Titanium oxide film for the bottom antireflective layer in deep ultraviolet lithography

Titanium oxide thin film, fabricated with tetraisopropyltitanate and oxygen by electron cyclotron resonance-plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition, is investigated as a potential candidate for the antireflective layer in KrF excimer laser (248-nm) lithography. The oxygen flow-rate dependence of the optical properties such as the refractive index (n) and the extinction coefficient (k) of the film at the 248-nm wavelength has been characterized, and the films with the expected combinations of n and k values for the antireflective layer have been deposited. Simulation results indicate that reflectance values of less than 4% and as low as 1.2% can be reached at the interface between the photoresist and the film postulating the structures of the photoresist/300-A TiO(x) film/c-Si substrate and the W-Si substrate, respectively, by selected proper combinations of n and k values. Moreover the reflectance can be further reduced to almost zero by changing the film thickness. Thus it is found that titanium oxide thin films can be used as the bottom antireflective layer in KrF excimer laser lithography.

Enhancing effects of captafol on the development of GST-P-positive liver cell foci in a medium-term bioassay, and protection by L-cysteine of the enhancement in rats

The modifying effects of captafol and protective effects of L-cysteine on the development of glutathione S-transferase placental form-positive (GST-P +) foci of the liver and expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in the kidney were investigated in a medium-term bioassay using D-galactosamine (DGA) in rats. Male 6-week-old F344 rats were initially given a single i.p. injection (200 mg/kg) of diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and after 2 weeks on basal diet, received two i.p. injections of DGA (300 mg/kg) at the ends of weeks 2 and 5, and were fed a diet supplemented with test chemicals for weeks 3-8. Animals in group 1 were given 1500 ppm captafol in the diet, while group 2 received 1500 ppm captafol in diet as well as 1500 ppm L-cysteine in drinking water, animals in control group being given basal diet alone. Positive results regarding increased numbers and areas of GST-P + liver cell foci were obtained in rats treated with captafol alone. On the other hand, significant reduction by L-cysteine in the areas of GST-P + liver cell foci initiated by DEN and promoted by captafol was observed. In addition, the PCNA-labelling indices of renal tubule cells were elevated in rats treated with captafol alone and significantly reduced in rats treated simultaneously with L-cysteine. The protocol used in the present study therefore allowed the in vivo determination of promoting effects of captafol and inhibitory influence of L-cysteine by analyzing GST-P + foci in the livers as marker lesions, within a relatively short period of 8 weeks. Thus, this bioassay protocol could have applicability as a new in vivo assay system for the screening of hepatic carcinogenic or anti-carcinogenic agents.

Effects of ethyl carbamate and its metabolites on the antibody response in splenocyte cultures from female Balb/C mice

To investigate a possible role by cytochrome P450 (P450) in ethyl carbamate-induced immunosuppression, an attempt to assess the ability of ethyl carbamate, its metabolites produced by P450 (i.e., ethyl N-hydroxycarbamate and vinyl carbamate), and methyl carbamate to suppress the polyclonal antibody response induced by bacterial lipopolysaccharide was made in splenocyte cultures isolated from female Balb/C mice. The results showed that vinyl carbamate and ethyl N-hydroxycarbamate were more immunosuppressive compared to ethyl carbamate. A structurally related analogue, methyl carbamate, did not suppress the antibody response. These results indicate that metabolism of ethyl carbamate by P450 may produce more immunosuppressive metabolites as in ethyl carbamate-induced carcinogenicity. A pre-incubation study with phenobarbital-induced liver microsomes in the presence of NADPH-generating system showed that the antibody response was suppressed by ethyl carbamate when splenocytes were pre-incubated with ethyl carbamate and microsomes simultaneously. Moreover, the suppression was completely recovered by the addition of a P450 inhibitor, aminoacetonitrile, in the pre-incubation. Taken together, the present results indicate that metabolism of ethyl carbamate by P450 enzyme(s) may be an important pathway to cause immunosuppression.

