Monitoring ventral tail base surface temperature for fever detection in calves

In this study, we investigated whether monitoring the ventral tail base surface temperature (ST) using a wearable wireless sensor could be effective for fever detection in calves with experimentally induced pneumonia after inoculation with Histophilus somni strain 2336. We found a significant difference in the changes in ST values between the control and H. somni-inoculated groups after 24 h of inoculation and detected fever; however, the rectal temperature showed a significant difference between the groups after 12 h of inoculation. When a significant difference in the ST between the two groups was observed, serum haptoglobin concentration and exacerbation of clinical score increased in the H. somni-inoculated group compared with those in the control group. Pneumonia was observed in the H. somni-inoculated group at necropsy, indicating that the changes in ST may reflect fever with inflammation caused by H. somni infection. Our results demonstrated that monitoring ST using a sensor attached to the ventral tail base can detect fever in calves and may be a useful and labor-saving tool for the health management of calves.

Anti-glomerular basement membrane disease developing 3 years after the development of Sweet syndrome and 1 year after the development of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis: a case report

A 73-year-old Japanese woman, with a history of Sweet syndrome diagnosed 3 years earlier and anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO) antibody anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis diagnosed 1 year earlier, presented with an episode of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) with anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) disease. At the time of diagnosis of the ANCA-associated vasculitis 1 year earlier, serological testing yielded a negative result for anti-GBM antibody. However, at the present visit, serology for anti-MPO antibody was negative, while that for anti-GBM antibody was positive. This is the first report of anti-GBM disease developing sequentially after Sweet syndrome and ANCA-associated vasculitis. This case may provide clues to the potential immunological links among these three distinct conditions.

Pancreatic β-cell glutaminase 2 maintains glucose homeostasis under the condition of hyperglycaemia

Glutaminase 2 (GLS2), a master regulator of glutaminolysis that is induced by p53 and converts glutamine to glutamate, is abundant in the liver but also exists in pancreatic β-cells. However, the roles of GLS2 in islets associated with glucose metabolism are unknown, presenting a critical issue. To investigate the roles of GLS2 in pancreatic β-cells in vivo, we generated β-cell-specific Gls2 conditional knockout mice (Gls2 CKO), examined their glucose homeostasis, and validated the findings using a human islet single-cell analysis database. GLS2 expression markedly increased along with p53 in β-cells from control (RIP-Cre) mice fed a high-fat diet. Furthermore, Gls2 CKO exhibited significant diabetes mellitus with gluconeogenesis and insulin resistance when fed a high-fat diet. Despite marked hyperglycaemia, impaired insulin secretion and paradoxical glucagon elevation were observed in high-fat diet-fed Gls2 CKO mice. GLS2 silencing in the pancreatic β-cell line MIN6 revealed downregulation of insulin secretion and intracellular ATP levels, which were closely related to glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Additionally, analysis of single-cell RNA-sequencing data from human pancreatic islet cells also revealed that GLS2 expression was elevated in β-cells from diabetic donors compared to nondiabetic donors. Consistent with the results of Gls2 CKO, downregulated GLS2 expression in human pancreatic β-cells from diabetic donors was associated with significantly lower insulin gene expression as well as lower expression of members of the insulin secretion pathway, including ATPase and several molecules that signal to insulin secretory granules, in β-cells but higher glucagon gene expression in α-cells. Although the exact mechanism by which β-cell-specific GLS2 regulates insulin and glucagon requires further study, our data indicate that GLS2 in pancreatic β-cells maintains glucose homeostasis under the condition of hyperglycaemia.

Relationship between the urinary Na/K ratio, diet and hypertension among community-dwelling older adults

The association between the urinary sodium (Na)/potassium (K) ratio and hypertension is well recognized. We investigated whether the urinary Na/K ratio might be associated with hypertension in community-dwelling older adults and whether the association was influenced by habitual dietary patterns. We enrolled a total of 684 older adults (mean age, 76.8 years) and conducted health examinations at Kusatsu, Japan, in 2021. The urinary Na/K ratio was found to be independently associated with systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p < 0.0001), years of education (p = 0.0027), number of cohabitants (p = 0.0175), estimated glomerular filtrate rate (eGFR) (p = 0.0244), and Geriatric Depression Scale short-version (GDS15) score (p = 0.0366). In addition, an unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis revealed a spectrum of habitual dietary patterns for higher and lower values of the urinary Na/K ratio. The decision tree indicated that the urinary Na/K ratio was associated with the history of milk consumption. A positive history of daily milk consumption predicted a mean urinary Na/K ratio of 2.8, and a negative history of daily milk consumption predicted a mean urinary Na/K ratio of 3.3. Furthermore, the frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption also predicted the urinary Na/K ratio. The relationship between the urinary Na/K ratio and hypertension was influenced by the frequency of consumption of milk, fruits, and vegetables in the subjects. This finding might be due to the influence of education and/or depression. The results suggested the importance of nutritional education in the development of hypertension.

