Involvement of interferon-tau in the induction of apoptotic, pyroptotic, and autophagic cell death-related signaling pathways in the bovine uterine endometrium during early pregnancy

Interferon-tau (IFNT), a type I interferon (IFN), is known as pregnancy recognition signaling molecule secreted from the ruminant conceptus during the preimplantation period. Type I IFNs, such as IFN-alpha and IFN-beta, are known to activate cell-death pathways as well as induce apoptosis. In cows, induction of apoptosis with DNA fragmentation is induced by IFNT in cultured bovine endometrial epithelial cells. However, the status of cell-death pathways in the bovine endometrium during the preimplantation period still remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the different cell-death pathways, including apoptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy, in uterine tissue obtained from pregnant cows and in vitro cultured endometrial epithelial cells with IFNT stimulation. The expression of CASP7, 8, and FADD (apoptosis-related genes) was significantly higher in pregnant day 18 uterine tissue in comparison to non-pregnant day 18 tissue. The expression of CASP4, 11, and NLRP3 (pyroptosis-related genes) was significantly higher in the pregnant uterus in comparison to non-pregnant uterus. In contrast, autophagy-related genes were not affected by pregnancy. We also investigated the effect of IFNT on the expression of cell-death pathway-related genes, as well as DNA fragmentation in cultured endometrial epithelial cells. Similar to its effects in pregnant uterine tissue, IFNT affected the increase of apoptosis-related (CASP8) and pyroptosis-related genes (CASP11), but did not affect autophagy-related gene expression. IFNT also increased γH2AX-positive cells, which is a marker of DNA fragmentation. These results suggest that apoptosis- and pyroptosis-related genes are induced by IFNT in the pregnant bovine endometrial epithelial cells.

Viscoelastic anomaly accompanying anti-crossing behaviour in liquid As2Se3

We investigate the dynamic structure factor of the melt of the well known glass former, As₂Se₃, using inelastic x-ray scattering for temperatures, T, [Formula: see text] K and momentum transfers Q from [Formula: see text] nm^-1. An anomaly was observed at Q  =  2.7 nm^-1 ([Formula: see text] K) with, in the context of a simple model, both an abrupt change in frequency and an increased linewidth reminiscent of an anti-crossing in a solid. Comparison with structural information from reverse Monte Carlo modeling of x-ray diffraction data allows us to associate the disappearance of the anomaly at higher temperatures with a drop in the number of mechanical constraints per atom, n _mc, to [Formula: see text] reminiscent of the threshold applicable for glass formation in rigidity theory. It is inferred that the surprising jump in the dispersion in the liquid may be correlated with a stiffness transition in a network glass.

Platelet Hyperaggregability in Ischemic Cerebrovascular Disease and Effects of Aspirin

Platelet aggregation was studied in 24 patients in the chronic stage of ischemic cerebrovascular disease (CVD), with cerebral affluent and effluent blood, i.e., carotid arterial and internal jugular venous blood, and also with peripheral venous blood. Aggregation tests were performed at various final concentrations of sodium arachidonate (A.A.) and ADP. In 17 patients, not taking aspirin, platelet aggregability in jugular venous blood was significantly accentuated compared with that in arterial and peripheral venous blood. This tendency was more marked in the patients with cerebral artery stenosis and/or occlusion than in those with normal cerebral angiogram. In 7 patients taking 500 mg or more oral aspirin, aggregation differences across the brain were not observed and A.A. aggregation and the second phase of ADP aggregation were completely suppressed. These results suggest that a prophylactic administration of aspirin may be beneficial for patients in chronic stage of CVD.

Age-associated deterioration in follicular fluid induces a decline in bovine oocyte quality

Maternal age affects the quality of oocytes. The present study examined whether follicular fluid (FF) is a casual factor for age-associated decline in oocyte quality. First, we measured the concentration of advanced glycation end-products (AGE) in FF derived from young (21-45 months; Young-FF) and aged (≥120 months; Aged-FF) cows and found significantly higher concentrations of AGE in Aged-FF than Young-FF. Second, oocytes were collected from ovaries of young or aged cows and cultured in maturation medium containing 10% FF derived from young or aged cows. Regardless of oocyte origin, Aged-FF accelerated nuclear maturation progression and gap junction closure between oocytes and cumulus cells, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and the rate of abnormal fertilisation of oocytes and decreased blastulation rate compared with Young-FF. Furthermore, supplementation of maturation medium with AGE induced similar age-associated events in oocytes derived from young cows, in that AGE accelerated the progression of nuclear maturation, increased ROS content in oocytes, increased the rate of abnormal fertilisation and decreased blastulation rate. In conclusion, maternal aging increased the concentration of AGE in FF, and both AGE and Aged-FF accelerated nuclear maturation and reduced the developmental competence of oocytes.

