Assessment of Melanoma-Initiating Cell Markers and Conventional Parameters in Sentinel Lymph Nodes of Malignant Melanoma

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsies have widely been used for the detection of occult LN metastasis of malignant melanoma (MM). In addition to conventional biomarkers, we assessed the diagnostic and prognostic significance of melanoma-initiating cell (MIC) markers in SLNs of MM. We examined the expressions of gp100, MART-1 and tyrosinase mRNA for routine diagnosis and those of ABCB5, CD133, nestin, KDM5B, NGFR and RANK mRNA as MIC markers. The presence of micrometastasis was confirmed immunohistochemically using antibodies to S-100, HMB-45, MART-1, and tyrosinase. Discordance between immunohistochemical and molecular data was observed in 14 of 70 (20.0%) patients, among whom five (7.1%) were positive for only molecular markers;two of these five patients tested positive for micrometastasis by repeated immunohistochemical stainings. The quantitative expression levels of gp100, MART-1, and tyrosinase mRNA were significantly higher in the metastatic LNs;the cut-off values remain to be elucidated. ABCB5 mRNA expression was detected more frequently in the metastatic SLNs (p＜0.05) and in the group of patients with recurrence. To make a definite diagnosis of metastasis, we still need a combination of immunohistochemical and molecular probes. ABCB5 might be a suitable molecular marker for the detection of melanoma-initiating cells in SLNs

Assessment of energy expenditure using doubly labeled water, physical activity by accelerometer and reported dietary intake in Japanese men with type 2 diabetes: A preliminary study

The aim of the present study was to determine the total energy expenditure, physical activity and dietary intake of men with type 2 diabetes mellitus and control participants without type 2 diabetes mellitus who were matched for age and body mass index. The participants in the present study were 12 well‐controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and 10 controls, aged 40–75 years, with a body mass index <30 kg/m2. Total energy expenditure under free‐living conditions was assessed using the doubly labeled water method, and physical activity was measured using a triaxial accelerometer. Dietary intake was assessed using a self‐recorded food intake diary during the measurement period. Participants were instructed to record their dietary intake over 3 days, including 2 weekdays. Total energy expenditure was not significantly different between the groups (P = 0.153), nor were energy (P = 0.969) or macronutrient intakes. In conclusion, when age and body mass index are matched, total energy expenditure and self‐reported energy intake are not significantly different between type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and healthy controls

Development of a cardiac evaluation method using a dynamic flat-panel detector (FPD) system: A feasibility study using a cardiac motion phantom

金沢大学大学院医学系研究科量子医療技術

Acute respiratory distress syndrome following infection of influenza A (H1N1) virus

A 28-year-old man with a history of mental retardation was admitted to our hospital because of dyspnea, cough and high fever. His SpO(2) level at room-environmental conditions was in the eighties, and his chest radiograph showed diffuse infiltrates in both lungs. He was diagnosed as suffering from influenza A by a rapid influenza virus antigen test. The echocardiogram showed no evidence of left cardiac failure; therefore, his symptoms were consistent with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Oseltamivir was started, and antibiotics were also given because of the possibility of secondary bacterial infection. Due to respiratory failure and low blood pressure, which suggested septic shock, intensive treatments including mechanical ventilation were performed. Corticosteroid therapy was started for ARDS and sepsis, and these therapies improved his respiratory condition. Polymerase chain reaction of his pharyngeal swab revealed that he had influenza A (H1N1). This is the first case of ARDS following infection by influenza A (H1N1) virus in Japan

Usefulness of serum 5-S-cysteinyl-dopa as a biomarker for predicting prognosis and detecting relapse in patients with advanced stage malignant melanoma

With the recent development of novel molecular targeted drugs for advanced stage malignant melanoma (MM), including RAF and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint blockers, the early detection of relapse is important for managing patients with MM. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed two conventional serum biomarkers, 5-S-cysteinyl-dopa and lactate dehydrogenase, in patients with MM (n = 140) who were treated at a single Japanese institute from June 2007 to June 2015. At the initial hospital visit, serum 5-S-cysteinyl-dopa levels were significantly increased in patients with stages III (n = 38) and IV (n = 20) MM compared with patients with stages 0-II (n = 62) MM. In addition, in patients with stages III and IV MM, serum 5-S-cysteinyl-dopa levels of more than 15.0 nmol/L at initial hospital visit correlated with a poor prognosis. In 11 of 14 patients whose disease progressed during follow up (mostly from stages III-IV), serum 5-S-cysteinyl-dopa levels exceeded the normal limit of 10.0 nmol/L during the clinical detection of distant metastases. These results indicate the usefulness of measuring serum 5-S-cysteinyl-dopa levels at initial hospital visit and during follow up for early and effective therapeutic interventions using newly developed molecular targeted drugs