Search for CP violation in the decays D(s)+ --> KS0pi+ and D(s)+ --> KS0K+

We have searched for CP violation in the charmed meson decays D((s))(+) --> K(S)(0)pi(+) and D((s))(+) --> K(S)(0)K(+) using 673 fb(-1) of data collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider. No evidence for CP violation is observed. We report the most sensitive CP asymmetry measurements to date for these decays: A(CP)(D(+)-->K(S)(0)pi(+)) = (-0.71 +/- 0.19 +/- 0.20)%, A(CP)(D(s)(+) --> K(S)(0)pi(+)) = (+5.45 +/- 2.50 +/- 0.33)%, A(CP)(D(+) --> K(S)(0)K(+)) = (-0.16 +/- 0.58 +/- 0.25)%, and A(CP)(D(s)(+) --> K(S)(0)K(+)) = (+0.12 +/- 0.36 +/- 0.22)%, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic.

Automated recognition of the psoas major muscles on X-ray CT images

The purpose of this study is to recognize the psoas major muscle on X-ray CT images. For this purpose, we propose a novel recognition method. The recognition process in this method involves three steps: the generation of a shape model for the psoas major muscle, recognition of anatomical points such as the origin and insertion, and the recognition of the psoas major muscles by the use of the shape model. We generated the shape model using 20 CT cases and tested the model for recognition in 20 other CT cases. The average Jaccard similarity coefficient (JSC) and reproducibility rate were 0.704 and 0.783, respectively. Experimental results indicate that our method was effective for a 2-D cross-sectional area (CSA) analysis.

Traumatic persistent trigeminal artery--cavernous sinus fistula treated by transcatheter arterial embolization. A case report

We describe a rare case of traumatic persistent trigeminal artery (PTA) - cavernous sinus fistula. Cerebral angiography showed direct communication between the right PTA and the cavernous sinus which was treated by transcathether arterial embolization. Although previous reports have indicated the use of more coils to treat this condition, we successfully treated the patient with only two coils placed near the orifice of the fistula after sufficient anatomical evaluation.

Methylation level of the RASSF1A promoter is an independent prognostic factor for clear-cell renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Ras association domain family 1A (RASSF1A) is a tumor suppressor that regulates the cell cycle, apoptosis, and microtubule stability. The association between the methylation levels of RASSF1A and the prognosis of clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC) remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated this relationship to determine the prognostic value of RASSF1A methylation levels for CCRCC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study comprised 179 Japanese patients who underwent radical or partial nephrectomy for CCRCC. The methylation level of 5' CpG islands in the RASSF1A was evaluated using combined bisulfite restriction analysis and bisulfite sequencing.

RESULTS

High levels of methylation in the RASSF1A promoter were significantly more frequent in grade 3 compared with grade 1 or 2 tumors (P = 0.028) and in patients with stage III or IV compared with patients with stage I or II (P = 0.043). Patients with high methylation levels had a significantly less favorable prognosis compared with those with low methylation levels (P = 0.040). Higher methylation levels were independently associated with a poor prognosis following multivariate analysis (P = 0.0053).

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that quantitative promoter methylation levels of the RASSF1A gene may be a useful marker to predict the prognosis of CCRCC.

Unique activation status of peripheral blood mononuclear cells at acute phase of Kawasaki disease

Although Kawasaki disease (KD) is characterized by a marked activation of the immune system with elevations of serum proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines at acute phase, the major sources for these chemical mediators remain controversial. We analysed the activation status of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by flow cytometry, DNA microarray and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The proportions of CD69+ cells in both natural killer cells and gammadeltaT cells at acute-phase KD were significantly higher than those at convalescent-phase KD. Microarray analysis revealed that five genes such as NAIP, IPAF, S100A9, FCGR1A and GCA up-regulated in acute-phase KD and the pathways involved in acute phase KD were related closely to the innate immune system. The relative expression levels of damage-associated molecular pattern molecule (DAMP) (S100A9 and S100A12) genes in PBMCs at acute-phase KD were significantly higher than those at convalescent-phase KD, while those of TNFA, IL1B and IL6 genes were not significantly different between KD patients and healthy controls. Intracellular production of tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-10 and interferon-gamma in PBMCs was not observed in KD patients. The present data have indicated that PBMCs showed a unique activation status with high expression of DAMP genes but low expression of proinflammatory cytokine genes, and that the innate immune system appears to play a role in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of KD.

