Expressed sequence tags from a wheat-rye translocation line (2BS/2RL) infested by larvae of Hessian fly [Mayetiola destructor (Say)]

Of the 16 known biotypes of the Hessian fly [ Mayetiola destructor (Say)], biotype L is recognized as being the most virulent. We have previously reported the development of near-isogenic lines (NILs) (BC(3)F(3:4)) by backcross introgression (Coker797*4/Hamlet) that differed by the presence or absence of the H21 gene on 2RL chromatin. Florescence in situ hybridization analysis revealed introgressed 2RLs in NILs possessing the H21 gene, but no signal was detected in NILs lacking 2RL. As part of an approach to elucidate molecular interactions between plants and the Hessian fly, a cDNA library from NILs with H21 infested by larvae of biotype L of the Hessian fly was constructed for expressed sequence tag (EST) analysis. Of 1,056 sequenced reactions attempted, 919 ESTs produced some lengths of readable sequences. Based on their putative identification, 730 ESTs that showed significant similarity with amino acid sequences registered in the gene bank were divided into 13 functional categories. Defense- and stress-related genes represented about 16.1%, including protease inhibition, oxidative burst, lignin synthesis, and phenylpropanoid metabolism. EST clones obtained from the cDNA library may provide a clue to the molecular interactions between plant and larva of the Hessian fly larval infestation.

Antimicrobial performance of alkaline ionic fluid (GC-100X) and its ability to remove Escherichia coli O157:H7 from the surface of tomatoes

An efficacy test of GC-100X, a noncorrosive alkaline ionic fluid (pH 12) composed of free radicals and supplemented with xylitol, was carried out against six major foodborne pathogens-Staphylococcus aureus FRI 913, Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis ATCC 13076, S. enterica serovar Typhimurium DT104 Korean isolate, Vibrio parahaemolyticus ATCC 17803, Escherichia coli O157:H7 ATCC 43894, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa KCTC 1637-at three different temperatures (4, 25, and 36 degrees C) with or without organic load (2% yeast extract). Results revealed a more than 4-log10 (CFU/ml) reduction (1.0 x 10(4) CFU/ml reduction) against all pathogens reacted at 37 degrees C for 3 h in the absence of organic material. GC-100X solution diluted with an equal volume of distilled or standard hard water (300 ppm CaCO3) showed effective bactericidal activity, particularly against gram-negative bacteria. Washing efficacy of GC-100X solution was compared against E. coli O157:H7 on cherry tomato surfaces with those of a commercially used detergent and chlorine water (100 ppm). Viable cell counts of E. coli O157:H7 that had penetrated to the cores of tomatoes after sanitizing treatment revealed that GC-100X stock and its 5% diluted solutions had similar washing effects to 100-ppm chlorine water and were more effective than the other kitchen detergent. These results indicate that GC-100X has good bactericidal and sanitizing activities and is useful as a new sanitizer for food safety and kitchen hygiene.

Production of dyestuffs from indole derivatives by naphthalene dioxygenase and toluene dioxygenase

AIMS

To isolate and characterize the phorate [O,O-diethyl-S-(ethylthio)methyl phosphoradiothioate] degrading bacteria from agricultural soil, and their assessment for multifarious biological activities of environmental and agronomic significance.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Based on their morphological and biochemical characteristics, the selected isolates PS-1, PS-2 and PS-3 were presumptively identified as Rhizobium, Pseudomonas and Proteus species, respectively. The HPLC analysis of phorate in bioaugmented soil revealed its complete disappearance within 40 days. The degradation isotherms of the isolates PS-1, PS-2 and PS-3 suggested time-dependent disappearance of phorate following the first-order rate kinetics at the corresponding rate constants of 0.04, 0.05 and 0.04 d-1. Besides, the isolates concurrently exhibited substantial phosphate solubilization, indole acetic acid (IAA) and siderophore production, as well as limited biocontrol activity against fungal phytopathogens.

CONCLUSIONS, SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The data revealed the potential of isolates for collateral plant growth promotion, biocontrol and bioremediation. The selected strains may serve as an important bioresource for development of effective super-bioinoculants.

Molecular characterization of a cDNA encoding putative calcium binding protein, HvCaBP1, induced during kernel development in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Seed development is known to involve complex physiological and molecular events. In order to gain information on the molecular events that occur in the grains of barley during kernel development, we conducted suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) using grains of barley cv. Karl at 14 days after fertilization (DAF) as the tester and grains at 5 DAF as the driver. We isolated an SSH clone that showed homology with a specific calcium binding protein in rice called EFA27. Screening the cDNA library, we identified two clones as a calcium binding protein. These clones, each carrying one calcium-binding EF-hand motif, were designated HvCaBP1 (Hordeum vulgare Calcium Binding Protein 1). HvCaBP1 possesses an N-terminal region with a conserved single Ca(2+)-binding EF-hand motif and one transmembrane helix. Northern hybridization showed that the highest expression occurred in grains and that expression increased in kernels at 8 DAF. As shown in situ hybridization, the HvCaBP1 gene was highly expressed in the embryo and tissues of the endosperm near the embryo and was detected in the vascular tissues of the glume in the kernel at 8 DAF. Accumulation of HvCaBP1 mRNAs subsequently increased in vegetative tissues for up to 48 h after abscisic acid (ABA) treatment. Transcripts of HvCaBP1 mRNAs may be regulated by endogenous ABA in the grains during kernel development.

Relationship between urinary profile of the endogenous steroids and postmenopausal women with stress urinary incontinence

AIMS

The aims of this study were to investigate whether endogenous steroid hormones are (1) related to pathogenesis of stress urinary incontinence after menopause, (2) are related to severity of stress urinary incontinence, and (3) are related to prognostic parameters of stress urinary incontinence.

METHODS

Twenty post-partum women with clinically diagnosed stress urinary incontinence and 20 age-matched postmenopausal women without stress urinary incontinence (control group) were evaluated. We compared urinary profile of the endogenous steroid hormones patients with stress urinary incontinence and controls, and between grade I and grade II of stress urinary incontinence. We also investigated the relationship between urinary profile of the endogenous steroid hormones and prognostic parameters of stress urinary incontinence (maximal urethral closure pressure, functional urethral length, Valsalva leak point pressure, cough leak point pressure, posterior urethrovesical angle, bladder neck descent, and stress urethral axis). The ages of the patients and those in the control group were 64.3 +/- 5.6 and 57.5 +/- 3.8 years old and the body mass indexes were 24.96 +/- 3.14 and 22.11 +/- 2.73 kg/m2 in patients and in normal subjects, respectively. Nine patients were grade I and 11 were grade II. Estrone and 17beta-estradiol only were detected in all subjects, regardless of control or patient group. It is noteworthy that there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the levels of estrone and 17beta-estradiol in the urine of postmenopausal normal subjects compared with in the urine of postmenopausal patients with urinary incontinence. E2/E1 ratio was not different between the two groups (P > 0.05). Among the objective steroids, DHEA, Delta4-dione, Delta5-diol, Te, DHT, 16alpha-DHT, 11-keto An, THDOC, and THB were not detected either in the urine of normal subjects and nor in the urine of the patients. After comparing androgen levels between normal subjects and patients, no significant differences (P>0.05) were detected, except for 5alpha-THB and 5alpha-THF. Neither 5alpha-THB or 5alpha-THF were detected in the patients' urine. Et/An (11beta-OH Et/11beta-OH An) concentration ratios were not significantly different between the two groups, either (P > 0.05). There were not significant differences of concentrations (micromol/g creatinine) of urinary steroids between grade I and grade II of stress urinary incontinence. Pregnanediol was significantly related to bladder neck descent in supine and sitting positions (R = 0.79, P = 0.01, and R = 0.73, P = 0.03, respectively), and pregnanetriol was significantly related to maximal urethral closure pressure and functional urethral length (R = 0.68, P = 0.04, and R = -0.79, P = 0.01, respectively). Androsterone was significantly related to bladder neck descent in supine and sitting positions (R = 0.68, P = 0.04, and R = 0.78, P = 0.01, respectively). 5-AT was significantly related to bladder neck descent in sitting position and stress urethral axis (R = 0.72, P = 0.03, and R = -0.71, P = 0.03). 11-keto Et was significantly related to bladder neck descent in supine and sitting positions and related to stress urethral axis (R = 0.82, P = 0.01, and R = 0.81, P = 0.01, R = -0.67, P = 0.04, respectively). THS was significantly related to bladder neck descent in supine and sitting positions and related to stress urethral axis (R = 0.76, P = 0.02, and R = 0.74, P = 0.02, R = -0.68, P = 0.04, respectively). THE was significantly related to bladder neck descent in sitting position (R = 0.67, P = 0.04).beta-Tetrahydrocortisol/alpha-tetrahydrocortisol (beta-THF/alpha-THF) and alpha-cortol were significantly related to maximal urethral closure pressure and functional urethral length (R = 0.74, P = 0.02, and R = -0.92, P = 0.01; R = 0.71, P = 0.36, and R = -0.87, P = 0.000, respectively). 17beta-estradiol (E2) was significantly related to bladder neck descent in supine position (R = -0.62, P = 0.04) and 17beta-estradiol/estrone (E2/E1) was significantly related to cough leak point pressure (R = 0.79, P = 0.01). In conclusion, the urinary concentrations of endogenous steroid metabolites in postmenopausal patients with stress urinary incontinence were not significantly different from normal patients and were not significantly different between grade I and grade II patients with stress urinary incontinence. Some endogenous steroid metabolites were positively or negatively significantly related to prognostic parameters of stress urinary incontinence.

