High Density Culture of Immortalized Liver Endothelial Cells in the Radial-flow Bioreactor in the Development of an Artificial Liver

Liver endothelial cells are important components of the tissue along the hepatic sinusoid. They are responsible for microcirculation in the liver and scavenger functions. It would therefore be important to include these cells in any hybrid type of artificial liver in addition to hepatocytes. However, it is difficult to culture these cells in vitro. The development of a liver endothelial cell line, which maintains the characteristics of the primary culture, would thus be of great benefit in the development of an artificial liver. In the present study we established immortalized liver endothelial cells from the liver of an H-2Kb-tsA58 transgenic mouse, which harbors the SV40 TAg gene. Hepatic sinusoidal cells isolated from H-2Kd-tsA58 mouse proliferated In the presence of γ-interferon at 33°C. Four clones were established, out of which clone M1 had the highest amounts of PGI2 production, as well as plasminogen activator activity and internalized acetylated low density lipoprotein. On culture dishes the M1 cells grew individually and spread. Sieve plates on the cell surface were not readily visible, but small pores were detected under electron microscopic observation. These results suggest that M1 clone cells originated from liver endothelial cells. Moreover it was possible to culture the immortalized liver endothelial cells in a radial-flow bioreactor for 5 days, with a maximum 6-keto prostaglandin F1α production of 25 μg per day. This suggests that immortalized liver endothelial cells and a radial-flow bioreactor can prove useful tools in the development an artificial liver.

Polyetherimide hollow fiber membranes for CO2 absorption and stripping in membrane contactor application

Porous asymmetric polyetherimide (PEI) hollow fiber membranes with various non-solvent additives, e.g. lithium chloride, methanol and phosphoric acid (PA) were prepared for CO₂ absorption and stripping process in a membrane contractor. The PEI membranes were characterized via gas permeation, liquid entry pressure of water (LEPw), contact angle and field emission scanning electronic microscopy analysis. The CO₂ absorption and stripping performance was evaluated via the membrane contactor system. Addition of non-solvent additives increased the LEPw and membrane porosity of the PEI membrane with the formation of various membrane microstructures and contact angles. Absorption test was performed at 40 °C showed that the PEI–PA membrane produced the highest absorption flux of 2.7 × 10⁻² mol m⁻² s⁻¹ at 0.85 m s⁻¹ of liquid velocity. Further testing on PEI–PA membrane was conducted on CO₂ stripping at 60 °C, 70 °C to 80 °C and the results indicated that the stripping flux was lower compared to the absorption flux. Stripping tests at 80 °C produced the highest stripping flux which might due to the increase in equilibrium partial pressure of CO₂ in the liquid absorbent. Modification of PEI membrane via incorporation of additive can enhanced the performance of a membrane contactor via increasing the absorption and stripping flux.

Porous asymmetric polyetherimide (PEI) hollow fiber membranes with various non-solvent additives, e.g. lithium chloride, methanol and phosphoric acid (PA) were prepared for a CO₂ absorption and stripping process in a membrane contractor.

Skin metastases in epithelial ovarian and fallopian tube carcinoma

This study aimed to investigate the clinical features and outcomes of skin metastasis in ovarian and fallopian tube carcinomas.We studied patients with epithelial ovarian or fallopian tube carcinoma who developed skin metastasis from 2001 through 2012, and were also treated with chemotherapy and/or surgery.Skin metastases were classified as umbilical metastasis (Sister Joseph nodule [SJN]) and nonumbilical metastasis. Patients who developed skin metastases at paracentesis sites were excluded.Of the 206 patients treated, 12 (5.8%) developed skin metastasis: 7 developed SJN, and 5 developed nonumbilical metastasis. Six patients had serous carcinoma, 3 had clear cell carcinoma, 2 had endometrioid carcinoma, and 1 had adenocarcinoma. Four patients out of the 7 who developed SJN had skin metastasis at initial diagnosis, and all 4 patients had SJN with concomitant peritoneal dissemination. Of the 4 patients, 3 received chemotherapy, and their survival ranged from 22 to 42 months. Of the 7 patients who developed SJN, 3 patients with stage IIIC disease developed an SJN at recurrence and were treated with surgery and/or chemotherapy. Their survival duration after recurrence ranged from 26 to 43+ months. Five patients developed nonumbilical metastases 3 to 53 months (median 34 months) after initial diagnosis: 3 cases occurred in incisional scars of primary surgery, and 2 in subcutaneous metastasis in the other sites. Survival after recurrence ranged from 56 to 140+ months in 3 patients with incisional scar recurrence, and it was 5 months in 2 other patients.Sister Joseph nodule developed only in patients with peritoneal dissemination, and most patients with SJN survived for >24 months. Nonumbilical metastases occurring in incisional scars of primary surgery may carry a favorable prognosis.

Biodegradable gelatin/beta-tricalcium phosphate sponges incorporating recombinant human fibroblast growth factor-2 for treatment of recession-type defects: A split-mouth study in dogs

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Tissue engineering by using recombinant human (rh) growth factor technology may offer a promising therapeutic approach for treatment of gingival recession. Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) has shown the ability to promote periodontal regeneration. Gelatin/beta-tricalcium phosphate (gelatin/β-TCP) sponges have been developed to control the release of growth factors. The present study evaluated the periodontal regenerative efficacy of rhFGF-2 by comparing gelatin/β-TCP sponges incorporated with rhFGF-2 to the scaffolds alone in artificially created recession-type defects in dogs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Critically sized buccal gingival recession defects were surgically created on maxillary canine teeth of five dogs. In each animal, defects were randomized to receive either a gelatin/β-TCP sponge soaked with rhFGF-2 (gelatin/β-TCP/rhFGF-2) or phosphate-buffered saline (gelatin/β-TCP). Eight weeks after surgery, biopsy specimens were obtained and subjected to microcomputed tomography and histological analyses.

RESULTS

Complete root coverage was achieved in both groups. Microcomputed tomography revealed significantly greater new bone volume in the gelatin/β-TCP/rhFGF-2 group. Histologically, both groups achieved periodontal regeneration; however, gelatin/β-TCP/rhFGF-2 sites exhibited more tissue regeneration, characterized by significantly larger amounts of new cementum and new bone. Gelatin/β-TCP sites featured increased long junctional epithelium and connective tissue attachment. In the gelatin/β-TCP/rhFGF-2 sites, new bone exhibited many haversian canals and circumferential lamellae as well as remarkably thick periosteum with blood vascularization and hypercellularity.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of this study, rhFGF-2 in gelatin/β-TCP sponges exhibits an increased potential to support periodontal wound healing/regeneration in canine recession-type defects.

Distribution of Serotonergic Neurons in the Central Nervous System: A Peroxidase-Antiperoxidase Study with Anti-Serotonin Antibodies

Distribution of serotonin (5-HT) neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) of various vertebrates was investigated with a highly sensitive immunohistochemical technique. Antibodies were raised in rabbits against an antigen prepared by coupling 5-HT to bovine thyroglobulin. 5-HT neurons were found to be distributed more widely and densely than has been heretofore described. Serotonergic neuronal somata are organized according to certain basic patterns, but there are interspecific differences with regard to the distribution of 5-HT fibers. The processes of 5-HT neurons form a dense plexus by ramification and anastomosis in almost all areas of the CNS, including the ventricular surfaces. In the light of our observations, Golgi's reticular theory may have to be revised.

[Residual Disease Status after Primary Cytoreductive Surgery in Patients with Advanced Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, or Peritoneal Carcinoma and Long-Term Progression-Free Survival]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate residual disease status after primary cytoreductive surgery(PCS)in patients with advanced ovarian, Fallopian tube, or peritoneal carcinoma and long-term progression-free survival(PFS).

METHODS

The study included patients with stage III C/IVepithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal carcinoma who had undergone surgery and carbo- platin/taxane chemotherapy, and had a PFSduration of ≥48 months.

RESULTS

The study group consisted of 11 patients with stage III C disease, which accounted for 23%(8/35)of stage III C patients aged ≤59 years and 11%(3/27)of stage III C patients aged ≥60 years. No stage IV patients had a long-term PFS(0/11). Of 8 patients aged ≤59 years, 2 had residual disease of 0.1-1 cm(optimal debulking), 5 had residual disease of >1 cm after PCS, and 1 who had received neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC)had optimal debulking during interval cytoreductive surgery. Of 3 patients aged ≥60 years, 2 had no macroscopic residual disease, and 1 had residual disease of >1 cm after PCS.

CONCLUSION

In patients with stage III C ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal carcinoma, a subgroup of those aged ≤59 years had long-term PFSdespite suboptimal PCS. In this age group, carboplatin/taxane chemotherapy may improve the prognosis, irrespective of residual disease status after PCS. In contrast, complete cytoreduction during PCSappears to be necessary in patients aged ≥60 years who achieve long-term PFS.

[Effectiveness of Carboplatin plus Taxane Chemotherapy for Advanced or Recurrent Uterine Serous Carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

Uterine serous carcinoma(USC)is more aggressive compared to endometrioid adenocarcinoma, and often exhibits intraperitoneal spread, resulting in a poor prognosis. It is a rare subtype of uterine cancers, accounting for 5%of cases in Japan; therefore, optimal chemotherapy regimens for patients with advanced or recurrent disease have not been established. In the present study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of carboplatin plus taxane chemotherapy for the treatment of patients withadvanced and recurrent USC.

METHODS

Patients withmeasurable advanced or recurrent USC who underwent carboplatin plus taxane chemotherapy, and in whom toxicities could be evaluated were eligible. Carboplatin(AUC 5)and paclitaxel(180mg/m2)were administered on day 1 of a 3-week cycle. Patients who required dose adjustments or carboplatin plus docetaxel because of age, comorbidities, or adverse events were included.

RESULTS

Nine patients were included. The median patient age was 68 years(range, 45-81 years). Seven patients had Stage IV B disease(5 withperitoneal dissemination, 1 withbone metastasis, and 1 withmultiple lymphnode metastases, including metastasis at the mediastinal lymph nodes), and 2 patients had recurrent disease, both of whom developed postoperative peritoneal recurrence. One patient achieved a complete response(CR), and 6 achieved a partial response(PR), witha response rate(CR+PR)of 78%. Th e2 patients with recurrent disease achieved a PR. The median progression-free survival for the 7 responders was 9 months (range, 2-90 months). In terms of hematological toxicities, GradeB3 neutropenia occurred in 7 patients, but febrile neutropenia did not occur. One patient developed sepsis because of a subcutaneous central venous port infection.

CONCLUSION

TC was a safe and efficacious regimen for patients with advanced or recurrent USC. To validate these findings, further investigations in a larger patient population are warranted.

Preparation and characterization of a novel highly hydrophilic and antifouling polysulfone/nanoporous TiO2 nanocomposite membrane

In this research, novel ultrafiltration nanocomposite membranes were prepared by incorporating self-synthesized nanoporous titanium dioxide (NTiO2) nanoparticles into polysulfone. The surface of the nanoparticle was treated with a silane-based modifier to improve its distribution in the host polymer. Atomic-force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, porosity and contact angle tests were conducted to characterize the properties of the particles as well as the fabricated nanocomposite membranes. The effects of the nanoparticle incorporation were evaluated by conducting ultrafiltration experiments. It was reported that the membrane pure water flux was increased with increasing NTiO2 loading owing to the high porosity of the nanoparticles embedded and/or formation of enlarged pores upon addition of them. The antifouling capacity of the membranes was also tested by ultrafiltration of bovine serum albumin fouling solution. It was found that both water flux and antifouling capacity tended to reach desired level if the NTiO2 added was at optimized loading.