The spin dynamics in distorted kagome lattices: a comparative Raman study

Despite the conceptional importance of realizing spin liquids in solid states only few compounds are known. On the other hand the effect of lattice distortions and anisotropies on the magnetic exchange topology and the fluctuation spectrum is an interesting problem. We compare the excitation spectra of the two s = 1/2 kagome lattice compounds, volborthite and vesignieite, using Raman scattering. We demonstrate that even small modifications of the crystal structure may have a huge effect on the phonon spectrum and low-temperature properties.

Apparent formation constants of Pu(IV) and Th(IV) with humic acids determined by solvent extraction method

Apparent formation constants of Pu(IV) and Th(IV) with two kinds of humic acids were determined in 0.1 M NaClO4 at 25 ºC using a solvent extraction method with thenoyltrifluoroacetone in xylene. The acid dissociation constants of humic acids were also measured by potentiometric titration and used as the degree of dissociation for calculating the formation constants. The effect of solution conditions, such as the pH, the initial metal and humic acid concentrations, and the ionic strength, on the formation constants was examined. The obtained data were compared with the ones in the literature.

Blood pressure control in a Japanese population with chronic kidney disease: a baseline survey of a nationwide cohort

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is a key risk factor for adverse renal outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD), and strict blood pressure control is recommended to halt its progression. This study assessed blood pressure control in the Japanese CKD population.

METHODS

We used a nationwide database of 250,130 subjects (aged 20-88), including 45,845 CKD subjects (18.3%), participated in an annual health check, "The Specific Health Check and Guidance in Japan," and examined the relationship between CKD status and blood pressure. Blood pressures were measured in sitting position by trained staff, and target blood pressure for CKD subjects was defined as systolic (SBP)/diastolic blood pressure (DBP) <130/80 mm Hg.

RESULTS

In total population, CKD subjects had a higher prevalence of hypertension (58.0% vs. 41.8%, P < 0.001) and a higher proportion with antihypertensive medication (42.4% vs. 26.7%, P < 0.001), compared with non-CKD subjects. The proportion of subjects achieving target blood pressure was significantly lower among total CKD subjects than among total non-CKD subjects (34.6% vs. 43.8%, P ≤ 0.001). Among CKD subjects, these proportions were especially low in those with stage 4-5 (24.3-27.5%), those on antihypertensive medication (21.6%) and those with proteinuria ≥2± (21.3%). Logistic regression analysis showed that independent factors for high-blood pressure in CKD subjects were age, male gender, alcohol consumption, nonsmoking, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, proteinuria, and antihypertensive medication.

CONCLUSIONS

Blood pressure control was inadequate in the majority of Japanese CKD subjects, despite antihypertensive treatment. More aggressive efforts to achieve target blood pressures among CKD subjects are recommended.

Chemotherapy-related hypersensitivity reaction in Japanese patients with gynecologic malignancy

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION

Chemotherapy-related hypersensitivity reaction seems to be problematic in the safe management of chemotherapy. In this study we investigated chemotherapy-related hypersensitivity reaction in patients with gynecologic malignancy.

METHODS

Between January 2009 and December 2010, we examined hypersensitivity reaction (> or = grade2) using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v.4.0. We analyzed the incidence, clinical features, management, and outcome.

RESULTS

We administered over 1,057 infusions (24 regimens) to 205 patients. We found a total of four hypersensitivity reactions (> or = grade 2) cases (carboplatin: 2; nedaplatin: 1; docetaxel: 1). Signs and symptoms were varied. In two cases, the same regimen was rechallenged by using anti-allergic drugs. The docetaxel case was successful. The carboplatin case was not successful.

CONCLUSION

Chemotherapy-related hypersensitivity reaction (> or = grade2) does not occur frequently. In the case of platinum, especially, carboplatin, re-administering after hypersensitivity reaction should be done carefully though platinum is a key drug in patients with gynecologic malignancies.

