Primary retroperitoneal myxoid/round cell liposarcoma is a nonexisting disease: an immunohistochemical and molecular biological analysis

Almost all primary retroperitoneal liposarcomas can be classified as well-/dedifferentiated liposarcoma. Rarely, however, primary retroperitoneal liposarcoma is classified as myxoid/round cell liposarcoma, based on the presence of myxoid areas and vascular crow's feet pattern, which has resulted in a debate on the classification of liposarcoma in the retroperitoneum. Genetically, myxoid/round cell liposarcoma and well-/dedifferentiated liposarcoma are different diseases. Myxoid/round cell liposarcoma is characterized by a translocation causing FUS-CHOP or EWSR1-CHOP fusion, whereas well-/dedifferentiated liposarcoma is characterized by an amplification of the 12q13-15 region, including MDM2 and CDK4 genes. As myxoid/round cell liposarcoma is highly radio- and chemosensitive, differentiation between subtypes is important to optimize treatment. We studied whether primary retroperitoneal liposarcomas diagnosed as myxoid/round cell liposarcoma represent molecularly true myxoid/round cell liposarcoma or are histopathological mimics and represent well-/dedifferentiated liposarcoma. Primary retroperitoneal myxoid/round cell liposarcoma (n=16) were compared to primary extremity myxoid/round cell liposarcoma (n=20). Histopathological and immunohistochemical features were studied. Amplification status of the 12q13-15 region was studied using a multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification analysis, and FUS-CHOP or EWS-CHOP translocations were studied using RT-PCR. In primary retroperitoneal myxoid/round cell liposarcoma, MDM2 and CDK4 staining was both positive in 12 of 15 cases. In primary extremity myxoid/round cell liposarcoma, MDM2 was negative in 18/20 and CDK4 was negative in all cases. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification showed the amplification of 12q13-15 region in 16/16 primary retroperitoneal myxoid/round cell liposarcomas and in 1/20 primary extremity myxoid/round cell liposarcomas. Translocation was present in all (18/18) primary extremity myxoid/round cell liposarcomas, but absent in all primary retroperitoneal myxoid/round cell liposarcomas. On the basis of immunohistochemical and molecular characteristics, apparent primary retroperitoneal myxoid/round cell liposarcoma can be recognized as well-/dedifferentiated liposarcoma with morphological features mimicking myxoid/round cell liposarcoma. In these cases, treatment should probably be specifically designed as for well-/dedifferentiated liposarcoma. Moreover, finding of myxoid/round cell liposarcoma translocations in a retroperitoneal localization is highly suggestive of metastasis and should prompt search for a primary localization outside the retroperitoneum.     

醋酸锌对谷氨酸诱导的小鼠脑片即早基因过度表达的抑制作用

目的：探讨谷氨酸对脑组织即早基因表达的影响以及醋酸锌对谷氨酸诱导c-fos和c-jun过度表达的拮抗作用。方法：体外小鼠海马脑片培养；在培养基中加入200μmol/L的谷氨酸（或同时加入谷氨酸和醋酸锌），作用0.5,1,2,3h，然后进行RT-PCR实验，检测c-fos和c-jun的表达变化。结果：200μmol/L谷氨酸处理的脑片中，1-2h期间c-fos的表达升高，当谷氨酸与100μmol/L醋酸锌共同处理脑片时，1-3h期间c-fos表达基本恢复正常；200μmol/L谷氨酸作用下，脑片c-jun表达水平从0.5h起即明显升高，谷氨酸与醋酸锌共同作用时，可见c-jun基因在各检测时段表达基本接近正常。结论：谷氨酸可引起c-fos及c-jun的过度表达，锌离子可拮抗谷氨酸诱导的c-fos和c-jun过度表达作用，使二基因表达恢复正常。     

Ultraviolet irradiation of blood prevents transfusion-induced sensitization and marrow graft rejection in dogs

In a canine model using DLA-identical littermate pairs, we have shown that a regimen of three transfusions of donor blood given 24, 17, and 10 days before transplant uniformly leads to marrow graft rejection, presumably due to sensitization to minor (non-DLA) histocompatibility antigens. Untransfused dogs uniformly achieve sustained engraftment. In the present study, we investigated whether the exposure of blood to ultraviolet (UV) light (220-300 nm) prior to transfusion prevented sensitization of the recipient and allowed for successful marrow engraftment. Ten dogs were each given three pretransplant transfusions from the marrow donor. Each transfusion consisted of 50 mL of whole blood exposed in vitro to UV light for a total of 1.35 J/cm2. All ten dogs achieved engraftment. In contrast, all four dogs that had received sham-exposed transfusions rejected their grafts. In vitro studies revealed that although cell viability was not affected, leukocytes contained in UV-exposed blood were unable to function as stimulator cells in mixed leukocyte cultures or as accessory cells in mitogen- stimulated cultures. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that accessory cells are involved in transfusion-induced sensitization. We conclude that in vitro exposure of blood to UV light before transfusion prevents sensitization and allows for subsequent marrow engraftment.     

