New beam-charge interlock system for radiation safety at the KEKB injector linac

A new beam-charge interlock system is under development for radiation safety and machine protection at the KEKB injector linac. A hardware-based interlock system is required instead of the present software-based interlock system in order to boost its reliability. This system restricts the integrated amount of beam charges delivered to four different storage rings. The beam charges are measured using wall-current monitors and detection electronics at six locations along the linac. The detection electronics independently transmits a beam-abort request through a twisted hardwire cable directly to the safety control system of the linac, when the integrated amount of beam charges exceeds a certain threshold level prescribed for each location. We describe the characteristics and performance of the new beam-charge interlock system along with the details of the experimental tests.

A possible relationship between the anti-cancer potency of photodynamic therapy using the novel photosensitizer ATX-s10-Na(II) and expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor in vivo

ATX-s10-Na(II) is a novel second-generation photo-sensitizer for photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT using ATX-s10 and diode laser (670 nm) induces an apoptotic response, inflammatory reaction, immune reaction and damage to the microvasculature. In particular, the vascular shut-down effect plays an important role in the anti-tumor activity of ATX-s10-PDT. It has been reported that PDT induces hypoxia and expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) via the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF1)-alpha pathway. We hypothesized that the expression of VEGF may cause tumor recurrence after PDT and exert unfavorable effect against the anti-tumor activity of ATX-s10-PDT. In this study, we showed by DNA microarray analysis in vitro that VEGF mRNA expression was induced 3 h after laser irradiation in ATX-s10-PDT. We compared the anti-tumor activity of ATX-s10-PDT against lung cancer cell lines SBC-3 and SBC-3/VEGF, the latter overexpressing VEGF; there was no significant difference in the sensitivity to the PDT between the two cell lines as assessed by clonogenic assay. Furthermore, no statistically significant difference in the anti-tumor effect of PDT, as measured by tumor cures, was found between SBC-3 and SBC-3/VEGF tumors in female Balb/c-nu/nu nude mice in vivo. In conclusion, ATX-s10-PDT may prevent tumor recurrence despite induction of VEGF and promotion of tumor angiogenesis, which are known to enhance tumor proliferation and survival.

Function and pathology of the sugar chains of human immunoglobulin G

Human immunoglobulin G (IgG) is unique among serum glycoproteins because it contains more than 30 different biantennary complex-type asparagine-linked oligosaccharides. This extremely high microheterogeneity is probably produced because human individuals have a series of B cell clones equipped with different sets of glycosyltransferases. Despite this complex composition, IgG samples purified from whole human sera have the same mole ratios of oligosaccharides, indicating that the ratio of B cell clones synthesizing IgGs with different sugar chains is constant in healthy individuals. We found that the glycosylation patterns of whole serum IgGs obtained from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are quite different from those of whole serum from healthy individuals. Structural studies of the oligosaccharides revealed that the sugar chains of the IgGs obtained from patients with RA are depleted of the beta-galactose residues. The sugar chains of transferrin from patients with RA are fully galactosylated. Therefore the galactose deletion from IgG is probably brought about by a decrease in galactosyltransferase activity in B cells rather than by degradation by galactosidase during circulation. Enzymic study revealed that human B cells contain various beta-galactosyltransferases which form the Gal(beta 1-4)GlcNAc groups in the sugar chains of different glycoproteins. Among these enzymes, abnormality in patients with RA was found only in the one that transfers beta-galactose residues specifically to degalactosylated IgG. This enzyme showed lower affinity toward UDP-Gal in B cells of patients with RA than that in healthy individuals.

Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) affected acquired resistance to gefitinib in a "never-smoked" female patient with advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Development of acquired resistance to gefitinib after an initial good response is common. Recently, it was reported that this acquired resistance is related to a secondary mutation associated with a substitution of threonine by methionine at codon 790 (T790M) of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene. In this report, we present a "never smoking" woman with advanced lung cancer who showed acquired resistance to gefitinib, and analysis of autopsy samples revealed no evidence of EGFR mutations in either exons 18-21 or codon 790, and positive immunostaining for breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP). We describe, for the first time, a case in which expression of BCRP was associated with acquired resistance to gefitinib, independent of EGFR mutations.

Basic and clinical research on photodynamic therapy at Tokyo Medical University Hospital

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

We have been engaged in basic and clinical research on photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) for more than 25 years.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

PDT for 264 centrally located early-stage lung cancer lesions yielded an initial complete response (CR) rate of 84.8%. PDT is now becoming a standard option for centrally located stage 0 (TisN0M0) and stage I (T1N0M0) lung cancer. It is an attractive option for elderly patients in poor physical condition.

