An analytical solution for the radial and tangential displacements on a thin hemispherical layer of articular cartilage

A simplified analytical solution has been obtained for the radial and tangential displacements on the surface of a thin, hemispherical layer of porous-elastic articular cartilage firmly bonded to a rigid foundation. A static pressure distributed according to a paraboloid of revolution is applied simulating cartilage compression by a porous indenter. The solution method is in the form of an asymptotic series and uses Laplace transforms. The analytical predictions are in qualitative agreement with the behaviour of biphasic articular cartilage reported in the literature. A direct comparison with numerical simulations using commercially available Finite Element Modelling (FEM) software was also carried out for conditions relevant to natural hip joints and the results show a good quantitative agreement overall.

Autoschizis of human ovarian carcinoma cells: scanning electron and light microscopy of a new cell death induced by sodium ascorbate: menadione treatment

Human ovarian carcinoma (MDAH 2774) cells were treated with sodium ascorbate (VC), menadione (VK3), or a combination of both in a ratio 100:1 for 1h and then examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy (LM). Light microscopy data corroborated SEM observations, which demonstrated that death of VC+VK3-treated tumor cells occurred primarily by autoschizis. This type of cell death is characterized by a decrease in cell size, cytoplasmic self-excisions, and nuclear and nucleolar morphologic degradations without the formation of apoptotic bodies. Ultimately, cell death results from karyorrhexis and karyolysis. This study illustrates that plasma membrane damage (branching filopodia, blisters, blebs) results from VC treatment; cytoskeletal damage and self-morsellation are caused by VC, VK3 and VC+VK, treatments. The VC treatment results in a 23% decrease in cell diameter while VK3-treated cells decrease cell diameter by 66%. After 1h of VC+VK3 treatment, a heterogenous cell population is found. This population can be resolved into one population whose diameters are 23% smaller than those of sham-treated cells, and a second population whose diameters are approximately twice those of sham-treated cells. This second population is indicative of doublet formation in which the cells appear to be dividing (an early stage of autoschizic cell death). One half of the doublet contains the cell nucleus while the other half consists of cytoplasm and membrane only. The enucleate portion of this doublet will then be excised. When the types of cell death are enumerated following VC+VK3 treatment, 43% of the cells die by autoschizis, 3% by apoptosis, and 1.9% by oncosis. These results confirm that autoschizis is the principal form of cell death that results from the in vitro treatment of human ovarian carcinoma cells with the vitamin combination.

An isoform of the Wilms' tumor suppressor gene potentiates granulocytic differentiation

WT1 is expressed in hematopoietic progenitor cells and in acute leukemia, but its role in normal and malignant hematopoiesis has not been clearly defined. Alternative splicing of the WT1 mRNA yields several protein isoforms with distinct DNA binding and transcriptional regulatory activities. In this study, we investigated the effect of the WT1 isoform lacking two alternatively spliced sequences (WT1 (-/-)) in 32D cl3 cells, a murine myeloid progenitor cell line. The expression of WT1 (-/-) accelerated the granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF)-mediated differentiation of these cells, as judged by morphology and by the expression of differentiation-associated genes and cell surface antigens. WT1 (-/-) inhibited G1/S progression in G-CSF but not in interleukin-3, potentially accounting for its ability to accelerate differentiation. It is likely that dominant-negative mutants previously reported in leukemia patients participate in leukemogenesis by inhibiting this function of the wild-type protein.

Potential therapeutic application of the association of vitamins C and K3 in cancer treatment

The decision of stressed cells to die or to survive is made by integrating signals at different levels through multiple check points. However, initiation and continued progression toward cell death by apoptosis in cancer cells may be blocked by mutation of the tumor suppressor p53 or overexpression of members of the bcl-2 family of proteins. The existence of such mechanisms indicates that cancer cells lose the controls regulating their cell cycle. Therefore, the activation of their programmed cell death appears as a major therapeutic target. Oxidative stress can stimulate growth, trigger apoptosis, or cause necrosis depending upon the dose and the exposure time of the oxidizing agent. A large body of evidence supports the idea that oxidative stress induced by redox cycling of vitamins C and K(3) in association surpasses cancer cellular defense systems and results in cell death. The molecular mechanisms underlying such a process are, however, still unknown. Indeed, several types of cell death may be produced, namely autoschizis, apoptosis and necrosis. Combined vitamin C and K(3) administration in vitro and in vivo produced tumor growth inhibition and increased the life-span of tumor-bearing mice. CK(3)-treatment selectively potentiated tumor chemotherapy, produced sensitization of tumors resistant to some drugs, potentiated cancer radiotherapy and caused inhibition of the development of cancer metastases without inducing toxicity in the host. We propose the association of vitamins C and K(3) as an adjuvant cancer therapy which may be introduced into human cancer therapy without any change in the classical anticancer protocols, and without any supplementary risk for patients.

