Photoemission and electrostatic potentials on the dayside lunar surface in the terrestrial magnetotail lobes

Despite the need to accurately predict and assess the lunar electrostatic environment in all ambient conditions that the Moon encounters, photoemission and electrostatic potentials on the dayside lunar surface in the terrestrial magnetotail lobes remain poorly characterized. We study characteristics and variabilities of lunar photoelectron energy spectra by utilizing Acceleration, Reconnection, Turbulence, and Electrodynamics of the Moon's Interaction with the Sun (ARTEMIS) and Apollo measurements in combination with the Flare Irradiance Spectral Model (FISM). We confirm that the photoelectron spectral shapes are consistent between ARTEMIS and Apollo and that the photoelectron flux is linearly correlated with the FISM solar photon flux. We develop an observation-based model of lunar photoelectron energy distributions, thereby deriving the current balance surface potential. The model predicts that dayside lunar surface potentials in the tail lobes (typically tens of volts) could increase by a factor of 2 - 3 during strong solar flares.

Lethality of mice bearing a knockout of the Ngly1-gene is partially rescued by the additional deletion of the Engase gene

The cytoplasmic peptide:N-glycanase (Ngly1 in mammals) is a de-N-glycosylating enzyme that is highly conserved among eukaryotes. It was recently reported that subjects harboring mutations in the NGLY1 gene exhibited severe systemic symptoms (NGLY1-deficiency). While the enzyme obviously has a critical role in mammals, its precise function remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed Ngly1-deficient mice and found that they are embryonic lethal in C57BL/6 background. Surprisingly, the additional deletion of the gene encoding endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (Engase), which is another de-N-glycosylating enzyme but leaves a single GlcNAc at glycosylated Asn residues, resulted in the partial rescue of the lethality of the Ngly1-deficient mice. Additionally, we also found that a change in the genetic background of C57BL/6 mice, produced by crossing the mice with an outbred mouse strain (ICR) could partially rescue the embryonic lethality of Ngly1-deficient mice. Viable Ngly1-deficient mice in a C57BL/6 and ICR mixed background, however, showed a very severe phenotype reminiscent of the symptoms of NGLY1-deficiency subjects. Again, many of those defects were strongly suppressed by the additional deletion of Engase in the C57BL/6 and ICR mixed background. The defects observed in Ngly1/Engase-deficient mice (C57BL/6 background) and Ngly1-deficient mice (C57BL/6 and ICR mixed background) closely resembled some of the symptoms of patients with an NGLY1-deficiency. These observations strongly suggest that the Ngly1- or Ngly1/Engase-deficient mice could serve as a valuable animal model for studies related to the pathogenesis of the NGLY1-deficiency, and that cytoplasmic ENGase represents one of the potential therapeutic targets for this genetic disorder.

Ngly1 is a cytoplasmic de-N-glycosylating enzyme that is ubiquitously found in eukaryotes. This enzyme is involved in a process referred to as endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD), one of the quality control mechanisms for newly synthesized proteins. A genetic disorder, NGLY1-deficiency, caused by mutations in the NGLY1 gene has recently been discovered. However, the precise mechanism for the pathogenesis of this devastating disease continues to remain unclear. We report herein that Ngly1-deficient mice are embryonically lethal in a C57BL/6 background. Surprisingly, the lethality was suppressed by crossing the mice with an outbred mouse strain (ICR), suggesting that the phenotypic consequence of Ngly1 is greatly influenced by their genetic background. In both cases, the additional deletion of Engase in Ngly1-deficient mice could strongly mitigate the phenotypes. Interestingly, the remaining defects in Ngly1-deficient or Ngly1/Engase-deficient mice were reminiscent of the symptoms of subjects with an NGLY1-deficiency. Our results clearly point to the importance of Ngly1 in mammals and show that the inhibition of ENGase represents an effective therapy for treating an NGLY1-deficiency. Most importantly, the mice described herein could serve as valuable viable model mice for studies related to the pathophysiology of an NGLY1-deficiency.

