The global significance of Scleractinian corals without photoendosymbiosis

Globally tropical Scleractinian corals have been a focal point for discussions on the impact of a changing climate on marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Research into tropical Scleractinian corals, particularly the role and breakdown of photoendosymbiosis in response to warming, has been prolific in recent decades. However, research into their subtropical, temperate, cold- and deep-water counterparts, whose number is dominated by corals without photoendosymbiosis, has not been as prolific. Approximately 50% of Scleractinian corals (> 700 species) do not maintain photoendosymbiosis and as such, do not rely upon the products of photosynthesis for homeostasis. Some species also have variable partnerships with photendosymbionts depending on life history and ecological niche. Here we undertake a systematic map of literature on Scleractinian corals without, or with variable, photoendosymbiosis. In doing so we identify 482 publications spanning 5 decades. In mapping research effort, we find publications have been sporadic over time, predominately focusing on a limited number of species, with greater research effort directed towards deep-water species. We find only 141 species have been studied, with approximately 30% of the total identified research effort directed toward a single species, Desmophyllum pertusum, highlighting significant knowledge gaps into Scleractinian diversity. We find similar limitations to studied locations, with 78 identified from the global data, of which only few represent most research outputs. We also identified inconsistencies with terminology used to describe Scleractinia without photoendosymbiosis, likely contributing to difficulties in accounting for their role and contribution to marine ecosystems. We propose that the terminology requires re-evaluation to allow further systematic assessment of literature, and to ensure it's consistent with changes implemented for photoendosymbiotic corals. Finally, we find that knowledge gaps identified over 20 years ago are still present for most aphotoendosymbiotic Scleractinian species, and we show data deficiencies remain regarding their function, biodiversity and the impacts of anthropogenic stressors.

Effects of High-Dose Cyclophosphamide on Ultrastructural Changes and Gene Expression Profiles in the Cardiomyocytes of C57BL/6J Mice

The pathogenesis of cyclophosphamide (CY)-induced cardiotoxicity remains unknown, and methods for its prevention have not been established. To elucidate the acute structural changes that take place in myocardial cells and the pathways leading to myocardial damage under high-dose CY treatments, we performed detailed pathological analyses of myocardial tissue obtained from C57BL/6J mice subjected to a high-dose CY treatment. Additionally, we analysed the genome-wide cardiomyocyte expression profiles of mice subjected to the high-dose CY treatment. Treatment with CY (400 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally for two days) caused marked ultrastructural aberrations, as observed using electron microscopy, although these aberrations could not be observed using optical microscopy. The expansion of the transverse tubule and sarcoplasmic reticulum, turbulence in myocardial fibre travel, and a low contractile protein density were observed in cardiomyocytes. The high-dose CY treatment altered the cardiomyocyte expression of 1210 genes (with 675 genes upregulated and 535 genes downregulated) associated with cell-cell junctions, inflammatory responses, cardiomyopathy, and cardiac muscle function, as determined using microarray analysis (|Z-score| > 2.0). The expression of functionally important genes related to myocardial contraction and the regulation of calcium ion levels was validated using real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. The results of the gene expression profiling, functional annotation clustering, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway functional-classification analysis suggest that CY-induced cardiotoxicity is associated with the disruption of the Ca2+ signalling pathway.

Pharmacist Interventions for Adverse Drug Reactions in Palliative Care: A Multicentre Pilot Study

This study aimed to investigate adverse reactions to medications administered during palliative care and compare the responses of Board-Certified Pharmacists in Palliative Pharmacy (BCPPP) and non-BCPPP professionals. Methods: This multicentre prospective survey included hospital and community pharmacists who are members of the Japanese Society for Pharmaceutical Palliative Care and Sciences. Study participants included patients who experienced new drug reactions during the study period and responded to the requested survey items. The follow-up period for each eligible patient began on the day the pharmacists initiated the intervention and ended at discharge, death, or after one month of intervention. The primary endpoint was the impact of pharmacist intervention on adverse drug reactions. The pharmacists included in the study evaluated the severity of adverse drug reactions to assess the effect of their intervention using an integrated palliative care outcome scale before and after the intervention. Key findings: During the survey period, 79 adverse drug reaction intervention reports from 69 patients were obtained from 54 pharmacists (28 certified and 26 non-certified). The response rate was 1.62% (54/3,343). The management of palliative pharmacotherapy side effects by BCPPP and non-BCPPP significantly improved the patients' activities of daily living (P < 0.001). The BCPPP group intervened for significantly more patients with adverse drug reactions and overall adverse drug reactions than the non-BCPPP group (P < 0.023 and P < 0.013, respectively). Conclusion: BCPPP interventions can improve symptom management.

Total synthesis of (-)-domoic acid, a potent ionotropic glutamate receptor agonist and the key compound in oceanic harmful algal blooms

The stereo-controlled total synthesis of (-)-domoic acid is described. The critical construction of the C1'-C2' Z-configuration was accomplished by taking advantage of an unsaturated lactam structure. The side chain fragment was introduced in the final stages of synthesis through a modified Julia-Kocieński reaction, aiming for its efficient derivatization.

Nucleolar Stress Response via Ribosomal Protein L11 Regulates Topoisomerase Inhibitor Sensitivity of P53-Intact Cancers

Nucleolar stress response is caused by perturbations in ribosome biogenesis, induced by the inhibition of ribosomal RNA processing and synthesis, as well as ribosome assembly. This response induces p53 stabilization and activation via ribosomal protein L11 (RPL11), suppressing tumor progression. However, anticancer agents that kill cells via this mechanism, and their relationship with the therapeutic efficiency of these agents, remain largely unknown. Here, we sought to investigate whether topoisomerase inhibitors can induce nucleolar stress response as they reportedly block ribosomal RNA transcription. Using rhabdomyosarcoma and rhabdoid tumor cell lines that are sensitive to the nucleolar stress response, we evaluated whether nucleolar stress response is associated with sensitivity to topoisomerase inhibitors ellipticine, doxorubicin, etoposide, topotecan, and anthracyclines. Cell proliferation assay indicated that small interfering RNA-mediated RPL11 depletion resulted in decreased sensitivity to topoisomerase inhibitors. Furthermore, the expression of p53 and its downstream target proteins via western blotting showed the suppression of p53 pathway activation upon RPL11 knockdown. These results suggest that the sensitivity of cancer cells to topoisomerase inhibitors is regulated by RPL11-mediated nucleolar stress responses. Thus, RPL11 expression may contribute to the prediction of the therapeutic efficacy of topoisomerase inhibitors and increase their therapeutic effect of topoisomerase inhibitors.

Association between Dysfunction of the Nucleolar Stress Response and Multidrug Resistance in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Simple Summary

Pediatric patients with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) relapse or are refractory to chemotherapy despite the low frequency of TP53 mutations. The nucleolar stress response is one of the mechanisms that activate P53 by ribosomal protein L11 (RPL11). We hypothesized that the lack of nucleolar stress response is related to chemoresistance and relapse in some pediatric BCP-ALL cases. We revealed that clinical BCP-ALL therapeutics, such as 6-mercaptopurine, methotrexate, daunorubicin, and cytarabine, induced the nucleolar stress response, and its treatment susceptibility was dependent on the nucleolar stress response. Furthermore, we observed decreased RPL11 expression at relapse in seven children with BCP-ALL in comparison to that at onset. Our findings provide new insights into the anti-leukemia mechanism in BCP-ALL and multidrug resistance and relapse via the nucleolar stress response, suggesting that the nucleolar stress response may be a potential therapeutic strategy to predict chemosensitivity and improve chemoresistance in pediatric BCP-ALL.

Abstract

Approximately 20% of pediatric patients with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) relapse or are refractory to chemotherapy despite the low frequency of TP53 mutations. The nucleolar stress response is a P53-activating mechanism via MDM2 inhibition by ribosomal protein L11 (RPL11). We analyzed the role of the nucleolar stress response using BCP-ALL cell lines and patient samples by drug sensitivity tests, Western blotting, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. We revealed that the nucleolar stress response works properly in TP53 wild-type human BCP-ALL cell lines. Next, we found that 6-mercaptopurine, methotrexate, daunorubicin, and cytarabine had anti-leukemic effects via the nucleolar stress response within BCP-ALL treatment. Comparing the samples at onset and relapse in children with BCP-ALL, RPL11 mRNA expression decreased at relapse in seven of nine cases. Furthermore, leukemia cells with relapse acquired resistance to these four drugs and suppressed P53 and RPL11 expression. Our findings suggest that the nucleolar stress response is a novel anti-leukemia mechanism in BCP-ALL. As these four drugs are key therapeutics for BCP-ALL treatment, dysfunction of the nucleolar stress response may be related to clinical relapse or refractoriness. Nucleolar stress response may be a target to predict and improve the chemotherapy effect for pediatric BCP-ALL.

Successful laparoscopy-assisted en bloc resection of bulky omental malignant lymphoma involving the ascending colon and multiple lymph node metastases: Report of a technically demanding case in a pediatric patient

We herein report a 13-year-old boy with a chief complaint of abdominal pain and a palpable mass. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan showed an abdominal bulky tumor involving the ascending colon causing severe stenosis, with multiple abdominal lymph node metastases detected by positron emission tomography (PET)-CT. Laparoscopic radical resection with right hemicolectomy and lymph node dissection was planned. The bulky tumor was dissected from the retroperitoneum and resected en bloc with the right-side colon and omentum. The preoperatively detected metastatic lymph nodes were resected along with the tumor. A 6-cm longitudinal umbilical incision was made, and the huge tumor was removed, with functional end-to-end anastomosis performed for intestinal reconstruction. The pathological diagnosis was Burkitt-like lymphoma with 11q aberration. The postoperative course was uneventful. Laparoscopy-assisted extirpation is feasible for pediatric solid tumors involving other organs, but indications and procedures should be carefully determined based on preoperative imaging, intraoperative findings and surgeon's skills.

Changes in intracellular activation-related gene expression and induction of Akt contribute to acquired resistance toward nelarabine in CCRF-CEM cell line

Drug resistance is a major problem in treatment with nelarabine, and its resolution requires elucidation of the underlying mechanisms. We established two nelarabine-resistant subclones of the human T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia cell line CCRF-CEM. The resistant subclones showed changes in the expression of several genes related to nelarabine intracellular activation and inhibition of apoptosis. Activation of the Akt protein upon nelarabine treatment was observed in both subclones. The combination treatment with nelarabine and PI3K/Akt inhibitors was shown to inhibit cell growth. Cross-resistance was observed with ara-C and not with vincristine, daunorubicin, or etoposide treatment. Thus, changes in the expression of cellular activation-related genes, inhibition of apoptosis, and induction of Akt may be involved in the development of nelarabine resistance in the CCRF-CEM cell model. The use of different classes of chemotherapeutic agents and combination therapy with PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitors may be used to overcome resistance to nelarabine.

Structural variation of the 3-acetamido-4,5,6-trihydroxyazepane iminosugar through epimerization and C-alkylation leads to low micromolar HexAB and NagZ inhibitors

We report the synthesis of seven-membered iminosugars derived from a 3S-acetamido-4R,5R,6S-trihydroxyazepane scaffold and their evaluation as inhibitors of functionally related exo-N-acetylhexosaminidases including human O-GlcNAcase (OGA), human lysosomal β-hexosaminidase (HexAB), and Escherichia coli NagZ. Capitalizing on the flexibility of azepanes and the active site tolerances of hexosaminidases, we explore the effects of epimerization of stereocenters at C-3, C-5 and C-6 and C-alkylation at the C-2 or C-7 positions. Accordingly, epimerization at C-6 (L-ido) and at C-5 (D-galacto) led to selective HexAB inhibitors whereas introduction of a propyl group at C-7 on the C-3 epimer furnished a potent NagZ inhibitor.

Tea crude extracts effectively inactivate severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2

It is well known that black and green tea extracts, particularly polyphenols, have antimicrobial activity against various pathogenic microbes including viruses. However, there is limited data on the antiviral activity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), which emerged rapidly in China in late 2019 and which has been responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic globally. In this study, 20 compounds and three extracts were obtained from black and green tea and found that three tea extracts showed significant antiviral activity against SARS‐CoV‐2, whereby the viral titre decreased about 5 logs TCID₅₀ per ml by 1·375 mg ml⁻¹ black tea extract and two‐fold diluted tea bag infusion obtained from black tea when incubated at 25°C for 10 s. However, when concentrations of black and green tea extracts were equally adjusted to 344 µg ml⁻¹, green tea extracts showed more antiviral activity against SARS‐CoV‐2. This simple and highly respected beverage may be a cheap and widely acceptable means to reduce SARS‐CoV‐2 viral burden in the mouth and upper gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts in developed as well as developing countries.

