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.

Radiation protective effect of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) on human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines

We examined the effects of 5-Gy radiation on the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and the radiosensitivity of five human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines (SAS, Ca9-22, TT, BSC-OF and IS-FOM). In all of the cell lines, HIF-1α was expressed in mRNA, and radiation had no influence on gene transcription. The number of apoptotic cells increased 72 h after irradiation in cell lines SAS, Ca9-22 and TT cells, indicating low transcriptional levels of HIF-1α, and the levels of non-cleaved caspase-3, an executioner of apoptosis, and non-cleaved poly (adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase (PARP), a marker of DNA damage early in apoptosis, decreased simultaneously. Conversely, radiation failed to induce apoptosis or to decrease expression of non-cleaved caspase-3 and PARP in cell lines BSC-OF and IS-FOM cells that expressed high levels of HIF-1α. BSC-OF and IS-FOM cells exhibited high migratory capacity. When CoCl(2) was present in the medium, HIF-1α expression increased along with the survival of Ca9-22 cells after radiation exposure. These results suggest that OSCC cells expressing high levels of HIF-1α are resistant to radiation. HIF-1α can be used to control the short-term radiosensitivity of cells.

Targeting therapy for glioma by LAK cells coupled with bispecific antibodies

Targeting of T cells or natural killer (NK) cells to tumours by using bispecific antibodies has attracted increasing interest in the past few years. We treated 31 patients with malignant glioma using adoptive transfer of lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells coupled to a bispecific antibody (anti-CD3+anti-glioma) as post-operative adjuvant therapy. Although this study excluded patients with deeply-seated tumours or a poor performance status, approximately 50% of the patients remained alive after 3 years, and 40% were free of recurrence. Serial CT scans revealed disappearance of remnant tumours in some patients. In addition, CT-guided stereotactic biopsy of the tumour in 3 patients showed extensive necrosis and degeneration after specific targeting therapy (STT). Five patients developed acute infection, and one of them died of bacterial meningitis. Our results suggest that antibody-targeted LAK therapy can achieve a higher response rate in patients with standard LAK therapy or any type of conventional treatment.

The relationship between the frequency of the common cold and the activities of natural killer cells

We investigated the relationship between the frequency of the common cold and the conditions of the body's immune system among members of a generally healthy population. Self-reporting questionnaires on the frequency of the common cold and on fatigue and stress conditions were administered to a total of 67 healthy individuals aged 22 to 50. The activities of natural killer (NK) cells, which were determined by Eu(3+)-DTPA release assay, and of NK cell members in the peripheral blood of the subjects were phenotypically (CD3 CD16(+) CD56(+)) analyzed with three-color flow cytometry. The results showed that the frequency of the common cold was significantly correlated with NK activity and NK subset (CD3(-)CD16(+) CD56(+)) frequency (r=-0.34 and-0.47 respectively, P<0.01). After adjusting for age, the mean NK subset (CD3(-)CD16(+)CD56) significandy differed (F=3.384, P<0.05) among the four frequency groups for the common cold, and the frequencies of the common cold were significandy different among the four stress/fatigue groups (F=8.016, P<0.001) for the males, as evaluated by ANCOVA. These results indicate that conditions of high stress and fatigue may increase the chance of catching the common cold due to a decrease in activities of NK cells.

Br-DIF-1 accelerates dimethyl sulphoxide-induced differentiation of P19CL6 embryonic carcinoma cells into cardiomyocytes

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Stem cell transplantation therapy is a promising option for treatment of severe ischaemic heart disease. Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) differentiates P19CL6 embryonic carcinoma cells into cardiomyocyte-like cells, but with low differentiation capacity. To improve the degree of this differentiation, we have assessed several derivatives of the differentiation-inducing factor-1 (DIF-1), originally found in the cellular slime mould Dictyostelium discoideum, on P19CL6 cells.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

P19CL6 cells were cultured with each derivative and 1% DMSO for up to 16 days. Differentiation was assessed by measuring the number of beating and non-beating aggregates, and the expression of genes relevant to cardiac tissue. The mechanism of action was investigated using a T-type Ca(2+) channel blocker.

KEY RESULTS

Of all the DIF-1 derivatives tested only Br-DIF-1 showed any effects on cardiomyocyte differentiation. In the presence of 1% DMSO, Br-DIF-1 (0.3-3 µM) significantly and dose-dependently increased the number of spontaneously beating aggregates compared with 1% DMSO alone, by day 16. Expression of mRNA for T-type calcium channels was significantly increased by Br-DIF-1 + 1% DMSO compared with 1% DMSO alone. Mibefradil (a T-type Ca(2+) channel blocker; 100 nM) and a small interfering RNA for the T-type Ca(2+) channel both significantly decreased the beating rate of aggregates induced by Br-DIF-1 + 1% DMSO.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Br-DIF-1 accelerated the differentiation, induced by 1% DMSO, of P19CL6 cells into spontaneously beating cardiomyocyte-like cells, partly by enhancing the expression of the T-type Ca(2+) channel gene.

Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition restores ultraviolet B-induced downregulation of ATP2A2/SERCA2 in keratinocytes: possible therapeutic approach of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition for treatment of Darier disease

BACKGROUND

  ATP2A2 encoding the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) -ATPase2 (SERCA2) is a Darier disease (DD)-related gene. Ultraviolet (UV) B irradiation downregulates ATP2A2/SERCA2 expression in keratinocytes, whereas cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression is dramatically upregulated by UVB.

OBJECTIVES

 To analyse the involvement of COX-2 in ATP2A2/SERCA2 expression.

METHODS

  Keratinocytes were transfected with COX-2 siRNA or treated with COX-2 inhibitor, celecoxib, to evaluate the effect of COX-2 on ATP2A2/SERCA2 expression. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting analysis and reporter assay were used to determine the amount of mRNA, protein level and transcription activity, respectively.

RESULTS

  COX-2 knockdown by siRNA resulted in upregulation of ATP2A2 transcription. Treatment by celecoxib rescued UVB-mediated suppression of the ATP2A2 transcription and SERCA2 protein expression. Simple addition of prostaglandin (PG) E(2) , which is a product of COX-2 enzyme, reduced the amounts of ATP2A2 mRNA and SERCA2 protein in keratinocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

  UVB downregulates ATP2A2/SERCA2 expression via induction of COX-2 expression and subsequent increase of PGE(2) production in keratinocytes. Considering that DD is caused by the decreased function of SERCA2 due to the reduced expression of the ATP2A2 gene, this finding shows the possibility that COX-2 inhibition may be useful to prevent and/or treat DD.

Coupling factor 6-induced activation of ecto-F1F(o) complex induces insulin resistance, mild glucose intolerance and elevated blood pressure in mice

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Despite advances in pharmacological treatments, diabetes with hypertension continues to be a major public health problem with high morbidity and mortality rates. We recently identified a circulating peptide coupling factor 6 (CF6), which binds to the plasma membrane ATP synthase (ecto-F(1)F(o) complex), resulting in intracellular acidosis. We investigated whether overexpression of CF6 contributes to diabetes and hypertension by intracellular acidosis.

METHODS

Transgenic mice overexpressing CF6 (also known as ATP5J) were generated, and physiological, biochemical and molecular biology studies were performed.

RESULTS

CF6 overexpression elicited a sustained decrease in intracellular pH in tissues (aorta, kidney, skeletal muscle and liver, with the exception of adipose tissue) that express its receptor, the β-subunit of ecto-F(1)F(o) complex. Consistent with the receptor distribution, phospho-insulin receptor β, phosphoinositide 3-kinase activity and the phospho-Akt1:total Akt1 ratio were all decreased in the skeletal muscle and the liver in transgenic compared with wild-type mice, resulting in a decrease of plasma membrane-bound GLUT4 and an increase in hepatic glucose production. Under a high-sucrose diet, transgenic mice had insulin resistance and mild glucose intolerance; under a high-salt diet, they had elevated blood pressure with increased renal RAS-related C3 botulinum substrate 1 (RAC1)-GTP, which is an activator of mineralocorticoid receptor.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Through its action on the β-subunit of ecto-F(1)F(o) complex, which results in intracellular acidosis, CF6 plays a crucial role in the development of insulin resistance and hypertension. This finding might advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying diabetes and hypertension, possibly also providing a novel therapeutic target against cardiovascular disease.

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.

Negative regulation of inflammatory responses by immunoglobulin A receptor (FcαRI) inhibits the development of Toll-like receptor-9 signalling-accelerated glomerulonephritis

