Compound heterozygous variants in RAB34 in a rare skeletal ciliopathy syndrome

Skeletal ciliopathies are a heterogenous group of congenital disorders characterized by multiple internal abnormalities, and distinct radiographic presentation. Pathogenic variants in at least 30 cilia genes are known to cause skeletal ciliopathies. Here we report a fetus with an atypical skeletal ciliopathy phenotype and compound heterozygous variants in the RAB34 gene. The affected fetus had multiple malformations, including posterior neck edema, micrognathia, low-set and small ears, auricular hypoplasia, cleft lip and palate, short extremities, and a combination of rarely occurring pre- and postaxial polydactyly. Genome sequencing identified compound heterozygous variants in the RAB34 gene: maternal c.254T>C, p.(Ile85Thr), and paternal c.691C>T, p.(Arg231*) variants. Only the paternal variant was present in the unaffected sibling. Evidence in the literature indicated that Rab34-/- mice displayed a ciliopathy phenotype with cleft palate and polydactyly. These features were consistent with malformations detected in our patient supporting the pathogenicity of the identified RAB34 variants. Overall, this case report further expands genetic landscape of human ciliopathy syndromes and suggests RAB34 as a candidate gene for skeletal ciliopathies.

Antiplatelet drugs may increase the risk for checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis in advanced cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are indicated for various cancers and are the mainstay of cancer immunotherapy. They are often associated with ICI-related pneumonitis (CIP), however, hindering a favorable clinical course. Recently, non-oncology concomitant drugs have been reported to affect the efficacy and toxicity of ICIs; however, the association between these drugs and the risk for CIP is uncertain. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of baseline concomitant drugs on CIP incidence in ICI-treated advanced cancer patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a single-center retrospective study that included a cohort of 511 patients with advanced cancer (melanoma and non-small-cell lung, head and neck, genitourinary, and other types of cancer) treated with ICIs. Univariable analysis was conducted to identify baseline co-medications associated with CIP incidence. A propensity score matching analysis was used to adjust for potential CIP risk factors, and multivariable analysis was carried out to assess the impact of the identified co-medications on CIP risk.

RESULTS

Forty-seven (9.2%) patients developed CIP. In these patients, the organizing pneumonia pattern was the dominant radiological phenotype, and 42.6% had grade ≥3 CIP, including one patient with grade 5. Of the investigated baseline co-medications, the proportion of antiplatelet drugs (n = 50, 9.8%) was higher in patients with CIP (23.4% versus 8.4%). After propensity score matching, the CIP incidence was higher in patients with baseline antiplatelet drugs (22% versus 6%). Finally, baseline antiplatelet drug use was demonstrated to increase the risk for CIP incidence regardless of cancer type (hazard ratio, 3.46; 95% confidence interval 1.21-9.86).

CONCLUSIONS

An association between concomitant antiplatelet drug use at baseline and an increased risk for CIP was seen in our database. This implies the importance of assessing concomitant medications for CIP risk management.

Observation of Collider Muon Neutrinos with the SND@LHC Experiment

We report the direct observation of muon neutrino interactions with the SND@LHC detector at the Large Hadron Collider. A dataset of proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13.6  TeV collected by SND@LHC in 2022 is used, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 36.8  fb^{-1}. The search is based on information from the active electronic components of the SND@LHC detector, which covers the pseudorapidity region of 7.2<η<8.4, inaccessible to the other experiments at the collider. Muon neutrino candidates are identified through their charged-current interaction topology, with a track propagating through the entire length of the muon detector. After selection cuts, 8 ν_{μ} interaction candidate events remain with an estimated background of 0.086 events, yielding a significance of about 7 standard deviations for the observed ν_{μ} signal.

Expressions of PD-L1 and Nectin-4 in urothelial cancer patients treated with pembrolizumab

OBJECTIVES

Recently, the standard of care for advanced urothelial cancer (UC) has been changed by developing immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, its response rate is limited to 20-30%. The identification of biomarkers to predict the therapeutic effects of ICIs is urgently needed. The present study explored the association between immunohistochemical biomarkers and clinical outcomes in UC patients treated with pembrolizumab.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 85 patients with UC who received pembrolizumab after chemotherapy from January 2018 to May 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Tumor tissues were obtained for immunohistochemical study from 47 out of 85 patients. The protein expressions of PD-L1, WT1, Nectin-4, CD4, CD8, Foxp3, and CD68 in tumor cells and/or tumor infiltrating lymphocytes were immunohistochemically examined. The associations between protein expressions and overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and disease control rate (DCR) were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

Patients with positive PD-L1 in tumor cells showed significantly worse OS (Log-rank test: HR 5.146, p = 0.001, Cox regression analysis: HR 4.331, p = 0.014) and PFS (Log-rank test: HR 3.31. p = 0.022), along with significantly lower DCR (14.3%) compared to the PD-L1 negative patients (67.5%). In addition, patients with strong expression of Nectin-4 in tumor cells showed significantly higher DCR (100%) than the other patients (50%).

