Electrical Stimulation-Based Twitch Exercise Suppresses Progression of Immobilization-Induced Muscle Fibrosis via Downregulation of PGC-1?/VEGF Pathway

This study aimed to determine whether electrical stimulation-based twitch exercise is effective in inhibiting the progression of immobilization-induced muscle fibrosis. 19 Wistar rats were randomly divided into a control group (n=6), an immobilization group (n=6; with immobilization only), and a Belt group (n=7; with immobilization and twitch exercise through the belt electrode device, beginning 2 weeks after immobilization). The bilateral soleus muscles were harvested after the experimental period. The right soleus muscles were used for histological analysis, and the left soleus muscles were used for biochemical and molecular biological analysis. As a result, in the picrosirius red images, the perimysium and endomysium were thicker in both the immobilization and Belt groups compared to the control group. However, the perimysium and endomysium thickening were suppressed in the Belt group. The hydroxyproline content and alpha-SMA, TGF-beta1, and HIF-1alpha mRNA expressions were significantly higher in the immobilization and belt groups than in the control group. These expressions were significantly lower in the Belt group than in the immobilization group. The capillary-to-myofiber ratio and the mRNA expressions of VEGF and PGC-1alpha were significantly lower in the immobilization and belt groups than in the control group, these were significantly higher in the Belt group than in the immobilization group. From these results, Electrical stimulation-based twitch exercise using the belt electrode device may prevent the progression of immobilization-induced muscle fibrosis caused by downregulating PGC-1alpha/VEGF pathway, we surmised that this intervention strategy might be effective against the progression of muscle contracture. Keywords: Immobilization, Skeletal muscle, Fibrosis, Electrical stimulation-based twitch exercise, PGC-1alpha/VEGF pathway.

Skeletal Muscle Electrical Stimulation Prevents Progression of Disuse Muscle Atrophy via Forkhead Box O Dynamics Mediated by Phosphorylated Protein Kinase B and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor gamma Coactivator-1alpha

Although electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) of skeletal muscle effectively prevents muscle atrophy, its effect on the breakdown of muscle component proteins is unknown. In this study, we investigated the biological mechanisms by which EMS-induced muscle contraction inhibits disuse muscle atrophy progression. Experimental animals were divided into a control group and three experimental groups: immobilized (Im; immobilization treatment), low-frequency (LF; immobilization treatment and low-frequency muscle contraction exercise), and high-frequency (HF; immobilization treatment and high-frequency muscle contraction exercise). Following the experimental period, bilateral soleus muscles were collected and analyzed. Atrogin-1 and Muscle RING finger 1 (MuRF-1) mRNA expression levels were significantly higher for the experimental groups than for the control group but were significantly lower for the HF group than for the Im group. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1alpha) mRNA and protein expression levels in the HF group were significantly higher than those in the Im group, with no significant differences compared to the Con group. Both the Forkhead box O (FoxO)/phosphorylated FoxO and protein kinase B (AKT)/phosphorylated AKT ratios were significantly lower for the Im group than for the control group and significantly higher for the HF group than for the Im group. These results, the suppression of atrogin-1 and MuRF-1 expression for the HF group may be due to decreased nuclear expression of FoxO by AKT phosphorylation and suppression of FoxO transcriptional activity by PGC-1alpha. Furthermore, the number of muscle contractions might be important for effective EMS.

Role of LL-37 in Oral Bacterial DNA Accumulation in Dental Plaque

Dental plaque, a highly structured polymicrobial biofilm, persistently forms in the oral cavity and is a common problem affecting oral health. The role of oral defense factors in either collaborating or disrupting host-microbiome interactions remains insufficiently elucidated. This study aims to explore the role of LL-37, a critical antimicrobial peptide in the oral cavity, in dental plaque formation. Through immunostaining dental plaque specimens, we observed that LL-37 and DNA colocalized in the samples, appearing as condensed clusters. In vitro experiments revealed that LL-37 binds rapidly to oral bacterial DNA, forming high molecular weight, DNase-resistant complexes. This interaction results in LL-37 losing its inherent antibacterial activity. Further, upon the addition of LL-37, we observed a visible increase in the precipitation of bacterial DNA. We also discovered a significant correlation between the levels of the DNA-LL-37 complex and LL-37 within dental plaque specimens, demonstrating the ubiquity of the complex within the biofilm. By using immunostaining on dental plaque specimens, we could determine that the DNA-LL-37 complex was present as condensed clusters and small bacterial cell-like structures. This suggests that LL-37 immediately associates with the released bacterial DNA to form complexes that subsequently diffuse. We also demonstrated that the complexes exhibited similar Toll-like receptor 9-stimulating activities across different bacterial species, including Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia, and Streptococcus salivarius. However, these complexes prompted dissimilar activities, such as the production of IL-1β in monocytic cells via both NLRP3 pathway-dependent and pathway-independent mechanisms. This study, therefore, reveals the adverse role of LL-37 in dental plaque, where it binds bacterial DNA to form complexes that may precipitate to behave like an extracellular matrix. Furthermore, the unveiled stimulating properties and species-dependent activities of the oral bacterial DNA-LL-37 complexes enrich our understanding of dental plaque pathogenicity and periodontal innate immune responses.

