Pericardial diverticulum arising from the right lateral superior aortic recess: a mimicker of cystic anterior mediastinal mass

AIM

To report the prevalence of pericardial diverticulum of the right lateral superior aortic recess (RSAR) on computed tomography (CT), to analyse the structural CT findings of whether or not the structure is large enough to be seen on chest radiographs, and to describe changes in size and shape of RSAR on follow-up CT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A well-circumscribed, fluid-attenuation lesion in the anterior mediastinum with the following CT features was defined as a pericardial diverticulum of the RSAR: no enhancing wall, communication with the RSAR, abutment to the heart with an acute angle, and moulding by adjacent structures. Chest CT images of 31 patients with the diverticulum were evaluated, including four selected from 1,130 consecutive patients (0.4%).

RESULTS

The diverticulum projected ventrally from the RSAR and its largest size on axial CT ranged between 12-56 mm. Although the RSAR and the largest diverticular portion were usually seen on the same axial image (n=19), the latter sometimes lay above (n=1) or below (n=11) the former. On sagittal images, the last 11 diverticula resembled teardrops hanging from the RSAR by small stems. All of the 24 patients, each with 1-31 follow-up CT examinations, showed size fluctuations ranging between 1-46 mm (mean, 16 mm) during a follow-up period of 0.5-172 months (mean, 65 months). The diverticulum was not identifiable in five cases and was identifiable but did not show a connection with the RSAR in three cases when the diverticulum was smallest in size.

CONCLUSIONS

In cases of cystic anterior mediastinal mass, a deliberate search for its connection with the RSAR on all available CT images including previous studies is necessary for the diagnosis of pericardial diverticulum of the RSAR.

Decontamination of SARS-CoV-2 contaminated N95 filtering facepiece respirators using artificial sun lamps

Aims

Assess the feasibility of using light from artificial sun lamps to decontaminate N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) contaminated with SARS‐CoV‐2.

Methods and Results

FFR coupons or whole FFRs contaminated with 5 log₁₀ TCID₅₀ (target concentration) SARS‐CoV‐2 in culture media, simulated saliva, or simulated lung fluid were dried for 1–2 h, then exposed to light from tanning and horticulture lamps to assess decontamination. Exposed coupons and whole FFRs showed SARS‐CoV‐2 inactivation for all matrices tested. Furthermore, FFRs still met performance specifications after five decontamination cycles.

Conclusions

It is feasible that artificial sunlight from these sun lamps can be used to decontaminate FFRs provided the UV dose is sufficient and the light is unobstructed. Furthermore, decontamination can be performed up to five times without degrading FFR performance.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This research shows a proof of principle that artificial sun lamps may be an option to decontaminate SARS‐CoV‐2 on N95 FFRs. UV doses required for inactivation to levels below detection ranged from 4 to 37·8 J cm⁻² depending on the light source, virus matrix and FFR type.

Decontamination of SARS-CoV-2 contaminated N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) with moist heat generated by a multicooker

Decontamination of N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) is a crisis capacity strategy allowed when there are known shortages of FFRs. The application of moist heat is one decontamination method that has shown promise and is the approach approved in the Steris Steam Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). This effort examines the use of multicookers to apply moist heat, as they are available in retail stores and more affordable than methods requiring more sophisticated equipment. Four of five multicooker models examined met the acceptance criteria for the test and one model was selected for inactivation testing. Tests were performed on four different FFR models with SARS‐CoV‐2 suspended in culture media, simulated saliva or simulated lung fluid. Moist heat treatment reduced recoverable titres of SARS‐CoV‐2 virus to levels below the limit of detection in all tests. Furthermore, these four FFR models showed no loss in collection efficiency, inhalation resistance or visual damage after up to 10 decontamination cycles. Two (2) FFR models showed a slight change in strap elasticity (<9%). These data show that moist heat treatment using a multicooker is a viable option for FFR decontamination in a crisis capacity strategy.

Metal allergy in eyelid dermatitis and the evaluation of metal contents in eye shadows

BACKGROUND

Allergic contact dermatitis is a common diagnosis in eyelid dermatitis. Sensitization to metals is prevalent in eyelid dermatitis and colour cosmetic products are frequently suspected as the source of metal exposure.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the contact allergens for eyelid dermatitis and to assess metal contents in eye shadow products.

METHODS

Data were collected in the department of dermatology of Ewha Womans University hospital from December 1998 to February 2014. A total of 983 patients were patch tested during the period and 67 patients had eyelid dermatitis among them. To examine metal elements in colour cosmetic products for eyes, randomly selected 10 eye shadows were analysed.

RESULTS

Frequent allergens were metals, thiomersal and phenylenediamine in patients with eyelid dermatitis. The sensitization rates of individual allergens were not significantly different between patients with eyelid dermatitis and without eyelid dermatitis. All 10 eye shadow products contained more than 5 ppm of at least one element, nickel, cobalt or chromium.

CONCLUSION

Metals were top-rank allergens in patients with eyelid dermatitis as in the remaining patients patch tested. The eye shadow products contained significant amount of nickel, cobalt or chromium to elicit allergic reactions.

Environmental persistence of vaccinia virus on materials

Smallpox is caused by the variola virus, and ranks as one of the most serious diseases that could originate from a biological weapon. However, limited data exist on the persistence of variola and related viruses on materials (that may act as fomites), under controlled environmental conditions. To fill these data gaps, we determined the persistence of the vaccinia virus (an established surrogate for the variola virus) as a function of temperature, relative humidity and material. Experiments were conducted with vaccinia virus in a freeze-dried form, using four materials under four sets of environmental conditions. After elapsed times ranging from 1 to 56 days, the virus was extracted from small coupons and quantified via plaque-forming units (PFU). The vaccinia virus was most persistent at low temperature and low relative humidity, with greater than 10(4) PFU recovered from glass, galvanized steel and painted cinder block at 56 days (equivalent to only a c. 2 log reduction). Thus, vaccinia virus may persist from weeks to months, depending on the material and environmental conditions. This study may aid those responsible for infection control to make informed decisions regarding the need for environmental decontamination following the release of an agent such as variola.

