The relationship between interleukin-13 and angiogenin in patients with bladder cancer

Participation of anti-inflammatory interleukin-13 (IL-13) in the process of carcinogenesis was well studied. Angiogenesis plays a key role in the process of tumour growth and metastasis. Higher expression of angiogenin (ANG) have been proven in many types of cancers. The aim of the study was to more fully understand the significance of plasma IL-13 as an immunomodulator and ANG as a stimulator of the angiogenesis process in patients with bladder cancer (BC) and to investigate the relationship between parameters. These parameters were examined in the group of BC patients and in subgroups of BC depending on clinical stage: non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), histopathologic malignancy low grade (LG), high grade (HG) and in primary and recurrent BC. The level of IL-13 and ANG in the plasma of BC patients and controls were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All calculations were done using the STATISTICA 13.3 (TIBCO software Inc.). Plasma levels of IL-13 and ANG were significantly higher in BC patients and in all patient subgroups examined than in the controls (p < 0.001). A negative significant correlation was found between ANG and IL-13 levels in BC-patients. Based on the receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC), IL-13 had good diagnostic value in BC. The presented results may suggest a relationship between angiogenesis and inflammation in the pathogenesis of bladder cancer and the development of this disease. With the increase of IL-13 level in BC-patients plasma, the ANG level decreased.

Coherent transfer of topological interface states

We demonstrate the controlled coherent transfer of topological interface states in a one-dimensional non-Hermitian chain of interacting Bose-Einstein condensates. The topological protection stems from a spatially patterned pump in an open-dissipative system. As a test bed setup of the proposed phenomenon, we consider a chain of coupled micropillars with embedded quantum wells, possessing exciton-polariton resonances. The transfer of an interface state is driven by spatially localised, adiabatic pump modulation in the vicinity of the interface state. The stochastic calculations prove the coherent nature of the interface state transfer. For appropriate system parameters the coherence degree is preserved after multiple transitions, paving the way towards long-range transfer of a coherent quantum state.

Efficacy and Safety of Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Inhibitor Use-Long-term Follow-up of First Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Patient Treated De Novo With Sirolimus After Kidney Transplantation: A Case Report

Mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORI) are increasingly used in the treatment of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and as immunosuppressants after organ transplantation. In TSC patients, mTORI are the treatment of choice after kidney transplantation. It is still under debate if benefits from long-term mTORI use will not be limited by side effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We report long-term follow-up data of the first TSC patient after kidney transplantation treated with sirolimus de novo. In 2005, a female patient was transplanted with a kidney graft after bilateral nephrectomy due to angiomyolipoma. Initial immunosuppressive treatment consisted of antithymocyte globulin, methylprednisolone, tacrolimus, and, due to TSC diagnosis, sirolimus. Creatinine level at discharge was 1.2 mg/dL.

RESULTS

Long-term mTORI use resulted in skin lesion regression (angiofibromas, "confetti" skin lesions, shagreen patch) and disease stabilization in brain, abdominal, and chest magnetic resonance imaging/computed tomography scans. Pulmonary function tests showed improvement in restriction and slow deterioration in obstruction and diffusion parameters. Sirolimus related adverse reactions were hyperlipidemia and hypertriglyceridemia and respiratory and urinary tract infections. No gastrointestinal or hematologic symptoms occurred. Sirolimus concentrations ranged between 1.7 and 8.2 ng/mL (mean 4.01 ± 2.09 ng/mL). Since 2009 proteinuria and slow increase in creatinine level have been observed. No biopsy was performed to establish etiology and potential association with mTORI. In 2017 creatinine level was 2.2 mg/dL.

CONCLUSION

The case of the patient confirms clinical effectiveness and acceptable safety of long-term mTORI treatment. Long-term mTORI use requires meticulous patient observation to optimize dosage, achieve immunosuppressive effect, and improve TSC manifestations with minimal side effects.

