Manufacturing carbon storage sintered body using microwave-selective and high-speed heating techniques.

Microwave sintering of fly ash samples with large amounts of unburned carbon and CaCO3 was examined in this study. To this end, CaCO3 was mixed with fly ash sintered body to fix CO2. The decomposition of CaCO3 was observed when the raw material was heated to 1000 °C using microwave irradiation; however, a sintered body containing aragonite was obtained when the raw material was heated to 1000 °C with added water. Further, carbides in the fly ash could be selectively heated by controlling the microwave irradiation. The microwave magnetic field created a temperature gradient of 100 °C in a narrow region of 2.7 µm or less in the sintered body, and it helped suppress the CaCO3 decomposition in the mixture during sintering. By storing water in the gas phase before spreading, CaCO3, which is difficult to sinter using conventional heating, can be sintered without decomposing.

Increased urinary levels of adrenomedullin in patients with cystitis.

In this study, we examined urinary levels of adrenomedullin (AM) in 18 healthy volunteers and 18 patients with cystitis. We also compared urinary levels of AM in 11 patients with cystitis before and after antibiotic treatment. Urinary AM concentrations were measured by a radioimmunoassay specific for human AM. Urinary AM levels in patients with cystitis were significantly elevated compared with those of healthy volunteers and correlated positively with the number of urine leukocytes. By antibiotic treatment, urinary AM levels significantly decreased as compared with before the treatment. By RNA blot analysis of AM transcript, we detected significant levels of AM mRNA in canine urinary bladder and ureter. Intravenous administration of lipopolysaccharide elevated the AM mRNA level in the urinary bladder. These data suggest that infection and inflammation stimulate AM production in the urinary tract, which results in increased urinary AM levels in patients with cystitis. Based on these results, it is deduced that AM participates in the pathophysiology of cystitis, and its urinary level could be used as an index of the degree of cystitis.

[Analysis of malignant potential on colorectal carcinoma utilizing expression of epidermal growth factor and DNA ploidy patterns].

Human epidermal growth factor (EGF) and DNA ploidy patterns were investigated in order to elucidate malignant potential of 216 surgically resected colorectal carcinomas. EGF positive was detected in 140 out of 216 (64.8%) cases and DNA aneuploidy was found in 137 out of 216 (63.4%). No significant correlations were recognized between EGF expressions and DNA ploidy patterns. We subclassified the cases into four groups according to their histological EGF expressions and DNA ploidy patterns. In these groups, the relationship among EGF expressions, DNA ploidy patterns and clinicopathological findings was studied. Subgroups had a significant relation to depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis, lymphatic invasion and clinical stage. In patients with curative operation, the prognosis was significantly lower in EGF-positive-DNA aneuploidy group than in EGF-negative-DNA diploidy group. In DNA diploidy, the prognosis of EGF-positive group was poorer than in the EGF-negative group. In conclusion, the EGF expression as well as DNA ploidy patterns may be useful to assess malignant potential in colorectal carcinoma.

[MultiCycle software for cell cycle analyses].

MultiCycle software (M-cycle), a computer cell cycle analysis program that has a background debris and aggregation compensating function, was utilized in this study to prove the usefulness of the M-cycle. The S phase fraction (SPF) calculated by the M-cycle was compared to that of bromodeoxyuridine labelling index (BLI) using colorectal carcinoma cell lines. The SPF value was slightly lower using the M-cycle than that of the BLI in Colo 201 and Colo 320 and lower significantly in Widr. This may indicate that the M-cycle effectively compensated for the background existing in the DNA histogram. The SPF value was computed both by the M-cycle and the sum of broadened rectangles model (SOBR). The SPF value of these cell lines showed a lower figure in the M-cycle than in the SOBR. The SPF value of paraffin-embedded material through the M-cycle and the SOBR was compared according to DNA ploidy patterns. The SPF value computed by the M-cycle was significantly lower in both ploidy patterns than that of the SOBR. In conclusion, the M-cycle is a useful tool for cell cycle analyses of simple DNA flow cytometric histograms obtained by paraffin-embedded material.

Complete remission of liver metastases from colorectal cancer by treatment with a hepatic artery infusion (HAI) of interleukin-2-based immunochemotherapy: reports of three cases.

