A reliable enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the determining of sesame proteins in raw food ingredients and in processed foods

Sesame is a frequent cause of adverse food reactions in allergic patients. We developed a novel sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using two monoclonal antibodies and a unique extraction buffer for the detection and quantification of sesame proteins in processed foods and in raw food ingredients to clarify the validity of sesame labeling and for precautionary allergen labeling. The developed sandwich ELISA method is highly specific for sesame proteins. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) are 0.013 µg/g and 0.025 µg/g, respectively. The recoveries for incurred food samples, such as dressing, breads, sauce and pudding, ranged from 67 % to 81 %, while the repeatability and reproducibility coefficients of variation were less than 4.7 % and 4.5 %, respectively. The developed method has applicability for food products and is a reliable tool for the detection of hidden sesame proteins in raw food ingredients and in processed foods.

A disease-driver population within interstitial cells of human calcific aortic valves identified via single-cell and proteomic profiling

Cellular heterogeneity of aortic valves complicates the mechanistic evaluation of the calcification processes in calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD), and animal disease models are lacking. In this study, we identify a disease-driver population (DDP) within valvular interstitial cells (VICs). Through stepwise single-cell analysis, phenotype-guided omic profiling, and network-based analysis, we characterize the DDP fingerprint as CD44highCD29+CD59+CD73+CD45low and discover potential key regulators of human CAVD. These DDP-VICs demonstrate multi-lineage differentiation and osteogenic properties. Temporal proteomic profiling of DDP-VICs identifies potential targets for therapy, including MAOA and CTHRC1. In vitro loss-of-function experiments confirm our targets. Such a stepwise strategy may be advantageous for therapeutic target discovery in other disease contexts.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in hepatocarcinoma: new insights about its prognostic role in patients treated with lenvatinib

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment remains a big challenge in the field of oncology. The liver disease (viral or not viral) underlying HCC turned out to be crucial in determining the biologic behavior of the tumor, including its response to treatment. The aim of this analysis was to investigate the role of the etiology of the underlying liver disease in survival outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a multicenter retrospective study on a large cohort of patients treated with lenvatinib as first-line therapy for advanced HCC from both Eastern and Western institutions. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Among the 1232 lenvatinib-treated HCC patients, 453 (36.8%) were hepatitis C virus positive, 268 hepatitis B virus positive (21.8%), 236 nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) correlate (19.2%) and 275 had other etiologies (22.3%). The median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 6.2 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 5.9-6.7 months] and the median overall survival (mOS) was 15.8 months (95% CI 14.9-17.2 months). In the univariate analysis for OS NASH-HCC was associated with longer mOS [22.2 versus 15.1 months; hazard ratio (HR) 0.69; 95% CI 0.56-0.85; P = 0.0006]. In the univariate analysis for PFS NASH-HCC was associated with longer mPFS (7.5 versus 6.5 months; HR 0.84; 95% CI 0.71-0.99; P = 0.0436). The multivariate analysis confirmed NASH-HCC (HR 0.64; 95% CI 0.48-0.86; P = 0.0028) as an independent prognostic factor for OS, along with albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade, extrahepatic spread, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, portal vein thrombosis, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status and alpha-fetoprotein. An interaction test was performed between sorafenib and lenvatinib cohorts and the results highlighted the positive predictive role of NASH in favor of the lenvatinib arm (P = 0.0047).

CONCLUSION

NASH has been identified as an independent prognostic factor in a large cohort of patients with advanced HCC treated with lenvatinib, thereby suggesting the role of the etiology in the selection of patients for tyrosine kinase treatment. If validated, this result could provide new insights useful to improve the management of these patients.

Identification of lenvatinib prognostic index via recursive partitioning analysis in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

After the advent of new treatment options for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the identification of prognostic factors is crucial for the selection of the most appropriate therapy for each patient.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

With the aim to fill this gap, we applied recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) to a cohort of 404 patients treated with lenvatinib.

RESULTS

The application of RPA resulted in a classification based on five variables that originated a new prognostic score, the lenvatinib prognostic index (LEP) index, identifying three groups: low risk [patients with prognostic nutritional index (PNI) >43.3 and previous trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE)]; medium risk [patients with PNI >43.3 but without previous TACE and patients with PNI <43.3, albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade 1 and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage B (BCLC-B)]; high risk [patients with PNI <43.3 and ALBI grade 2 and patients with PNI <43.3, albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade 1 and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C (BCLC-C)]. Median overall survival was 29.8 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 22.8-29.8 months] in low risk patients (n = 128), 17.0 months (95% CI 15.0-24.0 months) in medium risk (n = 162) and 8.9 months (95% CI 8.0-10.7 months) in high risk (n = 114); low risk hazard ratio (HR) 1 (reference group), medium risk HR 1.95 (95% CI 1.38-2.74), high risk HR 4.84 (95% CI 3.16-7.43); P < 0.0001. The LEP index was validated in a cohort of 127 Italian patients treated with lenvatinib. While the same classification did not show a prognostic value in a cohort of 311 patients treated with sorafenib, we also show a possible predictive role in favor of lenvatinib in the low risk group.

CONCLUSIONS

LEP index is a promising, easy-to-use tool that may be used to stratify patients undergoing systemic treatment of advanced HCC.

Sesame lignans suppress age-related disorders of the kidney in mice

OBJECTIVE

Sesamin is a functional ingredient in sesame (Sesamum indicum) seeds and has many physiological effects. This study investigated whether sesame lignans, sesamin and episesamin (1:1), can suppress age-related disorders of the kidney.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-month-old mice were divided into three groups, and each group received a regular diet (O-C), diet containing sesame lignans (O-SE), and diet containing sesame lignans and α-tocopherol (VE; O-SE+VE), respectively, for 5 months. Six-month-old young mice (Y-C) were compared to the older mice.

RESULTS

Renal lipofuscin deposition was increased in the O-C group compared to that in the Y-C group and its deposition with aging was significantly decreased in both O-SE and O-SE+VE groups. Plasma blood urea nitrogen levels in the O-C group increased compared to those in the Y-C group; however, those in both O-SE and O-SE+VE groups did not differ from those in the Y-C group. The number of podocytes in the O-C group decreased compared to that in the Y-C group and this effect was attenuated in the O-SE and O-SE+VE groups. The effect was strongest in the O-SE+VE group. Histological examinations showed that glomerular hypertrophy accompanied by mesangial hyperplasia and renal tubular degeneration was less severe in the O-SE and O-SE+VE groups than in the O-C group. Moreover, age-related increases in the mRNA expression of NADPH oxidase- and inflammation-related genes, including p67phox, p40phox, TNFα, and IL-6, in the kidney were suppressed in the O-SE and O-SE+VE groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Sesame lignans might be useful to suppress age-related kidney disorders, and these effects could be enhanced with VE.

Dietary arachidonic acid improves age-related excessive enhancement of the stress response

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to understand whether the responsiveness of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to stress increases excessively with aging in senescence-accelerated mice-prone 10 (SAMP10) and to investigate the role of arachidonic acid (ARA) in this process.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The area under the curve of CORT concentration (CORT-AUC), an index of the HPA axis responsiveness to stress, was assessed in SAMP10 subjected to a 30-minute restraint stress up to 120 minutes after the restraint stress onset. Furthermore, the HPA axis responsiveness was evaluated in aged SAMP10 fed 0.4% ARA-containing diet (ARA group) or control diet (CON group) for 4 weeks. Three weeks later, these mice were divided into a group with a 30-minute restraint stress (CON-S or ARA-S group) and a group without restraint stress (CON-NS or ARA-NS group). Hippocampi were collected after stress release and fatty acid and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) protein levels were evaluated in the nucleus and cytosol.