Peripheral neuropathy associated with treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis

OBJECTIVE

To review the incidence and management of peripheral neuropathy in patients receiving therapy for MDR-TB.

METHODS

A case series with retrospective chart review of 75 patients who initiated individualized therapy for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Lima, Peru, between 1 August 1996 and 31 January 1999.

RESULTS

All patients had confirmed MDR-TB and were receiving individualized therapy, comprised of an average of six drugs. Ten (13%) of these patients presented with symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, confirmed by electromyography. All symptoms were reported in the lower extremities, and all were sensory in nature. Median time to presentation from initiation of MDR-TB therapy was 9.1 months. No significant risk factors associated with development of peripheral neuropathy were identified. Management strategies depended on the severity of symptoms and included the treatment of contributing co-morbidities, medications for neuropathic pain, and adjustment of doses of possible offending agents. All patients responded to management; three patients were left with mild residual symptoms. Patients whose neuropathy resolved had symptoms for a median of 7 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Peripheral neuropathy was encountered in 13% of our cohort of MDR-TB patients. The diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy can be based on clinical presentation alone, and effective management of this side-effect is possible without sacrificing MDR-TB treatment efficacy.

Miliary tuberculosis and acute respiratory distress syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Miliary tuberculosis is a life-threatening disease caused by the haematogenous spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We evaluated the clinical manifestations of 34 patients with miliary tuberculosis.

DESIGN

A retrospective case review.

RESULTS

The diagnosis of miliary tuberculosis was based on the identification of miliary nodules on chest radiography and one of the three following criteria: 1) acid-fast bacilli smear and/or culture positive in clinical specimens (22/34), 2) histopathological identification of TB granuloma (6/34), and 3) radiological and clinical improvement after anti-tuberculosis treatment (6/34). The median age (+/-SD) of the patients was 42.7 +/- 21.6 years, with two peaks, in the age group 20-30 and in those over 60. There were 16 underlying diseases in 14 patients, of which liver cirrhosis was the most common. The drug sensitivity pattern was available for 17 isolates of M. tuberculosis: 14 were sensitive, while the other three were resistant to at least one anti-tuberculosis drug. Eight patients developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), five of whom died during intensive care. Platelet count, serum albumin and liver enzyme level at the time of admission were significant factors both for ARDS development and for survival.

CONCLUSION

ARDS caused by miliary TB is associated with a high fatality rate; scope remains for improvement in its management.

The effectiveness of modified six-corner suspension in patients with paravaginal defect and stress urinary incontinence

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a modified six-corner suspension in patients with a paravaginal defect and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) by observing changes in the POP (pelvic organ prolapse) stage, substage, and the cure rates in SUI. Forty-two women patients who had a paravaginal defect and stress urinary incontinence were treated by a modified six-corner suspension at the urogynecology clinic, Yonsei University Medical Center between January 1999 and March 2000. Each patient underwent a complete physical examination and a standardized urogynecologic interview that asked about age, hormone replacement, parity, urinary symptoms and previous gynecologic surgery. From the 42 patients who had the operation, 30 patients with 1-year follow-up made up the study group. Changes from stage III ( n = 18, 60%) of the group to stage I ( n = 6, 33.3%) or stage 0 ( n = 12, 66.6%) were observed 3 months after surgery, and no further changes were observed up to 1 year after surgery, except in one case. Changes from stage IV ( n = 12) to stage 0 ( n = 3, 25%) or stage I ( n = 6, 50%) or stage II ( n = 6, 50%) were observed 3 months after surgery, but no further change was observed up to 1 year later. Changes from substage Aa (+2, +3) to -3 ( n = 27, 90%) and from substage Ba (+2,+3,+4,+5,+6,+7) to -3 ( n = 27, 90%) were observed 3 months after surgery. No further changes were observed up to 1 year. The average length of the genital hiatus was initially 4.95 cm and 2.5 cm 3 months after surgery. Little change (2.6 cm) was observed up to 1 year later. When the patients were assessed clinically by urodynamics and physical examination, none had urinary leakage symptoms up to 1 year after the operation. All patients had excellent functional results and no postoperative complaints of stress urinary incontinence. We observed that a modified six-corner suspension was surprisingly effective in patients having a paravaginal defect and a stress urinary incontinence.

Indications of neutrino oscillation in a 250 km long-baseline experiment

The K2K experiment observes indications of neutrino oscillation: a reduction of nu(mu) flux together with a distortion of the energy spectrum. Fifty-six beam neutrino events are observed in Super-Kamiokande (SK), 250 km from the neutrino production point, with an expectation of 80.1(+6.2)(-5.4). Twenty-nine one ring mu-like events are used to reconstruct the neutrino energy spectrum, which is better matched to the expected spectrum with neutrino oscillation than without. The probability that the observed flux at SK is explained by statistical fluctuation without neutrino oscillation is less than 1%.

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production from waste

PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate) production was attempted with SBRs from food waste. Seed microbes were collected from a sewage treatment plant with a biological nutrient removal process, and acclimated with synthetic substrate prior to the application of the fermented food waste. Laboratory SBRs were used to produce PHA with limited oxygen and nutrients. The maximum content of 51% PHA was obtained with an anaerobic/aerobic cycle with P limitation, and the yield was estimated to be about 0.05 gPHA(produced)/gCOD(applied) or 25 kg PHA/dry ton of food waste, assuming more than 40% of the PHA contents were recoverable. PHB/PHA ratios were 0.74 to 0.77 due to the higher acetate concentrations. Economical analysis seemed to suggest the PHA produced from the food waste could be an alternative material to produce the biodegradable plastic to be used for the collection bags for solid waste.

Effect of soil aggregation on the biodegradation of phenanthrene aged in soil

A study was conducted to determine the possible role of soil aggregates in the sequestration of phenanthrene and thus in the declined biodegradation of the hydrocarbon. Phenanthrene aged in Lima loam (2-mm aggregates) showed declined biodegradation with time of aging to the test bacterium P5-2 capable of using sorbed phenanthrene. In contrast, the compound aged in a soil reconstructed with 68% clay-silt and 32% sand that had been separated from the Lima loam was readily mineralized. The percentages of each fraction used were the same as those of the original soil. Biodegradation of aged phenanthrene was not affected significantly by varying the ratios of each fraction in reconstructed mixtures. In experiments with Lima loam, its clay-silt fraction, and its sand fraction, mineralization extent was much lower in soil aggregates compared with the other samples while all had similar organic carbon content of ca. 1.51%. This suggests that aggregation may be another important determinant in the reduced biodegradation of aged phenanthrene.

Relationship between stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse

We investigated the objective coexisting rate of stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, and also compared the treatment outcomes in patients who had both conditions, treated by a corrective operation on the basis of a precise preoperative evaluation. We reviewed 97 cases who underwent urodynamic studies and evaluation of the prolapse according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system from among patients who were admitted for treatment of either stress urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse. A Burch urethropexy, either alone or with a parvaginal repair, was done to correct the stress urinary incontinence, as well as additional operations to correct prolapse of stage II or more. The patients were evaluated postoperatively for the stress urinary incontinence and the degree of prolapse at every visit. Nineteen of 30 (63.3%) patients who were admitted with stress urinary incontinence had a coexisting pelvic organ prolapse, most often of the anterior wall. In 42 of 67 (62.7%) cases admitted with pelvic organ prolapse there was a coexisting stress urinary incontinence. A total of 61 patients who had both conditions were followed for 12 months postoperatively. The recurrence rate of stress urinary incontinence and prolapse (all of which were stage II) was 3.3% and 18.0%, respectively. It was noted that the greater the preoperative stage, the higher the recurrence rate (stage II 4.35%; stage III 25.0%; stage IV 33.6%). The coexisting rates of pelvic organ prolapse in patients having stress urinary incontinence, and stress urinary incontinence in patients having a pelvic organ prolapse, were both high. Therefore, when a preoperative evaluation that simultaneously considers both conditions and the correcting surgery is based on this evaluation, the recurrence rates of both conditions could be lowered.

Hepatitis B and C virus prevalence in a rural area of South Korea: the role of acupuncture

A cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence of and the risk factors for hepatitis C and B viruses among 700 adults above the age of 40 years in a rural area of South Korea. Seropositivity for hepatitis C virus antibody (11.0%, 95% confidence interval: 8.7-13.6) was higher than that for hepatitis B surface antigen (4.4%, 95% confidence interval: 3.0-6.2). Anti-hepatitis C virus seropositivity was associated with a history of repeated acupuncture (odds ratio=2.1, 95% confidence interval: 1.1-4.0), and blood transfusion (odds ratio=5.5, 95% confidence interval: 1.6-19.3) before 1992 when hepatitis C virus screening in blood donors became mandatory. Hepatitis C virus 2a was the most prevalent genotype, followed by 1b. Hepatitis C virus risk attributable to acupuncture was 38% (9% for men and 55% for women). Safer acupuncture practice has become a priority for hepatitis C virus prevention in South Korea.

Strongly correlated s-wave superconductivity in the N-type infinite-layer cuprate

Quasiparticle tunneling spectra of the electron-doped ( n-type) infinite-layer cuprate Sr0.9La0.1CuO2 reveal characteristics that counter a number of common phenomena in the hole-doped ( p-type) cuprates. The optimally doped Sr0.9La0.1CuO2 with T(c) = 43 K exhibits a momentum-independent superconducting gap Delta = 13.0+/-1.0 meV that substantially exceeds the BCS value, and the spectral characteristics indicate insignificant quasiparticle damping by spin fluctuations and the absence of pseudogap. The response to quantum impurities in the Cu sites also differs fundamentally from that of the p-type cuprates with d(x(2)-y(2))-wave pairing symmetry.

Ganciclovir is effective for prophylaxis and treatment of human herpesvirus-6 in allogeneic stem cell transplantation

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) infection and disease are serious complications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). Ganciclovir (GCV) is effective against HHV-6 in vitro but the antiviral susceptibility of HHV-6 has not been well characterized in vivo. We retrospectively compared the HHV-6 reactivation rate in pediatric allo-SCT recipients with and without GCV prophylaxis. The HHV-6 reactivation rate at 3 weeks after allo-SCT in patients without prophylactic GCV administration was significantly higher than that in those receiving prophylactic GCV (11/28 vs 0/13, P < 0.01). Five of 36 patients without prophylactic GCV showed clinical manifestations including skin rash, interstitial pneumonitis, persistent thrombocytopenia, enterocolitis and thrombotic microangiopathy, respectively. HHV-6-associated symptoms were observed in one of the 13 patients receiving prophylactic GCV. This patient showed fever, diarrhea and graft rejection concomitantly with a sudden increase of HHV-6 DNA copy number. Patients who received GCV for treatment of HHV-6 infection showed an improvement in symptoms and/or decrease of HHV-6 copy number. Thus, GCV is effective for treating HHV-6 disease after allo-SCT in vivo.

Lymphoid preponderance and the absence of basophilia and splenomegaly are frequent in m-bcr-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) with a minor bcr-abl transcript is a rare entity. We describe a 66-year-old female who was diagnosed with CML in the chronic phase. Molecular analysis of her Philadelphia chromosome using the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and subsequent sequencing revealed a minor bcr-abl transcript. Monocytosis resembling chronic myelomonocytic leukemia was observed without splenomegaly and basophilia. Her clinical course was indolent and maintained the chronic phase of CML for nearly 3 years under hydroxyurea treatment. A review of the 23 cases of m-bcr CML including this case showed the presence of monocytosis and the absence of basophilia and splenomegaly in 55.0%, 55.0%, and 70.0% of patients, respectively. The absence of basophilia was a significant finding in patients without monocytosis ( P=0.01). Although the hematological features or clinical outcomes were variable in m-bcr CML cases, all three cases at the onset of the blastic phase showed lymphoid crisis, implying an increased lymphoid leukemogenicity of minor bcr-abl transcripts.

