Hyperhidrosis: A targeted literature review of the disease burden

Hyperhidrosis is a chronic skin condition characterized by excessive sweating. It poses a burden on affected people, reducing their quality of life and productivity. We undertook a targeted literature review (TLR) to gather current evidence on the epidemiology as well as the human and economic burden posed on patients with hyperhidrosis. Searches were performed in Medline database (access via OVID interface) and ICHUSHI database. Articles published between January 2000 and September 2020 that analyzed at least 50 patients were included. Sixty-four publications were identified and 38 publications covering a unique domain were selected to inform this TLR. The incidence of hyperhidrosis ranged from 0.13% in the UK to 0.28% in the USA, with a higher rate in females. The prevalence of hyperhidrosis varied from 2.8%-4.8% in the US general population to 18.40% in Chinese inpatients, while the prevalence of axillary hyperhidrosis varied from 1.4% in the US general population to 5.75% in Japanese employees/students. Due to excessive sweating, hyperhidrosis was reported to be a moderate-to-extreme limitation at work for the US patients, with 33.5% feeling unhappy. Patients' satisfaction was high post-treatment. Considerable costs were related to the treatment with botulinum toxin and surgery. Hospital stays for surgery lasted from 10 h to 3 days. The percentage of patients who sought a medical consultation varied from 6.3% for Japanese patients with primary focal hyperhidrosis to 51% for the US general population with any type of hyperhidrosis. There is limited evidence of the hyperhidrosis burden, particularly among Japanese patients; however, the burden was high and limited patients' daily functioning. Future actions should include implementation of educational programs to raise awareness of the condition, conduct of larger studies, and generation of more evidence. Understanding the nature of hyperhidrosis and the burden it poses is of utmost importance.

The cumulative incidence of and risk factors for morphometric severe vertebral fractures in Japanese men and women: the ROAD study third and fourth surveys

This population-based cohort study with a 3-year follow-up revealed that the annual incidence rates of vertebral fracture (VF) and severe VF (sVF) were 5.9%/year and 1.7%/year, respectively. The presence of mild VF at the baseline was a significant risk factor for incident sVF in participants without prevalent sVF.

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to estimate the incidence of morphometric vertebral fracture (VF) and severe VF (sVF) in men and women and clarify whether the presence of a mild VF (mVF) increases the risk of incident sVF.

METHODS

Data from the population-based cohort study, entitled the Research on Osteoarthritis/Osteoporosis Against Disability (ROAD) study, were analyzed. In total, 1190 participants aged ≥ 40 years (mean age, 65.0 ± 11.2) years completed whole-spine lateral radiography both at the third (2012-2013, baseline) and fourth surveys performed 3 years later (2015-2016, follow-up). VF was defined using Genant's semi-quantitative (SQ) method: VF as SQ ≥ 1, mVF as SQ = 1, and sVF as SQ ≥ 2. Cumulative incidence of VF and sVF was estimated. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate risk factors for incident sVF.

RESULTS

The baseline prevalence of mVF and sVF were 16.8% and 6.0%, respectively. The annual incidence rates of VF and sVF were 5.9%/year and 1.7%/year, respectively. The annual incidence rates of sVF in participants without prevalent VF, with prevalent mVF, and with prevalent sVF were 0.6%/year, 3.8%/year, and 11.7%/year (p < 0.001), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analyses in participants without prevalent sVF showed that the adjusted odds ratios for incident sVF were 4.12 [95% confident interval 1.85-9.16] and 4.53 [1.49-13.77] if the number of prevalent mVF at the baseline was 1 and ≥ 2, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The annual incidence rates of VF and sVF were 5.9%/year and 1.7%/year, respectively. The presence of prevalent mVF was an independent risk factor for incident sVF.

Case Report: Acquired Generalized Anhidrosis Caused by Brain Tumor: Review of the Literature

PURPOSE

There has been limited focus on sweating failure in patients with brain tumor. We report two patients with generalized anhidrosis caused by germinoma. We also review previous reports of generalized anhidrosis due to brain tumor.

CASE REPORTS

Patient 1 was a 12-year-old boy with repetitive heat shock-like episodes even in winter. Based on Minor's test, he was diagnosed with generalized anhidrosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed the absence of high signal intensity of the posterior pituitary. He was initially diagnosed with central diabetes insipidus. However, an MRI scan performed after 3 months revealed an enlarged pituitary stalk. He was finally diagnosed with germinoma by pituitary biopsy. After chemotherapy and radiation, sweating was partially resolved. Patient 2 was a 12-year-old girl with growth hormone deficiency and generalized anhidrosis. She was diagnosed with germinoma based on MRI and pituitary biopsy findings. After chemotherapy and radiation, the sweating resolved completely.

DISCUSSION

In our literature search, we identified four patients with anhidrosis due to brain tumor, including our cases. All patients had germinoma and continued to require hormone replacement therapy after treatment of germinoma. Two patients with incomplete recovery of sweating had the involvement in the hypothalamus, whereas one patient with complete recovery showed a lack of evident hypothalamic involvement. Improvement in sweating in one patient was not described.

CONCLUSION

Germinoma can cause anhidrosis, and involvement in the hypothalamus may be relevant to incomplete recovery of sweating.

Cost-of-illness study for axillary hyperhidrosis in Japan

The prevalence of primary axillary hyperhidrosis in Japan is 5.75% (males, 6.60%; females, 4.72%) in the population aged 5–64 years. No study on comprehensively evaluated direct medical costs, hygiene product costs, and productivity loss in axillary hyperhidrosis patients has been published in Japan. The aim of this study was to estimate the cost of illness for axillary hyperhidrosis in Japan by conducting a nationwide insurance claims database analysis and a cross‐sectional Web‐based survey. Among patients diagnosed with primary axillary hyperhidrosis at least once between November 2012 and October 2019, health insurance receipt data of 1447 patients were analyzed. A cross‐sectional Web‐based survey was conducted on 321 patients aged 16–59 years with axillary hyperhidrosis to calculate hygiene product costs and productivity loss using a Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire. Furthermore, nationwide estimation was performed for the hygiene product costs and productivity loss based on the number of patients estimated from the prevalence. The annual direct medical costs per axillary hyperhidrosis patient were ¥91 491 in 2016, ¥93 155 in 2017, and ¥75 036 in 2018. In all of these years, botulinum toxin type A injection accounted for approximately 90% of the total costs. The annual total cost of hygiene products per axillary hyperhidrosis patient was ¥9325. The overall work impairment (%) of working patients with axillary hyperhidrosis was 30.52%, and its monthly productivity loss was ¥120 593/patient. The activity impairment (%) of full‐time housewives with axillary hyperhidrosis was 49.05% and its monthly productivity loss was ¥176 368/patient. The annual hygiene product cost based on the nationwide estimation was ¥24.5 billion and the monthly productivity loss was ¥312 billion. The significant cost associated with axillary hyperhidrosis was clarified. If out‐of‐pocket expenses for treatments not covered by health insurance are included in the estimation, the cost will further increase.

Clinical features, risk factors, and prognosis of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity in patients with malignant lymphoma who received a CHOP like regimen

Background

Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity is a serious complication in patients with malignant lymphoma (ML) who received chemotherapy, which threatens life prognosis and quality of life of patients. However, incidence and risk factors of cardiotoxicity in patients with ML who undergo intensive chemotherapy which aims complete remission is not clarified. Furthermore, prognosis after cardiotoxicity and that after recovery from cardiotoxicity have not been elucidated.

Method

We screened 443 ML patients who received either rituximab (R)-CHOP or CHOP regimen between January 2008 and December 2017 at Nagoya City University Hospital. Two handled forty-four patients who underwent echocardiography before and after chemotherapy were enrolled and data were analyzed retrospectively. Cardiotoxicity was defined as a decline in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 10% or greater and an LVEF was below 50%. Partial recovery was defined as a 5% or more of increase in LVEF and an LVEF was ≥50% after cardiotoxicity. Complete recovery was defined as an increase in LVEF became more than 95% of the baseline value. Patient's basic characteristics, chemotherapeutic regimen, laboratory data, echocardiographic data, and prognosis were collected from the medical records by two cardiologists and two hematologists.