Increased expression of the gene encoding stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 in human bladder cancer

Bladder cancer is a common disease and a significant cause of death worldwide. There is thus great interest in identifying a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker, as well as gaining an understanding of the molecular basis of bladder cancer. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 gene (SCD1) is highly overexpressed in many human cancers. However, the expression of SCD1 has not yet been investigated in patients with bladder cancer. Here, we document that (a) the SCD1 is highly overexpressed in human bladder cancer; (b) high expression of SCD1 is more frequently observed in the late stage of disease and patients with lymph node metastasis; (c) bladder cancer patients with a higher SCD1 mRNA level have a poorer survival rate than those with normal SCD1 expression. Overall, this is the first report to indicate an association between SCD1 mRNA level and clinical indicators of human bladder cancer. Our study has provided evidence supporting the potential role of SCD1 as a biomarker for human bladder cancer prognosis.

Doubly Dressed Bosons: Exciton Polaritons in a Strong Terahertz Field

We demonstrate the existence of a novel quasiparticle, an exciton in a semiconductor doubly dressed with two photons of different wavelengths: a near infrared cavity photon and terahertz (THz) photon, with the THz coupling strength approaching the ultrastrong coupling regime. This quasiparticle is composed of three different bosons, being a mixture of a matter-light quasiparticle. Our observations are confirmed by a detailed theoretical analysis, treating quantum mechanically all three bosonic fields. The doubly dressed quasiparticles retain the bosonic nature of their constituents, but their internal quantum structure strongly depends on the intensity of the applied terahertz field.

The influence of the time-of-day administration of sunitinib on the penetration through the blood-brain and blood-aqueous humour barriers in rabbits

OBJECTIVE

Sunitinib is a multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that exerts anti-tumor and antiangiogenic activity. It is used for the treatment of metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumours, renal cell carcinoma and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. A few studies confirm the anti-tumour activity of sunitinib in brain tumours and uveal melanoma, as well as its efficacy in the reduction of brain metastases of some primary cancers. Therefore, the penetration of sunitinib through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-aqueous humour barrier (BAB) is an issue of growing interest. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of the time-of-day administration on the penetration of sunitinib into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and aqueous humour (AH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The rabbits were divided into two groups: I (control group)--receiving sunitinib at 8 a.m., and II--receiving sunitinib at 8 p.m. Sunitinib was administered p.o. at a single dose of 25 mg. The concentrations of sunitinib and its active metabolite (SU12662) in the plasma, CSF, AH were measured with the validated HPLC-UV method.

RESULTS

The plasma AUC0-t for sunitinib in group I was 2051.8 ng × h/mL, whereas in group II it was 3069.3 ng × h/mL. The aqueous humour AUC0-t for sunitinib in thr groups were 43.2 and 76.3 ng × h/mL, respectively. The cerebrospinal AUC0-t for sunitinib in groups I and II were 55.5 and 66.3 ng × h/mL, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

After the evening administration (8 p.m.) the exposure to sunitinib in the rabbits' plasma, AH and CSF was higher than after the morning administration (8 a.m.), but the degree of sunitinib penetration through the BAB and BBB was very low (< 5%) and comparable in both groups.

Real-space collapse of a polariton condensate

Microcavity polaritons are two-dimensional bosonic fluids with strong nonlinearities, composed of coupled photonic and electronic excitations. In their condensed form, they display quantum hydrodynamic features similar to atomic Bose-Einstein condensates, such as long-range coherence, superfluidity and quantized vorticity. Here we report the unique phenomenology that is observed when a pulse of light impacts the polariton vacuum: the fluid which is suddenly created does not splash but instead coheres into a very bright spot. The real-space collapse into a sharp peak is at odd with the repulsive interactions of polaritons and their positive mass, suggesting that an unconventional mechanism is at play. Our modelling devises a possible explanation in the self-trapping due to a local heating of the crystal lattice, that can be described as a collective polaron formed by a polariton condensate. These observations hint at the polariton fluid dynamics in conditions of extreme intensities and ultrafast times.

