Urinary levels of nuclear matrix protein 22 in patients with urinary diversion

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the influence of various types of urinary diversion on urinary nuclear matrix protein 22 (U-NMP22) levels.

METHODS

U-NMP22 values were determined for 38 urinary diversion patients without upper urinary tract cancer. The patients were divided into three groups: tubeless cutaneous ureterostomy (n = 12), ileal conduit (n = 15), and continent urinary reservoir (n = 11). The mean values and false-positive rates of U-NMP22 (cutoff value 12 U/mL) were compared among the three groups.

RESULTS

The mean +/- standard error U-NMP22 value for the ureterostomy, ileal conduit, and reservoir groups was 20.1 +/- 5.8 U/mL, 335.6 +/- 63.5 U/mL, and 671.8 +/- 220.4 U/mL, respectively (P = 0.0030). The false-positive rate of U-NMP22 for the ureterostomy, ileal conduit, and reservoir groups was 41.7%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. In the ureterostomy group, the exclusion of patients with pyuria improved the false-positive rate of U-NMP22 from 41.7% to 12.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

U-NMP22 levels may be useful in the diagnosis of upper urinary tract cancer in patients with a tubeless cutaneous ureterostomy. However, in patients with urinary diversion using a bowel segment, U-NMP22 has no diagnostic value because of the high U-NMP22 levels.

Effects of Spore Availability, Spore Germinability, and Shoot Susceptibility on Gall Rust Infection of Pine

Temporal changes in three factors (shoot susceptibility, spore availability, and spore germinability) were evaluated to estimate their effects on the infection of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) by Endocronartium harknessii. Germinability of rust spores from sori free of hyperparasites remained above 80% during the growing season and thus would not have significantly limited infection. In contrast, there was a slight, but statistically insignificant, increase in estimated susceptibility as infection increased from 94% of maximum at 45% shoot elongation to maximum susceptibility at 90% shoot elongation. This was followed by a precipitous decline in estimated susceptibility to 57% of maximum when shoots were 95% elongated. Spore availability was 24% of maximum when shoots were 45% elongated, and thus may have been limiting at the beginning of the growing season. At the end of the growing season, spore availability declined prior to, or simultaneous with, the decline in susceptibility. The combined effect of both factors drastically reduced the number of infections estimated to occur once shoots are more than 95% elongated. As shoots elongated, relatively more infections formed higher on the shoot, supporting the hypothesis that periderm is important in limiting infection.

Controlling the direction of kinesin-driven microtubule movements along microlithographic tracks

Motor proteins are able to move protein filaments in vitro. However, useful work cannot be extracted from the existing in vitro systems because filament motions are in random directions on two-dimensional surfaces. We succeeded in restricting kinesin-driven movements of microtubules along linear tracks by using micrometer-scaled grooves lithographically fabricated on glass surfaces. We also accomplished the extraction of unidirectional movement from the bidirectional movements along the linear tracks by adding arrowhead patterns on the tracks. These "rectifiers" enabled us to construct microminiturized circulators in which populations of microtubules rotated in one direction, and to actively transport microtubules between two pools connected by arrowheaded tracks in the fields of micrometer scales.

[The present state of blindness in the world]

PURPOSE

To investigate the present state of blindness around the world.

METHODS

The article reviews significant studies by WHO and literature on the topic.

RESULTS

Current global estimates indicate that blindness affects close to 45 million people, with nine out of ten blind people living in developing countries. Two-thirds or more of all blindness is avoidable, in that the causes are preventable or treatable. Cataract is the major cause of blindness in the world and the number of cases is increasing. The second cause is glaucoma, and the third is trachoma. The extent of disability of blindness itself is very high compared to that of other illnesses. Also, in terms of the burden of diseases in society, blindness is a relatively huge problem in the developing world.

CONCLUSIONS

Intervention should be focused on the factors that have the higheat possibility of change. Manpower development is the most important countermeasure. The aid required to support developing countries is what can make them stand on their own in long term ophthalmic care.

Alcohol and eye diseases: a review of epidemiologic studies

OBJECTIVE

Epidemiologic evidence for the associations of alcohol consumption with eye diseases was gathered.

