Porous materials produced from incineration ash using thermal plasma technology

This study presents a novel thermal plasma melting technique for neutralizing and recycling municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) ash residues. MSWI ash residues were converted into water-quenched vitrified slag using plasma vitrification, which is environmentally benign. Slag is adopted as a raw material in producing porous materials for architectural and decorative applications, eliminating the problem of its disposal. Porous materials are produced using water-quenched vitrified slag with Portland cement and foaming agent. The true density, bulk density, porosity and water absorption ratio of the foamed specimens are studied here by varying the size of the slag particles, the water-to-solid ratio, and the ratio of the weights of the core materials, including the water-quenched vitrified slag and cement. The thermal conductivity and flexural strength of porous panels are also determined. The experimental results show the bulk density and the porosity of the porous materials are 0.9-1.2 g cm(-3) and 50-60%, respectively, and the pore structure has a closed form. The thermal conductivity of the porous material is 0.1946 W m(-1) K(-1). Therefore, the slag composite materials are lightweight and thermal insulators having considerable potential for building applications.

Co-pyrolysis of sunflower-oil cake with potassium carbonate and zinc oxide using plasma torch to produce bio-fuels

This study examined the effects of additives of potassium carbonate (K2CO3) and zinc oxide (ZnO) on the pyrolysis of waste sunflower-oil cake using a 60 kW pilot-scale plasma torch reactor. The major gaseous products were CO and H2. The productions of CO and CH4 increased while that of H2 decreased with the addition of K2CO3. The use of ZnO reduced while enhanced the formation of CO and H2, respectively. In order to match the appeal of resource reutilization, one can use the waste K2CO3 resulted from the sorption of CO2 with KOH in greenhouse gas control and the waste ZnO obtained from the melting process as additives for the co-pyrolysis of sunflower-oil cake, yielding fuels rich in CO and H2, respectively.

Man-made vitreous fiber produced from incinerator ash using the thermal plasma technique and application as reinforcement in concrete

This study proposes using thermal plasma technology to treat municipal solid waste incinerator ashes. A feasible fiberization method was developed and applied to produce man-made vitreous fiber (MMVF) from plasma vitrified slag. MMVF were obtained through directly blending the oxide melt stream with high velocity compressed air. The basic technological characteristics of MMVF, including morphology, diameter, shot content, length and chemical resistance, are described in this work. Laboratory experiments were conducted on the fiber-reinforced concrete. The effects of fibrous content on compressive strength and flexural strength are presented. The experimental results showed the proper additive of MMVF in concrete can enhance its mechanical properties. MMVF products produced from incinerator ashes treated with the thermal plasma technique have great potential for reinforcement in concrete.

Production of coloured glass-ceramics from incinerator ash using thermal plasma technology

Incineration is a major treatment process for municipal solid waste in Taiwan. It is estimated that over 1.5 Mt of incinerator ash are produced annually. This study proposes using thermal plasma technology to treat incinerator ash. Sintered glass-ceramics were produced using quenched vitrified slag with colouring agents added. The experimental results showed that the major crystalline phases developed in the sintered glass-ceramics were gehlenite and wollastonite, but many other secondary phases also appeared depending on the colouring agents added. The physical/mechanical properties, chemical resistance and toxicity characteristic leaching procedure of the coloured glass-ceramics were satisfactory. The glass-ceramic products obtained from incinerator ash treated with thermal plasma technology have great potential for building applications.

Plasma vitrification and re-use of non-combustible fiber reinforced plastic, gill net and waste glass

Fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) composite material has widespread use in general tank, special chemical tank and body of yacht, etc. The purpose of this study is directed towards the volume reduction of non-combustible FRP by thermal plasma and recycling of vitrified slag with specific procedures. In this study, we have employed three main wastes such as, FRP, gill net and waste glass. The thermal molten process was applied to treat vitrified slag at high temperatures whereas in the post-heat treatment vitrified slags were mixed with specific additive and ground into powder form and then heat treated at high temperatures. With a two-stage heat treatment, the treated sample was generated into four crystalline phases, cristobalite, albite, anorthite and wollastonite. Fine and relatively high dense structures with desirable properties were obtained for samples treated by the two-stage heating treatment. Good physical and mechanical properties were achieved after heat treatment, and this study reveals that our results could be comparable with the commercial products.

Sentinel node detection with radiocolloid lymphatic mapping in early invasive cervical cancer

We assessed the feasibility of sentinel lymph node detection using technicium-99 radiocolloid lymphatic mapping for predicting lymph node metastases in early invasive cervical cancer. Thirty patients with cervical cancer (stages IA2-IIA) underwent preoperative lymphoscintigraphy using technicium-99 intracervical injection and intraoperative lymphatic mapping with a handheld gamma probe. After dissection of the sentinel nodes, the standard procedure of pelvic lymph node dissection and radical hysterectomy was performed as usual. The sentinel node detection rate was 100% (30/30). There were seven (23.3%) cases of microscopic lymph node metastases on pathologic analysis. All of them had sentinel node involvement. Therefore, the sensitivity of sentinel node identification for prediction of lymph node metastases was 100%, and no false negative was found. Preoperative lymphoscintigraphy, coupled with intraoperative lymphatic mapping, located the sentinel nodes accurately in our study patients. This sentinel node detection method appears to be feasible for predicting lymph node metastases.

Determination of urinary beryllium, arsenic, and selenium in steel production workers

Some of the most pernicious dangers of pollution arise from the presence of traces of toxic elements in the environment. In this work, we report on the determination of beryllium, arsenic, and selenium in the urine of steel production and steel quality control (QC) workers, in comparison to healthy control subjects. The urine samples were digested by a microwave system. Graphite furnace and hydride atomic absorption was used for the quantitative measurements of Be and As and Se, respectively. A quality control method for these procedures was established with concurrent analysis of Standard Trace Metals 7879 Level II and NIST SRM 2670 (Toxic Elements in Freeze Dried Urine). The results show that the urinary levels of these elements in steel production (As, 38.1 +/- 28.7 microg/L; Be, 1.58 +/- 0.46 microg/L, and Se, 69.2 +/- 28.8 +/- g/L) and in quality control workers (As, 23.9 +/- 18.1 microg/L; Be, 1.58 +/- 0.46 microg/L, and Se, 54.8 +/- 25.1 microg/L) are significantly higher than in the controls (As, 10.3 +/- 8.7 microg/L; Be, 0.83 +/- 0.46 microg/L; and Se, 32.3 +/- 13.5 microg/L). The possible connection of these elements with the etiology of disease and the possible role of selenium as a protective agent against the oncogenic and teratogenic action of other substances is discussed. We suggest the need for improvement of environmental conditions in the workplace through better ventilation and industrial hygiene practices.

Treatment and recycling of incinerated ash using thermal plasma technology

To treat incinerated ash is an important issue in Taiwan. Incinerated ashes contain a considerable amount of hazardous materials such as dioxins and heavy metals. If these hazardous materials are improperly treated or disposed of, they shall cause detrimental secondary contamination. Thermal plasma vitrification is a robust technology to treat and recycle the ash residues. Under the high temperature plasma environment, incinerated ashes are vitrified into benign slag with large volume reduction and extreme detoxification. Several one-step heat treatment processes are carried out at four temperatures (i.e. 850, 950, 1,050 and 1,150 degrees C) to obtain various "microstructure materials". The major phase to form these materials is a solid solution of gehlenite (Ca2Al2SiO7) and åkermanite (Ca2MgSi2O7) belonging to the melilite group. The physical and mechanical properties of the microstructure materials are improved by using one-step post-heat treatment process after plasma vitrification. These microstructure materials with good quality have great potential to serve as a viable alternative for construction applications.

Synthesis and antibacterial evaluation of certain quinolone derivatives

A number of 7-substituted quinolone derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for antibacterial and cytotoxic activities. Preliminary results indicated that most compounds tested in this study demonstrated better activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus than norfloxacin. Among them, 1-(4-amino-2-fluorophenyl)-6-fluoro-1,4-dihydro-7-[4-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-hydroxyiminoethyl]-1-piperazinyl]-4-oxo-3-quinolinecarboxylic acid (11d) and its ketone precursor 10d exhibited significant activities against Klebsiella pneumoniae, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, erythromycin- and ampicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis. Due to strong cytotoxicities of 11d (a mean log GI(50) of -5.40), compound 10d, with good antibacterial activities and low cytotoxicities (a mean log GI(50) of -4.67), is a more potential drug candidate.

Ovarian fibrosarcoma with long-term survival: a case report

Primary ovarian fibrosarcoma is an exceedingly rare malignant ovarian stromal tumor which has a poor prognosis. We report here a 46-year-old woman who suffered from irregular vaginal bleeding for 2 months. She received hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy due to a provisional diagnosis of uterine and ovarian tumors. At surgery, an 8-cm ovarian solid multilobular tumor was found. Frozen section examination revealed an ovarian fibrosarcoma. She then underwent staging procedures including intraperitoneal washing, cytology, and pelvic and para-aortic lymph node sampling. Final pathologic examination revealed that the tumor exhibited densely packed spindle cells in storiform configuration with obvious increased mitotic activity. In addition, the flow cytometric study showed marked elevated percentage of tumor cells in the S phase (13.1%). After surgery, the patient received six courses of combination chemotherapy with epirubicin, ifosfamide, and dacarbazine (DTIC). The patient stood the treatment well and is free from disease 6 years later.

Inhibition of the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in macrophages by 7HQ derivatives: involvement of IkappaB-alpha stabilization

Nitric oxide is an important biological mediator associated with multiple pathophysiological phenomena, such as platelet aggregation, vasodilation, septic shock, and autoimmune diseases. Prostaglandins, derived from cyclooxygenases, play prominent roles in homeostasis and inflammation. In this study, we characterized the effects of 7HQ derivatives (7-[(4-methylene-5-oxo-2-R-2-tetrahydrofuranyl) methoxy]-3,4-dihydrocarbostyril, where R is methyl, phenyl, p-fluorophenyl and p-phenylphenyl; 7HQ-1,-2,-3 and-4, respectively) in murine RAW 264.7 cells, a macrophage-like cell line. Lipopolysaccharide, the active component of endotoxin, significantly induced the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2, leading to the accumulation of nitrite and prostaglandin E(2), respectively. These actions of lipopolysaccharide were inhibited by 7HQ derivatives; additionally, the inhibition of the expression, rather than the activity, of inducible nitric oxide synthase correlated well with that of nitric oxide formation. Western blotting and electrophoretic mobility shift assay results demonstrated that the 7HQ derivatives could effectively inhibit IkappaB-alpha degradation and nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) translocation. At higher concentrations, 7HQ derivatives also inhibited cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme activity. These results suggest that 7HQ derivatives exhibit inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 through inhibition of IkappaB-alpha degradation and NF-kappaB activation.

Plastic microchip electrophoresis for genetic screening: The analysis of polymerase chain reactions products of fragile X (CGG)n alleles

Clinical screening of abnormal chromosomes associated with fragile X syndrome (FXS) demands a high-throughput method including DNA sizing and detection of the amplified products. This study is to explore the use of polymer microchip electrophoresis for the analysis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products of fragile X (CGG)n alleles to facilitate a fast exclusion test of FXS. The sequences flanking the CGG-repeat of FMR1 gene was amplified by betaine-PCR and the amplified products were desalted and then analyzed by microchips which were fabricated on poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) substrate. The PCR bands with more than six CGG-repeats in difference could be clearly distinguished in less than 3 min by microchip electrophoresis with a separation length of 6 cm. It was found that the signal was greatly enhanced with the use of both covalent (Cy5) and intercalating dye (TORRO-3), which has never been demonstrated before. We tested the method by reanalysis of twelve samples from males and six samples from females. For female samples with less than six repeat differences, Southern blotting method was performed to confirm or exclude the findings from microchips. It was found that the test results from all male and female samples show a 100% correlation between the microchip electrophoresis and the existing methods.

