The micronucleus test using peripheral blood reticulocytes from methotrexate-treated mice

The induction of micronuclei by methotrexate (MTX) was examined in two laboratories using mouse peripheral blood reticulocytes. MTX was a weak inducer in the micronucleus test using bone marrow cells and single treatments, and was one of the few chemicals showing a multiple-treatment effect (CSGMT/JEMS.MMS, 1990). In our preliminary experiments, the ratio of reticulocytes to total erythrocytes decreased greatly after a single treatment with MTX at 100 mg/kg, so lower dose levels of MTX were selected to carry out the micronucleus test in peripheral blood. Full-scale tests were performed at dose levels of 0, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg, with five sampling times of 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. Frequencies of micronucleated reticulocytes (MNRETs) increased dose-dependently at 72 h, to a maximum of approximately 1%; some preparations obtained from the animals at higher doses could not be examined because the ratio of reticulocytes to total erythrocytes had decreased severely. At doses of 0.5-4.0 mg/kg, the effect of multiple treatments vs. single treatments was not clear, nor was the maximum level of response much different. Since MTX induced a clear positive response in peripheral blood reticulocytes after a single treatment, the reticulocytes in peripheral blood seem a more sensitive target.

[Clinical study of intramuscular imipenem/cilastatin sodium in the field of obstetrics and gynecology]

The efficacy and the safety of intramuscular imipenem/cilastatin sodium (IPM/CS) were evaluated in 22 patients with obstetric and gynecologic infections. 0.5 g/0.5 g of IPM/CS was suspended in a lidocaine solution and administered in the gluteal muscle twice a day for 3-7 days. Nineteen patients with intrauterine infections were evaluable for the clinical efficacy and 22 for the safety. 1. Clinical efficacies were excellent in 6 patients, good in 11 and poor in 2, and the efficacy rate was 89.5%. Thirteen out of 14 patients who had not responded to treatments with other previously administered antibiotics showed excellent or good responses to IPM/CS. 2. Causative bacteria were eradicated in 5 patients, decreased in 2, unchanged in 3 and replaced in 3, with an eradication rate of 61.5%. 3. Among 22 patients treated with IPM/CS, an eruption and general itching were observed in 1 patient, but no abnormal laboratory test values were observed.

Changes of anionic sites in the mesangium with aging in rats: a comparison of the immersion and intravenous PEI methods

We investigated the changes in anionic sites of the mesangial matrix related to aging in rats, employing polyethyleneimine (PEI) as a cationic probe. We compared the numbers of anionic sites detected by the immersion method and by the intravenous administration of PEI. Analysis of the mean numbers of PEI particles per 0.1 micron2 in the mesangial matrix revealed a significant decrease related to aging. Our results suggested that there was no significant difference in efficacy between the immersion and intravenous methods. Loss of negative charge of the mesangial matrix is believed to promote mesangial dysfunction and the entrapment of macromolecular substances, and so to play an important role in the onset of glomerular sclerosis.

Secretory expression of the human serum albumin gene in the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae

We have fused a cDNA gene encoding mature human serum albumin (HSA) to several secretory leader-encoding sequences. The hybrid genes were cloned into an episomal vector under the control of several yeast promoters and then introduced into yeast cells. The GAL1 promoter in combination with either the native HSA pre-sequence or a modified HSA pre-sequence gave the highest production of immunoreactive HSA, 90 mg/liter being reached in a shake flask culture. The invertase pre-sequence, the mating factor alpha 1 prepro-sequence, and the modified HSA pre-sequence directed accurate processing. In contrast, the chicken lysozyme pre-sequence and the native HSA pre-sequence directed incorrect processing. Episomal vectors were unstable within the host cells under non-selective culture conditions. To improve the plasmid stability, the hybrid genes were incorporated into an integrative vector. Transformants carrying multicopies of the plasmid integrated at the LEU2 locus stably secreted HSA. The highest yield of 65 mg/liter in a shake flask culture was obtained with the combination of the yeast glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase promoter and the modified HSA pre-sequence. By constructing transformed strains containing multicopies of plasmids integrated at both the chromosome LEU2 and HIS4 loci, we have obtained a stable strain that continuously secretes as much as 85 mg HSA per liter of culture medium.

[Studies on the massive flights of chironomid midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) as nuisance insects and plans for their control in the Lake Suwa area, central Japan. 2. Quantitative evaluations of the nuisance of chironomid midges]

In order to make clear the present "nuisance" caused by chironomid midges around a eutrophic lake, a questionnaire survey of 249 leaders of the Hygiene Self-governing Association of the cities of Suwa and Okaya and the town of Shimosuwa near Lake Suwa was conducted. The results are as follows: 1. More than 90% of the respondents had specific knowledge about the chironomid midge, but 40% of them didn't know about its role as a purifier in the lake. 2. More than 10% of respondents answered that they were "can not able to stand any more" massive flights of chironomid midges, and about half of them lived within 500 m of the lake shore. The damages "nuisances" were "running laundry or defacing walls (67.1%) and "contamination of food (15.3%)", suggesting that chironomid midges influenced the daily life of the residents. 3. The selected causes of massive flights of chironomid midges were "pollution in Lake Suwa" and "decreases in the numbers of birds and dragonflies" as well as others. This means that the deterioration of the environmental situation around the lake may cause the "nuisance" of chironomid midges. 4. The respondents were more strongly interested in counterplans for the control of the chironomid midges made by administrative authorities than in plans made by each family. 5. "The distance from the lake shore" was the major factor contributing to the impression of chironomid damage. "The occupation of the respondent" was the second important factor. To redirect the insect flights away from the residential area, and to decrease the number of adult midges coming from the lake, are thought to be the most important measures for the resolution of this problem.

[Clinical evaluation of fleroxacin in gynecological infections]

Fleroxacin (FLRX), a new quinolone oral antibacterial agent, was studied in the field of obstetrics and gynecology, and the following results were obtained. 1. Clinical efficacy was evaluated in 105 patients (intrauterine infection 38, adnexitis 28, extragenital organ infection 29, others 10), with an exclusion of 9 patients out of a total of 114 patients. FLRX was orally administered at 200 mg or 300 mg once daily. 2. Clinical efficacy rates were 37/38 (97.4%) in intrauterine infection, 26/28 (92.9%) in adnexitis, 29/29 (100%) in extragenital organ infection and 10/10 (100%) in others. 3. Efficacy rates classified by isolated organisms were 23/23 (100%) in single infections by Gram-positive organisms, 11/13 (84.6%) in those by Gram-negative organisms, 8/9 (88.9%) in those by anaerobic organisms and 15/19 (78.9%) in mixed infections. 4. Side effects were observed in 4 cases (3.5%); gastrointestinal disorder with diarrhea and diarrhea in 1 patient each and insomnia in 2 patients. In laboratory examination, eosinophilia and elevation of GOT and GPT were noted in 1 patient each (1.9%). Based on the above results, we consider that FLRX is a useful drug for the obstetrical and gynecological infections.

[Studies on the massive flights of chironomid midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) as nuisance insects and plans for their control in the Lake Suwa area, central Japan. 1. Occurrence of massive flights of Tokunagayusurika akamusi]

