Nano Hard Carbon Anodes for Sodium-Ion Batteries

A hindrance to the practical use of sodium-ion batteries is the lack of adequate anode materials. By utilizing the co-intercalation reaction, graphite, which is the most common anode material of lithium-ion batteries, was used for storing sodium ion. However, its performance, such as reversible capacity and coulombic efficiency, remains unsatisfactory for practical needs. Therefore, to overcome these drawbacks, a new carbon material was synthesized so that co-intercalation could occur efficiently. This carbon material has the same morphology as carbon black; that is, it has a wide pathway due to a turbostratic structure, and a short pathway due to small primary particles that allows the co-intercalation reaction to occur efficiently. Additionally, due to the numerous voids present in the inner amorphous structure, the sodium storage capacity was greatly increased. Furthermore, owing to the coarse co-intercalation reaction due to the surface pore structure, the formation of solid-electrolyte interphase was greatly suppressed and the first cycle coulombic efficiency reached 80%. This study shows that the carbon material alone can be used to design good electrode materials for sodium-ion batteries without the use of next-generation materials.

Nanoconfinement effects of chemically reduced graphene oxide nanoribbons on poly(vinyl chloride)

Polymeric nanocomposites with graphene-based nanocarbons (GNCs) have been extensively studied with emphasis on the percolation of nanofillers toward electrical, rheological, and mechanical reinforcement. In this study, we report an unusual indirect reinforcing phenomenon of highly defective GNCs dispersed in the poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) matrix via densification of the polymer packing originating from nanoscale confinement. Herein, chemically reduced graphene oxide nanoribbons (C-rGONRs) are employed as a nanofiller. The inclusion of defective and oxygen-functionalized C-rGONRs resulted in a dramatic densification of the PVC host with extremely low C-rGONR loading, largely exceeding the theoretical calculation from a rule of mixture. Along with the densification, the glass transition temperature of PVC also increased by 28.6 °C at 0.1 wt% filler loading. Remarkably, the oxygen barrier property and mechanical toughness under tension for the PVC/C-rGONR nanocomposite were the maximum when the greatest densification occurred. The structure-property relationship of the nanocomposites has been discussed with an emphasis on the nanoscale confinement phenomenon.

Chemoprotective and Adjuvant Effects of Immunomodulator Ginsan in Cyclophosphamide-Treated Normal and Tumor Bearing Mice

Ginsan is a polysaccharide extracted from Panax ginseng that is known to have multiple immunomodulatory effects. This study evaluates the chemoprotective effect of ginsan on normal mice and the adjuvant effect on tumor bearing mice in combination with cyclophosphamide (CP). Ginsan (100 mg/kg) was injected 24 h before or after a sublethal dose of a CP treatment. The mice pre-treated with ginsan all died within 10 days whereas up to 53% of the mice post-treated with ginsan increased survival to day 30 compared with only 10% in the CP alone treated group on day 30. The post-treatment of ginsan accelerated the recovery of the bone marrow cells and blood neutrophils by approximately 1.3- and 1.75-fold compared to CP treated control mice at 5 days after CP administration, respectively. These marked differences in activity between the pre- and post-treatment of ginsan with CP was clarified by examining the mRNA expression levels of several cytokines in spleen cells and the self-renewal potential of hematopoietic progenitor cells, CFU-s. The post-treatment with ginsan increased the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, SCF, and GM-CSF with respect to that of the CP alone or ginsan pre-treated group. Similarly, the number of CFU-s was significantly higher in the mice post-treated with ginsan. The inhibition of tumor growth and survival elongation was also observed when ginsan was administered 24 h after the CP treatment. These results show that the post-treatment with ginsan had an immunomodulating and adjuvant effect in combination with CP, which indicates its wide applications in reducing the adverse effects of chemotherapy and improving the general conditions of patients.

Microporous carbon nanosheets with redox-active heteroatoms for pseudocapacitive charge storage

We report microporous carbon nanosheets containing numerous redox active heteroatoms fabricated from exfoliated waste coffee grounds by simple heating with KOH for pseudocapacitive charge storage. We found that various heteroatom combinations in carbonaceous materials can be a redox host for lithium ion storage. The bio-inspired nanomaterials had unique characteristics, showing superior electrochemical performances as cathode for asymmetric pseudocapacitors.

Lead biosorption by waste biomass of Corynebacterium glutamicum generated from lysine fermentation process

Biomass waste, mainly Corynebacterium glutamicum, is generated from large-scale lysine fermentation process. In this study, protonated C. glutamicum biomass was evaluated as a biosorbent for the removal of lead from synthetic wastewater. As Pb2+ were bound to the biomass, the solution pH deceased, indicating that protons in the biomass were exchanged with lead ions. The Corynebacterium biomass bound Pb2+ at up to 2.74 mmol g(-1) at pH 5, where lead does not precipitate. Compared with other biosorbents and conventional sorbents, such as natural zeolite, activated carbon and synthetic ion exchange resin, the protonated C. glutamicum biomass was considered to be a useful biomaterial for lead biosorption.

Therapeutic effect of recombinant human erythropoietin on anaemia with erythropoietin deficiency in diabetic patients

AIMS

The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) on anaemia with erythropoietin deficiency in diabetic patients.

METHODS

Twenty diabetic patients with anaemia and Epo deficiency were enrolled. All patients were treated with rHuEpo (Epokine; 4000 U/day s.c., three times a week) for 8 weeks.

RESULTS

The responder group (n = 14) had significant increments in haemoglobin compared with the non-responder group (n = 6) (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found between the responder and non-responder groups in terms of duration of diabetes mellitus, serum creatinine level, 24-h urine albumin excretion rates, frequency of diabetic microangiopathy, or HbA1c. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of serum iron and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). Serum ferritin level was significantly higher in the responder group than in the non-responder group (240.3 +/- 108.4, 25.8 +/- 3.0 micro g/l, P < 0.05), as was transferrin saturation (32.7 +/- 7.9%, 21.2 +/- 5.3%, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

rHuEpo could be useful in the treatment of anaemia with erythropoietin deficiency in diabetic patients, and the degree of iron storage and functional iron deficiency might be the main cause of hyporesponsiveness to rHuEpo.

