Extracellular Bio-imaging of Acetylcholine-stimulated PC12 Cells Using a Calcium and Potassium Multi-ion Image Sensor.

In biochemistry, Ca2+ and K+ play essential roles to control signal transduction. Much interest has been focused on ion-imaging, which facilitates understanding of their ion flux dynamics. In this paper, we report a calcium and potassium multi-ion image sensor and its application to living cells (PC12). The multi-ion sensor had two selective plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) membranes containing ionophores. Each region on the sensor responded to only the corresponding ion. The multi-ion sensor has many advantages including not only label-free and real-time measurement but also simultaneous detection of Ca2+ and K+. Cultured PC12 cells treated with nerve growth factor were prepared, and a practical observation for the cells was conducted with the sensor. After the PC12 cells were stimulated by acetylcholine, only the extracellular Ca2+ concentration increased while there was no increase in the extracellular K+ concentration. Through the practical observation, we demonstrated that the sensor was helpful for analyzing the cell events with changing Ca2+ and/or K+ concentration.

A bio-image sensor for simultaneous detection of multi-neurotransmitters.

We report here a new bio-image sensor for simultaneous detection of spatial and temporal distribution of multi-neurotransmitters. It consists of multiple enzyme-immobilized membranes on a 128 × 128 pixel array with read-out circuit. Apyrase and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), as selective elements, are used to recognize adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and acetylcholine (ACh), respectively. To enhance the spatial resolution, hydrogen ion (H+) diffusion barrier layers are deposited on top of the bio-image sensor and demonstrated their prevention capability. The results are used to design the space among enzyme-immobilized pixels and the null H+ sensor to minimize the undesired signal overlap by H+ diffusion. Using this bio-image sensor, we can obtain H+ diffusion-independent imaging of concentration gradients of ATP and ACh in real-time. The sensing characteristics, such as sensitivity and detection of limit, are determined experimentally. With the proposed bio-image sensor the possibility exists for customizable monitoring of the activities of various neurochemicals by using different kinds of proton-consuming or generating enzymes.

Development of an ATP and hydrogen ion image sensor using a patterned apyrase-immobilized membrane.

A bio-image sensor using a patterned apyrase-immobilized membrane was developed to visualize the activities of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and H+ ion in real-time. An enzymatic membrane patterning technique was suggested to immobilize apyrase on a specific sensing area of a charge coupled device (CCD)-type image sensor. It was able to observe the spatiotemporal information of ATP and H+ ion. The smallest size of a patterned membrane is 250×250µm2. The fabrication parameters of the patterned membrane, such as its thickness and the intensity of the incident light used for photolithography, were optimized experimentally. The sensing area under the patterned apyrase-immobilized membrane revealed a linear response up to 0.6mM of ATP concentration with a sensitivity of 37.8mV/mM. Meanwhile, another sensing area without the patterned membrane measured the diffused H+ ion from nearby membranes. This diffusion characteristics were analyzed to determine a measurement time that can minimize the undesirable impact of the diffused ions. In addition, the newly developed bio-image sensor successfully reconstructed ATP and H+ ion dynamics into sequential 2-dimensional images.

Reconstructive surgery for a fusiform common celiomesenteric trunk aneurysm and coexistent abdominal aortic aneurysm: report of a case.

A celiomesenteric trunk (CMT) accounts for fewer than 1% of all visceral artery anomalies. Aneurysms involving a CMT are exceptionally rare: our search of the literature found only eight cases reported. We treated a 73-year-old man with both a fusiform CMT aneurysm and an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The celiac artery and superior mesenteric artery were reconstructed by performing a retrograde prosthetic-graft bypass originating from the right limb of the bifurcated aortic graft used to repair the AAA. To our knowledge, this is the first report of successful surgical treatment of a CMT aneurysm and coexistent AAA.

Hepatectomy following transarterial chemotherapy for a metastasis in the caudate lobe.

We describe a solitary liver metastasis in the caudate lobe from a colon cancer treated with a hepatic resection following transarterial chemotherapy. A 73-year-old male was admitted with a complaint of melena. The findings from endoscopic examination of the colon showed a type 3 cancer at the hepatic flexure. Computed tomography revealed a metastatic lesion in the caudate lobe of the liver, which was three centimeters in diameter and located between the roots of the middle and the left hepatic vein. A right hemicolectomy was performed and the surgical findings revealed extended lymph node metastasis and the serosal exposure of the primary lesion. A transarterial catheterization to the liver for chemotherapy was placed instead of performing a hepatic resection. After six months of the transarterial chemotherapy, the metastatic tumor was decreased to less than one centimeter and no other new lesion was developed in and out of the liver. The patient underwent a resection of the Spiegel lobe 8 months after the first operation. There were small lesions of viable metastatic cells in the tumor histologically. The patient is currently well without any signs of recurrence 28 months after the first operation.

Direct retroperitoneal open drainage via a long posterior oblique incision for infected necrotizing pancreatitis: report of three cases.

Although several surgical approaches have been advocated for patients with infected necrotizing pancreatitis, there is still a high incidence of morbidity and mortality. We used a new approach of direct retroperitoneal open drainage after various other treatments, for three patients with necrotizing pancreatitis and extended infection with multiple-organ failure. Long oblique incisions were made from the root of the 12th rib to the anterior superior spina iliaca on the left or right side of the back, or both, to approach the retroperitoneal area of infected necrosis. The necrotic tissue was removed bluntly and the wound was laid open. Lavage and debridement were done repeatedly after the operation. The patients recovered from multiple-organ failure within 2 weeks, and control of local infection was achieved within 3-4 weeks. All three patients were discharged and are now well. Therefore, we propose that this method is appropriate for patients with spreading infected necroses, who are in poor general condition.