Reduced CSF orexin levels in rats and patients with systemic inflammation: a preliminary study

OBJECTIVE

Sepsis is a lethal condition characterized by systemic inflammation and multiple organ failure; this condition was initially defined as systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) due to infection. We previously reported that the hypothalamic neuropeptide orexin improved survival in a murine model of sepsis by mainly acting in the medullary raphe nucleus through orexin type-2 receptors. We hypothesized that orexin treatment enhances recovery from sepsis by reversing the reduction in orexin levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We recently reported a case in which CSF orexin levels were reduced in a patient with sepsis. Herein, we attempted to further investigate CSF orexin levels in rats and patients with systemic inflammation. This patient study was a single-center, retrospective observational study.

RESULTS

CSF orexin levels were low in rats with lipopolysaccharide-induced systemic inflammation. We enrolled 14 patients with meningitis/encephalitis. Six patients were diagnosed with SIRS, of whom 5 patients had infections ("sepsis" by the previous definition). CSF orexin levels were low in SIRS patients. The results support the hypothesis that orexin treatment enhances recovery from sepsis by reversing the reduction in CSF orexin levels.

Assessment of clinical conditions associated with Mondor disease

BACKGROUND

Mondor disease is superficial thrombophlebitis of the thoracoabdominal wall, mid-upper arm, and penis. Although it is usually a benign disease requiring no specific treatment, little is known about this disease owing to its rarity.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this retrospective observational study was to investigate the epidemiology and prognosis of Mondor disease.

METHODS

We conducted a single-center observational study of patients with Mondor disease. Patients who received a diagnosis of Mondor disease between 2015 and 2020 were analyzed. The patients' medical records were manually reviewed to obtain the following variables: date of diagnosis, patient's age, sex, department of diagnosing physicians, underlying diseases, medications, surgery, and time until resolution of the lesion. We also reviewed the 1-year mortality, 1-year occurrence of malignancy, and recurrence of Mondor disease.

RESULTS

20 patients were included in the study. The age of the patients ranged from 7 to 83 years, with a median of 47.5 years. Most of the patients presented with thoracoabdominal wall lesions. The underlying conditions included skin diseases, surgical procedures, breast cancer, smoking, and collagenous diseases, although more than half of the patients did not have plausible predisposing factors. About three-quarters of the patients saw a spontaneous resolution of the lesions within 4 weeks without medical or surgical treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the good prognosis of this disease, it is essential to avoid unnecessary invasive tests or treatment once the diagnosis is confirmed.

Copper and zinc deficiency in an alcoholic patient: a case report of a therapeutic dilemma

Copper deficiency often manifests with anemia and ataxia. The risk factors associated with the deficiency include gastrointestinal surgery, excessive zinc supplementation, and malabsorptive conditions. Little is known about the relationship between copper deficiency and alcohol consumption. Here we report a case of copper deficiency in a patient with alcohol use disorder who also had zinc deficiency, thereby posing a therapeutic dilemma because copper and zinc are competitively absorbed into the small intestine. Early recognition of copper deficiency is essential when treating zinc deficiency in such patients.

PERSonality, Ehical, and PROfessional quality of life in Pediatric/Adult Intensive Nurses study: PERSEPRO PAIN study

BACKGROUND

The World Health Organization included burnout syndrome criteria that reduce both professional quality of life and work satisfaction in its 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases in 2019 while nursing bodies have issued action calls to prevent burnout syndrome. Despite this, the effect of social factors, personality traits and cross-interaction on professional quality of life is still unclear.

AIM

To reveal the association between ethical climate, personal trait and professional quality of life.

METHOD

An online survey of registered nurses working in adult, pediatric or both ICUs. We used the ten-item personality measure based on The Big Five theory and Type-D personality Scale-14 then measured the ethical climate with the Hospital Ethical Climate Survey and the professional domains of burnout syndrome, secondary traumatic stress and compassion satisfaction by the Professional Quality of Life Scale Version 5 simultaneously. Multivariate analysis confirmed the triangular association of hospital ethical climate, personality traits and professional quality of life.

RESULT

We enrolled 310 participants from September 2019 to February 2020. Mean age was 33.1 years (± 5.9) and about 70% were female. In the multivariate analysis, neuroticism (p = 0.03, p = 0.01) and Type D personality (both of p<0.01) were associated with burnout syndrome and secondary traumatic stress while agreeableness (p<0.01) was associated with secondary traumatic stress. Conversely, extraversion (p = 0.01), agreeableness (p<0.01) and openness (p<0.01) were associated with compassion satisfaction. We also observed interactions between hospital ethical climate and conscientiousness (p = 0.01) for burnout syndrome and secondary traumatic stress. Neuroticism was related to (p<0.01) BOS and compassion satisfaction while Type D personality (p<0.01) correlated with burnout syndrome and secondary traumatic stress.

CONCLUSION

Hospital ethical climate strongly affects professional quality of life in nurses with specific personality traits. Therefore, it is important to maintain an ethical hospital climate, considering individual personalities to prevent burnout syndrome.

Increased serum amiodarone concentration in hypertriglyceridemic patients: Effects of drug distribution to serum lipoproteins

Amiodarone and its main metabolite, desethylamiodarone (DEA), are highly distributed to serum lipoproteins such as very‐low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), which are the carriers of triglyceride and cholesterol. This study aimed to investigate the association of serum concentrations of amiodarone and DEA with the levels of serum lipids in terms of drug distribution to lipoprotein fractions in patients with hyperlipidemia. Total serum concentrations of amiodarone and DEA were examined in 116 patients receiving amiodarone for tachyarrhythmias. The concentration‐to‐dose (C/D) ratio of amiodarone positively correlated with the level of serum triglyceride (r_s = 0.541, p < 0.001) and was higher in the hypertriglyceridemic state than in normotriglyceridemic state (479 ± 211 vs. 320 ± 161, p < 0.001). No correlation was found between the C/D ratio of DEA and serum triglyceride levels (r_s = 0.272), although higher values were observed in the hypertriglyceridemic state (322 ± 125 vs. 285 ± 143, p < 0.001). In the hypertriglyceridemic state, the distribution of amiodarone increased in LDL/VLDL fraction and decreased in high‐density lipoprotein and albumin fractions. The ratio of serum amiodarone to serum DEA, a metabolic ratio of amiodarone, positively correlated with serum triglyceride levels (r_s = 0.572, p < 0.001) and was higher in the hypertriglyceridemic state, suggesting that amiodarone metabolism decreased in hyperlipidemia. The results of this study reveal that serum concentrations of amiodarone increase in the hypertriglyceridemic state through the increased lipoprotein‐binding and decreased metabolism of amiodarone.

