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1.
Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis ; 19(4): 374-379, 2016 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27574020

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Currently, there are multiple commercially available RNA-based biomarkers that are Medicare approved and suggested for use by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. There is uncertainty as to which patients benefit from genomic testing and for whom these tests should be ordered. Here, we examined the correlation patterns of Decipher assay to understand the relationship between the Decipher and patient tumor characteristics. METHODS: De-identified Decipher test results (including Decipher risk scores and clinicopathologic data) from 2 342 consecutive radical prostatectomy (RP) patients tested between January and September 2015 were analyzed. For clinical testing, tumor specimen from the highest Gleason grade was sampled using a 1.5 mm tissue punch. Decipher scores were calculated based on a previously locked model. Correlations between Decipher score and clinicopathologic variables were computed using Spearman's rank correlation. Mixed-effect linear models were used to study the association of practice type and Decipher score. The significance level was 0.05 for all tests. RESULTS: Decipher score had a positive correlation with pathologic Gleason score (PGS; r=0.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34-0.41), pathologic T-stage (r=0.31, 95% CI 0.28-0.35), CAPRA-S (r=0.32, 95% CI 0.28-0.37) and patient age (r=0.09, 95% CI 0.05-0.13). Decipher reclassified 52%, 76% and 40% of patients in CAPRA-S low-, intermediate- and high-risk groups, respectively. We detected a 28% incidence of high-risk disease through the Decipher score in pT2 patients and 7% low risk in pT3b/pT4, PGS 8-10 patients. There was no significant difference in the Decipher score between patients from community centers and those from academic centers (P=0.82). CONCLUSIONS: Although Decipher correlated with baseline tumor characteristics for over 2 000 patients, there was significant reclassification of tumor aggressiveness as compared to clinical parameters alone. Utilization of the Decipher genomic classifier can have major implications in assessment of postoperative risk that may impact physician-patient decision making and ultimately patient management.


Subject(s)
Prostatic Neoplasms/pathology , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Grading/methods , Postoperative Period , Prospective Studies , Prostate/pathology , Prostate-Specific Antigen/blood , Prostatectomy/methods , Prostatic Neoplasms/blood , Risk Assessment
2.
J Appl Microbiol ; 110(5): 1195-202, 2011 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21338447

ABSTRACT

AIMS: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is marked by elevated levels of immunoglobulin E and skin lesions such as oedema and haemorrhage. Kimchi is a Korean fermented food that contains beneficial bacteria for human health. In this study, Lactobacillus plantarum CJLP55, CJLP56, CJLP133 and CJLP136 isolated from Kimchi were investigated for their capacity to inhibit AD. METHODS AND RESULTS: The three strains, CJLP55, CJLP133 and CJLP136, suppressed AD-like skin lesions, high serum IgE levels and epidermal thickening. The three strains diminished the accumulation of eosinophils and mast cells into topical inflammatory sites and the enlargement of axillary lymph nodes, which are responsible for the dorsal dermatitis. CJLP55, CJLP133 and CJLP136 decreased production of type 2 cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-5 in lymph node cell culture. CJLP133 and CJLP136 increased IFN-γ secretion, while CJLP55 enhanced IL-10 production. CONCLUSIONS: The three strains isolated from Kimchi suppress house-dust mite-induced dermatitis in NC/Nga mouse, a representative animal model of human AD. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: These findings suggest that lactobacilli isolated from Kimchi inhibit AD, probably by altering the balance of Th1/Th2 ratio or inducing IL-10 production.


Subject(s)
Dermatitis, Atopic/therapy , Food Microbiology , Lactobacillus plantarum/isolation & purification , Probiotics , Skin/pathology , Administration, Oral , Animals , Brassica/microbiology , Dermatitis, Atopic/immunology , Dermatitis, Atopic/pathology , Disease Models, Animal , Eosinophils/immunology , Female , Fermentation , Immunoglobulin E/blood , Inflammation/pathology , Interferon-gamma/biosynthesis , Interleukin-10/biosynthesis , Interleukin-4/biosynthesis , Interleukin-5/biosynthesis , Lymph Nodes/pathology , Mast Cells/immunology , Mice , Pyroglyphidae
3.
IEEE Trans Haptics ; 4(3): 210-20, 2011.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26963488

