Direct heating of a laser-imploded core by ultraintense laser-driven ions

A novel direct core heating fusion process is introduced, in which a preimploded core is predominantly heated by energetic ions driven by LFEX, an extremely energetic ultrashort pulse laser. Consequently, we have observed the D(d,n)^{3}He-reacted neutrons (DD beam-fusion neutrons) with the yield of 5×10^{8} n/4π sr. Examination of the beam-fusion neutrons verified that the ions directly collide with the core plasma. While the hot electrons heat the whole core volume, the energetic ions deposit their energies locally in the core, forming hot spots for fuel ignition. As evidenced in the spectrum, the process simultaneously excited thermal neutrons with the yield of 6×10^{7} n/4π sr, raising the local core temperature from 0.8 to 1.8 keV. A one-dimensional hydrocode STAR 1D explains the shell implosion dynamics including the beam fusion and thermal fusion initiated by fast deuterons and carbon ions. A two-dimensional collisional particle-in-cell code predicts the core heating due to resistive processes driven by hot electrons, and also the generation of fast ions, which could be an additional heating source when they reach the core. Since the core density is limited to 2 g/cm^{3} in the current experiment, neither hot electrons nor fast ions can efficiently deposit their energy and the neutron yield remains low. In future work, we will achieve the higher core density (>10 g/cm^{3}); then hot electrons could contribute more to the core heating via drag heating. Together with hot electrons, the ion contribution to fast ignition is indispensable for realizing high-gain fusion. By virtue of its core heating and ignition, the proposed scheme can potentially achieve high gain fusion.

Host-plant dependent population genetics of the invading weevil Hypera postica

Population genetics of invading pests can be informative for understanding their ecology. In this study, we investigated population genetics of the invasive alfalfa weevil Hypera postica in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. We analyzed mitochondrial tRNALeu-COII, nuclear EF-1α gene fragments, and Wolbachia infection in relation to three leguminous host plants: Vicia angustifolia, Vicia villosa, and a new host Astragalus sinicus cultivated as a honey source and green manure crop. A parsimony network generated from mitochondrial gene sequences uncovered two major haplotypic groups, Western and Egyptian. In contrast to reported Wolbachia infection of the Western strain in the United States, none of our analyzed individuals were infected. The absence of Wolbachia may contribute to the stable coexistence of mitochondrial strains through inter-strain reproductive compatibility. Hypera postica genetic variants for the mitochondrial and nuclear genes were associated neither with host plant species nor with two geographic regions (Hisayama and Kama) within Fukuoka. Mitochondrial haplogroups were incongruent with nuclear genetic variants. Genetic diversity at the nuclear locus was the highest for the populations feeding on V. angustifolia. The nuclear data for A. sinicus-feeding populations indicated past sudden population growth and extended Bayesian skyline plot analysis based on the mitochondrial and nuclear data showed that the growth of A. sinicus-feeding population took place within the past 1000 years. These results suggest a shorter history of A. sinicus as a host plant compared with V. angustifolia and a recent rapid growth of H. postica population using the new host A. sinicus.

183 ULTRASONOGRAPHIC MONITORING OF CANINE OVARIES CLAMPED AT SUBCUTANEOUS SITE AFTER FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE TREATMENT

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) alone can induce oestrus in bitches, but few reports describe oestrous induction by FSH because pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) has been more successful than FSH for oestrus induction. Real-time ultrasonography can show canine ovarian follicle development, but no method can determine or predict ovulation accurately. Moreover, the ovary location and size complicate imaging. Using ultrasonography, we investigated FSH treatment stimulation of canine ovary follicles, with clamping of the ovaries at a subcutaneous site. Bilateral malacotomy of four 5-year-old Beagle bitches (mean weight 10.3 ± 2.0 kg) with normal oestrous cycles was done using a ventral flank abdominal approach with routine techniques and materials. Each ovary that maintained blood circulation from the suspensory ligament was clamped at a subcutaneous site through muscles of the abdomen. After about six months of bilateral malacotomy, four bitches at the anestrous (two bitches) and diestrous (two bitches) stages of the oestrous cycle were given 0.5 Armour units of FSH twice daily for 5 days. Examinations with ovarian ultrasonography with 7.5 MHz sector transducer, vaginal cytology, and serum concentrations of progesterone and oestradiol were performed daily from the day before the start of FSH treatment through 7 days after FSH treatment. After 15 days of ovarian examination, each bitch received the same FSH treatment twice continually at 15-day intervals. No serosanguineous vaginal discharge was observed during the ovarian examination. The concentrations of progesterone (<0.045–9.6 ng mL–1) and oestradiol (<9.7–81.4 pg mL–1) varied through all treatments. Comparison of the concentrations of progesterone (<0.045–7.6 ng mL–1) and oestradiol (<9.7–30.3 pg mL–1) at the start of FSH administration in each trial revealed that elevated concentrations of both progesterone and oestradiol were observed in the first treatment in 3 bitches. Regarding the second and third treatments, no elevation of concentration was found for progesterone or oestradiol. A new follicular growth was observed in 1 animal after the third FSH treatment, but no follicular growth was found for the other animals. No correlation was found between follicular development and the profile of either progesterone or oestradiol. Ultrasonography proved that FSH stimulation alone cannot induce follicular growth by a single treatment, but it might increase the levels of progesterone and oestradiol, which are not correlated with follicular development and oestrous cycles at the start of FSH treatment.

Can a pressure-limited V-A shunt for obstructive uropathy really protect the kidney?

BACKGROUND

In our fetal lamb model of lower urinary tract obstruction, a valved shunt preserves bladder function. This study investigates the effects on renal histology.

METHODS

We created obstructive uropathy (OU) in 60-day gestation fetal lambs, ligating the urethra and urachus, and delivering them at term (130-145days). We compared renal histology in 4 groups: group A-OU without shunt, group B-low-pressure shunt (15-54mmH2O), group C-high-pressure shunt (95-150mmH2O). Shunts were inserted 3weeks post-obstruction. Group D were normal controls.

RESULTS

We delivered 32 fetuses from 23 ewes: 13 fetuses in group A (9 survived), 6 fetuses in group B (5 survived), 7 fetuses in group C (5 survived), and 6 fetuses in group D. Histologically, we found renal tubular distention, vacuolated degeneration of tubular epithelial cells in 7 lambs, and cyst formation in 4 lambs in group A. There was renal tubular distention in two lambs, and cyst formation in one lamb in both groups B and C, with vacuolated degeneration of tubular epithelial cells observed in all but 1 lamb in each group.

CONCLUSIONS

V-A shunting prevents multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK). Some lambs have renal tubular distention and vacuolated degeneration of renal tubular epithelial cells.

Compact and high-particle-flux thermal-lithium-beam probe system for measurement of two-dimensional electron density profile

A compact and high-particle-flux thermal-lithium-beam source for two-dimensional measurement of electron density profiles has been developed. The thermal-lithium-beam oven is heated by a carbon heater. In this system, the maximum particle flux of the thermal lithium beam was ~4 × 10(19) m(-2) s(-1) when the temperature of the thermal-lithium-beam oven was 900 K. The electron density profile was evaluated in the small tokamak device HYBTOK-II. The electron density profile was reconstructed using the thermal-lithium-beam probe data and this profile was consistent with the electron density profile measured with a Langmuir electrostatic probe. We confirm that the developed thermal-lithium-beam probe can be used to measure the two-dimensional electron density profile with high time and spatial resolutions.

Partial Sequence of Acid Phosphatase-11Gene(Aps-11)Linked to Nematode Resistance Gene (Mi) of Tomato

A partial amino acid sequence of acid phosphatase-1(1) (apase-1(1)), one of acid phosphatase isozymes of tomato, was identified. This information enabled us to synthesize degenerated primer pools of oligonucleotides for polymerase chain reactions (PCR) using cDNA for poly(A)+ RNA of tomato leaves as a template. As a result, a 135-bp, then a 467-bp PCR product were obtained. Nucleotide sequencing of these two PCR products gave a total of 522-bp sequence that was identified as a part of the Asp-1(1) gene judging from the amino acid sequence deduced from it. Using the 135-bp PCR product as a probe, we detected the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) in two different lines of tomato by genomic Southern blot analysis. We also did pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and Southern blot analysis to search for suitable fragments to clone into a YAC vector. As a result, a single band with a size that could be cloned into a YAC vector was detected when the genomic DNA was digested with some kinds of restriction enzymes.

Positive predictive value for malignancy of pure flat epithelial atypia diagnosis by percutaneous needle biopsy of the breast: management of FEA in ultrasonography

BACKGROUND

Some reports suggest that the rate of definitive diagnosis of malignant tumors, namely, the final diagnosis being revised to a higher stage, in patients diagnosed as having flat epithelial atypia (FEA) by percutaneous needle biopsy of the breast (PNB) is as low as 0-3 %. However, other reports suggest that the rate is as high as 10 % or more, bringing confusion on this issue. We examined the positive predictive value for malignancy in the patients diagnosed as having pure FEA and the patients' radiolopathological characteristics observed in our hospital.

METHODS

Of the patients who underwent PNB in our facility, those who were diagnosed as having pure FEA were recruited as the subjects of this study.

