Improvement of diffraction efficiency of dielectric transmission gratings using anti-reflection coatings.

A novel method for increasing diffraction efficiency of transmission gratings is proposed. In this method, dielectric multilayers are inserted between a grating region and a substrate. These multilayers work as an anti-reflection coating for the transmission grating. It is presented that a grating with 1740 grooves/mm has the diffraction efficiency over 99% using this anti-reflection coating.

Thoracodorsal artery as a collateral source to the artery of Adamkiewicz after endovascular aneurysm repair for descending thoracic aortic aneurysm.

Paraplegia is one of the most tragic complications following endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (DTAA). Collateral circulation to the artery of Adamkiewicz (AA) is important to avoid spinal cord ischaemia. We report a case in which the thoracodorsal artery had become a collateral source to the AA. A 71-year-old man had undergone EVAR for DTAA. Three years after EVAR, an angiography demonstrated that the thoracodorsal artery had joined the 11th intercostal artery and had become a collateral source to the AA. The collateral circulation of thoracic wall arteries may play an important role in the postoperative spinal perfusion.

Enhancement of double auger decay probability in xenon clusters irradiated with a soft-x-ray laser pulse.

The interaction of large Xe clusters with a soft x-ray laser pulse having a wavelength of 13.9 nm and an intensity of up to 2x10(10) W/cm2 was investigated using a time-of-flight ion mass spectrometer. The corresponding laser photon energy was sufficiently high to photoionize Xe 4d innershell electrons. It was found that Xe3+ ions (which result from double Auger decay of 4d vacancies) became the dominant final ionic product with increasing cluster size and x-ray intensity. This is in contrast to the results of synchrotron radiation experiments involving free Xe atoms, in which Xe2+ is the dominant resultant ion species. Possible mechanisms responsible for the enhancement of the double Auger transition probability in x-ray laser and cluster interaction are discussed.

Inhibition of experimental metastasis by an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, 1,6-epi-cyclophellitol.

Isolated from a culture filtrate of Phellinus sp., cyclophellitol is a specific inhibitor of beta-glucosidase, but unlike castanospermine, it does not inhibit experimental metastasis. However, its structural analogue, 1,6-epi-cyclophellitol, inhibited alpha-glucosidase as well as beta-glucosidase, and inhibited experimental metastasis. 1,6-Epi-cyclophellitol depressed alpha-glucosidase activity in cultured B16/F10 cells after 48 h of incubation. Preincubation of B16/F10 cells for 48 h with 1,6-epi-cyclophellitol inhibited invasion of the cells in a Boyden chamber assay at the doses effective in inhibiting alpha-glucosidase in situ. Pulmonary metastasis of B16/F10 cells in mice was inhibited by pretreatment of the cells with 1,6-epi-cyclophellitol in culture. The inhibitor reduced the collagen type I- and IV-mediated attachment of the cells, whereas it had no effect on laminin-mediated attachment. These results suggest that alpha-glucosidase in tumor cells is essential for the metastatic process through the cellular interaction with collagen type I and IV.

[High-pressure suction drainage for poststernotomy mediastinitis].

We present a case of high-pressure suction drainage for poststernotomy mediastinitis. A 67-year-old man who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting because of angina pectoris was noted massive dirty exudate fluid (putrid secretions) from median sternal wound on the 6th postoperative day. The sternal wounds were completely reopened and all sternal wires removed. Thorough debridement was performed. The mediastinum was then washed out with warn normal saline. The polyurethane foam was shaped to fit the resulting sternal defect and placed within the cavity just below the skin edge. The suction tube was inserted inside the foam and the area was covered with the adhesive drape. After 45 days suction drainage the sternal wound was closed, after which he was discharged.

Suppression of elevated serum TSH levels in hypothyroidism by fusaric acid.

