Cloning and Characterization of Cyp7a1 and Cyp27a1 Genes from the Non-Parasitic Japanese Lamprey Lethenteron reissneri

Two cytochrome P450 genes homologous to human CYP7A1 and CYP27A1 were cloned from the non-parasitic Japanese lamprey Lethenteron reissneri. Lamprey cyp7a1 mRNA had varied expression levels among individuals: about four orders of magnitude differences in larval liver and nearly three orders of magnitude differences in male adult liver. Overexpressed Cyp7a1 protein tagged with green fluorescent protein (GFP) was localized to the endoplasmic reticulum. Lamprey cyp27a1 mRNA had relatively constant expression levels: within two orders of magnitude differences in larvae and adult liver and intestine. GFP-tagged Cyp27a1 protein was localized to mitochondria. The expression profiles of lamprey cyp7a1 and cyp27a1 genes and the cellular localizations of their products were in good agreement with their counterparts in mammals, where these two P450s catalyze initial hydroxylation reactions of cholesterol in classical and alternative pathways of bile acid synthesis, respectively. The cyp7a1 mRNA levels in adult male liver showed significant negative correlations to both body weight and total length of the animal, implying the involvement of the gene in the production of female-attractive pheromones in sexually matured male livers. The lamprey Cyp7a1 contains a long extension of 116 amino acids between helices D and E of the protein. Possible roles of this extension in regulating the enzymatic activity of lamprey Cyp7a1 are discussed.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Diastolic Fractional Flow Reserve for Functional Evaluation of Coronary Stenosis

Background

In the resting conditions, narrowing the window of coronary pressure measurements from the whole cardiac cycle to diastole improves diagnostic performance of coronary pressure–derived physiological index. However, whether this also applies to the hyperemic conditions has not yet been thoroughly evaluated.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess whether diastolic fractional flow reserve (diastolic FFR) has better diagnostic performance in identifying ischemia-causing coronary lesions than conventional FFR in a prospective, multicenter, and independent core laboratory–based environment.

Methods

In this prospective multicenter registry at 29 Japanese centers, we compared the diagnostic performance of FFR, diastolic FFR, resting distal to aortic coronary pressure (Pd/Pa), and diastolic pressure ratio (dPR) using myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) as the reference standard in 378 patients with single-vessel coronary disease.

Results

Inducible myocardial ischemia was found on MPS in the relevant myocardial territory of the target vessel in 85 patients (22%). In the receiver-operating curve analyses, diastolic FFR had comparable area under the curve (AUC) compared with FFR (AUC_{diastolic FFR}: 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.58-0.73, vs AUC_FFR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.58-0.74, P = 0.624). FFR and diastolic FFR showed significantly larger AUCs than resting Pd/Pa (0.62; 95% CI: 0.54-0.70; P = 0.033 and P = 0.046) but did not show significantly larger AUCs than dPR (0.62; 95% CI: 0.55-0.70; P = 0.102 and P = 0.113).

Conclusions

Diastolic FFR showed a similar diagnostic performance to FFR as compared with MPS. This result reaffirms the use of FFR as the most accurate invasive physiological lesion assessment. (Diagnostic accuracy of diastolic fractional flow reserve (d-FFR) for functional evaluation of coronary stenosis; UMIN000015906)

Not Only Hypoxia- but Radiation-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Is Modulated by Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 in A549 Lung Cancer Cells

Hypoxia leads to post-treatment metastasis and recurrences of cancer via the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Radiotherapy itself may also contribute to the acquisition of EMT phenotypes. Despite extensive studies on the EMT driven by either hypoxia or radiation stimuli, the molecular mechanisms characterizing these EMT events remain unclear. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the differences in the molecular pathways between hypoxia-induced EMT (Hypo-EMT) and radiation-induced EMT (R-EMT). Further, we investigated the therapeutic effects of HIF-1α inhibitor (LW6) on Hypo-EMT and R-EMT cells. A549 cells, lung adenocarcinoma cell line, acquired enhanced wound-healing activity under both hypoxia and irradiation. Localization of E-cadherin was altered from the cell membrane to the cytoplasm in both hypoxia and irradiated conditions. Of note, the expression levels of vimentin, one of the major EMT markers, was enhanced in irradiated cells, while it decreased under hypoxia condition. Importantly, LW6 significantly blocked EMT-related malignant phenotypes in both Hypo-EMT cells and R-EMT cells with concomitant re-location of E-cadherin onto the cell membrane. Moreover, LW6 deflected stress responsive signalling, JNK, activated sustainably under hypoxic condition, and the blockage of JNK impaired EMT phenotypes. Together, this work demonstrated the molecular events underlying Hypo-EMT and R-EMT, and highlighted HIF-1α as a therapeutic target not only in Hypo- EMT, but also in R-EMT.

Sex-related differences in clinical features and in-hospital outcomes of acute aortic dissection type b

Background

Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening medical condition with high morbidity and mortality. The association between female sex and poorer outcomes following surgery for AAD type A has been reported; however, the sex-related differences in clinical features and in-hospital outcomes of AAD type B remain to be elucidated.

