Exotic radiation from a photonic crystal excited by an ultrarelativistic electron beam.

We report the observation of an exotic radiation (unconventional Smith-Purcell radiation) from a one-dimensional photonic crystal. The physical origin of the exotic radiation is direct excitation of the photonic bands by an ultrarelativistic electron beam. The spectrum of the exotic radiation follows photonic bands of a certain parity, in striking contrast to the conventional Smith-Purcell radiation, which shows solely a linear dispersion. Key ingredients for the observation are the facts that the electron beam is in an ultrarelativistic region and that the photonic crystal is finite. The origin of the radiation was identified by comparison of experimental and theoretical results.

Effects of apraclonidine on intraocular pressure and blood-aqueous barrier permeability after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation.

To evaluate the effect of topical apraclonidine on early postoperative intraocular pressure and blood-aqueous barrier permeability, we conducted a double-masked clinical trial in which 37 patients undergoing uncomplicated phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation were randomly assigned to treatment with 1% apraclonidine or its vehicle. One drop of 1% apraclonidine or its vehicle was instilled 1/2 hour preoperatively and immediately postoperatively. In addition to intraocular pressure, aqueous flare intensity was also determined before and after the operation by using a laser flare-cell meter. In the apraclonidine group, intraocular pressure showed no significant postoperative increase, whereas it showed a significant increase at six hours in the vehicle group (P < .01). Difference between intraocular pressure recorded at the end of the operation with the Tono-Pen II and that measured postoperatively was significantly greater in the vehicle group by 3.5 to 7.0 mm Hg (P < .05 to .01). In the apraclonidine group, the aqueous flare intensity was about half that in the vehicle group with significant differences at six (P < .05) and 24 (P < .01) hours.

Induced synthesis of metallothionein by ascorbic acid in mouse liver.

The concentration of metallothionein in mouse tissues after administration of ascorbic acid was determined by the Cd-hem method. The concentration of metallothionein in the liver was increased significantly after an intraperitoneal injection of L-ascorbic acid at the dose of 1000 mg/kg. A simultaneous injection of cycloheximide inhibited the increase of the metallothionein concentration. Mortality of mice injected with a lethal dose of cadmium was decreased significantly by the pre-injection of L-ascorbic acid. All of these results indicate that metallothionein is induced in the liver after the administration of ascorbic acid.

Observation of millimeter-wave radiation generated by the interaction between an electron beam and a photonic crystal.

We observed directional light emission in the millimeter-wave region when a high-energy (150 MeV) electron beam passes just above a photonic crystal made of polytetrafluoroethylene beads ( approximately 3.2 mm in diameter). The relation between the momentum and the energy of the emitted photons strongly suggests that the observed light is generated by the umklapp scattering process that changes the evanescent waves emitted by the electron beam into observable ones. By comparing the observed spectra with calculated ones based on the photonic band structure, we found that generated photons excite the photonic band modes making them observable as enhanced fine structures in the emission spectra.

Pathology and epidemiology of canine distemper in raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides).

From September to December 1991, a large number of free-ranging raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) died from a highly contagious disease in the vicinity of Tokyo. Eighteen seriously ill or dead animals were submitted for necropsy. The pathological findings resembled those in a masked palm civet (Paguma larvata) found infected with canine distemper virus (CDV) in the same area in late August 1991. The most striking features were pneumonia and gastroenteritis. Microscopical lesions consisted of cytoplasmic and intranuclear eosinophilic inclusion bodies in various organs and tissues, bronchiolointerstitial pneumonia, non-suppurative demyelinating encephalitis, lymphocytic depletion in various lymphoid tissues and catarrhal or necrotizing gastroenteritis. CDV-specific antigens, demonstrated immunohistochemically in the epithelial tissues, central nervous system and lymphoid tissues, corresponded with the presence of the eosinophilic inclusion bodies in sections of the same lesions stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Ultrastructurally, both cytoplasmic and intranuclear inclusion bodies were observed to be composed of aggregates of viral nucleocapsids. The study provided clear evidence that CDV was the cause of the disease. It is possible that the masked palm civet introduced the infection into the raccoon dog population.

Cytodiagnosis of vaginal endodermal sinus tumor. A case report.

BACKGROUND: Endodermal sinus tumor (EST) of vaginal origin is extremely rare, and few previously published reports have described the cytology of this tumor. CASE: A high serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level and magnetic resonance imaging findings in a 10-year-old female suggested EST of the lower genital tract. Laparotomy revealed EST occupying the pelvic cavity. The patient died on the 17th postoperative day due to complications from disseminated intravascular coagulation. Autopsy was performed immediately after death. The tumor originated in the posterior vaginal wall directly below the ectocervical area. Both ovaries were involved, and the tumor proliferated to occupy the cavity of the pelvis minor. A vaginal smear, obtained on two occasions, revealed severe necrosis with few cells, and a diagnosis could not be made. An imprint smear of the tumor obtained during surgery showed relatively characteristic cytologic findings of EST. Immunocytochemical and immunohistochemical studies revealed staining positive for AFP. CONCLUSION: Vaginal EST usually occurs in patients under 3 years of age. This 10-year-old patient was the oldest among the reported cases. Vaginal EST is clinically similar to sarcoma botryoides and clear cell carcinoma, and a differential diagnosis is necessary. Immunocytostaining for AFP is essential for a definitive cytologic diagnosis of EST.

Usefulness of estrogen receptor detection using archival Papanicolaou-stained smears.

OBJECTIVE: To examine estrogen receptor (ER) detection using cytologic specimens and to compare the results with those obtained by the dextran-coated charcoal (DCC) method and enzyme immunoassay (EIA). STUDY DESIGN: Immunocytochemical staining was conducted on 60 cases of breast cancer resected at our hospital between April 1993 and November 1997 in which ER had been measured by DCC or EIA. Specimens for immunocytochemical staining were prepared by a cell transfer method using archival Papanicolaou-stained imprint smears, and ER staining was performed by the labeled streptavidin method using an anti-ER monoclonal antibody. These results were compared with those obtained by DCC or EIA. RESULTS: In immunocytochemical staining for ER, positive staining was observed in the nuclei of tumor cells. A good correlation was obtained between the immunocytochemical staining results and biochemical results. Five cases were positive in anti-ER staining but negative in biochemical tests, and two cases were negative in anti-ER staining and positive in biochemical tests. CONCLUSION: Unlike biochemical assays, the immunocytochemical method does not necessitate use of fresh frozen materials and can be performed even using archival Papanicolaou-stained smears. Immunocytochemical study is a highly useful method for routine ER determination.

Cytodiagnosis of placental site trophoblastic tumor. A report of two cases.

BACKGROUND: Placental site trophoblastic tumor (PSTT) is a rare form of trophoblastic neoplasm. Approximately 100 cases of PSTT have been reported, but we found no report on its cytodiagnosis. CASES: Case 1, a 39-year-old female, came to the hospital because of abnormal genital bleeding. Case 2, a 36-year-old female came because of amenorrhea for a year. In both cases, endometrial smear and intrauterine curettage suggested trophoblastic disease, and hysterectomy was performed. Laboratory data revealed a mild increase in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and beta-hCG but normal human placental lactogen (hPL). In the cytologic examination, the background contained some hemorrhagic and fibrinous areas but no necrosis. Most tumor cells stained light green, were round or polygonal, and contained abundant cytoplasm. Some were palely stained and had vacuoles. Some cells showed hyperchromatism, an irregular nucleus, fine-to-coarse chromatin granules and markedly different sizes. Most of the cells were hPL positive, and a few were hCG positive. CONCLUSION: Both cases were considered benign because of rare mitoses despite cellular pleomorphism. However, careful follow-up is required. The differential diagnosis of PSTT is difficult from cytologic and biopsy specimens alone but may be achieved with additional magnetic resonance imaging findings and positive staining of hPL and hCG.

Cytodiagnosis of malignant melanoma of soft tissue: report of a case with diagnosis by intraoperative cytology.

BACKGROUND: Malignant melanoma of soft tissue (MMST) is a rare tumor and consists of < 1% of all soft tissue neoplasms. There are few reports on its cytodiagnosis. CASE: A 14-year-old male attended the Department of Orthopedics, Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital, in August 1994 because of a painless tumor in the distal portion of the left thigh. Intraoperative imprint smear examination led to a diagnosis of malignant melanoma, and wide resection of the tumor, including the surrounding normal tissue, was performed. On cytologic examination, the background was relatively clean, with tumor cells distributing individually or in clusters. Under high magnification, the tumor cells were seen to contain a slightly enlarged, conspicuous nucleolus and large cell body. The cells varied in shape from polygonal to spindle shaped, with a few multinuclear giant cells. Melanin and glycogen were observed in varying degrees in the tumor cells. CONCLUSION: MMST can be diagnosed easily if melanin is observed in the cytoplasm. Even in the absence of melanin, the tumor has relatively characteristic cytomorphology. Intraoperative cytology is useful for an accurate diagnosis of the tumor.

