Building areas of hospitals in Japan and distribution of areas by department--1980's

(1) Areas of entire hospitals which have been continuously increasing in the past 30 years are finally showing signs for slowing down. The areas of the hospitals completed in the 1980's were generally 50 to 80 m2 per bed. (2) The distribution of the nursing department to the entire hospitals in area ratio ranges from 30 to slightly more than 40%, or higher than 35% in most cases. The actual areas of the nursing department has surpassed 20 m2 per bed in a considerably large number of hospitals. (3) The area ratio of the outpatient department tends to concentrate to about 12%. Of this percentage, in almost all hospitals, the proportion of the emergency division was less than 2%. (4) As in the 1970's, the diagnostic and treatment facilities were within the range of 18 to 22% in the majority of the hospitals. The distribution shifted to ratios higher than the previous survey. The distributions for the various sections are as follows: 1) Specimen test rooms 3 to 5% 2) Physiological examination rooms slightly below 1% to slightly above 2% 3) X-ray diagnosis rooms about 4% 4) Radiation therapy rooms about 1% 5) Nuclear medicine rooms about 1% 6) Operating department 3 to 5%, 2 to 3 m2/bed 7) Delivery suite less than 1% 8) Rehabilitation department 1 to 4% 9) Hemodialysis suite about 1% (5) The area ratios of the supply department dispersed substantially between 12 and 25%. About 70% of the hospitals remained in the range of 15 to 20%. The ratios of the various sections in the department are as follows: 1) Pharmacy: slightly less than 2% to slightly less than 3% 2) Central sterile and supply department: about 2% 3) Blood bank: installed in hospitals with more than 500 beds 4) Kitchen: slightly more than 2% to slightly more than 3%, 1.5 to 2.5 m2/bed 5) Laundry: less than 1% 6) Central storage and material hundling unit: about 1% 7) Mechanical plant: 5 to 13% (6) The administration department allocates 7 to 14% of its area to the management division and 2 to 6% to the welfare division.

The multiplication in plants of arabis mosaic virus satellite RNA requires the encoded protein

Oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis was used to create two mutations at each of three positions within the open reading frame (ORF) of a cDNA clone representing a satellite RNA from a lilac isolate of arabis mosaic nepovirus (ArMV). Three of the six mutants, in which stop codons were introduced at three different sites, did not direct synthesis of a translation product. The other three mutants, in which stop codons were not introduced, directed synthesis of a translation product (39K) although, in two of these, the mutation led to a single amino acid substitution. When Chenopodium quinoa plants were inoculated with in vitro transcripts from each of the six mutants together with the genomic RNA molecules (RNA-1 and RNA-2) of ArMV, progeny RNA was detected only with two of the three mutants in which the nucleotide changes did not introduce a stop codon to the coding region. To look for complementation, two deletion mutants were made. In these, 113 or 117 nucleotides were removed from two consecutive regions within the ORF. Two insertion mutants (in which the deleted sequences were replaced with a 130 nucleotide sequence from RNA-2 of cherry leaf roll nepovirus) were also made. Transcripts from none of these mutants retained messenger activity and none was detected either in C. quinoa plants or in virions, even in the presence of wild-type satellite RNA.

Psychosocial stress can induce chronic hypertension in normotensive strains of rats

We report on five 6-month experiments during which five colonies of four male and four female rats were exposed to psychosocial stress. Monthly blood pressure measurements by a tail-cuff method showed a modest (10 mm Hg) increase in two studies using Sprague-Dawley rats. In two further studies using the more aggressive Long-Evans strain, terminal direct carotid arterial pressures were taken as well, and in one study the differences exceeded 20 mm Hg. A fifth study used the Wistar-Kyoto, hyperactive (WKHA) strain developed by Hendley, and no differences were observed. Heart and adrenal weights; adrenal catecholamine synthetic enzymes; and heart, aortic, and kidney histology were measured and showed significant changes, which for the most part paralleled blood pressure changes. Social instability and the associated blood pressure changes were made more severe by periodic mixing of males from different colonies. This had no effect on the peaceable WKHA rats, some effect on the Sprague-Dawley rats, and a severe effect on the Long-Evans rats. The WKHA rats failed to show blood pressure changes despite stress-induced increases in heart and adrenal weights. Thus, different types of psychosocial stress and different genetics combine to induce a variety of neuroendocrine changes, not all of which necessarily lead to increased blood pressure.