Radiation-Induced Changes Associated with Obliteration of Brain AVMs after Repeat Radiosurgery

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Radiation-induced changes can occur after stereotactic radiosurgery for brain AVMs, potentially causing symptomatic complications. We evaluated the incidence of such changes and the efficacy of repeat gamma knife radiosurgery for incompletely obliterated AVMs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 150 patients who underwent gamma knife radiosurgery for AVMs between 2002 and 2020; twenty-five underwent further radiosurgical procedures for incompletely obliterated AVMs. We recorded the median margin doses at the first (median, 20 Gy; range, 12-23 Gy; AVM volume, 0.026-31.3 mL) and subsequent procedures (median, 18 Gy; range, 12-23 Gy; AVM volume, 0.048-9.2 mL).

RESULTS

After the first treatment, radiologic radiation-induced changes developed in 48 (32%) patients, eight of whom had symptomatic changes. After repeat gamma knife radiosurgery, 16 of 25 patients achieved complete AVM obliteration (64%). The development of radiation-induced changes after the first treatment was significantly associated with successful obliteration by subsequent radiosurgery (OR = 24.0, 95% CI 1.20-483, P  = .007). Radiation-induced changes occurred in only 5 (20%) patients who underwent a second gamma knife radiosurgery, one of whom experienced transient neurologic deficits. Between the first and repeat gamma knife radiosurgery procedures, there was no significant difference in radiologic and symptomatic radiation-induced changes (P  = .35 and P  = 1.0, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Radiation-induced changes after the first gamma knife radiosurgery were associated with AVM obliteration after a repeat procedure. The risk of symptomatic radiation-induced changes did not increase with retreatment. When the first procedure fails to achieve complete AVM obliteration, a favorable outcome can be achieved by a repeat gamma knife radiosurgery, even if radiation-induced changes occur after the first treatment.

Larger Posterior Revascularization Associated with Reduction of Choroidal Anastomosis in Moyamoya Disease: A Quantitative Angiographic Analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Choroidal anastomosis, a hemorrhage-prone periventricular collateral manifestation in Moyamoya disease, outflows to the cortex posterior to the central sulcus. The objective of the present study was to test whether the angiographic extent of revascularization posterior to the central sulcus contributes to the postoperative reduction of choroidal anastomosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included choroidal anastomosis-positive hemispheres before direct bypass surgery. The postoperative reduction of choroidal anastomosis was determined by a consensus of 2 raters according to the previous research. An imaging software automatically traced the angiographic revascularization area, which was subsequently divided into anterior and posterior parts by an anatomic line corresponding to the central sulcus. Each area was quantitatively measured as a percentage relative to the whole supratentorial area.

RESULTS

Postoperative reduction of choroidal anastomosis was achieved in 68 (85.0%) of the 80 included hemispheres. The revascularization area posterior to the central sulcus was significantly larger in the hemispheres with reduction than in those with no reduction (mean, 15.2% [SD, 7.1%] versus 4.2% [SD, 3.4%], P < .001), whereas no significant difference was observed in the revascularization area anterior to the central sulcus. Multivariate analysis revealed that the revascularization area posterior to the central sulcus was the only significant factor associated with reduction (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.21-2.03, for every 1% increase).

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that a larger revascularization posterior to the central sulcus is associated with postoperative reduction of choroidal anastomosis regardless of the extent of anterior revascularization. It might facilitate optimal selection of the revascularization site for preventing hemorrhage.

