Study of the N=32 and N=34 Shell Gap for Ti and V by the First High-Precision Multireflection Time-of-Flight Mass Measurements at BigRIPS-SLOWRI

The atomic masses of ^{55}Sc, ^{56,58}Ti, and ^{56-59}V have been determined using the high-precision multireflection time-of-flight technique. The radioisotopes have been produced at RIKEN's Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory (RIBF) and delivered to the novel designed gas cell and multireflection system, which has been recently commissioned downstream of the ZeroDegree spectrometer following the BigRIPS separator. For ^{56,58}Ti and ^{56-59}V, the mass uncertainties have been reduced down to the order of 10 keV, shedding new light on the N=34 shell effect in Ti and V isotopes by the first high-precision mass measurements of the critical species ^{58}Ti and ^{59}V. With the new precision achieved, we reveal the nonexistence of the N=34 empirical two-neutron shell gaps for Ti and V, and the enhanced energy gap above the occupied νp_{3/2} orbit is identified as a feature unique to Ca. We perform new Monte Carlo shell model calculations including the νd_{5/2} and νg_{9/2} orbits and compare the results with conventional shell model calculations, which exclude the νg_{9/2} and the νd_{5/2} orbits. The comparison indicates that the shell gap reduction in Ti is related to a partial occupation of the higher orbitals for the outer two valence neutrons at N=34.

Perioperative risk and benefit of antiplatelet therapy in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery within 1 year after percutaneous coronary intervention with second-generation drug-eluting stents

Background

Antiplatelet therapy (APT) in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery (NCS) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is still on debate due to its opposite effects which are to prevent from cardiovascular events and to cause bleeding. There is no apparent consensus on how to determine perioperative APT strategy within 1 year after PCI. Therefore, we investigated the risk and benefit of APT in NCS within 1 year after PCI.

Methods

Patients undergoing NCS after PCI with second-generation drug-eluting stents are retrospectively included from multicenter cohort of 8 medical centers in Korea. Perioperative clinical event within 30 days after NCS was recorded. Net adverse clinical event (NACE) including all cause death, major adverse cardiac event (MACE, a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and stent thrombosis) and major bleeding were evaluated. To overcome bias, propensity score covariate adjustment was performed using logistic regression analysis to generate propensity scores for patients of both APT strategies.

Results

Total 1130 patients (median age 69 years, female 30.5%) undergoing NCS within 1 year after PCI were eligible in the cohort. Study population included 55.1% patients suffered from ACS and 22.5% underwent complex PCI. NCS included 45.8% intermediate-to-high risk surgery and 10.7% urgent or emergent surgery. APT was continued during NCS in 62.7% of the patients. More patients continued DAPT (48% vs. 32%, p<0.001) among the patients who underwent NCS within 6 months after PCI than those who underwent NCS after 6 months. There were 49 NACE (4.3%), 16 MACE (1.4%) and 23 major bleeding events (2.0%), respectively. Continuing APT was associated with a lower risk of NACE (Adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.27–0.89; p=0.020)) and MACE (Adjusted HR, 0.35; 95 CI, 0.12–0.96; p=0.042). Subgroup analysis showed a tendency that continuing APT might be favorable than discontinuing APT in terms of MACE in patients who were diagnosed with ACS, underwent complex PCI, or underwent NCS within 6 months after PCI.

Conclusions

About two thirds of the patients were continuing APT during NCS. Our findings may support a careful consideration of APT continuation for some of the patients who are undergoing NCS within 1 year after PCI.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Accuracy of Intraocular Pressure Measurements of Eyes with Therapeutic Contact Lenses after Vitrectomy

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements obtained by a rebound and non-contact tonometer in eyes with a therapeutic contact lens (CL) after vitrectomy.Methods: In 60 eyes of 60 patients who underwent vitrectomy for vitreoretinal disease, IOP was measured using a rebound tonometer (iCare ic200®; IOPRT) and non-contact computerized air puff tonometer (CT-80, IOPNCT), before and after wearing a CL (Purevision2®, +0.0 diopter). The mean IOP of three consecutive measurements were analyzed, and a comparative analysis with IOP measured by a Goldman applanation tonometer (IOPGAT) was performed.Results: The mean IOPRT without and with the CL was 12.55 ± 5.43 and 13.12 ± 5.13 mmHg, respectively, showing a statistically significant difference (p = 0.02) and strong positive correlation (r = 0.90, p < 0.001). The mean IOPNCT with and without the CL was 12.18 ± 3.24 and 12.17 ± 3.14 mmHg, showing no statistically significant difference (p = 0.17). The consistency with IOPGAT (12.57 ± 5.22 mmHg) was highest in IOPRT without the CL, followed by IOPRT with the CL, IOPNCT without the CL, and IOPNCT with the CL (intraclass correlation coefficients = 0.955, 0.945, 0.856, and 0.850, respectively). In addition, the rebound tonometer successfully measured IOP, regardless of whether the CL was worn; however, the non-contact tonometer failed to measure IOP in seven eyes without the CL and nine with the CL. No difference was observed according to intraocular tamponade type.Conclusions: A rebound tonometer can be used as an alternative IOL measuring method in eyes for which it is difficult to use a Goldman applanation tonometer due to the postoperative presence of a therapeutic CL.

Efficacy of Intense Pulsed Light Treatment in Patients with Sjögren’s Syndrome Associated with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) associated with Sjögren’s syndrome.Methods: This study included 43 patients with MGD and Sjögren’s syndrome. Patients received either IPL with meibomian gland expression (IPL/MGX) (n = 22) or MGX only (n = 21). Treatments were administered three times at a 3-week interval. Patients were followed up 6 weeks after the end of the treatment. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), tear film breakup time with fluorescein dye (FBUT), non-invasive tear breakup time, tear meniscus height (TMH), Schirmer test, SICCA ocular surface staining score, meibum quality score (MQS), and meibum expression score (MES) were evaluated at each visit. Meibomian gland dropouts (meiboscore) and tear film lipid layer grade were measured using keratography.Results: OSDI, FBUT, corneal surface staining score, MQS, meiboscore, and tear film lipid layer grade improved after IPL/MGX treatment (p < 0.05). In both treatment groups, MES significantly improved (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05 for IPL/MGX and MGX groups, respectively). The Schirmer test score, conjunctival surface staining score, and TMH after treatment were not significantly different between the groups. After treatment, the IPL/MGX group had significantly lower OSDI, FBUT, corneal staining score, MQS, and MES, but higher FBUT, compared with the MGX group (p < 0.05).Conclusions: IPL treatment effectively improved tear film, ocular surface parameters, meibomian gland function, and lipid layer grade in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome and MGD.

Radiation-Inactivated S. gallinarum Vaccine Provides a High Protective Immune Response by Activating Both Humoral and Cellular Immunity

Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Gallinarum (SG) is a common pathogen in chickens, and causes an acute systemic disease that leads to high mortality. The live attenuated vaccine 9R is able to successfully protect chickens older than six weeks by activating a robust cell-mediated immune response, but its safety and efficacy in young chickens remains controversial. An inactivated SG vaccine is being used as an alternative, but because of its low cellular immune response, it cannot be used as a replacement for live attenuated 9R vaccine. In this study, we employed gamma irradiation instead of formalin as an inactivation method to increase the efficacy of the inactivated SG vaccine. Humoral, cellular, and protective immune responses were compared in both mouse and chicken models. The radiation-inactivated SG vaccine (r-SG) induced production of significantly higher levels of IgG2b and IgG3 antibodies than the formalin-inactivated vaccine (f-SG), and provided a homogeneous functional antibody response against group D, but not group B Salmonella. Moreover, we found that r-SG vaccination could provide a higher protective immune response than f-SG by inducing higher Th17 activation. These results indicate that r-SG can provide a protective immune response similar to the live attenuated 9R vaccine by activating a higher humoral immunity and a lower, but still protective, cellular immune response. Therefore, we expect that the radiation inactivation method might substitute for the 9R vaccine with little or no side effects in chickens younger than six weeks.

Properties of ^{187}Ta Revealed through Isomeric Decay

Mass-separated ^{187}Ta_{114} in a high-spin isomeric state has been produced for the first time by multinucleon transfer reactions, employing an argon gas-stopping cell and laser ionization. Internal γ rays revealed a T_{1/2}=7.3±0.9  s isomer at 1778±1  keV, which decays through a rotational band with perturbations associated with the approach to a prolate-oblate shape transition. Model calculations show less influence from triaxiality compared to heavier elements in the same mass region. The isomer-decay reduced E2 hindrance factor f_{ν}=27±1 supports the interpretation that axial symmetry is approximately conserved.

Brucella abortus lysed cells using GI24 induce robust immune response and provide effective protection in Beagles

The aim of the present study is to estimate the protective efficacy of Brucella abortus lysed cells by GI24 against brucellosis in Beagles. Group A was subcutaneously (sc) immunized with sterile phosphate-buffered saline, and group B was sc immunized with approximately 3 × 109 of the lysed cells. Brucella-LPS-specific serum IgG titers and IL-4, TNF-α and IFN-γ concentrations were investigated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. All dogs were intraconjunctivally challenged with B. abortus strain 544 at 6 weeks post-prime immunization. The serum IgG titers were considerably higher in group B than in group A. The levels of IL-4, TNF-α and IFN-γ in group B than in group A were significantly higher. Following challenge, no challenge strain was observed from all tissues of three dogs of group B. However, challenge strain was detected from spleen, uterus (except one Beagle) and inguinal and retropharyngeal lymph nodes of all group A Beagles. The results of this study demonstrated that sc immunization with the lysed cells induced robust antibody and cell-mediated immune responses in Beagles. The lysed cells also conferred protection against infection with B. abortus. These results suggest that sc immunization with B. abortus lysed cells by GI24 is a good vaccine candidate against brucellosis in dogs.

Protective efficacy of a canine brucellosis vaccine candidate based on live attenuated Salmonella expressing recombinant Brucella BCSP31, Omp3b and SOD proteins in Beagles

The aim of this study was to establish a proof-of-concept of protective efficacy of Salmonella-based B. abortus vaccine candidate in Beagles. Group A Beagles (n=10) were subcutaneously (SC) inoculated with S. Typhimurium delivery strain containing pMMP65 (vector to deliver antigens) only as vector control. Group B Beagles (n=10) were SC vaccinated with the mixture of the three Salmonella delivery strains expressing the recombinant B. abortus BCSP31, Outer membrane protein 3b (Omp3b), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) proteins, respectively. No Salmonella delivery strains were isolated from all tissues tested. Serum IgG, interleukin-4, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interferon-gamma concentrations were significantly higher in group B than in group A. Following intraconjunctival challenge with B. abortus 544, among 5 group B Beagles, the challenge strain was isolated from mandibular, and retropharyngeal lymph nodes of three Beagles, and no isolates were observed from all tissues of two Beagle. However, the challenge strains were detected from spleen, uterus (except two Beagles), and mandibular, prescapular, retropharyngeal, and superficial inguinal lymph nodes of all group A Beagles. These results suggest that the mixture of three S. Typhimurium delivery strains be a good vaccine candidate against brucellosis by B. abortus in dogs. Further investigations are needed to improve the protective efficacy of the Salmonella-based B. abortus vaccine candidate and explore its practical application in dogs.

Protective efficacy by various doses of a new brucellosis vaccine candidate based on Salmonella strains expressing Brucella abortus BSCP31, Omp3b and superoxide dismutase against brucellosis in murine model

Brucella species are important etiological agents of zoonotic diseases. Attenuated Salmonella strains expressing Brucella abortus BCSP31, Omp3b and superoxide dismutase proteins were tested as vaccine candidates in this study. In order to determine the optimal dose for intraperitoneal (IP) inoculation required to obtain effective protection against brucellosis, mice were immunized with various doses of a mixture of the three vaccine strains. Fifty BALB/c mice were divided into five equal groups (groups A–E). Group A mice were intraperitoneally inoculated with 100 μL of sterile phosphate-buffered saline. Group B, C, D and E mice were intraperitoneally immunized with approximately 1.2 × 10⁵ colony-forming units (CFU) mL⁻¹ of Salmonella containing pMMP65 in 100 μL and with 1.2 × 10⁴ CFU mL⁻¹, 1.2 × 10⁵ CFU mL⁻¹ and 1.2 × 10⁶ CFU mL⁻¹ of the mixture of the three strains in 100 μL, respectively. Serum IgG, tumor necrosis factor alpha and interferon gamma concentrations were significantly higher in group E than in groups A–D. Following challenge with B. abortus 544, the challenge strain was not detected in the spleen of any mouse from group E. Thus, IP immunization with 1.2 × 10⁶ CFU mL⁻¹ of the mixture of the three vaccine strains induced immune responses and provided effective protection against brucellosis in mice.

First Direct Mass Measurements of Nuclides around Z=100 with a Multireflection Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrograph

The masses of ^{246}Es, ^{251}Fm, and the transfermium nuclei ^{249-252}Md and ^{254}No, produced by hot- and cold-fusion reactions, in the vicinity of the deformed N=152 neutron shell closure, have been directly measured using a multireflection time-of-flight mass spectrograph. The masses of ^{246}Es and ^{249,250,252}Md were measured for the first time. Using the masses of ^{249,250}Md as anchor points for α decay chains, the masses of heavier nuclei, up to ^{261}Bh and ^{266}Mt, were determined. These new masses were compared with theoretical global mass models and demonstrated to be in good agreement with macroscopic-microscopic models in this region. The empirical shell gap parameter δ_{2n} derived from three isotopic masses was updated with the new masses and corroborates the existence of the deformed N=152 neutron shell closure for Md and Lr.

Giant Anisotropic Magnetocaloric Effect in Double-perovskite Gd2CoMnO6 Single Crystals

The magnetocaloric effect (MCE) is described by the change in temperature of a material by magnetic field variation and is a crucial subject in magnetism; it is motivated by the desire to enhance energy-efficient magnetic refrigeration for clean technology. Despite the recent discovery of the giant cryogenic MCE in double perovskites, the role of magnetic anisotropy has not yet been clearly discussed, because of the averaging effect of polycrystalline samples. Here, we investigated the anisotropic MCE in the single-crystal double perovskite Gd2CoMnO6. In addition to the ferromagnetic order of the Co2+ and Mn4+ moments, the large Gd3+ moments align below T Gd = 21 K, exhibiting an isotropic nature. Because of the intricate temperature development of magnetically hysteretic behaviour and metamagnetism, the change in magnetic entropy along the c-axis appears to be relatively small. On the contrary, the smaller but almost reversible magnetization perpendicular to the c-axis leads to a large MCE with a maximum entropy change of 25.4 J/kg·K. The anisotropic MCE generates a giant rotational MCE, estimated as 16.6 J/kg·K. Our results demonstrate the importance of magnetic anisotropy for understanding the MCE and reveal essential clues for exploring suitable magnetic refrigerant compounds aiming at magnetic functional applications.