Association of a polymorphism of BTN2A1 with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Japanese individuals

AIMS

We previously showed that the C→T polymorphism (rs6929846) of BTN2A1 was significantly associated with myocardial infarction in Japanese individuals by a genome-wide association study. Given that diabetes mellitus is an important risk factor for myocardial infarction, the association of rs6929846 of BTN2A1 with myocardial infarction might be attributable, at least in part, to its effect on susceptibility to diabetes. The purpose of this study was to examine the relation of rs6929846 of BTN2A1 to Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

A total of 8650 Japanese individuals from two independent subject panels were examined: Panel A comprised 1141 individuals with Type 2 diabetes and 3161 control subjects and panel B comprised 1664 individuals with Type 2 diabetes and 2684 control subjects.

RESULTS

The chi-square test revealed that rs6929846 of BTN2A1 was significantly related to the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in subject panel A (P = 0.0002) and subject panel B (P=0.006). Multivariable logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age, sex, body mass index and smoking status revealed that rs6929846 was significantly associated with Type 2 diabetes (P = 0.0006; odds ratio 1.25) in all individuals, with the T allele representing a risk factor for this condition. Multiple regression analysis with adjustment for age, sex and body mass index revealed that rs6929846 was significantly (P=0.04) related to blood glycosylated haemoglobin content in control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

BTN2A1 may be a susceptibility gene for Type 2 diabetes in Japanese individuals.

Determination of histamine in microdialysis samples from Guinea pig skin by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection

AIM

To develop a sensitive and selective liquid-chromatographic method for the determination of histamine in microdialysis samples from guinea pig skin following allergenic provocation.

METHODS

The novel fluorescence derivatization method is based on an intramolecular excimer-forming reaction between 2 amino moieties of histamine and 2 molecules of 4-(1-pyrene)butanoyl chloride (PBC) yielding the corresponding dipyrene-labeled derivative.

RESULTS

The PBC derivative of histamine was separated within 20 min, and the detection limit (signal-to-noise ratio = 3) of histamine was 0.6 fmol/20 μl volume injected. The basal extracellular levels of histamine in guinea pig skin microdialysates were 20.6 ± 1.7 fmol/10 μl. Subcutaneous administration of histamine liberator compound 48/80 (3 mg/kg) increased the extracellular histamine levels in the skin dialysates by about 860%, whereas ovalbumin challenge (2 mg/kg i.v.) in the sensitized guinea pigs increased the extracellular histamine levels by about 3,030%.

CONCLUSION

The novel technique for histamine determination in microdialysis samples from the guinea pig skin may be utilized in preclinical research of antihistaminergic drugs and evaluation of allergenic properties of various dermal preparations such as transdermal drug delivery systems.

Association of a polymorphism of BTN2A1 with hypertension in Japanese individuals

BACKGROUND

We previously showed that the C→T polymorphism (rs6929846) in butyrophilin, subfamily 2, member A1 gene (BTN2A1) was associated with myocardial infarction in Japanese individuals. Given that hypertension is a major risk factor for myocardial infarction, the association of rs6929846 of BTN2A1 with myocardial infarction might be attributable, at least in part, to its effect on susceptibility to hypertension. We have thus examined the relation of rs6929846 of BTN2A1 to hypertension in Japanese individuals.

METHODS

A total of 8,567 Japanese individuals from two independent subject panels were examined: Subject panels A and B comprised 2,317 hypertensive individuals and 1,933 controls, and 2,911 hypertensive individuals and 1,406 controls, respectively. The genotype of rs6929846 was determined by a method that combines the PCR and sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes with suspension array technology.

RESULTS

Multivariable logistic regression analysis with adjustment for covariates revealed that rs6929846 of BTN2A1 was significantly associated with hypertension in subject panel A (P = 2.6 × 10(-6); odds ratio, 1.69) and in subject panel B (P = 0.0284; odds ratio, 1.24), with the T allele representing a risk factor for hypertension. The rs6929846 was associated with systolic blood pressure (BP) in subject panels A (P = 0.0063) and B (P = 0.0115) and with diastolic BP in subject panel B (P = 0.0323), with the T allele being related to high BP.

CONCLUSIONS

BTN2A1 may be a susceptibility gene for hypertension in Japanese individuals. Determination of genotype for this polymorphism may prove informative for assessment of the genetic risk for hypertension.

Improvement of a method to reproducibly immortalize human T cells by oncogene transfection

The method to immortalize human T cells efficiently and reproduciblyby oncogene transfection was improved. T cells were first grown selectively from peripheralblood lymphocytes population of healthy donors andatopic asthma patients, and from lymph nodelymphocytes population of lung cancer patients byactivating with mitogens (phytohemagglutinin andconcanavalin A) and recombinant human interleukin-2(rhIL-2) for five days. Plasmids expressingoncogenes, such as c-Ha-ras, c-myc,c-fos, v-myb and v-jun under the controlof human cytomegalovirus promoter, were then introducedinto these stimulated lymphocytes either separately orin various combinations by electropolation. Afterculturing these transfected lymphocytes for recoveryfor 1 day, they were fed every 3-4 days. Although all the control cells died within one month,oncogene-transfected lymphocytes continued toproliferate actively even for more than severalmonths, indicating that oncogene-transfectedlymphocytes were successfully immortalized. Flowcytometric analyses revealed that most of theimmortalized lymphocytes were T cells expressingCD3(+) surface antigen. The ratios of CD4(+)and CD8(+) subpopulations in immortalized T cellsderived from healthy donors varied, depending onthe kinds of oncogenes used. However, CD8(+)subpopulation in immortalized T cells derived fromcancer patients and atopic asthma patients weredominant, independent of the kinds of oncogenes. These immortalized T cells showed differentproliferative responses in the presence or absence ofexogenous human rhIL-2, depending on their origin ofdonors. Furthermore, immortalized T cells derivedfrom healthy donors showed stronger cytotoxicityagainst K562 cells, suggesting that MHC-nonrestrictedkiller T cells in T cell population were alsoimmortalized. Immortalized T cell lines, whichproliferate continuously without stimulation of amitogen or antigen in medium containing a lowconcentration of rhIL-2, have been maintained for morethan 2 years without any growth rate decrease.

T cell-specific overexpression of interleukin-27 receptor α subunit (WSX-1) prevents spontaneous skin inflammation in MRL/lpr mice

BACKGROUND

Interleukin (IL)-27 and WSX-1, the receptor α-specific subunit, have been shown to play important roles in initiating Th1 responses and in inducing immune modulation, and the immunosuppressive effect of IL-27 appears to be exerted via suppression of IL-10 and IL-17, which may participate in the pathogenesis of human systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

OBJECTIVES

To examine the significance of IL-27/WSX-1 signalling in spontaneous skin inflammation of MRL/lpr mice, a model for SLE.

METHODS

The severity and development of skin lesions, dermal inflammatory cells and epidermal-dermal depositions in the skin lesions of MRL/lpr mice with CD2-promoted WSX-1 overexpression (WSX-1 Tg mice) and those with globally disrupted WSX-1 (WSX-1 KO mice) were examined and compared with those of MRL/lpr mice.

RESULTS

By 4 months of age, both WSX-1 KO mice and control MRL/lpr mice developed predominantly similar skin inflammation, while WSX-1 Tg mice hardly did so, demonstrating that intensifying IL-27/WSX-1 signalling on T cells prevents the spontaneous skin inflammation. WSX-1 KO mice showed Th2-type skin inflammation as evidenced by the Th2-prone dermal infiltrating cells and an absence of cutaneous Th1-type IgG deposition. Interestingly, there were significant IL-17+ dermal infiltrating cells in both WSX-1 KO and control MRL/lpr mice, which might potentially contribute to the formation of skin inflammation in these mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that IL-27/WSX-1 signalling may play a protective role in the development of SLE-like skin inflammation, and modulating IL-27/WSX-1 signalling might be an interesting therapeutic strategy in the treatment of SLE.

Preseasonal prophylactic treatment with antihistamines suppresses nasal symptoms and expression of histamine H₁ receptor mRNA in the nasal mucosa of patients with pollinosis

Administration of antihistamines 2-4 weeks before the pollen season showed a greater inhibitory effect on nasal allergy symptoms in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. However, the mechanism of slow-onset effects of preseasonal treatment with antihistamines remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effect of preseasonal prophylactic treatment with antihistamines on nasal symptoms and the expression of histamine H₁ receptor (H1R) mRNA of the nasal mucosa in patients with cedar pollen pollinosis. During the peak pollen period, the expression of H1R mRNA in the nasal mucosa and the scores of sneezing and watery rhinorrhea in patients receiving preseasonal prophylactic treatment with antihistamines were significantly suppressed in comparison with those in the patients without treatment. Moreover, there was a significant correlation between the nasal symptoms and the expression of H1R mRNA in both patients with or without preseasonal prophylactic treatment. These findings suggest that preseasonal prophylactic treatment with antihistamines is more effective than on-seasonal administration to patients with pollinosis in reducing nasal symptoms during the peak pollen period by suppressing H1R gene expression in the nasal mucosa.

