Impact of amino acid 233 in Tax on bovine leukemia virus infection in Japanese Black cattle

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is an economically important pathogen that both causes fatal enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) and reduces lifetime milk production, reproductive efficiency, carcass weight, and longevity in dairy cows. The virus can be divided into two categories based on the amino acid at position 233 in Tax protein, which activates viral transcription and probably plays crucial roles in leukemogenesis. We recently reported that early-onset EBL in Japanese Black (JB) cattle was frequently caused by L233-Tax-carrying virus. This study examined the impact of BLV infection, the proviral load (PVL), and amino acid 233 in Tax on the outcomes of JB cattle. We measured PVL in cattle enrolled between February 2016 and December 2018, determined the Tax type of the isolates, and performed follow-up until March 2022. The results demonstrated that BLV infection increased the risk of involuntary culling and mortality in JB cattle in a PVL-dependent manner. Infection with L233-Tax-carrying virus increased the likelihood of mortality by 1.6-fold compared with the effects of P233-Tax-carrying virus infection. Intrauterine and perinatal infections were frequently caused by L233-Tax-carrying virus, and these infections were likely to influence the early onset of EBL in JB cattle. Conversely, breeding cows infected with P233-Tax-carrying virus were often eliminated by involuntary culling. These findings indicate that amino acid 233 in Tax has importance in terms of preventing economic loss attributable to EBL in JB cattle.

Effect of the duration of previous osteoporosis treatment on the effect of romosozumab treatment

The effect of romosozumab is affected by previous osteoporosis treatment. Here we showed that the duration of the previous treatment just before romosozumab affects the therapeutic effect of romosozumab. Using denosumab and oral bisphosphonates for more than 1 year attenuates the effect of romosozumab.

INTRODUCTION

As an anti-sclerostin antibody, romosozumab suppresses bone resorption and stimulates bone formation. We investigated whether the effectiveness of 12 months of romosozumab treatment depended on the duration of previous treatment with teriparatide, denosumab, or oral bisphosphonates.

METHODS

In total, 259 osteoporosis patients received subcutaneous injections of romosozumab (210 mg) every 4 weeks during 2019 and 2020. This study was designed as a pre-post comparison. The end points were the percent changes of bone mineral density (BMD) after 12 months of romosozumab treatment. The patients were divided into seven groups depending on the type and duration of previous treatment before starting romosozumab as follows: non-previous treatment group, change from teriparatide used for 1 year or less/more than 1 year, change from denosumab used for 1 year or less/more than 1 year, and change from oral bisphosphonates used for 1 year or less/more than 1 year.

RESULTS

The effects of previous treatment with teriparatide on the effectiveness of 12-month romosozumab did not clearly depend on the duration of treatment (p > 0.05). In contrast, the effects of previous treatments with denosumab or oral bisphosphonates on the effectiveness of 12-month romosozumab depended on the previous treatment duration, which was reflected by the differences in percent change of the spine BMD (both p < 0.05), however, there were no significant differences in the percent change of the total hip BMD (both p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The duration of the previous treatment affected the effectiveness of romosozumab. Using denosumab and oral bisphosphonate for more than 1 year attenuated the effect of romosozumab.

Assessment of the middle mesial canals of mandibular first molars using cone-beam computed tomography: an in vivo study

OBJECTIVE

For a successful root canal therapy, it is necessary to locate all the canals debride and seal them with an inert filling material. The clinician must be aware of the internal morphology and variations in a permanent tooth. Mandibular first molars are widely studied to identify variations in the anatomy of the pulp space. In this study, the primary objective was to measure the distance between the mesiobuccal (MB) and mesiolingual (ML) canals in patients with and without a middle mesial canal (MMC) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The secondary objectives were to assess the tapering degree of the mesial root and to measure the dentinal thickness in relation to the danger-zone area in patients with and without an MMC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 200 CBCT scans were evaluated for the presence of an MMC. Two observers performed the observations, and the results obtained were subject to statistical analyses.

RESULTS

The results revealed the prevalence of MMC was 5%. The average distance between the MB and ML canals was higher when there was an MMC [M(SD) = 3.61 (0.6) vs. 2.69 (0.66)]. However, there were no differences between the groups in the distance to the danger-zone area and the tapering degree of the mesial root. On CBCT images, the MMC was clearly visible 3 mm apical to the level of the cementoenamel junction; beyond 3 mm, the MMC could not be traced.

CONCLUSIONS

Based upon the results of this study, the average distance between the MB and ML canals was higher when there was an MMC. A lesser degree of taper would be preferred to prepare the MMC than to prepare the other canals. It is recommended that careful examination of the canal 3 mm apical to the cementoenamel junction should be carried out when attempting to detect an MMC.

Early clinical effects, safety, and predictors of the effects of romosozumab treatment in osteoporosis patients: one-year study

Romosozumab is an effective treatment for spine osteoporosis because it reduces the incidence of new fractures and significantly increases the percent change in the spine BMD at 12 months. The percent change in the spine BMD is higher in patients not previously treated with other anti-osteoporosis medications.

INTRODUCTION

Romosozumab appeared as a new osteoporosis medication in Japan in 2019. It is an anti-sclerostin antibody, which increases bone formation and suppresses bone resorption. The aim of our study was to elucidate the clinical effects, safety, and predictors of the effects of one-year romosozumab treatment.

METHODS

This study was an observational study designed as a pre-post study in 262 patients. Romosozumab (210 mg) was administered subcutaneously once every 4 weeks during 12 months. We focused on incidence of new fractures, safety, bone mineral density (BMD) at the spine and total hip, and bone metabolism markers.

