Chondrolysis of the glenohumeral joint following a color test using gentian violet

Two patients developed chondrolysis following injection of 0.4% aqueous gentian violet into the glenohumeral joint to visualize a rotator cuff tear during surgery. In both cases, conventional radiographs revealed joint space narrowing 10-12 months after surgery. Histological examination of the humeral heads revealed loss of the articular cartilage.

Protective effect of phytic acid on oxidative DNA damage with reference to cancer chemoprevention

Phytic acid (myo-inositol hexaphosphate) is one of the most promising cancer chemopreventive agents. We investigated the mechanism by which phytic acid expresses preventive action to cancer. Phytic acid inhibited the formation of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine in cultured cells treated with an H2O2-generating system, although it did not scavenge H2O2. Site-specific DNA damage by H2O2 and Cu(II) at GG and GGG sequences was inhibited by phytic acid, but not by myo-inositol. Phytic acid alone did not cause DNA damage and thus, it should not act as a prooxidant. We conclude that phytic acid acts as an antioxidant to inhibit the generation of reactive oxygen species from H2O2 by chelating metals, resulting in chemoprevention of cancer.

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of propolis

The composition of propolis, a resinous hive product collected by honeybees from various plant sources, depends on various factors such as season and vegetation of the area. Based on standards (either isolated from Brazilian propolis or reported from propolis) including chromane, diterpenes and phenolic compounds, different Brazilian propolis were analysed by LC-MS in order to determine their chemical constituents. Dicaffeoylquinic acids were detected in almost all water extracts of Brazilian propolis, whereas diterpenes, flavonoids and prenylated phenolic compounds were found in their methanol extracts. Based on the identified chemical constituents and their biological activities, it was determined that the quality of Brazilian propolis could be directly related to the phenolic constituents. Moreover, Baccharis dracunculifolia was concluded to be an important source of Brazilian propolis. Propolis samples from Peru, China and the Netherlands were also studied.

Arthroscopic debridement for dialysis shoulders

PURPOSE

To arthroscopically treat "dialysis shoulder," severe shoulder pain in patients on long-term hemodialysis. This pain occurs only at rest such as during hemodialysis or while sleeping and is temporarily alleviated by assuming the sitting position or moving the shoulder joint. Limitations in range of motion and pain with overhead activity or the arm in the forward flexed position are not the patient's chief complaints. Although frozen shoulder and impingement syndrome may be observed as complications, pain at rest is the most characteristic.

TYPE OF STUDY

Clinical research on arthroscopic debridement to treat dialysis shoulder.

METHODS

We performed arthroscopic debridement of 36 dialysis shoulders in 29 patients. Only complete debridement in the glenohumeral joint and subacromial bursa was performed, without invasion to the bone and ligaments.

RESULTS

The pain improved in 34 shoulders in 27 patients (94%) a mean of 29.8 months after surgery, showing satisfactory results. In this group, the mean Japan Orthopaedic Surgery Association shoulder score (maximum 100 points) was 66.4 points before surgery but increased to 86.6 points postoperatively, statistically significant by 2-group t test.

CONCLUSIONS

We decided before beginning the study that no postoperative rehabilitation would be necessary. There were no complications and no need for further surgery, with all but 2 of the patients being satisfied with their postoperative condition.

A spatial light modulator based on fused-silica plates for adaptive feedback control of intense femtosecond laser pulses

A novel spatial light modulator (SLM) made of an array of fused-silica plates was developed for the purpose of feedback control for intense femtosecond laser pulses over a wide spectral range. Dispersion compensation for 20-fs pulses from a Ti:sapphire oscillator was successfully demonstrated using the SLM with an adaptive feedback control system. The SLM was also applied to the output pulses from a Ti:sapphire amplifier for compensation of material.

