Administration of docetaxel in cases of recurrent breast carcinoma with malignant pleural effusion controlled by intrapleural administration of OK-432

Docetaxel is an anti-tumor agent which promotes the congregation and stabilization of microtubules, there by preventing cell division. It is reported to have anti-tumor activity against breast or non-small cell lung carcinomas which have been resistant to other anti-tumor agents. On the other hand, it causes peripheral edema and effusion in the pleural or peritoneal cavities. Thus, pleural or peritoneal effusions, which require drainage have been considered to be contraindications for the administration of docetaxel. OK-432 is an agent which causes adhesion by evoking a local inflammatory reaction. We experienced two cases of recurrent breast carcinoma with malignant pleural effusion. We successfully managed their pleural effusion with the intrapleural administration of OK-432. Thereafter, we safely administered docetaxel, and obtained good outcomes. The present paper also discussed the synergistic action between these agents.     

Imidazo[2,1-b]benzothiazoles. 2. New immunosuppressive agents

A series of 2-phenylimidazo[2,1-b]benzothiazole derivatives was prepared and tested for immunological activities. Some of the compounds showed significant suppressive activity of delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) without inhibition of humoral immunity in mice by oral administration. The most active compound was 2-(m-hydroxyphenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]benzothiazole (20).     

Serum neuron-specific enolase levels after subarachnoid hemorrhage

We examined serum levels of neuron-specific enolase by enzyme immunoassay in 29 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage due to ruptured cerebral aneurysm. Serum neuron-specific enolase levels were significantly higher in patients with a poor neurological status than in patients with a good neurological status on admission, and the greater the amount of subarachnoid blood, the higher the serum neuron-specific enolase level. Patients with a good outcome had low serum neuron-specific enolase levels throughout their courses. Serum neuron-specific enolase levels increased with development of delayed ischemic neurological deficits and, especially in poor outcome patients, high levels persisted until 3 weeks after the subarachnoid hemorrhage.     

Isolated tissue and binding studies of YM-17690, a novel and non-analogous leukotriene agonist

YM-17690, 3-[4-carboxymethoxy-3-[p-(4-phenylbutoxy) benzamido]phenyl]propionic acid, produced a dose-dependent contraction of guinea-pig ileum and its EC50 value was 1.6 X 10(-8) M. The response was not affected by pretreatment with atropine, mepyramine, indomethacin, dazoxiben and AA-861 (a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor), but was inhibited by FPL-55712 (an LTD4 and LTE4 antagonist). YM-17690 induced dose-dependent contractions of guinea-pig lung parenchyma and trachea with EC50 values of 3.9 X 10(-9) and 2.2 X 10(-8) M, respectively. Pretreatment of these tissues with FPL-55712 resulted in a parallel shift of the YM-17690 dose-response curves to the right. The pA2 values for FPL-55712 in lung parenchyma and trachea were 7.41 and 8.21, respectively, and the slopes of the regression lines of Schild plots were 1.00 and 1.02, respectively. YM-17690 produced a dose-dependent inhibition of [3H]LTD4 binding to guinea-pig lung membranes and its pKi value was 9.28. However, the compound showed only 25% inhibition of [3H]TLC4 binding to guinea-pig hippocampus membranes, even at 10(-5) M. These results suggest that YM-17690 is a selective leukotriene (LTD4 and LTE4) agonist and that it will therefore be a valuable tool in the study of actions of leukotrienes and for the characterization of their receptors.     

A case of hereditary cherubism

We report one case of hereditary cherubism involving two generations. Cherubism is a rare noneoplastic bone lesion of the jaws that causes a progressive, painless, symmetrical expansion of the maxilla and mandible. A 5-year-old boy was referred to our hospital requesting examination and treatment, with the chief complain of painless, bilateral, symmetrical swelling. In a local hospital, biopsy was performed and histological findings revealed giant cell granuloma. His mother and his uncle had been diagnosed with cherubism and were both treated surgically during childhood. Radiographs and CT images showed multilocular, well-defined, cystic spaces causing expansion of the bilateral mandibular angles and sparing only a thin layer of cortex. Radiographic findings of the mother's mandible were similar to these of the present case.     