Pharmacokinetics of fleroxacin as studied by positron emission tomography and [18F]fleroxacin

A new method of tracing the disposition of fleroxacin was tested in infected and noninfected animals in an effort to develop a technique that might be applicable in humans. [18F]fleroxacin was synthesized and shown to be identical physically, chemically, and in its antimicrobial activity to the commercially produced product. Tracer amounts of [18F]fleroxacin were coinjected with a pharmacologic dose of unlabeled drug (10 mg/kg) into normal mice, rats with focal thigh infection due to Escherichia coli, and normal and infected rabbits. The rats and mice were killed at fixed time intervals after injection, and the concentration of drug was determined by radioactive counting in a well-type counter; the rabbits were studied both by this method and by positron emission tomographic (PET) imaging. These studies validated the reliability of the new approach and suggested that it could be applied safely to humans. In all three animal species studied, delivery of [18F]fleroxacin to most tissues was rapid, with the notable exception of the brain. Accumulation of drug in infected thigh muscle was similar to that in normal muscle. The concentrations of drug reached in various tissues suggest that fleroxacin will be particularly useful in the treatment of gastrointestinal, urinary tract, hepatobiliary, and skeletal infections and that it shows promise for the treatment of lung and soft tissue infection. The minimal concentrations of drug delivered to the brain should decrease the occurrence of central nervous system toxicity with this particular fluoroquinolone.

[Experimental studies on the symptom-complex mechanism of pi man zao shi of dachengqi decoction]

Experiments have shown that Dachengqi Decoction can inhibit the activity of G-germs which commonly grow in the intestinal tract, inactivate the endotoxin directly in vitro, reduce the amplitude of fever caused by endotoxin injected intravenously, promote the gastric secretion and gastric retaining in rats, and increase the level of glycogen in liver. It also has some other effects. All these actions contribute to the explanation on the efficacy of Dachengqi Decoction to purge off the internal heat.

[Study on cisplatin albumin microspheres for neck external artery embolization]

In this paper the technique of emulsion chemical-crosslinking was used to prepare cisplatin albumin microsphere for jaw squamous cancer by neck external artery embolization. It was yellow powder with yield 80 +/- 5%, mean size 56.3 microns, cisplatin concentration 14.02-14.20%, loading rate 97.08-97.95%. The release characteristics in vitro, sterilization, stability and recipe of disperse solvent of cisplatin albumin microsphere were investigated. Animal test showed that cisplatin albumin microsphere may plug the branches of neck external artery well and remain in local tissue.

Synthesis and biodistribution of 18F-labeled fleroxacin

[18F]Fleroxacin (6,8-difluoro-1,4-dihydro-1-(2-[18F]fluoroethyl)-4- oxo-7-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-3-quinolinecarboxylic acid) was synthesized from its methylsulfonyl ester precursor. 6,7,8-Trifluoro-4-hydroxyquinoline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (Ro 19-7423) was alkylated with 2-bromoethanol to produce 6,7,8-trifluoro-1,4-dihydro-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-oxo-3-quinolinecarboxyl ic acid ethyl ester in 76% yield which was then condensed with 1-methyl-piperazine to produce 6,8-difluoro-1,4-dihydro-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-7-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)4- oxo-3- quinolinecarboxylic acid ethyl ester in 67% yield. This product was reacted with methanesulfonyl chloride to produce the mesylate precursor of fleroxacin in 66% yield. Nucleophilic substitution of the mesylate with 18F- in the presence of Kryptofix 2.2.2 followed by basic hydrolysis produced [18F]fleroxacin with a radiochemical yield of 5-8% [EOS] within 90 min. The pattern of biodistribution of [18F]fleroxacin was similar to the 14C-labeled drug.

Urinary sugar phosphates and related organic acids in fructose-1,6-diphosphatase deficiency

Two sisters with fructose-1,6-diphosphatase deficiency are reported. They presented with ketonuria, elevated plasma transaminase activity and severe metabolic acidosis during hypoglycaemic crises, which resembled Reye syndrome. Intravenous fructose tolerance tests provoked severe hypoglycaemia and metabolic acidosis. Fructose-1,6-diphosphatase activities in both peripheral leukocytes and cultured lymphocytes were below the limit of detection. Urinary organic acid analysis during crises revealed markedly increased excretion of lactate, ketone bodies, glycerol and glycerol-3-phosphate. We newly identified other glycolytic intermediates, glyceraldehyde, 3-phosphoglycerate and fructose-1,6-diphosphate, in the urine during hypoglycaemic attacks or after fructose tolerance tests. Identification of such compounds may be useful in the early diagnosis of this disease.

