An intronic poly (AT) polymorphism of the DNA repair gene XPC and risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: a case-control study

Inherited polymorphisms of DNA repair genes may contribute to variations in DNA repair capacity and genetic susceptibility to cancer. In a hospital-based case-control study of 287 non-Hispanic white patients with newly diagnosed SCCHN and 311 control subjects matched on age, sex, ethnicity, and smoking status, we investigated the role of a newly identified variant allele of XPC, XPC-PAT+. We found that the frequency of the XPC-PAT+ allele was higher in the cases (0.409) than in the controls (0.333; P = 0.007). Fifty cases (17.4%) and 37 controls (11.9%) were XPC-PAT+/+, and 135 (47.0%) cases and 133 controls (42.8%) were XPC-PAT+/-. XPC-PAT+/- and XPC-PAT+/+ subjects were at significantly increased risk for SCCHN [adjusted odds ratios = 1.44 and 1.85, respectively (95% confidence intervals, 1.01-2.05 and 1.12-3.05, respectively; trend test, P = 0.007)]. We did not find ethnic difference in the frequency of XPC-PAT+ allele among four groups aged between 19 and 75 years: non-Hispanic whites, 294; African-Americans, 178; Hispanic-Americans, 103; and native Chinese, 119 (0.333, 0.281, 0.296, and 0.353, respectively). The case-control findings support the hypothesis that the XPC-PAT+ allele may contribute to the risk of developing SCCHN.

Enhanced continent mechanism of tapered ileum by extramural support from the pouch and abdominal walls: a preliminary report of a clinical study

PURPOSE

We constructed a reliable continent tube that is easy to catheterize and surgically simple.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eight patients with bladder cancer underwent a procedure in which ileal segment was tapered as an efferent tube, of which a part was placed between the back surface of the rectus muscle and the ileal pouch wall. The internal orifice of the tapered ileum was anastomosed to the ileal pouch and its external orifice was anastomosed to the umbilicus. Urodynamic and radiological studies were done postoperatively in 7 cases.

RESULTS

The stoma was easily catheterized with a 16Fr catheter in all cases. One patient died of heart disease 55 days postoperatively, while 6 of the remaining 7 were completely continent day and night. Urodynamic study of the efferent tubes showed that maximum close pressure with the pouch full was significantly higher than with the pouch empty (p <0.001). Retrograde radiography of the efferent tubes demonstrated perfect canalization without stenosis.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that the continent mechanism of tapered ileum may be greatly enhanced by fixing it between the abdominal and pouch walls. This maneuver also provides easy catheterization and surgical simplicity.

Synthesis and biological activity of novel potent endothelin-converting enzyme-1 inhibitors

Through directed screening of metalloprotease inhibitors, CGS 30084 (1) has been identified as a potent endothelin-converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1) inhibitor in vitro (IC50 = 77 nM). Herein we report the syntheses and biological activities of analogues derived from this lead, based on modifications of the biphenyl moiety. Compound 10, the thioacetate methyl ester prodrug derivative of compound 6m, was found to be an orally active and potent inhibitor of ECE-1 activity in rats.

Helicobacter pylori seropositivity and subsite-specific gastric cancer risks in Linxian, China

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori carriage (i.e., persistent exposure to the organism without gastric epithelial cell invasion) is an established risk factor for noncardia gastric cancer. However, its association with the risk of cancer of the gastric cardia is controversial. Consequently, we designed this prospective, nested case-control study to further explore the subsite-specific gastric cancer risks associated with H. pylori seropositivity (a surrogate marker for persistent exposure).

METHODS

A total of 99 patients with gastric cardia cancer, 82 patients with noncardia gastric cancer, and 192 cancer-free subjects were selected from among the participants (n = 29 584) of a nutrition intervention trial previously conducted in Linxian, China. H. pylori seropositivity was determined by assaying for the presence of H. pylori whole cell and CagA antibodies in baseline serum samples from all subjects. Seropositivity was defined as one or both serum assays being positive. Odds ratios (ORs) for subsite-specific gastric cancer were estimated by multivariate logistic regression analyses. All statistical comparisons were two-sided (alpha =.05).

