Purpose : In the basic research of prostate cancer, prostate cancer cell lines are very valuable tools to characterize the biology of prostate cancer. Three cell lines including LNCaP, PC-3 and DU-145 are frequently utilized. Characterization of molecular characteristics of them is very important. In the present study, we screened gene expression patterns of human prostate cancer cell lines, LNCaP, PC-3 and DU-145, using cDNA microarray. Methods : Total RNA from LNCaP, PC-3 or DU-145 cells was reversely transcribed in the presence of Cy3 or Cy5 as a probe. Mixed probes were hybridized to a slide glass carrying 557 kinds of cancer-related known genes. Signal intensities of Cy-3 and Cy-5 were separately scanned, and relative signal ratios of Cy3/Cy5 were analyzed. Gene expression levels of several genes were quantified by real-time PCR. Results : We detected over-expressed or under-expressed genes in each cell line. Among these genes, farnesyldiphosphate farnesyltransferase 1, amphiregulin, E-cadherin, urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), and glutathione peroxidase 1 gene expression levels were quantified using quantitative real-time PCR. The relation of the gene expression patterns of these genes was consistent with those assessed by real-time PCR. Conclusions : Gene expression profiles of human prostate cancer cells varied among cell lines. These profiles will provide useful information on prostate cancer cell lines in the design of experiments, analysis of experimental data, and so on.

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Background : A lack of neonatal intensive-care beds has resulted in increasing number of emergency maternal and neonatal patients being transported to distant hospitals. Methods : We sent questionnaires to 17 families (18 infants) experiencing long-distance maternal or neonatal transport to determine the effects of transport on families. Results : We obtained replies from 9 families (10 infants). Infant gestational age was 24-34 weeks and birth weight 552-1,478g. The distance from home to the hospital where infants were sent was 50-100 km for two infants and ?? 100 km for eight. During the distant hospital stay, six families found problems in daily life. Additional cost were ‹ 50,000 yen in one family, 50,000-100,000 yen in three, 100,000-200,000 yen in one, 200,000-500,000 yen in three (four infants), and ?? 1,000,000 yen in one. Conclusions : More neonatal intensive-care beds, a broader network of neonatal intensive-care units, and support are needed for the families of infants sent to distant hospitals.

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Purpose : To clarify the process of changes in the self-concept encompassing the period between the disease onset and the present and to delve into the meaning of reconstruction in breast cancer survivors who have chosen the two-stage breast reconstruction. Patients and Methods : The subjects were Ms. A, who underwent the reconstructive procedure after mastectomy ; and Ms. B, who selected the same procedure 2 months after breast-conserving surgery. Their mental processes were analyzed by means of a qualitative description based on the life story studies. Results : The following themes were extracted from similarities in the changes in self-concept : 1. The patient cannot bear to tell others that she suffers from breast cancer ; 2. She oscillates between a complex concerning the loss or deformation of her breast and the importance of preserving her life ; 3. She has a certain expectation about breast reconstruction ; and 4. Through the breast reconstruction, she acquires a unique approach to life and regains self-confidence. Conclusion : Breast reconstruction is an effective means by which the patients body image is heightened and a new value concept as a woman is acquired. This suggests that one must aid these patients when they express the doubts concerning their value concepts and other related thoughts along with the changing process of the self-concept ; and offer them necessary information so that the concept of their self-worthiness may be reinforced.

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Background & Purposes : WISH-type hip brace has been used for patients with painful hip osteoarthritis. Both Harris and JOA scoring systems have indicated significant improvement of hip function. The present study examined the effect of the brace on dynamic balances in those patients. Patients & Methods : We performed dynamic balance measures including Cross test, Timed up and go test (TUG) and Multi-directional reach test (MDRT) in 8 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip. Results : High intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were obtained in the distances of the amplitudes in both fore-after and lateral directions, which were depicted by cross test, quickly performed TUG, and anterior and lateral multi-directional functional reaches with only non affected-side arm. In contrast, when the brace was not applied, low ICCs were observed in comfortably performed TUG and MDRT with affected-side arm. While application of the brace did not show any significant effect on the dynamic balances performed here, there was a significant negative relationship between HHS and TUG with as well as without WISH-type hip brace. Conclusion : Quickly performed TUG may reflect hip functions in hip OA patients even with the hip brace.

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An 88-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of a shadow in the right lower lung field on a chest x-ray. A transbronchial lung biopsy yielded a diagnosis of primary pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma. Further examination showed no extrathoracic lesion and the clinical staging was T2N0M0, stage IB. Since the patient could tolerate surgery, we performed a right lower lobectomy with mediastinal lymph node dissection. His postoperative course was uneventful and he was discharged on postoperative day 11. The pathological postoperative diagnosis was a moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the lung : p-t2n0p0d0e0pm0ly+v+, stage IB. The patient subsequently turned 91 years old, and has survived cancer-free for 34 months since his operation. We believe that more clinicians and investigators should address octogenarians with lung cancer. As the average life expectancy is changing, we should consider criteria for surgery that are in line with the times.

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In systemic lymph node dissection for lung cancer surgery, the subcarinal lymph node (#7) is situated far from any access incision. Therefore, it is difficult to identify #7 through the access wound used for video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy. This is also true in the case of a left-sided approach because of the descending aorta. Here, we propose a simple technique using tape to expose #7. This saves time and benefits the patient.

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