Vacuum Rabi splitting in a semiconductor circuit QED system

Vacuum Rabi splitting is demonstrated in a GaAs double quantum dot system coupled with a coplanar waveguide resonator. The coupling strength g, the decoherence rate of the quantum dot γ, and the decay rate of the resonator κ are derived, assuring distinct vacuum Rabi oscillation in a strong coupling regime [(g,γ,κ)≈(30,25,8.0) MHz]. The magnitude of decoherence is consistently interpreted in terms of the coupling of electrons to piezoelectric acoustic phonons in GaAs.

Biological significance of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 expression in ovarian clear cell adenocarcinoma

PURPOSE

Ovarian clear cell adenocarcinoma (OCCA) has been reported to display different characteristics from other histological types of epithelial ovarian cancer, and especially differs from serous adenocarcinoma. We investigated plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) expression in patients with OCCA and attempted to assess its biological significance.

METHODS

Fifty-seven patients with OCCA were enrolled. We used formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of the primary tumor obtained at the first operation to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of PAI-1 and the association of PAI-1 expression with various clinicopathologic factors.

RESULTS

The 57 patients were classified into a high PAI-1 expression group and a low expression group. Comparison between the two groups revealed that the percentage of patients with concomitant endometriosis was significantly larger in the high expression group, while the percentage of Stage I patients with positive peritoneal cytology was significantly larger in the low expression group. Comparison of cumulative 5-year survival rates showed that the high expression group had a better prognosis than the low expression group.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest an association between concomitant endometriosis and increased expression of PAI-1 in OCCA. The data also suggest that PAI-1 expression influences both peritoneal dissemination of early OCCA and the prognosis.

Malignant mixed mullerian tumor of primary mesenteric origin

Malignant mixed müllerian tumor (MMMT) is a rare tumor. A literature search revealed very few reports on MMMT, especially those arising in the peritoneum. We recently encountered an MMMT of primary mesenteric origin associated with left fallopian tube cancer. There have been no previous reports about its occurrence in the mesentery. When cases of peritoneal MMMT were reviewed, the disease was found to be associated with synchronous or metachronous gynecologic tumors of müllerian duct origin (ie, ovarian tumors, primary serous carcinoma of the peritoneum, fallopian tube cancer, endometrial cancer, and adenocarcinoma of the cervix) in 12 out of 32 patients (37.5%). Peritoneal MMMT are frequently associated with gynecologic tumors.

Multidimensional Voice Evaluation in Pretreatment Glottic Carcinoma

It is generally accepted that, in glottic carcinoma, the voice will deteriorate, even in the early stages. This paper reports the degree of hoarseness and multidimensional vocal evaluation of glottic carcinoma patients. Forty-seven male glottic carcinoma patients and a control group of 13 normal subjects were included in this study involving psychoacoustic evaluation by doctors, acoustic analysis, phonogram, maximum phonation time and stroboscopy before treatment. A normal voice or mild hoarseness by psychoacoustic evaluation was found in 35% of cases with T1 and T2 glottic carcinoma. Patients with psychoacoustically inferior vocalization had high scores on acoustic analysis, small phonogram areas, and short maximum phonation time. Stroboscopy revealed attenuation or disappearance of the mucosal wave on the tumor side in all cases, whether the acoustic analysis data were within or beyond the normal limits. We identified two conditions offering superior vocalization in glottic carcinoma patients: (1) the lesion should be unilateral, and (2) the lesion should be flat with no protrusion. We should evaluate patients with glottic carcinoma not only with vocal examination but also using stroboscopy before biopsy.

Irradiation impairment of umami taste in patients with head and neck cancer

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have reported the alteration of the four basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour and bitter) in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) during radiotherapy. However, there has been no investigation on the function of umami taste, a novel basic taste recognized recently, during head and neck irradiation.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the recognition threshold of umami and the four basic tastes at different irradiation dose intervals during radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.

METHODS

In 30 patients with malignant neoplasm of head and neck, objective taste thresholds were examined by use of a whole-mouth method at pre-radiotherapy, irradiation doses at 15, 30, 45, and 60 Gy, respectively. Subjective taste loss and some distresses were recorded simultaneously.

RESULTS

Sweet, sour, salty, and bitter tastes showed temporarily and slightly increased thresholds during the treatment, but no statistical difference was found between the threshold at pre-radiotherapy and that at 15, 30, 45, and 60 Gy in any taste quality (all P > 0.05). Significantly impaired threshold of umami taste was revealed at 30 Gy (P < 0.05) and remained throughout the following treatment (at 45 and 60 Gy, both P < 0.01). Subjective taste impairment, appetite loss and satisfaction with the current state tended to deteriorate significantly during the irradiation. Mean body weight of the patients experienced a continuous loss, decreasing from an average of 60.4 kg before treatment to 57.3 kg at 60 Gy (P < 0.01). Scores of satisfaction with current state showed a significant correlation with umami taste thresholds (P = 0.035).

CONCLUSION

The clinical impairment pattern of umami taste is different from that of the other four basic tastes in HNC patients during radiotherapy. Impaired umami taste acuity plays an important role in impacting the quality of life of the patients irradiated to the head and neck.

A pilot study of weekly docetaxel therapy for recurrent ovarian cancer, tubal cancer, and primary peritoneal cancer

We investigated the efficacy and toxicity of salvage chemotherapy with weekly docetaxel for recurrent ovarian cancer, tubal cancer, and primary peritoneal cancer after treatment with regimens containing platinum or paclitaxel. The 15 subjects were managed as outpatients and received at least two courses of docetaxel therapy (35 mg/m2 on days 1, 8 and 15). Antitumour activity was assessed radiologically and from the CA-125 level. Among five patients with measurable lesions, one showed partial remission and three showed stable disease. Based on CA-125 levels, there were three partial remissions and five patients with stable disease (progression-free survival was 7.5 months and 7.6 months, respectively). During 61 courses, the severe toxicities were grade 3 leukopaenia/neutropaenia (6.7%) or grade 2 oedema and pleural effusion (13.3%). Weekly docetaxel may be useful salvage chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer, tubal cancer, and peritoneal cancer, especially as tumour dormancy therapy.

Imaging of cyclotron emission from edge channels in quantum Hall conductors

A local probing technique of cyclotron emission is applied to image nonequilibrium electrons generated along edge channels in quantum Hall conductors. In a lower-magnetic field region of a quantum Hall state plateau (filling factor 2<nu), cyclotron emission is found to occur along the boundary of a conductor on the side of lower potential (with positive Hall voltage). The emission indicates that electrons are accumulated in the first-excited Landau level, while they are depleted in the lowest Landau level along the boundary as a consequence of adiabatic-transport.

