Judging semantic and episodic incongruity: a magnetoencephalographic study

Evoked magnetic fields over the entire head were measured during a semantic judgment task, in which conditions of the pre-test learning session were manipulated. Subjects learnt related and unrelated category-noun pairs, and were then asked to judge the relationship between category and noun. Unrelated pairs evoked activation around 400 ms in the left temporal area. In addition, newly presented related pairs, of which the categories were used to learn unrelated pairs, also evoked similar activities. Our findings suggest that these activities are not only related to the semantic incongruity between a pair of words as in previous studies, but also to the episodic incongruity between the learning and measurement sessions.

Role of phasic dynamism of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation in ischemic preconditioning of the canine heart

Although ischemic stress, including ischemic preconditioning (IP), activates p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), the relationship between p38 MAPK activation and the underlying cellular mechanisms of cardioprotection by IP is not verified in vivo. We examined the effects of the selective p38 MAPK inhibition on the cardioprotective effect of IP in the open-chest dogs. The coronary artery was occluded 4 times for 5 minutes, separated by 5 minutes of reperfusion (IP) followed by 90 minutes of occlusion and 6 hours of reperfusion. We infused SB203580 into the coronary artery during IP and 1 hour of reperfusion, during IP alone, and during sustained ischemia in the IP group. p38 MAPK activity markedly increased during IP but did not additionally increase at the onset of ischemia and was even attenuated at 15 minutes of sustained ischemia, and heat-shock protein (HSP) 27 was phosphorylated and translocated from cytosol to myofibril or nucleus without affecting total protein level at the onset of ischemia compared with the control group. SB203580 treatment (1 micromol/L) only during IP blunted the infarct size limitation by IP (37.3+/-6.3% versus 7.4+/-2.1% in the IP group, P:<0.01) and attenuated either phosphorylation or translocation of HSP27 during IP. Although the SB203580 treatment throughout the preischemic and postischemic periods had no significant effect on infarct size (33.3+/-9.4%) in this model, treatment with SB203580 only during ischemia partially mimicked the infarct size limitation by IP (26.8+/-3.5%). Thus, transient p38 MAPK activation during ischemic preconditioning mainly mediates the cardioprotection followed by HSP27 phosphorylation and translocation in vivo in the canine heart.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura during pregnancy

A successful case of a hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy with low-pressure pneumoperitoneum for autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura in a patient at 23 weeks' gestation is reported. Preoperative splenic arterial embolization was performed on the same day as the operation using painless contour embolic material and super-absorbent polymer microspheres. The abdominal wall retraction method first was applied to avoid the effects of pneumoperitoneum on systemic hemodynamic alterations. However, a sufficient surgical view could not be obtained, as the intra-abdominal organs were elevated because of the enlarged uterus. A surgical view with 4 to 6-mm Hg pneumoperitoneum was available for the hand-assisted splenectomy. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient vaginally delivered a healthy infant. A hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy with low-pressure pneumoperitoneum after splenic arterial embolization would be feasible for patients with autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura during a relatively advanced pregnancy.

Primary lymphoma of spermatic cord

Primary lymphomas of spermatic cord are extremely rare. In a review of the world medical literature, until now, only fourteen cases of spermatic cord lymphoma have been reported, and, furthermore, they have a poor prognosis even in patients with stage I disease. Herein, we report a new case of primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the spermatic cord. In August, 1993, 76-year-old man visited an urological hospital with a compaint of a right intrascoral mass, and underwent orchiectomy. Macroscopically no invasive lesion in the testis was observed, and the tumorous lesion was restricted to the epididymis. The histopathological study indicated that he suffered from primary malignant lymphoma of the spermatic cord (B-cell, diffuse medium-sized cell type). As radiographic investigations showed no other invasive lesion, the patient was diagnosed to be in stage IE. He was followed only with clinical observation, and, in August, 1996, relapsed with extensive disease in the abdoninal cavity, and was transferred to our hospital. Fourty months after the orchiectomy, he died of progression of disease irrespective of the salvage radio-chemotherapies given to him.

Neuromagnetic localization of N15, the initial cortical response to lip stimulus

The initial cortical response of the trigeminal somatosensory evoked magnetic fields was measured for electrical stimulation of the lower lip in eleven subjects. The stimulus frequency was 0.7 Hz and stimulus intensity was nine times sensory threshold. The initial contralateral response was detected in 20 hemispheres at a latency of 14.6+/-1.3 ms and was named N15m. The equivalent current dipole of N15m was localized at the posterior bank of the central sulcus with anterior-superior orientation, and inferior to the dipole of N20m for median nerve stimulation.

Somatosensory evoked fields in comatose survivors after severe traumatic brain injury

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the cortical function quantitatively in patients in the chronic phase of severe traumatic brain injury.

METHODS

Thirteen patients with severe traumatic brain injury due to traffic accident followed by persistent consciousness disturbance and disability were studied. Somatosensory evoked magnetic fields (SEFs) for unilateral median nerve stimulation were measured using a whole-head magnetoencephalography system. The latency and electrical current dipole (ECD) moment for the N20m, P30m, N45m and P60m components were calculated and compared with those of 14 age-matched healthy adults.

RESULTS

The peak latency of N20m was longer (P<0.05) and those of P30m and N45m were shorter (P<0.01) in the patients than in normal adults. The ECD moment of N20m and P30m was smaller and that of N45m and P60m was larger in the patients than in normal adults (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

These results can be explained by the hypothesis that diffuse brain injury induces decreased and delayed input of the somatosensory afferent and compensational amplification of the response in the primary somatosensory cortex. Middle-latency SEFs may be applicable as a cortical functional measure for patients with severe traumatic brain injury.

Thiol-oxidizing agent diamide and acidic pH enhance lipid peroxidation of rat heart mitochondria and cardiolipin-cytochrome c complex

In this study, we investigated lipid peroxidation in rat heart mitochondria hydrolyzed by phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and lipid peroxidation in a mitochondrial-mimetic lipid peroxidation system, where phospholipids such as cardiolipin (CL) and cytochrome c (Cyt c) were first mixed together and then PLA2 and calcium chloride were added to the mixture (CL-Cyt c-PLA2 system). Production of hydroperoxy and hydroxy compounds of linoleic acid (LA) in the mixture was measured by high performance liquid chromatography. The ratio of the total amount of hydroperoxy and hydroxy compounds of LA to that of LA was calculated as an index for lipid peroxidation (1000 x mol/mol). The index for lipid peroxidation in the rat heart mitochondria hydrolyzed by PLA2 at the physiological pH of 7.4 was 22.8 +/- 2.2 (mean +/- SD, n = 4) and that at the acidic pH of 6.7 was 41.8 +/- 2.0. In the presence of the thiol (SH)-oxidizing agent diamide, the index was 47.0 +/- 2.6 (pH 7.4). In the CL-Cyt c-PLA2 system, lipid peroxidation seemed to be due to three mechanisms: (1) oxidation of the LA (nonreleased form) constituent of CL by Cyt c (oxidation of CL by Cyt c); (2) oxidation of free LA, released from CL, involving the oxidation of CL by Cyt c (free LA oxidation by the CL-Cyt c complex); and (3) oxidation of free LA, released from CL, by Cyt c and calcium ions (LA-Cyt c-Ca system). The lipid peroxidation of the CL-Cyt c-PLA2 system was also enhanced by the addition of diamide and by an acidic pH of 6.7. The fact that the SH-oxidizing agent enhanced the lipid peroxidation in the CL-Cyt c-PLA2 system suggested that SH groups in the hemoprotein played an inhibitory role in lipid peroxidation in the system.

Azido glycoside primer: a versatile building block for the biocombinatorial synthesis of glycosphingolipid analogues

A lactoside primer, 12-azidododecyl beta-lactoside, was synthesized via the Koenigs-Knorr method by glycosylation of 1,12-dodecyldiol with perbenzoylated lactosyl bromide. The presence of the 2-O-acyl substituent in the donor gave the beta-lactoside, and an excess of acceptor ensured monoglycosylation of the diol. Mesylation of the omega-hydroxyl group in the aglycon, followed by displacement of the mesylate with azide and subsequent O-debenzoylation gave the desired omega-azidododecyl beta-lactoside. The azido glycoside primer was examined in mouse B16 melanoma cells for its feasibility as a building block for oligosaccharide biosynthesis. Uptake of the azido glycoside primer by B16 cells resulted in the sialylation of the galactose residue of the primer to give a glycosylated product having the same glycan as in ganglioside GM3. After 24 h incubation of B16 cells with the primers, the amount of sialylated omega-azidododecyl beta-lactoside primer was 75% of the amount of sialylated n-dodecyl beta-lactoside. However, after 48 h incubation, both primers gave equal amounts of the sialylated products. Interestingly, the remaining azido glycoside primer after 48 h incubation was 5.6-fold greater than that of the alkyl primer, indicating degradation of the alkyl primer to a larger extent than the omega-azido glycoside primer. The facile chemical synthesis and the efficient uptake in cells make the azido glycoside primer a versatile building block for the biocombinatorial synthesis of glycolipid oligosaccharides.