Methods

We studied a total of 1877 patients with AAD type B who were enrolled in the Tokyo Acute Aortic Super-network from January 2013 to December 2016. Clinical features and in-hospital outcomes were compared between sexes. Independent predictors of in-hospital mortality were assessed using a multivariable analysis.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 69±13 years and 549 (29%) were females. Female patients were older than males (74±13 years vs 67±13 years; p<0.001). Females had lower systolic blood pressure on admission (158±37 mmHg vs 164±38 mmHg; p=0.007) and were more likely to have altered consciousness level at presentation (8.7% vs 3.9%; p<0.001), intramural hematoma (IMH)-type AAD (62.7% vs 53.6%; p<0.001), and DeBakey type IIIa (28.4% vs 21.8%; p=0.002) compared with males. Females were treated with medical therapy alone more frequently (90.3% vs 85.9%; p=0.009) and had a higher in-hospital mortality rate (5.3% vs 2.6%; p=0.036). A multivariable analysis revealed that age [per year, odds ratio (OR) 1.06; 95% CI 1.04–1.09; p<0.001], altered consciousness level (OR 3.28; 95% CI 1.54–6.98; p=0.002), shock/hypotension (OR 14.0; 95% CI 5.92–33.1; p<0.001), classic-type AAD (OR 2.54; 95% CI 1.36–4.73; p=0.003), and medical therapy alone (OR 0.28; 95% CI 0.15–0.54; p<0.001) were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality, whereas female sex was not predictive of in-hospital mortality (OR 1.64; 95% CI 0.91–2.96; p=0.10).

Conclusion

In AAD type B, females were older and had altered consciousness level, IMH-type, and a less widespread dissection more frequently than males. The overall in-hospital mortality was higher in females; however, female sex was not associated with in-hospital mortality after multivariable adjustment.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Diagnostic markers for discriminating between acute aortic dissection and acute myocardial infarction during the pre-hospital phase: analysis of 3,195 cases

 

Both acute aortic dissection (AAD) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) present with chest pain and are life-threatening diseases that require early diagnosis and treatment for better clinical outcome. However, two critical diseases in the very acute phase are sometimes difficult to differentiate, especially prior to arrival at the hospital for urgent diagnosis and selection of specific treatment.

The aim of our study was to clarify the diagnostic markers acquired from the information gathered from medical history taking and physical examination for discriminating AAD from AMI by using data from the Tokyo Cardiovascular Care Unit (CCU) Network database.

We examined the clinical features and laboratory data of patients with AAD and AMI who were admitted to the hospital in Tokyo between January 2013 and December 2015 by using the Tokyo CCU Network database. The Tokyo CCU Network consists of >60 hospitals that fulfil certain clinical criteria and receive patients from ambulance units coordinated by the Tokyo Fire Department. Of 15,061 patients diagnosed as having AAD and AMI, 3,195 with chest pain within 2 hours after symptom onset (537 AAD and 2,658 AMI) were examined. The patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest were excluded.

We compared the clinical data of the patients with chest pain who were diagnosed as having AAD and AMI. The following indicators were more frequent or had higher values among those with AAD: female sex (38% vs. 20%, P<0.001), systolic blood pressures (SBPs) at the time of first contact by the emergency crew (142 mmHg vs. 127 mmHg), back pain in addition to chest pain (54% vs. 5%, P<0.001), history of hypertension (73% vs. 58%, P<0.001), SBP ≥150 mmHg (39% vs. 22%, P<0.001), back pain combined with SBP ≥150 mmHg (23% vs. 0.8%, P<0.001), and back pain with SBP <90 mmHg (4.5% vs. 0.1%, P<0.001). The following data were less frequently observed among those with AAD: diabetes mellitus (7% vs. 28%, P<0.001), dyslipidaemia (17% vs. 42%, P<0.001), and history of smoking (48% vs. 61%, P<0.001). The multivariate regression analysis suggested that back pain with SBP ≥150 mmHg (odds ratio [OR] 47; 95% confidence interval [CI] 28–77; P<0.001), back pain with SBP <90 mmHg (OR 68, 95% CI 16–297, P<0.001), and history of smoking (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.38–0.63, P<0.001) were the independent markers of AAD. The sensitivity and specificity of back pain with SBPs of ≥150 mmHg and back pain with SBPs <90 mmHg for detecting AAD were 23% and 99%, and 4% and 99%, respectively.

In patients with chest pain suspicious of AAD and AMI, “back pain accompanied by chest pain with SBP ≥150 mmHg” or “back pain accompanied by chest pain with SBP <90 mmH” is a reliable diagnostic marker of AAD with high specificity, although the sensitivity was low. The two SBP values with back pain are markers that may be useful for the ambulance crew at their first contact with patients with chest pain.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Feasibility and safety of non-contrast percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with complicated acute coronary syndrome

Background

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) occurs in 10% to 20% of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), resulting in a poor short- and long-term prognosis. Reducing the amount of contrast medium can prevent CI-AKI.

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the feasibility and safety of non-contrast PCI in patients with ACS.

