Halothane requirement--a comparison between laryngeal mask airway insertion and endotracheal tube intubation in pediatric patients

BACKGROUND

The present study was to determine the effective concentration of halothane for insertion of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) and for intubation of endotracheal tube (ETT) in pediatric patients.

METHODS

Forty-eight ASA class 1 patients, aged from 10 months to 6 years, scheduled for minor elective surgery were randomly assigned to two groups i.e., LMA and ETT. The concentration of halothane effective in fifty percent of patients (EC50) was determined by the up-and-down method (with 0.5% as a step size). After the predetermined concentration of halothane delivered from a calibrated vaporizer was established and maintained for 20 min, LMA insertion or ETT intubation was attempted without the patient being curarized. The response of patient to LMA or ETT was reported either as "movement" or "non-movement". The effective concentration and associated 95% confidence limits were determined in each group.

RESULTS

An effective concentration of halothane for LMA insertion was 1.5 +/- 0.4% (95% confidence limits 1.4-1.7%), whereas that for ETT intubation was 2.3 +/- 0.5% (95% confidence limits 2.1-2.5%). The difference between these two values was statistically significant (p < 0.01). Airway reflexes after LMA insertion were minimal.

CONCLUSIONS

The insertion of LMA could be performed at a significantly less halothane concentration in comparison with ETT intubation in children.

Dantrolene inhibits nitric oxide synthase in rat alveolar macrophages treated with lipopolysaccharide and interferon-gamma

PURPOSE

To examine the effects of dantrolene on nitric oxide (NO) production and on the activity and protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plus interferon-gamma (IFN gamma) in rat alveolar macrophages.

METHODS

Pulmonary alveolar macrophages isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats were used. After incubation of macrophages with dantrolene (1 to 100 microM) and LPS (1 microgram.ml-1) and IFN-gamma (100 u.ml-1) for 24 hr, the cell-free medium was removed for measuring the nitrite and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels by Griess reaction and ELISA kit, respectively. The harvested macrophages were also used to determine the activity of iNOS by using the conversion of [3H]-L-arginine to [3H]-L-citrulline method. Protein expression of iNOS was detected by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

In rats alveolar macrophages, (i) dantrolene (1 to 100 microM) caused a dose-dependent suppression of the production of nitrite and TNF-alpha induced by LPS (1 microgram.ml-1) plus IFN-gamma (100 u.ml-1) and (ii) dantrolene (100 microM) inhibited the activity (by 37 +/- 5%, P < 0.01) and protein expression (by 39 +/- 12%, P < 0.01) of iNOS in response to LPS plus IFN-gamma.

CONCLUSION

Dantrolene inhibits NO production as well as the activity and expression of iNOS in alveolar macrophages treated with LPS plus IFN-gamma, which may be associated with the reduction of TNF-alpha production.

Alterations of nitric oxide synthase expression with aging and hypertension in rats

The activity and protein expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and inducible NOS (iNOS) were investigated during the development of hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). SHR and Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) were studied at three different ages: 4, 14 to 17, and 63 weeks of age. After treatment with saline or lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 mg/kg IV) for 3 hours, the aortas were removed for measurement of NOS activity and protein expression assay by [3H]-L-citrulline formation method and Western blot analysis, respectively. Plasma levels of nitrite/nitrate (NO2-/NO3-) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were also determined. At 14 to 17 weeks and 63 weeks, the basal activity and protein expression of eNOS in the aortas were significantly lower in SHR than in WKY. In addition, the aged WKY exhibited lower eNOS activity than that of adult WKY, but this change was not seen in SHR. By comparison, the basal activity and protein expression of iNOS were only observed in SHR of the 14-to-17-week group and in the 63-week group; SHR still exhibited higher activities, and these differences were further exaggerated by treatment with LPS. The basal and LPS-induced NO2-/NO3- and TNF-alpha levels in the plasma were also higher in the SHR except the 4-week group. After treatment with quinapril, the basal and LPS-induced expressions of iNOS in SHR were significantly attenuated. Our results demonstrated that alterations of activity and protein expression of eNOS and iNOS occurred in SHR. In addition, aging may reduce the activity of eNOS in WKY but not in SHR. The decline of eNOS activity and/or expression may contribute to the development of hypertension, whereas the increase of iNOS expression may be a consequence of the pathological state of vessels associated with hypertension in SHR. However, the augmented expression of iNOS in SHR was attenuated by antihypertensive therapy, suggesting that the abnormal expression of iNOS is associated with hypertension.