Autoschizis: another cell death for cancer cells induced by oxidative stress

Scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) were employed to characterize the cytotoxic effects of vitamin C (VC), Vitamin K3 (VK3) or a VC:VK3 combination on a human bladder carcinoma cell line (T24) following vitamin treatment. T24 cells exposed to VC alone showed membrane defects. VK3-treated cells show greater damage than VC treated cells because they exhibit membrane defects, cytoskeletal damage, excision of cytoplasm, and a substantial decrease in the number of viable cells. VC: VK3 treatment exacerbates the damages, especially intranuclear and nucleolar and induces an extreme reduction of cell size by cytoplasmic self-excision. Conversely, the nuclear envelope remains intact and the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) maintains its integrity until karyorrhexis occurs through a new phenomenon of cell death that we have named "autoschizis". From our morphological studies and previous biochemical reports on the topic, we are able to propose that this autoschizic cell death found is induced by oxidative stress.

Ultrastructural aspects of autoschizis: a new cancer cell death induced by the synergistic action of ascorbate/menadione on human bladder carcinoma cells

Scanning and transmission electron microscopy were employed to further characterize the cytotoxic effects of a ascorbic acid/menadione (or vitamin C/vitamin K3) combination on a human bladder carcinoma T24 cell line. Following 1-h treatment T24 cells display membrane and mitochondrial defects as well as excision of cytoplasmic fragments that contain no organelles. These continuous self-excisions reduce the cell size. Concomitant, nuclear changes, chromatin disassembly, nucleolar condensation and fragmentation, and decreased nuclear volume lead to cell death via a process similar to karyorrhexis and karyolysis. Because this cell death is achieved through a progressive loss of cytoplasm due to self-morsellation, the authors named this mode of cell death autoschizis (from the Greek autos, self, and schizein, to split, as defined in Scanning. 1998; 20: 564-575). This morphological characterization of autoschizic cell death confirms and extends the authors previous reports and demonstrates that this cell death is distinct from apoptosis.

In vivo reactivation of DNases in implanted human prostate tumors after administration of a vitamin C/K(3) combination

Human prostate cancer cells (DU145) implanted into nude mice are deficient in DNase activity. After administration of a vitamin C/vitamin K(3) combination, both alkaline DNase (DNase I) and acid DNase (DNase II) activities were detected in cryosections with a histochemical lead nitrate technique. Alkaline DNase activity appeared 1 hr after vitamin administration, decreased slightly until 2 hr, and disappeared by 8 hr after treatment. Acid DNase activity appeared 2 hr after vitamin administration, reached its highest levels between 4 and 8 hr, and maintained its activity 24 hr after treatment. Methyl green staining indicated that DNase expression was accompanied by a decrease in DNA content of the tumor cells. Microscopic examination of 1-microm sections of the tumors indicated that DNase reactivation and the subsequent degradation of DNA induced multiple forms of tumor cell death, including apoptosis and necrosis. The primary form of vitamin-induced tumor cell death was autoschizis, which is characterized by membrane damage and the progressive loss of cytoplasm through a series of self-excisions. These self-excisions typically continue until the perikaryon consists of an apparently intact nucleus surrounded by a thin rim of cytoplasm that contains damaged organelles.

Prostate cancer and other xenografts from cells in peripheral blood of patients

Good models for the investigation of human prostate cancer are few. Cells from approximately 9.2-21 ml of peripheral blood from patients with metastatic prostate cancer or metastatic colon cancer were injected s.c. into nude mice. Prostate cancer from 2 of 11 patients and colon cancer from 1 of 3 patients were found to be growing as metastases in the lungs of the nude mice. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the formation of xenografts from carcinoma cells taken directly from the peripheral blood of patients. Expanding circulating cancer cells with this approach may have important translational applications including: (a) development of models of human cancers; and (b) sampling of cancers from specific patients for novel molecular and therapeutic approaches.

