Isolation and complete genomic characterization of a Movar 33/63-like Japanese bovine herpesvirus 4 from a calf with respiratory disease

Bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4) is an indigenous virus in cattle prevalent mainly in North and South American countries and European countries, but the genomic sequences and genetic characteristics of Japanese strains have not been reported. BoHV-4 is suspected, but not proven, to be associated with various diseases. In the present study, we isolated BoHV-4 from a 10-month-old Japanese Black calf with respiratory symptoms in Japan. To identify the genetic characteristics of the isolate named strain SG20, complete genome sequencing was performed using a combination of next-generation and Sanger sequencing technologies. The complete long unique coding region (LUR) of SG20 was found to comprise 108,819 nucleotides with 41.4% GC content and contain at least 78 open reading frames. It shares 83.4 to 99.3% overall nucleotide identity with six BoHV-4 strains available in the database. The deduced amino acid sequence alignment revealed that SG20 contains genotype 1-specific features of BoHV-4, such as amino acid substitutions and insertions within the glycoprotein B region. Phylogenetic analyzes based on the nucleotide sequences of ORF20 indicated that the virus belonged to genotype 1 (Movar 33/63-like group). The strain was also analyzed using the complete LUR and placed in the same clade as a strain recently isolated from China, but it was distinct from American and European BoHV-4 strains of genotype 1. Although further genomic and epidemiologic information is needed, our results help elucidate the molecular epidemiology of BoHV-4 and provide a foundation for future studies.

Ear identification: A multi-ethnic study sample

The external human ear is considered to be highly variable among individuals. Hence, forensic applications could be explored for human identification. This research compares the usefulness of Cameriere's ear identification method, in samples originating from six different countries (Brazil, India, Japan, Russia, South Africa and Turkey) in order to examine possible differences in their accuracy values. A sample of 2,225 photographs of the external human ear (1,134 left and 1,091 right ears) from 1,411 individuals (633 females and 778 males) was collected. The samples included healthy subjects with no systemic disorders and without any craniofacial trauma, maxillofacial abnormalities, auricular anomalies, ear diseases or previous auricular surgery. Cameriere's ear identification method was applied and measurements were performed on the images of each ear, considering four anatomic regions: helix, antihelix, concha, and lobe. The quantified measurement values were converted into a proposed coded number system. A search for identical codes was accomplished to find out the distinctiveness of the morphology of the human ear. The combined codes of left and right ears of each of the 814 subjects were not repeated in this multi-ethnic study sample. Dirichlet's distribution and the inherent study equation showed that the probability of two different individuals having the same code (false-positive identification) was found to be <0.0007. Because of the distinctive metrics of the ratios of external human ears, studies with Cameriere's ear identification method may be valuable for human identification. Studying the differences between the left and right ears of the same individual and across different ethnic groups could contribute to the development of supplementary tools for human identification.

Experimental Infection of Chickens with H5N8 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Viruses Isolated in Japan in the Winter of 2020-2021

During the winter of 2020-2021, numerous outbreaks of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) were caused by viruses of the subtype H5N8 in poultry over a wide region in Japan. The virus can be divided into five genotypes-E1, E2, E3, E5, and E7. The major genotype responsible for the outbreaks was E3, followed by E2. To investigate the cause of these outbreaks, we experimentally infected chickens with five representative strains of each genotype. We found that the 50% chicken infectious dose differed by up to 75 times among the five strains, and the titer of the E3 strains (102.75 50% egg infectious dose (EID50)) was the lowest, followed by that of the E2 strains (103.50 EID50). In viral transmission experiments, in addition to the E3 and E2 strains, the E5 strain was transmitted to naïve chickens with high efficiency (>80%), whereas the other strains had low efficiencies (<20%). We observed a clear difference in the virological characteristics among the five strains isolated in the same season. The higher infectivity of the E3 and E2 viruses in chickens may have caused the large number of HPAI outbreaks in Japan during this season.

Different Infectivity and Transmissibility of H5N8 and H5N1 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Viruses Isolated from Chickens in Japan in the 2021/2022 Season

H5N8 and H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) caused outbreaks in poultry farms in Japan from November 2021 to May 2022. Hemagglutinin genes of these viruses belong to clade 2.3.4.4B and can be divided phylogenetically into the following groups: 20A, 20E, and 21E. In this study, we compared the infectivity and transmissibility of HPAIVs from three groups of chickens. Representative strains from 20A, 20E, and 21E groups are A/chicken/Akita/7C/2021(H5N8)(Akita7C), A/chicken/Kagoshima/21A6T/2021(H5N1)(Kagoshima6T), and A/chicken/Iwate/21A7T/2022(H5N1)(Iwate7T), respectively. Fifty percent lethal dose of Akita7C in chickens (10^3.83 fifty percent egg infectious dose (EID50)) was up to seven times lower than those of Kagoshima6T and Iwate7T (10^4.50 and 10^4.68 EID_50, respectively). Mean death times for Akita7C- and Kagoshima6T-infected chickens (3.45 and 3.30 days, respectively) were at least a day longer than that of Iwate7T (2.20 days). Viral titers of the trachea and cloaca of Iwate7T-infected chicken were the highest detected. The transmission rate of the Akita7C strain (100%) was markedly higher than those of the two strains (<50%). These data suggest that the infectivity and transmissibility of the Akita7C strain (H5N8) in chickens are higher than those of H5N1 viruses, providing fundamental information needed for formulating effective prevention and control strategies for HPAI outbreaks.

