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Abstract Background--Blood transfusion has been recognised as a risk factor for the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) or chronic lung disease (CLD) in preterm infants, but the precise mechanism [...]

A 56-yr-old man was admitted to our university hospital for severe back pain one month after a resection for lung adenocarcinoma (stage IIIA) without evidence of the adrenal mass. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen showed bilateral bleeding of adrenal tumors. Endocrinological laboratory studies showed high plasma ACTH and normal serum cortisol levels with the loss of circadian rhythm. Although plasma ACTH levels increased, there was no cortisol response to administration of human corticotropichormone (hCRH). Core-needle biopsy was performed on the right adrenal tumor and revealed adenocarcinoma cells mimicking a primary lung tumor previously examined. We diagnosed retroperitoneal hemorrhage due to bilateral adrenal gland metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma with adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal metastases most commonly originate from a primary lung tumor, followed by stomach, esophagus and liver/bile ducts. Bilateral adrenal metastases were noted in approximately half of all adrenal metastases patients. Clinically significant adrenal hemorrhage by metastasis is exceedingly rare and non-specific symptoms, such as abdominal, chest or back pain, nausea and vomiting, confusion, weakness, hypotension, shock and high fever, are often observed in these patients. We present a case of massive retroperitoneal hemorrhage and adrenal insufficiency due to adrenal gland metastasis from adenocarcinoma of lung.

Fascin, a 55-kDa actin-bundling protein, and a-smooth muscle actin (ASMA) were immunohistochemically examined in murine normal and stimulated lymph nodes. In specific pathogen-free young female mice, a few fascin-positive cells (FPCs) were located in the sinus and surrounding tissues, but ASMA-positive cells were undetectable. Following a subcutaneous injection of sheep red blood cells, the numbers of FPCs and their dendrites increased in the paracortex, with the accumulation of activated lymphocytes. Fibroblastic reticulum cells (FRCs), endothelial cells, histiocytic cells and lymphocytes in various stages of maturation were all fascin negative. These results indicated that fascin could be a reliable marker of paracortical dendritic cells in murine lymph nodes. However, FRCs became ASMA positive. Immunoelectron microscopy showed that the FPCs were interdigitating cells and that they closely contacted with FRCs. These two types of cells and reticular fiber formed a network in the paracortex and contacted with each other. In active paracortical response, both FPCs and FRCs are also stimulated and might play a significant role in the maturation of the lymphocytes.

Two cases of bilateral radiation pneumonitis associated with unilateral thoracic irradiation against lung cancer are described. Both patients died of respiratory failure and autopsy was performed. Histologically, bilateral diffuse alveolar damage was demonstrated in both cases, associated with marked organization of hyaline membrane in one case (case 1). In addition, numerous hyperplastic type II pneumocytes which strongly expressed cytokeratins 8, 18 and 19 were observed. In both patients' sera, antibodies against cytokeratin 8, 18 and 19 were demonstrated by a Western immunoblot. The possible association between autoantibodies to cytokeratins and diffuse alveolar damage observed in patients with bilateral radiation pneumonitis are discussed. Copyright 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd

AimsTo investigate the role of CD34 positive stromal cells, namely dendritic interstitial cells, in the desmoplastic stroma formation of malignant epithelial neoplasms the distribution of CD34 positive stromal cells was examined in human colorectal adenocarcinomas, peritumoral inflammatory tissue, and normal tissue.MethodsForty one surgically resected human colorectal adenocarcinomas and their corresponding peritumoral inflammatory and normal tissues were examined. To distinguish CD34 positive stromal cells from vascular endothelial cells, immunostaining for both CD34 and CD31 was performed. The distribution of myofibroblasts was also analysed immunohistochemically, and double staining with CD34 and α smooth muscle actin (ASMA) was performed.ResultsMost of the stromal cells in the normal colorectal submucosa, muscularis propria, subserosa, and perirectal tissue were positive for CD34. In contrast, the peritumoral inflammatory tissue and the tumour stroma had no CD34 positive stromal cells. The distribution of myofibroblasts was almost the same as in the aforementioned series. No stromal cells double positive for CD34 and ASMA were detected in the peritumoral inflammatory tissues.ConclusionsMost stromal fibroblasts are CD34 positive stromal cells (dendritic interstitial cells). In colorectal adenocarcinomas, a lack of CD34 expression in stromal cells is associated with desmoplastic reaction.

Localization of the sex-determining region Y (SRY) was investigated in 2 XX males. Metaphase chromosomes from peripheral lymphocytes were stained by fluorescence in situ hybridization using DXZ1 and SRY probes. An identical hybridization signal with the SRY probe was found on an X chromosome in both cases. The karyotype of the 2 cases was 46,XX, t(X;Y)(p22.3;p11.3). It would appear that XX male is the presence of a Y-chromosome fragment transferred to the X-chromosome short arm by unequal interchange between homologous regions in the short arms of sex chromosomes.

