Assessing population structure and migration patterns of wild boar (Sus scrofa) in Japan

Geographical wildlife patterns reflect historical range expansion and connectivity and provide insights into wildlife population management. In our large-scale phylogeographic population analysis of wild boars (Sus scrofa leucomystax) in Japan, we identified 15 clusters using 29 microsatellite markers, each structured within a range of approximately 200 km. This suggests that evolution was essentially driven by isolation by distance, and that the range of gene flow was limited. One cluster contained subpopulations located approximately 900 km apart, indicating the occurrence of past anthropogenic introductions. Moreover, we estimated effective migration to visualize the geographic genetic population diversity. This analysis identified six potential barriers, one of which involved large plains and mountainous areas in the Kanto region of eastern Japan. This barrier likely persisted in the two eastern clusters for an extended period, restricting migration to the neighboring areas. Overall, our study sheds light on the demographic history of wild boar in Japan, provides evidence of past anthropogenic introductions from distant areas, and highlights the importance of geographic barriers in shaping genetic diversity and population dynamics. This knowledge will be beneficial for forming informed wildlife management strategies toward the conservation of genetic integrity and ecological balance of wild boar populations in Japan.

Comparing pedigree and genomic inbreeding coefficients, and inbreeding depression of reproductive traits in Japanese Black cattle

BACKGROUND

Pedigree-based inbreeding coefficients have been generally included in statistical models for genetic evaluation of Japanese Black cattle. The use of genomic data is expected to provide precise assessment of inbreeding level and depression. Recently, many measures have been used for genome-based inbreeding coefficients; however, with no consensus on which is the most appropriate. Therefore, we compared the pedigree- ([Formula: see text]) and multiple genome-based inbreeding coefficients, which were calculated from the genomic relationship matrix with observed allele frequencies ([Formula: see text]), correlation between uniting gametes ([Formula: see text]), the observed vs expected number of homozygous genotypes ([Formula: see text]), runs of homozygosity (ROH) segments ([Formula: see text]) and heterozygosity by descent segments ([Formula: see text]). We quantified inbreeding depression from estimating regression coefficients of inbreeding coefficients on three reproductive traits: age at first calving (AFC), calving difficulty (CD) and gestation length (GL) in Japanese Black cattle.

RESULTS

The highest correlations with [Formula: see text] were for [Formula: see text] (0.86) and [Formula: see text] (0.85) whereas [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] provided weak correlations with [Formula: see text], with range 0.33-0.55. Except for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], there were strong correlations among genome-based inbreeding coefficients ([Formula: see text] 0.94). The estimates of regression coefficients of inbreeding depression for [Formula: see text] was 2.1 for AFC, 0.63 for CD and -1.21 for GL, respectively, but [Formula: see text] had no significant effects on all traits. Genome-based inbreeding coefficients provided larger effects on all reproductive traits than [Formula: see text]. In particular, for CD, all estimated regression coefficients for genome-based inbreeding coefficients were significant, and for GL, that for [Formula: see text] had a significant.. Although there were no significant effects when using overall genome-level inbreeding coefficients for AFC and GL, [Formula: see text] provided significant effects at chromosomal level in four chromosomes for AFC, three chromosomes for CD, and two chromosomes for GL. In addition, similar results were obtained for [Formula: see text].

CONCLUSIONS

Genome-based inbreeding coefficients can capture more phenotypic variation than [Formula: see text]. In particular, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] can be considered good estimators for quantifying inbreeding level and identifying inbreeding depression at the chromosome level. These findings might improve the quantification of inbreeding and breeding programs using genome-based inbreeding coefficients.

Safety and Efficacy of Prasugrel Administration in Emergent Endovascular Treatment for Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease

Objective

Intracranial atherosclerosis disease (ICAD) is one of the most common causes of acute ischemic stroke. In endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute large vessel occlusion stroke-related ICAD, reocclusion of the recanalized artery due to in situ thrombosis is problematic. In this study, the safety and efficacy of prasugrel administration to avoid reocclusion of emergent EVT for ICAD was investigated.

Methods

All consecutive emergent EVTs for ICAD between September 2019 and December 2022 were included in this study. The procedures were divided into two groups as receiving periprocedural prasugrel (PSG group) or not (non-PSG group). Target vessel patency on follow-up, postprocedural intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and clinical outcome were compared between PSG and non-PSG groups.

Results

A total of 27 procedures were included in this analysis. Nineteen target vessels were patent on follow-up and eight were non-patent. Fifteen patients received prasugrel (18.75 mg: 11 cases, 11.25 mg: 4 cases), and twelve patients did not receive prasugrel. The target vessel patency rate was better in the PSG group vs. non-PSG group (100% vs. 33.3%, respectively; p = 0.0002). The postprocedural ICH rate was not different between the groups (PSG: 40.0% vs. non-PSG: 25.0%; p = 0.68), and all ICHs were asymptomatic. Good clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 3 at discharge) was more frequent in the PSG group than that in the non-PSG group (66.7% vs. 16.7%, respectively; p = 0.019).

Conclusion

Prasugrel administration was significantly associated with target vessel patency and good clinical outcome after emergent EVT for ICAD without increasing the symptomatic ICH rate. Prasugrel administration might be safe and effective to avoid reocclusion during and after emergent EVT for ICAD.

Aggregative movement of C4 mesophyll chloroplasts is promoted by low CO2 under high intensity blue light

C₄ plants supply concentrated CO₂ to bundle sheath (BS) cells, improving photosynthetic efficiency by suppressing photorespiration. Mesophyll chloroplasts in C₄ plants are redistributed toward the sides of the BS cells (aggregative movement) in response to environmental stresses under light. Although this chloroplast movement is common in C₄ plants, the significance and mechanisms underlying the aggregative movement remain unknown. Under environmental stresses, such as drought and salt, CO₂ uptake from the atmosphere is suppressed by closing stomata to prevent water loss. We hypothesized that CO₂ limitation may induce the chloroplast aggregative movement. In this study, the mesophyll chloroplast arrangement in a leaf of finger millet, an NAD-malic enzyme type C₄ plant, was examined under different CO₂ concentrations and light conditions. CO₂ limitation around the leaves promoted the aggregative movement, but the aggregative movement was not suppressed, even at the higher CO₂ concentration than in the atmosphere, under high intensity blue light. In addition, mesophyll chloroplasts did not change their arrangement under darkness or red light. From these results, it can be concluded that CO₂ limitation is not a direct inducer of the aggregative movement but would be a promoting factor of the movement under high intensity blue light.

Population structure of Vietnamese pigs using mitochondrial DNA

The D-loop region on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is frequently used for analyses of maternal lineages within domestic animal species. There are many native pig breeds in Vietnam, but their origins remain unclear. This study investigated maternal lineages using the D-loop region on mtDNA of 260 samples collected from native pigs in 20 provinces across Vietnam. The D-loop region of all samples was amplified and sequenced. We obtained 713 bp sequences of the D-loop region for each sample excluding the repeat region, and variants on this region were used to construct a phylogenetic tree. We detected 50 haplotypes from Vietnamese native pigs, with 27 novel haplotypes. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed two haplotype groups: one for the MTSEA group, frequently found in domestic pigs in the mountainous areas of Cambodia and Laos; and the D2 group, found in pigs originating from Chinese pigs. No European haplotype was found. Haplotypes in northeast Vietnam comprised only haplotypes of the D2 group, whereas in areas from the northwest mountains to the south, we found haplotypes belonging to both the D2 and MTSEA groups. This study suggested that both origins contributed to maternal lineages of current populations of Vietnamese native pigs.

