Da Vinci SP robotic approach to colorectal surgery: two specific indications and short-term results

BACKGROUND

Da Vinci® Single Port (dvSP) was recently developed. Its application in colorectal surgery is under investigation. The aim of this study was to explore the safety and feasibility of dvSP for intersphincteric (dvSP-ISR), right colectomy (dvSP-RC), and transverse colectomy (dvSP-TC). Surgical indication and short-term results were analyzed.

METHODS

All consecutive patients from a prospective database of patients who underwent dvSP-ISR, dvSP-RC, and dvSP-TC at Korea University Anam Hospital from November 2020 to December 2021, were analyzed. Perioperative, pathological, and oncological short-term outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 7 dvSP-ISR, 5 dvSP-RC, and 1 dvSP-TC were performed. Median age was 56.0 (55.0-61.0) years for the dvSP-ISR and 54.0 (44.7-63.5) years for the dvSP-RC/TC. Median body mass index was 22.8 (17.1-24.8) kg/m² for the dvSP-ISR and 23.6 (20.8-26.9) kg/m² for the dvSP-RC/TC. All dvSP-ISR patients received neoadjuvant long-course chemoradiotherapy, including one patient with squamocellular carcinoma who was treated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)/mitomycin. All other patients, excluding one dvSP-RC patient with Crohn's disease, had an adenocarcinoma. Median operation time was 280 (240-370) minutes for the dvSP-ISR and 220 (201-270) minutes for the dvSP-RC/TC. Estimated blood loss was insignificant. No intraoperative complications or conversions to multiport/open surgery was reported. Median post-operative stay was 7.0 (6.0-10.0) days for the dvSP-ISR and 5.0 (4.0-6.7) days for the dvSP-RC/TC. Quality of mesorectum was complete for six patients, and nearly complete for one. Median number of retrieved lymph nodes were 21 (17-25) for the dvSP-ISR and 28 (24-49) for the dvSP-RC/TC. Proximal and distal resection margins were tumor free. Four patients experienced post-operative complications not related to the platform which were: ileus, voiding dysfunction, infected pelvic hematoma, and wound infection. Median follow-up was 9 (6-11) months and 11 (7-17) months for the dvSP-ISR and dvSP-RC/TC, respectively. Two patients had systemic recurrence; all others were tumor free.

CONCLUSIONS

The dvSP platform is safe and feasible for intersphincteric resection with right lower quadrant access, and right/transverse colectomy with suprapubic access. Further studies are needed to evaluate benefit differences compared to multiport robotic platform.

Management of isolated recurrence after surgery for pancreatic adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Recurrence of pancreatic cancer after primary pancreatectomy occurs in the vast majority of patients. The role of surgical treatment for recurrent pancreatic cancer is not well established.

METHODS

Patients who underwent primary pancreatectomy with curative intent from 2000 to 2014 at a single large-volume centre were evaluated retrospectively. CT or PET was used to select patients with an isolated recurrence. The clinicopathological features and survival outcomes were compared according to treatment modalities.

RESULTS

Of the 1610 patients with pancreatic cancer who underwent resection, 1346 (83·6 per cent) were diagnosed with recurrent pancreatic cancer. Recurrence was locoregional in 366 patients (27·2 per cent), distant multifocal in 251 (18·6 per cent), distant isolated in 188 (14·0 per cent), locoregional plus distant in 153 (11·4 per cent) and peritoneal seeding in 388 (28·8 per cent). Of the 1346 patients with recurrence, 197 (14·6 per cent) had isolated recurrence; of these, 48 (24·4 per cent of all isolated recurrences; 3·6 per cent of all recurrences) underwent resection. Median survival of the 197 patients after diagnosis of isolated recurrence was 14·7 months; it was longer in patients who underwent surgical resection than among those treated non-surgically (23·5 versus 12·0 months; P = 0·014). Multivariable analysis showed that chemotherapy and resection for recurrence were associated with better prognosis. Median survival after recurrence was longest in the 23 patients with isolated pulmonary recurrence (33·3 months). Survival after recurrence was better in patients who underwent resection of isolated recurrence in the remnant pancreas (median 28·0 versus 12·0 months, P = 0·010) and lung (median 36·5 versus 9·5 months; P = 0·010) than in those who did not undergo resection.

CONCLUSION

Surgical resection may be considered an option for treatment of patients with isolated recurrent pancreatic cancer.

Orthopedic injuries associated with jet-skis (personal watercrafts): A review of 127 inpatients

BACKGROUND

Personal watercrafts (PWC) account for a disproportionate amount of water based injuries. Current literature suggests those with less PWC experience are more at risk for injury. Previous studies have not specifically evaluated the orthopedic implications of PWC usage or how various mechanisms of injury (MOI) contribute to different injury patterns.

HYPOTHESIS

PWC injuries will frequently require orthopedic intervention. The presence of an orthopedic injury will result in increased injury severity score (ISS), hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS). Patients visiting our region will have less PWC experience and so are more prone to serious injuries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective cohort study at a single Level 1 trauma center of admitted patients sustaining PWC injuries from 02/2004-03/2017. The following were studied: demographics, mechanism, season, ISS, hospital and ICU LOS, follow-up, fracture characteristics and management.

RESULTS

Hundred and twenty-seven patients were admitted due to PWC injury, 66 (52.0%) sustained an orthopedic injury, totaling 103 fractures (48 [46.6%] lower extremity, 26 [25.2%] upper extremity, 14 [13.6%] vertebral, 11 [10.7%] pelvic ring and 4 [3.9%] acetabulum). The mean age of orthopedic patients was 29 years (range 8-62). Handle bar injuries were significantly associated with open fractures, (13 of 25 open fractures, 3 of which became infected). Injuries occurring during the winter were associated with a higher ISS, yet more injuries occurred in the summer. A patient being a "visitor" to the region did not influence ISS. The mean LOS was 12.6 days for orthopedic patients. Eighteen orthopedic patients (27.3%) required ICU admission and 36 (54.5%) patients required orthopedic surgery (mean 2.11 operations).

DISCUSSION

A majority of PWC injuries resulted in extremity fractures with a moderate percentage requiring orthopedic surgery. Correlations between PWC experience and injury incidence can provide information for increased safety.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV; retrospective.

Effect of the sexual abstinence period recommended by the World Health Organization on clinical outcomes of fresh embryo transfer cycles with normal ovarian response after intracytoplasmic sperm injection

This study was to investigate whether the sexual abstinence period (SAP) recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) affects clinical outcomes. We compared the rate of clinical outcomes between 2-7 and ≥8 days of SAP in first fresh embryo transfer after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in groups of young maternal age (YMA: <38 years) and old maternal age (OMA: ≥38 years). We conducted a retrospective study of 449 first ICSI cycles with a normal ovarian response. SAP was identified before collecting the semen samples. Semen analysis was performed based on the guidelines recommended by WHO (2010). Sperm preparation was made using the swim-up method. Patients' baseline characteristics in the YMA and OMA groups did not differ. The rates of fertilisation, top-quality embryos on day 3, biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, abortion and implantation per cycle were not significantly different between 2-7 and ≥8 days of SAP in the YMA or OMA group. In conclusion, SAP beyond the recommended period by WHO was not associated with the rates of a lower fertilisation and pregnancy in human in vitro fertilisation (IVF). We think that a new criterion of SAP for clinical application in human IVF needs to be considered by WHO.

Monitoring rate and predictability of intraoperative monitoring in patients with intradural extramedullary and epidural metastatic spinal tumors

STUDY DESIGN

Single-center retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the monitoring rate, sensitivity and specificity of intraoperative monitoring (IOM) during removal of intradural extramedullary (IDEM) or epidural metastatic spinal tumors. Also, to assess the efficacy of monitoring somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEP) when motor-evoked potentials (MEP) are not measurable.

SETTING

The Neuro-Oncology Clinic, National Cancer Center, Korea.

METHODS

Patients (n=101) with IDEM or epidural metastatic spinal tumors at the cord level underwent surgeries monitored with SSEP and/or MEP. The monitoring rate was defined as negative when MEP or SSEP could not be measured after reversal of the neuromuscular block under general anesthesia. Positive IOM changes included more than a 50% change in the MEP or SSEP amplitude and more than a 10% delay in SSEP latency.

RESULTS

MEP was measurable in 73% of patients. The MEP monitoring rate in patients with motor power grades of 3 or less was 39%, which was lower than that of SSEP (83%). The sensitivity, specificity and predictability of MEP for motor changes were 93, 90 and 91%, respectively. Conversely, the sensitivity, specificity and predictability of SSEP were 62, 97 and 89%, respectively. In patients in whom MEP was not measurable (n=24), SSEP was monitored with a predictability of 83%.

CONCLUSION

In cases of extramedullary spinal tumors, MEP shows a higher sensitivity than SSEP does. However, the monitoring rate of MEP in non-ambulatory patients was lower than that of SSEP. In those cases, SSEP can be useful to monitor for postoperative neurological deficits.

Inhibition of ULK2 Autophagic Activity by Its Association with YAP

Uncoordinated 51-like kinase 2 (ULK2) is a member of the serine/threonine kinase family that functions an essential role regulating autophagy in mammalian cells. As autophagy is implicated in normal cellular homeostasis and multiple diseases, better mechanisticinsight will drive thedevelopment of novel therapeutic approaches. Here, we present evidence that ULK2 interacts withYAP for its degradation and subcellular localization. A potential PPxY motif (328PPnY331) was identified, which is similar with the consensus PPxY motif in ULK2 S/P domain. TheP329A (PA) mutation in the PY motif of ULK2 abolished the YAP-ULK2 association.At first, we observed that ULK2 physically interacted to YAP in vivo and in vitro, using a pull-down approach. Secondly, ULK2 and YAP co- localized at the apical (or tight junction) membrane as visualized by confocal microscopy. Furthermore, the PA mutant substantially increased during autophagy than that of wild-type ULK2 or the P242A mutant in transient transfection assays. Thus, the association between ULK2 and YAP through the WW domain links autophagy and the Hippo signal transduction pathway.

ULK2 Ser 1027 Phosphorylation by PKA Regulates Its Nuclear Localization Occurring through Karyopherin Beta 2 Recognition of a PY-NLS Motif

Uncoordinated 51-like kinase 2 (ULK2), a member of the serine/threonine kinase family, plays an essential role in the regulation of autophagy in mammalian cells. Given the role of autophagy in normal cellular homeostasis and in multiple diseases, improved mechanistic insight into this process may result in the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Here, we present evidence that ULK2 associates with karyopherin beta 2 (Kapβ2) for its transportation into the nucleus. We identify a potential PY-NLS motif (⁷⁷⁴gpgfgssppGaeaapslRyvPY⁷⁹⁵) in the S/P space domain of ULK2, which is similar to the consensus PY-NLS motif (R/K/H)X_2–5PY. Using a pull-down approach, we observe that ULK2 interacts physically with Kapβ2 both in vitro and in vivo. Confocal microscopy confirmed the co-localization of ULK2 and Kapβ2. Localization of ULK2 to the nuclear region was disrupted by mutations in the putative Kapβ2-binding motif (P794A). Furthermore, in transient transfection assays, the presence of the Kapβ2 binding site mutant (the cytoplasmic localization form) was associated with a substantial increase in autophagy activity (but a decrease in the in vitro serine-phosphorylation) compared with the wild type ULK2. Mutational analysis showed that the phosphorylation on the Ser1027 residue of ULK2 by Protein Kinase A (PKA) is the regulatory point for its functional dissociation from Atg13 and FIP 200, nuclear localization, and autophagy. Taken together, our observations indicate that Kapβ2 interacts with ULK2 through ULK2’s putative PY-NLS motif, and facilitates transport from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, depending on its Ser1027 residue phosphorylation by PKA, thereby reducing autophagic activity.

Ecklonia cava promotes hair growth

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have reported the protective effects on skin elasticity of the edible marine seaweed Ecklonia cava, which acts through regulation of both antioxidative and anti-inflammatory responses.

AIM

We evaluated the effect of E. cava and one of its components, dioxinodehydroeckol, on hair-shaft growth in cultured human hair follicles and on hair growth in mice.

