Practical and Safe Method of Long-Term Cryopreservation for Clinical Application of Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Without a Programmable Freezer Or Serum

BACKGROUND

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) have emerged as a promising modality for cellular therapy. However, techniques of ADSC cryopreservation, which can facilitate their clinical application, haven't been established yet.

OBJECTIVE

To determine optimal conditions for ADSC cryopreservation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used three cryoprotectants [serum containing 10% dimethyl sulfoxide; CP-1^TM (5% dimethyl sulfoxide, serum-free); Stem-CellBanker^TM (dimethyl sulfoxide and serum-free)], two storage temperatures (-80°C, -150°C) and two cell densities (1 × 10⁶, 7 × 10⁶ cells/mL). Storage was up to 18 months using cryovials. We didn't use a rate-controlled freezer or liquid nitrogen storage.

RESULTS

We found that CP-1^TM was a suitable cryoprotectant. Storage at -150°C and higher cell density (7×10⁶ cells/mL) kept the best viability of ADSCs, but storage at -80°C and a lower cell density (1×10⁶ cells/mL) is acceptable for up to 9 months. We also confirmed large quantities of ADSCs, stored with CP-1 in a cryobag, were still viable after -150°C cryopreservation for 24 months.

CONCLUSION

We have developed a safe, cost-effective way to cryopreserve ADSCs that could be used in the clinical setting.

Molecular characterization of a novel mycovirus in Alternaria alternata manifesting two-sided effects: Down-regulation of host growth and up-regulation of host plant pathogenicity

A double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) mycovirus was detected in a strain of Alternaria alternata showing impaired growth phenotypes. The A. alternata strain is the Japanese pear pathotype, which produces a host-specific AK-toxin. Sequence analysis of the viral genome dsRNAs revealed that this mycovirus consists of five dsRNAs and is evolutionarily related to members of the family Chrysoviridae; the virus was named Alternaria alternata chrysovirus 1 (AaCV1). AaCV1-ORF2 protein accumulated in dsRNA-high-titer sub-isolates with severely impaired phenotypes; heterologous AaCV1-ORF2 overexpression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae caused growth inhibition. In contrast to this yeast growth inhibition phenomenon, the dsRNA-high-titer isolates displayed enhanced pathogenicity against Japanese pear plants, in accordance with a 13-fold increase in AK-toxin level in one such isolate. These findings indicated that AaCV1 is a novel mycovirus that exhibits two contrasting effects, impairing growth of the host fungus while rendering the host 'hypervirulent' to the plant.

Preventive Effect of α-Tocopherol and Glycyrrhizin against Platelet-Neutrophil Complex Formation Induced by Hemodialysis Membranes

Background

The intradialytic activation of leukocytes is a major cause of hemodialysis (HD)-associated complications. Contact between blood and HD membranes frequently induces the formation of microaggregates composed of activated platelets and leukocytes, causing leukocyte activation that includes the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This complex formation is mediated primarily by the interaction between P-selectin on activated platelets and its counter-ligands on leukocytes.

Objective

We examined the preventive effects of α-tocopherol and glycyrrhizin in vitro against platelet-neutrophil microaggregate formation and neutrophil ROS production induced by HD membranes.

Methods and Results

Microaggregate formation induced by the incubation of heparinized whole blood with polysulfone (PS) HD membranes was effectively inhibited by α-tocopherol and glycyrrhizin. α-Tocopherol, but not glycyrrhizin, was found to inhibit PS membrane-induced P-selectin expression on the platelet surface; however, glycyrrhizin did inhibit both the formation of neutrophil-platelet microaggregates induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and the adhesion of HL60 leukemic cells to P-selectin-expressing Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, suggesting that glycyrrhizin acts as a competitive inhibitor of P-selectin-mediated cell adhesion. Finally, these compounds almost completely abrogated PS membrane-induced and platelet-dependent ROS production by neutrophils.

Conclusions

These results suggest that α-tocopherol and glycyrrhizin may function as preventive agents of HD-associated leukocyte activation though the modulation of platelet-leukocyte interaction.

