Computer tomography of liver in alveolar echinococcosis treated with albendazole

Fourteen cases of alveolar echinococcosis were examined by computed tomographic (CT) scanning of the liver, including 3 cases before treatment and 11 cases 2.0-7.5 years after long-term continuous albendazole therapy. In 7 cases the hepatic lesions were almost completely calcified and cured, while in 3 cases incomplete calcification of the peripheral margin of the hepatic lesions was observed. CT scanning of the one uncured case and the 3 cases before treatment showed active lesions with heterogeneous hypodense areas in the liver without calcification on the peripheral margin. Long-term continuous albendazole therapy can result in parasitological cure with death of the parasite.

Genomic structure, chromosomal location, and evolution of the mouse Hox 8 gene

We isolated genomic clones containing the mouse Hox 8 gene, a member of the msh gene family. We show that Hox 8 comprises two exons of approximately 600 and 691 bp separated by a 3.5-kb intron, and that it cosegregates with previously mapped markers in the distal region of mouse chromosome 13. In midgestation embryos, the Hox 8 gene produces transcripts of 1.4 and 2.2 kb. Both transcripts are present in facial tissues of the newborn mouse, though the ratio of the 2.2-kb transcript to the 1.4-kb transcript is reduced relative to the ratio observed for midgestation embryos. An alignment of the homeobox sequences of previously characterized members of the msh family revealed three subclasses: Hox 7-like genes, Hox 8-like genes, and msh-like genes. Both the Hox 7-like genes and Hox 8-like genes are present throughout the vertebrates. Representatives of the third subclass, the msh-like genes, are found in a protostome (Drosophila) and a deuterostome (Ciona) and are thus likely to be phylogenetically widespread. To investigate the distribution of Hox 8-like genes outside the chordates, we used the polymerase chain reaction and degenerate Hox 8 primers to screen genomic DNA of the purple sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, Phylum Echinodermata). We isolated a gene with greater sequence similarity to mouse Hox 8 than to members of the Hox 7 or msh subfamilies, demonstrating that the Hox 8 subfamily has been in existence at least since the echinoderms diverged from the lineage that gave rise to the chordates.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

S-locus products in Nicotiana alata pistils are subject to organ-specific post-transcriptional processing but not post-translational processing

The expression of genes encoding self-incompatibility ribonucleases (S-RNases) in Nicotiana alata were examined at both protein and RNA level for organ specificity. S-RNases recovered from stigmas and styles were indistinguishable by SDS-PAGE, chromatographic behaviour and RNase specific activity. The pistil S transcripts are heterogeneous in size, the stigma transcript being shorter and more heterogeneous than the transcripts in the style and ovary. RNase H analysis shows that this organ-specific difference is mainly in the length of the polyadenylate tail. By sequence analysis of cloned cDNAs we show that the transcript present in the stigma is derived from the same gene as the transcript in the style.

Moyamoya disease associated with bilateral persistent primitive trigeminal arteries: report of a case

Moyamoya disease, associated with bilaterally persistent primitive trigeminal arteries and an aneurysm at the origin of the right trigeminal artery, was found in a 64-year-old woman who had suffered from a left caudate and intraventricular hemorrhage. This is the first report of such a vascular association, which may suggest a congenital factor in the pathogenesis of moyamoya disease in this particular case.

[Continuous albendazole therapy in alveolar echinococcosis--evaluation of therapeutic effect with computerized tomography and ultrasonography]

Fifteen cases of alveolar echinococcosis were treated with albendazole in a dosage of 20 mg/kg/d x 30 days for 12-60 courses (25.8 courses in average) and were followed up 1-7 years (48 months in average) with computerized tomography and ultrasonography. Abdominal pain in all the cases, jaundice in 4 and hemoptysis in disappeared 2. In 13 of the 15 cases, the hepatic lesions reduced in size. Among 9 cases examined with computerized tomography, the hepatic lesions were completely calcified in 5 and enclosed with calcified walls in 3. Only one patient with huge and extensive hepatic lesions showed no apparent improvement. No severe adverse reaction was observed. Evidently albendazole was effective in the treatment of alveolar echinococcosis.

