Evaluation of anti‐wrinkle effects of a novel cosmetic containing niacinamide

Niacinamide is known to have effectiveness on sallowness, wrinkling, red blotchiness and hyperpigmented spots in aging skin. In this study, we have evaluated the anti‐wrinkle effects of a new cosmetic containing niacinamide. A randomized, placebo‐controlled, split face study was performed in 30 healthy Japanese females who had wrinkles in the eye areas. The tested cosmetic containing 4% niacinamide was applied on wrinkles of one side for 8 weeks, and a control cosmetic without niacinamide on another site. Anti‐wrinkle effects were evaluated with two methods: (i) doctors’ observation and photographs based on the guideline of the Japan Cosmetic Industry Association; and (ii) average roughness of skin surface (Ra value) using skin replica. This cosmetic showed marked and moderate improvement in 64% of the subjects with a significant difference as compared with the control site (P < 0.001). Wrinkle grades in the tested area significantly reduced more than pre‐application (P < 0.001) and the control (P < 0.001). Reduction in Ra value on the tested area was more than pre‐application (P < 0.01) and the control site (P < 0.05) with significant differences Only one subject stopped the study with minimal irritation. These results indicated that the tested lotion was well tolerated and may be an optional preparation for the treatment of wrinkles in the eye areas.     

Photosensitivity induced by fleroxacin

A case of photosensitivity induced by fleroxadn (FLRX) is reported. A 71-year-old man had erythema on sun-exposed areas after 5 months FLRX treatment for prostatitis. The minimal erythema dose to UVA was reduced at the initial examination and became normal 4 weeks after he stopped taking FLRX. Oral photo-challenge with FLRX 100 mg was positive, but photopatch testing was negative.     

Chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced or recurrent olfactory neuroblastoma

Background: Olfactory neuroblastoma is a rare sino‐nasal tumor arising from the olfactory epithelium and is often characterized by local invasion or metastasis. The role of chemotherapy in the treatment of this tumor is unclear. The purpose of this study was to review our institution’s experience of chemotherapy for advanced or recurrent olfactory neuroblastoma. Methods: Twenty‐one patients with histologically proven olfactory neuroblastoma were treated at our institution between 1992 and 2002. Twelve of these patients received chemotherapy in the setting of unresectable or recurrent disease and were retrospectively reviewed for clinical characteristics, treatment outcome or survival. Results: Eight patients of the 12 patients received cisplatin‐based chemotherapy and the remaining four patients received chemotherapy consisting of docetaxel plus irinotecan (three patients) or cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and vincristine (1 patient). A partial response was achieved in five patients, with an overall response rate of 42%, although the chemotherapeutic regimens were heterogeneous. Two partial responses were obtained among the three patients who received docetaxel plus irinotecan. The response rate to chemotherapy was 83% in the younger age group (<40 years), as opposed to 0% in the older age group (≥40 years), and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.02). Conclusion: Our study indicated that olfactory neuroblastoma would be sensitive to chemotherapy, especially with young patients. Docetaxel plus irinotecan has the possibility of showing favorable response, and warrants further investigation.     

Treatment of Malignant Tumor in the Head and Neck: --Interdisciplinary Collaboration of Surgery and Radiotherapy--

Although the prime importance in treatment of head and neckcancer is eradication of tumors, due attention should be paidto the conservation of many important structures and functionsin the region. Just to mention a few of these important humanfunctions, there are phonation, digestion and facial expression.Simple surgical procedures specialized by otolaryngologistsare no longer satisfactory. Recently, radiotherapy of head and neck cancer has developedto a superlative degree and chemotherapy to a practical degreealthough much still remains to be satisfied. Our aim was toorganize an interdisciplinary group of specialists in surgery,radiotherapy and regional chemotherapy into a composite attackforce. We aimed at most effective treatment with the least ofside effects. Since 1961, our combined approach to cancer of the head andneck in close collaboration with radiotherapists has yieldedmuch improved results. This has led to an increasing numberof patients with satisfactory rehabilitation.

1. 1. Cancer of the maxilla: Even in the advanced cases combinedsurgery, radiotherapy and regional chemotherapy has led to thepreservation of important structures and functions. Many patientsare now allowed to return to social life and to their previousjobs.
2. 2. Cancer of the nasopharynx: Radiotherapy is the firstchoice.When the effect is less satisfactory, chemotherapy anda window-operationof the palate are performed.
3. 3. Tumorsof the tonsils: The majority of patients suffer fromthe reticulumcell sarcoma. Radiotherapy is the first choice.
4. 4. Cancerof the larynx: A full dose of radiotherapy is thefirst choice.Partial resections are done when indicated.
5. 5. Cancer of thetongue, hypopharynx and esophagus: Radiotherapyis the firstchoice in the majority of cases. Some need plasticsurgery.

     

Renin-angiotensin system component gene polymorphisms in Japanese maintenance haemodialysis patients

Summary: The renin-angiotension system (RAS) component gene polymorphisms was examined in 216 patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis (HD) therapy and in 208 control subjects. the RAS polymorphisms selected for analysis were angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) I/D, angiotensinogen (Agt) T235/M235, angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AGT1R) A1166/C1166. the control allelic frequencies was ACE I/D (0.63/0.37), Agt T235/M235 (0.16/0.84), and AGT1R A1166/C1166 (0.94/0.06). Recently, relationships between ACE I/D and the progression of renal disease attract great attention in Japanese and Caucasian populations. ACE D allele was expected to be more frequent in HD population. However, no accumulation of ACE D allele or Agt T235 allele, AFT1R C1166 allele in Japanese end-stage renal disease (ESRD) subjects was detected. to explain the paradoxical result of positive association of ACE D allele with progression of renal disease and no bias of ACE genotype in ESRD subjects, further investigation with systematic prospective study regarding the change of ACE genotype distribution around the period of entering dialysis therapy is required.