Cervical assessment by magnetic resonance imaging--its relationship to gestational age and interval to delivery

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the uterine cervix in late pregnancy, using MRI, and to study its relationship to the gestational age and the time interval to delivery. 91 women with a singleton cephalic presenting fetus had MRI of the pelvis between 35 and 41 weeks. All had had one prior lower segment Caesarean section and no history of prior vaginal delivery. The cervical length, internal and external os diameter, cervical signal intensity and the angulation of the cervix with the cephalocaudal axis were measured on sagittal T2 weighted images and correlated with the gestational age and the interval from the MRI examination to delivery. It was found that the signal intensity of the cervical stroma increased with the gestational age. A higher signal intensity in the cervical stroma was associated with a shorter time interval to delivery. Deliveries after 40 weeks tended to occur more commonly in those with lower signal intensity in the cervical stroma and also in those with a smaller external os diameter. It is concluded that cervical softening as assessed on MRI correlated with gestational age and the time interval to delivery.

Risk of leukemia in children living near high-voltage transmission lines

We conducted a study to examine the risk of leukemia between 1987 and 1992 among children living near high-voltage transmission lines (HVTL) in three urban districts of northern Taiwan. Twenty-eight cases of leukemia among some 120,696 children aged 14 years or less were reported to the national cancer registry between 1987 and 1992. Compared with children living in households more than 100 meters away from HVTL, children living in households less than 100 meters from HVTL experienced an essentially elevated risk of leukemia (7 versus 2.88, standardized incidence ratio [SIR] = 2.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.98-5.01). The elevated risk stands when compared with all children of Taiwan alternatively (7 versus 2.60, SIR = 2.69, 95% CI = 1.08-5.55). Such elevated risk was particularly noteworthy among children aged 5-9 years. The findings suggest that children living near HVTL tend to experience an elevated risk of leukemia. Further investigations are undoubtedly needed to unveil whether such tendency may have implied the putative association between exposure to elevated magnetic fields and risk of childhood leukemia.

A study of the use of radiological pelvimetry in a Chinese population

BACKGROUND

To audit the use of radiological pelvimetry in a teaching obstetric unit in a Chinese population.

METHODS

A prospective observational study included all radiological pelvimetries performed in one obstetric unit over 8 months. All pelvimetries were assessed by one of the authors, and the outcome of pregnancy was reviewed.

RESULTS

Among 5576 women delivered in that period, 298 (5.3%) had a pelvimetry. The anteroposterior diameter of the outlet (APO) was on average 9.3 mm smaller than the obstetric conjugate (OC), and was below the definition of pelvic contraction in more than 70% of cases. Previous Cesarean sections accounted for 90.9% of the antenatal radiological pelvimetries. The result of this investigation affected the clinical management in more than 80% of these patients. The chance of successful vaginal delivery was directly related to the pelvic dimensions.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiological pelvimetry may provide additional information which could facilitate the counseling of patients with a history of previous Cesarean section.

Systemic mast cell disease associated with the hypereosinophilic syndrome

Systemic mast cell disease (SMCD) is an uncommon disorder characterized by a proliferation of mast cells involving the bone marrow, spleen, liver, skin, and lymph nodes. Although rare, the association of SMCD and other hematologic disorders is well established. To our knowledge, however, no previously published reports have described SMCD associated with the hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES). Herein we describe two patients who had SMCD in association with HES. Both patients had evidence of cardiac eosinophilic involvement, and both responded to systemic therapy. SMCD is often associated with eosinophilia and may be associated with HES more frequently than is commonly appreciated. Because congestive heart failure is a major cause of morbidity in patients with HES, cardiac assessment in patients with eosinophilia and SMCD is important in order to identify those with eosinophilic organ involvement and treat them aggressively.

Body size as a factor in different ages and breast cancer risk in Taiwan

A matched case-control study was done on 175 pathologically proven new cases of female breast cancer from National Taiwan University Hospital from February 1993 to June 1994 and 457 hospital controls individually matched for age and date of admission. Height and weight during one year before the first full-term pregnancy and one year before admission were collected from a questionnaire interview. Body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) was derived accordingly. Demographic and reproductive characteristics, and family history of breast cancer were collected and adjusted as potential confounders. Conditional multiple logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the effect for each risk factor regarding body size of different ages. After adjustment for potential confounders, higher weight and BMI during one year before first full-term pregnancy were associated with a moderately lower risk of breast cancer especially in the premenopausal group. The heaviest group (> or = 65 kg) during one year before admission also had a moderately lower breast cancer risk. Height did not show any significant association with breast cancer risk. Weight and BMI gain were associated with an elevated breast cancer risk in the postmenopausal group but with wide confidence limits. The results of this study imply that adipose tissue may interfere with ovarian endocrine in the younger age group, and that there is increased hormonal production after obvious weight gain.

Cardiac disease in pregnancy

Cardiac disease is an uncommon but potentially serious medical complication of pregnancy. It is an important cause of preventable maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. A multidisciplinary approach involving close liaison and collaboration between the obstetrician, cardiologist, anaesthetist, neonatologist, paediatric cardiologist and, if appropriate, the cardiothoracic surgeon, is essential to achieve optimal care in such pregnancies. The principles of management that ensure a good pregnancy outcome include pre-pregnancy counselling, recognition of risk factors, early diagnosis, close obstetric and medical surveillance, anticipation and prompt identification and treatment of complications, the appropriate use of drugs, surgical intervention, and timely delivery of the baby.

Differential distribution of HLA alleles in two forms of Guillain-Barré syndrome

Guillain-Barré syndrome in northern China occurs in two forms: acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) and acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN). AMAN and AIDP have an immunologic basis, and some cases are associated with preceding Campylobacter jejuni infection. The distribution of allelic forms of the histocompatibility genes HLA-DPB1, DQB1, DRB1, DRB3, DRB4, and DRB5 was examined by DNA-based technology in 34 control, 12 AIDP, and 31 AMAN cases. In AIDP patients, the DRB1*1301 allele showed a significant increase (18% vs. 0%, P = .055). In AMAN patients, alleles DRB1*1301-03 and DRB1*1312, taken collectively, were increased (19% vs. 0%, P = .009), but by itself, the DRB1*1301 allele was not increased, as in AIDP patients. With a larger number of persons, more definitive statements will be possible; however, the differential distribution of DR13 allelic forms between AIDP and AMAN cases may suggest that there are different immunologic mechanisms operating at the molecular level of these diseases.

2-Chlorodeoxyadenosine treatment after splenectomy in patients who have myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia

2-Chlorodeoxyadenosine (2-CdA) is a purine nucleoside analogue with therapeutic activity in low-grade lymphoproliferative disorders. In addition, 2-CdA has a potent myelosuppressive effect, and it has been shown to be toxic to malignant myeloid cells both in vitro and in vivo. In this pilot study we treated nine patients who had advanced myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia (MMM) and progressive hepatomegaly or symptomatic thrombocytosis after therapeutic splenectomy. 2-CdA was administered at 0.05-0.1 mg/kg/d for 7 d for one to five treatment cycles. A reduction in liver size associated with marked improvement in fatigue and control of thrombocytosis and leucocytosis was achieved in seven of the nine patients (78% response rate). In four of the seven responding patients the reduction in liver size was durable (4-28 months) and was associated with a decrease in serum alkaline phosphatase levels. However, no patient had improvement in anaemia, and two of the seven initially responding patients have since died of acute leukaemia or progressive disease. Improvement in bone marrow fibrosis was noted in two of five available post-treatment marrow examinations. Toxicity was mainly myelosuppression, which was severe in two patients. 2-CdA may be considered a palliative therapeutic agent after splenectomy in noncytopenic patients with MMM who have progressive hepatomegaly or extreme thrombocytosis.

A validity analysis of residential magnetic fields estimated from high-voltage transmission lines

Between November 1994 and May 1995, indoor power frequency magnetic fields of 407 residences in northern Taiwan were assessed by short-term on site measurements and by modeling computerized power lines information from high-voltage transmission lines. The study residences were selected according to the distance from the transmission lines with cutoff points of 50 meters (m), 100 m, and 150 m, which gave rise to four categories of residences. The analysis showed that the measured magnetic fields were higher than the calculated magnetic fields for most residences, especially for those with lower measured magnetic fields. The measured and calculated magnetic fields showed an agreement of 0.93 (intra-class correlation coefficient, [ICC] = 0.93) for the residences within 50 m of the transmission lines. The ICC declined with the distance from the transmission lines with a lowest ICC of 0.42 for the residences located more than 149 m away from power lines. When both measured and calculated magnetic fields were categorized into three levels with cutoff points of 1 milligauss (mG) and 2 mG, the indices of agreement were very similar for the three residential categories within 149 m of the lines with Kappa (K) between 0.51 and 0.55. The K for the residences more than 149 m from the lines was low at 0.29. The ICC and K observed from a reduced sample of 114 residences presumably representative of all residences in northern Taiwan with respect to the distribution of household magnetic fields was 0.90 and 0.64, respectively. Our data show that using exclusively computerized power lines information to assess residential magnetic fields exposure entails a certain degree of exposure misclassification, but in the absence of direct measurement, this way of doing provides reasonable estimates of magnetic fields exposure within 100 m of transmission lines.

Immunohistochemical demonstration of acid phosphatase isoenzyme 5 (tartrate-resistant) in paraffin sections of hairy cell leukemia and other hematologic disorders

The demonstration of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity has long been a cornerstone in the diagnosis of hairy cell leukemia (HCL). Recently a monoclonal antibody to this enzyme has been developed that can be used in an immunoperoxidase method on paraffin-embedded tissues. By using a peroxidase-labeled streptavidin biotin method, paraffin sections of B5 and formalin-fixed tissue from 86 cases of HCL (41 bone marrow, 36 spleen, 9 liver) were stained with the antibody to TRAP and compared against staining for CD20 (L26) and DBA.44 (DAKO, Carpinteria, Calif). In addition, 193 specimens (127 bone marrow, 42 lymph node, 19 spleen, 5 other) from a variety of neoplastic and nonneoplastic hematologic conditions were stained using the monoclonal antibody to TRAP. For comparison, these cases were also stained with DBA.44. In the cases of HCL, 80 of 86 specimens were immunoreactive for TRAP. While the antibody to TRAP generally stained less than 50% of the hairy cells, CD20 and DBA.44 stained 90% and 50% to 60% of hairy cells, respectively. Two of three cases of marginal zone lymphoma showed weak immunoreactivity to the TRAP antibody. Two specimens from a patient with Gaucher's disease and 8 of 13 cases of mastocytosis also showed positivity to the TRAP antibody in the macrophages and mast cells, respectively. In contrast, staining for DBA.44 was positive in 3 of 9 cases of B-cell large cell lymphoma, 1 of 4 cases of mantle cell lymphoma, and in the paraimmunoblasts of 1 of 7 cases of small lymphocytic lymphoma. Only HCL was TRAP and DBA.44 positive. This antibody to TRAP is a useful addition to the diagnosis of HCL but should be used in conjunction with CD20 and DBA.44. The use of this antibody to determine minimal residual disease after chemotherapy was not addressed.

Ketamine inhibits nitric oxide synthase in lipopolysaccharide-treated rat alveolar macrophages

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effects of ketamine on the activity and protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in rat alveolar macrophages.

