FcγR2A and 3A polymorphisms predict clinical outcome of trastuzumab in both neoadjuvant and metastatic settings in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Antibody-dependent-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) is one of the modes of action for trastuzumab. Recent data have suggested that fragment C γ receptor (FcγR) polymorphisms have an effect on ADCC. This prospective phase II trial aimed to evaluate whether these polymorphisms are associated with clinical efficacies in patients who received trastuzumab.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients in a neoadjuvant (N) setting received Adriamycin and cyclophosphamide followed by weekly paclitaxel/trastuzumab. Patients in a metastatic (M) setting received single trastuzumab until progression. In total, 384 distinct single nucleotide polymorphisms of different FcγR, HER2, and fucosyltransferase loci were assessed.

RESULTS

Fifteen operable and 35 metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer patients were enrolled in each of the N and M settings, respectively. The FcγR2A-131 H/H genotype was significantly correlated with the pathologically documented response (pathological response) (P = 0.015) and the objective response (P = 0.043). The FcγR3A-158 V/V genotype was not correlated with the pathological response, but exhibited a tendency to be correlated with the objective response. Patients with the FcγR2A-131 H/H genotype had significantly longer progression-free survival in the M setting (P = 0.034).

CONCLUSION

The FcγR2A-131 H/H polymorphism predicted the pathological response to trastuzumab-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy in early-stage breast cancer, and the objective response to trastuzumab in metastatic breast cancer.

Protein release from collagen matrices

The effective delivery of protein drugs is an important research subject in the field of pharmacology, and to prolong the effect of protein drugs, many studies are being conducted to control the release of proteins from various carrier materials. Collagen is one of the most useful candidates for this purpose, and many studies have been reported; pharmaceutical formulations containing collagen in gel, film and sponge form are used to incorporate low-molecular-weight compounds such as antibiotics and carcinostatics, and the release of these compounds is controlled by the concentration of the gel as well as the shape and degree of crosslinking of the matrix. However, it is still difficult to retain protein drugs in the collagen. In this article, we report on the controlled release of protein drugs using collagen which exhibits good biocompatibility as a carrier, focusing on a new drug delivery system, the Minipellet, which we have developed.

Observation of large CP violation in the neutral B meson system

We present a measurement of the standard model CP violation parameter sin2 phi(1) based on a 29.1 fb(-1) data sample collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider. One neutral B meson is fully reconstructed as a J/psi K(S), psi(2S)K(S), chi(c1)K(S), eta(c)K(S), J/psi K(L), or J/psi K(*0) decay and the flavor of the accompanying B meson is identified from its decay products. From the asymmetry in the distribution of the time intervals between the two B meson decay points, we determine sin2 phi(1) = 0.99+/-0.14(stat)+/-0.06(syst). We conclude that we have observed CP violation in the neutral B meson system.

Degenerative change and rotator cuff tears. An anatomical study in 160 shoulders of 80 cadavers

In order to determine the effects of friction and rubbing in the development of rotator cuff tear, we studied 160 shoulders of 80 cadavers (age at death 43-93 years, mean 69.3 years). Seventy-two cadavers were fixed with formalin and eight were fresh cadavers. The surface of the cuff and the undersurface of the acromion were observed macroscopically. Eight shoulders of fresh cadavers were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Ninety-eight specimens (61%) showed degenerative changes of the supraspinatus tendon. The number of tendons with degeneration and tear increased from the fifth to sixth decade of life, and the size of the tear increased with age. However, there was no sustained increase in the incidence with aging from the age of 60 to 90 years, and the percentage with degenerative changes of the cuff remained at approximately 60% in each decade. Ninety-six specimens (60%) showed degeneration of the subacromial surface. The percentage with degeneration of the undersurface of the acromion remained at approximately 60% from the sixth to ninth decade. There was a significant correlation between the severity of the changes in the rotator cuff and the subacromial surface. Scanning electron microscopy showed changes suggesting effects of friction and rubbing on the rotator cuff, such as regularly arranged wool-like spherical structures on the surface of the tendon and rounded ruptured ends of the tendon fibers. These results indicate that degenerative change of the rotator cuff is aggravated by a friction and rubbing mechanism with the undersurface of the acromion and leads to development of a complete tear.