Modulation of natural killer cell activity affected by electroacupuncture through lateral hypothalamic area in rats

Electroacupuncture (EA) has been reported to modulate natural killer cell (NK cell) activities. Also it is well known that hypothalamus directly mediates the effects of EA on analgesia. Especially lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) is related to splenic NK cell activities. In order to investigate the relationship between hypothalamus and effects of EA on NK cell activity, lesions have been made bilaterally at LHA of Spraque-Dawley rats. Subsequently, NK cell cytotoxities of normal and lesioned rats were measured with (51)Cr release immunoassay after EA stimulation for 2 and 14 days. NK cell activity of EA group was significantly higher than sham group. In addition, lesions abolished effects of EA on NK cell activity. These results strongly suggest that LHA is closely related to increase of NK cell activity induced by EA.

Anti-septicaemic effect of polysaccharide from Panax ginseng by macrophage activation

The aim of the present research was conducted to elucidate anti-septicaemic effect of a polysaccharide (PS) isolated from Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (Araliaceae) by nitric oxide production from stimulated macrophage. In vitro assays for the activity measurement of PS, NO production test with Greiss reagent, phagocytic activity test using zymosan and cytokines production test using ELISA kit were also conducted. In vivo anti-septicaemic activity was assessed by using C57BL/6J mice. This was done with Staphylococcus aureus infection test. PS used at 0.025 mg/kg concentration showed a potent anti-septicaemic activity (80%, survival). However, it did not directly inhibit S. aureus in a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test, conducted in vitro (data not shown). Nitric oxide production via macrophage activation showed the highest value of 5.5 nmol/ml at 1 microg/ml PS. In in vitro phagocytic activity test, PS at 10 microg/ml concentration showed a potent phagocytic activity for zymosan with 167% of the control. Production of TNF-alpha by macrophage activation at 10 microg/ml of PS was 96% lysis of L929. Also production of IL-1 and IL-6 by stimulation of macrophage with 100 microg/ml PS dose increased to 235 pg/ml and 0.47 ng/ml, respectively. The low mortality of PS treated (0.025 mg/kg) infected mice was concurrent with decreased bacterial content in the blood. Nitric oxide production in S. aureus infected mice whose macrophage was stimulated by PS (0.025 mg/kg) increased approximately 4 times than the untreated S. aureus infected group at 24 and 48 h incubation. In the PS treated (0.025 mg/kg) group, the intracellular concentration of S. aureus in macrophages decreased approximately by 50%, compared with the untreated group. Combine treatment with PS (0.025 mg/kg body weight) and vancomycin (10 mg/kg B.W.) resulted in 100% survival of the animals, whereas only 67% or 50% of the animals survived, respectively, when treated with PS or vancomycin alone. These results suggest that PS from Panax ginseng possess a potent anti-septicaemic activity by stimulating macrophage and a potentiality as an immunomodulator against sepsis occurred by Staphylococcus aureus.

Maintenance of alpha-helical structures by phenyl rings in the active-site tyrosine triad contributes to catalysis and stability of ketosteroid isomerase from Pseudomonas putida biotype B

Ketosteroid isomerase (KSI) from Pseudomonas putida biotype B is a homodimeric enzyme catalyzing an allylic rearrangement of Delta5-3-ketosteroids at rates comparable with the diffusion-controlled limit. The tyrosine triad (Tyr14.Tyr55.Tyr30) forming a hydrogen-bond network in the apolar active site of KSI has been characterized in an effort to identify the roles of the phenyl rings in catalysis, stability, and unfolding of the enzyme. The replacement of Tyr14, a catalytic residue, with serine resulted in a 33-fold decrease of kcat, while the replacements of Tyr30 and Tyr55 with serine decreased kcat by 4- and 51-fold, respectively. The large decrease of kcat for Y55S could be due to the structural perturbation of alpha-helix A3, which results in the reorientation of the active-site residues as judged by the crystal structure of Y55S determined at 2.2 A resolution. Consistent with the analysis of the Y55S crystal structure, the far-UV circular dichroism spectra of Y14S, Y30S, and Y55S indicated that the elimination of the phenyl ring of the tyrosine reduced significantly the content of alpha-helices. Urea-induced equilibrium unfolding experiments revealed that the DeltaG(U)H2O values of Y14S, Y30S, and Y55S were significantly decreased by 11.9, 13.7, and 9.5 kcal/mol, respectively, as compared with that of the wild type. A characterization of the unfolding kinetics based on PhiU-value analysis indicates that the interactions mediated by the tyrosine triad in the native state are very resistant to unfolding. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the internal packing by the phenyl rings in the active-site tyrosine triad contributes to the conformational stability and catalytic activity of KSI by maintaining the structural integrity of the alpha-helices.

Biosorption of trivalent chromium on the brown seaweed biomass

Biosorption has attracted attention as a cost-effective means for the treatment of metal-bearing wastewater. However, the mechanism of metal binding is not clearly understood, and consequently, modeling of the biosorption performance is still raising debates. In this study, the biosorption of trivalent chromium was investigated with protonated brown alga Ecklonia biomass as a model system. Titration of the biomass revealed that it contains at least three types of functional groups. The Fourier transform infrared spectrometry showed that the carboxyl group was the chromium-binding site within the pH range (pH 1-5) used in this study, where chromium does not precipitate. The pK value and the number of carboxyl groups were estimated to be 4.6 +/- 0.1 and 2.2 +/- 0.1 mmol/g, respectively. The equilibrium sorption isotherms determined at different solution pH indicated that the uptake of chromium increased significantly with increasing pH. A model for the description of chromium biosorption was developed incorporating the hydrolysis reactions that chromium undergoes in the aquatic phase. The model was able to predict the equilibrium sorption experimental data at different pH values and chromium concentrations. In addition, the speciation of the binding site as a function of the solution pH was predicted using the model in order to visualize the distribution of chromium ionic species on the binding site.

Oxygen-limited decomposition of food wastes in a slurry bioreactor

The slurry bioreactor system is an effective means for treating highly saline food wastes, which may not be recycled as composts. The effect of aeration rate was investigated in a slurry bioreactor as a major factor affecting the slurry-phase decomposition of food wastes. The aeration rate affected significantly the decomposition performance and the composition profiles of the liquid and solid phases. The decomposed carbon was almost linear with oxygen consumption, indicating that the slurry-phase decomposition of food wastes was limited by oxygen transfer. The oxygen requirement for decomposing 1 g organic carbon in food wastes was estimated to be 61.5 g O(2).

Modified Lecompte procedure for the anomalies of ventriculoarterial connection

BACKGROUND

The Lecompte procedure for correcting transposition of the great arteries has an advantage because it obviates the need for an extracardiac conduit for the reconstruction of the pulmonary outflow tract. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness and the application of the Lecompte procedure based on our experiences.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of the records of 45 patients who underwent the Lecompte procedure during the past 11 years to achieve direct right ventricle to pulmonary artery continuity. Mean age at operation was 2.4+/-1.7 years (range 3.5 months to 6.9 years). The diagnoses involved anomalies of the ventriculoarterial connection with ventricular septal defect and pulmonary outflow tract obstruction, such as transposition of the great arteries, double-outlet right ventricle, and double-outlet left ventricle.

RESULTS

Early mortality was 4.4% (2 of 45 patients) and late mortality was 4.7% (2 of 43). The mean follow-up was 4.9+/-3.1 years. Fourteen patients (34.1% of survivors, n = 41) had pulmonary stenosis (pressure gradient above 30 mm Hg), the main reason for which was a calcified monocusp valve (n = 10, 71.4%). Eight of 45 patients (17.8%) underwent reoperation: 2 for residual ventricular septal defect, 1 for recurrent septic vegetation, and 5 for pulmonary stenosis. The cumulative survival rates were 91.1%+/-4.2% at 10 years. The actuarial probabilities of freedom from reoperation for pulmonary stenosis were 93.8%+/-4.3% and 71.4%+/-11.8% at 5 and 10 years, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our review suggests that the Lecompte procedure is an effective treatment modality for anomalies of the ventriculoarterial connection with ventricular septal defect and pulmonary outflow tract obstruction. Repair in early age is possible with acceptable morbidity and mortality, but recurrent right ventricular outflow tract obstruction caused by degeneration of the monocusp valve is a problem that needs resolution.

Attenuation of monochromatic and polychromatic lights in Chlorella vulgaris suspensions

A quantitative description of light attenuation in microalgal suspensions is a prerequisite for kinetic modeling of microalgal photosynthesis and/or growth activity depending upon the light distribution inside photobioreactors. In this study, the light attenuation coefficients in Chlorella vulgaris suspensions were theoretically calculated from light absorption spectra and spectral irradiances of various light sources. By using this method, errors occurring in the direct measurement of the attenuation coefficients can be avoided. The obtained light attenuation coefficients were used for evaluating light attenuation models such as the Beer-Lambert, Cornet, and hyperbolic models. Furthermore, advantages and disadvantages of these models are discussed with respect to prediction of performance, mechanistic background, and usefulness for further application to calculation of the light distribution inside photobioreactors.

Sustained ventricular tachycardia in children after repair of congenital heart disease

To investigate an association between surface electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters and sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) in children after repair of congenital heart disease (CHD), data were obtained and analyzed in three groups (group I, 7 postoperative patients with episode of sustained VT (4 tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), 2 double outlet right ventricle (DORV), 1 truncus arteriosus); group II, 14 children with postoperative TOF not associated with VT; group III, 14 normal children). Mean age at the onset of sustained VT was 129+/-77 months (range 60-232); mean age at corrective surgery, 44+/-33 months (range 10-102); mean follow-up period after surgery, 84+/-74 months (range 20-185); the duration from repair to the onset of sustained VT, range 1-185 months. Compared to group II and III, group I showed longer QRS duration (group I, 137+/-10 msec; group II, 114+/-22 msec; group III, 65+/-12 msec) and shorter corrected J to Tmax interval (group I, 209+/-24 msec; group II, 272+/-44 msec; group III, 249+/-18 msec). QT and corrected QT, J to Tmax interval, and their dispersions in group I and II are significantly different from those of group III. In conclusion, QRS duration and corrected J to Tmax interval could be helpful to predict ventricular tachycardia in postoperative CHD.

Two new alkaloids from cigarette smoke condensate

Chemical constituents of MeOH extracts of cigarette smoke were studied. Two new alkaloids, named cigatin A (1), 2-(Pyridine-3-yloxy)-benzene-1',4'-diol and B (2), 2-(4-Methyl-pyridin-3-yloxy)-benzene-1',4'-diol, were isolated from a mainstream condensate of cigarette together with seven known alkaloids. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectral data and chemical methods.

Changes of plasma tissue factor and tissue factor pathway inhibitor antigen levels and induction of tissue factor expression on the monocytes in coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Several studies have shown that thrombosis and inflammation play an important role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). Tissue factor (TF) is responsible for the thrombogenicity of the atherosclerotic plaque and plays a key in triggering thrombin generation. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of TF and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) in patients with angiographically documented CAD and also to evaluate TF induction on monocytes in vitro in the presence of these plasmas from patients with CAD.

METHODS

Plasma antigen levels of soluble TF and TFPI were measured in 65 CAD patients and 22 healthy controls. Surface TF expression on monocytes from a healthy donor treated with plasma samples was evaluated by flow cytometry with a direct double-color immunofluorescence technique.

RESULTS

Significantly elevated levels of both TF and TFPI were found in CAD patients compared with healthy controls (303.6 +/- 134.1 vs. 187.3 +/- 108.7 pg/ml, p < 0.05; 85.2 +/- 48.6 vs. 65.0 +/- 29.0 ng/ml, p < 0.05). By flow cytometry, monocytes from a healthy donor displayed higher TF antigen expression when incubated in the presence of CAD plasmas than in control plasmas (34.6 +/- 10.7 vs. 23.2 +/- 10.2%, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The high levels of circulating TF are present in CAD, which were not sufficiently inhibited by the elevated TFPI plasma levels. Although the source of circulating TF is unclear, TF induction of monocytes by plasma from CAD patients may contribute to the hypercoagulable state.

Effects of alpha-toxin of Staphylococcus aureus on the ciliary activity and ultrastructure of human nasal ciliated epithelial cells

OBJECTIVE

The in vitro effects of staphylococcal alpha-toxin on ciliary activity were investigated at different concentrations and exposure times.

STUDY DESIGN

Ciliated epithelial cells of the sphenoid sinus were taken from patients operated on for pituitary tumors. Video-computerized analysis technique and transmission electron microscopy were used to analyze the effects of the toxin on ciliary activity.

METHODS

Ciliary beat frequency (CBF) was measured in four different concentrations of alpha-toxin including 0.1, 1, 10, and 50 microg/mL. CBF was measured at 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after administration of the toxin. To observe reversibility of the reduced ciliary activity, after 24-hour incubation in the media containing 10 microg/mL of alpha-toxin, the media were replaced with alpha-toxin-free media. The tissues were also processed for transmission electron microscopy to observe ultrastructural changes of the epithelial cells.

