Prediction of Mid-term Platelet Transfusion in Stable Trauma Patients Using Rotational Thromboelastometry

Background

Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM; TEM International GmbH, Munich, Germany) is a global coagulation test that guides evidence-based platelet transfusion in trauma patients. We evaluated ROTEM parameters for predicting mid-term (five days) platelet transfusion in trauma patients.

Methods

Maximum clot firmness and clot amplitudes after 5, 10, and 15 mins (A5, A10, and A15, respectively) of fibrin-specific ROTEM (FIBTEM) and extrinsically activated ROTEM (EXTEM) were retrospectively collected from 82 hospitalized, stable, non-bleeding trauma patients after successful initial resuscitation. Platelet-specific ROTEM (PLTEM) was calculated by subtracting FIBTEM from EXTEM. Platelet transfusions were reviewed for five days after ROTEM.

Results

The areas under the curve for FIBTEM, EXTEM, and PLTEM predicting platelet concentrate transfusion of >12 U at mid-term were 0.915-0.923, 0.878-0.896, and 0.551-0.735, respectively. FIBTEM and EXTEM parameters were comparable to those of fibrinogen, fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products, D-dimer, and antithrombin III. Strong correlations (r>0.7) were noted between platelet count and EXTEM (A5, A10, and A15) or PLTEM (A5), platelet function (per platelet count) and EXTEM (A10 and A15), and fibrinogen levels and all FIBTEM parameters.

Conclusions

FIBTEM and EXTEM can reliably predict mid-term platelet transfusion in trauma patients. FIBTEM, EXTEM, and PLTEM parameters correlate with conventional coagulation tests (platelets and fibrinogen).

Whole-Genome Sequence Analysis of Candida glabrata Isolates from a Patient with Persistent Fungemia and Determination of the Molecular Mechanisms of Multidrug Resistance

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used to determine the molecular mechanisms of multidrug resistance for 10 serial Candida glabrata bloodstream isolates obtained from a neutropenic patient during 82 days of amphotericin B (AMB) or echinocandin therapy. For WGS, a library was prepared and sequenced using a Nextera DNA Flex Kit (Illumina) and the MiseqDx (Illumina) instrument. All isolates harbored the same Msh2p substitution, V239L, associated with multilocus sequence type 7 and a Pdr1p substitution, L825P, that caused azole resistance. Of six isolates with increased AMB MICs (≥2 mg/L), three harboring the Erg6p A158fs mutation had AMB MICs ≥ 8 mg/L, and three harboring the Erg6p R314K, Erg3p G236D, or Erg3p F226fs mutation had AMB MICs of 2-3 mg/L. Four isolates harboring the Erg6p A158fs or R314K mutation had fluconazole MICs of 4-8 mg/L while the remaining six had fluconazole MICs ≥ 256 mg/L. Two isolates with micafungin MICs > 8 mg/L harbored Fks2p (I661_L662insF) and Fks1p (C499fs) mutations, while six isolates with micafungin MICs of 0.25-2 mg/L harbored an Fks2p K1357E substitution. Using WGS, we detected novel mechanisms of AMB and echinocandin resistance; we explored mechanisms that may explain the complex relationship between AMB and azole resistance.

Immune Activation following Irbesartan Treatment in a Colorectal Cancer Patient: A Case Study

Colorectal cancers are one of the most prevalent tumour types worldwide and, despite the emergence of targeted and biologic therapies, have among the highest mortality rates. The Personalized OncoGenomics (POG) program at BC Cancer performs whole genome and transcriptome analysis (WGTA) to identify specific alterations in an individual's cancer that may be most effectively targeted. Informed using WGTA, a patient with advanced mismatch repair-deficient colorectal cancer was treated with the antihypertensive drug irbesartan and experienced a profound and durable response. We describe the subsequent relapse of this patient and potential mechanisms of response using WGTA and multiplex immunohistochemistry (m-IHC) profiling of biopsies before and after treatment from the same metastatic site of the L3 spine. We did not observe marked differences in the genomic landscape before and after treatment. Analyses revealed an increase in immune signalling and infiltrating immune cells, particularly CD8+ T cells, in the relapsed tumour. These results indicate that the observed anti-tumour response to irbesartan may have been due to an activated immune response. Determining whether there may be other cancer contexts in which irbesartan may be similarly valuable will require additional studies.

Fungal Endophthalmitis Outbreak after Cataract Surgery, South Korea, 2020

In November 2020, an unusual increase in fungal endophthalmitis cases after cataract surgery was reported to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, South Korea. We initiated an outbreak investigation to identify the cause. We identified 156 cases nationwide, 62 confirmed and 94 probable. Most case-patients were exposed during surgery to ocular viscoelastic devices (OVDs) from the same manufacturer (company A). We isolated Fusarium spp. from 50 confirmed cases. Molecular identification of 39 fungal isolates from clinical samples and 13 isolates from OVDs confirmed F. oxysporum caused the infections. The risk ratio for fungal endophthalmitis from company A’s OVDs was 86.0 (95% CI 27.4–256.9), much higher than risk from other manufacturers’ products. We determined this fungal endophthalmitis outbreak was caused by a contaminated lot of OVDs and recommended discontinued use of this product. Early recognition of outbreaks and joint responses from related government agencies can reduce risk for fungal endophthalmitis.

Overexpression of Prohibitin 2 Protein is Associated with Adverse Prognosis in Cytogenetically Normal Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia (CN-AML) accounts for 40%–50% of all AML cases. Despite advances in understanding the molecular pathophysiology of CN-AML, its clinical outcome remains unsatisfactory and unpredictable. To investigate its clinical implication in CN-AML, we measured the expression of prohibitin 2 (PHB2) using immunohistochemical staining (IHCS) of paraffin-embedded bone marrow sections from 134 CN-AML patients. IHCS results were semi-quantitatively scored. Clinical outcome was analyzed in comparison with other prognostic markers, including NPM1 polymorphism and FLT3 internal tandem duplication, and WT1 and BAALC mRNA expression. Except for BAALC mRNA expression, the known molecular markers showed no prognostic effect in the CN-AML patients. PHB2 protein overexpression was significantly associated with adverse prognosis in CN-AML patients. The PHB2 protein expression status may serve as an independent prognostic indicator in CN-AML.

Disk Diffusion Susceptibility Testing for the Rapid Detection of Fluconazole Resistance in Candida Isolates

Background

Given the increased fluconazole resistance (FR) among Candida isolates, we assessed the suitability of disk diffusion susceptibility testing (DDT) for the early detection of FR using well-characterized Candida isolates.

Methods

In total, 188 Candida isolates, including 66 C. albicans (seven Erg11 mutants), 69 C. glabrata (33 Pdr1 mutants), 29 C. parapsilosis (15 Erg11 mutants), and 24 C. tropicalis (eight Erg11 mutants) isolates, were tested in this study. FR was assessed using DDT according to the standard CLSI M44-ED3 method, except that two cell suspensions, McFarland 0.5 (standard inoculum) and 2.5 (large inoculum), were used, and the inhibition zones were read at 2-hour intervals from 10 hours to 24 hours.

Results

DDT results for the standard inoculum were readable after 14 hours (C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. tropicalis) and 20 hours (C. parapsilosis) for >95% of the isolates, whereas the results for the large inoculum were readable after 12 hours (C. glabrata and C. tropicalis), 14 hours (C. albicans), and 16 hours (C. parapsilosis) for >95% of the isolates. Compared with the results produced using the CLSI M27-ED4 broth microdilution method, the first readable results from the DDT method for each isolate exhibited an agreement of 97.0%, 98.6%, 72.4%, and 91.7% for the standard inoculum and 100%, 98.6%, 96.6%, and 95.8% for the large inoculum for C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis, respectively.

Conclusions

DDT using large inoculum may detect FR rapidly and reliably in the four most common Candida species.

Diagnostic Validation of a Clinical Laboratory-Oriented Targeted RNA Sequencing System for Detecting Gene Fusions in Hematologic Malignancies

Targeted RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) is a highly accurate method for sequencing transcripts of interest with a high resolution and throughput. However, RNA-seq has not been widely performed in clinical molecular laboratories because of the complexity of data processing and interpretation. We developed and validated a customized RNA-seq panel and data processing protocol for fusion detection using 4 analytical validation samples and 51 clinical samples, covering seven types of hematologic malignancies. Analytical validation showed that the results for target gene coverage and between- and within-run precision and linearity tests were reliable. Using clinical samples, RNA-seq based on filtering and prioritization strategies detected all 25 known fusions previously found by multiplex reverse transcriptase-PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization. It also detected nine novel fusions. Known fusions detected by RNA-seq included two IGH rearrangements supported by expression analysis. Novel fusions included six that targeted just one partner gene. In addition, 18 disease- and drug resistance-associated transcript variants in ABL1, GATA2, IKZF1, JAK2, RUNX1, and WT1 were designated simultaneously. Expression analysis showed distinct clustering according to subtype and lineage. In conclusion, this study showed that our customized RNA-seq system had a reliable and stable performance for fusion detection, with enhanced diagnostic yield for hematologic malignancies in a clinical diagnostic setting.

100 Frailty Hot Clinics: Rapid Cga and Speciality Diagnostics Reduces Rates of Hospitalisation and Re-Attendance

Introduction

Acute hospitalisation is associated with an increased risk of progressive frailty, morbidity and subsequent institutionalisation. North Middlesex University Hospital is an Acute District General Hospital with over 550 attendances to A&E per day. Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) is the gold standard approach for a holistic multi-disciplinary assessment (MDT) of frail patients. A rapid access daily hot clinic service for frail patients opened using quality improvement (QI) methodology to deliver rapid CGA focusing on admission avoidance and early supported discharge.

Method

4 PDSA cycles were conducted. A process map identifying key moments in patient care was derived from time studies of the first 10 patients’ journeys. Patients were triaged through the Geriatrician “hotphone” for acute admissions into the Hot Clinic. Dedicated clinic and waiting rooms were placed on the acute frailty unit (Amber) staffed by a dedicated Consultant Geriatrician and Health Care Support Worker working with the Frailty Ward Clerk, Frailty Specialist Nurse, Therapies, specialities in-reach and same-day diagnostics. A shared clerking proforma and subsequent CGA Discharge Summary were completed and emailed to the referrer the same day. Qualitative and Quantitative feedback was gained from referrers, patients and relatives through a structured questionnaire. Metrics were gathered including rate of admissions, re-attendance and use of enhanced community services.

Results

From the first 48 Hot Clinic patients, there was a low 30-day re-attendance rate (17%—for unrelated reasons), low 30-day re-admission rates (4%) and low Did Not Attend rate (6%) for new referrals and high satisfaction scores for recommending the service (9-10/10) from patients, relatives and referrers.

Conclusions

Early rapid MDT can reduce re-attendances and re-admissions to hospital in frail patients. A streamlined patient journey can be delivered by frailty-trained staff and in a suitable environment. QI Methodology enables a structured measurable approach to development of the Acute Frailty Pathway.

Current locoregional therapies and treatment strategies in hepatocellular carcinoma

Locoregional therapies (lrts) play an important role in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (hcc), with the aim of increasing overall survival while preserving liver function. Various forms of lrt are available, and choosing the best one depends on technical aspects, liver morphology, tumour biology, and the patient's symptoms. The purpose of the present review article is to provide an overview of the current evidence relating to the use of percutaneous ablation, transarterial chemoembolization, and transarterial radioembolization for the curative or palliative treatment of hcc. Special situations are also reviewed, including the combined use of systemic therapy and lrt, indications and techniques for bridging to transplant and downstaging, and the use of lrt to treat patients with hcc and macrovascular invasion.

Characterization of the new HLA-DQB1*06:344 allele by next-generation sequencing in a Korean individual

DQB1*06:344 differs from DQB1*06:02:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution at codon 211 in exon 3.

Effect of aerobic exercise on cancer-associated cognitive impairment: A proof-of-concept RCT

BACKGROUND

Change in cognitive ability is a commonly reported adverse effect by breast cancer survivors. The underlying etiology of cognitive complaints is unclear and to date, there is limited evidence for effective intervention strategies. Exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function in older adults and animal models treated with chemotherapy. This proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial tested the effect of aerobic exercise versus usual lifestyle on cognitive function in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors.

METHODS

Women, aged 40 to 65 years, postmenopausal, stages I to IIIA breast cancer, and who self-reported cognitive dysfunction following chemotherapy treatment, were recruited and randomized to a 24-week aerobic exercise intervention (EX; n = 10) or usual lifestyle control (CON; n = 9). Participants completed self-report measures of the impact of cognitive issues on quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive version 3), objective neuropsychological testing, and functional magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and 24 weeks.

RESULTS

Compared to CON, EX had a reduced time to complete a processing speed test (trail making test-A) (-14.2 seconds, P < .01; effect size 0.35). Compared to CON, there was no improvement in self-reported cognitive function and effect sizes were small. Interestingly, lack of between-group differences in Stroop behavioral performance was accompanied by functional changes in several brain regions of interest in EX compared to CON at 24 weeks.

CONCLUSION

These findings provide preliminary proof-of-concept results for the potential of aerobic exercise to improve cancer-related cognitive impairment and will serve to inform the development of future trials.

Health-Related Quality of Life of Kidney Transplantation Patients: Results from the KoreaN Cohort Study for Outcome in Patients With Kidney Transplantation (KNOW-KT) Study

BACKGROUND

As patient and graft survival rates have been improving after kidney transplantation, health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) has become an important indicator of effective treatment. This study aimed to evaluate changes in HR-QOL after kidney transplantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The KoreaN cohort study for Outcome in patients With Kidney Transplantation (KNOW-KT) is a multicenter, observational, 9-year, cohort study. The HR-QOL of patients in the KNOW-KT study was assessed before transplantation and 2 years after transplantation using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-SF) including chronic kidney disease targeted area and the Medical Outcome Study 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Multivariate linear regression was used to identify significant factors associated with follow-up QOL scores.

RESULTS

A total of 175 patients from 8 centers were analyzed. All QOL scores including the total QOL score, chronic kidney disease targeted score, and SF-36 at the 2-year follow-up were significantly increased compared to baseline values. Both physical and mental scale scores were improved after transplantation.

CONCLUSION

The QOL scores for both the mental and physical scales were improved at 2 years after kidney transplantation. High glomerular filtration rate at 2 years, high baseline QOL score, and low body mass index were associated with good follow-up QOL scores. Kidney transplantation for an Asian population with end-stage renal disease can result in better QOL as well as better patient and graft survival.

Personalized oncogenomics in the management of gastrointestinal carcinomas-early experiences from a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal carcinomas are genomically complex cancers that are lethal in the metastatic setting. Whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing allow for the simultaneous characterization of multiple oncogenic pathways.

METHODS

We report 3 cases of metastatic gastrointestinal carcinoma in patients enrolled in the Personalized Onco-Genomics program at the BC Cancer Agency. Real-time genomic profiling was combined with clinical expertise to diagnose a carcinoma of unknown primary, to explore treatment response to bevacizumab in a colorectal cancer, and to characterize an appendiceal adenocarcinoma.

RESULTS

In the first case, genomic profiling revealed an IDH1 somatic mutation, supporting the diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma in a malignancy of unknown origin, and further guided therapy by identifying epidermal growth factor receptor amplification. In the second case, a BRAF V600E mutation and wild-type KRAS profile justified the use of targeted therapies to treat a colonic adenocarcinoma. The third case was an appendiceal adenocarcinoma defined by a p53 inactivation; Ras/raf/mek, Akt/mtor, Wnt, and notch pathway activation; and overexpression of ret, erbb2 (her2), erbb3, met, and cell cycle regulators.

SUMMARY

We show that whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing can be achieved within clinically effective timelines, yielding clinically useful and actionable information.

Cardiac Arrest due to a Vagal Reflex Potentiated by Thoracic Epidural Analgesia

Reflex bradycardia and cardiac arrest may be the result of a vagal reflex, which can occur during a variety of surgical procedures. We report a patient who developed cardiac arrest as a result of a vagal reflex that was potentiated by thoracic epidural analgesia during general anaesthesia. A 53-year-old man was scheduled for subtotal gastrectomy because of an early gastric adenocarcinoma. After an epidural catheter had been inserted, general anaesthesia was induced. During surgery, an abdominal self-retaining retractor was set up but bradycardia and cardiac arrest developed. The patient returned to a normal sinus rhythm after successful resuscitation. We conclude that bradycardia as a result of a vagal reflex is mediated by potent abdominal wall traction and is potentiated by epidural analgesia. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can allow a full recovery, even in high-risk patients.

Thoracic Epidural Clonidine Attenuates Haemodynamic Responses Induced by Endobronchial Intubation

Laryngoscopy and endobronchial intubation usually cause transient hypertension and tachycardia. We investigated whether thoracic epidurally injected 3 μg/kg clonidine attenuates cardiovascular responses to intubation compared with 2 μg/kg fentanyl and 1 mg/kg lidocaine. Epidural catheterization was performed at the T6–T7 or T7–T8 intervertebral space, and saline or clonidine in saline was injected 20 min before anaesthetic induction. Anaesthesia was induced using 5 mg/kg thiopental sodium and 0.1 mg/kg vecuronium. Laryngoscopy and endobronchial intubation were performed 2 min later. Mean blood pressure and heart rate were measured throughout anaesthetic induction. In the control group and the fentanyl group, mean blood pressure and heart rate 3 min after endobronchial intubation were elevated significantly compared with baseline. In the clonidine group, however, mean blood pressure and heart rate did not increase compared with baseline. The control group had higher mean blood pressure and heart rate than the clonidine group 3 min after endobronchial intubation. Thoracic epidural clonidine may attenuate the haemodynamic response to endobronchial intubation.

Response to angiotensin blockade with irbesartan in a patient with metastatic colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

A patient suffering from metastatic colorectal cancer, treatment-related toxicity and resistance to standard chemotherapy and radiation was assessed as part of a personalized oncogenomics initiative to derive potential alternative therapeutic strategies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing was used to interrogate a metastatic tumor refractory to standard treatments of a patient with mismatch repair-deficient metastatic colorectal cancer.

RESULTS

Integrative genomic analysis indicated overexpression of the AP-1 transcriptional complex suggesting experimental therapeutic rationales, including blockade of the renin-angiotensin system. This led to the repurposing of the angiotensin II receptor antagonist, irbesartan, as an anticancer therapy, resulting in the patient experiencing a dramatic and durable response.

CONCLUSIONS

This case highlights the utility of comprehensive integrative genomic profiling and bioinformatics analysis to provide hypothetical rationales for personalized treatment options.

Comparative net cost impact of the utilization of panitumumab versus cetuximab for the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer in Canada

OBJECTIVE

Clinical practice guidelines support the use of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors panitumumab and cetuximab for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) after failure of other chemotherapy regimens, based on significant clinical benefits in patients with wild-type KRAS. The purpose of the analysis was to compare provincial hospital costs when using panitumumab vs cetuximab with or without irinotecan in this patient population using a Net Impact Analysis (NIA) approach.

METHODS

The NIA determined the total per patient cost of the reimbursed regimens of panitumumab vs cetuximab in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and Québec. Utilization of healthcare resources related to EGFR inhibitor infusions, follow-up monitoring, and treatment of adverse events (AEs) were also included. Healthcare resource use including drugs, medical supplies, laboratory testing, oncology infusion time, and healthcare professionals' time was obtained through expert consultation and the use was then multiplied by the province-specific cost of each resource. Numerous sensitivity analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

Based on the dosing regimens in place in each province, the total annual per patient cost of panitumumab ranged from $22,203-$32,600, while the total annual per patient cost of cetuximab treatment varied from $30,321-$40,908. Treatment with panitumumab resulted in lower costs in all cost categories including drug acquisition, infusion preparation/administration, patient monitoring, and AE management. Per patient savings with panitumumab ranged from a low of $3815 in British Columbia to a high of $10,603 in Ontario. In sensitivity analyses, panitumumab remained cost saving in all scenarios where the savings ranged from $150-$16,006 per patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Treating chemorefractory mCRC patients with panitumumab rather than cetuximab reduced healthcare resource costs. Provincial healthcare savings achieved with the use of panitumumab could potentially be re-allocated to other cancer treatments, although further study would be needed to validate this assumption.