Requirement of glutathione and cysteine in guanine-specific oxidation of DNA by carcinogenic potassium bromate

Potassium bromate (KBrO3), a food additive, induces renal-cell tumors in rats. KBrO3 induced 8-oxo-7, 8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) formation in human leukemia cell line HL-60 as well as in its H2O2-resistant clone, HP100, suggesting no involvement of H2O2. Depletion of GSH by buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) had a little inhibitory effect on KBrO3-induced 8-oxodG formation. However, the amount of 8-oxodG was still significantly higher than that in control, suggesting that intracellular Cys can affect KBrO3 to oxidize DNA, when GSH decreased. KBrO3 caused 8-oxodG in isolated DNA in the presence of GSH (tripeptide; gamma-GluCysGly), gamma-GluCys, CysGly, or Cys. Methional completely inhibited 8-oxodG formation induced by KBrO3 plus GSH, but typical hydroxyl radical scavengers, SOD and catalase, had little or no inhibitory effects. When bromine solution (BrO(-)) was used instead of BrO3(-), similar scavenger effects were observed. Experiments with 32P-labeled DNA fragments obtained from the human p53 tumor suppressor gene and the c-Ha-ras-1 protooncogene suggested that KBrO3 induced 8-oxodG formation at 5'-site guanine of GG and GGG sequences of double-stranded DNA in the presence of GSH and that treatment of formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase led to chain cleavages at the guanine residues. ESR spin-trapping studies showed that 1:2:2:1 quartet DMPO (5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide) spectrum similar to DMPO/hydroxy radical (*OH) adduct, but the signals were not inhibited by ethanol. Therefore, the signal seemed not to be due to *OH but byproduct due to oxidation of DMPO by the reactive species. The signals were suppressed by the addition of dGMP, but not by other mononucleotides, suggesting the specific reactivity with guanine. On the basis of our results and previous literature, it is speculated that reduction of KBrO3 by SH compounds in renal proximal tubular cells yields bromine oxides and bromine radicals, which are the reactive species that cause guanine oxidation, leading to renal carcinogenesis of KBrO3.

Clinical evaluation of sodium hyaluronate for the treatment of patients with rotator cuff tear

A randomized study of two types of conservative treatment of 78 shoulders in 78 patients with rotator cuff tears was performed. Twenty-five milligrams of sodium hyaluronate (SH) was injected into shoulders in one group (SH group) and 2 mg of dexamethasone was injected in the other group (steroid group). Injection of each drug was planned for once per week for 5 consecutive weeks. In the SH group, University of California at Los Angeles score before treatment was 13.6 +/- 2.6 points in 16 patients who did not require surgery (satisfied patients) and 12.8 +/- 3.5 points in 22 patients who required surgery (unsatisfied patients) (not statistically significant). In the steroid group, University of California at Los Angeles score before treatment was 11.9 +/- 3.6 points for 15 satisfied patients and 12.6 +/- 3.9 points for 25 unsatisfied patients (again, not statistically significant). In the SH group, the score at 4 weeks after treatment for satisfied patients increased to 27.6 +/- 3.1 points, whereas that for unsatisfied patients was 14.9 +/- 1.2 points (P <.0001). Similarly, in the steroid group, the score at 4 weeks after the treatment for satisfied patients increased to 26.5 +/- 2.0 points, whereas that for unsatisfied patients was 15.0 +/- 4.0 points (P <.0001). At 24 weeks after treatment, the score for satisfied patients was 26.2 +/- 3.1 points in the SH group and 25.3 +/- 2.5 points in the steroid group. The effective rate of the SH group was 39.5% and that of the steroid group was 35%. Therapeutic efficacy in the SH group was equivalent to that in the steroid group. In both groups, the rate of patients who engaged in manual labor was significantly higher in the group of unsatisfied patients than in that of satisfied patients. No adverse reaction to either treatment was observed. These results suggest that SH is an effective conservative treatment for patients with rotator cuff tears.

