Towards expansion of human hair follicle stem cells in vitro

OBJECTIVES

Multipotential human hair follicle stem cells can differentiate into various cell lineages and thus are investigated here as potential autologous sources for regenerative medicine. Towards this end, we have attempted to expand these cells, directly isolated from minimal amounts of hair follicle explants, to numbers more suitable for stem-cell therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two types of human follicle stem cells, commercially available and directly isolated, were cultured using an in-house developed medium. The latter was obtained from bulge areas of hair follicles by mechanical and enzymatic dissociation, and was magnetically enriched for its CD200(+) fraction. Isolated cells were cultured for up to 4 weeks, on different supports: blank polystyrene, laminin- and Matrigel(TM) -coated surfaces.

RESULTS

Two-fold expansion was found, highlighting the slow-cycling nature of these cells. Flow cytometry characterization revealed: magnetic enrichment increased the proportion of CD200(+) cells from initially 43.3% (CD200+, CD34: 25.8%; CD200+, CD34+: 17.5%) to 78.2% (CD200+, CD34: 41.5%; CD200+, CD34+: 36.7%). Enriched cells seemed to have retained and passed on their morphological and molecular phenotypes to their progeny, as isolated CD200(+) presenting cells expanded in our medium to a population with 80% of cells being CD200(+): 51.5% (CD200(+), CD34(-)) and 29.6% (CD200(+), CD34(+)).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the possibility of culturing human hair follicle stem cells without causing any significant changes to phenotypes of the cells.

Comparative study of NOTES rectosigmoidectomy in a swine model: E-NOTES vs. P-NOTES

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Several reports have demonstrated the safety of pure natural-orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (P-NOTES) using transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) and embryonic NOTES (E-NOTES; laparoscopic surgery through the umbilicus). This study was performed to compare the safety and applicability of NOTES rectosigmoidectomy between E-NOTES and P-NOTES in a swine model.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

E-NOTES was conducted through a single port using laparoscopic instruments (n = 11). P-NOTES was performed using TEM with transgastric endoscopic assistance (n = 11). Gastrotomies were created using a needle knife and the balloon dilatation technique, and closed using T-anchors. Blood samples were collected to evaluate changes in systemic cytokine levels during the preoperative and postoperative periods; operative outcomes were also evaluated and compared between the groups. The necropsy findings were recorded after sacrifice at 1 week after the procedure.

RESULTS

The mean operative time for P-NOTES was significantly longer than that for E-NOTES (239 vs. 103 minutes, P < 0.001). The mean distance from the anal verge to colorectal anastomosis in the P-NOTES group was significantly less than that in the E-NOTES group (2.9 vs. 17.6 cm, P < 0.001). On necropsy, the complication rate of P-NOTES was higher than that of E-NOTES, but without statistical significance (54.5 % vs. 18.2 %, P = 0.091). The differences in changes in TNF-α, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β between P-NOTES and E-NOTES were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

E-NOTES rectosigmoidectomy in the swine model is safe, but remains challenging for use in pelvic dissection. P-NOTES rectosigmoidectomy using TEM may be a promising tool for pelvic dissection, but the transgastric approach involves a high degree of risk.

Clinicopathological differences of laterally spreading tumors of the colorectum according to gross appearance

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Laterally spreading tumors (LST) are classified into two subtypes, with the nongranular type harboring a higher risk of (pre)malignant changes than the granular type. Further subdifferentiation into two subgroups each has been suggested, but the clinical significance of such a subdifferentiation has not previously been studied in detail in larger numbers.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Out of 6499 patients diagnosed with colorectal adenomas between January 2006 and November 2008, 153 patients (2.35 %) had 158 LSTs, 96 with a granular and 62 with a nongranular pattern. The former group was subdivided into homogeneous and nodular mixed, the latter group into flat elevated and pseudodepressed. Clinical and histopathological parameters were compared among the four subtypes.