RESULTS

H. pylori seropositivity rates for subjects with gastric cardia cancer, noncardia gastric cancer, and gastric cardia and noncardia cancers combined were 70% (P =.02), 72% (P: =.01), and 71% (P =.003) compared with 56% for cancer-free control subjects. OR estimates for H. pylori seropositivity were 1.87 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10 to 3.17) for gastric cardia cancer, 2.29 (95% CI = 1.26 to 4.14) for noncardia gastric cancer, and 2.04 (95% CI = 1.31 to 3.18) for gastric cardia and noncardia cancers combined.

CONCLUSIONS

H. pylori seropositivity was associated with increased risks for both gastric cardia cancer and noncardia gastric cancer in this well-characterized cohort. Thus, H. pylori carriage may increase the risk of cancer throughout the stomach.

[Bcl-2 anti-sense oligonucleotide sensitizes Fas-mediated apoptosis of gastric cancer cells]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of bcl-2 anti-sense oligonucleotide on the sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to Fas-mediated apoptosis.

METHODS

Gastric cancer cell line MKN45 was transfected with bcl-2 anti-sense oligonucleotide, and expression of bcl-2 was examined by Western blotting. Agonistic Fas antibody was used to induce apoptosis detected by TUNEL staining and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Bcl-2 expression in MKN45 cells transfected with bcl-2 anti-sense oligonucleotide was markedly inhibited. When cultured with antibody apoptosis index of the anti-sense oligonucleotide-treated MKN45 cells was 55.6% +/- 4.7% (n = 5), which was significantly higher than that of the control (8.4% +/- 2.1%, n = 5).

CONCLUSION

Expression of bcl-2 in gastric cancer cells may antagonize Fas-mediated apoptosis.

Design and synthesis of potent thiol-based inhibitors of endothelin converting enzyme-1

Through directed screening of compounds prepared as metalloprotease inhibitors a compound, CGS 30084, that had potent endothelin converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1) in vitro inhibitory activity (IC50 = 77 nM) was identified. Herein we report the synthesis and optimization of ECE-1 inhibitory activity of additional analogues from this lead. Compound 3c, the thioacetate methyl ester derivative of compound 4c, was found to be a long acting inhibitor of ECE-1 activity in rats after oral administration.

Differentiation of monocytes to macrophages switches the Mycobacterium tuberculosis effect on HIV-1 replication from stimulation to inhibition: modulation of interferon response and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta expression

HIV-1 replication is inhibited in uninflamed lung macrophages and is stimulated during tuberculosis. Attempts to recapitulate activation of HIV-1 replication in primary monocytes and macrophages ex vivo and in the untreated and PMA-treated THP-1 cell line model in vitro have produced opposite results depending on the state of differentiation of the cells. After infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, monocytes enhanced HIV-1 replication and produced a stimulatory 37-kDa CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta (C/EBPbeta) transcription factor, whereas macrophages suppressed HIV-1 replication and produced an inhibitory 16-kDa C/EBPbeta transcription factor. IFN-beta induced inhibitory 16-kDa C/EBPbeta in macrophages, but had no effect on C/EBPbeta expression in monocytes. Macrophages, but not monocytes, were able to activate IFN-stimulated gene factor-3 (ISGF-3), a transcription factor composed of STAT-1, STAT-2, and IFN regulatory factor (IRF)-9, after infection with M. tuberculosis or stimulation with type I IFN. Macrophages expressed IRF-9 DNA-binding activity, but monocytes did not, and addition of the IRF-9 component reconstituted ISGF-3 in extracts of IFN-treated monocytes. Modulation of IFN responsiveness upon differentiation occurred at least in part through a post-transcriptionally regulated increase in IRF-9 expression. Both monocytes and macrophages maintained IFN responsiveness, activating STAT-1 homodimer formation and transcription of the STAT-1 gene after IFN stimulation. In addition, both monocytes and macrophages were able to activate NF-kappaB upon infection with M. tuberculosis. These results show that induction of ISGF-3, expression of the inhibitory 16-kDa C/EBPbeta, and suppression of HIV-1 replication via a transcriptional mechanism are macrophage-specific responses to infection with M. tuberculosis.

Serum carotenoids are associated with increased lung cancer risk among alcohol drinkers, but not among non-drinkers in a cohort of tin miners

To examine the association between pre-diagnostic serum carotenoid levels and lung cancer risk and the effects of alcohol intake on the carotenoid-lung cancer relationship, we conducted a case-control study in an occupational cohort from the Yunnan Tin Corporation in China. During 6 years of follow-up, 339 cases of confirmed lung cancer were diagnosed. Among these cases, those who donated pre-diagnostic blood (n = 108) were eligible for this study. For each case, two individuals alive and free of cancer at the time of case diagnosis, matched on age, sex, and date of blood collection, were selected as controls. Serum beta-carotene (odds ratios (ORs) for tertiles: 1, 1.3, 2.0) and beta-cryptoxanthin (ORs for tertiles: 1, 1.8, 2.9) levels were positively associated with lung cancer risk after adjustment for tobacco use and radon exposure. Among alcohol drinkers, higher serum carotenoid levels were significantly associated with increased lung cancer risk (alpha-carotene OR 2.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-4.4, beta-carotene OR 7.6, 95% CI 3.1-18.6, lutein/zeaxanthin OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2-6.6 and beta-cryptoxanthin OR 7.6, 95% CI 2.7-21.5). Conversely, risk estimates among non-drinkers suggest a possible protective association for higher carotenoid levels.

[A cohort study on the relationship between vegetable intake and risks of lung cancer in the Tin Corporation (YTC) miners in Yunnan]

OBJECTIVE

To understand the relationship between vegetable intake and risk of lung cancer in the Tin Corporation (YTC) miners in Yunnan.

METHODS

The reproducibility and validity of frequency of vegetable intake in Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) were studied and the correlations between different vegetable intake and frequency and lung cancer relative risk among high risk population of lung cancer by Chi-square, single- and multi-Cox regression were analyzed.

RESULTS

Results showed that the reproducibility and validity of wax gourd, cucumber, spinach, wild celery, fresh bush pepper, fresh soybean, sweet potatoes, asparagus, fresh bamboo shoot were good (r = 0.20 - 0.33, P < 0.05); There were significantly different incidences of lung cancer in different frequencies of wax gourd, cucumber, wild celery, fresh bush pepper out of 11 vegetables intake, and also in different total vegetable intakes (chi(2) = 8.83 - 30.64, P < 0.05). 11 vegetables and total vegetable intake were significantly negatively correlated with risks of lung cancer (RR < 1, P < 0.05). Only 2 vegetable frequencies were negatively correlated with risk of lung cancer by adjusting confounders such as age, occupational history, and smoking (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This suggested that vegetables intake may have a role in decreasing the incidence of lung cancer.

[Spiral CT features of hepatocellular caicinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the features of two-phase spiral scanning in 54 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma and to evaluate its usefulness in diagnosis and differential diagnosis.

METHODS

Precontrast and postcontrast CT scans of the whole liver in all cases were carried out with GE-Hispeed Advantage spiral CT scanner. The arterial phase scanning was started at 25 sec after injection of contrast medium and the portal venous phase scanning at 70 sec.

RESULTS

In the 54 cases examined, 72 lesions were found in the arterial phase. In 28 of these lesions, it was enhanced homogeneously, while in 40 lesions, the enhancement was not homogeneous. Supplying artery could be seen in 4 of them. The remaining 4 lesions had no enhancement. There were 62 lesiosns with low density in portal venous phase. Portal vein tumor thrombus was seen in 8 cases, and pseudocapsule was observed in 7 lesions.

CONCLUSION

Two-phase spiral CT scanning is of value in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.