Interface electronic structure at the topological insulator-ferrimagnetic insulator junction

An interface electron state at the junction between a three-dimensional topological insulator film, Bi₂Se₃, and a ferrimagnetic insulator film, Y₃Fe₅O₁₂ (YIG), was investigated by measurements of angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy and x-ray absorption magnetic circular dichroism. The surface state of the Bi₂Se₃ film was directly observed and localized 3d spin states of the Fe³⁺ in the YIG film were confirmed. The proximity effect is likely described in terms of the exchange interaction between the localized Fe 3d electrons in the YIG film and delocalized electrons of the surface and bulk states in the Bi₂Se₃ film.

Bone morphogenetic protein 4 and bone morphogenetic protein receptor expression in the pituitary gland of adult dogs in healthy condition and with ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma

The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) and its receptors, bone morphogenetic protein receptor I (BMPRI) and BMPRII, in the pituitary gland of healthy adult dogs and in those with ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that the BMP4 messenger RNA expression level in the ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma samples was significantly lower than that in the normal pituitary gland samples (P = 0.03). However, there were no statistically significant differences between samples with respect to the messenger RNA expression levels of the receptors BMPRIA, BMPRIB, and BMPRII. Double-immunofluorescence analysis of the normal canine pituitary showed that BMP4 was localized in the thyrotroph (51.3 ± 7.3%) and not the corticotroph cells. By contrast, BMPRII was widely expressed in the thyrotroph (19.9 ± 5.2%) and somatotroph cells (94.7 ± 3.6%) but not in the corticotroph cells (P < 0.001, thyrotroph cells vs somatotroph cells). Similarly, in ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma, BMP4 and BMPRII were not expressed in the corticotroph cells. Moreover, the percentage of BMP4-positive cells was also significantly reduced in the thyrotroph cells of the surrounding normal pituitary tissue obtained from the resected ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma (8.3 ± 7.9%) compared with that in normal canine pituitary (P < 0.001). BMP4 has been reported to be expressed in corticotroph cells in the human pituitary gland. Therefore, the results of this study reveal a difference in the cellular pattern of BMP4-positive staining in the pituitary gland between humans and dogs and further revealed the pattern of BMPRII-positive staining in the dog pituitary gland. These species-specific differences regarding BMP4 should be considered when using dogs as an animal model for Cushing's disease.

Effects of platelet-rich plasma and triamcinolone acetonide on interleukin-1ß-stimulated human rotator cuff-derived cells

Objectives

Triamcinolone acetonide (TA) is widely used for the treatment of rotator cuff injury because of its anti-inflammatory properties. However, TA can also produce deleterious effects such as tendon degeneration or rupture. These harmful effects could be prevented by the addition of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), however, the anti-inflammatory and anti-degenerative effects of the combined use of TA and PRP have not yet been made clear. The objective of this study was to determine how the combination of TA and PRP might influence the inflammation and degeneration of the rotator cuff by examining rotator cuff-derived cells induced by interleukin (IL)-1ß.

Methods

Rotator cuff-derived cells were seeded under inflammatory stimulation conditions (with serum-free medium with 1 ng/ml IL-1ß for three hours), and then cultured in different media: serum-free (control group), serum-free + TA (0.1mg/ml) (TA group), serum-free + 10% PRP (PRP group), and serum-free + TA (0.1mg/ml) + 10% PRP (TA+PRP group). Cell morphology, cell viability, and expression of inflammatory and degenerative mediators were assessed.

Results

Exposure to TA significantly decreased cell viability and changed the cell morphology; these effects were prevented by the simultaneous administration of PRP. Compared with the control group, expression levels of inflammatory genes and reactive oxygen species production were reduced in the TA, PRP, and TA+PRP groups. PRP significantly decreased the expression levels of degenerative marker genes.

Conclusions

The combination of TA plus PRP exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-degenerative effects on rotator cuff-derived cells stimulated by IL-1ß. This combination has the potential to relieve the symptoms of rotator cuff injury.

