Neurotropin® accelerates peripheral nerve regeneration in a rat sciatic nerve crush injury model

BACKGROUND

Peripheral nerve injuries are common and serious conditions. The effect of Neurotropin® (NTP), a nonprotein extract derived from the inflamed skin of rabbits inoculated with vaccinia virus, on peripheral nerve regeneration has not been fully elucidated. However, it has analgesic properties via the activation of descending pain inhibitory systems. Therefore, the current study aimed to determine the effects of NTP on peripheral nerve regeneration.

METHODS

We examined axonal outgrowth of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons using immunocytochemistry in vitro. In addition, nerve regeneration was evaluated functionally, electrophysiologically, and histologically in a rat sciatic nerve crush injury model in vivo. Furthermore, gene expression of neurotrophic factors in the injured sciatic nerves and DRGs was evaluated.

RESULTS

In the dorsal root ganglion neurons in vitro, NTP promoted axonal outgrowth at a concentration of 10 mNU/mL. Moreover, the systemic administration of NTP contributed to the recovery of motor and sensory function at 2 weeks, and of sensory function, nerve conduction velocity, terminal latency, and axon-remyelination 4 weeks after sciatic nerve injury. In the gene expression assessment, insulin-like growth factor 1 and vascular endothelial growth factor expressions were increased in the injured sciatic nerve 2 days postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, NTP might be effective in not only treating chronic pain but also promoting peripheral nerve regeneration after injury.

Impact of muscle volume loss on acute oral mucositis in patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy after oral cancer resection

This study evaluated the association between skeletal muscle mass depletion and severe oral mucositis in patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy after oral cancer resection. Skeletal muscle mass was evaluated in 60 patients using the skeletal muscle index, which was based on skeletal muscle cross-sectional area (on computed tomography) at the level of the third lumbar vertebra. In accordance with the grading criteria of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group, patients with a grade ≥3 were defined as having severe oral mucositis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate independent risk factors for severe oral mucositis. Eleven patients (18.3%) were diagnosed with low skeletal muscle mass. Severe oral mucositis occurred in 17 (28.3%) patients, and the mean skeletal muscle index was 42.8 cm²/m². A low skeletal muscle mass (hazard ratio 18.1; P=0.001) and a chemotherapy regimen consisting of 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin (versus cisplatin only) (hazard ratio 5.5; P=0.015) were independent risk factors for severe oral mucositis. Future prospective studies are warranted to identify effective pre- and perioperative exercises and nutrition programmes to increase low skeletal muscle mass and reduce the incidence of severe oral mucositis in patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy after oral cancer resection.

Hallux valgus deformity after total ankle arthroplasty for rheumatoid arthritis: A case report

Hallux valgus (HV) deformity is associated with hindfoot valgus deformity. We experienced a case that suggests the possibility that valgus correction for varus hindfoot with bony ankylosis of the subtalar joint by total ankle arthroplasty may have caused a forefoot HV deformity, despite adequate valgus correction.

Inter-observer reproducibility of endometrial cytology by the Osaki Study Group method: utilising the Becton Dickinson SurePath™ liquid-based cytology

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the reproducibility of the cytological diagnosis of endometrial lesions by the Osaki Study Group (OSG) method of new cytological diagnostic criteria using BD SurePath^™ (SP)-liquid-based cytology (LBC).

METHODS

This cytological classification using the OSG method consists of six categories: (i) normal endometrium (NE), (ii) endometrial glandular and stromal breakdown (EGBD), (iii) atypical endometrial cells, cannot exclude atypical endometrial hyperplasia or more (ATEC-A), (iv) adenocarcinoma including atypical endometrial hyperplasia or malignant tumour (Malignancy), (v) endometrial hyperplasia without atypia (EH) and (vi) atypical endometrial cells of undetermined significance (ATEC-US). For this study, a total 244 endometrial samplings were classified by two academic cytopathologists as follows: 147 NE cases , 36 EGBD cases , 47 Malignant cases, eight ATEC-A cases, two EH cases and four ATEC-US cases. To confirm the reproducibility of the diagnosis and to study the inter- and intra-observer agreement further, a second review round followed at 3-month intervals, which included three additional cytopathologists.

RESULTS

The inter-observer agreement of NE classes improved progressively from 'good to fair' to 'excellent', with values increasing from 0.70 to 0.81. Both EGBD and Malignancy classes improved progressively from 'good to fair' to 'excellent', with values increasing from 0.62-0.63 to 0.84-0.95, respectively. The overall intra-observer agreement between the first and the second rounds was 'good to fair' to 'excellent', with values changing from 0.79 to 0.85. All kappa improvements were significant (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

In this study, it seemed that the use of the OSG method as the new diagnostic criteria for SP-LBC preparation, may be a valid method to improve the precision (reproducibility) of endometrial cytology.

