.00° S, 39.58° E), Antarctica for the period of one austral winter in 1990.

In vitro neuroblastomal clump formations as an indicator of a bone marrow metastasis

In a long-term culture of bone marrow taken from a child with a suspected abdominal tumor, a large number of globular in vitro clumps developed within 5 days, although the bone marrow used had tested negative to the presence of abnormal cells. Light microscopic and marker studies of these clumps provided evidence of neuroblastomal origin, and the diagnosis of a neuroblastoma was confirmed by a subsequent cathecholamine assessment and the histological findings of the excised tumor. Of three in vitro culture methods tested, i.e., a long-term bone marrow culture (LTBMC), a liquid culture, and a methylcellulose clonal cell culture, the LTBMC was found to be the most sensitive for detecting tumor cells. This LTBMC was considered to be useful for not only achieving a definitive neuroblastoma diagnosis but also the early detection of bone marrow metastasis in N-myc gene amplified neuroblastomas.

Effect of platelet activating factor antagonist (TCV-309) on lung injury in dogs with experimentally endotoxin-induced shock

The effect of TCV-309, a newly developed platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonist, on the wet/dry weight ratio of the lung (index of pulmonary edema) and the pulmonary surface activity (index of pulmonary compliance) was evaluated in comparison with that of CV-3988 (PAF-antagonist). Administration of TCV-309 (1 mg/kg) or CV-3988 (10 mg/kg) significantly reduced the wet/dry weight ratio which was increased by endotoxin administration (3 mg/kg). It also augmented the pulmonary surface activity. Administration of either TCV-309 or CV-3988 alleviated the histologic lesions caused by endotoxic shock. These results suggest that lung injury during endotoxic shock can be controlled by TCV-309 as by CV-3988.

Intracellular alkalosis during hypoxia in newborn mouse brain in the presence of systemic acidosis: a phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopic study

We investigated the in vivo changes in cerebral energy metabolism and pHi in newborn mice noninvasively during 8 h of hypoxia with FiO2 = 5%, using phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy continuously. The intracellular brain pH (pHi) increased from 7.20 +/- 0.03 to 7.36 +/- 0.03 (P < 0.05) at 1 h of hypoxia and then decreased gradually. On the other hand, the mixed arterial and venous blood pH decreased gradually during hypoxia, reaching a minimum value of 7.16 +/- 0.01 at the end of the hypoxia. There was no significant difference in PCO2 between control (47.4 +/- 0.8 mm Hg) and 1-h hypoxic (49.0 +/- 1.1 mm Hg) mice. The blood glucose concentration was significantly increased at 1 h of hypoxia. These results indicate that the alkaline shift in pHi during hypoxia was caused neither by systemic alkalosis due to hypocapnia nor hypoglycemia.

Effect of TCV-309, a novel platelet activating factor antagonist, on hemodynamics in dogs with endotoxin-induced shock

The therapeutic effects of TCV-309, a novel platelet activating factor antagonist, on hemodynamics in endotoxin-induced shock were evaluated. Ten Beagle dogs were used under general anesthesia and artificial ventilation. After intravenous injection of endotoxin (3 mg/kg), TCV-309 (1 mg/kg) was administered intravenously to the dogs. The results showed that the depression of mean aortic pressure, cardiac output, left ventricular stroke work index and urine volume which occurred in endotoxin shock was significantly improved by administration of TCV-309. These results suggested that TCV-309 was a useful therapeutic for the circulatory disturbance in endotoxin shock.

Effect of platelet activating factor antagonist (CV-3988) on 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and thromboxane B2 in dogs with experimental endotoxin-induced shock

The effect of CV-3988, a platelet activating factor antagonist, in the treatment of endotoxic shock was evaluated from the changes in plasma 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and thromboxane B2 concentrations. The animals consisted of 10 beagle dogs anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium and divided into a treatment group (n = 5) and a control group (n = 5). Endotoxic shock was experimentally induced in both groups by intravenous administration of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, 3 mg/kg). The treatment group was intravenously given 10 mg/kg of CV-3988 for 10 min from immediately after endotoxin. Mean aortic pressure, cardiac output and urine volume were remarkably decreased after the administration of endotoxin to both groups. These parameters were higher after the administration of CV-3988, in the treatment group than in the control group. Furthermore, the increase in plasma 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and thromboxane B2 concentrations was significantly inhibited. These results suggest the effectiveness of CV-3988 in the treatment of endotoxic shock.