METHOD

A literature review was conducted.

RESULTS

In addition to alcohol-induced ocular anomalies among children with fetal alcohol syndrome, epidemiologic studies in the past two decades have demonstrated that chronic alcoholism is associated with a significantly increased risk of cataract, keratitis, color vision deficiencies and corneal arcus. Moderate alcohol use, however, has been reported to be possibly protective against age-related macular degeneration, cataract and diabetic retinopathy.

CONCLUSIONS

It is evident that through its biologic effects and effects on nutrient deficits alcohol plays a role in a variety of eye diseases. Information on the patient's drinking history can be clinically valuable and should be collected on a routine basis.

Ambient temperatures preferred by humans acclimated to heat given at a fixed daily time

We investigated preferred ambient temperatures (T(pref)) of heat-acclimated humans to assess their behavioral thermoregulation. Seven male volunteers were exposed to an ambient temperature (T(a)) of 42 degrees C and relative humidity (RH) of 40% for 4 h (14:00-18:00 h)/day for 9-10 consecutive days. Rectal temperature (T(re)) was measured, and T(pref) was determined at two distinct times of day, 09:00-11:00 h (AM test) and 14:00-16:00 h (PM test), in both heat- and nonheat-acclimated (control) conditions. Heat acclimation significantly decreased T(re) only in the PM test. There was no difference in the T(pref) between the two tests in the control condition. However, T(pref) in the PM test was significantly lower than that of the AM test in the heat-acclimated condition. The findings suggest that repeated heat exposure in humans for 4 h at a fixed time daily alters the core temperature level and behavioral thermoregulatory function, particularly during the period when the subjects had previously been exposed to heat.

Functional characterization of vertebrate nonmuscle myosin IIB isoforms using Dictyostelium chimeric myosin II

The alternatively spliced isoform of nonmuscle myosin II heavy chain B (MHC-IIB) with an insert of 21 amino acids in the actin-binding surface loop (loop 2), MHC-IIB(B2), is expressed specifically in the central nervous system of vertebrates. To examine the role of the B2 insert in the motor activity of the myosin II molecule, we expressed chimeric myosin heavy chain molecules using the Dictyostelium myosin II heavy chain as the backbone. We replaced the Dictyostelium native loop 2 with either the noninserted form of loop 2 from human MHC-IIB or the B2-inserted form of loop 2 from human MHC-IIB(B2). The transformant Dictyostelium cells expressing only the B2-inserted chimeric myosin formed unusual fruiting bodies. We then assessed the function of chimeric proteins, using an in vitro motility assay and by measuring ATPase activities and binding to F-actin. We demonstrate that the insertion of the B2 sequence reduces the motor activity of Dictyostelium myosin II, with reduction of the maximal actin-activated ATPase activity and a decrease in the affinity for actin. In addition, we demonstrate that the native loop 2 sequence of Dictyostelium myosin II is required for the regulation of the actin-activated ATPase activity by phosphorylation of the regulatory light chain.

Autonomic and behavioural thermoregulation in starved rats

1. We investigated the mechanism of starvation-induced hypothermia in rats. 2. Threshold core temperatures (Tcor) for tail skin vasodilatation and cold-induced thermogenesis were determined after a 3 day starvation using a chronically implanted intravenous thermode. Food deprivation significantly lowered the threshold Tcor for heat production, but did not affect the heat loss threshold. 3. Thermogenic response to a fall in Tcor below its threshold was enhanced by starvation. 4. Preferred ambient temperatures (Tpref) and Tcor were measured before and during a 3 day starvation in a thermal gradient. The 3 day starvation significantly lowered Tcor only in the light phase of the day. The level of hypothermia was the same throughout the fasting period, while Tpref gradually increased during the 3 days of starvation. 5. When rats were starved at a constant ambient temperature of 25 C (no thermal gradient), their Tcor levels were comparable with those of the rats kept in the thermal gradient. 6. The results suggest that, in rats, hypothermia caused by starvation was not due to a decrement in thermogenic capability, but was due to a decrease in the threshold for the activation of thermogenesis.

Secondary keratoconus with corneal epithelial iron ring similar to Fleischer's ring

BACKGROUND

Fleischer's ring is considered to be a characteristic of keratoconus, but we have seen a ring similar to Fleischer's ring in patients with secondary keratoconus, in which the cornea becomes thinner secondarily for undetermined reasons.

CASES

We report 6 cases of secondary keratoconus with a corneal epithelial ring similar to the Fleischer's ring pattern.

OBSERVATIONS

In these 6 cases (2 men and 4 women), the causes of secondary keratoconus were trachoma in 2 cases, trauma in 2 cases, keratitis in 1 case and unknown etiology in one case. All showed thinning of the cornea and a corneal iron ring similar to Fleischer's ring pattern. The corneal button obtained after keratoplasty in 1 case showed the deposition of hemosiderin in the corneal epithelium after staining with Prussian blue. At the same time we confirmed the existence of iron in the corneal epithelium by x-ray ultimate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

All 6 patients we encountered had a past history of corneal disease in their childhood except for 1 case with unknown etiology. Primary keratoconus is also considered to develop by the early teens at the latest. These facts led us to an assumption that the occurrence of some abnormalities in the cornea during the growth period may result in iron deposition in the epithelium and thinning of the stroma. In light of these facts, abnormalities of the iron metabolism must be thoroughly investigated in considering the etiology of keratoconus.

[Clinical significance of urothelial dysplasia concomitant with superficial bladder cancer]

OBJECTIVE

Retrospective analysis was carried out to evaluate the prognostic value of urothelial dysplasia with superficial bladder cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

62 patients with bladder cancer of pTa or pT1 who had been treated by transurethral resection (TUR-Bt), underwent random mucosal biopsies in the urinary bladder. The results of random biopsies were classified into 3 groups: negative group, dysplasia group and CIS group. The recurrence rate, progression rate and type of recurrences (true recurrence/new occurrence) were compared among the 3 groups.

RESULTS

The results of random biopsies were as follows; negative group was found in 42 (68%), dysplasia group in 17 (27%) and CIS group in 3 (5%). There were no significant difference in the characteristics of the patients among the 3 groups. The recurrence rates at 1, 2 and 5 years after TUR-Bt were 3%, 12% and 21%, respectively, for negative group, and 37%, 51% and 67%, respectively, for dysplasia group (p < 0.01). For CIS group, 2 of 3 cases (67%) recurrenced within 1 year after TUR-Bt. Non of negative group progressed to muscle invasion, whereas 57% of dysplasia group invaded bladder muscle after 6 years post operatively (p < 0.001). No significant relationship was observed between the absence or presence of concomitant dysplasia and the rate of true recurrence. Dysplasia group revealed a higher rate (47.1%) of new occurrence than negative group (2.4%) (p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The presence or absence of concomitant dysplasia of superficial bladder cancer seems to be an important prognostic factor for future new ocurrence and progression after TUR-Bt.

Prophylactic intravesical instillation chemotherapy against recurrence after a transurethral resection of superficial bladder cancer: a randomized controlled trial of doxorubicin plus verapamil versus doxorubicin alone. The Kyushu University Urological Oncology Group

PURPOSE

We investigated whether verapamil (VR), a known chemosensitizing agent of P-glycoprotein-mediated multidrug resistance, could enhance the preventative effect of doxorubicin (Adriamycin, ADM) on both intravesical recurrence and disease progression after transurethral resection (TUR) of superficial bladder cancer.

METHODS

The patients were randomized into two groups: one group received an intravesical instillation of ADM (30 mg) plus VR (15 mg) after TUR of superficial bladder cancer (19 times over 1 year), and the other group received ADM alone on the same treatment schedule. The nonrecurrence rate, the incidence of disease progression at the first recurrence and the side effects were compared over a median follow-up of 38.5 months.

RESULTS

Of the 226 patients registered, 157 were evaluable. No significant differences were observed in the patients' characteristics between the two groups. Although the incidence of disease progression at the first recurrence was not significantly different between the two groups, the ADM plus VR instillation group did show a significantly higher nonrecurrence rate than the ADM-only instillation group, and such significance persisted even when any possible bias was allowed for in a multivariate analysis. In terms of side effects, the incidence and severity of bladder irritation symptoms were not significantly different between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravesical instillation chemotherapy with ADM plus VR was found to have a significantly greater beneficial effect than with ADM alone for preventing recurrence after TUR of superficial bladder cancer.

Reactivities of Cys707 (SH1) in intermediate states of myosin subfragment-1 ATPase

To detect structural changes around the reactive Cys707 (SH1) in the myosin heavy chain during the ATPase reaction, the reactivity of SH1 in rabbit skeletal myosin subfragment-1 (S-1) was measured using a fluorescent reagent, 5-(iodoacetamidoethyl)aminonaphthalene-1-sulfonic acid, in the presence of various ATP analogs: adenosine 5'-(3-thiotriphosphate) (ATPgammaS), ADP-vanadate (ADP-Vi), ADP-BeFx, and ADP-AlF4. The SH1 reactivities in the S-1 complexes with ATPgammaS and ADP-BeFx, analogs of the E-ATP state, were very high, as well as that in the E-ADP state. In contrast, the SH1 reactivities in the S-1 complexes with ADP-Vi and ADP-AlF4, analogs of the E-ADP-P state, were extremely low. The structural changes around SH1 can be correlated to changes in the structure of the gamma-phosphate of ATP during the ATPase reaction or to the structure of the corresponding part of ATP analogs at the active site of ATPase. This is consistent with the crystal structure of S-1 in which the heavy chain structure around SH1 of S-1-ADP-BeFx is significantly different from those of S-1-ADP-Vi and S-1-ADP-AlF4 [Fisher et al. (1995) Biochemistry 34, 8960-8972; Smith and Rayment (1996) Biochemistry 35, 5404-5417].

Distribution of lymphoid tissue in the caecal mucosa of chickens

In order to clarify the fundamental structure of the host defence mechanism in chicken caeca, a detailed analysis of the distribution of lymphoid nodules (LNs) was carried out on longitudinal sections of both the mesenteric (side of the ileocaecal ligament) and the antimesenteric mucosa. An overwhelming majority of solitary or aggregated LNs were located in the mesenteric mucosa, although a few were also found in the antimesenteric mucosa. Of the total LNs, 45.7% were detected at the proximal 7.8% section in the caecal tonsil. LNs (21.4%) were also concentrated in the distal 22.0% section corresponding to the apex. A moderate concentration of LNs (13.1%) was found at the transitional 20.0% region between the base and body. Approximately 80.2% of total LNs were found at the above 3 regions in the mesenteric mucosa. In many cases, the frequency of LNs in the caecal tonsils was opposite to that at the apices. Aggregated LNs were mainly found in the caecal tonsils, transitional region and apex. Almost all aggregated LNs consisted of fundamental nodular units possessing M cells in their follicle associated epithelia. The aggregated LNs in the above 3 regions therefore could provide immunological surveillance against caecal luminal contents. In particular, the cooperative function between LNs of the caecal tonsil and apex might be highly important in maintaining the caecal microenvironment.

Renal primitive neuroectodermal tumor: a morphologic, cytogenetic, and molecular analysis with the establishment of two cultured cell lines

We report two patients with renal primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) in whom the diagnosis was established by both a cytogenetic and a molecular analysis. Histologically, both renal tumors were composed of uniform immature round cells with a positive immunoreactivity for O13 (p30/32 MIC2). The cytogenetic analysis with in situ hybridization (chromosome painting) demonstrated reciprocal translocation t(11;22)(q24;q12) specific to PNET in the cultured cells derived from each tumor. The reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in both tumors demonstrated EWS/ FLI-1 fusion transcripts, representing the molecular equivalent of t(11;22). A Southern blot analysis also confirmed EWS gene rearrangement in both renal tumors. In addition, the authors also established two new cell lines (designated as FU-RPNT-1 and FU-RPNT-2) from renal PNETs. When transplanted into athymic mice, FU-RPNT-1 and FU-RPNT-2 reproduced and maintained the morphologic and molecular characteristics of the original tumors. In conclusion, the detection of t(11;22) and EWS/FLI-1 fusion transcripts is considered to provide a novel adjunctive method for diagnosing renal PNET. These newly established cell lines thus may be used to investigate the biologic behavior related to renal PNETs.

Postoperative UFT adjuvant and the risk factors for recurrence in renal cell carcinoma: a long-term follow-up study. Kyushu University Urological Oncology Group

BACKGROUND

Radical nephrectomy is the standard therapy for low-stage renal cell carcinoma. However, recurrence sometimes develops even in patients who are considered to have undergone a curative resection of the primary tumor. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of UFT (a 1:4 mixture of tegafur and uracil) adjuvant and the risk factors for recurrence in renal cell carcinoma.

METHODS

A prospective randomized trial was conducted to compare the use of long-term oral UFT adjuvant with nonadjuvant therapy after a radical nephrectomy for Robson stage I or II renal cell carcinoma. A multivariate analysis was also performed to estimate the risk factors for recurrence.

RESULTS

A total of 71 patients were entered into this study, and 66 were evaluable (33 for each group). There was no significant difference in patient characteristics between the 2 groups. The nonrecurrence rate at 5 years after a radical nephrectomy was 80.5% and 77.1% in the UFT adjuvant group and the nonadjuvant group, respectively, with a median follow-up of 112.9 months; the difference was not significant. The toxicity of UFT was generally mild and tolerable. The tumor grade was found to be an important factor influencing recurrence.

CONCLUSION

UFT cannot be universally recommended as an adjuvant therapy for radical nephrectomy in all patients with low-stage renal cell carcinoma.

Renal angiosarcoma: a case report

We report the first case of angiosarcoma in the kidney occurring in a woman; the tumor was initially believed to be renal cell carcinoma. This malignant tumor was discovered in a patient with macrohematuria. The final diagnosis was confirmed by histologic and immunohistochemical findings. A review of the literature on this tumor is also included in the discussion.

[Six cases of secondary keratoconus with Fleischer's ring pattern corneal epithelial iron ring]

We observed 6 cases of secondary keratoconus with Fleischer's ring pattern corneal epithelial iron ring. These 6 cases were 2 males and 4 females. The causes of secondary keratoconus were 2 cases of trachoma, 2 cases of trauma, 1 case of keratitis, and 1 case of unknown origin. All showed thinning of the cornea and Fleischer's ring pattern corneal epithelial iron ring. After penetrating keratoplasty of 1 case, the button of the recipient showed the deposition of hemosiderin in the corneal epithelium stained blue by Prussian blue. At the same time we confirmed the existence of iron in the corneal epithelium by the X-ray ultimate analysis. Fleischer's ring is considered to be characteristic of keratoconus, but we have found that Fleischer's ring is also seen in secondary keratoconus in which the cornea becomes thinner secondarily for some reason.

Renal primitive neuroectodermal tumor: an immunohistochemical and cytogenetic analysis

The cytogenetic and morphologic characteristics of a case with a primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) arising from the left kidney in a 22 year old man are presented. The patient was detected as having a left renal mass with a tumor embolus in the inferior vena cava and multiple pulmonary metastases. A radical nephrectomy with tumor embolectomy of the inferior vena cava, along with a resection of the pulmonary nodules were performed. Histologic examination revealed a dense proliferation of small round cells with many Homer-Wright type rosettes and perivascular pseudorosettes. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells stained strongly positive for HBA71(p30/32MIC2), a surface glycoprotein specific to PNET and Ewing's sarcoma. In addition, the tumor cells expressed several neural markers (neuron specific enolase, neurofilament, synaptophysin, and Leu-7) and vimentin, while the epithelial, muscular, and lymphocytic markers were negative in the tumor cells. Cytogenetic analysis of cultured tumor cells showed a reciprocal translocation t(11;22)(q24;q12) that is considered to be specific to PNET and Ewing's sarcoma. In conclusion, this case suggested that a karyotyping analysis is a useful diagnostic tool for renal PNET, and it may therefore be utilized to help distinguish between difficult cases of small round cell tumors and Wilms' tumor of the kidney.

