Computed tomography of pulmonary metastases from oral and maxillofacial tumors

Computed tomographic scans were done on 14 oral and maxillofacial malignant tumors in which pulmonary metastases occurred but were poorly delineated by conventional chest radiography and tomography. Computed tomography promotes the accurate diagnosis of small and occult pulmonary metastases. Optimal nonlinear computed tomographic windows are recommended for the diagnosis of pulmonary metastases.

Radiographic findings in Langerhans' cell disease affecting the mandible

The radiographic features of histopathologically diagnosed mandibular Langerhans' cell disease are described for 29 cases of the condition. We divided the patients into two groups: adults (age 27 to 60 years) and juveniles (age 1.5 to 15 years). A characteristic sign in juveniles was an osteolytic lesion with an uneven margin and either a continuous or discontinuous periosteal reaction. Because of the wide variability in radiographic presentation in adults, it was very difficult to differentiate this from other lesions in adults on the basis of radiologic criteria.

[Differential diagnosis between infection and neoplasm of the infratemporal fossa]

Because there are many similarities in infection and neoplasm of the infratemporal fossa (ITF), it is difficult to differentiate between these two diseases. By analysing 28 cases of the ITF lesions (8 cases of infection, 20 cases of neoplasm) the authors find the following points are important to differentiate between infection and neoplasm of the ITF. 1. The patients suffering from ITF infection almost all have odynophagia, while the patients suffering from the ITF neoplasm have no such symptom. The latter presents numbness in branches of the fifth nerve, while the former scarcely exhibits this symptom. 2. In the ITF neoplasm the mass could be found by CT or MRI, while in the ITF cellulitis no mass could be found. Although CT or MRI could find the mass in the ITF abscess, at the same time CT definitely could find some imaging signs which signify infection such as abscess formation (lucency) and gas bubbles. CT could find adjacent bone destruction in most ITF neoplasms, while this is rare in (ITF) infection. MRI is very helpful in differentiating between these two.

[The diagnostic value of computed coronal tomography in maxillofacial tumors]

CT images in both transverse axial and coronal planes of 52 cases of maxillofacial tumors were analyzed. The authors emphasized that coronal technique should not be neglected, especially when the tumor was near the base of the skull, the sphenoid sinus and the hard palate. Transverse axial scan alone could not demonstrate the exact extent of invasion and the adjacent relationship. Coronal scan affords exceptional visualization. In such conditions, the combination of scans in two planes is the most helpful in delineating such lesions. It provides important information for determining surgical or radiotherapeutic approaches.

[A study of absorbed x-ray doses and protection to critical organs of the head and neck during siaglography]

A tissue equivalent phantom was used in the study and absored x-ray doses.It measuring for some important organs of head and neck by four routive sialography methods (panoramic conventional x-ray radioagraphy,tomography,fluoroscope,CT) and also the X-ray absorbed doses of thyroid and len when lead containing loop and spectacles of head containing glass were used for prevention.All the data were processed statistically and a compartive study of absorbed x-ray doses of four sialography methods:Doses of submandibular gland were higher in CT,tomography and fluoroscope among them,CT was the highest indicating that it was superior to other methods for accurately locating that it was superior to other methods for accurately locating the within-gland tumor.Fluoroscope will be use more frequently in clinic,because it can observe the living gland panoramic and normal radiography can be used routinely because they had the minimum doses in measured organs.2.The absorbed x-ray doses of len and thyroid decreased by 93%-% when prevention was taken in CT or fluoroscope,65%-85% doses was decreased in normal radiography or panoramic with prevention.

[Effects of calcimycin on platelet adhesion to cultured bovine cerebral microvascular endothelial cells and its antagonism by drugs]

Calcimycin induced rabbit platelet adhesion to cultured bovine cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (CMEC) and its inhibition by triazelodiazepine (WEB 2086), 1,5-bis-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-tetrahydro-(4H)-pyran (DMPP) and tetrandrine (Tet) were investigated. The results showed that calcimycin significantly increased platelet adhesion to CMEC. The platelet adhesion to CMEC was increased by 17.1% vs control after stimulation with calcimycin 0.01 mumol.L-1 for 25 min. WEB 2086 0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 mumol.L-1 or DMPP 0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 mumol.L-1 or Tet 0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 mumol.L-1 inhibited the calcimycin induced platelet adhesion to CMEC by 9.0, 22.9 and 23.1% or 9.7, 15.6 and 22.1% or 7.8, 15.6 and 24.6%, respectively. This indicates that DMPP and Tet may have perspectives in the prevention and treatment of cerebral vascular diseases.

[Radiologic similarity and dissimilarity of Histiocytosis X in the mandible between non adult and adult]

28 cases of Histiocytosis X in the mandible were divided into two groups:the non adult group (19 cases,21 foci).and the adult group(9 cases,12 foci).their similarity and dissimilarity in radiological appearances were contrasted individually.The authors consider there were different roentgenographic manifestations between the two groups according to the diversity of physilological and morphological configuration in the mandible.The former group which had its characteristic roentgenologic feature displayed a radiolucent region with an irregular margin mostly accompanied with a periosteal reaction at the inferior and lateral surfaces of the mandible.Owing to lacking above mentioned demonstration,it was difficult to distinguish the lesions of later group from other disease in the mandible.

[Initial investigation of the value of CT in pulmonary metastases originating from head and neck malignant tumors]

CT image and its diagnostic value were analyzed and compared with plain chest film on 12 cases of pulmonary metastases originating from malignant tumors of head and neck,all cases were pathologically verified.CT scan performed on each cases who had definite or suspicious lesion on plain chest film.The result presents that CT can:(1)confirm the suspiciousness of metastatic lesion.(2)confirm the number of metastatic lesion.(3)early detection on pulmonary metastasis. 4.identification on occult pulmonary metastasis. 5.Find out costal bone and pleural metastasing accuracy of pulmonary metastasis,but also provide information for clinical selecting treatment.

Dauricine and anisodamine inhibited leukotrienes- and platelet activating factor-induced DNA synthesis and proliferation of bovine cerebral microvascular smooth muscle cells in culture

The effects of leukotrienes (LT) and platelet activating factor (PAF) on DNA synthesis and proliferation of bovine cerebral microvascular smooth muscle cells (BCMSMC) were studied. At 100 pmol.L-1, LTB4, LTC4, LTD4, and PAF promoted the DNA synthesis by 44%, 50%, 48%, and 57%, and enhanced the cell proliferation by 33%, 47%, 27%, and 40%, respectively. Dauricine and anisodamine inhibited the DNA synthesis of the cells induced by LT and PAF (0.1-100 mumol.L-1). These results indicate the bright future of the 2 drugs in the prevention and treatment of cerebral vascular diseases.

[Effects of 6-(alpha alpha-diphenylacetylpiperazinyl) phenyl-5-methyl-4,5-dihydro-3 (2H)-pyridazinone on rabbit platelet aggregation and TXB2, cAMP production]

6-(alpha alpha-diphenylacetylpiperazinyl) phenyl-5-methyl-4,5-dihydro-3 (2H)-pyridazinone (DMDP) is a new synthetic pyridazinone derivative. This compound was shown to inhibit AA, ADP and PAF-induced rabbit platelet aggregation, and its IC50s were found to be 1.12 +/- 0.1, 4.19 +/- 0.5 and 2.97 +/- 0.1 mumol/L, respectively. At the concentration range of 1-500 mumol/L, the compound was found to depress TXB2 content and to increase cAMP levels in washed rabbit platelets in a dose-dependent manner. These might be the mechanisms of the compound on the inhibition of rabbit platelets.

