A systematic review of platinum and taxane resistance from bench to clinic: an inverse relationship

We undertook a systematic review of the pre-clinical and clinical literature for studies investigating the relationship between platinum and taxane resistance. Medline was searched for (1) cell models of acquired drug resistance reporting platinum and taxane sensitivities and (2) clinical trials of platinum or taxane salvage therapy in ovarian cancer. One hundred and thirty-seven models of acquired drug resistance were identified. 68.1% of cisplatin-resistant cells were sensitive to paclitaxel and 66.7% of paclitaxel-resistant cells were sensitive to cisplatin. A similar inverse pattern was observed for cisplatin vs. docetaxel, carboplatin vs. paclitaxel and carboplatin vs. docetaxel. These associations were independent of cancer type, agents used to develop resistance and reported mechanisms of resistance. Sixty-five eligible clinical trials of paclitaxel-based salvage after platinum therapy were identified. Studies of single agent paclitaxel in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer where patients had previously recieved paclitaxel had a pooled response rate of 35.3%, n=232, compared to 22% in paclitaxel naïve patients n=1918 (p<0.01, Chi-squared). Suggesting that pre-treatment with paclitaxel may improve the response of salvage paclitaxel therapy. The response rate to paclitaxel/platinum combination regimens in platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer was 79.5%, n=88 compared to 49.4%, n=85 for paclitaxel combined with other agents (p<0.001, Chi-squared), suggesting a positive interaction between taxanes and platinum. Therefore, the inverse relationship between platinum and taxanes resistance seen in cell models is mirrored in the clinical response to these agents in ovarian cancer. An understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible would be valuable in predicting response to salvage chemotherapy and may identify new therapeutic targets

Studies on the exocrine pancreatic function test using a synthetic peptide, BT-PABA Part I. Comparative studies on three methods of administration

In order to evaluate the sensitivity of the exocrine pancreatic function test employing a new synthetic peptide, N-Benzoyl-L-tyrosyl-p-aminobenzoic acid (BT-PABA), studies were performed on 18 control subjects, 14 patients with suspected chronic pancreatitis and 32 patients with chronic pancreatitis, comparing three oral doses: 0.5g BT-PABA, 1.0g BT-PABA and combined use of 0.5g BT-PABA and 50g of test meal (Sustagen). Patients with chronic pancreatitis showed signigicantly lower PFD values than control subjects regardless of the dose. Administration of 0.5g BT-PABA gave not only the best result in detecting exocrine pancreatic dysfunction, but also the highest correlation with the results of the PS test, followed by the 1.0g BT-PABA administration and then by the combined use of 0.5g BT-PABA and 50g Sustagen. The highest correlation coefficient was noted between the first two methods, whereas only a poor correlation was noted between the combined method and the other two methods. No improvement in sensitivity was attained by administering 1.0g BT-PABA or 0.5g BT-PABA in combination with test meal

Scanning electron microscope study of cerebral ventricular wall of hamster

The normal cerebral ventricular surfaces of the hamster at all ages were studied using a scanning electron microscope with special emphasis on the development of cilia in relation to the location of ventricle and developmental stages. 1) Considerable variations of cilia were observed between individual cases even in the same developmental stages and the same ventricle. However, in general, the distribution of ciliated cells was dense on fourth and less on lateral ventricles, and the development of cilia was most advanced in fourth ventricle. 2) I the early postnatal stage, single cilium or multiple cilia of 1μ in length were seen on the surface of ependymal cells, and several rudimentary cilia were observed in places. 3) In the later embryonic stage, cilia of 1μ in length were found on the domed tip of ependymal cells of the fourth ventricle, and numerous bleb-like protrusions were observed on the surface of ventricles. 4) Fully developed cilia of 10μ in length and microvilli were recognized about 3 to 4 weeks after birth. The cilia and microvilli decreased in number as the animal age increased. 5) It is suggested that the differentiation of the surface organelles of ependymal cells may be controlled by physiological function and the dynamics of cerebrospinal fluid

Studies on the exocrine pancreatic function test using a synthetic peptide, BT-PABA Part II. Attempts to improve the specificity of the test

Although the exocrine pancreatic function test (PFD) using a synthetic peptide is a simple and useful test, it often gives a false positive result in hepatic diseases, renal diseases, and gastrointestinal diseases. Attempts were made to solve this problem. PFD combined with the PABA test, PFD combined with the D-xylose test as well as PFD alone were consecutively performed in 15 healthy controls, 15 patients with chronic pancreatitis, 15 with chronic hepatic diseases, 14 with chronic renal diseases and 16 with gastrointestinal diseases. Results of the tests were interpreted according to the following three criteria indicating exocrine pancreatic dysfunction: (A) an abnormal PFD with normal PABA or normal D-xylose test value, (B) a decreased PFD/PABA ratio or PFD/D-xylose ratio and (C) a large difference between PABA and PFD or a small difference between PFD and D-xylose. Specificity and sensitivity, were evaluated. PFD with the PABA test and PFD with the D-xylose test are very useful for avoiding false results. Criterion (A) with the PFD and PABA tests is the most suitable for the evaluation of exocrine pancreatic function in patients with possible hepatic, renal and gastrointestinal diseases. Criterion (A) with the PFD and D-xylose tests is almost as useful

APPLICATION OF MOBILE LIDAR MAPPING FOR DAMAGE SURVEY AFTER GREAT EAST JAPAN EARTHQUAKE

A massive earthquake of magnitude 9.0 hit off Tohoku region, the east coast of the Japanese main land, on 11 March, 2011. It was one of the historically powerful earthquakes in the world. The earthquake triggered powerful tsunami and broad-scale subsidence, so that, residential areas and infrastructures were catastrophically damaged. After that, it is necessary to renew a new map for reconstruction, such as cadastral map. In the critical situation, Mobile LiDAR Mapping system is efficient to rapidly collect fine data at once and capture more details of terrain features than data from airborne. In this paper, we would like to introduce procured instruments in our company and implemented survey several areas after the event, and suggest how to survey for cadastral map by Mobile LiDAR Mapping System