Development of a topical bacteriophage gel targeting Cutibacterium acnes for acne prone skin and results of a phase 1 cosmetic randomized clinical trial

Background

Topical antibiotics are frequently used to treat acne vulgaris. Their prolonged use, often for longer durations than recommended, has led to antibiotic resistance in Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes), a bacterium implicated in acne pathophysiology. Bacteriophage (phage), which specifically target C. acnes by a different mechanism of action and do not harm potentially beneficial bacteria, may offer an alternative approach for improvement of the appearance of acne prone skin.

Objectives

To identify and characterize C. acnes targeting phage, carry out a comprehensive preclinical safety evaluation of phages selected for further development and examine their safety, tolerability and ability to target facial C. acnes when applied topically in a cosmetic clinical study including participants with mild‐to‐moderate acne.

Methods

Phages were isolated by conventional microbiological methods also used to examine their breadth of host range on different C. acnes strains and specificity to this bacterial species. Safety assessment of three selected phages was carried out by complete genomic analysis to assure the absence of undesired sequences and by ex vivo models employed to evaluate the safety, irritability and potential systemic bioavailability of phage applied topically. A randomized, controlled clinical study assessed safety, tolerability and efficacy in targeting facial C. acnes.

Results

Wide host range phages that also target antibiotic resistant C. acnes were identified. Their genomes were shown to be free of undesired genes. The three‐phage cocktail, BX001, was not irritant to human skin or ocular tissues in ex vivo models and did not permeate through human epidermis. In a cosmetic clinical study, topically applied BX001 was safe and well tolerated and reduced the facial burden of C. acnes.

Conclusions

Combined in silico and ex vivo approaches successfully predicted the observed safety and efficacy of C. acnes targeting phage when these were topically administered in a well‐controlled cosmetic clinical study.

Design of the collection optics for the Core Plasma Thomson Scattering (CPTS) in ITER

In the ITER Core Plasma Thomson Scattering, the scattered light collection optics system is installed both inside and outside the diagnostic port under vacuum. The length of the optical path (∼6 m) and the need to shield the neutron and γ radiation increased the complexity of the system with the inclusion of multiple dog-legs, forcing the use of many elements with optical power. Multiple rounds of design have been required in order to satisfy iteratively the system requirements in terms of resolution, aberration, and shielding. The adoption of quasi-free-form reflective surfaces for several mirrors eventually allowed the correct compromise between all conflicting requirements.

Sub-Femto-g Free Fall for Space-Based Gravitational Wave Observatories: LISA Pathfinder Results

We report the first results of the LISA Pathfinder in-flight experiment. The results demonstrate that two free-falling reference test masses, such as those needed for a space-based gravitational wave observatory like LISA, can be put in free fall with a relative acceleration noise with a square root of the power spectral density of 5.2±0.1  fm s^{-2}/sqrt[Hz], or (0.54±0.01)×10^{-15}  g/sqrt[Hz], with g the standard gravity, for frequencies between 0.7 and 20 mHz. This value is lower than the LISA Pathfinder requirement by more than a factor 5 and within a factor 1.25 of the requirement for the LISA mission, and is compatible with Brownian noise from viscous damping due to the residual gas surrounding the test masses. Above 60 mHz the acceleration noise is dominated by interferometer displacement readout noise at a level of (34.8±0.3)  fm/sqrt[Hz], about 2 orders of magnitude better than requirements. At f≤0.5  mHz we observe a low-frequency tail that stays below 12  fm s^{-2}/sqrt[Hz] down to 0.1 mHz. This performance would allow for a space-based gravitational wave observatory with a sensitivity close to what was originally foreseen for LISA.

Approaching Free Fall on Two Degrees of Freedom: Simultaneous Measurement of Residual Force and Torque on a Double Torsion Pendulum

A torsion pendulum with 2 soft degrees of freedom (DOFs), realized by off-axis cascading two torsion fibers, has been built and operated. This instrument helps characterize the geodesic motion of a test mass for LISA Pathfinder or any other free-fall space mission, providing information on cross talk and other effects that cannot be detected when monitoring a single DOF. We show that it is possible to simultaneously measure both the residual force and the residual torque acting on a quasifree test mass. As an example of the investigations that a double pendulum allows, we report the measurement of the force-to-torque cross talk, i.e., the amount of actuation signal, produced by applying a force on the suspended test mass, that leaks into the rotational DOF, detected by measuring the corresponding (unwanted) torque.

Chevron beam dump for ITER edge Thomson scattering system

This paper contains the design of the beam dump for the ITER edge Thomson scattering system and mainly concerns its lifetime under the harsh thermal and electromagnetic loads as well as tight space allocation. The lifetime was estimated from the multi-pulse laser-induced damage threshold. In order to extend its lifetime, the structure of the beam dump was optimized. A number of bent sheets aligned parallel in the beam dump form a shape called a chevron which enables it to avoid the concentration of the incident laser pulse energy. The chevron beam dump is expected to withstand thermal loads due to nuclear heating, radiation from the plasma, and numerous incident laser pulses throughout the entire ITER project with a reasonable margin for the peak factor of the beam profile. Structural analysis was also carried out in case of electromagnetic loads during a disruption. Moreover, detailed issues for more accurate assessments of the beam dump's lifetime are clarified. Variation of the bi-directional reflection distribution function (BRDF) due to erosion by or contamination of neutral particles derived from the plasma is one of the most critical issues that needs to be resolved. In this paper, the BRDF was assumed, and the total amount of stray light and the absorbed laser energy profile on the beam dump were evaluated.

Increasing the bandwidth of resonant gravitational antennas: the case of explorer

Resonant gravitational wave detectors with an observation bandwidth of tens of hertz are a reality: the antenna Explorer, operated at CERN by the ROG Collaboration, has been upgraded with a new readout. In this new configuration, it exhibits an unprecedented useful bandwidth: in over 55 Hz about its center operating frequency of 919 Hz the spectral sensitivity is better than 10(-20) Hz(-1/2). We describe the detector and its sensitivity and discuss the foreseeable upgrades to even larger bandwidths.

A novel VIP responsive gene. Activity dependent neuroprotective protein

Activity dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP, 828 amino acids, pI 5.99) is a glial-derived protein that contains a femtomolar active neuroprotective peptide, NAPVSIPQ (NAP). VIP induces a two- to threefold increase in ADNP mRNA in astrocytes, suggesting that ADNP is a VIP-responsive gene. ADNP is widely distributed in the mouse hippocampus, cerebellum, and cerebral cortex. VIP has been shown to possess neuroprotective activity that may be exerted through the activation of glial proteins. We suggest that ADNP may be part of the VIP protection pathway through the femtomolar-acting NAP and through putative interaction with other macromolecules.

Cloning and characterization of the human activity-dependent neuroprotective protein

We have recently cloned the mouse activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP). Here, we disclose the cloning of human ADNP (hADNP) from a fetal brain cDNA library. Comparative sequence analysis of these two ADNP orthologs indicated 90% identity at the mRNA level. Several single nucleotide polymorphic sites were noticed. The deduced protein structure contained nine zinc fingers, a proline-rich region, a nuclear bipartite localization signal, and a homeobox domain profile, suggesting a transcription factor function. Further comparative analysis identified an ADNP paralog (33% identity and 46% similarity), indicating that these genes belong to a novel protein family with a nine-zinc finger motif followed by a homeobox domain. The hADNP gene structure spans approximately 40 kilobases and includes five exons and four introns with alternative splicing of an untranslated second exon. The hADNP gene was mapped to chromosome 20q12-13.2, a region associated with aggressive tumor growth, frequently amplified in many neoplasias, including breast, bladder, ovarian, pancreatic, and colon cancers. hADNP mRNA is abundantly expressed in distinct normal tissues, and high expression levels were encountered in malignant cells. Down-regulation of ADNP by antisense oligodeoxynucleotides up-regulated the tumor suppressor p53 and reduced the viability of intestinal cancer cells by 90%. Thus, ADNP is implicated in maintaining cell survival, perhaps through modulation of p53.

First search for gravitational wave bursts with a network of detectors

We report the initial results from a search for bursts of gravitational radiation by a network of five cryogenic resonant detectors during 1997 and 1998. This is the first significant search with more than two detectors observing simultaneously. No gravitational wave burst was detected. The false alarm rate was lower than 1 per 10(4) yr when three or more detectors were operating simultaneously. The typical threshold was H approximately 4x10(-21) Hz-1 on the Fourier component at approximately 10(3) Hz of the gravitational wave strain amplitude. New upper limits for amplitude and rate of gravitational wave bursts have been set.

