Development of 3D microwave imaging reflectometry in LHD (invited)

Three-dimensional (3D) microwave imaging reflectometry has been developed in the large helical device to visualize fluctuating reflection surface which is caused by the density fluctuations. The plasma is illuminated by the probe wave with four frequencies, which correspond to four radial positions. The imaging optics makes the image of cut-off surface onto the 2D (7 × 7 channels) horn antenna mixer arrays. Multi-channel receivers have been also developed using micro-strip-line technology to handle many channels at reasonable cost. This system is first applied to observe the edge harmonic oscillation (EHO), which is an MHD mode with many harmonics that appears in the edge plasma. A narrow structure along field lines is observed during EHO.

220 NONHUMAN PRIMATE EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS SIMILAR TO THE BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF MOUSE EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS

Human and mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells are derived from the inner cell mass of preimplantation blastocysts and human ES cells were long thought to be equivalent to mouse ES cells, despite clear morphological difference and different signalling pathways to maintain their pluripotency between these two ES cell types. Mouse ES cells depend on leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4) signalling, whereas their human counterparts rely on basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and activin A signalling. The biggest difference of two ES cells is the ability of chimera formation and mouse ES cells can contribute chimera but primate ES cells fails to do that. Monkey ES cells in primates only can be tested for chimera formation in vivo due to the ethical issue and cynomolgus monkey is the most common nonhuman primate to be used for the safety study of drug discoveries. The objective of this study was to develop novel cynomolgus monkey ES cells that have similar biological properties with mouse ES cell and our ultimate goal is to establish germline competent nonhuman primate ES cells. Ovarian stimulation and oocyte collection were carried out for the derivation of ES cells as previously described by Torii et al. Briefly, GnRH (0.9 mg/head) was administered to cynomolgus monkey and two weeks later, a micro infusion pump (iPRECIO™, Primetech Corp) contains FSH was implanted subcutaneously. Follicular aspiration was then performed 40 h after hCG injection and metaphase II oocytes were fertilized by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Cynomolgus monkey ES cells were then established under mouse ES cell conditions such as LIF/STAT signalling and a dome tree-dimensional (3D) morphology nonhuman primate ES cells were selected. On the other hands, ES cells that were established with the presence of basic FGF showed conventional layer-type morphology. Dome-type ES cells express pluripotent transcriptional factors such as Oct-3/4, Nonog and Sox2 as same as layer-type ES cells and both ES lines were capable of multilineage differentiations in vitro after embryoid body formation. Dome-type nonhuman ES cells can also form teratomas and differentiated into all three germ layers when grafted into immunodeficiency mice. For fluorescent gene delivery to nonhuman primate ES cells, feeder-free condition was applied and CAG-GFP vector was transfected into ES cells using Neon electroporation system (Invitrogen Inc.) for the tracing ES cells in the transplantation study. In this study, we have established dome-type ES cell lines that similar to mouse ES cells in morphology and signalling pathway. Dome-type nonhuman primate ES cells express pluripotent gene markers and prove their pluripotency both of in vitro and in vivo, in addition, these modifications would be important to create germline competent ES cells.

114 LIVE-CELL IMAGING FOR THE QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF INTRACYTOPLASMIC SPERM INJECTION EMBRYO IN CYNOMOLGUS MONKEY

We have developed a live-cell imaging technique to assess measures of embryo quality such as epigenetic status and chromosome integrity during the early cleavage stages of pre-implantation development in the mouse. The advantages of this method are that the procedure is safe for the embryo and pups are not transgenic even after the imaging (Yamagata et al. 2009 Hum. Reprod. 24, 2490–2499). One of the valuable indexes in using this imaging technique is chromosome segregation (CS) during first mitosis; the embryos showing normal CS (NCS) result in normal offspring, whereas abnormal CS (ACS) embryos do not. In this study, we established a live-cell imaging technique for cynomolgus monkey intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) embryos and we succeeded in obtaining a normal offspring from NCS embryos after the assessment of live-cell imaging. Ovarian stimulation was carried out as previously described by Torii et al. (2001 Exp. Anim. 50, 259). Oocytes were collected by follicular aspiration using laparoscopy and ICSI was performed to metaphase II oocytes. After the ICSI, a mixture of mRNA encoding fluorescent labelled tubulin and histone was injected into ICSI embryos for the evaluation. Live-cell imaging was initiated 4 h after injection by laser confocal microscopy and 2-cell embryos were classified as NCS or ACS the next day. After embryo culture, embryo transfer (ET) was carried out to recipient donors (NCS embryos: 13, ACS embryos: 2) and pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasonography at 4 weeks after ET. In another experiment, we tried to assess the 2-cell embryos with a snapshot image taken by a conventional fluorescent microscope as a simplified method. A total 121 embryos from 15 monkeys were analysed and embryos were classified as NCS or ACS. Live-cell imaging revealed that the NCS rate was 43.3% and the ACS rate was 56.7%. Pregnancy was confirmed in 2 NCS embryos from 13 ET (15.4%; 2/13); however, no pregnancy was observed in the ACS group (0%, 0/2). Furthermore, one normal offspring was achieved from ET of 2 NCS embryos that were diagnosed by live-cell imaging. In addition, we could also assess the status of chromosome and nuclei in the 2-cell embryos even by fluorescent microscopy and in this case, the NCS rate was 69.2% and the ACS rate was 30.8%. In conclusion, live-cell imaging can be used to evaluate the status of chromosome segregation of ICSI embryos in the cynomolgus monkey under laser confocal and fluorescent microcopy. The results indicate that ACS would be a detrimental factor in the embryonic development in the monkey, similar to in the mouse. Moreover, a normal offspring was born after the imaging and therefore this new technique could be applicable to assessment of embryo quality in human assisted reproductive technology.

