Vibrational analysis of substituted benzonitriles. IV. Transferability of force constants--the case of some aminobenzonitriles

A zero-order normal coordinate analysis was made for the n-plane vibrations of p-, m- and o-aminobenzonitrile and 2-chloro, 5-aminobenzonitrile by transferring the force constants from our earlier work. The observed and calculated frequencies agree with an average error of 19.3 cm-1. Unambiguous vibrational assignments of in-plane fundamentals of the four molecules have been made, and several assignments suggested by earlier workers have been revised.

Vibrational analysis of substituted benzonitriles. III. Transferability of force constants--the case of some halogeno-, methoxy- and nitro-benzonitriles

A zero-order normal coordinate analysis of both the in-plane and out-of-plane vibrations was made for 2-chloro, 6-fluorobenzonitrile, s-trichlorobenzonitrile, p- and m-methoxybenzonitriles and m-nitrobenzonitrile, transferring the force constants from our earlier work. The observed and calculated frequencies agree with an average error of 16.8 cm-1, demonstrating the transferability of the force constants obtained previously. On the basis of calculated potential energy distributions and eigenvectors, several assignments suggested by earlier workers have been revised.

Transcription factor Sp3 antagonizes activation of the ornithine decarboxylase promoter by Sp1

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) expression is important for proliferation and is elevated in many tumor cells. We previously showed that Sp1 is a major positive regulator of ODC transcription. In this paper we have investigated transcriptional regulation of rat ODC by the closely related factor Sp3. While over-expression of Sp1 caused a dramatic activation of the ODC promoter, over-expression of Sp3 caused little or no activation in either Drosophila SL2 cells (lacking endogenous Sp1 or Sp3) or in H35 rat hepatoma cells. Furthermore, co-transfection studies demonstrated that Sp3 abolished trans -activation of the ODC promoter by Sp1. DNase I footprint studies and electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated that both recombinant Sp1 and Sp3 bind specifically to several sites within the ODC promoter also protected by nuclear extracts, including overlapping GC and CT motifs located between -116 and -104. This CT element is a site of negative ODC regulation. Mutation of either element reduced binding, but mutation of both sites was required to eliminate binding of either Sp1 or Sp3. These results demonstrate that ODC is positively regulated by Sp1 and negatively regulated by Sp3, suggesting that the ratio of these transcription factors may be an important determinant of ODC expression during development or transformation.

Disruption of transcription in vitro and gene expression in vivo by DNA adducts derived from a benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide located in heterologous sequences

Previous studies indicated a high affinity of the transcription factor Sp1 for DNA adducts derived from benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide (BPDE) in sequences that are not normal binding sites for Sp1. We tested for functional effects of this phenomenon in three systems in which transcription is Sp1-dependent. In an in vitro, Sp1-dependent transcription system addition of heterologous plasmid DNA containing BPDE adducts abolished production of a specific run-off transcript. This inhibition was not seen with unmodified plasmid DNA, and could be overcome by addition of purified Sp1 protein. In SL2 insect cells, high-level expression of an Sp1-dependent reporter gene, which was dependent on co-transfection of an Sp1 expression vector, was inhibited >95% by co-transfection of heterologous DNA containing BPDE adducts. This inhibition could be partially overcome by increasing the amount of the Sp1 expression vector in the transfections. In human C33A cells, expression of a transfected reporter gene driven by a GC box containing fragment of the human E2F1 promoter was enhanced by co-transfection of an Sp1 expression plasmid. Expression was inhibited 3-6-fold by co-transfection of heterologous DNA containing BPDE-DNA adducts. A similar inhibition was seen in human SAOS-2 cells, which lack functional p53 protein. These data are consistent with functionally significant sequestration of the Sp1 transcription factor by BPDE-DNA adducts in all three systems. Altered availability of transcription factors such as Sp1 in carcinogen-treated cells may disrupt patterns of gene expression.

