Nd3+-activated CaF2 ceramic lasers.

Nd,Y:CaF2 and Nd,La:CaF2 ceramics featuring good optical quality have been fabricated by reactive sintering and a hot isostatic pressing method. The transmission spectra, emission spectra, and fluorescence decay curves were measured. Lasing at 1064 and 1065 nm was observed in Nd,Y:CaF2 and Nd,La:CaF2, respectively, upon quasi-continuous-wave pumping by a diode laser emitting at 791 nm. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of Nd3+-activated CaF2 ceramic laser.

Exposure to thoracic dust, airway symptoms and lung function in cement production workers.

Cement dust exposure has previously been associated with airway symptoms and ventilatory impairment. The aim of the present study was to examine lung function and airway symptoms among employees in different jobs and at different levels of exposure to thoracic dust in the cement production industry. At the start of a 4-yr prospective cohort study in 2007, exposure to cement dust, symptoms and lung function were recorded cross-sectionally in 4,265 employees in 24 European cement plants. Bronchial exposure was assessed by 2,670 full-shift dust samples with cyclones collecting the thoracic aerosol fraction. A job exposure matrix was constructed by grouping dust concentrations according to job type and plant. Elevated odds ratios for symptoms and airflow limitation (range 1.2-2.6 in the highest quartile), but not for chronic bronchitis, were found in the higher quartiles of exposure compared with the lowest quartile. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)) showed an exposure-response relationship with a 270-mL deficit of FEV(1) (95% CI 190-300 mL) in the highest compared with the lowest exposure level. The results support the hypothesis that exposure to dust in cement production may lead to respiratory symptoms and airway obstruction.

Exclusive association of paraoxonase 1 with high-density lipoprotein particles in apolipoprotein A-I deficiency.

Paraoxonase1 (PON1) is a high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-associated protein which removes peroxidized lipids from lipoproteins. It has been proposed that apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) is an important determinant for its stabilization on HDL. However, little is known about its existence and activity in an apoA-I-deficient state in humans. To characterize the nature of PON1 in apoA-I deficiency, we investigated PON1 in an apoA-I-deficient patient. When serum was analyzed on fast protein liquid chromatography, PON1 protein was distributed almost exclusively on HDL despite the absence of apoA-I; on the other hand, 38.5% of PON1 protein was found in the lipoprotein-free fraction when the lipoproteins were fractionated through ultracentrifugation. The stability of PON1 activity in the patient serum was almost the same as in the normal control sera throughout incubation at 14 degrees C for 7 days. However, when the sera were incubated at 37 degrees C for 24 h, its activity declined more than those in the normal controls (19% versus 4% reduction of the initial values). Our results demonstrated that PON1 protein possesses a preferential association with HDL even in the absence of apoA-I, although apoA-I is a crucial factor for the maximal activity and stabilization of PON1.

Spontaneous recovery from hypopituitarism in a man with lymphocytic hypophysitis: a case report.

A 50-year-old man presented with hypopituitarism and a pituitary lesion on magnetic resonance imaging scan. He was diagnosed as having lymphocytic hypophysitis, and replacement therapy with hydrocortisone and thyroxine was started. He regained normal pituitary function after 10 months. Reports of spontaneous recovery from lymphocytic hypophysitis in men are rare. While the natural history of lymphocytic hypophysitis remains elusive and its management is not well established, our report shows that spontaneous resolution may occur with steroid supplementation even in men.

Genetic analysis of phytosterolaemia.

Two women with multiple xanthomas, intermittent arthritis and thrombocytopenia were diagnosed as phytosterolaemia, an autosomal-recessive lipid storage disease, based on their increased serum concentrations of beta-sitosterol, campesterol and sitostanol. The gene responsible for this disease is located within a distance of 18 cM between microsatellite markers of D2S 1788 and D2S1352 at chromosome 2p21. We genotyped the patients and their family members with 16 microsatellite markers around this locus. The results from the homozygosity mapping of one family suggested that the gene was located within the distance of 12.6 cM between D2S2328 and D2S1352. We have shortened the genetic distance by 5.4 cM.

Effect of KMD-3213, an alpha1A-adrenoceptor antagonist, on the prostatic urethral pressure and blood pressure in male decerebrate dogs.