Change in cytokines in patients with warts after contact immunotherapy with squaric acid dibutylester

BACKGROUND

A wart is a skin lesion caused by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). Contact immunotherapy is one of the many therapeutic options that have been used to treat warts; however, the effectiveness of contact immunotherapy differs from patient to patient, and the cause of this variation in clinical response is unclear.

AIM

To assess cytokine changes in patients after contact immunotherapy with squaric acid dibutylester (SADBE).

METHODS

In total, 21 patients with warts and 9 healthy control subjects were enrolled in the study. The frequencies of CD3+ T cells expressing interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, IL-12, tumour necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ were measured by flow cytometry analysis of peripheral blood at baseline in both patients and controls, and after SADBE treatment in patients.

RESULTS

Lower expression of IL-4 and higher expression of IL-12 in CD3+ T cells were found in patients compared with controls. The percentage of CD3+/IL-4+ T cells significantly increased after contact immunotherapy in all responders, but was significantly higher in those with an excellent response, who also had a significantly higher percentage of CD3+/IL-10+ T cells. The patients with an excellent response also had a significant decrease in the percentage of CD3+/IL-12+ T cells, and the percentage of CD3+/IL-4+ T cells normalized.

CONCLUSIONS

Response to contact immunotherapy can vary depending on the types of cytokine changes produced by treatment. An excessive shift to a Th2 pattern and increased IL-10 production after contact immunotherapy may hinder clearance of HPV.

Efficacy of liquid spray decontaminants for inactivation of Bacillus anthracis spores on building and outdoor materials

AIMS

To obtain data on the efficacy of various liquid and foam decontamination technologies to inactivate Bacillus anthracis Ames and Bacillus subtilis spores on building and outdoor materials.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Spores were inoculated onto test coupons and positive control coupons of nine different materials. Six different sporicidal liquids were spray-applied to the test coupons and remained in contact for exposure times ranging from 10 to 70 min. Following decontamination, spores were recovered from the coupons and efficacy was quantified in terms of log reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

The hydrogen peroxide/peracetic acid products were the most effective, followed by decontaminants utilizing hypochlorous acid chemistry. Decontamination efficacy varied by material type.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The study results may be useful in the selection of technologies to decontaminate buildings and outdoor areas in the event of contamination with B. anthracis spores. These results may also facilitate selection of decontaminant liquids for the inactivation of other spore-forming infectious disease agents.

Vapour-phase hydrogen peroxide inactivates Yersinia pestis dried on polymers, steel, and glass surfaces

AIMS

This study evaluated the inactivation of virulent Yersinia pestis dried on polymers, steel, and glass surfaces using vapour-phase hydrogen peroxide.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A suspension of Y. pestis CO92 (1.70 x 10(8) CFU) was dried on 10 different types of test surfaces and exposed to vapour-phase hydrogen peroxide fumigation for a contact time of 2 h. A significant reduction in the log10 CFU of Y. pestis on all 10 materials was observed between the controls evaluated after a 1 h drying time and unexposed controls evaluated after the decontamination run. Qualitative growth assessment showed that vapour-phase hydrogen peroxide exposure inactivated Y. pestis on all replicates of the 10 test materials as well as biological indicators up to 7 days postexposure.

CONCLUSIONS

Virulent Y. pestis CO92 is inactivated on polymers, steel, and glass surfaces when exposed to vapour-phase hydrogen peroxide without observable physical damage to the test materials.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study provides information for using vapour-phase hydrogen peroxide as a practical process for the decontamination of virulent Y. pestis in circumstances where time-dependent attenuation/inactivation orliquid/heat decontamination may not be the most suitable approach.

Comparing the antibody responses against recombinant hemagglutinin proteins of avian influenza A (H5N1) virus expressed in insect cells and bacteria

The hemagglutinin (HA) of influenza A virus plays an essential role in mediating the entry of the virus into host cells. Here, recombinant full-length HA5 protein from a H5N1 isolate (A/chicken/hatay/2004(H5N1)) was expressed and purified from the baculovirus-insect cell system. As expected, full-length HA5 elicits strong neutralizing antibodies, as evaluated in micro-neutralization tests using HA5 pseudotyped lentiviral particles. In addition, two fragments of HA5 were expressed in bacteria and the N-terminal fragment, covering the ectodomain before the HA1/HA2 polybasic cleavage site, was found to elicit neutralizing antibodies. But the C-terminal fragment, which covers the remaining portion of the ectodomain, did not. Neutralizing titer of the anti-serum against the N-terminal fragment is only four times lower than the anti-serum against the full-length HA5 protein. Using a novel membrane fusion assay, the abilities of these antibodies to block membrane fusion were found to correlate well with the neutralization activities.

Formaldehyde gas inactivation of Bacillus anthracis, Bacillus subtilis, and Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores on indoor surface materials

AIMS

To evaluate the decontamination of Bacillus anthracis, Bacillus subtilis, and Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores on indoor surface materials using formaldehyde gas.

METHODS AND RESULTS

B. anthracis, B. subtilis, and G. stearothermophilus spores were dried on seven types of indoor surfaces and exposed to approx. 1100 ppm formaldehyde gas for 10 h. Formaldehyde exposure significantly decreased viable B. anthracis, B. subtilis, and G. stearothermophilus spores on all test materials. Significant differences were observed when comparing the reduction in viable spores of B. anthracis with B. subtilis (galvanized metal and painted wallboard paper) and G. stearothermophilus (industrial carpet and painted wallboard paper). Formaldehyde gas inactivated>or=50% of the biological indicators and spore strips (approx. 1x10(6) CFU) when analyzed after 1 and 7 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Formaldehyde gas significantly reduced the number of viable spores on both porous and nonporous materials in which the two surrogates exhibited similar log reductions to that of B. anthracis on most test materials.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

These results provide new comparative information for the decontamination of B. anthracis spores with surrogates on indoor surfaces using formaldehyde gas.