RESULTS

CBF increased significantly at 2-hour incubation and then decreased significantly after 12-hour incubation in 10 microg/mL of alpha-toxin (P< .05, repeated-measures ANOVA). The transmission electron microscopic findings showed mitochondrial swelling and a slight protrusion of the plasma membrane of the cilia. In toxin-free media, loss of ciliary activity was not recovered.

CONCLUSIONS

CBF increased at first, but with increasing incubation time ciliary movements decreased gradually and stopped eventually. This loss of CBF may be an irreversible change associated with ultrastructural changes in the mitochondria and the plasma membrane of the cilia.

Reduced erythropoietin responsiveness to anemia in diabetic patients before advanced diabetic nephropathy

We often encounter diabetic patients with anemia in whom the causes of anemia were not clearly identified despite differential hematologic studies. We therefore studied the clinical and biochemical characteristics of diabetic patients with anemia of uncertain cause and measured erythropoietin (Epo) concentrations in 35 diabetic subjects without significant diabetic renal disease. Among 62 medical records of diabetic patients with anemia, showing no evidence of advanced diabetic nephropathy (creatinine clearance > or = 30 mg/kg/1.73 m2), the causes of the anemia were not able to be identified in 28 cases (45.2%). In addition, we enrolled 35 diabetic patients with uncertain causes of anemia in order to evaluate the serum Epo responsiveness to anemia, and compared levels to a group of non-diabetic subjects also with anemia. The serum Epo concentrations of diabetic patients (17.6 +/- 8.1 mIU/ml) were significantly lower than those of non-diabetic patients with similar degree of decrease in hemoglobin concentrations (144.9 +/- 108.0 mIU/ml, P<0.001). The hemoglobin concentrations of diabetic patients correlated with creatinine clearance (r = 0.34, P = 0.03), serum creatinine (r = -0.49, P = 0.003) and albumin excretion rate (r = -0.44, P = 0.009), but showed no relation to age, duration of diabetes, glycated hemoglobin, presence of retinopathy or neuropathy. We concluded that reduced Epo responsiveness to anemia could explain the anemia present in diabetic patient but without advanced diabetic nephropathy. This may reflect early renal interstitial damage.

Secondary cardiac tumor in children

We describe our clinical experience of eight cases of secondary cardiac tumor. The pathology of the tumors were lymphoma (three), Wilms' tumor (two), malignant teratoma (one), neuroblastoma (one), and pleuropulmonary blastoma (one). Metastatic sites were the right atrium in Wilms' tumor and neuroblastoma, the left atrium in pleuropulmonary blastoma and malignant teratoma, and multiple sites in lymphoma. Primary masses in the mediastinum extended directly to the heart (three lymphoma, malignant teratoma, pleuropulmonary blastoma). Wilms' tumor and neuroblastoma showed cardiac metastases through the inferior vena cava. Many cases revealed vague abnormal cardiovascular findings (symptoms in six; physical signs in five). In five cases surgery was performed to relieve the possible obstruction to flow and to identify the pathology (lymphoma in three, Wilms' tumor in one, and malignant teratoma in one). Chemotherapy prior to operation resulted in the disappearance of the intracardiac masses in each case of Wilms' tumor and pleuropulmonary blastoma. All three patients with lymphoma died immediately after operation. Four died of multiple metastases or Pneumocystis pneumonia several months after operation. This study indicates that suspicion of a secondary cardiac tumor is crucial to early diagnosis. Because of the poor postoperative outcome, surgery for secondary cardiac tumors should be done cautiously only in cases with definite hemodynamic decompensation.

An antioxidant lignan and other constituents from the root bark of Hibiscus syriacus

A new lignan named as hibiscuside, (+)-pinoresinol 4-O-[beta-glucopyranosyl (1--->2)-alpha-rhamnoside] (1), and a known lignan, syringaresinol (2) were isolated from the root bark of Hibiscus syriacus together with two feruloyltyramines (3,4) and three known isoflavonoids (5,6,7). The structures of these compounds have been established on the basis of their NMR, mass UV spectra. Among these phenolic compounds, 6"-O-acetyldaidzin (5), 6"-O-acetylgenistin (6), and 3-hydroxydaidzein (7) with IC(50) values of 8.2, 10.6, and 4.1 microM, respectively, significantly inhibited lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes. Hibiscuside (1), E- and Z-N-feruloyl tyramines (3,4) exhibited moderate antioxidant activity.

Effects of long-acting somatostatin analogue (Sandostatin) on manifest diabetic ketoacidosis

Insulin deficiency and counterregulatory hormone excess are the basic process in the development of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Somatostatin, which suppresses the secretion of glucagon and growth hormone, has been known to attenuate the rate of gluconeogesis and ketogenesis in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients. However, the therapeutic efficacy of somatostatin has not been approved to be practical in the treatment of manifest DKA. To examine the additive effect of octreotide, the synthetic long-acting somatostatin analogue SMS 201-995, to conventional treatment of manifest DKA, we compared the correction time of acidosis, ketonuria, and hyperglycemia of patients treated with an intravenous infusion of low-dose insulin (4 units per hour) plus subcutaneous injection of octreotide (50 microg every 6 hours) by low-dose insulin alone. The correction time for hyperglycemia and acidosis did not show any difference between groups (p = 0.089, p = 0.82). However, the time for disappearance of ketonuria of the octreotide-treated group (38.0 +/- 32.0 h) was reduced significantly compared to other group (68.3 +/- 26.0 h) (p = 0.048). These results indicated that the addition of octreotide to conventional treatment of DKA might improve the correction of ketosis, but would not allow more rapid control of acidosis and hyperglycemia in manifest DKA.

Pulmonary hypertension in a child with juvenile-type autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease

An 11 year-old girl, whose condition was diagnosed as juvenile-type autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) at five years of age, presented with chest pain and dyspnea that had developed suddenly two months previously. Two-dimensional echocardiography, Doppler study and cardiac catheterization confirmed pulmonary hypertension. The underlying mechanism of the diagnosis was not defined. Two and a half months after the onset of symptoms, the patient died of pulmonary hypertensive crisis. Careful regular checks of cardiopulmonary status using two-dimensional echocardiography and Doppler should be considered for the early detection of pulmonary hypertension even in an asymptomatic patient with juvenile-type ARPKD.

Cloning and characterization of the non-catalytic heavy chain of mouse complement factor I gene: structure comparison with the human homologue

The gene sequence encoding the non-catalytic heavy chain of mouse complement factor I (mCFI) was cloned and its exon-intron organization and domain structure characterized. The genomic organization of mCFI differs in several aspects from its human homologue (hCFI). The intron sizes are remarkably different. Exons 2 and 4 in mCFI are larger than their counterparts in hCFI by 9 bp and 6 bp respectively. Whereas the diversity (D) region of hCFI is encoded by two exons (exon 7 or hD2 and exon 8 or hD4), this region in mCFI is encoded by three exons; exon 6A or mD1 (located at the 3'-end of the LDLr A2 domain), exon 7 or mD2 and exon 8, an extended exon (56 bp) composed of mD3, fused upstream of mD4. In contrast, hCFI lacks D1 and D3 subregions and exon 8 in hCFI consists of only hD4, 36 bp in length. Thus the heavy chain of mCFI is organized into 10 exons compared to 9 exons in hCFI.

Atypical pulmonary artery sling with diffuse-type pulmonary arteriovenous fistula

The case of a cyanotic infant with a rare combination of atypical pulmonary artery sling, imperforate anus, absence of the left kidney, interruption of the inferior vena cava, left side hemihypertrophy and diffuse-type pulmonary arteriovenous fistula is described. The clinical features were confusing, because of compounding abnormalities involving the respiratory tract and pulmonary circulation. The diagnostic approach to the etiology of cyanosis is discussed and the embryonic origin of pulmonary artery sling is reviewed.

Non-linear cardiac dynamics and morning dip: an unsound circadian rhythm

The frequency of sudden cardiac death increases in the morning. The relationship between decreased complexity of heart rate dynamics and sudden cardiac death has been documented. An understanding of circadian variation in the complexity of cardiac dynamics may be important to predict and prevent sudden cardiac death. Dynamic 24-h electrocardiographic recordings were obtained from 30 healthy ambulant subjects aged 41-50 years, and the digitized data were partitioned into sections of 30 min duration. For each section, four indexes obtained from separate algorithms of non-linear dynamics of the RR interval--modified correlation dimension, Lyapunov exponent, approximate entropy, and fractal dimension--were calculated. Normalized low-(0.04-0.15 hertz) and high-frequency (> 0.15 hertz) components were also calculated. All four indexes of non-linear dynamics showed a remarkably similar circadian rhythm: a prominent morning dip preceded by a steep decline during the late night, a recovery during the evening and a peak around midnight. In the morning, the low-frequency component rose rapidly with concomitant reduction in the high-frequency component. The complexity of cardiac dynamics decreases significantly in the morning, and this may contribute to the ominously increased rate of cardiac death in the morning hours.

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in a child with Kawasaki disease

A successful attempt at percutaneous transluminanl coronary angioplasty (PTCA) to relieve stenosis of the mid-portion of the left anterior descending artery was achieved in a 6-year 9-month old boy who had multiple coronary aneurysms and stenosis due to Kawasaki disease. Despite the progression of coronary stenosis he had been well except for the perfusion defect of the anterior wall of myocardium on 99mTc-MIBI SPECT with dipyridamole infusion until PTCA was carried out after 4-year 4-months of the onset of illness. The area of stenosis was 70% before PTCA and 20% after PTCA. No restenosis at the site of PTCA was observed on follow-up angiography at 26 months after PTCA. This successful attempt may indicate that this procedure should be considered early in subclinical stenosis to prevent ischemic cardiac damage.

Morphology of tricuspid valve in pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum

Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PAIVS) is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly that has been classified into two types: one is a more frequent type having dysplasia of tricuspid valve (TV) with a small annulus, underdeveloped right ventricle (RV) with a hypoplastic cavity and a hypertrophic wall; the other type has severe dysplasia of TV and dilatation of RV, right atrium (RA), and right atrioventricular junction with thinning of the RV wall. We performed a morphologic study on 11 autopsied hearts with PAIVS, giving particular emphasis to the variation of morphology of the TV. We could classify these hearts into 3 groups according to the degree of right ventricular development. In the first group of 7 cases (type I), the RVs were underdeveloped. Thick leaflets, restricted valve apparatus with short chordae, and small annuli were characteristics of the TV. In the second group of 3 cases (type II), the RVs showed marked enlargement of the cavity and thinning of the wall. The TV showed redundant, dysplastic, sail-like anterior leaflets, and the downward displacement of septal leaflet and/or posterior leaflet, which are the findings frequently observed in Ebstein's malformation. The RVs were dilated and with partially unguarded tricuspid orifice. The septal leaflet of the TV was dysplastic and, in two cases, the septal leaflet showed chordal structure at the upper surface facing the RA, which is a peculiar finding that has not been described in the literature. The remaining case was a heart with a moderately developed RV (type III). The TV showed mildly dysplastic appearance and we classify this as a separate type, because we could expect the best surgical results in this type. This type had optimal size of RV and the mildest degree of dysplasia of TV. In PAIVS, the morphology of TV correlates well with the type of the right ventricular development.

Effects of phenylephrine on ciliary beat in human nasal respiratory epithelium: quantitative measurement by video-computerized analysis

The in vitro effects of phenylephrine solution on ciliary beat frequency (CBF) in terms of different concentrations and exposure times were investigated using a video-computerized analysis technique. Nasal epithelial cells were taken from inferior turbinate of 10 volunteers by scraping the nasal mucosa with a cytology brush. CBF was measured in five different concentrations including 0.125%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2.5%. Each specimen was incubated in different solution for 6 days and CBF was measured at 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, and 6 days. CBF decreased significantly after 12-hour incubation in 0.125% phenylephrine solution and after 8-hour incubation in 0.25% phenylephrine solution, both clinically used concentrations. There were significant decreases in CBF after incubation in 0.5% phenylephrine for 2 hours, in 1% for 1 hour, and in 2.5% for 30 minutes (P < 0.05, repeated measure analysis of variance [ANOVA]). CBF of the nasal respiratory ciliated cells significantly decreased with increasing concentrations of phenylephrine solution and with increasing incubation times at the same concentration (P < 0.05, repeated measure ANOVA). The results of this study suggest that phenylephrine may inhibit ciliary beat in vitro by its pharmacological effect at lower concentrations than clinically used ones.

