(32)P measurment of urine samples and internal dose assessment for radiation workers in life science laboratories

(32)P measurements of urine samples and internal dose assessments were conducted for workers in life science laboratories. A procedure for sample pre-treatment was established and validation was performed to exclude interference and to detect (32)P levels accurately. The detection conditions for Cherenkov radiation were evaluated and the accuracy of Cherenkov radiation measurements validated. The analytical and measurement procedures were applied to urine samples collected from 11 workers from life sciences laboratories. The results of the measurements generally indicated very low background radiation levels, but daily urine samples from two workers were above the minimum detectable activity. The (32)P concentrations for two of the workers were 29.3  ±  10.4 Bq•d(-1) and 24.1  ±  11.8 Bq•d(-1), respectively, at intake levels of 4.12 kBq and 2.61 kBq. The effective doses for these two workers were 4.6 μSv and 2.9 μSv. Overall, the results indicate very low levels of radioactivity, except for cases related to specific working conditions.

Mass spectrometry-based metabolite profiling in the mouse liver following exposure to ultraviolet B radiation

Although many studies have been performed on the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the skin, only a limited number of reports have investigated these effects on non-skin tissue. This study aimed to describe the metabolite changes in the liver of hairless mice following chronic exposure to UVB radiation. We did not observe significant macroscopic changes or alterations in hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the liver of UVB-irradiated mice, compared with those for normal mice. In this study, we detected hepatic metabolite changes by UVB exposure and identified several amino acids, fatty acids, nucleosides, carbohydrates, phospholipids, lysophospholipids, and taurine-conjugated cholic acids as candidate biomarkers in response to UVB radiation in the mouse liver by using various mass spectrometry (MS)-based metabolite profiling including ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight (TOF)-MS, gas chromatography-TOF-MS and nanomate LTQ-MS. Glutamine exhibited the most dramatic change with a 5-fold increase in quantity. The results from altering several types of metabolites suggest that chronic UVB irradiation may impact significantly on major hepatic metabolism processes, despite the fact that the liver is not directly exposed to UVB radiation. MS-based metabolomic approach for determining regulatory hepatic metabolites following UV irradiation will provide a better understanding of the relationship between internal organs and UV light.

Development of inorganic and organic hybrid nanocoating based on carbon nanotubes for corrosion resistance

In this study, we report the synthesis and characterization of novel hybrid nanocoating based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on anodized aluminum surfaces (AAO). The hybrid nanocoating was deposited by number of methods which include spray coating, spin coating and dip coating. The bonding of nanocoating with metal surface is an important parameter for successful modification of the metal surfaces. The improved adhesion of nanocoating on metal surfaces could be attributed to chemical bonding of sol-gel nanocoating with anodized surfaces. The nanocoated anodized aluminum surfaces showed superior adhesion and excellent anticorrosive properties. The nanocoated panels showed enhanced galvanic protection comparable to 80% of titanium metal as determined by galvanic corrosion measurements. It also showed higher thermal conductivities than stainless steel and bare anodized surfaces.

Effects of Defaunation on Fermentation Characteristics and Methane Production by Rumen Microbes In vitro When Incubated with Starchy Feed Sources

An in vitro experiment was conducted to examine the effects of defaunation (removal of protozoa) on ruminal fermentation characteristics, CH₄ production and degradation by rumen microbes when incubated with cereal grains (corn, wheat and rye). Sodium lauryl sulfate as a defaunation reagent was added into the culture solution at a concentration of 0.000375 g/ml, and incubated anaerobically for up to 12 h at 39°C. Following defaunation, live protozoa in the culture solution were rarely observed by microscopic examination. A difference in pH was found among grains regardless of defaunation at all incubation times (p<0.01 to 0.001). Defaunation significantly decreased pH at 12 h (p<0.05) when rumen fluid was incubated with grains. Ammonia-N concentration was increased by defaunation for all grains at 6 h (p<0.05) and 12 h (p<0.05) incubation times. Total VFA concentration was increased by defaunation at 6 h (p<0.05) and 12 h (p<0.01) for all grains. Meanwhile, defaunation decreased acetate and butyrate proportions at 6 h (p<0.05, p<0.01) and 12 h (p<0.01, p<0.001), but increased the propionate proportion at 3 h, 6 h and 12 h incubation (p<0.01 to 0.001) for all grains. Defaunation increased in vitro effective degradability of DM (p<0.05). Production of total gas and CO₂ was decreased by defaunation for all grains at 1 h (p<0.05, p<0.05) and then increased at 6 h (p<0.05, p<0.05) and 12 h (p<0.05, p<0.05). CH₄ production was higher from faunation than from defaunation at all incubation times (p<0.05).

