Improved search for nu(mu) --> nu(e) oscillation in a long-baseline accelerator experiment

We performed an improved search for nu(mu) --> nu(e) oscillation with the KEK to Kamioka (K2K) long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiment, using the full data sample of 9.2 x 10(19) protons on target. No evidence for a nu(e) appearance signal was found, and we set bounds on the nu(mu) --> nu(e) oscillation parameters. At Deltam(2)=2.8 x 10(-3) eV(2), the best-fit value of the K2Knu(mu) disappearance analysis, we set an upper limit of sin(2)2theta(mue) < 0.13 at a 90% confidence level.

Radiation therapy combined with cis-diammine-glycolatoplatinum (nedaplatin) and 5-fluorouracil for Japanese stage II-IV esophageal cancer compared with cisplatin plus 5-fluorouracil regimen: a retrospective study

To evaluate the treatment outcome of radiotherapy combined with cis-diammine-glycolatoplatinum (nedaplatin) plus 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for esophageal cancer. From January 2000 to December 2004, a total of 12 esophageal cancer patients with locally advanced and metastatic esophageal cancer (stages II-IVB) were treated with radiation therapy (50.4 Gy) combined with nedaplatin (80 mg/m(2), bolus infusion) and 5-FU (800 mg/m(2)/24 h, continuous infusion for 4 days) (NDP group). We compared the data with those of patients during the same period receiving a different chemotherapy regimen consisting of cisplatin (75 mg/m(2), bolus infusion) and 5-FU (1000 mg/m(2)/24 h, continuous infusion for 4 days) (n = 29, CDDP group) combined with the same radiation therapy. The median survival period was 11.5 months in the NDP group and 13.1 months in the CDDP group. The overall survival rates at 1-, 2-, and 3-years were 40%, 13%, and 13% in the NDP group and 56%, 42%, and 8% in the CDDP group (P = 0.2472), respectively. Grade III and IV leukocytopenia was observed in six (50%) and none of the patients in the NDP group and 14 (48%) and seven (24%) in the CDDP group, respectively. Grade III thrombocytopenia was observed in three (25%) in the NDP group and four (14%) in the CDDP group. Radiation combined with nedaplatin and 5-FU is a safe and effective method for treating esophageal cancer. We recommend that NDP should be used rather than dose-reduction of CDDP combined with 5-FU in patients with impaired renal function as indicated by low creatinine clearance value (40-60 mL/min).

Search for coherent charged pion production in neutrino-carbon interactions

We report the result from a search for charged-current coherent pion production induced by muon neutrinos with a mean energy of 1.3 GeV. The data are collected with a fully active scintillator detector in the K2K long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiment. No evidence for coherent pion production is observed, and an upper limit of is set on the cross section ratio of coherent pion production to the total charged-current interaction at 90% confidence level. This is the first experimental limit for coherent charged pion production in the energy region of a few GeV.

Treatment results and prognostic analysis of radical radiotherapy for locally advanced cancer of the uterine cervix

This study investigated treatment results and prognostic factors in radical radiotherapy for stage IIB-IVA cervical cancer. This is a retrospective analysis of 71 patients with cancer of the uterine cervix treated radically with external beam radiotherapy and high-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy between June 1991 and May 2004. In 47/71 (66%) of patients' chemotherapy was combined with radiotherapy. All 71 patients were retrospectively analysed. The median follow-up time was 34.8 months. The median age was 57 years (range 26-78 years) There were 21 patients (30%) in stage IIB, 3 (4%) stage IIIA, 40 (56%) stage IIIB, and 7 (10%) stage IVA. The 5-year overall survival rate was 83.5%, 77.0%, and 42.9% for stage IIB, III, and IVA, respectively. Federation Internationale de Gynocologie et d'Obstetrique (FIGO) classification stage and pelvic and para-aortic nodal status significantly affected survival in univariate analysis, but no treatment-related factor was found to be significant in multivariate analysis. In this study para-aortic nodal status was the most important prognostic factor in the radical radiotherapy of cervical cancer.

Salvage radiotherapy for postoperative loco-regional recurrence of esophageal cancer

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the treatment outcome of radiation therapy (RT) for 16 loco-regionally recurrent esophageal cancer patients. Between 1995 and 2004, patients with loco-regional recurrence of esophageal cancer after curative surgery received RT with or without chemotherapy (CTx) at an average total dose of 56.6 Gy (n = 16, REC group). The site of recurrence was the supraclavicular region in three patients, the mediastinal region in nine patients, and both the supraclavicular and mediastinal regions in four patients. We compared the data with those of patients receiving palliative RT with or without CTx for mediastinal relapse, distant metastasis or malignant pleural effusion (n = 39, META group) and with those of patients receiving postoperative RT with or without CTx in a planned fashion 4-6 weeks after esophagectomy (n = 27, PORT group). The median survival period was 13.8 months in the REC group, 3.5 months in the META group, and 19.1 months in the PORT group. The survival rates at 1 and 2 years were 56% and 19% in the REC group, 6% and 3% in the META group (P = 0.0003), and 70% and 43% in the PORT group (P = 0.1917), respectively. According to univariate analysis, the factor of worse prognosis was not found in the REC group. Complete or partial responses were observed in four (25%) and nine (56%) of the REC group patients, respectively. In the REC group, changes in clinical symptoms, such as dysphagia and recurrent nerve paralysis, could be evaluated in eight patients, and improvement in symptoms was obtained in five (63%) patients. The prognosis of patients who received RT for postoperative loco-regional recurrence of esophageal cancer was significantly better than that of the META group patients and compatible with that of the PORT group patients. Additionally, there is symptomatic relief in a substantial proportion of such patients, and long-term survival is possible in some patients.

Increased expression of Leydig cell haem oxygenase-1 preserves spermatogenesis in varicocele

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of testicular disorders. Haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1) plays an important cytoprotective role against oxidative stress. We investigated the presence of oxidative stress, represented by generation of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE)-modified proteins, and expression of HO-1 in varicocele testes of human.

METHODS

Thirty testicular biopsies from patients with left varicocele and 10 from patients with normal spermatogenesis were included. Generation of 4-HNE-modified proteins was examined as a marker of oxidative stress. Expression of HO-1 was assessed by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The expression was compared with clinico-pathological parameters.

RESULTS

Increased generation of 4-HNE-modified proteins was observed in varicocele testes. HO-1 expression was significantly correlated with varicocele grade (P < 0.01 in grade 2 and 3 compared to control) and expression of 4-HNE-modified proteins (r = 0.508, P < 0.01). The immunoreactivity was increased in Leydig cells in varicocele testes. There were significant correlations between age, total motile sperm count, Johnsen's mean score and HO-1:4-HNE-modified protein ratio (r = 0.206, 0.405 and 0.408, P = 0.027, 0.027 and 0.025 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In testes with varicocele, there are increases in 4-HNE-modified proteins, suggesting that oxidative stress is present. Increased HO-1 expression, mainly in Leydig cells, is considered to protect the cells against oxidative stresses in varicocele testes.

Evidence for muon neutrino oscillation in an accelerator-based experiment

We present results for nu(mu) oscillation in the KEK to Kamioka (K2K) long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiment. K2K uses an accelerator-produced nu(mu) beam with a mean energy of 1.3 GeV directed at the Super-Kamiokande detector. We observed the energy-dependent disappearance of nu(mu), which we presume have oscillated to nu(tau). The probability that we would observe these results if there is no neutrino oscillation is 0.0050% (4.0 sigma).

Quantitative analysis of testicular interstitial fibrosis after vasectomy in humans

PURPOSE

Germ cell differentiation, DNA synthesis, and apoptosis can be evaluated quantitatively. On the other hand, an interstitial lesion is difficult to examine. We have focused on the quantitative analysis of testicular interstitial fibrosis after vasectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty testicular biopsy specimens from twenty consecutive men were obtained at vasovasostomy. Johnsen's mean score was calculated from testicular biopsy specimens. Percent of interstitial fibrosis was determined quantitatively by the NIH-Image after Masson-trichrome staining.

RESULTS

A significant increase in interstitial fibrosis was observed along with the obstructive interval (p < 0.001). Johnsen's mean score count did not associate with the obstructive interval.

CONCLUSION

Interstitial lesions of testicular physiology and pathophysiology can be evaluated using the NIH-Image. Interstitial fibrosis, but not the intraseminiferous status, reflects the irreversible damage of vasectomized testes.

Activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in contralateral testis during unilateral testicular torsion in rats

There are controversies about the injury of the contralateral testis during unilateral testicular torsion (UTT). An autonomic reflex arc between bilateral testes has been proposed. The authors focused on the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in the contralateral testis during UTT. Eight-week-old male Wistar rats underwent unilateral torsion (1 h)-detorsion (up to 24 h). NO synthase (NOS) activity was detected as NADPH-diaphorase activity after fixation by paraformaldehyde. N-nitro-L-Arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 20 mg/kg) was injected intravenously to the other group of rats. To evaluate the testicular injury, proteolysis of alpha-fodrin production was detected by Western blotting. Apoptosis of the germ cells was evaluated by TUNEL. Long-term effect on spermatogenesis was evaluated by flow cytometry at 60 days after UTT. Transient activation of NOS was detected following the proteolysis of alpha-fodrin in the contralateral testis. L-NAME inhibited these alterations. NADPH-diaphorase activity and eNOS immunoreactivity were co-localized in the endothelial cells. These reactions were not observed in other organs. There was neither enhanced apoptosis nor deteriorated spermatogenesis in the contralateral testis during and 60 days after UTT. In the contralateral testis, eNOS-derived NO regulates the vasomotor function against unilateral testicular torsion, whereas it acts slightly cytotoxic. These results suggest the possible involvement of a testis-specific neurovasomotor reflex between the bilateral testes.

Elevation of serum KL-6 levels in patients with hematological malignancies associated with cytomegalovirus or Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia

The level of serum KL-6 antigen has been reported to be a sensitive indicator of various interstitial pneumonitis, but in patients with hematological malignancies who were accompanied by infective interstitial pneumonitis like Pneumocystis carinii or cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonia, it is still unknown whether serum KL-6 level is useful as a good marker for the diagnosis or disease activity. In this study, the serum levels of KL-6 and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1) were evaluated in five patients with malignant lymphoma or adult T-cell leukemia. Serum KL-6 and sICAM-1 levels at the time of diagnosis of P. carinii or CMV pneumonia were 1220+/-323 U/ml (mean+/-SD) and 1246+/-485 ng/ml, respectively. These levels were apparently high, when compared with standard value of serum KL-6 (<520 U/ml) and that of sICAM-1 (115-306 ng/ml). In patients without P. carinii or CMV pneumonia, who had hematological malignancies or AIDS, serum level of KL-6 was not high (299+/-122 U/ml), but sICAM-1 was high (651+/-495 ng/ml) because of the elevation of sICAM-1 in four of five cases. These findings suggest that, in patients with hematological malignancies, serum level of KL-6 antigen rather than sICAM-1 may be useful in the evaluation of CMV or P. carinii pneumonia.

22-Oxacalcitriol upregulates p21(WAF1/Cip1) in human parathyroid glands. A preliminary report

In the era of 22-oxacalcitriol (OCT), newly synthesized 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) analogue, against secondary hyperparathyroidism, the indications of parathyroidectomy (PTx) has been restricted. Recent investigations on animal models have revealed the inhibitory effects on PTH secretion after OCT treatment, whereas there has been no evidence about human parathyroid glands. A 38-year-old man with a 19-year history of hemodialysis was performed PTx after the failure of OCT treatment. Expressions of proliferative nuclear cell antigen (PCNA), calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), vitamin D receptor (VDR), p53 and p21(WAF1/Cip1) were analyzed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry on resected parathyroid glands. We confirmed up-regulations of CaSR and VDR, which contribute the reduction of serum PTH, by OCT treatment. Concomitant up-regulation of p21(WAF1/Cip1) but not p53, especially in nodular hyperplasia, can be considered to induce cell cycle arrest of the parathyroid cells, but not cytocidal effect of OCT.

Internal spermatic vein diameter and age at operation reflect the response to varicocelectomy

It was evaluated whether the diameter of internal spermatic veins (measured directly during operation) correlates with the clinical grade and treatment outcome following varicocelectomy. Fifty-seven consecutive men undergoing left varicocelectomy were included in the study, and spermatic vein diameter was compared with the response to the operation. The diameter appeared larger with increasing clinical grade (subclinical: 3.40 +/- 1.64 mm; grade 1 : 2.74 +/- 0.84 mm; grade 2 : 3.70 +/- 1.09 mm; grade 3 : 4.38 +/- 1.30 mm). In patients 30 years or older, spermatic vein diameter in men whose post-operative semen parameters were unchanged or worsened was statistically larger than that of patients whose post-operative semen parameters were improved, in terms of both sperm concentration (3.90 +/- 1.24 mm versus 2.84 +/- 0.94 mm; P < 0.05) and sperm motility (3.98 +/- 1.24 mm versus 2.67 +/- 0.67 mm, P < 0.01). Although the diameter of internal spermatic veins measured directly during operation correlated well with clinical grade, it is the diameter and patient's age at operation, but not clinical grade, that determine the reversibility of testicular injury following varicocelectomy.

