An artificial trachea that has tissue reconstructive activity and elasticity that matches a biologic trachea was fabricated using a polyurethane sponge (PS). The inner surfaces of the PS were modified by immobilizing collagen, fibronectin, RGD peptide, a coating of collagen, and apatite. Two PS pore sizes were prepared, 150 to 350 microns (small pore) and 350 to 710 microns (large pore). When they were implanted in the subcutaneous tissue of rats, study of the implantation showed severe inflammatory cell infiltration with the treated PS, especially with collagen and collagen coating. Infiltration and maturity of fibroblasts inside the PS were noted with fibronectin. Infiltration of inflammatory cells and fibroblasts was noted with small pore PS compared with large pore PS. Partial tracheal defects were patched with PS. Better epithelization of PS patches was observed with fibronectin and apatite compared with the others. The artificial trachea made of PS was transplanted into the tracheas of dogs. No separation of the anastomosis and tissue reconstruction of the artificial trachea wall were observed; however, sputum absorption and tracheal granulation were seen.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The reduced expression of e-cadherin, alpha-catenin and gamma-catenin but not beta-catenin in human lung cancer.

Cadherins are Ca2+-dependent cell-cell adhesion molecules, and are involved in the formation and maintenance of the histo-architecture. Using a combination of biochemical and immunohistochemical methods, we analyzed the expression of cadherin-catenin complexes in 37 non-small cell lung carcinomas. In 19 cases, decreased expression of E-cadherin protein was observed. In 12 of them, decreased expression of alpha-catenin protein was also observed. Thus, decreased expression of alpha-catenin was apparently preceded by decreased expression of E-cadherin. In no cases was decreased expression of beta-catenin observed. In the 12 cases in which mRNA expression was analyzed by Northern blot analysis, decreased expression of mRNAs for E-cadherin and alpha-catenin was observed in 11 and 9 cases, respectively. In cases with reduced E-cadherin and alpha-catenin expression, immunohistochemistry revealed two types of staining pattern for the proteins. In the first type, almost all the cells in a tumor were stained weakly (homogeneous pattern). In the second type, different percentages of cells were stained strongly, the rest being almost negative for the staining (heterogeneous pattern).

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Caffeine-potentiated radiochemotherapy and function-saving surgery for high-grade soft tissue sarcoma.

Caffeine, which has a DNA-repair inhibiting effect, enhances the cytocidal effects of anticancer drugs and radiation. We present a preliminary report on the results of a new treatment, "radiochemotherapy combined with caffeine" (K3 protocol), for high-grade soft tissue sarcomas. Seventeen patients with various high-grade soft tissue sarcomas were included in this study. Preoperatively, three to five courses of intra-arterial chemotherapy using cisplatin, caffeine and doxorubicin after radiation therapy were administered. Following the preoperative therapy, function-saving surgery was performed for all cases. Complete response was observed in six patients, partial response in six and no change in five. The effectiveness rate of caffeine-potentiated radiochemotherapy was therefore 71%. The histological response for radiochemotherapy was better than that for chemotherapy alone, that is, total tumor necrosis was identified in six patients and over 90% necrosis in another six. Complications resulting from the preoperative radiation comprised of serious inflammation in three patients and skin necrosis in another three. Twelve patients have remained free of disease, two patients are alive with disease and three have died of metastatic disease with a mean follow-up period of 36 months. There was no local tumor recurrence. These preliminary findings suggest that caffeine-potentiated radiochemotherapy contributed to a satisfactory local response and the success of function-saving surgery for high-grade soft tissue sarcomas.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Corticosteroid therapy in circulatory shock.

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Aldosterone↗