The inhibitory mechanism of rebamipide on the mediator release in the guinea pig lung mast cells activated with specific antigen-antibody reactions

This study aim was to assess the effects of rebamipide on the mechanism of histamine release and biosynthesis and release of leukotrienes caused by mast cell activation. We purified mast cells from guinea pig lung tissues by the use of enzyme digestion, the rough and the discontinuous density percoll gradient method. Mast cells were sensitized with IgG1 (anti-OVA) antibody and challenged with ovalbumin. Mast cells were also stimulated with A23187 and the intracellular Ca(2+) level was measured. Histamine and leukotrienes were measured by automated fluorometric analyzer and radioimmunoassay, respectively. The intracellular Ca(2+) level was analyzed using a confocal laser scanning microscope. Protein kinase C (PKC) activity was determined by protein phosphorylated with [gamma-(32)P]ATP. The phospholipase D activity was assessed by the labeled phosphatidylalcohol. Mass 1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) was measured by the [(3)H]DAG produced when prelabeled with [(3)H]myristic acid. PLA(2) activity was determined by measuring the arachidonic acid released from the labeled phospholipids. Rebamipide decreased the releases of histamine and leukotrienes, and completely blocked Ca(2+) influx during mast cell activation by antigen-antibody reactions. It also decreased the release of histamine and leukotrienes during mast cell activation by A23187. The PKC and PLD activities were also decreased by rebamipide in a dose-dependent manner. Rebamipide inhibited the mass DAG production and PLA(2) activity during mast cell activation. The data suggest that rebamipide inhibits intracellular signals and blocks Ca(2+) influx in mast cells activated by specific antigen-antibody reactions, which in turn inhibits histamine release and leukotriene generation.

A controlled clinical study of serosa-invasive gastric carcinoma patients who underwent surgery plus intraperitoneal hyperthermo-chemo-perfusion (IHCP)

BACKGROUND

Despite recent advances in the treatment of advanced gastric carcinomas, no satisfactory outcomes are available because of micrometastases and free-floating carcinoma cells already existing in the peritoneal cavity. From 1990, we started using intraperitoneal hyperthermo-chemo-perfusion (IHCP) to prevent and to treat peritoneal metastasis after surgical resection of stomach cancer.

METHOD

We analyzed 103 serosa-invasive gastric carcinoma patients who underwent surgical resection between 1990 and 1995. Fifty-two patients who received surgery plus IHCP were compared with 51 patients who underwent surgery only, as controls. IHCP was administered for 2 h with an automatic IHCP device (closed-circuit system) just after surgical resection, with the patient under hypothermic general anesthesia (32.4 degrees C-34.0 degrees C). As perfusate, we used 1.5% peritoneal dialysis solution mixed with 10 micrograms/ml of mitomycin-C (MMC), warmed at an inflow temperature of over 44 degrees C.

RESULTS

The overall 5-year survival rate (5-YSR) of the 103 patients was 29.97%. The 5-YSR was higher in the IHCP group than in the control group, at 32.7% and 27.1%, respectively, but this difference was not significant. However, in the 65 serosa-invasive gastric carcinoma patients (excluding those in stage IV) the 5-YSR was significantly higher (P = 0.0379) in the IHCP group than in the control group, at 58.6% and 44.4%, respectively. On multivariate analysis of all 103 patients, depth of tumor invasion and lymph node metastasis were significant factors for survival, whereas significant factors on univariate analysis, such as combined operation, distant metastasis, and peritoneal metastasis, were not significant. The most common recurrence patterns were loco-regional in the IHCP group and peritoneal in the control group.

CONCLUSION

Complete cytoreductive surgery plus IHCP is effective to prevent and to treat peritoneal metastasis, and it should lead to long-term survival for serosa-invasive gastric carcinoma patients. However, there are some limitations for the treatment of peritoneal metastasis in stage IV patients with distant metastases.