Automated measurement of bone-mineral-density (BMD) values of vertebral bones based on X-ray torso CT images

Bone is one of the most important anatomical structures in humans and osteoporosis is one of the major public health concerns in the world. Osteoporosis is a main target disease of bone, which can be detected by medical image techniques. The purpose of this study is to develop a fully automated computer scheme to measure bone-mineral-density (BMD) values for vertebral trabecular bones. This scheme will aid osteoporosis diagnosis performed using computer tomography (CT) images. This scheme includes the following processing steps: segmentation of the bone region, recognition of the skeletal structures and measurement of the BMD value in vertebral trabecular bone of each vertebral body. The proposed scheme was applied to 20 X-ray torso CT cases to measure the BMD values for vertebral trabecular bones. The experimental results show that the mean and standard deviation of the difference between the BMD values measured by using the proposed method and those measured using a manual segmentation method were 6.93 mg/cm(3) and 6.82 mg/cm(3) respectively. The accuracy of the proposed scheme satisfied the requirement for a computer-aided system used in osteoporosis diagnosis.

Autoantibody against activating transcription factor-2 in patients with systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence and clinical correlation of autoantibody to activating transcription factor (ATF)-2, a transcription factor of ATF/CREB family, in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

METHODS

Anti-ATF-2 Ab was examined by ELISA and immunoblotting using human recombinant ATF-2. ATF-2 activity to bind target DNA was evaluated by ELISA using a plate coated with oligonucleotide containing the consensus binding site for ATF-2.

RESULTS

IgG anti-ATF-2 Ab levels in SSc patients (n=69) were significantly higher than those in normal controls (n=26). SSc patients positive for IgG anti-ATF-2 Ab had significantly longer disease duration, more frequent presence of decreased %VC and %DLco, and elevated levels of serum IgG, serum IgA, and erythrocyte sedimentation rates than those negative. More-over, IgG anti-ATF-2 Ab levels correlated inversely with %VC or %DLco. The presence of anti-ATF-2 Ab in SSc patients was confirmed by immunoblotting analysis. IgG isolated from serum samples of SSc patients positive for IgG anti-ATF-2 Ab by ELISA slightly but significantly inhibited ATF-2 activity compared with normal controls.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that anti-ATF-2 Ab is a new autoantibody in SSc and that it serves as a novel serological marker for inflammation and lung involvement in SSc.

A component of polysaccharide peptidoglycan complex on Lactobacillus induced an improvement of murine model of inflammatory bowel disease and colitis-associated cancer

Interleukin-6 (IL-6)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signals play key roles in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We previously described that both intact cells and a cell wall-derived polysaccharide-peptidoglycan complex (PSPG) in a strain of lactobacillus [Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS)] inhibited IL-6 production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMCs) isolated from murine IBD. Diets with LcS improve murine IBD by suppression of IL-6 synthesis in LPMCs. Moreover, LcS supplementation with fermented milk ameliorates disease activity in patients with active ulcerative colitis. Here, we focused on the specific roles of PSPG in LcS concerning their anti-inflammatory actions. PSPG derived from LcS, and no other strain of lactobacilli, inhibited IL-6 production in LPS-stimulated murine IBD LPMCs. Purified PSPG-I from LcS inhibited IL-6 synthesis in LPS-stimulated murine IBD LPMCs through the inhibition of nuclear factor-kappaB. The anti-IL-6 action of LcS PSPG was abrogated by masking with monoclonal anti-PSPG-I. Furthermore, PSPG-I-negative L. casei strains (PSPG-I-negative mutant LcS: LC(DeltaPSPG-I), L. casei ATCC 334) did not inhibit IL-6 production. Finally, we confirmed the effects of PSPG-I on LcS in the models of both IBD and colitis-associated cancer (CAC). In the IBD model, ingestion of LcS improved ileitis and inhibited activation of IL-6/STAT3 signaling, while ingestion of the LC(DeltaPSPG-I) strain did not. In the CAC model, treatment with LcS, but not the LC(DeltaPSPG-I) strain, showed tumour-suppressive effects with an inhibition of IL-6 production in the colonic mucosa. These results suggested that a specific polysaccharide component in an L. casei strain plays a crucial role in its anti-inflammatory actions in chronic intestinal inflammatory disorders.