Functional Connectivity and Networks Underlying Complex Tool-Use Movement in Assembly Workers: An fMRI Study

The aim of this study was to identify the functional connectivity and networks utilized during tool-use in real assembly workers. These brain networks have not been elucidated because the use of tools in real-life settings is more complex than that in experimental environments. We evaluated task-related functional magnetic resonance imaging in 13 assembly workers (trained workers, TW) and 27 age-matched volunteers (untrained workers, UTW) during a tool-use pantomiming task, and resting-state functional connectivity was also analyzed. Two-way repeated-measures analysis of covariance was conducted with the group as a between-subject factor (TW > UTW) and condition (task > resting) as a repeated measure, controlling for assembly time and accuracy as covariates. We identified two patterns of functional connectivity in the whole brain within three networks that distinguished TW from UTW. TW had higher connectivity than UTW between the left middle temporal gyrus and right cerebellum Crus II (false discovery rate corrected p-value, p-FDR = 0.002) as well as between the left supplementary motor area and the pars triangularis of the right inferior frontal gyrus (p-FDR = 0.010). These network integrities may allow for TW to perform rapid tool-use. In contrast, UTW showed a stronger integrity compared to TW between the left paracentral lobule and right angular gyrus (p-FDR = 0.004), which may reflect a greater reliance on sensorimotor input to acquire complex tool-use ability than that of TW. Additionally, the fronto-parietal network was identified as a common network between groups. These findings support our hypothesis that assembly workers have stronger connectivity in tool-specific motor regions and the cerebellum, whereas UTW have greater involvement of sensorimotor networks during a tool-use task.

Eye-Fixation-Related Potentials (EFRPs) As a Predictor of Human Error Occurrences During a Visual Inspection Task

Estimation of human attentional states using an electroencephalogram (EEG) has been demonstrated to help prevent human errors associated with the degradation. Since the use of the lambda response -one of eye-fixation-related potentials time-locked to the saccade offset- enables such estimation without external triggers, the measurements are compatible for an application in a real-world environment. With aiming to apply the lambda response as an index of human errors during the visual inspection, the current research elucidated whether the mean amplitude of the lambda response was a predictor of the number of inspection errors. EEGs were measured from 50 participants while inspecting the differences between two images of the circuit board. Twenty percent of the total number of image pairs included differences. The lambda response was obtained relative to a saccade offset starting a fixation of the inspection image. Participants conducted four sessions over two days (625 trials/ session, 2 sessions/ day). A Poisson regression of the number of inspection errors using a generalized linear mixed model showed that a coefficient of the mean amplitude of the lambda response was significant , suggesting that the response has a role in th$(\hat \beta = 0.24,p < 0.01)$e prediction of the number of human error occurrences in the visual inspection.

Differences in Mechanical Parameters of Keyboard Switches Modulate Motor Preparation: A Wearable EEG Study

The mechanical parameters of keyboard switches affect the psychological sense of pressing. The effects of different mechanical parameters on psychological sense have been quantified using questionnaires, but these subjective evaluations are unable to fully clarify the modulation of information processing in the brain due to these differences. This study aimed to elucidate the ability of electroencephalography (EEG) measurements to detect the modulation of subconscious information processing according to mechanical parameter values. To this end, we prepared five mechanical switches with linearly increasing values of pretravel (PT: the distance from the free position until the operating position). We hypothesized that the differences in PTs would subconsciously affect the motor preparation prior to pressing switches because switches with PTs that deviated from those commonly used were predicted to increase the users' attention level when pressing. Differences in motor preparation were quantified using the mean amplitudes of the late contingent negative variation (CNV). We recorded EEGs of 25 gamers during a reaction task for fast switch pressing after a response cue preceded by a pre-cue for response preparation; we also measured the reaction time feedback on each switch pressing trial. Participants performed five sessions (60 trials per session) in total. For the analysis, trials were divided into first (session 1, 2, and 3) and second half sessions (session 4 and 5). In the latter session, CNV amplitudes were significantly higher for the switch with the highest PT than for that with a medium PT, which is closest to that commonly used in commercial mechanical switches. On the other hand, the questionnaire did not detect any significant differences between PTs in their subjective rankings of the psychological effects of switch pressing. These results suggest that differences in PTs modulate motor preparation to press switches, and that EEG measurements may provide a novel objective evaluation of the mechanical parameters of keyboard switches.