Changes in lymphoproliferation and DTH responses after vaccination immediately before surgery in puppies.

To clarify the effects of the presurgical vaccination canine parvovirus vaccine (CPV) on immunological responses to surgery in puppies, we assessed it by measuring the blastogenic responses of lymphocytes and delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses after laparotomy in the non- and vaccinated puppies. The inhalation anesthetic used was isoflurane or halothane. In post-surgery, the blastogenic responses of lymphocytes in the non-vaccinated puppies decreased, especially, those in these puppies with halothane anesthesia (GOF) did significantly, and the duration of this decrease prolonged more than that in the non-vaccinated puppies with isoflurane anesthesia (GOI). However, the responses in the vaccinated puppies with each anesthesia didn't almost decrease below the presurgical levels. In GOI groups, the DTH responses in vaccinated puppies increased significantly over those in non-vaccinated ones, but in GOF groups, there were few differences between the DTH responses in the non- and vaccinated puppies. These results suggest that the CPV vaccination immediately before surgery possibly prevents the postsurgical immunosuppression, and that GOI may depress the immunocompetence less than GOF.

Detection of liver membrane antibodies in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Circulating liver membrane antibodies (LMAb) were examined in 71 patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) without liver dysfunction and 16 cases of KK mouse as a model of obese diabetic animals. LMAb were detected in 10 NIDDM patients (14.1%). Fasting blood glucose, glycosylated serum albumin (G-Alb), and glycosylated hemoglobin A1 (HbA1) levels were compared with LMAb-positive and negative groups. The G-Alb levels and HbA1 levels of the LMAb-positive group were significantly higher (p less than 0.05 and p less than 0.01, respectively) than those of the LMAb-negative group. In addition, there were no differences in histological findings in KK mouse liver between the LMAb-positive and negative cases. These results revealed that the state of continued high blood glucose directly or indirectly influence the autoimmunity and clinical features of NIDDM patients.

Prevalence of human papillomavirus infection in women attending a sexually transmitted disease clinic.

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of infection due to human papillomavirus (HPV) types of high and intermediate oncogenic risk, which was most frequently associated with uterine cervical neoplasia. The subjects were 236 prostitutes who visited a sexually transmitted diseases (STD) clinic in a metropolitan area in 1998. Another 95 women who visited a university hospital were selected as a normal control group. A swab sample collected from the uterine cervix and external os was subjected to hybrid capture assays for low-oncogenic-risk HPV types (HPV A; including types 6, 11, 42, 43 and 44) and high- and intermediate-oncogenic-risk HPV types (HPV B; including 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59 and 68). Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Fisher's exact test was used for statistical analyses. Among the microorganisms tested, the positive rate for HPV B was the highest both in the women attending the STD clinic (STD group) and in the control group. The positive rate for HPV B in the STD group was 47.5% (112 of 236), and this was significantly higher than the 5.3% (5 of 95) in the control group (p < 0.0001). These findings suggest that HPV examination is recommended for women who visit an STD clinic to assess the future risk of cervical neoplasia.

Usefulness of hybrid capture HPV DNA assay as a diagnostic tool for human papillomavirus infection.

The purpose of this study was to determine the usefulness of the hybrid capture HPV DNA assay, a new nonradioactive solution hybridization assay, as a diagnostic tool for human papillomavirus infection. In a total of 234 women, samples for the hybrid capture assay and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay were obtained by wiping a swab across the cervix and external os (either a Dacron swab or a cotton swab was used). The papanicolaou smear test (Pap smear) was carried out on all 234 women. Tissue samples for biopsy were obtained by colposcopy from 118 of the women. Fisher exact test was used for statistical analyses. Using the hybrid capture assay, HPV DNA of high- and intermediate-oncogenic-risk type was detected in 23 (13.9%) of 166 samples from women with Pap smear Class I or II, and 48 (70.6%) of 68 with Pap smear Class III, IV or V (p < 0.0001). The HPV DNA type was detected in 18 (29.0%) of 62 samples from those with no evidence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and 44 (78.6%) of 56 with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or squamous cell carcinoma (p < 0.0001). Correlation of the test results between the hybrid capture test and PCR was determined by using the 217 samples in which both test results were available (PCR test results were not obtainable in 17 samples. When PCR is set as a gold standard, the hybrid capture test has high sensitivity (74.6%) and specificity (92.7%). These findings suggest that the hybrid capture HPV DNA assay is a useful method for diagnosing HPV infection in the clinic.