Robustness of adult female survival maintains a high-density sika deer (Cervus nippon) population following the initial irruption

Context Irruption of large herbivore populations is characterised by three distinct phases: (1) an exponential increase in population to a peak abundance; (2) a population crash; and (3) a second increase to another population peak, typically lower than the first peak of abundance. However, there has been little study of age- and sex-specific factors that affect the post-initial irruption interactions with food sources. Aims We aimed to investigate annual survival rates of sika deer (Cervus nippon Temminck, 1838) in the sequent irruption of a population on Nakanoshima Island, Lake Toya, Japan, with a chronically high density during the period 2002–12. Methods Survival monitoring data were obtained for 219 individuals (93 males and 126 females) using radio-collars. Annual survival was quantified, and related factors, i.e. deer abundance and winter severity, were determined by model selection using Akaike information criterion values. Key Results The results showed that annual survival rates across sexes and age classes (fawn, yearling, prime-aged, old) decreased with increasing population density, snow depth and winter precipitation. Winter severity had a greater effect on adult survival than density regulation. Nevertheless, female adult survival was maintained at a high level, with a mean of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.80–0.88). Key conclusions Robust survival rates for adult females might contribute to the maintenance of a high-density sika deer population in the post-initial irruption. Implications We suggest that in the absence of predation and hunting, sika deer population is not able to self-regulate to the density level that avoids an irreversible impact on plants.

International Working Group consensus response evaluation criteria in lymphoma (RECIL 2017)

In recent years, the number of approved and investigational agents that can be safely administered for the treatment of lymphoma patients for a prolonged period of time has substantially increased. Many of these novel agents are evaluated in early-phase clinical trials in patients with a wide range of malignancies, including solid tumors and lymphoma. Furthermore, with the advances in genome sequencing, new "basket" clinical trial designs have emerged that select patients based on the presence of specific genetic alterations across different types of solid tumors and lymphoma. The standard response criteria currently in use for lymphoma are the Lugano Criteria which are based on [18F]2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography or bidimensional tumor measurements on computerized tomography scans. These differ from the RECIST criteria used in solid tumors, which use unidimensional measurements. The RECIL group hypothesized that single-dimension measurement could be used to assess response to therapy in lymphoma patients, producing results similar to the standard criteria. We tested this hypothesis by analyzing 47 828 imaging measurements from 2983 individual adult and pediatric lymphoma patients enrolled on 10 multicenter clinical trials and developed new lymphoma response criteria (RECIL 2017). We demonstrate that assessment of tumor burden in lymphoma clinical trials can use the sum of longest diameters of a maximum of three target lesions. Furthermore, we introduced a new provisional category of a minor response. We also clarified response assessment in patients receiving novel immune therapy and targeted agents that generate unique imaging situations.

A One-Stage Method for Obtaining CT during Arterial Portography and Hepatic Arteriography

We describe a new technique for performing CT during arterial portography (CTAP) and during hepatic arteriography (CTHA) in a one-stage procedure, using a coaxial balloon catheter system and slip-ring CT equipment. This technique was employed in 10 patients with liver neoplasms. Both CTAP and CTHA images were obtained in all patients.

Porphyromonas gingivalis infection exacerbates the onset of rheumatoid arthritis in SKG mice

Epidemiological studies have linked periodontitis to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) was reported recently to produce citrullinated protein (CP) and increase anti-cyclic CP antibody (ACPA), both of which have been identified as causative factors of RA. In the present study, we determined the effects of Pg infection on the exacerbation of RA in a mouse model. RA model mice (SKG mice) were established by an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of laminarin (LA). Mice were divided into six groups, Ctrl (PBS injection), LA (LA injection), Pg/LA (Pg + LA injection), Pg (Pg injection), Ec/LA (Escherichia coli and LA injection) and Ec (E. coli injection). In order to evaluate RA, joint swelling by the arthritis score, bone morphology by microcomputed tomography (microCT), haematoxylin and eosin staining, ACPA, matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) and cytokine level in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were determined. Osteoclast differentiation from bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMCs) was examined to clarify the underlying mechanisms of RA. The presence of Pg and CP in joint tissue was also investigated. The arthritis score was threefold higher in the Pg/LA group than in the LA group. Severe bone destruction was observed in joint tissue of the Pg/LA group. A microCT analysis of the Pg/LA group revealed a decrease in bone density. ACPA, MMP-3, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, CXCL1 and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α levels from the Pg/LA group were the highest. The osteoclastogenesis of BMCs was enhanced in the Pg/LA group. Furthermore, large amounts of Pg components and CP were detected in the Pg/LA group. In conclusion, Pg infection has the potential to exacerbate RA.

Promising Nucleic Acid Lateral Flow Assay Plus PCR for Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli

Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a frequent cause of foodborne infections, and methods for rapid and reliable detection of STEC are needed. A nucleic acid lateral flow assay (NALFA) plus PCR was evaluated for detecting STEC after enrichment. When cell suspensions of 45 STEC strains, 14 non-STEC strains, and 13 non-E. coli strains were tested with the NALFA plus PCR, all of the STEC strains yielded positive results, and all of the non-STEC and non-E. coli strains yielded negative results. The lower detection limit for the STEC strains ranged from 0.1 to 1 pg of genomic DNA (about 20 to 200 CFU) per test, and the NALFA plus PCR was able to detect Stx1- and Stx2-producing E. coli strains with similar sensitivities. The ability of the NALFA plus PCR to detect STEC in enrichment cultures of radish sprouts, tomato, raw ground beef, and beef liver inoculated with 10-fold serially diluted STEC cultures was comparable to that of a real-time PCR assay (at a level of 100 to 100,000 CFU/ml in enrichment culture). The bacterial inoculation test in raw ground beef revealed that the lower detection limit of the NALFA plus PCR was also comparable to that obtained with a real-time PCR assay that followed the U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines. Although further evaluation is required, these results suggest that the NALFA plus PCR is a specific and sensitive method for detecting STEC in a food manufacturing plant.

Constipation is not associated with colonic diverticula: a multicenter study in Japan

BACKGROUND

The association of diverticula with bowel habits is unclear. We therefore analyzed the association between diverticula and bowel habits in over 1000 Japanese individuals.

METHODS

Japanese subjects who underwent total colonoscopies at seven centers in Japan from June to September 2013 were analyzed. Bowel habits were evaluated using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, and stool form was assessed using a part of the Bristol Scale and Rome ΙΙΙ criteria. Diverticula were diagnosed by colonoscopy with a transparent soft-short hood.

KEY RESULTS

The study evaluated 1066 subjects, 648 males and 418 females (ratio, 1.55 : 1), of mean age 63.9 ± 13.0 years. After adjusting for age and sex, the presence of constipation was associated with a significantly reduced likelihood of diverticula (odds ratio [OR] = 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.52-0.93). When assessed according to the location of diverticula, the presence of constipation was associated with a significantly decreased likelihood of left-sided (OR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.16-0.93), but not right-sided (OR = 1.10, 95% CI 0.48-2.53), diverticula. Furthermore, stool form was unrelated with the presence or absence of diverticula.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

The wide-spread hypothesis that constipation was associated with colonic diverticula was not supported. Rather, we found that the absence of diverticula was associated with constipation, suggesting the need to reassess the etiology of colonic diverticula.

Development of liposomal nanoconstructs targeting P-selectin (CD62P)-expressing cells by using a sulfated derivative of sialic acid

PURPOSE

NMSO3, a sulfated derivative of sialic acid, is a specific inhibitor for P-selectin (CD62P)-mediated cell adhesion. We attempted to apply liposomes modified with NMSO3 for selective targeting of activated platelets.

METHODS

The binding of fluorescently labeled NMSO3-containing liposomes (NMSO3-liposomes) to CHO cells expressing P-selectin (CHO-P cells) and activated platelets were examined. The distribution of NMSO3-liposomes incorporated into the cells was observed by fluorescence microscopy.

RESULTS

The binding assay revealed that NMSO3-liposomes specifically bound to immobilized P-selectin and CHO-P cells in a dose-dependent manner. The binding of NMSO3-liposomes to CHO-P cells was much stronger than that to the parental CHO-K1 cells. Fluorescence microscopic observation showed that NMSO3-liposomes were incorporated into CHO-P cells after the binding and distributed throughout the cytoplasm of the cell. NMSO3-liposomes bound more strongly to thrombin-activated platelets than to resting platelets, as assessed by flow cytometry.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that NMSO3-liposomes can be applied for selective drug delivery to activated platelets.

RISING beamline (BL28XU) for rechargeable battery analysis

The newly installed BL28XU beamline at SPring-8 is dedicated to in situ structural and electronic analysis of rechargeable batteries. It supports the time range (1 ms to 100 s) and spatial range (1 µm to 1 mm) needed for battery analysis. Electrochemical apparatus for battery charging and discharging are available in experimental hutches and in a preparation room. Battery analysis can be carried out efficiently and effectively using X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption fine-structure analysis and hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Here, the design and performance of the beamline are described, and preliminary results are presented.