Low- and high-volume blood-flow restriction treadmill walking both improve maximal aerobic capacity independently of blood volume

AIM

Assess the effect of low- and high-volume blood flow restriction training (BFR) on maximal aerobic capacity (VO2 max) and determine if alteration in VO2 max is mediated through changes in hemoglobin mass (Hbmass) and blood volume.

METHODS

Participants' Hbmass (CO-rebreathe), single, and double-leg VO2 max and blood volume regulating hormonal responses (renin and copeptin) were measured before and after BFR training. Training consisted of treadmill walking either (1) twice-daily for 4week (CON and BFRHV ) or (2) twice-weekly for 6week (BFRLV ). Each session consisted of five intervals (3 min, 5% incline, 5 km/h, 100% of lowest occlusion pressure), with 1 min of standing rest between sets.

RESULTS

VO2 max increased using both training exposures, in as quickly as 2-weeks (BFRLV baseline to 4week: +315 ± 241 mL (8.7%), p = 0.02; BFRHV baseline to 2week: +360 ± 261 mL (7.9%), p < 0.01), for the BFRLV and BFRHV groups, with no change in CON. Single- and double-leg VO2 max improved proportionately (single/double-leg VO2 max ratio: BFRLV 78 ± 4.9-78 ± 5.8%, BFRHV 79 ± 6.5-77 ± 6.5%), suggesting that the mechanism for increased VO2 max is not solely limited to central or peripheral adaptations. Hbmass remained unchanged across groups (CON: +10.2 ± 34 g, BFRLV : +6.6 ± 42 g, BFRHV : +3.2 ± 44 g; p = 0.9), despite a significant release of blood volume regulating hormones after initial BFR exposure (renin +20.8 ± 21.9 ng/L, p < 0.01; copeptin +22.0 ± 23.8 pmol/L, p < 0.01), which was blunted following BFRHV training (renin: +13.4 ± 12.4 ng/L, p = 0.09; copeptin: +1.9 ± 1.7 pmol/L, p = 0.98).

CONCLUSION

BFR treadmill walking increases VO2 max irrespective of changes in Hbmass or blood volume despite a large release of blood volume regulating hormones in response to BFR treadmill walking.

Healthcare workers' epidemiology of occupational exposure to blood-borne viruses, post-exposure prophylaxis, and seroconversion over 10 years

BACKGROUND

Healthcare workers (HCWs) have an increased risk of blood-borne pathogen (BBP) infection due to occupational blood exposures (OBEs). Early reporting, detection, and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) allows for prevention of infections.

AIM

To investigate the incidence of OBEs, related epidemiological characteristics, PEP completion rate, time and reason for PEP discontinuation, and seroconversion rate reported over 10 years.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed 1,086 OBE cases and staff PEP management from January 2012 to December 2021 in a South Korean tertiary hospital.

FINDINGS

The mean incidence of OBE was 7.82 per 100 beds and 3.0 per 100 HCWs. Among 1,086 cases, 633 (58.3%) required PEP, and 453 (41.7%) did not. After OBEs, 70.1% (444/633) of those subject to PEP completed tracking, and 29.9% (189/633) stopped PEP tracking (p < 0.001). The PEP completion rate showed a significant difference according to gender (p = 0.024), occupation (p < 0.001), and exposure frequency (p < 0.001). None of the 444 HCWs who completed PEP seroconverted to hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus, or Treponema pallidum (syphilis).

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate the need to improve follow-up care among HCWs following OBEs. There is a need for education in healthcare facilities; moreover, establishing a national surveillance system is necessary to ensure that HCWs proactively undergo PEP and complete their follow-up visits.

RADIOLOGICAL IMPACT OF USING DECORATIVE GRANITE AS AN ATTENUATOR OF IONIZING RADIATION

Granite is a widely available rock, which can be used as a shielding material, for bulk in the form of the aggregate in concrete. It has the weakness that it is more radioactive than many other rocks, which can be used in concrete. This paper looks at its properties as a shielding material and the activity level. Thus, the concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K, in granite were measured using a high pure germanium detector (HPGe). They were ranged from (15 ± 4 to 49 ± 5) Bq kg-1 for 226Ra, (22 ± 4 to 78 ± 4 Bq kg-1) for 232Th and (791 ± 13 to 1231 ± 15 Bq kg-1) for 40K. Radiological indices of radium equivalent concentration (Raeq), external (Hex), internal (Hin) and annual effective dose were less than worldwide recommended limits. The results emphasized, the granite samples had no radiation hazard. Nevertheless, the mass attenuation coefficients of granite samples were measured for the gamma rays of energy range 122-1408 keV. The mass attenuation coefficients of the studied granite samples were ranged from 0.05 to 0.15 cm2 g-1. In addition, the average the half-value layer of granite was varied from 1.8 cm for 122 keV to 5.2 cm for 1408 keV. The results are that the attenuation characteristics are typical and match the values given by NIST for 'concrete' and that the activity levels of the samples examined are acceptable. Thus the granite may be used as an attenuator for ionizing radiation.

The efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in elderly patients: a meta-analysis and meta-regression

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has improved patient survival in advanced cancers; however, the efficacy of ICIs in elderly patients is still elusive. This study assessed the efficacy of ICIs in elderly patients with advanced cancer in terms of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

Materials and methods

We carried out a systematic review and identified 30 head-to-head phase II/III randomized controlled trials that compared immunotherapy with the standard of care in advanced solid tumor patients. The data on patients younger or over 65 years of age were indexed from PubMed-Medline, Embase, and Scopus and obtained for meta-analysis. The subgroup analyses were stratified by primary tumor type, line of treatment, or type of immunotherapy, and a meta-regression analysis was carried out after adjusting for all other variables.

Results

The study included 17 476 patients, comprising 58% (10 119) younger (<65 years old) and 42% (7357) elderly (≥65 years old) patients. The hazard ratio (HR) for OS was 0.77 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70-0.85] and 0.77 (95% CI 0.70-0.85) in the younger and elderly groups, respectively, suggesting similar efficacies of ICIs in these two age groups. The subgroup analyses revealed no significant relationship between age and treatment outcomes, except for the PFS benefit in younger patients with melanoma than in elderly patients (HR 0.44 in younger patients versus 0.65 in elderly patients, P = 0.04). These results were further supported by meta-regression analysis, which showed no statistically significant difference in OS (P = 0.954) and PFS (P = 0.555) between the two age groups.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that age-associated impairments of the immune system did not affect the efficacy of ICIs in elderly patients compared to younger patients. Therefore, the choice of ICIs for elderly patients can be considered, regardless of chronological age.

•

We evaluated the efficacy of ICI in 17 476 patients, comprising 58% younger and 42% elderly patients.

•

Meta-analysis resulted in the comparable efficacy of ICI between younger and older age groups.

•

Further, meta-regression analysis showed no significant difference in OS and PFS.

•

Our study suggests that chronological age does not lead to immunosenescence in response to ICI in immune-oncology.

The effect of an isolation-coping programme on patients isolated for colonization or infection with multidrug-resistant organisms: a quasi-experimental study

BACKGROUND

The global increase in the prevalence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) among multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) has necessitated contact precaution and isolation in medical institutions. Contact isolation has a negative effect on the mental health of patients, but few interventions have addressed this issue.

AIM

This study evaluated an isolation-coping programme developed for patients colonized or infected with VRE or CRE.

METHODS

To mitigate the negative effects of isolation due to having MDRO, an infection control nurse in the present study 1) developed an isolation-coping programme and 2) validated the programme's effect on the uncertainty, anxiety, depression, and knowledge of patients isolated because of MDRO (VRE or CRE) using a pre-post quasi-experimental design.