Case Report: Reduced CSF Orexin Levels in a Patient With Sepsis

Sepsis is a potentially lethal condition characterized by systemic inflammation and multiple organ failure, and sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is an independent risk factor for mortality in patients with sepsis. We previously reported that orexin improved survival in an animal model of sepsis by acting in the brain. Peripherally administered orexin entered the brain under the conditions of systemic inflammation because of BBB dysfunction and produced survival-related effects. As a therapeutic concept, we hypothesized that orexin treatment enhances recovery from sepsis by restoring reduced orexin levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Here, we report that CSF orexin levels were reduced in a 63-year-old woman with sepsis. The patient presented with coma, fever, headache, vomiting, and seizures upon arrival at the emergency room. She had a history of subarachnoid hemorrhage which led to the development of hydrocephalus, and as a consequence, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VP shunt) tube had been installed to ameliorate the complication. Physical examinations showed dehydration and abnormality of circulation, arterial blood gas analysis showed insufficient oxygenation, blood tests showed an inflammatory response, liver injury, kidney injury, hyperkalemia, and hyperglycemia, and radio graphical examinations showed mild hydrocephalus and several old microinfarctions. She was diagnosed with sepsis because her Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score was 13 and Enterococcus faecalis was isolated form her blood and CSF. Status epilepticus, hyperglycemia, and sepsis-associated encephalopathy were considered possible causes of coma. Her CSF could be safely sampled because she had a VP shunt, although it is ethically difficult to sample CSF routinely from patients with sepsis. Reduced CSF orexin levels gradually recovered as she recovered from sepsis. Unexpectedly, orexin was detected in the blood, which is unusual in healthy humans. Blood orexin was not detected after recovery from sepsis. This result may imply that orexin leaks into the blood because of BBB dysfunction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report investigating orexin levels in the CSF and blood of a patient with sepsis, and the data obtained from this case may provide a new understanding of the pathophysiology of SAE.

Impact of hypertension on clinical outcome in patients treated with vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors

Background

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family is overexpressed in the tumor microenvironment and induces tumor angiogenesis.1 VEGF signaling pathway (VSP) inhibitors are essential therapeutic drugs for solid cancer patients.2 However, VSP inhibitors often provoke drug-specific anti-angiogenesis in normal tissues, which was referred to as on-target toxicity.2 Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most frequent adverse events caused by VSP inhibitors. A previous report demonstrated that VSP inhibitor-induced hypertension is a favorable prognostic factor, contrarily.3However, multiple VSP inhibitors are administered in various cancer types, and then the relation between VSP inhibitor-associated hypertension and clinical outcome is still controversial.

Purpose

The aim of this study is to elucidate the impacts of HTN and the timing of onset on clinical outcome during cancer therapy with VSP inhibitors.

Method

We reviewed 2,348 patients who were treated with VSP inhibitors from the LIFE Study database, consisting of 14 municipality-level information from claims data between 2016 and 2020. According to the timing of HTN onset mode, the patients were stratified into 3 groups; (1) new-onset HTN group (n=334): de novo development after VSP inhibitor administration, (2) pre-existing HTN group (n=1,363): existing HTN at baseline, including aggravation after VSP inhibitor initiation, and (3) no HTN group (n=651) (Figure 1). The time to treatment failure (TTF) was applied as a surrogate clinical indicator of overall survival. Event-free survival analysis with the log-rank test was conducted for time to first treatment failure amongst the 3 groups. In addition, Cox proportional hazard models adjusted with clinical characteristics were performed to investigate independent factors for TTF.

Results

In the event-free survival analysis, both the new-onset HTN and the pre-existing HTN were associated with prolongation of TTF, compared to the non-HTN (p&lt;0.001 and p&lt;0.001, respectively, by Bonferroni correction) (Figure 2). The New-onset HTN was significantly associated with longer TTF than pre-existing HTN (p&lt;0.001). In Cox proportional hazard model adjusted with age, sex, past medical history, primary cancer lesion, and type of VSP inhibitors, the new-onset HTN and the pre-existing HTN were independent favorable factors, compared to the non-HTN [new-onset HTN: Hazard ratio (HR) 0.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54 - 0.71, p&lt;0.001; and pre-existing HTN: HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.77 - 0.94, p&lt;0.005]. Moreover, the New-onset HTN was also a significant factor for longer TTF, compared to the pre-existing HTN [HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.64 - 0.82, p&lt;0.001].

Conclusion

In patients treated with VSP inhibitors, both new-onset and pre-existing HTN are independent factors for a favorable clinical outcome, especially new-onset HTN after VSP inhibitors administration.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (KAKENHI) Figure 1. Patient screening and enrollmentFigure 2. HTN & TTF

Suvorexant Poisoning in a Patient With Cirrhosis and Renal Failure

Suvorexant is a novel hypnotic that acts as an orexin-1 receptor and orexin-2 receptor antagonist. Owing to its safety and tolerability, suvorexant has recently become widely used. However, little is known about the presentation of suvorexant poisoning. Here, we describe an 83-year-old man with cirrhosis and renal failure, who had taken 270 mg of suvorexant at the same time. After the overdose, he did not develop any symptoms other than prolonged drowsiness. He was successfully treated with supportive therapy alone. This is the first report describing suvorexant poisoning. Further reports should be accumulated to determine whether patients with suvorexant poisoning present with mild symptoms without intensive treatment.