ABSTRACT

Minimally invasive telerobotic surgical systems enable surgeons to perform complicated procedures without large incisions. Unfortunately, these systems typically do not provide the surgeon with sensory feedback aside from stereoscopic vision. We have, thus, developed VerroTouch, a sensing and actuating device that can be added to Intuitive Surgical's existing da Vinci S Surgical System to provide auditory and vibrotactile feedback of tool contact accelerations. These cues let the surgeon feel and hear contact with rough textures as well as the making and breaking of contact with objects and other tools. To evaluate the merits of this approach, we had 11 surgeons use an augmented da Vinci S to perform three in vitro manipulation tasks under four different feedback conditions: with no acceleration feedback, with audio feedback, with haptic feedback, and with both audio and haptic. Subjects expressed a significant preference for the inclusion of tool contact acceleration feedback, although they disagreed over which sensory modality was best. Other survey responses and qualitative written comments indicate that the feedback may have improved the subject's concentration and situational awareness by strengthening the connection between the surgeon and the surgical instruments. Analysis of quantitative task metrics shows that the feedback neither improves nor impedes the performance of the chosen tasks.

4.
Minerva Urol Nefrol ; 62(2): 193-201, 2010 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20562799

ABSTRACT

AIM: The introduction of robotics in the operating room made its first major impact in the arena of prostate cancer. Robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is the most commonly performed surgery for prostate cancer in the United States. METHODS: In this review article, we discuss the history of robotic prostatectomy as well as the benefits and drawbacks of the robotic surgical platform. Our University of Pennsylvania technique is described. Patient selection, peri-operative factors, oncological data, and functional outcomes specific to RARP are addressed. RESULTS: While cost remains a valid criticism to the robotic technique, some of the additional expenditure is offset by improved convalescence, fewer medical complications, and decreased morbidity. Data with follow up approaching 10 years demonstrates equal if not superior outcomes with respect to continence, sexual and oncological factors. CONCLUSION: The diligent efforts of many have led to the rapid evolution of robot assisted radical prostatectomy. There is a renewed interest in the anatomy, oncological outcomes, and functional consequences of prostatectomy. With technological advances occurring at an accelerating rate, the advances in surgery should be very exciting indeed.


Subject(s)
Prostatectomy/methods , Prostatic Neoplasms/surgery , Robotics , Erectile Dysfunction/etiology , Erectile Dysfunction/prevention & control , Humans , Male , Prostatectomy/adverse effects , Prostatic Neoplasms/pathology
5.
Clin Exp Allergy ; 40(4): 598-606, 2010 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20184605

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The mechanisms of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) are less well understood than those of subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT). OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of grass-pollen SLIT on oral mucosal immune cells, local regulatory cytokines, serum allergen-specific antibody subclasses and B cell IgE-facilitated allergen binding (IgE-FAB). METHODS: Biopsies from the sublingual mucosa of up to 14 SLIT-treated atopics, nine placebo-treated atopics and eight normal controls were examined for myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs) (CD1c), plasmacytoid dendritic cells (CD303), mast cells (AA1), T cells (CD3) and Foxp3 using immunofluorescence microscopy. IL-10 and TGF-beta mRNA expression were identified by in situ hybridization. Allergen-specific IgG and IgA subclasses and serum inhibitory activity for binding of allergen-IgE complexes to B cells (IgE-FAB) were measured before, during and on the completion of SLIT. RESULTS: Foxp3(+) cells were increased in the oral epithelium of SLIT- vs. placebo-treated atopics (P=0.04). Greater numbers of subepithelial mDCs were present in placebo-treated, but not in SLIT-treated, atopics compared with normal controls (P=0.05). There were fewer subepithelial mast cells and greater epithelial T cells in SLIT- compared with placebo-treated atopics (P=0.1 for both). IgG(1) and IgG(4) were increased following SLIT (P<0.001). Peak seasonal IgA(1) and IgA(2) were increased during SLIT (P<0.05). There was a time-dependent increase in serum inhibitory activity for IgE-FAB in SLIT-treated atopics. CONCLUSIONS: SLIT with grass pollen extract is associated with increased Foxp3(+) cells in the sublingual epithelium and systemic humoral changes as observed previously for SCIT.