[Occurrence of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma six months after onset of Lyme disease]

A 68-year-old man, who had suffered a tick bite one week previously, consulted his home doctor because of fever and an erythematous rash around the bite scar. He underwent a skin biopsy, and Borrelia garinii was detected, from which Lyme disease was diagnosed. He received amoxicillin for two weeks and his symptoms disappeared. After 6 months he noticed swelling of his cervical, axillary and inguinal lymph nodes. A biopsy sample was taken from a left cervical lymph node, and this revealed angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma. The patient achieved a complete remission after chemotherapy. The relationship between Lyme disease and lymphoma is discussed.

Meloxicam inhibits prostaglandin E(2) generation via cyclooxygenase 2 in the inflammatory site but not that via cyclooxygenase 1 in the stomach

We studied the effects of meloxicam on prostanoid levels, both in the inflammatory site in rat carrageenin-induced pleurisy and in the rat stomach injected with 1 mol/l NaCl solution, to clarify the relationship between its low gastric toxicity and its relative cyclooxygenase (COX) 2 selectivity. NS-398 (3 mg/kg), a highly selective COX-2 inhibitor, and meloxicam (3 mg/kg) exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in the pleurisy model. Prostaglandin (PG) E(2) thromboxane (TX) B(2) and 6-keto-PGF(1alpha) were detectable in the inflammatory site. Anti-inflammatory doses of NS-398 and meloxicam each suppressed the intrapleural PGE(2) level at 5 h as potently as piroxicam (3 mg/kg) as aspirin (100 mg/kg), both of which are nonselective COX inhibitors. NS-398 was much less potent than the other three in suppressing the levels of TXB(2) and 6-keto-PGF(1alpha). These results suggest that PGE(2) may be produced mainly via COX-2 in this model and that meloxicam may inhibit COX-2 in the inflammatory site. Piroxicam completely inhibited the increase in gastric PGE(2) induced by administering 1 mol/l NaCl solution into the rat stomach. Nimesulide (3 mg/kg), another selective COX-2 inhibitor, however, never affected this increase, suggesting that the gastric PGE(2) may be produced via COX-1. The anti-inflammatory dose of meloxicam caused statistically nonsignificant suppression of the PGE(2) level, by approximately 50%. These results suggest that the potent anti-inflammatory effect of meloxicam, accompanied with low gastric toxicity, may be related to its relative selectivity for COX-2 over COX-1.

Are the anti-inflammatory effects of dexamethasone responsible for inhibition of the induction of enzymes involved in prostanoid formation in rat carrageenin-induced pleurisy?

Since anti-inflammatory steroids modulate multiple gene expression, including the expression of prostaglandin H synthase-2 and phospholipase A(2), at the molecular level, we studied the effects of dexamethasone on rat carrageenin-induced pleurisy to elucidate whether regulation of phospholipase A(2) and prostaglandin H synthase-2 expression is the primary mechanism of its anti-inflammatory action. Suppression of plasma exudation by a lower dose of dexamethasone (0.3 mg/kg) was almost equal to that by aspirin (100 mg/kg), but that by higher dexamethasone doses (3 and 30 mg/kg) was considerably stronger, suggesting the involvement of effects other than that on prostanoid formation. The lower dose of dexamethasone also significantly reduced the pleural exudate neutrophil count and prostanoid levels. However, this dose affected neither the prostaglandin H synthase-2 level nor the phospholipase A(2) activity in the exudate cells. The prostaglandin H synthase-2 level was affected only at the higher doses, while phospholipase A(2) activity was not. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of dexamethasone in acute inflammation cannot be ascribed to direct interference with prostanoid formation via suppression of phospholipase A(2) and prostaglandin H synthase-2 expression.

Effect of acute treatment with YM992 on extracellular norepinephrine levels in the rat frontal cortex

The effects of acute treatment with (S)-2-[[(7-fluoroindan-4-yl)oxy]methyl]morpholine monohydrochloride (YM992), venlafaxine, fluoxetine and citalopram on extracellular norepinephrine levels were examined in the rat frontal cortex by in vivo microdialysis. YM992 (3, 10, 30 mg/kg, i.p.) dose-dependently increased extracellular norepinephrine levels (3-fold at 10 mg/kg, 5. 5-fold at 30 mg/kg). While venlafaxine and 30 mg/kg fluoxetine also produced significant increases in norepinephrine levels, 30 mg/kg citalopram had no effect. The combined administration of MDL100,907 (a selective 5-HT(2A) receptor antagonist) and citalopram did significantly increase norepinephrine levels compared with either saline or citalopram treatment. Therefore, a synergistic effect due to 5-HT reuptake inhibition and 5-HT(2A) receptor antagonism of YM992 may partly contribute to the increase of extracellular norepinephrine levels. YM992 enhances the neurotransmission of not only 5-HT system but also norepinephrine, and as such may have a preclinical profile different from that of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.

Effect of acute treatment with YM992 on extracellular serotonin levels in the rat frontal cortex

(S)-2-[[(7-fluoroindan-4-yl)oxy]methyl]morpholine monohydrochloride (YM992) is a novel putative antidepressant exhibiting both selective serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) reuptake inhibition and 5-HT(2A) receptor antagonism. In vivo microdialysis revealed that a single treatment with YM992 (3, 10, 30 mg/kg i.p.) dose-dependently increased extracellular 5-HT levels in the rat frontal cortex. Fluoxetine, citalopram and venlafaxine also produced significant increases in 5-HT levels at doses of 10-30 mg/kg. However, the increase in 5-HT levels induced by YM992 was significantly larger than increases elicited by these three compounds at 30 mg/kg. The combined administration of R-(+)-alpha-(2, 3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidine-methanol (MDL100,907) (a selective 5-HT(2A) receptor antagonist) and citalopram produced no additional increase in 5-HT levels compared with citalopram treatment alone. YM992 moderately enhanced [3H]5-HT release from rat cerebral cortex synaptosomes using different mechanisms than p-chloroamphetamine. In comparison, 10-microM fluoxetine markedly induced 5-HT release in vitro, while citalopram and venlafaxine had no noticeable effect on release. YM992 produces a more robust increase of 5-HT levels acutely than other antidepressants in vivo and the effect may be due to 5-HT releasing properties of the drug.

Effect of cytochrome c on the linoleic acid-degrading activity of porcine leukocyte 12-lipoxygenase

Hemoproteins are known to have quasilipoxygenase activity that converts linoleic acid (LA) to its hydroperoxides. However, it is not still clear whether, like lipoxygenases, hemoproteins can produce LA hydroperoxides when the LA is part of a mixture containing many different saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. In this study, we found that such hemoprotein as cytochrome c (Cyt c) did not produce LA hydroperoxides from the phospholipase A(2) (PL-A(2)) hydrolysis products of egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (PC). We also found that traces of hydroperoxides and a high concentration of the target unsaturated fatty acid (LA) needs to be present in a fatty acid mixture before the quasi-lipoxygenase activity of Cyt c becomes apparent. We also attempted to elucidate how Cyt c interact with porcine leukocyte 12-lipoxygenase (12-LOX). Hemoproteins are known to possess pseudo-lipohydroperoxidase activity, and can remove the hydroperoxides of unsaturated fatty acids from a reaction mixture. However, we found that Cyt c catalyzed the reaction by which hydroperoxides degrade LA, and thus enhanced the LA-degrading activity of 12-LOX. This hemoprotein-induced promotion of the ability of 12-LOX to degrade LA was observed even when the reaction mixture contained many different saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.

Postmortem changes in cytochrome c oxidase activity in various organs of the rat and in human heart

Cytochrome c oxidase (COX), a mitochondrial enzyme, is inactivated by cyanide or carbon monoxide (CO) intoxication. To test whether cytochrome c has potential as an indicator of these toxins in cadavers, we measured COX activity in the main organs of the rat, and in the human heart, at various times after death. Each tissue sample or organ was homogenized and the COX activity in the mitochondrial fraction was measured using ferrous cytochrome c as the substrate. COX activity was significantly higher in rat brain, heart and kidney than in lung and liver from 0 to 4 days after death. The loss of COX activity was significantly slower in the brain and heart than in the lung, liver and kidney. Most importantly, COX activity correlated with the time-since-death for each of the rat organs we tested (r2=0.70-0.95), but for the human heart (r2=0.47). It may be possible that COX activity is likely to be a useful indicator of the time-since-death, and is worth pursuing as an indicator of the tissue cyanide and CO content.