Hemodynamics of the posterior cerebral arteries in neonates with periventricular leukomalacia

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cerebral blood flow of the posterior cerebral arteries (PCAs) in neonates in relation to the onset of periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). METHODS: Among 57 low-birth-weight neonates studied, 7 were diagnosed with PVL with cyst formation on sonography and MRI. The mean cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) was measured in all the neonates by Doppler sonography through the posterior fontanel separately in the right and left PCA at days 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 14, 21, 28, 42, 56, and 70 following birth. RESULTS: In the 7 neonates with PVL the mean CBFV in the right PCA was significantly lower than that in neonates without PVL at days 10, 14, 21, 28, 42, 56, and 70; the mean CBFV in the left PCA of neonates with PVL was significantly lower than that in those without PVL at days 7, 10, 14, 21, 28, 42, 56, and 70. CBFV measured in neonates without PVL exhibited a gradual increase postnatally. In contrast, CBFV values for neonates with PVL plateaued after day 5 or 7. CONCLUSIONS: The serial measurement of PCA CBFV postnatally may prove useful as a predictor of the development of PVL.     

Watershed infarcts in a multiple microembolic model of monkey

It has long been debated whether watershed infarcts are caused by hemodynamic or embolic mechanisms. In the present study, we investigated microembolic roles in the pathogenesis of watershed infarcts by examining MRI in a macaque monkey model of multiple microinfarcts. 50 μm microbeads were injected into each internal carotid artery twice with a month interval. Monkeys (n = 4) injected with 2250–2800 microbeads per unilateral side showed both cortical and internal watershed infarcts in the acute phase and atrophic changes with microbleeds in the chronic phase. These results suggest embolic pathogenesis can contribute to the genesis of both cortical and internal watershed infarcts in primates.     

Albuminuria, but not metabolic syndrome, is a significant predictor of stroke recurrence in ischemic stroke

The aim of this study is to determine if there was an association of stroke recurrence with metabolic syndrome (MetS), defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-III) report or the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), as well as with other risk factors, including albuminuria. From February 1, 2004 to February 5, 2006, 523 patients were admitted to our Stroke Care Unit within 7 days of stroke onset. After excluding 22 patients who died in hospital and 27 patients who did not provide consent, 474 survivors (M/F=313/161, median age, 71 years) were enrolled. End-point events were fatal or nonfatal stroke. Diagnosis of MetS by NCEP-III criteria was made in 33% of patients, and by IDF criteria in 26%. During follow-up (505.4 person-years), 2 patients dropped out. Forty-nine patients among 370 with ischemic stroke and 5 patients among 102 patients with brain hemorrhage had stroke recurrence, being fatal in 3. A significant predictor of recurrence was albuminuria (HR: 1.835, 95% CI: 1.005-3.350) in ischemic stroke. There were no significant predictors of stroke recurrence in patients with brain hemorrhage. In conclusion, albuminuria, but not MetS, was a significant predictor of stroke recurrence in ischemic stroke.     

Ice Hockey Injuries in a Japanese Elite Team: A 3-Year Prospective Study

Context:

As the Asian Ice Hockey League gradually expands and becomes more competitive, ice hockey-related injuries may increase. However, no reports have been published on ice hockey injuries in Japan, including the method of injury and the daily supervision of the players during the regular season.

Objective:

To prospectively study the incidence, types, and mechanisms of ice hockey injuries in an elite Japanese ice hockey team.

Design:

Prospective observational cohort study design.

Setting:

An elite ice hockey team, Tokyo, Japan.

Patients or Other Participants:

Ninety-four players during the 2002–2005 seasons.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Data were collected for 3 consecutive seasons using an injury reporting form.

Results:

The overall game injury rate was 74.3 per 1000 player-game hours and 11.7 per 1000 player-game hours for injuries resulting in any time loss. The overall practice injury rates were 11.2 per 1000 player-practice hours and 1.1 per 1000 player-practice hours for injuries resulting in any time loss. Forwards had the highest rate of injury, followed by defensemen and then goalkeepers. Contusions were the most common injury, followed by strains, lacerations, and sprains.

Conclusions:

Most injuries among Japanese ice hockey players occurred during games. Game or play intensity may influence the injury rate during games.