CONCLUSION

PD-L1 expression in tumor cells was associated with poor prognosis (OS and PFS) and low DCR. Interestingly, the strong expression of Nectin-4 was correlated with high DCR. PD-L1 and Nectin-4 expression in tumor cells could be prognostic biomarkers useful for pembrolizumab in patients with advanced UC.

OPERA tau neutrino charged current interactions

The OPERA experiment was designed to discover the vτ appearance in a vμ beam, due to neutrino oscillations. The detector, located in the underground Gran Sasso Laboratory, consisted of a nuclear photographic emulsion/lead target with a mass of about 1.25 kt, complemented by electronic detectors. It was exposed from 2008 to 2012 to the CNGS beam: an almost pure vμ beam with a baseline of 730 km, collecting a total of 1.8·1020 protons on target. The OPERA Collaboration eventually assessed the discovery of vμ→vτ oscillations with a statistical significance of 6.1 σ by observing ten vτ CC interaction candidates. These events have been published on the Open Data Portal at CERN. This paper provides a detailed description of the vτ data sample to make it usable by the whole community.

EFFECT OF ADDING HOME-BASED MODERATE-INTENSITY EXERCISE ON METABOLIC FUNCTIONS IN OLDER ADULTS WITH NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES WHO REGULARLY PERFORM GYM-BASED MODERATE-INTENSITY EXERCISE

CONTEXT

Physical activity is important for the management of metabolic functions; however, little is known whether performing home-based moderate-intensity exercise (MIE) obtains further improvement on metabolic functions in adults with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) who already perform regular gym-based MIE.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of adding home-based MIE on metabolic functions in older adults with NCDs who have regularly performed gym-based MIE.

DESIGN

This was a single-center randomized controlled study. The observation period was set for 24 weeks.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Twenty-one older adults (age, 60-79 years) with uncomplicated NCDs, who have performed 30-40 min MIE, 2-3 days/week at a hospital gym for over 1 year, were randomly divided into two groups: performing home-based MIE, comprising aerobic and resistance exercises, at least 20 min/day, 3 days/week (HOME, n = 11), or not performing home-based MIE (CON, n = 10). All participants completed the study and continued their gym-based MIE as usual.

RESULTS

After 24 weeks, there were no significant differences in the values of any outcomes. Conversely, the decrease in waist circumference (WC) was larger in the HOME group (-2.17 [-3.98, -0.36] cm) than in the CON group (0.57 [-1.42, 2.56] cm) (p < 0.05), although not in other outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Although further studies are needed, we found that adding home-based MIE had a positive effect on WC, but little effect on other metabolic functions in older adults with NCDs who have continued regular gym-based MIE.

Smectic Liquid-Crystalline Structure of Skyrmions in Chiral Magnet Co_{8.5}Zn_{7.5}Mn_{4}(110) Thin Film

The organizing of magnetic skyrmions shows several forms similar to atomic arrays of solid states. Using Lorentz transmission electron microscopy, we report the first direct observation of a stable liquid-crystalline structure of skyrmions in chiral magnet Co_{8.5}Zn_{7.5}Mn_{4}(110) thin film, caused by magnetic anisotropy and chiral surface twist. Elongated skyrmions are oriented and periodically arranged only in the ⟨110⟩ directions, whereas they exhibit short-range order along the ⟨001⟩ directions, indicating a smectic skyrmion state. In addition, skyrmions possess anisotropic interaction with an opposite sign depending on the crystal orientation, in contrast to existing isotropic interaction.

The surface composition of asteroid 162173 Ryugu from Hayabusa2 near-infrared spectroscopy

The near-Earth asteroid 162173 Ryugu, the target of the Hayabusa2 sample-return mission, is thought to be a primitive carbonaceous object. We report reflectance spectra of Ryugu's surface acquired with the Near-Infrared Spectrometer (NIRS3) on Hayabusa2, to provide direct measurements of the surface composition and geological context for the returned samples. A weak, narrow absorption feature centered at 2.72 micrometers was detected across the entire observed surface, indicating that hydroxyl (OH)-bearing minerals are ubiquitous there. The intensity of the OH feature and low albedo are similar to thermally and/or shock-metamorphosed carbonaceous chondrite meteorites. There are few variations in the OH-band position, which is consistent with Ryugu being a compositionally homogeneous rubble-pile object generated from impact fragments of an undifferentiated aqueously altered parent body.

Long waiting time before tooth extraction may increase delayed wound healing in elderly Japanese

In osteoporosis patients receiving antiresorptive medications, stopping the drug and delaying tooth extraction has been suggested to reduce the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). However, postponing tooth extraction for ≥ 2 months was associated with an increased risk of delayed wound healing beyond 8 weeks after extraction, a risk factor for developing ONJ.

INTRODUCTION

A long waiting time before tooth extraction could result from concern about a potential increased risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) in osteoporosis patients. We clarified whether a long waiting time before tooth extraction during the past year may be associated with an increased risk of delayed wound healing beyond 8 weeks after tooth extraction, which may be a risk factor of ONJ.

METHODS

Of 5639 patients aged ≥ 60 years who visited our 20 clinics or hospitals and answered a structured questionnaire, 426 patients (151 men, 275 women) aged 60-96 years comprised the final participants in this study. Self-reported kyphosis was used as a surrogate marker of vertebral fractures. Stepwise logistic regression analysis, adjusted for covariates, was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and the 95% confidence interval (CI) for the presence of delayed wound healing longer than 8 weeks after tooth extraction during the past year based on the duration before extraction.

RESULTS

Subjects who had waited > 2 months for tooth extraction had a significantly higher risk of delayed wound healing compared with those whose tooth was extracted within 1 month (OR = 7.23; 95% CI = 2.19-23.85, p = 0.001) regardless if antiresorptive medications for osteoporosis were used. The presence of self-reported kyphosis was significantly associated with an increased risk of delayed wound healing (OR = 5.08; 95% CI = 1.11-23.32, p = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

A long waiting time before tooth extraction may be a risk factor for delayed wound healing beyond 8 weeks after extraction in patients aged ≥ 60 years.

Final Results of the OPERA Experiment on ν_{τ} Appearance in the CNGS Neutrino Beam

The OPERA experiment was designed to study ν_{μ}→ν_{τ} oscillations in the appearance mode in the CERN to Gran Sasso Neutrino beam (CNGS). In this Letter, we report the final analysis of the full data sample collected between 2008 and 2012, corresponding to 17.97×10^{19} protons on target. Selection criteria looser than in previous analyses have produced ten ν_{τ} candidate events, thus reducing the statistical uncertainty in the measurement of the oscillation parameters and of ν_{τ} properties. A multivariate approach for event identification has been applied to the candidate events and the discovery of ν_{τ} appearance is confirmed with an improved significance level of 6.1σ. |Δm_{32}^{2}| has been measured, in appearance mode, with an accuracy of 20%. The measurement of the ν_{τ} charged-current cross section, for the first time with a negligible contamination from ν[over ¯]_{τ}, and the first direct evidence for the ν_{τ} lepton number are also reported.

Heat stress prevents the decrease in succinate dehydrogenase activity in the extensor digitorum longus of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

This study aimed to investigate whether heat stress (HS) prevents a decrease in succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity and heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) contents in the extensor digitorum longus of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Twelve-week-old male Wistar rats were assigned to one of the four groups (n=6/group): control (Con), HS, diabetes mellitus (DM), and diabetes mellitus and heat stress (DM+HS). Diabetes was induced by the administration of STZ (50 mg/kg). HS was initiated 7 days after STZ treatment and performed at 42 °C for 30 min 5 times a week for 3 weeks. SDH activity was decreased in the DM and DM+HS groups. However, SDH activity was greater in the DM+HS group than in the DM group. Although HSP60 content was lower in the DM group than in the Con group, it was maintained in the DM+HS groups and was higher than that in the DM group. SOD2 content was decreased only in the DM group. These findings suggest that HS prevents the decrease in SDH activity in the skeletal muscle induced by DM. According to this mechanism, the maintenance of SOD2 and HSP60 by HS may suppress the increase in oxidative stress.

Discovery of τ Neutrino Appearance in the CNGS Neutrino Beam with the OPERA Experiment

The OPERA experiment was designed to search for ν_{μ}→ν_{τ} oscillations in appearance mode, i.e., by detecting the τ leptons produced in charged current ν_{τ} interactions. The experiment took data from 2008 to 2012 in the CERN Neutrinos to Gran Sasso beam. The observation of the ν_{μ}→ν_{τ} appearance, achieved with four candidate events in a subsample of the data, was previously reported. In this Letter, a fifth ν_{τ} candidate event, found in an enlarged data sample, is described. Together with a further reduction of the expected background, the candidate events detected so far allow us to assess the discovery of ν_{μ}→ν_{τ} oscillations in appearance mode with a significance larger than 5σ.

Autophagy regulates hepatocyte identity and epithelial-to-mesenchymal and mesenchymal-to-epithelial transitions promoting Snail degradation

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the reverse process mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) are events involved in development, wound healing and stem cell behaviour and contribute pathologically to cancer progression. The identification of the molecular mechanisms underlying these phenotypic conversions in hepatocytes are fundamental to design specific therapeutic strategies aimed at optimising liver repair. The role of autophagy in EMT/MET processes of hepatocytes was investigated in liver-specific autophagy-deficient mice (Alb-Cre;ATG7^fl/fl) and using the nontumorigenic immortalised hepatocytes cell line MMH. Autophagy deficiency in vivo reduces epithelial markers' expression and increases the levels of mesenchymal markers. These alterations are associated with an increased protein level of the EMT master regulator Snail, without transcriptional induction. Interestingly, we found that autophagy degrades Snail in a p62/SQSTM1 (Sequestosome-1)-dependent manner. Moreover, accordingly to a pro-epithelial function, we observed that autophagy stimulation strongly affects EMT progression, whereas it is necessary for MET. Finally, we found that the EMT induced by TGFβ affects the autophagy flux, indicating that these processes regulate each other. Overall, we found that autophagy regulates the phenotype plasticity of hepatocytes promoting their epithelial identity through the inhibition of the mesenchymal programme.

Arthroscopic assistance does not improve the functional or radiographic outcome of unstable intra-articular distal radial fractures treated with a volar locking plate

There is no consensus on the benefit of arthroscopically assisted reduction of the articular surface combined with fixation using a volar locking plate for the treatment of intra-articular distal radial fractures. In this study we compared the functional and radiographic outcomes of fluoroscopically and arthroscopically guided reduction of these fractures.

Between February 2009 and May 2013, 74 patients with unilateral unstable intra-articular distal radial fractures were randomised equally into the two groups for treatment. The mean age of these 74 patients was 64 years (24 to 92). We compared functional outcomes including active range of movement of the wrist, grip strength and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores at six and 48 weeks; and radiographic outcomes that included gap, step, radial inclination, volar angulation and ulnar variance.

There were no significant differences between the techniques with regard to functional outcomes or radiographic parameters. The mean gap and step in the fluoroscopic and arthroscopic groups were comparable at 0.9 mm (standard deviation (sd) 0.7) and 0.7 mm (sd 0.7) and 0.6 mm (sd 0.6) and 0.4 mm (sd 0.5), respectively; p = 0.18 and p = 0.35).

Arthroscopic reduction conferred no advantage over conventional fluoroscopic guidance in achieving anatomical reduction of intra-articular distal radial fractures when using a volar locking plate.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:957–62.

Genetic polymorphism in IFNL4 and response to pegylated interferon-α and ribavirin in Japanese chronic hepatitis C patients

A genetic polymorphism of the newly discovered interferon-λ 4 (IFNL4) gene was associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) clearance in individuals of African ancestry. To assess whether a dinucleotide variant of IFNL4 (ss469415590) also affected treatment outcome of antiviral therapy in Japan, we genotyped 213 patients with chronic genotype 1 HCV infection and 176 healthy subjects. The ΔG allele was associated with treatment failure [odds ratio (OR) 4.73, P = 0.019], as was the IFL3 rs8099917 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (OR 5.06, P = 0.068). The correlation between ss469415590 and rs8099917 was high (r(2)  = 0.92, D' = 0.98). Multivariate analysis revealed that the rs8099917 SNP was independently associated with treatment failure (OR 5.28, P = 0.009). Therefore, ss469415590 may be another predictive marker of antiviral therapy outcome in the Japanese population.

Abstract P3-15-10: Human neuronal model to study chemotherapeutic-induced peripheral neuropathy

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is the major dose-limiting toxicity for several anti-cancer drugs including taxanes, platinating agents and microtubule inhibitors. In general, animal models have been used to study neuropathy. Our goals are twofold: 1) to create a human model for study of chemotherapeutic induced neuropathy using iCell Neurons derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and; 2) to elucidate the molecular genetic mechanisms underlying chemotherapeutic induced peripheral neuropathy by identifying genetic variants and genes that increase the likelihood of this devastating adverse event. We have used this model system to perform functional studies on candidate targets of interest from clinical studies of chemotherapeutic induced neuropathy. Upon treatment of iCell Neurons with increasing concentrations of paclitaxel (0.001-100 μM) for 72 hours, we identified a reproducible 3-5 μm (12-14%) decrease in cell median neurite process length and a 13-19 μm (10-13%) decrease in cell total neurite outgrowth per order of magnitude increase in drug. The same concentrations of vincristine and cisplatin for 72 hours result in a decrease in cell median neurite process length of 6-18% and 2-4% per order of magnitude increase in drug, respectively. No decrease in neurite length is observed with hydroxyurea, a drug that does not result in neuropathy. Paclitaxel binds to beta-tubulin to exert its cytotoxic effect and genetic variants within the promoter of TUBB2A were shown to be associated with paclitaxel induced neuropathy (Clin Cancer Res, 18(16):4441-8, 2012). As a proof of concept, we have shown that decreased expression of the beta-tubulin isotype TUBB2A by siRNA transfection causes decreased median neurite process length (interaction P = 2.0 × 10-4) and decreased total neurite outgrowth (interaction P = 6.2 × 10-10) of iCell Neurons 48 hours post-paclitaxel treatment. To determine clinical relevance, we have developed a protocol to collect blood of breast and ovarian cancer patients experiencing severe paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy and matched patients without neuropathy following similar paclitaxel regimens to create iPSCs and eventually neurons. We hope to create a resource of these cells for the scientific community.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P3-15-10.