Superoxide dismutases enhance H2O2-induced DNA damage and alter its site specificity

Superoxide dismutases (SODs) are involved in the protection of cells from oxygen toxicity. However, several papers have reported that the overexpression of CuZn-SOD causes oxidative damage to cells. We investigated a mechanism by which an excess of SODs accelerates oxidative stress. The presence of CuZn-SOD, Mn-SOD or Mn(II) enhanced the frequency of DNA damage induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and Cu(II), and altered the site specificity of the latter: H2O2 induced Cu(II)-dependent DNA damage with high frequency at the 5'-guanine of poly G sequences; when SODs were added, the frequency of cleavages at thymine and cytosine residues increased. SODs also enhanced the formation of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine by H2O2 and Cu(II). We conclude that SODs may increase carcinogenic risks, e.g. of tumors in Down syndrome.

Hepatoprotective and anti-Helicobacter pylori activities of constituents from Brazilian propolis

Propolis is a resinous hive product collected by honeybees from various plant sources. It is extensively used in food, beverage and in folk medicine for treating various ailments and reported to have broad spectrum of biological activities. The hepatoprotective activity of propolis and constituents from its MeOH extract belonging to various classes were tested on D-galactosamine (D-GalN)/tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced cell death in primary cultured mouse hepatocytes. The result indicated that hepatoprotective activity of alcoholic extract of tropical Brazilian propolis is mainly due to phenolic compounds including flavonoids. All the four isolated flavonoids possessed stronger inhibitory activity (IC50, < 25 microM) than silibinin (IC50, 39.6 microM) on TNF-alpha-induced cell death. The labdane-type diterpenes isolated from the MeOH extract also exhibited significant hepatoprotective activity in the same experimental model. Moreover, the labdane-type diterpenes and some of the prenylated phenolic compounds possessed antibacterial activity against Helicobacter pylori.

Superantigen production by Staphylococcus aureus in psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Activation of T cells is believed to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Recently, it has been proposed that psoriasis is a T-cell-mediated autoimmune reaction triggered by bacterial superantigen.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated whether patients with chronic plaque psoriasis bear superantigen-producing Staphylococcus aureus on the skin or the throat.

METHODS

S. aureus producing exfoliative toxin, staphylococcal enterotoxin B or toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 was isolated from the skin and throat of 100 psoriasis patients using Western blot analysis and polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Only 5, 4 and 9 patients had super-antigen producing S. aureus identified on lesional skin, nonlesional skin and throat, respectively. The vast majority of patients did not bear superantigen-producing S. aureus.

CONCLUSION

We believe that superantigens are not essential in sustaining disease activity but may, instead, be exacerbating or triggering factors for some psoriasis patients.

Development of a high-power deep-ultraviolet continuous-wave coherent light source for laser cooling of silicon atoms

We developed a deep-UV single-mode coherent light source through two-stage highly efficient frequency conversions by use of external cavities. In the first stage, second-harmonic power of 500 mW was obtained by frequency doubling of a 746-nm Ti:sapphire laser with a conversion efficiency of 40%. In the second stage, 50-mW power at ~252nm was obtained by doubly resonant sum-frequency mixing of 373-nm light from the first-stage conversion and 780-nm light from a diode laser. The output performance of this deep-UV light source is sufficient for laser cooling of neutral silicon atoms.

Cytotoxic, hepatoprotective and free radical scavenging effects of propolis from Brazil, Peru, the Netherlands and China

Propolis is a resinous hive product collected by honeybees from various plant sources. The composition of the propolis depends upon the time, vegetation and the area of collection. Thus, quality evaluation of the propolis is important, before use in food and beverages. For this propose three different biological activities were carried out, i.e. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, cytotoxicity and hepatoprotective activity, of MeOH and water extracts of nine different propolis from Brazil, Peru, the Netherlands and China. The results showed that water extracts of six Brazilian and a Chinese propolis possessed stronger DPPH free radical scavenging activity than the corresponding MeOH extract, whereas in the case of Netherlands and Peruvian propolis MeOH extract exhibited stronger DPPH free radical scavenging activity. The MeOH extracts of all propolis possessed stronger cytotoxicity than the corresponding water extract towards murine colon 26-L5 carcinoma and human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells. The result of hepatoprotective activity of Brazilian propolis on D-galactosamine (D-GalN)/tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced cell death in primary cultured mouse hepatocytes were found in accordance with the grade set up by beekeepers in Brazil.