[Strabismus and stereopsis in children]

43 strabismus children 5-12 years old were successfully corrected with surgery plus synoptoscope functional training before and after the operation. They were followed up for an average 2 years: 38 cases (88.4%) obtained qualitative stereopsis with the synoptoscope, and 14 cases (32.6%) obtained central stereoacuity with Yan's stereoscopic test charts. The results indicated that early surgical intervention plus functional training before and after the operation was an effective means to raise the functional cure rate of strabismus in children. The two methods of synoptoscope and Yan's stereoscopic test charts and their clinical significance were discussed.

Dynamic intramyocardial blood volume: evaluation with a radiological opaque marker method

In this study the change of intramyocardial blood volume within one cardiac cycle was deduced from the time sequence of the volume delineated by radiopaque markers attached to the left ventricular wall. These data were compared with the change in the volume of the same region of myocardium estimated from the change in angiographic opacification of the heart wall. Five dogs were anesthetized, and four pairs of 2-mm-diameter lead beads were attached to the epicardial and endocardial regions. Two scans using the dynamic spatial reconstructor (a high-speed computed tomographic scanner) were performed during aortograms, one under control conditions and the other during adenosine infusion. The results have shown that the increases of myocardial volume defined by the beads (delta Vbead, % of volume at control) were comparable to the increase of intramyocardial blood volumes estimated by the increase in wall opacity (delta Vblood, % of muscle); delta Vblood = 0.93 delta Vbead + 1.54%; r = 0.987.

Myocardial volume perfused by coronary artery branches. A three-dimensional X-ray computed tomographic evaluation in pigs

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

The authors tested the hypothesis that the cumulative length of arterial branches is related to the volume of tissue they perfuse. This experiment investigates the potential value of this approach for assessing the volume of myocardium at risk in cases of coronary occlusion.

METHODS

The volume of myocardium perfused by coronary arterial branches and the cumulative length of the main feeder branches perfusing that volume were measured in vivo in pig hearts from multislice computed tomographic (CT) images of the heart, recorded during an aortic root injection of nonionic contrast agent.

RESULTS

The relationship between the volume (V, in milliliters) of perfused myocardium and the length (L, in millimeters) of the left anterior descending artery was V = 42.4 x 10(-0.011L) (r = -0.892); for the right coronary artery, V = 37.0 x 10(-0.008L) (r = -0.888); and for the left circumflex coronary artery, V = 27.7 x 10(-0.011L) (r = -0.883).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the maximum volume of myocardium at risk of infarction due to blockage along a coronary artery could possibly be estimated from the three-dimensional geometry of the epicardial coronary arterial tree.

[A comparative trial of levo-praziquantel and praziquantel in the treatment of human Clonorchis sinensis infection]

Seventy patients with clonorchis sinensis infection were divided randomly into two groups and treated with levo-praziquantel and praziquantel in the same dosage of 12.5 mg/kg twice a day for two consecutive days (total dosage of 75 mg/kg). Follow-up stool examination three and six months after treatment showed that the egg negative conversion rates with levo-praziquantel group were 92.86% and 92.59%, while those of praziquantel group were 58.62% and 53.57% respectively. The results showed that levo-praziquantel was significantly superior to praziquantel (P < 0.001). The side reactions in both group were mild and transient.

[Pathologic and immunohistochemical study of 11 patients with malignant lymphoma of the gonad]

We report 11 cases of malignant lymphoma of the gonad collected during the past 31 years in our hospital. 8/11 cases conformed well to Fox's criteria for primary gonadal malignant lymphoma. Clinically, they often manifest as a mass in the gonad without any symptoms. Histologically, diffuse NHL of intermediate or high malignancy was observed. According to morphologic criteria of the working formulation in combination with the immunohistochemical study, five cases were designated as T-cell lymphoma. This frequency in Chinese is different from that reported in the western countries.