Canadian consensus recommendations on the management of venous thromboembolism in patients with cancer. Part 2: treatment

Patients with cancer are at increased risk of venous thromboembolism (vte). Anticoagulation therapy is used to treat vte; however, patients with cancer have unique clinical circumstances that can often make decisions surrounding the administration of therapeutic anticoagulation complicated. No national Canadian guidelines on the management of established cancer-associated thrombosis have been published. We therefore aimed to develop a consensus-based, evidence-informed guideline on the topic. PubMed was searched for clinical trials and meta-analyses published between 2002 and 2013. Reference lists of key articles were hand-searched for additional publications. Content experts from across Canada were assembled to review the evidence and make recommendations. Low molecular weight heparin is the treatment of choice for cancer patients with established vte. Direct oral anticoagulants are not recommended for the treatment of vte at this time. Specific clinical scenarios, including the presence of an indwelling venous catheter, renal insufficiency, and thrombocytopenia, warrant modifications in the therapeutic administration of anticoagulation therapy. Patients with recurrent vte should receive extended (>3 months) anticoagulant therapy. Incidental vte should generally be treated in the same manner as symptomatic vte. There is no evidence to support the monitoring of anti-factor Xa levels in clinically stable cancer patients receiving prophylactic anticoagulation; however, levels of anti-factor Xa could be checked at baseline and periodically thereafter in patients with renal insufficiency. Follow-up and education about the signs and symptoms of vte are important components of ongoing patient care.

Perioperative chemotherapy for gastroesophageal cancer in British Columbia: a multicentre experience

BACKGROUND

In 2006, perioperative epirubicin, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (ecf), compared with surgery alone, demonstrated a significant survival benefit in resectable gastroesophageal cancers. We report the results of our experience with that protocol.

METHODS

The BC Cancer Agency (bcca) is a multicentre institution that treats most oncology patients for the province. Characteristics of the 83 bcca patients with localized gastric, gastroesophageal junction, or lower esophageal cancer who initiated perioperative chemotherapy either ecf or epirubicin, cisplatin, and capecitabine (ecx) from 2008 to 2011 were abstracted to an anonymous database and analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 83 patients in the cohort [66 men; median age: 62 years (range: 37-79 years)], 87.9% completed 3 cycles of perioperative chemotherapy, and 93.9% (n = 78) underwent an attempt at surgery (2 patients died of chemotherapy toxicities, 1 refused surgery, and 2 developed disease progression before surgery). In 11 of the surgeries (14.1%), tumours could not be resected because of unresectability (n = 1), liver metastasis (n = 1), and peritoneal carcinomatosis (n = 9). One patient died of surgical complications. The 6 patients (7.2%) who achieved a pathologic complete response are all alive and recurrence-free. Of 46 patients (55.4%) who subsequently began postoperative chemotherapy, 44.5% completed 3 cycles. Estimated median survival was 40.3 months. Weight loss was the only significant prognostic factor for worse overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Our multicentre experience confirmed the feasibility of the magic protocol in a real-world scenario and showed that ecx is also an adequate regimen in the perioperative setting. Weight loss was the only significant prognostic factor for worse overall survival. All patients who achieved a pathologic complete response are recurrence-free after a median follow-up of 40.3 months.

Ahnak functions as a tumor suppressor via modulation of TGFβ/Smad signaling pathway

We provide detailed mechanisms of Ahnak-mediated potentiation of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling, which leads to a negative regulation of cell growth. We show that Smad3 interacts with Ahnak through MH2 domain and that Ahnak stimulates Smad3 localization into nucleus leading to potentiating TGFβ-induced transcriptional activity of R-Smad. Moreover, overexpression of Ahnak resulted in growth retardation and cell cycle arrest through downregulation of c-Myc and cyclin D1/D2. We describe results from analyses of Ahnak^−/− mouse model expressing middle T antigen in a mammary gland-specific manner (MMTV^Tg/+Ahnak^−/−), which showed significantly progressed hyperplasia of mammary glands compared with MMTV^Tg/+Ahnak^+/+. Finally, we screened multiple human breast cancer tissues and showed that the expression of Ahnak in cancer tissues is lower than that in control tissues by 50%. Taken together, these data indicate that Ahnak mediates a negative regulation of cell growth and acts as novel tumor suppressor through potentiation of TGFβ signaling.

Associations between drug use and risk behaviours for HIV and sexually transmitted infections among female sex workers in Yunnan, China

This is a cross-sectional study of 399 subjects conducted to explore the association between drug use and risk behaviour for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among female sex workers (FSWs), and also to study the prevalence of HIV/STIs among drug-using FSWs (DUFSWs) and non-DUFSWs in Yunnan province of China. Demographic information, mobility, sexual and drug-using behaviours were collected and subjects were tested for HIV/STIs. Mean age was 27 years (SD = ±7.8) and 94 (23.6%) tested positive for recent opiate use. Compared with non-DUFSWs, DUFSWs had a significantly higher prevalence of HIV (38% versus 4%, P ≤ 0.001), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2; 92% versus 60%, P ≤ 0.001) and STIs (95.7% versus 69.2%, P ≤ 0.001). DUFSWs had a significantly longer duration of commercial sex work compared with non-DUFSWs (median 5 versus 1 years, P ≤ 0.001), and had at least two clients in the last working day. DUFSWs were also more likely to work in low-end commercial sex venues and frequented a greater number of work locations than non-DUFSWs. Compared with non-DUFSWs, DUFSWs were more likely to exhibit riskier sexual behaviours and greater workplace mobility. Interventions targeting drug-related behavioural changes are needed urgently in this population in order to reduce rates of HIV and STIs.

Prophylactic use of midazolam or propofol at the end of surgery may reduce the incidence of emergence agitation after sevoflurane anaesthesia

Sevoflurane is associated with a high incidence of emergence agitation in children. Midazolam and propofol have been examined with the aim of reducing emergence agitation after sevoflurane anaesthesia. However the effect of both drugs on emergence agitation is still controversial. Therefore we designed this study to measure the effect of midazolam or propofol at the end of surgery on emergence agitation during the recovery period. One hundred and one children, aged one to 13 years, undergoing strabismus surgery were enrolled in this randomised double-blind study. Anaesthesia was induced and maintained with sevoflurane in N2O/O2. Children were randomly assigned to receive midazolam 0.05 mg/kg (group M, n = 35), propofol 1 mg/kg (group P, n = 31) or saline (group S, n = 35). A four-point scale was used to evaluate recovery characteristics upon awakening and during the first hour after emergence from anaesthesia. The incidence of emergence agitation in group M was 42.9% (15/35), in group P 48.4% (15/31) and in group S 74.3% (26/35). The incidence of emergence agitation in groups M and P was significantly less than in group S. The emergence time was prolonged for patients in groups M and P compared to group S. There was no significant difference in the incidence of emergence agitation or in emergence times between the groups P and M. We conclude that propofol or midazolam administration before the end of surgery may be effective in reducing the incidence of emergence agitation in children undergoing strabismus surgery under sevoflurane anaesthesia.

