Neuron-immune interactions in the sensitized thalamus induced by mustard oil application to rat molar pulp

We have reported that mustard oil application to the rat dental pulp induces neuronal activation in the thalamus. To address the mechanisms involved in the thalamic changes, we performed neuronal responsiveness recording, immunohistochemistry, and molecular biological analysis. After mustard oil application, neuronal responsiveness was increased in the mediodorsal nucleus. When MK801 (an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist) was applied to the mediodorsal nucleus, the enhanced responsiveness was decreased. N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2D, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and antigen-presenting cell-related gene mRNAs in the contralateral thalamus were up-regulated at 10 minutes after mustard oil application, but were down-regulated within 10 minutes after the antagonist application. OX6-expressing microglia and glial fibrillary acidic protein-expressing astrocytes did not increase until 60 minutes after mustard oil application. These results suggested that the thalamic neurons play some roles in regulating the glial cell activation in the mediodorsal nucleus via N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2D during pulp inflammation-induced central sensitization.

Sensitivity and specificity of photopic negative response of focal electoretinogram to detect glaucomatous eyes

AIMS

To determine the sensitivity and specificity of the photopic negative response (PhNR) of the focal electroretinograms (ERG; focal PhNR) to detect glaucomatous eyes with different degrees of visual field defects.

METHODS

One-hundred and fourteen eyes of 114 patients with open angle glaucoma and 42 eyes of 42 normal controls were studied. The focal ERGs were elicited by a 15 degrees stimulus spot centred on the macula, and on the supero-temporal and on the infero-temporal areas of the macula. The receiver operating characteristic curves were determined to obtain optimal cut-off values. Eyes were classified as being glaucomatous when their focal PhNRs were less than the cut-off values in either retinal area (combined criterion).

RESULTS

The focal PhNR amplitudes were significantly reduced with an advance in the stage of glaucoma. In early glaucoma, the sensitivities of the PhNR measured for each retinal area ranged from 58.1% to 80.7%. The sensitivities were significantly increased to 90.6% and 96.9% for the focal PhNR amplitude and the focal PhNR/b-wave amplitude ratio, respectively, when the combined criterion was employed. The specificity was >90%.

CONCLUSIONS

Focal PhNRs have diagnostic ability in detecting early glaucoma with high sensitivity and specificity, especially when the combined criterion is used.

Factors influencing 3D-MRI diagnosis in preoperative breast cancer patients

620

Background: We presented 3D-MRI will be the useful breast imaging tool in diagnosing intraductal spread and tumor size in breast cancer patients. (ASCO 2008).To do breast conserving surgery, careful management was needed in cases with widely ductal spreading and multifocal lesion. This study was to evaluate factors influencing false negative diagnosis and multifocal types of 3D-MRI, retrospectively. Methods: From July 2000, pre-operative 3D-MRI was underwent 488 cases and images were obtained 479 cases (98%). These patients could be divided into three groups according to 3D-MRI images: pattern 1) localized type (273 cases), 2) widely enhanced type (106 cases) and 3) multi-focal type (100 cases). From April 2005, resected specimen was serially step cut and total specimens were microscopically evaluated. Tumor size in 3D-MRI was 1cm over smaller than resected specimens were defined false negative cases. Investigated factors influencing 3D-MRI were age, patterns of 3D-MRI images, presence of pre-operative chemotherapy, histological type, histological grade, microscopical invasive tumor size (mm) and presence of ductal spreading. Results: The rate of histological confirmed intraductal spread were seen in 58% (158/273cases), 89% (94/106 cases) of patients with 3D-MRI pattern 1) and 2), respectively. Tumor size was correlated between MRI and specimens, significantly (n = 162, r = 06706, p < 0.001). Factors influencing false negative diagnosis of 3D-MRI were presence of pre-operative chemotherapy (p < 0.05), presence of ductal spreading (p < 0.001) and patterns of 3D-MRI images (p < 0.05). In the cases with multi-focal 3D- images, there were only 11(11/41, 26%) cases with true multifocal lesions by total specimens examination. Selection for breast conserving surgery and margin width were based by 3D-MRI images. The proportion of breast-conserved surgery were obtained 90% (437/488 cases) and local failure seen only 6 cases (local failure rate 1.4%) in 3D-MRI guided surgery. (median follow up 52 months). Conclusions: These results suggest that MRI will be the useful breast imaging tool, but caution will be needed in cases with pre-operative systemic therapy, cases expected intraductal spread by imaging tools and cases with multi-focal 3D- images.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Stage-size relationship in long-term repeated CT screening for lung cancer: Anti-Lung Cancer Association project