Methods

The study was a prospective and single-center registry. Successful non-contrast PCI was confirmed when contrast medium was not injected from the guiding catheter engagement to wire removal in ad-hoc PCI. Coronary angiography after the PCI procedure was permitted once. CI-AKI was defined as an increase in the serum creatinine of ≥0.5 mg/dL from or ≥1.25 times the baseline within 72 hours after PCI. Worsening renal function (WRF) was defined as an increase in the serum creatinine of ≥0.3 mg/dL from baseline after the PCI.

Results

The present study included 106 lesions from 81 patients. Forty-eight lesions were (45%) type C lesions. Successful non-contrast PCI was performed in 95 lesions (90%). CI-AKI was observed in 4 (5%); coronary perforation, 0; no/slow flow, 9 (11%); periprocedural death, 0. The follow-up period was 348 (190–492) days. Successful non-contrast PCI was not associated with the incidence of CI-AKI. However, WRF at 6-month was observed in 18 individuals (22%). Successful non-contrast PCI was inversely associated with WRF (hazard ratio, 0.28; 95% confidence interval, 0.09–0.90) after adjustment for renal function.

Conclusions

The present study suggests that non-contrast PCI is feasible and safe in ACS patients with complex lesions.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Ethanol lock therapy in pediatric patients: A multicenter prospective study

BACKGROUND

Ethanol lock therapy (ELT) has been performed for the purpose of preserving central venous catheters (CVC) in central venous catheter-related blood stream infection (CRBSI), but evidence for its effectiveness is not established. We conducted a multicenter, prospective study on the ELT protocol to ascertain its safety and effectiveness against CRBSI.

METHODS

The subjects were patients aged over 1 year with potential for developing CRBSI who had long-term indwelling silicone CVCs. After culturing the catheterized blood, a 70% ethanol lock was performed daily for 2-4 h for 7 days. The effectiveness rate of ELT for single and multiple courses, the presence or absence of relapse of CRBSI within 4 weeks of treatment, and whether the CVC could be salvaged after 4 weeks were examined.

RESULTS

From September 2014 to August 2018, 49 cases from six hospitals were enrolled in the study. Catheter blockage was seen in one case and the CVC was removed. A single course of ELT was effective in episodes 88% (42/48). In the remaining three episodes that failed after a single course of ELT, a second ELT was performed; however, all were ineffective. In episodes 93% (40/42), no CRBSI relapse was seen up to 4 weeks after the end of treatment. In episodes 84% (41/49), the catheter could be preserved for 4 weeks or more after the end of treatment. Facial flushing was seen in two cases as an adverse event; however, this was transient and soon disappeared.

CONCLUSION

ELT is effective for 88% of CRBSI and 84% of catheters can be salvaged; therefore, this protocol is considered useful.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

UMIN000013677.

P1825The characteristics of type A acute aortic dissection in patients with out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest analyzed by computed tomography

Background/Introduction

Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening condition associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, and is reported to have a 1–2% fatality rate per hour after onset. Therefore, many cases with AAD are considered to be included in patients with out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest (OHCPA). However at this time, there is a lack of documentation of these cases.

Purpose

In this study, we investigated the characteristics of Stanford type A AAD (TAAD) cases between OHCPA cases and survival cases using acute phase CT.

Methods

An acute phase CT scanning was performed on consecutive patients with OHCPA transported to our hospital in order to estimate the causes of cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA). Based on our emergency outpatient databases, we retrospectively reviewed the acute phase CT findings of OHCPA TAAD cases and survival TAAD cases diagnosed at our hospital during the same period.

Results

Of 1,011 consecutive patients with OHCPA, except for exogenous death from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2017, 934 patients underwent CT examination in the acute phase. Based on the clinical course and CT findings, 71 of the 934 patients (7.6%) were diagnosed with AAD. Out of 71 AAD patients, 66 were TAAD patients, and all of these patients were enrolled in the OHCPA group. On the other hand, 41 patients were registered as the survival group during the same period. These patients were diagnosed as TAAD and were admitted to our hospital without falling into CPA. Increased Age (78±8 years old vs 69±13 years old, P<0.01), visible intimal flap (63.6% vs 41.5%, P=0.043), bloody pericardial effusion (72.7% vs 26.8%, P<0.01), hemothorax (24.2% vs 0%, P<0.01) were significant in patients with the OHCPA group compared with the survival group. In addition, 56 patients with OHCPA (84.8%) had at least one of massive bloody pericardial effusion or massive hemothorax. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, increased age and bloody pericardial effusion were both found to be independent factors related to OHCPA.

Conclusion

In this study, it is thought that the main characteristics of the CT findings with OHCPA due to TAAD are a rupture of the aorta into the pericardial cavity or thoracic cavity.

P5599Prognostic impact of quality indicators on outcomes of acute aortic dissection in Japan

Background

Despite recent advances in diagnosis and management, the mortality of acute aortic dissection (AAD) remains high.

Purpose

This study aims to develop quality indicators (QIs) for the management of AAD, and to evaluate the associations between QIs and outcomes of AAD in a Japanese nationwide administrative database.

Methods

A total of 18,348 patients suffered from AAD (Type A: 10,131, Type B: 8,217) in the Japanese Registry of All Cardiac and Vascular Diseases database between 2012 and 2015 were studied. A systematic review was performed to establish initial index items for QIs. Evaluation was performed through the expert consensus meeting using a Delphi method. Associations between developed QIs and the mortality were determined by multivariate mixed logistic regression analyses.

