Abstract P3-08-14: Could the preoperative systemic therapy be a risk factor for breast cancer-related lymphedema in stage II/III breast cancer?

Background: The breast cancer-related lymphedema (LE) has been known to be closely related to axillary lymph nodes dissection (ALND), chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. In this study, we evaluated whether the sequence of systemic chemotherapy and surgery could be a predictive factor in stage II/III breast cancer.

Methods and Materials: A total of 867 patients with stage II/III breast cancer, who underwent curative surgery with adequate systemic therapy from 2004 to 2009, were retrospectively analyzed. Adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) was performed in 571 patients (65.9%) and preoperative systemic chemotherapy (PSC) in 296 (34.1%). We evaluated the incidence of LE by clinicopathologic factors and treatments.

Results: At a median follow-up of 5.1 years (range, 3.0-8.3 years), 360 patients (41.5%) had experienced LE, 244 patients have retained LE (permanent LE), and 116 patents were normalized. The overall 5-year cumulative incidence of LE was 17%. LE occurred in 188 patients (32.9%) in patients with ACT, 172 patients (58.1%) with PSC (P<0.001), permanent LE in 121 (21.2%) with ACT, 123 (41.6%) with PSC (P<0.001), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that PSC (hazard ratio [HR], 1.65; P<.001), radiotherapy (HR, 2.24; P<0.01), ALND (HR, 1.41; P = 0.04), and nodal stage (HR, 1.93; P = 0.04) were independent risk factors for LE occurrence. For the permanent LE, PSC (HR, 1.44; P = 0.05), radiotherapy (HR, 2.79; P<0.01), ALND (HR, 1.77; P<0.01), and nodal stage (HR, 3.01; P = 0.02) showed the associations.

Conclusions: The risk factors associated with LE were advanced stage, ALND and radiotherapy. PSC was one of predictors for transients LE. However, further evaluation should be done whether it is a risk factor for permanent LE.

This research was supported by National Cancer Center Grant NCC-1210181-2 by the National Cancer Center, Republic of Korea.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P3-08-14.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 improves insulin resistance and ameliorates renal injury in db/db mice

Despite the emerging importance of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) as a metabolic hormone regulating energy balance, its direct effects on renal function remain unexplored. FGF21 was injected ip daily for 12 weeks into db/db mice. Compared with control vehicle injection, FGF21 treatment significantly improved lipid profiles and insulin resistance and resulted in significantly higher serum adiponectin levels. In contrast, serum insulin and 8-isoprostane levels were significantly decreased. Interestingly, FGF21 and its receptor components in the kidneys were found to be significantly up-regulated in db/db mice, which suggests an FGF21-resistant state. FGF21 treatment significantly down-regulated FGF21 receptor components and activated ERK phosphorylation. FGF21 administration also markedly decreased urinary albumin excretion and mesangial expansion and suppressed profibrotic molecule synthesis. Furthermore, FGF21 improved renal lipid metabolism and oxidative stress injury. In cultured renal cells, FGF21 was mainly expressed in mesangial cells, and knockdown of FGF21 expression by stealth small interfering RNA further aggravated high-glucose-induced profibrotic cytokine synthesis in mesangial cells. Our results suggest that FGF21 improves insulin resistance and protects against renal injury through both improvement of systemic metabolic alterations and antifibrotic effects in type 2 diabetic nephropathy. Targeting FGF21 could therefore provide a potential candidate approach for a therapeutic strategy in type 2 diabetic nephropathy.

Re-categorisation of male lower urinary tract symptoms based on the international prostate symptom score questionnaire

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to develop a new sub-classification system for male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)-mild, moderate and severe-using the conventional International Prostate Symptoms Score (I-PSS).

METHODS

From October 2007 to March 2012, a total of 2234 male patients (≥ 50 years old) presenting with LUTS were enrolled in this study. Patients were sorted according to their I-PSS (ranging from 1 to 35 points) and divided into three groups based on their quality of life (QoL) score. A chi-square automatic interaction detection (CHAID) algorithm, based on adjusted significance testing, was used. The Kappa coefficient was calculated for the agreement of original and new categorisation.

RESULTS

Mean total I-PSS and QoL scores were 11.0 and 2.9 respectively. According to the original classification, 838 patients (38.6%) had mild, 1053 (48.5%) had moderate and 282 (13.0%) had severe symptoms. After the CHAID algorithm was applied, the scores were re-categorised as 'mild' (1-6 points), 'moderate' (7-21 points) and 'severe' (22-35 points). The overall model was able to correctly predict whether an I-PSS was associated with mild, moderate or severe symptoms, with 70.1% accuracy. According to this new classification, 704 patients (32.4%) were shown to have mild, 1255 (57.8%) to have moderate and 214 (9.8%) to have severe LUTS. The agreement of conventional and new categorisation is very strong (Kappa coefficient = 0.84).

CONCLUSIONS

Conventional categorisation of LUTS by I-PSS needs to be updated and the category of moderate LUTS should be broadened.

RAF kinase inhibitor-independent constitutive activation of Yes-associated protein 1 promotes tumor progression in thyroid cancer

The transcription coactivator Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) is regulated by the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway. However, the role of YAP1 in thyroid cancer, which is frequently associated with the BRAF^V600E mutation, remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the role of YAP1 in thyroid cancer. YAP1 was overexpressed in papillary (PTC) and anaplastic thyroid cancer, and nuclear YAP1 was more frequently detected in BRAF^V600E (+) PTC. In the thyroid cancer cell lines TPC-1 and HTH7, which do not have the BRAF^V600E mutation, YAP1 was cytosolic and inactive at high cell densities. In contrast, YAP1 was retained in the nucleus and its target genes were expressed in the thyroid cancer cells 8505C and K1, which harbor the BRAF^V600E mutation, regardless of cell density. Furthermore, the nuclear activation of YAP1 in 8505C was not inhibited by RAF or MEK inhibitor. In vitro experiments, YAP1 silencing or overexpression affected migratory capacities of 8505C and TPC-1 cells. YAP1 knockdown resulted in marked decrease of tumor volume, invasion and distant metastasis in orthotopic tumor xenograft mouse models using the 8505C thyroid cancer cell line. Taken together, YAP1 is involved in the tumor progression of thyroid cancer and YAP1-mediated effects might not be affected by the currently used RAF kinase inhibitors.

Gene delivery of c-myb increases bone formation surrounding oral implants

Bone regeneration around titanium (Ti) implants is a relatively slow process. The c-myb transcription factor has been associated with high proliferation and differentiation rates in bone. This study analyzed whether c-myb can enhance new bone surrounding the implant. In vitro overexpressed chitosan-gold nanoparticles conjugated with plasmid DNA/c-myb (Ch-GNPs/c-myb)-coated Ti surfaces were associated with enhanced expression of the osteogenic molecules osteopontin (OPN), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX-2), and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP2/7) in MC-3T3E1 osteoblast cells. Further, to determine its in vivo effect, we inserted Ch-GNPs/c-myb-coated Ti implants into rat mandibles. One and 4 wks post-implantation, mandibles were examined by microcomputed tomography, immunohistochemistry, and hematoxylin & eosin staining. The microcomputed tomography analysis demonstrated that c-myb overexpression increased the density and volume of newly formed bone surrounding the implants, compared with those in controls (p < .05). Further, c-myb increased the number of cells expressing BMP2/7 and aided in the increase of new bone (p < .05). These results support the view that c-myb overexpression accelerates new bone surrounding implants and can serve as a potent molecule in promoting tissue regeneration around dental implants. The recipient rat used in this system provides an excellent in vivo model for studies of bone regeneration.

Renal protective effects of toll-like receptor 4 signaling blockade in type 2 diabetic mice

Chronic inflammation caused by high glucose and high free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Recent evidence suggests that activation of Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling induces peripheral insulin resistance and mediates central insulin and leptin resistance. In this study, we investigated the renal effects of TLR4 signaling blockade in type 2 diabetic mice. Eight-week-old db/db mice were treated for 12 weeks with (S,R)-3-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-5-isoxasole acetic acid (GIT27), which targets macrophages through the inhibition of TLR4- and TLR2/6-mediated signaling pathways. Although GIT27 treatment improved glycemic control and insulin tolerance, which is associated with a lower lipid profile, it did not impact body weight or food consumption. GIT27 treatment also markedly decreased urinary albumin excretion, decreased proinflammatory cytokine synthesis, improved tissue lipid metabolism, induced oxidative stress, and improved glomerulosclerosis compared with the control db/db group. In cultured podocytes and adipocytes, high glucose levels with FFA stimulation increased TLR4 expression and proinflammatory cytokine synthesis, but the effects were abolished by GIT27 treatment. In addition, knockdown of TLR4 expression by stealth small interfering RNA abolished FFA-induced proinflammatory cytokine synthesis in cultured podocytes. In conclusion, our results suggest that GIT27 treatment improves insulin resistance and protects against the renal injury that occurs in type 2 diabetic nephropathy through both metabolic and antiglomerulosclerotic mechanisms. These results suggest that TLR pathway inhibition might play a direct protective role in diabetic kidney disease.

RNH1 regulation of reactive oxygen species contributes to histone deacetylase inhibitor resistance in gastric cancer cells

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) are a promising class of anticancer epigenetic drugs, however, molecular factors influencing the responses of individual tumors to HDACi therapies remain obscure. Here, we sought to identify genes associated with HDACi resistance in gastric cancer. Treating a panel of 17 gastric cancer cell lines with multiple HDACi compounds (trichostatin A, SAHA and MS275), we identified two distinct classes of lines exhibiting either HDACi sensitivity or resistance. Genomic comparisons between the sensitive and resistant classes using two independent microarray platforms identified RNH1, encoding a ribonuclease inhibitor, as a gene highly expressed in HDACi-resistant lines. Using genetic knockdown and overexpression assays, we show that RNH1 is both necessary and sufficient to induce HDACi resistance, and that RNH1 is likely to mediate this resistance through the dampening of HDACi-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cancer cells. The discovery of RNH1 as a regulator of HDACi resistance in gastric cancer highlights a functional role for ROS induction in the cellular effects of this important drug class.

Abstract PD09-05: Single nucleotide polymorphism of XRCC1 which participates in DNA repair mechanism predicts clinical outcome in relapsed or metastatic breast cancer patients treated with S1 and oxaliplatin chemotherapy: Results from multicenter prospective study (TORCH_KCSG BR07-03)

Background: S1 and oxaliplatin (SOX) combination chemotherapy is an effective regimen in anthracycline and taxane pretreated metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients with manageable toxicities (KCSG BR07-03, SABCS 2011 #Abst P3-16-06). The aim of this study was to investigate the association of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and clinical outcome in MBC treated with SOX chemotherapy.

Patients and Methods: A total of 87 MBC patients previously treated with or resistant to anthracycline and taxane chemotherapy were enrolled in this prospective multicenter trial. The patients received S-1 80mg/m2/day (day 1–14) and oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 (day 1) every 3 weeks till progression. Among the 87 patients, 77 patients were available for SNP analysis. Germline DNA from peripheral blood (PB) mononuclear cells was extracted. SNPs in 4 genes from pathways that may influence cellular sensitivity to S1 and oxaliplatin (TS, ERCC, XPD, and XRCC) were genotyped from PB sample using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism.

Results: Overall response rate (RR) was 38.5% (95% CI: 27.7–49.3) and disease control rate was 67.9% (95% CI:57.5–78.3) to SOX. Median time-to-progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS) were 6.0 mo (95% CI: 5.1–6.9 mo) and 19.4 mo (95% CI: not estimated), respectively. XRCC1 Arg194Trp SNP which participates in DNA repair mechanism showed correlation with the clinical outcome. RR was tend to higher in XRCC1 Arg194Trp CC genotype compared with CT or TT genotype (50.0 % vs 35.1% or 12.5%, P = 0.121). TTP of patients with CC genotype in XRCC1 Arg194Trp was significantly longer than the TTP of patients with CT or TT genotype (median TTP: 6.4 mo in CC, 5.9 mo in CT, 3.0 mo in TT, P = 0.007) as well as overall survival (OS) (median OS: not reached in CC, 13.9 mo in CT, 7.1 mo in TT, P = 0.006). After adjusting for hormone receptor status, performance status, and visceral involvement, prognostic value of XRCC1 Arg194Trp SNP remained significant (Hazard Ratio=1.322 and 4.484, P = 0.016). Other SNPs were not significantly associated with survival or toxicities.

Conclusion: XRCC1 Arg194Trp SNP is associated with clinical outcome of MBC patients treated with SOX chemotherapy. Further studies of the relationship between germline polymorphisms in XRCC1 and functional mechanism researches are warranted.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr PD09-05.

Probing charge transport in oxidatively damaged DNA sequences under the influence of structural fluctuations

We present a detailed study of the charge transport characteristics of double-stranded DNA oligomers including the oxidative damage 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG). The problem is treated by a hybrid methodology combining classical molecular dynamics simulations and semiempirical electronic structure calculations to formulate a coarse-grained charge transport model. The influence of solvent- and DNA-mediated structural fluctuations is encoded in the obtained time series of the electronic charge transfer parameters. Within the Landauer approach to charge transport, we perform a detailed analysis of the conductance and current time series obtained by sampling the electronic structure along the molecular dynamics trajectory, and find that the inclusion of 8-oxoG damages into the DNA sequence can induce a change in the electrical response of the system. However, solvent-induced fluctuations tend to mask the effect, so that a detection of such sequence modifications via electrical transport measurements in a liquid environment seems to be difficult to achieve.

Resting-state fMRI: a review of methods and clinical applications

SUMMARY

Resting-state fMRI measures spontaneous low-frequency fluctuations in the BOLD signal to investigate the functional architecture of the brain. Application of this technique has allowed the identification of various RSNs, or spatially distinct areas of the brain that demonstrate synchronous BOLD fluctuations at rest. Various methods exist for analyzing resting-state data, including seed-based approaches, independent component analysis, graph methods, clustering algorithms, neural networks, and pattern classifiers. Clinical applications of resting-state fMRI are at an early stage of development. However, its use in presurgical planning for patients with brain tumor and epilepsy demonstrates early promise, and the technique may have a future role in providing diagnostic and prognostic information for neurologic and psychiatric diseases.

MRI to differentiate benign from malignant soft-tissue tumours of the extremities: a simplified systematic imaging approach using depth, size and heterogeneity of signal intensity

OBJECTIVE

Differentiating between malignant and benign lesions on the basis of MR images depends on the experience of the radiologist. For non-experts, we aimed to develop a simplified systematic MRI approach that uses depth, size and heterogeneity on T(2) weighted MR images (T(2)WI) to differentiate between malignant and benign lesions, and evaluated its diagnostic accuracy.