1540

Background: We have investigated the individualized benefit of CT screening as Anti-Lung Cancer Association projects (presented at ASCO 2006–2008). However, there has not been enough information about the relationship of lung cancer stage to tumor size in repeated CT screening. Therefore, we evaluated the stage-size relationship of these asymptomatic lung cancer cases diagnosed by long-term repeated screening with low-dose helical CT. Methods: Among 2,120 participants (mean age 63 years, 87% male, and 83% smoker) at baseline screening, 1,877 underwent semiannually repeated screening from 1993 to 2004. Nineteen (0.90%) prevalence cancers and 57 (0.32%) incidence cancers were detected. Within categories of tumor size, the distribution of pathological stage, histology, lymph node status, and distant metastases was determined. Results: Pathological stage has a strong relationship to tumor size at baseline screening (spearman r = 0.63, p = 0.013) and repeated screening (r = 0.65, p < 0.001). In the analysis of all 76 cases, lymph node status (r = 0.59, p < 0.001) and distant metastases (r = 0.55, p = 0.005) have also a strong relationship to tumor size. The percentages of cases with no metastases (N0M0) were 100% (0/21), 89% (17/19), 62% (8/13), 83% (10/12), 50% (4/8), and 33% (1/3) for the categories 10 mm or less, 11 mm to 15 mm, 16 mm to 20 mm, 21 mm to 30 mm, 31 mm to 40 mm, and 41 mm or greater, respectively. Histology for the categories 15 mm or less was localized bronchioloalveolar carcinoma in 13 cases, adenocarcinoma with mixed subtype in 11 cases, invasive adenocarcinoma in five cases, other non-small cell carcinoma in 10 cases, and small cell carcinoma in one case. Accumulated 10-year hazard ratio of above histology was 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 4.1, and 0.7. In multivariate analyses, pathological stage was related to only tumor size (standardized regression coefficient beta = 0.59, p < 0.001) whereas histology was related to tumor size (beta = 0.43, p < 0.001) and smoking index (beta = 0.28, p = 0.016). Conclusions: These results provide direct evidence of a stage-size relationship in long-term repeated CT screening for lung cancer. Furthermore, early detection of lung cancer of 15 mm or less in diameter leads to the detection of early-stage (N0M0) lung cancer in repeated CT screening.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Factors influencing false negative diagnosis of 3D-MRI in pre-operative breast cancer patients

Abstract #4005

Introduction: We presented 3D-MRI will be the useful breast imaging tool in diagnosing intraductal spread and tumor size in breast cancer patients (ASCO 2008). But, false negative cases were very important in breast conserving surgery and careful management was needed in 3D-MRI guided surgery. This study was to review imaging diagnosis using 3D-MRI and to evaluate factors influencing false negative diagnosis of 3D-MRI, retrospectively. Material and methods: From July 2000, pre-operative 3D-MRI was underwent 433 cases of breast cancer patients. Images were obtained 426 cases (98%). Tumor size between 3D-MRI and resected specimens were evaluated retrospectively. Cases with tumor size difference between 3D-MRI and resected specimens less than 1cm were defined related cases and cases with tumor size in 3D-MRI was 1cm more smaller than resected specimens were defined false negative cases. Investigated factors influencing false negative diagnosis of 3D-MRI were age, patterns of 3D-MRI images, presence of pre-operative chemotherapy, histological type, histological grade, microscopical invasive tumor size (mm) and presence of ductal spreading. From April 2005, the entire specimen was serially step cut and evaluated. Results: Tumor diameter from nipple side to lateral margin were measured by MRI and specimens, tumor size was correlated between MRI and specimens, significantly (n=118, r=07186, P &lt; 0.001). On Multivariate analysis revealed that factors influencing 3D-MRI diagnosis were presence of ductal spreading (p=0.0002), patterns of 3D-MRI images (p=0.06) and presence of pre-operative chemotherapy (P=0.04). Factors influencing false negative diagnosis of 3D-MRI were presence of pre-operative chemotherapy (P&lt;0.05), presence of ductal spreading (P&lt;0.01) and infiltration of lymphocyte in the edge of ductal spreading (P&lt;0.05). Selection for breast conserving surgery and margin width were based by 3D-MRI images. The proportion of breast-conserved surgery were obtained 89% (380/426 cases) and local failure seen only 6 cases (local failure rate 1.4%) in 3D-MRI guided surgery. (6-94 months, median follow up 51 months).&#x2028; Conclusion: These results suggest that MRI will be the useful breast imaging tool in diagnosing intraductal spread and tumor size in breast cancer patients. But, caution will be needed in cases with pre-operative systemic therapy and cases expected ductal spreading by other imaging tools.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 4005.

Proposal for a new clinical entity, IgG4-positive multiorgan lymphoproliferative syndrome: analysis of 64 cases of IgG4-related disorders

BACKGROUND

Mikulicz's disease (MD) has been considered as one manifestation of Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Recently, it has also been considered as an IgG(4)-related disorder.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the differences between IgG(4)-related disorders including MD and SS.

