Functional Evaluation of 3D Liver Models Labeled with Polysaccharide Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles

Establishing a rapid in vitro evaluation system for drug screening is essential for the development of new drugs. To reproduce tissues/organs with functions closer to living organisms, in vitro three-dimensional (3D) culture evaluation using microfabrication technology has been reported in recent years. Culture on patterned substrates with controlled hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions (Cell-able^TM) can create 3D liver models (miniature livers) with liver-specific Disse luminal structures and functions. MRI contrast agents are widely used as safe and minimally invasive diagnostic methods. We focused on anionic polysaccharide magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Resovist^®) and synthesized the four types of nanoparticle derivatives with different properties. Cationic nanoparticles (TMADM) can be used to label target cells in a short time and have been successfully visualized in vivo. In this study, we examined the morphology of various nanoparticles. The morphology of various nanoparticles showed relatively smooth-edged spherical shapes. As 3D liver models, we prepared primary hepatocyte-endothelial cell heterospheroids. The toxicity, CYP3A, and albumin secretory capacity were evaluated in the heterospheroids labeled with various nanoparticles. As the culture period progressed, the heterospheroids labeled with anionic and cationic nanoparticles showed lower liver function than non-labeled heterospheroids. In the future, there is a need to improve the method of creation of artificial 3D liver or to design a low-invasive MRI contrast agent to label the artificial 3D liver.

Evaluation of human hepatocytes cultured by three-dimensional spheroid systems for drug metabolism

We investigated the utility of three-dimensional (3D) spheroid cultures of human hepatocytes in discovering drug metabolites. Metabolites of acetaminophen, diclofenac, lamotrigine, midazolam, propranolol and salbutamol were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) to measure enzyme activities in this system cultured for 2 and 7 days. Sequential metabolic reactions by Phase I and then Phase II enzymes were found in diclofenac [CYP2C9 and UDP-glucuronyltransferases (UGTs)], midazolam (CYP3A4 and UGTs) and propranolol (CYP1A2/2D6 and UGTs). Moreover, lamotrigine and salbutamol were metabolized to lamotrigine-N-glucuronide and salbutamol 4-O-sulfate, respectively. These metabolites, which are human specific, could be observed in clinical studies, but not in conventional hepatic culture systems as in previous reports. Acetaminophen was metabolized to glucuronide and sulfate conjugates, and N-acetyl-p-benzo-quinoneimine (NAPQI) and its metabolites were not observed. In addition, mRNA of drug-metabolism enzymes [CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, CYP3A4, UGT1A1, UGT2B7, sulfotransferase 1A1 (SULT1A1) and glutathione S-transferase pi 1 (GSTP1)], which were measured by qRT-PCR, were expressed in the human hepatocyte spheroids. In conclusion, these results suggest that human hepatocyte spheroids are useful in discovering drug metabolites.

Mg-doped TiO2 nanorods improving open-circuit voltages of ammonium lead halide perovskite solar cells

Mg-doped TiO₂ nanorods were synthesized from colloidal titanate by a microwave hydrothermal reaction. Use of such TiO₂ having an elevated conduction band edge as an electron extracting material for ammonium lead halide perovskite solar cells resulted in a marked improvement of V_oc.

Observation of Positively Charged Magnetic Nanoparticles Inside HepG2 Spheroids Using Electron Microscopy

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using magnetic nanoparticles has been used to diagnose vascular diseases as well as to monitor transplanted cells and tissues. In this study, we synthesized magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (TMADM-03), electrically charged by the presence of a cationic end-group substitution of dextran, and observed these nanoparticles inside three-dimensional models of HepG2 spheroids, which mimic tissues. Patterned cell array glass disks were prepared to visualize the presence of TMADM-03 uptaken by HepG2 spheroids using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The HepG2 cells (2 × 10(5) cells) were inoculated onto Cell-able™ 12-well plates. After 48 h of culture, the cells were incubated with 75 µg Fe/ml TMADM-03 in culture medium for 24 h. To investigate the cellular function of the HepG2 spheroids, the albumin secretion was evaluated by an ELISA. The albumin secretion after incubation for 24 h was reduced compared with the secretion prior to the addition of TMADM-03. TEM image samples were prepared in a planar direction or a vertical direction to the HepG2 spheroids on patterned cell array glass disks. The incorporation of TMADM-03 inside the HepG2 spheroids was confirmed. In addition, TMADM-03 could be observed in the deeper layers of the spheroids, and this was localized in the lysosomes. These data suggest that the novel magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles invade three-dimensional HepG2 spheroids.

Construction of Artificial Hepatic Lobule-Like Spheroids on a Three-Dimensional Culture Device

One major purpose of cell culture is the reconstruction of physiological structures. Using bovine aortic epithelium cell line HH (JCRB0099) as feeder cells and rat primary hepatocytes, we constructed hepatic lobule-like spheroids on a cell array plate designed for three-dimensional (3D) culture. Microfabricated patterning of the cell array with poly(ethyleneglycol) brushes promotes the formation of spheroids at 100-μm diameter at 100-μm intervals. Our standard protocol is to seed with feeder HH cells and then seed with primary hepatic parenchymal cells. The composite cell spheroids thus obtained are called heterospheroids. Feeder cells that were attached to the plate migrated and encompassed the spheroidal hepatocyte mass. Electron microscopy revealed Disse space-like structures characterized by hepatocyte-rooted microvilli rooted between hepatocyte and feeder epithelial HH cells. Differentiated hepatic functions such as albumin synthesis and cytochrome P450 subfamily CYP3A activities were maintained for 28 days in the heterospheroid versus monospheroid and monolayer cultures. In addition, glucuronide conjugation activity was maintained at a high level in heterospheroids. These results indicate that structurally similar hepatic lobules were formed in a microfabricated cell array coculture system and that the culture conditions are beneficial for maintaining differentiated hepatic functions.

Abstract 5270: Evaluation of Cell-able spheroid culture system for culturing patient derived primary tumor cells

Tumor cell microenvironment has significant impact on growth kinetics, cell signaling and response to drug treatments. 3D models are more biologically relevant models compared to 2D models and have gained preference among researchers and drug developers. It is well recognized that primary tumor cell cultures grown in 2D monolayer quickly lose the ability to proliferate while 3D culture conditions on extracellular matrix allows for spheroid formation and proliferation. Cell-able, a novel micropatterned plate has cell adhesion areas in the well bottom where the size and shape of these areas are tightly controlled. Micro-fabrication of the well bottom enables rapid cell attachment and spheroid formation. Cell-able plates are potentially an alternative to culturing cells in 3D without extracellular matrix. We have evaluated spheroid formation, morphology, duration of viability, histopathology and expression of markers in patient-derived primary tumor cells from different tumor types when cultured on Cell-able plates compared to Cultrex extracellular matrix (ECM) coated plates. In addition we have utilized Cell-able plates to grow patient-derived tumor cells and evaluate the anti-proliferative responses to cytotoxic and targeted agents using high content imaging coupled with immunofluorescence characterization enabling subpopulation analysis within the spheroids. Our results indicate that patient-derived tumor cells from multiple indications as well as tumor cell lines can be cultured on Cell-able plates as spheroids that resemble the micro architecture of tumors and are therefore a suitable 3D model. The results of high content imaging analysis suggest that Cell-able plates could be used as a valuable tool in in vitro predictive assay models in oncology drug development.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5270. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5270

Preconditioned cell array optimized for a three-dimensional culture of hepatocytes

Three-dimensional culture procedures have attracted attention in various fields of cell biology. A newly developed cell array assisted in the formation of hepatocyte spheroids by two innovations: 1) micropatterning by a hydrophilic polymer, and 2) the use of bovine carotid artery-derived HH cells as feeder cells. The former contributes to the standardization of the spheroid size and the latter to the maintenance of the spheroids. We created a way to provide a ready-to-use cell array by cryopreservation of an HH feeder cell cultured array. After inoculation of HH cells on the cell array, the culture medium was replaced by freezing medium containing dimethyl sulfoxide. Thereafter, the array was frozen and stored in a -80 degrees C deep freezer. At the start of the hepatocyte culture, the cryopreserved HH cell array was thawed by adding warmed (37 degrees C) culture medium. The morphology and biological activities of the cryopreserved HH cells were intact, as confirmed by phase contrast microscopy and functional staining with calcein and formazan. The rat hepatocytes formed perfect spheroids on the cryopreserved HH cell array without any differences from those on the freshly prepared HH cell array. The CYP3A drug metabolism activities of the hepatocytes were well maintained on the cryopreserved and fresh cell arrays. The present protocol greatly shortened the time and labor required to prepare a cell array for culturing hepatocytes.

Smoking-related changes in the background lung of specimens resected for lung cancer: a semiquantitative study with correlation to postoperative course

AIMS

To assess the pathological findings in lobectomy specimens, to correlate them with smoking history and postoperative course and to compare the findings with those in smoking-related interstitial lung disease.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients who had undergone lobectomy for lung cancer were reviewed. Subjects included 230 non-smokers and 587 smokers, of whom 572 had a known smoking index (SI). They were classified into mild, moderate and heavy smokers. Centrilobular emphysema (CLE), respiratory bronchiolitis, airspace enlargement with fibrosis (AEF), the presence of foci resembling usual interstitial pneumonia pattern (UIP/P) and the rate of postoperative respiratory failure were assessed. The incidence of AEF was 6.5% in mild smokers, and 17.7% in moderate smokers (P < 0.01) with lower lobe predominance. There were significant correlations (P < 0.01) between AEF and CLE and AEF and UIP/P. The rate of respiratory failure after lobectomy was 6%, and 10% in patients having UIP/P with or without AEF, but was not seen in patients with AEF alone (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

AEF is an important smoking-related change in the lung that appears to correlate with the smoking history, and its distinction from UIP/P may be important.

Continuous intravenous lidocaine controls abdominal pain secondary to peritoneal carcinomatosis as a consequence of diffusion into ascites