RESULTS

Parameters were variably distributed between the four groups, with nodular mixed tumors being larger than the other three types ( P < 0.0001). As in other studies, malignant transformation and premalignant lesion (HGIN/CIS) were more frequent in nodular mixed than in homogeneous tumors (45.0 % vs. 5.6 %, P < 0.001), and also more common in pseudodepressed than in flat elevated tumors (41.7 % vs. 13.2 %, P = 0.011). Submucosal invasive cancer was present in 8.3 % of nodular mixed tumors, 7.9 % of flat elevated, and 12.5 % of pseudodepressed, while it was absent in homogeneous tumors. Serrated adenoma was identified in 10.8 % of all LSTs, and sessile serrated adenoma tended to be more common in flat elevated tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Further subdifferentiation of the LST lesions to identify lesions at risk of malignant transformation makes most sense in the granular type. Among nongranular LSTs, both subtypes carry a significant risk.

[Health-related quality of life issues in gastroesophageal reflux disease]

Several studies have reported significant Health-Related Quality of life (HRQOL) impairment in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients compared with the general population. The evaluation of quality of life is important as a parameter for the treatment. Because GERD has diverse symptoms such as esophageal and extraesophageal syndromes, HRQOL of GERD should be determined by both disease and non-disease related factors. The purpose is to overview the HRQOL instruments used in the evaluation of GERD, published reports regarding HRQOL in GERD, and the effects of medical treatments on GERD.

The level of vitamin D in the serum correlates with fatty degeneration of the muscles of the rotator cuff

This study examined the role of vitamin D as a factor accounting for fatty degeneration and muscle function in the rotator cuff. There were 366 patients with disorders of the shoulder. A total of 228 patients had a full-thickness tear (group 1) and 138 patients had no tear (group 2). All underwent magnetic resonance arthrography and an isokinetic muscle performance test. The serum concentrations of vitamin D (25(OH)D(3)) were measured. In general, a lower serum level of vitamin D was related to higher fatty degeneration in the muscles of the cuff. Spearman's correlation coefficients were 0.173 (p = 0.001), -0.181 (p = 0.001), and -0.117 (p = 0.026) for supraspinatus, infraspinatus and subscapularis, respectively. In group 1, multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that the serum level of vitamin D was an independent variable for fatty degeneration of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus. The serum vitamin D level has a significant negative correlation with the fatty degeneration of the cuff muscle and a positive correlation with isokinetic muscle torque.

Effects of bed height on the performance of chest compressions

OBJECTIVES

The correct chest compression technique was emphasised to enhance the result of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the 2005 guidelines. The present study compared the effects of different bed heights, including a bed at knee height, on the performance of chest compressions.

METHODS

Twenty-four healthcare providers participated in this study. Knee height was defined as the baseline bed height. Bed heights were adjusted to 10 and 20 cm above the baseline and 10 and 20 cm below the baseline. At the five bed heights, chest compressions were performed for 2 minutes, and the compression rate was maintained at 100 per minute, with audible feedback.

RESULTS

The mean compression depths (MCD) were 28.3 mm (SD 10.7; knee height +20 cm), 32.3 mm (SD 9.2; knee height +10 cm), 32.7 mm (SD 8.5; knee height), 32.3 mm (SD 9.0; knee height -10 cm) and 31.1 mm (SD 8.5; knee height -20 cm). The MCD was significantly lower at knee height plus 20 cm (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The performance of chest compressions decreased when the bed height was 20 cm higher than the knee height of the rescuer.

Survival of patients with skeletal metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma after surgical management

Skeletal metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma are highly destructive vascular lesions which severely reduce the quality of life. Pre-existing liver cirrhosis presents unique challenges during the surgical management of such lesions. We carried out a retrospective study of 42 patients who had been managed surgically for skeletal metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma affecting the appendicular skeleton between January 2000 and December 2006. There were 38 men and four women with a mean age of 60.2 years (46 to 77). Surgery for a pathological fracture was undertaken in 30 patients and because of a high risk of fracture in 12. An intralesional surgical margin was achieved in 36 and a wide margin in six. Factors influencing survival were determined by univariate and multivariate analyses. The survival rates at one, two and three years after surgery were 42.2%, 25.8% and 19.8%, respectively. The median survival time was ten months (95% confidence interval 6.29 to 13.71). The number of skeletal metastases and the Child-Pugh grade were identified as independent prognostic factors by Cox regression analysis. The method of management of the hepatocellular carcinoma, its status in the liver, the surgical margin for skeletal metastases, the presence of a pathological fracture and adjuvant radiotherapy were not found to be significantly related to the survival of the patient, which was affected by hepatic function, as represented by the Child-Pugh grade.

Computed tomographic assessment of reduction of the distal radioulnar joint by gradual lengthening of the radius

Congruency of the distal radioulnar joint was assessed by computed tomography after gradual lengthening of the radius in patients with considerable ulnar positive variance of mean 12 (range 10-17) mm and chronic dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint. Six patients of mean age 25 years were treated by radial osteotomy and subsequent gradual lengthening using either a single-rod or a half-ring external fixator, which was applied for a mean of 81 days. The causes of deformity were distal radial epiphyseal injury in four, malunion of a radius shaft fracture in one and Madelung deformity in one. Computed tomography scans taken at 1 year postoperatively demonstrated that all patients had a congruent distal radioulnar joint. All patients achieved symptom and radiographic parameter improvements at a mean follow-up of 40 months. A disadvantage was unattractive scars on a cosmetically important surface of the forearm. Given a relatively intact bony contour of the distal radioulnar joint, congruent reduction of the distal radioulnar joint can be obtained by gradual lengthening of the radius.

Perianchor radiolucency after knotless anchor repair for shoulder instability: correlation with clinical results of 69 cases

BACKGROUND

Although there would seem to be a logical relationship between radiolucency around the suture anchor and clinical result in Bankart repair, the correlation has not been demonstrated so far.

HYPOTHESIS

Knotless suture anchor is a viable alternative for arthroscopic Bankart repair, but postoperative radiologic findings of radiolucency around anchors are correlated with poor clinical results.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Sixty-nine consecutive patients with Bankart lesions were treated with arthroscopic reconstruction using knotless metal suture anchors. The mean follow-up was 40 months. Clinical and radiologic analysis was performed retrospectively. A new concept of perianchor radiolucency was introduced and, according to this radiologic finding, patients were divided into 2 subgroups: the perianchor radiolucency group and those who did not reveal perianchor radiolucency. The perianchor radiolucency group was further subdivided by shape and location. "Root type" was defined as a radiolucent halo at the root of the anchor, and perianchor radiolucency without any root halo was named "branch type." Location of perianchor radiolucency was described as above or below the equator of the glenoid.

RESULTS

After operation, the mean Rowe score increased to 93.8 from 43.1, and computed tomography arthrogram showed a 97% healing rate. Reoperations were performed due to 1 case of redislocation and 2 cases of anchor arthropathy. All these reoperated cases revealed perianchor radiolucency before reoperation. Other than reoperated cases, 2 patients showed apprehension at final evaluation. The perianchor radiolucency group had a significantly lower Rowe scores than the group that showed no perianchor radiolucency. Some of the patients in the perianchor radiolucency group had peculiar radiologic findings frequently associated with complications. The radiologic findings that consisted of root-type perianchor radiolucency located below the equator of the glenoid was termed the "ominous sign." Osteophytes of the humeral head together with the ominous sign is considered a warning sign of forthcoming progression of anchor arthropathy, and the authors suggest early surgical intervention with these findings.

CONCLUSION

After Bankart repair using knotless suture anchor, the ominous sign might be an important warning sign for possible forthcoming complications including redislocation, anchor arthropathy, and residual instability.

Hepatic Capsular Enhancement: Is it a Hallmark for the Diagnosis of Fitz-Hugh-Curtis Syndrome?

Introduction

Hepatic capsular enhancement on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) is regarded as a typical finding of the Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome. Nevertheless, similar hepatic capsular enhancement may occur in peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Clinical picture

A 67-year-old man presented with diffuse abdominal pain. CT showed hepatic capsular enhancement and a mass in the sigmoid colon.

Treatment

As the patient was inoperable, supportive care was provided.

Outcome

He was transferred to a regional hospital for hospice care.

Conclusion

When we see a patient with hepatic capsular enhancement on contrast-enhanced CT, we should seek other causes of perihepatitis, in addition to the Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome.