Platelet activating factor production in bovine cerebral microvascular endothelial cells and its drug inhibition

The production of platelet activating factor (PAF) in bovine cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (CME cells) and the effects of tetrandrine (Tet) and dauricine (Dau) on the PAF production were investigated. PAF was determined by the aggregation of washed rabbit platelets. The results showed that the CME cells produced PAF 5.93 ng/8.5x 10(5) cells under the calcimycin 2.5 mumol.L-1 stimulation. Tet and Dau 1, 10, and 100 mumol.L-1 inhibited the production of PAF by 18.2%, 51.8%, 56.8%, and 26.3%, 63.3%, 65.9%, respectively. Tet concentration-dependently inhibited the PAF 9.1 nmol.L-1 induced washed rabbit platelets aggregation with the IC50 of 3.05 mumol.L-1 (95% confidence limits: 0.59-15.86 mumol.L-1). The binding of [3H]triazolodiazepine to the CME cells was partially displaced by Tet 0.02-33.00 mumol.L-1. It is suggested that the cerebrovascular system produces PAF at the pathological conditions and the inhibition of Tet and Dau.

Leukotriene C4 receptors in cultured smooth muscle cells from bovine anterior cerebral arteries and microcerebrovasculatures

Specific receptors for leukotriene C4 (LTC4) were identified on smooth muscle cells isolated from bovine anterior cerebral arteries (BACASMC) and bovine microcerebrovasculatures (BMSMC). [3H]LTC4 specific bindings to both cells at a fixed input reached the maxima at 60 min and 20 min, respectively. With incremental inputs of radioligand and a constant cell number, [3H]LTC4 specific bindings reached a plateau indicative of a saturable binding site. Analysis of Scatchard plots demonstrated a single population of high-affinity binding sites in both cells. The dissociation constant (Kd) for BACASMC was 39.2 +/- 1.3 nmol.L-1 and its Bmax was 19.3 +/- 2.1 pmol/10(6) cells. For BMSMC, Kd = 2.0 +/- 0.4 nmol.L-1, Bmax = 157 +/- 13 fmol/10(6) cells. The specific [3H]LTC4 bindings was inhibited by unlabeled LTC4, LTD4 and FPL-55712 (an SRS-A antagonist). The inhibitory rates for BACASMC were 70.4% and 35.3% by LTC4 and FPL-55712 at 1 mumol.L-1, respectively. For BMSMC the inhibitory rates were 96.9%, 73.9%, and 44.9% by LTC4, LTD4, and FPL-55712 at 10 mumol.L-1, respectively.

Specific binding sites of platelet activating factor on the intact bovine cerebral microvascular endothelial cells and antagonism of drugs

[3H]Triazolodiazepine ([3H]WEB 2086), an antagonist of platelet activating factor (PAF) receptor, was studied as radioligand on intact cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (CMEC). The results showed that the binding of [3H]triazolodiazepine reached and maintained at an equilibrium after 15-120 min of incubation and that it was saturable with increasing concentration of radioligand. Scatchard analysis indicated that there were 2 specific binding sites on CMEC, its Kd1, Bmax1, Kd2, and Bmax2 were 3.13 nmol.L-1, 1.50 pmol/3 x 10(5) cells, 83.96 nmol.L-1, and 12.96 pmol/3 x 10(5) cells, respectively. The binding of [3H]triazolodiazepine to CMEC was displaced by C16-PAF and 1,5-bis-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-tetrahydro-(4H)-pyran (SZ-1), which IC50 were 0.43 nmol.L-1 and 0.125 mumol.L-1, respectively. These data suggested the existence of PAF specific binding sites on CMEC.

A radiologic study of pulmonary metastases originating from oral and maxillofacial tumors

A retrospective clinical and radiologic study was carried out on 103 consecutive cases of oral and maxillofacial malignant conditions in which pulmonary metastasis occurred. The most frequent primary site was the palate. The neoplasm most commonly involved was the adenoid cystic carcinoma. Pulmonary metastases were classified into five types: solitary, multiple nodular, multiple "massy," diffuse, and miliary.

[X-ray analysis of 114 cases of harelip and clinical evaluation of infants' thymus]

The authors classify the thymic image on the pre-operative chest films of 114 cases of harelip babies under 2 years of age into 5 types and divide the size of thymus according to the cardiothymic thoracic ratio (CT/T) into 4 classes. The thymic prominence rate is 93.9%. There is marked variability in the size and shape of thymus, no definite normal standard could be found. In 6 preoperative cases, stress involution and regeneration induced by the administration of steroids has been observed. Whether or not the normally large thymus found on the chest film in baby-hood influence the safety of operation was discussed.

Cloning, nucleotide sequence, and expression of the Bacillus subtilis ans operon, which codes for L-asparaginase and L-aspartase

L-Aspartase was purified from Bacillus subtilis, its N-terminal amino acid sequence was determined to construct a probe for the aspartase gene, and the gene (termed ansB) was cloned and sequenced. A second gene (termed ansA) was found upstream of the ansB gene and coded for L-asparaginase. These two genes were in an operon designated the ans operon, which is 80% cotransformed with the previously mapped aspH1 mutation at 215 degrees. Primer extension analysis of in vivo ans mRNA revealed two transcription start sites, depending on the growth medium. In wild-type cells in log-phase growth in 2x YT medium (tryptone-yeast extract rich medium), the ans transcript began at -67 relative to the translation start site, while cells in log-phase growth or sporulating (t1 to t4) in 2x SG medium (glucose nutrient broth-based moderately rich medium) had an ans transcript which began at -73. The level of the -67 transcript was greatly increased in an aspH mutant grown in 2x YT medium; the -67 transcript also predominated when this mutant was grown in 2x SG medium, although the -73 transcript was also present. In vitro transcription of the ans operon by RNA polymerase from log-phase cells grown in 2x YT medium and log-phase or sporulating cells grown in 2x SG medium yielded only the -67 transcript. Depending on the growth medium, the levels of asparaginase and aspartase were from 2- to 40-fold higher in an aspH mutant than in wild-type cells, and evidence was obtained indicating that the gene defined by the aspH1 mutation codes for a trans-acting transcriptional regulatory factor. In wild-type cells grown in 2x SG medium, the levels of both aspartase and asparaginase decreased significantly by t0 of sporulation but then showed a small increase, which was mirrored by changes in the level of beta-galactosidase from an ansB-lacZ fusion. The increase in the activities of ans operon enzymes between t2 and t5 of sporulation was found primarily in the forespore, and the great majority of the increased was found in the mature spore. However, throughout sporulation the only ans transcript detected was the -73 form, and no sporulation-specific RNA polymerase tested yielded a -73 transcript in vitro.

Control of transcription of the Bacillus subtilis spoIIIG gene, which codes for the forespore-specific transcription factor sigma G

The Bacillus subtilis spoIIIG gene codes for a sigma factor termed sigma G which directs transcription of genes expressed only in the forespore compartment of the sporulating cell. Use of spoIIIG-lacZ transcriptional fusions showed that spoIIIG is cotranscribed with the spoIIG operon beginning at t0.5-1 of sporulation. However, this large mRNA produced little if any sigma G, and transferring the spoIIIG gene without the spoIIG promoter into the amyE locus resulted in a Spo+ phenotype. Significant translation of spoIIIG began at t2.5-3 with use of an mRNA whose 5' end is just upstream of the spoIIIG coding sequence. Synthesis of this spoIIIG-specific mRNA was not abolished by a deletion in spoIIIG itself. Similar results were obtained when a spoIIIG-lacZ translational fusion lacking the spoIIG promoter was integrated at the amyE locus. These data suggest that synthesis of sigma G is dependent neither on transcription from the spoIIG promoter nor on sigma G itself but can be due to another transcription factor. This transcription factor may be sigma F, the product of the spoIIAC locus, since a spoIIAC mutation blocked spoIIIG expression, and sequences upstream of the 5' end of the spoIIIG-specific mRNA agree well with the recognition sequence for sigma F. RNA polymerase containing sigma F (E sigma F) initiated transcription in vitro on a spoIIIG template at the 5' end found in vivo, as did E sigma G. However, E sigma F showed a greater than 20-fold preference for spoIIIG over a known sigma G-dependent gene compared with the activity of E sigma G.

Localization of protective epitopes within the pilin subunit of the Vibrio cholerae toxin-coregulated pilus

From a collection of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that recognize the native structure of the toxin-coregulated pilus of Vibrio cholerae, two protective MAbs (16.1 and 169.1) were used to localize the corresponding epitopes on the pilus. These MAbs were shown to specifically recognize the carboxyl half of the TcpA pilin subunit, as determined by their recognition of proteolytic fragments and hybrid pilin proteins. The positions of the epitopes were precisely determined through the use of overlapping synthetic peptides corresponding to this region of the pilin. The MAbs were found to recognize adjacent peptides, delineating a region between residues 157 and 199. Since the protective nature is specific for these two antibodies, the findings suggest that this region defines a domain that participates in toxin-coregulated pilus-mediated colonization and therefore represents a target for studies of its potential as an immunogen for incorporation into a component cholera vaccine.

Basal cell carcinoma syndrome: report of 10 cases

Ten cases of basal cell carcinoma syndrome are presented. The jaw cysts were proved histopathologically to be odontogenic keratocysts. The multiple naevoid lesions on the skin were identified as basal cell carcinoma in two cases. Skeletal anomalies and intracranial calcification were present in all cases. A positive family history with others affected by the syndrome was traced in two cases.

[Effects of silybin on production of oxygen free radical, lipoperoxide and leukotrienes in brain following ischemia and reperfusion]

Brain ischemia was produced by occluding bilateral common carotid arteries of Mongolia gerbil with clips for 30-min and reperfusion was established by removing the clips. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) in brain tissue was measured by chemoluminescence, malondialdehyde (MDA) by fluorescence spectrometry and leukotrienes (LT) by bioassay. Decrease of SOD and increase of MDA were significant in the brain after 30-min ischemia followed by 2-min reperfusion; The level of SOD increased from 13.4 +/- 2.7 to 18.8 +/- 3.0, 19.8 +/- 2.5, 22.1 +/- 3.9 x 10(3) units/g brain tissue and MDA decreased from 218 +/- 26 to 169 +/- 41, 167 +/- 36, 167 +/- 44 nmol/g brain tissue respectively by ip silybin 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg 30-min before occlusion. LT decreased from 3.1 +/- 1.0 to 1.5 +/- 0.4 ng/g brain tissue after ip silybin 200 mg/kg. It suggested that the protective effect of silybin on ischemic brain result from the inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase and lipoperoxide and scavenging of oxygen free radical.

Antibodies directed against the toxin-coregulated pilus isolated from Vibrio cholerae provide protection in the infant mouse experimental cholera model

Pathogenic strains of Vibrio cholerae O1 elaborate a toxin-coregulated pilus, designated TCP, that is required for the bacteria to colonize the human intestine and cause disease. The possibility that antibodies directed against TCP might block colonization and thereby potentially prevent infection was investigated. The pilus was purified and polyclonal antiserum raised against it was shown to react preferentially with the 20.5-kDa major pilin subunit, TcpA. This antiserum inhibited attachment of the bacteria to epithelial cells in vitro. In a cholera animal model system, these pilus-specific antibodies efficiently protected infant mice from challenge with virulent V. cholerae strains of different serotypes and biotypes. Western immunoblot analysis of available killed, whole-cell vaccine preparations using TcpA-specific antibodies failed to detect pilin in either preparation. The results suggest that inclusion of TCP in cholera vaccines would provide a common antigen to induce immunity to the strains associated with human infection and potentially increase vaccine efficacy.

[Effect of dazoxiben on the metabolism of arachidonic acid in isolated porcine basilar arteries]

Dazoxiben, a selective TXA2 synthetase inhibitor, was studied in the incubating sections of porcine basilar arteries with arachidonic acid (AA) 50 mumols/L and calcimycin (calcium inophore A-23187) 50 mumol/L. TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha were determined by radioimmunoassay. Leukotrienes (LT) were extracted and purified with SEP-PAK column, identified by HPLC and determined by bioassay with ileum of guinea pig. The results showed that the production of TXB2 was unaltered whether or not the incubation of arteries were induced by AA or calcimycin. Dazoxiben and indomethacin 0.05-50 mumols/L had no effects on the production of TXB2. However, dazoxiben 0.5, 5 and 50 mumols/L increased the production of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha by 16.3%, 19.0% and 30.7%, respectively. Indomethacin 0.5, 5 and 50 mumols/L decreased the production of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha by 22.3%, 24.9% and 24.0%, respectively. Meanwhile dazoxiben 1, 10 and 100 mumols/L decreased the production of LT by 33.4%, 45.6% and 66.4%, respectively. These results suggest that the protective effect of dazoxiben on the damages which resulted from brain ischemia may be related to the change of TAX2/PGI2 balance in the brain tissue as well as the inhibition of production of LT.

The influence of the auditory cortex on acoustically evoked cerebellar responses in the CF-FM bat, Rhinolophus pearsonic chinesis

1. Acoustically evoked responses of 284 neurons isolated from the cerebellar vermis, hemispheres and paraflocculus of Rhinolophus pearsonic chinesis were studied under free field acoustic stimulation conditions. 2. The BFs of these cerebellar auditory neurons ranged from 24 to 76 kHz but they mostly fall either between 48 and 64 kHz or between 65 and 76 kHz. However, the BF distribution varies among vermal, hemispheric and parafloccular neurons. 3. Threshold curves of cerebellar neurons are generally broad but those tuned to the frequency of the predominant CF component are extremely narrow. 4. Response latencies of cerebellar neurons ranged from 2 to 48 ms suggesting multiple auditory cerebellar pathways. The latency distribution also varies among vermal, hemispheric and parafloccular neurons. 5. Although both the vermis and hemispheres contain a disproportionate number of 65-74 kHz neurons, the response latencies of those neurons isolated from the vermis are scattered over a wide range of 2.2-28 ms while those neurons isolated from the hemispheres are generally stabilized between 5 and 12 ms. 6. Electrical stimulation of the auditory cortex evokes discharges from a recorded cerebellar auditory neuron. Cortical stimulation also facilitates the response of an acoustically evoked cerebellar neuron by increasing its number of impulses. The degree of facilitation is dependent upon the amplitude of the acoustic stimulus. 7. For a given electrical and acoustic stimulation condition, the facilitative latency and the degree of facilitation varied with the interstimulus interval. Among 23 neurons studied, most of them (19 neurons, 82.6%) had a maximal facilitative latency between 2 and 10 ms. 8. By examining the difference in the facilitative effect in each isolated cerebellar auditory neuron before and after a topical application of local anesthetic, procaine, onto the point of electrical stimulation in the auditory cortex, we found that the facilitative pathways to vermal and hemispheric neurons may be different from the pathway to parafloccular neurons. 9. Possible auditory pathways to different parts of the cerebellum are discussed in relation to the wide range of recorded response latencies. 10. The facilitative influence of the auditory cortex on the cerebellar auditory neurons is assumed to enhance the cerebellar role in acoustic motor orientation.

[A radiologic study of metastatic pulmonary tumor originating in the oral and maxillofacial regions]

A retrospective study of 103 cases of metastatic pulmonary tumors originated from oral and maxillofacial regions was made radiologically as well as clinically. With regard to the site and pathologic type of the primary neoplasm, palatal tumor and adenoid cystic carcinoma was the most frequent ones respectively which metastasize to the lungs. Radiologic types of metastatic pulmonary tumor might be classified into five categories: solitary, multiple nodular, multiple mass, diffuse and miliary network. The relationship between prognosis and radiologic types, the growing rate and complications such as cavitation, atelectasis, pleural effusion, lymph node enlargement and destruction of ribs were briefly discussed. The authors were of the opinion that the duration from primary to metastatic and that from metastases to death in oral and maxillofacial malignant tumors are longer than those of other sites in human body.