9031

Background: Our team reported at the 42nd ASCO meeting that continuous, low-dose intravenous (IV) lidocaine is an effective method for pain relief in terminal patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. Our aim was to explore the mechanism by which abdominal pain of terminally-ill patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis was improved by continuous IV lidocaine. Methods: 48 patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis due to GI (46) and GYN (2) malignancies were administered lidocaine at low-doses (0.4 and/or 0.8mg/kg- h) for >24 hours, because opiates, NSAIDs, and other adjuvants were ineffective in relieving their abdominal pain. Pain (faces rating scale; 0-no pain, 5-worst pain), oral intake, side effects, and activities of daily life were quantified. Two days after beginning lidocaine, ascites was sampled to measure ascitic concentration of lidocaine, tumor markers and cytology. Results: Mean age (±SE) was 60±2. The volume of ascites was estimated to be 2,700±400ml by the ultrasound 5 points methodology. Abdominal symptoms improved in 1.5±0.2days after beginning lidocaine, and the pain scale decreased from 1.9±0.2 to 0.5±0.1; p<0.001; 75% of patients had improvement in pain of whom 78% had complete relief of pain. Oral intake increased from 18% to 49% of baseline (p<0.001), and 67% in those with improvement in pain had an increased volume of oral intake. There were no obvious differences in response to 0.4 and 0.8 mg/kg-h in patients receiving both doses. Serum concentrations of lidocaine at 0.4 and 0.8 mg/kg-h were 1.7±0.2 and 3.2±0.2 μg/ml, respectively; lidocaine concentrations in the ascites were 1.2±0.2 and 2.1±0.2 μg/ml. No patient complained of pain at the time of peritoneal puncture. Side effects included bradycardia of <60 beats per minutes (3 patients). The duration of lidocaine administration was 23±3 days; 43% of patients were able to be discharged home for end-of-life care, with parenteral nutrition and continuation of lidocaine administration or oral mexiletine (300–450 mg/day) for adjuvant analgesia. Conclusions: Lidocaine diffuses into ascites and almost equilibrates with serum concentrations acting as a peritoneal anesthesia which, as a result, controls abdominal pain in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Activation of lymphocyte proliferation by boronate-containing polymer immobilised on substrate: the effect of boron content on lymphocyte proliferation

This study demonstrates that boronic acid-containing polymers coated onto solid support function as synthetic mitogens for mouse lymphocytes. The polymer was synthesized by radical copolymerization of 3-acrylamidophenylboronic acid with dimethylacrylamide (poly(AAPBA-DMAA)). The boronic acid in the trigonal form in the copolymer activated lymphocytes, probably by crosslinkage to glycoprotein moieties on the plasma membrane surface, as in the case of lectin stimulation. A higher concentration of phenylboronic acid on the copolymer surface resulted in greater activation of lymphocytes, suggesting that the number of phenylboronic acid residues per unit area may be a crucial factor in lymphocyte proliferation. The proliferative response of lymphocytes was also affected by the surface wettability, probably due to a difference in the flexibility of polymer strands at the cell-polymer interface.

Continuous low-dose intravenous lidocaine is effective for visceral pain secondary to peritoneal carcinomatosis in terminal cancer patients

8533

Background: Lidocaine, a local anesthetic, is often used as an anti-arrhythmic and as an analgesic of best support care (BSC) for patients with neuropathic pain. However, little is known about the effect of low-dose lidocaine on the abdominal pain of terminally-ill patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. Aim: To evaluate whether visceral pain is controlled and activities of daily life (ADL) are improved during continuous lidocaine infusion. Methods: 28 terminally ill patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis due to the gastrointestinal (26) and gynecologic (2) cancers were studied. Despite aggressive pain management with opiates, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and other adjuvants, debilitating pain persisted. After a test dose of 2mg/kg intravenously, lidocaine was administered at low-doses (0.4 and/or 0.8mg/kg-h) through a vein and continued for more than 24 hours. Pain was quantitated on a faces rating scale from the level 0 (no pain) to 5 (severe pain); doses of opiates, amounts of oral intake, side effects, and ADL were measured before and after lidocaine. Results: Age (mean±SE) was 62±2, and percentage of males was 54%. Patients were not hypercalcemia but were slightly malnutrished (albumin 2.9±0.1g/dl) and anemic (hemoglobin 10.3±0.4g/dl). The duration of lidocaine administration in hospital was 18±3days. Abdominal symptoms improved within 1.2±0.1days after beginning lidocaine, and pain scale decreased from 2.7±0.2 to 0.6±0.2; p<0.001. In 68% of patients, the pain level became zero. Blood concentration of lidocaine at 0.8mg/kg-h was 3.0±0.4μg/ml 1 week later. 68% of patients needed no increase in opiate dosage during lidocaine administration. Waist size did not decrease, however, oral intake increased (p=0.002) during lidocaine administration. No obvious side effects, such as perioral numbness, were seen except for emotional lability noted in 4 patients. 43% patients were able to be discharged for continued end-of-life comfort care with home parenteral nutrition and continuation of lidocaine administration. Conclusions: We suggest that continuous, low-dose intravenous lidocaine is BSC and is a very effective approach for analgesia and improvement of ADL in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Adjuvant immunochemotherapy with oral Tegafur/Uracil plus PSK in patients with stage II or III colorectal cancer: a randomised controlled study

Intravenous fluorouracil and leucovorin is the standard adjuvant treatment for stage III colon cancer. However, oral adjuvant chemotherapy is attractive because it has low toxicity and greater convenience. We investigated the benefits of oral protein-bound polysaccharide K (PSK) with tegafur/uracil (UFT) as an adjuvant in stage II and III colorectal cancer. Patients were assigned to groups that received either 3 g PSK plus 300 mg UFT, or 300 mg UFT alone orally each day for a 2-year period following intravenous mitomycin C. Of 207 registered patients, 205 with stage II (n=123) or III (n=82) were analysed. The 5-year disease-free survival was 73.0% (95% CI 65.6-80.4%) with PSK (n=137) and 58.8% (95% CI 47.1-70.5%) in the controls (n=68) (P=0.016). Polysaccharide K reduced the recurrence by 43.6% (95% CI 4.5-66.7%) and mortality by 40.2% (95% CI -12.5 to 68.3%). The 5-year survival was 81.8% (95% CI 75.3-88.2%) in the PSK group and 72.1% (95% CI 61.4-82.7%) in the control group (P=0.056). In stage III patients, disease-free and overall survivals in patients receiving PSK were increased significantly: 60.0% (95% CI 47.1-72.9%) and 74.6% (95% CI 63.0-86.1%) in the PSK group as compared with 32.1% (95% CI 14.8-49.4%) and 46.4% (95% CI 28.0-64.9%) in the controls (P=0.002 and 0.003, respectively). Polysaccharide K prevented recurrence, particularly lung metastases (P=0.02; odds ratio 0.27; 95% CI 0.09-0.77). In the models, the presence of regional metastases (relative risk, 2.973; 95% CI 1.712-5.165; P<0.001), omission of PSK (relative risk, 2.106; 95% CI 1.221-3.633; P=0.007), and higher primary tumour (relative risk, 4.398; 95% CI 1.017-19.014; P=0.047) were each significant indicators of recurrence. Adverse effects were mild and compliance was good. Oral PSK with UFT reduced recurrence in stage II and III colorectal cancer, and increased survival in stage III.

Mutations in the ST7/RAY1/HELG locus rarely occur in primary colorectal, gastric, and hepatocellular carcinomas

Human cancers frequently show a loss of heterozygosity on chromosome 7q31, which indicates the existence of broad-range tumour-suppressor gene(s) at this locus. Truncating mutations in the ST7 gene at this locus are seen frequently in primary colon cancer and breast cancer cell lines. Therefore, the ST7 gene represents a novel candidate gene for the tumour suppressor at this locus. However, more recent studies have reported that ST7 mutations are infrequent or absent in primary cancer and cell lines. To ascertain the frequency of mutations of the ST7 gene in cancer cells, we examined mutations in the ST7 coding sequence in 48 colorectal, 48 gastric, and 48 hepatocellular carcinomas using polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformational polymorphism and direct sequencing. We detected somatic mutations, which were located near the exon-intron junction in intron 8, in only three out of 144 cases. We conclude that mutations in the ST7 gene are rare in primary colorectal, gastric, and hepatocellular carcinomas.

[Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia repaired by video-assisted thoracic surgery; report of two cases]

Two cases of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia treated by video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) were experienced. Both a 67-year-old female (left side) and a 44-year-old female (right side) was admitted to our hospital in a traffic accident. These patients were diagnosed as diaphragmatic hernia by chest magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We tried VATS to this trauma, but the combined mini-thoracotomy for 7 cm in length was necessary to replace sliding organs for both cases. The rupture of diaphragm was repaired by direct suture of 2-0 viclyl. VATS will be recommended in the hernia of the diaphragm.

The DD5 gene of the decapod crustacean Penaeus japonicus encodes a putative exoskeletal protein with a novel tandem repeat structure

A gene, named DD5, was identified in the penaeid prawn Penaeus japonicus and its cDNA cloned and sequenced. DD5 is expressed in the epidermal cells underlying the exoskeleton and the transcripts are detected specifically during the postmolt stage of the molt cycle. Sequence analysis of the conceptual protein product suggests that the DD5 protein is a component of the exoskeleton. The bulk of the protein consists of tandem repeats of a unit sequence of approximately 100 amino acids. The repeated sequences are highly homologous to one another and each of them includes a variant of the Rebers--Riddiford consensus sequence.

An evolutionarily conserved function of the Drosophila insulin receptor and insulin-like peptides in growth control

BACKGROUND

Size regulation is fundamental in developing multicellular organisms and occurs through the control of cell number and cell size. Studies in Drosophila have identified an evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway that regulates organismal size and that includes the Drosophila insulin receptor substrate homolog Chico, the lipid kinase PI(3)K (Dp110), DAkt1/dPKB, and dS6K.

RESULTS

We demonstrate that varying the activity of the Drosophila insulin receptor homolog (DInr) during development regulates organ size by changing cell size and cell number in a cell-autonomous manner. An amino acid substitution at the corresponding position in the kinase domain of the human and Drosophila insulin receptors causes severe growth retardation. Furthermore, we show that the Drosophila genome contains seven insulin-like genes that are expressed in a highly tissue- and stage-specific pattern. Overexpression of one of these insulin-like genes alters growth control in a DInr-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that the Drosophila insulin receptor autonomously controls cell and organ size, and that overexpression of a gene encoding an insulin-like peptide is sufficient to increase body size.

The resection of non-hepatic intraabdominal recurrence of gastric cancer

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Surgical resection of hepatic or pulmonary metastases from gastrointestinal cancer has been recognized as a curative modality in some patients. However, the role and outcome of the surgical management of a non-hepatic intraabdominal recurrence of gastrointestinal cancer have not been clearly delineated.

METHODOLOGY

We treated 5 patients for non-hepatic intraabdominal recurrence of gastric carcinoma surgically. All the resected specimens were microscopically identified as recurrent gastric cancer. Three of 5 patients received postoperative chemotherapy. The clinicopathological findings were analyzed according to the general rules for gastric cancer study.

RESULTS

The lymph nodes were dissected for lymph node metastases. Surgical resection of the tumors combined with total gastrectomy, esophagectomy, or colectomy was performed for the local and peritoneal recurrences. All of the recurrent tumors were macroscopically resected with curative states. One patient died of sepsis 54 days after surgery. Three patients died of recurrent gastric cancer: 2 within 1 year of surgery and 1 after 3 years. One patient still survives disease free 3 years and 6 months after the 2nd operation.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical resection for non-hepatic intraabdominal recurrence of gastric cancer is the treatment of choice for selected patients. Surgical resection followed by adjuvant chemotherapy may improve the outcome of these patients.

[Actual situations and problems of patients receiving home IVH--trial use of an assessment chart for outpatients]

In order to improve the quality of life (QOL) and continue nursing, we used an assessment chart to investigate the actual situations and problems of the patients receiving home intravenous hyperalimentation (IVH). From January, 1997 to June, 1999, we investigated 20 patients with home IVH. To 7 patients among them, we asked questions using Kurihara's assessment chart for QOL, plus our original questions concerning IVH. The mean age of the patients was 61 years old, and 19 of them had advanced cancers. Forty percent of the patients maintained the IVH all by themselves and 10% of the patients needed the support of their family. The remaining 50% of the patients left all to their family. There were 9 incidents of trouble during the maintenance of the IVH. Almost all patients from whom informed consent had been received were satisfied with the home IVH. On the contrary, all patients who had not given informed consent were not satisfied with the home IVH. According to the results of the assessment chart, even if the total points were low, the points for the IVH were high in the patients had given informed consent. The main reason for lower QOL was pain. The points for the families were lower than those for the patients. They sometimes complained of uneasiness and dissatisfaction with the support they received. We conclude that therapies to improve symptoms and mental state are necessary to satisfy the patients, and that it is important to support not only the patients but also their families.

Soluble E-selectin as a marker of disease activity in pustulosis palmaris et plantaris

In this study, we investigated a possible correlation between adhesion molecules and activity of pustulosis palmaris et plantaris (PPP). Serum levels of soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin), soluble intercellular adhesion molecules 1 (sICAM-1) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in 30 untreated PPP patients were examined, and compared with those in 20 healthy subjects. Values in 10 PPP patients were re-examined after treatment. Serum levels of sE-selectin and TNF-alpha in untreated PPP patients were significantly higher than those in healthy subjects. There was a statistically significant correlation between the disease activity and serum levels of sE-selectin in untreated PPP patients. Furthermore, disease activity of PPP was higher in patients who smoked and during the summer, with elevation of serum sE-selectin levels. Serum levels of sE-selectin were downregulated with the recovery from PPP. These results suggest that sE-selectin may play a role in the pathogenesis of PPP and could be a reliable marker of its disease activity.

Interplay of Notch and FGF signaling restricts cell fate and MAPK activation in the Drosophila trachea

The patterned branching in the Drosophila tracheal system is triggered by the FGF-like ligand Branchless that activates a receptor tyrosine kinase Breathless and the MAP kinase pathway. A single fusion cell at the tip of each fusion branch expresses the zinc-finger gene escargot, leads branch migration in a stereotypical pattern and contacts with another fusion cell to mediate fusion of the branches. A high level of MAP kinase activation is also limited to the tip of the branches. Restriction of such cell specialization events to the tip is essential for tracheal tubulogenesis. Here we show that Notch signaling plays crucial roles in the singling out process of the fusion cell. We found that Notch is activated in tracheal cells by Branchless signaling through stimulation of Δ expression at the tip of tracheal branches and that activated Notch represses the fate of the fusion cell. In addition, Notch is required to restrict activation of MAP kinase to the tip of the branches, in part through the negative regulation of Branchless expression. Notch-mediated lateral inhibition in sending and receiving cells is thus essential to restrict the inductive influence of Branchless on the tracheal tubulogenesis.

Hydrogenation of 1-Hexene and Hexadienes by Ultrafine Pd Particles Supported on the Surface of PrPO(4) Hollow Particles

Novel fine polymer particles containing ultrafine Pd particles dispersed on the surface of core shell [core, poly(styrene-co-acrylic acid); shell, PrPO(4)]-type microspheres were prepared by the emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization of styrene with acrylic acid followed by the addition of PdCl(2) and a mixture of Pr(NO(3))(3) and NaH(2)PO(2). Pyrolysis of the resulting polymer particles at 900 degrees C provides organic polymer-free hollow particles (diameter, 473-586 nm) composed of Pd metal and PrPO(4). Hydrogenation of 1-hexene, trans-1,3-hexadiene, trans-1,4-hexadiene, and 1,5-hexadiene using the resulting Pd/PrPO(4) particles (reactant/Pd = 500 mol/mol) as catalyst revealed very high activity, especially for hydrogenations of 1-hexene and 1,5-hexadiene as compared with conventional Pd particles/Al(2)O(3) and Pd particles on powdered PrPO(4). Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Segmental pancreatectomy for mucin-producing pancreatic tumors

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Segmental pancreatectomy for benign tumors of the neck of the pancreas was reported in 1993. Mucin-producing carcinomas are generally regarded as low-grade malignancies as compared with ductal cell carcinomas of the pancreas. We report herein our experience with a segmental pancreatectomy for mucin-producing pancreatic tumors.

METHODOLOGY

Three patients with mucin-producing tumors of the pancreatic body underwent a segmental pancreatectomy. After the pancreatic tumor had been located with intra-operative ultrasonography (US), the medial pancreas centered on the tumor was resected. The margin of the retained pancreas was submitted for histopathologic inspection intra-operatively to prevent retained disease. A conduit for draining the pancreatic juice consisted of a jejunal Roux-en-Y loop between the left and cephalic portions of the pancreas. Histologically, the 3 tumors were identified as a cystadenocarcinoma, an intraductal papillary adenocarcinoma, and a cystadenoma with a focus of borderline malignancy. The functional result was evaluated with oral glucose tolerance and pancreatic function diagnostic (PFD) testing. Pancreatic juice drainage was confirmed using magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP).

RESULTS

Neither technical failure nor operative death occurred in any of the patients. The patients have been followed-up for between 33 months and 77 months after surgery and all are disease free. The oral glucose tolerance test and PFD test results were all within the normal range. MRCP showed good pancreatic juice drainage in the 2 patients examined.

CONCLUSIONS

Segmental pancreatectomy may be an appropriate surgical procedure for mucin-producing pancreatic tumors, to prolong survival and to preserve endocrine and exocrine function.

Gastric emptying after segmental gastrectomy for early cancer in the middle part of the stomach

BACKGROUND/AIMS

We evaluated the quality of life and gastric emptying in patients who had undergone a segmental gastrectomy to treat early gastric cancer in the middle part of the stomach.

METHODOLOGY

Thirty patients were considered in this study. Their mean age was 65.5 years (range: 44-83). All of the patients were free from recurrence of their cancer in the follow-up period. This ranged from 5 to 50 months (mean 30). Patients were interviewed at regular intervals to assess their quality of life and to note particular complaints. The upper gastrointestinal tract was assessed endoscopically. A gastric emptying study was performed at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The meal used in this dual-phase study had solid and liquid phases. For the solid phase, 74 MBq of 99mTc sulfur colloid was injected into an egg, which was then hard-boiled. For the liquid phase, 18.5 MBq of (111)In-diethyltriaminopenta acetic acid (DTPA) were mixed into 150 ml of a commercial, elentary liquid diet.

RESULTS

Three months after surgery, the patients' main complaints were gastric stasis (25%), heartburn (8%) and belching (8%). The patients gradually became asymptomatic following surgery. Fifty-nine percent were asymptomatic at the 3-month follow-up, 84% at 6 months, and 92% at 12 months. There was no evidence of reflux esophagitis or gastritis after the 3-month follow-up. One patient developed a complicated duodenal ulcer. Initially, the patients all had prolonged gastric emptying of the dual phase meal, compared to normal individuals. The T1/2 for liquid meal emptying was 87+/-18 min at 3 months, 77+/-20 min at 6 months and 50+/-5 min at 1 year after surgery. The last value is the same as for healthy individuals. Solid meal emptying was still prolonged, with an emptying rate of 36+/-9.7% at 2 hours, one year after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Segmental gastrectomy patients experienced prolonged gastric emptying in the early post-operative period. This improved in the first year after surgery. The quality of life for patients who underwent segmental gastrectomy has been reasonably good in the follow-up period to date.

Segmental gastrectomy for early cancer in the mid-stomach

BACKGROUND/AIMS

We modified the surgical procedure for segmental gastrectomy, which is normally used for peptic ulcers, to treat early gastric cancer of the mid-stomach. In this paper, we describe the surgical technique and its results.

METHODOLOGY

The location of the tumor was confirmed by intra-operative endoscopic examination. An area 2 cm proximal and distal to the tumor was marked with sutures. Firstly, the lymph nodes were dissected from around the perigastric and along the left gastric and common hepatic arteries. Then, a segmental gastrectomy was performed. The greater omentum, omental sac, and vagal nerve, including the hepatic, pyloric and celiac rami, were left intact. An end-to-end gastrogastrostomy was performed using Gambee's sutures and 4-0 monofilament polydioxanone. Gastric drainage was not necessary.

RESULTS

We performed segmental gastrectomies on 30 patients. Tumors less than 1 cm in diameter were found in 4 patients; 1.1-2 cm in 14, 2.1-5 cm in 11, and a tumor exceeding 5.1 cm in one patient. The cancer was confined to the mucosa in 23 patients; in the other 7, it had penetrated the submucosa. No lymph node metastases were found but 2 patients had microscopic invasion or permeation of the lymphatic vessels. One patient required post-operative balloon dilation of the pyloric sphincter for delayed gastric emptying. The remaining patients had no post-operative complications. To date, 29 patients, excluding one who died in a traffic accident, have survived disease-free for a mean of 30 months (range: 7-51). Their body weight and dietary volume returned to pre-operative levels within 12 months of surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who underwent segmental gastrectomy have had a reasonably good quality of life in the post-operative follow-up to date.

Endoscopic balloon dilation for benign esophageal anastomotic stricture: factors influencing its effectiveness

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The aim of this study was to identify factors that might affect the results of treating benign anastomotic stricture of the esophagus with balloon dilation.

METHODOLOGY

Balloon dilation was performed on 35 patients with benign esophageal anastomotic stricture of the upper (esophageal cancer: 18) or lower (gastric cancer: 15, esophageal varices: 2) esophagus. The procedure was considered effective when patients were able to maintain a solid diet more than 12 months after the last dilation. The follow-up period ranged from 15-130 months (mean: 51 months).

RESULTS

A total of 245 dilations were performed, with an average of 6.6 dilations per patient. Treatment was effective in 29 patients (83%). Balloon dilation was successful when treating strictures shorter than 12 mm in length. The strictures were significantly shorter in patients treated effectively (5.6 vs. 30.8 mm). The diameter of the stricture did not affect the results. All the strictures in the lower esophagus and all those resulting from stapled anastomoses were treated successfully, while the effectiveness of treating strictures in the upper esophagus or those resulting from hand-sewn anastomoses was 67% and 57%, respectively. Strictures without prior leakage were treated effectively 92% of the time, while the success rate fell to 56% if there was a preceding leak. An average of 4.4 dilations were performed in effective cases, while the average was 17.5 dilations in ineffective cases. The number of repeat dilations was correlated with the length of the stricture.

CONCLUSIONS

Balloon dilation can successfully treat strictures shorter than 12 mm long. The correlation equation may be used to predict the number of repeat dilations and treatment results, and is useful for deciding when to use an alternative method to balloon dilation.

[A case of sleeve resection of the left main bronchus for tuberculous bronchial lesion]

A 31-year-old woman was admitted to our center with left chest pain and dyspnea after treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis. Chest X-ray film showed atelectasis of left lower lobe and left deviation of the mediastium. Bronchofiberscopy revealed obstruction of the left main bronchus. Chest MRI showed intermediate intensity at the left main bronchus and very high intensity at the peripheral bronchus. We performed sleeve resection of the left main bronchus and anastomosed end to end with absorbable monofilament sutures. Postoperative course was uneventful. Bronchoplasty for tuberculous obstructive lesion is a useful procedure.

[Dorsal sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis by the thin thoracoscope]

The purpose of this study was to examine the efficiency to use by the thin thoracoscope for the palmar hyperhidrosis. General anesthesia with double lumen endotracheal intubation was used in all cases. A 2 mm incision made in the anterior axillary line in the third intercostal space. Pneumothorax was obtained by insufflation 1.5-2 L of CO2. A 2 mm endoscopic trocar was inserted through this incision, and a 2 mm, 0-degree scope (Autosuture, USA) was introduced. A second 2 mm trocar was inserted in the middle axillary line in the fourth intercostal space, through which a straight endoscopic seizer was introduced. The chain was dissected by electrocutting the white and gray rami and was incised over the second and third ribs. To avoid puemothorax, 8 F thoracic catheter was introduced through a guide wire which was inserted through a 2 mm trocar. The lung was expanded, and then the thoracic catheter was removed. We performed six sympathectomies on three female patients. All patients was satisfied of their results. This technique used by thin thoracoscope was cosmetic and a skin incision did not need to close too small.

Phyllodes tumor showing intracystic growth: a case report

A phyllodes tumor often grows rapidly and occasionally contains microcysts; however, the tumor rarely shows a morphologically intracystic pattern. We experienced a rare case of a phyllodes tumor with a solid mass growing into the cyst. A 62-year-old female noticed a tumor in her right breast in January 1995. The tumor grew rapidly and she visited our out-patient clinic in February 1995. On physical examination, a 10 x 8 cm, well defined and movable mass with a smooth surface was palpated in the upper outer quadrant of the right breast. Mammography showed a large tumor shadow in the upper outer quadrant of the right breast without any microcalcification. Ultrasonography revealed a large cystic shadow with a low echoic lesion and solid component with heterogeneous internal echo in the cyst. Under general anesthesia, the tumor was widely excised. The resected specimen was 11.5 x 11 x 11 cm in size and the tumor was not invasive to surrounding tissues. Old bloody fluid was contained within the cyst. The gross appearance showed papillary process protrusions into a central cystic cavity. Histological examination revealed a borderline case of phyllodes tumor. Two years after the operation, she is doing well without any recurrence.

Traumatic biliary stricture successfully treated by percutaneous transhepatic bile duct dilatation: a case report

A 24 year-old woman complained of obstructive jaundice 24 days after blunt abdominal trauma due to a traffic accident. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) revealed a stricture, 15 mm in length, at the common bile duct associated with upper bile duct dilatation. Jaundice was reduced by percutaneous transhepatic cholangio-drainage (PTCD). A 7 Fr-sized PTCD tube was exchanged for a larger-sized catheter for percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy expecting gradual dilatation of the stricture. Following the confirmation of satisfactory dilatation of the stricture, the catheter was removed. There was no recurrence of jaundice 16 months later in a follow-up study.

Fibrin glue sandwich prevents pancreatic fistula following distal pancreatectomy

Pancreatic fistula is a major form of morbidity following pancreatic resection. We conducted a nonrandomized clinical trial comparing the sealing and sandwich techniques of spraying fibrin glue to prevent pancreatic fistula following distal pancreatectomy. The pancreas was transected with a scalpel to identify and suture the main pancreatic duct and its small branches. In the sealing group, fibrin glue was sprayed over the closed pancreatic stump and sutures. Alternatively, in the sandwich group fibrin glue was sprayed so as to cover and join the cut surface of the pancreatic remnant, which was then held closed with sutures. Altogether 111 patients were included in the study (90 with gastric cancer, 10 with esophageal cancer, and 11 with pancreatic cancer). Patients were nonrandomly assigned to the sandwich or the sealing group. Morbidity was 21.8% for the patients in the sandwich group versus 33.9% in the sealing group. Pancreatic fistulas occurred in 9.0% of the sandwich group versus 26.8% of the sealing group. The incidence of fistula was thus significantly lower in the sandwich group. The incidence of fistula was also significantly lower in the sandwich group for gastric malignancy patients undergoing extended radical lymphadenectomy down to the paraaortic lymph nodes combined with left adrenalectomy. Of the patients with gastric malignancy, pancreatic fistulas occurred in 9.3% of the sandwich group versus 25.5% of the sealing group. The fibrin glue sandwich technique is simple and reliable and should be valuable for complementing other prophylactic methods of preventing pancreatic fistula.

[A case of huge abscess extended from anterior neck to left lung and lateral chest wall]

62-year-old woman admitted our hospital with pain of left upper extremity from the left chest and dysphasia. Chest X-ray showed the huge mass shadow in the left lung field. Diabetes mellitus and inflammatory reaction such as high fervor, leukocytosis, CRP and ESR accentuation were recognized. Conservative therapy was done at first, but mass shadow on X-ray increased, and swelling appeared from the neck to the left lateral chest wall. And the same site appeared like subcutaneous emphysema. Computed Tomography showed mass shadow which was enlarged and spread in lung parenchyma and left chest wall with bubble image. Incision and open drainage was performed for the left chest wall but origin bacteria was detected in neither anaerobic nor aerobic culture of pus. Inflammation and mass shadow of left upper lung field have decreased gradually. The patient discharged without bronchoalveolar fistula. Abscess extending from the neck or chest wall with diabetes mellitus is very rare.

Pitted keratolysis: clinical manifestations in 53 cases

Pitted keratolysis (PK) has been reported to be more common among bare-footed people living in tropical regions. It is now known that the disease is not limited to the tropics but has a world-wide distribution. However, no study has previously been performed analysing the clinical manifestations of the disease in temperate countries. A survey of 53 patients revealed several distinctive clinical features. Hyperhidrosis is the most frequently observed symptom of this condition. Malodour and sliminess of the skin are also distinctive features, evident in 88.7% and 69.8% of the cases, respectively. The most common sites of onset of PK are the pressure-bearing areas, such as the ventral aspect of the toe, the ball of the foot and the heel. The next most common site is a friction area, the interface of the toes. Lesions are rarely seen on the non-pressure-bearing locations. Some of the primary lesions originate as a small defect along the plantar furrow, which gradually grows into the characteristics crateriform pit. Several clinical features are helpful in diagnosing PK.

Effects of 5'-DFUR and OK-432 on cytokines and thymidine phosphorylase in tumor tissue of gastric cancer patients

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the study was to verify whether OK-432 in combination with 5'-DFUR induced thymidine phosphorylase (TdR Pase) and cytokines in gastric cancer patients as well as in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty patients with invasive gastric cancer were randomly assigned, upon admission using by a closed-envelope technique, to either a group receiving 5'DFUR or OK-432 alone, to a group receiving both 5'DFUR and OK-432, or to a non- treated group up. Surgical specimens of the tumor and normal tissues were taken soon after gastrectomy to evaluate TdR Pase activity, IL-1 alpha and TNF-production.

RESULTS

TdR Pase activities were several times higher in tumor than in normal tissues. In normal tissues, TdR Pase activities in the 5'-DFUR + OK-432 group were significantly higher than in the OK-432 group. TdR Pase activity in tumors, however, showed no significant difference between treated group. In the 5'-DFUR + OK-432 group, the level of IL-1 alpha production in tumor was significantly higher compared to the control group. In the 5'-DFUR + OK-432 group, the level of TNF alpha production in tumor was significantly higher than in normal tissue. TNF alpha production in tumor showed no significant difference in each treated group compared to the control. There was a significant correlation between TdR Pase activity and IL-1 alpha production levels in tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

TdR Pase was induced by IL-1 alpha in tumor tissues of gastric cancer patients. OK-432 in combination with 5'-DFUR, however, did not induce TNF alpha and IL-1 alpha, and increase TdR Pase activity in gastric cancer tumors.

[A case of pleural metastasis of invasive thymoma with pulmonary metastasis responding to chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide and prednisolone]

The patient, a 48-year old male, was seen with hoarseness in December 1990. A chest radiograph and chest CT scan showed an anterior mediastinal mass. Median sternotomy revealed epithelial thymoma with involved partial lung and pericardium. After surgery, he received external radiation to the mediastinum. One year later he was given another 40 Gy external radiation in the cervical and mediastinal recurrence region. In May 1994, a chest CT scan revealed an extrapleural and bilateral lung mass. Histological examination revealed recurrent epithelial thymoma in the left cervical muscle biopsy, so treatment with cyclophosphamide and prednisolone were begun. A dose of 100 mg/body/day of cyclophosphamide and a dose of 10 mg/body/day of prednisolone were administered every 2 week. Complete remission was induced with four cycles of this treatment of cyclophosphamide and prednisolone. The chemotherapy was thus continued for 20 cycles in 14 months. This chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide and prednisolone appeared to be useful and safe for recurrent thymoma at the outpatient clinic level.

Linear focal elastosis: a review of three cases in young Japanese men

Linear focal elastosis in three young Japanese men is described. The lesions are asymptomatic palpable yellow strialike bands extending horizontally across the middle and lower parts of the back. They are histologically composed of many fine wavy bundles of elastic fibers separating the dermal collagen bundles. Electron microscopy demonstrates numerous elongated and fragmented elastic fibers.