Successful management of atrio-esophageal fistula after cardiac radiofrequency catheter ablation

An increase in cardiac radiofrequency catheter ablation for treating refractory atrial fibrillation has resulted in an increased prevalence of complications. Among numerous complications of radiofrequency catheter ablation, atrio-esophageal fistula, although rare, is known to have fatal results. We report a case of successful management of an atrio-esophageal fistula as a complication of cardiac radiofrequency catheter ablation.

Comparative study of hyaluronic acid fillers by in vitro and in vivo testing

BACKGROUND

Numerous hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers seem to have similar characteristics, although manufacturers insist that monophasic and biphasic HA fillers are different in many ways. Little information regarding this is available in the literature.

OBJECTIVES

To determine characteristics of monophasic fillers vs. biphasic fillers.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We tested three different (two biphasic and one monophasic) HA fillers both in vitro and in vivo. In the in vitro assay, cell toxicity, resistance to enzyme degradation, syringeability and morphology of particles were tested. In vivo, the efficacy and safety were investigated in the dorsal skin of hairless mice.

RESULTS

There was no cell toxicity in any of the three HA fillers. Resistance to enzymatic degradation and syringeability were better in the two biphasic HA fillers than in the monophasic filler. In particle morphology test, gel type monophasic HA filler was also found as a particle type, although there was a slight difference. Volume assessment in animal skin was superior with the monophasic than with the two biphasic HA fillers.

CONCLUSION

Biphasic HA fillers have some advantages in hyaluronidase resistance, syringeability and lower risk for overcorrection, while monophasic HA fillers may be more suitable for volume augmentation due to swelling capacity.

Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses of porcine circovirus type 2 among pig farms in Vietnam

This study demonstrated the prevalence of Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) among pig farms in Vietnam. Analyses of the genome, capsid protein and phylogeny classified all 30 Vietnamese PCV2 strains as the PCV2b genotype, belonging to the clusters of 1A, 1B, 1C and recombinant forms. Each viral genome was 1767 nucleotides long and shared 96.0-100% nucleotide sequence identity. The amino acid substitutions in the capsid protein of the Vietnamese PCV2 strains were in immunodominant regions, and the majority of strains (24/30) contained a lysine extension at the C-terminus. Bayesian phylogeographic analysis revealed epidemic links of the PCV2 recombinant cluster within and among countries, which supports a circulating recombinant form of PCV2. Further analysis by the Jameson-Wolf antigenic index indicated antigenic alterations at important sites in the capsid protein (sites 131-133) among the recombinant cluster and the other clusters of PCV2b.

Guidance for diagnosis and treatment of DIC from harmonization of the recommendations from three guidelines

Three guidelines have recently been published for the diagnosis and treatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in adults. This communication seeks to harmonize the recommendations in these guidelines using a modified GRADE system. The scoring system for diagnosis of DIC using global coagulation tests is known to correlate with key clinical observations and outcomes (Moderate quality). The cornerstone of DIC treatment is the treatment of the underlying condition (Moderate quality). In general, transfusion of platelets or plasma (components) in patients with DIC should be reserved for patients who are bleeding (Low quality). Therapeutic doses of heparin should be considered in cases of DIC where clinical features of thrombosis predominate. Heparin is not recommended in those patients with a high risk of bleeding, (Moderate quality). However, prophylactic doses of unfractionated heparin or low molecular we ight heparin is recommended in critically ill and non-bleeding patients with DIC for prevention of venous thromboembolism (Moderate to High quality). Although further prospective evidence from randomized controlled trials is required, administration of antithrombin or recombinant thrombomodulin may be considered in certain patients with DIC. In general, patients with DIC should not be treated with antifibrinolytic agents (Low quality). However those who present with severe bleeding, that is characterized by a markedly hyperfibrinolytic state such as leukemia (Low quality) and trauma (Moderate quality), may be treated with antifibrinolytic agents. © 2013 International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