Universal geometric frustration in pyrochlores

Materials with the pyrochlore/fluorite structure have diverse technological applications, from magnetism to nuclear waste disposal. Here we report the observation of structural instability present in the pyrochlores A₂Zr₂O₆Oʹ (A = Pr, La) and Yb₂Ti₂O₆Oʹ, that exists despite ideal stoichiometry, ideal cation-ordering, the absence of lone pair effects, and a lack of magnetic order. Though these materials appear to have good long-range order, local structure probes find displacements, of the order of 0.01 nm, within the pyrochlore framework. The pattern of displacements of the A₂Oʹ sublattice mimics the entropically-driven fluxional motions characteristic of and well-known in the silica mineral β-cristobalite. The universality of such displacements within the pyrochlore structure adds to the known structural diversity and explains the extreme sensitivity to composition found in quantum spin ices and the lack of ferroelectric behavior in pyrochlores.

The family of pyrochlore complex oxides includes many materials of fundamental or practical interest, such as spin ices and dielectrics. Trump et al. show that flexibility of the pyrochlores’ structure leads to local displacements that explain some of their unusual physical properties.

Effects of recirculation and separation times on nitrogen removal in baffled membrane bioreactor (B-MBR)

In this study, we investigated the effects of recirculation and separation times on removals of organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus in a baffled membrane bioreactor (B-MBR) treating real municipal wastewater. A pilot-scale B-MBR experimental apparatus was operated under two different sets of recirculation and separation times. The results revealed that, irrespective of operating conditions, the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and concentration of total nitrogen (T-N) in the treated water can be lowered to less than 3 and 5 mg/L, respectively. Although T-N was effectively removed in the two different operating conditions, increase in the fraction of recirculation time results in tiny deterioration of nitrogen removal efficiency in the B-MBR. Phosphorus removal efficiency was also slightly decreased as the fraction of recirculation time (ratio between recirculation and separation times) was increased. The results of the measurement of dissolved oxygen (DO) profiles at different points of the B-MBR apparatus indicate that the increase in DO concentration in the anoxic zone of the B-MBR becomes much more pronounced by increasing recirculation intensity. On the basis of the results obtained in this study, it can be concluded that efficient removal of BOD, T-N, and total phosphorus can be achieved by the B-MBR as long as appropriate recirculation intensity is selected.

Heat stress affects prostaglandin synthesis in bovine endometrial cells

Heat stress (HS) negatively affects reproduction in cattle; however, its effect on endocrine function in bovine endometrial cells remains unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of HS on the production of prostaglandin (PG) E2 and PGF2α in the cultured bovine endometrial epithelial and stromal cells separately. To evaluate the effect of HS on endocrine function, the cells were cultured at 38.5°C (control) or 40.5°C (HS). After treatment, PGE2 and PGF2α levels were measured via enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and mRNA expressions of enzymes involved in PG synthesis were examined via quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). HS did not influence the production of PGE2 or PGF2α in the epithelial cells; however, HS significantly enhanced the production of both PGE2 and PGF2α in the stromal cells (P < 0.05). In addition, HS significantly increased phospholipase A2 (PLA2), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), prostaglandin F synthase (PGFS), prostaglandin E synthase (PGES), and carbonyl reductase 1 (CBR1) mRNA expression in the stromal cells (P < 0.05). The overall results suggest that HS induces mRNA expression of enzymes involved in PG synthesis, resulting in the upregulation of PGE2 and PGF2α production in the stromal cells, but not in the epithelial cells. The HS-induced increase of PGE2 and PGF2α secretion in bovine endometrial stromal cells may disrupt the normal estrous cycle and cause infertility in cows during summer.