BACKGROUND: KMD-3213 is an alpha1A-adrenoceptor-selective antagonist currently being developed for the treatment of urinary outlet obstruction in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. In the present study, the uroselectivity of KMD-3213 was evaluated and compared with that of prazosin and tamsulosin in a decerebrate dog model. METHODS: Intercollicular decerebration was carried out in male mongrel dogs under anesthesia. The inhibitory effects of intravenously and intraduodenally administered compounds on the increase in intraurethral pressure (IUP) induced by electrical stimulation of the hypogastric nerve were estimated. Systemic blood pressure was measured simultaneously. RESULTS: The alpha1-antagonists tested produced a dose-dependent inhibition of the induced IUP response and decreased mean blood pressure (MBP). The ID50 of KMD-3213, tamsulosin and prazosin for IUP (dose required to inhibit the increase in IUP by 50%) was 3.15, 1.73 and 11.8 microg/kg i.v., respectively, and the ED20 for the hypotensive effect (dose required to reduce MBP by 20%) was 8.03, 0.59 and 2.46 microg/kg i.v., respectively. The data indicate that uroselectivity (ED20/ID50) of KMD-3213 is 12- and 7.5-fold higher than that of prazosin and tamsulosin, respectively. When the drugs were administered intraduodenally, KMD-3213 was sufficiently absorbed from the digestive tract and continued to demonstrate at least 3.8-fold higher uroselectivity than tamsulosin. CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, KMD-3213 appears to be an effective orally active compound for decreasing urethral resistance during micturition that does not induce any negative cardiovascular effects in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Hyperthyroidism presenting as dysphagia.

A 65-year-old man presented with hyperthyroidism associated with thyrotoxic dysphagia. Treatment with thiamazole improved his symptoms promptly. Although dysphagia is a rare manifestation of thyrotoxicosis, it should be emphasized that the possibility of hyperthyroidism must be discussed in unexplained dysphagia because it is readily treatable.

[Tricuspid valve replacement in a patient with idiopathic tricuspid regurgitation].

Tricuspid regurgitation is often seen but is rarely categorized as "idiopathic". A 66-year-old man suspected of idiopathic tricuspid regurgitation underwent tricuspid valve replacement. With right heart failure over twenty years, his CTR increased to eighty six (86) per cent. During operation, no abnormal findings were observed except for the dilated tricuspid valve ring. Then a stented porcine xenograft (Carpentier-Edwards 33 mm) was inserted in the tricuspid valve annulus. Seven years after replacement, he died. Autopsy demonstrated myocardial hypertrophy of the right ventricle and dilatation of the right heart, supporting the diagnosis of idiopathic tricuspid regurgitation.

Detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites by high-pressure liquid chromatography after purification on immunoaffinity columns in urine from occupationally exposed workers.

OBJECTIVE: The objective in our study was to quantitate benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) metabolites by a combination of immunoaffinity chromatography and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection in urine from workers exposed to high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Furthermore, by the simultaneous quantitation of 1-hydroxypyrene, the correlation between the B[a]P-tetrol and 1-hydroxypyrene would provide a means of evaluating the validity of 1-hydroxypyrene as a surrogate biomarker for occupational exposure to the potent carcinogen B[a]P in an electrode paste plant. METHODS: The study was carried out at an electrode paste plant that produces electrode paste for Söderberg electrodes. A total of 34 pre- and post-shift urine samples and 17 personal air samples were collected from 17 workers during a normal work week. The concentration of 1-hydroxypyrene was measured in all urine samples. A recent method of quantitating B[a]P-r-7, t-8, t-9, c-10-tetrol in urine of humans exposed to low levels of PAH has been described. A modified version of this method involving purification of urine samples on immunoaffinity columns and HPLC analysis with fluorescence detection was used on urine samples from workers exposed to high levels of PAH. A monoclonal antibody (8E11) with binding affinity to B[a]P-tetrols was used. This antibody also binds several PAH-DNA adducts and metabolites, including 1-hydroxypyrene. Gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) was also used for identification of metabolites isolated by HPLC fractionation. RESULTS: From personal air sampling the mean exposure to particulate PAHs was 38 microg/m3. The mean concentration of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene was 3.9 micromol/mol creatinine in preshift samples and 10.2 micromol/mol creatinine in postshift samples. We could not identify detectable amounts of urinary B[a]P-tetrol by HPLC or fluorescence spectroscopy after purification on immunoaffinity columns. However, in the HPLC analysis we identified several hydroxyphenantrene metabolites that were detected at relatively high concentrations in all of the workers' urine samples. We could not separate 2- and 3-hydroxyphenanthrene (2 + 3-OH-Phe) in peak 1, and peak 2 contained both 1- and 9-hydroxyphenanthrene (1 + 9-OH-Phe). The phenanthrene metabolites were mainly conjugated to glucuronic acid and sulfate. There was a significant correlation between the 1-hydroxypyrene concentration and 2 + 3-OH-Phe (r = 0.73) and 1 + 9-OH-Phe (r = 0.64) in the urine samples. 1-Hydroxypyrene was measured in all post-shift urine samples but was not significantly correlated with workplace pyrene exposure, indicating that skin exposure is an important route of pyrene exposure in this factory. As with 1-hydroxypyrene, dermal PAH uptake may also account for the poor correlation between 2 + 3- and 1 + 9-OH-Phe and ambient phenanthrene. DISCUSSION: Since dermal uptake is likely to be important in occupational PAH exposure in addition to inhalation, estimation of total PAH exposure is best achieved by quantitation of PAHs excreted into body fluids. However, it remains unclear whether there might be a difference in uptake and urinary excretion of 3-ring, 4-ring, or 5-ring PAHs and in the correlation between these metabolites and ambient-air PAH measurements. In summary, using immunaffinity chromatography, we did not find detectable amounts of B[a]P-tetrol in urine from workers occupationally exposed to PAH. However, by an HPLC/immunoaffinity method, relatively high amounts of 1-hydroxypyrene as well as 2 + 3- and 1 + 9-OH-Phe were quantitated in the urine samples, both of which are relevant as biomarkers of PAH exposure.

