8-Prenyl daidzein and 8-prenyl genistein from germinated soybean modulate inflammatory response in activated macrophages

Soy isoflavones have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties; however, the anti-inflammatory effects of isoflavone metabolites produced during soybean germination remain unclear. We found that the daidzein and genistein derivatives, 8-prenyl daidzein (8-PD) and 8-prenyl genistein (8-PG), demonstrated a more potent effect than daidzein and genistein on repressing inflammatory responses in macrophages. Although IkB protein levels were unaltered, 8-PD and 8-PG repressed nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation, which was associated with reduced ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 MAPK activation and suppressed mitogen- and stress-activated kinase 1 phosphorylation. Inflammatory responses induced by the medium containing hypertrophic adipocyte secretions were successfully suppressed by 8-PD and 8-PG treatment. In the ex vivo study, 8-PD and 8-PG significantly inhibited proinflammatory C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) secretion from the adipose tissues of mice fed a long-term high-fat diet. The data suggest that 8-PD and 8-PG could regulate macrophage activation under obesity conditions.

Upregulation of Piezo2 in the mesangial, renin, and perivascular mesenchymal cells of the kidney of Dahl salt-sensitive hypertensive rats and its reversal by esaxerenone

The recent discovery of mechanosensitive ion channels has promoted mechanobiological research in the field of hypertension and nephrology. We previously reported Piezo2 expression in mouse mesangial and juxtaglomerular renin-producing cells, and its modulation by dehydration. This study aimed to investigate how Piezo2 expression is altered in hypertensive nephropathy. The effects of the nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor blocker, esaxerenone, were also analyzed. Four-week-old Dahl salt-sensitive rats were randomly assigned to three groups: rats fed a 0.3% NaCl diet (DSN), rats fed a high 8% NaCl diet (DSH), and rats fed a high salt diet supplemented with esaxerenone (DSH + E). After six weeks, DSH rats developed hypertension, albuminuria, glomerular and vascular injuries, and perivascular fibrosis. Esaxerenone effectively decreased blood pressure and ameliorated renal damage. In DSN rats, Piezo2 was expressed in Pdgfrb-positive mesangial and Ren1-positive cells. Piezo2 expression in these cells was enhanced in DSH rats. Moreover, Piezo2-positive cells accumulated in the adventitial layer of intrarenal small arteries and arterioles in DSH rats. These cells were positive for Pdgfrb, Col1a1, and Col3a1, but negative for Acta2 (αSMA), indicating that they were perivascular mesenchymal cells different from myofibroblasts. Piezo2 upregulation was reversed by esaxerenone treatment. Furthermore, Piezo2 inhibition by siRNA in the cultured mesangial cells resulted in upregulation of Tgfb1 expression. Cyclic stretch also upregulated Tgfb1 in both transfections of control siRNA and Piezo2 siRNA. Our findings suggest that Piezo2 may have a contributory role in modulating the pathogenesis of hypertensive nephrosclerosis and have also highlighted the therapeutic effects of esaxerenone on salt-induced hypertensive nephropathy. Mechanochannel Piezo2 is known to be expressed in the mouse mesangial cells and juxtaglomerular renin-producing cells, and this was confirmed in normotensive Dahl-S rats. In salt-induced hypertensive Dahl-S rats, Piezo2 upregulation was observed in the mesangial cells, renin cells, and notably, perivascular mesenchymal cells, suggesting its involvement in kidney fibrosis.

Delayed tension gastrothorax caused necrosis of stomach and re-expansion pulmonary edema: a case report

Background

Traumatic tension gastrothorax is a rare and potentially fatal condition occurring in patients with congenital or acquired diaphragmatic defects. Traumatic tension gastrothorax leads to acute and severe respiratory distress. Delayed tension gastrothorax that develops late during injury can be more severe.

Case presentation

An 84-year-old woman was brought to our facility with cardiac arrest and returned to spontaneous circulation after 2 min of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Computed tomography showed diaphragmatic injury and tension gastrothorax due to trauma because of a fall episode few days earlier. Emergency thoracotomy and laparotomy was performed, because nasogastric tube insertion failed. There was a partially necrotic stomach in the chest cavity. The stomach was retracted from the thoracic cavity into the abdominal cavity and placed in its proper position. There was a 5 cm tear of the diaphragm. The tear was sutured and closed and then the necrotic area of the stomach was resected. Although the surgery relieved the intrathoracic compression, it resulted in re-expansion pulmonary edema immediately after surgery and hypoxemia. The patient was unable to overcome the hypoxemic state and eventually died.

Conclusions

Delayed tension gastrothorax can lead not only to obstructive shock due to intrathoracic compression but also to more severe organ ischemia and re-expansion pulmonary edema due to insufflation.