Bridging the gap between laboratory and clinic in child and adolescent psychotherapy

Meta-analyses of laboratory outcome studies reveal beneficial effects of psychotherapy with children and adolescents. However, the research therapy in most of those lab studies differs from everyday clinic therapy in several ways, and the 9 studies of clinic therapy the authors have found show markedly poorer outcomes than research therapy studies. These findings suggest a need to bridge the long-standing gap between outcome researchers and clinicians. Three kinds of bridging research are proposed and illustrated: (a) enriching the research data base on treatment effects by practitioners in clinical settings--including private practice and health maintenance organizations, (b) identifying features of research therapy that account for positive outcomes and applying those features to clinical practice, and (c) exporting lab-tested treatments to clinics and assessing their effects with referred youths. If these bridging strategies were widely adopted, despite the numerous obstacles described herein, real progress might be made toward more effective treatment in clinical practice.

Role of metabolism in ethyl carbamate-induced suppression of antibody response to sheep erythrocytes in female Balb/C mice

A possible role of metabolism by cytochrome P450 (P450) in ethyl carbamate-induced suppression of the antibody response to a T-cell-dependent antigen, sheep erythrocytes (SRBCs), was investigated in female Balb/C mice. When mice were treated with ethyl carbamate intraperitoneally for 14 consecutive days at 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, the antibody response was significantly suppressed from 200 mg/kg. These doses also caused a decrease in thymus weight. An acute dosing of ethyl carbamate at 1 g/kg also caused not only a significant suppression of the antibody response, but also a decrease in thymus weight. The antibody response was most likely to be the IgM antibody response, which was demonstrated in a haemagglutination study. When mice were pretreated with phenobarbital (80 mg/kg) for 3 days to induce P450 enzymes, followed by administration of ethyl carbamate intraperitoneally for 7 consecutive days, the antibody response was more suppressed than in saline-pretreated controls. Moreover, a study using aminoacetonitrile, a P450 inhibitor, showed that the antibody response suppressed by ethyl carbamate was completely recovered by the inhibitor. The present results suggest that metabolism of ethyl carbamate by P450 may be the critical pathway to produce metabolites capable of suppressing the antibody response.

Induction of liver cytochrome P450 2B1 by beta-ionone in Sprague Dawley rats

Induction of liver cytochrome P450 2B1 by beta-ionone was investigated in male and female Sprague Dawley rats. Administration of beta-ionone subcutaneously 72 and 48 hr before sacrificing the animals not only significantly induced the liver microsomal activity of pentoxyresorufin O-dealkylase, but also clearly increased in the level of cytochrome P450 2B1 protein. The induction of cytochrome P450 2B1 by beta-ionone was much greater in male rats than in female rats. A slot blot analysis showed that the mRNA level was increased from 6 hr after treatment with beta-ionone in male rats and from 12 hr after treatment in female rats. Taken together, the present results indicate for the first time that the induction of cytochrome P450 2B1 by beta-ionone might be regulated by the accumulation of mRNAs.

Cytogenetic study employing chorionic villi in ectopic pregnancy

Maternal factors such as salpingitis and peritubal adhesion are known to be associated with ectopic pregnancy; however, a few studies have considered the chromosomal complements of ectopic conceptuses. We studied 16 ectopic conceptuses obtained by surgical resection. The karyotyping of chorionic villi was performed using direct and culture technique. Among 16 studied cases, 14 cases showed normal karyotype (nine with 46, XY; five with 46, XX). One case showed trisomy 16(47, XY, + 16) and another showed variation from normal chromosomal complement (46, XY, 14s+), resulting in 6.3% incidence of the structural abnormalities of the chromosome. On the basis of our study, we determined the possibility of chorionic villi karyotyping in ectopic pregnancy. This ectopic conceptuses are no more likely to show chromosomal abnormalities than in utero conceptuses of comparable gestational age. Therefore, maternal factors such as salpingitis and peritubal adhesion are the most likely explanations for ectopic pregnancy.

Bridging the gap between laboratory and clinic in child and adolescent psychotherapy

Meta-analyses of laboratory outcome studies reveal beneficial effects of psychotherapy with children and adolescents. However, the research therapy in most of those lab studies differs from everyday clinic therapy in several ways, and the 9 studies of clinic therapy the authors have found show markedly poorer outcomes than research therapy studies. These findings suggest a need to bridge the long-standing gap between outcome researchers and clinicians. Three kinds of bridging research are proposed and illustrated: (a) enriching the research data base on treatment effects by practitioners in clinical settings--including private practice and health maintenance organizations, (b) identifying features of research therapy that account for positive outcomes and applying those features to clinical practice, and (c) exporting lab-tested treatments to clinics and assessing their effects with referred youths. If these bridging strategies were widely adopted, despite the numerous obstacles described herein, real progress might be made toward more effective treatment in clinical practice.

