We previously demonstrated that the sphingolipid, sphingosylphosphocholine (SPC) increased DNA binding activity of AP-1 proteins accompanying cellular proliferation. Herein, the effects of SPC on DNA binding activity and transcription of the basic, helix-loop-helix, leucine zipper (bHLH-ZIP) proteins Myc, Max, and USF were investigated because they regulate genes involved in mitogenesis. E-box (CACGTG) DNA binding proteins were detected by electrophoretic mobility shift assays in nuclear extracts from Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts. The slowest migrating complex (complex I) increased within 1-3 min after treatment with SPC, remained elevated for 10 min, and increased again after 12 h. Complexes I and II contained USF-1 and USF-2 proteins, and complex I migrated similarly to recombinant USF-1 protein/DNA complex. Treatment of nuclear extracts with alkaline phosphatase decreased these complexes suggesting USF might be a phosphoprotein, post-translationally modified by SPC. max and usf-1 mRNA levels were unaffected by SPC treatment. In contrast, c-myc mRNA was rapidly elevated, reached maximum levels at 0.5-1 h, and showed an additional increase after 12 h, just preceding S phase. Thus, certain bHLH-ZIP transcription factors may be involved in cell growth regulation by SPC.

3T3 Cells↗

PubMed1998

Amplification and expression of the c-erbB-2 oncogene in Müllerian-derived genital-tract tumors.

This study focused on 18 uterine corpus tumors and 7 ovarian endometrioid tumors, all of them malignant and Müllerian derived. Differential polymerase chain reaction (DPCR), dot blot hybridization, and immunohistochemical technique were employed to determine c-erbB-2 amplification and expression. Of 25 Müllerian-derived tumors, 17 (68.0%) demonstrated amplified c-erbB-2 (two to eight copies) by DPCR. These 25 samples were reexamined by dot blot and immunohistochemical technique, revealing c-erbB-2 amplification and expression of to be 52.0 and 40.0%, respectively. There seemed to be a slight correlation between the amplification and expression of c-erbB-2 and patient survival. Although c-erbB-2 was frequently present in Müllerian-derived genital-tract tumors, it is uncertain whether this oncogene may serve as their sole prognostic marker. The question remains whether c-erbB-2 alone, or in conjunction with other oncogenes or suppressor genes, accounts for the pathogenesis of Müllerian-derived tumors. However, these results suggest for the first time in the literature that DPCR is a sensitive enough technique for detecting c-erbB-2 amplification in M ullerian-derived tumors.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

[Considerations on the management of subtotal and total macro-amputation of the upper extremity].

Between 1982 and 1993, 65 amputation and amputation-like injuries in the upper arm (n = 18), proximal and middle forearm (n = 32) and distal forearm and wrist level (n = 15) were treated in our institution. The overall survival rate in our series was 92.3% (60/65). In 3 of 65 cases early secondary amputation because of vascular failure was necessary. There was one reamputation because of deep infection with beginning sepsis. Severe systemic disturbances were seen in one patients, requiring early reamputation. Twenty-five patients with a follow-up of more than 2 years were reviewed in a retrospective clinical study and evaluated according to the Chen classification. Of 8 patients with upper-arm involvement, 2 had a grade II result, 4 a grade III and 2 a grade IV result. There were 1 grade I, 2 grade II, 2 grade III and 5 grade IV results in the proximal forearm group. In the distal forearm group 2 patients each showed a grade I, II and III result and 1 a grade IV. Taking grades I and II results together, a "functional extremity" could be reconstructed at the upper arm level in 25%, proximal forearm 30%, and the distal forearm in 58%. The main advantage of replantation/revascularization of the upper limb is the possibility of restoring some sensitivity to the hand in addition to partial motor recovery, which always provides twice as much individual motor function as is offered by any type of prosthesis currently available. The higher cost and number of operations needed, as well as the longer postoperative care and longer disability time after replantation/revascularization are nevertheless justified by the significant increase in quality of life.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Influence of hepatitis G virus coinfection on the clinical course of chronic hepatitis C.

Hepatitis G virus (HGV) is a parenterally transmitted virus, frequently associated with hepatitis C virus infection. Hepatitis G virus RNA was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in the serum of 40 patients with chronic hepatitis C. Nine (22.5%) patients had evidence of hepatitis G virus viraemia. No significant epidemiological or virological differences could be demonstrated between subjects infected with both hepatitis G virus and hepatitis C virus and subjects infected with hepatitis C virus alone. Aminotransferase values were comparable between the two groups, whereas higher levels of cholestatic enzymes (P< 0.001) were reported in the hepatitis G virus/hepatitis C virus-positive patients. A liver biopsy was performed on all 40 patients no later than 6 months before recruitment. The mean histological activity index did not differ between hepatitis G virus-positive and hepatitis G virus-negative patients, whereas specific histological features such as macrovesicular steatosis, portal granulomas, and bile duct damage were more commonly observed among the coinfected patients. The results indicate that coinfection with hepatitis G virus probably does not have a significant effect on hepatitis C virus-induced hepatic damage.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Serum hepatitis G virus (HGV) RNA in multitransfused thalassemics from eastern Sicily.

The prevalence of hepatitis G in a multitransfused population was studied. HGV did not appear to be a major contributor to liver pathology in this group and the prevalence was surprisingly low.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Intrabronchial surfactant application in cases of inhalation injury: first results from patients with severe burns and ARDS.

Damage to the respiratory tract caused by inhalation of toxic products of combustion with subsequent development of an acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is one of the main causes of death in burn patients. Treatment with an exogenous surfactant is a therapeutic option for which there has previously been no empirical data. We report on four severely burned patients with deep partial thickness and full thickness burns of between 40 and 70 per cent body surface area (BSA), and with inhalation injury complicated by ARDS. These patients were treated once or more than once with bovine surfactant replacement (Alveofact). In addition to biophysical and biochemical analysis, the influence of this substance on oxygenation and lung function were evaluated. After the limits of mechanical ventilation had been reached, bronchoscopic intrabronchial administration of surfactant was followed by temporarily improved gas exchange with an increase in arterial O2 partial pressure (PaO2), accompanied by a reduction in inspiratory O2 concentration (FiO2), and also improved lung compliance. All the patients survived in spite of an initially unfavourable prognosis. Replacement of exogenous surfactant in the treatment of inhalation traumatized severe burn patients with ARDS appears to show considerable promise as an approach to improving the survival chances of these high-risk patients.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Testicular microlithiasis--a possibly premalignant condition. Report of five cases and a review of the literature.

Testicular microlithiasis (TM) is a rare condition characterized by the presence of multiple small intratesticular calcifications. The etiology is unknown but the condition has been observed in a variety of different urological conditions. We report on 5 cases diagnosed by ultrasonography at our departments from 1992 to 1994. A review of the literature plus our present 5 cases gives a total of 124 reported cases of TM. TM was associated with testicular malignancy in 44 patients (35%) of whom 24 (19%) had a seminoma and 20 (16%) a non-seminoma. There were 4 reports of testicular malignancy developing in patients with a prior diagnosis of TM. The condition should be considered premalignant and a careful follow-up of TM patients is advocated.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Septicaemia in an Austrian neonatal intensive care unit: a 7-year analysis.

The results of blood cultures and clinical data of 101 neonates with 110 episodes of septicaemia during a 7-y study period were reviewed. The overall incidence of culture-proven sepsis within the study period was 6.0 per 100 neonatal intensive care unit admissions and the mortality rate was 14%. Three groups of pathogens accounted for 70% of all isolates: coagulase-negative staphylococci (27%), aerobic Gram-negative rods (24%) and Enterococcus faecalis (19%). Group B streptococcus was the major pathogen of very early-onset septicaemia (within 24 h of birth), whereas late-onset infections were most commonly caused by coagulase-negative staphylococci. Birthweight <1500 g, gestational age <30 weeks of gestation and early onset of symptoms within the first week of life were associated with poor prognosis. In addition, the case fatality rate of episodes caused by Gram-negative organisms was significantly higher than that of Gram-positive bacteraemia.

Austria↗

PubMed1998

Gynecomastia of the male nipple.

Diseases of the male nipple can be responsible for severe problems for the patient. The location of gynecomastia can be restricted to the nipple. Carcinoma should also be considered. The therapy of choice is operative treatment. A subtle microsurgical procedure is helpful to achieve a good functional and cosmetic result.

Adult↗