GC-MS analysis of exhaled gas for fine detection of inflammatory diseases

Exhaled gas analysis is a non-invasive test ideal for continuous monitoring of biological metabolic information. We analyzed the exhaled gas of patients with inflammatory diseases for trace gas components that could serve as biomarkers that enable early detection of inflammatory diseases and assessment of treatment efficacy. Furthermore, we examined the clinical potential of this method. We enrolled 34 patients with inflammatory disease and 69 healthy participants. Volatile components from exhaled gas were collected and analyzed by a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry system, and the data were examined for gender, age, inflammatory markers, and changes in markers before and after treatment. The data were tested for statistical significance through discriminant analysis by Volcano plot, Analysis of variance test, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis comparing healthy and patient groups. There were no significant differences in the trace components of exhaled gas by gender or age. However, we found differences in some components of the exhaled gas between healthy and untreated patients. In addition, after treatment, gas patterns including the patient-specific components changed to a state closer to the inflammation-free status. We identified trace components in the exhaled gas of patients with inflammatory diseases and found that some of these regressed after treatment.

Frailty Checkup Supporters' Intentions to Participate in Human-Resource Development and Training Activities

BACKGROUND

Frailty prevention is one of social prescriptions for an aging society. That requires community level intervention.

OBJECTIVES

This study examined frailty checkup supporters' (FCSs') intentions to engage in human-resource development and training activities (i.e., leadership activities) and related factors.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Three municipalities in suburban area, Eastern Japan.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty-five of 59 FCSs completed anonymous self-administered questionnaires.

MEASUREMENTS

Questionnaire sought information regarding their sociodemographic data, their perceptions and experiences of FCS activities, and their intentions to participate in human-resource development and training activities. Participants were divided into a high intention (HI) and low intention group (LI). The two groups were compared using quantitative and qualitative data.

RESULTS

Eleven FCSs reported intending to engage in leader-related activities. Factors associated with FCSs' intentions were finding FCS activities rewarding and the willingness to continue performing FCS activities. The participants who changed their daily activities (p = .041) and perceptions regarding contributing to the community (p = .018) showed significantly higher intention than LI participants. Free description about the changes in perceptions and lifestyles as a consequence of participating in FCS activities were analyzed qualitatively. FCSs who changed their daily activities and perspectives about contributing to the community described positive changes in both the groups. Meanwhile, FCSs who did not change their daily activities and perspectives about contributing to the community described their reason only in the LI group.

CONCLUSIONS

The results might encourage FCSs to participate in training and guidance activities, as they have positive experiences and receive recognition obtained through participation in such activities.

AB1199 COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF EARLY INITIATION OF ABATACEPT ON JAPANESE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS BASED ON THE AMPLE STUDY, USING IORRA REAL WORLD DATA

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder leading to disability and reduced quality of life. Effective treatment with biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARD) poses a significant economic burden. The abatacept (ABT) versus adalimumab comparison in biologic-naive RA subjects with background methotrexate (AMPLE) trial1was a head-to-head randomized study.

Objectives:

To assess the cost-effectiveness (CE) of early initiation of ABT on Japanese RA patients with data from the IORRA database (ID).2

Methods:

A model based on the AMPLE study was used to estimate the CE of ABT 1stversus ABT 2ndlines in a cohort of 1000 patients based on responses on ACR20/50/70, HAQ-DI, CDAI and SDAI estimated from the real-clinical data of the ID. Unit costs for direct medical costs of adverse events (AEs), proportions of patients with concomitant medications or outpatient/inpatient visits; doses and duration of concomitant medications were taken from the JMDC claims database.3Uncertainty was assessed in sensitivity analyses (SA) where cost parameters were tested on their ±30% levels. Results were compared between subgroups using cut-offs of 65-years of age and 1.5 of HAQ, or 5-years of treatment duration. The study used a Japanese healthcare payers’ perspective over a 2-year time horizon.

Results:

Incremental costs were all in favor of ABT 2ndline with 137 MJPY (1.1 M€, 120 JPY=1 €), 6 MJPY (0.05 M€), 41 MJPY (0.3 M€), 8 MJPY (0.07 M€) and 2.2 MJPY (0.02 M€) for bDMARDs, concomitant medication, AEs, serious AE, and hospitalizations due to infections, respectively. In total, the incremental costs were expected to be 195 MJPY (1.6 M€) higher for ABT as 1stline treatment, but the cost per responding patient and per patient in remission favored ABT 1stline across most response outcomes (Table 1).

Table 1.