Abstract: Immune response to liver allografts may be different from that to other organ transplants since immunological manipulation easily attenuates immune-response to liver allografts. Numerous studies on the alloantigen-specific immune response have been carried out, however, the precise mechanisms involved in this attenuation are not clear yet. Here we suggest the attenuation of alloantigen-specific immune response by TGF-β1 derived from biliary epithelial cells. The transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) expression in rat liver was examined immunohistologically. Rat biliary epithelial cells (BEC) were purified from the perfused liver and added to allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction (allo-MLR) to assess their attenuating potential on allo-MLR and alloantigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (allo-CTL) induction. Immunohistological investigation revealed the expression of TGF-β1 in biliary epithelial cells. Both purified biliary epithelial cells and TGF-β1 attenuated allo-MLR and allo-CTL induction in a dose-dependent manner, and anti-TGF-β1 antibody partially relieved this attenuation. This study reveals that biliary epithelial cells, the major target cells of allo-antigen specific immune response, contain TGF-β1 and that they have a capacity to attenuate allo-MLR and allo-CTL induction.

Many researchers have discussed fecundity on a per patient or per ovarian follicle basis. In contrast, this study was undertaken on a per ovary basis, and tests the hypothesis that there is a relationship between the fecundity of the bilateral ovaries in an individual patient and the incidence of apoptotic granulosa cells. The two ovaries of 10 women undergoing ovulation induction for in-vitro fertilization (IVF) with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa) and gonadotrophins were compared. There was no difference in apoptotic index in granulosa cells and various hormones in the follicular fluids. Our results indicate that, in the ovulation induction protocol for IVF, GnRHa and gonadotrophins, there is no predisposition of one ovary over the other in an individual patient in terms of apoptosis at the time of aspiration, even though the number of oocytes in each ovary is different, because the number of oocytes retrieved may reveal ovarian fecundity before stimulation with GnRHa + human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG).

Results for low temperature specific heat for single crystals of ladder/chain materials Sr14−xCaxCu24O41(x= 0, 8, 10, 11.5) in magnetic field up to ∼15 T are reported. A sharp peak of the specific heat of a single crystal Sr2.5Ca11.5Cu24O41, was found at ∼2.3 K, clearly indicating the onset of a long range order. In measurements of the specific heat in magnetic fields the transition temperature, TN, was found to shift to lower temperatures with increasing magnetic field, indicating that the ordering is antiferromagnetic, which has been confirmed by neutron scattering measurements. With decreasing x TNrapidly shifts to lower temperatures. For x=10 TNdecreases to ∼1 K and for x= 0 no anomaly indicating the transition was found down to ∼0.6K

The preparation of copper(II) formate cathodes, their discharge in magnesium seawater cells, and the discharge reactions are described. This soluble active material could be discharged at high voltages (1.4-1.0 V) with high efficiencies (80–95%) in magnesium cells, when polystyrene solutions were used as the binder to make the cathode plates. For single cells energy densities in the range 70–120 Whkg-1 (based on the dry state) were obtained. The Cu(HCOO)2/Mg cell would meet many applications at low or moderate discharge rates as a substitute for the AgCl/Mg cell.

A positive electrode containing 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-p-quinone (DDQ) as the cathode active material was discharged in a magnesium seawater cell at room temperature. Analysis of the dissolved species of DDQ in water and potential sweep voltammetry studies were also carried out. The open circuit voltage of the DDQ-Mg cell was as high as 2.2 V and the single cell could be discharged at current densities greater than 50 mA cm-2. However, the current efficiencies for the DDQ cathodes in a three-cell immersion-type battery were not high enough for high drain applications, probably due to a high leak current through the common electrolyte.

The addition of elemental sulphur to the copper compound cathode active materials increases the voltage by 0.2–0.4 V, depending on the valency of copper and the reactivity between elemental sulphur and the compound used when discharged in neutral or acidic electrolytes. The voltage increase mechanisms were discussed on the basis of the discharge behaviour, voltammetric studies and the analysis of discharge products.

The effective conductivities of an FeS positive electrode in an Li-Al/FeS cell were determined for different states of charge and discharge in LiCl-KCl eutectic electrolyte at 450° C. The data obtained experimentally were compared with those obtained in 67.4 mol% LiCl-KCl electrolyte and theoretically predicted profiles. The electrode resistance profiles indicate that precipitation of KC1, in addition to formation of Li2S, in the positive electrode causes high internal resistance and limits the discharge capacity.