FINDINGS

The experimental group (n=56) received education and emotional support via the isolation-coping programme, while the control group (n=55) received only verbal isolation guidelines provided by the medical institution. Compared with the control group, the experimental group showed a reduction in uncertainty (t=-8.925), anxiety (Z=-6.131), and depression (Z=-5.379), and better knowledge (Z=-8.372) (p<.001 for all).

CONCLUSION

The novel isolation-coping programme is an effective intervention to improve uncertainty, anxiety, depression, and knowledge in patients isolated with VRE or CRE.

Systemic CXCL10 is a predictive biomarker of vitiligo lesional skin infiltration, PUVA, NB-UVB and corticosteroid treatment response and outcome

Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentary skin disorder that currently lacks standardized treatment and validated biomarkers to objectively evaluate disease state or therapeutic response. Although prior studies have linked vitiligo autoimmunity with CXCL10/CXCL9-mediated recruitment of leukocytes to the skin, only limited clinical data are available regarding CXCL10 as vitiligo biomarker. To evaluate the utility of systemic CXCL10 as a predictor of disease progression and treatment response on a large cohort of vitiligo patients. CXCL10 levels in lesional, perilesional, and unaffected skin of vitiligo patient (n = 30) and in the serum (n = 51) were measured by quantitative ELISA. CXCL10 expression, recruitment of leukocytes, and inflammatory infiltrates were evaluated by histochemical (n = 32) and immunofluorescence (n = 10) staining. Rigorous cross-sectional and longitudinal biostatistical analysis were employed to correlate CXCL10 levels with disease variables, treatment response, and outcome. We demonstrated that elevated CXCL10 level (2 pg/mm² and higher) in lesional skin correlates with increased leukocytic infiltrate, disease duration (< 2 year), and its higher level in the serum (50 pg/ml and higher). Changes in CXCL10 serum levels in patients treated with psoralen plus UVA (PUVA) phototherapy, narrowband UVB (NB-UVB) phototherapy, and systemic steroids (SS) correlated with changes in the intralesional CXCL10 levels in repigmented skin. NB-UVB and SS regimens provided most consistent CXCL10 mean change, suggesting that these regimens are most effective in harnessing CXCR3-mediated inflammatory response. Serum CXCL10 is a useful vitiligo biomarker, which predicts lesional skin leukocytic infiltration, and vitiligo treatment response and outcome.

Quality Evaluation of Mobile Applications for Fine dust Management

Background

Recently, the use of fine dust management mobile applications has been on the rise in South Korea. The aim of this study is to describe the current status of fine dust and air pollution mhealth apps used in Korea and to make qualitative assessments of them.

Methods

App search contents analysis 400 apps were searched using PM2.5, PM10 and yellow dust, the main keywords related to fine dust, referring to the preceding reference from December 30, 2019 to January 2, 2020. Among the apps searched, apps that meet all six criteria, such as those with 1) user score ≥4.0, 2) n of review Top 50, 3) those that do not duplicated, 4) apps that are related to the topic, 5) apps set in Korean, and 6) apps that do not have errors, were selected for the study. App assessment The app evaluation of the study utilizes the MARS scale, an app assessment tool developed overseas. The assessment was conducted for a week from January 3, 2020 to January 10, 2020. Each of the apps averaged scores evaluated over a week for each category and averaged over five categories for an overall quality score.

Results

The standard deviation of the information and functionality of the 30 apps was similar, with 3.62 (SD 0.38) and 3.58 (SD 0.43), respectively. On the other hand, engagement was the lowest with an average of 3.1 (SD 0.44). The average of aesthetics was 3.4 (SD 0.64), indicating that deviations between apps were very large

Conclusions

It is deemed necessary to improve the user interface (UI) and configuration of the app to enhance the application's engagement and aesthetics in order to increase the use of fine dust apps by consumers and gain effect.

Key messages

This research provided information that consumers can reasonably use and select mobile health apps by evaluating and reviewing the contents of fine dust and air pollution mobile health apps. this study is important in that it can serve as a reference for app developers to consider in future app development.

Comparison of diagnostic performance between CT and MRI for detection of cartilage invasion for primary tumor staging in patients with laryngo-hypopharyngeal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced CT with that of MRI in the detection of cartilage invasion in patients with laryngo-hypopharyngeal cancer.

METHODS

A systematic literature search in the Ovid-MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was performed for studies reporting diagnostic accuracy of CT and/or MRI in detecting cartilage invasion from laryngo-hypopharyngeal cancer between 2000 and 2018. The pooled sensitivity and specificity, and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated for CT and MRI using bivariate random effects modeling. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed. Indirect comparison was also performed by univariable meta-regression.

RESULT

Fourteen articles including 776 patients were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis: eight for CT, and six for MRI. CT and MRI showed pooled sensitivities of 66% (95% CI, 49-80%) and 88% (95% CI, 79-93%), and pooled specificities of 90% (95% CI, 82-94%) and 81% (95% CI, 76-84%), respectively. MRI showed significantly higher sensitivity than CT (p = 0.02). The specificities showed no statistically significant difference between CT and MRI (p = 0.39). The CT studies showed heterogeneity and a threshold effect, while MRI showed neither heterogeneity nor threshold effect. In the meta-regression analysis for CT, the type of cartilage analyzed (thyroid only vs. thyroid/cricoid/arytenoid, p < 0.001) was a significant factor influencing the heterogeneity in the diagnostic performance of the CT studies.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, MRI has significantly higher sensitivity than CT for detecting cartilage invasion in patients with laryngo-hypopharyngeal cancer, without a significant difference in the specificity.

KEY POINTS

• MRI has significantly higher sensitivity than CT for detecting cartilage invasion in patients with laryngo-hypopharyngeal cancer.

High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging of intracranial vessel walls: Comparison of 3D T1-weighted turbo spin echo with or without DANTE or iMSDE

Background

The black-blood (BB) technique was developed to suppress the signal from blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to provide improved depiction of vessel walls.

Purpose

The aim was to compare three-dimensional turbo spin echo T1-weighted imaging (3D TSE T1WI) with or without two BB techniques (delay alternating with nutation for tailored excitation [DANTE], and improved motion-sensitized driven equilibrium [iMSDE]) for high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) of the vessel walls of intracranial arteries.

Study type

Prospective.

Population

Fourteen healthy volunteers who underwent 3D T1WI for examination of intracranial vessel walls.

Field strength/Sequence

3 Tesla, 3D TSE T1WI (SPACE and BrainVIEW) and BB (DANTE and iMSDE).

Assessment

SPACE with or without DANTE, and BrainVIEW with or without iMSDE, were acquired in each subject. Two neuroradiologists independently assessed image quality, vessel wall delineation, BB effect, CSF, and acceptability using visual scoring systems, and measured signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in vessel walls, lumen, and CSF, while blinded to the presence and type of BB technique used.

Statistical tests

Repeated measures ANOVA or Friedman tests were performed for the comparisons, followed by Bonferroni correction.

Results

The 3T T1WI sequences without BB are significantly superior in vessel wall delineation (P = 0.001). Black CSF scores were lower in SPACE with DANTE than SPACE without DANTE, and in BrainVIEW without iMSDE than SPACE without DANTE (P < 0.001). However, there were no significant differences in BB effect, image quality, and acceptability between the four 3D T1WI sequences (p > .05). The SNR_{Vessel wall}, CNR_Wall-Lumen, and CNR_Wall-CSF were higher (all p < .001) on SPACE with and without DANTE than on BrainVIEW with and without iMSDE. SNR_Lumen were higher (all p < .001) on BrainVIEW with and without iMSDE than on SPACE with and without DANTE. SNRCSF was higher (all p < .001) on BrainVIEW with iMSDE than on SPACE with DANTE.