The effect of Fusaric acid (FA), a specific inhibitor of dopamine beta-hydroxylase, on humna TSH and thyroid hormone concentration (T4 and T3) was evaluated. Healthy subjects showed no significant changes in serum T3,T4 and TSH concentrations following the administration of FA calcium salt (FA-Ca) or placebo. Similarly, administration of FA-Ca for 4 weeks to hypertensive patients failed to produce significant changes in the serum T4 or T3 Resin Sponge Uptake values, and in the TSH and T3 responses to TRH. In contrast, FA-Ca produced a significant reduction on the high basal serum TSH level in patients with primary hypothyroidism. The mean nadir was 25% and ranged from 6 to 61%. As in the case of L-Dopa, the effect of FA-Ca on serum TSH is most clearly demonstrated in patients with primary hypothyroidism. Alterations in brain amines may directly or indirectly suppress pituitary TSH secretion. The possibility of changes in the peripheral distribution or turnover rate of TSH has not been excluded.

Coexistence of autoantibody to human thyrotropin (TSH) and autoanti-idiotypic antibody to antihuman TSH antibody in a case with simple goiter.

A 70-yr-old woman with simple goiter showed normal serum levels of T4, T3, free T4, TSH receptor antibody (TRAb) and increased TBG. Discrepancy in serum hTSH level was observed by different assay methods. Coexistence of both autoantibodies for hTSH and for anti-hTSH antibody were demonstrated by the reaction of the patient's antibody with both 125I-hTSH and 125I-anti-hTSH (monoclonal antibody; mAb). These two autoantibodies belong to the polyclonal immunoglobulin G (IgG). The autoantibody for hTSH recognized only beta-subunit of hTSH. Neither stimulating type of TRAb in Graves' disease nor blocking type of TRAb in primary hypothyroidism interfered with the binding of the patient's antibody to 125I-hTSH or 125I-anti-hTSH. Anti-idiotypic antibody (anti-ID antibody) for anti-hTSH antibody was purified by anti-hTSH antibody affinity chromatography. The binding reaction of 125I-anti-hTSH (mAb) with this anti-ID antibody could be inhibited by the unlabeled hTSH. This anti-ID antibody might represent the internal image of the nonbiological active site of TSH molecule, because of absence of thyroid stimulating activity. Goiter in this patient may have occurred by the unbound TSH with IgG (free TSH) and the bound TSH with IgG, because TSH levels in both the whole serum and the IgG free serum (the unbound TSH with IgG) were decreased significantly by T4 treatment. Coexistence of these antibodies may participate in the autoimmune mechanism of an idiotype-anti-idiotype network.

Purification of carcinoembryonic antigen by affinity chromatography with anti-alpha 1-acid glycoprotein.

Purification of radiolabeled carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) preparations by affinity chromatography with anti-AG bound to Sepharose was attempted, since an immunological similarity between AG (alpha 1-acid glycoprotein) and a portion of CEA had been noted. When 125I-CEA was purified in this manner, the fraction which did not bind to the column showed decreased reactivity with either anti-AG or anti-CEA. The retained fraction showed enhanced reactivity with both anti-AG and anti-CEA. The yield of purified CEA increased when the CEA preparation was allowed to react with the anti-AG column overnight. Purification of CEA from tumor tissue was performed by affinity chromatography. A perchloric acid (PCA) extract from cancer tissue was mixed with antiserum against CEA to give an immune complex, and a CEA-reactive fraction obtained by PCA extraction. The CEA-reactive fraction was eluted from a Sephadex G-200 column, and final purification was by anti-AG chromatography. When purified CEA was applied to a Sephadex G-200 column with carrier protein after labeling with 125I, the eluted radioactivity was found only in the 180,000 dalton fraction. Almost all the radioactivity was precipitated from the labeled protein by either anti-AG or anti-CEA. Purification of CEA is possible by affinity chromatography with anti-AG bound to Sepharose.

Expression of an epithelial membrane glycoprotein by neurons arising from the human olfactory plate through development.