The influence of oxygen free radical scavengers on the reduction of membrane-bound Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity induced by ischemia/reperfusion injury in the canine kidney

The present study was designed to determine whether the administration of free radical scavengers, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase or dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is able to ameliorate ischemia/reperfusion injury in the canine kidney and also ascertain whether or not a relationship exists between oxygen free radicals and membrane-bound Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity. In 23 dogs, the vascular pedicle of the left kidney was clamped for 75 min at room temperature. The experimental animals received free radical scavengers for 30 min starting at 2 min prior to reperfusion. Renal tissue specimens were enzyme-histochemically examined regarding the activity of membrane-bound Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, and a marked reduction just before reperfusion was revealed. The SOD- and the DMSO-treated groups showed a marked recovery of the membrane-bound Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity; however, the untreated and the catalase-treated groups still demonstrated a marked reduction 1 day after reperfusion. At the same time, widespread acute tubular necrosis in the cortex was observed in the untreated and catalase groups in comparison with the SOD and the DMSO groups. In addition, the SOD and the DMSO groups significantly preserved better renal function. Based on these findings, it was thus concluded that free radical scavengers ameliorate the recovery of depressed membrane-bound Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity and ischemia/reperfusion injury in the canine kidney.

[Treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma with a combination of interferon alpha and gamma]

A total of 29 patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma entered a pilot study of combination therapy with interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) and interferon gamma (IFN-gamma). IFN-alpha (HLBI: 3 x 10(6) IU, BALL 1:5 x 10(6) IU, IFN-alpha-2a: 9 x 10(6) IU or IFN-alpha-2b: 6 x 10(6) IU) was given intramuscularly every day and IFN-gamma (IFN-gamma-1a: 3 x 10(6) JRU) was given intravenously by drip infusion 3 times a week (every 2-3 days). The treatment was continued for 3 months as the induction therapy, and then the tumor response was evaluated. Of the 22 evaluable patients, 4 achieved a partial response (PR), 10 showed no change (NC), and in 8 the disease had progressed (PD) during the therapy. Thus, the overall response rate was 18.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.1-34.3%]. A favorable response tended to be obtained in patients with good performance status or small pulmonary metastases, or in those who had no prior therapy with IFN-alpha, who received this treatment immediately subsequent to radical nephrectomy, or who received IFN-gamma as much as possible according to this regimen. Toxicity was evaluated in 28 patients: fever, general fatigue, anorexia, leukocytopenia and impaired liver function were frequently noted, and 3 patients were withdrawn from the study because of such adverse effects. In patients who had a PR or NC, the same dosage of IFN-alpha was continued to be given intramuscularly 2-3 times a week (every 2-4 days) as the maintenance therapy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Black stem galls on aspen: anatomy and histochemistry

Large black stem galls occur sporadically on trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) in western Canada. Although little is known about their cause or structure, trees having these galls are less likely than surrounding aspen to have advanced decay caused by the fungus Phellinus tremulae. The anatomy and histochemistry of black galls and associated branch galls were studied and compared with normal wood and bark. Light microscopy showed that the cambium of black galls produces greater numbers of cells per growth ring and that growth rings are two to three times wider than normal. Vessel elements and fibers are unusually small and misshapen. Gall xylem has characteristics associated with wounding or infection: ray cells filled with phenolic deposits, and vessel elements occluded by tyloses and granular material. Frequent radial strands of undifferentiated callus tissue surrounded by necrophylactic periderms indicate sites of cambial damage of unknown cause. White areas within dark-colored gall xylem of some samples were free of most of these abnormalities, suggesting that a persistent agent is required for continuing tumor growth. Thickened outer bark harbored a variety of saprophytic fungi, especially hyphomycetes. Surface and internal morphology of black galls was also compared with similar stem galls caused by poplar budgall mites (Aceria parapopuli) and was found to be different. Bacteria, fungi, or mites were not obvious within living tissue, and further studies are necessary to determine the etiology of black galls. Key words: Populus tremuloides, poplar, black gall, wood anatomy.

