Significance of histologic pattern of carcinoma and sarcoma components on survival outcomes of uterine carcinosarcoma.

BACKGROUND: To examine the effect of the histology of carcinoma and sarcoma components on survival outcome of uterine carcinosarcoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A multicenter retrospective study was conducted to examine uterine carcinosarcoma cases that underwent primary surgical staging. Archived slides were examined and histologic patterns were grouped based on carcinoma (low-grade versus high-grade) and sarcoma (homologous versus heterologous) components, correlating to clinico-pathological demographics and outcomes. RESULTS: Among 1192 cases identified, 906 cases were evaluated for histologic patterns (carcinoma/sarcoma) with high-grade/homologous (40.8%) being the most common type followed by high-grade/heterologous (30.9%), low-grade/homologous (18.0%), and low-grade/heterologous (10.3%). On multivariate analysis, high-grade/heterologous (5-year rate, 34.0%, P = 0.024) and high-grade/homologous (45.8%, P = 0.017) but not low-grade/heterologous (50.6%, P = 0.089) were independently associated with decreased progression-free survival (PFS) compared with low-grade/homologous (60.3%). In addition, older age, residual disease at surgery, large tumor, sarcoma dominance, deep myometrial invasion, lymphovascular space invasion, and advanced-stage disease were independently associated with decreased PFS (all, P < 0.01). Both postoperative chemotherapy (5-year rates, 48.6% versus 39.0%, P < 0.001) and radiotherapy (50.1% versus 44.1%, P = 0.007) were significantly associated with improved PFS in univariate analysis. However, on multivariate analysis, only postoperative chemotherapy remained an independent predictor for improved PFS [hazard ratio (HR) 0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.27-0.43, P < 0.001]. On univariate analysis, significant treatment benefits for PFS were seen with ifosfamide for low-grade carcinoma (82.0% versus 49.8%, P = 0.001), platinum for high-grade carcinoma (46.9% versus 32.4%, P = 0.034) and homologous sarcoma (53.1% versus 38.2%, P = 0.017), and anthracycline for heterologous sarcoma (66.2% versus 39.3%, P = 0.005). Conversely, platinum, taxane, and anthracycline for low-grade carcinoma, and anthracycline for homologous sarcoma had no effect on PFS compared with non-chemotherapy group (all, P > 0.05). On multivariate analysis, ifosfamide for low-grade/homologous (HR 0.21, 95% CI 0.07-0.63, P = 0.005), platinum for high-grade/homologous (HR 0.36, 95% CI 0.22-0.60, P < 0.001), and anthracycline for high-grade/heterologous (HR 0.30, 95% CI 0.14-0.62, P = 0.001) remained independent predictors for improved PFS. Analyses of 1096 metastatic sites showed that carcinoma components tended to spread lymphatically, while sarcoma components tended to spread loco-regionally (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Characterization of histologic pattern provides valuable information in the management of uterine carcinosarcoma.

Trophoblast-specific transcription from the mouse placental lactogen-I gene promoter.

We have isolated the gene encoding mouse placental lactogen-I and characterized the promoter region of this gene by transient and stable transfection. Promoter sequences extending 274 basepairs (bp) up-stream from the start site of transcription contain all of the elements necessary for maximal expression upon transient transfection into the rat choriocarcinoma Rcho-1 cell line; these Rcho-1 cultures contain both proliferative trophoblast stem cells and terminally differentiated trophoblast giant cells. In stably transfected cell lines, expression from this promoter increases as the percentage of differentiated cells in the culture increases. In contrast to these results in trophoblast cells, the 274-bp promoter as well as a promoter region extending 2700 bp up-stream of the transcriptional start site are unable to drive transcription in a variety of other cell types. Mutational and protein binding analyses indicate that two AP-1 sites are required for maximal expression in Rcho-1 cells, and that the composition of the AP-1 transcription factor may vary as differentiation in the cell culture increases. In addition to these two AP-1 sites, at least one other element appears to be critical for promoter activity in trophoblast cells.