Ultrafast 3D spin-echo acquisition improves Gadolinium-enhanced MRI signal contrast enhancement

Long scan times of 3D volumetric MR acquisitions usually necessitate ultrafast in vivo gradient-echo acquisitions, which are intrinsically susceptible to magnetic field inhomogeneities. This is especially problematic for contrast-enhanced (CE)-MRI applications, where non-negligible T₂* effect of contrast agent deteriorates the positive signal contrast and limits the available range of MR acquisition parameters and injection doses. To overcome these shortcomings without degrading temporal resolution, ultrafast spin-echo acquisitions were implemented. Specifically, a multiplicative acceleration factor from multiple spin echoes (×32) and compressed sensing (CS) sampling (×8) allowed highly-accelerated 3D Multiple-Modulation-Multiple-Echo (MMME) acquisition. At the same time, the CE-MRI of kidney with Gd-DOTA showed significantly improved signal enhancement for CS-MMME acquisitions (×7) over that of corresponding FLASH acquisitions (×2). Increased positive contrast enhancement and highly accelerated acquisition of extended volume with reduced RF irradiations will be beneficial for oncological and nephrological applications, in which the accurate in vivo 3D quantification of contrast agent concentration is necessary with high temporal resolution.

Band offsets in YSZ/InGaZnO4 heterostructure system

The energy discontinuity in the valence band (deltaE(v)) of Y2O3-stabilized ZrO2 (YSZ)/InGaZnO4 (IGZO) heterostructures was obtained from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. The YSZ exhibited a bandgap of 4.4 eV from absorption measurements. A value of deltaE(v) = 0.57 +/- 0.12 eV was obtained by using Ga 2P3/2, Zn 2p3/2 and In 3d5/2 energy levels as references. This implies a conduction band offset (deltaE(c)) of 0.63 eV in YSZ/InGaZnO4 heterostructures and a nested interface band alignment.

Acute calcium deposits in the hand and wrist; comparison of acute calcium peritendinitis and acute calcium periarthritis

Acute calcium deposits are characterized by acute pain and a radiographic finding of amorphous calcification. A prospective, observational study was carried out on 30 consecutive patients undergoing conservative treatment for acute calcium deposits of the hand and wrist. Thirteen patients presented with acute calcific peritendinitis (Group A), and the other 17 with acute calcific periarthritis (Group B). All patients were followed for more than 12 months (mean 29 months). The average age at onset and recurrence rate of acute calcific peritendinitis were both significantly greater than for acute calcific periarthritis.

The novel miR-9500 regulates the proliferation and migration of human lung cancer cells by targeting Akt1

MicroRNAs have crucial roles in lung cancer cell development. They regulate cell growth, proliferation and migration by mediating the expression of tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes. We identified and characterized the novel miR-9500 in human lung cancer cells. The miR-9500 forms a stem-loop structure and is conserved in other mammals. The expression levels of miR-9500 were reduced in lung cancer cells and lung cancer tissues compared with normal tissues, as verified by TaqMan miRNA assays. It was confirmed that the putative target gene, Akt1, was directly suppressed by miR-9500, as demonstrated by a luciferase reporter assay. The miR-9500 significantly repressed the protein expression levels of Akt1, as demonstrated via western blot, but did not affect the corresponding mRNA levels. Akt1 has an important role in lung carcinogenesis, and depletion of Akt1 has been shown to have antiproliferative and anti-migratory effects in previous studies. In the current study, the overexpression of miR-9500 inhibited cell proliferation and the expression of cell cycle-related proteins. Likewise, the overexpression of miR-9500 impeded cell migration in human lung cancer cells. In an in vivo assay, miR-9500 significantly suppressed Fluc expression compared with NC and ASO-miR-9500, suggesting that cell proliferation was inhibited in nude mice. Likewise, miR-9500 repressed tumorigenesis and metastasis by targeting Akt1. These data indicate that miR-9500 might be applicable for lung cancer therapy.

Multidetector CT imaging features of solid pseudopapillary tumours of the pancreas in male patients: distinctive imaging features with female patients

OBJECTIVE

To describe multidetector CT imaging features of solid pseudopapillary tumours (SPTs) in male patients and to compare these imaging features with those found in female patients.

METHODS

The institutional review board approved this retrospective study. We included the CT images of 72 patients (M:F = 12:60; mean age, 35.0 years) diagnosed with SPT by histology. CT images were reviewed on the following: location of the tumour, maximal diameter, shape, margin and the fraction of the tumour composition. Statistical differences in CT imaging features were analysed.

RESULTS

Male patients with SPTs were significantly older than female patients (42.4 years vs 33.4 years, p = 0.0408) and the mean size of the SPTs in male patients was larger (6.3 cm vs 4.6 cm, p = 0.0413) than that of SPTs in female patients. Lobulated shape of the SPTs was most frequent in male patients, whereas oval shape was most frequent in female patients (p = 0.0133). SPTs in male patients tended to have a solid component (p = 0.0434). Progressive enhancement in the solid portion of the tumour was seen in 9 (81.8%) of 11 SPTs in male patients and in 30 (79.0%) of 38 SPTs in female patients on multiphasic CT.

CONCLUSION

The imaging features of SPTs in male patients usually appeared as a somewhat large-sized solid mass with a lobulated margin and progressive enhancement. These imaging features may help to differentiate SPTs from other pancreatic tumours for their proper management.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

SPTs in male patients appear as somewhat large-sized solid masses with lobulated margins, and this form occurs more frequently in older male patients than in female patients.

The outcome and efficacy of recanalization in patients with acute internal carotid artery occlusion

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Acute occlusion of the ICA is often associated with poor outcomes and severe neurologic deficits. This study was conducted to evaluate outcome of the occluded ICA and efficacy of recanalization under protective flow arrest.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty consecutive patients who underwent endovascular treatment for acute ICA occlusion were identified from the prospectively collected data base. We assessed NIHSSo, occlusion type (cardioembolism vs atherosclerosis), occlusion level (supraclinoid-terminal, petrocavernous, or bulb-cervical), recanalization degree (TICI), and efficacy of recanalization (protective flow arrest vs nonprotection) leading to better outcome.

RESULTS

Successful recanalization (TICI ≥ 2) was obtained in 90% of patients and good recovery (mRS ≤ 2) in 60% of patients. Good outcome was related to National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score on admission (P < .001), TICI (P < .007), occlusion type (P = .022), and occlusion level (P = .038). Poor initial patient status, less recanalization, cardioembolism, and supraclinoid-terminal occlusion were associated with poor prognosis. Application of protective flow arrest led to better outcome in the distal ICA segment than in the bulb-cervical segment.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to the initial patient status and successful recanalization, the occlusion level or type of the occluded ICA could affect clinical outcome. In this study, treatment benefits of protective flow arrest were accentuated in patients with ICA occlusion above the bulb-cervical segment.

Comparison of polyvinyl alcohol coated nasal packing with non-absorbable nasal packing

BACKGROUND

A number of different nasal packing materials are available for prevention of nasal bleeding after endoscopic sinus surgery. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) coated nasal packing is an expandable packing for use in rhinological surgery. This innovative surf- ace treatment helps to reduce the possibility of adherence to tissue and of blood clotting within the sponge. The present study investigated the effects of PVA coated packing and non-absorbable packing with respect to pain, healing site and postoperative bleeding following endoscopic sinus surgery.

METHODOLOGY

Patients between 18-80 years of age undergoing sinus surgery were enrolled. Each patient`s ethmoid cavities were randomised to receive PVA coated packing material or the standard non-absorbable sinus packs. The remaining nasal packing material was removed on the 2nd day in the clinic. We determined visual analog scale score, bleeding time and wound healing status. A single rhinologist graded postoperative endoscopic appearance. Length of follow-up was 3 months.

RESULTS

Thirty three patients were recruited. There was a significant difference in the bleeding time between the two groups, but pain and wound healing were not significantly different between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

PVA-coated nasal packing presents comparable characteristics with traditional nasal packing.

