Identification of novel low molecular weight CXCR4 antagonists by structural tuning of cyclic tetrapeptide scaffolds

A highly potent CXCR4 antagonist, compound 2, was previously found by using two orthogonal cyclic pentapeptide libraries involving conformation-based and sequence-based libraries based on the pharmacophore of a 14-mer peptidic antagonist, 1. Herein, cyclic tetrapeptides derived from replacements of the dipeptide unit (Nal-Gly) with a gamma-amino acid and pseudopeptides cyclized by disulfide and olefin bridges were synthesized to find novel scaffold structures different from that of cyclic pentapeptides. These compounds contain a reduced number of peptide bonds compared to compound 2. Furthermore, several analogues with chemical modification of the side chain of Arg(4) in 2 were also prepared. From these, several new leads possessing high to moderate CXCR4-antagonistic activity were characterized.     

Warthin's tumor of the nasopharynx: a case report

Warthin's tumor in the nasopharynx is extremely rare. A 76-year-old man was referred to our hospital for treatment of a nasopharyngeal tumor. Fiberscopic examination, CT and MRI findings showed an oval mass in the right side of the posterior nasopharynx. The tumor was resected surgically using the transpalatal approach. Pathological examination indicated Warthin's tumor. There have not been any signs of recurrence postoperatively.     

Transurethral endoscopic treatment of upper urinary tract tumors using a holmium:YAG laser

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The feasibility of treating upper urinary tract tumors with a holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG) laser in transurethral endoscopy was examined. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three treatments were performed on 30 patients with renal pelvic and ureteral carcinomas. After vaporization and coagulation eliminated the tumors, the surrounding mucosa was fully coagulated. Postoperative follow-up consisted of urinary cytology once a month, cystoscopy every 3 months, excretory pyelography every 6 months, and uretero-pyeloscopy every 6-12 months. RESULTS: The recurrence rate after the first treatment was 86% in the imperative indication group. The tumor-free rate (median follow-up, 37 months) in the imperative indication group was 57%. In the elective indication group, those values were 20 and 95% (median follow-up, 33 months), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Transurethral endoscopic treatment of upper urinary tract tumors using Ho:YAG laser can be a useful method on limited cases identified into specific treatments groups combined with a strict follow-up.     

An Autopsy Case of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

A case of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in a 33-year-old Japanese woman is presented. The case is the first to be published in Japanese medical literature.     

Adult giant hemangioma of the larynx: a case report

We report a giant hemangioma that extended from the mesopharynx to the larynx in an adult.

The patient was a 39-year-old woman who had demonstrated an asymptomatic pharyngeal hemangioma since she was 1 year-old.

She developed vertigo and consulted a hospital at the age of 39. During screening by head MRI for the diagnosis of the vertigo, hemangioma of the laryngopharynx was detected. She was referred to Osaka National Hospital for further examination. Her subjective symptoms were dyspnoea in the lower left lateral-position.

On observation by nasopharyngolaryngovideoscope, a giant hemangioma was diagnosed in the left mesopharynx expanding into the larynx. On MRI study, hemangioma widely extended to the right posterior wall at the mesopharynx level.

Since we were concerned about risk of choking if the hemangioma of the larynx were left untreated, we recommended surgery. Under the general anesthesia, hemangioma of the larynx was light-coagulated by KTP laser through tracheotomy.

The postoperative-course has been good and at 9 months postoperatively, there was no progression of hemangioma.