Result

At baseline, the median age was 71 years, the median cumulative dose of doxorubicin was 302 mg/m2 and the median LVEF was 69%. During the follow-up period, cardiotoxicity was observed in 52 out of 244 patients (21%), 30 patients (12%) had a symptomatic heart failure, and 5 patients died from cardiovascular cause. Thirty-five patients developed cardiotoxicity during the first year of chemotherapy. Multivariate analysis identified that only the baseline LVEF (HR 0.949, 95% CI 0.919–0.981, p=0.002) was an independent risk factor for cardiotoxicity. In our study, patients who received more than 200 mg/m2 of doxorubicin developed cardiotoxicity frequently. Among 52 patients who experienced cardiotoxicity, partial recovery and full recovery were observed in 18 (35%) and 4 (8%) patients, respectively. Four patients without recovery died due to heart failure and 1 patient with partial recovery died suddenly. Six out of 18 patients with partial recovery developed re-cardiotoxicity.

Conclusion

ML patients who undergo more than 200 mg/m2 of doxorubicin need a watchful follow-up. Only a baseline LVEF was an independent risk factor for cardiotoxicity. one third of patients with partial recovery developed re-cardiotoxicity.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Bone strength of the proximal femur in healthy subjects with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament

We compared the bone strength measured via quantitative computed tomography-based finite element method (QCT/FEM) between healthy adults with and without ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). No statistically significant difference was observed in the bone strength between healthy adults with and without OPLL. Hyperostosis of the posterior longitudinal ligament in OPLL may not be associated with the systemic bone strength.

INTRODUCTION

Although patients with OPLL have been reportedly associated with increased level of bone mineral density (BMD) using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), little is known about the bone strength in OPLL subjects. The aim of this study is to investigate the bone strength measured via QCT/FEM in healthy subjects with OPLL using the medical check-up data, including whole-body CT scans.

METHODS

We examined 796 participants (529 men and 267 women) who underwent CT scans in a single health center between January 2008 and May 2009. We identified OPLL in whole spine and divided the subjects into two groups: non-OPLL and OPLL groups. We calculated the predicted bone strength (PBS) of the proximal femur using QCT/FEM and examined the bone mineral status of the calcaneus using quantitative ultrasound (QUS). We compared the PBS and the QUS parameters between the non-OPLL and OPLL groups.

RESULTS

Seventy-four subjects (9.3%; 57 men and 17 women) were diagnosed with OPLL in the whole spine. The OPLL group was significantly older than the non-OPLL group. No statistically significant difference was observed in the PBS and the QUS parameters between the non-OPLL and OPLL groups in both sexes. Furthermore, no statistically significant difference was noted in the PBS and the QUS parameters between two groups in age- and gender-matched analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that hyperostosis of the posterior longitudinal ligament in OPLL may not be associated with bone strength and bone mineral status at the extremities.

Determination of Docosahexaenoic Acid and n-3 Fatty Acids in Refined Fish Oils by H-NMR Spectroscopy: IUPAC Interlaboratory Study

A high-resolution proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) method for determining the concentration (mg/g) of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the molar proportion (mol%) of DHA, and the molar proportion of total n-3 fatty acids in fish oils was validated by an IUPAC interlaboratory study (the Commission VI-6 on Oils, Fats, and Derivatives WG 3/98). Thirteen laboratories from 5 countries tested 6 pairs of blind duplicate fish oils: a refined tuna oil, 2 extracted tuna oils, an extracted bonito oil, an extracted salmon oil, and an extracted sardine oil ranging from 9 to 30 mol% DHA and from 20 to 35 mol% n-3 fatty acids. Before 1D-proton NMR measurements with 300–500 MHz instruments, oil samples were weighed and diluted with deuterochloroform solution containing ethylene glycol dimethyl ether as internal standard. To achieve precise performance, a detailed procedure for signal area measurement was described in the protocol, and all participants were instructed about the critical importance of following the protocol. Statistical performances with invalid and outlier data removed were as follows: repeatability relative standard deviations (RSDr) ranged from 0.91 to 2.62% and reproducibility relative standard deviation (RSDR) ranged from 1.73 to 4.27% for DHA concentration (mg/g); RSDr ranged from 0.39 to 2.06%, and RSDR ranged from 0.59 to 3.46% for mol% DHA; RSDr ranged from 0.23 to 0.90% and RSDR ranged from 0.85 to 2.01% for mol% total n-3 fatty acids. The method is expected to be recommended by IUPAC.