Components of sleep quality and sleep fragmentation in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVES

Poor sleep is increasingly recognized as contributing to a decreased quality of life, increased morbidity/mortality and heightened pain perception. The purpose of the present study was to assess components of sleep quality and self-identified contributors to sleep fragmentation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) patient populations.

METHODS

Consecutive RA and OA clinic patients were invited to participate in a self-administered questionnaire study which included the validated multi-domain Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), visual analogue scales for pain, fatigue, global functioning, modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (mHAQ), stress scores, the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) score, the 36-item short form (SF-36) quality of life measure, the Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Index (RADAI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Berlin score for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) risk and the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) diagnostic criteria.

RESULTS

The study population included 145 RA and 78 OA patients. PSQI global scores were >5 in 62% of RA and 67% of OA patients. Multivariate analysis identified global functioning and the CES-D to be independent predictors for higher global PSQI scores in RA patients, whereas in OA patients predictors were the mHAQ and SF-36 mental component summary. Abnormalities in subjective sleep assessment, sleep latency, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, daytime dysfunction and increased sleep-aid medication use were observed in both populations. The most common abnormality reported by both RA and OA patients was increased sleep fragmentation. The most frequent self-identified cause for sleep disturbance was 'need to use the washroom' by 51% of RA and 49% of OA patients, and, second most common, 'pain' was identified as a cause for awakening by 33% of RA and 45% of OA patients.

CONCLUSIONS

A high prevalence of abnormal sleep quality in both RA and OA patient populations was observed. The most common abnormality was sleep fragmentation, with an increased sleep disturbance score. 'Need to use the washroom' and 'pain' were the most common self-identified reasons for awakening from sleep. A review of sleep hygiene, optimization of urological status, and rheumatological disease symptomatic control may prove beneficial in terms of sleep health.

A Comparison of Consumption and Recovery Profiles According to Anaesthetic Circuit Mode using a New Multifunctional Closed-Circuit Anaesthesia System during Desflurane Anaesthesia: A Clinical Study

This clinical study compared induction time, consumed anaesthetic dose, and haemodynamic and recovery profiles when using a new type of multifunctional anaesthesia machine (Zeus®) in semi-closed or closed circuit modes. Sixty female patients undergoing gynaecological surgery were randomly assigned to three groups and received desflurane anaesthesia through a semi-closed circuit (SCC) at fresh gas flow rates of 4 l/min (SCC 4 l/min) or 2 l/min (SCC 2 l/min), or through a closed circuit (CC). Anaesthesia was maintained at the minimum alveolar concentration for blocking the adrenergic response to painful stimulus (MACBAR) (4.6% end-tidal desflurane) during each operation. The time required to reach MACBAR was significantly shorter and the dose of desflurane was significantly smaller in the CC group compared with the other groups. There were no differences in haemodynamic and recovery profiles between the groups. It is concluded that the CC mode allowed a faster and more reliable induction, lower anaesthetic consumption and stable haemodynamic and recovery profiles.

The effect of increasing operating room capacity on day-of-surgery cancellation

Several studies have been conducted to evaluate the utilisation of the operating room, a fixed resource, in terms of conditions that prevent day-of-surgery cancellation due to deficient operative capacity. In this study, we surveyed the causes and overall rates of elective surgery cancellation and then compared the number of cancellations that occurred before and after the installation of additional operating rooms. We surveyed all patients undergoing elective surgery for 100 days prior to and after the installation of additional operating rooms. The causes for cancellations were divided into six categories: departmental issues, abnormal laboratory results, patient denial, inadequate preparation, over-booking and other issues. The departmental causes were further divided into four categories: ward overflow, scheduling date errors, unavailable surgeons and other issues. The number of overall cancelled cases and scheduled cases increased following the increase in operating room capacity, although this increase was not statistically significant. However; the cancellation ratio rose significantly after the operating room capacity was increased. The primary reasons for cancellation prior to the increase in operating room capacity were departmental issues, over-booking and abnormal laboratory data, in that order. After the operating room capacity was increased, the primary reasons for cancellation were departmental issues, abnormal laboratory data and over-booking, in that order Taken together the results of this study indicate that increased operating room capacity can prevent cancellation due to over-booking. However; the numbers of cancellations due to ward overflow exceeded the numbers of cancellations that occurred as a result of over-booking. In conclusion, increasing the operating room capacity is not an appropriate option for preventing the cancellation of operations.

Human amnion-derived mesenchymal stem cells are a potential source for uterine stem cell therapy

OBJECTIVES

Human amnion is an easy-to-obtain novel source of human mesenchymal stem cells, which poses little or no ethical dilemmas. We have previously shown that human amnion-derived mesenchymal (HAM) cells exhibit certain mesenchymal stem cell-like characteristics with respect to expression of stem cell markers and differentiation potentials.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, we further characterized HAM cells' potential for in vivo therapeutic application.

RESULTS

Flow cytometric analyses of HAM cells show that they express several stem cell-related cell surface markers, including CD90, CD105, CD59, CD49d, CD44 and HLA-ABC, but not CD45, CD34, CD31, CD106 or HLA-DR. HAM cells at the 10th passage showed normal karyotype. More interestingly, the AbdB-like HOXA genes HOXA9, HOXA10 and HOXA11 that are expressed in the mesenchyme of the developing female reproductive tract and pregnant uteri are also expressed in HAM cells, suggesting similarities between these two mesenchymal cell types. Progesterone receptor is also highly expressed in HAM cells and expression of genes or proteins in HAM cells could be manipulated with the aid of lentivirus technology or cell-permeable peptides. To test potentials of HAM cells for in vivo application, we introduced enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP)-expressing HAM cells to mice by intrauterine infusion (into uteri) or by intravenous injection (into the circulation). Presence of EGFP-expressing cells within the uterine mesenchyme after intrauterine infusion or in lungs after intravenous injection was noted within 1-4 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, these results suggest that HAM cells are a potential source of mesenchymal stem cells with therapeutic potential.

A comparison of intra-operative cell-saving strategies upon immediate post-operative outcomes after CPB-assisted cardiac procedures

Cardiotomy suction has been associated with adverse outcomes under routine conditions in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). We hypothesized that the routine use of a cell saver (CS) in place of the cardiotomy sucker would have no negative impact on transfusion rate (TR), chest tube drainage (CTD), ventilation time (VT) or intensive care unit length of stay (ICULOS) while avoiding the detrimental effects of cardiotomy suction. Retrospective data were collected from 69 patients where a cell saver was not used (NCS). Prospective data were collected from 219 patients who were followed after the implementation of an intra-operative cell saver. No significant increase in transfusion rate, chest tube drainage or ventilation time was found between the NCS group and the CS group. However, post-operative hemoglobin concentrations were significantly higher in the CS group (0.0001) and the CS group spent significantly less time in the ICU (p=0.018).

Target-controlled propofol infusion for sedation in patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy

The efficacy and safety of the routine use of target-controlled infusion of propofol for the sedation of patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy were assessed. The optimal level of sedation was also evaluated. A total of 250 patients were randomized into five groups according to sedation level determined by the Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation (OAA/S) scale. As the level of sedation was increased, the overall pain and discomfort score decreased and the satisfaction rate tended to increase, although hypoxia meant that intervention occurred more frequently at higher sedation levels. Target-controlled infusion of propofol provided safe and effective sedation during transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy, particularly if moderate sedation (OAA/S score of 3) was achieved. The effect-site concentration of propofol for this level of sedation was about 1.5 microg/ml.

Tau overexpression in transgenic mice induces glycogen synthase kinase 3β and β-catenin phosphorylation

The abnormal phosphorylations of tau, GSK3beta, and beta-catenin have been shown to perform a crucial function in the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The primary objective of the current study was to determine the manner in which overexpressed htau23 interacts and regulates the behavior and phosphorylation characteristics of tau, GSK3beta, and beta-catenin. In order to accomplish this, transgenic mice expressing neuron-specific enolase (NSE)-controlled human wild-type tau (NSE/htau23) were created. Transgenic mice evidenced the following: (i) tendency toward memory impairments at later stages, (ii) dramatic overexpression of the tau transgene, coupled with increased tau phosphorylation and paired helical filaments (PHFs), (iii) high levels of GSK3beta phosphorylation with advanced age, resulting in increases in the phosphorylations of tau and beta-catenin, (iv) an inhibitory effect of lithium on the phosphorylations of tau, GSK3beta, and beta-catenin, but not in the non-transgenic littermate group. Therefore, the overexpression of NSE/htau23 in the brains of transgenic mice induces abnormal phosphorylations of tau, GSK3beta, and beta-catenin, which are ultimately linked to neuronal degeneration in cases of AD. These transgenic mice are expected to prove useful for the development of new drugs for the treatment of AD.

Effects of isoflurane and propofol on cortical somatosensory evoked potentials during comparable depth of anaesthesia as guided by bispectral index

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine if propofol caused less suppression of cortical somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) during spine surgery compared with isoflurane during comparable depth of anaesthesia as guided by bispectral index (BIS) measurements.

METHODS

This was a randomized controlled trial of propofol and isoflurane involving 60 patients undergoing elective spine surgery. BIS monitoring was used to guide a consistent and comparable depth of anaesthesia, the index was maintained at between 40 and 50 during anaesthesia. The cortical SSEP P40-N50 peak-to-peak amplitude and latency time to the P40 peak were measured before induction of anaesthesia, after induction of anaesthesia, at the start of skin incision, at the start of pedicle screw insertion and at the start of rod insertion, by a neurophysiologist blinded to drug allocation.

RESULTS

Both propofol and isoflurane decreased SSEP amplitude and increased latency during the course of anaesthesia. After achieving a comparable depth of anaesthesia, the SSEP amplitude was significantly lower with isoflurane, 1.5 (1.0) vs 2.4 (1.4) muV (P=0.005). Latency was significantly longer with isoflurane, 39.5 (3.9) vs 37.3 (3.1) ms (P=0.024). Isoflurane was associated with greater variability of SSEP amplitude during the course of anaesthesia and surgery, coefficient of variation 35.4 (18.0) vs 21.2 (10.2)% (P=0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Propofol anaesthesia caused less suppression of the cortical SSEP, with better preservation of SSEP amplitude, and less variability at an equivalent depth of anaesthesia.

Organic and elemental carbon measurements during ACE-Asia suggest a longer atmospheric lifetime for elemental carbon

During the ACE-Asia intensive field campaign (March 14-April 20, 2001), PM1.0 organic (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) concentrations were measured onboard the NOAA R/V Ronald H. Brown over the Northwest Pacific Ocean using a semi-continuous automated carbon analyzer downstream of a carbon-impregnated filter denuder. This OC and EC measurement achieved a mean time resolution of about 200 min over the Pacific Ocean, substantially lower than that achieved previously (24 h). The semi-continuous measurements, in which the adsorption artifact was substantially reduced using the denuder, showed good agreement with integrated artifact-corrected measurements made without a denuder. Mean particulate OC and EC concentrations were 0.21 and 0.09, 0.70 and 0.29, 1.00 and 0.27, and 2.43 and 0.66 microg of C m(-3) over the background Pacific Ocean, Asian-influenced Pacific Ocean, offshore of Japan, and Sea of Japan, respectively. On April 11, 90-min average OC and EC concentrations peaked at 4.0 and 1.3 microg of C m(-3), respectively, offshore of Korea over the Sea of Japan. The OC/EC ratio of 3.7 over the Sea of Japan and offshore of Japan was substantially higher than that of 2.5 over the Asian-influenced Pacific Ocean, even though backward air mass trajectories put the "Asian-influenced Pacific Ocean" sample downwind. The OC/EC ratio decreased with increasing time since the air mass encountered the source regions of China, Japan, and Korea. This suggests a longer atmospheric residence time for EC than for OC.

ACE-Asia intercomparison of a thermal-optical method for the determination of particle-phase organic and elemental carbon

A laboratory intercomparison of organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) measurements of atmospheric particulate matter samples collected on quartz filters was conducted among eight participants of the ACE-Asia field experiment The intercomparison took place in two stages: the first round of the intercomparison was conducted when filter samples collected during the ACE-Asia experiment were being analyzed for OC and EC, and the second round was conducted after the ACE-Asia experiment and included selected samples from the ACE-Asia experiment Each participant operated ECOC analyzers from the same manufacturer and utilized the same analysis protocol for their measurements. The precision of OC measurements of quartz fiber filters was a function of the filter's carbon loading but was found to be in the range of 4-13% for OC loadings of 1.0-25 microg of C cm(-2). For measurements of EC, the precision was found to be in the range of 6-21% for EC loadings in the range of 0.7-8.4 microg of C cm(-2). It was demonstrated for three ambient samples, four source samples, and three complex mixtures of organic compounds that the relative amount of total evolved carbon allocated as OC and EC (i.e., the ECOC split) is sensitive to the temperature program used for analysis, and the magnitude of the sensitivity is dependent on the types of aerosol particles collected. The fraction of elemental carbon measured in wood smoke and an extract of organic compounds from a wood smoke sample were sensitive to the temperature program used for the ECOC analysis. The ECOC split for the three ambient samples and a coal fly ash sample showed moderate sensitivity to temperature program, while a carbon black sample and a sample of secondary organic aerosol were measured to have the same split of OC and EC with all temperature programs that were examined.