METHODS

The MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay was used to check cell viability of human dermal papilla cells (DPCs) and outer root sheath (ORS) cells after treatment with E. cava and its metabolite, dioxinodehydroeckol. Hair-shaft growth was measured using the in vitro hair-follicle organ-culture system, in the presence or absence of E. cava and dioxinodehydroeckol. Anagen induction activity was examined by topical application of E. cava to the dorsal skin of C57BL/6 mice. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 expression was measured by reverse transcriptase PCR and ELISA.

RESULTS

The proliferation activity was found to be highest for the ethyl acetate-soluble fraction of E. cava (EAFE) in DPCs and in ORS cells. Treatment with EAFE resulted in elongation of the hair shaft in cultured human hair follicles, and promoted transition of the hair cycle from the telogen to the anagen phase in the dorsal skin of C57BL/6 mice. In addition, EAFE induced an increase in IGF-1 expression in DPCs. Dioxinodehydroeckol, a component of E. cava, induced elongation of the hair shaft, an increase in proliferation of DPCs and ORS cells, and an increase in expression of IGF-1 in DPCs.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that E. cava containing dioxinodehydroeckol promotes hair growth through stimulation of DPCs and ORS cells.

Phosphorylation of Tip60 Tyrosine 327 by Abl Kinase Inhibits HAT Activity through Association with FE65

The transfer of acetyl groups from acetyl coenzyme A to the ε amino group of internal lysine residues is catalyzed by Tip60, which is in the MYST family of nuclear histone acetyltransferases (HATs). The tyrosine phosphorylation of Tip60 seems to be a unique modification. We present evidence that Tip60 is modified on tyrosine 327 by Abl kinase. We show that this causes functional changes in HAT activity and the subcellular localization of TIP60, which forms a complex with Abl kinase. The Tip60 mutation Y327F abolished tyrosine phosphorylation, reduced the inhibition of Tip60 HAT activity, and caused G0-G1 arrest and association with FE65. Thus, our findings for the first time suggested a novel regulation mechanism of Tip60. Regulation was through phosphorylation of tyrosine 327 by Abl tyrosine kinase and depended on environmental conditions, suggesting that the tyrosine residue of Tip60 is important for the activation process.

Phosphorylation of Tip60 Tyrosine 327 by Abl Kinase Inhibits HAT Activity through Association with FE65

The transfer of acetyl groups from acetyl coenzyme A to the ε amino group of internal lysine residues is catalyzed by Tip60, which is in the MYST family of nuclear histone acetyltransferases (HATs). The tyrosine phosphorylation of Tip60 seems to be a unique modification. We present evidence that Tip60 is modified on tyrosine 327 by Abl kinase. We show that this causes functional changes in HAT activity and the subcellular localization of TIP60, which forms a complex with Abl kinase. The Tip60 mutation Y327F abolished tyrosine phosphorylation, reduced the inhibition of Tip60 HAT activity, and caused G0-G1 arrest and association with FE65. Thus, our findings for the first time suggested a novel regulation mechanism of Tip60. Regulation was through phosphorylation of tyrosine 327 by Abl tyrosine kinase and depended on environmental conditions, suggesting that the tyrosine residue of Tip60 is important for the activation process.

Combined surgical and endovascular management of a giant fusiform PCA aneurysm in a pediatric patient. A case report

Treatment of intracranial giant aneurysms presents is challenging. In the case of pediatric giant aneurysm, more challenges arise. We describe our experience with a 17-year-old pediatric patient who presented with severe headache. She was diagnosed as having a giant fusiform aneurysm at the right P1-P2-Pcom junction. The aneurysm was treated with superficial temporal artery-posterior cerebral artery bypass and subsequent coil embolization of the aneurysm with parent artery occlusion. The patient had an excellent outcome at one-year follow-up. Our case suggests a combined approach of surgical and endovascular management may yield a better outcome than surgery or endovascular management alone in the treatment of pediatric giant aneurysm.

Risk factors for post-operative venous thromboembolism in patients with a malignancy of the lower limb

It is important to be able to identify patients with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in order to minimise the risk of an event. We investigated the incidence and risk factors for post-operative VTE in 168 consecutive patients with a malignancy of the lower limb. The period of study included ten months before and 12 months after the introduction of chemical thromboprophylaxis. All data about the potential risk factors were identified and classified into three groups (patient-, surgery- and tumour-related). The outcome measure was a thromboembolic event within 90 days of surgery. Of the 168 patients, eight (4.8%) had a confirmed symptomatic deep-vein thrombosis and one (0.6%) a fatal pulmonary embolism. Of the 28 variables tested, age > 60 years, higher American Society of Anesthesiologists grade and metastatic tumour were independent risk factors for VTE. The overall rate of symptomatic VTE was not significantly different between patients who received chemical thromboprophylaxis and those who did not. Knowledge of these risk factors may be of value in improving the surgical outcome of patients with a malignancy of the lower limb.

A randomized, multi-center, open-label, phase II study of once-per-cycle DA-3031, a biosimilar pegylated G-CSF, compared with daily filgrastim in patients receiving TAC chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer

BACKGROUNDS

A pegylated form of recombinant granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) was developed for prophylactic use in breast cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of once-per-cycle DA-3031 in patients receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer.

METHODS

A total of 61 patients receiving docetaxel, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (TAC) chemotherapy were randomized in cycle 1 to receive daily injections of filgrastim (100 μg/m(2)) or a single subcutaneous injection of pegylated filgrastim DA-3031 at a dose of either 3.6 mg or 6 mg.

RESULTS

The mean duration of grade 4 neutropenia in cycle 1 was comparable among the treatment groups (2.48, 2.20, and 2.05 days for filgrastim, DA-3031 3.6 mg and 6 mg, respectively; P=0.275). No statistically significant differences were observed in the incidence of febrile neutropenia between the treatment groups (9.5 %, 15.0 %, and 5.0 % for filgrastim, DA-3031 3.6 mg and 6 mg, respectively; P=0.681) in cycle 1. The incidences of adverse events attributable to G-CSF were similar among the treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Fixed doses of 3.6 mg or 6 mg DA-3031 have an efficacy comparable to that of daily injections of filgrastim in ameliorating grade 4 neutropenia in patients receiving TAC chemotherapy.

