Pinellic Acid Isolated from Quercetin-rich Onions has a Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-Alpha/Gamma (PPAR-α/γ) Transactivation Activity

Quercetin, a flavonol, is a functional compound that is abundant in onions and is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Quercetin and its glucoside are known to function as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) ligands and showed high PPAR-α transactivation activity but little PPAR-γ transactivation activity in some reports. In this study, we demonstrated that an aqueous extract of a quercetin-rich onion cultivar increased transactivation activities not only of PPAR-α but also of PPAR-γ. We isolated (9S,12S,13S)-(10E)-9,12,13-trihydroxyoctadec-10-enoic acid (pinellic acid) obtained from the aqueous extract using PPAR-γ transactivation as an index. Furthermore, it was revealed that pinellic acid could transactivate PPAR-α. Our findings are the first report mentioned showing that trihydroxyoctadec-10-enoic acids showed PPAR-α/γ transactivation activities.

Unsalted tomato juice intake improves blood pressure and serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level in local Japanese residents at risk of cardiovascular disease

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of unsalted tomato juice intake on cardiovascular risk markers in local Japanese residents. Four hundred and eighty-one local residents in Kuriyama, Japan, were enrolled in this study. Throughout the year of the study, they were provided with as much unsalted tomato juice as they wanted. Participants were screened for cardiovascular risk markers, such as blood pressure (BP), serum lipid profile, and glucose tolerance, before and after the study period. Of the study participants, 260 participated in a detailed study of their lifestyle factors. The average ages of the 184 male and 297 female participants were 56.3 ± 13.3 (mean ± SD) and 58.4 ± 11.7 years, respectively. BP in 94 participants with untreated prehypertension or hypertension was significantly lowered (systolic BP, 141.2 ± 12.1-137.0 ± 16.3 mmHg, p = 0.003; diastolic BP, 83.3 ± 10.1-80.9 ± 11.1 mmHg, p = 0.012, paired t test). Further, the serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level in 125 participants with untreated dyslipidemia significantly decreased (155.0 ± 23.2-149.9 ± 25.0 mg/dl, p = 0.005, paired t test). These beneficial effects were not different between sexes and among the different age groups. No significant difference in lifestyle was found before and after the study. Unsalted tomato juice intake improved systolic and diastolic BP and serum LDL-C level in local Japanese residents at risk of cardiovascular conditions.

Predictors of therapeutic effect of transarterial chemoembolisation using drug-eluting beads for hepatocellular carcinoma

AIMS

To identify predictors of a therapeutic effect after transarterial chemoembolisation using drug-eluting beads (DEB-TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2015 and July 2015, tumour variables and angiographic data were collected for 25 patients (49 target lesions) after they had undergone the DEB-TACE procedure for HCC. The therapeutic effect was evaluated according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Cancer of the Liver at follow-up dynamic computed tomography (CT) performed within 1-4 months after the procedure. A p<0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

On a target lesion basis, the objective response (TE3/4) rate was 63.3% (31 of 49). On univariate analysis, larger size (≥2 cm) was a predictor of an objective response (p=0.029). The tumour location of the medial (segment 4) or caudate (segment 1) lobe also indicated a poor therapeutic effect (TE1/2), but not at the level of significance (p=0.051). Multivariate analysis identified tumour size (odds ratio, 8.60; 95% confidence interval, 1.87-62.8) and tumour location (odds ratio, 12.2; 95% confidence interval, 2.12-129.8) as significant factors associated with a therapeutic effect. On a patient basis, 10 of 25 (40%) patients showed complete response/partial response. There were no significant differences between complete response/partial response and stable disease/progressive disease regarding age, gender, tumour markers, history of previous treatment, Child-Pugh class, T-stage, or Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Staging.

CONCLUSION

A short-term therapeutic effect was associated with tumour size and location on a target lesion basis.

Fatty change in moderately and poorly differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma on MRI: a possible mechanism related to decreased arterial flow

AIM

To clarify the frequency of fatty change in moderately and poorly differentiated hepatocellular carcinomas (mHCCs and pHCCs) and its relationship to arterial blood flow.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and thirty-six surgically resected HCC lesions were studied. All patients had undergone dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with chemical-shift-encoded water-fat imaging (CSI). The presence of fat was identified by a signal drop-off on CSI and confirmed at pathology. Lesions were classified into four groups in the arterial phase; G1, hypointense; G2, isointense; G3, slightly and heterogeneously hyperintense; G4, markedly and homogeneously hyperintense. The number of cumulative arteries (CAs) in the tumours in the pathology examination were counted.