The influence of the time-of-day administration of the drug on the pharmacokinetics of sunitinib in rabbits

OBJECTIVES

At present it is known that the adjustment of the anticancer therapy to the circadian rhythms in tissues reduces the toxicity of the treatment. Chronotherapy also increases the efficacy of the anticancer treatment, which has been proved for many drugs. Sunitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which is broadly used for the treatment of numerous cancers. The aim of the study was a comparison of the concentrations and pharmacokinetics of sunitinib after a single administration to rabbits at 08:00 (control group) and 20:00. Additionally, the effect of sunitinib on glucose levels was investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The research was carried out on two groups of rabbits: I08:00, a group with the drug administered at 08:00 (n=8) and II20:00, a group with the drug administered at 20:00 (n=8). The rabbits were treated with sunitinib at an oral dose of 25 mg. Plasma concentrations of sunitinib and its metabolite (SU12662) were measured with a validated HPLC method with UV detection.

RESULTS

The comparison of the sunitinib Cmax and AUC0-t in the group with sunitinib administered at 20:00 with the control group gave the ratios of 2.20 (90% confidence interval (CI) (2.17; 2.22) and 1.64 (1.61; 1.68), respectively. Statistically significant differences between the groups under analysis were revealed for Cmax (p < 0.0001), AUC0-t (p = 0.0079), AUC0-∞ (p = 0.0149), and tmax (p = 0.0085). The mean glycemia drop was higher in group I08:00. than in group II20:00 (22.7% vs. 14.3%; p = 0.0622). The glycemia values returned to the initial values in 24 h after the administration of the drug in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The research proved a significant influence of the time-of-day administration on the pharmacokinetics of sunitinib.

Organ-sparing surgery of the bilateral testicular large cell calcifying sertoli cell tumor in patient with atypical Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

Large cell calcifying sertoli cell tumor (LCCSCT) is an exceptionally rare neoplasm originating from sperm cord cells. The tumors have relatively low malignant potential and unlikely proceed to metastasis formation. The lesions may occur in an isolated form or in ca. 40% of cases may be associated with genetic abnormalities, by and large Peutz–Jeghers syndrome and Carney complex. At presentation, 20% of LCCSCT cases are bilateral and/or multifocal. Owning to characteristic skin lesions and particular hyperechoic ultrasound image of the tumor, preliminary diagnosis of the syndromic LCCSCT is possible in the preoperative period. Consequently, testicle organ–sparing procedure can be attempted, which is especially justified in bilateral lesions. Here, we report a case of a bilateral LCCSCT in a 20-year-old man with atypical Peutz–Jeghers syndrome due to amplification of the exon 1 of STK11 gene who was successfully treated with bilateral testicle-sparing tumorectomies.

Stability analysis of three-dimensional breather solitons in a Bose–Einstein condensate

We investigated the stability properties of breather soliton trains in a three-dimensional Bose–Einstein condensate (BEC) with Feshbach-resonance management of the scattering length. This is done so as to generate both attractive and repulsive interaction. The condensate is confined only by a one-dimensional optical lattice and we consider strong, moderate and weak confinement. By strong confinement we mean a situation in which a quasi two-dimensional soliton is created. Moderate confinement admits a fully three-dimensional soliton. Weak confinement allows individual solitons to interact. Stability properties are investigated by several theoretical methods such as a variational analysis, treatment of motion in effective potential wells, and collapse dynamics. Armed with all the information forthcoming from these methods, we then undertake a numerical calculation. Our theoretical predictions are fully confirmed, perhaps to a higher degree than expected. We compare regions of stability in parameter space obtained from a fully three-dimensional analysis with those from a quasi two-dimensional treatment, when the dynamics in one direction are frozen. We find that in the three-dimensional case the stability region splits into two parts. However, as we tighten the confinement, one of the islands of stability moves toward higher frequencies and the lower frequency region becomes more and more like that for the quasi two-dimensional case. We demonstrate these solutions in direct numerical simulations and, importantly, suggest a way of creating robust three-dimensional solitons in experiments in a BEC in a one-dimensional lattice.