A phase II trial of oral S-1 combined with gemcitabine in patients with unresectable biliary tract cancer

e15527

Background: Optimal chemotherapy for unresectable biliary tract cancer is yet to be defined. We have conducted the phase II trial of Gemcitabine (GEM) with S-1, oral fluorouracil prodrug tegafur combined with two modulators, 5-chloro-2, 4-dihydropridine and potassium oxonate to evaluate the activity and toxicity of such combination in patients with unresectable biliary tract cancer. Methods: Eligibility criteria were pathologically-proven biliary tract cancer, appropriate performance status 0 to 2, age 20 to 79 years, adequate hematological, renal and liver functions, no prior chemotherapy, and written informed consent. S-1 was given orally (30mg/m2) bid for 14 consecutive days and GEM (1000mg/m2) was given on day 8 and 15. Cycle was repeated every 21 days. Results: 30 patients with unresectable biliary tract cancer (Gall-bladder: intrahepatic bile ducts: extrahepatic bile ducts=7:16:7) were enrolled from March 2007 to December 2008. Patients characteristics were: median age; 67 (46–79), male/female; 20/10, PS 0/1/2; 16/13/1. Median number of cycles was 8 (range 1 to 14). Out of total 26 evaluable patients, objective responses were observed in 9 patients (30%); 16 patients achieved stable disease and 1 patients showed disease progression. Median survival was 390 days (95% c.i.: 290 - 490 days). The grade 3–4 toxicities observed were leucopenia (20%), neutropenia (40%), anemia (17%), thrombocytopenia (37%), anorexia (7%), fever (10%), rash (7%) and interstitial pneumonia (7%). Conclusions: The combination chemotherapy with GEM and S-1 was well tolerated and high response rate has been observed. This result is very promising but survival benefit against GEM monotherapy should be demonstrated in future phase 3 studies.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Association study between B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator gene and type 1 diabetes mellitus or systemic lupus erythematosus in the Japanese population

This study is to elucidate whether the B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) gene is a new susceptibility gene for the development of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). As a result, this study did not find any genetic contribution of the BTLA gene to the development of T1D and SLE in Japanese population.

DDX1 is required for testicular tumorigenesis, partially through the transcriptional activation of 12p stem cell genes

Cytogenetic analysis has identified 12p gain as the most frequent abnormality in human testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs). It has been suggested that amplification and overexpression of stem cell-associated genes, including cyclin-D2, on the human chromosome 12p region are involved in germ cell tumorigenesis. By subtractive cDNA analysis, we identified Ddx1, a member of the DEAD-box protein family, as a gene predominantly expressed in the primordial germ cells of mouse embryos. Knockdown of Ddx1 in a mouse spermatogonia-derived cell line, GC-1spg, by short interference RNA repressed the expression of cyclin-D2, CD9 and GDF3 genes. In the mouse cyclin-D2 gene, a genomic DNA region between -348 and -329 was responsible for transcriptional activation by DDX1 based on reporter and gel shift assays. Similarly, DDX1 knockdown in the human TGCT cell line NEC8 repressed the expression of stem cell-associated genes localized on chromosome 12p13.3, including cyclin-D2, CD9 and NANOG. DDX1-knocked-down TGCT cells could not form solid tumors in nude mice. Furthermore, in situ hybridization revealed that DDX1 mRNA was produced in both seminoma and nonseminoma types of human TGCT samples. We conclude that DDX1 is a critical factor for testicular tumorigenesis.

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in Kawasaki disease

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether two proinflammatory cytokines, high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) are involved in the development of Kawasaki disease (KD).

METHODS

Twenty-seven patients with KD were included in this study. Eleven patients with sepsis and 28 healthy children served as controls. Serum levels of HMGB1 and MIF were measured by corresponding enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits, respectively. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to quantify the expression levels of genes encoding receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE), an HMGB1 receptor, and CD74, an MIF receptor in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

RESULTS

Serum levels of HMGB1 and MIF in KD patients were the highest in the early acute phase and gradually decreased after defervescence. Serum HMGB1 and MIF levels in KD patients were significantly higher than those in controls (HMGB1, p<0.001; MIF, p<0.01). The expression levels of the RAGE gene and CD74 gene in KD patients were significantly higher than those in controls (RAGE, p<0.001; CD74, p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that HMGB1 and MIF play an important role in immune responses in KD patients.