RESULTS

Of the 4,197 consecutive patients who underwent PNB, 44 (1.0 %) were diagnosed as having pure FEA following a re-examination. Among 44 cases, 39 cases were selected as the subjects of this study. Among the 39 patients, six patients were diagnosed as having malignant lesions, two of whom had invasive carcinoma of no special type (papillotubular type), one had tubular carcinoma, one had ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of high nuclear grade, one had DCIS of intermediate nuclear grade, and one had DCIS of low nuclear grade. The diameters of 6 malignant lesions were 10-30 mm at ultrasonography (US) examination. Five of the 39 patients had contralateral breast cancer.

CONCLUSION

The positive predictive value for malignancy of pure FEA was 15.7 %. The patients with pure FEA may make a follow up without an excisional biopsy when the lesion sizes less than 10 mm on US examination.

Radiological features of long bones in synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, osteitis syndrome and their correlation with pathological findings

Abstract The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the radiological features of long bones in synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome and to correlate these with the clinical findings. Eleven long bone lesions in seven cases of SAPHO syndrome were examined. The patients ranged in age from 6 to 63 years, with a mean of 47 years. In all seven cases, radiography, (99m)technetium bone scintigraphy, CT scan, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed. In six of the cases, bone biopsy and bone culture were carried out for 7 long bones. Seven of the involved lesions were from the shaft of the femur, one each was from the neck and the shaft of the humerus, and one was from the proximal tibia. These lesions showed radiologically hyperostosis, osteolysis, and bone infarction-like lesion. Osteolysis was occasionally accompanied by sclerotic change. Hyperostosis usually showed diaphyseal involvement, presenting low signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted MR images. Histologically, these findings corresponded to massive bone necrosis, new bone formation, fibrosis, or a mixture of these associated with mild inflammatory cell infiltration. Osteolysis involved dyaphysis, metaphysis, or epiphysis associated with arthritis, and presented low signal intensity on T1-weighted images, nonhomogeneous signal intensity lower than fat on T2-weighted images, and high signal intensity on fat suppression images. These findings corresponded to fibrosis, granulation, and inflammatory cell infiltration with lymphocyte aggregation. Bone infarction-like lesion was observed in the shaft or neck of the femur and the humerus and accompanied by calcification and cystic change. Bone cultures were negative in all cases in which bone biopsy was performed. Although hyperostosis is thought to be a characteristic bone lesion in SAPHO syndrome, the long bone lesion can occasionally show not only hyperostosis but also osteolytsis and bone infarction-like lesions.

Ochronotic spondylarthropathy: two case reports of progressive destructive changes in the hip

Abstract We report two cases of ochronotic spondylarthropathy who presented with spinal involvement followed by progressive destructive changes in the hip joint, which led to total hip replacement with a satisfactory outcome. Pathological examination revealed severe deterioration of the affected hip with unique cartilage degeneration associated with active inflammation in the synovium and bone marrow. These features were also evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging in one case which presented with rapidly destructive changes in the hip. Spinal involvement may contribute to progressive destructive hip arthropathy in ochronosis.

119 ULTRASONOGRAPHIC MONITORING OF CANINE OVARIES CLAMPED AT SUBCUTANEOUS SITE AFTER HORMONE TREATMENT

Follicular growth in bitches is usually detected indirectly through behaviour observation, vaginal smears, and hormonal assay in blood. Although real-time ultrasonography can reveal the development of canine ovarian follicles, no method has been established to determine or predict ovulation accurately. Moreover, the location and small size of the ovaries make imaging technically difficult. This study was conducted to investigate follicular waves of canine ovaries stimulated by hormone treatment, in which ovaries had been clamped at a subcutaneous site. Bilateral malacotomy of 3 bitches (4 years of age) at the anestrous (2 bitches) and proestrous (1 bitch) stages of the oestrous cycle was performed using a ventral flank abdominal approach with routine techniques and materials. Each ovary that maintained blood circulation from the suspensory ligament was clamped at a subcutaneous site through muscles of the abdomen. Oestrus was induced using subcutaneous administration of 500 IU of eCG and 1000 IU of hCG (eCG/hCG). Each bitch was given 1000 IU of hCG at 11 days after eCG/hCG administration. Examinations with ovarian ultrasonography using a 7.5-MHz sector transducer, vaginal cytology, and serum progesterone assay were performed daily until 20 days after eCG/hCG administration, and every 10 days thereafter from 20 days to 60 days. Serosanguineous vaginal discharges and vaginal cytology of 2 of the bitches were observed. Follicular growth (>1.1 mm in diameter) was observed in all bitches after eCG/hCG administration. The appearance of new follicular growth was observed on 2 days, 6 days, and 8 days after eCG/hCG administration. The mean diameter of follicles reached 4.3 to 5.5 mm, and the maximum numbers of follicles in bitches were 11 to 16. However, all follicles regressed, irrespective of hCG administration. Elevation in progesterone levels (>2 ng mL–1) after eCG/hCG administration was observed from 2 days to 12 days after eCG/hCG administration. No correlation was found between follicular development, progesterone profiles, and vaginal smear characteristics. Follicular growth clamped at the subcutaneous site can be monitored easily using ultrasound without an experienced operator. Moreover, ultrasonography proved that hormonal stimulation can induce follicular growth, but the day of appearance of new follicles varied.