Low-dose corticosteroid with mizoribine might be an effective therapy for elderly-onset ISKDC grade VI IgA vasculitis

Both the diagnosis of elderly-onset IgA vasculitis (IgAV) and its prognosis can be difficult because of its rarity and the likely presence of comorbidities. Furthermore, the treatment of elderly-onset IgAV remains controversial: the ideal dosages of corticosteroid and/or immunosuppressants have not been determined. In the elderly, corticosteroid adverse effects can lead to severe outcomes, and a consensus regarding its benefit and risk balance has not been reached. We report a case of IgAV in an 89-year-old patient who was admitted to our hospital to investigate a 30-day history of palpable purpura and pitting edema on her leg. A renal biopsy showed membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis with IgA deposits (The International Study of Kidney Disease in Children (ISKDC) grade VI), which is a predictor of a poor prognosis; these findings led to early intervention with low-dose corticosteroid (15 mg/day) and mizoribine. As a result, a complete remission without obvious adverse effects was obtained. Early intervention with low-dose corticosteroid and mizoribine based on renal histopathology results might be an effective treatment for elderly-onset ISKDC grade VI IgAV.

Chronic pancreatitis in farmed pigs fed excessive zinc oxide

Most of the pigs on a farm in Aichi Prefecture, Japan had chronic diarrhea and severe wasting. The pigs had consumed 8,000 ppm zinc oxide (ZnO) as a feed additive. The pancreas of each of 4 autopsied pigs was less than half the normal size. Acinar cells were considerably decreased. Epithelial duct-like cells were increased and tested positive for cytokeratin AE1/AE3, Ki67, PGP9.5, and Sox9. Pancreatic islet cells were decreased and shrunken. The α and δ cells were relatively decreased, and their distribution was abnormal. Islet cells were positive for PGP9.5. The livers and kidneys had high accumulations of zinc (Zn; 788 µg/g and 613 µg/g, respectively). Copper was deficient in the liver, likely as a result of Zn poisoning. Our immunohistologic examination suggested that the high dose of ZnO could influence the function of islet cells in addition to that of acinar cells. Given that colistin sulfate has been banned as a feed additive in order to reduce antimicrobial use in Japan, the use of ZnO in the livestock industry is expected to increase. Zn supplementation of pig feed must be monitored to prevent Zn poisoning and contamination of soil and water.

Synergistic induction of drug-metabolizing enzymes in co-cultures of bovine hepatocytic and sinusoidal cell lines

Hepatocyte-derived cell lines provide useful experimental systems for studying liver metabolism. Unlike human and rodents, few hepatocyte-derived cell lines have been generated from cattle. Here, we established two immortalized bovine hepatocyte-derived cell lines (BH4 and BH5) via transfection with a SV40 large T-antigen construct. Morphological and immunocytochemical analyses revealed that BH4 and BH5 originated from hepatocytes and biliary-epithelial cells, respectively. A potent carcinogen, 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC), upregulated gene expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP)1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP1B1 in BH4 and BH5, but only to levels less than one-fifteenth of those in primary cultured bovine hepatocytes. Phenobarbital (PB) also increased expression levels of CYP2B6, CYP2C18, and CYP3A4 in BH4 and BH, but at a lower level than 3-MC. By contrast, when BH4 or BH5 was co-cultured with previously established bovine liver sinusoidal cell lines and treated with 3-MC, the gene expression levels of CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP1B1 increased by 38~290%, compared with those in BH4 or BH5 cells cultured alone. PB-treated co-cultures of BH4 or BH5 cells and liver sinusoidal cell lines also showed synergistic increases in CYP2B6 and CYP2C18 expression. Together, the results suggest that these co-cultures could provide an in vitro model for investigations into pharmacological and toxicological properties of drugs in cattle liver.

Changes in hepato-renal gene expression in microminipigs following a single exposure to a mixture of perfluoroalkyl acids

It is evident that some perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), a group of globally dispersed pollutants, have long biological half-lives in humans and farm animals. However, the effects of PFAAs in domestic animals have not been fully elucidated. The present study investigated how exposure to a single dose of a mixture of 10 PFAAs influenced hepatic and renal gene expression and histopathology, as well as plasma clinical biochemistry, in microminipigs (MMPigs) over 21 days. In animals treated with PFAAs, the mRNA expression of twelve genes related to fatty acid metabolism was upregulated in the kidney, while only few of these genes were induced in the liver. The expression of several kidney injury-associated genes such as, IGFBP1, IGFBP6, GCLC X2, GCLC X3, MSGT1, OLR1 was upregulated in the kidney. Interestingly, the expression of IGFBP-genes was differentially altered in the liver and kidney. Our findings thus identified hepato-renal gene expression changes in MMPigs that were associated with various molecular pathways including peroxisome proliferation, lipid metabolism, kidney injury, and apoptosis. Furthermore, serum HDL levels were significantly decreased following exposure to PFAAs, whereas no significant histopathological changes were detected, as compared to the vehicle group. Taken together, the present study provided the first indication that a single exposure to a mixture of PFAAs can produce changes in MMPig renal gene expression that were observed three weeks post exposure, suggesting that more attention should be paid to the kidney as a primary target organ of PFAAs.

Physics perspectives with AFTER@LHC (A Fixed Target ExpeRiment at LHC)

AFTER@LHC is an ambitious fixed-target project in order to address open questions in the domain of proton and neutron spins, Quark Gluon Plasma and high-x physics, at the highest energy ever reached in the fixed-target mode. Indeed, thanks to the highly energetic 7 TeV proton and 2.76 A.TeV lead LHC beams, center-of-mass energies as large as [see formula in PDF] = 115 GeV in pp/pA and [see formula in PDF] = 72 GeV in AA can be reached, corresponding to an uncharted energy domain between SPS and RHIC. We report two main ways of performing fixed-target collisions at the LHC, both allowing for the usage of one of the existing LHC experiments. In these proceedings, after discussing the projected luminosities considered for one year of data taking at the LHC, we will present a selection of projections for light and heavy-flavour production.

Effects of the pH and Concentration on the Stability of Standard Solutions of Proteinogenic Amino Acid Mixtures

To prepare metrologically traceable amino acid mixed standard solutions, it is necessary to determine the stability of each amino acid present in the mixed solutions. In the present study, we prepared amino acid mixed solutions using certified reference standards of 17 proteinogenic amino acids, and examined the stability of each of these amino acids in 0.1 N HCl. We found that the concentration of glutamic acid decreased significantly during storage. LC/MS analysis indicated that the instability of glutamic acid was due to the partial degradation of glutamic acid to pyroglutamic acid in 0.1 N HCl. Using accelerated degradation tests, we investigated several solvent compositions to improve the stability of glutamic acid in amino acid mixed solution, and determined that the change of the pH by diluting the mixed solution improved the stability of glutamic acid.

Impact of body mass index and metabolic phenotypes on coronary artery disease according to glucose tolerance status

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the impact of obesity, as defined by body mass index (BMI), and a metabolically unhealthy phenotype on the development of coronary artery disease (CAD) according to glucose tolerance status.

METHODS

. Metabolically unhealthy individuals were defined as those with one or more of the following conditions: hypertension, hypertriglyceridaemia and/or low HDL cholesterol. A Cox proportional hazards regression model identified variables related to CAD incidence.

RESULTS

The prevalences of obese subjects with normal glucose tolerance, prediabetes and diabetes were 21%, 34% and 53%, whereas those for metabolically unhealthy people were 43%, 60% and 79%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that a metabolically unhealthy phenotype increases hazard ratios (HRs) for CAD compared with a metabolically healthy phenotype, regardless of glucose tolerance status (normal glucose tolerance: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.32-2.95; prediabetes: 2.91, 95% CI: 1.85-4.55; diabetes: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.18-3.06). HRs for CAD among metabolically unhealthy non-obese diabetes patients and obese diabetes patients with a metabolically unhealthy status were 6.14 (95% CI: 3.94-9.56) and 7.86 (95% CI: 5.21-11.9), respectively, compared with non-obese subjects with normal glucose tolerance and without a metabolically unhealthy status.

CONCLUSION

A metabolically unhealthy state can associate with CAD independently of obesity across all glucose tolerance stages. Clinicians may need to consider those with at least one or more conditions indicating a metabolically unhealthy state as being at high risk for CAD regardless of glucose tolerance status.

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) treatment of cultured chondrocytes stimulates production of CCN family protein 2 (CCN2), a protein involved in the regeneration of articular cartilage: mechanism underlying this stimulation

OBJECTIVE

CCN family protein 2/connective tissue growth factor (CCN2/CTGF) promotes cartilage regeneration in experimental osteoarthritis (OA) models. However, CCN2 production is very low in articular cartilage. The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not CCN2 was promoted by cultured chondrocytes treated with low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) and to clarify its mechanism.

METHODS

Human chondrocytic cell line (HCS)-2/8, rat primary epiphyseal and articular cartilage cells, and Ccn2-deficient chondrocytes that impaired chondrocyte differentiation, were treated with LIPUS for 20 min at 3.0 MHz frequency and 60 mW/cm² power. Expressions of chondrocyte differentiation marker mRNAs were examined by real-time PCR (RT-PCR) analysis from HCS-2/8 cells and Ccn2-deficient chondrocytes at 30 min and 1 h after LIPUS treatment, respectively. CCN2 production was examined by Western blotting after 5 h of LIPUS treatment. Moreover, Ca²⁺ influx was measured by using a Fluo-4 probe.

RESULTS

The gene expression of chondrocyte differentiation markers and CCN2 production were increased in cultured chondrocytes treated with LIPUS. In addition, Ca²⁺ influx and phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 were increased by LIPUS treatment, and the stability of TRPV4 and BK_ca channel mRNAs was decreased by siRNA against CCN2. Consistent with those findings, the LIPUS-induced the gene expressions of type II collagen (COL2a1) and Aggrecan (ACAN) observed in wild-type cells were not observed in the Ccn2-deficient chondrocytes.

CONCLUSION

These data indicate that chondrocyte differentiation represented by CCN2 production was mediated via MAPK pathways activated by LIPUS-stimulated Ca²⁺ influx, which in turn was supported by the induced CCN2 molecules in articular chondrocytes.

Establishment of SV40 large T antigen-immortalized bovine liver sinusoidal cell lines and their immunological responses to deoxynivalenol and lipopolysaccharide

Immortalized bovine sinusoidal cell lines provide useful tools to study the immunological responses in the liver to the gastrointestinal tract-derived toxic substances, which may cause systemic symptoms in the affected livestock. Here, we established two immortalized bovine liver sinusoidal cell lines, endothelial-like B46, and myofibroblast-like A26, from primary cultures of bovine liver cells by the transfection with SV40 large T antigen. The pro-inflammatory cytokine responses in these cell lines to deoxynivalenol (DON) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were then compared to those in the primary bovine Kupffer cells (BKC). BKC were highly responsive to LPS, showing increased levels of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α mRNA 3 h after stimulation. DON induced similar pro-inflammatory cytokine responses in BKC, except for IL-6. The endothelial B46 cells exhibited upregulation of IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-6 3 h after stimulation by LPS. In contrast to the stimulation by LPS, B46 had relatively low pro-inflammatory cytokine responses to DON, except for IL-1α, which was moderately induced at 3 h and increased at 24 h after stimulation. The myofibroblast-like A26 cells exhibited low responses in the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines to LPS or DON; however, the expression of IL-6 was significantly observed 3 h after DON stimulation. Our results suggest that bovine liver sinusoidal cells have distinctive pro-inflammatory cytokine responses against harmful substances, and these immune responses might determine the consequence of systemic inflammations in the diseased animal.