Physical and biological properties of cationic triesters of phosphatidylcholine.

The properties of a new class of phospholipids, alkyl phosphocholine triesters, are described. These compounds were prepared from phosphatidylcholines through substitution of the phosphate oxygen by reaction with alkyl trifluoromethylsulfonates. Their unusual behavior is ascribed to their net positive charge and absence of intermolecular hydrogen bonding. The O-ethyl, unsaturated derivatives hydrated to generate large, unilamellar liposomes. The phase transition temperature of the saturated derivatives is very similar to that of the precursor phosphatidylcholine and quite insensitive to ionic strength. The dissociation of single molecules from bilayers is unusually facile, as revealed by the surface activity of aqueous liposome dispersions. Vesicles of cationic phospholipids fused with vesicles of anionic lipids. Liquid crystalline cationic phospholipids such as 1, 2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-ethylphosphocholine triflate formed normal lipid bilayers in aqueous phases that interacted with short, linear DNA and supercoiled plasmid DNA to form a sandwich-structured complex in which bilayers were separated by strands of DNA. DNA in a 1:1 (mol) complex with cationic lipid was shielded from the aqueous phase, but was released by neutralizing the cationic charge with anionic lipid. DNA-lipid complexes transfected DNA into cells very effectively. Transfection efficiency depended upon the form of the lipid dispersion used to generate DNA-lipid complexes; in the case of the O-ethyl derivative described here, large vesicle preparations in the liquid crystalline phase were most effective.

Transcriptional regulation of the vimentin-encoding gene in mouse myeloid leukemia M1 cells.

To investigate the regulatory mechanisms controlling expression of the vimentin-encoding gene (Vim) during mouse myeloid leukemia M1 cell differentiation, mouse Vim was cloned and the transcriptional activity of its 5' promoter region was analysed by chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) assay. Analyses of various deletion mutants revealed that a 188-bp fragment of the proximal Vim promoter (pVim) was sufficient for effective transcription in M1 cells. This 188-bp sequence is highly conserved between mouse, hamster and human. Further deletion analyses revealed that a minimum promoter element (-44 to +26) is essential for basic promoter function and could respond to cell differentiation. Detailed analyses of mutant and chimeric pVim constructs defined a CCAAT box at -89 to -84 to be an essential positive regulatory element. A G+C-rich element between the CCAAT and TATA boxes was found to act as a strong negative regulatory element in Vim transcription.

Electron microscopic localization of specific carbohydrate groups in thin sections of tissues embedded in a hydrophilic resin: concanavalin A receptors in mouse spleen.

An improved postembedding method for electron microscopic localization of concanavalin A (Con A) receptors in ultrathin sections is reported. Materials are embedded in a hydrophilic resin, glycol methacrylate copolymerized with glutaraldehyde and urea, using a precisely controlled polymerization schedule that preserves ultrastructural integrity. Ferritin-Con A binds specifically in ultrathin sections of mouse spleen tissue and of Sephadex beads embedded in this resin. Quantitative investigations of procedures for decreasing nonspecific labeling demonstrate that preincubation of sections with bovine serum albumin reduces background to a very low level. This high-resolution method allows macromolecular affinity probes access to receptors in all cellular locations, while maintaining good morphological preservation.

Renal macrostructure and cortical circulation in hypertension assessed by dynamic computed tomography.