METHODS

Pulmonary alveolar macrophages isolated from Wistar-Kyoto rats were used. After incubation of macrophages with ketamine (1, 10, or 100 microM) and LPS (1 microgram.ml-1) for 24 hr, the cell-free medium was removed for measuring the nitrite and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels by Griess reaction and ELISA kit, respectively. The harvested macrophages were also used to determine the activity of iNOS by using the conversion of [3H]-L-arginine to [3H]-L-citrulline method. In addition, the protein expression of iNOS was detected by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

In rat alveolar macrophages, (i) ketamine (1 to 100 microM) caused a dose-dependent suppression of the production of nitrite and TNF-alpha induced by LPS and (ii) ketamine (100 microM) inhibited the activity (46.5 +/- 4.8%, P < 0.05) and protein expression (35 +/- 11%, P < 0.05) of iNOS in response to LPS.

CONCLUSION

These results show that ketamine inhibits the activity and expression of iNOS in LPS-activated alveolar macrophages, which may be associated with the reduction of the release of TNF-alpha following LPS treatment.

Risks of leukaemia among residents close to high voltage transmission electric lines

OBJECTIVES

To reassess the risk of leukaemia associated with residential exposure near high voltage transmission electric lines of 49 kV and above in view of the recent publications.

METHODS

Through a review of papers considering the risk of leukaemia among people living near high voltage transmission lines, the combined risks of leukaemia were calculated for distances < or = 50 m and < or = 25 m and for exposures at 2 mG, 3 mG, 4 mG, and 10 mG.

RESULTS

The combined analysis of the contributive studies indicated an estimate of risk (odds ratio (OR)) for exposure > or = 2 mG of 1.3, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) 1.0 to 1.7. The ORs increased with exposures at 3 mG, 4 mG, and 10 mG. The risks were also increased for distances of 50 and 25 m from the lines.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis tends to confirm the presence of an association between exposure to magnetic fields and leukaemia among people who reside in the vicinity of high voltage transmission electric lines of > or = 49 kV. There is consistency across studies. Measures of exposure used in the studies were either distance from the lines or calculated fields estimated from pertinent line features. The results apply to adults as well as to children.

[Influence of visual stimuli on eye-position related activities of neurons in primary visual cortex (V1) of awake monkeys]

Extracellular recordings were made in the primary visual cortex (V1) in two awake monkeys to test the influence of visual stimuli on the eye-position related activites of the neurons. While the monkeys gazed on a fixation point (FP) positioned sequentially at different locations on a TV screen, two types of visual stimuli were presented on the same screen: (1) A small light ring flashed repeatedly around the FP or (2) A prefered light bar shifted continuously across the cell's receptive field (RF). Both stimuli significantly enhanced the eye-position related activities and correspondingly increased the incidence of the eye-position dependent neurons. The results show that the integration of information on vision and on eye position may take place at quite the earliest stage of the visual cortices.

Benzene and the dose-related incidence of hematologic neoplasms in China. Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine--National Cancer Institute Benzene Study Group

BACKGROUND

Benzene is a widely distributed environmental contaminant known to cause leukemia, particularly acute nonlymphocytic leukemia, and perhaps other hematologic neoplasms and disorders. Few epidemiologic studies, however, have been able to address relationships between the extent of benzene exposure and the level of risk.

PURPOSE

A large cohort study was carried out in China to evaluate the risks of developing specific hematologic neoplasms and selected related disorders in relationship to quantitative estimates of occupational benzene exposure.

METHODS

A cohort of 74828 benzene-exposed and 35805 unexposed workers employed from 1972 through 1987 in 12 cities in China was identified and followed to determine the incidence of hematologic neoplasms and related disorders. Estimates of benzene exposure were derived from work histories and available historic benzene measurements. Existing pathologic material and supporting medical records were reviewed to establish diagnoses of disease. Relative risks (RRs) (i.e., ratios of incidence rates for specific hematologic neoplasms and related disorders in the benzene-exposed group to incidence rates in the unexposed group) were determined by use of Poisson regression analysis, with stratification by age and sex.