Whole-genome sequencing of live attenuated bovine adenovirus type 7 vaccine strain TS-GT suggests biomarkers for virulence attenuation

Bovine adenovirus type 7 (BAdV-7) is one of the most important respiratory and enteric pathogens in the cattle industry. Although live attenuated vaccines are used to control the virus in Japan, limited information is available on the genomic regions that determine viral pathogenicity. We determined the complete genome sequence of the attenuated BAdV-7 strain TS-GT. The genome is 30,052 bp long and contains 45-bp inverted terminal repeats and 30 predicted genes. A genome sequence comparison showed that 99.9% of the TS-GT genome is identical to the prototypic and pathogenic BAdV-7 strain Fukuroi; however, the TS-GT genome contains a novel mutation and four indels. We describe here potential relationships between these genomic changes and the biological characteristics of BAdV-7.

Genetically Diverse Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1/H5N8) Viruses among Wild Waterfowl and Domestic Poultry, Japan, 2021

Genetic analyses of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 subtype viruses isolated from the Izumi Plain, Japan, revealed cocirculation of 2 genetic groups of clade 2.3.4.4b viruses among migratory waterfowl. Our findings demonstrate that both continuous surveillance and timely information sharing of avian influenza viruses are valuable for rapid risk assessment.

Novel single nucleotide polymorphisms in the bovine leukemia virus genome are associated with proviral load and affect the expression profile of viral non-coding transcripts

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infects bovine B-cells and causes malignant lymphoma, resulting in severe economic losses in the livestock industry. To control the spread of BLV, several studies have attempted to clarify the molecular mechanisms of BLV pathogenesis, but the details of the mechanism are still enigmatic. Currently, viral non-coding RNAs are attracting attention as a novel player for BLV pathogenesis because these transcripts can evade the host immune response and are persistently expressed in latent infection. One of the viral non-coding RNA, AS1, is encoded in the antisense strand of the BLV genome and consists of two isoforms, AS1-L and AS1-S. Although the function of the AS1 is still unknown, the AS1 RNA might also have some roles because it keeps expressing in tumor tissues. In the present study, we identified novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the AS1 coding region and indicated that individuals infected with BLV with minor SNPs showed low proviral load. To evaluate the effect of identified SNPs, we constructed infectious clones with these SNPs and found that their introduction affected the expression profile of AS1 RNA; the amount of AS1-L isoform increased compared with the wild type, although the total amount of AS1 RNA remained unchanged. Prediction analysis also suggested that the introduction of SNPs changed the secondary structure of AS1 RNA. These results explain part of the relationship between BLV expansion in vivo and the expression profile of AS1, although further analysis is required.

Comparison of the third molar maturity index (I3M) between left and right lower third molars to assess the age of majority: a multi-ethnic study sample

The diagnostic accuracy of the I_3M to assess the legal age of 18 years has already been tested in several specific-population samples. The left lower third molar has been extensively used for discriminating between minors and adults. This research aimed to compare the usefulness of lower third molar maturity indexes, from both left and right side (I_3ML and I_3MR), in samples originating from four distinct continents in order to examine possible differences in their accuracy values. For this purpose, a sample of 10,181 orthopantomograms (OPGs), from Europe, Africa, Asia and America, was analysed and previously scored in other studies. The samples included healthy subjects with no systemic disorders with both third molars and clear depicted root apices. Wilcoxon Signed Rank test for left and right asymmetry did not show any significant differences. Data about sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, likelihood ratio and accuracy were pooled together and showed similar results for I_3ML and I_3MR, respectively. In addition, all these quantities were high when only the I_3MR was considered to discriminate between adults and minors. The present referable database was the first to pool third molar measurements using panoramic radiographs of subjects coming from different continents. The results highlighted that both I_3ML and I_3MR are reliable indicators for assessing the legal age of 18 years old in those jurisdictions where this legal threshold has been set as the age of majority.

Development of an application tool to support returnees in Fukushima

To promote radiation protection and health promotion among returning residents (returnees) in coastal areas of Fukushima, eHealth principles were used to develop a new application tool (app) that can record radiation exposure and health status while providing comprehensive support to returnees. Intended users are returnees and health and welfare workers. After assessing their needs, a flowchart and prototype for operational logic were created using commercially available software tools. Professional developers will focus on improving the user interface and ensuring data security. The finished app will be compatible with mobile telephones and tablets. Utility and ease of use are paramount to serve returnees of all ages effectively.

Construction of a recombinant vaccinia virus expressing Babesia gibsoni thrombospondin-related anonymous protein and evaluation of its immunogenicity in mice

Previously, we have identified a gene encoding thrombospondin-related anonymous protein of Babesia gibsoni (BgTRAP), and have shown that the antisera raised against recombinant BgTRAP expressed in Escherichia coli inhibited the growth of parasites. In the present study, a recombinant vaccinia virus expressing the BgTRAP (VV/BgTRAP) was constructed. A specific band with a molecular mass of 80 kDa, which is similar to that of native BgTRAP on the merozoites of B. gibsoni, was detected in the supernatant of VV/ BgTRAP-infected RK13 cells. Mice inoculated with VV/BgTRAP produced a specific antiBgTRAP response. The antiserum against VV/BgTRAP showed reactivity against the native BgTRAP on parasites. These results indicated that the recombinant vaccinia virus expressing BgTRAP might be a vaccine candidate against canine B. gibsoni infection.

Sequence and unique phylogeny of G genes of bovine respiratory syncytial viruses circulating in Japan

Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) is an etiologic agent of bovine respiratory disease. The rapid evolutionary rate of BRSV contributes to genetic and antigenic heterogeneity of field strains and causes occasional vaccine failure. We conducted molecular epidemiologic characterization of BRSV circulating in Japan to obtain genetic information for vaccine-based disease control. Phylogenetic analysis of G and F gene sequences revealed that all of the isolated Japanese BRSV strains clustered in the same genetic subgroup, which was distinct from the 9 known groups. We assigned the Japanese group to subgenotype X. The Japanese isolates formed 2 temporal clusters: isolates from 2003 to 2005 clustered in lineage A; isolates from 2017 to 2019 formed lineage B. The alignment of the deduced amino acid sequences of the G gene revealed that the central hydrophobic region responsible for viral antigenicity is conserved in all of the isolates; unique amino acid mutations were found mainly in mucin-like regions. Our results suggest that BRSV has evolved uniquely in Japan to form the new subgenotype X; the antigenic homogeneity of the viruses within this group is inferred.