[Laminin gamma2 chain expression in squamous cell carcinomas of the tongue and its clinical relevance]

Laminin gamma2 chain (LNgamma2) expression and its clinical relevance were examined in squamous cell carcinomas of the tongue. When tumor cells were attached to each other and showed expansive growth, LNgamma2 was expressed only in the peripheral cells of the tumor nests (peripheral expression). In contrast, when tumor cells showed infiltrative growth diminishing cell-cell adhesion, LNgamma2 expression was diffusely observed in almost all of the cells (diffuse expression). Patients with caricinoma cells of the primary lesions showing peripheral LNgamma2 expression were classified as the peripheral expression type, whereas patients with carcinoma cells showing diffuse LNgamma2 expression at least in part of the invasive fronts were classified as the diffuse expression type. Among 30 patients with tongue carcinomas of more than stage II, 19 patients were the peripheral expression type and 11 patients were the diffuse expression type. The 3-year disease-specific survival rates for the peripheral type and diffuse type were 64% and 34%, respectively. LNgamma2 may play an important role in growth and invasion of tongue carcinomas. In particular, it seems likely that the diffuse LNgamma2 expression in carcinoma cells has a significant relevance to the malignant characteristics of infiltrative carcinoma cells. In addition, LNgamma2 expression may be a useful prognostic factor for the patients with carcinomas of the tongue.

A rapid speech synthesizing software on a PDA for Japanese with speech impairments

We developed a Japanese-language, rapid synthesizing software application for use on a personal digital assistant. It has an unrestricted vocabulary and can synthesize words and sentences within 3 s. Eight hundred common sentences and words are preregistered. By touching the first character at the head of a preregistered sentence or word from an on-screen Kana (Japanese alphabet) chart, the user can select the sentence or word to be spoken. Characters on the Kana chart can also be input sequentially. Two Japanese subjects with speech impairments rated the device highly for its portability and quick response. Whereas communication previously had to be done by writing or sign language, it was easy for listeners with or without specialized training in communication with persons with speech impairments to understand the output from this device, making conversation easier which, in turn, improved the quality of life and social activity of these persons with speech impairments.

Treatment of Hypopharyngeal Carcinomas-an Institutional Analysis of the Results of FAR Radiochemotherapy, Radical Resection, and Free Jejunum Flap Reconstruction and the Indication of Neck Dissection-

The treatment results of 65 patients with hypopharyngeal carcinomas treated at our institute between 1995 and 2000 were analyzed. In general, concurrent radiochemotherapy (RCT), consisting of intravenous 5-FU injection, intra-muscular vitamin A injection, and radiation (FAR therapy) was used as an initial treatment for advanced hypopharyngeal carcinomas and early hypopharyngeal carcinomas. Tumor responses were evaluated at the time of radiation doses of 30Gy. Patients who showed a complete response (CR) subsequently received curative radiation doses of 60 to 70Gy. Patients who did not show a CR underwent radical surgery consisting of pharyngo-laryngo-cervical esophagectomy, neck dissection for positive cervical nodes and/or the primary tumor sides, and reconstruction using a free jejunum flap. The disease-specific 5-year survival rates were 92%, 55%, 35% and 49% for stage I/II, III, IV and all cases, respectively. Eight out of 9 patients with stage I/II disease who showed a CR after receiving 30Gy of RCT survived with an intact larynx after definitive RCT. All the patients with stage II/III disease who underwent radical surgery after receiving 30Gy of RCT did not have a recurrence, whereas the 5-year survival rate of patients with stage IV disease who underwent RCT and radical surgery was 45%. Seventeen out of 19 patients with clinically negative cervical nodes on the opposite side of their primary tumors showed no nodal metastasis after RCT without neck dissection. This result suggests that elective neck dissection after RCT is not necessary. To improve the treatment results for hypopharyngeal carcinomas, early detection of this disease is prerequisite. In addition, the clinical diagnosis of highly malignant cases and new molecular-targeted therapies based on an analysis of distant metastasis mechanisms should be developed to overcome the poor prognosis of advanced hypopharyngeal carcinomas.

Preoperative diagnosis of fallopian tube cancer by imaging

Primary cancer of the fallopian tube (FTC) is among the most unusual gynecologic malignancies and rarely is diagnosed correctly before surgery. The imaging results of eight patients with FTC and four with benign tubal disease were analyzed. FTCs were small cystic or solid masses that typically were shaped like a sausage, a snail, or a gourd, regardless of clinical stage.

Effective weekly docetaxel for recurrent ovarian cancer: A case report

We experienced a case of recurrent ovarian cancer that responded to weekly docetaxel. The patient had stage IIIC ovarian cancer (poorly differentiated serous adenocarcinoma). After initial remission was achieved by chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin plus cytoreductive surgery, the disease recurred and irinotecan therapy achieved temporary remission. During maintenance therapy with oral etoposide, the disease recurred again. We then tried five courses of weekly docetaxel therapy and it successfully controlled the disease. The progression-free survival time on weekly docetaxel treatment is now 7 months and the toxicity was extremely low. This patient demonstrates the effectiveness of weekly docetaxel as salvage chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer.

Immunoregulatory role of ocular macrophages: the macrophages produce RANTES to suppress experimental autoimmune uveitis

Murine experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) is a model of human uveitis. Ocular-infiltrating macrophages play a crucial role in the generation of tissue damage in EAU. In fact, several chemokines are actually produced in the inflamed eye. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of ocular macrophage-derived chemokines in EAU. C57BL/6 mice were immunized with human interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein peptide 1-20, and the EAU severity was scored at multiple time points based on microscopic fundus observations (retinal vascular dilatation and exudates) and histological examinations. The peak inflammatory response was observed 1 wk (day 16) after the beginning of macrophage infiltration to the eye (day 9). Ocular-infiltrating cells were enriched or depleted of macrophages by magnetic beads and analyzed by real-time RT-PCR for chemokine mRNA production. We found that only the macrophage-enriched cells from the eye produced RANTES, and thus proposed that macrophage-derived RANTES facilitated the ocular inflammations. In contrast to our postulate, neutralization of RANTES by specific Ab in vivo on days 9 and 13 exacerbated EAU. We also found that the ratio of ocular CD4/CD8 T cells was markedly increased after treatment. As a result, RANTES neutralization might exacerbate EAU by modulating the type of T cell subsets recruited to the eye. In conclusion, our data provide insight into the immunoregulatory role of macrophages and RANTES in the pathogenesis of ocular inflammation. Not all macrophage-derived chemokines cause local inflammation, since RANTES produced by ocular macrophages appears to suppress EAU.