Cortical Distribution of Fragile Periventricular Anastomotic Collateral Vessels in Moyamoya Disease: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study of Japanese Patients with Moyamoya Disease

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Collateral vessels in Moyamoya disease represent potential sources of bleeding. To test whether these cortical distributions vary among subtypes, we investigated cortical terminations using both standardized MR imaging and MRA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with Moyamoya disease who underwent MR imaging with MRA in our institution were enrolled in this study. MRA was spatially normalized to the Montreal Neurological Institute space; then, collateral vessels were measured on MRA and classified into 3 types of anastomosis according to the parent artery: lenticulostriate, thalamic, and choroidal. We also obtained the coordinates of collateral vessel outflow to the cortex. Differences in cortical terminations were compared among the 3 types of anastomosis.

RESULTS

We investigated 219 patients with Moyamoya disease, and a total of 190 collateral vessels (lenticulostriate anastomosis, n = 72; thalamic anastomosis, n = 21; choroidal anastomosis, n = 97) in 46 patients met the inclusion criteria. We classified the distribution patterns of collateral anastomosis as follows: lenticulostriate collaterals outflowing anteriorly (P < .001; 95% CI, 67.0-87.0) and medially (P < .001; 95% CI, 11.0-24.0) more frequently than choroidal collaterals; lenticulostriate collaterals outflowing anteriorly more frequently than thalamic collaterals (P < .001; 95% CI, 34.0-68.0); and choroidal collaterals outflowing posteriorly more frequently than thalamic collaterals (P < .001; 95% CI, 14.0-34.0). Lenticulostriate anastomoses outflowed to the superior or inferior frontal sulcus and interhemispheric fissure. Thalamic anastomoses outflowed to the insular cortex and cortex around the central sulcus. Choroidal anastomoses outflowed to the cortex posterior to the central sulcus and the insular cortex.

CONCLUSIONS

Cortical distribution patterns appear to differ markedly among the 3 types of collaterals.

Identification of the Bleeding Point in Hemorrhagic Moyamoya Disease Using Fusion Images of Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging and Time-of-Flight MRA

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The location of intracerebral hemorrhage in Moyamoya disease is a prognostic factor for rebleeding and the degree of preventive effects obtainable with bypass surgery. We evaluated whether the bleeding point and responsible vessel were detectable using fusion images of SWI and time-of-flight MRA performed during chronic-phase hemorrhage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled 42 patients with hemorrhagic Moyamoya disease (48 hemorrhagic events). Fusion images of SWI and MRA were made using workstations, and we defined the bleeding point as the point at which the signal of an abnormally extended artery on MRA overlapped the hypointense area on SWI. Two independent raters identified the bleeding point, and classified the location and responsible vessels.

RESULTS

The bleeding point was detectable at a frequency of 79.2% by rater 1. Agreement for the presence of a bleeding point was high (interrater κ = 0.83; 95% CI, 0.65-1; intrarater κ = 0.86; 95% CI, 0.68-1). The frequency of a periventricular location of the bleeding point was 65.8% by rater 1, and agreement on the location was again high (interrater κ = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.82-1; intrarater κ = 0.85; 95% CI, 0.72-0.99). The choroidal artery was the most frequent responsible vessel (57.9% by rater 1), and agreement on the responsible vessel was high (interrater κ = 0.84; 95% CI, 0.69-1; intrarater κ = 0.90; 95% CI, 0.78-1).

CONCLUSIONS

Detection of the bleeding point in hemorrhagic Moyamoya disease using SWI and MRA fusion images offers highly reproducible results.

Daidzein-rich isoflavone aglycones inhibit cell growth and inflammation in endometriosis

