Comparison of survival and perioperative outcome of the colonic stent and the transanal decompression tube placement and emergency surgery for left-sided obstructive colorectal cancer: a retrospective multi-center observational study "The CODOMO study".

PURPOSE: Advances in endoscopic technology have led to the reevaluation of self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement as a bridge-to-surgery (BTS) in patients with obstructive colorectal cancer. In Japan, after inclusion of SEMS placement as a BTS in the medical insurance coverage in 2012, this procedure has been increasingly performed. However, a transanal decompression tube (TADT) placement has been used as a BTS. We aimed to retrospectively evaluate the optimal strategy for obstructive left-sided colorectal cancer (OLCRC) by comparing SEMS and TADT placement with emergency surgery. METHODS: We included 301 patients with stage II and III OLCRC from 27 institutions. The study patients were divided into Surgery group (emergency surgery, n = 103), SEMS group (BTS by SEMS, n = 113), and TADT group (BTS by TADT, n = 85). We compared the survival and perioperative outcomes of patients in the Surgery group as a standard treatment with those in the SEMS and TADT groups. RESULTS: The 3-year relapse-free survival rate in patients in the Surgery group was 74.8%, while that in patients in the SEMS group and TADT group were 69.0% (p = 0.39) and 55.3% (p = 0.006), respectively. The technical success rate was not statistically different, but the clinical success rate was significantly higher in the SEMS group than in the TADT group (p = 0.0040). With regard to postoperative complications after curative surgery, the SEMS group had significantly lower of complications (≥ grade 2) than the Surgery group (p = 0.022). CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent SEMS placement for OLCRC had similar oncological outcomes to patients who underwent emergency surgery.

Inhaled Iloprost Versus Epoprostenol in Heart Transplant Recipients.

BACKGROUND: Acute right ventricular dysfunction is a challenging problem in the immediate postoperative period following orthotopic heart transplantation. There are no prior reports of the use of inhaled iloprost in the setting of acute right ventricular dysfunction and acute pulmonary hypertension. Our hypothesis was that the use of inhaled iloprost in heart transplant recipients would be associated with a reduction in the duration of mechanical ventilation compared to patients being treated with continuous inhaled epoprostenol. Additionally, we hypothesized that the change in inhaled vasodilatory therapy would not be associated with a significant change in postoperative bleeding or use of vasoactive medications. METHODS: We reviewed charts of 80 consecutive patients undergoing heart transplantation at our institution between July 1, 2003, and August 8, 2008. From July 1, 2003 to March 13, 2006, epoprostenol was our primary vasodilator; subsequently epoprostenol was replaced with iloprost. We included 39 subjects who received epoprostenol and 40 subjects who received iloprost. Data were collected on the use of inhaled vasodilators, comparing periods before and after our institutional protocol change. Demographic data, hemodynamic values, drain output, and any requirement for vasoactive medication infusions were collected. Our primary end point was the natural logarithm of duration of mechanical ventilation. Secondary end points were hemodynamic values and length of ICU and hospital stay. RESULTS: Subjects treated with iloprost were mechanically ventilated for 0.36 ± 0.20 (adjusted mean ± SE) log days, which was shorter (P = .033) than the 1.00 ± 0.22 logdays for subjects treated with epoprostenol. This resulted in an estimated median number of mechanically ventilated days for subjects treated with epoprostenol that was approximately 1.9 times longer than the estimated median number of ventilated days for subjects treated with iloprost (95% CI 1.05-3.4, P = .033). There were no differences in safety end points or length of hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: Use of inhaled iloprost was associated with shorter duration of mechanical ventilation compared to inhaled epoprostenol, without safety concerns.