127 OVARIAN STIMULATION IN CYNOMOLGUS MONKEYS BY A CONTROLLED RELEASE OF FOLLICULAR-STIMULATING HORMONE UTILIZING A MICRO-INFUSION PUMP

We have established an indoor artificial breeding system for the cynomolgus monkey in an effort to increase the number of MII oocytes that are required for enhanced reproductive efficiency. A conventional ovarian stimulus method requires FSH to be administered to monkeys intramuscularly once a day for 9 days. Recently, a novel implantable and programmable micro-infusion pump (iPRECIO™, Primetech Corp, Tokyo, Japan) has been introduced for small laboratory animals to infuse fluids continuously for long periods of time in vivo. We adapted this micro-infusion pump to administer FSH to cynomolgus monkeys. In this study, we optimized the controlled-release program of FSH for the appropriate ovarian stimulation. First, laparoscopic evaluation was performed to identify animals that had small, underdeveloped follicles and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (0.9 mg animal–1; Leuplin, Takeda, Osaka, Japan) was administered to all selected animals. Two weeks later, iPRECIO™ containing FSH (Gonapure, ASKA, Tokyo, Japan) was implanted subcutaneously and the continuous infusion was started at 15.0 IU kg–1 per day. Five days after implantation, follicular development was evaluated by laparoscopy and the infusion rate was adjusted based on follicular profile (high level: reduced to 12.5 IU kg–1 per day, n = 11; middle level: maintained at 15.0 IU kg–1 per day, n = 47; low level: increased to 20.0 IU kg–1 per day, n = 30). Four days later, hCG (400 IU kg–1, IM) was administered and follicular aspiration was performed 40 h later. In the control group (n = 6), FSH (25.0 IU kg–1 per day) was injected intramuscularly once a day for 9 days, followed by an hCG injection. Oocytes were collected and evaluated and MII oocytes were fertilized by intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Injected oocytes were cultured for 7 days in CRML-1066 medium supplemented with 20% bovine serum at 38°C, with 5% CO2 and 5% O2 in air and blastocyst development was evaluated. Data were analysed by a two-sided t-test. All animals treated with the controlled-release FSH using iPRECIO™ showed significantly higher MII maturation rates (mean: 59.4%, 22/37; P < 0.05) than those of the control group (MII rate: 46.3%, 19/41); however, there was no significant difference among the different FSH release programs. Blastocyst development rates of the test group were also significantly higher than those of the control group (test: 52.0%, control: 28.1%; P < 0.05); however, there was no significant difference among the different FSH programs. This controlled-release system did not require daily injections to the animal, which would be beneficial for decreasing stress. Further, the required dose of FSH using iPRECIO™ was much less than that of the conventional multiple-injection method. These results indicated that controlled release of FSH utilising an iPRECIO™ pump can be customized based on follicular profile and has financial and animal care advantages compared with the conventional method.

Antibacterial iodine-supported titanium implants

Deep infection remains a serious complication in orthopedic implant surgery. In order to reduce the incidence of implant-associated infections, several biomaterial surface treatments have been proposed. This study focused on evaluating the antibacterial activity of iodine-supported titanium (Ti-I(2)) and its impact on post-implant infection, as well as determining the potential suitability of Ti-I(2) as a biomaterial. External fixation pins were used in this experiment as trial implants because of the ease of making the septic models. The antibacterial activity of the metal was measured using a modification of the Japanese Industrial Standards method. Activity was evaluated by exposing the implants to Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli and comparing reaction of pathogens to Ti-I(2) vs. stainless steel and titanium controls. Ti-I(2) clearly inhibited bacterial colonization more than the control metals. In addition, cytocompatibility was assessed by counting the number of colonies that formed on the metals. The three metals showed the same amount of fibroblast colony formation. Japanese white rabbits were used as an in vivo model. Three pins were inserted into both femora of six rabbits for histological analysis. Pin sites were inspected and graded for infection and inflammation. Fewer signs of infection and inflammatory changes were observed in conjunction with the Ti-I(2) pins. Furthermore, osteoconductivity of the implant was evaluated with osteoid formation surface of the pin. Consecutive bone formation was observed around the Ti-I(2) and titanium pins, while little osteoid formation was found around the stainless steel pins. These findings suggest that Ti-I(2) has antimicrobial activity and exhibits cytocompatibility. Therefore, Ti-I(2) substantially reduces the incidence of implant infection and shows particular promise as a biomaterial.