An effective strategy of using molecular testing to screen mentally retarded individuals for fragile X syndrome

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of familial mental retardation (MR). It is caused by the expansion of the CGG repeat in the FMR1 gene on the X chromosome. To date, FXS is not treatable, but can be prevented by prenatal genetic examination. Identifying women who carry a full mutation or premutation FMR1 gene is thus very important, and can be done by tracing family members of FXS subjects. However, most of the FXS subjects in Taiwan as well as those in many other countries have not been identified. In this study the authors attempt to develop reliable and inexpensive tests suitable for a large-scale screen of subjects with MR for FXS. Together with their previous study, a total of 311 male and 160 female subjects with MR were screened with nonradioactive Southern blot assay using mixed deoxyribonucleic acid from three subjects of the same sex. From these subjects, nine male subjects and one female FXS subject were diagnosed. All male subjects were also screened with nonradioactive polymerase chain reaction (PCR). These nine male FXS subjects were also detected on the basis of PCR amplification failure. No false-negative results were discerned. The PCR procedure was simplified further by combining it with an analysis of a blood spot on filter paper, which is a much simpler and cheaper method for sample collection and DNA preparation. This method was then used to screen 104 boys with MR. Two of them were suspected, and later confirmed with Southern blot assay, as subjects with FXS. This study suggests that simple PCR combined with blood spot analysis could be a reliable, inexpensive test that is feasible for a large-scale screening of male subjects with MR for FXS. However, Southern blot assay with mixed deoxyribonucleic acid is appropriate for screening female subjects. Based on this strategy, most FXS subjects could be identified easily for further management.

Synthesis, antibacterial, and cytotoxic evaluation of certain 7-substituted norfloxacin derivatives

We report herein the synthesis and biological evaluation of two series of 7-substituted norfloxacin derivatives. Most compounds tested in this study demonstrated better activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus than norfloxacin. Preliminary in vitro evaluation indicated that the 7-[4-(2-hydroxyiminoethyl)piperazin-1-yl] derivatives 3b-e possess distinct cytotoxicity profiles as compared with their alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactone counterparts, 4b,e: i.e., excellent activities against the renal cancer subpanel. Among them, 1-ethyl-6-fluoro-7-¿4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxyiminoethyl]-1-p ipe razinyl¿-4-oxo-1,4-dihydro-3-quinolinecarboxylic acid (3d) demonstrated the most significant activities against renal cancer cell lines, with log GI(50) values of -6.40 against CAK-1, -6.14 against RXF 393, and -7.54 against UO-31, compared with a mean log GI(50) value of -5.03.

Synthesis and cytotoxic evaluation of a series of gamma-substituted gamma-aryloxymethyl-alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactones against cancer cells

PURPOSE

The main objective of this investigation was to explore the cytotoxic structure-activity relationships of gamma-substituted gamma-aryloxymethyl-alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactones against cancer cells.

METHODS

The target compounds were synthesized in two steps commencing with aryl-OH which was treated with a bromomethyl ketone followed by the Reformatsky-type condensation.

RESULTS

Seven types of alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactones were evaluated in vitro against 60 human cancer cell lines derived from nine cancer cell types. The average values of log GI50 indicated that for the aryl portion, potencies of these alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactones are in a decreasing order of quinolin-2(1H)-one (or 2-hydroxyquinoline, 21, -5.89) > quinoline (19, -5.79) > 2-methylquinoline (20, -5.69) >8-hydroxyquinoline (17,-5.64) > 2-naphthalene (16, -5.59) > benzene (15, -4.90). The same order was obtained for both log TGI and log LC50. However, for the gamma-substituent, the potencies are in a decreasing order of biphenyl (16f-21f) > phenyl and 4-substituted phenyl (16b-e-21b-e) > methyl (16a-21a).

CONCLUSIONS

Unlike cardiovascular activities of alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactones in which a gamma-methyl substituent is necessary for vasorelaxing effect while a phenyl or a halogen-substituted phenyl is prefer for the antiplatelet activities, a gamma-biphenyl substituent proved to be the best for their cytotoxicities against various cancer cell lines tested.

Implication of screening for FMR1 and FMR2 gene mutation in individuals with nonspecific mental retardation in Taiwan

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of familial mental retardation (MR), attributable to (CGG)n expansion in the FMR1 gene. FRAXE is less frequent, associated with a similar mutation of the FMR2 gene. This study attempted to ascertain the prevalence of both disorders in Taiwan, as well as to develop a method to effectively find carriers. A total of 321 patients with nonspecific MR were screened for the FMR1 and FMR2 mutation. Four of 206 boys and men (1.9%) and 1 in 115 girls and women (0.9%) were identified as having FXS. All four FXS boys or men could be identified by Southern blot analysis, as well as by a simple nonradioactive polymerase chain reaction analysis. None of the 206 boys or men had FMR2 full mutation. This confirmed the low incidence of FRAXE in Chinese. FXS appears to be more prevalent among patients with mild MR, because 4 of the 5 patients with FXS were from the 115 with mild MR (3.48%) and only 1 was from the other 206 with severe MR (0.49%). All five FXS cases were maternally inherited. Other family members were resistant to further searching for carriers. It is worth noting that none of these mothers had a discernible premarital family history of MR. Thus the negative family history could not preclude the possibility that a woman was a carrier. To identify female carriers of childbearing age, beyond the scope of family history, is thus worthy of further exploration. Screening men for carriers using this inexpensive method is probably feasible, even though normal transmitting men have no immediate risk of producing a child with the disease. Female carriers can then be effectively identified from these normal transmitting men and can take all preventive measures.

Cloning of two new cry genes from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. wuhanensis strain

With PCR products as probes, we have cloned two new cry-type genes from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. wuhanensis. The deduced amino acid sequence of the first clone is 77.3% identical to Cry1Ga1. The deduced protein sequence of the second clone is 69.8-78.7% identical to that of Cry1B group. The nomenclature assignment of these two clones is, therefore, named Cry1Gb1 and Cry1Bd1, respectively. The Cry1Bd1 is toxic to Plutella xylostella larvae, and the Cry1Gb1 is toxic to Pieris rapae larvae.

An efficient one-pot method for the large-quantitative production of radiopharmaceutical ligand: diazadioximes

An efficient one-pot procedure for the preparation of diazadioxime was described. Treatment of ketooximes with alkyldiamine followed by NaBH4 in dry ethanol afforded the corresponding d,l-diazadioximes in 56--74% yield without isolation of the intermediates.

Synthesis of Tc-D,D-HMPAO and Tc-L,L-HMPAO and their comparison of chemical and biological properties

Tc-D,D- and TC-L,L-HMPAO were synthesized. The stability of Tc-D,D- and TC-L,L-HMPAO in vitro is similar to that of d,l-isomers by the spectrophotometric and three strips methods. Cerebral uptake (%D in brain) for the L,L-isomer is higer than the D,D- and d,l-isomer in rats. Delayed studies shows that T-L,L-HMPAO reveals less washout and reflects a higher cerebral deposition properties than the D,D- and d,l-isomer.

Pilot fragile X screening in normal population of Taiwan

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common hereditary form of mental retardation. Molecular analysis of the FMR1 gene has now been applied to diagnosis and carrier detection. Because treatment is not feasible, prevention of FXS by prenatal diagnosis of carrier women early during pregnancy is important. The aim of this pilot study was to ascertain the prevalence of mutant FMR1 gene in normal population of Taiwan and to evaluate the efficacy of a betaine-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nonradioactive Southern blot assays. The DNA was randomly and anonymously collected from 100 women and 100 men. The results showed 62% of the women were heterozygous for the CGG-repeat size in FMR1 gene. One of 300 X chromosomes in this study showed premutation, with 95 CGG repeats. All other chromosomes have CGG repeats ranging from 19 to 52, with eight chromosomes (3%) having more than 40 CGG repeats. The most prevalent allele has 29 repeats (48.1%), followed by 30 (24.0%) and 36 (9.5%), respectively. The results of this study reconfirmed previous reports that the prevalent FMR1 CGG repeat alleles in Chinese population are different from that of other populations. However, the prevalence of premutation gene seems to be comparable among them. The betaine-based PCR could minimize the intrinsic problem of preferential amplification and may reliably determine the different allele repeats in heterozygous females. This nonradioactive Southern blot protocol is safe, efficient, and inexpensive. However, further technical improvement may be needed to be more cost-effective for a wide screening of all pregnant women.

Unusual chromosome 9 variant with an extra G-dark and C-negative segment in the short arm, proximal to the centromere: a case study

Polymorphic variation of constitutive heterochromatin in human chromosomes is commonly seen in clinical cytogenetic analyses. Normal variant can be confirmed with C-banding and are generally considered clinically insignificant. However, it may be a concern if an unusual variant chromosome is detected in a prenatal specimen. We report an unusual chromosome 9 variant with an extra G-dark and C-negative segment in the short arm, proximal to the centromere. This chromosome 9 variant has been previously reported in only nine independent families. Whether this is a rare variant or an underestimation requires further evaluation. Of note is that all probands so far reported in the literature are clinically normal.

Synthesis and anticancer evaluation of certain alpha-methylene-gamma-(4-substituted phenyl)-gamma-butyrolactone bearing thymine, uracil, and 5-bromouracil

Certain alpha-methylene-gamma-(4-substituted phenyl)-gamma-butyrolactone bearing thymine, uracil, and 5-bromouracil were synthesized and evaluated for their anticancer activity. These compounds demonstrated a strong growth inhibitory activity against leukemia cell lines. The anticancer potency for the substituents of the lactone C(gamma)-phenyl is in an order of 4-Ph > 4-Cl, 4-Br > 4-Me, 4-NO2 > 4-F. For the pyrimidine portion, 5-bromouracil is more potent than uracil and thymine.

Synthesis and anticancer evaluation of certain gamma-aryloxymethyl-alpha-methylene-gamma-phenyl-gamma-butyrolactones

Certain gamma-aryloxymethyl-alpha-methylene-gamma-phenyl- gamma-butyrolactones were synthesized and evaluated for their anticancer activity. These compounds demonstrated a strong growth inhibitory activity against leukemia cell lines but are relatively inactive against non-small cell lung cancers and CNS cancers. The anticancer potency for aryl portion is in an order of quinoline > 8-hydroxyquinoline > 2-methylquinoline >> naphthalene >> benzene.

alpha-Methylene-gamma-butyrolactones: synthesis and vasorelaxing activity assay of coumarin, naphthalene, and quinoline derivatives

Certain alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactone derivatives of coumarin, naphthalene, and quinoline were synthesized and evaluated for vasorelaxing effects on isolated rat thoracic aorta. The 7-[(2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2-methyl-4-methylene-5-oxo-2-furanyl)methoxy]-2H- 1- benzopyran-2-ones, which have an aliphatic methyl substituent at the lactone C2, were more active than their C2-phenyl counterparts against high-K+ (80 mM) medium, Ca2+ (1.9 mM)-induced vasoconstriction and the norepinephrine (NE, 3 microM)-induced phasic and tonic constrictions (2a vs. 2b; 2c vs. 2d; 2e vs. 2f; 2g vs. 2h). Although 3-chloro-7-[(2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2-methyl-4-methylene-5-oxo-2- furanyl)methoxy]-4-methyl-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one (2g) demonstrated the most potent inhibitory activities on the NE-induced phasic and tonic constrictions at concentrations of as low as 10 micrograms/ml, it possesses both affinity for NE-receptor and intrinsic activity to trigger the vasoconstriction. However, 8-[(2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2-methyl-4-methylene-5-oxo-2- furanyl)methoxy]quinoline (10a) and other quinoline derivatives (11a, 12a) are pure irreversible non-competitive blockers of NE-receptor with no intrinsic activity. The aromatic ring played an important role in the vasorelaxing effects of alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactones; naphthalene was inactive, quinolines exhibited only affinity to the alpha-receptor, and coumarins possessed both affinity and intrinsic activity.

Cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase inhibition by an antiplatelet agent, 6-[(3-methylene-2-oxo-5-phenyl-5-tetrahydrofuranyl)methoxy)quinol inone (CCT-62)

The antiplatelet activity of (6-[(3-methylene-2-oxo-5-phenyl-5-tetrahydrofuranyl)methoxy]quinol inone) (CCT-62) was determined in vitro in rabbit platelets. CCT-62 inhibited rabbit platelet aggregation and ATP release caused by thrombin (0.1 U/ml), platelet-activating factor (2 ng/ml), collagen (10 microg/ml), arachidonic acid (100 microM), and 9,11-dideoxy-9alpha,11alpha-methanoepoxy prostaglandin F2alpha (1 microM) in a concentration-dependent manner. The IC50 values for platelet aggregation were 18.4 +/- 4.5, 10.1 +/- 1.6, 3.0 +/- 0.9, 1.5 +/- 0.3 and 1.0 +/- 0.3 microM, respectively. In addition, CCT-62 disaggregated the clumped platelets caused by these aggregation inducers. It also inhibited phosphoinositide breakdown and intracellular calcium elevation induced by the above platelet aggregation inducers. CCT-62 increased intracellular cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP levels in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, it potentiated cyclic AMP formation caused by prostaglandin E1 but not that caused by 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine. CCT-62 did not affect adenylate or guanylate cyclase but inhibited cyclic AMP- and cyclic GMP-phosphodiesterase activities. The antiplatelet effect of CCT-62 was reversed by a protein kinase A inhibitor, N-[2-(P-bromocinnamylamino)ethyl]-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide (H89). This data clearly indicated that CCT-62 is an inhibitor of phosphodiesterases and that its antiplatelet effect is mainly mediated by elevation of cyclic AMP levels.

Synthesis and antiplatelet evaluation of alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactone bearing 2-methylquinoline and 8-hydroxyquinoline moieties

In a search for inhibitors of platelet aggregation, some alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactones bearing 2-methylquinoline and 8-hydroxyquinoline moieties were synthesized and evaluated for antiplatelet activities against thrombin (Thr)-, arachidonic acid (AA)-, collagen (Col)-, and platelet-activating factor (PAF)-induced aggregation in washed rabbit platelets. With the exception of 2-[[2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-4-methylene-5-oxo-2-(4-phenylphenyl)-2 -furanyl]methoxy]-8-hydroxyquinoline (8f), these alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactones completely inhibited the platelet aggregation induced by AA and Col. The 2-methylquinoline derivatives were also active against Thr- and PAF-induced aggregation, while their 8-hydroxyquinoline counterparts were relatively inactive.

Clonal karyotype abnormalities in EBV-associated hemophagocytic syndrome

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

An EBV-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (HS) in previously healthy children or young adults has been documented in Taiwan. The exact nature of this syndrome, i.e., either an infectious process or a neoplastic disease, remains to be clarified.

METHODS

Three patients diagnosed as having HS were studied retrospectively. Chromosomes from bone marrow were examined by a conventional trypsin-Giemsa banding technique and karyotyped at the beginning of diagnosis or during treatment. In situ hybridization studies for EBV using EBER1 were performed.

RESULTS

All three patients presented the classic manifestations of HS including fever, splenomegaly, jaundice, pancytopenia and coagulopathy. Bone marrow aspiration revealed atypical lymphocyte and histiocyte infiltration with hemophagocytosis. EBV genomes were found in bone marrow in all patients. In addition to normal mitotic cells, clonally karyotypically abnormal cells were demonstrated in all three patients whose diseases were rapidly progressive and eventually refractory to etoposide-based therapy. The consistent karyotypical abnormality of add(9)(p24) was noted in two of them.

INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS

Although HS is usually considered a reactive process, the emergence of clonal cytogenetic abnormalities should be considered a malignant entity and treated with more intensive chemotherapy. A large series of cytogenetic and molecular studies is needed to clarify the exact nature of this fatal disease.

Accuracy of three-dimensional ultrasonography in volume estimation of cervical carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the accuracy of a three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound system in volume estimation of cervical carcinoma.

STUDY DESIGN

Transvaginal 3D and two-dimensional (2D) scans on cervical carcinoma volumes were performed 1 day before surgery. The volume of cervical carcinoma measured from each surgical specimen was compared with the corresponding volume of the cervical tumor measured by a 3D ultrasound and with the conventional 2D ultrasound volume measurement calculated using the formula pi/6 x(R1 x R2 x R3), where R1, R2, and R3 were the maximal transverse, anteroposterior, and longitudinal length of tumor, respectively. Limits of agreement and 95% confidence intervals were calculated and systemic bias between the methods was analyzed. The Klotz test was also used to assess the statistical significance of the degree of dispersion.

RESULTS

A total of 61 cases, 55 with exophytic tumors and 6 with endocervical tumors, were examined in this study. The limits of agreement between the volume measured from specimen and tumor volume determined by ultrasound were +6.68 to -6.10 mL for 3D measurements and +12.46 to -10.98 mL for 2D measurements. The Klotz test showed the discrepancy in the degree of dispersion between 3D and 2D ultrasound measurements was statistically significant (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The true volume of cervical carcinoma is measured more accurately by a 3D ultrasound system than 2D ultrasound.

Papillary cystic tumors of the pancreas: assessment of malignant potential by analysis of progesterone receptor, flow cytometry, and ras oncogene mutation

BACKGROUND

Although the biologic behavior of papillary cystic tumor (PCT) of the pancreas is more favorable than the adenocarcinoma, a malignant form has been reported. There has been much controversy as to the histologic evidence for malignancy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the ras oncogene mutation is present in the PCT, together with hormone receptor status and DNA flow cytometry that can be used to predict tumor aggressiveness.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 6 collected cases of PCT, estrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR) were detected by immunohistochemical techniques, DNA ploidy and S-phase fraction (SPF) were studied by flow cytometry, and H, K, and N-ras oncogene mutation were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

RESULTS

General strong positive immunostaining of PR and negative staining of ER are found in all 6 cases of PCT, including 5 adolescent girls and one 55-year-old women with areas of anaplastic transformation. Flow cytometry analysis revealed diploid DNA in all 6 cases but higher SPF in the anaplastic portion of the old one. None of the 6 cases showed H-, K-, or N-ras oncogene mutation.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest PR status and ras oncogene mutation appear to be not useful in predicting aggressive behavior. DNA ploidy and S-phase fraction may provide useful information for prognosis, but their more precise prognostic value of PCT needs a larger number of cases to clarify.

Prenatal molecular diagnosis of RET proto-oncogene mutation in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A

We report a case of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN 2A) diagnosed prenatally at 16 weeks gestation. The 35-year-old mother is a MEN 2A patient. She had had three prior pregnancies: one resulted in a stillbirth; one produced a genetically unaffected boy; and the third was terminated in the first trimester owing to a diagnosis of blighted ovum. Autopsy did not reveal the cause of death of the stillborn infant, who was also found to be affected with MEN 2A by molecular study of paraffin-embedded tissue. Because of poor obstetric history and the patient's age, amniocentesis for cytogenetic and molecular studies was performed at 16 weeks' gestation during the pregnancy under discussion. As with other affected members in the mother's family, the missense mutation of TGC to TTC at codon 634 of the RET proto-oncogene was found in amniotic fluid cells. Analysis of DNA extracted from the lymphocytes of the infant's blood at birth confirmed the diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of prenatal diagnosis of MEN 2A.

Papillary cystic tumor of the pancreas in children

Papillary cystic tumor of the pancreas, so-called Frantz tumor, is a very rare tumor in children. Only 157 cases had been reported since 1959. The clinical manifestations of this disease are usually a slowly growing abdominal mass with or without abdominal pain. It occurs predominantly in young females, and its pathogenesis is still unknown. Surgical resection is usually curative, and its prognosis is excellent. Four adolescent girls with acute or chronic abdominal pain were found to have papillary cystic tumor of the pancreas at our hospital in the past 4 years. They all have a variable clinical presentation. Papillary cystic tumor of the pancreas should therefore be considered one of the differential diagnoses of abdominal pain or abdominal mass in adolescent girls.

Reciprocal expression of Bcl-2 and p53 in breast ductal carcinoma

Apoptosis or programmed cell death represents a mechanism by which tumor cells with DNA damage can be deleted. Bcl-2 and p53 gene products have both been linked to apoptosis. Bcl-2 plays a role as an inhibitor of apoptosis that may extend the viability of cells containing genetic alterations and facilitate tumor progression. Mutant p53 has a similar effect. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between bcl-2 and p53 expression and to clarify their roles in apoptosis in different histological graded breast carcinomas. We analysed 101 invasive ductal carcinomas of the breast for the expression of bcl-2, p53, c-erbB-2, estrogen and progesterone receptors using immunohistochemistry. Reciprocal expression of bcl-2 and p53 was present in 71.3% of cases. The bcl-2+/p53-expression pattern was prevalent in histological grade I and II tumors (77.4% and 59.3% respectively) and rarely present in histological grade III (6.3%). Conversely, bcl-2-/p53+ expression pattern was rarely present in histological grade I and II tumors (3.2% and 11.1% respectively) and prevalent in histological grade III (50.0%). Our results also showed that Bcl-2 expression was positively correlated with ER and PR, more prevalent in pre-menopausal status, and negatively correlated with cerbB-2 expression. Bcl-2 expression was involved in tumor progression in well-differentiated tumors and mutant p53 could substitute for bcl-2 function in poorly differentiated tumors. The bcl-2/p53 expression pattern of tumors may be of value in predicting therapeutic response and prognosis. Bcl-2 expression was correlated with other well-established prognostic factors and bcl-2 could be an estrogen-related protein.

Synthesis and evaluation of coumarin alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactones: a new class of platelet aggregation inhibitors

In a search for new inhibitors of platelet aggregation, certain coumarin-bearing alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactones were synthesized and evaluated for inhibitory activity against thrombin (Thr)-, arachidonic acid (AA)-, collagen (Col)-, and platelet-activating factor (PAF)-induced aggregation in washed rabbit platelets. These compounds were efficiently synthesized from commercially available 7-hydroxycoumarin or its derivatives. Among them, 7-[(2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-4-methylene-5-oxo-2-phenyl-2-furanyl) methoxy]-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one (3d) showed the most potent inhibition of AA- and PAF- induced aggregation, with IC50 values of 3.65 and 16.36 microM respectively.

Characterization of two urothelium cancer cell lines derived from a blackfoot disease endemic area in Taiwan

Established cancer cell lines with distinct characteristics are valuable in many aspects of in vitro study pertaining to tumor biology, as well as the possible geographic significance. Two long-term cell lines, BFTC905 and BFTC909, were established from primary transitional cell carcinomas (TCC) of patients from a blackfoot disease endemic area in Taiwan, where the prevalence and standard mortality rates of this cancer are unusually high. BFTC905 derived from a grade III TCC of urinary bladder has an epitheloid morphology, and BFTC909 derived from the sarcomatoid component of a grade III TCC of renal pelvis exhibits a fibroblastic growth pattern. They share similar morphological and immunocytochemical characteristics with the tumors of origin, have multiple chromosomal aberrations, and are tumorigenic in nude mice. BFTC905 reveals a unique homogeneously staining region at 11q13, the amplification of which has been detected in 20% of transitional cell carcinoma. In addition to the rarity of renal pelvic origin, the vimentin expression associated with an aggressive clinical behavior and a relatively high tumorigenicity as demonstrated by BFTC909 cells has also rarely been mentioned in TCC cell lines, but has been well documented in vivo and in vitro in renal cell carcinoma and breast cancer.

Establishment and characterization of a human-papillomavirus negative, p53-mutation negative human cervical cancer cell line

A human cervical cancer cell line, CX, was established from a patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix. The CX cells were epithelial in morphology with relatively large vesicular nuclei, and prominent nucleoli. Cytoplasmic organelles were generally sparse but tonofilaments were relatively abundant. The cells grew as a compact sheet with close membrane approximation interconnected by desmosome-like junctions. CX cells contained cytokeratin, but not vimentin. Elevated levels of squamous cell carcinoma antigen and carcinoembryonic antigen were detected in the cell supernatants. Population doubling time was estimated to be about 20 h. CX cells were not able to grow in soft agar and not tumorigenic in nude mice. Chromosome analysis revealed that CX cells were heterogeneous and mainly had a female diploid karyotype. Unlike cervical cancer cell lines published previously, CX cells were demonstrated to be human papillomavirus-negative, p53 mutation-negative. Based on the distinct characteristics, CX cell line may prove to be a useful tool for the study of human cervical carcinogenesis.

Melanosis peritonei associated with enteric duplication cyst. A case report

Melanosis peritonei is extremely rare, and only five cases have been reported in the English literature, four in association with ovarian dermoid cysts, and one with a peritoneal cyst. We describe an additional case occurring in a girl two years of age who also had an enteric cyst. This is the first reported case of melanosis peritonei not associated with an ovarian teratoma, but with an enteric duplication cyst. Melanophages were present focally in the submucosa, superficial muscle layer, and ulcer bases of the cyst and extensively as small nodules on the peritoneal surface and in the omentum. The tendency of perivascular nodular aggregation of melanophages favors a hematogenous (or lymphatic) spread rather than implantation. Although clear evidence of melanocytic aggregation is lacking, are speculate that the melanin originated from the esophageal-like squamous mucosa of the cyst.

Overexpression of p53 protein in squamous cell carcinoma of buccal mucosa and tongue in Taiwan: an immunohistochemical and clinicopathological study

Sixty squamous cell carcinomas of tongue and buccal mucosa were examined for expression of p53 protein by using an immunohistochemical technique improved by an antigen retrieval method. Twenty-seven (45%) tumors demonstrated strongly positive staining. Thirteen of p53-positive tumors (48%) also exhibited overexpression of p53 in immediately adjoining hyperplastic or pre-malignant epithelium. All 22 metastatic lymph nodes and 18 local recurrent lesions (except two) had an identical p53 immunophenotype to their corresponding primary sites. Mitotic indices were significantly higher in p53-positive tumors (P < 0.01); however, no association of PCNA scores with p53 expression was found (P > 0.1). There was no correlation between p53 overexpression and tumor grade, size and staging, vascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, and early local recurrence. Overexpression of p53 was found to be relatively higher, although not statistically significant, in nonsmokers than in heavy smokers (66.7% vs. 42.9%), and in nonbetel-quid chewers than in heavy chewers (62.5% vs. 34.2%). These data are consistent with the hypothesis that inactivation of p53 protein may occur in the early phases of oral tumorigenesis. It may not be a useful prognostic marker but could possibly be used for risk assessment and surveillance of local recurrence.

Detection of Y-chromosome sequences in patients with X-chromosome abnormalities

The polymerase chain reaction was used to test 18 adults and eight fetuses with numerical or structural X-chromosome abnormalities for the presence of nine Y-specific loci. Y-chromosomal DNA was detectable in one adult patient with X-chromosome mosaicism. This study and previous reports provide evidence to support further screening of patients with X-chromosome abnormalities for the presence of Y-chromosomal DNA sequences. Long-term follow-up of patients with Y-chromosomal sequences is required to determine the risk of gonadal neoplasms and other abnormal phenotypes.

Detection of Y-chromosomal DNA with marker chromosomes in Turner's syndrome

Patients with clinical features of Turner's syndrome may have a 45,X/46,X + mar or 46,X + mar karyotype. It is estimated that phenotypic females or intersexuals with a Y chromosome and gonadal dysgenesis have a 20% risk of developing gonadoblastoma, so it is crucial to know whether Turner's syndrome patients have a Y chromosome. We studied the chromosomal make-up of four patients with Turner's syndrome using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Nine Y-chromosomal loci including four loci (PABY, SRY, ZFY, DYS14) on the short arm, one loci (DYZ3) on the centromere, and four loci (DYS132, DYS1, DYZ1, DYZ2) on the long arm were amplified to determine the origin of marker chromosomes. Three patients were identified as having Y chromosome DNA. Patient 1 contained the presumed gonadoblastoma locus (DYS132) and a prophylactic gonadectomy was carried out. DNA extracted from dysgenetic gonads did not show Y chromosome DNA. A rapid, highly sensitive and isotope-free method for detection of abnormal Y chromosomes in Turner's syndrome patients has been developed. Chromosome in situ hybridization analysis is required to confirm the PCR results, to provide further evidence for molecular organization of these marker chromosomes.

Overexpression of MDM-2 mRNA and mutation of the p53 tumor suppressor gene in bladder carcinoma cell lines

To investigate the importance of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in bladder carcinogenesis, we determined the status of the expression of the MDM-2 and p53 genes and genetic alterations in the p53 gene in five bladder carcinoma cell lines and one kidney urothelial carcinoma cell line. Overexpression of MDM-2 mRNA was observed in three bladder carcinoma cell lines, J82, SCaBER, and BFTC-905. Amplification of the MDM-2 gene was not detected in any of the six cell lines by southern analysis. The deletion in the p53 gene was observed in J82, and point mutation was detected in J82 and BFTC-909, the kidney urothelial carcinoma cell line. In contrast, no mutations were found in codons 12, 13, and 61 in the Ha-ras and Ki-ras genes in these six cell lines. These results indicate that alterations in the p53-regulated pathway are important in bladder carcinogenesis.

Optimal dose of garlic to inhibit dimethylhydrazine-induced colon cancer

This study was designed to investigate the optimal dose of garlic during long-term feeding and its preventive and therapeutic effects on colon cancer in rats induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH). A total of 240 male Sprague-Dawley rats were grouped and fed with either a basal or a garlic diet of different concentration, and some groups were subcutaneously injected with DMH 20 mg/kg once a week for 20 weeks. The incidence of colon tumor was significantly decreased in the groups fed with 2.5%, 5%, and 10% garlic diets (p < 0.001). There was no distinct difference among these concentrations (p > 0.05). Therefore the minimal optimal dose of garlic to inhibit colon cancer was 2.5%. The equivalent dose of this concentration in humans is 4.76 g/m2 body surface/day. In a therapeutic study, the tumor-inducing interval in nude mice subcutaneously injected with colon cancer cells (CC-M2) was prolonged by a 2.5% garlic diet (p < 0.01). Thus smaller tumor volume and longer survival time were found in the garlic group than in the controls (p < 0.01). However, the growth rate of tumors was not markedly inhibited by garlic. All rats finally died within 18 weeks. This study suggested that a 2.5% garlic dose may be used mainly as an inhibitor to prevent colon cancers and improve survival time.

Congenital isolated absence of pulmonary valve in a neonate with partial trisomy 13q

A term female newborn with partial trisomy 13q [46,XX, -18, +der(18) t(13;18) (13qter-->13q22:: 18q23--> 18pter) pat], is described with unbalanced translocation and isolated absence of the pulmonary valve. The clinical manifestations included hypertelorism, corneal opacification, high arch palate, rocker-bottom feet, polydactyly (both hands and feet), respiratory distress and intractable congestive heart failure. Echocardiogram showed isolated absent pulmonary valve. This consents report such a combination in partial chromosome 13 trisomy.

Serum level of squamous cell carcinoma antigen and tumor size are useful to identify preoperatively patients at high risk of cervical cancer

BACKGROUND

The benefit of postoperative adjuvant therapy for patients with cervical cancer is uncertain, and moreover, may increase morbidity. In this study, patient age, clinical stage of the cancer, tumor size, and levels of serum squamous cell carcinoma cell antigen and carcinoembryonic antigen were studied in patients with Stage Ib and IIa squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix to determine if these parameters can be used, before the surgical intervention, to distinguish patients who require postoperative adjuvant therapy from those who do not.

METHODS

Ninety-nine patients were studied. After surgery, patients were classified either as high risk or low risk according to the results of histopathologic findings. The age of the patient was noted, and FIGO stage, squamous cell carcinoma antigen, carcinoembryonic antigen, and clinical tumor size were determined. A univariate analysis and then a stepwise logistic regression procedure were performed to select significant clinical predictors from among the five variables mentioned above. Any selected predictors were further analyzed by the receiver operator characteristic curve.

RESULTS

Serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen and clinical tumor size measured by colposcopic examination were significant clinical predictors of the treatment strategy postoperatively. From the receiver operator characteristic curve, a sensitivity of 84.2%, a specificity of 91.8%, a positive predictive value of 84.5% were attained.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen assays and clinical tumor size estimated by colposcopic examination are helpful in identifying patients who require postoperative adjunctive therapy.

