Role of chicken Pit-1 isoforms in activating growth hormone gene

In the present study, we expressed chicken (ch) Pit-1α (chPit-1α) and chPit-1γin vitro to compare the roles of chPit-1s in the transcription of the chicken growth hormone (chGH) gene. Both green fluorescence protein (GFP)-fused chPit-1γ and GFP-fused chPit-1α were localized in the nuclei of COS-7 cells. In a luciferase reporter gene assay, both chPit-1α and chPit-1γ transactivated the chGH promoter, and chPit-1α showed a more potent effect than chPit-1γ. On the other hand, an increase of cellular cAMP induced by forskolin promoted transactivation of the chGH gene with chPit-1α and chPit-1γ to similar extents. These results suggest that chPit-1γ may modulate the basal promoter activity of the chGH gene to the same degree as chPit-1α; however, a structural difference observed at the N-terminus transactivation domains in chPit-1α and chPit-1γ could be associated with the efficiency of basal activation of the chGH promoter.

Common origin of the circular-dichroism pattern in angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy of SrTiO3 and Cu(x)Bi2Se3

Circular dichroism in the angular distribution of photoelectrons from SrTiO(3):Nb and Cu(x)Bi(2)Se(3) is investigated by 7-eV laser angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. In addition to the well-known node that occurs in the circular dichroism pattern when the incidence plane matches the mirror plane of the crystal, we show that another type of node occurs when the mirror plane of the crystal is vertical to the incidence plane and the electronic state is two-dimensional. The flower-shaped circular dichroism patterns in the angular distribution occurring around the Fermi level of SrTiO(3):Nb and around the Dirac point of Cu(x)Bi(2)Se(3) are explained on equal footings. We point out that the penetration depth of the topological states of Cu(x)Bi(2)Se(3) depends on momentum.

Chemopreventive activity of sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) from yacon against TPA-induced Raji cells deformation

Yacon is a medicinal plant used as a traditional medicine by the natives in South America. In Japan, it becomes popular as a health food. Sesquiterpene Lactones (SLs) from yacon leaves were investigated and the active SLs such as enhydrin, uvedalin and sonchifolin, bearing alpha-methylene-gamma-lactone and epoxides as the active functional groups, were identified by 1H-6000 MHz-NMR. Chemopreventive and cytotoxic activities were determined using different primary screening methods. In this study, all tested SLs strongly inhibited TPA-induced deformed of Raji cells. The IC50 values of yacon SLs from anti-deforming assay were 0.04-0.4 microM. Interestingly, yacon SLs showed more potential of chemo preventive activity than both curcumin and parthenolide. However, the cytotoxicity on Raji cells was observed at high concentration of yacon SLs. The degree of anti-deformation was ranked in order: enhydrin >uvedalin >sonchifolin >parthenolide >curcumin. As according to structure-activity relationship, the high activities of enhydrin, uvedalin and sonchifolin may be due to the 2-methyl-2-butenoate and its epoxide moiety.

Mean Inner Potential of Nanostructured Noble Metal Catalysts - Pt/TiO2 Catalyst -

Catalytic properties of noble metal catalysts are often caused by their nanostructures. Gold catalysts are typical cases. It is especially interesting that the catalytic property of gold suddenly changes to resemble that of platinum when the mean size of gold dispersed on certain oxides is <2nm. This phenomenon should be owing to the change of the local electronic structure of the gold particle or the interface between the gold and the oxides, however its detail has not been cleared yet. We measured the mean inner potential of gold particles supported on TiO2 using electron holography and HREM, and found that the mean inner potential of gold depend largely on the size of the gold particles. When the size is >5nm, the mean inner potential is the same as the reported values of bulk gold (experimental: 21–23V, calculated: 25–30V). When the size is <5nm, it begins to increase >30V, and it begins to increase suddenly >40V at the size <2nm. It indicates that the electronic structure of the gold particle varies from that of the bulk state as the size of the gold reduces due to the nano-size effect or the interaction at the interface, since the mean inner potential is sensitive to the electronic state of the outer valence electron. On the other hand, the behavior of the platinum catalysts is different from that of gold catalysts. When the size of the platinum particle on the TiO2 support is >1.5nm, the mean inner potential of platinum is the same as that of the bulk (∼25V). In case of the particle with the size <1.5nm, it begins to increase and the increase rate is lower than that of the gold particles with the size <2nm. It is suggested to be due to the difference of the interaction with TiO2.