Combination therapy consisting of ethanol and radiofrequency ablation for predominantly cystic thyroid nodules

SUMMARY

Predominantly cystic thyroid nodules are often aspirated before radiofrequency ablation to enhance its efficacy; however internal bleeding during the aspiration is a problem. We evaluated the feasibility and safety of ethanol ablation to control internal bleeding that occurred during preparatory aspiration. Between September 2010 and August 2011, 11 of 40 predominantly cystic nodules bled internally during fluid aspiration before radiofrequency ablation. To control the bleeding, 99% ethanol was injected. The efficacy of ethanol in controlling bleeding, final nodule volume and complications were assessed. Control of the bleeding by ethanol ablation and subsequent radiofrequency ablation was feasible in all patients. Ninety-one percent (10/11) could be treated in 1 session. The mean nodule volume dropped from 17.1 to 4.3 mL (P < .018). There were no major complications. Ethanol ablation and radiofrequency ablation combination therapy is a feasible and safe technique for treating predominantly cystic thyroid nodules that exhibit internal bleeding during preparatory aspiration.

The role of physiological markers of health in the association between demographic factors and periodontal disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Age is highly related to oral health status. The higher prevalence of oral disease within subgroups of the population may reflect a tendency towards "early aging" and dysregulation of multiple physiological systems. This study examines whether the association between periodontal disease and demographic factors is mediated by physiological measures of health.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Logistic regression was used to examine whether biomarkers and demographic factors, such as socio-economic status (SES) and race/ethnicity, were associated with periodontal disease, and then whether the strength of these relationships could be attributed to associations between demographic variables and physiological measures of systemic health.

RESULTS

Periodontal disease was associated with measures of SES and race/ethnicity. Furthermore, 1-unit increases in cytomegalovirus (CMV), optical density, C-reactive protein (CRP) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were associated with a 25% [odds ratio (OR) = 1.25; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14-1.36], 13% (OR = 1.13; 95% CI = 1.03-1.24) and 19% (OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.12-1.27) increased likelihood of periodontal disease, respectively. However, when biomarkers and socio-demographic variables were both included in the model, their associations with periodontal disease were significantly reduced or eliminated.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of periodontal disease is higher among black and/or low-income individuals; however, these associations appear to be partly due to the greater probability of elevated levels of CRP, CMV or HbA1c among these groups.

Minimal clinically important differences in the Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire after carpal tunnel release

Minimal clinically important difference is the smallest difference in the score of an outcome instrument that patients perceive as important. A prospective observational study was conducted involving 66 consecutive patients undergoing limited open carpal tunnel release. Patients completed the Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (CTQ) before surgery and 3 months post-surgery. A transition item for patient satisfaction after 3 months of surgery was used as an anchor. Receiver operator characteristic curves were used to determine the minimal clinically important differences for the CTQ and its two subscales that best separated satisfied and unsatisfied patients. A 0.92 point change in the CTQ, a 1.14 point change in the symptom subscale, and a 0.74 point change in the function subscale indicated a clinically relevant threshold of satisfaction, and those values were greater than what could be accounted for by measurement errors.

Comparison of erythrocyte membrane fatty acid contents in renal transplant recipients and dialysis patients

BACKGROUND

Alterations of erythrocyte membrane fatty acid (FA) composition play important roles in cellular function because they change the membrane microenvironment, including transmembrane receptors. The erythrocyte membrane oleic acid content is higher among patients with acute coronary syndrome and also in dialysis patients. However, available data are limited concerning erythrocyte membrane FA content in kidney transplant recipients (KTP). We sought to test the hypothesis that erythrocyte membrane FA content among KTP were different from those in dialysis patients.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 35 hemodialysis, 33 peritoneal dialysis 49 KTP, and 33 normal control subjects (CTL). Their erythrocyte membrane FA content were measured by gas chromatography.

RESULTS

The mean ages of the enrolled dialysis patients, KTP, and CTL were 56.4 ± 10.1, 48.9 ± 10.4, and 49.5 ± 8.3 years, respectively. Mean kidney transplant duration was 89.8 ± 64.8 months and mean dialysis duration, 49.0 ± 32.6 months. The intakes of vegetable lipid and vegetable protein including total calories were significantly increased among KTP versus dialysis patients. Total cholesterol (P < .001) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL; P < .001) levels were significantly higher and C-reactive protein was significantly lower among KTP compared with dialysis patients. The erythrocyte membrane content of palmitoleic acid (P < .001) was significantly higher but oleic acid (P < .001) significantly lower in KTP compared with dialysis patients. The erythrocyte membrane contents of arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were significantly higher, and linoleic acid and the omega-6 FA to omega-3 FA ratio (P < .001) significantly lower in KTP compared with dialysis patients. The erythrocyte membrane content of oleic acid was independently associated with monounsaturated fatty acid (beta = 0.771, P < .001), eicosapentaeonic acid (beta = -0.244, P = .010), and HDL (beta = -0.139, P = .049) in KTP.