Diagnostic reliability of quantitative flow ratio for detection of myocardial ischemia compared with other angiographic and experience-dependent visual predicted indices

Background

Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) is an image-based virtual fractional flow reserve (FFR) computed by three dimensional quantitative coronary angiography (3D-QCA) and estimated flow velocity. Several studies have reported that QFR had a good diagnostic performance as compared with wire-based FFR or instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR).

Purpose

We compared the diagnostic reliability of QFR for detection of myocardial ischemia with other angiographic and visual predicted indices.

Methods

In 301 coronary lesions (263 patients) from our QFR database for previously-reported two studies, the diagnostic reliability of QFR, several angiographic and visual predicted indices were investigated using ROC analysis as reference of FFR≤0.8 or iFR≤0.89. Visual predicted FFR were estimated by 3 physicians (25-year experienced expert, 10-year experienced senior physician and 3-year experienced trainee) blinded to other indices.

Results

Area under the curve (AUC) of each index in ROC analysis is shown in Table.

Conclusion

QFR was reliable index detecting myocardial ischemia compared with other angiographic and experience-dependent visual predicted indices.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

A full Bayesian calibration model for assessing age in adults by means of pulp/tooth area ratio in periapical radiography

The Bayesian approach is being a fundamental tool in forensic and legal field where inferences and decisions are made. In this study, a full Bayesian calibration model was developed to make probabilistic inferences about age estimation in a reference sample of 891 periapical X-rays of upper and lower canines. These teeth belonged to both deceased and living adult subjects, aged between 20 and 86 years, coming from five different countries (Turkey, Italy, Portugal, Japan and Mexico). For this purpose, the narrowing of pulp chamber due to the apposition of secondary dentine was analysed by means of the pulp/tooth area ratio. To determine the agreement of the method, intra- and inter-observer differences for measuring process were calculated by means of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis. Observer error tests showed excellent agreement between observers and between repeated assessments. According to the results of the ANCOVA, neither nationality nor sex was associated to the secondary dentine apposition while it is associated with individual's age. The results of the present study indicated that the concept of probability is intrinsically linked to the assessment of age in a forensic context, and the Bayesian approach could be considered a robust tool to overtake the bias generated by traditional regression models, thus helping the decision-making process in a legal framework.

Establishment of Novel Cells Stably Secreting Various Human IL-18 Recombinant Proteins

BACKGROUND

The immunotherapies against cancer, autoinmmune diseases or infection are remarkable development. These days programmed cell death (PD)-1 antibody-induced immune checkpoint blockade or chimeric antigen receptor-T cells (CAR-T) have been shown to have eminent therapeutic effects on tumor development. We have focused on adoptive transfer with human gamma delta T cells for novel immunotherapies. Additionally, IL-18 is one of the cytokines that enhances cytokine secretion and cytotoxicity of human gamma delta T cells.

METHOD

Thus, we established novel cell lines stably expressing and secreting various types of human recombinant IL-18 proteins to their culture supernatants using episomal vector. We also differentiated primary cultured human gamma delta T cells from peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes to validate biological activity of the IL-18 proteins using measuring IFN-γ by ELISA.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Finally, we demonstrated that the supernatant could activate human gamma delta T cells using monitoring interferon gamma in culture medium.

Establishment of Novel Reporter Cells Stably Maintaining Transcription Factor-driven Human Secreted Alkaline Phosphatase Expression

BACKGROUND

Transcriptional regulation is a very important and pivotal function in myriad biological responses. Thus, methods to determine transcriptional activity are required in not only basic medical research but also in drug discovery. We established novel reporter constructs using human secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) and Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen (EBNA) 1, which can maintain constructs synchronized to host cell replication.

METHODS

We established nuclear factor-kappa B (NFkB) or interferon regulatory factor (IRF) driven SEAP expression constructs and then, introduced them into culture cells.

RESULTS

The cells maintain reporter constructs for a long period in the culture and produce SEAP into culture supernatant in response to each specific ligand such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon- beta. Measuring SEAP with chemiluminescence makes it possible to get high standard dynamic range applying to high-throughput screening in drug discovery in both 96 and 384 well format. We can also use it to determine transcriptional activity in the cells transfected with expression plasmid or treated with various toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands in a concentration-dependent manner and time-dependent manner. Finally, we demonstrated drug screening using a number of natural products library.

CONCLUSION

We for the first time established the two novel reporter cells and validated their quality and accuracy enough to carry out drug screening.

Abstract 5709: Effect of IL-18 on the expansion and phenotype of human natural killer cells

When pathogenic stresses are recognized by innate immune cells, inflammasomes are assembled and caspase-1 is activated, resulting in the conversion of pro-IL-18 into mature IL-18. Because natural killer (NK) cells express IL-18 receptors, IL-18 may play roles in the immune functions of NK cells. In the present study, we examined the effect of IL-18 on NK cells derived from lung cancer patients and healthy adult volunteers. When peripheral blood NK cells were stimulated with IL-2, the cells formed clusters beginning on day 5-6 and proliferated thereafter, in which the number of NK cells increased by 10-fold in 10 days. When IL-18 was added, cell clusters were observed as early as on day 4 and NK cells proliferated vigorously. On day 10, the expansion rate was 56-fold on average, showing that IL-18 promoted the expansion of NK cells. It was also notable that IL-18 enhanced the expression of CD80, CD86, HLA-DR and HLA-DQ on NK cells, suggesting that IL-18 conferred NK cells an APC-like phenotype. When cellular cytotoxicity was determined, APC-like NK cells efficiently killed tumor cells and the anti-tumor activity was augmented by the addition of tumor antigen-specific mAbs. In addition, IFN-γ was produced by APC-like NK cells in response to tumor cells, and the cytokine production was further enhanced by mAbs. Taken together, IL-18 not only promoted the expansion of NK cells, but also changed the phenotype of NK cells, and the IL-2/IL-18-induced NK cells might serve as a bridge between innate immunity and adaptive immunity and be useful for cancer immunotherapy.

Citation Format: Hiroaki Senju, Asuka Kumagai, Yoichi Nakamura, Shinnosuke Takemoto, Masaaki Fukuda, Hiroshi Gyotoku, Katsumi Nakatomi, Minoru Fukuda, Hiroshi Mukae, Yoshimasa Tanaka. Effect of IL-18 on the expansion and phenotype of human natural killer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5709.

Effect of IL-18 on the Expansion and Phenotype of Human Natural Killer Cells: Application to Cancer Immunotherapy

When pathogenic stresses are recognized by innate immune cells, inflammasomes are assembled and caspase-1 is activated, resulting in the conversion of pro-IL-18 into mature IL-18. Because natural killer (NK) cells express IL-18 receptors, IL-18 may play roles in immune functions of NK cells. In the present study, we examined the effect of IL-18 on NK cells derived from lung cancer patients and healthy adult volunteers. When peripheral blood NK cells were stimulated with IL-2, the cells formed clusters beginning on day 5-6 and proliferated thereafter, in which the number of NK cells increased by 10-fold in 10 days. When IL-18 was added, cell clusters were observed as early as on day 4 and NK cells proliferated vigorously. On day 10, the expansion rate was 56-fold on average, showing that IL-18 promoted the expansion of NK cells. It was also notable that IL-18 enhanced the expression of CD80, CD86, HLA-DR and HLA-DQ on NK cells, suggesting that IL-18 conferred NK cells an APC-like phenotype. When cellular cytotoxicity was determined, APC-like NK cells efficiently killed tumor cells and anti-tumor activity was augmented by the addition of tumor antigen-specific mAbs. In addition, IFN-γ was produced by APC-like NK cells in response to tumor cells, and the cytokine production was further enhanced by mAbs. Taken together, IL-18 not only promoted the expansion of NK cells, but also changed the phenotype of NK cells. IL-2/IL-18-induced NK cells might, therefore, serve as a bridge between innate immunity and adaptive immunity and be useful for cancer immunotherapy.

Expansion of human γδ T cells for adoptive immunotherapy using a bisphosphonate prodrug

Cancer immunotherapy with human γδ T cells expressing Vγ2Vδ2 T cell receptor (also termed Vγ9Vδ2) has shown promise because of their ability to recognize and kill most types of tumors in a major histocombatibility complex (MHC) ‐unrestricted fashion that is independent of the number of tumor mutations. In clinical trials, adoptive transfer of Vγ2Vδ2 T cells has been shown to be safe and does not require preconditioning. In this report, we describe a method for preparing highly enriched human Vγ2Vδ2 T cells using the bisphosphonate prodrug, tetrakis‐pivaloyloxymethyl 2‐(thiazole‐2‐ylamino)ethylidene‐1,1‐bisphosphonate (PTA). PTA stimulated the expansion of Vγ2Vδ2 cells to purities up to 99%. These levels were consistently higher than those observed after expansion with zoledronic acid, the most commonly used stimulator for clinical trials. Cell numbers also averaged more than those obtained with zoledronic acid and the expanded Vγ2Vδ2 cells exhibited high cytotoxicity against tumor cells. The high purity of Vγ2Vδ2 cells expanded by PTA increased engraftment success in immunodeficient NOG mice. Even low levels of contaminating αβ T cells resulted in some mice with circulating human αβ T cells rather than Vγ2Vδ2 cells. Vγ2Vδ2 cells from engrafted NOG mice upregulated CD25 and secreted tumor necrosis factor‐α and interferon‐γ in response to PTA‐treated tumor cells. Thus, PTA expands Vγ2Vδ2 T cells to higher purity than zoledronic acid. The high purities allow the successful engraftment of immunodeficient mice without further purification and may speed up the development of allogeneic Vγ2Vδ2 T cell therapies derived from HLA‐matched normal donors for patients with poor autologous Vγ2Vδ2 T cell responses.

Live Cell Labeling with Terpyridine Derivative Proligands to Measure Cytotoxicity Mediated by Immune Cells

Immunotherapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cells has revolutionized treatment for patients with malignant tumors. However, measuring tumor cell cytotoxicity mediated by immune effector cells in clinical laboratories has been difficult due to the requirement for radioactive substances. In this study, a series of novel terpyridine derivative proligands were synthesized, and a non-radioactive cellular cytotoxicity assay using the newly synthesized compounds was developed for use in preclinical and clinical studies for cancer immunotherapy. Once internalized into target cells, the compounds are hydrolyzed by esterases, resulting in the intracellular accumulation of the negatively charged terpyridine derivatives. When the labeled target cells are recognized and killed by immune effector cells, the integrity of the cell membrane is disrupted, and the terpyridine derivatives are released. Upon combining the culture supernatant with europium (Eu³⁺ ), the cytotoxicity of immune effector cells for the target cells can be quantitatively determined by measuring the intensity of the Eu³⁺ /ligand-derived time-resolved fluorescence. Thus, the assay developed in this study would facilitate the development of novel cancer immunotherapies.

