Remitting Seronegative Symmetrical Synovitis with Pitting Edema Syndrome as a Manifestation of Recurrent Ovarian Cancer

We herein report a case of ovarian cancer recurrence detected every time with symptoms of remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema (RS3PE) syndrome. A 46-year-old woman who had a history of ovarian cancer 9 months earlier developed joint pain along with pitting edema in both hands and was diagnosed with RS3PE syndrome. Two and four years after initial surgery for ovarian cancer, symptoms of RS3PE syndrome appeared, and a recurrent site was detected. With resection of the relapsed sites and increased maintenance dose of methylprednisolone, these symptoms improved within a month.

Manual removal of placenta in women having unpredictable adherent placenta

AIM

Our aim is to provide expected outcomes for undergoing manual removal of placenta (MROP) following vaginal delivery in women having an unpredictable adherent placenta (AP).

METHODS

The data were obtained from four hospitals in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan. We used propensity score-matched (1:1) analysis to match women who underwent MROP with women who did not undergo MROP (control). Total blood loss and hemorrhagic rate used as a ratio of women who reached a certain amount of blood loss were compared. Subgroup analysis was undertaken and was dependent on the presence of AP. We found the cut-off value of blood loss for detecting AP.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven MROP cases were identified. Total blood loss and hemorrhagic rate differed significantly between MROP cases and controls; 95% of controls had blood loss of 1000 mL or less, whereas for the MROP cases, it was 14%. Fourteen MROP cases were diagnosed with AP. The hemorrhagic rate differed significantly between MROP cases with and without AP (n = 19); 79% of MROP cases without AP had blood loss of 2000 mL or less, whereas for the MROP cases with AP, it was 7%. There were seven incidents of hysterectomy and two of arterial embolization in MROP cases with AP. Through receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, 2035 mL of blood loss was determined to be the optimal cut-off value for detecting AP.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of unpredictable AP in MROP cases was as high as 38%. The morbidity of MROP cases with unpredictable AP was severe. MROP should be prohibited in the absence of appropriate hemostatic preparations.

Prenatal diagnosis of premature chromatid separation/mosaic variegated aneuploidy (PCS/MVA) syndrome

Premature chromatid separation/mosaic variegated aneuploidy (PCS/MVA) syndrome is a rare genetic disorder. In this case report, we describe the prenatal diagnosis of PCS/MVA syndrome in a 24-year-old, gravida 1, para 1, woman who was referred to us in her second trimester due to fetal growth restriction and extreme microcephaly (-5.0 standard deviations). Amniocentesis and chromosomal analysis confirmed PCS in 80% of cultured fetal cells. PCS findings were positive in 9% of paternal cells and 11% of maternal cells, indicative that both were PCS carriers. Genetic analysis confirmed that the fetus carried a combined heterozygote of maternal G > A point mutation of the promoter area of the BUB1B gene and a paternal Alu sequence insertion between intron 8 and exon 9 of the BUB1B gene. As PCS/MVA syndrome is associated with the development of various malignancies in early life, prenatal diagnosis is important for effective planning of post-natal care.

Antithrombin improves the maternal and neonatal outcomes but not the angiogenic factors in extremely growth-restricted fetuses at <28 weeks of gestation

AIMS

Severe preterm fetal growth restriction (FGR) remote from term is problematic. We aimed to investigate the effect of maternally-administered antithrombin on maternal and neonatal outcomes. A prospective, one-arm, pilot study was performed in 14 women with severe FGR (≤5th centile) at <28 weeks of gestation, without hypertensive disorders. Maternal plasma concentrations of soluble Feline McDonough Sarcoma (FMS)-like trypsin kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) were measured and categorized into three groups: group 1; low sFlt-1 and high PlGF, group 2; moderate sFlt-1 and low PlGF, and group 3; high sFlt-1 and low PlGF. Antithrombin was administered for 3 days. The incidence of perinatal mortality, infant morbidity, and the period of pregnancy prolongation were compared.

RESULTS

In group 1 (n=4), their pregnancies were extended for longer periods and the maternal and infant outcomes were good. The prolongation periods were shorter in groups 2 (n=3) and 3 (n=7), which resulted in poor maternal [severe preeclampsia or hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome] and infant outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The evaluation of the maternal sFlt-1 and PlGF at 21-27 weeks of gestation is useful in the managements of severe FGR. Antithrombin treatment could prolong the pregnancies with low sFlt-1 and high PlGF without negatively affecting maternal or fetal health.

PCS/MVA syndrome caused by an Alu insertion in the BUB1B gene

We report a case of premature chromatid separation/mosaic variegated aneuploidy syndrome identified by microcephaly on fetal ultrasound and confirmed by cytogenetic analysis of amniotic fluid. Initial mutational analysis of the entire coding region of the BUB1B gene failed to identify any causative mutations. However, further analysis revealed a known compound heterozygous mutation in the upstream region of this gene and a novel Alu insertion mutation in the intron.

Maternal Morbidity in Women with Placenta Previa Managed with Prediction of Morbidly Adherent Placenta by Ultrasonography

Objective. To determine maternal morbidity in women with placenta previa managed with prediction of morbidly adherent placenta (MAP) by ultrasonography. Methods. A retrospective cohort study was undertaken comprising forty-one women who had placenta previa with or without risk factors for MAP. Women who had all three findings (bladder line interruption, placental lacunae, and absence of the retroplacental clear zone) were regarded as high suspicion for MAP and underwent cesarean section followed by hysterectomy. We attempted placental removal for women having two findings or less. Results. Among 28 women with risk, nine with high suspicion underwent hysterectomy and were diagnosed with MAP. Three of 19 women with two findings or less eventually underwent hysterectomy and were diagnosed with MAP. The sensitivity and positive predictive value for the detection of MAP were 64% and 100%. The pathological severity of MAP was significantly correlated with the cumulative number of findings. There were no cases of MAP among 13 women without risk. There was no difference of blood loss between women with high suspicion and those without risk (2186 ± 1438 ml versus 1656 ± 848 ml, resp.; p = 0.34). Conclusion. Management with prediction of MAP by ultrasonography is useful for obtaining permissible morbidity.

Biphasic action of aldosterone on Akt signaling in cardiomyocytes

Both aldosterone and Akt signaling play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of heart failure. However, little is known about the correlation between them. We herein investigated whether aldosterone interacts with Akt signaling in a coordinated manner in cardiomyocytes. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were stimulated with aldosterone for either a short (10-min) or long (24-h) time. The phosphorylation of Akt and its downstream effector, GSK3β, were transiently increased after short-term stimulation, which was blocked by either PI3K or Na(+)/H(+) exchanger inhibitors, but not by the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, eplerenone. Long-term stimulation also significantly increased Akt-GSK3β phosphorylation and this effect was reduced by eplerenone. Thus, these results suggest that aldosterone activates Akt signaling via a biphasic reaction that occurs through different cascades. To understand the significance of the rapid action of aldosterone, cardiomyocytes were exposed to hydrogen peroxide for from 10 to 60 min. A short-term aldosterone stimulation (for up to 30 min) significantly protected cardiomyocytes from oxidative stress-induced cellular damage. Eplerenone did not abrogate this beneficial effect, while a PI3K inhibitor did. Therefore, during the early phase, aldosterone has favorable effects on cardiomyocytes, partly by acute activation of a mineralocorticoid receptor-independent cascade through the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger, PI3K, and Akt. In contrast, its persistent activity produces pathological effects partly by chronic Akt activation in a mineralocorticoid receptor-dependent manner.

Cardiac intervention using high-intensity focused ultrasound: creation of interatrial communication in beating heart of an anesthetized rabbit

OBJECTIVE

Current fetal cardiac intervention for restrictive atrial septum is invasive and technically demanding. We investigated the feasibility of computer-assisted high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for cardiac intervention on the atrial septum of a beating heart.

METHODS

To create an interatrial communication in the beating heart of nine anesthetized rabbits, the heart was exposed surgically and placed under a water-filled tank, in contact with the tank's membranous base. A HIFU transducer (3.3 MHz) coupled with a diagnostic ultrasound probe (10.0 MHz) was placed in the tank over the beating heart. The focus of the HIFU transducer was set so that it could create a hole in the target area on the atrial septum during the early diastolic phase. HIFU delivery was controlled based on ultrasound images captured with real-time image-recognition software. We attempted to create interatrial communication using HIFU and assessed the cardiac tissue specimen pathologically.

RESULTS

In eight of nine rabbits, small holes in the atrial septum were successfully created. Serious complications occurred in two animals: a fatal atrioventricular block in one and a cardiac tamponade in the other.