Hemoglobin SC disease presenting as acute chest syndrome with ventilation-perfusion mismatches.

Acute chest syndrome, characterized by fever, chest pain and pulmonary infiltrates, is a known complication of hemoglobin SC disease. A 41-year-old African male with previously unknown hemoglobinopathy developed an acute episode of fever, chest pain and dyspnea right after surgery for retinal detachment. The patient was suspected of having pulmonary thromboembolism. This was further suggested by a 'high probability' ventilation-perfusion scan. However, a pulmonary angiogram revealed no evidence of thromboembolism. Subsequently, the patient was recognized to have hemoglobin SC disease, with the acute chest syndrome. After appropriate treatment with antibiotics, hydration and exchange transfusion, the patient underwent another surgery without complications.

[A case of mediastinal teratoma discovered availing of pneumonia].

A 42-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with hemosputum and an abnormal shadow on chest X-ray. Although her hemosputum disappeared after the treatment of pneumonia, the abnormal shadow was not improved. Chest CT showed a mediastinal mass. She underwent thoracotomy and the tumor, measuring 6 x 5 x 5 cm in size, was resected. Pathological diagnosis was a mature type teratoma with direct invasion to the lung. We have to take mediastinal teratoma into consideration as one of the causes of pneumonia.

Prognosis for patients with pneumonectomy or lesser resections for non-small cell lung cancer based on histologic cell type.

Contrary results have been reported regarding prognosis by histologic cell type in surgical treatment for lung cancer. To evaluate whether histologic cell type has influence on prognosis, we separately analyzed the prognostic outcome of patients who had undergone pneumonectomy (n=119) and lesser resections (n=124) for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) between January, 1985 and March, 1996. The pneumonectomy group included 87 (73%) squamous cell carcinoma (Sq), 25 (21%) adenocarcinoma (Ad) and 7 other types with 10 (8%) patients in postoperative stage I of the disease, 29 (24%) stage II, 74 (62%) stage III and 6 in stage IV. The lesser resection group included 45 (36%) Sq, 63 (51%) Ad and 16 other types with 71 (57%) patients in stage I, 9 (7%) stage II, 32 (26%) stage III and 12 stage IV. In patients with stages I-III, the 5-year survival rate was 42.8% for the Sq group and 41.1% for the Ad group in the case of lesser resections and 37.1% for the Sq group and 0% for the Ad group (p<0.05) in the case of pneumonectomy. The poorer prognosis for patients with Ad in the case of pneumonectomy was suspected to be due to the N factor; the percentage of patients with N0-1 was significantly lower in the Ad group than for the Sq group (28 vs 62%, p<0.005). Histologic cell type can be a prognostic factor for patients undergoing surgical treatments for NSCLC. One possible reason for the contrary results on prognosis by histologic cell type among investigators may be due to the mixed results of pneumonectomy and lesser resections.

Results of pneumonectomy for non-small cell lung cancer: appropriateness of the new TNM staging system.