Inhibitory effects of H2-receptor antagonists on cytochrome P450 in male ICR mice

1. The present study was undertaken to examine the effects of H2-receptor antagonists including newly developed mifentidine derivatives, IY-80843 and IY-80845, on cytochrome P450(P450) in vitro and in vivo. 2. Initially, 3-methylcholanthrene-, phenobarbital-, ethanol- and dexamethasone-induced liver microsomes were prepared from male ICR mice to study in vitro effects of above chemicals on ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase(EROD), pentoxyresorufin O-dealkylase(PROD), p-nitrophenol hydroxylase and erythromycin N-demethylase(ERDM) activities, respectively. It was found that histamine, cimetidine and famotidine were not inhibitory to four enzyme activities. Meanwhile, mifentidine slightly inhibited EROD and PROD activities and its derivatives IY-80843 and IY-80845 strongly inhibited PROD, EROD and ERDM activities. 3. Prolongation of hexobarbital-induced sleeping time was determined in male ICR mice to confirm in vitro inhibitory effects of mifentidine and its derivatives in vivo. It was observed that cimetidine, mifentidine, IY-80843 and IY-80845 caused dose-dependent increases in the sleeping time, indicating the inhibition of P450 responsible for hexobarbital metabolism. 4. It was concluded that mifentidine and its derivatives are P450 inhibitors and that our newly synthesized IY-80843 is most inhibitory. 5. The present results indicate that mifentidine and its derivatives not only antagonise the H2-receptor but also inhibit P450 enzymes.

Effects of psychotherapy with children and adolescents revisited: a meta-analysis of treatment outcome studies

A meta-analysis of child and adolescent psychotherapy outcome research tested previous findings using a new sample of 150 outcome studies and weighted least squares methods. The overall mean effect of therapy was positive and highly significant. Effects were more positive for behavioral than for nonbehavioral treatments, and samples of adolescent girls showed better outcomes than other Age x Gender groups. Paraprofessionals produced larger overall treatment effects than professional therapists or students, but professionals produced larger effects than paraprofessionals in treating overcontrolled problems (e.g., anxiety and depression). Results supported the specificity of treatment effects: Outcomes were stronger for the particular problems targeted in treatment than for problems not targeted. The findings shed new light on previous results and raise significant issues for future study.

Pharmacokinetics of theophylline: effects of hepatic fibrosis in rats induced bile duct ligation

This experiment was performed to evaluate the usefulness of an experimental fibrosis model by bile duct ligation as a pharmacokinetic model of a disease state. First, experimental liver fibrosis was produced by bile duct ligation. At 4 weeks postoperation, a fibrotic condition was characterized by measurement of the aminoterminal procollagen type III peptide (PIIINP) level in serum, total collagen content in liver and light microscopic histology. Four weeks after bile duct ligation there was an increase in total collagen content of the liver to 430% of the initial values, accompanied by an increase of serum-PIIINP (385%). Secondly, we examined the pharmacokinetics of theophylline in the fibrotic rat induced by bile duct ligation. An i.v. dose of 8 mg of theophylline per kg of body weight was administered, and the levels of theophylline in serum were assayed by high performance liquid chromatography. The area under the serum concentration-time curve of theophylline was increased significantly in fibrotic rats compared with that of the control, and the total clearance of drug in fibrotic rats was low, averaging 22.6 mg/kg/h vs. 36.1 and 60.9 ml/kg/h in the control and the normal rat, respectively. However, the value of distribution during the beta-phase was not significantly affected by experimental liver fibrosis.

Child and adolescent psychotherapy outcomes in experiments versus clinics: why the disparity?

In a recent article, Weisz, Weiss, and Donenberg (1992) compared the effects of child and adolescent psychotherapy in experimental studies and in studies of clinic practice. Here we update that report with new information and we explore 10 possible reasons why, to date, therapy in experiments appears to have shown larger effect sizes than therapy in clinics. We find that beneficial therapy effects are associated with three factors which are more common in research therapy than in clinic therapy: (a) the use of behavioral (including cognitive-behavioral) methods, (b) reliance on specific, focused therapy methods rather than mixed and eclectic approaches, and (c) provision of structure (e.g., through treatment manuals) and monitoring (e.g., through review of therapy tapes) to foster adherence to treatment plans. These three factors all involve dimensions along which clinic procedures could be altered.