Experimental intrauterine growth retardation alters renal development

Vascular placental insufficiency is considered a common pathogenic factor in human intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), resulting in small-for-gestational-age, asymmetric newborns. IUGR neonates experience higher morbidity and mortality rates, as well as a possible contribution towards late sequelae, such as hypertension, and cardiovascular disease in adulthood. To simulate vascular placental insufficiency, an experimental rabbit IUGR model was used. Intrauterine growth retardation was achieved by ligation of 25-30% uteroplacental vessels of half of the fetuses during the last third of gestation. Ischemic fetuses were significantly small, asymmetric, and had a disproportionately small body with a relatively large head. The kidneys from all groups were analyzed for relative estimated glomeruli number (REGN) using an unbiased blind design. The glomeruli number was significantly reduced in the asymmetric IUGR rabbit fetuses, probably due to decreased renal vascular supply. Our results support the concept that the reduced number of glomeruli may contribute to impaired renal function, thus predisposing to neonatal renal dysfunction and late sequelae, such as adult hypertension. This study emphasizes the clinical importance of early IUGR diagnosis and prevention.

A novel signaling molecule for neuropeptide action: activity-dependent neuroprotective protein

The complete coding sequence of a novel protein (828 amino acids, pI 5.99), a potential new mediator of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) activity was recently revealed. The expression of this molecule, activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP), was augmented in the presence of VIP, in cerebral cortical astrocytes. The mRNA transcripts encoding ADNP were enriched in the mouse hippocampus and cerebellum. The protein deduced sequence contained the following: (1) a unique peptide, NAPVSIPQ, sharing structural and immunological homologies with the previously reported, activity-dependent neurotrophic factor (ADNF) and exhibiting neuroprotection in vitro and in vivo; (2) a glutaredoxin active site; and (3) a classical zinc binding domain. Comparative studies suggested that the peptide, NAPVSIPQ (NAP), was more efficacious than peptides derived from ADNF. ADNP, a potential mediator of VIP-associated neuronal survival, and the new peptide, a potential lead compound for drug design, are discussed below.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide. Link between electrical activity and glia-mediated neurotrophism

Vasoactive intestinal peptide has neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties that influence the survival of activity-dependent neurons in the central nervous system. Investigations of the mechanism of this neurotrophic peptide indicated that these actions are contingent on interactions with astroglia. The complex mixture of neurotrophic mediators released from astroglia include cytokines, a protease inhibitor, and activity-dependent neurotrophic factor, a protein with apparent structural similarities to hsp60. Investigations of ADNF resulted in the discovery of active peptides of extraordinary potency and broad neuroprotective properties. These studies indicate that a nine-amino acid core peptide of ADNF had significantly greater neuroprotective properties in comparison to the parent growth factor and these advantages identify ADNF-9 as an attractive lead compound for drug development.

Cosmic rays observed by the resonant gravitational wave detector NAUTILUS

The passage of cosmic rays has been observed to excite mechanical vibrations in the resonant gravitational wave detector NAUTILUS operating at temperature of 100 mK. A very significant correlation (more than 10 standard deviations) is found.

A femtomolar-acting neuroprotective peptide induces increased levels of heat shock protein 60 in rat cortical neurons: a potential neuroprotective mechanism

Activity-dependent neurotrophic factor (ADNF) was recently isolated from conditioned media of astrocytes stimulated with vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). ADNF provided neuroprotection at femtomolar concentration against a wide variety of toxic insults. A nine amino acid peptide (ADNF-9) captured with even greater potency the neuroprotective activity exhibited by the parent protein. Utilizing Northern and Western blot analyses, it was now shown that ADNF-9 increased the expression of heat shock protein 60 (hsp60) in rat cerebral cortical cultures. In contrast, treatment with the Alzheimer's toxin, the beta-amyloid peptide, reduced the amount of intracellular hsp60. Treatment with ADNF-9 prevented the reduction in hsp60 produced by the beta-amyloid peptide. The protection against the beta-amyloid peptide-associated cell death provided by ADNF-9 may be mediated in part by intracellular increases in hsp60.

