Observation of π^{-}K^{+} and π^{+}K^{-} Atoms

The observation of hydrogenlike πK atoms, consisting of π^{-}K^{+} or π^{+}K^{-} mesons, is presented. The atoms are produced by 24  GeV/c protons from the CERN PS accelerator, interacting with platinum or nickel foil targets. The breakup (ionization) of πK atoms in the same targets yields characteristic πK pairs, called "atomic pairs," with small relative momenta Q in the pair center-of-mass system. The upgraded DIRAC experiment observed 349±62 such atomic πK pairs, corresponding to a signal of 5.6 standard deviations. This is the first statistically significant observation of the strange dimesonic πK atom.

The novel bisphosphonate disodium dihydrogen-4-[(methylthio) phenylthio] methanebisphosphonate increases bone mass in post-ovariectomy rats

The novel bisphosphonate (BP) disodium dihydrogen-4-[(methylthio) phenylthio] methanebisphosphonate (MPMBP) is a non-nitrogen-containing BP with an antioxidant side chain that possesses anti-inflammatory properties. We investigated the systemic effects of this compound on bone loss induced by ovariectomy (OVX) in adult rats. Micro-computed tomography revealed that MPMBP increased bone mass and density in both the metaphysis and diaphysis, and improved the structural properties important for mechanical strength of osteoporotic bone. Sequential bone labeling with tetracycline and calcein indicated that MPMBP decreased longitudinal growth of the primary spongiosa (PS), but stimulated cortical bone formation in the diaphysis. MPMBP increased type I collagen accumulation in the PS, and decreased the number and size of adipocytes in the bone marrow, suggesting inhibition of increased bone marrow adipogenesis induced by OVX. Furthermore, MPMBP reduced the number of bone resorbing cathepsin K-positive osteoclasts induced by OVX. These results suggest that MPMBP could improve bone loss induced by estrogen deficiency. Both stimulation of bone formation and inhibition of bone resorption might play a role in the increase in bone mass and bone density after MPMBP treatment.

(90)Sr in teeth of cattle abandoned in evacuation zone: Record of pollution from the Fukushima-Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident

Here we determined the ⁹⁰Sr concentrations in the teeth of cattle abandoned in the evacuation area of the Fukushima-Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP) accident. ⁹⁰Sr activity concentrations in the teeth varied from 6–831 mBq (g Ca)⁻¹ and exhibited a positive relationship with the degree of radioactive contamination that the cattle experienced. Even within an individual animal, the specific activity of ⁹⁰Sr (Bq (g Sr)⁻¹) varied depending on the development stage of the teeth during the FNPP accident: teeth that were early in development exhibited high ⁹⁰Sr specific activities, while teeth that were late in development exhibited low specific activities. These findings demonstrate that ⁹⁰Sr is incorporated into the teeth during tooth development; thus, tooth ⁹⁰Sr activity concentrations reflect environmental ⁹⁰Sr levels during tooth formation. Assessment of ⁹⁰Sr in teeth could provide useful information about internal exposure to ⁹⁰Sr radiation and allow for the measurement of time-course changes in the degree of environmental ⁹⁰Sr pollution.

Cytogenetic dosimetry by micronucleus assay using peripheral blood cells is modified by thyroid hormones

Cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay is a convenient and easy method of radiation biodosimetry that uses peripheral blood (PB) cells. However, for micronuclei (MN) frequency induced by ionising radiation, a dose-response relationship in abnormal condition, such as in cancer patients, has not been assessed. To clarify the difference between the dose-response curve generated by the CBMN assay in conditions when thyroid hormone levels were normal and during thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW) prior to (131)I treatment, 12 thyroid cancer patients who underwent thyroidectomy were studied. The collected PB mononuclear cells were exposed to 0.5-3.0 Gy X-ray irradiation. Under normal conditions, dose dependency and independency of MN frequency were observed in 92 % and 8 %, respectively. In contrast, during THW, the number of patients who showed dose independency significantly increased to 42 % in comparison with control. Furthermore, a higher concentration of serum thyroglobulin in dose-independent patients was observed. These results suggest that MN frequency in cytogenetic dosimetry is affected by thyroid hormones.