In vitro skin penetration and pharmacodynamic evaluation of prostaglandin E1 ethyl ester, a vasoactive prodrug of prostaglandin E1, formulated into alcoholic hydrogels

Alcoholic hydrogels containing prostaglandin E1 ethyl ester (PGE1-EE), a prodrug of PGE1 as a therapeutic agent for erectile dysfunction, were formulated. The prodrug was stable against chemical hydrolysis in aqueous solution (pH 7.4), devoid of esterase activities, but was hydrolyzed to the parent drug in rat skin homogenates within 240 min. In the rat skin penetration study for 24 h, the steady-state flux values (microg/cm2/h) of PGE1-EE and PGE, from alcoholic hydrogels having 20% ethanol content were 7.6 and 1.8, respectively. PGE1-EE was superior to PGE, from a skin penetration point of view due to its increased lipophilicity. The fastest skin penetration rate was obtained for PGE1-EE in 20% alcoholic hydrogel together with limonene or cineole. These formulations increased the flux of PGE1-EE up to about 4-fold compared to control hydrogel in the absence of penetration enhancers. In the pharmacodynamic study using a cat, alcoholic hydrogel with limonene or cineole showed a significant effect in terms of increasing intracavernosal pressure compared to control hydrogel. Therefore, the transdermal alcoholic hydrogel formulation of PGE1-EE with limonene or cineole can be a promising transdermal delivery system to overcome inconvenience associated with frequent intracavernosal injections for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

A preliminary assessment ofBacillus anthracisspore inactivation using an electrochemically activated solution (ECASOL™)

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy of electrochemically activated solution (ECASOL) in decontaminating Bacillus anthracis Ames and Vollum 1B spores, with and without changing the source water hardness and final ECASOL pH.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Five different ECASOL formulations were generated, in which the source water hardness and final ECASOL pH were varied, resulting in cases where significant changes in free available chlorine (FAC) and oxidative-reduction potential (ORP) were observed. B. anthracis Ames and Vollum 1B spores were suspended in the various ECASOL formulations for 30 min, and decontamination efficacy was determined; calcium hypochlorite [5% high-test hypochlorite (HTH)] was used as a positive control. The five different ECASOL formulations yielded mean FAC levels ranging from 305 to 464 ppm, and mean ORP levels ranging from +826 to +1000 mV. Exposure to all the ECASOL formulations and 5% HTH resulted in >or=7.0 log reductions in both B. anthracis Ames and Vollum 1B spores.

CONCLUSIONS

The present testing demonstrated that ECASOL with a minimum of c. 300-ppm FAC levels and +800-mV ORP inactivated the B. anthracis spores in suspension, similar to 5% HTH.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

These results provide information for decontaminating B. anthracis Ames and Vollum 1B spores in suspension using ECASOL.

The expression of RAGE and EN-RAGE in leprosy

BACKGROUND

Extracellular newly identified RAGE-binding protein (EN-RAGE) is a ligand of the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) and has been termed S100A12. The ligation of EN-RAGE with RAGE on the endothelium, mononuclear phagocytes and lymphocytes triggers cellular activation with the generation of the key proinflammatory mediators interleukin (IL)-1beta and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of RAGE and EN-RAGE, their spatial localization and their coexpression in leprosy lesions.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry and confocal laser scanning microscopy were used to evaluate the expression of RAGE and EN-RAGE in leprosy. By enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, RAGE and EN-RAGE were detected in the serum.

RESULTS

(1) In the multibacillary (MB) and paucibacillary (PB) groups, the level of RAGE production was significantly higher than in patients with atypical mycobacterial infection or sarcoidosis (P < 0.01). In the MB group, the production of RAGE was higher than in the PB group (P < 0.01), and it was higher in patients without the lepra reaction than in patients with the lepra reaction (P < 0.05). (2) In MB, PB and atypical mycobacterial infection, the level of EN-RAGE production was significantly higher than in sarcoidosis (P < 0.01). (3) In the confocal laser scanning microscopic examination, the RAGE and EN-RAGE proteins were detected in lepromatous leprosy. These proteins are spatially colocalized along the cell surface, which is in agreement with their receptor-ligand interaction. (4) A comparable amount of EN-RAGE was detected in the serum of the MB and PB groups. Patients with the reaction showed a higher level of EN-RAGE than patients without the reaction in leprosy.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that in leprosy, RAGE and EN-RAGE may be involved in the proinflammatory process rather than the antimycobacterial activity, especially during the lepra reaction. The blockade of the interaction of RAGE and EN-RAGE at the early stage of the inflammatory process may minimize the inflammatory response and consequent tissue damage or the sequelae of leprosy.

The human severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) 8b protein is distinct from its counterpart in animal SARS-CoV and down-regulates the expression of the envelope protein in infected cells

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), isolated from humans infected during the peak of epidemic, encodes two accessory proteins termed as 8a and 8b. Interestingly, the SARS-CoV isolated from animals contains an extra 29-nucleotide in this region such that these proteins are fused to become a single protein, 8ab. Here, we compared the cellular properties of the 8a, 8b and 8ab proteins by examining their cellular localizations and their abilities to interact with other SARS-CoV proteins. These results may suggest that the conformations of 8a and 8b are different from 8ab although nearly all the amino acids in 8a and 8b are found in 8ab. In addition, the expression of the structural protein, envelope (E), was down-regulated by 8b but not 8a or 8ab. Consequently, E was not detectable in SARS-CoV-infected cells that were expressing high levels of 8b. These findings suggest that 8b may modulate viral replication and/or pathogenesis.