Auto-amplification system for prostaglandin F2α in bovine corpus luteum

The bovine corpus luteum (CL) is hypothesized to utilize a local auto-amplification system for prostaglandin (PG) F2α production. The objective of the present study was to determine if such a PGF2α auto-amplification system exists in the bovine CL, and if so, which factors regulate it. PGF2α significantly stimulated intra-luteal PGF2α production in all luteal phases, but did not affect PGE2 production. The stimulatory effect of exogenous PGF2α on CL PGF2α production was lower at the early luteal phase. Indomethacin, an inhibitor of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase (PTGS), significantly suppressed the PGF2α-stimulated PGF2α production by luteal tissue, indicating that the PGF2α in the medium was of luteal origin. Consistent with these secreted-PGF2α profiles, PGF2α receptor (PTGFR) protein expression was higher during the mid and late luteal phases than at early and developing luteal phases. Treatment of cultured bovine luteal cells obtained from the mid-luteal phase with PGF2α (1 µM) significantly increased the expressions of PTGS2, PGF synthase (PGFS), and carbonyl reductase1 (CBR1) at 24 hr post-treatment. Together, these results suggest the presence of a local auto-amplification system for PGF2α mediated by PTGS2, PGFS, and CBR1 in the bovine CL, which may play an important role in luteolysis.

Role of lymph node dissection in the treatment of urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract: multi-institutional relapse analysis and immunohistochemical re-evaluation of negative lymph nodes

AIM

To determine the role of lymph node dissection (LND) in the treatment of urothelial carcinoma (UC) of the upper urinary tract (UUT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

[Study-1] A retrospective multi-institutional study evaluated 293 patients undergoing predominantly nephroureterectomy for UC of the UUT. Of 293 patients, 267 patients had pure UC and 26 demonstrated other histological components. Regarding the pathological node status, 130 patients had pN0 disease, 141 patients had pNx disease and 22 patients had pN+ disease. The sites of initial recurrence and time to first recurrence were reviewed. The sites of recurrence were classified as locoregional or distant recurrence. The relationship between node status and future recurrence was analyzed. [Study-2] Fifty-one patients treated by nephroureterectomy at Hokkaido University Hospital were included. All had LND and all LNs were negative on hematoxylin and eosin staining. We re-evaluated the presence of micrometastasis in LND specimens by anti-cytokeratin immunohistochemistory.

RESULTS

[Study-1] Of 293 patients, 76 developed disease relapse. Regional lymph node recurrence was the most common site (34 patients). On multivariate analyses that adjusted for the effect of tumor stage and tumor grade, pNx (skipping LND) was an adverse factor not only for locoregional recurrence, but also for distant relapse. [Study-2] Immunohistochemistry identified micrometastases in 7 (14%) of 51 patients. Regarding survival, 5 of these 7 patients with micrometastases were alive at last follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

On relapse analysis, skipping LND was an adverse factor not only for locoregional recurrence, but also for distant relapse. Immunohistochemistry detected micrometastases in about 14% of patients previously diagnosed as pN0. These findings further support a potential therapeutic benefit of LND by eliminating micrometastases.

Combination therapy of meloxicam, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, and interferon alfa in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: A phase II study on efficacy and toxicity

5105

Background: Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 plays a major role in the development of cancer through numerous mechanisms. We have previously confirmed that COX-2 is expressed in a renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and it has an important role in tumorigenesis and angiogenesis (Int J Cancer 2004). Some preclinical studies suggest that a selective COX-2 inhibitor may augment the antitumor effects of immunotherapeutic agents. We conducted a phase II trial of the combination of meloxicam, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, and interferon (IFN)-alfa 2a in metastatic RCC in order to test the hypothesis that meloxicam enhances the response to the immunotherapy. Methods: Eligible patients had metastatic RCC, no prior systemic therapy, performance status 0–2, measurable disease. Patients received IFN 3–5 MIU 3x/week and meloxicam 10 mg/daily orally. This was a single-stage trial. Primary end points were RECIST response rates and toxicity. Results: Twenty-one patients were enrolled. Patients characteristics included: median age 63 years (49–75), male/female: 16/5, PS 0/1/2: 11/6/4, prior nephrectomy: 16 (76%). MSKCC prognostic categories were good: intermediate: poor (24%: 48%: 29%). A median follow-up was 8 months (range 3–29+) and 18 of 21 (86%) patients are still alive. Toxicities were mostly grade 1 or 2 (fever, fatigue, anorexia, depression), except 1 patient with grade 3 liver dysfunction. Among 20 patients evaluable for response, complete response (CR) was observed in 3 patients (15%) and partial response (PR) in 5 (25%), yielding an overall response rate of 40% (95% CI: 17–63). An additional 5 patients (25%) had stable disease. Five of 6 patients classified as poor risk by MSKCC prognostic classification obtained a CR or PR, as did 3 of 14 patients as good or intermediate risk (p=0.038). Median time to progression for 20 patients was 6 months (1–29+). Conclusions: The overall response rate of 40% for the combination of meloxicam and IFN-alfa in metastatic RCC is greater than that of IFN-alfa alone reported previously, suggesting that meloxicam can enhance the response to immunotherapy. Further investigation with this combination is warranted.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Inhibition of green tea catechins against the growth of cancerous human colon and hepatic epithelial cells

The ability of (-)-epicatechin (EC), (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC) and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) to inhibit the growth of HCT 116 colorectal and Hep G2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells was examined by MTT and clonogenic assays (CA). The respective catechins inhibited the growth of HCT 116 more strongly than Hep G2. In MTT assay, IC(50) values of EGC and EGCG against HCT 116 grew smaller on prolongation of the exposure times of the cells to the catechins. In CA, however, these two catechins had IC(50) values ranging between 7.6+/-0.4 and 11.2+/-0.5 microM against the same cells regardless of the exposure times. EC showed much weaker growth inhibitions relative to the two aforementioned catechins.