METHODS

MR images of 266 patients with histologically proven soft-tissue tumours of the extremities (102 malignant, 164 benign) were analysed according to depth (superficial or deep), size (<50, ≥50 mm) and signal intensity (homogeneous or heterogeneous) on T(2)WI, to determine the ability of each to predict benign and malignant tumours. These three parameters were categorised into systematic combinations of different orders of application, and each combination was assessed for its ability to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis showed that depth, size and heterogeneity on T(2)WI differed significantly between benign and malignant masses (p<0.0001 each). Multiple logistic regression analysis, however, showed that depth was not helpful in distinguishing benign from malignant lesions. The systematic combination of signal intensity, size and depth, in that order, was superior to other combinations, resulting in higher diagnostic values for malignancy, with a sensitivity of 64%, a specificity of 85%, a positive predictive value of 32%, a negative predictive value of 59% and an accuracy of 77%.

CONCLUSION

A simplified systematic imaging approach, in the order signal intensity, size and depth, would be a reference to distinguish between benign and malignant soft-tissue tumours for non-experts.

Search for antihelium with the BESS-Polar spectrometer

In two long-duration balloon flights over Antarctica, the Balloon-borne Experiment with a Superconducting Spectrometer (BESS) collaboration has searched for antihelium in the cosmic radiation with the highest sensitivity reported. BESS-Polar I flew in 2004, observing for 8.5 days. BESS-Polar II flew in 2007-2008, observing for 24.5 days. No antihelium candidate was found in BESS-Polar I data among 8.4×10(6) |Z|=2 nuclei from 1.0 to 20 GV or in BESS-Polar II data among 4.0×10(7) |Z|=2 nuclei from 1.0 to 14 GV. Assuming antihelium to have the same spectral shape as helium, a 95% confidence upper limit to the possible abundance of antihelium relative to helium of 6.9×10(-8)} was determined combining all BESS data, including the two BESS-Polar flights. With no assumed antihelium spectrum and a weighted average of the lowest antihelium efficiencies for each flight, an upper limit of 1.0×10(-7) from 1.6 to 14 GV was determined for the combined BESS-Polar data. Under both antihelium spectral assumptions, these are the lowest limits obtained to date.

Blockade of cannabinoid receptor 1 improves insulin resistance, lipid metabolism, and diabetic nephropathy in db/db mice

The endocannabinoid system is important in the pathogenesis of obesity-related metabolic disorders. However, the effect of inhibiting the endocannabinoid system in type 2 diabetic nephropathy is unclear. Therefore, we examined the effect of the cannabinoid (CB)1 receptor antagonist, SR141716, on insulin resistance and diabetic nephropathy in db/db mice. Six-week-old db/db mice were treated with the CB1-specific antagonist SR141716 (10 mg/kg · d) for 3 months. Treatment with SR141716 significantly improved insulin resistance and lipid abnormalities. Concomitantly, CB1 antagonism improved cardiac functional and morphological abnormality, hepatic steatosis, and phenotypic changes of adipocytes into small differentiated forms, associated with increased adiponectin expression and decreased lipid hydroperoxide levels. CB1 receptor was overexpressed in diabetic kidneys, especially in podocytes. Treatment with the SR141716 markedly decreased urinary albumin excretion and mesangial expansion and suppressed profibrotic and proinflammatory cytokine synthesis. Furthermore, SR141716 improved renal lipid metabolism and decreased urinary 8-isoprostane levels, renal lipid hydroperoxide content, and renal lipid content. In cultured podocytes, high-glucose stimulation increased CB1 receptor expression, and SR141716 treatment abolished high-glucose-induced up-regulation of collagen and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 synthesis. Additionally, knockdown of CB1 receptor expression by stealth small interfering RNA abolished high-glucose-induced sterol-regulatory element-binding protein-1 expression in podocytes. These findings suggest that CB1 blockade improves insulin resistance and protect against renal injury through both metabolic and antifibrotic effects in type 2 diabetic nephropathy. Targeting CB1 blockade could therefore provide a new therapeutic target to prevent type 2 diabetic nephropathy.

Curcumin protects against ovariectomy-induced bone loss and decreases osteoclastogenesis

Curcumin has anti-oxidative activity. In view of the increasing evidence for a biochemical link between increased oxidative stress and reduced bone density we hypothesized that curcumin might increase bone density by elevating antioxidant activity in some target cell type. We measured bone density by Micro-CT, enzyme expression levels by quantitative PCR or enzyme activity, and osteoclast (OC) formation by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining. The bone mineral density of the femurs of curcumin-administered mice was significantly higher than that of vehicle-treated mice after ovariectomy (OVX) and this was accompanied by reduced amounts of serum collagen-type I fragments, which are markers of bone resorption. Curcumin suppressed OC formation by increasing receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced glutathione peroxidase-1, and reversed the stimulatory effect of homocysteine, a known H(2) O(2) generator, on OC formation by restoring Gpx activity. Curcumin generated an aberrant RANKL signal characterized by reduced expression of nuclear factor of activated T cells 2 (NFAT2) and attenuated activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (ERK, JNK, and p38). Curcumin thus inhibited OVX-induced bone loss, at least in part by reducing osteoclastogenesis as a result of increased antioxidant activity and impaired RANKL signaling. These findings suggest that bone loss associated with estrogen deficiency could be attenuated by curcumin administration.

Measurement of the cosmic-ray antiproton spectrum at solar minimum with a long-duration balloon flight over antarctica

The energy spectrum of cosmic-ray antiprotons (p's) from 0.17 to 3.5 GeV has been measured using 7886 p's detected by BESS-Polar II during a long-duration flight over Antarctica near solar minimum in December 2007 and January 2008. This shows good consistency with secondary p calculations. Cosmologically primary p's have been investigated by comparing measured and calculated p spectra. BESS-Polar II data show no evidence of primary p's from the evaporation of primordial black holes.

P3-16-06: Phase II Trial of TS-1 in Combination with Oxaliplatin (SOX) in Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Previously Treated with Anthracycline and Taxane Chemotherapy [TORCH] [Korean Cancer Study Group (KCSG) BR07-03]

Background

Oxaliplatin, a platinum analogue, is an active drug in advanced anthracycline and taxane-pretreated breast cancer patients as a single agent and with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) combination. TS-1 was developed by the scientific theory of both potentiating antitumor activity of 5-FU and reducing gastrointestinal toxicity. This trial was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TS-1 in combination with oxaliplatin in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients previously treated with anthracycline and taxane chemotherapy.

Methods: Between October 2007 and October 2009, MBC patients were enrolled in this prospective multicenter trial. Eligible criteria included age ≥18 years, at least one measurable lesion, prior treatment with anthracycline and taxane chemotherapy, and ECOG Performance Status 0–2. TS-1 40 mg/m2 b.i.d. on days 1–14 with oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 on day 1 were administered every 3 weeks till disease progression. Primary end-point was response rate, and secondary end-points were time-to-progression (TTP), overall survival (OS), duration of response (DOR) and toxicities. Response was evaluated every 6 weeks according to the RECIST criteria v. 1.0 and toxicity was assessed with NCICTCAE v.3.0.(ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00527930).

Results: A total of 87 patients were enrolled. Median age was 48 years (range 30–71 years). Nineteen patients (21.8%) had de novo stage IV and 68 patients (78.2%) had recurrent disease. Thirty-five patients (40.2%) received two-lines of prior chemotherapy in palliative setting. Forty-eight patients (55.2%) had ≥ 3 disease sites. Fifty-four patients (62.1%) were hormone receptor positive, and 25 patients (28.7%) were triple negative. Five patients received prior anti-HER2 therapy. A total of 525 cycles were administered (median 6 cycles, range: 1 ∼ 22+ cycle). In per-protocol analysis, overall response rate was 38.5% (95% CI: 27.7−49.3) (CR 0%, PR 38.5%) and disease control rate (CR, PR, and SD) was 67.9% (95% CI: 57.5−78.3). Median TTP, OS, and DOR were 6.0 months (95% CI: 5.1−6.9 months), 19.4 months (95% CI: not estimated), 6.6 months (95% CI: 3.7−9.6 months), respectively. RR was not different by triple negativity (39.1% in TNBC vs. 38.2% in non-TNBC, P=0.361). TTP was not different according to the number of prior chemotherapy regimens. Reported grade 3 or 4 toxicities (per cycle) were neutropenia (10.3%), thrombocytopenia (5.5%), diarrhea (1.9%), vomiting (1.9%), and stomatitis (0.2%). There was no treatment-related death.

Conclusions: SOX is an effective regimen in anthracycline and taxane pretreated MBC patients with manageable toxicities.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-16-06.

P2-16-14: Skin Sparing Mastectomy and Immediate Latissimus Dorsi Flap Reconstruction: Patient Reported Outcome and Factors Affecting the Highest Patient Satisfaction

Background: Skin sparing mastectomy (SSM) and immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) with latissimus dorsi (LD) flap is a tailored surgical procedure for breast cancer patients. In this study the oncologic safety, morbidities, and aesthetic results of SSM and LD IBR, as regards to patient satisfaction, were assessed.

Material and Methods: Between March 2000 and February 2011, single surgeon performed SSM and IBR for 145 patients. Eighty-five patients completed the patient satisfaction survey, and 65 patients with SSM and LD IBR were included. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to their degree of satisfaction, and a stratified analysis was performed.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 48.4 years (range, 21–74), and the pathologic results were infiltrating ductal carcinoma (n=48, 73.8%), ductal carcinoma in situ (n=15, 23.1%), and others (n=2, 3.1%). After a mean follow-up of 34 months (range, 1.6−89.9) no local recurrence occurred, and there were no skin necrosis or LD flap loss. Donor site morbidities were seroma (n=8, 12.3%), scarring (n=8, 12.3%), and back pain (n=6, 9.2%).

Analysis and modeling of nano-crystalline silicon TFTs on flexible substrate with mechanical strain

The gap state density of nano-crystalline silicon active layers on a flexible substrate was redistributed with mechanical bending. The weak or broken bonds may contribute to the redistribution of trap states. During mechanical strain, the deep states redistributed in a Gaussian distribution, and are dissimilar to ordinary acceptor-like deep states, which manifest with exponential distributions. We conclude that the gap state density with TCAD modeling under mechanical strain is the fundamental reliability issue for the development of flexible electronics.

Exploration of edge-dependent optical selection rules for graphene nanoribbons

Optical selection rules for one-dimensional graphene nanoribbons are explored based on the tight-binding model. A theoretical explanation, through analyzing the velocity matrix elements and the features of the wavefunctions, can account for the selection rules, which depend on the edge structure of the nanoribbon, i.e., armchair or zigzag edges. The selection rule of armchair nanoribbons is ΔJ = Jc - Jv = 0, and the optical transitions occur from the conduction to the valence subbands of the same index. Such a selection rule originates in the relationships between two sublattices and between the conduction and valence subbands. On the other hand, zigzag nanoribbons exhibit the selection rule |ΔJ| = odd, which results from the alternatively changing symmetry property as the subband index increases. Furthermore, an efficient theoretical prediction on transition energies is obtained by the application of selection rules, and the energies of the band-edge states become experimentally attainable via optical measurements.

Cytomegalovirus infection causes morbidity and mortality in patients with autoimmune diseases, particularly systemic lupus: in a Chinese population in Taiwan

To investigate the clinical outcome of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in febrile hospitalized patients with autoimmune diseases, mostly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Fifty-four febrile patients were analyzed retrospectively. Half were diagnosed as CMV infection, by positive CMV pp65 antigenemia assay. Clinical and laboratory data between two groups were compared. Correlation between laboratory data and SELENA-SLEDAI scores/mortality were analyzed in the CMV infection group. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to determine the cutoff points of different parameters for predicting mortality or morbidity. The CMV infection group received a higher corticosteroid dosage (mean 26.3 mg/day) and a higher percentage of azathioprine use before admission than the non-CMV infection group. In the former, the deceased subgroup had a significantly higher number of infected leukocytes for CMV (shortened as CMV counts, P = 0.013), more cases of bacterial infection (P = 0.090), and a higher SLE disease activity index score (P = 0.072) than the alive subgroup. The CMV infection group had lower lymphocyte count and more positive bacterial infection than the non-CMV infection group did (P = 0.013 and P = 0.027, respectively). A level of 25 CMV particles/5 × 10(5) polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) was the best cutoff point for predicting CMV-associated mortality, with a sensitivity of 75.0% and specificity of 72.2%. Moderate dose (30 mg/day) of prednisolone or azathioprine use predisposes patients with autoimmune diseases to CMV infection with concurrent bacterial infection. In particular, peak CMV counts at 25/5 × 10(5) PMN or low lymphocyte counts predict mortality or morbidity, respectively.

Pretreatment of polyethylene terephthalate substrate for the growth of Ga-doped ZnO thin film

The effect of the pretreatment of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate on the growth of transparent conducting Ga-doped ZnO (GZO) thin film was investigated. Because of its high gas and moisture absorption and easy gas permeation, PET substrate was annealed at 100 degrees C in a vacuum chamber prior to the sputtering growth of GZO thin film for the outgassing of impurity gases. GZO thin film was deposited on the pretreated PET substrate by rf-magnetron sputtering and significantly improved electrical properties of GZO thin film was achieved. Electrical and structural characterizations of the GZO thin films were carried out by 4-point probe, Hall measurement, and scanning electron microscopy, and the effects of the pretreatment on the improved properties of GZO thin films were discussed. This result is not only useful to PET substrate, but also could be applicable to other plastic substrates which inevitably containing the moisture and impurity gases.

Incidence trends in invasive uterine cervix cancer and carcinoma in situ in Incheon, South Korea

INTRODUCTION

This study examined trends of invasive uterine cervix cancer and carcinoma in situ (CIS) in terms of the incidence and mortality in Incheon over a twelve year period.

METHODS

Uterine cervical cancer data were retrieved from the Incheon Cancer Registry (ICR) and Korea Central Cancer Registry (KCCR) from 1997 to 2008. The time trends in age-standardized incidence rates (ASR) of invasive uterine cervix cancer patients and CIS were calculated and compared with the nation-wide cancer registry data for each year. Mortality/incidence (M/I) ratios according to age and the incidence of the pathologic subtype in Incheon each year were also examined, along with an international comparison.

RESULTS

A total of 3,096 cases of invasive cervical cancer and 2,079 cases of carcinoma in situ were analyzed from 1997 to 2008. The time trend incidence of the total ASR in uterine cervical cancer decreased from 25.7 in 1997 to 13.4 in 2008, but the incidence of CIS increased from 7.6 to 15.8 in same period. In invasive cancers, the age-specific incidence rates were highest in those in their sixties while patients in their forties showed highest CIS values. The mortality rate in ICR was 3.7 from 1998 to 2002. Compared to the other countries which have high risk factors for cervix cancer, the peak incidence zone was different in Incheon.

CONCLUSION

The ICR showed a decrease in the incidence of invasive cervical cancer that was similar to the nation-wide data. An early increase zone is a characteristic pattern in the age specific incidence curve. Early screening and a vaccination program should be activated for prevention of young age cervical cancer.

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase δ inhibitor suppresses interleukin-17 expression in a murine asthma model

Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma by regulating the activation of inflammatory mediators, inflammatory cell recruitment and immune cell function. Recent findings have indicated that PI3Ks also regulate the expression of interleukin (IL)-17, which has been recognised as an important cytokine involved in airway inflammation. In the present study, we investigated a role of PI3Kδ in the regulation of IL-17 expression in allergic airway disease using a murine model of asthma. After ovalbumin inhalation, administration of a selective p110δ inhibitor, IC87114, significantly attenuated airway infiltration of total cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils, as well as airway hyperresponsiveness, and attenuated the increase in IL-17 protein and mRNA expression. Moreover, IC87114 reduced levels of IL-4, -5 and -13, expression of keratinocyte chemoattractant protein and mRNA, and nuclear factor (NF)-κB activity. In addition, a NF-κB inhibitor, BAY 11-7085 substantially reduced the increase in IL-17 protein levels. Our results also showed that inhibition of IL-17 activity with an anti-IL-17 antibody remarkably reduced airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness. These findings suggest that inhibition of the p110δ signalling pathway suppresses IL-17 expression through regulation of NF-κB activity and, thus, has therapeutic potential in asthma.

Implementation and performance evaluation of mobile ad hoc network for Emergency Telemedicine System in disaster areas

So far we have developed Emergency Telemedicine System (ETS) which is a robust system using heterogeneous networks. In disaster areas, however, ETS cannot be used if the primary network channel is disabled due to damages on the network infrastructures. Thus we designed network management software for disaster communication network by combination of Mobile Ad hoc Network (MANET) and Wireless LAN (WLAN). This software maintains routes to a Backbone Gateway Node in dynamic network topologies. In this paper, we introduce the proposed disaster communication network with management software, and evaluate its performance using ETS between Medical Center and simulated disaster areas. We also present the results of network performance analysis which identifies the possibility of actual Telemedicine Service in disaster areas via MANET and mobile network (e.g. HSDPA, WiBro).

Low efficacy of entecavir therapy in adefovir-refractory hepatitis B patients with prior lamivudine resistance

We determined the virologic response, incidence of entecavir resistance, and evolution of lamivudine and adefovir-resistant mutants during entecavir (ETV) therapy in adefovir-refractory patients with prior lamivudine resistance. Forty adefovir-refractory chronic hepatitis B patients with prior lamivudine resistance who had received entecavir for > or = 6 months were included and monitored for virologic response and entecavir resistance. Ten per cent of patients achieved HBV DNA < 50 copies/mL by PCR after 24 weeks of ETV therapy, and an initial virologic response was observed in 12 of 40 patients (30%). Higher pretreatment ALT (P = 0.039) and the presence of the rtL180M mutation (P = 0.038) were associated with an initial virologic response. During a mean follow-up of 11.4 months, four patients (10%) experienced virologic breakthrough, while ETV-resistant mutants were detected in six patients (15%). YMDD and adefovir-resistant mutants were detected in 57 and 35% of patients at baseline, respectively. At 48 weeks of therapy, 96 and 4% of patients had YMDD and adefovir-resistant mutants, respectively. These data suggest an early development of ETV resistance and low antiviral response during ETV therapy in adefovir-refractory patients with prior lamivudine resistance.

Congenital disorder of glycosylation type Ia in a Malaysian family: clinical outcome and description of a novel PMM2 mutation

There are few reports of congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDGs) in the Asian population, although they have been reported worldwide. We identified a Malaysian infant female at 2 days of life with CDG type Ia. The diagnosis was suspected on the basis of inverted nipples and abnormal fat distribution. She had cerebellar hypoplasia and developed coagulopathy, hypothyroidism and severe pericardial effusion and died at 7 months of life. The diagnosis was supported by abnormal serum transferrin isoform pattern that showed elevated levels of the disialotransferrin isoform and trace levels of the asialotransferrin isoform. Enzyme testing of peripheral leukocytes showed decreased level of phosphomannomutase (PMM) activity (0.6 nmol/min per mg protein, normal range 1.6-6.2) and a normal level of phosphomannose isomerase activity (19 nmol/min per mg protein, normal range 12-25), indicating a diagnosis of CDG type Ia. Mutation study of the PMM2 gene showed the patient was heterozygous for both the common p.R141H (c.422T>A) mutation and a novel sequence change in exon 7, c.618C>A. The latter change is predicted to result in the replacement of the highly conserved phenylalanine residue at position 206 with a leucine residue (p.F206L) and occurs in the same codon as the previously reported p.F206S mutation. Analysis of 100 control chromosomes has shown that the p.F206L sequence change is not present, making it highly likely that this change is functionally important. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of CDG in the Malay population. Prenatal diagnosis was successfully performed in a subsequent pregnancy for this family.

Autoantibodies to glucose‐6‐phosphate isomerase are elevated in the synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis patients

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated whether anti-glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI) antibody in the synovial fluid is specifically related to human rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

Synovial fluid was collected from patients with RA, osteoarthritis (OA), gout, Behcet's disease, or ankylosing spondylitis. GPI-binding activity was measured in the synovial fluid using a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor.

RESULTS

The mean level of anti-GPI signal in the synovial fluid of RA patients was significantly elevated compared with that of OA patients (2.84 +/- 1.41 AU versus 1.19 +/- 0.42 AU, respectively; p < 0.0001). Anti-GPI signals in the synovial fluids of patients with non-rheumatoid arthritis, such as gout, Behcet's disease, or ankylosing spondylitis were significantly lower than in the synovial fluid of RA patients (p < 0.005), and were similar to those of OA patients.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that anti-GPI antibody in the synovial fluid is specifically related to RA, and suggests that GPI and its autoantibody might be important in the pathogenesis of human RA.

IMVP-16/Pd followed by high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation as a salvage therapy for refractory or relapsed peripheral T-cell lymphomas

The present study aimed to analyse the treatment outcome of IMVP-16/Pd (ifosfamide, methotrexate, etoposide and prednisone) followed by high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDC/ASCT) for patients with peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) who were previously treated with CHOP. Since 1995, 32 PTCL patients were treated with IMPV-16/Pd. Nine of 32 patients achieved a response (5 demonstrating complete response (CR) and 4 partial response), with an overall response rate of 28.1% (95% onfidence interval 0.12-0.45). Considering histopathologic subtypes, 3 of 4 relapsed natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma patients (75%) achieved CR, but only 1 of 6 in non-NK/T-cell lymphoma patients (16.7%) achieved CR (P = 0.19). Six of 9 IMVP-16/Pd sensitive patients underwent HDC/ASCT. Three of them relapsed after 3, 4 and 15 months, respectively, of HDC/ASCT. Estimated 3-year overall survival and progression-free survival rates were 14.2% and 12.2%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that responsiveness to first-line CHOP was a significant prognostic factor (P < 0.05). These results indicate that IMVP-16/Pd followed by HDC/ASCT appears to be an effective salvage regimen, especially for NK/T-cell lymphoma.