A Bayesian phylogeographical analysis of type 1 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)

Understanding viral transmission is an important factor for the effective prevention one of the most devastating swine diseases, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome. Focusing on molecular epidemiology of type 1 PRRSV, this study analysed a large ORF5 dataset collected worldwide from 1991 to 2012 using a coalescent-based Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo approach. The results suggested that the virus diversified into unique subpopulations in Russia & Belarus and Italy approximately 100 years ago. Previously unreported consecutive diffusions of the virus were identified, which showed that some countries, such as Spain and Germany, acted as distribution sources to some extent. This study also provided statistical evidence for the existence of an ORF5-based phylogeographical structure of type 1 PRRSV, in which the virus tended to cluster by geographical locations more tightly than expected by chance. In contrast to this tight geographical structure, the evolution of the ORF5 gene, based on mapping of non-synonymous/synonymous substitutions, was best described by a non-homogeneous process that could be implicated as a mechanism for viral immune evasion.

Abstract P4-02-07: Early Optical Tomography Changes Predict Breast Cancer Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

Background: Pathologic complete response (pCR) or a low Residual Cancer Burden (RCB) score following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) predicts a superior survival in breast cancer (BC) patients. An early predictive marker of tumor response during NACT would provide a way to optimize treatment for non-responders; however, no ideal technology currently exists. Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) is a novel, fast, safe, and low-cost technique that uses near infrared light to provide 3D data on tissue vascularity without the use of radiation, making it a promising technology for assessing early tumor response to NACT. We hypothesized that a 2-week change in DOT parameters would predict response to NACT as measured by the RCB score.

Methods: Women with stage II-IIIc invasive BC scheduled to undergo NACT with 12 cycles of a weekly taxane followed by 4 cycles of doxorubicin with cyclophosphamide (AC) were enrolled. Treatment with additional biologic therapies was allowed. DOT measurements were made before starting NACT, 2 weeks into treatment, and before surgery. Concentrations of oxyhemoglobin [HbO2], deoxyhemoglobin [Hb], total hemoglobin [HbT], and tissue scattering (SC) were measured by DOT. Final pathology specimens were scored for the RCB index (continuous measure), RCB class (0, 1, 2, 3), and a dichotomized RCB score (RCB class 0 or 1: responders to NACT; RCB class 2 or 3: non-responders). Correlation analysis, ANOVA testing, and two sample t-tests were used to evaluate the relationship between the two-week changes in DOT parameters and the RCB score.

Results: Since July 2011, we have recruited 11 pts, of whom 7 have undergone surgery. Complete data is available for 6 pts. Two of 7 pts had a pCR (RCB 0), 1 had RCB 1, 3 had RCB 2, and 1 had RCB 3. The Pearson correlation between the 2-week change in [Hb] and the continuous RCB index was 0.94 (p = 0.0047), and that between the 2-week change in SC and the RCB index was 0.93 (p = 0.0073). At 2 weeks, the [Hb] decreased by 6.7% for pts whose pathology demonstrated an RCB 0 (pCR), 1.8% for RCB 1, 0.6% for RCB 2, and increased 0.7% for RCB 3. ANOVA and Tukey testing demonstrated a significant difference in the [Hb] change for pts with RCB 0 compared to pts with RCB 1, 2, or 3 (p <0.05). At 2 weeks, SC decreased by 26.5% for pts with RCB 0, 19.3% for RCB 1, 3.7% for RCB 2, and increased by 25.1% for RCB 3. There was a significant difference in the SC change for pts with RCB 0 compared to pts with RCB 3 (p <0.05). Responders (RCB 0/1) had a 5% decrease in [Hb] at 2 weeks compared to non-responders (RCB 2/3) who had a decrease in 0.18% in [Hb] (p = 0.0045), and responders had a 24% decrease in SC compared to non-responders who had an increase in 6% (p = 0.044).

Conclusions: DOT change is an early predictor of response to NACT as measured by the RCB score. We found a significant linear association between the RCB index and the 2-week change in [Hb] and SC. Significantly different changes in DOT parameters were associated with the other RCB classifications. Additional recruitment is ongoing and differences by tumor subtype will be evaluated.

*These two authors contributed equally to this study

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-02-07.

Suppression of edge localized modes in high-confinement KSTAR plasmas by nonaxisymmetric magnetic perturbations

Edge localized modes (ELMs) in high-confinement mode plasmas were completely suppressed in KSTAR by applying n=1 nonaxisymmetric magnetic perturbations. Initially, the ELMs were intensified with a reduction of frequency, but completely suppressed later. The electron density had an initial 10% decrease followed by a gradual increase as ELMs were suppressed. Interesting phenomena such as a saturated evolution of edge T(e) and broadband changes of magnetic fluctuations were observed, suggesting the change of edge transport by the applied magnetic perturbations.

PET/CT and MRI of intra-osseous haemangioma of the tibia

Intra-osseous haemangioma is a rare, benign neoplasm that usually involves the vertebrae and craniofacial bones. Furthermore, its occurrence in the long bones is extremely rare. We report the findings of fluorine-18-fludeoxyglucose ((18)F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/CT and MRI in a patient with intra-osseous haemangioma in the proximal tibia, who was initially misdiagnosed as having a malignancy based on (18)F-FDG PET/CT. (18)F-FDG PET/CT showed a well-marginated osteolytic lesion with abnormal FDG uptake. The mass demonstrated low signal intensity on T(1) weighted MRI. On T(2) weighted images, the lesion appeared as a cluster of high signal intensity lobules and showed strong enhancement on contrast-enhanced T(1) weighted images. Surgical curettage was performed and histopathological examination of the excised tissue confirmed a cavernous haemangioma.

Cystic adventitial disease of the popliteal artery: a recurrent case after cyst wall excision

Although atherosclerosis remains the most common cause of lower limb ischemia, cystic adventitial disease (CAD) must be considered in the differential diagnosis of a patient without risk factors for atherosclerosis. The disease typically produces lower limb claudication and usually affects young and middle-aged men. The treatment consists of interposition grafting in cases with an occluded artery, but the treatment of stenotic lesions without arterial occlusion is controversial whether evacuation with cyst wall excision or interposition grafting. We report a case of CAD of the popliteal artery in a 70-year-old man with recurrence two years after cyst wall excision. This case suggests that complete cyst wall excision and regular follow-up are crucial in the management of stenotic lesion with CAD.

A wireless handheld probe with spectrally constrained evolution strategies for diffuse optical imaging of tissue

We present a low-cost, portable, wireless diffuse optical imaging device. The handheld device is fast, portable, and can be applied to a wide range of both static and dynamic imaging applications including breast cancer, functional brain imaging, and peripheral artery disease. The continuous-wave probe has four near-infrared wavelengths and uses digital detection techniques to perform measurements at 2.3 Hz. Using a multispectral evolution algorithm for chromophore reconstruction, we can measure absolute oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin concentration as well as scattering in tissue. Performance of the device is demonstrated using a series of liquid phantoms comprised of Intralipid(®), ink, and dye.

Photodynamic therapy: new treatment for refractory lymphocytic infiltration of the skin

Lymphocytic infiltration of the skin (LIS) is a relatively uncommon skin condition, first described by Jessner and Kanof in 1953. LIS presents mainly on the face, in particular on the cheeks and earlobe, but also on the neck, upper trunk or proximal limbs of middle-aged adults. LIS is often resistant to treatment. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) refers to the process of applying a topical prodrug, such as 5-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) or methyl 5-aminolaevulinic acid (MAL), followed by irradiation with visible or ultraviolet light. The prodrug is converted by target tissue to photoactive porphyrins, which lead to local tissue destruction when activated by light. We describe a 48-year-old woman with refractory LIS, who was treated with MAL-PDT.

