Uric acid, indoxyl sulfate, and methylguanidine activate bulbospinal neurons in the RVLM via their specific transporters and by producing oxidative stress

Patients with chronic renal failure often have hypertension, but the cause of hypertension, other than an excess of body fluid, is not well known. We hypothesized that the bulbospinal neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) are stimulated by uremic toxins in patients with chronic renal failure. To investigate whether RVLM neurons are sensitive to uremic toxins, such as uric acid, indoxyl sulfate, or methylguanidine, we examined changes in the membrane potentials (MPs) of bulbospinal RVLM neurons of Wister rats using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique during superfusion with these toxins. A brainstem-spinal cord preparation that preserved the sympathetic nervous system was used for the experiments. During uric acid, indoxyl sulfate, or methylguanidine superfusion, almost all the RVLM neurons were depolarized. To examine the transporters for these toxins on RVLM neurons, histological examinations were performed. The uric acid-, indoxyl sulfate-, and methylguanidine-depolarized RVLM neurons showed the presence of urate transporter 1 (URAT 1), organic anion transporter (OAT)1 or OAT3, and organic cation transporter (OCT)3, respectively. Furthermore, the toxin-induced activities of the RVLM neurons were suppressed by the addition of an anti-oxidation drug (VAS2870, an NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor), and a histological examination revealed the presence of NAD(P)H oxidase (nox)2 and nox4 in these RVLM neurons. The present results show that uric acid, indoxyl sulfate, and methylguanidine directly stimulate bulbospinal RVLM neurons via specific transporters on these neurons and by producing oxidative stress. These uremic toxins may cause hypertension by activating RVLM neurons.

Effect of aging on volatile compounds in cooked beef

Volatiles in the headspace of beef cooked at 180 °C were analyzed using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the effects of aging were evaluated. Seventy volatile substances including non-aromatic, homocyclic, and heterocyclic compounds were identified. A significant positive regression model for storage could be adopted for toluene, benzeneacetaldehyde, 2-formylfuran, pyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, 2-acetylthiazole, and 2-formyl-3-methylthiophene. Increases in the quantity of these compounds, with the exception of toluene, suggest the importance of the Strecker and Maillard reactions in cooked meat previously aged under vacuum conditions. As such, the aging process may lead to an increase not only in the amount of compounds related to the taste of meat, but also in the quantity of odor-active compounds. The increased quantity of toluene during storage seemed to be influenced by lipid oxidation.

Hidden osteophyte formation on plain X-ray is the predictive factor for development of knee osteoarthritis after 48 months--data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether the detection of osteophytes anywhere in the knee could serve as a pre-radiographic biomarker for osteoarthritis (OA) development.

METHODS

Baseline magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) of 132 participants in the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) were studied. Based on radiographs, 66 knees were assessed as osteoarthritis-free (no-osteoarthritis [NOA], or Kellgren/Lawrence [K/L] severity grade 0/1 both at baseline and 48 months), and another 66 knees were assessed as having radiographic OA changes (pre-radiographic osteoarthritis [PROA], or with K/L grade 0/1 at baseline and grade ≥ 2 at 48 months). Using baseline MRI data, we examined eight sites of osteophyte formation: the medial and lateral femoral condyle (MFC and LFC, respectively); medial and lateral tibial plateau (MTP and LTP, respectively); medial and lateral facets of the patellofemoral joint (PM and PL, respectively); tibial spine (TS); and femoral intercondylar notch (IC). Knee joint osteophyte size was assessed via the 8-point marginal osteophytes item of the whole-organ magnetic resonance imaging score (WORMS). The frequencies and distributions of osteophytes were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Mild-size osteophytes (defined as score ≥ 2) were observed more frequently at the MFC (P = 0.00278), MTP (P = 0.0046), TS (P = 0.0146), PM (P < 0.0001), PL (P = 0.0012), and IC (P < 0.0001) in PROA knees than in NOA knees. Moderate-size osteophytes (defined as score ≥ 4) were more frequently observed in PROA knees than in NOA knees only at the IC (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Knees with osteophyte formation at the IC, even those of K/L severity grade 0/1, are at risk for the development of radiographic OA by 48 months.