Role of loosely bound humic substances and humin in the bioavailability of phenanthrene aged in soil

A study was conducted to determine a possible role of loosely bound humic substances (i.e., humic and fulvic acids) in bioavailability of aged phenanthrene with time. In this study, long-term residence of phenanthrene in soil is defined as aging or sequestration, and the effect was determined by the declined bioavailability to bacteria of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with increased residence time. After 1, 7, and 100 days of aging of phenanthrene in Lima loam, about 90-93% of initial phenanthrene was recovered from the humin-mineral fraction of Lima loam whereas less than 12% was found in humic and fulvic acids of the same soil. Mineralization rates of phenanthrene aged in the humin-mineral fraction significantly decreased with time by the test bacterium P5-2. In terms of extents of mineralization, the difference with time was not appreciable, but still significant at P<0.05. Additional decreases in the rates and extents of mineralization were observed with the whole soil (i.e. Lima loam) to which phenanthrene had been aged. Data suggest that major sequestration sites for phenanthrene may reside in the humin-mineral fraction, and probably humic and fulvic acids may act as a physico-chemical barrier to bacterial degradation so that the compound's bioavailability may be limited.

Molecular analysis of Spinocerebellar ataxias in Koreans: frequencies and reference ranges of SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, SCA6, and SCA7

Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders. CAG repeat expansions in the causative genes have been identified as the basic cause of several types of SCAs, and have been used for the diagnoses and classifications of patients with ataxia. In order to assess the frequency and CAG repeat size ranges of SCAs, and to establish an effective strategy for molecular diagnosis, we performed a molecular analysis of SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, SCA6, and SCA7 in 76 patients. These patients were as follows: 32 with dominant inheritance, 39 sporadic cases, and 5 with unknown family histories. The normal and affected CAG repeat size ranges were established at five SCA loci in Koreans, which was consistent with previous reports. The total prevalence of the five types of SCAs was 39.5% in the 76 patients with ataxia, regardless of their family history. It was 75.0% in the 32 families with a dominant inheritance. The most frequent type was SCA3 (15.8%), followed by SCA2 (14.5%). Both types combined formed 76.7% of the 30 patients with CAG expansions. SCA1, SCA6, and SCA7 were less frequent, affecting 3.9%, 2.6%, and 2.6% of the cases, respectively. This mutation spectrum is quite different from a previous report concerning Koreans, but is similar to the distributions that are seen in several ethnic populations worldwide. For a correct and effective diagnosis of SCAs, we suggest that a molecular diagnosis be undertaken, even in patients without a family history, as well as those with a family history. A stepwise approach is also recommended. Patients with ataxia should be tested for SCA2 and SCA3. Individuals testing negative should be tested for SCA1, SCA6, and SCA7.

Ursolic acid enhances nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-alpha production via nuclear factor-kappaB activation in the resting macrophages

Ursolic acid (UA), a pentacyclic triterpene acid, is reported to have anti-tumor activities; however, the mechanism underlying its anti-tumorigenic effects is poorly understood. To further determine the mechanism of UA, we investigated the effects of UA on the release of nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and on the level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and TNF-alpha gene expression in mouse resting macrophages. We found that UA elicited a dose-dependent increase in NO and TNF-alpha production, and the level of iNOS and TNF-alpha mRNA. Transient expression and electrophoretic mobility shift assays with nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) binding sites revealed that the increased level of iNOS mRNA and TNF-alpha mRNA induced by UA were mediated by the NF-kappaB transcription factor complex. These results demonstrate that UA stimulates NO and TNF-alpha release and is able to upregulate iNOS and TNF-alpha expression through NF-kappaB transactivation in the resting macrophages.

Failure of intertrochanteric fracture fixation with a dynamic hip screw in relation to pre-operative fracture stability and osteoporosis

We have reviewed 178 intertrochanteric fractures treated by dynamic hip screw (DHS) fixation between March 1995 and December 1999 and followed for a minimum of 1 year. We used Singh's classification of the trabecular bone structure in the proximal femur as a measure of osteoporosis and also classified the fractures according to three different systems (Boyd-Griffin, Evans, AO). The postoperative radiographs were examined for loss of reduction, i.e. varus angulation >100, perforation of the femoral head, more than 20-mm extrusion of a lag screw or metal failure. We found 49 cases which showed radiographic failures. Two were stable fractures and 47 unstable fractures (Evans' classification). Unstable fractures with osteoporosis had a failure rate of more than 50%. In such cases DHS should not be the first choice for treatment.