Human terminal-vomeronasal neural crest cells began to express a 34,000 molecular weight epithelial membrane glycoprotein, which was detected by the mouse monoclonal antibody Ber-EP4 soon after their migration into the olfactory plate. Expression of this antigen continued in neurons arising from these cells, which were olfactory sensory neurons and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone-producing neurons migrating into the brains of the embryos of approximately 44-52 postovulatory days. Ber-EP4 immunoreactivity appeared over the entire surface membranes of these neurons, including their processes, not only in their extracerebral portions, but also within the brain parenchyma from 48 to 53 postovulatory days. Ber-EP4 immunoreactivity of these migrating neurons became weaker as they matured into luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone-producing neurons and disappeared from the postnatal hypothalamic neurons; however, it remained in the primary sensory nerve fibers throughout postnatal life. Except for the neurons arising from the olfactory plate, no other human neurons express this epithelial antigen during the course of development. The mechanism and significance of the expression of this antigen in mature sensory neurons remains unclear, but the intramucosal location and morphological kinship of these neurons to epithelial cells may be related to this phenomenon. The results of the present study indicate that neurons arising from the olfactory plate are distinct from other neurons by having a 34,000 molecular weight epithelial membrane glycoprotein that can be detected by the mouse monoclonal antibody, Ber-EP4, during the embryonic stage. This antigen disappears from the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone-producing neurons concomitant with maturation, but is preserved in the olfactory primary sensory nerve throughout postnatal life.

Studies on circulating antibody against carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CEA-like antigen in cancer patients.

Characteristics of auto-antibodies for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) detected in sera from 3 cancer patients (2 colorectal and 1 breast cancer) were examined. The antibodies belonged to polyclonal immunoglobulin G (IgG). The binding of auto-antibodies with the labeled CEA was inhibited by not only the unlabeled CEA but also NCA-2 (feces and meconium). However, no binding with NCA was observed. Among these auto-antibodies the antibody directed against blood group Lewis determinants which are known to be present in many purified CEA preparations was not found. Previously we had suggested that CEA, NCA-2 and NCA may contain immune determinant in common with alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AG). These auto-antibodies showed significantly enhanced reactivity for the labeled CEA preparation after purification by anti-AG affinity chromatography in spite of no immunological reaction with AG. These results suggest that auto-antibodies are raised against the common antigenic determinants of both CEA and NCA-2 which do not exist in NCA. These antibodies might be directed to common amino acid sequence shared by CEA and NCA-2, though not excluding the carbohydrate moiety. We surveyed about 500,000 cancer patients but could find only 3 patients who showed a difference in the values of CEA by the indirect and direct method. Thus, the existence of this type auto-antibody to CEA in cancer patients is a rare phenomenon.

Production of antibody for alpha 1-acid glycoprotein using carcinoembryonic antigen and normal fecal antigen.

The structural characteristics of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CEA-like antigen in feces and meconium were examined using antibody raised against 2 antigens. When antibody to CEA was made, anti-alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AG) (nonprecipitating antibody) besides the precipitating antibody for CEA was made. When antibodies against each CEA-like antigen (mol. wt. 180,000) purified from feces and meconium were tested, each antibody showed a fused precipitin line for 2 antigens. Some antibodies showed the non-precipitating antibody for AG. CEA and CEA-like antigen in feces and meconium may be composed of 2 portions (AG portion and non-AG portion). Antibody specific to these antigens may be the antibody directed to the non-AG portion.

The inhibition by calmodulin of thyroid-stimulating hormone binding to epididymal fat, testis and thyroid membranes in the guinea-pig.

Calmodulin inhibited 125I-labelled TSH binding to the membranes of various target tissues for TSH (thyroid, epididymal fat and testis) of the guinea-pig. This inhibition was abolished by adding EGTA (1 mmol/l). Calmodulin did not inhibit the binding of 125I-labelled epidermal growth factor (EGF) to these membranes. It is suggested that the inhibitory effect of calmodulin on the binding of TSH to the receptor is specific and that this mechanism is due to the direct binding of calmodulin to receptor membranes. The ability of calmodulin to bind to the membranes was calcium-sensitive while that of TSH was not. The binding of 125I-labelled calmodulin to these membranes increased significantly when the endogenous calmodulin in the membranes was removed by EGTA. It was not inhibited by a pure preparation of TSH, but it was inhibited by contaminated calmodulin in a crude TSH preparation. On the other hand, 125I-labelled TSH binding to these membranes did not change after the removal of endogenous calmodulin. In conclusion, exogenous calmodulin has an inhibitory effect on the binding of TSH but not of EGF to the membranes of guinea-pig thyroid, epididymal fat and testis.