Subject(s)
Desensitization, Immunologic/methods , Forkhead Transcription Factors/metabolism , Phleum/immunology , Pollen/immunology , Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal , Administration, Sublingual , Adult , Allergens/immunology , Antibody Specificity , B-Lymphocytes/immunology , Double-Blind Method , Female , Humans , Immunoglobulin A/blood , Immunoglobulin E/immunology , Immunoglobulin G/blood , Male , Middle Aged , Mouth Mucosa/immunology , Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/immunology , Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/therapy , T-Lymphocytes/immunology , Treatment Outcome , Young Adult
6.
Int J Impot Res ; 21(3): 158-64, 2009.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19225465

ABSTRACT

Even nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy damages the cavernous nerves and leads to temporary erectile dysfunction (ED) in men recovering from prostate cancer surgery. Historically, patients recovering from prostate cancer surgery have been advised that the return of erectile function (EF) can take from 6 to 18 months, or even longer. Unfortunately, the return of sexual function in these patients remains variable, but is generally thought to be dependent on the individual patient's pre-surgery EF, as well as the degree of cavernous nerve disruption during prostate removal. Recently, there has been a growing movement to proactively treat patients postoperatively for presumed nerve damage to stimulate nerve recovery and possibly reduce the degree of irreversible damage. This would reduce the on-demand therapy these patients would require, and hopefully remove the requirement for an implantable prosthesis. The underlying hypothesis is that the artificial induction of erections shortly after surgery facilitates tissue oxygenation, reducing cavernosal fibrosis in the absence of nocturnal erections, potentially increasing the likelihood of preserving EF. Vacuum erection devices (VED), because of their ability to draw blood into the penis regardless of nerve disturbance, have become the centerpiece of penile rehabilitation protocols. This review will discuss the pathophysiology of radical prostatectomy induced ED and the rationale for rehabilitation. It will then discuss current protocols, including those involving the VED.


Subject(s)
Erectile Dysfunction/rehabilitation , Erectile Dysfunction/therapy , Penile Erection/physiology , Penis/physiopathology , Postoperative Complications/rehabilitation , Postoperative Complications/therapy , Prostatectomy/adverse effects , Vacuum , Adult , Aged , Erectile Dysfunction/physiopathology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Postoperative Complications/physiopathology
7.
Am J Physiol Cell Physiol ; 292(6): C2269-75, 2007 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17287366

ABSTRACT

We endeavored to use a basic and well-controlled experimental system to characterize the extent and time sequence of sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA) involvement in the development of cardiac hypertrophy, including transcription, protein expression, Ca(2+) transport, and cytoplasmic Ca(2+) signaling. To this end, hypertrophy of neonatal rat cardiac myocytes in culture was obtained after adrenergic activation with phenylephrine (PE). Micrographic assessment of myocyte size, rise of [(14)C]phenylalanine incorporation and total protein expression, and increased transcription of atrial natriuretic factor demonstrated unambiguously the occurrence of hypertrophy. An early and prominent feature of hypertrophy was a reduction of the SERCA2 transcript, as determined by RT-PCR with reference to a stable marker such as glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. Reduction of Ca(2+)-ATPase protein levels and Ca(2+) transport activity to approximately 50% of control values followed with some delay, evidently as a consequence of a primary effect on transcription. Cytosolic Ca(2+) signaling kinetics, measured with a Ca(2+)-sensitive dye after electrical stimuli, were significantly altered in hypertrophic myocytes. However, the effect of PE hypertrophy on cytosolic Ca(2+) signaling kinetics was less prominent than observed in myocytes subjected to drastic SERCA2 downregulation with small interfering RNA or inhibition with thapsigargin (10 nM). We conclude that SERCA2 undergoes significant downregulation after hypertrophic stimuli, possibly due to lack of SERCA gene involvement by the hypertrophy transcriptional program. The consequence of SERCA2 downregulation on Ca(2+) signaling is partially compensated by alternate Ca(2+) transport mechanisms. These alterations may contribute to a gradual onset of functional failure in long-term hypertrophy.