7-(4,7-二取代香豆素-3-乙酰氨基)头孢菌素的合成

本文根据构效关系,设计并合成了17个7-(4,7-二取代香豆素-3-乙酰氨基)头孢菌素衍生物。其缩合方法采用酰氯法、Vilsmeier试剂法及混合酐法。初步体外抑菌试验表明,化合物对革兰氏阳性菌和少数革兰氏阴性菌有较强的抗菌作用。进一步药理试验尚在进行。     

Modification of cAMP concentration of the human sperm by low temperature preservation and sperm preparation for in vitro fertilization of oocytes

The cryopreservation was accompanied by a significant decrease of the concentration of cAMP of human spermatozoa. The process of isolation of spermatozoa with the aim of the fertilization of oocytes hardly influenced the cAMP-concentration. Immediately following incubation of the spermatozoa in a basic capacitation medium led to an increase of the level of cAMP in spermatozoa. Significant differences were detectable comparing the concentration of cAMP after incubation in presence and absence of albumin.     

Epidemiology of pneumococcal disease in children in Germany

Recently published and as yet unpublished data allow a reasonable estimate of the annual burden of pneumococcal disease in Germany. At least 277000 episodes of otitis media and at least 2000 episodes of sinusitis occur in children under the age of 5 y. Pneumococcal meningitis was found in 200 children under the age of 16 y; the estimate for all age groups ranges from 450 to 1100 cases. Of approximately 150000 cases of ambulatory pneumococcal pneumonia, at least 63 000–105000 patients are hospitalized each year.
Conclusion: Further studies of pneumococcal epidemiology in Germany are needed, and continued surveillance will be necessary for a better understanding of the overall burden of pneumococcal disease in children as well as adults.     

Comments on reversible nonhormonal contraception in the male

The development of substances that could be employed as male contraceptives would be of worldwide importance. As yet, however, it has not proved possible to find a substance which provides reliable contraception during use, whose effects are reversible following discontinuation, and which has minimal side-effects. Furthermore, the possibility of mutagenic effects and adverse effects on libido or sexual potency must be excluded and systemic application must be possible. The drugs gossypol, alpha-chlorohydrin and hexose derivates, which are presented in detail in this article, partly fulfil these requirements but are still a long way from representing an ideal compound for use as a male contraceptive. However, studies of these drugs may indicate ways of achieving the ultimate goal. The drugs showed interesting properties, which suggest that they may be used for purposes other than male contraception.     

Theoretical and methodological considerations in the measurement of spasticity

Purpose: To discuss the measurement of spasticity in the clinical and research environments, make recommendations based on the SPASM reviews of biomechanical, neurophysiological and clinical methods of measuring spasticity and indicate future developments of measurement tools. Method: Using the results of the systematic reviews of the biomechanical, neurophysiological and clinical approaches, methods were evaluated across three dimensions: (1) validity, reliability and sensitivity to change; (2) practical quality such as ease of use and (3) qualities specific to the measurement of spasticity, for example ability to be applied to different muscle groups. Methods were considered in terms of applicability to research and clinical applications. Results: A hierarchy of measurement approaches was identified from highly controlled and more objective (but unrelated to function) to ecologically valid, but less objective and subject to contamination from other variables. The lack of a precise definition of spasticity may account for the problem of developing a valid, reliable and sensitive method of measurement. The reviews have identified that some tests measure spasticity per se, some phenomena associated with spasticity or consequential to it and others the effect of spasticity on activity and participation and independence. Conclusions: Methods appropriate for use in research, particularly into the mechanism of spasticity did not satisfy the needs of the clinician and the need for an objective but clinically applicable tool was identified. A clinical assessment may need to generate more than one 'value' and should include evaluation of other components of the upper motor neurone syndrome. There is therefore a need for standardized protocols for 'best practice' in application of spasticity measurement tools and scales.