Laser-based angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy with micrometer spatial resolution and detection of three-dimensional spin vector

We have developed a state-of-the-art apparatus for laser-based spin- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy with micrometer spatial resolution (µ-SARPES). This equipment is realized by the combination of a high-resolution photoelectron spectrometer, a 6 eV laser with high photon flux that is focused down to a few micrometers, a high-precision sample stage control system, and a double very-low-energy-electron-diffraction spin detector. The setup achieves an energy resolution of 1.5 (5.5) meV without (with) the spin detection mode, compatible with a spatial resolution better than 10 µm. This enables us to probe both spatially-resolved electronic structures and vector information of spin polarization in three dimensions. The performance of µ-SARPES apparatus is demonstrated by presenting ARPES and SARPES results from topological insulators and Au photolithography patterns on a Si (001) substrate.

Ultrafast electron dynamics in a topological surface state observed in two-dimensional momentum space

We study ultrafast population dynamics in the topological surface state of Sb[Formula: see text]Te[Formula: see text] in two-dimensional momentum space with time- and angle-resolved two-photon photoemission spectroscopy. Linearly polarized mid-infrared pump pulses are used to permit a direct optical excitation across the Dirac point. We show that this resonant excitation is strongly enhanced within the Dirac cone along three of the six [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] directions and results in a macroscopic photocurrent when the plane of incidence is aligned along a [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] direction. Our experimental approach makes it possible to disentangle the decay of transiently excited population and photocurent by elastic and inelastic electron scattering within the full Dirac cone in unprecedented detail. This is utilized to show that doping of Sb[Formula: see text]Te[Formula: see text] by vanadium atoms strongly enhances inelastic electron scattering to lower energies, but only scarcely affects elastic scattering around the Dirac cone.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Rates of Invasive Second Breast Cancer Among Women With Ductal Carcinoma In Situ in Hawai'i

Importance

Women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) may develop a subsequent invasive second breast cancer (SBC). Understanding the association of racial and ethnic factors with the development of invasive SBC may help reduce overtreatment and undertreatment of women from minority groups.

Objective

To evaluate risk factors associated with developing invasive ipsilateral SBC (iiSBC) and invasive contralateral SBC (icSBC) among women with an initial diagnosis of DCIS who are from racial and ethnic minority populations.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study used deidentified data from the Hawai'i Tumor Registry of 6221 female Hawai'i residents aged 20 years or older who received a diagnosis of DCIS between January 1, 1973, and December 31, 2017. The 5 most populous ethnic groups were compared (Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Native Hawaiian, and White). Data analysis was performed from 2020 to 2021.

Exposures

Patient demographic and clinical characteristics and the first course of treatment.

Main Outcome and Measures

The a priori study outcome was the development of invasive SBC. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with invasive SBC. Factors that were significant on unadjusted analyses were included in the adjusted models (ie, age, race and ethnicity, diagnosis year, DCIS histologic characteristics, laterality, hormone status, and treatment).

Results

The racial and ethnic distribution of patients with DCIS across the state's most populous groups were 2270 Japanese women (37%), 1411 White women (23%), 840 Filipino women (14%), 821 Native Hawaiian women (13%), and 491 Chinese women (8%). Women of other minority race and ethnicity collectively comprised 6% of cases (n = 388). A total of 6221 women (age range, 20 to ≥80 years) were included in the study; 4817 (77%) were 50 years of age or older, 4452 (72%) received a diagnosis between 2000 and 2017, 2581 (42%) had well or moderately differentiated histologic characteristics, 2383 (38%) had noninfiltrating intraductal DCIS, and 2011 (32%) were treated with mastectomy only. Of these 6221 women, 444 (7%) developed invasive SBC; 190 developed iiSBC (median time to SBC diagnosis, 7.8 years [range, 0.5-30 years]) and 254 developed icSBC (median time to SBC diagnosis, 5.9 years [range, 0.5-28.8 years]). On adjusted analysis, women who developed iiSBC were more likely to be younger than 50 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.49; 95% CI, 1.08-2.06), Native Hawaiian (aOR, 3.28; 95% CI, 2.01-5.35), Filipino (aOR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.11-3.42), Japanese (aOR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.01-2.48), and untreated (aOR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.09-4.80). Compared with breast-conserving surgery (BCS) alone, there was a decreased likelihood of iiSBC among women receiving BCS and radiotherapy (aOR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.27-0.75), BCS and systemic treatment with or without radiotherapy (aOR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.23-0.69), mastectomy only (aOR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.13-0.39), and mastectomy and systemic treatment (aOR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.33-0.96). Women who developed an icSBC were more likely to be Native Hawaiian (aOR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.10-2.61) or Filipino (aOR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.10-2.63). Risk of both iiSBC and icSBC decreased in the later years of diagnosis (2000-2017) compared with the earlier years (1973-1999).

Conclusions and Relevance

This study suggests that Native Hawaiian and Filipino women who initially received a diagnosis of DCIS were more likely to subsequently develop both iiSBC and icSBC. Japanese women and younger women were more likely to develop iiSBC. Subpopulation disaggregation may help guide clinical treatment and screening decisions for at-risk subpopulations.

The gut–kidney–heart axis in chronic kidney disease

The recent explosion of scientific interest in the gut microbiota has dramatically advanced our understanding of the complex pathophysiological interactions between the gut and multiple organs in health and disease. Emerging evidence has revealed that the gut microbiota is significantly altered in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), along with impaired intestinal barrier function. These alterations allow translocation of various gut-derived products into the systemic circulation, contributing to the development and progression of CKD and cardiovascular disease (CVD), partly mediated by chronic inflammation. Among potentially toxic gut-derived products identifiable in the systemic circulation, bacterial endotoxin and gut metabolites (e.g., p-cresyl sulfate and trimethylamine-N-oxide) have been extensively studied for their immunostimulatory and atherogenic properties. Recent studies have also suggested similar biological properties of bacterial DNA fragments circulating in the blood of patients with CKD, even in the absence of overt infections. Despite the accumulating evidence of the gut microbiota in CKD and its therapeutic potential for CVD, the precise mechanisms for multidirectional interactions between the gut, kidney, and heart remain poorly understood. This review aims to provide recent evidence on the associations between the gut microbiota, CKD, and CVD, and summarize current understanding of the potential pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the “gut–kidney–heart” axis in CKD.