RESULTS

A fat component was observed significantly more frequently in the pHCCs (13/21; 61.9%) compared to the mHCCs (32/101; 31.7%; p=0.013). The numbers of lesions in each group were as follows: (G1, G2, G3, G4) = (18, 9, 23, 4) in the HCCs with fat; (1, 6, 24, 51) in the HCCs without fat (p<0.001); (5, 5, 18, 4) in the mHCCs with fat; (0, 3, 19, 47) in the mHCCs without fat (p<0.001); (11, 0, 2, 0) in the pHCCs with fat; (0, 2, 3, 3) in the pHCCs without fat (p=0.001). The number of CAs in the fat-containing HCCs (5.5±2.9) was significantly lower than that in the HCCs without fat (10.8±5.3; p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

A fat component was more commonly observed in the pHCCs than in the mHCCs. The present results showed a possible mechanism of fatty change in mHCCs and pHCCs in relation to decreased arterial blood supply.

Production and characterization of tearless and non-pungent onion

The onion lachrymatory factor (LF) is produced from trans-S-1-propenyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide (PRENCSO) through successive reactions catalyzed by alliinase (EC 4.4.1.4) and lachrymatory factor synthase (LFS), and is responsible for the tear inducing-property and the pungency of fresh onions. We developed tearless, non-pungent onions non-transgenically by irradiating seeds with neon-ion at 20 Gy. The bulbs obtained from the irradiated seeds and their offspring bulbs produced by selfing were screened by organoleptic assessment of tear-inducing property or HPLC analysis of LF production. After repeated screening and seed production by selfing, two tearless, non-pungent bulbs were identified in the third generation (M3) bulbs. Twenty M4 bulbs obtained from each of them showed no tear-inducing property or pungency when evaluated by 20 sensory panelists. The LF production levels in these bulbs were approximately 7.5-fold lower than those of the normal onion. The low LF production levels were due to reduction in alliinase activity, which was a result of low alliinase mRNA expression (less than 1% of that in the normal onion) and consequent low amounts of the alliinase protein. These tearless, non-pungent onions should be welcomed by all who tear while chopping onions and those who work in facilities where fresh onions are processed.

Inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver in association with spilled gallstones 3 years after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: report of a case

We report on a case of a female patient diagnosed with inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver in association with spilled gallstones 3 years after laparoscopic cholecystectomy for calculous acute cholecystitis. She was asymptomatic, but CT revealed an intrahepatic mass and two other extrahepatic masses between the liver and the diaphragm. Furthermore, diffusion-weighted MRI and PET suggested all three lesions could be malignant tumors. As the preoperative diagnosis was intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma with peritoneal disseminations, we performed a posterior segmentectomy of the liver combined with partial resection of the diaphragm. Histological examination showed the intrahepatic tumor was an inflammatory granuloma with abscess formations. There were bilirubin stones between the liver and the diaphragm. Therefore, the tumor was diagnosed as inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver in association with spilled gallstones. In conclusion, the liver tumor emerged after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and may involve inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver in association with spilled gallstones.

Hepatic falciform ligament artery in patients with chronic liver diseases: detection on computed tomography hepatic arteriography

BACKGROUND

The detection rate of hepatic falciform ligament artery (FLA) has been reported as ranging from 2-25%. The rate of FLA on laparotomy, however, is reported to be higher, at 68%.

PURPOSE

To compare the detection rate of FLA on computed tomography hepatic arteriography (CTHA) with that on angiography and dynamic CT, and to clarify the clinical significance of FLA in patients with chronic liver disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

126 consecutive patients underwent CTHA angiography and dynamic CT to evaluate suspected liver tumors. Liver function was classified as follows: normal, n=5; Child-Pugh class A, n=94; B, n=21; and C, n=6. All CT images were obtained using multidetector (MDCT) scanners (Aquilion; Toshiba, Tokyo, Japan). For CTHA, CT images were obtained during contrast material injection through the left hepatic, proper, or common hepatic artery. On CT, FLAs were retrospectively identified within the hepatic falciform ligament and the hepatic round ligament by the paging method on a workstation (TWS-5000; Toshiba, Tokyo, Japan). The detection rates were compared among the three modalities (hepatic arterial phase of dynamic CT, CTHA, and angiography). The calibers of FLA were also correlated with the hepatic function of the patients.

RESULTS

The detection rates of FLA by angiography, dynamic CT, and CTHA were 37% (47/126), 10% (13/126), and 77% (97/126), respectively. The calibers of FLA increased as the hepatic function deteriorated (P=0.001).

CONCLUSION

The detection rates of FLA with CTHA are far higher than those with angiography and dynamic CT. Careful interpretation with recognition of FLA on CTHA images is important, as inadvertent embolization or chemotherapeutic infusion of the FLA may result in supraumbilical skin rash.