Ribosomal protein L5 facilitates rDNA-bundled condensate and nucleolar assembly

High content image analysis, single molecule tracking, modeling, and DBA patient analysis revealed that ribosomal protein L5 facilitates rDNA-bundled condensate and nucleolar assembly.

The nucleolus is the site of ribosome assembly and formed through liquid–liquid phase separation. Multiple ribosomal DNA (rDNA) arrays are bundled in the nucleolus, but the underlying mechanism and significance are unknown. In the present study, we performed high-content screening followed by image profiling with the wndchrm machine learning algorithm. We revealed that cells lacking a specific 60S ribosomal protein set exhibited common nucleolar disintegration. The depletion of RPL5 (also known as uL18), the liquid–liquid phase separation facilitator, was most effective, and resulted in an enlarged and un-separated sub-nucleolar compartment. Single-molecule tracking analysis revealed less-constrained mobility of its components. rDNA arrays were also unbundled. These results were recapitulated by a coarse-grained molecular dynamics model. Transcription and processing of ribosomal RNA were repressed in these aberrant nucleoli. Consistently, the nucleoli were disordered in peripheral blood cells from a Diamond–Blackfan anemia patient harboring a heterozygous, large deletion in RPL5. Our combinatorial analyses newly define the role of RPL5 in rDNA array bundling and the biophysical properties of the nucleolus, which may contribute to the etiology of ribosomopathy.

Automated evaluation of retinal pigment epithelium disease area in eyes with age-related macular degeneration

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is essential for the survival and function of retinal photoreceptor cells. RPE dysfunction causes various retinal diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Clinical studies on ES/iPS cell-derived RPE transplantation for RPE dysfunction-triggered diseases are currently underway. Quantification of the diseased RPE area is important to evaluate disease progression or the therapeutic effect of RPE transplantation. However, there are no standard protocols. To address this issue, we developed a 2-step software that enables objective and efficient quantification of RPE-disease area changes by analyzing the early-phase hyperfluorescent area in fluorescein angiography (FA) images. We extracted the Abnormal region. This extraction was based on deep learning-based discrimination. We scored the binarized extracted area using an automated program. Our program’s performance for the same eye from the serial image captures was within 3.1 ± 7.8% error. In progressive AMD, the trend was consistent with human assessment, even when FA images from two different visits were compared. This method was applicable to quantifying RPE-disease area changes over time, evaluating iPSC-RPE transplantation images, and a disease other than AMD. Our program may contribute to the assessment of the clinical course of RPE-disease areas in routine clinics and reduce the workload of researchers.

Tissue Distribution of Orally Administered Prenylated Isoflavones, Glyceollins, in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Apart from the physiological effects of glyceollins, information regarding their tissue distribution is scarce in the literature. Thus, the aim of this study is to clarify the distribution of glyceollins in rat organs. Glyceollins I and III were orally administered to Sprague-Dawley rats (1.0 mg/kg) with daidzein as control, and their accumulations in organs were investigated by liquid chromatography-time-of-flight/mass spectrometry (LC-TOF/MS). Glyceollins accumulated in intact and conjugated forms in circulatory organs with a Tmax of 0.5 h, in the following order of descending preference: liver, kidney, heart, lung, soleus muscle, and abdominal aorta. The accumulation of hydrophobic glyceollin I was more than 1.5 times higher than that of III. In contrast, daidzein and hydroxy equol were detected only in the liver and kidneys at lower concentrations (1/100 times) than those of glyceollins. In conclusion, prenylated isoflavones, glyceollins, were preferentially distributed in circulatory organs as intact, sulfated, or glucuronidated forms up to 6 h after the intake.

Metabolome analysis revealed that soybean-Aspergillus oryzae interaction induced dynamic metabolic and daidzein prenylation changes

Several isoflavonoids are well known for their ability to act as soybean phytoalexins. However, the overall effects of the soybean-Aspergillus oryzae interaction on metabolism remain largely unknown. The aim of this study is to reveal an overview of nutritive and metabolic changes in germinated and A. oryzae-elicited soybeans. The levels of individual nutrients were measured using the ustulation, ashing, Kjeldahl, and Folch methods. The levels of individual amino acids were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Low-molecular-weight compounds were measured through metabolome analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Although the levels of individual nutrients and amino acids were strongly influenced by the germination process, the elicitation process had little effect on the change in the contents of individual nutrients and amino acids. However, after analyzing approximately 700 metabolites using metabolome analysis, we found that the levels of many of the metabolites were strongly influenced by soybean-A. oryzae interactions. In particular, the data indicate that steroid, terpenoid, phenylpropanoid, flavonoid, and fatty acid metabolism were influenced by the elicitation process. Furthermore, we demonstrated that not the germination process but the elicitation process induced daidzein prenylation, suggesting that the soybean-A. oryzae interactions produce various phytoalexins that are valuable for health promotion and/or disease prevention.