[Concentration of isepamicin sulfate in bone marrow blood]

Fifteen patients who were performed a rotator cuff repair were subjected for the determination of a concentration of isepamicin sulfate (ISP), which was infused intravenously, in venous blood and bone marrow blood. The concentrations were measured at 0, 30, 60 minutes after the injection. There was no statistically significance between ISP concentrations in venous and bone marrow blood. This study revealed that the transference of ISP to the bone marrow was excellent.

Two novel cytotoxic benzofuran derivatives from Brazilian propolis

Two novel benzofuran derivatives, propolis-benzofurans A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the MeOH extract of Brazilian propolis, together with two known isoprenylated compounds (E)-3-[2, 3-dihydro-2-(1-methylethenyl)-7-prenyl-5-benzofuranyl]-2-propen oic acid and (E)-3-¿4-hydroxy-3-[(E)-4-(2, 3-dihydrocinnamoyloxy)-3-methyl-2-butenyl]-5-prenylphenyl¿-2 -propenoi c acid. The structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectral analysis. Both the new compounds exhibited mild cytotoxicity toward highly liver-metastatic murine colon 26-L5 carcinoma and human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells.

Self-compression of high-intensity femtosecond optical pulses and spatiotemporal soliton generation

Self-compression of high-intensity femtosecond pulses has been observed in a number of atomic and molecular gases and solid bulk material. The evolution of the femtosecond pulse parameters during the self-compression has been studied under a variety of experimental conditions. Generation of spatiotemporal solitons has been achieved by the combined action of self-compression and self-focusing.

DNA damage by dimethylformamide: role of hydrogen peroxide generated during degradation

Dimethylformamide (DMF) has been suspected to associate with cancers in exposed workers, whereas there has been inadequate evidence for carcinogenicity in experimental animals. We demonstrated that H(2)O(2) was generated during the degradation of DMF under aerobic conditions, and that the amount of H(2)O(2) was enhanced by exposure to solar light or by the contamination of trace metal. Experiments using (32)P-5'-end-labeled DNA fragments revealed that the degraded DMF induced DNA damage in the presence of Cu(II). However, purified DMF did not induce DNA damage even in the presence of Cu(II). Addition of purified DMF enhanced DNA damage induced by H(2)O(2) in the presence of Cu(II). The degraded DMF caused Cu(II)-mediated DNA cleavage frequently at thymine and cytosine residues. The similar pattern of site-specific DNA damage was observed with purified DMF and H(2)O(2). Bathocuproine and catalase inhibited the DNA damage, indicating the involvement of Cu(I) and H(2)O(2). A typical free hydroxy radical scavenger showed no inhibitory effect on the DNA damage. Addition of purified DMF enhanced about 3-4-fold 8-oxo-7, 8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine formation induced by H(2)O(2) and Cu(II). ESR spectroscopic study demonstrated that carbon-centered radicals and nitrogen-centered radicals were generated in the reaction mixture of DMF, H(2)O(2), and Cu(II). Inhibitory effects of scavengers on radical formation and DNA damage suggest that carbon-centered radicals and/or nitrogen-centered radicals may contribute to the DNA damage. These results suggest that H(2)O(2) generation during DMF degradation is related to the possible carcinogenic activity of DMF.

High-energy conversion efficiency of transient stimulated Raman scattering in methane pumped by the fundamental of a femtosecond Ti:sapphire laser

We studied stimulated Raman scattering in pressurized methane in the highly transient regime pumped by 140-fs 0.7-mJ pulses from a Ti:sapphire (Ti:S) laser tuned at 750 nm. Energy-conversion efficiency of the first Stokes of more than 15% was achieved, with no strong sign of saturation with as much as 40 atm (1atm=760Torr) of Raman gas pressure. To our knowledge, this is the highest conversion efficiency of transient stimulated Raman scattering generated directly from the fundamental of a Ti:S laser.

Expression of vitamin D receptor in cultured human keratinocytes and fibroblasts is not altered by corticosteroids

Topical vitamin D3 therapy is one of the mainstays of psoriasis treatment. However, the effectiveness of combination therapy with topical vitamin D3 and corticosteroids is still controversial. It has been reported that topical vitamin D3 treatment following topical corticosteroids is less effective than that without preceding corticosteroid treatment. We hypothesized that vitamin D receptor (VDR) in the skin is down-regulated by topical corticosteroids. To obtain support for this hypothesis, we determined VDR protein levels in cultured keratinocytes and fibroblasts after corticosteroid treatment. VDR levels were quantified by Western blot analysis with a Fluorolmager. Keratinocytes and fibroblasts were obtained from four psoriasis patients and four normal controls. VDR levels were altered in neither normal nor psoriatic keratinocytes by 2-day incubation with dexamethasone (1x10(-9)-1x10(-6) M) or clobetasol propionate (1x10(-9)-1x10(-6) M). Similarly, VDR levels in normal and psoriatic fibroblasts were not affected by 2-day incubation with dexamethasone (1x10(-6) M). These findings suggest that down-regulation of VDR by topical corticosteroids in keratinocytes and fibroblasts of psoriasis is unlikely.

Possible involvement of p21 but not of p16 or p53 in keratinocyte senescence

It has been reported that p21, p53, and p16 affect the cell cycle and cell senescence. However, their roles in keratinocyte senescence are not clear. We established primary keratinocyte strains from 15 donors and maintained them until replicative senescence; their population doublings ranged from 5.7-45.2. These strains were classified based on their population doublings as short (5.7-10.4), intermediate (13.9-17.4), and long (21.5-45.2). To investigate the roles of p21, p53, and p16 in the cellular senescence of the cultured keratinocytes, we quantitatively analyzed p21, p53, and p16 levels of keratinocyte strains with different life spans by Western blot with Fluorol mager. p21 levels increased in the senescent phase but not in the nonsenescent phase in all of the short, intermediate, and long life-span strains. Northern blot analysis also revealed induction of p21 mRNA was similar to that of p21 protein levels. There were no apparent differences in p53 levels between senescent and nonsenescent cells. The short life-span strains exhibited a significant increase in p16 levels in the senescent phase (eighth or tenth passage). However, in two long life-span strains, p16 levels were increased in the nonsenescent phase (eighth passage) but then declined as the cells reached senescence (twenty-seventh passage). Therefore, induction of p16 appeared not to be associated with senescence in long life-span strains. In conclusion, p21 but not p16 or p53 may play roles in keratinocyte senescence.

Inhibition of nitric oxide formation and superoxide generation during reduction of LY83583 by neuronal nitric oxide synthase

6-Anilino-5,8-quinolinedione (LY83583) has been widely used as an agent to reduce levels of nitric oxide (NO)-dependent cGMP in tissues. We report here that suppression of NO formation and production of superoxide during enzymatic reduction of LY83583 by neuronal NO synthase appeared to be potentially involved in the pharmacological action caused by LY83583. LY83583 suppressed neuronal NO synthase activity of 20,000 x g rat cerebellar supernatant preparation in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 value = 12.9 microM). A kinetic study revealed that LY83583 is a competitive inhibitor with respect to NADPH, with a Ki value of 2.57 microM. With purified neuronal NO synthase it was found that LY83583 was a potent inhibitor of NO formation by the enzyme and served as efficient substrate for reduction with a specific activity of 173 nmol of NADPH oxidized per mg of protein per minute. The reductase activity was stimulated about 19.8-fold by addition of CaCl2/calmodulin, indicating that the presence of CaCl2/calmodulin is essential to express maximal activity of LY83583 reduction. Although LY83583 was a good substrate for both NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (P450 reductase) and DT-diaphorase, these flavin enzymes-catalyzed reductions of LY83583 were less than the neuronal NO synthase-mediated reduction in the presence of CaCl2/calmodulin. Enzymatic generation of superoxide during reduction of LY83583 by neuronal NO synthase, P450 reductase or DT-diaphorase was confirmed by electron spin resonance (ESR) experiments. Thus the present results indicate that a benzoquinone derivative LY83583 appears to interact with the P450 reductase domain on neuronal NO synthase, resulting in inhibition of NO formation and superoxide generation, which is involved in suppression of intracellular cGMP content.