Characterization of novel phorbol ester- and serum-responsive sequences of the rat ornithine decarboxylase gene promoter

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), the key regulatory enzyme in mammalian polyamine biosynthesis, is rapidly induced by mitogens and tumor promoters. We used transient expression assays and DNA-protein binding studies to examine the regulation of ODC promoter activity by phorbol esters and serum growth factors. A fragment of the ODC 5' flanking region (nt-1156 to +13) was sufficient to confer 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-responsive expression to a luciferase reporter gene when transfected into H35 cells. However, induction by TPA was not observed in Rat2 fibroblasts, although refeeding of serum-starved Rat2 cells with fresh serum-containing medium rapidly induced a fivefold to sixfold increase in ODC promoter activity, maximal about 8 h after refeeding. Deletion analysis demonstrated that several sequences contributed to basal ODC promoter activity but that nt -92 to +13 was sufficient for induction by TPA or by serum. This sequence lacked canonical TPA-responsive elements, and an activator protein-1 (AP-1) consensus oligonucleotide failed to compete effectively for proteins binding to this region. Two of four protein complexes observed by gel-shift analysis of nt -92 to +13 were competitively inhibited by wild-type but not mutant oligonucleotides encompassing a variant cyclic AMP-response element (CRE) (ODC nt -50 to -42); however, a consensus CRE did not compete. Mutagenesis of this site demonstrated that it contributes to basal expression of the ODC promoter but not to TPA or serum responsiveness. Thus, we conclude that the proximal ODC promoter (nt -92 to +13) responds to TPA and serum stimulation in a cell-type-specific manner that is not mediated by canonical AP-1 elements.

Chest wall resection for Ewing's sarcoma of the rib: an unnecessary procedure. 1988. Updated in 1995

Approximately 10% of all cases of Ewing's sarcoma arise from a rib. Conventional management has included chest wall resection (3 or more ribs) and radiation therapy. These forms of therapy have led to complications such as scoliosis and local deformity. The addition of radiation therapy can result in damage to the lung and adjacent viscera and also potentiate pulmonary restrictive disease. Between 1971 and 1978, 9 patients were treated with surgery, radiation therapy, and combination chemotherapy (three- or four-drug regimen). Only 2 patients (22%) survive. Since 1979, 14 patients were entered into a new protocol consisting of sequential induction chemotherapy, followed by delayed surgical resection whenever feasible. Three patients had complete resection of their primary lesion at onset. Initially, 7 patients had either biopsy (N = 4) or incomplete chest wall resection N = 3). All 4 patients with biopsy only at diagnosis had excellent responses to induction chemotherapy, allowing delayed resection of the involved rib without chest wall resection. Overall, 12 of 14 patients (86%) treated since 1979 survive, with only 2 receiving radiation therapy for residual disease in the primary rib site.

Aspartate transcarbamoylase genes of Pseudomonas putida: requirement for an inactive dihydroorotase for assembly into the dodecameric holoenzyme

The nucleotide sequences of the genes encoding the enzyme aspartate transcarbamoylase (ATCase) from Pseudomonas putida have been determined. Our results confirm that the P. putida ATCase is a dodecameric protein composed of two types of polypeptide chains translated coordinately from overlapping genes. The P. putida ATCase does not possess dissociable regulatory and catalytic functions but instead apparently contains the regulatory nucleotide binding site within a unique N-terminal extension of the pyrB-encoded subunit. The first gene, pyrB, is 1,005 bp long and encodes the 334-amino-acid, 36.4-kDa catalytic subunit of the enzyme. The second gene is 1,275 bp long and encodes a 424-residue polypeptide which bears significant homology to dihydroorotase (DHOase) from other organisms. Despite the homology of the overlapping gene to known DHOases, this 44.2-kDa polypeptide is not considered to be the functional product of the pyrC gene in P. putida, as DHOase activity is distinct from the ATCase complex. Moreover, the 44.2-kDa polypeptide lacks specific histidyl residues thought to be critical for DHOase enzymatic function. The pyrC-like gene (henceforth designated pyrC') does not complement Escherichia coli pyrC auxotrophs, while the cloned pyrB gene does complement pyrB auxotrophs. The proposed function for the vestigial DHOase is to maintain ATCase activity by conserving the dodecameric assembly of the native enzyme. This unique assembly of six active pyrB polypeptides coupled with six inactive pyrC' polypeptides has not been seen previously for ATCase but is reminiscent of the fused trifunctional CAD enzyme of eukaryotes.

Regulation of rat ornithine decarboxylase promoter activity by binding of transcription factor Sp1

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is the rate-limiting enzyme of polyamine biosynthesis. We investigated the transcriptional regulation of the rat ODC gene using transient expression assays. The 5'-flanking region (-1156 to +13) of the ODC gene was sufficient to mediate strong basal expression of a luciferase reporter. Sequences between -345 and -93 contributed to basal promoter activity. This region, containing five potential Sp1 binding sites, was analyzed by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Three specific DNA-protein complexes were identified using H35 nuclear extracts and the -345/-93 ODC probe. Binding to all three was eliminated by competition with an oligonucleotide containing an Sp1 binding site, but not by a mutant Sp1 oligonucleotide. Preincubation with an antibody against Sp1 supershifted complexes associated with one or more of Sp1 binding sites 1-4 as well as with site 5. DNase I footprinting revealed two protected regions: PR-I (-92 to -130) and PR-II (-304 to -332). PR-I contains a putative binding site for Sp1 that was protected by recombinant Sp1 protein. Transfection studies in Schneider SL2 cells demonstrated that the ODC promoter is transactivated up to 350-fold by Sp1 and that this transactivation is dependent on the presence of Sp1 binding sites 1-4. Thus, although the ODC promoter binds multiple nuclear proteins, Sp1 or a related protein appears to be a critical determinant of ODC transcription, possibly through cooperative interactions between Sp1 and additional transcription factors.

Acute appendicitis in children with leukemia and other malignancies: still a diagnostic dilemma

Of 6,099 children treated for malignancy, 16 (ages 3.5 to 18 years) developed acute appendicitis between 1962 and 1989. Fourteen had leukemia (ALL 10, AML 4). One each had rhabdomyosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma. Active malignancy at diagnosis was noted in 10, 4 of whom had severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count less than 500/mm3). Of all the leukemics (2,794/6,099), abdominal pain during induction was a frequent complaint. The incidence of appendicitis, however, was low (0.5%). Nine of the 16 patients presented classically, facilitating prompt diagnosis and treatment. Six diagnoses were delayed. Three of these patients presented atypically with vague, nonlocalized pain, abdominal distention, lack of abdominal guarding, fever, dehydration, diarrhea, and unusual symptoms such as upper gastrointestinal bleeding. In each of these 6 patients the appendix was ruptured. Delays led to complications and deaths. Three patients required perioperative transfusions to treat excessive bleeding and two patients with ruptured appendicitis developed wound abscesses. Two patients died; in one, ruptured appendix was diagnosed only at autopsy. The other patient died of uncontrolled sepsis. Typhlitis occurring during induction chemotherapy may present similarly and is the main differential diagnosis. Typhlitis will usually improve with medical treatment alone. Nausea and vomiting (13/16), right lower quadrant pain (13/16), guarding (14/16), tachycardia (12/16), fever (10/16), and rebound tenderness (10/16) were the most frequent signs and symptoms of appendicitis. Persistent localized abdominal pain and guarding, lack of improvement with medical treatment, clinical deterioration, and the development of a mass were our indications for laparotomy. Despite major improvements in therapy, there is still a 37.5% error rate in our ability to accurately diagnose appendicitis in pediatric cancer patients.

Wilms' tumor: reduced-dose radiotherapy in advanced-stage Wilms' tumor with favorable histology

Fifty-two children with favorable histology Wilms' tumor who had residual abdominal disease (Surgical Stages III and IV) were treated from 1979 to 1988 on a protocol designed to assess the effectiveness of reduced radiation doses. All patients received three-agent chemotherapy, beginning within 1 week after surgery. To permit assessment of disease response to initial chemotherapy, radiation therapy was delayed for a median of 28 days after surgery (range, 14-71 days). Total doses of abdominal radiation were limited to 12 Gy, given as 150 cGy daily fractions; 18 patients with Stage IV disease received 12 Gy bilateral pulmonary irradiation. Two year disease-free survival was 85% and 71% for Stage III and IV, respectively (p = .24). Abdominal relapses occurred in 3 cases (5.7%). The interval between surgery and initiation of irradiation was not related to disease-free survival. Of several patient and disease-related factors analyzed, only patient age was related to outcome. Disease-free survival was 100% at 3 years for children under the age of 3 versus 78% for children greater than age 3 (p = .05). Reduced-dose abdominal radiotherapy in conjunction with multi-agent chemotherapy and surgery provided excellent disease control with minimal toxicity in advanced-stage, favorable histology Wilms' tumor.

Malignant melanoma in children: its management and prognosis

Malignant melanoma is rare in children, representing 1% to 3% of all pediatric malignancies. Thirty-three children with malignant melanoma were treated at St Jude Children's Research Hospital from 1967 to 1988. Their ages ranged from 1 day to 20 years (median, 12 years); 23 were boys and 10 were girls; and 5 of the 33 (15%) were black. Four of the 33 children had been treated for a previous malignancy. In 3, melanoma arose within a bathing trunk nevus. The extremity was the most common site (13), followed by the trunk (9), head and neck (7), and perineum (1). In 3 patients the primary site could not be determined. Upon initial presentation to St Jude Hospital, 17 patients had localized disease (stage I), 10 had regional node involvement (stage II), and the remaining 6 patients had disseminated disease (stage III). Using both Clark's level and Breslow's thickness as indicators, the incidence, initial stage, prognosis, and survival were compared. By Clark's level, 7 patients, (6 of whom were stage I) were level II or III, and 22 patients were level IV or V. Though 16 of 22 level IV and V patients were initially stage I, 10 patients eventually developed progressive disease. Similar observations were noted when using Breslow's thickness to evaluate the primary. In 5 of 27 evaluable patients, Breslow's depth of invasion was less than 1.5 mm. All 5 of these patients were diagnosed with stage I disease and have not shown progressive disease.

Adjuvant chemotherapy for osteosarcoma of the extremity. Long-term results of two consecutive prospective protocol studies

Seventy-six patients with classic high-grade osteosarcoma of an extremity received adjuvant chemotherapy by two protocols, initiated in 1972 and 1977, respectively, after appropriate amputations. Chemotherapy consisted of high-dose methotrexate, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide. Dose intensity of high-dose methotrexate and doxorubicin was greater for the patients treated with the protocol initiated in 1977. The proportion of long-term disease-free survivors on the two protocols are 46% and 56%. A better outcome (P = 0.042) was seen for the latter group, which received more intensive chemotherapy. Overall, metastases developed in 35 patients; in 19 who were receiving chemotherapy and in 16 after chemotherapy. The outcome for these two protocols, compared with two control groups that were given no chemotherapy or ineffective chemotherapy (biweekly vincristine and cyclophosphamide), confirms the results of controlled studies that showed an advantage of adjuvant chemotherapy after amputation for osteosarcoma.

Management and prognosis of head and neck sarcomas

Between 1962 and 1988, a total of 104 patients with head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) and 17 patients with nonrhabdomyosarcoma (NRMS) were evaluated and treated at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. All parameningeal sites (middle ear, orbit, or nasopharynx) were excluded from further analysis; thus, 50 patients represent the cohort of head and neck sarcomas for this review. Survival was good in this group of patients, 28 of 50 being alive and disease-free at last follow-up. Twenty of the 38 patients with RMS were alive and disease-free. Similarly, 8 of the 12 patients with NRMS were disease-free at a median follow-up of 5 years. However, the site and size of the primary tumor impacted on the extent of the initial resection and further treatment in addition to surgery. Although the treatment policy evolved over time to a stage-specific strategy for treatment modalities, the data suggest that surgery alone may be sufficient initial therapy for a subset of patients. For patients in whom complete resection is not achieved, the addition of radiotherapy and chemotherapy may result in improved survival.

Two decades of experience with testicular tumors in children at St Jude Children's Research Hospital

From 1968 to 1988, 24 children and adolescents with malignant testicular tumors were treated at St Jude Children's Research Hospital. Pure yolk sac tumors (YST) were present in 13 cases; 11 patients had other types of nonseminomatous malignant germ cell tumors. Children with localized and totally resectable disease (stage I) were treated by orchiectomy alone; all others also received chemotherapy. Five of ten patients treated before the implementation of a multiagent chemotherapy protocol in 1979 have died. By contrast, all of the 14 patients treated on this protocol are alive. The improved survival during the past decade is attributable to better diagnostic imaging techniques, the availability of serum tumor markers to monitor disease activity, and more effective chemotherapy. Orchiectomy alone is sufficient treatment for patients with clinical stage I disease who show appropriate reductions in tumor marker levels after surgery. Modern platinum-based chemotherapy provides disease control in patients with higher stage disease.