Cancer cell necrosis by autoschizis: synergism of antitumor activity of vitamin C: vitamin K3 on human bladder carcinoma T24 cells

Scanning and transmission electron microscopy and fluorescence light microscopy were employed to characterize the cytotoxic effects of vitamin C (VitC), vitamin K3 (VitK3) or a VitC:VK3 combination on a human bladder carcinoma cell line (T24) following 1-h and 2-h vitamin treatment. T24 cells exposed to VitC alone exhibited membranous damage (blebs and endoplasmic extrusions, elongated microvilli). VitK3-treated cells displayed greater membrane damage and enucleation than those treated with VitC as well as cytoplasmic defects characteristic of cytoskeletal damage. VitC:VitK3-treated cells showed exaggerated membrane damage and an enucleation process in which the perikarya separate from the main cytoplasmic cell body by self-excision. Self-excisions continued for perikarya which contained an intact nucleus surrounded by damaged organelles. After further excisions of cytoplasm, the nuclei exhibited nucleolar segregation and chromatin decondensation followed by nuclear karryorhexis and karyolysis. This process of cell death induced by oxidative stress was named autoschizis because it showed both apoptotic and necrotic morphologic characteristics.

Ultrastructural nucleolar alterations induced by an ametantrone--poly r(A-U) complex

The current study has documented changes in the ultrastructure as well as in the intranucleolar distribution of rDNA and rRNA in RT4 (human transitional cell bladder carcinoma) cell nucleoli following a 3-h exposure to toxic doses of 50 microM ametantrone (AMT), 200 microM poly (adenylate-uridylate) (poly r(A-U) or an AMT/poly r(A-U) combination with an AMT/polyribonucleotide ratio of 1:4 and a poly r(A-U) concentration of 200 microM. While the main nucleolar components (fibrillar center (F), dense fibrillar component (D), granular component (G) and interstices (I) can be discerned following all treatments, the nucleoli exhibit: compaction, segregation, a decrease in the number of F, an increase in the size of remaining F, margination of intranucleolar chromatin and retention of intranucleolar pre-rRNA and rRNA. The relative abilities of the test agents to induce nucleolar compaction are AMT/poly r(A-U) > poly r(A-U) > AMT > sham-treated, while the abilities of the test agents to induce the remaining nucleolar changes are AMT/poly r(A-U) > or = AMT > poly r(A-U) > sham-treated cells. Poly r(A-U) and the induced interferon induce nucleolar compaction, while AMT produces nucleolar segregation. These results are consistent with a model in which the poly r(A-U) and/or the AMT inhibit DNA transcription and rRNA processing as well as the release of nascent preribosomes from the nucleolus.

Transmission electron microscopy and scanning force microscopy of poly r(A-U) and poly r(A-U)-ethidium bromide

Transmission electron microscopy and scanning force microscopy of negative-stained, carbon-coated replica and mica-adsorbed preparations of 200 microM poly r(A-U) and 50 microM ethidium bromide/200 microM poly r(A-U) have been employed to evaluate ethidium-induced changes in poly r(A-U) topology. Poly r(A-U) alone exhibits elongated conformations 85-115 nm in length that possess a number of hairpin loops as well as single-stranded domains. While the double-stranded domains are found predominately at the base of the hairpin loops (diameter = 5-30 nm), other rod-like (presumably double-stranded) regions ranging from 25-80 nm in length are present in other portions of the poly r(A-U). In contrast with the poly r(A-U) alone, the EB/poly r(A-U) combination appears as a heterogeneous population of condensed structures whose lengths and widths vary from 12-88 nm and 15-45 nm, respectively. These conformational changes are due to a number of factors, including the displacement of ordered water surrounding the poly r(A-U) and charge shielding of the phosphate groups of the poly r(A-U) upon the binding of the ethidium.