Subject(s)
Calcium Signaling , Cardiomegaly/chemically induced , Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism , Phenylephrine/pharmacology , Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium-Transporting ATPases/metabolism , Animals , Animals, Newborn , Cardiotonic Agents/pharmacology , Cells, Cultured , Cytosol/metabolism , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Down-Regulation , Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic , Gene Silencing , Phenylephrine/toxicity , Rats , Thapsigargin , Time Factors
9.
Surg Endosc ; 18(12): 1694-711, 2004 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-15809776

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Several recent reports have affirmed the feasibility of the laparoscopic approach for radical prostatectomy. In this review, we discuss the morbidities associated with this technique and compare outcomes and convalescence with standard open radical prostatectomy. METHODS: We reviewed all currently published data on laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and our series of 45 robotic-assisted radical prostatectomies and compared them to several landmark series of open retropubic and perineal radical prostatectomies. RESULTS: Although the initial series reported long operating times, these times have been significantly reduced in more recent series. Data on blood loss, convalescence, impotence, and incontinence rates have also been promising. CONCLUSIONS: Although follow-up has been short thus far, laparoscopic radical prostatectomy has been shown to be similar to open radical prostatectomy in several areas.


Subject(s)
Laparoscopy/methods , Prostatectomy/methods , Humans , Laparoscopes , Laparoscopy/adverse effects , Male , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Prostatectomy/adverse effects , Robotics , Suture Techniques
10.
Water Sci Technol ; 47(11): 45-51, 2003.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-12906270

ABSTRACT

Biological nitrogen removal via the nitrite pathway in wastewater treatment is very important in saving the cost of aeration and as an electron donor for denitrification. Wastewater nitrification and nitrite accumulation were carried out in a biofilm airlift reactor with autotrophic nitrifying biofilm. The biofilm reactor showed almost complete nitrification and most of the oxidized ammonium was present as nitrite at the ammonium load of 1.5 to 3.5 kg N/m3 x d. Nitrite accumulation was stably achieved by the selective inhibition of nitrite oxidizers with free ammonia and dissolved oxygen limitation. Stable 100% conversion to nitrite could also be achieved even under the absence of free ammonia inhibition on nitrite oxidizers. Batch ammonium oxidation and nitrite oxidation with nitrite accumulating nitrifying biofilm showed that nitrite oxidation was completely inhibited when free ammonia is higher than 0.2 mg N/L. However, nitrite oxidation activity was recovered as soon as the free ammonia concentration was below the threshold level when dissolved oxygen concentration was not the limiting factor. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of cryosectioned nitrite accumulating nitrifying biofilm showed that the beta-subclass of Proteobacteria, where ammonia oxidizers belong, was distributed outside the biofilm whereas the alpha-subclass of Proteobacteria, where nitrite oxidizers belong, was found mainly in the inner part of the biofilm. It is likely that dissolved oxygen deficiency or limitation in the inner part of the nitrifying biofilm, where nitrite oxidizers exist, is responsible for the complete shut down of the nitrite oxidizers activity under the absence of free ammonia inhibition.


Subject(s)
Ammonia/metabolism , Nitrogen/isolation & purification , Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods , Water Purification/methods , Biofilms , Bioreactors , In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence , Nitrites/metabolism , Nitrogen/metabolism , Oxidation-Reduction , Proteobacteria/genetics , Proteobacteria/physiology
11.
J Endourol ; 15(7): 715-7, 2001 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11697403

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Ureteroscopic laser treatment of calculi in the upper urinary tract was examined in regard to its effect on renal function in the setting of mild renal insufficiency. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and SWL have been previously shown not to adversely affect the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in renal insufficiency, but to our knowledge, the effect of ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy on GFR has not been previously reported. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of all cases of ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy at our institution was performed. A total of 18 patients with a baseline serum creatinine of > or = 1.5 mg/dL were found. The mean follow-up after treatment was 18.0 months (range 4-39 months). The change in the reciprocal of serum creatinine was used as an indicator of change in the GFR. Deterioration of 20% was considered significant. RESULTS: The overall mean change in treated patients was a 5.9% improvement. Patients with a preoperative creatinine of < 2.0 mg/dL improved 7.6% and those with creatinine of > or = 2.0 mg/dL increased 3.9%. Other factors such as the size of the stone, location of the stone, and total joules used during treatment were not significant. CONCLUSION: This examination suggests that ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy has no ill effects on renal function in the face of mild to moderate renal insufficiency.