Cryoplasty offers no advantage over standard balloon angioplasty for the treatment of in-stent stenosis

In-stent restenosis is the primary failure mode of endovascular treatment of occlusive disease in the femeropopliteal segment. Cryoplasty has been proposed to reduce intimal hyperplasia through induction of apoptosis. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of cryoplasty for treatment of in-stent restenosis compared to conventional balloon angioplasty (CBA). After IRB approval, a retrospective record review was performed of reinterventions for in-stent restenosis by a single vascular surgery group at a university hospital. Reinterventions involving cryoplasty and CBA were evaluated at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after intervention with duplex imaging to identify significant recurrent stenosis utilizing established velocity criteria. Data collected included basic demographic information and comorbidities as well as time to restenosis. Statistical analysis was performed using Kaplan–Meier survival curves with the log rank test, Wilcoxon rank test, and Cox proportional hazards models. From December 2004 to November 2007, 76 reinterventions were performed using CBA (n = 39) or cryoplasty (n = 37) for in-stent restenosis without placement of additional stents. Periprocedural technical success (>30% residual stenosis) was 100% for both groups, with no complications. The two cohorts were statistically similar in mean age, gender, comorbidities, tobacco use and use of statins, aspirin and Plavix. However, the mean lesion length was significantly longer in the cryoplasty cohort (CBA: 140.9 mm, Cyro: 191.7 mm; P = 0.032). The mean time to recurrent stenosis or need for additional secondary intervention was significantly shorter for the cyroplasty cohort than for the CBA, 4.09 and 10.79 months, respectively ( P = .0001). Recurrent stenosis-free survival was significantly lower in the cyroplasty cohort at 3 months (CBA: 96.9%, Cyro: 88.9%) and 6 months (CBA: 84.0%, Cyro: 43.8%; P = .0089). Cyroplasty as a modality for treatment of in-stent stenosis in the femoropopliteal segment offers no benefit over CBA.

Feasibility study on development of Cerenkov fiber-optic dosimeter for radiotherapy application

To obtain real-time dose information in photon-beam therapy using a clinical linear accelerator, we fabricated a novel Cerenkov fiber-optic dosimeter using two plastic optical fibers without employing a scintillator. In this study, the light intensity and spectrum of Cerenkov radiation induced by a high-energy photon beam were measured as functions of the irradiation angle and the length difference between the two plastic optical fibers in the dosimeter probe. Also, we obtained a percentage depth dose curve for a 6 MV photon beam with a field size of 10 × 10 cm(2) according to the depth of the solid water phantom. Based on the results of this study, it is anticipated that the proposed Cerenkov fiber-optic dosimeter can be developed as a useful dosimeter to accurately obtain dose information prior to conducting radiotherapy.

Human skeletal dysplasia caused by a constitutive activated transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) cation channel mutation

The transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) cation channel, a member of the TRP vanilloid subfamily, is expressed in a broad range of tissues where it participates in the generation of Ca²⁺ signals and/or depolarization of the membrane potential. Regulation of TRPV4 abundance at the cell surface is critical for osmo- and mechanotransduction. Defects in TRPV4 are the cause of several human diseases, including brachyolmia type 3 (MIM:113500) (also known as brachyrachia or spondylometaphyseal dysplasia Kozlowski type [MIM:118452]), and metatropic dysplasia (MIM:156530) (also called metatropic dwarfism or parastremmatic dwarfism [MIM:168400]). These bone dysplasia mutants are characterized by severe dwarfism, kyphoscoliosis, distortion and bowing of the extremities, and contractures of the large joints. These diseases are characterized by a combination of decreased bone density, bowing of the long bones, platyspondyly, and striking irregularities of endochondral ossification with areas of calcific stippling and streaking in radiolucent epiphyses, metaphyses, and apophyses. In this review, we discuss the potential effect of the mutation on the regulation of TRPV4 functions, which are related to human diseases through deviated function. In particular, we emphasize how the constitutive active TRPV4 mutant affects endochondral ossification with a reduced number of hypertrophic chondrocytes and the presence of cartilage islands within the zone of primary mineralization. In addition, we summarize current knowledge about the role of TRPV4 in the pathogenesis of several diseases.

The nuclear localization of glycogen synthase kinase 3β is required its putative PY-nuclear localization sequences

Glycogen synthase kinase-3β(GSK-3β), which is a member of the serine/threonine kinase family, has been shown to be crucial for cellular survival, differentiation, and metabolism. Here, we present evidence that GSK-3β is associated with the karyopherin β2 (Kap β2) (102-kDa), which functions as a substrate for transportation into the nucleus. A potential PY-NLS motif ((109)IVRLRYFFY(117)) was observed, which is similar with the consensus PY NLS motif (R/K/H)X(2-5)PY in the GSK-3β catalytic domain. Using a pull down approach, we observed that GSK-3β physically interacts with Kap β2 both in vivo and in vitro. Secondly, GSK-3β and Kap β2 were shown to be co-localized by confocal microscopy. The localization of GSK-3β to the nuclear region was disrupted by putative Kap β2 binding site mutation. Furthermore, in transient transfection assays, the Kap β2 binding site mutant induced a substantial reduction in the in vivo serine/threonine phosphorylation of GSK-3β, where- as the GSK-3β wild type did not. Thus, our observations indicated that Kap β2 imports GSK-3β through its putative PY NLS motif from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and increases its kinase activity.