Acidic polysaccharide from Panax ginseng, ginsan, induces Th1 cell and macrophage cytokines and generates LAK cells in synergy with rIL-2

We previously reported that an acidic polysaccharide from Panax ginseng named ginsan inhibits the incidence of benzo[a]pyrene-induced autochthonous lung tumors in mice. To elucidate the mechanism of antineoplastic activity, ginsan was tested for its ability to generate LAK cells and to produce cytokines. Spleen cells became cytotoxic to a wide range of tumor cells after 5 days of culture with ginsan in a non-major histocompatibility restricted manner and the activity of ginsan was 12 times higher than that of lentinan. The generation of killer cells by rIL-2 was neutralized only in the presence of anti-IL-2, whereas by ginsan it was neutralized in the presence of anti-IL-2 as well as anti-IFN gamma, or anti-IL-1 alpha. It was confirmed that ginsan induces the expression of mRNA for IL-2, IFN gamma, IL-1 alpha, and GM-CSF. Depletion of AsGM1+ cells from spleen cells reduced the generation of LAK by rIL-2. In contrast, depletion of AsGM1+ as well as Thy1+ cells, CD4+ cells, or DC8+ cells reduced the generation of LAK cells by ginsan. The serologic phenotype of rIL-2 induced LAK cells was CD8- cells, whereas the ginsan induced LAK cells, were CD8+ cells. Ginsan synergized with rIL-2 to generate LAK cells (2.0-15 fold) and the most dramatic synergy was seen at rIL-2 concentrations below 3 U/ml. Ginsan alone inhibited pulmonary metastasis of B16-F10 melanoma cells and enhanced the inhibition of lung colonies by rIL-2. These findings demonstrate that ginsan generates LAK cells from both NK and T cells through endogeneously produced multiple cytokines. This property may contribute to its effectiveness in the immunoprevention and immunotherapy of cancer.

Triterpenoid saponin from Vaccaria segetalis

A new triterpenoid saponin, vaccaroid B, has been isolated from the seeds of Vaccaria segetalis and its structure was elucidated to be 3beta-hydroxyolean-12-en-23, 28-dioic acid-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)- beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-[6- O-(3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]- beta-D-glucopyranoside by spectroscopic methods.

Conformational preference for segetalins G and H, cyclic peptides with estrogen-like activity from seeds of Vaccaria segetalis

Three-dimensional structures in DMSO-d0 of segetalins G [cyclo(-Gly-Val-Lys-Tyr-Ala-)] and H [cyclo(-Gly-Tyr-Arg-Phe-Ser-)], cyclic pentapeptides from seeds of Vaccaria segetalis, showing estrogen-like activity, were determined by the distance geometry calculation and restrained energy minimization from NMR data. The backbone structure of segetalin G contains one beta-turn: a beta II-like turn at Tyr4-Ala5, and that of segetalin H one beta-turn: a beta II' turn at Gly1-Tyr2 and one gamma-turn at Arg3-Phe4-Ser5 sequence. The results of distance comparison analysis proposed a pharmacophore model of estrogen-like cyclic peptides, segetalins.

Thionation of segetalins A and B, cyclic peptides with estrogen-like activity from seeds of Vaccaria segetalis

Thionation of estrogen-like active cyclic peptides, segetalins A (1) and B (2), with Lawesson's reagent provided each two thiosegetalins; thiosegetalin A1 [Gly-1-psi(CS-NH)-Val-2; Trp-5-psi (CS-NH)-Ala-6]segetalin A, thiosegetalin A2 [Gly-1-psi(CS-NH)-Val-2; Ala-6-psi(CS-NH)-Gly-1]segetalin A, thiosegetalin B1 [Gly-1-psi (CS-NH)-Val-2; Ala-3-psi(CS-NH)-Trp-4]segetalin B, and thiosegetalin B2 [Gly-1-psi(CS-NH)-Val-2; Trp-4-psi(CS-NH)-Ala-1]segetalin B. Thiosegetalin A2 only showed estrogen-like activity against ovariectomized rats. On the basis of their conformations analysed by NMR experiments, the backbone conformation was considered to play an important role in estrogen-like activity for segetalins.

Cyclic peptides from higher plants. 34. Segetalins G and H, structures and estrogen-like activity of cyclic pentapeptides from Vaccaria segetalis

Segetalins G and H (1-2) possessing estrogen-like activity are cyclic pentapeptides from the seeds of Vaccaria segetalis. Their structures, cyclo(-Gly-Ala-Lys-Tyr-Val) (1) and cyclo(-Gly-Phe-Ser-Tyr-Arg-) (2), were determined by interpretation of spectral data.

Activation of multiple effector pathways of immune system by the antineoplastic immunostimulator acidic polysaccharide ginsan isolated from Panax ginseng

In the present study an acidic polysaccharide ginsan, with a molecular weight of 150,000, devoid of lectin properties, was purified from Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (Araliaceae). Ginsan induced the proliferation of T cells and B cells. Spleen cells became cytotoxic to a wide range of tumor cells without major histocompatibility complex-restriction after 4 or 5 days culture in vitro with ginsan. For the generation of these ginsan-activated killer (AK) cells adherent macrophages and CD4+ cells were needed as accessory cells. The generation of ginsan-AK cells was blocked in the presence of anti-IL-2, anti-IFN gamma, anti-IL-1 or anti-TNF alpha antibodies, showing the importance of these cytokines in the process. The surface phenotypes of the 4 day-cultured ginsan-AK cells was Thy1+, AsGM1+, CD8+, which is distinct from rIL-2 induced lymphokine activated killer (LAK) cells that were CD8. The ginsan also activated macrophages to produce reactive nitrogen intermediates and become tumoricidal. It also exhibited significant in vivo antitumor activity against B16 melanoma cells lines, and in the benzo(a)pyrene-induced autochthonous lung tumor model, at much lower doses than the maximum tolerate doses. Indeed, no mice died, which injected with ginsan at 1g/kg body weight intraperitoneally. In conclusion, 'ginsan' could potentially be an ideal nontoxic antineoplastic immunostimulator by activating multiple effector arms of the immune system.