Cite this article: T. Muto, T. Kokubu, Y. Mifune, A. Inui, R. Sakata, Y. Harada, F. Takase, M. Kurosaka. Effects of platelet-rich plasma and triamcinolone acetonide on interleukin-1ß-stimulated human rotator cuff-derived cells. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:602–609. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.512.2000582.

Denervation-Associated Change in the Palatinus and Levator Veli Palatini Muscles of Dogs with Elongated Soft Palate

Muscle lesions and decreased numbers of peripheral nerve branches have been reported in the soft palates of dogs presenting with brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome (BAOS). Myosin adenosine triphosphatase staining was employed to investigate whether muscle lesions in the elongated soft palate (ESP) of dogs with BAOS reflect the presence of denervation. Soft palates were collected from nine brachycephalic dogs during surgical intervention for BAOS and from five healthy beagle dogs as controls. In the control soft palates, myofibres with relatively uniform diameters and a random mosaic pattern of type I and II myofibres were observed in the palatinus muscle (PM), while almost all of the myofibres in the levator veli palatini muscle (LVPM) were of type II. In the ESPs, small group atrophy, large group atrophy and angular-shaped atrophy were observed in myofibres of the PM and rarely in the LVPM. Fibre type grouping and an increase in type IIC myofibres were found only in the PM. Morphometric analysis of ESPs revealed a significant increase in the number of type I and II myofibres in the PM showing atrophy or hypertrophy compared with controls. A significant increase in atrophic type II myofibres was found in the LVPM of affected dogs. Myopathy consistent with denervation was observed in the PM, but rarely in the LVPM, of ESP specimens. The results suggest that the myopathy seen in dogs with ESP may partly reflect atrophy of myofibres resulting from damage to peripheral nerve branches, with subsequent reinnervation of myofibres.

A magnetic resonance imaging-based classification system for indication of trans-sphenoidal hypophysectomy in canine pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to establish a magnetic resonance imaging-based classification system for canine hyperadrenocorticism according to pituitary gland extension, determine indications for trans-sphenoidal hypophysectomy, and clarify the prognosis for each disease grade.

METHODS

A 5-point classification system (Grades 1 to 5) was developed based on tumour extension in dorsal and cranio-caudal directions. Cases were then classified as Type A: no arterial circle of Willis or cavernous sinus involvement and Type B: cases in which these blood vessels were involved.

RESULTS

Medical records and magnetic resonance imaging data of 37 cases with hyperadrenocorticism were reviewed. Thirty-three cases underwent surgery; 4 Grade 5 cases did not have appropriate indications for surgery, and other therapies were used. Complete resection was achieved for 3, 3, 22 and 1 Grade 1A, 2A, 3A and 3B cases, respectively. Resection was incomplete in 1, 1 and 2 Grade 3A, 3B and 4B cases, respectively. Remission was achieved in 29 cases. Recurrence occurred in 4 cases, all of which were classified as Grade 3.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Dogs with Type A, Grade 1 to 3 hyperadrenocorticism had a good prognosis following trans-sphenoidal hypophysectomy. Grade 3B, 4 and 5 cases may not be suitable for this surgery.

Highly sensitive fluorescence detection of metastatic lymph nodes of gastric cancer with photo-oxidation of protoporphyrin IX

BACKGROUND

The establishment of a precise and rapid method to detect metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) is essential to perform less invasive surgery with reduced gastrectomy along with reduced lymph node dissection. We herein describe a novel imaging strategy to detect 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)-induced protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) fluorescence in excised LNs specifically with reduced effects of tissue autofluorescence based on photo-oxidation of PpIX. We applied the method in a clinical setting, and evaluated its feasibility.

METHODS

To reduce the unfavorable effect of autofluorescence, we focused on photo-oxidation of PpIX: Following light irradiation, PpIX changes into another substance, photo-protoporphyrin, via an oxidative process, which has a different spectral peak, at 675 nm, whereas PpIX has its spectral peak at 635 nm. Based on the unique spectral alteration, fluorescence spectral imaging before and after light irradiation and subsequent originally-developed image processing was performed. Following in vitro study, we applied this method to a total of 662 excised LNs obtained from 30 gastric cancer patients administered 5-ALA preoperatively.

RESULTS

Specific visualization of PpIX was achieved in in vitro study. The method allowed highly sensitive detection of metastatic LNs, with sensitivity of 91.9% and specificity of 90.8% in the in vivo clinical trial. Receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated high diagnostic accuracy, with the area under the curve of 0.926.

CONCLUSIONS

We established a highly sensitive and specific 5-ALA-induced fluorescence imaging method applicable in clinical settings. The novel method has a potential to become a useful tool for intraoperative rapid diagnosis of LN metastasis.

Structural Analysis of Free N-Glycans in α-Glucosidase Mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Lack of the Evidence for the Occurrence of Catabolic α-Glucosidase Acting on the N-Glycans

Saccharomyces cerevisiae produces two different α-glucosidases, Glucosidase 1 (Gls1) and Glucosidase 2 (Gls2), which are responsible for the removal of the glucose molecules from N-glycans (Glc3Man9GlcNAc2) of glycoproteins in the endoplasmic reticulum. Whether any additional α-glucosidases playing a role in catabolizing the glucosylated N-glycans are produced by this yeast, however, remains unknown. We report herein on a search for additional α-glucosidases in S. cerevisiae. To this end, the precise structures of cytosolic free N-glycans (FNGs), mainly derived from the peptide:N-glycanase (Png1) mediated deglycosylation of N-glycoproteins were analyzed in the endoplasmic reticulum α-glucosidase-deficient mutants. 12 new glucosylated FNG structures were successfully identified through 2-dimentional HPLC analysis. On the other hand, non-glucosylated FNGs were not detected at all under any culture conditions. It can therefore be safely concluded that no catabolic α-glucosidases acting on N-glycans are produced by this yeast.

Non-lysosomal Degradation of Singly Phosphorylated Oligosaccharides Initiated by the Action of a Cytosolic Endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase

Phosphorylated oligosaccharides (POSs) are produced by the degradation of dolichol-linked oligosaccharides (DLOs) by an unclarified mechanism in mammalian cells. Although POSs are exclusively found in the cytosol, their intracellular fates remain unclear. Our findings indicate that POSs are catabolized via a non-lysosomal glycan degradation pathway that involves a cytosolic endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (ENGase). Quantitative and structural analyses of POSs revealed that ablation of the ENGase results in the significant accumulation of POSs with a hexasaccharide structure composed of Manα1,2Manα1,3(Manα1,6)Manβ1,4GlcNAcβ1,4GlcNAc.In vitroENGase assays revealed that the presence of an α1,2-linked mannose residue facilitates the hydrolysis of POSs by the ENGase. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric analyses and fluorescent labeling experiments show that such POSs contain one phosphate group at the reducing end. These results indicate that ENGase efficiently hydrolyzes POSs that are larger than Man4GlcNAc2-P, generating GlcNAc-1-P and neutral Gn1-type free oligosaccharides. These results provide insight into important aspects of the generation and degradation of POSs.

MAVEN observations of the response of Mars to an interplanetary coronal mass ejection

Coupling between the lower and upper atmosphere, combined with loss of gas from the upper atmosphere to space, likely contributed to the thin, cold, dry atmosphere of modern Mars. To help understand ongoing ion loss to space, the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft made comprehensive measurements of the Mars upper atmosphere, ionosphere, and interactions with the Sun and solar wind during an interplanetary coronal mass ejection impact in March 2015. Responses include changes in the bow shock and magnetosheath, formation of widespread diffuse aurora, and enhancement of pick-up ions. Observations and models both show an enhancement in escape rate of ions to space during the event. Ion loss during solar events early in Mars history may have been a major contributor to the long-term evolution of the Mars atmosphere.

