[Chemical constituents of Parthenocissus thomsonii (Laws.) Planch]

Five compounds (1-5) were isolated from the leaves of Parthenocissus thomsonii collected in Henan. On the basis of chemical reaction and spectroscopic studies, 1, 2 and 3 were identified as friedelin, epifriedelanol and quercetin respectively.

Monosomy 21 in two patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia

Among 50 cases of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) with available cytogenetic data seen in our section since May 1988, two were found to carry a monosomy 21 abnormality which has been rarely reported in hematologic malignancies. The first case is a 58-year-old male with a diagnosis of AML, FAB M2, who died of refractory leukemia 9 months later. The other case is a 59-year-old female with AML, FAB M2. Complete remission was achieved initially but she died of sepsis 3 months later with no evidence of leukemic relapse. Monosomy 21 is not yet recognized as a nonrandom cytogenetic abnormality in ANLL, whereas its unusual predilection in AML, especially the FAB M2 or M4 categories, as noted in our study and others' reports, have raised this possibility. Further studies and the accumulation of new cases are needed in the hope of defining it as a subtype of ANLL.

RFLP-based genetic map of the homoeologous group 3 chromosomes of wheat and rye

Genetic maps of chromosomes 3A, 3B and 3D of wheat and 3R of rye were developed using 22 DNA probes and two isozyme marker systems. Analysis of the 49 loci mapped showed extreme clustering around the centromere in all four maps, with large 'gaps' in the distal chromosome regions, which is interpreted as being due to strong localisation of recombination towards the ends of the wheat and rye chromosomes. In the centromeric regions gene orders are highly conserved between the three wheat genomes and the rye genome. However, the unpredictable behaviour of the DNA clones that map in distal chromosome locations may indicate that the genomes are diverging most rapidly in the regions of higher recombination. A comparison of cDNA and genomic probes showed the latter to be much more efficient for revealing RFLP. Some classes of gDNA clones, i.e. chromosome-specific sequences and those hybridizing in a non-homoeologous manner, were seen to be most polymorphic. Correlations between map locations and RFLP levels showed no clear relationship. In addition to anonymous DNA clones, the locations of known function clones, sedoheptulose-1,7-bisphosphatase (XSbp), carboxypeptidase I (XCxp1) and a bZIP protein (XEmbp), were ascertained along with those for two isozyme loci, Mal-1 and Est-5.

An experimental study of pituitary transplantations in rabbits

Experimental pituitary transplantations were carried out between the New Zealand white and American chinchilla rabbits. These two kinds of experimental rabbits were of different genotypes. The grafts were transplanted underneath the median eminences of the recipients after hypophysectomy. The rabbits with the transplants were treated with cyclosporine (CsA) and prednisone for the first month. Blood samples were taken at regular intervals for the determinations of serum thyroxine, prolactin and luteinizing hormone. The results suggested that neonatal grafts could survive and function almost normally with the aid of CsA and prednisone, but not without them. The results also disclosed that the interrelationship between the pituitary graft and the host's hypothalamus could be established. Pituitary transplantation from adult rabbit donors failed even though the recipients had been treated with CsA and prednisone in our experiment.

Bone marrow transplantation for severe aplastic anemia--a study of twenty-one Chinese patients in Taiwan

A total of 21 multiply transfused patients with severe aplastic anemia (SAA) were treated with bone marrow transplantation between March 1985 and September 1990: 20 allogeneic and one syngeneic transplants. A positive response in mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) was also noted in 7 allogeneic recipients. Pregraft conditioning included high-dose cyclophosphamide (CY) 200 mg/kg over 4 consecutive days, followed by 300 cGy total-body irradiation the day before BMT. Seventeen patients older than 14 years received additional donor buffy-coat cells infusion for 5 days posttransplant. A combination of methotrexate and cyclosporine was used for prophylaxis of graft-versus-host disease. Seventeen patients were alive with a functional graft, and Kaplan-Meier product limit estimates showed a 80.95% probability of survival at 67.7 months. There were 4 deaths: two died of primary graft failure, one from secondary rejection, and the other from chronic GVHD-related complications. Acute GVHD, grade I was noted in only one patient (5.6%). In contrast, chronic GVHD was observed in 10 out of 18 (55.6%) evaluable patients. Venoocclusive liver disease and interstitial pneumonitis were not diagnosed. Our findings indicate that the combination of CY/TBI/BC is well tolerated and results in a low incidence of graft failure/rejection in multiply transfused Chinese patients who received transplants for SAA. The MTX/CsA combination was confirmed as being remarkable in reducing the incidence and severity of acute GVHD. For patients with SAA under the age of 40, with an HLA-identical sibling, we highly recommend BMT as the treatment of choice.