ASSESSMENT OF MOLECULAR GENETIC STABILITY BETWEEN LONG-TERM CRYOPRESERVED AND TISSUE CULTURED WASABI (Wasabia japonica) PLANTS

BACKGROUND

Maintaining the genetic integrity in long-term tissue cultured and cryopreserved plants is important for the conservation of plant genetic resources.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, the genetic stability of cryopreserved wasabi shoot tips stored for 10 years at -150 degree C was visualized using Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) and Methylation Sensitive Amplified Polymorphism (MSAP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included plants derived from cryopreserved shoot tips after 10.5 years storage at -150 degree C (LN10yr), after 2 h storage at -196 degree C (LN2hr), cryopreservation controls (No LN cooling (TC)) and non-treated controls without LN cooling (LC). The donor plants for LN2hr, TC and LC were also maintained in vitro at 20 degree C for the same period.

RESULTS

Neither technique detected genetic variations in either control or cryopreserved plants. Some mutations were noted in plants maintained in tissue culture for 10 years. Comparison of genome stability for TC and LN2hr plants showed only a minor change in DNA. However, when comparing the LC and Ln10yr, many differences were found.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that cryopreservation is a superior conservation method compared to tissue culture in maintaining genetic stability for a long-term storage of wasabi germplasm.

Reinforced shape-tunable microwrinkles formed on a porous-film-embedded elastomer surface

A new structural design is proposed for wrinkling to improve mechanical durability by exploiting a porous polymer film embedded on the surface of an elastomer, which acts as a hard layer, buckles into wrinkles and effectively suppresses fatal failures such as delamination and cracking.

Nosocomial Candida parapsilosis candidaemia: risk factors, antifungal susceptibility and outcome

A retrospective analysis was undertaken from 2000 to 2010 to show the risk factors associated with death within 30 days in patients with C. parapsilosis candidaemia (CPC). Fifty-one cases of nosocomial CPC were included in the analysis. All isolates from blood cultures were susceptible to micafungin and fluconazole. The overall mortality rate was 23.5%, and the most severe complications were endocarditis (5.9%) and endophthalmitis (5.9%). On multi-variate analysis, APACHE II score >25 (odds ratio 43.9) and retained cardiovascular prosthetic materials (RCPM) (prosthetic valve or graft) (odds ratio 14.6) were found to be risk factors associated with death. Prompt surgical removal should be considered in CPC patients with RCPM.

Phase II study of S-1, an oral fluoropyrimidine, in patients with advanced or recurrent cervical cancer

Background: S-1 is an oral fluoropyrimidine. This phase II study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of S-1 in patients with advanced or recurrent uterine cervical cancer.

Patients and methods: S-1 35 mg/m² was given twice daily for 28 days repeated every 6 weeks. Eligible patients were women aged 20–74 years, who had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of zero or one, who had stage IVB or recurrent uterine cervical cancer, and who had received no more than one platinum-containing chemotherapy regimen for stage IVB or recurrent disease. The primary end point was overall response rate (ORR) determined by RECIST.

Results: A total of 37 patients were enrolled in the trial and 36 were eligible. The median number of cycles administered was 4. The confirmed ORR was 30.6% (95% confidence interval 15.5% to 45.6%). The response rate for patients who had received platinum-based treatment including chemoradiotherapy was 31.8% (7 of 22). After a median follow-up duration of 25 months, the median time to progression and the median survival time were 5.2 and 15.4 months, respectively. The most frequent grade 3 or 4 adverse events were anemia (16%), anorexia (16%), and diarrhea (22%).

Conclusions: This phase II study of S-1 in cervical cancer suggests a promising response rate and a contribution toward prolonging survival, with modest toxic effects. Phase III studies of S-1 in patients with advanced or recurrent cervical cancer are thus warranted.