Protective efficacy of a Salmonella Typhimurium ghost vaccine candidate constructed with a recombinant lysozyme-PMAP36 fusion protein in a murine model

A Salmonella Typhimurium ghost vaccine was constructed with the use of a recombinant fusion protein consisting of lysozyme and porcine myeloid antimicrobial peptide 36 expressed by the Escherichia coli overexpression system. After confirmation of its effectiveness by transmission electron microscopy the vaccine was evaluated in a murine model. Of the 60 BALB/c mice equally divided into 4 groups, group A mice were intramuscularly inoculated with 100 μL of sterile phosphate-buffered saline, and the mice in groups B, C, and D were intramuscularly inoculated with approximately 1.0 × 10⁴, 1.0 × 10⁵, or 1.0 × 10⁶ cells of the S. Typhimurium ghost vaccine, respectively, in 100-μL amounts. The serum IgG titers against S. Typhimurium outer membrane proteins were significantly higher in groups B to D than in group A, as were the concentrations of interleukin-10 and interferon gamma in supernatants of harvested splenocytes. After challenge with wild-type S. Typhimurium, all the vaccinated groups showed significant protection compared with group A, notably perfect protection in groups C and D. Overall, these results show that intramuscular vaccination with 1.0 × 10⁵ cells of this ghost vaccine candidate provided efficient protection against systemic infection with virulent S. Typhimurium.

Association Studies of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 Gene Polymorphisms With Acute Rejection in Kidney Transplantation Recipients

OBJECTIVE

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) belong to the transforming growth factor beta superfamily of proteins. This study was performed to evaluate the association of BMP gene polymorphisms with acute renal allograft rejection (AR) and graft dysfunction (GD) in Koreans.

METHODS

Three hundred thirty-one patients who had kidney transplantation procedures were recruited. Transplantation outcomes were determined in terms of AR and GD criteria. We selected six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): rs1979855 (5' near gene), rs1049007 (Ser87Ser), rs235767 (intron), rs1005464 (intron), rs235768 (Arg190Ser), and rs3178250 (3; untranslated region).

RESULTS

Among the six SNPs tested, the rs235767, rs1005464, and rs3178250 SNPs were significantly associated with AR (P < .05). The rs1049007 and rs235768 SNPs also showed an association with GD (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, these results suggest that the BMP2 gene polymorphism may be related to the development of AR and GD in kidney transplant recipients.

The 100 Most-Cited Articles Focused on Ultrasound Imaging: A Bibliometric Analysis

Purpose The number of citations that an article has received reflects its impact on a particular research area. The aim of this study was to identify the 100 most-cited articles focused on ultrasound (US) imaging and to analyze the characteristics of these articles. Methods We determined the 100 most-cited articles on US imaging via the Web of Science database, using the search term. The following parameters were used to analyze the characteristics of the 100 most-cited articles: publication year, journal, journal impact factor, number of citations and annual citations, authors, department, institution, country, type of article, and topic. Results The number of citations for the 100 most-cited articles ranged from 1849 to 341 (median: 442.0) and the number of annual citations ranged from 108.0 to 8.1 (median: 22.1). The majority of articles were published in 1990 - 1999 (39 %), published in radiology journals (20 %), originated in the United States (45 %), were clinical observation studies (67 %), and dealt with the vessels (35 %). The Department of Internal Medicine at the University of California and the Research Institute of Public Health at the University of Kuopio (n = 4 each) were the leading institutions and Salonen JT and Salonen R (n = 4 each) were the most prolific authors. Conclusion Our study presents a detailed list and analysis of the 100 most-cited US articles, which provides a unique insight into the historical development in this field.

Association Interleukin-4 and Interleukin-4 Receptor Gene Polymorphism and Acute Rejection and Graft Dysfunction After Kidney Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Cytokine genotypes have previously been studied in patients undergoing solid organ transplantation; certain polymorphisms have been implicated in the development of acute rejection (AR) and graft dysfunction (GD). Allograft outcomes determined, in part, by alloimmune responses is mainly mediated by T-cell responses, activated and driven by cytokines. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is one such cytokine, which exerts its biological effects through binding to the IL-4 receptor (IL-4R) complex on target cells. In the present study, we investigated whether polymorphisms of the IL-4 and/or IL-4R gene were associated with susceptibility to acute AR and GD after kidney transplantation.

METHODS

We analyzed 2 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) of IL-4 (rs2243250 and rs2070874) and 3 SNPs of IL-4R (rs1801275, rs2107356, and rs1805010) in 344 kidney transplant recipients. These patients included 62 of whom had developed AR and 215 of whom had GD in 1 year after kidney transplantation.

RESULTS

The AR group included 62 patients (45 men and 17 women). There was a statistically significant difference in the male-to-female ratio and the use of tacrolimus in the AR group. The GD group included 215 patients. Patients who developed GD were more likely to be older and have an underlying cause of end-stage renal disease that was unknown compared with patients who did not have GD, the cause of which was typically known. Among the SNPs examined, 1 of the SNPs in the IL-4R gene (ie, rs1801275) showed a statistical association with AR (co-dominant model, P = .061; dominant model, P = .019; and log-addictive model, P = .029). In addition, 1 of the IL-4R SNPs (ie, rs2107356) was statistically associated with GD (dominant model, P = .034). No significant difference in the IL-4 genotype was observed between the AR/GD and non-AR/non-GD subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

One IL-4R gene polymorphism (rs1801275) was associated with AR. In addition, a separate IL-4R SNP (rs2107356) was statistically associated with GD after kidney transplantation.