Microcoil embolization through a downsized coaxial catheter system: an experimental study

BACKGROUND

Most of the recently developed microcatheters for abdominal angiography still have large diameters at their trailing ends, and thus cannot be used for microcoil embolization in combination with a 3-French (F) system.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the in vitro passage of microcoils through a newly developed 2-F microcatheter (Meister Cath Superselective Plus, MC6) that is compatible with a downsized coaxial catheter system (3-F system) in an experimental study.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We evaluated the passage of microcoils through MC6 within a blood vessel model using the saline flush technique. Six types of microcoils and 17 size variations (maximal curled diameter 2-10 mm, total length 20-140 mm) were used. We evaluated the passage and post-deployment shape of the microcoils as well as the volume of saline required to flush them.

RESULTS

In the experimental study, all microcoils passed through the MC6 and deployed in a satisfactory manner without catheter occlusion. The mean volumes of saline required to flush the TORNADO (n=1), Reverse TORNADO (n=6), HILAL (n=1), Micronester (n=3), VortX (n=4), and C-Stopper Coil (n=2) were 0.7 ml, 0.58+/-0.20 ml, 0.5 ml, 0.57+/-0.058 ml, 3.5+/-1.5 ml, and 0.70+/-0.14 ml, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean volume of saline required between the VortX and Reverse TORNADO (P=0.029), and between the VortX and C-Stopper Coil (P=0.031). The VortX required the greatest volume of saline.

CONCLUSION

Microcoil embolization through a 3-F system appears to be feasible for the coils examined in this study.

Stable transformation of rice (Oryza sativa L.) via microprojectile bombardment of highly regenerative, green tissues derived from mature seed

A highly efficient and reproducible transformation system for rice ( Oryza sativa L. cv. Taipei 309) was developed using microprojectile bombardment of highly regenerative, green tissues. These tissues were induced from mature seeds on NB-based medium containing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and high concentrations of cupric sulfate under dim light conditions; germinating shoots and roots were completely removed. Highly regenerative, green tissues were proliferated on the same medium and used as transformation targets. From 431 explants bombarded with transgenes [i.e. a hygromycin phosphotransferase ( hpt) gene plus one of a wheat thioredoxin h ( wtrxh), a barley NADP-thioredoxin reductase ( bntr), a maize Mutator transposable element ( mudrB) or beta-glucuronidase ( uidA; gus) gene], 28 independent transgenic events were obtained after an 8- to 12-week selection period, giving a 6.5% transformation frequency. Of the 28 independent events, 17 (61%) were regenerable. Co-transformation of the second introduced transgene was detected in 81% of the transgenic lines tested. Stable integration and expression of the foreign genes in T(0) plants and T(1) progeny were confirmed by DNA hybridization, western blot analyses and germination tests.

Expression of green fluorescent protein and its inheritance in transgenic oat plants generated from shoot meristematic cultures

The expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) and its inheritance were studied in transgenic oat ( Avena sativa L.) plants transformed with a synthetic green fluorescent protein gene [sgfp(S65T)] driven by a rice actin promoter. In vitro shoot meristematic cultures (SMCs) induced from shoot apices of germinating mature seeds of a commercial oat cultivar, Garry, were used as a transformation target. Proliferating SMCs were bombarded with a mixture of plasmids containing the sgfp(S65T) gene and one of three selectable marker genes, phosphinothricin acetyltransferase (bar), hygromycin phosphotransferase (hpt) and neomycin phosphotransferase (nptII). Cultures were selected with bialaphos, hygromycin B and geneticin (G418), respectively, to identify transgenic tissues. From 289 individual explants bombarded with the sgfp(S65T) gene and one of the three selectable marker genes, 23 independent transgenic events were obtained, giving a 8.0% transformation frequency. All 23 transgenic events were regenerable, and 64% produced fertile plants. Strong GFP expression driven by the rice actin promoter was observed in a variety of tissues of the T(0) plants and their progeny in 13 out of 23 independent transgenic lines. Stable GFP expression was observed in T(2) progeny from five independent GFP-expressing lines tested, and homozygous plants from two lines were obtained. Transgene silencing was observed in T(0) plants and their progeny of some transgenic lines.

[Spontaneous peripelvic urine extravasation associated with ileocecal cancer: a case report]

A case of spontaneous peripelvic extravasation with ileocecal cancer is reported. A 60-year-old man with right flank pain was referred to our department. Dripinfusion pyelography showed right peripelvic extravasation. Neither computed tomography (CT) nor retrograde pyelography revealed any ureteral stones or tumors. Urinary cytology was negative. One month later, right retrograde pyelography demonstrated the filling defect in the right ureter, but no stones, ureteral tumors or other tumors related to the ureter were detected by CT. An exploratory laparotomy was done. We found an ileocecal tumor invading to the right ureter and disseminated to the peritoneum. Histological diagnosis was mucinous carcinoma.