Effective weekly docetaxel for recurrent ovarian cancer: A case report

We experienced a case of recurrent ovarian cancer that responded to weekly docetaxel. The patient had stage IIIC ovarian cancer (poorly differentiated serous adenocarcinoma). After initial remission was achieved by chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin plus cytoreductive surgery, the disease recurred and irinotecan therapy achieved temporary remission. During maintenance therapy with oral etoposide, the disease recurred again. We then tried five courses of weekly docetaxel therapy and it successfully controlled the disease. The progression-free survival time on weekly docetaxel treatment is now 7 months and the toxicity was extremely low. This patient demonstrates the effectiveness of weekly docetaxel as salvage chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer.

Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma of the neck; a case report and literature review

Follicular dendritic cell (FDC) sarcomas, also known as dendritic reticulum cell tumors, are uncommon neoplasms arising from antigen-presenting cells in B-lymphofollicles of nodal and extra-nodal sites. It is considered as an intermediate grade malignancy since it has significant recurrent and metastatic potential. We report a case of FDC sarcoma arising in the neck. A 56-year-old female presented with a left neck tumor. Neck dissection was performed. Microscopically, the tumor showed spindle-shaped stromal cells with large oval and polygonal nuclei. Immunohistologically, the cells were positive for CD21 and CD35, consistent with FDC sarcomas. Adjuvant chemotherapy of cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin/vincristine/prednisone (CHOP) was given. Literature review provides the current information for the diagnosis and treatment of this unusual tumor.

[Postpartum hypercalcemia in a patient with previous thyroid carcinoma: a report of 2 cases]

We report postpartum hypercalcemia in 2 patients with previous thyroid carcinoma who had undergone total thyroidectomy and total parathyroidectomy and required vitamin D and calcium therapy to control hypoparathyroidism. Postpartum, they required less vitamin D and calcium for satisfactory control. While lactating, they maintained normal serum calcium without supplementary vitamin D or calcium. Transient remission of hypoparathyroidism symptoms has been observed during lactation. Some studies have shown that parathyroid-related protein (PTHrP) is produced by breast tissue, having an endocrine-like effect. We discuss the mechanism of postpartum hypercalcemia.

"FAR" chemoradiotherapy improves laryngeal preservation rates in patients with T2N0 glottic carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The appropriate treatment approach for patients with T2N0 laryngeal cancer remains highly controversial. Because radiotherapy alone is associated with a high risk of local recurrence, we have developed a triple combination treatment approach consisting of 5-fluorouracil (250 mg/day, i.v.), vitamin A (50,000 unit/day, i.m.) and external radiation (2.0 Gy/day), which we have termed "FAR therapy."

METHODS

Patients with T2N0 glottic carcinoma were initially treated with 15 days of FAR therapy, which included a cumulative radiation dose of 30Gy (i.e., "30 Gy of FAR therapy"). Those patients who demonstrated a complete response either clinically or pathologically continued to receive further FAR therapy, with up to 60-70 Gy. All other patients received laryngectomy without any additional treatment.

RESULTS

Ninety-five patients were treated according to this program, and most of the patients (98%) were able to complete this treatment course. Eighty-eight patients (93%) were treated with FAR therapy alone. The local control and ultimate local control rates were 91% (85 of 93), and 99% (92 of 93), respectively. The cumulative 5-year voice preservation and complete laryngeal preservation rates were 91% and 87%, respectively. The cumulative 5-year disease-specific survival rate was 97%.

CONCLUSIONS

Because a high rate of laryngeal preservation was achieved without compromising disease-specific survival, our treatment approach based on FAR therapy may be promising for the treatment of patients with T2N0 glottic carcinoma.

Transcutaneous PCO(2) monitoring with hyperventilation during phonation in vocal cord paralysis

OBJECTIVE

Hyperventilation during phonation is one of the causes of fatigue in-patients with vocal disorders.

METHODS

The transcutaneous (tc) PCO(2) during phonation in 8 normal subjects and 12 patients with unilateral vocal cord paralysis was measured. Cases were further divided into two groups by the degree of the tcPCO(2) decrease during phonation. Patients with a tcPCO(2) decrease less than 3.4 mmHg during phonation were classified as group 1 (G1). Patients with a tcPCO(2) decrease larger than or equal to 3.4 mmHg during phonation were classified into group 2 (G2).

RESULTS

The average changes in tcPCO(2) in the G1 cases was not significantly different from that in normal subjects. The decrease in tcPCO(2) during phonation in the six G2 cases was 10.7+/-6.2 mmHg, and was significantly different from that in normal subjects (P<0.01, t-test). The decrease of tcPCO(2) during phonation in both G1 and G2 cases improved significantly after surgical treatment. Easy fatigability during phonation in two G1 cases and five G2 cases improved.

CONCLUSIONS

The decrease in tcPCO(2) during phonation in cases of unilateral vocal cord paralysis is well correlated with easy fatigability. It is clinically useful to classify cases into two groups using the criteria of a less than 3.4 mmHg or larger than or equal to 3.4 mmHg decrease in tcPCO(2). These results also suggest that hyperventilation is one major cause for easy fatigability during phonation in cases with unilateral vocal cord paralysis. TcPCO(2) changes during phonation are useful in evaluating hyperventilation and the effect of treatment.

Constitutive activation of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 correlates with cyclin D1 overexpression and may provide a novel prognostic marker in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

The precise mechanism responsible for the frequent overexpression of cyclinD1 in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is not known. In view of the fact that signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (Stat3) is often activated in HNSCC cells, we examined the effects of Stat3 on cyclin D1 expression and cell proliferation in the YCU-H891 HNSCC cell line that displays constitutive activation of Stat3. Expression of a dominant negative Stat3 construct in YCU-H891 cells inhibited proliferation, cyclin D1 promoter activity, and cellular levels of cyclin D1 mRNA and protein. The levels of the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-X(L) proteins were also inhibited. In 51 primary tumor samples from patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the p.o. tongue, there was a significant correlation between increased levels of the activated form of Stat3, phosphorylated-Stat3, and increased levels of cyclin D1 (P < 0.0001). Increased tumor levels of phosphorylated-Stat3 were also associated with lower survival rates (P < 0.01). This study provides the first evidence that in HNSCC, constitutive activation of Stat3 plays a causative role in overexpression of cyclin D1, and in clinical studies, Stat3 activation may provide a novel prognostic factor. Furthermore, agents that target Stat3 may be useful in the treatment of HNSCC.

