Evidence for the appearance of atmospheric tau neutrinos in super-Kamiokande

Super-Kamiokande atmospheric neutrino data were fit with an unbinned maximum likelihood method to search for the appearance of tau leptons resulting from the interactions of oscillation-generated tau neutrinos in the detector. Relative to the expectation of unity, the tau normalization is found to be 1.42 ± 0.35(stat)(-0.12)(+0.14)(syst) excluding the no-tau-appearance hypothesis, for which the normalization would be zero, at the 3.8σ level. We estimate that 180.1 ± 44.3(stat)(-15.2)(+17.8) (syst) tau leptons were produced in the 22.5 kton fiducial volume of the detector by tau neutrinos during the 2806 day running period. In future analyses, this large sample of selected tau events will allow the study of charged current tau neutrino interaction physics with oscillation produced tau neutrinos.

Resveratrol ameliorates high fat diet-induced fatty liver with alteration of Kupffer cell subset in mice. (P1106)

Background: We gave considerable attention to improve a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced fatty liver by Resveratrol from a standpoint of lifestyle disease prevention. Subject: To determine which protein is strongly regulated by Resveratrol in HFD-induced fatty liver, we investigated the modulation of liver protein and Kupffer cell subset in the HFD mice. Material and Methods: Mice (♂C57BL/6, 7 weeks) were fed HFD, HFD supplemented 0.2% Resveratrol or control diet for 8 weeks. Protein extraction from the liver was analyzed by LCMS-based proteomics. Immunostaining was performed using F4/80, CD68, CD11b and adipophilin (ADFP) Abs, and the Kupffer cell subset was analyzed by flow cytometry. TNF production by Kupffer cells was also measured. Results: Resveratrol decreased liver weights and hepatic triglyceride (TG) levels in the HFD mice without changing food intake, and improved fatty liver. Lipid metabolism was strongly down-regulated by Resveratrol. The most down-regulated protein was the ADFP that plays a role of TG storage in lipid droplets and macrophage. Resveratrol reduced lipid droplets and ADFP in the liver of HFD mice. Concurrently, Resveratrol suppressed increased CD68-CD11b+ Kupffer cell subset with suppressing their TNF production in the HFD mice. Conclusion: Resveratrol altered lipid metabolism, especially ADFP, in HFD mice, and suppressed TNF-producing CD11b+ Kupffer cells, thereby ameliorating fatty liver.

Transversus abdominis plane block in combination with general anesthesia provides better intraoperative hemodynamic control and quicker recovery than general anesthesia alone in high-risk abdominal surgery patients

BACKGROUND

Patients with severe cardiovascular disease are frequently hemodynamically unstable during abdominal surgery. Improving the safety of such patients by stabilizing intraoperative hemodynamics remains a major concern for anesthesiologists. Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in combination with general anesthesia may facilitate optimum anesthetic management of these high-risk patients.

METHODS

Patients with cardiovascular disease classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status 3 were enrolled. The patients were undergoing elective abdominal surgery and were randomized to a group receiving general anesthesia and TAP block (Group T, N.=33) or a group receiving general anesthesia alone (Group G, N.=35). We compared the groups for intraoperative hemodynamic stability, anesthesia emergence time, amounts of anesthetics and opioids given, and frequency of emergency treatment with cardiovascular agents. A preliminary study demonstrated that systolic blood pressure and heart rate were maintained stable within 70-110% of their preanesthesia values throughout surgery in ASA 1 elderly patients without cardiovascular disease. Thus, the hemodynamically stable time was defined as the time when systolic blood pressure and heart rate were 70-110% of their preanesthesia values. The ratio of hemodynamically stable time to total operative time was used as an index of hemodynamic stability.

RESULTS

The median (minimum-maximum) percentage of hemodynamically stable time was longer in Group T (91[50-100]%) than Group G (79[40-91]%, P<0.01). The mean sevoflurane concentration, amount of fentanyl given and frequency of vasopressor use were lower in Group T than Group G (P<0.05). Anesthesia emergence time was shorter in Group T (14[4-30] min) than Group G (18[9-52] min, P<0.01). No worsening of cardiovascular complications was observed.

CONCLUSION

For abdominal surgery in patients with severe cardiovascular disease, combining TAP block with general anesthesia promotes intraoperative hemodynamic stability and early emergence from anesthesia.

Soluble fragments of e-cadherin cell-adhesion molecule increase in urinary-excretion of cancer-patients, potentially indicating its shedding from epithelial tumor-cells

E-cadherin (Ecad) is well known to be a calcium-ion-dependent cell-cell adhesion molecule expressed mostly in epithelial tissues. Previous immunohistochemical studies suggested that this cell adhesion molecule acts as an invasion suppressor and is negligibly detected in cancer metastatic regions. Soluble Ecad fragments derived from the proteolysed membrane-associated form were detected in culture supernatants of two cell lines, COLO 205 and A-431, with normal distribution of cell surface Ecad. Soluble Ecad levels released into culture of COLO 205 exhibiting reduced cell-cell adhesion were apparently elevated above those of A-431 with tight cell-cell adhesion. Furthermore, human circulation and urine continuously contain soluble Ecad which consists mainly of homogeneous 75-85 kDa extracellular domains. Soluble Ecad urinary level per urinary creatinine level was found to be significantly elevated in 53% of patients suffering from various types of cancers including lung, liver, stomach, colon and rectal cancers, as compared with those in the age-matched healthy subjects. These results suggest that dysfunction of cell surface Ecad is responsible for its enhanced proteolytic shedding in tumorigenesis, which may lead to the decrease of cell surface Ecads. Furthermore, excretion of high levels of soluble Ecad fragments potentially indicates the progression of epithelial tumors excessively degrading cell surface Ecad in clinical subjects.

Fibrinogen γ-chain peptide-coated, ADP-encapsulated liposomes rescue thrombocytopenic rabbits from non-compressible liver hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

We developed a fibrinogen γ-chain (dodecapeptide HHLGGAKQAGDV [H12])-coated, ADP-encapsulated liposome (H12-[ADP]-liposome) that accumulates at bleeding sites via interaction with activated platelets via glycoprotein IIb-IIIa and augments platelet aggregation by releasing ADP.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of H12-(ADP)-liposomes for treating liver hemorrhage in rabbits with acute thrombocytopenia.

METHODS

Thrombocytopenia (platelets < 50 000 μL(-1)) was induced in rabbits by repeated blood withdrawal (100 mL kg(-1) in total) and isovolemic transfusion of autologous washed red blood cells. H12-(ADP)-liposomes with platelet-poor plasma (PPP), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), PPP, ADP liposomes with PPP or H12-(PBS)-liposomes/PPP, were administered to the thrombocytopenic rabbits, and liver hemorrhage was induced by penetrating liver injury.

RESULTS

Administration of H12-(ADP)-liposomes and of PRP rescued all thrombocytopenic rabbits from liver hemorrhage as a result of potent hemostasis at the liver bleeding site, although rabbits receiving PPP or ADP liposomes showed 20% survival in the first 24 h. Administration of H12-(ADP)-liposomes and of PRP suppressed both bleeding volume and time from the site of liver injury. H12-(phosphate-buffered saline)-liposomes lacking ADP also improved rabbit survival after liver hemorrhage, although their hemostatic effect was weaker. In rabbits with severe thrombocytopenia (25 000 platelets μL(-1)), the hemostatic effects of H12-(ADP)-liposomes tended to be attenuated as compared with those of PRP treatment. Histologic examination revealed that H12-(ADP)-liposomes accumulated at the bleeding site in the liver. Notably, neither macrothombi nor microthrombi were detected in the lung, kidney or liver in rabbits treated with H12-(ADP)-liposomes.

CONCLUSIONS

H12-(ADP)-liposomes appear to be a safe and effective therapeutic tool for acute thrombocytopenic trauma patients with massive bleeding.

Stathmin is involved in the cooperative effect of Zoledronic acid and gefitinib on bone homing breast cancer cells in vitro

Zoledronic acid (Zol) is the most potent inhibitor of bone resorption among the bisphosphonates and is commonly used for inhibiting bone metastasis. However, it remains unclear whether Zol provides a survival benefit. Recent findings indicate that epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling is an important mediator of bone metastasis. Thus, we examined the combined effects of Zol and an EGF receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor, gefitinib, on the proliferation and invasion of a bone-seeking clone and the breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. Combined treatment with Zol and gefitinib synergistically inhibited both invasion and cell proliferation of the bone-seeking clone, but not those of the MDA-MB-231 cells. Two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry demonstrated that stathmin was down-regulated during these cooperative effects. Stathmin is a signal transduction regulatory factor which plays an important role in cell division and malignant tumor development. Our data suggest that stathmin may be a promising target molecule for blocking bone metastasis of breast cancer.