Syphacia muris infection delays the onset of hyperglycemia in WBN/Kob-Lepr fa rats, a new type 2 diabetes mellitus model

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common endocrine disorders and its continuous global increase is due to factors as population growth, urbanization, aging, and increasing prevalence of obesity and physical inactivity. The effect of pinworm infection on the development of hyperglycemia was examined in WBN/K-Lepf (fa/fa) rats, a new model of the obese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with pancreatitis. The rats were orally administered Syphacia muris eggs (infected group) and distilled water (control group). Hyperglycemia onset in the infected group was significantly delayed compared to the control group. Neither body weight nor intake of food and water were affected by S. muris infection. This study demonstrated that S. muris infection delayed the onset of T2DM in fa/fa rats and suggested that elucidation of the underlying mechanism and relevant pathways in the helminth-mediated protection may lead to the development of a new strategy to prevent diabetes mellitus.

Abstract 5534: A novel and oral histone deacetylase inhibitor, resminostat, effectively suppresses the growth of non-small cell lung cancer in a xenograft mouse model

Background: Accumulating evidence reveals effectiveness of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition in various types of cancer, and resminostat is a novel and oral HDAC inhibitor. In this study, we investigated the preclinical activity of resminostat in human non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, especially in combination with docetaxel (DTX).

Materials and Methods: Anti-proliferative activity of resminostat was evaluated in 9 human NSCLC cell lines in vitro. Monolayers of cultured cells were exposed to resminostat and cell viability was determined. The amount of p21, acetylated histone H3 and α-tublin were analyzed by Western blotting in NCI-H460 cells exposed to resminostat. In addition, caspase-3 activity was measured. In a drug combination study, cells were simultaneously exposed to resminostat and DTX, and the synergistic effects of this drug combination were analyzed using the Combination Index, calculated by the median-effect method. For in vivo studies, a suspension of NCI-H460 cells was subcutaneously inoculated into the flank of male nude mice. The antitumor efficacies of oral resminostat alone or in combination with intravenous DTX were evaluated in this NSCLC xenograft model.

Results: Resminostat exhibited antiproliferative activity in all tested cell lines. Sensitivity to resminostat was not influenced by the genetic status of KRAS among the cell lines (IC50 from 9 cell lines: 0.4-8.7 μmol/L). The treatment of cells with resminostat alone increased the levels of total p21 protein and acetylated histone H3. α-tublin was also acetylated by resminostat treatment and the level of acetylation was enhanced by the combination treatment with DTX. The amount of polymerized α-tubulin was increased by DTX treatment and this effect was greater in the combination treatment with resminostat than with DTX alone. Caspase-3 was more significantly activated by the combination treatment than with each mono-treatment. The Combination Index showed synergistic or additive effects in the resminostat plus DTX combination. The antitumor activities of resminostat were demonstrated in NCI-H460 tumor-bearing mice, where an up-regulation of p21 was accompanied by acetylation of histone H3 in the tumor tissues. The tumor growth inhibition ratio (IR) in the combination treatment was 2.6 and 1.8 times higher than with DTX alone or with resminostat alone, respectively, following a tolerable drug application schedule.

Conclusion: These results demonstrated the potent activity of resminostat in NSCLC. The combination of resminostat and DTX appears to be a promising regimen to be tested in clinical trials in NSCLC patients. Based on this study, we initiated a phase I/II study in NSCLC patients to examine the safety and efficacy of this combination.

Citation Format: Akimitsu Takagi, Hiroaki Konishi, Momomi Tsugane, Keisuke Taniguchi, Hiroyuki Takahashi, Yu Inutake, Akinobu Watanabe, Hiroshi Kodaira, Takeshi Matsuzaki. A novel and oral histone deacetylase inhibitor, resminostat, effectively suppresses the growth of non-small cell lung cancer in a xenograft mouse model. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 5534. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-5534

Electromyogram biofeedback training for daytime clenching and its effect on sleep bruxism

Bruxism contributes to the development of temporomandibular disorders as well as causes dental problems. Although it is an important issue in clinical dentistry, no treatment approaches have been proven effective. This study aimed to use electromyogram (EMG) biofeedback (BF) training to improve awake bruxism (AB) and examine its effect on sleep bruxism (SB). Twelve male participants (mean age, 26·8 ± 2·5 years) with subjective symptoms of AB or a diagnosis of SB were randomly divided into BF (n = 7) and control (CO, n = 5) groups to undergo 5-h daytime and night-time EMG measurements for three consecutive weeks. EMG electrodes were placed over the temporalis muscle on the habitual masticatory side. Those in the BF group underwent BF training to remind them of the occurrence of undesirable clenching activity when excessive EMG activity of certain burst duration was generated in week 2. Then, EMGs were recorded at week 3 as the post-BF test. Those in the CO group underwent EMG measurement without any EMG BF training throughout the study period. Although the number of tonic EMG events did not show statistically significant differences among weeks 1-3 in the CO group, events in weeks 2 and 3 decreased significantly compared with those in week 1, both daytime and night-time, in the BF group (P < 0·05, Scheffé's test). This study results suggest that EMG BF to improve AB tonic EMG events can also provide an effective approach to regulate SB tonic EMG events.

Walking the talk. Implementation of transitional care guidance in a UK paediatric and a neighbouring adult facility

OBJECTIVES

To examine the quality of transitional care in a paediatric and adult hospital by investigating (i) adherence to national transition guidance and (ii) whether implementation is associated with better patient/carer experiences.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a UK paediatric hospital (PH) and neighbouring adult hospital. Clinics completed a questionnaire to determine characteristics of their transitional care provision and invited patients aged 11-21 years and parents/carers to complete a questionnaire ('Mind the Gap') to assess their satisfaction.

RESULTS

Twenty-three clinics participated. Fourteen (70%) reported delivering a transition programme, but only 5 (25%) indicated this was holistic (addressing medical, psychosocial and vocational issues). Participants included 457 young people and 330 parents, 71% and 88% respectively attending the PH. Ratings of current care were significantly lower than ratings of best care. These 'gap' scores were not excessive, although some participants were very dissatisfied. Better satisfaction was associated with attending clinics that provided transitional care, especially when defined as 'holistic' and youth-friendly.

CONCLUSIONS

Transition programmes that adhere to current guidance are associated with better satisfaction, but variations in provision suggest barriers to implementation. Attention is required to how youth-friendly transitional care is defined with particular reference to the specific clinic model.

Sesquiterpenoids from the Roots of Solanum aethiopicum

, 2001 Three new sesquiterpenoids, lubiminoic acid, epilubiminoic acid and aethione, and six known sesquiterpenoids, solavetivone, 3β-hydroxysolavetivone, 13-hydroxysolavetivone, an-hydro-β-rotunol, epilubimin and lubimin, were isolated from roots of S. aethiopicum L. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data.

RISING beamline (BL28XU) for rechargeable battery analysis

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

Turn-over orbital septal flap and levator recession for upper-eyelid retraction secondary to thyroid eye disease

BACKGROUND

A turn-over septal flap has been reported as a spacer for levator lengthening in a single case report. This study reports the preliminary outcomes of this technique in a series of patients with upper-lid retraction (ULR) associated with thyroid eye disease (TED) causing symptomatic exposure keratopathy (EK).

METHODS

Retrospective, multicenter study of 12 eyelids of 10 patients with TED undergoing a transcutaneous levator-lengthening technique using the reflected orbital septum (OS) as a spacer. Change in palpebral aperture (PA) and contour, position of the skin crease (SC), symptoms of EK, and complications were recorded.

RESULTS

The average age was 47.5 years. Two patients were excluded, as their septa were found to be very thin at surgery. At an average of 13 months postoperatively, the PA was reduced by 2.5 mm on average (P<0.001) and was within 1 mm of the contralateral eyelid in 11 cases (92%); the position of the SC was within 1 mm of the desired position in all cases. EK resolved in all cases. Complications included one case of overcorrection and one case of recurrent lateral flare.

CONCLUSIONS

The turn-over orbital septal flap technique may be a viable option as an autogenous spacer for the treatment of ULR in TED. This technique may be possible in cases where the OS has been opened by previous surgery but may not be feasible in patients in whom the septum is very thin.

Mycobacterium avium genotype is associated with the therapeutic response to lung infection

Factors that can interfere with the successful treatment of Mycobacterium avium lung infection have been inadequately studied. To identify a potent predictor of therapeutic responses of M. avium lung infection, we analyzed variable number tandem repeats (VNTR) at 16 minisatellite loci of M. avium clinical isolates. Associations between the VNTR profiling data and a therapeutic response were evaluated in 59 subjects with M. avium lung infection. M. avium lung infection of 30 subjects in whom clarithromycin-containing regimens produced microbiological and radiographic improvement was defined as responsive disease, while that of the remaining 29 subjects was defined as refractory disease. In phylogenetic analysis using the genotypic distance aggregated from 16-dimensional VNTR data, 59 M. avium isolates were divided into three clusters, which showed a nearly significant association with therapeutic responses (p 0.06). We then subjected the raw 16-dimensional VNTR data directly to principal component analysis, and identified the genetic features that were significantly associated with the therapeutic response (p <0.05). By further analysis of logistic regression with a stepwise variable-selection, we constructed the highest likelihood multivariate model, adjusted for age, to predict a therapeutic response, using VNTR data from only four minisatellite loci. In conclusion, we identified four mycobacterial minisatellite loci that together were associated with the therapeutic response of M. avium lung infections.