Gliosarcoma with thallium-201 SPECT

Thallium-201 (201Tl) chloride scintigraphy is the imaging method use for the detection of various tumors including glioblastoma, but only limited information on 201Tl uptake in gliosarcoma is available. We investigated a patient with gliosarcoma by means of 201Tl single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and MRI. SPECT imaging revealed high 201Tl uptake in the tumor, which was closely correlated with contrast-enhancement on MRI. These results suggest that SPECT with 201Tl may be useful for detecting gliosarcoma and provide physiological information on this tumor.     

Cross-linking of B cell antigen receptor-related structure of pre-B cell lines induces tyrosine phosphorylation of p85 and p110 subunits and activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase

To understand the function of B cell antigen receptor (BCR)-relatedcomplex on pre-B cells (pre-BCR, V_preB5/µ heavy chain/lg-/lg-ß),we examined pre-BCR- and BCR-mediated signaling events in humanand mouse pre-B (Nalm-6, 697, NFS-5), Immature B (lgM⁺ Daudi,WEH1–231) and mature B (lgM⁺;lgD⁺ BALL1) cell lines. Antl-µcross-linking induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the cytoplasmicproteins In each cell type, but did not induce a detectableCa²⁺ mobilization response in pre-B cells. While the pre-B cellsexpressed Syk protein at levels similar to those found In Bcell lines, pre-BCR cross-linkage did not Induce phosphorylationof Syk tyrosine residues. Different protein kinase C Isozymeswere expressed by pre-B (PKC-), Immature B (PKC- and -ß)and mature B (PKC-ß) cell lines. Anti-µ cross-linkingInduced PKC translocatlon from the cytosolic to the membranecompartment In Immature and mature B cells, but did not havethis effect In a pre-B cell line. Antl-µ cross-linkinginduced tyrosine phosphorytation of the p85 and p110 subunitsof phophatldylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) In both pre-B andB cell lines, but the pre-BCR induced PI3-kinase activationwas Syk independent. Ligation of the pre-BCR complex thus triggersa characteristic signaling pattern In pre-B cells.     

Incidence and treatment of dysgeusia in patients with glossodynia

In 96 patients who visited our hospital with glossodynia, we conducted gustatory tests, measured serum zinc and copper levels, examined lingual papillae using biomicroscopy, conducted psychological tests and investigated the effectiveness of treatments directed at the cause of dysgeusia. Gustatory test results showed that 43 (44.8%) of the patients had dysgeusia, which was mild in 62.8%, moderate in 30.2% and severe in 7.0%. By giving higher priority to treatment of dysgeusia than to glossodynia, pain disappeared or was relieved and gustatory sensation improved in 27 (62.8%) of these 43 patients. Overall, pain disappeared or was improved in 65 (67.7%) cases. When treating glossodynia, it is important to diagnose the cause of pain and to give higher priority to treating that cause. The clinical efficacy of treatment for glossodynia will be improved when the presence or absence of dysgeusia is diagnosed early in the course of treatment.     

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for removal of superficial gastrointestinal neoplasms: A technical review

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is now the most common endoscopic treatment in Japan for intramucosal gastrointestinal neoplasms (non-metastatic). ESD is an invasive endoscopic surgical procedure, requiring extensive knowledge, skill, and specialized equipment. ESD starts with evaluation of the lesion, as accurate assessment of the depth and margin of the lesion is essential. The devices and strategies used in ESD vary, depending on the nature of the lesion. Prior to the procedure, the operator must be knowledgeable about the treatment strategy(ies), the device(s) to use, the electrocautery machine settings, the substances to inject, and other aspects. In addition, the operator must be able to manage complications, should they arise, including immediate recognition of the complication(s) and its treatment. Finally, in case the ESD treatment is not successful, the operator should be prepared to apply alternative treatments. Thus, adequate knowledge and training are essential to successfully perform ESD.     

Mass-spectrometric identification of proteins detected in forskolin-stimulated Xenopus laevis oocytes using antibody against phospho-(Ser/Thr) cAMP-dependent protein kinase substrate

In order to study the phosphorylated proteins in the resting Xenopus laevis oocytes, the proteins detected by Western blotting using phospho-(Ser/Thr) PKA substrate antibody (PKA substrate antibody) in forskolin-stimulated oocytes were purified and identified by mass spectrometry. Several proteins (ribosomal S6 protein, elongation factor-2 (EF-2), poly A binding protein, releasing factor 1) were identified, and the phosphorylation of EF-2 was further studied. Partially purified Xenopus EF-2 (xEF-2) was phosphorylated by PKA in vitro and this phosphorylation was detected by Western blotting using PKA substrate antibody. The phosphorylation of Thr-57 in xEF-2 (corresponding to Thr-56 of the mammalian enzyme) was detected in the partially purified xEF-2 from the resting oocytes, but this xEF-2 did not react with the PKA substrate antibody. These results suggest that Thr-57 in xEF-2 was phosphorylated, but xEF-2 does not seem to be phosphorylated by PKA in resting oocytes although PKA can phosphorylate xEF-2 in vitro and probably in forskolin-treated oocytes.