Down regulation of the tumor suppressor gene maspin in breast carcinoma is associated with a higher risk of distant metastasis

BACKGROUND

Maspin (mammary serpin) is a relatively novel serine protease inhibitor with tumor suppressing function in breast cancer. Maspin expression was found in normal breast epithelial cells, but was decreased during tumor progression. Only a few systematic analyses of this phenomenon have been undertaken so far. In this study we developed specific nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) conditions for the detection of maspin expression in human breast carcinoma and assessed maspin's association with the clinical behavior of primary breast cancers.

METHODS

Tumor specimens obtained from 45 primary breast cancer patients were analyzed for maspin expression by a nested RT-PCR assay. Recurrence free survival was evaluated and correlated to maspin expression.

RESULTS

The maspin transcript was detected in 29 (64%) breast cancer specimens whereas no expression was found in 16 (36%) cancer specimens. This expression was unrelated to any of the established prognostic factors. However, 6 out of 8 patients who developed distant metastasis (lymph nodes, lung, liver, bone, pleura) within 3 yr after their initial diagnosis showed no maspin expression of the primary breast cancer (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The lack of maspin expression in breast cancer seems to be associated with a short disease free survival and supports maspin's function as an indicator of tumor aggressiveness and metastatic potential. Nested RT-PCR is a sensitive method to determine maspin expression in human breast cancer tissue.

Maspin--a novel protease inhibitor with tumor-suppressing activity in breast cancer

Maspin (mammary serpin) is a novel serine protease inhibitor related to the serpin family with a tumor-suppressing function in breast cancer. Maspin was originally identified from normal mammary epithelium by subtractive hybridization and might function as a class II tumor-suppressor gene. Maspin's decreased expression with increased level of malignancy and its loss in metastatic cells is regulated at the transcriptional level. Cytosin methylation and heterochromatinization in the promoter region might account for this down-regulation of maspin. Transfection of tumor cells with maspin cDNA inhibits invasion and motility and decreases tumor growth and metastatic ability in nude mice. Maspin interacts with the p53 tumor-suppressor pathway and function as an inhibitor of angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. The progressive loss of expression of maspin during tumor progression makes this new protein an interesting diagnostic and prognostic marker. The re-expression of maspin by pharmacological intervention potentially offers a promising approach as a therapeutic option in breast cancer therapy.

Association of maspin expression with the malignancy grade and tumor vascularization in breast cancer tissues

Maspin belongs to a tumor suppressing protein which is usually expressed highly in myoepithelial cells, and is significantly downregulated in breast cancer cells. We focused on identifying the correlation between maspin expression and the clinicopathological features of human breast cancer tissues using immunohistochemistry. There was a significant correlation in that maspin-positive tumor specimens showed a low pathological grade of malignancy, such as a lower infiltration of the tumor into the surrounding tissue and a downregulation of c-erbB2 expression. Moreover, maspin-positive cases showed a significant decrease in tumor vessels positively stained with anti-factor VIII-related antigen antibody. These results suggest that maspin production in myoepithelial cells could downregulate the malignant phenotype of breast cancer.

Development of a new drug delivery system for protein drugs using silicone (II)

In order to achieve a zero-order release of protein drugs, we have developed a new drug delivery system using silicone, which is named the covered-rod-type formulation. Preparation of the covered-rod-type formulation was conducted under mild conditions without heat treatment or the use of organic solvents. The covered-rod-type formulation released human serum albumin (HSA) or interferon (IFN) at a constant rate for 30-100 days in vitro without significant initial burst. When the IFN covered-rod-type formulation was implanted in nude mice, the serum IFN concentration was maintained at a constant level during the period of observation, i.e., 28 days. The covered-rod-type formulation enabled precise control of the release of the protein drugs and would be expected to increase the duration of the drug effect and to reduce the frequency of administration and side effects.

