One-stop shop for 3-dimensional anatomy of hepatic vasculature and bile duct with special reference to biliary image reconstruction.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Three-dimensional CT has become an essential tool for successful hepatic surgery. Up to now, efforts have been made to simultaneously visualize hepatic vasculature and bile ducts. Herein, we introduce a new one-stop shop approach to hepatic 3D-anatomy, using a standard enhanced MDCT alone. METHODOLOGY: A 3D-reconstruction of hepatic vasculature was made using data from contrast enhanced MDCT and SYNAPSE VINCENT software. We identified bile ducts from axial 2D image, and then reconstructed the 3D image. Both hepatic vasculature and bile duct images were integrated into a single image and it was compared with the 3D image, utilized with MRCP or DIC-CT. RESULTS: The first branches of both the right and left hepatic ducts were hand-traced and visualized for all 100 cases. The second branches of these ducts were visualized in 69 cases, and only the right second branch was recognized in 52 cases. Anomalous variations of bile ducts, such as posterior branch joining into common hepatic duct, were recognized in 12 cases. These biliary tract variations were all confirmed by MRCP or DIC-CT. CONCLUSIONS: Our new one-stop shop approach using the 3D imaging technique might contribute to successful hepatectomy as well as reduce medical costs and radiation exposure by omission of MRCP and DIC-CT.

T-helper 17 cells mediate the osteo/odontoclastogenesis induced by excessive orthodontic forces.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate how T-helper 17 cells (Th17 cells), interleukin (IL)-17, and interleukin-6 contribute to root resorption during orthodontic tooth movement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen male 6-week-old Wistar rats were subjected to orthodontic force of 10 or 50 g to induce a mesially tipping movement of the upper first molars for 7 days. The expression levels of TRAP, IL-17, the IL-17 receptor (IL-17R), and IL-6 proteins were determined in periodontal ligament (PDL) by immunohistochemical analysis. Moreover, the fluorescent localization immunoassay was performed to detect Th17 cells. Furthermore, the effects of IL-17 on IL-6 release were investigated using human PDL cells in vitro. The effect of IL-17 on osteoclastogenesis was evaluated by TRAP staining, actin ring staining, and the pit formation assay. RESULTS: The immunoreactivity for Th17, IL-17, IL-17R, and IL-6 was detected in PDL tissue subjected to the orthodontic force on day 7. IL-17 increased the release of IL-6 from human periodontal ligament cells in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, IL-17 stimulated osteoclastogenesis from human osteoclast precursor cells, and these effects were partially suppressed by an anti-IL-6 antibody. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that Th17 cells may aggravate the process of orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption.

IL-8 and MCP-1 induced by excessive orthodontic force mediates odontoclastogenesis in periodontal tissues.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate how interleukin (IL)-8 (cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant; CINC-1) and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1/CCL2 contribute to root resorption during orthodontic tooth movement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty 6-week-old male Wistar rats were subjected to orthodontic force of 10 or 50 g to induce a mesially tipping movement of the upper first molars for 7 days. We determined the expressions of CINC-1, CXCR2, and MCP-1 proteins in root resorption area using immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of compression forces (CF) on IL-8 and MCP-1 production by human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cells. We observed an effect of chemokine treatment on rat odonto/osteoclasts in dentin slices that recapitulated root resorption. RESULTS: The immunoreactivity for CINC-1/CXCR2 and MCP-1 was detected in odontoclasts and PDL fibroblasts by the orthodontic force of 50 g on day 7. CF increased the secretion and the expression of mRNA of IL-8 and MCP-1 from PDL cells in a magnitude-dependent manner. Moreover, CINC-1 and MCP-1 stimulated osteoclastogenesis from rat osteoclast precursor cells. CONCLUSION: IL-8 (CINC-1) and MCP-1 may therefore facilitate the process of root resorption because of excessive orthodontic force.

A multi-centre, retrospective case series of oocyte cryopreservation in unmarried women diagnosed with haematological malignancies.

STUDY QUESTION: Is oocyte cryopreservation an applicable option for fertility preservation in unmarried patients with haematological malignancies? SUMMARY ANSWER: Oocyte cryopreservation via the vitrification method is accessible and may be considered an option for fertility preservation in unmarried patients with haematological malignancies. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Haematological malignancies are most commonly observed amongst adolescent and young adult women. Although the survival rate and life expectancy of those with haematological malignancies have improved, chemotherapy and radiotherapy may impair their reproductive potential. Oocyte cryopreservation is thus an ideal option to preserve their fertility. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION: This study retrospectively evaluated 193 unmarried patients (age: 26.2 ± 0.4 years) with haematological malignancies, who consulted for oocyte cryopreservation across 20 different fertility centres in Japan between February 2007 and January 2015. The primary outcome measures were the oocyte retrievals and oocyte cryopreservation outcomes. The secondary outcome measures were the outcomes following oocyte warming for IVF. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS: The patients had commenced ovarian stimulation cycles via antagonist, agonist, natural and minimal methods for oocyte retrievals, defined according to the treatment strategy of each respective fertility centre. A vitrification method using the Cryotop safety kit was used for oocyte cryopreservation. ICSIs were used for insemination of warmed oocytes. The endometrial preparation method for embryo transfer was hormonal replacement therapy, except in the case of a patient who underwent a spontaneous ovulatory cycle. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Among 193 patients, acute myeloid leukaemia (n = 45, 23.3%) was most common, followed by acute lymphoid leukaemia (n = 38, 19.7%) and Hodgkin's lymphoma (n = 30, 15.5%). In total, 162 patients (83.9%) underwent oocyte retrieval, and oocytes were successfully cryopreserved for 155 patients (80.3%). The mean number of oocyte retrieval cycles and cryopreserved oocytes were 1.7 ± 0.2 and 6.3 ± 0.4, respectively. As of December 2019, 14 patients (9.2%) had requested oocyte warming for IVF. The survival rate of oocytes after vitrification-warming was 85.2% (75/88). The rates of fertilisation and embryo development were 80.0% (60/75) and 46.7% (28/60), respectively. Ten patients (71.4%) had successful embryo transfers, and seven live births (50.0%) were achieved. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION: This study was limited by its retrospective nature. Additionally, there remains an insufficient number of cases regarding the warming of vitrified oocytes to reliably conclude whether oocyte cryopreservation is effective for patients with haematological malignancies. Further long-term follow-up study is required. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Oocyte retrieval and oocyte cryopreservation were accessible for patients with haematological malignancies; however, the number of oocyte retrievals may have been limited due to the initiation of cancer treatments. Acceptable embryonic and pregnancy outcomes could be achieved following oocyte warming; therefore, our results suggest that oocyte cryopreservation can be considered an option for fertility preservation in patients with haematological malignancies. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors. The authors declare no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

Studies on the function of intracellular ribonucleases. IV. Some observations on the properties of ribosomes and polysomes from rat liver and hepatomas.

Polysome and ribosome preparations from normal rat liver and from a series of transplantable rat hepatomas of different growth rates were compared. All the hepatomas had a significantly higher percentage of RNA in a polysome preparation than did the normal liver, and the polysome preparations from the tumors, with the exception of the Dunning hepatoma which has a high lipid content, gave a greater yield of RNA and protein per gram of wet tissue than the liver did. Heavier polysomes were considerably less prevalent in the tumors than in the liver, and the tumors contained a larger proportion of monomer and dimer ribosomes than the liver did. Evidence is presented that the increased monomer and dimer ribosome population of the hepatomas studied is not an artifact of preparation, but represents the true intracellular distribution. Ribosomes from normal liver and Morris 5123-D hepatoma were readily dissociated by 20 min' treatment with 1.0 mM EDTA, but ribosomes from the Dunning, Novikoff ascites, and McCoy MDAB hepatomas were little affected by such treatment. With higher concentrations of EDTA, the ribosomes from the Novikoff ascites and McCoy MDAB hepatomas broke down and did not form specific subunits as did ribosomes from liver and the Morris 5123-D hepatoma but rather gave rise to a variety of small degradation products. This behavior is ascribed to a higher RNase content of the Novikoff and McCoy MDAB hepatomas. Dunning hepatoma ribosomes were resistant to 4 mM EDTA.

Studies on the function of intracellular ribonucleases. V. Ribonuclease activity in ribosomes and polysomes prepared from rat liver and hepatomas.

The RNase activity and properties of ribosome and polysome preparations from normal rat liver and some hepatomas have been examined. Polysome and ribosome preparations from the Novikoff, McCoy MDAB, and Dunning hepatomas had considerably higher specific RNase activity than corresponding preparations from normal rat liver, Novikoff ascites, or Morris 5123 hepatomas. The optimum pH of the RNase was approximately 8.5 for all samples tested, and the samples showed no evidence of latent RNase activity when treated with 3 M sodium chloride, EDTA, urea, or p-chloromercuribenzenesulfonic acid. The RNase activity appeared to be associated principally with breakdown products and/or subunits smaller than 80S. In the presence of Mg(++) ions, subunits could reaggregate to form monomer ribosomes indistinguishable from the natural products, but some of the reassociated ribosomes could contain RNase activity which had been bound to the smaller particles. Similar results were obtained with spermine. In the hepatomas, evidence was obtained for the preexistence of considerable amounts of the smaller, RNase-containing subunits in the cell. When a small amount of crystalline bovine pancreatic RNase was added to partly dissociated ribosomes, the RNase was found only in association with the smaller subunits, and little or no enzyme was taken up by ribosomes or polysomes. The results have led to the conclusion that RNase is not a normal constituent of the ribosome or polysome, but that RNase may become associated with these particulates if dissociation and reassociation take place. Some implications of these findings for the stability of messenger RNA and for the mechanism of its breakdown are discussed.

Low-energy laser irradiation accelerates the velocity of tooth movement via stimulation of the alveolar bone remodeling.

INTRODUCTION: Previously, the authors have reported the acceleration of tooth movement and osteoclastogenesis on the pressure site in an experimental tooth movement model by low-energy laser irradiation (LELI), which stimulated the RANK/RANKL system and c-fms/macrophage colony-stimulating factor system. However, the effect of LELI on osteogenesis on the tension site is not known clearly. Moreover, the temporal changes in alveolar bone during tooth movement have not been investigated as yet. Therefore, the present study was designed to examine the effects of LELI on alveolar bone remodeling during experimental tooth movement, and observe the temporal bone mineral density (BMD) using micro-computed tomography (muCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: To induce experimental tooth movement in rats, 10 g force was applied to the upper right first molar with Nickel titanium closed-coil. Next, a gallium-aluminum-arsenide (Ga-Al-As) diode laser was used to irradiate the area around the moved tooth, and BMD and the amount of tooth movement were measured by muCT scanning for 21 days. Histopathological examination was also performed. RESULTS: The amount of tooth movement in the LELI group was significantly greater than in the non-irradiation group by the end of the experimental period. Further, compared with the non-irradiation group, the fall of BMD was less in the LELI group. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that LELI accelerates the velocity of tooth movement via stimulation of the alveolar bone remodeling.

A successful pregnancy and delivery after resectoscopic surgery for early invasive endometrial cancer.

Among young women, the incidence of uterine corpus cancer is increasing. Most young women can not preserve fertility because simple total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is the standard method for early endometrial cancer so far. We present a case of early endometrial adenocarcinoma which succeeded in pregnancy and delivery after resectoscopic surgery. Following a circumferential resection of the lesion including the mucosa and muscle layer under resectoscopic guidance, the patient became pregnant by means of in vitro fertilization-embyo transfer with hormone replenishment. She underwent cesarean section at 33 weeks and five days of gestation and had a healthy baby. Resectscopic surgery can help to preserve fertility among young women who have early invasive endometrial cancer.

EML4-ALK fusion transcript is not found in gastrointestinal and breast cancers.

Fusion genes have been identified as chromosomal rearrangements in certain cancers, such as leukaemia, lymphoma, and sarcoma. The EML4-ALK (EML4: echinoderm microtubule-associated-protein-like 4; ALK: anaplastic lymphoma kinase) fusion gene has been identified as an oncogene in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study examined the presence of this fusion transcript in gastrointestinal and breast cancers. We evaluated the expression of the EML4-ALK transcript in 104 lung cancer cases and in 645 gastrointestinal and breast cancer samples. Only one of the lung cancer samples tested positive for the EML4-ALK fusion transcript, whereas none were detected in 555 gastrointestinal and 90 breast cancer cases. Our data suggest that the EML4-ALK fusion transcript is not present in gastrointestinal or breast cancers and is specific to NSCLC.

Prostacyclin reversal of lethal endotoxemia in dogs.

Severe endotoxemia, a condition where microembolization and intravascular coagulation are thought to play important roles, was treated experimentally with prostacyclin (PGI(2)). In a study of 24 dogs, 8 control animals injected with 1.75 mg.kg(-1) of endotoxin died within 24 h. Six animals given intravenous aspirin 100 mg/kg, 30 min after endotoxin died. 9 of 10 dogs infused with 100 ng PGI(2).kg(-1).min(-1) for 3 h, given 30 min after the injection of endotoxin survived 24 h (P < 0.025). Injection of endotoxin resulted in a: (a) maximal 62% fall in mean arterial pressure (P < 0.001); (b) transient doubling of mean pulmonary arterial pressure (P < 0.001); (c) initial 70% drop in cardiac index (P < 0.001); (d) decline in blood platelets from 213,700 to 13,700/mm(3) (P < 0.001), and leukocytes from 7,719 to < 750/mm(3) (P < 0.001); (e) depressed urine output (P < 0.001); (f) 34% decrease in blood fibrinogen (P < 0.01) and an increase in fibrin degradation products > 50 mug/ml (P < 0.001); (g) fivefold increase in circulating cathepsin D titer (P < 0.005) and (h) increase in blood norepinephrine (P < 0.005), dopamine (P < 0.005), and epinephrine (P < 0.001). Aspirin treatment led to an increase in mean arterial pressure (P < 0.001) and mean pulmonary arterial pressure (P < 0.005), but cardiac index, urine flow, platelets, leukocytes, fibrin degradation products, and cathepsin D levels remained similar to untreated controls. After infusion of PGI(2) there was a: (a) prompt increase of cardiac index to base-line levels; (b) late increase in mean arterial pressure (P < 0.005) after the discontinuation of PGI(2) treatment (c) restoration of urine output; (d) increase in circulating platelets to levels still below base line but above untreated control animals (P < 0.05); (e) no effect on circulating leukocyte levels; (f) fall in fibrin degradation products to 11.2 mug/ml (P < 0.05); (g) decline in cathepsin D levels to values 60% lower than the untreated controls (P < 0.025); and (h) reduction in plasma norepinephrine levels to base line at 4 h (P < 0.005). Although the mode of PGI(2) action is not clear, it is effective in the treatment of experimental endotoxemia.

Identification of EGFR mutations in esophageal cancer.