Application of linear and machine learning models to genomic prediction of fatty acid composition in Japanese Black cattle

We collected 3180 records of oleic acid (C18:1) and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) measured using gas chromatography (GC) and 6960 records of C18:1 and MUFA measured using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in intermuscular fat samples of Japanese Black cattle. We compared genomic prediction performance for four linear models (genomic best linear unbiased prediction [GBLUP], kinship-adjusted multiple loci [KAML], BayesC, and BayesLASSO) and five machine learning models (Gaussian kernel [GK], deep kernel [DK], random forest [RF], extreme gradient boost [XGB], and convolutional neural network [CNN]). For GC-based C18:1 and MUFA, KAML showed the highest accuracies, followed by BayesC, XGB, DK, GK, and BayesLASSO, with more than 6% gain of accuracy by KAML over GBLUP. Meanwhile, DK had the highest prediction accuracy for NIRS-based C18:1 and MUFA, but the difference in accuracies between DK and KAML was slight. For all traits, accuracies of RF and CNN were lower than those of GBLUP. The KAML extends GBLUP methods, of which marker effects are weighted, and involves only additive genetic effects; whereas machine learning methods capture non-additive genetic effects. Thus, KAML is the most suitable method for breeding of fatty acid composition in Japanese Black cattle.

Evaluating the performance of genomic prediction accounting for effects of single nucleotide polymorphism markers in reproductive traits of Japanese Black cattle

We examined the prediction accuracies of genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP), various weighted GBLUP according to the degrees of marker effects (WGBLUP) and machine learning (ML) methods, and compared them with traditional BLUP for age at first calving (AFC), calving difficulty (CD), and gestation length in Japanese Black cattle. For WGBLUP, firstly, BayesC and FarmCPU were used to estimate marker effects. Then, we constructed three weighted genomic relationship matrices from information of estimated marker effects in the first step: absolute value of the estimated marker-effect WGBLUP, estimated marker-variance WGBLUP, and genomic-feature WGBLUP. For ML, we applied Gaussian kernel, random forest, extreme gradient boost, and support vector regression. We collected a total of 2583 animals having both phenotypic records and genotypes with 30,105 markers and 16,406 pedigree records. For AFC, prediction accuracies of WGBLUP methods using FarmCPU exceeded BLUP by 25.7%-39.5%. For CD, estimated marker-variance WGBLUP using BayesC achieved the highest prediction accuracy. Among ML methods, extreme gradient boost, support vector regression, and Gaussian kernel increased prediction accuracies by 28.4%, 19.0%, and 36.4% for AFC, CD, and gestation length compared with BLUP, respectively. Thus, prediction performance could be improved using suitable WGBLUP and ML methods according to target reproductive traits for the population used.

OP0090 PRECLINICAL STUDIES OF A NOVEL CATHEPSIN C INHIBITOR IN MPO-ANCA-ASSOCIATED VASCULITIS MODEL

Background

MPO-ANCA-associated vasculitis (MPO-AAV) is a systemic small vessel vasculitis with the production of MPO-ANCA in the serum. This disease develops necrotizing and crescent glomerulonephritis (NCGN) and peritubular capillaritis-mediated interstitial damages in the kidneys, and pulmonary hemorrhage due to capillaritis in the lungs. Recent studies have revealed that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) induced by MPO-ANCA are critically involved in its pathogenesis,1 and neutrophil elastase (NE) plays an essential role in the formation of NETs.2 Cathepsin C (CatC) functions as a key enzyme in the activation process of several neutrophil serine proteases (NSPs) such as NE, proteinase 3 and cathepthin G by converting the inactive forms of the NSPs to the active forms by digesting dipeptides at the N-terminus of the enzymes.3

Objectives

Although glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive drugs used as the standard of cares can lead remission in MPO-AAV patients, there are remaining unmet medical needs such as severe side effects, resistance to the treatment and relapse. Therefore, development of new therapeutic strategies is awaited. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the efficacy of MOD06051, a novel CatC inhibitor, against MPO-AAV, using an MPO-AAV rat model established previously.4

Methods

In vitro studies: Cathpsins and NE inhibitory activity was measured using recombinant enzymes and fluorescent substrates. Cellular NE activity in the granulocytes differentiated from the primary human bone marrow-derived hematopietic stem cells under the presence or absence of MOD06051 was determined using fluorescent substrates.

In vivo studies: 4-week-old Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were immunized with human MPO according to Little’s protocol.4 The rats were divided into three groups (n=8 in each group), and vehicle (0.5% methylcellulose) or MOD06051 (0.3 or 3 mg/kg bid) was orally administered every day for 42 days. All rats were euthanized at the end of the study for serological and histological evaluations.

Results

In vitro studies: MOD06051 inhibited the enzymatic activity of human recombinant CatC with an IC50 value of 1.5 nM, and no other cathepsins nor NE inhibition was observed at 10 μM. The NE activity in primary human granulocytes was suppressed by MOD06051 with an IC50 value of 18 nM.

In vivo studies: MPO-ANCA was induced in all groups at the same level. The percentage of affected glomeruli including those with NCGN, NET-forming neutrophils in the peripheral blood and glomeruli, and glomerular neutrophil counts were significantly suppressed by MOD06051 treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, hematuria score, urinary NGAL (Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin), tubular erythrocyte cast counts, and pulmonary hemorrhage foci were significantly decreased in the 3 mg/kg of MOD06051 treated group with the similar trends in 0.3 mg/kg group.

Conclusion

MOD06051 showed sepcific inhibition of CatC activity. This compound suppressed the serine proteases activation in primary human neutrophils and NET formation in the MPO-AAV model rats, resulting in amelioration of MPO-ANCA-induced tissue destruction, including NCGN and tubular interstitial damages in the kidneys, and disorder of alveolar septal capillaries in the lungs. MOD06051 appears to be a promising agent for treatment of MPO-AAV patients.

References

[1]Nakazawa D, et al. Nat Rev Rheumatol 15: 91-101, 2019.

[2]Papayannopoulos V, et al. J Cell Biol 191: 677-691, 2010.

[3]Korkmaz B, et al. Pharmacol Ther 190: 202-236, 2018.

[4]Little MA, et al. Am J Pathol 174: 1212-1220, 2009.

Disclosure of Interests

Akihiro Ishizu Grant/research support from: Modulus Discovery, Inc., Mai Taniguchi: None declared, Suishin Arai: None declared, Yuka Nishibata Grant/research support from: Modulus Discovery, Inc., Sakiko Masuda Grant/research support from: Modulus Discovery, Inc., Utano Tomaru: None declared, Takafumi Shimizu Shareholder of: Modulus Discovery, Inc., Employee of: Modulus Discovery, Inc., William Sinko Shareholder of: Modulus Discovery, Inc., Employee of: Modulus Discovery, Inc., Tadashi Nagakura Shareholder of: Modulus Discovery, Inc., Employee of: Modulus Discovery, Inc., Yoh Terada Shareholder of: Modulus Discovery, Inc., Employee of: Modulus Discovery, Inc.