Total costs per responder and patient in remission per 2-year

Difference in cost per health gain(ABT first line - ABT second line)Cost per responding patient (kJPY)ACR20-2,927 (-24 k€)ACR50-6,406 (-53 k€)ACR70-10,822 (-90 k€)HAQ-DI-5,120 (-43 k€)Cost per patient in remission (kJPY)DAS28828 (7 k€)CDAI-7,019 (-58 k€)SDAI-5,584 (-47 k€)

ABT=abatacept; ACR20/50/70= 20/50/70% improvement of the American college of rheumatology criteria; HAQ-DI=health assessment questionnaire disability index; DAS28=disease activity score; CDAI=clinical disease activity index; SDAI=simplified disease activity index

SA showed that the cost for bDMARDs drives the difference in healthcare costs between the cohorts (-685 MJPY to 1,074 MJPY). For sub-groups of patients ≥65 years, <65 years, HAQ≥1.5, HAQ <1.5, treatment duration ≥5 years, <5 years the total 2-yearly costs per responder (SDAI remission) were 106 kJPY (0.9 k€), 321 kJPY (2.7 k€), 1,353 kJPY (11.3 k€), 106 kJPY (0.9 k€), 231 kJPY (1.9 k€) and 178 kJPY (1.5 k€) lower for ABT 1stline, respectively.

Conclusion:

Savings per responding patient are expected if ABT are prescribed as 1stline versus 2ndor 3rdline treatment, irrespective of age, disease duration and functional impairment level.

References:

[1]Sokolove J MS et al.,Anna rheum dis.2015;74(Suppl 2)

[2]IORRA cohort database, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Tokyo, Japan

[3]JMDC claims database, Tokyo, Japan

Disclosure of Interests:

Eiichi Tanaka Consultant of: ET has received lecture fees or consulting fees from Abbvie, Asahi Kasei pharma co., Bristol Myers Squibb, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Eisai Pharmaceutical, Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K., Nippon Kayaku, Pfizer, Takeda Pharmaceutical, Taisho Toyama Pharmaceutical Co., and UCB Pharma., Speakers bureau: ET has received lecture fees or consulting fees from Abbvie, Asahi Kasei pharma co., Bristol Myers Squibb, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Eisai Pharmaceutical, Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K., Nippon Kayaku, Pfizer, Takeda Pharmaceutical, Taisho Toyama Pharmaceutical Co., and UCB Pharma., Eisuke Inoue Speakers bureau: EI has received speaker fee from Bristol-Meyers, Pfizer, Merck serono., Ayako Shoji Consultant of: To conduct this work, Jonas Nilsson Consultant of: To conduct this study, Christos Papagiannopoulos Consultant of: To conduct this study, Dhanda Devender Shareholder of: BMS, Employee of: BMS, Yoshio Anazawa Shareholder of: BMS, Employee of: BMS, Yuri Yoshizawa Shareholder of: BMS, Employee of: BMS, masayoshi harigai Grant/research support from: AbbVie Japan GK, Ayumi Pharmaceutical Co., Bristol Myers Squibb Co., Ltd., Eisai Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Co., Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd., and Teijin Pharma Ltd. MH has received speaker’s fee from AbbVie Japan GK, Ayumi Pharmaceutical Co., Boehringer Ingelheim Japan, Inc., Bristol Myers Squibb Co., Ltd., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Eisai Co., Ltd., Eli Lilly Japan K.K., GlaxoSmithKline K.K., Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Oxford Immuotec, Pfizer Japan Inc., and Teijin Pharma Ltd. MH is a consultant for AbbVie, Boehringer-ingelheim, Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Teijin Pharma.

Lung cancer in chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis

BACKGROUND

So far, the association of lung cancer with chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (CHP) has not been studied.

OBJECTIVE

We examined the prevalence and revealed clinical features of lung cancer in CHP.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records from 1994 through 2005 and identified 11 patients (15 lesions) with lung cancer among 104 patients with CHP. Their clinical features and histopathological findings were analyzed.

RESULTS

Ten men and 1 woman with a median age of 68.9 years were included. All patients had a smoking history. The most prevalent histopathological type of lung cancer was squamous cell carcinoma (53%), and all tumors were located in the peripheral region of the lung. Four patients suffered from lung cancer after the diagnosis of CHP and 1 patient had lung cancer before the diagnosis of CHP. The histological pattern of CHP showed a predominantly usual interstitial pneumonia-like lesion. Tumors were located adjacent to honeycombing in 7 (47%) of 15 lesions, bullae in 4 (27%) lesions, and relatively normal lung in 4 lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Since the prevalence of lung cancer in CHP seems to be high (10.6%) as seen in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, physicians should be aware of the possible complication of lung cancer in CHP.

Prior nonhip limb fracture predicts subsequent hip fracture in institutionalized elderly people

SUMMARY

This 1-year cohort study of nursing home residents revealed that historical fractures of upper limbs or nonhip lower limbs were associated with hip fracture (hazard ratio = 2.14), independent of activities of daily living (ADL), mobility, dementia, weight, and type of nursing home. Prior nonhip fractures are useful for predicting of hip fracture in institutional settings.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of fracture history for the prediction of hip fracture in nursing home residents.

METHODS

This was a cohort study with a 1-year follow-up. Subjects were 8,905 residents of nursing homes in Niigata, Japan (mean age, 84.3 years). Fracture histories were obtained from nursing home medical records. ADL levels were assessed by caregivers. Hip fracture diagnosis was based on hospital medical records.