Nonhomoeologous translocations between group 4, 5 and 7 chromosomes within wheat and rye

Genetic maps of wheat chromosome 4A and rye chromosome arm 5RL, and the chromosomal locations of 70 sets of isozyme and molecular homoeoloci have been used to further define the structure of wheat chromosomes 4A, 5A and 7B, and rye chromosomes 4R, 5R and 7R. We provide evidence, for the first time, which is consistent with the presence of an interstitial segment on 4AL originating from 5AL, and of a segment originally from 5RL on 7RS. The evolutionary origins of the present chromosomes are discussed.

[CA125 in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma]

CA125 is an antigenic determinant recognized by monoclonal antibody CA125 raised against a serous ovarian cancer cell line. Elevation of this antigen has been reported in over 80% of women with epithelial ovarian cancer and many other diseases including both malignant and non-malignant ones. However, in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) only a few reports have focused on this topic thus interesting us. In order to exploit its possible role in this field, a total of 61 eligible patients with a diagnosis of NHL were studied. Serum CA125 was measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) prior to any operative procedures or chemotherapy. Serum CA125 above 35 U/ml was seen in 47.7% of nodal NHL (n = 44) and 70.6% of extranodal NHL (n = 17) with an overall positive rate at 54.1%. The elevation of serum CA125 correlates well with the presence of peritoneal involvement and therefore, with disease extent to some degree. No correlation between it and the histological type or with the B symptom was the rule. Avidin-biotin peroxidase stain by anti-CA125 MoAb was applied to identify the tissue content of this antigen in 15 cases of whom 11 had CA125 well above 35 U/ml. None of the 15 cases examined showed positive result. In conclusion, serum CA125 is probably no more than an indicator of peritoneal stimulation released by tumor invasion rather than a tumor product. The possible role in disease follow-up remains to be elucidated.

Hypersensitivity to acetate dialysate: report of a case

Acetate dialysate is currently the most widely used in hemodialysis. The adverse effect of acetate during hemodialysis is well known upon the cardiovascular system. However, hypersensitivity reactions related to acetate during dialysis therapy are rare. We report a patient who developed hypersensitivity reactions such as generalized skin itching, flushing, hypotension and shortness of breath within a few minutes of beginning hemodialysis with acetate dialysate. Changing dialyzer membranes failed to alleviate these symptoms. Using the same dialyzer and tubing, these reactions disappeared immediately when bicarbonate dialysate was substituted for acetate dialysate. The patient's serum IgE and total eosinophile counts were normal. We conclude that acetate may initiate hypersensitivity reactions during hemodialysis. The exact mechanism is still unclear.

RFLP-based genetic map of rye (Secale cereale L.) chromosome 1R

A map of chromosome 1R of rye was constructed using 16 molecular and biochemical loci. From long arm to short arm, known-function loci were placed in the order: XAdh - XLee - Glu-R1[Sec-3] - XPpdk-1R - XEm-1R-1 - XEm-1R-2 - Centromere - XNor-R1 -Gpi-R1 - XGli-R1 [Sec-1a] along with six anonymous genomic and cDNA clones from wheat. The map, which spans 106 cM with 12 loci clustered in a 15-cM region around the centromere, shows reasonably good agreement with previously published maps for the centromeric region, whereas the XNor-R1 - Gpi-R1 region gives a much larger distance than previously reported.