Application of mycotoxin adsorbent to cattle feed contaminated with zearalenone: urinary zearalenone excretion and association with anti-Müllerian hormone

This study investigated (1) protective effects of a commercially available mycotoxin adsorbent (MA) and (2) endocrine effects of in vivo exposure to zearalenone (ZEA) in cattle. The sample included a Japanese Black female cattle herd (MYT herd) that displayed persistently high urinary ZEA concentrations. A second herd (NM herd) was used as a control. Three groups from each herd were assessed: MX (n=6; MA mixed with concentrate), TD (n=6; MA applied as topdressing with the concentrate), and a positive control (n=6; no MA application). Urine and blood samples were collected at the start of MA supplementation (day 0), on the final day of supplementation (day 16), and on the final day of the sampling period (day 58 for MYT herd and day 50 for NM herd). Urinary ZEA concentrations (pg/mg of creatinine) were measured by ELISA and liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Haematological and serum biochemical analyses were performed to monitor hepatic, renal, nutritional, and mineral intake statuses. Ovulation status was assessed by progesterone (P4) and antral follicle population by anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels. The urinary concentrations of ZEA and its metabolites in the MX and TD groups were significantly lower (P<0.05) at day 16 compared with the control group, as measured by LC-MS/MS. The valid ratio of AMH-positive (≯0.08 ng/ml) cattle was significantly higher in the NM herd than in the MYT herd without affecting the P4-positive (≯3 ng/ml) ratio, suggesting different populations of antral follicles. Significant differences were also observed between the MX and the control in aspartate aminotransferase and γ-glutamyltransferase at day 58, suggesting preventive effects of MA supplementation. Our field trial indicated that MA supplementation of a ZEA-contaminated diet has beneficial effects in reducing ZEA absorption from the intestine of cattle, maintaining endocrine homeostasis and reversing hepatic effects.

Particle therapy using carbon ions or protons as a definitive therapy for patients with primary sacral chordoma

OBJECTIVE

This study retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of particle therapy using carbon ions or protons for primary sacral chordomas.

METHODS

We evaluated 23 patients with primary sacral chordoma treated with carbon ion therapy (CIT) or proton therapy (PT) between July 2005 and June 2011 at the Hyogo Ion Beam Medical Center, Hyogo, Japan. The median patient age was 72 years. 14 patients were treated with 70.4 Gy equivalents (GyE) in 16 fractions and 9 were treated with 70.4 GyE in 32 fractions. CIT was used for 16 patients, and PT was used for 7 patients.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period was 38 months. At 3 years, local control (LC), overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) for all patients were 94%, 83% and 68%, respectively. The log-rank test revealed that male sex was significantly related to better PFS (p=0.029). No other factors, including dose fractionation and ion type, were significant for LC, OS or PFS. In nine patients, ≥ Grade 3 acute dermatitis was observed, and ≥ Grade 3 late toxicities were observed in nine patients. The 32-fraction protocol reduced severe toxicities in both the acute and late phases compared with the 16-fraction protocol.

CONCLUSION

Particle therapy for patients with sacral chordoma showed favourable LC and OS. Severe toxicities were successfully reduced by modifying the dose fractionation and treatment planning in the later treatment era. Thus, this therapeutic modality should be considered useful and safe.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

This is the first study including both CIT and PT for sacral chordomas.

Intraosseous tumors of the skull. A pictorial review

Radiologists often encounter intraosseous tumors of the calvarium. Compared with parenchymal lesions, information is limited. In this review, we list the calvarial tumors and correlate the radiologic appearance with the pathologic findings. We discuss primary intraosseous tumors and tumor secondary to systemic disease as well as metastatic malignant tumor. Differentiation between primary tumors and tumors secondary to systemic disease can be difficult. Physicians should explore the systematic disease. In the case of primary tumors, it is important to verify any soft-tissue component since this is an important differential diagnostic feature with the potential for malignant transformation.