The effect of femoral bone tunnel configuration on tendon-bone healing in an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: An animal study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effect of femoral bone tunnel configuration on tendon-bone healing in an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction animal model. METHODS: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the plantaris tendon as graft material was performed on both knees of 24 rabbits (48 knees) to mimic ACL reconstruction by two different suspensory fixation devices for graft fixation. For the adjustable fixation device model (Socket group; group S), a 5 mm deep socket was created in the lateral femoral condyle (LFC) of the right knee. For the fixed-loop model (Tunnel group; group T), a femoral tunnel penetrating the LFC was created in the left knee. Animals were sacrificed at four and eight weeks after surgery for histological evaluation and biomechanical testing. RESULTS: Histologically, both groups showed a mixture of direct and indirect healing patterns at four weeks, whereas only indirect healing patterns were observed in both groups at eight weeks. No significant histological differences were seen between the two groups at four and eight weeks in the roof zone (four weeks, S: mean 4.8 sd 1.7, T: mean 4.5 sd 0.5, p = 0.14; eight weeks, S: mean 5.8 sd 0.8, T: mean 4.8 sd 1.8, p = 0.88, Mann-Whitney U test) or side zone (four weeks, S: mean 5.0 sd 1.2, T: mean 4.8 sd 0.4, p = 0.43; eight weeks, S: mean 5.3 sd 0.8,T: mean 5.5 sd 0.8, p = 0.61, Mann-Whitney U test) . Similarly, no significant difference was seen in the maximum failure load between group S and group T at four (15.6 sd 9.0N and 13.1 sd 5.6N) or eight weeks (12.6 sd 3.6N and 17.1 sd 6.4N, respectively). CONCLUSION: Regardless of bone tunnel configuration, tendon-bone healing after ACL reconstruction primarily occurred through indirect healing. No significant histological or mechanical differences were observed between adjustable and fixed-loop femoral cortical suspension methods.Cite this article: Y. Sato, R. Akagi, Y. Akatsu, Y. Matsuura, S. Takahashi, S. Yamaguchi, T. Enomoto, R. Nakagawa, H. Hoshi, T. Sasaki, S. Kimura, Y. Ogawa, A. Sadamasu, S. Ohtori, T. Sasho. The effect of femoral bone tunnel configuration on tendon-bone healing in an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: An animal study. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:327-335. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.75.BJR-2017-0238.R2.

The B allele with a 5·8 kb deletion in intron 1 of the ABO gene is the major allele in Japanese individuals with Bm and A1 Bm phenotypes.

Bm and A1 Bm phenotypes are the most frequent ABO variants in the Japanese population. The B antigen on Bm red blood cells is only detectable by adsorption and elution tests, and plasma B-transferase activity is usually detected at half or less levels compared with that of common B. Recently, a B allele lacking an erythroid cell-specific transcription enhancer in intron 1 of the ABO gene was identified from individuals with Bm and A1 Bm phenotypes, which could explain the unique serologic properties of Bm . In the Japanese Red Cross Society, eight Blood Centers tested blood samples from donors throughout Japan and collected blood samples from 888 Bm and 415 A1 Bm individuals. DNA analysis revealed that 1300 of 1303 (99·77%) individuals had the B allele with a 5·8 kb deletion (c.28 + 5110_10889del), which included the enhancer element.

Silent KEL alleles identified from Japanese individuals with the Ko phenotype.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The rare Ko phenotype lacks all 36 antigens in the Kell blood system. The molecular basis of the Ko phenotype has been investigated, and more than 40 silent KEL alleles are reported by many investigators. The majority of silent alleles are the KEL*02 background. Here, we report molecular genetic analysis of the KEL gene in Japanese individuals with the Ko phenotype. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Ko phenotype was screened from Japanese blood donors for several years using monoclonal anti-Ku or anti-K14 by an automated blood grouping system PK7300. Kell-related antigens were typed by standard tube tests. Genomic DNA was extracted from the blood samples, and KEL gene was analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: We collected 35 Ko blood samples with K-k-, Kp(a-b-), Js(a-b-) and K14-. PCR and sequence analysis revealed that 11 individuals were homozygous for a mutant KEL allele with a c.299G>C (p.Cys100Ser) mutation (rs. 200268316). Three individuals were homozygous for the KEL*02N.24 allele that is c.715G>T (p.Glu239*), and one individual was homozygous for the KEL*02N.40 allele that is c.1474C>T (p.Arg492*). Five individuals were homozygous for novel KEL alleles with single-nucleotide mutations, four individuals had a c.2175delC (p.Pro725 fs*43), and one individual had a c.328delA (p.Arg110 fs*79). The remaining 15 individuals were compound heterozygous, and eight new alleles were identified from them. CONCLUSIONS: We identified three known and ten new silent KEL alleles from Japanese individuals with the Ko phenotype. The KEL allele with the c.299G>C (p.Cys100Ser) mutation was the most frequent.

