Determination of cell fate in skeletal muscle following BMP gene transfer by in vivo electroporation.

We previously developed a novel method for gene transfer, which combined a non-viral gene expression vector with transcutaneous in vivo electroporation. We applied this method to transfer the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) gene and induce ectopic bone formation in rat skeletal muscles. At present, it remains unclear which types of cells can differentiate into osteogenic cells after BMP gene transfer by in vivo electroporation.

Surfactant-Free Solid Dispersions of Hydrophobic Drugs in an Amorphous Sugar Matrix Dried from an Organic Solvent.

The technique for homogeneously dispersing hydrophobic drugs in a water-soluble solid matrix (solid dispersion) is a subject that has been extensively investigated in the pharmaceutical industry. Herein, a novel technique for dispersing a solid, without the need to use a surfactant, is reported. A freeze-dried amorphous sugar sample was dissolved in an organic solvent, which contained a soluble model hydrophobic component.

Red cell and platelet distribution widths in patients with angina pectoris and acute myocardial infarction.

Aim: We aimed to determine the relationship of red cell and platelet distribution widths with the onset of acute myocardial infarction, to enable the early detection and prevention of acute myocardial infarction.

Methods: Red cell and platelet distribution widths were retrospectively determined in 46 patients with stable angina pectoris and 140 patients with acute myocardial infarction who were brought to the emergency department of our institution. Red cell and platelet distribution widths were determined with an automatic blood cell analyzer, and the results were compared between the acute myocardial infarction and angina pectoris groups.

Factors associated with remission and/or regression of microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The aim of this study was to clarify the factors associated with the remission and/or regression of microalbuminuria in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 130 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with microalbuminuria for 2-6 years (3.39±1.

Large vessel vasculitis with myelodysplastic syndrome.

A 71-year-old woman presented with a high-grade fever, neck pain, anemia and thrombocytopenia. After performing further examinations, we concluded that she had simultaneously developed large vessel vasculitis and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Although glucocorticoid administration improved her clinical symptoms, the MDS transformed into acute myeloid leukemia and she died one year after receiving the diagnosis.