Autoantibody against a protease domain of caspase-8 in patients with systemic sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by autoantibodies against various cellular components.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the presence or levels of antibodies (Abs) against a protease domain (PD) of caspase-8 and their clinical relevance in SSc.

METHODS

Anti-caspase-8 PD Ab was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblotting using human recombinant caspase-8 PD. Caspase-8 activity was evaluated by spectrophotometric detection of cleavage from p-nitroanilide-labeled IETD, a substrate of caspase-8.

RESULTS

IgG anti-caspase-8 PD Ab levels in patients with SSc, systemic lupus erythematosus, or dermatomyositis were higher than in normal controls (CTL). Furthermore, anit-caspase-8 PD Ab levels in limited cutaneous SSc (ISSc) patients were elevated compared to diffuse cutameous SSc (dSSc) patients. To investigate the clinical correlation, laboratory findings were compared between SSc patients with high levels (>the mean+2SD of CTL) of anti-caspase-8 PD Ab and those with low levels. SSc patients with high level exhibited lower frequency of male and decreased C-reactive protein levels relative to those with low levels. Immunoblotting showed the anit-caspase-8 PD Ab was present in all SSc patients examined, while it was also detected in 75% of CTL. Caspase-8 activity was inhibited by IgG isolated from sera of SSc patients and CTL, although inhibitory effect was greater in SSc patients than CTL.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that immune response to caspase-8 occurs in healthy individuals, although it is greater in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases including SSc. Furthermore, high level of anti-caspase-8 PD Ab may be a serological indicator for a milder SSc subset.

Lateral supraorbital keyhole approach to clip unruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysms

OBJECT

Clipping of an anterior communicating artery (A-com A) aneurysm requires various working angles for safe manipulation and observation. The lateral supraorbital keyhole approach provides a more lateral subfrontal corridor to observe and clip an A-com A aneurysm than the standard Perneczky method.

METHODS

Preoperative planning was individualized in each patient based on three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) angiography and 3D-CT osteotomy planning images. The procedure consisted of a 40-50 mm periorbital skin incision, partial dissection of the anterior portion of the temporal muscle, a 35 x 25 mm keyhole minicraniotomy from the supraorbital area to the sphenoid ridge, and opening of the carotid cistern and sylvian fissure in an antegrade fashion. Ten keyhole clipping procedures were performed in 10 patients with unruptured A-com A aneurysms.

RESULTS

No shaving of scalp hair, drain placement, or anticonvulsant medication were required. No patient suffered neurological deficits or abnormal findings on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Most patients were discharged on the 2nd to 3rd postoperative days except for one patient who suffered from meningitis.

CONCLUSIONS

The lateral supraorbital keyhole approach is a minimally invasive treatment option for relatively small and unruptured A-com A aneurysms.

Measurement of branching fractions, isospin, and CP-violating asymmetries for exclusive b-->dgamma modes

We report new measurements of the decays B+-->rho+gamma, B0-->rho0gamma, and B0-->omegagamma using a data sample of 657x10(6) B meson pairs accumulated with the Belle detector at the KEKB e+e- collider. We measure branching fractions B(B+-->rho+gamma)=(8.7_-2.7-1.1;+2.9+0.9)x10(-7), B(B0-->rho0gamma)=(7.8_-1.6-1.0;+1.7+0.9)x10(-7), and B(B0-->omegagamma)=(4.0_-1.7;+1.9+/-1.3)x10(-7). We also report the isospin asymmetry Delta(rhogamma)=-0.48_-0.19-0.09;+0.21+0.08 and the first measurement of the direct CP-violating asymmetry ACP(B+-->rho+gamma)=-0.11+/-0.32+/-0.09, where the first and second errors are statistical and systematic, respectively.

Serum levels of heat shock protein 70, a biomarker of cellular stress, are elevated in patients with systemic sclerosis: association with fibrosis and vascular damage

OBJECTIVE

To determine the clinical significance of heat shock protein (Hsp) 70, a sensitive biomarker for monitoring cellular stress, in systemic sclerosis (SSc), we investigated the prevalence and clinical correlation of serum Hsp70 levels in SSc patients.