Inhibition of Bach1 ameliorates indomethacin-induced intestinal injury in mice

BTB and CNC homolog 1 (Bach1) is a transcriptional repressor of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). It plays an important role in the feedback regulation of HO-1 expression, which protects cells from various insults including oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines. However, the role of Bach1 in intestinal inflammation remains unclear. In this study, the role of Bach1 in intestinal mucosal injury was elucidated using 8-week-old female C57BL/6 (wild-type) and homozygous Bach1-deficient C57BL/6 mice. Intestinal mucosal injuries induced by a single subcutaneous administration of indomethacin were evaluated macroscopically, histologically, and biochemically. Mucosal protein content and chemokine mRNA levels were determined by real-time PCR. Our results showed that the indomethacin-induced intestinal injury was remarkably improved in Bach1-deficient mice. Histological examination showed that the area of injured lesion was decreased in Bach1-deficient mice compared to wild-type mice. Administration of indomethacin induced expression of inflammatory chemokines such as KC, MIP1alpha and MCP1, which was suppressed in Bach1-deficient mice. Myeloperoxidase activity in the intestinal mucosa was also significantly decreased in Bach1-deficient mice. Additionally, Bach1 deficiency enhanced immunopositivity of HO-1 in the intestinal mucosa after indomethacin administration. Disruption of the Bach1 gene thus caused inhibition of mucosal injury, indicating that inhibition of Bach1 may be a novel therapeutic strategy for treating indomethacin-induced intestinal injury.

Radiofrequency ablation therapy: results in 100 patients with breast cancer

Abstract #5153

Background: Radiofrequency ablation therapy (RFA) is one of the most minimally invasive approaches for the treatment of hepatic cancers and other solid malignancies. The aim of this study is to assess the safety and local controllability of RFA against breast cancer.&#x2028; Patients and Methods: A total of 100 pts with localized early breast cancer were enrolled. Ductal spreading and/or daughter nodules were preoperatively checked with mammography, ultrasound and MRI. Tumor size was 0.5-2.0cm (median 1.5cm). LeVeen system and Cool-tip RF system was used in 5 pts and 95 pts respectively. One session of RFA was applied to 96 pts, 2 sessions to 4 pts. To avoid skin burn, 5% glucose was injected subcutaneously just above the tumor and the skin was cooled during RFA. After completing RFA, temperatures along the needle tract were measured at 1 cm intervals in 89 pts. All pts underwent cytological and MR-imaging study 3-4 weeks after operation, and received adjuvant radiotherapy (50Gy) to the breast.&#x2028; Results: RFA heated the tumors up to over 60° in 1 pt, 70° in 4 pts, 80° in 21 pts, 90° in 51 pts, and 100° in 13 pts. Skin burn was found in 2 pts over the tumor, and 1 pt at the grounding pads. No major side effects except for skin burn were found. Postoperative cytological and imaging study showed complete ablation of all the target tumors. No pts developed local and distant recurrence for 16-54 months (median 31 months).&#x2028; Discussion: Our RFA procedures can offer good local control without serious adverse events to breast cancer patients.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 5153.

Unit-charging programs for municipal solid waste in Japan

Unit-charging programs known as pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) for municipal solid waste in Japan were surveyed. The number of municipalities that have implemented PAYT for combustible waste totaled 954 (30%) in 2003. The introduction of PAYT programs peaked in the early 1970s and again in the 1990s. PAYT has tended to be adopted by municipalities with small populations (less than 30,000). PAYT charging systems can be roughly divided into two groups: simple unit-pricing programs and two-tiered pricing programs. It is difficult to see the relationship between PAYT and waste reduction by simple inspection of the overall changes throughout Japan. Case studies of four municipalities showed that the implementation of PAYT programs reduced the amount of residual waste generated by 20% to 30%. In combination with other measures, especially the recycling of containers and packaging, PAYT programs can bring about a dramatic reduction in waste.

New diagnostic reporting format for endometrial cytology based on cytoarchitectural criteria

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to develop a new reporting format for endometrial cytology that would standardize the diagnostic criteria and the terminology used for reporting.

METHODS

In previous studies, cytoarchitectural criteria were found to be useful for the cytological assessment of endometrial lesions. To apply these criteria, an appropriate cytological specimen is imperative. In this article, the requirements of an adequate endometrial cytological specimen for the new diagnostic criteria are first discussed. Then, the diagnostic criteria, standardized on a combination of conventional and cytoarchitectural criteria, are presented. Third, terminology that could be used, not only for reporting the histopathological diagnosis, but also for providing better guidance for the gynaecologist to determine further clinical action, is introduced. The proposed reporting format was investigated using endometrial cytology of 58 cases that were cytologically underestimated or overestimated compared to the histopathological diagnosis made on the subsequent endometrial biopsy or surgical specimens.

RESULTS

Of the 58 cases, 12 were reassessed as being unsatisfactory for evaluation. Among the remaining 46 cases, 25 of the 27 cases, which had been underestimated and subsequently diagnosed as having endometrial carcinoma or a precursor stage on histopathological examination,were reassessed as recommended for endometrial biopsy. On the other hand, 19 cases overestimated by cytology were all reassessed as not requiring biopsy.

CONCLUSIONS

The reporting format for endometrial cytology proposed in this article may improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the number of patients managed inappropriately.

[Histoculture drug response assay guided concurrent chemoradiotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer]

Retrospective analysis was done to evaluate concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) using chemotherapeutic agents judged to be sensitive by histoculture drug response assay (HDRA) for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We treated 21 NSCLC patients with CCRT using senstivie agents judged by HDRA from 1999 to 2004. Objective response was evaluated in 20 patients. They were consisted of 1 complete response (CR) case, 18 partial response (PR) cases, and 1 stable disease (SD) case. The response rate was 95%. Ten cancer related deaths were observed during 816 +/- 861 (60-2,780) days follow-up. Median survival time was 604 days. One- and 5-year survival rates were 73.9% and 40.3%, respectively. In conclusion, HDRA may improve efficacy of CCRT for NSCLC.

DNA probes for identifying chromosomes 5, 6, and 7 of Schistosoma mansoni

Schistosoma mansoni has a genome of 270 Mb contained on 8 pairs of chromosomes. C-banding has been a useful technique in identifying the 7 autosomal and sex chromosomes. However, even with C-banding, S. mansoni chromosomes 5, 6, and 7 are difficult to discriminate from each other, because of their small sizes, morphological similarity, and poor banding patterns. We have identified probes that specifically paint chromosomes 5, 6, and 7 of S. mansoni with the use of chromosome microdissection and the degenerate oligonucleotide-primed polymerase chain reaction (DOP-PCR). Exact chromosome identification is required for accurate chromosome mapping of genomic clones and genetic elements, which is an essential component of the schistosome genome project.

Rabeprazole-based eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori: a large-scale study in Japan

BACKGROUND

Large-scale studies of rabeprazole-based Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy have not been reported in Japan.

AIMS

To evaluate H. pylori eradication by rabeprazole-based therapy with reference to antibiotic susceptibility, CYP2C19 genotype, and rabeprazole and clarithromycin dosages.

METHODS

From 35 centres 479 H. pylori-positive patients with gastric or duodenal ulcer were randomized to four treatment groups: Group 1 (10 mg rabeprazole + 750 mg amoxicillin + 200 mg clarithromycin twice daily for 7 days); Group 2 (10 mg, 750 mg, 400 mg); Group 3 (20 mg, 750 mg, 200 mg) and Group 4 (20 mg, 750 mg, 400 mg).

RESULTS

Eradication rates were 86% (102 of 119), 89% (97 of 109), 91% (106 of 116) and 90% (104 of 115) for Groups 1-4, respectively. The eradication rate was 95% (360 of 379) for clarithromycin-susceptible strains, and 50% (30 of 60) for clarithromycin-resistant strains. The eradication rates were 88% (332 of 379) and 96% (77 of 80) in extensive metabolizers and poor metabolizers, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Rabeprazole-based therapies achieved 50% eradication of clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori, and even achieved good rates in extensive metabolizers. Accordingly, rabeprazole can be recommended as part of a first-line proton pump inhibitor-based triple therapy for H. pylori.

Neuronal specificity of alpha-synuclein toxicity and effect of Parkin co-expression in primates

Recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vector-mediated overexpression of alpha-synuclein (alphaSyn) protein has been shown to cause neurodegeneration of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway in rodents and primates. Using serotype-2 rAAV vectors, we recently reported the protective effect of Parkin on alphaSyn-induced nigral dopaminergic neurodegeneration in a rat model. Here we investigated the neuronal specificity of alphaSyn toxicity and the effect of Parkin co-expression in a primate model. We used another serotype (type-1) of AAV vector that was confirmed to deliver genes of interest anterogradely and retrogradely to neurons in rats. The serotype-1 rAAV (rAAV1) carrying alphaSyn cDNA (rAAV1-alphaSyn), and a cocktail of rAAV1-alphaSyn and rAAV1 carrying parkin cDNA (rAAV1-parkin) were unilaterally injected into the striatum of macaque monkeys, resulting in protein expression in striatonigral GABAergic and nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. Injection of rAAV1-alphaSyn alone decreased tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in the striatum compared with the contralateral side injected with a cocktail of rAAV1-alphaSyn and rAAV1-parkin. Immunostaining of striatonigral GABAergic neurons was similar on both sides. Overexpression of Parkin in GABAergic neurons was associated with less accumulation of alphaSyn protein and/or phosphorylation at Ser129 residue. Our results suggest that the toxicity of accumulated alphaSyn is not induced in non-dopaminergic neurons and that the alphaSyn-ablating effect of Parkin is exerted in virtually all neurons in primates.