Possible roles of the AP-1 site in the cytosolic T3 binding protein promoter and insights into its physiological significance

Cytosolic 3,5,3'-triiodo-l-thyronine-binding protein plays pivotal roles in the regulation of intracellular 3,5,3'-triiodo-l-thyronine concentration in vivo. The expression of the protein, which is identical to μ-crystallin, is regulated by various factors. To elucidate the mechanisms of its expression, we evaluated the promoter transactivity and insulin signaling via the AP-1 site in the promoter. The isolated 600 bp human and 1976 bp mouse 5'-flanking regions were cloned in a luciferase reporter plasmid. The luciferase activity was estimated in GH3, dRLh-84, HEK293, and insulin receptor-overexpressing CHO-IR cells. The effects of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate and insulin on μ-crystallin mRNA expression were evaluated in various cells. The region between -200 and the transcriptional start site was crucial for constitutive expression in μ-crystallin-expressing dRLh-84 cells. This region contained an AP-1 site. 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate increased the level of μ-crystallin mRNA expression in HEK 293 cells. The compound also increased luciferase activity through the promoter. Mutation in the AP1 site diminished the response to the compound. The promoter was also activated by insulin treatment in CHO-IR cells. Insulin treatment increased μ-crystallin mRNA expression in Raw264.7 cells, but decreased in HEK293, P19, and dRLH-84 cells. The expression of μ-crystallin was regulated through the AP-1 site in the promoter. The signals related to AP-1 activation, such as insulin signaling may have diverse effects on μ-crystallin mRNA expression.

Clinical features of a new disease concept, IgG4-related thyroiditis

OBJECTIVES

Immunoglobulin (Ig)G4-related disease is a recently proposed systemic disorder that includes autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP), Mikulicz's disease, and various other organ lesions. In the present retrospective study, we examined whether thyroid lesions should also be included in IgG4-related disease (Ig4-RD) under the new term IgG4-related thyroiditis.

METHOD

We enrolled 114 patients with Ig4-RD, including 92 patients with AIP, 15 patients with Mikulicz's disease, and seven patients with IgG4-related cholangitis, and analysed clinical findings, function, serum values of activity markers, computed tomography (CT) images, and histology of the thyroid gland.

RESULTS

Among the 22 patients (19%) in our cohort who were found to have hypothyroidism [thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) > 4 mIU/L], 11 patients had clinical hypothyroidism [free thyroxine (FT4) < 1 ng/dL] and 11 patients had subclinical hypothyroidism (FT4 ≥ 1 ng/dL). Serum concentrations of IgG, IgG4, circulating immune complex (CIC), and β2-microglobulin (β2-MG) were significantly higher in the hypothyroidism group compared with the remaining 92 euthyroid patients, and serum C3 concentration was significantly lower. After prednisolone treatment, TSH values had decreased significantly (p = 0.005) in this group and FT4 values had increased significantly (p = 0.047). CT images showed that the thyroid glands of patients with clinical hypothyroidism had a significantly greater volume than those of the euthyroid and other groups. Pathological analysis of one resected thyroid gland disclosed a focused lesion with infiltration of lymphocytes and IgG4-bearing plasma cells and loss of thyroid follicles.

CONCLUSIONS

Thyroid lesions associated with hypothyroidism can be considered as a new disease termed IgG4-related thyroiditis. Awareness of this condition should lead to appropriate corticosteroid treatment that may prevent progression to a fibrous state.

Spin polarization of gapped Dirac surface states near the topological phase transition in TlBi(S(1-x)Se(x))2

We performed systematic spin- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy of TlBi(S(1-x)Se(x))(2) which undergoes a topological phase transition at x ~ 0.5. In TlBiSe(2) (x = 1.0), we revealed a helical spin texture of Dirac-cone surface states with an intrinsic in-plane spin polarization of ~0.8. The spin polarization still survives in the gapped surface states at x > 0.5, although it gradually weakens upon approaching x = 0.5 and vanishes in the nontopological phase. No evidence for the out-of-plane spin polarization was found, irrespective of x and momentum. The present results unambiguously indicate the topological origin of the gapped Dirac surface states, and also impose a constraint on models to explain the origin of mass acquisition of Dirac fermions.

Autophagy deficiency in beta cells leads to compromised unfolded protein response and progression from obesity to diabetes in mice

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The unfolded protein response (UPR) in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and autophagy are known to be related. We investigated the role of autophagy in UPR of pancreatic beta cells and the susceptibility of autophagy-deficient beta cells to the ER stress that is implicated in the development of diabetes.

METHODS

Rat insulin promoter (RIP)-Cre(+);autophagy-related 7 (Atg7)(F/W) mice were bred with ob/w mice to derive RIP-Cre(+);Atg7(F/F)-ob/ob mice and to induce ER stress in vivo. GFP-LC3(+)-ob/ob mice were generated to examine in vivo autophagic activity. Real-time RT-PCR was performed to study the expression of the genes of the UPR machinery. Proteolysis was assessed by determining release of incorporated radioactive leucine.

RESULTS

Production of UPR machinery was reduced in autophagy-deficient beta cells, which was associated with diminished production of p85α and p85β regulatory subunits of phosphoinositide 3-kinase. Because of compromised UPR machinery, autophagy-deficient beta cells were susceptible to ER stressors in vitro. When mice with beta cell-specific autophagy deficiency, which have mild hyperglycaemia, were bred with ob/ob mice to induce ER stress in vivo, severe diabetes developed, which was accompanied by an increase in beta cell death and accumulation of reactive oxygen species. The increased demand for UPR present in obesity was unmet in autophagy-deficient beta cells. Autophagy level and autophagic activity were enhanced by lipid, while proteolysis was reduced.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

These results suggest that autophagy is important for intact UPR machinery and appropriate UPR in response to lipid injury that increases demand for UPR. Autophagy deficiency in pancreatic beta cells may contribute to the progression from obesity to diabetes.

Availability of Self-Recorded Axillary Temperature for Assessment of Thermic Effects of Food: Relationship between HDL-Cholesterol Level and Postprandial Thermoregulation in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

The present study was performed to develop a simple procedure for assessment of body temperature and to determine whether postprandial thermoregulation is related to metabolic regulation in diabetic patients.

We examined 101 male and female subjects with diabetes. Axillary temperature was measured prior to and after all meals (3 meals per day) and self-recorded for 1 week. The averages were calculated. Positive postprandial thermoregulation (PPT) was defined as a pattern in which each of 3 average postprandial temperatures was higher than the corresponding 3 preprandial temperatures. Negative postprandial thermoregulation (NPT) was defined as the pattern except for PPT.

A significant increase in postprandial temperature was observed. With the exception of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol levels, there were no relationships between the categorized postprandial thermoregulation and other factors, including age, sex, body mass index, thyroid function, HbA1c, diabetic complications, lipid metabolism, and calorie intake. Logistic analysis indicated an independent positive relation between HDL-cholesterol and PPT.

A simple method for measurement of body temperature indicated that HDL-cholesterol level was predominantly associated with thermic effects of food in diabetic patients, while other metabolic factors showed no such relations. HDL-cholesterol may affect the postprandial regulation of body temperature in diabetic patients.

Age-related changes in gene expression of the growth hormone secretagogue and growth hormone-releasing hormone receptors in Holstein-Friesian cattle

Growth hormone secretion from the anterior pituitary gland is controlled by interactions between three hormone receptors, between GHRH and GHRH receptor (GHRH-R), between ghrelin and growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a), and between somatostatin and somatostatin receptors in the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary gland. Ghrelin-GHS-R1a is involved in many important functions, including GH secretion and appetite. We investigated age-related changes in the expressions of GHS-R1a, GHS-R1b (the truncated-type receptor), and GHRH-R mRNAs by real-time reverse transcription-PCR using 16 tissues, leukocytes, oocytes, and cumulus cells in Holstein-Friesian cattle. The tissue samples were divided into three age classes: 1) 19 to 26 d of age (preweaning calves), 2) 2 mo to 6.5 mo of age (postweaning calves), and 3) 3.2 to 8.1 yr of age (cows). The GHS-R1a mRNA was highly (P < 0.05) expressed in the arcuate nucleus, pituitary gland, and liver compared with that of the other tissues in all age classes. Expression of GHS-R 1a mRNA in the arcuate nucleus of postweaning calves was > 10-fold greater (P < 0.01) than those of preweaning calves and cows, and its expression level was the greatest (P < 0.01) in all tissues examined in age group 2. GHS-R1a and GHRH-R mRNA expressions in the pituitary gland of preweaning calves tended to be greater (P < 0.20 and P < 0.17, respectively) than those of postweaning calves and cows. GHS-R1b mRNA expression was detected in all tissues examined, and abundance was greater (P < 0.05) in the pancreas, pituitary gland, spleen, arcuate nucleus, adipose tissue, and leukocyte compared with that of the other tissues examined in age group 3. Interestingly, a relatively large animal-to-animal variation was observed in pancreas GHS-R 1b mRNA expression. The GHRH-R mRNA was markedly increased (P < 0.01) in the pituitary gland in all age groups compared with that of the other tissues. GHRH-R mRNA abundance in the arcuate nucleus, pituitary gland, liver, spleen, adipose tissue, and heart of preweaning calves tended to be greater than those of postweaning calves and cows. The GHRH-R mRNA was not detected in the mammary gland and adipose tissue of nonlactating cows.

Endoscopic anatomy of persistent trigeminal artery: a cadaveric study

BACKGROUND

Persistent trigeminal artery (PTA) is one of the carotid-basilar anastomoses and occasionally complicates vascular or neoplastic pathology. The aim of this study was to become more familiar with the anatomy associated with PTA using an endoscopic view.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

PTA was incidentally encountered in a fresh cadaver. Purely endoscopic approaches via supraorbital (extradural and intradural routes), endonasal, and retrosigmoid routes were performed with 4-mm, 0- and 30-degree rigid endoscopes.

RESULTS

The PTA belonged to Salas's lateral type and Saltzman's type 1. The supraorbital extradural approach allowed good visualization of the origin and the cavernous portion of the PTA through the infratrochlear triangle. Using the endonasal route, the cisternal portion of the PTA and its confluence to the basilar artery were demonstrated after opening the clival dura; however, the origin of the PTA and the cavernous portion of the PTA were not sufficiently exposed even using a direct approach to the cavernous sinus. The retrosigmoid approach revealed the anatomical relationship among the PTA, trigeminal nerve, and abducent nerve in the petroclival region.

CONCLUSION

These 3 endoscopic approaches provided a superb image of the PTA and contribute to the anatomical comprehension of PTA. Additionally, these approaches make us more familiar with an endoscopic view of PTA.

Direct measurement of the out-of-plane spin texture in the Dirac-cone surface state of a topological insulator

We have performed spin- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy of Bi(2)Te(3) and present the first direct evidence for the existence of the out-of-plane spin component on the surface state of a topological insulator. We found that the magnitude of the out-of-plane spin polarization on a hexagonally deformed Fermi surface of Bi(2)Te(3) reaches maximally 25% of the in-plane counterpart, while such a sizable out-of-plane spin component does not exist in the more circular Fermi surface of TlBiSe(2), indicating that the hexagonal deformation of the Fermi surface is responsible for the deviation from the ideal helical spin texture. The observed out-of-plane polarization is much smaller than that expected from the existing theory, suggesting that an additional ingredient is necessary for correctly understanding the surface spin polarization in Bi(2)Te(3).

Temperature and Strain Rate Dependence of Deformation-Induced Point Defect Cluster Formation in Metal Thin Foils

The mechanism of plastic deformation in thin metal foils without involving dislocations was examined by investigating the variations in vacancy cluster formation during deformation for a range of deformation speeds and temperatures. The deformation morphology was not seen to change appreciably over a very wide range of strain rate, 10-4/s – 106/s, whereas the number density of vacancy clusters was observed to increase with increasing strain rate up to saturation value that is dependent on materials and temperature. The density of vacancy clusters decreased to zero with decreasing deformation speed. The strain rate at which the density of vacancy clusters begins to decrease was found to be proportional to the vacancy mobility, suggesting that the vacancies are generated as dispersed vacancies and escape to the specimen surfaces during slow deformation without forming clusters. A very long tail in the distribution of the density of vacancy clusters towards lower strain rates was reasonably attributed to the generation of small vacancy complexes due to deformation. These results give valuable information that can be used to establish new models for plastic deformation of crystalline metals without involving dislocations.

Surgically induced astigmatism after posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens implantation

AIM

To assess astigmatism induced after phakic intraocular lens (Visian ICL, STAAR Surgical) implantation.

METHODS

Seventy-three eyes of 47 patients undergoing ICL implantation through a horizontal 3.0 mm clear corneal incision were retrospectively examined. The amount of corneal astigmatism before and 3 months after surgery using an automated keratometer (ARK-700A, Nidek) and corneal topography (ATRAS995, Carl Zeiss Meditec) were quantitatively investigated. The surgically induced astigmatism was assessed by vector analysis using the Holladay-Cravy-Koch formula.

RESULTS

The corneal astigmatism was significantly increased from 1.10 (0.51) dioptres (D) to 1.44 (0.57) D using the keratometer (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p<0.001). It was also significantly increased from 1.16 (0.53) D to 1.45 (0.57) D using corneal topography (p<0.001). On the other hand, the manifest astigmatism was significantly decreased from 0.93 (0.60) D to 0.72 (0.58) D (p<0.001). The surgically induced astigmatism was 0.45 (0.26) D at an axis of 93.3 degrees using the keratometer and 0.49 (0.26) D at an axis of 98.0 degrees using corneal topography.

CONCLUSIONS

ICL implantation induces corneal astigmatism through a with-the-rule astigmatic shift of approximately 0.5 D, which was small but not negligible for candidates for refractive surgery.

Development and genetic differences of complement activity in rabbits

The ontogeny of haemolytic complement in rabbit serum and the genetic differences of the activity in five strains of adult rabbits were investigated by single radial haemolysis in gel and a microtiter method with purified complement components and the appropriate haemolytic intermediate cells. The haemolytic complement activity was found as early as the 15th day of foetal life, and increased with age reaching approximately adult level by the 120th day of life. Marked strain differences in both total haemolytic activity and C3 levels of adult rabbit sera were observed. The repeatability of haemolytic activity for an individual serum taken at different times was higher than that for C3 level was observed. An inherited complement deficiency, due to the lack of C6, was found in a strain of Angora rabbits. The genetic studies confirmed that this complement defect was transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait.

Time-course changes in neural cell apoptosis in the rat fetal brain from dams treated with 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP)

6-Mercaptopurine (6-MP), one of the major drugs for the therapy of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and autoimmune diseases, is incorporated as thioguanine in nucleic acid and it induces cytotoxicity and fetotoxicity. In the present study, pregnant rats were treated with 50 mg/kg of 6-MP on 13 embryonic days (E), and fetuses were collected from 12 to 96 h after the treatment to examine the mechanism and time-course changes in neural cell death in the developing brain. The weights of fetal telencephalon and the thickness of the dorsal telencephalic wall of the fetuses were significantly reduced at 96 h. The number of pyknotic neural cells in the fetal telencephalon began to increase at 24 h, peaked at 36 h, and then gradually decreased toward 72 h. The nuclei of most of these pyknotic cells were stained positively by TUNEL method, which detects DNA fragmentation. Moreover, pyknotic cells were immunohistochemically positive for cleaved caspase-3, one of the key executioners of apoptosis, and the increased expression of the protein from 30 to 48 h was confirmed by using Western blot analysis. Also, electron microscopical features of the pyknotic cells showed ultrastructural characteristics of apoptosis. On the other hand, the number of mitotic and BrdU-positive neural cells in the telencephalon decreased from 30 to 72 h. These results suggest that 6-MP induced apoptotic cell death in neural cells in the rat fetal brain is probably due to cytotoxic action of 6-MP.

6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) induces p53-mediated apoptosis of neural progenitor cells in the developing fetal rodent brain

6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), a DNA-damaging agent, induces apoptosis of neural progenitor cells, and causes malformation in the fetal brain. The aim of the present study is to clarify the molecular pathway of 6-MP-induced apoptosis of neural progenitor cells in the fetal telencephalon of rats and mice. p53 protein is activated by DNA damage and induces apoptosis through either the intrinsic pathway involving the mitochondria or the extrinsic pathway triggered by death receptors. In this study, the expression of puma and cleaved caspase-9 proteins, which are specific intrinsic pathway factors, increased in the rat telencephalon after 6-MP treatment. 6-MP-induced apoptosis of neural progenitor cells was completely absent in p53-deficient mice. On the other hand, the expression of Fas protein, an extrinsic pathway factor, did not change throughout the experimental period in the rat telencephalon treated with 6-MP. The number of apoptotic neural progenitor cells was similar among Fas-mutated lpr/lpr and wild-type mice, suggesting that the Fas pathway does not play a significant role in 6-MP-induced apoptosis of neural progenitor cells. These results may suggest that the p53-mediated intrinsic pathway is essential for 6-MP-induced apoptosis of neural progenitor cells in the developing telencephalon of rats and mice.

Differences of clinical manifestations according to the patterns of brain lesions in acute encephalopathy with reduced diffusion in the bilateral hemispheres

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The precise clinical characteristics of acute encephalopathy with bilateral reduced diffusion are not fully understood. We compared clinical, laboratory, and neuroimaging findings according to the patterns of brain lesions among children with reduced diffusion in the bilateral hemispheres.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nine patients were analyzed. The patterns of brain lesions were divided into diffuse lesions and central-sparing lesions. Diffuse lesions were defined as reduced diffusion in the whole cortex and/or subcortical white matter. Central-sparing lesions were defined as the lack of reduced diffusion in the areas around the bilateral Sylvian fissures. Clinical, laboratory, and neuroimaging findings were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Five patients showed diffuse lesions and 4 showed central-sparing lesions. Coma was significantly more common in patients with diffuse lesions, whereas a biphasic clinical course was more common in those with central-sparing lesions. Outcome was worse in patients with diffuse lesions. Maximal aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and kinase levels were also significantly higher in patients with diffuse lesions. In 2 patients with diffuse lesions, diffusion-weighted images during the acute phase revealed reduced diffusion in the bilateral frontal and occipital areas, followed by diffuse lesions. No patient with central-sparing lesions showed MR imaging abnormalities during the acute phase.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical manifestations in patients with diffuse lesions were severe, whereas those in patients with central-sparing lesions were relatively mild.

Mutual induction of noncollagenous bone proteins at the interface between epithelial cells and fibroblasts from human periodontal ligament

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Epithelial-mesenchymal interactions are responsible for cell differentiation during periodontal regeneration. The present study was undertaken to examine the expression of alkaline phosphatase and noncollagenous bone proteins, such as osteopontin, osteocalcin and bone sialoprotein, with respect to interaction between the cells of the epithelial rests of Malassez and fibroblasts from human periodontal ligament.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Explants of human periodontal ligament tissues produced outgrowths containing both putative epithelial rests of Malassez cells and human periodontal ligament fibroblasts in a modified serum-free medium. Putative epithelial rests of Malassez cells cultured alone, and human periodontal ligament fibroblasts cultured alone, were used as controls. The expression levels of amelogenin were analyzed by in situ hybridization. The expression and distribution of alkaline phosphatase and noncollagenous bone proteins in both cell populations at the interface between putative epithelial rests of Malassez cells and human periodontal ligament fibroblasts were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Amelogenin mRNA was detected at high levels only in putative epithelial rests of Malassez cells at the interface. Alkaline phosphatase and bone sialoprotein mRNAs were detected significantly at the interface between putative epithelial rests of Malassez cells and human periodontal ligament fibroblast cells. In particular, bone sialoprotein and its mRNA were expressed significantly in human periodontal ligament fibroblasts at the interface between putative epithelial rests of Malassez cells and human periodontal ligament fibroblast cells. The expressions of osteopontin and its mRNA were not different between putative epithelial rests of Malassez cells and human periodontal ligament fibroblasts at the interface. Osteocalcin and its mRNA were expressed strongly in putative epithelial rests of Malassez cells at the interface between putative epithelial rests of Malassez cells and human periodontal ligament fibroblasts.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that the epithelial-mesenchymal interaction modulates the expression of alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin and bone sialoprotein in putative epithelial rests of Malassez cells and human periodontal ligament fibroblasts, suggesting that epithelial-mesenchymal interactions play a role in the maintenance of periodontal ligament.