Angelica keiskei (Ashitaba) has potential as an antithrombotic health food

Angelica keiskei (Ashitaba) is a large perennial herb that is native to the Pacific coast of Japan. It has recently become popular as a healthy food in Asian countries because it might have various physiological benefits including antithrombotic properties. Most studies of the bioactive constituents from Ashitaba have focused on the activities of the major chalcones, xanthoangelol and 4-hydroxyderricin. However, other chalcones, flavanones and coumarins have also been isolated from Ashitaba, precisely characterized, and investigated in vivo. Platelets play a key role in haemostasis and wound healing processes. Dysregulated platelet activity is associated with the progression of platelet aggregation and decreased venous blood flow, which results in thrombotic diseases. A minor chalcone, xanthoangelol E, inhibits TXB2 synthesis in rabbit platelets, which seems to be the source of the belief that Ashitaba has antithrombotic properties. However, recent data showed that xanthoangelol and 4-hydroxyderricin inhibited the aggregation of rabbit platelets. Platelet aggregation stimulated by collagen was also inhibited in whole blood incubated with Xanthoangelol or 4-hydroxyderricin. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 is the primary physiological inhibitor of tissue type plasminogen activator, a key protease of the fibrinolytic system. An increase in plasma of this inhibitor is associated with thrombotic conditions. Ashitaba yellow exudate inhibited the elevation of plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in mice induced by obesity or chronic low-grade inflammation. These studies showed the yellow exudate from stem cuttings and chalcones isolated from Ashitaba roots and leaves might have antithrombotic activity. This article reviews the possible antithrombotic properties of Ashitaba.

Acute Occlusion of the Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Due to Factor XIII Deficiency-related Postoperative Hemorrhage: A Case Report

Coagulation factor XIII (F13) deficiency has been known to be a rare disease with estimated one per two million and one of the possible reasons of postoperative hemorrhage; however, it still remains unpenetrated to physicians. We report a case of acute ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt dysfunction due to delayed intraventricular hemorrhage, which could be because of F13 deficiency. The patient was a 48-year-old man with a history of post-meningitis hydrocephalus followed by VP shunt placement. He was found unconscious and transferred to our hospital. A brain CT scan demonstrated shunt malfunction, and he underwent emergency shunt revision. The postoperative course was uneventful except for unexpected neck bruises and continuous minor bleeding from the surgical wound. Three days after surgery, he suddenly became comatose and a CT scan revealed the recurrence of hydrocephalus with newly identified small volume of intraventricular hemorrhage. Emergency shunt revision was performed again. The shunt valve was filled with a hematoma and bloody cerebrospinal fluid was drained from the ventricle. Postoperative blood sample examination demonstrated no abnormal findings but a decreased level of F13 activity, which was thought to be a possible cause of postoperative hemorrhage and the shunt valve hematoma. F13 deficiency causes delayed intracranial hemorrhage 24–48 h after neurological surgery. It can only be diagnosed by checking F13 activity with suspicion. If diagnosed accurately beforehand, unexpected postoperative bleeding can be preventable with proper treatment, such as F13 concentrate and cryoprecipitate. The actual number of the patient with F13 deficiency may be more than estimated ever.

Expression and differential posttranscriptional regulation of the elongation factor 1 alpha 1 gene in endometrial caruncle and intercaruncle of Japanese Black cattle at early and mid-gestation stages

The elongation factor 1 alpha 1 (EEF1A1), an isoform of EEF1A, is one of the most abundant cytoplasmic proteins and an important component of the translational machinery. We investigated the relative expression, alternative polyadenylation (APA), and changes in poly(A) tail length of EEF1A1 mRNA in the endometrial caruncle (CAR) and intercaruncle (ICAR) at early and mid-gestation in Japanese Black cattle. The relative EEF1A1 mRNA expression levels in the CAR were the highest on Gestation day 20 and were significantly decreased at mid-gestation. The expression levels in the ICAR were significantly higher than those in the CAR, and the gestation stage had no significant impact. Four different EEF1A1 transcripts with distinct 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) (proximal and distal types) and poly(A) tails (medium and short types) of different lengths were identified. The EEF1A1 mRNAs with distal 3' UTR and medium-length poly(A) tails were specific from the CAR of uterus horn at early gestation. RNA-sequencing data analyses revealed that the HSF1, MZF1, E47, SRF, GATA2, GATA3, GATA6, HNF-3 beta (FOXA2), CPSF1, and Ataxin-2 genes might affect the EEF1A1 gene expression or poly(A) length.

Hybridization of Bogoliubov Quasiparticles between Adjacent CuO_{2} Layers in the Triple-Layer Cuprate Bi_{2}Sr_{2}Ca_{2}Cu_{3}O_{10+δ} Studied by Angle-Resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy

Hybridization of Bogoliubov quasiparticles (BQPs) between the CuO_{2} layers in the triple-layer cuprate high-temperature superconductor Bi_{2}Sr_{2}Cu_{2}Cu_{3}O_{10+δ} is studied by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). In the superconducting state, an anticrossing gap opens between the outer- and inner-BQP bands, which we attribute primarily to interlayer single-particle hopping with possible contributions from interlayer Cooper pairing. We find that the d-wave superconducting gap of both BQP bands smoothly develops with momentum without an abrupt jump in contrast to a previous ARPES study. Hybridization between the BQPs also gradually increases in going from the off nodal to the antinodal region, which is explained by the momentum dependence of the interlayer single-particle hopping. As possible mechanisms for the enhancement of the superconducting transition temperature, the hybridization between the BQPs as well as the combination of phonon modes of the triple CuO_{2} layers and spin fluctuations represented by a four-well model are discussed.

Association between adherence to home-based walking exercise with a pedometer and one-year adverse outcomes among lower extremity peripheral artery disease patients with endovascular treatment

Background

Home-based exercise after endovascular treatment (EVT) for lower extremity peripheral artery disease (LE-PAD) patients with intermittent claudication is suggested as an alternative therapy for supervised exercise; however, an association of adherence to home-based exercise with clinical adverse events has not been fully investigated.

Purpose

We aimed to investigate the association of adherence to home-based exercise with 1-year major adverse events (MAE), patency, and leg symptoms after EVT in a contemporary Japanese registry.

Methods

A total of 500 patients with LE-PAD within the Long Term Outcome of Endovascular Therapy for PAD with Intermittent Claudication Observational Prospective Multicenter (ASHIMORI-IC) registry (UMINCTR, UMINehab724.203718753) who underwent EVT between January 2016 and March 2019 were included in the analysis. After EVT, all patients were instructed to do home-based walking exercise with a pedometer. The study population was divided and compared between 2 groups according to adherence to home-based exercise: well-adherence and poor-adherence. The adherence of home-based exercise was as defined by step count derived from a pedometer on sites. The primary outcome was MAE defined as composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, target vessel revascularization, and major amputation of target lower limb for one year. The main secondary outcome was 1-year primary patency of the treated lesion, and the improvement of leg symptom (6-minute walk distance [6MWD] and claudication distance). The study followed the Consensus definitions from peripheral academic research consortium criteria.