Ultrastructural nucleolar alterations induced by an ametantrone/polyr(A-U) complex

In the present study we examined the ultrastructural modifications as well as the precise distribution of DNA and RNA in RT4 cell nucleoli following a 3-h exposure to nontoxic or toxic doses of ametantrone (AMT), poly(adenylate-uridylate) (polyr(A-U), or an AMT/polyr(A-U) combination. While distribution of nucleic acids within the various nucleolar components is not modified following all treatments, the nucleoli exhibit several ultrastructural changes: redistribution of the nucleolar components, decrease in the number of fibrillar centers, and increase in the size of the fibrillar centers. The relative frequencies of the test agents to induce the apparition of nucleoli of compact type are AMT/polyr(A-U) > AMT approximately polyr(A-U) > sham-treated, while the abilities of the test agents to induce the nucleolar segregation are AMT/polyr(A-U) approximately AMT > polyr(A-U) > sham-treated cells. These ultrastructural changes are characteristics of drugs that intercalate into DNA and inhibit rDNA transcription as well as rRNA processing and release of nascent preribosomes from the nucleolus.

Synergistic antitumour activity of vitamins C and K3 against human prostate carcinoma cell lines

Vitamins C, K3 (VC, VK3) and a VC/VK3 combination with a VC:VK3 ratio of 100:1 were assayed for their antitumour activity against two human prostatic carcinoma cell lines. Co-administration of the vitamins enhanced the antitumour activity 5- to 20-fold even with a 1 h exposure time. While exogenous catalase destroyed the antitumour activity, hydrogen peroxide-induced lipid peroxidation was negligible. Analysis of cellular ATP and thiol levels as well as DNA and protein synthesis revealed: a transient increase in ATP production, a decrease in DNA synthesis, an increase in protein synthesis and a decrease in thiol levels. These results suggested that the increased cytotoxicity of the vitamin combination was due to redox cycling and increased oxidative stress.

Flow cytometric and ultrastructural aspects of the synergistic antitumor activity of vitamin C-vitamin K3 combinations against human prostatic carcinoma cells

Transmission and scanning electron microscopy and flow cytometry were employed to characterize the cytotoxic effects of vitamin C (VC), vitamin K3 (VK3), or VC-VK3 combinations on a human prostate carcinoma cell line (DU145) following a 1-h vitamin treatment and a 24-h incubation in culture medium. Cells exposed to VC exhibited membranous blebs, aberrant microvillar morphology, mitochondria with swollen cristae and intramitochondrial deposits, as well as nucleoli with segregated components. VK3-treated cells displayed a damaged cytoskeleton and membranes, a cytoplasm which contained large lumen, condensed polysomes, and severely damaged mitochondria with residual bodies, and nuclei which exhibited chromatic condensation, pyknosis, and karyolysis. VC-VK3-treated cells exhibited characteristics consistent with necrosis, i.e. swollen mitochondria and swollen, achromatic nuclei with marginated chromatin and intact envelopes, while other cells displayed characteristics consistent with apoptosis, i.e. expulsion of organelle-containing blebs, margination of nuclear chromatin, and segregation of nucleolar components. Vitamin treatment also decreased DNA synthesis, induced a S/G2 block in the cell cycle, and resulted in the accumulation of fragmented DNA. These results suggested that increased oxidative stress, subsequent membrane damage, and DNA fragmentation were responsible for enhanced cytotoxicity of the vitamin combination.

One-step esterification of benzoylecgonine with dimethylformamide-dipropylacetal or dimethylformamide-diisopropylacetal in the presence of pyridine

A simple procedure was developed to derivatize benzoylecgonine extracted from urine for subsequent confirmation by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The compound was esterified with dimethylformamide-dipropylacetal (DMF-DPA) or dimethylformamide-diisopropylacetal (DMF-DIPA) to the corresponding propyl and isopropyl esters. The optimum reaction condition was found to be heating the reaction mixture in the presence of pyridine at 100 degrees C for 30 min. The procedure is a one-step esterification followed by evaporation of excess reagents. When benzoylecgonine was extracted from urine using a solid-phase extraction technique and derivatized with this procedure, the compound was detected at a level as low as 10 ng/mL. Quantitation was linear over the concentration range 10-8000 ng/mL.

