A class I histone deacetylase HDA-2 is essential for embryonic development and size regulation of fertilized eggs in Caenorhabditis elegans

BACKGROUND

Caenorhabditis elegans encodes three class I histone deacetylases (HDACs), HDA-1, HDA-2, and HDA-3. Although HDA-1 is known to be involved in embryogenesis, the regulatory roles of HDA-2 and HDA-3 in embryonic development remain unexplored.

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the functional roles of the three class I HDACs in C. elegans embryonic development.

METHODS

The roles of Class I HDACs, HDA-1, HDA-2, and HDA-3 in Caenorhabditis elegans during embryogenesis were investigated through the analysis of embryonic lethality via gene knockdown or deletion mutants. Additionally, the size of these knockdown and mutant eggs was observed using a differential interference contrast microscope. Finally, expression pattern and tissue-specific role of hda-2 and transcriptome of the hda-2 mutant were analyzed.

RESULTS

Here, we report that HDA-1 and HDA-2, but not HDA-3, play essential roles in Caenorhabditis elegans embryonic development. Our observations of the fertilized egg size variance demonstrated that HDA-2 is involved in regulating the size of fertilized eggs. Combined analysis of expression patterns and sheath cell-specific rescue experiments indicated that the transgenerational role of HDA-2 is involved in the viability of embryonic development and fertilized egg size regulation. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis of hda-2 mutant embryos implies that HDA-2 is involved in epigenetic regulation of embryonic biological processes by downregulating and upregulating the gene expression.

CONCLUSION

Our finding suggests that HDA-2 regulates the embryonic development in Caenorhabditis elegans by controling a specific subset of genes, and this function might be mediated by transgenerational epigenetic effect.

Overlapping and non-overlapping roles of the class-I histone deacetylase-1 corepressors LET-418, SIN-3, and SPR-1 in Caenorhabditis elegans embryonic development

BACKGROUND

Histone deacetylase (HDAC)-1, a Class-I HDAC family member, forms three types of complexes, the nucleosome remodeling deacetylase, Sin3, and CoREST complexes with the specific corepressor components chromodomain-helicase-DNA-binding protein 3 (Mi2/CHD-3), Sin3, and REST corepressor 1 (RCOR1), respectively, in humans.

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the functional relationships among the three transcriptional corepressors during embryogenesis.

METHODS

The activities of HDA-1, LET-418, SIN-3, and SPR-1, the homologs of HDAC-1, Mi2, Sin3, and RCOR1 in Caenorhabditis elegans during embryogenesis were investigated through measurement of relative mRNA expression levels and embryonic lethality given either gene knockdown or deletion. Additionally, the terminal phenotypes of each knockdown and mutant embryo were observed using a differential-interference contrast microscope. Finally, the functional relationships among the three corepressors were examined through genetic interactions and transcriptome analyses.

RESULTS

Here, we report that each of the corepressors LET-418, SIN-3, and SPR-1 are expressed and have essential roles in C. elegans embryonic development. Our terminal phenotype observations of single mutants further implied that LET-418, SIN-3, and SPR-1 play similar roles in promoting advancement to the middle and late embryonic stages. Combined analysis of genetic interactions and gene ontology of these corepressors indicate a prominent overlapping role among SIN-3, SPR-1, and LET-418 and between SIN-3 and SPR-1.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the class-I HDAC-1 corepressors LET-418, SIN-3, and SPR-1 may cooperatively regulate the expression levels of some genes during C. elegans embryogenesis or may have some similar roles but functioning independently within a specific cell.

P1409 Sizing of mitral annuloplasty rings using three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography

Funding Acknowledgements

Department funding

Background

Mitral valve repair is preferred to valve replacement in cases of degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR) due to the lower risk of valve-related complications and operative mortality. In mitral valve repair, annuloplasty is associated with better clinical outcomes. Sizing of the annuloplasty ring with a ring sizer, which should be performed in the end-systolic phase, is performed in diastole during hyperkalaemia cardioplegic arrest. Three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE) allows measurement of the mitral valve while the heart is beating, which is beneficial since the mitral valve size changes throughout the cardiac cycle.

Purpose

To investigate whether 3D-TEE measurements of the mitral valve are effective for preventing recurrent mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients who undergo mitral valve repair for degenerative MR.

Methods

This study retrospectively reviewed 139 patients who underwent mitral annuloplasty for degenerative MR. After 47 patients were excluded, 92 patients were analysed. The inter-commissural (IC) distance and anterior leaflet height of the A2 segment of the mitral valve were measured by 3D-TEE at the end-systolic phase. The annuloplasty ring size and type were selected by surgeons using specific ring sizers. We investigated the association of the IC distance with the size of implanted annulus ring and differences between the size of implanted annulus ring and the IC distance. We also compared the IC distance, the A2 height, and the ratio of A2 height to IC distance between patients with and without recurrent mild-to-moderate MR for 36 months.

Results

There was a significant correlation between the size of the mitral annuloplasty ring and the IC distance (R²=0.7023, p < 0.001). The variety between implanted annulus ring size and IC distance measured by 3D-TEE was shown in Figure1. Eight cases had mild or greater recurrent MR. There was a significant difference in the ratio of A2 height to IC distance between patients with and without recurrent MR (p = 0.006). The A2 height was greater in patients with recurrent MR, but this difference was not significant (p = 0.059).

Conclusions

There was a significant correlation between the size of the mitral annuloplasty ring and the IC distance. Our results demonstrated a higher ratio of A2 height to IC distance in patients with recurrent MR.

Abstract P1409 Figure1

Gene Cascade Finder: A tool for identification of gene cascades and its application in Caenorhabditis elegans

Obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the gene regulatory networks, or gene cascades, involved in cell fate determination and cell lineage segregation in Caenorhabditis elegans is a long-standing challenge. Although RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) is a promising technique to resolve these questions, the bioinformatics tools to identify associated gene cascades from RNA-Seq data remain inadequate. To overcome these limitations, we developed Gene Cascade Finder (GCF) as a novel tool for building gene cascades by comparison of mutant and wild-type RNA-Seq data along with integrated information of protein-protein interactions, expression timing, and domains. Application of GCF to RNA-Seq data confirmed that SPN-4 and MEX-3 regulate the canonical Wnt pathway during embryonic development. Moreover, lin-35, hsp-3, and gpa-12 were found to be involved in MEX-1-dependent neurogenesis, and MEX-3 was found to control the gene cascade promoting neurogenesis through lin-35 and apl-1. Thus, GCF could be a useful tool for building gene cascades from RNA-Seq data.

Evaluation of viability Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis LKM512 in dogs

In dogs, gastric acid is not neutralised even when a meal is present in the stomach. Moreover, dogs take longer to digest their meals than humans do. Accordingly, the most important characteristic of any probiotics considered for use in dogs is high acid tolerance. The probiotic strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis LKM512 (hereafter referred to as LKM512) not only exhibits potent acid tolerance, but also has the ability to adhere to intestinal mucin. The aim of the present study was to explore the potential of LKM512 as a probiotic in dogs. Specifically, we investigated whether LKM512 can survive in the large intestine in dogs. LKM512 preparations containing 10(10) cfu were administered daily for 14 days in five dogs. Faeces were collected on the day before administration (day 0) as well as on days 7 and 14, and 7 days after administration was halted (day 21). The numbers of viable LKM512 present in faeces were determined by both culture-based techniques and molecular analysis. Changes in intestinal bacterial populations were analysed by 16S rRNA gene semiconductor sequencing using the Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine (PGM). On days 7 and 14, the numbers of viable LKM512 that were detected in faeces by culture-based techniques and molecular analysis were greater than the original daily dosage. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis using the PGM indicated that relative proportions of Bifidobacterium spp. and Bifidobacteriaceae were significantly higher after administration than before. The present study demonstrated that LKM512 can survive strong gastric acid, and proliferate in the large intestine of dogs. Therefore, LKM512 may be a useful canine probiotic.

Invariant NKT cells produce IL-17 through IL-23-dependent and -independent pathways with potential modulation of Th17 response in collagen-induced arthritis

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells play a protective role in the development of certain autoimmune diseases. However, their precise role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune arthritis remains unclear. In this study, we examined the possible contribution of iNKT cells in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) by using iNKT cell-deficient mice (Jalpha281-/- mice). CIA in these mice was markedly suppressed and interleukin (IL)-17 production was reduced in a native type II collagen (CII)-specific T cell response. Draining lymph nodes of CII-immunized Jalpha281-/- mice contained a significantly low number of IL-17-producing T helper cells. To determine whether iNKT cells produce IL-17, we measured IL-17 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in iNKT cells stimulated with the ligand, alpha-galactosylceramide (alpha-GalCer). Notably, splenocytes from Jalpha281-/- mice stimulated in this way were negative for IL-17, whereas those from C57BL/6 mice produced IL-17. Immunostaining for IL-17 in iNKT cells confirmed intracellular staining of the protein. RT-PCR analysis showed that iNKT cells expressed retinoid-related orphan receptor gammaT and IL-23 receptor. Moreover, cell sorting demonstrated that NK1.1- iNKT cells were the main producers of IL-17 compared with NK1.1+ iNKT cells. IL-17 production by iNKT cells was induced by IL-23-dependent and -independent pathways, since iNKT produced IL-17 when stimulated with either IL-23 or alpha-GalCer alone. Our findings indicate that iNKT cells are producers and activators of IL-17 via IL-23- dependent and -independent pathways, suggesting that they are key cells in the pathogenesis of CIA through IL-17.

Validation of a single-channel airflow monitor for screening of sleep-disordered breathing

A simple screening method for sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is desirable for primary care practices. In the present study, a simple monitor, which utilises a new type of flow sensor and a novel algorithm, was prospectively validated. Home recording for 2 nights with the monitor only, followed by in-laboratory recording with the monitor together with polysomnography, were carried out in consecutive patients (n = 100) suspected of SDB. A subjective sleep log was also recorded. The signal was analysed using power spectral analysis, which yielded the flow respiratory disturbance index (flow-RDI). There was no recording failure at home. The reproducibility of the flow-RDI between the 2 nights at home was high (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.92). The sensitivity and specificity of the in-laboratory flow-RDI to diagnose SDB were 0.96 and 0.82, 0.91 and 0.82, and 0.89 and 0.96, for apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) > or =5, > or =15 and > or =30 events x h(-1), respectively. The diagnostic ability in low-severity subgroups (female, normal weight, AHI <15 events x h(-1)) was almost comparable to that in the entire group. Excluding subjective waking time on the sleep log from the recording time had no significant effect on the flow-RDI. The single-channel monitor is considered feasible for ambulatory sleep disordered breathing monitoring because of its easy applicability, high reproducibility and relatively high agreement with polysomnography results.

EC-IC bypass using the distal stump of the superficial temporal artery as an additional collateral source of blood flow in patients with Moyamoya disease

BACKGROUND

To establish multiple bypass flow in an adult Moyamoya disease patient, the distal stump of the parietal superficial temporal artery (dsPSTA) was used as an additional donor.

METHODS

Its potential as the donor was first evaluated by measuring the arterial pressure directly in three patients, revealing about 80% in mean arterial pressure of those measured at the proximal stump and radial artery. The anastomosis was performed just as conventionally except an additional anastomosis between the dsPSTA and frontal branch of the middle cerebral artery in 10 hemispheres of 7 patients.

RESULTS

The patency of the dsPSTA bypass was confirmed on postoperative angiography in 5 patients. The comparison of pre- and post-operative single photon emission computed tomography was feasible in 8 hemispheres of 6 patients of which 7 demonstrated improvement of the cerebral blood flow. CONCLUSION; This technique provides a novel source of donor artery in the treatment of Moyamoya disease, in which multiple anastomoses are desirable.

RNA polymerase β-subunit gene (rpoB) sequence analysis for the identification of Bacteroides spp

Partial rpoB sequences (317 bp) of 11 species of Bacteroides, two Porphyromonas spp. and two Prevotella spp. were compared to delineate the genetic relationships among Bacteroides and closely related anaerobic species. The high level of inter-species sequence dissimilarities (7.6-20.8%) allowed the various Bacteroides spp. to be distinguished. The position of the Bacteroides distasonis and Bacteriodes merdae cluster in the rpoB tree was different from the position in the 16S rRNA gene tree. Based on rpoB sequence similarity and clustering in the rpoB tree, it was possible to correctly re-identify 80 clinical isolates of Bacteroides. In addition to two subgroups, cfiA-negative (division I) and cfiA-positive (division II), of Bacteroides fragilis isolates, two distinct subgroups were also found among Bacteroides ovatus and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron isolates. Bacteroides genus-specific rpoB PCR and B. fragilis species-specific rpoB PCR allowed Bacteroides spp. to be differentiated from Porphyromonas and Prevotella spp., and also allowed B. fragilis to be differentiated from other non-fragilisBacteroides spp. included in the present study.

Induction of apoptosis and cellular senescence in mice lacking transcription elongation factor, Elongin A

Elongin A is a transcription elongation factor that increases the overall rate of mRNA chain elongation by RNA polymerase II. To gain more insight into the physiological functions of Elongin A, we generated Elongin A-deficient mice. Elongin A homozygous mutant (Elongin A(-/-)) embryos demonstrated a severely retarded development and died at between days 10.5 and 12.5 of gestation, most likely due to extensive apoptosis. Moreover, mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) derived from Elongin A(-/-) embryos exhibited not only increased apoptosis but also senescence-like growth defects accompanied by the activation of p38 MAPK and p53. Knockdown of Elongin A in MEFs by RNA interference also dramatically induced the senescent phenotype. A study using inhibitors of p38 MAPK and p53 and the generation of Elongin A-deficient mice with p53-null background suggests that both the p38 MAPK and p53 pathways are responsible for the induction of senescence-like phenotypes, whereas additional signaling pathways appear to be involved in the mediation of apoptosis in Elongin A(-/-) cells. Taken together, our results suggest that Elongin A is required for the transcription of genes essential for early embryonic development and downregulation of its activity is tightly associated with cellular senescence.

TCR Valpha14 natural killer T cells function as effector T cells in mice with collagen-induced arthritis

Natural killer (NK) T cells are a unique, recently identified cell population and are suggested to act as regulatory cells in autoimmune disorders. In the present study, designed to investigate the role of NKT cells in arthritis development, we attempted to induce arthritis by immunization of type II collagen (CIA) in Jalpha281 knock out (NKT-KO) and CD1d knock out (CD1d-KO) mice, which are depleted of NKT cells. From the results, the incidence of arthritis (40%) and the arthritis score (1.5 +/- 2.2 and 2.0 +/- 2.7) were reduced in NKT-KO and CD1d-KO mice compared to those in respective wild type mice (90%, 5.4 +/- 3.2 and 2.0 +/- 2.7, P < 0.01). Anti-CII antibody levels in the sera of NKT-KO and CD1d-KO mice were significantly decreased compared to the controls (OD values; 0.32 +/- 0.16 and 0.29 +/- 0.06 versus 0.58 +/- 0.08 and 0.38 +/- 0.08, P < 0.01). These results suggest that NKT cells play a role as effector T cells in CIA. Although the cell proliferative response and cytokine production in NKT-KO mice after the primary immunization were comparable to those in wild type mice, the ratios of both activated T or B cells were lower in NKT-KO mice than wild type mice after secondary immunization (T cells: 9.9 +/- 1.8% versus 16.0 +/- 3.4%, P < 0.01, B cells: 4.1 +/- 0.5% versus 5.1 +/- 0.7%, P < 0.05), suggesting that inv-NKT cells contribute to the pathogenicity in the development phase of arthritis. In addition, IL-4 and IL-1beta mRNA expression levels in the spleen during the arthritis development phase were lower in NKT-KO mice, while the IFN-gamma mRNA expression level was temporarily higher. These results suggest that inv-NKT cells influence cytokine production in arthritis development. In conclusion, inv-NKT cells may promote the generation of arthritis, especially during the development rather than the initiation phase.

Elevated macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) levels in the urine of patients with focal glomerular sclerosis

The pathogenesis of focal glomerular sclerosis (FGS) is poorly understood. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine released from T cells and macrophages, and is a key molecule in inflammation. To examine further the possible role of MIF in FGS, we measured MIF levels in the urine. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the involvement of MIF in FGS. Urine samples were obtained from 20 FGS patients. The disease controls included 40 patients with minimal-change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) and membranous nephropathy (MN). A group of healthy subjects also served as controls. Biopsies were performed in all patients prior to entry to the study. The samples were assayed for MIF protein by a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The levels of MIF in the urine of FGS patients were significantly higher than those of the normal controls and patients with MCNS and MN. In contrast, the levels of urinary MIF (uMIF) in patients with MCNS and MN did not differ significantly from normal values. In the present study, attention also focused on the relationship between uMIF levels and pathological features. Among the patients with FGS, uMIF levels were significantly correlated with the grade of mesangial matrix increase and that of interstitial fibrosis. There was also a significant correlation between uMIF levels and the number of both intraglomerular and interstitial macrophages. Although the underlying mechanisms remain to be determined, our study presents evidence that urinary excretion of MIF is increased in FGS patients with active renal lesions.

Inhibitory effects of Centella asiatica on azoxymethane-induced aberrant crypt focus formation and carcinogenesis in the intestines of F344 rats

Effects of the water extract of Centella asiatica Linn. on formation of azoxymethane (AOM)-induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and intestinal tumorigenesis in male F344 rats were investigated. Treatment with the extract significantly decreased the number of larger ACF (with four or more crypts per focus) in the large intestine in the early stage, while the number of methylated DNA adducts was not decreased compared with that in the AOM-treated group. In the post-initiation stage, the extract significantly decreased the total number of ACF and the number of larger ACF, accompanied by a decrease in the 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine-labeling index and an increase in the induction of apoptotic cells in the colonic mucosa. The incidences of neoplasms, the numbers of adenocarcinomas in the small intestines and entire intestines, and sizes of neoplasms in the entire intestines in rats fed C. asiatica extract at a dose of 10 mg/kg were smaller than those in rats given AOM alone (p < 0.05). The extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg significantly reduced the multiplicity of neoplasms in the small intestine (p < 0.05). These results suggest that inhibition of the formation of AOM-induced ACF by C. asiatica extract is associated with modification of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis in colonic crypts and that the extract has a chemopreventive effect on colon tumorigenesis.

Evidence for direct CP violation in B0-->K+pi- decays

We report evidence for direct CP violation in the decay B0-->K+pi(-) with 253 fb(-1) of data collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) collider. Using 275x10(6) BB pairs we observe a B-->K+/-pi(-/+) signal with 2140+/-53 events. The measured CP violating asymmetry is A(CP)(K+pi(-))=-0.101+/-0.025(stat)+/-0.005(syst), corresponding to a significance of 3.9sigma including systematics. We also search for CP violation in the decays B+-->K+pi(0) and B+-->pi(+)pi(0). The measured CP violating asymmetries are A(CP)(K+pi(0))=0.04+/-0.05(stat)+/-0.02(syst) and A(CP)(pi(+)pi(0))=-0.02+/-0.10(stat)+/-0.01(syst), corresponding to the intervals -0.05<A(CP)(K+pi(0))<0.13 and -0.18<A(CP)(pi(+)pi(0))<0.14 at 90% confidence level.

Prospective analysis of percutaneous central venous catheterization in infants <4.0 kg undergoing cardiac surgery

Our previous study showed that the success rate of cannulation of the internal jugular vein (IJV) was significantly decreased in infants weighing less than 4.0 kg. We prospectively evaluated results of central venous catheterization in 101 infants weighing less than 4.0 kg undergoing cardiac surgery. The first attempt was routinely performed on the right IJV. If the first attempt failed, the anesthesiologist was free to choose the cannulation site. We examined the effects of patient weight and the experience of the anesthesiologist on successful central catheterization and efficacy of the external jugular vein (EJV) if the first attempt failed. The first right IJV cannulation was successful in 53 infants (52.5%) and the overall successful catheterization rate was 82.2%. Success rates of cannulation of the right IJV, left IJV, and EJV were 64, 13, and 6%, respectively. Body weight contributed significantly to successful catheterization, but the experience of the anesthesiologist did not. These results suggest that EJV cannulation improves the successful central catheterization in infants weighing less than 4.0 kg if IJV cannulation fails. Body weight of an infant, but not the experience of the anesthesiologist, contributed to successful catheterization in this patient population.

Betulinic acid augments the inhibitory effects of vincristine on growth and lung metastasis of B16F10 melanoma cells in mice

We examined the antitumour effect of a combination of betulinic acid (BA) and vincristine (VCR) on murine melanoma B16F10 cells in vitro and in vivo. Betulinic acid, a pentacyclic triterpene, showed a synergistic cytotoxic effect on melanoma cells by combinational use of VCR. Betulinic acid and VCR induced cell cycle arrest at different points (BA at G1 phase and VCR at G2/M phase) and caused apoptosis in B16F10 melanoma cells. In the in vivo study, VCR inhibited metastasis of tumour cells to the lung. The addition of BA to VCR augmented suppression of the experimental lung metastasis of melanoma cells in C57BL/6 mice. The number of lung nodules of more than 1 mm in diameter in mice treated with BA and VCR was less than that in mice treated with VCR alone. These results suggest that BA is an effective supplement for enhancing the chemotherapeutic effect on malignant melanoma.

Deposition of silicone oil droplets in the residual anterior lens capsule after vitrectomy and lensectomy in rabbits

AIM

To examine the histology of preserved anterior lens capsule in vitrectomised and lensectomised rabbit eyes with and without silicone oil tamponade.

METHODS

Forty adult Japanese albino rabbits received two port vitrectomy and lensectomy with or without silicone oil tamponade in one eye under both general and topical anaesthesia. Anterior lens capsule was preserved during operation. After healing intervals residual anterior capsule was histologically observed under light or electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Immediately after operation, cuboidal lens epithelial cells were observed on the posterior surface of the preserved anterior capsule. During healing intervals in eyes with or without silicone oil tamponade, regenerated lens structure of Sommerring's ring and fibrous tissue formed in the peripheral and central areas of the residual capsule, respectively. Ultrastructural observation revealed the presence of many vacuoles amid matrix accumulation on the posterior capsular surface, suggesting the deposition of emulsified silicone oil droplets.

CONCLUSION

Lens epithelial cells produce regenerated lenticular structure and fibrous tissue on the residual capsule following vitrectomy and lensectomy in rabbits. Silicone oil droplets formed by its emulsification deposit in extracellular matrix accumulated on the posterior surface of the anterior capsule. Emulsified silicone may potentially enhance opacification of residual anterior capsule following pars plana vitrectomy by silicone oil deposition and subsequent activation of lens epithelial cells.

Upper bound on the decay tau-->microgamma from the Belle detector

We have performed a search for the lepton-flavor-violating decay tau-->microgamma using a data sample of 86.3 fb(-1) accumulated by the Belle detector at KEK. No evidence for a signal is seen, and we set an upper limit for the branching fraction of B(tau-->microgamma)<3.1 x 10(-7) at the 90% confidence level.

The effect of bisphenol A and chlorinated derivatives of bisphenol A on the level of serum vitellogenin in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes)

2,2-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) propane or Bisphenol A (BPA), has been reported to behave as an endocrine disrupter below acute toxic levels, and is widely present in the water environment. Although BPA is easily chlorinated, very little is reported on the effect of chlorinated BPA to the aquatic organisms. In this study, the estrogenic activities of BPA and its chlorinated derivatives were evaluated by the induction of vitellogenin (VTG) in the serum of mature male Japanese medaka. In addition, the effect of sodium hypochlorite on the decomposition of BPA was tested. The relative potencies of estrogenic activities of chlorinated BPA descended in the order 3,3'-diCIBPA>BPA> or =3-CIBPA>3,3',5-triCIBPA, and no estrogenic activity was observed in 3,3',5,5'-tetraCIBPA. Lowest Observed Effect Concentration (LOEC) and No Observed Effect Concentration (NOEC) for both 3-CIBPA and 3,3'-diCIBPA were 500 microg/L and 200 microg/L, respectively. LOEC for 3,3',5-triCIBPA was >500 microg/L. When BPA was reacted with sodium hypochlorite (24 hours; residual chlorine at 1 ppm), however, complete decomposition of BPA and its chlorinated derivatives was observed. The decrease in BPA and its chlorinated derivatives paralleled the decrease in estrogenic potency evaluated by the induction of vitellogenin (VTG) in the serum of mature male Japanese medaka.

Measurement of time-dependent CP-violating asymmetries in B0-->phiK(0)S, K+K-K0(S), and eta'K0(S) decays

We present an improved measurement of CP-violation parameters in B0-->phiK(0)(S), K(+)K(-)K(0)(S), and eta(')K(0)(S) decays based on a 140 fb(-1) data sample collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB energy-asymmetric e(+)e(-) collider. One neutral B meson is fully reconstructed in one of the specified decay channels, and the flavor of the accompanying B meson is identified from its decay products. CP-violation parameters for each of the three modes are obtained from the asymmetries in the distributions of the proper-time intervals between the two B decays. We find that the observed CP asymmetry in the B-->phiK(0)(S) decay differs from the standard model (SM) expectation by 3.5 standard deviations, while the other cases are consistent with the SM.

Evidence for B0-->pi0pi0

We report evidence for the decay B0-->pi(0)pi(0). The analysis is based on a data sample of 152x10(6) BBmacr; pairs collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) storage ring. We detect a signal for B0-->pi(0)pi(0) with a significance of 3.4 standard deviations, and measure the branching fraction to be [1.7+/-0.6(stat)+/-0.2(syst)]x10(-6).

Observation of the D(sJ)(2317) and D(sJ)(2457) in B decays

We report the first observation of the B-->Dmacr;D(sJ)(2317) and B-->Dmacr;D(sJ)(2457) decays based on 123.8x10(6) BBmacr; events collected with the Belle detector at KEKB. We observe the D(sJ)(2317) decay to D(s)pi(0) and the D(sJ)(2457) decay to the D(*)(s)pi(0) and D(s)gamma final states. We also set 90% C.L. upper limits for the decays D(sJ)(2317)-->D(*)(s)gamma, D(sJ)(2457)-->D(*)(s)gamma, D(sJ)(2457)-->D(s)pi(0), and D(sJ)(2457)-->D(s)pi(+)pi(-).

Observation of B-->K*l+l-

We report the observation of the flavor-changing neutral current decay B-->K(*)l(+)l(-) and an im-proved measurement of the decay B-->Kl(+)l(-), where l represents an electron or a muon, with a data sample of 140 fb(-1) accumulated at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at KEKB. The results for the branching fractions are B(B-->K(*)l(+)l(-))=(11.5(+2.6)(-2.4)+/-0.8+/-0.2)x10(-7) and B(B-->Kl(+)l(-))=(4.8(+1.0)(-0.9)+/-0.3+/-0.1)x10(-7), where the first error is statistical, the second is systematic and the third is from model dependence.

Observation of a narrow charmoniumlike state in exclusive B+/--->K+/-pi+pi-J/psi decays

We report the observation of a narrow charmoniumlike state produced in the exclusive decay process B+/--->K+/-pi(+)pi(-)J/psi. This state, which decays into pi(+)pi(-)J/psi, has a mass of 3872.0+/-0.6(stat)+/-0.5(syst) MeV, a value that is very near the M(D0)+M(D(*0)) mass threshold. The results are based on an analysis of 152M B-Bmacr; events collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance in the Belle detector at the KEKB collider. The signal has a statistical significance that is in excess of 10sigma.