Antimicrobial activity of Ganoderma lucidum extract alone and in combination with some antibiotics

Antimicrobial activity of GL (the aqueous extract from the carpophores of Ganoderma lucidum (FR)KARST) was tested in vitro against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria by serial broth dilution method, and the antimicrobial activity was expressed by minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Among fifteen species of bacteria tested, the antimicrobial activity of GL was the most potent against Micrococcus luteus (MIC, 0.75 mg/ml). To investigate the effects of antimicrobial combinations of GL with four kinds of antibiotics (ampicillin, cefazolin, oxytetracycline and chloramphenicol), the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) was determined by checkerboard assay for each strain. The antimicrobial combinations of GL with four antibiotics resulted in additive effect in most instances, synergism in two instances, and antagonism in two instances. Synergism was observed when GL was combined with cefazolin against Bacillus subtilis and Klebsiella oxytoca.

Lumbar myelography: side effects correlated with exam findings and needle size

STUDY DESIGN

The adverse effects of lumbar myelography in 400 patients were analyzed.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether adverse effects of lumbar myelography occur less frequently when using the fine needle technique.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Lumbar myelography can be performed safely on an outpatient basis. The side effects may be reduced by using the fine needle technique.

METHODS

Four hundred patients were studied; 200 with a 25 gauge needle and 200 with a 22 gauge needle. Each was given a questionnaire and instructed to report details of post-myelogram adverse effects.

RESULTS

Transient worsening of back or leg symptoms, headache, and nausea and vomiting, the most frequent complaints, were reduced in the 200 patients studied with a 25 gauge needle rather than a 22 gauge needle. Regardless of the needle, patients with normal myelograms reported more adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS

A lower frequency of adverse effects can be achieved when fine needle is used for lumbar myelography. More adverse effects are reported by patients with normal myelograms.

Synergistic embryotoxicity of combination pyrimethamine and folic acid in rats

The increased embryotoxicity of pyrimethamine (PYM) with concomitant oral dosing of folic acid (FA) was examined in rats. The preventive effects of folinic acid (FNA) on PYM embryotoxicity were also examined. Six groups were constructed: PYM I (PYM 1.2 mg/kg/day), FA (FA 50 mg/kg/day), PYM I+FA (1.2 and 50 mg/kg/day, respectively), PYM II (2.7 mg/kg/day), PYM II+FNA (2.7 and 12 mg/kg/day, respectively), and a vehicle control group. The agents were administered for 11 days from day 7 throughout 17 of gestation. PYM and FA were administered by gavage and FNA was administered intraperitoneally. Visceral and skeletal malformations were observed in the fetuses of both PYM I+FA and PYM II groups; these included dilatation of the lateral ventricle and fused ribs. No malformed fetuses were observed in the fetuses of the other four groups. External malformations were observed only in the fetuses of PYM II groups; these included cleft palate, cleft lips, and brachygnathia, among others. These results show that the concomitant gavage dosing of FA augments PYM embryotoxicity. The preventive effects of FNA were also confirmed.

A 6-month subcutaneous toxicity study of recombinant human interferon alpha A (LBD-007) in Sprague-Dawley rats

Recombinant human interferon alpha A (code name: LBD-007) was subcutaneously administered to both sexes of Sprague-Dawley rats at the doses of 0, 3, 6 and 12 x 10(6) IU/kg of body weight six days per week for 6 months to evaluate the chronic toxicity. Male rats dosed at 12 x 10(6) IU/kg for 26 weeks showed a decrease of ketone body in the urine, and female rats dosed at 12 x 10(6) IU/kg for 26 weeks showed a decrease of serum alkaline phosphatase. Microscopic changes with remarkable incidence were nephropathy, renal mineralization and ultimobranchial cysts of the thyroid gland in all groups of both sexes of rats. These changes were not considered to be drug-related toxicity because they appeared to be minimal, occasionally mild in severity and did not have dose-dependency as well as clinical significance. In general, no drug-related change was noted in clinical findings, body weights, food consumption, water consumption, hematology, organ weights and necropsy findings. Based on the results, it is concluded that the estimated subcutaneous non-toxic dose of the recombinant human interferon alpha A (LBD-007) in rats would be 6 x 10(6) IU/kg.

