Recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus after curative surgery: rates and patterns on imaging studies correlated with tumour location and pathological stage

Many factors have been related to recurrence after resection of squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus. These include age, gender, location and local stage of tumours, cell differentiation, lymph node metastasis and vascular involvement. The recurrence rates of squamous cell carcinoma after curative surgery are high (34-79%). Tumour recurrence is categorized as locoregional or distant. Lymph node recurrence and haematogenous metastasis to solid organs (commonly to the lung) are the usual patterns of recurrence. Awareness of recurrence patterns, particularly on imaging studies, is essential for the diagnosis of recurrent tumours on follow-up examinations.

Functional expression of a recombinant copper/zinc superoxide dismutase of filarial nematode, Brugia malayi

A gene encoding a copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/ Zn-SOD) of a filarial nematode, Brugia malayi, has been isolated and the biochemical properties of a functionally expressed recombinant enzyme were investigated. The cloned complementary DNA contained a single open reading frame of 477 bp encoding 158 amino acids (aa), which conserved metal-binding residues as well as residues specific for Cu/Zn-SODs. Comparison of the deduced aa sequence of the enzyme with that of other helminthes species, including filarial worms, exhibited high degree of similarities (49-98%). Recombinant enzyme of 32 kDa had an isoelectric point of 6.6 and was shown to consist of 2 subunits linked by interchain disulfide bonds. Enzyme activity of the recombinant protein was inhibited by potassium cyanide and hydrogen peroxide but not by sodium azide. It showed a wide range of pH optima, i.e., 7.0-11.0 and was highly resistant to heat inactivation.

Molecular cloning and characterization of the copper/zinc and manganese superoxide dismutase genes from the human parasiteClonorchis sinensis

A copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/ZnSOD) gene and a manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) gene of the human parasiteClonorchis sinensishave been cloned and their gene products functionally characterized. GenesCu/ZnSODandMnSODencode proteins of 16 kDa and 25·4 kDa, respectively. The deduced amino acid sequences of the two genes contained highly conserved residues required for activity and secondary structure formation of Cu/ZnSOD and MnSOD, respectively, and show up to 73·7% and 75·4% identities with their counterparts in other animals. The genomic DNA sequence analysis of Cu/ZnSOD gene revealed this as an intronless gene. Inhibitor studies with purified recombinant Cu/ZnSOD and MnSOD, both of which were functionally expressed inEscherichia coli, confirmed that they are copper/zinc and manganese-containing SOD, respectively. Immunoblots showed that bothC. sinensisCu/ZnSOD and MnSOD should be antigenic for humans, and both, especially theC. sinensisMnSOD, exhibit extensive cross-reactions with sera of patients infected by other trematodes or cestodes. RT-PCR and SOD activity staining of parasite lysates indicate that there are no significant differences in mRNA level or SOD activity for both species of SOD, indicating cytosolic Cu/ZnSOD and MnSOD might play a comparatively important role in theC. sinensisantioxidant system.

A 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein gene of Spirometra erinacei plerocercoid induced by chemical and physiological stresses

To adapt to different environmental conditions between poikilothermic and homeothermic hosts, the plerocercoid of Spirometra erinacei (sparganum) might express a variety of biologically active molecules. We have identified a 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein of the sparganum (SpGrp78) by differential display of mRNA, employing RNAs each from sparganum adjusted at 9 degrees C and 37 degrees C. A full-length cDNA of 2148 bp encodes for a protein of 651 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 71 610 Da and shares molecular characteristics with heat-shock protein 70, including a putative ATP binding site, signal peptide cleavage site and endoplasmic reticulum retention signal. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that SpGrp78 was mostly related to those of Echinococcus multilocularis and E. granulosus. Expression of SpGrp78 mRNA increased approximately 7-fold by inhibition of glycosylation by tunicamycin, 2-fold by temperature-shift from 9 degrees C to 37 degrees C and slightly by pH-shift to 4.0 or 5.5. These results suggested that induction of SpGrp78 mRNA is related to the functional role of SpGrp78 as a molecular chaperone when the parasite adapts to a new host environment.