BACKGROUND: It is well known that the prognosis for esophageal cancer is worse than for other digestive cancers in spite of multimodality treatment, and there is an urgent need to improve this situation. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor, gefitinib, was approved in Japan to treat advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients and several papers have since reported that the successfully treated patients had genetic mutations in EGFR. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the existence of EGFR mutations in esophageal cancer cell lines and primary lesions, and also to explore the possibility of treating esophageal cancer using gefitinib. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen esophageal cancer cell lines were cultured and DNA was extracted using an ultracentrifugation method. Fifty cases of primary cancer and corresponding normal tissue samples were obtained and DNA was extracted using the same protocol. Nested PCR and DNA sequencing targeting exons 18, 19, 20 and 21 of EGFR were performed to investigate the presence of mutations in esophageal cancer cell lines and primary tumors. RESULTS: Three of the 19 cell lines had the same silent mutation at nucleotide 2607, a G-to-A substitution in exon 20. One of the 50 patients had an EGFR mutation in codon 719, resulting in an amino acid substitution from glycine to aspartic acid. CONCLUSION: EGFR mutations in esophageal carcinoma are rare but do exist, and thus gefitinib could be included in esophageal cancer treatment regimens by selecting those patients who possess such mutations.

Formation of methylnitrosocyanamide from methylguanidine and sodium nitrite in simulated gastric juice and in stomachs of rats: quantitative estimation by a mutagenicity assay.

The formation of methylnitrosocyanamide (MNC), a carcionogenic N-nitroso compound, from methylguanidine (MG) and NaNO2 in simulated gastric juice (SGJ) and in the stomachs of rats was quantitatively investigated. With a reverse mutation assay in which a tester strain of Salmonella typhimurium was used, MNC formation was shown to increase linearly for about 40--60 minutes after the incubation of MG with NaNO2 in SGJ. However, it decreased rapidly thereafter. The initial rate of MNC formation was directly proportional to the initial molar ratio of MG to NaNO2, but the yields of MNC depended only on the amount of MG added and were fairly constant (0.3--0.5% of the initial MG). MNC did not form at a pH above 2.5 or in the presence of 2% casein in SGJ at pH 1.2. It decomposed rapidly in SGJ at pH 1.2 with a half-life of approximately 2 minutes, whereas it was stable in phosphate buffer at pH 7.0. Following concurrent administration of MG and NaNO2 via stomach tube, MNC formation was detected in the pylorus-ligated stomachs of rats preconditioned with a casein-free dextrin diet but not in those of rats preconditioned with a casein-containing or synthetic diet. The yields of MNC observed 40--60 minutes after administration of reactants ranged from 0.02 to 0.05% of the initial MG. The possible environment significance of MNC formation in vivo was considered.

Effects of continuous tube feeding of dietary fat emulsions on eicosanoid production and on fatty acid composition during an acute septic shock in rats.

The effects of a short-term (5 days) continuous intragastric tube feeding of diets containing n - 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) from safflower oil (SO) or n - 3 PUFA from menhaden oil (MO) on the production of proinflammatory mediators, and on the number of animals surviving after an intravenous injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were investigated in rats. The phospholipid fatty acid composition of cell membranes from several organs and of plasma were also analyzed. No marked differences in the number of animals surviving or in the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha were observed between the 2 groups of animals. However, 90 min after LPS exposure the plasma levels of prostaglandin (PG) E2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha decreased significantly (40% and 60%, respectively) for the group of rats fed MO diet compared to those fed SO diet (P < 0.05). Following continuous infusion of liquid MO diet, the amount of arachidonic acid (AA) detected was significantly lower in plasma (23%), spleen (43%), lungs (41%), and liver (38%), but was unchanged in the heart tissues. The percent of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) incorporated into phospholipids of plasma, spleen, lungs, liver, and heart were 7.6, 4.4, 2.1, 7.2, and 1.1%, respectively. These data indicate that after continuous MO feeding, a significant decrease in the production of proinflammatory eicosanoids was associated with a marked reduction in AA content. Further, these data suggest that nutritional intervention may have a therapeutic potential to ameliorate clinical symptoms due to excessive productions of eicosanoids during acute septic complications.

Enzyme specificity of proteinase inhibitor region in amyloid precursor protein of Alzheimer's disease: different properties compared with protease nexin I.