Breast cancer in young women (YBC): prevalence of BRCA1/2 mutations and risk of secondary malignancies across diverse racial groups

BACKGROUND

Despite significant differences in age of onset and incidence of breast cancer between Caucasian (CA), African-American (AA) and Korean (KO) women, little is known about differences in BRCA1/2 mutations in these populations. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of BRCA1/2 mutations and the association between BRCA1/2 mutation status and secondary malignancies among young women with breast cancer in these three racially diverse groups.

METHODS

Patients presenting to our breast cancer follow-up clinics selected solely on having a known breast cancer diagnosis at a young age (YBC defined as age <45 years at diagnosis) were invited to participate in this study. A total of 333 eligible women, 166 CA, 66 AA and 101 KO underwent complete sequencing of BRCA1/2 genes. Family history (FH) was classified as negative, moderate or strong. BRCA1/2 status was classified as wild type (WT), variant of uncertain significance (VUS) or deleterious (DEL).

RESULTS

DEL across these three racially diverse populations of YBC were nearly identical: CA 17%, AA 14% and KO 14%. The type of DEL differed with AA having more frequent mutations in BRCA2, compared with CA and KO. VUS were predominantly in BRCA2 and AA had markedly higher frequency of VUS (38%) compared with CA (10%) and KO (12%). At 10-year follow-up from the time of initial diagnosis of breast cancer, the risk of secondary malignancies was similar among WT (14%) and VUS (16%), but markedly higher among DEL (39%).

CONCLUSIONS

In these YBC, the frequency of DEL in BRCA1/2 is remarkably similar among the racially diverse groups at 14%-17%. VUS is more common in AA, but aligns closely with WT in risk of second cancers, age of onset and FH.

Pim-1 plays a pivotal role in hypoxia-induced chemoresistance

Hypoxia changes the responses of cancer cells to many chemotherapy agents, resulting in chemoresistance. The underlying molecular mechanism of hypoxia-induced drug resistance remains unclear. Pim-1 is a survival kinase, which phosphorylates Bad at serine 112 to antagonize drug-induced apoptosis. Here we show that hypoxia increases Pim-1 in a hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha-independent manner. Inhibition of Pim-1 function by dominant-negative Pim-1 dramatically restores the drug sensitivity to apoptosis induced by chemotherapy under hypoxic conditions in both in vitro and in vivo tumor models. Introduction of siRNAs for Pim-1 also resensitizes cancer cells to chemotherapy drugs under hypoxic conditions, whereas forced overexpression of Pim-1 endows solid tumor cells with resistance to cisplatin, even under normoxia. Dominant-negative Pim-1 prevents a decrease in mitochondrial transmembrane potential in solid tumor cells, which is normally induced by cisplatin (CDDP), followed by the reduced activity of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9, indicating that Pim-1 participates in hypoxia-induced drug resistance through the stabilization of mitochondrial transmembrane potential. Our results demonstrate that Pim-1 is a pivotal regulator involved in hypoxia-induced chemoresistance. Targeting Pim-1 may improve the chemotherapeutic strategy for solid tumors.

Rayleigh anomaly-surface plasmon polariton resonances in palladium and gold subwavelength hole arrays

Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) and Rayleigh anomalies (RAs) are two characteristic phenomena exhibited by periodic grating structures made of plasmonic materials. For Au subwavelength hole arrays, SPPs and RAs from opposite sides of the film can interact under certain conditions to produce highly intense, narrow spectral features called RA-SPP resonances. This paper reports how RA-SPP effects can be achieved in subwavelength hole arrays of Pd, a weak plasmonic material. Well-defined resonances are observed in measured and simulated optical transmission spectra with RASPP peaks as narrow as 45 nm (FWHM). Dispersion diagrams compiled from angle-resolved spectra show that RA-SPP resonances in Pd hole arrays shift in wavelength but do not decrease significantly in amplitude as the excitation angle is increased, in contrast with RA-SPP peaks in Au hole arrays. The apparent generality of the RA-SPP effect enables a novel route to optimize resonances in non-traditional plasmonic media.

Phase II study and biomarker analysis of cetuximab combined with modified FOLFOX6 in advanced gastric cancer

This prospective study was conducted with the Korean Cancer Study Group to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cetuximab combined with modified FOLFOX6 (mFOLFOX6) as first-line treatment in recurrent or metastatic gastric cancer and to identify potential predictive biomarkers. Patients received cetuximab 400 mg m⁻² at week 1 and 250 mg m⁻² weekly thereafter until disease progression. Oxaliplatin (100 mg m⁻²) and leucovorin (100 mg m⁻²) were administered as a 2-h infusion followed by a 46-h continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil (2400 mg m⁻²) every 2 weeks for a maximum of 12 cycles. Biomarkers potentially associated with efficacy were analysed. Among 38 evaluable patients, confirmed response rate (RR) was 50.0% (95% CI 34.1–65.9). Median time-to-progression (TTP) was 5.5 months (95% CI 4.5–6.5) and overall survival (OS) 9.9 months. Eleven patients having tumour EGFR expression by immunohistochemistry with low serum EGF and TGF-α levels showed a 100% RR compared to 37.0% in the remaining 27 patients (P<0.001). Moreover, ligand level increased when disease progressed in seven out of eight patients with EGFR expression and low baseline ligand level. No patient exhibited EGFR amplification or K-ras mutations. Gastric cancer patients with EGFR expression and low ligand levels had better outcomes with cetuximab/mFOLFOX6 treatment.

Management and clinical outcome of acute basilar artery dissection

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There have been inconsistencies on the prognosis and controversies as to the proper management of acute basilar artery dissection. The aim of this study was to evaluate acute basilar artery dissection and its outcome after management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 21 patients (mean age, 53 years; range, 24-78 years) with acute basilar artery dissection were identified between January 2001 and October 2007. Clinical presentation, management, and outcomes were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

The patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage (n = 10), brain stem ischemia (n = 10), or stem compression sign (n = 1). Ruptured basilar artery dissections were treated by stent placement with coiling (n = 4), single stent placement (n = 3), or conservatively (n = 3). Of the patients treated with endovascular technique, 6 had favorable outcome (modified Rankin scale [mRS], 0-2) and the remaining patient, who was treated by single stent placement, died from rebleeding. All 3 conservatively managed patients experienced rebleeding, of whom 2 died and the other was moderately disabled. Unruptured basilar artery dissections were treated conservatively (n = 7) or by stent placement (n = 4). Of the patients with unruptured basilar artery dissection, 9 had favorable outcome and the remaining 2 patients, both of whom were conservatively managed, had poor outcome because of infarct progression. The group with the ruptured basilar artery dissection revealed a higher mortality rate than the group with the unruptured dissection (30% vs 0%). The group treated with endovascular means revealed more favorable outcome than the group that was treated with conservative measures (90.9% vs 50%).

CONCLUSION

The ruptured basilar artery dissections were at high risk for rebleeding, resulting in a grave outcome. Stent placement with or without coiling may be considered to prevent rebleeding in ruptured basilar dissections and judiciously considered in unruptured dissections with signs of progressive brain stem ischemia.

Prevalence and appearance of the posterior wall defects of the temporal bone caused by presumed arachnoid granulations and their clinical significance: CT findings

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Arachnoid granulations (AGs) of the posterior wall of the temporal bone are a rare cause of spontaneous CSF leakage. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and appearance of presumed AGs, evidenced by the posterior wall defects of the temporal bone with lobulated or scalloped margins on CT scans.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed CT scans of the temporal bone obtained in 1255 patients (573 men and 682 women; mean age, 42 years). We evaluated the prevalence, multiplicity, size, and location of presumed AGs in the posterior wall of the temporal bone. Preservation of the posterior wall of the mastoid air cells was also investigated and correlated with clinical features.

RESULTS

Thirty patients (2.4%), including 13 men and 17 women, aged 27-88 years (mean, 55 years), showed a total of 40 presumed AGs on CT scans. Their prevalence tended to increase with age. They were most commonly located at the lateral third of the temporal bone at a level of or above the common crus. Although 15 lesions in 11 patients also caused focal loss of the posterior wall of the mastoid air cells, symptomatic CSF leakage was found in only 2 patients, in both of whom the adjacent mastoid air cells were also opacified on CT scans.

CONCLUSION

Although rare, radiologists need to be familiar with the posterior wall defects of the temporal bone caused by presumed AGs on CT scans, because they might cause CSF leakage.

A randomized controlled trial of the efficacy and safety of a fixed triple combination (fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%, hydroquinone 4%, tretinoin 0.05%) compared with hydroquinone 4% cream in Asian patients with moderate to severe melasma

BACKGROUND

Melasma is an acquired, chronic hypermelanosis for which therapy remains a challenge.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy and safety of a triple combination [TC: fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%, hydroquinone (HQ) 4%, tretinoin 0.05%] vs. HQ 4% after 8 weeks of treatment of moderate to severe facial melasma in Asian patients.

METHODS

This was a multicentre, randomized, controlled, investigator-blinded, parallel comparison study. East and South-East Asian patients aged 18 years or older, with a clinical diagnosis of moderate to severe melasma, were enrolled in this study. Patients were enrolled at baseline and treated daily for 8 weeks with TC cream (one application at bedtime) or HQ cream (twice daily). There were four study visits: at baseline and weeks 2, 4 and 8. The primary efficacy variable was the melasma global severity score (GSS). Other outcome measures included Melasma Area and Severity Index, global improvement and patient satisfaction. Safety was assessed through the reporting of adverse events.

RESULTS

TC had superior efficacy to HQ for the primary variable: 77/120 patients (64.2%) on TC had GSS 'none' or 'mild' at week 8 vs. 48/122 patients (39.4%) on HQ (P < 0.001). The secondary efficacy variables confirmed these results. Patient satisfaction was in favour of TC (90/127, 70.8%, vs. 64/129, 49.6%; P = 0.005). More patients had related adverse events on TC (63/129, 48.8%) than on HQ (18/131, 13.7%) but most were mild and none was severe.

CONCLUSIONS

Efficacy in Asians and patient satisfaction were superior with the fixed TC than with HQ 4%.

Wearable EDA sensor gloves using conducting fabric and embedded system

We developed wearable EDA sensor gloves using conducting fabric and embedded system. EDA(Electro-dermal Activity) signal is an electric response on the skin of the human body. There are SCL(Skin Conductance Level) and SCR(Skin Conductance Response) in EDA. Mostly, SCL consists of DC elements. On the other hand, SCR consists of AC elements. We use the relationship between the drowsiness condition and EDA signal We made EDA sensors using conducting fabric instead of Agcl electrode for a more suitable wearable device. And we used an embedded system for EDA signal acquisition and processing instead of a personal computer, which is connected to the EDA sensor gloves through conducting fabric lines. Also, the embedded system is linked to a Notebook PC that shows the results of EDA signal processing analysis and gives proper feedback to the user. This system, for example, can be used in detecting and preventing drowsiness driving accidents for automobile drivers.

Extracellular secretion of a maltogenic amylase from Lactobacillus gasseri ATCC33323 in Lactococcus lactis MG1363 and its application on the production of branched maltooligosaccharides

A maltogenic amylase gene from Lactobacillus gasseri ATCC33323 (LGMA) was expressed in Lactococcus lactis MG1363 using the P170 expression system. The successful production of recombinant LGMA (rLGMA) was confirmed by the catalytic activity of the enzyme in liquid and solid media. The N-terminal amino acid sequencing analysis of the rLGMA showed that it was Met-Gln-Leu-Ala-Ala-Leu-, which was the same as that of genuine protein, meaning the signal peptide was efficiently cleaved during secretion to the extracellular milieu. The optimal reaction temperature and pH of rLGMA (55 degrees C and pH 5, respectively) and enzymatic hydrolysis patterns on various substrates (beta-cyclodextrin, starch, and pullulan) supported that rLGMA was not only efficiently secreted from the Lactococcus lactis MG1363 but was also functionally active. Finally, the branched maltooligosaccharides were effectively produced from liquefied corn starch, by using rLGMA secreted from Lactococcus lactis, with a yield of 53.1%.

Efficacy and safety of abciximab in combination with cilostazol in patients undergoing stenting

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the short- and long-term efficacy and safety of abciximab and cilostazol in patients with acute MI and unstable angina undergoing intracoronary stenting.

METHODS

Acute-phase (7 and 30 days), 6-month and long-term composite outcomes involving death, myocardial infarction or urgent target vessel revascularization (TVR) together with other outcomes (composite outcomes involving death, MI and elective TVR with restenosis and stroke) were evaluated retrospectively in a total of 175 patients. Safety outcomes were assessed using data on the incidence of bleeding and thrombocytopenia at Day 7 and Day 30.

RESULTS

Of 175 patients, 83 (47.4%) patients received abciximab. At 7 and 30 days, the composite outcome for the group treated with cilostazol alone and that treated with abciximab in combination with cilostazol did not differ significantly. The composite outcomes at 6 months and 1 year were significantly lower in the abciximab plus cilostazol group (relative risk 0.35, 95% Cl 0.13 - 0.90, relative risk 0.28, 95% CI 0.10 -0.78, respectively). The incidence of major bleeding at the access-site and in the gastrointestinal tract and minor bleeding were significantly higher in the group receiving abciximab plus cilostazol group at 7 days (relative risk 3.33, 95% CI 1.66 - 6.65, relative risk 9.98, 95% CI 1.29 - 77.07, relative risk 1.96, 95% CI 1.06 - 3.62, respectively) and at 30 days (relative risk 3.33, 95% CI 1.66 - 6.65, relative risk 5.54, 95% CI 1.25 - 24.56, relative risk 1.96, 95% CI 1.06 - 3.62, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The combination of abciximab and cilostazol showed an improvement in major cardiac incidents at 6 months and 1 year of the treatment when compared to the group receiving cilostazol alone. However, abciximab did not improve the incidence of death but increased the risk of bleeding complications.