RESULTS

Recent results of interstitial PDT for peripheral-type lung cancers suggest that it may be a promising local curative treatment modality for lesions less than 1.0 cm in diameter.

CONCLUSIONS

In this article, we introduce our recent clinical trials of PDT for lung cancers (both central and peripheral), and new techniques of PDD in sentinel node navigation biopsy for breast cancers. Moreover, we introduce basic research on cancers and infectious diseases in order to expand the clinical applications of PDT.

Bench-scale study using PVA gel as a biocarrier in a UASB reactor treating corn steep liquor wastewater

PVA-gel beads were used as a biocarrier for treatment of corn steep liquor wastewater containing high levels of volatile fatty acids (VFA), where retention of biomass could be either solely in the porous microstructure of the gel or by granule formation using a gel bead as a nucleus. With stable COD removal efficiencies of 90% or greater, continuous treatment was demonstrated over a four month period, with organic loading rates being increased stepwise from 2.5 to 22.5 kg COD/m3 d. In addition, VFA in the effluent were, with few exceptions maintained close to zero. Gas production increased over the course of the study and reached a level of 0.38 m3/kg COD consisting of 65% methane with the remainder being mostly carbon dioxide. Biomass granules containing methane producing bacteria progressively formed around the PVA-gel beads during the study. In contrast, very few small natural granules developed apart from PVA-gel nuclei indicating that PVA gel may serve well as a seeding material to enhance granulation when natural occurrence is lacking.

Evidence of the purely leptonic decay B- --> tau- nu(tau)

We present the first evidence of the decay B- --> tau- nu(tau), using 414 fb(-1) of data collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+ e- collider. Events are tagged by fully reconstructing one of the B mesons in hadronic modes. We detect the signal with a significance of 3.5 standard deviations including systematics and measure the branching fraction to be B(B- --> tau- nu(tau)) = (1.79(-0.49) +0.56(stat)(-0.51) +0.46(syst)) x 10(-4). This implies that fB = 0.229(-0.031) +0.036(stat)(-0.037) +0.034(syst) GeV and is the first direct measurement of this quantity.

Risk factor analysis for ascending aorta and aortic arch repair using selective cerebral perfusion with open technique: role of open-stent graft placement

AIM

The present study was designed to identify risk factors that may induce adverse outcome defined as permanent neurological dysfunction and mortality after aortic arch surgery using selective cerebral perfusion by logistic regression analysis and to reveal the role of open stent-graft placement.

METHODS

One hundred and nineteen consecutive patients underwent ascending aorta and/or aortic arch operation with open technique between 1995 and 2005 were examined. Ascending aorta and/or hemiarch was replaced in 28 patients, total arch in 75 patients, and proximal or distal aortic arch replacement in 16 patients. Open stent-graft placement was used in 25 patients.

RESULTS

The in-hospital mortality rate was 9.2%. Permanent neurological dysfunction occurred in 10 patients (8.4%). Thoracotomy (P=0.0331) and cardiopulmonary bypass time (P=0.0238) were significant risk factors for permanent neurological dysfunction. Preoperative shock (P=0.0266) was significant independent risk factor for mortality. Emergent operation (P=0.0454), thoracotomy (P=0.0232), and cardiopulmonary bypass time (P=0.0379) were significant independent risk factors for adverse outcome. The duration of selective cerebral perfusion was not associated with adverse outcome. Open stent-graft placement has no need of thoracotomy for aneurysm extending descending thoracic aorta and time variables concerning the operation were significantly shorter in the patients with open stent-graft placement than in patients with standard operation for total arch replacement.

RESULTS

Thoracotomy was significant risk factor for adverse outcome after aortic arch repair using selective cerebral perfusion. Total arch replacement with open stent-graft placement can avoid the need of thoracotomy and reduce time variables concerning the operation to improve the surgical

Fundamental study of small interfering RNAs for ganglioside GD3 synthase gene as a therapeutic target of lung cancers

Gangliosides GD3 and GD2 are specifically expressed in neuro-ectoderm-derived tumors, and are considered to play roles in the malignant properties of those cells. We analysed effects of small interfering (si) RNAs against GD3 synthase gene on the expression of ganglioside GD2 and biological phenotypes of human lung cancer cells expressing GD2. An siRNA could suppress the mRNA level of GD3 synthase gene even by single transfection, whereas repeated transfection was required to suppress GD2 expression on the cell surface. Significant reduction in the cell growth and invasion activity was observed in both lung cancer cell lines examined, when repeatedly transfected with the siRNA twice a week. DNA ladder formation was observed after third transfection, indicating the potent induction of apoptosis. Stable transfection of an RNAi expression vector with H1 RNA promoter was also examined. Transfectant cells with the RNAi expression vector showed almost equivalent suppression of GD2 expression and tumor properties in vitro. Furthermore, the stable transfectant cells showed slower cell growth than the control cells in severe combined immunodeficiency mice. These results suggested that siRNAs and/or RNAi expression vectors to generate siRNAs are promising approach to overcome human lung cancers.