RESULTS

There were five cases of new fractures during one-year romosozumab treatment. There were no fatal adverse events. Percent changes from baseline in the spine and total hip BMD after 12 months of romosozumab treatment were 10.67% and 2.04%, respectively. Romosozumab had better effects in cases of severe osteoporosis with low spine BMD, high TRACP-5b, and high iP1NP at the start of romosozumab treatment. The percent change in the spine BMD at 12 months was significantly lower in the group transitioning from bisphosphonates than in the group not previously treated with other anti-osteoporosis medications.

CONCLUSION

Romosozumab is an effective treatment for spine osteoporosis because it significantly increases the percent change in the spine BMD at 12 months. The percent change in the spine BMD is higher in patients not previously treated with other anti-osteoporosis medications.

Early clinical effects, safety, and appropriate selection of bone markers in romosozumab treatment for osteoporosis patients: a 6-month study

Our 6-month study showed the usefulness of romosozumab for preventing fractures and its safety. It was effective in patients with low baseline spine BMD, high TRACP-5b, and high iP1NP. Percent change from baseline of TRACP-5b and iP1NP after 1 month correlated with that from baseline of BMD after four to 6-month treatment.

INTRODUCTION

Romosozumab appeared as a new osteoporosis medication in Japan in 2019. It is an anti-sclerostin antibody which increases bone formation and suppresses bone resorption. In this study, we analyzed the actual clinical effects, adverse effects, and the optimal way to evaluate the treatment.

METHODS

Romosozumab was administered as subcutaneous injection of 210 mg once every 4 weeks. We conducted pre-post study in 185 patients treated for 6 months. We focused on the incidence of new vertebral fractures, safety, bone mineral density (BMD) at the spine and total hip, and bone metabolism markers. We evaluated BMD before romosozumab treatment and after 4 to 6 months and performed the serum analysis before romosozumab treatment, after 1, 3, and 6 months.

RESULTS

There was no new fracture during treatment, and there was no fatal adverse event including cardiovascular disease. Since percent changes from baseline of the spine and total hip BMD were 6.34% and 1.53% after 4- to 6-month treatment, the treatment was effective for spine osteoporosis. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b) and intact type I procollagen N-terminal propeptide (iP1NP) had significant changes during romosozumab treatment (p < 0.05). Percent change from baseline of TRACP-5b and iP1NP after 1 month correlated with percent change from baseline of BMD after 4 to 6 months of treatment.

CONCLUSION

Romosozumab is effective in preventing fractures and useful for increasing the spine BMD. Also, romosozumab is relatively safe to use. It is especially effective in patients with low baseline spine BMD, high TRACP-5b, and high iP1NP.

Devil's staircase transition of the electronic structures in CeSb

Solids with competing interactions often undergo complex phase transitions with a variety of long-periodic modulations. Among such transition, devil's staircase is the most complex phenomenon, and for it, CeSb is the most famous material, where a number of the distinct phases with long-periodic magnetostructures sequentially appear below the Néel temperature. An evolution of the low-energy electronic structure going through the devil's staircase is of special interest, which has, however, been elusive so far despite 40 years of intense research. Here, we use bulk-sensitive angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and reveal the devil's staircase transition of the electronic structures. The magnetic reconstruction dramatically alters the band dispersions at each transition. Moreover, we find that the well-defined band picture largely collapses around the Fermi energy under the long-periodic modulation of the transitional phase, while it recovers at the transition into the lowest-temperature ground state. Our data provide the first direct evidence for a significant reorganization of the electronic structures and spectral functions occurring during the devil's staircase.

Risk model for severe postoperative complications after total pancreatectomy based on a nationwide clinical database

BACKGROUND

Total pancreatectomy is required to completely clear tumours that are locally advanced or located in the centre of the pancreas. However, reports describing clinical outcomes after total pancreatectomy are rare. The aim of this retrospective observational study was to assess clinical outcomes following total pancreatectomy using a nationwide registry and to create a risk model for severe postoperative complications.

METHODS

Patients who underwent total pancreatectomy from 2013 to 2017, and who were recorded in the Japan Society of Gastroenterological Surgery and Japanese Society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery database, were included. Severe complications at 30 days were defined as those with a Clavien-Dindo grade III needing reoperation, or grade IV-V. Occurrence of severe complications was modelled using data from patients treated from 2013 to 2016, and the accuracy of the model tested among patients from 2017 using c-statistics and a calibration plot.

RESULTS

A total of 2167 patients undergoing total pancreatectomy were included. Postoperative 30-day and in-hospital mortality rates were 1·0 per cent (22 of 2167 patients) and 2·7 per cent (58 of 167) respectively, and severe complications developed in 6·0 per cent (131 of 2167). Factors showing a strong positive association with outcome in this risk model were the ASA performance status grade and combined arterial resection. In the test cohort, the c-statistic of the model was 0·70 (95 per cent c.i. 0·59 to 0·81).

CONCLUSION

The risk model may be used to predict severe complications after total pancreatectomy.

P1520 Aortic flow reversal caused by aortic regurgitation deteriorates renal function

Background

Chronic kidney disease is a growing public health problem. Renal dysfunction is known as a strong risk factor for cardiovascular disease and end-stage renal failure. The presence of pan-diastolic flow reversal in the abdominal aorta is a very specific sign of severe aortic regurgitation (AR). A higher aortic reverse/forward flow ratio is associated with lower intrarenal forward flow. However, the influence of AR on renal function has been poorly understood. We hypothesized that the aortic flow reversal reduces the renal artery forward flow and accordingly leads to renal dysfunction in patients with severe AR.