P2-10-09: Detecting Breast Cancer with Dynamic Diffuse Optical Tomographic Imaging

Background: Over the last decade diffuse optical tomography (DOT) has emerged as a novel medical imaging modality. Near-infrared light is used to non-invasively probe biological tissue, and three-dimensional (3D) maps of blood-dependent parameters can be obtained. Several studies are underway to show the clinical utility of DOT for imaging brain disease, joint disease, and breast cancer. Here we present the largest clinical study to date that uses hemodynamic effects caused by a simple breath hold to identify breast tumors using DOT.

Methods: We have designed and built a DOT breast imaging system that can acquire full 3D data sets within a fraction of a second. The system affords the ability to study fast hemodynamic effects in both breasts simultaneously. Using non-compressive imaging heads we measured the oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin levels in the breasts of 15 patients whose mammogram showed a mass >1 cm (4 benign, 11 malignant) and 3 healthy controls. Data was acquired over the course of a 30-second breath hold and 30 seconds thereafter. In addition, a baseline measurement of 30 seconds prior to the breath hold was obtained. A multi-wavelength image reconstruction algorithm was used to create 3D maps of hemoglobin-dependent parameters (Δ[HbO2] and Δ[Hb]) in the breast every 0.58 seconds, over the course of the 90-second experiment. An image analysis algorithm identified regions of peak percentage change in [Hb] and [HbO2] in the breast and then computed the average hemoglobin levels in those regions.

Results: We observed an increase in the hemoglobin levels in all breasts during the breath hold. Upon resuming breathing, these hemoglobin levels returned to baseline. Tumor bearing breasts showed a statistically significant slower return to baseline than healthy breasts. In particular, we found that tumors can be detected by a substantially larger Δ[Hb] value as compared to normal tissue in images acquired 15 seconds following the end of the breath hold. In 10 of 11 patients the malignant tumor was identified using this technique, suggesting sensitivity over 90%. No regions of increased Δ[Hb] were seen in the healthy breasts, or in the breasts with benign masses. The peak percentage change in [Hb] at the 15 second post-breath hold time point was 10.0 ± 6.0% (n=11) in the malignant tumors compared to 1.4 ± 0.5% (n=3) (p=0.001) in healthy patients and 4.8 ± 1.9% in benign masses (n=4)(p=0.03).

Discussion: A breath hold impedes venous return to the heart, which causes pooling of blood in the breast. This is observed as an increase in [Hb] and [HbO2] using DOT. Tumor vasculature is known to be more disorganized, tortuous, and leakier than normal vasculature. Therefore, once the breath hold is released and blood is allowed to drain from the breast, blood accumulated in the tumor during the breath hold will drain more slowly than blood in healthy tissue. This study has shown that DOT allows us to visualize these hemodynamic effects and use them to detect tumors with a simple breath hold and compression-free imaging head. Future studies need to explore the detection limits and general clinical utility of this technique for screening, differentiating malignant from benign masses, and treatment monitoring.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-10-09.

The association between serum osteocalcin levels and metabolic syndrome in Koreans

The association between serum osteocalcin levels and metabolic syndrome (MS) in Korean individuals was investigated. Serum osteocalcin levels are significantly lower in subjects with MS than in those without the disease, regardless of glucose metabolism.

INTRODUCTION

Osteocalcin was recently shown to affect energy metabolism. In the present study, we investigated the possible association between serum osteocalcin concentrations and MS.

METHODS

A cross-sectional community-based survey was conducted. Serum osteocalcin, type 1 collagen C-telopeptide (CTX) and total alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentrations were determined in 567 subjects. MS was defined according to NCEP-ATP III criteria.