Pharmacokinetics of 18F-labeled fleroxacin in rabbits with Escherichia coli infections, studied with positron emission tomography

18F-labeled fleroxacin was used to measure the pharmacokinetics of fleroxacin in healthy and infected animals by positron emission tomography (PET) and tissue radioactivity measurements. In all experiments, a pharmacological dose of unlabeled drug (10 mg/kg) was coinjected with the tracer. The pharmacokinetics of [18F]fleroxacin was measured in groups of healthy mice (n = six per group) at 10, 30, 60, and 120 min after injection and in groups of rats with Escherichia coli thigh infections (n = six per group) at 60 and 120 min after injection by radioactivity measurements in excised tissues. In healthy rabbits (n = 4) and in rabbits with E. coli thigh infections (n = 4), tissue concentrations of drug were determined by serial PET imaging over 2 h; after the final image was acquired, animals were sacrificed and concentrations measured by PET were compared with the results of tissue radioactivity measurements. In all three species, there was rapid equilibration of [18F]fleroxacin to significant concentrations in most peripheral organs; low concentrations of drug were detected in the brain. Accumulations of radiolabeled drug in infected and healthy thigh muscles were similar. Peak concentrations of drug of more than three times the MIC for 90% of members of the family Enterobacteriaceae (greater than 100-fold for most organisms) were achieved in all tissues except brain and remained above this level for more than 2 h. Especially high peak concentrations were achieved in the kidney (greater than 75 micrograms/g), liver (greater than 50 micrograms/g), blood (greater than 25 micrograms/g), and bone and lung (greater than 10 micrograms/g). Since the MICs for 90% of all Enterobacteriaceae are <2 micrograms/ml, fleroxacin should be particularly useful in treating gram-negative infections affecting these tissues. In contrast, the low concentration of drug delivered to the brain should limit the toxicity of the drug for the central nervous system.

Quantitative analysis of mesenteric microcirculatory disturbances induced by autonomic nervous irritation

In this study, we have demonstrated that repeated electrical stimuli to the artery of the mesenteric pedicle can produce mesenteric microcirculatory disturbance by autonomic nervous irritation in rats. The parameters to demonstrate microcirculatory damage were observed and quantitatively analyzed using the intravital microscopy after electrical stimulation for 40 minutes. The blood flow of arterioles and venules in the mesentery showed ischemia-reperfusion pattern during the repeated electrical stimulations. The diameter of arterioles did not show significant change, while RBC velocity of arterioles was significantly decreased at 30 min after the irritation. The RBC velocity in venules was decreased from the early period to about 20%. But this values were not significantly dropped during the later observation period, suggesting the formation of short circuit flow by passing the collapsed capillary beds. The number of rolling WBC in the venules was notably increased at the time immediately after irritation, and thereafter the number of rolling WBC number was rather reduced. The number of sticking WBC in venules was time-dependently increased and reached its maximum at 30 min. When permeability of venular wall was determined by the injection of pontamine sky blue, significant increase in permeability was already shown immediately after irritation, suggesting that the integrity of microvascular wall was disturbed in this early period. The permeated area expanded thereafter in parallel with the increase in sticking WBC number. From these observations, it is suggested that endothelial cell damage and following leukocyte-endothelium interaction induced by autonomic nerve irritation appear to be an important factor in microcirculatory disturbances.

An import-competent precursor of small subunit of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase generated by factor Xa cleavage from a beta-galactosidase fusion expressed in Escherichia coli

A plasmid-encoding fusion protein interlinked by factor Xa recognition sequence between beta-galactosidase and a precursor of the small subunit of wheat ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase has been constructed. The plasmid directed abundant synthesis of the fusion protein in Escherichia coli. The recombinant protein was accumulated in an aggregated form that was associated with the bacterial membranes. A procedure was developed to isolate the fusion protein in a relatively pure and soluble form. Bovine factor Xa cleaved the isolated chimera to generate the complete chloroplast precursor of the small subunit of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase from the fused beta-galactosidase. The cleaved precursor protein was imported into the isolated chloroplasts and processed to yield its mature counterpart.