Protacs: chimeric molecules that target proteins to the Skp1-Cullin-F box complex for ubiquitination and degradation

The intracellular levels of many proteins are regulated by ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis. One of the best-characterized enzymes that catalyzes the attachment of ubiquitin to proteins is a ubiquitin ligase complex, Skp1-Cullin-F box complex containing Hrt1 (SCF). We sought to artificially target a protein to the SCF complex for ubiquitination and degradation. To this end, we tested methionine aminopeptidase-2 (MetAP-2), which covalently binds the angiogenesis inhibitor ovalicin. A chimeric compound, protein-targeting chimeric molecule 1 (Protac-1), was synthesized to recruit MetAP-2 to SCF. One domain of Protac-1 contains the I kappa B alpha phosphopeptide that is recognized by the F-box protein beta-TRCP, whereas the other domain is composed of ovalicin. We show that MetAP-2 can be tethered to SCF(beta-TRCP), ubiquitinated, and degraded in a Protac-1-dependent manner. In the future, this approach may be useful for conditional inactivation of proteins, and for targeting disease-causing proteins for destruction.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of anti-HIV double-drugs. conjugates of HIV protease inhibitors with a reverse transcriptase inhibitor through spontaneously cleavable linkers

Based on the prodrug concept as well as the combination of two different classes of anti-HIV agents, we designed and synthesized a series of anti-HIV double-drugs consisting of HIV protease inhibitors conjugated with a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor in an effort to enhance the antiviral activity. For the conjugation, a series of linkers that conjoins the two different classes of inhibitors has been investigated. Double-drugs using a succinyl amino acid linker were shown to release the parent drugs via spontaneous imide formation at a faster rate compared to compounds using a glutaryl amino acid linker, as expected from the energetically favorable cyclization to the five-membered ring. Among the double-drugs, KNI-1039 (3b) with a glutarylglycine linker exhibited extremely potent anti-HIV activity compared with that of the individual components. Double-drug 3b was relatively stable in culture medium, whereas it regenerated active species in cell homogenate. These results suggested that the synergistic enhancement of anti-HIV activities of 3b may be due to their ability to penetrate into the target cell and subsequent regeneration of two different classes of anti-HIV agents in the cytoplasm.

Expression of Fas and Fas ligand mRNA in rat and human preimplantation embryos

The Fas-Fas ligand (L) system is one of the major signalling pathways to induce apoptosis in various cells and tissues. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of the Fas-Fas L system in rat and human oocytes and preimplantation embryos. We determined the expression of Fas and Fas L mRNA of rat oocytes and embryos up to the blastocyst stage, and of human embryos at the 2- or 4-cell stage, using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested PCR techniques. Moreover, we investigated the expression of Fas mRNA in human fragmented embryos. In rat embryos, Fas mRNA was expressed at the 2-cell stage only, whereas Fas L mRNA was expressed in oocytes, and at the pronuclear (1-cell) and 2-cell stages. In human embryos, Fas mRNA was expressed at the 4-cell stage only, whereas Fas L mRNA was expressed at both 2- and 4-cell stages. Human fragmented embryos expressed both Fas and Fas L mRNA. Because simultaneous expression of Fas and Fas L mRNA occurred in 2-cell rat embryos and in 4-cell human embryos, the Fas-Fas L system might be involved in the apoptotic pathway in the early embryos of these species.

Positive regulation of Wee1 by Chk1 and 14-3-3 proteins

Wee1 inactivates the Cdc2-cyclin B complex during interphase by phosphorylating Cdc2 on Tyr-15. The activity of Wee1 is highly regulated during the cell cycle. In frog egg extracts, it has been established previously that Xenopus Wee1 (Xwee1) is present in a hypophosphorylated, active form during interphase and undergoes down-regulation by extensive phosphorylation at M-phase. We report that Xwee1 is also regulated by association with 14-3-3 proteins. Binding of 14-3-3 to Xwee1 occurs during interphase, but not M-phase, and requires phosphorylation of Xwee1 on Ser-549. A mutant of Xwee1 (S549A) that cannot bind 14-3-3 is substantially less active than wild-type Xwee1 in its ability to phosphorylate Cdc2. This mutation also affects the intranuclear distribution of Xwee1. In cell-free kinase assays, Xchk1 phosphorylates Xwee1 on Ser-549. The results of experiments in which Xwee1, Xchk1, or both were immunodepleted from Xenopus egg extracts suggested that these two enzymes are involved in a common pathway in the DNA replication checkpoint response. Replacement of endogenous Xwee1 with recombinant Xwee1-S549A in egg extracts attenuated the cell cycle delay induced by addition of excess recombinant Xchk1. Taken together, these results suggest that Xchk1 and 14-3-3 proteins act together as positive regulators of Xwee1.

Attributable risk of H. pylori in peptic ulcer disease: does declining prevalence of infection in general population explain increasing frequency of non-H. pylori ulcers?

Recent reports in the United States have found that fewer peptic ulcers are due to Helicobacter pylori than previously believed. The aim of this study is to determine if the declining prevalence of H. pylori infection in the general population can account for the apparent increase in the frequency of non-H. pylori ulcers. A total of 396 patients with peptic ulcer or ulcer scar were enrolled in this study. The pre-1950 population consisted of 149 patients with gastric ulcers and with 44 duodenal ulcers. The post-1950 population consisted of 96 patients with gastric ulcers and 107 with duodenal ulcers. The frequency of H. pylori-negative gastric ulcers was 5.4% in patients born before 1950 and 4.2% in patients born after 1950, and the frequency of H. pylori-negative duodenal ulcers was 0% and 1.9%, respectively. There are no statistical differences between the two populations in gastric and duodenal ulcers. H. pylori seropositivity was 74.9% in asymptomatic volunteers born before 1950 and 20.7% in those born after 1950 (P < 0.01) in the general population. The attributable risk of H. pylori infection in peptic ulcer diseases was not affected by the prevalence of H. pylori infection in the general population in Japan. This suggests that the apparent increase in frequency of non-H. pylori ulcers in the United States is not simply due to the declining prevalence of infection. Other explanations for non-H. pylori ulcers should be sought.

