Antiferromagnetic topological insulator with selectively gapped Dirac cones

Antiferromagnetic (AF) topological materials offer a fertile ground to explore a variety of quantum phenomena such as axion magnetoelectric dynamics and chiral Majorana fermions. To realize such intriguing states, it is essential to establish a direct link between electronic states and topology in the AF phase, whereas this has been challenging because of the lack of a suitable materials platform. Here we report the experimental realization of the AF topological-insulator phase in NdBi. By using micro-focused angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we discovered contrasting surface electronic states for two types of AF domains; the surface having the out-of-plane component in the AF-ordering vector displays Dirac-cone states with a gigantic energy gap, whereas the surface parallel to the AF-ordering vector hosts gapless Dirac states despite the time-reversal-symmetry breaking. The present results establish an essential role of combined symmetry to protect massless Dirac fermions under the presence of AF order and widen opportunities to realize exotic phenomena utilizing AF topological materials.

MAML3 Contributes to Induction of Malignant Phenotype of Gallbladder Cancer Through Morphogenesis Signalling Under Hypoxia

BACKGROUND/AIM

Hedgehog (HH) signalling is a potential therapeutic target for gallbladder cancer (GBC), and Mastermind-like 3 (MAML3) is involved in the transcription of Smoothened (SMO), which is a key protein of HH signalling during hypoxia in the cancer microenvironment. MAML3 is a NOTCH signalling activator, and HH and NOTCH are involved in morphogenesis signalling. However, the association between MAML3-NOTCH and HH signalling and its role in regulating GBC cells remain unknown. This study aimed to determine whether NOTCH signalling affects tumour aggressiveness in GBC under hypoxic conditions and if MAML3 could be a new comprehensive therapeutic target that regulates morphogenesis signalling, HH, and NOTCH in GBC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used three cell lines (NOZ, TYGBK1, and TGBC2TKB) and 58 resected specimens. These samples were subjected to cell proliferation, RNA interference, invasion, western blot, and immunohistochemical analyses.

RESULTS

MAML3 expression was higher under hypoxic conditions than under normoxic conditions and was involved in the activation of HH and NOTCH signalling. It contributed to the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GBC cells through the NOTCH signalling pathway and enhanced gemcitabine sensitivity. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that MAML3 expression was related to lymphatic invasion, lymph node metastasis, stage category, and a poor prognosis.

CONCLUSION

MAML3 contributes to the induction of the malignant phenotype of GBC under hypoxia through the HH and NOTCH signalling pathways and may be a comprehensive therapeutic target of morphogenesis signalling in GBC.

C4orf47 contributes to the dormancy of pancreatic cancer under hypoxic conditions

In our comprehensive analysis of pancreatic cancer pathology, we found that the C4orf47 molecule was upregulated in hypoxic environments. C4orf47 is reported to be a centrosome-associated protein, but its biological significance in cancer is completely unknown; therefore, we assessed its role in pancreatic cancer. We found that C4orf47 was a direct target of HIF-1α and is upregulated in hypoxic conditions, in which it suppressed the cell cycle and inhibits cell proliferation through up-regulation of the cell cycle repressors Fbxw-7, P27, and p57; and the down-regulation of the cell cycle promoters c-myc, cyclinD1, and cyclinC. Furthermore, C4orf47 induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and enhanced their cell plasticity and invasiveness. In addition, the p-Erk/p-p38 ratio was significantly enhanced and down-regulated CD44 expression by C4orf47 suppression, suggesting that C4orf47 is involved in pancreatic cancer dormancy under hypoxic conditions. Furthermore, the potential of C4orf47 expression was a good prognostic biomarker for pancreatic cancer. These results contribute to the elucidation of the pathology of refractory pancreatic cancer and the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

PTPN3 Could Βe a Therapeutic Target of Pancreatic Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

Recently, protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 3 (PTPN3) has gained attention. However, the role of PTPN3 in cancer has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we analyzed the role of PTPN3 in pancreatic cancer and investigated whether PTPN3 could be a new therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell lines were used as target cells. Cell proliferation was investigated using cell counting and a xenograft mouse model. Migration and invasion were analyzed using Transwell inserts. Activation-related signaling molecules were examined by western blotting.

RESULTS

PTPN3 contributes to the proliferation, migration, and invasion of PDAC cells in vitro. PTPN3 promotes tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model, an action mediated partially through the MAPK pathway.

CONCLUSION

PTPN3 could be a new therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.

TrkB/BDNF Signaling Could Be a New Therapeutic Target for Pancreatic Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

Tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB)/brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling plays a role in inducing malignant phenotypes in several aggressive types of cancers. To create a conclusive therapy targeting TrkB/BDNF signaling in solid refractory cancers, the biological significance of TrkB/BDNF signaling was analyzed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three PDAC cell lines were used as target cells to investigate proliferation and invasiveness. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) and the TrkB tyrosine kinase inhibitor k252a were used as TrkB/BDNF signaling inhibitors.

RESULTS

All PDAC cell lines expressed TrkB and BDNF. When TrkB and BDNF were inhibited by siRNA or k252a, the invasiveness of PANC-1 and SUIT-2 cells significantly decreased. When TrkB was inhibited by siRNA or k252a, proliferation was significantly inhibited in PDAC cells.

CONCLUSION

TrkB/BDNF signaling may be a new therapeutic target for PDAC. Therapies targeting TrkB/BDNF signaling may be a conclusive cancer therapy for refractory solid cancer.

PTPN3 is a potential target for a new cancer immunotherapy that has a dual effect of T cell activation and direct cancer inhibition in lung neuroendocrine tumor

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PTPN3 suppression associates with lymphocyte activation and cancer suppression.

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PTPN3 is involved in the induction of malignant traits.

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PTPN3 is associated with cellular immunosuppression.

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Signals from PTPN3 go through MAPK and PI3K signaling.

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PTPN3-inhibited lung NET cells enhance PTPN3-suppressed activated lymphocytes.

In our previous study, we found that inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 3 (PTPN3), which is expressed in lymphocytes, enhances lymphocyte activation, suggesting PTPN3 may act as an immune checkpoint molecule. However, PTPN3 is also expressed in various cancers, and the biological significance of PTPN3 in cancer cells is still not well understood, especially for lung neuroendocrine tumor (NET).Therefore, we analyzed the biological significance of PTPN3 in small cell lung cancer and examined the potential for PTPN3 inhibitory treatment as a cancer treatment approach in lung NET including small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and large cell neuroendocrine cancer (LCNEC).

Experiments in a mouse xenograft model using allo lymphocytes showed that PTPN3 inhibition in SCLC cells enhanced the anti-tumor effect of PTPN3-suppressed activated lymphocytes. In addition, PTPN3 was associated with increased vascularization, decreased CD8/FOXP3 ratio and cellular immunosuppression in SCLC clinical specimens. Experiments in a mouse xenograft model using autocrine lymphocytes also showed that PTPN3 inhibition in LCNEC cells augmented the anti-tumor effect of PTPN3-suppressed activated lymphocytes. In vitro experiments showed that PTPN3 is involved in the induction of malignant traits such as proliferation, invasion and migration. Signaling from PTPN3 is mediated by MAPK and PI3K signals via tyrosine kinase phosphorylation through CACNA1G calcium channel. Our results show that PTPN3 suppression is associated with lymphocyte activation and cancer suppression in lung NET. These results suggest that PTPN3 suppression could be a new method of cancer treatment and a major step in the development of new cancer immunotherapies.

GLI2 but not GLI1/GLI3 plays a central role in the induction of malignant phenotype of gallbladder cancer

We previously reported that Hedgehog (Hh) signal was enhanced in gallbladder cancer (GBC) and was involved in the induction of malignant phenotype of GBC. In recent years, therapeutics that target Hh signaling have focused on molecules downstream of smoothened (SMO). The three transcription factors in the Hh signal pathway, glioma‑associated oncogene homolog 1 (GLI1), GLI2, and GLI3, function downstream of SMO, but their biological role in GBC remains unclear. In the present study, the biological significance of GLI1, GLI2, and GLI3 were analyzed with the aim of developing novel treatments for GBC. It was revealed that GLI2, but not GLI1 or GLI3, was involved in the cell cycle‑mediated proliferative capacity in GBC and that GLI2, but not GLI1 or GLI3, was involved in the enhanced invasive capacity through epithelial‑mesenchymal transition. Further analyses revealed that GLI2 may function in mediating gemcitabine sensitivity and that GLI2 was involved in the promotion of fibrosis in a mouse xenograft model. Immunohistochemical staining of 66 surgically resected GBC tissues revealed that GLI2‑high expression patients had fewer numbers of CD3+ and CD8+ tumor‑infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and increased programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‑L1) expression in cancer cells. These results suggest that GLI2, but not GLI1 or GLI3, is involved in proliferation, invasion, fibrosis, PD‑L1 expression, and TILs in GBC and could be a novel therapeutic target. The results of this study provide a significant contribution to the development of a new treatment for refractory GBC, which has few therapeutic options.

NFκB and TGFβ contribute to the expression of PTPN3 in activated human lymphocytes

We previously reported that protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 3 (PTPN3), which is upregulated in activated lymphocytes, acts as an immune checkpoint. However, the mechanism by which PTPN3 expression is enhanced in activated lymphocytes is unknown. In this study, we analyzed the mechanism of PTPN3 expression in activated lymphocytes with a view for developing a novel immune checkpoint inhibitor that suppresses PTPN3. Through the activation process, lymphocytes showed enhanced NFκB activation as well as increased PTPN3 expression. NFκB enhanced proliferation, migration, and cytotoxicity of lymphocytes. Furthermore, NFκB enhanced PTPN3 expression and tyrosine kinase activation. TGFβ reduced PTPN3 expression and NFκB activation in the cancer microenvironment, and suppressed the biological activity of lymphocytes. The results of this study are expected to provide significant implications for improving existing immunotherapy and developing novel immunotherapy.

FAM115C could be a novel tumor suppressor associated with prolonged survival in pancreatic cancer patients

Hypoxia is a characteristic feature of the tumor microenvironment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We have recently explored new targeting molecules and pathways in PDAC cells under hypoxic conditions. In this study, we performed a microarray experiment to analyze the genes up-regulated in PDAC cell lines under hypoxia compared to normoxia, and identified human family with sequence similarity 115, member C (FAM115C) as a candidate gene for further study. Our data showed that FAM115C was overexpressed in PDAC cell lines under hypoxia, and FAM115C inhibition promoted PDAC cell migration and invasion in vitro. FAM115C inhibition did not affect tumor cell proliferation in PDAC. Immunohistochemically, FAM115C expression was observed ubiquitously in normal pancreas, pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) and PDAC tissue, and it was located mainly in the nucleus but also in the cytoplasm of cells. In qPCR analysis, high expression of FAM115C was correlated with better prognosis in patients with PDAC. Our findings suggest that FAM115C could be a novel tumor suppressor associated with prolonged survival in patients with PDAC.

Conversion of a conventional superconductor into a topological superconductor by topological proximity effect

Realization of topological superconductors (TSCs) hosting Majorana fermions is a central challenge in condensed-matter physics. One approach is to use the superconducting proximity effect (SPE) in heterostructures, where a topological insulator contacted with a superconductor hosts an effective p-wave pairing by the penetration of Cooper pairs across the interface. However, this approach suffers a difficulty in accessing the topological interface buried deep beneath the surface. Here, we propose an alternative approach to realize topological superconductivity without SPE. In a Pb(111) thin film grown on TlBiSe₂, we discover that the Dirac-cone state of substrate TlBiSe₂ migrates to the top surface of Pb film and obtains an energy gap below the superconducting transition temperature of Pb. This suggests that a Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer superconductor is converted into a TSC by the topological proximity effect. Our discovery opens a route to manipulate topological superconducting properties of materials.

Realizing topological superconductivity is essential for applicable fault-tolerant quantum computation. Here, Trang et al. report migration of Dirac-cone from TlBiSe₂ substrate to top surface of superconducting Pb film due to topological proximity effect, suggesting realization of topological superconductivity.

Human lung microvascular endothelial cells as potential alternatives to human umbilical vein endothelial cells in bio-3D-printed trachea-like structures

BACKGROUND

We have been trying to produce scaffold-free structures for airway regeneration using a bio-3D-printer with spheroids, to avoid scaffold-associated risks such as infection. Previous studies have shown that human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) play an important role in such structures, but HUVECs cannot be isolated from adult humans. The aim of this study was to identify alternatives to HUVECs for use in scaffold-free structures.

METHODS

Three types of structure were compared, made of chondrocytes and mesenchymal stem cells with HUVECs, human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC-Ls), and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived endothelial cells.

RESULTS

No significant difference in tensile strength was observed between the three groups. Histologically, some small capillary-like tube formations comprising CD31-positive cells were observed in all groups. The number and diameters of such formations were significantly lower in the iPSC-derived endothelial cell group than in other groups. Glycosaminoglycan content was significantly lower in the iPSC-derived endothelial cell group than in the HUVEC group, while no significant difference was observed between the HUVEC and HMVEC-L groups.

CONCLUSIONS

HMVEC-Ls can replace HUVECs as a cell source for scaffold-free trachea-like structures. However, some limitations were associated with iPSC-derived endothelial cells.

P6468Balloon pulmonary angioplasty for patients with symptomatic chronic thromboembolic disease without pulmonary hypertension

Background

Chronic thromboembolic disease (CTED) is characterised by thromboembolic stenosis and obstruction of pulmonary arteries without pulmonary hypertension. The treatment approach for symptomatic patients with CTED is still controversial. It has been reported the efficacy of surgical endarterectomy for patients with CTED, however that of balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) for non-operable CTED has not been well established.

Method

We started aggressive BPA protocol for non-operable CTED patients who suffered from symptom with NYHA class II, III, and IV or limitation of exercise in spite of mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) <25 mmHg since February 2014. We evaluated subjective symptoms, hemodynamic parameters by right heart catheter, and exercise capacity by cardiopulmonary exercise test at baseline and after the last BPA session.

Results

Twenty-three patients with CTED (68.7±10.5 years-old, 7 male) had undergone BPA. In these, 7 patients had received pulmonary vasodilators previously. After 2.9±1.3 sessions of BPA, Further improvement was observed in hemodynamics such as mPAP (21.6±2.3 to 17.1±2.6 mmHg, p<0.01), pulmonary vascular resistance (278±80 to 198±63 dyne/s/cm–5, p<0.01), which were accompanied with improved peak VO2 (14.6±4.4 to 17.4±4.2 ml/min/kg, p<0.01), VE/VCO2 slope (39.6±14.6 to 30.2±6.0, p=0.01), and functional class (I/II/III/IV; 0/10/12/1 to 9/12/2/0, p<0.01) (Table). All patients were tolerable, and no severe complication regarding to BPA.

Table 1 Variables Baseline After BPA (3 month) P value NYHA class (I / II / III / IV) 0 / 10 / 12 / 1 9 / 12 / 2 / 0 <0.01 Mean PAP (mmHg) 21.6±2.3 17.1±2.6 <0.01 PVR (dyne/sec/cm–5) 278±80 198±63 <0.01 6 MWD (m) 354±93 382±96 0.09 Peak VO2 (ml/min/kg) 14.6±4.4 17.4±4.2 <0.01

Conclusion

BPA may have the potential to achieve further improvement of exercise capacity and symptoms in CTED patients with acceptable risk, therefore BPA should be considered as a treatment option for symptomatic patients with non-operable CTED.

First Measurements of the Double-Polarization Observables F, P, and H in ω Photoproduction off Transversely Polarized Protons in the N^{*} Resonance Region

First measurements of double-polarization observables in ω photoproduction off the proton are presented using transverse target polarization and data from the CEBAF Large Acceptance Spectrometer (CLAS) FROST experiment at Jefferson Lab. The beam-target asymmetry F has been measured using circularly polarized, tagged photons in the energy range 1200-2700 MeV, and the beam-target asymmetries H and P have been measured using linearly polarized, tagged photons in the energy range 1200-2000 MeV. These measurements significantly increase the database on polarization observables. The results are included in two partial-wave analyses and reveal significant contributions from several nucleon (N^{*}) resonances. In particular, contributions from new N^{*} resonances listed in the Review of Particle Properties are observed, which aid in reaching the goal of mapping out the nucleon resonance spectrum.

A definition of bioinks and their distinction from biomaterial inks

Biofabrication aims to fabricate biologically functional products through bioprinting or bioassembly (Groll et al 2016 Biofabrication 8 013001). In biofabrication processes, cells are positioned at defined coordinates in three-dimensional space using automated and computer controlled techniques (Moroni et al 2018 Trends Biotechnol. 36 384-402), usually with the aid of biomaterials that are either (i) directly processed with the cells as suspensions/dispersions, (ii) deposited simultaneously in a separate printing process, or (iii) used as a transient support material. Materials that are suited for biofabrication are often referred to as bioinks and have become an important area of research within the field. In view of this special issue on bioinks, we aim herein to briefly summarize the historic evolution of this term within the field of biofabrication. Furthermore, we propose a simple but general definition of bioinks, and clarify its distinction from biomaterial inks.

Endothelial-derived endothelin-1 promotes pulmonary vascular remodeling in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) induces pulmonary vascular remodeling and pulmonary hypertension secondary to pulmonary fibrosis. Given that endothelial cells are the main source of ET-1 and ET-1 from other cells may encounter difficulty penetrating vascular compartments, we hypothesize that endothelial-derived ET-1 promotes vascular remodeling secondary to pulmonary fibrosis. We used vascular endothelial ET-1 knock-out (VEETKO) and Wild type mice for this research. They were given intratracheal bleomycin and euthanized at day 28. We quantified pulmonary fibrosis, measured lung ET-1 and its receptors' expression, and assessed pulmonary vascular remodeling by calculating medial wall index, muscularization index, adventitial collagen and adventitial fibroblast and macrophage accumulation. Right ventricle remodeling was also assessed. Both VEETKO and Wild type mice developed comparable pulmonary fibrosis and similar fibrosis-related gene expression. Compared to Wild type mice, bleomycin-induced VEETKO mice had lower ET-1 peptide levels (15.4 pg/mg vs. 31.2 pg/mg, p<0.01). Expression of both ET-1 receptors mRNAs were increased in fibrosis models. Bleomycin-induced fibrosis VEETKO mice had significantly less muscularized arterioles, lower muscularization index and attenuated adventitial collagen, fibroblast and macrophage accumulation as compared to that of Wild type mice. Right ventricular pressure, hypertrophy and fibrosis did not increase both in VEETKO and Wild type mice despite the more enhanced vascular remodeling in Wild type. In conclusion, endothelial-derived endothelin-1 promotes pulmonary vascular remodeling secondary to bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

Juvenile migration of the exclusively pelagic cyprinid, Gnathopogon caerulescens (Honmoroko) in Lake Biwa, Central Japan

Migration of wild and cultivated juvenile honmoroko Gnathopogon caerulescens of from the spawning and nursery areas in Lake Biwa were investigated, both in the Ibanaiko Lagoon and its outlet to Daido River, using beam-trawl surveys in 2013 and 2014. The study demonstrated migration of G. caerulescens from a nursery lagoon toward Lake Biwa after the juvenile stage. These findings appear to be the first direct evidence for migration of an exclusively pelagic cyprinid species from a littoral nursery to a pelagic adult habitat in a large deep lake.

Liprin-α4 as a Possible New Therapeutic Target for Pancreatic Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

In pancreatic cancer, where the microenvironment is extremely hypoxic, analyzing signal transduction under hypoxia is thought to be significantly important. By investigating microarray analysis of pancreatic cancer cells cultured under both normoxia and hypoxia, we found that the expression of leukocyte common antigen-related (LAR)-interacting protein (liprin)-α4 was extremely increased under hypoxia compared to under normoxia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the present study, the biological significance of liprin-α4 in pancreatic cancer was investigated and whether liprin-α4 has potential as a therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer was estimated.

RESULTS

Suppression of liprin-α4 reduced proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Inhibition of liprin-α4 also reduced invasiveness through the suppression of endothelial-mesenchymal transition. Stimulation by liprin-α4 was through phosphoinositide 3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways.

CONCLUSION

Liprin-α4 plays a pivotal role in inducing malignant phenotypes such as increased proliferation and invasion in pancreatic cancer, and that liprin-α4 could be a new effective therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.

Synergistic anti-AML effects of the LSD1 inhibitor T-3775440 and the NEDD8-activating enzyme inhibitor pevonedistat via transdifferentiation and DNA rereplication

Lysine-specific demethylase 1A (LSD1, KDM1A) specifically demethylates di- and monomethylated histones H3K4 and K9, resulting in context-dependent transcriptional repression or activation. We previously identified an irreversible LSD1 inhibitor T-3775440, which exerts antileukemic activities in a subset of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines by inducing cell transdifferentiation. The NEDD8-activating enzyme inhibitor pevonedistat (MLN4924, TAK-924) is an investigational drug with antiproliferative activities in AML, and is also reported to induce cell differentiation. We therefore tested the combination of these two agents in AML models. The combination treatment resulted in synergistic growth inhibition of AML cells, accompanied by enhanced transdifferentiation of an erythroid leukemia lineage into granulomonocytic-like lineage cells. In addition, pevonedistat-induced rereplication stress during the S phase was greatly augmented by concomitant treatment with T-3775440, as reflected by the increased induction of apoptosis. We further demonstrated that the combination treatment was markedly effective in subcutaneous tumor xenograft models as well as in a disseminated model of AML, leading to tumor eradication or prolonged survival in T-3775440/pevonedistat cotreated mice. Our findings indicate the therapeutic potential of the combination of LSD1 inhibitors and pevonedistat for the treatment of AML.

What factor within the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine (JAAM) disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) criteria is most strongly correlated with trauma induced DIC? A retrospective study using thromboelastometry in a single center in Japan

Purpose

The diagnostic criteria for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) established by the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine (JAAM) is able to diagnose DIC accurately and promptly. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the degree of association between each parameter of JAAM DIC criteria and the diagnosis of trauma induced DIC (T-DIC) utilizing thromboelastometry (ROTEM).

Methods

Trauma patients transported to our hospital with ROTEM performed in the emergency department between January 2013 and December 2015 were enrolled in this study. We evaluated (1) the characteristics of T-DIC, (2) the relationships between T-DIC and each parameter of the JAAM DIC criteria and (3) the diagnostic accuracies of each parameter for T-DIC by statistical measurement.

Results

All 72 patients (21 T-DIC and 51 control) were included in primary analysis. T-DIC was significantly related to younger age, more severe trauma scores, more cases of massive transfusions, and remarkable coagulation abnormality detected by standard coagulation tests. In the cases of T-DIC, ROTEM showed longer clotting time, lower acceleration, lower clot firmness, and inhibited fibrinolysis in EXTEM/INTEM. Within the JAAM DIC score, PT-INR ≥1.2 was the most accurate factor for T-DIC diagnosis; sensitivity 60.0%, specificity 100.0%, and accuracy 88.7%. PT-INR ≥1.2 was statistically correlated with the JAAM DIC score (p < 0.001, r = 0.709). The univariate analysis based on 1.2 of PT-INR indicated statistical differences in most categories of ROTEM, which is similar to analysis performed for the presence and absence of T-DIC.

Conclusions

Among JAAM DIC criteria, the PT-INR ≥1.2 was the most accurate factor for both the diagnosis of T-DIC and the evaluation of its severity.

Multilateral characterization of recombinant spider silk in thermal degradation

Elucidating the complex mechanism of thermo-oxidative degradation of recombinant spider silk by systematic characterization and correlation coefficient approach.

Relationship between, Lifestyle, Mold and Sick Building Syndromes in Newly Built Dwellings in Japan

To investigate the relationships among Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) symptoms, we conducted a questionnaire and an indoor environment mold survey in a sample of newly built dwellings in Japan. The questionnaire included questions on SBS symptoms and lifestyle and a mold survey conducted in the living room of each dwelling. The odds ratios (OR) for insufficient sleep were 3.58 in males and 2.57 (weighted for SBS symptoms; W) in females, 0.38 (W) for alcohol consumption in males, and 0.10 (W) for working hours in females. The ORs for total molds were 2.90 and 2.90 (W): 2.25 (W) for Cladosporium cladosporioides, 3.60 and 7.69 (W) for Penicillium sp. in females, and 4.08 and 8.82 (W) for Alternaria alternata in males. These results suggest that the presence of Penicillium sp. in females and Alternaria alternata in males increases the risk of SBS, whereas sufficient sleep, moderate alcohol consumption for males, and fewer working hours for females might alleviate SBS symptoms.

The expression of miR-125b-5p is increased in the serum of patients with chronic hepatitis B infection and inhibits the detection of hepatitis B virus surface antigen

MicroRNAs were first discovered as small endogenous RNA molecules and some viruses have been reported to interact with host miRNAs. By investigating miRNA expression in serum derived from HBV-infected patients, we have clarified the relationship between miRNA expression and chronic HBV infection. Additionally, we demonstrate the use of miRNAs as both novel biomarkers and new therapies against HBV. We included the sera of 20 patients with chronic HBV infection, sera of 20 patients with HCV infection and sera of 10 healthy controls in this study. The miRNA libraries were sequenced using a 32-mer single end sequence. The validation study of circulating miRNA in serum was conducted by qRT-PCR. The HBV genomic regions of genotype B and genotype C that were speculated to be targeted by miRNA were constructed using complementary oligonucleotides in the vectors. Reporter assays were performed 48 h after transfection. The expression levels of 21 miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed in the three groups. 10 miRNAs (hsa-miR-100-5p, miR-125b-5p, miR-193b-3p, miR-194-3p, miR-30a-3p, miR-30c-2-3p, miR-3591-5p, miR-4709-3p, miR-574-3p and miR-99a-5p) were found to be upregulated in CH-B by deep sequence analysis. The computer analysis showed that two regions of HBsAg are potential targets of miR-125b-5p and miR-30c-2-3p and that these miRNAs may downregulate the expression of HBV-S. The HBV genotype C segment speculated to be targeted by hsa-miR-125b-5p significantly decreased the expression of the reporter. This study indicated that expression of miR-125b-5p was related to the etiology of chronic hepatitis B infection and regulated the expression of HBsAg.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the female genital tract mimicking primary gynecological tumors: a single-center series of 3 cases

INTRODUCTION

Malignant lymphoma of the female genital tract is quite rare and its presentation may resemble that of other, more common tumors, causing confusion for clinicians.

CASE HISTORY

The authors report three patients with a non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) involving the female genital tract: two cases involved the ovary and one involved the uterus. In all patients, the genital tract was the initial site of clinical presentation of a B cell lymphoma. One patient was diagnosed postoperatively and subsequently received chemotherapy; the other two patients were diagnosed by imaging-guided biopsy and were successfully managed by chemotherapy without resection surgery. Two patients were alive, without evidence of disease, and one patient was alive with disease at their most recent follow-up visit.

CONCLUSION

The authors' experience emphasizes that lymphoma should be in the differential diagnosis of pelvic gynecological malignancies, and its clinical, biological, and radiological signs must be actively sought. Imaging-guided biopsy should be performed to avoid unnecessary surgery.

Application of the quantitative detection of a change in concentration of magnesium stearate in a feeder tube of tableting manufacture by real-time near-infrared spectroscopy

Process analytical technology is important for the analysis and control of manufacturing processes. Near-infrared spectroscopy is widely used in various process analytical technologies for the analysis of the chemical componentsof solid dosage forms. Lubrication is an important process carried out before a tablet is produced. In this process, the concentration of lubricant, such as magnesium stearate (StMg), might change for one of many reasons during powder transport, which would be a critical problem such as variation in tablet compressibility and dissolution failure of compressed tablets. Our group investigated the feasibility of the quantitative monitoring of a change in the concentration of StMg in the feeder tube of tableting equipment employing real-time near-infrared spectroscopy.

High-temperature superconductivity in potassium-coated multilayer FeSe thin films

The recent discovery of possible high-temperature (T(c)) superconductivity over 65 K in a monolayer FeSe film on SrTiO3 (refs 1-6) triggered a fierce debate on how superconductivity evolves from bulk to film, because bulk FeSe crystal exhibits a T(c) of no higher than 10 K (ref. 7). However, the difficulty in controlling the carrier density and the number of FeSe layers has hindered elucidation of this problem. Here, we demonstrate that deposition of potassium onto FeSe films markedly expands the accessible doping range towards the heavily electron-doped region. Intriguingly, we have succeeded in converting non-superconducting films with various thicknesses into superconductors with T(c) as high as 48 K. We also found a marked increase in the magnitude of the superconducting gap on decreasing the FeSe film thickness, indicating that the interface plays a crucial role in realizing the high-temperature superconductivity. The results presented provide a new strategy to enhance and optimize T(c) in ultrathin films of iron-based superconductors.

Strategic development of a multivariate calibration model for the uniformity testing of tablets by transmission NIR analysis

The use of transmission near infrared spectroscopy (TNIRS) is of particular interest in the pharmaceutical industry. This is because TNIRS does not require sample preparation and can analyze several tens of tablet samples in an hour. It has the capability to measure all relevant information from a tablet, while still on the production line. However, TNIRS has a narrow spectrum range and overtone vibrations often overlap. To perform content uniformity testing in tablets by TNIRS, various properties in the tableting process need to be analyzed by a multivariate prediction model, such as a Partial Least Square Regression modeling. One issue is that typical approaches require several hundred reference samples to act as the basis of the method rather than a strategically designed method. This means that many batches are needed to prepare the reference samples; this requires time and is not cost effective. Our group investigated the concentration dependence of the calibration model with a strategic design. Consequently, we developed a more effective approach to the TNIRS calibration model than the existing methodology.