Breastfeeding special care babies.
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Breast Feeding↗
Biomedical subjects
S Lang
Publications and source records attributed to S Lang.
Loss of expression of transforming growth factor beta type I and type II receptors correlates with tumor grade in human prostate cancer tissues.
Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) is a potential regulator of prostate cancer cell growth that signals through a heteromeric complex composed of type I and type II receptors. In the present study, an attempt was made to establish a correlation between expression of TGF-beta receptors and tumor grade in archival human prostate cancer tissues. To this end, immunohistochemical studies for TGF-beta receptors were carried out on 32 cases of human prostate cancer and 8 samples of benign human prostate. In both benign and malignant human prostate tissues, immunoreactivity for both type I and type II receptors was detected predominantly in epithelial cells. In addition, there was an inverse correlation between the loss of expression of TGF-beta1 type I and type II receptors and the tumor grade. Of the 32 prostate cancer cases screened, staining was completely absent in four samples for type II receptor (P < 0.05) and eight samples for type I receptor (P < 0.025). In contrast, all eight samples of benign prostate tissues investigated in this study showed strong staining for both type I and type II receptors. These results, taken together, indicate that human prostate cancer cells frequently have loss of expression of TGF-beta type I and/or type II receptors. Furthermore, these observations provide a potential mechanism for prostate cancer cells to escape the growth-inhibitory effect of TGF-beta.
Activin Receptors, Type I↗
Chronic escapable footshock causes a reduced response to morphine in rats as assessed by local cerebral metabolic rates.
The 2-deoxy-D-[14C]glucose (2-DG) method was used to examine the effects of morphine sulfate (MS) on local cerebral metabolic rates for glucose (LCMRglu) in male F-344 rats required to turn a wheel manipulandum in order to escape from nociceptive footshock. This nociceptive stimulus was identical with that utilized in a previous 2-DG study from this laboratory [15] except that animals were exposed to 15 daily 30 min sessions of footshock prior to the 2-DG testing day rather than a single footshock exposure. This allows a direct comparison of the effects of morphine in chronic and acute pain. Unlike the acute footshock study, morphine in chronic footshock rats did not have a significant effect compared with chronic footshock alone in any of the 73 measured brain structures, including limbic and midline thalamic structures previously shown to be important in morphine-induced analgesia during acute pain [15]. Whereas 93% of measured cerebral structures showed decreases in LCMRglu following morphine administration in the acute footshock rats, morphine given to chronic footshock rats caused decreases in only 56% of the structures as compared with chronic footshock plus saline. It is hypothesized that these differential effects of morphine are due in part to a habituation to the chronic stressor such that chronic footshock rats are less stressed than acute footshock rats. Additionally, it is suggested that chronic exposure to pain produces a constant elevation of opioid peptides leading to opioid receptor downregulation and consequently morphine tolerance. These results demonstrate that, even in the presence of the same nociceptive stimulus, morphine can have widely disparate effects on brain metabolism if there are differences in the pain history of the animal.
Analgesics, Opioid↗
Images in Cardiovascular medicine. Noninvasive diagnosis of cor triatriatum.
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Cardiology↗
Neurochemical characterization of preprotachykinin B(50-79) immunoreactivity in the rat.