Teratoid Wilms' tumor: the St Jude experience

The term "teratoid" Wilms' tumor has been used recently to describe an unusual type of tumor in which, although classic nephroblastoma tissue is present, there is a significant diversity of cell types and tissues present. Examination of tissue samples from 290 patients treated at St Jude Children's Research Hospital from 1964 to 1987 disclosed that three children had teratoid Wilms' tumor. All three children had renal tumors and two of them presented with bilateral pyeloureteral obstruction, uremia, and hypertension. When compared with classic nephroblastoma, two of the children with teratoid elements responded poorly to chemotherapy and irradiation, although no metastatic disease was identified. One child died with sepsis and renal failure; the other two are surviving disease-free for 7 1/2 years and 26+ months since diagnosis. Because of the tendency for bilateral involvement, ureteral obstruction, and uremia, and their relative resistance to chemotherapy and irradiation, surgery is the principal form of therapy for patients with these tumors.

Reduced therapy for Wilms' tumor: analysis of treatment results from a single institution

From 1968 to 1986, 192 patients from 0 to 17 years of age were enrolled in three consecutive protocol-controlled studies of Wilms' tumor at St Jude Children's Research Hospital. Tumors were completely excised at the time of diagnosis whenever possible, and patients were subsequently treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy according to the initial extent of disease. All patients received dactinomycin and vincristine, with doxorubicin added to the regimens in studies 2 and 3. Chemotherapy was extended to 18 months in study 2 (n = 53), but was limited to 12 months for most patients in study 3 (n = 107). In the third study, radiation was eliminated altogether for patients with stage I or II tumors and was reduced to 12 Gy for those with more advanced disease. Intensification of chemotherapy in study 2 improved the 5-year relapse-free survival rate over that in study 1 (82% v 52%), but the accompanying increase in toxicity was considered unacceptable. Comparison of 2-year relapse-free survival rates in studies 2 and 3 indicated that the reduction of therapy in the latter trial did not jeopardize disease control: 88% v 86% for patients with stage II or III disease, favorable histology; 75% v 57% for the same stages, unfavorable histology; and 57% v 61% for stage IV patients. At least 80% of all patients enrolled in study 3 will be long-term survivors. We conclude that rescheduling of effective antitumor drugs and eliminating or reducing radiotherapy are feasible alternatives in the treatment of Wilms' tumor with favorable histologic features.

Chest wall resection for Ewing's sarcoma of the rib: an unnecessary procedure

Approximately 10% of all cases of Ewing's sarcoma arise from a rib. Conventional management has included chest wall resection (3 or more ribs) and radiation therapy. These forms of therapy have led to complications such as scoliosis and local deformity. The addition of radiation therapy can result in damage to the lung and adjacent viscera and also potentiate pulmonary restrictive disease. Between 1971 and 1978, 9 patients were treated with surgery, radiation therapy, and combination chemotherapy (three- or four-drug regimen). Only 2 patients (22%) survive. Since 1979, 14 patients were entered into a new protocol consisting of sequential induction chemotherapy, followed by delayed surgical resection whenever feasible. Three patients had complete resection of their primary lesion at onset. Initially, 7 patients had either biopsy (N = 4) or incomplete chest wall resection N = 3). All 4 patients with biopsy only at diagnosis had excellent responses to induction chemotherapy, allowing delayed resection of the involved rib without chest wall resection. Overall, 12 of 14 patients (86%) treated since 1979 survive, with only 2 receiving radiation therapy for residual disease in the primary rib site.