Prolonged duration of nonequilibrated Dirac fermions in neutral topological insulators

Topological insulators (TIs) possess spin-polarized Dirac fermions on their surface but their unique properties are often masked by residual carriers in the bulk. Recently, (Sb_1−xBi_x)₂Te₃ was introduced as a non-metallic TI whose carrier type can be tuned from n to p across the charge neutrality point. By using time- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we investigate the ultrafast carrier dynamics in the series of (Sb_1−xBi_x)₂Te₃. The Dirac electronic recovery of ∼10 ps at most in the bulk-metallic regime elongated to >400 ps when the charge neutrality point was approached. The prolonged nonequilibration is attributed to the closeness of the Fermi level to the Dirac point and to the high insulation of the bulk. We also discuss the feasibility of observing excitonic instability of (Sb_1−xBi_x)₂Te₃.

Once-weekly teriparatide in hemodialysis patients with hypoparathyroidism and low bone mass: a prospective study

Once-weekly 56.5-μg teriparatide treatment was significantly associated with the increase in lumbar spine bone mineral density at 48 weeks among hemodialysis patients with hypoparathyroidism and low bone mass; however, discontinuation of treatment because of adverse events was frequently observed. Careful monitoring for adverse events should be required.

INTRODUCTION

Once-weekly 56.5-μg teriparatide is reportedly effective for treating osteoporotic patients without renal insufficiency. However, little is known about the efficacy and safety of once-weekly teriparatide in hemodialysis patients.

METHODS

We conducted a 48-week prospective, observational cohort study including 22 hemodialysis patients aged 20 years or older with hypoparathyroidism and low bone mass who received once-weekly teriparatide at 56.5 μg at a tertiary care hospital between January 2013 and January 2015. Primary outcomes were within-subject percent changes of bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and distal one-third radius at 24 and 48 weeks. Secondary outcomes included percent changes of serum bone turnover markers (osteocalcin, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), N-terminal propeptide of procollagen type 1 (P1NP), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRAP-5b)). Adverse events were evaluated.

RESULTS

The BMD increased at the lumbar spine by 3.3 ± 1.9 % (mean ± SEM) and 3.0 ± 1.8 % at 24 and 48 weeks but not in the femoral neck and distal one-third radius. Serum osteocalcin, BAP, and P1NP increased significantly at 4 weeks, maintaining higher concentrations up to 48 weeks, although TRAP-5b decreased gradually during treatment. The baseline BAP was significantly associated with the 48-week percent change in lumbar spine BMD. Transient hypotension was the most common adverse event. Ten patients discontinued treatment because of adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Once-weekly teriparatide was associated with increased lumbar spine BMD in hemodialysis patients with hypoparathyroidism and low bone mass. Careful monitoring should be required for treatment of such patients.

Measurement of the zygomatic bone and pilot hole technique for safer insertion of zygomaticus implants

The zygomaticus implant was developed for patients with severe bone resorption of the posterior maxilla. These may eliminate or minimize the need for bone grafting. Although the zygomaticus implant has shown a remarkable success rate in this difficult-to-treat patient population, the method requires an advanced surgical technique and carries an increased risk of complications. There have been few anatomical studies on the zygomatic bone in relation to the insertion of zygomaticus implants. The height and thickness of the zygomatic bone for the insertion were measured in this study. The thickness at the 90° angle point, where the upper margin of the zygomatic arch and the temporal margin of the frontal process of the zygomatic bone intersect and where the apex of the implant penetrates, was found to be 1.8±0.4 mm; this gradually increased inferiorly and anteriorly. Thus, the penetration point of the apex of the zygomaticus implant should be located more inferoanterior to the 90° angle point, as the thickness in this region is thinner than the diameter of the implant. Based on the results of this study, a newer and safer insertion method for the zygomaticus implant using a drill guide is proposed.

Impact of tubulointerstitial lesions on anaemia in patients with biopsy-proven diabetic nephropathy

AIMS

To investigate the relationship between the progression of anaemia and renal pathological findings in patients with diabetic nephropathy.

METHODS

A total of 223 patients with diabetes underwent renal biopsy from 1985 to 2010 and were confirmed to have pure diabetic nephropathy according to the recent classification, of whom 113 (baseline haemoglobin ≥ 11 g/dl) were enrolled in the study. Linear regression analysis was used to estimate the changes in haemoglobin levels during the follow-up period.

RESULTS

In a multivariate model adjusted for clinical and histopathological variables, higher interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy scores were more strongly associated with a decrease in haemoglobin levels than were lower scores. Compared with an interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy score of 0, the standardized coefficients for interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy scores of 1, 2 and 3 were 0.20 (95% CI -0.31 to 0.93), 0.34 (95% CI -0.22 to 1.34) and 0.47 (95% CI 0.07 to 1.96), respectively, whereas a higher glomerular class, a higher vascular lesion score and the presence of exudative lesions were not strongly correlated with the decrease in haemoglobin.

CONCLUSIONS

Tubulointerstitial lesions that are more advanced are significantly associated with the progression of anaemia in patients with diabetic nephropathy after adjustment for numerous covariates. This finding suggests that tubulointerstitial lesions may be a useful prognostic indicator for anaemia in patients with diabetic nephropathy, and that decreased erythropoietin production attributable to the progression of tubulointerstitial lesions is a major cause of anaemia in these patients.

Bone histomorphometry in a long-term hemodialysis patient with hypoparathyroidism and sarcoidosis

A bone biopsy specimen in a long-term hemodialysis patient with sarcoidosis coexisting with severe hypoparathyroidism has demonstrated that a persistent near physiological level of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 contributes to the preservation of bone remodeling and has the potential to retard the development of vascular calcification and atherosclerosis. Sarcoidosis-related hypercalcemia and hypoparathyroidism, which is characterized by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) overproduction, is rarely seen in hemodialysis patients. Herein, we describe a 60-year-old Japanese woman on hemodialysis for 35 years who presented with malaise and hypercalcemia. Severe hypoparathyroidism without parathyroidectomy and a preserved 1,25(OH)2D3 level were detected. Computed tomography showed bilateral axillary lymphadenopathy and minimal aortic and soft tissue calcification. The axillary node biopsy led to a definite diagnosis of sarcoidosis. A bone biopsy specimen obtained from the right iliac crest showed remodeling of normal lamellar bone with scalloped cement lines and clear double labeling by tetracycline on fluorescence microscopy. Histomorphometric analysis revealed that the bone formation rate was preserved (30.0 %/year), together with a decrease of osteoid volume (5.75 %) and fibrous volume (0 %), indicating that the patient did not have adynamic bone disease and only showed mild disease. This is the first documented case of sarcoidosis-related hypercalcemia associated with severe hypoparathyroidism in a long-term hemodialysis patient who underwent bone histomorphometry. Our findings suggest that, in hemodialysis patients with sarcoidosis coexisting with severe hypoparathyroidism, a persistent near physiological level of 1,25(OH)2D3 contributes to the preservation of bone remodeling and has the potential to retard the development of vascular calcification and atherosclerosis.

Terahertz phase contrast imaging of sorption kinetics in porous coordination polymer nanocrystals using differential optical resonator

The enhancement of light-matter coupling when light is confined to wavelength scale volumes is useful both for studying small sample volumes and increasing the overall sensing ability. At these length scales, nonradiative interactions are of key interest to which near-field optical techniques may reveal new phenomena facilitating next-generation material functionalities and applications. Efforts to develop novel chemical or biological sensors using metamaterials have yielded innovative ideas in the optical and terahertz frequency range whereby the spatially integrated response over a resonator structure is monitored via the re-radiated or leaked light. But although terahertz waves generally exhibit distinctive response in chemical molecules or biological tissue, there is little absorption for subwavelength size sample and therefore poor image contrast. Here, we introduce a method that spatially resolves the differential near-field phase response of the entire resonator as a spectral fingerprint. By simultaneously probing two metallic ring resonators, where one loaded with the sample of interest, the differential phase response is able to resolve the presence of guest molecules (e.g. methanol) as they are adsorbed or released within the pores of a prototypical porous coordination polymer.

Characteristics of splenic CD8+ T cell exhaustion in patients with hepatitis C

There is increasing interest in the role of T cell exhaustion and it is well known that the natural history of chronic hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) is modulated by CD8(+) T cell immunobiology. There are many pathways that alter the presence of exhaustive T cells and, in particular, they are functionally impaired by inhibitory receptors, such as programmed death-1 (PD-1) and T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (Tim-3). We obtained spleen, liver and peripheral blood (before and after splenectomy) lymphoid cells from 25 patients with HCV-related cirrhosis undergoing liver transplantation for end-stage disease or splenectomy for portal hypertension. In all samples we performed an extensive phenotypic study of exhaustion markers [PD-1, Tim-3, interferon (IFN)-γ) and their ligands (PD-L1, PD-L2, galectin-9] in CD8(+) T cell subpopulations (both total and HCV-specific) and in antigen-presenting cells (APC; monocytes and dendritic cells). In the spleen, total and HCV-specific CD8(+) T cells demonstrated enhanced markers of exhaustion, predominantly in the effector memory subpopulation. Similarly, splenic APC over-expressed inhibitory receptor ligands when compared to peripheral blood. Finally, when peripheral blood CD8(+) T cells were compared before and after splenectomy, markers of exhaustion were reduced in splenic CD8(+) T cells and APC. Our data in HCV-related cirrhosis suggest that CD8(+) T cells in the spleen manifest a significantly higher exhaustion compared to peripheral blood and may thus contribute to the failure to control HCV. Counteracting this process may contribute to inducing an effective immune response to HCV.

Hepatitis C virus-related kidney disease: various histological patterns

BACKGROUND

Although hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is known to be associated with Type 2 cryoglobulinemic glomerulopathy (CG), only a few reports about other types of nephropathy have been published.

METHODS

68 HCV antibody positive patients in whom renal biopsy had been performed for persistent proteinuria, hematuria, and/or renal dysfunction between 1992 and 2008 at our institute were included. The histological, clinical and laboratory characteristics including the age, gender, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, liver histology (chronic hepatitis or liver cirrhosis), HCV-RNA, HCV genotype, splenomegaly, gastroesophageal varices, serum creatinine, hemoglobin, platelet count, rheumatoid factor, cryoglobulin, IgG, IgA, IgM, CH50, C3, C4, creatinine clearance, 24-h protein excretion, and hematuria, between their nephropathy with and without immune deposition were compared.

RESULTS

Nephropathy was classified into two groups based on the detection of immune deposits by immunofluorescence microscopy: i.e., a positive group (n = 39) and a negative group (n = 29). The former group was further classified into three types of nephropathy: IgG dominant group (n = 10) (including membranous nephropathy (MN)), IgA dominant group (n = 20) (including IgA nephropathy (IgAN)), membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) (IgA type)), and IgM dominant group (n = 9) (MPGN apart from the IgA type). The latter group included diabetic nephropathy (n = 13), focal glomerular sclerosis (n = 4), and benign nephrosclerosis (n = 3), malignant nephrosclerosis (n = 1), tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) (n = 2), minimal change nephrotic syndrome (n = 1), cast nephropathy (n = 1), granulomatous TIN (n = 1), and others (n = 3). An increased serum IgM level, hypocomplementemia, splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, liver cirrhosis, hematuria, and a high HCV RNA level were features of patients with MPGN of IgM dominant group (consistent with "CG").

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed various histological patterns of HCV-related kidney disease and the specificity of CG, and revealed that a minority of HCV patients (n = 7) presented typical CG, while IgAN, MN, and diabetic nephropathy were more frequent.

Gastric tumor from metastasis of breast cancer

Metastatic tumours of the stomach have been reported to result from various types of cancer. Among them, gastric metastasis from breast cancer has been recognised in 0.3-18% patients (1-4). Here, a rare case of metastatic gastric tumour derived from breast carcinoma is reported. Gastric endoscopy confirmed a large, friable mass (approximately 5 cm in diameter) in the upper part of the gastric body. The mass within the stomach was difficult to distinguish from primary gastric cancer, although biopsies of this lesion revealed the characteristics of adenocarcinoma. In addition, immunohistochemistry showed the positive expression of mammaglobin. Taken together, the evidence pointed to metastasis of breast cancer to the stomach. The patient was treated with hormonal therapy (letrozole), and the size of the metastasis in the stomach was markedly reduced. Therefore, a gastric metastasis from breast cancer was diagnosed successfully using immunohistochemistry and unnecessary surgery was avoided. In conclusion, although gastric metastatic tumours derived from breast carcinoma are rare, their accurate pre-operative diagnosis and appropriate systemic treatment is essential.

Improvement of long-term survival of colorectal cancer in Japanese-Americans of Hawaii from 1990 to 2001

BACKGROUND

To compare the long-term survival of colorectal cancer (CRC) during two 6-year periods using patients with similar characteristics of the same ethnicity in Hawaii.

METHODS

A retrospective review of Japanese-American patients in Hawaii with CRC surgically resected and followed more than 5 years in a single institution. Patients were divided into two groups by date that patients had surgery: Group 1; 1990-1995, and Group 2; 1996-2001 (introduction of newer chemotherapy, aggressive surgery for liver metastases including radiofrequency thermal ablation).

RESULTS

A total of 344 patients in Group 1 (median age 69.5 years) and 330 patients in Group 2 (median age 71.7 years) were included. There were no differences between two groups in gender, age, anatomic site, carcinoembryonic antigen, tumor size, histologic grade, and TNM stage distribution, including pT, pN, and pM status. Overall 5-year survival rate difference approached significance between two groups (Group 1: 73.2% vs. Group 2: 78.9%; p = 0.097). Particularly, there was significant difference in stage IV patients (Group 1; 8.7% vs. Group 2: 26.0%; p = 0.030) and histologic grade 3 (Group 1; 41.67% vs. Group 2: 67.73%; p = 0.032). Subgroup analyses showed significant difference (p < 0.05) for more advanced cancers (larger tumor, node positive, metastatic disease, poorly differentiated cancer).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study of patients with the same ethnicity, the better survival outcome in latter (Group 2) patients suggests improvement of treatment, especially for patients with more advanced and metastatic cancer (stage IV).

Rapid method for analyzing bacterial behavioral responses to chemical stimuli

A rapid method was developed to analyze bacterial behavioral responses to chemical stimuli. Digital image processing was used to detect the accumulation of bacteria at the mouth of a capillary containing an attractant. The accumulation of bacteria was determined from the total number of cells near the mouth of the capillary per videotape frame. This method was applied to measure the chemotactic response of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells to serine, with results similar to those obtained by the classical capillary plating assay. The videotape method is much less time-consuming and makes it possible to assess the bacterial response to an attractant within a few minutes.

Long-Term Outcome of Radiofrequency Ablation for Unresectable Liver Metastases from Colorectal Cancer

PURPOSE

Long-term follow-up data of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for patients with unresectable metastatic liver tumors from colorectal cancer have rarely been reported. This study was undertaken to evaluate long-term outcome of RFA in relation to its timing opposite chemotherapy, and to identify prognostic factors associated with survival.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients undergoing RFA from 1997 to 2003 were monitored. Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

RFA was performed for 100 patients in 146 procedures to ablate 507 colorectal metastatic tumors. All patients were followed up for at least 18 months or until death, up to 84 months: the median follow-up was 24.5 months. The overall median survival was 28 months, and 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival was 90.0%, 42.0%, and 30.5%, respectively. The recurrence-free median survival was 13 months. Median survival was 48 months among 55 patients (55%) who received RFA (first-line) before initiation of chemotherapy, versus 22 months among 45 patients (45%) who received RFA (second-line) for residual or progressive metastatic disease after chemotherapy. Significant factors affecting overall survival were carcinoembryonic antigen level (200 ng/mL), total tumor size (sum diameter of tumors, 100 mm), RFA approach, previous therapeutic chemotherapy by a univariate analysis, age (70 years) by a multivariate analysis, and extrahepatic metastasis by both analyses.

DISCUSSION

RFA can contribute to encouraging long-term survival. Prognostic factors have been identified. Compared with historical survival, RFA appears to confer a survival benefit over systemic chemotherapy alone, particularly when it is offered as part of first-line therapy.

Progesterone's effects to reduce anxiety behavior of aged mice do not require actions via intracellular progestin receptors

RATIONALE

Aging is associated with reduced secretion of, and down-regulation of receptors for, progesterone (P); yet, P's effects when administered to younger and older animals have not been systematically investigated. Some of P's antianxiety effects may be due to its conversion to 3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one (3alpha,5alpha-THP) and its subsequent actions as a positive modulator at GABAA receptor complexes (GBRs).

OBJECTIVES

We investigated whether P administration can decrease anxiety behavior of progestin receptor (PR) knockout (PRKO) or wild-type control mice.

METHODS

P (10 mg/kg) or vehicle (propylene glycol) were administered subcutaneously to intact, female or male wild-type or PRKO mice that were either 9-12 or 18-24 months of age. Behavior in tasks that assess spontaneous activity (activity monitor and roto-rod), free exploration of a novel environment (open field, elevated plus maze, and elevated zero maze), and conflict behavior (mirror chamber, dark-light transition, and punished drinking) were examined 1 h after injection.

RESULTS

P significantly decreased anxiety behavior of both PRKO and wild-type mice. P did not alter motor behavior but increased central entries in the open field, time in the open quadrants of the elevated zero maze, time in the mirrored chamber, time in the light compartment of the dark-light transition, and punished drinking in young and old mice. P-administered mice had higher levels of hippocampal 3alpha,5alpha-THP and GABA-stimulated chloride flux than did vehicle-administered PRKO or wild-type mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The effects of P to decrease anxiety behavior of younger and older mice do not require classic PRs and may involve actions of 3alpha,5alpha-THP at GBRs.

Mid-aged and aged wild-type and progestin receptor knockout (PRKO) mice demonstrate rapid progesterone and 3alpha,5alpha-THP-facilitated lordosis

RATIONALE

Progesterone (P) and its 5alpha-reduced metabolite, 3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one (3alpha,5alpha-THP), facilitate sexual behavior of rodents via agonist-like actions at intracellular progestin receptors (PRs) and membrane GABA(A)/benzodiazepine receptor complexes (GBRs), respectively.

OBJECTIVE

Given that ovarian secretion of progestins declines with aging, whether or not senescent mice are responsive to progestins was of interest.

METHODS

Homozygous PR knockout (PRKO) or wild-type mice that were between 10-12 (mid-aged) or 20-24 (aged) months of age were administered P or 3alpha,5alpha-THP, and the effect on lordosis were examined. Effects of a progestin-priming regimen that enhances PR-mediated (experiment 1) or more rapid, PR-independent effects of progestins (experiments 2 and 3) on sexual behavior were examined. Levels of P, 3alpha,5alpha-THP, and muscimol binding were examined in tissues from aged mice (experiment 4).

RESULTS

Wild-type, but not PRKO, mice were responsive when primed with 17beta-estradiol (E(2); 0.5 microg) and administered P (500 microg, subcutaneously). Mid-aged wild-type mice demonstrated greater increases in lordosis 6 h later compared to their pre-P, baseline test than did aged wild-type mice (experiment 1). Lordosis of younger and older wild-type, but not PRKO, mice was significantly increased within 5 min of intravenous (IV) administration of P (100 ng), compared with E(2)-priming alone (experiment 2). However, wild-type and PRKO mice demonstrated significant increases in lordosis 5 min after IV administration of 3alpha,5alpha-THP, an effect which was more pronounced in mid-aged than in aged animals (100 ng-experiment 3). In tissues from aged wild-type and PRKO mice, levels of P, 3alpha,5alpha-THP, and muscimol binding were increased by P administration (experiment 4). PR binding was lower in the cortex of PRKO than that of wild-type mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Mid-aged and aged PRKO and wild-type mice demonstrated rapid P or 3alpha,5alpha-THP-facilitated lordosis that may be, in part, independent of activity at PRs.

Rats bred for high versus low anxiety responses neonatally demonstrate increases in lordosis, pacing behavior, and midbrain 3α,5α-THP levels as adults

Duration and intensity of lordosis is mediated by actions of the progesterone (P) metabolite, 3 alpha-hydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-20-one (3 alpha,5 alpha-THP) at GABA-sub(A) receptors in the midbrain ventral tegmental area. Because rats selectively bred for infantile vocalizations may differ in endogenous 3 alpha,5 alpha-THP secretion, their sexual behavior, midbrain, and plasma 3 alpha,5 alpha-THP levels as adult rats in behavioral estrus was examined. Rats bred for high rates of infantile vocalizations had shorter latencies and intervals between intromissions and ejaculation, higher lordosis quotients and ratings, more pacing of their sexual contacts, and had higher P and 3 alpha,5 alpha-THP levels in plasma and midbrain than did rats bred for low rats of infantile vocalizations. Thus, levels of 3 alpha,5 alpha-THP in the midbrain are associated with differences in sexual behavior of these rats.

3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one in the midbrain ventral tegmental area mediates social, sexual, and affective behaviors

Progestins mediate the onset and duration of lordosis, the mating posture of female rodents, through actions in the hypothalamus and ventral tegmental area. In the hypothalamus, progesterone has traditional, "genomic" actions via intracellular progestin receptors. In the ventral tegmental area, 3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one has "non-genomic" actions independent of progestin receptors to facilitate lordosis that involve GABA(A)/benzodiazepine receptors, NMDA type glutamate receptors, and/or dopamine receptors. 3alpha-Hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one levels also change with behavioral and/or environmental stimuli and may have a role in other reproductively-relevant behaviors, such as affiliation, exploration, and anxiety (socio-sexual behaviors). Data are reviewed that support the notion that: 1) effects of 3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one in the midbrain ventral tegmental area facilitate lordosis and other reproductively-relevant behaviors. 2) 3alpha-Hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one, formed in the ventral tegmental area from metabolism of progestins, produced peripherally by endocrine glands, or centrally from biosynthesis in glial cells mediates socio-sexual behaviors. 3) 3alpha-Hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one's actions at GABA(A)/benzodiazepine receptors, NMDA type glutamate receptors, and dopamine receptors in the ventral tegmental area are important for lordosis; however, effects at these substrates on socio-sexual behaviors have not been elucidated. Given 3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one's involvement in stress responses, its putative role as a homeostatic regulator and in the pathophysiology and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders is discussed.

Characterization of denitrifying granular sludge treating soft groundwater in an upflow sludge-blanket reactor

Nitrate removal from soft groundwater using ethanol as a carbon source in an upflow sludge-blanket reactor containing denitrifying granular sludge was investigated. At a hydraulic retention time of 0.83 h, influent nitrate was increased stepwise from 20 to 145 mg N/l (volumetric loading rates (VLRs), 0.60 to 4.2 g N/l/d, respectively) and sludge was periodically wasted to maintain a sludge bed of about 2 3 the liquid volume. Complete nitrate removal was achieved at influent nitrate concentrations up to 75 mg N/l(2.1 g N/l/d). MLSS increased from 20 g/l at a VLR of 0.6 g N/l/d to 51 g/l at a VLR of 1.9 g N/l/d, above which it decreased. VSS increased from 11 g/l to a maximum of 25 g/l at a VLR of 2.1 g N/l/d. Settling velocities showed the same trend with maximum values in a VLR range of 1.5 to 2.1 g N/l/d. However, granule size, calcium and magnesium contents of the granular sludge and protein, carbohydrate and nucleic acid contents of extracellular polymers decreased steadily with an increase in VLR throughout the range of testing. Within the VLR range of 0.6 to 2.1 g N/l/d, corresponding to complete nitrate removal and efficient sludge retention, the granular sludge had a high calcium content of 24 to 22%, magnesium ranged from only 0.7 to 0.1%, proteins from 3.2 to 1.3%, carbohydrates from 4.2 to 1.4%, and nucleic acids from 0.34 to 0.05% of the sludge dry weight. These results suggest an optimum operational VLR in terms of nitrate removal and sludge retention of about 2 g N/l/d.

Parathyroid hormone expression in a patient with metastatic nasopharyngeal rhabdomyosarcoma and hypercalcemia

Ectopic PTH secretion by tumor cells has been described as the cause of hypercalcemia associated with malignancy in the absence of osteolytic bone lesions. Although there have been case reports of elevated PTH and hypercalcemia in patients with rhabdomyosarcoma, to date ectopic PTH secretion by malignant cells has not been definitively shown. The possibility of PTH production by pleural-based metastatic nasopharyngeal rhabdomyosarcoma cells in a 62-yr-old Japanese male with hypercalcemia was investigated. The patient's serum PTH level was found to be elevated at 62.22 pmol/L, and pleural fluid PTH level was 47.28 pmol/L and PTHrP level was 3.7 pmol/L. RT-PCR of mRNA extracted from rhabdomyosarcoma cells in the pleural fluid was performed with the addition of PTH and PTHrP exonic primer sets yielded only a cDNA fragment of approx 150 bp consistent with the expected PTH fragment. Sequence analysis of a nested primer PCR fragment confirmed PTH mRNA sequence. We believe this patient to have had hypercalcemia secondary to ectopic PTH secretion, as we have identified the presence of PTH mRNA in tumor cells. We speculate that the overexpression of PTH in rhabdomyosarcoma cells results from molecular rearrangement of the PTH gene. The finding of a normal PTH DNA sequence of the PCR fragment suggests the likelihood of alterations in regulatory sequences.

Parkinsonism associated with interferon alpha therapy for chronic myelogenous leukemia

A 79 year-old man was treated with Interferon alpha for chronic myelogenous leukemia and developed severe parkinsonism that resolved after Interferon alpha was stopped. Carbidopa-levodopa was associated with early improvement, but discontinuation did not result in worsening of the parkinsonism.