Spatio-temporal distribution, source, and genotoxic potential of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in estuarine and riverine sediments from southern India

In order to categorize the distribution, source, and effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in aquatic systems of southern India, chemical and toxicological analyses were performed on surface and core sediments, collected from Adyar river, Cooum river, Ennore estuary, and Pulicat lake near Chennai city. The total PAH concentration in surface sediment ranged from 13 to 31,425ng/g with a mean value of 4320ng/g; the concentration was markedly higher in Cooum river compared to that at other sites. The historical PAH dissemination in core samples in the Cooum river, Ennore estuary, and Pulicat lake ranged from 30 to 31,425ng/g, from 8.6 to 910ng/g, and from 62 to 546ng/g, respectively. Surface sediments were predominantly contaminated with low molecular weight (LMW) PAHs. Historical profiles suggest that PAH contamination in the area is now greater than it had been in the past. PAH accumulation in Pulicat lake was distinct from that at other locations where high molecular weight (HMW) PAHs were predominant. DNA damage in HepG2 cells treated with sediment extracts from different locations showed a good correlation with their respective total PAH levels. Statistical analysis revealed that 3-ring and 4-ring PAHs may synergistically contribute to the genotoxic potency compared to others in sediments. The study also showed that a majority of PAHs in the study area indicated a petrogenic origin. Based on the enrichment and toxicological assessment of PAHs in sediments, Cooum river was shown to suffer the highest biological impairment among the studied water bodies.

Reducing needlestick injuries through safety-engineered devices: results of a Japanese multi-centre study

BACKGROUND

Quantitative information on the effectiveness of safety-engineered devices (SEDs) is needed to support decisions regarding their implementation.

AIM

To elucidate the effects of SED use in winged steel needles, intravenous (IV) catheter stylets and suture needles on needlestick injury (NSI) incidence rates in Japan.

METHODS

Japan EPINet survey data and device utilization data for conventional devices and SEDs were collected from 26 participating hospitals between 1 April 2009 and 31 March 2014. The NSI incidence rate for every 100,000 devices was calculated according to hospital, year and SED use for winged steel needles, IV catheter stylets and suture needles. Weighted means and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to calculate overall NSI incidence rates.

FINDINGS

In total, there were 236 NSIs for winged steel needles, 152 NSIs for IV catheter stylets and 180 NSIs for suture needles. The weighted NSI incidence rates per 100,000 devices for SEDs and non-SEDs were as follows: winged steel needles, 2.10 (95% CI 1.66-2.54) and 14.95 (95% CI 2.46-27.43), respectively; IV catheter stylets, 0.95 (95% CI 0.60-1.29) and 6.39 (95% CI 3.56-9.23), respectively; and suture needles, 1.47 (95% CI -1.14-4.09) and 16.50 (95% CI 4.15-28.86), respectively. All devices showed a significant reduction in the NSI incidence rate with SED use (P < 0.001 for winged steel needles, P = 0.035 for IV catheter stylets and P = 0.044 for suture needles).

CONCLUSION

SED use substantially reduces the incidence of NSIs, and is therefore recommended as a means to prevent occupational infections in healthcare workers and improve healthcare safety.

Source-Related Effects of Wastewater on Transcription Factor (AhR, CAR and PXR)-Mediated Induction of Gene Expression in Cultured Rat Hepatocytes and Their Association with the Prevalence of Antimicrobial-Resistant Escherichia coli

Extracts of wastewater collected from 4 sewage treatment plants (STPs) receiving effluents from different sources in South India were investigated for their levels of transcription factor-mediated gene induction in primary cultured rat hepatocytes. In addition, the relation between gene induction levels and the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) in wastewater was examined. STP-3, which treats only hospital wastewater, exhibited significantly greater induction potency of all 6 drug metabolizing cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes examined, CYP1A1, 1A2, 1B1, 2B15, 3A1, and 3A2, whereas the wastewater at STP-1, which exclusively receives domestic sewage, showed significantly diminished levels of induction of 3 CYP genes when compared to the levels of CYP induction at STP-2, which receives mixed wastewater. Samples collected during the monsoon season showed a significantly altered gene induction capacity compared to that of samples from the pre-monsoon period. The data suggest that the toxicity of wastewater in STPs was not significantly diminished during the treatment process. The chemical-gene interaction data predicted that a vast number of chemicals present in the wastewater would stimulate the genes studied in the rat hepatocytes. The multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the prevalence of isolates resistant to cefotaxime, imipenem and streptomycin was significantly correlated with the levels of induction of at least three CYP-isozymes in STP wastewater. In addition, the resistance of isolates in treatment plants was not altered by the treatment steps, whereas the sampling season did have an impact on the resistance to specific antimicrobials. The identification of receptor-mediated gene regulation capacities offers important data not limited to the (synergistic) physiological role of chemicals in biological systems but may provide new insight into the link between the effects of known/unknown drugs and prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in wastewater.