Molecular-Dynamics Simulations of Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Thin-Film Growth

We have performed molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) thin-film growth using realistic many-body semiclassical potentials developed to describe Si-H interactions. In our MD model, it was assumed that SiH3, SiH2 and the H radicals are main precursors for the thin-film growth. In MD simulations of a-Si:H thin-film growth by many significant precursor SiH3 radicals, we have evaluated average radical migration distances, defect ratios, hydrogen contents, and film growth rates as a function of different incident radical energies to know the effect of the radical energization on the properties. As a result of the comparison between the numerical and experimental results, it was observed that the agreement is fairly good, and that an increase of radical migration distance due to the radical energization is effective on a- Si:H thin-film growth with a low defect.

Grain Boundary Structure and Sliding of Alumina Bicrystals

Alumina bicrystals were fabricated by a hot joining technique at 1500°C in air to obtain ten kinds of [0001] symmetric tilt grain boundaries which included small angle, CSL and high angle grain boundaries. Their grain boundary structures were investigated by high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM), and the respective grain boundary energies were systematically measured by a thermal grooving technique. It was found that grain boundary energy strongly depended on the grain boundary characters, e.g., there were large energy cusps at low Σ CSL grain boundaries. But, main part of grain boundary energy is likely to be due to the strain energy around the grain boundary, and the contribution of atomic configuration is not so large. Small angle grain boundaries were consisted of an array of partial dislocation with Burgers vector of 1/3[1100] to form the stacking faults between the dislocations. The behavior of grain boundary sliding was also investigated for typical grain boundaries by high-temperature creep test at 1400°C. As the result, the occurrence of grain boundary sliding was found to depend on the grain boundary atomic structure.

Difference in coronary artery intima and media calcification in autopsied patients with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), coronary artery calcification occurs at two distinct sites in the vessel wall: the intima and the media. Arterial media calcification (AMC), a nonocclusive condition, affects hemodynamics differently compared to arterial intima calcification (AIC), which occurs in atherosclerotic plaques. Arterial calcification is considered a cell-regulated process resembling intramembranous bone formation. The purpose of this retrospective observational study was to clarify the morphological differences between AIC and AMC and to evaluate the role of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and macrophages in AIC and AMC formation.

METHODS

We histologically analyzed 14 tissue specimens from 14 autopsies of patients with CKD Stage 5D who underwent hemodialysis and 5 specimens from 5 patients with CKD Stage 2 - 3 (90 ml/min/1.73 m2 > estimated GFR >= 30 ml/min/1.73 m2). We performed immunohistochemical staining of osteopontin (OPN) as a marker for bone matrix protein, alpha-smooth muscle actin (alphaSMA) for VSMCs, Cbfa1/Runx2 as a marker for osteoblastic differentiation of VSMCs, and CD68 for macrophages.

RESULTS

In the CKD 2/3 group, we also found AIC and AMC. OPN and CD68 expression in the CKD 2/3 group was similar to that in the CKD 5D group. Although we did not find Cbfa1/Runx2 positive cell expression in the CKD 2/3 group, we did find it in the CKD 5D group. We found CD68-positive cells predominantly in AIC and absent in AMC in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the influence of Cbfa1/Runx2 pathway in coronary artery calcification depends on the CKD Stage. Expression of CD68-positive cells depends on the location of the coronary artery calcification.