Peri- and postnatal study (segment III) of recombinant granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factors (LBD-005) in rats

A perinatal and postnatal study was carried out in Sprague-Dawley rats subcutaneously injected recombinant Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factors (LBD-005), the growth of stem cell and the development of the hematopoietic cell, at dose levels of 250, 500 and 1000 micrograms/kg/day for a period from day 17 of gestation to day 21 after delivery. All pregnant dams were allowed to litter naturally, and the postnatal development of the offsprings was observed. The incidences of external, internal and skeletal anomalies were not significantly increased in the F1 and F2 fetuses of any treated groups. Recombinant GM-CSF caused no effects on parturition, lactation, postnatal growth and differentiation, behaviour and reproductive ability of the male and female offsprings.

Teratogenicity study (segment II) of recombinant granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factors (LBD-005) in rats

A teratogenicity study was carried out in Sprague-Dawley rats subcutaneously injected recombinant Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factors (LBD-005), the growth of stem cell and the development of the hematopoietic cell, at dose levels of 250, 500 and 1000 micrograms/kg/day for a period of 11 days from day 7 to day 17 of gestation. Two-thirds of the pregnant females in each group were sacrificed on day 20 of gestation and their fetuses were examined. The remaining dams were allowed to litter naturally, and the postnatal development of the offspring was observed. The incidences of external, internal and skeletal anomalies were not significantly increased in the fetuses of any treated groups. Recombinant GM-CSF caused no effects on parturition, lactation, postnatal growth and reproductive ability of the male and female offsprings.

An acute toxicity study of recombinant human interferon alpha A (LBD-007) in Sprague-Dawley rats

The acute toxicity of a recombinant human interferon alpha A (code name: LBD-007) was evaluated in both sexes of Sprague-Dawley rats, 5 weeks old, by the oral, subcutaneous and intravenous routes of administration. Based on the results, LBD-007 was not considered to induce any toxicological effect on the rats in mortalities, clinical findings, body weights and gross findings. It is suggested that LD50 values in rats would be > 48 x 10(8) IU/kg in the study of oral administration and > 24 x 10(8) IU/kg in the study of subcutaneous or intravenous administration.

A 4-week subcutaneous toxicity study of recombinant human interferon alpha A (LBD-007) in Sprague-Dawley rats

Recombinant human interferon alpha A (code name: LBD-007) was subcutaneously administered to both sexes of Sprague-Dawley rats at the doses of 0, 6, 12 and 24 x 10(6) IU/kg of body weight five days per week for 4 weeks to evaluate the subchronic toxicity. 20 to 50% of rats except the male control group showed minimal to mild, focal to multifocal renal mineralization. Whether renal mineralization is related to the test substance is not elucidated. Male rats dosed at 24 x 10(6) IU/kg showed the decrease of the absolute kidney weights and the increase of the brain relative weights. Female rats dosed at 24 x 10(6) IU/kg showed the increase of the absolute and relative ovary weights, and the decreases of specific gravity, bilirubin and urobilinogen in urine. However, no drug-related changes were noted in clinical findings, body weights, food consumption, water consumption, hematology, blood clinical chemistry and necropsy findings. Based on the results it is concluded that the estimated subcutaneous non-toxic dose of the recombinant human interferon alpha A (LBD-007) in rats is (6 approximately 12) x 10(6) IU/kg.

A study on antigenicity of recombinant human interferon alpha A (LBD-007) in mice and guinea pigs

Antigenicity of recombinant human interferon alpha A (LBD-007), a newly developed drug for myeloid leukemia and hepatitis, was investigated in mice and guinea pigs. The following results were obtained: 1. Mice showed no production of antibodies against LBD-007 inoculated with aluminum hydroxide gel (alum) as an adjuvant, judged by the heterologous anaphylaxis (PCA) test using rats. On the other hand, antibodies against ovalbumin (OVA) inoculated with alum were definitely detected. 2. In the studies with guinea pigs, both the inoculation of LBD-007 only and of LBD-007 with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) as an adjuvant did not produce positive reactions in any of homologous active systemic anaphylaxis (ASA). On the other hand, the inoculation of ovalbumin with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) produced positive reaction in both of PCA and ASA. 3. These findings suggested that LBD-007 has no antigenic potential in mice or guinea pigs.