Results

A total of nine QIs (five structural and four processatic) were developed. Achievements of developed QIs (High: 7–9, Middle: 4–6, Low: 0–3) were significantly associated with lower in-hospital mortality even after adjustment for covariates in both type A (Middle: odds ratio [OR], 0.257; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.211–0.312; P<0.001; High: OR, 0.064; 95% CI, 0.047–0.086; P<0.001 vs. Low) and type B (Middle: OR, 0.447; 95% CI, 0.338–0.590; P<0.001; High: OR, 0.128; 95% CI, 0.077–0.215; P<0.001 vs. Low). Additionally, achievements of structural and processatic QIs were consistently associated with reduced in-hospital mortality.

QIs and in-hospital mortality

Conclusions

Developed QIs for AAD management were significantly associated with lower in-hospital mortality. Evaluation of each hospital's management with QIs could be helpful to equalize quality of treatment and to fill the evidence-to-practice gaps in the real-world treatment.

P5607Clinical characteristics and treatment strategy for acute aortic dissection in Tokyo Acute Aortic Disease Super-Network System

Introduction

Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is one of the most fatal cardiovascular diseases. The prevalence of AAD is reported to be low. The clinical data of AAD from representative cardiovascular centers are not enough to show the whole range of clinical feature of AAD. We have to know the exact prevalence and clinical pictures of AAD under the new system, the Tokyo AAD Super-Network System (TAAD-SNS), for strategy of emergency transport and treatment of AAD which would cover the entire metropolitan area of Tokyo. TAAD-SNS started in 2011, and after slight modification, the new system of AAD re-started in 2013. The aim of this study is to elucidate the whole range of clinical characteristics and recent trends of treatment of AAD.

Methods

Out of 73 hospitals included in Tokyo CCU Network system, 41 hospitals are chosen for TAAD-SNS. These hospitals provide around-the-clock surgery. In this system, the availability of surgical division is monitored in real time. All of the patients suspected of AAD are transferred directly or from primary care hospital to the hospitals of TAAD-SNS.

Results

After exclusion of 237 patients with cardiopulmonary arrest on arrival, 4877 consecutive patients (2923 male, mean age of 69±14 y/o) were admitted to the hospitals with diagnosis of AAD from 2013 to 2016. Prevalence of AAD in Tokyo was about 10 patients per 100,000 populations in every year. After exclusion of 37 patients undetermined into type A or B, 4840 patients (2694 with type A and 2146 with type B) were analyzed. Among the type A patients, 1752 (65%) were classified into type of patent false lumen (classic-type), 721 (27%) of closed false lumen (intramural hematoma: IMH-type), and 221 (8%) were undetermined. Among the type B, 880 (41%) were classified into classic-type, 1129 (53%) of IMH-type, and 137 (6%) were undetermined. Both among type A and B, mean ages were younger in classic-type than in IMH-type (type A: 66±14 vs. 73±12 y/o, p<0.05; type B: 64±15 vs. 72±12 y/o, p<0.05). Prevalence of male population and risk factor of hypertension was higher in type B than in type A both among classic-type and IMH-type. Systolic blood pressure at the emergency room was lower in type A than in type B among both classic-type and IMH-type (classic-type: 124±34 vs. 161±38 mmHg, IMH-type: 130±51 vs. 163±56 mmHg). In-hospital mortality of surgical treatment for type A classic-type and type A IMH-type, conservative strategy for type B classic-type and type B IMH-type was 9.6%, 4.2%, 3.1% and 1.7%, respectively. Stentgraft implantation for type B AAD started and shows a favorable in-hospital mortality compared to the operative treatment (Stentgraft vs. surgery in type B classic-type: 7.8% vs. 6.5%, in type B IMH-type: 10.7% vs. 11.8%, respectively).

Conclusion

Our study showed that prevalence of AAD was 2–3 times higher than previous reports. We should consider to choose the treatment strategy according to the type of AAD, A or B, classic-type or IMH-type.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Tokyo Metropolitan government

78 Evaluation of the genomic estimated breeding value of carcass traits in blastocyst-stage embryos derived from Japanese Black cattle