Complete sequence of a novel protein containing a femtomolar-activity-dependent neuroprotective peptide

The vulnerability of neurons and the irreversibility of loss make discoveries of neuroprotective compounds fundamentally important. Here, the complete coding sequence of a novel protein (828 amino acids, pI 5.99), derived from mouse neuroglial cells, is revealed. The sequence contained (1) a neuroprotective peptide, NAPVSIPQ, sharing structural and immunological homologies with the previously reported, activity-dependent neurotrophic factor; (2) a glutaredoxin active site; and (3) a zinc binding domain. Gene expression was enriched in the mouse hippocampus and cerebellum and augmented in the presence of the neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal peptide, in cerebral cortical astrocytes. In mixed neuron-astrocyte cultures, NAPVSIPQ provided neuroprotection at subfemtomolar concentrations against toxicity associated with tetrodotoxin (electrical blockade), the beta-amyloid peptide (the Alzheimer's disease neurotoxin), N-methyl-D-aspartate (excitotoxicity), and the human immunodeficiency virus envelope protein. Daily NAPVSIPQ injections to newborn apolipoprotein E-deficient mice accelerated the acquisition of developmental reflexes and prevented short-term memory deficits. Comparative studies suggested that NAPVSIPQ was more efficacious than other neuroprotective peptides in the apolipoprotein E-deficiency model. A potential basis for rational drug design against neurodegeneration is suggested with NAPVSIPQ as a lead compound. The relative enrichment of the novel mRNA transcripts in the brain and the increases found in the presence of vasoactive intestinal peptide, an established neuroprotective substance, imply a role for the cloned protein in neuronal function.

The identification of secreted heat shock 60 -like protein from rat glial cells and a human neuroblastoma cell line

The intracellular stress-induced proteins provide protection against toxic insults. Here, a 60,000-Da heat shock 60 (hsp60)-like protein was detected, with five different antibodies, in conditioned media derived from rat cortical astrocytes and a human neuroblastoma cell line. Extracellular neuroblastoma hsp60-like immunoreactivity was increased 3-fold in the presence of the neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and was augmented 2-fold after temperature elevation. Intracellular hsp60 immunoreactivity was reduced 2-3-fold in the presence of VIP; this reduction was attenuated in the presence of brefeldin A, an inhibitor of protein secretion. In contrast, the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), an intracellular marker, did not change in the presence of VIP. Essentially no extracellular LDH activity was detected, indicating no cellular damage. A novel aspect for stress proteins having extracellular protective roles is suggested.

The level of urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor is increased in serum of ovarian cancer patients

Ascites and serum of patients with ovarian carcinoma contain a soluble form of urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR). We now report that pro-uPA-Sepharose-purified uPAR from ascites of patients with ovarian carcinoma is the full-length molecule missing the glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol anchor, as determined by its amino acid composition. We next examined the significance of determining serum soluble uPAR (suPAR) levels in ovarian cancer patients using a specific ELISA and compared the results with serum concentrations of CA-125, an established diagnostic marker. Serum from pre- and postoperative ovarian cancer patients was assayed for suPAR and CA-125. The majority of the patients with ovarian cancer had enhanced preoperative serum levels of suPAR compared with healthy controls, but suPAR concentrations decreased after operation. Although uPAR was associated with most ovarian carcinomas, it appeared to be a less specific indicator for ovarian cancer than CA-125. On the other hand, suPAR was more specific for other types of solid tumors. Moreover, we have observed some cases of ovarian cancer that showed increase of suPAR but not of CA-125. The prognostic significance of serum suPAR assay for survival of ovarian carcinoma patients was evaluated using Cox's proportional hazards analysis. Our preliminary data show that high preoperative levels of suPAR were associated with worse survival of the patients, whereas CA-125 had no prognostic implications. This is the first report evaluating the assay of serum suPAR levels in ovarian cancer and analyzing its value as a tumor or prognostic marker.

Hashimoto's disease in a papillary carcinoma of the thyroid originating in a teratoma of the ovary (malignant struma ovarii)

Adenocarcinomas represent a relatively rare complication of a cystic teratoma of the ovary. Those of thyroid origin have been reported in only a few cases. In this paper we report a case of papillary carcinoma of the thyroid arising from a cystic teratoma. The patient had no thyroid symptoms, but because of the presence of antimicrosomal and antithyroglobulin antibodies the diagnosis of Hashimoto's disease was made.