Autonomic nervous activity before and after eradication of Helicobacter pylori in patients with chronic duodenal ulcer.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori infection is involved in the formation of chronic peptic ulcer. However, a previously reported hypothesis concerning the involvement of central autonomic nervous disorder in this condition cannot be ruled out. AIM: To use spectrum analysis of heart rate viability to examine autonomic nervous activity before and after H. pylori eradication. METHODS: Twenty patients with chronic duodenal ulcer (duodenal ulcer group) and 20 age-matched normal adults (N group). In both groups, 24-h Holter electrocardiograms (ECGs) were recorded and spectrum analysis of heartrate variability was performed. In the duodenal ulcer group, Holter ECG was recorded before and after H. pylori eradication. RESULTS: In the N group, analysis of heart rate variability showed that high frequency (HF) power, an index of parasympathetic activity, was high at night, while the low frequency (LF)/HF ratio, an index of sympathetic function, was high during the daytime. In the duodenal ulcer group, HF power was higher at night than during the daytime, showing a similar pattern to the N group, but the power value was higher than in the N group (P < 0.05). In the duodenal ulcer group, LF/HF at night was significantly higher than that of the N group. In addition, in the duodenal ulcer group, autonomic activity after H. pylori eradication did not differ significantly from that before H. pylori eradication. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with chronic peptic ulcer, both sympatheticotonia and parasympatheticotonia may occur at night, and this abnormality in autonomic nervous activity may cause increased gastric acid secretion and gastric mucosal vasoconstriction. Abnormalities in autonomic activity persist even after H. pylori eradication, suggesting that they may be an independent risk factor in the formation of chronic peptic ulcer in addition to H. pylori infection.

Binding of bovine and porcine pituitary glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit to TSH antibody in serum of patients with Graves' disease.

The characteristics of autoantibodies reactive with bovine (b) TSH were examined in the sera of six patients with Graves' disease selected on the basis of highly negative values in the TSH receptor assay. Test sera were incubated with other 125I-labeled pituitary glycoprotein hormones and their isolated subunits (alpha and beta) [human (h) TSH, bTSH, porcine (p) TSH, pFSH, bFSH, bLH and equine (e) chorionic gonadotropin (CG)] (purity was confirmed by gel-filtration on Sephadex G-100 and SDS-PAGE), and the antibody bound fraction was precipitated by the addition of anti-human gamma-globulin (goat). Almost all sera showed detectable binding to bTSH, pTSH, pFSH, pTSH-alpha, bFSH-alpha, bLH-alpha, but not to hTSH, hTSH-alpha, hTSH-beta, hFSH, hLH, hCG, pTSH-beta, bLH-beta, eCG-alpha. Exceptions were very low binding to bLH-beta by one serum and to pTSH-beta, by two sera. The level of binding (B/T%) of the patients' sera to pTSH-alpha, bFSH-alpha and bLH-alpha was 3.0-27.7%, 2.6-45.3% and 2.2-39.0%, respectively; that of sera from normal healthy adults was 1.9 +/- 0.3%, 0.8 +/- 0.2% and 0.9 +/- 0.2% (mean +/- SD), respectively. These results indicate that the TSH antibodies recognize mainly an epitope in the alpha subunit of bovine and porcine pituitary glycoprotein hormones (TSH, FSH, LH).

The incidence of thoracic vertebral fractures in a Japanese population, Hiroshima and Nagasaki, 1958-86.

The incidence of thoracic vertebral fractures (TVF) in a Japanese population of 14,607 individuals from Hiroshima and Nagasaki was determined by sex, age, birth cohort, and exposure to atomic bomb radiation. The diagnosis of TVF was based on lateral chest radiographs made from 1 July 1958 to 28 February 1986. The subjects, who were born between 1880 through 1939, were categorized by sex into 10-year birth cohorts. TVF incidence increased by a factor of 1.7 in all birth cohorts with each 10-year increase in age in females, but did not increase with age in males. The incidence was significantly lower in the younger birth cohorts in both sexes. The incidence declined by a factor of 0.5 in males and 0.6 in females for each 10-year decrease in the year of birth. TVF incidence did not differ between the cities, and no correlation with atomic bomb radiation exposure was demonstrated.