CONCLUSION

HIFU combined with a computer-assisted imaging system might be useful to create interatrial communication in beating hearts. This procedure may be helpful for making current fetal cardiac intervention less invasive.

Role of the amygdalo-hippocampal transition area in the fear expression: evaluation by behavior and immediate early gene expression

Using pre- and post-training lesions of the amygdalo-hippocampal transition area (AHi), the role of the AHi in the fear conditioning of rats was examined. Pretraining lesions by N-methyl-d-aspartate led to the enhancement of freezing behavior in auditory fear conditioning and contextual conditioning. However, the freezing of post-training-lesioned rats did not differ from that of the sham-lesioned rats. There were several regions of the brain observed in this study in which c-Fos and/or Egr-1 immunoreactive-positive cell expression changed in diverse manners after the test session. In the pretraining lesioned rats that were trained for auditory conditioning, the number of c-Fos and Egr-1 decreased in the infralimbic cortex (IL) and the number of Egr-1 increased in the basomedial amygdaloid nucleus (BM). In the pretraining AHi-lesioned rats that were trained for contextual conditioning, the number of c-Fos increased in the lateral periaqueductal gray (LPAG) and the number of Egr-1 increased in the BM. These results suggest that the AHi plays an important role in the acquisition of memory during conditioning alone, whereas it is improbable that the AHi had an effect on consolidation, retrieval, and expression in the case of either auditory or contextual fear conditioning. The findings also suggest that the freezing behavior was related to the changes in c-Fos and/or Egr-1 in the IL, BM, and LPAG. As in the case of the BM, the number of Egr-1 immunoreactive-positive cells was increased in both experiments, and it was possible that the activation of neurons with high basal levels of expression might be associated with memory retrieval or expression as a freezing behavior observed in the test session.

Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma in the appendix in a patient with nonrotation: report of a case

Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma in the appendix is uncommon. An anomaly in the rotation of the intestine is also uncommon in adults. We herein report a case of mucinous cystadenocarcinoma in the appendix in a patient with nonrotation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of appendiceal carcinoma in a patient with an anomaly of intestinal rotation. A 76-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with left low abdominal pain. Physical examination revealed tenderness with muscle rigidity in the left lower quadrant. The patient was diagnosed to have intussusception by computed tomography and ultrasonography. An emergency operation showed nonrotation and the top of the appendix situated in the left iliac fossa. An appendectomy was performed because of gangrenous acute appendicitis. However, the cut surface of the appendix showed a mucocele measuring 4 x 4 cm in size. It was diagnosed to be mucinous cystadenocarcinoma histopathologically. A right hemicolectomy with lymph node dissection was performed, and no remaining cancer cells or lymph node metastases were found in the resected specimen pathologically. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course. No signs of recurrence have been observed for 23 months since her last operation.

Evaluation of bone metabolic markers in breast cancer with bone metastasis

PURPOSE

In the present study, four bone metabolic markers were examined to clarify them meaning and clinical value in the detection of bone metastasis (BM) from breast cancer.

METHODS

we examined serum carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP), tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP), total alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and urinary type I collagen cross-linked N-telopeptides (NTx) as potential markers. These bone markers were evaluated simultaneously in 156 breast cancer patients; 114 patients without metastasis (group A), 23 patients with BM (group B) and 19 patients with metastasis at sites other than bone (group C).

RESULTS

The mean values of ICTP and TRACP in group B were significantly greater than those in group A. Group B consisted of the patients with varying degrees of BM and variation in their treatments. The patients in group B were divided into BM (+) and BM (++) according to hot spots in bone scan. ICTP and TRACP were elevated in BM (++) patients compared to BM (+) patients (p<0.05). The values of ICTP and TRACP of the twelve patients without treatment in group B were significantly higher than those in group A. In the treated patients of group B, the mean values of ICTP and TRACP were lower in responders and cases of stable disease than those with progression. NTx and ALP were inferior to ICTP and TRACP for clinical evaluation of BM.

CONCLUSIONS

We confirmed that ICTP and TRACP might be useful markers for screening and monitoring BM in breast cancer.

Case of mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis with characteristic findings on ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging

A case of mesothelioma of the right tunica vaginalis testis in a 32-year-old man is reported. Trans-scrotal ultrasonography revealed hydrocele and multiple nodular masses measuring 1.0-4.5 cm in size attached to the parietal vaginal layer. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated more clearly nodular masses with irregular surfaces lined on the hydrocele cavity. Histologic diagnosis of the tumor when orchiectomized was mesothelioma. The patient has been free of disease for approximately 3 years since the treatment.

[Randomized comparative study of CMF (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil) and UFT-tamoxifen regimens as adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery for breast cancer: Tochigi Prefectural Study Group for Post-Breast Cancer Adjuvant Chemotherapy]

This prospective randomized study aimed at establishing the optimal postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy regimen for premenopausal n+ breast cancer patients. The treatments were Regimen A, comprising 6 courses of CMF (cyclophosphamide, 100 mg/body on days 1-14; methotrexate, 40 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8; and 5-fluorouracil, 500 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8), and Regimen B, consisting of UFT (300 mg/day) and tamoxifen (30 mg/day) administered orally each day for 2 years. Telephone registration allocated the patients to the treatment groups by the minimization method in relation to the T category, number of n+ lesions and estrogen receptor status. Forty-five patients were registered, and 44 of them were eligible (22 cases each to Regimen A and Regimen B). The principal background factors showed no biases between the groups. The adverse reaction incidence was significantly higher with Regimen A (90.9% vs 22.7%). The 5-year survival rate was 89.8% with Regimen A and 100% with Regimen B, while the 5-year disease-free rates were 64.5% and 76.3%, showing no statistical significance. Regimen B showed a better QOL rating after 6 months of therapy in relation to nausea-vomiting and hair loss, and after 24 months in relation to appetite, sleep, performance status, happiness, anorexia and hair loss.

Development of a new type nozzle and spray-drier for industrial production of fine powders

Sophisticated nozzle and spray-drier were newly developed. The nozzle type was that of four-phase spraying, where two liquid streams and two air streams were blown off. The spray pattern from the nozzle was of a hollow-cone type. Mean diameter of droplets in the mist was 13.2 microm in weight average in the condition of blowing at 776 g/min in air flow and 500 ml/min in liquid flow. That is, the weight-based flow ratio of air to liquid was as small as 1. 55. The geometric standard deviation of the droplet size was less than 1.65. This nozzle was still available for a concentrated suspension up to 27% solid without formation of the sludge on the orifice. Thus, fine powder with 1.99 microm in mean diameter was obtained by means of the nozzle and the spray-drier newly developed by us. These are promising for industrial production of the fine powder with low energy and high recovery.

[Efficacy and safety of sulbactam/cefoperazone for hepato-biliary infections]

We studied efficacy and safety of sulbactam/cefoperazone (SBT/CPT) in the treatment of biliary tract infections in hospitalized patients at 26 hospitals from February 1993 to March 1995. Secondary to dropout, 273 out of 338 patients entered in the study were evaluated, 127 patients with cholecystitis, 132 patients with cholangitis, and 14 patients with liver abscesses. Of these, 93 patients (34.1% had malignancy as an underlying disease. SBT/CPZ had an efficacy of 79.9% (218 patients; excellent: 52, good: 166), with the efficacy in patients with cholecystitis, cholangitis and liver abscess at 89.0% (113 patients), 77.3% (102 patients and 21.4% (3 patients), respectively. A significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed in the efficacy rates of patients with (59 patients [63.4%]) and without malignancy (159 patients [88.3%]). A total of 84 strains were isolated from bile specimens of 53 patients, and the major isolates were Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus spp. Two or more bacterial strains were isolated simultaneously in 20 patients. Mild or moderate side effect (allergic reaction including rash etc.) were noted in 4 patients (1.18%), and laboratory abnormalities (increased GOT, etc.) were in 16 patients (4.71%) out of the total 338 patients. This study clearly demonstrated that SBT/CPZ retains its excellent clinical efficacy and safety profile, throughout its use over the past decade.