Protection efficacy of the Brucella abortus ghost vaccine candidate lysed by the N-terminal 24-amino acid fragment (GI24) of the 36-amino acid peptide PMAP-36 (porcine myeloid antimicrobial peptide 36) in murine models

Brucella abortus cells were lysed by the N-terminal 24-amino acid fragment (GI24) of the 36-amino acid peptide PMAP-36 (porcine myeloid antimicrobial peptide 36). Next, the protection efficacy of the lysed fragment as a vaccine candidate was evaluated. Group A mice were immunized with sterile PBS, group B mice were intraperitoneally (ip) immunized with 3 × 10⁸ colony-forming units (CFUs) of B. abortus strain RB51, group C mice were immunized ip with 3 × 10⁸ cells of the B. abortus vaccine candidate, and group D mice were orally immunized with 3 × 10⁹ cells of the B. abortus vaccine candidate. Brucella lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-specific serum IgG titers were considerably higher in groups C and D than in group A. The levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) were significantly higher in groups B–D than in group A. After an ip challenge with B. abortus 544, only group C mice showed a significant level of protection as compared to group A. Overall, these results show that ip immunization with a vaccine candidate lysed by GI24 can effectively protect mice from systemic infection with virulent B. abortus.

Role of peripheral sigma-1 receptors in ischaemic pain: Potential interactions with ASIC and P2X receptors

BACKGROUND

The role of peripheral sigma-1 receptors (Sig-1Rs) in normal nociception and in pathologically induced pain conditions has not been thoroughly investigated. Since there is mounting evidence that Sig-1Rs modulate ischaemia-induced pathological conditions, we investigated the role of Sig-1Rs in ischaemia-induced mechanical allodynia (MA) and addressed their possible interaction with acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) and P2X receptors at the ischaemic site.

METHODS

We used a rodent model of hindlimb thrombus-induced ischaemic pain (TIIP) to investigate their role. Western blot was performed to observe changes in Sig-1R expression in peripheral nervous tissues. MA was measured after intraplantar (i.pl.) injections of antagonists for the Sig-1, ASIC and P2X receptors in TIIP rats or agonists of each receptor in naïve rats.

RESULTS

Sig-1R expression significantly increased in skin, sciatic nerve and dorsal root ganglia at 3 days post-TIIP surgery. I.pl. injections of the Sig-1R antagonist, BD-1047 on post-operative days 0-3 significantly attenuated the development of MA during the induction phase, but had no effect on MA when given during the maintenance phase (days 3-6 post-surgery). BD-1047 synergistically increased amiloride (an ASICs blocker)- and TNP-ATP (a P2X antagonist)-induced analgesic effects in TIIP rats. In naïve rats, i.pl. injection of Sig-1R agonist PRE-084 alone did not produce MA; but it did induce MA when co-administered with either an acidic pH solution or a sub-effective dose of αβmeATP.

CONCLUSION

Peripheral Sig-1Rs contribute to the induction of ischaemia-induced MA via facilitation of ASICs and P2X receptors. Thus, peripheral Sig-1Rs represent a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of ischaemic pain.

Investigation of the magnetic properties in double perovskite R2CoMnO6 single crystals (R = rare earth: La to Lu)

We have successfully synthesized the series of the double-perovskite R2CoMnO6 (R  =  rare earth: La to Lu) single crystals and have investigated their magnetic properties. The ferromagnetic order of Co(2+)/Mn(4+) spins emerges mainly along the c axis. Upon decreasing the size of rare earth ion, the magnetic transition temperature decreases linearly from 204 K for La2CoMnO6 to 48 K for Lu2CoMnO6, along with the enhancement of monoclinic distortion. The temperature and magnetic-field dependences of magnetization reveal the various magnetic characteristics such as the metamagnetic transition in R  =  Eu, the isotropic nature of rare earth moment in R  =  Gd, and the reversal of magnetic anisotropy in R  =  Tb and Dy. Our results offer comprehensive information for understanding the roles of mixed-valent magnetic ions and rare earth magnetic moments on the magnetic properties.

Hepatic radiofrequency ablation: in vivo and ex vivo comparisons of 15-gauge (G) and 17-G internally cooled electrodes

OBJECTIVE

To compare the performance of the 15-G internally cooled electrode with that of the conventional 17-G internally cooled electrode.

METHODS

A total of 40 (20 for each electrode) and 20 ablation zones (10 for each electrode) were made in extracted bovine livers and in in vivo porcine livers, respectively. Technical parameters, three dimensions [long-axis diameter (Dl), vertical-axis diameter (Dv) and short-axis diameter (Ds)], volume and the circularity (Ds/Dl) of the ablation zone were compared.

RESULTS

The total delivered energy was higher in the 15-G group than in the 17-G group in both ex vivo and in vivo studies (8.78 ± 1.06 vs 7.70 ± 0.98 kcal, p = 0.033; 11.20 ± 1.13 vs 8.49 ± 0.35 kcal, p = 0.001, respectively). The three dimensions of the ablation zone had a tendency to be larger in the 15-G group than in the 17-G group in both studies. The ablation volume was larger in the 15-G group than in the 17-G group in both ex vivo and in vivo studies (29.61 ± 7.10 vs 23.86 ± 3.82 cm(3), p = 0.015; 10.26 ± 2.28 vs 7.79 ± 1.68 cm(3), p = 0.028, respectively). The circularity of ablation zone was not significantly different in both the studies.

CONCLUSION

The size of ablation zone was larger in the 15-G internally cooled electrode than in the 17-G electrode in both ex vivo and in vivo studies.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

Radiofrequency ablation of hepatic tumours using 15-G electrode is useful to create larger ablation zones.

σ1 receptors activate astrocytes via p38 MAPK phosphorylation leading to the development of mechanical allodynia in a mouse model of neuropathic pain

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Spinal astrocytes have emerged as important mechanistic contributors to the genesis of mechanical allodynia (MA) in neuropathic pain. We recently demonstrated that the spinal sigma non-opioid intracellular receptor 1 (σ1 receptor) modulates p38 MAPK phosphorylation (p-p38), which plays a critical role in the induction of MA in neuropathic rats. However, the histological and physiological relationships among σ1, p-p38 and astrocyte activation is unclear.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

We investigated: (i) the precise location of σ1 receptors and p-p38 in spinal dorsal horn; (ii) whether the inhibition of σ1 receptors or p38 modulates chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced astrocyte activation; and (iii) whether this modulation of astrocyte activity is associated with MA development in CCI mice.

KEY RESULTS

The expression of σ1 receptors was significantly increased in astrocytes on day 3 following CCI surgery. Sustained intrathecal treatment with the σ1 antagonist, BD-1047, attenuated CCI-induced increase in GFAP-immunoreactive astrocytes, and the treatment combined with fluorocitrate, an astrocyte metabolic inhibitor, synergistically reduced the development of MA, but not thermal hyperalgesia. The number of p-p38-ir astrocytes and neurons, but not microglia was significantly increased. Interestingly, intrathecal BD-1047 attenuated the expression of p-p38 selectively in astrocytes but not in neurons. Moreover, intrathecal treatment with a p38 inhibitor attenuated the GFAP expression, and this treatment combined with fluorocitrate synergistically blocked the induction of MA.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Spinal σ1 receptors are localized in astrocytes and blockade of σ1 receptors inhibits the pathological activation of astrocytes via modulation of p-p38, which ultimately prevents the development of MA in neuropathic mice.

Clinical characteristics of patients with tuberculosis-destroyed lung

SETTING

Multicentre study.

OBJECTIVE

To define the clinical characteristics of patients with tuberculosis (TB) destroyed lung due to past TB.

DESIGN

We reviewed patients with TB-destroyed lung between May 2005 and June 2011.

RESULTS

A total of 595 patients from 21 hospitals were enrolled. The mean age was 65.63 ± 0.47 (mean ± standard error); 60.5% were male. The mean number of lobes involved was 2.59 ± 0.05. Pleural thickening was observed in 54.1% of the patients. Mean forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)), FEV(1)/FVC, bronchodilator response and number of exacerbations per year were respectively 2.06 ± 0.03 l (61.26% ± 0.79), 1.16 ± 0.02 l (49.05% ± 0.84), 58.03% ± 0.70, 5.70% ± 0.34, and 0.40 ± 0.04. The number of lobes involved was significantly correlated with FVC and FEV(1), and with the number of exacerbations per year. Use of long-acting muscarinic antagonists or long-acting beta-2 agonists plus inhaled corticosteroids resulted in bronchodilatory effects. Multivariable regression analysis showed that age, initial FEV(1) (%) and number of exacerbations during follow-up were independent factors affecting change in FEV(1).

CONCLUSION

Decreased lung function with exacerbation, and progressive decline of FEV(1) were observed in patients with TB-destroyed lung.

Endoscopic submucosal resection of esophageal subepithelial lesions using band ligation

Subepithelial lesions (SELs) are occasionally found in the esophagus during upper endoscopy. Sometimes endoscopic resection is needed for accurate diagnosis or in the rare cases of malignant transformation of SELs. In this case series, we evaluated the usefulness of endoscopic submucosal resection with a ligation device (ESMR-L) in esophageal SELs. Twenty-three patients with 25 esophageal SELs that were no larger than 13 mm and were localized within the muscularis mucosae or submucosa were enrolled. ESMR-L was successfully performed in all 25 SELs. The en bloc resection rate was 100% (25/25), and histologically complete resection was achieved in 24 lesions (24/25, 96%). After resection of the lesion by snare, minor immediate bleeding occurred in four cases, but there was no delayed bleeding or perforation.