Decontamination assessment of Bacillus anthracis, Bacillus subtilis, and Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores on indoor surfaces using a hydrogen peroxide gas generator

AIMS

To evaluate the decontamination of Bacillus anthracis, Bacillus subtilis, and Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores on indoor surface materials using hydrogen peroxide gas.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Bacillus anthracis, B. subtilis, and G. stearothermophilus spores were dried on seven types of indoor surfaces and exposed to > or =1000 ppm hydrogen peroxide gas for 20 min. Hydrogen peroxide exposure significantly decreased viable B. anthracis, B. subtilis, and G. stearothermophilus spores on all test materials except G. stearothermophilus on industrial carpet. Significant differences were observed when comparing the reduction in viable spores of B. anthracis with both surrogates. The effectiveness of gaseous hydrogen peroxide on the growth of biological indicators and spore strips was evaluated in parallel as a qualitative assessment of decontamination. At 1 and 7 days postexposure, decontaminated biological indicators and spore strips exhibited no growth, while the nondecontaminated samples displayed growth.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant differences in decontamination efficacy of hydrogen peroxide gas on porous and nonporous surfaces were observed when comparing the mean log reduction in B. anthracis spores with B. subtilis and G. stearothermophilus spores.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

These results provide comparative information for the decontamination of B. anthracis spores with surrogates on indoor surfaces using hydrogen peroxide gas.

CT halo sign: the spectrum of pulmonary diseases

The CT halo sign indicates ground glass attenuation surrounding a pulmonary nodule on CT. Although it was initially proposed as an early, specific finding of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, it can be caused by many other pathological conditions such as infection, neoplastic and inflammatory diseases. The halo of ground glass attenuation pathologically represents pulmonary haemorrhage, tumour infiltration, or non-haemorrhagic inflammatory processes. Although non-specific, this sign is important because the clinical setting and associated radiological features may give a clue to the differential diagnosis. In this review, we demonstrate the spectrum of pulmonary diseases showing the "CT halo sign" on thin-section CT and discuss their radiological and clinical features.

Proteomic approach identifies HSP27 as an interacting partner of the hepatitis C virus NS5A protein

Chronic infection by HCV is closely correlated with liver diseases such as cirrhosis, steatosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. To understand how long-term interaction between HCV and the host leads to pathogenesis, we identified cellular proteins that interact with NS5A and NS5B using a biochemical approach. Stable cell lines that express flag-NS5A or flag-NS5B under tetracycline induction were generated. The induced flag-tagged proteins were immunoprecipitated (IP'd) and associated proteins separated on 2D gels. Protein spots that specifically co-IP'd with NS5A or NS5B were identified by mass spectrometry. HSP27 was identified as a protein that specifically co-IP'd with NS5A but not with NS5B. The N-terminal regions of NS5A (a.a. 1-181) and HSP27 (a.a. 1-122) were defined to be the domains that interact with each other. HSP27 is generally distributed in the cytoplasm. When heat shocked, HSP27 is concentrated in the ER where NS5A is co-localized.

Novel member of the mouse desmoglein gene family: Dsg1-beta

Desmosomes are major intercellular adhesion junctions that provide stable cell-cell contacts and mechanical strength to epithelial tissues by anchoring cytokeratin intermediate filaments of adjacent cells. Desmogleins (Dsg) are transmembrane core components of the desmosomes, and belong to the cadherin supergene family of calcium-dependent adhesion molecules. Currently, there are three known isoforms of Dsgs (Dsg1, Dsg2, and Dsg3), encoded by distinct genes that are differentially expressed to determine their tissue specificity and differentiation state of epithelial cells. In this study, we cloned a novel mouse desmoglein gene sharing high homology to both mouse and human Dsg1. We propose to designate the previously published mouse Dsg1 gene as Dsg1-alpha and the new gene as Dsg1-beta. Analysis of intron/exon organization of the Dsg1-alpha and Dsg1-beta genes revealed significant conservation. The full-length mouse Dsg1-beta cDNA contains an open reading frame of 3180 bp encoding a precursor protein of 1060 amino acids. Dsg1-beta protein shares 94% and 76% identity with mouse Dsg1-alpha and human DSG1, respectively. RT-PCR using a multitissue cDNA panel demonstrated that while Dsg1-alpha mRNA was expressed in 15- to 17-day-old embryos and adult spleen and testis, Dsg1-beta mRNA was detected in 17-day-old embryos only. To assess subcellular localization, a FLAG-tagged expression construct of Dsg1-beta was transiently expressed in epithelial HaCaT cells. Dsg1-beta-FLAG was found at the cell-cell border and was recognized by the anti-Dsg1/Dsg2 antibody DG3.10. In summary, we have cloned and characterized a novel member of the mouse desmoglein gene family, Dsg1-beta.

Reperfusion edema after lung transplantation: effect of daclizumab

PURPOSE

To determine if daclizumab, an interleukin-2 antagonist, reduced the severity of reperfusion edema in lung transplant recipients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty-five patients who were to undergo 86 consecutive lung transplants were included; 43 (50%) received daclizumab in addition to conventional immunosuppression. Patients were assigned to one of the following groups: control, right allograft; control, left allograft; daclizumab treated, right allograft; daclizumab treated, left allograft. Radiographs obtained in the first 5 postoperative days were evaluated for degree of edema. Mean daily edema scores and curves for control and daclizumab-treated groups were compared. Differences in survival at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after transplantation, days of mechanical ventilation, and the ratio of arterial oxygenation to inspired oxygen level at 1, 3, and 5 days after transplantation were also compared.

