Clear cell sarcoma associated with multiple pulmonary metastases with structural and numerical karyotypic changes

Cytogenetic analysis was performed on a specimen from a pulmonary metastasis of clear cell sarcoma originated on the right ankle of a 53-year-old Japanese woman. It revealed near-triploid with several numerical changes including abnormalities in the copy number of chromosomes 7, 8, and 22, and structural abnormalities of chromosome 22 and others. This is a minor case which showed the multiple abnormalities of chromosomes in the absence of a t (12;22) translocation.

Morphological analysis of subgingival biofilm formation on synthetic carbonate apatite inserted into human periodontal pockets

BACKGROUND

Details of the development of human subgingival biofilm are unknown due to the difficulties in conducting experiments and especially in obtaining undisturbed materials.

METHODS

This study was performed using deposits on carbonate apatite that had been inserted into human periodontal pockets for up to three weeks. Scanning electron microscopy using the vertically sectioned method and transmission electron microscopy using the freeze-substitution method were adopted.

RESULTS

The development of subgingival biofilm occurred in five sequential phases: pellicle formation, microbial adherence, initial colonization, microbial organization, and establishment. Certain species in each of the initial, secondary and tertiary colonizers were considered to have a predilection for biofilm formation. Gram-positive, bacillary initial colonizers and gram-negative, filamentous secondary colonizers organized one stable structure that served as the framework for biofilm formation, and gram-negative, rod-shaped tertiary colonizers with cell-surface vesicles showed multigeneric coaggregation. The microbiota in the tertiary colonizers underwent repeated microflora alteration.

CONCLUSIONS

Subgingival biofilm is constituted by initial, secondary and tertiary colonizers. Microflora alteration which is suggested to be related to periodontal disease, frequently occurred in the tertiary colonizers.

Invasive adenocarcinoma arising from uterine adenomyosis involving the rectosigmoid colon

We describe a rare case of invasive endometrioid adenocarcinoma arising from uterine adenomyosis involving the rectosigmoid colon. At laparotomy the uterus was densely adherent to the rectosigmoid colon. The final pathologic study of surgical specimens revealed intact endometrium and endometrioid adenocarcinoma scattered diffusely throughout the posterior myometrium with direct invasion into the rectosigmoid colon. There were numerous adenomyotic foci around the carcinoma. This case emphasizes the fact that biopsy findings from a uterus with adenocarcinoma arising from adenomyosis can be false negative. Physicians should keep in mind the possible existence of malignancies arising from adenomyosis when uterine malignancies are clinically suspected but histologic evaluation fails to confirm the diagnosis.

Microbial population dynamics during fed-batch operation of commercially available garbage composters

Microbial populations in terms of quantity, quality, and activity were monitored during 2 months of start-up operation of commercially available composters for fed-batch treatment of household biowaste. All the reactors, operated at a waste-loading rate of 0.7 kg day(-1) (wet wt), showed a mass reduction efficiency of 88-93%. The core temperature in the reactors fluctuated between 31 degrees C and 58 degrees C due to self-heating. The pH declined during the early stage of operation and steadied at pH 7.4-9.3 during the fully acclimated stage. The moisture content was 48-63% early in the process and 30-40% at the steady state. Both direct total counts and plate counts of bacteria increased via two phases (designated phases I, II) and reached an order of magnitude of 10(11) cells g(-1) (dry wt) at the steady state. Microbial community changes during the start-up period were studied by culture-independent quinone profiling and denatured gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of PCR-amplified 16S rDNA. In all the reactors, ubiquinones predominated during phase I, whereas partially saturated menaquinones became predominant during phase II. This suggested that there was a drastic population shift from ubiquinone-containing Proteobacteria to Actinobacteria during the start-up period. The DGGE analysis of the bacterial community in one of the reactors also demonstrated a drastic population shift during phase I and the predominance of members of the phyla Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes during the overall period. But this molecular analysis failed to detect actinobacterial clones from the reactor at any stage.

