Tuning of water resistance and protein adsorption capacity of porous cellulose nanofiber particles prepared by spray drying with cross-linking reaction.

Porous particles composed of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxyl-oxidized cellulose nanofiber (TOCN) as building block, i.e., porous TOCN particles, are attracting attention due to their environmental friendliness, superior properties, such as easy handling, large surface area, and high adsorption capacity. However, the instability of TOCNs in aqueous environments limits their applications. An effective solution to improve water resistance of TOCN particles is to reduce the hydrophilicity of TOCNs by forming chemical bonds with a cross-linker. In this study, Carbodilite, a common, easy-to-use, commercially available cross-linker with carbodiimide groups, was used to investigate a chemical cross-linking strategy for porous TOCN particles prepared by spray drying. The water resistance of cross-linked TOCN particles was evaluated through morphological observation by SEM images. The presence of polycarbodiimide significantly increased water resistance of cross-linked TOCN particles up to 24 h. This study demonstrates the trade-off between water resistance and adsorption efficiency according to cross-linker concentrations. These data are useful for interface science of TOCNs in liquids, assisting in controlling specific properties of porous TOCN particles for particular applications in adsorption and separation.

Serotonin regulates ß-casein expression via 5-HT7 receptors in human mammary epithelial MCF-12A cells.

We previously reported that serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) suppresses ß-casein expression, a differentiation marker in mammary epithelial cells, via inhibition of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) phosphorylation in the human mammary epithelial cell line, MCF-12A. In this study, we investigated the expression pattern of the different 5-HT receptor subtypes in MCF-12A cells, and identified the receptors involved in 5-HT-mediated suppression of ß-casein protein expression. ß-Casein mRNA expression was inhibited by 30 µM 5-HT in a time-dependent manner. Treatment with 30 µM 5-HT for 72 h decreased ß-casein protein levels and STAT5 phosphorylation (pSTAT5). The cells expressed four 5-HT receptors subtypes (5-HTR1D, 2B, 3A, and 7) at the mRNA and protein level, and their expression was elevated by prolactin (PRL) treatment. Additionally, the mRNA levels of 5-HTR1D and 5-HTR7 were significantly higher than the other 5-HT receptors in the cells. Tryptophan hydroxylase 1 mRNA was detectable in the cells in the absence of PRL, and PRL treatment significantly increased its expression. ß-Casein and pSTAT5/STAT5 levels in the cells co-treated with 5-HT and a selective 5-HTR1D inhibitor, BRL15572, were equal to those observed in cells treated with 5-HT alone. However, in the cells co-treated with 5-HT and a selective 5-HTR7 inhibitor, SB269970, ß-casein and pSTAT5/STAT5 levels increased in a SB269970 concentration-dependent manner. In conclusion, we showed that 5-HT regulates ß-casein expression via 5-HTR7 in MCF-12A human mammary epithelial cells.

Serotonin suppresses ß-casein expression via inhibition of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) protein phosphorylation in human mammary epithelial cells MCF-12A.

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) has an important physiological role in controlling lactation, namely, milk volume homeostasis, within mammary glands. The objectives of this study were to evaluate whether exogenous 5-HT can suppress ß-casein expression, a differentiation marker, produced in human mammary epithelial cells, and to determine whether 5-HT can attenuate ß-casein signaling via the prolactin (PRL) receptor (PRLr) and Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) pathway. PRL treatment increased the mRNA level of ß-casein in the MCF-12A human mammary epithelial cell line, and the highest level occurred at days 7 and 14 of culture. In contrast, PRLr expression was not affected significantly by PRL treatment. PRL treatment in MCF-12A cells increased levels of ß-casein and phosphorylated STAT5 (pSTAT5) proteins in a concentration-dependent manner, with a slight increase of STAT5 protein. ß-Casein expression was inhibited by 0.1 mM 5-HT in a time-dependent manner. Additionally, treatment with 0.1 mM 5-HT for 72 h decreased protein levels of ß-casein and pSTAT5, with a slight decrease in STAT5 levels. These results suggest that exogenous 5-HT can inhibit STAT5 phosphorylation, resulting in a decrease in ß-Casein expression. In conclusion, we showed that exogenous 5-HT decreased ß-casein expression in MCF-12A human mammary epithelial cells, and that 5-HT was responsible for inhibiting phosphorylation of STAT5, resulting in a decline in lactational function.

[Field survey of the anticancer drug contamination in the preparation environment. Usefulness of the 5-FU monitoring by the coupon method].

For medical professionals involved in cancer chemotherapy, occupational exposure of anticancer agents is considered a health risk. Education about the handling of anticancer drugs and proper use of protective equipment are important for reducing occupational exposure of anticancer drugs. Furthermore, monitoring of the contamination level of anticancer drugs is important for determining the propriety of anti-contamination methods. Cyclophosphamide (CPA) has been used as the standard drug of the contamination level; however, it is rarely detected because of the disparity between drug preparation frequency and consumption, and use of a closed system. Therefore, we chose 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) as the standard drug and attempted to monitor its contamination levels by sampling using drug absorption sheets (the coupon method). We measured contamination levels inside a biological safety cabinet (BSC) and at its lower floor, and at a preparation worktable, nurses' station worktable, its lower floor and floor of the hospital room in a chemotherapy room for outpatients of the Iwate Medical University Hospital for 3 time periods. 5-FU was detected in 72% of the coupons (n=108), while CPA was detected in only 7% of the coupons (n=108). Monitoring of 5-FU contamination levels by using the coupon method was considered useful for evaluating anti-contamination method and the contamination process.

A retrospective study on the influence of nutritional status on pain management in cancer patients using the transdermal fentanyl patch.

It is unknown whether nutritional status influences pain intensity in cancer patients receiving a transdermal fentanyl patch (FP). This study aimed to determine whether nutritional status is associated with pain intensity and to evaluate the influence of changes in nutritional status on pain intensity in cancer patients receiving transdermal FP treatment. We included 92 patients receiving transdermal FP treatment for the first time with switching from oxycodone. The patients were classified into low- and normal-nutrition groups based on their nutritional status, which was assessed according to the Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 (NRS 2002) parameters. The pain intensity of each patient was evaluated by a numeric rating scale (11-point scale from 0 to 10). NRS 2002 score and pain intensity were obtained on day 3 after the FP was applied to the skin. Pain intensities were significantly higher among patients in the low-nutrition group than among patients in the normal-nutrition group. NRS 2002 scores showed a significant positive correlation with the pain intensities. In 52 of 92 patients, who were evaluated using the NRS 2002 score and pain intensity on day 30 after FP application, the changes in NRS 2002 scores were significantly related to changes in pain intensities (odds ratio, 30.0; 95% confidence interval, 4.48-200.97; p=0.0005). These results suggest that an increase in the NRS 2002 score is a risk factor for an increase in pain intensity in cancer patients receiving FP treatment. Malnutrition may lead to poor pain management in cancer patients receiving FP treatment.

[Efficacy and safety of pregabalin for oxaliplatin- and paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy].

This study included patients who were prescribed pregabalin, vitamin B12, amitriptyline, clonazepam, or carbamazepine to improve oxaliplatin(L-OHP)- or paclitaxel(PTX)-induced peripheral neuropathy at Iwate Medical University Hospital between April 2011 and July 2012. The efficacy and safety of pregabalin was evaluated by comparing 27 patients with L-OHP-induced peripheral neuropathy and 28 with PTX-induced peripheral neuropathy prescribed pregabalin(pregabalin group) with 20 patients with L-OHP-induced peripheral neuropathy and 25 with PTX-induced peripheral neuropathy prescribed other drugs(non-pregabalin group). Response was defined as a decrease in neuropathy of at least 1 grade from baseline. The response rates were 40.7% and 10.0% for L-OHP-induced peripheral neuropathy patients and 28.6% and 12.0% for PTX-induced peripheral neuropathy patients in the pregabalin and non-pregabalin groups, respectively. The severity of peripheral neuropathy before and after the administration of pregabalin differed significantly[L-OHP, 1.33±0.48(mean±SD) vs. 1.00±0.78 and PTX, 1.46±0.69 vs. 1.21±0.88]. In 28-37% of patients, pregabalin was associated with adverse events, with drowsiness and dizziness being frequently observed. In conclusion, pregabalin was efficacious in reducing the severity of L-OHP- and PTX-induced peripheral neuropathy.

Inhibitory effect of protopanaxatriol ginseng metabolite M4 on the production of corticosteroids in ACTH-stimulated bovine adrenal fasciculata cells.