In vivo relation of intramyocardial blood volume to myocardial perfusion. Evidence supporting microvascular site for autoregulation

BACKGROUND

The goal of this study was to explore the role of several factors that affect intramyocardial blood volume by using minimally invasive computed tomography. Anesthetized dogs were scanned with the dynamic spatial reconstructor, a high-speed tomographic scanner, during injection of a bolus of iohexol into the aortic root.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In control dogs, it is indicated that the fraction of myocardium that is blood (FMB, %) relates to myocardial perfusion (F, milliliters per gram per minute) in that region as FMB congruent to a.F1/2, where a = 9.5 +/- 1.2% (milliliters times minute per gram)1/2 (mean +/- SD) in the subendocardium and a = 9.6 +/- 1.1% in the subepicardium. In another group of dogs, for the myocardium perfused by a stenosed epicardial artery, a increased to approximately 10 for a 25-43% stenosis (or pressure gradient of 9 mm Hg across narrowing) and to greater than 11 for a 50-55% stenosis (or pressure gradient of 40 mm Hg across narrowing). In these dogs, flow was not impaired under control hemodynamic conditions, but the usual increase of flow (i.e., flow reserve) observed under maximum vasodilation conditions was impaired. In another group of dogs, progressive embolization (using 15-microns-diameter microspheres) of the left ventricular myocardial microcirculation caused the value of a to remain at approximately 9.5 with embolization up to 50% of the fatal dose of microspheres, but it then decreased progressively with embolization to 4.6 at the fatal dose.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that the FMB/F relation reflects hemodynamic conductance at the microvascular level.

Myocardial volume perfused by coronary artery branches--a three-dimensional x-ray CT evaluation in human cadaver hearts

The volume of myocardium perfused by coronary arterial branches and cumulative length of the main feeder branches perfusing that volume were measured from multislice computed tomography images of human cadaver hearts with barium sulfate gel injected into the coronary arteries. Previously we have shown in in vivo pig hearts that the relationship between the volume (V), in mL, of perfused myocardium and the length (L), is well conveyed by V = M x 10(-aL) where M is total mass of myocardium perfused by a major epicardial artery and a is constant congruent to 0.01 mm-1. In the nine human hearts studied, this relationship was V = 115 x 10(-0.006L), r = -0.894 for the LAD; V = 48 x 10(-0.009L), r = -0.7663 for the LCX and V = 103 x 10(-0.004L), r = -0.673 for the RCA. These results suggest that the angiographically delineated volume of myocardium at risk of infarction, due to acute blockage along a coronary artery, could possibly be estimated from the 3D branching geometry of the epicardial coronary arterial tree.

Glutathione S-transferase mu in human lymphocyte and liver: role in modulating formation of carcinogen-derived DNA adducts

Glutathione transferase (GT) activity towards trans-stilbene oxide (tSBO), benzo[a]pyrene-4,5-oxide (B[a]PO) and 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) was measured in human liver and lymphocytes. GT-tSBO activity is catalyzed by GT mu which has polymorphic expression in human lymphocytes. Our results show that activity of GT-tSBO in lymphocytes correlates with its activity in liver (r = 0.7, P less than 0.001). GT activity towards BPO (GT-BPO) also correlated with GT-tSBO in lymphocytes and liver. However, interindividual variation of GT-BPO is less than that of GT-tSBO, suggesting that BPO may not be as specific a substrate for GT mu and therefore other GT isozymes may contribute to BPO conjugation. Conjugation of CDNB by GT was not different using cytosols from either high or low GT mu individuals. The functional significance of the GT-mu polymorphism was evaluated by measuring its effect on benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P)- and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-DNA adduct formation in vitro. Human liver cytosols prepared from persons having low or high GT-tSBO activity were incubated with human liver microsomes, calf thymus DNA and B[a]P or AFB1. HPLC analysis revealed that the major B[a]P adduct was dG(N2)-7 beta, 8 alpha-trihydroxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene (BPDE-dG). BPDE-dG adducts were decreased equally by cytosols from either low or high conjugators. In contrast, AFB1-DNA binding was inhibited to a greater extent in high conjugators than low conjugators. HPLC analysis demonstrates that adducts formed were AFB1-FAPyr and AFB1-N7-Gua. The correlation between AFB1-DNA adduct concentrations and GT mu activity was highly significant with a correlation coefficient of r = 0.88 at P less than 0.001. These results suggest that GT mu plays an important role in detoxifying DNA reactive metabolites of AFB1 and this enzyme may be a susceptibility marker for AFB1 related liver cancer. Moreover, our data demonstrate that lymphocytes are a reliable surrogate tissue for detecting liver GT mu polymorphisms.