Pharyngoesophageal pressure in patients with swallowing disorders

We developed and tested a pressure transducer to correctly determine swallowing pressure at different sites in the pharynx. In normal individuals three pressure peaks were obtained in the mesopharynx, hypopharynx and cervical esophagus, respectively. A patient with central dysphagia demonstrated markedly low mesopharyngeal and hypopharyngeal swallowing pressure. One tongue cancer patient who had undergone right hemiglossectomy, including partial resection of the root of the tongue and bilateral superior neck dissection, had markedly low swallowing pressure in the mesopharynx and vallecula area. Another supraglottic cancer patient treated by supraglottic horizontal partial laryngectomy showed extremely low swallowing pressure in the supraglottic area. Based on our findings, we suggest that measurements using a pressure transducer such as the one described here should be used in combination with radiographic study to diagnose swallowing anomalies correctly. Data obtained with the pressure transducer will allow the clinician to identify the site responsible for postoperative dysphagia as well as its severity, and facilitate planning of reconstructive surgery when required.

Carotid body tumor associated with differentiated thyroid carcinoma

We report a case of a carotid body tumor associated with a primary differentiated thyroid carcinoma. A 44-year-old woman presented with a 10-year history of an asymptomatic mass in her neck. Physical examination revealed a pulsatile submandibular mass in her right neck as well as multiple nodules in the thyroid. Magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography and, in particular, angiography were diagnostic of the carotid body tumor. Slight changes in serum thyroglobulin levels and thyroid scintigraphy led us to suspect thyroid carcinoma. Embolization of the arteries feeding the carotid body tumor was performed, and was followed by tumor resection 24 h later. At surgery, histopathology confirmed the presence of follicular and papillary carcinomas of the thyroid, resulting in concurrent resection of the gland. There were no residual cranial nerve deficits. The patient subsequently received radiotherapy. Diagnosis and surgical management are discussed, together with pathogenetic factors.

Factors that affect swallowing-related apnea times in humans

The dynamics of deglutition were studied in relation to potential changes due to aging. Swallowing-related apnea time (SAT) was measured during "dry" and "wet" swallowing in 84 adults without dysphagia to examine if age-related variation of SAT corresponded to changes in deglutition dynamics due to aging and to determine possible significance. Swallowing movements were recorded using a transducer for measuring swallowing pressures. Respiratory flow rates during deglutition were measured with a heat-wave flowmeter as part of phonatory function testing system. Respiratory movements were recorded with a respiration pick-up band set at the diaphragm. Findings demonstrated that SAT did not change with aging but was prolonged in subjects over age 50 years. When topical anesthesia was omitted during study, SAT tended to be shorter during wet swallowing than during dry swallowing in all age groups. Statistically significant differences were observed between wet and dry swallowing SAT in subjects under the age of 39 years. When a topical anesthetic was applied to pharyngeal mucous membranes, SAT was prolonged. Finally, SAT results during wet swallowing determined in a anesthetized dog before and after topical anesthesia of the pharyngeal mucous membranes showed significant prolongation after topical anesthesia. These findings suggest that the sensation of the pharyngeal mucous membrane may be important in producing swallowing-related apnea and controlling its duration.

Pre- and postsynaptic ATP-sensitive potassium channels during metabolic inhibition of rat hippocampal CA1 neurons

Presynaptic and postsynaptic membrane activities during experimental metabolic inhibition were analysed in mechanically dissociated rat hippocampal neurons using nystatin-perforated and conventional whole-cell patch clamp recordings. NaCN, an inhibitor of mitochondrial ATP synthesis, induced an outward current across the postsynaptic soma membrane. This current was blocked by tolbutamide, a sulfonylurea, which blocks ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels. The presynaptic effect of metabolic inhibitors such as NaCN, NaN3, or glucose-free solution was to increase the frequency of GABAergic miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs). Tolbutamide had no effect on this increase in mIPSC frequency induced by metabolic inhibition. Diazoxide, a KATP channel opener, evoked a similar somatic outward current in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, diazoxide decreased the frequency of mIPSCs in a dose-dependent fashion. Both these pre- and postsynaptic effects of diazoxide were reversed by tolbutamide, suggesting the existence of KATP channels on both pre- and postsynaptic membranes. These results confirm the presence of KATP channels on both the pre- and postsynaptic membranes but indicate that the channels have significantly different sensitivities to metabolic inhibition.

[Analysis of the regulatory mechanism of the rat cerebellum on the motor coordination in the time and space domain]

To elucidate the mechanism of the cerebellum on the regulation of coordinated movement in time and space domain, ninety-six Purkinje cell complex spike was simultaneously recorded utilizing ninety-six glass micro pipette electrodes. The complex activity of the bilateral cerebellum was symmetrically synchronized. Furthermore, the medial cells fired first, then the lateral cells fired succeedingly. These results suggest that the time domain of the motor coordination was regulated by the symmetrical firing pattern of the bilateral cerebellum Purkinje cell activity.

Laminin gamma 1 chain peptide, C-16 (KAFDITYVRLKF), promotes migration, MMP-9 secretion, and pulmonary metastasis of B16-F10 mouse melanoma cells

Laminin-1, a heterotrimer of alpha 1, beta 1, and gamma 1 chains specific to basement membrane, promotes cell adhesion and migration, proteinase secretion and metastases of tumour cells. Several active sites on the alpha 1 chain have been found to promote B16-F10 melanoma lung colonisation and here we have determined whether additional tumour promoting sites exist on the beta 1 and gamma 1 chains. Recently, we have identified novel cell adhesive peptides derived from laminin beta 1 and gamma 1 chains by systematic screening of synthetic peptides. Nine beta 1 peptides and seven gamma 1 peptides active for cell adhesion were tested for their effects on experimental pulmonary metastases of B16-F10 mouse melanoma cells in vivo. The most active adhesive peptide derived from the gamma 1 chain globular domain, C-16 (KAFDITYVRLKF), significantly enhanced pulmonary metastases of B16-F10 cells, whereas no other peptides showed enhancement. C-16 also stimulated migration of B16-F10 cells in the Boyden chamber assay in vitro. Furthermore, C-16 significantly induced the production of MMP-9 from B16-F10 cells. These results suggest that this specific laminin gamma 1 chain peptide has a metastasis-promoting activity and might be a new molecular target of anti-cancer treatment.

Taste dysfunction in irradiated patients with head and neck cancer

Taste disorders caused by radiation therapy for head and neck cancer are common. This prospective study of 40 patients with head and neck cancer assessed changes in taste sensations during radiation therapy. The relationship between the time course and the degree of taste disorder was studied. The taste recognition threshold and supra-threshold taste intensity performance for the four basic tastes were measured using the whole-mouth taste method before, during, and after radiation therapy. Bitter taste was affected most. An increase in threshold for sweet taste depended upon whether the tip of tongue was included within the radiation field. The slope of the taste intensity performance did not change during or after radiotherapy. The pattern of salivary dysfunction was different from that of taste dysfunction. The main cause of taste disorders during radiation support the hypothesis that taste dysfunction is due to damage to the taste buds in the radiation field.

The roles of JNK1 and Stat3 in the response of head and neck cancer cell lines to combined treatment with all-trans-retinoic acid and 5-fluorouracil

We have used a combination of vitamin A (all-trans-retinyl palmitate), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and radiation to treat human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This chemoradiotherapy is called "FAR therapy." In this study we examined the effects of all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA), the active metabolite of vitamin A, and ATRA plus 5-FU on two HNSCC cell lines (YCU-N861 and YCU-H891) to gain insight into the molecular mechanisms of FAR therapy. ATRA at 1 mM (the order of concentration found in HNSCC tumors treated with FAR therapy) inhibited cell proliferation and caused G1 cell cycle arrest in both cell lines. This was associated with a decrease in cyclin D1, an increase in p27(Kip1) and a reduction in the hyperphosphorylated form of retinoblastoma protein (pRB). With YCU-N861 cells, ATRA also caused a decrease in Bcl-2 and Bcl-X(L) and an increase in Bax. Both ATRA and 5-FU activated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) 1 and the combination of both agents resulted in additive or synergistic activation of JNK1, and also enhanced the induction of apoptosis. The YCU-H891 cells, in which the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) pathway is constitutively activated, were more resistant to treatments with ATRA, 5-FU and the combination of both agents than YCU-N861 cells. A dominant negative Stat3 construct strongly enhanced the cellular sensitivity of this cell line to 5-FU but not to ATRA. In addition there is evidence that activation of Stat3 is associated with cellular resistance to radiation in HNSCC. Therefore, the addition to FAR therapy of agents that inhibit activation of the Stat3 pathway may enhance the clinical response of patients with HNSCC to FAR therapy.

Mutation analysis of human cytokeratin 8 gene in malignant rhabdoid tumor: a possible association with intracytoplasmic inclusion body formation

The rhabdoid cell, which is typically observed in malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT) and other malignant neoplasms, has an eosinophilic cytoplasm containing a spheroid perinuclear inclusion body. This distinct cell is known to act as a highly aggressive indicator in many types of malignant tumors and is characterized by aggregates of intermediate filaments, comprising both vimentin and cytokeratin (CK) 8, which is mainly expressed in simple-type epithelium such as liver and intestine. To clarify the cause of the inclusion body formation, we analyzed the alteration of the complete human CK8 gene (KRT 8: 1724 base pairs) in seven samples of MRT (three from frozen materials and four from cultured cell lines) by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, followed by direct sequencing. In addition, the two cell lines, Huh7 and HeLa, which lacked rhabdoid feature, six pediatric malignant tumors, including three cases of primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) and three of Wilms' tumor; and 15 normal liver tissue (as a control) were also analyzed. All MRT samples had missense mutations in the human KRT 8 gene, i.e., Arg89 --> Cys (5/7); Arg --> Cys251 (3/7); Glu267 --> Lys (6/7); Ser290 --> Ile, Met; (7/7) and Arg301 --> His(4/7), none of which was detected in any control samples. Among these mutations, the most noteworthy findings were that Arg89 belongs to the H1 subdomain of the head domain and that Arg251 belongs to the short nonhelical linker segment, or L1-2. Both these mutations are noted for their relationships to lateral protofilament-protofilament interactions. In addition, Ser290 has been previously reported to be a phosphorylation site, which has been recognized to play an important role in filament organization, leading to conformational change of the CK8 filaments. In conclusion, mutated codons of CK8 gene in MRT were located in the important region involved in the conformational change of intermediate filament.

Thrombectomy and SVC reconstruction due to infective thrombus

We report a case of thrombectomy and reconstruction of superior vena cava (SVC) in a patient presenting sepsis and SVC syndrome by infective thrombus. A 58-year-old woman presented sepsis and edema of the neck and left upper extremity during treatment of multiple organ failure. Sepsis by Serratia persisted in spite of appropriate antibiotic treatment. Computed tomography of the chest revealed thrombi that narrowed the SVC with obstruction of the left brachiocephalic vein. Removal of the infective thrombi followed by SVC reconstruction with autologous pericardial patch was performed. Postoperative period remained uneventful.

Serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen is a useful biologic marker in patients with inverted papillomas of the sinonasal tract

BACKGROUND

Inverted papilloma (IP) is a frequent benign sinonasal tumor that is characterized histologically by squamous metaplasia, epithelial acanthosis, and hyperplasia of the nasal epithelium. Because of its high recurrence rate and malignant transformation potential, careful long-term follow up is necessary.

METHODS

The purpose of the current report was to study the expression of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) antigen in sinonasal IPs and to evaluate the usefulness of SCC antigen as a biologic marker for the follow-up of patients with sinonasal IP. The expression of SCCA1 in three sinonasal IP cases, three sinonasal SCC cases, and cases of normal nasal epithelium were examined by Western blot analysis, and the SCCA1 expression pattern in 31 IP specimens and 4 carcinoma in IP specimens were evaluated immunohistochemically. The serum levels of SCC antigen in 11 patients with sinonasal IP also were analyzed.

RESULTS

SCCA1 was overexpressed in all three sinonasal IP tissues compared with sinonasal SCC tissues or normal nasal epithelium. SCCA1 cytoplasmic immunoreactivity was detected in the suprabasal epidermal keratinocytes of all 31 sinonasal IP cases. In the four carcinoma in IP specimens, SCCA1 expression in the papillomatous lesion was more intense than in the cancerous lesion. The serum SCC antigen level was high in 10 of 11 patients with IP (91%) and significantly decreased after surgical resection of the tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study indicate that SCCA1 frequently is overexpressed and may play a biologic role in the development of sinonasal IPs. Serum SCC antigen may be a useful biologic marker in patients with sinonasal IP.

Tumor imprint cytology of ovarian ependymoma. A case report

BACKGROUND

Ependymoma is a tumor that usually develops in the central nervous system and is extremely rare in the ovary. The first case of ovarian ependymoma was reported by Kleinman et al. (Kleinman GM, Young RH, Scully RE. Ependymoma of the ovary: report of three cases. Hum Pathol 1984;15:632-8.) in 1984, and only eight cases have been reported since then. Criteria for the histopathologic diagnosis of ependymoma are already established, but there has been no investigation of the cytologic diagnosis of ovarian ependymoma.

METHODS

An imprint cytologic specimen was obtained from a recurrent ovarian ependymoma. The imprint cytologic features were compared with the findings of histologic examination, immunostaining, and electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Imprint cytology revealed clusters of small cells with tapering cytoplasmic processes and a round nucleus. On the basis of these features, a neurogenic tumor could be included in the differential diagnosis. Furthermore, many rosette-like collections of cells that were suggestive of ependymal rosettes or perivascular pseudorosettes, characteristic of ependymoma, were found. The presence of ependymal rosettes and perivascular pseudorosettes also were confirmed by the histopathologic examination. Together with positive immunostaining for glial fibrillary acidic protein, this led to the diagnosis of ependymoma, which also was supported by the electron microscopic findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Careful observation of the imprint cytologic specimen of an ovarian ependymoma should reveal numerous rosette-like collections of cells that were suggestive of ependymal rosettes or perivascular pseudorosettes. In addition, if we remember that ependymoma can develop in the ovary and find cells with tapering processes that suggest a neurogenic tumor, it may be possible to detect histologic features characteristic of ependymoma by the imprint cytology. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the imprint cytologic diagnosis of ependymoma originating in the ovary.

Maspin expression in stage I and II oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

A relatively high failure rate in the therapy of patients with early oral tongue squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) is evidenced by untreated clinically negative neck lymph node metastasis. It is important to predict the malignant potential of oral tongue SCC in stage I and II patients, because the development of lymph node metastasis directly affects the prognosis of the patients.

METHODS

We evaluated maspin expression immunohistochemically in patients with stage I and II oral tongue SCCs and determined whether the expression level may be a useful factor in predicting metastatic potential and prognosis of these SCCs.

RESULTS

Clinical follow-up data showed a longer disease-free interval and overall survival periods for tumors immunohistochemically positive for maspin than for tumors negative for maspin, with the difference in disease-free interval being statistically significant (p =.01). The absence of maspin expression was found more frequently in cases of subsequent cervical lymph node metastasis than in cases without metastasis (p =.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Decreased maspin expression may be a significant factor associated with the metastatic potential of stage I and II oral tongue SCCs.

Primary ependymoma of the ovary, in which long-term oral etoposide (VP-16) was effective in prolonging disease-free survival

BACKGROUND

Ovarian ependymoma is an extremely unusual teratoma of the ovary with only eight cases previously reported in the literature worldwide.

CASE

A 26-year-old woman presented in 1992 with a sensation of abdominal fullness. The laparotomy revealed ovarian cancer (stage III), which proved to be an ependymoma pathologically. Three courses of the PVP regimen (cisplatin, vinblastine, peplomycin) and pelvic irradiation were administered postoperatively. Oral administration of etoposide (VP-16) was initiated after the residual tumor began to proliferate, and the tumor decreased in size and never regrew during etoposide administration for a total of 5 years and 8 months. The recurrent tumor was observed soon after the drug was discontinued.

CONCLUSION

Oral administration of etoposide was effective in prolonging disease-free survival.

Case report of serous ovarian tumor of borderline malignancy (Stage Ic) in a pregnant woman

We encountered a case of Stage Ic ovarian serous borderline malignancy in the first trimester of pregnancy. At laparotomy, spontaneous rupture of the capsule and a small amount of serous ascites was observed. Because of the laparotomy during pregnancy, correct staging of the tumor might not be performed. This case presented a major problem in deciding the treatment strategy, which are reported here together with some discussion of the literature on the preservation of fertility in borderline ovarian malignancy.

All-trans-retinoic acid enhances the effect of adenovirus-mediated wild-type p53 gene transfer in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Adenovirus-mediated p53 (AdCMVp53) gene therapy for cancer is currently undergoing phase III clinical trials. One problematic aspect of this therapy is that the current protocols result in low transduction of the therapeutic virus in vivo. To search new modalities that can enhance the effect of AdCMVp53 gene therapy, we focused on retinoids.

METHODS

To study the effect of ATRA in combination with AdCMVp53 gene therapy, we pretreated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells for 72 hours with a low-dose All-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) (10-7 M-10-8 M) which will not affect the in vitro cell growth, and then infected the cells with low MOI (30MOI) AdCMVp53. In vitro cell proliferation assays, cell cycle assays were performed. Expression of p53 and p53-related gene products, BAX and p21, were examined.

RESULTS

The combined treatment with ATRA and Ad-p53 suppressed cell growth and induced apoptosis significantly more than AdCMVp53 treatment alone (P <.05). p53 expression significantly increased more after the combined treatment than after either treatment alone, at both the transcription and protein levels. In addition, increased expression of p21 and BAX, which are downstream gene products of p53, was observed in the combination. ATRA also enhanced the expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) transduced by an adenovirus-cytomegalovirus (CMV)-GFP vector suggesting ATRA enhances adenovirus-CMV-promoted vectors through transcription.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that ATRA enhances AdCMVp53 expression through transcriptional mechanisms and can synergistically induce apoptosis in HNSCC cells. ATRA has a potential to enhance the effect of adenovirus-mediated p53 gene therapy for HNSCC.

SCCA1 expression in T-lymphocytes peripheral to cancer cells is associated with the elevation of serum SCC antigen in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) antigen has been used for the management of SCC arising in various cites including head and neck region. However, the true mechanism of the elevation of this protein in the serum of patients with SCC is still unknown. SCC antigen belongs to the superfamily of serine protease inhibitors. Recently, molecular studies show that serum SCC antigen is transcribed by two nearly identical genes (SCCA1 and SCCA2), and is mainly produced by SCCA1. The objective of this study is to clarify the mechanism of the elevation of SCC antigen in oral tongue SCC patients and to identify cells histologically, which are responsible for serum SCC antigen production. In this study, we examined SCCA1 expression in a series of four head and neck SCC (HNSCC) cell lines, and found that all expressed equal to low SCCA1 protein as compared with the normal human oral keratinocyte. Using the double immunohistochemical technique to examine the expression pattern of SCCA1 in 86 cases of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma, SCCA1 immunostaining was observed in the cytoplasm of cancer cells and T-lymphocytes peripheral to cancer cells. We also compared the clinicopathological features including serum SCC antigen level of the oral tongue SCC cases with the immunohistochemical SCCA1 expression pattern, and found that elevated serum SCC antigen level was significantly correlated with SCCA1 expression not in cancer cells, but in T-lymphocytes peripheral to cancer cells. These results suggest that T-lymphocytes peripheral to cancer cells may be responsible for serum SCC antigen production in HNSCC patients.

Immunohistochemical observation of actin filaments in epithelial cells encircling the taste pore cavity of rat fungiform papillae

Epithelial cells are connected to each other around taste pores in rat fungiform papillae. Cytoskeletal components are responsible for the maintenance of intracellular adhesion, and we investigated the identification and localization of actin filaments around taste pores. On the basis of observations made by immunohistochemical transmission electron microscopy comparing with confocal laser scanning microscopy using actin-lectin double staining, actin filaments were found to be localized, encircling the squeezed taste pore cavity, in epithelial cells a few micrometers below the papilla surface. In addition, these observations suggest that the organization of actin filaments around taste pores might be involved in the constriction of taste pores.

Cytokeratin subunits of inclusion bodies in rhabdoid cells: immunohistochemical and clinicopathological study of malignant rhabdoid tumor and epithelioid sarcoma

Extrarenal malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT), which is recognized as being histologically similar to renal MRT, is characterized by the presence of "rhabdoid cell" (RC) and a highly aggressive biological behavior. Recently it has been proposed that "proximal variant" of epithelioid sarcoma (ES), whose morphology is similar to that of MRT, actually has a more aggressive clinical course than classical type ES. Detailed immunohistochemical analysis of cytokeratin (CK) subunits was performed in 3 cases of extrarenal MRT, 3 cases of renal MRT, and 11 cases of ES comprising 2 "proximal variants" and 9 classical types. Renal and extrarenal MRTs showed positive immunoreactivity for both CK8 and CK18. Classical type ESs were diffusely positive, not only for CK8 and CK18, but also for other cytokeratin subunits including CK4, 6, 10, 13, 16, 17, and "high-molecular-weight" CKs (CK1, 5, 10, and 14). On the other hand, proximal ES revealed limited immunohistochemical reactivity for cytokeratins, compared with classical ES. In conclusion, the inclusion bodies of RCs show immunoreactivity confined to CK8, CK18, and vimentin. Furthermore, ES has additional CK expressions, while proximal ES possesses characteristics intermediate between those of classical ES and those of external MRT.

Decreased CD44H expression in early-stage tongue carcinoma associates with late nodal metastases following interstitial brachytherapy

BACKGROUND

Late nodal metastases is a critical factor that worsens the prognosis of T1/T2N0 tongue cancer treated by interstitial brachytherapy. If we could better predict the patients at high risk for late nodal metastases developing before treatment, more appropriate choices of treatment could be selected. In recent studies of colon cancer, prostate cancer, and laryngeal cancer, CD44H has been postulated to be a metastasis suppressor.

METHODS

On the basis of this phenomenon, we immunohistochemically evaluated the expression of CD44H in 38 cases of primary T1/T2N0 tongue cancer treated by interstitial brachytherapy. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens obtained before treatment were examined.

RESULTS

The group that had late nodal metastases revealed a significantly lower (p =.0035) CD44H expression.

CONCLUSIONS

A decreased CD44H expression may therefore be useful as a new predictor of late nodal metastases in patients with T1/T2N0 tongue carcinoma. For patients with a decreased CD44H expression, a partial glossectomy and an elective neck dissection may therefore be an appropriate treatment modality.

A subunit of the mammalian oligosaccharyltransferase, DAD1, interacts with Mcl-1, one of the bcl-2 protein family

DAD1 is a mammalian homologue of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ost2p, a subunit of the oligosaccharyltransferase complex. Loss of its function induces apoptosis in hamster BHK21 cells. By means of a two-hybrid method involving DAD1 as bait, the C-terminal region of Mcl-1, one of the bcl-2 family, was isolated. Consistently, DAD1 binds well to Mcl-1 in COS cells when overexpressed. On deletion analysis, the C-terminal domain of Mcl-1 containing BH(2) (bcl-2 homologous domain) was found to be essential for the interaction with DAD1. On the other hand, the C-terminal half of DAD1 was concluded to be essential for the interaction with Mcl-1. Surprisingly, a DeltaC-DAD1 mutant lacking only 4 amino acid residues from the C-terminus did not complement the tsBN7 mutation, while it interacted well with Mcl-1. In contrast, DeltaN-DAD1 lacking 20 amino acid residues from the N-terminus still exhibited the ability to complement the tsBN7 mutation. Thus, the C-terminus of DAD1 was suggested to play an important role in N-linked glycosylation and to complement the tsBN7 mutation. Mcl-1 may be required for the inhibition of apoptotic cell death caused by a loss of DAD1.

[Respiratory function after coronary artery bypass grafting through mini-sternotomy as a factor of early recovery]

OBJECTIVES

Early recovery in patients after minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting with mini-sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass (MICS-CABG) was compared to standard CABG by assessing preoperative and postoperative (7 to 10 days after) respiratory function.

METHODS

Fifteen patients (Group M; mean age 62.1 years) underwent MICS-CABG with a mean of 2.3 distal anastomoses per patient. Ten patients (Group F; mean age 63.8 years) underwent standard CABG through full sternotomy with a mean of 2.4 distal anastomoses per patient.

RESULTS

Postoperative coronary angiography showed that the patency rate of the grafts was 97% in Group M and 96% in Group F. Intubation time and hospital stay were significantly shorter (p < 0.01) in Group M (6.2 +/- 2.4 hours, 16.3 +/- 3.1 days) than in Group F (10.8 +/- 2.9 hours, 22.8 +/- 2.5 days). Respiratory function measured as the percentage of postoperative to preoperative values (Group M/Group F; mean +/- standard error) were vital capacity of 95.8 +/- 3.1%/74.6 +/- 3.4% (p < 0.05), 1 sec percentage of forced expiratory volume of 98.8 +/- 2.3%/71.8 +/- 2.8% (p < 0.05) and peak expiratory flow rate of 91.7 +/- 4.2%/89.4 +/- 4.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

Quick recovery of the respiratory function after MICS-CABG may be important in the early recovery and short hospital stay of MICS-CABG patients compared with standard CABG patients.

Predominant role of the chorda tympani nerve in the maintenance of the taste pores: the influence of gustatory denervation in ear surgery

The effect on the taste pores of denervation of the chorda tympani nerve in the middle-ear cavity was studied comparing confocal laser microscopy with lingual nerve resection. Taste pore cells were stained for actin with rhodamine-phalloidin and positive fluorescence was observed as a ring shape at the transverse cross sections. Within three days after chorda tympani nerve resection the ring reaction disappeared, although the pore morphology remained intact as seen by scanning electron microscopy. On the other hand, lingual nerve resection did not induce such rapid disappearance of the ring reaction. These results suggest that the chorda tympani nerve plays a predominant role in the maintenance of actin filaments in taste pore cells.

Prevalence of mitochondrial gene mutations among hearing impaired patients

The frequency of three mitochondrial point mutations, 1555A-->G, 3243A-->G, and 7445A-->G, known to be associated with hearing impairment, was examined using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis in two Japanese groups: (1) 319 unrelated SNHL outpatients (including 21 with aminoglycoside antibiotic injection history), and (2) 140 cochlear implantation patients (including 22 with aminoglycoside induced hearing loss). Approximately 3% of the outpatients and 10% of the cochlear implantation patients had the 1555A-->G mutation. The frequency was higher in the patients with a history of aminoglycoside injection (outpatient group 33%, cochlear implantation group 59%). One outpatient (0.314%) had the 3243A-->G mutation, but no outpatients had the 7445A-->G mutation and neither were found in the cochlear implantation group. The significance of the 1555A-->G mutation, the most prevalent mitochondrial mutation found in this study of a hearing impaired population in Japan, among subjects with specific backgrounds, such as aminoglycoside induced hearing loss, is evident.

Evaluation of Epstein-Barr virus infection in sinonasal small round cell tumors

Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma, olfactory neuroblastoma and malignant melanoma of the sinonasal regions are included within the category of small round cell tumors of the sinonasal region. It is difficult to diagnose these tumors on the basis of light-microscopic features alone, but, in some instances, immunohistochemical staining evaluating cytokeratin and S-100 protein, for example, is of value. On the other hand, the sinonasal region is a significant site for Epstein-Barr-virus (EBV)-related tumors, including sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma or malignant lymphoma. Twenty-three sinonasal small round cell tumors (SSRCT) comprising 5 sinonasal undifferentiated carcinomas, 9 olfactory neuroblastomas and 9 malignant melanomas were evaluated for the presence of EBV infection by in situ hybridization for EBV-encoded RNA, combined with immunostaining for EBV-related proteins (LMP-1 and EBNA2). Furthermore, 55 SSRCT comprising 37 sinonasal undifferentiated carcinomas, 9 olfactory neuroblastomas, and 9 malignant melanomas were examined for the presence of cytokeratins (AE1/ AE3 and CAM5.2), S-100 protein and p53 protein using immunohistochemical staining. According to in situ hybridization for detecting EBV-encoded RNA 1 (EBER1), all of the sinonasal undifferentiated carcinomas showed clear, intense hybridization signals localized over the nuclei of the tumor cells and, in 3 out of 9 (33.3%) malignant melanomas, hybridization signals were also recognized. However, none of the olfactory neuroblastomas revealed hybridization signals. Immunohistochemically, 4 out of 5 (80%) sinonasal undifferentiated carcinomas were positive for LMP-1, whereas only 2 out 9 (22.2%) malignant melanomas and no olfactory neuroblastomas were positive. With regard to EBNA2, sinonasal undifferentiated carcinomas, malignant melanomas and olfactory neuroblastomas were all negative. Out of 37 sinonasal undifferentiated carcinomas 35 (94.6%) showed a diffuse positive immunoreaction for AE1/AE3, whereas neither olfactory neuroblastoma nor malignant melanoma revealed a positive reaction. All 9 malignant melanomas and 6 out of 9 olfactory neuroblastomas (75%) were positive for S-100 protein, whereas only 6 cases of sinonasal undifferentiated carcinomas (19.4%) were positive. As for p53 protein, 16 of 37 sinonasal undifferentiated carcinomas (43.2%) were positive, whereas neither olfactory neuroblastoma nor malignant melanoma revealed any positive reaction. The above results suggest that EBV infection is closely associated with sinonasal undifferentiated carcinomas, and that some malignant melanomas may also have a relationship with its infection. For the differential diagnosis of SSRCT, it is important to evaluate EBV infection along with immunohistochemical staining for cytokeratins and S-100 protein. The overexpression of p53 protein was found to be related to the oncogenesis of sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma; however, there was no association between its overexpression and malignant melanoma or olfactory neuroblastoma.

Superoxide anion impairs Ca(2+) mobilization in cultured human nasal epithelial cells

We examined the effects of superoxide anion (O(-2)) on the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration in cultured human nasal epithelial cells. The cells were exposed to O(-2) by pretreatment with xanthine (X) and xanthine oxidase (XO); control cells were treated with X alone. When Ca(2+)-containing Krebs solution was reperfused in the thapsigargin-treated, store-depleted cells, reapplication-induced intracellular Ca(2+) concentration elevation was significantly smaller in X/XO-treated cells than in the control cells, suggesting that O(-2) impairs Ca(2+) release-activated Ca(2+) entry (CRAC). Bath application of ATP induced a steep Ca(2+) transient in both control and X/XO-treated cells. However, the concentration-response curve of the ATP-induced Ca(2+) transient was shifted to a higher concentration in X/XO-treated cells. The impairments of CRAC and ATP-induced Ca(2+) transient induced by X/XO were reversed by superoxide dismutase. Furthermore, all these X/XO-induced effects were also observed in cells pretreated with pyrogallol, also an O(-2) donor. These results indicate that O(-2) impairs at least two mechanisms involved in Ca(2+) mobilization in human nasal epithelial cells, i.e., CRAC and ATP-induced Ca(2+) release.

Cases of cutaneous and nasal CD56 (NCAM)-positive lymphoma in Japan have differences in immunohistology, genotype, and etiology

CD56 (NCAM)-positive lymphoma frequently involves the skin and nasal area. This study shows it is likely that the clinicopathologic features of this lymphoma are distinctive to each of the primarily involved sites. Sixteen cutaneous and 11 nasal cases of CD56-positive lymphoma were examined. In 10 cutaneous cases, the lesions consisted of pleomorphic large-cell lymphoma that expressed CD3epsilon (CD3), CD2 (LFA2), CD4, CD122 (IL-2B receptor), TIA1, perforin, and granzyme B and displayed angiocentric/angiodestructive features. Lobular panniculitis was found in 8 of these cases, and 6 cases showed other organ involvement. The remaining 6 cutaneous cases consisted mostly of CD3epsilon- and CD4-positive, CD2-, CD122-, and TIA1-negative large blastic lymphoma, having less angiodestruction and panniculitis. Bone marrow invasion and leukemic changes were found in 4 of these cases during the clinical course. All 11 nasal cases showed pleomorphic small and medium-size lymphoma cells with angiodestructive features and were positive for CD3epsilon, CD2, CD122, TIA1, perforin, and granzyme B. CD4-positive lymphoma was found in 4 of these cases. Only 3 nasal cases showed other organ involvement. Genotypically, 2 of the 4 cases examined in the first cutaneous group, 3 of the 4 cases examined in the second cutaneous group, and only 1 of the 11 nasal cases showed rearrangement of the TcRCbeta gene by the Southern blot method. Only 2 cutaneous cases with panniculitis and all 11 nasal cases showed a positive nuclear signal for EBV-encoded RNA (EBERs) by in situ hybridization. Thus, two types of cutaneous CD56-positive lymphoma were found, each having a unique cell characteristic, genotype, and EBV infection pattern that differed from that of nasal-type lymphoma.