RESULTS

Subjects had fracture histories of upper limbs (5.0%), hip (14.0%), and nonhip lower limbs (4.6%). Among historical single fractures, only prior nonhip lower limbs significantly predicted subsequent fracture (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.43; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.30-4.57). The stepwise method selected the best model, in which a combined historical fracture at upper limbs or nonhip lower limbs (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.30-3.52), dependence, ADL levels, mobility, dementia, weight, and type of nursing home independently predicted subsequent hip fracture.

CONCLUSIONS

A fracture history at upper or nonhip lower limbs, in combination with other known risk factors, is useful for the prediction of future hip fracture in institutional settings.

Fracture incidence in nursing homes in Japan

We conducted the first study to determine fracture incidence in institutionalized elderly people in East Asia. Fracture incidence was generally higher than in the general population but was not for all fracture types. Specific fracture prevention strategies for institutionalized people are needed. Ethnic differences in fracture incidence are also discussed.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of fractures in nursing homes in Japan, where fracture is becoming an increasingly problematic health issue.

METHODS

We conducted a cohort study with a 1-year follow-up. Subjects were 8,905 residents (average age, 84.3 years) in nursing homes. Caregivers assessed activities of daily living levels using Barthel's index, and we collected demographic data of each resident. Fracture diagnosis was based on medical records from the hospitals where patients were admitted.

RESULTS

Incidence of hip fracture was 14.9 per 1,000 person-years for women and 9.7 for men. Incidence of forearm and upper-arm fractures was 1.9 and 5.1 for women and 0.5 and 2.1 for men, respectively. Hip and upper-arm fracture rates were higher than in the general population, but forearm fracture rates were lower. Hazard ratio of fracture incidence in totally dependent to partially dependent or independent subjects was 0.14 (95%CI 0.05-0.33) for hip fracture and 0.34 (95%CI 0.23-0.50) for all fractures.

CONCLUSIONS

Fracture incidence in institutionalized elderly people is generally higher but is not higher for all types of fractures than the general population. In addition, totally dependent persons had a much lower risk of hip fracture.

The epidermal growth factor receptor mediates allergic airway remodelling in the rat

The chronicity of bronchial asthma is attributed to persistent airway inflammation and to a variety of structural changes, or remodelling, that includes smooth muscle and goblet cell hyperplasia. To investigate the mechanisms of airway remodelling, the current authors used an established allergen (ovalbumin; OVA)-driven rodent model (the Brown Norway rat). Brown Norway rats were sensitised to OVA and challenged three times at 5-day intervals to evoke airway remodelling. The effects of an epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor inhibitor, AG1478, and a cysteinyl leukotriene-1 receptor antagonist, montelukast, on epithelial and airway smooth muscle (ASM) cell proliferation in vivo in response to repeated OVA challenge were tested. Three challenges with leukotriene (LT)D(4) were given, to examine their effects on remodelling with and without AG1478 pretreatment. OVA challenges caused ASM hyperplasia, with an increase in mass, epithelial cell proliferation and goblet cell proliferation. AG1478 prevented the changes, as did montelukast. Multiple OVA challenges increased heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor but not EGF expression by airway epithelium. LTD(4) reproduced the changes in remodelling induced by OVA and this was blocked by AG1478. Allergen-induced airway epithelial and airway smooth muscle remodelling is mediated by cysteinyl leukotrienes via the cysteinyl leukotriene-1 receptor with downstream effects on the epidermal growth factor receptor axis.

Pathogenesis of cBFL in common with IPF? Correlation of IP-10/TARC ratio with histological patterns

BACKGROUND

A Th1 predominant immune response has been shown in acute hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Predominance of Th2 appears to favour the development of pulmonary fibrosis through the profibrotic process and has been described as crucial in the progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Chronic bird fancier's lung (cBFL) can present with a histological pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP)-like lesions. Little is known about the Th1/Th2 balance in the pathogenesis of cBFL.

METHODS

To evaluate the relevance of Th1-type chemokines (interferon-inducible protein, IP-10) and Th2-type chemokines (thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine, TARC) and their receptors (CXCR3 and CCR4) to the histological patterns of cBFL, 40 patients with cBFL who underwent surgical lung biopsies, 12 with acute BFL (aBFL) and 10 healthy volunteers were analysed. IP-10 and TARC levels in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were measured by ELISA. Immunohistochemistry for CXCR3 and CCR4 was performed on surgical lung specimens.

RESULTS

The ratio of TARC to IP-10 in the serum of patients with UIP-like lesions was significantly higher than in patients with cNSIP/OP-like lesions, aBFL and healthy volunteers. The ratio of CCR4 to CXCR3 in patients with UIP-like lesions was significantly higher than in those with cNSIP/OP-like lesions and fNSIP-like lesions. The ratio of CCR4-positive to CXCR3-positive cells correlated with the ratio of TARC to IP-10 in serum.