Methods

The study consisted of 21 consecutive patients (mean age 69 ± 11 years) with severe AR who underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR). We compared echocardiographic indices and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) before and 603 ± 541 days after AVR.

Results

Blood pressure was 122 ± 16/54 ± 8 mmHg before AVR and 123 ± 16/76 ± 11 mmHg after AVR. After AVR, left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic dimension decreased from 57 ± 9 to 44 ± 5 mm and LV ejection fraction increased from 58 ± 12 to 60 ± 11 %. Estimated GFR significantly increased from 62.9 ± 18.9 to 71.8 ± 18.1 mL/min per 1.73 m2 after AVR (p = 0.003).

Conclusions An increase in aortic flow reversal caused by severe AR reduces forward flow into the kidney and thereby deteriorates renal function. This study demonstrated a key mediating role of central hemodynamic factors, particularly an exaggerated aortic flow reversal in renal dysfunction and severe AR.

Direct observation of imploded core heating via fast electrons with super-penetration scheme

Fast ignition (FI) is a promising approach for high-energy-gain inertial confinement fusion in the laboratory. To achieve ignition, the energy of a short-pulse laser is required to be delivered efficiently to the pre-compressed fuel core via a high-energy electron beam. Therefore, understanding the transport and energy deposition of this electron beam inside the pre-compressed core is the key for FI. Here we report on the direct observation of the electron beam transport and deposition in a compressed core through the stimulated Cu Kα emission in the super-penetration scheme. Simulations reproducing the experimental measurements indicate that, at the time of peak compression, about 1% of the short-pulse energy is coupled to a relatively low-density core with a radius of 70 μm. Analysis with the support of 2D particle-in-cell simulations uncovers the key factors improving this coupling efficiency. Our findings are of critical importance for optimizing FI experiments in a super-penetration scheme.

Band-dependent superconducting gap in SrFe2(As0.65P0.35)2 studied by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy

The isovalent-substituted iron pnictide compound SrFe₂(As_1−xP_x)₂ exhibits multiple evidence for nodal superconductivity via various experimental probes, such as the penetration depth, nuclear magnetic resonance and specific heat measurements. The direct identification of the nodal superconducting (SC) gap structure is challenging, partly because the presence of nodes is not protected by symmetry but instead caused by an accidental sign change of the order parameter, and also because of the three-dimensionality of the electronic structure. We have studied the SC gaps of SrFe₂(As_0.65P_0.35)₂ in three-dimensional momentum space by synchrotron and laser-based angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. The three hole Fermi surfaces (FSs) at the zone center have SC gaps with different magnitudes, whereas the SC gaps of the electron FSs at the zone corner are almost isotropic and k_z-independent. As a possible nodal SC gap structure, we propose that the SC gap of the outer hole FS changes sign around the Z-X [(0, 0, 2π) − (π, π, 2π)] direction.

Variable tibiofemoral articular contact stress in fixed-bearing total knee arthroplasties

BACKGROUND

Rotational allowance at the tibiofemoral joint would be required during deep flexion. However, the amount of flexion and rotation has not been investigated in modern total knee arthroplasty (TKA) designs. The present study aimed to determine the contact stress in five posterior-stabilized fixed-bearing TKA designs.

HYPOTHESIS

We hypothesized that the contact area and stresses at the tibiofemoral articular surfaces vary according to the type of implant design and tested condition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The contact area and mean and peak contact stresses at the tibiofemoral articular surfaces were determined when a compressive load of 1200N was applied to a NexGen LPS Flex, Scorpio NRG, Genesis II, PFC Sigma, and Foundation implant. Measurements were performed at 0° and 45° flexion with 0°, 5°, 10°, and 15° rotation, and at 90° and 135° flexion with 0, 5°, 10°, 15°, and 20° rotation.

RESULTS

The LPS Flex showed that the femoral component could not achieve 20° rotation at 135° flexion. The Scorpio NRG showed less than 20MPa of contact stress at all conditions. The Genesis II showed higher contact stress than 20MPa at 135° flexion with 20° rotation. The PFC Sigma showed that the femoral component could not achieve >10° rotation at any flexion angle. The Foundation showed more than 20MPa of contact stress at 90° flexion with 20° rotation and at 135° flexion with 10°, 15°, and 20° rotation.

DISCUSSION

Surgeons should be more aware of the variable contact conditions of the tibiofemoral articular surfaces in individual TKA designs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, basic science study.

Characterisation of osteophytes as an autologous bone graft source: An experimental study in vivo and in vitro

Objectives

Osteophytes are products of active endochondral and intramembranous ossification, and therefore could theoretically provide significant efficacy as bone grafts. In this study, we compared the bone mineralisation effectiveness of osteophytes and cancellous bone, including their effects on secretion of growth factors and anabolic effects on osteoblasts.

Methods

Osteophytes and cancellous bone obtained from human patients were transplanted onto the calvaria of severe combined immunodeficient mice, with Calcein administered intra-peritoneally for fluorescent labelling of bone mineralisation. Conditioned media were prepared using osteophytes and cancellous bone, and growth factor concentration and effects of each graft on proliferation, differentiation and migration of osteoblastic cells were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, MTS ((3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium)) assays, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and migration assays.

Results

After six weeks, the area of mineralisation was significantly higher for the transplanted osteophytes than for the cancellous bone (43803 μm₂, sd 14660 versus 9421 μm₂, sd 5032, p = 0.0184, one-way analysis of variance). Compared with cancellous bone, the conditioned medium prepared using osteophytes contained a significantly higher amounts of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 (471 pg/ml versus 333 pg/ml, p = 0.0001, Wilcoxon rank sum test), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 (47.75 pg/ml versus 32 pg/ml, p = 0.0214, Wilcoxon rank sum test) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 (314.5 pg/ml versus 191 pg/ml, p = 0.0418, Wilcoxon rank sum test). The stronger effects of osteophytes towards osteoblasts in terms of a higher proliferation rate, upregulation of gene expression of differentiation markers such as alpha-1 type-1 collagen and alkaline phosphate, and higher migration, compared with cancellous bone, was confirmed.

Conclusion

We provide evidence of favourable features of osteophytes for bone mineralisation through a direct effect on osteoblasts. The acceleration in metabolic activity of the osteophyte provides justification for future studies evaluating the clinical use of osteophytes as autologous bone grafts.

Cite this article: K. Ishihara, K. Okazaki, T. Akiyama, Y. Akasaki, Y. Nakashima. Characterisation of osteophytes as an autologous bone graft source: An experimental study in vivo and in vitro. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:73–81. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.62.BJR-2016-0199.R1.

Serous cystic neoplasm of the pancreas: a multinational study of 2622 patients under the auspices of the International Association of Pancreatology and European Pancreatic Club (European Study Group on Cystic Tumors of the Pancreas)

OBJECTIVES

Serous cystic neoplasm (SCN) is a cystic neoplasm of the pancreas whose natural history is poorly known. The purpose of the study was to attempt to describe the natural history of SCN, including the specific mortality.

DESIGN

Retrospective multinational study including SCN diagnosed between 1990 and 2014.

RESULTS

2622 patients were included. Seventy-four per cent were women, and median age at diagnosis was 58 years (16-99). Patients presented with non-specific abdominal pain (27%), pancreaticobiliary symptoms (9%), diabetes mellitus (5%), other symptoms (4%) and/or were asymptomatic (61%). Fifty-two per cent of patients were operated on during the first year after diagnosis (median size: 40 mm (2-200)), 9% had resection beyond 1 year of follow-up (3 years (1-20), size at diagnosis: 25 mm (4-140)) and 39% had no surgery (3.6 years (1-23), 25.5 mm (1-200)). Surgical indications were (not exclusive) uncertain diagnosis (60%), symptoms (23%), size increase (12%), large size (6%) and adjacent organ compression (5%). In patients followed beyond 1 year (n=1271), size increased in 37% (growth rate: 4 mm/year), was stable in 57% and decreased in 6%. Three serous cystadenocarcinomas were recorded. Postoperative mortality was 0.6% (n=10), and SCN's related mortality was 0.1% (n=1).

CONCLUSIONS

After a 3-year follow-up, clinical relevant symptoms occurred in a very small proportion of patients and size slowly increased in less than half. Surgical treatment should be proposed only for diagnosis remaining uncertain after complete workup, significant and related symptoms or exceptionally when exists concern with malignancy. This study supports an initial conservative management in the majority of patients with SCN.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

IRB 00006477.

Correction of coronal alignment correlates with reconstruction of joint height in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty

OBJECTIVES

Because there have been no standard methods to determine pre-operatively the thickness of resection of the proximal tibia in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), information about the relationship between the change of limb alignment and the joint line elevation would be useful for pre-operative planning. The purpose of this study was to clarify the correlation between the change of limb alignment and the change of joint line height at the medial compartment after UKA.

METHODS

A consecutive series of 42 medial UKAs was reviewed retrospectively. These patients were assessed radiographically both pre- and post-operatively with standing anteroposterior radiographs. The thickness of bone resection at the proximal tibia and the distal femur was measured radiographically. The relationship between the change of femorotibial angle (δFTA) and the change of joint line height, was analysed.

RESULTS

The mean pre- and post-operative FTA was 180.5° (172.2° to 184.8°) and 175.0° (168.5° to 178.9°), respectively. The mean δFTA was 5.5° (2.3° to 10.1°). The joint line elevation of the tibia (JLET) was 4.4 mm (2.1 to 7.8). The δFTA was correlated with the JLET (correlation coefficient 0.494, p = 0.0009).

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicated that there is a significant correlation between the change of limb alignment and joint line elevation. This observation suggests that it is possible to know the requirement of elevation of the joint line to obtain the desired correction of limb alignment, and to predict the requirement of bone resection of the proximal tibia pre-operatively. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2015;4:128-133.

Correction of coronal alignment correlates with reconstruction of joint height in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty

Objectives

Because there have been no standard methods to determine pre-operatively the thickness of resection of the proximal tibia in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), information about the relationship between the change of limb alignment and the joint line elevation would be useful for pre-operative planning. The purpose of this study was to clarify the correlation between the change of limb alignment and the change of joint line height at the medial compartment after UKA.

Methods

A consecutive series of 42 medial UKAs was reviewed retrospectively. These patients were assessed radiographically both pre- and post-operatively with standing anteroposterior radiographs. The thickness of bone resection at the proximal tibia and the distal femur was measured radiographically. The relationship between the change of femorotibial angle (δFTA) and the change of joint line height, was analysed.

Results

The mean pre- and post-operative FTA was 180.5° (172.2° to 184.8°) and 175.0° (168.5° to 178.9°), respectively. The mean δFTA was 5.5° (2.3° to 10.1°). The joint line elevation of the tibia (JLET) was 4.4 mm (2.1 to 7.8). The δFTA was correlated with the JLET (correlation coefficient 0.494, p = 0.0009).

Conclusions

This study indicated that there is a significant correlation between the change of limb alignment and joint line elevation. This observation suggests that it is possible to know the requirement of elevation of the joint line to obtain the desired correction of limb alignment, and to predict the requirement of bone resection of the proximal tibia pre-operatively. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2015;4:128–133

Histidine-rich protein as a possible origin of free amino acids of stratum corneum

The origin of free amino acids and/or their metabolites of the stratum corneum was investigated by pulse-chase experiments using hairless mice. Two, 24, 48, and 72 hrs after the animals were pulse-chased with 3H-histidine or 3H-arginine, radioactivity was determined in the following three fractions of the epidermis: the 0.1 N HClO4 soluble, ethanol soluble fraction (Fr. I); the 0.1N NClO4 soluble, ethanol insoluble fraction (Fr. II); and the 0.1 N HClO4 insoluble, 8M urea soluble fraction (Fr. III). Radioactivity of the epidermal proteins was also determined in SDS-PAGE gels by the gel slicing method. At first, 3H-histidine and/or 3H-arginine were predominantly incorporated into Fr. III, especially into a certain epidermal protein which showed little mobility on SDS-PAGE. Subsequently, 3H, once incorporated into Fr. III, appeared to shift from Fr. III to Fr. II and, simultaneously, from the top band(s) to a band of 32,000 daltons. As a result of amino acid analysis, a protein of Fr. II was considered a histidine-rich protein corresponding to HRP-II of the new born rats of Ball et al. After 48 hrs, as the radioactivities of Fr. III and Fr. II decreased remarkably, Fr. I gradually increased in radioactivity. The major radioactive substances in Fr. I at 72 hrs were identified as 3H-histidine and 3H-urocanic acid when 3H-histidine was used as a tracer, and as 3H-arginine, 3H-ornithine, and 3H-citrulline in the case of 3H-arginine. The amino acid composition of the histidine-rich protein was very similar to that of the free amino acids of the stratum corneum in the hairless mouse, in which some amino acid metabolites were considered as their precursor amino acids. These results strongly suggest that the free amino acids and/or their metabolites of the stratum corneum might be the final products of a degradation of the histidine-rich protein.

Phosphorylation of Smad2/3 at the specific linker threonine residue indicates slow-cycling esophageal stem-like cells before re-entry to the cell cycle

The stem cell compartment in the esophageal epithelium is possibly located in the basal layer. We have identified significant expression of Smad2/3, phosphorylated at specific linker threonine residues (pSmad2/3L-Thr), in the epithelial cells of murine stomach and intestine, and have suggested that these cells are epithelial stem cells. In this study, we explore whether pSmad2/3L-Thr could serve as a biomarker for esophageal stem cells. We examined esophageal tissues from normal C57BL/6 mice and those with esophagitis. Double immunofluorescent staining of pSmad2/3L-Thr with Ki67, CDK4, p63, or CK14 was performed. After immunofluorescent staining, we stained the same sections with hematoxylin-eosin and observed these cells under a light microscope. We used the 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling assay to examine label retention of pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells. We collected specimens 5, 10, 15 and 20 days after repeated BrdU administrations and observed double immunofluorescent staining of pSmad2/3L-Thr with BrdU. In the esophagus, pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells were detected in the basal layer. These cells were detected between Ki67 immunostaining-positive cells, but they were not co-localized with Ki67. pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells showed co-localization with CDK4, p63, and CK14. Under a light microscope, pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells indicated undifferentiated morphological features. Until 20 days follow-up period, pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells were co-localized with BrdU. pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells significantly increased in the regeneration phase of esophagitis mucosae, as compared with control mice (esophagitis vs.

CONTROL

6.889 ± 0.676/cm vs. 4.293 ± 0.659/cm; P < 0.001). We have identified significant expression of pSmad2/3L-Thr in the specific epithelial cells of murine esophagi. We suggest that these cells are slow-cycling epithelial stem-like cells before re-entry to the cell cycle.

Current concept, diagnosis and pathogenesis of autoimmune pancreatitis as IgG4-related disease

Recently, autoimmune pancreatitis, a pancreatic manifestation of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) has been recognized as a novel clinical entity associated with massive infiltration of IgG4-positive cells. The first international symposium on IgG4-RD endorsed the comprehensive nomenclature as IgG4-RD, which the Japanese research committee supported by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan proposed in 2009, and proposed the individual nomenclatures for each organ system manifestations and the international pathologic consensus in 2011. In addition to the pathological consensus, the Japanese comprehensive diagnostic criteria (CDC) for IgG4-RD for general use, and several organ specific criteria for the organ specified physicians have been proposed; the International Consensus Diagnostic Criteria and the revised clinical diagnostic criteria in 2011 by Japan Pancreas Society (JPS-2011) for type1 AIP, the Clinical Diagnostic Criteria 2012 for IgG4-sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC-2012), the diagnostic criteria for IgG4-positive Mikulicz's disease by the Japanse Society for Sjogren's syndrome, and Diagnostic criteria for IgG4-related kidney disease by the Japanese Society of Nephrology. Although the pathogenic mechanism still remains unclear, we have proposed a hypothesis of the pathogenic mechanism; abnormal innate and acquired immunity, regulatory T cells, and B cells on abnormal genetic backgrounds may be involved in the development of IgG4-cholangiopathy. Further studies are necessary to clarify the pathogenesis including genetic backgrounds, disease specific antigens, and the role of IgG4.

Superconducting pairing and the pseudogap in the nematic dynamical stripe phase of La2-xSrxCuO4

Fully absorption coefficient corrected Raman spectra were obtained in La2-xSrxCuO4. The B1g spectra have a Fleury-Loudon type two-magnon peak (resonant term) whose energy decreases from 3180 cm(-1) (394 meV) to 440 cm(-1) (55 meV) on increasing the carrier density from x = 0 to 0.25, while the B2g spectra have a 1000-3500 cm(-1) (124-434 meV) hump (hill) whose lower-edge energy increases from x = 0 to 0.115 and then stays constant to x = 0.25. The B2g hump is assigned to the electronic scattering (non-resonant term) of the spectral function with magnetic self-energy. The completely different carrier density dependence arises from anisotropic magnetic excitations of spin-charge stripes. The B1g spectra were assigned to the sum of k ∥  and k⊥ stripe excitations and the B2g spectra to k⊥ stripe excitations according to the calculation by Seibold and Lorenzana (2006 Phys. Rev. B 73 144515). The k ∥  and k⊥ stripe excitations in fluctuating spin-charge stripes were separately detected for the first time. The appearance of only k⊥ stripe excitations in the electronic scattering arises from the charge hopping perpendicular to the stripe. This is the same direction as the Burgers vector of the edge dislocation in metal. The successive charge hopping in the Burgers vector direction across the charge stripes may cause Cooper pairs as predicted by Zaanen et al (2004 Ann. Phys. 310 181). Indeed, this is supported by the experimental fact that the superconducting coherent length coincides with the inter-charge stripe distance in the wide carrier density range. The one-directional charge hopping perpendicular to the stripe causes the flat Fermi surface and the pseudogap near (π,0) and (0,π), but the states around (π/2,π/2) cannot be produced. The low-energy Raman scattering disclosed that the electronic states at the Fermi arc around (π/2,π/2) are coupled to the A1g soft phonon of the tetragonal-orthorhombic phase transition. This suggests that the Fermi arc is produced by the electron-phonon interaction. All the present Raman data suggest that Cooper pairs are formed at moving edge dislocations of dynamical charge stripes.

Correlation between Raman sum and optical conductivity sum in La(2-x)Sr(x)CuO4

In a strongly correlated electron system, the single-particle spectral function changes into a coherent peak and incoherent humps which extend over 1 eV. The incoherent parts lose the symmetry and k dependence, so that the Raman spectra with different symmetries become identical and they are expressed by the optical conductivity. We found that the B1g and B2g spectra in La(2-x)Sr(x)CuO4 become identical above 2000 cm(-1) in the underdoped phase, if Fleury-Loudon type B1g two-magnon scattering is removed. The first Raman susceptibility moment correlates with the generalized optical conductivity moment. The good correlation arises from the incoherent states of a hump from 1000 to 4000 cm(-1). The hump is the only structure of the incoherent electronic states in the mid-infrared absorption spectra below 1.4 eV at low carrier densities. The energy is twice the separated dispersion segments of the spin wave in the k(perpendicular) stripe direction. The incoherent state is formed by the magnetic excitations created by the hole hopping in the antiferromagnetic spin stripes in the real space picture.

Anomalous dressing of Dirac fermions in the topological surface state of Bi2Se3, Bi2Te3, and Cu-doped Bi2Se3

Quasiparticle dynamics on the topological surface state of Bi(2(3), Bi(2)Te(3), and superconducting Cu(x)Bi(2)Se(3) are studied by 7 eV laser-based angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy. We find strong mode couplings in the Dirac-cone surface states at energies of ~3 and ~15-20 meV associated with an exceptionally large coupling constant λ of ~3, which is one of the strongest ever reported for any material. This result is compatible with the recent observation of a strong Kohn anomaly in the surface phonon dispersion of Bi(2)Se(3), but it appears that the theoretically proposed "spin-plasmon" excitations realized in helical metals are also playing an important role. Intriguingly, the ~3 meV mode coupling is found to be enhanced in the superconducting state of Cu(x)Bi(2)Se(3).

Effects of macronutrient intake on thigh muscle mass during home-based walking training in middle-aged and older women

We examined whether post-exercise macronutrient supplementation during a 5-month home-based interval walking training (IWT) accelerated exercise-induced increases in skeletal muscle mass and strength in healthy middle-aged and older women. Thirty-five women (41-78 years) were randomly divided into two groups: IWT alone (CNT, n = 18) or IWT plus post-exercise macronutrient (7.6 g protein, 32.5 g carbohydrate, and 4.4 g fat) supplementation (NUT, n = 17). For IWT, all subjects were instructed to repeat five or more sets of 3-min low-intensity walking at 40% peak aerobic capacity (Vo2 peak ), followed by a 3-min high-intensity walking above 70% Vo2 peak per day for 4 or more days per week. We determined Vo2 peak , thigh muscle tissue area by computer tomography, and thigh muscle strength in all subjects before and after IWT. We found that an increase in hamstring muscle tissue area was 2.8 ± 1.2% in NUT vs -1.0 ± 0.7% in CNT and that in isometric knee flexion force was 16.3 ± 3.7% in NUT vs 6.5 ± 3.0% in CNT; both were significantly higher in NUT than in CNT (both, P < 0.001). Thus, post-exercise macronutrient supplementation enhanced the increases in thigh muscle mass and strength, although partially, in home-based IWT in middle-aged and older women.

Advanced glycation end products-induced vascular calcification is mediated by oxidative stress: functional roles of NAD(P)H-oxidase

Vascular calcification, especially medial artery calcification, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus and end-stage kidney disease. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulated in these patients may be associated with vascular calcification, although their actions are obscure. Since AGEs can induce oxidative stress, which leads to vascular damage, we investigated an in vitro study to elucidate the effects of AGEs and the roles of NAD(P)H oxidase in the pathogenesis of vascular calcification. A7r5, rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were incubated in calcification medium with glycolaldehyde-derived AGE (AGE3) to measure calcium deposition and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and to determine mRNA levels of osteopontin (OPN), osteocalcin (OCN), Runx2, Nox-1, Nox-4, and p22(phox) by real-time PCR. Calcium deposition was increased by AGE3 in a dose-dependent manner (100-300 μg/dl) in A7r5 cells. Expression levels of Runx2, OPN, and OCN mRNAs were significantly higher in AGE3 treatment than those in control BSA. Increased 8-OHdG concentration in the culture medium and higher expression of Nox-1, Nox-4, and p22(phox) mRNAs (3-6-fold) were observed in cells treated with AGE3. AGE3-stimulated calcium deposition was significantly decreased in the cells transfected by either small interfering RNA for Nox-4 or p22(phox), compared to the controls. In contrast, no significant effect was shown in silencing of Nox-1. Excessive oxidative stress and osteoblastic transition of VSMCs are involved in the pathogenesis of AGEs-induced vascular calcification. NAD(P)H oxidase plays important roles in this process.

Evidence for a cos(4φ) modulation of the superconducting energy gap of optimally doped FeTe(0.6)Se(0.4) single crystals using laser angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy

We study the superconducting-gap anisotropy of the Γ-centered hole Fermi surface in optimally doped FeTe(0.6)Se(0.4) (T(c)=14.5 K), using laser-excited angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. We observe sharp superconducting (SC) coherence peaks at T=2.5 K. In contrast to earlier angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy studies but consistent with thermodynamic results, the momentum dependence shows a cos(4φ) modulation of the SC-gap anisotropy. The observed SC-gap anisotropy strongly indicates that the pairing interaction is not a conventional phonon-mediated isotropic one. Instead, the results suggest the importance of second-nearest-neighbor electronic interactions between the iron sites in the framework of s(±)-wave superconductivity.

Alternaric acid stimulates phosphorylation of His-tagged RiCDPK2, a calcium-dependent protein kinase in potato plants

Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPK) are an essential component of plant defense mechanisms against pathogens. We investigated the effect of alternaric acid, a host-specific toxin produced by the plant fungal pathogen Alternaria solani (Pleosporaceae), on a putative plasma membrane and cytosolic kinase RiCDPK2 of potato (Solanum tuberosum) and on hypersensitive cell death of host potato cells. Alternaric acid, in the presence of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺, stimulated in vitro phosphorylation of His-tagged RiCDPK2, a Ca²⁺-dependent protein kinase found in potato plants. We concluded that Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ play an important role in the interaction between alternaric acid and RiCDPK2. Based on our observations, alternaric acid regulates RiCDPK2 kinase during the infection process in an interaction between host and A. solani, leading to the inhibition of hypersensitive cell death in the host. We suggest that alternaric acid is a primary determinant by which A. solani stimulates CDPK activity in the host, suppressing hypersensitive cell death.

Measurement of ion and electron temperatures in plasma blobs by using an improved ion sensitive probe system and statistical analysis methods

We have measured ion temperature as well as electron temperature in plasma blobs observed in a linear plasma device by using an improved ion sensitive probe. Current-voltage characteristics of the ion sensitive probe inside and outside plasma blobs were re-constructed with a conditional sampling method. It is clearly found that both ion and electron temperatures in plasma blobs decrease more slowly in a cross-field direction than those in a bulk plasma without plasma blobs.

Enlarged post-operative posterior condyle tightens extension gap in total knee arthroplasty

We investigated whether the extension gap in total knee replacement (TKR) would be changed when the femoral component was inserted. The extension gap was measured with and without the femoral component in place in 80 patients with varus osteoarthritis undergoing posterior-stabilised TKR. The effect of a post-operative increase in the size of the femoral posterior condyles was also evaluated. The results showed that placement of the femoral component significantly reduced the medial and lateral extension gaps by means of 1.0 mm and 0.9 mm, respectively (p < 0.0001). The extension gap was reduced when a larger femoral component was selected relative to the thickness of the resected posterior condyle. When the post-operative posterior lateral condyle was larger than that pre-operatively, 17 of 41 knees (41%) showed a decrease in the extension gap of > 2.0 mm. When a specially made femoral trial component with a posterior condyle enlarged by 4 mm was tested, the medial and lateral extension gaps decreased further by means of 2.1 mm and 2.8 mm, respectively.

If the thickness of the posterior condyle is expected to be larger than that pre-operatively, it should be recognised that the extension gap is likely to be altered. This should be taken into consideration when preparing the extension gap.

Common origin of the circular-dichroism pattern in angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy of SrTiO3 and Cu(x)Bi2Se3

Circular dichroism in the angular distribution of photoelectrons from SrTiO(3):Nb and Cu(x)Bi(2)Se(3) is investigated by 7-eV laser angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. In addition to the well-known node that occurs in the circular dichroism pattern when the incidence plane matches the mirror plane of the crystal, we show that another type of node occurs when the mirror plane of the crystal is vertical to the incidence plane and the electronic state is two-dimensional. The flower-shaped circular dichroism patterns in the angular distribution occurring around the Fermi level of SrTiO(3):Nb and around the Dirac point of Cu(x)Bi(2)Se(3) are explained on equal footings. We point out that the penetration depth of the topological states of Cu(x)Bi(2)Se(3) depends on momentum.

Chemopreventive activity of sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) from yacon against TPA-induced Raji cells deformation

Yacon is a medicinal plant used as a traditional medicine by the natives in South America. In Japan, it becomes popular as a health food. Sesquiterpene Lactones (SLs) from yacon leaves were investigated and the active SLs such as enhydrin, uvedalin and sonchifolin, bearing alpha-methylene-gamma-lactone and epoxides as the active functional groups, were identified by 1H-6000 MHz-NMR. Chemopreventive and cytotoxic activities were determined using different primary screening methods. In this study, all tested SLs strongly inhibited TPA-induced deformed of Raji cells. The IC50 values of yacon SLs from anti-deforming assay were 0.04-0.4 microM. Interestingly, yacon SLs showed more potential of chemo preventive activity than both curcumin and parthenolide. However, the cytotoxicity on Raji cells was observed at high concentration of yacon SLs. The degree of anti-deformation was ranked in order: enhydrin >uvedalin >sonchifolin >parthenolide >curcumin. As according to structure-activity relationship, the high activities of enhydrin, uvedalin and sonchifolin may be due to the 2-methyl-2-butenoate and its epoxide moiety.

Mean Inner Potential of Nanostructured Noble Metal Catalysts - Pt/TiO2 Catalyst -

Catalytic properties of noble metal catalysts are often caused by their nanostructures. Gold catalysts are typical cases. It is especially interesting that the catalytic property of gold suddenly changes to resemble that of platinum when the mean size of gold dispersed on certain oxides is <2nm. This phenomenon should be owing to the change of the local electronic structure of the gold particle or the interface between the gold and the oxides, however its detail has not been cleared yet. We measured the mean inner potential of gold particles supported on TiO2 using electron holography and HREM, and found that the mean inner potential of gold depend largely on the size of the gold particles. When the size is >5nm, the mean inner potential is the same as the reported values of bulk gold (experimental: 21–23V, calculated: 25–30V). When the size is <5nm, it begins to increase >30V, and it begins to increase suddenly >40V at the size <2nm. It indicates that the electronic structure of the gold particle varies from that of the bulk state as the size of the gold reduces due to the nano-size effect or the interaction at the interface, since the mean inner potential is sensitive to the electronic state of the outer valence electron. On the other hand, the behavior of the platinum catalysts is different from that of gold catalysts. When the size of the platinum particle on the TiO2 support is >1.5nm, the mean inner potential of platinum is the same as that of the bulk (∼25V). In case of the particle with the size <1.5nm, it begins to increase and the increase rate is lower than that of the gold particles with the size <2nm. It is suggested to be due to the difference of the interaction with TiO2.

Identification of QTLs that control clubroot resistance in Brassica oleracea and comparative analysis of clubroot resistance genes between B. rapa and B. oleracea

To perform comparative studies of CR (clubroot resistance) loci in Brassica oleracea and Brassica rapa and to develop marker-assisted selection in B. oleracea, we constructed a B. oleracea map, including specific markers linked to CR genes of B. rapa. We also analyzed CR-QTLs using the mean phenotypes of F(3) progenies from the cross of a resistant double-haploid line (Anju) with a susceptible double-haploid line (GC). In the nine linkage groups obtained (O1-O9), the major QTL, pb-Bo(Anju)1, was derived from Anju with a maximum LOD score (13.7) in O2. The QTL (LOD 5.1) located in O5, pb-Bo(GC)1, was derived from the susceptible GC. Other QTLs with smaller effects were found in O2, O3, and O7. Based on common markers, it was possible to compare our finding CR-QTLs with the B. oleracea CR loci reported by previous authors; pb-Bo(GC)1 may be identical to the CR-QTL reported previously or a different member contained in the same CR gene cluster. In total, the markers linked to seven B. rapa CR genes were mapped on the B. oleracea map. Based on the mapping position and markers of the CR genes, informative comparative studies of CR loci between B. oleracea and B. rapa were performed. Our map discloses specific primer sequences linked to CR genes and includes public SSR markers that will promote pyramiding CR genes in intra- and inter-specific crosses in Brassica crops. Five genes involved in glucosinolates biosynthesis were also mapped, and GSL-BoELONG and GSL-BoPro were found to be linked to the pb-Bo(Anju)1 and Bo(GC)1 loci, respectively. The linkage drag associated with the CR-QTLs is briefly discussed.

Standard steroid treatment for autoimmune pancreatitis

OBJECTIVE

To establish an appropriate steroid treatment regimen for autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP).

METHODS

A retrospective survey of AIP treatment was conducted in 17 centres in Japan. The main outcome measures were rate of remission and relapse.

RESULTS

Of 563 patients with AIP, 459 (82%) received steroid treatment. The remission rate of steroid-treated AIP was 98%, which was significantly higher than that of patients without steroid treatment (74%, 77/104; p<0.001). Steroid treatment was given for obstructive jaundice (60%), abdominal pain (11%), associated extrapancreatic lesions except the biliary duct (11%), and diffuse enlargement of the pancreas (10%). There was no relationship between the period necessary to achieve remission and the initial dose (30 mg/day vs 40 mg/day) of prednisolone. Maintenance steroid treatment was given in 377 (82%) of 459 steroid-treated patients, and steroid treatment was stopped in 104 patients. The relapse rate of patients with AIP on maintenance treatment was 23% (63/273), which was significantly lower than that of patients who stopped maintenance treatment (34%, 35/104; p = 0.048). From the start of steroid treatment, 56% (55/99) relapsed within 1 year and 92% (91/99) relapsed within 3 years. Of the 89 relapsed patients, 83 (93%) received steroid re-treatment, and steroid re-treatment was effective in 97% of them.

CONCLUSIONS

The major indication for steroid treatment in AIP is the presence of symptoms. An initial prednisolone dose of 0.6 mg/kg/day, is recommend, which is then reduced to a maintenance dose over a period of 3-6 months. Maintenance treatment with low-dose steroid reduces but dose not eliminate relapses.