Effect of brefelamide on proliferation of 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells induced by glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor

Malignant gliomas are highly resistant to chemotherapy and radiation and more effective options for treatment are urgently needed. We reported previously that the aromatic amide brefelamide, which is isolated from methanolic extracts of the cellular slime molds Dictyostelium giganteum and D. brefeldianum, hinders cellular proliferation in a glioma model utilizing 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells. Herein, we examined the mechanisms underlying the inhibition of 1321N1 cell proliferation by brefelamide. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) was found to enhance the rate of proliferation of serum-free cultured 1321N1 cells, but did not affect proliferation in PC12 cells. Brefelamide pretreatment inhibited GDNF-induced cell proliferation and expression of rearranged during transfection (RET). GDNF enhanced the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), AKT, and c-jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK); however, brefelamide pretreatment inhibited these effects. Brefelamide also reduced the expression of GDNF mRNA and GDNF secretion. Together, the findings from this study indicate that brefelamide inhibits the proliferation of 1321N1 cell via several mechanisms including reduced GDNF receptor expression and GDNF secretion, and reduced phosphorylation of ERK, AKT, and JNK.

Phonon Lifetime Observation in Epitaxial ScN Film with Inelastic X-Ray Scattering Spectroscopy

Phonon-phonon scattering dominates the thermal properties in nonmetallic materials, and it directly influences device performance in applications. The understanding of the scattering has been progressing using computational approaches, and the direct and systematic observation of phonon modes that include momentum dependences is desirable. We report experimental data on the phonon dispersion curves and lifetimes in an epitaxially grown ScN film using inelastic x-ray scattering measurements. The momentum dependence of the optical phonon lifetimes is estimated from the spectral width, and the highest-energy phonon mode around the zone center is found to possess a short lifetime of 0.21 ps. A comparison with first-principles calculations shows that our observed phonon lifetimes are quantitatively explained by three-body phonon-phonon interactions.

Revised guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of acquired idiopathic generalized anhidrosis in Japan

Acquired idiopathic generalized anhidrosis (AIGA) is characterized by an acquired impairment in total body sweating despite exposure to heat or exercise. Severe cases may result in heatstroke. Most cases of AIGA have been reported in Asia, especially in Japan. However, there is limited information on the epidemiology of this condition, and no diagnostic criteria or appropriate treatment options have been established. This guideline was developed to fill this gap. It contains information on the etiology, diagnosis, evaluation of disease severity and evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of AIGA. Appropriate treatment according to disease severity may relieve the clinical manifestations and emotional distress experienced by patients with AIGA.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Accompanying Radial Dysplasia Due to Thalidomide Embryopathy

We performed endoscopic carpal tunnel release in four hands in three patients suffering from radial dysplasia due to thalidomide embryopathy. Carpal canal pressure measurements results confirmed the diagnoses. All operations were successfully performed and resulted in no complications. Tingling sensation and sensory disturbances of the hands subsided.

Characterization and evolutionary analysis of tributyltin-binding protein and pufferfish saxitoxin and tetrodotoxin-binding protein genes in toxic and nontoxic pufferfishes

Understanding the evolutionary mechanisms of toxin accumulation in pufferfishes has been long-standing problem in toxicology and evolutionary biology. Pufferfish saxitoxin and tetrodotoxin-binding protein (PSTBP) is involved in the transport and accumulation of tetrodotoxin and is one of the most intriguing proteins related to the toxicity of pufferfishes. PSTBPs are fusion proteins consisting of two tandem repeated tributyltin-binding protein type 2 (TBT-bp2) domains. In this study, we examined the evolutionary dynamics of TBT-bp2 and PSTBP genes to understand the evolution of toxin accumulation in pufferfishes. Database searches and/or PCR-based cDNA cloning in nine pufferfish species (6 toxic and 3 nontoxic) revealed that all species possessed one or more TBT-bp2 genes, but PSTBP genes were found only in 5 toxic species belonging to genus Takifugu. These toxic Takifugu species possessed two or three copies of PSTBP genes. Phylogenetic analysis of TBT-bp2 and PSTBP genes suggested that PSTBPs evolved in the common ancestor of Takifugu species by repeated duplications and fusions of TBT-bp2 genes. In addition, a detailed comparison of Takifugu TBT-bp2 and PSTBP gene sequences detected a signature of positive selection under the pressure of gene conversion. The complicated evolutionary dynamics of TBT-bp2 and PSTBP genes may reflect the diversity of toxicity in pufferfishes.