Senile plaques, often surrounded by abnormally grown neurites, are characteristic of Alzheimer's diseased brain. The core of the plaque is mainly composed of amyloid beta protein (beta-AP), two of whose three precursors (APP) have serine proteinase inhibitor regions (APPI). APPI derivatives containing 60, 72 or 88 amino-acid fragments (APPI-60, APPI-72 and APPI-88, respectively) of the longest APP were produced in COS-1 cell culture medium, with the APPI cDNA ligated to the signal sequence of tissue plasminogen activator. The secreted APPIs were purified by sequential acetone precipitation followed by affinity chromatography using immobilized trypsin. These three APPIs and O-glycosylation-site-mutated APPI showed similar inhibitory activity against trypsin, chymotrypsin and plasmin. The purified APPI-72 was found to inhibit trypsin (Ki = 1.1 x 10(-10) M) and chymotrypsin (Ki = 5.8 x 10(-9) M) most strongly, and to inhibit leukocyte elastase (Ki = 7.9 x 10(-7) M) and several blood coagulation proteinases (Ki = 0.46-12 x 10(-7) M), but not urokinase or thrombin. The observed inhibition pattern was quite different from that of protease nexin I, one of serine proteinase inhibitors possessing neurite outgrowth activity. This suggests that the physiological roles of APPI are different from those of protease nexin I, and that APPI could not cause aberrant growth of neurite into the plaque. The presence of APPI having strong inhibitory activity in the brain might lead to the formation of amyloid deposits by preventing complete degradation of APPs.

Doppler color flow "proximal isovelocity surface area" method for estimating volume flow rate: effects of orifice shape and machine factors.

Previously described Doppler color flow mapping methods for estimating the severity of valvular regurgitation have focused on the distal jet. In this study, a newer Doppler color flow technique, focusing on the flow proximal to an orifice, was used. This method identifies a proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA) by displaying an aliasing interface. Volume flow rate (cm3/s) can be calculated as PISA (cm2) x aliasing velocity (cm/s). For planar circular orifices, a hemi-elliptic model accurately approximated the shape of PISA. Clinically, however, orifice shapes may be noncircular. In vitro flow experiments (n = 226) using orifices of various shapes (ellipse, square, triangle, star, rectangle) were performed. Volume flow rate calculated using a hemi-elliptic model for PISA was accurate, with average percent differences from actual flow rate = +4.3% for a square, -4.2% for a triangle, -4.7% for a star, -4.5% for an ellipse and -2.8% for a rectangle. However, average percent differences for calculated volume flow rates using a hemispheric model for PISA shape ranged from -11.6% (square) to -34.8% (rectangle). In addition, to evaluate whether PISA is influenced by machine factors, in vitro studies (n = 83) were performed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Calculation of volume flow rate by the proximal isovelocity surface area method: simplified approach using color Doppler zero baseline shift.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to develop an accurate, simplified proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA) method for calculating volume flow rate using lower blue-red interface velocity produced by a color Doppler zero baseline shift technique. BACKGROUND: The Doppler color proximal isovelocity surface area method has been shown to be accurate for calculating the volume flow rate (Q) across a narrowed orifice by the formula Q = PISA x Blue-red interface velocity. A hemispheric model is generally used to calculate proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA = 2 pi a2, where a = the radius corresponding to the blue-red interface velocity). Although a hemispheric model is simple, requiring measurement of one radius, it may underestimate the actual volume flow rate because, in the general case, the shape of a proximal isovelocity surface area is hemielliptic. Although a hemielliptic model is generally more accurate for calculating proximal isovelocity surface area, it is more complex, requiring measurement of two orthogonal radii. METHODS: Sixteen in vitro constant flow model studies were performed using planar circular orifices (diameter range 6 to 16 mm). The blue-red interface velocity was changed from 3 to 54 cm/s using color Doppler zero baseline shift. RESULTS: 1) With decreasing blue-red interface velocity, the size of the proximal isovelocity surface area was increased, and its shape changed from hemielliptic to hemispheric. 2) With the blue-red interface velocity in the range 11 to 15 cm/s, the proximal isovelocity surface area became nearly hemispheric; however, it was difficult to determine the blue-red interface radius at a blue-red interface velocity < 10 cm/s because of interface fluctuations. 3) Calculated volume flow rate using the hemispheric proximal isovelocity surface area model with a single radius was relatively accurate at a blue-red interface velocity of 11 to 15 cm/s (mean percent difference from actual volume flow rate was -3.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Because the shape of the proximal isovelocity surface area is nearly hemispheric at a blue-red interface velocity of 11 to 15 cm/s, volume flow rate can be accurately calculated in this proximal isovelocity surface area interface velocity range (produced by zero baseline shift) by measuring a single-interface radius. This approach should be clinically useful for calculating the volume flow rate across stenotic and regurgitant valves and across shunt defects.

Expression of MUC1 and MUC2 mucins in gastric carcinomas: its relationship with the prognosis of the patients.

Our previous immunohistochemical studies for the expression of MUC1 mucin antigen (which was detected by monoclonal antibody DF3) and MUC2 mucin antigen (which was detected by polyclonal antibody anti-MRP) in pancreatic and intrahepatic bile duct tumors demonstrated that invasive carcinoma with poor outcome showed a pattern of MUC1+ and MUC2- expression, whereas many of the noninvasive tumors with favorable outcome showed a pattern of MUC1- and MUC2+ expression. To clarify the relationship between the expression of these mucin antigens and the biological properties of gastric cancers, the expression of MUC1 and MUC2 mucin antigens was examined immunohistochemically in 136 patients with gastric cancer invading the submucosa or the deeper layer, and the survival of the antigen-positive and antigen-negative patient groups was compared using the Kaplan-Meier method. For MUC1 mucin expression, different glycoforms of MUC1 were examined using four monoclonal antibodies (NCL-MUC-1-CORE, DF3, MY.1E12, and HMFG-1). The patients with MUC1+ mucin antigen staining in the carcinoma showed significantly worse survival than those with MUC1- mucin antigen staining. In contrast, the patients with MUC2+ mucin antigen staining in the carcinoma showed significantly better survival than those with MUC2- mucin antigen staining. In conclusion, MUC1 antigen expression was associated with a poor outcome in patients with gastric cancer, irrespective of its glycosylation status, and MUC1 is thus considered to be a useful prognostic factor for poor outcome in patients. In contrast, MUC2 antigen expression is a prognostic factor associated with a favorable outcome in patients. In addition, combined evaluation of the MUC1 and MUC2 mucin staining is clinically useful to predict outcome in patients with gastric cancer.

Fragmentation of the beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin produced by choriocarcinoma.

When human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under reducing conditions with dithiothreitol (DTT), a smaller weight material (CTP'), in addition to the beta-subunit, could be detected by Western blot analysis using antiserum for hCG beta-carboxy-terminal peptide (CTP). The CTP' band was much more apparent with urinary hCG from a patient with choriocarcinoma than with that from normal pregnant women. Second-dimensional electrophoresis of the choriocarcinoma hCG (c-hCG) after reduction with DTT indicated that the CTP', Mr 25,000, was released from the beta-subunit. The carbohydrate structure of the CTP' was analyzed by affinity with lectin-peroxidase on a nitrocellulose membrane. The CTP' did not interact with Concanavalin A, but exhibited strong interaction with both RCA120 and Arachis hypogaea after removal of sialic acid, indicating that it was released as a fragment containing an O-linked sugar chain as was found in the hCG beta carboxy-terminal portion. Western blot analysis using the antisera for hCG alpha, hCG beta, and hCG beta-CTP showed that the CTP' contains not only the carboxy-terminal portion but also a part of the internal (core) portion of the beta-subunit molecule. This dissociation of the c-hCG beta was further supported by the presence of a faster moving component (FMC) which may correspond to the NH2-terminal side counterpart. The desialylated FMC could be detected by Concanavalin A and RCA120 but not by Arachis hypogaea, indicating that it contains N-linked rather than O-linked sugar chains. The FMC does not contain any of the epitopes for the antisera examined in Western blot. These results indicate that the beta-subunit of the choriocarcinoma urine hCG has an unusual site which is dissociated into two components of Mr 25,000 (CTP') and Mr 18,000 (FMC) by DTT reduction.