Methods for separation of long-acting thyroid stimulator (LATS) from sera containing LATS and TSH.

Methods were devised for separation of long-acting thyroid-stimulator (LATS) from TSH in serum containing both thyroid stimulators by using Rivanol, concanavalin A (con A), or staphylococcal protein A. When 3-5 volumes of 0.5% Rivanol solution were mixed to serum containing TSH or LATS activity, LATS activity remained mainly with IgG in the supernatant fraction. On the contrary, TSH activity was precipitated. When 10 mg con A was added to 1 ml test serum, almost all TSH activity was precipitated, but LATS activity remained in the supernatant fraction, which consisted mainly of IgG and albumin. Almost all LATS activity and part of the TSH activity were precipitated by addition of more than 7.5% polyethylene glycol (PEG), which was therefore not useful for separation of the stimulators in serum. Affinity chromatography on staphylococcal protein A-Sepharose was also found to separate the two thyroid stimulators in serum. By this method LATS-immunoglobulin bound to the protein A column, but no binding of the biologic and immunologic activity of TSH was observed. The protein A method seems the most useful of these four methods for complete separation of both stimulators.

Potent and broad antitumor effects of DX-8951f, a water-soluble camptothecin derivative, against various human tumors xenografted in nude mice.

PURPOSE: We have previously reported that DX-8951f, a water-soluble and nonprodrug camptothecin (CPT) derivative, exhibits both high in vitro potency against a series of 32 malignant cell lines and significant topoisomerase I inhibition. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of DX-8951f against human tumor xenografts in nude mice and to compare its activity with those of CPT-11 and other current CPT derivatives. METHODS: The antitumor activity of DX-8951f against xenografts of several different types of human tumors was determined in nude mice using a schedule in which DX-8951f was administered intravenously every 4th day for a total of four injections. RESULTS: Against both gastric adenocarcinoma SC-6 and its CPT-11-resistant variant, SC-6/CPT-11, DX-8951f demonstrated superior antitumor activity and antitumor activity over a broader range of doses than did CPT-11, SK&F104864 (hycamtin, topotecan) and GG-211 (GI147211). DX-8951f at 75 mg/kg was effective (growth inhibition rate IR > or = 58%) against 15 of 16 lines of human cancers examined (6 colon cancers, 5 lung cancers, 2 breast cancers, 1 renal cancer and the above 2 gastric cancers), and exhibited excellent antitumor activity (IR > or = 80%) against 14 of these lines. CPT-11 exhibited antitumor activity with IR values of 58% and higher against 11 lines and IR values of 80% and higher against only eight of the same 16 human tumors. DX-8951f was effective in inhibiting the growth of an SN-38-resistant tumor and some P-glycoprotein-expressing tumors, but CPT-11 was not. CONCLUSIONS: DX-8951f exhibited potent antitumor activity against various types of human tumor xenografts. Its in vivo antitumor effects were superior to those of current camptothecin analogs against certain tumors.

Protective effect of a new prostacyclin analogue OP-2507 against cerebral anoxia and edema in experimental animals.

Protective effects of OP-2507 [15-cis-(4-propylcyclohexyl)-16,17,18,19,20-pentanor-9-deoxy -9 alpha, 6-nitrilo-PGF1 methyl ester] against cerebral anoxia and edema were investigated in a variety of experimental models in mice and rats. OP-2507 given s.c. or p.o. led to a consistent and dose-dependent prolongation of survival time against cerebral anoxia in hypobaric and normobaric hypoxia, KCN-induced anoxia and decapitation-induced gasping. Furthermore, treatment with 0.03-0.1 mg/kg s.c. or 0.3 mg/kg p.o. of OP-2507 was found to be effective against the changes of cerebral energy metabolites and cyclic nucleotides in hypoxic brain. In brain ischemia induced by bilateral ligation of common carotid arteries of rats, a reduction in specific gravity of cortex and an increase in water content of brain were observed, in accordance with changes of cerebral energy metabolites. These edematous and biochemical changes were prevented by the treatment with 0.01-0.03 mg/kg s.c. of OP-2507. These results indicate a potential usefulness of OP-2507 in protecting the brain from oxygen insufficiency resulting from cerebral ischemia.