Characterization of estrogen-responsive mouse lactoferrin promoter

Mouse lactoferrin is expressed in a variety of tissues under different types of control. To understand how molecular mechanisms govern the mode of lactoferrin expression, we isolated and characterized the 5'-flanking region of the lactoferrin gene. Several clones containing lactoferrin gene fragments were isolated from a mouse (129/J) genomic library including clone lambda J14, which contains a 7.5-kilobase pair 5'-flanking sequence. Sequence analysis of the region flanking the transcription initiation site revealed the following: a TATA-like sequence, two CAAT boxes, three GC boxes including one within the first intron, an AP2 site, seven PU boxes, an AC-rich region, a B1 sequence, and an estrogen-responsive element consensus sequence over-lapping with a chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-binding element. Footprinting analysis demonstrated that several regions, including the putative estrogen-responsive element region, in the 5'-flanking sequence were protected from DNase I digestion. Promoter fragments were cloned into a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase receptor plasmid to study functional activity. The mouse lactoferrin gene promoter was active in human endometrium carcinoma RL 95-2 cells and in rat glioma C6 cells. Multiple upstream elements modulated the basal transcriptional promoter activity. The transcription level directed by this minimal promoter was controlled by both positive (between -1739 and -922) and negative (between -2644 and -1739, and between -589 and -291) regulatory sequences. A tissue-specific regulatory sequence was critical for the establishment of lactoferrin expression in human endometrium carcinoma cells, but not in rat glioma cells located between -1739 and -922. Reporter plasmid 0.6 mL14-CAT, containing the estrogen-responsive element sequence, was estrogen-responsive in the presence of estrogen receptor in human endometrium carcinoma RL 95-2 cells.

Preliminary observation of continuous albendazole therapy in alveolar echinococcosis

Fifteen cases of alveolar hydatid disease were treated with albendazole in the dosage of 20 mg/kg/d x 30 days for 12-60 courses. All cases were followed up 1-5 years (average 38 months) by ultrasonic scanning of liver and chest X-ray films. One patient whose hepatic lesion was converted into fibro-calcific after treatment was apparently cured. Twelve patients were symptomatically improved: jaundice (4 cases) and hemoptysis (2 cases) disappeared, with reduction in size of lesions in the liver and lung. Two patients in the late stage of disease with huge and extensive nodular masses in both lobes of the liver were not improved. Evidently, albendazole is effective in the treatment of alveolar hydatid disease. Early diagnosis and early treatment are to be emphasized.

Polymorphism and altered methylation of the lactoferrin gene in normal leukocytes, leukemic cells, and breast cancer

Human lactoferrin has been found to be decreased or absent in most breast cancer and leukemia cells. In order to examine the lactoferrin gene for both structural alterations and the degree of methylation, we isolated a 2117-kilobase complementary DNA from human breast tissue. This complementary DNA was used to probe DNA extracted from normal peripheral blood, leukemia cells from patients, leukemia cell lines, and breast cancer cell lines. Immunocytochemical staining of these cells confirmed the decreased production of lactoferrin in malignancy. MspI restriction enzyme fragment patterns demonstrated genetic polymorphism which occurred in DNA from both normal and malignant cells. Polymorphism was also noted with XbaI. In this case, there were two fragment patterns that were only found in DNA from malignant cells. The degree of DNA methylation was also evaluated. The methylation pattern of DNA extracted from malignant cells was highly variable and generally less methylated than DNA extracted from normal WBCs. It is possible that the decrease in lactoferrin associated with cancer is multifactorial and includes gene structural changes as well as altered regulation. Further study is needed to determine whether the changes found in this study are the result of the malignancy or contribute to its onset or maintenance.

[Clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical study on 22 cases of small cell carcinoma of the esophagus]

Primary small cell carcinoma of the esophagus (ESCC) is extremely rare. Twenty-two cases similar to the small cell carcinoma of the lung in histological features were diagnosed in this hospital during the past 30 years. Clinically, this tumor was highly malignant, rapidly growing and poor in prognosis. In our series, 18 of the 22 patients had died and 11 of them did so in about six months postoperatively. Histologically, 11 were of pure small cell type, 5 intermediate cell type and 6 combined small cell type. Neurosecretory granules were observed by electron microscopy in two cases. The results of immunohistochemical study with ABC method were as follow: EMA + 17/18, Keratin + 1/18, NSE + 9/18, S-100 protein + 1/18, but Chromogranin and Vimentin were negative. All the findings suggest that a small cell carcinoma of the esophagus may well be squamous, glandular, or neurosecretory differentiation, therefore supporting the opinion that this tumor is of total potential stem cell origin and that it may derive from the endoderm.

Experimental and clinical trial of albendazole in the treatment of Clonorchiasis sinensis

Rats and dogs experimentally infected with Clonorchias sinensis metacercariae were treated orally with albendazole. Necropsy done seven days after treatment revealed that the worm reduction rates were 83.6% and 96.8% respectively. Clinically, 131 patients were treated with 3 different dosage regimens in 3 study groups. In patients receiving 5 mg/kg b.i.d. for 7 consecutive days, the stool egg negative conversion rates 1-month and 6-month post treatment were 90% and 92.6%, while in patients receiving 10 mg/kg b.i.d. for 7 consecutive days the rate were both 100%. In another group of patients receiving 10 mg/kg b.i.d. for 3 consecutive days, the 1-month and 3-month average stool egg conversion rates after treatment were only 40.0% and 28.3% respectively. The side reactions of albendazole were mild and transient. The liver and renal function tests, electrocardiography and blood and urine examinations showed no remarkable changes before and after treatment. The therapeutic effect of albendazole is comparable to praziquantel. It has the advantage of clearing various intestinal helminthic infections simultaneously, very low toxicity, excellent tolerance and relatively low cost, though its treatment course for clonorchiasis needs 7 days.

Electrochemical superoxidation of flavins: generation of active precursors in luminescent model systems

Using 3-methyllumiflavin and tetraacetyliriboflavin as examples, we have shown that the socalled "fully oxidized" flavins can be "superoxidized" at an anodic potential of 1.8 to 1.9 V giving flavin radical cation transients which are rapidly transformed in subsequent chemical reactions. An attack by H2O subsequent to the superoxidation of 3-methyllumiflavin provides a route for the formation of 4a-hydroxy-3-methyllumiflavin radical cation, as evident from the subsequent decomposition to the protonated form of the starting flavin. When 3-methyllumiflavin is superoxidized in the presence of a base, a recycling process occurs, allowing superoxidized flavin to be trapped in a slower, competitive conversion. The relatively more stable trapped product is active in reacting with H2O2 to emit chemiluminescence. Electrochemical oxidation of H2O2 in acetonitrile at 1.30 V in the presence of an oxidized flavin results in a direct protonation of the flavin by H+ generated from the electrolysis of H2O2. Minor reactions presumably provide alternative formations of the 4a-hydroperoxy- and 4a-hydroxy-flavin radical cation transients by the direct addition of HOO. and HO. radicals, which also arise in the oxidation of H2O2, to protonated flavin. Under such conditions the superoxidized flavin radical cation is apparently also formed, either directly or by process(es) such as decomposition of the flavin 4a-adduct radical cations. Subsequent reductions of either the superoxidized flavin or the flavin 4a-adduct radical cations lead to an almost steady level of luminescence.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Salter's osteotomy for the management of joint capsule

Capsulotomy in primary Salter's osteotomy shaped by T or + and is difficult to tighten joint capsule. A new technique or L-shaped incision i.e., a L-shaped incision on the right hip and a reversed L-shaped incision on the left is designed to incise and sew the capsule. This technique can make the acetabulum fully exposed, and the capsule can be conveniently tightened with overlapping sutures. When it is combined with modified external fixation, redislocation after operation can be avoided.