Glomerular capillary regeneration and endothelial cell apoptosis in both reversible and progressive models of glomerulonephritis

In summary, angiogenetic capillary regeneration with endothelial proliferation occurred among mesangiolytic lesions in Thy-1 GN, and the damaged glomerulus recovered its normal structure with the reconstruction of the capillary network. In anti-GBM GN on WKY rats, the damaged glomerulus showed rare capillary regeneration and progressed to global sclerosis. In Thy-1 GN, endothelial cell apoptosis was found in the regenerated capillaries with endothelial cell hypercellularity. On the other hand, in anti-GBM GN on WKY rats, the number of endothelial cell apoptosis increased during the evolution of glomerular sclerosis. We have concluded that glomerular capillary regeneration plays an essential role in the recovery of damaged glomeruli. Moreover, apoptosis is indispensable in regulating the number of intrinsic endothelial cells. We also found that endothelial apoptosis is important in progression of glomerular sclerosis.

Establishment of c-myc-immortalized Kupffer cell line from a C57BL/6 mouse strain

We recently demonstrated in several mammalian species, a novel procedure to obtain liver-macrophages (Kupffer cells) in sufficient numbers and purity using a mixed primary culture of hepatocytes. In this study, we applied this method to the C57BL/6 mouse liver and established an immortalized Kupffer cell line from this mouse strain. The hepatocytes from the C57BL/6 adult mouse liver were isolated by a two-step collagenase perfusion method and cultured in T25 culture flasks. Similar to our previous studies, the mouse hepatocytes progressively changed their morphology into a fibroblastic appearance after a few days of culture. After 7-10 days of culture, Kupffer-like cells, which were contaminants in the hepatocyte fraction at the start of the culture, actively proliferated on the mixed fibroblastic cell sheet. At this stage, a retroviral vector containing the human c-myc oncogene and neomycin resistance gene was introduced into the mixed culture. Gentle shaking of the culture flask, followed by the transfer and brief incubation of the culture supernatant, resulted in a quick and selective adhesion of Kupffer cells to a plastic dish surface. After selection with G418 and cloning by limiting dilutions, a clonal cell line (KUP5) was established. KUP5 cells displayed typical macrophage morphology and were stably passaged at 4-5 days intervals for more than 5 months, with a population doubling time of 19 h. KUP5 cells are immunocytochemically positive for mouse macrophage markers, such as Mac-1, F4/80. KUP5 cells exhibited substantial phagocytosis of polystyrene microbeads and the release of inflammatory cytokines upon lipopolysaccharide stimulation. Taken together, KUP5 cells provide a useful means to study the function of Kupffer cells in vitro.

Characterization of the liver-macrophages isolated from a mixed primary culture of neonatal swine hepatocytes

We recently developed a novel procedure to obtain liver-macrophages in sufficient number and purity using a mixed primary culture of rat and bovine hepatocytes. In this study, we aim to apply this method to the neonatal swine liver. Swine parenchymal hepatocytes were isolated by a two-step collagenase perfusion method and cultured in T75 culture flasks. Similar to the rat and bovine cells, the swine hepatocytes retained an epithelial cell morphology for only a few days and progressively changed into fibroblastic cells. After 5–13 days of culture, macrophage-like cells actively proliferated on the mixed fibroblastic cell sheet. Gentle shaking of the culture flask followed by the transfer and brief incubation of the culture supernatant resulted in a quick and selective adhesion of macrophage-like cells to a plastic dish surface. After rinsing dishes with saline, the attached macrophage-like cells were collected at a yield of 10⁶ cells per T75 culture flask at 2–3 day intervals for more than 3 weeks. The isolated cells displayed a typical macrophage morphology and were strongly positive for macrophage markers, such as CD172a, Iba-1 and KT022, but negative for cytokeratin, desmin and a-smooth muscle actin, indicating a highly purified macrophage population. The isolated cells exhibited phagocytosis of polystyrene microbeads and a release of inflammatory cytokines upon lipopolysaccharide stimulation. This shaking and attachment method is applicable to the swine liver and provides a sufficient number of macrophages without any need of complex laboratory equipments.

5-HT₃ receptor antagonists ameliorate 5-fluorouracil-induced intestinal mucositis by suppression of apoptosis in murine intestinal crypt cells

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Chemotherapeutic agents, including 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), frequently cause intestinal mucositis resulting in severe diarrhoea and morphological mucosal damage. 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists are clinically effective in the treatment of nausea and emesis during cancer chemotherapy. Therefore we here have examined the effects of 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists on 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis in mice.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Intestinal mucositis was induced in male C57BL/6 mice by daily administration of 5-FU (50 mg·kg⁻¹) for 5 days. Effects of 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists, ramosetron (0.01-0.1 mg·kg⁻¹) and ondansetron (5 mg·kg⁻¹), on the accompanying histology, cytokine production and apoptosis were assessed.