Cosmid assembly and anchoring to human chromosome 21

A human chromosome 21-specific cosmid library from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has been analyzed by two complementary methods, fingerprinting and hybridization; 40% coverage of the entire chromosome 21 has been achieved. To prepare a contig pool, approximately 9300 cosmid clones randomly selected from the library were fingerprinted and automatically assembled into 467 overlapping sets by the fluorescence-tagged restriction fragment method. The average size of the overlapping sets was 9.5 cosmids with minimal tiling paths consisting of 5.4 cosmids with a 10-kb extension each. However, as many as 10% of overlaps within members were estimated to be false. For regional localization, we hybridized gridded arrays of cosmids with inter-Alu-PCR probes obtained from YAC clones and somatic cell hybrids and assigned 592 cosmids to 26 subregions of 21q. Of these, 371 clones were incorporated into 139 contigs, anchoring the total 1864 cosmids to the subregion. The remaining 221 clones were mapped as orphans. To correlate the cytogenetic, YAC, and cosmid maps on 21q, the translocation breakpoints of the chromosomes contained in the somatic cell hybrids were mapped with respect to the STS content of the YACs. From the gene cluster regions, 176 ribosomal and 25 alphoid clones were isolated by hybridization. Together, these sets of anchored contigs and cosmids will provide a valuable resource for construction of a high-resolution map and for isolation of genes of interest from chromosome 21.

A therapeutic effect of ulinastatin on endotoxin-induced shock in dogs--comparison with methylprednisolone

The therapeutic effect of ulinastatin (25,000 U/kg, i.v.) on endotoxin-induced shock was compared with that of methylprednisolone (30 mg/kg, i.v.) in 17 anesthetized dogs. Both of these drugs had almost the same tendency to improve the hemodynamics, arachidonate cascade metabolites and pulmonary surface activity. There was little difference between the effectiveness of ulinastatin and that of methylprednisolone. It was newly confirmed that the release of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, thromboxane B2 and leukotriene B4, arachidonate cascade metabolites and chemical mediators associated with endotoxin-induced shock, were significantly (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05) decreased by ulinastatin in the same way as methylprednisolone. These results suggest that ulinastatin is as useful as methylprednisolone for the treatment of endotoxin-induced shock.

[Zonisamide monotherapy against absence attacks: report of two cases]

We report two cases of absence seizures, in which zonisamide monotherapy was effective. In one case the attacks recurred 6 months after the beginning of zonisamide therapy but ceased again with an increase of the dosage. The EEG prior to treatment showed 3 Hz generalized spike-wave patterns and 3 Hz high voltage slow wave burst in the right occipital area in one case, and 3.5-4 Hz generalized spike-wave patterns and focal spike-wave complexes in the left frontal to central areas in the other. One of the generalized spike-wave patterns were preceded by right occipital delta wave burst in one case, and bilateral occipital sharp-wave complex in the other. It is suggested that zonisamide monotherapy may be effective against absence seizures with focal paroxysmal discharges.

Efficacy of thyrotropin-releasing hormone in the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy

Children with spinal muscular atrophy were treated by the administration of thyrotropin-releasing hormone. In three infants with spinal muscular atrophy type I, thyrotropin-releasing hormone showed little efficacy, but in children with types II and III, there was improvement in motor function and electromyographic findings after the thyrotropin-releasing hormone therapy. Thyrotropin-releasing hormone has a neurotrophic effect on the spinal anterior motor neurons of spinal muscular atrophy patients and thus may be warranted for the management of spinal muscular atrophy.

Effect of change in body position on cardiopulmonary function and plasma cortisol in cattle

The aim of these studies was to investigate the effect of body posture on circulatory and respiratory system function in unmediated cattle. The plasma cortisol concentration was also measured and served as an indication of the level of stress imposed by animal handling and positional manipulation. Six mature, healthy Holstein cows were physically restrained and studied in standing, supine and right lateral postures. The plasma cortisol concentration increased with the change in body position. In a supine position, the value was increased to more than three times the control value (p < 0.001). The arterial oxygen tension and oxygen saturation were significantly decreased (p < 0.001) with changes in body position. The decrease was most pronounced when cattle were restrained in a supine position. Arterial carbon dioxide tension, heart rate, mean arterial pressure and central venous pressure did not change significantly with changes in body posture. Restraining of cattle in a lateral recumbent or supine position without introducing anesthesia was found to exert a strong stress which affected the respiratory function and increased the plasma cortisol level.

Effect of dibutyryl cyclic AMP on hemodynamics and chemical mediators in dogs with experimentally-induced endotoxic shock

The therapeutic effect of dibutyryl cyclic AMP (DBcAMP) in endotoxic shock was evaluated, using 11 dogs with experimentally-induced endotoxic shock (5 in DBcAMP group and 6 in control group) under general anesthesia. The DBcAMP group was treated by single intravenous injection of DBcAMP (10 mg/kg) at 15 min before inoculation with endotoxin (3 mg/kg). After the inoculation of endotoxin, this group was given drip infusion of DBcAMP at a rate of 0.1 mg/kg/min over 180 min. Hemodynamic parameters and chemical mediators were measured until 360 min after endotoxin inoculation. The cardiac output and urinary volume, which were decreased in the control group, were significantly inhibited to decrease in the DBcAMP group (p < 0.01). The increases in 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and thromboxane B2, chemical mediators released in endotoxic shock, were significantly inhibited (P < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). These results suggested that DBcAMP is useful for the treatment of endotoxic shock.