In vivo covalent binding of [14C]trinitrotoluene to proteins in the rat

When a single dose of [14C]trinitrotoluene was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) to rats at 1, 10 or 50 mg/kg of body weight, covalently bound radioactivity was detected in globin, plasma proteins and proteins in the liver and kidney. The extent of covalent binding was dose dependent and was highest in plasma and renal proteins at all times up to 4 h after dosing. Covalent adduct levels in globin, however, decline slower than others. At a dose of 50 mg/kg of body weight, globin covalent adduct levels peaked at 1 h after dosing at 182 pmol/mg protein and subsequently decreased to approximately 50 pmol/mg protein between days 1 and 8. Of the covalent adduct levels in liver and kidney, those in the 10,000 x g and microsomal fractions were found to be higher than that in the cytosolic fraction. Radioactivity covalently bound to globin and the hepatic proteins was susceptible to dilute acid hydrolysis from which 2-amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene (2A) and 4-amino 2,6-dinitrotoluene (4A) were the major products recovered by solvent extraction. Upon acetylation, the hydrolysate gave rise to derivatives identified as the acetates of 2A and 4A on the basis of mass spectrometry and HPLC cochromatography with authentic samples. Four hours after an i.p. dose of [14C]TNT at 50 mg/kg of body weight about 0.4% of the dose was found as bound adducts to hemoglobin, of which approximately 48% was recovered as solvent extractable radioactivity after acid hydrolysis. About 2% of the radioactive dose was in the liver, of which approximately 30% was covalently bound to hepatic proteins, and approximately 49% of that was convertible to solvent extractable radioactivity upon acid hydrolysis. In vitro incubation of [14C]TNT with blood showed that there was a linear increase of covalent adducts in globin during the first 2 h of incubation; the concentration of covalent adducts was slightly higher than that with plasma proteins. The major compounds recovered from the hydrolysate of the globin adducts were also 2A and 4A as obtained from globin in the in vivo studies. On the basis of the in vitro and in vivo study results, we have confirmed the formation of protein adducts following a single i.p. administration of [14C]TNT at 1, 10 or 50 mg/kg of body weight to the rat or by in vitro incubation with blood.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

A 1.5 kb sequence homology in 3'-terminal regions of RNA-1 and RNA-2 of a birch isolate of cherry leaf roll nepovirus is also present, in part, in a rhubarb isolate

A series of cDNA clones has been made from the birch isolate of cherry leaf roll nepovirus. Restriction enzyme analysis and sequencing showed that at the 3' end, RNA-1 and RNA-2 are identical for 1.5 kb. Also a 0.7 kb 3' end homology exists between the birch and rhubarb isolate. These sequences do not seem to code for any proteins; however, the sequence conservation points to a role in virus replication.

[Estimating cancer latency using data from a case-control study with time-related factors. I. A general multivariate theory and algorithm]

In the present paper, a general multivariate approach, estimating cancer latency using data from a case-control study with time-related factors, is proposed based on the theory for risk analysis of states. Making use of a forward-analysis and backward-synthesis strategy and excess exposure fraction, this approach can simultaneously accomplish multivariate logistic regression analysis and estimation of susceptible exposure ages and latency distribution. The latency is resolved into a accumulative period and preneoplastic period. It gives a theoretical interpretation for primary and secondary prevention of cancer.

Biologically active transcripts of a large satellite RNA from arabis mosaic nepovirus and the importance of 5' end sequences for its replication

Synthetic transcripts of a satellite RNA associated with a lilac isolate of arabis mosaic nepovirus (ArMV) were made from cDNA clones. Transcripts having either six (M1R) or 29 (M3R) extra nucleotides at their 5' ends replicated in the presence of ArMV genomic RNA in manually inoculated Chenopodium quinoa plants, even though M1R also differs from the native sequence at nucleotide position 2. Transcript 12R, which has 11 guanosyl residues and 27 other nucleotides not present in the natural satellite RNA at its 5' end, and also lacks the two 5'-terminal nucleotides (UA), replicated inefficiently, both in transformed tobacco plants and in plants that had been manually inoculated. Transcripts from another construct (M2R) lacking eight 5'-terminal bases of the native sequence did not multiply in plants. Each of these transcripts directed the in vitro synthesis of a protein (Mr 39K) encoded by satellite RNA, although 12R was the least efficient message. Analysis of the 5'-terminal sequences in progeny RNA from M1R showed that the non-native bases were removed and the second nucleotide corrected, suggesting that VPg plus a few initial 5'-terminal bases might serve as a primer for plus-strand synthesis of this satellite RNA. When M1R was inoculated with genomic RNAs from ArMV of ash or ivy, the transcripts replicated and were encapsidated. However, when the same amounts of M1R were inoculated with genomic RNAs of ArMV from hop or sugar-beet, progeny of the transcripts were not detected either in virions or in plants. Less surprisingly, this RNA transcript did not multiply in the presence of dogwood mosaic, strawberry latent ringspot, grapevine fanleaf or cherry leaf roll nepoviruses.

Structural aberration of the rough endoplasmic reticulum and melanosome compartmentalization in long-term cultures of melanocytes from vitiligo patients

Long-term cultures of melanocytes were established from 14 subjects with vitiligo and from five normal controls and analyzed ultrastructurally. Cultured melanocytes from 78.6% of the vitiligo patients demonstrated abnormalities that consisted of 1) dilation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), 2) circular RER profiles, and/or 3) membrane bound compartments of melanosomes. Cultured melanocytes from control subjects were predominantly normal with only one of the normal cultures demonstrating minimal circular RER profiles. The three unique abnormal structures in cultured vitiligo melanocytes were not always concomitantly expressed and could not be associated with any specific clinical feature of vitiligo. Quantitative analysis of the RER demonstrated that the profiles of dilated RER in cultured vitiligo melanocytes expressed a significant 1.5-2.8-times increase in mean cisternal area over cultured control melanocytes (i.e., 5.41-9.92 microns 2 versus 3.53 microns 2, respectively). The cisterna of the dilated RER profiles frequently contained floccular material that appeared to originate from the ribosomes, an indication that the floccular material may be translation products. The dilation of RER in melanocytes from the same patient persisted through repeated subculturing for up to 14.75 months. Epidermal melanocytes in biopsied skin from a patient whose cultured melanocytes were aberrant also demonstrated dilated and circular RER profiles. These results demonstrate that melanocytes from most vitiligo patients express an innate defect when cultured. Although this defect does not appear to be cytotoxic in vitro, this abnormality may be the primary defect that elicits melanocyte destruction in vivo.

Diet and cancer of the colon and rectum: a case-control study in China

A case-control study was carried out in Harbin city to assess the role of diet in the aetiology of colorectal cancer. A total of 336 incident cases of histologically confirmed colorectal cancer (111 colon cancer and 225 rectal cancer) and an equal number of controls with other non-neoplastic diseases were interviewed in hospital wards. Data concerning the average frequency of consumption and amount consumed of single food items were obtained by a dietary history questionnaire. Odds ratios and their confidence limits were computed. Multiple regression for risk status was also used. Vegetables, particularly green vegetables, chives and celery, have a strong protective effect against colorectal cancer. Reduced consumption of meat, eggs, bean products and grain was associated with increasing risk for cancer of the rectum. Alcohol intake was found to be an important risk factor for developing colon cancer and male rectal cancer.

Levels of O6-methylguanine acceptor protein in extracts of human breast tumor tissues

We have measured the abilities of extracts of tissues from human breast tumors to demethylate adducts of O6-meG in exogenous DNA by transfer of the methyl group to an acceptor protein. The results have shown that all 21 specimens examined (including 5 non-neoplastic, 11 malignant tumors and 5 benign growth) contained significant amounts of O6-meG acceptor activity, removing on average 221.1 +/- 2.1 (SEM) fmol O6-meG per mg protein or 10.07 +/- 0.98 (SEM) fmol O6-megG per microgram DNA in the extracts. There were also wide interindividual variations, which were not age-dependent, and there were no significant differences between the non-neoplastic and neoplastic tissues obtained from individuals with benign or with malignant disease. It was estimated that the average number of O6-meG acceptor molecules per cell in normal human breast tissues was calculated as 46,000 +/- 7000 (SEM).

Age-dependent logistic regression model and its application

In the present paper we introduce the theory and algorithm of the unconditional and conditional age-dependent logistic regression model, which combines logistic regression analysis of case-control study with survival analysis of cases in the data, thus facilitating simultaneous comparison analysis between cases and controls and among cases with different ages of disease onset under study. In age-dependent logistic regression analysis, estimated compound relative risk (CRR) and compound attributable risk (CAR) comprise the variance contributions of risk factors to disease occurrence and the time of disease onset, thereby the role played by various risk factors in etiology and etiopathology can be objectively evaluated. The current logistic regression model is only a particular case of age-dependent logistic regression theory neglecting the variations in onset age of diseases.

Synthesis and proteolytic processing of arabis mosaic nepovirus, cherry leaf roll nepovirus, and strawberry latent ringspot nepovirus proteins in reticulocyte lysate

The genomic RNA components of three nepoviruses, arabis mosaic (ArMV), cherry leaf roll (CLRV), and strawberry latent ringspot (SLRV), were translated in rabbit reticulocyte lysate. Each component (except the RNA-2 of CLRV) directed the synthesis of proteins that corresponded in size to their theoretical coding capacity. The RNA-1 components of all three viruses were translated to yield polyproteins of Mr 250k, which were autocatalytically processed to yield up to five cleavage products. The primary products of translation of the RNA-2 components of ArMV (Mr 115k and 105k), CLRV (Mr 165k) and SLRV (Mr 99k and 96k) were polyproteins that were stable on incubation, but which underwent proteolytic processing in the presence of the corresponding RNA-1 and its translation products. These polyproteins were immunoprecipitated using antisera to appropriate virions indicating that the RNA-2 sequences encode the coat protein cistrons.

A seral epidemiological study of HIV transmitted through human seral gamma-globulin preparations

In order to study the potential risk of transferring HIV through human seral gamma-globulin preparations (immunoglobulin), indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFA) and Western Blot (WB) assay were applied to 343 random samples (sera) with previous injection of imported human seral gamma-globulins (Ig) positive for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) antibodies between 1981-1987 for the detection of HIV antibodies. All results were negative and tests on all 23 controls who had previously received Ig made in China also gave negative results. However all 12 batches of imported Ig collected from the above-mentioned users, were positive for HIV antibodies when tested by WB and IFA. This study shows that under normal conditions, human seral gamma-globulin does not transmit HIV.

[Comparison between the therapeutic effects of ginseng-aconitum-bupleurum injection and dexamethasone on septic shock complicated with disseminated intravascular coagulation induced by E. coli in dogs]

In this paper, the authors report the therapeutic effects of Ginseng-Aconitum-Bupleurum (GAB) injection on septic shock complicated with DIC induced by intravenous injection of live E. Coli in dogs. The experimental results indicated that the survival rate at 48 h after intravenous injection of live E. Coli was 30% in saline group, 80% in GAB, 90% in dexamethasone (Dex) group. The BPC, WBC, FG, AT-III, beta-GC, PHb were 82 +/- 28, 9.1 +/- 5.9, 1.85 +/- 0.41, 112 +/- 43, 0.37 +/- 0.17, 0.11 +/- 0.07 respectively for GAB, 70 +/- 37, 6.7 +/- 3.7, 1.55 +/- 0.36, 59 +/- 29, 0.91 +/- 0.28, 0.12 +/- 0.06 respectively for the saline group, 58 +/- 33, 6.3 +/- 2.9, 1.95 +/- 0.21, 103 +/- 43, 0.50 +/- 0.16, 0.13 +/- 0.06 respectively for Dex. The BPC, WBC, FG, AT-III levels of the GAB group were significantly higher than those in saline group and were not significantly difference from the Dex group. The beta-GC and PHb levels of the GAB group were significantly reductive than the saline group and were not significantly different from the Dex group. The results showed that the survival rate was higher, the DIC was inhibited and normal biomembranes were maintained in the GAB group.

The nucleotide sequence of a satellite RNA associated with arabis mosaic nepovirus

The nucleotide sequence of a satellite RNA (satRNA) associated with a lilac isolate of arabis mosaic virus (ArMV) was determined from cDNA copies. The sequence was 1104 nucleotides in length excluding the poly(A) tail, contained a long open reading frame which encodes a polypeptide of 360 amino acids, with an Mr of 39K. Nucleotide sequence comparisons revealed that the ArMV-associated satRNA shared 83% nucleotide identity with a satRNA from grapevine fanleaf nepovirus, but no extensive sequence homology was observed with other nepoviral satRNAs.

Diet and cancer of the stomach: a case-control study in China

A case-control study focusing on the role of single food items was undertaken in the Heilongjiang area, 241 patients with histologically verified stomach cancer and an equal number of controls (with non-neoplastic diseases) matched by age, sex and area of residence being interviewed during a 2-year period. Questions asked covered economic status, occupation, histories of smoking and drinking, diet and dietary habits and disease history. Data concerning the average frequency and quantity of consumption of single food items were obtained by the same interviewer. An inverse association between the consumption of vegetables and stomach cancer was observed whereas high intake of potatoes and of salted and fermented soya paste appeared to be high-risk factors. Specifically, Chinese cabbage plays an important role in reducing the risk of developing stomach cancer.

