Cytokine marker measurement in human neuroblastoma cells with supersensitive and multiplex assay: MUSTag technology.

Background: Recently, various sets of protein -biomarkers have been discovered in important diseases such as cancers, brain stroke and heart attack. However, clinical validation is difficult and time-consuming by individual assays or because of very low concentrations at early stages of the diseases. We have developed assay technology through an innovative modification of the immuno-PCR method for the super-sensitive and multiplex detection of target biomarkers.

The asparaginyl endopeptidase legumain after experimental stroke.

Various proteases in the brain contribute to ischemic brain injury. We investigated the involvement of the asparaginyl endopeptidase legumain after experimental stroke. On the basis of gene array studies and in situ hybridizations, we observed an increase of legumain expression in the peri-infarct area of rats after transient occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO) for 120 mins with a maximum expression at 24 and 48 h.

[One-lung ventilation using a new original connector: with a bronchial blocker and a single lumen tracheal tube].

We experienced 22 consecutive anaesthetic managements requiring one-lung ventilation for thoracotomy. We used our original connector, which enabled us to insert a bronchial blocker cut from Univent tube and fibreoptic bronchoscope into the single lumen tracheal tube without air leakage and instability. The bronchial blocker was easily introduced into the mainstem bronchus of the non-dependent lung.