A novel class of small tRNA-like noncoding transcripts arising from the human NEAT1-MALAT1 region critically influences innate immunity and angiogenesis

Background

The evolutionary conserved NEAT1-MALAT1 gene cluster encounters high interest in cardiovascular medicine and oncology. The cluster generates large primary transcripts which remain nuclear, whereas novel tRNA-like transcripts (mascRNA, menRNA) enzymatically generated from these precursors translocate to the cytosol. We previously found that NEAT1 and MALAT1 deficient mice display accelerated atherosclerosis and vascular inflammation due to immune dysfunctions.

Methods

While the previously investigated mice were deficient in the entire NEAT1 or MALAT1 locus, here we aimed to selectively disrupt only tRNA-like transcripts “menRNA” arising from NEAT1, or “mascRNA” arising from MALAT1. To none of these a biological function has been assigned so far. Both lncRNAs give rise to transcripts of vastly different size (NEAT1: 23kb MENb, 3.7kb MENe, 59nt “menRNA”; MALAT1: 8.3 kb primary, 59nt “mascRNA”), and traditional knockout methods are unable to selectively inactivate one of the small transcripts only. Through CRISPR/Cas9 editing we therefore developed human monocyte-macrophage cell lines with short deletions in the respective tRNA-encoding sequences to disrupt normal menRNA or mascRNA formation, respectively. These editing procedures do not affect transcription of the respective lncRNA parent transcripts, and also not disturb regular formation of the triple-helix structures at their 3'-ends which support stabilization of the respective lncRNAs (Fig. 1).

Results

We found the tRNA-like transcripts menRNA and mascRNA critically influence innate immunity and angiogenesis. In addition to common anomalies resulting from their selective CRISPR-Cas9 mediated deletion (Fig. 1), there are specific disturbances associated with either Δmasc or Δmen cells (Fig. 2).

Both ΔmascRNA and ΔmenRNA human monocytes show profoundly altered ribosomal RNA/protein and tRNA-modifying enzyme expression, display anomalous growth/ angiogenetic factor expression, fundamentally change angiogenetic patterns in co-cultures with human endothelial cells, and have gravely disturbed innate immune responses (LPS, DNA and RNA viruses) (Fig. 1).

CRISPR-engineered ΔmenRNA cells share remakable similarities with human post-MI PBMCs, suggesting the NEAT1-menRNA system may significantly contribute to post-MI residual inflammatory risk despite optimal standard therapy (Fig. 2).

Conclusions

Beyond prior work in knockout mice documenting immune function of the NEAT1-MALAT1 cluster, the current study identifies menRNA and mascRNA as important novel components of human innate immunity with relevance for angiogenetic processes. These data provide a second mechanistic link for the apparent relevance of the NEAT1-MALAT1 gene cluster in cardiovascular and malignant diseases. As prototypes of a novel class of small noncoding RNAs (distinct from miRNAs and siRNAs) they may constitute cytosolic therapeutic targets.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): DZHK Shared Expertise Project/B19-006_SE/FKZ 81X2100257/Transcriptome analysis of circulating immune cells to improve the assessment of prognosis and the response to novel anti-inflammatory treatments after myocardial infarction Figure 1. Common anomaliesFigure 2. Specific anomalies

Accuracy in Facial Trustworthiness Impressions: Kernel of Truth or Modern Physiognomy? A Meta-Analysis

Being able to identify trustworthy strangers is a critical social skill. However, whether such impressions are accurate is debatable. Critically, the field currently lacks a quantitative summary of the evidence. To address this gap, we conducted two meta-analyses. We tested whether there is a correlation between perceived and actual trustworthiness across faces, and whether perceivers show above-chance accuracy at assessing trustworthiness. Both meta-analyses revealed significant, modest accuracy (face level, r = .14; perceiver level, r = .27). Perceiver-level effects depended on domain, with aggressiveness and sexual unfaithfulness having stronger effects than agreeableness, criminality, financial reciprocity, and honesty. We also applied research weaving to map the literature, revealing potential biases, including a preponderance of Western studies, a lack of "cross-talk" between research groups, and clarity issues. Overall, this modest accuracy is unlikely to be of practical utility. Moreover, we strongly urge the field to improve reporting standards and generalizability of the results.