Activation of lysosomal cathepsins in pregnant bovine leukocytes

In ruminants, interferon-tau (IFNT)-mediated expression of interferon-stimulated genes in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) can indicate pregnancy. Recently, type 1 IFN-mediated activation of lysosomes and lysosomal cathepsins (CTSs) was observed in immune cells. This study investigated the status of lysosomal CTSs and lysosomes in PBLs collected from pregnant (P) and non-pregnant (NP) dairy cows, and conducted in vitro IFNT stimulation of NP blood leukocytes. Blood samples were collected 0, 7, 14 and 18 days post-artificial insemination, and the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMNs) separated. The fluorescent activity of CTSB and CTSK in PMNs significantly increased with the progress of pregnancy, especially on day 18. In vitro supplementation of IFNT significantly increased the activities of CTSB and CTSK in NP PBMCs and PMNs. CTSB expression was significantly higher in PBMCs and PMNs collected from P day-18 cows than from NP cows, whereas there was no difference in CTSK expression. IFNT increased CTSB expression but did not affect CTSK expression. Immunodetection showed an increase of CTSB in P day-18 PBMCs and PMNs. In vitro stimulation of IFNT increased CTSB in NP PBMCs and PMNs. Lysosomal acidification showed a significant increase in P day-18 PBMCs and PMNs. IFNT also stimulated lysosomal acidification. Expressions of lysosome-associated membrane protein (LAMP) 1 and LAMP2 were significantly higher in P day-18 PBMCs and PMNs. The results suggest that pregnancy-specific activation of lysosomal functions by CTS activation in blood leukocytes is highly associated with IFNT during maternal and fetal recognition of pregnancy.

Method for Prediction of Efficacy of Sugammadex Administered to Recover from Rocuronium-Induced Neuromuscular Blockade in Gynecological Laparoscopic Surgery Cases

Sugammadex (SDX), a neuromuscular blocking-reversal agent, quickly reverses neuromuscular blockade induced by rocuronium (RCR). SDX dosage is set according to the state of neuromuscular blockade determined with a neuromuscular monitoring device. However, in clinical situations, such a devise is not frequently used. Here, we report construction of a method for theoretically setting SDX dose by which the optimum reverse time (RT) can be obtained for individual patients even when the device is not available. The subjects were 42 adult female patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery from 1 August 2015 to 31 March 2016, during which RCR and SDX were administered. We formulated an equation for theoretically calculating the RCR residual ratio (RR) in blood after SDX administration. Furthermore, we examined the relationship between RR and RT. Based on the results obtained, we developed a method for predicting RT using RR. We excluded 1 subject as the RT value was detected as an outlier in our analysis. Multiple regression analysis was performed using standard body weight, serum creatinine, total bilirubin, and RR as explanatory variables. The number of subjects with a prediction error of RT within ±1 min was 36 (87.8%) of 41 in multiple regression analysis. We could predict RT following SDX administration by using the RT prediction expression with RR obtained for subjects administered RCR during the surgery. Furthermore, our results suggest that the SDX dose able to achieve optimum RT may be set prior to surgery on the basis of the present methodology.

Binding of 131I-Labeled Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator on De-Endothelialized Lesions in Rabbits

Tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) which has a high affinity for fibrin in the clot, was labeled with 131I by the iodogen method, and its binding to de-endothelialized lesions in the rabbit was measured to assess the detectability of thrombi. The de-endothelialized lesion was induced in the abdominal aorta with a Fogarty 4F balloon catheter. Two hours after the de-endothelialization, 131I-labeled t-PA (125 ± 46 μCi) was injected intravenously. The initial half-life of the agent in blood (n = 12) was 2.9 ± 0.4 min. The degree of binding of 131I-labeled t-PA to the de-endothelialized lesion was evaluated at 15 min (n = 6) or at 30 min (n = 6) after injection of the agent. In spite of the retention of the biochemical properties of 131I-labeled t-PA and the presence of fibrin deposition at the de-endothelialized lesion, the binding of t-PA to the lesion was not sufficiently strong. Lesion-to-control ratios (cpm/g/cpm/g) were 1.65 ± 0.40 (at 15 min) and 1.39 ± 1.31 (at 30 min), and lesion-to-blood ratios were 1.39 ± 0.32 (at 15 min) and 1.36 ± 0.23 (at 30 min). These results suggest that radiolabeled t-PA may be inappropriate as a radiopharmaceutical for the scintigraphic detection of a pre-existing thrombotic lesion.