Measurement of colonic transit using a delayed-release capsule containing radio-opaque markers

OBJECTIVE

Colonic transit scintigraphy has several advantages in comparison with radio-opaque marker (ROM) techniques but it is limited to specialized centers. The aim of the study was to validate the ROM technique for measuring colonic transit using delayed-release capsules.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Colonic transit is expressed as the sum of the weighted mean marker residence times in the colon (geometric centers). Delayed-release capsules containing radio-opaque markers (DC-ROMs) or scintigraphic methods were compared simultaneously in 10 healthy volunteers. Reproducibility and responsiveness of DC-ROM measurements were evaluated in 10 healthy volunteers at an interval of 2 weeks and after bisacodyl treatment, respectively.

RESULTS

The transit profiles between the scintigraphic and DC-ROM methods were highly correlated (r = 0.994, p < 0.01). The reproducibility and responsiveness of DC-ROM measurements were good. Colonic transit measured by DC-ROM correlated with the stool form scale (r = 0.66, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The DC-ROM test is simple, highly reproducible, responsive, and appropriate for clinical trials and clinical practice.

[A case of advanced gastric cancer with perianal skin metastasis]

The most common metastatic sites of gastric cancer are liver, lung, bone and adrenal gland. However, skin metastases from gastric cancer are relatively rare. We herein report a case of advanced gastric cancer with perianal skin metastasis in a 70-year-old male. On admission, patient presented with epigastric pain. Endoscopy and abdominal CT scan demonstrated the stage IV gastric cancer. He had one painless nodule on perianal skin area, biopsy of that lesion showed a feature of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma clinically from the stomach. We suspected that the perianal lesion was originated from gastric cancer.

Long-term complications of platinum-based chemotherapy in testicular cancer survivors

The purpose of this study was to describe the rates of cardiovascular and other medical complications related to the use of platinum-based chemotherapy in American testicular cancer survivors. The study sample consisted of 143 eligible long-term testicular cancer survivors. Participants were interviewed, their medical records were reviewed, and blood was obtained for cholesterol measurement during their follow-up visit. The mean follow-up time was 8.4 yr, and their mean age at follow-up was 41.2 yr; 72.7% had had non-seminoma, and 82.5% had received platinum-based chemotherapy. Hypertension rates in the platinum-treated group increased significantly from baseline to follow-up; however, once adjusted for blood pressure measurement (undiagnosed hypertension), no such increase was seen, and hypertension rates were already higher than national estimates at baseline in all groups. At the follow-up visit, the rates of hyperlipidemia (adjusted for measured cholesterol level) in both platinum- and non-platinum-treated groups (28.4% and 37.5%, respectively) were higher than national estimates (16.9%). Rates of coronary artery disease were higher in those who had received platinum and radiation (11.1%) than in those who had received platinum alone (4.3%), but this difference was not statistically significant. As suggested by previous studies, platinum-based chemotherapy may be associated with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and coronary artery disease. However, our data suggest that undiagnosed hypertension and hyperlipidemia may be significant confounders, and we also observed a trend toward lower testosterone levels in participants who experienced cardiovascular complications.

Primary aneurysmal bone cyst of the patella: a case report

Aneurysmal bone cysts account for less than 1% of primary bone tumours and have a predilection for the metaphyses of the long bones of the leg. Only 1% of all aneurysmal bone cysts occur in the patella. We report on a 30-year-old man with a primary aneurysmal bone cyst in the right patella treated with curettage. The defect was filled with demineralised bone matrix and allogeneic cancellous bone graft. At the 1.5-year follow-up, the bone graft was well incorporated, the patient experienced no pain or tenderness and had a full range of knee movement.

Unicameral bone cysts: a comparison of injection of steroid and grafting with autologous bone marrow

Open surgery is rarely justified for the initial treatment of a unicameral bone cyst, but there is some debate concerning the relative effectiveness of closed methods. This study compared the results of steroid injection with those of autologous bone marrow grafting for the treatment of unicameral bone cysts. Between 1990 and 2001, 30 patients were treated by steroid injection and 28 by grafting with autologous bone marrow. The overall success rates were 86.7% and 92.0%, respectively (p>0.05). The success rate after the initial procedure was 23.3% in the steroid group and 52.0% in those receiving autologous bone marrow (p<0.05), and the respective cumulative success rates after second injections were 63.3% and 80.0% (p>0.05). The mean number of procedures required was 2.19 (1 to 5) and 1.57 (1 to 3) (p<0.05), the mean interval to healing was 12.5 months (4 to 32) and 14.3 months (7 to 36) (p>0.05), and the rate of recurrence after the initial procedure was 41.7% and 13.3% in the steroid and in the autologous bone marrow groups, respectively (p<0.05). Although the overall rates of success of both methods were similar, the steroid group had higher recurrence after a single procedure and required more injections to achieve healing.