METHODS

Serum Hsp70 levels were examined in 48 patients with SSc by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULT

Serum Hsp70 levels were significantly elevated in SSc patients compared to normal controls (n=30), and were similar between patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (n=26) and those with limited cutaneous SSc (n=22). Serum Hsp70 levels were elevated in 27% of total SSc patients with 30% of diffuse cutaneous SSc patients and 23% of limited cutaneous SSc patients. Hsp70 levels were significantly increased in SSc patients with pulmonary fibrosis or contracture of phalanges compared with those without pulmonary fibrosis or contracture of phalanges. Serum Hsp70 levels correlated positively with modified Rodnan total skin thickness score, renal vascular resistance, serum levels of monocyte chemotactic protein-1, C-reacting protein, and serum levels of 8-isoprostane.

CONCLUSION

Serum Hsp70 levels were increased in SSc patients and were associated with pulmonary fibrosis, skin sclerosis, renal vascular damage, oxidative stress, and inflammation. These results suggest that Hsp70 is a useful serological marker for evaluating cellular stresses and the disease severity in SSc.

Observation of B{0}-->ppK*0 with a large K*0 polarization

Using a 492 fb{-1} data sample collected near the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e{+}e{-} collider, we observe the decay B{0}-->ppK*0 with a branching fraction of (1.18{-0.25}{+0.29}(stat)+/-0.11(syst))x10{-6}. We study the decay dynamics of B{0}-->ppK*0 and compare with B{+}-->ppK*+. The K*0 meson is found to be almost 100% polarized (with a fraction of (101+/-13+/-3)% in the helicity zero state), while the K*+ meson has a (32+/-17+/-9)% fraction in the helicity zero state. The direct CP asymmetries for B{0}-->ppK*0 and B{+}-->ppK*+ are measured to be -0.08+/-0.20+/-0.02 and -0.01+/-0.19+/-0.02, respectively. In addition, we report improved measurements of the branching fractions B(B{+}-->ppK*+)=(3.38{-0.60}{+0.73}+/-0.39)x10{-6} and B(B{0}-->ppK{0})=(2.51{-0.29}{+0.35}+/-0.21)x10{-6}, which supersede our previous measurements.

Involvement of gaseous low molecular monoxides in the cutaneous reverse passive Arthus reaction: cytoprotective action of carbon monoxide

The deposition of immune complexes (IC) induces an acute inflammatory response with tissue injury, for which the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO) has been suggested. NO is induced by NO synthase (NOS) and CO is generated by haeme oxygenase (HO). Among HO isoenzymes, HO-1 is an induced type. To assess the role of NO and CO in the pathogenic process, the cutaneous reverse passive Arthus reaction was examined using NOS inhibitor, HO-1 stimulator and HO-1 inhibitor. To evaluate the reaction we considered oedema, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and neutrophil number. The values of these four parameters were significantly reduced in mice treated with HO-1 stimulator as compared with the positive control mice. Quite the reverse was observed in mice treated with HO-1 inhibitor. These results suggest that the HO-1/CO signalling pathway is a therapeutic target for human IC-mediated disease.

Observation of a resonancelike structure in the pi +- psi' mass distribution in exclusive B-->Kpi +- psi' decays

A distinct peak is observed in the pi +/- psi' invariant mass distribution near 4.43 GeV in B-->K pi +/- psi' decays. A fit using a Breit-Wigner resonance shape yields a peak mass and width of M=4433+/-4(stat)+/-2(syst) MeV and Gamma=45-13+18(stat)-13+30(syst) MeV. The product branching fraction is determined to be B(B 0-->K -/+Z+/-(4430)) x B(Z+/-(4430)-->pi+/-psi')=(4.1+/-1.0(stat)+/-1.4(syst)) x 10(-5), where Z+/-(4430) is used to denote the observed structure. The statistical significance of the observed peak is 6.5 sigma. These results are obtained from a 605 fb(-1) data sample that contains 657 x 10(6) BB pairs collected near the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric energy e+ e- collider.