CONCLUSIONS

FA contents of erythrocyte membranes were significantly different in KTP compared with dialysis patients. These differences may have been associated with improved dietary intake and immunosuppression after kidney transplantation.

Combined carbamazepine and pregabalin therapy in a rat model of neuropathic pain

BACKGROUND

Carbamazepine and pregabalin have proven effects against neuropathic pain. Carbamazepine blocks voltage-dependent Na(+) channels, whereas pregabalin blocks voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels. The authors hypothesized that the co-administration of these drugs would synergistically reduce neuropathic pain.

METHODS

Neuropathic pain was induced by L5 nerve ligation in Sprague-Dawley rats. To determine their ED(50) values, carbamazepine and pregabalin were orally administered at 0.3, 3, 10, or 30 mg kg(-1). The drugs were then co-administered at 0, 1/4×ED(50), 1/2×ED(50), 1.5×ED(50), and 2×ED(50) to determine the ED(50) and ED(75) values of the drugs in combination. Allodynia was determined using the von Frey hair test and dose-effect curves and isobolograms were used to investigate drug interactions. Levels of the acute reactive protein c-Fos in the dorsal horn were evaluated as an indicator of pathological nerve excitation.

RESULTS

At ED(50) levels, carbamazepine and pregabalin did not exhibit synergism, but doses higher than ED(75) were found to be synergistic. The combination index was 0.18 (strong synergy) and dose reductions were 35.7-fold for carbamazepine and 6.8-fold for pregabalin when co-administered when compared with a single administration at ED(75). The percentage allodynia relief was only 60% for carbamazepine and 80% for pregabalin by single administration, whereas their co-administration relieved allodynia by 100%. Furthermore, treatment decreased c-Fos expression in the dorsal horn, but expressional differences between animals treated with carbamazepine plus pregabalin were not significantly different from those treated with single drug.

CONCLUSIONS

Carbamazepine and pregabalin ameliorate neuropathic pain synergistically at higher doses.

Dual-energy CT in the evaluation of intracerebral hemorrhage of unknown origin: differentiation between tumor bleeding and pure hemorrhage

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Detection of underlying tumor in patients with unknown-origin acute ICH may be difficult because acute hematoma may mask enhancement of tumor on postcontrast CT. We intended to investigate the clinical utility of DECT in differentiating tumor bleeding from pure ICH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using a dual-source CT scanner, we obtained TNC single-energy and postcontrast DECT scans for 56 patients with unknown-origin spontaneous ICH. From the 2 sets of postcontrast DECT images obtained with different tube energy, EA (equivalent to conventional postcontrast CT), VNC, color-coded iodine overlay, fusion images of iodine overlay and VNC images were produced. The diagnostic performances of fusion, EA, and combined EA and TNC images for detecting underlying tumors were compared.

RESULTS

Of the 56 patients, 17 had primary or metastatic tumors (18 lesions) and 39 had nontumorous ICH. The sensitivities of fusion, EA, and combined EA and TNC images for detecting brain tumors were 94.4%, 61.1%, and 66.7%, respectively, and their specificities were 97.4%, 92.3%, and 89.7%, respectively. The areas under the ROC curves were 0.964, 0.786, and 0.842, respectively. Overall, the diagnostic performance of fusion images was significantly superior to EA (P = .006) and combined EA and TNC (P = .011) images.

CONCLUSIONS

DECT may be useful in detecting underlying tumors in patients with unknown-origin ICH.