[Clearing the doubts of all Wang Bing in the Tang dynasty]

The problem is probed on the clues provided by Si ku ti yao zheng (Analysis on Summary of Books in Four Parts). It is claimed that the Wang bing (*) recommended by Wei Kang and that recommended by Yuwen Rong in Yu Jiaxi's work refer to the same person, both are identical to the time of the author of Su wen. Further, the time of the above 2 Wang Bing(s) and the Wang Bing recorded in lie nu zhuan (Biongraphies of chaste women) as the son of Wang Lin, are also overlapped with the time of the author of Su wen. It is possible that they are the same person. However, the details of the Wang Bing mentioned in Lang guan shi zhu ti ming (inscription for Lang guan Stone Pillar) is unknown. Again, it is unlikely that the Wang Bing (*) is the author of Su wen and can be only a farfetched analogy drawn after Su Fu's poet.

Prevalence of cervical cancer and feasibility of screening in rural China: a pilot study for the Shanxi Province Cervical Cancer Screening Study

For cervical cancer screening to be feasible in developing countries, it must be accurate, inexpensive, and easy to administer. We conducted a pilot study in rural Shanxi Province, People's Republic of China, to determine disease prevalence and study feasibility in preparation for a large-scale comparative trial of 6 screening tests. One-hundred and thirty-six nonpregnant women with no history of hysterectomy, pelvic radiation, or Papanicolaou tests were screened in a rural clinic. Ten percent of the women enrolled reported abnormal vaginal bleeding and 45% reported abnormal vaginal discharge. The tests were the Papanicolaou test (both conventional and ThinPrep), a self-administered swab test by Hybrid Capture II for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), a test for high-risk HPV from residual PreservCyt medium, fluorescence spectroscopy, and visual inspection of the cervix by a clinician. All women also underwent colposcopy and biopsies as the reference standard. Biopsies showed 12 of 136 women had >/= high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HGSIL). Screening was completed in 5 half-day sessions, the procedures went smoothly, and local cooperation was enthusiastic. Disease prevalence in Xiangyuan and Yangcheng Counties, Shanxi Province, can be estimated at 8.8% (95% CI, 4.5% to 15.0%). Screening 1000-2000 patients would be sufficient to detect a 10% difference in accuracy between diagnostic tests. The proposed large-scale trial is feasible.

[Post-operative respiratory failure in lung cancer patients.]

BACKGROUND

To explore the reasons , prevention and treatment measures of post-operative respiratory failure in lung cancer patients.

METHODS

Mechanical ventilation was given to 26 lung cancer patients with post-operative respiratory failure in our hospital fromJanuary 1990 to October 1997 , and 19 out of them received tracheotomy.

RESULTS

The incidence of post-operative respiratory failure was 4. 7 %(26/558) . Twenty cases were cured and 6 died (23. 1 %) .

CONCLUSIONS

Respiratory tract infection , operative wound , incision pain , abnormal pre-operative cardio-pulmonary function , etc , are the major reasons which caused post-operative respiratory failure. Correct diagnosis , tracheotomy as early as possible and mechanical ventilation are the most efficient ways to save lifes. Strengthening management on respiratory tract in peri-operative period and avoiding post-operative complications are the keys of preventing post-operative respiratory failure.

Design and synthesis of thiol containing inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases

A series of thiol containing derivatives was prepared. Several of these compounds were found to inhibit matrix metalloproteinases 1, 3, and 9 with selectivity towards 3 and 9. Compounds 15, 20, and 22 were administered to rats orally at 75 mumol/kg. Drug levels of compounds 20 and 22 in the plasma were found to exceed the IC50 values for MMP 3 and 9 four hours after administration.

Mercaptoacyl dipeptides as orally active dual inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme and neutral endopeptidase

Dual inhibitors of the two zinc metallopeptidases, neutral endopeptidase (NEP, EC 3.4.24.11) and angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE, EC 2.4.15.1), have been the focus of much clinical interest for the treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure. We have previously reported that compound 2 (N-[[1-[(2(S)-mercapto-3-methyl-1-oxobutyl) amino]-1-cyclopentyl]-carbonyl]-L-tyrosine) was a potent dual inhibitor in vitro (IC50 (ACE) = 7.0 nM, IC50 (NEP) = 1.5 nM) (Fink et al. J. Med. Chem. 1995, 38, 5023-5030). This compound was found to have oral activity; however, its duration of effect was short. A series of thioacetate carboxylic acid ester analogs of compound 2 was prepared. Modifications were also made to the tyrosine phenol. These compounds were evaluated for their ability to inhibit plasma ACE activity when administered orally to conscious normotensive rats. Most of the compounds prepared were found to be orally active with longer durations of effect than compound 2. Compound 38 (N-[[1-[(2(S)-(acetylthio)-3-methyl-1-oxobutyl) amino]-1-cyclopentyl]carbonyl]-O-methyl-L-tyrosine ethyl ester), administered at 11.7 mg/kg po, was found to be more efficacious than captopril at 10 mg/kg po. This compound was also found to inhibit plasma NEP activity following oral administration to conscious rats and was more efficacious than acetorphan. Compound 38 was found to lower blood pressure in the aorta-ligated rat and the spontaneously hypertensive rat when administered orally. The synthesis and biological activity of these dual inhibitors are discussed.

New alpha-thiol dipeptide dual inhibitors of angiotensin-I converting enzyme and neutral endopeptidase EC 3.4.24.11

Dual inhibitors of the two zinc metallopeptidases, neutral endopeptidase (NEP, EC 3.4.24.11) and angiotensin-I converting enzyme, have been the focus of much clinical interest for the treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure. A novel series of alpha-thio dipeptides containing central cyclic non-natural amino acids were prepared and were evaluated for their ability to inhibit these two metallopeptidases in vitro and in vivo. Most of these compounds were found to be excellent dual inhibitors of ACE and NEP in vitro and several were also found to inhibit angiotensin-I (AI) pressor response in conscious rats when given by intravenous administration. Compound 6n, one of our most potent dual inhibitors in vitro, was found to be more efficacious than captopril in the AI pressor experiment when administered orally to conscious rats. This compound was also found to inhibit plasma NEP activity following oral administration to conscious rats and was more efficacious than acetorphan. The structure-activity relationships and biological activity of these dual inhibitors will be discussed.

Safe separation of sputum cells from mucoid glycoprotein

OBJECTIVE

To compare the safety and efficacy of homogenizing sputum with deoxyribonuclease I (DNAse I), dithiothreitol (DTT), N-acetyl-L-cysteine, sodium EDTA and trypsin against standard mechanical blending to provide mucus-free, single-cell suspensions for quantitative analysis.

STUDY DESIGN

Clinical sputum specimens or cultured human bronchogenic carcinoma cells were preserved in 2% polyethylene glycol/50% ethanol, divided into aliquots, counted and stained (Papanicolaou and avidin-biotin complex immunostained) at baseline. Cells of each aliquot were separated from mucus by the standard physical blending method or by chemical or enzymatic mucus liquefaction. After staining, washing and resuspending in the original volume of polyethylene glycol/ethanol mixture, aliquots were again counted and stained.

RESULTS

Cell counts, Papanicolaou staining and immunostaining showed that homogenization of induced, preserved sputum with 0.5 mM DTT is safe and provides mucus-free monolayers for immunocytochemistry and single-cell suspensions for flow cytometry. Mucolysis with 0.5 mM DTT resulted in a significant (16%) increase in cells available. In contrast, mechanical blending resulted in up to a 24% reduction in specimen cellularity.

CONCLUSION

Homogenization with low-concentration DTT will probably facilitate the exploration of sputum for protein and gene markers of carcino genesis.

Cell damage and liberation of nitric oxide synthase in rat heart induced by endotoxin administration

To evaluate the relationship between cardiovascular injury and the pathological aspect of the liberation of the nitric oxide synthase in endotoxin shock, Wistar rats were injected intraperitoneally with 10 mg/kg E. coli endotoxin and the cardiovascular changes were observed chronologically by immunohistochemical and electron microscopic techniques at 2, 4, 8 and 12 h respectively after endotoxin administration. Light microscopically, irregular contraction of cardiomyocytes was observed in the early stage. After 8 h of endotoxin administration, occasional disintegration of the myocytes as well as lysis of myofibrils became prominent, and diminished stainings of myoglobin and actin were seen in these myocytes. Ultrastructurally, increased pinocytotic vesicles were observed in endothelial cells associated with widened intercellular spaces, and vacuolization of endothelial and medial cells of the vasculature. In cardiomyocytes, swelling of mitochondria and interstitial edema were noted at 12 h after endotoxin administration. Immunohistochemically, an increased permeability of albumin was noted in the myocytes and vasculature and nitric oxide synthase was localized on the cytomembrane of the endothelium of the coronary arteries in control rats. After endotoxin administration, the reaction products of nitric oxide synthase increased in the endothelial and medial cells, and cardiomyocytes. These results suggest that the increased activity of nitric oxide synthase is an important factor in the excessive production of nitric oxide and in promoting the pathologic changes in the cardiovascular system after endotoxin administration.