Teratogenicity study of Scutellariae Radix in rats

This teratogenicity study was carried out in pregnant S.P.F. Sprague-Dawley female rats. These animals received for a period of 11 days, from day 7 to 17 of gestation, by daily oral administration, the water extract concentrates of the medicinal herb, Scutellariae Radix, at dose levels of 0.25 g/kg (group I), 12.49 g/kg (group II), and 24.98 g/kg (group III). Two-thirds of pregnant females in each group were sacrificed on day 20 of gestation and their fetuses were examined. The remaining dams were allowed to litter naturally, and postnatal development of the offspring was observed. There was a significant (P < 0.05) dose-dependent increase in the incidence of skeletal variations (presence of lumbar rib). There was also a dose-dependent increase in the incidence of abnormal urinary system (mainly dilatation of ureter) although the abnormality incidence of group III was comparable to group II. There were no significant differences between the control and treated groups in maternal body weight, intake of diet and water, efficiency of diet, hematologic values, resorbed and dead fetuses, corpora lutea, separation of eyelids, emergence of abdominal hair and incisors, traction test values, sex organ function in fetuses, and growth of fetuses.

High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of rifapentine in serum using column switching

A high-performance liquid chromatographic method with column switching has been developed for the determination of rifapentine in serum. The serum samples were injected onto a precolumn packed with Corasil RP C18 (37-50 microns) after simple dilution with an internal standard in a 1% ascorbic acid solution. Polar serum components were washed out using 0.05 M phosphate buffer. After valve switching, the concentrated drugs were eluted in the back-flush mode and separated by a mu Bondapak C18 column with acetonitrile-tetrahydrofuran-0.05 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) (42:5:53, v/v/v) as the mobile phase. The method showed excellent precision with good sensitivity and speed, and a detection limit of 0.1 microgram/ml. The total analysis time was less than 25 min and the mean coefficients of variation for intra- and inter-assay were less than 4.8%. The method has been successfully applied to serum samples from dogs after the oral administration of rifapentine.

Composition of the rumen ciliate population in experimental herds of cattle and sheep in Lethbridge, Alberta, Western Canada

Rumen ciliate populations were surveyed in 11 Holstein cattle and 6 sheep in Lethbridge (Alta., Canada) to determine species distribution in this Western Canadian environment. A total of 28 ciliate species were identified in cattle and 17 in sheep. The average total number of ciliates per millilitre of rumen content was 6.9 X 10(4) in cattle and 1.9 X 10(5) in sheep. The average number of species per host was 20.5 in cattle and 13.8 in sheep. Of the ciliate species detected, species of Entodinium appeared most frequently both in cattle and in sheep. Diplodinium polygonale, Eodinium lobatum, Eo. monolobum, Eremoplastron rostratum, Ostracodinium clipeolum, Os. mammosum, and Ophryoscolex purkynjei were not detected in sheep. In contrast, Ophryoscolex caudatus was not found in cattle. These data indicate that the ciliate faunas of cattle and sheep in this Western Canadian environment are similar to those found in Japan.

Arthropod immune system. V. Activated immunocytes (granulocytes) of the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.) (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae) show increased number of microtubules and nuclear pores during immune reaction to foreign tissue

The German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.) (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae) has two major immunocytes (blood cells) (granulocytes (GRs) and plasmatocytes). The GRs participate both in encapsulation and phagocytosis of nonself tissue. Structurally, the GRs are flattened and discoid, and contain, among other organelles, microtubules that are arranged in the form of a bundle in their peripheral region in the plane of flattening. If one implants a foreign tissue in the cockroach's abdomen, the GRs become activated and begin to encapsulate the implant by flattening and wrapping around it. The activated GRs show considerable increase in the number of both the microtubules and the nuclear pores of the nuclear envelope. Such structural changes in an activated arthropod immunocyte and their functional significance in its immune reaction against a foreign tissue have not been previously reported. We believe that the large number of microtubules is necessary not only to maintain the flattened nature of the GRs, but also to ensure the formation of an effective capsule against the deforming and shearing forces of the foreign tissue. And to keep up with the rapid assembly of new microtubules during encapsulation, the nucleus apparently triggers the synthesis of tubulin via ribosomes, its nuclear pores serving as channels for molecular transport to and from the nucleus. A structural and functional analogy between GRs and human platelet has also been suggested.

