Sequence variations at I260 and A1731 contribute to persistent currents in Drosophila sodium channels

Tetrodotoxin-sensitive persistent sodium currents, INaP, that activate at subthreshold voltages, have been detected in numerous vertebrate and invertebrate neurons. These currents are believed to be critical for regulating neuronal excitability. However, the molecular mechanism underlying INaP is controversial. In this study, we identified an INaP with a broad range of voltage dependence, from -60mV to 20mV, in a Drosophila sodium channel variant expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Mutational analysis revealed that two variant-specific amino acid changes, I260T in the S4-S5 linker of domain I (ILS4-S5) and A1731V in the voltage sensor S4 of domain IV (IVS4), contribute to the INaP. I260T is critical for the portion of INaP at hyperpolarized potentials. The T260-mediated INaP is likely the result of window currents flowing in the voltage range where the activation and inactivation curves overlap. A1731V is responsible for impaired inactivation and contributes to the portion of INaP at depolarized potentials. Furthermore, A1731V causes enhanced activity of two site-3 toxins which induce persistent currents by inhibiting the outward movement of IVS4, suggesting that A1731V inhibits the outward movement of IVS4. These results provided molecular evidence for the involvement of distinct mechanisms in the generation of INaP: T260 contributes to INaP via enhancement of the window current, whereas V1731 impairs fast inactivation probably by inhibiting the outward movement of IVS4.

Evaluation of hamstring muscle strength and morphology after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

This study aimed to clarify the relationship between knee flexor strength and hamstring muscle morphology after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using the semitendinosus (ST) tendon and to determine the causative factors of decreased knee flexor muscle strength. Fourteen male and ten female patients who resumed sports activities after surgery participated in the experiment. Isometric knee flexion torque was measured at 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°, and 105° of knee flexion. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to calculate ST muscle length and hamstring muscle volume, and to confirm the status of ST tendon regeneration. The correlation between the MRI findings and flexor strength was analyzed. Regenerated ST tendon was confirmed in 21 of the 24 patients, but muscle volume (87.6%) and muscle length (74.5%) of the ST in the operated limb were significantly smaller than those in the normal limb. The percentage of the knee flexion torque of the operated limb compared with that of the normal was apparently lower at 105° (69.1%) and 90° (68.6%) than at 60° (84.4%). Tendon regeneration, ST muscle shortening, and ST muscle atrophy correlated with decreased knee flexion torque. These results indicated that preserving the morphology of the ST muscle-tendon complex is important.

Loss-of-function mutations in the gene encoding filaggrin underlie a Japanese family with food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis

BACKGROUND

Food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (FDEIA) is a serious food allergy in which anaphylaxis develops when exercise is performed within several hours after food intake. The precise mechanism underlying allergic sensitization in FDEIA has been an important issue but remains poorly understood.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to elucidate the pathomechanism including the route of allergen sensitization involved in FDEIA.

METHODS

A Japanese family with wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (WDEIA), a specific form of FDEIA, were clinically examined. Mutation analysis of the gene encoding filaggrin (FLG) was also performed.

RESULTS

Two of the family members were confirmed as WDEIA on the basis of their medical history and positive provocation test results. Notably, the two affected individuals in the family had concomitant ichthyosis vulgaris. Mutation analysis of FLG revealed that they carry one or more loss-of-function mutations that have not been described in the Japanese population.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that FLG mutations might be involved in the pathogenesis of WDEIA in the present case.

Adipose cells induce phospho-Thr-172 AMPK production by epinephrine or CL316243 in mouse 3T3-L1 adipocytes or MAPK activation and G protein-associated PI3K responses induced by CL316243 or aluminum fluoride in rat white adipocytes

Responses of adipose cells to adrenoceptor regulation, including that of β-adrenoceptor (AR), and the signalling machinery involved in these responses are not sufficiently understood; information that is helpful for elucidating the adrenoceptor (adrenergic and β-AR)-responsive machinery is insufficient. We examined phospho-Thr-172 AMPK production in mouse-derived 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with epinephrine or CL316243 (a β3-AR agonist) for 15 min. We also examined MAPK activation or G protein-associated PI3K activation or -associated PI3K p85 complex formation in rat epididymal (white) adipocytes treated with CL316243 for 15 min or aluminum fluoride (a G-protein signalling activator) for 20 min. Furthermore, we examined the effect of PTX (a trimeric G-protein inactivator) on p85 complex formation induced by aluminum fluoride treatment. Western blot analysis revealed that epinephrine or CL316243 treatment increased the phospho- Thr-172 AMPK (an active form of AMPK) level in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Activated kinase analysis with a specific substrate showed that CL316243 or aluminum fluoride treatment activated MAPK in rat adipocytes. Immunoprecipitation experiments with a G-protein β subunit (Gβ) antibody showed that treatment of rat adipocytes with CL316243 activated PI3K and increased the PI3K p85 level in the Gβ antibody immunoprecipitates. Such an increase in the p85 level was similarly elicited by aluminum fluoride treatment in a PTX-sensitive manner. Our results provide possible clues for clarifying the signalling machinery involved in adrenoceptor responses, including those of β3-AR, in mouse-derived adipocytes and rat white adipocytes. Our findings advance the understanding of responses to adrenoceptor regulation in adipose cells and of the cellular signalling machinery present in the cells.