Degradation of parathion and the reduction of acute toxicity in TiO2 photocatalysis

Photocatalytic degradation of methyl parathion was done using a circulating TiO2/UV and TiO2/solar reactor. Indoor experimental results showed that, under the photocatalysis conditions, parathion was more effectively degraded than under the photolysis and TiO2 only conditions. Parathion (38 microM) was completely degraded under photocatalysis within 90 min, and more than 80% TOC decrease after 150 minutes. The main ionic byproducts during the photocatalysis were measured, and almost complete nitrogen recovery was achieved as mainly NO3- NO2-, and NH4+, and 80% of sulfur as recovered as SO4(2)-. Organic intermediates such as nitrophenol and methyl paraoxon were also identified during the photocatalysis of parathion, and these were further degraded after 90 minutes. Microtox bioassay using Vibrio fischeri was used in evaluating the toxicity of solutions treated by photocatalysis and photolysis of parathion. The results showed that the acute toxicity expressed as EC50 almost reduced after 90 min under the photocatalysis condition whereas only 40% reduction of toxicity as EC50 was achieved in photolysis condition. The outdoor results using a TiO2/solar system were similar to the TiO2 indoor system, indicating the possibility of applying TiO2/solar system for the treatment of parathion-contaminated water.

Molecular determination of the origin of acephalic cysticercus

Acephalic cysticercus (Ac), a rarely developed multilobulated and nonencysted form of larvalTaenia, causes hydrocephalus or adhesive arachnoiditis in the ventricles and subarachnoidal space that often lead to fatal outcome in affected patients. Ac has been proposed to originate fromT. soliumon the basis of morphological features, while no molecular data supporting the presumption have been available. In the present study, we investigated the immunological properties as well as molecular characteristics of Ac that was obtained surgically from 6 patients. Immunoblotting of the cyst fluid from Ac samples demonstrated the constitutive expression of aT. soliummetacestode (TsM) 10 kDa protein. Specific antibodies against the truncated 10 kDa protein, which appears to be species specific for TsM cysticercosis, were detected in both serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples of Ac patients. Nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial cytochromecoxidase subunit I (COI) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (ND1) genes of Ac were almost identical to those ofT. soliumbut differed substantially from those of the otherTaeniaspecies. In phylogenetic analysis, Ac clustered withT. soliumin a well-supported clade. Our results strongly suggest that Ac may have originated fromT. solium.

Cysticercosis of cerebellopontine cistern: differential diagnosis using MRI

We report an example of subarachnoid neurocysticercosis located in the left cerebellopontine cistern of a 60 year-old man. The negative results of the serum and cerebrospinal fluid tests for parasites and the unusual MRI findings, such as the uncommon shape, location and extension pattern, made differential diagnosis difficult. Neurocysticercosis was confirmed by surgical and histopathological findings. The clinical and radiographic features of neurocysticercosis are highly variable. In an endemic area, neurocysticercosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

Efficient induction of T helper type 1-mediated immune responses in antigen-primed mice by anti-CD3 single-chain Fv/interleukin-18 fusion DNA

Two types of T helper (Th) cells - Th1 and Th2 - play different roles in protection and immunopathology. The Th1 cell-mediated immune response plays an important role in inducing the host defence against intracellular bacteria and also in cancer immunotherapy. To effectively induce Th1 immune responses, we constructed a mammalian expression plasmid (pAnti-CD3sFv/IL-18) carrying a fusion gene in which anti-CD3 single-chain Fv (sFv) cDNA, the smallest unit of antibody recognizing the CD3 epsilon moiety of the T-cell receptor, was covalently linked to mature interleukin (IL)-18 cDNA. Intramuscular injection of ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized BALB/c mice with pAnti-CD3sFv/IL-18 DNA efficiently increased the production of both OVA-specific interferon-gamma and anti-OVA immunoglobulin G2a, compared to injection with pAnti-CD3sFv DNA. In addition, pAnti-CD3sFv/IL-18 was more efficient than a mixture of pAnti-CD3sFv + pIL-18 in inducing OVA-specific, Th1 immune responses and also in inhibiting OVA-specific, IL-4 production. These studies indicate that vaccination with pAnti-CD3sFv/IL-18 fusion DNA efficiently induces the Th1 immune response in antigen-sensitized mice.

