SpCas9 activity prediction by DeepSpCas9, a deep learning-based model with high generalization performance

We evaluated SpCas9 activities at 12,832 target sequences using a high-throughput approach based on a human cell library containing single-guide RNA-encoding and target sequence pairs. Deep learning-based training on this large dataset of SpCas9-induced indel frequencies led to the development of a SpCas9 activity-predicting model named DeepSpCas9. When tested against independently generated datasets (our own and those published by other groups), DeepSpCas9 showed high generalization performance. DeepSpCas9 is available at http://deepcrispr.info/DeepSpCas9.

Paip1 Indicated Poor Prognosis in Cervical Cancer and Promoted Cervical Carcinogenesis

Purpose

This study was aimed to investigate the role of poly(A)-binding protein-interacting protein 1 (Paip1) in cervical carcinogenesis.

Materials and Methods

The expression of Paip1 in normal cervical epithelial tissues and cervical cancer (CC) tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. In vivo and in vitro assays were performed to validate effect of Paip1 on CC progression.

Results

Paip1 was found to be up-regulated in CC, which was linked with shorter survival. Knockdown of Paip1 inhibited cell growth, induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in CC cells, whereas its overexpression reversed these effects. The in vivo tumor model confirmed the pro-tumor role of Paip1 in CC growth.

Conclusion

Altogether, the investigation demonstrated the clinical significance of Paip1 expression, which prompted that the up-regulated of Paip1 can presumably be a potential prognostic and progression marker for CC.

Active surveillance for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, vancomycin-resistant enterococci and toxigenic Clostridium difficile among patients transferred from long-term care facilities in Korea

A 10-month active surveillance study was conducted to assess carriage of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and toxigenic Clostridium difficile colonization among patients transferred to hospital from long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Four (1.4%) patients with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (none of which were CPE), 59 (21%) patients with VRE and 20 (7.1%) patients colonized with toxigenic C. difficile were identified from 282 rectal specimens. There was no outbreak of VRE infection during the study period. The low prevalence of CPE carriage suggests that screening all admissions from LTCFs for CPE would not be cost-effective, and that screening and use of contact precautions for VRE should be reconsidered.

Analysis of the number of enlarged pores according to site, age, and sex

BACKGROUND

Increasing the number of enlarged pores causes cosmetic problems. The difference in the number of enlarged pores according to facial site, age, and sex is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the distribution of the number of enlarged pores according to facial site, age, and sex.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We analyzed the number of the enlarged pores and the percentage of wrinkles in the nose, forehead, and cheek from 434 polarized images. The measurement results were analyzed according to site, age, and sex. Relationship between enlarged pore counts and wrinkle severity was also analyzed. The study was conducted by using DermaVision,™ which can take cross-polarization, parallel polarization, and ultraviolet light images.

RESULTS

The enlarged pores of the nose and forehead were more prominent than in the cheeks. Pore counts were increased with age, and the increment was significant between the 30's and 40's. There was no significant difference by gender. Enlarged pore counts were related to wrinkle severity.

CONCLUSIONS

The number of enlarged pores differs depending on body site and increased with age. The enlarged pore counts correlate with wrinkle severity and the correlation varies depending on the body site.

Concordance of results of blood and tissue cultures from patients with pyogenic spondylitis: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the concordance of results of blood and tissue cultures in patients with pyogenic spondylitis.

METHODS

We searched for patients with pyogenic spondylitis in whom microorganisms were isolated from both blood and tissue cultures by retrospective review of medical records in three tertiary university-affiliated hospitals between January 2005 and December 2015. The species and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of isolates from blood and tissue cultures were compared.

RESULTS

Among 141 patients with pyogenic spondylitis in whom microorganisms were isolated from both blood and tissue cultures, the species of blood and tissue isolates were identical in 135 patients (95.7%, 135/141). Excluding the four anaerobic isolates, we investigated antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of 131 isolates of the same species from blood and tissue cultures. Antibiotic susceptibility patterns were identical in 128 patients (97.7%, 128/131). The most common isolates were Staphylococcus aureus (86 patients; 85 concordant and one discordant), followed by streptococcus (24 patients; 22 concordant and two discordant), and Escherichia coli (eight patients; all concordant).

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that a positive blood culture from patients with pyogenic spondylitis could preclude the need for additional tissue cultures, especially when S. aureus and streptococcus grew in blood cultures.

A distinct role for interleukin-6 as a major mediator of cellular adjustment to an altered culture condition

Tissue microenvironment adjusts biological properties of different cells by modulating signaling pathways and cell to cell interactions. This study showed that epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)/ mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET) can be modulated by altering culture conditions. HPV E6/E7‐transfected immortalized oral keratinocytes (IHOK) cultured in different media displayed reversible EMT/MET accompanied by changes in cell phenotype, proliferation, gene expression at transcriptional, and translational level, and migratory and invasive activities. Cholera toxin, a major supplement to culture medium, was responsible for inducing the morphological and biological changes of IHOK. Cholera toxin per se induced EMT by triggering the secretion of interleukin 6 (IL‐6) from IHOK. We found IL‐6 to be a central molecule that modulates the reversibility of EMT based not only on the mRNA level but also on the level of secretion. Taken together, our results demonstrate that IL‐6, a cytokine whose transcription is activated by alterations in culture conditions, is a key molecule for regulating reversible EMT/MET. This study will contribute to understand one way of cellular adjustment for surviving in unfamiliar conditions. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2552–2562, 2015. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Umbilical arterial N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels in preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth and fetal distress

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate fetal cardiopulmonary stress in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia (PE), fetal growth restriction (FGR), preterm birth (PT), and fetal distress (FD) using umbilical arterial blood N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 146 blood samples that were drawn from umbilical arteries at the time of delivery (20 cases of PE, 11 cases of FGR, 31 cases of PT, 23 cases of FD, and 61 cases of gestational age-matched controls) and analyzed. The main outcome measures included neonatal birthweight, cord pH, and umbilical arterial NT-proBNP.

RESULTS

The umbilical arterial NT-proBNP levels were significantly higher in the PE, FGR, PT, and FD groups than in the control group. The umbilical arterial NT-proBNP levels were negatively correlated with gestational age, birthweight, and umbilical arterial pH.

CONCLUSIONS

Umbilical arterial NT-proBNP levels are elevated in stressful fetal conditions and have the potential to be considered as a marker for fetal cardiopulmonary stress.

Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) promotes cancer invasion by modulating cathepsin D via early growth response (EGR)-1

Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) contributes to tumor progression as well as maintaining telomere length, however, the mechanism by which hTERT promotes invasiveness is not yet completely understood. This study aims to unravel the precise mechanism through which hTERT promotes cancer invasion. We established an hTERT-overexpressed immortalized cell line (IHOK/hTERT). In orthotopic xenograft models, IHOK/hTERT harbors higher tumorigenicity than IHOK/Control. IHOK/hTERT showed much higher migration and invasion activities compared to IHOK/Control. IHOK/hTERT co-cultured with fibroblasts displayed increased invasion compared to IHOK/hTERT without fibroblasts. We screened for genes that play an important role in intermodulation between cancer cells and fibroblasts using a microarray and identified fibroblast activation protein (FAP). hTERT knockdown showed decreased expression of FAP and early growth response (EGR)-1, one of the transcriptional regulators of FAP in IHOK/hTERT and oral cancer cell line YD10B. Furthermore, EGR-1 knockdown in IHOK/hTERT and YD10B showed reduced invasion and reduced cathepsin D expression compared to Control-siRNA cells. Taken together, this study provides evidence that hTERT overexpression is responsible for the upregulation of the cysteine protease cathepsin D by regulating EGR-1 to activate invasiveness in cancer progression.

A case of prenatally diagnosed Uhl's anomaly

BACKGROUND

Uhl's anomaly is an extremely rare cardiac defect characterized by absence of the myocardium of the right ventricle. Until now, only three cases have been diagnosed or have showed suspicious diagnosis in prenatal period.

CASE

A 28-year-old nulliparous woman was referred to the present hospital for counseling the risk of drug medication. The authors found dilatation of the right ventricle and thinning of the right ventricular wall in the fetus at 25 weeks gestation. No other structural abnormalities were found concerning the great arteries and all heart valves demonstrated normal function. Uhl's anomaly was suspected on fetal echocardiography and it was confirmed postnatally by echocardiography and computed tomography (CT). The infant showed stable condition during neonatal period and is doing well in the ambulatory care after three-years follow up:

CONCLUSION

Although the outcomes of Uhl's anomaly are generally unfavorable, the duration of survival shows wide variation according to the cardiac function. To estimate the postnatal outcomes, it is highly recommended to perform the accurate differential diagnosis by using fetal echocardiography during pregnancy.

Human telomerase reverse transcriptase is a promising target for cancer inhibition in squamous cell carcinomas

BACKGROUND/AIM

The present study aimed to investigate whether the down-regulation of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) may induce an anti-invasive effect in oral squamous cell cancer cell lines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A genetically-engineered squamous carcinoma cell line overexpressing hTERT in immortalized oral keratinocytes transfected by human papilloma virus (HPV)-16 E6/E7 (IHOK) was used. In vivo tumorigenicity was examined using an orthotopic xenograft model of nude mice. For evaluating anti-invasive activity by knockdown of hTERT expression, transwell invasion assay and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) were employed.

RESULTS

The down-regulation of hTERT expression reduced the invasive activity and MMP expression. This result was re-confirmed in the HSC3 oral squamous carcinoma cell line.

CONCLUSION

Targeting hTERT may lead to novel therapeutic approaches.

Abstract 3354: The level of aerobic glycolysis as an effective predictor of tumorigenicity

Introduction: Cancer cells have been known to harbor characteristic metabolic alterations such as enhanced glucose uptake and aerobic glycolysis. However, elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying the association between aerobic glycolysis and tumorigenesis has remained elusive. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the role of altered metabolism in conferring advantage to tumorigenesis, using two different cell lines of immortalized human oral keratinocytes (IHOK) that differed in the level of aerobic glycolysis.

Experimental procedures: Levels of glucose uptake and lactate production were measured. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot were employed to measure the expression of relevant genes. Proteomic analysis was performed to identify protein-level differences. Small interfering RNAs were used for transient knockdown of genes. The cell lines were injected into mouse tongue to assess subsequent tumor formation.

Results: Although the two IHOK cell lines shared same origin, the cell line with enhanced glucose uptake and lactate production also had higher expression of genes involved in glycolysis, growth signal propagation, and matrix remodeling. In particular, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, 2, 9, and 14 expressions were significantly higher in the cell line with upregulated glycolysis. Upon injection into mice, the two cell lines differed in the rate of in vivo tumor formation and resulting tumor volume.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was upregulated in the more tumorigenic IHOK cell line as well as in aggressive breast and oral cancer cell lines compared with their less aggressive counterparts. EGFR knockdown in the more tumorigenic cell lines led to reduction in lactate production and prevented high-level expression of glycolytic genes normally induced by EGF treatment.

Proteomic analysis between the two IHOK cell lines revealed pyruvate kinase isozyme M2 (PKM2) as the protein whose level was significantly higher in the more tumorigenic cell line. To evaluate the relationship between upregulated PKM2 and high tumorigenic potentials, PKM2 was knocked down in the more tumorigenic cell line. MMP-1 level decreased upon PKM2 knockdown, indicating that upregulated PKM2 not only promotes aerobic glycolysis but also enhances MMP expression to facilitate tumorigenesis.

Conclusions: Cells with upregulated PKM2 likely excel in tumorigenesis by enhancing MMP expression. In addition, upregulated EGFR amplifies the growth signals to enhance the expression of genes required for tumor progression. These results indicate that the degree of altered metabolic activity, aerobic glycolysis in particular, might be a significant predictor of tumorigenicity.

Acknowledgements: This research was supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education(2009-0094027).

Citation Format: Doo Young Lee, Young Jin Park, Jung Yoon Bae, Jin Kim. The level of aerobic glycolysis as an effective predictor of tumorigenicity. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3354. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3354

Abstract 176: IL6 and CXCL1 induce senescent phenotype of cancer-associated fibroblast via autocrine loops in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Background & Objective

Tumor-stroma interaction plays a key role in tumor development and progression. One of the prominent components of tumor stroma is cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Although CAFs have been well known to contribute to tumorigenesis, the characteristics of CAFs are still poorly understood. For this reason, we characterized CAFs and investigated a mechanism underlying the transformation of NOFs into CAFs in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Materials & Methods

For this study, three primary cultured NOFs and three primary cultured CAFs were used, respectively. Expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) enzyme activity were compared between NOFs and CAFs. Population doubling levels and expression of activated fibroblast marker were measured in NOFs and CAFs. The expression levels of senescence-related markers were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting. In search of mechanism that triggers senescence in CAFs, cytokine antibody array was employed in NOFs co-cultured with OSCC cells, and the results were confirmed by real-time PCR.

Results

In comparison between NOFs and CAFs, α-SMA, a marker of activated fibroblasts, showed no difference in expression pattern. CAFs showed higher SA-β-Gal enzyme activity and lower PCNA expression than NOFs at the same passage. In addition, CAFs exhibited lower population doubling level than NOFs, indicating that CAFs had senescent phenotype. NOFs co-cultured with OSCC cells showed higher SA-β-Gal enzyme activity, p16 and p21 expression compared with mono-cultured NOFs, whereas NOFs co-cultured with human epidermal keratinocytes (HEK) showed no SA-β-Gal enzyme activity, indicating that the induction of senescence in CAFs was not merely an artifact of co-culture system but was triggered specifically by the co-cultured cancer cells. Cytokine antibody array revealed that co-culture conditions induced cytokine secretion from CAFs. In particular, IL6 and CXCL1 showed the highest secretion level, and mRNA expression levels corresponded with the results from cytokine antibody array. Upon treating NOFs with IL6 and CXCL1, higher SA-β-Gal enzyme activity was detected in NOFs compared with non-treated NOFs, indicating that IL6 and CXCL1 were capable of inducing senescence in NOFs.

Conclusion

From these results, we propose that the senescent phenotype of CAFs might be elicited by cytokines such as IL6 and CXCL1, which are secreted from CAFs in an autocrine manner. Additional studies are in progress to identify specific factors to induce cytokine secretion in a carcinoma milieu.

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education (2009-0094027).

Citation Format: Eun Kyoung Kim, Sook Moon, Do Kyeong Kim, Jin Kim, Jung Yoon Bae. IL6 and CXCL1 induce senescent phenotype of cancer-associated fibroblast via autocrine loops in oral squamous cell carcinoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 176. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-176

The influence of ritodrine alone or in combination with nifedipine on maternal cardiovascular side effects and pregnancy outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To compare the influence of ritodrine alone or in combination with nifedipine on maternal side effects and suppressing preterm labor.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 213 pregnancies with preterm labor (20-34 weeks) from May 2002 to April 2010 in Kyungpook National University Hospital in Daegu, Korea. Obstetric medical records were reviewed for both maternal characteristics and neonatal outcomes, including birth weight, Apgar score, admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), ventilator support, and neonatal mortality. Maternal side effects such as tachycardia, pulmonary edema, and hyperglycemia were also reviewed.

RESULTS

Of 213 patients, 109 received ritodrine only and 104 were given ritodrine and nifedipine. There was no statistical difference between the two groups with regards to pregnancy outcomes and neonatal complications. Pregnancy prolongation over seven days was achieved more in the combination therapy group, with borderline statistical significance (59.6% vs. 72.1%, p = 0.055). Sixty-nine cases experienced maternal side effects; four cases were categorized as serious and 65 cases were mild.

CONCLUSION

In the treatment of preterm labor, the combination regimen of ritodrine and nifedipine can be more effective than ritodrine alone for prolonging gestation over seven days. Moreover, as the combination did not cause severe maternal side effects, it may be considered as a safe and effective method to prolong gestation in patients with preterm labor.

Variation in U.S. traffic safety policy environments and motor vehicle fatalities 1980-2010

OBJECTIVE

To examine the impact of variation in state laws governing traffic safety on motor vehicle fatalities.

STUDY DESIGN

Repeated cross sectional time series design.

METHODS

Fixed effects regression models estimate the relationship between state motor vehicle fatality rates and the strength of the state law environment for 50 states, 1980-2010. The strength of the state policy environment is measured by calculating the proportion of a set of 27 evidence-based laws in place each year. The effect of alcohol consumption on motor vehicle fatalities is estimated using a subset of alcohol laws as instrumental variables.

RESULTS

Once other risk factors are controlled in statistical models, states with stronger regulation of safer driving and driver/passenger protections had significantly lower motor vehicle fatality rates for all ages. Alcohol consumption was strongly associated with higher MVC death rates, as were state unemployment rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Encouraging laggard states to adopt the full range of available laws could significantly reduce preventable traffic-related deaths in the U.S. - especially those among younger individuals. Estimating the relationship between different policy environments and health outcomes can quantify the result of policy gaps.

Abstract 3549: RUNX3 is a biomarker for determining sensitivity to pheophorbide a-photodynamic therapy in human oral squamous cell carcinoma

Background & Objective: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with photosensitizer is one of the promising modalities for cancer treatment. For clinical use of PDT, the screening process for sensitive cancers to PDT should be preceded. For this, we investigated a molecular biomarker to determine the sensitivity to Pa-PDT in immortalized human oral keratinocytes (IHOK) and OSCC cell lines.

Methods: For this study, two immortalized oral keratinocytes (IHOK-p, IHOK-s) and 8 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines were used. After cells were treated with Pa-PDT, phototoxicity and the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured. Apoptosis was measured using annexin V/PI staining and western blotting. mRNA and proteins of apoptotic genes were investigated by RT-PCR, real-time PCR, and western blotting. Transfection was performed using RUNX3-small interfering RNA.

Results: After Pa-PDT, cell viability was more than 50% reduced and ROS generated in IHOK and OSCC. In addition, apoptosis occurred in all cell lines. Among apoptosis-related genes, Bim expression was altered following Pa-PDT. Therefore, mRNA and protein expression of RUNX3, a gene upstream of Bim were examined by Pa-PDT. We found that RUNX3 was highly responsive to Pa-PDT. Furthermore, knockdown of RUNX3 expression reduced cytotoxicity by Pa-PDT. In addition, we found that the cytotoxicity by Pa-PDT was proportional to RUNX3 expression in OSCC cell lines.

Conclusion: This is the first study to find a new target molecule that enhances Pa-PDT effects in IHOK and OSCC cell lines. These results should be further proven by animal studies to apply to clinical trials. Nevertheless, the development of a PDT-dependent biomarker could provide a novel approach to improve the effects of PDT in oral precancerous and cancerous lesions.

Acknowledgments This study was supported by a grant of the Korean Health Technology R&D Project, Ministry for Health, Welfare & Family Affairs, Republic of Korea (No. A100490).

Citation Format: Sook Moon, Jung Yoon Bae, Doo Young Lee, Gyeong Ju Park, Hyun Yoo, Hyo jin Ko, Yong Chul Kim, Jin Kim. RUNX3 is a biomarker for determining sensitivity to pheophorbide a-photodynamic therapy in human oral squamous cell carcinoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3549. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-3549

Abstract B74: EGCG inhibits cancer invasion by regulating tumor-stromal crosstalk in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Introduction: Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG), a major constituent polyphenol of green tea, has been shown to have suppressive effects on the invasion of various cancer cells, whereas the exact mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, the effects of EGCG on the invasion of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) were investigated where the new perspective focused on tumor-stromal crosstalk was emphasized, unlikely other previous studies focused on cancer cell mainly.

Materials and Methods: OSCC were cultured with or without carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAF) in the dose dependent treatment of EGCG. In order to investigate the invasiveness, invasion assay and zymography were examined. Based on our previous study found that several cytokines are concerned with tumor-stromal crosstalk in invasion of OSCC, RT-PCR and ELISA assay were employed to examine the influence of EGCG on the expression levels of cytokines.

Results: The invasiveness of OSCC was reduced by EGCG treatment, and the 50% reduction was demonstrated at the half concentration of EGCG (25 μM) in co-cultured group with CAF, compared to OSCC mono-cultured (50 μM). Zymography showed that EGCG treatment reduced MMP-9 expression in co-cultured condition. In addition, EGCG resulted in a noticeable decrease in the expression of cytokines, especially GRO-α/CXCL1, concerned with tumor-stromal crosstalk in invasion of OSCC.

Conclusions: In this study, inhibitory effect of EGCG on cancer invasion was found at which its concentration is lower than previously known. Taking these results into consideration, EGCG may play an effective role in preventing invasion of OSCC by regulating tumor-stromal crosstalk.

Acknowledgement: This work was supported by Priority Research Centers Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (2010–0029702).

Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2011;4(10 Suppl):B74.

Effective vitrification of human induced pluripotent stem cells using carboxylated ε-poly-l-lysine

Derivation of human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells could enable their widespread application in future. Establishment of highly efficient and reliable methods for their preservation is a prerequisite for these applications. In this study, we developed a vitrification solution comprising ethylene glycol (EG) and sucrose as well as carboxylated ε-poly-l-lysine (PLL); this solution inhibited devitrification. Human iPS cells were vitrified in 200-μL vitrification solutions comprised 6.5M EG, 0.75 M sucrose and 0 or 10%w/v carboxylated PLL with 65 mol% of the amino groups converted to carboxyl groups [PLL (0.65)] in a cryovial by directly immersing in liquid nitrogen. After warming, attached colony and recovery rates of human iPS cells vitrified by adding PLL (0.65) were significantly higher than those for cells without PLL (0.65) and vitrification solution (DAP213: 2M dimethyl sulfoxide, 1M acetamide and 3M propylene glycol). Furthermore, even after warming at room temperature, attached colony and recovery rates of iPS cells vitrified with PLL (0.65) were reduced to a lesser extent than those vitrified with either DAP213 or EG and sucrose without PLL (0.65). This could be attributed to inhibition of devitrification by PLL (0.65), as differential scanning calorimetry indicated less damage after vitrification with PLL (0.65). In addition, human iPS cells vitrified in the solution with PLL (0.65) had normal karyotypes and maintained undifferentiated states and pluripotency as determined by immunohistochemistry and teratoma formation. Addition of PLL (0.65) successfully vitrified human iPS cells with high efficiency. We believe that this method could aid future applications and increase utility of human iPS cells.

Characterization of filamentous bacteriophage PE226 infecting Ralstonia solanacearum strains

AIMS

The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize new bacteriophages that infect a wide range of plant pathogenic Ralstonia solanacearum strains.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Fifteen bacteriophages were isolated from pepper, tomato and tobacco plant rhizospheres infected with R. solanacearum. A host specificity analysis of the isolated phages using nine strains of R. solanacearum indicated great phage diversity in a single soil. Two phages, PE226 and TM227, showed clear plaques on all nine bacterial hosts tested and were virtually identical in morphology and genome. PE226, an Inovirus, is a long, flexible, filamentous phage carrying a circular (+) sense single-strand DNA genome of 5475 nucleotides. DNA sequences of PE226 exhibited nine open reading frames (ORF) that were not highly similar to those of other phages infecting R. solanacearum. The genome organization of PE226 was partially similar to that of p12J of Ralstonia pickettii. One ORF of PE226 showed identity to the zot gene encoding zonula occludens toxin of Vibrio cholera. Orf7 of PE226 was also present in the genome of R. solanacearum strain SL341. However, SL341, a highly virulent strain in tomato, was still sensitive to phage PE226.

CONCLUSIONS

A new, flexible, filamentous phage PE226 infected wide range of R. solanacearum strains and carried unique circular single-strand DNA genome with an ORF encoding Zot-like protein.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

PE226 may be a new type of temperate phage, based on its lytic nature on a wide range of hosts and the presence of a zot homologue in a host bacterial genome.

Nonfrozen preservation of articular cartilage by epigallocatechin-3-gallate reversibly regulating cell cycle and NF-kappaB expression

Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) is known to have beneficial effects on the nonfrozen preservation of mammalian cells and tissues. In this study, we aimed at testifying the hypothesis that the deleterious effects of cold preservation of articular cartilages can be ameliorated by the addition of EGCG to the storage media. Articular cartilages were preserved in a storage solution composed of serum-free RPMI 1640 media with 1 mM EGCG at 4 degrees C for 1-4 weeks. The regulatory effects of EGCG on cell cycle progression as well as expression levels of CyCliNS (CCNs) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) were investigated in articular chondrocytes. Chondrocyte viability of cartilages preserved with EGCG was significantly well maintained for 2 weeks with high contents of glycosaminoglycan and total collagen. These beneficial effects of EGCG were confirmed by histological and immunohistochemical observations showing well-preserved cartilaginous structures and delayed denaturation of extracellular matrices. The compressive elastic modulus of cartilages preserved with EGCG was close to that of fresh specimens. Increased cell population at the G(0)/G(1) phase by EGCG returned to the normal level after EGCG removal, whereas decrease at the G(2)/M phase did not. Negatively regulated expression of CCND1, CCNE2, or NF-kappaB in EGCG-treated cells was restored by removing EGCG, but not CCNA2 and CCNB1. After 8 weeks of in vivo implantation into full-thickness cartilage defects in rabbits, the cartilages preserved with EGCG were found to be integrated with the host environment and support tissue regeneration. It is suggested that EGCG plays effective roles in preserving and repairing articular cartilages by reversibly regulating cell cycle at G(0)/G(1) phase and NF-kappaB expression.

Biological and Biomechanical Evaluations of Osteochondral Allografts Preserved in Cold Storage Solution Containing Epigallocatechin Gallate

The beneficial effects of (-)-epigallocatechin-3- O-gallate (EGCG) on the nonfrozen preservation of mammalian cells and tissues are generally not well understood. A storage solution containing EGCG was employed to test the hypothesis that EGCG is capable of extending the storage duration for the cold preservation of articular cartilages. Human articular cartilages were preserved in a storage solution composed of serum-free RPMI-1640 medium with 1% antibiotic-antimycotic solution and 1 mM EGCG at 4°C for 1, 2, and 4 weeks. The chondrocyte viability (CCK-8 assay), biochemical and immunohistochemical composition [glycosaminoglycans (GAG) and (type II) collagen], and biomechanical property (compressive elastic modulus) were assessed. The chondrocyte viability of the cartilages preserved with EGCG was significantly well maintained for at least 2 weeks with high content of GAG and total collagen. These beneficial effects of EGCG were confirmed by the immunohistochemical observations of well-preserved cartilaginous structures and delayed denaturation of the extracellular matrix in preserved cartilages. There was no significant difference in the compressive elastic modulus (MPa) between the cartilages preserved with and without EGCG. These results suggest that EGCG may play an effective role in preserving osteochondral allografts, which can be exploited in devising strategies for the long-term preservation of other tissues under cold storage conditions.

Polyampholytes as Cryoprotective Agents for Mammalian Cell Cryopreservation

Cryoprotective agents (CPAs) such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), glycerol, ethylene glycol, and propylene glycol have been used for the cryopreservation of cells and tissues. DMSO is the most effective CPA but shows high cytotoxicity and can effect differentiation. ∈-Poly-l-lysine (PLL) derivatives show higher cryopreservation efficiency than the conventional CPAs. Culture medium solutions with 7.5 w/w% of PLL whose amino groups of more than 50 mol% were converted to carboxyl groups by succinic anhydride showed higher postthaw survival efficiency of L929 cells than those of current CPAs without the addition of any proteins. In addition, rat mesenchymal stem cells were cryopreserved more effectively than with DMSO and fully retained the potential for proliferation and differentiation. Furthermore, many kinds of cells could be cryopreserved with PLL having the appropriate ratio of COOH groups, regardless of the cell types, including adhesive and floating cells, human- and mouse-derived cells, primary cells, and established cell lines. The properties might be associated with the antifreeze protein properties. These results indicate that these polymeric extracellular CPAs may replace current CPAs and the high viability after thawing and nonnecessity of serum ensure that these CPAs may be used in various preservation fields.

Beneficial storage effects of epigallocatechin-3-o-gallate on the articular cartilage of rabbit osteochondral allografts

A fresh osteochondral allograft is one of the most effective treatments for cartilage defects of the knee. Despite the clinical success, fresh osteochondral allografts have great limitations in relation to the short storage time that cartilage tissues can be well-preserved. Fresh osteochondral grafts are generally stored in culture medium at 4 degrees C. While the viability of articular cartilage stored in culture medium is significantly diminished within 1 week, appropriate serology testing to minimize the chances for the disease transmission requires a minimum of 2 weeks. (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) has differential effects on the proliferation of cancer and normal cells, thus a cytotoxic effect on various cancer cells, but a cytopreservative effect on normal cells. Therefore, a storage solution containing EGCG might extend the storage duration of articular cartilages. Rabbit osteochondral allografts were performed with osteochondral grafts stored at 4 degrees C in culture medium containing EGCG for 2 weeks and then the clinical effects were examined with macroscopic and histological assessment after 4 weeks. The cartilaginous structure of an osteochondral graft stored with EGCG was well-preserved with high cell viability and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content of the extracellular matrix (ECM). After an osteochondral allograft, the implanted osteochondral grafts stored with EGCG also provided a significantly better retention of the articular cartilage with viability and metabolic activity. These data suggest that EGCG can be an effective storage agent that allows long-term preservation of articular cartilage under cold storage conditions.

Preservation of Platelets by Adding Epigallocatechin-3-O-Gallate to Platelet Concentrates

The effect of epigallocatechin-3- O-gallate (EGCG), a major component of green tea, on platelet preservation was evaluated. Single donor platelets ( N = 10) were collected and preserved by the standard method. EGCG was added to the platelet concentrates before preservation and then the functional and biochemical parameters were monitored throughout the storage period. After 6 days of preservation, the aggregability of the platelets was significantly maintained by addition of 50 and 100 μg/ml of EGCG. Platelet prothrombinase activity was also significantly retained by the addition of EGCG. The accumulation of P-selectin and RANTES in the plasma preserved with EGCG was less than those preserved without EGCG, which indicated that EGCG might inhibit platelet activation. Furthermore, EGCG reduced the increase of LDH in plasma during preservation and inhibited the activation of caspase-3 and cleavage of gelsolin, thereby showing that EGCG could inhibit the apoptosis of platelets. These results suggest that EGCG may play an effective role in preserving platelets by inhibiting the activation and apoptosis of platelets.

Reversible Regulation of Cell Cycle-Related Genes by Epigallocatechin Gallate for Hibernation of Neonatal Human Tarsal Fibroblasts

We investigated the hibernation effect of epigallocatechin-3- O-gallate (EGCG) on neonatal human tarsal fibroblasts (nHTFs) by analyzing the expression of cell cycle-related genes. EGCG application to culture media moderately inhibited the growth of nHTFs, and the removal of EGCG from culture media led to complete recovery of cell growth. EGCG resulted in a slight decrease in the cell population of the S and G2/M phases of cell cycle with concomitant increase in that of the G0/G1 phase, but this cell cycle profile was restored to the initial level after EGCG removal. The expression of cyclin D1 (CCND1), CCNE2, CCN-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6), and CDK2 was restored, whereas that of CCNA, CCNB1, and CDK1 was irreversibly attenuated. The expression of a substantial number of genes analyzed by cDNA microarray was affected by EGCG application, and these affected expression levels were restored to the normal levels after EGCG removal. We also found the incorporation of FITC-EGCG into the cytosol of nHTFs and its further nuclear translocation, which might lead to the regulation of the exogenous signals directed to genes for cellular responses including proliferation and cell cycle progression. These results suggest that EGCG temporarily affects not only genes related to the cell cycle but also various other cellular functions.

The distribution of inhibitory and excitatory synapses on single, reconstructed jaw-opening motoneurons in the cat

In a previous study, we reported that the distribution of inhibitory input, in contrast to excitatory input, decreased somatofugally along dendrites of cat jaw-closing alpha-motoneurons [J Comp Neurol 414 (1999) 454]. The present study examined the distribution of GABA, glycine, and glutamate immunopositive boutons covering horseradish peroxidase-labeled cat jaw-opening motoneurons. The motoneurons were divided into four compartments: the soma, and primary, intermediate, and distal dendrites. Ninety-seven percent of the total number of studied boutons had immunoreactivity for at least one of the three amino acids. The proportion of boutons immunoreactive for GABA and/or glycine was lower than the proportion of boutons immunoreactive for glutamate. Boutons immunoreactive to glycine alone were more numerous than boutons double-labeled for GABA and glycine, which, in turn, occurred more frequently than boutons immunoreactive to GABA alone. The percentage synaptic covering (proportion of membrane covered by synaptic boutons) of the putatively excitatory (glutamate containing) and putatively inhibitory (GABA and/or glycine containing) boutons decreased somatofugally along the dendrites. Such systematic variations were not seen in the packing density (number of boutons per 100 microm(2)); the packing density showed a distinct drop between the soma and primary dendrites but did not differ significantly among the three dendritic compartments. Overall, the packing density was slightly higher for the putatively excitatory boutons than for the inhibitory ones. When taken together with previous analyses of jaw-closing alpha-motoneurons the present data on jaw-opening alpha-motoneurons indicate that the two types of neuron differ in regard to the nature of synaptic integration in the dendritic tree.

Anaerobic digestion elutriated phased treatment of piggery waste

The performance of a novel high-rate anaerobic process, the anaerobic digestion elutriated phased treatment (ADEPT) process, for treating a slurry-type piggery waste (55 g COD/L and 37 g TS/L) was investigated. The ADEPT process consists of an acid elutriation slurry reactor for hydrolysis and acidification, followed by an upflow anaerobic sludge bed reactor for methanification. This process provides stable and high system performance with short HRT (7.4 d) and better effluent quality (2 g SCOD/L and 0.68 g VSS/L) due to the alkaline pH condition for hydrolysis/acidification phase, high refractory solids removal and ammonia toxicity reduction. The optimum pH and HRT for hydrolysis/acidogenesis of the piggery waste were 9 and 5 days at both 35 degrees C and 55 degrees C conditions. The hydrolysis and acidification rate in the mesophilic reactor were 0.05 d(-1) and 0.11 d(-1), meaning that hydrolysis was a limiting step. SCOD production by the hydrolysis was about 0.26 g SCOD/g VS(fed) (3.6 g SCOD/g VS reduction). Methane production and content in the system were 0.3 L CH4/g VS(fed) (0.67 L CH4/g VS destroyed) and 80%, respectively, corresponding to 0.23 L CH4/g COD removal (@STP).

Serum after partial hepatectomy stimulates iNOS gene transcription via downstream NF-kappa B site

It has been known that the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is up-regulated during hepatic regeneration. The present study characterized the molecular mechanisms involved in the transcriptional activation of iNOS gene by using the serum after partial hepatectomy (post-PH serum) in vitro. The post-PH serum rapidly induced iNOS mRNA expression, which was blocked by anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) antibody in BNL CL.2 cells, murine embryonic liver cell line. In addition, EMSAs using a NF-kappa B-specific oligomer showed that the up-regulated iNOS mRNA expression in cells treated with post-PH serum correlated with transient activation of NF-kappa B complex (p50/p65 heterodimer). Transient transfection of BNL CL.2 cells with iNOS promoter linked to a CAT reporter gene showed the transcriptional activation of iNOS promoter by post-PH serum. Furthermore, site-directed mutational analysis of the two NF-kappa B sites individually or in combination revealed that iNOS expression by post-PH serum is regulated by the downstream NF-kappa B site, but not by upstream NF-kappa B site. Taken together, these results suggest that the downstream NF-kappa B site acts as an essential component for the iNOS expression by post-PH serum during hepatic regeneration.

Diffuse cerebrospinal gliomatosis with extensive leptomeningeal spread

A case of diffuse cerebrospinal gliomatosis with extensive leptomeningeal spread is presented. The patient, an 18-year-old girl, was admitted due to progressive weakness and paresthesia of both legs, following rapid neuropsychiatric deterioration. An initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study of the T-spine showed diffuse high signal intensities from T9 to T12 spinal cords on a T2 sagittal image and diffuse cord bulging at T1WI. This suggested an inflammatory lesion such as tuberculosis or fungal meningoencephalitis. A limited autopsy was performed. A microscopic examination revealed multifocal GFAP-positive astrocytic proliferations that were low grade astrocytoma in the cerebral leptomeninges, parietal, occipital and temporal lobes and anaplastic astrocytoma in the spinal cord and spinal leptomeninges. The high proliferative indices of the spinal lesion and aneuploidy correspond to a diagnosis of malignant astrocytoma and a rapid fatal clinical course.

Electroretinographic evaluation in adult diabetics

In cross-sectional fashion, we recorded the maximal combined response and 30-Hz flicker responses in 178 adult diabetics and 40 normal controls according to the recommendations of the International Society of Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision. The oscillatory potentials were extracted from the maximal combined response by high-pass filtering. The clear media and attached retina were criteria for inclusion in this study. The data were statistically analyzed with the expectation that this procedure may provide a new feature that could have some clinical significance. Timing delays occurred more frequently than amplitude reductions in the maximal combined response and flicker responses, while amplitude reductions were more common in the first and second oscillatory potentials. The hypernormal b-wave amplitude was rare. The summed amplitude of the oscillatory potentials was highly correlated with the total power of the oscillatory potentials (the frequency domain). A reduction of the second oscillatory potential amplitude was more common than a reduction of the summed amplitude or total power. The electroretinographic component that demonstrates retinal dysfunction in the earlier stage may be a valuable indicator. In the early stage, a delay in the a-wave time and a reduction in the second oscillatory potential amplitude were the most frequent abnormalities: analysis of variance demonstrated that the summed amplitude of the oscillatory potentials and second oscillatory potential amplitude and time were the most sensitive measures of the diabetic retina. Hence, the second oscillatory potential amplitude may be the most sensitive and valuable indicator representing a quantitative measure of overall retinal dysfunction.

Identification and expression of the Na+/H+ exchanger in mammalian cerebrovascular and choroidal tissues: characterization by amiloride-sensitive [3H]MIA binding and RT-PCR analysis

We report the initial characterization of [3H]5-(N-methyl-N-isobutyl)amiloride (MIA) binding to the Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) and expression of its gene in mammalian cerebrovascular, choroidal and neocortical tissues. [3H]MIA bound reversibly to particulate fractions of rat, pig and human cerebral microvessels, choroid plexus and cerebral cortex. Scatchard analyses revealed binding to a single amiloride-sensitive site with dissociation constants (Kd) ranging from 20 to 90 nM for the various tissue preparations. The maximal binding capacities (Bmax) were between 2 to 17 pmol/mg protein and were several-fold greater in cerebral microvessels compared to the cerebral cortex. Amiloride, MIA, 5-(N, N-hexamethylene)amiloride (HMA), 5-(N, N-dimethyl)amiloride (DMA) and 5-(N-methyl-N-isopropyl)amiloride (IPA) variably displaced [3H]MIA binding to the microvessels in the following rank order: MIA>HMA>/=IPA>DMA>amiloride. Benzamil, a potent ligand of the Na+/Ca+ transporter was the least sensitive. These binding results were most compatible with the existence of the amiloride-sensitive NHE type 1 in the brain vascular and choroidal tissues. To substantiate this, we utilized reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) techniques to search for NHE-1 mRNA. Using primers corresponding to conserved sequences of the human growth factor-activatable NHE gene, RT-PCR revealed strong expression of NHE-1 mRNA in cerebral microvessels, choroid plexus, pial vessels and vascular smooth muscle cells relative to neocortical tissues from several species including rat, pig, cow, monkey and human subjects. Further confirmation of NHE-1 isoform mRNA expression in the cerebrovascular tissues was obtained by HpaII restriction digestion analysis and by subcloning and sequencing of the PCR amplified products. Our study suggests that mammalian cerebrovascular and choroidal tissues contain high amounts of the ubiquitous amiloride-sensitive [3H]MIA binding proteins consistent with the expression of NHE type 1 mRNA.

The amiloride-sensitive Na+/H+ exchange antiporter and control of intracellular pH in hippocampal brain slices

The intracellular pH, 7.54 +/- 0.03 (mean +/- S.D., n = 15), determined with the Neutral red method, of the hippocampal brain slice preparation under baseline incubation conditions is considerably more alkaline than the bath buffer pH. Neutralization by amiloride suggests that the alkalinity was due to Na+/H+ exchange antiporter activation. To characterize the brain Na+/H+ exchange antiporter we compared the inhibitory effects of MIA, amiloride and other 5-N substituted analogues on proton extrusion after acid loading by transient exposure to ammonium chloride in the isolated hippocampal brain slice preparation. The potencies of amiloride compounds on the initial recovery rate of intracellular pH after acid-loading were DMA > MIA > HMA = MHA > or = IPA-HCI > IPA > MNPA = Amil > Benzamil. The greater potency of the 5-N substituted analogs of amiloride over amiloride and benzamil strongly suggest that Na+/H+ exchange antiporter is the mechanism responsible for alkalinization in the isolated hippocampal brain slice in vitro.

Adenomyoepithelioma of the breast--its diagnostic problems and histogenesis

We report three cases of adenomyoepithelioma of the breast that occurred in middle aged women. The tumor is characterized by a balanced proliferation of epithelial tubules and surrounding myoepithelial cells that are spindle shaped or have clear cytoplasms. The first case mimicked tubular adenoma in the initial biopsy. However, on excision it turned out to be an adenomyoepithelioma of the tubular. The other two cases were lobulated types and had fibroadenomatous areas. The morphologic appearance of this tumor varies, making it misleading to other benign or even malignant lesions. The tumor has a potential for local recurrence, therefore, wide excision is recommended for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Sebaceous glands in the esophagus

We report a case of sebaceous glands in the esophagus diagnosed by endoscopic biopsy. The patient was a 47-year-old Korean man presented with postprandial pain of several months duration. An endoscopic examination disclosed an early gastric carcinoma in the gastric antrum and a 0.4 x 0.4 cm sized irregular lobulated nodule in the middle esophagus. Microscopically, the lobule was proven to be sebaceous glands in the submucosa. Possible histogenesis of this lesion is discussed.

Intracranial immature teratoma with syncytiotrophoblasts and tumor marker positive intestinal lining cells

Intracranial teratomas are rare entities that can present as a pure type or as mixed germ cell tumor. Cases of mixed germ cell tumor composed of immature teratoma and choriocarcinoma have been reported. Also, immature teratoma can be mixed with only syncytiotrophoblasts. We report a case of immature teratoma with syncytiotrophoblasts of the brain discovered in a 3-year-old male baby. Serum human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) was normal and serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was elevated. The tumor was mainly composed of intestinal glands, and neither endodermal sinus tumor nor embryonal carcinomatous elements were found. The cells lining the intestinal glands were positive for hCG and AFP. These findings suggest that the syncytiotrophoblasts are differentiated from the endoderm and AFP is not necessarily a marker exclusive to endodermal sinus tumor or embryonal carcinoma.

The nitrosation of hexetidine and hexedine: characterization of the major nitrosamine from common antimicrobial agents

The acidic nitrosation of hexetidine and hexedine, common antimicrobial agents and drug constituents, leads to a mixture of nitrosamines. The major nitrosamine product, "HEXNO", forms rapidly in yields as high as 60% over the pH range 1-4.8 at incubation times of 1 h at 37 degrees C with 40 mM NO2- and 10 mM hexetidine. On the basis of extensive spectroscopic characterization and independent synthesis HEXNO has been assigned the structure of 1-(2-ethylhexyl)-3-nitroso-4-methyl-4-[[N-(2-ethylhexyl)-N- nitrosoamino]methyl]imidazolidine (7). The synthesis of HEXNO involves the novel interception by potassium nitrite in ether/18-crown-6 of an imminium ion produced from the reaction of hexedine with benzyl chloroformate. Collapse of the alpha-amino nitrous ester produced by this reaction yields the nitrosamine containing carbamate 8, which yields HEXNO after removal of the carbamate with trimethylsilyl iodide and subsequent nitrosation. The rapid formation of HEXNO from hexetidine and hexedine supports the hypothesis that tertiary geminal diamines will produce nitrosamines rapidly by a mechanism which involves the cleavage of a nitrosammonium ion with the assistance of the neighboring nitrogen atom. This process is deemed to be of possible importance in the endogenous production of potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines because of its low nitrite requirement and high nitrosation rate. The available data suggest the probable formation of HEXNO and other nitrosamines from hexetidine under conditions of its use.

An aziridinium ion intermediate in the nitrosation of a hexetidine model

The nitrosation chemistry of 1,3,5-trimethyl-5-aminohexahydropyrimidine (2) has been investigated as a model for the behavior of the antimicrobial agent hexetidine (1) under similar conditions. The reaction of 2 with sodium nitrite in glacial acetic acid gives 4-methyl-4-[(methylnitrosamino)methyl]-3-nitroso-1,3-oxazolidine (4) as the major nitrosamine. This compound arises from a molecular rearrangement which proceeds through the diazotization of the primary amino group followed by intramolecular displacement of nitrogen to generate an aziridinium ion. The N-nitrosooxazolidine 4 forms from the nitrosation of an imidazolidine produced from the aziridinium ring hydrolytic opening. The N-nitrosooxazolidine 4, an isomer, 5-methyl-5-[(methylnitrosamino)methyl]-3-nitroso-1,3-oxazolidine (14), which is not formed in the nitrosation of 2, and an analog 4-methyl-4-[[(2-ethylhexyl)nitrosamino]methyl]-3-nitroso-1,3-oxazolidine (22) have been independently synthesized. The N-nitrosooxazolidine 22 which would be formed from hexetidine is not present in its nitrosation mixture, suggesting the absence of reactive aziridinium ions in that case. The dissimilar nitrosation chemistry of 2 and 1 are discussed.