The aim of this study was to assess the macrostructure of the kidney and the grade of heterogeneity in renal cortical circulation in the early stages of essential hypertension. The subjects consisted of 84 patients (<50 years old) who underwent dynamic computed tomography (CT) because of various abdominal diseases and who had no serious hemodynamic abnormalities. The volumes of the whole kidney, cortex, and medulla were measured with the program installed in the CT instrument. In dynamic CT under appropriate conditions, the CT number of each pixel (image element) reflects the blood volume in the pixel. The means and standard deviations were calculated from the CT numbers within the renal cortex. The coefficient of variation (CV) of CT numbers was used as the index of the heterogeneity of renal cortical circulation. The volume ratio of cortex/medulla was significantly (P < .01) smaller in the hypertensive patients (0.80 +/- 0.03 (mean +/- SE)) than in the normotensive subjects (0.92 +/- 0.03). The CV was significantly (P < .01) greater in the hypertensives (n = 23, 0.124 +/- 0.008) than in the normotensives (n = 61, 0.106 +/- 0.003). There was a significant correlation (r = -0.391, P < .001) between the CV of CT numbers and the volume ratio of cortex/medulla, and the relationship between the two variables was independent of other variables. These results suggest that the heterogeneity of renal cortical circulation is increased in the early stages of essential hypertension and is related to changes in renal macrostructure.

Structure of the alkali-insoluble skeletal glucan of Lentinus edodes.

An alkali-insoluble core material was isolated from the fruit bodies of Lentinus edodes after exhaustive extraction with 24% NaOH at 5 degrees C. This material consists mainly of glucan which is closely associated with chitin. Methylation analysis has shown that the glucan part of the core material (skeletal glucan) has a highly branched structure with 1,6 and 1,3 linkages in a molar ratio of 2 : 1. Stepwise enzymatic hydrolysis with basidiomycete sp. QM 806 beta-1,3-glucanase has indicated the heterogeneity of the skeletal glucan. The outer part of the skeletal glucan seems to be composed mainly of beta-1,3 and beta-1,6 glucoside linkages and has a close structural similarity to lentinan, a water-soluble beta-glucan from L. edodes. The middle part of the skeletal glucan appears to be composed mainly of beta-1,6 glucoside linkages. The innermost part of the skeletal glucan is a highly branched glucan with beta-1,6 and beta-1,3 linkages. Probably, it is associated with chitin and a small amount of amino acid polymer.

Comparison of beta-glucan structures in a cell wall mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the wild type.

A mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae defective in the cell wall beta-glucan structure was obtained. The mutant cells are extremely sensitive to (beta 1-3)-glucanase digestion and mild alkali treatment. Structural analysis revealed that the alkali-insoluble, skeletal glucan from wild type cells contains two components, a (beta 1-3) linked glucan with a laminated structure, and a highly branched glucan containing predominantly (beta 1-6) linkages. The mutant cells lack the latter component.

Travelling Wave Solutions for the Spread of Farmers into a Region Occupied by Hunter-Gatherers

The geographical spread of an initially localized population of farmers into a region occupied by hunter-gatherers is modelled as a reaction-diffusion process in an infinite linear habitat. Hunter-gatherers who come in contact with farmers are converted at rate e. Growth of initial farmers, converted farmers, and hunter-gatherers is logistic with intrinsic rates rf, rc, and r h. The carrying capacities of all farmers (i.e., initial and converted farmers combined) and hunter-gatherers are K and L. Individuals migrate at random, where the diffusion constant, D, is the same for all three groups. Under the above assumptions, we deduce the conditions under which wavefronts of initial or converted farmers are generated. Numerical work suggests that a travelling wave solution of constant shape always exists, comprising an advancing wavefront of all farmers and a retreating wavefront of hunter-gatherers. Linear analysis in phase space suggests that the speed is given by 2(Drf)1/2 or 2[D(r c+eL)]1/2, whichever is greater. The composition of the expanding distribution of all farmers appears to depend on the relative magnitude of rf versus rc+eL and of eK versus rh. A wavefront of initial farmers is not generated if rfrh. On the other hand, a wavefront of initial farmers is generated if rf>rc+eL. In this case, the waveform is peaked with leading and trailing edges that converge to 0 if eKrh so that there is substantial displacement of the indigenous hunter-gatherers by the initial farmers.