Extracranial vascular angiography

Noninvasive procedures (ultrasound, CT, and MRI) are increasingly valuable in the diagnosis of diseases of the head and neck. Angiography, however, is still essential in the demonstration of vascular pathology, including the preoperative evaluation of vascular neoplasms. Through angioplasty and embolization techniques, angiography also plays a leading role in the treatment of arteriosclerotic vascular disease, vascular malformations, and vascular neoplasms.

A study of computer-assisted tomography. II. Comparison of metrizamide myelography and computed tomography in the diagnosis of herniated lumbar disc and spinal stenosis

One hundred twenty-two patients with surgically confirmed pathology consisting of either herniated lumbar disc, spinal stenosis, or both were included in this investigation. For each of these patients, preoperative metrizamide myelography and computerized tomography were performed. Each myelogram and CT scan was read blindly so that the neuroradiologist interpreting the study had no knowledge of the patient's surgical pathology, clinical examination, nor any knowledge of the interpretation of the other preoperative test. A painstaking attempt was made to describe precisely both the exact nature of the preoperative myelogram and CT scan interpretations. The correlations between the preoperative interpretation of each test and the observed surgical findings then were analyzed statistically. Based upon this analysis, myelography was found to be more accurate than computed tomography in the diagnosis of herniated lumbar disc (83% vs. 72%). In the diagnosis of spinal stenosis, myelography was slightly more accurate than computed tomography (93% vs. 89%). Based upon the results of this study, the authors conclude that metrizamide myelography is more accurate than computed tomography in the diagnosis of both herniated lumbar disc and spinal stenosis and remains the diagnostic study of choice for these conditions. Furthermore, metrizamide myelography gives the added advantage of visualizing the thoracolumbar junction and, thus, affords the opportunity to diagnose occult spinal tumors.

Absorption of 4,4'-methylenebis [2-chloroaniline] by human skin

A system was developed to measure percutaneous absorption of water-insoluble environmental agents into human skin. Percutaneous absorption of 4,4'-[14C]methylenebis [2-chloroaniline] (MBOCA) was measured during dry contact exposure of MBOCA with organ cultures of neonatal foreskin. Time-dependent exposures, autoradiographs, and thin-layer chromatography indicated that MBOCA was rapidly and progressively absorbed and passed through the skin without being metabolized. The transepithelial penetration of MBOCA was temperature dependent. Under certain conditions, the stratum corneum contained more MBOCA than other layers in the skin, which suggested that the stratum corneum may not be the main barrier for percutaneous absorption of MBOCA. An assessment of risk confirmed that skin exposure is a cause for concern.

Effect of parasympathetic denervation on acetylcholine levels in the rat parotid gland. Is there an extraneuronal pool of acetylcholine?

Parasympathetic denervation of the rat parotid gland by avulsion of the auriculotemporal nerve caused a marked and lasting decrease in gland weight. Parasympathectomy did not change the levels of choline in the gland but decreased by 60% the levels of acetylcholine (ACh) ten days after surgery and 65% at 28 days. It is puzzling that relatively high levels of ACh remained after parasympathetic denervation. The presence of additional cholinergic nerves that innervate the gland, or pass through it en route to other structures may account for some of the remaining ACh. Also, Schwann cells from denervated nerves might have contributed to some of the ACh. The existence of an extraneuronal source of ACh is considered.

Effects of socialization games on proximity and prosocial behavior of aggressive mentally retarded institutionalized women

Socialization games, designed to reinforce prosocial behavior between moderately and severely mentally retarded aggressive institutionalized women, were presented to two groups on 12 occasions over 8 weeks, randomly interspersed with 12 sessions of arts and crafts or filmstrip stories. Half of the sessions were presented in the morning and half in the afternoon. Video-taped observations of interpersonal behavior for 10 minutes after each session were analyzed in terms of friendly, unfriendly, and inactive behavior, and the distance of each subject from each other subject was measured. The rate of friendly behavior was significantly greater after the games and was higher in morning than afternoon sessions. The games also significantly decreased interpersonal distance. Both unfriendly behavior and inactivity were higher after the "placebo" sessions. The relevance of these results to institutional programming was discussed.

Changes in the synthesis of exportable and nonexportable proteins in parotid glands during aging

The age-related differences in the synthesis of exportable and nonexportable proteins of the parotid salivary gland were compared in 2- and 24-months-old rats. Parotid slices from these rats were incubated in the presence of [14C]leucine and the amount of radioactivity incorporated into the water-soluble proteins of the postmicrosomal supernatant was compared. The exportable and nonexportable proteins were identified by electrophoretic separation of these proteins by comparing the banding patterns of the gel preparations from unstimulated glands to those from the glands stimulated to secrete. The radioactivity determination in various protein bands from these rats indicated that the synthesis of exportable secretory proteins declined with age, while that of nonexportable proteins did not appear to change.

An unusual presentation of an oligodendroglioma. Case report

The case reported is that of an oligodendroglioma presenting only as a lump on the forehead. A thin convex area of bone was found overlying the tumor.

Diagnosis of cranial asymmetries in cerebral arteriovenous malformations

Nine of 29 patients with cerebral arteriovenous malformations exhibited abnormal cranial asymmetries on computed tomography (CT). Two of these patients showed no other abnormalities on their precontrast CT scans. Assessment of cranial asymmetry is recommended in all patients suspected of having an arteriovenous malformation.

Localized giant pseudopolyposis complicating granulomatous ilecolitis

A case of localized giant pseudopolyposis complicating granulomatous ileocolitis is reported. The authors discuss the etiology of the lesion and its potention relationship to a similar lesion seen in some patients with ulcerative colitis.

Cytochemical characterization of the myoepithelial cells in palatine glands

Myoepithelial cells of rat and mouse palatine glands are similar in fine structural appearance to those of other exocrine glands and smooth muscle cells. Myoepithelial cells reveal fibrils, and vesicular structures comparable to pinocytic or surface vesicles of smooth muscle cells. Lanthanum-impregnated preparations of the gland reveal that many of these vesicle-like structures are, in fact, invaginations of the plasma membrane and are continuous with the extracellular space. Observations on glandular tissue incubated for the demonstration of ATPase and adenylate cyclase have indicated that a high level of activity of these two enzymes is localized in the plasma membrane of the myoepithelial cells facing the acinar cells, and in vesicular structures along this membrane. The possibility that these enzyme activities are related to contractility of myoepithelial cells is discussed.

Studies on hypoxia: XII. Detrimental effects of synthetic polyribonucleotides on epiphyseal plates of rats exposed to hypoxia

The effect of different doses of polyadenylic and polyuridylic acids (poly A:U) was studied in control rats and in rats exposed to hypoxia. In the control rats, administration of different doses of poly A:U did not change the thickness of the epiphyseal plate or increase the incorporation of 3H-phenylalanine as judged using radioautography. Rats exposed to hypoxia showed a significant dose-related reduction in the thickness of the epiphyseal plate and 3H-phenylalanine incorporation.

The localization of thiamine pyrophosphatase activity in the acinar cells of stimulated and non-stimulated sublingual glands of the rat

The distribution of thiamine pyrophosphatase (TPPase) activity in the acinar cells of the rat sublingual gland has been studied at various stages of the secretory cycle following stimulated secretion. The rats were stimulated to secrete by an intraperitoneal injection of isoproterenol and pilocarpine. In non-stimulated glands, TPPase activity is detected mainly in 3--4 cisternae at the inner concave side of the Golgi complex and in some adjacent condensing vacuoles as in other cells. In the acinar cells 1 to 2 h after stimulation, however, reaction product for the same enzyme activity is detected in the cisternae at the outer aspect, as well as the inner aspect, of the Golgi complex and even in the cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). About 4 h after stimulation, TPPase activity becomes concentrated in 3--4 cisternae at the inner concave side of the Golgi complex as in the acinar cells under non-stimulated conditions. Morphological observations of the acinar cells 1 to 2 h after the stimulation have indicated that the reorganization of the Golgi complex and ER is a major event which occurs at this stage. It is possible that this cellular event is related to the occurrence of TPPase activity in those sites which normally show negative reaction in non-stimulated state.

Studies on hypoxia: XI. Long-term effects on the epiphyseal plate--a histomeric and radioautographic study

Rats were exposed to hypoxia for one week. The mean thickness of epiphyseal plates form control rats was 430 micrometers (mum) which was reduced to 313 mum in hypoxic rats. Radioautographic incorporation of 3H-phenylalaine by connective tissue cells in hypoxic rats was reduced up to 38% in control rats.