RESULTS

The CORT-AUC of aged SAMP10 was 21% significantly higher than that of young SAMP10. In the ARA group, hippocampal ARA was 0.5% significantly higher than that in the CON group. CORT-AUC in the ARA group was 24% significantly lower than that in the CON group. The ratio of GR protein levels in the nucleus and cytosol in the ARA-S group was 1.72 times significantly higher than that in the ARA-NS group but no difference was observed between the CON-S and CON-NS groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary ARA seems to suppress age-related excessive enhancement of the HPA axis responsiveness via attenuation of age-related decline in hippocampal GR translocation into the nucleus after stress loading, which may contribute to an improvement of mental health.

Resurrecting the ancient glow of the fireflies

The color of firefly bioluminescence is determined by the structure of luciferase. Firefly luciferase genes have been isolated from more than 30 species, producing light ranging in color from green to orange-yellow. Here, we reconstructed seven ancestral firefly luciferase genes, characterized the enzymatic properties of the recombinant proteins, and determined the crystal structures of the gene from ancestral Lampyridae. Results showed that the synthetic luciferase for the last common firefly ancestor exhibited green light caused by a spatial constraint on the luciferin molecule in enzyme, while fatty acyl-CoA synthetic activity, an original function of firefly luciferase, was diminished in exchange. All known firefly species are bioluminescent in the larvae, with a common ancestor arising approximately 100 million years ago. Combined, our findings propose that, within the mid-Cretaceous forest, the common ancestor of fireflies evolved green light luciferase via trade-off of the original function, which was likely aposematic warning display against nocturnal predation.

Sesamin suppresses aging phenotypes in adult muscular and nervous systems and intestines in a Drosophila senescence-accelerated model

OBJECTIVE

Sesamin is a major lignan constituent of sesame and possesses various health-promoting effects. Previous studies have demonstrated that sesamin extends the lifespan of Drosophila and Caenorhabditis elegans and corrects oxidative damage-related tissue dysfunction in mammals. To understand its anti-aging effects, we aimed to determine whether sesamin restores tissue function hampered by oxidative damage and suppresses several aging-related phenotypes using Drosophila senescence-accelerated models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We elucidated the anti-aging effects of sesamin on several aging-related phenotypes in the muscle, brain and midgut using the senescence-accelerated models (Sod1n1 mutant and Sod1-depleted flies) by immunostaining experiments. We determined the expression levels of several anti-oxidative and DNA repair genes using quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). We also identified the metabolite of sesamin in Drosophila by LC-MS/MS.

RESULTS

We confirmed that sesamin (0.35 and 2 mg/ml) extended the lifespan of the fly models. As observed in mammals, it can be absorbed and metabolized by Drosophila adults. The sesamin feeding suppressed the age-dependent impairment of locomotor activity and inhibited the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in their bodies. Sesamin delayed the age-dependent accumulation of damaged proteins in the muscle, partially suppressed the loss of dopaminergic neurons in adult brains displaying ROS accumulation, and suppressed the accumulation of DNA damage and hyperproliferation of intestinal stem cells. Four antioxidative genes and two DNA repair genes were simultaneously upregulated in sesamin-fed adults.  CONCLUSIONS: These observations represent the first direct evidence of the anti-aging effects of sesamin at the individual level. We propose that sesamin exerts anti-aging effects in the muscles, brain and midgut by inducing antioxidative and DNA repair genes, resulting in extended lifespan in flies.

Sesame lignans increase sympathetic nerve activity and blood flow in rat skeletal muscles

Beneficial effects of sesame lignans, especially antioxidative effects, have been widely reported; however, its potential effects on autonomic nerves have not yet been investigated. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the effect of sesame lignans on the autonomic nervous system. The sympathetic nerve activity in rat skeletal muscle was measured using electrophysiological approaches, with blood flow determined using the laser Doppler method. Sesame lignans were administered intragastrically at 2 and 20 mg/kg, and after 60 min, the sympathetic nerve activity was observed to increase by 45.2% and 66.1%, respectively. A significant increase in blood flow (39.6%) was also observed for the 20-mg/kg dose when measured at 55 min after administration. These sympathomimetic effects were completely prevented by subdiaphragmatic vagotomy, and the increase in blood flow was eliminated in the presence of the beta2-adrenergic receptor inhibitor butoxamine. Thus, it is proposed that sesame lignans can increase the blood flow of skeletal muscle, possibly by exciting sympathetic nerve activity through the afferent vagal nerve.