Photodynamic therapy using Laserphyrin for centrally located early stage lung cancer

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Background: In central type early stage lung cancer, the tumor must be located only as far as the segmental bronchi and be carcinoma in situ or with only limited invasion into the bronchial wall. Laserphyrin (mono-L-aspartyl chlorine e6, NPe6) is a second generation photosensitize and approved by the Japanese government and has been on sale from June 2004. Methods: Four h after the administration of Laserphyrin 40 mg/m2, we irradiated using diode laser (100 mJ/cm2). Before PDT, we evaluated the tumor lesions and tumor depth using autofluorescence bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasonography (EBUS), and we confirmed the area of laser irradiation. Results: From February 1980 to December 2005, a total number of 204 patients with 264 lesions of centrally located early stage lung cancer underwent photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tokyo Medical University Hospital. There were 185 clinical stage 0 lesions and 79 stage I lesions. CRs and PRs were obtained in 224 lesions (84.8%) and 40 lesions (15.2%) out of 264 lesions. From July 2004 to December 2005, we performed Laserphyrin-PDT for 28 lesions of centrally located early stage lung cancer in Tokyo Medical University Hospital. The rate of CR was 92.9% (26 lesions) in 28 lesions. For Laserphyrin-PDT, Skin photosensitivity was very low and the clean-up bronchoscopies were not frequently needed, and the period of hospitalization was shorter compared to that for Photofrin-PDT. Conclusions: We conclude that PDT using Laserphyrin will be a standard option for stage 0 (TisN0M0) and stage I (T1N0M0) centrally located early stage lung cancer.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Phospho-regulation of human protein kinase Aurora-A: analysis using anti-phospho-Thr288 monoclonal antibodies

Mammalian Aurora-A is related to a serine/threonine protein kinase that was originally identified by its close homology with Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ipl1p and Drosophila melanogaster aurora that are key regulators in the orchestration of mitotic events. The protein level of Aurora-A, its peak kinase activity during mitosis, and its activation have been attributed to phosphorylation. Here we show that this enzyme is an arginine-directed kinase and define its substrate specificity. We also found that Thr288 within the activation loop is a critical residue for activating phosphorylation events in vitro and that it is spatiotemporally restricted to a brief window at mitosis on duplicated centrosomes and on spindle microtubules proximal to the poles in vivo. Immunodepletion assays indicated that an upstream kinase(s) of Aurora-A might exist in mammalian cells in addition to autophosphorylation. Furthermore, human activated Aurora-A forms complexes with the negative regulator protein serine/threonine phosphatase type 1 (PP1) that was negatively phosphorylated on Thr320. Interestingly, phospho-specific Aurora-A monoclonal antibodies restrain Aurora-A kinase activity in vitro, providing further therapeutic avenues to explore.

Portal systemic shunt through the renal vein

BACKGROUND

Despite the semi-routine use of color Doppler sonography for evaluating portal circulation abnormalities, there is a relative paucity of detailed color Doppler findings of portal systemic (P-S) shunt through the renal vein (P-SR shunt).

METHODS

We reviewed the color Doppler findings of 18 patients with P-SR shunt to determine its clinical significance and appropriate scanning techniques for diagnosing accurately P-SR shunt.

RESULTS

The splenorenal shunt was imaged as a highly tortuous vessel at the splenic hilum, which then coursed backward behind the spleen. Splenic vein flow was reversed or very slow. The gastrorenal shunt originated from the splenic vein, coursed backward, and joined the left renal vein. Flow direction in the splenic vein was always hepatopetal. The P-S shunt through the right renal vein originated from duodenal or jejunal varices, coursed posterolaterally, and joined the right renal vein at the renal hilum.

CONCLUSION

Familiarity with these color Doppler findings will help increase the diagnostic confidence of P-SR shunt by color Doppler sonography.

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the spleen: report of a case and literature review

There is a marked paucity of reports on malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) of the spleen in the literature, and there are no previous reports of its color Doppler sonographic (US) and contrast-enhanced US findings. We report on an 82-year-old male with splenic MFH (inflammatory subtype), with an emphasis on color Doppler and contrast-enhanced US findings.

