Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios alone or combined with prostate-specific antigen for the diagnosis of prostate cancer and clinically significant prostate cancer

Objective:We evaluated whether the blood parameters before prostate biopsy can diagnose prostate cancer(PCa)and clinically significant PCa(Gleason score[GS]7)in our hospital.Methods:This study included patients with increased prostate-specific antigen(PSA)up to 20 ng/mL.The associations of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)and platelet-tolymphocyte ratio(PLR)alone or with PSA with PCa and clinically significant PCa were analyzed.Results:We included 365 patients,of whom 52.9%(193)had PCa including 66.8%(129)with GS of≥7.PSA density(PSAD)and PSA had better the area under the curve(AUC)of 0.722 and 0.585,respectively with pZ0.001 for detecting PCa compared with other blood parameters.PSA combined with PLR(PsPLR)and PSA with NLR(PsNLR)had better AUC of 0.608 and 0.610,respectively with p<0.05,for diagnosing GS≥7 population,compared with PSA,free/total PSA,NLR,PLR,and PsNPLR(PSA combined with NLR and PLR).NLR and PLR did not predict PCa on multivariate analysis.For GS≥7 cancer detection,in the multivariate analysis,separate models with PSA and NLR(Model 1:PsNLRþbaseline parameters)or PSA and PLR(Moder 2:PsPLRþbaseline parameters)were made.Baseline parameters comprised age,digital rectal exam-positive lesions,PSA density,free/total PSA,and magnetic resonance imaging.Model 2 containing PsPLR was statistically significant(odds ratio:2.862,95% confidence interval:1.174-6.975,p=0.021)in finding aggressive PCa.The predictive accuracy of Model 2 was increased(AUC:0.734,p<0.001)than that when only baseline parameters were used(AUC:0.693,p<0.001).Conclusion:NLR or PLR,either alone or combined with PSA,did not detect PCa.However,the combined use of PSA with PLR could find the differences between clinically significant and insignificant PCa in our retrospective study limited by the small number of samples.

Relationship between testicular volume and testicular function： comparison of the Prader orchidometric and ultrasonographic measurements in patients with infertility

Aim： To evaluate the relationship between testicular function and testicular volume measured by using Prader orchidometry and ultrasonography （US） to determine the critical testicular volume indicating normal testicular function by each method. Methods： Total testicular volume （right plus left testicular volume） was measured in 794 testes in 397 men with infertility （mean age, 35.6 years） using a Prader orchidometer and also by ultrasonography. Ultrasonographic testicular volumes were calculated as length x width x height x 0.71. To evaluate volume-function relationships, patients were divided into 10 groups representing 5-mL increments of total testicular volume by each method from below 10 mL to 50 mL or more. Results： Mean total testicular volume based on Prader orchidometry and US were 36.8 mL and 26.3 mL, respectively. Semen volume, sperm density, total sperm count, total motile sperm count, and serum FSH, LH, and testosterone all correlated significantly with total testicular volume measured by either method. Mean sperm density was in the oligozoospermic range in patients with total testicular volume below 35 mL by orchidometry or below 20 mL by ultrasonography. Mean total sperm count was subnormal in patients with total testicular volume below 30 mL by orchidometry or under 20 mL by ultrasonography. Conclusion： Testicular volume measured by either ultrasonography or Prader orchidometry correlated significantly with testicular function. However, critical total testicular volume indicating normal or nearly normal testicular function was 30 mL to 35 mL using Prader orchidometer and 20 mL using ultrasonography. Prader orchidometry morphometrically and functionally overestimated the testicular volume in comparison to US. （Asian JAndro12008 Mar; 10： 319-324）

Expression of the tumor suppressor gene maspin and its significance in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas

BACKGROUND: Maspin is a member of the serpin family of protease inhibitors and is thought to inhibit carcinoma invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis and induce apoptosis. We examined maspin expression immunohistochemically and assessed its significance in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the pancreas. METHODS: We examined 39 surgically resected specimens of IPMN that included 17 adenomas (IPMAs), 5 borderline tumors (IPMBs), 4 non-invasive carcinomas (non-invasive IPMCs), and 13 invasive carcinomas (invasive IPMCs). Immunostaining was performed according to the EnVision ChemMate method. The degree of maspin expression was scored and assessed according to the percentage and staining intensity of positive cells. RESULTS: Maspin expression was minimal in normal pancreatic duct epithelium, whereas in IPMNs, maspin was expressed in neoplasms of all stages. Maspin expression increased with increasing grade from IPMAs, IPMBs, to non-invasive IPMCs but decreased significantly in invasive IPMCs. No specific association between maspin expression and mucin type was found. Analysis of maspin expression with respect to clinicopathologic factors in cases of invasive IPMC revealed a greater extent of invasion in cases of low maspin expression and significantly fewer apoptotic cells in the tumor.CONCLUSIONS: Maspin was expressed at high levels in IPMNs at various stages from adenoma to invasive carcinoma, and our results suggest that maspin may be involved in the occurrence and progression of IPMN. In addition, our data suggest that the apoptosis-inducing action of maspin suppresses invasion and progression of IPMN.

Feasibility of initial endoscopic common bile duct stone removal in patients with acute cholangitis

AIM To investigate the feasibility of initial endoscopic common bile duct(CBD) stone removal in patients with acute cholangitis(AC).METHODS A single-center,retrospective study was conducted between April 2013 and December 2014 and was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee at our institution.Written informed consent was obtained from each patient prior to the procedure.The cohort comprised 31 AC patients with CBD stones who underwent endoscopic biliary drainage(EBD) for na?ve papilla within 48 h after AC onset.We retrospectively divided the participants into two groups: 19 patients with initial endoscopic CBD stone removal(initial group) and 12 patients with delayed endoscopic CBD stone removal(delayed group).We evaluated the feasibility of initial endoscopic CBD stone removal in patients with AC.RESULTS We observed no significant differences between the groups regarding patient characteristics.According to the assessments based on the Tokyo Guidelines,the AC severity of patients with initial endoscopic CBD stone removal was mild to moderate.The use of antithrombotic agents before EBD was less frequent in the initial group than in the delayed group(11% vs 58%,respectively; P = 0.004).All the patients underwent successful endoscopic CBD stone removaland adverse events did not differ significantly between the groups.The number of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures was significantly lower in the initial group than in the delayed group [median(interquartile range) 1(1-1) vs 2(2-2),respectively; P < 0.001].The length of hospital stay was significantly shorter for the initial group than for the delayed group [10(9-15) vs 17(14-20),respectively; P = 0.010].CONCLUSION Initial endoscopic CBD stone removal in patients with AC may be feasible when AC severity and the use of antithrombotic agents are carefully considered.

Long-term prognostic impact of circulating tumour cells in gastric cancer patients

AIM To analyse the long-term prognostic impact of circulating tumour cells(CTCs) in gastric cancer patients who underwent surgery. METHODS A 7.5-m L peripheral vein blood sample was obtained from each patient with treatment-negative gastric adenocarcinoma before surgery. OBP-401, a telomerasespecific, replication-selective, oncolytic adenoviral agent carrying the green fluorescent protein gene, was used to label CTCs. Correlations between the number of CTCs and clinical end points were evaluated. RESULTS The median follow-up period of the surviving patients with gastric cancer was 60 mo. The CTC number tended to increase concomitantly with disease progression. The overall survival of patients with more than five CTCs in 7.5-m L of peripheral blood was lower than that of patients with five or less CTCs, although the difference was not significant(P = 0.183). A significant difference in relapse-free survival was found between patients with more than five and those with five or less CTCs(P = 0.034).CONCLUSION A lower number of CTCs was correlated with higher relapse-free survival rates in patients. Detection of CTCs using OBP-401 may be useful for predicting prognosis in gastric cancer.

Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation for removal of bile duct stones

AIM:To investigate the efficacy and outcomes of endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation(EPLBD)for bile duct stones in a multicenter prospective study.METHODS:Lithotomy by EPLBD was conducted in 124patients with bile duct stones≥13 mm in size or with three or more bile duct stones≥10 mm.After endoscopic sphincterotomy,the papilla was dilated using balloons 12-20 mm in diameter fitting the bile duct diameter.RESULTS:The success rate of first-time lithotomy was 86.3%(107/124)and the final lithotomy success rate was 100%(124/124).Lithotripsy was needed in10 of the 124(13.6%)patients.Adverse events due to the treatment procedure occurred in 6(4.8%)patients,all of which were mild.Performing large balloon dilation after endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients with large stones or multiple stones in the bile duct is considered to ensure the safety of treatment and to reduce the need for lithotripsy.CONCLUSION:It is suggested that treatment by EPLBD for large bile duct stones may be safe and useful.

Consensus of primary care in acute pancreatitis in Japan

在日本的尖锐胰腺炎的发生正在增加并且每百万张人口从 187 ～ 347 个盒子。盒子命运是 0.2% 为对温和中等，并且 9.0% 为在在 2003 的日本的严重尖锐胰腺炎。在日本的胰腺炎的专家做了与尖锐胰腺炎在病人的早管理集中于实际方面的这个文件。尖锐胰腺炎和严厉层化的正确诊断应该为尖锐胰腺炎的诊断用标准在所有病人被做并且多，因素得分系统尽早由胰的难处理的疾病的研究委员会求婚了。与尖锐胰腺炎诊断的所有病人应该在医院里被管理。血压监视，脉搏和呼吸率，体温，时时尿的体积，和血氧饱和水平在如此的病人的管理是必要的。早精力旺盛的静脉内的水和具有最前的重要性稳定循环动力学。有鸦片剂的足够的疼痛地势也是重要的。在严重尖锐胰腺炎，在一个早阶段的抗菌素的预防静脉内的管理被推荐。一旦尖锐胰腺炎的诊断被证实，朊酶禁止者的管理应该被开始。如果没有肠塞痛并且胃肠的流血的清楚的症状，从早舞台用非肠道的营养喂的肠内的联合被推荐。有严重尖锐胰腺炎的病人应该尽早被转移到 ICU 执行象朊酶的连续地区性的动脉的注入那样的特殊措施禁止者和抗菌素，和连续牙齿过敏过滤。日本政府为难处理的疾病作为关于措施的研究的工程之一为严重尖锐胰腺炎盖住医疗保健开销。

Clinical outcomes of endoscopic ultrasonography-guided transmural drainage using plastic stent and nasocystic drain for pancreatic and peripancreatic collections

To the Editor:Pancreatic and peripancreatic collections(PCs)develop from acute pancreatitis(AP),chronic pancreatitis,surgery,or trauma.The 2012 revised Atlanta classification[1]of AP classified local complications into the following 4 PC types:acute peripancreatic fluid collection(<4 weeks after the onset of acute interstitial edematous pancreatitis),acute necrotic collection(<4 weeks after the onset of acute necrotizing pancreatitis),pancreatic pseudocyst(PPC;≥4 weeks after the onset of acute interstitial edematous pancreatitis),and walled-off necrosis(WON;≥4 weeks after the onset of acute necrotizing pancreatitis).Endoscopic ultrasonographyguided transmural drainage(EUS-TD)has been reported to be a minimally invasive procedure for patients with PCs[2–4].This study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of EUS-TD for PCs.

Multicenter study of endoscopic preoperative biliary drainage for malignant distal biliary obstruction

AIM: To determine the optimal method of endoscopic preoperative biliary drainage for malignant distal biliary obstruction.METHODS: Multicenter retrospective study was conducted in patients who underwent plastic stent(PS) or nasobiliary catheter(NBC) placement for resectable malignant distal biliary obstruction followed by surgery between January 2010 and March 2012. Procedurerelated adverse events, stent/catheter dysfunction(occlusion or migration of PS/NBC, developmentof cholangitis, or other conditions that required repeat endoscopic biliary intervention), and jaundice resolution(bilirubin level < 3.0 mg/d L) were evaluated. Cumulative incidence of jaundice resolution and dysfunction of PS/NBC were estimated using competing risk analysis. Patient characteristics and preoperative biliary drainage were also evaluated for association with the time to jaundice resolution and PS/NBC dysfunction using competing risk regression analysis.RESULTS: In total, 419 patients were included in the study(PS, 253 and NBC, 166). Primary cancers included pancreatic cancer in 194 patients(46%), bile duct cancer in 172(41%), gallbladder cancer in three(1%), and ampullary cancer in 50(12%). The median serum total bilirubin was 7.8 mg/d L and 324 patients(77%) had ≥ 3.0 mg/d L. During the median time to surgery of 29 d [interquartile range(IQR), 30-39 d]. PS/NBC dysfunction rate was 35% for PS and 18% for NBC [Subdistribution hazard ratio(SHR) = 4.76; 95%CI: 2.44-10.0, P < 0.001]; the pig-tailed tip was a risk factor for PS dysfunction. Jaundice resolution was achieved in 85% of patients and did not depend on the drainage method(PS or NBC).CONCLUSION: PS has insufficient patency for preoperative biliary drainage. Given the drawbacks of external drainage via NBC, an alternative method of internal drainage should be explored.

Evaluation of diagnostic cytology via endoscopic naso-pancreatic drainage for pancreatic tumor

AIM: To evaluate the usefulness of cytology of the pancreatic juice obtained via the endoscopic naso-pancreatic drainage tube(ENPD-C).METHODS: ENPD was performed in cases where a diagnosis could not be made other than by using en-doscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and in cases of pancreatic neoplasms or cystic tumors, includ-ing intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm(IPMN) suspected to have malignant potential. 35 patients(21 males and 14 females) underwent ENPD between January 2007 and June 2013. The pancreatic duct was imaged and the procedure continued in one of ENPD-C or ENPD-C plus brush cytology(ENPD-BC). We checked the cytology result and the final diagnosis.RESULTS: The mean patient age was 69 years(range, 48-86 years). ENPD-C was performed in 24 cases andENPD-C plus brush cytology(ENPD-BC) in 11 cases. The ENPD tube was inserted for an average of 3.5 d. The final diagnosis was confirmed on the basis of the resected specimen in 18 cases and of follow-up findings at least 6 mo after ENPD in the 18 inoperable cases. Malignancy was diagnosed in 21 cases and 14 patients were diagnosed as having a benign condition. The ratios of class Ⅴ/Ⅳ:Ⅲ:Ⅱ/Ⅰ?findings were 7:7:7 in malignant cases and 0:3:11 in benign cases. The sensitivity and specificity for all patients were 33.3% and 100%, re-spectively. The cytology-positive rate was 37.5%(6/16) for pancreatic cancer. For IPMN cases, the sensitivity and specificity were 33% and 100%, respectively.CONCLUSION: Sensitivity may be further increased by adding brush cytology. Although we can diagnosis cancer in cases of a positive result, the accuracy of ENPD-C remains unsatisfactory.

Gastric-and intestinal-type marker expression in invasive ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas

BACKGROUND:Although invasive ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas(PDAC) manifests as a relatively uniform histomorphological feature of the pancreatobiliary type,it may be complicated by metaplastic changes and heterogeneous gastric and intestinal elements.This study aimed to investigate the complication rate and clinicopathological significance of such heterogeneous elements.METHODS:Fifty-nine patients who underwent resection of PDAC were examined in this study.Immunohistochemically,tumors showing high expression(>25%) of the intestinal-type(INT) marker CDX2 were classified as PDAC with INT.Those with high expression(>25%) of the gastric-type(GAS) marker MUC5AC were classified as PDAC with GAS,while those with high expression of both markers were classified as PDAC with INT/GAS.These patients were compared with those with PDAC of the negative group in which neither markers was highly expressed to examine their clinicopathological significance.RESULTS:In the 59 patients,31(52.5%) showed high CDX2 or MUC5AC expression.Twenty-eight patients(47.5%) belonged to a negative group,11(18.6%) to a PDAC with INT group,15(25.4%) to a PDAC with GAS group,and 5(8.5%) to a PDAC with INT/GAS group.No significant differences were observed for age,gender,size,localization,T classification,or prognosis among the four groups.Although the PDAC with GAS group had well differentiated types significantly more than the other groups,the rate of lymph node metastasis in this group was significantly higher(PDAC with GAS:73%;other groups:36%).CONCLUSION:Complications with heterogeneous elements are not uncommon in PDAC,and this should be considered during the diagnosis and treatment of PDAC along with histogenesis of the disease.

Effect of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction (补中益气汤) on Murine Liver Damage Induced by Food Allergy

Objective: To investigate the effect of Buzhong Yiqi decoction (补中益气汤, BZYQD) on liver damage induced by food allergy in mice. Methods: Nc/Jic strain mice with high levels of serum IgE were sensitized by ovalbumin (OVA), and then divided into two groups and respectively treated with BZYQD (treated group) or normal saline (model group). Samples of serum, liver tissues and small intestine were collected two weeks later, and another group of non-sensitized mice was set as the normal group. The levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured with spectrophotometry. The liver tissue and small intestine were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) for pathologic analysis. The liver samples were also subjected to analysis of CD4-T helper cell and cytokine (interleukin-4, IL-4, interleukin-6, IL-6) expression with immunohistochemical (avidin-biotin complex, ABC) method. Results: Serum ALT levels decreased and obvious pathologic improvements were seen in the mice treated with BZYQD. And compared with the model mice, the number of positive cells of IL-4, IL-6 and CD4 cell decreased significantly in those treated with BZYQD. Conclusion: BZYQD can effectively decrease the production of cytokines associated with allergic reaction in the liver of mice thus effective in treating liver damage caused by food allergy.

Parental perceptions and childhood overweight/obesity: A population-based study among school children in Japan

The lifestyle of children is primarily controlled by their parents, and that childhood obesity is related to family variables. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between parental perceptions on childhood obesity and their child’s overweight/obesity in Japan. The study subjects were 3168 school children (aged 9 or 10 years) and their parents in the town of Ina, Saitama Prefecture, Japan, between 2002 and 2009. Information regarding parental perceptions about childhood obesity and the lifestyle factors of their children was collected using self-administered questionnaires completed by the participants and their parents. Childhood over-weight was defined according to the International Obesity Task Force cutoffs. Parental perceptions on childhood obesity were significantly associated with their child’s overweight status. Specifically, low perceptions regarding childhood obesity significantly increased the odds ratio (OR) for the child’s overweight status (OR: 1.86, 95% CI: 1.32 - 2.62). However, when the analysis was limited to children with both parents being overweight, there was no statistically significant difference between levels of parental perceptions and the overweight status of their children. Accordingly, the present study suggests that, when both parents are obese, not only is raising parental awareness important, but also encouraging parents to prevent themselves from becoming overweight, leads to improvements in the lifestyle habits of children, which may contribute to the prevention of childhood overweight.

Correlation of Various Foods Intakes and Plasma Levels of Omega Fatty Acids in Healthy Japanese Old Men

Background: Trans fatty acids are considered to impair health and some ω fatty acids are protective against atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus. Trans fatty acids are said to be formed by the partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils. Some amounts are produced in digestive organs of ruminants and present in dairy products or meat. It is important how much these intaken fatty acids influence their plasma levels. Methods: Plasma levels of fatty acids including transforms of healthy old men are measured by gas chromatography and correlations between various foods intakes and plasma levels of trans fatty acids, and ω fatty acids are examined. Results: Intake of fish resulted in increase in plasma levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) but intake of meat such as beef, cow and chicken meat did not increase plasma levels of arachidonic acid (AA). Intakes of oils increased plasma levels of dihomo-g-linolenic acid significantly and AA to some extent. Conclusion: Plasma levels of EPA and DHA increased upon intakes of fish in Japanese old men. Oil intake but not meat intake increased DGLA significantly. These results may explain low incidence of cardiovascular diseases in Japanese people compared with American people whose plasma levels of DHA and EPA are lower.

Effects of Various Foods Intakes on Plasma Levels of Trans Fatty Acids in Japanese Old Men

Background: Trans fatty acids are said to be formed by the partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils. Some amounts are produced in digestive organs of ruminants and present in dairy products or meat. In Japan, use of trans fatty acids in the foods is prohibited, thus trans fatty acids must come from foods or microbes in the digestive organs. Methods: Plasma levels of fatty acids including trans forms of healthy old men are measured by gas chromatography and correlations between various foods intakes and plasma levels of trans fatty acids such as palmitoelaidic, elaidic and linoelaidic acids are examined. Results: No correlations between various foods intakes and trans fatty acids were found except between intake of preference drinks such as tea or coffee and plasma levels of palmitoelaidic and linoelaidic acids. Conclusion: Since palmitoelaidic acid is cardioprotective, increase in plasma levels of palmitoelaidic acid may indicate that intakes of tea and coffee may be beneficial for heath by increasing palmitoelaidic acids.

Effects of Late Preterm Birth on the Incidence of Developmental Delays among Children at 3 Years of Age: A Matched-Pair Case-Control Study

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between preterm delivery and developmental outcomes in children born at 34 - 36 weeks of gestation (late preterm period). Methods: This study reviewed the cases of singleton late preterm children and full-term (38 - 40 weeks of gestation) children born at Showa University Hospital. The developmental outcomes at 3 years of age were assessed based on the results of questionnaires sent to the families by mail. In addition, the incidence of developmental delays was compared between the late preterm and full-term children. In the full-term control group, perinatal characteristics (neonatal gender, Apgar score, Cesarean delivery, birth weight < 10th percentile, birth weight < 3rd percentile) were matched with those of the late preterm cases. We compared categorical variables using Fisher’s exact test. For variables with a non-normal distribution, Welch’s t-test was applied. A p-value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: The rate of return of the questionnaires was 25.9% (121) among the cases and 25.8% (163) among the controls. The frequency of developmental delays was 6.6% among the cases, compared with 4.3% among the controls. Conclusions: Matching the perinatal characteristics of the subjects, the frequency of developmental delays was similar between the two groups.

Difference of the Pain during the DPT (Diphtheria-Pertussis-Tetanus) Vaccination

Background: The objective of this study is to determine whether analyze of the infant’s pain associated with diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT) immunization is useful for vaccination in children. It is not known whether the immunization pain can be prevented with the adequate choice of DPT vaccines among several manufacturers in Japan. Further, it is not clear whether the difference of the reaction during vaccination between gender and age. Design: Three manufacturer’s Japanese DPT vaccines were used in this study. The parents assessed their infant’s pain on a modified visual analogue scale (MVAS), the start of the crying and total crying time during the immunization. Results: The A manufacturer’s DPT vaccine was significantly lower on the proportion of crying, the duration of crying and MVAS score than the other two manufacturer’s DPT vaccines. The proportion of crying, the duration of crying and MVAS score was lower in the boy than in the girl. On the other hand, it had not found the difference of their reactions with age. Conclusions: Our studies have found that the adequate choice of DPT vaccine decreased vaccination pain. The studies also indicate that some tendencies with vaccinations were shown in children. To consider these tendencies was useful in performing less painful vaccination.

Comparison of Plasma Levels of Tryptophan Metabolites between Healthy People and Patients of Bipolar Depression at Various Age and Gender

Background: It is not well analyzed whether there are differences in plasma levels of tryptophan (TRP) metabolites between healthy control people (HC) and patients of type II bipolar depression (BDII). Methods: Ultra high-speed liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry has been used for the simultaneous determination of plasma levels of tryptophan metabolites in depressive patients. Results: Plasma levels of TRP are not different between HC and patients of BDII. Serotonin (5-HT) levels are higher in BDII than HC. Plasma levels of 5-HIAA of HC are higher than those of old women of BDII, but lower in young women of BDII. Plasma levels of kynurenine (KYN) of HC are not different from those of patients of BDII. Conclusion: Plasma levels of 5-HT are higher in patients of BDII than those of HC, which may suggest that use of drugs inhibiting the 5-HT transportation and lower transporter biding may increase plasma levels of 5-HT in patients of BD.

Effect of Silica Nanoparticles on Cultured Central Nervous System Cells

Nanotechnology is developing rapidly and the production of novel man-made nanoparticles is increasing. However, the effects of these particles on human health are unevaluated. Depending on particle size and the surface properties, nanoparticles may have the potential to affect human health. In recent studies, several silica nanoparticles (<100 nm) were shown to be penetrating into the brain. Thus, it is important to understand the influence of these nanoparticles on the central nervous system. In this study, we investigated the toxicological influence of nanoparticles on cortical cultured neurons isolated from embryonic day 18 Wister rats. Cortical cultured neurons at 21 days in vitro (DIV) were treated with 30 nm silica nanoparticles for 1 hr. Many neurons were damaged immediately more than at 0.01 mg/ml concentration of silica. Cell damage was also assessed using the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay. We revealed that the Neuro-toxicological mechanisms were due to membrane permeability. It was suggested that cell membrane permeability was enhanced because of ROS generation. Given these results, it will be important to determine the effect of nano-silica particles in vivo and identify the extent of neuronal damage.

The Feasibility of Treatment for Skin Diseases Using the Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator

Ultrasound energy liquefies high fluid content tissues, such as epidermis and sweat glands via cavitation, but minimally affects dermis, blood vessels, and nerves at the same energy level. We have used ultrasonic surgical aspirator to treat several skin diseases such as Bowen’s disease, wart, prurigo nodularis, and osmidrosis. The ultrasonic surgical aspirator offers an effective and safe method to treat them with few complications. We expect several other skin diseases could likely be cured using ultrasonic surgical aspirator by accumulating additional cases.