RESULTS

Serum osteocalcin concentrations were significantly lower in subjects with MS than those without MS in postmenopausal women (18.923 ± 7.685 vs 22.513 ± 7.344 ng/ml, P<0.001) and marginally lower in subjects with MS than those without MS in men (14.550 ± 5.090 vs 16.125 ± 4.749 ng/ml, P=0.086) after adjustment for age and BMI. Further controlling with CTX or ALP did not affect this association in postmenopausal women; however, controlling with osteocalcin abolished the association between CTX and MS. Significant differences in serum osteocalcin levels by MS status were noted in subjects with normal glucose tolerance as well as those with abnormal glucose tolerance (P=0.032 and P<0.001, respectively). Compared with subjects with the highest quartile of osteocalcin, those in the lower quartile groups (Q1-Q3) had significantly increased risks of MS (ORs=5.18, CIs=1.15-23.42) in men. In postmenopausal women, the ORs for MS were significantly higher in the lowest quartile than in the highest quartile (ORs=5.25, CIs=2.42-11.36).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that osteocalcin is associated with MS, independently of glucose metabolism.

Genomic sequence of infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV) KLV-2010-01 originating from the first Korean outbreak in cultured Litopenaeus vannamei

Due to the need to track and monitor genetic diversity, the genome of the infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV) strain KLV-2010-01 in cultured Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp that originated from the first Korean outbreak in 2010 was sequenced and analyzed. The genome, with a length of 3914 nucleotides, was sequenced from the Korean IHHNV. The genome encoded three large and overlapping open reading frames: ORF1 (NS-1) of 2001 bp, ORF2 (NS-2) of 1092 bp and ORF3 (capsid protein) of 990 bp. The overall organization, size and predicted amino acid sequence of the three ORFs in Korean IHHNV were highly similar to those of members of the infectious IHHNV group, and the most closely related strains were IHHNVs described from Ecuador and Hawaii. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis showed that the Korean IHHNV was clustered with lineage III in the infectious IHHNV group and was most similar to IHHNV isolates from Ecuador, China and Taiwan.

AKR1B10 is associated with smoking and smoking-related non-small-cell lung cancer

This prospective study explored the relationship between expression of AKR1B10 mRNA and various clinical parameters in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in terms of its validation as a marker for NSCLC. Tumour tissue samples were collected from 229 patients with NSCLC. Tissue samples from adjacent non-malignant lung tissue (> 5 cm from the tumour) of 89 of these patients and samples from 20 patients with benign lung disease were used as controls. Quantitative reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction showed significantly higher levels of AKR1B10 mRNA expression in NSCLC tumour tissue than in adjacent non-malignant lung tissue and benign lung tissue. Statistically significant factors for AKR1B10 mRNA over-expression were found to be male gender, smoking, squamous cell carcinoma and moderate or poor cell differentiation. It is concluded that AKR1B10 seems to have potential as a prognostic marker for NSCLC and warrants further investigation.

Effect of garlic on high fat induced obesity

The present study was performed to examine the effects of garlic on obesity and blood lipid profiles in high-fat induced obesity mice model, and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms responsible for such effect. C57BL/6 mice were fed a standard diet (STD) or high-fat diet (HFD) for 5 weeks to induce obesity. Mice were then randomly divided into four groups with 10 mice per group, and fed experimental diet for 4 weeks; STD group, HFD group, HFD containing 2% or 4% garlic group (HFD + G2 or HFD + G4, respectively). Administration of garlic significantly reduced HFD-induced body weight, epididymal fat accumulation, hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia. Consequently, the atherogenic indexes were reduced by 83% and 91%, respectively, in 2% and 4% garlic supplemented group. Liver steatosis induced by HFD was ameliorated by garlic supplementation. Furthermore, garlic affected the down regulation of expression patterns of epididymal adipose tissue genes such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC), adipose specific fatty acid binding protein (aP2), and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH). These results suggest that garlic may have a potential benefit in preventing obesity.