Data conclusion

Both 3D TSE T1WI sequences were acceptable for intracranial vessel wall evaluation, with or without BB techniques. Therefore, BB techniques may not necessarily be required with 3D TSE T1WI with a long ETL and TR (below 1160 ms).

Repeatability of amide proton transfer-weighted signals in the brain according to clinical condition and anatomical location

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether clinical condition, imaging session, and locations affect repeatability of amide proton transfer-weighted (APTw) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the brain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three APTw MRI data sets were acquired, involving two intrasession scans and one intersession scan for 19 healthy, 15 glioma, and 12 acute stroke adult participants (mean age 53.8, 54.6, and 68.5, respectively) on a 3T MR scanner. The mean APTw signals from five locations in healthy brain (supratentorial and infratentorial locations) and from entire tumor and stroke lesions (supratentorial location) were calculated. The within-subject coefficient of variation (wCV) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated for each clinical conditions, image sessions, and anatomic locations. Differences in APTw signals between sessions were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance.

RESULTS

The ICC and wCV were 0.96 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.91-0.99) and 16.1 (12.6-21.3) in glioma, 0.93 (0.82-0.98) and 15.0 (11.4-20.6) in stroke, and 0.84 (0.72-0.91) and 34.0 (28.7-41.0) in healthy brain. There were no significant differences in APTw signal between three sessions, irrespective of disease condition and location. The ICC and wCV were 0.85 (0.68-0.94) and 27.4 (21.8-35.6) in supratentorial, and 0.44 (- 0.18 to 0.76) and 32.7 (25.9 to 42.9) in infratentorial locations. There were significant differences in APTw signal between supra- (mean, 0.49%; 95% CI, 0.38-0.61) and infratentorial locations (1.09%, 0.98-1.20; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The repeatability of APTw signal was excellent in supratentorial locations, while it was poor in infratentorial locations due to severe B0 inhomogeneity and susceptibility which affects MTR asymmetry.

KEY POINTS

• In supratentorial locations, APTw MRI showed excellent intrasession and intersession repeatability in brains of healthy controls and patients with glioma, as well as in stroke-affected regions. • APTw MRI showed excellent repeatability in supratentorial locations, but poor repeatability in infratentorial locations. • Considering poor repeatability in the infratentorial locations, the use of APTw MRI in longitudinal assessment in infratentorial locations is not indicated.

Perfusion CT for prediction of hemorrhagic transformation in acute ischemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the diagnostic performance of perfusion CT for prediction of hemorrhagic transformation in acute ischemic stroke.

METHODS

A computerized literature search of Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE was conducted up to October 29, 2018. Search terms included acute ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic transformation, and perfusion CT. Studies assessing the diagnostic performance of perfusion CT for prediction of hemorrhagic transformation in acute ischemic stroke were included. Two reviewers independently evaluated the eligibility of the studies. A bivariate random effects model was used to calculate the pooled sensitivity and pooled specificity. Multiple subgroup analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Fifteen original articles with a total of 1134 patients were included. High blood-brain barrier permeability and hypoperfusion status derived from perfusion CT are associated with hemorrhagic transformation. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 84% (95% CI, 71-91%) and 74% (95% CI, 67-81%), respectively. The area under the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.84 (95% CI, 0.81-0.87). The Higgins I² statistic demonstrated that heterogeneity was present in the sensitivity (I² = 80.21%) and specificity (I² = 85.94%).

CONCLUSION

Although various perfusion CT parameters have been used across studies, the current evidence supports the use of perfusion CT to predict hemorrhagic transformation in acute ischemic stroke.

KEY POINTS

• High blood-brain barrier permeability and hypoperfusion status derived from perfusion CT were associated with hemorrhagic transformation. • Perfusion CT has moderate diagnostic performance for the prediction of hemorrhagic transformation in acute ischemic stroke. • The pooled sensitivity was 84%, and the pooled specificity was 74%.

Infusion of ex-vivo expanded human TCR-αβ+ double-negative regulatory T cells delays onset of xenogeneic graft-versus-host disease

Despite the demonstration of potent immunosuppressive function of T cell receptor (TCR)-αβ⁺ double-negative regulatory T cells (DN T_regs ), scarce numbers and lack of effective expansion method limit their clinical applications. Here we describe an approach that allows for ∼3500-fold ex-vivo expansion of human DN T_regs within 3 weeks with > 97% purity. Ex-vivo-expanded DN T_regs suppress proliferation of polyclonally stimulated autologous T and B cells in vitro through direct cell-to-cell contact. In vivo, we demonstrate for the first time that infusion of human DN T_regs delayed an onset of xenogeneic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) significantly in a humanized mouse model. Furthermore, preincubation of ex-vivo-expanded DN T_regs with a mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor rapamycin enhanced their immune regulatory function further. Taken together, this study demonstrates that human DN T_regs can be expanded ex vivo to therapeutic numbers. The expanded DN T_regs can suppress proliferation of T and B cells and attenuate GVHD, highlighting the potential clinical use of DN T_regs to mitigate GVHD.

Skin photorejuvenation effects of light-emitting diodes (LEDs): a comparative study of yellow and red LEDs in vitro and in vivo

BACKGROUND

Red-coloured light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can improve skin photorejuvenation and regeneration by increasing cellular metabolic activity.

AIM

To evaluate the effectiveness of visible LEDs with specific wavelengths for skin photorejuvenation in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

Normal human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) from neonatal foreskin were cultured and irradiated in vitro by LEDs at different wavelengths (410-850 nm) and doses (0-10 J/cm(2) ). In vivo experiments were performed on the skin of hairless mice. Expression of collagen (COL) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) was evaluated by semi-quantitative reverse transcription PCR (semi-qRT-PCR), western blotting and a procollagen type I C-peptide enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Haematoxylin and eosin and Masson trichrome stains were performed to evaluate histological changes.

RESULTS

In HDFs, COL I was upregulated and MMP-1 was downregulated in response to LED irradiation at 595 ± 2 and 630 ± 8 nm. In the EIA, a peak result was achieved at a dose of 5 J/cm(2) with LED at 595 ± 2 nm. In vivo, COL I synthesis was upregulated in a dose-dependent manner to both 595 and 630 nm LED irradiation, and this effect was prolonged to 21 days after a single irradiation with a dose of 100 J/cm(2) . These histological changes were consistent with the results of semi-qRT-PCR and western blots.

CONCLUSION

Specific LED treatment with 595 ± 2 and 630 ± 8 nm irradiation was able to modulate COL and MMPs in skin, with the effects persisting for at least 21 days after irradiation. These findings suggest that yellow and red LEDs might be useful tools for skin photorejuvenation.

Reversibility of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia after Helicobacter pylori eradication - a prospective study for up to 10 years

BACKGROUND

Atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia are premalignant conditions for gastric cancer. Their reversibility by Helicobacter pylori eradication remains controversial.

AIM

To evaluate the reversibility of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia by H. pylori eradication with long-term follow-up.

METHODS

598 subjects were prospectively enrolled and followed for up to 10 years. They were categorised as H. pylori-negative (n = 65), H. pylori non-eradicated (n = 91), and H. pylori-eradicated (n = 442). Histological assessment was performed for antrum and corpus by Sydney classification.

RESULTS

Histological follow-up was performed regularly at 1, 2, 3-4 and ≥5 years, with mean follow-up of 1.07 ± 0.21, 2.29 ± 0.83, 3.93 ± 1.02, and 6.45 ± 1.28 years, respectively. Atrophic gastritis in antrum and corpus gradually and significantly (both P < .05 for all timepoints) improved only in the H. pylori-eradicated group compared to that at baseline. Significant difference in atrophic gastritis between H. pylori-eradicated and H. pylori-negative groups disappeared from 1-year follow-up. Similarly, intestinal metaplasia in antrum and corpus improved significantly (both P < .05 for all timepoints) only in the H. pylori-eradicated group in comparison with that at baseline. Significant difference in intestinal metaplasia between H. pylori-eradicated and H. pylori-negative groups disappeared from ≥5 years of follow-up in the antrum and from 3 years of follow-up in the corpus.

CONCLUSION

H. pylori eradication may be a preventative strategy for intestinal-type gastric cancer by regression of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia.

Error rate of automated calculation for wound surface area using a digital photography

BACKGROUND

Although measuring would size using digital photography is a quick and simple method to evaluate the skin wound, the possible compatibility of it has not been fully validated.

PURPOSE

To investigate the error rate of our newly developed wound surface area calculation using digital photography.

METHODS

Using a smartphone and a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera, four photographs of various sized wounds (diameter: 0.5-3.5 cm) were taken from the facial skin model in company with color patches. The quantitative values of wound areas were automatically calculated. The relative error (RE) of this method with regard to wound sizes and types of camera was analyzed.

RESULTS

RE of individual calculated area was from 0.0329% (DSLR, diameter 1.0 cm) to 23.7166% (smartphone, diameter 2.0 cm). In spite of the correction of lens curvature, smartphone has significantly higher error rate than DSLR camera (3.9431±2.9772 vs 8.1303±4.8236). However, in cases of wound diameter below than 3 cm, REs of average values of four photographs were below than 5%. In addition, there was no difference in the average value of wound area taken by smartphone and DSLR camera in those cases.

CONCLUSION

For the follow-up of small skin defect (diameter: <3 cm), our newly developed automated wound area calculation method is able to be applied to the plenty of photographs, and the average values of them are a relatively useful index of wound healing with acceptable error rate.

Optimization of electrospun fibrous membranes for in vitro modeling of blood-brain barrier

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a critical role in brain homeostasis at the cellular and global level. Mimicking the selective permeability and transport properties of the BBB to specific molecules and cells remains a significant challenge towards the development of a physiologically relevant in vitro BBB model. In this study, we developed electrospun poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) copolymer membranes that supported different cellular components of the neurovascular unit including human-derived endothelial cells, pericytes and astrocytes. Comparative analyses of thickness, morphology, biocompatibility and permeability of membranes were also conducted. We found that collagen coated 4%PEG-96%PCL membranes supported the growth of a confluent and tight endothelium confirmed by transendothelial electrical resistance measurements (TEER). Based on fabrication process and reported results, we finally discuss the adoption of these electrospun fiber membranes for in vitro and on-a-chip human BBB models.

Lymph node size is not a reliable criterion for predicting nodal metastasis in rectal neuroendocrine tumours

AIM

The study was designed to assess the correlation between lymph node (LN) size and LN metastasis in patients with rectal neuroendocrine tumours (NETs).

METHOD

Forty patients who underwent curative resection with lymphadenectomy for a rectal NET between January 2007 and December 2012 were included. The short and long diameters of entire nodes were microscopically measured using a slide gauge.

RESULTS

In all, 1052 LNs were collected from the 40 patients, with 49 (4.7%) showing evidence of metastasis. Metastasis-positive LNs had significantly greater long and short diameters (P < 0.001) than metastasis-negative LNs. Of the 49 metastatic LNs, 29 (59.2%) were ≤ 5 mm in largest diameter. In five patients, the largest metastatic LN was only 2-3 mm in diameter. In clinically node-negative (cN0) patients, 18 (51.4%) patients had metastatic LNs (pN1).

CONCLUSION

The size of LNs containing metastasis varied widely, with some being very small. LN size alone is therefore not a sufficient predictor of tumour metastasis in rectal NETs. Radical surgery with lymphadenectomy should be considered for patients with rectal NETs with high risk factors for LN metastasis, even those without LN enlargement.

Reconstruction algorithm for nasal basal cell carcinoma with skin involvement only: analysis of 221 cases repaired by minor surgery

BACKGROUND

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) often occurs on the nose. Reconstruction of the nose should yield excellent aesthetic and functional outcomes.

AIM

We propose a technical algorithm for the reconstruction of surgical defects, based on our analysis of 221 cases of nasal BCC with skin involvement only, which could be repaired by minor surgery.

METHODS

The aesthetic and functional outcomes for various reconstruction techniques were analysed according to defect location and size. A reconstruction algorithm was proposed with the aim of obtaining the best surgical results.

RESULTS

Defect location and size were key considerations. Primary closure was the first option for small defects (< 10 mm), with scores of 3.4 for objective aesthetic outcome (OAO), 3.2 for subjective aesthetic outcome (SAO) and 3.3 for subjective functional outcome (SFO). The first option for medium defects (1-20 mm) was the island pedicle flap, with scores of 3.5 for OAO, 3.2 for SAO and 3.7 for SFO. The first option for large defects (> 20 mm) was the transposition flap for the upper nose (scores of 2.0 for OAO and SAO and 3.0 for SFO) and the interpolation flap for the lower nose (2.8 for OAO and 2.9 for SAO and SFO).

CONCLUSIONS

We have proposed an algorithm to select the optimal technique for repairing nasal BCC surgical defects according to their size and location.

Antihypertensive effect of volume depletion: interrelation with renal prostaglandins

Since the original studies of Patak et al. in 1975 revealed that the antihypertensive and natriuretic effects of furosemide were markedly blunted or abrogated by indomethacin in both normotensive and hypertensive man, it has been postulated that the ameliorative effects of furosemide in human essential hypertension might be mediated by release of intrarenal prostaglandins. To study the direct effects of furosemide on prostaglandin biosynthesis and release, slices of rabbit renal medulla were incubated in Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer, glucose 10 mM, 1-14C-arachidonic acid (AA) 10 microM, HSA /g/100 ml, 30 min 37 degrees C. Measurements were made of radioactive AA leads to PGE2, and total endogenous immunoreactive PGE2 production (iPGE2) with and without the addition of furosemide (10 microgram/ml) to the media. In the absence of furosemide AA leads to PGE2 was 73 +/- 22 nmol/30 min/g and in the presence of furosemide it fell to 30 +/- 4 nmol/30min/g. iPGE2 was 33 +/- / ng/30 min/mg and decreased to 25 +/- 3 mg with furosemide. These results indicate that the natriuresis and antihypertensive effect of furosemide in vivo, which is associated with a significant increase in urinary PGE2, is not the result of a direct stimulation of furosemide on prostaglandin synthesis but may result from a decrease in PGE metabolism, conversion to another biologically active prostaglandin or possibly be a reflection of events secondary to a direct effect of furosemide on renal hemodynamics and electrolyte excretion.

Lichen planus pemphigoides associated with chronic hepatitis B virus infection

Lichen planus pemphigoides (LPP) is a rare autoimmune dermatosis with the features of both lichen planus (LP) and bullous pemphigoid (BP). Although in rare cases, LPP has been associated with several medications and conditions, it is generally considered an idiopathic disorder, and its pathogenesis remains uncertain. We report a 56-year-old woman who presented with a 2-year history of flat-topped, polygonal, violaceous-colored papules and some bullae. She was diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, which had been treated intermittently with entecavir. Histopathological examination showed the typical features of LP with subepidermal blisters, and with linear deposits of IgG along the basement membrane zone on direct immunofluorescence. Immunoblotting revealed antibodies directed at the BP180 and BP230 antigens. We diagnosed the patient with LPP, and treated the condition with systemic steroids and dapsone. To our knowledge, this is the first report of LPP in a patient with chronic HBV infection.

