Chemotherapy after nivolumab for advanced gastric cancer (REVIVE): a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Nivolumab therapy is a standard-of-care treatment for heavily pretreated patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC). Previous studies have reported improvement in the objective response rate to chemotherapy after nivolumab therapy for other types of cancer. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of chemotherapy after nivolumab therapy in AGC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a prospective, multicenter, observational study in pretreated patients with nivolumab-refractory or -intolerant AGC. Patients received irinotecan, oxaliplatin-containing regimens, or trifluridine/tipiracil. The primary endpoint was overall survival.

RESULTS

A total of 199 patients were included (median age: 69 years; male: 70%; female: 30%). Median overall survival and progression-free survival were 7.5 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 6.7-9.7 months] and 2.9 months (95% CI: 2.2-3.5 months), respectively. Objective response and disease control rates were 16.8% (95% CI: 11.6% to 23.6%) and 18.9% (95% CI: 38.9% to 54.6%), respectively. A prognostic index using alkaline phosphatase and the Glasgow Prognostic Score was generated to classify patients into three risk groups (good, moderate, and poor). The hazard ratios of the moderate and poor groups to the good group were 1.88 (95% CI: 1.22-2.92) and 3.29 (95% CI: 1.92-5.63), respectively. At the initiation of chemotherapy, 42 patients had experienced immune-related adverse events due to prior nivolumab therapy. The most common grade 3-4 adverse events were neutropenia (7.5%), anemia (8.0%), and anorexia (7.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of cytotoxic chemotherapy after nivolumab therapy may give rise to a synergistic antitumor effect in AGC. Further investigation is warranted to confirm these findings.

Optimal Treatment of C3 Lamina in Cervical Laminoplasty

STUDY DESIGN

Results of C4-C6 laminoplasty with C3 laminectomy and C3-C6 laminoplasty were compared retrospectively.

OBJECTIVES

To clarify the difference between C3 laminectomy and C3 laminoplasty in cervical laminoplasty.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Intraoperative damage to the semispinalis cervicis has been shown to lead to postoperative axial symptoms and reduced range of motion (ROM). To prevent this event, C3 laminectomy in cervical laminoplasty is considered superior to C3 laminoplasty.

METHODS

A total of 36 patients were included in this study: 20 patients (GroupA) of C3 laminectomy, C4-C6 laminoplasty compared with 16 patients (GroupB) of C3-C6 laminoplasty. We collected patient's background data, operative time, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, VAS score, and radiologic findings such as C2-C7 Cobb angle, ROM, C2 inter-spinous angle, and use of postoperative PRN medication were compared.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in the C2-C7 Cobb angles between the 2 groups before and after surgery (P = 0.315). In ROM, there was a 17.7% decrease from 31.5 preoperatively to 25.9 postoperatively in Group A, and a 6.1% decrease from 29.3 preoperatively to 27.5 postoperatively in Group B. There was no statistically significant difference in ROM (P = 0.683). Postoperative neck pain (VAS) was significantly lower in Group A than in Group B both at 1 week (P = 0.015) and 1 month (P = 0.035) after surgery. The C2 inter-spinous angle was statistically significantly smaller in Group A than in Group B (P = 0.004). Clinical outcomes and surgical outcomes did not differ significantly between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

If the C2 interspinous angle is wide and intraoperative semispinalis capitis damage can be minimized, it is worth trying C3 laminoplasty, but if the C2 inter-spinous angle is narrow, C3 laminectomy is recommended from the beginning.

"Dual Internal Shunts Technique" for Carotid Endarterectomy with Carotid Vertebral Anastomosis: Technical Note

In revascularization of internal carotid stenosis with carotid vertebrobasilar anastomoses, attention should be paid not only to the anterior circulation but also to the posterior circulation cerebral infarction. A 74-year-old man was referred for treatment of carotid artery stenosis; NASCET 75% stenosis in the right internal carotid artery and acute cerebral infarction were confirmed. Occlusion of the left subclavian artery and vascular anastomosis between the right external carotid artery and the vertebral artery were indicated, such that the right external carotid artery may maintain blood flow to the vertebrobasilar artery. Therefore, dual shunts were used for the common and internal carotid arteries and the common and external carotid arteries to maintain blood flow during carotid endarterectomy. Management of the dual shunts is difficult due to the instable parallel placement of the common carotid artery shunt balloons. To solve this problem, the "dual internal shunts technique" was performed. The first shunt was inserted into the external and common carotid arteries, and the second into the internal and common carotid arteries. The shunt balloon on the common carotid artery side was placed distal to the first shunt balloon so that the dual balloons were placed in a tandem position. The proximal balloon was subsequently deflated gradually to improve flow in both shunts. The procedure is technically easy and safe.