Potential role of leptin in angiogenesis: leptin induces endothelial cell proliferation and expression of matrix metalloproteinases in vivo and in vitro

Leptin, the product of ob gene, is an endocrine hormone that regulates adipose tissue mass. Recently, leptin has been found to generate a growth signal involving a tyrosine kinase-dependent intracellular pathway and promote angiogenic processes via activation of leptin receptor (Ob-R) in endothelial cells. However, it is not clear how leptin functions to promote multi-step processes involved in the neovascularization at the atherosclerotic plaque. We have examined the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) and Ob-R in human atherosclerotic lesions, leptin-mediated angiogenesis in vivo and in vitro. Immunohistochemical analysis of human atherosclerotic aorta revealed an increased expression of Ob-R in the intima of neorevascularized regions and of both MMPs and TIMPs predominantly in the endothelial lining of intimal neovessels and macrophages/foam cells. In the rat corneal angiogenesis assay, leptin elicited a comparable sensitivity of angiogenic activity to those of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The immunohistological analysis of the leptin-treated rat cornea showed definitive rises in Ob-R, MMPs and TIMPs expression as well as those of VEGF receptor (VEGFR-1). Leptin (10-40 ng/ml) induced proliferation of the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and elevation of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 expression in a dose-dependent manner. Leptin also induced increases of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and Up-regulated the human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASMCs). These findings suggest that leptin, a hormone with pluralistic properties including a mitogenic activity on vascular endothelial cells, plays a role in matrix remodeling by regulating the expression of MMPs and TIMPs. Taken together, our findings further provide evidences for leptin's role as an angiogenesis inducer in the normal organ (rat cornea) and in aberrant vasculature under duress like atherosclerosis.

A novel recombinant basic fibroblast growth factor and its secretion

Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) is a pleiotropic mitogen which plays an important role in cell growth, differentiation, migration, and survival in different cells and organ systems. Recently, several clinical applications for FGF-2 gene transfer are being evaluated in wound healing and collateral artery development to relieve myocardial and peripheral ischemia due to the ability of FGF-2 to regulate the growth and function of vascular cells. However, FGF-2 lacks a classical hydrophobic secretion signal peptide, the FGF-2 chimeras containing various signal sequences have been explored. In this study, a novel recombinant 4sFGF-2 was constructed by replacing nine residues from the amino-terminus of native FGF-2 (Met1 to Leu9) with eight amino acid residues of signal peptide of FGF-4 (Met1 to Ala8) to better increase the secretion level of FGF-2. When the recombinant FGF-2 gene, cloned into the expression vector with CMV promoter, was expressed in COS-7 cells, the recombinant 4sFGF-2 was highly secreted into the media. The secreted 4sFGF-2 showed the same biological activity as the native FGF-2 in the dose-response effects on DNA synthesis and cell growth of rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMCs) and NIH3T3 cells. The 4sFGF-2 also was able to activate MAPK as wild FGF-2 in RASMCs. These results indicate that a novel recombinant 4sFGF-2 may be useful as clinical applicability of angiogenic growth factor gene transfer.

Kupffer cells do not play a role in governing the efficacy of liposomal mitoxantrone used to treat a tumor model designed to assess drug delivery to liver

A tumor model designed to assess liposome-mediated drug delivery to liver has been used in an attempt to better understand the mechanism of activity of liposomal mitoxantrone, a liposomal anticancer drug formulation that appears to be uniquely effective in treating this tumor model. Reductions in liposomal mitoxantrone accumulation in the liver were achieved either by use of poly(ethylene)glycol (PEG)-modified lipids or by methods designed to deplete liver phagocytes, a method referred to as hepatic mononuclear phagocytic system (MPS) blockade. A 2-fold reduction in mitoxantrone delivery to the liver was obtained using a mitoxantrone formulation with PEG-modified lipids, and a 3-fold reduction was obtained when liposomal mitoxantrone was given to animals pretreated to induce hepatic MPS blockade. Results demonstrate that the liposomal mitoxantrone formulation prepared with PEG-modified lipids was significantly less active than the formulations that did not contain PEG lipids, with median survival times of 17 days and 100% 60-day survival, respectively. In contrast, hepatic MPS blockade had no effect on the therapeutic activity of 1,2-dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol (DMPC/Chol) mitoxantrone (100% 60-day survival). These data suggest that the hepatic MPS does not play a role in mediating the therapeutic activity of DMPC/Chol mitoxantrone in the treatment of liver localized disease. Results with formulations prepared with a PEG-stabilized surface, however, suggest that nonspecific methods to decrease liposome cell interactions inhibit the therapeutic activity of DMPC/Chol mitoxantrone.

Role of drug release and liposome-mediated drug delivery in governing the therapeutic activity of liposomal mitoxantrone used to treat human A431 and LS180 solid tumors

A previous study suggested that drug release is the dominating factor controlling biological activity of liposomal mitoxantrone in tissues where the rate of liposome accumulation is rapid. The studies described here attempted to address the question: under conditions where the rate of liposome accumulation is slow, does drug release or liposome-mediated drug delivery become the dominant factor controlling therapeutic activity? Liposomal mitoxantrone formulations exhibiting different drug-release characteristics were injected i.v. in mice bearing human carcinoma xenografts: A431 human squamous cell carcinoma and LS180 human colon cell carcinoma in SCID/RAG 2 mice. When lipid and drug levels were measured in established (>100-mg) tumors, accumulation was more rapid in the LS180 tumors (C(max) 4 h) than in the A431 tumors (C(max) 48 h). Mean area under the curve values for mitoxantrone measured over a 96-h time course in A431 tumors were 505, 304, and 93 microg. g(-1). h(-1) for 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC)/cholesterol (Chol), 1, 2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC)/Chol, and free mitoxantrone, respectively. When a similar analysis was completed in LS180 tumors, the area under the curve values were 999, 749, and 251 microg. g(-1). h(-1) for DSPC/Chol, DMPC/Chol, and free mitoxantrone, respectively. Although drug delivery was less after administration of the DMPC/Chol liposomal mitoxantrone compared with the DSPC/Chol formulation, LS180 solid-tumor growth curves showed the treatment with the DMPC/Chol formulation produced greater delays in tumor growth compared with animals treated with the DSPC/Chol formulation. These data emphasize the importance of designing liposomal formulations that release drug after localization within a region of tumor growth.

Comparison of rocuronium and vecuronium pretreatment for prevention of fasciculations, myalgia and biochemical changes following succinylcholine administration

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of rocuronium pretreatment on the succinylcholine-induced fasciculations, myalgia and biochemical changes, and to compare it with vecuronium pretreatment.

METHODS

We have studied 60 female patients undergoing minor elective surgery, in a prospective double blinded method. Three groups of 20 patients each was pretreated with either saline (control group), rocuronium 0.05 mg/kg (rocuronium group) or vecuronium 0.007 mg/kg (vecuronium group). Three min after the pretreatment, 1.5 mg/kg succinylcholine was injected. Single twitch responses to electrical stimulation were measured. Serum potassium and creatine kinase were respectively measured 5 min after succinylcholine and 24 h after operation. Fasciculations and myalgia on postoperative day 1 and day 2 were evaluated.