[Detection of cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA sequence in biopsy samples of cervical cancer]

Biopsy samples of the cervical cancer and cervicitis were analysed by HCMV-DNA hybridization method. The results indicated that HCMV-DNA was detected in 21 (36%) of 59 cervical cancer and 6 (21%) of 28 cervicitis specimens, using 32P-DNA probe containing transformation gene (14% of total genome) to hybridize. None of 25 cervical cancer and 19 cervicitis samples showed positive HCMV-DNA, using 32P-DNA probe without transformation gene (76% of total genome). The preliminary results show that the sequence of CMV transformation gene is present in about one third of cervical cancer and one fifth of cervicitis biopsy samples tested. This detection rate is lower than that of Taiwan Province and Africa, and slightly higher than that of the USA and Finland. The relation between the HCMV and cervical cancer is being further studied.

[Evaluation of combined chemotherapy including high-dose cisplatin in the treatment of malignant tumors]

The results of 63 patients with advanced malignant tumors treated by combined chemotherapy including high-dose cisplatin (HD-DDP) (single dose 50-100 mg/m2) are reported. The remission rates and duration of the remission for various malignant tumors were: 40% (10 PR out of 25 patients) and 3-8 months for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated by PMFV (DDP, MMC, 5FU and VCR) regimen; 87% (4 CR and 9 PR out of 15) and 3-14 months for breast cancer treated by PCMF (DDP, CTX, MTX and 5FU) regimen; 100% (1 CR and 3 PR out of 4) and 3-10 months for testicular cancer treated by PPV (DDP, Pingyangmycin and VCR) regimen; 57% (1CR and 3 PR out of 7) and 5-12 months for malignant melanoma treated by PBDV (DDP, BCNU, DTIC and VCR) regimen; 33% (2 PR out of 6) and 5 months for esophageal cancer treated by PPV regimen. In 6 patients with other malignant tumors, the remission rate was 50% (3 PR). The results show that the combined regimens including HD-DDP in the treatment of breast cancer and NSCLC (remission rate 87% and 40%, respectively) are better than that including low-dose DDP (17% and 7%) (P less than 0.001, P less than 0.01) and that including adriamycin (30% and 13%) (P less than 0.001, P less than 0.05). In the treatment, obvious gastrointestinal reaction, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and mild functional damage of the liver and kidney were observed.

A pilot vitamin intervention trial in Linxian, People's Republic of China

A 24-week pilot study of daily or weekly multiple vitamin supplementation among 852 adults in Linxian, where the rate of esophageal cancer is exceptionally high, demonstrated the feasibility of an intervention trial in this population. Compliance, when judged by pill count, was high for both frequencies of pill use. Only 2% of the subjects refused to take any pills, and, among pill takers, over 95% were reported to be taking most of their pills at the end of the study. Biochemical confirmation of high compliance was demonstrated in urine and blood tests, which showed markedly improved vitamin levels after supplementation. Results of the pilot study indicated that a system in which barefoot doctors were used in pill distribution was effective and that established field operating procedures for a full-scale intervention trial in this area were acceptable.

[Computed gamma-tomographic estimation of a hepatic weight index during liver regeneration]

Single photon emission computed tomography was used to evaluate the total functioning liver mass and the regeneration process after partial hepatectomy. Serial tomographic sections were performed after infusion of 99m Technetium. In studies on dogs and in human beings, computed gammatomography enabled to calculate the liver mass with less than 10 p. 100 error. Hepatic regeneration was studied in 10 patients following resection of 46 to 84 p. 100 of the initial liver mass. The remaining liver mass increased rapidly postoperatively and doubled within 13 to 18 days. The regeneration process followed an exponential curve. Assessment of liver regeneration by this non-invasive technique should be of great help following partial hepatectomy.

Cytosolic and nuclear estrogen receptors in the isolated perfused rat liver

The isolated perfused rat liver was investigated as a potential model to analyze binding of 17 beta-[3H]estradiol (E2) to cytosolic and nuclear estrogen receptors. Viability of the isolated perfused liver was monitored by measuring leakage of cytosolic enzymes into the perfusate. These studies indicated that the liver remained viable for at least a 90-min perfusion period although significant decreases in cytosolic estrogen receptor concentrations occurred during this perfusion period. Estrogen receptor loss was minimized by supplementing the red blood cell-free perfusion medium with 5 micrograms of insulin per ml. Uptake of [3H]E2 by hepatic cytosolic estrogen receptors of the isolated perfused liver was rapid as measured by partial purification of radiolabeled ligand receptor complexes after varying times of perfusion. Peak liver concentrations of receptor-bound E2 were achieved 15 min after the onset of perfusion when using livers from either male or female rats. After 15 min, radiolabeled cytosolic ligand receptor complexes decreased rapidly, reaching lowest concentrations at 60 min. Radiolabeled salt-extractable nuclear-binding sites increased up to 30 min and then decreased slightly between 30 and 90 min. Both 4S and 5S forms of nuclear binding sites were detected in the isolated perfused livers as evaluated by sedimentation analysis on 5 to 20% sucrose density gradients. Concentrations of radiolabeled cytosolic and nuclear receptors were greater in females than males at all perfusion periods examined when the initial concentration of [3H]E2 was 4 nm. Sex differences in receptor uptake were not as great when higher concentrations of [3H]E2 were added to the perfusion medium. These studies suggest that the isolated perfused liver is a suitable model to investigate short-term uptake of estrogens by cytosolic and nuclear receptors.