Genomic selection based on a high-throughput microarray for genotyping single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is expected to accelerate genetic improvement in cattle. Recently, a genomic evaluation system for carcass traits, such as carcass weight and marbling score, is being established in Japanese Black cattle. To further increase genetic improvement efficiency in this breed, establishing a genomic evaluation system for pre-implantation embryos before embryo transfer (ET) is required. Here, we examined the correlation between genomic estimated breeding value (GEBV) of carcass traits calculated from embryonic (blastocyst) biopsy cells and from a corresponding calf produced by ET (Experiment 1); we also evaluated the pregnancy rate following ET of GEBV-evaluated blastocysts (GEBV blastocysts) preserved by vitrification (Experiment 2). In total, 16 Japanese Black dams and cryopreserved semen from 6 Japanese Black sires were used for producing in vivo blastocysts (Day 7-8). In Experiment 1, four blastocysts (IETS code 1) were divided into biopsy cells (15-20 cells) and biopsied embryos using a micromanipulator equipped with a micro blade. Biopsy cells were processed for DNA extraction and whole-genome amplification. Freshly biopsied embryos were transferred to recipient cows, and DNA was extracted from the blood or ear cells of the resulting 4 calves. Then SNP genotyping was performed using Illumina bovine LD BeadChip (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA). The GEBV of 6 carcass traits (carcass weight, ribeye area, rib thickness, subcutaneous fat thickness, estimated yield percent, and marbling score) were calculated using phenotypic and genotypic data from 4,311 Japanese Black steers, and these were compared between biopsy cells and the corresponding calf. In Experiment 2, 134 blastocysts (IETS code 1 and 2) in total were biopsied (10-20 cells), and the biopsied embryos were vitrified by the cryotop method. Biopsy cells were processed for SNP genotyping as in Experiment 1, and the samples in which the call rate was more than 85% were used for GEBV calculation. Based on GEBV records, 24 vitrified GEBV blastocysts were warmed, cultured for 3 to 5h, and 22 GEBV blastocysts that survived (re-expanded) post-culture were transferred to recipient cows. Pregnancy in these cows was diagnosed using ultrasonography during Day 55 to 60 of gestation. In Experiment 1, the SNP call rates of the biopsy cells and corresponding calf were 98.5 to 99.3% and 99.7 to 99.8%, respectively. The GEBV of 6 carcass traits from biopsy cells and from the corresponding calf had almost the same values. In Experiment 2, the SNP call rates of the biopsy cells were ranged from 26.1 to 99.3%. The GEBV of 6 carcass traits varied among full-sib embryos. The pregnancy rate following ET of vitrified GEBV blastocysts was 40.9% (9/22). These results suggest the possible application of a genomic evaluation system for carcass traits at the blastocyst stage in Japanese Black cattle. Further large-scale assessment of pregnancy rates following ET of cryopreserved GEBV blastocysts is required for practical application of the evaluation system.

Tumour-suppressive miRNA-26a-5p and miR-26b-5p inhibit cell aggressiveness by regulating PLOD2 in bladder cancer

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have revealed that miR-26a-5p and miR-26b-5p act as tumour suppressors in various types of cancer tissues. Here, we aimed to investigate the functional roles of these miRNAs and to identify their regulatory targets in bladder cancer (BC).

METHODS

We performed functional assays in BC cells using transfection of mature microRNAs (miRNAs). In silico and luciferase reporter analyses were applied to identify target genes of these miRNAs. The overall survival (OS) of patients with BC was evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

miR-26a-5p and miR-26b-5p were significantly downregulated in BC tissues. Restoration of these miRNAs inhibited cell migration and invasion in BC. The gene encoding procollagen-lysine, 2-oxoglutarate 5-dioxygenase 2 (PLOD2), a collagen crosslinking enzyme, was directly regulated by miR-26a-5p and miR-26b-5p. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that patients with high PLOD2 expression had significantly shorter OS compared with those with low PLOD2 expression (P=0.0153).

CONCLUSIONS

PLOD2, which is associated with the stiffness of the extracellular matrix, was directly regulated by miR-26a-5p and miR-26b-5p and may be a good prognostic marker in patients with BC.

Refractive index determination by coherence scanning interferometry

Coherence scanning interferometry is established as a powerful noncontact, three-dimensional, metrology technique used to determine accurate surface roughness and topography measurements with subnanometer precision. The helical complex field (HCF) function is a topographically defined helix modulated by the electrical field reflectance, originally developed for the measurement of thin films. An approach to extend the capability of the HCF function to determine the spectral refractive index of a substrate or absorbing film has recently been proposed. In this paper, we confirm this new capability, demonstrating it on surfaces of silicon, gold, and a gold/palladium alloy using silica and zirconia oxide thin films. These refractive index dispersion measurements show good agreement with those obtained by spectroscopic ellipsometry.

Massive bowel resection upregulates the intestinal mRNA expression levels of cellular retinol-binding protein II and apolipoprotein A-IV and alters the intestinal vitamin A status in rats

Short bowel (SB) syndrome causes the malabsorption of various nutrients. Among these, vitamin A is important for a number of physiological activities. Vitamin A is absorbed by epithelial cells of the small intestine and is discharged into the lymphatic vessels as a component of chylomicrons and is delivered to the liver. In the present study, we used a rat model of SB syndrome in order to assess its effects on the expression of genes associated with the absorption, transport and metabolism of vitamin A. In the rats with SB, the intestinal mRNA expression levels of cellular retinol-binding protein II (CRBP II, gene symbol Rbp2) and apolipoprotein A-IV (gene symbol Apoa4) were higher than those in the sham-operated rats, as shown by RT-qPCR. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that absorptive epithelial cells stained positive for both CRBP II and lecithin retinol acyltransferase, which are both required for the effective esterification of vitamin A. In the rats with SB, the retinol content in the ileum and the retinyl ester content in the jejunum were lower than those in the sham-operated rats, as shown by quantitative analysis of retinol and retinyl esters by high performance liquid chromatography. These results suggest that the elevated mRNA expression levels of Rbp2 and Apoa4 in the rats with SB contribute to the effective esterification and transport of vitamin A.

Indoor air quality and thermal comfort in temporary houses occupied after the Great East Japan Earthquake

Thermal conditions and indoor concentrations of aldehydes, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and NO2 were investigated in 19 occupied temporary houses in 15 temporary housing estates constructed in Minamisoma City, Fukushima, Japan. The data were collected in winter, spring, and summer in January to July 2012. Thermal conditions in temporary log houses in the summer were more comfortable than those in pre-fabricated houses. In the winter, the indoor temperature was uncomfortably low in all of the houses, particularly the temporary log houses. Indoor air concentrations for most aldehydes and VOCs were much lower than the indoor guidelines, except for those of p-dichlorobenzene, acetaldehyde, and total VOCs. The indoor p-dichlorobenzene concentrations exceeded the guideline (240 μg/m(3)) in 18% of the temporary houses, and the 10(-3) cancer risk level (91 μg/m(3)) was exceeded in winter in 21% due to use of moth repellents by the occupants. Indoor acetaldehyde concentrations exceeded the guideline (48 μg/m(3) ) in about half of the temporary houses, likely originating from the wooden building materials. Indoor NO2 concentrations in the temporary houses were significantly higher in houses where combustion heating appliances were used (0.17 ± 0.11 ppm) than in those where they were not used (0.0094 ± 0.0065 ppm).

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

In the winter, log-house-type temporary houses are comfortable in terms of humidity, dew condensation, and fungi based on the results of questionnaires and measurements, whereas pre-fabricated temporary houses are more comfortable in terms of temperature. In the summer, log-house-type temporary houses are comfortable in terms of temperature and humidity. More comfortable temporary housing in terms of temperature and humidity year-round is needed. Indoor air concentrations of p-dichlorobenzene and NO2 were quite high in some temporary houses due to occupants’ activities, such as use of moth repellents and combustion heating appliances. The government should provide recommendations for safe use of temporary houses by occupants.

Preparation And Characterization Of Some Nickel 1,2-Dithiolene Complexes As Single-Component Semiconductors

The unsymmetrical (mixed-ligand) nickel 1,2-dithiolene complexes Ni(pddt)(dmio) and Ni(pddt)(dmit) (where pddt is 6,7-dihydro-5H-1,4-dithiepin-2,3-dithiolate, dmio is 1,3-dithiol-2-one- 4,5-dithiolate, and dmit is 1,3-dithiol-2-thione-4,5-dithiolate) were synthesized and characterized. The new complexes were found to be soluble in organic solvents, from which single crystals and/or thin deposits can be obtained. In the solid state, the compounds behave as single-component semiconductors with low room temperature conductivity values

Differential increases in the expression of intermediate filament proteins and concomitant morphological changes of transdifferentiating rat hepatic stellate cells observed in vitro

The primary function of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the storage of vitamin A. However, they are also responsible for liver fibrosis and are therapeutic targets for treatment of liver cirrhosis. Among the many molecular markers that define quiescent or activated states of HSCs, the characteristics of type III intermediate filaments are of particular interest. Whereas vimentin and desmin are upregulated in activated HSCs, glial fibrillary acidic protein is downregulated in activated HSCs. The functional differences between vimentin and desmin are poorly understood. By time-course quantifications of several molecular markers for HSC activation, we observed that the expression of vimentin preceded that of desmin during the transdifferentiation of HSCs. The immunoreactivity of vimentin in transdifferentiated HSCs was more intense in perinuclear regions compared to that of desmin. We propose that the delayed expression of desmin following the expression of vimentin and the peripheral localization of desmin compared to vimentin are both related to the more extended phenotype of transdifferentiating HSCs observed in vitro.

Tumour-suppressive microRNA-29s inhibit cancer cell migration and invasion by targeting laminin-integrin signalling in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Background:

Our recent studies of microRNA (miRNA) expression signatures demonstrated that microRNA-29s (miR-29s; miR-29a/b/c) were significantly downregulated in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and were putative tumour-suppressive miRNAs in human cancers. Our aim in this study was to investigate the functional significance of miR-29s in cancer cells and to identify novel miR-29s-mediated cancer pathways and responsible genes in HNSCC oncogenesis and metastasis.

Methods:

Gain-of-function studies using mature miR-29s were performed to investigate cell proliferation, migration and invasion in two HNSCC cell lines (SAS and FaDu). To identify miR-29s-mediated molecular pathways and targets, we utilised gene expression analysis and in silico database analysis. Loss-of-function assays were performed to investigate the functional significance of miR-29s target genes.

Results:

Restoration of miR-29s in SAS and FaDu cell lines revealed significant inhibition of cancer cell migration and invasion. Gene expression data and in silico analysis demonstrated that miR-29s modulated the focal adhesion pathway. Moreover, laminin γ2 (LAMC2) and α6 integrin (ITGA6) genes were candidate targets of the regulation of miR-29s. Luciferase reporter assays showed that miR-29s directly regulated LAMC2 and ITGA6. Silencing of LAMC2 and ITGA6 genes significantly inhibited cell migration and invasion in cancer cells.

Conclusion:

Downregulation of miR-29s was a frequent event in HNSCC. The miR-29s acted as tumour suppressors and directly targeted laminin–integrin signalling. Recognition of tumour-suppressive miRNA-mediated cancer pathways provides new insights into the potential mechanisms of HNSCC oncogenesis and metastasis and suggests novel therapeutic strategies for the disease.

Indoor air quality, air exchange rates, and radioactivity in new built temporary houses following the Great East Japan Earthquake in Minamisoma, Fukushima

This study measured air exchange rates, indoor concentrations of aldehydes and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and radioactivity levels at 19 temporary houses in different temporary housing estate constructed in Minamisoma City following the Great East Japan Earthquake. The 19 surveyed houses represented all of the companies assigned to construct temporary houses in that Minamisoma City. Data were collected shortly after construction and before occupation, from August 2011 to January 2012. Mean air exchange rates in the temporary houses were 0.28/h, with no variation according to housing types and construction date. Mean indoor concentrations of formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, toluene, ethylbenzene, m/p-xylene, o-xylene, styrene, p-dichlorobenzene, tetradecane, and total VOCs (TVOCs) were 29.2, 72.7, 14.6, 6.35, 3.05, 1.81, 7.29, 14.3, 8.32, and 901 μg/m(3), respectively. The levels of acetaldehyde and TVOCs exceeded the indoor guideline (48 μg/m(3)) and interim target (400 μg/m(3)) in more than half of the 31 rooms tested. In addition to guideline chemicals, terpenes (α-pinene and d-limonene) and acetic esters (butyl acetate and ethyl acetate) were often detected in these houses. The indoor radiation levels measured by a Geiger-Müller tube (Mean: 0.22 μSv/h) were lower than those recorded outdoors (Mean: 0.42 μSv/h), although the shielding effect of the houses was less than for other types of buildings.

The role of retinoic acid receptors in activated hepatic stellate cells

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), also known as Ito cells, fat-storing cells, vitamin A-storing cells or lipocytes, reside in the spaces between hepatocytes and liver sinusoids. Vitamin A storage within the HSCs is achieved through the cooperative action of two proteins, cellular retinol-binding protein (CRBP) I and lecithin:retinol acyltransferase (LRAT). After the discovery that HSCs are responsible not only for the storage of vitamin A, but also for the development of liver fibrosis and subsequent liver cirrhosis, HSCs have been considered a therapeutic target for prevention or reversal of liver fibrogenesis. We have reported that HSCs acquire retinoid responsiveness after in vitro activation by post-transcriptional upregulation of retinoic acid receptor α gene expression. Here we extend this observation in relation to the functions of CRBP I and LRAT, and propose a hypothesis that increased retinoid signaling in activated HSCs forms a feedback loop toward vitamin A restoration in the liver.

Tumour-suppressive microRNA-874 contributes to cell proliferation through targeting of histone deacetylase 1 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Our recent studies of microRNA (miRNA) expression signature demonstrated that microRNA-874 (miR-874) was significantly downregulated in maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinoma (MSSCC), and a putative tumour-suppressive miRNA in human cancers. Our aim of this study was to investigate the functional significance of miR-874 in cancer cells and to identify novel miR-874-mediated cancer pathways and responsible genes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

METHODS

Gain-of-function studies using mature miR-874 were performed to investigate cell proliferation and cell cycle distribution in HNSCC cell lines (SAS and FaDu). To identify miR-874-mediated molecular pathways and targets, we utilised gene expression analysis and in silico database analysis. Loss-of-function assays were performed to investigate the functional significance of miR-874 target genes.

RESULTS

Expression levels of miR-874 were significantly downregulated in HNSCC tissues (including oral, pharyngeal and laryngeal SCCs) compared with normal counterpart epithelia. Restoration of miR-874 in SAS and FaDu cell lines revealed significant inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of G2/M arrest and cell apoptosis. Our expression data and in silico analysis demonstrated that miR-874 modulated the cell cycle pathway. Moreover, histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) was a candidate target of miR-874 regulation. Luciferase reporter assays showed that miR-874 directly regulated HDAC1. Silencing of the HDAC1 gene significantly inhibited cell proliferation and induced G2/M arrest and cell apoptosis in SAS cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Downregulation of miR-874 was a frequent event in HNSCC. miR-874 acted as a tumour suppressor and directly targeted HDAC1. Recognition of tumour-suppressive miRNA-mediated cancer pathways provides new insights into the potential mechanisms of HNSCC oncogenesis and suggests novel therapeutic strategies for the disease.

Response of the Nrf2 protection system in human monocytic cells after ionising irradiation

In response to reactive oxygen species (ROS) or electrophiles, the transcription factor nuclear factor-erythroid 2 (NF-E2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) rapidly translocates into the nucleus and induces the expression of various antioxidant genes, such as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Low linear energy transfer (LET) ionising radiations such as X-rays generate ROS, which cause biological damage. However, little is known about whether the Nrf2 system in human monocytic cells is activated by low LET ionising irradiation. Therefore, in this study, the response of the Nrf2 system to X-irradiation in human monocytic THP1 cells was investigated. Following exposure of THP1 cells to X-rays (1-5 Gy), intracellular ROS levels were measured using 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, Nrf2 localisation was determined using immunofluorescence staining and HO-1 mRNA and protein expression were examined. Although ROS were generated by irradiation in a dose-dependent manner, they disappeared immediately after irradiation. Nrf2 translocation into the nucleus was observed 6 h after 5 Gy X-irradiation but was not detected following 1-2 Gy irradiation or in non-irradiated controls. HO-1 expression was significantly higher in 5 Gy-irradiated cells after 24 h than in non-irradiated controls. These results indicate that high-dose irradiation (5 Gy) activates Nrf2 and that the Nrf2 protection system may function from 24 h after irradiation in human monocytic cells.

Pressure-induced colossal piezoresistance effect and the collapse of the polaronic state in the bilayer manganite (La(0.4)Pr(0.6))(1.2)Sr(1.8)Mn2O7

We have investigated the effect of hydrostatic pressure as a function of temperature on the resistivity of a single crystal of the bilayer manganite (La(0.4)Pr(0.6))(1.2)Sr(1.8)Mn(2)O(7). Whereas a strong insulating behaviour is observed at all temperatures at ambient pressure, a clear transition into a metallic-like behaviour is induced when the sample is subjected to a pressure (P) of ~1.0 GPa at T < 70 K. A huge negative piezoresistance ~10(6) in the low temperature region at moderate pressures is observed. When the pressure is increased further (5.5 GPa), the high temperature polaronic state disappears and a metallic behaviour is observed. The insulator to metal transition temperature exponentially increases with pressure and the distinct peak in the resistivity that is observed at 1.0 GPa almost vanishes for P > 7.0 GPa. A modification in the orbital occupation of the e(g) electron between 3d(x(2)-y(2)) and 3d(z(2)-r(2)) states, as proposed earlier, leading to a ferromagnetic double-exchange phenomenon, can qualitatively account for our data.

Characterization of a cellular retinol-binding protein from lamprey, Lethenteron japonicum

Lampreys are ancestral representatives of vertebrates known as jawless fish. The Japanese lamprey, Lethenteron japonicum, is a parasitic member of the lampreys known to store large amounts of vitamin A within its body. How this storage is achieved, however, is wholly unknown. Within the body, the absorption, transfer and metabolism of vitamin A are regulated by a family of proteins called retinoid-binding proteins. Here we have cloned a cDNA for cellular retinol-binding protein (CRBP) from the Japanese lamprey, and phylogenetic analysis suggests that lamprey CRBP is an ancestor of both CRBP I and II. The lamprey CRBP protein was expressed in bacteria and purified. Binding of the lamprey CRBP to retinol (Kd of 13.2 nM) was identified by fluorimetric titration. However, results obtained with the protein fluorescence quenching technique indicated that lamprey CRBP does not bind to retinal. Northern blot analysis showed that lamprey CRBP mRNA was ubiquitously expressed, although expression was most abundant in the intestine. Together, these results suggest that lamprey CRBP has an important role in absorbing vitamin A from the blood of host animals.

Transhiatal jejunal interposition preserving the whole stomach and vagal trunk for a benign esophageal stricture in a male adolescent: report of a case

Benign esophageal strictures are generally treated with medication and balloon dilation; however, when repeated dilations fail, surgery is the only option. When performing surgery for benign esophageal stricture in young patients, it is important to consider not only the surgical stress and likelihood of complications but also digestive function after reconstruction, the durability of the reconstruction, and the potential for cancerous change in the reconstructed organs. We describe how we treated a 14-year-old boy with benign esophageal stricture by performing transhiatal esophagectomy assisted by mediastinoscopy, preserving the whole stomach and vagus nerve, and interposing pedicled jejunum between the cervical esophagus and stomach through a posterior mediastinal route, with good long-term results.

Tumour suppressive microRNA-874 regulates novel cancer networks in maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

On the basis of the microRNA (miRNA) expression signature of maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinoma (MSSCC), we found that miR-874 was significantly reduced in cancer cells. We focused on the functional significance of miR-874 in cancer cells and identification of miR-874-regulated novel cancer networks in MSSCC.

METHODS

We used PCR-based methods to investigate the downregulated miRNAs in clinical specimens of MSSCC. Our signature analyses identified 23 miRNAs that were significantly reduced in cancer cells, such as miR-874, miR-133a, miR-375, miR-204, and miR-1. We focused on miR-874 as the most downregulated novel miRNA in our analysis.

RESULTS

We found potential tumour suppressive functions such as inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and invasion. A molecular target search of miR-874 revealed that PPP1CA was directly regulated by miR-874. Overexpression of PPP1CA was observed in MSSCC clinical specimens. Silencing of the PPP1CA gene significantly inhibited cancer cell proliferation and invasion.

CONCLUSION

The downregulation of miR-874 was a frequent event in MSSCC, which suggests that miR-874 functions as a tumour suppressive miRNA, directly regulating PPP1CA that has a potential role of an oncogene. The identification of novel miR-874-regulated cancer pathways could provide new insights into potential molecular mechanisms of MSSCC oncogenesis.