RESULTS

The incidence of fasciculations was lowest in the rocuronium group, followed by the vecuronium group, and was highest in the control group. The incidence of myalgia on postoperative day 1 was lower in the rocuronium and vecuronium groups than the control group. The increase of serum creatine kinase was similar among the three groups, but there was no increase in serum potassium concentration in any group. No differences of the single twitch responses to electrical stimulation were found between the rocuronium and vecuronium groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Rocuronium pretreatment was more effective in reducing fasciculations than was vecuronium pretreatment, but both were equally effective in preventing myalgia on postoperative day 1. This difference may reflect the differential activities of rocuronium and vecuronium at the neuromuscular junction. The increase of creatine kinase was not attenuated by any regimen.

High glucose solution and spent dialysate stimulate the synthesis of transforming growth factor-beta1 of human peritoneal mesothelial cells: effect of cytokine costimulation

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of high glucose and spent peritoneal dialysate on the transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGFbeta1) synthesis of cultured human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs) and to examine the effect of costimulation with high glucose or spent dialysate, and cytokines, interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) on TGFbeta1 synthesis of HPMCs.

DESIGN

HPMCs were exposed to different concentrations of glucose (30, 60, and 90 mmol/L) or spent peritoneal dialysate for 48 hours in the absence or presence of IL-1beta (1 ng/mL) and TNFalpha(1 ng/mL).TGFbeta1 mRNA expression was assessed by Northern blot analysis and TGFbeta1 protein release by Western blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Exposure of HPMCs to high glucose conditions (30, 60, and 90 mmol/L of D-glucose) induced 2.3-, 3.6-, and 4.0-fold increases inTGFbeta1 mRNA expression of HPMC with enhancedTGFbeta1 protein synthesis and secretion into the media, whereas there were no significant changes in TGFbeta1 synthesis with equimolar concentrations of D-mannitol. Incubation with spent dialysate also significantly increased TGFbeta1 mRNA expression and protein secretion compared to control media (p < 0.05). Stimulation with IL-1beta (1 ng/mL) or TNFalpha (1 ng/mL) resulted in a significant increase in TGFbeta1 mRNA expression after 48 hours: 2.7 and 2.1 times the control level, respectively. However,TNFalpha-induced increase in TGFbeta1 mRNA expression was not translated intoTGFbeta1 protein secretion, while IL-1beta stimulation induced a significant increase in TGFbeta1 protein secretion as well as TGFbeta1 mRNA expression. Combined stimulation by high glucose or spent dialysate, together with IL-1beta or TNFalpha, showed a greater increase in TGFbeta1 mRNA expression and protein secretion compared to stimulation by high glucose or spent dialysate alone.

CONCLUSION

Our results clearly show that high glucose solution and spent dialysate themselves might be sufficient to stimulate the production of TGFbeta1 by peritoneal mesothelial cells. In peritoneal dialysis patients, this state of chronic induction of TGFbeta1 is further exacerbated in the presence of peritonitis because of the stimulatory effect of proinflammatory cytokines, resulting in augmented TGFbeta1 synthesis, thus promoting peritoneal fibrosis.

Comparison of different hydrophobic anchors conjugated to poly(ethylene glycol): effects on the pharmacokinetics of liposomal vincristine

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) conjugated lipids have been used to increase the circulation longevity of liposomal carriers encapsulating therapeutic compounds. PEG is typically conjugated to distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DSPE) via a carbamate linkage that results in a net negative charge on the phosphate moiety at physiological pH. It was anticipated that the presence of this negative charge could have deleterious effects on liposome pharmacokinetic characteristics. We describe here the synthesis of a new class of neutrally charged PEG-lipid conjugates in which the PEG moiety was linked to ceramide (CER). These PEG-CER conjugates were compared with PEG-DSPE conjugates for their effects on the pharmacokinetics of liposomal vincristine. PEG-CER (78% palmitic acid, C16) and PEG-DSPE achieved comparable increases in the circulation lifetimes of sphingomyelin/cholesterol (SM/chol) liposomes. However, PEG-DSPE significantly increased the in vitro and in vivo leakage rates of vincristine from SM/chol-based liposomes compared to vincristine leakage observed when PEG-CER was used. The increase in drug leakage observed in vitro that was due to the presence of PEG-DSPE was likely due to the presence of a negative surface charge. Analysis of the electrophoretic mobilities of these formulations suggested that the negative surface charges were shielded by approx. 80% by the PEG layer extending from the membrane surface. In contrast, formulations containing PEG-CER had no surface charge and no electrophoretic mobility. A comparison of the effects of the ceramide acyl chain length (C8 through C24) on the pharmacokinetics of SM/chol/PEG-CER formulations of vincristine demonstrated that longer acyl chains on the PEG-CER were associated with longer circulation lifetimes of the liposomal carriers and, consequently, higher plasma vincristine concentrations. These data suggest that the short chain PEG-ceramides underwent rapid partitioning from the vesicles after i.v. administration, whereas the longer chain PEG-ceramides had stronger anchoring properties in the liposome bilayers and partitioned slowly from the administered vesicles. These data demonstrate the utility of ceramide-based steric stabilizing lipids as well as the potential for developing controlled release formulations by manipulating the retention of the PEG-ceramide conjugate in liposome bilayers.

Influence of drug release characteristics on the therapeutic activity of liposomal mitoxantrone

The influence of liposome drug release on the therapeutic activity of encapsulated mitoxantrone was investigated. Liposomes prepared from 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC)/cholesterol (Chol) (55:45, molar ratio) or 1,2 dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC)/Chol (55:45, molar ratio) were loaded with mitoxantrone using the transmembrane pH gradient loading procedure. In vivo studies demonstrated that DMPC/Chol liposomes released drug faster (1.7 microg drug/microg lipid/hr) than did DSPC/Chol liposomes (<0.025 microg drug/microg lipid/hr). In BDF1 mice, the acute toxicities of DMPC/Chol and DSPC/Chol liposomal mitoxantrone were similar, with a maximum tolerated dose of approximately 30 mg drug/kg, in comparison with the maximum tolerated dose of free drug, which was approximately 10 mg/kg. Efficacy studies were conducted in BDF1 mice inoculated i.v. with murine P388 cells or L1210 tumor cells. These cells seed in the liver and spleen of animals after i.v. inoculation, and a single dose of DMPC/Chol liposomal mitoxantrone of 10 mg drug/kg resulted in 100% of the treated animals surviving for >60 days. In contrast, no long-term survivors were obtained in any other treatment group, even when drug doses were escalated to the maximum tolerated dose. Pharmacodynamic studies with DMPC/Chol liposomal mitoxantrone and DSPC/Chol liposomal mitoxantrone illustrate the importance of achieving a balance between drug release characteristics and drug delivery to the site of tumor progression.