Effects of sesamin-supplemented dietary fat emulsions on the ex vivo production of lipopolysaccharide-induced prostanoids and tumor necrosis factor alpha in rats.

BACKGROUND: Sesamin, a nonfat constituent of sesame oil, inhibits Delta(5)-desaturase activity, resulting in accumulation of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), which displaces arachidonic acid (AA) and consequently decreases the formation of proinflammatory 2-series prostaglandins. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine whether dietary supplementation with sesamin augments the antiinflammatory effects of dietary linseed oil in rats. DESIGN: We investigated the effects of continuous tube feedings of emulsions containing safflower oil or linseed oil with sesamin (SO+ and LO+) or without sesamin (SO and LO) on liver fatty acid composition and on endotoxin-induced production of prostaglandin E(2), 6-keto-prostaglandin F(1alpha), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) by whole blood from rats (n = 6 per diet group). RESULTS: We found a significant accumulation of DGLA only in the liver phospholipids of animals fed SO+ and LO+ (1.8 +/- 0.2 and 1.4 +/- 0.3 mol%, respectively), which suggests that sesamin inhibited Delta(5)-desaturation of n-6 fatty acids. These changes were associated with significant reductions in plasma prostaglandin E(2) concentrations in animals fed SO+ compared with those fed SO (P: < 0. 05). Despite a significant reduction in tissue AA content in the LO group, the prostaglandin E(2) concentrations did not differ significantly from those of the SO group. Plasma concentrations of TNF-alpha were significantly lower (P: < 0.05) in the animals fed LO+ than in those fed SO (199 +/- 48 and 488 +/- 121 ng/L, respectively). CONCLUSION: These data indicate that in rats, tube feedings of diets containing sesamin exerted antiinflammatory effects that were augmented by concurrent consumption of linseed oil.

Preclinical and therapeutic utility of HVJ liposomes as a gene transfer vector for hepatocellular carcinoma using herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase.

Although gene therapy has been suggested to be a novel strategy to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), no study showing the clinical feasibility of vectors to treat HCC has been reported. In this preclinical study, we show evidence indicating that hemagglutinating virus of Japan (HVJ) liposomes are a feasible vector to treat HCC in a clinical setting using ganciclovir (GCV) and herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-tk), which is driven by the cytomegalovirus immediate early enhancer/promoter (plasmid pcDNA3/HSV-tk). In in vitro experiments, almost complete tumor cell regression was achieved with the optimal GCV concentration (100 microg/mL) and more than 1/3 regression was seen even with a 20% transduction ratio using HuH7 HCC cells stably transformed by HSV-tk. HVJ liposomes showed a 19.7% (mean) transduction rate of the lacZ gene in a relatively large mass of more than 300 mm3 in vivo, which is a clinically detectable size, implanted into SCID mice. Moreover, a single HSV-tk injection of HVJ liposomes followed by GCV treatment inhibited tumor growth at least within a week, and repeat administration was more effective. Furthermore, subcutaneous injection of an HVJ liposomes vehicle induced no apparent inflammatory response in C3H/HeN mice, whereas lacZ gene transfection resulted in inflammatory pathology, suggesting a lower immunogenicity of the HVJ envelope protein than those of bacteria-derived plasmid DNA or the beta-galactosidase gene product. From these findings, we conclude that HVJ liposomes are a clinically safe and effective gene transfer vector to treat HCC.