A modification of Mayer's tannic acid-ferric chloride staining method for demonstrating cellular membranous systems for light microscopy

To observe cellular membranous systems under a light microscope, we modified Mayer's tannic acid-ferric chloride stain method by adding a treatment with hematoxylin after the original procedure. We used the modified tannic acid-ferric chloride (MTA-Fe) stain method to examine kidneys, liver, heart, trachea, epididymides and other organs of rats and dogs. The MTA-Fe stain clearly demonstrated the basement membrane, brush border, basolateral invaginations and cell processes in the kidneys which enabled easy differentiation of the S1 and S3 segments of proximal convoluted tubules. Our technique also demonstrated hepatic cell membranes and bile canaliculi in the liver, cross striations and longitudinal traveling of myofibrils in the heart, cilia of the epithelial cells in the trachea, and stereocilia and terminal bars in the epididymis. The MTA-Fe stain is a convenient method to visualize cellular membranous systems even for light microscopy. The stain has the advantages of using no toxic materials, simple and easy technique, little variation of staining results, and little fading for several months after staining.

In vitro phototoxicity of new quinolones: production of active oxygen species and photosensitized lipid peroxidation

To elucidate photosensitization potentials of new quinolone antibacterial agents, production of active oxygen species and peroxidation of squalene after ultraviolet A exposure were investigated. Production of singlet oxygen and/or hydrogen peroxide was estimated by bleaching of p-nitroso-N,N-dimethylaniline. Lomefloxacin showed the greatest ability to produce active oxygen species, and this ability was reduced by the addition of the singlet oxygen quencher sodium azide. Ciprofloxacin and fleroxacin also had strong activity. Photosensitized peroxidation of squalene was evaluated by measurement of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances. Lomefloxacin was the strongest sensitizer, followed by fleroxacin and ciprofloxacin. These results suggest that certain new quinolones are involved in phototoxicity via the mechanism of active oxygen species.

[CT evaluation of pulmonary metastases: usefulness in comparison with chest radiography]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of follow-up CT for screening pulmonary metastases, in comparison with chest radiography (CXR). Two hundred sixty CT examinations performed on 200 patients with known malignancy formed the basis of the study. One hundred sixty-five metastatic nodules were detected from 52 CT examinations in 36 patients. The detectability of these nodules on CXR was relatively good, but it was better on CT, which detected more nodules of smaller size, those overlying the mediastinum or hilus, and those showing ground-glass attenuation. As for the relationship between treatment and pulmonary metastases, pulmonary metastases treated surgically were detected on CXR in all patients. Pulmonary metastases showed a tendency to recur within one year after the initial treatment. The author concluded that routine CT to screen occult lung metastases in every patient with malignancy is not cost-effective. However, CT may be added at the start of the initial treatment and within one year thereafter, particularly for patients with lung cancer.

Expression and function of cyclooxygenase-2 in mesothelial cells during late phase of rat carrageenin-induced pleurisy

We have previously shown that the inducible isoform of the cyclooxygenases, COX-2, is strongly expressed in pleural exudate leukocytes early (between 3 and 7 hr after irritation) during rat carrageenin-induced pleurisy. The present study further examined COX-2 expression and disclosed that mesothelial cells expressed COX-2 later (12 to 24 hr after irritation) in this model. A COX-2 inhibitor, nimesulide, lowered the intrapleural level of 6-keto-PGF1alpha and inhibited hyperplasia of the pleural matrix, suggesting that COX-2 expressed in mesothelial cells may play a role in the synthesis of extracellular matrix through formation of PGI2.

A 'keyhole lesion' gunshot wound in an adipocere case

A corpse completely converted into adipocere and showing two adjacent bone defects--a typical gunshot entrance wound and a keyhole lesion--is reported. Postmortem changes, a comminuted fracture of the cranial base, and destruction of the bullets made it impossible to determine the direction of fire through the keyhole lesion. Gunshot wounds may show various atypical forms, including keyhole lesions, and especially in old corpses, the distinction between an entrance wound and an exit wound can be very difficult, even if a careful complete autopsy is performed.

