New era of research on cancer‐associated glycosphingolipids

Cancer‐associated glycosphingolipids have been used as markers for diagnosis and targets for immunotherapy of malignant tumors. Recent progress in the analysis of their implications in the malignant properties of cancer cells revealed that cancer‐associated glycosphingolipids are not only tumor markers, but also functional molecules regulating various signals introduced by membrane microdomains, lipid rafts. In particular, a novel approach, enzyme‐mediated activation of radical sources combined with mass spectrometry, has enabled us to clarify the mechanisms by which cancer‐associated glycosphingolipids regulate cell signals based on the interaction with membrane molecules and formation of molecular complexes on the cell surface. Novel findings obtained from these approaches are now providing us with insights into the development of new anticancer therapies targeting membrane molecular complexes consisting of cancer‐associated glycolipids and their associated membrane molecules. Thus, a new era of cancer‐associated glycosphingolipids has now begun.     

Risk factors for pneumothorax associated with isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia: results of a Japanese multicenter study

This study aimed to elucidate the clinical characteristics of neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) associated with pneumothorax and evaluate the risk factors for the development of pneumothorax. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in the 15 institutions participating in the Japanese CDH Study Group. A total of 495 neonates with isolated CDH who were born between 2011 and 2018 were analyzed in this study. Among the 495 neonates with isolated CDH, 52 (10.5%) developed pneumothorax. Eighteen (34.6%) patients developed pneumothorax before surgery, while 34 (65.4%) developed pneumothorax after surgery. The log-rank test showed that the cumulative survival rate was significantly lower in patients with pneumothorax than in those without pneumothorax. Univariate analysis revealed significant differences between patients with pneumothorax and those without pneumothorax with regard to the best oxygenation index within 24 h after birth, mean airway pressure (MAP) higher than 16 cmH2O, diaphragmatic defect size, and need for patch closure. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that only the MAP was associated with an increased risk of pneumothorax. The cumulative survival rate was significantly lower in isolated CDH patients with pneumothorax than in those without pneumothorax. A higher MAP was a risk factor for pneumothorax in CDH patients.     

Survey of Japanese dermatological vasculitis specialists on cases of cutaneous arteritis (cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa)

We developed a questionnaire to examine the findings of cutaneous arteritis among dermatological specialists experienced in vasculitis as certified by the Committee for guidelines for the management of vasculitis and vascular disorders of the Japanese Dermatological Association. We sent a questionnaire to 12 dermatological facilities identified through the revised Committee for guidelines for the management of vasculitis and vascular disorders of the Japanese Dermatological Association. Retrospective data obtained from 84 patients at the 12 dermatological facilities between 2012 January 2016 December were evaluated. The 84 patients were categorized into two groups, a systemic steroid treatment group (group 1, n = 52) and a no systemic steroid treatment group (group 2, n = 32). C-reactive protein in group 1 patients was significantly higher than that in group 2 patients. Frequency of fever, arthritis, myalgia- and peripheral neuropathy in group 1 was significantly higher than that in group 2. We propose that these symptoms could serve as early markers for the transfer from cutaneous arteritis to systemic polyarteritis nodosa. We further suggest that patients who are subsequently associated with cerebral hemorrhage and infarction, who are originally diagnosed as having cutaneous arteritis, could progress to systemic polyarteritis nodosa. The study demonstrated that it is important for dermatologists to detect these findings early in order to establish an accurate diagnosis and a timely treatment.     

Dental floss use among elementary school children and environmental factors; a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe onset of carious lesions and periodontal disease originates in plaque formed from dental bacteria. Appropriate plaque control is therefore important. Dental floss is one instrument used to control plaque. The influence of guardians is an important factor in whether children use dental floss regularly. However, the use of dental floss among school-age children and the relationship between use and family background has yet to be examined.AimIn this study, we conducted a questionnaire survey to examine rates of dental floss use and other related factors among elementary school children and their guardians.MethodsSurveys were sent to 298 guardians of children in grades 1–6 at an elementary school in Japan and 283 valid responses were received. Statistical analyses were carried out, with child’s use of dental floss as a dependent variable and grade, sex, guardian assistance with child's tooth brushing, frequency of child’s dental check-ups, and guardian's use of dental floss as independent variables.ResultsThe results revealed that 18.4% of children used dental floss compared with 52.7% of guardians, suggesting that the rate of usage among children is much lower than that among guardians. Logistic regression analysis further revealed that guardian's use of dental floss was significantly related to dental floss use among children.ConclusionThe guardian's use of dental floss was associated with dental floss use among their children in this group of Japanese elementary school.