Invasive adenocarcinoma arising from uterine adenomyosis involving the rectosigmoid colon

We describe a rare case of invasive endometrioid adenocarcinoma arising from uterine adenomyosis involving the rectosigmoid colon. At laparotomy the uterus was densely adherent to the rectosigmoid colon. The final pathologic study of surgical specimens revealed intact endometrium and endometrioid adenocarcinoma scattered diffusely throughout the posterior myometrium with direct invasion into the rectosigmoid colon. There were numerous adenomyotic foci around the carcinoma. This case emphasizes the fact that biopsy findings from a uterus with adenocarcinoma arising from adenomyosis can be false negative. Physicians should keep in mind the possible existence of malignancies arising from adenomyosis when uterine malignancies are clinically suspected but histologic evaluation fails to confirm the diagnosis.

Effects of estriol on cell viability and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor mRNA expression in cultured human osteoblast-like cells

It is clinically evident that administration of estriol (E3) increases the bone mass density of the lumbar vertebrae in postmenopausal women, and that combined treatment with estrogen and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (VD3) increases femoral neck bone mass density compared with treatment with estrogen alone in postmenopausal osteoporotic women. However, the molecular mechanism whereby treatment with E3 affects osteoblast cell function is still unknown. This study was conducted first to examine the comparative effects of E3 and VD3 on the cell viability of cultured human osteoblast-like cells (HOS) and second to determine whether E3 affects VD3 receptor mRNA expression in HOS. The cell viability and VD3 receptor mRNA expression of cultured HOS were assessed by MTT assay and semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction with Southern blot analysis, respectively. The treatment with E3 increased the cell viability of cultured HOS compared with untreated control cultures. The increase in cell viability caused by the treatment with E3 was further augmented by the combined treatment with VD3. The addition of either E3 (3.52 x 10(-8) mol/l) or E3 (3.52 x 10(-7) mol/l) to cultured HOS for 24 h resulted in a fourfold and eightfold increase, respectively, in VD3 receptor mRNA expression in HOS, compared with that in untreated control cultures. These results suggest that E3 may up-regulate the cell viability of osteoblast cells, and that the concomitant treatment with E3 and VD3 further augments the cell viability being associated with an E3-induced increase in VD3 receptor mRNA expression in those cells.

Primary tumour resection of tongue carcinoma based on response to preoperative therapy

The purpose of this study was to investigate the selection of resection techniques for primary lesions of advanced tongue carcinoma based on the effectiveness of our current preoperative therapy. Forty-three patients with advanced but potentially resectable squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue were included in this study. All patients were treated with preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy followed by conventional surgical resection. Semiserial sections of whole surgical specimen of primary lesion were evaluated histopathologically. In patients who achieved 85% and above regression, the extent of residual tumours two-dimensionally and in the deep layers was lesser, and the rate of tumour cell survival was lower, than in other patients. Furthermore, residual tumours tended to be localized to the superficial layers in the centre. These findings suggest that even in advanced tongue carcinomas it is possible to avoid extended resection and perform a less invasive surgery in which the extent of resection is reduced to preserve morphology and function in patients who achieved 65% and above regression following preoperative chemoradiotherapy.

Protective effect of histidine on para-nonylphenol-enhanced hydroxyl free radical generation induced by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) in rat striatum

The present study examined the antioxidant effect of histidine, a singlet oxygen ((1)O(2)) scavenger, on para-nonylphenol (an environmental estrogen-like chemical)-enhanced hydroxyl radical (.OH) generation induced by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) in extracellular fluid of rat striatum. Rats were anesthetized, and sodium salicylate in Ringer's solution (0.5 nmol/microl/min) was infused through a microdialysis probe to detect the generation of.OH as reflected by the non-enzymatic formation of 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) in the striatum. Introduction of para-nonylphenol (10 microM) significantly enhanced MPP+ -induced.OH generation. Histidine (25 mM) decreased the para-nonylphenol-enhanced.OH formation. Although the level of MPP+ -induced.OH formation trapped as DHBA after para-nonylphenol treatment increased, para-nonylphenol failed to increase either the level of dopamine and DHBA formation in the reserpinized animals. These results indicate that para-nonylphenol and MPP+ -enhanced.OH generation was based on 1O(2) production, and histidine may have a preventive effect on para-nonylphenol and MPP+ -induced.OH generation in rat striatum.

Gene expression profiles of human small airway epithelial cells treated with low doses of 14- and 16-membered macrolides

Although long-term treatment with low doses of 14-membered macrolides is widely applied in management of patients with chronic inflammatory diseases, e.g., diffuse panbronchiolitis, chronic bronchitis, or chronic lung damage in newborns, the physiological mechanisms underlying the action of macrolides in these conditions are unclear. To clarify the pathological basis of these diseases and also to aid in the design of novel drugs to treat them, we chose to investigate the molecular target(s) of macrolides. Our experiments involved long-term culture of human small airway epithelial cells (hSAEC) in media containing 14-membered macrolides erythromycin (EM) or clarithromycin (CAM), or a 16-membered macrolide, josamycin (JM), which lacks clinical anti-inflammatory effects. We then analyzed gene expression profiles in the treated cells using a cDNA microarray consisting of 18,432 genes. We identified nine genes whose expression was significantly altered during 22 days of culture with EM, and seven that were altered by CAM in that time. Four of those genes revealed similar behavior in cells treated with either of the 14-membered macrolides, but not JM. The products of these four genes may be candidates for mediating the ability of 14-membered macrolides to suppress chronic inflammation.

A study of 13 patients with gastric tube in place after esophageal resection: use of omeprazole to decrease gastric acidity and volume

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether oral omeprazole 20 mg decreases the risk of aspiration pneumonia in patients with gastric tube reconstruction.

DESIGN

Consecutive study.

SETTING

Operation room of cancer center.

PATIENTS

Thirteen patients with gastric tube reconstruction for esophageal cancer.

INTERVENTIONS

Oral omeprazole 20 mg was given the night before surgery. A rapid-sequence induction with cricoid pressure was employed for induction of anesthesia. After tracheal intubation, a nasogastric catheter was inserted into the gastric tube and the contents were aspirated.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The pH and volume of the gastric contents were measured. The pH and volume of the gastric tube contents were 4.5 +/- 1.6 (range from 2.5 to 7.0) and 9.5 +/- 10.2 mL (range from 0 to 30 mL), respectively. Food residue was recognized in nine patients. There was no patient with a pH below 2.5 and a volume of 25 mL or greater.

CONCLUSIONS

Omeprazole 20 mg decreased the acidity and volume of the gastric tube contents and reduced the risk of aspiration pneumonia in patients with a gastric tube in place.

Release of dopamine by perfusion with 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP(+)) into the striatum is associated with hydroxyl free radical generation

In Parkinson's disease (PD), the dopamine (DA) neuronal cell death in the nigrostriatal system has been proposed to be mediated by reactive oxygen radicals such as hydroxyl radicals (.OH). This.OH production may cause lipid peroxidation of cell membranes leading to neuronal cell death. This paper report that the DA-selective neurotoxin, 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP(+)), (1 nmol/microl per min for 1 h) infusion into the striatum of rats induces elevation of extracellular DA and.OH formation. These elevations seem to induce lipid peroxidation of striatum membranes, as detected by increases in non-enzymatic formation of 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) levels. To test the involvement of DA release in the.OH generation and lipid peroxidation, the rats were pretreated with reserpine (5 mg/kg, i.v., 24 h before MPP(+) or without MPP(+)) to deplete presynaptic DA. Reserpine treatment alone did not change the levels of DA or 2,3-DHBA, while the combined treatment with both MPP(+) and reserpine clearly decreased 2,3-DHBA, as well as DA levels, compared to those in the group treated with MPP(+) alone. After injection into reserpinized rats, DA at various doses (2, 5 and 10 microM) small increased 2,3-DHBA levels dose-dependently, as compared to the MPP(+) alone-treated group. These results clearly indicate that MPP(+) perfusion into the striatum increases extracellular DA levels and this increase may concomitantly induce the formation of reactive free oxygen radicals, such as.OH free radicals. These events may contribute, at least in part, to the nigrostriatal neurons cell death after MPP(+).

[Immunohistochemical analysis with anti-cytokeratin antibody in the prostatic epithelium]

PURPOSE

We performed immunohistochemical studies of the prostatic epithelium using three different anti-cytokeratin monoclonal antibodies (35 beta-H11, RCK108, and 34 beta-E12), and also investigated the immunoreactivity of various prostatic lesions with basal cell specific anti-cytokeratin antibody (34 beta-E12).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and thirty one prostatic specimens were obtained at surgery or biopsy. H-E stained sections were available for review in all cases. They were classified according to histopathology; benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatic cancer (PCA), atrophic acini, atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH), and prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN). ABC or LSAB method was utilized for immunohistochemical staining with 3 anti-cytokeratin monoclonal antibodies.

RESULTS

35 beta-H11 was mainly stained in the luminal cells and RCK108 was stained both in the luminal and the basal cells in BPH. 35 beta-H11 showed highly positive staining in the prostatic cancer regardless of degree of differentiation. RCK108 tended to be less stained in the prostatic cancer cells with lower grades of tumor differentiation compared to those with higher grades. 34 beta-E12 was stained only in the basal cells, but neither in the normal luminal cells nor the cancer cells. Using 34 beta-E 12, basal cells were positively stained in most of the cases with BPH, while not in PCA. Atrophic acini and AAH was stained with 34 beta-E12 as positively as BPH. Basal cells were discontinuously or negatively stained in many cases with high-grade PIN.

CONCLUSIONS

The luminal cells in BPH were highly positively stained using 35 beta-H11 or RCK108. RCK108 tended to be less stained in the prostatic cancer cells with lower grades of tumor differentiation. Positive staining of 34 beta-E12 strongly suggested a benign lesion, therefore immunohistochemistry using this antibody would be useful as an aid for pathological diagnosis.

Nitric oxide induces hydroxyl radical generation in rat hearts via depolarization-induced nitric oxide synthase activation

We examined the effect of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a NOS inhibitor, on extracellular potassium ion concentration ([K+]o) and induced hydroxyl free radical (.OH) generation by an in vivo microdialysis technique. A flexibly mounted microdialysis technique was used to detect the generation of .OH in in-vivo rat hearts. The microdialysis probe was implanted in the left ventricular myocardium of anesthetized rats and tissue was perfused with Ringer's solution through the microdialysis probe at a rate of 1.0 microl/min. To measure the level of .OH, sodium salicylate in Ringer's solution (0.5 nmol/microl per min) was infused directly through a microdialysis probe to detect the generation of .OH as reflected by the nonenzymatic formation of 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,3-DHBA). Induction of high-concentration [K+]o (20, 70 and 140 mM) significantly increased formation of .OH trapped as 2,3-DHBA in a concentration-dependent manner. However, the application of L-NAME (50 mg/kg, i.v.) and allopurinol, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, abolished the [K+]o depolarization-induced .OH generation. Tyramine (1.0 mM) increased the level of 2,3-DHBA. However, the application of L-NAME did not change the level of 2,3-DHBA. On the other hand, pretreatment with allopurinol (10 mg/kg, i.v.) abolished the KCl- or tyramine-induced .OH generation. Moreover, when iron (II) was administered to [K+]o (70 mM)-pretreated animals, there was a marked increased in the level of 2,3-DHBA. However, the application of L-NAME was not related to a Fenton-type reaction via [K+]o depolarization-induced .OH generation. To examine the effect of L-NAME on ischemic/reperfused rat myocardium, the heart was subjected to myocardial ischemia for 15 min by occlusion by left anterior descending coronary artery branch (LAD). When the heart was reperfused, a marked elevation of the level of 2,3-DHBA was observed. However, L-NAME attenuated .OH generation by ischemic/reperfused rat heart. These results suggest that NOS inhibition is associated with a cardioprotective effect due to the suppression of [K+]o depolarization-induced .OH generation.

Histamine increases interstitial adenosine concentration via activation of ecto-5'-nucleotidase in rat hearts in vivo

We examined whether histamine enhances the production of interstitial adenosine via stimulation of ecto-5'-nucleotidase (a key enzyme responsible for adenosine production) using microdialysis techniques in in situ rat hearts. The microdialysis probe was implanted in the left ventricular myocardium of anesthetized rats and perfused in the presence of adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP). Histamine (10-500 microM) administered into the perfusate had a tendency to increase the adenosine concentration. In the presence of prazosin (50 microM), an antagonist of alpha1-adrenoceptors, or of chelerythrine (10 microM), a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, and in reserpinized rats, histamine failed to increase the AMP-primed dialysate adenosine concentration. Accumulation of norepinephrine in the extracellular fluid elicited by pargyline (100 microM), a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, significantly increased histamine-induced adenosine production. Okadaic acid (50 microM), an inhibitor of protein phosphatase, enhanced the histamine-induced increase in adenosine concentration. Norepinephrine is known to activate alpha1-adrenoceptors and PKC. Taken together, the results demonstrate that histamine-released norepinephrine activates both alpha1-adrenoceptors and PKC, which increased ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity and augmented release of adenosine in rat hearts.

Allopurinol suppresses para-nonylphenol and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP(+))-induced hydroxyl radical generation in rat striatum

We recently demonstrated that para-nonylphenol, an environmental estrogen-like chemical, enhances hydroxyl radical (*OH) generation in the rat striatum. In the present study we have examined whether para-nonylphenol enhanced 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP(+))-induced *OH generation in the rat striatum using a microdialysis technique. Para-nonylphenol significantly enhanced MPP(+)-induced *OH generation. Further, we studied the effect of allopurinol, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, on para-nonylphenol and MPP(+)-induced *OH generation. Allopurinol significantly suppressed para-nonylphenol and MPP(+)-induced *OH generation. The results indicate that para-nonylphenol enhanced *OH generation based on superoxide anion production, and allopurinol may have preventive effect on para-nonylphenol and MPP(+)-induced *OH generation.

Familial adult onset primary alveolar hypoventilation syndrome

A 41-year-old man fell into type II respiratory failure after catching a cold, and became dependent on a respirator. Chest radiography showed no abnormalities and the hyperventilation test showed improved arterial blood gas findings. His sleep study showed marked nocturnal desaturation due to hypopnea and apnea with a decrease of thoracic and abdominal movement during sleep. Therefore, we diagnosed him as primary alveolar hypoventilation syndrome (PAH). Seven years previously, his 2-year elder sister had suffered from similar respiratory failure during her second pregnancy and had been diagnosed as PAH. While myopathy was suspected in both cases, attenuation of muscle strength was slight and it appeared not to be the main cause of alveolar hypoventilation. Since medication was not effective in each case, they underwent non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV). While sustained mild hypercapnia remained during the daytime, it improved their respiratory failure. To our knowledge, this is the first study of familial adult onset PAH.