The effect of systemic administration of G-CSF on a full-thickness cartilage defect in a rabbit model MSC proliferation as presumed mechanism: G-CSF for cartilage repair.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) proliferation in vitro and to determine whether pre-microfracture systemic administration of G-CSF (a bone marrow stimulant) could improve the quality of repaired tissue of a full-thickness cartilage defect in a rabbit model. METHODS: MSCs from rabbits were cultured in a control medium and medium with G-CSF (low-dose: 4 µg, high-dose: 40 µg). At one, three, and five days after culturing, cells were counted. Differential potential of cultured cells were examined by stimulating them with a osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic medium.A total of 30 rabbits were divided into three groups. The low-dose group (n = 10) received 10 µg/kg of G-CSF daily, the high-dose group (n = 10) received 50 µg/kg daily by subcutaneous injection for three days prior to creating cartilage defects. The control group (n = 10) was administered saline for three days. At 48 hours after the first injection, a 5.2 mm diameter cylindrical osteochondral defect was created in the femoral trochlea. At four and 12 weeks post-operatively, repaired tissue was evaluated macroscopically and microscopically. RESULTS: The cell count in the low-dose G-CSF medium was significantly higher than that in the control medium. The differentiation potential of MSCs was preserved after culturing them with G-CSF.Macroscopically, defects were filled and surfaces were smoother in the G-CSF groups than in the control group at four weeks. At 12 weeks, the quality of repaired cartilage improved further, and defects were almost completely filled in all groups. Microscopically, at four weeks, defects were partially filled with hyaline-like cartilage in the G-CSF groups. At 12 weeks, defects were repaired with hyaline-like cartilage in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: G-CSF promoted proliferation of MSCs in vitro. The systemic administration of G-CSF promoted the repair of damaged cartilage possibly through increasing the number of MSCs in a rabbit model.Cite this article: T. Sasaki, R. Akagi, Y. Akatsu, T. Fukawa, H. Hoshi, Y. Yamamoto, T. Enomoto, Y. Sato, R. Nakagawa, K. Takahashi, S. Yamaguchi, T. Sasho. The effect of systemic administration of G-CSF on a full-thickness cartilage defect in a rabbit model MSC proliferation as presumed mechanism: G-CSF for cartilage repair. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:123-131. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.63.BJR-2016-0083.

Citrus juice fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum YIT 0132 alleviates symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

This study aimed to examine whether citrus juice fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum YIT 0132 (LP0132), which was pasteurised after fermentation, could alleviate the symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial. Subjects with perennial allergic rhinitis consumed LP0132-fermented juice (n=17) or unfermented citrus juice (placebo; n=16) once a day for 8 weeks. During the pre-intervention and intervention periods, the subjects recorded nasal symptoms (number of sneezing attacks, number of nose-blowing incidents, and stuffy nose score). The primary endpoint, nasal symptoms score (NSS), was scored from 0 to 4 according to the 'Practical Guideline for the Management of Allergic Rhinitis in Japan 2009' using a combination of the three nasal symptom items. Blood samples were collected at pre-intervention and at 8 weeks after commencing the intervention. There were several significant improvements not only in the LP0132 group but also in the placebo group because of potential anti-allergic effects of citrus. Compared with the placebo group, the LP0132 group showed a significant reduction in the NSS and stuffy nose score during the intervention period. Also, the LP0132 group, but not the placebo group, showed significant attenuation of type 2 helper T cells (Th2 cells)/helper T cells, serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE), and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and showed significant augmentation of type 1 helper T cells (Th1 cells)/Th2 cells at 8 weeks of intervention compared with baseline. It is suggested that daily intake of fermented citrus juice containing heat-killed LP0132 has beneficial effects on symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis, and these benefits may be associated with the attenuation of Th2 cells, total IgE, and ECP via the immunomodulating activities of LP0132.

Anticancer effects of gemcitabine are enhanced by co-administered iRGD peptide in murine pancreatic cancer models that overexpressed neuropilin-1.