Incidental renal cell carcinoma originating from a native kidney after en-bloc resection for adrenal carcinoma in a kidney transplant recipient

BACKGROUND

Renal transplantation is the best treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease. Although there is significantly increased risk of malignancy after renal transplantation, carcinoma of the native kidney is very rare, and moreover, the risk of endocrinologic malignancy after renal transplantation is lower than in the general population and adrenal cortical carcinoma extremely rare. We report a case of incidental renal cell carcinoma originating from a native kidney after en-bloc resection for adrenal carcinoma in a kidney transplant recipient.

CASE REPORT

A 57 year-old male patient had undergone living-donor kidney transplantation for chronic renal failure from hypertension 15 years earlier and had a right adrenal tumor diagnosed on surveillance abdomen-pelvis computerized tomography. Based on 24-hour catecholamine laboratory findings, nonfunctioning tumor was suspected. The planned en-bloc resection of right adrenal gland and right native kidney combining the perirenal tissue and Gerota fascia was performed, because the tumor was suspicious for malignancy and could possibly invade the perirenal tissue or right kidney. On the final pathology, combined adrenal cortical carcinoma and incidental renal cell carcinoma was confirmed. Renal cell carcinoma was papillary, type I, and stage T1N0M0. Adrenal cortical carcinoma was 7.6 × 6.5 cm in size, had marked nuclear atypia, and was grade IV/IV. Mitotic counts were >10 per high-power field, but it had no capsular invasion or vascular invasion, and free resection margin was confirmed. In the preoperative period, he had taken immunosuppressants FK506 and mycophenolate sodium, but after combined carcinomas were confirmed, the regimen of combination of immunosuppressants was changed to sirolimus with low-dose FK506 and half-dose mycophenolate sodium.

Mechanical properties and microstructure of AZ31 Mg alloy containing Ca element fabricated by various rolling speeds

It was reported that the yield strength (YS) of a rolled Mg-3 wt%, Al-1 wt%, Zn-0.3 wt%, Ca alloy reached 340 MPa. The YS value of a rolled Mg-Al-Zn alloy decreases with increasing the rolling speed but that of a rolled Mg-Al-Zn-Ca alloy remains unchanged until the rolling speed of 5 m/min. Static recrystallization behavior in Mg-Al-Zn alloy occurred as a function of rolling speeds; on the other hand, it did not happen in Mg-Al-Zn-Ca alloy. A number of fine precipitates were observed in the grain of the latter alloy, suggesting that they restrain the dislocations from moving during rolling processes and keep the high strength. From the result of boss-forming test, the Mg-Al-Zn-Ca alloy shows more boss-formability than Mg-Al-Zn alloy.

Association of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 expression and biologically aggressive features in breast cancer

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) has been regarded as a breast cancer stem cell marker. Several studies have reported that ALDH1 expression is associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer. We aimed, therefore, to determine the prognostic value of ALDH1 expression and its association with several biomarkers in breast cancer tissue using immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, we investigated the characteristics of and differences between cellular and stromal expression of ALDH1. We performed tissue microarray (TMA) analysis of 425 breast cancer tissue samples collected during surgery. Immunohistochemical staining was then performed to measure the expression of ALDH1 and other breast cancer biomarkers. Statistical analysis of the relationship between ALDH1 expression and clinicopathologic characteristics was performed for 390 TMA samples. We found that ALDH1 was expressed in 71 cases (18.2%) in the tumor cells and/or stroma. Of these cases, 38 (9.7%) showed ALDH1 expression in tumor cells and 38 (9.7%) showed ALDH1 expression in the stroma. ALDH1 expression was significantly associated with markers of a poor prognosis, such as young age, estrogen receptor negativity, progesterone receptor negativity, a high histological grade, and a high Ki-67 index. However, ALDH1 expression was not associated with p53, transforming growth factor-beta, Gli-1, YKL-40, or sonic hedgehog expression status. With regard to the expression site, the clinical characteristics did not differ between cases of cellular expression and those of stromal expression. However, ALDH1 expression in tumor cells was correlated with hormone receptor status, histological grade, molecular subtype, epidermal growth factor receptor expression status, and cytokeratin 5/6 expression status while stromal expression of ALDH1 was only correlated with hormone receptor status. Overall, these findings suggest that ALDH1 expression in tumor tissue is associated with a biologically aggressive phenotype.

KEYWORDS

ALDH1, biologically aggressive, breast cancer.

The Possibility of TBC1D21 as a Candidate Gene for Teat Numbers in Pigs

Based on a quantitative traits locus (QTL) study using a F₂ intercross between Landrace and Korean native pigs, a significant QTL affecting teat numbers in SSC7 was identified. The strong positional candidate gene, TBC1D21, was selected due to its biological function for epithelial mesenchymal cell development. Sequence analysis revealed six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TBC1D21 gene. Among these, two SNP markers, one silent mutation (SNP01) for g.13,050A>G and one missense mutation (SNP04) for c.829A>T (S277C), were genotyped and they showed significant associations with teat number traits (p value = 6.38E-05 for SNP01 and p value = 1.06E-07 for SNP04 with total teat numbers). Further functional validation of these SNPs could give valuable information for understanding the teat number variation in pigs.

Genome-wide association study identifies quantitative trait loci affecting hematological traits in an F2 intercross between Landrace and Korean native pigs

Changes affecting the status of health and robustness can bring about physiological alterations including hematological parameters in swine. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with eight hematological traits (one leukocyte trait, six erythrocyte traits and one platelet trait), we conducted a genome-wide association study using the PorcineSNP60K BeadChip in a resource population derived from an intercross between Landrace and Korean native pigs. A total of 36 740 SNPs from 816 F2 progeny were analyzed for each blood-related trait after filtering for quality control. Data were analyzed by the genome-wide rapid association using mixed model and regression (GRAMMAR) approach. A total of 257 significant SNPs (P < 1.36 × 10(-6) ) on SSC3, 6, 8, 13 and 17 were identified for blood-related traits in this study. Interestingly, the genomic region between 17.9 and 130 Mb on SSC8 was found to be significantly associated with red blood cell, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin. Our results include the identification of five significant SNPs within five candidate genes (KIT, IL15, TXK, ARAP2 and ERG) for hematopoiesis. Further validation of these identified SNPs could give valuable information for understanding the variation of hematological traits in pigs.

Abstract P1-08-22: The impact of obesity on response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in operable breast cancer patients

Background

The association between obesity and response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients is not clear. We evaluated the impact of obesity on response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with operable breast cancer.

Methods

From May 2008 to December 2010, 104 patients were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer at Korea University Anam Hospital and received neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery. Patients were classified into those of normal (BMI of 18.5 to &lt;25kg/m2), overweight (BMI of 25 to &lt;30kg/m2), or Obese (BMI≥30kg/m2). The association between body mass index and pathologic response (pathologic complete response(pCR) and pathologic partial response(pPR)) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy was examined using logistic regression.

Results

Median age was 45 years. Mean BMI was 24.8 kg/m2; 53.8% had a normal BMI, 35.6% overweight, and 10.6% of patients was obese. BMI did not show a significant association with ER status, PR status, HER-2 status, lymph node involvement and neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen. In univariate analysis, overweight and obese patients were significantly less likely to have a pCR compared with normal weight patients (odds ratio [OR] = 0.300; 95% CI, 0.115 to 0.784; p = 0.010). In multivariate analysis, ER negativity was significantly associated with a pCR and pPR to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (OR = 2.987; 95% CI, 1.128 to 7.907; p = 0.028), And there was significant difference in pCR for overweight and obese compared with normal weight patients (OR = 0.304;95% CI, 0.115 to 0.803; p = 0.016).

Conclusion

This study suggests that higher BMI should be considered to be a factor of worse response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with operable breast cancer.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P1-08-22.

Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection-associated hydroa vacciniforme-like eruption and Behçet's-like orogenital ulcers

The cutaneous manifestations of chronic active Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection can be diverse. Among them, hydroa vacciniforme-like eruption is one of the best-known features. Although rare, mucosal ulcers have been reported to be associated with EBV as a result of primary infection or immune suppression. We describe a 65-year-old female with recurrent necrotic papulovesicles on the face and both arms for 2 years. She also complained of recurrent oral and genital mucosal ulcers developing simultaneously with skin eruptions. They appeared periodically during the spring and summer and were triggered or aggravated by sun exposure. Skin biopsies from the face and genitalia showed identical findings with dense lymphocytic infiltrations. In addition, in situ hybridization revealed EBV-positive lymphoid cells in both specimens. To our knowledge, this is the first case of serologically and pathologically proven chronic active EBV infection presenting hydroa vacciniforme-like eruption and orogenital ulcers at the same time in one patient.

Usefulness of IDEAL T2-weighted FSE and SPGR imaging in reducing metallic artifacts in the postoperative ankles with metallic hardware

PURPOSE

The aim of this work is to prospectively compare the effectiveness of iterative decomposition of water and fat with echo asymmetry and least-squares estimation (IDEAL), T2-weighted fast spin-echo (FSE), and spoiled gradient-echo (SPGR) MR imaging to frequency selective fat suppression (FSFS) protocols for minimizing metallic artifacts in postoperative ankles with metallic hardware.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The T2-weighted and SPGR imaging with IDEAL and FSFS were performed on 21 ankles of 21 patients with metallic hardware. Two musculoskeletal radiologists independently analyzed techniques for visualization of ankle ligaments and articular cartilage, uniformity of fat saturation, and relative size of the metallic artifacts. A paired t test was used for statistical comparisons of MR images between IDEAL and FSFS groups.

RESULTS

IDEAL T2-weighted FSE and SPGR images enabled significantly improved visualization of articular cartilage (p < 0.05), the size of metallic artifact (p < 0.05), and the uniformity of fat saturation (p < 0.05). However, no significant improvement was found in the visibility of ligaments.

CONCLUSIONS

IDEAL T2-weighted FSE and SPGR imaging effectively reduces the degree of tissue-obscuring artifacts produced by fixation hardware in ankle joints and improves image quality compared to FSFS T2-weighted FSE and SPGR imaging. However, visibility of ligaments was not improved using IDEAL imaging.

Anti-influenza virus activity of green tea by-products in vitro and efficacy against influenza virus infection in chickens

Polyphenolic compounds present in green tea, particularly catechins, are known to have strong anti-influenza activity. The goal of this study was to determine whether green tea by-products could function as an alternative to common antivirals in animals compared to original green tea. Inhibition of viral cytopathic effects ascertained by neutral red dye uptake was examined with 50% effective (virus-inhibitory) concentrations (EC₅₀)determined. Against the H1N1 virus A/NWS/33, we found the anti-influenza activity of green tea by-products (EC₅₀ = 6.36 µg/mL) to be equivalent to that of original green tea (EC₅₀= 6.72 µg/mL). The anti-influenza activity of green tea by-products was further examined in mouse and chicken influenza infection models. In mice, oral administration of green tea by-products reduced viral titers in the lungs in the early phase of infection, but they could not protect these animals from disease and death. In contrast, therapeutic administration of green tea by-products via feed or water supplement resulted in a dose-dependent significant antiviral effect in chickens, with a dose of 10 g/kg of feed being the most effective (P < 0.001). We also demonstrated that unidentified hexane-soluble fractions of green tea by-products possessed strong anti-influenza activity, in addition to ethyl acetate-soluble fractions, including catechins. This study revealed green tea by-product extracts to be a promising novel antiviral resource for animals.

Clinicopathological correlation of cutaneous metastatic breast carcinoma using lymphatic and vascular markers: lymphatics are mainly involved in cutaneous metastasis

Precise clinicopathological correlations of the clinical features of metastatic breast carcinoma with lymphatic-specific markers are rare. We classified 28 patients with metastatic breast carcinoma according to their clinical features. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using D2-40, CD31 and CD34. Of the 28 patients, 8 (28.6%) had inflammatory metastatic carcinoma, 6 (21.4%) had the telangiectatic type, 5 had the nodular type, 3 had the en cuirasse type, 3 had alopecia neoplastica, and 3 had a combination of features. D2-40 staining revealed dilated lymphatic channels (lymphangiectasia) in the upper dermis of all patients; in addition, 13 patients (46.4%) had intralymphatic tumour-cell emboli, which were common in those with the inflammatory and telangiectatic types. Intratumoral lymphatic invasion in the main tumour nodule was seen in 12 patients (42.9%). Our results suggest that cutaneous metastatic breast carcinomas have various clinical presentations, and that lymphatic vessels play an important role in all types of cutaneous metastasis.

Robotic thyroid surgery using bilateral axillo-breast approach: personal initial experience over two years

AIM

Although endoscopic thyroid surgery is gaining wide acceptance, however, manual endoscopic operation also has shown several limitations. The advent of robotic surgical systems, such as the da Vinci surgical system (Intuitive Surgical, Mountain View, CA, USA), is expected to make it possible to overcome some limitations of manual endoscopic operation. Herein we report a single surgeon (H.Y.K.)'s initial two-year experience of new robotic thyroid operations using the bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA), the approach which has definite advantages and recently has been widely used for the traditional endoscopic thyroid surgery.

METHODS

Between July 2008 and July 2010, 93 patients underwent robotic thyroid surgery using the BABA, with the da Vinci-S surgical system, at the Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea. The data on the patients' clinicopathological characteristics, operation types, operation times, surgical results, postoperative hospital stays and complications were collected in a prospective manner, and later evaluated.

RESULTS

Seventy-two total thyroidectomies with or without central neck dissections mostly for the papillary carcinomas, twenty lobectomies with or without central neck dissections for the minute ‑ smaller than 0.5 cm in their maximal diameter ‑ papillary carcinomas, follicular neoplasms and benign tumors, and a bilateral subtotal lobectomy for the multinodular goiter were performed robotically. There was no conversion of robotic procedure to traditional endoscopic or open procedure. The mean total operation time was 288.5±48.0 minutes. The mean number of retrieved lymph nodes by the central neck dissection was 5.1±1.97 (range, 0-12). The mean hospital stay of the patients was 2.8±1.2 days. And the mean postoperative 3rd month serum thyroglobulin level in patients undergone total thyroidectomy was 0.3±0.14 ng/mL (range, 0.08-1.95). Three (3.2%) patients suffered from transient hoarseness postoperatively, but all of them recovered in three months. Transient hypocalcemias were observed in 17 out of 72 (23.6%) patients who had undergone total thyroidectomy, but none of them left permanent. No other complication, such as bleeding, infection, neither fluid collection, was observed.

CONCLUSION

Our initial surgical results of robotic thyroid surgery using BABA demonstrate the feasibility and safety of the procedure in the treatment of benign tumors and early differentiated carcinomas.

Evaluation of the efficacy of immunocastration vaccine composed of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone conjugated with Salmonella typhimurium flagellin in rats

Immunocastration is an alternative method to replace surgical castration that is commonly performed in domestic and pet animals. In this study, a new immunocastration vaccine was developed, and its efficacy was evaluated in male rats. Six tandem copies of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) peptide were genetically fused to Salmonella typhimurium flagellin fljB (STF2) that is a ligand of toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5). The recombinant STF2-GnRH protein expressed in Escherichia coli was used as the immunocastration vaccine. Sixteen male rats were equally assigned to four groups. Excluding the control rats, three groups were immunized with 100, 200 and 400 μg of the STF2-GnRH vaccine, respectively. All of the immunized rats developed significantly higher titres of antibodies to GnRH than the control rats. The size and weight of both testes and epididymides from the immunized rats were significantly smaller than those of the control rats. Testicular tissues in the immunized rats demonstrated atrophy of seminiferous tubules and decreased numbers of both spermatogonia and spermatocytes. These data indicate that the newly developed STF2-GnRH vaccine has a potent immunogenicity to GnRH and efficiently suppresses the development of testes in rats.

