Acute inflammation of the proliferative zone of gastric mucosa in Helicobacter pylori gastritis

The neutrophilic infiltration has been regarded to represent the activity of Helicobacter pylori gastritis. It may involve the epithelium and/or lamina propria. The incidence and degree of the two types of infiltration do not correlate with each other frequently. We correlated the two types of neutrophilic infiltration with H. pylori infection and other pathologic parameters respectively in 300 randomly selected gastric biopsies as well as serial biopsies from a separate group of 95 patients who were treated for H. pylori infection. The "random biopsies" had chronic gastritis of various degrees, and the organisms were identified in 239 cases (79.7%); in the "treated group," the organisms disappeared completely in 62 cases (65.3%). Characteristically, the intraepithelial neutrophilic infiltration was predominantly localized to the proliferative zone of the gastric mucosa (zone 2) where the density of H. pylori was considerably lower than the surface epithelium. In the "random biopsies," both acute epithelial and interstitial neutrophilic infiltration correlated significantly (p < 0.01) with the H. pylori infection. In the "treated group," however, only acute epithelial inflammation correlated significantly (p < 0.01) with the eradication of infection while acute interstitial inflammation did not. Acute epithelial inflammation was no less frequently present in advanced chronic gastritis than in early chronic gastritis. Acute epithelial inflammation of the proliferative zone is a characteristic pathologic finding of H. pylori gastritis, and appears to be directly associated with the pathogenesis of H. pylori gastritis and its progression.

Immunohistochemical analysis of Fas ligand expression in normal human tissues

Cross-linking of Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) induces apoptosis in Fas-bearing cells and regulates apoptosis. Fas is widely expressed in normal human tissues, but FasL expression has been considered to be restricted to lymphoid tissues. Recent studies have demonstrated that FasL is also expressed in some nonlymphoid tissues. To screen the in situ expression of FasL in normal human tissues, immunohistochemistry was performed using paraffin-embedded human tissues. FasL immunostaining was easily detected in testis, neurons, trophoblasts, tonsil, lymph node, Paneth cells, hepatocytes, renal tubular epithelium and bronchial epithelium, consistent with previous reports. Surprisingly, FasL was also expressed in many other cell types, including thymic medulla, skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, pituitary gland, parathyroid gland, prostate glands, oocytes, epithelium of fallopian tube, endometrial glands, and gastric parietal cells. These findings demonstrate that FasL is widely expressed in human tissues and suggest that wide but cell-type specific expression of FasL may not only be implicated in the regulation of immune homeostasis but also in the regulation of cell death and life in many cell types in vivo.

Peripheral blood mitochondrial DNA content correlates with lipid oxidation rate during euglycemic clamps in healthy young men

Both qualitative and quantitative changes in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus. It was previously found that decreased mtDNA content preceded the development of diabetes and mtDNA content correlated with the clinical parameters of insulin resistance syndrome, including diastolic blood pressure and waist-hip ratio. These results prompted one to look whether there are correlations between mtDNA content and the biochemical parameters of insulin resistance in non-diabetic subjects. MtDNA content of peripheral blood leukocytes was measured in Korean healthy young men, and this was correlated with various parameters of fuel metabolism at baseline and during euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamps with indirect calorimetry. MtDNA content in peripheral blood leukocytes did not correlate with insulin sensitivity index or other metabolic variables such as body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and blood pressure. However, mtDNA content showed a positive significant correlation with fat oxidation rate during euglycemic clamps (r = 0.61, P < 0.05). Changes in fat oxidation rate and carbohydrate oxidation rate during the clamps were significantly correlated with mtDNA content (r = 0.65, P < 0.05, r = -0.65, P < 0.05, respectively). These results suggest that mtDNA content in peripheral blood may not correlate with insulin resistance per se but with some aspect of insulin resistance in healthy young men.

Partial purification and characterization of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1A toxin receptor A from Heliothis virescens and cloning of the corresponding cDNA

Although extensively studied, the mechanism of action of insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis Cry toxins remains elusive and requires further elucidation. Toxin receptors in the brush border membrane demand particular attention as they presumably initiate the cascade of events leading to insect mortality after toxin activation. The 170-kDa Cry1Ac toxin-binding aminopeptidase from the tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens) was partially purified, and its corresponding cDNA was cloned. The cDNA encodes a protein with a putative glycosyl phosphatidylinositol anchor and a polythreonine stretch clustered near the C terminus with predicted O-glycosylation. Partial purification of the 170-kDa aminopeptidase also resulted in isolation of a 130-kDa protein that was immunologically identical to the 170-kDa protein, and the two proteins had identical N termini. These proteins were glycosylated, as suggested by soybean agglutinin lectin blot results. Cry1Ac toxin affinity data for the two proteins indicated that the 130-kDa protein had a higher affinity than the 170-kDa protein. The data suggest that posttranslational modifications can have a significant effect on Cry1A toxin interactions with specific insect midgut proteins.

Preoperative transarterial embolization of spinal tumor: embolization techniques and results

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The techniques of preoperative embolization of hypervascular spinal tumors, which has been known to be helpful for completing tumor resection, have not been described in detail. The purpose of this study was to analyze the technique and to evaluate the safety and value of preoperative transarterial embolization of hypervascular spinal tumors.

METHODS

Eighteen patients with hypervascular spinal tumors underwent transarterial embolization before surgery. The lesions were located between the upper cervical and lower lumbar spine: C1-T1 (n = 6), T5-L3 (n = 11), and L5 (n = 1); they arose intradurally in six patients and extradurally in 12. Thirty-one arteries were embolized with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles (150-500 microm), and, in 18 of these, pieces of gelatin sponge were added for proximal pedicular embolization. The criteria for judging the effectiveness of embolization were completeness of tumor removal and estimated blood loss during surgery.

RESULTS

Tumor embolization was total in eight patients, nearly total in seven, subtotal in one, and partial in two. There were no symptomatic complications associated with embolization. Tumors were totally removed in 17 patients and nearly totally removed in one. The average estimated blood loss during surgery was 1100 mL (range, 200-6000 mL) for all 18 patients, and 1540 mL in patients with extradural tumors.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative embolization of hypervascular spinal tumors is safe and effective. It can make complete resection of a tumor possible and can make an unresectable tumor resectable. Superselection or flow control is necessary to achieve effective devascularization and to avoid complications.

Expression of the MAGE 3 gene product in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck

BACKGROUND

The melanoma antigen (MAGE) 3 gene may be a useful tumor specific marker since it is expressed in a variety of cancers.

MATERIALS & METHOD

The expression and intracellular location of MAGE 3 gene product were investigated in 40 squamous cell carcinomas, 2 tumor lines, 20 benign diseases, and 20 normal tissues of the head and neck. Immunohistochemical staining with anti-MAGE 3 mAb 57B was conducted from fresh frozen specimens. Correlations between MAGE 3 expression and clinicopathological parameters were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The MAGE 3 gene product was detected in squamous cell carcinomas (18/40, 45%) and in tumor cell lines (2/2, 100%), but not in benign diseases and normal tissues. No significant correlation was drawn between MAGE 3 expression and clinical parameters including clinical stages and metastasis.

CONCLUSION

These results show MAGE 3 antigen could represent a potential target for immunotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

Metabolic effect of decreasing nonesterified fatty acid levels with acipimox in hyperthyroid patients

Glucose intolerance is often found in patients with hyperthyroidism, but the pathogenetic mechanisms are not fully understood. Since lipolysis is increased in hyperthyroidism, elevated plasma nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs) may contribute to abnormal glucose metabolism in hyperthyroidism. The aim of this study was to investigate whether decreasing the plasma NEFA level with acipimox can affect glucose metabolism in hyperthyroidism. We performed an intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) with acipimox 250 mg or placebo in six untreated hyperthyroid men and six age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls. Fasting plasma NEFA levels were significantly higher in the hyperthyroid patients versus the controls (997.0 +/- 303.4 v290.5 +/- 169.1 micromol/L, P < .001). Plasma NEFAs decreased rapidly with acipimox treatment in both controls and hyperthyroid patients. In the controls, the glucose disappearance constant (K(G)) was not different for acipimox treatment versus placebo (2.18 +/- 0.62 v 2.42 +/- 1.00% x min(-1)). In hyperthyroid patients, acipimox treatment increased the K(G) significantly compared with placebo treatment (2.44 +/- 0.84 v 1.58 +/- 0.37% x min(-1), P < .05). Changes in K(G) values with acipimox treatment were inversely correlated with changes in plasma NEFA levels (r = -.65, P < .05). Acipimox treatment increased the acute insulin response (AIR) in hyperthyroid patients (943 +/- 381 v 698 +/- 279 microU/mL x min, P < .05), whereas it did not change the AIR in controls. Changes in the AIR with acipimox treatment correlated significantly with changes in the K(G) (r = .70, P < .05). There was a weak correlation between changes in the AIR with acipimox treatment and changes in plasma NEFA levels (r = -.55, P = .06). In summary, decreasing the plasma NEFA level with acipimox in hyperthyroid patients increases both the K(G) and AIR during an IVGTT. These findings suggest that the abnormal glucose metabolism in hyperthyroidism could be attributed, at least in part, to the increase of plasma NEFA.

Acylated flavonol glycosides with anti-complement activity from Persicaria lapathifolia

During a search for biologically active compounds from traditional medicines, a crude extract of Persicaria lapathifolia was found to have anti-complement activity. Bioassay-guided chromatographic separation of the active constituents led to the isolation of a new acylated kaempferol glycoside (1) and three known acylated quercetin glycosides (2-4). The structures of compounds 1-4 were characterized as kaempferol 3-O-beta-D-(6"-p-hydroxybenzoyl)-galactopyranoside, quercetin 3-O-beta-D-(6"-feruloyl)-galactopyranoside, quercetin 3-O-beta-D-(2"-galloyl)-rhamnopyranoside and quercetin 3-O-beta-D-(2"-galloyl)-glucopyranoside, respectively. Compounds 1-4 showed strong anti-complement activity (IC50 values of 4.3, 9.7, 3.9 and 7.6 x 10(-5) M, respectively) on the classical pathway of the complement. On the other hand, six isolated flavonol glycosides (5-10) did not show any activity on this system.

HIV integrase inhibitory activity of Agastache rugosa

We have been screening anti-HIV integrase compounds from Korean medicinal plants by using an in vitro assay system which is mainly composed of recombinant human immunodeficiency virus type 1 integrase and radiolabeled oligonucleotides. From the above screening, the aqueous methanolic extract of the roots of Agastache rugosa exhibited a significant activity. Bioactivity-guided chromatographic fractionation of the methanolic extract resulted in the isolation of rosmarinic acid. The structure of the compound was determined by spectroscopic data and by the comparison with the reported values. The IC50 of the rosmarinic acid was approximately 10 microg/ml against HIV integrase.

Nongenomic stimulation of nitric oxide release by estrogen is mediated by estrogen receptor alpha localized in caveolae

Acute administration of 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) exerts antiatherosclerotic effects in healthy postmenopausal women. The vasoprotective action of E(2) may be partly accounted for by a rapid increase in nitric oxide (NO) levels in endothelial cells (ECs). However, the signaling mechanisms producing this rise are unknown. In an attempt to address the short-term effect of E(2) on endothelial NO production, confluent bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) were incubated in the absence or presence of E(2), and NO production was measured. Significant increases in NO levels were detected after only 5 min of E(2) exposure without a change in the protein levels of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS). This short-term effect of estrogen was significantly blunted by various ligands which decrease intracellular Ca(2+) concentration. Furthermore, plasma membrane-impermeable BSA-conjugated E(2) (E(2)BSA) stimulated endothelial NO release, indicating that in the current system the site of action of E(2) is on the plasma membrane rather than the classical nuclear receptor. The partial antagonist tamoxifen did not block E(2)-induced NO production; however, a pure estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) antagonist ICI 182,780 completely inhibited E(2)-stimulated NO release. The binding of E(2) to the membrane was confirmed using FITC-labeled E(2)BSA (E(2)BSA-FITC). Western blot analysis showed that plasmalemmal caveolae possess ERalpha in addition to well-known caveolae-associated proteins eNOS and caveolin. This study demonstrates that the nongenomic and short-term effect of E(2) on endothelial NO release is Ca(2+)-dependent and occurs via ERalpha localized in plasmalemmal caveolae.

Frequent somatic mutations of the beta-catenin gene in intestinal-type gastric cancer

The increased level of cytoplasmic beta-catenin through the mutations to either beta-catenin or adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) has been proposed as an important oncogenic step in various tumors. Gastric cancer showed frequent genetic alterations of the APC gene, and the risk for gastric cancer in familial adenomatosus polyposis patients is 10 times higher than that in the general population. These findings raise the possibility that mutations of beta-catenin may also be associated with the development of gastric cancer. We detected seven somatic mutations in a portion of exon 3 encoding for the glycogen synthase kinase 3beta phosphorylation consensus region of the beta-catenin gene in 43 gastric cancers. All of these mutations were missense mutations, of which five are in the highly conserved aspartic acid 32 and two are in serine 29; all of these seven mutations were detected exclusively in intestinal-type gastric cancers (7 of 26; 26.9%), but not in the diffuse-type (0 of 17). We concluded that disruption of the APC/beta-catenin/T cell factor-lymphoid enhancer binding factor pathway might play an important role especially in the development of intestinal-type gastric cancer.

Evidence that the mitochondrial genome is the thrifty genome

Although mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) abnormalities are known to cause insulin deficiency, insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus, it's quantitative aspect was not addressed well. In this review, mitochondrial genome hypothesis of thrifty phenomenon is proposed, based on the data and review of literatures. From a population based epidemiologic study, it was found that mtDNA quantity was decreased in the peripheral blood of diabetic subjects, and also in those subjects who will convert to diabetes mellitus within 2 years. In this population, low mtDNA subjects were found to have higher blood pressure and high waist hip ratio. These findings suggested mtDNA status might be quantitatively linked to the insulin resistance syndrome. As quantitative relationships between peripheral blood mtDNA levels and insulin requirement, and energy utilization pattern (fat and carbohydrate oxidation during hyperinsulinemic clamp studies) were observed in a group of male students; and maternal mtDNA content (peripheral blood) correlated with birth weight and peripheral blood mtDNA content of the offspring in another study, possibility of thrifty phenotype phenomena might be due to the low mitochondrial status arose. As thrifty phenotype phenomenon shows the quantitatively continuous relationship between involved parameters and characteristics of 'imprinting', a possible mechanism is suggested.

Prosthetic reconstruction for tumours of the distal tibia and fibula

We have carried out prosthetic reconstruction in six patients with malignant or aggressively benign bone tumours of the distal tibia or fibula. The diagnoses were osteosarcoma in four patients, parosteal osteosarcoma in one and recurrent giant-cell tumour in one. Five tumours were in the distal tibia and one in the distal fibula. The mean duration of follow-up was 5.3 years (2.0 to 7.1). Reconstruction was achieved using custom-made, hinged prostheses which replaced the distal tibia and the ankle. The mean range of ankle movement after operation was 31 degrees and the joints were stable. The average functional score according to the system of the International Society of Limb Salvage was 24.2 and five of the patients had a good outcome. Complications occurred in two with wound infection and talar collapse. All patients were free from neoplastic disease at the latest follow-up. Prosthetic reconstruction may be used for the treatment of malignant tumours of the distal tibia and fibula in selected patients.

The human glia maturation factor-gamma gene: genomic structure and mutation analysis in gliomas with chromosome 19q loss

Human glia maturation factor-gamma (hGMF-gamma) is a recently identified gene that may be involved in glial differentiation, neural regeneration, and inhibition of tumor cell proliferation. The gene maps to the long arm of chromosome 19 at band q13.2, a region that is frequently deleted in human malignant gliomas and is thus suspected to harbor a glioma tumor suppressor gene. Given the putative role of hGMF-gamma in cell differentiation and proliferation and its localization to chromosome 19q13, this gene is an interesting candidate for the chromosome 19q glioma tumor suppressor gene. To evaluate this possibility, we determined the genomic structure of human hGMF-gamma and performed mutation screening in a series of 41 gliomas with and without allelic loss of chromosome 19q. Mutations were not detected, which suggests that hGMF-gamma is not the chromosome 19q glioma suppressor gene. However, the elucidation of the genomic structure of hGMF-gamma may prove useful in future investigations of hGMF-gamma in the normal adult and developing human nervous system.

Isothermal age-hardening behaviour in a multi-purpose dental casting gold alloy

The isothermal age-hardening behaviour of a multi-purpose dental casting gold alloy was investigated by means of hardness testing, X-ray diffraction study, scanning electron microscopic observations and energy dispersive spectroscopy. By ageing of the solution-treated specimen at 400-500 degrees C, two phases of the Au-rich alpha 1 phase with an f.c.c. structure and the alpha 2 phase with an ordered f.c.c. structure based on Pt3In were transformed into three phases of the alpha 1 phase, the alpha 2 phase and the beta phase with an ordered f.c.t. structure based on PtZn. Hardening was attributed to the fine nodular precipitation resulting from the formation of the beta phase in the alpha 1 matrix. Softening was due to the coarsening of the fine nodular precipitates as the result of consumption of the alpha 2 phase.