BACKGROUND: Impaired drug transport is an important factor that reduces the efficacy of anticancer agents against pancreatic cancer. Here, we report a novel combination chemotherapy using gemcitabine (GEM) and internalised-RGD (iRGD) peptide, which enhances tumour-specific drug penetration by binding neuropilin-1 (NRP1) receptor. METHODS: A total of five pancreatic cancer murine models (two cell line-based xenografts (CXs) and three tumour grafts (TGs)) were treated with either GEM (100 mg kg(-1), q3d × 4) alone or GEM plus iRGD peptide (8 µmol kg(-1)). Evaluation of NRP1 expression in xenografts and 48 clinical cancer specimens was performed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). RESULTS: We identified a subset of pancreatic cancer models that showed NRP1 overexpression sensitive to iRGD co-administration. Treatment with GEM plus iRGD peptide resulted in a significant tumour reduction compared with GEM monotherapy in CXs, but not remarkable in TGs. Potential targets of iRGD were characterised as cases showing NRP1 overexpression (IHC-2+/3+), and these accounted for 45.8% of the clinical specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Internalised RGD peptide enhances the effects of co-administered drugs in pancreatic cancer models, its efficacy is however only appreciable in those employing cell lines. Therefore, the clinical application needs to be given careful consideration.

Patients requiring perioperative nutritional support.

One of the most important factors affecting outcome and recovery from surgical trauma is preoperative nutritional status. Research in perioperative nutritional support has suffered from a lack of consensus as to the definition of malnutrition, no recognition of which nutrients are important to surgical healing, and a paucity of well-designed studies. In the past decade, there has been some activity to address this situation, recognizing the importance of nutrition as a therapy before surgery, after surgery, and possibly even during surgery.

Comparison of clinical, tumour-related and dosimetric factors in grade 0-1, grade 2 and grade 3 radiation pneumonitis after stereotactic body radiotherapy for lung tumours.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate significant clinical, tumour-related and dosimetric factors among patients with grade 0-1, grade 2 and grade 3 radiation pneumonitis (RP) after stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for lung tumours. METHODS: Patients (n=128) with a total of 133 lung tumours treated with SBRT of 50 Gy in 5 fractions were analysed. RP was graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v.3.0. Significant factors were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses. Threshold dose-volume histograms (DVHs) were constructed to identify the incidence of RP. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 12 months (range, 6-45 months). In univariate analyses, gender, operability, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), internal target volume, lung volumes treated with doses >5-30 Gy (V5-30) and mean lung dose were significant factors differentiating between grade 0-1 and grade 2 RP, and V15-30 were significant factors differentiating between grade 2 and grade 3. However, no factors were significant between grade 0-1 and grade 3 RP. Multivariate analysis showed that female gender, high FEV1 and high V15 were significant factors differentiating between grade 0-1 and grade 2 RP. Threshold DVH curves were created based on ≤5% and ≤15% risk of grade 2 RP among patients with grade 0-2 RP. CONCLUSIONS: Grade 0-2 RP was dose-volume dependent, and female gender and high FEV1 were significant predictive clinical factors for grade 2 RP among patients with grade 0-2 RP. However, incidences of V15-30 in grade 3 RP were significantly lower than those in grade 2 RP, and no significant clinical or tumour-related factors were found. Further studies are needed to identify the mechanism underlying the development of grade 3 RP after SBRT for lung tumours.

A retrospective analysis of endometrial carcinoma cases surgically treated with or without para-aortic lymph node dissection followed by adjuvant chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: To analyze the efficacies of para-aortic node (PAN) dissection for patients undergoing surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy for endometrial carcinomas. METHODS: At the Osaka University Hospital and the Kaizuka City Hospital in Osaka, Japan, either pelvic lymph nodes (PLN) plus para-aortic lymph nodes (PAN) or PLN-only dissections were performed for endometrial carcinomas. An adjuvant chemotherapy using paclitaxel, epirubicin, and carboplatin was conducted for all such patients. A retrospective comparison of the efficacy of PAN dissection was conducted. RESULTS: Disease-free and overall survivals and frequency of PAN involvement at the first recurrence did not exhibit a statistically significant difference between the PLN-only group and the PLN + PAN group. Operation time was significantly longer in the PLN + PAN group than the PLN-only group, and the total blood loss was also significantly greater in the PLN+PAN group. CONCLUSION: PAN dissection may be omitted, without adverse effect on prognosis, for endometrial carcinoma patients with recurrence risks who undergo adjuvant chemotherapy using platinum, anthracycline and taxane derivatives.

Minimally required heat doses for various tumour sizes in induction heating cancer therapy determined by computer simulation using experimental data.

PURPOSE: Although induction heating cancer therapy (IHCT) using magnetic nanoparticles can be a promising approach to treatment-less multi-nodular cancers, the objective requirement for successful clinical application has not clearly been elucidated. We intended to define objective heat doses suitable for IHCT, especially focusing on the sizes of liver cancer nodules. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Alternating magnetic fields were applied to three human pancreatic cancer cell lines, the intercellular space of those cell pellets were filled with magnetic nanoparticles, and confirmed the cytotoxic effect of IHCT. Subsequently, the temperatures of liver cancer nodules in IHCT were simulated using a computer software program and the required heat dose for various sized tumours were determined. RESULTS: Heating the cancer cells up to 50 degrees C for 10 min was sufficient for complete cell killing and the heat dose of 1.7 W/g(tumour) is required for 10 mm tumour. Larger tumours require a smaller heat dose, e.g. 20 mm and 40 mm tumours require 0.7 W/g(tumour) and 0.6 W/g(tumour), respectively, whereas smaller tumours require large amounts of heat, e.g. 5 mm and 1 mm tumours require 5.1 W/g(tumour) and 105 W/g(tumour), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Integrating the presently available technologies, including high-quality magnetic nanoparticles (1000 W/g(material)) and effective drug delivery systems (1-2 mg(material)/g(tumour)), treatment of a 10 mm tumour seems possible. Since treatment of smaller tumours less than 5 mm require substantial heat dose, researchers involved in IHCT should target cancer nodules of 10 mm or more, and develop a heat delivery system providing a minimum of 1.7 W/g(tumour).

Dynamic indices of preload.

Hypotension and shock are important issues confronting the intensivist. Volume overload can have dire consequences such as decreased gas exchange and increased myocardial dysfunction. This article explores dynamic means of determining preload responsiveness.

The incidence, treatment and prognosis of cervical carcinoma in young women: a retrospective analysis of 4,975 cases in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical characteristics of patients (young women) with cervical carcinoma aged less than 35 years. METHODS: Data from patients who were treated for cervical carcinomas from 1990 to 2000 in the Kinki District were retrospectively investigated for clinical stage, histologic type, treatment procedure and prognosis. RESULTS: Of a total of 4,975 cases, 441 patients were aged less than 35 years old. The incidence of cervical carcinoma in these women was 7.9% from 1990 to 1995, 9.1% from 1996 to 2000, and 9.5% from 2001 to 2005. FIGO Stage I included 374 cases, followed by, 49 in Stage II, 11 in Stage III, and seven in Stage IV. Squamous cell carcinoma incidence was 80.7% and non-squamous cell carcinoma incidence was 19.3%. Several types of surgery were performed in patients with Stage I and II, while patients with Stage III and IV were treated with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy without any type of surgery. In patients who underwent lymphadenectomy, 21.1% cases had nodal involvement. The 5-year survival rate was 95% for Stage I disease, 73% for Stage II, 68% for Stage III, and 19% for Stage IV. CONCLUSION: The incidence of cervical carcinoma in young women slightly increased from 1990 to 2005. The prognosis of cervical carcinoma tends to be better in young women than in older patients, especially in Stage III disease.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of olopatadine and fexofenadine compared with placebo in Japanese cedar pollinosis using an environmental exposure unit.

BACKGROUND: Second-generation oral H1-antihistamines have become a mainstay of treatment for the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis; however, the effect of olopatadine has not been widely reported to date. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of 2 oral H1-antihistamines, olopatadine and fexofenadine, in the treatment of the nasal symptoms of Japanese cedar pollinosis and their possible side effects. METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study conducted in an environmental exposure unit (EEU). Twenty volunteers suffering from Japanese cedar pollinosis were randomly divided into 3 groups and exposed to cedar pollen in the EEU with oral administration of olopatadine hydrochloride (5 mg), fexofenadine hydrochloride (60 mg), or placebo 1 hour prior to pollen exposure. Nasal symptoms, activity impairment, and subjective sleepiness were self-assessed during the study period. Attention was measured using the digit cancellation test. The trial was repeated after 4 and 7 weeks. RESULTS: Compared with placebo, olopatadine significantly improved nasal symptoms and activity impairment during pollen exposure (P < .05). There was no significant relief of nasal discharge or nasal congestion with fexofenadine throughout the 5-hour exposure to cedar pollen. Furthermore, olopatadine significantly reduced nasal congestion during the first 2 hours, as well as sneezing and nasal discharge 4 hours after admission to the EEU compared with fexofenadine (P < .05). There was no significant difference in the effect on subjective sleepiness among the 3 groups, and all 3 agents had little effect on attention. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that olopatadine is more effective than placebo and fexofenadine in improving nasal symptoms of Japanese cedar pollinosis.