[Two autopsy cases of malignant mixed müllerian tumor of the uterus with metastasis to alimentary tract and liver]

Two autopsy cases (69 and 87-year-old women) of malignant mixed müllerian tumor (MMMT) following radiation therapy for uterine cervical cancer sixteen and twenty years ago respectively were reported. They were admitted due to abdominal pain and diagnosed as ileus. In the first case, CT examination revealed a tumor measuring about 8 x 10 cm in size in the uterine posterior wall. Recurrence of the uterine cancer was suspected and hysterooophorectomy combined with sigmoidectomy was performed. In the second case, artificial anus formation was performed because of sigmoid stricture by the invasion of the tumor. Histologically, tumors in both cases were composed of carcinomatous and sarcomatous components including heterologous elements such as cartilage. The patients died of extensive spreads and metastasis in the liver and alimentary tract.

dinP, a new gene in Escherichia coli, whose product shows similarities to UmuC and its homologues

A new gene, designated dinP, was found during E. coli genomic sequencing around the 5.5 min region. Its coding region is preceded by a sequence similar to the consensus binding sequence for LexA, the so-called SOS box sequence. The amino acid sequence of DinP (351 amino acid residues) has a strong similarity to the C. elegans hypothetical protein F22B7.6 and weaker similarities to the UmuC homologues in E. coli and Salmonella typhimurium and also to REV1 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Another SOS operon (dinJ1 and dinJ2 genes) found in this region is also described.

Increased susceptibility to staphylococcal enterotoxin B intoxication in mice primed with actinomycin D

Mice (BALB/cJ, C3H/HeN, and C3H/HeJ) primed with actinomycin D became highly susceptible to lethal intoxication with staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB). The mice underwent toxicosis and toxic shock and died. Actinomycin D-primed C3H/HeN and C3H/HeJ mice showed equal sensitivity to SEB, suggesting that bacterial lipopolysaccharide derived from gram-negative bacteria in the gut may not be an important cofactor in intoxication. In a time course study of the illness, prominent pathological changes characterized by blood congestion and thickening of alveolar septa were seen in the lung, while blood congestion, inflammation, epithelial cell flattening, and villous blunting were seen in the small intestine. In lymphoid tissues, such as the spleen, congestion, inflammation, and lymphoid cell depletion were the major reactions. The pathological features of the mice had many similarities to those of rhesus monkeys intoxicated with intravenous SEB. The actinomycin D-primed C3H/HeJ mice are thus an ideal mouse model for studying SEB toxicosis and toxic shock.

[Functional and morphological changes in the cochlea of cholesterol fed guinea pigs]

Although sensory neural hearing loss stemming from hypercholesterolemia has received attention in recent years, no information is available about inner ear injuries resulting from this condition. In this study, we prepared guinea pig models at hypercholesterolemia and observed the inner ear with a transmission electron microscope, and also investigated the effect of vitamin E (Vit. E) on these injuries. One hundred and thirty-nine white male Hartley guinea pigs weighing a mean of 250 g each were divided into three groups. Group A consisted of the control animals, which were fed by a stock diet. Group B animals were fed by a hyperlipid diet (2.5% cholesterol, 0.25% cholic acid, and 7.5% cattle fat). Group C animals were fed by a Vit. E-added (50 units/100 g) hyperlipid diet. All the animals were sacrificed either one, two or three months after treatment and the cochlea duct vasculature, cochleal nerve fiber under spiral limbus, stria vascularis and inner hair cell and outer hair cell of Corti's organ was observed with a transmission electron microscope. Cholesterol, triglyceride, and TBARS values were concurrently measured in the serum. Auditory threshold was measured by auditory brain stem response (ABR). In groups B and C, cholesterol and triglyceride levels remained high,. The TBARS level elevated in group B but remained unchanged in groups A and C. In groups B and C, the threshold of ABR increased mildly. The cholesterol load led to injuries in the endothelium of the vasculature dominating the cochlea.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of vitamin E on vascular integrity in cholesterol-fed guinea pigs