Clinicopathological features of narrow-band imaging endoscopy and immunohistochemistry in ultraminute esophageal squamous neoplasms

To reveal clinicopathological features of narrow-band imaging (NBI) endoscopy and immunohistochemistry in ultraminute esophageal squamous neoplasms. If a lesion diameter was smaller or same compared with a width of closed biopsy forceps, a lesion was defined to be an ultraminute lesion. Twenty-five consecutive patients with 33 ultraminute esophageal lesions that were removed by endoscopic mucosal resection were included in the present study. We conducted two questionnaire surveys of six endoscopists by their retrospective review of endoscopic still images. The six endoscopists evaluated the endoscopic findings of the ultraminute lesions on still images taken by conventional white-light imaging endoscopy and non-magnified NBI endoscopy in the first questionnaire, and taken by magnified NBI endoscopy in the second questionnaire. An experienced pathologist who was unaware of any endoscopic findings made histological diagnosis and evaluated immunoexpression of p53 and Ki67. The 33 ultraminute lesions were all determined to be either 11 high-grade intraepithelial neoplasias (HGIENs) or 22 low-grade intraepithelial neoplasias (LGIENs). The tumor diameters were histologically confirmed to be <3 mm. All of the ultraminute tumors were visualized as unstained areas and brownish areas by real-time endoscopy with Lugol dye staining and non-magnified NBI endoscopy, respectively. All of the ultraminute IENs were visualized as brownish areas by real-time non-magnified NBI endoscopy. Three of the 25 patients with the ultraminute IENs (12%) had multiple brownish areas (more than several areas) in the esophagus on real-time non-magnified NBI endoscopy. All of the ultraminute IENs were visualized as unstained areas by real-time Lugol chromoendoscopy. Twenty of the 25 patients (80%) had multiple unstained areas (more than several areas) in the esophagus on real-time Lugol chromoendoscopy. The first questionnaire survey revealed that a significantly higher detection rate of the ultraminute IENs on non-magnified NBI endoscopy images compared with conventional white-light imaging endoscopy ones (100% vs. 72%, respectively: P < 0.0001). The second questionnaire survey revealed that presence rates of any magnified NBI endoscopy findings were not significantly different between HGIENs and LGIENs. Proliferation, dilation, and various shapes of intrapapillary capillary loops indicated remarkably high presence rates of more than 90% in both HGIENs and LGIENs. Six of 22 LGIENs (27%) and 3 of 11 HGIENs (27%) show a positive expression for p53. None of peri-IEN epithelia was positive for p53. A mean of Ki67 labeling index of LGIENs was 33% and that of HGIENs 36%. Ki67 labeling index was significantly greater in the LGIENs and HGIENs compared with that in the peri-IEN epithelia. There were no significant differences in p53 expression and Ki67 labeling index between the HGIENs and LGIENs. Non-magnified/magnified NBI endoscopy could facilitate visualization and characterization of ultraminute esophageal squamous IENs. The ultraminute HGIENs and LGIENs might have comparable features of magnified NBI endoscopy and immunohistochemistry.

Radiation-responsive transcriptome analysis in human lymphoid cells

Ionising radiation (IR) causes DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) injury and activates intracellular signal pathways including the regulation of DNA repair and cell cycle. However, the further knowledge of molecular events involved in radiation exposure is essential to more comprehensively understand the effects of irradiation. Therefore, the gene expressions of mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) by X-ray irradiation in human B lymphoblast cell line (IM-9) using a microarray were investigated. The mRNA expressions of 65 genes were shown to be up-regulated at >2.0-fold in irradiated cells (4 Gy) when compared with non-irradiated cells (0 Gy) by microarray analysis. Among 65 genes, a large number of genes were up-regulated with an X-ray dose-dependent change. These results indicate that the up-regulation of their mRNAs is the effects of irradiation and may be due to biological dosimetric markers for the evaluation of radiation exposure in the future.

TNF-alpha Converting Enzyme Degradates Interferon-Gamma. (174.15)

Infection induced immune responses cause extensive bone destruction in periodontitis. We previously reported that TNF-alpha converting enzyme (TACE) play a role in soluble RANKL and soluble TNF-alpha cleavage from activated lymphocytes in periodontitis, and these soluble osteoclastogenic cytokines induce osteoclast activation from distant site. Interferon-gamma is known as anti-osteoclastogenic cytokine produced from activated T cells, but little is known about the post-transcriptive modification, especially in inflamed tissue. We hypothesized that TACE might modify interferon-gamma and attenuate anti-osteoclastogenic activity. Recombinant interferon-gamma is incubated with intact or heat-inactivated recombinant TACE, electrophoresed in SDS-PAGE gel, and silver stain was done. In addition, the interferon-gamma concentrations of above samples are measured with ELISA. Recombinant TACE is added into the supernatant of activated mouse splenocyte, and measured interferon-gamma concentration. Silver stain revealed that not heat-inactivated but intact recombinant TACE reduced the 16 kDa band of recombinant interferon-gamma. ELISA also showed the reduction of interferon-gamma concentration by the incubation with recombinant TACE. These data suggest that, TACE might degradate interferon-gamma and attenuate anti-osteoclastogenic activity of interferon-gamma produced from activated T cells in periodontitis.

Involvement of brown adipose tissue in subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn

BACKGROUND

Subcutaneous fat necrosis (SCFN) of the newborn is a rare condition that manifests within days after birth. The interscapular region, axillae and shoulders are the most commonly affected sites, corresponding to anatomic sites of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in newborns.

OBJECTIVE

We postulated a specific involvement of BAT in SCFN and searched for brown adipocytes at affected sites.

METHODS

Biopsy specimens were immunostained with antibodies against uncoupling protein 1 (UCP-1) and examined by electron microscopy. We also examined BAT by (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose ((18)F-FDG) positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET-CT) scanning.

RESULTS

A few cells in biopsy specimens from two patients bound antibodies against UCP-1, and brown adipocytes were detected at several stages of degeneration. PET-CT scans revealed lower uptake of (18)F-FDG at major sites of SCFN.

CONCLUSION

SCFN and BAT can be found at the same sites, suggesting a pathophysiological connection.

Effect of fat supplementation on the maintenance of gut integrity in elemental diet-fed rats

AIMS

The aims of this study were to investigate the mechanism of atrophic change in ileal mucosa supplied with an elemental diet (ED) and to assess the value of supplemented fat emulsion in the prevention of atrophic change.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In experiment 1, 25 male Wistar rats with a body weight of 160-180 g were divided into 3 groups. The first group was fed regular rat chow (Control group, n=5). The second group was given ED containing 0.6% long-chain triglycerides (ED group, n=10). The third group was provided with fat-enriched ED (FED) containing 3.5% long-chain triglycerides (FED group, n=10). Each group received an isocaloric diet (300 kcal/kg/day). 4 weeks later, after euthanization, ileal samples were taken for light and electron microscopic examinations. The morphological changes of the intestinal mucosa and the crypt cell proliferation rate (CCPR) were determined. In experiment 2, to determine the site of fat absorption, 9 rats were fed ED for 1 week. After 24 h of food deprivation, all rats were given 2 ml of FED through a gastric tube. Then 1, 2, and 3 h(s) later, groups of 3 rats each were euthanized, and the total small intestine was obtained from each rat. The proximal and distal jejunum and distal ileum were stained with oil red O.

RESULTS

In experiment 1, the samples had almost the same morphological appearance irrespective of the type of feeding. The CCPR was significantly diminished in the ED group compared with the Control group, while there was no statistical difference between the FED and Control groups. In experiment 2, the oil red O stain was positive in the proximal and distal jejunum, but was completely negative in the distal ileum.

CONCLUSIONS

The introduction of ED does not soon result in an atrophic morphological change of the ileum but will decrease the CCPR. An additive fat emulsion which was rapidly absorbed by the distal jejunum could play a role in maintaining ileal mucosa integrity through some mechanism independent of absorption.

