Examination of Visceral Perception and Gastric Tone by Gastric Stimulation Using Air Inflation during Endoscopy

This study investigated the assessment of visceral perception and gastric tone using insufflation during endoscopy. The intragastric pressure was measured during insufflation in 16 patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, 25 patients with functional dyspepsia and 24 normal controls, using a pressure transducer inserted through the forceps aperture until gastric symptoms appeared. The intragastric pressure at the visceral perception threshold, the time to threshold and the time-pressure curve gradient were measured. The visceral perception threshold was significantly reduced in the functional dyspepsia group compared with the normal controls. Balloons were also inserted into the duodenal bulbs of 10 normal controls to investigate the effect of efflux of air into the duodenum; the measured parameters were not influenced by inflation and deflation. These results suggest that it is possible to assess visceral perception and gastric tone by measuring changes in intragastric pressure, using gastric stimulation by insufflation during endoscopy.

Liposome chaperon in cell-free membrane protein synthesis: one-step preparation of KcsA-integrated liposomes and electrophysiological analysis by the planar bilayer method

Chaperoning functions of liposomes were investigated using cell-free membrane protein synthesis.

HAND2-mediated proteolysis negatively regulates the function of estrogen receptor α

A previous study demonstrated that the progesterone‑inducible HAND2 gene product is a basic helix‑loop‑helix transcription factor and prevents mitogenic effects of estrogen receptor α (ERα) by inhibiting fibroblast growth factor signalling in mouse uteri. However, whether HAND2 directly affects the transcriptional activation function of ERα remains to be elucidated. In the present study, the physical interaction between HAND2 and ERα was investigating by performing an immunoprecipitation assay and an in vitro pull‑down assay. The results demonstrated that HAND2 and ERα interacted in a ligand‑independent manner. The in vitro pull‑down assays revealed a direct interaction between HAND2 and the amino‑terminus of ERα, termed the activation function‑1 domain. To determine the physiological significance of this interaction, the role of HAND2 as a cofactor of ERα was investigated, which revealed that HAND2 inhibited the ligand‑dependent transcriptional activation function of ERα. This result was further confirmed and the mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, an ERα‑downstream factor, was decreased by the overexpression of HAND2. This inhibition of ligand‑dependent transcriptional activation function of ERα was possibly attributed to the proteasomic degradation of ERα by HAND2. These results indicate a novel anti‑tumorigenic function of HAND2 in regulating ERα‑dependent gene expression. Considering that HAND2 is commonly hypermethylated and silenced in endometrial cancer, it is hypothesized that HAND2 may serve as a possible tumor suppressor, particularly in uterine tissue.

CCAR2 negatively regulates nuclear receptor LXRα by competing with SIRT1 deacetylase

Liver X receptors (LXRs) monitor endogenous sterol levels to maintain whole-body cholesterol levels and regulate inflammatory responses. Recent studies have demonstrated that LXRs may inhibit cellular proliferation, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Cell cycle and apoptosis regulator 2 (CCAR2), previously known as DBC1/KIAA1967, is a transcriptional regulator that regulates cellular proliferation and energy metabolism by inhibiting sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) deacetylase. Based on the findings that CCAR2 regulates several nuclear receptors, including the estrogen receptors and androgen receptor, we aimed to identify the underlying mechanism of CCAR2 regulation of LXRα. We found that CCAR2 formed a complex with LXRα in a ligand-independent manner in HepG2 cells, and in vitro pull-down assays, it revealed a direct interaction between the amino terminus of CCAR2 and the AF-2 domain of LXRα. Thereby, CCAR2 attenuates the ligand-dependent transcriptional activation function of LXRα. RNA interference-mediated depletion of endogenous CCAR2 potentiated the expression of the LXRα target genes ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 and G1, and the abrogation of CCAR2 resulted in decreased cellular proliferation. Moreover, competitive immunoprecipitation studies revealed that the LXRα downregulation involves the inhibition of SIRT1-LXRα complex formation. Therefore, these results clearly indicate a novel mechanism in which CCAR2 may regulate the transcriptional activation function of LXRα due to its specific inhibition of SIRT1 and serve to regulate cellular proliferation.

Cytochemical studies of nuclear DNA and RNA in normal and abnormal keratinizing tissues

The distribution patterns of nuclear DNA and RNA in normal and abnormal keratinizing tissues of human skin were examined by electron microscopy, using an enzyme digestion technique. We found that the distribution of nucleic acids in the nuclei of epidermal cells during keratinization changes gradually. In the hair cells, particularly in the cells of hair cortex and Henle's layer of inner root sheath, essentially similar findings were observed. On the other hand, the distribution patterns observed in the tumor cells of calcifying epithelioma and the parakeratotic cells of psoriasis were different from each other and different from the distribution patterns of normal keratinizing tissue, hair, and epidermis. It seems that a similar pattern of reorganization of nucleic acids occurs in the nucleic of normal keratinizing cells as the cells keratinize. However, in abnormal tissue, it seems that the reorganization pattern of nucleic acids in the nuclei is different in each case.

