Precision Measurement of the (e^{+}+e^{-}) Flux in Primary Cosmic Rays from 0.5 GeV to 1 TeV with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

We present a measurement of the cosmic ray (e^{+}+e^{-}) flux in the range 0.5 GeV to 1 TeV based on the analysis of 10.6 million (e^{+}+e^{-}) events collected by AMS. The statistics and the resolution of AMS provide a precision measurement of the flux. The flux is smooth and reveals new and distinct information. Above 30.2 GeV, the flux can be described by a single power law with a spectral index γ=-3.170±0.008(stat+syst)±0.008(energy scale).

Electron and positron fluxes in primary cosmic rays measured with the alpha magnetic spectrometer on the international space station

Precision measurements by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station of the primary cosmic-ray electron flux in the range 0.5 to 700 GeV and the positron flux in the range 0.5 to 500 GeV are presented. The electron flux and the positron flux each require a description beyond a single power-law spectrum. Both the electron flux and the positron flux change their behavior at ∼30  GeV but the fluxes are significantly different in their magnitude and energy dependence. Between 20 and 200 GeV the positron spectral index is significantly harder than the electron spectral index. The determination of the differing behavior of the spectral indices versus energy is a new observation and provides important information on the origins of cosmic-ray electrons and positrons.

High statistics measurement of the positron fraction in primary cosmic rays of 0.5-500 GeV with the alpha magnetic spectrometer on the international space station

A precision measurement by AMS of the positron fraction in primary cosmic rays in the energy range from 0.5 to 500 GeV based on 10.9 million positron and electron events is presented. This measurement extends the energy range of our previous observation and increases its precision. The new results show, for the first time, that above ∼200  GeV the positron fraction no longer exhibits an increase with energy.

A 3'-UTR KRAS-variant is associated with cisplatin resistance in patients with recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

A germline mutation in the 3'-untranslated region of KRAS (rs61764370, KRAS-variant: TG/GG) has previously been associated with altered patient outcome and drug resistance/sensitivity in various cancers. We examined the prognostic and predictive significance of this variant in recurrent/metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of 103 HNSCCs collected from three completed clinical trials. KRAS-variant genotyping was conducted for these samples and 8 HNSCC cell lines. p16 expression was determined in a subset of 26 oropharynx tumors by immunohistochemistry. Microarray analysis was also utilized to elucidate differentially expressed genes between KRAS-variant and non-variant tumors. Drug sensitivity in cell lines was evaluated to confirm clinical findings.

RESULTS

KRAS-variant status was determined in 95/103 (92%) of the HNSCC tumor samples and the allelic frequency of TG/GG was 32% (30/95). Three of the HNSCC cell lines (3/8) studied had the KRAS-variant. No association between KRAS-variant status and p16 expression was observed in the oropharynx subset (Fisher's exact test, P = 1.0). With respect to patient outcome, patients with the KRAS-variant had poor progression-free survival when treated with cisplatin (log-rank P = 0.002). Conversely, KRAS-variant patients appeared to experience some improvement in disease control when cetuximab was added to their platinum-based regimen (log-rank P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

The TG/GG rs61764370 KRAS-variant is a potential predictive biomarker for poor platinum response in R/M HNSCC patients.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS

NCT00503997, NCT00425750, NCT00003809.

Health-related quality of life among cancer survivors in Korea: the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the quality of life among cancer survivors compared with individuals without a history of cancer (noncancer controls) using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

METHODS

The study subjects were 783 adult cancer survivors and 36 456 noncancer controls who participated in the third, fourth and fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Demographic factors, health-related behavior, clinical characteristics and health-related quality of life were assessed with self-reported questionnaires. The EuroQoL-5Dimension was used to evaluate health-related quality of life. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were used to compare health-related quality of life between cancer survivors and noncancer controls.

