Accurate interferometric retardance measurements

A two-polarization Michelson interferometer with a low-retardance beam splitter and digital signal processing is used to measure the retardance of optical devices. Error analysis of the improved optical system and data processing shows that the measurement has an uncertainty of 0.039 degrees for measurements of nominally 90 degrees retarders. Retardance variations arising from coherent reflections in the retarder used for intercomparison add an uncertainty of from 0.005 degrees to 0.03 degrees , increasing the combined measurement uncertainty to as much as 0.049 degrees .

Design and performance of a stable linear retarder

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a nominally quarter-wave linear retarder for wavelengths near 1.3 mum that is stable within +/-0.1 degrees retardance over a range of wavelength, input angle, temperature, and environmental variations. The device consists of two concatenated Fresnel rhombs made from a low stress-optic-coefficient glass that minimizes the residual birefringence from machining and packaging. Device machining, assembly, and antireflection coating tolerances are discussed, and the theoretical performance is compared with measurements. Humidity can modify retardance of the total-internal-reflection surfaces; we discuss packaging that mitigates this effect and provides an estimated 10-year lifetime for the device. Several measurement methods were intercompared to ensure that the device retardance can be measured with an uncertainty less than 0.1 degrees . Similar retarders will be certified by NIST and made available as Standard Reference Materials.

Rotating-polarizer polarimeter for accurate retardance measurement

We demonstrate an automated polarimeter based on a rotating polarizer for the measurement of linear retardance independent of laser power and detector gain. The retardance is found when a curve is fitted to a unique normalization of the intensity response of the polarimeter over a range of input polarizer orientations. The performance of this polarimeter is optimal for measurements of quarter-wave retardance and minimal for half-wave retardance. Uncertainties are demonstrated by measurements on six stable double Fresnel rhombs of nominal quarter-wave retardance, yielding expanded uncertainties between 0.031 degrees and 0.067 degrees . The accuracy has also been verified by blind comparisons with interferometric and modified null retardance measurement techniques.

Simultaneous occurrence of papulonecrotic tuberculide and erythema induratum and the identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA by polymerase chain reaction

The simultaneous occurrence of two tuberculides in one patient is rare. We report the case of a 32-year-old man presenting with both papulonecrotic tuberculide and erythema induratum. Mycobacterial DNA was identified from both skin lesions by polymerase chain reaction using formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues, suggesting that tuberculides are related to tuberculosis. New skin lesions developed after the patient discontinued his medication on his own initiative, 2 months after triple antituberculous therapy had been started. It is important to continue therapy for a prolonged period.

Tolerance intervals for assessing individual bioequivalence

Evaluation of equivalence of two formulations of a drug typically entails the comparison of average bioavailabilities. Recently, however, authors have become aware that this may be insufficient to assess individual bioequivalence, that is, interchangeability of formulations on an individual basis. This paper outlines a tolerance interval procedure to assess individual bioequivalence based on a model that includes a subject by formulation interaction. We give methods for several higher-order cross-over designs along with examples.

The effect of glycolic acid on the treatment of acne in Asian skin

BACKGROUND

Glycolic acid has become important and popular for treating acne.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of serial glycolic acid peels with glycolic acid home care products on facial acne lesions and other associated skin problems.

METHODS

We collected 40 Asian candidates with moderate to moderately severe acne. They were divided into two groups according to the degree of greasiness of their facial skin. The two groups' members were treated with four series of 35% and 50% glycolic acid peels, respectively. They also used 15% glycolic acid home care products during this study period. The improvement of acne as well as other associated problems were assessed by both the physicians and the patient themselves.

RESULTS

Significant resolution of comedones, papules, and pustules was found. The skin texture of each candidate was dramatically rejuvenated. Consistent and repetitive treatment with glycolic acid was needed for the apparent improvement of acne scars and cystic lesions. The follicular pores also became comparatively smaller. Furthermore, most of the candidates had much brighter and lighter looking skin. Only small percentage of patients (5.6%) developed side effects.

CONCLUSION

Glycolic acid has considerable therapeutic value for acne with minimal side effects even in Asian skin. It may be an ideal adjunctive treatment of acne.