Early MAVEN Deep Dip campaign reveals thermosphere and ionosphere variability

The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) mission, during the second of its Deep Dip campaigns, made comprehensive measurements of martian thermosphere and ionosphere composition, structure, and variability at altitudes down to ~130 kilometers in the subsolar region. This altitude range contains the diffusively separated upper atmosphere just above the well-mixed atmosphere, the layer of peak extreme ultraviolet heating and primary reservoir for atmospheric escape. In situ measurements of the upper atmosphere reveal previously unmeasured populations of neutral and charged particles, the homopause altitude at approximately 130 kilometers, and an unexpected level of variability both on an orbit-to-orbit basis and within individual orbits. These observations help constrain volatile escape processes controlled by thermosphere and ionosphere structure and variability.

Revision of the Massarineae (Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes)

We here taxonomically revise the suborder Massarineae (Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes, Ascomycota). Sequences of SSU and LSU nrDNA and the translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene (tef1) are newly obtained from 106 Massarineae taxa that are phylogenetically analysed along with published sequences of 131 taxa in this suborder retrieved from GenBank. We recognise 12 families and five unknown lineages in the Massarineae. Among the nine families previously known, the monophyletic status of the Dictyosporiaceae, Didymosphaeriaceae, Latoruaceae, Macrodiplodiopsidaceae, Massarinaceae, Morosphaeriaceae, and Trematosphaeriaceae was strongly supported with bootstrap support values above 96 %, while the clades of the Bambusicolaceae and the Lentitheciaceae are moderately supported. Two new families, Parabambusicolaceae and Sulcatisporaceae, are proposed. The Parabambusicolaceae is erected to accommodate Aquastroma and Parabambusicola genera nova, as well as two unnamed Monodictys species. The Parabambusicolaceae is characterised by depressed globose to hemispherical ascomata with or without surrounding stromatic tissue, and multi-septate, clavate to fusiform, hyaline ascospores. The Sulcatisporaceae is established for Magnicamarosporium and Sulcatispora genera nova and Neobambusicola. The Sulcatisporaceae is characterised by subglobose ascomata with a short ostiolar neck, trabeculate pseudoparaphyses, clavate asci, broadly fusiform ascospores, and ellipsoid to subglobose conidia with or without striate ornamentation. The genus Periconia and its relatives are segregated from the Massarinaceae and placed in a resurrected family, the Periconiaceae. We have summarised the morphological and ecological features, and clarified the accepted members of each family. Ten new genera, 22 new species, and seven new combinations are described and illustrated. The complete ITS sequences of nrDNA are also provided for all new taxa for use as barcode markers.

Electron-Phonon Coupling in the Bulk of Anatase TiO2 Measured by Resonant Inelastic X-Ray Spectroscopy

We investigate the polaronic ground state of anatase TiO2 by bulk-sensitive resonant inelastic x-ray spectroscopy (RIXS) at the Ti L3 edge. We find that the formation of the polaron cloud involves a single 95 meV phonon along the c axis, in addition to the 108 meV ab-plane mode previously identified by photoemission. The coupling strength to both modes is the same within error bars, and it is unaffected by the carrier density. These data establish RIXS as a directional bulk-sensitive probe of electron-phonon coupling in solids.

Lack of the evidence for the enzymatic catabolism of Man1GlcNAc2 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

In the cytosol of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, most of the free N-glycans (FNGs) are generated from misfolded glycoproteins by the action of the cytoplasmic peptide: N-glycanase (Png1). A cytosol/vacuole α-mannosidase, Ams1, then trims the FNGs to eventually form a trisaccharide composed of Manβ1,4GlcNAc β1,4GlcNAc (Man1GlcNAc2). Whether or not the resulting Man1GlcNAc2 is enzymatically degraded further, however, is currently unknown. The objective of this study was to unveil the fate of Man1GlcNAc2 in S. cerevisiae. Quantitative analyses of the FNGs revealed a steady increase in the amount of Man1GlcNAc2 produced in the post-diauxic and stationary phases, suggesting that this trisaccharide is not catabolized during this period. Inoculation of the stationary phase cells into fresh medium resulted in a reduction in the levels of Man1GlcNAc2. However, this reduction was caused by its dilution due to cell division in the fresh medium. Our results thus indicate that Man1GlcNAc2 is not enzymatically catabolized in S. cerevisiae.