RESULTS

About 67% were women and the mean age of the cancer survivors was 60.9 ± 12.4 years. About 52% of survivors were diagnosed with cancer between 45 and 64 years, and more than half of cancer survivors were diagnosed 5 years or less before the interview. The pain/discomfort dimension was the highest reported problem: 43.6% for cancer survivors. The proportion of any reported problem was significantly higher among cancer survivors compared with noncancer controls in terms of mobility (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 1.56, 95% confidence interval, 1.24-1.97), usual activities (aOR, 1.45, 95% confidence interval, 1.11-1.89), pain/discomfort (aOR, 1.26, 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.52) and anxiety/depression (aOR, 1.61, 95% confidence interval, 1.29-2.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Cancer survivors had a significantly lower quality of life compared with noncancer controls. The pain/discomfort dimension was the highest reported problem in cancer survivors.

Efficacy and safety of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor gemigliptin compared with sitagliptin added to ongoing metformin therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin alone

AIMS

This study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, gemigliptin versus sitagliptin added to metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

We conducted a double-blind, randomized, active-controlled trial in 425 Asian patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes being treated with metformin alone. Eligible patients were randomized into three groups: 50 mg gemigliptin qd, 25 mg gemigliptin bid or sitagliptin 100 mg qd added to ongoing metformin treatment for 24 weeks. Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were measured periodically, and oral glucose tolerance tests were performed at baseline and 24 weeks after starting the treatment regimen.

RESULTS

Twenty-four weeks later, adding gemigliptin (50 mg/day) to ongoing metformin therapy significantly improved glycaemic control. Reduction in HbA1c caused by 50 mg gemigliptin qd (-0.77% ± 0.8) was non-inferior to that caused by 100 mg sitagliptin qd (-0.8% ± 0.85). Proportion of patients achieving HbA1c <7% while taking 25 mg gemigliptin bid (50%) or 50 mg gemigliptin qd (54.07%) was comparable to the results with 100 mg sitagliptin qd (48.87%). There were significant decreases in FPG, postprandial glucose and AUC0-2 h glucose, as well as increases in GLP-1 and β cell sensitivity to glucose (supported by homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function, postprandial 2-h c-peptide and insulinogenic index) in patients receiving gemigliptin treatment with their metformin therapy. There was no increased risk of adverse effects with this dose of gemigliptin compared with sitagliptin 100 mg qd.

CONCLUSIONS

Addition of gemigliptin 50 mg daily to metformin was shown to be efficacious, well tolerated and non-inferior to sitagliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

First result from the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station: precision measurement of the positron fraction in primary cosmic rays of 0.5-350 GeV

A precision measurement by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station of the positron fraction in primary cosmic rays in the energy range from 0.5 to 350 GeV based on 6.8 × 10(6) positron and electron events is presented. The very accurate data show that the positron fraction is steadily increasing from 10 to ∼ 250  GeV, but, from 20 to 250 GeV, the slope decreases by an order of magnitude. The positron fraction spectrum shows no fine structure, and the positron to electron ratio shows no observable anisotropy. Together, these features show the existence of new physical phenomena.

Flow characteristics of LIMA radial composite sequential bypass grafting and single LIMA and saphenous vein sequential bypass grafting performed under OPCAB

AIM

The present study was aimed to compare the hemodynamic flow characteristics of LIMA radial artery composite sequential bypass grafting and with single LIMA and saphenous vein sequential bypass grafting performed by off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB).

METHODS

Between March 2007 and February 2008, 121 OPCAB patients were prospectively divided into two groups; Group I (N.=70, left internal thoracic artery [LITA]-left anterior descending [LAD] and Ao-SV sequential grafting), and Group II (N.=51, LITA-RA sequential grafting). The mean flow, pulsatility index (PI) and back flow (BF) were measured using the Transit-time flow meter (TTFM). In Group II, the proximal (p-LITA) and distal LITA (d-LITA) flow in relation to the RA side branch anastomosis were measured separately.

RESULTS

The mean flow and PI of the proximal SV sequential graft and that of the RA graft were 64.4 ± 37.3 mL/min and 2.6 ± 1.6 versus 27.3 ± 18.6 mL/min and 4.1 ± 4.4, respectively (P<0.05). In Group I, the mean LITA flow, PI, and BF were 26.9 ± 16.4 mL/min, 2.6 ± 1.5, and 3.1 ± 6.1% whereas in Group II those of the p-LITA were 37.3 ± 21.6 mL/min, 2.3 ± 1.0, and 2.0 ± 3.5% and the d-LITA were 18.8 ± 12.2 mL/min, 3.9 ± 3.3 and 7.4 ± 11.8% (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The results of the present data suggest the hemodynamic flow characteristics of composite bypass grafting to be inferior to the single LIMA and separate aorta-saphenous vein bypass grafting strategy. However, a longer follow up is warranted to assess the implications of these findings on graft durability.