Visualization Analysis of Glyceollin Production in Germinating Soybeans by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometric Imaging Technique

Apart from the physiological functions of soybean phytoalexins, the production sites in soybeans remain unknown. In this study, the dynamic production of phytoalexins, glyceollins, in germinating soybeans inoculated with Aspergillus oryzae was visually investigated using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) imaging. During a 3-day sensitization using a fungus, glyceollins I-III were produced in germinating soybeans (from 0.03 mg/g for glyceollin III to 0.96 mg/g for glyceollin I). Imaging analysis provided visual evidence that glyceollins were produced only in the regions of seed coat and germinated root of the soybeans, while no production was observed in other regions, including the cotyledons. In contrast, their precursor, isoflavone, was distributed throughout the soybean. The evidence that the inoculation of the inactivated fungi also caused glyceollin production at the seed coat led us to speculate that glyceollins could be produced in the region of soybean attached to the fungus body.

Identification of a Unique Type of Isoflavone O-Methyltransferase, GmIOMT1, Based on Multi-Omics Analysis of Soybean under Biotic Stress

Isoflavonoids are commonly found in leguminous plants. Glycitein is one of the isoflavones produced by soybean. The genes encoding the enzymes in the isoflavone biosynthetic pathway have mostly been identified and characterized. However, the gene(s) for isoflavone O-methyltransferase (IOMT), which catalyzes the last step of glycitein biosynthesis, has not yet been identified. In this study, we conducted multi-omics analyses of fungal-inoculated soybean and indicated that glycitein biosynthesis was induced in response to biotic stress. Moreover, we identified a unique type of IOMT, which participates in glycitein biosynthesis. Soybean seedlings were inoculated with Aspergillus oryzae or Rhizopus oligosporus and sampled daily for 8 d. Multi-omics analyses were conducted using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and RNA sequencing. Metabolome analysis revealed that glycitein derivatives increased following fungal inoculation. Transcriptome co-expression analysis identified two candidate IOMTs that were co-expressed with the gene encoding flavonoid 6-hydroxylase (F6H), the key enzyme in glycitein biosynthesis. The enzymatic assay of the two IOMTs using respective recombinant proteins showed that one IOMT, named as GmIOMT1, produced glycitein. Unlike other IOMTs, GmIOMT1 belongs to the cation-dependent OMT family and exhibited the highest activity with Zn2+ among cations tested. Moreover, we demonstrated that GmIOMT1 overexpression increased the levels of glycitein derivatives in soybean hairy roots when F6H was co-expressed. These results strongly suggest that GmIOMT1 participates in inducing glycitein biosynthesis in response to biotic stress.

A Variable Scheduling Maintenance Culture Platform for Mammalian Cells

Cell culturing is a basic experimental technique in cell biology and medical science. However, culturing high-quality cells with a high degree of reproducibility relies heavily on expert skills and tacit knowledge, and it is not straightforward to scale the production process due to the education bottleneck. Although many automated culture systems have been developed and a few have succeeded in mass production environments, very few robots are permissive of frequent protocol changes, which are often required in basic research environments. LabDroid is a general-purpose humanoid robot with two arms that performs experiments using the same tools as humans. Combining our newly developed AI software with LabDroid, we developed a variable scheduling system that continuously produces subcultures of cell lines without human intervention. The system periodically observes the cells on plates with a microscope, predicts the cell growth curve by processing cell images, and decides the best times for passage. We have succeeded in developing a system that maintains the cultures of two HEK293A cell plates with no human intervention for 192 h.

Primary Lymphangiosarcoma of the Urinary Bladder in a Dog

Abdominal ultrasonographical and computed tomography examinations of a 12-year-old neutered female toy poodle revealed a protruding mass, approximately 2 cm in diameter, at the apex of the bladder. The mass was firm and haemorrhagic with a homogeneously brownish-yellow cut surface. Microscopically, it was unencapsulated and located in the muscle layer with invasion of the extra-muscular layer. It was composed of spindloid to oval neoplastic cells that formed irregular clefts and diffuse sheets that dissected bundles of collagen. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells were positive for vimentin and lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 antigens, but negative for cytokeratin AE1/AE3, factor VIII-related antigen, CD31, CD34, Prox-1, S100, desmin, α-smooth muscle actin and MyoD1. Negative immunolabelling for laminin antigen supported the absence of evidence of a basal lamina on ultrastructural examination. Based on these findings, this tumour was identified as a lymphangiosarcoma. To the best of our knowledge, this case is the first report of lymphangiosarcoma arising from the bladder in a dog.