Thoracotomy for pulmonary metastatic osteosarcoma. An analysis of prognostic indicators of survival

Removal of pulmonary metastases of osteosarcoma by thoracotomy is an accepted treatment; however, few investigators have analyzed the value of various prognostic factors in estimating survival. A review of all patients undergoing thoracotomy for recurrent osteosarcoma with pulmonary metastases treated at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is reported. Since 1968, two thirds (39/59) of all patients who developed pulmonary metastases have had a total of 66 thoracotomies. Nine patients are alive with no evidence of disease, and six additional patients are alive with disease. Analyzed in 39 evaluable patients, the prognostic factors that correlate with survival by univariate analysis are: sex, number of nodules detected radiographically and resected, completeness of resection, and tumor location (bilateral versus unilateral). By Cox regression analysis, only sex and the number of nodules detected either radiographically or during surgery, and resected, had statistically significant correlation with survival. Thoracotomy is curative for some patients with pulmonary metastatic osteosarcoma and Prognostic factors predictive for survival are defined.

CARBON NUTRITION AND THE REGULATION OF UPTAKE HYDROGENASE ACTIVITY IN FREE-LIVING AND SYMBIOTIC ANABAENA CYCADEAE

Anabaena cycadeae was grown with N₂ as nitrogen source, either photoautotrophically in light or with glucose as carbon source in darkness. The rate of growth was much slower in darkness but the heterocyst frequency was much the same; nitrogenase activity (on a chlorophyll basis) was about half that of light-grown cells. Light-grown organisms contained uptake hydrogenase activity but dark-grown organisms did not. The addition of glucose to light-grown organisms was followed by the disappearance of uptake hydrogenase activity over the following 48 hours and the disappearance was independent of light. Heterocyst frequency and nitrogenase activity were much less affected by glucose addition. A. cycadeae growing symbiotically in cycad roots had much higher heterocyst frequency and nitrogenase activity than the free-living form but no detectable uptake hydrogenase activity. It is suggested that the rate of supply of carbohydrate to the heterocyst controls the development of uptake hydrogenase activity and that the absence of this activity in the symbiotic cyanobacteria indicates that the organisms in the cycad roots have an ample supply of carbohydrate.

Treatment of childhood rhabdomyosarcoma at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 1962--78

Between March 1962 and December 1978, 153 children with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) received treatment at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. As of January 1979, 62 of these patients were still alive. Between 1962 and 1968, 20 patients were not treated by protocol, and, between 1968 and 1979, another 13 have been registered as "nonprotocol"; 6 of these 33 patients survive. Since 1968, 120 patients received treatment by 3 stage-related, multiple-modality programs. In the first protocol, chemotherapy consisted of vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and dactinomycin; 14 of 34 patients have survived after 6 to more than 10 years. In the second treatment program, which used adriamycin in addition to the 3 drugs cited above, 20 of 56 subjects remain free of disease after more than 2 to 5.5 years; toxicity of the multiple agents given in combination with radiotherapy proved intolerable and led to a modified 4-agent protocol for patients admitted since early 1977. Of 30 in this latter group, 22 are alive. Forty of 44 patients who remained free of RMS for more than 2 years continue to survive.

Retroperitoneal rhabdomyosarcoma in children. Results of multimodality therapy

The clinical course of 18 consecutive children treated for primary retroperitoneal rhabdomyosarcoma was reviewed. At diagnosis, 8 patients had regional unresected tumor and 10 patients had disseminated tumor, including 3 patients with documented bone marrow infiltration by tumor. Following combined modality therapy, 14 of 18 patients achieved a greater than 50% tumor response (11 complete and 3 partial responses); 4 patients failed to respond and died of progressive disease within eight months of diagnosis. Among the 14 patients responding, 7 patients had subsequent reextension of active tumor three to 16 months (median, 9 months) following the onset of therapy. Three of the 7 remaining patients died of treatment complications, 2 of intestinal obstruction and 1 of disseminated histoplasmosis, within the first year of therapy and at post-mortem examination had no demonstrable tumor. Four patients are alive and free of active tumor for 10+, 10+, 32+ and 33+ months from diagnosis. Treatment complications have included hematopoietic depression, mucositis, enteritis, intestinal obstruction, excessive weight loss, malnutrition, and life-threatening infection. These results illustrate limitations in current combined modality therapy of retroperitoneal rhabdomyosarcoma and the necessity for future treatment modifications to both reduce morbidity and to improve survival.