Retroperitoneal hematoma: A rare complication of percutaneous pedicle screw in an osteoporotic patient

Background

Percutaneous pedicle screw (PPS) placement is an established technique for minimally invasive surgery. However, life-threatening hematomas may occur in osteoporotic patients undergoing percutaneous screw placement.

Case Description

An 80-year-old female with an osteoporotic T10 chance fracture developed a life-threatening hematoma following a T8-L3 posterior fusion performed with PPS. Prompt angiography diagnosed a life-threatening hematoma attributed to laceration of the left third lumbar artery occurring following pedicle screw (PS) placement into an osteoporotically fractured left L3 transverse process. This was immediately and successfully embolized.

Conclusion

An 80-year-old female with multiple lumbar osteoporotic fractures developed a life-threatening hematoma during a T8-L3 PS fusion. When the lumbar computed tomography angiography diagnosed a laceration of the left L3 lumbar artery, immediate transarterial embolization proved life-saving.

[Three cases of mechanical thrombectomy in patients over 100 years old]

BACKGROUND

While several cases involving mechanical thrombectomy in patients >90 years old have been reported, only 1 case involving a patient >100 years old has been described. We herein report 3 cases of mechanical thrombectomy performed in patients >100 years old, along with a review of the literature.Case 1: A 102-year-old woman with a National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 20 and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI)-Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) of 8 points showed M1 occlusion. She was treated with tissue plasminogen activator followed by mechanical thrombectomy. Recanalization of thrombosis in cerebral infarction (TICI)-3 was obtained at 1 pass. After 90 days, her modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was 2, and she returned to living independently.Case 2: A 104-year-old woman with a NIHSS score of 13 and DWI-ASPECTS of 9 points showed M1 occlusion, so mechanical thrombectomy was performed. Recanalization of TICI-3 was obtained. She was admitted with an mRS of 5.Case 3: A 101-year-old woman with an NIHSS score of 8 and DWI-ASPECTS of 10 points showed right internal carotid artery occlusion, so mechanical thrombectomy was performed. Direct puncture of the right common carotid artery was performed due to access difficulties. Recanalization of TICI-3 was obtained. She was admitted with an mRS of 5.

CONCLUSION

In all cases, occlusion access using techniques such as direct carotid puncture was possible, but two of the three patients had an mRS of 5, resulting in a poor prognosis. The indication for treatment in patients >100 years old should be carefully considered.

Spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage after percutaneous kyphoplasty: a case report and literature review

Background

Spinal intradural (subdural and subarachnoid) hematoma following percutaneous kyphoplasty is an extremely rare complication. In this report, we describe a case of subarachnoid hemorrhage with delayed paralysis after kyphoplasty and review the literature on similar cases to describe the complications of kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty (VP).

Case Description

An 80-year-old man underwent percutaneous kyphoplasty at a local hospital an osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) at the T12 and L1 level. On the second day after kyphoplasty for T12 OVF, he developed paralysis of the lower limbs. At his initial visit to our clinic, he had a complete loss of sensation below T11 and complete paralysis of both lower extremities. Thoracolumbar magnetic resonance imaging revealed an intradural hematoma on the ventral side of the spinal cord, in the spinal canal from T5 to T12, compressing the spinal cord. Thoracolumbar computed tomography showed a fracture line in the medial cortex of the right pedicle at T12 and a tract from the spinal canal to the vertebral body. An emergency posterior decompression from T11 to L1 was performed. A small hole was found on the right side of the pedicle at T12, and tear of the nerve and subarachnoid hematoma were observed in the vicinity of the T11 nerve root. The subarachnoid hematomas were removed. Postoperatively, the neurological symptoms improved rapidly. Eventually, he was able to walk and was transferred for rehabilitation.