KEY RESULTS

Continuous administration of 5-FU to mice caused severe intestinal mucositis, which was histologically characterized by the shortening of villi and destruction of intestinal crypts, accompanied by body weight loss and diarrhoea. Daily ramosetron administration dose-dependently reduced the severity of intestinal mucositis, body weight loss and diarrhoea. Similar beneficial effects were observed with ondansetron. The number of apoptotic, caspase-3- and caspase-8-activated cells increased 24 h after the first 5-FU administration, and these responses were reduced by ramosetron. The up-regulation of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 following 5-FU treatment was also attenuated by ramosetron.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

5-HT₃ receptor antagonists ameliorated 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis in mice, and this action could result from suppression of apoptotic responses in the intestinal crypt cells via inhibition of cytokine expression. Thus, 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists may be useful for preventing not only nausea and emesis but also intestinal mucositis during 5-FU chemotherapy.

Organ-specific distribution of 7-chlorinated benz[a]anthracene and regulation of selected cytochrome P450 genes in rats

We previously reported that 14-day exposure to 7-chlorinated benz[a]anthracene (7-Cl-BaA), a new environmental pollutant, selectively induced hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP)1A2 in rats, although treatment with its parent, benz[a]anthracene (BaA), induced CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP1B1. In this study, to better understand the relative contribution of chlorination to the toxicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), we investigated the organ-specific distributions of 7-Cl-BaA and BaA in F334 rats. After 14 days of oral administration of 7-Cl-BaA or BaA at a concentration of 1 or 10 mg/kg body weight/day, both chemicals were detected in their plasma, which was collected 24 hr after the last administration, even at the lower dosage. Dose-dependent accumulation patterns were observed in the liver, muscle, kidney, spleen, heart, and lung. The 7-Cl-BaA concentrations in the organs were higher than those of the BaA. Furthermore, at the end of the exposure, 7-Cl-BaA specifically regulated several CYP genes in the heart more so than in other organs, although these inductions were not significant in the BaA treatment. 7-Cl-BaA might also stimulate the metabolic pathways of chemicals other than AhR-mediated metabolism, which is specific to normal PAHs, because of the alterations of CYP2J4, CYP4B1, and CYP17A1 expression in rats. In conclusion, our results imply that the chlorination of PAHs may change their organ-specific distribution and consequently alter their toxicological impacts compared to their parent PAHs.

Evaluation of chlorinated benz[a]anthracene on hepatic toxicity in rats and mutagenic activity in Salmonella typhimurium

Chlorinated benz[a]anthracenes (Cl-BaA) are halogenated aromatic compounds (typified by dioxins) found in the environment at relatively high concentrations. Fischer 344 rats were intragastrically administered 0, 1, or 10 mg of Cl-BaA or its parent compound benz[a]anthracene (BaA) per kg of body weight for 14 consecutive days. Both chemicals at 10 mg/kg/day inhibited the gain in body weight, and consequent increase in relative liver weight. Hepatic gene expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1, 1A2, and 1B1 was significantly stimulated by administration of BaA (10 mg/kg/day) compared with the control. After administration of Cl-BaA, only the CYP1A2 gene was significantly induced, even at the lower dosage; CYP1A1 and 1B1 mRNA levels remained unchanged in Cl-BaA-treated rats compared with controls. To elucidate the role of such Cl-BaA exposure and induced CYPs at toxicity onset, we investigated the mutagenicity of BaA and Cl-BaA using Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100. BaA and Cl-BaA at 10 μg/plate produced positive results in both strains in the presence of rat S-9. Incubation of Cl-BaA with recombinant rat CYP1A2 produced a significantly higher number of revertant colonies in TA98 and TA100 than in controls, but no such change was observed for BaA. In conclusion, BaA changes its own physiological and toxicological actions by its chlorination; (1) daily exposure to Cl-BaA selectively induces hepatic CYP1A2 in rats and (2) Cl-BaA induces frameshift mutations in the presence of CYP1A2, although BaA does not exert mutagenicity. This indicates that CYP1A2 may metabolize Cl-BaA to active forms.

Reliable measurement by virtual touch tissue quantification with acoustic radiation force impulse imaging: phantom study

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors that may affect shear wave velocity (SWV) measurements by using a phantom.

METHODS

The SWVs (meters per second) of 4 phantom targets and background, each of different hardness (Young modulus, 8-80 kPa), were measured in the virtual touch tissue quantification mode. Ten SWV measurements were performed on each target, and the mean SWV and its standard deviation were calculated. To assess the effect of the distance between the probe and region of interest (ROI) settings, mean SWV measurements of the background at 5 to 80 mm in depth were performed with a convex probe and at 5 to 40 mm with a high-frequency linear probe.

RESULTS

The linear correlation between the nominal Young modulus of the phantom and those calculated from the mean SWV was highly significant for the linear probe (y = 0.98x - 0.70; r(2) = 0.99; P = .0007). For the convex probe, the linear correlation between the nominal Young modulus of the phantom and those calculated from the mean SWV was highly significant between 8 and 40 kPa (y =1.26x + 1.01; r(2) = 0.98; P = .011). Measurement variations for the linear probe were little influenced by the distance between the probe and ROI, but those for the convex probe were dependent on the distance.

CONCLUSIONS

The accuracy of the mean SWV measurement was dependent on the probe used and the distance between the probe and ROI settings. The linear probe provides accurate measurements throughout its range for all but its deepest limit. Measurements of 40 mm or deeper are better performed with a convex probe. Probe selection should be based on individual lesion depth.