CONCLUSIONS

A Th2 predominant immune response may play an important role in the development of UIP-like lesions, as already observed in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. A Th1 predominance may play a role in the development of cNSIP/OP-like lesions in cBFL.

Maturational changes in skin color of Japanese newborn infants

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

The skin color of newborn infants is subjectively observed to change, depending upon their gestational age. We evaluated the relationship between neonatal skin color and gestational age by employing an objective method.

METHODS

Using a tristimulus photocolorimeter, L*, a*, and b* were examined as the parameters of skin color in Japanese newborn infants (Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage L*a*b* color space). The following items were examined: (1) the reproducibility of the measurements; (2) the time course of the values during the first 24 h after birth, and (3) the relationship with the gestational age. The gestational age of these infants had been determined by measuring their crown-rump length during fetal periods.

RESULTS

Reliability and validity of the measurements were satisfactory for all parameters. However, a* and b* fluctuated widely during the first 24 h. By contrast, L* was stable between 3 and 24 h after birth. L* measured during these periods directly correlated with the gestational age (r=0.843, p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Because L* represents lightness or darkness, our results suggest that the skin color changes from black to white with maturation. L* may be a helpful parameter for the evaluation of the gestational age of newborn infants.

Chronic bird fancier's lung: histopathological and clinical correlation. An application of the 2002 ATS/ERS consensus classification of the idiopathic interstitial pneumonias

BACKGROUND

Chronic bird fancier's lung (BFL) has often been misdiagnosed as one of the idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs).

METHODS

To define the clinical and pathological characteristics of chronic BFL, 26 patients with chronic BFL from whom a surgical lung biopsy specimen was taken between October 1992 and June 2001 were evaluated. The histopathological characteristics of the surgical lung biopsy specimens were examined and correlations between the histopathology and clinical characteristics were analysed. The quality of chronic inflammatory and fibrotic changes was expressed according to the 2002 ATS/ERS consensus classification of IIPs.

RESULTS

Two patients were diagnosed as having bronchiolitis obliterans organising pneumonia (BOOP)-like lesions, five as having cellular non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP)-like lesions, and eight as having fibrotic NSIP-like lesions. The other 11 patients were considered to have usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP)-like lesions because of the temporal heterogeneous appearances of the fibrotic changes. However, fibrosis in these patients had developed in centrilobular as well as perilobular areas, suggestive of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Nineteen patients (73.1%) had multinucleated giant cells, often with cholesterol clefts, while only five patients (19.2%) had granulomas. Patients with BOOP-like or cellular NSIP-like lesions tended to have recurrent acute episodes, whereas patients with UIP-like lesions had an insidious onset. Patients with BOOP-like or cellular NSIP-like lesions had a more favourable outcome than those with fibrotic NSIP-like and UIP-like lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

The qualities of chronic inflammatory and fibrotic lesions vary significantly among patients with chronic BFL but correlate with clinical features and prognosis.

Physical characteristics of low and medium energy collimators for 123I imaging and simultaneous dual-isotope imaging

Septal penetration of high energy photons may degrade 123I images obtained with a low energy collimator. We evaluated the physical characteristics of a low energy, high resolution (LEHR) collimator, special LEHR (SLEHR) collimator, and medium energy collimator for 123I studies. The cross-talk of 99mTc and 123I into the 201Tl window was also examined. Sensitivity and spatial resolution were measured with each collimator. Point sources of 99mTc and 123I were imaged at various source-collimator distances using multiple energy windows, and the effects of collimator choice on energy spectrum and spatial distribution of photopeak counts were assessed. For 99mTc, both sensitivity and resolution were similar with the low energy collimators, and higher sensitivity and lower resolution were observed with the medium energy collimator. For 123I, the full width at tenth maximum was larger for 123I than for 99mTc when using the LEHR collimator. Acquisitions with multiple energy windows revealed severe degradation due to septal penetration in imaging 123I with the LEHR collimator, especially at short distances. The degradation was reduced with the SLEHR collimator and further with the medium energy collimator. In both 99mTc and 123I imaging, cross-talk into the 201Tl window was larger at shorter distances and the largest with the LEHR collimator. In conclusion, variation in collimator geometry causes differences in the effect of septal penetration on 123I images and in cross-talk into the 201Tl window. The SLEHR collimator may be suitable for use in high resolution 123I imaging and simultaneous 99mTc/201Tl imaging. Use of the medium energy collimator appears to be preferable in quantitative 123I studies.