Conclusions

Percutaneous surgery through the pedicle might cause hematoma and bone cement leakage into the spinal canal. This can be a serious complication: hence prevention is important.

Closure of a dural defect as a cause of superficial siderosis: does early dural repair lead to a better outcome? Illustrative case

BACKGROUND

Superficial hemosiderosis (SS) of the central nervous system is a rare condition that is caused by chronic, repeated hemorrhage into the subarachnoid space. The subsequent deposition of hemosiderin in the brain and spinal cord causes neurological deterioration. In this report, the authors describe a repair procedure for SS associated with a dural defect in the thoracic spine.

OBSERVATIONS

A 75-year-old man presented with tinnitus symptoms that began about 1 year prior. Subsequently, his hearing loss progressed, and he gradually became unsteady on walking. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head showed diffuse hemosiderin deposition on the surface of the cerebellum. Thoracic MRI showed ventral cerebrospinal fluid leakage of T2-7, and computed tomography myelography showed leakage of contrast medium that appeared to be a dural defect. Dural closure was successful, and MRI showed decreased fluid collection ventral to the dura. The patient's symptoms of wobbliness on walking and tinnitus improved dramatically from the postoperative period.

LESSONS

Dural abnormalities of the spine must always be considered as one of the causes of SS. Early dural closure is an effective means of preventing the progression of symptoms.

Dysphagia after occipital cervical fusion for retro-odontoid pseudotumor with ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament

Background:

Ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament (OALL) of the cervical spine is a relatively rare disease. If patients present with dysphagia, hoarseness, and/or dyspnea, they may require surgery.

Case Description:

Over a 7-month period, a 55-year-old female with a history of cerebral palsy developed a progressive quadriparesis accompanied by diffuse sensory loss (i.e., clumsiness of the hand/legs and gait disturbance). The cervical spine X-rays showed atlanto-axial subluxation with instability, while the cervical MRI demonstrated “pseudotumor in the retro-odontoid” region. Following an occipital cervical fusion (C0-C2) surgery, her quadriparesis resolved. Nevertheless, she had persistent dysphagia that worsened over 6 months. Video fluoroscopy revealed severe mechanical stenosis of the pharynx, which was attributed to OALL extending from the C3-C6 levels. Following OALL resection through a right anterior approach utilizing diamond burrs and an ultrasonic bone curette, the dysphagia rapidly resolved.

Conclusion:

We report a rare case of retro-odontoid pseudotumor successfully treated with a posterior C0-C2 cervical fusion. Additional symptomatic C3-C6 OALL, responsible for progressive dysphagia, was later managed with focal anterior OALL resection.

Repeated-Manual Aspiration with Maximum Pressure (r-MAX): A New Technique of Mechanical Thrombectomy Using Syringe Aspiration

Objective

We report a new contact aspiration technique using syringe aspiration called repeated-manual aspiration with maximum pressure (r-MAX).

Case Presentation

From January 2020 to May 2021, 18 patients underwent mechanical thrombectomy with r-MAX for occlusion of the internal carotid artery, the first division of the middle cerebral artery (M1), and basilar artery occlusion. In this method, the aspiration catheter is first guided to the occlusion site, and then, two VacLok syringes are connected to the aspiration catheter. Next, the three-way stopcock is released in one direction. After 15 seconds, the direction of the three-way stopcock is switched. In the meantime, negative pressure is reapplied through the syringe, and the direction of the three-way stopcock is switched again. After reapplying negative pressure through the syringe and switching the three-way stopcock two more times, the aspiration catheter is removed. First-pass thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) scale 3 recanalization was achieved in 11 out of 18 patients (61.1%). In all, 11 patients (61.1%) achieved modified Rankin Scale scores of 0-2 at 90 days. Asymptomatic hemorrhage was observed in two patients (11.1%), and no patients had symptomatic hemorrhage.

Conclusion

The r-MAX technique using syringe aspiration can be employed as one of the methods of contact aspiration.