Results

Overall, the mean age was 72.8 years, and 78% were men. At 1 year, MAE occurred in 45 patients (9.0%), and the primary patency rate was 85.3% (94.2% of EVT for aortoiliac and 71.9% of EVT for femoropopliteal). A significant difference in the incidence of MAE was observed between the well-adherence group and the poor-adherence group (10 of 233 patients [4.3%] vs. 35 of 267 patients [13.1%]; P<0.001). After multivariate Cox regression analysis, patients in the well-adherence group showed the lower hazard ratio for 1-year MAE (0.30; 95% confidence interval, 0.15–0.58; P<0.001) compared to those in the poor-adherence group. In the well-adherence group, compared with the poor-adherence group, higher primary patency rate (88.9% vs 81.5%; p=0.015), longer claudication onset distance (370 m [IQR 240–453 m] vs 240m [IQR 126–324 m]; P<0.001), and longer 6MWD (422 m [IQR 359–483 m] vs 325 m [IQR 213–400 m]; P<0.001) were observed even after adjusting for each baseline value.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates the importance of adherence to home-based walking exercise after EVT in LE-PAD patients.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Effect of a genetic polymorphism in SREBP1 on fatty acid composition and related gene expression in subcutaneous fat tissue of beef cattle breeds

Sterol regulatory element-binding factor 1 (SREBP1) plays an important role in the lipogenesis which affects fatty acid (FA) composition in backfat and consequently influences beef nutritional quality. This study analyzed the association of 84 bp-indel, both short (S) and long (L) alleles in intron 5 of SREBP1, with FA composition and gene expression of SREBP1 in backfat of northern Spanish beef breeds (Pirenaica, Salers and Holstein-Friesian). Phylogenetic analysis suggests that 84 bp-indel of ruminants is a highly conserved region compared with those in the full-length sequence of intron 5 or mRNA of SREBP1 among species. Overall, higher content of polyunsaturated FAs was observed in SL genotype compared to LL genotype of 84 bp-Indel (p < .05). In particular, in Pirenaica, SL genotype was associated with a higher content of stearic (18:0), α-linolenic (18:3n-3) acid, and total n-3 content (p < .05). However, the gene expression of SREBP1 did not differ among genotypes of 84 bp-Indel (p > .05).

Hamiltonian Monte Carlo method for estimating variance components

A Hamiltonian Monte Carlo algorithm is a Markov chain Monte Carlo method, and the method has a potential to improve estimating parameters effectively. Hamiltonian Monte Carlo is based on Hamiltonian dynamics, and it follows Hamilton's equations, which are expressed as two differential equations. In the sampling process of Hamiltonian Monte Carlo, a numerical integration method called leapfrog integration is used to approximately solve Hamilton's equations, and the integration is required to set the number of discrete time steps and the integration stepsize. These two parameters require some amount of tuning and calibration for effective sampling. In this study, we applied the Hamiltonian Monte Carlo method to animal breeding data and identified the optimal tunings of leapfrog integration for normal and inverse chi-square distributions. Then, using real pig data, we revealed the properties of the Hamiltonian Monte Carlo method with the optimal tuning by applying models including variance explained by pedigree information or genomic information. Compared with the Gibbs sampling method, the Hamiltonian Monte Carlo method had superior performance in both models. We have provided the source codes of this method written in the Fortran language at https://github.com/A-ARAKAWA/HMC.

Comparative Evaluation of 3-Dimensional High Definition and 2-Dimensional 4-K Ultra-High Definition Endoscopy Systems in Endonasal Skull Base Surgery

BACKGROUND

The differences between 3-dimensional (3D) high definition (HD) and 2-dimensional (2D) 4-K ultra-HD (4K) endoscopy and their respective advantages remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the utility of these endoscopy systems in endonasal skull base surgery.

METHODS

Consecutive series of endoscopic endonasal surgeries performed after introduction of 3D/HD and 2D/4K systems (July 2017) were retrospectively evaluated. Sporadic cases treated with either system, or a conventional 2D standard definition (SD) system, during the rental period from March 2016 were also included. Objective comparisons between the systems were made for newly diagnosed Knosp grade 0 to 3 pituitary adenomas. Surgical procedures were divided into nasal, sphenoidal, and intradural phases, and the surgical procedural time was compared for each phase. The time required for and accuracy of suturing the sellar floor dura was also evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 74 cases were treated with 3D/HD and/or 2D/4K, and 12 cases with 2D/SD. 3D/HD was advantageous in the nasal phase because of its intuitive depth perception. 2D/4K was advantageous in the intradural phase because of its superior image quality. Surgical time of the nasal phase with 3D/HD, and that of the intradural phase with 2D/4K, were significantly shorter than that with 2D/SD. The time required for and accuracy of sellar floor dural suturing showed a trend toward improving in the order of 2D/SD, 2D/4K, and 3D/HD.

CONCLUSION

3D/HD and 2D/4K endoscopy systems have different advantages, which are useful in distinct surgical phases. Understanding the characteristics of endoscopy systems is important for selecting the most appropriate system for distinct surgical situations.

The use of ultrasound in central vascular ligation during laparoscopic right-sided colon cancer surgery: technical notes

BACKGROUND

Complete mesocolic excision (CME) with central vascular ligation (CVL) requires the surgeon to sharply dissect the mesocolon and approach the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and superior mesenteric vein (SMV) for ligation of the supplying vessels relating to right-sided colon cancer at their origin. Even with preoperative images, it can still be challenging to identify these structures during laparoscopic surgery because of various intraoperative conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) for identification of blood vessels during right-sided colon cancer surgery.

METHODS

We performed IOUS on 19 patients diagnosed with right-sided colon cancer at our institution, in January-October 2020. Preoperatively, a three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) angiogram was obtained for the majority of patients to visualize the SMA, SMV, and their respective branches. The running position of the ileocolic artery (ICA) and right colic artery (RCA) related to the SMV and the presence of the middle colic artery were identified and compared using preoperative 3D-CT, IOUS, and intraoperative findings.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients [seven men and 12 women with a mean age of 73.9 ± 8.4 years (range 58-82 years)] were studied, including some with a body mass index of > 30 kg/m², locally advanced cancer, and severe adhesion. There were IOUSs that detected the SMA, SMV, and their tributaries in all patients. The positional relationships between the SMV and the ICA and RCA revealed by IOUS were consistent with the preoperative and intraoperative findings.

CONCLUSION

IOUS is a safe, feasible, and reproducible technique that can assist in detecting the branching of the SMA and SMV during CME with CVL in laparoscopic right-sided colon cancer surgery, regardless of individual conditions.

Newly Identified Hemodynamic Parameter to Predict Thin-Walled Regions of Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysms Using Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis

BACKGROUND

The thin-walled regions (TIWRs) of intracranial aneurysms have a high risk of rupture during surgical manipulation. They have been reported to be predicted by wall shear stress and pressure (PS) based on computational fluid dynamics analysis, although this remains controversial. In this study, we investigated whether the oscillatory shear index (OSI) can predict TIWRs.

METHODS

Twenty-five unruptured aneurysms were retrospectively analyzed; the position and orientation of the computational fluid dynamics color maps were adjusted to match the intraoperative micrographs. The red area on the aneurysm wall was defined as TIWR, and if most of the regions on the color map corresponding to TIWR were OSI low (lower quartile range), time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) high, or PS high (upper quartile range), each region was defined as a matched region and divided by the total number of TIWRs to calculate the match rate. In addition, the mean values of OSI, TAWSS, and PS corresponding to TIWRs were quantitatively compared with those in adjacent thick-walled regions.