Serum cytokine levels in atopic dermatitis

Elevated IgE responses and eosinophilia observed in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) may reflect increased responses of type 2 T-helper (Th2) cytokines with a concomitant decrease in interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production. However, the cross-regulation of Th1/Th2 derivation and function in AD patients are incompletely characterized. Therefore, we investigated serum levels of several cytokines [interleukin (IL)-18, IL-12, IL-10, IL-2 and IFN-gamma] in patients with AD to assess their possible relationships to the severity of disease. Serum IL-18 levels in AD patients were significantly higher than those in healthy controls [207 pg/mL; 95% confidence interval (CI), 172-242 pg/mL vs. 144 pg/mL; 95% CI, 116-178 pg/mL; P = 0.026]. Those IL-18 levels significantly correlated with eosinophil counts and serum soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R) levels, and showed a tendency to correlate with clinical severity scores and serum IgE levels. IL-2 levels showed a significantly inverse correlation with serum IgE levels, and IL-12 levels clearly correlated with IL-10 levels. These results suggest the value of serum IL-18 levels as a parameter of AD activity and may support a possible role for IL-18 in the pathogenesis of AD. The inverse correlation between IgE levels and IL-2 levels suggests that IgE production may be inhibited by IL-2 in patients with AD. Furthermore, the correlation of IL-12 levels with IL-10 levels may support the previous reports that show the induction of IL-10 production by human natural killer cells and/or T cells stimulated with IL-12 in vitro.

Progesterone induces apoptosis in malignant mesothelioma cells

Progesterone has been used in the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic progesterone receptor-positive endometrial carcinoma and breast cancer. In vitro study using a breast cancer cell line, T47D, demonstrated an increase in p53 gene expression and induction of apoptosis by the administration of progesterone. Therefore, we investigated the effect of progesterone administration on the proliferation and apoptosis in a mesothelioma cell line, 211H. The expression of the progesterone receptor gene was detected in this cell line by a nested RT-PCR method. The proliferation of the cell line was suppressed after a 10-day incubation with 30 microM progesterone. In progesterone-treated 211H cells, apoptotic cells were detected by TUNEL assay and nuclear DNA fragmentation analysis. These results clearly demonstrated that progesterone administration suppressed the cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in malignant mesothelioma cells.

IL-12 and IL-18 synergistically induce the bactericidal activity of murine peritoneal cells against M. leprae

We examined the effect of IL-12 and IL-18 on bactericidal activities of mouse peritoneal cell (PC) against Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae). We demonstrated that IL-12 and IL-18 synergistically induced the NO-dependent bactericidal activity of PC by stimulating Natural Killer (NK) cells and T-cells through IFN-gamma production. IL-12 and IL-18 induced host cell death through NK-cells and T-cells. Therefore. IL-12 and IL-18 play an important role on direct killing of intracellular M. leprae and on indirect killing of them through inducing host cell death.

[Tissue platinum distribution and the effect following intra-arterial injection of cisplatin to metastatic liver cancer--a case report]

A 63-year-old male with advanced esophageal cancer was admitted to our hospital. He received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with intravenous cisplatin and fluorouracil (5-FU), and underwent resection of the esophagus and placement of a gastric tube. Two months later, multiple metastases appeared in the right lobe of the liver. Intermittent arterial infusion chemotherapy with cisplatin and 5-FU were performed. To selectively infuse the drugs into the right hepatic artery, the left hepatic artery was embolized. Treatment had a marked effect in the right lobe, but new lesions were subsequently discovered in the left lobe. The patient died of pleuritis 27 days after the end of cisplatin infusion and 12 months after surgery. In total, 465 mg of cisplatin and 20 mg of nedaplatin were administered. At autopsy, tissue samples were collected to measure the platinum concentration. The result showed the highest value to be in the right lobe, 4.8 times as high as that in the left lobe. It is suggested that the concentration of platinum in tissue is correlated with the anticancer effect of cisplatin to the tissue, despite of the traditional view that the tissue concentration and the effect are not related.

[The relation between the severity of bronchial asthma and the treatment points in children]

The treatment points and score for definition of the asthma severity were initially introduced in the guideline for pediatric asthma treatment and management on 1998. We studied the relationship between the severity of clinical symptoms for children with bronchial asthma and the treatment points from July 1998 to November 1999 in our hospital. One hundred twenty five patients (one to 15 years of age, 77 boys and 48 girls) were retrospectively investigated. The treatment points and scores were associated with the clinical symptom score. However, there was no relationship in some patients. In order to define the severity of bronchial asthma, we should investigate not only the severity in terms of the clinical symptoms; the number and degree of asthma attacks, but also the treatment points and score. Furthermore, we should pay attention to the seasonal variation of the treatment points.

[A case of Churg-Strauss syndrome in which positive rheumatoid factor and MPO-ANCA preceded the development of clinical symptoms of vasculitis]

A 52-year-old man in whom bronchial asthma had been diagnosed in 1995 was admitted for the treatment of Churg-Strauss syndrome in June 1997. Positive tests MPO-ANCA and rheumatoid factor preceded the symptoms of vasculitis for several months. A skin biopsy revealed infiltration of eosinophils in the vessel walls, and the diagnosis of Churg-Strauss syndrome was confirmed. After systemic administration of corticosteroids, the symptoms other than mononeuritis improved markedly, and his MPO-ANCA and rheumatoid factor became negative. Rheumatoid factor and MPO-ANCA may be useful for the early diagnosis of Churg-Strauss syndrome in patients with bronchial asthma in which a well-controlled disease develops into an intractable condition.