Preprotachykinin B (PPT-B) contains two peptide sequences which are flanked by pairs of dibasic amino acids: the decapeptide neurokinin B and a 30 amino acid non-tachykinin peptide consisting of the amino acids 50-79 of PPT-B. Whereas the existence of neurokinin B is well established in brain and peripheral tissues, native PPT-B(50-79) has not been identified so far. We have previously studied the distribution of PPT-B(50-79)-immunoreactivity in the rat brain using antibodies directed against synthetic PPT-B(50-79). Now we adapted a radioimmunoassay for characterizing neurochemically PPT-B(50-79)-immunoreactivity in the rat. In the brain concentrations ranging from 2 to 180 fmol/mg wet tissue weight were measured using synthetic PPT-B(50-79) as standard. The highest concentrations were observed in the interpeduncular nucleus and in the hypothalamus (180 and 90 fmol/mg tissue, respectively). Intermediate concentrations (15 to 60 fmol/mg tissue) were present in cortical areas, in the hippocampus, the spinal cord and in the olfactory bulb. Modest levels were detected in the cerebellum. Considerably lower concentrations of PPT-B(50-79)-immunoreactivity were observed in peripheral tissues. They were highest in the adrenal medulla and in the urinary bladder (3.0 and 1.2 fmol/mg tissue, respectively). This distribution, as observed by radioimmunoassay, correlated to that previously revealed by immunocytochemistry. Tissue concentrations of total PPT-B(50-79) immunoreactivity, however, were slightly higher than those of neurokinin B. Gel filtration chromatography on Sephadex G50 and reversed phase HPLC revealed at least three PPT-B(50-79) immunoreactive peaks. About 90% of the PPT-B(50-79)-immunoreactivity was contained within 2 peaks of apparently higher molecular weight than PPT-B(50-79). A minor portion of PPT-B(50-79)-immunoreactivity comigrated with the synthetic peptide, suggesting that only minor amounts of PPT-B(50-79) are formed in vivo. The processing enzyme(s) cleaving protachykinin B at the pair of basic amino acids (Lys80-Arg81) located between PPT-B(50-79) and neurokinin B may not be acting at the Arg48-Arg49 site (followed by -Leu50) at the amino terminal end of PPT-B(50-79).
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Effects of simulated nuclear fuel particles on the histopathology and CYP enzymes in the rat lung and liver.
We studied both short-term (3 and 30 days) and long-term (3-24 months) effects of simulated nuclear fuel particles (neutron-activated UO2) on the rat lung and liver histopathology and cytochrome P450 (CYP) activities. In the short-term study, after a single intratracheal instillation with neutron-activated particles (administered activity 36 kBq), the lung histology revealed inflammation and a decrease in several lung testosterone hydroxylation levels. Liver exhibited normal histology but hepatic testosterone 7alpha-hydroxylase (T7alphaOH) was decreased by 30% at 3 days treatment with neutron-activated particles (9.3 kBq). At 30 days after treatment, hepatic T7alphaOH and testosterone 15alpha-hydroxylase activities were enhanced by 70 and 40%, respectively. At the long-term follow-up, benign and malignant lung tumors were observed but in the livers only slightly increased inflammation was found. At the 1.5-year follow-up (cumulated lung dose 0.4-0.66 Gy, 131 and 182 kBq), decreases in lung testosterone 6beta-hydroxylase (60%) and testosterone 6alpha-hydroxylase (30%) activities were found. In contrast to lungs, hepatic testosterone 16alpha-hydroxylase activity decreased by 60-75% with both nonactivated and neutron-activated particles. These findings indicate that when lung is exposed to nonactivated UO2 or beta-emitting UO2 particles they have differential effects on CYP enzymes in both the primary target organ (lung) and secondary tissue (liver).
Animals↗
Ewing tumor after treatment of Ki-1+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Therapy-associated secondary neoplasm or unrelated coincidence?
We report on a 20-year-old woman who developed a pelvic small round cell tumor with lung metastases 8 years after diagnosis and successful treatment for Ki-1-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (Ki-1+ ALCL) with histiocytic differentiation. Molecular genetic detection of EWS/FLI-1 fusion gene expression in the second tumor by RT-PCR unambiguously confirmed the histopathologic diagnosis of Ewing tumor (ET), whereas no evidence for the presence of this specific gene rearrangement was obtained in a retrospective analysis of the lymphoma tissue. In contrast, expression of a NPM/ALK chimeric gene was observed which was absent in the ET. Moreover, the lymphoma contained a monoallelic D delta 2-D delta 3 T-cell receptor gene rearrangement which was also absent in the ET. Thus, our histopathologic, immunohistochemical, and, in particular, molecular genetic studies support the notion that these tumors were most probably pathogenetically unrelated. Since this is the first report describing such an association between a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and ET and, since the latter has only rarely been observed as a second malignant neoplasm, it remains a matter of speculation whether in this patient ET developed as a therapy-related secondary neoplasm or independently from the lymphoma as a consequence of either genetic tumor predisposition or mere accidental coincidence.
Base Sequence↗
[Photodynamic diagnosis and therapy of neoplasms of the facial skin after topical administration of 5-aminolevulinic acid].
Topical application of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is a useful instrument for photodynamic diagnosis and therapy of skin tumours. Diagnostic fluorescence imaging after laser light irradiation (410 nm) revealed a high, tumour-specific fluorescence even in tumour areas not apparent prior to this examination technique. This demonstrates the possibility of photodynamic diagnosis to detect skin tumours. In the therapeutic group 8 patients with 6 solar keratoses and 12 basal cell carcinomas underwent laser light irradiation using a wavelength of 635 nm (dosage 100 J/cm2) 6 hours after topical application of 5-ALA in W/O emulsion. 2-12 hours after laser application we observed reddened tumour tissue with mild oedema, subsequently followed by a crust and epithelised within 4-6 weeks. 2 months after PDT a complete response was observed for all solar keratoses and for 10 of 12 basal cell carcinomas. Photodynamic therapy following topical application of 5-ALA may be an alternative treatment modality for skin tumours.
Administration, Topical↗
[Sarcoma of the nose and paranasal sinuses].
Sarcomas of the head and neck are rare tumours accounting for less than 1% of all malignant neoplasms in this region. The prognosis of these tumours and the survival in adults (< 50% at 5 years) is directly related to histological tumour type, tumour size and the possibility of adequate tumour resection. In the present paper, the authors present the course of sarcomas with special reference to rhabdomyosarcoma and osteosarcoma in the nose and paranasal sinuses. Surgical resection with pathologically free margins represents the best modality of initial therapy. Additional adjuvant radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy have shown better survival rates in pediatric patients and, to some degree, also in adults. The purpose of future studies should be the development of new therapy protocols which could further elucidate the beneficial effects of adjuvant therapy in the treatment of sarcomas of the head and neck.
Adolescent↗
Value of surgical intervention in the treatment of glioma.
The benefit of cytoreductive surgery in the management of glioma remains speculative. We therefore reviewed all confirmed deaths in our Neuro-Oncology Program and examined various clinical factors related to survival. There were 63 patients (34 males/29 females), with an average age of 57.6 years. The pathology was glioblastoma in 44 and anaplastic astrocytoma in 19; median survival was 12 months. Forty patients underwent at least one craniotomy, following which 22.5% achieved a gross total resection, 23 had biopsy only. Only age and gross total resection of tumor as judged by postoperative MR (CT in 2 cases) correlated significantly with outcome. The subtotal craniotomy group and biopsy only cohort were indistinguishable (median survival 11 vs. 10 months, respectively). Although craniotomy associated with gross total resection results in enhanced survival (median 27 months), subtotal tumor excision offers little beyond a diagnosis. Therefore, careful and realistic preoperative assessment of glioma patients ought to be performed to determine optimal surgical management.
Biopsy↗
Follow-up of spongiosa plugs with contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the extent and duration of the revascularization process in spongiosa plugs when a fibrin sealant was used. 20 patients with tumour-like lesions, benign tumours and tumours with a potential for malignant transformation were studied. After intralesional tumour removal, the defect was filled with homologous spongiosa either combined with or without a fibrin sealant, according to a prospective randomization. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) follow-up examinations were performed within 1 week, and 1.5, 3, 4.5, 6, 8, 12, 24 and 36 months after surgery. Those patients without a fibrin sealant showed an increased revascularization zone up to the sixth week. Patients treated with fibrin, however, showed increased revascularization up to 3 months. In the 25% percentile the extent as well as the rate of revascularization is higher in those with a fibrin sealant. It is of clinical relevance that no revascularization should be expected at 3 months after surgery, which is easily demonstrated by MR follow-up.