Search for differences in oscillation parameters for atmospheric neutrinos and antineutrinos at Super-Kamiokande

We present a search for differences in the oscillations of antineutrinos and neutrinos in the Super-Kamiokande-I, -II, and -III atmospheric neutrino sample. Under a two-flavor disappearance model with separate mixing parameters between neutrinos and antineutrinos, we find no evidence for a difference in oscillation parameters. Best-fit antineutrino mixing is found to be at (Δm2,sin2 2θ)=(2.0×10(-3)  eV2, 1.0) and is consistent with the overall Super-K measurement.

Apparent diffusion coefficient calculated with relatively high b-values correlates with local failure of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated with radiotherapy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Few studies have investigated the relationship between ADC and clinical outcome in HNSCC. Our hypothesis has that relatively high pretreatment ADC would correlate with local failure of HNSCC treated with radiation therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This includes prospective and validation studies. Seventeen patients treated with radiation therapy for primary HNSCC completed the prospective study. Variables considered to affect local failure including MR imaging-related parameters such as ADC and its change ratio were compared between patients with local failure and controls, and those showing difference or association with local failure were further tested by survival analysis. Furthermore, variables were analyzed in 40 patients enrolled in the validation study.

RESULTS

Relatively high ADC calculated with b-values (300, 500, 750, and 1000 s/mm(2)) before treatment, high ADC increase ratio, and treatment method (chemoradiotherapy versus radiation therapy alone) revealed significant difference between patients with local failure and controls or association with local failure. In Cox proportional hazard testing, high ADC before treatment alone showed significant association with local failure (P = .0186). In the validation study, tumor volume before treatment, high ADC before treatment, T stage (T12 versus T34), and treatment method showed significance. Tumor volume before treatment (P = .0217) and high ADC before treatment (P = .0001) revealed significant association with local failure in Cox proportional hazard testing. High ADC before treatment was superior to tumor volume before treatment regarding association with local failure.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest pretreatment ADC obtained at high b-values as well as tumor volume correlate with local failure of HNSCC treated with radiation therapy.

Indication of electron neutrino appearance from an accelerator-produced off-axis muon neutrino beam

The T2K experiment observes indications of ν(μ) → ν(e) appearance in data accumulated with 1.43×10(20) protons on target. Six events pass all selection criteria at the far detector. In a three-flavor neutrino oscillation scenario with |Δm(23)(2)| = 2.4×10(-3)  eV(2), sin(2)2θ(23) = 1 and sin(2)2θ(13) = 0, the expected number of such events is 1.5±0.3(syst). Under this hypothesis, the probability to observe six or more candidate events is 7×10(-3), equivalent to 2.5σ significance. At 90% C.L., the data are consistent with 0.03(0.04) < sin(2)2θ(13) < 0.28(0.34) for δ(CP) = 0 and a normal (inverted) hierarchy.

Novel technique of overlaying a poly-L: -lactic acid nanosheet for adhesion prophylaxis and fixation of intraperitoneal onlay polypropylene mesh in a rabbit model

BACKGROUND

One problem with polypropylene mesh (PPM) used to repair abdominal wall hernias is dense adhesions to the visceral surface. The authors developed the biocompatible poly-L: -lactic acid (PLLA) nanosheet (thickness < 100 nm), which has the unique ability to adhere tightly to tissues but not to opposing tissues. This study investigated the antiadhesive and fixative characteristics of the PLLA nanosheet after placement of intraperitoneal onlay PPM (IPOM) overlaid with a PLLA nanosheet on intact peritoneum.

METHODS

The PLLA nanosheet was fabricated by the spin-coating method and peeling technique with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a supporting film. Two 1.5-cm-square pieces of mesh were implanted on each peritoneal side of the midline incision. The mesh was fixed to the peritoneum with a suture and then overlaid with a 4-cm-square piece of Seprafilm or nanosheet. To examine the fixative property, mesh was overlaid with Seprafilm or nanosheet without a fixed suture. After 4 weeks, mesh adhesion, inflammatory reaction, fixation, and dislocation of mesh were evaluated.