Enzyme and plasma protein induction by multiple oral administrations of phenobarbital at a therapeutic dosage regimen in dogs

In dogs effects of phenobarbital (PB) on hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) activities and on concentrations of plasma alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) were examined. Total body clearance (Cl(B)) of antipyrine and plasma AGP concentrations were monitored during oral PB treatment at a therapeutic dose for 35 days. Cl(B) of antipyrine, which reflects hepatic CYP activities, gradually increased and was maintained at about threefold concentrations compared with that before treatment, suggesting that PB induced CYP activities at a large extent even in a therapeutic dose, necessary for an antiepileptic effect. Plasma AGP concentrations also increased significantly (about fourfold). Dogs were killed at the 35th day of the PB treatment, and hepatic CYP content and enzyme kinetics of several CYPs were determined using liver microsomes. CYP content was about twofold higher than that from untreated dogs. The V(max) values for CYP1A-like activity (ethoxyresorufin O-deethylation), 2B-like activity (ethoxycoumarin O-deethylation), 2C-like activity (tolbutamide hydroxylation) and 3A-like activity (midazolam 4-hydroxylation) were higher (2-4-fold) than that in untreated dogs. In summary, a therapeutic dose of PB for antiepileptic therapy significantly induced hepatic CYPs and plasma AGP in dogs. Therefore, during antiepileptic therapy with PB, special attention must be paid to the pharmacokinetics of drugs simultaneously administered.

Anti-apoptotic roles of prostaglandin E2 and F2alpha in bovine luteal steroidogenic cells

Production of prostaglandins (PGs) and expression of their receptors have been demonstrated in bovine corpus luteum (CL). The aim of the present study was to determine whether PGE2 and PGF2alpha have roles in bovine luteal steroidogenic cell (LSC) apoptosis. Cultured bovine LSCs obtained at the midluteal stage (Days 8-12 of the cycle) were treated for 24 h with PGE2 (0.001-1 microM) and PGF2alpha (0.001-1 microM). Prostaglandin E2 (1 microM) and PGF2alpha (1 microM) significantly stimulated progesterone (P4) production and reduced the levels of cell death in the cells cultured with or without tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF)/interferon gamma (IFNG), in the presence and absence of FAS ligand (P < 0.05). Furthermore, DNA fragmentation induced by TNF/IFNG was observed to be suppressed by PGE2 and PGF2alpha. Prostaglandin E2 and PGF2alpha also attenuated mRNA expression of caspase 3 and caspase 8, as well as caspase 3 activity (P < 0.05) in TNF/IFNG-treated cells. FAS mRNA and protein expression were decreased only by PGF2alpha (P < 0.05). A specific P4 receptor antagonist (onapristone) attenuated the apoptosis-inhibitory effects of PGE2 and PGF2alpha in the absence of TNF/IFNG (P < 0.05). A PG synthesis inhibitor (indomethacin) reduced cell viability in PGE2- and PGF2alpha-treated cells (P < 0.05). A specific inhibitor of cyclooxygenase (PTGS), PTGS2 (NS-398), also reduced cell viability, whereas an inhibitor of PTGS1 (FR122047) did not affect it. The overall results suggest that PGE2 and PGF2alpha locally play luteoprotective roles in bovine CL by suppressing apoptosis of LSCs.

Programmed necrosis - a new mechanism of steroidogenic luteal cell death and elimination during luteolysis in cows

Programmed necrosis (necroptosis) is an alternative form of programmed cell death that is regulated by receptor-interacting protein kinase (RIPK) 1 and 3-dependent, but is a caspase (CASP)-independent pathway. In the present study, to determine if necroptosis participates in bovine structural luteolysis, we investigated RIPK1 and RIPK3 expression throughout the estrous cycle, during prostaglandin F2α (PGF)-induced luteolysis in the bovine corpus luteum (CL), and in cultured luteal steroidogenic cells (LSCs) after treatment with selected luteolytic factors. In addition, effects of a RIPK1 inhibitor (necrostatin-1, Nec-1; 50 μM) on cell viability, progesterone secretion, apoptosis related factors and RIPKs expression, were evaluated. Expression of RIPK1 and RIPK3 increased in the CL tissue during both spontaneous and PGF-induced luteolysis (P < 0.05). In cultured LSCs, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF; 2.3 nM) in combination with interferon γ (IFNG; 2.5 nM) up-regulated RIPK1 mRNA and protein expression (P < 0.05). TNF + IFNG also up-regulated RIPK3 mRNA expression (P < 0.05), but not RIPK3 protein. Although Nec-1 prevented TNF + IFNG-induced cell death (P < 0.05), it did not affect CASP3 and CASP8 expression. Nec-1 decreased both RIPK1 and RIPK3 protein expression (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that RIPKs-dependent necroptosis is a potent mechanism responsible for bovine structural luteolysis induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Expressions of Estrogen Receptors in the Bovine Corpus Luteum: Cyclic Changes and Effects of Prostaglandin F2.ALPHA. and Cytokines