The negative feedback regulation of TRPV4 Ca2+ ion channel function by its C-terminal cytoplasmic domain

The transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) cation channel, a member of the TRP vanilloid subfamily, is expressed in a broad range of tissues where it participates in the generation of a Ca(2+) signal and/or depolarization of the membrane potential. Regulation of the abundance of TRPV4 at the cell surface is critical in osmo- and mechanotransduction. In this review, we discussed that the potential effect of Ca(2+) occurs via its action at an intracellular site in the C-terminus of the channel protein by the effect of the modulation on TRPV4 (such as 824 Ser residue phosphorylation), and its regulation for TRPV4 functions related with cell surface spread, wound healing or its polarity reorientation through its differential affinity with actin or tubulin.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Stress Enhances Tip60 (A Histone Acetyltransferase) Binding to the Concanavalin A

Herein, we report that the concanavalin A binding of Tip60 (a target of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1-encoded transactivator Tat interacting protein 60 KD; a histone acetyltransferase; HAT) is enhanced as the result of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The cell expression of Tip60 combined with site-directed mutagenesis analysis was used to identify the glutamine 324 residue as the lecithin binding (Concanavalin A; Con A) site. The Tip60 N324A mutant strain, which seems to be the Con A binding-deficient, was attenuated the protein-protein interactions with FE65 and its protein stability, but its ability of G0-G1 cell cycle arrest was not interrupted. Interestingly, both HAT activity and the nuclear localization of Tip60 N324A mutant were enhanced than those of Tip60 WT. Thus, our results indicate that the Con A binding deficient of Tip60 seems to be one of the most pivotal posttranslational modifications (such as N-glycosylation) for its functional regulation signal, which is generated in response to ER stress.

Phosphorylation on the Ser 824 residue of TRPV4 prefers to bind with F-actin than with microtubules to expand the cell surface area

Previously, we demonstrated that the transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) cation channel, a member of the TRP vanilloid subfamily, is one of the serum glucocorticoid-induced protein kinase1 (SGK1) authentic substrate proteins, and that the Ser 824 residue of TRPV4 is phosphorylated by SGK1. In this study, we demonstrated that phosphorylation on the Ser 824 residue of TRPV4 is required for its interaction with F-actin, using TRPV4 mutants (S824D; a phospho-mimicking TRPV4 mutant and S824A; a non-phosphorylatable TRPV4 mutant) and its proper subcellular localization. Additionally, we noted that the phosphorylation of the Ser824 residue promotes its single channel activity, Ca(2+) influx, protein stability, and cell surface area (expansion of plasma membrane).

Removal of dimethyl sulfide utilizing activated carbon fiber-supported photocatalyst in continuous-flow system

The present study investigated the adsorptional photocatalytic decomposition (APD) efficiency of activated carbon fiber-supported TiO(2) (ACF/TiO(2)) in a continuous-flow reactor for the removal of dimethyl sulfide (DMS). The SEM analysis identified that the ACF/TiO(2) exhibited the same tridimensional shape as uncovered ACF and that a TiO(2) photocatalyst could be embedded in the surface of the ACF. In the absence of UV light, the time-series removal efficiencies by ACF and the ACF/TiO(2) units exhibited a similar pattern, which decreased gradually as it reached close to zero. However, the APD efficiency determined via the ACF/TiO(2) with UV light remained at nearly 60% during the remaining courses of the 13-h period, after decreasing from a maximum APD of 80%. The APD efficiencies depended upon the weights of the TiO(2) embedded into the ACFs, the UV sources, the relative humidity, and DMS input concentrations. During a long-term (219-h) APD test, the APD efficiencies dropped from 80% to ca 60% within 1h after the initiation of the APD process and then fluctuated between 52% and 60%. No byproducts were measurable or observable in the effluent gas or on the ACF/TiO(2) surface. Consequently, the continuous-flow ACF/TiO(2) system could effectively be applied to control DMS without any significant functional deterioration.

Mutation of a putative S-nitrosylation site of TRPV4 protein facilitates the channel activates

The transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) cation channel, a member of the TRP vanilloid subfamily, is expressed in a broad range of tissues. Nitric oxide (NO) as a gaseous signal mediator shows a variety of important biological effects. In many instances, NO has been shown to exhibit its activities via a protein S-nitrosylation mechanism in order to regulate its protein functions. With functional assays via site-directed mutagenesis, we demonstrate herein that NO induces the S-nitrosylation of TRPV4 Ca²⁺ channel on the Cys⁸⁵³ residue, and the S-nitrosylation of Cys⁸⁵³ reduced its channel sensitivity to 4-α phorbol 12,13-didecanoate and the interaction between TRPV4 and calmodulin. A patch clamp experiment and Ca²⁺ image analysis show that the S-nitrosylation of Cys⁸⁵³ modulates the TRPV4 channel as an inhibitor. Thus, our data suggest a novel regulatory mechanism of TRPV4 via NO-mediated S-nitrosylation on its Cys⁸⁵³ residue.

Abstract P2-09-01: Serial [18F] FDG-PET after the 2nd Cycle of Preoperative Chemotherapy Is Predictive for Pathological Complete Response in Stage II/III Breast Cancer

Purpose: One of substudies of the prospective trials aimed to evaluate the usefulness of serial [18F] 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose-positron emission tomography ([18F] FDG-PET) for predicting pathological complete response (pCR) in stage II/III breast cancer with preoperative chemotherapy (PST).

Methods: Serial PET was undertaken in 57 breast cancer patients enrolled in three different neoadjuvant trials: 35 patients from a phase II study with paclitaxel/gemcitabine/trastuzumab with ClinicalTrial.gov NCT 00532857, 9 patients from a phase Ib study with paclitaxel/gemcitabine/lapatinib with ClinicalTrial.gov NCT 01133912, and 13 patients from a phase Ib with paclitaxel/gemcitabine/sunitinib with ClinicalTrial.gov NCT0 1070706. All patients received 6 cycles of PST followed by surgery and radiotherapy. We assessed the peak standardized uptake value (SUVp) in the primary tumor at the baseline and after the 2nd cycle (37 patients) or after completion (20 patients) of 6 cycles of PST, and calculated the reduction rate (RR) of the SUVp. Pathological response was classified into pCR and non-pCR. To compare the mean of SUVp and RR of SUVp between different response groups, two-way tables and chi-square tests were used

Results: Fifteen (40.6%) of 37 patients who took repeat PET after the 2nd PST and 15 (75%) of 20 patients after completion of PST achieved a pCR with overall pCR rate of 52.6% in the primary tumor. In patients with repeat PET after the 2nd PST, post-treatment SUVp and RR of the SUVp in primary tumors were significantly different by the pathological response (post-treatment SUVp, 1.54 ± 0.63 in pCR vs 2.54 ± 1.06 in non-pCR, P=0.002; RR of the SUVp, 79.2% ± 11.9% in pCR vs 68.9% ± 15.4% in non-pCR, P=0.03). However, in patients with repeat PET after completion of PST, there were no statistical differences of these values (post-treatment SUVp, 1.09 ± 0.63 in pCR vs 1.29 ± 0.36 in non-pCR, P=0.42; RR of the SUVp, 83.7% ± 14.0% in pCR vs 67.5% ± 21.1% in non-pCR, P=0.17)

Conclusions: This study demonstrated that repeat PET after the 2nd cycle of PST, not after completion of PST could predict pCR in stage II/III breast cancer with preoperative chemotherapy. Acknowledgement NCC Grant #0910320.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-09-01.