Contact laser turbinate surgery for the treatment of idiopathic rhinitis

To evaluate the value of contact laser turbinate surgery using a diode laser in the treatment of idiopathic rhinitis. 53 patients were examined before and after surgery. Six months following surgery, nasal obstruction was significantly improved and a significant decrease in nasal airway resistance was noted on active rhinomanometric measurements (P < 0.05). There were no significant post-operative changes in olfactory acuity using the butanol threshold test and in mucociliary transport using the saccharin transit time. The results of this study suggest that contact laser turbinate surgery may be a valuable alternative form of surgical treatments for patients with idiopathic rhinitis.

Quantitative lung perfusion scintigraphy in postoperative evaluation of congenital right ventricular outflow tract obstructive lesions

Improved methods to relieve pulmonary artery stenosis have emphasized the need for an accurate noninvasive method to quantify the pulmonary blood flow. The aim of this study was to compare the roles of Tc-99m MAA perfusion lung imaging, chest x-ray, MRI, and cine-angiography for postoperative evaluation of pulmonary blood flow in patients with congenital right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) obstructive lesions. Eleven patients underwent chest x-ray, MRI, perfusion lung imaging, and cine-angiography after corrective surgery of RVOT obstruction. The perfusion ratio on lung scans was calculated on the posterior views. The correlation coefficient of the left to right perfusion ratio measured by lung scans obtained with that by visual assessment of chest x-rays, with the most stenotic diameter ratio on MRI and on angiography being 0.57, 0.88 (P < 0.001), and 0.87 (P < 0.001), respectively. Follow-up perfusion lung scans in seven patients, before and after pulmonary artery intervention showed significantly improved perfusion ratios (0.30 +/- 0.11 to 0.70 +/- 0.22; P < 0.001), which were concordant with the clinical findings. The authors conclude that the quantitative perfusion lung scan is the noninvasive method of choice for postoperative evaluation of the pulmonary artery in congenital RVOT obstruction.

A cyclic heptapeptide from Vaccaria segetalis

A new cyclic heptapeptide, segetalin E, cyclo(-Gly-Tyr-Val-Pro-Leu-Trp-Pro-), has been isolated from the seeds of Vaccaria segetalis and the structure elucidated by extensive two-dimensional NMR methods and chemical degradation.

Distribution of eosinophil granule proteins in nasal mucosa of atopic patients with nasal polyposis

Nasal polyposis is characterized by heavy eosinophilic infiltration into nasal polyp tissue. Nasal polyps have a predilection for the anteroinferior aspect of the middle turbinate and middle meatal area. To elucidate the pathogenesis of nasal polyps, the authors investigated the distribution of eosinophil infiltrating into nasal polyp tissue, especially at its pedicle, in comparison with the apparently normal nasal mucosa of the middle and inferior turbinates of the same patients. Tissue samples were taken from 12 allergic rhinitis patients with nasal polyps during endoscopic sinus surgery. Three kinds of monoclonal antibodies, EG1, EG2 and BMK-13, were used for immunohistochemical staining. The average number per high-power field of EG1+ cells was 6.33 at the pedicle of polyps and 4.68 and 4.36 at the middle and inferior turbinates, respectively; for EG2+ cells, it was 6.16 at the polyp pedicle and 2.06 and 2.47 at the middle and inferior turbinates, and for BMK-13+ cells, 4.20 at the polyp pedicle and 5.17 and 4.81 at the middle and inferior turbinates. There were no significant differences in the distribution of EG1+ and BMK-13+ cells, but a relatively larger number of activated eosinophils (EG2+ cells) was noted at the pedicle of polyps compared with the other sites (p < 0.025). In addition, the EG2+ cell/EG1+ cell ratio was significantly higher at the pedicle of polyps compared with the other sites (p < 0.01). The results of this study suggest that the activation of eosinophils is significant in the pathogenesis of nasal polyps in atopic patients rather than the number of eosinophils.

Recovery of nasal physiology after functional endoscopic sinus surgery: olfaction and mucociliary transport

We assessed the changes in olfaction and mucociliary transport after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in 80 patients with chronic paranasal sinusitis. Olfaction was evaluated with the butanol threshold test and mucociliary transport was assessed by saccharin transit time (STT). Postoperative butanol threshold scores were significantly reduced (p < 0.01), and the changes were more profound in severer forms of paranasal sinusitis as graded by ostiomeatal-unit computed tomography. The mean preoperative STT (27 min) which was significantly longer than that of controls (12 min) was significantly reduced 1, 6 and 12 months following FESS (p < 0.01). The results suggest that impairment of olfaction and mucociliary transport in chronic paranasal sinusitis may be significantly improved following FESS.

Ventricular tachycardia and exercise related syncope in children with structurally normal hearts: emphasis on repolarisation abnormality

OBJECTIVE

To emphasize the importance of ventricular tachycardia associated with repolarisation abnormality in syncope associated with exercise.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of data on children presenting with syncope between 1985 and 1993.

PATIENTS

5 apparently normal children with recurrent exercise related syncope associated with electrocardiographically abnormal TU complexes.

RESULTS

3 children were diagnosed as having an intermediate form of the long QT syndrome and catecholamine sensitive ventricular tachycardia because the abnormal TU complexes were associated with polymorphic ventricular tachycardia that was not typical of torsades de pointes. Tachycardia was induced by exercise in all patients and by isoprenaline in the one patient who was tested. One patient also had sinus node dysfunction. One child had incessant salvos of polymorphic ventricular arrhythmias and intermittent abnormal TU complexes suggestive of repolarisation abnormalities. The other had typical congenital long QT syndrome. Treatment was effective in three patients; two patients took a beta blocker alone and one took a beta blocker and low doses of amiodarone. One patient died suddenly, death being associated with sinus node dysfunction. In one patient with incessant ventricular arrhythmias treatment with a beta blocker, amiodarone, or Ic drugs was ineffective and always associated with proarrhythmia or syncope. He was not given further treatment and was asymptomatic despite having mild cardiomegaly.

CONCLUSIONS

Ventricular tachycardia associated with repolarisation abnormality was an important cause of exercise related syncope in apparently normal children. TU complex abnormalities can be identified by repeated electrocardiography. beta Blockers are effective in preventing recurrent episodes. The role of amiodarone in this type of ventricular tachycardia needs further evaluation.