Prophylactic effect of milbemycin oxime against Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs: optimum dose and administration time

To examine the prophylactic efficacy of milbemycin oxime against Dirofilaria immitis infection, 42 filaria-free beagles were inoculated with 100 infective larvae of the parasite. Milbemycin oxime was administered orally at doses of 0.05 to 1.0 mg/kg body weight one month after inoculation, and at a single dose of 0.25 mg/kg body weight on days 1 to 90 after inoculation. All dogs were euthanized and autopsied to evaluate the prophylactic effect of the drug against D. immitis infection 6 months after inoculation. It was confirmed that a dose of 0.25 mg/kg of milbemycin oxime completely-protected the infection 15 to 60 days after infection.

[Recurrence and survival rate of advanced gastric cancer after preoperative intraarterial EAP I injection therapy]

In our department, curative operations were performed for 32 patients with advanced gastric cancer from April 1989 to August 1990. Preoperative intra-arterial injection therapy with etoposide (100 mg), pirarubicin (20 mg) and cisplatin (20 mg) was given 18 patients. Recurrence and survival rate were investigated. The survival rate of patients with preoperative intra-arterial injection therapy 45 months after operation was 59.2%, while that of patients without preoperative intra-arterial injection therapy was 75.8%. There were no significant differences between these two groups. Three lymph node recurrences were seen in patients with preoperative intra-arterial injection therapy (recurrence rate, 16.7%). Four recurrences were observed in patients without preoperative injection therapy (peritoneal dissemination 2, liver 1, local 1; recurrence rate, 28.6%). We earlier reported that preoperative intra-arterial cisplatin (40 or 60 mg) injection therapy may reduce the incidence of lymph node recurrence and liver metastasis but may not be effective to prevent postoperative peritoneal recurrence, while no peritoneal dissemination was observed in patients with preoperative intra-arterial EAP I injection therapy. Thus, it was concluded that further study of combination and dose of anti-cancer drug may improve effectiveness of preoperative intra-arterial injection therapy for gastric cancer.

Changes in reticuloendothelial function in dogs with endotoxin-induced shock

A shock model was experimentally produced by intravenous injection of a lethal dose (3 mg/kg) of endotoxin under general anesthesia induced by pentobarbital sodium using 7 beagles. The effect of this endotoxic shock on the reticuloendothelial function was investigated. The blood endotoxin concentration peaked immediately after administration and decreased subsequently. However, the value still remained on an increased level (1,051 pg/ml) even at 360 min after endotoxin treatment. The lipid emulsion test as an index of reticuloendothelial phagocytotic activity and the arterial ketone body ratio as an index of the energy charge in the liver decreased after endotoxin treatment and failed to recover during the experiment. Fibronectin, one of opsonic proteins, tended to decrease after injection of the endotoxin and was significantly (p < 0.01) low at 180 and 360 min compared with the value before injection of the endotoxin. These results suggested the depression of the reticuloendothelial function during endotoxin-induced shock.

Enhancement of LAK-like activity and cytokine induction in regional lymph nodes and spleen cells of mice after intralymphnodal injection of OK-432, a killed streptococcal preparation

A single dose of inactivated streptococci (OK-432) was injected into the popliteal lymph nodes of male CDF1 mice and its effects on popliteal, inguinal, and para-aortic lymph node cells and spleen cells were investigated and compared with the effects of subcutaneous injections of the same dosage of OK-432. Regional lymph node cells and spleen cells obtained from intralymphnodally injected mice lysed not only natural killer (NK)-sensitive YAC-1 cells, but also NK-resistant P-815 and meth-A cells. Lysis of target cells was inhibited when effector cells were treated with anti-Thy-1.2 or anti-Lyt-2.2 monoclonal antibody and complement, but no inhibition was apparent after treatment with anti-asialo-GM1 or anti-Lyt-1.2 antibody and complement. These results suggest that the effector cells are lymphocyte-activated killer (LAK) cells. An enhanced capacity of lymph node cells to produce cytokines, tumor necrosis factor and interleukin 1 upon restimulation with lipopolysaccharide was found only in intralymphnodally injected mice. Thus, the induction of LAK-like cells and cytokine production in regional lymph nodes and spleen cells by the intralymphnodal administration of OK-432 should be effective for the inhibition or treatment of lymph node metastases.

Evaluation of extravascular thermal volume in the lung in dogs with endotoxin-induced shock by double indicator dilution method using heat and sodium ions

Accuracy assessment was undertaken under varying hemodynamic conditions for a lung water volume measurement device which is based on the principle of a double indicator dilution method using heat and sodium ions. Changes in extravascular thermal volume were investigated in dogs with endotoxin-induced shock. The isoproterenol- or propranolol-induced changes in hemodynamics had no effect on the measurement. This confirmed the high accuracy of this measuring method. The measurement revealed a tendency for the extravascular thermal volume to gradually increase (p < 0.05) during endotoxin shock. This confirmed the gradual progression of pulmonary edema during endotoxin shock.