Higher Expression of Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Axl,and Differential Expression of its Ligand,Gas6, Predict Poor Survival in Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients

Background

Downstream activation through receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) plays important roles in carcinogenesis. In this study, we assessed the clinical involvement of Axl, an RTK, and its ligand, Gas6, in surgically treated lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods

Axl and Gas6 mRNA and protein expression levels were quantified using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, respectively, in completely resected lung adenocarcinoma tissues (n = 88) and were evaluated for correlation with clinicopathologic features and patient survival.

Results

Higher expressions of Axl mRNA/protein and Gas6 protein were significantly related to worse clinicopathological features and prognosis (5-year overall survival rates: Axl mRNA low: 72.3 %, high: 49.7 %, P = 0.047; Axl protein low: 77.5 %, high: 38.6 %, P < 0.001; and Gas6 protein low: 70.5 %, high: 48 %, P = 0.042). On the contrary, higher Gas6 mRNA expression was related to better clinicopathological features and prognosis (5-year overall survival rates: Gas6 mRNA low: 59.2 %, high: 81.8 %, P = 0.054). Multivariate analysis suggests that high Axl mRNA expression may be an independent factor for poor patient prognosis (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

In lung adenocarcinoma, Axl and Gas6 expression levels were associated with tumor advancement and patient survival, thus rendering them as reliable biomarkers and potential targets for treatment of lung adenocarcinoma.

     

Maximum Standard Uptake Value at the Biopsy Site during F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography Does Not Predict the Proliferation Potential of Tumor Cells in Extranodal Natural Killer/T Cell Lymphoma, Nasal Type

No abstract available.     

Reimbursement for therapeutic apheresis devices and procedures for using the healthcare insurance system in Japan

The aim of this paper was to explain the insurance coverage status of therapeutic apheresis (excluding CHDF) in Japan, alongside the social system of medical reimbursement and concerns regarding the future sustainability of the healthcare system. Insurance schemes and premiums differed for individuals at different levels in the society (eg, municipal residents, employees, and public servants). Insurance premiums and their rates varied depending on the total household income, the number of people living together, age, and the place of residence. In addition, the medical expense subsidies for children through public expenditure were also described. Japan's generous insurance system and multiple medical expense subsidies provide financial support for patients. With Japan's history of medical expense subsidies based on the policy of supporting intractable diseases, we have established an environment where all citizens can receive therapeutic apheresis when needed if they are affected by a disease for which insurance coverage is indicated.     

Imbalance of coagulation and fibrinolysis can predict vascular access failure in patients on hemodialysis after vascular access intervention

Objective

For patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis, the durability of vascular access (VA) is still far from optimal, and access survival after intervention for access failure is an important aspect. Procoagulant status is a leading cause of access failure. Coagulation-fibrinolysis imbalance can occur in hemodialyzed patients, but the influence of the imbalance has not been fully elucidated.

Photorefractive Composite Based on a Monolithic Polymer

A new class of photorefractive (PR) composite based on a fully functionalized polymer with high phase‐stability is reported. The polymer containing non‐linear optical (NLO) chromophores and charge‐transporting carbazole moieties is synthesized by a polymer‐analogous reaction. The polymer is doped with plasticizer, NLO dye, and sensitizer to fabricate the PR composite. The NLO dye is the same as the NLO chromophore moiety in the polymer side chain. The PR performance of the composite is evaluated by degenerated four‐wave mixing and two‐beam coupling measurements. A diffraction efficiency of 30% at a relatively low applied electric field of 45 V μm^?1 is achieved. Despite a high concentration of NLO dye, the composites show good stability for a long period without phase separation.