Pharmacokinetics of everolimus when combined with cyclosporine in Japanese de novo renal transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

Currently, there are no published data on pharmacokinetics (PK) of everolimus in combination with cyclosporine in Japanese renal transplant patients. We evaluated the PK of everolimus in Japanese de novo renal transplant patients who received everolimus in combination with cyclosporine.

METHODS

In this phase 3, multicenter, randomized, open-label study, patients were randomized (1:1) to 1 of the 2 groups: everolimus 1.5 mg (targeted C0 of 3-8 ng/mL) plus reduced-dose cyclosporine or mycophenolate mofetil 2 g/d plus standard-dose cyclosporine. PK assessments for everolimus were performed on day 28 (month 1) in the PK subpopulation.

RESULTS

A total of 11 patients (7 men), mean age 47.5 ± 11.21 years, were enrolled for PK analysis of everolimus. Starting at 1.5 mg (0.75 mg twice a day), the mean dose over a period of 28 days was 0.705 ± 0.1011 mg. Everolimus mean trough concentration was 4.307 ± 1.2459 ng/mL and mean peak concentration was 13.539 ± 3.5330 ng/mL, which peaked at 1 to 2 hours postdose. The average concentration was 7.558 ± 1.4723 ng/mL, area under the concentration-time curve was 90.70 ± 17.667 ng·h/mL, and peak-trough fluctuation was 122.6%. The PK parameters of everolimus were comparable to those in the earlier phase 3 studies (A2306 and A2307). The mean everolimus trough levels were within the target ranges at all time points ranging from 3.4 to 5.5 ng/mL (everolimus 0.75 mg twice a day, safety population). The majority of patients (>85% from day 7 onward) were maintained within the targeted everolimus trough blood levels (safety population). These data were similar to a non-Japanese study (A2309).

CONCLUSIONS

The pharmacokinetic characteristics of everolimus in Japanese de novo renal transplant patients did not differ from those previously observed in non-Japanese patients, hence the same dosage of everolimus may be acceptable in Japanese patients.

SIRT3 positively regulates the expression of folliculogenesis- and luteinization-related genes and progesterone secretion by manipulating oxidative stress in human luteinized granulosa cells

SIRT3 is a member of the sirtuin family and has recently emerged as a vital molecule in controlling the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in oocytes. Appropriate levels of ROS play pivotal roles in human reproductive medicine. The aim of the present study was to investigate SIRT3 expression and analyze the SIRT3-mediated oxidative response in human luteinized granulosa cells (GCs). Human ovarian tissues were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis to localize SIRT3 expression. Hydrogen peroxide and human chorionic gonadotropin were used to analyze the relationship between ROS and SIRT3 by quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting. Intracellular levels of ROS were investigated by fluorescence after small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of SIRT3 in human GCs. To uncover the role of SIRT3 in folliculogenesis and luteinization, mRNA levels of related genes and the progesterone concentration were analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR and immunoassays, respectively. We detected the expression of SIRT3 in the GCs of the human ovary. The mRNA levels of SIRT3, catalase, and superoxide dismutase 1 were up-regulated by hydrogen peroxide in both COV434 cells and human GCs and down-regulated by human chorionic gonadotropin. Knockdown of SIRT3 markedly elevated ROS generation in human GCs. In addition, SIRT3 depletion resulted in decreased mRNA expression of aromatase, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme, and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in GCs and thus resulted in decreased progesterone secretion. These results have the important clinical implication that SIRT3 might play a positive role in the folliculogenesis and luteinization processes in GCs, possibly by sensing and regulating the generation of ROS. Activation of SIRT3 function might help to sustain human reproduction by maintaining GCs as well as oocytes.

1306-km 20x124.8-Gb/s PM-64QAM transmission over PSCF with net SEDP 11,300 (b ∙ km)/s/Hz using 1.15 samp/symb DAC

We demonstrated the transmission of a Nyquist-WDM signal based on PM-64QAM modulation in an EDFA-only submarine configuration composed of 54.4 km-long fiber spans: 20 channels at 124.8-Gb/s were propagated over 1306 km of low-loss pure-silica-core fiber (PSCF). Thanks to an aggressive digital spectral shaping, we achieved a raw spectral efficiency (SE) of 10.4 b/s/Hz, corresponding to 8.67 b/s/Hz net SE when considering a 20% FEC overhead. Transmitter DACs are operated at a record-low 1.15 samples/symbol, enabled by the insertion of advanced anti-alias filters. The achieved SE-times-distance product was 11,327 (b ∙ km)/(s ∙ Hz), the highest reported so far for PM-64QAM. Combining the experimental results with the performance predictions obtained using an analytical model of nonlinear propagation in uncompensated coherent optical systems (the so-called "GN-model"), we show that PM-64QAM is a realistic option for ultra-high capacity systems in the 1,000 km range, carrying up 40 Tb/s in the C-band.

In not only vertebroplasty but also kyphoplasty, the resolution of vertebral deformities depends on vertebral mobility

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has not been clarified whether the postoperative resolution of vertebral deformities achieved by KP are superior to those achieved by VP. We compared the outcomes of KP and VP, taking into account the presence of vertebral mobility, to determine whether the balloon inflation in KP may contribute to postoperative resolution of the vertebral deformities in patients with VCFs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The subjects had 34 vertebral bodies treated by VP, and 43 vertebral bodies treated by KP. In all patients, preoperative dynamic imaging was performed to assess the presence of vertebral mobility. First, the vertebral height restoration and kyphotic change were compared between the VP and KP groups. Then, the patients were further divided into 2 groups on the basis of the presence of vertebral mobility, and they were compared within and between the VP and KP groups in relation to the presence of vertebral mobility.

RESULTS

Overall, no significant differences were observed in either the vertebral height restoration or kyphotic change between the VP and KP groups (P > .20). Preoperative dynamic imaging identified 19 vertebral bodies each with vertebral mobility in the VP (56%) and KP groups (44%) (P = .21). Within the VP and KP groups, the vertebral height restoration and kyphotic changes were significantly better in patients with vertebral mobility than in those without (P < .01). There were no significant differences between the 2 treatment groups after adjustment for the presence of vertebral mobility (P > .30).

CONCLUSIONS

In both the VP and KP groups, the vertebral height restoration and kyphotic change largely depended on the preoperative vertebral mobility. The use of the balloon itself contributed little to resolution of the vertebral deformities.

Regulation of SIRT1 determines initial step of endometrial receptivity by controlling E-cadherin expression

Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), originally found as a class III histone deacetylase, is a principal modulator of pathways downstream of calorie restriction, and the activation of SIRT1 ameliorates glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. We examined the role of SIRT1 in the regulation of uterine receptivity using Ishikawa and RL95-2 endometrial carcinoma cell lines. Exogenous expression of SIRT1 significantly enhanced E-cadherin expression, while small interfering RNA-mediated depletion of endogenous SIRT1 resulted in a significant reduction of E-cadherin expression. A SIRT1 activator resveratrol elevated E-cadherin expression in a dose dependent manner, while SIRT1 repressors nicotinamide and sirtinol exhibited a dose dependent reduction of E-cadherin expression. We also showed that both forced expression of SIRT1 and activation of SIRT1 promote E-cadherin-driven reporter gene constructs, and SIRT1 is localized at E-cadherin promoter containing E-box elements in Ishikawa cells. Using an in vitro model of embryo implantation, we demonstrate that exogenous expression of SIRT1 and stimulation of SIRT1 activity resulted in the Ishikawa cell line becoming receptive to JAR cell spheroid attachment. Furthermore, resveratrol enhanced E-cadherin and Glycodelin protein expression at sites of intercellular contact, suggesting an additive role of resveratrol in promoting implantation. The initial step of human reproduction depends on the capacity of an embryo to attach and implant into the endometrial wall, and these results revealed the novel mechanism that activation and increased expression of SIRT1 play an important role in uterine receptivity.

Validity of intervertebral bone cement infusion for painful vertebral compression fractures based on the presence of vertebral mobility

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It is uncertain whether analgesic effects of vertebroplasty in patients with painful VCF are actually attributable to intervertebral cement infusion. This study aims to assess the validity of cement infusion performed for pain relief based on the presence or absence of pseudoarthrosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We compared therapeutic effects between PVP and vertebral perforation without bone cement infusion in patients with painful VCF. The subjects were 64 patients undergoing PVP (PVP group) and 67 undergoing vertebral perforation (perforation group). In all patients, preoperative dynamic radiography was performed to assess the presence of vertebral mobility. Patients were classified into 2 groups, those with and those without vertebral mobility, and changes in VAS and ADL scores before and after surgery were compared between the PVP and perforation groups.

RESULTS

Regarding patients with vertebral mobility, VAS improved during the 3 months immediately after surgery in the PVP group compared with the perforation group (P < .05). Although no significant difference in postoperative ADL scores was observed between the 2 treatment groups, the scores 3 months after surgery were better in the PVP group than in the perforation group. Meanwhile, in the subgroup of patients without vertebral mobility, both treatments produced marked pain relief, but the difference was not significant (P > .05). Moreover, there was no difference in ADL scores between the 2 treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Intervertebral cement infusion exerts analgesic effects in patients with VCF with pseudoarthrosis. However, in those without vertebral mobility, the analgesic effects of vertebroplasty are the same regardless of bone cement infusion.