Radiologic-histopathologic correlation of fatty island sign with fat necrosis in atypical lipomatous tumor and lipoma

AIM

This study aimed to assess the imaging features of atypical lipomatous tumors (ALTs) and lipoma with fat necrosis.

METHODS

This study included patients with histopathologically proven fat necrosis within adipocytic tumors who underwent preoperative imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or computer tomography (CT) findings of fat necrosis associated with lipomatous tumors were retrospectively reviewed, emphasizing the "fatty island sign (FIS)." FISs were defined as well-demarcated, focal fat-containing areas surrounded by more thickened septa compared with other intratumoral septa. Imaging findings of FIS were compared between ALT and lipoma.

RESULTS

Fat necrosis was histopathologically confirmed in 17 patients (6 ALTs and 11 lipomas). Among them, 18 FISs were observed in 10 lesions (59%). Multiple FISs within a lesion were observed in 4 (40%) patients. The median maximum diameter of the FISs was 37 mm. Hypointense areas within FISs relative to the subcutaneous fat on T1- and T2-weighted images were observed in 8 (80%) and 9 (90%), respectively, whereas hyperintense areas within FISs on fat-suppressed T2-weighted images were observed in 2 (20%). Nonfatty solid components within FISs were observed in 2 (20%). On CT, increased fat attenuation and pure fat attenuation within FISs were observed in 6 (86%) and 1 (14%), respectively. The imaging findings of FIS were not significantly different between ALT and lipoma.

CONCLUSION

FISs were observed in 59% of the histologically proven ALT and lipoma patients with fat necrosis. The hypointense areas relative to the subcutaneous fat on T1- and T2-weighted images and increased fat attenuation on CT were usually observed within FISs.

Comparison between the effects of epidural and intravenous patient-controlled analgesia on postoperative disability-free survival in patients undergoing thoracic and abdominal surgery: A post hoc analysis

BACKGROUND

Thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) and intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) are widely used to mitigate immediate postoperative pain; however, their effects on long-term disability-free survival are poorly documented. This study aimed to compare the effects of postoperative TEA and IV-PCA on disability-free survival in patients who underwent thoracic or abdominal surgery.

METHODS

This post hoc analysis of a prospective observational study included 845 inpatients aged ≥55 years that underwent elective thoracic and abdominal surgery between 1 April 2016 and 28 December 2018 in a tertiary care hospital. Inverse probability of treatment weighted (IPTW) using stabilized inverse propensity scores was adopted to minimize bias. The primary outcome in this study was disability-free survival, defined as survival with a 12-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 score of <16%, assessed at 3 months and 1 year after surgery.

RESULTS

The final analysis included 601 patients who received TEA and 244 who received IV-PCA. After IPTW, the weighted incidence of disability-free survival at 3 months and 1 year was 60.5% and 61.4% in the TEA group and 78.3% and 66.2% in the IV-PCA group, respectively. The adjusted OR for disability-free survival at 3 months and 1 year was 0.84 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.50-1.39) and 1.21 (95% CI: 0.72-2.05), respectively, for the TEA group.

CONCLUSION

No significant differences were observed in the disability-free survival at 3 months and 1 year after elective thoracic and abdominal surgery in patients aged ≥55 years who received TEA or IV-PCA.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

This study is the first in our setting to document the long-term effects of patient-controlled analgesia. In a post hoc analysis of our prospective cohort study, we show that although differences in chronic postsurgical pain exist at 3 months post-surgery, disability-free survival rates at 1 year do not differ irrespective of the choice of patient-controlled analgesia. The findings of this study highlight the need for shared decision-making between clinicians and patients.

Computed Tomography and 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose-Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Imaging Biomarkers of Lung Invasive Non-mucinous Adenocarcinoma: Prediction of Grade 3 Tumour Based on World Health Organization Grading System

AIMS

To evaluate computed tomography (CT) and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) findings of invasive non-mucinous adenocarcinoma (INMA) of the lung as a predictor of histological tumour grade according to 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) classification.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included consecutive patients with surgically resected INMA who underwent both preoperative CT and 18F-FDG-PET/CT. A three-tiered tumour grade was performed based on the fifth edition of the WHO classification of lung tumours. CT imaging features and the maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax) were compared among the three tumour grades.

RESULTS

In total, 214 patients with INMA (median age 70 years; interquartile range 65-76 years; 123 men) were histologically categorised: 36 (17%) as grade 1, 102 (48%) as grade 2 and 76 (35%) as grade 3. Pure solid appearance was more frequent in grade 3 (83%) than in grades 1 (0%) and 2 (26%) (P < 0.001). The SUVmax of the entire tumour was higher in grade 3 than in grades 1 and 2 (P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis revealed that pure solid appearance (odds ratio = 94.0; P < 0.001), round/oval shape (odds ratio = 4.01; P = 0.001), spiculation (odds ratio = 2.13; P = 0.04), air bronchogram (odds ratio = 0.40; P = 0.03) and SUVmax (odds ratio = 1.45; P < 0.001) were significant predictors for grade 3 INMAs.

CONCLUSION

Pure solid appearance, round/oval shape, spiculation, absence of air bronchogram and high SUVmax were associated with grade 3 INMAs. CT and 18F-FDG-PET/CT were potentially useful non-invasive imaging methods to predict the histological grade of INMAs.

Anesthetic management using costoclavicular brachial plexus block with patient-controlled analgesia in Pediatrics: A case report

The costoclavicular brachial plexus block (CBPB) has been receiving increasing attention as an effective technique for upper arm surgery conducted without phrenic paralysis. However, studies in children are lacking. CBPB was applied to a 10 year-old girl undergoing scheduled radial and ulnar osteotomy due to multiple cartilaginous exostoses and ulnar lengthening. CBPB was performed with a bolus administration of 10 mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine, and the catheter was sequentially replaced in the right costoclavicular space. After surgery, a continuous infusion of 0.17% levobupivacaine through a catheter was initiated at 2 mL/h, along with patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) of 3 mL 0.17% levobupivacaine with a 60-min lock out. The patient complained of 5/10 pain on the numerical rating scale (NRS) 2 h after surgery, which improved immediately after bolus administration. The analgesia induced by CBPB was otherwise effective (NRS ≤ 2). CBPB with PCA may provide adequate analgesia in paediatric cases.

Anesthetic management using costoclavicular brachial plexus block with patient-controlled analgesia in Pediatrics: A case report

Anesthetic management using costoclavicular brachial plexus block with patient-controlled analgesia in pediatrics: a case report Abstract The costoclavicular brachial plexus block (CBPB) has been receiving increasing attention as an effective technique for upper arm surgery conducted without phrenic paralysis. However, studies in children are lacking. CBPB was applied to a 10 year-old girl undergoing scheduled radial and ulnar osteotomy due to multiple cartilaginous exostoses and ulnar lengthening. CBPB was performed with a bolo administration of 10 mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine, and the catheter was sequentially replaced in the right costoclavicular space. After surgery, a continuous infusion of 0.17% levobupivacaine through a catheter was initiated at 2 mL/h, along with patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) of 3 mL 0.17% levobupivacaine with a 60-minute lock out. The patient complained of 5/10 pain on the numerical rating scale (NRS) 2 hours after surgery, which improved immediately after bolus administration. The analgesia induced by CBPB was otherwise effective (NRS ≤ 2). CBPB with PCA may provide adequate analgesia in pediatric cases.

Preoperative underweight is associated with adverse postoperative events in patients undergoing microvascular reconstruction surgery for oral and maxillofacial cancer

We aimed to describe the prevalence of postoperative complications and evaluate its relationship with underweight, obesity, preoperative nutritional status, and systemic inflammation status in patients undergoing microvascular reconstruction for oral and maxillofacial cancer. Patients who were ≥20 years old and underwent microvascular reconstruction surgery between January 2009 to June 2019 were investigated. Patient demographics including body mass index, prognostic nutritional status, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio were collected. Logistic regression analysis was applied to evaluate these impacts on postoperative complications. A postoperative complication was defined as a Clavien-Dindo classification more than or equal to II. Of the 145 patients included in the analysis, 83 patients (57.2%) experienced postoperative complications, belonging to a Clavien-Dindo classification Ⅱ (n=71), Ⅲb (n=11), and Ⅳa (n=1). Multiple logistic regression revealed that a body mass index less than 18.5 kg/m² (odds ratio 6.19, 95% confidential interval 1.34-28.6, P=0.02) was related to postoperative complications. Another multiple logistic regression model including all explanatory factors found that underweight (P=0.03) was related to postoperative complications. This retrospective study showed that preoperative underweight was associated with postoperative complications as evaluated by the Clavien-Dindo classification.

Postoperative intensive care unit admission does not affect outcomes in elective surgical patients with severe comorbidity

OBJECTIVE

The impact of postoperative intensive care upon patient outcomes was evaluated by retrospectively investigating the rate of poor outcomes among miscellaneous elective surgical patients with severe comorbidities.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study was carried out.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENTS

Surgical patients with severe comorbidities.

INTERVENTION

The outcomes of 1218 surgical patients treated in intensive care units (ICUs) and postsurgical wards (ICU group vs. non-ICU group) were reviewed for poor outcomes (i.e., no discharge or death). A propensity score analysis was used to generate 248 matched pairs of ICU-admitted patients and controls.