RESULTS

Nanosheet-overlaid meshes were flexible and fit over the peritoneum. Adhesion was observed in 10% of the nanosheet-overlaid meshes and in 50% of the Seprafilm-overlaid meshes. The adhesion tenacity grade was significantly lower with the nanosheet-overlaid meshes (0.1 ± 0.1) than with the Seprafilm-overlaid meshes (1.0 ± 0.4) (p = 0.029), and the percentage of the adhesion area also was lower with the nanosheet-overlaid meshes (1.0 ± 1.0% vs 8.5 ± 3.2%; p = 0.037). The mean inflammatory cell counts were lower with the nanosheet-overlaid meshes (p = 0.0023). Regarding the fixative property, 37.5% of the nanosheet-overlaid meshes were fixated on the peritoneum, but no Seprafilm-overlaid mesh was fixated.

CONCLUSION

Overlaying of a PLLA nanosheet was effective for adhesion prophylaxis of intraperitoneal mesh. It also may have a possible beneficial effect on fixation of mesh.

Two cases of acute poisoning with acetamiprid in humans

INTRODUCTION

Acetamiprid is a potent and a relatively new neonicotinoid insecticide. Animal studies have indicated that it has a low toxicity to mammals. Despite wide usage, human exposure resulting in toxicity is quite limited, and this is the first report in the English literature about acute acetamiprid poisoning in humans.

CASE DETAILS

We herein describe two cases of acute poisoning with an insecticide formulation containing acetamiprid for suicidal purposes. Both cases experienced severe nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness, hypothermia, convulsions, and clinical manifestations including tachycardia, hypotension, electrocardiogram changes, hypoxia, and thirst in the case with the higher serum concentration of acetamiprid. The symptoms were partially similar to acute organophosphate intoxication. Supportive treatments for a variety of symptoms were sufficient for recovery, and both individuals were discharged without any complications 2 days after ingestion.

Deposits on the intraluminal surface and bacterial growth in central venous catheters

Central venous catheter (CVC) tip and blood cultures are generally used to diagnose a catheter-related infection. Such methodology does not confirm the presence of bacterial colonisation on parts of CVCs other than the CVC tip. In order to assess the extent of bacterial colonisation, 10 catheters were examined in detail from patients admitted to intensive care unit. Swabs from the lumen at several sites (hub, indwelling and non-indwelling) were cultured and the intraluminal surface of the device subjected to scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Bacteria were detected on five out of 10 catheters (50%), and bacterial contamination of CVCs was common in the hub area of the device. Deposits (crystallisation) that differed from bacterial colonisation or biofilm were observed on the intraluminal surface of used CVCs. SEM showed bacteria firmly anchored to the deposits. Experimental flow studies demonstrated that deposits were more likely to appear after exposure to solutions such as total parenteral nutrition rather than distilled water. These deposits facilitated bacterial colonisation 30 times more than CVCs free from deposits.

Search for proton decay via p-->e+pi0 and p-->micro+pi0 in a large water Cherenkov detector

We have searched for proton decays via p-->e;{+}pi;{0} and p-->micro;{+}pi;{0} using data from a 91.7 kt.yr exposure of Super-Kamiokande-I and a 49.2 kt.yr exposure of Super-Kamiokande-II. No candidate events were observed with expected backgrounds induced by atmospheric neutrinos of 0.3 events for each decay mode. From these results, we set lower limits on the partial lifetime of 8.2 x 10;{33} and 6.6 x 10;{33} years at 90% confidence level for p-->e;{+}pi;{0} and p-->micro;{+}pi;{0} modes, respectively.

Chiral and collinear ordering in a distorted triangular antiferromagnet

Magnetization, specific heat, and neutron diffraction measurements are used to map out the entire magnetic phase diagram of KFe(MoO4)2. This stacked triangular antiferromagnet is structurally similar to the famous multiferroic system RbFe(MoO4)2. Because of an additional small crystallographic distortion, it contains two sets of inequivalent distorted magnetic triangular lattices. As a result, the spin network breaks down into two intercalated yet almost independent magnetic subsystems. One is a collinear antiferromagnet that shows a simple spin-flop behavior in applied magnetic fields. The other is a helimagnet that instead goes through a series of exotic commensurate-incommensurate phase transformations. In the various phases one observes either true three-dimensional or unconventional quasi-two-dimensional ordering.