Nitric oxide enhances MPP(+)-induced hydroxyl radical generation via depolarization activated nitric oxide synthase in rat striatum

We examined the effect of N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, on extracellular potassium ion concentration ([K(+)](o))-enhanced hydroxyl radical (.OH) generation due to 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP(+)) was examined in the rat striatum. Rats were anesthetized, and sodium salicylate in Ringer's solution (0.5 nmol/microl per min) was infused through a microdialysis probe to detect the generation of.OH as reflected by the non-enzymatic formation of 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) in the striatum. Induction of KCl (20, 70 and 140 mM) increased MPP(+)-induced.OH formation trapped as 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) in a concentration dependent manner. However, the application of L-NAME (5 mg/kg i.v.) abolished the [K(+)](o) depolarization-induced.OH formation with MPP(+). Dopamine (DA; 10 microM) also increased the levels of DHBA due to MPP(+). However, the effect of DA after application of L-NAME did not change the levels of DHBA. On the other hand, the application of allopurinol (20 mg/kg i.v., 30 min prior to study), a xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitor was abolished the both [K(+)](o)- and DA-induced.OH generation. Moreover, when iron(II) was administered to MPP(+) then [K(+)](o) (70 mM)-pretreated animals, a marked increase in the level of DHBA. However, when corresponding experiments were performed with L-NAME-pretreated animals, the same results were obtained. Therefore, NOS activation may be no relation to Fenton-type reaction via [K(+)](o) depolarization-induced.OH generation. The present results suggest that [K(+)](o)-induced depolarization augmented MPP(+)-induced.OH formation by enhancing NO synthesis.

Nicorandil increases adenosine 5'-monophosphate-primed interstitial adenosine via activation of ecto-5'-nucleotidase in rat hearts

With the use of microdialysis techniques, we examined the effects of nicorandil, a hybrid of an ATP-sensitive K+ (K ATP) channel opener and a nitrate compound, on the production of interstitial adenosine in rat hearts in situ. The level of dialysate adenosine measured under a constant supply of adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) reflected the activity of endogenous ecto-5'-nucleotidase. Nicorandil (0.3-3mM) increased the level of AMP (100 microM)-primed dialysate adenosine in a concentration-dependent manner, and this effect was completely abolished by the guanylate cyclase inhibitor, methylene blue (100 microM), but not by the K ATP channel blocker, glibenclamide (10 microM). Another K ATP channel opener, cromakalim (0.1-1mM), did not increase the production of AMP-primed dialysate adenosine. These results suggest that nicorandil increases the level of interstitial adenosine via cyclic guanosine monophosphate-mediated activation of ecto-5'-nucleotidase.

Effect of fluvastatin, an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, on nitric oxide-induced hydroxyl radical generation in the rat heart

We examined the effect of fluvastatin, a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor, on the production of hydroxyl radical (*OH) generation via nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activation by an in vivo microdialysis technique. The microdialysis probe was implanted in the left ventricular myocardium of anesthetized rats and tissue was perfused with Ringer's solution through the microdialysis probe at a rate of 1 microl/min. Sodium salicylate in Ringer's solution (0.5 nmol/microl/min) was infused directly through a microdialysis probe to detect the generation of *OH. Induction of [K(+)](o) (70 mM) or tyramine (1 mM), significantly increased the formation of *OH trapped as 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA). The application of N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a NOS inhibitor, significantly decreased the K(+) depolarization-induced *OH formation, but the effect of tyramine significantly increased the level of 2,3-DHBA. When fluvastatin (100 microM), an inhibitor of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, was administered to L-NAME-pretreated animals, both KCl and tyramine failed to increase the level of 2,3-DHBA formation. The effect of fluvastatin may be unrelated to K(+) depolarization-induced *OH generation. To examine the effect of fluvastatin on ischemic/reperfused rat myocardium, the heart was subjected to myocardial ischemia for 15 min by occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). When the heart was reperfused, a marked elevation of the level of 2,3-DHBA was observed. However, in the presence of fluvastatin (100 microM), the elevation of 2,3-DHBA was not observed in ischemia/reperfused rat heart. Fluvastatin, orally at a dose of 3 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks, significantly blunted the rise of serum creatine phosphokinase and improved the electrocardiogram 2 h after coronary occlusion. These results suggest that fluvastatin is associated with a cardioprotective effect due to the suppression of noradrenaline-induced *OH generation by inhibiting LDL oxidation in the heart.