Preclinical neurochemical and electrophysiological profile of 1192U90, a potential antipsychotic

11192U90 was submitted to receptor binding and monoamine uptake assays. It bound potently at serotonin 5-HT2, dopaminergic D2, serotonin 5-HT1A, and adrenergic alpha 1 and alpha 2 receptors. It also bound to dopaminergic D1, serotonin 5-HT3, serotonin 5-HT4, and sigma sites, albeit with lower affinity. It was essentially inactive at 22 other sites, including those for cholinergic M1 and M2. It weakly inhibited uptake of 3H-norepinephrine, 3H-serotonin and 3H-dopamine. Acute doses of 1192U90 (5 and 20 mg/kg P.O.) increased whole-brain levels of dopamine metabolites but did not affect levels of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. Subcutaneous injection of 1192U90 (0.8 mg/kg/day) and clozapine (20 mg/kg/day) for 28 days preferentially decreased the number of spontaneously active dopamine cells in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) but not the substantia nigra (SN) of rats, as measured by population sampling. This outcome is characteristics of atypical antipsychotics like clozapine. Acute injections of 1192U90 reversed the rate-inhibiting effects of microiontophoretically applied dopamine and intravenously injected apomorphine and d-amphetamine on dopamine cell firing. Intravenous injection or iontophoretic application of 1192U90 or the 5-HT1A agonist (+/-)8-OH-DPAT inhibited the firing rates of dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) neurons in rats, and the effects of both compounds were blocked by iontophoretically applied S(-) propranolol, a 5-HT1A antagonist. The results suggest that 1192U90 is a preferential dopamine D2 antagonist as well as a 5-HT1A agonist that may prove to be an atypical antipsychotic.

Fiberglass dermatitis: a case report

Glass fibers are the most widely distributed mineral fibers because of their multiple applications, chiefly as insulation materials, and have become important in replacing asbestos fibers. Fiberglass dermatitis is one of the most common forms of occupational dermatitis resulting from mechanical irritation. Here we report a typical case. A 30-year-old male worker handled the cutting and grinding of fiberglass mats and then mixed them with resin as reinforcing materials. He complained of intense itching after the first two weeks of employment. Erythematous macules, papules and folliculitis with excoriation developed over his arms, neck, face and upper chest. There were many transparent glass fiber spicules with the diameter around 7-10 microns detected by applying the adhesive tape against the skin lesion, followed by microscopic observation. He was much improved during hospitalization with oral antihistamine and topical steroid ointment. To prevent this occupational disease, we suggest proper procedures of production, storage, transportation and cleaning in the industrial setting and proper protective clothing in personnel to minimize the release of and exposure to glass fibers.

Characterization of the regulatory regions of murine alpha 2C2 adrenoceptor subtype gene

In order to delineate the regulatory mechanisms underlying the control of alpha 2 adrenoceptor expression, the sequence of 5' (1145 bp) and 3' (2682 bp) flanking regions of murine alpha 2C2 subtype gene were determined and characterized from a genomic phage clone MA2C2. The 5' flanking region has no TATA box yet with high GC content. The 3' flanking region is marked by the presence of a polyadenylation signal 2.3 kb down stream from the stop codon. The transcription start site was mapped by 5' rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) and primer extension assays at nucleotide A, 415 bp upstream from the first initiation codon and resides in a motif resembling the consensus sequence of initiator found in many TATA-less promoters. An NcoI fragment (4.7 kb) immediately upstream from the translation initiation site was linked to a reporter gene lacZ. Using an in vitro transfection assay, cell lines of renal or neural origin were identified as permissive hosts for alpha 2C2 subtype expression. With its core promoter clearly defined and sequence of the regulatory regions at hand, this in vitro gene transfer system will facilitate the identification of putative cis-elements and transcription factors key to alpha 2C2 adrenoceptor expression.

Lead poisoning caused by contaminated Cordyceps, a Chinese herbal medicine: two case reports

Two cases of lead poisoning, caused by the Chinese herbal medicine Cordyceps, were reported to the Department of Health in a laboratory-based blood lead surveillance program. Such unusual cases of lead poisoning have not been previously reported. These two patients took Cordyceps herbal medicine for treatment of underlying diseases. Loss of appetite and anemic signs of lead poisoning were manifested in one patient with a blood lead level of 130 microg/dl, while the other patient was asymptomatic with a blood lead level of 46 microg/dl. The lead content in the Cordyceps powder was found to be as high as 20 000 ppm. After cessation of intake in the asymptomatic patient, and cessation of intake and treatment with chelating agents in the symptomatic patient, the blood lead levels returned to normal range. This report raises concerns about lead poisoning from unusual herbal medicine worldwide.

Efficacy of ultrafiltration in removing inflammatory mediators during pediatric cardiac operations

BACKGROUND

Conventional and modified ultrafiltration was used in pediatric cardiac operations to reduce volume overload and total body water. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of these techniques in removing inflammatory mediators during cardiopulmonary bypass.

METHODS

Fifty pediatric patients undergoing cardiac operations were randomized into a modified or conventional ultrafiltration group. Blood samples were obtained before and after ultrafiltration to assess the plasma concentrations of leukocyte elastase, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and interleukin-8.

RESULTS

Except for plasma concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the modified ultrafiltration group, the plasma concentrations of all the mediators measured increased after ultrafiltration in both groups of patients. The volume of ultrafiltrate and the total amounts of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 removed by ultrafiltration were significantly greater in the modified group. The concentrations of mediators in the ultrafiltrate and the ratio of ultrafiltrate to plasma concentrations of the mediators did not differ between the groups. Ultrafiltration was more efficient in removing tumor necrosis factor-alpha than the other mediators.

CONCLUSIONS

The efficacy in removing the inflammatory mediators generated during cardiopulmonary bypass did not differ between modified and conventional ultrafiltration.

Intravital imaging of green fluorescent protein using two-photon laser-scanning microscopy

Imaging a fluorophore in a living tissue presents several unique problems. The fluorescence from the labeled cell(s) may be weak, the labeled cells may be buried deep within tissue and the presence of a fluorophore may render the cells photo-sensitive. Two-photon laser-scanning microscopy (TPLSM) offers several advantages in meeting these challenges. We show that TPLSM provides greater sensitivity, better resolution and less photo-bleaching, as compared to confocal laser-scanning microscopy. The dramatically reduced photo-bleaching makes it possible to image cells continuously for long periods of time. Therefore, TPLSM allows a safer and higher-resolution means of imaging living cells labeled with a variety of fluorophores, including green fluorescent protein.

The effects of an inhibitor of tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase and a combined inhibitor of tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase and 5-HT reuptake in the rat

The effects of a novel inhibitor 680C91 ((E)-6-fluoro-3-[2-(3-pyridyl)vinyl]-1H-indole) of the key enzyme of tryptophan catabolism tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO), and a novel inhibitor 709W92 ((E)-6-fluoro-3-[2-(4-pyridyl)vinyl]-1H-indole), of both TDO and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) reuptake, were examined on tryptophan catabolism, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of tryptophan and 5-HT and serotonergic-mediated physiology and behaviour in the rat. The catabolism of L-[ring-2-14C]tryptophan in vivo was completely inhibited by prior administration of 709W92. 709W92, but not 680C91, potentiated head-twitch produced by 5-hydroxytryptophan, prevented head-twitch and whole brain 5-HT depletion produced by p-chloroamphetamine and rapidly decreased dorsal raphe firing. Both 709W92 and 680C91 elevated CSF tryptophan by up to 260% of basal concentration. A maximally effective dose of 680C91 elevated a global measure of brain extracellular 5-HT (CSF 5-HT) to concentrations similar to those seen maximally after exogenous tryptophan administration (approx 170% of basal). Maximally effective doses of 709W92 increased CSF 5-HT to concentrations comparable to those seen after tryptophan and 5-HT reuptake inhibitor coadministration (approx 900% of basal) and to concentrations greater than those achieved maximally with serotonergically active antidepressant monotherapy (approx 500% of basal). 709W92 did not elevate CSF 5-HT to concentrations associated with the serotonin syndrome (approx 3000% of basal). The combined TDO inhibitor/5-HT reuptake inhibitor, 709W92, showed anxiolytic activity in the rat-pup vocalization model of anxiety. These results show that 709W92 (a novel inhibitor of both TDO and 5-HT reuptake), can produce an elevation of CSF 5-HT similar to that achieved with a serotonin reuptake inhibitor/tryptophan combination therapy but with a more sustained timecourse; such compounds may therefore have superior antidepressant efficacy in the clinic.

Cardiac tamponade in an infant. A rare complication of central venous catheterisation

A 2994 g infant suffered cardiac tamponade from an infusion of total parenteral nutrition through an indwelling central venous catheter. The infant survived as a result of early diagnosis and aggressive therapeutic intervention. Cardiac tamponade secondary to central venous catheterisation is rare, but potentially lethal. Possible mechanisms are direct puncture by the catheter tip, or osmotic injury from the use of hypertonic solutions. To avoid this complication, the catheter tip should be prevented from entering the right atrium and its position should be checked periodically by chest X ray. Cardiac tamponade should be considered in any patient with a central venous catheter whose clinical condition deteriorates suddenly. Diagnostic or therapeutic pericardiocentesis should be employed as the first measure and time should not be wasted on other diagnostic procedures.

Evidence that the acute behavioral and electrophysiological effects of bupropion (Wellbutrin) are mediated by a noradrenergic mechanism

Bupropion (BW 323U66) has been considered a dopaminergic antidepressant based on its ability to inhibit the uptake of dopamine (DA) somewhat more selectively than it inhibits uptake of norepinephrine (NE) or serotonin (5-HT). This report describes new evidence that bupropion selectively inhibits firing rates of NE cells in the locus coeruleus (LC) at doses significantly lower than those that inhibit activity of midbrain DA cells or dorsal raphe 5-HT cells. The IC50 dose (13 mg/kg i.p.) for inhibition of LC firing produced plasma concentrations that were not significantly different from those generated by the ED50 in the Porsolt test (10 mg/kg i.p.). The fourfold higher dose needed to inhibit DA cell firing (IC50 = 42 mg/kg i.p.) was similar to the dose associated with locomotor stimulation in freely moving rats. Bupropion did not change the firing rates of 5-HT cells in the dorsal raphe nucleus at any dose. In both in vitro and in vivo tests, the metabolite 306U73 (hydroxybupropion), a weak inhibitor of NE uptake, was approximately equipotent to bupropion with regard to inhibition of LC cells. Another metabolite, 494U73, had no effect on LC firing rates over a wide range of doses. Because of species variation in metabolism, 306U73 was not detected in plasma of rats after i.v. doses of bupropion that inhibited LC firing. Only trace amounts of 306U73 were detected after bupropion dosing for the Porsolt test. Pretreatment with reserpine markedly depleted catecholamines and reduced (by 30-fold) the potency of bupropion to inhibit LC firing.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Effects of tanshionone to bleomycin induced pulmonary fibrosis of rats on histological changes and production of lipid peroxides and hydroxyproline]

Study was designed to explore the effect of sodium tanshionone IIA sulfonate on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rat. The amount of lipid peroxides (LPO), hydroxyproline in rat lung tissue homogenate was determined at 3, 7, 14, 28 day after administration respectively. The results suggest that the amount of LPO, hydroxyproline of rat lung homogenate were significantly decreased in sodium tanshionone IIA sulfonate group. In addition, histological changes and width of alveolar septa and percentage area of pulmonary fibrosis scars was measured. The results show that sodium tanshionone IIA sulfonate could ameliorate bleomycin induced pulmonary fibrosis in rat. The mechanism that sodium tanshionone IIA sulfonate could prevent and treat bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rat was discussed.

Thoracic epidural anesthesia for major abdominal surgery: a retrospective study

In 1986-1988, the authors had experiences with thoracic epidural anesthesia for a variety of major abdominal operations in 303 patients. It is proved to be reliable and effective. The puncture levels were between T8 to T12. 2% lidocaine, in plain form or with 1:200,000 epinephrine, was used as anesthetic agent. Perioperative complications were carefully managed with satisfactory results. Post-operative conditions were evaluated and seemed to be superior to those of general anesthesia in many aspects. No patient had neurologic deficit as a result of the epidural anesthesia. We concluded that thoracic epidural anesthesia is an excellent alternative technique in major abdominal surgeries.

Terfenadine alters action potentials in isolated canine Purkinje fibers more than acrivastine

Acrivastine and terfenadine are second-generation antihistamines with similar pharmacologic profiles and comparable clinical efficacies for allergic rhinitis. However, terfenadine therapy has been associated with cardiovascular side effects that include prolonged QT interval, torsades de pointes, and ventricular fibrillation (VF). We examined the adverse effects induced by terfenadine on evoked action potentials (APs) in isolated canine cardiac Purkinje fibers and determined whether acrivastine causes similar disturbances in this preparation. Terfenadine produced a statistically significant decrease in the maximal rate of increase in the AP (dV/dt) at 10(-7) M, which corresponds to the highest plasma concentration observed clinically. The IC50 (mean +/- SEM) value for terfenadine-induced inhibition of dV/dt was 1.3 +/- 0.3 x 10(-6) M. The decrease in dV/dt caused by terfenadine became more pronounced with faster rates of stimulation. Acrivastine at a concentration of 10(-5) M, a value 10 times higher than plasma concentrations observed in clinical studies, caused no significant changes in AP duration (APD) or dV/dt. The IC50 (mean +/- SEM) value for the acrivastine-induced inhibition of dV/dt was estimated to be 8.0 +/- 3.7 x 10(-3) M. Terfenadine blocked the evoked AP at 3 x 10(-6) M, whereas no block was observed with acrivastine at 10(-3) M. The effective serum concentration of acrivastine is approximately 100 times higher than that of terfenadine. Because the IC50 value for inhibition of dV/dt for acrivastine is approximately 6,000 times greater than that for terfenadine, we estimate that acrivastine is approximately 60-fold less likely to cause disturbances in cardiac conduction than terfenadine.

Lamotrigine, phenytoin and carbamazepine interactions on the sodium current present in N4TG1 mouse neuroblastoma cells

Lamotrigine is a chemically novel anticonvulsant drug that has been reported to inhibit veratrine-induced neurotransmitter release from cortical slices in vitro. To characterize further the mechanism of action of lamotrigine, we have investigated the effects of this drug together with the anticonvulsant drugs phenytoin and carbamazepine on voltage-sensitive sodium channels present in N4TG1 mouse neuroblastoma clonal cells. Lamotrigine, phenytoin and carbamazepine produced a tonic inhibition of sodium channels with IC50 values of 91, 58 and 140 microM, respectively. At a concentration of 100 microM, all compounds shifted the voltage-dependency of steady-state inactivation toward more negative potentials by 7 to 15 mV, slowed the rate of recovery from inactivation and produced a use-dependent inhibition of sodium channels. Our data show that lamotrigine inhibits sodium channels in a manner that is similar to that produced by phenytoin and carbamazepine. This inhibition of neuronal activity is consistent with the reduction of glutamate release that was previously reported in neurochemical studies, and it expands our understanding of the mechanism of action of this anticonvulsant drug.

[Application of beta-cyclodextrin inclusion complex in liushen pills]

01 Liushen Pills (prepared by beta-CD inclusion complex) and 02 Liushen Pills (prepared according to the normal way) were compared by quality inspection, stability test, pharmacological experiments of irritative effects and dissolution test. The results indicated that 01 Liushen Pills were superior to 02 Liushen Pills.

Study of the stereoselectivity of L-glutamate receptors by synthetic 4(R)- and 4(S)-substituted L-glutamate analogues

R- and S-stereoisomers of 4-substituted L-glutamate analogues are used to study the stereoselectivity of L-glutamate receptors. It is found that 4(R)-substituted analogues are more potent than their 4(S)-isomers in interacting with L-glutamate receptors both at porcine brain synaptic junctions and on drosophila muscles. This demonstrates that the ligand recognition site of L-glutamate receptors has chiral selectivity discriminating L-glutamate analogues with bulky 4(R)- and 4(S)-substituent groups.

Alterations of mitogenic responses of mononuclear cells by arsenic in arsenical skin cancers

We have studied the endemic occurrence of chronic arsenism in a limited area on the southwest coast of Taiwan. The effects of arsenic on the mitogenic responses of mononuclear cells (MNC) derived from patients with arsenical skin cancers in that area were evaluated. The subjects enrolled in this study included patients with 1) Bowen's disease, 2) arsenical skin cancers (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma), 3) non-arsenical skin cancers (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma), 4) nasopharyngeal cancer and 5) healthy controls from endemic and non-endemic areas. Phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation in MNC in all groups except the arsenical skin cancer group. However, when a low concentration of As2O3 (2.5 x 10(-7) M) was added to PHA-stimulated MNC, a tremendous amplification of the uptake of [3H]thymidine was noticed in patients with arsenical skin cancer. In this study, this phenomenon did not occur in cancers not related to arsenic. This result shows that arsenical carcinomas are hyperreactive to its specific etiology--arsenic. Arsenic seems to play a role as a co-stimulant of PHA similar to interleukin-1.