Premature ovarian failure: steroid synthesis and autoimmunity

The androgen biosynthesis and autoimmunity of 25 patients with premature ovarian failure (POF) and 18 control subjects with normal cycles were examined. Serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), androstenedione, and testosterone were analyzed in POF patients with or without organ-specific autoimmunity, and the results compared with those of women with normal ovarian function. The comparative analysis of DHEAS, 17-OHP, androstenedione and testosterone showed that POF patients had significantly lower values than normal women (DHEAS, androstenedione and testosterone p < 0.01, 17-OHP p < 0.05). Furthermore, we found one or more organ-specific autoantibodies in 11 patients with POF (44%), while only one woman in the control group showed autoimmunity (antithyroid microsome) (5.5%). Only one patient had both anti-ovarian and anti-adrenal antibodies (4%). The comparison of androgen levels in POF patients with or without autoimmunity revealed a statistically significant reduction of DHEAS levels in POF patients with organ-specific autoimmunity (p < 0.01). These data reveal the reduction in androgen synthesis in POF patients, particularly in those with organ-specific autoimmunity.

In controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, steroid production, oocyte retrieval, and pregnancy rate correlate with gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor

PURPOSE

Whether the gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in human granulosa cells is a predictor of fertilization was evaluated in patients participating in an in vitro fertilization program.

METHODS

Fifty patients with normal ovaries who were participating in an in vitro fertilization program at the University of Milan, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, were included in the study. We correlated E2 and P serum levels on the day of oocyte collection, the number of follicles, oocytes collected, and fertilized, and pregnancies with mRNA for VEGF of luteinizing granulosa cells obtained at the time of oocyte retrieval.

RESULTS

Comparing E2 and P serum levels, the number of follicles, oocytes collected and fertilized, and pregnancies with gene expression for VEGF, we found a positive correlation. E2 and P serum levels were higher in patients with increased VEGF (P < 0.01). Furthermore, there were more follicles, oocytes collected and fertilized, and pregnancies in patients with maximum expression of VEGF, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that VEGF may be important for vascular development during follicular growth and luteal differentiation, oocyte maturation, and fertilization.

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in human luteinizing granulosa cells and its correlation with the response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation

Ovulation induction represents one of the most important steps for the success of assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures. To better understand the mechanisms that regulate follicle growth, oocyte maturation, and ovarian steroidogenesis, we investigated the correlations between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene expression in human luteinizing granulosa cells, steroid production and oocyte retrieval in patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. We evaluated the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) for VEGF in human luteinizing granulosa cells obtained at the time of oocyte retrieval from 24 women participating in an in vitro fertilization program at the Reproductive Endocrinology Center of our Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. We found a positive linear correlation of VEGF mRNA with estradiol and progesterone serum levels at the day of oocyte retrieval (p < 0.05). Furthermore, VEGF mRNA expression was significantly higher in granulosa cells obtained from patients with an elevated number of oocytes and high fertilization rate (p < 0.05). Our data confirm that VEGF may play an important role in the regulation of vascular development during follicular growth and luteal differentiation.

Vascular endothelial growth factor messenger ribonucleic acid expression in human ovarian and endometrial cancer

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a previously discovered angiogenic factor that seems to influence the neoangiogenesis of neoplastic and non-neoplastic tissues. Substantial experimental evidence links tumor growth and metastasis with blood vessel formation. Tumor angiogenesis can be induced by factors released by the tumor cells themselves. A variety of transformed cell lines expresses the VEGF transcript and secretes an EGF-like protein, suggesting that this angiogenic factor may be one of the mediators of tumor angiogenesis. By Northern blot analysis and in situ hybridization, we investigated the expression of VEGF transcript in human ovarian and endometrial neoplasms. Messenger RNA encoding VEGF was detected in all tissues studied and was more densely expressed in endometrial carcinoma. VEGF expression was also identified in cells obtained from ovarian and endometrial ascitic fluid. VEGF mRNA, detected by in situ hybridization, was identified in the epithelial cells of endometrial adenocarcinoma. This distribution was localized primarily in the apices of the papillae. The prominence of VEGF mRNA levels in human ovarian and endometrial tumors demonstrates that VEGF may be involved in promoting tumor angiogenesis and stroma generation, acting as an endothelial cell mitogen.

Vascular endothelial growth factor. Expression in human vulvar neoplastic and nonneoplastic tissues

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in human vulvar neoplastic and nonneoplastic tissues.

STUDY DESIGN

Specimens were collected at the Vulvovaginal Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Milan. Human vulvar neoplastic and nonneoplastic tissues were dissected and frozen immediately at -80 degrees C until RNA extraction. Five micrograms of total RNA from each sample was denatured and transferred to nitrocellulose and nylon membranes for dot blot hybridization with labeled [alpha-32P]dCTP cDNA probe for VEGF.