Sarcoid-like reaction in the regional lymph nodes and spleen in gastric carcinoma: a clinicopathologic study of five cases

To clarify the occurrence of sarcoid-like reaction in the spleen of the gastric carcinoma patients, 100 consecutive specimens from gastrosplenectomy were examined. Sarcoid-like reaction was observed in the lymph nodes of 13 cases (13%) and the spleen of five cases (5%). All cases of the latter group were included in the former one. None of them showed any symptoms or signs indicative of systemic sarcoidosis. It seems that the cases with sarcoid-like reaction in the spleen ocurred more frequently in an advanced stage of the gastric cancer than those without this phenomenon. Epithelioid cell granulomas (EPGs) appeared to arise in the periarteriolar lymphoid sheaths of the spleen histologically, but were never found in red pulp or germinal centers. They were composed of groups of epithelioid cells and accompanied by the small lymphocytes and plasma cells. In three cases, scattered eosinophils were also observed among the epithelioid cells. Immunohistochemically, the majority of the intragranulomatous small lymphocytes had T-cell phenotype, while B-cells formed only the minor cellular population. None of the 13 cases contained EPGs in the primary tumor. Our study indicates that sarcoid-like reaction in the spleen is possibly not such a rare phenomenon in the gastric cancer as previously considered and more frequently seen in the advanced stage of the gastric cancer. Sarcoid-like reactions of the regional lymph nodes were more frequently seen in the patients with EPGs in the spleen than in those without. We also suggest that the incidence of sarcoid-like reactions in the spleen is closely related to those in pancreaticosplenic nodes and/or nodes of the hilus of the spleen.

Detection of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) doping: alterations in the steroid profile and reference ranges for DHT and its 5 alpha-metabolites

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a biologically active metabolite of testosterone, may be misused in sports to benefit from its anabolic and psychotropic effects. After DHT application, a significant increase of the glucuronides of DHT and its metabolites can be expected for a certain time period depending upon dose, formulation, route of administration, and in case of percutaneous administration the chainlength of the ester. DHT and its metabolites can be monitored by gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) after enzymatic hydrolysis and trimethylsilylation. To investigate the extent of the alteration of the urinary steroid profile after DHT application, timely controlled experiments have been performed with: a) oral application of [16,16,17-2H3]-DHT, and b) sublingual application of a 25 mg dose of DHT. In the experiment with [16,16,17-2H3]-DHT within 24 hours about 44% of the applied dose was recovered after hydrolysis with beta-glucuronidase from E. coli as di- or tri-deuterated 5 alpha-androstane glucuronides: androsterone (33.2%), 5 alpha-androsta-ne-3 alpha,17 beta-diol (2.5%), 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta, 17 beta-diol (0.9%), DHT (7.2%). Hydrolysis with beta-glucuronidase/arylsulfatase from Helix Pomatia resulted in a about 10% higher yield except for DHT. In the study with sublingual application of 25 mg of DHT the extent of the recovery of DHT and its metabolites was in the same range as for the deuterated DHT. The urinary glucuronide concentrations of DHT, androsterone (AND), 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha, 17 beta-diol (5 alpha A3 alpha D) and 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol (5 alpha A3 beta D) and their ratios to etiocholanolone (ETIO), 5 beta-androstane-3 alpha, 17 beta-diol (5 beta A3 alpha D) and epitestosterone (EPIT) were increased for up to 48 hours after application. For doping control purposes concentrations of DHT, 5 alpha A3 alpha D, 5 alpha A3 beta D and ratios of 5 alpha-metabolites to non 5 alpha-metabolites such as DHT/ETIO, DHT/EPIT, 5 alpha A3 alpha D/5 beta A3 alpha D, 5 alpha A3 beta D/5 beta A3 alpha D, and AND/ETIO outside the reference ranges are a proof for DHT application. Reference ranges for Asian and Caucasian male and female athletes are calculated from data bases of the Asian Games 1994, the previous Asian Games 1990 and the routine doping control samples of Caucasian athletes measured in Cologne 1994. At the occasion of the 1994 Asian Games in Hiroshima alterations in the concentrations and ratios of the DHT depending parameters for outside there reference ranges have been found and have been sanctioned on this basis by the Medical Commission of the Organisation of Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).

Detection of 1-phenyl-N-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline and 1-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline in human brain by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

1-Phenyl-N-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline and 1-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline were detected for the first time in parkinsonian human brain using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS-MS). Since these compounds are structural analogues of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) that produces parkinsonism in humans, they might be candidates for endogenous MPTP-like neurotoxins.

Dose intensity of mitomycin C in adjuvant cancer chemotherapy for patients with gastric cancer

Using a cohort of macroscopic curative resections of gastric cancer at stages II, III, and IV, a randomized controlled trial was performed to elucidate the dose efficacy of intensive adjuvant cancer chemotherapy with mitomycin C. Between June 1983 and December 1986, 336 patients with gastric cancer from 31 institutes were enrolled in the study. The cohort was stratified randomly by the telephone method into two arms. Group A received 20 mg and 10 mg of mitomycin C per body intravenously (IV) on postoperative days 0 and 1, respectively, and then tegafur at 600 mg/body daily perorally (PO) from postoperative week 2 for 1 year. Group B also received 0.2 mg of mitomycin C per kg IV at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after surgery. The background factors in groups A and B were essentially identical, and the adverse effects were tolerable in both groups. The total administered doses of mitomycin C were significantly higher in group B than in group A, according to the protocol. Although no significant differences were observed in the actuarial overall survival rates between groups A and B at stages II, III, and IV, favorable survival was observed in group B, which received histologically absolute curative resection. This dose-intensive adjuvant cancer chemotherapy would be useful for gastric cancer patients treated by histologically curative surgery.

Novel specificities of Mucor hiemalis endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase acting complex asparagine-linked oligosaccharides

Mucor hiemalis endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase (Endo-M) was proved to act on complex type biantennary oligosaccharides of glycoproteins by using dansylated asparagine-linked and pyridylaminated oligosaccharides, as the substrate. The enzyme could act on both asialo- and sialo-biantennary oligosaccharides. This is the only endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase known to act on sialo glycans, though their activity for them was weak. The enzyme could liberate complex type biantennary oligosaccharides from native human asialotransferrin, which was ascertained by a combination of the pyridylaminated method and HPLC. The enzyme had substrate specificity for high-mannose type oligosaccharides different from those of the endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidases of other microorganisms: ovalbumin glycopeptide-IV was a better substrate for Endo-M than glycopeptide-V. The enzyme could act on complex type triantennary oligosaccharides of dansylated glycopeptide prepared from calf fetuin. The enzyme had various novel specificities in regard to activities on complex type and high-mannose type oligosaccharides in glycoproteins.

[Problems in multidisciplinary treatment from the standpoint of clinical characteristics in human cancers]

We investigated the amplification and expression of oncogenes in human gastric and breast cancers. The biological malignancy of the cases with oncogene amplification/expression was higher than that of the cases without amplification/expression. Moreover, the case with amplification/expression of oncogene was found to be highly correlated with distant organ metastasis. In strongly suggests the necessity of postoperative adjuvant therapy. In addition, these data will have to be taken into consideration as deciding on the way of operation and therapy.

A glomerular permeability factor produced by human T cell hybridomas

A glomerular permeability factor produced by human T cell hybridomas. T cell hybridomas derived from the T cells of a patient with mammal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) made a glomerular permeability factor (GPF). Sufficient quantities of GPF were available for further analysis and characterization. We obtained four stable clones of human T cell hybridomas which produced a glomerular permeability factor. When this factor was injected intravenously into rats, significant proteinurias were induced, and in normal human lymphocyte culture, GPF enhanced Concanavalin-A (Con-A) induced lymphocyte blastogenesis by greater than ten fold. GPF was cytotoxic to tumor cell lines of epithelial origin, but only cytostatic to tumor cells of hematopoietic origin. Electron microscopy studies, with polyethyleneimine (PEI) staining, indicated that GPF induced the changes in the arrangement of PEI particles and partial fusion of glomerular epithelial cells in the rats given this factor intravenously. The molecular weight of GPF were estimated to be between 60,000 and 160,000 daltons. The molecular weight of the factor and its TNF like activity, we speculated that the factor was a lymphokine, like lymphotoxins.

Microbial endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidases acting on complex-type sugar chains of glycoproteins

The activity and substrate specificity of endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase [glycopeptide-D-mannosyl-N4-(N-acetyl-D-glucosaminyl)2-asparagine 1,4-N-acetyl-beta-glucosamino-hydrolase, EC 3.2.1.96] obtained from Mucor hiemalis (Endo-M) was compared with that of the enzyme obtained from Flavobacterium meningosepticum (Endo-F), which is the only enzyme available that acts on the complex oligosaccharides of asparagine-linked sugar chains in glycoproteins. They showed almost the same activities toward DNS-ovalbumin glycopeptide containing high-mannose and hybrid asparagine-linked oligosaccharides. However, Endo-M showed high activity towards DNS-asialotransferrin and DNS-transferrin glycopeptides, which contain complex biantennary oligosaccharides. Endo-M could weakly act even on DNS-asialofetuin glycopeptide containing complex triantennary oligosaccharides, while Endo-F could not. SDS-denatured asialotransferrin was deglycosylated by both enzymes in the presence of non-ionic detergent (NP-40) and EDTA, and the deglycosylated protein migrated to a lower molecular weight position than asialotransferrin on SDS-PAGE. However, even in the absence of detergent, Endo-M deglycosylated native asialotransferrin and transferrin. Deglycosylation of asialotransferrin was confirmed by means of Con A-Sepharose 4B column chromatography and SDS-PAGE.

Hepatocellular carcinoma with tumor thrombus extending into the right atrium: report of a successful resection with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass

Hepatocellular carcinoma with a tumor thrombus extending into the right atrium has been considered beyond the reach of resection. These patients usually die within a short period because of pulmonary embolism, heart failure, or cancer progression. The only treatment is hepatic resection with removal of the tumor thrombus. A 38-year-old woman underwent left lobectomy with removal of the tumor thrombus with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. The patient had an uneventful course and is doing well 15 months after surgery, without signs of recurrence. We have proved that hepatic resection with removal of a tumor thrombus extending into the right atrium can be carried out successfully. The next problem is whether the lives of these patients can be prolonged by this operation.

[Intrapleural administration of CDDP against malignant pleural effusions in breast cancer]

Malignant pleural effusion in the patients with breast cancer commonly occurs, and is a life-threatening factor. The present paper shows the usefulness of intrapleural administration of CDDP in six cases. A decrease of pleural effusions was observed in all cases. Treatment was effective in two cases of CR and four cases of PR. A median survival from initiation of intrapleural therapy is 17 months (range 2-47 months). This procedure produced distinctly fewer side effects than intravenous administration. The results of this trials suggest that CDDP should be considered as an active agent in the treatment of malignant pleural effusion in the patients with breast cancer.

Purification and characterization of a novel fungal endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase acting on complex oligosaccharides of glycoproteins

A novel endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase acting on complex type sugar chains of glycoproteins was found in the culture broth of a fungus isolated from soil and identified as Mucor hiemalis f. hiemalis on the basis of various characteristics. The endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase, named Endo-M, was purified to almost homogeneity by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis involving ammonium sulfate fractionation, and column chromatographies on DEAE-Sepharose CL-6B, Sephadex G-200, hydroxylapatite, TSK-gel HW-65F and Con A-Sepharose 4B. The molecular weight of the enzyme was estimated to be about 95,000 by gel chromatography. The optimum pH was found to be 6.0-6.5 and the enzyme was stable in the pH range of 7 to 8. The enzyme showed high activity on dansyl ovalbumin glycopeptide, and also could act on dansyl transferrin glycopeptide, and dansyl asialotransferrin glycopeptide containing biantennary complex type sugar chains. The Km value for dansyl asialotransferrin glycopeptide as the substrate was 2.0 x 10(-3) M. The enzyme released complex type sugar chains from intact asialotransferrin without the addition of any detergent and the liberated sugar chains were identified by chromatography on a Bio-Gel P-4 column, calibrated with markers of known structure, and 1H-NMR analysis.

[Evaluation of CDDP administration into the body cavity]

CDDP (100 mg bolus) was administered into the body cavity for cancerous pleural effusion and ascites, and its effectiveness and pharmacokinetics were studied. The cases treated consisted of 7 of gastric cancer, 1 of pancreas cancer, 2 of lung cancer and 2 of breast cancer. A decrease in body cavity fluid was observed in all cases. The cases in which treatment was effective were broken down into CR 2 cases, PR 8 cases and NC 2 cases, the efficacy rate being 83%. This procedure produced distinctly fewer side effects than intravenous administration. Disturbance of renal function and G.I. symptoms were negligible, but anemia was often found. The free-CDDP levels in the body cavity fluid remained of over 1.0 microgram/ml after 12 hours and those in plasma remained after 1 hour. Intracavitary administration thus seems an excellent method that enables a drug to act on cancer cells directly at high concentrations over many hours.

[Evaluation of tumor marker CA15-3 in breast cancer]

CA15-3, a new tumor marker for breast cancer, was determined in various malignant diseases including breast cancer and various benign diseases, and its clinical significance and usefulness were studied. In 18 normal individuals, the value of CA15-3 was 8.9 +/- 3.3 U/ml (mean +/- SD). In primary breast cancer, the positivity was 20% for Stage I, 0% for Stages II and III and 100% for Stage IV. Of 17 cases of recurrent breast cancer, 13 (77%) were shown to be positive. The therapeutic effect and the value of CA15-3 were well correlated with each other. As for other malignant tumors, positive cases were observed in 50% of recurrent cancer of the stomach and in 14% of malignant tumors of the biliary system. All of these cases were terminal-stage cancers. The CEA value determined simultaneously showed a good correlation, r = 0.87 (p less than 0.01) with CA15-3 in malignant tumors other than breast cancer. In breast cancer, however, the correlation between the two was low, r = 0.18. These results suggest that CA15-3 is not necessarily useful in the diagnosis of primary breast cancer, but is useful as an indicator of the effect of therapy for recurrent breast cancer and for the prediction of recurrence.

Analysis of thromboxane B3 converted from eicosapentaenoic acid in human platelet rich plasma by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

Gas chromatographic mass spectrometric determination of thromboxane B3 (TXB3) synthesized from platelet is described. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) was added to human platelet rich plasma and after the reaction the exstraction was carried out. Plasma thromboxanes were run through an Amberlite XAD-2 and SEP-PAK silica cartridge, and then chromatographed using silicagel thin layer plate to remove interfering materials, such as 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha. Extracted thromboxanes were converted into the methoxime-dimethylisopropylsilylmethyl ester derivatives and they were measured by gas chromatography/ammonia chemical ionization mass spectrometry. Three peaks were obtained on the gas chromatogram which were presumed to be 3-series metabolite product TXB3 and their related substances. Results indicates the human platelet may easily convert EPA to TXB3 by adding EPA to PRP without adding arachidonic acid.

[Studies on pre- and postoperative extravascular lung water changes in patients with esophageal cancer]

Pre- and postoperative extravascular lung water (EVLW) changes in a series of twenty patients with esophageal cancer were studied using thermal-dye double-indicator dilution method. Preoperative EVLW was 8.2 +/- 2.3 ml/kg (M +/- SD), being greater as compared to the normal range of EVLW. The pattern of postoperative EVLW changes varied between patients and changes could not be predicted by the conventional examinations including chest X-ray, determination of pulmonary hemodynamics and blood gas analysis. Analysing the relationship between the changes in COP-PWP gradient and EVLW, COP-PWP gradient decreased on the first postoperative day regardless of the EVLW changes. With regard to the changes for the 2nd to the 3rd day or for the 3rd to the 4th day, however, the patients with elevating EVLW showed falling COP-PWP gradient, whereas the patients having decreasing EVLW had an increase in COP-PWP gradient. Especially, the patients in which EVLW had increased during the 3rd to the 4th day showed a remarkable rise of PWP possibly due to depressed left ventricular function. It is considered that the EVLW increase on the first postoperative day is attributable to an alteration of the permeability characteristics of alveolar capillary but that the increase in the 3rd to 4th day is simply due to an elevated hydrostatic pressure. This suggests that there are two different kinds of mechanism involving in the production of wet lung following esophageal cancer surgery.

Properties of peptidylarginine deiminase from the epidermis of newborn rats

An enzyme which catalyzes the coversion of arginyl residues to citrullyl residues in protein was obtained from the extract of the epidermis of newborn rats. The enzyme required Ca2+ for its activity. The enzyme activity was enhanced in the presence of DTT. The maximum activity was observed at pH 7.5 at 50 degrees C in the presence of 10 mm CaCl2 and 2 mM DTT. The activity was inhibited strongly by treatment of the enzyme with monoiodoacetate or PCMB, which suggests that the epidermal enzyme is an SH-enzyme. The molecular weight of the enzyme was calculated by gel filtration to be about 48,000. It was essential for the alpha-amino or alpha-carboxyl group of the L-arginine substrate to be involved in a peptide linkage. The enzyme showed marked activities towards N-substituted L-arginine derivatives such as BZ-L-Arg, BZ-L-Arg-NH2, and BZ-Gly-L-Arg, But the action of the enzyme on free L-arginine was negligible. The enzyme activity was affected by the nature of the residue neighboring the arginyl residue in proteins. The authors propose the name "peptidylarginine deiminase" for this enzyme. A considerable specificity of the enzyme for proteins from the epidermal cells in terminal differentiation was observed. The results suggest that citrullyl residues in membranous protein of horny cells of the epidermis of newborn rat are formed by the action of epidermal peptidylarginine deiminase.