Subject(s)
Glomerular Filtration Rate , Lithotripsy, Laser , Renal Insufficiency/therapy , Ureteroscopy , Urinary Calculi/therapy , Adult , Aged , Creatinine/blood , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Treatment Outcome
12.
Can J Anaesth ; 48(8): 815-8, 2001 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11546725

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To determine how mild hypothermia (34 degrees C) affects the hemodynamic and the stress hormonal responses intraoperatively and during extubation in patients undergoing cerebral aneurysm surgery. METHODS: After induction, anesthesia was maintained with 1.2% isoflurane and 50% nitrous oxide. For the normothermia and the hypothermia groups, the body temperature was maintained at 36.9 +/- 0.3 degrees C and 34.2 +/- 0.2 degrees C respectively up to the recovery room. Hemodynamic changes were recorded continuously. Stress hormones comprising epinephrine, norepinephrine, ADH, ACTH, and cortisol were measured at the awake control, intraoperative, and extubation periods. RESULTS: Vital signs of the intraoperative and postextubation time periods were not significantly different between the normothermia and hypothermia groups except for a statistically lower pulse rate intraoperatively in the hypothermia group (P <0.05). In the control awake state, all five hormonal concentrations were similar between the two groups. Intraoperatively, all of the hormonal levels tended to be lower in the hypothermia group compared to the normothermia group, but only the epinephrine level decreased sufficiently to reach statistical significance (P <0.05). During extubation, all stress hormone concentrations, except norepinephrine, were lower in the hypothermia group (epinephrine: P <0.05; ADH: P <0.05; ACTH: P <0.05; cortisol: P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that intraoperative mild hypothermia neither significantly affects the blood pressure response nor increases the concentrations of stress hormones intraoperatively. Furthermore, mild hypothermia significantly decreased the plasma concentrations of stress hormones during the extubation period.


Subject(s)
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/blood , Epinephrine/blood , Hydrocortisone/blood , Hypothermia, Induced , Intracranial Aneurysm/surgery , Norepinephrine/blood , Vasopressins/blood , Adult , Aged , Female , Hemodynamics , Humans , Male , Middle Aged
13.
Echocardiography ; 18(5): 381-3, 2001 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11466148

ABSTRACT

This report describes the transesophageal echocardiographic findings of acute severe aortic regurgitation resulting from localized transverse intimal tear of ascending thoracic aorta which could not be suspected as a cause of flail aortic valve preoperatively. In patients with chest pain and acute aortic regurgitation associated with flail aortic valve, localized intimal tear of aorta should be considered as a possible cause of flail aortic valve.


Subject(s)
Aortic Rupture/complications , Aortic Valve Insufficiency/etiology , Aortic Valve/physiopathology , Echocardiography, Transesophageal , Aortic Rupture/diagnostic imaging , Aortic Rupture/physiopathology , Aortic Rupture/surgery , Aortic Valve/diagnostic imaging , Aortic Valve Insufficiency/diagnostic imaging , Aortic Valve Insufficiency/surgery , Echocardiography, Transesophageal/methods , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Rupture, Spontaneous , Treatment Outcome
14.
J Endourol ; 15(1): 67-74, 2001 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11248923

ABSTRACT

Ultrasonography has been an invaluable tool in the field of urology for its noninvasiveness, safety, and relatively low cost. However, examination of the ureter with ultrasound is difficult because of the distance of the transducer from the ureter and because of intervening structures such as nonconductive bowel gas. As smaller probes have become available, attempts have been made to apply them to endoluminal use. Endoluminal ultrasonography has been employed in urology to examine the proper placement of injected collagen, diagnose urethral diverticula, diagnose and stage upper tract transitional-cell carcinoma, locate crossing vessels to guide endopyelotomy, diagnose submucosal calculi, and examine the severity and length of ureteral strictures.