The effect of narrowband ultraviolet B on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1, transforming growth factor-?1 and type I collagen in human skin fibroblasts

BACKGROUND

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation induces chronic skin diseases, such as skin cancer and photoageing, and the mechanisms of this skin damage are associated with the upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and decreased collagen synthesis. Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) radiation is a relatively new treatment modality for vitiligo and psoriasis. However, the mechanism of NB-UVB action on photoageing is not completely understood. Aims. We investigated the effects of NB-UVB on the expression of MMP-1, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 and type I collagen in cultured human skin fibroblasts.

METHODS

Cultured human fibroblasts were irradiated with either NB-UVB (50-800 mJ/cm(2)) or broadband UVB (BB-UVB; 25 mJ/cm(2)). The expression of MMP-1, TGF-beta1 and type I collagen mRNA was determined by reverse-transcription PCR. Expression of MMP-1 and TGF-beta1 protein was determined by ELISA and that of type I collagen by Western blotting.

RESULTS

NB-UVB induced the expression of MMP-1 and reduced the expression of TGF-beta1 and type I collagen at the mRNA and protein levels in a dose-dependent manner. The expression of type I collagen protein decreased more after irradiation with 25 mJ/cm(2) of BB-UVB than 400 mJ/cm(2) of NB-UVB.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that NB-UVB irradiation reduces type I collagen synthesis in human skin fibroblasts by inhibiting TGF-beta1 expression and stimulating the release of MMP-1. It also suggested that the photoageing-related effects of NB-UVB are weaker than those of BB-UVB in vitro.

Study of an alpha track analysis and a fission track analysis for determining the hot particles contaminated with Pu and U isotopes

A fission track analysis and alpha track analysis were developed to detect fissile particles such as uranium and plutonium isotopes as well as to identify particle-bound plutonium in contaminated soil or sediment. To record a reference point, a locator SEM grid electroplated with boron was used to obtain a recorded grid image on the Lexan or CR-39 detector. With the fission track technique, the track images of the grid coated with boron and the fissile nuclides on the CR-39 detector were clearly recorded so that the location of the fissile particles could be easily identified in the radio-contaminated soil matrix. With the alpha track technique, many of the hot particles in the BOMARC soil turned out to be contaminated with plutonium isotopes rather than uranium isotopes.

Tumour lysis syndrome developing during an operation

We describe an unusual case of tumour lysis syndrome in a child with a high-grade lymphoma undergoing a staging laparotomy. The patient presented with a refractory ventricular arrhythmia, which required continuous resuscitation in the operating room and continuous venous-venous haemodialysis in the intensive care unit. This case report suggests that surgery is a possible trigger for developing tumour lysis syndrome, so anaesthetists should be alert to this possibility during surgery in patients with pre-existing high tumour burdens.

Cellular, hemostatic, and inflammatory parameters of the surgical stress response in pigs undergoing partial pericardectomy via open thoracotomy or thoracoscopy

BACKGROUND

Thoracoscopy has been shown to reduce the inflammatory and immunologic response to surgical stress, as compared with corresponding open procedures in humans. The influence on the hemostatic system, however, has not been thoroughly evaluated. The current study aimed to compare the perioperative and immediate postoperative changes in cellular, hemostatic, and inflammatory parameters after a partial pericardectomy performed by either thoracoscopy or thoracotomy.

METHODS

For this study, 16 pigs were randomly assigned to have a partial pericardectomy performed thoracoscopically or by thoracotomy. Blood was collected intraoperatively, then 10 min, 3 h, and 6 h after surgery. Whole ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-stabilized blood and plasma were examined for cellular, hemostatic, and inflammatory parameters, respectively, and thromboelastography (TEG) was performed on citrated whole blood.

RESULTS

No significant difference in any of the parameters measured was found between the two groups except for the TEG parameter R-time, which was significantly shorter in the thoracoscopic group 3 h postoperatively. In both groups, a significant postoperative state of hypercoagulability and increase in inflammatory parameters was found. Additionally, pig blood showed a high degree of hypercoagulability in preoperative measurements, as compared with other species.

CONCLUSIONS

Partial pericardectomy performed by thoracotomy or thoracoscopy in pigs produces a surgical stress response of equal magnitude, as measured by cellular, hemostatic, and inflammatory changes.

Immunogold study of effects of prenatal exposure to lipopolysaccharide and/or valproic acid on the rat blood-brain barrier vessels

The involvement of blood microvessels, representing the anatomic site of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), in brain damage induced by prenatal exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and/or valproic acid (VPA) was studied in four-week-old rats. The immunogold procedure was applied for localization at the ultrastructural level of endogenous albumin and glucose transporter (GLUT-1) in three brain regions: cerebral cortex, cerebellum and hippocampus. Four groups of rats were used: (1) untreated control, (2) prenatally VPA-treated, (3) prenatally LPS-treated, and (4) prenatally LPS- and VPA-treated. The functional state of the BBB was evaluated as follows: (a) by its tightness, i.e., permeability to blood-borne albumin, and (b) by the expression of GLUT-1 in the endothelial cells (ECs). Using morphometry, the labelling density for GLUT-1 was recorded over luminal and abluminal plasma membranes of the ECs, also providing information on their functional polarity. No extensive increase of vascular permeability and/or any considerable dysfunction of the BBB in experimental groups nos. 2 and 3 were observed, although in solitary vascular profiles, increased endocytosis or even transcytosis of albumin by ECs was noted. In experimental group no. 4, some vascular profiles showed scanty leakage (microleakage), manifested by the presence of immunosignals for albumin in the perivascular area. Although some fluctuations in the expression of GLUT-1 occurred in all experimental groups, especially in group no. 3, a most pronounced and significant diminution of the labelling density, in all three regions of the brain, was observed in group no. 4. This finding suggests the synergistic action of prenatally applied LPS and VPA that affects specific transport functions of glucose in the microvascular endothelium. The diminished or disturbed supply of glucose to selected brain regions can be one of the factors leading to previously observed behavioral disturbances in similarly treated rats.

Spironolactone ameliorates renal injury and connective tissue growth factor expression in type II diabetic rats

Administration of spironolactone provides a beneficial effect in various animal models of renal injury. In this study, we investigated whether spironolactone prevents the progression of diabetic nephropathy through reduction of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) synthesis in type II diabetic rats. In addition, we evaluated the effect of aldosterone and spironolactone on CTGF and collagen production in cultured cells. Renal functional and morphologic changes were examined in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty rats with or without spironolactone treatment (20 mg/kg/day) for 8 months, as well as in non-diabetic age-matched Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka rats. Spironolactone treatment did not induce any significant differences in body weight, kidney/body weight ratio, serum creatinine concentration, blood glucose levels, or systolic blood pressure. However, urinary protein and albumin excretion were significantly decreased in the spironolactone treatment group, which was associated with amelioration of glomerulosclerosis. In addition, renal CTGF, collagen synthesis demonstrated marked decreases in the spironolactone treatment group. In cultured MC and PTC, aldosterone induced significant increases in CTGF gene expression and protein synthesis associated with increased collagen synthesis, which was abolished by prior treatment with spironolactone. However, aldosterone treatment did not induce transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 overproduction, and inhibition of TGF-beta1 by neutralization of TGF-beta1 protein did not significantly prevent aldosterone-induced CTGF production. These results suggest that the antifibrotic effects of spironolactone may be mediated by CTGF through a TGF-beta1-independent pathway in this animal model of diabetic nephropathy.