Identification of the blast resistance gene Pit in rice cultivars using functional markers

DNA markers that allow for identification of resistance genes in rice germplasm have a great advantage in resistance breeding because they can assess the existence of the genes without laborious inoculation tests. Functional markers (FMs), which are designed from functional polymorphisms within the sequence of genes, are unaffected by nonfunctional allelic variation and make it possible to identify an individual gene. We previously showed that the resistance function of the rice blast resistance gene Pit in a resistant cultivar, K59, was mainly acquired by up-regulated promoter activity through the insertion of a long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposon upstream of Pit. Here, we developed PCR-based DNA markers derived from the LTR-retrotransposon sequence and used these markers to screen worldwide accessions of rice germplasm. We identified 5 cultivars with the LTR-retrotransposon insertion out of 68 rice accessions. The sequence and expression pattern of Pit in the five cultivars were the same as those in K59 and all showed Pit-mediated blast resistance. The results suggest that the functional Pit identified using the markers was derived from a common progenitor. Additionally, comparison of the Pit coding sequences between K59 and susceptible cultivars revealed that one nucleotide polymorphism, which caused an amino acid substitution, offered another target for a FM. These results indicate that our DNA markers should enhance prediction of Pit function and be applicable to a range of rice varieties/landraces cultivated in various regions worldwide and belonging to the temperate japonica, tropical japonica, and indica groups.

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 on synovial cells attenuated interleukin-6-induced inhibition of osteoclastogenesis induced by receptor activator for nuclear factor κB ligand

In a co-culture of osteoclast precursor cells and synovial cells, interleukin-6 (IL-6) induces osteoclast formation. In contrast, in a monoculture of osteoclast precursor cells, IL-6 directly suppresses receptor activator for nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)-induced differentiation of osteoclast precursor cells into osteoclasts. In the present study, we explored why the effect of IL-6 differed between the monoculture and the co-culture systems. In the monoculture, mouse osteoclast precursor cell line, RAW 264·7 (RAW) cells were cultured with soluble RANKL (sRANKL) for 24 h or 3 days. sRANKL increased both expression of osteoclastogenesis marker, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform 5b (TRAP5b) and nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), whereas the co-addition of IL-6 decreased them both in a dose-dependent manner. In the co-culture, RAW cells and human synovial cell line, SW982 cells were cultured with IL-6+soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) for 3 days. TRAP5b and NFATc1 expression reduced by IL-6 was increased by the addition of SW982 cells in a manner dependent upon the number of added cells. IL-6+sIL-6R treatment significantly induced RANKL production in SW982 cells, and anti-RANKL antibody inhibited IL-6+sIL-6R-induced osteoclastogenesis. SW982 cells expressed high levels of ICAM-1 originally, and ICAM-1 expression was increased significantly by IL-6+sIL-6R. Anti-ICAM-1 antibody suppressed IL-6-induced osteoclastogenesis. Finally, in the monoculture system, addition of sICAM-1 dose-dependently restored the expression of TRAP5b reduced by IL-6. Similar results were obtained when the formation of TRAP-positive multi-nuclear cells were examined using mouse bone marrow cells. In conclusion, IL-6 gave different results in the co-culture and monoculture systems because in the co-culture, ICAM-1 from the synovial cells restored osteoclastogenesis suppressed by IL-6.

Down-scattered neutron imaging detector for areal density measurement of inertial confinement fusion

A custom developed (6)Li glass scintillator (APLF80+3Pr) for down-scattered neutron diagnostics in inertial confinement fusion experiments is presented. (6)Li provides an enhanced sensitivity for down-scattered neutrons in DD fusion and its experimentally observed 5-6 ns response time fulfills the requirement for down-scattered neutron detectors. A time-of-flight detector operating in the current mode using the APLF80+3Pr was designed and its feasibility observing down-scattered neutrons was demonstrated. Furthermore, a prototype design for a down-scattered neutron imaging detector was also demonstrated. This material promises viability as a future down-scattered neutron detector for the National Ignition Facility.