Ubiquitylation of Fe65 adaptor protein by neuronal precursor cell expressed developmentally down regulated 4-2 (Nedd4-2) via the WW domain interaction with Fe65

Fe65 has been characterized as an adaptor protein, originally identified as an expressed sequence tag (EST) corresponding to an mRNA expressed at high levels in the rat brain. It contains one WW domain and two phosphotyrosine interaction/phosphotyrosine binding domains (PID1/PID2). As the neuronal precursor cell expressed developmentally down regulated 4-2 (Nedd4-2) has a putative WW domain binding motif ((72)PPLP(75)) in the N-terminal domain, we hypothesized that Fe65 associates with Nedd4-2 through a WW domain interaction, which has the characteristics of E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase. In this paper, we present evidence for the interaction between Fe65 WW domain and Nedd4-2 through its specific motif, using a pull down approach and co-immunoprecipitation. Additionally, the co-localization of Fe65 and Nedd4-2 were observed via confocal microscopy. Co-localization of Fe65 and Nedd4-2 was disrupted by either the mutation of Fe65 WW domain or its putative binding motif of Nedd4-2. When the ubiquitin assay was performed, the interaction of Nedd4-2 (wt) with Fe65 is required for the cell apoptosis and the ubiquitylation of Fe65. We also observed that the ubiquitylation of Fe65 (wt) was augmented depending on Nedd4-2 expression levels, whereas the Fe65 WW domain mutant (W243KP245K) or the Nedd4-2 AL mutant ((72)PPLP(75) was changed to (72)APLA(75)) was under-ubiquitinated significantly. Thus, our observations implicated that the protein-protein interaction between the WW domain of Fe65 and the putative binding motif of Nedd4-2 down-regulates Fe65 protein stability and subcellular localization through its ubiquitylation, to contribute cell apoptosis.

Effects of changes in the physical properties of the central elastic artery on haemodynamic characteristics during ageing

The change in blood pressure during the ageing process depends on the changes in the physical properties of the arterial system. The conventional method of studying ageing, i.e. observing a focus group of people, requires long periods of time and also makes it difficult to separate the ageing effect from the effects of complex geriatric diseases. Therefore, a computer simulation was used to analyse how physical property changes in the central elastic artery during the ageing process affect the blood pressure and input impedance of the blood vessels. An increase in the arterial stiffness and an increase in the wall thickness increased the systolic pressure and the pulse pressure. An increase in the lumen diameter decreased the mean pressure. The pulse wave velocity and shape were changed in the central elastic artery group but were not changed outside this group. Also, the input impedance at a low frequency was increased in the central elastic artery group but was not changed outside this group. In this study, the way in which changes in specific physical properties of the artery affect the haemodynamic characteristics during ageing was analysed.

l-Ascorbic acid 2-phosphate promotes elongation of hair shafts via the secretion of insulin-like growth factor-1 from dermal papilla cells through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase

BACKGROUND

l-Ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (Asc 2-P), a derivative of l-ascorbic acid, promotes elongation of hair shafts in cultured human hair follicles and induces hair growth in mice.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether the promotion of hair growth by Asc 2-P is mediated by insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and, if so, to investigate the mechanism of the Asc 2-P-induced IGF-1 expression.

METHODS

Dermal papilla (DP) cells were cultured and IGF-1 level was measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay after Asc 2-P treatment in the absence or presence of LY294002, a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor. Also, hair shaft elongation in cultured human scalp hair follicles and proliferation of cocultured keratinocytes were examined after Asc 2-P treatment in the absence or presence of neutralizing antibody against IGF-1. In addition, keratinocyte proliferation in cultured hair follicles after Asc 2-P treatment in the absence or presence of LY294002 was examined by Ki-67 immunostaining.

RESULTS

IGF-1 mRNA in DP cells was upregulated and IGF-1 protein in the conditioned medium of DP cells was significantly increased after treatment with Asc 2-P. Immunohistochemical staining showed that IGF-1 staining is increased in the DP of cultured human hair follicles by Asc 2-P. The neutralizing antibody against IGF-1 significantly suppressed the Asc 2-P-mediated elongation of hair shafts in hair follicle organ culture and significantly attenuated Asc 2-P-induced growth of cocultured keratinocytes. LY294002 significantly attenuated Asc 2-P-inducible IGF-1 expression and proliferation of follicular keratinocytes in cultured hair follicles.

CONCLUSIONS

These data show that Asc 2-P-inducible IGF-1 from DP cells promotes proliferation of follicular keratinocytes and stimulates hair follicle growth in vitro via PI3K.

The effect of bupivacaine.HCl on the physical properties of neuronal membranes

Fluorescent probe techniques were used to evaluate the effect of bupivacaine.HCl on the physical properties (transbilayer asymmetric lateral and rotational mobilities, annular lipid fluidity and protein distribution) of synaptosomal plasma membrane vesicles (SPMVs) isolated from bovine cerebral cortex. An experimental procedure was used based on selective quenching of both 1,3-di(1-pyrenyl)propane (Py-3-Py) and 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) by trinitrophenyl groups, and radiationless energy transfer (RET) from the tryptophans of membrane proteins to Py-3-Py. Bupivacaine.HCl increased the bulk lateral and rotational mobilities, and annular lipid fluidity in SPMVs lipid bilayers, and had a greater fluidizing effect on the inner monolayer than that of the outer monolayer. The magnitude of increasing effect on annular lipid fluidity in SPMVs lipid bilayer induced by bupivacaine.HCl was significantly far greater than magnitude of increasing effect of the drug on the lateral and rotational mobilities of bulk SPMVs lipid bilayer. It also caused membrane proteins to cluster. These effects of bupivacaine.HCl on neuronal membranes may be responsible for some, though not all, of the local anesthetic actions of bupivacaine.HCl.