Control of AIF-mediated cell death by antagonistic functions of CHIP ubiquitin E3 ligase and USP2 deubiquitinating enzyme

Apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) is a mitochondrial oxidoreductase that scavenges reactive oxygen species under normal conditions. Under certain stresses, such as exposure to N-methyl-N'-nitro-N'-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), AIF is truncated and released from the mitochondria and translocated into the nucleus, where the truncated AIF (tAIF) induces caspase-independent cell death. However, it is unknown how cells decide to kill themselves or operate ways to survive when they encounter stresses that induce the release of tAIF. Here, we demonstrated that USP2 and CHIP contribute to the control of tAIF stability. USP2 deubiquitinated and stabilized tAIF, thus promoting AIF-mediated cell death. In contrast, CHIP ubiquitinated and destabilized tAIF, thus preventing the cell death. Consistently, CHIP-deficient cells showed an increased sensitivity to MNNG. On the other hand, knockdown of USP2 attenuated MNNG-induced cell death. Moreover, exposure to MNNG caused a dramatic decrease in CHIP level, but not that of USP2, concurrent with cell shrinkage and chromatin condensation. These findings indicate that CHIP and USP2 show antagonistic functions in the control of AIF-mediated cell death, and implicate the role of the enzymes as a switch for cells to live or die under stresses that cause tAIF release.

Prophylactic control of post-operative nausea and vomiting using ondansetron and ramosetron after cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ondansetron and ramosetron in the reduction of post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) associated with patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) after cardiac surgery.

METHODS

A total of 320 patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to one of four treatment regimens (n=80 in each group): no prophylactic antiemetics (group P); intravenous (i.v.) ondansetron 4 mg at the end of surgery and 12 mg added to PCA (group O); i.v. ramosetron 0.3 mg at the end of surgery and no antiemetics added to PCA (group R1); and i.v. ramosetron 0.3 mg at the end of surgery and 0.6 mg added to PCA (group R2).

RESULTS

The incidence of PONV during the 48-h post-operative period was lower in groups O (46%), R1 (54%), and R2 (35%) compared with group P (71%, P<0.001). The incidence and severity of nausea were lower in groups O, R1, and R2 than in group P during the 24-h post-operative period, whereas the incidence and severity of nausea during 24-48 h after surgery were lower in groups O and R2, but not in group R1, than in group P. Compared with group P (53%), the frequency of rescue antiemetic usage was significantly lower in groups O (34%) and R2 (29%), but not in group R1 (43%).

CONCLUSION

The addition of either ondansetron or ramosetron to PCA can reduce the incidence of PONV during 48 h after cardiac surgery.

Delayed ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm in an adult onset Still's disease patient with previous mitral valve and aortic root replacement

A 59-year-old female patient with adult onset Still's disease (AOSD) presented with hemoptysis and pseudoaneurysm from an aortic root vent cannulation site that was created 4 years earlier for combined mitral and aortic valve surgery. The pseudoaneurysm was successfully repaired and the patient remained well during a follow-up period of 20 months.

Comparing the effectiveness of video self-instruction versus traditional classroom instruction targeted at cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills for laypersons: a prospective randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether in the local lay Hong Kong population, video self-instruction about cardiopulmonary resuscitation has comparable results to traditional classroom instructions.

DESIGN

Prospective randomised single-blind controlled trial.

SETTING

A first-aid training organisation in Hong Kong.

PARTICIPANTS

Cantonese applicants for cardiopulmonary resuscitation courses aged between 18 and 70 years were recruited into the study. They were randomised into two groups. Those selected for self-learning were given a kit (consisting of a mini-manikin, a video compact disc, and an instruction manual) and sent home. The other group underwent usual classroom training. Both groups were examined together; the examiners remained blinded to the background training of the subjects. Those who passed were asked to come back for re-examination after 1 year.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The examination passing rates initially and after 1 year.

RESULTS

During a 1-year period between 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008, 256 subjects were recruited into this study, 124 for self-learning and 132 for classroom training. The age range was 18 to 62 (mean, 39; standard deviation, 10) years. There was no significant difference in passing rate between the two groups at the initial examination or at the re-examination after 1 year. Notably, 28 (23%) of the participants of the self-learning group taught cardiopulmonary resuscitation to relatives and friends.

CONCLUSION

Video self-learning resulted in cardiopulmonary resuscitation performance as good as traditional classroom training.

Wide thumb and the first web reconstruction using a neurovascularised instep free flap

Deformed hands result in palmar defects of the thumb. The sensate instep free flap can be used for wide palmar coverage of the thumb. Three hands with palmar defects of the thumb extended to the first web space underwent soft-tissue reconstruction using a neurovascular instep free flap. These flaps provided sensate coverage with static two-point discrimination values of 8-15 mm. Key pinch strengths of reconstructed thumbs were nearly half of those on the normal side. Donor foot morbidity was minimal with no hyperkeratosis. The neurovascular instep free flap supplies sensate, similar pliable and tough glabrous skin to the palmar surface of the thumb extended to the first web area.

Nuclear factor-kappa B pathway and response in a phase II trial of bortezomib and docetaxel in patients with recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Our previous study has shown that nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB)-signaling pathway was associated with a higher rate of recurrence in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The combination of bortezomib, an NF-kappaB inhibitor by inhibition of proteasomes, plus docetaxel was assessed for efficacy and toxicity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with recurrent and/or metastatic HNSCC were enrolled on a phase II bortezomib/docetaxel trial (bortezomib 1.6 mg/m(2) and docetaxel 40 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle). Response was assessed using RECIST. Tissue specimens were evaluated for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) and expression of NF-kappaB-associated genes.

RESULTS

Twenty-one of 25 enrolled patients were assessable for response; one partial response (PR, 5%), 10 stable disease (SD, 48%) and 10 progressive disease (PD, 48%). Patients with PR/SD had significantly longer survival compared with patients with PD and the regimen was well tolerated. Only one of 20 tumors was positive for HPV. Patients with PD had higher expression of NF-kappaB and epidermal growth factor receptor-associated genes in their tumors by gene expression analysis.

CONCLUSION

Further understanding of treatment resistance and interactions between bortezomib and docetaxel may provide novel approaches in managing HNSCC.

Factors associated with development of late significant tricuspid regurgitation after successful left-sided valve surgery

BACKGROUND

Persistent significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) after successful left-sided valve surgery is frequently reported.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the incidence, risk factors and clinical impact of development of late significant TR after successful left-sided valve surgery.

METHODS AND RESULTS

638 patients (356 men, mean age 52 (SD 14) years) who had mild (<or=grade 2/4) TR and underwent successful surgery without any procedure for TR were analysed. Development of significant TR was defined as a TR increase by more than one grade and final TR grade >or=3/4 at follow-up echocardiography. Clinical events were defined as cardiovascular death, repeated open-heart surgery, and congestive heart failure requiring hospital admission. The overall incidence of late significant TR was 7.7% (49/638). Age (hazard ratio (HR), 1.0, 95% CI, 1.0 to 1.1; p = 0.005), female gender (HR, 5.0; 95% CI 2.0 to 12.7; p = 0.001), rheumatic aetiology (HR, 3.8; 95% CI 1.4 to 10.3; p = 0.011), atrial fibrillation (Af) (HR, 2.6; 95% CI 1.1 to 6.4; p = 0.035) and peak pressure gradient of TR at follow-up (HR, 1.1; 95% CI 1.0 to 1.1; p<0.001) were independent factors associated with development of late significant TR. During clinical follow-up of 101 (24) months, patients who developed late significant TR showed a significantly lower 8-year clinical event-free survival rate (76 (6) vs 91 (1)%, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Several clinical variables were independent risk factors for development of late significant TR. Early surgical intervention for TR in selected patients with these risk factors may be justified, even though they have only mild TR.

Successful treatment of small-cell lung cancer with irinotecan in a hemodialysis patient with end-stage renal disease

The prognosis of patients with end-stage renal disease has improved with advances in hemodialysis techniques. However, many patients who undergo hemodialysis suffer from various types of cancer. Limited data is available to guide clinical management of these patients who may have impaired renal function. Here, we report our experience with the use of irinotecan for the treatment of a hemodialysis patient with small-cell lung cancer and end-stage renal disease.

Lupus anticoagulant-hypoprothrombinemia in healthy adult

The presence of lupus anticoagulant is associated with an elevated risk of venous and arterial thrombosis, and recurrent miscarriages as well. For some cases, this disease can present with bleeding as a consequence of lupus anticoagulant hypoprothrombinemia (LAHPS). LAHPS is a rare disease and it is reported to be most frequent in young females with/without systemic lupus erythematosus or in healthy children who are suffering with a viral infection. In such cases, steroid therapy is usually effective in normalizing the biological abnormalities and controlling the bleeding problems. A 34-year-old previously healthy man was admitted to our department because of his prolonged coagulation times; these abnormalities were discovered before performing orthopedic surgery. The prothrombin time (PT) was 15.2 sec, and the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was 37.7 sec. A 1:1 dilution of patient plasma with normal plasma nearly corrected the PT, but this failed to correct the APTT. Evaluation of the clotting factors revealed decreased levels of factors II, V, VIII, IX and XI. The presence of LA was demonstrated by the dRVVT test, and the patient was diagnosed with LAHPS. He was successfully treated with corticosteroid before performing the orthopedic surgery.

Relationship between gamma-glutamyltransferase and metabolic syndrome in a Korean population

AIMS

To investigate associations between gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and components of metabolic syndrome (MS), insulin resistance and inflammatory markers in the Korean population.

METHODS

The 3508 subjects enrolled in this survey participated in the Korean Rural Genomic Cohort (KRGC) study. Written consent was obtained from the local ethical committee. Of these participants, 1437 were men (mean age 56.9 +/- 7.9 years) and 2071 were women (mean age 55.8 +/- 8.1 years). We measured GGT levels and various biochemical markers. To examine insulin resistance status, we used the homeostasis assessment method for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). For inflammatory marker, we used C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.

RESULTS

Serum GGT levels were significantly higher in the MS group compared to the healthy patient group [23 (5-1403) vs. 19 (5-1920) IU/l; P = 0.01]. The prevalence of MS and adjusted relative risk were both significantly increased from the lowest to highest GGT quartiles; these results persisted after adjustments for multiple confounders. Positive correlations were established between GGT and HOMA-IR or CRP.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that GGT levels may be a surrogate marker of insulin resistance, inflammation and MS.

A patient with mixed type Evans syndrome: efficacy of rituximab treatment

Mixed type Evans syndrome is a very rare hematologic disease. Although mixed type Evans syndrome may initially respond well to steroids, this disease usually runs a chronic course with intermittent exacerbations. We describe here a 46-yr-old female with the steroid-refractory, mixed type Evans syndrome, and she had a prompt response to rituximab. She was diagnosed as having the mixed type Evans syndrome with the clinical features of symptomatic anemia, jaundice and thrombocytopenia. Prednisone therapy was commenced and her hemoglobin and platelet level returned to the normal. However, after 15 weeks, she relapsed with hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. We started rituximab at the dose of 375 mg/m(2) once weekly for a total of 4 doses, which was well-tolerated and this induced the normalization of hemoglobin, bilirubin and lactic dehydrogenase, and there was also a significant increase of the platelet count.

Small cell carcinoma of the kidney

Up to 5% of all small cell carcinomas develop at extrapulmonary sites. Primary small cell carcinomas originating in the kidney are extremely rare neoplasms. Here we report a case of primary small cell carcinoma of the kidney. A nephrectomy was performed on a 52-year-old female patient to remove a large tumor located in the right kidney. The histology and immunohistochemistry of the resected tumor revealed a pure small cell carcinoma with invasion into the renal capsule. The patient received postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with etoposide and cisplatin. The patient has been monitored with regular check ups and remains stable with no recurrence at 28 months after the initial diagnosis.