Adult Chironomidae (Diptera, particularly Chironomus plumosus and Tokunagayusurika akamusi) emerging from eutrophic lakes or polluted bodies of water in Japan have become intolerable because they pose a severe nuisance and cause economic problems. In the Lake Suwa area, massive flights of adult midges of T. akamusi have occurred frequently, and caused problems in the daily life of local residents or for the tourist business. The author tried to clarify the biological and hygienic problems involved in these massive flights. In order to control adult midges, the distribution of larvae in the lake, the period and quantity of emergence from water, the time of flight, and the dispersal range of T. akamusi midges were studied. The results obtained are as follows: 1. Larvae of T. akamusi are distributed over the whole lake, especially in the east and southeast part with high densities. Mean biomass was about 100 g wet weight/m2 in Lake Suwa. On the shore near these areas, dense swarms of adult midges were found. 2. Emergence of T. akamusi from Lake Suwa was observed at the end of September and lasted till the middle of November. The emergence peaked in the middle of October. The time of flight was mainly at 17: 30-19: 30. 3. The dispersal ranges of adult midges were confirmed with two methods, i.e. the ordinary light trap method and a questionnaire survey of 544 residents. The result obtained with the questionnaire survey was consistent with that of the light trap method and the questionnaire survey made it possible to collect information in a wider area than the usual one. 4. T. akamusi midges reached areas over 3 km from the lake, but more than 90 percent of the midges flew within 500 m of the lake's shoreline. However, even in the more distant places where there was a source of bright light there were many adult midges. 5. The wind (at 18: 30) was the main factor which expanded the dispersal range of adults. We observed that many adults appeared after a strong wind (6-7 m/s). 6. Many adult midges were collected by light trap at the top of a building with a height of 45 meters.

[Studies on the massive flights of chironomid midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) as nuisance insects and plans for their control in the Lake Suwa area, central Japan. 3. Some experimental trials for control of nuisance midges and proposed counterplans]

In the present paper the author tried to forecast the massive emergence of adult Tokunagayusurika akamusi midges from Lake Suwa. Furthermore, several control measures for chironomids were examined. The results obtained are as follows: 1. The forecast for the emergence of adult midges from the lake. A survey of the chironomid larva population was carried out at three stations in the lake. T. akamusi emerged at about the tenth day after the decrease of the larval number and at this time the temperature of the bottom water was within the range of 11-18 degrees C. The flights of adult midges were closely related to environmental factors such as air temperature, the strength and the direction of the wind and the light conditions. 2. The attraction of adult midges to lamps of various colors and wattages was studied. A comparative study on various colors of lights of the same intensity (100 W) showed that white was more attractive to chironomids than yellow, and that both colors were preferred to red, green, or blue. The experiment on light intensity showed that 100 W was more effective than 40 W and 20 W and that no differences in preference were observed between 100 W and 60 W white lamps. Therefore, the light intensity was thought to be more important than color for the control of adult midges. 3. Cyprinus is the natural enemy of the larva and pupae of T. akamusi. The total numbers of adult T. akamusi emerging from Enclosure A (in which there were 10 times as many Cyprinus as in the natural lake water), Enclosure B (no predator was present), and Station C (the natural lake) were 458, 1108, and 684 ind./m2, respectively. It was estimated that 38% of larvae or pupae were eaten by the fish in the lake, and by putting Cyprinus into the water, the percentage increased to 58%. It seems that Cyprinus has a significant effect in reducing the number of midges in field trials. 4. The control of T. akamusi may also be achieved by employing general prevention, by physical and biological means, depending upon the nature of the breeding source, and the cooperation of inhabitants and persons concerned is necessary to carry out the control of adult midges. 5. The proposals for the control of the nuisance caused by chironomid midges are as follows: (1) To make the inhabitants aware of the ecological role of chironomids in the lake, and the importance of protection of the natural ecosystem.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Extracapsular spread of squamous cell carcinoma in neck lymph nodes: prognostic factor of laryngeal cancer

Fifty-two patients with laryngeal cancer who underwent radical neck dissections were studied to provide further information on the prognosis of various clinical and histopathological parameters. Extracapsular spread (ECS) was found in 31% of patients with N1 nodes, and in 60% of patients with histopathologically positive nodes. The 5-year survival rate of histopathological findings was as follows: patients with no pathological evidence of neck metastasis (81%), patients with neck metastasis confined to the lymph node (no ECS) (76%), and patients with ECS (17%). The difference in survival rate between patients with no ECS and patients with ECS was statistically significant (P = .001). Staging classification, T-stage classification, the number of malignant nodes, the diameter of malignant nodes, and combined therapy had no prognostic importance. The most significant factor was the presence of extracapsular spread.

A case of Caroli's disease with hepatolithiasis, choledocholithiasis, and cholangiocarcinoma

A 48-year-old woman with Caroli's disease accompanied by hepatolithiasis, choledocholithiasis, and cholangiocarcinoma is reported. Magnetic resonance imaging was useful for the diagnosis of the cholangiocarcinoma. The relationship between cholangiocarcinoma and hepatolithiasis, choledocholithiasis, and chronic cholangitis in Caroli's disease is discussed.

[A case of the primary pancreatic lymphoma]

Primary pancreatic lymphoma is extremely rare. A case of the primary pancreatic lymphoma was described. A 74-year-old man was admitted to our hospital on May 26, 1990, because of epigastralgia and 5-kg weight loss. On admission, physical examination revealed mild epigastric tenderness without hepatosplenomegaly and superficial lymphadenopathy. The serum amylase level and trypsin level were normal but serum CA19-9 was slightly elevated. The diagnosis of the pancreatic cancer (body and tail) was strongly suspected on subsequent examination by US, CT, ERP and angiography. Partial pancreatectomy and splenectomy were performed. Pathological examination of the tumor in the pancreas showed diffuse non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and B-cell origin. Peripancreatic fat was involved but peripancreatic lymph nodes and spleen were intact, which strongly suggested that the isolated lymphoma was pancreatic origin.

[A successful result of triple valve replacement for combined valvular disease complicated with protein-losing gastroenteropathy]

A 43-year-old woman underwent triple valve replacement for combined valvular disease complicated with protein-losing gastroenteropathy. alpha 1-antitrypsin clearance (indices of protein-losing) was improved and serum protein level was normalized after the operation. Although protein-losing gastroenteropathy has been described as a complication of constrictive pericarditis, it has been a rare occurrence in other congestive heart failure. In this case, congestion is demonstrated to be a possible cause for protein-losing gastroenteropathy. We attempt to compare this case with situation of constrictive pericarditis, and describe the cause for developing protein-losing gastroenteropathy.

Antiviral activities of glycyrrhizin and its modified compounds against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in vitro

Chemically modified compounds of glycyrrhizin have been synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory effect on the replication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Among them, the 11-deoxo compound having a heteroannular diene structure at the C and D rings proved as active against HIV-1 as glycyrrhizin in MT-4 and MOLT-4 cells. It completely inhibited HIV-1-induced cytopathogenicity in both cell lines at a concentration of 0.16 mM. The compound was also effective against HSV-1 with a 50% inhibitory concentration of 0.5 mM [corrected].

[Pharmacokinetics of cis-diammine (glycolato) platinum (254-S), a new platinum antitumor agent, following an intravenous and intraperitoneal infusion bioactive platinum concentration profile]

The pharmacokinetics of cis-diammine (glycolato) platinum (254-S) was investigated in cancer patients following intravenous and intraperitoneal infusion. The serum concentrations of total and unbound 254-S were determined by bioassay and chemical assay as platinum. Platinum detected by bioassay was thought to be active and unchanged 254-S. Almost all of platinum in plasma were found to be active and unbound to protein because of no differences in the concentrations determined by bioassay and chemical assay and in plasma and plasma filtrate. In abdominal ascites, platinum concentrations determined by bioassay corresponded with those determined by chemical assay, suggesting that 254-S was stable in abdominal ascites. The Cmax and AUC of active 254-S in plasma determined by bioassay following an intraperitoneal infusion were about 60% and 60-80% of those following an intravenous infusion, respectively. These results showed that 254-S was well absorbed into systemic circulation from abdominal ascites as an active form. It is concluded that antitumor effect may be obtained following an intraperitoneal infusion of 254-S as well as for the reduction of abdominal ascites.

[Treatment of advanced ovarian cancer]

Significant prolongation of survival time has been brought by cisplatin containing regimen, but no significant improvement of 5 year survival rate has been achieved. Concerning to four clinical problems we face to now, my opinion was described as follows. 1) Importance of chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer: The most important factor for the cure of advanced ovarian cancer is the efficacy of the regimen used. 2) Regimen and number of cycles needed: Cisplatin and carboplatin are dose-dependent drugs and we should make effort to make dose up as much as possible. May be 6 cycles will be suitable number of administration. 3) Postoperative chemotherapy or preoperative chemotherapy (Neo-adjuvant)?: Serous adenocarcinoma is observed with high frequency around 70% and the efficacy rate of cisplatin containing regimen is exceeded more than 80%. Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy should be tried in advanced ovarian cancer. 4) Second line chemotherapy: At present, no effective drug is available for the treatment of true cisplatin refractory cancer. Therefore we should perform aggressive surgery and severe chemotherapy at the first time of treatment. By combination of surgery and chemotherapy, at least clinical CR (Complete resection or complete response) is indispensable for achieving significant improvement of 5 year survival rate, In this meaning, chemotherapeutic CR is necessary in postoperative chemotherapy and surgical CR is required in Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy.

[Chemotherapy of advanced ovarian cancer]

Cisplatin containing chemotherapy has provoked an epic making revolution in the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer. However, the impact to the long-term survival is still discouraging. In this article, standard regime for first line chemotherapy, dose, administration method, routes, number of cycles and the second line chemotherapy which is the most embraced problem are described. Strategy for the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer would be continued until the development of new drugs which are effective comparable with cisplatin and have no cross resistance with cisplatin. In order to get significant improvement of 5 year survival, complete response by chemotherapy or complete resection by operation or by both is indispensable and partial response is not sufficient.

Experimental studies on spinal cord function using evoked action potentials

Experiments were carried out on cats to determine the use of conductive evoked spinal cord action potentials in diagnosing motor function of the spinal cord. Direct stimulation from the dura produced three negative wave potentials, N1, N2 and N3. The intraspinal pathway of N2 and N3 was the dorsal column. The pathways of N1, determined by dorsal and ventral epidural recording, were the dorsilateral funicle and the extrapyramidal tracts. A collision experiment between potential N1 and pyramidal tract action potential did not reflect the function of the tract as the amplitude of the action potential was too small. Nevertheless, it is considered that conductive evoked spinal cord action potentials could become a valuable method of assessing spinal cord function as they reflect the function of the extrapyramidal tracts, as well as of the dorsilateral funicle and the dorsal column.

[Malignant lymphoma with Adams-Stokes syndrome as the first manifestation]

A case of malignant lymphoma with Adams-Stokes attack which was the first manifestation was reported. A 56-year-old female admitted our institute because of unconsciousness attack. After implantation of pacemaker she had high fever and abdominal mass. Ga scintigraphy revealed many accumulation on the hepatic hilus and the heart. Abdominal Computed Tomography and echography revealed abnormal mass in the hepatic hilus. The biopsy of this abnormal mass was performed. The histological examination of this specimen showed diffuse middle sized type malignant lymphoma.

Uterine perforation during second-trimester abortion by cervical dilation and instrumental extraction: a review of 15 cases

Review of the records of 15 women who had uterine perforations at the time of second-trimester abortion by dilation and evacuation showed that unexpected pain (but not excessive bleeding) was the most prominent sign. All patients required laparotomy, but in no case was laparotomy necessary as an emergency procedure. Laparoscopy was not helpful. Two-thirds had bowel injuries and two required hysterectomy. Errors in estimating gestational duration, inadequate cervical dilation, and failure to use sonography characterized these complicated cases.

Tumor necrosis factor antagonizes inhibitory effect of azidothymidine on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication in vitro

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) completely reverses the activity of azidothymidine (AZT) against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in MOLT-4 cell cultures. The 50% effective concentration of AZT, required to protect MOLT-4 cells against the cytopathic effect of HIV-1, increased from 5.8 nM in the absence of TNF-alpha to greater than 125 microM in the presence of TNF-alpha (100 U/ml). TNF-alpha also antagonized the anti-HIV-1 activity of dideoxycytidine but did not markedly affect the anti-HIV-1 activity of dextran sulfate. The intracellular phosphorylation pattern of AZT was not changed upon the presence of TNF-alpha.

Laryngeal epithelial changes on effects of smoking and drinking

The human larynx is essential not only for speech, but also for swallowing and respiration. Its tissues are affected by the presence of alcohol and cigarette smoke. In this report we present our findings on the effects of smoking and drinking on histological changes in laryngeal tissue. The larynges studied were those of autopsy patients: cases with damaged tissue were excluded. We studied the larynges of 84 men (non-smoker and non-drinker, 22 cases; smoker and drinker, 62 cases) and 48 women (non-smoker and non-drinker, 40 cases; smoker and drinker, 8 cases) between the ages of 12 and 88. The squamous metaplasia of laryngeal epithelium was examined using the gross staining method (Pyronin Y) of STELL et al. (J. Laryngeal. Otol. 86: 589-594, 1972). The squamous epithelium is unstained, whereas the respiratory epithelium is a brilliant red. The area of metaplasia in the supraglottic region increased with aging, tobacco and alcohol consumption. Microscopic changes of the laryngeal epithelium were investigated using the hematoxylin-eosin staining method. The thickness of epithelium of the supraglottic region and vocal cord increased with age. There is a significant difference in the thickness of the epithelium of the supraglottic region and vocal cords of smoking and drinking patients, when compared with the same tissues of non-smokers and non-drinkers. Furthermore, there is a significant difference in those tissues of the supraglottic region of heavy smokers, when compared with light smokers, but no significant difference when compared with drinkers. However, there is no significant difference in the thickness of vocal cord tissues when comparing light smokers and drinkers on the one hand, and heavy smokers and drinkers on the other.

[The effect of the elastase on aminonucleoside nephrosis]

In this paper, we studied the effect of elastase on aminonucleoside (AN) nephrosis which is considered a model of focal glomerular sclerosis (FGS). Elastase is an enzyme which disintegrates elastin, discovered by Balo, and used in the treatment of arteriosclerosis and hyperlipidemia. It has also been known to improve metabolism of acid mucopolysaccharides, so, this study focused on metabolic improvement. Three groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats were studied and observed at regular intervals; 30, 60, 90 days. The ANE group (AN + elastase) was administered one shot of AN (10 mg/100 g B.W.) during the test interval, while elastase (5 mg/kg B.W.) was injected 5 days/week for the entire test interval. The AN group was administered one shot of AN only. The third group was a control (C). The following results were observed: (1) Focal segmental hyalinosis and sclerosis (FSHS); ANE group was weaker than AN group. (2) Other significant qualifying glomerular changes (vacuolar change and hyaline droplets of the epithelial cells, adhesion, and foam cells); ANE group was weaker than AN group. (3) Anion loss in GBM was shown by a lack of colloidal iron staining under light microscopy, and by a lack of PEI particles under electron microscopy; there was significantly less anion loss with ANE group, than with AN group. The findings suggest that elastase has an affect on the metabolism of acid mucopolysaccharide and collagen in sclerotic lesion, and may restrain the progress of amino-nucleoside nephrosis.

Study of anionic sites on the mesangium in aminonucleoside nephrosis

In recent years, various reports have appeared concerning anionic sites in glomerular lesions. However, no detailed results for anionic sites in the mesangium have been reported. The authors therefore prepared nephrotic rats by the administration of puromycin aminonucleoside (PA) and investigated the anionic sites in various mesangial regions, using polyethyleneimine (PEI) as a cationic probe. In the mesangium of the control group as well as the experimental groups, PEI particles were most numerous in the subendothelial regions, followed by the central region and paramesangial region, in that order. In the group treated with PA, the numbers of PEI particles in each mesangial region decreased as compared with those in the control group. Among the three mesangial regions considered, this decrease was most pronounced in the paramesangial region. In the group which received elastase, no significant decrease in numbers of PEI particles was observed in subgroups I and II, indicating maintenance of the anionic sites. The results obtained suggested that regional investigations of the mesangial matrix may be of considerable significance for elucidating the etiologic factors in glomerular sclerosis, and that negative charge impairment in the mesangial matrix plays an important role in the development of glomerular sclerotic lesions.