Influence of ascorbic acid on bonding of peroxide-affected dentin and 4-META/MMA-TBB resin

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tensile bond strength (TBS) to peroxide-exposed dentin. Furthermore, the effect of ascorbic acid (AA) on the bond strength of peroxide-exposed dentin was investigated. Extracted bovine dentin was exposed to 10% carbamide peroxide, 30% hydrogen peroxide, or distilled water for 30 min, then treated with 10% AA (0, 30, 90, and 180 min), and conditioned with 10% citric acid/3% ferric chloride. The polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) rod was bonded to the treated bovine dentin with 4-META/MMA-TBB resin. A minidumbbell-shaped bonded specimen was prepared from these bonded assemblies and the TBS was tested. The fractured surfaces were also observed with a scanning electron microscope. Exposure to peroxide before bonding significantly reduced bond strength. The application of AA to the peroxide-exposed dentin increased bond strength. On the other hand, an adverse effect of AA was found in distilled water-affected dentin. Extended resin fibers were partially seen in the peroxide-exposed dentin. In conclusion, peroxide reduced the bond strength, and the stronger the oxidation, the weaker the obtained bond. Antioxidation with AA recovered the bond strength, and this effect increased the longer the AA was applied.

Quantitative analysis of amyloid plaques in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease by phase-contrast X-ray computed tomography

Densely aggregated beta-amyloid peptides are believed to play a key role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Amyloid plaques are a potential target for molecular imaging to determine the clinical status of Alzheimer's disease. Phase-contrast X-ray imaging combined with computed tomography is a promising technique that can be used to visualize the physical density of structures in biological tissues non-invasively, and without the use of imaging agents. Using brain tissue isolated from a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, we show that beta-amyloid 40-positive/beta-amyloid 42-positive amyloid plaques, but not beta-amyloid 40-negative/beta-amyloid 42-positive amyloid plaques, exist as high-density aggregates that can be specifically detected by phase-contrast X-ray computed tomography. The phase-contrast X-ray computed tomography detected beta-amyloid 40-positive/beta-amyloid 42-positive amyloid plaques in three-dimensions with an extremely high sensitivity comparable to that of histological analysis, and also enabled the load of amyloid plaques to be quantified. Furthermore, the use of phase-contrast X-ray computed tomography reveals that the physical density of beta-amyloid 40-positive/beta-amyloid 42-positive amyloid plaques increases with age, and that the large volume, high-density, amyloid plaques that are specifically observed in aged Alzheimer's disease mice are closely associated with neuritic dystrophy. These results demonstrate that phase-contrast X-ray computed tomography is a highly sensitive imaging technique for analyzing dense-cored amyloid plaques in postmortem samples, and is beneficial in elucidating amyloid pathophysiology in Alzheimer's disease.

[Pericardioperitoneal fenestration for chronic exudative pericarditis using a subxiphoidal approach; report of a case]

A 77-year-old woman with a previous history of median sternotomy and collagen disease, presented with chief complaints of resting dyspnea as a result of recurrent pericardial effusions or restrictive ventilatory impairment. She experienced significant symptom amelioration after undergoing pericardioperitoneal fenestration. We weighed the positive against the negative of various pericardial effusion drainage methods in this study. This operative procedure is not innovative, but favorable because it can be carried out conveniently and safely, enabling early rehabilitation without appreciable postoperative complications.

A novel mutation of the thiazide-sensitive sodium chloride cotransporter gene in a Japanese family with Gitelman syndrome

Gitelman syndrome is an inherited renal disorder characterized by impaired NaCl reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule leading to hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia and normocalcemic hypocalciuria. It has been shown that this syndrome results from mutations in the gene encoding the thiazide-sensitive sodium chloride cotransporter (TSC). We performed the mutational analysis in the TSC gene of a 30-year-old Japanese woman with Gitelman syndrome and found two mutations at adjacent spots in both alleles. One was a frame shift mutation which generated stop codon at position 671, the other was a single nucleotide mutation, which resulted in an aminoacid substitution at position 672, Met to Ile. Her 52-year-old mother and two daughters had neither hypokalemia nor hypomagnesemia. However, her mother and her 8-year-old daughter had the Met672Ile mutation as heterozygotes. Her 4-year-old daughter had the same frame shift mutation as her mother, a heterozygotic mutation. These results suggest that Gitelman syndrome requires 2 compound heterozygotic mutations and the coexistence of the large deletion in the C-terminal domain with Met672Ile substitution of the TSC could impair the transporter activity underling the hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia in this patient.