Immune regulatory effects of simvastatin on regulatory T cell-mediated tumour immune tolerance

Statins are potent inhibitors of hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl co-enzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, and have emerged as potential anti-cancer agents based on preclinical evidence. In particular, compelling evidence suggests that statins have a wide range of immunomodulatory properties. However, little is known about the role of statins in tumour immune tolerance. Tumour immune tolerance involves the production of immunosuppressive molecules, such as interleukin (IL)-10, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta and indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) by tumours, which induce a regulatory T cell (T(reg)) response. In this study, we investigated the effect of simvastatin on the production of IL-10, TGF-beta and IDO production and the proliferation of T(regs) using several cancer cell lines, and Lewis lung cancer (3LL) cells-inoculated mouse tumour model. Simvastatin treatment resulted in a decrease in the number of cancer cells (3LL, A549 and NCI-H292). The production of the immune regulatory markers IL-10, TGF-beta in 3LL and NCI-H292 cells increased after treatment with simvastatin. The expression of IDO and forkhead box P3 (FoxP3) transcription factor was also increased in the presence of simvastatin. In a murine 3LL model, there were no significant differences in tumour growth rate between untreated and simvastatin-treated mice groups. Therefore, while simvastatin had an anti-proliferative effect, it also exhibited immune tolerance-promoting properties during tumour development. Thus, due to these opposing actions, simvastatin had no net effect on tumour growth.

Artemisia fukudo essential oil attenuates LPS-induced inflammation by suppressing NF-kappaB and MAPK activation in RAW 264.7 macrophages

In the present study, the chemical constituents of Artemisia fukudo essential oil (AFE) were investigated using GC-MS. The major constituents were alpha-thujone (48.28%), beta-thujone (12.69%), camphor (6.95%) and caryophyllene (6.01%). We also examined the effects of AFE on the production of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, and IL-6, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Western blotting and RT-PCR tests indicated that AFE has potent dose-dependent inhibitory effects on pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators. We investigated the mechanism by which AFE inhibits NO and PGE(2) by examining the level of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation within the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, which is an inflammation-induced signal pathway in RAW 264.7 cells. AFE inhibited LPS-induced ERK, JNK, and p38 phosphorylation. Furthermore, AFE inhibited the LPS-induced phosphorylation and degradation of Ikappa-B-alpha, which is required for the nuclear translocations of the p50 and p65 NF-kappaB subunits in RAW 264.7 cells. Our results suggest that AFE might exert an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Such an effect is mediated by a blocking of NF-kappaB activation which consequently inhibits the generation of inflammatory mediators in RAW264.7 cells. AFE may be useful for treating inflammatory diseases.

Toluene-induced accumulation of trehalose by Pseudomonas sp. BCNU 106 through the expression of otsA and otsB homologues

AIM

The objective of this study was to investigate toluene-induced accumulation mechanism of trehalose in a toluene-tolerant bacterium Pseudomonas sp. BCNU 106.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The accumulation of trehalose by a toluene-tolerant bacterium Pseudomonas sp. BCNU 106 was examined at various cultivation time by measuring the total intracellular trehalose content, trehalase activity and mRNA levels of the trehalose-biosynthetic genes. The pattern of trehalose accumulation corresponded to the mRNA expression pattern of the trehalose-biosynthetic genes with the maximum level at 12 h or 4 h of cultivation with 10% (v/v) toluene, respectively. The trehalose-biosynthetic genes were also cloned and sequenced. Furthermore, the effects of toluene addition on the intracellular osmotic pressure and pH were investigated. It was shown that homeostasis was maintained in the bacterial cells.

CONCLUSIONS

In a toluene-tolerant bacterium Pseudomonas sp. BCNU 106, a significant amount of trehalose was accumulated through the toluene-induced expression of the trehalose-biosynthetic genes after the exposure to toluene.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The accumulation of the high level of intracellular trehalose was preceded by the expression of otsA/B genes in toluene-tolerant bacteria, contributing to the elucidation of the tolerance mechanism.

Botulinum toxin type A for poststroke cricopharyngeal muscle dysfunction

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) in poststroke patients with cricopharyngeal muscle dysfunction.

DESIGN

Before-after trial.

SETTING

University hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Eight poststroke patients.

INTERVENTION

BTX-A injection into the cricopharyngeal muscle under endoscope guidance for poststroke cricopharyngeal muscle dysfunction.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Clinical symptom score, disability rating scale for swallowing impairment, videofluoroscopic swallowing study, and upper esophageal sphincter (UES) manometry.

RESULTS

Clinical symptom score, disability rating scale for swallowing impairment, residue in piriform sinus, and UES pressure were all significantly improved at 2 weeks after BTX-A injection compared with evaluations before injection (P<.05). The effects on the clinical symptom score and disability rating scale for swallowing impairment continued to be significantly improved to 12 weeks after injection (P<.05). However, the residue in piriform sinus and the UES pressure at 12 weeks postinjection were reduced compared with before-injection evaluations; these results were not significant. The pharyngeal transit time was not changed after injection. There were no side effects observed in the patients studied.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study suggest that BTX-A injection may be an effective and safe treatment in patients with poststroke cricopharyngeal muscle dysfunction.

Purification and characterization of ascorbic acid 2-kinase from Flavobacterium devorans ATCC 10829

Maximum activity for phosphorylating C(2)-OH of the ascorbic acid was observed at the time of 16 h incubation from the culture of Flavobacterium devorans ATCC 10829. The enzyme was purified 1.178-fold, via ammonium sulfate fractionation, Fast Q anion exchange, and phenyl agarose chromatography. Gel chromatography and SDS-polyacrylamide electrophoresis experiments showed that the enzyme is a tetramer with subunit MW of 29 kDa. Among available second substrates, pyrophosphate showed the highest activity. Optimum temperature and pH were 45 degrees C and 5.5, respectively. The enzyme was chemically modified only by diethylpyrocarbonate and 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide (EDC), indicating that histidine and carboxylate are in the active site. pH studies showed that two histidines are involved in the binding of the substrates and a carboxylate in catalysis. Therefore, the chemical mechanism of the enzyme is likely that two histidines bind to pyrophosphate and carboxylate, respectively, and a carboxylate acts as a general base.

Induction of apoptotic cell death by a p53-independent pathway in neuronal SK-N-MC cells after treatment with 2,2',5,5'-tetrachlorobiphenyl

Apoptotic cell death is an active process, which is a critical feature of the regulated development of multicellular organisms. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants, some of which may be neurotoxic. This study investigates the 2,2', 5,5'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 52) induced apoptosis in human neuronal SK-N-MC cells, and the role of p53 in this response. Upon treatments with PCB 52, time- and concentration-dependent inhibition of the cell viability was observed. PCB 52 also caused apoptosis, as measured by cell morphology and DNA fragmentation. The capability of PCB 52 to induce apoptosis was associated with the proteolytic cleavage of specific target proteins, such as poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and beta-catenin proteins, suggesting the possible involvement of caspases. In general, DNA-damaging agents induce accumulation of the tumor suppressor protein p53, leading cells to either growth arrest in G1, or apoptosis. However, our data showed that both p53 and Bcl-2 protein levels were decreased in a time-dependent manner during apoptosis after exposure to PCB 52. These results suggest that PCB 52 induced a p53-independent apoptosis in these cells.

Pimarane cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitor and its structure-activity relationship

The structure-activity relationship and molecular modelings of a novel pimarane COX-2 inhibitor are reported. Particularly, a series of linker extended analogues designed on the basis of these studies exhibited significantly enhanced COX-2 inhibitory activities and selectivities.

Inhibition of 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase activity in rat liver microsomes by naturally occurring flavonoids: structure-activity relationships

1. The inhibitory effects of several naturally occurring flavonoids and related compounds on cytochrome P450-dependent 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase (ECOD) and the structure-activity relationships were studied in liver microsomes from rats treated with 3-methylcholanthrene (MC). 2. All the flavonoids (flavone, apigenin, chrysin, flavonol, fisetin, kaempferol, morin, myrisetin, quercetin, flavanone, hesperetin and naringenin) studied inhibited microsomal ECOD activity in the following order: flavones > flavonols > flavanones, were mixed type inhibitors and had Ki in the range of 0.17-4.5 microM. (+/-)-Catechin had no effect. 3. The double bond between C2 and C3 of the C ring, the keto group and hydroxyl group of this ring in the flavonoids seem to play major roles in inhibiting the ECOD activity. 4. The hydroxyl groups in the C5 and C7 positions of A ring in the flavone and the hydroxyl group in the C3 position of C ring in the flavonol classes, respectively, were important factors for the inhibition of the enzyme. 5. In a series of 3, 5, 7-trihydroxyflavones, the hydroxyl group at the C4 in the B ring was also an important factor for the inhibition of ECOD activity, but hydroxyl groups in other positions of the B ring had little effect on the inhibition. 6. We conclude that all the flavonoids studied inhibit ECOD activity by interfering with the binding of substrate to the active site and other site(s) of the enzyme and that their structural differences lead to different binding affinities at the active site and possibly to binding at other site(s) of the enzyme for the flavonoids.

Na(+)-translocating cytochrome bo terminal oxidase from Vitreoscilla: some parameters of its Na+ pumping and orientation in synthetic vesicles

Vitreoscilla cytochrome bo ubiquinol oxidase is similar in some properties to the Escherichia coli enzyme, but unlike the latter, the Vitreoscilla oxidase functions as a primary Na+ pump. When purified Vitreoscilla cytochrome bo is incorporated into liposomes made from Vitreoscilla phospholipids and energized with a quinol substrate, it translocates Na+, not H+, across the vesicle membrane. Since protonophores CCCP (carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone) and DTHB (3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde) stimulated the Na+ pumping, it is unlikely that it is a secondary effect due to the presence of Na+/H+ antiporter activity in the preparations. The efficiency of the Na+ pumping was 3.93 Na+ pumped per O2 consumed when ascorbate/TMPD was used as the substrate. The cytochrome has a K(m) and Kcat for Na+ of 2.9 mM and 277 s-1, respectively. When ferricytochrome c was entrapped within liposomes prepared from Vitreoscilla phospholipids, it was reduced by Q1H2 (ubiquinol-1) but not by ascorbate/TMPD (N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-1,4-phenylenediamine). Although Q1H2 was oxidized by cytochrome bo in solution at a rate approximately 14 times that of the latter substrate, the rate of accumulation of Na+ within cytochrome bo vesicles driven by the membrane impermeable ascorbate/TMPD was 1.23 times that of the membrane permeable ubiquinol. These data allowed a calculation that in these synthetic proteoliposomes the cytochrome bo molecules are only 51% directed inward; a value of 61% inward-directed was estimated by measuring the ascorbate/TMPD oxidase activity of the proteoliposomes before and after disrupting them with Triton X-100. A random orientation of the E. coli cytochrome bo oxidase in proteoliposomes has also been reported.