Gallbladder adenoma: report of a case with emphasis on contrast-enhanced US findings

There is a marked paucity of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (US) findings of gallbladder disease in the literature, and there is only one previous case of gallbladder adenoma. We report such a case. US showed a 2-cm polypoid lesion at the gallbladder body. Color Doppler US showed the hypervascular nature of the lesion, and contrast-enhanced US revealed the lesion to be homogeneously enhanced, suggesting that the lesion was composed of the same pathology. The lesion was surgically resected, and was found to be an adenoma without cancer foci. This case suggests that contrast-enhanced US is an effective tool in diagnosing a gallbladder adenoma.

Antecedent infections in Fisher syndrome: a common pathogenesis of molecular mimicry

OBJECTIVE

To assess the production mechanism of anti-GQ1b autoantibody in Fisher syndrome (FS).

METHODS

The authors conducted a prospective case-control serologic study of five antecedent infections (Campylobacter jejuni, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae) in 73 patients with FS and 73 sex- and age-matched hospital controls (HCs). Serologic evidence in FS patients of C. jejuni (21%) and H. influenzae (8%) infections was present significantly more often than in the HCs. None of the five pathogens examined was found in the 49 (67%) patients with FS. Anti-GQ1b IgG antibody was detected in most FS patients infected with C. jejuni or H. influenzae. Mass spectrometry analysis identified a C. jejuni strain (CF93-6) carrying a GT1a-like lipo-oligosaccharide (LOS) that had been isolated from an FS patient. Immunization of complex ganglioside-lacking knockout mice with the GT1a-like LOS generated IgG class monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that reacted with GQ1b and GT1a. Thin-layer chromatography with immunostaining showed that anti-GQ1b mAb bound to the C. jejuni LOS (50% of the 20 FS-related strains) more commonly than in the Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)-related (7% of 70) or enteritis-related (20% of 65) strains. Anti-GM1 and anti-GD1a mAbs also reacted with the LOS from some FS-related strains (both 20%), but binding frequencies were higher in the GBS-related strains (74 and 57%). The GQ1b epitope was detected in 4 (40%) of the 10 FS-related H. influenzae strains but was absent in strains from patients with GBS (n = 4) and uncomplicated respiratory infections (n = 10).

CONCLUSIONS

C. jejuni and H. influenzae are related to Fisher syndrome (FS) development, and production of anti-GQ1b autoantibody is mediated by the GQ1b-mimicking lipo-oligosaccharides on those bacteria. The causative agents remain unclear in the majority of patients with FS.

Development of single-stage nitrogen removal using anammox and partial nitritation (SNAP) and its treatment performances

Single-stage Nitrogen removal using Anammox and Partial nitritation (SNAP) process was newly developed as an economical nitrogen removal process for ammonium rich wastewaters. The experimental studies for the evaluation of SNAP process were carried out using a novel biofilm reactor, in which hydrophilic net-type acryl fiber biomass carrier was applied. This SNAP reactor was operated under operational conditions of pH 7.5-7.7, 35 degrees C and DO 2-3 mg/L, and 60 to 80% of influent NH4-N was removed under loading rate of 0.48 kg-N/m3/d. Through the DNA analysis of the attached sludge, it was made clear that ammonium oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and anammox bacteria coexisted in the attach-immobilized sludge on the acryl fiber biomass carrier. Favorable conditions for the growth of anammox bacteria were created inside attach-immobilized nitrifying sludge. Two kinds of anammox bacteria and two kinds of AOB were detected in the SNAP sludge. Existence ratios of anammox and AOB were estimated to be 15% and 8.7%, respectively, based on the obtained clone numbers. This coexisting condition was confirmed by the FISH image of SNAP sludge and its confocal laser scanning microscope.

[Castleman disease of the inter-lobar lymph node origin]

We report a case of Castleman disease which originated from the inter-lobar lymph node, with a review of literatures. A 19-year-old woman complaining of cough was pointed out to have an abnormal shadow in the left lung field on chest X-ray. Chest computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with enhancement revealed a homogeneous mass lesion at the left inter-lobar portion of the lung. Bronchoscopic findings demonstrated mucosal telangiectasis of the left lower bronchus. We performed the usual axillary thoracotomy and succeeded in extirpation of the tumor without large amount of bleeding. The tumor was elastic and hard, and 70 x 55 x 45 mm in size. Her postoperative course was uneventful and she was discharged on the 12th postoperative day.