Oral administration of bovine lactoferrin attenuates ultraviolet B-induced skin photodamage in hairless mice

Lactoferrin (LF) is recognized as a host defensive glycoprotein, especially for newborn infants. The aim of this study was to investigate whether orally administered LF had protective activity against UV-induced skin damage in hairless mice. Transepidermal water loss and skin hydration were evaluated in nonirradiated mice, UVB-irradiated mice, and UVB-irradiated and LF-administered mice. Supplementation with LF (1,600 mg/kg per day) effectively suppressed the increase in transepidermal water loss, reduction in skin hydration, aberrant epidermal hyperplasia, and cell apoptosis induced by UV irradiation. Although no significant changes in superoxide dismutase-like activity or malondialdehyde levels were observed in the skin with both UV irradiation and LF administration, UV-stimulated IL-1β levels in the skin were significantly suppressed by the administration of LF. Oral supplementation with LF has the potential to reduce IL-1β levels and prevent UV-induced skin damage. Further studies are needed to elucidate the relationships between the antiinflammatory effects and skin protective function of LF.

The conversion of lysine into piperidine, cadaverine, and pipecolic acid in the brain and other organs of the mouse

The biosynthesis of piperidine, a possible neuromodulator, and its presumed precursors cadaverine and pipecolic acid, has been investigated in the mouse under in vitro conditions. Conversion of lysine into piperidine was observed only in the intestines and is probably caused by the intestinal flora. Formation of cadaverine and pipecolic acid from lysine was observed in the brain, liver, kidney, and large intestine. In addition, pipecolic acid was formed in the heart. The possible contributions of the diet and of the intestinal bacteria to the endogenous pool(s) of piperidine are discussed.

Single-shot detection of mid-infrared spectra by chirped-pulse upconversion with four-wave difference frequency generation in gases

Single-shot detection of ultrabroadband mid-infrared spectra was demonstrated by using chirped-pulse upconversion technique with four-wave difference frequency generation in gases. Thanks to the low dispersion of the gas media, the bandwidth of the phase matching condition of the upconversion process becomes very broad and the entire mid-infrared spectrum spanning from 200 to 5500 cm(-1) was upconverted by using a 10 ps chirped pulse to visible wavelength radiation, which was detected with a conventional visible dispersive spectrometer. This method was demonstrated by the successful measurement of infrared absorption spectra of organic polymer films.

A novel splice site mutation in NCSTN underlies a Japanese family with hidradenitis suppurativa

BACKGROUND

 Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic follicular occlusive disease with characteristic recurrent draining sinuses, skin abscesses and disfiguring scars, mainly involving the axilla, groin, perianal and perineal regions. While most HS cases are nonfamilial, familial cases showing autosomal dominant inheritance have been reported. Recently, loss-of-function mutations in the genes encoding γ-secretase have been identified as a cause of familial HS in the Chinese and British populations.

OBJECTIVES

 To identify mutations in the genes encoding γ-secretase in Japanese patients with familial and nonfamilial HS.

METHODS

 Two affected and three unaffected individuals from a Japanese family with familial HS and nine patients with nonfamilial HS were recruited. We conducted mutation analysis of the γ-secretase genes in Japanese patients with familial and nonfamilial HS.

RESULTS

  A novel splice site mutation in the nicastrin gene NCSTN, one of the six key component genes encoding γ-secretase, was identified in the patients with familial HS. Neither unaffected individuals in the family nor 100 ethnically matched control alleles carry this mutation. None of the nine patients with nonfamilial HS carry nonsense, frameshift or splice site mutations in this gene.

CONCLUSIONS

  A novel splice site mutation, c.582+1delG, in NCSTN was identified in the familial patients with HS. We also reveal for the first time that a γ-secretase gene mutation is not linked to the development of nonfamilial HS. These results would further pave the way to a better understanding of the contribution of γ-secretase and other genes to the pathogenesis of HS and to the development of a new therapeutic strategy for HS.

Beaming of high-order harmonics generated from laser-plasma interactions

Beam divergences of high-order extreme ultraviolet harmonics from intense laser interactions with steep plasma density gradients are studied through experiment and Fourier analysis of the harmonic spatial phase. We show that while emission due to the relativistically oscillating mirror mechanism can be explained by ponderomotive surface denting, in agreement with previous results, the divergence of the emission due to the coherent wake emission mechanism requires a combination of the dent phase and an intrinsic emission phase. The temporal dependence of the divergences for both mechanisms is highlighted while it is also shown that the coherent wake emission divergence can be small in circumstances where the phase terms compensate each other.

Purification and comparison of native and recombinant tRNA-guanine transglycosylases from Methanosarcina acetivorans

Many archaeal tRNAs have archaeosine (G(+)) at position 15 in the D-loop and this is thought to strengthen the tertiary interaction with C48 in the V-loop. In the first step of G(+) biosynthesis, archaeosine tRNA-guanine transglycosylase (ArcTGT)(1) catalyzes the base exchange reaction from guanine to 7-cyano-7-deazaguanine (preQ(0)). ArcTGT is classified into full-size or split types, according to databases of genomic information. Although the full-size type forms a homodimeric structure, the split type has been assumed to form a heterotetrameric structure, consisting of two kinds of peptide. However, there has been no definitive evidence for this presented to date. Here, we show that native ArcTGT could be isolated from Methanosarcina acetivorans and two peptides formed a robust complex in cells. Consequently, the two peptides function as actual subunits of ArcTGT. We also overexpressed recombinant ArcTGT in Escherichia coli cells. Product was successfully obtained by co-overexpression of the two subunits but one subunit alone was not adequately expressed in soluble fractions. This result suggests that interaction between the two subunits may contribute to the conformational stability of split ArcTGT. The values of the kinetic parameters for the recombinant and native ArcTGT were closely similar. Moreover, tRNA transcript with preQ(0) at position 15 was successfully prepared using the recombinant ArcTGT. This tRNA transcript is expected to be useful as a substrate for studies seeking the enzymes responsible for G(+) biosynthesis.

Neurochemical and morphological studies on differentiation of NG108-15 cells by phorbol ester and forskolin

12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), forskolin or dibutyryl cAMP induced neurite outgrowth and inhibition of cell growth in NG108-15 cells. TPA, forskolin and dibutyryl cAMP significantly increased specific activity of choline acetyltransferase. Forskolin markedly stimulated cAMP accumulation, but not TPA, suggesting that forskolin could induce differentiation by increasing the cAMP content via adenylate cyclase activation, but TPA-induced differentiation seems not to be due to the raise of the cAMP level. Incubation of the cells with TPA, forskolin or dibutyryl cAMP for 24 h resulted in enhancement of 50 mM K(+)-evoked Ca(2+) influx and neurite elongation, although incubation with these agents for 1 h didn't affect these events. From these results, it is suggested that TPA and forskolin induce differentiation of NG108-15 cells to acetylcholine neurons via different mechanisms: protein kinase C activation by TPA and cAMP-dependent protein kinase activation by forskolin. In addition, it is likely that Ca(2+) channels in cells differentiated by TPA, forskolin or dibutyryl cAMP become sensitive to depolarization.

Assessment of the Plasma/Serum IgG Test to Screen for Periodontitis

Chronic periodontitis is a silent infectious disease prevalent worldwide and affects lifestyle-related diseases. Therefore, efficient screening of patients is essential for general health. This study was performed to evaluate prospectively the diagnostic utility of a blood IgG antibody titer test against periodontal pathogens. Oral examination was performed, and IgG titers against periodontal pathogens were measured by ELISA in 1,387 individuals. The cut-off value of the IgG titer was determined in receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, and changes in periodontal clinical parameters and IgG titers by periodontal treatment were evaluated. The relationships between IgG titers and severity of periodontitis were analyzed. The best cut-off value of IgG titer against Porphyromonas gingivalis for screening periodontitis was 1.682. Both clinical parameters and IgG titers decreased significantly under periodontal treatment. IgG titers of periodontitis patients were significantly higher than those of healthy controls, especially in those with sites of probing pocket depth over 4 mm. Multiplied cut-off values were useful to select patients with severe periodontitis. A blood IgG antibody titer test for Porphyromonas gingivalis is useful to screen hitherto chronic periodontitis patients (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT01658475).

Gene expression analysis of rheumatoid arthritis synovial lining regions by cDNA microarray combined with laser microdissection: up-regulation of inflammation-associated STAT1, IRF1, CXCL9, CXCL10, and CCL5

Objectives

The main histological change in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the villous proliferation of synovial lining cells, an important source of cytokines and chemokines, which are associated with inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate gene expression in the microdissected synovial lining cells of RA patients, using those of osteoarthritis (OA) patients as the control.

Methods

Samples were obtained during total joint replacement from 11 RA and five OA patients. Total RNA from the synovial lining cells was derived from selected specimens by laser microdissection (LMD) for subsequent cDNA microarray analysis. In addition, the expression of significant genes was confirmed immunohistochemically.

Results

The 14 519 genes detected by cDNA microarray were used to compare gene expression levels in synovial lining cells from RA with those from OA patients. Cluster analysis indicated that RA cells, including low- and high-expression subgroups, and OA cells were stored in two main clusters. The molecular activity of RA was statistically consistent with its clinical and histological activity. Expression levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1), and the chemokines CXCL9, CXCL10, and CCL5 were statistically significantly higher in the synovium of RA than in that of OA. Immunohistochemically, the lining synovium of RA, but not that of OA, clearly expressed STAT1, IRF1, and chemokines, as was seen in microarray analysis combined with LMD.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate an important role for lining synovial cells in the inflammatory and proliferative processes of RA. Further understanding of the local signalling in structural components is important in rheumatology.

The diagnostic accuracy of high-resolution endoscopy, autofluorescence imaging and narrow-band imaging for differentially diagnosing colon adenoma

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Conventional colonoscopy can result in unnecessary biopsy or endoscopic resection due to its inability to distinguish adenomas from hyperplastic polyps. This study therefore evaluated the efficacy of high-resolution endoscopy (HRE), autofluorescence imaging (AFI), and narrow-band imaging (NBI) in discriminating colon adenoma from hyperplastic polyps.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a prospective multicenter study in patients undergoing AFI and NBI examinations. HRE, AFI, and NBI images were classified into two groups based on morphological characteristics, the predominant color intensities, and the visibility of meshed capillary vessels, respectively. Each of the endoscopic photographs were independently evaluated by a single endoscopist. The images were then assessed by three specialists and three residents, the latter having performed < 500 colonoscopies and < 30 NBI and AFI examinations. Diagnostic test statistics were calculated to compare the accuracy in differentiating colon adenoma from hyperplastic polyps for each method.

RESULTS

A total of 183 patients were enrolled in the study and 339 adenomas and 85 hyperplastic polyps were identified. AFI and NBI could distinguish adenoma from hyperplastic polyps with an accuracy of 84.9 % and 88.4 %, respectively, whereas HRE exhibited an accuracy of 75.9 %. In the 358 lesions in which the AFI diagnosis was consistent with that of NBI, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were high, at 91.9 %, 92.7 %, and 92.9 %, respectively. During the study comparing specialists and residents, AFI and NBI dramatically improved the diagnostic accuracy of residents from 69.1 % to 86.1 % and 84.7 %, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Both AFI and NBI are considered to be feasible tools that can discriminate colon adenoma from hyperplastic polyps, and their use may be particularly beneficial for less-experienced endoscopists.

Signalling by the global regulatory molecule ppGpp in bacteria and chloroplasts of land plants

The hyperphosphorylated guanine ribonucleotide ppGpp mediates the stringent response in bacteria. Biochemical and genetic studies of this response in Escherichia coli have shown that the biosynthesis of ppGpp is catalysed by two homologous enzymes, RelA and SpoT. RelA is activated in response to amino acid starvation, and SpoT responds to abiotic physical stress beside nutritional stress. All free-living bacteria, including Gram-positive firmicutes, contain RelA-SpoT homologues (RSH). Further, novel ppGpp biosynthetic enzymes, designated small alarmone synthetases (SASs), were recently identified in a subset of bacteria, including the Gram-positive organism Bacillus subtilis, and were shown to consist only of a ppGpp synthetase domain. Studies suggest that these SAS proteins contribute to ppGpp signalling in response to stressful conditions in a manner distinct from that of RelA-SpoT enzymes. SAS proteins currently appear to always occur in addition to RSH enzymes in various combinations but never alone. RSHs have also been identified in chloroplasts, organelles of photosynthetic eukaryotes that originated from endosymbiotic photosynthetic bacteria. These chloroplast RSHs are exclusively encoded in nuclear DNA and targeted into chloroplasts. The findings suggest that ppGpp may regulate chloroplast functions similar to those regulated in bacteria, including transcription and translation. In addition, a novel ppGpp synthetase that is regulated by Ca²⁺ as a result of the presence of two EF-hand motifs at its COOH terminus was recently identified in chloroplasts of land plants. This finding indicates the existence of a direct connection between eukaryotic Ca²⁺ signalling and prokaryotic ppGpp signalling in chloroplasts. The new observations with regard to ppGpp signalling in land plants suggest that such signalling contributes to the regulation of a wider range of cellular functions than previously anticipated.

Fusion product diagnostics planned for Large Helical Device deuterium experiment

Deuterium experiment on the Large Helical Device (LHD) is now being planned at the National Institute for Fusion Science. The fusion product diagnostics systems currently considered for installation on LHD are described in this paper. The systems will include a time-resolved neutron yield monitor based on neutron gas counters, a time-integrated neutron yield monitor based on activation techniques, a multicollimator scintillation detector array for diagnosing spatial distribution of neutron emission rate, 2.5 MeV neutron spectrometer, 14 MeV neutron counter, and prompt γ-ray diagnostics.

Prevention of lead leaching from fly ashes by mechanochemical treatment

Fly ashes from a municipal solid waste incinerator were subjected to mechanochemical (MC) treatment in a planetary ball mill, and the treated fly ashes were cemented with a binder. The leachability of lead (Pb) from the treated fly ashes and from the cement product were investigated, and the speciation of lead in the treated and untreated ashes was determined by X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) analysis. MC treatment of the fly ashes and subsequent cementation prevented Pb leaching by 99.9%, whereas MC treatment alone prevented Pb leaching by 92.8%. Analysis of the X-ray absorption near-edge spectrum of the untreated fly ashes revealed that the predominant Pb species in the ashes was PbCl(2). In contrast, the counterpart in the treated fly ashes was Pb(3)O(4) insoluble in water. The formation of a species of Pb with a lower solubility in water than that of PbCl(2) was confirmed by MC treatment of PbCl(2)-spiked fly ashes for 48h, indicating the reduction of PbCl(2) in the spiked fly ashes to Pb via Pb(3)O(4) during MC treatment. Our results indicate that such reduction to an insoluble species prevented Pb from leaching and that MC treatment followed by cementation is a feasible method for the recycling of fly ashes.

Cardiac Angioleiomyoma in 44 Cattle in Japan (1982–2009)

A retrospective study was performed on primary cardiac tumors found in 44 cattle during meat inspection in Japan, using histology, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy. The age of affected cattle ranged from 10 to 129 months; 82% were less than 3 years old. In 38 hearts, the tumor was solitary; the remaining 6 hearts had multiple masses. All tumors were subendocardial and involved the papillary muscles and/or cardiac valves. Two histologic patterns were recognized; both included giant cells. Pattern 1 was characterized by interlacing fascicles of spindle-shaped cells; pattern 2 resembled cavernous hemangioma. The 2 patterns coexisted and were linked by transitional zones. Given the immunohistochemical reactivity and ultrastructure, the spindle-shaped cells were identified as smooth muscle cells and the giant cells as endothelial cells. Single cell and multicellular angiogenesis by giant cells was observed. The tumors were classified as cardiac angioleiomyoma. Subendocardial multipotential mesenchymal cells, persistent tissue of the endocardial cushion, or valvular interstitial cells were suspected as the origin.

1.2 mJ sub-4-fs source at 1 kHz from an ionizing gas

We demonstrate a 1.2 mJ, 3.8 fs, carrier-envelope phase-controlled laser source by novel energy-scalable spectral broadening in an ionizing gas medium, which is widely applicable to sub-10-fs multimillijoule laser systems to obtain sub-2-cycle (<4 fs) multi-millijoule pulses.

Objective and Subjective Assessment of Edema during Adjuvant Chemotherapy Using Taxane-Containing Regimens in a Randomized Controlled Trial: National Surgical Adjuvant Study of Breast Cancer (NSAS-BC) 02