INFLUÊNCIA DAS CONDIÇÕES AMBIENTAIS NA TRANSMISSÃO DA LEPTOSPIROSE ENTRE CRIAÇÕES DE OVINOS E BOVINOS DA REGIÃO DE SOROCABA, SP

RESUMO Leptospiras excretadas pela urina podem sobreviver por longos períodos em águas de superfície e solos, na dependência do pH e teor de umidade e de matéria orgânica. Investigou-se a influência do meio ambiente na transmissão da leptospirose em dois rebanhos exclusivos de ovinos (A e C) e dois de ovinos consorciados com bovinos (F e H) da região de Sorocaba, SP, no período de dezembro de 2007 a setembro de 2008. Foram examinadas amostras de soro pela reação de soroaglutinação microscópica; de urina, água e solo pelo cultivo para leptospiras e urina de ovinos pela PCR. Condições edafoclimáticas, pH das águas de superfície e solo, granulometria e permeabilidade do solo foram analisadas. Todos os rebanhos apresentaram pelo menos um animal sororeagente para Leptospira spp. Apenas a PCR de um pool de urina de ovinos (H) foi positiva. Leptospira spp. foi isolada do lago de F. O pH das águas de superfície variou entre 6,0-7,0; e nos solos entre 4,5 e 6,8. Os índices de matéria orgânica em A, C e H variaram de 24 a 35 g/dm3, e 63 g/dm3 em F. A composição do solo de A e F mostrou-se franco-argiloarenosa, C argilosa e H franco-siltosa; como texturas mistas são capazes de manter a umidade, principalmente devido a argila. Diante da presença de animais sororeatores e portanto da circulação de Leptospira spp. nos rebanhos, conclui-se que o ciclo de transmissão é dependente da interação sinérgica e antagônica de muitas variáveis; onde o pastejo num habitat com alto teor de umidade parece ser limitante.

Splenectomy and antiviral treatment for thrombocytopenic patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection

Thrombocytopenic patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are poor candidates for antiviral treatment with interferon (IFN), but no standard treatment for thrombocytopenia has yet been established. We evaluated the safety of splenectomy and its efficacy for the initiation and continuation of antiviral therapy. From March 2003 to April 2006, 10 patients (mean age 62.5 years) with HCV-related cirrhosis, low platelet count (<==106 000/mm(3)) and splenomegaly (spleen size >==10 cm) underwent splenectomy. Platelet counts significantly increased at 4-8 weeks after splenectomy [pre: 64 200 +/- 6900/mm(3)vs post 209 000 +/- 40 600/mm(3) (P = 0.004)]. No severe operative complications were observed. All patients subsequently received antiviral therapy. Of the eight patients who were infected with HCV genotype 1 and had a high viral load (>==100 KIU/mL), four received combination therapy with pegylated IFNalpha-2b plus ribavirin, and the other four received standard IFNalpha-2b plus ribavirin. One patient infected with HCV genotype 2 and another with HCV genotype 1 and a low viral load (<100 KIU/mL) were treated with pegylated IFNalpha-2a. Six patients achieved sustained virologic response (SVR). Among four patients who failed to achieve SVR, one was given retreatment with pegylated IFN plus ribavirin, and the other three received low-dose long-term IFN therapy. Although this study was small, the treatment results were similar to those for patients without thrombocytopenia and suggested that splenectomy would not reduce the antiviral efficacy of IFNalpha-based treatment.

[Obvious enlargement of the pulmonary hamartoma: report of a case]

A 72-year-old man was admitted to our hospital due to abnormal shadow in the right hilum by a routine chest X-ray. When we had another look at a chest X-ray that had been taken 6 years before, we had found a pulmonary nodule of 18 mm in size. The chest X-ray and computed tomography (CT) taken at admission showed a round nodule with calcification in the same site, with increasing in size to 30 mm. The tumor could not be clinically diagnosed and the surgery was scheduled because the nodule had grown and the possibility of a malignant tumor was suggested. At surgery, the tumor was easily enucleated and the pathological diagnosis was chondromatous hamartoma. Although pulmonary hamartoma is a benign tumor, operation should be performed when the tumor had grown.

Existence of Pink1 antisense RNAs in mouse and their localization

PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1), which is identified as the gene transactivated by the tumor suppressor PTEN, has been found to be one of the causative genes in Parkinson's disease (PD). In order to understand PD, rodent models containing affected Pink1 such as loss-of-function mutations have been exploited. Recently, natural antisense RNA of PINK1 has been demonstrated to be involved in the regulation of the PINK1 locus. However, no antisense RNAs of Pink1 except for human have been reported so far. Therefore, in the present study, while searching for the Pink1 antisense RNAs in mouse, we found that the antisense RNAs are transcribed from a mouse genomic region corresponding to the human region from which the antisense RNAs are produced. Further, we investigated the localization of the antisense RNAs in mouse brain using in situ hybridization; this demonstrated that the antisense RNAs were localized in the regions of brain where the Pink1 mRNA was found. In addition, the mRNA and antisense RNAs were found more densely in the hippocampus than in the other brain regions in newborn and 1-week-old mice, while those RNAs were found uniformly in the mouse brain regions of embryo day (E) 14, E17, and 8-weeks-old.

Periodontal gene transfer by ultrasound and nano/microbubbles

A non-viral gene delivery approach with nano/microbubbles and ultrasound offers opportunities for targeting soft tissues for gene therapy. The periodontium is a complex structure comprised of hard (cementum, alveolar bone) and soft tissues (periodontal ligament, gingivae). We hypothesized that our established gene delivery method would allow the periodontal tissue to be targeted for transfection for gene therapy. Expression kinetics and sites of transfection sites with this approach were investigated in rat periodontal tissue. Bioluminescence imaging revealed that transient gene expression was induced at day 1 posttransfection, while confocal microscopy showed that gene expression was localized in the muscle cells of gingival tissues. These findings indicate that regular transfection with this approach results in high gene expression, facilitating gene therapy for periodontal disease involving alveolar bone resorption.

Compressive force induces VEGF production in periodontal tissues

During orthodontic tooth movement, the activation of the vascular system in the compressed periodontal ligament (PDL) is an indispensable process in tissue remodeling. We hypothesized that compressive force would induce angiogenesis of PDL through the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). We examined the localization of VEGF in rat periodontal tissues during experimental tooth movement in vivo, and the effects of continuous compressive force on VEGF production and angiogenic activity in human PDL cells in vitro. PDL cells adjacent to hyalinized tissue and alveolar bone on the compressive side showed marked VEGF immunoreactivity. VEGF mRNA expression and production in PDL cells increased, and conditioned medium stimulated tube formation. These results indicate that continuous compressive force enhances VEGF production and angiogenic activity in PDL cells, which may contribute to periodontal remodeling, including angiogenesis, during orthodontic tooth movement.

Anaemia in relation to low bioavailability of dietary iron among school-aged children in the Aral Sea region, Kazakhstan

This study investigates anaemia related to the sufficiency of dietary iron intake of school-aged children in the Kzyl-Orda region of Kazakhstan. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 97 school-aged children living in Kzyl-Orda. Blood samples were collected for measuring haemoglobin. Dietary intake data were obtained from 24-h dietary recalls. Iron bioavailability was estimated with algorithms adjusting for absorption enhancers (meat, fish and poultry, and vitamin C) and inhibitors (tea and phytates) consumed in the same meal. The median total iron intakes were adequate compared with the median basal iron requirement; however, the median bioavailable iron intakes were well below the median absorbed iron requirement. Available iron was 6.9-7.2% of the total iron intake after adjusting for the absorption enhancers, and was reduced by 3.1-4.4% after adjusting for both enhancers and inhibitors. After adjustment for energy intake, higher iron intake was significantly associated with a decreased prevalence of anaemia (odds ratio, 0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.16-0.93; P=0.034). Some evidence suggested an association between bioavailable iron intake after adjustment of absorption enhancers and inhibitors (odds ratio, 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.18-1.01; P=0.053). In conclusion, low bioavailability of dietary iron seems related to anaemia in the region. Although iron fortification or supplementation programmes can be useful for promoting the anaemia prevention control programme, further efforts for nutritional education suited for family level dietary practice are necessary.