METHODS

A study was undertaken to investigate patients with MD and IgG(4)-related disorders registered in Japan and to set up provisional criteria for the new clinical entity IgG(4)-positive multiorgan lymphoproliferative syndrome (IgG(4)+MOLPS). The preliminary diagnostic criteria include raised serum levels of IgG(4) (>135 mg/dl) and infiltration of IgG(4)(+) plasma cells in the tissue (IgG(4)+/IgG+ plasma cells >50%) with fibrosis or sclerosis. The clinical features, laboratory data and pathologies of 64 patients with IgG(4)+MOLPS and 31 patients with typical SS were compared.

RESULTS

The incidence of xerostomia, xerophthalmia and arthralgia, rheumatoid factor and antinuclear, antiSS-A/Ro and antiSS-B/La antibodies was significantly lower in patients with IgG(4)+MOLPS than in those with typical SS. Allergic rhinitis and autoimmune pancreatitis were significantly more frequent and total IgG, IgG(2), IgG(4) and IgE levels were significantly increased in IgG(4)+MOLPS. Histological specimens from patients with IgG(4)+MOLPS revealed marked IgG(4)+ plasma cell infiltration. Many patients with IgG(4)+MOLPS had lymphocytic follicle formation, but lymphoepithelial lesions were rare. Few IgG(4)+ cells were seen in the tissue of patients with typical SS. Thirty-eight patients with IgG(4)+MOLPS treated with glucocorticoids showed marked clinical improvement.

CONCLUSION

Despite similarities in the involved organs, there are considerable clinical and pathological differences between IgG(4)+MOLPS and SS. Based on the clinical features and good response to glucocorticoids, we propose a new clinical entity: IgG(4)+MOLPS.

[Multiple schwannoma of the intrathoracic vagal nerve; report of a case]

A 67-year-old male referred to our hospital for the close examination of abnormal chest X-ray findings. Chest X-ray films showed abnormal shadows in the right lung field. Chest computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed the 3 tumors which located in superior, middle and posterior mediastinum. The operation underwent under the diagnosis of neurogenic tumors originating from the right intrathoracic vagal nerve. At the operation, the tumors existed the vagal nerve distal to the recurrent laryngeal nerve and they were resected with the transection of vagal nerve. The masses were histologically diagnosed as schwannoma. We reported a rare case of multiple schwannoma arising from the intrathoracic vagal nerve. He had no postoperative complications, and he has been free from recurrence for 4 years postoperatively.

Salmonella prevalence in seafood imported into Japan

A total of 353 samples of 29 types of seafood were tested for Salmonella prevalence and total microbial population. Salmonella enterica serotype Weltevreden was isolated from 2 of 47 black tiger prawn samples. The contamination levels of Salmonella were in a range of <30 to 40 most probable number per 100 g. In addition, one sample of black tiger prawns and two samples of white shrimp were positive for Salmonella invA gene on PCR assay. Although the mean aerobic bacterial count was greater than 4 log CFU/g in most of the sample types, those in the two Salmonella-isolated samples of black tiger prawn were 7.48 and 5.18 log CFU/g, respectively. These results indicate the possibility that shrimp and prawns contribute to foodborne infections. The improvement of seafood quality is an important issue, and the information on contamination by pathogens should be provided as feedback to the originating country, with the aim of increasing safety.

What we could know from the semiannually repeated screening with low-dose helical CT in a high-risk cohort over 10 years: Update of Anti-Lung Cancer Association project

7568

Background: There have been several randomized trials of low-dose helical CT (LDCT) screening for lung cancer. However, all trials are in progress. Therefore, before they are completed, we summarized what we could know from an update of Anti-Lung Cancer Association project, which was regarded as a longer-term study with LDCT performed at shorter intervals and with a larger number of detected cancers than any other single-armed studies. Methods: Among 2,120 participants, 1,877 (mean age 64 years, 88% male, and 84% smoker) underwent semiannually repeated screening from 1993 to 2004 (median, 3.5 years). We investigated (1) survival of patients with screening detected lung cancers, (2) presence of a stage shift (indicator of a mortality benefit), (3) appropriate duration of repeated screening, (4) identification of high-risk group by age, sex, and smoking, and (5) appropriate screening intervals by high-risk group (6 months or 1 year). Results: (1) The 5- and 10-year survival rates were 84.5% and 84.5%, respectively, in repeated screening group (n = 57) and were 68.7% and 38.1%, respectively, in initial screening group (n = 19) (P = 0.208). (2) Only in invasive adenocarcinoma, both proportion of stage II to IV and tumor size were negatively correlated with duration of repeated screening (r = −0.77, P = 0.007 and r = − 0.60, P = 0.029, respectively). (3) Detection rate of all incidence cancers were positively correlated with duration of repeated screening (r = 0.50, P = 0.020). However, detection rate remained unchanged until 5 years of repeated screening. Moreover, stage shift did not occur until 5 years of repeated screening. (4) Female sex (HR 2.9, P = 0.015) and smoking (HR 2.7, P = 0.046) were demographic risk factors for lung cancer detection at repeated screening. The accumulated 10-year detection rates for female smokers (n = 91), male smokers (n = 1,557), and non-smokers (n = 229) were 15.1%, 6.2%, and 4.3%, respectively (P = 0.002). (5) The estimated relative cancer detection powers of annual screening to semiannual screening were 50% and 57% for female and male smokers with lung cancer, respectively. Conclusions: Semiannually repeated LDCT screening over 5 years might be beneficial to smokers, especially female smokers.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

The effect of milk basic protein supplementation on bone metabolism during training of young thoroughbred racehorses

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY

In laboratory animals, man and cell culture experiments, milk basic protein was reported to suppress bone resorption and promote bone formation. However, no studies in horses have previously examined the effect of milk basic protein.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of milk basic protein supplementation on bone metabolism in young Thoroughbred horses in training.

METHODS

Twenty 2-year-old horses in training were used for 90 days in this study. The treatment group was fed a basal diet with 1 g of milk basic protein and the control group a basal diet only. Blood samples were collected on Days 0, 45 and 90 to determine serum calcium (Ca) and biochemical markers of bone metabolism. Radiographs were taken at the start and end of the study to determine radiographic bone aluminium equivalence (RBAE).

RESULTS

Serum osteocalcin (OC) was significantly higher at Day 45 after the beginning of the study in the treatment group compared to that in the control group. The treatment group showed a greater increase in the total RBAE change at the end of this study compared to that in the control group. However, there were no significant differences in serum Ca and carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) between groups.

CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE

These findings provide preliminary evidence that milk basic protein has an effect on bone formation in 2-year-old Thoroughbred horses in training. However, further studies in larger groups of horses are now required to substantiate our findings.

Inhibitory effects of ticlopidine on platelet function as assessed by three different methods

The inhibitory effects of ticlopidine on platelet function were evaluated in 18 healthy male volunteers using three different platelet function tests. Three methods include the recently developed small collagen-beads method, which evaluates the platelet response in whole blood samples under shear stress conditions, the conventional platelet aggregometry and a cone-plate viscometer which measures shear-induced platelet aggregation (SIPA). The latter two methods use platelet-rich plasma as measurement samples instead of whole blood. SIPA was significantly inhibited by the oral intake of ticlopidine. The conventional platelet aggregometry detected significant inhibition of ticlopidine on ADP-induced platelet aggregation. In contrast, ticlopidine moderately inhibited platelet aggregation induced by low concentrations of collagen, but not by high concentrations of collagen. With the collagen-bead column method, ticlopidine significantly inhibited platelet retention rates when the retention rates exceeded 30% prior to ticlopidine uptake. On the other hand, there was no significant inhibition when the original retention rates prior to ticlopidine uptake were below 30%. The three methods all proved useful to evaluate the effect of ticlopidine on platelet function. However, taking into consideration easy procedures, lower costs and use of whole blood samples under shear stress conditions, we suggest the collagen-bead column can serve as an appropriate method for monitoring ticlopidine therapy.

MYCN gene amplification is a powerful prognostic factor even in infantile neuroblastoma detected by mass screening

MYCN is the most powerful prognostic factor in cases of older children. However, how MYCN is related to the prognosis of infantile cases is not clear. A mass screening program was carried out by measuring urinary catecholamine metabolites (VMA and HVA) from 6-month-old infants. Of 2084 cases detected by the screening program, MYCN amplification (MNA) was examined by Southern blot analyses in 1533 cases from 1987 to 2000. Of the 1533 cases examined, 1500 (97.8%) showed no MNA, 20 cases (1.3%) showed MNA from three to nine copies, and 13 (0.8%) cases showed more than 10 copies. The 4-year overall survival rates of these three groups (99, 89 and 53%, respectively) were significantly different (P<0.001), indicating that MYCN copy number correlates with the prognosis. Cases with MNA more than 10 copies were more advanced than those without amplification (stage III, IV vs I, II, IVs; P<0.001). Patients with MNA more than 10 copies had significantly higher serum levels of neuron-specific-enolase (NSE) and ferritin than non-amplified patients (P=0.049, P=0.025, respectively). MYCN amplification was strongly correlated with a poor prognosis in infantile neuroblastoma cases. Therefore, for the selection of appropriate treatment, an accurate determination of MNA is indispensable.