Dermoscopic features of common nevi: a review

The differentiation between benign and worrisome melanocytic lesions may be challenging in the absence of the glaringly obvious clinical features that define a cutaneous malignancy. In such situations, dermoscopy may prove useful in further defining characteristics that are more indicative of a benign lesion, which can ultimately help avoid an unnecessary biopsy. Recognizing of the dermoscopic findings of benign nevi, taking into consideration the predominant pigment pattern and its organization, may aid in the evaluation of pigmented lesions. Benign nevi tend to exhibit symmetry, regularity in shape, and uniformity of dermoscopic structures. This article reviews the clinical and dermoscopic features of common acquired nevi (dermal, compound, and junctional), blue nevi, and congenital nevi.

Tea catechins and flavonoids from the leaves of Camellia sinensis inhibit yeast alcohol dehydrogenase

Four new quercetin acylglycosides, designated camelliquercetisides A-D, quercetin 3-O-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl(1→3)][2-O″-(E)-p-coumaroyl][β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→6)]-β-D-glucoside (17), quercetin 3-O-[2-O″-(E)-p-coumaroyl][β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→6)]-β-D-glucoside (18), quercetin 3-O-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl(1→3)][2-O″-(E)-p-coumaroyl][α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→6)]-β-d-glucoside (19), and quercetin 3-O-[2-O″-(E)-p-coumaroyl][α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→6)]-β-D-glucoside (20), together with caffeine and known catechins, and flavonoids (1-16) were isolated from the leaves of Camellia sinensis. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic (1D and 2D NMR, IR, and HR-TOF-MS) and chemical methods. The catechins and flavonoidal glycosides exhibited yeast alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) inhibitory activities in the range of IC(50) 8.0-70.3μM, and radical scavenging activities in the range of IC(50) 1.5-43.8 μM, measured by using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical.

Carotid baroreceptor reaction after stenting in 2 locations of carotid bulb lesions of different embryologic origin

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The carotid bulb is innervated by the sinus nerve of Hering, a branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve, derived from the third pharyngeal arch. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency, predictors, and outcome of the carotid BR after carotid stent placement according to the location of the plaque lesion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Atherosclerotic carotid plaques of apical versus body lesions were prospectively analyzed in 95 consecutive patients who underwent carotid stent placement. Patients with hypertension after stent placement were excluded, and transient (<3 hours) and prolonged (3-24 hours) BR, together with AEs such as strokes and death, were assessed in the 2 lesion locations (apical versus body). Other factors known to affect the carotid baroreceptor were also investigated, and the results were analyzed by χ(2) or Mann-Whitney U tests.

RESULTS

Transient BR occurred in 30% of apical lesions in contrast to 70% of body lesions (P = .001). Transient BR showed a significant relationship to lesion location (P = .001), occurring most frequently in body lesions, and to the distance of maximum stenosis from the ICA ostium (P = .001). Hyperperfusion and AE rates (P = .076) in 1 month occurred more frequently in apical lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

The frequency of transient BR after carotid stent placement was lower in the apical region of the carotid bulb. Different cardiovascular disturbances after carotid stent placement can be attributed to anatomically different areas of the carotid bulb.

P5-14-19: Ipsilateral Breast Tumor Recurrence Prediction with Web-Based Normogram in Korea

Purpose Ipsilateral Breast Tumor Recurrence(IBTR!) 2.0 is web-based tool which predict the ten years risk of local recurrence after breast conserving theraphy. This tool integrates seven prognostic factors (patient age, margin status, lymphovascular invasion, tumor size, tumor grade, use of chemotherapy and hormonal therapy) for local recurrence with or without radiation theraphy. To validate IBTR! 2.0 for Korean breast cancer patients, Samsung Medical Center database was used between 1994 and 2001.

Methods The IBTR! 2.0 nomogram was tested against 358 patients who underwent breast conserving surgery with radiation theraphy from Samsung Medical Center between 1994 and 2001. The individual dadabase which was entered into IBTR! 2.0 computer model generate predictive local recurrence rate. The mean predicted and observed 10-year estimates were compared for the entire cohort and for four groups predefined by nomogram-predicted risks: group 1: less than 3%; group 2: 3% to 5%; group 3: 5% to 10%; and group 4: more than 10%.

Results IBTR! version 2.0 predicted an overall 10-year IBTR estimate of 5.5% (95% CI, 5.2 to 5.9), while the observed estimate was 7.69% (20 IBTR cases in 358 patients, 95% CI, 1.6 to 9.3; P=0.59).

The predicted and observed IBTR estimates were: group 1 ( 2 cases in 67 patients): 2.3% versus 2.9%, P=0.53; group 2 (2 cases in 124 patients)): 3.9% versus 4.1%, P=0.18; group 3 (14 cases in 139 patinets): 7.3% versus 4.8%, P=0.13; and group 4 (2 cases in 28 patients): 12.15% versus 7.1%, P=0.61.

Conclusion IBTR! 2.0 is acceptable nomogram for predicting 10 years local recurrence using Samsung medical Center database. This nomogram showed overestimation in group 3, 4, however did not showed statistical differences. This nomogram may assist patient counseling and medical decision making, but prior to using whole Korean patients, this model requires validation with multiple Korean sources.

References

1. Fisher, B., et al., Twenty-year follow-up of a randomized trial comparing total mastectomy, lumpectomy, and lumpectomy plus irradiation for the treatment of invasive breast cancer. N Engl J Med, 2002. 347 (16): p. 1233–41.

2. Liljegren, G., et al., 10-Year results after sector resection with or without postoperative radiotherapy for stage I breast cancer: a randomized trial. J Clin Oncol, 1999. 17 (8): p. 2326–33.

3. Anderson, S.J., et al., Prognosis after ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence and locoregional recurrences in patients treated by breast-conserving therapy in five National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project protocols of node-negative breast cancer. J Clin Oncol, 2009. 27 (15): p. 2466–73.

4. Sanghani, M., et al., Predicting the Risk of Local Recurrence in Patients With Breast Cancer. American Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2007. 30 (5): p. 473–480.

5. Sanghani, M., et al., Validation of a Web-Based Predictive Nomogram for Ipsilateral Breast Tumor Recurrence After Breast Conserving Therapy. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2010. 28 (5): p. 718–722.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-14-19.

Tea triterpenoidal saponins from the roots of Camellia sinensis have inhibitory effects against alcohol dehydrogenase

Ten new polyhydroxyolean-12-ene pentacyclic triterpenoidal saponins, named rogchaponins 1-10, were isolated from the methanolic extract of the roots of Camellia sinensis by a series of chromatographic methods (silica gel flash column and C18 MPLC followed by C18 HPLC). Their structures were established by 1D and 2D-NMR techniques along with IR and HR-TOF-MS. Rogchaponins R4 ( 4) and R5 (5) showed inhibitory activities against yeast alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) with IC (50) values of 16.1 ± 3.2 and 15.4 ± 3.3 µM, respectively. A 4-methylpyrazole positive control exhibited an IC (50) of 2750 ± 50 µM. However, the saponins showed no inhibitory activity against yeast aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH).

Percutaneous cryoablation of small hepatocellular carcinomas using a 17-gauge ultrathin probe

AIM

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of percutaneous cryoablation (PCA) of small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) using a 17 G ultrathin cryoprobe.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty patients (male:female ratio14:6) with 20 HCCs, who were not surgical candidates, underwent ultrasound (US)-guided PCA for treatment of HCCs. Single HCCs less than 3cm in diameter were included in this study. Ablation was performed using a 17 G cryoprobe. The effectiveness was determined by the changes in alpha-foetoprotein level and degree of tumour necrosis on follow-up computed tomography (CT); complete response (100% necrosis), partial response (100%>necrosis≥30%), stable disease (any cases not qualifying for either partial response or progressive disease) and progressive disease (increase of at least 20% in diameter of viable tumour). Haemoglobin, white blood cell count (WBC), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), and total bilirubin were compared before and after the procedure, and the technical feasibility, complications, clinical outcomes and survival of each patient were also evaluated.

RESULTS

All procedures were technically successful. Each patient complained of negligible pain and there was no other procedure-related complication or mortality. The mean level of alpha-foetoprotein declined significantly from 53.2 to 20.4ng/ml 1 month after the procedure (p<0.05). At 1-month follow-up CT, there were 13 complete responses, four partial responses, three patients with stable disease, and no patients had progressive disease. Six of seven lesions that did not present with a complete response underwent further treatment. On long-term follow up (6-30 months; mean 20.7), a local recurrence was seen in one of 13 lesions (8%) with complete response revealed. Laboratory findings showed no significant changes except for the transient increase of SGOT and SGPT.

CONCLUSION

US-guided PCA using a 17 G cryoprobe was feasible and safe for the treatment of HCC smaller than 3cm.