Adolescent↗
Biokinetics of nuclear fuel compounds and biological effects of nonuniform radiation.
Environmental releases of insoluble nuclear fuel compounds may occur at nuclear power plants during normal operation, after nuclear power plant accidents, and as a consequence of nuclear weapons testing. For example, the Chernobyl fallout contained extensive amounts of pulverized nuclear fuel composed of uranium and its nonvolatile fission products. The effects of these highly radioactive particles, also called hot particles, on humans are not well known due to lack of reliable data on the extent of the exposure. However, the biokinetics and biological effects of nuclear fuel compounds have been investigated in a number of experimental studies using various cellular systems and laboratory animals. In this article, we review the biokinetic properties and effects of insoluble nuclear fuel compounds, with special reference to UO2, PuO2, and nonvolatile, long-lived beta-emitters Zr, Nb, Ru, and Ce. First, the data on hot particles, including sources, dosimetry, and human exposure are discussed. Second, the biokinetics of insoluble nuclear fuel compounds in the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory tract are reviewed. Finally, short- and long-term biological effects of nonuniform alpha- and beta-irradiation on the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, and skin are discussed.
Air Pollutants, Radioactive↗
[Aneurysmal bone cysts].
An aneurysmal bone cyst is a tumor-simulating bone lesion, the etiology of which is still unclear and probably inhomogeneous. This type of lesion is mainly observed during the second decade of life and is rarely diagnosed beyond the age of 30 years. It is characterized by hollow spaces consisting of several compartments filled with blood and partially divided by septs consisting of spindle-cell tissue with ample multinuclear giant cells and frequent reactive new bone formation. The locations of preference are the metaphyses of the long bones, the spine and flat bones; however, they can appear in every sort of bone. The radiological picture is characterized by osteolytic expansion of the bone with more or less distinct formation of trabeculae. In the CT image we can often find fluid formation; in MRT images alteration of signals can also be seen, indicating former or fresh bleeding. The primary aneurysmal bone cyst should be distinguished from its secondary counterpart; the latter one is occasionally found in giant cell tumors, chondroblastomas, chondromyxoid-fibromas, osteoblastomas, but also in osteosarcomas. When planning biopsy or therapy, this possibility should be also taken into account. The therapy of choice consists of accurate curettage and autologous or allogenous bone transplantation. To avoid recurrences, curettage should be followed by adjuvant therapy with phenol or cryotherapy. When there are extensive recurrences that can no longer be treated by the surgical method described above, embolization of the nutrient vessels may be curative.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Adolescent↗
HIV-1 cross-neutralizing antibodies in German HIV-1-infected patients do not correlate with an antibody-binding pattern against different HIV-1 isolates.
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Binding Sites, Antibody↗
Biocompatible intermittent hemodialysis.
Since intermittent hemodialysis was first used systemically during the Korean war, the mortality of acute renal failure (ARF) in critically ill patients has remained high ( > or 50%). The lack of improvement may be a result of better resuscitation techniques and intensive care management that allow more severely ill patients to survive long enough to develop ARF. The concept that those patients with ARF die with, but not of, renal failure was challenged recently by the results of three prospective randomized trials. Each tested the hypothesis that the course of ARF and the fate of critically ill patients may be affected adversely by bioincompatibility reactions due to the dialysis membrane used (activation of complement and neutrophils). Schiffl and colleagues were the first to publish a full report on the results of their investigation comparing bioincompatible cuprophane (CUP) and biocompatible acrylonitrile AN 69 (Hospal, Lyon, France) membranes in 52 patients with ARF following cardiovascular surgery. The AN 69 group had a lower death rate (38% vs. 65%, p = 0.052), a lower proportion of patients dying from Gram-negative sepsis (40% vs. 71%, p = 0.0162), and an improved recovery of renal function. A similar trial comparing the use of CUP with biocompatible polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) was performed in 72 patients with medical categories of ARF. Again, the use of a biocompatible membrane resulted in an improved survival rate (57% vs. 37%, p = 0.11) and better recovery of renal function (62% vs. 37%, p = 0.04). Of the 20 patients in each group who initially had nonoliguric ARF, the survival rates were 80% with PMMA and 40% with CUP (p = 0.01). The preliminary results of another multicenter study including 121 patients dialyzed with either bioincompatible cellulosic membranes or PMMA or polysulfone membranes seem to confirm these findings. The management of critically ill patients is sophisticated and expensive. The use of biocompatible membranes adds little to the overall costs and appears to be justified.
Acute Kidney Injury↗
The local cerebral metabolic effects of morphine in rats exposed to escapable footshock.
The 2-deoxy-D-[1-14C]glucose (2-DG) method was used to examine the effects of morphine sulfate (MS) on local cerebral metabolic rates for glucose (LCMRglu) in male F-344 rats required to turn a wheel manipulandum in order to escape from nociceptive footshock. Four groups of rats were studied: control-saline, control-MS, footshock-saline and footshock-MS. All animals were administered MS (4 mg/kg, s.c.) or saline 7 days, 3 days and 10 min prior to the start of the 2-DG experiment. In agreement with its well-known effect on the emotional component of pain, MS administered to rats exposed to footshock caused a significant decrease in LCMRglu compared to footshock-saline rats in limbic structures such as the diagonal band of Broca, lateral septum, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, horizontal limb of the diagonal band, habenular complex and medial amygdala. Additionally, two components of the midline thalamus with extensive connections with the limbic system, the paraventricular and paratenial thalamic nuclei, were similarly affected by morphine. Footshock caused an overall increase in cerebral metabolism as 52 of 73 measured structures demonstrated increases in activity compared to saline control; however, statistically significant effects in specific structures were limited. These results identify limbic and midline thalamic structures important in morphine-induced analgesia and indicate that footshock tends to have a generalized stimulatory effect on LCMRglu.
Animals↗
Chronotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid in advanced colorectal carcinoma. Results of a chronopharmacologic phase I trial.
BACKGROUND: Chronotherapy with antineoplastic drugs is a rather new strategy of reducing cytotoxic side effects. Because the circadian timing of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was reported to result in a higher efficacy and lower toxicity, the authors conducted a chronopharmacologic Phase I trial with 5-FU and folinic acid (FA). METHODS: Eight patients with advanced colorectal cancer received 5-FU (initial dose of 500 mg/m2/day) and FA (20 mg/m2/day) as a continuous intravenous infusion over 5 consecutive days. Using a portable, ambulatory drug delivery system, 75% of the daily dose of 5-FU and FA were given from Oh00-7h00, and the remaining 25% from 7h00-24h00. Treatment courses were repeated after 28 days. Dose escalations of 250 mg/m2/day of 5-FU and 10 mg/m2/day of FA per course were performed in the absence of any toxicity greater than WHO (World Health Organization) grade 2. RESULTS: Dose-limiting toxicity WHO grade 3 was observed at a dose of 750 mg/m2/day of 5-FU and 30 mg/m2/day of FA in five, and 1000 mg/m2/day of 5-FU and 40 mg/m2/day of FA in two patients, respectively. One patient tolerated 1000 mg/m2/day of 5-FU and 40 mg/m2/day of FA, but the treatment was stopped before further dose escalation because of rapid disease progression. Mucositis was the dose-limiting toxicity in seven patients and diarrhea in two. Disease stabilization occurred in three patients and disease progression in five. Compared with conventional Phase I/II trials using a 5-day infusion regimen, the maximal tolerated dose of 5-FU and FA was slightly higher but significantly lower than in a chronotherapeutic trial that used a different, sinusoidal mode of drug application. CONCLUSION: Based on these results, the authors feel justified to caution that the circadian timing of 5-FU plus FA may not always allow the safe application of high dose levels. Future Phase I/II studies need to define whether specific drug delivery systems or schedules are necessary for chronotherapy with 5-FU and FA in patients with colorectal carcinoma.
Adult↗