Requirement for Atr in phosphorylation of Chk1 and cell cycle regulation in response to DNA replication blocks and UV-damaged DNA in Xenopus egg extracts

The checkpoint kinase Xchk1 becomes phosphorylated in Xenopus egg extracts in response to DNA replication blocks or UV-damaged DNA. Xchk1 is also required for the cell cycle delay that is induced by unreplicated or UV-damaged DNA. In this report, we have removed the Xenopus homolog of ATR (Xatr) from egg extracts by immunodepletion. In Xatr-depleted extracts, the checkpoint-associated phosphorylation of Xchk1 is abolished, and the cell cycle delay induced by replication blocks is strongly compromised. Xatr from egg extracts phosphorylated recombinant Xchk1 in vitro, but not a mutant form of Xchk1 (Xchk1-4AQ) containing nonphosphorylatable residues in its four conserved SQ/TQ motifs. Recombinant human ATR, but not a kinase-inactive mutant, phosphorylated the same sites in Xchk1. Furthermore, the Xchk1-4AQ mutant was found to be defective in mediating a checkpoint response in egg extracts. These findings suggest that Xchk1 is a functionally important target of Xatr during a checkpoint response to unreplicated or UV-damaged DNA.

Claspin, a novel protein required for the activation of Chk1 during a DNA replication checkpoint response in Xenopus egg extracts

We have identified Claspin, a novel protein that binds to Xenopus Chk1 (Xchk1). Binding of Claspin to Xchk1 is highly elevated in the presence of DNA templates that trigger a checkpoint arrest of the cell cycle in Xenopus egg extracts. Xchk1 becomes phosphorylated during a checkpoint response, and we demonstrate directly that this phosphorylation results in the activation of Xchk1. Immunodepletion of Claspin from egg extracts abolishes both the phosphorylation and activation of Xchk1. Furthermore, Claspin-depleted extracts are unable to arrest the cell cycle in response to DNA replication blocks. Taken together, these findings indicate that Claspin is an essential upstream regulator of Xchk1.

Chaperonin 10 in the rat oocytes and early embryos: its expression and activity for early pregnancy factor

PROBLEM

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of chaperonin (cpn) 10 and cpn 60 mRNA in oocytes or embryos, and to further explore the possibility that early pregnancy factor (EPF) is identical with cpn 10.

METHOD OF STUDY

The expressions of cpn 10 and cpn 60 mRNA in oocytes and embryos at the different stages (1-cell, 2-cell, 8-cell, and morula) were examined by polymerase chain reaction techniques. The EPF activity of native rat cpn 10 isolated from rat livers was evaluated by the rosette inhibition test.

RESULTS

Similar levels of mRNA of cpn 10 and cpn 60 were detected in oocytes and embryos at every stage. There were no detectable EPF activities in the native cpn 10. Immunoprecipitation using polyclonal antibodies against cpn 10 did not affect the activity of EPF in the pregnant rat serum.

CONCLUSION

Our results do not support the hypothesis that cpn 10 is identical with EPF.

The xenopus Suc1/Cks protein promotes the phosphorylation of G(2)/M regulators

The entry into mitosis is controlled by Cdc2/cyclin B, also known as maturation or M-phase promoting factor (MPF). In Xenopus egg extracts, the inhibitory phosphorylations of Cdc2 on Tyr-15 and Thr-14 are controlled by the phosphatase Cdc25 and the kinases Myt1 and Wee1. At mitosis, Cdc25 is activated and Myt1 and Wee1 are inactivated through phosphorylation by multiple kinases, including Cdc2 itself. The Cdc2-associated Suc1/Cks1 protein (p9) is also essential for entry of egg extracts into mitosis, but the molecular basis of this requirement has been unknown. We find that p9 strongly stimulates the regulatory phosphorylations of Cdc25, Myt1, and Wee1 that are carried out by the Cdc2/cyclin B complex. Overexpression of the prolyl isomerase Pin1, which binds to the hyperphosphorylated forms of Cdc25, Myt1, and Wee1 found at M-phase, is known to block the initiation of mitosis in egg extracts. We have observed that Pin1 specifically antagonizes the stimulatory effect of p9 on phosphorylation of Cdc25 by Cdc2/cyclin B. This observation could explain why overexpression of Pin1 inhibits mitotic initiation. These findings suggest that p9 promotes the entry into mitosis by facilitating phosphorylation of the key upstream regulators of Cdc2.

Non-traumatic renal arteriopelvic fistula

PURPOSE

In the present paper, we report on a 34-year-old female with macroscopic hematuria due to a nontraumatic renal arteriopelvic fistula (APF). The patient initially presented at another hospital with asymptomatic macroscopic hematuria. Following abdominal ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT) and laboratory data, no abnormal findings were seen. Therefore, the patient was referred to Teine Keijinkai Hospital for a more precise evaluation of the urinary tract and vascular abnormality.

METHODS/RESULTS

Endoscopically, there was bleeding from the right ureteral orifice, so the patient was admitted for further examination. No abnormal findings were seen on urinary cytology and following an intravenous pyelogram. A selective right lower polar renal arteriogram revealed arterial extravasation directly into the pelvis before the venous phase, so APF of the kidney was diagnosed. The patient had no history of urinary tract trauma, so the APF was thought to be idiopathic. After transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) with a gelatine sponge, macroscopic and microscopic hematuria disappeared and a low-density area was seen in the middle pole of the right kidney in an abdominal CT scan 4 days after TAE. This was thought to be renal infarction due to TAE.

CONCLUSIONS

After discharge, the patient had no further hematuria.