Synergistic antitumor activity of vitamins C and K3 on human urologic tumor cell lines

A micro-tetrazolium assay was employed to evaluate vitamin C (VC), vitamin K3 (VK3) and vitamin C/vitamin K3 combinations (VC/VK3) for their antitumor activity against eight human urologic tumor cell lines. While the individual vitamins exhibited antitumor activity at high concentrations, co-administration of the vitamins in a VC : VK3 ratio of 100 : 1 potentiated antitumor activity 4- to 61-fold even when exposure times were as short as 1 hour. Administration of exogenous catalase destroyed the antitumor activity of the vitamins and suggested that hydrogen peroxide and perhaps other reactive oxygen species were involved in the antitumor mechanism of these vitamins. Electron micrographs taken in a previous study demonstrated that vitamin treatment damaged mitochondria and may have impaired ATP synthesis. Analysis of cellular ATP and thiol levels as well as DNA and protein synthesis during the first five hours following a one hour VC/VK3 treatment, revealed: a transient increase in ATP production, a substantial decrease in DNA synthesis, an increase in protein synthesis and a decrease in thiol levels. These results suggested that redox cycling of the vitamin combination increased oxidative stress until it surpassed the reducing ability of the cellular thiols and cellular or genetic damage ensued.

Inhibition of the G2/M transition of the cell cycle by methyl-2,5-dihydroxycinnamate in human lymphoid cells

Immortalized human lymphoid cells treated with Methyl-2,5-dihydroxycinnamate (MDHC), a stable analog of erbstatin, inhibited the G2/M transition of the cell cycle. The MDHC inhibition of the cell cycle was observed at concentrations well below the IC50 for the inhibition of the EGF receptor and sufficiently below that reported to induce protein cross-linking. The effect of MDHC upon the cell cycle is relatively stable, since unlike erbstatin, inhibition of the G2/M transition was observed 32 hours following removal of the drug. PHA stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were much less sensitive to MDHC. This study shows that MDHC acts on cells lacking an EGF receptor and the target of MDHC is involved in promoting progression of the cell cycle.

Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy aspects of synergistic antitumor activity of vitamin C - vitamin K3 combinations against human prostatic carcinoma cells

A MTT/formazan assay was used to evaluate the antitumor activity of vitamin C (Vit C), vitamin K3 (Vit K3), or vitamin C:vitamin K3 combinations against a human prostatic carcinoma cell line (DU145). Both Vit C and Vit K3 alone exhibited antitumor activity, but only at elevated doses. When Vit C and Vit K3 were combined at a C:K3 ratio of 100:1 and administered to the carcinoma cells, the 50% cytotoxic concentrations (CD50) of the vitamins decreased 10- to 60-fold. Subsequently, the DU145 cells were examined with transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM and SEM) following a 1 hour treatment with Vit C, Vit K3, or Vit C/K3 combined at their 50% cytotoxic dose. Our morphological data suggest that vitamin treatment with individual vitamins affects the cytoskeleton, the mitochondria, and other membranous components of the cell. Treatment with the vitamin combination appears to potentiate the effects of the individual vitamin treatment. Specifically, there are abundant necrotic cells. The surviving cells display morphological defects characteristic of cell injury.

Early discharge of transurethral prostatectomy patients with an indwelling Foley catheter

OBJECTIVE

To assess feasibility of early discharge of patients after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) with an indwelling Foley catheter.

METHODS

A retrospective study comparing a planned early discharge group and a standard post-TURP group. Comprising the study group were 47 consecutive TURP patients treated with the intent to be discharged early with an indwelling Foley catheter. The comparative group included 50 consecutive patients with the standard post-TURP hospital course.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven of 47 patients (57%) in the study group were discharged on postoperative day 1 and a total of 43 (91%) were released within two days. Mean length of stay was 1.7 days. Four patients (8.5%) had medical problems prolonging stay. There were eight emergency room visits secondary to catheter problems or failed voiding trials. In the comparative group of 50 consecutive patients the mean length of stay was 3.9 days. Five of 50 patients (10%) had medical problems prolonging stay.

CONCLUSIONS

Complications were similar in each group. No readmissions or serious morbidities were noted in the patients with shortened hospital stay. Early discharge of post-TURP patients is a safe, feasible, and cost-effective alternative.

The antiviral activity of RNA-dye combinations

The results of our previous studies (Jamison et al. 1988, 1989, 1990 a, b, c, d, e) have shown that the ability of intercalative dyes to modulate the antiviral activity of poly r(A-U) is related to the groove through which the dyes intercalate into the poly r(A-U). When poly r(A-U) is combined with the minor groove intercalating dyes or the minor/major groove intercalating dyes, optimum enhancement of antiviral activity is observed at the dye/ribonucleotide ratio predicted by the neighbor exclusion model (usually 1/4 or 1/6). No enhancement is observed when poly r(A-U) is combined with major groove intercalating dyes. When poly r(A-U) is combined with additional intercalative dyes to produce a dye/ribonucleotide ratio of 1/4 and a ribonucleotide concentration of 200 microM, the antiviral activity of poly r(A-U) is enhanced 8- to 20-fold, while 50% effective doses of the poly r(A-U) and the dyes decreases 18- to 347-fold. Interferon neutralization assays demonstrate that the interferon-inducing capability of the dye/poly r(A-U) combinations approximates the sum of the interferon-inducing capabilities of the poly r(A-U) and the dyes employed and suggests that the dyes potentiate the antiviral activity of poly r(A-U) without affecting the amount of interferon induced. Direct viral inactivation studies demonstrate that the dyes, poly r(A-U), and the dye/poly r(A-U) combinations do not inactivate VSV at concentrations near the 50% viral inhibitory dose. Assessment of cytotoxicity by microscope examination of HSF cell morphology and trypan blue exclusion indicates that the dye/poly r(A-U) combinations exhibit antiviral activity at concentrations well below those that induce cyto-toxicity. Several of the dyes and the dye/poly r(A-U) combinations exhibit anti-HIV-1 activity, suggesting that the enhancement phenomenon is not virus-specific nor host cell-specific. The enhancement phenomenon is sensitive to the base sequence of the polynucleotide with dye/poly r(A-U) and dye/poly r(G-C) combinations displaying enhanced antiviral activity, while dye/poly (rI).poly (rC) and dye/poly d(A-T) combinations do not. These results suggest that while intercalation of the dye and interferon induction are necessary for enhanced antiviral activity, neither intercalation nor interferon induction alone is sufficient to potentiate the antiviral activity of polyribonucleotides.

Effect of ethidium on the morphology, antiviral activity and subcellular distribution of poly r(A-U)

When ethidium bromide (EB) is combined with poly r(A-U) at an EB/ribonucleotide ratio of 1/4, the antiviral activity of the EB increases 22-fold. The increased antiviral activity is not due to increased interferon induction, direct viral inactivation or host cell cytotoxicity. Phase contrast, confocal and fluorescence microscopic observations reveal an increase in the nucleolar accumulation of the EB and/or the poly r(A-U) in the EB/poly r(A-U)-treated fibroblasts. Ultrastructure of negatively stained and replica preparations demonstrated that EB-induced condensation of poly r(A-U). These results suggest the elevated antiviral activity may be related to the altered uptake and subcellular distribution of the EB/poly r(A-U) complex.

Subcellular localization and antiviral activity of carminic acid/poly r(A-U) combinations

Carminic acid (CAR) enhances the antiviral activity of poly r(A-U) twelve-fold without increasing interferon induction, inactivating the vesicular stomatitis virus or inducing host cell cytotoxicity. Phase contrast photomicrographs of human foreskin fibroblasts (HSF) incubated with CAR alone, poly r(A-U) alone or with a CAR/poly r(A-U) combination illustrate that the CAR/poly r(A-U) combinations display altered subcellular distribution with the CAR being localized in the nucleoli and chromatin. Phase contrast and fluorescence photomicrographs of adriamycin (ADR)-treated and ADR/poly r(A-U)-treated HSF cells corroborate these findings. These results suggest that modulation of one or more nucleolar processes may be responsible for the enhanced antiviral activity.

Enhanced antiviral activity and altered subcellular distribution of magnesium/poly r(A-U) combinations

When Mg2+ or ethidium bromide (EB) were combined with poly r(A-U) at a ligand/ribonucleotide ratio of 1/4, the antiviral activity of the Mg2+ and EB increased 136-fold and 154-fold. Eriochrome Blue SE was employed to visualize the subcellular distribution of Mg2+ following co-incubation of Human Foreskin Fibroblasts (HSF) with Mg2+ alone or with the Mg2+/poly r(A-U) combination. Phase contrast micrographs of these Mg(2+)-treated HSF cells as well as phase contrast and fluorescence micrographs of EB-treated or EB/poly r(A-U)-treated HSF cells illustrated that the Mg2+ (or EB)/poly r(A-U) combinations display altered subcellular distribution with the Mg2+ and EB being localized in the nucleoli and chromatin of the HSF cells. These results suggest that modulation of nuclear processes may be responsible for the enhanced antiviral activity.

Reliability of the amplitude of the return-sweep velocity of eye movements during reading

A Beckman Type RM Dynograph was used to record the eye movements of 26 professional college men, once without spectacle corrections and then with plano lenses on a trial frame, during reading equivalent print at a distance of 33 cm. Amplitudes of the return-sweep velocity on these two trials were used to calculate an equivalent form reliability coefficient. A Pearson r of 0.88 indicates that their reliability is moderately high, meaning that both the desirable as well as the undesirable reading habits are probably deeply rooted by college, and imply that any reading remediation or improvement training should be performed at some much earlier stages to be efficiently effective.

Pyogenic granuloma: an unusual complication of papaverine injection therapy for impotence

An unusual complication of papaverine injection therapy is reported. A pyogenic granuloma formed after a single test dose of papaverine. Diagnosis, therapy and course of the patient are outlined.

Flow cytometric evaluation of anti-herpes drugs

A rapid means of screening drugs for toxicity and anti-herpes simplex virus activity was developed based on the flow cytometric detection of HSV induced changes in cellular DNA content. Subconfluent monolayers of human diploid fibroblasts (HEL 299) were assayed for DNA content with propidium iodide 24 h after infection with HSV-1 (multiplicity of infection 1-10) and treatment with the drug to be tested. Infection was detected by a broadening of the normal diploid and tetraploid peaks and presence of greater than 4-n DNA staining. Inhibition of viral DNA synthesis and maintenance of the normal growth pattern of control cells was indication of antiviral activity. Toxicity of the compound was indicated by the loss of S phase and tetraploid cell populations. Using this assay, we evaluated the activities of one experimental and two established antiviral agents.

Flow cytometric analysis of deparaffinized nuclei in urinary bladder carcinoma. Comparison with cytogenetic analysis

Both cytogenetic analysis and flow cytometry (FCM) have prognostic efficacy in the analysis of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of urinary bladder. To correlate results of the two methods, we studied a unique group of patients whose tumors had undergone prospective conventional cytogenetic analysis. Paraffin blocks of these tumors were processed for FMC, then analyzed for nuclear DNA content. Of the 34 tumors processed, 30 (88%) yielded interpretable DNA histograms. In 26 (87%) of these, there was good correlation between the two methods with respect to the presence or absence of a hyperdiploid cell line. Discrepancies may have resulted from sampling error or from interpretation of a tetraploid peak as a prominent G2M region. Retrospective FCM analysis of paraffinized TCC tissue correlates well with conventional, prospective cytogenetic analysis and is applicable to the majority of urinary bladder transitional cell carcinomas.

Ischemic heart disease in patients with large gland prostatic hypertrophy

Fifty consecutive patients with large gland prostatic hypertrophy, requiring open prostatectomy, were analyzed retrospectively with regard to relationship to the subsequent development of ischemic heart disease. A significant increase in the development of progressive ischemic heart disease and sudden death was found in these patients when compared with two control groups. These findings are analyzed.

Combined iridium 192 interstitial and external beam radiation therapy for the treatment of prostatic cancer

Twenty-four patients with clinically palpable prostatic adenocarcinoma (stage B or C) were treated with a combination of interstitial radiation therapy and external beam radiation therapy following pelvic lymphadenectomy for accurate staging. Early results indicate a complete clinical response rate at 12 months of 77%, with a 4% complication rate (persisting rectal ulceration).

Mitomycin C intravesical therapy in noninvasive bladder cancer after failure on thiotepa

Mitomycin C 40 mg in 40 ml water was administered intravesically every week for 8 consecutive weeks to 60 patients with superficial bladder cancer. All patients had failed treatment with intravesical thiotepa and had evaluable disease. An objective response of 50% or greater reduction in measured tumor mucosal involvement was obtained in 68% of patients. Forty-two percent of the patients achieved a complete response, and this included 50% of patients with Grade III disease and 70% of patients with a T1 tumor. Median response duration in complete responders was 12.2 months with a range of 3.5 to 24.3 + months. Fifty-five percent of patients are still responding. Therapy was generally well tolerated, and in contrast to thiotepa, myelosuppression was not the dose-limiting effect. One third of all patients experienced symptoms of local irritation, and skin reactions were seen in 12% of patients.

The multidisciplinary team approach to exenteration of the pelvis

The experience of a newly formed, multidisciplinary, pelvic exenteration team is presented which consists of a gynecologic oncologist, a general surgeon and a urologist. The first 20 exenterations performed by this team are reviewed. Nine patients had no postoperative problems, and of the 11 patients who did have complications, all but two, which resulted in death, were corrected without resultant debilitation. Fourteen of the 18 patients who survived the operation are tumor-free for as long as three years postoperatively. Operative proficiency as well as operative mortality and morbidity have certainly improved quite significantly as the team has gained experience.

Identical genetic profiles in primary and metastatic bladder tumors

Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder has been shown repeatedly to possess abnormal genetic profiles. During long periods recurrent tumors in the bladder consistently show the same type of genetic profile with each recurrence. We report on a patient with metastatic bladder cancer who had similar genetic profiles of the primary lesion and thoracocentesis fluid from the metastatic site. The significance of these findings is discussed.

Prognosis in carcinoma of the urinary bladder based upon tissue blood group abh and Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen status and karyotype of the initial tumor

Several markers of initial bladder carcinomas described recently may be clinically significant predictors of biological behavior of future recurrences. Comparison of the marker systems and assessment of the value of using multiple markers have been difficult, because the various markers have been studied in different patients. In this study, we compared four markers [chromosome mode, marker chromosomes, and expression of the ABH "blood group" antigens and the Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen (using immunoperoxidase or lectin immunoperoxidase methods)] in 39 patients presenting initially with low-stage bladder carcinoma and followed 3 to 11 years or until deep muscle invasion occurred. Each of the markers was significantly related to subsequent recurrences with deep muscle invasion, and each marker system was able to identify those patients with a very low risk of subsequent invasion. For detection of a subpopulation of patients with Grade II carcinomas who were at high risk for development of subsequent invasion, combinations of markers, especially hyperdiploidy and abnormal expression of the Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen, were significantly more effective than any single marker system.

Blood group precursor T-antigen expression in human urinary bladder carcinoma

Tumor deletion of the ABH blood group antigens (BGAg) heralds an unfavorable prognosis in human bladder cancer. The T antigen (Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen: TAg), a precursor of other BGAg, has previously been found in malignant but not most normal cells, in which the TAg is cryptic but can be unmasked with neuraminidase (NMD). We investigated the prognostic significance of TAg expression in bladder cancer by staining paraffin sections with a T-specific lectin (peanut agglutinin [PNA]) immunoperoxidase technic. Seventy-two cases of low grade, low stage bladder cancer, 21 cases of high grade bladder cancer, and 68 controls were studied. All normals expressed the TAg only after NMD treatment (Cryptic TAg+). The Grade III cancers, all invasive, either expressed the TAg (TAg+)(67%) or lacked T even after NMD (Cryptic TAg-) (29%), indicating that the T structure was lost rather than masked as in normal tissue. Thirty-nine per cent of 23 Grade I and II cancers which were TAg+ or Cryptic TAg- subsequently became invasive (Stage B), compared with 10% of 49 Cryptic TAg+ cancers. For 32 Grade I and II, ABH BGAg negative cancers, 64% of TAg+ or Cryptic TAg- cancers became invasive, compared with 17% of cancers which had Cryptic TAg+. Thus, the TAg may be a prognostically useful immunohistochemical tumor marker in bladder cancer, especially for tumors negative for ABH BGAg.

A 10-year analysis of chromosomes in non-invasive papillary carcinoma of the bladder

A 10-year evaluation of chromosomal analysis of bladder tumors is reported. Emphasis is placed on the presence of chromosomal markers and their importance as prognostic indicators in patients with papillary bladder tumors.

Transient impotence from positioning on the fracture table

A case of transient impotence caused by pressure from the perineal post of the fracture table is reported. The anatomic position of the pudendal and cavernous nerves appears to account for the impotence. The use of a foam-rubber fitting for the perineal post is recommended.