Dermal mast cells reduce progressive tissue necrosis caused by subcutaneous infection with Streptococcus pyogenes in mice

A single subcutaneous (s.c.) infection with 1×10(7) c.f.u. GAS472, a group A streptococcus (GAS) serotype M1 strain isolated from the blood of a patient suffering from streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, led to severe damage of striated muscle layers in the feet of mast cell (MC)-deficient WBB6F(1)-Kit(W)/Kit(W-v) (W/W(v)) mice 72&emsp14;h after infection. In contrast, no damage was recognized in striated muscle layers in the feet of the control WBB6F(1)-Kit(+/+) (+/+) mice 72&emsp14;h after infection. In addition, adoptively transferred MCs reduced progressive tissue necrosis of the feet of W/W(v) mice after infection. However, there was no significant difference in the mortality rates between the W/W(v) and +/+ mice, or between the human CD46-expressing transgenic (Tg) mouse bone marrow-derived cultured MC-reconstituted W/W(v) and non-Tg mouse bone marrow-derived cultured MC-reconstituted W/W(v) mice after infection. Consequently, although MCs can help to reduce the severity of necrosis of the feet caused by s.c. infection with GAS472, such reduction of tissue necrosis scarcely improves the mortality rates of these mice. Moreover, human CD46 does not play a crucial role in the MC-mediated innate immune defence against GAS infection.

Discrete element analysis in musculoskeletal biomechanics

This paper is written to honor Professor Y. C. Fung, the applied mechanician who has made seminal contributions in biomechanics. His work has generated great spin-off utility in the field of musculoskeletal biomechanics. Following the concept of the Rigid Body-Spring Model theory by T. Kawai (1978) for non-linear analysis of beam, plate, and shell structures and the soil-gravel mixture foundation, we have derived a generalized Discrete Element Analysis (DEA) method to determine human articular joint contact pressure, constraining ligament tension and bone-implant interface stresses. The basic formulation of DEA to solve linear problems is reviewed. The derivation of non-linear springs for the cartilage in normal diarthrodial joint contact problem was briefly summarized. Numerical implementation of the DEA method for both linear and non-linear springs is presented. This method was able to generate comparable results to the classic contact stress problem (the Hertzian solution) and the use of Finite Element Modeling (FEM) technique on selected models. Selected applications in human knee and hip joints are demonstrated. In addition, the femoral joint prosthesis stem/bone interface stresses in a non-cemented fixation were analyzed using a 2D plane-strain approach. The DEA method has the advantages of ease in creating the model and reducing computational time for joints of irregular geometry. However, for the analysis of joint tissue stresses, the FEA technique remains the method of choice.

Gastric tumor from metastasis of breast cancer

Metastatic tumours of the stomach have been reported to result from various types of cancer. Among them, gastric metastasis from breast cancer has been recognised in 0.3-18% patients (1-4). Here, a rare case of metastatic gastric tumour derived from breast carcinoma is reported. Gastric endoscopy confirmed a large, friable mass (approximately 5 cm in diameter) in the upper part of the gastric body. The mass within the stomach was difficult to distinguish from primary gastric cancer, although biopsies of this lesion revealed the characteristics of adenocarcinoma. In addition, immunohistochemistry showed the positive expression of mammaglobin. Taken together, the evidence pointed to metastasis of breast cancer to the stomach. The patient was treated with hormonal therapy (letrozole), and the size of the metastasis in the stomach was markedly reduced. Therefore, a gastric metastasis from breast cancer was diagnosed successfully using immunohistochemistry and unnecessary surgery was avoided. In conclusion, although gastric metastatic tumours derived from breast carcinoma are rare, their accurate pre-operative diagnosis and appropriate systemic treatment is essential.

Efficacy of S-1 in patients with capecitabine-resistant breast cancer-Japan Breast Cancer Research Network (JBCRN) 04-1 trial

BACKGROUND

S-1 is an orally administered fluorinated pyrimidine with high activity in metastatic breast carcinoma (MBC) and in chemotherapy-pretreated metastatic breast carcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty patients with MBC who did not respond to capecitabine-based chemo-therapy and then received S-1 were identified from our data base of records between 2006 and 2008. The clinico-pathological data and outcomes of these patients were then reviewed.

RESULTS

The overall response rate was 27.8%. The median survival was 19.2 months, and the median time to disease progression was 6.2 months. The most common treatment-related adverse events (all grades) were hand-foot syndrome (15%), nausea (15%), vomiting (7.5%), disorder of taste (7.5%), and diarrhea (5%). However, the majority were mild to moderate in intensity, and only one patient experienced grade 3 (according to the National Cancer Institute of Canada Common Toxicity criteria) adverse events. Myelosuppression and alopecia were rare, and there were no reported treatment-related deaths.

