Distribution of the first metastatic lymph node in colon cancer and its clinical significance

INTRODUCTION

The pattern of distribution of lymph node metastasis in resected specimens of colon cancer has been rarely reported in the English literature. The aim of this study was to determine the location of the first metastatic lymph node, giving insight into the drainage pattern of colon cancer lymphatics.

METHOD

All lymph nodes in the mesentery of the resected specimen were carefully harvested and their precise locations documented. Patients with a single metastatic node in the resected specimen were included in the study.

RESULTS

Ninety-three patients with only one metastatic lymph node found on histology were studied. The mean number of lymph nodes per specimen was 22.3 (range: 8-72). The patients' first metastatic node was not directly below the tumour in 48% of cases. The first metastatic node was found in the region either along the feeding vessels (skipping the pericolic nodes) or in the pericolic area outside 5 cm on either side of the tumour edge in 18% of cases. No factors were found to be predictive for lymph node metastasis occurring elsewhere other than in the pericolic region just below the tumour.

CONCLUSION

Although there has been recent resurgence of interest in using sentinel node biopsy to limit surgical dissection to facilitate minimally access and natural orifice surgery, the present study is a warning that this may compromise oncological clearance. Radical surgery should remain standard practice for colorectal cancer.

Extraction of alkali metal picrates with poly- and bis(crown ether)s

Extraction of alkali metal picrates by new poly- and bis(crown ether)s containing benzo-15-crown-5 and benzo-18-crown-6 moieties was carried out with chloroform as water-immiscible solvent. The poly- and bis(crown ether)s were found to extract the picrates more effectively than the corresponding monocyclic crown ethers. In particular, poly- and bis(benzo-15-crown-5), and bis(benzo-18-crown-6) are remarkably effective extracting reagents for potassium and rubidium, and for caesium, respectively. Extraction equilibrium constants and the complexation constants in the chloroform phase were also evaluated and the contribution of the complexation constants to the extractability is discussed.

Multimedia article. Transanal endoscopic resection of the rectum with high ligation on a swine model--a novel type of natural orifice endoscopic surgery

We present the video of a transanal radical resection of the rectum on a swine model (see Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/DCR/A4). The equipment used included simple instruments used in perianal surgery and a flexible endoscope with diathermy. The equipment and skill set required for this technique is easily accessible and reproduced. The potential exists to further develop this procedure with the ultimate aim of performing an incisionless and painless radical resection of the rectum in humans.

Influence of humic substances on the63Ni migration through crushed rock media

Column experiments were performed to study effects of humic acid on the mobility of63Ni(II) through crushed granite media. The63Ni concentration passing the column increased with increasing the concentration of humic acid. The migration behavior of63Ni, either retarded or non-retarded, could not be simulated by the widely-accepted, instantaneous equilibrium sorption model. The rate limited transformation model, taking into account non-equilibrium complexation of63Ni with humic acid facilitates the description of the observed migration behavior of63Ni.

[Successful mitral valve plasty in a 6-month-old baby suffering from severe mitral valve regurgitation]

A 6-month-old male infant was referred to our hospital with diagnosis of severe left heart failure stemming from severe mitral valve regurgitation (MR). He showed severe decompensation, and emergency operation was performed. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiogram showed ruptured chordae of the posterior leaflet at P1 and P3 sites. The both sites of the posterior leaflet were resected and sutured. Bilateral Kay annuloplasty and partial annuloplasty at the sites of P1 and P3 were also performed. Postoperative echocardiogram showed only trivial MR. He made successful recovery after surgery.

High expression of HSP47 in ulcerative colitis-associated carcinomas: proteomic approach

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory bowel disease, known to be associated with a markedly increased risk of colorectal carcinoma development.

METHODS

Using proteomic analysis with two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry, differentially expressed proteins were assessed between UC-associated cancer and sporadic colon cancer cell lines. Western blot and immunostaining were performed for confirming the expression.

RESULTS

Heat-shock protein of 47 kDa (HSP47) was identified as one of the proteins expressed more highly in UC-associated cancer cell lines, and an immunohistochemical examination confirmed significantly higher levels of HSP47 in UC-associated colon cancers than in sporadic counterparts, the expression increasing with a progression of neoplastic lesions. Heat-shock protein of 47 kDa was further found to be coexpressed with type I collagen in the cytoplasm, and both HSP47 and type I collagen were released from cultured cells into the culture medium.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that overexpression of HSP47 is a unique characteristic of UC-associated carcinoma related to type I collagen synthesis, with possible clinical applications.