RESULTS

Among 27 TIWRs of 25 aneurysms, 23, 10, and 14 regions had low OSI, high TAWSS, and high PS regions (match rate: 85.2%, 37.0%, and 51.9%), respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that OSI was the most effective hemodynamic parameter (area under the curve, 0.881), followed by TAWSS (0.798). Multivariate analysis showed that OSI was a significant independent predictor of TIWRs (odds ratio, 18.30 [95% CI, 3.2800-102.00], P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

OSI may be a unique predictor for TIWRs. Low OSI strongly corresponds with TIWRs of intracranial aneurysms.

Anatomical variation of the internal carotid artery and its implication to the endoscopic endonasal translacerum approach

BACKGROUND

The endoscopic endonasal trans-lacerum approach (EETLA) is useful in handling skull base tumors around inferior petrous apex (IPA); however, its surgical corridor is exclusively a triangular space (supra-eustachian triangle [SET]), between the internal carotid artery (ICA) and eustachian tube.

METHODS

We investigated correlation between SET size and extent of resection around the IPA (lateral extent of resection [EOR]) through a retrospective analysis of 15 surgeries using EETLA.

RESULTS

Of 15 cases (9 chordomas, 4 chondrosarcomas, and 2 meningiomas), 20 sides of IPA were affected by the tumor. When being restricted to sides with severe lateral tumor extension beyond the midpoint of petrous ICA (10 sides), the SET size was significantly broader in the group with lateral EOR of ≥90% (p value = 0.019).

CONCLUSIONS

The SET size was a powerful index of tumor resectability in EETLA, especially in cases with severe tumor extension. The individual anatomical variations should be considered when determining EETLA application.

Electronic and spin structures of CaMn4Ox clusters in the S0 state of the oxygen evolving complex of photosystem II. Domain-based local pair natural orbital (DLPNO) coupled-cluster (CC) calculations using optimized geometries and natural orbitals (UNO) by hybrid density functional theory (HDFT) calculations

Domain-based local pair natural orbital (DLPNO) coupled cluster single and double (CCSD) with triple perturbation (T) correction methods were performed to elucidate the relative stabilities of ten different intermediate structures of the CaMn4Ox cluster in the S0 state of the oxygen evolving complex (OEC) of photosystem II (PSII). Full geometry optimizations of all the S0 intermediates were performed by the UB3LYP-D3/Def2-TZVP methods, providing the assumed geometrical structures and starting natural orbitals (UNO) for DLPNO-CCSD(T)/Def2TZVP calculations. The effective exchange integrals (J) for the spin Hamiltonian models for the ten intermediates were obtained by the UB3LYP/Def2-TZVP calculations followed by the general spin projections. DLPNO-CCSD(T) calculations followed by the CBS extrapolation procedure elucidated that the (II, III, IV, IV) and (III, III, III, IV) valence states in the CaMn4O5 cluster of the OEC of the PS II were nearly degenerated in energy in the S0 state, indicating an important role of dynamical electron correlation effects for the valence and spin fluctuations in strongly correlated electron systems (SCESs) consisting of 3d transition metals.

[Sellar and Parasellar Inflammatory Lesions with Impaired Visual Function:Clinical Features and Endoscopic Surgical Outcomes of Six Cases]

Accurate diagnosis and treatment of sellar and parasellar inflammatory lesions is difficult. We report six patients with sellar and parasellar inflammatory lesions and impaired visual function, who underwent endonasal endoscopic surgery. These patients included one with aspergillosis, one with hypertrophic pachymeningitis, one patient with abscess, and three with idiopathic granulomatous lesions. Following surgery and medication, visual function improved in patients with aspergillosis, hypertrophic pachymeningitis, and abscess. In patients with idiopathic granulomatous inflammation, visual function improved in one out of three patients. The treatment outcome for sellar and parasellar inflammatory lesions with impaired visual function depends on the surgery as well as on the reaction to postoperative medication. In the present study, the functional prognosis of patients with idiopathic granulomatous lesions was relatively poor when compared with that of patients with other inflammatory lesions.

En Bloc Subtotal Temporal Bone Resection in a Case of Advanced Ear Cancer: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

Temporal bone cancer is extremely rare; thus, the optimal surgical strategy for advanced tumors, en bloc vs piecemeal resection, remain controversial. Some authors have favored piecemeal resection and reported comparable outcomes.1 Other authors recommend the use of en bloc subtotal temporal bone resection (STBR) for advanced tumors and reported better outcomes, although long-term cancer control remains uncertain.2 Because of the technical difficulty and the lack of demonstrative surgical videos, STBR has not been sufficiently distributed. This video demonstrates en bloc STBR in a stepwise manner with particular focus on the neurosurgeon's role and aims to improve its safety, feasibility, and distribution. This video conforms to the description of Osawa et al3 in the designations for each segment of the petrous ICA. A 67-yr-old man suffered from consistent otorrhea and underwent tympanoplasty at an outside hospital 1 yr earlier. Following a histopathological diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma in the specimen, he underwent chemoradiotherapy (cisplatin + 70 Gy). However, a current imaging revealed a recurrent tumor and he was admitted to our hospital for radical resection. Computed tomography revealed a disrupted external auditory canal and magnetic resonance imaging indicated a carcinoma equivalent to Pittsburg stage T3. The patient underwent radical STBR without complications. His postoperative course was uneventful. At 2 yr postoperative, his modified Rankin scale score was 1, no recurrence was noted, and his facial nerve function was restored to House-Brackmann Grade IV. This video was reproduced with informed consent from the patient.

Genetic Characterization of the Local Pirenaica Cattle for Parentage and Traceability Purposes

Pirenaica is the most important autochthonous cattle breed within the Protected Geographic Indication (PGI) beef quality label in the Basque region, in northern Spain. The short tandem repeats (STRs) are powerful markers to elucidate forensic cases and traceability across the agri-food sector. The main objective of the present work was to study the phylogenetic relationships of Pirenaica cattle and other breeds typically raised in the region and provide the minimum number of STR markers for parentage and traceability purposes. The 30-STR panel recommended by the International Society of Animal Genetics-Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (ISAG-FAO) was compared against other commercial STR panels. The 30-STR panel showed a combined matching probability of 1.89 × 10-25 and a power of exclusion for duos of 0.99998. However, commercial STR panels showed a limited efficiency for a reliable parentage analysis in Pirenaica, and at least a 21-STR panel is needed to reach a power of exclusion of 0.9999. Machine-learning analysis also demonstrated a 95% accuracy in assignments selecting the markers with the highest FST in Pirenaica individuals. Overall, the present study shows the genetic characterization of Pirenaica and its phylogeny compared with other breeds typically raised in the Basque region. Finally, a 21-STR panel with the highest FST markers is proposed for a confident parentage analysis and high traceability.