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease, and isoflavones interact with estrogen receptors. The purposes of this study are to investigate the in vitro and in vivo effects of daidzein-rich isoflavone aglycones (DRIAs), dietary supplements, on cellular proliferation in endometriosis. Stromal cells isolated from ovarian endometrioma (OESCs) and normal endometrium (NESCs) were cultured with DRIAs, i.e., each of the DRIA components (daidzein, genistein, or glycitein), or isoflavone glycosides (IG; DRIA precursors). A mouse model of endometriosis was established by transplanting donor-mouse uterine fragments into recipient mice. Our results showed that DRIAs (0.2-20 μM) inhibited the proliferation of OESCs (P < 0.05 for 0.2 μM; P < 0.01 for 2 and 20 μM) but not of NESCs. However, daidzein, genistein, glycitein, and IG did not inhibit their proliferation. DRIA-induced suppression was reversed by inhibition of the estrogen receptor (ER)β by an antagonist, PHTPP, or by ERβ siRNA (P < 0.05), but not by MPP, an ERα antagonist. In OESCs, DRIAs led to reduced expression of IL-6, IL-8, COX-2, and aromatase, as well as reduced aromatase activity, serum glucocorticoid-regulated kinase levels, and PGE₂ levels (P < 0.05). Western blot and immunofluorescence assays revealed that DRIAs inhibited TNF-α-induced IκB phosphorylation and p65 uptake into the nuclei of OESCs. In the mouse model, a DRIA-containing feed significantly decreased the number, weight, and Ki-67 proliferative activity of endometriosis-like lesions compared to in mice fed with an IG-containing feed and the control feed (P < 0.01). In conclusion, DRIAs inhibit cellular proliferation in endometriosis, thus representing a potential therapeutic option for the management of endometriosis.

The influence of aging on the effectiveness of heat stress in preventing disuse muscle atrophy

This study examined the aging effect on disuse muscle atrophy prevention using heat stress. Wistar rats aged 7 and 60 weeks were divided into three groups as follows: control, immobilized (Im), and immobilized and heat stressed (ImH). Heat stress was given by immersing the hindlimbs in hot water (42 °C) for 60 min, once in every 3 days and the gastrocnemius (GAS) and soleus (SOL) muscles were extracted after 14 days. Muscle-fiber types were classified using ATPase staining. Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) was assessed through Western blotting. In GAS muscle of both groups and SOL muscle of 7-week-old rats, the fiber diameter of each muscle type in the ImH group significantly increased compared with that in the Im group. However, this could not be observed in the SOL muscle of the 60-week-old rats. The increased percentage of type-I fibers and variability of types I and II muscle-fiber diameter were evident in the SOL muscle of the 60-week rats. HSP70 was significantly elevated in the ImH group compared with in the Im group in both muscle types of both age groups. Thus, effectiveness of heat stress in the prevention of disuse muscle atrophy appears unsatisfactory in aging muscle fibers.

Identification of ecdysteroidogenic enzyme genes and their expression during pupal diapause in the cabbage armyworm, Mamestra brassicae

In this study, we identified ecdysteroidogenic enzymes in the cabbage armyworm, Mamestra brassicae, and demonstrated reduced expression of these genes during diapause. Some insects employ a temporary developmental arrest, diapause, to survive in severe environments. The titres of the moulting hormone ecdysteroid were reduced in diapause pupae of M. brassicae; therefore, ecdysteroidogenesis might be suppressed by a diapause-specific mechanism. To clarify expression changes of ecdysteroidogenic enzyme genes during diapause in M. brassicae, we first identified the genes for seven ecdysteroidogenic enzymes: Neverland, Non-molting glossy (Nm-g), CYP307A1 (Spook), CYP306A1 (Phantom), CYP302A1 (Disembodied), CYP315A1 (Shadow) and CYP314A1 (Shade). Enzymatic assays using heterologous expression in Drosophila Schneider 2 (S2) cells and analysis of mRNA distribution indicated that the identified genes were ecdysteroidogenic enzymes of M. brassicae. Expression levels of these ecdysteroidogenic enzyme genes were compared between prothoracic glands in different pupal stages throughout diapause. Immediately after pupation, diapause-destined pupae showed similar expression levels of ecdysteroidogenic enzyme genes to those of nondiapause pupae. All of these genes showed reduced gene expression after diapause initiation. Expression was immediately increased in diapause-destined pupae at the postdiapause quiescence phase. These results indicate that reduced expression of ecdysteroidogenic enzyme genes suppresses ecdysteroidogenesis and maintains developmental arrest during diapause.

Nucleases from Prevotella intermedia can degrade neutrophil extracellular traps

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease caused by periodontal bacteria in subgingival plaque. These bacteria are able to colonize the periodontal region by evading the host immune response. Neutrophils, the host's first line of defense against infection, use various strategies to kill invading pathogens, including neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). These are extracellular net‐like fibers comprising DNA and antimicrobial components such as histones, LL‐37, defensins, myeloperoxidase, and neutrophil elastase from neutrophils that disarm and kill bacteria extracellularly. Bacterial nuclease degrades the NETs to escape NET killing. It has now been shown that extracellular nucleases enable bacteria to evade this host antimicrobial mechanism, leading to increased pathogenicity. Here, we compared the DNA degradation activity of major Gram‐negative periodontopathogenic bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. We found that Pr. intermedia showed the highest DNA degradation activity. A genome search of Pr. intermedia revealed the presence of two genes, nucA and nucD, putatively encoding secreted nucleases, although their enzymatic and biological activities are unknown. We cloned nucA‐ and nucD‐encoding nucleases from Pr. intermedia ATCC 25611 and characterized their gene products. Recombinant NucA and NucD digested DNA and RNA, which required both Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ for optimal activity. In addition, NucA and NucD were able to degrade the DNA matrix comprising NETs.

Human monoclonal antibodies against the complex of phosphatidylserine and prothrombin from patients with the antiphospholipid antibodies

The presence of antibodies against the complex of prothrombin and phosphatidylserine (aPS/PT) more significantly correlates with manifestations of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and with the presence of lupus anticoagulants (LA) than antibodies against prothrombin bound to oxygenated polystyrene (aPT-A). To investigate immunological specificities and functional activities of aPS/PT, four monoclonal aPS/PT, designated as HG-4, KE-6, KF-5 and KF-6, from two patients with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) were established and characterized. Three of these antibodies (HG-4, KF-5 and KF-6) recognized the complex of phosphatidylserine and prothrombin, but did not react to prothrombin directly coated on oxygenated plates. KE-6 bound not only to the complex of phosphatidylserine and prothrombin but also to prothrombin on oxygenated plates. None of them showed the binding activity to prothrombin directly coated on non-oxygenated plates. HG-4, KE-6 and KF-5 had LA-like activity. The findings support the hypothesis that autoimmune aPS/PT recognize the cryptic epitopes or neoepitopes exposed upon interaction between prothrombin and phosphatidylserine, and that aPS/PT are, at least in part, responsible for LA activity. Lupus (2007) 16, 509—516.

Use of a Latent Topic Model for Characteristic Extraction from Health Checkup Questionnaire Data

OBJECTIVES

When patients complete questionnaires during health checkups, many of their responses are subjective, making topic extraction difficult. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop a model capable of extracting appropriate topics from subjective data in questionnaires conducted during health checkups.

METHODS

We employed a latent topic model to group the lifestyle habits of the study participants and represented their responses to items on health checkup questionnaires as a probability model. For the probability model, we used latent Dirichlet allocation to extract 30 topics from the questionnaires. According to the model parameters, a total of 4381 study participants were then divided into groups based on these topics. Results from laboratory tests, including blood glucose level, triglycerides, and estimated glomerular filtration rate, were compared between each group, and these results were then compared with those obtained by hierarchical clustering.

RESULTS

If a significant (p < 0.05) difference was observed in any of the laboratory measurements between groups, it was considered to indicate a questionnaire response pattern corresponding to the value of the test result. A comparison between the latent topic model and hierarchical clustering grouping revealed that, in the latent topic model method, a small group of participants who reported having subjective signs of urinary disorder were allocated to a single group.

CONCLUSIONS

The latent topic model is useful for extracting characteristics from a small number of groups from questionnaires with a large number of items. These results show that, in addition to chief complaints and history of past illness, questionnaire data obtained during medical checkups can serve as useful judgment criteria for assessing the conditions of patients.

Heat treatment inhibits skeletal muscle atrophy of glucocorticoid-induced myopathy in rats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of heat treatment on glucocorticoid (GC)-induced myopathy. Eight-week-old Wistar rats were randomly assigned to the control, Dex, and Dex + Heat groups. Dexamethasone (2 mg/kg) was injected subcutaneously 6 days per week for 2 weeks in the Dex and Dex + Heat group. In the Dex + Heat group, heat treatment was performed by immersing hindlimbs in water at 42 °C for 60 min, once every 3 days for 2 weeks. The extensor digitorum longus muscle was extracted following 2 weeks of experimentation. In the Dex + Heat group, muscle fiber diameter, capillary/muscle fiber ratio, and level of heat shock protein 72 were significantly higher and atrogene expression levels were significantly lower than in the Dex group. Our results suggest that heat treatment inhibits the development of GC-induced myopathy by decreasing atrogene expression and increasing angiogenesis.

Induction of tissue-specific stem cells by reprogramming factors, and tissue-specific selection

Although induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have significant implications for overcoming most of the ethical issues associated with embryonic stem (ES) cells, there are still several unresolved issues related to the use of iPS cells for clinical applications, such as teratoma formation. In this study, we were able to generate tissue-specific stem (induced tissue-specific stem; iTS) cells from the pancreas (iTS-P) or liver (iTS-L) by transient overexpression of reprogramming factors, combined with tissue-specific selection. The generation of iTS cells was easier than that of iPS cells. The iTS-P/iTS-L cells express genetic markers of endoderm and pancreatic/hepatic progenitors and were able to differentiate into insulin-producing cells/hepatocytes more efficiently than ES cells. Subcutaneous transplantation of both types of iTS cells into immunodeficient mice resulted in no teratoma formation. The technology used for the transient overexpression of reprogramming factors and tissue-specific selection may be useful for the generation of other tissue-specific stem cells, and the generation of iTS cells could have important implications for the clinical application of stem cells.

Prediction model for glucose metabolism based on lipid metabolism

OBJECTIVES

We developed a robust, long-term clinical prediction model to predict conditions leading to early diabetes using laboratory values other than blood glucose and insulin levels. Our model protects against missing data and noise that occur during long-term analysis.

METHODS

RESULTS of a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were divided into three groups: diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and normal (n = 114, 235, and 325, respectively). For glucose metabolic and lipid metabolic parameters, near 30-day mean values and 10-year integrated values were compared. The relation between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and variations in HbA1c was analyzed in 158 patients. We also constructed a state space model consisting of an observation model (HDL-C and HbA1c) and an internal model (disorders of lipid metabolism and glucose metabolism) and applied this model to 116 cases.

RESULTS

The root mean square error between the observed HbA1c and predicted HbA1c was 0.25.

CONCLUSIONS

In the observation model, HDL-C levels were useful for prediction of increases in HbA1c. Even with numerous missing values over time, as occurs in clinical practice, clinically valid predictions can be made using this state space model.

Different expression patterns of hepatic cytochrome P450 s during anaphylactic or lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation

Certain physiological states and diseases can alter the expression and activity of cytochrome P450 s (CYPs), which have the potential to cause unexpected adverse effects. We previously demonstrated that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation attenuates the induction of CYPs by xenobiotics in mouse liver. In this study, to investigate whether anaphylaxis-induced inflammation affects the hepatic CYPs' expression, we examined the effects of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced anaphylaxis on constitutive CYP mRNA and protein expressions. We also compared these effects with those obtained with LPS treatment. In addition, we examined the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha and interleukin (IL)-113 mRNA levels, because these cytokines are known to be induced by LPS treatment and anaphylactic reactions. LPS treatment decreased the constitutively expressed Cyp1a2, Cyp2c29, and Cyp3al 1 mRNAs, and increased the TNFalpha and IL-1beta mRNAs. LPS treatment also decreased the CYP1A2 and CYP3A protein levels. Anaphylaxis, on the other hand, did not change the levels of the constitutively expressed Cyp1a2, Cyp2c29, or Cyp3a1 1 mRNAs, although it increased the TNFalpha and IL-1beta mRNAs, as observed in the LPS-treated mice. These results suggest that anaphylaxis-induced inflammation had less effect than LPS-induced inflammation on these CYPs in the liver. In contrast, we observed that the expressions of Cyp2b10 mRNA and its protein were quite different from those of the other CYPs in both the anaphylactic and LPS-treated mice. Our findings strongly suggest that the alteration of the constitutive CYPs' expression levels during inflammation varies according to the immunostimulation pathway.

Diagnostic laparoscopy identifies a peritoneal adenomatoid-like mesothelioma masquerading as ovarian cancer: a case report

The authors report a rare case of peritoneal adenomatoid mesothelioma in a woman with no history of asbestos exposure. A 61-year-old woman was originally suspected of having a bilateral ovarian tumor based on chest radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Upon referral to our hospital, the presence of two solid masses was confirmed by enhanced MRI and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT). Physical examination was normal, as were serum concentrations of the tumor markers CA 19-9, CA 125, and CEA. Laparoscopic surgery showed a right ovarian tumor and laparoscopic right salpingo-oophorectomy and adhesiotomy were performed. Two months later, the patient underwent laparoscopic segmental resection of the sigmoid colon, with histological analysis identifying an adenomatoid-like tumor. The final diagnosis was peritoneal adenomatoid-like mesothelioma with invasion of the right ovary. This case report demonstrates that imaging techniques must be coupled with laparoscopic surgery for an accurate diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma.

