Murine CD1d-Restricted T Cell Recognition of Cellular Lipids

AbstractNKT cells are associated with immunological control of autoimmune disease and cancer and can recognize cell surface mCD1d without addition of exogenous antigens. Cellular antigens presented by mCD1d have not been identified, although NKT cells can recognize a synthetic glycolipid, α-GalCer. Here we show that after addition of a lipid extract from a tumor cell line, plate-bound mCD1d molecules stimulated an NKT cell hybridoma. This hybridoma also responded strongly to three purified phospholipids, but failed to recognize α-GalCer. Seven of sixteen other mCD1d restricted hybridomas also showed a response to certain purified phospholipids. These findings suggest NKT cells can recognize cellular antigens distinct from α-GalCer and identify phospholipids as potential self-antigens presented by mCD1d

Utilization of and charges for robotic versus laparoscopic versus open surgery for endometrial cancer

Background and Objectives To analyze the utilization and hospital charges associated with robotic (RS) versus laparoscopic (LS) versus open surgery (OS) in endometrial cancer patients. Methods Hospital discharge data were extracted from Florida Agency for Health Care Administration between October 2008 and December 2009. Results Of 2,247 patients (median age: 64 years), 29% had RS, 10% had LS, and 61% had OS. The mean length of hospital stay was 1.6, 1.8, and 3.9 days for RS, LS, and OS, respectively (P \u3c 0.001). The median hospital charge was $51,569,$37,202, and $36,492, for RS, LS, and OS (P \u3c 0.001), with operating room charges ($22,600, $13,684, and$11,272) accounting for the major difference. Robotic surgery utilization increased by 11% (23-34%) over time. Conclusions In this statewide analysis of endometrial cancer patients, the utilization of robotic surgery increased and is associated with higher hospital charges compared to laparoscopic and open procedures. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc