Effect of serotonin transporter genotype on self-reported efficacy and activity changes of brain prefrontal area in response to placebo

Patients benefit from drug therapy not only through pharmacological mechanisms, but also through non-pharmacological action (placebo effect), which may be mediated in part by the prefrontal area of the brain. We consider that the difference between responders and non-responders to placebo might be related to polymorphisms in the serotonin transporter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR). To study this idea, we performed a randomized double-blind clinical trial using caffeine and lactose (placebo). Activity in the prefrontal area of the brain was measured in terms of blood flow by means of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) as an objective indicator. Self-reported feelings of drowsiness on established scales were used as subjective indicators. Twenty-one subjects in block A took caffeine on the first day and placebo on the third day, and 21 in block B took placebo on the first day and placebo on the third day. After placebo administration, improvement of sleepiness was significantly enhanced, a similar extent to that after caffeine medication. Among the 42 subjects, 22 showed S/S type polymorphism in the serotonin transporter (52.4 %), 17 showed S/L type (40.5 %) and 3 showed L/L type (7.10 %). Statistical analysis of the results indicate that subjects with L/L genotype showed a significantly greater placebo response in terms of both self-reported feeling of drowsiness and blood flow in the prefrontal area of the brain associated with working memory (46 area). Our results indicate that the L/L genotype of 5-HTTLPR, which is rare in Japanese (3.2 %) but common in Americans (32.2 %), may be associated with a greater placebo effect.

In vivo system for analyzing the function of the PsbP protein using Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

The PsbP protein is an extrinsic subunit of photosystem II (PSII) specifically developed in green-plant species including land plants and green algae. The protein-protein interactions involving PsbP and its effect on oxygen evolution have been investigated in vitro using isolated PSII membranes. However, the importance of those interactions needs to be examined at the cellular level. To this end, we developed a system expressing exogenous PsbP in the background of the Chlamydomonas BF25 mutant lacking native PsbP. Expression of His-tagged PsbP successfully restored the oxygen-evolving activity and photoautotrophic growth of the mutant, while PsbP-∆15 lacking the N-terminal 15 residues, which are crucial for the oxygen-evolving activity of spinach PSII in vitro, only partially did. This demonstrated the importance of N-terminal sequence of PsbP for the photosynthetic activity in vivo. Furthermore, the PSII-LHCII supercomplex can be specifically purified from the Chlamydomonas cells having His-tagged PsbP using a metal affinity chromatography. This study provides a platform not only for the functional analysis of PsbP in vivo but also for structural analysis of the PSII-LHCII supercomplex from green algae.

Serum Wisteria floribunda agglutinin-positive Mac-2-binding protein for patients with chronic hepatitis B and C: a comparative study

We compared Wisteria floribunda agglutinin-positive Mac-2-binding protein (WFA⁺ -M2BP) levels between patients with chronic hepatitis B (n=249) and chronic hepatitis C (n=386) based on the degree of liver fibrosis. We examined WFA⁺ -M2BP levels in patients with F4 (cirrhosis), F3 or more (advanced fibrosis) and F2 or more (significant fibrosis) in the two groups. We further examined the relationship between five fibrosis markers and the degree of fibrosis. The WFA⁺ -M2BP values ranged from 0.25 cut-off index (COI) to 12.9 COI in patients with hepatitis B and 0.34-20.0 COI in patients with hepatitis C (P<.0001). The median WFA⁺ -M2BP values in F4 in the two groups were 2.83 COI in patients with hepatitis B and 5.03 COI in patients with hepatitis C (P=.0046). The median WFA⁺ -M2BP values in F3 or more in the two groups were 1.79 COI in patients with hepatitis B and 3.79 COI in patients with hepatitis C (P<.0001). The median WFA⁺ -M2BP values in F2 or more in the two groups were 1.49 COI in the hepatitis B cohort and 3.19 COI in the hepatitis C group (P<.0001). Among five liver fibrosis markers, WFA⁺ -M2BP had the highest correlation coefficient (r_s =.629) in terms of correlation with the degree of fibrosis in the patients with hepatitis C and had the second highest r_s value (.415) in the hepatitis B group. Although WFA⁺ -M2BP could be a useful indicator of liver fibrosis, WFA⁺ -M2BP levels in the two groups significantly differed even in the same degree of fibrosis. Individual cut-off values in each aetiology for the degree of fibrosis should be determined.

Nontumorous perfusion abnormalities of liver parenchyma adjacent to the falciform ligament as revealed by angiographic helical CT and angiography

Purpose: To investigate nontumorous abnormalities in the liver around the falciform ligament as revealed by arteriography and helical CT arterial portography (CTAP) and helical CT during hepatic arteriography (CTHA).

Material and Methods: One hundred and seventeen patients simultaneously underwent hepatic arteriography and CTAP and CTHA of the common hepatic artery. The number, size, and shape of nontumorous defects of portal perfusion in the liver adjacent to the falciform ligament on CTAP as well as the nontumorous contrast enhancement in the same area on CTHA were determined. In 1 case, in which nontumorous enhancement was observed on CTHA, selective arteriography from the gastric arteries was performed.

Results: On CTAP a nontumorous area of decreased portal perfusion of the liver around the falciform ligament was detected in 18 (15.4%) of the 117 patients, while nontumorous enhancement on CTHA was seen in 7 (6.0%). In 4 patients, both of these nontumorous abnormalities were observed. In the patient undergoing selective gastric arteriography, nonportal venous inflow to the liver in the direction to the liver adjacent to the falciform ligament was seen.

Conclusion: One cause of nontumorous vascular abnormalities adjacent to the falciform ligament as shown on angiographic helical CT is aberrant gastric venous inflow to this region.

Evaluation of efficacy and indications of surgical fixation for multiple rib fractures: a propensity-score matched analysis

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of recent surgical rib fixation and establish its indications not only for flail chest but also for multiple rib fractures.

METHODS

Between 2007 and 2015, 187 patients were diagnosed as having multiple rib fractures in our institution. After the propensity score matching was performed, ten patients who had performed surgical rib fixation and ten patients who had treated with non-operative management were included. Categorical variables were analyzed with Fischer's exact test and non-parametric numerical data were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed for comparison of pre- and postoperative variables. All statistical data are presented as median (25-75 % interquartile range [IQR]) or number.

RESULTS

The surgically treated patients extubated significantly earlier than non-operative management patients (5.5 [1-8] vs 9 [7-12] days: p = 0.019). The duration of continuous intravenous narcotic agents infusion days (4.5 [3-6] vs 12 [9-14] days: p = 0.002) and the duration of intensive care unit stay (6.5 [3-9] vs 12 [8-14] days: p = 0.008) were also significantly shorter in surgically treated patients. Under the same ventilating conditions, the postoperative values of tidal volume and respiratory rate improved significantly compared to those values measured just before the surgery. The incidence of pneumonia as a complication was significantly higher in non-operative management group (p = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

From the viewpoints of early respiratory stabilization and intensive care unit disposition without any complications, surgical rib fixation is a sufficiently acceptable procedure not only for flail chest but also for repair of severe multiple rib fractures.

Specific clinical signs and symptoms are predictive of clinical course in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

Background and purpose

Akinetic mutism is thought to be an appropriate therapeutic end‐point in patients with sporadic Creutzfeldt−Jakob disease (sCJD). However, prognostic factors for akinetic mutism are unclear and clinical signs or symptoms that precede this condition have not been defined. The goal of this study was to identify prognostic factors for akinetic mutism and to clarify the order of clinical sign and symptom development prior to its onset.

Methods

The cumulative incidence of akinetic mutism and other clinical signs and symptoms was estimated based on Japanese CJD surveillance data (455 cases) collected from 2003 to 2008. A proportional hazards model was used to identify prognostic factors for the time to onset of akinetic mutism and other clinical signs and symptoms.

Results

Periodic synchronous discharges on electroencephalography were present in the majority of cases (93.5%). The presence of psychiatric symptoms or cerebellar disturbance at sCJD diagnosis was associated with the development of akinetic mutism [hazard ratio (HR) 1.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14–1.99, and HR 2.15, 95% CI1.61–2.87, respectively]. The clinical course from cerebellar disturbance to myoclonus or akinetic mutism was classified into three types: (i) direct path, (ii) path via pyramidal or extrapyramidal dysfunction and (iii) path via psychiatric symptoms or visual disturbance.

Conclusions

The presence of psychiatric symptoms or cerebellar disturbance increased the risk of akinetic mutism of sCJD cases with probable MM/MV subtypes. Also, there appear to be sequential associations in the development of certain clinical signs and symptoms of this disease.

The N-terminal sequence of the extrinsic PsbP protein modulates the redox potential of Cyt b559 in photosystem II

The PsbP protein, an extrinsic subunit of photosystem II (PSII) in green plants, is known to induce a conformational change around the catalytic Mn₄CaO₅ cluster securing the binding of Ca²⁺ and Cl^– in PSII. PsbP has multiple interactions with the membrane subunits of PSII, but how these affect the structure and function of PSII requires clarification. Here, we focus on the interactions between the N-terminal residues of PsbP and the α subunit of Cytochrome (Cyt) b₅₅₉ (PsbE). A key observation was that a peptide fragment formed of the first N-terminal 15 residues of PsbP, ‘pN15’, was able to convert Cyt b₅₅₉ into its HP form. Interestingly, addition of pN15 to NaCl-washed PSII membranes decreased PSII’s oxygen-evolving activity, even in the presence of saturating Ca²⁺ and Cl^– ions. In fact, pN15 reversibly inhibited the S₁ to S₂ transition of the OEC in PSII. These data suggest that pN15 can modulate the redox property of Cyt b₅₅₉ involved in the side-electron pathway in PSII. This potential change of Cyt b₅₅₉, in the absence of the C-terminal domain of PsbP, however, would interfere with any electron donation from the Mn₄CaO₅ cluster, leading to the possibility that multiple interactions of PsbP, binding to PSII, have distinct roles in regulating electron transfer within PSII.

Evaluation of touch-sensitive screen tablet terminal button size and spacing accounting for effect of fingertip contact angle

Touch-sensitive screen terminals enabling intuitive operation are used as input interfaces in a wide range of fields. Tablet terminals are one of the most common devices with a touch-sensitive screen. They have a feature of good portability, enabling use under various conditions. On the other hand, they require a GUI designed to prevent decrease of usability under various conditions. For example, the angle of fingertip contact with the display changes according to finger posture during operation and how the case is held. When a human fingertip makes contact with an object, the contact area between the fingertip and contact object increases or decreases as the contact angle changes. A touch-sensitive screen detects positions using the change in capacitance of the area touched by the fingertip; hence, differences in contact area between the touch-sensitive screen and fingertip resulting from different forefinger angles during operation could possibly affect operability. However, this effect has never been studied. We therefore conducted an experiment to investigate the relationship between size/spacing and operability, while taking the effect of fingertip contact angle into account. As a result, we have been able to specify the button size and spacing conditions that enable accurate and fast operation regardless of the forefinger contact angle.

Nanostructure of the rust formed on low alloy steels after exposure tests in a high SOx environment

Exposure tests were performed on low alloy steels in a high SOx environment, and the structure of the rust was analyzed by TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) and Raman spectroscopy.

Corrosion behavior of 316L and 304 stainless steels exposed to industrial-marine-urban environment: field study

The present investigation extensively compares the pitting corrosion behavior and mechanical stability of 316L and 304 stainless steels (SS) exposed to an Industrial-Marine-Urban (IMU) environment for 3 years from April 2012–March 2015.

Total extraperitoneal approach for incarcerated obturator hernia repair

PURPOSE

To compare the feasibilities and efficacies of the total extraperitoneal (TEP) technique and laparotomy for incarcerated obturator hernia repair.

METHODS

All study subjects were diagnosed with incarcerated obturator hernia, preoperatively and TEP was performed as for TEP groin hernia repair. The incarcerated intestine was retracted into the peritoneal cavity with the hernia sac. The obturator foramen was then covered with a rectangular mesh (9 × 13 cm), which also covered the internal inguinal ring, Hesselbach's triangle, and the femoral ring. Non-ischemia of the incarcerated bowel was confirmed laparoscopically. In patients undergoing laparotomy, the obturator foramen was closed by continuous sutures, and no prosthesis was used. We recorded the length of hospital stay, operative time, amount of intraoperative bleeding, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients underwent obturator hernia repair in our hospital between January 2000 and December 2012, of whom 10 were treated with laparotomy and the remaining 12 via TEP. Three patients undergoing TEP were converted to laparotomy. The operation time was significantly longer in the conversion group compared with either the laparotomy or the TEP groups. There was no difference between the laparotomy and TEP groups regarding intraoperative bleeding. Patients who underwent TEP without conversion had a significantly shorter hospital stay than those who underwent laparotomy or required conversion.

CONCLUSIONS

TEP provides a suitable approach for incarcerated obturator hernia repair, with favorable results regarding hospital stay. TEP is a feasible, minimally invasive technique for the repair of incarcerated obturator hernias.