Outcome of fertility-sparing treatment with medroxyprogesterone acetate for atypical hyperplasia and endometrial carcinoma in young Japanese women

PURPOSE

To review the outcome in patients with atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) and endometrial cancer (EC) who received MPA treatment in the present hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with AEH or EC were administered MPA for 12 weeks followed by endometrial curettage. The rates of effect, recurrence, pregnancy, and complications were evaluated. The changes in progesterone receptors and FOXO-1, known as a target of MPA treatment, were examined by immunostaining.

RESULTS

Four of seven patients with endometrial cancer and three of three patients with AH had complete response. Four of seven patients had recurred within one year after the treatment and had to undergo hysterectomy. None of the patients showed changes in progesterone receptors. Although six of seven patients were negative for FOXO-1 before and after treatment, all the patients showed increased developments of FOXO-1 during MPA treatment.

CONCLUSION

Progestin as a fertility-preserving treatment is expected to be effective for endometrial cancer, but judicious use might be required because it shows high rate of recurrence. Further studies regarding the mechanism may be necessary to achieve high efficacy.

Hepatocyte destruction with enhanced collagen synthesis: characteristic feature of chronic hepatitis C patients on haemodialysis

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is frequent among patients with end-stage renal disease on haemodialysis and is considered to be an independent risk factor for mortality in this setting. However, only a few of these patients are treated with anti-hepatitis virus treatment before the development of end-stage renal disease. Recent guidelines recommend identification of patients with good prognoses who are in need of interferon treatment, but we know little of patients who must be treated urgently. Ninety-eight patients on haemodialysis (48 anti-HCV-positive and 50 anti-HCV-negative patients) were enrolled in this study; HCV RNA was detected in 43 anti-HCV-positive patients. Univariate analysis and multivariate regression analysis were applied to identify variables independently associated with persistent HCV infection. Seven variables were proven to be associated with persistent HCV infection. Among them, type IV collagen 7S and N-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (P-III-P) were defined as independent variables useful in distinguishing HCV RNA-positive patients from HCV RNA-negative patients with 0.91 sensitivity, 0.91 specificity, 0.89 positive predictive value and 0.93 negative predictive value. Our observations suggest that hepatocyte destruction with enhanced liver fibrosis is a characteristic clinical feature of persistent HCV infection. Type IV collagen 7S of ≥ 5 ng/mL and/or P-III-P of ≥ 5 U/mL would be useful markers to identify patients in need of interferon treatment, which supports the idea of the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes guidelines that a good prognosis in patients with HCV infection on haemodialysis should prompt consideration for IFN treatment when applicable.

Toll-like receptor 2-mediated modulation of growth and functions of regulatory T cells by oral streptococci

This study was designed to determine whether oral streptococci modulate the growth and functions of regulatory T cells. Heat-killed cells of wild-type strains of Streptococcus gordonii and Streptococcus mutans induced the Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) -mediated nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation, but their lipoprotein-deficient strains did not. Stimulation with these streptococci resulted in a significant increase in the frequency of CD4(+) CD25(+) Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells in splenocytes derived from both TLR2(+/+) and TLR2(-/-) mice, but the level of increase in TLR2(+/+) splenocytes was stronger than that in TLR2(-/-) splenocytes. Both strains of S. gordonii enhanced the proliferation of CD4(+) CD25(+) Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells isolated from TLR2(+/+) mice at the same level as those from TLR2(-/-) mice in an interleukin-2-independent manner. However, wild-type and lipoprotein-deficient strains of both streptococci did not enhance the suppressive activity of the isolated regulatory T cells in vitro, but rather inhibited it. TLR ligands also inhibited the suppressive activity of the regulatory T cells. Inhibition of the suppressive activity was recovered by the addition of anti-IL-6 antibody. Pretreatment of antigen-presenting cells with the NF-κB inhibitor BAY11-7082 enhanced the suppressive activity of the regulatory T cells. These results suggested that interleukin-6 produced by antigen-presenting cells inhibits the suppressive activity of the regulatory T cells. Wild-type strain, but not lipoprotein-deficient strain, of S. gordonii reduced the frequency of CD4(+)  CD25(+)  Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells in the acute infection model, whereas both strains of S. gordonii increased it in the chronic infection model mice. Hence, this study suggests that oral streptococci are capable of modulating the growth and functions of regulatory T cells in vitro and in vivo.