Starvation Ketoacidosis With Hypoglycemia in a Patient With Chronic Pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is a pancreatic inflammation that can result in endocrine pancreatic insufficiency. We present a case of starvation ketoacidosis in a 44-year-old Japanese man with chronic alcoholic pancreatitis. On admission, he exhibited hypoglycemia and severe acidosis. Intravenous glucose and vitamin B1 were administered in the emergency department, and nutritional management for presumed starvation ketoacidosis was begun. Because the patient did not have diabetes mellitus, his insulin secretion and insulin resistance were examined. A diagnosis of pancreatic diabetes caused by chronic pancreatitis was made based on decreased insulin secretion, normal insulin resistance, and negative anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody. Intensive insulin therapy was initiated, and he was discharged 15 days after hospitalization. Although starvation rarely causes hypoglycemia and severe ketoacidosis, they can be induced by short-term fasting in patients with decreased pancreatic function.

Acute Deterioration of Kidney Function after Total Hip Arthroplasty

Introduction:

Post-operative acute kidney injury is a serious complication and identifying modifiable factors could assist in peri-operative management. This study aimed to identify the pre-operative and intra-operative factors associated with the incidence of post-operative acute kidney injury and acute deterioration of kidney function after total hip arthroplasty.

Materials and methods: This single-center, retrospective, observational study included 203 patients who underwent unilateral primary total hip arthroplasty. Acute kidney injury was determined using biochemical markers according to the risk, injury, failure, loss of kidney function, and end-stage kidney disease (RIFLE) criteria. Acute deterioration of kidney function was defined as the reduction of estimated glomerular filtration rate by ≥10ml/min/1.73m².

Results:

Prior to total hip arthroplasty, 20% of all patients met the chronic renal dysfunction criterion of glomerular filtration rates <60ml/min/1.73m² (glomerular filtration rate categories G3a-G5). Incidence rates of acute kidney injury and acute deterioration of kidney function after total hip arthroplasty were 0.49% and 6.9%, respectively. Multivariate regression analysis showed that diabetes mellitus and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs before total hip arthroplasty were significant risk factors for acute deterioration of kidney function. Advanced age, preoperative renal dysfunction, antihypertensive, diuretics, or statin use, operation time, total blood loss, type of anesthetic, and body mass index were not significant risk factors.

Conclusion:

Diabetes mellitus and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were controllable risks, and multidisciplinary approaches are a reasonable means of minimising peri-operative acute kidney injury or acute deterioration of kidney function.

Delayed Cerebral Abnormalities in Acute Hyperammonemic Encephalopathy

Acute hyperammonemic encephalopathy (AHE) is a rare but life-threatening condition. We present a case of an 81-year-old woman with cirrhotic AHE who presented with prolonged disorientation. Her magnetic resonance (MR) images were normal on the third hospital day, which showed bilateral abnormalities in the insular and cingulate cortices on day 13. The imaging abnormalities were slightly improved but remained on day 24. The imaging abnormalities seemed correlated with her persistent disorientation. AHE can present as delayed cerebral abnormalities, and follow-up imaging tests are useful in detecting such conditions. Further reports are needed to investigate the correlation between imaging abnormalities and clinical outcomes in patients with AHE.

Acute mitral valve regurgitation causing severe alveolar hemorrhage

Background

Acute mitral regurgitation could occur without common symptoms like hemodynamic instability, but with dyspnea, hemoptysis, and right‐sided infiltration on radiography. We report a case of severe alveolar hemorrhage caused by acute mitral regurgitation, which occurred in the absence of shock.

Case Presentation

A 40‐year‐old man presented with dyspnea with bloody phlegm and hypoxia, despite being hemodynamically stable. Chest radiography revealed right‐sided infiltration, and bronchoscopy showed fresh bloody phlegm in his tracheae. No specific findings were detected with any tests. After treatment with several medications and support with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, his condition improved, although the etiology of the disease remained unknown. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiogram revealed severe mitral valve regurgitation with ruptured mitral chordae tendineae. These suggested that the sudden onset of mitral valve regurgitation had caused severe alveolar hemorrhage.

Conclusion

Severe alveolar hemorrhage, especially with right‐sided infiltration on chest radiography, should be considered a symptom of acute mitral regurgitation.

Evaluating the Therapeutic Efficacy and Safety of Landiolol Hydrochloride for Management of Arrhythmia in Critical Settings: Review of the Literature

Background

Landiolol hydrochloride, a highly cardio-selective beta-1 blocker with an ultra-short-acting half-life of 4 minutes, was originally approved by Japan for treatment of intraoperative tachyarrhythmias. This review aims to provide an integrated overview of the current state of knowledge of landiolol hydrochloride in the management of arrhythmia in critical settings.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library to retrieve relevant articles with a total of 65 records identified.

Results

The high β1 selectivity (β1/β2 ratio of 255:1) of landiolol causes a more rapid heart rate (HR) decrease compared to esmolol while avoiding decreases in mean arterial blood pressure. Recently, it has been found useful in left ventricular dysfunction patients and fatal arrhythmia requiring emergency treatment. Recent random clinical trials (RCT) have revealed therapeutic and prophylactic effects on arrhythmia, and very low-dose landiolol might be effective for preventing postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) and sinus tachycardia. Likewise, landiolol is an optimal choice for perioperative tachycardia treatment during cardiac surgery. The high β1 selectivity of landiolol is useful in heart failure patients as a first-line therapy for tachycardia and arrhythmia as it avoids the typical depression of cardiac function seen in other β-blockers. Application in cardiac injury after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), protection for vital organs (lung, kidney, etc.) during sepsis, and stabilizing hemodynamics in pediatric patients are becoming the new frontier of landiolol use.

Conclusion

Landiolol is useful as a first-line therapy for the prevention of POAF after cardiac/non-cardiac surgery, fatal arrhythmias in heart failure patients and during PCI. Moreover, the potential therapeutic effect of landiolol for sepsis in pediatric patients is currently being explored. As positive RCT results continue to be published, new clinical uses and further clinical studies in various settings by cardiologists, intensivists and pediatric cardiologists are being conducted.

Risk factors for prolonged intensive care unit and hospital stay among patients with acute drug overdose in Japan

Aim

Hospital selection for patients with drug overdose (DOD) is a critical issue. In Tokyo, the 50‐tablet rule has been widely utilized by paramedics for triaging patients with DOD given that it shortens the triage time. However, studies have not investigated the utility of such a rule in local cities. The present study aimed to identify prognostic pre‐ and in‐hospital factors among patients with DOD and determine whether the 50‐tablet rule benefits local cities.

Methods

Clinical records of patients with DOD admitted at the University of Tsukuba Hospital (Tsukuba, Japan) between 2013 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

A total of 93 patients with DOD were enrolled in this study. Multivariate analysis showed that creatine kinase and C‐reactive protein values and the total number of ingested pills were in‐hospital risk factors that significantly prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay. Moreover, Glasgow Coma Scale score on admission and the total number of ingested pills were identified as significant pre‐hospital risk factors for prolonged ICU and hospital stay. Setting the total number of ingested pills to 50 tablets did not significantly influence ICU and hospital stay.

Conclusion

The total number of ingested pills and creatine kinase and C‐reactive protein values were identified as predictive factors for prolonged ICU and hospital stay in patients with DOD after admission. Moreover, pre‐hospital risk factors included Glasgow Coma Scale score and the total number of ingested pills. However, the 50‐tablet rule was determined to be a poor cut‐off value for patients with DOD. We presented a subset of our findings at the 46th annual meeting of the Japanese Society for Acute Medicine (Yokohama, Japan) on 20 November 2018.

Verifying the Japanese version of the Preschool Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (psCAM-ICU)

Aim

Pediatric delirium has been well investigated and its prevalence is reported to be from 20% to 44%. For pediatric intensive care settings, several validated assessment tools for diagnosing delirium, including the Preschool Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (psCAM‐ICU), are available in English. However, validated assessment tools for identifying pediatric delirium are unavailable in Japanese. Therefore, the aim of this study is to verify the Japanese translation of the psCAM‐ICU.

Methods

We enrolled patients at the Pediatric ICU at University of Tsukuba Hospital (Tsukuba, Japan) from May 2017 to February 2019. Enrollment criteria included patients aged 6 months to 5 years, and we excluded coma patients scoring under −4 on the Richmond Agitation–Sedation Scale or suffering from stroke. Pediatric patient delirium was simultaneously evaluated by three medical workers (pediatric intensivist and researchers). Psychiatrists then verified these findings against criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – 5th Edition. We evaluated criterion validity (sensitivity and specificity) and reliability using Cohen's κ coefficient.

Results

We made a total of 56 independent assessments of 19 patients (42% female) with an average age of 18 (±15) weeks. Mechanical ventilation was used at least once in 73% of patients and the positive rate of delirium was 54% in total observation. Overall, the psCAM‐ICU showed high sensitivity, specificity (sensitivity, 0.90 [95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80–0.94]; specificity, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.83–0.97]), and high reliability within the researcher assessments (κ = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.82–1.0).

Conclusion

We verified the psCAM‐ICU and it shows high validity and reliability.

Development of the Japanese version of the State Behavioral Scale for critically ill children

Aims

The State Behavioral Scale (SBS) was developed to assess sedation states, including agitation, in pediatric patients on mechanical ventilation. The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of a back‐translated Japanese version of the SBS.

Methods

Translation was done by the back‐translation method followed by a prospective study in a Japanese intensive care unit. For reliability, a nurse/researcher pair evaluated SBS along eight dimensions (respiratory drive, response to ventilation, coughing, best response to stimulation, attentiveness to care provider, tolerance to care, consolability, and movement after consoled). For validity, SBS scores were compared to the Richmond Agitation–Sedation Scale and a visual analog scale (VAS).

Results

The original author approved the back‐translated SBS. Thirty‐one patients aged 0 weeks to 8 years were evaluated from 59 total critical pediatric patient encounters. The researcher and nurse SBS scores demonstrated excellent inter‐rater reliability (weighted κ = 0.96, 95% CI 0.92–0.99). In addition, there was a very strong correlation between the researcher and nurse VAS scores (ρ = 0.80, P < 0.001). Weighted kappa coefficients for the eight dimensions ranged from 0.71 (95% confidence interval, 0.55–0.88; consolability) to 0.89 (95% confidence interval, 0.80–0.98; best response to stimulation). In validity testing, nurse SBS and nurse VAS scores were strongly correlated (ρ = 0.80, P < 0.001) with the researcher SBS and researcher Richmond Agitation–Sedation Scale scores (ρ = 0.91, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study suggests that our Japanese version of the SBS is valid and reliable for evaluating sedation for critically ill children.

Human Papillomavirus 16 E6 Induces FoxM1B in Oral Keratinocytes through GRHL2

High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major risk factor for oral and pharyngeal cancers (OPCs), yet the detailed mechanisms by which HPV promotes OPCs are not understood. Forkhead box M1B (FoxM1B) is an oncogene essential for cell cycle progression and tumorigenesis, and it is aberrantly overexpressed in many tumors. We previously showed that FoxM1B was the putative target of an epithelial-specific transcription factor, Grainyhead-like 2 (GRHL2). In the current study, we demonstrate that HPV type 16 (HPV-16) E6 induces FoxM1B in human oral keratinocytes (HOKs) and tonsillar epithelial cells (TECs) in part through GRHL2. FoxM1B was barely detectable in cultured normal human oral keratinocytes (NHOKs) and progressively increased in immortalized HOKs harboring HPV-16 genome (HOK-16B) and tumorigenic HOK-16B/BaP-T cells. Retroviral expression of HPV-16 E6 and/or E7 in NHOKs, TECs, and hypopharyngeal carcinoma cells (FaDu) revealed induction of FoxM1B and GRHL2 by the E6 protein but not E7. Both GRHL2 and FoxM1B were strongly induced in the epidermis of HPV-16 E6 transgenic mice and HPV⁺ oral squamous cell carcinomas. Ectopic expression of FoxM1B led to acquisition of transformed phenotype in HOK-16B cells. Loss of FoxM1B by lentiviral short hairpin RNA vector or chemical inhibitor led to elimination of tumorigenic characteristics of HOK-16B/BaP-T cells. Luciferase reporter assay revealed that GRHL2 directly bound and regulated the FoxM1B gene promoter activity. Using epithelial-specific Grhl2 conditional knockout mice, we exposed wild-type (WT) and Grhl2 KO mice to 4-nitroquinolin 1-oxide (4-NQO), which led to induction of FoxM1B in the tongue tissues and rampant oral tumor development in the WT mice. However, 4-NQO exposure failed to induce tongue tumors or induction of FoxM1B expression in Grhl2 KO mice. Collectively, these results indicate that HPV-16 induces FoxM1B in part through GRHL2 transcriptional activity and that elevated FoxM1B level is required for oropharyngeal cancer development.

Significant association of increased PD-L1 and PD-1 expression with nodal metastasis and a poor prognosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and its receptor PD-1 are immune checkpoint molecules that attenuate the immune response. Blockade of PD-L1 enhances the immune response in a variety of tumours and thus serves as an effective anti-cancer treatment. However, the biological and prognostic roles of PD-L1/PD-1 signalling in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain to be elucidated. The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation of PD-L1/PD-1 signalling with the prognosis of OSCC patients to assess its potential therapeutic relevance. The expression of PD-L1 and of PD-1 was determined immunohistochemically in 97 patients with OSCC and the association of this expression with clinicopathological characteristics was examined. Increased expression of PD-L1 was found in 64.9% of OSCC cases and increased expression of PD-1 was found in 61.9%. Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that increased expression of PD-L1 and PD-1 positively correlated with cervical lymph node metastasis. The expression of CD25, an activated T-cell marker, was negatively correlated with the labelling index of PD-L1 and PD-1. Moreover, the patient group with PD-L1-positive and PD-1-positive expression showed a more unfavourable prognosis than the group with PD-L1-negative and PD-1-negative expression. These data suggest that increased PD-L1 and PD-1 expression is predictive of nodal metastasis and a poor prognosis and is possibly involved in cancer progression via attenuating the immune response.

Improving the neurological prognosis following OHCA using real-time evaluation of cerebral tissue oxygenation

BACKGROUND

The neurological prognosis is poor for patients suffering from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), in the absence of bystander cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and showing asystole as the initial waveform. However, such patients have the potential of resuming social activity if cerebral tissue oxygen saturation can be preserved.

CASE PRESENTATION

We recently encountered a 60-year-old man who had suffered an OHCA in the absence of bystander CPR, and who successfully resumed complete social activity despite initial asystole and requiring at least 75min of chest compressions before return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). In this case, chest compression was appropriately performed concurrently with real-time evaluation of cerebral tissue oxygenation using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). As a result, the cerebral tissue oxygenation was well maintained, leading to resumption of social activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Improved neurological prognoses can be expected if OHCA patients with the potential for social activity resumption are identified, using NIRS, and effective cardiopulmonary and cerebral resuscitation is performed while visually checking CPR quality.

Cerebral Tissue Oxygenation Index Using Near-infrared Spectroscopy during Extracorporeal Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation Predicted Good Neurological Recovery in a Patient with Acute Severe Anemia

We herein report the clinical course of a patient who had a good neurological outcome despite severe anemia, high serum lactate levels, and a long period of time from cardiac arrest (CA) to extracorporeal cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) establishment. During the period of resuscitation, the tissue oxygenation index (TOI) values were measured continuously by a near-infrared spectroscopy monitoring device and were kept within the normal range. The TOI seems to reflect cerebral perfusion and the balance between the oxygen supply and demand in the brain during ECPR, thereby predicting the neurological outcome. Continuous TOI monitoring is useful for predicting the neurological outcome during ECPR.

Characterization of Dental Epithelial Progenitor Cells Derived from Cervical-loop Epithelium in a Rat Lower Incisor

Dental epithelial progenitor cells differentiate into various cell types during development of tooth germs. To study this mechanism, we produced immortalized dental epithelial progenitor cells derived from the cervical-loop epithelium of a rat lower incisor. The expression patterns of cytokeratin 14, nerve growth factor receptor p75, amelogenin, Notch2, and alkaline phosphatase were examined by immnohistochemistry in both lower and higher cell densities. The patterns of each were compared in the dental epithelium of rat lower incisors. The results demonstrated that these cells could produce ameloblast lineage cells, stratum intermedium cells, stellate reticulum, and outer enamel epithelium. Furthermore, fibroblast growth factor 10 stimulated proliferation of dental progenitor cells and subsequently increased the number of cells expressing alkaline phosphatase. These results suggest that fibroblast growth factor 10 plays a role in coupling mitogenesis of the cervical-loop cells and the production of stratum intermedium cells in rat incisors.

Landiolol hydrochloride ameliorates acute lung injury in a rat model of early sepsis through the suppression of elevated levels of pulmonary endothelin-1

Among the dysfunctions and pathologies associated with sepsis, the underlying molecular mechanisms of sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI) are poorly understood. Endothelin (ET)-1, a potent vasoconstrictor and pro-inflammatory peptide, is known to be involved in the pathogenesis of ALI in a rat model of sepsis. Here, we investigated whether landiolol hydrochloride, an ultra-short-acting β-blocker, plays a crucial role in ameliorating and attenuating LPS-induced ALI through modulation of the ET-1 system. Male Wistar rats at 8weeks of age were administered with either saline or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for three hours (3h) and some of the LPS-administered rats were continuously treated with landiolol for 3h. ALI was induced by LPS, including levels of both circulatory and pulmonary TNF-α and IL-6 but [PaO₂] was significantly decreased. LPS also induced a significant increase in levels of pulmonary ET-1 and ET-A receptor, but levels of ET-B receptor, which has vasodilating effects, were remarkably diminished. Further, LPS administration upregulated the pulmonary expression of HIF-1α. Finally, the treatment of LPS-administered rats with landiolol for 3h ameliorated and prevented ALI, normalized the altered levels of pulmonary ET-1 and ET-A receptors. Landiolol also induced significant down-regulation of ET-B receptor in lung tissues in the early hours (phase) of sepsis. However, Landiolol treatment had no effect on the up-regulated inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-6) in both plasma and lung tissues during sepsis, and expression of pulmonary HIF-1α also remained unchanged after landiolol treatment. Collectively, these data led us to conclude that landiolol may ameliorate sepsis-induced ALI via the pulmonary ET system.

Three-Dimensional Display of Liver, Spleen, Hepatoma, and Blood Vessels by MR Imaging and Computer Graphics

The technique of generating 3-D images from CT and MR data has made progress. Manipulation of the images has become simpler, the processing time shorter, and the quality better. Clinical application of this technique has been performed for images of brain (5, 7, 8) and bone (1, 2, 6), but only a few studies have been done of abdominal organs (3, 4).

Efficacy of concomitant use of dexmedetomidine and propofol in tetanus

Tetanus is an infectious disease caused by Clostridium tetani, which manifests systemic convulsion and autonomic instability associated with high case fatality. Despite proper medical intervention, management of those symptoms is often difficult. We report a case of 67-year-old man with tetanus in which a concomitant use of dexmedetomidine, an adrenaline α-2 receptor agonist, and propofol, a GABA(A) receptor binding agent, was successful in the management of systemic convulsion and autonomic instability without necessitating conventional anticonvulsant, neuromuscular blocking agents, or tracheostomy.

Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI of oral squamous cell carcinoma: a preliminary study of the correlations between quantitative parameters and the clinical stage

OBJECTIVE

To probe the utility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) parameters in assessing the clinical characteristics of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

METHODS

A total of 85 tumours were included. We applied the Tofts and Kermode model for the DCE-MRI data and obtained three dependent parameters: the influx forward volume transfer constant into the extravascular extracellular space (EES) from the plasma (K(trans)), the fractional volume of EES per unit volume of tissue (ve) and the fractional volume of plasma (vp). We evaluated the correlations between these parameters and the clinical stages.

RESULTS

The T stage showed a negative correlation with the K(trans) (r = -0.2272; p = 0.0365), but it did not show a significant correlation with the other parameters. The N stage showed a negative correlation with K(trans) (r = -0.1948; p = 0.0404), and there were significant differences between N1 and N2+3 (0.119 ± 0.027 vs 0.096 ± 0.023 min(-1); p = 0.0198) and between N0 and N2+3 (0.114 ± 0.29 vs 0.096 ± 0.023 min(-1); p = 0.0288).

CONCLUSION

A decrease in the K(trans) at the primary site was found in advanced N stage cases, which might indicate that the hypoxic status cause a high possibility of the metastasis.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

A decrease in the K(trans) at the primary site suggested the high possibility of an advanced N stage.

Higher circulatory level of endothelin-1 in hypertensive subjects screened through a cross-sectional study of rural Bangladeshi women

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potential marker of the endothelial dysfunction, which has been shown to be elevated in hypertensive subjects. No previous study has investigated the circulatory level of ET-1 and hypertension in a South Asian country. The present study assessed the circulating levels of ET-1 in subjects with or without hypertension and further examined the association of ET-1 with clinical and metabolic parameters. A total of 2543 rural Bangladeshi women with a mean age of 44.5 years were studied using a cross-sectional survey. Multiple regressions were used to examine the association between the circulatory ET-1 levels and hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension was 29.3%. The ET-1 levels were significantly higher in the hypertensive (mean 3.08 pg ml(-1), s.e. (0.19)) than in the non-hypertensive subjects (mean 2.01 pg ml(-1), s.e. (0.03)) (P = 0.001). After adjusting for age, the ET-1 level had significant positive associations with the diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.002), systolic blood pressure (P = 0.001), mean arterial pressure (P = 0.002) and fasting blood glucose (P = 0.002). In a tertile analysis, we found that hypertension in the subjects was significantly increased as the levels of ET-1 increased (P for the trend = 0.001). In a stepwise multiple regression analysis, after adjusting for age and all other potential variables, we found that the mean arterial pressure and the fasting plasma levels have significant associations with the ET-1 level. The present study demonstrates that there is a higher concentration of ET-1 among the hypertensive subjects in an apparently healthy population of Bangladeshi rural women. The relationship between ET-1 and hypertension requires further investigation to define the clinical utility and predictive value of serum ET-1 levels for hypertension for a South Asian population.

The diagnostic utility of biopsies from the submandibular and labial salivary glands in IgG4-related dacryoadenitis and sialoadenitis, so-called Mikulicz's disease

IgG4-related dacryoadenitis and sialoadenitis (IgG4-DS) is characterized by serum IgG4 elevation and the infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells in glandular tissues. For definitive diagnosis of IgG4-DS, biopsies of local lesions are recommended to exclude Sjögren's syndrome (SS), malignant tumours, and similar disorders. In this study, we examined the diagnostic utility of submandibular gland (SMG) and labial salivary gland (LSG) biopsies in IgG4-DS. Fourteen patients presenting with swelling of the SMG (eight females and six males) underwent both SMG and LSG biopsies. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of SMG biopsies were all 100.0%. In contrast, those of LSG biopsies were 69.2%, 100.0%, and 71.4%, respectively. Thirty-three out of 61 LSG biopsies (54.1%) from all 14 patients were positive for the diagnostic criteria of IgG4-DS (IgG4-positive/IgG-positive plasma cells >0.4). None of the patients experienced complications such as facial nerve palsy, sialocele, or hyposalivation. The IgG4/IgG ratio showed no significant correlation between the LSG and SMG. The final diagnosis was IgG4-DS in 13 patients and marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (MZL) in one. These results suggest that incisional biopsy of the SMG is useful and appropriate for the definitive diagnosis of IgG4-DS, while diagnosis by LSG biopsy alone requires more caution.

Clinical relevance of Küttner tumour and IgG4-related dacryoadenitis and sialoadenitis

Objectives

Küttner tumour (KT), so-called chronic sclerosing sialoadenitis, is characterised by concomitant swelling of the submandibular glands secondary to strong lymphocytic infiltration and fibrosis independent of sialolith formation. However, recent studies have indicated that some patients with KT develop high serum levels of IgG4 and infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells, namely IgG4-related dacryoadenitis and sialoadenitis (IgG4-DS), so-called Mikulicz's disease. The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical and pathological associations between KT and IgG4-DS.

Materials and Methods

Fifty-four patients pathologically diagnosed with KT or chronic sialoadenitis were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of sialolith (KT-S (+) or KT-S (−), respectively).

Results

There were no significant differences in the clinical findings, including the mean age, sex and disease duration, between the two groups. All patients in the KT-S (+) group showed unilateral swelling without infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells or a history of other IgG4-related diseases (IgG4-RD), while those in the KT-S (−) group showed bilateral swelling (37.5%), strong infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells (87.5%) and a history of other IgG4-RD (12.5%).

Conclusions

These results suggest an association between the pathogeneses of KT-S (−) and IgG4-DS, but not KT-S (+).

Potential amelioration of upregulated renal HIF-1alpha-endothelin-1 system by landiolol hydrochloride in a rat model of endotoxemia

AIMS

Endothelin (ET)-1 is the best known potent vasoconstrictor and has been implicated in pathogenesis of sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) in human or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced AKI in animal models. We have previously shown that ET-1 is highly up-regulated in renal tissues and in plasma after LPS administration. Here, we investigated whether landiolol hydrochloride, an ultra-short-acting beta-blocker, can play an important role in ameliorating levels of LPS-induced up-regulation of renal HIF-1α-ET-1 system and inflammatory cytokines in a rat model of endotoxemia.

MAIN METHODS

Male Wistar rats at 8 weeks of age were either administered with: a) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) only for three hours (3 h) or b) LPS, followed by continuous administration of landiolol for 3 h; c) third group was only treated with vehicle.

KEY FINDINGS

At 3 h after LPS administration there was: a) minimal injury in kidney tissues; b) circulatory levels of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and NGAL increased and c) expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6 and iNOS increased at the level of both circulatory and renal tissues. In addition, LPS significantly induced renal expression of ET-1 and HIF-1α compared to control. Finally, treatment of LPS-administered rats with landiolol for 3 h normalized elevated serum markers of renal injury and up-regulated levels of renal HIF-1α-ET-1 system with normalization of TNF-α.

SIGNIFICANCE

Taken together, these data led us to conclude that landiolol ameliorates the up-regulation of HIF-1α-ET-1 system in minimally morphologically-injured kidney and normalizes biomarkers of renal injury in early hours of endotoxemia of a rat model.

Assessment of circulatory and pulmonary endothelin-1 levels in a lavage-induced surfactant-depleted lung injury rabbit model with repeated open endotracheal suctioning and hyperinflation

AIMS

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a mediator of various physiological and pathological processes, including vascular inflammation, cell proliferation and vasoconstriction. Attenuation of ET action using ET-1 antagonists reduces pulmonary vascular leakage and inflammation in several models of lung injuries and experimental acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Based on these earlier reports, the current study investigates the patterns of ET-1 levels in circulation and pulmonary tissues in an experimental model of lavage-induced surfactant-depleted lung injury. Additionally, we also test the effects of open endotracheal suctioning (OES) and hyperinflation (HI) as recruitment maneuver following OES on ET-1 levels.

MAIN METHODS

Briefly, 24 Japanese white rabbits were anesthetized and intubated. Normal saline was instilled into the lung and washed mildly. After instillation, rabbits were ventilated at definite settings at a total duration of 3 hours. OES and HI were performed every 15 minutes from the beginning of the protocol.

KEY FINDINGS

Here, we show that both circulatory and pulmonary ET-1 levels increased in models with lung injury induced by saline lavage compared to healthy control group. No further aggravation in expression of pulmonary ET-1 was seen after OES and HI, although OES and HI worsened arterial hypoxygenation and severity of lung injury. In contrast, circulatory ET-1 levels significantly decreased after OES and HI but were not associated with blood pressure changes.

SIGNIFICANCE

We conclude that in a saline lavage-induced lung injury model, both circulatory and pulmonary ET-1 levels increased. Further, OES and HI exerted differential effects on ET-1 expression at both circulatory and pulmonary levels.

Significant reversal of cardiac upregulated endothelin-1 system in a rat model of sepsis by landiolol hydrochloride

AIMS

Landiolol hydrochloride, an ultra-short-acting highly cardio-selective β-1 blocker, has become useful for various medical problems. Recent studies have demonstrated that co-treatment with landiolol protects against acute lung injury and cardiac dysfunction in rats of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced systemic inflammation, and was also associated with a significant reduction in serum levels of the inflammation mediator HMGB-1 and histological lung damage. Endothelin (ET)-1, a potent vasoconstrictor, has been implicated in pathogenesis of sepsis and sepsis-induced multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Here, we investigated whether landiolol hydrochloride can play important roles in ameliorating LPS-induced alterations in cardiac ET system of septic rats.

MAIN METHODS

Eight-week-old male Wistar rats were administered LPS only for 3 h and the rest were treated with LPS as well as with landiolol non-stop for 3 h.

KEY FINDINGS

At 3 h after LPS (only) administration, circulatory tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α level, blood lactate concentration and percentage of fractional shortening of heart were significantly increased. In addition, LPS induced a significant expression of various components of cardiac ET-1 system compared to control. Finally, treatment of LPS-administered rats with landiolol for 3 h normalized LPS-induced blood lactate levels and cardiac functional compensatory events, without altering levels of plasma TNF-α and ET-1. Most strikingly, landiolol treatment significantly normalized various components of cardiac ET-1 signaling system in septic rat.

SIGNIFICANCE

Taken together, these data led us to conclude that landiolol may be cardio-protective in septic rats by normalizing the expression of cardiac vasoactive peptide such as ET, without altering the circulatory levels of inflammatory cytokines.

Dual blockade of endothelin action exacerbates up-regulated VEGF angiogenic signaling in the heart of lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxemic rat model

AIMS

Sepsis is a cluster of heterogeneous syndromes associated with progressive endotoxemic developments, ultimately leading to damage of multiple organs, including the heart. However, the pathogenesis of sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction is still not fully understood. The present study is the first to examine alterations in expression of key angiogenic signaling system mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in septic heart and the effects of endothelin dual blocker (ETDB) on it.

MAIN METHODS

Normal Wistar rats were either administered with: a) vehicle only (control group), b) lipopolysaccharide only (LPS: 15 mg/kg) and then sacrificed at different time points (1 h, 3 h, 6 h and 10 h), and c) the last group was co-administered with LPS and ETDB (SB-209670, 1 mg/kg body weight) for 6 h and then sacrificed.

KEY FINDINGS

Administration of LPS resulted in increases in levels of: a) serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, b) serum VEGF and c) serum endothelin (ET)-1 levels accompanied by up-regulation of cardiac VEGF and its downstream angiogenic signaling molecules. While cardiac TNF-α level was unchanged among experimental groups, cardiac ET-1 level was significantly higher in LPS-administered group.

SIGNIFICANCE

We conclude that elevation in VEGF angiogenic signaling may be triggered by diminished oxygenation in the myocardium following LPS administration as a consequence of sepsis-induced microvascular dysfunction. Because of this cardiac dysfunction, oxygen supply may be inadequate at microregional level to support the normal heart metabolism and function. ETDB at 6 h further increased the elevated levels of VEGF angiogenic signaling in endotoxemic heart.

Screening for gestational diabetes mellitus and its prevalence in Bangladesh

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has important health complications for both mother and child and is increasing all over the world. Although prevalence estimates for GDM are not new in developed and many developing countries, data are lacking for many low-income countries like Bangladesh.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence of GDM in Bangladesh.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 3447 women who consecutively visited the antenatal clinics with an average gestation age of 26 weeks. GDM was defined according to WHO criteria (fasting plasma glucose [FPG] ≥7.0 mmol/L or 2-h ≥7.8 mmol/L) and the new ADA criteria (FPG ≥5.3 mmol/L or 2-h ≥8.6 mmol/L OGTT). We also calculated overt diabetes as FPG ≥7.0 mmol/L.

RESULTS

Prevalence of GDM was 9.7% according to the WHO criteria and 12.9% according to the ADA criteria in this study population. Prevalence of overt diabetes was 1.8%. Women with GDM were older, higher educated, had higher household income, higher parity, parental history of diabetes, and more hypertensive, compared with non-GDM women.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates a high prevalence of GDM in Bangladesh. These estimates for GDM may help to formulate new policies to prevent and manage diabetes.

Repeated open endotracheal suctioning causes gradual desaturation but does not exacerbate lung injury compared to closed endotracheal suctioning in a rabbit model of ARDS

Background

Although endotracheal suctioning induces alveolar derecruitment during mechanical ventilation, it is not clear whether repeated endotracheal suctioning exacerbates lung injuries. The present study aimed to determine whether repeated open endotracheal suctioning (OS) exacerbates lung injury compared to closed endotracheal suctioning (CS) during mechanical ventilation in an animal model of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Methods

Briefly, thirty six Japanese white rabbits were initially ventilated in pressure-controlled mode with a constant tidal volume (6 mL/kg). Then, lung injury was induced by repeated saline lavage. The rabbits were divided into four groups, namely: a) OS; b) CS; c) control with ARDS only; d) and healthy control (HC) without ARDS. Animals in all the groups were then ventilated with positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) at 10 cm H₂O. CS was performed using 6 French-closed suctioning catheters connected to endotracheal tube under the following conditions: a) a suctioning time and pressure of 10 sec and 140 mm Hg, respectively; and b) a suction depth of 2 cm (length of adapter) plus tracheal tube. OS was performed using the same conditions described for CS, except the ventilator was disconnected from the animals. Each endotracheal suctioning was performed at an interval of 30 min.

Results

PaO2/FIO2 (P/F) ratio for CS, control and HC groups remained at >400 for 6 hours, whereas that of the OS group progressively declined to 300 (p < 0.05), with each suctioning. However, no difference was observed either in lung injury score (histology) or in the expression pattern of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6) after 6 hours between the OS and CS groups in the circulatory as well as the pulmonary tissues.

Conclusions

Progressive arterial desaturation under conditions of repeated endotracheal suctioning is greater in OS than in CS time-dependently. However, OS does not exacerbate lung injury during mechanical ventilation when observed over a longer time span (6 hours) of repeated endotracheal suctioning, based on morphological and molecular analysis.