T cell antigens and MHC determinants on rabbit granulocytes

A cell preparation, consisting of 90% granulocytes (polymorphonuclear leukocytes), can be obtained from the rabbit peritoneal cavity. These cells have some membrane antigens, similar to those characteristic of thymus cells (T1, T2), but they do not have the thymus antigen, RTLA. Unlike thymus cells, many polymorphonuclear leukocytes have Ia antigen, in their membranes. Heterogeneity of the cell population is indicated by differences in the number of cells affected by complement-mediated cytotoxic cell-kill with monoclonal antibodies, directed against T1 and T2 and with polyclonal antibodies directed against Ia.

Serologic diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. A double-blind study of four EB virus antibodies with evaluation by sequential discrimination

It is generally known that a close relationship exists between Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Recently, patients with early lesions of NPC have been detected in the general population by use of serologic mass survey. Using the double-blind method, we have studied the diagnostic value of the four EBV antibody titers, VCA-IgA, VCA-IgG, EA-IgA and EA-IgG, in four groups of subjects, each consisting of 50 persons: patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC group), patients with cancers other than NPC in the head and neck regions (HNC group), patients with cancers outside of head and neck regions (OC group) and normal individuals (NS group). The results of these four antibodies were evaluated both singularly and together by multivariate sequential discrimination. Taking 1:10 as the criterion of being positive, in the NPC group, the positive rate of VCA-IgA is 88%, the VCA-IgG rate is 100%, the EA-IgA rate is 48% and the EA-IgG rate is 74%. In the non-NPC group, the positive rates of VCA-IgA are as high as 86%-92%, but those of the other antibodies are as low as 0-42%. The positive rates and the geometric mean titers of these four antibodies were all elevated as compared with those in the three non-NPC groups. These differences are statistically significant. VCA-IgG is unimportant in the diagnosis of NPC because of its low specificity. By treating the antibody titers of VCA-IgA, VCA-IgG, EA-IgA and EA-IgG with sequential discrimination, the correlation rate between the serology and pathology of NPC is 88% and the false positive rate is 7.3%.

Relation between geographical distribution of liver cancer and climate-aflatoxin B1 in China

This paper analyses, for the first time in China, the relationship between the data on climate (temperature and humidity) in the country, aflatoxin, hepatitis B and primary liver cancer mortality, by using the methods of geographical epidemiology and generalized factor analysis, and also approaches the characteristics of the geographical distribution of liver cancer in China from a climate-mould viewpoint. The authors come to the conclusion that climate is an important environmental condition that determines the differences in the distributions of liver cancer in different areas, and that aflatoxin B1 is one of the main carcinogenic factors of liver cancer.

[Comparative study of 3 portasystemic shunts following 65% hepatectomy in the dog. Evaluation of 2 specific functions of the liver]

Three types of porto-systemic shunt were performed in the dog following 65% hepatectomy with the aim of determining the best porto-systemic shunt for the maintenance of hepatic function during regeneration of the liver: terminolateral portocaval shunt, mesenterico-caval shunt and spleno-pancreatico-caval shunt. The hepatic functions studied were the hydroxylation of vitamin D and proaccelerin synthesis. These functions were unaffected by the mesenterico-caval shunt whilst they were depressed to the same extent by both other types of shunt.

Work in progress: treatment planning system for conformation radiotherapy

Conformation radiotherapy is a treatment technique that allows the high-dose region in the treatment field to be shaped to the prescribed treatment volume. The algorithms and software for obtaining a complete dose distribution needed to plan conformation radiotherapy for patients have been developed and implemented on the Modulex RTP system, manufactured by Computerized Medical Systems, Inc. Standard beam data, i.e., tissue-phantom ratios and off-center ratios, were used to calculate asymmetric dose profiles for the irregular field at any gantry angle. Computed dose distributions were compared with measured dose distributions and agreement was within 5% in the high-dose region.