Simple bone cyst occurring in calvarium

A 60 year-old female presented with a non-specific headache that she had experienced for 4 years. A simple skull X-ray indicated a well-defined, lobulated and radiolucent lesion with a thin sclerotic rim involving the parietal bone (Fig. 1A). Computed tomography revealed a hypodense lesion. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a 2 cm-sized cystic lesion in the diploic space with both tabular involvement. This lesion was not enhanced by contrast agent. It was well defined and the periosteum was intact. The cyst paralleled the CSF in signal intensity on all pulse sequences. No fluid levels were detected (Fig. 1B, C, D). After the scalp was incised, a semi-translucent and light yellow- to white-coloured bony lesion was easily identified. The outer bony cortex of this lesion was slightly elevated, and the consistency was same as that of the normal skull. A craniectomy was performed and the cystic skull lesion was removed. The inner surface of this cystic lesion was intact but appeared irregular. The cystic cavity was empty and the dura did not appear to be involved. Histologically, it was a simple cystic cavity without lining epithelium, and the surrounding bony structures were normal (Fig. 1E, F). It was diagnosed as a simple bone cyst (SBC). The postoperative course was uneventful.

Production of doubled haploids through anther culture of M1 rice plants derived from mutagenized fertilized egg cells

To produce stable mutants from Mankeumbyeo, a japonica rice (Oryza sativa L.) variety, we estimated the mutation efficiency of ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) and N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) on fertilized egg cells using doubled haploids (DHs) derived from anther culture of M1 plants. M1 seed production and germination were higher in 1 mM MNU than in 94.2 mM EMS. A total of 68 DHs (35.4%) were regenerated by anther culture of M1 plants. Twenty-one DHs (30.9%) were stable mutants, 14 DHs (20.6%) were unstable mutants, and the remainder (48.5%) were normal. The frequencies of stable mutants following EMS and MNU treatments were 20.7% (three semidwarfs, one early maturation and one glabrous line) and 38.5% (three semidwarfs, two early maturation, four glabrous and one long grain line), respectively. In a field trial of seven stable mutants for yield potential, five mutants did not show a significant difference in yield as compared with the original variety. Among these five, three glabrous mutants (MK-MAC 1, MK-MAC 4 and MK-MAC 26) with a smooth leaf and hull may be considered to be improved mutant lines because of the health benefits (reduced skin damage and generation of less dust compared to the original variety) to farmers handling the plant materials. MK-MAC 26, a glabrous mutant, had also less shattering resistance than that of the original variety. These stable mutants could be used as new breeding materials.

Reinduced expression of developmental proteins (nestin, small heat shock protein) in and around cerebral arteriovenous malformations

Intermediate filament (IF) nestin and small heat shock protein (sHSP) are developmentally regulated proteins. Nestin is highly expressed on proliferating neuroepithelial stem cells of the developing central nervous system (CNS). During the developmental neurulation stage, nestin is replaced by mature neuronal (neurofilament) or glial cell-specific IFs (glial fibrillary acidic protein, GFAP). Several pathologic states induce astrocytes to synthesize nestin transiently in the mature brain. However, the exact nature of the embryonic conversion from nestin to mature cytoskelton is unclear. In an attempt to define the effect of ischemic hemodynamic stress caused by cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) on the brain parenchyma, we examined the synthesis and cellular distribution of sHSP and nestin in vascular elements of AVMs and in the gliotic area surrounding AVMs. Ten consecutively collected surgical specimens meeting the histological criteria for AVM were immunohistochemically stained using primary antibodies for nestin, HSP27 and alphaB-crystallin. Nestin, HSP27 and alphaB-crystallin mRNA expressions were examined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Nestin expression is reinduced not only in reactive astrocytes, but also in endothelial cells in the surrounding gliotic tissue of the cerebral AVM. These cells also expressed sHSP (HSP27, alphaB-crystallin) that maintain the integrity of the IF network and prevent unfolding of cellular proteins induced by various stresses. RT-PCR showed the increased expression of sHSP and nestin mRNA in the AVM specimens. These results indicate that embryonic reversion of the mature cytoskeleton to nestin and the increased expression of sHSP in response to cerebral injury are associated with increased wall tension caused by dilating AVM vessels and with the hemodynamic stress that surrounds AVMs.