This study was designed to clarify the effects of vitamin E on the alterations in proteoglycan distribution and vascular permeability, which were examined by immunohistochemical and ultrastructural techniques in the aortas of cholesterol-fed guinea pigs. The animals were divided into three groups: a control group, a cholesterol group, and a vitamin E group. Serum levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances were measured. An increase in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances was observed in the cholesterol group compared with control and vitamin E groups. Intimal atheromatous lesions of the aorta were significantly decreased in the vitamin E group compared with the cholesterol group. Histochemically, an increased distribution of proteoglycans such as chondroitin, dermatan, and heparan sulfates and ruthenium red reaction products in the intima; decreased glycocalyx on the endothelial surface; and increased permeability to horseradish peroxidase were revealed in the cholesterol group compared with the vitamin E group. Hypercholesterolemia, resulting in superoxide production, may have contributed to the endothelial damage and increased permeability to plasma proteins and lipids in the vascular wall of the cholesterol group. However, vitamin E administration inhibited lipid deposition and development of this abnormal permeability associated with an irregular distribution of proteoglycan. These results suggest that vitamin E preserves the morphological and functional integrity of the vascular wall and may contribute to the inhibition of atherogenesis in cholesterol-fed guinea pigs.

Optical network for real-time face recognition

An optical network is described that is capable of recognizing at standard video rates the identity of faces for which it has been trained. The faces are presented under a wide variety of conditions to the system and the classification performance is measured. The system is trained by gradually adaptingphotorefrac tive holograms.

Electrical fixing of photorefractive holograms in Sr(0.75) Ba(0.25)Nb(2)O(6)

Photorefractive holograms stored in Sr(0.75)Ba(0.25)Nb(2)O(6) crystals are electrically fixed at room temperature. The fixed holograms can be read out directly or after a positive-voltage pulse is applied that can dramatically enhance the diffraction efficiency. Single gratings as well as images are recorded and fixed.

An influenza virus temperature-sensitive mutant defective in the nuclear-cytoplasmic transport of the negative-sense viral RNAs

An influenza A virus mutant ts-51, which contains a temperature-sensitive (ts) defect in the genome encoding the M1 and M2 proteins, was characterized. Nucleotide sequencing of the M segment revealed a predicted single amino acid change of phenylalanine to serine at amino acid position 79 in the M1 protein. The nuclear-cytoplasmic transport of the negative-sense viral RNAs (vRNAs) was then investigated using an in situ hybridization technique. At 6 hr after the ts-51 virus infection, approximately 95% of the vRNAs were accumulated in the nucleus at a non-permissive temperature, when approximately 50% of the vRNAs were transported into the cytoplasm in the wild-type virus-infected cells. The M1 protein of the ts-51 virus was also accumulated in the nucleus under the same conditions. Therefore, the M1 protein of the ts-51 virus may be associated with the vRNPs, but the possible M1-vRNP complex thus formed was defective in the nuclear-cytoplasmic transport and the single amino acid change in the M1 protein was responsible for this defect.

Local learning algorithm for optical neural networks

An anti-Hebbian local learning algorithm for two-layer optical neural networks is introduced. With this learning rule, the weight update for a certain connection depends only on the input and output of that connection and a global, scalar error signal. Therefore the backpropagation of error signals through the network, as required by the commonly used back error propagation algorithm, is avoided. It still guarantees, however, that the synaptic weights are updated in the error descent direction. With the apparent advantage of simpler optical implementation this learning rule is also shown by simulations to be computationally effective.