Evaluation of genetic richness among Vietnamese native pig breeds using microsatellite markers

We have elucidated genetic relationships of Vietnamese native pigs (VNP) using preliminarily collected samples by a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. In order to confirm our previous results and compare with the results of a previous study using microsatellite (MS) markers, we aimed to characterize genetic diversity and population structure in wider varieties (24 breeds from 21 Provinces) of VNP across the country using 20 polymorphic MS markers recommended by ISAG/FAO (International Society for Animal Genetics/Food and Agriculture Organization) for diversity study. In this study, we collected 1,136 DNA samples of the VNPs and three exotic breeds. Our results revealed that the average number of alleles and allelic richness across the loci in VNPs were 10.0 and 7.6, which were higher than those of exotic breeds. Genomic components among VNPs were subjected to the sampling locations. Interestingly, Co Binh Thuan showed remarkable genetic feature compared to the other VNPs, because the habitation of Co Binh Thuan was relatively far from the other breeds. The results of this study provided useful information for exploitation, conservation, and development trends of the VNP breeds. More recently, African swine fever caused significant damage to most of the VNP populations. Therefore, our findings will help a reconstruction scheme of the VNP genetic resources.

Differential Metabolomics Profiles Identified by CE-TOFMS between High and Low Intramuscular Fat Amount in Fattening Pigs

The amount of intramuscular fat (IMF) present in the loin eye area is one of the most important characteristics of high-quality pork. IMF measurements are currently impractical without a labor-intensive process. Metabolomic profiling could be used as an IMF indicator to avoid this process; however, no studies have investigated their use during the fattening period of pigs. This study examined the metabolite profiles in the plasma of two groups of pigs derived from the same Duroc genetic line and fed the same diet. Five plasma samples were collected from each individual the day before slaughter. Capillary electrophoresis-time of flight mass spectrometry (CE-TOFMS) was used to analyze the purified plasma from each sample. Principle component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS) were used to find the semi-quantitative values of the compounds. The results indicate that branched-chain amino acids are significantly associated with high IMF content, while amino acids are associated with low IMF content. These differences were validated using the quantification analyses by high-performance liquid chromatograph, which supported our results. These results suggest that the concentration of branched-chain amino acids in plasma could be an indicative biomarker for the IMF content in the loin eye area.

THU0285 ANALYSIS OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ORGAN DAMAGE AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Background:

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can not only cause systemic symptoms, such as fever and arthritis, but can also damage important organs, such as those of the central nervous system and the kidneys. Prevention of irreversible organ damage is important for better prognosis [1]. Additionally, the importance of maintaining the quality of life (QOL) of patients has recently been emphasized. However, only a few studies have examined the relationship between irreversible organ damage and patient QOL.

Objectives:

To assess the relationship between organ damage and QOL, and to survey which organs have more significant effects on QOL.

Methods:

We conducted a questionnaire-based survey of 183 patients with SLE at Kyoto University Hospital from September to December 2019. We used the SLICC/ACR Damage Index (SDI) to evaluate organ damage [2]. The following five scales were employed to evaluate QOL: the physical (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) of the Medical Outcome Study (MOS) 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey version 2.0 (SF-36v2) [3], health (HRQOL) and non-health-related QOL (N-HRQOL) of LupusPRO [4], and SLE Symptom Checklist (SSC) [5].

Results:

Linear regression analysis showed significant correlation between the SDI score and all QOL scales except for N-HRQOL, suggesting negative effects of organ damage on QOL (Table 1). Next, we analysed whether there was a significant difference in the SF-36 score between those who were positive and negative for each SDI item (41 in total), using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Muscle atrophy or weakness (p= 3.0×10-10), osteoporosis with fracture or vertebral collapse (p= 9.7×10-8), claudication (p= 7.4×10-5), and cognitive impairment or major psychosis (p= 9.9×10-5) significantly correlated (p< 1.2×10-3) with PCS, and scarring chronic alopecia (p= 3.4×10-4) with MCS (Table 2). In addition, the five SDI items significantly correlated with the remaining three QOL scales (HRQOL, N-HRQOL, and SSC;p< 0.05).

Table 1.

Relationship between the SDI score and QOL

SF-36LupusPROSSCPCSMCSHRQOLN-HRQOLp-value<2.0×10-161.7×10-32.2×10-110.231.9×10-8Table 2.

Relationship between each SDI item and the SF-36 score (p< 1.2×10-3

SDI itemPCS scorep-valuePositive(Median (IQR))Negative(Median (IQR))Muscle atrophy/weakness33 (19-45)50 (43-54)3.0×10-10Osteoporosis with fracture/vertebral collapse24 (12-32)49 (38-54)9.7×10-8Claudication31 (19-35)49 (38-54)7.4×10-5Cognitive impairment/psychosis27 (17-33)49 (38-54)9.9×10-5SDI itemMCS scorep-valuePositive(Median (IQR))Negative(Median (IQR))Scarring chronic alopecia42 (29-51)49 (39-54)3.4×10-4

Conclusion:

We demonstrated that organ damage has negative effects on patient QOL, indicating the importance of preventing irreversible organ damage for maintaining QOL. Moreover, muscle atrophy/weakness, osteoporosis with fracture/vertebral collapse, claudication, cognitive impairment/major psychosis, and scarring chronic alopecia significantly correlated with QOL deterioration, suggesting that these items should be examined with special care in clinical practice.

References:

[1]Lopez R, et al. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2012; 51:491-498.

[2]Gladman D, et al. Arthritis Rheum. 1996; 39:363-369.

[3]Fukuhara S, et al. J Clin Epidemiol. 1998; 51:1037-1044.

[4]Inoue M, et al. Lupus. 2017; 26:849-856.

[5]Grootscholten C, et al. Qual Life Res. 2003; 12:635–644.

Disclosure of Interests:

Yudai Takase: None declared, Hiroshi Doi: None declared, Takeshi Iwasaki: None declared, Motomu Hashimoto Grant/research support from: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eisai, and Eli Lilly and Company., Speakers bureau: Bristol-Myers Squibb and Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma., Ryuta Inaba: None declared, Tomohiro Kozuki: None declared, Masashi Taniguchi: None declared, Yuya Tabuchi Paid instructor for: Astellas Pharma, GlaxoSmithKline, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, and Nippon Shinyaku., Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Janssen Pharmaceutical, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, Nippon Shinyaku, and Novartis Pharma. (Outside the field of the present study.), Koji Kitagori: None declared, Syuji Akizuki: None declared, Kosaku Murakami Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Eisai, and Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma., Ran Nakashima Grant/research support from: Takeda Pharmaceutical. (Outside the field of the present study.), Speakers bureau: Astellas Pharma, Medical & Biological Laboratories, AstraZeneca, and Boehringer Ingelheim. (Outside the field of the present study.), Hajime Yoshifuji Grant/research support from: Astellas Pharma. (Outside the field of the present study.), Speakers bureau: Chugai Pharmaceutical. (Outside the field of the present study.), Wataru Yamamoto: None declared, Masao Tanaka Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Asahi Kasei Pharma, Astellas Pharma, Ayumi Pharmaceutical, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Eisai, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, Taisho Pharmaceutical, and UCB Japan.

, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Asahi Kasei Pharma, Astellas Pharma, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Eisai, Eli Lilly and Company, Janssen Pharmaceutical, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, Novartis Pharma, Pfizer, Taisho Pharmaceutical, Takeda Pharmaceutical, and UCB Japan., Koichiro Ohmura Grant/research support from: Astellas Pharma, AYUMI Pharmaceutical, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Daiichi Sankyo, Eisai, Japan Blood Products Organization, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, Nippon Kayaku, Nippon Shinyaku, Sanofi, and Takeda Pharmaceutical., Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Actelion Pharmaceuticals Japan, Asahi Kasei Pharma, AYUMI Pharmaceutical, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Eisai, Eli Lilly and Company, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen Pharmaceutical, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, Novartis Pharma, and Sanofi.

Management and problems of prolonged survival with hydranencephaly in the modern treatment era

PURPOSE

Hydranencephaly is a rare condition that occurs during embryogenesis after neurogenesis and is characterized by the near complete absence of the cerebral hemispheres. In general, patients with hydranencephaly have been considered to have a markedly reduced life expectancy. We present 4 patients with hydranencephaly who have survived for over 5 years. The management and problems encountered in these cases are discussed.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted at our institution. Medical charts and radiographic studies were reviewed. Data including age at follow-up, sex, clinical complications, and surgical procedures were recorded.

RESULTS

Six patients were radiologically diagnosed with hydranencephaly during the period from January 2000 to December 2012. Two patients were excluded from our study: one because of death from pneumonia at 1 year of age and another because of transfer to another hospital. Four patients (3 males and 1 female) were included in the analysis. All 4 patients underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement and shunt revision. VPS infection occurred in 3 of 4 cases, and bloody cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was observed in 2 of 4 cases. One patient underwent successful choroid plexus cauterization (CPC) and shunt removal after shunt infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Prolonged survival with hydranencephaly is not unusual in the modern treatment era. CSF shunt problems, such as recurring shunt malfunction and shunt infection, represent one of the major problems, and avoiding CSF shunt with CPC is particularly desirable in patients with hydranencephaly.

Refractory communicating hydrocephalus after radiation for small vestibular schwannoma with asymptomatic ventriculomegaly: A case report

Communicating hydrocephalus is a known tumor-related syndrome associated with vestibular schwannoma, which can occur even in small tumor. Radiation has become a popular primary treatment option for small schwannoma; however, little is known about the efficacy and risk accompanying asymptomatic ventriculomegaly on images. We report a case of a 59-year-old woman who suffer from refractory communicating hydrocephalus after radiation for small vestibular schwannoma with asymptomatic ventriculomegaly. After the surgical removal of the tumor, hydrocephalus was gradually improved due to intermittent lumbar puncture and finally resolved without shunt placement. Surgical removal should be considered as the first option for the treatment, even if the patient is asymptomatic and the images revealed a small vestibular schwannoma with only slight ventricular enlargement.

Submucosal Inferior Turbinectomy to Widen the Surgical Corridor for Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery

The nasal cavity is the exclusive surgical corridor for endoscopic endonasal surgery; however, it is sometimes too narrow to allow extensive surgical maneuvering. Here we show the technique of submucosal inferior turbinectomy (SIT) to widen this surgical corridor. Its effectiveness is evaluated quantitatively by comparing pre- and intraoperative magnetic resonance images. Between March 2015 and October 2018, we performed endoscopic endonasal resection of 57 skull base tumors with 3T intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI). Among these resections, cases with previous endonasal surgery and cases for which the iMRI did not cover the entire nasal cavity were excluded. Finally, six cases with and 19 cases without SIT were included in the subsequent retrospective analysis. We measured the dimensions of the narrowest area in inferior nasal cavity on pre- and intraoperative coronal plane gadolinium (Gd)-enhanced T1-weighted MR images using dedicated software, and compared them. The incidence rates of postoperative nasal complaints at outpatient clinics were also compared. Considerable widening of the inferior nasal cavity could be achieved with the SIT, which was statistically significant compared with those without the SIT (111.1 ± 56.5% vs. 39.4 ± 59.4%, respectively; P = 0.0093). In terms of the incidence rate of postoperative nasal complaints at 6 months, there was no statistical difference between the groups (33.3% vs. 15.8%, respectively; P = 0.35). SIT is effective for widening the surgical corridor while keeping nasal function and is especially helpful for lower clivus and laterally extended skull base lesions.

Surface-state Coulomb repulsion accelerates a metal-insulator transition in topological semimetal nanofilms

The emergence of quantization at the nanoscale, the quantum size effect (QSE), allows flexible control of matter and is a rich source of advanced functionalities. A QSE-induced transition into an insulating phase in semimetallic nanofilms was predicted for bismuth a half-century ago and has regained new interest with regard to its surface states exhibiting nontrivial electronic topology. Here, we reveal an unexpected mechanism of the transition by high-resolution angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy combined with theoretical calculations. Anomalous evolution and degeneracy of quantized energy levels indicate that increased Coulomb repulsion from the surface states deforms a quantum confinement potential with decreasing thickness. The potential deformation strongly modulates spatial distributions of quantized wave functions, which leads to acceleration of the transition beyond the original QSE picture. This discovery establishes a complete picture of the long-discussed transition and highlights a new class of size effects dominating nanoscale transport in systems with metallic surface states.

Characteristic features of porcine endogenous retroviruses in Vietnamese native pigs

We aimed to clarify the genomic characteristics of porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) in Vietnamese native pig (VnP) breeds. First, we investigated genetic polymorphisms in β- and γ-like PERVs, and we then measured the copy numbers of infectious γ-like PERVs (PERV-A, B, and C). We purified genomic DNA from 15 VnP breeds from 12 regions all over the country and three Western pig breeds as controls, and investigated genetic polymorphisms in all known PERVs, including the beta (β)1-4 and gamma (γ)1-5 groups. PERVs of β1, β2, β3, and γ4 were highly polymorphic with VnP-specific haplotypes. We did not identify genetic polymorphisms in β4, γ1, or γ2 PERVs. We then applied a real-time polymerase chain reaction-based method to estimate copy numbers of the gag, pol, and env genes of γ1 PERVs (defined as A, B, and C). VnP breeds showed significantly lower copy number of the PERV genes compared with the Western pig breeds (on average, 16.2 and 35.7 copies, respectively, p < .05). Two VnP breeds showed significantly higher copy number compared with the other VnPs (p < .05). Our results elucidated that VnPs have specific haplotypes and a low copy number of PERV genes.

The phenotypic characteristics and relational database for Vietnamese native pig populations

Although there are a number of Vietnamese native pig (VnP) populations, some are on the verge of extinction, and therefore adequate management and conservation are necessary. In this study, we conducted a field survey of VnP populations and analyzed interrelationships among their characteristics. We also established a relational database for management of field data on these populations. For data collection, we conducted interviews with farmers and visual inspection of 32 VnP populations in 22 provinces of Vietnam, as well as taking photographs of individual animals. Data on the characteristics of VnP populations were subjected to multiple correspondence analysis (MCA). For establishment of the database, normalization and table partitioning were performed to eliminate redundancy and ensure consistency of the collected data items. Passport data, characteristics data, and image data were collected from a total of 1,918 VnPs and entered as a normalized table. Upon MCA, most of the populations were not separated from each other, but the Mong Cai, O Lam, and Chu Prong populations were separated from the other populations. Thus, we have constructed a relational database from comprehensive information on the characteristics of VnP populations.