Simultaneous analysis of lead, mercury and selenium species by capillary electrophoresis with combined ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid complexation and field-amplified stacking injection

In this study, speciation analysis was carried out for multispecies of lead, mercury and selenium by capillary electrophoresis (CE) with combined complexation and field-amplified stacking injection (FASI). Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was added to the sample mixture to form UV-absorbing complexes with the analytes, thus enabling direct UV detection. It was also used in the running electrolyte to improve resolution. Under optimal conditions, ten analytes were baseline-separated within 20 min. The influence of operational conditions (pH, EDTA concentration, sodium dodecyl sulfate concentration) on the electrophoretic behavior of the species was studied. The analyte-related parameters were calculated based on the migration equation. Enhancement of detection, up to 1700-fold, was achieved for the charged complexes with FASI, and sub-ng/mL detection limits were obtained. The performance of this method was compared with high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography and other CE procedures.

Noise level of drilling instruments during mastoidectomy

Exposure to intense noise has been identified as a potential risk in the development of hearing impairment. Social concern about excessive noise is increasing and this also extends to the operating room. A noise level study was performed in the operating room during mastoidectomy with a sound level meter and it was analyzed by a sound-analyzing program. The drilling instruments used included the Stryker, Midas, M.P.S. and Med-Next. The operator was exposed to sound levels from 69 to 83 dBA. The loudest drilling instrument was the Midas and it produced an average sound level of 83 dBA to the operator. The mean exposure time was 41 minutes during mastoidectomy. This is below the occupational noise-level regulations in Korea. However, considering that individual susceptibility to noise varies and that the otologic surgeon is repeatedly exposed to prolonged drilling noise, ear protection is recommended for the operators of high-speed drilling instruments.

Reproducibility of the cortisol response to stimulation with the low dose (1 microg) of ACTH

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies have shown that the rapid ACTH stimulation test using a low dose of 1 microg is more sensitive than that using 250 microg ACTH for detecting subtle cases of adrenal insufficiency. However, there are controversies for the reproducibility of the 1 microg-test. To evaluate the reproducibility of the 1 microg-test, we assessed both day-to-day and diurnal variations of cortisol responses to 1 microg ACTH injection. In addition, optimum sampling time for the 1 microg-test was also determined.

SUBJECTS

AND DESIGN Eight healthy volunteers and five patients with secondary adrenal insufficiency were recruited. Healthy subjects were given 1 microg ACTH 3 times in the morning (0800 h) and 2 times in the afternoon (1600 h). Patients with adrenal insufficiency had 2-tests in the morning and 2 in the afternoon. Serum cortisol levels were measured every 10 minutes for 1 h after the injection.

RESULTS

In healthy subjects, basal and peak serum cortisol levels were significantly higher in the morning (P < 0.05), whereas maximum cortisol increments were higher in the afternoon (P < 0.001). In patients with adrenal insufficiency, basal and peak serum cortisol levels in the morning were not different from corresponding values in the afternoon. Intra-individual coefficient of variation (CV) of peak serum cortisol response to 1 microg ACTH ranged from 3.0 to 16.4% in healthy subjects and 10.0-34. 4% in patients. Also, there was a significant correlation between peak morning or afternoon cortisol levels after 1 microg ACTH injection given in different days in both healthy subjects and patients. Twenty-six of the 40 studies in healthy subjects showed peak response at 20 minutes, while nine showed it at 30 minutes Using the data acquired at 20 and 30 minutes, all 40 studies in healthy subjects showed normal results while none of 20 studies in patients was normal.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that the cortisol response to 1 microg ACTH stimulation was reproducible in both healthy subjects and patients with secondary adrenal insufficiency. In order to assess adrenal function more accurately with the 1 microg ACTH stimulation test, serum cortisol should be measured before and 20 and 30 minutes after ACTH injection.