Inhibition of autochthonous tumor by ethanol insoluble fraction from Panax ginseng as an immunomodulator

The water extract of Panax ginseng was fractionated by its solubility in ethanol and then the ethanol-insoluble fraction was tested for immunomodulatory activity. The ethanol-insoluble fraction of ginseng (Fr. 3) proliferated splenocytes and generated activated killer cells in vitro. These activated killer cells killed both NK cell sensitive and insensitive tumor target cells without MHC-restriction. Activation of splenocytes by ginseng was mediated through the endogenously produced IL-2. To investigate the effects of Fr.3 on the autochthonous neoplasm, a single subcutaneous injection of 0.5 mg of benzo[a]pyrene (BP) was given within 24 hours after birth of male N: GP(S) mice, and Fr.3 was administered in drinking water at a concentration of 2 mg/ml, 1 mg/ml, or 0.5 mg/ml for 6 weeks after weaning. The treatment with Fr. 3 significantly inhibited lung tumor incidence (P < 0.05) compared with the BP alone group at a concentration of 2 mg/ml or 1 mg/ml in drinking water at the 9th week after BP treatment. These results suggest that the ethanol-insoluble fraction of ginseng shows antitumor effects as an immunomodulator.

Takayasu arteritis in Korean children: Clinical report of seventy cases

Seventy cases of Takayasu arteritis in Korean children are reported. There were 57 females and 13 males (male-to-female ratio; 1:4.4). The youngest patient was a 3-year-old female. Family history was positive in one patient. The most common chief complaints on admission were dyspnea, headache, palpitation, and edema which were due to hypertension and congestive heart failure. Hypertension was seen in 65 out of 70 patients (92.8%). The abdominal aorta, thoracic aorta, and renal arteries were the most commonly involved sites in these children. Two patients had nephrotic syndrome. The frequency of positive tuberculin reaction was much higher in children with Takayasu arteritis compared with the general population, and the intensity of the reaction was also stronger. The majority of the patients required immediate medical treatment to control congestive heart failure due to hypertension at initial presentation. When ESR was elevated, corticosteroid was administered. Surgical treatment showed good results in six out of ten cases. Percutaneous intraluminal angioplasty was effective for lowering the blood pressure in six out of nine cases. In three cases, restenosis occurred and angioplasty was repeated in two cases.

Anatomically corrected malposition of the great arteries

We report the case of an infant with anatomically corrected malposition of the great arteries in solitus [S, L, D], associated with ventricular septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, and right juxtaposition of the atrial appendages. The aortic pole was posterior to the tricuspid mitral line and the conus was bilateral. Successful surgical repair was undertaken by the Senning procedure with closure of ventricular septal defect and division of the ductus. Postoperative cardiac angiography demonstrated no hemodynamic obstruction or residual shunt.

Study on Doppler waveforms from the fetal cardiovascular system

In order to see whether Doppler parameters from the fetal cardiovascular system change with fetal growth and to compare Doppler values from the various sites, a total of 274 Doppler studies on 73 human fetuses were analyzed. With advancing gestation, the heart rate decreased, the diastolic filling period of both atrioventricular valves increased, and the systolic ejection time of both semilunar valves remained unchanged. Most of the Doppler parameters from the 4 cardiac valves, the aortic arch, the branch pulmonary artery, and the ductus arteriosus increased with increasing gestation. Doppler waveforms from the branch pulmonary artery, the ductus arteriosus, and the aortic arch each had a distinct shape. More study is needed to define the exact relationship between the gestation period and the Doppler parameters and to determine whether Doppler parameters will be useful in assessing fetal heart function.

Anomalous subaortic position of the brachiocephalic vein (innominate vein): an echocardiographic study

In 24 (0.98%) of 2457 patients with congenital heart disease the brachiocephalic vein was in an anomalous position below the aortic arch. This is a much higher proportion of such cases than reported so far. This high frequency may arise from differences in the study population and the method of diagnosis. This venous anomaly was more common in patients with tetralogy of Fallot or ventricular septal defect with pulmonary atresia. Patients with the venous anomaly were more likely to have a right aortic arch. The anomalous course of the brachiocephalic vein from the neck to the junction of the superior vena cava was shown by cross sectional echocardiography. In doubtful cases, Doppler study usually clarified the anatomical arrangement.

In vivo antitumor activity of anti-CD3-induced activated killer cells

This study investigates the potential of the alpha CD3-induced killer cells for use in adoptive immunotherapy of tumor growth. The alpha CD3-induced, activated, killer cells (CD3-AK) were generated in DBA/2 (H-2d) splenocytes by preactivation with alpha CD3 and were then cultured in the presence (CD3-AK [alpha CD3+]) or absence (CD3-AK [alpha CD3-]) of alpha CD3. The conventional lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells were induced by culturing DBA/2 splenocytes with purified human recombinant interleukin 2. Testing their in vitro cytotoxicity against syngeneic mastocytoma P815, CD3-AK (alpha CD3+) cells gave the highest levels of cytotoxicity and were 20-fold higher than LAK cells and 200-fold higher than CD3-AK (alpha CD3-) cells. However, the cytotoxic activity of LAK or CD3-AK (alpha CD3-) cells was augmented by preincubating them with alpha CD3 for 3 h; then, the difference in cytotoxic activity was reduced from 20- to 4-fold and from 200- to 2-fold, respectively. The in vivo antitumor activity of these killer cells paralleled the in vitro activity. In tests using tumor neutralization experiments, 80-100% of the mice that were challenged with 1 x 10(2) P815 cells remained tumor free after receiving 5 x 10(6) CD3-AK (alpha CD3+) cells. When the challenge dose increased to 1 x 10(3) and to 1 x 10(4) cells, giving CD3-AK (alpha CD3+) cells slowed down the rate of tumor growth but only 20% of the mice remained tumor free. The untreated LAK cells or CD3-AK (alpha CD3-) cells did not induce any protection. After preincubation with alpha CD3 for 3 h, the CD3-AK (alpha CD3-) cells provided protection in 30% of the challenged mice. The phenotype of effectors for mediating the in vitro and in vivo antitumor activities was found to be Thy1+, CD4-, and CD8+ cells. Flow microfluorometry analysis showed that the higher levels of cytotoxic activity obtained with CD3-AK (alpha CD3+) cells could not be simply explained by the increase of CD8+ cells, and the cytotoxic activity of individual CD3-AK (alpha CD3+) cells appeared to be much higher than that of the LAK cells. After tumor growth was established for 1-2 days, giving CD3-AK (alpha CD3+) cells slowed down the rate of tumor growth, and 20% of the mice remained tumor free. These results indicate that CD3-AK cells may be used in the immunotherapy of tumor growth.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)