Protective effect of prostaglandins D2, E1 and I2 against cerebral hypoxia/anoxia in mice.

The protective effect of prostaglandins (PGs) against cerebral hypoxia/anoxia was investigated with a variety of experimental models in relation to their CNS depressant effects in mice. Furthermore, the effect of PGs on the changes of cerebral energy metabolites and cyclic nucleotide was examined in hypoxic mice. Mice were given s.c. doses of PGs 30 min before tests. Among the PGs tested, treatment with PGD2, PGE1 and PGI2 Na showed a consistent and dose-dependent protection against cerebral anoxia induced by all models studied: histotoxic anoxia by KCN, hypobaric hypoxia, normobaric hypoxia and decapitation-induced gasping. However, PGA1, PGA2, PGB1, PGB2, PGE2, PGF1 alpha, PGF2 alpha and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha at a dose of 3 mg/kg were without effect against normobaric hypoxia and gasping duration. The three PGs, i.e. PGD2, PGE1 and PGI2 which showed anti-hypoxic effects decreased locomotor activity and potentiated hexobarbital-induced sleep. On the other hand, PGE2, PGA1, PGA2 and PGB2 also caused a decrease in locomotor activity. Similarly, PGE2 and PGA1 caused a potentiation of hexobarbital-induced sleep, but interestingly they did not cause clear-cut increase in cerebral resistance to hypoxia, in contrast with the former three PGs. Thus general depression of CNS function appears not to be responsible for the PGD2-, PGE1- and PGI2-induced increase in cerebral resistance to hypoxia. The levels of Cr-P and ATP were significantly reduced and those of ADP and AMP were markedly elevated in hypoxic brain, resulting in a decrease in a calculated energy charge potential. The lactate level and lactate/pyruvate ratio increased and the glucose level decreased markedly.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Clinical significance of mucin-like high molecular weight glycoprotein originated from lung cancer as tumor marker.

A high molecular weight, mucous glycoprotein (MG) from the pleural fluid of lung adenocarcinoma was purified by the DEAE-cellulose, gel-filtration and wheat germ agglutinin affinity chromatography. Protein portion of the molecule was composed of amino acids rich in serine, threonine and proline, but methionine and tyrosine concentrations were relatively low. About 65% of the weight, was composed of galactose, galactosamine, glucosamine, fucose and sialic acid. The gel-filtration pattern on Sepharose 4B revealed Mr greater than 10(6) Da. The SDS-PAGE pattern revealed a main band at the position of the Mr about 350 kDa under the reducing condition. Rabbit antibody against this molecule recognized mainly the peptide portion, and the radioimmunoassay (RIA) using the double antibody method was developed by this antibody. Serum MG level was low in healthy subjects and in benign diseases (0.8 +/- 0.7 U/ml; mean +/- SD and 1.1 +/- 2.3 U/ml, respectively). Thus, 3 U/ml was used as the cut-off value. The mean of serum MG levels and positive rates in malignant diseases were significantly high; 4.4 U/ml and 32.3% in lung cancer, 20.1 U/ml and 77.5% in pancreas cancer 11.6 U/ml and 64.3% in gastric cancer, 12.9 U/ml and 57.1% in hepatoma, 12.3 U/ml and 77.8 in colon cancer. Other malignancies such as ovarial and uterus cancer showed also high levels. Elevated values in these malignancies were observed frequently in patients with metastasis. On the other hand, the false positive cases were found in 10% of benign diseases. Determination of MG seems to be useful for the detection of several kinds of malignancies, but it is not adequately sensitive as a screening method for early cancer detection.