[Clinical characteristics of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding in a tertiary referral center]

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is still responsible for significant morbidity in spite of various therapeutic advances. The aims of this study were to evaluate the success rate in managing UGIB and predicting factors that affected clinical courses.

METHODS

From August 2003 to April 2005, medical data (registered in a standard database categories) of 318 patients who underwent endoscopic examination to evaluate UGIB were analyzed. Early and final treatment success rates were evaluated on the next day and 14 days after the initial endoscopic procedures respectively (or the day of discharge).

RESULTS

Main causes of UGIB were peptic ulcer (50.9%), varices (28.3%), Mallory-Weiss syndrome (10.3%). Endoscopic treatments were tried in 200 patients (63.0%). Number of patients who underwent operation and deaths were 4 (1.3%) and 13 (4.1%), respectively. Early and final success rates were 86.2% and 94.0%. Independent prognostic factors related with early success rates were volume of transfusion (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.72-0.89, p<0.001) and bleeding during the ventilator care (OR 0.03, 95% CI 0.01-0.31, p<0.001), whereas those factors related with final success rates were volume of transfusion (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.69-0.90, p<0.001), bleeding during the stay in intensive care unit (ICU) (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.13-0.49, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Early and final success rates of bleeding control were 86.2% and 94.0% in acute UGIB. Volume of transfusion, bleeding during ICU state or ventilator state were important predictive factors of the treatment failure.

Detection of vulnerable plaque in a murine model of atherosclerosis with optical coherence tomography

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to identify the components of vulnerable plaques in a well-established murine model of human atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND

Although the pathologic features that predict plaque rupture at autopsy are well known, the development of a technology to identify these high risk features in vivo is lacking. OCT uses reflected light to provide histology-like images of plaque with higher resolution than competing imaging modalities. Whether OCT can reliably identify the features of an atherosclerotic plaque that define it as vulnerable-thin fibrous cap, large lipid core, and high percent of lipid in the artery-requires further study.

METHODS

OCT images of the atherosclerotic innominate artery segments from the apolipoprotein E knockout (apoE(-/-)) mice were recorded and correlated with histology in both in vivo (n = 7) and well as in ex vivo experiments (n = 12).

RESULTS

Excellent correlation between the OCT and histology measurements for fibrous cap thickness, lipid core size, and percentage lipid content was found. The fibrous cap thicknesses examined span those of human fibrous caps known to rupture (< 65 microm). Regions of greatest light reflection in OCT images were observed when calcium hydroxy-apatite was scattered in lipid, less in fibrous tissue, and least in lipid.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that OCT holds promise for the identification of features defining vulnerable plaque including fibrous cap thickness, lipid core size, and the percentage of lipid content.

Serotonin transporter gene polymorphism and irritable bowel syndrome

Polymorphisms in the promoter region of the serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT) gene may underlie the disturbance in gut function in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Association studies of SERT polymorphisms and IBS have shown diverse results among different countries, which might be due to racial and subject composition differences. The aim of this study was to assess the potential association between SERT polymorphisms and IBS in Koreans. A total of 190 IBS patients, who met the Rome II criteria, and 437 healthy controls were subjected to genotyping. SERT polymorphisms differed in the IBS and control groups (P = 0.014). The SERT deletion/deletion genotype occurred with greater frequency in the diarrhoea-predominant IBS group than in the controls. A strong genotypic association was observed between the SERT deletion/deletion genotype and diarrhoea-predominant IBS (P = 0.012). None of the clinical symptoms analysed was significantly associated with the SERT genotypes. The frequency of the SERT insertion/insertion genotype was much lower than that of the other two genotypes. A significant association was observed between the SERT polymorphism and IBS, especially diarrhoea-predominant IBS, suggesting that the SERT gene is a potential candidate gene involved in IBS in Korea.