Estrogen (E) exerts its function by binding to two intracellular estrogen receptors, ERalpha and ERbeta. Although ERs have been reported to be expressed in the bovine corpus luteum (CL), the mechanisms that control ER expression in the bovine CL are not fully understood. To determine the possible regulatory mechanisms of ERalpha and ERbeta that meditate distinct E functions, we examined 1) the changes in the protein expressions of ERs in the CL throughout the luteal phase and 2) the effects of prostaglandin (PG) F2alpha, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) and interferon-gamma (IFNgamma) on the expressions of ERs in cultured bovine luteal cells. Western blot analyses revealed that ERalpha and ERbeta proteins were expressed throughout the luteal phase. The ERalpha protein level was high at the early luteal (Days 2-3 after ovulation) and mid-luteal stages (Days 8-12) and was extremely low at the regressed luteal stage (Days 19-21). The ERbeta protein level increased from the early to developing luteal stage, remained at the same level at the mid-luteal stage and decreased thereafter. The ratio of ERbeta to ERalpha was higher in the regressed stage than in the other stages. Luteal cells obtained from mid-stage CLs (Days 8-12) were incubated with PGF2alpha (0.01-1 microM), TNFalpha (0.0145-1.45 nM) or IFNgamma (0.0125-1.25 nM) for 24 h. PGF2alpha and TNFalpha inhibited ERa and ERbeta mRNA expressions. IFNgamma suppressed ERbeta mRNA expression but did not affect the expression of ERalpha mRNA. However, the ERalpha and ERbeta protein levels were not affected by any of the above treatments. These data indicate that PGF2alpha, TNFalpha and IFNgamma regulate ERalpha and ERbeta mRNA expressions in bovine luteal cells. Moreover, the changes in the ERbeta/ERalpha ratio throughout the luteal phase suggest that ERalpha is associated with luteal maintenance. Therefore, a dramatic decrease in ERalpha at the regressed luteal stage could result in progression of structural luteolysis in the bovine CL.

Evidence for direct CP violation in B0-->K+pi- decays

We report evidence for direct CP violation in the decay B0-->K+pi(-) with 253 fb(-1) of data collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) collider. Using 275x10(6) BB pairs we observe a B-->K+/-pi(-/+) signal with 2140+/-53 events. The measured CP violating asymmetry is A(CP)(K+pi(-))=-0.101+/-0.025(stat)+/-0.005(syst), corresponding to a significance of 3.9sigma including systematics. We also search for CP violation in the decays B+-->K+pi(0) and B+-->pi(+)pi(0). The measured CP violating asymmetries are A(CP)(K+pi(0))=0.04+/-0.05(stat)+/-0.02(syst) and A(CP)(pi(+)pi(0))=-0.02+/-0.10(stat)+/-0.01(syst), corresponding to the intervals -0.05<A(CP)(K+pi(0))<0.13 and -0.18<A(CP)(pi(+)pi(0))<0.14 at 90% confidence level.

Symphalangism (two phalanges) in the digits of the Japanese foot

We report here an investigation into the number of phalanges of the 2nd to 5th toes in a Japanese population. The number of phalanges in each of these toes is normally three, distal, middle and proximal. However, occasionally only two phalanges are observed. In this condition, known as symphalangism, the middle and distal phalanges are fused (synarthrosis of the distal interphalangeal joint). The incidence of symphalangism in the 488 feet was found to be 72.5% in the 5th toe, 11.9% in the 4th toe, 0.8% in the 3rd toe, and 0.0% in the 2nd toe. No left-to-right or sex differences were observed. The reported overall incidence of symphalangism in the 5th toe of the foot in the Japanese population (74.7%) is significantly higher than that in the European population (40.2%). In the present sample, the incidence of symphalangism of the 4th toe (11.9%) was significantly higher than that in Japanese population samples previously studied (4.2%).