Binding of 14-3-3 proteins and nuclear export control the intracellular localization of the mitotic inducer Cdc25

Binding of 14-3-3 proteins near the nuclear localization sequence of Xenopus Cdc25 suppresses its ability to induce entry into mitosis. We have examined the intracellular localization of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged wild-type Cdc25 or a mutant (S287A) that cannot bind 14-3-3 proteins. Upon coexpression with Myc-14-3-3epsilon, GFP-Cdc25-WT was predominantly cytoplasmic, whereas GFP-Cdc25-S287A was exclusively nuclear. Leptomycin B, an inhibitor of nuclear export, elicited a prompt redistribution of GFP-Cdc25-WT to the nucleus. Mutagenesis experiments demonstrated that Cdc25 contains multiple nuclear export sequences. These studies indicate that the binding of 14-3-3 proteins and nuclear export regulate the intracellular localization of Cdc25.

[Experience of nephron sparing surgery for renal mass]

BACKGROUND

In this paper, we reported nephron sparing surgery for renal mass in our hospital.

METHODS

From March, 1994 to October, 1997, nephron sparing surgeries were done for 19 (11 males and 8 females, whose age were ranged from 38 to 75 years old) renal mass in our hospital. The sites of lesion were 12 in right side and 7 in left side. The tumor size were from 8 to 40/mm. Almost all cases were discovered incidentally.

RESULTS

In all 19 cases, 6 cases were resultingly renal cell carcinoma (RCC). There was no difference in age, sex, tumor size and computed tomography findings between RCC and benign lesion. In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, iso intensity lesions of T2-weighted image were more frequent in RCC significantly. Postoperative 24 hours creatinine clearance and serum creatinine were not changed significantly compared with preoperative data.

CONCLUSION

In MRI findings, iso intensity of T2-weighted image was useful for differential diagnosis between RCC and benign lesion.

The Xenopus Chk1 protein kinase mediates a caffeine-sensitive pathway of checkpoint control in cell-free extracts

We have analyzed the role of the protein kinase Chk1 in checkpoint control by using cell-free extracts from Xenopus eggs. Recombinant Xenopus Chk1 (Xchk1) phosphorylates the mitotic inducer Cdc25 in vitro on multiple sites including Ser-287. The Xchk1-catalyzed phosphorylation of Cdc25 on Ser-287 is sufficient to confer the binding of 14-3-3 proteins. Egg extracts from which Xchk1 has been removed by immunodepletion are strongly but not totally compromised in their ability to undergo a cell cycle delay in response to the presence of unreplicated DNA. Cdc25 in Xchk1-depleted extracts remains bound to 14-3-3 due to the action of a distinct Ser-287-specific kinase in addition to Xchk1. Xchk1 is highly phosphorylated in the presence of unreplicated or damaged DNA, and this phosphorylation is abolished by caffeine, an agent which attenuates checkpoint control. The checkpoint response to unreplicated DNA in this system involves both caffeine-sensitive and caffeine-insensitive steps. Our results indicate that caffeine disrupts the checkpoint pathway containing Xchk1.

[Pain-free injection of propofol]

Pain on injection is one of the well-known side effects of propofol. Previous studies have shown several methods to alleviate this discomfort. We employed all these methods together to clarity whether pain-free injection of propofol was possible. Sixty adult patients premedicated with midazolam were studied. Control group patients (n = 20) received an induction dose of propofol via a vein on the dorsum of the hand at a slow injection speed with carrier i.v. fluid. Study group patients (n = 40) received i.v. fentanyl 0.1 mg, followed by bolus injection of cold propofol premixed with lidocaine (final concentration of lidocaine was 0.2%) in a forearm vein without carrier i.v. fluid. Eighteen patients (90%) in the control group experienced injection pain. In the study group, however, no patients complained of pain or discomfort. In conclusion, pain-free injection of propofol was possible when prior-administration of fentanyl, premixing of lidocaine, cooling to 4 degrees C, and rapid injection via a forearm vein without carrier i.v. fluid was the adopted precedure.

14-3-3 proteins act as negative regulators of the mitotic inducer Cdc25 in Xenopus egg extracts

Cdc25, the dual-specificity phosphatase that dephosphorylates the Cdc2-cyclin B complex at mitosis, is highly regulated during the cell cycle. In Xenopus egg extracts, Cdc25 is associated with two isoforms of the 14-3-3 protein. Cdc25 is complexed primarily with 14-3-3epsilon and to a lesser extent with 14-3-3zeta. The association of these 14-3-3 proteins with Cdc25 varies dramatically during the cell cycle: binding is high during interphase but virtually absent at mitosis. Interaction with 14-3-3 is mediated by phosphorylation of Xenopus Cdc25 at Ser-287, which resides in a consensus 14-3-3 binding site. Recombinant Cdc25 with a point mutation at this residue (Cdc25-S287A) is incapable of binding to 14-3-3. Addition of the Cdc25-S287A mutant to Xenopus egg extracts accelerates mitosis and overrides checkpoint-mediated arrests of mitotic entry due to the presence of unreplicated and damaged DNA. These findings indicate that 14-3-3 proteins act as negative regulators of Cdc25 in controlling the G2-M transition.

Purification and molecular cloning of Plx1, a Cdc25-regulatory kinase from Xenopus egg extracts

Cdc2, the cyclin-dependent kinase that controls mitosis, is negatively regulated by phosphorylation on its threonine-14 and tyrosine-15 residues. Cdc25, the phosphatase that dephosphorylates both of these residues, undergoes activation and phosphorylation by multiple kinases at mitosis. Plx1, a kinase that associates with and phosphorylates the amino-terminal domain of Cdc25, was purified extensively from Xenopus egg extracts. Cloning of its complementary DNA revealed that Plx1 is related to the Polo family of protein kinases. Recombinant Plx1 phosphorylated Cdc25 and stimulated its activity in a purified system. Cdc25 phosphorylated by Plx1 reacted strongly with MPM-2, a monoclonal antibody to mitotic phosphoproteins. These studies indicate that Plx1 may participate in control of mitotic progression.