CONCLUSION

The results of the current study demonstrate that S-1 is an effective and well-tolerated treatment in patients with capecitabine-resistant MBC. In addition, it is a convenient, orally administered drug, which makes it an attractive agent for use in outpatient treatment.

Association of radiographic and symptomatic knee osteoarthritis with health-related quality of life in a population-based cohort study in Japan: the ROAD study

OBJECTIVE

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a major public health issue causing chronic pain and disability. However, there is little information on the impact of this disease on quality of life (QOL) in Japanese men and women. The objective of the present study was to clarify the impact of radiographic and symptomatic knee OA on QOL in Japan.

METHODS

This study examined the association of radiographic and symptomatic knee OA with QOL parameters such as the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-8 (SF-8), EuroQOL (EQ-5D) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Radiographic knee OA was defined according to Kellgren/Lawrence (KL) grades, and symptomatic knee OA was defined as KL=3 or 4 with knee pain. We also examined the independent association of symptomatic knee OA and grip strength with QOL.

RESULTS

From the 3040 participants in the Research on Osteoarthritis Against Disability (ROAD) study, the present study analyzed 2126 subjects older than 40 years who completed the questionnaires (767 men and 1359 women; mean age, 68.9+/-10.9 years). Subjects with KL=3 or 4 had significantly lower physical QOL as measured by the physical component summary (PCS) score of the SF-8 and pain domains of the WOMAC, whereas mental QOL, as measured by the mental component summary (MCS) score of the SF-8, was higher in subjects with KL=3 or 4 than KL=0 or 1. Symptomatic knee OA was significantly more likely than radiographic knee OA without pain to be associated with physical QOL loss as measured by the PCS score and physical domains of the WOMAC. Symptomatic knee OA and grip strength were independently associated with physical QOL.

CONCLUSION

This cross-sectional study revealed that subjects with symptomatic knee OA had significantly lower physical QOL than subjects without it.

Intra-arterial therapy with cisplatin suspension in lipiodol and 5-fluorouracil for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumour thrombosis

BACKGROUND

Portal vein tumour thrombosis is a negative prognostic factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

AIM

To assess the efficacy of cisplatin in lipiodol emulsion combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for patients with HCC and portal vein tumour thrombosis.

METHODS

The study subjects were 51 patients with the above-specified criteria who received injection of cisplatin suspension in lipiodol emulsion followed by intra-arterial infusion of 5-FU. The primary objective was to determine tumour response to the treatment, while the secondary objectives were safety and tolerability. Independent factors for survival were also assessed.

RESULTS

Ten patients had complete response and 34 patients had partial response (response rate, 86.3%). The median survival for all 51 patients was 33 months, while that for 10 complete response patients and 21 patients who showed disappearance of HCC following additional therapies was 39 months. The single factor that significantly influenced survival was therapeutic effect. Treatment was well tolerated and severe toxicity was infrequent, with only grade 3 toxicity (thrombocytopenia) in one patient.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated the efficacy of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy using cisplatin-lipiodol emulsion and 5-FU without serious adverse effects in patients with unresectable HCC and portal vein tumour thrombosis.

Retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I) is induced by IFN-{gamma} in human mesangial cells in culture: possible involvement of RIG-I in the inflammation in lupus nephritis

Interferon-gamma is a potent Th1-type cytokine and a key molecule in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases including lupus nephritis. Retinoic acid-inducible gene-I is a putative RNA helicase that plays an important role in immune and inflammatory reactions. We previously demonstrated the increased expression of the retinoic acid-inducible gene-I protein in the kidney tissue of patients with lupus nephritis, and the presence of a significant amount of retinoic acid-inducible gene-I mRNA in the urinary sediment of patients with this inflammatory renal disease. In the present study, interferon-gamma was found to induce the expression of retinoic acid-inducible gene-I in human mesangial cells in culture. Knockdown of retinoic acid-inducible gene-I inhibited the interferon-gamma-induced upregulation of interferon regulatory factor 7, a transcriptional factor involved in immune and inflammatory reactions. These findings suggest that retinoic acid-inducible gene-I produced by mesangial cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis.