Microendoscopic discectomy for lumbar disc herniation with bony fragment due to apophyseal separation

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the feasibility of microendoscopic discectomy (MED) for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation with a bony fragment due to apophyseal separation. Eighteen patients with low back pain and unilateral sciatic pain due to lumbar disc herniation with a bony fragment were treated by MED using the unilateral approach (15 males and three females; mean age, of 28.9 years; mean follow-up period, 21.1 months); 18 age-and sex-matched patients with lumbar disc herniation without a bony fragment treated by MED served as the control group. The clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Japanese Orthopedic Association Score for Low Back Pain (JOA scores; maximum score, 29 points). Evaluation of the results revealed that good surgical outcomes equivalent to those in the control group were obtained in the subjects of LDH with a bony fragment (JOA scores; 14.1+/-3.5 in the patient group vs.15.4+/-2.6 in the control group before surgery; 26.3+/-1.8 in the patient group vs. 26.9+/-1.3 at follow-up after the surgery). Although the mean surgical time was significantly longer in the patient group, there were no intra- or postoperative complications in either group. We conclude that MED using the unilateral approach is a feasible minimally invasive surgical option for patients of lumbar disc herniation with an apophyseal bony fragment.

A mechanism for mercury oxidation in coat-derived exhausts

This paper evaluates an elementary reaction mechanism for Hg0 oxidation in coal-derived exhausts consisting of a previously formulated homogeneous mechanism with 102 steps and a new three-step heterogeneous mechanism for unburned carbon (UBC) particles. Model predictions were evaluated with the extents of Hg oxidation monitored in the exhausts from a pilot-scale coal flame fired with five different coals. Exhaust conditions in the tests were very similar to those in full-scale systems. The predictions were quantitatively consistent with the reported coal-quality impacts over the full range of residence times. The role of Cl atoms in the homogeneous mechanism is hereby supplanted with carbon sites that have been chlorinated by HCl. The large storage capacity of carbon for Cl provided a source of Cl for Hg oxidation over a broad temperature range, so initiation was not problematic. Super-equilibrium levels of Cl atoms were not required, so Hg was predicted to oxidize in systems with realistic quench rates. Whereas many fundamental aspects of the heterogeneous chemistry remain uncertain, the information needed to characterize Hg oxidation in coal-derived exhausts is now evident: complete gas compositions (CO, hydrocarbons, H2O, O2 NOx, SOx), UBC properties (size, total surface area), and the ash partitioning throughout the exhaust system are required.

[A case of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with portal invasion resected after treatment by continuous intra-arterial chemotherapy with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil]

A 67-year-old male diagnosed as having inoperable advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with portal invasion was able to undergo resection after continuous intra-arterial chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin (CDDP). These were continuously administered for 24 hours at doses of 5-FU of 250 mg and CDDP of 5 mg/day, from day 1 to day 5 in a week, repeated 6 times. In additions to the reductions of the levels of AFP and PIVKA-II from 212.6 ng/ml and 16,100 mAU/ml to 11.8 ng/ml and 12 mAU/ml, respectively, the volume of the tumor and the portal invasion were diminished remarkably. As a result, a left extended hepatectomy could be performed. No sign of recurrence was seen during 16 months of follow-up after the operation. Given the above results, continuous intra-arterial chemotherapy with 5-FU and CDDP therapy may be effective for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Different expression of sialyl Tn antigen between polypoid and nonpolypoid growth types of advanced colorectal carcinoma

Colorectal tumors can be classified based on their growth pattern into the polypoid growth type (PG-type) and nonpolypoid growth type (NPG-type). We examined sialyl Tn antigen expression in advanced colorectal carcinomas that were classified as PG-type and NPG-type cancers in order to ascertain whether or not such expression correlates with other biologically and clinically important differences. A total of 94 advanced colorectal carcinomas were examined for sialyl Tn antigen expression, which was immunohistochemically detected by the monoclonal antibody TKH2. Univariate and multivariate analyses using logistic regression models were performed. Forty carcinomas (42.6%) were negative and 54 (57.5%) were positive for sialyl Tn antigen. Eighteen carcinomas (19.2%) were of PG type and 76 (80.8%) of NPG type. NPG-type cancers had a higher proportion of positive lymph node metastasis than PG-type cancers. Furthermore, sialyl Tn antigen was less often detected in NPG-type cancers (39 of 76; 51.3%) than in PG-type cancers (15 of 18; 83.3%; p = 0.0167). Multivariate analysis showed that two variables, lymph node metastasis and sialyl Tn antigen expression in carcinoma, were independently related to tumor growth patterns, that is NPG type and PG type. These data suggest that the difference in sialyl Tn antigen expression between two kinds of tumor growth patterns of advanced colorectal carcinomas, PG type and NPG type, may reflect different biological behaviors during tumor progression.

Expression of blood group antigens A, B and H in carcinoma tissue correlates with a poor prognosis for colorectal cancer patients

The deletion of blood group ABH isoantigens on tumor tissues has been reported to be an adverse prognostic marker for patients with various solid tumors. In the present study, we evaluated the prognostic value of altered expression of ABH isoantigens in colorectal carcinomas. Using monoclonal antibodies, the expression of A, B, and H antigens was assessed by immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded carcinoma samples from 82 patients who had undergone surgery for colorectal cancer. ABH isoantigens were found to be deleted in 36 carcinomas (43.9%) and expressed in 46 (56.1%). Univariate and multivariate analysis using a logistic regression model revealed that N factor (lymph node metastasis) and blood group type were independently related to the expression of ABH isoantigens. In contrast to previous reports on other cancers, patients whose colorectal carcinomas express ABH isoantigens had a poorer prognosis than those whose carcinomas showed deletion of ABH isoantigens (P = 0.0008). The expression of ABH isoantigens was an independent prognostic variable, in addition to T (depth of tumor invasion), N, and M (distant metastasis) factors, as shown by means of Cox regression analysis. In conclusion, the expression of ABH isoantigens in carcinoma tissue is an important poor prognostic factor in patients with colorectal cancer. This variable needs to be considered in the design of future trials of therapy.

Multicenter randomized prospective study of adjuvant chemotherapy with UFT and mitomycin C in advanced colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

A randomized prospective trial was performed to determine the efficacy of preoperative and postoperative adjuvant oral UFT, administered with mitomycin C (MMC) after resection for advanced colorectal cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 126 patients were entered in the study. The patients received UFT (400 mg daily) administered orally for seven days prior to surgery and were randomly assigned to two groups immediately following surgery. Group A received MMC postoperatively; Group B received the same regimen as Group A, plus administration of UFT orally at a dose of 400 mg daily for one year.

RESULTS

The survival results revealed no significant difference between groups A and B. In patients with nuclear DNA aneuploid tumors, the hematogenous recurrence rate after curative surgery was lower in Group B than in Group A (P = 0.0656).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative and postoperative adjuvant oral UFT, administered with MMC after curative resection, may be effective in preventing hematogenous recurrence in colorectal cancer patients with nuclear DNA aneuploidy tumors.

Relationship between severity of middle ear mucosal lesion and middle ear pneumatic space volume in patients with otitis media with effusion

If we assume that the state of suppression of pneumatic cells is the result of suppression of pneumatic cell growth by inflammatory stimulation in the middle ear pneumatic space, it is possible to improve the state of suppression by performing sufficient treatment during the growth period of the pneumatic cells. We indwelt a tympanic membrane ventilation tube (hereinafter referred to as tube) for treatment of otitis media with effusion (OME) in child patients aged 3-13 years and investigated the following points: i) relationship between the severity of inflammation of the lamina propria of middle ear mucosal specimens (hereinafter referred to as lamina propria) collected at the time of tube indwelling and the degree of growth of the pneumatic space; and ii) changes in the pneumatic space associated with treatment by tube indwelling, which was studied by comparing the above-described mucosal severity with the pneumatic space area of 2 years after tube indwelling, and with increase in the pneumatic space volume measured periodically after tube indwelling. The results indicated that mastoid cell growth suppression is higher in patients with a higher degree of inflammatory changes in the lamina propria. In association with treatment by tube indwelling, effusion accumulated in the pneumatic space and mucosal swelling disappeared early after the treatment, or 2 months of tube indwelling. After that, in patients with severe mucosal lesion, a long time, 1.5-2 years, was found to be required for repneumatization accompanying regrowth of the temporal bone. We confirmed that the severity of inflammation of the lamina propria is deeply involved in the growth and repneumatization of the pneumatic cells.

Successful transvaginal repair of a rectovaginal fistula developing after double-stapled anastomosis in low anterior resection: report of four cases

The management of postoperative rectovaginal fistula (RVF) after low anterior resection for rectal cancer is difficult and the results are often unsatisfactory. Among 140 patients with rectal cancer who underwent low anterior resection with a double-stapled anastomosis at our hospital between 1986 and 1996, 4 (2.9%) developed RVF as a postoperative complication. The RVF developed gradually from 9 to 128 days after low anterior resection. We describe herein our technique of using a modified transvaginal approach for RVF repair with a diverting colostomy. In all four patients, the RVFs were completely eradicated with reestablishment of intestinal continuity and did not recur during the mean follow-up period of 29.5 months, ranging from 12 to 67 months. This report serves to demonstrate that emerging RVFs secondary to stapled anastomosis in low anterior resection for rectal cancer must be recognized, and that a modified transvaginal approach provides an effective method of repair.

The use of an omental pedicle graft to prevent small-bowel obstruction after restorative proctocolectomy

Small-bowel obstruction remains one of the most frequent complications after restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). Of particular concern is small-bowel adhesion to the pelvic dead space that causes afferent limb obstruction, sometimes necessitating laparotomy. In this report, we describe a technique using an omental pedicle graft (OPG) to fill the pelvic dead space to prevent small-bowel obstruction and the resulting afferent limb obstruction after IPAA. The OPG is created from the left half of the omentum, while maintaining the blood supply from the left gastroepiploic vessels. The omentum is placed into the pelvis along the left paracolic gutter from where the colon has been resected. It is then passed over the pelvic brim and placed behind and along the bilateral sides of the ileal pouch, filling the space. This modified technique was employed in the treatment of four patients with chronic ulcerative colitis, none of whom developed any signs of small-bowel obstruction.

Relationship between middle ear pressure, mucosal lesion, and mastoid pneumatization

OBJECTIVES

The inflammatory changes of pneumatic space mucosa are thought to affect the development of pneumatic space and the function of transmucosal gas exchange. So, it is assumed that the mucosal change is deeply involved in the onset and healing process of otitis media with effusion (OME). The objective of this study is to investigate whether the growth of the mastoid cells and the middle ear transmucosal gas exchange function in patients with OME are affected by the histopathologic changes in middle ear mucosa, and whether these two factors are changed by the treatment of OME.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From 65 children with OME, middle ear mucosal specimens were collected during indwelling of a tympanic tube, and their histopathologic changes were compared with cell growth area measured on radiographic films and with the change in the middle ear total pressure (METP).

RESULTS

Suppression of the cell growth area was stronger and the METP stayed lower in cases with a higher degree of mucosal lesion. Significant expansion of pneumatic area was observed after 2 years of tube indwelling, and the peak METP showed a significant increase after 1.5 years. This increase in the METP was caused by diffusion/absorption of CO2 and O2 and indicated recovery of the transmucosal gas exchange function.

CONCLUSIONS

The growth of the mastoid cells and the middle ear transmucosal gas exchange function are closely affected by the subepithelial histopathologic changes in middle ear mucosa, and these two factors recover by the treatment of OME.

Immunohistochemical expression of ABH/Lewis-related antigens in primary breast carcinomas and metastatic lymph node lesions

The expression of blood group antigens A, B, and H, as well as sialylated and nonsialylated forms of Lewis(a) and Lewis(x), was studied using immunohistochemical methods in normal and tumor tissues in the following cohort of patients: 51 patients with primary breast carcinoma, 13 with metastatic lymph node lesions, and 16 with benign tumors of the breast. As a control, normal tissue was obtained from a similar group of 22 patients with breast cancer. The noncancerous tissues expressed the same A/B/H antigens as the patients' red blood cells and also usually expressed Lewis-related antigens. Seventy-six percent of primary carcinomas failed to express the appropriate A/B/H antigens, and in one blood group A patient the tumor tissue expressed B antigen. In the metastatic lesions, Lewis(a)/sialyl Lewis(a) expression was reduced when compared with the primary tumors, but Lewis(x)/sialyl Lewis(x) antigens were still expressed. These results suggest a possible relationship between the metastatic behavior of the tumor and expression of the blood group antigens.

Aneusomy of chromosome 18 is associated with the development of colorectal carcinoma

Specific loss of heterozygosity of chromosome 18 has been observed frequently in advanced colorectal carcinoma and is closely associated with its development. We investigated the prevalence of numerical aberrations of chromosome 18 in 44 specimens of colorectal carcinomas, using fluorescence in situ hybridization. We also examined the relationship between aneusomy of chromosome 18 and the clinicopathological features of these tumors. Aneusomy of the specimens (monosomy and polysomy) was determined when the same aneusomic population was detected in more than 15% of the nuclei. The frequency of monosomy and polysomy of chromosome 18 in colorectal carcinomas was 43% (19/44) and 29% (12/44), respectively. The prevalence of monosomy and polysomy 18 was significantly higher in cancers with invasion exceeding category T2 compared with T1 (P < 0.01), and with tumor size exceeding 20 mm in diameter compared with tumors less than 20 mm (P < 0.05). However, the prevalence of aneusomy 18 was not associated with other clinico-pathological features. The mean survival period and the 5-year survival rate after operation in patients with aneusomy 18 was not different from findings for those with disomy 18. Our results indicate that aneusomy of chromosome 18 is associated with the development of colorectal carcinoma; however, it is not a useful indicator of postoperative prognosis.

[A case of chronic tuberculous pyothorax associated malignant lymphoma]

The patient was 69-year-old male. He has a history of treatment for tuberculosis by artificial pneumothorax about 47 years ago. He was admitted an another hospital under the diagnosis of tuberculous pyothorax. He was transferred to our hospital because of chest pain and fever. Laboratory findings on the admission were as follows: ESR was 120 mm/hr, CRP was 20.22 mg/dl and other data were almost within normal limits. Chest X-ray showed a massive shadow in the right lower lung field, adjacent to the chest wall. Computed tomography (CT) showed tumor shadow with low density and invasions into the adjacent chest wall. Histological examination of surgically excised tumor biopsy revealed malignant lymphoma. The patient's condition improved and the size of tumor decreased temporarily by chemotherapy. Then, he began to complain of chest pain and high fever, and tumor in the chest wall invaded into the whole chest wall. He died of disseminated intravascular coagulation despite continuing chemotherapy. Postmortem examination revealed the following findings : the tumor existed mainly in the parietal pleura or the chest wall, adjacent to the lesion of pyothorax, and immunohistochemical examination showed that tumor was malignant lymphoma, diffuse, large B-cell type. Recent studies have shown a close association between EBV infection and pyothorax-associated lymphoma. We have to keep in mind the possible development of malignant lymphoma following tuberculous pyothorax, when we see patients complaining of fever or chest pain with tuberculous pyothorax.

[A case of meningoencephalitis caused by persistent Epstein-Barr (E-B) virus infection]

A 44-year-old man had several episodes of tingling sensation in his lower extremities, head and face over 1 year and presented mental disturbance 2 months prior to admission. He additionally suffered from dysuria and acute onset of gait disturbance 18 days before admission. Physical and neurological examination revealed marked splenomegaly, stupor, abnormal behavior, spastic tetraparesis and sphincter disturbances, and meningoencephalitis was suspected. There was lymphocytosis in peripheral blood, some of which showed atypical morphology. CSF examination revealed increased protein content and mononuclear pleocytosis. The titers of antibodies against E-B virus were elevated as follows; VCA IgM (X320), VCA IgG (X20,480), EA (X10,240) and EBNA (X10) in serum, and VCA IgM (X4), VCA IgG (X160), EA (X40) and EBNA (less than 1) in CSF. CT and MRI examination revealed ring enhanced lesion adjacent to left lateral ventricle with surrounding diffuse edema. Administration of intravenous glycerol and oral prednisolone induced substantial improvement in sensory, mental and sphincter disturbances and brain CT findings but not in splenomegaly and pyramidal tract signs. Antibody titer against VCA IgM also decreased. After withdrawal of prednisolone, CSF and CT findings worsened, and the antibody titer became elevated again, and CSF and CT findings improved by readministration of prednisolone. From the above signs and laboratory data, especially continuous elevation of antibody titer against E-B VCA IgM for as long as 1 year, this case was considered to be a meningoencephalitis caused by persistent E-B virus infection.

Varied pulmonary lesions with intraalveolar large lamellar bodies in an autopsy case with busulfan therapy

Characteristic pulmonary findings in an autopsy case of a 46-year-old female who presented heavy dyspnea as her chief complaint after 3 months of busulfan therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia were reported. The pulmonary findings were classified into four types: I. alveolar proteinosis type, II. intra alveolar fibrosis type, III. interstitial fibrosis type, and IV. lipid pneumonia type with cholesterol granuloma. No other case with various findings like this case has been previously reported. It was considered that type I is the basic type, type II is a type that developed from type I, type III is a type with interstitial cell infiltration and fibrosis and type IV is a lipidrich variant of type I. A large lamellar body was first found in the granular material of type I. It is supposed that such a body consists of osmiophilic body which originated from type B alveolar epithelial cells and blood plasma.