Intestinal Absorption of Prenylated Isoflavones, Glyceollins, in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Although prenylated isoflavones or glyceollins elicit physiological effects more potent than those by isoflavones, the bioavailability remains unclear. The present study aimed to clarify the intestinal absorption behavior of glyceollins in Sprague-Dawley rats. Upon oral administration of 1.0 mg/kg glyceollin I or III (daidzein as comparative compound) to the rats, no peaks corresponding to the intact forms of the compounds were detected in plasma by liquid chromatography-time-of-flight/mass spectrometry (LC-TOF/MS) analysis. In contrast, enzymatic deconjugation of plasma resulted in successful MS detection of each glyceollin; glyceollin I absorption was >10 times higher than that of daidzein, given its high log P value. The present study demonstrated for the first time that glyceollins were more absorbable than mother isoflavones due to their high hydrophobicity, and they metabolized to form sulfated, glucuronized, and methylated conjugates during the intestinal absorption process.

Incidence of and risk factors for lymphocele formation after lateral pelvic lymph node dissection for rectal cancer: a retrospective study

AIM

Pelvic lymphocele is a common complication that develops after pelvic lymph node dissection. The incidence of pelvic lymphocele formation has been reported to be 10.5-51% after gynaecological or urological procedures. However, no evidence has been reported thus far with regard to the development of pelvic lymphocele following lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (LPND) for low rectal cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of and risk factors for lymphocele formation after LPND for low rectal cancer and to examine its clinical management.

METHOD

We retrospectively analysed the incidence of and risk factors for pelvic lymphocele formation after LPND for rectal cancer in our hospital between January 2012 and December 2017. We also compared the size of the lymphocele between asymptomatic and symptomatic patients by using CT volumetry and examined its clinical management.

RESULTS

A total of 30 out of 98 patients (30.8%) developed pelvic lymphocele after rectal LPND. The number of resected nodes was significantly higher in patients with a pelvic lymphocele (P < 0.01). The median volume was significantly higher in patients with symptomatic pelvic lymphocele (P = 0.011). Among the nine symptomatic patients, two underwent CT-guided drainage, one underwent transurethral ureteral stent placement and one underwent laparoscopic marsupialization.

CONCLUSION

It is essential to keep in mind the possibility of pelvic lymphocele formation during follow-up of patients who undergo LPND, and to consider an appropriate treatment when these patients are symptomatic.

Diffuse Pulmonary Meningotheliomatosis with Sarcomatous Transformation in a Shiba Dog

A 2-year-old neutered female Shiba dog exhibited laboured breathing for 1 month. Computed tomography of the thoracic cavity revealed multiple nodules (2-5 mm diameter) in the lungs. Grossly, the lungs were firm and normal in shape. The nodules were grey-white in colour. Microscopically, the nodules were non-encapsulated and exhibited an irregular shape. They were composed of polygonal or spindle cells with indistinct cell borders arranged in sheets. The cells had large, round, hyperchromatic nuclei and abundant pale eosinophilic cytoplasm with no atypia. Intrapulmonary arterial emboli and infiltration into the bronchioles were observed. Immunohistochemically, the cells were positive for vimentin and negative for cytokeratin, glial fibrillary acidic protein and α-smooth muscle actin. Ultrastructurally, the cells displayed cytoplasmic processes, desmosomes and intermediate filaments. These findings led to a diagnosis of diffuse pulmonary meningotheliomatosis with sarcomatous transformation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of diffuse pulmonary meningotheliomatosis in a dog.

Persistent Vegetative State after Diabetic Ketoacidosis Triggered by an Overdose of Psychotropic Agents

A 28-year-old man with type 1 diabetes mellitus was admitted for shock and coma due to diabetic ketoacidosis. Despite aggressive treatment and management of the patient's underlying clinical issues, the patient remained in a comatose state. Further investigations revealed an excess consumption of psychotropic agents; however, there was no evidence of an insulin overdose. Physicians should be aware that, in patients who are highly dependent upon insulin, an overdose of psychotropic agents can lead to hypoxic-ischemic brain injury.

Chronic Basophilic Leukaemia in a Dog

A 13-year-old neutered female mixed-breed dog with a clinical history of emaciation, inappetence and vomiting for 2 months was presented. Blood tests showed marked leucocytosis with increased neutrophil and basophil count, mild thrombocytosis and anaemia. Seven days after the initial visit, the dog died and was submitted for necropsy examination. Grossly, the bone marrow was red in colour and hepatomegaly and splenomegaly with discolouration were observed. A bone marrow smear showed an increased proportion of basophilic lineage cells. Histologically, the bone marrow showed high cellular density and numerous basophilic lineage cells with a round or segmented nucleus. The cytoplasm contained basophilic granules exhibiting metachromasia on toluidine blue staining. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic basophils were diffusely positive for vimentin and myeloperoxidase, but negative for CD3, BLA36, CD163, CD204 and c-kit. The immunohistochemical features of neoplastic basophils that had invaded the liver and spleen were similar to those of the basophils in the bone marrow. Based on the clinicopathological and histopathological findings, chronic basophilic leukaemia was diagnosed. The present case study provides insights into the pathological features of chronic basophilic leukaemia in dogs.