Fully three dimensional breather solitons can be created using feshbach resonances

We investigate the stability properties of breather solitons in a three-dimensional Bose-Einstein condensate with Feshbach resonance management of the scattering length and confined only by a one-dimensional optical lattice. We compare regions of stability in parameter space obtained from a fully 3D analysis with those from a quasi-two-dimensional treatment. For moderate confinement we discover a new island of stability in the 3D case, not present in the quasi-2D treatment. Stable solutions from this region have non-trivial dynamics in the lattice direction; hence, they describe fully 3D breather solitons. We demonstrate these solutions in direct numerical simulations and outline a possible way of creating robust 3D solitons in experiments in a Bose-Einstein condensate in a one-dimensional lattice. We point out other possible applications.

Telomerase activity in urine sediments as a tool for noninvasive detection of bladder cancer

Telomerase is extensively investigated as potential diagnostic and prognostic marker in human tumors. In this study, we determined telomerase activity in histological specimens and voided urine of 52 human bladder cancers. Using the PCR-ELISA method telomerase activity was found in 21 (88%) of the 24 tumor tissues and in the corresponding sediments from voided urine of patients with superficial bladder carcinoma (Ta/T1). In case of muscle-invasive tumors (T2-T4), telomerase activity was found in 27 (96%) of the 28 tumor tissues and in 26 (93%) of the 28 urine sediments. Enzyme activity was not detected in 13 control urine sediments. Telomerase activity was not significantly associated with clinicopathological parameters supporting the diagnostic rather than prognostic value of this marker in bladder cancer. The present study demonstrates that telomerase activity detection in voided urine has high potential for noninvasive diagnosis of superficial bladder tumors.

Two-dimensional dispersion-managed light bullets in Kerr media

We propose a scheme for stabilizing spatiotemporal solitons (STSs) in media with cubic self-focusing nonlinearity and "dispersion management," i.e., a layered structure inducing periodically alternating normal and anomalous group-velocity dispersion. We develop a variational approximation for the STS, and verify results by direct simulations. A stability region for the two-dimensional (2D) STS (corresponding to a planar waveguide) is identified. At the borders between this region and that of decay of the solitons, a more sophisticated stable object, in the form of a periodically oscillating bound state of two subpulses, is also found. In the 3D case (bulk medium), all the spatiotemporal pulses spread out or collapse.

Increased activity of glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase and other lipogenic enzymes in human bladder cancer

Common molecular changes in cancer cells are high carbon flux through the glycolytic pathway and overexpression of fatty acid synthase, a key lipogenic enzyme. Since glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase creates a link between carbohydrates and the lipid metabolism, we have investigated the activity of glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase and various lipogenic enzymes in human bladder cancer. The data presented in this paper indicate that glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity in human bladder cancer is significantly higher compared to adjacent non-neoplastic tissue, serving as normal control bladder tissue. Increased glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity is accompanied by increased enzyme activity, either directly (fatty acid synthase) or indirectly (through ATP-citrate lyase, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase and citrate synthase) involved in fatty acid synthesis. Coordinated upregulation of glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase and lipogenic enzymes activities in human bladder cancer suggests that glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase supplies glycerol 3-phosphate for lipid biosynthesis.

Penile metastases from urogenital primaries

Metastatic tumors of the penis are rare. They are usually secondary to primaries of the genitourinary and gastrointestinal tracts. This entity is usually accompanied by distressing symptoms like dysuria, pain, induration, swelling of the penis and priapism, making immediate intervention necessary. Different methods of treatment are used to achieve the palliative effect: local surgical excision, penis amputation, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Nevertheless, the prognosis is poor, because the disease is already disseminated and in most cases other metastases will occur soon.

Laparoscopic treatment of parapubic postprostatectomy hernia

We are reporting the case of a parapubic hernia that occurred after radical prostatectomy. This kind of the hernia is caused by the weakening of the attachments of rectus muscles to the pubic bone. Because of its location, it may be misdiagnosed as a far more common direct inguinal hernia. A laparoscopic approach made it possible to precisely diagnose and repair the defect in the abdominal wall.

[Laparoscopic treatment for parapubic hernia, complications after radical prostatectomy]

We present laparoscopic method of treatment of parapubic hernia that may occur after radical prostatectomy performed due to prostatic cancer. This kind of hernia is closely related to the weakening of the rectus muscle of abdomen insertions to the pubic bone that takes place during the operations using lower midline incision in order to reach organs in the small pelvis. Because of its localization it may be misdiagnosed as a commoner direct inquinal hernia. In this case the traditional anterior approach would not be curative. Using laparoscopy as it is suggested by authors will make the proper diagnosis much more easy and thus will enable effective treatment of the patient.

Coronary artery bypass grafting without cardiopulmonary bypass--initial experience of 50 cases

This study was undertaken to assess our experience with the first 50 patients who underwent CABG without cardiopulmonary bypass. In seven patients left internal mammary artery to left anterior descending artery (LIMA-LAD) grafting was performed through a short left anterior thoracotomy. In 43 other patients median sternotomy was used. Primary CABG was performed in 48 patients; there were two reoperations. Eleven patients had unstable angina. Three patients had left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) equal to or lower than 25%. One patient had carcinoma of the right lung coexisting with unstable angina and underwent also right lower lobectomy. In each patient the clinical course, 12-lead ECG, transthoracic echocardiography and the serum levels of creatine kinase (CPK), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT) were assessed. The need for inotropic or intraaortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP) support and blood transfusion was also recorded. There were three deaths, all in the sternotomy group (6%). A patient with systemic lupus erythemetodes (SLE) died of postoperative MI due to graft thrombosis. Another patient who was found to have porcelain aorta and had LIMA-LAD grafting as a rescue procedure died of MI with low cardiac output. The third patient with unstable angina and ejection fraction of 30% developed postoperative MI with ventricular arrhythmia. One patient with LIMA-LAD graft in whom percutaneous translaminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) had been abandoned because of coronary spasm developed acute myocardial ischaemia 5 h postoperatively. He had a vein graft placed to LAD in cardiopulmonary bypass, his further course was uneventful. Six patients had IABP support. Nine patients needed inotropic support. Ten patients received blood transfusion. Twelve-lead ECG did not show acute ischaemia or MI, apart from the above described cases. Echocardiographic check showed improved IVS contractility in three patients and better apex motion in one case. In the other survivors the echocardiographic findings were the same as before the procedure. ALAT and AspAT serum levels were normal in all the survivors, and the CPK levels did not exceed 200 IU/ml. One patient from the mini-thoracotomy group had recurrent angina 2 months after the procedure. His left internal mammary artery (LIMA) graft was occluded; we replaced it with a vein graft. All 47 survivors remain asymptomatic, with the mean follow-up time of 6 months. Coronary surgery without cardiopulmonary bypass seems a valuable alternative for high-risk patients.

Surgical treatment of atrial septal aneurysm

The atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) is a morphologic abnormality known to cause peripheral and pulmonary embolism. 28-52% patients with ASA have embolic events. However ASA -- with no other concomittant cardiac patology has rarely been reported as the indication for open heart surgery. In this work, five cases of patients operated for ASA are presented. Embolic complications with cerebral symptoms were presented in three cases. The diagnosis of ASA was established with the use of transesophageal echocardiography. The surgical correction of the defect was performed in extracorporeal circulation. The aneurysmal part of interatrial septum was excised and replaced with a pericardial patch. The postoperative course was uneventful. The patients have no new embolic events during the follow up period of one year.

Ruptured aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva. Clinical review, treatment results

Five patients were operated on because of ruptured aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva. In the cases with no concomitant VSD the surgical access from the aorta was used. The aorta was opened and the Fogarty catheter was introduced to the fistula. The "wind sock" of the aneurysm was pulled back to the aorta and excised. The opening was closed with double-line pledgetted polypropylene sutures. In severe aortic incompetence mechanical prostheses were implanted. One patient had bacterial endocarditis with reopening of the fistula and aortic valve incompetence that required reoperation. All patients are in a good clinical state. We recommend the use of Dacron patches even in small aneurysms to avoid re-opening of the fistula.