Direct fabrication of microgratings in fused quartz by laser-induced plasma-assisted ablation with a KrF excimer laser

We report precision microfabrication of fused quartz by laser ablation with a conventional UV laser for what is believed to be the first time. A high-quality micrograting structure is fabricated in fused quartz by a novel technique of laser-induced plasma-assisted ablation with a single KrF excimer laser (248 nm). The plasma generated from a metal target by laser irradiation effectively assists in ablation of the fused-quartz substrate by the same laser beam, although the laser beam is transparent to the substrate. A grating with a period of 1.06 mum is achieved by use of a phase mask. We can control the grating depth to 300 nm by changing the pulse number. This technique permits high-quality microfabrication of electronic and optoelectronic devices based on fused quartz and related silicate materials by use of a conventional UV laser.

Inhibition of nitric oxide formation by neuronal nitric oxide synthase by quinones: nitric oxide synthase as a quinone reductase

Inhibitory action of a variety of quinoid compounds on neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) activity was examined with a 20000g rat cerebellar supernatant preparation and purified nNOS. The inhibition of citrulline formation from l-arginine by quinones, which exhibit one-electron reduction potentials (E17) ranging between -240 and -100 mV, increased at a more positive one-electron reduction potential, suggesting that quinone appears to act as an electron acceptor for nNOS. Among the quinones tested, 9,10-phenanthraquinone (PQ), corresponding to an E17 value of -124 mV, exhibited the most potent inhibiton of citrulline formation (IC50 value = 10 microM). A kinetic study revealed that PQ is a competitive inhibitor with respect to NADPH, with a Ki value of 0.38 +/- 0.12 microM, and a noncompetitive inhibitor with respect to l-arginine, with a Ki value of 9.63 +/- 0.20 microM. Partial purification of the enzymes which are responsible for reducing PQ in 20000g supernatant of rat cerebellum by anion-exchange column chromatography indicated that one catalyst for PQ reduction was nNOS. Reductase activity of PQ by purified nNOS required CaCl2/calmodulin and was markedly suppressed by the flavoprotein inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium but not by l-nitroarginine which is a specific inhibitor for NO formation. nNOS effectively reduced the quinones as well as PQ causing a marked decrease in the production of NO from l-arginine, while 1, 4-benzoquinone, 9,10-anthraquinone, mitomycin C, and lapachol, which show negligible inhibitory action on nNOS activity, were poor substrates for the enzyme on reduction. These results indicate that PQ and other quinones used in the present study interact with the NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase domain on nNOS and thus probably inhibit NO formation by shunting electrons away from the normal catalytic pathway. Therefore, our study suggests that quinones could possibly affect NO-dependent physiological and/or pathophysiological actions in vivo.

High-order harmonic generation by subpicosecond KrF excimer laser pulses

We investigated the generation of high-order harmonics of a KrF excimer laser (80 mJ, 0.5 ps) in rare gases (He, Ne) and molecular gases (N(2), O(2)). The highest-order harmonic, 7.1 nm, the 35th, was observed in He and Ne, and 8.6 nm, the 29th, in N(2) and O(2). Our experimental results suggest that the high-order harmonics are emitted from ionized atoms. The maximum photon energy of the high-order harmonics may be restricted by phase mismatching caused by free electrons.

Two novel point mutations in the lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) gene resulting in LCAT deficiency: LCAT (G873 deletion) and LCAT (Gly344-->Ser)

We investigated the genetic defects in two patients with familial lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) deficiency. Their clinical manifestations including corneal opacities, anemia, proteinuria, and hypoalphalipoproteinemia were identical for familial LCAT deficiency. Their LCAT activities and the cholesterol esterification rate (CER) were nearly zero, and their LCAT masses were below 10% of normal control values. Sequence analysis of the amplified DNA of case 1 revealed one base deletion of G at base 873 (first position of Val264) in exon 6, leading to a premature termination by frameshift. Sequence analysis of amplified DNA of case 2 revealed a single G to A converting Gly (GGT) to Ser (AGT) substitution at residue 344. When COS-1 cells were transfected with these mutants, LCAT activity in the medium was nearly zero, and the LCAT mass was undetectable (< 0.01 microgram/ml). In contrast, LCAT activity in the medium of COS-1 cells, transfected with wild-type LCAT, was 1.7 nmol/h per ml and the LCAT mass was 0.09 micrograms/ml. The LCAT mass in the cell lysates of the mutants was less than 12% of control for case 1 and 18% of control for case 2. Northern blot analysis of the mRNA of COS-1 cells transfected with the mutants showed the same amounts of LCAT mRNA as compared with wild-type LCAT. Biosynthesis of mutant LCATs was analyzed by pulse-chase and immunocytochemistry in transfected baby hamster kidney cells. SDS-PAGE/fluorography demonstrated that wild-type LCAT was synthesized as a high-mannose type of 56 kDa, which was very slowly converted to a mature form of 67 kDa and was secreted into the media. In contrast to the wild-type LCAT, the mutant precursors were not processed into the mature form but slowly degraded along with chase times. On steady and continuous labeling in the case of wild-type LCAT, the mature 67 kDa form was observed in both the cell lysate and media, whereas no mature form was detected in the cell lysates and media which were transfected mutant LCATs. These data suggest that the mutant LCATs are actually synthesized in an amount comparable to that of wild-type, but they are slowly degraded without being processed into the mature form. The immunocytochemistry revealed that mutant LCATs were mainly retained in the endoplasmic reticulum. These data suggest that these two mutations may disrupt the mutant LCATs' transport from the endoplasmic reticulum into Golgi apparatus, resulting in LCAT deficiency.

[The arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder. A topological and clinical study]

A topological study was made of the structure about the acromion using cadavers. Clinical application of arthroscopic surgery: A total of 110 patients underwent operation by my newly devised arthroscopic procedure. Through anatomical studies and the development and clinical trials of auxiliary devices (Step Cannulation System and Acromion Gauge) a safer and more reliable procedure of arthroscopic surgery for impingement syndrome was esablished. A therapeutic plan, involving arthroscopic surgery, for sports-related labral injury was established. Labral injuries were classified into 3 types. procedures of arthroscopic surgery suited for individual types were developed and aftertherapy was carried out on my own program, and all patients returned to sporting activities. Arthroscopic surgery for rotator cuff tear and rheumatoid disease of shoulder was established.

Direct generation of circularly polarized pulse from a transversely excited atmospheric CO(2) laser by injection locking

The injection technique was applied to the generation of a circularly polarized pulse, with an energy of more than 5 J, directly from a transversely excited atmospheric CO(2) laser oscillator.

Enhanced scattering of higher-order anti-Stokes waves by polarization switching

The polarization-switching technique has been successfully applied to the enhancement of scattered anti-Stokes powers in the ultraviolet region. Anti-Stokes waves up to the fifth order were observed in stimulated rotational scattering of hydrogen, and their pulse widths were approximately 300 psec (FWHM), which is shorter than the dephasing time of the medium and the switching time.

Observation of the second Stokes wave in a para-hydrogen Raman laser

An extension of wavelength coverage of the CO(2)-pumped para-H(2) Raman laser to 30 microm has been achieved. The characteristics of far-infrared pulse generation by second Stokes Raman scattering are discussed.