Comparison of incidence and pattern of interstitial lung disease (ILD) during erlotinib and gefitinib treatment in Japanese pts with NSCLC

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Background: Erlotinib was approved in Dec 2007 in Japan, and incidence and pattern of ILD during its therapy for Japanese pts with NSCLC has not still been determined, although we had previously reported the frequency of ILD through the gefitinib treatment [PASCO2004, #7063]. In this study, we intended to elucidate this issue in pts receiving erlotinib therapy. Methods: We reviewed the clinical records of 159 pts who had initiated erlotinib therapy last year (cohort A), and of 330 pts receiving gefitinib between 2000 and 2003 (cohort B) for comparing the incidence and pattern of ILD during the both TKI treatments. Toxicity data during the first months after the initiation of TKIs were obtained. Results: The demographics of 489 pts were as follows; M:63%, Ad:75%, and PS 0–1:69%. None of pts in the cohort B received erlotinib therapy before the gefitinib treatment, whereas 66 of the 159 cohort A pts (42%) were given gefitinib before the erlotinib therapy. In 23% and 28% of the pts in the cohorts A and B, erlotinib and gefitinb treatments were discontinued within 1 month after the initiation of TKI therapy, respectively. Two pts (1.3%) developed ILD in the cohort A during the first month of erlotinib treatment, while 8 ILD-events (2.4%) were observed in the gefitinib therapy (cohort B) during the same treatment period. Both 2 pts who developed ILD during the erlotinib therapy had not had a history of prior gefitinib treatment. The toxicity grades of ILD were as follows: grades 1 and 2 in 1 each (cohort A) and grades 3, 4 and 5 in 1, 1 and 6 pts, respectively (cohort B). Statistically significant factors affecting the occurrence of ILD by multivariate analysis were presence of prior pulmonary fibrosis (OR=37.3, p<0.01) and poor PS (OR=6.4, p=0.02), but type of TKIs was not a significant risk factor for ILD. Conclusions: In this setting, the type of TKIs did not affect the incidence of ILD although its incidence after the initiation of erlotinib was somewhat low as compared with that during gefitinib therapy. In addition, the grade of ILD was less severe in the cohort A. These might be partly due to a patient selection based on the recent awareness of Japanese physicians regarding the risk factors for ILD events who learned it through the gefitinib treatment.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Pioglitazone attenuates tactile allodynia and microglial activation in mice with peripheral nerve injury

To test the possibility of a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) γ agonist to treat neuropathic pain, we examined the effects of pioglitazone, a PPARγ agonist, on tactile allodynia and expression of activated microglia in the dorsal horn of spinal cord using neuropathic pain model. The unilateral sciatic nerve was partially ligated (PSL) in male ICR mice. Pioglitazone (1-25 mg/kg p.o.) was administrated to mice once daily for five days immediately after PSL. We stimulated the footpad of the hind paw of mice using a von Frey filament to estimate tactile allodynia on day 5 of PSL. The activated microglia in the lumbar spinal cord was observed by immunohistochemistry with anti-Iba1 antibody, a marker for activated microglia. The number of Iba1-immunoreactive cells was counted in the dorsal horn spinal cord. On day 5, significant allodynia was developed in PSL mice. Pioglitazone significantly attenuated the tactile allodynia in a dose of 1-25 mg/kg. However, these doses of pioglitazone did not affect nociceptive responses in sham mice. Moreover, on day 6, the number of activated microglia was significantly increased in the ipsilateral dorsal horn of mice. The increase in the number of activated microglia induced by PSL was significantly suppressed by pioglitazone (1-25 mg/kg p.o.). Pioglitazone did not affect the number of activated microglia in sham mice. These results suggest that PPARγ activation inhibits the development of tactile allodynia and the expression of activated microglia in the dorsal horn of spinal cord in mice with PSLinduced peripheral nerve injury.