Biological degradation of resin acids in wood chips by wood-inhabiting fungi

Resin acids in many pulp mill effluents are primary sources of toxicity to fish. Inconsistent biological detoxification of chlorinated and nonchlorinated resin acids in secondary treatment of pulp mill effluents is a continuing source of concern. An alternative approach to effluent detoxification is to remove or modify the toxic compounds present in wood chips prior to pulping. Results from experiments in which lodgepole pine sapwood chips were inoculated with several fungal candidates indicate that the total resin acid content can be reduced by up to 67% after fungal growth. Such a treatment could be an efficient and environmentally acceptable way for deresinating wood chips and so decreasing the toxicity of pulp mill effluents.

Prophylactic intravesical chemotherapy with adriamycin plus verapamil for primary superficial bladder cancer: preliminary results. The Kyushu University Urological Oncology Group

A prospective randomized trial was conducted to compare the prophylactic effect of intravesical installation of Adriamycin (ADM) plus verapamil (VR) with that of ADM alone for recurrence of superficial bladder cancer. A total of 226 patients were enrolled and randomized into 2 groups. Group A received intravesical instillation of ADM (30 mg/30 ml physiological saline) on 19 occasions during a 1-year period after transurethral resection, whereas group B received intravesical instillation of ADM (30 mg/24 ml physiological saline) plus VR (15 mg/6 ml saline) according to the same schedule used for group A. Evaluation was possible in 157 of the 226 registered patients (group A, 76; group B, 81). There was no significant difference in the patients' characteristics between the two groups, and there was no significant difference in the overall nonrecurrence rate determined over a 24-month follow-up period. However, group B showed a significantly higher nonrecurrence rate than did group A for tumors measuring less than 1 cm in diameter (P < 0.05) and for histological grade 2 tumors (P < 0.01) in spite of there being no significant difference in the other characteristics of each subgroup of patients. The incidence and severity of side effects were similar in both groups, and VR caused no significant systemic toxicity. Although further follow-up is necessary, these results suggest that intravesical instillation of ADM plus VR is clinically safe and may be more effective than instillation of ADM alone in preventing the postoperative recurrence of superficial bladder cancer (less than 1 cm in diameter, histological grade 2).

Schizolysis of dolipore–parenthesome septa in an arthroconidial fungus associated with Dendroctonus ponderosae and in similar anamorphic fungi

An arthroconidial anamorphic fungus occurred in pupal chambers of the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) in lodgepole pine. No teleomorph was found and no suitable form genus was available for its disposition. However, in cultural characteristics it closely resembled the group 1 arthroconidial fungi, defined by other researchers as probable basidiomycete anamorphs. Septa of the pupal-chamber fungus and several of the group 1 isolates were of the dolipore–parenthesome type. Conidial separation was by septum schizolysis. Cell separation was initiated by disintegration of the dolipore wall, followed by progressive shrinkage of the fused dolipore wall. The parenthesomes retracted towards the dolipore wall and the triangular areas of the cross wall dissolved. The cross wall then split centripetally along the median electron-light layer to complete cell separation. The pupal-chamber fungus was also compared with Phlebia radiata (group 2) and with groups 3 and 4 strains of other researchers. Mauginiella scaettae was confirmed to have simple septa; thus this genus fails to accommodate arthroconidial basidiomycete anamorphs. Key words: basidiomycete anamorphs, dolipore–parenthesome septa, septum schizolysis, arthroconidiogenesis, Phlebia radiata, Mauginiella scaettae.

Crystallization and characterization of a lectin obtained from a mushroom, Aleuria aurantia

A fucose-specific lectin with a unique sugar recognizing property was purified from an orange peel mushroom, Aleuria aurantia, by using a specific affinity adsorbent prepared from L-fucose and starch. From 100 g of fruiting bodies, 145 mg of pure lectin was obtained. The lectin was crystallized and the crystals showed hexagonal bipyramid in shape. Distribution of hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions in the molecule of this lectin was predicted from the amino acid sequence deduced from the previously reported nucleotide sequence of the lectin cDNA. Circular dichroism spectra revealed a very low content of alpha-helical and beta-sheet structures and a relatively high content of turns in this lectin. From the spectrum observed in the presence of L-fucose, a hapten sugar of this lectin, certain conformational change was assumed to occur.

[A 17-year experience with ileal conduit urinary diversion--early and late complications]

A series of 185 patients, 133 males and 52 females, were treated by ileal conduit urinary diversion in the past 17 years. The patients ranged in age from 7 months to 81 years with an average of 59 years. Diversions were performed for malignant diseases in 174 patients, 85% of whom underwent a simultaneous radical surgery. The follow-up covered the postoperative period from 4 months to 16 years 8 months with an average of 4 years 8 months. Six patients (3%) died within 1 month of operation, and 43 of a total of 58 mortal cases died of cancer thereafter. The survival rates of 143 patients with bladder cancer were 84% for 1 year, 72% for 3 years, 67% for 5 years, 62% for 10 years and 54% for 15 years. Early complications were noticed in 38% of the patients. Delayed wound healing due to local infection (20%) and intestinal obstruction (10%) were the two major complications in this period. Late complications were encountered in 51% of the patients. Mild peristomal dermatitis (22%) and gradually developing renal complications (22%) are two major problems in the standard ileal conduit urinary diversion. The latter was significantly more frequent in patients who underwent the operation between 1973 and 1981 than in those who had the surgery between 1982 and 1989. Postoperative hydronephrosis was observed in 15 (13%) of 117 patients who showed normal urograms preoperatively. Ileoureteral reflux was observed in 50% of the cases with nonobstructing conduits, while it increased up to 70% along with obstruction of the conduit.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Early symptom development in lodgepole pine seedlings infected with Endocronartium harknessii

Six-week-old Pinus contorta seedlings were inoculated with spores of the western gall rust fungus Endocronartium harknessii. Of 660 seedlings inoculated, 174 showed early symptoms and were sampled for histological observation in the 7 weeks following inoculation. Pigmentation of epidermal cells was the first externally visible response to infection, generally occurring 14–28 days after inoculation. Developing symptoms were extremely variable, ranging from little or no visible response to severe necrosis. The appearance of external symptoms was largely due to changes occurring in underlying infected cortical cells such as the production of phenolic compounds, necrophylactic periderm, or necrotic tissue. Intercellular lignin deposition was observed in infected tissue and was thought to be associated with necrophylactic periderm formation. Suppression of normal exophylactic periderm development was evident in virtually all infected tissue zones. Infection of the vascular cambium occurred as early as 21 days after inoculation and resulted in the subsequent formation of distorted xylem tracheids typical of gall tissue.

Nature of the "black line" produced between different biological species of the Armillaria mellea complex

The zone of antagonism or black line, formed between the confronting margins of different biological species of the Armillaria mellea complex when paired on malt agar medium, was investigated. Light microscopy showed that the black line was composed of melanized hyphal cells from both species and was bordered on either side by the bladderlike cells of the pseudosclerotial plate of each species.

Chronic incomplete obstruction of the ureter: a new experimental model

To produce a chronic moderate hydronephrosis in dog, a method of partial ureteral occlusion using a specially designed polypropylene obturator was developed. In 11 of 14 dogs undergoing this procedure, excretory urography constantly revealed a moderate degree of hydronephrosis persisting for 7 weeks. Combination of this method in one ureter with the vaginal-cuff cutaneous ureterostomy, previously reported, in the contralateral ureter is a useful model for split renal function study of unilateral chronic hydronephrosis or obstructive nephropathy analogous to that of clinical case.

Inhibition of Endocronartium harknesii spore germination by metabolites of Scytalidium uredinicola and S. album, and the influence of growth medium on inhibitor production

Endocronartium harknesii spores, stored desiccated at −20 °C for 6 weeks, germinated within 6 h at room temperature in phosphate buffer, pH 6. Type strains of Scytalidium album Beyer and Klingström and S. uredinicola Kuhlman et al. and two other isolates of S. uredinicola were compared for their ability to produce compounds which inhibit the germination of E. harknesii spores. Of five media tested, malt extract broth produced best results. Scytalidium album produced a fraction, molecular weight greater than 10 000, which caused spore lysis. Two strains of S. uredinicola formed chloroform extractable material, molecular weight less than 10 000, that inhibited germination of E. harknesii spores.