TheP-T phase diagrams of the liquid-solid phase transition of3He in three porous glasses with different pore sizes have been determined from spin-lattice relaxation measurements in the temperature range 0.5–4.2 K. The onset of solidification of3He in the pores occurs at excess pressure over the bulk phase transition. The excess pressure depends on the pore size. A model of the phase transition in small pores which takes into account the contribution of the surface energy to the free energy is described and compared with experimental results. TheT1 relaxation mechanism of3He in the pores is found to be due to the surface relaxation when3He is in the liquid phase and due to the relaxation of bulk solid3He when it is in the solid phase.

Cells with cupric oxalate cathodes bonded with polystyrene and magnesium alloy AZ61 anodes were discharged at room temperature. The cathode current efficiency was approximately 75% to a 0.8 V cut-off at an apparent current density of 10 mA cm-2. Cells with sulphur-cupric oxalate cathodes showed discharge performance at higher voltages with higher efficiences than those without sulphur. The use of different oxalate samples appeared to result in no significant difference in performance. The samples were either obtained commercially or prepared by precipitation. The cathodic behaviour of cupric oxalate was also investigated by potential sweep voltammetry with a slow sweep rate. In sodium chloride solutions a double peak was obtained on the voltammogram. When the stoichiometric quantity of sulphur was added to the cupric oxalate active material, it gave a main and two smaller peaks. The possible reactions are discussed.

With the advent of assisted reproductive technology, pregnancy has become possible without sperm. The nucleus of the round spermatid, which contains a complete haploid set of chromosomes, can be used as a substitute for spermatozoa in animals and humans. In the mouse, round spermatids from surgically induced cryptorchid and prepubertal testes can fertilize normally and develop into normal offspring. The spermatid nucleus develops into a large pronucleus only when the oocyte is activated by artificial means, such as electrostimulation and oscillogen injection. Nuclei of mouse primary spermatocyte have been injected into oocytes and found to undergo meiosis, form an embryo and produce live young. Intracytoplasmic injection of male immature germ cells may become available as a treatment for patients with azoospermia due to maturation arrest.

Abstract:  Collagenofibrotic glomerulonephropathy is a new disease entity of unknown pathogenesis, which is characterized by the deposition of type III collagen within the mesangial matrix. We have investigated a case in which many mesangial cells in the type III collagen-deposited glomeruli were α-smooth muscle actin (ASMA) positive and showed an increase of subplasmalemmal filaments, indicating the activation and myofibroblastic transformation. It is suggested that the activated mesangial cells may synthesize the type III collagen deposited in the subendothelial space and mesangial matrix.

Changes in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in fertilized mouse oocytes were measured using the calcium-sensitive dye, fura-2. After fertilization, an initial long-lasting [Ca2+]iincrease was followed by a periodic [Ca2+]iincrease. The periodic increase in [Ca2+]ipersisted for 1 to 3 h and all fertilized oocytes extruded the second polar body within 4 h. The mean interval of periodic [Ca2+]iincrease was 470 ± 180 s (mean ± sd). The frequency of the periodic [Ca2+]iincrease depended on the extracellular calcium concentration. Verapamil and nifedipine inhibited the periodic [Ca2+]iincrease. Sixty-five per cent of tested cells extruded the second polar body within 90 min of exposure to 7% ethanol. In these activated oocytes, the long-lasting [Ca2+]iincrease was observed. However, no cells showed a repetitive increase in [Ca2+]iBoth release of calcium from intracellular stores and influx of extracellular calcium contribute to the increase in [Ca2+]iinduced by ethanol. We conclude that the extrusion of the second polar body requires an increase in [Ca2+]iabove a certain threshold level and the mobilization of calcium of both the intracellular and extracellular space in mouse oocytes.

Based on our recent phase separation curve of3He-4He solution at elevated pressures, we propose new3He-3He quasiparticle interaction potentials, which reproduce the existing experimental results pretty well except for3He effective mass under pressure.

The discharge curves of a magnesium-silver chloride seawater activated cell at different pressures were measured to examine the performance at great ocean depths. The e.m.f. measurements at increasing pressures were also carried out in order to understand the small differences in the discharge behaviour under different pressures and to get some information on the dissolution kinetics of magnesium in chloride solutions. The performance is shown at atmospheric pressure and at increased pressure and there is virtually no change in output power. It is found that Mg AZ61 is a better choice than Mg AZ31 at high pressures because of the nature of the sludge it forms. Partial molal volume changes for the magnesium oxidation reaction obtained with pure magnesium and its alloys (AZ31 and AZ61) in 0.5 M NaCl are presented and discussed.