The direct cardiac effects of ketamine studied on the intact isolated rabbit heart

The effects of ketamine on the inotropic and chronotropic responsiveness of heart were examined in spontaneously beating hearts isolated from rabbits by using a modified Langendorff preparation. The changes of maximum left ventricular dP/dt from baseline level after exposing to ketamine 5, 25 and 125 micrograms/ml averaged +7.1% (P < 0.05), +2.8% (P > 0.05) and -42.6% (p < 0.001), respectively. The decreases of heart rate at the three ketamine concentrations averaged 2.4% (P < 0.05), 9.4% (P < 0.01) and 36.8% (P < 0.001), separately. Our data demonstrate that ketamine has dual actions on the cardiac inotropism. It mildly increases cardiac contractility at low concentration whereas at high concentration it depresses myocardium profoundly. Besides, ketamine produces a dose-dependent inhibition on chronotropism directly.

Carrier screening and prenatal diagnosis for alpha-thalassemia with biphasic polymerase chain reaction

Alpha-thalassemia is the most common single gene disorder in Taiwan and Southeast China. The majority of alpha-thalassemic mutations in this area are alpha-thalassemia 1. Homozygous alpha-thalassemia 1 has been recognized as the most important cause of hydrops fetalis. To investigate the incidence of alpha-thalassemia 1 mutations and to characterize its molecular defects, cord blood electrophoresis was performed on 2,000 newborns, of which 99 (5%) cases were found to have hemoglobin (Hb) Bart's levels > 3.0%. A methodology using biphasic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with nesting primers was developed to characterize the alpha-thalassemia 1 Southeast Asia type (SEA) deletion in the cases with detectable Hb Bart's levels. The SEA deletion was found in 92 (93%) of 99 cases. Prenatal screening was performed on couples with abnormal hematologic indices, and PCR was used to detect couples heterozygous for SEA deletion. Prenatal diagnosis was performed in 21 cases, and four cases were found to have a homozygous SEA deletion. This strategy can be applied to couples who need prenatal genetic counseling for alpha-thalassemia major in this area.

The hemodynamic effects of continuous intravenous infusion of propofol at higher rates

The new formula of propofol was introduced in 1985. Because of its characteristics of rapid onset and elimination, it was often used as a drug of induction and maintenance of total intravenous anesthesia. However, the hemodynamic effects of propofol was still controversial. The present study was to observe its hemodynamic reactions at higher infusion rate. Hemodynamic studies were performed in 11 female patients, 17 to 54 years old, ASA class I-II, presenting for major lower abdominal operation. Patients with heart, lung, liver, or endocrine disease were excluded. No premedication was given before anesthesia. A radial arterial line and a swan-ganz catheter were inserted under local anesthesia. Cardiac output (CO), arterial blood pressure (ABP), central venous pressure (CVP), pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP), and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) were obtained before induction to foster systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), left ventricular systolic work index (LVSWI), right ventricular systolic work index (RVSWI), and pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI), cardiac index (CI) by an H/p computer analyzer. Propofol (2 mg/kg) was combined with succinylcholine (1.5 mg/kg) for induction. Anesthesia was maintained with propofol and norcuron. The infusion rates of propofol were 10 mg/kg/hr during the first 30 minutes and 8 mg/kg/hr during the following 30 minutes, norcuron, 0.1 mg/kg initially and 1 mg for maintenance after 30 minutes. Normal saline was infused 1000 to 1500 ml in study period to maintain higher preload. Post induction hemodynamic data were collected at the 5th, 15th, 30th, 60th min after induction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Primary malignant lymphoma of the uterine cervix shows favorable response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Primary malignant lymphoma localized in the uterine cervix is a rare condition for which radiation therapy, surgery, or chemotherapy either alone or in combination have been the mainstay of treatment. The effectiveness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for this condition, however, has not been evaluated. We experienced one case of primary malignant lymphoma of the uterine cervix, stage IIa according to FIGO, and IEA according to the Ann Arbor staging system for extranodal lymphomas, which was treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery. The patient first underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy consisting of cyclophosphamide, vinblastine, epirubicin, bleomycin, procarbazin, and oncovin (COP-BLAM) to reduce the size of the tumor. This was followed by an extended total hysterectomy, left salpingo-oophorectomy, and bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy given before surgery resulted in a remarkable reduction in the tumor size which made the subsequent surgery technically easy. In addition, it is possible that intraoperative micrometastasis of the tumor cells could be better prevented. The patient received additional chemotherapy with COP-BLAM schedules postoperatively. No evidence of recurrent lymphoma has been observed in 2 years after the treatment. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be an effective treatment modality for primary malignant lymphoma of the uterine cervix.

Uterine leiomyosarcomas coexistent with cellular and atypical leiomyomata in a young woman during the treatment with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist

We report a case of a 28-year-old woman who had received 2 months of intranasal buserelin (a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist; LH-RH agonist) therapy for presumed uterine leiomyomata. In addition to no reduction of the tumor size evaluated by sonography, heavy vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain recurred and worsened during the therapy. Pathological examination of the myomectomy and hysterectomy specimens revealed leiomyosarcomas coexistent with cellular, atypical, and classical leiomyomata. We suggest that this is a case of leiomyosarcomas arising in preexisting leiomyomata rather than de novo from the smooth muscle fibers of the myometrium. Furthermore, the potential of LH-RH, agonist therapy to delay the surgical treatment of an unsuspected leiomyosarcoma is high-lighted. Close monitoring of the treatment response by improvement of clinical symptoms and sonographic assessment of tumor size may be helpful in early diagnosis of an underlying malignant tumor.

Intestinal obstruction in asplenia syndrome: report of three cases

Congenital absence of spleen is rare. When it does occur, it may be associated with a characteristic group of anomalies of the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal system. Fifteen neonates of asplenia syndrome were seen in our hospital from April 1989 to November 1992, three of these fifteen cases were associated with intestinal obstruction and malrotation. All of the three neonates were noted to have cyanosis, heart murmur and abdominal distention soon after birth. Absence of spleen, heterotaxia and complex cardiac malformations were detected by sonography. Howell-Jolly bodies were found in their peripheral blood smear. The barium examinations of gastrointestinal tract showed intestinal obstruction and malrotation. All of them died in the first month of life. One of them received an autopsy.