AIMS: We investigated the pharmacological effects of saponins isolated from ginseng root and their metabolites, which occur by hydrolysis of the sugar moieties connecting the aglycone of saponins in the digestive tract, on the production of corticosteroids in bovine adrenal fasciculata cells in vitro. MAIN METHODS: The levels of corticosteroids produced from adrenal corticotropic hormone (ACTH)-stimulated bovine adrenal fasciculata cells were determined under the presence or absence of ginseng saponins (ginsenosides) and their metabolites using fluorometry, gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry, and sweeping-micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography. KEY FINDINGS: An end metabolite of the protopanaxatriol saponins in ginseng, 20(s)-protopanaxatriol (M4), strongly reduced ACTH-stimulated cortisol production. M4 significantly inhibited the production of cortisol induced by different stimuli, alamethicin, dibutyryl cyclic AMP, forskolin, and 22(R)-hydroxycholesterol, a membrane-permeable cholesterol. However, it did not affect the production of cortisol by either pregnenolone, a precursor of cortisol synthesis, or cyclic AMP. Furthermore, M4 significantly inhibited the production of pregnenolone, progesterone, deoxycorticosterone, cortisol, and corticosterone in a dose-dependent manner. SIGNIFICANCE: Results strongly suggest that protopanaxatriol saponins in ginseng are prodrugs metabolized in the digestive tract so that the end metabolite, M4, produces inhibitory activity of corticosteroid production in the adrenal fasciculata cells in vivo. The results also suggest that M4 inhibits the conversion from cholesterol to pregnenolone because the production of pregnenolone was reduced.

[An attempt to degradation of anticancer drug and odor in the medical environment by photocatalyst].

Currently, there is a need to reduce the occupational exposure of health care workers to anticancer drugs. Environmental contamination by anticancer drugs and subsequent exposure of health care workers are associated with vaporization of anticancer drugs. Furthermore, carcinomatous unpleasant odor is an additional problem to vaporized anticancer drugs in the field of clinical cancer therapy. We attempted to degrade vaporized anticancer drug and unpleasant odor using a photocatalyst. Cyclophosphamide or unpleasant odors (ammonia, formaldehyde, isovaleric acid, and butyric acid) were vaporized by heating in a closed chamber. Plates of photocatalyst coated with titanium dioxide were placed into the chamber and irradiated by light source. Vaporized cyclophosphamide in the chamber was recovered by bubbling the internal air through acetone and derivatized by trifluoroacetic anhydride for analysis by gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric assay. Vaporized odors were determined using a gas-detector tube, which changed color depending on the concentration. Following activation of the photocatalyst by a light source, the residual amounts of anticancer drug and unpleasant odor components were significantly decreased compared with when the photocatalyst was not activated without a light source. These results indicate that the photocatalysts can accelerate the degradation of vaporized anticancer drugs and odor components. Air-cleaning equipment using a photocatalyst is expected to be useful in improving the QOL of cancer patients experiencing carcinomatous unpleasant odor, and in reducing occupational exposure of health care workers to anticancer drugs.

[Usefulness of oral rehydration solution for hydration in cancer chemotherapy: toward the application of outpatient chemotherapy with high-dose Cisplatin therapy-].

Currently, outpatient cancer chemotherapy has been commonly performed in Japan. However, chemotherapies using cisplatin( CDDP)are seldom given to outpatients because they require vigorous hydration to reduce CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of oral rehydration solution(ORS)against CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity, and found that ORS could be beneficial to outpatients for oral hydration. Male F344 rats were intraperitoneally injected with 2mg/kg once a week for 9 weeks. Sixty mL/kg/day of water or ORS were orally administered for hydration for 3 days after the CDDP-injection day, and changes in renal functions were evaluated. After the last CDDP injection, rats were sacrificed for histopathological evaluation of the kidney. Evaluations of serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, creatinine clearance and FENa revealed that nephrotoxicity was prevented more effectively by oral hydration using ORS than by using normal water. In addition, histopathological evaluation showed that hydration using ORS was more effective for reducing renal tubular damage than normal water. These results suggest that ORS is more effective for the prevention of CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity than normal water. Therefore, ORS may be a useful tool to help promote outpatient cancer chemotherapy using CDDP.

A fatal case of acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning caused by hydrogen sulfide: hydroxocobalamin therapy for acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning.

A patient committed suicide with hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) by combining two commercial products. The patient was given hydroxocobalamin as an antidote in addition to treatment with cardiopulmonary resuscitation, but died approximately 42 min after his arrival at the hospital. The patient's cause of death was attributed to acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning. Serum concentrations of sulfide before and after administration of hydroxocobalamin were 0.22 and 0.11 µg/mL, respectively; serum concentrations of thiosulfate before and after hydroxocobalamin administration were 0.34 and 0.04 µmol/mL, respectively. Hydroxocobalamin is believed to form a complex with H(2)S in detoxification pathways of H(2)S. Although H(2)S is rapidly metabolized and excreted, the decreased sulfide concentration may be also associated with this complex formation. The decreased sulfide concentration suggests that hydroxocobalamin therapy may be effective for acute H(2)S poisoning. The decreased thiosulfate concentration seems to be associated with formation of a thiosulfate/hydroxocobalamin complex, because hydroxocobalamin can form a complex with thiosulfate. The thiosulfate concentration decreased to a greater extent than did sulfide, suggesting that hydroxocobalamin has a higher affinity for thiosulfate than for H(2)S. Therefore, prompt administration of hydroxocobalamin after H(2)S exposure may be effective for H(2)S poisoning.

[Utility and improvement of liposome injections AmBisome for clinical use].

We have studied AmBisome, which is amphotericin B containing liposomes, used in the treatment of mycosis. Any potential problems regarding the liposome formulation remain unknown because it is a new dosage form. AmBisome is useful in that it can decrease adverse reactions while maintaining a therapeutic effect. However, it is doubtful whether AmBisome is suitable in a busy clinical environment. For example, this formulation should be filtered with an established filter. We then carried out a questionnaire survey involving medical staff (doctors and nurses) to clarify the problems regarding the liposome formulation and its practical utilization. Most doctors were satisfied with the effect of AmBisome, but about 90% of nurses who had used the preparation answered that it was troublesome to use the filter. On the other hand, only 40% of doctors understood how to use the filter when AmBisome was made up; 14% of nurses also did not know how to use the filter. We thought this was because they were not shown how to use it; actually, 30% of doctors were shown the preparation method by medical representatives (MR), although no nurse received an explanation. The residual rate of amphotericin B on 100 used filter pieces differed 50-fold between the minimum and maximum values. AmBisome is effective as an antifungal agent. However, pharmaceutical companies must liaise with medical staff for its effective clinical use. We hope that such companies will have exchanges with medical staff to develop safe and simple medicines, and that liposomes will be effective for many patients.

Detection of levorotatory methamphetamine and levorotatory amphetamine in urine after ingestion of an overdose of selegiline.

In this study, we measured the urine concentrations of methamphetamine and amphetamine as metabolites of selegiline after ingestion of an overdose of selegiline. A patient who had developed Parkinson disease took selegiline in a suicide attempt. Analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) with trifluoroacetic acid-derivatization revealed the presence of methamphetamine and amphetamine in the patient's urine at concentrations of 0.62 microg/ml and 0.25 microg/ml, respectively. To determine the stereospecificity of the methamphetamine and amphetamine, a urine sample was analyzed by GC-MS after derivatization with N-(trifluoroacetyl)-l-prolyl chloride. The methamphetamine and amphetamine were levorotatory in form. The ratio of the methamphetamine to amphetamine concentration in the urine was 2.5. This value is consistent with other case reports of ingestion of selegiline, which suggests that the methamphetamine to amphetamine concentration ratio in urine is useful information for indicating use of selegiline.

Five cases of aconite poisoning: toxicokinetics of aconitines.

Aconite poisoning was examined in five patients (four males and one female) aged 49 to 78 years old. The electrocardiogram findings were as follows: ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation in case 1, premature ventricular contraction and accelerated idioventricular rhythm in case 2, AIVR in case 3, and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia in cases 4 and 5. The patient in case 1 was given percutaneous cardiopulmonary support because of unstable hemodynamics, whereas the other patients were treated with fluid replacement and antiarrhythmic agents. The main aconitine alkaloid in each patient had a half-life that ranged from 5.8 to 15.4 h over the five cases, and other detected alkaloids had half-lives similar to the half-life of the main alkaloid in each case. The half-life of the main alkaloid in case 1 was about twice as long as the half-lives in the other cases, and high values for the area under the blood concentration-time curve and the mean residence time were only observed in case 1. These results suggest that alkaloid toxicokinetics parameters may reflect the severity of toxic symptoms in aconite poisoning.

Novel surface modification of polymer-based separation media controlling separation selectivity, retentivity and generation of electroosmotic flow.

Uniformly sized packing materials based on synthetic polymer particles for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and capillary electrochromatography (CEC) have been prepared from polymerization mixtures containing methacrylic acid (MAA) as a functional monomer and by using a novel surface modification method. This "dispersion method" affords effectively modified separation media. Both the amount of MAA utilized in the preparation and reaction time affect the selectivity of chromatographic separation in both the HPLC and the CEC mode and electroosmotic flow. This detailed study revealed that the dispersion method effectively modified internal surface of macroporous separation media and, based on the amount of MAA introduced, exclusion mechanism for the separation of certain solutes could be observed.