In an attempt to improve the therapeutic efficacy against liver metastases, a hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) of interleukin-2 (IL-2)-based immunochemotherapy for anticipating the regional potentiation of hepatic lymphokine-activated killer (LAK)/tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) was initiated. We present herein the cases of three patients with multiple liver metastases from colorectal cancer in whom complete remission was achieved by treatment with an HAI of IL-2 in combination with mitomycin C (MMC) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). These patients received an HAI of IL-2 at 8 x 10(5) JRU, 5-FU at 250 mg daily, and MMC at 4 mg once weekly for 3 weeks, being the induction regimen, after which they were discharged on maintenance therapy consisting of IL-2 at 2 x 10(6) JRU, 5-FU at 250 mg twice weekly, and MMC at 4 mg once weekly. It was evident from the liver CT scan taken after 2-3 months that the metastatic foci seen before therapy had clearly disappeared, while the serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) had decreased to normal levels in all three patients. Pancytopenia was seen in one patient, but other laboratory studies of the hepatic and renal parameters were normal. The total lymphocyte count in the peripheral blood showed a mild decrease, while the lymphocyte phenotype study showed a notable increase in CD4+ cells and a decrease in CD8+ cells, with an elevation of a 4/8 ratio, in all cases during therapy. One patient relapsed with pelvic recurrence 14 months after the initiation of therapy, but the other two patients are still in remission 25 and 22 months after the initiation of therapy.

Genetic alterations on chromosome 17 in human breast cancer: relationships to clinical features and DNA ploidy.

We analyzed DNA from 105 primary breast cancers to assess amplification of the ERBB2 gene and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on chromosome 17 using 4 polymorphic markers, and investigated the relationships of these genetic alterations to clinicopathological characteristics including DNA ploidy. Amplification of the ERBB2 gene was observed in 28% of the tumors. ERBB2 was amplified in tumors of all clinical stages and amplification was significantly linked to lymph node metastasis. LOH at D17S5 was observed in 28 of 57 informative tumors, while 17 of 62 informative tumors showed allelic loss at TP53. Among the 37 tumors informative for both loci, 32% showed LOH at these loci and 49% retained both alleles, indicating that there was a significant relationship between LOH at D17S5 and at TP53. We also examined LOH at the D17S74 and NME1 loci on chromosome 17q. LOH at D17S74 and NME1 was observed in 20% and 22% of the informative tumors, respectively, but there was no significant association between LOH at these loci. Of the 4 loci tested, LOH at TP53, D17S74, and NME1 was associated with clinical stage. Lymph node metastasis was correlated with LOH at NME1. Moreover, allelic loss was more frequent in aneuploid tumors than in diploid tumors. These results suggest that certain combinations of genetic alterations on chromosome 17 may cooperate in the development and/or progression of breast cancer. Furthermore, it seems likely that analysis of these alterations in breast cancer patients may provide useful prognostic information.

[The significance of c-erbB-2 and int-2 gene alterations and DNA ploidy pattern for aggressiveness of breast cancer].

We have analyzed amplification of the c-erbB-2 and int-2 genes, and restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) of the int-2 gene in 105 primary breast carcinomas. In 90 of 105 samples, overexpression of the c-erbB-2 protein and the DNA ploidy pattern were also analyzed. Amplification of the c-erbB-2 and int-2 gene was found in 27% and in 17%, respectively. No statistical correlation between c-erbB-2 and int-2 genes amplification was observed. Overexpression of the c-erbB-2 protein was detected in 28% of samples. A correlation was observed between amplification of the c-erbB-2 gene and positive nodal status. Amplification of the int-2 gene showed no correlation with clinicopathological parameters, except that a significantly higher incidence of amplification was observed in breast carcinoma with more than 4 positive lymph nodes. Genotypes of the int-2 gene identified by RFLPs analysis revealed no correlation with clinicopathological parameters. DNA ploidy pattern, which showed neither correlation with c-erbB-2 nor int-2 genetic alterations, was associated with tumor size and TNM classification. Our result suggests that analysis of genetic alterations of the c-erbB-2 and int-2 genes and the DNA ploidy pattern may be a useful adjunct in the assessment of aggressiveness of breast carcinoma.

[Evaluation of chemosensitivity test for cancer using the collagen gel embedded culture system--DNA ploidy pattern and chemosensitivity].