Disposition characteristics of protein drugs in the perfused rat kidney

The renal disposition characteristics of 111In-labeled neocarzinostatin (NCS), soybean trypsin inhibitor (STI), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were studied in the perfused rat kidney. In a single-pass indicator dilution experiment, venous and urinary recovery profiles and tissue accumulation of proteins were determined under filtering or nonfiltering conditions. In the nonfiltering kidney perfusion experiment, no significant tissue accumulation was observed, suggesting minimal uptake from the glomerular and peritubular capillary sides. Therefore, tissue recovery corresponded to that with tubular reabsorption after glomerular filtration. The total amount of NCS or STI being filtrated through glomeruli, the sum of tissue and urinary recoveries, was similar to that of inulin, but that of SOD was about half. Similarly, the steady-state distribution volumes (Vd) of NCS and STI obtained by moment analysis of their venous outflow curves were similar to that of inulin, while the Vd value of SOD was significantly lower. These results suggest the restricted passage of SOD through the glomerular and postglomerular capillary wall. The tubular reabsorption ratio of proteins against the total filtrated amount decreased with an increase in the administered dose, suggesting nonlinearity of reabsorption. SOD had the largest reabsorption ratio. Thus, this experimental system is useful for quantitative analysis of renal disposition of proteins.

Adenovirus-Mediated MUC1 gene transduction into human blood-derived dendritic cells

MUC1 protein is widely expressed on various human cancer cells and has a specific highly glycosylated core structure with multiple tandem repeats, which may include an immunogenic peptide sequence. The potency of MUC1 protein to induce human histocompatibility leukocyte antigen-class I-restricted cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) induction remains to be fully clarified in human beings. In the current study, we made MUC1-expressing human dendritic cells (DCs) using recombinant adenovirus vector. Adenovirus vector plasmid containing human MUC1 cDNA, pAdHM4-MUC1 was constructed using in vitro ligation with a shuttle vector, pHMCMV5. Adenovirus vector expressing MUC1 was generated by the transfection of PacI-digested recombinant vector plasmid into 293 cells. Human blood DCs were obtained from 7-day culture of monocytes with recombinant human (rh) granulocyte-macrophage (GM) colony-stimulating factor (CSF) and (rh)interleukin (IL)-4. Then, 1 x 10(6) DCs were incubated with viral supernatant at a multiplicity of infection of 200 for 24 h in the presence of rhGM-CSF and rhIL-4. Flow cytometric analysis showed that 30% to 40% of the transduced DCs expressed MUC I protein; by contrast, nontransduced or transduced DCs with mock virus expressed only small amounts of MUC1 protein. Adenovirus-mediated MUC1 gene transduction into DCs had no significant effect on DC surface marker expressions or functions such as mixed leukocyte reaction. Furthermore, MUCI-specific CD8+ CTLs could be induced from healthy donor blood lymphocytes using MUC1-expressing DCs as stimulators. These results suggested that MUC1 gene-transduced DCs are a functional and potent tool for triggering a CTL response against MUC1 cancer cells.

Disposition characteristics of model macromolecules in the perfused rat kidney

The disposition characteristics of model macromolecules such as dextran (70 kDa), bovine serum albumin (BSA), and their charged derivatives were studied in the perfused rat kidney. In a single-pass indicator dilution experiment, venous and urinary recovery patterns and tissue accumulation of radiolabeled compounds were evaluated under filtering or nonfiltering conditions. In the filtering kidney, cationic macromolecules such as diethylaminoethyl-dextran (DEAE-dex) and cationized BSA (cBSA) accumulated in the kidney to a great extent whereas anionic and neutral macromolecules such as BSA, carboxymethyl-dextran (CM-dex), and dextran showed only small uptake. DEAE-dex and cBSA were distributed to both the medulla and cortex regions of the kidney and their recoveries in the kidney decreased as the injected dose increased. Similar tissue uptake was observed in the nonfiltering kidney perfusion system suggesting that they were mainly taken up by the kidney from the renal capillary side based on electrostatic interaction. In addition, the steady-state distribution volumes of cationic macromolecules calculated from venous outflow patterns were larger than those of the intravascular volume estimated from the distribution volumes of neutral and anionic macromolecules, suggesting their reversible interaction with the vascular wall. On the other hand, dextran derivatives with molecular weight distribution were excreted into urine based on glomerular permselectivity; i.e., cationic DEAE-dex and anionic CM-dex showed enhanced and restricted urinary excretion, respectively, compared with neutral dextran. In contrast, no significant excretion was observed for BSA and cBSA. The utility of the isolated rat kidney perfusion experiment for studying the renal disposition of macromolecular drugs was thus demonstrated.

Observation of double cć production in e+e- annihilation at squareroot[s] approximately 10.6 GeV

We report the observation of prompt J/psi via double cc; production from the e+e- continuum. In this process one cc; pair fragments into a J/psi meson while the remaining pair either produces a charmonium state or fragments into open charm. Both cases have been experimentally observed. We find cross sections of sigma[e+e- -->J/psieta(c)(gamma)]xB(eta(c)-->>or=4 charged)=(0.033(+0.007)(-0.006)+/-0.009) pb and sigma(e+e- -->J/psiD(*+)X)=(0.53(+0.19)(-0.15)+/-0.14) pb and infer sigma(e+e- -->J/psicc;)/sigma(e+e- -->J/psiX)=0.59(+0.15)(-0.13)+/-0.12. These results are obtained from a 46.2 fb(-1) data sample collected near the Upsilon(4S) resonance, with the Belle detector at the KEKB collider.

Smaller axon and unaltered numbers of microtubules per axon in relation to number of myelin lamellae of myelinated fibers in the mutant quail deficient in neurofilaments

To characterize the morphological features of the myelinated fibers in the mutant quails deficient in neurofilaments (NF), caused by a nonsense mutation in the NF-L gene, the morphological parameters of the axon and myelin sheath, and their relationships in the peroneal nerve were evaluated. In the mutant, the axonal area was smaller than in the control (P > 0.01), reflecting the lack of large diameter axons. There was no significant difference in the mean number of myelin lamellae and of their spacings between controls and mutants. Therefore, it was decided to analyze the alteration of axonal parameters in relation to the number of myelin lamellae. In the regression analysis, the number of microtubules (MT) per square micrometer of the axonal area was greater in the mutant than in the control (P < 0.05); however, the number of MT per axon was similar in controls and mutants with the same given number of myelin lamellae. The number of MT+NF per axon was smaller in the mutant than in the control only for myelinated fibers with more than 25 myelin lamellae (P > 0.05). These findings indicate that there was a less significant effect of NF deficiency on the smaller than on the larger myelinated fibers. There was no compensatory increase in the numbers of MT per axon of the myelinated fibers in the mutant as found previously in the unmyelinated fibers of the mutant.

Lower number and thinner myelin of large myelinated fibers in human cervical compression radiculopathy

The authors conducted a morphometric investigation of the histopathological alterations in myelinated fibers (MFs) of the nerve roots of C-6, which showed macroscopic indentation, presumably due to cervical spondylotic radiculopathy. In six cadavers, designated as the radiculopathy group, in which the nerve roots of C-6 showed indentation due to compression on one side (indented side) and the remaining nerve roots (normal side) showed a normal appearance macroscopically, morphometric findings of the nerve roots and the MFs on both the indented and normal sides were evaluated and subjected to blind comparison. Seven cadavers with normal-appearing C-6 nerve roots served as controls. In the control group, there were no differences in the morphometric parameters: that is, total transverse fascicular area, total number of small and large MFs, and relationship between myelin thickness and the radius of the axon between the right and left sides in either the ventral or dorsal roots. There was no evidence found of axonal degeneration, ongoing demyelination, or loss of MFs in either the ventral or dorsal roots in the radiculopathy group on the indented side. However, there were significantly lower numbers of large MFs per root and significantly thinner myelin sheaths relative to axon size on the indented side compared with those on the normal side in both the ventral and dorsal roots. These findings are characteristic alterations of the MFs produced by chronic low-grade compression.

Observation of the eta(c)(2S) in Exclusive B-->KK(S)K-pi(+) Decays

We report the observation of a narrow peak in the K(S)K-pi(+) invariant mass distribution in a sample of exclusive B-->KK(S)K-pi(+) decays collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric e(+)e(-) collider. The measured mass of the peak is M=3654+/-6(stat)+/-8(syst) MeV/c(2), and we place a 90% confidence level upper limit on the width of Gamma<55 MeV/c(2). The properties agree with heavy-quark potential model expectations for the eta(c)(2S) meson, the n=2 singlet S charmonium state.

Time-sequential changes in biomechanical and morphological properties of articular cartilage in cryopreserved osteochondral allografting

This study examined time-sequential changes in the biomechanical and morphological properties of articular cartilage that had received cryopreserved osteochondral allografting. Osteochondral blocks obtained from the femurs of 18 rabbits were cryopreserved with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), using a two-step freezing method, and allografted to the femurs of another 18 rabbits. Specimens for biomechanical and morphological examinations were prepared at the second, fourth, and twelfth weeks after allografting (n = 18). In 12 allografted rabbits, biomechanical features were examined with an indentation test apparatus, and histological changes were studied with a light microscope (second week, n = 4; fourth week, n = 4; twelfth week, n = 4). In the other 6 allografted rabbits, cartilage surfaces were studied with a scanning electron microscope (second week, n = 2; fourth week, n = 2; twelfth week, n = 2). For controls, fresh, DMSO-treated, or DMSO-treated + cryopreserved specimens were examined biomechanically and morphologically. In the time-sequential examination of biomechanical features, both the parameter for elasticity (i.e., ratio of instant elastic strain to maximum strain) and the parameter for viscosity (i.e., average retardation time) significantly changed. Light microscopy showed chronological decreases in safranin-O staining intensity in the matrix, and progression of degeneration. On scanning electron microscopy, disruption of the cartilage surface was also recognized. Therefore, changes in biomechanical properties due to cryopreservation could cause irreversible changes in the cartilage in cryopreserved osteochondral allografting.

Measurement of B(0)(d)-B_(0)(d) mixing rate from the time evolution of dilepton events at the upsilon(4S)

We report a determination of the B(0)(d)-&B_(0)(d) mixing parameter Deltam(d) based on the time evolution of dilepton yields in Upsilon(4S) decays. The measurement is based on a 5.9 fb(-1) data sample collected by the Belle detector at KEKB. The proper-time difference distributions for same-sign and opposite-sign dilepton events are simultaneously fitted to an expression containing Deltam(d) as a free parameter. Using both muons and electrons, we obtain Deltam(d) = 0.463+/-0.008 (stat)+/-0.016 (syst) ps(-1). This is the first determination of Deltam(d) from time evolution measurements at the Upsilon(4S). We also place limits on possible CPT violations.

Potential role of hCG in apoptosis of human luteinized granulosa cells

The corpus luteum (CL) forms after ovulation and acts as a temporary endocrine gland that produces progesterone (P4), a hormone that is essential for implantation and maintenance of pregnancy in mammals. In pregnant women, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) secreted by the conceptus prevents luteolysis. hCG also increases the survival of cultured human luteinized granulosa cells (hLGCs). To clarify the maintenance mechanism of the human CL, we investigated the effects of hCG and P4 receptor antagonists, onapristone (OP) and RU486, on the viability of hLGCs. With the patients’ consent, hLGCs were isolated from follicular aspirates for in vitro fertilization. The cells were cultured with hCG (0.1, 1, 10, 100 IU/ml), OP (10, 25, 50, 100 μM), RU486 (100 μM), P4 (1, 10, 25, 50 μM) or some combination of the four for 24 h. Cell viability was significantly increased by hCG (100 IU/ml) and significantly decreased by OP (100 μM) compared with the control. Cells treated with hCG and OP together were significantly less viable than the control and OP-treated cells. The combined treatment also significantly increased CASP3 activity and cleaved CASP3 protein expression. Furthermore, P4 addition reversed the reduction in cell viability caused by the combination of hCG and OP treatment. The overall findings suggest that hCG cooperates with P4 to increase survival of hLGCs and to induce apoptosis when P4 action supported by hCG is attenuated in the human CL.