Mutational analyses of RB and BRCA2 as candidate tumour suppressor genes in parathyroid carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Strong evidence indicates that at least one key tumour suppressor gene important for the development of malignant parathyroid tumours is located on chromosome 13, but the critical target gene remains unknown. Importantly, the region of acquired DNA loss includes two established tumour suppressor genes, the retinoblastoma gene, RB (RB1) and BRCA2. Resolution of whether RB or BRCA2 is the critical 13q tumour suppressor gene in parathyroid cancer requires analysis of these genes' sequences for intragenic inactivating mutations. Therefore, RB and BRCA2 were analysed in a group of parathyroid carcinomas in which mutations of these genes should be most readily detectable.

PATIENTS AND DESIGN

Six parathyroid carcinomas from four patients which showed loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at the RB locus and/or 13q loss by comparative genomic hybridazation (CGH) were selected from a CGH/LOH-screened panel of 16 carcinoma specimens from 10 patients. These tumours were examined for mutations by direct sequencing of the complete 27-exon coding region, intron-exon boundaries and promoter of RB. The 26 coding exons and intron-exon boundaries of BRCA2 were also directly sequenced in seven parathyroid carcinomas with loss in the BRCA2 region.

RESULTS

No microdeletions, insertions, or point mutations were detected in either RB or BRCA2 in any of the carcinomas.

CONCLUSION

The absence of tumour-specific somatic mutations in RB and BRCA2 suggests that they are unlikely to act as classic tumour suppressor genes in the pathogenesis of parathyroid carcinomas. While decreased expression of these genes might contribute to parathyroid carcinomatosis in a secondary fashion and 13q loss warrants further study as a diagnostic marker for parathyroid carcinoma, the putative 13q tumour suppressor awaits identification.

Dynamical surface structures in multiparticle-correlated surface growths

We investigate the scaling properties of the interface fluctuation width for the Q-mer and Q-particle-correlated deposition-evaporation models. These models are constrained with a global conservation law that the particle number at each height is conserved modulo Q. In equilibrium, the stationary roughness is anomalous but universal with the roughness exponent alpha=1/3, while the early time evolution shows nonuniversal behavior with the growth exponent beta varying with models and Q. Nonequilibrium surfaces display diverse growing and stationary behaviors. The Q-mer model shows a faceted structure, while the Q-particle-correlated model shows a macroscopically grooved structure.

Hydroquinone, a reactive metabolite of benzene, enhances interleukin-4 production in CD4+ T cells and increases immunoglobulin E levels in antigen-primed mice

Exposure to cigarette smoke is known to increase the risk of the development of allergic disease. The mechanism is not well understood. In this study, we determined the effect of hydroquinone (HQ), a major metabolite of benzene present in large quantities in cigarette tar, on interleukin-4 (IL-4) production by CD4+ T cells. HQ significantly enhanced IL-4 production by keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH)-primed CD4+ T cells in a dose-dependent manner. The enhancing effect of HQ on IL-4 production was maximal at a concentration of 50 micro m. It increased the level of IL-4 production approximately 10-fold. HQ enhanced IL-4 mRNA expression and also IL-4 gene promoter activity, suggesting that the enhancing effect of HQ on IL-4 production may occur at the transcriptional level. Furthermore, the injection of KLH-primed mice with HQ resulted in a significant increase in the levels of IL-4 and immunoglobulin E. These findings provide evidence that HQ, a major component of cigarette tar, may enhance allergic immune responses by inducing the production of IL-4 in CD4+ T cells.

Enhancement of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3)-induced differentiation of human leukaemia HL-60 cells into monocytes by parthenolide via inhibition of NF-kappa B activity