Anticomplement activities of oleanolic acid monodesmosides and bisdesmosides isolated from Tiarella polyphylla

Seven known oleanolic acid glycosides (1-7) were isolated from the MeOH extract of Tiarella polyphylla. The structures were identified to be 3-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl) oleanolic acid (1), 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] oleanolic acid (2), 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] oleanolic acid (3), 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (4), 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (5), 3-O-[a-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl] oleanolic acid (6), and 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl] oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (7) on the basis of physicochemical and spectral data. These triterpene glycosides were tested for the anticomplement activity and hemolytic activity. Bisdesmosidic saponins, 4, 5, and 7, showed anticomplement activity; in contrast, monodesmosidic saponins, 1-3, and 6, showed direct hemolytic activity. Methyl esterified monodesmosidic saponins showed anticomplement activity at a low concentration and hemolytic activity at a high concentration.

Effects of tetrandrine and fangchinoline on human platelet aggregation and thromboxane B2 formation

Tetrandrine (TET) and fangchinoline (FAN) are two major components of the radix of Stephania tetrandra. The effects of TET and FAN on human platelet aggregation and formation of thromboxane (TX) B2, a stable metabolite of TXA2, were examined in the aspect of platelet aggregation. TET and FAN inhibited platelet-activating factor (PAF)-induced human platelet aggregation. IC50 values for TET and FAN were 28.6+/-3.24 microM and 21.7+/-2.61 microM, respectively. In the PAF-receptor binding assay, neither TET nor FAN showed any inhibitory effects on the specific bindings of PAF to its receptor. TET and FAN also inhibited PAF-, thrombin- and arachidonic acid-induced thromboxane B2 formation in human washed platelet. These results indicate that TET and FAN inhibit the platelet aggregation by interfering with the intracellular messengers system, but not by inhibiting the binding of PAF to PAF-receptor on the platelet membrane directly, and the suppression of TXA2 formation by TET and FAN may be responsible for their inhibitory activities on the platelet aggregation and further on the thrombosis.

Tentorial meningioma encroaching the transverse sinuses and sigmoid sinus junction area associated with dural arteriovenous fistulous malformation: a case report

A 62-year-old woman was evaluated for tinnitis and headache. Magnetic resonance imaging and angiography revealed the coexistence of a tentorial tumor encroaching the junction of the right transverse-sigmoid sinuses, and dural arteriovenous fistulous malformation (AVFM) of the right transverse sinus. AVFM was not manipulated at all during the surgery. The pathology was fibroblastic meningioma. Postoperatively, the dural AVFM completely disappeared on follow-up angiography. The fistulas were occluded also after surgery, even though there was no manipulation of the AVFM. It is suggested that the right dominant transverse-sigmoid sinuses are partially occluded by tentorial meningioma, developing the dural arteriovenous fistula of the right transverse sinus. An acquired origin of the dural AVFM was suggested in this case.

Cloning of a human ortholog (RPH3AL) of (RNO)Rph3al from a candidate 17p13.3 medulloblastoma tumor suppressor locus

Allelic loss of 17p13.3 is observed in approximately 40% of medulloblastomas, suggesting the presence of a tumor suppressor gene in this region. Deletion mapping has defined a region of common loss flanking the telomeric marker D17S34, and a recent report delineated a 9-kb homozygous deletion within the D17S34 locus in one such tumor. Using cDNA selection, we have identified a transcript spanning this deletion, designated (HSA)RPH3AL (rabphillin-3A-like), based on its 77% overall amino acid identity with a recently cloned rat gene, (RNO)Rph3al (originally termed Noc2), a gene putatively involved in regulated endocrine exocytosis through its interactions with the cytoskeleton. We determined the exon-intron boundaries of RPH3AL and screened the coding region for mutations by direct sequencing in DNA extracted from 33 tumor samples with allelic loss of 17p13, including 10 medulloblastoma, 14 follicular thyroid cancer (FTC), and 9 ovarian cancer specimens. No mutations were identified. Thus, despite its location in a homozygously deleted 17p13.3 locus, it is unlikely that RPH3AL is a gene involved in the oncogenesis of medulloblastoma, FTC, or ovarian cancer.

Simultaneous superficial hyperthermia and external radiotherapy: report of thermal dosimetry and tolerance to treatment

BACKGROUND

In vitro and animal studies indicate that a moderate temperature of 41 degrees C maintained for approximately 1 h will provide radiosensitization if radiation (RT) and hyperthermia (HT) are delivered simultaneously, but not with sequential treatment. A minimum tumour temperature of 41 degrees C is a more feasible goal than the goal of >42 degrees C needed for sequential treatment.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Forty-four patients with 47 recurrent superficial cancers received simultaneous external beam radiotherapy and superficial hyperthermia on successive IRB approved phase I/II studies. All lesions had failed previous therapy, 35 were previously irradiated (mean dose 52.7 Gy). Hyperthermia was delivered with 915 MHz microwave or 1-3.5 MHz ultrasound using commercially available applicators. The average dimensions of 19 lesions treated with microwave were 4.7 x 3.6 x 1.7 cm and the average dimensions of 28 lesions treated with ultrasound were 8.0 x 6.1 x 2.9 cm. The most common sites were chest wall (15 cases) and head and neck (21 cases). Temperatures were monitored at an average of six intratumoral locations using multisensor probes. The median number of hyperthermia treatments was three and the median radiation dose 30 Gy. Radiation dose per fraction was 4 Gy with hyperthermia and 2 Gy or 4 Gy (depending on protocol) on non-hyperthermia days.

RESULTS

Six different measures of minimum monitored temperature and duration were found to be highly correlated with each other. There was nearly a one-to-one correspondence between minimum tumour time at or above 41 degrees C (Min t41) and minimum tumour Sapareto Dewey equivalent time at 42 degrees C (Min teq42). After four sessions 63% of cases had a per session average Sapareto Dewey equivalent time at 41 degrees C which exceeded 60 min in all monitored tumour locations. The complete and partial response rate in evaluable lesions were respectively 21/41 (51%) and 7/41 (17%) and were best correlated with site (chest wall showing best response). Toxicity consisted of 10/47 (21%) slow healing soft tissue ulcers which healed in all cases but required a median of 7 months. The most important predictors for chronic ulceration were cumulative radiation dose >80 Gy and complete response to treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Minimum tumour temperatures maintained for durations compatible in vitro with thermal radiosensitization (if RT and HT are delivered simultaneously) are clinically feasible and tolerable for broad but superficial lesions amenable to externally applied ultrasound or microwave hyperthermia. The current in-house protocol is evaluating the impact of more than four hyperthermia sessions on the overall thermal dose distribution and toxicity.

Ion-pair solid-phase extraction of biogenic amines before micellar electrokinetic chromatography with laser-induced fluorescence detection of their fluorescein thiocarbamyl derivatives

Extraction conditions by ion-pair solid-phase extraction of biogenic amines from soy sauce samples were studied. The type of surfactant used as ion-pair reagent, the mode of extraction and the pH were factors studied to enhance the extraction efficiency. High recoveries were obtained using dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid as ion-pair reagent. Octanesulfonate and decanesulfonate did not provide satisfactory recoveries. A dynamic ion-pair solid-phase extraction method was also tested for comparison. The extracted amines were derivatized with fluorescein isothiocyanate, separated by micellar electrokinetic chromatography and detected by laser-induced fluorescence (MEKC-LIF). Because of sample clean-up after extraction and the very high number of theoretical plates obtained with the MEKC-LIF method, identification and quantification of biogenic amines in soy sauce samples could be accomplished. Biogenic amines in soy sauce samples could be separated and quantified with detection limits of the order of 0.1 microg/mL, depending on the sample source.

Serum extracellular superoxide dismutase activity as an indicator of zinc status in humans

The present study focused on whether serum extracellular superoxide dimutase (EC-SOD) activity can be used as a functional indicator of marginal zinc deficiency in humans. Subjects in this study were 444 healthy adults over 30 yr of age living a normal rural life in Kyunggi province, Korea. The mean dietary zinc intake of subjects obtained from one 24-h recall was 6.41 +/- 4.35 mg and the average serum zinc concentration of the subjects was 11.06 +/- 2.44 micromol/L. Subjects were divided into three groups by serum zinc concentrations: adequate (serum zinc >10.7 micromol/L), low (serum zinc 9.0-10.7 micromol/L), and very low (serum zinc <9.0 micromol/L) groups. A total of 50 subjects were selected from the three groups for analysis of EC-SOD activities. The EC-SOD activity of subjects increased with increasing serum zinc concentrations, and the activities of the three groups were significantly different as indicated by the Kruskal-Wallis test (p = 0.0239). Also, serum EC-SOD activities were significantly correlated with serum zinc concentrations (r = 0.289, p = 0.04). Serum EC-SOD activities, however, were not significantly correlated to the dietary zinc intakes. In conclusion, these results show that EC-SOD activities are decreased in subjects with low serum zinc concentrations and suggest that EC-SOD activity may be a functional indicator of zinc nutritional status in humans.