RESULTS

Messenger RNA encoding VEGF was detected in all tissues studied. VEGF mRNA was highly expressed in vulvar epithelial neoplasia (VIN) associated with human papillomavirus infection and minimally expressed in invasive squamous cells carcinoma of the vulva. Nonneoplastic lesions, such as chronic inflammation, lichen sclerosus, lichen planus, squamous hyperplasia and squamous papilloma, were also assessed, and none had a significant difference in VEGF mRNA expression.

CONCLUSION

The prominence of VEGF mRNA levels in particular cases of VIN demonstrated that VEGF may be involved in promoting a new vascular network as a basic condition for the progression or at least self-maintenance of those lesions.

Expression of 17 alpha-hydroxylase and aromatase in the syndrome of androgen resistance: a case report

A complete form of testicular feminization with normal gonadotropin and high testosterone levels is described. The testicular histology of tubular atrophy and hyperplastic Leydig cells accords with the high testosterone levels. We evaluated the expression of the enzymes involved in the production of testosterone and estrogens. An increase in P450c17 (17 alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase) messenger RNA expression has been shown in testis with androgen resistance compared with in normal testis. More P450 aromatase was expressed in normal testis than in testis with androgen resistance.

Effects of growth hormone and growth hormone-releasing hormone on steroid synthesis in cultured human luteinizing granulosa cells

To assess the direct effect of growth hormone and growth hormone-releasing hormone on gene expression of steroidogenic enzymes and production of progesterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) and estradiol, we cultured luteinizing granulosa cells with or without follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), growth hormone and growth hormone-releasing hormone at different concentrations. Luteinizing granulosa cells were obtained from women undergoing an in vitro fertilization program in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, S. Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy. At a concentration of 1 microgram/ml, FSH significantly increased estradiol production (2.1 +/- 0.7-fold the control value; p < 0.05 vs. control) and progesterone production (3.5 +/- 2.0-fold the control value; p < 0.05 vs. control). Growth hormone was effective on estradiol, progesterone and 17-OHP at 1 microgram/ml, enhancing estradiol production (1.3 +/- 0.2-fold the control value; p < 0.05 vs. control), progesterone production (2.5 +/- 1.0-fold the control value; p < 0.05 vs. control), and 17-OHP (1.4 +/- 0.2-fold the control value; p < 0.05 vs. control). Growth hormone-releasing hormone increased estradiol production (1.5 +/- 1.2-fold the control value) and progesterone production (1.3 +/- 0.8-fold the control value), but not significantly. No effects by growth hormone-releasing hormone were seen on 17-OHP production. FSH, growth hormone and growth hormone-releasing hormone did not increase P450scc and P450 aromatase mRNAs, whereas FSH increased P450c17 mRNA to 150% at 100 ng/ml and 1 microgram/ml, growth hormone increased it to 230% at 100 ng/ml and to 200% at 1 microgram/ml, and growth hormone-releasing hormone increased it to 140% at 100 ng/ml and to 190% of control values at 1 microgram/ml. These results indicate a direct effect of growth hormone on steroidogenesis by increasing P450c17 mRNA accumulation and progesterone, 17-OHP and estradiol production.

Orally administered glycolipid derivative LIGA20 reduces infarct volume and behavioral impairment after focal cerebral ischemia

The efficacy of p.o. semisynthetic glycolipid LIGA20 (II3Neu5-AcGgOse4-2-d-erythro-1,3-dihydroxy-2-dichloro-aceta mide-4-trans- octadecene) treatment in stroke was studied in a permanent left middle cerebral artery occlusion model in the rat. A dose-dependent increase of plasma LIGA20 and its presence in the brain were documented after p.o. drug application. Oral administration of 50 to 200 mg/kg of LIGA20, initiated 24 hr before middle cerebral artery occlusion and continued for 7 days, reduced the motor and cognitive impairment after the stroke, measured by the rotarod and the passive avoidance test, respectively. The 10-mg/kg dose was effective when given i.v. but not p.o. Oral treatment with 100 mg/kg of LIGA20 reduced the infarct size in the cortex but not in the ischemic core (the striatum). No biochemical or behavioral adverse effects of LIGA20 treatment were observed. Further studies are needed to evaluate the full therapeutic potential of this compound.