In the new TNM staging system for lung cancer in 1997, stage T3N0M0 was revised from stage IIIA to stage IIB. Therefore, we initiated a study to assess the appropriateness of this revision. One hundred and nineteen patients who had undergone pneumonectomy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) between January 1985 and March 1996 were analyzed. They included 87 squamous cell carcinoma (sq), 25 adenocarcinoma (ad), 4 large cell carcinoma (la), and 3 adenosquamous cell carcinoma (ad-sq), with 10 patients in postoperative stage I (3 IA + 7 IB), 29 stage II (1 IIA + 28 IIB), 74 stage III (39 IIIA + 35 IIIB) and 6 in stage IV of the disease. Stage IIB included 14 patients with T3N0M0 (12 sq, 1 ad, 1 la). The 5-year survival rate for patients with T3N0M0 was 69.6%, which was superior to that (55.7%) for patients with stage II (T1-2N1M0) of the previous system. According to the new TNM staging system, the 5-year survival rate was 40% in stage I, 66.2% in stage II, 24% in stage IIIA, 0% in stages IIIB and IV (stage I vs stage II, NS; stage II vs stage IIIA, p<0.01; stage IIIA vs stage IIIB, p<0.01; stage IIIB vs stage IV, p<0.01). A significant prognostic difference between stage II and stage IIIA was observed, which had not been observed in the previous system. Our results show that the revision of T3N0M0 from stage IIIA to stage II in the new TNM staging system seems appropriate with regard to the pneumonectomy group.

Effect of high concentrations of bile acids on cultured hepatocytes.

High concentrations of bile acids have been reported as injurious to hepatocytes. We report the influence of various combinations of bile acids on the liver-specific function of cultured rat hepatocytes. Using 4 bile acids (glycocholate [GC], taurocholate [TC], glycohenodeoxycholate [GCDC], and taurochenodeoxycholate [TCDC]), we obtained 6 bile-acid mixtures, each containing equal amounts of 2 bile acids (total bile acids [TBA], 2 mM). Changes in gluconeogenesis, ureagenesis, DNA contents, medium alanine aminotransferase, and morphologies were compared among the paired bile acid compositions by measuring the C/CDC ratio ([GC + TC]/[GCDC + TCDC]) of each. In terms of their relative impairments of ureagenesis from greatest to least, the acids were GCDC, TCDC, and GC, which was almost the same as TC. When the C/CDC ratio was 0, the values of all parameters measured deteriorated. When the C/CDC ratio was 1 in the presence of 1 mM GCDC, only the rate of ureagenesis was diminished. When the C/CDC ratio was infinite, no hepatocellular injury was observed. GCDC and TCDC, together or separately, showed significant hepatocellular injury when the TBA concentration was 2 mM.

The effect of dust-protective respirator mask and the relevance of work category on urinary 1-hydroxypyrene concentration in PAH exposed electrode paste plant workers.

Large amounts of polycyclic-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are found in the work environment of electrode paste workers. Inhalation and skin uptake are both important routes for PAH exposure. We have studied the effect of dust-protective respirator masks by measuring urinary 1-hydroxypyrene as a biomarker for PAH exposure. Eighteen workers divided into work categories at the factory were monitored by personal air sampling and urinary 1-hydroxypyrene every work shift for two consecutive weeks. In the second week of the study, the workers were encouraged to wear respirator masks persistently, which resulted in a significant reduction in urinary 1-hydroxypyrene in end-of-shift samples (paired t-test, P = 0.009). When correcting urinary 1-hydroxypyrene for ambient air pyrene we found on average 41% reduction in urinary 1-hydroxypyrene concentration in the second week of the intervention study. There was a work-category dependent variation in the correlation between end-of-shift urinary 1-hydroxypyrene samples and pyrene measured in the breathing zone of the workers, most likely due to variable skin uptake of pyrene; the overall correlation coefficient was 0.26 (P = 0.015). The 1-hydroxypyrene concentration in pre- and post-shift urine samples varied between 0.7 and 69.6 mumol/mol creatinine in the normal work week, and depended on the work category. The particulate PAH exposure ranged from 0.6 to 21.4 micrograms/m3. The ratio of particulate pyrene to benzo[a]pyrene varied from 1.6 to 8.0 amongst the various work categories within the same plant. Multiple regression analysis showed that smoking and work day are explanatory variables for the concentration of 1-hydroxypyrene in urine. Thirty-nine percent of the variation in the urinary 1-hydroxypyrene level at the end of shift could be explained by the independent variables pyrene concentration in air, smoking habits, work day, use of respiratory mask, work category and age.