A Case of Multi-System Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis with Local Invasion of the Orbital Apex

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is characterised by tissue destruction caused by the abnormal proliferation of pathogenic dendritic cells. We report a rare case of multi-system LCH with local invasion of the orbital apex. A 56-year-old woman suffered from a decrease of visual acuity in the left eye caused by central scotoma and the limitation of eye movement in all directions. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an enhanced lesion in the left orbital apex, suggesting optic nerve compression. She had been diagnosed with eosinophilic granuloma 24 years previously. Two weeks after the current presentation, we admitted the patient for optic canal and orbital apex decompression and subtotal tumour resection. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of LCH. Post-surgical treatment with low-dose cytarabine was initiated for the residual tumour. However, it was ceased because of myelosuppression-induced pyelonephritis. After surgery, the central scotoma disappeared on day 5 and eye movement palsy resolved by 6 months. After the cessation of cytarabine, she has received low-dose steroid therapy for 2 years with no recurrence. Early surgical intervention with low-dose steroid therapy can lead to recovery of visual acuity and resolve eye movement palsy in patients with lesions of the orbital apex caused by multi-system LCH.

Acromegaly caused by a somatotroph adenoma in patient with neurofibromatosis type 1

Although acromegaly has been reported in patients with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), these cases have not been associated with growth hormone (GH)-producing somatotroph adenoma, but with optic pathway glioma. A 68 year-old Japanese woman, who had been clinically diagnosed with NF1, was referred to our hospital due to a thyroid tumor and hypercalcemia. Acromegaly was suspected due to her facial features, and subsequent examinations revealed the presence of GH excess with a pituitary tumor, leading to the diagnosis of acromegaly. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated an eosinophilic pituitary adenoma with diffuse positivity for GH, indicating typical somatotroph adenoma. In addition, her thyroid tumor was diagnosed histologically as follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). To investigate the pathogenesis of this untypical multiple endocrine tumor case of NF1, genetic analysis was performed using peripheral leukocytes and tissue of resected tumors. A heterozygous novel germline nonsense mutation (p.Arg1534*) in exon 35 of the NF1 gene was detected from peripheral leukocytes, which results in a truncated protein lacking the critical domain for GTPase activity, strongly suggesting its causal role in NF1. The loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in exon 35 of the NF1 gene was not detected in the somatotroph adenoma, parathyroid adenoma, and FTC. Although any mutations of the following genes; MEN1, CDKN1B, and PAX8-PPARγ were not detected, a heterozygous GNAS R201C mutation was detected in the somatotroph adenoma. To our knowledge, this is the first rare MEN1-like case of genetically diagnosed NF1 complicated with acromegaly caused by a somatotroph adenoma.

Giant cell arteritis without cranial manifestations caused mesenteric involvement: a case report

Background

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a granulomatous vasculitis and targets large vessels with predominance for the aortic arch and the cranial branches. GCA with cranial symptoms shows headache, jaw claudication, and ophthalmologic symptoms and thus was previously called temporal arteritis. Recently, cases of GCA without cranial manifestations and extracranial GCA have been reported.

Case presentation

A 76-year-old woman was referred to our hospital complaining of sudden abdominal pain and high fever. Her present history of illness did not show any cranial symptoms such as headache, visual disturbance, or stroke. CT images showed severe thickening of the small intestinal mesentery and massive ascites. She was diagnosed to have acute abdomen probably with gastrointestinal perforation and underwent the emergent laparotomy. Excisions of a 60-cm length of the jejunum including the thickening mesenteric lesion were carried out. Marked hypertrophy of the vascular intima and mild stenosis of the arterial lumen were displayed with infiltration of lymphocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils. Scattered multinucleated giant cells on the endothelium, in the intima, media, and adventitia were demonstrated. Elastica van Gieson stain showed focal loss and fragmentation of the internal elastic lamina. Histopathological examinations showed typical GCA. Her postoperative process was uneventful without any symptoms, and she was followed as an out-patient prescribed with daily doses of 40 mg of prednisolone.

Conclusions

We hereby report a rare case of mesenteric involvement in GCA without cranial manifestations and elucidate the histopathological features of extracranial GCA in arteries as well as veins and jejunum.

Application of a Minimally Invasive Liposuction Technique for Harvesting Fat during Transsphenoidal Surgery: A Technical Note

Secure reconstruction in transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) is important for the prevention of the major and serious complication of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Although abdominal fat can be safely and effectively used as a reconstruction tissue, harvesting it from the abdominal wall is traumatic and invasive, resulting in cosmetic problems. In this report, we present a method of harvesting abdominal fat using a minimally invasive liposuction technique to avoid cosmetic issues. Since 2016, we have been using fat harvested from the abdominal wall by suctioning with a dedicated syringe for reconstruction after TSS in selected cases. The liquefied fat obtained by the liposuction technique was wrapped with an oxycellulose sheet and changed its form to what we termed “fatty candy”. In this form, the fat maintained its configuration and could be handled almost as easily as a conventional fat graft. In our experienced series, there was no case with wound complication nor postoperative or late-onset CSF leak during a postoperative follow-up of at least 3 months. The fat harvested by this simple and minimally invasive liposuction technique can be expected to provide an autologous graft that is adequate not only for prevention of cosmetic problems but also for prevention of postoperative CSF leak.

Possible antithrombotic effects of Angelica keiskei (Ashitaba)

Angelica keiskei Koidzumi (Ashitaba) is a large perennial herb that is native to the Pacific coast of Japan, and it has recently become popular as herbal medicine, dietary supplement and health food in Asian countries. The structures of various constituents isolated from Ashitaba such as chalcones, flavanones and coumarins have been precisely characterized, and many of them have bioactivities. A recent study clarified that Angelica keiskei exerts actions that lead to the prevention of thrombosis. Here, we introduce the possibility that ingesting Ashitaba could help to prevent thrombotic diseases.

Differences in gene expression profiles for subcutaneous adipose, liver, and skeletal muscle tissues between Meishan and Landrace pigs with different backfat thicknesses

Backfat thickness is one of the most important traits of commercially raised pigs. Meishan pigs are renowned for having thicker backfat than Landrace pigs. To examine the genetic factors responsible for the differences, we first produced female crossbred pig lines by mating Landrace (L) × Large White (W) × Duroc (D) females (LWD) with Landrace (L) or Meishan (M) boars (i.e., LWD × L = LWDL for Landrace offspring and LWD × M = LWDM for the Meishan offspring). We confirmed that LWDM pigs indeed had a thicker backfat than LWDL pigs. Next, we performed gene expression microarray analysis in both genetic lines to examine differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in energy metabolism-related tissues, subcutaneous adipose (fat), liver, and longissimus dorsi muscle tissues. We analyzed the annotation of DEGs (2-fold cutoff) to functionally categorize them by Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways. The number of DEGs in muscle tissues of both lines was much less than that in fat and liver tissues, indicating that DEGs in muscle tissues may not contribute much to differences in backfat thickness. In contrast, several genes related to muscle (in fat tissue) and lipid metabolism (in liver tissue) were more upregulated in LWDM pigs than LWDL pigs, indicating that those DEGs might be responsible for differences in backfat thickness. The different genome-wide gene expression profiles in the fat, liver, and muscle tissues between genetic lines can provide useful information for pig breeders.