Measurement of time-dependent CP-violating parameters in B(0)-->K_(S)(0)K_(S)(0) decays

We report a measurement of the CP-violating parameters in B;{0}-->K_{S}{0}K_{S}{0} decays based on a data sample of 657x10{6} BB[over ] pairs collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e;{+}e{-} collider. In this Letter, one neutral B meson is fully reconstructed in the B;{0}-->K_{S}{0}K_{S}{0} decay mode, and the flavor of the accompanying B meson is identified by its decay products. The CP-violating parameters are measured from the asymmetry in the distributions of the proper-time interval between the two B decays: S_K_{S}{0}K_{S}{0}}=-0.38_{-0.77}{+0.69}(stat)+/-0.09(syst) and A_{K_{S}{0}K_{S}{0}}=-0.38+/-0.38(stat)+/-0.05(syst).

Observation of a new DsJ meson in B+-->D0D0K+ decays

We report the observation of a new DsJ meson produced in B+-->D0DsJ-->D0D0K+. This state has a mass of M=2708+/-9(-10)(+11) MeV/c2, a width Gamma=108+/-23(-31)(+36) MeV/c2 and a 1- spin-parity. The statistical significance of this observation is 8.4 sigma. The results are based on an analysis of 449 x 10(6) BB events collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+e- collider.

Time-dependent CP-violating asymmetry in B0-->rho0gamma decays

We report the first measurement of CP-violation parameters in B0-->rho0gamma decays based on a data sample of 657x10(6)BB pairs collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+e- collider. We obtain the time-dependent and direct CP-violating parameters, Srho0gamma=-0.83+/-0.65(stat)+/-0.18(syst) and Arho0gamma=-0.44+/-0.49(stat)+/-0.14(syst), respectively.

Search for B --> h(*)nunu[over ] decays at Belle

We present a search for the rare decays B --> h(*)nunu[over ], where h(*) stands for a light meson. A data sample of 535 x 10{6} BB[over ] pairs collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB e{+}e{-} collider is used. Signal candidates are required to have an accompanying B meson fully reconstructed in a hadronic mode and signal side particles consistent with a single h(*) meson. No significant signal is observed and we set upper limits on the branching fractions at 90% confidence level. The limits on B{0} --> K{*0}nunu[over ] and B{+} --> K{+}nunu[over ] decays are more stringent than the previous constraints, while the first searches for B{0} --> K{0}nunu[over ], pi{0}nunu[over ], rho{0}nunu[over ], varphinunu[over ] and B{+} --> K{*+}nunu[over ], rho{+}nunu[over ] are reported.

Observation of B(0)-->D(*-)tau(+)nu(tau) decay at Belle

We report an observation of the decay B{0}-->D{*-}tau{+}nu{tau} in a data sample containing 535x10{6} BB pairs collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e{+}e{-} collider. We find a signal with a significance of 5.2sigma and measure the branching fraction B(B{0}-->D{*-}tau{+}nu{tau})=(2.02{-0.37}{+0.40}(stat)+/-0.37(syst))%. This is the first observation of an exclusive B decay with a b-->ctaunu{tau} transition.

Measurement of D0-D0 mixing parameters in D0 --> Ks pi+ pi- decays

We report a measurement of D0-D(0) mixing parameters in D(0) --> K(s)(0) pi(+) pi(-) decays using a time-dependent Dalitz-plot analysis. We first assume CP conservation and subsequently allow for CP violation. The results are based on 540 fb(-1) of data accumulated with the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) collider. Assuming negligible CP violation, we measure the mixing parameters x = (0.80 +/- 0.29(-0.07-0.14)(+0.09+0.10))% and y = (0.33+/-0.24(-0.12-0.08)(+0.08+0.06))%, where the errors are statistical, experimental systematic, and systematic due to the Dalitz decay model, respectively. Allowing for CP violation, we obtain the CP-violating parameters |q / p| = 0.86(-0.29-0.03)(+0.30+0.06) +/- 0.08 and arg(q/p) = (-14(-18-3-4)(+16+5+2)) degrees .

Measurements of branching fractions for B --> K pi and B --> pi pi decays

We report measurements of branching fractions for B --> K pi and B --> pi pi decays based on a data sample of 449 x 10(6) BB[over] pairs collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider. We also measure the ratios of partial widths for B-->Kpi decays, namely R(c) identical with 2Gamma(B(+) --> K(+) pi(0))/Gamma(B(+) --> K(0) pi(+)) = 1.08+/-0.06+/-0.08 and R(n) identical with Gamma(B(0) --> K(+) pi(-))/2 Gamma(B(0) --> K(0) pi(0)) = 1.08+/-0.08+/-0.08, where the first and the second errors are statistical and systematic, respectively. These ratios are sensitive to enhanced electroweak penguin contributions from new physics; the new measurements are, however, consistent with standard model expectations.