Role of RNF213 polymorphism in defining quasi-moyamoya disease and definitive moyamoya disease

OBJECTIVE

Quasi-moyamoya disease (QMMD) is moyamoya disease (MMD) associated with additional underlying diseases. Although the ring finger protein 213 (RNF213) c.14576G>A mutation is highly correlated with MMD in the Asian population, its relationship to QMMD is unclear. Therefore, in this study the authors sought to investigate the RNF213 c.14576G>A mutation in the genetic diagnosis and classification of QMMD.

METHODS

This case-control study was conducted among four core hospitals. A screening system for the RNF213 c.14576G>A mutation based on high-resolution melting curve analysis was designed. The prevalence of RNF213 c.14576G>A was investigated in 76 patients with MMD and 10 patients with QMMD.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in age, sex, family history, and mode of onset between the two groups. Underlying diseases presenting in patients with QMMD were hyperthyroidism (n = 6), neurofibromatosis type 1 (n = 2), Sjögren's syndrome (n = 1), and meningitis (n =1). The RNF213 c.14576G>A mutation was found in 64 patients (84.2%) with MMD and 8 patients (80%) with QMMD; no significant difference in mutation frequency was observed between cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

There are two forms of QMMD, one in which the vascular abnormality is associated with an underlying disease, and the other in which MMD is coincidentally complicated by an unrelated underlying disease. It has been suggested that the presence or absence of the RNF213 c.14576G>A mutation may be useful in distinguishing between these disease types.

Circular dichroism and resonance Raman spectroscopies of bacteriochlorophyll b-containing LH1-RC complexes

The core light-harvesting complexes (LH1) in bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) b-containing purple phototrophic bacteria are characterized by a near-infrared absorption maximum around 1010 nm. The determinative cause for this ultra-redshift remains unclear. Here, we present results of circular dichroism (CD) and resonance Raman measurements on the purified LH1 complexes in a reaction center-associated form from a mesophilic and a thermophilic Blastochloris species. Both the LH1 complexes displayed purely positive CD signals for their Q_y transitions, in contrast to those of BChl a-containing LH1 complexes. This may reflect differences in the conjugation system of the bacteriochlorin between BChl b and BChl a and/or the differences in the pigment organization between the BChl b- and BChl a-containing LH1 complexes. Resonance Raman spectroscopy revealed remarkably large redshifts of the Raman bands for the BChl b C3-acetyl group, indicating unusually strong hydrogen bonds formed with LH1 polypeptides, results that were verified by a published structure. A linear correlation was found between the redshift of the Raman band for the BChl C3-acetyl group and the change in LH1-Q_y transition for all native BChl a- and BChl b-containing LH1 complexes examined. The strong hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions between BChl b and nearby aromatic residues in the LH1 polypeptides, along with the CD results, provide crucial insights into the spectral and structural origins for the ultra-redshift of the long-wavelength absorption maximum of BChl b-containing phototrophs.

51 CT Head and Cervical Spine Audit in Patients Over the Age of 65: A District General Hospital Perspective

Introduction

Cervical spine (c-spine) injury has a high morbidity and mortality in patients over the age of 65; more than 60% result from falls from standing height (Beedham et al., 2019).

The Canadian Cervical Spine Rule (Stiell et al., 2001) deems that there is a high risk of c-spine fracture if any of the following apply:

The c-spine cannot be cleared clinically if the patient fits any of the above criteria. Imaging should be considered. As a result of recent clinical experiences Trust Guidelines at Stoke Mandeville Hospital now reflect this evidence (Hadley et al., 2019).

Methods

Fifty patients over the age of 65 who had a computerised tomography (CT) head scan in the Emergency Department (ED) following a traumatic head injury were randomly selected over a 1 month period. Cases were checked for examination of c-spine and/or CT c-spine. Results of the first cycle of the audit were presented at an ED Education Meeting. Indications for CT c-spine were displayed in poster format around the ED. Following these interventions, a re-audit was carried out using the same methodology.

Results

In fifty patients aged over 65 attending ED during one month, 16% had a CT c-spine in addition to a CT head. There was documented c-spine examination of 16% of those without CT c-spine on admission. In the re-audit 38% of the fifty patients who had a CT head underwent CT c-spine. In the group that did not have imaging of the c-spine, the proportion with documented cervical spine examination on admission remained the same (16%).

Conclusion

There was a 137.5% increase in the number of patients aged over 65 who appropriately underwent a CT c-spine as per Trust and National guidelines. Simple interventions (staff education and posters within the ED) were sufficient to significantly alter practice. Current trauma triage is not optimal for older patients who are reviewed by more junior doctors, less likely to be transferred to Major Trauma Centres and more likely to die than younger patients with similar injuries (Major Trauma In Older People 2017 Report). An older person’s trauma team in ED with age-appropriate triage would lead to appropriate imaging in a timely fashion, potentially improving the morbidity and mortality of these vulnerable patients.

Prognostic and therapeutic factors influencing the clinical outcome of metastatic Ewing sarcoma family of tumors: A retrospective report from the Japan Ewing Sarcoma Study Group

BACKGROUND

The prognosis of patients with metastatic Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT) remains poor.

PROCEDURE

We retrospectively analyzed 57 patients diagnosed with metastatic ESFT between 2000 and 2018 to identify prognostic and therapeutic factors affecting the clinical outcome.

RESULTS

The 3-year overall survival (OS) rate of the entire cohort was 46.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 33.0-59.4%). Treatment-related death was not observed. Multivariate analysis identified stem cell transplantation (SCT), response to first-line chemotherapy, and bone metastasis as independent risk factors for OS. Objective response rate to first-line chemotherapy was 65.1% in the 43 evaluable patients. There was no significant difference in the response to different types of first-line chemotherapy. Among patients with lung metastasis alone, the 3-year OS rate was higher in 13 patients who received local treatment than in four who did not, although the difference was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

One possible reason for the high OS rates was the absence of treatment-related mortality even in patients receiving SCT, which could be attributed to advances in the management of post-SCT complications. Novel first-line chemotherapy strategies need to be established to improve the disease status prior to SCT in a higher proportion of patients.

[Improvement in platelet count and bleeding symptom during treatment with eltrombopag in a patient with X-linked thrombocytopenia]

Herein, we describe a 13-year-old male adolescent who had chronic thrombocytopenia since infancy. In this case, X-linked thrombocytopenia (XLT) was suspected owing to a family history of chronic thrombocytopenia and small-sized platelets. Moreover, the patient was refractory to immunoglobulin therapy. The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) expression analysis revealed a decreased expression. Results showed a missense mutation [c.296A>G (p.Gln99Arg)] in exon 3 of the WASP-interacting protein region. Therefore, a diagnosis of XLT was made. To lift exercise restrictions, we initiated treatment with eltrombopag at a dose of 12.5 µg/day. The platelet count of the patient increased to approximately 50×10³/µl after the treatment dose was escalated to 25 µg/day, and bleeding symptoms decreased after the patient resumed exercise. Ultrastructural platelet abnormalities and abnormal platelet aggregation were observed on transmission electron microscopy after the administration of eltrombopag. Therefore, eltrombopag treatment can increase platelet count and reduce bleeding symptoms in patients with XLT.

REACTOR PHYSICS EXPERIMENT IN A GRAPHITE-MODERATION SYSTEM FOR HTGR

The Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) started the Research and Development (R&D) to improve nuclear prediction techniques for High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactors (HTGRs). The objectives are to introduce a generalized bias factor method to avoid full mock-up experiment for the first commercial HTGR and to introduce reactor noise analysis to High Temperature Engineering Test Reactor (HTTR) experiment to observe sub-criticality. To achieve the objectives, the reactor core of graphite-moderation system named B7/4”G2/8”p8EUNU+3/8”p38EU(1) was newly composed in the B-rack of Kyoto University Critical Assembly (KUCA). The core is composed of the fuel assembly, driver fuel assembly, graphite reflector, and polyethylene reflector. The fuel assembly is composed of enriched uranium plate, natural uranium plate and graphite plates to realize the average fuel enrichment of HTTR and it’s spectrum. However, driver fuel assembly is necessary to achieve the criticality with the small-sized core. The core plays a role of the reference core of the bias factor method, and the reactor noise was measured to develop the noise analysis scheme. In this study, the overview of the criticality experiments is reported. The reactor configuration with graphite moderation system is rare case in the KUCA experiments, and this experiment is expected to contribute not only for an HTGR development but also for other types of a reactor in the graphite moderation system such as a molten salt reactor development.