Metabolism of amyloid precursor protein in COS cells transfected with a beta-secretase candidate

Thimet oligopeptidase (TOP) is a thiol- andmetallo-dependent peptidase and has been shown to beone of the beta-secretase candidates. TOPexpressed in COS cells cleaved amyloid precursorprotein (APP) at the beta-secretase site, and wefound a proteolytic product of APP called secretedform of APP by beta-secretase (sAPPbeta) in theconditioned media. Here we demonstrate thatsAPPbeta was increased in conditioned media whenTOP was coexpressed in COS cells with APP and treatedwith an ADAM inhibitor SI-27. In addition, althoughTOP expressed in COS cell was localized at nuclei orGolgi apparatus, it exclusively colocalized at Golgiapparatus when APP was coexpressed with TOP.

Decrease of 4,5,6,7-tetrachlorophthalide in paddy field soil after aerial application

Variation in the fungicide, 4,5,6,7-tetrachlorophthalide (phthalide), in paddy field soil was investigated in order to evaluate its decrease after aerial application by a radio-controlled helicopter. The maximum concentrations of phthalide were 309-320 microg/kg dry, which were 83%-96% of the applied phthalide. The organic carbon normalized soil sorption coefficient (K(oc)) was calculated to be 94-96 mL/g at 1 h after the application. The calculated K(oc) values increased to 620-1,300 mL/g from 1 through 9 days after the application and then 4,700-7,200 mL/g 14 days after the application. The half-life of the phthalide was calculated to be 20-31 days.

[Investigation of the accurate measurement of the basic imaging properties for the digital radiographic system based on flat panel detector]

PURPOSE/AIM OF THE EXHIBIT: The purpose of this exhibit is: 1. To explain "resampling", an image data processing, performed by the digital radiographic system based on flat panel detector (FPD). 2. To show the influence of "resampling" on the basic imaging properties. 3. To present accurate measurement methods of the basic imaging properties of the FPD system.

CONTENT ORGANIZATION

1. The relationship between the matrix sizes of the output image and the image data acquired on FPD that automatically changes depending on a selected image size (FOV). 2. The explanation of the image data processing of "resampling". 3. The evaluation results of the basic imaging properties of the FPD system using two types of DICOM image to which "resampling" was performed: characteristic curves, presampled MTFs, noise power spectra, detective quantum efficiencies. CONCLUSION/SUMMARY: The major points of the exhibit are as follows: 1. The influence of "resampling" should not be disregarded in the evaluation of the basic imaging properties of the flat panel detector system. 2. It is necessary for the basic imaging properties to be measured by using DICOM image to which no "resampling" is performed.

Bronchodilating effect and anabolic effect of inhaled procaterol

While the use of oral beta (2)-agonists by athletes is prohibited because of their anabolic effects, some inhaled beta (2)-agonists can be used in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Agency regulations. We examined the dose disparity between the bronchodilating effect and anabolic effect of inhaled procaterol, a selective beta (2)-agonist, to determine if the drug might be effective for athletes with asthma. Intact rats were given nebulized procaterol at 0.001, 0.01, 0.1 and 1 mg/mL by inhalation, and its inhibitory effect on carbachol-induced bronchoconstriction was evaluated. Castrated rats were given nebulized procaterol at 0.03, 0.1, 0.3 and 1 mg/mL by inhalation 3 times a day for 14 days, and anabolic markers (body weight gain, weight of the levator ani muscle and gastrocnemius muscle) were measured. At 0.01 mg/mL and higher, procaterol dose-dependently inhibited carbachol-induced bronchoconstriction with a significant effect. At doses of up to 0.3 mg/mL, there were no signs indicating an anabolic effect of procaterol. At 1 mg/mL, however, a slight but statistically significant increase in the weight of the levator ani muscle was observed with no significant changes in other anabolic markers. It was suggested that inhaled procaterol might be useful for athletes with asthma because of the big dose disparity between its bronchodilating effect and anabolic effect in rats.

Variation of 4,5,6,7-tetrachlorophthalide in water after aerial application to rice cultivation area

Variation in the fungicide, 4,5,6,7-phthalide, in water was investigated in order to evaluate the runoff of the fungicide after aerial application to paddy fields by a radio-controlled helicopter. The survey was conducted for 4 months after the application. The average and maximum concentrations of phthalide were 3.7-4.4 microg/L and 30.5-33.8 microg/L in the paddy fields, 0.37-0.64 microg/L and 2.7-7.5 microg/L in the drainage channels, and 0.18 and 0.83 microg/L in a river, respectively. The runoff ratios of the aerially applied phthalide from the paddy fields into the drainage channels were calculated to be 1.7-2.4%.

Asymmetric Oscillation Distorts the Perceived Heaviness of Handheld Objects

Weight perception has been of great interest for over three centuries. Most research has been concerned with the weight of static objects, and some illusions have been discovered. Here, we show a new illusion related to the perception of the heaviness of oscillating objects. We performed experiments that involved comparing the weight of two objects of identical physical appearance but with different gross weights and oscillation patterns (vibrating vertically at frequencies of 5 or 9 cycles per second with symmetric and asymmetric acceleration patterns). The results show that the perceived weight of an object vibrating with asymmetric acceleration increases compared to that with symmetric acceleration when the acceleration peaks in the gravity direction. In contrast, almost no heaviness perception change was observed in the anti-gravity direction. We speculate that the reason for the divergence between these results is caused by the differential impact of these two hypothesized perceptual mechanisms as follows: the salience of pulse stimuli appears to have a strong influence in the gravity direction, whereas filling-in could explain our observations in the anti-gravity direction. The study of this haptic illusion can provide valuable insights into not only human perceptual mechanisms but into the design of ungrounded haptic interfaces.

Hypocarnitinemic hypoglycemia and heart failure in an infant with a constant parenteral elementary nutrition during measles vaccination-related febrile illness

A 1-year and 11-month-old female infant with bilateral lesions of the thalamus, basal ganglia, cerebellar and brainstem disease died from heart failure 9 days after being administered a measles vaccination. She had a high fever, hypocarnitinemic and non-ketotic hypoglycemia, serum levels of total carnitine 7.4 micromol/L, free carnitine 5.6 micromol/L, acylcarnitine 1.8 micromol/L and glucose 13 mg/dL. Due to feeding difficulty, the patient, however, had been administered parenteral elementary nutrition through a feeding tube since early infancy. The commercially available parenteral nutrition solutions do not contain carnitine. A secondary carnitine deficiency followed by non-ketotic hypoglycemia-related heart failure may readily develop even in a patient without valproic acid, during high fever.

Effects of KP-496, a novel dual antagonist at the cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 and the thromboxane A(2) receptor, on airway obstruction in guinea pigs

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

KP-496 is a novel dual antagonist for cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 (CysLT(1)) and thromboxane A(2) (TXA(2)) receptor (TP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacological profile of inhaled KP-496 and its effects on airway obstruction.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Antagonist activities of inhaled KP-496 were investigated using bronchoconstriction induced in guinea pigs by LTD(4) or U46619, a stable TXA(2) mimetic. Guinea pigs sensitized with injections of ovalbumin were used to assess the effects of inhaled KP-496 on bronchoconstriction induced by antigen (i.v.). Another set of guinea pigs were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin by inhalation and the effects of inhaled KP-496 on immediate and late airway responses and airway hyperresponsiveness were investigated.

KEY RESULTS

KP-496 significantly inhibited LTD(4)- and U46619-induced bronchoconstriction in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effects of KP-496 (1%) were comparable to those of montelukast (a CysLT(1) antagonist, p.o., 0.3 mg kg(-1)) or seratrodast (a TP antagonist, p.o., 3 mg kg(-1)). KP-496 (1%) and oral co-administration of montelukast (10 mg kg(-1)) and seratrodast (20 mg kg(-1)) significantly inhibited antigen-induced bronchoconstriction, whereas administration of montelukast or seratrodast separately did not inhibit antigen-induced bronchoconstriction. KP-496 exhibited dose-dependent and significant inhibitory effects on the immediate and late airway responses and airway hyperresponsiveness following antigen challenge.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

KP-496 exerts effects in guinea pigs which could be beneficial in asthma. These effects of KP-496 were greater than those of a CysLT(1) antagonist or a TP antagonist, in preventing antigen-induced airway obstruction.

The expression and production of vascular endothelial growth factor in oral mucosa equivalents

Angiogenesis is anticipated during wound healing. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent direct angiogenic factor that stimulates endothelial cell migration and proliferation in vitro and angiogenesis in vivo. Ex vivo produced oral mucosa equivalent (EVPOME) grafts have been reported to promote re-vascularization in the underlying tissue after grafting. The aim of this study was to evaluating the following: VEGF mRNA and its protein expression in EVPOME grafts, the protein levels in conditioned media produced by EVPOMEs, and the ability of VEGF to stimulate the growth of microvascular endothelial cells. VEGF mRNA expression and immunoreaction were found in basal and suprabasal layers. VEGF secreted by EVPOME was detected throughout the period of manufacture of the grafts, and became elevated for the first week at an air-liquid interface. Both EVPOME-conditioned media and a medium containing 10ng/mL recombinant human VEGF induced endothelial cell proliferation, while neutralization of VEGF by an antibody blocked cell growth. These results suggest that VEGF secreted by EVPOME grafts might assist initial vascularization after grafting, which is critical to subsequent graft survival.

Appropriate schedule of oral tegafur / uracil (UFT) in combination with irinotecan (CPT-11) and bolus 5-FU / l-leucovorin (LV) in patients (pts) with metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC): A phase I study

14538

Background: FOLFIRI is one of the standard regimens for MCRC. Considering the burden of continuous 5-FU administration, oral fluoropyrimidine-based therapy has been proposed in several clinical trials; however, gastrointestinal toxicity makes it difficult to perform successive oral chemotherapy. Therefore, no previous study could confirm whether to replace FOLFIRI with oral regimen. In order to find an appropriate schedule of oral fluoropyrimidine with safety and efficacy instead of continuous infusion of 5-FU, clinical trial using CPT-11, bolus 5-FU / l-LV and oral UFT / LV was conducted in pts with MCRC. Methods: Pts with MCRC, age > 18 years, ECOG PS 0–2, adequate organ function, and no or 1 prior chemotherapy were eligible. Pts received CPT-11 (100mg/m2) / 5-FU (500mg/m2) / l-LV (15mg/m2) i.v. on day 1 and UFT (300mg/m2) / LV (75mg/body) p.o. on days 1–5 (level 1), days 1–7 (level 2), or days 1–10 (level 3). Each course was repeated every 14 days. After determining feasible UFT / LV schedule, CPT-11 was dose-escalated (level 4: 125 mg/m2; level 5: 150mg/m2). Results: Nineteen pts were enrolled. A dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of grade 4 neutropenia lasting for > 4 days was observed in 1 pt at level 2. Additional 3 pts at this level showed no toxicity of grade 3 or 4. A DLT of treatment delay (>8 days) was observed in 1 pt at level 3 because of prolonged neutropenia. Other 2 pts at level 3 refused to continue treatment within 4 cycles because of prolonged grade 2 anorexia. Obvious difference in toxicity was observed between level 2 and level 3. Therefore, 7-day-administration of UFT / LV was recommended. No DLT was observed at level 4 and 5, and the recommended dose of CPT-11 was 150mg/m2. The overall response rate was 66.7%. The median time to disease progression was 8.0 months. Conclusions: This oral fluoropyrimidine-based regimen is considered feasible and effective. The treatment schedule of UFT might be a key to prevent an early dropout due to gastrointestinal toxicity. Further study will be needed to confirm toxicity and efficacy of this regimen compared to FOLFIRI profile.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Bacterial translocation in small intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury and efficacy of Anti-CINC antibody treatment

The involvement of bacterial translocation in small intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injuries and the efficacy of using anti-CINC antibodies for treatment were investigated. A model for ischemia-reperfusion injury of the small intestine was constructed by clamping the supramesenteric artery (for 90 min) in rats. Anti-CINC antibodies and saline were given just before the induction of ischemia in the treatment group and the control group, respectively. Six hours after reperfusion, bacteria were detected in the mesenteric lymph nodes, but the 'bacteria-positive' rate was significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group. Bacterial cultures and endotoxins in the blood were negative in both groups up to 24 h later. The plasma cytokine levels showed similar variations, although the increases were significantly lower after reperfusion in the treatment group. In addition, the degrees of neutrophil infiltration and mucosal injury were attenuated in the small intestine, and the structure of the liver was maintained. Furthermore, the 1-week survival was improved. These results suggest that bacterial translocation occurred predominantly via the lymphatic system and that anti-CINC antibody treatment exerted a protective effect against small intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Exploratory aspirin resistance trial in healthy Japanese volunteers (J-ART) using platelet aggregation as a measure of thrombogenicity

Aspirin prevents the production of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) by irreversibly inhibiting platelet cyclooxygenase, exhibiting antiplatelet actions. This agent has been reported to prevent relapse in patients with ischemic heart disease or cerebral infarction via this action mechanism. However, there are individual differences in this action, and aspirin is not effective in some patients, which is referred to as 'aspirin resistance'. In this study, we analyzed laboratory aspirin resistance by platelet aggregation in 110 healthy adult Japanese males using 24 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of nine genes involved in platelet aggregation/hemorrhage. Among SNPs involved in platelet aggregation, aspirin was less effective for 924T homozygote of a TXA2 receptor, 924T>C, and 1018C homozygote of a platelet membrane glycoprotein GPIbalpha, 1018C>T, suggesting that 924T and 1018C alleles are involved in aspirin resistance.

Generalized convulsions with diffuse spike and wave bursts emerging with Graves' disease

Thyroid hormone lowers the seizure threshold. We present the case of a female patient who developed generalized convulsions emerging with Graves' disease, and clarified the clinico-electroencephalographic characteristics. Before treatment, electroencephalography (EEG) showed 2- to 2.5-Hz diffuse spike and wave (SW) bursts, apparent during and after hyperventilation without any distinct absence seizure. Thiamazole treatment without any anticonvulsant led to a euthyroid state, convulsions resolved and EEG abnormalities normalized promptly. Clinical seizures were generalized tonic-clonic convulsions during sleep, and EEG showed diffuse SW bursts induced by hyperventilation. These characteristics suggested that epilepsy might correspond to idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE). IGE might be susceptible to hyperthyroidism. Cases of IGE emerging with hyperthyroidism, even if EEG paroxysms are advanced, may be improved using antithyroid pharmacotherapy alone.

AIDS-related cerebral toxoplasmosis with hyperintense foci on T1-weighted MR images: A case report

The neuroradiological findings are helpful for the diagnosis of toxoplasmic encephalitis. The T1 hypersignal intensity foci on brain magnetic resonance (MR) images without contrast enhancement are presented and can be a pathognomonic sign of this disease.

[Thoracic surgery for the penetrating lung or tracheal trauma]

Seven cases suffered from a chest trauma (stab wound in 6 and impalement injury in 1) were emergently transferred to our hospital. Open thoracotomy was performed for the intolerable bleeding immediately after admission. Injured lung was treated by lobectomy in 1 patient, lingual segmentectomy in 2, lower basal segmentectomy in 2, partial resection in 4 and direct suture in 2. The penetrating trachea was carefully repaired by direct suture with additional midsternal thoracotomy. To accomplish appropriate partial resection of the injured lung, a metallic straight suction tube inserted into a pulmonary stab wound was retracted and a stapling instrument was applied underneath the suction tube. With the segmentectomy and the partial resection, the volume of the residual lung was maximally saved. As a result, all 7 patients were successfully alive.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T is not associated with expression of pyrimidine metabolic enzyme genes in colorectal cancer

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism may influence the chemosensitivity of colorectal cancers to fluorouracil (5-FU) by increasing intracellular 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate. The effect of this polymorphism on the expression of thymidylate synthase (TS), dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), orotate phosphoribosyl transferase (OPRT) and thymidine phosphorylase (TP) in colorectal cancer was investigated. The MTHFR C677T polymorphism was analysed and TS, DPD, OPRT and TP mRNA expression was measured in tumour and adjacent normal mucosal tissue. In all patients, the genotypes of the tumour and normal tissues were identical. No differences were found in the expression of TS, DPD or TP mRNA by genotype in either tumour or normal tissue. Although the OPRT mRNA level in tumour tissue was not associated with the genotype, normal mucosa with the TT genotype showed a significantly higher OPRT mRNA level than mucosa with other genotypes. The MTHFR C667T polymorphism is not associated with intratumoural expression of TS, DPD, OPRT or TP.

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 is associated with blood-brain barrier opening and brain edema formation after cortical contusion in rats

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are associated with blood-brain opening and may be involved in the pathophysiology of acute brain injury. Previous research demonstrated that knockout mice deficient in MMP-9 subjected to transient focal cerebral ischemia had reduced blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption and attenuated cerebral infarction. In this study, we examined MMP-9 up-regulation, BBB disruption, and brain edema formation after cortical impact injury in rats. Cortical contusion was induced by controlled cortical impact. Animals were sacrificed at intervals after injury. MMP up-regulation was assessed by gelatin zymography, and BBB integrity was evaluated using Evans blue dye with a spectrophotometric assay. Brain water content was measured by comparing wet and dry weights of each hemisphere as an indicator of brain edema. Zymograms showed elevated MMP-9 as early as at 3 hours after injury, reaching a maximum at 18 hours. Peak levels of BBB disruption occurred 6 hours after injury. Brain edema became progressively more severe, peaking 24 hours after injury. Compared to control group, treatment with MMP-inhibitor GM6001 significantly reduced BBB disruption 6 hours and brain water content (85.9 +/- 0.5% vs. 82.6 +/- 0.3%; p < 0.05) 24 hours after injury. These findings suggest that MMP-9 may contribute to BBB disturbance and subsequent brain edema after traumatic brain injury.

Synthesis and cancer antiproliferative activity of new histone deacetylase inhibitors: hydrophilic hydroxamates and 2-aminobenzamide-containing derivatives

New series histone deacetylase inhibitors comprising a hydroxamic acid or 2-aminobenzamide group as a zinc-chelating function were synthesized and evaluated for antiproliferative activities against a panel of human cancer cells. The 2-aminobenzamide series inhibitors generally had the potency in cell growth inhibitions comparable to that of MS-275. Among them, the compound having a (3,4-difluorobenzyl)(2-hydroxyethyl)amino group at one end and a 2-aminobenzamide group at the other of molecule showed the most promising profile as an anticancer drug candidate, since it had a comparatively low toxicity as did MS-275 against a normal fibroblast cell CCD-1059SK. Additionally, the derivative exhibited a high recovery in human plasma stability test.

Syndecan-1 expression by stromal fibroblasts promotes breast carcinoma growth in vivo and stimulates tumor angiogenesis

The induction of the cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan syndecan-1 (Sdc1) in stromal fibroblasts is observed in more than 70% of human breast carcinomas. Using a coculture model, we have recently shown that stromal cell-derived Sdc1 stimulates carcinoma cell proliferation in vitro, and that this activity requires Sdc1 glycanation. In the present study, we investigated the effect of stromal cell Sdc1 on breast carcinoma growth in vivo. MDA-MB-231 human breast carcinoma cells were inoculated into the flanks of athymic nude mice either alone, or as mixed suspensions with Sdc1-transfected or mock-transfected 3T3 mouse fibroblasts. The mixed tumors showed an intimate association between carcinoma cells and stromal fibroblasts and histologically closely resembled poorly differentiated human breast carcinomas. The presence of fibroblasts led to significantly accelerated tumor growth, which was further augmented (88% increase) by forced expression of stromal Sdc1. The hyperemic macroscopic appearance of tumors containing Sdc1-positive stromal cells contrasted with pale tumors developing in the presence of mock-transfected fibroblasts, which prompted us to examine tumor microvessels. Stromal Sdc1 expression was associated with a significantly elevated microvessel density (36% increase) and a larger vessel area (153% increase). To evaluate the relevance of this finding in human breast cancer, the relationship between stromal Sdc1 and tumor vascularity was also examined in a tissue array containing 207 human breast carcinoma samples. Similar to the xenografts, stromal Sdc1 expression correlated with both vessel density (P=0.013) and total vessel area (P=0.0026). In conclusion, stromal fibroblast-derived Sdc1 stimulates breast carcinoma growth and angiogenesis in vivo.

Search for the invisible decay of neutrons with KamLAND

The Kamioka Liquid scintillator Anti-Neutrino Detector is used in a search for single neutron or two-neutron intranuclear disappearance that would produce holes in the -shell energy level of (12)C nuclei. Such holes could be created as a result of nucleon decay into invisible modes (inv), e.g., n--> 3v or nn--> 2v. The deexcitation of the corresponding daughter nucleus results in a sequence of space and time-correlated events observable in the liquid scintillator detector. We report on new limits for one- and two-neutron disappearance: tau(n--> inv) > 5.8 x 10(29) years and tau (nn--> inv) > 1.4 x 10(30) years at 90% C.L. These results represent an improvement of factors of approximately 3 and >10(4) and over previous experiments.