Molecular cloning and characterization of reptilian estrogen receptor cDNAs

cDNAs encoding alligator (caiman), Caiman crocodilus and whiptail lizard, Cnemidophorus uniparens estrogen receptors (ERs) were cloned and sequenced. This is the first report of full-length cDNA sequences for reptilian ERs, to our knowledge. The full-length alligator (caiman) ER cDNA (1764 bp, 587 amino acid residues) shows 68% amino acid homology with the full-length whiptail lizard ER cDNA (1746 bp, 581 amino acid residues). The respective ligand binding E domains have 87 and 83% amino acid homology with human ER while the DNA binding C domains show 100% amino acid homology with the human, rat and chicken forms. When the cDNAs were inserted into the pRc/RSV vector and transfected into HeLa cells with a reporter plasmid, the encoding proteins were confirmed to be functional through the interaction of the receptor-ligand complex with the estrogen responsive element (ERE).

Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency thermal ablation of liver tumors: percutaneous, laparoscopic, and open surgical approaches

Only 10% to 20% of patients with primary and colorectal metastatic liver tumors are candidates for curative surgical resection. Even after curative treatment, tumors recur commonly in the liver. As a less invasive therapy, radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA) of primary, metastatic, and recurrent liver tumors was performed under percutaneous, laparoscopic, or open intraoperative ultrasound guidance. The safety and local control efficacy of RFA were investigated. RFA was performed mostly in patients with unresectable hepatomas or metastatic liver tumors. Patients with large tumors, major vessel or bile duct invasion, limited extrahepatic metastases, or liver dysfunction were not excluded. An RFA system with a 15-gauge electrode-cannula with four-pronged retractable needles was used. All patients were followed for more than 8 months to assess morbidity and mortality, and to determine tumor recurrence. Sixty RFA operations were performed in 46 patients: 11 patients underwent repeat RFA once or twice. A total of 204 tumors were treated: 70 hepatomas and 134 metastatic tumors. Tumor size ranged from 5 mm to 180 mm (mean 36 mm). RFA was performed in 29 operations for 81 tumors percutaneously, in seven operations for 14 tumors laparoscopically, and in 24 operations for 109 tumors by open surgery. Combined colorectal resection was carried out in five operations and combined hepatic resection was carried out in three operations. There was one death (1.7%) from liver failure, and there were three major complications (5%): one case of bile leakage and two biliary strictures due to thermal injury. There were no intra-abdominal infectious or bleeding complications. The length of hospital stay ranged from 0 to 2, 1 to 3, and 4 to 7 days for percutaneous, laparoscopic, and open surgical RFA, respectively. During a mean follow-up period of 20.5 months, local tumor recurrence at the RFA site was diagnosed in 18 (8.8%) of 204 tumors. The risk factors for local recurrence included large tumor size and major vessel invasion: recurrence rates for tumors less than 4 cm, 4 to 10 cm, and greater than 10 cm, and for those with vessel invasion were 3.3%, 14.7%, 50%, and 47.8%, respectively. Ten of 18 tumors recurring locally were retreated by RFA, and eight of them showed no further recurrence. Ultrasound-guided RFA is a relatively safe, well-tolerated, and versatile treatment option that offers excellent local control of primary and metastatic liver tumors. The appropriate use of percutaneous, laparoscopic, and open surgical RFA is beneficial in the management of patients with liver tumors in a variety of situations.

Structural characteristics of the N-glycans of two isoforms of prostate-specific antigens purified from human seminal fluid

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a glycosylated chymotrypsin-like serine protease and is found mainly in prostatic tissue and seminal fluid. We purified two forms of PSA (PSA-A and PSA-B) from human seminal fluid with pI values of approx. 7.2 and approx. 6.9, respectively. To characterize the N-glycans of the two isoforms, the sugar chains were liberated by hydrazinolysis followed by N-acetylation, and derivatized with 2-aminobenzamide. Both PSA-A and PSA-B contained mono- and disialylated sugar chains, although PSA-B had a much higher content of the latter. After removal of sialic acid residues by sialidase digestion, mono- and biantennary N-glycans and three outer chain moieties (Galbeta1-4GlcNAcbeta1-, GlcNAcbeta1-, GalNAcbeta1-4GlcNAcbeta1-) were found in both samples. However, the ratios of each N-glycan were different. These results indicate that PSA-A and PSA-B differ not only in their sialic acid contents, but also in their outer chain features.

Analysis of cartilage-derived retinoic acid-sensitive protein in cerebrospinal fluid From patients With spinal diseases

STUDY DESIGN

The expression of cartilage-derived retinoic acid-sensitive protein (CD-RAP) was measured in cerebrospinal fluid from patients with spinal diseases.

OBJECTIVES

To quantify the levels of CD-RAP in human cerebrospinal fluid and to clarify its character.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Cartilage-derived retinoic acid-sensitive protein is a newly discovered, secreted molecule that is expressed during the chondrogenesis phase of endochondral bone formation and in articular cartilage. In recent studies CD-RAP has been detected in the serum of patients with melanoma and breast cancer, and it has been used to monitor tumor activity. However, the function of CD-RAP is unknown, and the expression of CD-RAP in human cerebrospinal fluid has never been reported.

METHODS

The concentration of CD-RAP in human cerebrospinal fluid was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with antihuman CD-RAP antibodies. Cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected from two groups of patients. Group 1, the control group, consisted of 40 patients: 22 with trauma and 18 with gynecologic diseases. Group 2 consisted of 172 patients with spinal diseases: 5 with meningioma, 5 with neurinoma, 5 with arachnoid cyst, 30 with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, 35 with lumbar disc herniation, 56 with lumbar canal stenosis, and 36 with scoliosis.

RESULTS

The concentration of CD-RAP in the control group was 16.5 +/- 8.3 ng/mL. The concentrations of CD-RAP in Group 2 were: 35.3 +/- 14.7 ng/mL in meningioma, 23.5 +/- 7.41 ng/mL in neurinoma, 26.0 +/- 22.2 ng/mL in arachnoid cyst, 41.7 +/- 22.3 ng/mL in cervical myelopathy, 27.8 +/- 14.7 ng/mL in lumbar disc herniation, 36.5 +/- 18.4 ng/mL in lumbar canal stenosis, and 13.4 +/- 7.48 ng/mL in scoliosis. The concentrations of CD-RAP in cervical myelopathy, lumbar canal stenosis, and lumbar disc herniation were significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The CD-RAP concentration was low in the control group, whereas it was significantly higher in spinal diseases that cause spinal stenosis. CD-RAP is expressed in cerebrospinal fluid as a result of damage to or stressing of neural structures and could be a marker for spinal diseases.

An in vitro reporter gene assay method incorporating metabolic activation with human and rat S9 or liver microsomes

A metabolic activation system with an S9 fraction or liver microsomes was applied to a reporter gene assay in vitro for the screening of estrogenicity of chemicals. The endpoint (luciferase) was luciferase induction in cells transfected with a reporter plasmid containing an estrogen-responsive element linked to the luciferase gene. Compounds were applied to the reporter gene assay system after pretreatment or simultaneous treatment with an S9 fraction or liver microsomes. Both trans-stilbene and methoxychlor themselves showed no or little estrogenicity, but when they were treated with an S9 fraction or liver microsomes, they demonstrated strong effects, indicating their metabolites to be estrogenic. When four pyrethroid insecticides were subjected to this assay system, however, they showed no estrogenicity even with liver microsome or S9 mix treatment.

Evaluation of in vitro methods for detecting the effects of various chemicals on the human progesterone receptor, with a focus on pyrethroid insecticides

The progesterone receptor (PR) is associated with physiological events such as implantation and the maintenance of pregnancy. Recently, it has become a social concern that chemicals may exert agonistic or antagonistic effects on hormone receptors. Therefore, we examined the effects of various chemicals on the human PR, with a focus on pyrethroid insecticides, using three in vitro methods. Eight pyrethroid insecticides (fenvalerate, d-allethrin, d-phenothrin, prallethrin, empenthrin, permethrin, cypermethrin and imiprothrin), examples of environmental pollutants and positive control chemicals were subjected to a reporter gene assay (luciferase assay) using human breast cancer T-47D cells, a two-hybrid assay and a binding assay using the same whole cells or receptors (cell-free). In none of these did the eight pyrethroid insecticides show any binding to the PR, agonistic or antagonistic effects.

Serial changes in the rate of proteoglycan synthesis after chemonucleolysis of rabbit intervertebral discs

STUDY DESIGN

Serial changes in the rate of proteoglycan synthesis in rabbit discs after chemonucleolytic treatment with chymopapain and chondroitinase ABC were measured using an in vitro method.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the retained ability of the intervertebral disc to synthesize proteoglycans after chemonucleolytic treatment.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Most previous studies describe radiologic and histologic changes that occur after chemonucleolytic treatment. However, in humans it is not clear whether reconstitution of the disc space with normal nucleus proteoglycans can occur with time.

METHODS

Twenty-five rabbits were treated with chymopapain (10 units/0.1 mL/disc) and chondroitinase ABC (5 units/0.1 mL/disc) by intradisc injection. Five rabbits were killed at each interval, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after injection. Radiologic changes in the disc height were noted, and the rate of proteoglycan synthesis was determined biochemically.

RESULTS

After injection, no significant recovery of disc height was seen in either enzyme group after the initial disc narrowing. The average rate of proteoglycan synthesis in control rabbit intervertebral discs, those which had not been surgically treated, was 27.1 (x 10(-6) mmols sulphate/hour/dry weight). Twelve weeks after injection, the values were 21.6 in the saline group, 8.9 in the chondroitinase ABC group, and 8.2 in the chymopapain group.

CONCLUSIONS

Doses within the therapeutic range can damage disc cells, at least in the rabbit, so that proteoglycan synthesis declined to 30% of control rates, and no significant recovery of disc height was observed.

Influence of vagal pyloric branches on gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility in patients following a pylorus preserving pancreatoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The authors evaluated the influence of the vagal pyloric branches on the gastrointestinal function in patients who underwent a pylorus preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (PPPD).

METHODOLOGY

Twenty-seven patients with pancreatobiliary and duodenal diseases underwent a PPPD between 1991 and 1994. We analyzed several variables including the daily volume of gastric juice, days of gastric suctioning, start of diet, gastric acid, and gastrin levels. In addition, a gastric emptying scintigram and gastrointestinal manometry were measured. These variables were compared between two groups, namely, those with retained superior pyloric branches of the vagus nerve (preserved group: n = 14), and those without these branches (non-preserved group: n = 13).

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in basal acid output, maximum acid output, or plasma gastrin levels between the preserved group and the non-preserved group. In addition, a gastric emptying scintigram demonstrated no difference between the two groups. Finally, on gastrointestinal manometry, there was no significant difference between the two groups during gastric and jejunal phase III activity of migrating motor complex.

CONCLUSIONS

Preservation of the vagal pyloric branches did not influence gastric exocrine and endocrine secretion, nor did it effect the gastric emptying of patients who underwent a PPPD.

Renin-producing adrenal tumor: report of a case

A 19-year-old man with an adrenal tumor associated with hypertension is herein described. The plasma renin activity (PRA) was markedly elevated and the plasma aldosterone level was also increased. The catecholamine level was within the normal range and the glucagone-regitine test was negative. An angiogram revealed the left renal artery to have no stenotic segments, but instead was curved caudally. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a tumor measuring about 8 cm in diameter to be clearly recognized from the left kidney. The blood pressure did not drop when a calcium-channel blocker was used, but was gradually stabilized with the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) antagonist. The adrenal tumor was then removed surgically. Normal adrenal tissue was scarcely recognized to the left of the tumor. After surgery, the PRA decreased and blood pressure stabilized rapidly without the ACE antagonist. The possibility of massive renal renin secretion due to suppression by the adrenal tumor was excluded by a method using an antibody to purified human renin.

Purification and properties of a sulfide-oxidizing enzyme from Streptomyces sp. strain SH91

A heterotrophic Streptomyces sp. strain SH91 isolated from pig feces compost had the ability to oxidize hydrogen sulfide to odorless substances. With several purification steps including ion-exchange and hydrophobic chromatographies, the hydrogen sulfide oxidizing enzyme was purified to a homogeneous form. The molecular mass was estimated to be 37 kDa by SDS–PAGE. The optimum reaction pH and temperature were 6.5 and 30 °C, respectively. The enzyme was stable between pH 6.0 and 8.0 and up to 40 °C. The enzyme was activated by Ba2+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ and inhibited by Mn2+, and Al3+. The main product was thiosulfate.Key words: hydrogen sulfide, heterotroph, Streptomyces, oxidizing enzyme, malodorous pollution.

