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Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess whether the retention index (RI) determined using dual-phase 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) reflects the malignant features of breast cancer. Methods: A total of 1,523 patients with breast cancer were retrospectively evaluated. PET/CT scans were performed at 1 h and 2 h after FDG administration before treatment. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) at both time points (SUVmax1 and SUVmax2) in the primary tumour and RI were calculated. Primary tumour tissues were evaluated in terms of biological features, such as histology, nuclear grade, lymphovascular invasion and molecular subtype. Results: Of the 1,523 patients, 463 (30.4%) had luminal A-like, 661 (43.4%) had luminal B-like, 229 (15.0%) had human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2-positive), and 157 (10.3%) triple-negative breast cancer. The median SUVmax1, SUVmax2 and RI values were 2.2, 2.3 and 2.6%, respectively. These metabolic parameters were correlated with tumour size, nodal metastasis, histology, nuclear grade, lymphovascular invasion, and molecular subtype (all P < 0.001). The median RI values were 0% in luminal A-like, 5.3% in luminal B-like, 6.9% in HER2-positive, and 11.4% in triple-negative breast cancer. RI was associated with malignant features when the tumour accumulated a significant amount of FDG. In a subanalysis of patients with tumours of stages T2 to T4, RI was correlated with nodal metastasis, histology, nuclear grade, and molecular subtype (luminal A-like 4.8%, luminal B-like 12.3%, HER2-positive 15.8%, and triple-negative 16.3%). Conclusion: RI determined using delayed-phase FDG PET/CT is associated with malignant features in breast cancers with significant FDG uptake. Dual-phase imaging was helpful in distinguishing luminal A-like breast cancer from luminal B-like, HER2-positive, and triple-negative breast cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A chemical sensor for cysteine (Cys) was fabricated based on a fluorescent oligo( p-phenylene ethynylene)s (OPEs) and OPE-graphene oxide (GO) composite. OPE with cyanoacrylate terminal groups were synthesized by a Pd-catalyzed Sonogashira coupling reaction and Knoevenagel condensation for use as a chemical sensor for Cys. The optical properties and Cys sensing capability of the cyanoacrylate modified OPE and OPE-GO composite were investigated. In addition of Cys, the fluorescence of OPE was blue-shifted and decreased (fluorescence turn-off), while the fluorescence of the OPE-GO composite was enhanced (fluorescence turn-on). Thus, OPE with cyanoacrylate terminal groups and OPE-GO composite acts a highly sensitive fluorescent chemical sensor for Cys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Lamotrigine (LTG) is used to treat epilepsy. The variability of LTG pharmacokinetics among individuals may be attributed to polymorphisms in the genes of uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) 1A4 and UGT2B7 and/or combination with other drugs. In this study, we evaluated the association between LTG concentrations and patient characteristics such as genetic polymorphisms and the co-administration of antiepileptic drugs. Methods: We recruited 122 patients with epilepsy. LTG concentrations were measured in blood samples from each patient under steady-state condition. We assessed the influence of multiple factors on LTG concentrations and derived a formula for predicting LTG concentrations using multiple linear regression analysis. Results: We derived a formula to predict LTG concentrations that considers the daily dose of LTG, body weight, valproic acid concentration, phenytoin co-administration, and the co-administration of phenobarbital and/or carbamazepine as well as UGT1A4 142T>G and UGT2B7 -161C>T polymorphisms (adjusted coefficients of determination R = 0.734). Furthermore, we used this formula to reveal a strong positive correlation between measured and predicted LTG concentrations ( r = 0.76, p < 0.001). Conclusion: We derived a formula that will be useful in clinical practice for predicting LTG concentrations in patients with epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We aimed to compare the preventive effect of 5-day administration of aprepitant with single administration of fosaprepitant meglumine against nausea and vomiting symptoms due to highly emetogenic chemotherapy regimens comprising cisplatin (CDDP).Methods: Subjects were inpatients who underwent chemotherapy for gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, lung cancer, or head and neck cancer with a regimen comprising 60 mg/m(2) or higher dose of CDDP. In this randomised, open-label, controlled study, the subjects were assigned to a group given aprepitant for 5 days or a group given a single administration of fosaprepitant meglumine. The nausea and vomiting symptoms that emerged within 7 days after the first CDDP administration were investigated with a questionnaire form; the results were compared between the two groups. Risk factors affecting nausea and vomiting symptoms were also investigated.Results: Of the 101 patients enrolled, 93 patients were included (48 in the 5-day aprepitant group and 45 in the single fosaprepitant meglumine group). No significant intergroup differences in the complete response rate or the complete control rate were found over the entire period. The nausea score tended to increase from day 3 in both groups, but no significant intergroup difference was observed. Furthermore, the investigation of risk factors affecting moderate or severe nausea symptoms indicated that the fosaprepitant meglumine administration was not a risk factor.Conclusions: Single administration of fosaprepitant meglumine was not inferior to 5-day administration of aprepitant for preventing acute and delayed nausea and vomiting symptoms occurring after administration of CDDP (60 mg/m(2) or higher). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sitosterolemia is an autosomal recessive disorder that affects lipid metabolism and is characterized by elevated serum plant sterol levels, xanthomas, and accelerated atherosclerosis. In this study, we report a novel nonsense single-nucleotide variant, c.225G > A (p.Trp75*), and an East Asian population-specific missense multiple-nucleotide variant, c.1256_1257delTCinsAA (p.Ile419Lys), in the ABCG8 gene in a compound heterozygous state observed in a Japanese girl with sitosterolemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]