Suppressive effect of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls transfer from feed to eggs of laying hens by activated carbon as feed additive

In this study, we investigated the suppressive effect of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) transfer from the feed to the eggs of laying hens by using activated carbon as a feed additive. Four groups of six hens (White Leghorn egg-layers; age, 11weeks) were housed as two control groups and two exposure groups for a period of 20weeks. Two control groups were fed with either the basal feed "Control" or basal feed additing activated carbon "Control+C". Another two exposure groups were fed with feed contaminated (about 6ng TEQ kg(-1) feed) by standard solutions of PCDDs/PCDFs and DL-PCBs "Exposure" alone and contaminated feed adding activated carbon "Exposure+C". There was no significant effect on each groups for the growth rate, biochemical blood components, and egg production: these were around the standard levels for poultry in general. Moreover the results in this study showed the availability of activated carbon as a feed additive owing to the reduction in the risk of food pollution by PCDDs/PCDFs and DL-PCBs. The concentration in the eggs of the Exposure group gradually increased following the start of egg-laying but reached a steady state after about 1month. In contrast, the concentration for the Exposure+C group was stationary and below the maximum EU level (6pgTEQg(-1)fat). In comparison to the Exposure group, the Exposure+C group showed a significant decline in the percentage of bioaccumulation into the egg. This reduction due to activated carbon was also observed in the muscle and abdominal fat. The reductions were compound- and congener-dependent for DL-PCBs as follows: PCDDs/PCDFs, non-ortho-PCBs, and mono-ortho-PCBs were more than 90%, 80%, and 50%, respectively, irrespective of the type of tissues. Fat soluble vitamin concentrations in the eggs of the Exposure+C group showed lower trends than the Exposure group. The γ-tocopherol and α-tocopherol concentrations in eggs of Exposure+C group showed a significant reduction of about 40%. However, the addition of activated carbon into animal feed could obviate the remote potential for accidents causing unintentional food pollution with PCDDs/PCDFs and DL-PCBs.

A review of the burden of disease due to otitis media in the Asia-Pacific

OBJECTIVE

The burden of disease due to otitis media (OM) in Asia Pacific countries was reviewed to increase awareness and raise understanding within the region.

METHODS

Published literature and unpublished studies were reviewed.

RESULTS

In school-age children, OM prevalence varied between 3.25% (Thailand) and 12.23% (Philippines) being highest (42%) in Aboriginal Australian children. OME prevalence at school age varied between 1.14% (Thailand) and 13.8% (Malaysia). Higher prevalence was reported in children with hearing impairment, HIV, pneumonia and rhinitis. CSOM prevalence was 5.4% in Indonesia (all ages), 15% in Aboriginal Australian children and 2-4% in Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam (WHO estimate). OM prevalence/incidence and service utilisation were highest in children 2-5 years of age. The disease burden was substantially higher in Pacific Island children living in New Zealand (25.4% with OME), and was highest in indigenous Australians (>90% with any OM). Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae dominated as primary causes of AOM in all studies. Few studies examined pneumococcal serotype distribution. Health-related cost estimates for OM, when available, were substantial. In developing countries, significant investment is needed to provide facilities for detection and treatment of ear disease in children, if long term hearing deficits and other sequelae are to be prevented.

CONCLUSION

The available evidence suggests an important burden of disease and economic cost associated with OM in most Asia Pacific countries and a potential benefit of prevention through vaccination. Large, prospective community-based studies are needed to better define the prevalence of ear disease in children, and to predict and track pneumococcal conjugate vaccine impacts. AOM prevention through vaccination may also provide a means of reducing antibiotic use and controlling antibiotic-resistant disease in children. This review highlights the need for additional research, and provides a basis on which to build and develop regional guidelines for OM management.

Effects of an immuno-enhanced diet containing antioxidants in esophageal cancer surgery following neoadjuvant therapy

Neoadjuvant therapy-induced immunological deterioration may be a key factor in postoperative morbidity in patients with esophageal cancer. This study aimed to determine the effects of perioperative feeding with an immuno-enhanced diet on immune competence in patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery. Because an immuno-enhanced diet that contained several antioxidants was used, perioperative oxidative stress and the effects of the immuno-enhanced diet on this stress were also investigated. Of 39 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent similar surgical procedures, 26 patients who received chemotherapy or chemoradiation therapy before surgery were randomly divided into two groups: group 1 (n= 14) was given an immuno-enhanced diet for 5 days before surgery, and group 2 (n= 12) received no enteral feeding products before surgery. Group 3 (n= 13) consisted of patients that did not receive neoadjuvant therapy and received no enteral feeding products before surgery. Several markers for coagulation and fibrinolysis were determined and immunological assessments were performed for each patient. To measure reactive oxygen metabolites and the total antioxidant capacity, diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and OXY-adsorbent tests were performed using a free radical elective evaluator. Significant depression in lymphocyte numbers was observed in groups 1 and 2 before and early after surgery as compared to group 3. Numbers of B cells, CD4/CD8 ratio, and phytohemagglutinin-induced lymphocyte transformation tests were also significantly decreased in groups 1 and 2 on postoperative day 1. Fibrin and fibrinogen degradation products were significantly elevated in group 2 compared to group 1. d-ROMs and OXY-adsorbent test values were elevated before surgery and were decreased transiently early after surgery. Compared to groups 2 and 3, d-ROMs values were significantly lower in group 1 patients throughout the postoperative period, while OXY-adsorbent test values were significantly higher in group 2 patients. Oxidative index was significantly suppressed in group 1 compared to group 3. No significant intergroup differences were observed with regard to morbidity after surgery. Although the baseline levels of immunological function might have been different because of less-advanced cancer stages in group 3, neoadjuvant therapy significantly affected several immunological parameters. Preoperative administration of an immuno-enhanced diet did not significantly prevent neoadjuvant therapy-induced immunological deterioration prior to esophageal cancer surgery. Patients with esophageal cancer had elevated levels of oxidant and antioxidant activities before surgery, which were transiently decreased early after surgery. Although the underlying mechanisms for these perioperative changes are unclear, this study showed that an immuno-enhanced diet containing several antioxidants may reduce oxidative stress following esophageal cancer surgery. After these mechanisms are studied further, oxidative stress control may become another tool for perioperative management to reduce morbidity after esophageal cancer surgery.

Molecular, anatomical and physiological properties of a genetically modified soybean line transformed with rd29A:AtDREB1A for the improvement of drought tolerance

We evaluated the molecular, anatomical and physiological properties of a soybean line transformed to improve drought tolerance with an rd29A:AtDREB1A construct. This construct expressed dehydration- responsive element binding protein DREB1A from the stress-inducible rd29A promoter. The greenhouse growth test included four randomized blocks of soybean plants, with each treatment performed in triplicate. Seeds from the non-transformed soybean cultivar BR16 and from the genetically modified soybean P58 line (T(2) generation) were grown at 15% gravimetric humidity for 31 days. To induce water deficit, the humidity was reduced to 5% gravimetric humidity (moderate stress) for 29 days and then to 2.5% gravimetric humidity (severe stress). AtDREB1A gene expression was higher in the genetically modified P58 plants during water deficit, demonstrating transgene stability in T(2) generations and induction of the rd29A promoter. Drought-response genes, including GmPI-PLC, GmSTP, GmGRP, and GmLEA14, were highly expressed in plants submitted to severe stress. Genetically modified plants had higher stomatal conductance and consequently higher photosynthetic and transpiration rates. In addition, they had more chlorophyll. Overexpression of AtDREB1A may contribute to a decrease in leaf thickness; however, a thicker abaxial epidermis was observed. Overexpression of AtDREB1A in soybean appears to enhance drought tolerance.

A simple and efficient method to isolate macrophages from mixed primary cultures of adult liver cells

Kupffer cells are liver-specific resident macrophages and play an important role in the physiological and pathological functions of the liver^1-3. Although the isolation methods of liver macrophages have been well-described^4-6, most of these methods require sophisticated equipment, such as a centrifugal elutriator and technical skills. Here, we provide a novel method to obtain liver macrophages in sufficient number and purity from mixed primary cultures of adult rat liver cells, as schematically illustrated in Figure 1.

After dissociation of the liver cells by two-step perfusion method^7,8,a fraction mostly composed of parenchymal hepatocytes is prepared and seeded into T75 tissue culture flasks with culture medium composed of DMEM and 10% FCS.Parenchymal hepatocytes lose the epithelial cell morphology within a few days in culture, degenerate or transform into fibroblast-like cells (Figure 2). As the culture proceeds, around day 6, phase contrast-bright, round macrophage-like cells start to proliferate on the fibroblastic cell sheet (Figure 2). The growth of the macrophage-like cells continue and reach to maximum levels around day 12, covering the cell sheet on the flask surface. By shaking of the culture flasks, macrophages are readily suspended into the culture medium. Subsequent transfer and short incubation in plastic dishes result in selective adhesion of macrophages(Figure 3), where as other contaminating cells remain suspended. After several rinses with PBS, attached macrophages are harvested. More than 10⁶ cells can be harvested repeatedly from the same T75 tissue culture flask at two to three day intervals for more than two weeks(Figure 3).The purities of the isolated macrophages were 95 to 99%, as evaluated by flow cytometry or immunocytochemistry with rat macrophage-specific antibodies (Figure 4).The isolated cells show active phagocytosis of polystylene beads (Figure 5), proliferative response to recombinant GM-CSF, secretion of inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokines upon stimulation with LPS, and formation of multinucleated giant cells⁹.

In conclusion, we provide a simple and efficient method to obtain liver macrophages in sufficient number and purity without complex equipment and skills.This method might be applicable to other mammalian species.

Isolation and characterization of macrophages from a mixed primary culture of bovine liver cells

Previously, we developed a simple and efficient method to isolate liver macrophages from a mixed primary culture of adult rat liver cells. To extend the applicability of this method, we isolated macrophages from mixed primary cultures of bovine liver cells. Macrophage cells proliferated on the cell sheet of mixed bovine liver cells after 8-16d of culture. These cells were detached by shaking of the culture flasks. Subsequent transfer and brief incubation in plastic dishes resulted in selective adhesion of macrophages. After rinses with PBS, attached macrophages were harvested. More than 10(6) cells could be harvested from the culture flask at intervals of 2-3d for more than three weeks. The isolated cells were strongly positive for bovine macrophage markers, such as CD68, CD172a and Iba-1. These cells exhibited functional properties of macrophages, including active phagocytosis of polystyrene microbeads, proliferative response to recombinant bovine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, upregulation of specific inflammatory cytokine genes upon stimulation with lipopolysaccharide, and formation of multinucleated giant cells. The shaking and attachment method provides a simple and efficient alternative to obtain bovine liver macrophages without requiring complex equipment or specialized technical skills.