Ghrelin enhancer, rikkunshito, improves postprandial gastric motor dysfunction in an experimental stress model

BACKGROUND

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is one of the most common disorders of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. However, no curable treatment is available for FD because the detailed mechanism of GI dysfunction in stressed conditions remains unclear. We aimed to clarify the association between endogenous acylated ghrelin signaling and gastric motor dysfunction and explore the possibility of a drug with ghrelin signal-enhancing action for FD treatment.

METHODS

Solid gastric emptying (GE) and plasma acylated ghrelin levels were evaluated in an urocortin1 (UCN1) -induced stress model. To clarify the role of acylated ghrelin on GI dysfunction in the model, exogenous acylated ghrelin, an endogenous ghrelin enhancer, rikkunshito, or an α2 -adrenergic receptor (AR) antagonist was administered. Postprandial motor function was investigated using a strain gauge force transducer in a free-moving condition.

KEY RESULTS

Exogenous acylated ghrelin supplementation restored UCN1-induced delayed GE. Alpha2 -AR antagonist and rikkunshito inhibited the reduction in plasma acylated ghrelin and GE in the stress model. The action of rikkunshito on delayed GE was blocked by co-administration of the ghrelin receptor antagonist. UCN1 decreased the amplitude of contraction in the antrum while increasing it in the duodenum. The motility index of the antrum but not the duodenum was significantly reduced by UCN1 treatment, which was improved by acylated ghrelin or rikkunshito.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

The UCN1-induced gastric motility dysfunction was mediated by abnormal acylated ghrelin dynamics. Supplementation of exogenous acylated ghrelin or enhancement of endogenous acylated ghrelin secretion by rikkunshito may be effective in treating functional GI disorders.

Generation and degradation of free asparagine-linked glycans

Asparagine (N)-linked protein glycosylation, which takes place in the eukaryotic endoplasmic reticulum (ER), is important for protein folding, quality control and the intracellular trafficking of secretory and membrane proteins. It is known that, during N-glycosylation, considerable amounts of lipid-linked oligosaccharides (LLOs), the glycan donor substrates for N-glycosylation, are hydrolyzed to form free N-glycans (FNGs) by unidentified mechanisms. FNGs are also generated in the cytosol by the enzymatic deglycosylation of misfolded glycoproteins during ER-associated degradation. FNGs derived from LLOs and misfolded glycoproteins are eventually merged into one pool in the cytosol and the various glycan structures are processed to a near homogenous glycoform. This article summarizes the current state of our knowledge concerning the formation and catabolism of FNGs.

Ultrasound-guided gradual reduction using flexion and abduction continuous traction for developmental dysplasia of the hip: a new method of treatment

We describe our experience in the reduction of dislocation of the hip secondary to developmental dysplasia using ultrasound-guided gradual reduction using flexion and abduction continuous traction (FACT-R). During a period of 13 years we treated 208 Suzuki type B or C complete dislocations of the hip in 202 children with a mean age of four months (0 to 11). The mean follow-up was 9.1 years (five to 16). The rate of reduction was 99.0%. There were no recurrent dislocations, and the rate of avascular necrosis of the femoral head was 1.0%. The rate of secondary surgery for residual acetabular dysplasia was 19.2%, and this was significantly higher in those children in whom the initial treatment was delayed or if other previous treatments had failed (p = 0.00045). The duration of FACT-R was significantly longer in severe dislocations (p = 0.001) or if previous treatments had failed (p = 0.018). This new method of treatment is effective and safe in these difficult cases and offers outcomes comparable to or better than those of standard methods.