1. Transcription factors such as NF-kappa B provide powerful targets for drugs to use in the treatment of cancer. In this report parthenolide (PT), a sesquiterpene lactone of herbal remedies such as feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) with NF-kappa B inhibitory activity, markedly increased the degree of human leukaemia HL-60 cell differentiation when simultaneously combined with 5 nM 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)). PT by itself did not induce HL-60 cell differentiation. 2. Cytofluorometric analysis indicated that PT stimulated 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)-induced differentiation of HL-60 cells predominantly into monocytes. 3. Pretreatment of HL-60 cells with PT before the 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) addition also potentiated the 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)-induced HL-60 cell differentiation in both a dose- and a time-dependent manner, in which the enhanced levels of cell differentiation closely correlated with the inhibitory levels of NF-kappa B binding activity by PT. 4. In contrast, santonin, a sesquiterpene lactone without an inhibitory activity of NF-kappa B binding to the kappa B sites, did not enhance the 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)-induced HL-60 cell differentiation. 5. In transfection experiments, PT enhanced 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)-induced VDRE-dependent promoter activity. Furthermore, PT restored 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)-induced VDRE-dependent promoter activity inhibited by TNF-alpha, an activator of NF-kappa B signalling pathway. 6. These results indicate that PT strongly potentiates the 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)-induced HL-60 cell differentiation into monocytes via the inhibition of NF-kappa B activity and provide evidence that inhibition of NF-kappa B activation can be a pre-requisite to the efficient entry of promyelocytic leukaemia cells into a differentiation pathway.

Ictal electrocorticographic findings related with surgical outcomes in nonlesional neocortical epilepsy

PURPOSE

To characterize ictal electrocorticographic features related to surgical outcomes in nonlesional neocortical epilepsy (NE).

METHODS

We analyzed 187 ictal electrocorticograms (ECoG) obtained from 18 patients who had undergone presurgical evaluation and subsequent neocortical resections (frontal: seven, parietal: one, occipital: four, multilobar: six). None of them had any MRI-detectable lesions. Various ECoG data sets recorded from eight patients who achieved a favorable surgical outcome (either seizure free or more than 90% reduction of seizure frequencies) were compared with that from ten patients with unfavorable outcome (less than 90% reduction of seizure frequencies) (follow up duration: 47+/-11 months).

RESULTS

Reproducible ictal onset zone (IOZ) in recurrent seizures (P=0.013) and persistent ictal discharges in IOZ from the onset to the end of seizure (P=0.004) were found more frequently in the patients with good outcome. Ictal onset patterns consisting of low voltage fast or high amplitude beta spikes predicted a good surgical outcome while rhythmic sinusoidal activity or rhythmic spike/sharp waves of slow frequency were predictive of poor outcome (P=0.01). The ictal onset rhythm consisting of gamma or beta frequencies was more prevalent in the favorable group (P=0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of stable ictal circuit suggested by the consistent earliest activation of specific electrodes in the repetitive seizures (reproducible IOZ) and the active participation of IOZ throughout the attack were valuable prognostic factors in addition to the morphology and frequency of ictal onset rhythm.

Radiologically confirmed de novo glioblastoma multiforme and hippocampal sclerosis associated with the first onset of nonconvulsive simple partial status epilepticus

The authors report a case of an unusual progression of glioblastoma multiforme in the temporal lobe associated with the first onset of nonconvulsive simple partial status epilepticus (SPSE), a rare form of status epilepticus. The patient underwent a left temporal craniotomy and the tumor was removed. Concurrently, the hippocampus was removed as well. The pathological diagnosis of the tumor and the hippocampus were glioblastoma multiforme and hippocampal sclerosis. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful.

Blocking of acidosis-mediated apoptosis by a reduction of lactate dehydrogenase activity through antisense mRNA expression

Lactic acid produced from the cells is a potential cause of extra- and intracellular acidification. Due to scarce technical tools, lactic acid that leads to acidification could not be reduced and direct evidence of the relationship between metabolic lactate and apoptosis has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we designed a cellular pH regulation system in CHO cells by a reduction of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity through LDH antisense mRNA expression. This inhibited lactate production and, therefore, acidification of the cytosol. Under HCO3(-)-buffered growth conditions, both the parent CHO cells and the engineered CHO cells maintained their extracellular pH and intracellular pH fairly well. However, upon acidification of the cytosol, only the parent CHO cells underwent apoptosis under HCO3(-)-free conditions. In fact, we observed a number of apoptosis-related events only in control cells, including mitochondrial dysfunction, cytochrome c release, and an increase in caspase-3 enzymatic activity.

Enhanced IL-18 expression in common skin tumors

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) has been found to have multiple effects upon various cells involved in inflammatory response. Recently we reported that B16 murine melanoma cells are able to produce IL-18, which is involved in the regulation of intracellular reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) and Fas-ligand expression, indicating that IL-18 plays key role in the tumor activity of melanoma. In this study, we investigated the pattern of IL-18 expression in the human system. IL-18 production was tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assay in various tumor cell lines, including Raji (Burkitt's lymphoma), IM-9 (B lymphoblast), Jurkat (acute T cell leukemia), SK-MES-1 (squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cell line), SK-MEL-2, G-361, DM-4, and DX-3 (melanoma cell lines). ELISA tests showed that IL-18 was highly expressed in malignant skin tumors such as SK-MES-1, SK-MEL-2, G-361, DM-4, and DX-3 cell lines, thus suggesting that IL-18 production may be associated with the malignancy of skin tumors. Here, we report that enhanced IL-18 expression is positively correlated with malignant skin tumors such as SCC and melanoma, suggesting the importance role of IL-18 in malignancy of skin tumors. Taken together, expression of IL-18 by tumor cells in human skin tissue may provide an important clue to understand the pathogenesis of malignant skin tumors.

Predictors for benign solitary pulmonary nodule in tuberculosis-endemic area

BACKGROUND

Solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) may show different presentation in tuberculosis (TB)-endemic countries. The aim of this study was to identify clinical and radiological predictors favoring benign or malignant SPN in TB-endemic region.

METHODS

Two hundred one SPNs in 201 consecutive Korean patients were included (< 3 cm in diameter, all confirmed by pathology or bacteriology, 93 benign and 108 malignant diseases). For clinical parameters, age, sex, smoking status and amount, and past history of pulmonary tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus were investigated retrospectively. For radiological parameters, size, location, margin characteristics, presence of calcification, pleural tag, surrounding satellite nodule, cavitation, internal low attenuation, open bronchus sign, surrounding ground-glass opacity, enhancement pattern of the SPNs and mediastinal lymph node (LN) enlargement were analyzed on chest CT scans.

RESULTS

Patients with a older age (60.7 +/- 9.6 vs 56.2 +/- 13.1, p = 0.008) and more than 40-pack years smoking (27.8% vs 14.0%, p = 0.017) were more frequently related with malignant than benign SPN. On chest CT scans, spiculated margin, contrast enhancement more than 20 Hounsfield unit and presence of pleural tag and mediastinal LN enlargement were more frequently observed in malignant than benign SPNs. In contrast to previous studies, satellite lesions (21.5% vs 1.9%, p < 0.001) and cavitation (20.4% vs 5.6%, p = 0.001) were more frequently seen in benign than malignant SPN. Positive predictive values of benignity were 90.9% and 76.0%, respectively, when satellite lesions and cavitation were found in cases of SPN.

CONCLUSION

Satellite lesions and cavitation on chest CT scan could be useful predictors for benign SPN in TB-endemic areas.

A cytotoxic secocycloartenoid from Abies koreana

Two triterpenoids, 24-methylene-3,4-seco-cycloart-4(28)-en-3-oic acid (1) and 3-oxo-9beta-lanosta-7,22Z,24-trien-26,23-olide (6) were isolated from Abies koreana, together with beta-sitosterol (2), maltol (3), beta-sitosterol-O-beta-D-glucoside (4), and hexacosylferulate (5). The structures of the compounds were established based on the spectroscopic data. The cytotoxic activities of triterpenoids have been evaluated using the sulforhodamine B (SRB) method. Compound 1 showed moderate cytotoxicities against human lung carcinoma (A549), ovarian carcinoma (SK-OV-3), malignant melanoma (SK-MEL-2), and colon carcinoma (HCT-15) cell lines.

Radiographic defect depth and width for prognosis and description of periodontal healing of infrabony defects

BACKGROUND

The aims of the present study were to evaluate 1) defect depth and width as a prognostic factor and 2) change in defect width as a describing parameter of periodontal healing in infrabony defects treated by regenerative therapy after 6 and 24 months.

METHODS

In 24 patients with advanced periodontitis, 39 infrabony defects were treated by guided tissue regeneration (GTR) using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) (n = 7) or bioabsorbable barriers (n = 32). Clinical parameters were assessed and 39 standardized radiographs (in triplicate) were taken before and 6 and 24 months after surgery. Using a computer-assisted analysis, the depth, width, and angle of the bony defects were measured.