RESULTS

For workers historically exposed to benzene at average levels of less than 10 parts per million (ppm), the RR for all hematologic neoplasm combined was 2.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1-4.2), and, for the combination of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia and related myelodysplastic syndromes, the RR was 3.2 (95% CI = 1.0-10.1). For individuals who were occupationally exposed to benzene at constant levels of 25 ppm or more, the RR for the combination of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia and related myelodysplastic syndromes was 7.1 (95% CI = 2.1-23.7). Workers with 10 or more years of benzene exposure had an RR of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of 4.2 (95% CI = 1.1-15.9), and the development of this neoplasm was linked most strongly to exposure that had occurred at least 10 years before diagnosis (i.e., distant exposure) (P for trend = .005, two-sided). In contrast, the risk for the combination of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia and related myelodysplastic syndromes was significantly increased among those with more recent benzene exposure (P for trend = .003, two-sided), but it was not linked to distant exposure (P for trend = .51, two-sided).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that benzene exposure is associated with a spectrum of hematologic neoplasms and related disorders in humans. Risks for these conditions are elevated at average benzene-exposure levels of less than 10 ppm and show a tendency, although not a strong one, to rise with increasing levels of exposure. The temporal pattern of benzene exposure appears to be important in determining the risk of developing specific diseases.

[Gaze-position-dependent activities of striate cortex (V1) neurones of awake macaque monkeys]

We recorded the activities of single neurons of the primary visual cortex in awake, behaving monkeys to test the influence of the position of gaze on cellular activity. Two monkeys (Macaca mulatta) were trained to fixate a small spot positioned sequentially at 25 locations on a viewing screen. About half (52%) of the neurons recorded showed a selective gaze field (GF), when monkey fixated at this field of view, the cell activities increased significantly. For the majority of the neurons, GF located at the contralateral field of view with respect to the hemisphere from which responses were recorded. The GF was usually found a few degrees peripheral to the related RF. Gaze-position-dependent neurons were found at different depths of the cortex, but mostly in the superficial and the deepest layers. The results indicate that the striate cortex neurons may code information about gaze position.

Clinical correlations of immunophenotypic variations and the presence of trisomy 12 in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia

In a prospective study of 93 consecutive untreated patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, we examined the clinical relevance of surface immunoglobulin (sIg) heavy chain (HC) and light chain (LC) isotypes, CD11c or CD25 expression, and the presence of trisomy 12 by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Careful morphologic evaluation was performed to exclude patients with other forms of chronic lymphoid leukemias, including mantle cell lymphoma, prolymphocytic leukemia, and leukemia phase of lymphoma. In addition, clonally restricted sIg and CD5 surface determinant were expressed in all patients. Clinical presentation, including blood cell counts, clinical stage, and organomegaly, did not correlate with any of the measured variables. After a median follow-up period of 3 years, the particular HC or LC isotype or CD11c expression did not correlate with either disease progression or treatment-free survival. However, trisomy 12 and CD25 expressions were both associated with accelerated disease progression and a shorter treatment-free survival time. Our results confirm the adverse prognostic significance of trisomy 12 expression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and suggest that CD25 expression may have an unfavorable clinical impact.

Predictive capacity of the International Prognostic Factor Index in patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma

PURPOSE

The International Prognostic Factor Index has been shown to predict the outcome of patients with predominantly B-cell lymphomas classified using traditional classifications, including the Working Formulation, but its prognostic importance has not been tested in a cohort of patients with exclusively T-cell lymphomas. This study was conducted to evaluate the prognostic significance of the International Prognostic Factor Index in patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Seventy-eight patients (48 men and 30 women) with PTCL seen at a single institution between 1985 and 1995 were included in the analysis. The morphology and immunocytochemistry of all the original biopsy specimens were reviewed by a single pathologist and classified using the Revised European-American Lymphoma (REAL) classification. The International Prognostic Factor Index, as well as clinical and biochemical parameters, were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses to determine their association with patient outcome.

RESULTS

The International Prognostic Factor Index strongly predicted survival when all patients were included in the analysis (P < .001). For patients < or = 60 years, the age-adjusted International Index significantly predicted long-term survival (P = .0218). For patients older than 60 years, the age-adjusted International Index also significantly predicted survival (P = .002). Liver involvement (P = .006) and bone marrow involvement (P = .014) were also significant prognostic factors in the univariate analysis, but only the International Index remained significant in the multivariate analysis (P = .001).

CONCLUSION

The International Prognostic Factor Index, which significantly predicts outcome in patients with aggressive/intermediate-grade B-cell lymphomas, has similar prognostic importance in patients with PTCL.

[Effects of fructus cnidii coumarins compared with nilestriol on osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats]

AIM

To compare the total coumarins from dried fruits of Cnidium monnieri (TCCM) and nilestriol (Nil) against osteoporosis.

METHODS

SD rats (40, female, 3-month-old) were randomly divided into basal control, age control, ovariectomized (Ova), Ova + TCCM 67 mg.kg-1, Ova + TCCM 200 mg.kg-1, 6 times a week, and Ova + Nil 1 mg.kg-1, i.g. once a week. After 12 wk, sections (20 microns) of proximal tibiae were examined histologically.

RESULTS

Ova reduced markedly the trabecular bone mass due to bone resorption excessed bone formation (% Tb. Ar -59%). Treatment with TCCM 67 mg.kg-1 partly suppressed bone turnover, but did not inhibit bone loss in Ova rats (% Tb.Ar -43%). Treatment with TCCM 200 mg.kg-1 and Nil 1 mg.kg-1 increased the trabecular area (% Tb. Ar +100% and +274%).

CONCLUSION

Nil was more potent than TCCM in protecting against osteoporosis in Ova rats via supression of bone turnover.

Eye position-dependent activation of neurones in striate cortex of macaque

Extracellular recordings were made in the striate cortex in awake, behaving monkeys to test the influence of the eye position on cellular activity. Two monkeys (Macaca mulatta) were trained to fixate a small spot at 25 different eye positions. About half (52%) of the studied neurones showed a selective gaze field (GF). The cells' activities increased significantly when the monkey fixated at this field of view. For the majority of these neurones, GFs were located at the contralateral field of view with respect to the hemisphere from which responses were recorded, and were usually found a few degrees peripheral to the related receptive field. Eye position-dependent neurones were found at different depths of cortex, but mostly in the superficial layers. The results indicate that some neurones in striate cortex may code information about eye position and could contribute to target localization in a head-centred coordinate system by combining retinal and afferent eye position signals.

Abrogation of p53 function by HPV16 E6 gene delays apoptosis and enhances mutagenesis but does not alter radiosensitivity in TK6 human lymphoblast cells

In order to gain a better understanding of the role of p53 in radiation-induced mitotic failure, apoptosis and mutagenesis, we introduced the HPV16 E6 gene via a retroviral vector into the TK6 human lymphoblast cell line which expresses wild type p53. Abrogation of p53 function by E6 resulted in a delayed and reduced apoptotic response and a moderate increase in the frequency of mutations at the thymidine kinase (tk) locus following gamma-irradiation, but failed to alter radiosensitivity. The apoptotic response of the E6-transduced line was intermediate between that of wild type TK6 and the WTK1 cell line. WTK1 is derived from the same parental cell line as TK6 but expresses mutant p53. The spontaneous and gamma-ray-induced mutation frequencies in E6-transduced TK6 cells, although higher than that of the parental TK6 cell line, were still much lower than that of the WTK1 line. No effect on apoptosis, radiosensitivity or mutability was observed when the HPV16 E6 gene was introduced into the WTK1 cells. These results indicate that p53 does not regulate the radiosensitivity of TK6 cells through the apoptotic pathway. Furthermore, the previously observed enhanced radioresistance and mutability in WTK1 cells must be attributed to a more complex mechanism than p53 status alone.