Characterization of Pathogenic Races of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis Causing Fusarium Wilt of Melon in New York

Forty-six isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis obtained from soil samples throughout melon-producing areas in New York State were identified on the basis of pathogenicity and colony morphology. Physiological races 1 and 2 were identified by their reaction on a set of differential melon cultivars. Race 1 was widely distributed, occurring in six of the seven New York counties surveyed. Twenty-seven of the 28 race 1 isolates were associated with vegetative compatibility group (VCG) 0134, whereas one was incompatible with all known VCGs of F. oxysporum f. sp. melonis. Twelve out of 18 race 2 isolates were associated with VCG 0131, and occurred in four counties in eastern and western New York. Five isolates of race 2, associated with VCG 0130, were recovered from a farm in Washington County, as was a single race 2 isolate which was incompatible with all known VCGs of F. oxysporum f. sp. melonis. Restriction fragment length polymorphisms in the nuclear DNA revealed variability among the isolates examined, but race 1/VCG 0134 isolates from New York and Maryland were identical or nearly so, as were race 2/VCG 0131 isolates from the two states. These findings suggest a close relationship between the populations of F. oxysporum f. sp. melonis in New York and Maryland. Race 2 isolates were more virulent than race 1 isolates, based on the number of days to first symptoms and death of melon seedlings.

Variation within and between populations of Fusarium oxysporum based on vegetative compatibility and mitochondrial DNA

Two hundred isolates of Fusarium oxysporum, 100 from each of two different locations, were collected from agricultural field soils in the San Joaquin Valley of California. These isolates comprised 39 different vegetative compatibility groups. Based on the frequency distribution of vegetative compatibility groups, populations of F. oxysporum at the two collection sites were different. At least one isolate from each vegetative compatibility group was examined for polymorphisms in mitochondrial DNA. A total of 41 differences in mitochondrial DNA were identified, each of which was treated as a character and scored as present or absent in each strain. There were 11 unique combinations (haplotypes) of the 41 characters. Three mitochondrial DNA haplotypes were common to both sites and the remaining eight occurred at only one of the two sites. Isolates in the same vegetative compatibility group were always associated with the same mitochondrial DNA haplotype. Many isolates in different vegetative compatibility groups also shared a common mitochondrial DNA haplotype. Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. melonis, cause of Fusarium wilt of muskmelon, was associated with the same mitochondrial DNA haplotype as eight vegetative compatibility groups of F. oxysporum that were not pathogenic to muskmelon. This result may indicate that either the pathogen was a recent derivative of nonpathogenic strains at the same location or avirulent strains have been derived from the pathogen. Key words: anastomosis, fungi, heterokaryon, Fusarium wilt.

Vegetative compatibility groupings in a local population of Fusarium oxysporum

One hundred isolates of Fusarium oxysporum collected from soil in the San Joaquin Valley in 1988 were tested for their ability to form intra- and inter-isolate heterokaryons. Five thousand and fifty isolate combinations were tested for vegetative compatibility, using complementary nitrate nonutilizing mutants. Ninety-eight combinations (2%) produced weakly positive reactions, 248 (5%) produced strong reactions, and 4704 combinations (93%) were negative for heterokaryon formation. This result suggests that anastomosis occurs infrequently among isolates in this population. Isolates were assigned to vegetative compatibility groups based on strong reactions. By this procedure 100 isolates were placed in 29 vegetative compatibility groups. At least one isolate from each of the 29 vegetative compatibility groups was tested and found to be vegetatively incompatible with the muskmelon wilt pathogen, F. oxysporum f. sp. melonis, which occurs in the same field. Each of these isolates also was avirulent to muskmelon in greenhouse pathogenicity tests. Forty isolates of F. oxysporum were collected in 1989 and 32 (80%) were compatible with isolates collected in 1988. The remaining eight isolates represented eight different vegetative compatibility groups. Key words: anastomosis, fungi, heterokaryon.

Contribution of nitropyrene to the mutagenic activity of coal fly ash

Stack-collected coal fly ash from western low-sulfur coal was extracted with 60:40 benzene/methanol. This extract was fractionated by preparative-scale high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the mutagenic activity of 14 fractions was evaluated by microbial assay with Salmonella typhimurium TA1538. A widespread distribution of direct-acting mutagens, which probably includes both mono- and dinitroaromatics, was detected. HPLC methods were also used to isolate 1-nitropyrene from the total benzene/methanol extract. The identification of 1-nitropyrene was based on gas chromatographic and HPLC retention measurements and mass spectral data. The concentration of 1-nitropyrene in the ash extract was determined by quantitative HPLC analyses. Mutagenicity assays of the total extract and an authentic 1-nitropyrene standard with Salmonella strains TA1538, TA100, and TA98 indicated that the 1-nitropyrene accounts for approximately 0.03-0.16% of the total mutagenic activity of the extract.