Background: Taxanes are frequently used in treatment of breast cancer (BC) patients. However, some patients treated with taxanes, especially docetaxel (DTX), experience severe edema during and following the treatment. We prospectively assessed body weight and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) related to edema in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing four taxane-containing regimens in an adjuvant setting.Patients and Method: We conducted NSAS BC02 trial in which postoperative patients with node positive BC were randomly assigned to receive one of the following four adjuvant chemotherapeutic regimens; (1) ACP regimen: 4 cycles of doxorubicin 60mg/m2 plus cyclophosphamide 600mg/m2 q3weeks (AC) followed by 4 cycles of paclitaxel (PTX) 175 mg/m2 q3weeks, (2) ACD regimen: 4 cycles of AC followed by 4 cycles of DTX 75mg/m2 q3weeks, (3) PTX regimen: 8 cycles of PTX, (4) DTX regimen: 8 cycles of DTX. During the study we recorded body weight at baseline (at study entry), on day 1 of each cycle and at 8 months, and every 6 months thereafter. And we asked the patients to answer FACT-B, and -Taxane at baseline, on day 1 of cycle 3, 5, and 7, and at 8 and 12 months. We compared the change of weight and the scores of 4 items regarding edema in FACT-B (B8) (change in weight) and FACT-Taxane (Tax1 [anasarca], Tax2 [edema of hands], and Tax3 [edema of legs]) among the four regimens. Data were analyzed on an intent-to-treat basis. The statistical significance of the differences among the regimens was examined with analysis of covariance and t-test.Results: Of 1060 patients who entered N-SAS BC 02 trial, first 300 patients participated in this HRQOL study (ACP 74 patients, ACD 75, PTX 76, and DTX 75). The weight increased markedly and recovered by 8 months in the patients of DTX regimen, increased slightly in those of ACD regimen, and was almost stable in those of ACP and PTX regimens. The difference in the change of weight from the baseline to the 8th cycle between the patients of DTX plus ACD regimens and those of ACP plus PTX regimens was statistically significant (P&lt; .0001). The compliance of FACT-B, and -Taxane was high throughout the study period (&gt; 85 % at each point). The scores of B8, Tax1, Tax2, or Tax3 were relatively stable in ACP, ACD, and PTX regimens over the study period, but those of DTX regimen became lower (indicating worse HRQOL) up to 8 months, then recovered to the baseline except the scores of Tax2 which were still lower than those of other 3 regimens at 12 months. When the scores of the patients of DTX regimen were compared with those of other 3 regimens combined, the differences were statistically significant in all items of B8 (P= .0450), Tax1 (P= .0016), Tax2 (P&lt; .0001), and Tax3 (P&lt; .0001).Discussion: The patients who received 8 cycles of DTX were agonized by chemotherapy (CT)-related edema. However, the agony seemed to disappear by 6 months after the completion of CT except for that of edema of hands. The reason why only the scores of Tax2 did not recover at 12 months in the patients of DTX regimen is suspected to be the ipsilateral hand and arm edema affected by axillary dissection which might have lasted for a long time.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 2090.

Detection of enzymatic activities related to the tRNA splicing pathway in Methanosarcina acetivorans cell extract

At least two separate enzymes, an endonuclease and a ligase, are thought to be involved in the tRNA splicing pathway. The yeast and archaeal endonucleases acting in the first step of tRNA splicing commonly produce 2', 3'-cyclic phosphate and 5' hydroxy group at the exon-intron borders. Despite this similarity in the first step of tRNA splicing, the subsequent mechanism of archaeal splicing pathway has not been elucidated yet. We have been searching for the archaeal ligase activity from Methanosarcina acetivorans. Here, we report the distinct activity of a splicing endonuclease detected in its cell extract.

Tunable enhancement of high harmonic emission from laser solid interactions

Coherent wake emission is a unique source of extreme ultraviolet radiation and has been recently shown to provide the basis for intense attosecond light. Here we present a novel scheme, supported by particle-in-cell simulations, demonstrating that enhancement and spectral control of the coherent wake emission signal can be achieved by modifying the interaction plasma density ramp. Significant tunable enhancement of harmonic emission is verified experimentally, with factors of >50 in relative signal increase achieved in a narrow band of harmonics at the cutoff frequency.

Health-related quality-of-life and psychological distress of postmenopausal breast cancer patients after surgery during the randomized trial, N-SAS BC 03, comparing further tamoxifen with switching to anastrozole after adjuvant tamoxifen for 1 to 4 years: the final results

Abstract #1136

Backgroud: Three years ago, we reported the interim results regarding heath-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes of the patients who switched their adjuvant endocrine therapy from several years of tamoxifen (TAM) to anastrozole (ANA) and those who had TAM for a total of 5 years in the randomized trial, National Surgical Adjuvant Study of Breast Cancer (NSAS BC) 03. We present the final results of HRQOL and psychological distress in the NSAS BC 03.&#x2028; Patients and Methods: Recurrence-free postmenopausal breast cancer patients who had received definitive surgery for hormone receptor positive breast cancer, and had been taking TAM for 1 to 4 years after the surgery were enrolled in the randomized trial: N-SAS BC 03. They were randomly assigned to continue TAM for the remaining periods of a total of 5 years or to switch from TAM to ANA and take the latter for the remaining periods. Primary endpoints of the N-SAS BC 03 trial were disease-free survival and adverse events. HRQOL and psychological distress were evaluated as secondary endpoints. They were asked to answer patient-administered instruments to assess HRQOL (FACT-B [breast cancer scale] and FACT-ES [endocrine symptom scale]) and psychological distress (CES-D: Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale) at the randomization (baseline), 3 months, 1 and 2 years after the randomization. HRQOL and psychological distress scores during this period were compared using t-test and the general linear model with correlated errors.&#x2028; Results: There was no difference in demographic and medical characteristics between the two treatment groups. The response rates of the questionnaires were 98.6%, 97.2%, 90.9% and 78.5% at baseline, 3 months, 1 and 2 years after the randomization, respectively. At baseline 694 patients (346 in the TAM group and 348 in the ANA group) answered them. The total scores of FACT-G, and FACT-ES and the scores of FACT-G physical well-being (PWB) subscale were statistically significantly better in the TAM group than in the ANA group (P = 0.042, 0.038, and 0.005, respectively) after the randomization, while those of FACT-B in the former were marginally better than those in the latter (P= 0.066). However, there were no statistically significant differences between the two treatment groups for the scores of CES-D, and subscales other than PWB of FACT-G, FACT-B, and FACT-ES.&#x2028; Conclusions: Further TAM treatment after adjuvant TAM for 1 to 4 years may provide postmenopausal breast cancer patients with slightly better HRQOL comparing with switching to ANA.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 1136.

Immunohistological studies on the distribution of learning-related peptides in the central nervous system of conditioned Lymnaea

Behavioral conditioning in Lymnaea increased the amount of immunolabeling in the central nervous system for the memory-associated protein calexcitin. The staining level of anti-calexcitin positive neurons was always stronger in conditioned animals than in naive animals. In the visuo-vestibular conditioned animals, right-parietal and visceral group neurons as well as withdrawal-related neurons were positively stained with anti-calexcitin antibody. In taste-aversion conditioned animals, right-parietal visceral G-group neurons and withdrawal-related neurons were selectively stained. These neurons are candidate neurons for modulation by these conditioning paradigms.

The Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Estrogen Receptor-α and Progesterone Receptors of Normal, Hyperplastic, and Neoplastic Endometrium in 88 Pet Rabbits

The expression of estrogen receptor-α (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) in normal, hyperplastic, and neoplastic endometrium in rabbits was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The tissues evaluated were 27 normal uteri, 19 cases with endometrial hyperplasia, and 42 adenocarcinomas. Sixteen of 27 cases of normal uteri (59.3%) and 13 out of 19 hyperplasias (68.4%) stained positive with both ER-α and PR. Adenocarcinomas were further subdivided into 26 papillary and 16 tubular/solid adenocarcinomas. Papillary adenocarcinoma infiltrated the myometrium late in the disease and caused attenuation of the myometrium. In contrast, tubular/solid adenocarcinoma invaded into the deep myometrium early in the disease without thinning of the myometrium. Twenty-one cases out of 26 (80.8%) cases of papillary adenocarcinoma were both ER-α and PR negative, whereas 15 out of 16 (93.8%) of the tubular/solid adenocarcinomas were positive for ER-α, PR, or both. The total immunoreactive scores of ER-α, PR, and mode of myometrial invasion were significantly different between histopathologic types. This suggests that there may be 2 different developmental pathways for uterine adenocarcinomas in the rabbit.

Expression of MMP-13 in osteoblast cells and rat tibia after exposure to gamma rays or accelerated carbon ions

In past research, we found that carbon ion irradiation increased bone volume in rats, and a significant amount of cartilage remained inside the carbon ion-irradiated trabeculae. The amounts of matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13) mRNA in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells tended to decrease after carbon ion irradiation. The level of MMP-13 mRNA in non-irradiated cells was stable during the experimental period, but in gamma ray-irradiated cells it tended to increase. When localization of MMP-13 in locally irradiated experimental rats was investigated, it was found in the marginal trabeculae in both non-irradiated and gamma ray-irradiated animals. MMP-13 was detected in osteoid and neogenetic bone in the trabeculae surface. The trabeculae in carbon ion-irradiated bone remained cartilaginous. Carbon ion-irradiated rats exhibited weak expression of MMP-13 around the cartilage inside the trabeculae. We conclude that carbon ion irradiation reduced expression of MMP-13, thus suppressing both chondrocyte maturation and cartilage resorption. Increases in hyperplasia of the bone trabeculae and of bone volume were caused by ongoing bone addition and calcification in the absence of sufficient cartilage resorption.

Intracortical inhibition of the motor cortex in Segawa disease (DYT5)

BACKGROUND

Segawa disease (autosomal dominant guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase I [GTP-I] deficiency, DYT5) is a hereditary dopa-responsive generalized dystonia.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the pathophysiologic mechanisms for dystonia in Segawa disease, we studied intracortical inhibition of the primary motor cortex in patients with Segawa disease.

METHODS

We studied 9 patients with Segawa disease (8 genetically confirmed patients and 1 with abnormally low GTP-I activity) and 12 age-matched normal control subjects. We studied the active motor threshold (AMT) using single pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and the short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) of the motor cortex using the previously reported paired pulse TMS method. Responses were recorded from the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles.

RESULTS

The AMT was not significantly different between the patients and normal subjects. For both studied muscles, in Segawa disease, normal amount of SICI was evoked at interstimulus intervals (ISIs) of 1 to 4 msec even though they had dystonia in those muscles.