To determine the best equilibration time in the cryoprotectant before rapid cooling, 8-cell mouse embryos were exposed to a vitrification solution containing ethylene glycol, Ficoll and trehalose in modified phosphate-buffered saline at 5 degrees C for varying periods of time. They were frozen using an ultra rapid freezing method, thawed in a 20 degrees C water bath and cultured for 24 h with 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine. Embryo development and the number of sister chromatid exchanges, a sensitive indicator of genetic damage, were observed. The results demonstrated that embryo development after freezing and thawing was similar among the groups exposed for periods of 5-40 min. However, the number of sister chromatid exchanges was significantly smaller in the group exposed for 5 min, indicating that this was the safest equilibration time in the vitrification solution.

A gas Chromatographic method for the determination of estrone, estradiol and estriol in plasma of normal females is described. Purification is done by means of TLC of the free compounds and the acetates and quantitation is achieved by electron capture-gas chromatography of the estrogen heptafluorobutyrates. Experiments on the validation of the method are described along with some examples of its application. Eine gaschromatographische Methode zur Bestimmung von Östron, Östradiol und Östriol im normalen weiblichen Plasma wurde beschrieben. Die Reinigung erfolgte durch Dünnschichtchromatographie der freien Verbindungen und ihrer Acetate. Die quantitative Bestimmung wurde gaschromatographisch mit Hilfe eines Elektroneneinfangdetektors an Hand der Östrogenheptafluorobutyrate bewerkstelligt. Versuche zur Bewertung dieser Methode sowie Beispiele für ihre Anwendung wurden beschrieben.

In normal cyclic female rats, an injection of 16 mg CuSO4/kg induces pseudopregnancy (as determined by uterine traumatization) when given on the day of oestrus, or on the following day. Pentobarbital anaesthesia did not inhibit this effect of CuSO4. Pseudopregnancy, as determined by inhibition of the induction of vaginal cornification by exogenous oestrogen, was also induced by CuSO4in anovulatory females, provided the injection was given from 6 hr before, to 24 hr after injection of human chorionic gonadotrophin. The latter was necessary since CuSO4did not induce ovulation in forty experimentally produced anovulatory rats. Cupric sulphate injected on the day of vaginal pro-oestrus in normal females did not alter the incidence of spontaneous ovulation nor the number of ova shed. These data suggest an effect of copper ion in the rat on luteal regulatory mechanisms rather than on ovulatory mechanisms; the site of action cannot, however, be specified.

AIMS:To investigate the role of CD34 positive stromal cells, namely dendritic interstitial cells, in gastric carcinomas, the distribution of CD34 positive stromal cells in gastric adenocarcinomas (GCs), with special reference to two histological types (diffuse (D-type) and intestinal (I-type)), was examined. METHODS:In total, 55 surgically resected GCs (15 D-type and 40 I-type) and their normal tissues were examined. To distinguish CD34 positive stromal cells from vascular endothelial cells and to recognise the tumour border, immunostaining for CD34, CD31, and low molecular weight cytokeratins was performed. RESULTS:In the 15 D-type GCs, eight of the nine D-type GCs invading the muscularis propria and subserosa had a large number of CD34 positive stromal cells in the tumour stroma, whereas all six D-type GCs confined to the submucosa had no CD34 positive stromal cells in the tumour stroma. All of the 40 I-type GCs had no CD34 positive stromal cells, regardless of tumour depth. CONCLUSIONS:These results suggest that CD34 expression in stromal cells is associated with progression of D-type GCs, and that absence of expression is also seen in I-type GCs that are progressing.

The concentration of estrone, estradiol, and estriol in ß-glucuronidase and sulfatase treated plasma and of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in serum from blood collected daily throughout a substantial portion of a normal menstrual cycle have been determined. The patterns found are compatible with the cyclical changes expected on the basis of earlier studies of LH and FSH in serum, urinary estrogens, and unconjugated estrogens in plasma, with the midcycle peak of estradiol preceding those of the gonadotropins.

Effective conductivities of porous negative electrodes containing Li-Al or Al as the initial active material were experimentally determined at 450° C for different states of discharge by means of an a.c. impedance bridge. When a negative electrode having a theoretical loading density of 0.83 Ah cm-3 was discharged, the effective conductivity decreased from approximately 20 to 5 ohm-1 cm-1. This decline in the effective conductivity is attributed to the decrease in the volume fraction of conductive materials (Li-Al and Al) in the electrode. A theoretical calculation shows that the total volume fraction of conductive Li-Al and Al governs the resistance behaviour of the negative electrode because of little effect of change in the pore electrolyte conductivity and of low volume fraction of the solid salt precipitated.

Poly(quaterthienyl ethylene) and poly(alkyl-substituted quaterthienyl ethylene) containing quaterthiophene unit in the main chains were synthesized by electrochemical polymerization of 1,2-bis(2,2' -bithiophene-5-yl)ethane and its derivative, respectively. The obtained green films had considerable conductivities, ca. 2×10 S cm, in oxidized states. IR spectra of the neutral films indicated the formation of predominantly linear, α-α' linked, chains during polymerization.