The value of adrenal autotransplantation with attached blood vessels for the treatment of Cushing's disease: a preliminary report

We treated 5 patients with Cushing's disease by total adrenalectomy and left adrenal autotransplantation with attached blood vessels. An end-to-end vascular anastomosis was made between the adrenal central vein and the inferior epigastric artery, and the saphenous vein and adrenal middle artery were anastomosed by intussuscepting the artery into the vein in 4 patients. Steroid replacement was withdrawn 7 to 90 days after bilateral total adrenalectomy. The patients were followed for 1 to 4 years. Repeated measurement of plasma cortisol, 24-hour urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroid and 17-ketosteroid levels in all cases was normal. As soon as the adrenal central vein and inferior epigastric artery were anastomosed part of the adrenal gland was then excised. Oozing of blood from the cut surface was retained and the adrenal gland was then embedded into the inguinal muscle in 1 patient. Small doses of steroid replacement (12.5 mg. cortisone per day) were still necessary 1 year postoperatively. The result thus indicates that this procedure is feasible and valuable for the treatment of patients with Cushing's disease and no evidence of pituitary adenoma on magnetic resonance imaging or computerized tomography.

Microsurgical treatment of chyluria: a preliminary report

We treated 80 patients with recurrent chyluria (68 men and 12 women) by a microsurgical technique since 1978. Transinguinal spermatic lymphangiovenous anastomosis was performed in 64 patients and inguinal lymph node-saphenous vein anastomosis was performed in 16. Followup was 6 months to 11 years in 50 of the former and 12 of the latter patients. Chyluria disappeared completely in 30 (60%) and 8 (66.7%) patients, respectively. In 6 of the former patients (12%) chyluria had disappeared immediately after the operation but it recurred within 1.5 to 3 years. The procedure has the advantage of a superficial operative field, and is simple and less traumatic.

Immunohistochemical localization of Na+, K(+)-ATPase and calmodulin in rat myocardium

The immunohistochemical localization of Na+, K(+)-ATPase and calmodulin was investigated in rat heart muscle using antiserum against the catalytic subunit of the human kidney Na+, K(+)-ATPase and bovine testis calmodulin at the electron microscopic level. Immunostaining for both Na+, K(+)-ATPase and calmodulin was noted on the plasma membrane and plasmalemmal vesicles of the vascular endothelium and cardiac muscle cells. Calmodulin was also detected in the cytoplasm. These immunohistochemical localizations were evaluated by immunoblot analyses. Such localization of Na+, K(+)-ATPase and calmodulin suggests that they may play an important role in the regulation of Na(+)-Ca++ exchange across the cell membrane.

Bragg holographic structures for XUV applications: a new approach

We report a new technique for producing high-efficiency XUV Bragg (volume) holographic optical elements by recording interference patterns in a photosensitive coating in either the visible or XUV region. Theoretical calculations and analysis of experimental results have successfully demonstrated the significance of this new fabrication methodology for XUV holographic optical elements, with over 25% diffraction efficiency achieved. In addition, volume holographic optics offer high flexibility in conventional and nonconventional operations, high laser-damage threshold and temperature stability, low surface roughness, and cost effectiveness in mass production.

Adrenal autotransplantation with attached blood vessels for treatment of Cushing's disease

A case of Cushing's disease was treated successfully by staged total adrenalectomy, left adrenal autotransplantation with the attached blood vessels and pituitary irradiation. In the first stage the left adrenal gland was removed with its attached blood vessels intact, and adrenal autotransplantation then was performed. An end-to-end anastomosis was made between the adrenal central vein and the right inferior epigastric artery. The anastomosis between the right saphenous vein and the adrenal middle artery was accomplished by intussuscepting the artery into the vein followed by suturing. The second stage operation was total right adrenalectomy. Steroid replacement therapy was stopped 7 days postoperatively and all laboratory studies were normal. Two months after total right adrenalectomy the patient had a sensation of facial fullness. Plasma cortisol and 24-hour urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroid levels were elevated. Part of the graft was excised with the patient under local anesthesia. The symptoms disappeared and the laboratory studies returned to normal. Pituitary irradiation was administered as supplementary treatment of Cushing's disease. This method for the treatment of Cushing's disease has proved feasible. The inguinal region is the optimal site for adrenal autotransplantation.