The Leu544Ile polymorphism of the growth hormone receptor gene affects the serum cholesterol levels during GH treatment in children with GH deficiency

OBJECTIVE

The cellular effects of growth hormone (GH) are mediated by the interaction between GH and the GH receptor (GHR). We investigated the association between polymorphisms in GHR and changes in height standard deviation scores (SDS), and lipid metabolism during GH treatment for GH-deficient children.

DESIGN

A 1-year study on growth rate and lipid metabolism under GH treatment.

PATIENTS

Eighty-three children (61 boys and 22 girls) with GH deficiency were treated with GH for 1 year after diagnosis.

INTERVENTION

The patients were treated with recombinant human GH (0.19 mg/kg/week) for at least 1 year after diagnosis. The growth rates and biochemical parameters for lipid metabolism were measured both before and during treatment. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the GHR gene, Cys440Phe, Pro495Thr, Leu544Ile and Pro579Thr, and exon 3 deletion polymorphisms were genotyped by direct sequencing and multiplex PCR.

RESULTS

We found no significant association between GHR polymorphisms and changes in height SDS during GH treatment. The total cholesterol levels of the GH-deficient boys with Ile/Ile at codon 544 showed significantly higher cholesterol levels before GH treatment and then maintained high levels during the GH treatment, compared to those with other genotypes. No other polymorphisms seemed to have any apparent effects on lipid metabolism.

CONCLUSION

The Leu544Ile polymorphism of the GHR gene is associated with cholesterol levels in boys with GH deficiency.

A combination chemotherapy of weekly paclitaxel and doxifluridine (5’-DFUR: an intermediate metabolite of capecitabine) in patients with unresectable or recurrent gastric cancer in an outpatient setting. Final results of a multicenter phase II trial

15050

Background: Paclitaxel (PTX) and 5’-DFUR have single-agent activity in gastric cancer and have distinct mechanisms of action and no overlap of key toxicities. Synergistic interaction between PTX and 5’-DFUR is mediated by taxane-induced up-regulation of thymidine phosphorylase, which converts 5’-DFUR to 5-FU. We conducted a combination phase II study of PTX and 5’-DFUR in patients with unresectable or recurrent gastric cancer to evaluate the efficacy and safety in an outpatient. Methods: Eligibility criteria included patients with histologically proven unresectable or recurrent gastric cancer who had measurable lesions fitting RECIST, up to one prior chemotherapy, a performance status of 0–2 and adequate organ function. According to our results of phase I study (Proc ASCO 2004, Abstr. 4228), the treatment included PTX 70 mg/m2 i.v. on days 1, 8, and 15 every 4 weeks and 5’-DFUR 600 mg/body p.o. everyday until there was disease progression or the appearance of unacceptable toxicity. Primary endpoint was: RR; and secondary endpoints were OS, PFS, TTF and onset rate of adverse events. Results: Between June 2004 and July 2006, 42 patients were enrolled in this study: including 34 men; 8 women; median age of 70 years (range, 44–85 years); and PS levels were, zero with 27, one with 13 and two with 2 patients. In 42 eligible patients, clinical usefulness was evaluated resulting in response rate of 40.5% (CR, 1; PR, 16; SD, 17; PD, 6; and NE, 2 patients). The first-line therapy involved 28 patients in whom the response rate was 50.0%. The second-line therapy involved 13 patients (all TS-1 failure) in whom the response rate was 23.1%. OS was 371 days, PFS was 170 days and TTF was 147 days. All patients were treated in outpatient. Severe adverse events were found in 2 patients to discontinue the present treatment, though other adverse events were relatively mild without death due to the present therapy. Commonly observed grade 3/4 adverse events were neutropenia (26.2%), appetite loss (4.8%), neuropathy (4.8%), and fatigue (4.8%). Conclusions: The outpatient combination of a weekly PTX and 5’-DFUR chemotherapy is active and well tolerated.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.