[Detection of circulating antigen in the sera in patients with schistosomiasis using monoclonal antibody testing]

Monoclonal Antibody-Antigen Spot Test (McAb-AST) was used for detecting circulating antigen in sera from patients with schistosomiasis japonicum. McAb-AST positive rate in 308 schistosomiasis patients before treatment was 75.97%. Among the patients who had moderate or severe infection, the McAb-AST positive rates were 91.18% or 100% respectively. However, the McAb-AST cross-reactive rates in 123 normal donors, 98 clonorchiasis patients, 50 paragonimiasis patients and 56 patients with other parasitic diseases were 0%, 3.06%, 4%, and 1.79% respectively. 1.3 and 6 months after treatment, the McAb-AST negative-converting rates in patients who had negative results of stool hatching were 98.03%, 100% and 100% respectively. Compared with the results of detection of circulating antibodies, negative-conversion of circulating antigen in the patients with negative stool hatching appeared earlier and the negative-converting rate of circulating antigen was much higher. Therefore, McAb-AST had significant value in clinical practice because of its high sensitivity, specificity and good reproducibility.

Hepatic actinomycosis with portal vein occlusion

Hepatic actinomycosis with abdominal wall invasion was found by computed tomography (CT) in a 44-year-old woman. Occlusion of the main and right portal veins by the actinomycoma causing cavernous transformation was proven by angiography. Duodenobiliary reflux and communication between the biliary tree and the abscess were demonstrated by upper gastrointestinal radiography, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram, and CT. The imaging studies reflected the pathologic process of this disease. The unique feature of this case is that infection ascended through the duodenobiliary reflux; this should be considered one of the routes for the transmission of hepatic actinomycosis.

Richardson-Lucy/maximum likelihood image restoration algorithm for fluorescence microscopy: further testing

A maximum likelihood based iterative algorithm adapted from nuclear medicine imaging for noncoherent optical imaging was presented in a previous publication with some initial computer-simulation testing. This algorithm is identical in form to that previously derived in a different way by W. H. Richardson "Bayesian-Based Iterative Method of Image Restoration," J. Opt. Soc. Am. 62, 55-59 (1972) and L. B. Lucy "An Iterative Technique for the Rectification of Observed Distributions," Astron. J. 79, 745-765 (1974). Foreseen applications include superresolution and 3-D fluorescence microscopy. This paper presents further simulation testing of this algorithm and a preliminary experiment with a defocused camera. The simulations show quantified resolution improvement as a function of iteration number, and they show qualitatively the trend in limitations on restored resolution when noise is present in the data. Also shown are results of a simulation in restoring missing-cone information for 3-D imaging. Conclusions are in support of the feasibility of using these methods with real systems, while computational cost and timing estimates indicate that it should be realistic to implement these methods. Itis suggested in the Appendix that future extensions to the maximum likelihood based derivation of this algorithm will address some of the limitations that are experienced with the nonextended form of the algorithm presented here.

[Albendazole in the treatment of hydatidosis]

Ten cases of cystic echinococcosis and ten cases of alveococcosis were treated with albendazole in dosage of 20 mg/kg/d x 30 days for 10-32 courses. All cases were followed up 10 months to 5 years (average 26 months). 7 of 10 cases of cystic echinococcosis and 7 of 10 cases of alveococcosis showed reduction in size of lesions in the liver and lung shown by B ultrasonography and chest X-ray films. 3 cases of cystic echinococcosis of liver operated during the treatment course showed that all the daughter cysts were collapsed and mostly were necrotic and liquefied. Apparently albendazole is effective for the treatment of inoperable cases of hydatidosis.