Antiproliferative effect of isopentenylated coumarins on several cancer cell lines

33 coumarins, mainly the simple isopentenylated coumarins and derived pyrano- and furanocoumarins, were examined for their antiproliferative activity towards several cancer and normal human cell lines. The pyrano- and furanocoumarins showed strong activity against the cancer cell lines, whereas they had weak antiproliferative activity against the normal human cell lines. The decreasing rank order of potency was osthenone (10), clausarin (25), clausenidin (26), dentatin (24), nordentatin (23), imperatorin (29), seselin (27), xanthyletin (21), suberosin (17), phebalosin (8) and osthol (12). The structure-activity relationship established from the results revealed that the 1,1-dimethylallyl and isopentenyl groups have an important role for antiproliferative activity.

Calretinin promoter for suicide gene expression in malignant mesothelioma

To achieve specific and efficient expression of transfected suicide gene in malignant mesothelioma cells, we explored the 5-flanking region (2.2 kb) of the calretinin gene as a tumor-specific promoter. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated the expression of calretinin mRNA in two human malignant mesothelioma cell lines (H2052 and 211 H). A reporting vector containing the calretinin promoter (pCAL-LUC) exhibited relatively high luciferase activity in these cell lines. After transfecting an expression vector containing the calretinin promoter-bound thymidine kinase gene (pCAL-TK) into the cells, we examined their sensitivity to ganciclovir (GCV). In the mesothelioma cell lines, the pCAL-TK transfected cells became about 100 times more sensitive to GCV than the parental cells. The calretinin promoter seems to be a promising candidate as a specific and efficient promoter in malignant mesothelioma.

The antiproliferative effect of coumarins on several cancer cell lines

Twenty-one coumarins were examined for their antiproliferative activity towards several cancer cell lines, namely lung carcinoma (A549), melanin pigment producing mouse melanoma (B16 melanoma 4A5), human T-cell leukemia (CCRF-HSB-2), and human gastric cancer, lymph node metastasized (TGBC11TKB). The structure-activity relationship established from the results revealed that the 6,7-dihydroxy moiety had an important role for their antiproliferative activity. Analysis of cell cycle distribution indicated that esculetin-treated cells accumulated in the G1 (at 400 microM) or in S phase (at 100 microM).

Sea water or its components alter experimental irritant dermatitis in man

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Ocean bathing has been considered "healthy" for skin, but its efficacy remains testimonial in nature. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of sea water and its main components on experimental irritant contact dermatitis induced by sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) cumulative irritation.

METHODS

After open application of 2% SLS for 10 min on volar forearm sites, solutions of sea water, 500 mM NaCl, 10 mM KCl, 55 mM MgCl2, 10 mM CaCl2, or deionized water were separately applied using filter paper discs for 20 min. The procedures were repeated daily for 2 weeks. The effects of the treatment were assessed daily using measurements of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), as an indicator of epidermal barrier function, and capacitance, as a parameter of stratum corneum water content.

RESULTS

Sea water, NaCl, and KCl significantly inhibited the increase of TEWL as compared with deionized water (P < 0.003, P < 0.05, P < 0.05, respectively). Sea water and NaCl inhibited the decrease of capacitance as well (P < 0.03, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The effect of sea water may be attributed to skin barrier preservation by NaCl and KCl, and an emollient effect by NaCl.

Adenovirus-mediated suicide gene transfer to small cell lung carcinoma using a tumor-specific promoter

The gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) is expressed in most types of small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and the GRP promoter is thought to be potentially useful for tumor-specific expression of the suicide gene in SCLC. We constructed an adenovirus containing the herpes simplex thymidine kinase suicide gene driven by the GRP promoter (AdGRP-TK) and transfected it into GRP-expressing SCLC cells (SBC5) to confer sensitivity to ganciclovir (GCV). After infection with AdGRP-TK, SBC5 cells became more sensitive to GCV in vitro. In nude mice, a subcutaneously-inoculated tumor of SBC5 cells infected with AdGRP-TK in advance regressed completely after intraperitoneal administration of GCV. These results suggest that adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of the suicide gene followed by pro-drug treatment may be applicable to SCLC.

Neuron specific enolase promoter for suicide gene therapy in small cell lung carcinoma

To investigate the specific transduction of a suicide gene into human small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) cells, we explored the promoter region of the neuron specific enolase (NSE) gene as a tumor-specific promoter. In Northern blot analysis, NSE mRNA was expressed more abundantly in the SBC3 human SCLC cell line than in the RERF human SCLC cell line, the A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cell line and the HeLa human uterine cervix epitheloid carcinoma cell line. A reporting vector containing the NSE promoter (pNSE-LUC) exhibited higher luciferase activity in SBC3 than in the other three cell lines. After transfecting an expression vector containing the NSE promoter-bound HSV-TK gene (pNSE-TK) into the cells, we measured their sensitivity to ganciclovir (GCV). In SBC3, pNSE-TK transfected cells showed about the same sensitivity to GCV as non-transfected (parental) cells. Though the NSE promoter itself is not optimal for use in suicide gene transfer to SCLC cells, it might be applied as a tumor-specific promoter after enhancement of its activity.

[Clinical usefulness of antigen-captured ELISA method using mouse anti-Trichosporon asahii monoclonal antibody D-8 for diagnosis of summer-type hypersensitivity pneumonitis]

In the present study, we assessed the clinical usefulness of the antigen-captured ELISA method using mouse anti-Trichosporon asahii monoclonal antibody D-8 in 193 patients with summer-type hypersensitivity pneumonitis (SHP) and in 127 healthy volunteers. When the cut-off value was determined as 0.15, the diagnosis of SHP was accurately made by this method in 168 of 193 SHP patients. The sensitivity and specificity of the diagnosis of SHP determined by this method were 87.0% and 96.1%, respectively. We concluded that this ELISA method is a useful technique for the diagnosis of SHP when the possibility of SHP is recognized during the course of a case.

Comparisons between radioactive and non-radioactive gas lantern mantles

Gas lantern mantles containing radioactive thorium have been used for more than 100 years. Although thorium was once believed to be indispensable for giving a bright light, non-radioactive mantles are now available. From the radioactivities of the daughter nuclides, we estimated the levels of radioactivity of 232Th and 228Th in 11 mantles. The mantles contained various levels of radioactivity from background levels to 1410 +/- 140 Bq. Our finding that radioactive and non-radioactive mantles are equally bright suggests that there is no advantage in using radioactive mantles. A remaining problem is that gas lantern mantles are sold without any information about radioactivity.

Antiproliferative effects of small fruit juices on several cancer cell lines

Juices prepared from small fruits, mainly growing in the northern part of Japan, were studied in an attempt to explore the feasibility of an assay that screens cytotoxic properties. Screening of 43 small fruit juices indicated that Actinidia polygama Maxim., Rosa rugosa Thunb., Vaccinium smallii A. Gray and Sorbus sambucifolia Roem, strongly inhibited the proliferation of all cancer cell lines examined and yet these juices were substantially less cytotoxic toward normal human cell lines.

Inhalation provocation tests in chronic bird fancier's lung

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic bird fancier's lung (BFL) can be classified into two types. One group of patients develops chronic disease with fluctuating acute episodes, including low-grade fever, mild exertional dyspnea, and cough (fluctuating chronic BFL; formerly termed recurrent and relapsing chronic BFL). The other group of patients shows no history of acute episodes (insidious chronic BFL). The diagnosis of chronic BFL is difficult, since the onset of chronic BFL may be insidious, with few if any symptoms during the early stages of the disease process.

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To attempt to diagnose the conditions of these patients more precisely, inhalation provocation tests were conducted using avian dropping extracts.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING

The Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital in Japan.

PATIENTS

Eleven patients with chronic BFL (6 with fluctuating chronic BFL and 5 with insidious chronic BFL) and 6 control subjects (4 asymptomatic bird owners and 2 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients) were evaluated.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Inhalation provocation tests using avian dropping extracts were conducted. All BFL patients were evaluated as positive or probable by inhalation challenge, whereas control subjects were evaluated as negative. A peripheral leukocytosis, an increase of alveolar-arterial oxygen pressure difference, an increase of body temperature, and the development of respiratory symptoms including cough and dyspnea were more frequently observed in chronic BFL patients than in control subjects. All the BFL patients had an increase in neutrophils in BAL fluids following inhalation challenge.

CONCLUSIONS

We validated the utility of inhalation challenge for the diagnosis of chronic BFL, including fluctuating and insidious BFL. We also demonstrated that neutrophilia in BAL fluids following inhalation challenge could be added to the diagnostic criteria for chronic BFL.

Microwave coagulation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma

The efficacy and safety of microwave coagulation therapy (MCT) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and impaired hepatic reserve were studied. Preoperative background factors, postoperative results, and prognostic factors were compared in 51 patients who underwent hepatic resection (HR group) and 38 patients who underwent microwave coagulation therapy (MCT group). Before surgery, measures of hepatic function, including level of albumin (P = 0.0072), prothrombin time (P<0.0001), hepaplastin test (P = 0.0088), and the radioactivity of technetium-99m galactosyl-human serum albumin 15 min in the liver after injection divided by that in both liver and heart (P <0.0001) were significantly lower in the MCT group than in the HR group. The indocyanine green dye retention rate at 15 min was significantly greater (P<0.0001) in the MCT group than in the HR group, and a significant difference was noted in Child-Pugh grade between the groups (P<0.0001). Operative time (P = 0.0014) and blood loss during surgery (P = 0.0005) were significantly lower in the MCT group than in the HR group. In contrast, no significant differences were recognized between the groups in the changes in postoperative liver function, or in the rates of morbidity, mortality, local recurrence, and survival. Moreover, the type of treatment (HR or MCT) was not a prognostic factor. The results indicate that MCT can be used safely as an alternative to hepatic resection in patients with poor liver function without reducing the efficacy of local control.

Acute effects of smoke exposure on the cellular and cytokine profile in isolated perfused lungs

The aim of this study was to assess the acute effects of cigarette smoke exposure on cellular and cytokine profile in BAL fluids in an isolated perfused rabbit assay. The experimental animals were categorized into four groups: (1) unexposed controls and (2) cigarette smoke-exposed animals perfused with autologous whole blood; (3) unexposed controls and cigarette smoke-exposed; (4) cigarette smoke-exposed animals perfused with Krebs' Ringer solution containing 5% bovine serum albumin and glucose. Cigarette smoke induced an increase in total cell numbers (mainly alveolar macrophages in BAL fluids) and an increase in the permeability index of BAL. Levels of interleukin 8 were also significantly decreased in BAL fluids due to acute effects of cigarette smoke exposure. The most likely explanation for cigarette smoke-induced increase of inflammatory cells in BAL in lungs is because of the release of pre-existing cells from reservoirs within the lungs. The acute effects of cigarette smoke-induced increase of pulmonary epithelial permeability may also play an important role in the cellular recruitment into airspaces from the lung reservoirs.

Differentiation-inducing effects of small fruit juices on HL-60 leukemic cells

Epidemiological studies indicate that high intakes of fruits and vegetables are associated with a reduced risk of cancer, and several plant-derived drugs have been developed in medical oncology. Since only a small part of the flora has been tested for any kind of bioactivity, we chose small fruits as sources of differentiation-inducing activity against HL-60 leukemic cells. We have prepared juices from various small fruits that grow mainly in the northern part of Japan. Screening of 43 samples indicated that juices of Actinidia polygama Maxim., Rosa rugosa Thunb., Vaccinium smallii A. Gray, and Sorbus sambucifolia Roem. strongly induced differentiation of HL-60 cells to monocyte/macrophage characteristics in a concentration-dependent manner as indicated by histochemical and biochemical examinations.

An exfoliative toxin A-converting phage isolated from Staphylococcus aureus strain ZM

Exfoliative toxin A (ETA) causes staphylococcal scalded-skin syndrome in children. The gene for ETA was believed to be coded by the chromosomal DNA. We isolated temperate phages from an ETA-producing strain, ZM, using a restriction minus strain, 1039, as an indicator. One of the prophages, designated phi-ZM-1 mediated lysogenic conversion of ETA. The polymerase chain reaction assay of the eta gene revealed that phage phi-ZM-1 carries the structural gene for ETA.

Interferon-gamma increases IL-12 mRNA expression and attentuates allergic late-onset airway responses in the Brown Norway rat

Interferon gamma is a T-helper cell (Th)-1-type cytokine that has been suggested to inhibit the development of an atopic Th2-type profile of cytokine expression. The aim of this study was to investigated the effect of exogenous rat interferon gamma on antigen-induced airway responses, and on Th1 and Th2-type cytokine messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression in the Brown Norway rat. Rats were actively sensitized to ovalbumin and 14 days later underwent an aerosolized ovalbumin challenge. Animals were intratracheally administered either interferon gamma (3,000 U) or control solvent 30 min prior to, and 2 and 4 h following, antigen challenge. Lung resistance was monitored over an 8-h time period. Using in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry, the levels of Th1- (interleukin-12) and Th2-type (interleukin4 and -5) cytokine mRNA, and major basic protein expression in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of these rats 8 h after ovalbumin challenge were also determined. Administration of interferon gamma attenuated the development of the late-onset airways response in ovalbumin-sensitized antigen-challenged rats (p<0,05). The expression of interleukin-4 and -5 mRNA in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of interferon gamma treated rats was significantly attenuated compared to ovalbumin-challenged saline-treated controls (p<0.001). This was accompanied by a significant increase in the expression of interleukin-12 mRNA, and a reduction in eosinophil numbers. Intratracheal administration of interferon gamma modulates the allergic late-onset airways response in rats, and this is associated with a reduction in the expression of T-helper cell 2-type cytokines and an increase in interleukin-12 messenger ribonucleic acid expression within the airways. The present results support a role for interferon gamma in the pathophysiology of acute allergic airway responses, possibly by virtue of its ability to modulate T-helper cell 1- 2-type cytokine expression within the lungs.

Relationship between apoptosis and immunohistochemical staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen and Ki-67 in non-small cell lung cancer

The relationship between apoptosis and cellular proliferative activity in human non-small cell lung cancer (25 cases) was investigated using the in situ DNA nick-end labeling method and immunohistochemistry for both proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Ki-67 antigen. Comparison of the distribution of Ki-67-positive cells to that of apoptotic cells shows an inverse correlation in semi-serial sections. The PCNA labeling rates were closely correlated with Ki-67 labeling rates in non-small cell lung cancer. It was concluded that the immunostainings of PCNA and Ki-67 were almost equally valuable for assessing the proliferative activity in paraffin-embedded tissue from non-small cell lung cancer and that apoptosis may be related with the cell cycle in this cancer.