RESULTS

Mean daily edema scores, edema curves, survival, days of mechanical ventilation, and ratio of arterial oxygenation to inspired oxygen level at 1 and 3 days after transplantation did not significantly differ between daclizumab-treated and control groups. A trend toward improved survival in the daclizumab-treated group was noted.

CONCLUSION

Daclizumab had no effect on the radiographic or immediate clinical manifestations of reperfusion edema in lung transplant recipients. Additional follow-up is needed to determine if daclizumab offers any long-term benefit in terms of reduced rejection rates or survival.

Idiopathic multilocular thymic cyst: CT features with clinical and histopathologic correlation

OBJECTIVE

We performed this study to describe the CT features of idiopathic multilocular thymic cysts with clinical and histopathologic correlation.

CONCLUSION

Multilocular thymic cysts typically manifest on CT as unilocular or multilocular cystic thymic masses, often with soft-tissue attenuation components. CT cannot be used to distinguish neoplastic from nonneoplastic soft-tissue components.

A study on hexachromic ion selective electrode based on supported liquid membranes

An ion selective electrode (ISE) for determining Cr(VI) using supported liquid membranes (SLMs) containing trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) was investigated in this study. TOPO, as a carrier, had a high selectivity for Cr(VI) against interfering ions such as sulfate, nitrate, nitrite, and chloride. The composition of the SLM was optimized as 0.193 g TOPO/1 mL NPOE (o-nitrophenyl octyl ether)/0.5 g poly (vinyl chloride) for detection of Cr(VI). The Cr(VI) concentration was measured in the range of 1 x 10(-3) to 1 x 10(-6) M with the SLM prepared in the study. It seemed that Cr(VI) was transported in the SLM as a triply charged ion indicated by the slope of the emf response. Selectivity coefficients and detection limits of Cr(VI) in the presence of interfering ions were determined experimentally using the fixed interference method.

Prurigo pigmentosa from contact allergy to chrome in detergent

Prurigo pigmentosa is a recurrent inflammatory dermatosis characterized by pruritic erythematous papules and reticulate hyperpigmentation that occurs most frequently in spring and summer. The etiology of prurigo pigmentosa remains unknown. Numerous authors have suggested that various contact allergens may be pathogenic or triggering factors, but nearly all attempts to identify an allergen have been unsuccessful. We report a case of prurigo pigmentosa induced by contact allergy to chrome in detergent, supporting the conclusion that contact allergens such as chrome may play a rôle in inducing prurigo pigmentosa.

Expression of MAGE-1, -2, and -3 genes in gastric carcinomas and cancer cell lines derived from Korean patients

We investigated the expression of MAGE-1, -2, and -3 genes in tissues of 51 gastric carcinomas from Korean patients and in 11 gastric cancer cell lines established in Korea using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction along with immunohistochemical analyses and DNA sequencing. Among the 51 gastric carcinomas, MAGE-1, -2, and -3 genes were expressed in 16 (31%), 22 (43%), and 17 (33%), respectively, and 31 (60%) expressed at least one of the three genes. In contrast, none of the three MAGE genes were expressed in normal sites of gastric tissue from each cancer patient. Out of 11 gastric cancer cell lines, MAGE-1, -2, and -3 genes were expressed in two (18%), five (46%), and four (36%), respectively. According to the clinicopathological analysis, the expression of any of the three MAGE genes was not significantly correlated with several clinicopathological factors except histologic types (p= 0.067). Immunohistochemical analyses identified positive staining with monoclonal antibodies 77B and 57B specifically against MAGE-1 and -3 proteins, respectively, in nuclei and cytoplasms of cells in mRNA-positive tumor tissue. These findings suggest the possibility as a target for tumor-specific immunotherapy for Korean patients.

Measurement method for electric fields based on stark spectroscopy of argon atoms

We report the development of a method for the measurement of electric fields in glow discharge plasmas, based on Stark spectroscopy of argon atoms. The method is based on laser excitation of transitions in atomic argon. The key feature of the method is that the electric field is determined by matching experimentally obtained absorption spectra to theoretically calculated spectra. The dependence of the positions of energy levels of argon atoms on the strength of the electric field was calculated by solving the Schrodinger equation for the argon atom. Measurements of Stark spectra were made in the sheath region of a glow discharge using laser optogalvanic spectroscopy. The wavelength of the laser radiation was tuned to the transitions 4s-->nf (n=7,8,ellipsis,14) of the argon atom. For n=11, the lower limit for electric field measurements was estimated to be 14 V/mm.

Mutations in beta-catenin and APC genes are uncommon in esophageal and esophagogastric junction adenocarcinomas

Beta-catenin plays important roles in both intercellular adhesion and signal transduction. Mutations in the beta-catenin or adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene can alter the degradation of beta-catenin and cause aberrant accumulation of beta-catenin result in increased transcription of target genes. The dysregulated APC/beta-catenin pathway has been recently discovered as an important mechanism of tumorigenesis in various cancers, but its role in esophageal adenocarcinomas is not clear. Therefore, we studied the beta-catenin gene mutation, allelic loss of chromosome 5q, and APC gene mutation in esophageal and esophagogastric junction adenocarcinomas. Two (2%) somatic mutations in exon 3 of the beta-catenin gene, encompassing the region for glycogen synthase kinase-3beta phosphorylation, were detected from 109 adenocarcinomas. Chromosomal allelic loss on 5q was frequent in 45.3% (44/97) of tumors. Only one missense mutation in the mutation cluster region of the APC gene was detected from 38 esophageal and esophagogastric junction adenocarcinomas with the 5q allelic loss. Our results based on partial screening mutational analyses indicate that mutations of APC/beta-catenin pathway, unlike in colorectal carcinoma, involve only a small subset of esophageal and esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma.

The "High-Riding" superior pericardial recess: CT findings

OBJECTIVE. We recently observed patients in whom the superior pericardial recess extended cephalad ("high-riding") into the right paratracheal region. In these patients, differentiation from mediastinal lymphadenopathy or mass was difficult. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and CT features of the high-riding superior pericardial recess. CONCLUSION. Narrow-collimation CT with multiplanar reformations was useful for confidently diagnosing a high-riding superior pericardial recess and for distinguishing it from pathologic lesions.

Esophageal tubular duplication complicated with intraluminal hematoma: a case report

Esophageal tubular duplication is a rare congenital anomaly. We experienced a patient with esophageal tubular duplication who presented with a swallowing difficulty which was aggravated after a gastrofiberscopic examination. Preoperative diagnosis was intramural hematoma of the esophagus due to trauma caused by endoscopy. Surgical specimen revealed that hematoma was located within a duplicated lumen of the esophagus. The radiologic and endoscopic findings are discussed in correlation with its pathology.

Effects of solvent selection and fabrication method on the characteristics of biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres containing ovalbumin

To demonstrate the effect of formulation conditions on the controlled release of protein from poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres for use as a parenteral drug carrier, ovalbumin (OVA) microspheres were prepared using the W/O/W multiple emulsion solvent evaporation and extraction method. Methylene chloride or ethyl acetate was applied as an organic phase and poly(vinyl alcohol) as a secondary emulsion stabilizer. Low loading efficiencies of less than 20% were observed and the in vitro release of OVA showed a burst effect in all batches of different microspheres, followed by a gradual release over the next 6 weeks. Formulation processes affected the size and morphology, drug content, and the controlled release of OVA from PLGA microspheres.

A cationic lipid emulsion/DNA complex as a physically stable and serum-resistant gene delivery system

PURPOSE

To develop a non-viral gene delivery system in the form of an oil-in-water (o/w) lipid emulsion.

METHOD

Cationic lipid emulsions were formulated with soybean oil, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP) as a cationic emulsifier and other co-emulsifiers. The physical characteristics of the lipid emulsion and the emulsion/DNA complex were determined. The in vitro transfection efficiency of the emulsion/DNA complex was determined in the presence of up to 90% serum.

RESULTS

The average droplet size and zeta potential of emulsions were ca. 180 nm and ca. +50 mV, respectively. Among the emulsions, a stable formulation was selected to form a complex with a plasmid DNA encoding chloramphenicol acetyltransferase. By increasing the ratio of emulsion to DNA. zeta-potential of the emulsion/DNA complex increased monotonously from negative to positive without any changes in the complex size. The complex was stable against DNase I digestion and an anionic poly-L-aspartic acid (PLAA). The complex delivered DNA into the cells successfully, and the transfection efficiency was not affected by complex formation time from 20 min to 2 h. More importantly, the cationic lipid emulsion facilitated the transfer of DNA in the presence of up to 90% serum.

CONCLUSIONS

The cationic lipid emulsion/DNA complex has physical stability and serum resistant properties for gene transfer.

Comparative enzymatic hydrolysis of phytate in various animal feedstuff with two different phytases

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DS11 phytase (DS11 phytase) and Aspergillus ficuum phytase (AF phytase) activities were investigated by measuring the release of phosphate from phytate in animal feedstuff such as wheat bran, corn meal, soybean meal and rice flour at pH 5 and 7. In all the tested feedstuff, the enzymatic activity of DS11 phytase was more active at pH 7, but that of AF phytase was more active at pH 5. From these results, the phytate in the gastrointestinal tract could be degraded in the small intestine or stomach by DS11 or AF phytase, respectively. In conclusion, the results presented in this paper indicated that different combination ratios of DS11 and AF phytase, depending on the kind of feedstuff, might effectively induce more enzymatic activity both in the stomach and small intestine in terms of the pH of the gastrointestinal tract.

Mucormycosis of the central airways: CT findings in three patients

Computed tomographic (CT) findings are described in three diabetic patients with central airways mucormycosis. The CT findings of the tracheobronchial mucormycosis include enhancing areas of mural thickening (n = 3), luminal narrowing (n = 3), intramural air (n = 3), low-attenuation nonenhancing bronchial wall thickening (n = 2), and bronchonodal fistula formation (n = 1). These CT features in a diabetic patient should raise a high index of suspicion for tracheobronchial mucormycosis, particularly when typical radiographic features of pulmonary tuberculosis are absent.

Subaortic left innominate vein: radiologic findings and consideration of embryogenesis

To propose a hypothesis about the embryogenesis of the subaortic left innominate vein, the authors reviewed the radiologic features of 14 patients diagnosed with subaortic left innominate vein made by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scan. The authors retrospectively analyzed the level of the aortic arch, associated aortic arch anomalies, and the presence or absence of obliteration of the prevascular space. A high aortic arch was seen in 10 patients, five with a cervical, two with a right and, one with a double aortic arch. The prevascular space was occupied by the aortic arch, the great arteries, or both in all 10 patients with a high arch. In the remaining four patients with a normal aortic arch, the prevascular space was preserved, but abnormal elongation of the aortic segment between the left common carotid artery and the left subclavian artery was seen in three. The authors postulate that precardinal anastomosis can develop in any pathway where there is the available space. In the presence of abnormal elongation of the aortic arch and resultant widening of the subaortic space, the chance of the development of a subaortic left innominate vein increases.

Stable lipiodolized emulsions for hepatoma targeting and treatment by transcatheter arterial chemoembolization

We attempted to develop lipiodolized emulsions that remain in the tumour for a long period, release drug in a sustained release pattern, and thus improve the conventional treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) [1]. Polyoxyethylene derivatives of hydrogenated castor oil (HCO) were the most suitable emulsifiers in stabilizing emulsions containing Lipiodol as an oil phase. The length of ethylene oxide coupled to HCO rather than the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) values was an important factor in preparing stable emulsions and in achieving sustained-release characteristics. When distilled water was replaced with Iopamiro, a heavy water soluble contrast medium with a specific gravity of 1.335, more stable lipiodolized emulsions with longer sustained release behaviour could be prepared with smaller amount of HCO. To study the in vivo stability of the w/o Lipiodol emulsion and the sustained-release characteristics of doxorubicin from the emulsion, the pharmacokinetic study was performed with normal dogs using transcatheter arterial chemoembolization technique. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve for the first eight hours (AUC0-8) and AUCtotal values of the stabilized emulsion were three to four times higher than those of the coarse emulsion prepared lacking HCO 60. From the in vitro and in vivo studies, Lipiodol based water in oil emulsion with HCO 60 containing doxorubicin showed higher stability and released doxorubicin in a sustained fashion.

Programmed removal of chondrocytes during endochondral fracture healing

This investigation tested the hypothesis that the removal of chondrocytes during endochondral fracture healing involves an ordered process of programmed cell death. To accomplish this, unilateral closed fractures were created in the femora of 36 Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were killed in groups of four on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, 49, and 56 after fracture. The femora were embedded in paraffin and tested for expression of specific markers of fragmented DNA with use of a terminal deoxyuridyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) technique. To determine the potential for transdifferentiation of chondrocytes to osteoblasts, calluses were also hybridized to detect expression of osteocalcin mRNA. Cell proliferation was assessed by an immunohistochemical detection method for proliferating cell nuclear antigen. A separate group of four rats was killed on day 28 to represent the later stage of the endochondral ossification, and the calluses were examined for cellular morphology with transmission electron microscopy. The results showed a coordination in both time and space of the activities of cellular proliferation and programmed cell death. Cell proliferation was most active in the earlier phases of fracture healing (days 1 through 14), although TUNEL expression was apparent in hypertrophic chondrocytes on day 14 after fracture and persisted until day 28. In the later stages of fracture healing (days 14 through 28), proliferating cell nuclear antigen was no longer synthesized in hard callus (intramembranous bone) and cell removal was the dominant activity in soft callus chondrocytes. Expression of osteocalcin mRNA was detected in osteoblasts but not in hypertrophic chondrocytes or in any other nonosteoblastic cell type. These findings support the hypothesis that the removal of chondrocytes during endochondral fracture healing is part of an ordered transition of tissue types in which the cellular mechanisms are genetically programmed to involve proliferation, maturation, and apoptotic cell death.

Thin-section CT findings of the lungs: experimentally induced bronchial and pulmonary artery obstruction in pigs

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a mosaic pattern of lung attenuation, or lobular low attenuation, is revealed on CT imaging after induction of bronchial and pulmonary artery obstruction in pigs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eight anesthetized and ventilated pigs, four for bronchial obstruction and four for pulmonary artery obstruction, were examined with thin-section CT. Bronchial obstruction was induced at the subsegmental level using 2- to 3-mm radiopaque silicon spheres at 14 sites. Pulmonary artery obstruction was induced at 11 sites by dislodging 2- to 3-mm silicon spheres at the level of the superior vena cava. CT scans were obtained at end expiration immediately after the obstruction in all pigs (n = 8) and after 1 day (n = 3), 3 days (n = 5), 7 days (n = 4), 14 days (n = 4), and 28 days (n = 3).

RESULTS

Of the 14 sites of bronchial obstruction, six sites (43%) on the immediate scans showed a lobular distribution of low attenuation distal to the spheres, which changed to atelectasis, consolidation, or normal on follow-up CT. Of the four sites that did not show changes in lung attenuation on immediate CT scans, two sites showed lobular low attenuation after 1 day. The mean attenuation value +/- SD for the lobular low attenuation was -737 H +/- 122 and that of the adjacent lung was -522 H +/- 53 (p = .0077). None of the pulmonary artery obstruction sites showed visible change in lung attenuation, and mean attenuation values for obstructed sites and unobstructed sites did not show significant differences when scanned as many as 28 days after the immediate scans.

CONCLUSION

Lobular low attenuation on thin-section CT was induced by bronchial obstruction, but we found no change in lung attenuation due to obstruction of the pulmonary arteries as many as 28 days after the immediate scans.

Sonography of the costal cartilage: normal anatomy and preliminary clinical application

Costal cartilages of 10 controls and 12 patients with Tietze's syndrome (n = 6), deformed (exaggerated bowing) cartilage (n = 4), focal enlargement (n = 1), and cancer-invaded cartilage (n = 1) were examined with ultrasonography. In controls, ultrasonography detected 237 of 240 costal cartilages (98.8%) and 58 of 105 intercartilage connections (55%) with three variations. Correlation with CT was available in 7 patients (1 Tietze's syndrome, 4 deformities, 1 cartilage enlargement, and 1 cancer) among 8 patients whose CT results were known to the sonographer. Sonography showed normal (n = 4) or marginally blurred (n = 2) cartilages in 6 Tietze's syndromes. Ultrasonography is a promising technique in the examination of costal cartilages.

Thoracic manifestations of Behçet syndrome: radiographic and CT findings in nine patients

PURPOSE

To evaluate the radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) findings of patients with thoracic Behçet syndrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Chest radiographs and CT scans of nine patients with thoracic Behçet syndrome were retrospectively reviewed. Findings were compared.

RESULTS

Radiographs of the nine patients showed mediastinal widening in five (56%), air-space consolidation in five (56%), and lung mass in three (33%). CT scans of the nine patients showed that mediastinal widening was due to thrombosis in four (44%) or narrowing of the superior vena cava in one [11%], which caused mediastinal edema; that air-space consolidation (seen on both radiographs and CT scans) was due to pulmonary hemorrhage or infarction in five (56%); and that lung mass was due to aneurysm of the right or left pulmonary artery in three (33%). In addition, CT scans showed hyperinflation in one patient.

CONCLUSION

Chest radiographic findings of thoracic Behçet syndrome are variable and nonspecific. CT can be helpful in the assessment of the syndrome by showing thrombosis of the superior vena cava and characteristic aneurysms of the pulmonary arteries.

The liposome partitioning system for correlating biological activities of imidazolidine derivatives

The partitioning of 10 imidazolidines in various liposome/buffer systems (logK'm) has been determined and compared to partitioning in the n-octanol/buffer system (logP'). The logK'm, which was generally greater than the logP', increased or decreased upon the addition of dicetylphosphate (DCP) or stearylamine (STA), respectively, to dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) liposomes. Quantitative correlations of alpha 2-adrenergic potencies of imidazolidines have been made by regression analyses with logP', logK'm, binding affinity, and intrinsic activity. Both central and peripheral potencies correlated with logK'm but not with logP'. Multiple regressions yielded improved predictable quantification of these potencies. Thus, the liposomal membrane system shows certain advantages over the n-octanol/buffer system for the prediction of biological activities of the imidazolidines.

A method for production of antibodies to human T-cell receptor beta-chain variable regions

Mouse T-cell hybridomas bearing human V beta elements were produced by transfection of human/mouse hybrid T-cell receptor beta-chain genes into a mouse T-cell hybridoma lacking an endogenous beta-chain gene. These hybridomas were entirely mouse in origin except for the human V beta region. These cells were used to immunize mice against human V beta elements. Mouse monoclonal antibodies have thus been generated against human V beta 13.1 and -13.2. We expect that the method outlined in this paper will be useful in the production of monoclonal antibodies specific for other human V beta or V alpha elements.

Characterization of distribution behavior of 2-imidazolines into multilamellar liposomes

The distribution of 2-imidazolines in neutral dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) liposomes, in negatively charged liposomes containing dicetylphosphate (DCP) or phosphatidylserine (PS), and in positively charged liposomes containing stearylamine (STA), has been investigated. Electrophoretic mobilities of multilamellar liposomes have also been measured as a function of drug concentration. Apparent equilibrium partition coefficients (log K'm) increased as a function of the DCP or PS concentration in DMPC liposomes whereas log K'm decreased with STA concentration, except for lofexidine and clonidine. Similarly, the electrokinetic parameters increased in DMPC liposomes that exhibited a small, positive surface charge, decreased in DMPC/cholesterol/DCP (7:1:2 mole ratio) liposomes, and increased in DMPC/STA (3:1 mole ratio) liposomes, except for clonidine which showed a decrease, as a function of the 2-imidazoline concentration. Surface potential change (delta psi o) due to drug inclusion in the liposomes obtained from theoretical considerations exhibited a positive linear relationship with log K'm. Values of delta psi o were greater but less sensitive to log K'm in negatively charged than in neutral or positively charged liposomes at 1 mM drug concentration. Likewise, surface charge densities varied in the same order as the surface potentials as a function of log K'm of the 2-imidazolines, except for clonidine and lofexidine. These data indicate the relative importance of the membrane surface characteristics on the partitioning behavior, and also possibly the membrane transport behavior, of the 2-imidazoline drugs.

Solubilization of liposomes by weak electrolyte drugs. I. Propranolol

The solubilization of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) liposomes by a weak electrolyte drug, propranolol (PPL) hydrochloride, has been studied as a function of pH, [PPL], [DMPC], and temperature. The solubilization of liposomes at 40 degrees C by 0.2 mM PPL occurred at different rates from 2.9 to 14.4 mM DMPC but converged at complete solubilization after 13 hr at pH 12.0. At the same [PPL], solubilization was complete after 18 days at pH 11.0, but incomplete solubilization occurred at pH 10.0 and not at all at lower pH's. In 14.4 mM DMPC liposomes, solubilization was gradual and proportional to the [PPL] from 0.001 to 0.10 mM up to 95 hr, then rapid thereafter. The [PPL] at which the solubilization efficiency began to increase rapidly was determined to be 0.078 mM. The rate of solubilization was also influenced by the fluidity of the bilayers, a sevenfold increase in the time for complete solubilization being observed upon cooling from 40 to 20 degrees C. Surface tension (st) data confirmed a low critical micelle concentration (CMC) and continued decrease in the st above the CMC. It is concluded that the critical ratio of PPL to DMPC for solubilization occurs in localized regions of the bilayers, with total solubilization at different rates depending on the [PPL] and the physical properties of the liposomes. The processes may be used advantageously to prepare small vesicles or to extract lipids or proteins, more efficiently than detergents, from biological membranes.

Residues of the variable region of the T-cell-receptor beta-chain that interact with S. aureus toxin superantigens

The alpha beta T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) recognizes antigenic peptides in the context of self major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. The specificity of recognition of MHC plus antigen is generally determined by a combination of the variable elements of alpha- and beta-chains of the TCR. Several types of antigen, however, have been identified that, when bound to MHC molecules, stimulate T cells bearing particular variable-region beta-chain (V beta) elements irrespective of the other variable components of the TCR. These have been termed 'superantigens', and here we are concerned with one type of superantigen, the toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus. T cells have been found that bear closely related members of the same V beta family but respond differently to S. aureus toxins; in particular, cells bearing the human V beta 13.2 element respond to toxin SEC2, whereas cells bearing human V beta 13.1 do not. We have now defined the residues of the V beta element responsible for this difference, and find that they reside in a region thought to lie on the side of the TCR molecule, away from the conventional antigen/MHC-binding site. The evolutionary conservation of this site may be due to its having an important role in some function of the TCR other than the binding of conventional antigen plus MHC.