The authors previously reported the advantages of a collagen gel embedded culture system for chemosensitivity tests for cancer. In this report, the chemosensitivities of surgically resected specimens were evaluated by the collagen gel embedded culture system and compared with the DNA ploidy pattern, measured by flow cytometry. The chemosensitivity and DNA ploidy pattern were determined in 11 patients with lung cancer, 8 with gastric cancer and 46 with colorectal cancer. Anticancer agents were MMC and CDDP at Cmax for one hour of exposure, and 5-FU, VDS, VP-16 and ADM at one tenth the Cmax for 24 hours of exposure. Results were compared with those of DNA histogram. In eight lung cancers which were demonstrated to be sensitive by the collagen gel system, 5 showed DNA aneuploidy (DA) and 3 DNA diploidy (DD). Seven cases (87.5%) of gastric cancer were demonstrated to be sensitive with the collagen gel system. Two of them showed DA and five DD. On the other hand, 19 cases (41.3%) of colorectal cancer were found to be sensitive, and 7 of them showed DA and twelve DD. Lung cancer and gastric cancer exhibiting aneuploidy demonstrated sensitivity with the collagen gel system, but the rate of sensitivity was only 28% in colorectal cancer, and even aneuploidy cases showed a low sensitivity.

[Flow cytometric DNA analysis of malignant potential in colorectal carcinoma--DNA ploidy pattern and liver metastasis].

On the purpose of elucidating the malignant potential, flow cytometric DNA analyses were carried out using paraffin-embedded materials of 82 subserosal, serosal and adventitial invasive colorectal carcinoma. The ratio of DNA diploidy against DNA aneuploidy was one to two. DNA ploidy pattern was not correlated with histological grade but with histopathological factors such as lymphatic permeation, lymph node metastasis and venous invasion. At the primary operation, the rate of the liver metastasis in DNA aneuploid cancer was 16.4% but in DNA diploid cancer the liver metastasis was not observed at all. On the liver metastasis, the 5-year disease free survival rates were lower in patients with DNA aneuploidy (72.8%) than those with DNA diploidy (95.2%). These results indicate that DNA ploidy pattern is related to liver metastasis. Furthermore, the 5-year survival rates in patients with absolute curative resection were lower significantly in DNA aneuploidy (62.5%) than DNA diploidy (92.9%). In conclusion flow cytometric DNA analysis is useful for evaluating the biological malignant potential and predicting the liver metastasis in colorectal carcinoma.

[A case of infantile virilizing adrenocortical tumor].

The patient was a 16-month-old girl, born by mature natural delivery and weighing 3,320 g. Hirsutism was noted on birth. Development of pubic hair and hypertrophy of the labia minora were noted after 8 months. At the time of admission, the height was 80 cm and body weight 14.5 kg. Systemic obesity, facial acne, systemic hirsutism, low pitched voice and hypertrophied clitoris were observed. Androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate and cortisol showed high levels in the blood, and the urinary 17-KS was obviously high, along with an increase in urinary 17-OHCS. The subject did not respond to either the dexamethasone inhibition test or ACTH load test. The abdominal CT revealed a tumor in the front upper position of the left kidney, and adrenal scintigraphy disclosed an obvious accumulation image in the adrenal gland on the left side. Based on the diagnosis of a left adrenal tumor, left adrenalectomy was performed. The tumor measured 5.0 x 4.5 x 3.7 cm, and weighed 57 g. Histopathologically it was diagnosed as adrenocortical adenoma. The infantile virilizing adrenocortical tumor is reported together with some discussion of the literature.

[Study of long-survival cases with liver metastasis of colorectal cancer by hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy].

We performed arterial infusion chemotherapy through hepatic artery in 33 patients with liver metastasis of colorectal cancer. Regarding the survival rate, the 1-year survival rate was 55.6% and the 5-year rate was 27.8% in cases of H2, and 1-year as 28.9% in H3. According to criteria of Saito-Koyama, the response rate was 24.2%, including 2 CR and 6 PR cases. There were more patients with H2 factor and without peritoneal dissemination who survived for one year and more. The dose of 5-FU was 9.6 +/- 3.6 g in case of longer survivals and 5.1 +/- 3.0 g in non-responders. There were significant differences between them. The pretreatment value of CEA was lower than 100 ng/ml in 8 of 11 longer survivals, and the CEA values were decreased after this treatment in 9 of 11 responders. On the other hand, it was noted that the non-responders had a higher level of CEA such as more than 100 ng/ml, and in these cases CEA was not decreased after treatment. There are two favourable responders who are still living 9 and 5 years after successful treatment. Their pretreatment value of CEA was lower at 13.6 and 23.8 ng/ml, respectively, and these levels were decreased to 1.0 ng/ml with administration of 5-FU with ADM and 5-FU with MMC. It was concluded that arterial infusion chemotherapy was good for treatment of metastatic liver tumors from colorectal cancers.

[Combination therapy with medroxyprogesterone acetate and tegafur in tamoxifen- and adriamycin-resistant advanced breast cancers].

Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) plus Tegafur (TGF) therapy was performed to evaluate the efficacy in a treatment for Tamoxifen- and Adriamycin-resistant advanced breast cancers. The patients were medicated in different doses on 800 mg or 1,200 mg daily po for MPA and TGF. Sixteen patients were evaluable in this trial. According to criteria of the Japan Mammary Cancer Society, one was regarded as CR and five as PR. The response rate was 37.5%. There was no difference in response rates between premenopausal and postmenopausal patients or ER positive and negative patients. No difference was noted either in response rates and incidence of side effects between two different doses of MPA. This means that an 800 mg daily dose of MPA lower than the recommended 1,200 mg might be better in the treatment for Japanese patients with advanced breast cancers. Gastrointestinal disorders, bone marrow suppression and liver dysfunction which could be found in high-dose TGF therapy, were not frequently observed in this trial. Patients could expect good quality of life during the treatment because of fewer side effects. This combination therapy with MPA and TGF was regarded as a good modality for the treatment of Tamoxifen- and Adriamycin-resistant advanced breast cancers.

[A clinical survey of renal pelvic and ureteral tumors associated with bladder tumor].

A clinical survey was performed on 80 cases of renal pelvic and ureteral transitional cell carcinomas we treated between January, 1963 and December, 1986. The cases included 30 of renal pelvic tumors, 17 of ureteral tumors, 3 of renal pelvic and ureteral tumors, 7 of renal pelvic and ureteral and bladder tumors, 16 of ureteral and bladder tumors and 7 of renal pelvic or ureteral tumors after treatment for bladder tumors. There were 37 cases of bladder tumors: 7 cases with preceding bladder tumors, 23 cases of synchronous bladder tumors, and 13 cases of subsequent bladder tumors. The 5-year survival for all cases was 60.2%. The 5-year survival for 43 cases unrelated with bladder tumors was 80.5% and that for 37 cases of bladder tumor was 41.6%. Therefore, there was a significant difference between these 2 groups (p less than 0.005). The 5-year survival for 50 cases without synchronous bladder tumors at first diagnosis was significantly higher than that for 23 cases with synchronous bladder tumors (p less than 0.001). Subsequent bladder tumors occurred after 2 to 48 months (mean 10 months) of the initial treatment for renal pelvic and ureteral tumors. Six of the 7 cases of preceeding bladder tumors were superficial tumors of pTa and pT1 and 3 cases had vesicoureteral reflux.

[A case of gastric carcinoma remarkably responding to etoposide, adriamycin and cisplatin (EAP) therapy].

A 47-year-old male was diagnosed as having gastric cancer with metastases to liver, para-aorta node and Virchow node. He was treated with EAP (Etoposide, Adriamycin, Cisplatin) therapy, as a result of which a partial response was obtained according to the criteria of the Jpn. Soc. Cancer. Ther. The response was disappearance of subjective symptoms and Virchow's metastasis and reduction of chief tumor and liver metastases. However, this therapy was accompanied by severe side effects such as leucopenia and thrombocytopenia, but in this case, these side effects improved within 20 days.

[Primary signet-ring cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder: report of a case].

A 62-year-old male was admitted to our clinic with the complaints of gross-hematuria and miction pain. Cystoscopic examination revealed non-papillary tumor around the orifice of the left ureter and the left wall. Histopathological findings of the biopsy specimen demonstrated signet-ring cell carcinoma, and the specimen was stained positively by the peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique. No malignant findings in any other organs including gastrointestinal tract and prostate were detected. This patient underwent total cystectomy with ileal conduit and histopathological staging was pT3bNOMO. He was followed with no evidence of local recurrence or metastasis for 29 months after operation. The 45 reported cases with primary signet-ring cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder including our case are reviewed and some characteristics of this entry are discussed.

The follow up study of intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy with local vein blocking as a surgical neo-adjuvant treatment for locally advanced breast cancer.

Preoperative intra-arterial infusion neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, in combination with local vein blocking, was administered to thirty-one patients with locally advanced stage III breast cancer. The anti-cancer drugs and dosages used were 500 mg of 5-Fluorouracil (5FU), which was infused daily for 7-14 days, and 20 mg of Adriamycin (ADM), which was administered as a bolus dose twice into the subclavian and internal mammary arteries. The response rate of this method on the primary tumor was 48.4 per cent, and, histologically it was found to be as high as 90.3 per cent. The response rate of the clinical effects on the regional lymph nodes was 50.0 per cent, however, histologically, it was found to be lower than that of the primary tumor. In the long-term follow-up study the 5-year survival rate was 72.2 per cent. Thus, this method seems to be effective as a combined modality in cases of locally advanced stage III breast cancer.