Effects of losartan on blood pressure and humoral factors in a patient who suffered from anaphylactoid reactions when treated with ACE inhibitors during LDL apheresis.

In a patient who was taking an angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis with dextran-sulfate cellulose provoked hypotension accompanied by lacrimation and blurred vision. Hypotension was eliminated by changing the anticoagulant from heparin to a protease inhibitor, nafamostat mesilate. A study was undertaken to clarify whether an antagonist of angiotensin type 1-receptor, losartan, could be safely used in the same patient during LDL apheresis treatment. Blood pressure and humoral factors were compared between the apheresis sessions with losartan and those without. Although angiotensin II and bradykinin plasma levels during LDL apheresis were significantly greater with losartan than without, blood pressure reduction by losartan was mild and unpleasant symptoms were not induced. Losartan was thus safely used for this patient during treatment by LDL apheresis. The greater rise in bradykinin levels during apheresis with losartan might be ascribable to angiotensin type 2-receptor stimulation.

On the water-soluble heterogalactan from the fruit bodies of Lentinus edodes.

The chemical structure of a heterogalactan isolated from the trichloracetic acid extract of the fruit bodies of Lentinus edodes is reported. It consists of a main chain of (1 yields 6)-linked alpha-D-galactopyranose residues, part of which are substituted in the 2-position either with single L-fucopyranose or D-mannopyranose residues. However, there is a possible alternative structure of a branched D-galactan in which most of the side-chains are terminated with L-fucose or D-mannose residues.

Mouse T-cell-dependent proliferative response to syngeneic serum modified with various agents used in root canal therapy.

Syngeneic sera modified with seven agents were used as the immunogens to induce lymph-node cell proliferation in C57BL/6 mice. Immunogenicity could be conferred upon tolerated syngeneic serum by modification with diluted tincture of iodine (J) or formocresol (FC). However, the synergistic action of formalin and cresol appeared to be an indispensable condition in acquiring immunogenicity of FC-modified syngeneic serum (FC-MS). Moreover, immunological tolerance to native serum was not terminated after injection of J-MS or FC-MS. These proliferative functions were dependent on Lyt-1 cells. The cells directed against J- or FC-modified syngeneic serum were specific for the immunizing hapten J or FC. However, they did not recognize the hapten per se, but rather, the conjugate-specific determinants, i.e. these contributed by both the hapten and the self-carrier.

(2-Carbamoylethyl)bis(dimethylglyoximato-N, N')

The 2-carbamoylethyl and 2-(methylcarbamoyl)ethyl groups in the title cobaloxime complexes, [Co(C(4)H(7)N(2)O(2))(2)(C(3)H(6)NO)(C(12)H(13)N)].C(2)H(6)O and [Co(C(4)H(7)N(2)O(2))(2)(C(4)H(8)NO)(C(10)H(13)NO(2))], were isomerized to 1-carbamoylethyl and 1-(methylcarbamoyl)ethyl groups, respectively, on exposure to visible light in the solid state. Although both the crystal structures and the intermolecular hydrogen bonds are different in the two crystals, similar reaction rates were observed.

[The transport of enoxacin in cultured kidney epithelial cells LLC-PK1].

In this study, the transport of enoxacin (ENX) was investigated in a LLC-PK1 kidney epithelial cell line. The uptake of ENX by LLC-PK1 monolayers cultured in plastic dishes was shown to be temperature-dependent and concentration-dependent. Cimetidine and guanidine inhibited the uptake of ENX, whereas TEA and NMN did not. The basolateral to apical flux of ENX across LLC-PK1 monolayers cultured on permeable supports was about two times larger than the apical to basolateral flux. The basolateral to apical flux of ENX was remarkably inhibited by guanidine, whereas it was not inhibited by TEA, NMN and cimetidine. The apical to basolateral flux of ENX was inhibited by cimetidine and guanidine, whereas it was not inhibited by TEA and NMN.