Coil Knotting during Endovascular Coil Embolization for Ruptured MCA Aneurysm. A Case Report

SUMMARY

Complications during coil embolization of cerebral aneurysms include thromboembolic events, hemorrhagic complications related to procedural aneurysmal rupture and parent vessel perforation, and coil-related complications. The present report describes a rare coil-related complication involving spontaneous coil knotting.

The PPLA motif of glycogen synthase kinase 3beta is required for interaction with Fe65

Glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK 3 beta) is a serine/ threonine kinase that phosphorylates substrates such as beta-catenin and is involved in a variety of biological processes, including embryonic development, metabolism, tumorigenesis, and cell death. Here, we present evidence that human GSK 3beta is associated with Fe65, which has the characteristics of an adaptor protein, possessing a WW domain, and two phosphotyrosine interaction domains, PID1 and PID2. The GSK 3beta catalytic domain also contains a putative WW domain binding motif ((371)PPLA(374)), and we observed, using a pull down approach and co-immuno-precipitation, that it interacts physically with Fe65 via this motif. In addition, we detected co-localization of GSK 3beta and Fe65 by confocal microscopy, and this co-localization was disrupted by mutation of the putative WW domain binding motif of GSK 3beta.Finally, in transient transfection assays interaction of GSK 3 beta (wt) with Fe65 induced substantial cell apoptosis, whereas interaction with the GSK 3beta AALA mutant ((371)AALA(374)) did not, and we noted that phosphorylation of the Tyr 216 residue of the GSK 3beta AALA mutant was significantly reduced compared to that of GSK 3beta wild type. Thus, our observations indicate that GSK 3beta binds to Fe65 through its (371)PPLA(374) motif and that this interaction regulates apoptosis and phosphorylation of Tyr 216 of GSK 3beta.

Safety and immunogenicity of a vaccine targeting human papillomavirus types 6, 11, 16 and 18: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 176 Korean subjects

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major causative agent of anogenital warts and a necessary cause of cervical cancer. This report will serve to assess the safety and immunogenicity of quadrivalent (types 6, 11, 16, and 18) HPV L1 virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine in the Korean population. We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 176 volunteers aged 9-23 years. Using a 2:1 ratio for randomization, 117 women were assigned to quadrivalent HPV (20 mug type 6, 40 mug type 11, 40 mug type 16, and 20 mug type 18) vaccine and 59 women to placebo. Individuals received vaccine at day 1, month 2, and month 6 and provided blood samples for analysis at enrollment at month 7. Analyses were done as specified in the study protocol. Quadrivalent HPV vaccine was generally well tolerated, with no vaccine-related serious adverse experiences. Quadrivalent HPV vaccine induced seroconversion for each vaccine-related HPV type. At month 7, vaccine-induced type-specific antibody titer was high. In conclusion, administration of quadrivalent HPV VLP vaccine to Korean women aged 9-23 years was generally well tolerated and highly immunogenic.

Dihydroartemisinin enhances radiosensitivity of human glioma cells in vitro

PURPOSE

The antimalarial agent, artemisinin, also confers cancer-specific cytotoxic effects by reacting with ferrous iron atoms to form free radicals. Here, we investigated the radiosensitizing effects of dihydroartemisinin on glioma cells and assessed some possible mechanisms for these effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

U373MG glioma cells treated with various concentrations of dihydroartemisinin plus radiation, and efficiency of radiosensitization was assessed by clonogenic survival assay. Expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes, glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were quantified by western blot and enzymatic activity analyses, respectively.

RESULTS

Dihydroartemisinin showed higher cytotoxicity in the glioma cell lines than in the liver, breast or cervical cancer cell lines. In clonogenic survival assays, treatment with dihydroartemisinin alone dose-dependently reduced the number of U373MG colonies, while treatment with dihydroartemisinin plus gamma-irradiation showed far lower clonal survival than cultures treated with radiation or dihydroartemisinin alone. The radiosensitizing effect of dihydroartemisinin was blocked significantly by the free radical scavengers, NAC and TIRON, indicating association with dihydroartemisinin-induced ROS generation. In addition, the radiation-induced expression of endogenous GST was suppressed by treatment with dihydroartemisinin. The radiosensitizing effect of dihydroartemisinin was also markedly enhanced by the addition of holotransferrin

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our results strongly suggest that dihydroartemisinin triggers production of ROS and inhibits GST activity, leading to effective and therapeutically relevant radiosensitization of human glioma cells.

Glovax's perspective: opportunities and approaches to vaccine business in Asia

Glovax Co., Ltd. has focused on regional population needs, and assessed potentially interesting vaccine candidates for their safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness. Economic analysis was made to identify the area of high commercial potential based on quantity demands and pricing flexibility. Epidemiological data on the target diseases were reviewed so that we could identify the vaccines of more limited interests worldwide but still of high significance in regional public health. Several viral vaccine products were selected as our priority including Japanese encephalitis and Hepatitis A vaccines. Extensive safety and clinical studies have been projected. To ensure that a safe and effective vaccine be supplied at the same quality level, new manufacturing facilities are being constructed in our region. Several approaches have been made to overcome technical, financial, and managerial obstacles. Close partnerships with industry, biomedical community and regulatory agencies may enhance the viability of our approach to be a successful vaccine player in this region.

Chronic hepatitis: in vivo proton MR spectroscopic evaluation of the liver and correlation with histopathologic findings

PURPOSE

To correlate the in vivo hydrogen 1 ((1)H) magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopic features of the chronic hepatitis-involved liver with the histopathologic stages of fibrosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-five patients with chronic hepatitis were examined with (1)H MR spectroscopy, which was performed in the right hepatic lobe. The peak areas of glutamine and glutamate complex (Glx), phosphomonoesters (PME), glycogen and glucose complex (Glyu), and lipid were measured on the liver spectra. The histopathologic features were correlated with the in vivo (1)H MR spectroscopic findings at each stage of chronic hepatitis. Fifteen healthy volunteers also were included as a control group.