Nonlinear optical effects in Raman calibrations of a Thomson scattering system

We present an investigation of the occurrence of stimulated Raman scattering and other nonlinear optical effects during Raman calibrations of Thomson scattering diagnostic systems for magnetic fusion plasmas. When these effects take place, the intensity of the Raman lines is unpredictable, and the calibrations are impossible. In this research Raman scattering from H(2) and D(2) at filling pressures up to 1 atm has been experimentally investigated using the Thomson scattering system of the ETA-BETA II reversed field pinch device. Stimulated Raman Stokes light has been observed at filling pressures above 230 and 500 mbars for H(2) and D(2), respectively, for input laser pulses of 8 J and 30 ns (FWHM) duration. Evidence has been found that the stimulated Raman light does not originate from the observed scattering volume but is detected as light diffused into the vacuum chamber. To explain these results, the Raman gain and the intensity of the stimulated Raman light are calculated, taking into account the multimode structure of the laser beam. We find that significant power conversion from the input laser beam to the Stokes wave takes place near the output window of the vacuum chamber. Part of this radiation is diffused back into the machine, and this part is detected as superimposed on the spontaneous Raman signal. Finally we discuss the Raman calibrations in RFX, a larger plasma device in which the Raman medium will be N(2) at a temperature up to 350°C, and show that a filling pressure of 100 mbar gives a sufficient calibration signal, avoiding any nonlinear effect.

Competitive binding assay for quantitative determination of GM1 ganglioside in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid

A competitive binding assay for the quantitative determination of GM1 ganglioside is described. After extraction from biological fluids, GM1 was incubated with a known amount of cholera toxin B-subunit conjugated with horseradish peroxidase, and exposed to GM1 adsorbed onto polystyrene microwells. Since GM1 in solution blocks the binding of toxin B-subunit to GM1 adsorbed onto the solid phase, enzyme activity serves as a reciprocal measure of GM1 concentration in the sample. The assay was used to determine the basal level of GM1 in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid in different populations.

Defining the proper role for self-administered sublingual nitroglycerin. A survey of physicians and patients

Within a half-year period, we encountered six cases of patients harmed by the adverse effects of self-administered nitroglycerin--syncope, delayed definitive medical care, and the worsening of nonischemic symptoms. We therefore surveyed 112 patients after a remote myocardial infarction, and 121 cardiologists and internists, regarding the use of sublingual nitroglycerin. Of the physicians, 84 percent routinely prescribed nitroglycerin to patients after a myocardial infarction, and 79 percent of the patients had the tablets available (83 percent of these, at all times). Most patients used the tablets less than once per month, and 37 percent of the patients who always carried nitroglycerin had not used it at all during the preceding year. Although 89 percent of the patients claimed to know when to use the drug, 57 percent had used it or would use it for symptoms such as dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or presyncope. All patients having nitroglycerin claimed it relieved their symptoms, even if the relief was only partial, the time elapsed until relief could not be specified, and the symptoms were of a type unlikely to be relieved by the drug. We suggest that the practice of routinely prescribing nitroglycerin to patients after a myocardial infarction should be reassessed.

The day-long antianginal effectiveness of nitroglycerin patches. A double-blind study using dose-titration

This study was designed to determine the day-long antianginal effectiveness of nitroglycerin patches in the nitrate-exposed patient, as well as the doses required. Eight men with chronic stable angina, a positive treadmill test, and demonstrated responsiveness to long-term oral isosorbide dinitrate were studied after they had been taking effective doses of isosorbide dinitrate three times a day for at least two weeks. Treadmill exercise bouts were performed every 1 to 2 hours over 1 day, after the 8 am application of active nitroglycerin patches in a previously titrated dose, and on another day after application of placebo patches. Mean necessary effective patch dose was 125 sq cm (60 to 220 sq cm). Mean exercise duration to angina rose from 271 to 480 s (p less than 0.001) 1 hour after active patches, while resting systolic blood pressure fell from 122 mm Hg to 100 mm Hg (p less than 0.001). (After placebo patches: +19 s and -2 mm Hg, respectively.) Active patches were superior to placebo throughout the day, but in declining degree (by 94 s at 7 pm, p less than 0.05). Thus, nitroglycerin patches can provide a significant day-long antianginal effect in the patient with long-term exposure to nitrate. However, the need for large doses and individual titration may make this therapy impractical.