Cervical Extradural Arteriovenous Fistula without Intradural Drainage Successfully Treated with Endovascular Treatment Using Both Transvenous and Transarterial Approach: Case Report and Review of Literatures

The classification of spinal extradural arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) was reported based on a case series treated by microsurgery in 2009 and endovascular interventions in 2011. The present report describes a patient with extradural AVFs at the cervical spine manifesting gradual progressive radiculomyelopathy of bilateral upper extremities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a mass sign from C1 to C4 at the right ventral side and the spinal cord was deviated to the left and indicated as a flow void sign. Diagnostic angiography revealed an extradural AVFs located at the C1-C4 level that was supplied by bilateral radicular artery from the vertebral artery (VA) and right ascending cervical artery (ACA). The shunting points were recognized multiply at C2/3 and C3/4 levels on the right. The transvenous embolization to the enlarged extradural venous plexus around the shunting points via right hypoglossal canal and the transarterial embolization against multi-feeders of the branch of left radicular artery, right ACA achieved complete occlusion of the lesions. His symptom was gradually recovered, and angiography performed 2 weeks after embolization showed no recurrence. When the arteriovenous shunts in the upper cervical spine were high flow shunts, transvenous approach via the hypoglossal canal might be one option for the treatment of spinal extradural AVFs.

Clinical outcome and radiological findings after cervical open door laminoplasty with titanium basket

OBJECT

Cervical laminoplasty, which is well described in the Japanese literature, is the gold standard for decompressing multilevel spinal cord compression. Several spacers have been introduced to provide enough decompression of the spinal canal and reconstruct the stable posterior elements. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate radiological outcomes after open door laminoplasty using the titanium spacer (Laminoplasty Basket: L-Basket; Ammtec, Tokyo).

METHODS

Between July 2014 and June 2016, 31 patients with cervical spondylotic disease, including OPLL, were underwent open door laminoplasty with this device. All patients were clinically assessed by JOA score. The average follow-up period was 48.9 months with a range of 37-60 months. Postoperative radiological evaluation revealed bone union on both the open side and the gutter side from 12 months to 36 months after surgery on computed tomography.

RESULTS

The clinical outcome improved from 10.9 points on the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale to 15.8 points at 3 months after surgery and there were no significant major complications such as the implant failure. The bone union rate of the gutter side was 85.9% (85/99) at 1 year, 96.0% (95/99) at 3 years after surgery and of the open side was 57.6% (57/99) at 1 year, 89.9% (89/99) at 3 years after surgery. Circumferential fusion was confirmed 85.9% (85/99) of the time.

CONCLUSION

This titanium spacer seemed to have the potential of promoting bone union between the spacer and both lamina, and lateral mass in cervical laminoplasty which is a safe procedure with satisfactory clinical results.

Efficacy of Atlantoaxial Transarticular Screw Fixation Using Navigation-Guided Drill: Technical Note

BACKGROUND

Atlantoaxial transarticular screw fixation (TASF) is a procedure that involves inserting screws vertically into the articular processes of C1 and C2. However, this procedure is associated with a risk of injury to surrounding structures including the vertebral artery, carotid artery, pharynx, and spinal cord by misinserting K-wires or screws. This study was performed to evaluate the risk of TASF using 3-dimensional navigation-guided drilling and screw insertion tract creation.

METHODS

Three patients underwent the surgical procedure using a navigation system guided by intraoperative computed tomography. The insertion tract of the screw was created using the navigation system to avoid penetration of the C1 anterior arch or damage to the vertebral artery. A blunt-tipped guide wire was used, which was safe to advance to the cortex of the anterior arch of C1.

RESULTS

There were no complications or instrument failures in any of the surgeries. In each case, the total radiation dose delivered was 5.31-7.02 mGy, and total radiation exposure time was 55.6-106.8 seconds. Bone fusion was achieved in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

TASF using a navigation system for drilling is useful for accurate placement of K-wire and preventing damage of the vital structures, lowering the risk of the procedure.

P1831Prediction of cardiovascular events by atheromatous plaques detected by non-obstructive general angioscopy: two-year results of EAST-NOGA Registry

Background

Non-obstructive general angioscopy (NOGA) has revealed the intimal damages or atheromatous plaques as well as its spontaneous rupture of the aorta. Recent study revealed that plaque debris or different size of cholesterol crystals were detected in the blood above the spontaneous ruptured aortic plaque observed by NOGA and these plaque materials might cause the peripheral organ damages as the embolic source. These various morphological changes may cause the acute aortic events or atheroembolic events on the peripheral organs, such as brain, kidney, peripheral artery and so on.

Purpose

EAST-NOGA (Evaluation of AtheroSclerotic and rupture events by Non-Obstructive General Angioscopy) is a multi-center prospective observational study to assess the relationship between the findings of NOGA and future cardiovascular events.

Methods

Five hundred and seventy-seven patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease who underwent NOGA study. The major cerebrocardiovascular events including cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal cerebral infarction, and acute aortic syndrome were accumulated during the 2-year follow-up after NOGA study.

Results

The median number of aortic atheromatous plaques was 6 [IQR: 3–12]. A total of 514 patients were followed up (89.1%). The mean follow-up duration was 757±120 days. Major adverse cardiovascular events developed in 23 (4.5%) during 2 years follow-up. Patients with MACE and cerebral infarction, had significantly greater number of aortic atheromatous plaques (11 [5–19] vs. 6 [3–11], p<0.001, 12 [4–20] vs. 6 [3–12], p=0.014, respectively). In a univariate analysis, the number of aortic atheromatous plaques and ruptured plaque were significant predictors of MACE (HR: 1.09 95% confidence interval 1.05–1.14, p<0.001) and (HR: 1.12, 95% confidence interval 1.02–1.23, p=0.02). In a multivariate logistic analysis, the number of aortic atheromatous plaques is one of the independent predictors of MACE (HR 1.05, 95% confidence interval 1.00–1.10, p=0.032).

Conclusion

The number of atheromatous plaques identified by NOGA has a significant relation to the onset of cerebral infarction, which suggest the atheromatous plaque were vulnerable and ruptured spontaneously, then cause the aortogenic cerebral infarction. The NOGA study would be useful for predicting the futured atheroembolic events.

Acknowledgement/Funding

None

Impact of switching oral bisphosphonates to denosumab or daily teriparatide on the progression of radiographic joint destruction in patients with biologic-naïve rheumatoid arthritis

In biologic-naïve female RA patients, switching oral BPs to DMAb significantly reduced radiographic joint destruction compared to continuing oral BPs or switching to TPTD at 12 months, which were significantly associated with a decrease of a bone resorption marker at 6 months.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to clarify the effects of switching oral bisphosphonates (BPs) to denosumab (DMAb) or daily teriparatide (TPTD) on the progression of radiographic joint destruction in patients with biologic-naïve rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

A retrospective, case-controlled study involving 90 female RA patients (mean age 68.2 years, 96.7% postmenopausal, disease activity score assessing 28 joints with CRP (DAS28-CRP) 2.4, methotrexate treatment 81.1%, prednisolone treatment 68.9%, and prior BP treatment 44.8 months), who were allocated depending on each patient's and physician's wishes, to (1) the BP-continue group (n = 30), (2) the switch-to-DMAb group (n = 30), or (3) the switch-to-TPTD group (n = 30), was conducted. Patients were retrospectively selected to minimize the difference of possible clinical backgrounds that may affect the joint destruction of RA. The primary endpoint was to clarify the change of the modified total Sharp score (mTSS) from baseline to 12 months.

RESULTS

After 12 months, the mean changes of the modified Sharp erosion score were significantly lower in the switch-to-DMAb group (0.2 ± 0.1; mean ± standard error) than in the switch-to-TPTD group (1.3 ± 0.5; P < 0.05), and mTSS was significantly lower in the switch-to-DMAb group (0.3 ± 0.2) than in the BP-continue group (1.0 ± 0.3; P < 0.05) and the switch-to-TPTD group (1.7 ± 0.6; P < 0.05). The logistic regression analysis showed that mTSS changes were significantly associated with the percent changes of TRACP-5b at 6 months (β = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.002-0.016; P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Changes of systemic bone turnover induced by switching BPs to DMAb or TPTD may affect not only systemic bone mass, but also local joint destruction, and its clinical relevance should be considered comprehensively.

Initial radiological findings utilizing titanium basket for cervical open door laminoplasty

BACKGROUND

Cervical laminoplasty, utilizing different spacers to ''keep the door open,'' is the gold standard in Japan for treating ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) and cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). Here, we utilized a novel titanium ''basket'' spacer (Laminoplasty Basket: L-Basket; Ammtec, Tokyo) to perform open door cervical laminoplasty to keep the "door open" while also allowing for bony fusion across the open door.

METHODS

Twenty-seven patients with/without OPLL were treated with open door laminoplasty utilizing the basket spacer. Patients were analyzed with preoperative/postoperative JOA scores, and X-rays/computed tomography (CT) at least 12 months (range, 12-19 months) postoperatively.

RESULTS

Improvement from the preoperative JOA score of 10.3 points to the postoperative JOA of 14.8 points was noted 3 months postoperatively. There were no complications except one patient who had transient C5 palsy. Twelve months postoperatively, X-rays/CT documented fusion on both the open (62%) and hinge sides (90.2%); circumferential fusion was observed 59.8% of the time.

CONCLUSION

This titanium "basket" spacer (Laminoplasty Basket: L-Basket; Ammtec, Tokyo) promoted bone union between the spacer and both lamina, lateral masses following cervical laminoplasty without undue complications.

Oxygen ultra-fine bubbles water administration prevents bone loss of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in mice by suppressing osteoclast differentiation

Oxygen ultra-fine bubbles (OUB) saline injection prevents bone loss of glucocorti\coid-induced osteoporosis in mice, and OUB inhibit osteoclastogenesis via RANK-TRAF6-c-Fos-NFATc1 signaling and RANK-p38 MAPK signaling in vitro.

INTRODUCTION

Ultra-fine bubbles (<200 nm in diameter) have several unique properties, and they are tested in various medical fields. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of oxygen ultra-fine bubbles (OUB) on glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO) model mice.

METHODS

Prednisolone (PSL, 5 mg) was subcutaneously inserted in 6-month-old male C57BL/6J mice, and 200 μl of saline, OUB-diluted saline, or nitrogen ultra-fine bubbles (NUB)-diluted saline was intraperitoneally injected three times per week for 8 weeks the day after operations. Mice were divided into four groups; (1) control, sham-operation + saline; (2) GIO, PSL + saline; (3) GIO + OUB, PSL + OUB saline; (4) GIO + NUB, PSL + NUB saline. The effects of OUB on osteoblasts and osteoclasts were examined by serially diluted OUB medium in vitro.

RESULTS

Bone mass was significantly decreased in GIO [bone volume/total volume (%): control vs. GIO 12.6 vs. 7.9; p < 0.01] while significantly preserved in GIO + OUB (GIO vs. GIO + OUB 7.9 vs. 12.9; p < 0.05). In addition, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive cells in the distal femur [mean osteoclasts number/bone surface (mm^-1)] was significantly increased in GIO (control vs. GIO 6.8 vs. 11.6; p < 0.01) while suppressed in GIO + OUB (GIO vs. GIO + OUB 11.6 vs. 7.5; p < 0.01). NUB did not affect these parameters. In vitro experiments revealed that OUB significantly inhibited osteoclastogenesis by inhibiting RANK-TRAF6-c-Fos-NFATc1 signaling, RANK-p38 MAPK signaling, and TRAP/Cathepsin K/DC-STAMP mRNA expression in a concentration-dependent manner. OUB did not affect osteoblastogenesis in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

OUB prevent bone loss in GIO mice by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis.

Experience of Quatro-Therapy With Everolimus to Minimize Calcineurin Inhibitor for Kidney Transplant Recipients

BACKGROUND

This study was divided into three phases, on the occasion of the introduction of everolimus (EVR) in our hospital.

METHODS

In the first phase, a study group of six maintenance patients (three living related donors, three deceased donors) who had a history of malignant disease with less than 500 mg/day of proteinuria were enrolled; a high serum creatinine and upper limit of duration after kidney transplant operation was not considered. EVR was discontinued in four of the six patients because of side effects or worsening renal function. The second phase comprised a study group of 12 maintenance patients (12 living related donors) who were more than 5 years after kidney transplant operation with serum creatinine <3 ng/mL and proteinuria <500 mg/day. In two patients, EVR was discontinued because of a skin rash or general fatigue, but EVR was continued in 10 cases. Calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) dosage was reduced and renal function improved, and mean estimated glomerular filtration rate recovered from 42.3 mL/min to 44.8 mL/min, with no rejections occurring. In the third phase, a study group of eight de novo transplant patients who were 2 to 3 weeks after transplant operation were examined. In one case, EVR was discontinued because of proteinuria but was restarted with a stepwise increasing method after 4 months and was continued without any side effects.

RESULTS

Our study indicates that EVR was a useful drug for the maintenance of kidney transplant recipients for the optimal patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In de novo cases, EVR plus a high dose of mizoribine and low CNI protocol was a useful regimen without serious adverse effects.

Visual methods to assess cold fingers and experimental verification

Cold fingers is complaint of many people. To independently assess actual finger temperature, this paper uses prototype sensors to capture blood vessel width and blood flow rates. We verify their feasibility for future home healthcare use along with far infrared camera outputs. We elucidate the impact of three remedies, massage, hot cocoa, and shoulder exercises, on 7 subjects.

The long-term outcome of transvaginal anterior levatorplasty for intractable rectovaginal fistula

AIM

Several procedures have been described for rectovaginal fistula with a wide range of success, but there is little information on the long-term outcome. The aim of the present study was to investigate the long-term outcome after transvaginal anterior levatorplasty (ALP) for intractable rectovaginal fistula.

METHOD

Data of 16 consecutive patients undergoing transvaginal ALP with fistulectomy and closure of the rectum and vagina between 1998 and 2011 were prospectively recorded and retrospectively investigated to study the long-term outcome.

RESULTS

Birth injury (n = 7), low anterior resection for rectal cancer (n = 3), pouch surgery for ulcerative colitis (n = 2) and a procedure for prolapse and haemorrhoids (n = 2) were the main causes of the fistula. Nine patients had a covering stoma before surgery. All patients underwent ALP, with a covering stoma in two patients. Infection occurred in one patient and wound rupture after surgery in another patient. These patients underwent reoperation by ALP. All fistulae had healed at a median follow-up of 84 (8-193) months after initial surgery or stoma closure.

CONCLUSION

Transvaginal ALP is effective for the treatment of mid or low rectovaginal fistula. The results show that a graft is not necessary regardless of whether or not previous surgery has been performed.

Differential impacts of duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) on cognitive function in first-episode schizophrenia according to mode of onset

Background

The mode of onset and the course of schizophrenia illness exhibit substantial individual variations. Previous studies have pointed out that the mode of onset affects the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) and clinical outcomes, such as cognitive and social functioning. This study attempted to clarify the association between the DUP and clinical features, taking the different modes of onset into consideration, in a prospective longitudinal study examining patients with first-episode schizophrenia.

Methods

This study was conducted in six areas of Japan. Patients with first-episode schizophrenia were followed for over 18 months. Cognitive function, psychopathology, and social functioning were assessed at baseline and at 6, 12, and 18-month follow-up points.

Results

We identified 168 patients and sufficient information was available to determine the DUP and the mode of onset for 156 patients (92.9%): 79 had an acute onset, and 77 had an insidious onset. The DUP was significantly associated with quality of life (QOL), social functioning, and cognitive function at most of the follow-up points in the insidious-onset group. The DUP and negative symptoms at baseline were significant predictors of cognitive function at the 18-month follow-up in the insidious-onset group.

Conclusions

The present results further support the hypothesis that the DUP affects QOL, social functioning, and cognitive function over the course of illness, especially in patients with an insidious onset. Effective strategies for detecting and caring for individuals with insidious onset early during the course of schizophrenia will be essential for achieving a full patient recovery.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation-induced Thoracic Vertebral Fracture: A Case Report

Thoracic vertebral fractures are very unusual complications of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). A 78-year-old man developed cardiac arrest after aspirating and conventional CPR was performed. After recovery, the patient had complete paraplegia (Frankel grade A). Magnetic resonance image of spine showed a dislocation fracture with hematoma at T6 thoracic level. Computed tomography scan of chest revealed the fracture of sternum. After the patient's condition became stable with subsequent medical treatment, posterior decompression and pedicle screw fixation was performed. The patient had uneventful postoperative course with continued rehabilitation. Thus, this report emphasizes that care should be taken especially in elderly patients with fragile bone to recognize such rare complication of chest compression; however, adequate compressions to ensure circulation should be maintained.

Prospective study of dental intervention for hematopoietic malignancy

Various chemotherapeutic agents used in patients with hematopoietic malignancy cause serious side effects, including myelosuppression and immunosuppression. Immunosuppression makes patients more susceptible to infection, resulting in an increased risk of infectious complications, including the development of severe septicemia that may be life-threatening. It is necessary for dental staff to be familiar with an appropriate protocol in such cases and to share information about the chemotherapy with a hematologist. To verify the effectiveness of our dental intervention protocol, we conducted a prospective study on the incidence of complications for each myelosuppressive grade of chemotherapy in patients with hematopoietic malignancy. We compared the incidence of complications between treatment P (patients who finished all the dental treatments according to the protocol) and treatment Q (patients who did not) per grade (A, B, C, D) and incidence of systemic or oral findings. We also compared the incidence of oral complication related to the residual teeth between first chemo (patients who were undergoing chemotherapy for the first time) and prior chemo (not the first time). There were significant differences in inflammatory complications between treatment P and treatment Q. We found that both systemic and oral inflammatory complications increased with higher-grade myelosuppressive chemotherapy. Additionally, there was a significant difference between the incidence of oral complications related to the residual teeth between first chemo and prior chemo. Complete implementation of the dental intervention protocol was associated with fewer oral and systemic infectious and inflammatory complications in patients with hematopoietic malignancies undergoing chemotherapy. The incidence of oral and systemic complications also increased with grade of chemotherapy. These results support the validity of our dental intervention protocol. We should pay close attention to the oral state of de novo hematopoietic malignancy patients.

Fluorescent visualisation of the hypothalamic oxytocin neurones activated by cholecystokinin-8 in rats expressing c-fos-enhanced green fluorescent protein and oxytocin-monomeric red fluorescent protein 1 fusion transgenes

The up-regulation of c-fos gene expression is widely used as a marker of neuronal activation elicited by various stimuli. Anatomically precise observation of c-fos gene products can be achieved at the RNA level by in situ hybridisation or at the protein level by immunocytochemistry. Both of these methods are time and labour intensive. We have developed a novel transgenic rat system that enables the trivial visualisation of c-fos expression using an enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) tag. These rats express a transgene consisting of c-fos gene regulatory sequences that drive the expression of a c-fos-eGFP fusion protein. In c-fos-eGFP transgenic rats, robust nuclear eGFP fluorescence was observed in osmosensitive brain regions 90 min after i.p. administration of hypertonic saline. Nuclear eGFP fluorescence was also observed in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) 90 min after i.p. administration of cholecystokinin (CCK)-8, which selectively activates oxytocin (OXT)-secreting neurones in the hypothalamus. In double transgenic rats that express c-fos-eGFP and an OXT-monomeric red fluorescent protein 1 (mRFP1) fusion gene, almost all mRFP1-positive neurones in the SON and PVN expressed nuclear eGFP fluorescence 90 min after i.p. administration of CCK-8. It is possible that not only a plane image, but also three-dimensional reconstruction image may identify cytoplasmic vesicles in an activated neurone at the same time.

Visualization and live imaging analysis of a mosquito saliva protein in host animal skin using a transgenic mosquito with a secreted luciferase reporter system

Mosquitoes inject saliva into a vertebrate host during blood feeding. The analysis of mosquito saliva in host skin is important for the elucidation of the inflammatory responses to mosquito bites, the development of antithrombotic drugs, and the transmission-blocking of vector-borne diseases. We produced transgenic Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes expressing the secretory luciferase protein (MetLuc) fused to a saliva protein (AAPP) in the salivary glands. The transgene product (AAPP-MetLuc) of transgenic mosquitoes exhibited both luciferase activity as a MetLuc and binding activity to collagen as an AAPP. The detection of luminescence in the skin of mice bitten by transgenic mosquitoes showed that AAPP-MetLuc was injected into the skin as a component of saliva via blood feeding. AAPP-MetLuc remained at the mosquito bite site in host skin with luciferase activity for at least 4 h after blood feeding. AAPP was also suspected of remaining at the site of injury caused by the mosquito bite and blocking platelet aggregation by binding to collagen. These results demonstrated the establishment of visualization and time-lapse analysis of mosquito saliva in living vertebrate host skin. This technique may facilitate the analysis of mosquito saliva after its injection into host skin, and the development of new drugs and disease control strategies.