Myeloid FcαRI, a receptor for immunoglobulin (Ig)A, mediates cell activation or inhibition depending on the type of ligand interaction, which can be either multivalent or monovalent. Anti-inflammatory signalling is triggered by monomeric targeting using anti-FcαRI Fab or IgA ligand binding, which inhibits immune and non-immune-mediated renal inflammation. The participation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in kidney pathology in experimental models and various forms of human glomerular nephritis has been discussed. However, little is known about negative regulation of innate-immune activation. In the present study, we generated new transgenic mice that express FcαRI(R209L) /FcRγ chimeric protein and showed that the monovalent targeting of FcαRI exhibited inhibitory effects in an in vivo model of TLR-9 signalling-accelerated nephritis. Mouse monoclonal anti-FcαRI MIP8a Fab improved urinary protein levels and reduced the number of macrophages and immunoglobulin deposition in the glomeruli. Monovalent targeting using MIP8a Fab attenuates the TLR-9 signalling pathway and is associated with phosphorylation of extracellular signal-related protein kinases [extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), P38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)] and the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB. The inhibitory mechanism involves recruitment of tyrosine phosphatase Src homology 2 domain-containing phosphatase-1 (SHP-1) to FcαRI. Furthermore, cell transfer studies with macrophages pretreated with MIP8a Fab showed that blockade of FcαRI signalling in macrophages prevents the development of TLR-9 signalling-accelerated nephritis. These results suggest a role of anti-FcαRI Fab as a negative regulator in controlling the magnitude of the innate immune response and a new type of anti-inflammatory drug for treatment of kidney disease.

An association of TLR2–16934A >T polymorphism and severity/phenotype of atopic dermatitis

BACKGROUND

Toll-like receptor 2 gene (TLR2) –16934A>T polymorphism has been shown to be associated with severity of atopic dermatitis (AD) as measured using severity scoring of atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) index. Moreover, TLR2–16934A>T polymorphism has been associated with atopy and allergic disorders in farmers’ children.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate an association between TLR2–16934A>T polymorphism and AD phenotype, including disease severity and concomitant atopic diseases, or potential serum markers of AD severity and also to find a molecular background of the clinical associations.

METHODS

Genotyping for TLR2–16934A>T polymorphism was performed in 130 consecutive adult ambulatory patients with AD. Total serum (TS) IgE levels, serum tryptase, plasma interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein were measured. In addition, luciferase assay and electrophoretic-mobility shift assay were conducted to assess the effect of –16934A>T polymorphism on transcriptional activity.

RESULTS

There was an inverse association of TLR2–16934TT genotype and/or –16934T allele with SCORAD, but not with TS IgE, tryptase or inflammatory markers. Interestingly, –16934AA genotype and/or –16934A allele were overrepresented in AD patients with concomitant asthma or a family history of atopy. In a subgroup analysis, TLR2–16934A>T polymorphism was associated with SCORAD, asthma, allergic conjunctivitis or family history of atopy in AD patients with TS IgE ≥106 IU/mL but not in those having TS IgE <106 IU/mL. Functional analyses showed that TLR2–16934T allele is associated with higher luciferase activity in human monocytic THP-1 cells and preferential binding of the THP-1-derived nuclear protein.

CONCLUSION

TLR2–16934A>T polymorphism could be a genetic predictor of AD severity, the coexistence of asthma or atopic conjunctivitis as well as a family history of atopic diseases, especially in subjects having higher TS IgE. TLR2–16934A>T polymorphism affects transcriptional activity, which may at least in part account for the clinical associations observed for the –16934A>T polymorphism.

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.

Evaluation of the role of second TUR for transurethral resection of bladder tumor in one piece (TURBO)

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Background: Since transurethral resection of bladder tumor in one piece (TURBO) was reported in the Journal of Urology in 2000 by Ukai, some urologists carried out TURBO. We analyzed treatment results of TURBO in our hospital and examined the value of this procedure, especially for the pathological findings, recurrence and necessity of second TUR for TURBO.

Methods: A total of 14 patients with bladder tumors carried out TURBO under spinal anesthesia, in some cases blocking the obtulater nerve, from April 2006 to June 2009 in our hospital. All cases were followed for over 1 year. The procedure is 1. point marking; 2. circular incision; 3. level incision; and 4. specimen retrieval using a needle electrode in accordance with the Ukai's method. We investigated pathological findings (margin situation), operation time, complications and recurrence.

Results: It is possible to diagnose the precise pathlogical findings by TURBO. We judged the width and depth ew in sequential section. There were no complications during and after the operation. Operation time of TURBO (35–170 min) was longer than TUR-BT. Urethral catheter holding period and hospitalization period after TURBO was the same as TUR-BT. TURBO is a relatively safe procedure even for beginners. 5 cases had a recurrence in 13 cases. 2 cases had a recurrence in under 1 year, but the locations were other places. One case had a same place recurrence after 13 months. There were no cases of same place recurrence in under 1 year among margin-negative cases. Therfore we judged that ew-negative cases had no residual cancers.

Conclusions: TURBO is a safe and useful procedure that provides precise pathological findings with minimal complications. Second TUR is not necessary for TURBO. TURBO has a possibility to be gold standard of the treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A case of tongue carcinoma associated with chronic graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) can occur at various sites, including the oral mucosa, where it is associated with a high risk of head and neck cancer. We report the case of a 46-year-old woman with tongue cancer that developed following Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic GVHD, and we discuss the possible causes of cancer development.