Subject(s)
Endosonography/methods , Urinary Tract/diagnostic imaging , Collagen/administration & dosage , Diverticulum/diagnostic imaging , Endosonography/instrumentation , Endosonography/trends , Humans , Image Processing, Computer-Assisted , Transducers , Ureteral Obstruction/diagnostic imaging , Urethra/diagnostic imaging , Urethral Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Urinary Calculi/diagnostic imaging
15.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol ; 280(1): L181-7, 2001 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11133508

ABSTRACT

Recently, we cloned and characterized a full-length cDNA of the hamster Muc1 gene, the expression of which appears to be associated with secretory cell differentiation (Park HR, Hyun SW, and Kim KC. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 15: 237-244, 1996). The role of Muc1 mucins in the airway, however, is unknown. In this study, we investigated whether cell surface mucins are adhesion sites for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells not normally expressing Muc1 mucin were stably transfected with the hamster Muc1 cDNA, and binding to P. aeruginosa was examined. Our results showed that 1) stably transfected CHO cells expressed both Muc1 mRNA and Muc1 mucins based on Northern and Western blot analyses, 2) Muc1 mucins present on the cell surface were degraded by neutrophil elastase, and 3) expression of Muc1 mucins on the cell surface resulted in a significant increase in adhesion of P. aeruginosa that was completely abolished by either proteolytic cleavage with neutrophil elastase or deletion of the extracellular domain by mutation. We conclude that Muc1 mucins expressed on the surface of CHO cells serve as adhesion sites for P. aeruginosa, suggesting a possible role for these glycoproteins in the early stage of airway infection and providing a model system for studying epithelial cell responses to bacterial adhesion that leads to airway inflammation in general and cystic fibrosis in particular.


Subject(s)
Bacterial Adhesion/physiology , Mucin-1/metabolism , Pseudomonas Infections/metabolism , Pseudomonas aeruginosa/metabolism , Animals , CHO Cells , Cricetinae , Cystic Fibrosis/metabolism , Cystic Fibrosis/microbiology , Epithelial Cells/metabolism , Epithelial Cells/microbiology , Gene Expression/physiology , Glycoproteins/metabolism , Membrane Proteins/genetics , Membrane Proteins/metabolism , Mucin-1/genetics , Pneumonia, Bacterial/metabolism , Pneumonia, Bacterial/microbiology , RNA, Messenger/analysis , Signal Transduction/physiology , Transfection
16.
Anesth Analg ; 90(3): 603-8, 2000 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10702444

ABSTRACT

UNLABELLED: This study was performed to evaluate whether morphine could alter the degree of disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) caused by hyperosmolar mannitol. Under isoflurane anesthesia, rats in a control group were infused with 25% mannitol into the internal carotid artery before measuring the transfer coefficient (Ki) of (14)C-alpha-aminoisobutyric acid. Infusion of morphine 3 mg/kg in the small-dose morphine group and 10 mg/kg in the large-dose morphine group was completed, 10 min before administering mannitol. There were no statistical differences in systemic blood pressures between these three groups of animals. In the control group, the Ki of the ipsilateral cortex where mannitol was injected, increased to 4.6 times that of the contralateral cortex (19.5 +/- 8.5 vs 4.2 +/- 1.2 microL. g(-1). min(-1), P < 0.002). The Ki of the ipsilateral cortex of the small-dose morphine group was 13.5 +/- 7.6 microL. g(-1). min(-1). The Ki of the ipsilateral cortex of the large-dose morphine group was 9.2 +/- 4.5 microL. g(-1). min(-1) and was smaller than that of control animals (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the Ki of the contralateral cortex among the three groups. In conclusion, morphine attenuated BBB disruption induced by hyperosmolar solution without significant effects on systemic blood pressure. IMPLICATIONS: Our study suggests that morphine may be effective in reducing the blood-brain barrier disruption by hyperosmolar mannitol without significant effects on systemic blood pressure.