Regulation of dharma/bozozok by the Wnt pathway

The zebrafish homeobox gene dharma/bozozok (boz) is required for the formation and/or function of the Nieuwkoop center and the subsequent induction of the Spemann organizer. dharma is expressed soon after the midblastula transition in the dorsal blastomeres and the dorsal yolk syncytial layer (YSL). We found that the expression of dharma was upregulated or ectopically induced by misexpression of a Wnt protein and cytoplasmic components of the Wnt signaling pathway and downregulated by the expression of dominant-negative Tcf3. A 1.4-kbp fragment of the dharma promoter region contains consensus sequences for Tcf/Lef binding sites. This promoter region recapitulated the Wnt-dependent and dorsal dharma expression pattern when it was fused to luciferase or GFP. Deletion and point mutant analyses revealed that the Tcf/Lef binding sites were required to drive this expression pattern. These data established that dharma/boz functions between the dorsal determinants-mediated Wnt signals and the formation of the Nieuwkoop center.

Singlet oxygen generation from phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide in the presence of copper

This study pursued whether singlet oxygen ((1)O2) is generated from phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide (PCOOH), the oxidized modification product of a major constituent of biomembranes and serum lipoproteins. The (1)O2 formation was detected, by utilizing the oxidation of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidone (TMPD) by (1)O2 to yield 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidone-1-oxyl (TEMPONE), which generates electron spin resonance (ESR) signals. The TEMPONE signal was detected in human plasma with addition of PCOOH by ESR determination after introducing copper(II). The TEMPONE formation was proportional to the amounts of PCOOH added according to moles of active oxygen. The TEMPONE signal intensity was weakened significantly in the presence of beta-carotene and histidine in a concentration-dependent manner, but was not at all decreased by mannitol, Mn-superoxide dismutase and catalase. In addition, HPLC-chemiluminescence analysis demonstrated that incubation with the PCOOH/Cu(II) combination oxidized cholesterol, a relatively oxidation-resistant component, to the cholesterol hydroperoxide. These results reveal that (1)O2 is generated from PCOOH in contact with copper(II). In conclusion, this in-vitro study provides directly the (1)O2 formation in living organisms following the advancement of peroxidation of constitutive lipids.

Prognostic value of response to preoperative chemoradiotherapy and residual tumor grades in tongue carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

The purposes of the present study were to analyze our experience with preoperative chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery for advanced tongue carcinoma and to assess the prognostic value of response to preoperative therapy in these tumors.

STUDY DESIGN

Between May 1988 and December 1999, a total of 43 patients with advanced but potentially resectable squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue were candidates for this study. A minimum tumor size of 3 cm was required. The mean age was 59.8 years (range, 26-85 years); 13 cases were advanced stage II, 23 cases were stage III, and 7 cases were stage IV. All patients were treated preoperatively with cisplatin- or carboplatin-based chemotherapy in combination with simultaneous irradiation to a target volume of 40 Gy; 2-6 weeks later, they underwent curative surgery. Tumor regression rate, residual tumor grade, and histologic regression grade to the preoperative therapy were analyzed to determine their influence on the prognosis.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up of 60.5 months, overall survival rates were 86.0% for all cases, 92.3% for stage II cases, 77.3% for stage III cases, and 100% for stage IV cases. The progression-free survival rates according to tumor regression rate were 33.3% for group 1 (< 50% tumor regression), 66.7% for group 2 (> or = 50% and < 75% regression), 100% for group 3 (> or = 75% and < 100% regression), and 96.0% for group 4 (complete regression). The higher the tumor regression rates, the higher the survival rates. When patients who achieved a regression rate of 75% or higher were compared with those who did not, there was a significant difference in survival (P < .0001). The factors of residual tumor grade and histologic regression grade also had good correlations with the prognosis (residual tumor grade, P =.0324; histologic regression grade, P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the present study suggest that response to preoperative chemoradiotherapy, such as tumor regression rate, residual tumor grade, and histologic regression grade, could be of prognostic value in patients with tongue carcinoma.