Sarcoma botryoides of the cervix. Report of a case with cytopathologic findings

BACKGROUND

Cytologic findings of sarcoma botryoides were still equivocal because sarcoma botryoides of the uterine cervix is an extremely rare neoplasm, and few cases have been reported to date.

CASE

A 17-year-old female was diagnosed with sarcoma botryoides of the uterine cervix. The entire vaginal canal was occupied with polypoid masses, which arose from the anterior lip of the uterine cervix, and the tumor was classified as group I (Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study). After wedge resection and six courses of combination chemotherapy, the tumor recurred in the same location of the cervix as the primary lesion. Touch smear of the polypoid mass formed loose clusters and also showed short spindle cells in a necrotic background. The nucleus of the tumor cells had a thin nuclear membrane, fine chromatin pattern and partly clear nucleolus, showing mild nuclear atypia. Immunohistochemically, some of the tumor cells showed positive staining for myoglobin and desmin.

CONCLUSION

The cytologic findings of sarcoma botryoides of the female genital tract are typical features of nonepithelial malignant tumor. Immunohistochemical study is useful for the diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma.

Dopamine D4-like binding sites labeled by [3H]nemonapride include substantial serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in primate cerebral cortex

Dopamine D4-like binding sites are abundant in human cerebral cortex as detected by [3H]nemonapride. The extremely low density of D4 mRNA in human cerebral cortex is inconsistent with the high amount of D4-like binding sites. To investigate the nature of the D4-like receptors, [3H]nemonapride binding sites in the nonhuman primate cerebral cortex were characterized. Although [3H]nemonapride binding sites were D4-like, displaceable by clozapine but not raclopride, [3H]nemonapride binding was not displaced by selective D4 antagonists but was displaced by the selective 5-HT2A antagonist MDL100907. Using [3H]ketanserin as a 5-HT2A ligand, nemonapride showed high affinity for monkey (Ki = 10.4 nM) and cloned human (Ki = 9.4 nM) 5-HT2A receptors, while its affinity for rat receptors was lower (Ki = 140 nM). The present study demonstrates that cerebral cortical D4-like binding sites labeled by [3H]nemonapride in nonhuman primates consist of a very small portion of D4, but a substantial portion of 5-HT2A receptors. The unexpectedly high affinity of nemonapride for primate 5-HT2A receptor suggests reconsidering previous data from other studies using [3H]nemonapride, particularly those on D4-like receptors.

Differences in the biological effects of in vitro irradiation by 65 MeV protons and 137cesium gamma-rays

Using the irradiation system constructed for research in radiation biology, we have investigated the differences in the biological effects of in vitro irradiation by 65 MeV protons and by 137Cs gamma-rays. Survival curves were generated using V79 cells. The effects on biological parameters (SF2, RBE) of protons were greater than gamma-rays. Furthermore, 3H-thymidine incorporation in KOSC-3 cells, which display the p53 gene mutation, was inhibited by protons much more than by gamma-rays. On the other hand, in bleomycin-sensitive SCCKN cells, 3H-thymidine incorporation decreased more than in bleomycin-resistant SCCTF cells, however, both were inhibited by protons much more than by gamma-rays. In this study, the biological parameters and 3H-thymidine incorporation caused by 65 MeV protons were more severe than those caused by 137Cs gamma-rays.

[New quinolone versus vancomycin/tobramycin for intestinal sterilization in patients who undergo allogeneic bone marrow transplantation]

The frequency of infection in recipients of allogeneic bone marrow transplants (BMT) who received oral new quinolones (NQ) was compared with that in BMT recipients who were given oral vancomycin/tobramycin (V/T). Between 1984 and 1997, our hospital treated 79 patients with V/T and 90 patients with NQ. Number of febrile days, duration of intravenous antibiotics administration, and frequency of documented infections were statistically the same for both groups. However, the frequency of grampositive bacterial infections, especially staphylococcal infections, was slightly higher in patients receiving NQ than in patients receiving V/T (p = 0.12). Of the patients who received NQ, those who underwent unrelated donor BMT procedures were generally febrile for slightly longer periods than those who underwent related donor BMT procedures (p = 0.10). These results suggest that oral NQ is as effective as oral V/T for the prevention of serious gramnegative bacterial infections in patients who undergo BMTs.