Asymmetric ventricular hypertrophy in patients with essential hypertension

We attempted to clarify the pathogenesis of asymmetric ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients, especially regarding sympathetic nervous system and renin-angiotensin system. Subjects were divided in 3 groups by echocardiographic findings; 1) 15 patients with non-hypertrophy (NH), 2) 14 patients with symmetric hypertrophy (SH), and 3) 10 patients with asymmetric hypertrophy (ASH). Subjects with ASH showed following features. Age (53.7 +/- 1.6 yr) was older than NH (43.7 +/- 1.4 yr) but not different from SH (49.7 +/- 2.3 yr). Mean arterial pressure (119.0 +/- 3.9 mmHg) was higher than NH (107.5 +/- 1.4 mmHg) but not different from SH (122.4 +/- 2.8 mmHg). End-diastolic and end-systolic dimensions were smaller and ejection fraction was larger than those of NH and SH. Cardiac index (3.90 +/- 0.37 L/min/M2) was largest among 3 groups. UNE (19.5 +/- 2.5 micrograms/day) was lower than SH (31.2 +/- 2.5 micrograms/day). PRA (0.44 +/- 0.16 ng/ml/h) was lower than SH (1.53 +/- 0.20 ng/ml/h) and NH (1.62 +/- 0.28 ng/ml/h). Ejection fraction was correlated with UNE (r = 0.835) and PRA (r = 0.736). We suggest that the heart of hypertensives with ASH is in hyperdynamic state due to the hyperresponsiveness to sympathetic stimuli, although they have a decrease of sympathetic nervous activity, and the renin-volume axis may have no important role on the pathogenesis of ASH.

CCl(2)F(2) optical filter for a TEA CO(2)-laser-pumped NH(3) laser

CCl(2)F(2) (Freon 12) gas was successfully used as an optical filter for a TEA CO(2)-laser-pumped NH(3) laser in the wavelength region from 11.7 to 13microm. When pumped by a 9R(30) line, the NH(3) lasing lines were distributed from 11.7 microm of a P(4,K) line to 13 microm of a P(8,K) line, and the residual pump energy of 1 J was decreased to less than a few millijoules without decreasing the NH(3) laser power by passing through a 5-cm-long CCl(2)F(2) cell filled at 70 Torr.

Effects of oral befunolol on heart rate and systolic blood pressure during submaximal exercise in man

For the purpose of determining exercise intensity required for evaluating the effect of beta-blocking agents, the multi-stage treadmill exercise was carried out up to intensity of 85% of maximal oxygen intake (VO2max) after administration of beta-blocking agents in 7 healthy men. To obtain a stable dose response in the inhibitory effect of beta-blocking agents on heart rate (HR) and systolic blood pressure (S-BP), the exercise intensity more than 65% of VO2max (75% of maximal heart rate) was needed. In order to evaluate the effect of befunolol (BFE), a submaximal treadmill exercise of 75% of the age adjusted predicted maximal heart rate was loaded in 6 healthy men at 1.5, 4, and 8 hours following a single oral administration of 10 mg, 20 mg or 40 mg of BFE and 20 mg or 40 mg of propranolol. Simultaneously, the plasma concentration of BFE was determined 1.5, 4, 6 and 8 hours after the administration of BFE at each dose. In human serum, BFE was detected together with its metabolite, revealing a significant correlation between BFE and metabolite (r = 0.94, p < 0.001). Almost a certain rate of metabolite (4--5 times) was detected against BFE. As for the biological half life, it was 1.79 +/- 0.13 hours with BFE and 3.67 +/- 1.33 hours with metabolite. The inhibitory effect of BFE on HR and S-BP during exercise exhibited a dose response with the oral dose and its plasma concentration, and was almost twice as much as that of propranolol at the same dose. Accordingly, the myocardial oxygen consumption which may be represented as rate pressure product was inhibited twice as much as propranolol. BFE is characteristic of its more rapid elimination of its effect compared to the other beta-blocking agents. The decrease in the inhibitory effect of BFE or HR during exercise was about 1.8 times quicker than that of propranolol.