Down-regulation of transcription factor OVOL2 contributes to epithelial-mesenchymal transition in a noninvasive type of trophoblast implantation to the maternal endometrium

Embryo implantation into the uterine endometrium is required for pregnancy establishment in most mammals. By using global expression analysis, we investigated the molecules that are related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in noninvasive bovine trophoblasts and found that the transcription factor, ovo-like zinc finger 2 ( OVOL2), which is essential for mesenchymal-epithelial transition in various cancers, was down-regulated after trophoblast attachment to the endometrial epithelium in utero. In cultured bovine trophoblast cells, OVOL2 down-regulation occurred only when cells were allowed to attach to bovine endometrial epithelial cells via the TEAD3/YAP signaling pathway. This resulted in the up-regulation of the EMT-associated transcription factors, ZEB1 and SNAI2, and the mesenchymal cell markers, N-cadherin ( CDH2) and vimentin ( VIM), whereas epithelial cell marker, E-cadherin ( CDH1), was down-regulated. In contrast, OVOL2 overexpression in bovine trophoblast cells exhibited a decrease in ZEB1 transcripts and an increase in E-cadherin. These observations revealed that ovo-like protein (OVOL)2 down-regulation occurred concurrently with conceptus implantation into the uterine endometrium via the YAP/TEAD3 signaling pathway, and suggest that the down-regulation of OVOL2 expression contributes to the up-regulation of EMT-related transcription factor expression, which enables EMT progression in the noninvasive bovine trophectoderm postimplantation.-Bai, R., Kusama, K., Nakamura, K., Sakurai, T., Kimura, K., Ideta, A., Aoyagi, Y., Imakawa, K. Down-regulation of transcription factor OVOL2 contributes to epithelial-mesenchymal transition in a noninvasive type of trophoblast implantation to the maternal endometrium.

Species-specific control of hepatocyte growth factor expression and production in adipocytes in a differentiation-dependent manner

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a mesenchymal cell-derived factor that regulates cell growth, cell motility, and morphogenesis. Since there are conflicting reports on HGF-producing cells, we herein examined HGF activity in conditioned medium (CM) of bovine and mouse preadipocytes before and after adipogenic differentiation. CM of bovine adipocytes and mouse preadipocytes induced the morphogenesis of mammary epithelial cells that was inhibited by an NK4 HGF antagonist, whereas CM of bovine preadipocytes and mouse adipocytes did not. HGF mRNA expression was increased by a treatment with dexamethasone and isobutylmethylxanthine in bovine as well as human cells, whereas it was decreased in rodent cells. It was unfortunate that HGF gene promoter activity failed to reflect HGF mRNA expression in these cells. After actinomycin D treatment, expression of HGF mRNA remained stable in pre- and differentiated bovine adipocytes and mouse preadipocytes, whereas rapidly decreased in mouse-differentiated adipocytes. These results indicate that expression and production of HGF are regulated in a species-specific adipogenic differentiation-dependent manner and suggest that the decrease in HGF mRNA in mouse differentiated adipocytes is, at least in part, mediated by differentiation-dependent loss of its stability.

Correction of a Disease Mutation using CRISPR/Cas9-assisted Genome Editing in Japanese Black Cattle

Isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase (IARS) syndrome is a recessive disease of Japanese Black cattle caused by a single nucleotide substitution. To repair the mutated IARS gene, we designed clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) to create a double-strand break near the mutation site. CRISPR/Cas9 and donor DNA that contained a synonymous codon for the correct amino acid and an Aequorea coerulescens Green Fluorescent Protein (AcGFP) cassette with a piggyBac transposase recognition site at both ends were introduced into bovine fetal fibroblast (BFF) cells isolated from a homozygous mutant calf. Recombinant cells were enriched on the basis of expression of AcGFP, and two cell lines that contained the repaired allele were subcloned. We generated somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos from the repaired cells and transferred 22 blastocysts to recipient cows. In total, five viable fetuses were retrieved at Days 34 and 36. PiggyBac transposase mRNA was introduced into BFF cells isolated from cloned foetuses and AcGFP-negative cells were used for second round of cloning. We transferred nine SCNT embryos to recipient cows and retrieved two fetuses at Day 34. Fetal genomic DNA analysis showed correct repair of the IARS mutation without any additional DNA footprint.