Antitumor effect of adenovirus-mediated p53 family gene transfer on osteosarcoma cell lines

Osteosarcoma (OS) is one of the most common malignancies of the bone. Although prognosis of OS has improved significantly during the past several years due to more intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy regimens, new therapeutic approaches are needed for recurrent and inoperable cases, p73 and p63, like their homologue, the tumor suppressor p53, are able to induce apoptosis in several cell types. Here, we evaluated the antitumor effects of p73 and p63 on eleven different human OS cell lines. In vitro, adenovirus-mediated transduction of p63gamma induced apoptosis in OS cells that are resistant to p53-mediated apoptosis, while less effect was observed following transduction of p73alpha or p63alpha. Interestingly, the apoptotic effects of p63gamma were greater than those of wild-type p53 in OS cells carrying MDM2-amplification. We then determined the in vivo therapeutic effect of intratumoral injection of adenovirus-vector expressing p53 family members on xenografts derived from Saos-2 cells implanted in nude mice, and showed that infection with p63y significantly suppressed tumor growth compared with p53. In addition, exogenous p73beta and p63gamma significantly increased the chemosensitivity of OS cells to doxorubicin and cisplatin, chemotherapeutic agents commonly used in the treatment of OS. Our results suggest that adenovirus-mediated transduction of p53 family members may have utility in gene therapy for OS, particularly in combination with chemotherapeutic agents.

A-type antiferro-orbital ordering with I4(1)/a symmetry and geometrical frustration in the spinel vanadate MgV2O4

We conduct a detailed structural analysis of the S=1 pyrochlore antiferromagnet MgV2O4, which exhibits an antiferromagnetic ordering marginally at TN=40  K, triggered by a structural transition from cubic to tetragonal symmetry at TS=62  K, using high resolution synchrotron x-ray diffraction and convergent beam electron diffraction. We reveal that the tetragonal phase below TS has the symmetry of I4(1)/a and that the distortion pattern of VO6 octahedra is consistent with A-type antiferro-orbital ordering with alternating stacking of layers with yz/xy orbital chains and zx/xy orbital chains along the tetragonal c axis. This implies that an anisotropic coupling of V moments produced by the orbital ordering below TS primarily brings about the antiferromagnetic ordering.

Novel Pauli-paramagnetic quantum phase in a Mott insulator

In Mott insulators, the strong electron-electron Coulomb repulsion localizes electrons. In dimensions greater than one, their spins are usually ordered antiferromagnetically at low temperatures. Geometrical frustrations can destroy this long-range order, leading to exotic quantum spin liquid states. However, their magnetic ground states have been a long-standing mystery. Here we show that a quantum spin liquid state in the organic Mott insulator EtMe(3)Sb[Pd(dmit)(2)](2) (where Et is C(2)H(5)-, Me is CH(3)-, and dmit is 1,3-dithiole-2-thione-4,5-dithiolate) with two-dimensional triangular lattice has Pauli-paramagnetic-like low-energy excitations, which are a hallmark of itinerant fermions. Our torque magnetometry down to low temperatures (30 mK) up to high fields (32 T) reveals distinct residual paramagnetic susceptibility comparable to that in a half-filled two-dimensional metal, demonstrating the magnetically gapless nature of the ground state. Moreover, our results are robust against deuteration, pointing toward the emergence of an extended 'quantum critical phase', in which low-energy spin excitations behave as in paramagnetic metals with Fermi surface, despite the frozen charge degree of freedom.

Correlation-enhanced effective mass of two-dimensional electrons in Mg(x)Zn(1-x)O/ZnO heterostructures

We performed combined magnetotransport and cyclotron resonance experiments on two-dimensional electron systems confined in the Mg(x)Zn(1-x)O/ZnO heterostructures over a wide range of carrier densities, from 1.9 to 12 × 10(11) cm(-2) (3.5 </~ r(s) </~ 10, where r(s) is the Wigner-Seitz radius). As the carrier density was reduced, the transport mass m(tr)* was strongly enhanced. In marked contrast, the effective masses determined from the cyclotron resonance m(CR)(*) were found to be independent of the carrier density and as large as the bulk effective mass. The large enhancement of m(tr)(*), which exceeds m(CR)(*) by ~ 60%, at the lowest carrier density with r(s) 10 is purely attributed to the strong electron correlation.