The measurement of small magnetic signals from magnetic nanoparticles attached to the cell surface and surrounding living cells using a general-purpose SQUID magnetometer.

Magnetic nanoparticles have recently been widely applied in the bio-medical field. Responding to the demand for a simple and sensitive magnetic assay system for bio-liquid samples, we employed a general-purpose superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. Strips of filter paper were used as a liquid-specimen sample holder possessing a very small magnetic background signal. An aqueous solution of superparamagnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles (Resovist) was dropped in a tiny blot-like spot in the middle of the filter paper and the magnetization was measured. Magnetic moments of a dilution series of Resovist solutions versus the number of particles provided a linear graph, revealing that the magnetic moment per Resovist particle was 8.25 x 10(-17) emu. 1 x 10(5) cancer cells were incubated with Resovist, and the number of Resovist particles attached to the cell surface and surrounding a living cell was calculated to be 1.02 +/- 0.14 x 10(7) particles/cell. Our system using a commercial SQUID magnetometer should be more than enough to determine the number of magnetic nanoparticles biologically reacting with living cells, contributing to the application of magneto nanomaterials to the life-science field.

Two routes for pollen entering indoors: ventilation and clothes.

BACKGROUND: The route by which pollen enters dwellings has not been clarified. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the amount of pollen entering dwellings by ventilation and adhesion to textile products. METHODS: The amount of pollen clinging to fabrics (clothes, laundry, and futon bedding) out of doors was measured by quantification of Japanese cedar pollen antigen Cry j 1. The effect of air ventilation on the amount of pollen indoors was also investigated using several neighboring unoccupied apartments with an identical layout while controlling the ventilation conditions. RESULTS: The amount of pollen adhering to futons was especially high. More than half of the pollen on futons or laundry remained on the surface, even after being brushed off by hand or shaken off. Vacuuming laundry and futons after airing out would be an effective way to decrease the amount of indoor pollen. A large amount of pollen entered dwellings through air ducts when the windows were closed and the ventilation fans working. Since most pollen that entered by ventilation remained near the windows, cleaning carefully and frequently near windows could reduce the amount of pollen indoors. CONCLUSIONS: To decrease the amount of pollen indoors, special attention must be paid to textile products and ventilation systems during the pollen season.

Protective effects of MnM2Py4P and Mn-salen against small bowel ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats using an in vivo and an ex vivo electron paramagnetic resonance technique with a spin probe.

BACKGROUND: Reperfusion of ischemic tissues results in the formation of toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as superoxide anion, hydroxyl radicals, hydroperoxide, and peroxynitrite. ROS are potent oxidizing agents, capable of damaging cellular membranes by lipid peroxidation. In the present study, we applied an in vivo electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)/spin probe and an ex vivo EPR technique to provide direct evidence of ROS following experimentally induced small bowel ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used a rat model of small bowel I/R injury to explore the possibility that MnM2Py4P or Mn-salen can prevent the accumulation of ROS species following experimentally induced I/R injury. We examined the ability of MnM2Py4P and Mn-salen to scavenge radicals in living Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats using an in vivo and an ex vivo EPR technique with a spin probe. RESULTS: The CP decay rates in the MnM2Py4P- and Mn-salen-treated rats were significantly higher than those in the untreated rats and almost equal to those in sham group rats. There were no significant differences between the MnM2Py4P-treated group and the Mn-salen-treated group. Superoxide scavenging activities (SSA) in the MnM2Py4P- and EUK-8-treated group were higher than those in the untreated group and almost equal to the sham group. CONCLUSION: The present study suggested that the protective effects of MnM2Py4P and Mn-salen against small bowel IR injury were mediated by the inhibition of O2, H2O2, and NO production.