Restoration of senescent human diploid fibroblasts by modulation of the extracellular matrix

Human diploid fibroblasts have the capacity to complete a finite number of cell divisions before entering a state of replicative senescence characterized by growth arrest, changes in morphology, and altered gene expression. Herein, we report that interaction with extracellular matrix (ECM) from young cells is sufficient to restore aged, senescent cells to an apparently youthful state. The identity of the restored cells as having been derived from senescent cells has been confirmed by a variety of methods, including time lapse live cell imaging and DNA finger print analysis. In addition to cell morphology, phenotypic restoration was assessed by resumption of proliferative potential, growth factor responsiveness, reduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, recovery of mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased telomere length. Mechanistically, we find that both Ku and SIRT1 are induced during restoration and are required for senescent cells to return to a youthful phenotype. These observations demonstrate that human cellular senescence is profoundly influenced by cues from the ECM, and that senescent cell plasticity is much greater than that was previously believed to be the case.

Evidence for the transmission of neoplastic properties from transformed to normal human stem cells

The in vivo relationship between human tumor cells and interacting normal cells in their local environment is poorly understood. Here, using a uniquely developed in vitro co-culture system for human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), we examined the interactions between transformed and normal human stem cells. Co-culture of transformed-hESCs (t-hESCs) with normal hESCs led to enhanced self-renewal and niche independence in normal hESCs. Global gene expression analysis of normal hESCs after timed exposure to t-hESCs indicated a transition of the molecular network controlling the hESC state, which included epigenetic changes, towards neoplastic features. These included enhanced pluripotent marker expression and a differentiation blockade as major hallmark changes. Functional studies revealed a loss in normal terminal differentiation programs for both hematopoiesis and neural lineages after normal stem cell co-culture with transformed variants. This transmission of neoplastic properties from t-hESCs to normal hESCs was dependent on direct cell-cell contact. Our study indicates that normal human stem cells can co-opt neoplastic cancer stem cell properties, raising the possibility that assimilation of healthy cells towards neoplastic behavior maybe a contributing feature of sustained tumorigenesis in vivo.

QTL analysis of white blood cell, platelet and red blood cell-related traits in an F2 intercross between Landrace and Korean native pigs

Haematological traits play important roles in disease resistance and defence functions. The objective of this study was to locate quantitative trait loci (QTL) and the associated positional candidate genes influencing haematological traits in an F(2) intercross between Landrace and Korean native pigs. Eight blood-related traits (six erythrocyte traits, one leucocyte trait and one platelet trait) were measured in 816 F(2) progeny. All experimental animals were genotyped with 173 informative microsatellite markers located throughout the pig genome. We report that nine chromosomes harboured QTL for the baseline blood parameters: genomic regions on SSC 1, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13 and 17. Eight of twenty identified QTL reached genome-wide significance. In addition, we evaluated the KIT locus, an obvious candidate gene locus affecting variation in blood-related traits. Using dense single nucleotide polymorphism marker data on SSC 8 and the marker-assisted association test, the strong association of the KIT locus with blood phenotypes was confirmed. In conclusion, our study identified both previously reported and novel QTL affecting baseline haematological parameters in pigs. Additionally, the positional candidate genes identified here could play an important role in elucidating the genetic architecture of haematological phenotype variation in swine and in humans.

A case of a giant mucocoele of the appendiceal stump presented with a palpable mass in the right thigh: pre-operative diagnosis based on characteristic multidetector CT findings

The pre-operative diagnosis of a mucocoele of the appendiceal stump (MAS) may be difficult owing to rarity and non-specific clinical presentation. However, a pre-operative diagnosis of a MAS is important to prevent widespread dissemination by inadvertent spillage of mucous contents. We describe a case of a MAS presenting with a palpable mass in the right thigh in which a pre-operative diagnosis was made by characteristic multidetector CT (MDCT) findings.

Restoration of senescent human diploid fibroblasts by modulation of the extracellular matrix

Human diploid fibroblasts have the capacity to complete a finite number of cell divisions before entering a state of replicative senescence characterized by growth arrest, changes in morphology, and altered gene expression. Herein, we report that interaction with extracellular matrix (ECM) from young cells is sufficient to restore aged, senescent cells to an apparently youthful state. The identity of the restored cells as having been derived from senescent cells has been confirmed by a variety of methods, including time lapse live cell imaging and DNA finger print analysis. In addition to cell morphology, phenotypic restoration was assessed by resumption of proliferative potential, growth factor responsiveness, reduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, recovery of mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased telomere length. Mechanistically, we find that both Ku and SIRT1 are induced during restoration and are required for senescent cells to return to a youthful phenotype. These observations demonstrate that human cellular senescence is profoundly influenced by cues from the ECM, and that senescent cell plasticity is much greater than that was previously believed to be the case.

Association of coronary artery calcification with obstructive sleep apnea and obesity in middle-aged men

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and obesity are closely associated, and both have been reported to increase the risk of coronary heart disease. Although obesity is known to be associated with coronary artery calcification (CAC), there is limited information on whether OSA is associated with CAC independent of obesity.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A cross-sectional study examined the association between OSA and CAC among 258 healthy men, ages 40-49 years old, randomly selected from a population-based cohort. All individuals underwent overnight polysomnography and electron-beam computed tomography to measure their apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and degree of CAC. A logistic regression model including potential cardiovascular risk factors excluding body mass index (BMI) showed that the presence of CAC was significantly greater in the fourth quartile versus the first quartile of AHI severity (odds ratio [OR] 2.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-4.86). A multivariate linear regression model excluding BMI also showed that AHI was significantly associated with CAC (P = 0.004). However, this association was no longer significant after adjusting for BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

In our cross-sectional study, even though both OSA and obesity were positively associated with the presence and extent of CAC, only obesity remained a significant independent contributor after an adjustment for potential cardiovascular risk factors, irrespective of OSA.

Strychnine poisoning: gone but not forgotten

Strychnine was used as a pesticide until 1968 and a rodenticide until 2006 when its sale was banned throughout the EU and all supplies recalled. A case of strychnine poisoning seen in a UK emergency department in 2009 is reported to remind clinicians of the features and management of this increasingly rare presentation. Prompt recognition and early intensive supportive therapy can result in a favourable outcome.

Management of anticoagulation following central nervous system hemorrhage in patients with high thromboembolic risk

SUMMARY BACKGROUND

Patients who present with central nervous system (CNS) hemorrhage while on anticoagulation (AC) for thromboembolic (TE) risk factors are a challenge to manage.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to inform decisions surrounding the timing and intensity of AC resumption by performing a systematic review.

METHODS

Three reviewers screened publications from Medline and EMBASE and extracted data. Hemorrhagic and TE adverse events that occurred subsequent to the index hemorrhage were recorded, as was their timing relative to presentation and covariates that might influence their occurrence.

RESULTS

Data were extracted from 63 publications detailing 492 patients; 7.7% of patients experienced hemorrhagic complications and 6.1% experienced TE complications. Hemorrhagic complications were more common within 72 h of presentation while TE complications were more common thereafter. Patients restarted on AC after 72 h were significantly more likely to have a TE complication (P = 0.006) and those restarted before 72 h were more likely to hemorrhage (P = 0.0727). Factors associated with re-hemorrhage included younger age, traumatic cause, subdural hematomas and failure to reverse AC. TE complications were more common in younger patients and those with spinal hemorrhage, multiple hemorrhages, and non-traumatic causes of the index hemorrhage. Re-initiation of AC at a lower intensity also significantly increased the risk of TE complications.