Effect of physical fitness and training on physiological responses to hypogravity.

The studies on the orthostatic tolerance during the hypodynamics exposure seem to be significant in connection with the selection, training and health maintenance of astronauts. Using male human subjects of various physical fitness levels, fluctuations of their physical fitness through 2 weeks of vigorous athletic training were measured in many parameters. For some of the subjects, the effects of 6 hr thermal neutral water immersion exposure in head out supine position on the physical fitness parameters and orthostatic tolerability were compared before training with after training. The results obtained were as follows: (1) Before training, orthostatic tolerability before hypodynamics exposure increased, following the physical fitness levels; the value after the hypodynamics exposure decreased in all the cases, but no differences were observed between the physical fitness levels. (2) As a result of training an increase of the physical fitness capacity was observed. The increase of orthostatic tolerability before hypodynamics exposure was noticed except for athletes. (3) Before hypodynamics exposure the urinary excretion of noradrenaline on non-athlete subjects increased as the physicsl fitness level increased. The values were decreased by physical training, the more so the better the physical fitness. After hypodynamics exposure the same relation was observed. But for athletes the values remain more stable and the decrease by hypodynamics exposure was not so distinctive. Such decreased reaction to hypodynamic conditions seems to reveal the neuro hormonal mechanism for the detrimental adaptation of athletes to hypodynamics. These results suggest that stable athletes do not always have low orthostatic tolerability, but do not respond well to hypodynamic conditions, at least from the orthostatic point of view. The mechanism seems related to sympathetic nerve activity.

[Comparison of different methods for anti-HTLV-I assay].

In 130 patients, who were considered to be anti-HTLV-I positive or negative by the PA method, we compared the anti-HTLV-I detection rates and the specificity of the following three EIA methods: the Ei-test ATL and two new EIA methods using different recombinant antigens which recognize different sites. The results from the three EIA methods were consistent with the results from the PA method at a rate over 96.9%. The specificity and sensitivity of the three methods were excellent. In 8 (0.6%) of the 130 cases, however, the results from the four methods were not in agreement. All of these 8 cases had been classified (by the PA method) as weakly positive (low antibody titer). The use of the Ei-test ATL produced some false positive cases and some false negative cases (no false negative cases have been reported in tests for anti-HTLV-I antibody before). In 3 patients, the results of the two new EIA methods were not in agreement. Because all of these three patients had a low antibody titer, the discrepancy was difficult to explain based on the difference in the antigens used. Although the four methods had similar anti-HTLV-I detection rates, the results indicate a need to carefully evaluate the data in patients with low antibody titers. Therefore, it is recommended that a combination of multiple tests be used or that the results from one test be checked against those from another test.

[An autopsy case of primary lung leiomyosarcoma].

We report autopsy findings for a case of leiomyosarcoma originating in the right lung in an 86-year-old man. We surveyed current literatures and compared the immunohistochemical results in the present case with those reported previously in Japan. The solid tumor measured 6 x 7 x 7 cm sized and was located in the right lung. Its cut-surface appeared grayish to yellowish and contained areas of hemorrhage and necrosis. The lungs contained scattered nodular lesions less than 2 cm in diameter. Metastatic lesions were also confirmed in other tissues such as the heart, pericardium, liver, spleen, left adrenal gland and thyroid. Microscopically, 14 mitoses were detected in every 10 high-power fields. An immunohistochemical study revealed positivity for smooth muscle myosin and actin, and negativity for CEA, and appeared to be important in differential diagnosis and determination of histogenetic type.

[Relation between human papilloma virus DNA and expressions of p53 and p21 proteins in cervical lesions].

Oncogenic types of human papilloma virus (HPV) are known to be closely associated with cervical carcinoma. On the other hand, the oncogenic process is associated with various abnormalities in the mechanisms of cellular regulation. In this study, we detected the expressions of p53 and p21 proteins in cervical lesions by immunohistochemical techniques, and examined the relationship with HPV infection as well as the clinical usefulness of the results. Cervical biopsy specimens from 107 cases of cervical lesions were studied. HPV-DNA was detected by the hybrid capture method using probe A for low oncogenic types and probe B for high oncogenic types. Anti p21, anti-p53 antibodies were used to perform immunostaining. Point mutation in the p53 gene was analyzed by the DGGE method. High oncogenic HPV types were detected at high frequencies in CIN and SCC. In lesions associated with high oncogenic HPV, p53 protein was detected in 33.4% of the lesions and p21 protein in 36.3%. The p53 gene was analyzed in all cases, and point mutation was not detected. No relation was detected between HPV infection and p53/p21 protein expression. Since mutation was not found in the p53 gene, the p53 protein expressed was considered to be wild-type, which is suspected to play a role in inhibiting disease progression in some cases.

[Significance of determination of the blood antibody level in Chlamydia trachomatis infection of the uterine cervix].

Kits for measurement of C. trachomatis specific antibody are not commercially available, but of the significance of determination of the serum antibody level has not been clarified. In this study, we first determined the C. trachomatis antibody level in patients considered to be free of C. trachomatis infection. Then, we evaluated the relationship between the presence or absence of antigen with the antibody level in patients at our department who were available for antigen examination. Anti-C. trachomatis IgA and IgG antibodies were detected in all age groups with a peak frequency in the 20's expect that IgA antibody was absent in the umbilical blood (IgG antibody was detected also in the umbilical blood). Concerning the relationship between the presence or absence of C. trachomatis antigen and the serum antibody levels, both IgA and IgG antibodies were significantly different (chi 2 test, p less than 0.01) between the antigen-positive group and the antigen-negative group. Because females infected by C. trachomatis were more often asymptomatic than infected males, and because antigen tests may produce false negative results, determination of the antibody level must be included in the clinical tests. Determination of the antibody level is considered to be valuable also in screening for mother-child infection and asymptomatic infection.

[Detection of HPV infection in CIN and invasive cancers by in situ hybridization method--comparison with histopathology].

The causal association of human papilloma virus (HPV) with cervical cancer has been supported by multiple lines of evidence. Therefore, in the case of dysplasia, the presence of HPV-DNA should be detected and its subtypes identified. This is important in the determination of the prognosis for cervical disease. We reported a study in which the localization and types of HPV in cervical diseases was identified by in situ hybridization using biotin-labelled DNA probes. Seven types (3 basic forms) of HPV were used as DNA probes. HPV types used were following: 6/11, 16/18, 31/33/35. In this study, we introduced 7 new types (3 forms) of probes for a total of 14 types (6 forms). The new probes introduced were 42/43/45, 45/56, 51/52. Using these probes, the rate of detection HPV according to types was examined. In addition, localization of HPV infection and its relationship with histopathological findings of cervical disease were evaluated. 1) Types 6/11 and 45/56 were found in the lesions with less important histological findings (CIN I). Types 16/18, 31/33/35, 51/52 were found in the all lesions. Type 42/43/44 were not detected in this study. 2) The addition of 7 new types (3 new forms) of probes resulted in a 17% increase (16 cases) in the rate of detection of HPV compared to our previous study. 3) Localization and distribution pattern of the HPV is not, as has been reported so far, dependent on HPV type but rather on the histological characteristics, such as the degree of dysplasia.

[Detection of papilloma virus in the cervix of the human uterus by in situ hybridization--Comparative study of detection rate by Southern blot method].

Cases found to be positive for human papilloma virus (HPV) infection in the cervix by Southern blot method were evaluated with a newly developed kit for in situ HPV tissue hybridization. By the in situ hybridization method, HPV-DNA was detected without damaging the tissue structure. It appeared as purple or black stains in the nucleus of the epithelial cells that were located at the level of one-third of the epithelial thickness from the surface. The cases that were negative with the Southern blot method were also negative with the in situ hybridization method, but only 55.8% of the cases positive with the Southern blot method were positive with the in situ hybridization. Although in situ hybridization method is not as sensitive as the Southern blot method, it allows analysis of old paraffin blocks and comparison with pathological features.