Remission induction of ANLL with low dose cytosine arabinoside combined with retinoic acid

Fourteen cases of acute non-lymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) were treated with low doses of cytosine arabinoside (LDAra-C 20 mg/m/q12h) and etretinate (all-trans-9-3, 7-dimethyl-2, 4, 6, 8 non-atetraenoate, 75 mg/d). Of which 9 were untreated, 3 were in first relapse and 2 were refractory patients. Five of the 9 patients in the first group, and all 3 patients in the second group achieved complete remission (CR). The 2 cases with refractory ANLL showed no response. The CR rates in untreated, first relapse and refractory patients were 55.6%, 100%, and 0% respectively. In all, there was significant reduction of marrow cellularity in 13 patients, 5 of whom developed bone marrow aplasia with predominantly lymphocyte and plasma cells. Only 2 cases with M5 ANLL showed evidence of differentiating into monocytes and neutrophil in hypocellular marrow phase. The efficacy of this drug combination, however, appeared to be achieved through cytotoxicity rather than differentiation. The side effects in the treated cases included cheilitis, dermatitis, fever, petechiae, and impaired liver function, which soon improved upon discontinuation or reduction of dosage. This combination treatment might be most effective in achieving remission among elderly and severely infected patients with ANLL, and could be appropriate even for patients in first relapse.

Est-7, a set of genes controlling green tissue esterases in wheat and related species

Analysis using isoelectric focusing of "Chinese Spring" wheat genetic stocks revealed a set of coleoptile and leaf esterase loci, designated Est-7, on the long arms of the group 2 chromosomes. A survey of 38 other hexaploid genotypes revealed onyl a single variant, at Est-D7. Homoeoloci were found on chromosome (arm) 2HL of Hordeum vulgare, 2RL of Secale cereale, 2R (m)α of S. montanum, 2U of Aegilops umbellulata, 2E of Agropyron elongation and 2V of Dasypyrum villosa.

The genetical control of tissue-specific peroxidases,Per-1,Per-2,Per-3,Per-4, andPer-5 in wheat

Isoelectric focusing (IEF) of extracts from different tissues of hexaploid wheat cv "Chinese Spring" provided a method of distinguishing and identifying the four known, and one newly discovered, sets of genes encoding peroxidase isozyme production.Per-1, carried on the short arms of homoeologous group 1 chromosomes, shows a high degree of conservation and is active in coleoptile tissue.Per-2, carried on the short arms of group 2 chromosomes, shows some polymorphism and is most active in root tissue.Per-3, on the long arms of group 3 chromosomes, is highly variable and most active in embryo tissue.Per-4, carried on chromosome arms7AS,4AL, and7DS, is quite variable and most active in endosperm tissue. (The chromosome nomenclature used in this paper is that agreed to by the 7th International Wheat Genetics Symposium, where the previous designations of4A and4B were reversed.) Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)-based maps of the group 7 chromosomes were used to locatePer-A4 to a distal region of7AS. In addition, a further set of genes was identified as being active in root tissue. In wheat a single locus,Per-D5, was found on chromosome arm2DS.

Changing of hepatitis B virus markers in patients with bone marrow transplantation

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and its resulting hepatic abnormalities are very high in prevalence among the Taiwan population. They also seem to compose a major problem to patients subjected to bone marrow transplantation (BMT) due to intensive chemoradiotherapy. In this study, the sera of 42 patients were investigated before and after BMT to detect the presence of HBV markers and to test their liver function (LF). Being followed-up for 3-12 months after BMT, 12 out of 27 were found to have altered HBV markers according to the classification of the following: seroconversion of HBsAg, clearance of HBsAb, appearance of HBeAg, clearance of HBeAb, and acute hepatitis. Thirty-seven out of 42 patients (88.1%) were found in routine LF test to develop one or more abnormality; however, 90% of them turned normal within one year after BMT. Only one patient died of complications associated with fulminant hepatitis. In conclusion, the previous hepatic damage from HBV infection appears unlikely to increase the risk of posttransplant morbidity and mortality.

Generation of lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells and possible implications in autologous bone marrow transplantation--a preliminary report

Lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells were generated successfully without mitogen from blood mononuclear cells obtained from 14 patients with varying malignancies and 2 normal donors. Cells from both groups showed a positive cytotoxicity by a 4-hour 51-Cr-release assay against a variety of target cells including natural killer (NK) sensitive K562 myeloid leukemia, NK-resistant Raji lymphoma cell lines, and fresh/cryopreserved leukemia cells from patients refractory to standard chemotherapy but not normal blood cells. Higher cytotoxic activity was obtained with a higher effector:target ratio at 100:1 greater than 50:1 greater than 25:1 (P less than 0.01) in each setting of different targets. Experiments involving cocultures of the LAK cells with either allogeneic (9) or autologous (3) bone marrow cells disclosed no detrimental effect on the committed hemopoietic stem cells by semisolid agar colony forming unit (CFU-GM) assay. The findings suggest that LAK cells may have a potential role for the in vitro purging of the residual leukemic cells from the marrow inoculum prepared for autologous bone marrow transplantation.

Gene rearrangement of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

Gene Rearrangement is considered to be a helpful tool for diagnosis of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. In this study five patients with clinical diagnosis of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma were reviewed for their clinical presentation, skin biopsies and surface marker phenotypes. Southern blot analysis of DNA extracted from their skins revealed that rearrangement of T-cell receptor beta chain (TCRB) genes happened in three patients but rearrangement of immunoglobulin heavy chain genes was absent. TCRB rearrangement could also detect lymphoma involvement of lymph nodes, peripheral blood and bone marrow in our patients. In these conditions, systemic therapy is suggested.

Complications of bone marrow transplantation in Chinese

Forty-three patients with hematopoietic disease were treated with intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy, followed by allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) from 28 HLA-identical and 10 one to two antigen haploidentical sibling donors and autologous BMT (5 cases). Of these cases, there were 21 with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL), 5 with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), 6 with chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML), 2 with Hodgkin's disease (HD), 8 with severe-form aplastic anemia (SAA) and 1 with thalassemia. Complications of BMT were evaluated including acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), interstitial pneumonia (IP), veno-occlusive liver disease (VOD), abnormalities of liver function (LF), and alteration of hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers. In thirty-three patients who were followed up for more than 3 months, we found that the incidence of moderate to severe acute GVHD (9.1%) and IP (two cases, 4.7%) were low. No VOD occurred in our series. During the follow-up period, 27 out of 35 patients (77%) had high alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, even up to 1000 U/liter; however, only one patient succumbed to a hepatitis-related complication. Previous hepatic damage from HBV infection before BMT does not appear to increase the risk of posttransplant morbidity and mortality.

Effect of intracerebroventricular injection of thyrotropin-releasing hormone on the nociceptive discharges in mesencephalic reticular formation in the rat

Extracellular recording method was used to examine the effect of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) on 71 unit discharges of pain-excited neurons (PEN) in mesencephalic reticular formation (MRF) in 58 rats. Intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of TRH (10 micrograms/10 micrograms) produced significant decrease of pain discharge rate of PEN. TRH potentiated the inhibitory effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on nociceptive discharges when application of EA at bilateral "Zusanli" was coupled with icv injection of TRH. Both of these inhibiting effects of TRH were completely offset or strikingly decreased by icv preinjection of the cholinergic M-receptor blocker atropine. The results mentioned above and the mechanism of the inhibitory effect of TRH on pain discharges were discussed in this paper.

[Second primary cancer in hematological malignancy experience in VGH-Taipei]

Seven patients of hematological malignancy with second primary cancer had been found at Veteran General Hospital from 1983 to 1988. The second primary cancers either developed subsequently or concurrently with the hematological malignancies. Four patients were diagnosed to be non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and three of them developed squamous cell carcinoma of lung(2) and hepatocellular carcinoma (1) at 44, 20 and 45 months after the initial diagnosis of on-Hodgkin's lymphoma. All three had received chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Another one was found to have liposarcoma in the retroperitoneum concurrently. Three patients had chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Two of them were found to have skin squamous cell carcinoma at the same time. Another one developed cervical squamous cell cancer ten months after treatment with oral leukeran and prednisolone. Literature about synchronous and metachronous neoplasms was reviewed.

The chromosomal location of a third set of malate dehydrogenase loci, Mdh-3, in wheat, barley and related species

A third set of malate dehydrogenase loci have been identified and located on the short arms of homoeologous group 5 chromosomes in wheat. Allelic differences have been found at each of the three Mdh-3 loci. However, Mdh-D3 appears to be least variable, with a second allele found only in Sears' 'Synthetic' among a survey of 42 varieties. Homoeoloci were identified on chromosome 7 (5H) of Hordeum vulgare, the short arm of 5E in Agropyron elongatum and 5U in Aegilops umbellulata.