Inhibition of animal acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase by 2-(p-chlorophenoxy)-2-methylpropionic acid and 2-ethylhexanoic acid

Peroxisome proliferators are generally known as activators of fatty acid beta-oxidation which is one of degradation pathways. However, since it is unknown whether peroxisome proliferators have an effect on biosynthesis of fatty acid or not, we commenced to study if acetyl-CoA carboxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme of fatty acid biosynthesis, is inhibited by 2-(p-chlorophenoxy)-2-methylpropionic acid or 2-ethylhexanoic acid which is a typical peroxisome proliferator. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase(s) from rat, mouse, hamster, rabbit, dog and monkey were completely inhibited by 2-(p-chlorophenoxy)-2-methylpropionic acid or 2-ethylhexanoic acid at the concentration of 10(-3)M. For both compounds, there was not a large species difference in the inhibition. However, there was only several times difference between I50 values for the two compounds. The findings imply that inhibition of acetyl-CoA carboxylase by the chemicals leads to reduction of fatty acid biosynthesis when the chemicals are administered to the animals at high dose levels.

A comparison of the prevalence and risk factors of high blood pressure among Japanese living in Japan, Hawaii, and Los Angeles

THE AUTHORS STUDIED THE PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS of hypertension in samples of 2053 Japanese ages 40 to 70 in Hiroshima, Hawaii, and Los Angeles. The prevalence of hypertension (systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 90 mmHg, or receiving antihypertensive drug treatment) was higher in Hawaii and Los Angeles for both sexes and almost all ages than in Hiroshima. The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of hypertension in Hawaii, Los Angeles, and Hiroshima was 42.6%, 37.2%, and 29.7%. Hypertension was associated with a significant elevation in serum glucose, insulin, triglyceride, and total cholesterol levels in the combined participant population of Hawaii, Los Angeles, and Hiroshima. Age- and sex-adjusted mean values of serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and insulin were highest in Hawaii and lowest in Hiroshima. The mean body mass index and 2-hour serum glucose levels were greatest in Hawaii and equal in the two other cohorts. These results suggest that hyperinsulinemia and hyperlipidemia may explain the prevalence of hypertension in the research participants.

An analysis of the subjective experience of schizophrenia

To examine how varieties of the subjective experience of schizophrenia (SES) can be categorized, a self-report questionnaire consisting of 150 items from the SES in Japanese was administered to 237 Japanese schizophrenic inpatients, and the results were analyzed through a multivariate method. The first factor represents loss of focus and adequacy of thoughts, behavior, and interpersonal perception; it resembles negative symptoms and coincides with the basic symptoms of schizophrenia reported by anthropological psychiatrists. The second factor represents automatic and excessive thoughts and affective loading, and overlaps "the tremble" of Conrad and the mental automatism of de Clerambault. Both signify different combinations of experiences from conventional descriptive symptoms, and may represent more suitable ways to describe the SES.

Enhanced incorporation of 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine by pretreatment with etoposide

We examined the effects of timing of administration of etoposide on cytosine arabinoside (ara-C) incorporation into DNA in L1210 ascites tumor. At 1 hr after injection of ara-C, 3-hr and 6-hr pretreatments with 15 mg/kg of etoposide increased ara-C incorporation to more than 200% as compared to that of ara-C given alone. Simultaneous administration of etoposide, however, decreased ara-C incorporation to 33% of that of ara-C alone. These results might explain the previously reported sequence dependency of the antitumor effect of etoposide and ara-C.

Effects of 5-fluorouracil and a combination of tegafur and uracil (UFT) on nucleotide metabolism in L1210 ascites tumor

Changes in the deoxyribonucleotide pools following a single oral administration of 13 mg/kg of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or of 64.8 mg/kg of UFT (a mixed compound of tegafur and uracil) were investigated. We compared their pharmacodynamics and effects on nucleotide metabolism in L1210 ascites tumor on day 3 after intraperitoneal tumor inoculation. The intracellular dTTP pool decreased to half the control level 1-6 hr after the administration of 5-FU. The dTTP pools rapidly recovered after 6 hr. In contrast, UFT kept the intracellular dTTP level to 1/3 to 1/2 of the control level for 24 hr. Either drug elevated the intracellular dATP pools, but decreased dCTP pools. UFT influenced the intracellular dATP and dCTP levels longer than 5-FU. Orally administered UFT seemed to exert a longer and more potent inhibitory effect on thymidylate synthetase than equimolar 5-FU. In view of these results, we suggest that UFT could be a more potent chemotherapeutic drug than 5-FU in oral administration.

Complete determination of disulfide bonds localized within the short consensus repeat units of decay accelerating factor (CD55 antigen)

Decay accelerating factor (DAF) has 4 SCR (short consensus repeat) units. Each SCR unit consists of approx. 60 amino acids characterized by having four conserved cysteine residues and several other highly conserved residues which include proline, tryptophan, tyrosine/phenylalanine and glycine. To determine the disulfide-bonding pattern, we used the urine form of DAF. After thermolysin and trypsin digestion, we isolated seven disulfide-linked peptides by HPLC purification. Because all of the cysteine residues are disulfide-bonded, DAF should contain eight disulfide bonds. After subtilisin and trypsin digestion, we isolated the eighth disulfide-bonded peptides by HPLC purification. From sequence analyses of these peptides, we could identify all disulfide bonds in the 4 SCR units of DAF as being between the first and the third and between the second and the fourth half-cystines within each SCR unit.

[Electrocardiogram in pulmonary heart disease--clinical evaluation of right chest leads]

A clinical study was made to evaluate the usefulness of electrocardiograms in right precordial leads (V3r or V4R) for the diagnosis of cardiac complications among patients with chronic pulmonary disease. Walsh and colleagues reported that the change of direction in the terminal vector of QRS loop in the vector cardiogram is useful for the evaluation of chronic pulmonary heart disease. They showed that the terminal vectors of QRS loops tend to deviate to the right and/or posterior direction in the early stage of chronic pulmonary heart disease. We utilized the electrocardiograms in the right precordial leads to detect the second R waves, which are thought to reflect the terminal vectors of QRS loops in the vectorcardiograms. When the electrocardiograms in the right precordial leads were compared, the second R waves in leads V3R or V4R were more frequently observed among patients with chronic pulmonary heart disease than those without. However, in the same two groups, the frequency of second R waves in leads V5R or V6R didn't differ. We conclude that the second R waves in leads V3R or V4R in a patient with chronic lung disease suggest the presence of chronic pulmonary heart disease as a complication.