Gene expression signatures associated with the in vitro resistance to two tyrosine kinase inhibitors, nilotinib and imatinib

The use of selective inhibitors targeting Bcr-Abl kinase is now established as a standard protocol in the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia; however, the acquisition of drug resistance is a major obstacle limiting the treatment efficacy. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of drug resistance, we established K562 cell line models resistant to nilotinib and imatinib. Microarray-based transcriptome profiling of resistant cells revealed that nilotinib- and imatinib-resistant cells showed the upregulation of kinase-encoding genes (AURKC, FYN, SYK, BTK and YES1). Among them, the upregulation of AURKC and FYN was observed both in nilotinib- and imatinib-resistant cells irrespective of exposure doses, while SYK, BTK and YES1 showed dose-dependent upregulation of expression. Upregulation of EGF and JAG1 oncogenes as well as genes encoding ATP-dependent drug efflux pump proteins such as ABCB1 was also observed in the resistant cells, which may confer alternative survival benefits. Functional gene set analysis revealed that molecular categories of ‘ATPase activity', ‘cell adhesion' or ‘tyrosine kinase activity' were commonly activated in the resistant clones. Taken together, the transcriptome analysis of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI)-resistant clones provides the insights into the mechanism of drug resistance, which can facilitate the development of an effective screening method as well as therapeutic intervention to deal with TKI resistance.

Comparison of the effect-site concentrations of remifentanil for Streamlined Liner of the Pharynx Airway (SLIPA) versus laryngeal mask airway SoftSealTM insertion during target-controlled infusion of propofol

This study was designed to determine the optimal dose of remifentanil required for the successful insertion of Streamlined Liner of the Pharynx Airway (SLIPA) and to compare it to that required for laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion in patients receiving a propofol infusion at a standard effect-site concentration. Fifty-eight patients scheduled to undergo general anaesthesia were randomly assigned to either the SLIPA (n = 29) or LMA (n = 29) group. All patients were premedicated with midazolam 0.05 mg x kg(-1) and glycopyrrolate 0.004 mg x kg(-1) intramuscularly. After the administration of lignocaine 1 mg x kg(-1) intravenously, a propofol infusion was started at an effect-site concentration of 3.5 microg x ml(-1) with a remifentanil infusion without a neuromuscular blocking agent. The remifentanil dose was determined by the modified up-and-down method starting in each group at 4 ng x ml(-1). Six minutes after induction, the airway device was inserted. Airway device insertion was classified as 'success' or 'failure' based on patient response. From the isotonic regression analysis and bootstrap distribution, the EC50 of remifentanil for SLIPA and LMA were 0.93 ng x ml(-1) (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81 to 1.50 ng x ml(-1) and 1.36 ng x ml(-1) (95% CI 1.19 to 2.06 ng x ml(-1)) respectively, and the EC95 for SLIPA and LMA insertions were 1.90 ng x ml(-1) (95% CI 1.39 to 1.95) and 2.43 ng x ml(-1) (95% CI 1.80 to 2.46 ng x ml(-1)) respectively. Using the 83% CIs from the bootstrap distribution, EC50 for SLIPA was significantly less than that of LMA (0.83 to 1.23 vs 1.26 to 2.00, respectively) (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that the insertion of SLIPA needs about a 32% lower depth of anaesthesia than LMA insertion.

Anatomo-radiological evaluation of lateral approaches to the skull base

Our objective is to correlate the anatomical exposure provided by complex skull base approaches to the lateral skull base with their CT and MRI scans counterparts and to introduce a modular concept emphasizing the derivation of complex skull base approaches from simpler ones.We executed 10 lateral approaches to the skull base in 20 embalmed cadaveric heads (40 sides). Each approach was executed a minimum of three times on each specimen. These approaches were the pterional and its modifications, the subtemporal and its modifications, and the suboccipital and its modifications. We correlated the approaches and the areas of the skull base exposed by scanning the surgical cavity filled with material imageable by CT and MRI and throughly surveying the operative field.Visualization of the area of the skull base exposed was excellent using our CT-MRI imageable cadaveric preparation. The topographic areas of the skull base exposed correlated well with their radiological counterparts.The areas of the skull base exposed by each of the complex surgical approaches to the skull base were clearly delineated by using our anatomo-radiological correlation. Complex approaches to the skull base are formed by simple neurosurgical approaches (building blocks) to which different modules are added.

Comprehensive review on herbal medicine for energy intake suppression

The obesity drug development is present not a bright and successful story. So far, drugs reported to be effective, either from synthetic or natural sources, mostly stimulated controversy because of serious adverse effects, which ended with stopping clinical trials or even withdrawal from the market. However, obesity and its comorbidities have become rapidly a major problem in both developed and developing countries. This has encouraged pharmaceutical companies and academia to keep on struggling on developing novel effective but safe obesity drugs, and on characterizing novel obesity drug targets. From existing scientific work on obesity drug discovery and commercial slimming preparations, compounds originating from nature, especially from plants, seem to be the first choice. Traditional belief that herbal medicine is safer than synthetic ones is one of the classical arguments, although scientifically this is not always true (e.g. ban on Ephedra). But in general, it has been widely acknowledged that a plant compound, with its unique scaffolds and rich diversity is an unlimited source of novel lead compounds. This paper aims to summarize all works focused on screening plant materials by targeting important pathways related to energy intake regulation, either by in vivo or in vitro experiments.

Prediction of acute pulmonary complications after resection of lung cancer in patients with preexisting interstitial lung disease

INTRODUCTION

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is associated with a high morbidity from acute pulmonary complications, such as acute lung injury (ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), after pulmonary resection. This study attempts to uncover the risk factors for postoperative ALI/ARDS in lung cancer patients with ILD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 100 patients with ILD who underwent curative lung resection for lung cancer, from January 2000 to December 2008.

RESULTS

Of the 100 patients, 91 were male, and 9 were female. The median age was 66 years. Fifty-eight patients underwent a preoperative carbon monoxide diffusing capacity test (DLCo). Twelve pneumonectomies and 88 lobectomies were performed. Acute pulmonary complications were observed in 28 patients (13 with ALI and 15 with ARDS). Operative mortality was 14%. Cause of death was due to respiratory failure from ALI/ARDS in all patients, except in one patient who died due to complications of acute renal failure. For all 100 patients, univariate analysis revealed that preexisting comorbidities, such as ischemic heart disease, renal failure, COPD, and neoadjuvant treatment for lung cancer, were risk factors for the development of postoperative ALI/ARDS. For the 58 patients who underwent preoperative DLCo testing, significant univariate risk factors included preexisting comorbidities and decreased DLCo. Multivariate analysis did not show any significant risk factors for ALI/ARDS.

CONCLUSIONS

Preexisting comorbidities and decreased preoperative DLCo were the most significant risk factors for the development of acute pulmonary complications after pulmonary resection in patients with lung cancer and ILD.

Patterning of catalysts for the selective growth of carbon nanotubes using laser irradiation of nickel nitrate

We developed a simple method to produce patterned catalysts for the growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on Si substrate using laser irradiation of Ni nitrate. We found that Ni nitrate can easily be decomposed into Ni oxide by KrF laser irradiation and that unexposed Ni nitrate can be removed using deionized (DI) water. Once we obtained patterned Ni oxide, we were able to synthesize multi-walled CNTs using a conventional thermal CVD. This new method does not require any photoresist or vacuum processes. Not only is the method compatible with low-temperature and large-area fabrication, it also significantly reduces the total processing steps required for conventional lithographic patterning technology. A detailed investigation of the decomposition process of this patterned catalyst and the microstructure of the patterned multi-walled CNTs was carried out using IR, SEM and TEM.