INTERPRETATION

Our results suggest that it may be prudent to re-initiate AC earlier than previously thought, with the timing and intensity modified based on predictors of TE and hemorrhagic complications. These findings must be explored in a prospective study because of limitations inherent to the analyzed studies.

The identification of prostaglandins E(2), F(2alpha) and A(2) from rabbit kidney medulla

Rabbit kidney medulla (10kg.) was homogenized in 5mm-disodium hydrogen phosphate and deproteinized with ethanol, and the concentrated supernatant solution was extracted at pH8 with light petroleum and at pH2 with chloroform. The acidic lipids present in the chloroform phase were separated on silicic acid columns into three biologically active fractions. The first fraction contained only vasodepressor activity; the second fraction contained both vasodepressor and non-vascular-smooth-muscle-stimulating activity; the third fraction contained both vasopressor and non-vascular-smooth-muscle-stimulating activity. Purification of each fraction by reversed-phase partition and thick-layer chromatography yielded three pure acids. Thin-layer chromatographic, spectroscopic and mass-spectral analysis of the acids and their methyl esters established their structures as prostaglandins E(2), F(2alpha) and A(2). Evidence is presented demonstrating that part or all of the prostaglandin A(2) is formed during the isolation procedures from endogenous prostaglandin E(2).

Pre-Measured Length Using Landmarks on Posteroanterior Chest Radiographs for Placement of the Tip of a Central Venous Catheter in the Superior Vena Cava

Central venous catheterization (CVC) is a common procedure but catheter misplacement is a frequent complication and can be lethal. Most CVCs are inserted at a recommended mean depth of 15 cm from the skin puncture site. Chest radiographs are used to confirm the positioning of CVCs, with the carina regarded as a reliable landmark for tip placement. The C-length, defined as the distance from the edge of the right transverse process of the first thoracic spine to the carina, can be measured on posteroanterior chest radiographs. To test the accuracy of C-length based CVC placement, 637 adult patients scheduled to undergo elective major abdominal procedures and neurological surgical procedures requiring CVC were randomized to undergo either the 15-cm guided method or the C-length guided method for placement of the CVC tip into the superior vena cava (SVC). All the CVC tips in the C-length group were successfully placed in the SVC. These findings indicate that the pre-measured C-length using two landmarks can be used to determine the insertion length and to place the CVC tip successfully into the SVC.

Dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome with circulating 190-kDa and 230-kDa autoantibodies

Dapsone has potent anti-inflammatory effects, and is used in the treatment of leprosy, cutaneous vasculitis, neutrophilic dermatoses, and dermatitis herpetiformis and other blistering disorders. However, it may cause severe adverse reactions such as hypersensitivity syndrome, which is characterized by fever, skin rash, hepatitis and lymphadenopathy. We report a 44-year-old female Korean patient with dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome (DHS) that presented as a bullous skin eruption. The patient had a 1-year history of urticarial vasculitis, treated with antihistamines, prednisolone and dapsone. Although the skin lesions improved, she reported fever, nausea, abdominal pain, jaundice, fatigue and skin rashes. On physical examination, there were generalized erythematous macules and purpura with facial oedema that developed into vesicles on the upper limbs. Histological examination of a skin biopsy of a vesicular lesion found subepidermal oedema with a mixed inflammatory cell infiltrate, including eosinophils in the dermis. Indirect immunofluorescence testing using normal foreskin as substrate revealed IgG deposits in the basement membrane zone. Circulating autoantibodies against antigens of 190 and 230 kDa were found by immunoblotting analysis using epidermal extracts. This case illustrates DHS with the formation of circulating autoantibodies.

Efficacy and safety of solifenacin succinate in Korean patients with overactive bladder: a randomised, prospective, double-blind, multicentre study

PURPOSE

We assessed the efficacy and safety of solifenacin compared with tolterodine for treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) in Korean patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was randomised, double-blind, tolterodine-controlled trial in Korea. Patients had average frequency of >or= 8 voids per 24 h and episodes of urgency or urgency incontinence >or= 3 during 3-day voiding diary period. Patients were randomised to 12-week double-blind treatment with either tolterodine immediate release (IR) 2 mg twice daily (TOL4) or solifenacin 5 mg (SOL5) or 10 mg (SOL10) once daily. The outcome measure was mean change in daily micturition frequency, volume, daily frequency of urgency incontinence, urgency and nocturia from baseline to week 12. Quality of life was assessed using the King's Health Questionnaire.

RESULTS

A total of 357 were randomised and 329 were evaluated for efficacy. All voiding parameters recorded in micturition diary improved after treatment in all three groups. Mean changes in volume voided were 19.30 ml (26.69%) in TOL4, 30.37 ml (25.89%) in SOL5 and 37.12 ml (33.36%) in SOL10 group (p = 0.03). Speed of onset of SOL10 efficacy on urgency incontinence was faster than that of SOL5 and TOL4. Quality of life improved in all three groups. Dry mouth was the most common adverse event; its incidence was the lowest in SOL5 group (7.63%, compared with 19.49% and 18.64% in SOL10 and TOL4 groups respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Solifenacin succinate 5 and 10 mg once daily improve OAB symptoms with acceptable tolerability levels compared with tolterodine IR 4 mg. Solifenacin 5 mg is a recommended starting dose in Korean patients with OAB.

Correlation between the in vitro ATP-based chemosensitivity assay and HER2/neu expression in women with breast cancer

Several in vitro chemosensitivity tests have been developed to predict the chemotherapeutic response of tumours prior to initiation of individualized treatment for breast cancer. This study investigated whether the in vitro chemosensitivity response of cell lines derived from breast cancer patients was affected by HER2/neu expression. We cultured breast cancer cell lines from 50 patients and the adenosine triphosphatebased chemotherapy response assay (ATPCRA) was performed with 5-fluorouracil, gemcitabine, docetaxel, doxorubicin, methotrexate, vinorelbine and paclitaxel. 5-fluorouracil combined a high median cell death rate (32.4%) with the narrowest range of cytotoxic effects (7.3-65.7%). In addition, gemcitabine showed significantly greater activity in HER2/neupositive patients. In contrast, docetaxel was significantly less effective in HER2/neu-positive patients. No significant correlation was found between the other agents and HER2/neu expression. The use of the ATP-CRA test for metastatic tissue from patients with recurrent disease might be a useful approach to determine the most effective chemotherapy regimen.

Osseointegration of anodized titanium implants under different current voltages: a rabbit study

The oxide layer that covers a titanium surface is extremely stable and appears to have excellent biocompatibility, which can result in successful osseointegration. The aim of this study was to analyse the characteristics of an oxide layer formed by anodic oxidation (anodization), and to evaluate the extent of bone healing around the anodized implant. The screw-type implants were made of commercially pure titanium (Grade 2). The Group 1 samples had a turned surface, and three other types of experimental specimens were anodized under constant voltages of 190 V (Group 2), 230 V (Group 3) and 270 V (Group 4). The surface characteristics of each sample type were inspected. Removal torque was measured after a 4-week healing period and the histomorphometric analysis was performed 6 weeks after implantation in rabbit tibiae. There was an increase in both the size and number of pores as the anodizing voltage increased. The Ra value of the Group 4 samples was higher than those in the Group 1 and 2 samples (P < 0.05). Group 3 showed a difference compared with Group 1 (P < 0.05). A thicker oxide layer, which contained crystalline (anatase) TiO(2) with the inclusion of some electrolytes (Ca, P), was formed at the higher anodizing voltage. Group 4 had higher removal torque values and percentages of bone-to-implant contact than the other groups (P < 0.05). The anodized titanium implants showed more intimate and stronger connections with peri-implant bone during early osseointegration than the turned titanium implants in this experimental model.