Hypoxia increases glucose transporter 1 expression in bovine corpus luteum at the early luteal stage

A major role of the corpus luteum (CL) is to produce progesterone (P4). The CL has immature vasculature shortly after ovulation, suggesting it exists under hypoxic conditions. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF1) induces the expression of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1). To clarify the physiological roles of GLUT1 in bovine CL, we examined GLUT1 mRNA expression in the CL under hypoxic conditions by quantitative RT-PCR. We also measured the effects of glucose (0-25 mM) and GLUT1 inhibitors (cytochalasin B, STF-31) on P4 production in bovine luteal cells. GLUT1 mRNA expression in bovine CL was higher at the early luteal stage compared to the other later stages. Hypoxia (3% O₂) increased GLUT1 mRNA expression in early luteal cells, but not in mid luteal cells. Glucose (0-25 mM) increased P4 production in early luteal cells, but not in mid luteal cells. Both GLUT1 inhibitors decreased P4 production in early and mid luteal cells. Overall, the results suggest that GLUT1 (possibly induced by hypoxic conditions in the early CL) plays a role in the establishment and development of bovine CL, especially in supporting luteal P4 synthesis at the early luteal stage.

Evaluation of the Effects of Pharmacist Intervention for Adverse Drug Reaction Detection and Exacerbation Avoidance

We evaluated the effects of pharmacist intervention for adverse drug reaction detection and exacerbation avoidance, as well as the severity and outcome of reactions based on analyses of pharmacist involvement in a collaborative approach to medicine. Of 5436 cases with pharmacist involvement, adverse drug reaction prevention was seen in 440, accounting for 8.1%, and exacerbation avoidance in 213, accounting for 3.9%. We concluded that pharmacist involvement contributes to detect adverse drug reactions and avoid exacerbation, and improves pharmacotherapy safety. We also analyzed 131 cases in which the course after intervention was followed. When categorized by adverse drug reaction severity, Grade 1 and 2 were the same at 45.8%, Grade 3 at 8.4%, respectively. Those findings suggested that pharmacist intervention contributes to early detection of an adverse drug reaction. Also, the relationship between clues for detecting adverse drug reactions by a pharmacist and their severity showed that objective evaluations such as clinical laboratory test results, physical assessments and medication history were important for detecting reactions that became more serious. Patients recovered or recovering from an adverse reaction comprised 76.4%, indicating that pharmacist intervention contributed to exacerbation avoidance and improvement. Our findings revealed the effects of pharmacist intervention for adverse drug reaction detection and exacerbation avoidance, and for safety improvement of pharmacotherapy. Additionally, we considered it necessary for the future pharmacist intervention to improve skills of assessing an adverse drug reaction objectively.

Theoretical method for evaluation of therapeutic effects and adverse effects of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors in clinical treatment

Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) are used for non-small cell lung cancer patients with an EGFR gene mutation. However, skin disorders are known as adverse events. In the present study, we investigated whether EGFR-TK occupancy is useful as an index for assessing clinical efficacy and adverse events for the proper use and development of EGFR-TKIs. Average binding occupancies (Φ _ss) of EGFR-TKIs, gefitinib and erlotinib, for the EGFR-TK of cancer or skin cells were calculated. The relationships of Φ _ss with response rate (RR) or frequency of rash were analyzed using the ternary complex model. Then, the relationships between the dose of EGFR-TKIs and RR or frequency of rash were examined. Gefitinib showed a greater difference for Φ _ss value for both wild-type and mutant EGFR as compared to erlotinib at usual dose. The RR increased in a nonlinear manner rapidly rising when Φ _ss exceeded 95%. It was thought that a very high Φ _ss value might be needed to obtain the therapeutic effect of EGFR-TKIs. Meanwhile, the frequency of rash increased in a linear manner along with elevation of Φ _ss. It was shown that the K _d ratio (K _d for mutant/K _d for wild type) was less than 0.001, when the high RR and low frequency of rash were obtained simultaneously. The results showed that the therapeutic effects and skin disorder can be assessed by using Φ _ss. Furthermore, it is likely that a proper choice of drug and dose can be made by using Φ _ss in EGFR-TKI therapy.