Identification of QTLs that control clubroot resistance in Brassica oleracea and comparative analysis of clubroot resistance genes between B. rapa and B. oleracea

To perform comparative studies of CR (clubroot resistance) loci in Brassica oleracea and Brassica rapa and to develop marker-assisted selection in B. oleracea, we constructed a B. oleracea map, including specific markers linked to CR genes of B. rapa. We also analyzed CR-QTLs using the mean phenotypes of F(3) progenies from the cross of a resistant double-haploid line (Anju) with a susceptible double-haploid line (GC). In the nine linkage groups obtained (O1-O9), the major QTL, pb-Bo(Anju)1, was derived from Anju with a maximum LOD score (13.7) in O2. The QTL (LOD 5.1) located in O5, pb-Bo(GC)1, was derived from the susceptible GC. Other QTLs with smaller effects were found in O2, O3, and O7. Based on common markers, it was possible to compare our finding CR-QTLs with the B. oleracea CR loci reported by previous authors; pb-Bo(GC)1 may be identical to the CR-QTL reported previously or a different member contained in the same CR gene cluster. In total, the markers linked to seven B. rapa CR genes were mapped on the B. oleracea map. Based on the mapping position and markers of the CR genes, informative comparative studies of CR loci between B. oleracea and B. rapa were performed. Our map discloses specific primer sequences linked to CR genes and includes public SSR markers that will promote pyramiding CR genes in intra- and inter-specific crosses in Brassica crops. Five genes involved in glucosinolates biosynthesis were also mapped, and GSL-BoELONG and GSL-BoPro were found to be linked to the pb-Bo(Anju)1 and Bo(GC)1 loci, respectively. The linkage drag associated with the CR-QTLs is briefly discussed.

Standard steroid treatment for autoimmune pancreatitis

OBJECTIVE

To establish an appropriate steroid treatment regimen for autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP).

METHODS

A retrospective survey of AIP treatment was conducted in 17 centres in Japan. The main outcome measures were rate of remission and relapse.

RESULTS

Of 563 patients with AIP, 459 (82%) received steroid treatment. The remission rate of steroid-treated AIP was 98%, which was significantly higher than that of patients without steroid treatment (74%, 77/104; p<0.001). Steroid treatment was given for obstructive jaundice (60%), abdominal pain (11%), associated extrapancreatic lesions except the biliary duct (11%), and diffuse enlargement of the pancreas (10%). There was no relationship between the period necessary to achieve remission and the initial dose (30 mg/day vs 40 mg/day) of prednisolone. Maintenance steroid treatment was given in 377 (82%) of 459 steroid-treated patients, and steroid treatment was stopped in 104 patients. The relapse rate of patients with AIP on maintenance treatment was 23% (63/273), which was significantly lower than that of patients who stopped maintenance treatment (34%, 35/104; p = 0.048). From the start of steroid treatment, 56% (55/99) relapsed within 1 year and 92% (91/99) relapsed within 3 years. Of the 89 relapsed patients, 83 (93%) received steroid re-treatment, and steroid re-treatment was effective in 97% of them.

CONCLUSIONS

The major indication for steroid treatment in AIP is the presence of symptoms. An initial prednisolone dose of 0.6 mg/kg/day, is recommend, which is then reduced to a maintenance dose over a period of 3-6 months. Maintenance treatment with low-dose steroid reduces but dose not eliminate relapses.

Physical fitness and indices of lifestyle-related diseases before and after interval walking training in middle-aged and older males and females

HYPOTHESIS

Whether increasing peak aerobic capacity for walking (VO(2peak)) by interval walking training (IWT) is closely linked with decreasing the indices of lifestyle-related diseases (LSDs) in middle-aged and older people were examined.

METHODS

For 4 months from April to September 2005 or 2006, 246 males and 580 females (∼65 years) performed IWT consisting of ≥5 sets of fast walking at ≥70% VO(2peak) for 3 min followed by slow walking at ≤40% VO(2peak) for 3 min ≥4 days/week. Before and after IWT, we measured VO(2peak), body mass index (BMI), %body fat, arterial blood pressure, thigh muscle strength and blood parameters. We analysed 198 males and 468 females who had undergone all the measurements both before and after IWT. To examine the hypothesis, we divided the subjects equally into three groups according to their pretraining VO(2peak): low, middle and high groups for each sex.

RESULTS

Before training, it was found that thigh muscle strength and blood high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration were lower, whereas body weight, BMI, %body fat, arterial blood pressure and blood glucose were higher in the low group than the high group (all, p<0.05). After training, although VO(2peak) and thigh muscle strength increased and body weight, BMI, %body fat, blood pressure and blood glucose concentration decreased in all groups (all, p<0.05), the changes were greatest in the low group for both sexes.

CONCLUSION

VO(2peak) at baseline and changes in response to training were closely linked with indices of LSDs.

Techniques to facilitate ERCP with a conventional endoscope in patients with previous pancreatoduodenectomy

There is little guidance on the performance of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with previous pancreatoduodenectomy. We reviewed techniques for ERCP with a conventional endoscope and assessed its value in 10 patients with previous pancreatoduodenectomy (15 ERCPs). After exploration of the surgical reconstruction, we used a front-viewing endoscope, and we used a small firm pillow under the abdomen and hand compression for preventing loop formation. Successful insertion to the ductal anastomoses and biliary cannulation were achieved in 13 / 15 procedures (87 %). In 6 procedures where we attempted pancreatic cannulation, we could not identify the pancreatojejunostomy, but after spraying contrast around the suspected location of the ductal anastomosis we obtained a pancreatogram in 4 / 6 procedures (67 %). Endoscopic biliary interventions were successful in 6 / 7 procedures (86 %). No complications were encountered. Use of appropriate techniques makes ERCP with a conventional endoscope feasible, effective, and safe in patients with previous pancreatoduodenectomy. Endoscopic therapy can be performed successfully in the bile duct, but has limited value regarding the pancreatic duct.

Effective "short" double-balloon enteroscope for diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP in patients with altered gastrointestinal anatomy: a large case series

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Although endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is technically challenging in patients with altered gastrointestinal anatomy, a double-balloon enteroscope (DBE) permits examinations of a much longer segment of the small bowel than does a standard endoscope, and may be used to perform ERCP in such patients. Since only limited accessories are available for a conventional DBE, we performed ERCP with a "short" DBE, which has a 2.8-mm working channel and a 152-cm working length and for which conventional accessories are available, in patients with altered gastrointestinal anatomy, and evaluated this alternative technique.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In 68 patients with a Roux-en-Y total gastrectomy (n = 36), Billroth II gastrectomy (n = 17), or pancreatoduodenectomy (n = 15), ERCP (103 procedures) was performed with a "short" DBE.

RESULTS

Deep insertion was successful in 100/103 procedures (97 %). Cholangiogram was successfully obtained in 98/100 procedures (98 %). Treatment was accomplished in all 98 procedures in which a cholangiogram was obtained (100 %). Therapeutic interventions including stone extraction (n = 47), nasobiliary drainage (n = 38), stent placement (n = 36), sphincterotomy (n = 31), choledochojejunostomy dilation (n = 29), tumor biopsy (n = 10), and naso-pancreatic duct drainage (n = 1) were performed successfully. Complications occurred in 5/103 procedures (5 %), all in patients with Roux-en-Y reconstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the relatively high rate of complications seen in patients with Roux-en-Y reconstruction, ERCP with a "short" DBE is effective in patients who have undergone bowel reconstruction.

Serological evidence of infection with hepatitis E virus among wild Yezo-deer, Cervus nippon yesoensis, in Hokkaido, Japan

In this study, 520 serum samples from Yezo-deer in the Hidaka district, Hokkaido, Japan were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to investigate whether the animals were infected with hepatitis E virus (HEV). The distribution of optical density values showed a bimodal pattern and 181 samples (34.8%) were deemed to be antibody-positive against HEV. At least five (2.8%) of the positive sera gave specific bands by Western blot analysis. An age-dependent increase in prevalence of the antibodies was found among the animals. These findings indicate that Yezo-deer are a possible host for HEV infection. To avoid the risk of becoming HEV infected, the consumption of raw Yezo-deer meat must be prohibited.

Phase II trial report of the new neoadjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 and docetaxel for advanced breast cancer

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Background: Primary chemotherapy with anthracycline and taxanes is a gold standard regimen which realize pathologically complete response in 20% of patients with advanced breast cancer. However, sequential administration of anthracycline and taxanes induces serious side effects. This regimen is therefore difficult to use for higj-risk patients. S-1 is a new oral anti-tumor drug, which is composed of 5-fluoro-1-(tetrahydro -2- furanyl)-2, 4(1H, 3H)-pyrimidinedione (Tegafur, FT), 5-chloro-2, 4- dihydroxypyridine (Gimeracil, CDHP) and potassium 1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydro-2, 4-dioxo-1, 3, 5-triazine-6-carboxylate (potassium Oteracil, Oxo). Combined treatment with docetaxel and S-1 yielded significant response in patients with gastric cancer with minimal side effects due to biochemical modulation of both CDHP and Oxo. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of docetaxel in combination with S-1 for advanced breast cancer. Methods: Patients with advanced breast cancer (Stage IIA to IV) were treated with i.v. docetaxel (40mg/m2) on day 1 and oral S-1(80mg as FT/m2/day) on days 1 to 14 every 3 weeks for 8 courses. The clinical response was evaluated every 3 months with MMG, MRI, ultrasonography and CT scan based on RECIST criteria. The patients underwent surgery after completion of chemotherapy. Pathologic examination was performed with thin-sliced specimens. The specimens were also reserved for genetic analysis. Written informed consent was obtained from all patients or family members after the Ethics Committee of Tokushima University Hospital approved the study protocol. Results: Twenty-two patients completed the therapy and underwent surgery. Four cases (18.2%) of pathologic complete response (pCR) were recognized on pathologic examination. The response rate was 90.9% and 95.5% of the patients could preserved their breast. Bone marrow suppression was substantial, and low-grade anorexia, nausea, and peripheral neuropathy were observed. Conclusions: The new regimen of S-1 combined with docetaxel is expected to exhibit satisfactory efficacy in treating advanced breast cancer as primary chemotherapy. Genetic analysis will be performed to examine and to find biomarkers for measurement of the efficacy of this therapy.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

The evaluation of post-operative alignment in total knee replacement using a CT-based navigation system

We compared the alignment of 39 total knee replacements implanted using the conventional alignment guide system with 37 implanted using a CT-based navigation system, performed by a single surgeon. The knees were evaluated using full-length weight-bearing anteroposterior radiographs, lateral radiographs and CT scans. The mean hip-knee-ankle angle, coronal femoral component angle and coronal tibial component angle were 181.8 degrees (174.2 degrees to 188.3 degrees), 88.5 degrees (84.0 degrees to 91.8 degrees) and 89.7 degrees (86.3 degrees to 95.1 degrees), respectively for the conventional group and 180.8 degrees (178.2 degrees to 185.1 degrees), 89.3 degrees (85.8 degrees to 92.0 degrees) and 89.9 degrees (88.0 degrees to 93.0 degrees), respectively for the navigated group. The mean sagittal femoral component angle was 85.5 degrees (80.6 degrees to 92.8 degrees) for the conventional group and 89.6 degrees (85.5 degrees to 94.0 degrees) for the navigated group. The mean rotational femoral and tibial component angles were -0.7 degrees (-8.8 degrees to 9.8 degrees) and -3.3 degrees (-16.8 degrees to 5.8 degrees) for the conventional group and -0.6 degrees (-3.5 degrees to 3.0 degrees) and 0.3 degrees (-5.3 degrees to 7.7 degrees) for the navigated group. The ideal angles of all alignments in the navigated group were obtained at significantly higher rates than in the conventional group. Our results demonstrated significant improvements in component positioning with a CT-based navigation system, especially with respect to rotational alignment.