[A case of Evans's syndrome in which thrombocytopenia and hemolysis was improved by Sairei-to].

A 51-year-old male diagnosed as having Evans's syndrome in 1991 was treated with 25 mg of prednisolone, but his anemia and thrombocytopenia progressed. Thus, in November 1993, treatment was begun with Sairei-to, a Chinese herbal medicine consisting of several water-soluble plant extracts. Following administration of 9.0 g/day of Sairei-to granules along with prednisolone, the platelet count increased from 6.1 x 10(4)/microliters to 12.3 x 10(4)/microliters after one week, while hemoglobin levels rose from 9.5 g/dl to 12.0 g/dl after three weeks. The patient maintained a good physical condition after the prednisolone dose was reduced, although Coomb's test and PAIgG levels remained positive. Sairei-to-seems to be a promising therapeutic agent for steroid-resistant ITP and AIHA, and seems to have no side effects.

[Successful ATG and bolus methylprednisolone therapy towards severe aplastic anemia with splenomegaly].

A 22-year-old female patient with severe aplastic anemia was treated by ATG.bolus methylprednisolone therapy. After the therapy, anemia and thrombocytopenia began to recover within a month. The frequency of blood transfusion decreased thereafter. Since anemia due to splenomegaly was certified, bolus methylprednisolone therapy was performed in good response. Suppressor T-cells towards hemopoiesis were confirmed in this case, and hemopoietic potential was augmented by ATG.bolus methylprednisolone therapy. In spite of discontinuation of any therapy in 1986, she is being in good health more than five years.

[Acute lymphocytic leukemia having surface phenotype of CD 2 and NKH-1 with rapid clinical course].

Abnormal expansion of large granular lymphocytes (LGLs) was observed in peripheral blood and bone marrow in a 28-year-old man. He had general lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. Surface phenotypical analysis of LGLs showed that these LGLs express CD 2, Ia and NKH-1 but not express CD 3, CD 4, CD 8 and Leu 7. Cytochemical analysis of these LGLs revealed positive acid phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase reaction but negative alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase reaction. These LGLs showed very weak NK activity against only MOLT-4 but showed no cytotoxic activity against K 562. An beta-receptor gene rearrangement of human T-cell receptor was not found by Southern blot analysis. Rapid and fetal clinical course with the results of theses analytical studies showed that this case is highly suggestive of acute leukemia of LGLs which is committed to NK cell lineage.

[Role of adrenergic receptor system in canine left ventricular hypertrophy].

Although sympathetic nervous system and catecholamines have been postulated to play an important role in the development of myocardial hypertrophy, the precise mechanism is still ill-defined. We then developed two experimental canine models; 12 dogs with surgical cardiac denervation by the method of Geis et al, inducing up-regulation of myocardial adrenergic receptors, and 12 dogs with chronic infusion of subhypertensive dose of norepinephrine (NE) at a rate of 0.04 mg/kg/day. After two months, both models induced myocardial hypertrophy, as indicated by significant increases in left ventricular (LV) wall thickness and cell diameter as compared with 14 sham-operated control dogs. Cardiac denervation remarkably depleted myocardial NE contents, while plasma NE remained unchanged. Both alpha-1 and beta receptors were unregulated, Bmax increasing by 90% and 50% respectively. Decrease in myocardial cyclic-AMP content was relatively small as compared with the marked reduction in myocardial NE, probably by the compensatory augmentation of beta receptor system activity. Chronic NE infusion also reduced myocardial NE content possibly due to stimulation of presynaptic alpha-2 receptor inhibiting NE synthesis and release. Number of alpha-1 and beta receptors also increased by 90% and 30% respectively, while myocardial cyclic-AMP content remained unchanged. These observations indicate that neither direct stimulation of NE on the myocardial cell nor increased in cyclic-AMP is the mechanism for cardiac hypertrophy in both models.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)