Endocrine therapy-resistant breast cancer model cells are inhibited by soybean glyceollin I through Eleanor non-coding RNA

Long-term estrogen deprivation (LTED) of an estrogen receptor (ER) α-positive breast cancer cell line recapitulates cancer cells that have acquired estrogen-independent cell proliferation and endocrine therapy resistance. Previously, we have shown that a cluster of non-coding RNAs, Eleanors (ESR1 locus enhancing and activating non-coding RNAs) formed RNA cloud and upregulated the ESR1 gene in the nuclei of LTED cells. Eleanors were inhibited by resveratrol through ER. Here we prepared another polyphenol, glyceollin I from stressed soybeans, and identified it as a major inhibitor of the Eleanor RNA cloud and ESR1 mRNA transcription. The inhibition was independent of ER, unlike one by resveratrol. This was consistent with a distinct tertiary structure of glyceollin I for ER binding. Glyceollin I preferentially inhibited the growth of LTED cells and induced apoptosis. Our results suggest that glyceollin I has a novel role in LTED cell inhibition through Eleanors. In other words, LTED cells or endocrine therapy-resistant breast cancer cells may be ready for apoptosis, which can be triggered with polyphenols both in ER-dependent and ER-independent manners.

Collaborations in gynecologic oncology education and research in low- and middle- income countries: Current status, barriers and opportunities

Eighty-five percent of the incidents and deaths from cervical cancer occur in low and middle income countries. In many of these countries, this is the most common cancer in women. The survivals of the women with gynecologic cancers are hampered by the paucity of prevention, screening, treatment facilities and gynecologic oncology providers. Increasing efforts dedicated to improving education and research in these countries have been provided by international organizations. We describe here the existing educational and research programs that are offered by major international organizations, the barriers and opportunities provided by these collaborations and hope to improve the outcomes of cervical cancer through these efforts.

Porphyromonas endodontalis reactivates latent Epstein-Barr virus

AIM

To determine whether Porphyromonas endodontalis can reactivate latent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

METHODOLOGY

The concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in P. endodontalis culture supernatants were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. A promoter region of BamHI fragment Z leftward open reading frame 1 (BZLF-1), which is a transcription factor that controls the EBV lytic cycle, was cloned into luciferase expression vectors. Then, the luciferase assay was performed using P. endodontalis culture supernatants. Histone acetylation using Daudi cells treated with P. endodontalis culture supernatants was examined using Western blotting. BZLF-1 mRNA and BamHI fragment Z EB replication activator (ZEBRA) protein were also detected quantitatively using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting. Surgically removed periapical granulomas were examined to detect P. endodontalis, EBV DNA, and BZLF-1 mRNA expression using quantitative real-time PCR. Statistical analysis using Steel tests was performed.

RESULTS

The concentrations of n-butyric acid in P. endodontalis culture supernatants were significantly higher than those of other SCFAs (P = 0.0173). Using B-95-8-221 Luc cells treated with P. endodontalis culture supernatants, the luciferase assay demonstrated that P. endodontalis induced BZLF-1 expression. Hyperacetylation of histones was also observed with the culture supernatants. BZLF-1 mRNA and ZEBRA protein were expressed by Daudi cells in a dose-dependent manner after the treatment with P. endodontalis culture supernatants. P. endodontalis and BZLF-1 in periapical granulomas were also detected. The expression levels of BZLF-1 mRNA were similar to the numbers of P. endodontalis cells in each specimen.

CONCLUSIONS

n-butyric acid produced by P. endodontalis reactivated latent EBV.

Harmonising clinical trials within the Gynecologic Cancer InterGroup: consensus and unmet needs from the Fifth Ovarian Cancer Consensus Conference

The Gynecologic Cancer InterGroup (GCIG) Fifth Ovarian Cancer Consensus Conference (OCCC) was held in Tokyo, Japan from 7 to 9 November 2015. It provided international consensus on 15 important questions in 4 topic areas, which were generated in accordance with the mission statement to establish 'International Consensus for Designing Better Clinical Trials'. The methodology for obtaining consensus was previously established and followed during the Fifth OCCC. All 29 clinical trial groups of GCIG participated in program development and deliberations. Draft consensus statements were discussed in topic groups as well as in a plenary forum. The final statements were then presented to all 29 member groups for voting and documentation of the level of consensus. Full consensus was obtained for 11 of the 15 statements with 28/29 groups agreeing to 3 statements, and 27/29 groups agreeing to 1 statement. The high acceptance rate of the statements among trial groups reflects the fact that we share common questions, and recognise important unmet needs that will guide future research in ovarian cancer.

Fifth Ovarian Cancer Consensus Conference of the Gynecologic Cancer InterGroup: recurrent disease

This manuscript reports the consensus statements regarding recurrent ovarian cancer (ROC), reached at the fifth Ovarian Cancer Consensus Conference (OCCC), which was held in Tokyo, Japan, in November 2015. Three important questions were identified: (i) What are the subgroups for clinical trials in ROC? The historical definition of using platinum-free interval (PFI) to categorise patients as having platinum-sensitive/resistant disease was replaced by therapy-free interval (TFI). TFI can be broken down into TFIp (PFI), TFInp (non-PFI) and TFIb (biological agent-free interval). Additional criteria to consider include histology, BRCA mutation status, number/type of previous therapies, outcome of prior surgery and patient reported symptoms. (ii) What are the control arms for clinical trials in ROC? When platinum is considered the best option, the control arm should be a platinum-based therapy with or without an anti-angiogenic agent or a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor. If platinum is not considered the best option, the control arm could include a non-platinum drug, either as single agent or in combination. (iii) What are the endpoints for clinical trials in ROC? Overall survival (OS) is the preferred endpoint for patient cohorts with an expected median OS < or = 12 months. Progression-free survival (PFS) is an alternative, and it is the preferred endpoint when the expected median OS is > 12 months. However, PFS alone should not be the only endpoint and must be supported by additional endpoints including pre-defined patient reported outcomes (PROs), time to second subsequent therapy (TSST), or time until definitive deterioration of quality of life (TUDD).

Fifth Ovarian Cancer Consensus Conference of the Gynecologic Cancer InterGroup (GCIG): clinical trial design for rare ovarian tumours

This manuscript reports the consensus statements on designing clinical trials in rare ovarian tumours reached at the fifth Ovarian Cancer Consensus Conference (OCCC) held in Tokyo, November 2015. Three important questions were identified concerning rare ovarian tumours (rare epithelial ovarian cancers (eOC), sex-cord stromal tumours (SCST) and germ cell tumours (GCT)): (i) What are the research and trial issues that are unique to rare ovarian tumours? There is a lack of randomised phase III data defining standards of care which makes it difficult to define control arms, but identifies unmet needs that merit investigation. Internationally agreed upon diagnostic criteria, expert pathological review and translational research are crucial. (ii) What should be investigated in rare eOC, GCT and SCST? Trials dedicated to each rare ovarian tumour should be encouraged. Nonetheless, where the question is relevant, rare eOC can be included in eOC trials but with rigorous stratification. Although there is emerging evidence suggesting that rare eOC have different molecular profiles, trials are needed to define new type-specific standards for each rare eOC (clear cell, low grade serous and mucinous). For GCTs, a priority is reducing toxicities from treatment while maintaining cure rates. Both a robust prognostic scoring system and more effective treatments for de novo poor prognosis and relapsed GCTs are needed. For SCSTs, validated prognostic markers as well as alternatives to the current standard of bleomycin/etoposide/cisplatin (BEP) should be identified. (iii) Are randomised trials feasible? Randomised controlled trials (RCT) should be feasible in any of the rare tumours through international collaboration. Ongoing trials have already demonstrated the feasibility of RCT in rare eOC and SCST. Mucinous OC may be considered for inclusion, stratified, into RCTs of non-gynaecological mucinous tumours, while RCTs in high risk or relapsed GCT may be carried out as a subset of male and/or paediatric germ cell studies.

Properties of the feline tumour suppressor reduced expression in immortalized cells (REIC/Dkk-3)

Reduced expression in immortalized cells (REIC/Dkk-3), a member of the human Dickkopf (Dkk) family, is a growth suppressor in human and canine mammary tumours. Mammary gland tumours are common neoplasms with high malignancy in female cats. The purpose of this study was to clone the feline REIC/Dkk-3 homolog, investigate its expression in cell lines established from feline mammary gland tumours, and test its tumour suppressor function. Western blot analysis revealed that expression of the REIC/Dkk-3 protein was reduced in feline mammary carcinoma cell lines. Forced expression of REIC/Dkk-3 induced apoptosis in feline mammary tumour cell lines. These results demonstrate that REIC/Dkk-3 expression, which is downregulated in feline mammary tumour cell lines, results in the induction of apoptosis in these cells. Our findings suggest that feline REIC/Dkk-3 represents a potential molecular target for the development of therapies against feline mammary cancers.

Cerebellar Hypoplasia Associated with an Avian Leukosis Virus Inducing Fowl Glioma

Fowl glioma-inducing virus (FGV), which belongs to subgroup A of avian leukosis virus (ALV), shows tumorigenicity and pathogenicity, mainly in the nervous system, and causes astrocytoma and perineurioma. Apart from these neoplasms, cerebellar anomaly was found in chickens infected with FGV in ovo. The study reported here describes the morphologic characteristics of the affected cerebellum. Specific-pathogen-free chickens (C/O) were inoculated with FGV through the yolk sac on the 7th day of incubation. The cerebellar anomaly included diffuse depletion of granular cells of the internal granular layer (IGL), remnants of the external granular layer (EGL), and disorganization of the Purkinje cell layer. These cerebellar changes were observed in all birds except one. in the infected embryos, the EGL was thicker and had an irregular arrangement with a thin molecular layer (ML) and IGL, compared with the control. The granular cells were immunohistochemically positive for ALV common antigen. immunohistochemical analysis for vimentin revealed disarrangement and decreased number of Bergmann's fibers. Use of the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling method and electron microscopy indicated that apoptotic granular cells were frequently observed in the EGL and ML. These results suggested that the cerebellar anomaly was hypoplasia, principally resulting from the apoptosis of granular cells in the EGL and ML caused by FGV infection and that the cell loss induced obstruction of granular cell migration and disarrangement of Bergmann's fibers in the ML.

Multiple Perineuriomas in Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus)

Intraneural perineurioma is an extremely rare condition characterized by perineurial cell proliferation within peripheral nerve (PN) sheaths. In the veterinary field, this entity has been reported only in a dog. We examined multiple enlargements of PNs in 11 chickens ( Gallus gallus domesticus) (9 Japanese bantams and 2 specific pathogen-free White Leghorn), which were inoculated with an avian leukosis virus (ALV) causing so-called fowl glioma. All chickens clinically exhibited progressive leg paralysis. Lumbosacral plexus, brachial plexus, and/or spinal ganglion were commonly affected, and these nerves contained a diffuse proliferation of spindle cells arranged concentrically in characteristic onion bulb-like structures surrounded by residual axons and myelin sheaths. The spindle cells were immunohistochemically negative for S-100α/β protein. Electron microscopy revealed that these cells were characterized by short bipolar cytoplasmic processes, occasional cytoplasmic pinocytotic vesicles, and discontinuous basal laminae. These features are consistent with those of intraneural perineurioma. Furthermore, the specific sequence of the ALV was detected in the PN lesions of 8/11 (73%) birds by polymerase chain reaction. These results indicate that the multiple intraneural perineuriomas of chicken may be associated with the ALV-A causing fowl glioma.

The canine prostate cancer cell line CHP-1 shows over-expression of the co-chaperone small glutamine-rich tetratricopeptide repeat-containing protein α

Although androgen therapy resistance and poor clinical outcomes are seen in most canine prostate cancer cases, there are only a few tools for analysing canine prostate cancer by using a cell biological approach. Therefore, to evaluate androgen-independent neoplastic cell growth, a new canine prostate cancer cell line (CHP-1) was established in this study. CHP-1 over-expressed the co-chaperone small glutamine-rich tetratricopeptide repeat-containing protein α (SGTA), which is over-expressed in human androgen-independent prostate cancer. The CHP-1 xenograft also showed SGTA over-expression. Although CHP-1 shows poor androgen receptor (AR) signalling upon dihydrotestosterone stimulation, forced expression of AR enabled evaluation of AR signalling. Taken together, these results suggest that CHP-1 will be a useful model for investigating the pathogenesis of androgen-dependent and androgen-independent canine prostate cancer.

Progress in development of the neutron profile monitor for the large helical device

The neutron profile monitor stably operated at a high-count-rate for deuterium operations in the Large Helical Device has been developed to enhance the research on the fast-ion confinement. It is composed of a multichannel collimator, scintillation-detectors, and a field programmable gate array circuit. The entire neutron detector system was tested using an accelerator-based neutron generator. This system stably acquires the pulse data without any data loss at high-count-rate conditions up to 8 × 10(5) counts per second.

Evaluation of two-stage system for neutron measurement aiming at increase in count rate at Japan Atomic Energy Agency-Fusion Neutronics Source

In order to increase the count rate capability of a neutron detection system as a whole, we propose a multi-stage neutron detection system. Experiments to test the effectiveness of this concept were carried out on Fusion Neutronics Source. Comparing four configurations of alignment, it was found that the influence of an anterior stage on a posterior stage was negligible for the pulse height distribution. The two-stage system using 25 mm thickness scintillator was about 1.65 times the count rate capability of a single detector system for d-D neutrons and was about 1.8 times the count rate capability for d-T neutrons. The results suggested that the concept of a multi-stage detection system will work in practice.

Calcium Hydroxide Suppresses Porphyromonas endodontalis Lipopolysaccharide–induced Bone Destruction

Porphyromonas endodontalis and its main virulence factor, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), are associated with the development of periapical diseases and alveolar bone loss. Calcium hydroxide is commonly used for endodontic therapy. However, the effects of calcium hydroxide on the virulence of P. endodontalis LPS and the mechanism of P. endodontalis LPS–induced bone destruction are not clear. Calcium hydroxide rescued the P. endodontalis LPS–suppressed viability of MC3T3-E1 cells and activity of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in these cells, resulting in the reduced expression of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α. In addition, calcium hydroxide inhibited P. endodontalis LPS–induced osteoclastogenesis by decreasing the activities of NF-κB, p38, and ERK1/2 and the expression of nuclear factor of activated T-cell cytoplasmic 1 in RAW264.7 cells. Calcium hydroxide also rescued the P. endodontalis LPS–induced osteoclastogenesis and bone destruction in mouse calvaria. Taken together, our present results indicate that calcium hydroxide suppressed bone destruction by attenuating the virulence of P. endodontalis LPS on bone cells.

Phase III placebo-controlled double-blind randomized trial of radiotherapy for stage IIB-IVA cervical cancer with or without immunomodulator Z-100: a JGOG study

BACKGROUND

Based on the result of our previous study showing better overall survival (OS) at the lower dose (0.2 µg) of immunomodulator Z-100 than higher dose (40 µg) in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer who received radiotherapy, we conducted a placebo-controlled double-blind randomized trial.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients of stages IIB-IVA squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix were randomly assigned to receive Z-100 at 0.2 µg (Z) or placebo (P). The study agent was given subcutaneously twice a week during the radiotherapy, followed by maintenance therapy by administering once every 2 weeks until disease progression. Primary end point was OS, and secondary end points were recurrence-free survival, and toxicity.

RESULTS

A total of 249 patients were randomized. Death events occurred extremely slower than expected, and Independent Data Monitoring Committee recommended to analyze the survival result prematurely. The 5-year OS rate was 75.7% [95% confidence interval (CI) 66.4% to 82.8%] for Arm Z and 65.8% (95% CI 56.2% to 73.8%) for Arm P (P = 0.07); hazard ratio was 0.65 (95% CI 0.40-1.04). Survival benefit in Arm Z was observed regardless of chemoradiation or radiation alone. There was no trend in recurrence-free survival between the two arms. Side-effects were not different between two arms.

CONCLUSION

Z-100 showed a trend of improvement on OS in locally advanced cervical cancer, although the statistical power was less than anticipated because survival rates were unexpectedly higher than expected for both arms. Validation of potential survival benefit of immune modulation should be made.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

umin.ac.jp/ctr Identifier: C000000221.

Comparison of cytotoxicity and cell kinetic perturbations of 5 platinum compounds in gynecologic cancer cell-lines

New platinum derivatives were synthesized to overcome problems of cisplatin resistance and nephrotoxicity. Five platinum derivatives were evaluated by using the ATP chemosensitivity assay and flow cytometry in a panel of 10 human gynecologic cancer cell lines: AE7, ECC1, HEC1A, HEC1B, AN3, BG1, CAOV3, SKOV3, SKUT1B and ME180. Five platinum derivatives and their referenced concentrations (X) were: Cisplatin (DDP) 2.5 mug/ml (8.3 muM), Carboplatin (CARBO) 28 mug/ml (75.5 muM), Tetraplatin (TETRA) 2 mug/ml (4.4 muM), 254S at 5 mug/ml (16.5 muM) and NK121 at 5 mug/ml (11.4 muM). Drug exposure was performed at 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2 and 5 X for 90 minutes. The ATP chemosensitivity assay was performed on day 7 as previously described. Cell samples were taken at 0, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 168 h timepoints for flow cytometry. Mean IC50s were: DDP 29.1+/-17.4 muM, 254S 18.2+/-6.6 muM, NK121 13.7+/-5.7 muM, CARBO 120.8+/-37.8 muM, and TETRA 30.8+/-20.7 muM. Both 254S and NK121 offered significant improvement of potency over DDP (p=0.02, 0.05 respectively). Similarly, Fell cycle kinetic studies revealed that both 254S and NK121 induced significantly more S and G2 blocks than DDP (p<0.02). Thus, from the chemo-sensitivity and cell kinetic standpoints, both NK121 and 254S appeared more potent and deserve further investigation.