CONCLUSION

Normal SICI of the motor cortex in Segawa disease stands in remarkable contrast to the previously reported reduction of SICI in focal dystonia. This suggests that the gamma-aminobutyric acid A system of the motor cortex is intact in Segawa disease. The pathophysiologic mechanisms for dystonia must be partly different between Segawa disease and focal dystonia.

Involvement of cyclooxygenase-1, prostaglandin E2 and EP1 receptors in acid-induced HCO3- secretion in stomach

We investigated the cyclooxygenase (COX) isoforms as well as prostaglandin E receptor EP subtypes responsible for acid-induced gastric HCO(3)(-) secretion in rats and EP receptor-knockout (-/-) mice. Under urethane anesthesia, a chambered stomach (in the presence of omeprazole) was perfused with saline, and HCO(3)(-) secretion was measured at pH 7.0 using a pH-stat method and by adding 2 mM HCl. Mucosal acidification was achieved by exposing the stomach for 10 min to 50 or 100 mM HCl. Acidification of the mucosa increased the secretion of HCO(3)(-) in the stomach of both rats and WT mice, in an indomethacin-inhibitable manner. The acid-induced gastric HCO(3)(-) secretion was inhibited by prior administration of indomethacin and SC-560 but not rofecoxib in rats and mice. Acidification increased the PGE(2) content of the rat stomach, and this response was significantly attenuated by indomethacin and SC-560 but not rofecoxib. This response was also attenuated by ONO-8711 (EP1 antagonist) but not AE3-208 (EP4 antagonist) in rats and disappeared in EP1 (-/-) but not EP3 (-/-) mice. PGE(2) increased gastric HCO(3)(-) secretion in both rats and WT mice, and this action was inhibited by ONO-8711 and disappeared in EP1 (-/-) but not EP3 (-/-) mice. These results support a mediator role for endogenous PGs in the gastric response induced by mucosal acidification and clearly indicate that the enzyme responsible for production of PGs in this process is COX-1. They further show that the presence of EP1 receptors is essential for the increase in the secretion of HCO(3)(-) in response to mucosal acidification in the stomach.

Factors related to renal dysfunction in patients with anorexia nervosa

OBJECTIVE

Anorexia nervosa (AN) patients were surveyed to determine which disease factors were related to AN influenced renal dysfunction.

METHODS

Data were from forty-five AN patients hospitalized in our department between 1995 and 2002. The patients were classified into three groups based on the type of anorexia: restricting (n=18), self-induced vomiting (n=13), and laxative abuse (n=14). Twenty-four hour-creatinine clearance (Ccr) was calculated within two weeks of hospitalization for comparison among the three groups.

RESULTS

The Ccr level of the laxative abuse group was significantly lower than that of the restricting group (65.8+/-31.4 ml/min vs restricting type: 104+/-23.3 ml/min, p=0.002). The laxative abuse group had a significantly longer duration of illness than the restricting group (p<0.0001). Multiple regression analysis revealed the duration of illness to be a risk factor for renal function deterioration in AN patients (r=0.580, p<0.001).

DISCUSSION

Renal function should be carefully followed during the treatment of AN patients with a long duration of illness, especially those with long-term laxative abuse.

Genotoxicity of dental resin polymerization initiators in vitro

The polymerization initiators for resins cured using visible light usually consist of a photosensitizer, primarily camphorquinone (CQ), and a reducing agent, which is often a tertiary amine (DMPT, DMAEMA), while the initiator used for self-curing resins consists of benzoyl peroxide (BPO) and a tertiary amine (DMPT). The genotoxicities of camphorquinone (CQ), benzoyl peroxide (BPO), dimethyl-para-toluidine (DMPT), 2-dimethylamino-ethyl-methacrylate (DMAEMA), and 1-allyl-2-thiourea (ATU) were examined using the bioluminescent bacterial genotoxicity test. 4-Nitroquinoline-N-oxide (4NQO) was prepared for comparison with these chemicals. Acetone solutions of the five polymerization initiators and 4NQO were prepared. Benzoyl peroxide (BPO), dimethyl-para-toluidine (DMPT), and 1-allyl-2-thiourea (ATU) showed significant genotoxic activity at 24 h in the bioluminescent bacterial genotoxicity test, at concentrations of approximately 5 microM, 4 mM, and 1 mM, respectively. 2-Dimethyloamino-ethyl-methacrylate (DMAEMA) did not have genotoxic activity and CQ had questionable genotoxic activity. In comparison, 4NQO had strong genotoxicity, at 4 microM, roughly the same as that of BPO. Therefore, BPO should be used carefully in clinical dentistry.