Br-DIF-1 accelerates dimethyl sulphoxide-induced differentiation of P19CL6 embryonic carcinoma cells into cardiomyocytes

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Stem cell transplantation therapy is a promising option for treatment of severe ischaemic heart disease. Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) differentiates P19CL6 embryonic carcinoma cells into cardiomyocyte-like cells, but with low differentiation capacity. To improve the degree of this differentiation, we have assessed several derivatives of the differentiation-inducing factor-1 (DIF-1), originally found in the cellular slime mould Dictyostelium discoideum, on P19CL6 cells.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

P19CL6 cells were cultured with each derivative and 1% DMSO for up to 16 days. Differentiation was assessed by measuring the number of beating and non-beating aggregates, and the expression of genes relevant to cardiac tissue. The mechanism of action was investigated using a T-type Ca(2+) channel blocker.

KEY RESULTS

Of all the DIF-1 derivatives tested only Br-DIF-1 showed any effects on cardiomyocyte differentiation. In the presence of 1% DMSO, Br-DIF-1 (0.3-3 µM) significantly and dose-dependently increased the number of spontaneously beating aggregates compared with 1% DMSO alone, by day 16. Expression of mRNA for T-type calcium channels was significantly increased by Br-DIF-1 + 1% DMSO compared with 1% DMSO alone. Mibefradil (a T-type Ca(2+) channel blocker; 100 nM) and a small interfering RNA for the T-type Ca(2+) channel both significantly decreased the beating rate of aggregates induced by Br-DIF-1 + 1% DMSO.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Br-DIF-1 accelerated the differentiation, induced by 1% DMSO, of P19CL6 cells into spontaneously beating cardiomyocyte-like cells, partly by enhancing the expression of the T-type Ca(2+) channel gene.

Enhanced removal of sodium salts supported by in-situ catalyst synthesis in a supercritical water oxidation process

For practical applications of supercritical water oxidation to wastewater treatment, the deposition of inorganic salts in supercritical phase must be controlled to prevent a reactor from clogging. This study investigated enhanced removal of sodium salts with titanium particles, serving as a salt trapper and a catalyst precursor, and sodium recovery by sub-critical water. When Na(2)CO(3) was tested as a model salt, sodium removal efficiency was higher than theoretically maximum efficiency defined by Na(2)CO(3) solubility. The enhanced sodium removal resulted from in-situ synthesis of sodium titanate, which could catalyse acetic acid oxidation. The kinetics of sodium removal was described well by a diffusion mass-transfer model combined with a power law-type rate model of sodium titanate synthesis. Titanium particles showed positive effect on sodium removal in the case of NaOH, Na(2)SO(4) and Na(3)PO(4). However, they had negligible effect for NaCl and negative effect for Na(2)CrO(4), respectively. More than 99% of trapped sodium was recovered by sub-critical water except for Na(2)CrO(4). In contrast, sodium recovery efficiency remained less than 50% in the case of Na(2)CrO(4). Reused titanium particles showed the same performance for enhanced sodium removal. Enhanced salt removal supported by in-situ catalyst synthesis has great potential to enable both salt removal control and catalytic oxidation.

Myoglobin subfractions: abnormality in duchenne type of progressive muscular dystrophy

Human metmyoglobin was separated electrophoretically into four subfractions: Mb(1), Mb(2), Mb(3), and Mb(4), which divide into at least two biochemically independent groups: Mb(1) and Mb(2), and Mb(3), and Mb(4). In normal subjects, Mb(1) constituted the predominant component; Mb(2), Mb(3), and Mb(4) were the minor components in this descending order. In the Duchenne type of progressive muscular dystrophy, on the contrary, a remarkable decrease in Mb(1) and a concomitant increase in Mb(3) were observed. This unique abnormality in the relative distribution of myoglobin subfractions was recognized only in the Duchenne type and not in other types of progressive muscular dystrophy or in other myopathies.

Magnetic-field induced phase transitions in a weakly coupled s=1/2 quantum spin dimer system Ba3Cr2O8

By using bulk magnetization, electron spin resonance (ESR), heat capacity, and neutron scattering techniques, we characterize the thermodynamic and quantum phase diagrams of Ba3Cr2O8. Our ESR measurements indicate that the low field paramagnetic ground state is a mixed state of the singlet and the Sz=0 triplet for H perpendicular c. This suggests the presence of an intradimer Dzyaloshinsky-Moriya (DM) interaction with a DM vector perpendicular to the c axis.

Antiferromagnetic d-electron exchange via a spin-singlet pi-electron ground state in an organic conductor

Electron spin resonance reveals the spin behavior of conduction (pi) and localized (d) electrons in beta-(BDA-TTP)2MCl4 (M=Fe, Ga). Both the Ga3+(S=0) and Fe3+(S=5/2) compounds exhibit a metal-insulator transition at 113 K with the simultaneous formation of a spin-singlet ground state in the pi electron system of the donor molecules. The behavior is consistent with charge ordering in beta-(BDA-TTP)2MCl4 at the metal-insulator transition. At 5 K, the Fe3+ compound orders antiferromagnetically, even though the pi electrons, which normally would facilitate magnetic exchange, are localized nonmagnetic singlets.

[Surgical treatment of transposition of great arteries: the coronary buttons transfer using medially based trapdoor flaps]

The arterial switch operation (ASO) has become the primary surgical approach used for correction of transposition of the great arteries. All the prerequisites for a successful ASO were recognized in time and dealt with, which allowed general acceptation of the technique. We report on our technique for the procedure and the result to date. From January 1991 to January 2008, a total of 100 patients underwent ASO at our unit using medially-based trapdoor flap method. The neo-pulmonary artery (PA) was reconstructed using a single rectangular pericardial patch. The initial patient having intramural coronary artery died due to ischemic event after Aubert procedure. Three patients had re-right ventricular out flow tract repair (RVOTR) in a long-term follow-up period. There was no significant aortic insufficiency, no ischemic event and no lethal arrhythmia.

Identification of flotillin-2, a major protein on lipid rafts, as a novel target of p53 family members

p73 and p63 are members of the p53 gene family and have been shown to play an important role in development and homeostasis mainly by regulating the transcription of a variety of genes. A subset of these genes encodes secreted proteins and receptors that may be involved in the communication between adjacent cells. We report here that flotillin-2, a major hydrophobic protein on biomembrane microdomain lipid rafts, is a direct transcriptional target of the p53 family member genes. It has been suggested that such rafts could play an important role in many cellular processes including signal transduction, membrane trafficking, cytoskeletal organization, and pathogen entry. We found that the expression of flotillin-2 was specifically up-regulated by either TAp73beta or TAp63gamma, but not significantly by p53. In addition, flotillin-2 transcription is activated in response to cisplatin in a manner dependent on endogenous p73. By using small interference RNA designed to target p73, we showed that silencing endogenous p73 abolishes the induction of flotillin-2 transcription following cisplatin treatment. Furthermore, we identified a p73/p63-binding site located upstream of the flotillin-2 gene that is responsive to the p53 family members. This response element is highly conserved between humans and rodents. We also found that ectopic expression of TAp73 as well as TAp63 enhances signal transduction by assessing the interleukin-6-mediated phosphorylation of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3. Thus, in addition to direct transactivation, p53 family member genes enhance a set of cellular processes via lipid rafts.

Efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

AIMS

The aim of the study was to assess the short-term efficacy of intravitreal injections of bevacizumab for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).

METHODS

Intravitreal bevacizumab (1 mg) was injected into 11 eyes of 11 patients with PCV in this retrospective, interventional case series. The main outcome measure was the change in the polypoidal vessels on indocyanine green angiography (IA) 3 months after injection. The foveal height determined by optical coherence tomography and the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) also were evaluated before and after treatment.

RESULTS

At baseline, subretinal fluid was observed in five eyes and a pigment epithelial detachment in eight eyes. The foveal height 1 month after injection decreased significantly (p = 0.023), but at 3 months, no significant decrease was observed, although an additional injection was administrated in five of 11 eyes. The IA at 3 months showed resolution of polyps in one eye but residual or enlarged lesions in the other ten eyes. The BCVA did not improve significantly, although the subjects had relatively good BCVA at baseline (mean 0.45).

CONCLUSION

Intravitreal injection of bevacizumab may reduce the fluid from PCV but seems to be ineffective for diminishing its choroidal vascular changes.