Sesame lignans reduce LDL oxidative susceptibility by downregulating the platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase

OBJECTIVE

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidative susceptibility is recognized as a risk factor for atherosclerosis. We previously reported that the ingestion of a supplement containing sesame lignans (sesamin/episesamin) for 4 weeks reduced LDL oxidative susceptibility in humans.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To elucidate the mechanisms underlying this observation, 12-week-old New Zealand White rabbits were fed a fat/cholesterol-enriched diet (100 g/day) for 6 weeks followed by oral administration of vehicle (control) or sesame lignans (50 mg/kg) for 4 weeks with the fat/cholesterol-enriched diet.

RESULTS

The results showed that the ingestion of sesame lignans prolonged LDL oxidation lag time, regardless of the existence of the anti-oxidative catechol metabolite of sesamin/episesamin in LDL. Plasma platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) activity was significantly reduced by sesame lignans. The prolongation of LDL oxidation lag time was abolished by the addition of a PAF-AH inhibitor. The expression level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and macrophage infiltration observed in the liver following the feeding of the fat/cholesterol-enriched diet were also significantly reduced by sesame lignans.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that sesame lignans reduce LDL oxidative susceptibility by downregulating plasma PAF-AH activity via the reduction of inflammation in the liver induced by fat/cholesterol-enriched diets.

Determination of Walnut Protein in Processed Foods by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay: Interlaboratory Study

Because food allergens from tree nuts, including walnuts, are a frequent cause of adverse food reactions for allergic patients, the labeling of foods containing ingredients derived from tree nuts is required in numerous countries. According to Japanese regulations, the labeling of food products containing walnuts is recommended. To ensure proper labeling, a novel sandwich ELISA kit for the determination of walnut protein in processed foods (Walnut Protein [2S-Albumin] Kit; Morinaga Institute of Biological Science, Inc.; walnut kit) has been developed. We prepared seven types of incurred samples (model processed foods: biscuits, bread, sponge cake, orange juice, jelly, chicken meatballs, and rice gruel) containing 10 g walnut soluble protein/g of food for use in interlaboratory evaluations of the walnut kit. The walnut kit displayed sufficient reproducibility relative standard deviations (interlaboratory precision: 5.89.9 RSDR) and a high level of recovery (81119) for all the incurred samples. All the repeatability relative standard deviation (RSDr) values for the incurred samples that were examined were less than 6.0. The results of this interlaboratory evaluation suggested that the walnut kit could be used as a precise and reliable tool for determination of walnut protein in processed foods.

A Novel Diagnostic System for Infectious Diseases Using Solid-State Nanopore Devices

Nanopore-based diagnostic systems are a promising tool for counting viruses in a specimen one by one. However, despite intensive R&D efforts, it remains difficult to recognize virus subtypes by nanopore devices. We thus propose a novel diagnostic system that combines a specialized virus recognition procedure with a nanopore detection procedure. This recognition procedure consists of three steps: 1) capture target viruses using specific probes for recognition; 2) release captured targets; and 3) detect released targets by nanopore. Proof-of-concept tests are conducted using avidin-modified fluorescent particles (as a model for viruses) and biotin-modified alkane thiol (as a model for probes). The avidin-modified particles are confirmed to be captured on electrode by biotin-modified probes and then, the particles are electrochemically released from the electrode. Consequently, the released particles are successfully detected by nanopore devices. Furthermore, the concept is also proved by using human influenza viruses (H1N1, A/PR/8/34) and sugar chain (6'-sialyllactose)-modified probes. This suggests that our concept is applicable to various infectious diseases by changing probes (ligands).

105Calcified nodule in coronary artery: clinical features and prognosis with optical coherence tomography-guided percutaneous coronary intervention

Background

Calcified nodule (CN) in coronary artery is known to be a significant factor for stent underexpansion, however, its baseline characteristics and long-term prognosis is unclear.

Method

421 consecutive severe calcified lesions (Defined as maximum calcium arc >180 degrees) which underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT)-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were analyzed between January 2013 and December 2017. We investigated baseline characteristics and OCT parameter (maximum arc of calcium, maximum thickness of calcium, and length of calcium) and long-term clinical outcome (Major adverse cardiac event (MACE), any cause of death, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and target vessel failure (TVF)). Median follow up period was 33.7 months.

Result

CN was seen in 22.3% (94 lesions) of all severe calcified lesions. Baseline characteristics and OCT parameters were significantly different in CN and non-CN groups (Hemodialysis; 23.6% vs. 14.1%, p=0.03, Multivessel Disease; 57.4% vs. 44.6, p=0.03, maximum arc of calcium; 305.4 vs. 286.1, p=0.02, maximum thickness of calcium (μm); 1206.2 vs 1123.8, p=0.01, length of calcium (mm); 24.6 vs. 19.0, p=0.01). CN lesions was strongly associated poor long-term clinical outcome (MACE; 50.5% vs. 25.7%, p<0.01), any cause of death; 18.1% vs. 9.5%, p=0.02, AMI; 7.4% vs. 2.4%, p=0.02, TVF; 38.3% vs. 19.2%, p<0.01).

Conclusion

Hemodialysis, multivessel disease and abundant calcium component may have accompanied with CN which may result in poor long-term prognosis.

P3577Predictors analysis of restenosis in calcified nodule with OCT-guided PCI

Background

Recent reports show that stenting for coronary calcified nodule (CN) resulted in frequent in-stent restenosis, however, its predictors are unclear.

Method

117 consecutive calcified nodule lesions which underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT)-guided PCI were analyzed between January 2013 and March 2018. We investigated baseline characteristics and OCT parameter in CN site (Arc of CN, Lumen area and Symmetry index before and after PCI).

Result

CN site in-stent restenosis was seen 35 lesions (29.9%). Baseline characteristics was significantly different between restenosis group and non-restenosis group (Age; 68.9y.o vs. 73.3y.o, p=0.01, diabetes mellitus; 80.0% vs. 57.3%, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD); 74.3% vs. 36.6%, Hemodialysis; 54.3% vs. 12.2%). Arc of CN before PCI in restenosis group was larger than that in non-restenosis group (122.7 vs. 110.0 degrees, p=0.01). Post stent symmetry index in restenosis group was smaller than that in non-restenosis group (0.64 vs. 0.75, p<0.01).

Conclusion

Younger patients, diabetes mellitus, CKD, hemodialysis, arc of CN before PCI, post stent symmetry index may be predictors of CN site restenosis.

Intracerebroventricular administration of sulphated cholecystokinin octapeptide induces anxiety-like behaviour in goldfish

Sulphated cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8s) is involved in feeding regulation as an anorexigenic neuropeptide in vertebrates. In rodents, i.c.v. administration of CCK-8s has been shown to affect not only feeding behaviour, but also psychomotor activity. However, there is still no information available concerning the psychophysiological effects of CCK-8s in goldfish. Therefore, in the present study, we examined the effect of synthetic goldfish (gf) CCK-8s on psychomotor activity in this species. Intracerebroventricular administration of gfCCK-8s at 0.1, 0.5 and 2.5 pmol g^-1 body weight (BW) did not affect swimming distance (locomotor activity). Because goldfish prefer the lower to the upper area of a tank, we used this as a preference test (upper/lower test) to assess anxiety-like behaviour. Intracerebroventricular administration of gfCCK-8s at 2.5 pmol g^-1 BW shortened the time spent in the upper area. The action of gfCCK-8s mimicked that of FG-7142 (the central-type benzodiazepine receptor inverse agonist, an anxiogenic agent) at 5 and 10 pmol g^-1 BW. The anxiogenic-like effect of gfCCK-8s was abolished by treatment with the CCK receptor antagonist proglumide at 50 pmol g^-1 BW. We also investigated the localisation of CCK/gastrin-like immunoreactivity in the goldfish brain. CCK/gastrin-like immunoreactivity was observed in the anxiety-related regions (the nucleus habenularis and the interpeduncular nucleus). These data indicate that gfCCK-8s potently affects psychomotor activity in goldfish, and exerts an anxiogenic-like effect via the CCK receptor-signalling pathway.

Development of Duodenal Ulcers due to the Discontinuation of Proton Pump Inhibitors After the Induction of Sofosbuvir Plus Ledipasvir Therapy: A Report of Two Cases

Sofosbuvir plus ledipasvir (SOF-LDV) combination therapy is a promising therapy for post-transplant hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfection. It is known that gastric pH elevation induces lower absorption of ledipasvir; therefore, the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) should be considered regarding dose reduction after SOF-LDV therapy induction. Here, we report two patients who developed duodenal ulcers due to the discontinuation of PPIs after the induction of SOF-LDV therapy for post-transplant HCV reinfection. The first patient was a 71-year-old man who had undergone living donor liver transplantation due to HCV-related liver cirrhosis. Lansoprazole, 30 mg daily, was discontinued upon SOF-LDV therapy induction. Seven days after SOF-LDV therapy induction, gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed the presence of a duodenal ulcer. The second patient was a 54-year-old man who had undergone living donor liver transplantation due to HCV-related end-stage liver disease. Similar to the first patient, rabeprazole sodium was discontinued upon the induction of SOF-LDV therapy. Eighteen days after SOF-LDV therapy induction, gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed the presence of a duodenal ulcer. In both cases, these duodenal ulcers improved after the resumption of the administration of PPIs, and a sustained virologic response at 12 weeks was achieved by SOF-LDV therapy with PPI use. Thus, PPI use should be continued consistently during SOF-LDV therapy for post-transplant HCV reinfection.

Genesis, goals and achievements of Long-Term Ecological Research at the global scale: A critical review of ILTER and future directions

Since its founding in 1993 the International Long-term Ecological Research Network (ILTER) has gone through pronounced development phases. The current network comprises 44 active member LTER networks representing 700 LTER Sites and ~80 LTSER Platforms across all continents, active in the fields of ecosystem, critical zone and socio-ecological research. The critical challenges and most important achievements of the initial phase have now become state-of-the-art in networking for excellent science. At the same time increasing integration, accelerating technology, networking of resources and a strong pull for more socially relevant scientific information have been modifying the mission and goals of ILTER. This article provides a critical review of ILTER's mission, goals, development and impacts. Major characteristics, tools, services, partnerships and selected examples of relative strengths relevant for advancing ILTER are presented. We elaborate on the tradeoffs between the needs of the scientific community and stakeholder expectations. The embedding of ILTER in an increasingly collaborative landscape of global environmental observation and ecological research networks and infrastructures is also reflected by developments of pioneering regional and national LTER networks such as SAEON in South Africa, CERN/CEOBEX in China, TERN in Australia or eLTER RI in Europe. The primary role of ILTER is currently seen as a mechanism to investigate ecosystem structure, function, and services in response to a wide range of environmental forcings using long-term, place-based research. We suggest four main fields of activities and advancements for the next decade through development/delivery of a: (1) Global multi-disciplinary community of researchers and research institutes; (2) Strategic global framework and strong partnerships in ecosystem observation and research; (3) Global Research Infrastructure (GRI); and (4) a scientific knowledge factory for societally relevant information on sustainable use of natural resources.