VARIABLES OF INTEREST

Poor outcome rates on postoperative day 90 and mortality on postoperative days 30 and 90.

RESULTS

No significant between-group differences were observed in terms of poor outcomes on postoperative day 90 [ICU vs. non-ICU: 33/248 (13%) vs. 28/248 (11%), respectively; ICU odds ratio (OR): 1.19, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.71-2.01, p=0.596] or in between-group differences in terms of mortality on postoperative days 30 and 90 [ICU vs. non-ICU: 4/248 (1.6%) vs. 2/248 (0.8%) on postoperative day 30 and 5/248 (2.0%) vs. 3/248 (1.2%) on day 90, respectively; ICU OR (95% CI), 2.00 (0.37-10.9) and 1.67 (0.40-6.97) for postoperative 30- and 90-day mortality, respectively (p=0.683 and 0.724)]. Low preoperative body weight was negatively correlated to patient outcomes [OR (95% CI): 0.82/10kg (0.70-0.97), p=0.019], whereas regional analgesia combined with general anesthesia was positively correlated to patient outcomes [OR (95% CI): 0.39 (0.69-0.96), p=0.006]. Extra ICU admission was correlated to poor patient outcomes [OR (95% CI): 4.18 (2.23-7.81), p < 0.0001].

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative ICU admission failed to demonstrate any meaningful benefits in patients with severe comorbidities undergoing miscellaneous elective surgeries.

Amiodarone does not affect brain injury in a rat model of transient forebrain ischemia

OBJECTIVES

Although amiodarone may cause neurotoxicity that can affect patient outcomes when used during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), it has been commonly prescribed during CPR. This study investigated the possible neurotoxic effects of amiodarone in a rat model of transient forebrain ischemia.

DESIGN

A prospective laboratory animal study was carried out.

SETTING

Animal laboratory.

MATERIALS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats.

INTERVENTION

Eight minutes of forebrain ischemia was induced in rats by bilateral carotid occlusion and hypotension (mean arterial pressure=35mmHg) under isoflurane (1.5%) anesthesia. Amiodarone (0, 50, 100 and 150mg/kg) with saline was injected intraperitoneally 10min after ischemia. Rats given 0mg/kg of amiodarone were used as saline-treated controls. Sham operated rats received no treatment.

VARIABLES OF INTEREST

Animals were evaluated neurologically on postoperative days 4-7, and histologically after a one-week recovery period.

RESULTS

The greatest improvement in water maze test performance corresponded to the sham operated group (p=0.015 vs. saline-treated controls). No differences in performance were seen in amiodarone-treated rats compared with saline-treated controls. In the control group, 45% of the CA1 hippocampal neurons survived, compared with 78% in the sham operated group (p=0.009). Neuron survival after ischemia in the amiodarone treatment groups (50, 100 and 150mg/kg) (58%, 40% and 36%, respectively) and in the control rats did not differ significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of amiodarone immediately after transient forebrain ischemia did not worsen spatial cognitive function or neuronal survival in the hippocampal CA1 region in rats. The current results must be applied with caution in humans. However, they indicate that the potential neurotoxicity induced by amiodarone during resuscitation after cardiac arrest may be negligible.

Inchworm sign of endometrial cancer on diffusion-weighted MRI: radiology-pathology correlation

AIM

To perform radiology-pathology correlation of the inchworm sign on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in patients with endometrial cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients (345) with histopathologically proven endometrial cancer who underwent preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including DWI images, and hysterectomy were included in the present study. The inchworm sign was defined as a hypointense stalk between hyperintense endometrial cancer and hypointense myometrium on DWI images. A genitourinary pathologist reviewed the resected specimen at the site of the inchworm sign.

RESULTS

The inchworm sign on DWI images was observed in 32 (9.3%) patients. On T2-weighted images, areas of hypointense stalk on DWI images showed hypointensity in 31 (97%) patients and hyperintensity in one (3%). Among them, the depth of myometrial invasion at histopathology was superficial (<50% myometrial invasion) in 28 (87.5%) patients and deep (≥50% myometrial invasion) in four (12.5%). As a result of histopathological investigation, the hypointense stalk of the inchworm sign was mainly composed of various degrees of stromal proliferation, including smooth muscle cells and metaplastic fibromuscular stroma, with or without intervening endometrial cancer.

CONCLUSION

The inchworm sign of endometrial cancer on DWI images usually indicated superficial myometrial invasion and was caused by a stalk composed of stromal proliferation with or without intervening endometrial cancer.

Effects of deep sedation under mechanical ventilation on cognitive outcome in patients undergoing surgery for oral and maxillofacial cancer and microvascular reconstruction

OBJECTIVE

Cognitive impairment after intensive care unit (ICU) admission is becoming increasingly recognized. High-dose deep sedation has been suggested to play an important role in the development of cognitive impairment. However, the impact of heavy sedation as a single cause in the development of cognitive impairment in ICU patients remains unclear. In this study we investigated whether a three-day deep sedation protocol could reduce cognitive function in mechanically ventilated non-critical patients.

DESIGN

A prospective observational study was carried out.

PATIENTS

A total of 17 surgical patients were studied.

INTERVENTION

None.

VARIABLES OF INTEREST

Cognitive function before and after ICU admission.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients requiring three days of sedation after microvascular reconstruction were initially enrolled in the study. Sedation in the ICU was maintained with propofol and dexmedetomidine combined with fentanyl. Cognitive function was assessed using a battery of 6 neuropsychological tests two days before surgery and three weeks after surgery. Finally, a total of 17 patients were included in the analysis. Cognitive impairment (defined as a decline of >20% from the pre-admission cognitive evaluation scores in at least two of 6 tests) was observed in 5 of the 17 patients (29%). However, there were no significant differences between the pre- and post-admission cognitive evaluations in 6 tests.

CONCLUSIONS

Middle-term cognitive function can be impaired in some patients subjected to deep sedation during several days following maxillary-mandibular oral surgery with microvascular reconstruction.

Rebamipide, an anti-ulcerative drug, inhibits induction of salivary dysfunction by benzodiazepines

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine whether rebamipide, an antistomach ulcer agent, ameliorated benzodiazepine-induced hyposalivation in rat parotid gland (PG) and submandibular gland (SMG).

METHODS

Saliva was collected from PG and SMG through a capillary cannula inserted into the parotid duct and sublingual papillae, respectively, every 15 min for 1 h after stimulation with pilocarpine dissolved in physiological saline and intraperitoneally administered at 1 mg kg^-1 . Diazepam (DZP) was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 0.2 mg kg^-1 twice daily for 7 days. Rebamipide was administered at 10, 20, 30, or 100 mg kg^-1 concomitantly with DZP to determine its effect on hyposalivation. The effect of rebamipide on movement of intracellular calcium ([Ca²⁺ ]i) in isolated parotid acinar cells was analyzed using Fluo4, a fluorescent dye used to detect Ca²⁺ .

RESULTS

Repetitive administration of DZP decreased salivary secretion in PG and SMG. This inhibitory effect was weakened by administration of rebamipide. Prior administration of DZP (10^-6 M) significantly suppressed carbachol (10^-7 M)-induced increase in [Ca²⁺ ]i. This inhibitory effect was ameliorated by combined use with rebamipide (5 × 10^-4 M).

CONCLUSION

This findings suggest that rebamipide weakens the downregulatory effect of DZP on salivary secretion by preventing DZP-induced suppression of increase in [Ca²⁺ ]i.

Interleukin-33 induces interleukin-17F in bronchial epithelial cells

BACKGROUND

IL-33 is clearly expressed in the airway of patients with asthma, but its role in asthma has not yet been fully understood. IL-17F is also involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. However, the regulatory mechanisms of IL-17F expression remain to be defined. To further indentify the role of IL-33 in asthma, we investigated the expression of IL-17F by IL-33 in bronchial epithelial cells and its signaling mechanisms.

METHODS

Bronchial epithelial cells were stimulated with IL-33. The levels of IL-17F expression were analyzed using real-time PCR and ELISA. Next, the involvement of ST2, MAP kinases, and mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinase1 (MSK1) was determined by Western blot analyses. Various kinase inhibitors and anti-ST2 neutralizing Abs were added to the culture to identify the key signaling events leading to the expression of IL-17F, in conjunction with the use of short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting MSK1.

RESULTS

IL-33 significantly induced IL-17F gene and protein expression. The receptor for IL-33, ST2, was expressed in bronchial epithelial cells. Among MAP kinases, IL-33 phosphorylated ERK1/2, but not p38MAPK and JNK. It was inhibited by the pretreatment of anti-ST2 neutralizing (blocking) Abs. MEK inhibitor significantly blocked IL-17F production. Moreover, IL-33 phosphorylated MSK1, and MEK inhibitor diminished its phosphorylation. Finally, MSK1 inhibitors and transfection of the siRNAs targeting MSK1 significantly blocked the IL-17F expression.

CONCLUSIONS

IL-33 induces IL-17F via ST2-ERK1/2-MSK1 signaling pathway in bronchial epithelial cells. These data suggest that the IL-33/IL-17F axis is involved in allergic airway inflammation and may be a novel therapeutic target.

Laparoscopic common hepatic artery ligation and staging followed by distal pancreatectomy with en bloc resection of celiac artery for advanced pancreatic cancer

INTRODUCTION

Adeno-carcinomas of pancreatic body are usually asymptomatic and progress to advanced stage with involvement of major arteries. Resection of advanced cancer along with en bloc resection of a common hepatic artery and celiac trunk enables a "curative" resections and only possible treatment. However, the celiac axis resection always has a risk of compromising blood supply to liver, resulting in the hepatic insufficiency. We evaluated practicability of a two-stage procedure for the advanced pancreases body cancer, laparoscopic clamping of a common hepatic artery followed by open distal pancreatectomy with en bloc celiac arterial resection to prevent the hepatic insufficiency.

MATERIALS AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

Seventy-five-year-old woman diagnosed with a 50-mm pancreatic body mass, invading splenic artery, common hepatic artery, splenic vein, and portal vein at the confluence. STAGE-1: At laparoscopy, after confirming absence of the peritoneal, superficial liver metastases and negative peritoneal cytology; we approached the common hepatic artery through the lesser sac and ligated. STAGE-2: Her liver function tests were normal after 2 weeks, and CT angiography showed complete blockage of the common hepatic artery with sufficient collateral circulation to the liver through inferior pancreatico-duodenal artery and gastro-duodenal artery. We performed an open distal pancreatectomy with en bloc resection of celiac artery. Histopathology examination confirmed R0 resection.

DISCUSSION

The celiac axis resection with distal pancreatectomy improves the chance of R0 resection and potentially, survival of the patient. Preoperative laparoscopic ligation of the common hepatic artery is a safe, effective, and in-expensive technique to prevent postoperative hepatic insufficiency and improves the safety of en bloc celiac artery resection with a distal pancreatectomy. Also these patients have high risk of peritoneal dissemination. Diagnostic laparoscopy is useful to detect occult metastasis, which are missed by per-operative CT scan.

Blockade of cysteinyl leukotriene-1 receptors suppresses airway remodelling in mice overexpressing GATA-3

BACKGROUND

We demonstrated previously that GATA-3 overexpression markedly enhanced allergen-induced airway inflammation and airway remodelling, including subepithelial fibrosis, and smooth muscle cell hyperplasia, in transgenic mice.

OBJECTIVE

Because cysteinyl leukotrienes (cysLTs) have been shown to be involved in such structural changes, the effects of a specific cysLT1 receptor antagonist, montelukast, were evaluated in a mouse model of chronic asthma.

METHODS

GATA-3-overexpressing mice and wild-type Balb/c mice were sensitized and repeatedly challenged by ovalbumin (OVA) or saline. The effects of montelukast on the development of airway remodelling were compared between the two mouse genotypes.

RESULTS

CysLTs in the lung were increased after repeated allergen challenges, and significantly enhanced in GATA-3-overexpressing mice. The enhanced cysLT levels were accompanied by the development of eosinophilia, smooth muscle cell hyperplasia, and increased stromal cell-derived factor-1 gene expression with a small increase in pro-collagen gene expression in OVA-challenged GATA-3-overexpressing mice, but not in wild-type mice. Montelukast significantly decreased lung cysLT levels and inhibited the GATA-3-overexpression-related airway remodelling, potently preventing smooth muscle cell hyperplasia, but partially suppressed the increased pro-collagen gene expression and eosinophilic inflammation. Increases in the levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and eotaxin in bronchial lavage and TGF-β gene expression in the lungs were induced by OVA in both mouse genotypes. Montelukast treatment also significantly reduced these levels to the levels seen after saline challenges in GATA-3-overexpressing mice.

CONCLUSION

Montelukast efficaciously prevented airway inflammation and remodelling in a GATA-3-overexpression antigen challenge mouse model by decreasing the cysLT-driven Th2 cytokine cycle of amplification of airway pathologies.

Video-assisted neck surgery for thyroid tumor: gasless lateral approach

A 27-year-old woman with a thyroid tumor underwent right hemithyroidectomy to rule out malignancies such as follicular carcinoma of thyroid. A subplatysmal skin flap was dissected after making an incision in the anterior aspect of the neck, and the thyroid gland was exposed through the avascular space between the heads of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. After the insertion of the original retractor, video-assisted hemithyroidectomy was performed using ultrasonic surgical devices and conventional endoscopic forceps. Pathological examination of the resected specimen revealed follicular adenoma, and the postoperative course was uneventful. A lateral gasless approach for video-assisted thyroidectomy enables visualization of an adequate operative field and appears to be a safe and effective method.

Intraoperative electrophysiologic monitoring of ocular motor nerves under conditions of partial neuromuscular blockade during skull base surgery

The feasibility and usefulness of intraoperative electromyographic monitoring of the oculomotor nerve (CN III), trochlear nerve (CN IV), and abducens nerve (CN IV) were evaluated under conditions of partial neuromuscular blockade in 21 patients undergoing skill base surgery. Intracranial electrical stimulation of each nerve was performed, and compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) were reconded from the inferior or superior rectus muscle, the superior oblique muscle, and the lateral rectus muscle for monitoring of CN III, IV, and VI, respectively. Partial neuromuscular blockade was achieved by controlled infusion of vecuronium titrated to eliminate about 90% of the twitch response of the abductor pollicis brevis to electrical stimulation of the median nerve. A total of 30 cranial nerves were stimulated intraoperatively. Of these, 29 were successfully monitored (19 CN III, 6 CN IV, 4 CN VI). A relationship was found between intraoperative findings of cranial nerve monitoring, such as disappearance of response and increase in latency and stimulus threshold during manipulation of a lesion, and the presence of postoperative nerve deficits. We conclude that intraoperative electromyographic monitoring of ocular motor nerves is feasible during partial neuromuscular blockade, and that partial neuromuscular blockade does not affect the relationship between findings of intraoperative monitoring and postoperative nerve function.

Beta blocker infusion decreases the magnitude of core hypothermia after anesthesia induction

BACKGROUND

Beta-1-receptor blockade reduces heart rate, cardiac output, and arterial pressure while increasing peripheral vascular resistance. It is possible that beta blockers not only inhibit the core-to-peripheral re-distribution of body heat and cutaneous heat loss due to vasodilation after anesthesia induction but also reduce the convective transfer of heat from the core to peripheral tissues by decreasing cardiac output. The authors investigated whether the co-administration of esmolol or landiolol, ultra-short-acting beta blockers, attenuates the magnitude of initial re-distribution hypothermia after anesthesia induction and tracheal intubation.

METHODS

Immediately prior to the induction of anesthesia, patients were randomly assigned to receive 0.2 mg kg-1 of landiolol (landiolol group; N=30), 1 mg kg-1 of esmolol (esmolol group; N=30), or 0.1 mL kg-1 of saline (control group; N=30). Heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac output, and tympanic, forearm, and digit temperatures were recorded. Forearm minus fingertip skin-surface temperature gradients (temperature gradient) were calculated.

RESULTS

Tympanic membrane temperatures 15 to 60 min after the induction of anesthesia were significantly higher in the esmolol group than in the control group although the temperature gradient was similar among the three groups. Both esmolol and landiolol inhibited the increase in HR and MAP after the induction of anesthesia and tracheal intubation. The cardiac index in the esmolol group was significantly lower than in the control group. The degree of hemodynamic attenuation after induction by esmolol was larger than that of landiolol.

CONCLUSION

The co-administration of esmolol, but not landiolol, attenuated the magnitude of initial re-distribution hypothermia after anesthesia induction and tracheal intubation. Esmolol likely prevented initial hypothermia because it attenuated the convective transfer of heat from the core to peripheral tissues by decreasing cardiac output.

Induction of insulin-like growth factor-I by interleukin-17F in bronchial epithelial cells

BACKGROUND

Increased expression of IL-17F has been noted in the airway of asthmatic patients, but its role in asthma has not been fully elucidated. Insulin-like growth FACTOR-I (IGF-I) is known to be involved in airway remodelling and inflammation, while its regulatory mechanisms remain to be defined.

OBJECTIVE

To further clarify the biological function of IL-17F, we investigated whether IL-17F is able to regulate the expression of IGF-I in bronchial epithelial cells.

METHODS

Bronchial epithelial cells were stimulated with IL-17F in the presence or absence of T-helper type 2 cytokines. Various kinase inhibitors were added to the culture to identify the key signalling events leading to the expression of IGF-I, in conjunction with the use of short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinase (MSK) 1, p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (p90RSK), and cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB).

RESULTS

IL-17F significantly induced IGF-I gene and protein expression, and co-stimulation with IL-4 and IL-13 augmented its production. MAP kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitors and the Raf1 kinase inhibitor significantly inhibited IGF-I production, and the combination of PD98059 and Raf1 kinase inhibitor showed further inhibition. Overexpression of Raf1 and Ras dominant-negative mutants inhibited its expression. MSK1 inhibitors significantly blocked IL17F-induced IGF-I expression. Moreover, transfection of the siRNAs targeting MSK1, p90RSK, and CREB blocked its expression.

CONCLUSIONS

In bronchial epithelial cells, IL-17F is able to induce the expression of IGF-I via the Raf1-MEK1/2-ERK1/2-MSK1/p90RSK-CREB pathway in vitro.

Transforming growth factor-β stimulates the expression of eotaxin/CC chemokine ligand 11 and its promoter activity through binding site for nuclear factor-κβ in airway smooth muscle cells

BACKGROUND

Chemokines ligands of CCR3 including eotaxin/CC chemokine ligand 11 (CCL11) may contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma. These chemokines and a growth factor (TGF-beta) may be involved in the process of airway remodelling.

OBJECTIVE

We analysed the effects of TGF-beta on the expression of CCR3 ligands in human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cells and investigated the mechanisms.

METHODS

HASM cells were cultured and treated with TGF-beta and Th2 cytokines IL-4 or IL-13. Expression of mRNA was analysed by real-time PCR. Secretion of CCL11 into the culture medium was analysed by ELISA. Transcriptional regulation of CCL11 was analysed by luciferase assay using CCL11 promoter-luciferase reporter plasmids.

RESULTS

IL-4 or IL-13 significantly up-regulated the expression of mRNAs for CCL11 and CCL26. TGF-beta alone did not increase the expression of chemokine mRNAs, but enhanced the induction of only CCL11 by IL-4 or IL-13 among CCR3 ligands. Activity of the CCL11 promoter was stimulated by IL-4, and this activity was enhanced by TGF-beta. Activation by IL-4 or IL-4 plus TGF-beta was lost by mutation of the binding site for signal transducers and activators of transcription-6 (STAT6) in the promoter. Cooperative activation by IL-4 and TGF-beta was inhibited by mutation of the binding site for nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in the promoter. Pretreatment with an inhibitor of NF-kappaB and glucocorticoid fluticasone propionate significantly inhibited the expression of CCL11 mRNA induced by IL-4 plus TGF-beta, indicating the importance of NF-kappaB in the cooperative activation of CCL11 transcription by TGF-beta and IL-4.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that Th2 cytokines and TGF-beta may contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma by stimulating expression of CCL11. The transcription factors STAT6 and NF-kappaB may play pivotal roles in this process.

Effects of xenon on ischemic spinal cord injury in rabbits: a comparison with propofol

BACKGROUND

Xenon has been shown to reduce cellular injury after cerebral ischemia. However, the neuroprotective effects of xenon on ischemic spinal cord are unknown. The authors compared the effects of xenon and propofol on spinal cord injury following spinal cord ischemia in rabbits.

METHODS

Thirty-two male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly assigned to one of three groups. In the xenon and propofol group, 70% of xenon and 0.8 mg/kg/min of propofol were administered 30 min before an aortic occlusion and maintained until the end of the procedure. The aortic occlusion was performed for 15 min. In the sham group, the aorta was not occluded. After an assessment of the hind limb motor function using the Tarlov score (0=paraplegia, 4=normal) at 48 h after reperfusion, gray and white matter injuries were evaluated based on the number of normal neurons in the anterior spinal cord and the percentage areas of vacuolation in the white matter, respectively.

RESULTS

In the xenon and propofol groups, the Tarlov score and the number of normal neurons were significantly lower than those in the sham group, whereas the percentage areas of vacuolation were similar among the three groups. There were no significant differences in Tarlov scores and the number of normal neurons between the xenon and the propofol groups.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that 70% of xenon has no additional neuroprotective effects on ischemic spinal cord injury in rabbits compared with propofol.

The efficacy of landiolol for suppressing the hyperdynamic response following laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation: a systematic review

Landiolol is a recently developed, selective short-acting beta1-antagonist. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of landiolol for suppressing haemodynamic changes induced by laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation (LTI) in Japanese patients. A comprehensive search was undertaken to identify all randomised comparisons of landiolol with placebo that examined effects on haemodynamic responses following LTI. MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE and the Japanese Central Review of Medicine were searched from their date of inception to February 2009. Trials were included in the review if heart rate, systolic blood pressure or mean blood pressure was recorded at three different stages: pre-induction, just before intubation and in the post-intubation period. Weighted mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for changes in haemodynamic variables between treatment and placebo groups. Seven randomised controlled trials involving 325 patients were included in the study. Of these, five trials that used the same continuous infusion regimen for landiolol (0.125 mg/kg/minute for one minute followed by 0.04 mg/kg/minute) showed efficacy in attenuation of heart rate and blood pressure following LTI (heart rate weighted mean difference: -21.18 bpm, 95% CI -18.59 to -14.20; systolic blood pressure weighted mean difference: -23.03 mmHg, 95% CI -43.59 to -2.47; mean blood pressure weighted mean difference: -16.26 mmHg, 95% CI -23.96 to -8.55). The other two studies used bolus administration of landiolol (0.1 to 0.3 mg/kg), but it was difficult to evaluate the efficacy because of the limited amount of data. Landiolol administration at 0.125 mg/kg/minute for one minute followed by 0.04 mg/kg/minute effectively suppresses the increases in heart rate and blood pressure following LTI. For a bolus regimen of landiolol, further studies are required to determine the efficacy and the optimal dose and timing for suppression of haemodynamic responses following LTI.

Concomitant expression of HER2 and HIF-1alpha is a predictor of poor prognosis in uterine cervical carcinoma treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy: prospective analysis (KGROG0501)

BACKGROUND

In previously reported retrospective analyses of uterine cervical carcinoma cases, HER2 was correlated with poor radiation sensitivity and poor treatment outcomes and HIF-1alpha was found to be an indicator of poor prognosis. To date, no prospective studies have been performed to evaluate the radiation sensitivity and treatment outcomes of patients with uterine cervical carcinoma relative to HER2 and HIF-1alpha expressions. We conducted a prospective evaluation of HER2 and HIF-1alpha in cases of locally advanced uterine cervical carcinoma treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

METHODS

Between June 2005 and April 2008, 25 patients with locally advanced uterine cervical carcinoma were registered in this study, KGROG0501. Their clinical stages were Ib2/IIb/IIIb/IVa in 1/2/22/1 cases, respectively. Nineteen cases had squamous cell carcinoma and six had adenocarcinoma. HER2 expression and HIF-1alpha expression were analyzed using an immunohistochemical kit on pretreatment biopsied specimens. HIF-1alpha expression was studied using another commercial immunohistochemical kit on pretreatment biopsied specimens. The survival rates were compared between patients with and without positive HER2 and HIF-1alpha expressions.

RESULTS

The 20-month survival of HER2(-) and HIF-1alpha(-) cases (n = 6) was 100% and that of HER2(+) and HIF-1alpha(+) cases (n = 4) was 37.5% (p = 0.0032).

CONCLUSIONS

In this first prospective analysis of patients with uterine cervical carcinoma treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy, concomitant expression of HER2 and HIF-1alpha was suggested to be a strong indicator of poor prognosis. A novel therapy including molecular targeted therapy such as anti-HER2 and anti-HIF-1alpha may be worth considering in patients with concomitant expression of HER2 and HIF-1alpha.

Superovulation in the cow with a single intramuscular injection of FSH dissolved in polyvinylpyrrolidone

It is desirable to reduce the number of treatments required to induce superovulation in cows. In this study we examined whether dissolving FSH in polyvinylpyrrolidone(PVP) would reduce the rate of absorption of FSH and allow it to be administered in a single dose for superovulation. In Experiment 1, 10 cows each received a single dose of FSH which contains 0.6% luteinizing hormone (FSH-R; 30 mg i.m.) dissolved in 30% PVP (10 ml) or in saline. In Experiment 2, a single injection of 30 mg FSH-R dissolved in 30% PVP was given to 25 cows, and 32 cows were injected twice daily in declining doses to receive a total of 28 mg FSH-R dissolved in saline. Prostaglandin F2alpha was given to all the cows 48 h after the first FSH treatment. Embryos were collected on Day 7 or 8 post insemination. In Experiment 1, the effect of FSH dissolved in PVP was compared with that dissolved in saline (number of recovered ova and embryos; 9.4+/-4.1 vs. 0). In Experiment 2, the rate of transferable embryos by single injection of FSH-R in PVP were significantly higher (P<0.05) than that of treatment of multiple injection groups. Progesterone concentration measured in serum collected 4 times from estrus (Day-0) to the day of embryo collection, indicated similar patterns in the 2 treatment groups. These findings suggest that PVP is a suitable solvent for prolonging the absorption of FSH given in a single injection thus providing a more practical approach of FSH administration.

siRNA-mediated gene silencing in the salivary gland using in vivo microbubble-enhanced sonoporation

OBJECTIVES

siRNA-induced gene silencing in the salivary gland using microbubble-enhanced sonoporation was used to develop an in vivo gene knockdown technique.

METHODS

siRNA targeting rat glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenas (GAPDH) was mixed with echo-enhanced microbubbles and reverse-injected into rat parotid glands using transdermal ultrasound. To compare direct and transdermal ultrasound efficiencies, an incision was made on the lateral neck to expose the parotid glands for direct application. The efficiency of gene suppression was determined using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction 24-72 h after siRNA delivery. Cytotoxicity was assessed using histological analysis.

RESULTS

Expression of rat GAPDH in the parotid glands was silenced 48 h after siRNA was delivered by ultrasound (frequency: 1 MHz; intensity: 2 W cm(-2); exposure time: 2 min). High-intensity ultrasound induced tissue damage and apoptotic change. Echo-enhanced microbubbles significantly improved siRNA-induced gene silencing by 10-50%. Compared with transdermal application, direct-exposure ultrasound was only slightly effective, and no significant difference in gene expression was observed.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that microbubble-enhanced sonoporation can yield in vivo siRNA gene silencing in the rat parotid gland. This technique could be applied to provide gene knockdown organs for functional genomic analyses and to develop siRNA-based gene therapy.