Simultaneous projection and detection system of four different frequencies for microwave imaging reflectometry in Large Helical Device

A simultaneous projection/detection system of four different frequencies for microwave imaging reflectometry (MIR) was developed for three-dimensional observation of electron density fluctuations in the Large Helical Device (LHD). The microwave with four frequency components at 60.410, 61.808, 63.008, and 64.610 GHz is projected in a continuous-wave mode to illuminate the target LHD plasma. A two-dimensional horn-antenna mixer array (2D HMA) receives the reflected wave from the plasma as well as the wave from the local oscillator operating at 55.800 GHz. The first intermediate frequency (IF) signals at 4.610, 6.008, 7.208, and 8.810 GHz were confirmed to be obtained by downconversion of these microwaves using the 2D HMA. Each of these first IF components is filtered from each other and downconverted again for the superheterodyne detection. It was confirmed that both the amplitudes and the phases of the detected signals reflect the fluctuations in LHD plasmas.

Development of electron cyclotron emission imaging system on Large Helical Device

A combined system of microwave imaging reflectometry and electron cyclotron emission (ECE) imaging has been developed for the Large Helical Device. This system includes a wide-band two-dimensional horn-antenna mixer array (HMA). The HMA consists of horn antennas, waveguides, mixers, and intermediate frequency circuits. The frequency response of the HMA is between 50 and 110 GHz. The ECE signal is selected using a 95 GHz local oscillator and a 93 GHz high-pass filter.

Clinicopathological Features of Solitary Fibrous Tumours in the Extremities: Four Case Reports and a Literature Review

This paper reports on the clinicopathological features of four patients with solitary fibrous tumours arising from the extremities and presents a review of the relevant literature. The patients consisted of three women and one man, with a mean age of 47.8 years. Standard pre-operative work-up data were examined, including: history, clinical examination, plain radiography, computed tomography scans of the lesion and chest, magnetic resonance imaging, angiography, technetium-99m bone scan, thallium-201 scintigraphy and routine laboratory tests. Immunohisto chemical staining was performed for CD34, Bcl-2 protein, vimentin, S-100 protein, desmin and smooth muscle actin, and pathological material was reviewed for the presence of histologically malignant components. Immunohistochemically, all of the tumours were diffusely positive for CD34. Clinical and radiological findings of solitary fibrous tumours affecting the extremities are reminiscent of those of aggressive or malignant soft tissue tumours. Pathological and immunohistochemical studies are important in making the correct diagnosis.

Targeted therapy of spinal cord glioma with a genetically modified Salmonella typhimurium

OBJECTIVE

Spinal cord tumours are highly malignant and often lead to paralysis and death due to their infiltrative nature, high recurrence rate and limited treatment options. In this study, we measured antitumour efficacy of the Salmonella typhimurium A1-R tumour-targeting bacterium strain, administered systemically or intrathecally, to spinal cord cancer in orthotopic mouse models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Tumour fragments of U87-RFP were implanted by surgical orthotopic implantation into the dorsal site of the spinal cord. Five and 10 days after transplantation, eight mice in each group were treated with A1-R (2 x 10(7) CFU/200 microL i.v. injection or 2 x 10(6) CFU/10 microL intrathecal injection).

RESULTS

Untreated mice showed progressive paralysis beginning at day 6 after tumour transplantation and developed complete paralysis between 18 and 25 days. Mice treated i.v. with A1-R had onset of paralysis at approximately 11 days and at 30 days; five mice developed complete paralysis, while the other three mice had partial paralysis. Mice treated by intrathecal injection of A1-R had onset of paralysis at approximately 18 days and one mouse was still not paralysed at day 30. Only one mouse developed complete paralysis at day 30 in this group. Intrathecally treated animals had a significantly better survival than the i.v. treated group as well as over the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that S. typhimurium A1-R monotherapy can effectively treat spinal cord glioma.

Observation of an energetic radiation burst from mountain-top thunderclouds

During thunderstorms on 20 September 2008, a simultaneous detection of gamma rays and electrons was made at a mountain observatory in Japan located 2770 m above sea level. Both emissions, lasting 90 sec, were associated with thunderclouds rather than lightning. The photon spectrum, extending to 10 MeV, can be interpreted as consisting of bremsstrahlung gamma rays arriving from a source which is 60-130 m in distance at 90% confidence level. The observed electrons are likely to be dominated by a primary population escaping from an acceleration region in the clouds.