Effects on bone union and prevention of tendon adhesion by new porous anti-adhesive poly L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone membrane in a rabbit model

To prevent adhesion between the tendon and the plate in hand surgery, a porous poly L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone (P(LA/CL)) membrane was developed as a biologically absorbable anti-adhesion material. Our study aims to confirm the efficacy of this new P(LA/CL) membrane and its influences on the osteotomy site by performing a fundamental experiment assessing the possibility of clinical application. We prepared a rabbit model of tendon-plate adhesion, and evaluated the efficacy of the P(LA/CL) membrane to pullout tendon strength, to be scored in terms of macroscopic, pathological results. Another rabbit model of osteotomy was prepared to confirm the P(LA/CL) membrane influences on bone union by radiological, mechanical and pathological evaluation. The result showed to be significantly lower adhesion in the P(LA/CL) membrane group than in the control group. Also there were no differences between the P(LA/CL) membrane group and control group in the results for bone union.

Effect of a steam foot spa on geriatric inpatients with cognitive impairment: a pilot study

Purpose

To investigate whether a steam foot spa improves cognitive impairment in geriatric inpatients.

Methods

Geriatric inpatients with cognitive impairment were given a steam foot spa treatment at 42°C for 20 minutes for 2 weeks (5 days/week). Physiological indicators such as blood pressure, percutaneous oxygen saturation, pulse, tympanic temperature, and sleep time and efficiency were assessed. Cognitive function and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia were assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination, Dementia Mood Assessment Scale, and Dementia Behavior Disturbance scale.

Results

Significant decreases in systolic (P < 0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.05) along with a significant increase in tympanic temperature (P < 0.01) were observed after the steam foot spas. A significant improvement was seen in the Mini-Mental State Examination score (P < 0.01) and the overall dementia severity items in Dementia Mood Assessment Scale (P < 0.05).

Limitations

Japanese people are very fond of foot baths. However, it is difficult to understand why inpatients cannot receive steam foot baths. In this study, a control group was not used. Raters and enforcers were not blinded.

Conclusion

The results of this pilot study suggest that steam foot spas mitigate cognitive impairment in geriatric inpatients.

Mosquitoes and other aquatic insects in fallow field biotopes and rice paddy fields

Fallow field biotopes that develop from abandoned rice fields are man-made wetlands that provide new habitats for various aquatic animals. Although consideration of such biotopes generally focuses on their positive aspects, this study evaluated the negative aspects of establishing fallow field biotopes with regard to mosquito breeding sites. To determine whether fallow field biotopes become breeding habitats for vector mosquitoes, we evaluated mosquito fauna in fallow field biotopes and adjacent rice fields. We found larvae of Anopheles lesteri, Anopheles sinensis and Culex tritaeniorhynchus (all: Diptera: Culicidae) in the biotopes. Although abundances of mosquito larvae in the biotopes and rice fields were statistically similar, mosquito abundances in rice fields increased dramatically in August when the water level reduced after the rainy season. The abundance and variety of the mosquitoes' natural predators were greater in biotopes than in rice fields because the former are a permanent and stable aquatic environment. A generalized linear mixed model showed a negative effect of predator diversity on mosquito larvae abundance in both habitats. Although fallow field biotopes become breeding habitats for vector mosquitoes, establishing biotopes from fallow fields in order to protect various aquatic animals, including mosquito insect predators, may help to control mosquito breeding.

Distant metastasis from benign solitary fibrous tumor of the kidney

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) rarely occurs in the kidneys, and only one reported case of renal SFT has shown distant metastasis. We report the second case of renal SFT exhibiting distant metastasis. A 48-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of a right renal mass. An abdominal CT scan detected a large renal tumor, which was suspected to be a renal cell carcinoma. Right radical nephrectomy was performed, and the tumor was found to measure 28 × 18 × 10 cm. The pathological diagnosis was benign solitary fibrous tumor of the kidney. Eight years after the operation, lung and liver metastases developed. Pulmonary segmentectomy and partial hepatectomy were performed. The pathological diagnoses of these resected tissue specimens were compatible with benign SFT.

A significant imbalance in mitosis versus apoptosis accelerates the growth rate of sessile serrated adenoma/polyps

Sessile serrated adenoma/polyps (SSA/Ps) of the colon are thought to be precursors of sporadic carcinomas. Although it is suggested that SSA/P may grow rapidly from the early stage, its cell kinetics remains obscure. To solve this problem, we analyzed the mitotic and apoptotic activity of normal crypts, microvesicular hyperplastic polyps (MVHPs), and tubular adenomas (TAs), using phospho-histone H3 and cleaved caspase 3 immunohistochemistry. The mitotic index for SSA/Ps (mean, 5.63) and TAs (6.98) was significantly higher than those for normal crypts (2.72) and MVHPs (2.86). Of all tested lesions, the apoptotic index was lowest for SSA/Ps (0.96; normal, 2.71; MVHPs, 2.62; TAs, 6.01) with statistically significant differences. The net growth ratio was close to 1.0 in normal crypts (1.07) while remaining low in MVHPs (1.06) and TAs (1.38), but was markedly elevated in SSA/Ps (7.32, P < 0.01) due to the large imbalance between mitosis and apoptosis. As to apoptosis regulatory proteins, expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 was significantly reduced or undetectable in MVHPs and SSA/Ps, while TAs showed stronger staining than normal crypts. Expression of pro-apoptotic Bax and its activators, Bim and Bad, was significantly reduced in MVHPs and SSA/Ps. We suggest that other complex mechanisms may act synergistically with Bax, Bim, or Bad deficiency to regulate apoptosis suppression in SSA/Ps.

Bacillus thermoglucosidasius sp. nov., a New Species of Obligately Thermophilic Bacilli

A group of 6 strains of obligately thermophilic spore-formers is described as a novel species named Bacillus thermoglucosidasius. The strains are strictly aerobic, neutrophilic, amylolytic, Gram-positive, azide sensitive, produce terminally swollen sporangia and exo-oligo-1,6-glucosidase in large amounts. Strain KP 1006 (DSM 2542) is designated as the type strain. Growth occurs at temperatures from 42°C to 69°C with an optimum at 61-63°C, and at an initial pH of 6.5-8.5. The guanine + cytosine content of DNA, estimated by thermal DNA denaturation, is 45-46 mol%.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor presenting with prominent calcification

We present a rare case of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) in the stomach with prominent calcification at presentation. A 61-year-old woman visited our hospital because of epigastric discomfort. A spherical calcified lesion with a diameter of about 30 mm was incidentally shown in the left upper quadrant on an abdominal X-ray. Computed tomography demonstrated that the tumor was growing from the upper gastric body, with calcification in the peripheral ring area. A laparoscopic partial gastrectomy was performed, and the resected specimen revealed a well-circumscribed tumor with exophytic growth from the gastric muscularis propria. Microscopic examination revealed spindle-shaped tumor cells with calcification and hemorrhage. Additionally, positive immunoreactivity of the tumor to KIT and CD34 and a low mitotic index resulted in the diagnosis of very low risk GIST. There are a few case reports of heavily calcified GIST, although solitary or punctate calcification of primary GIST has been reported in several case series. Dystrophic calcification of necrotic or degenerative tissue is the supposed cause of primary calcified GISTs. In contrast, appearance of calcification after administration of imatinib mesylate, which may be one indicator of disease response, is possibly caused by a different mechanism.

Multiparametric molecular characterization of pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma reveals a nonrandom amplification of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene

BACKGROUND

Genetic alterations for targeting therapy are largely unexplored issues in pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC), a life-threatening tumor subset.

METHODS

EGFR, HER2, KRAS, p53, CTNNB1, BRAF and PIK3CA mutations were assessed by direct sequencing, ALK, EGFR and HER2 gene status by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and ALK protein expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 20 pleomorphic carcinomas (PLC), two pulmonary blastomas (PB) and one carcinosarcoma (CS). Surgical specimens and, in case of positivity, the corresponding preoperative biopsies were analyzed. Furthermore, 51 consecutive metastatic lung adenocarcinomas (MELAD) were used as controls for FISH and IHC assays of ALK gene.

RESULTS

While no rearrangements of ALK were detected in PSC, relevant amplification was identified 5/23 (22%) surgical specimens and paired biopsies (four PLC and one PB, two females and three males, four current and one never smoker, aged 30-83 years). Considering tumor heterogeneity, the percentage of ALK amplified tumor cells ranged from 11% to 43%, with a mean gene copy gain (GCG ± SD) of 6.9 ± 0.8 and no signal differences between the epithelial (6.5 ± 0.9) and the sarcoma-like components (6.8 ± 0.9) of tumors. In the remaining 18 non-amplified PSC, the relevant value was 2.9 ± 0.5 in 1-80% tumor cells (p<0.001). ALK amplification was closely associated with chromosome 7 (EGFR) or 17 (HER2) polysomy (p<0.001). Out of 51 MELAD, 10 were ALK-rearranged (p=0.026) and only one amplified (p=0.009). No amplified tumors, either PSC or MELAD, expressed the relevant protein by IHC, while the 10 ALK-rearranged MELAD were strongly positive. TP53, KRAS and CTNNB1 mutations accounted for 30%, 22%, and 4% of cases, respectively, with no significant relationship with ALK amplification. No mutations for EGFR, HER2, BRAF or PIK3CA gene were observed.

CONCLUSION

ALK gene amplification is a nonrandom and clonally related event in a subset of PSC, but its biologic rationale deserves further investigation. KRAS mutation could represent a novel tool for therapy of such so deadly tumors with MEK inhibitors.

Fusion using fast heating of a compactly imploded CD core

A compact fast core heating experiment is described. A 4-J 0.4-ns output of a laser-diode-pumped high-repetition laser HAMA is divided into four beams, two of which counterilluminate double-deuterated polystyrene foils separated by 100  μm for implosion. The remaining two beams, compressed to 110 fs for fast heating, illuminate the same paths. Hot electrons produced by the heating pulses heat the imploded core, emitting x-ray radiations >20  eV and yielding some 10(3) thermal neutrons.

P5-17-04: Association between Breast Cancer and Osteoporosis among Women 85 Years or Older

Background: The pathogenesis of breast cancer in very elderly women is of interest, because estrogen levels are likely to be extremely low during the development of the disease. Estrogens have opposing effects on the pathogenesis of breast cancer and osteoporosis. In an effort to understand the significance of estrogens in the pathogenesis of breast cancer in this group, we examined the association between breast cancer and osteoporosis in women at least 85 years old, taking body mass index (BMI) and hormone receptors status into consideration.

Methods:Clinical records of consecutive elderly women (≥ 85 y/o) who underwent breast cancer surgery at Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital (BC) and control women of the same age group (Cont) were reviewed; osteoporosis and BMI status in both groups were recorded and compared. The status of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) of breast cancers was examined immunohistochemically and compared between BC with and without osteoporosis (BC-OP and BC-nonOP, respectively).

Results:Frequency of osteoporosis was significantly lower among BC than Cont. There was no difference in BMI measured after 85 y/o between BC and Cont; however, percentage of women, whose BMI measured when they were in their sixties or seventies was ≥ 20% higher than BMI measured when they were 85 y/o or older, was significantly higher among BC than Cont (31% and 2%, respectively. P = 0.0001). ER positivity of breast cancer did not differ between BC-OP and BC-nonOP, whereas PR positivity was significantly higher among BC-nonOP than BC-OP (P = 0.0359).

Discussion: The inverse relationship between the incidence of breast cancer and osteoporosis suggests an important role for estrogens in the pathogenesis of breast cancer in the very elderly women. Our finding that one third of BC had ≥ 20% higher BMI when they were in their sixties or seventies suggests they may also had elevated serum estrogens during these earlier years, because increased BMI has been reported to be associated with increased serum estrogens in postmenopausal women. Expression of PR is regulated by estrogen-ER signaling, and PR positivity is considered to reflect the effectiveness of estrogen-ER pathway. Significant difference of PR positivity between BC-nonOP and BC-OP suggests the more importance of estrogens in BC-nonOP than BC-OP.

Conclusion:Estrogens seem to play an important role in the pathogenesis of breast cancers in very elderly women, especially without osteoporosis. With increasing aging population in developed countries, those findings may have implications for breast cancer prevention in this age group.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-17-04.

Natural contamination of dietary rice straw with zearalenone and urinary zearalenone concentrations in a cattle herd

The present study was conducted to 1) identify the natural source of feed contamination by zearalenone (ZEN), which was suspected to have caused persistently increased urinary ZEN concentrations in one of our experimental cattle herds, and 2) evaluate the effects of intervention against this source of contamination. As an experimental model, a fattening Japanese Black cattle herd showing persistently increased urinary ZEN concentrations was identified. Urinary ZEN concentrations of cows fed with new rice straw (experimental group, n = 6) vs. cows that continued to feed on the old rice straw (control group, n = 4) were measured at the start (d 1) and at 2 wk (d 14) after the onset of feeding with straw. In addition, the ZEN concentration in feed and water samples was measured by using both the ELISA and HPLC methods. Furthermore, isolation and identification of fungi from rice straw and concentrate feed samples were performed. The urinary ZEN concentration [ZEN (pg/mL)/creatinine (mg/mL) = pg/mg of creatinine] of cows fed with new rice straw was significantly (P < 0.05) less (843 pg/mg of creatinine) than that of cows fed with old rice straw (15,951 pg/mg of creatinine). On both d 1 and 14, the ZEN concentrations of old rice straw were greater than those of new rice straw. In addition, fungal colonies were observed in the culture media that was obtained from the old rice straw suspected of ZEN contamination, but not in the culture media from new rice straw or other feed samples. In conclusion, our field trials clearly indicate that the rice straw fed to the cows was naturally contaminated with ZEN, and that the monitoring of urinary ZEN concentrations could prove to be a useful tool for detecting the exposure of cattle to ZEN contamination at the farm level.

ANATOMICAL STUDY OF ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY FOR LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS

We conducted an anatomical study of arthroscopic surgery for lateral epicondylitis. Currently, the pathogenesis suggests that lateral epicondylitis is caused by extra-articular lesions or intra-articular lesions. We anatomically and histologically examined the relationship between extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB), articular capsules, and the lateral collateral ligament complex (LCLC). In addition, we examined the number and location of synovial fringes. This study will be useful for less-invasive treatment of lateral epicondylitis.

Assessment of canine ovaries autografted to various body sites

The influence of graft site on the survival of canine follicles and oocytes after autografting was investigated. Hemi-ovaries were autografted to three locations (quadriceps femoris muscle fascia, kidney capsule, and gastrosplenic ligament), and grafted ovaries were recovered (under anesthesia) 28 to 31 d after transplantation. The grafted hemi-ovaries were bisected: one-quarter ovary was used for histological assessment and another quarter for evaluation of oocyte viability. As controls, the remaining fresh hemi-ovaries were used to assess the viability of follicles and oocytes in non-transplanted ovaries. Most follicles in the histological sections of the grafts were classified as primordial or primary follicles. Antral follicles were not observed in the grafts, irrespective of the graft site. The percentages of viable follicles in the sections from control ovaries, and the ovaries grafted to the kidney capsule, the quadriceps femoris muscle fascia, and the gastrosplenic ligament were 17.4, 22.9, 18.3, and 32.4%, respectively. A total of 12 oocytes was recovered from the 15 hemi-ovaries grafted in five bitches, of which five (41.7%) oocytes from the ovaries grafted to the quadriceps femoris muscle fascia and the kidney capsule were cultured for assessment of meiotic competence. Three oocytes were viable but remained in the germinal vesicle stage after 72 h of maturation culture. The quadriceps femoris muscle fascia might be useful for grafting like the kidney capsule, but improvement of follicle survival and meiotic competence of oocytes in the grafts is necessary.

Analysis of the ammonia metabolism of rat primary hepatocytes and a human hepatocyte cell line Huh 7

Ammonia metabolism of ratprimary hepatocytes and a human hepatocyte cell line,Huh 7, at different concentrations of glutamine,glucose and ammonia was examined. During theincubation of the primary hepatocyte cells, glutamineand ammonia concentrations decreased, that of ureaincreased, and that of glucose remained the same. Inthe case of Huh 7 cells, glucose was consumed rapidly,the concentration of ammonia increased and that of urearemained the same. The major energy sources amongmedium components were glutamine for the primary cellsand glucose for Huh 7 cells, although the primaryhepatocytes may utilize intracellular glycogen asenergy source. As the glutamine concentration in theincubation medium increased, the specific rates of notonly glutamine consumption, but also ammonia productionby the primary cells and Huh 7 cells increased. Besides, specific urea production rate by the primarycells increased then. Increase of glucoseconcentration had no effect on glutamine and ammoniametabolism by both cells, although it increased glucoseconsumption by Huh 7 cells. The incubation of theprimary cells with higher ammonia concentrationincreased all specific rates of glutamine consumption,ammonia consumption and urea production. An increasein the ammonia concentration to 5 mM changed theammonia metabolism from production to consumption andincreased the specific glucose consumption rate. Consequently, increases in the glutamine and ammoniaconcentrations were revealed to have negative andpositive effects, respectively, on decreasing ammoniaconcentration by both of rat primary hepatocytes andHuh 7 cells.

The effect of osmolarity on metabolism and morphology in adhesion and suspension chinese hamster ovary cells producing tissue plasminogen activator

The effects of constant osmolarity, between 300 and500 mOsm/kg, on the metabolism of Chinese HamsterOvary (CHO) cells producing tissue plasminogenactivator (tPA) were compared between adhesion andsuspension cultures. In both suspension and adhesionculture, the specific rates of glucose consumption(nu(G)), lactate production (q(L)), and tPAproduction (q(tPA)) increased as osmolarityincreased, while these rates decreased when osmolaritywas higher than the respective critical levels. However, specific growth rate (mu) decreased withincrease in osmolarity and this slope grew steeper inthe osmolarity range higher than the critical level. The decrease in mu in the adhesion culture was morerapid than that in the suspension culture. Thecritical osmolarity for adhesion culture (400 mOsm/kg)was lower than that for suspension culture (450 mOsm/kg). These results indicated that the adhesionculture was more sensitive to increase of osmolaritythan the suspension culture, while the specific ratesobtained from the adhesion cultures were in general1.5- to 3-fold higher than those obtained from thesuspension cultures. Cell volume increased asosmolarity increased in both the suspension andadhesion cultures, as reported previously forsuspension culture of hybridoma cells, but there wasno morphological change in the suspension culture. Incontrast, cell height decreased and cell adhesion areamarkedly increased as osmolarity increased in theadhesion culture. This morphological change inadhesion cultures may be one reason for the highersensitivity of adherent cells to the increase ofosmolarity than suspended cells.