Subject(s)
Analgesics, Opioid/pharmacology , Blood-Brain Barrier/drug effects , Mannitol/pharmacology , Morphine/pharmacology , Animals , Blood Pressure/drug effects , Carotid Arteries , Heart Rate/drug effects , Hypertonic Solutions , Isoflurane/pharmacology , Male , Plasma Volume/drug effects , Rats , Rats, Long-Evans
18.
J Am Soc Echocardiogr ; 11(10): 992-6, 1998 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9804108

ABSTRACT

Pseudoaneurysm of the aorta usually occurs as a complication of nonpenetrating trauma or deceleration injuries. Spontaneous pseudoaneurysm of the aorta is, however, extremely rare. Pulmonary veins can be affected in this situation because of the anatomic proximity. However, it is often overlooked during clinical examination, during routine echocardiography, and even at invasive angiography. This report describes the importance of transesophageal echocardiography in the detection of pulmonary vein compression, which is not suspected during other noninvasive and invasive diagnostic tests, in a patient with spontaneous pseudoaneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta.


Subject(s)
Aneurysm, False/complications , Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/complications , Echocardiography, Transesophageal , Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease/diagnostic imaging , Adult , Aneurysm, False/diagnostic imaging , Angiography, Digital Subtraction , Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/diagnostic imaging , Humans , Male , Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease/etiology
19.
Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol ; 19(4): 681-90, 1998 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9761766

ABSTRACT

A previous lectin binding study demonstrated the presence of high molecular-mass mucin-like glycoproteins (HMGP) on the surface of hamster tracheal surface epithelial (HTSE) secretory cells (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 1987;84:9304). In the present study, we intended to isolate and characterize these HMGP from the plasma membrane of the primary HTSE cells and then to determine whether or not these membrane HMGP are Muc-1 mucins, a type of mucins originally discovered on the surface of some carcinomas. A subcellular fraction enriched with the plasma membrane was obtained using a sucrose density gradient centrifugation. This fraction contained high molecular-mass glycoconjugates which were excluded from Sepharose CL-4B gel. Biochemical characterization of these glycoconjugates revealed the following characteristics: (1) susceptibility to both pronase and mild alkaline treatments, but totally resistant to proteoglycan-digesting enzymes; (2) partitioning in the detergent phase of Triton X-114 and resistance to digestion by phosphatidylinositol phospholipase C or D; (3) a buoyant density of 1.5 g/ml based on CsCl density gradient centrifugation; (4) polydispersity in terms of both size and charge density; and (5) lack of immunoreactivity with an anti-Muc-1 mucin antibody. We conclude that the plasma membrane of HTSE cells at confluence contains HMGP, which seem to be the integral membrane proteins but different from Muc-1 mucins, and that these membrane HMGP appear to share some similarities with secreted mucins in terms of size and charge.


Subject(s)
Cell Membrane/chemistry , Epithelial Cells/chemistry , Mucins/analysis , Trachea/cytology , Animals , Antibodies , Cell Fractionation/methods , Cell Membrane/metabolism , Centrifugation , Cesium , Chlorides , Chromatography , Cricetinae , Detergents , Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel , Ethanolamines , Glycoproteins/analysis , Glycoproteins/chemistry , Glycoproteins/immunology , Male , Mesocricetus , Molecular Weight , Mucins/chemistry , Mucins/immunology , N-Acetylneuraminic Acid/analysis , Octoxynol , Phosphatidylinositol Diacylglycerol-Lyase , Phospholipase D/pharmacology , Polyethylene Glycols , Precipitin Tests , Rabbits , Sepharose , Trachea/chemistry , Tritium , Type C Phospholipases/pharmacology
20.
Gene ; 173(2): 257-9, 1996 Sep 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-8964510

ABSTRACT

We have determined the nucleotide (nt) sequences encoding the heavy (H)- and light (L)-chains of the Fab fragment of a murine monoclonal antibody, MabA34 (gamma1, kappa), which is specific for human plasma apolipoprotein A-I of high-density lipoproteins. The variable (V) regions of the H- and L-chains were revealed to be members of mouse H-chain subgroup II(A) and kappa L-chain subgroup II, respectively. A few unusual amino acids in the V region of the H-chain, and nt residues probably introduced by somatic mutations from germline genes were also identified.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Monoclonal/genetics , Apolipoprotein A-I/immunology , Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains/genetics , Immunoglobulin Light Chains/genetics , Amino Acid Sequence , Animals , Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology , Base Sequence , Cloning, Molecular , DNA, Complementary , Humans , Hybridomas , Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments/genetics , Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments/immunology , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Molecular Sequence Data
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