RESULTS

Statistically significant vertical clinical attachment gains (CAL-V: 3.15 +/- 1.63 mm to 3.31 +/- 1.65 mm; P<0.001) and bony fill (1.30 +/- 2.53 mm; P<0.01 to 1.54 +/- 2.70 mm; P<0.005) were observed 6 and 24 months postsurgically. In a multilevel regression analysis CAL-V gain was predicted by baseline CAL-V (P <0.0001), actual smoking (P <0.05), and age (P <0.1). Bony fill could be predicted by baseline height of the infrabony component (P<0.0001), gingival index at baseline (P<0.05), and actual smoking (P <0.01). In narrow (<26 degrees) and deep (> or = 3 mm) infrabony defects bony fill was more pronounced than in wide and shallow defects (P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Improvement achieved by guided tissue regeneration in infrabony defects can be maintained up to 24 months after surgery. Narrow and deep infrabony defects respond radiographically and to some extent clinically more favorably to GTR therapy than wide and shallow defects. However, depth of the infrabony component was a stronger prognostic parameter than defect angle. Actual smoking impairs the results of GTR therapy in infrabony defects.

Small cell carcinoma of the ureter with squamous cell and transitional cell carcinomatous components associated with ureteral stone

We report a case of primary small cell carcinoma of the ureter with squamous cell and transitional cell carcinomatous components associated with ureteral stone, which is unique in that the patient has remained free of tumor recurrence for 36 months after the surgery without adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy. A 60-yr-old man presented himself with a right flank pain. Computed tomography revealed an ill-defined mass and a stone in the lower one third of the right ureter, and hydronephroureterosis above the stone-impacted site. The patient underwent right nephroureterectomy and stone removal. Upon gross examination, a 3.8 x 1.8 x 1.2 cm white and partly yellow mass was noted in the anterior part of the ureter, resulting in indentation of the ureteral lumen on the posterior side. Light microscopic examination revealed that the mass was mainly composed of small cell carcinoma, and partly squamous cell and transitional cell carcinomatous components. The overlying ureteral mucosa and renal pelvis also contained multifocal dysplastic transitional epithelium and transitional cell carcinoma in situ. There was no vascular invasion, and the surgical margins were free of tumor. The small cell carcinomatous component was positive for chromogranin, neuron specific enolase, synaptophysin, and pancytokeratin but negative for high molecular-weight cytokeratin (K-903) by immunohistochemistry.

Interleukin-2 fusion protein with anti-CD3 single-chain Fv (sFv) selectively protects T cells from dexamethasone-induced apoptosis

Apoptosis of mature T cells may be an important pathophysiologic mechanism in diseases such as AIDS, cancer, and autoimmunity. In this study, in order to selectively protect T cells from dexamethasone (DEX)-induced apoptosis we constructed a fusion protein (anti-CD3sFv-IL-2) in which anti-CD3 single-chain Fv (sFv), the smallest unit of antibody recognizing the CD3 epsilon moiety of the T-cell receptor (TCR), was covalently linked to murine interleukin-2 (IL-2). Recombinant anti-CD3sFv protein was also expressed and used as a control. The purified anti-CD3sFv-IL-2 protein displayed IL-2 bioactivity in an IL-2 proliferation assay, which was inhibited by a neutralizing mIL-2 mAb. The anti-CD3sFv-IL-2 protein protected T lymphoma cells (S49.1) from DEX-induced apoptosis as demonstrated by oligonucleosomal genomic DNA fragmentation assay, and also recovered proliferation capacity of DEX-treated S49.1 cells and increased T cell composition both in DEX-treated spleen cell-populations and in DEX-treated mice, while the anti-CD3sFv protein did not. In addition, the anti-CD3sFv-IL-2 fusion protein was more efficient than a simple mixture of anti-CD3sFv and free rIL-2 in selectively protecting T cells from DEX-induced apoptosis. The levels of bcl-2 gene expression were significantly increased in DEX-treated T cells in the presence of the anti-CD3sFv-IL-2 protein. These studies indicate that the anti-CD3sFv-IL-2 fusion protein can selectively protect T cells from DEX-induced apoptosis and that the covalent linkage of anti-CD3sFv and IL-2 confines the anti-apoptotic effect of IL-2 to T cells.