RESULTS

(1)H MR spectroscopy depicted Glx, PME, Glyu, and lipid in all livers. In the normal livers, the calculated mean (+/- SD) relative metabolite-to-lipid ratios of Glx, PME, and Glyu were 0.14 +/- 0.04, 0.03 +/- 0.01, and 0.21 +/- 0.04, respectively. The mean value of each metabolite-to-lipid ratio was significantly different between all stages of chronic hepatitis, and with the exception of the mean ratio at the interval between stages 0 and 1 (P > .05), the mean value increased significantly with increasing stage (P < .05). A pronounced peak was demonstrated at 3.9-4.1 ppm at (1)H MR spectroscopy of all stages of chronic hepatitis except stage 0.

CONCLUSION

The increased Glx, PME, and Glyu levels relative to the lipid content with chronic hepatitis indicated the severity of fibrosis and thus were concordant with the histopathologic stages. In vivo (1)H MR spectroscopy might be a substitute for liver biopsy in the diagnosis and staging of chronic hepatitis.

Characterization of inwardly rectifying K(+) conductance across the basolateral membrane of rat tracheal epithelia

The rat primary cultured-airway monolayer has been an excellent model for deciphering the ion channel after nystatin permeabilization of its basolateral or apical membrane. Inwardly rectifying K(+) currents were characterized across the basolateral membrane in symmetrical HCO(-)(3)-free high K(+) Ringer's solution (125 mM) in this study. The potency of K(+) channel inhibitors against K(+) conductance was Ba(2+) (IC(50) = 5 microM) > Cs(+) (IC(50) = 2 mM) >> glybenclamide (IC(50) > 5 mM) >> TEA (IC(50) >> 100 mM). The application of basolateral Cs(+) changed K(+) conductance into an oscillating current, and its frequency (holding voltage = -100 mV) increased with increase in concentration of basolateral Cs(+) (0.05-5 mM) and in degree of hyperpolarization. Addition of basolateral Cs(+) blocked inward current strongly at -100 mV and hardly at all at -60 mV, giving a sharp curvature to the I-V relation of the IRK current. RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemical analyses showed that Kir2.1 might be present in basolateral membrane of tracheal epithelia and plasma membrane of pulmonary alveolar cells.

Hepatocellular carcinoma with lung metastasis in a 9-year-old-boy

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains chemoresistant and, therefore, the principal treatment of HCC is surgical resection. After a 9-year-old boy with huge HCC with lung metastasis received the 5 cycles of chemotherapy (cisplatin and Adriamycin), the lung metastasis had been resolved completely and the size of HCC in liver had decreased. Right hepatic trisegmentectomy was performed, and then the additional 3 cycles of chemotherapy was given. Currently, the patient shows no recurrence of HCC 42 months after surgical extirpation.

Efficacy of single-dose SA 14-14-2 vaccine against Japanese encephalitis: a case control study

BACKGROUND

In China, since 1989, an estimated 120 million children have been immunised with the SA 14-14-2 live-attenuated Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine at ages 1, 2, and 6 years. A case-control study of licensed vaccine found two doses to be 98% effective. Subsequently, researchers found that single-dose vaccine efficacy was high; we aimed to confirm this result.

METHODS

During July 11-24, 1999, 160000 doses of JE vaccine were given to children aged 1-15 years, resident in three districts of Nepal. Several cases of JE were admitted to hospital from early August. We obtained names and addresses of cases with serological evidence of a recent infection from Bheri Zonal Hospital, Nepalgunj. We did a matched case-control study and calculated the odds ratio of vaccination among JE cases and age-sex matched village controls.

FINDINGS

20 children, aged 1-15 years, were identified whose illness conformed with the JE case definition and were resident in villages receiving the vaccine. None of 20 JE cases had received JE vaccine compared with 326 of 557 age-sex matched village controls. The efficacy of a single dose of JE vaccine was 99.3% (CI 94.9-100%).

INTERPRETATION

A single dose of JE vaccine is highly efficacious in preventing Japanese encephalitis when administered only days or weeks before exposure to infection.

Radical excision of pediatric craniopharyngioma: recurrence pattern and prognostic factors

The purpose of our study was to investigate the pattern of recurrence and the prognostic factors for recurrence of pediatric craniopharyngiomas after radical excision. A series of 36 patients with craniopharyngiomas (21 boys and 15 girls; age range 1-15 years; mean 7.3 years) were reviewed. All patients had undergone radical excision without radiotherapy. The mean follow-up period was 52 months (range 1-149 months). Tumors recurred in 14 patients within 83 months (mean 31.4 months). The overall 5-year recurrence-free survival rate was 55%. Regular neuroimaging follow-up detected tumor recurrence while the lesions were still small before symptoms developed (P<0.05). At the first surgical procedure, the optic nerve/chiasm (n=23) was the most common adhesion site. The most frequent sites of recurrence were the optic nerve/chiasm (n=6) and the pituitary fossa (n=6). Tumor location was the single significant clinical predictor of recurrence. The 5-year recurrence-free survival rate was 39% for those who had an intrasellar tumor component and 81% for those who did not (P<0.05). The Ki-67 labeling indices (LIs) of primary tumors did not have prognostic value for recurrence. Recurrent tumors tended to have higher Ki-67 LIs than their primary counterparts. On the basis of this study, we concluded that craniopharyngiomas with intrasellar components should be followed cautiously and the necessity for regular follow-up should be emphasized, even when the tumor is "totally" resected.

Three-dimensional object recognition by use of a photorefractive volume holographic processor

We present a photorefractive volume holographic processor for recognition of three-dimensional (3D) objects. The templates are recorded by use of a volume hologram in a photorefractive LiNbO(3):Fe crystal located at the Fresnel diffraction region and correlated in real time with a 3D object illuminated by coherent light. Experimental results for recognition of 3D objects are presented and discussed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time a photorefractive volume holographic technique for 3D object recognition has been reported.