Genetic analysis of an influenza B virus isolated from a patient with encephalopathy in Japan

An influenza B virus, B/Saga/S172/99 (SAG99), was isolated from the nasopharynx of a patient with encephalopathy/encephalitis in Japan in 1999. To clarify the molecular characteristics of this virus, detailed analysis of the gene segments coding for the hemagglutinin (HA), neuraminidase (NA), nucleoprotein (NP), matrix protein (M) and non-structural protein (NS) was undertaken. All five genes of SAG99 showed high nucleotide and predicted amino acid similarities with those of recent non-encephalopathic strains isolated in the same epidemic season. Subsequent phylogenetic analysis revealed that all five gene segments of SAG99 analyzed in the present study were most similar to those of the recent Yamagata/16/88-like viruses. The hemagglutinin and neuraminidase proteins of SAG99 were each distinguished from those of recent epidemic strains by one characteristic amino acid substitution. These substitutions were not found in the previously reported encephalopathy/encephalitis-derived influenza B viruses, and we could not find any common characteristic amino acid changes in SAG99 and these viruses. Similarly, among the internal proteins studied, only the M2 protein of SAG99 was found to contain a single novel amino acid change when compared with other recent isolates. Thus, it was apparent that SAG99 contained very few amino acid differences when compared with other epidemic viruses. The association of recent B/Yamagata/16/88-like viruses with encephalitis/encephalopathy observed in the present study and previously suggest that these viruses may have a higher potential for causing neurological complications in certain individuals.

Vasectomy impairs spermatogenesis through germ cell apoptosis mediated by the p53-Bax pathway in rats

PURPOSE

The pathophysiology of impaired spermatogenesis after vasectomy has not been completely investigated. We examined the role of p53 protein in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of germ cells after vasectomy in the rat.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eight-week old rats underwent bilateral vasectomy and the testes were harvested 1, 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks after surgery. Germ cell apoptosis was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling (TUNEL) and electrophoresis assay of DNA fragmentation. Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry were performed to examine the expression of p53, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, Bax, Bcl-2, p21WAF1/Cip1 and Gadd45. To evaluate spermatogenesis, testicular weight and percent of haploid cells flow cytometry was done.

RESULTS

Spermatogenesis impairment was associated with increased p53 and decreased proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression at the delayed phase more than 8 weeks after vasectomy. The number of TUNEL positive germ cells was increased at the early 1-week and delayed phases after vasectomy. Bax but not p21WAF1/Cip1 or Gadd45 expression was increased. p53, Bax and TUNEL positive cells were co-localized in the seminiferous tubules.

CONCLUSIONS

Spermatogenesis was impaired after vasectomy by apoptosis but not by cell cycle arrest. The p53-Bax pathway effects apoptosis in the delayed phase after vasectomy in some seminiferous tubules.

Nitric oxide promotes germ cell necrosis in the delayed phase after experimental testicular torsion of rat

The purpose of this study is to determine whether inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is involved in the pathogenesis of testicular ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in association with germ cell death, through either necrosis or apoptosis. Western blot analysis showed that iNOS expression was markedly increased 1 h after ischemia, and was accompanied by a huge nitric oxide (NO) production, as measured by the Griess method, with a peak at 48 h of reperfusion. Immunohistochemistry showed that iNOS was expressed predominantly in the macrophage-like cells infiltrated in the interstitial tissues of the testis. Intraperitoneal injection of aminoguanidine (AMG) (400 mg/day), the inhibitor of iNOS, reduced NO production by 57.7% at 96 h of reperfusion. Calpain activation and proteolysis of alpha-fodrin induced by I/R were inhibited by AMG. Germ cell apoptosis was demonstrated by in situ TUNEL and DNA fragmentation on agarose gel electrophoresis. Germ cell apoptosis was maximally induced at 24 h of reperfusion, and was not inhibited by AMG. NO produced by iNOS in the delayed phase of reperfusion promoted alpha-fodrin proteolysis, which is closely associated with necrosis. Inducible NOS inhibition combined with calpain inhibition may improve impaired spermatogenesis after testicular torsion.

Certified reference material for analytical quality assurance of minor and trace elements in food and related matrixes based on a typical Japanese diet: interlaboratory study

A Certified Reference Material (CRM) was prepared at the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), Japan, in collaboration with the National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS), Japan, for the analytical quality assurance of minor and trace elements in food and related matrixes. The starting material for the CRM was all food served in 29 households in Japan over two 3-day periods in 1997-1998, and thus the CRM represented a typical Japanese diet. All foods (meals, snacks, and beverages) were homogenized, freeze-dried, pulverized, blended, dispensed into 1,100 bottles, and sterilized. The within- and between-bottle homogeneity of the prepared CRM was satisfactory for most of the elements. The concentrations of 14 elements (Na, Mg, K, Ca, Mn, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Cd, Sn, Ba, and U) were certified based on a collaborative analysis involving NIES, NIRS, and 20 other laboratories. Reference values were given for the concentrations of 12 additional elements (P, Cl, Fe, Co, Ni, Br, Rb, Mo, I, Cs, Pb, and Th). The elements certified and those given reference values include minerals, essential trace elements, contaminant elements, and long-lived radionuclides. Thus, this CRM is of practical value in the quality assurance of element analysis of foods and diets in nutritional, environmental, and radiological research.

In Vitro Effects of Environmental Salinity and Cortisol on Chloride Cell Differentiation in Embryos of Mozambique Tilapia, OREOCHROMIS MOSSAMBICUS, Measured Using a Newly Developed ‘Yolk-Ball’ Incubation System

To examine the functional differentiation of chloride cells in the yolk-sac membrane of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) embryos, we developed a ‘yolk-ball’ incubation system in which the yolk sac was separated from the embryonic body and subjected to incubation in vitro. The yolk-ball preparation consists of the yolk and the covering yolk-sac membrane, which contains a rich population of chloride cells. After appropriate cutting, the incision on the yolk ball healed during incubation in balanced salt solution for 3h, so that the yolk-sac membrane completely enclosed the yolk. Yolk balls prepared from freshwater-acclimated embryos were transferred either to fresh water or to sea water and incubated for 48 and 96h to elucidate the morphological changes in the chloride cells in response to environmental salinity. The chloride cells in the yolk-sac membrane were larger in sea water than in fresh water. In yolk balls transferred to sea water, chloride cells often formed multicellular complexes characteristic of seawater-type chloride cells. In those transferred to fresh water, however, the cells were small and rarely formed such complexes. These responses of chloride cells were identical to those observed in intact embryos. Thus, chloride cells in the yolk-sac membrane could differentiate into the seawater type independent of the embryonic body. To examine the possible effects of exogenous cortisol on chloride cell differentiation, the yolk balls were incubated for 48h in fresh water or sea water containing different doses of cortisol (0.1–10μgml−1). Although chloride cells were consistently larger in sea water than in fresh water in all experimental groups, cortisol administration had no effect on chloride cell surface area in either medium. These findings indicate that the chloride cells in the yolk-sac membrane are equipped with an autonomous mechanism of functional differentiation that is independent of the embryonic endocrine and nervous systems. The yolk-ball incubation system established here is an excellent experimental model for further studies on chloride cell differentiation and function.

[Multivariate analysis using quantitative methods to evaluate the subjective loudness of tinnitus]

Factors affecting the subjective loudness of tinnitus were analyzed using quantitative methods. One hundred and eighty-four patients with unilateral tinnitus were studied. Major factors affecting the subjective loudness of tinnitus were found to be subjective tinnitus pitch, annoyance, diagnosis, pitch-matched frequency, insomnia, age, tinnitus loudness level in dB HL, the duration of tinnitus and the tinnitus loudness level in dB SL at the first axis. Tinnitus pitch and pitch-matched frequency strongly affected the loudness of the tinnitus; high-pitch tinnitus and middle and low frequencies were associated with the subjective loudness of the tinnitus. In contrast, low-pitch tinnitus and a high frequency were associated with the subjective softness of the tinnitus. Thus, tinnitus pitch and pitch-matched frequency are inversely related. Sudden deafness and dizziness were associated with subjective softness of tinnitus, while hearing loss in elderly patients was associated with subjective loudness of tinnitus. Our results suggest that the level of annoyance from tinnitus and the subjective loudness of tinnitus are closely related. The relation between these factors should be considered when evaluating patients with tinnitus.

Estimation of dietary 232Th, 238U, cesium, and strontium intakes in Vietnamese people from different geographical regions

Diet samples were collected to estimate dietary intakes of 232Th, 238U, cesium, and strontium for Vietnamese adults using duplicate portion studies and market basket studies. Average concentrations of 232Th, 238U, cesium, and strontium in diet samples were 4.0 ng/g-dry, 2.5 ng/g-dry, 41 ng/g-dry, and 4.5 ng/g-dry, respectively. Daily intakes per person for 232Th, 238U, cesium, and strontium were estimated to be 0.99 microg, 0.66 microg, 10 microg, and 1.2 mg, respectively. Daily intakes of 232Th, 238U, and cesium differed statistically between northern and southern of Vietnam, depending on geological conditions and food habits. However, intakes of the four nuclides were similar to the global averages.