Our results show that age, hemorrhagic diathesis, and initial leukocyte count are prognostic factors for APL treated with ATRA followed by intensive chemotherapy.

DiGeorge syndrome chromosomal region 8 (Dgcr8), a candidate gene for 22q11.2 deletion-associated schizophrenia, encodes an essential component for microRNA (miRNA) biosynthesis that plays a pivotal role in hippocampal learning and memory. Adult neurogenesis is known to be important in hippocampus-dependent memory, but the role and molecular mechanisms of adult neurogenesis in schizophrenia remain unclear. Here, we show that Dgcr8 heterozygosity in mice leads to reduced cell proliferation and neurogenesis in adult hippocampus, as well as impaired hippocampus-dependent learning. Several schizophrenia-associated genes were downregulated in the hippocampus of Dgcr8 ϩ/Ϫ mice, and one of them, insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2), rescued the proliferation of adult neural stem cells both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, IGF2 improved the spatial working memory deficits in Dgcr8 ϩ/Ϫ mice. These data suggest that defective adult neurogenesis contributes to the cognitive impairment observed in 22q11.2 deletion-associated schizophrenia and could be rectified by IGF2.

False lumen patency influences the late outcomes of acute type A aortic dissection repair. Outcomes of distal reoperation were acceptable; thus, careful follow-up and timely reoperation may improve the late outcomes.

A colloidal rhodium has been prepared by reduction of rhodium(III) chloride with methanol in the presence of polyvinyl alcohol. The particle size distribution of the metallic rhodium is narrow ranging from 30 to 70 Å with a maximum at 35 Å. The colloidal dispersions in methanol-water solutions are effective for the hydrogenation of olefins at 30°C under an atmospheric hydrogen pressure.

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) transduce the signal of a wide variety of chemokines, cytokines, neurotransmitters, hormones, odorants, and others to regulate the biologic homeostasis, including hematopoiesis and immunity. Here we report the molecular cloning of leukocytespecific STAT-induced GPCR (LSSIG), which is a novel murine orphan GPCR with the highest homology to human GPR43. The mRNA expression of LSSIG was clearly induced in M1 leukemia cells during the leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF)-induced differentiation to macrophages, and the induction was evidently signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3)-dependent. GPR43 expression was also strongly induced in HL-60 and U937 leukemia cells during the differentiation to monocytes. Further analysis showed that the expression of both LSSIG and GPR43 is highly restricted in hematopoietic tissues. Cytokine-stimulation induced LSSIG and GPR43 in bone marrow cells, and monocytes and neutrophils, respectively. These results suggest that LSSIG and GPR43 might play pivotal roles in differentiation and immune response of monocytes and granulocytes. (Blood.

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Approximately one in three persons will develop herpes zoster during their lifetime, and it can lead to serious complications such as postherpetic neuralgia. However, evidence on burden of herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia in Japan is limited. This prospective, observational, multicenter, physician practice‐based cohort study was conducted in Kushiro, Hokkaido, Japan (Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01873365) to assess the incidence and hospitalization rates of herpes zoster, and the proportion, clinical burden and risk factors for postherpetic neuralgia in adults aged 60 years or more. Within the study area, 800 subjects developed herpes zoster and 412 were eligible for the study. Herpes zoster incidence was 10.2/1000 person‐years and higher among women and older subjects. Subjects with herpes zoster required on average 5.7 outpatient consultations. Herpes zoster‐associated hospitalization rate was 3.4% (27/800). The proportion of postherpetic neuralgia and other complications was 9.2% (38/412) and 26.5% (109/412), respectively. Statistically significant association with the development of postherpetic neuralgia was male sex (odds ratio [OR], 2.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17–5.38), age of 70–74 years (OR, 3.51; 95% CI, 1.09–11.3), immunosuppressive therapy (OR, 6.44; 95% CI, 1.26–32.9), severe herpes zoster pain at first consultation (OR, 3.08; 95% CI, 1.10–8.62) and rash on upper arms (vs no rash on upper arms; OR, 3.46; 95% CI, 1.10–10.9). Considerable herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia burden exists among elderly in Japan, and there may be predictive factors at the first visit which could be indicative of the risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia.