Placental mammals acquired functional sequences in NRK for regulating the CK2-PTEN-AKT pathway and placental cell proliferation

The molecular evolution processes underlying the acquisition of the placenta in eutherian ancestors are not fully understood. Mouse NCK-interacting kinase (NIK)-related kinase (NRK) is expressed highly in the placenta and plays a role in preventing placental hyperplasia. Here, we show the molecular evolution of NRK, which confers its function for inhibiting placental cell proliferation. Comparative genome analysis identified NRK orthologs across vertebrates, which share the kinase and citron homology (CNH) domains. Evolutionary analysis revealed that NRK underwent extensive amino acid substitutions in the ancestor of placental mammals and has been since conserved. Biochemical analysis of mouse NRK revealed that the CNH domain binds to phospholipids, and a region in NRK binds to and inhibits casein kinase-2 (CK2), which we named the CK2-inhibitory region (CIR). Cell culture experiments suggest the following: 1) Mouse NRK is localized at the plasma membrane via the CNH domain, where the CIR inhibits CK2. 2) This mitigates CK2-dependent phosphorylation and inhibition of PTEN and 3) leads to the inhibition of AKT signaling and cell proliferation. Nrk deficiency increased phosphorylation levels of PTEN and AKT in mouse placenta, supporting our hypothesis. Unlike mouse NRK, chicken NRK did not bind to phospholipids and CK2, decrease phosphorylation of AKT, or inhibit cell proliferation. Both the CNH domain and CIR have evolved under purifying selection in placental mammals. Taken together, our study suggests that placental mammals acquired the phospholipid-binding CNH domain and CIR in NRK for regulating the CK2–PTEN–AKT pathway and placental cell proliferation.

Boric acid transport activity of human aquaporins expressed in Xenopus oocytes

Boric acid is a vital micronutrient that is toxic at high concentrations in animals. However, the mechanisms underlying boric acid transport in animal cells remain unclear. To identify the plasma membrane boric acid channels in animals, we analyzed the function of human aquaporins (AQPs), which are homologous to the nodulin-like intrinsic protein family of plant boric acid channels. When human AQPs were expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, the results of the swelling assay showed that boric acid permeability significantly increased in oocytes expressing AQP3, 7, 8, 9, and 10, but not in those expressing AQP1, 2, 4, and 5. The boric acid influxes of these oocytes were also confirmed by elemental quantification. Electrophysiological analysis using a pH microelectrode showed that these AQPs transported boric acid (B(OH)3 ) but not borate ions (B(OH)4- ). These results indicate that AQP3, 7, 8, 9, and 10 act as boric acid transport systems, likely as channels in humans.

A Narrative Review of u-HA/PLLA, a Bioactive Resorbable Reconstruction Material: Applications in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

The advent of bioresorbable materials to overcome limitations and replace traditional bone-reconstruction titanium-plate systems for bone fixation, thus achieving greater efficiency and safety in medical and dental applications, has ushered in a new era in biomaterial development. Because of its bioactive osteoconductive ability and biocompatibility, the forged composite of uncalcined/unsintered hydroxyapatite and poly L-lactic acid (u-HA/PLLA) has attracted considerable interest from researchers in bone tissue engineering, as well as from clinicians, particularly for applications in maxillofacial reconstructive surgery. Thus, various in vitro studies, in vivo studies, and clinical trials have been conducted to investigate the feasibility and weaknesses of this biomaterial in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Various technical improvements have been proposed to optimize its advantages and limit its disadvantages. This narrative review presents an up-to-date, comprehensive review of u-HA/PLLA, a bioactive osteoconductive and bioresorbable bone-reconstruction and -fixation material, in the context of oral and maxillofacial surgery, notably maxillofacial trauma, orthognathic surgery, and maxillofacial reconstruction. It simultaneously introduces new trends in the development of bioresorbable materials that could used in this field. Various studies have shown the superiority of u-HA/PLLA, a third-generation bioresorbable biomaterial with high mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and bioactive osteoconductivity, compared to other bioresorbable materials. Future developments may focus on controlling its bioactivity and biodegradation rate and enhancing its mechanical strength.

Structural variation of the 3-acetamido-4,5,6-trihydroxyazepane iminosugar through epimerization and C-alkylation leads to low micromolar HexAB and NagZ inhibitors

We report the synthesis of seven-membered iminosugars derived from a 3S-acetamido-4R,5R,6S-trihydroxyazepane scaffold and their evaluation as inhibitors of functionally related exo-N-acetylhexosaminidases including human O-GlcNAcase (OGA), human lysosomal β-hexosaminidase (HexAB), and Escherichia coli NagZ. Capitalizing on the flexibility of azepanes and the active site tolerances of hexosaminidases, we explore the effects of epimerization of stereocenters at C-3, C-5 and C-6 and C-alkylation at the C-2 or C-7 positions. Accordingly, epimerization at C-6 (L-ido) and at C-5 (D-galacto) led to selective HexAB inhibitors whereas introduction of a propyl group at C-7 on the C-3 epimer furnished a potent NagZ inhibitor.

TB-2 Patient-derived meningioma organoid model demonstrates FOXM1 dependent tumor proliferation

Recent comprehensive studies have revealed several molecular alterations that are frequently found in meningiomas. However, effective treatment reagents targeting specific molecular alterations have not yet been identified because of the limited number of representative research models of meningiomas.

We established 18 organoid models comprising of two malignant meningioma cells (HKBMM and IOMM-Lee), 10 benign meningiomas, four malignant meningiomas, and two solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs). Using immunohistochemistry and molecular analyses consisting of whole exome sequencing, RNA-seq, and DNA methylation analyses, we compared the histological findings and molecular profiling of organoid models with those of parental tumors. The organoids exhibited consistent histological features and molecular profiles with those of the parental tumors. Using a public database of meningioma, we identified that upregulated forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) was correlated with increased tumor proliferation. Overexpression of FOXM1 in benign meningioma organoids increased organoid proliferation; depletion of FOXM1 in malignant organoids decreased proliferation. Additionally, thiostrepton, a FOXM1 inhibitor combined with radiation therapy, significantly inhibited proliferation of malignant meningioma organoid models (P<0.01).

An organoid model for meningioma enabled us to elucidate the tumor biology of meningioma along with potent treatment targets for meningioma.

Reliability of IDH1-R132H and ATRX and/or p53 immunohistochemistry for molecular subclassification of Grade 2/3 gliomas

Since the World Health Organization 2016 classification (2016 WHO), genetic status has been incorporated into the diagnosis of Grade 2/3 gliomas (lower-grade gliomas). Therefore, immunohistochemistry (IHC) of IDH1-R132H, ATRX, and p53 have been used in place of genetic status. We report the associations between histological findings, IHC, and genetic status. We performed IHC of IDH1-R132H, ATRX, and p53 in 76 lower-grade gliomas and discussed its validity based on the 2016 WHO and the upcoming 2021 WHO classification. The sensitivity and specificity of anti-ATRX, p53, and IDH1-R132H IHC were 40.9%/98.1%, 78.6%/85.4%, and 90.5%/84.6%, respectively. Among 21 IDH1-mutant gliomas without 1p/19q codeletion, two gliomas (9.5%) mimicked the so-called classic for oligodendroglioma (CFO) in their morphology. Of the 42 gliomas with 1p/19q codeletion, four cases were difficult to diagnose as oligodendroglioma through morphological examination. Moreover, there were three confusing cases with ATRX mutations but with retained ATRX-IHC positivity. The lessons learned from this study are as follows: (1) ATRX-IHC and p53-IHC should be supplementary to morphological diagnosis, (2) rare IDH mutations other than IDH1 R132H should be considered, and (3) there is no complete alternative test to detect molecular features of glioblastoma under the 2021 WHO classification.

St8sia1-deficiency in mice alters tumor environments of gliomas, leading to reduced disease severity

Ganglioside GD3/GD2 are over-expressed in various neuroectoderm-derived tumors. Previous studies indicated that GD3 is involved in the enhancement of cancer properties such as rapid growth and increased invasiveness. However, little is known about the functions of GD3/GD2 in glioma cells and glioma microenvironments. To clarify the functions of GD3/GD2 in gliomas, we used a mouse glioma model based on the RCAS/Gtv-a system. At first, we compared the gliomas size between wild-type (WT) and GD3 synthase (GD3S) knockout (KO) mice, showing a less malignant histology and slower tumor growth in GD3S-KO mice than in WT mice. Immunohistochemistry of glioma sections from WT and GD3S-KO mice revealed that reactive microglia/macrophages showed different localization patterns between the two genetic types of mice. CD68⁺ cells were more frequently stained inside glioma tissues of GD3S-KO mice, while they were stained mainly around glioma tissues in WT mice. The number of CD68⁺ cells markedly increased in tumor tissues of GD3S-KO mice at 2 weeks after injection of transfectant DF-1 cells. Furthermore, CD68⁺ cells in GD3S(-/-) glioma tissues expressed higher levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase. We observed higher expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes in primary-cultured glioma cells of WT mice than in GD3S-KO mice. DNA microarray data also revealed differential expression levels of various cytokines and chemokines in glioma tissues between WT and GD3S-KO mice. These results suggest that expression of GD3S allows glioma cells to promote polarization of microglia/macrophages towards M2-like phenotypes by modulating the expression levels of chemokines and cytokines.

Newly Established Patient-derived Organoid Model of Intracranial Meningioma

BACKGROUND

Recent comprehensive studies have revealed several molecular alterations that are frequently found in meningiomas. However, effective treatment reagents targeting specific molecular alterations have not yet been identified because of the limited number of representative research models of meningiomas.

METHODS

We performed organoid cultures using meningioma cells and meningioma tumor tissues. Using immunohistochemistry and molecular analyses consisting of whole exome sequencing, RNA-seq, and DNA methylation analyses, we compared the histological findings and molecular profiling of organoid models with those of parental tumors. Further, using these organoid models together with a public database of meningiomas, we explored molecular alterations, which are a potent treatment target for meningioma.

RESULTS

We established 18 organoid models comprising of two malignant meningioma cells (HKBMM and IOMM-Lee), 10 benign meningiomas, four malignant meningiomas, and two solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs). The organoids exhibited consistent histological features and molecular profiles with those of the parental tumors. Using a public database, we identified that upregulated forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) was correlated with increased tumor proliferation. Overexpression of FOXM1 in benign meningioma organoids increased organoid proliferation; depletion of FOXM1 in malignant organoids decreased proliferation. Additionally, thiostrepton, a FOXM1 inhibitor combined with radiation therapy, significantly inhibited proliferation of malignant meningioma organoid models.

CONCLUSIONS

An organoid model for meningioma enabled us to elucidate the tumor biology of meningioma along with potent treatment targets for meningioma.

Lack of GD3 synthase (St8sia1) attenuates malignant properties of gliomas in genetically engineered mouse model

High expression of gangliosides GD3 and GD2 is observed in human gliomas. The functions of GD3 and GD2 in malignant properties have been reported in glioma cells in vitro, but those functions have not yet been investigated in vivo. In this study, we showed that deficiency of GD3 synthase (GD3S, St8sia1) attenuated glioma progression and clinical and pathological features in a platelet-derived growth factor B-driven murine glioma model. Lack of GD3S resulted in the prolonged lifespan of glioma-bearing mice and low-grade pathology in generated gliomas. Correspondingly, they showed reduced phosphorylation levels of Akt, Erks, and Src family kinases in glioma tissues. A DNA microarray study revealed marked alteration in the expression of various genes, particularly in MMP family genes, in GD3S-deficient gliomas. Re-expression of GD3S restored expression of MMP9 in primary-cultured glioma cells. We also identified a transcription factor, Ap2α, expressed in parallel with GD3S expression, and showed that Ap2α was critical for the induction of MMP9 by transfection of its cDNA and luciferase reporter genes, and a ChIP assay. These findings suggest that GD3S enhances the progression of gliomas by enhancement of the Ap2α-MMP9 axis. This is the first report to describe the tumor-enhancing functions of GD3S in vivo.

Discovery of Atabecestat (JNJ-54861911): A Thiazine-Based β-Amyloid Precursor Protein Cleaving Enzyme 1 Inhibitor Advanced to the Phase 2b/3 EARLY Clinical Trial

Accumulation of amyloid β peptides (Aβ) is thought to be one of the causal factors of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aspartyl protease β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is the rate-limiting protease for Aβ production, and therefore, BACE1 inhibition is a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of AD. Starting with a dihydro-1,3-thiazine-based lead, Compound J, we discovered atabecestat 1 (JNJ-54861911) as a centrally efficacious BACE1 inhibitor that was advanced into the EARLY Phase 2b/3 clinical trial for the treatment of preclinical AD patients. Compound 1 demonstrated robust and dose-dependent Aβ reduction and showed sufficient safety margins in preclinical models. The potential of reactive metabolite formation was evaluated in a covalent binding study to assess its irreversible binding to human hepatocytes. Unfortunately, the EARLY trial was discontinued due to significant elevation of liver enzymes, and subsequent analysis of the clinical outcomes showed dose-related cognitive worsening.

Application and outcomes of a standardized lymphadenectomy in laparoscopic right hemicolectomy requiring ligation of the middle colic artery

BACKGROUND

Complete mesocolic excision with central vessel ligation may be important for accurate staging and improving the prognosis of right-sided colon cancer. Although the procedure is often performed laparoscopically, approaching the middle colic artery (MCA) is technically demanding, especially when complete ligation of arteries at their roots is desired. We standardized our laparoscopic approach by establishing the dissection boundary along the superior mesenteric artery to achieve D3 lymphadenectomy in the region of the MCA. The aim of the present study was to evaluate, on the basis of perioperative and short-term oncologic outcomes, the feasibility and safety of our technique METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study on consecutive patients with cancer located at the ascending colon and transverse colon who had laparoscopic right hemicolectomy requiring ligation of the MCA.

RESULTS

There were 41 patients (22 males, median age 71 years [range 49-86] years). The median operation time was 285 min, and blood loss volume was 40 mL. Conversion to open surgery was required in 1 case. Complications that were Clavien-Dindo grade III or above occurred in 3 patients (7.3%). There was no anastomotic leakage. The median number of lymph nodes harvested was 46.

CONCLUSIONS

Our technique was shown to be a safe, feasible, and useful strategy for performance of right hemicolectomy requiring ligation of the MCA in cases of colon cancer. The technique facilitates maximal lymph node dissection. Having obtained favorable outcomes, we look forward to investigation into long-term outcomes.

Plaque erosion is associated with less systemic atherosclerosis than other plaque types of acute coronary syndrome

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated that plaque erosion is associated with less atheromatous plaque at both culprit and non-culprit lesion than other plaque types of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, the status of systemic atherosclerosis in patients with plaque erosion remains to be elucidated.

Purpose

To clarify if plaque erosion is associated with less systemic atherosclerosis than other plaque types of ACS.

Methods

A total of 239 consecutive patients with ACS who underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging of the culprit lesion were enrolled. Patients were classified into either plaque erosion (PE, n=45) or non-plaque erosion (non-PE, n=194) including plaque rupture and calcified nodule based on OCT findings of the culprit lesions. The status of systemic atherosclerosis was assessed by the findings of carotid echography, the severity of aortic arch calcification (AAC; grade 0–3) on chest X-ray, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI).

Results

The maximum intima media thickness (IMT) was significantly thinner in the PE group than in the non-PE group (1.9±0.8 vs. 2.3±0.9 mm, p=0.023) (Panel A). The prevalence of heterogeneous plaque and calcified plaque was significantly lower in the PE group than in the non-PE group (25.0 vs. 50.4%, p=0.010, 18.8 vs. 38.5%, p=0.037, respectively). The prevalence of AAC grade was significantly different between the two groups with a tendency toward lower AAC grade in the PE group than the non-PE group (Panel B). The mean baPWV (1588.1±420.6 vs. 1686.5±363.5 cm/sec, p=0.186) and ABPI (1.1±0.1 vs. 1.1±0.1, p=0.270) was comparable between the two groups.

Conclusion

Plaque erosion was associated with less atherosclerosis in carotid artery and aortic arch than non-plaque erosion. These findings may help further clarify the distinct pathophysiology of plaque erosion.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Lower levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol are associated with lower prevalence of thin-cap fibroatheroma in statin-treated patients with coronary artery disease

Background

Lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) with statins slows progression of atherosclerotic plaques and reduces cardiovascular events. The 2019 European Society of Cardiology guideline for the management of dyslipidaemias recommends the absolute LDL-C treatment target as &lt;55mg/dL for very high-risk patients, &lt;70 mg/dL for high-risk patients and &lt;100 mg/dL for moderate-risk patients. However, the difference in plaque composition of coronary lesions according to these LDL-C levels remains to be elucidated.

Purpose

To investigate plaque morphologies according to LDL-C levels in statin-treated patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

A total of 685 consecutive statin-treated patients with CAD, who underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging of culprit lesions were enrolled. The prevalence of vulnerable compositions in culprit plaques evaluated by OCT was compared among the groups of patients classified by LDL-C levels (&lt;55, 55–70, 70–100, ≥100 mg/dL).

Results

LDL-C levels &lt;55 mg/dL, &lt;70 mg/dL and &lt;100 mg/dL were observed in 6.3%, 21.8% and 63.9% of patients, respectively. The prevalence of thin-cap fibroatheroma was significantly different among the groups (P=0.014, Figure) with a trend toward lower prevalence in the lower two LDL-C groups than in the higher two LDL-C groups. A gradient with lower prevalence of thrombus in lower LDL-C groups was observed, although the statistical significance was not demonstrated (Figure). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of macrophage or cholesterol crystal among the groups.

Conclusions

Lower LDL-C level was associated with a trend toward lower prevalence of thin-cap fibroatheroma and thrombus in statin-treated patients with CAD.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Higher level of high sensitivity C-reactive protein is associated with more fibrocalcific plaque and longer lesion in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Background

The association between the level of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and coronary plaque characteristics in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains to be elucidated.

Purpose

To clarify the morphological characteristics of culprit lesion in patients with ACS according to the hsCRP levels using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Methods

A total of 215 consecutive patients with ACS, who underwent OCT imaging of culprit lesions were included. The patients were classified into either the higher hsCRP group (hsCRP ≥0.14 mg/dL, n=108) or the lower hsCRP group (hsCRP &lt;0.14 mg/dL, n=107) according to the median preprocedural hsCRP level. The morphological characteristics of culprit lesion assessed by OCT were compared between the two groups.

Results

The higher hsCRP group had higher prevalence of insulin therapy (14 vs. 6%, p=0.037) and current smoker than the lower hsCRP group (37 vs. 18%, p=0.002). The prevalence of long lesion (≥25 mm, 67 vs. 53%, p=0.041) and fibrocalcific plaque (53 vs. 33%, p=0.003) was significantly higher in the higher hsCRP group than in the lower hsCRP group (Figure). On the other hand, the prevalence of plaque rupture (36 vs. 46%, p=0.174) and lipid-rich plaque (47 vs. 64%, p=0.011) was rather lower in the higher hsCRP group than in the lower hsCRP group (Figure). In a multivariate analysis, fibrocalcific plaque (odds ratio [OR]: 2.098, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.125–3.913, p=0.019), lesion length (mm, OR: 1.036, 95% CI: 1.010–1.061, p=0.004) and current smoker (OR: 2.757, 95% CI: 1.388–5.476, p=0.003) was independently associated with higher hsCRP level.

Conclusions

ACS patients with high hsCRP levels had more fibrocalcific plaque and longer lesion than those with low hsCRP levels. The association between high hsCRP levels and vulnerable characteristics of culprit plaque was not demonstrated.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Materials informatics approach to understand aluminum alloys

The relations between the mechanical properties, heat treatment, and compositions of elements in aluminum alloys are extracted by a materials informatics technique. In our strategy, a machine learning model is first trained by a prepared database to predict the properties of materials. The dependence of the predicted properties on explanatory variables, that is, the type of heat treatment and element composition, is searched using a Markov chain Monte Carlo method. From the dependencies, a factor to obtain the desired properties is investigated. Using targets of 5000, 6000, and 7000 series aluminum alloys, we extracted relations that are difficult to find via simple correlation analysis. Our method is also used to design an experimental plan to optimize the materials properties while promoting the understanding of target materials.

Noneffectiveness of scopolamine for facilitating detection of upper gastrointestinal neoplasia during screening esophagogastroduodenoscopy: propensity score-matched study

BACKGROUND

Antispasmodics, such as scopolamine, are widely used in several countries prior to diagnostic and screening esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), with the goal of optimizing the detection of minute lesions, typically early gastric cancer (T1 lesions). The aim of this study was to determine whether scopolamine facilitates detection of gastric cancer in the screening setting.

METHODS

A propensity score-matched retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary referral medical center in Tokyo, Japan. Consecutive individuals (n = 40 776) underwent screening EGD between January 2011 and May 2016. All outcome lesions were diagnosed with histopathological confirmation. Detection of esophageal cancer, gastric adenoma, duodenal adenoma, and upper gastrointestinal neoplasia (UGIN) were investigated as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Scopolamine was used in 31 130 patients (76.3 %) and propensity score matching yielded 6625 pairs. Bivariate analysis revealed no significant association between possible confounders (age, sex, overweight, atrophic gastritis, alcohol history, smoking history, midazolam use, endoscopist biopsy rate grade, and gastric cancer in first-degree relatives) and scopolamine use. Lesions detected were 18 gastric cancers, 11 esophageal cancers, 19 gastric adenomas, 6 duodenal adenomas, and 54 UGINs, with no significant association between scopolamine use and lesion detection.

CONCLUSIONS

Scopolamine use did not appear to effectively facilitate detection of gastric or esophageal cancer, gastric or duodenal adenoma, and UGIN during screening EGD. Scopolamine should be avoided until its efficacy is confirmed by a randomized controlled trial.

A Paul trap with sectored ring electrodes for experiments with two-dimensional ion crystals

We have developed a trapped ion system for producing two-dimensional (2D) ion crystals for applications in scalable quantum computing, quantum simulations, and 2D crystal phase transition and defect studies. The trap is a modification of a Paul trap with its ring electrode flattened and split into eight identical sectors and its two endcap electrodes shaped as truncated hollow cones for laser and imaging optics access. All ten trap electrodes can be independently DC-biased to create various aspect ratio trap geometries. We trap and Doppler cool 2D crystals of up to 30 Ba⁺ ions and demonstrate the tunability of the trapping potential both in the plane of the crystal and in the transverse direction.

High proportion of multidrug-resistant organisms in children hospitalized abroad

Our infection control team initiated active screening for multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) among children who had been hospitalized abroad before their admission to our hospital. MDROs were detected in 19 of 34 cases (56%), including 3 isolates of Enterobacteriaceae harboring carbapenemase genes still rare in Japan. Early recognition of MDROs by screening this population may be required to avoid the introduction of new modes of resistance into the hospital environment.

Aberrant Active cis-Regulatory Elements Associated with Downregulation of RET Finger Protein Overcome Chemoresistance in Glioblastoma

RET finger protein (RFP) forms a complex with histone deacetylase 1, resulting in aberrant deacetylation of H3K27ac and dysregulation of cis-regulatory elements. We evaluated the modulatory effects of RFP knockdown on cis-regulatory elements, gene expression, and chemosensitivity to temozolomide both in glioblastoma cells and in an intracranial glioblastoma model. The combination of RFP knockdown and temozolomide treatment markedly suppressed the glioblastoma cell growth due to oxidative stress and aberrant cell cycle and increased survival time in mice with glioblastoma. ChIP-seq and RNA-seq revealed that RFP knockdown increased or decreased activity of numerous cis-regulatory elements that lie adjacent to genes that control functions such as apoptosis, mitosis, DNA replication, and cell cycle: FOXO1, TBP2, and PARPBP. This study suggests that RFP contributes to chemoresistance via aberrant deacetylation of histone H3 at K27, whereas dysregulation of RFP-associated cis-regulatory elements in glioma and RFP knockdown combined with temozolomide is an effective treatment strategy for lethal glioma.

Clinical relevance of increased serum preneoplastic antigen in hepatitis C-related hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients remains poor despite advances in treatment modalities and diagnosis. It is important to identify useful markers for the early detection of HCC in patients. Preneoplastic antigen (PNA), originally reported in a rat carcinogenesis model, is increased in the tissues and serum of HCC patients.

AIM

To determine the diagnostic value of PNA for discriminating HCC and to characterize PNA-positive HCC.

METHODS

Patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related hepatic disorders were prospectively enrolled in this study, which included patients with hepatitis, with cirrhosis, and with HCC. A novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was developed to measure serum PNA concentrations in patients.

RESULTS

Serum PNA concentrations were measured in 89 controls and 141 patients with HCV infections (50 hepatitis, 44 cirrhosis, and 47 HCC). Compared with control and non-HCC patients, PNA was increased in HCC. On receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the sensitivity of PNA was similar to the HCC markers des-γ-carboxy-prothrombin (DCP) and α-fetoprotein (AFP), but the specificity of PNA was lower. There was no correlation between PNA and AFP and a significant but weak correlation between PNA and DCP in HCC patients. Importantly, the correlations with biochemical markers were completely different for PNA, AFP, and DCP; glutamyl transpeptidase was highly correlated with PNA, but not with AFP or DCP, and was significantly higher in PNA-high patients than in PNA-low patients with HCV-related HCC.

CONCLUSION

PNA may have the potential to diagnose a novel type of HCC in which glutamyl transpeptidase is positively expressed but AFP or DCP is weakly or negatively expressed.

Antarctic petrels 'on the ice rocks': wintering strategy of an Antarctic seabird

There is a paucity of information on the foraging ecology, especially individual use of sea-ice features and icebergs, over the non-breeding season in many seabird species. Using geolocators and stable isotopes, we defined the movements, distribution and diet of adult Antarctic petrels Thalassoica antarctica from the largest known breeding colony, the inland Svarthamaren, Antarctica. More specifically, we examined how sea-ice concentration and free-drifting icebergs affect the distribution of Antarctic petrels. After breeding, birds moved north to the marginal ice zone (MIZ) in the Weddell sector of the Southern Ocean, following its northward extension during freeze-up in April, and they wintered there in April-August. There, the birds stayed predominantly out of the water (60-80% of the time) suggesting they use icebergs as platforms to stand on and/or to rest. Feather δ15N values encompassed one full trophic level, indicating that birds fed on various proportions of crustaceans and fish/squid, most likely Antarctic krill Euphausia superba and the myctophid fish Electrona antarctica and/or the squid Psychroteuthis glacialis. Birds showed strong affinity for the open waters of the northern boundary of the MIZ, an important iceberg transit area, which offers roosting opportunities and rich prey fields. The strong association of Antarctic petrels with sea-ice cycle and icebergs suggests the species can serve, year-round, as a sentinel of environmental changes for this remote region.

H3F3A mutant allele specific imbalance in an aggressive subtype of diffuse midline glioma, H3 K27M-mutant

Diffuse midline glioma, H3 K27M-mutant is a lethal brain tumor located in the thalamus, brain stem, or spinal cord. H3 K27M encoded by the mutation of a histone H3 gene such as H3F3A plays a pivotal role in the tumorigenesis of this type of glioma. Although several studies have revealed comprehensive genetic and epigenetic profiling, the prognostic factors of these tumors have not been identified to date. In various cancers, oncogenic driver genes have been found to exhibit characteristic copy number alterations termed mutant allele specific imbalance (MASI). Here, we showed that several diffuse midline glioma, H3 K27M-mutant exhibited high variant allele frequency (VAF) of the mutated H3F3A gene using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) assays. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) revealed that these cases had various copy number alterations that affected the mutant and/or wild-type alleles of the H3F3A gene. We also found that these MASI cases showed a significantly higher Ki-67 index and poorer survival compared with those in the lower VAF cases (P < 0.05). Our results indicated that the MASI of the H3F3A K27M mutation was associated with the aggressive phenotype of the diffuse midline glioma, H3 K27M-mutant via upregulation of the H3 K27M mutant protein, resulting in downregulation of H3K27me3 modification.

P686Cancer is not associated with increased cardiac and bleeding events after 2nd- and 3rd-generation drug-eluting stents implantation

Background

Previous studies demonstrated the impact of concomitant cancer on the increased risk of adverse cardiac and bleeding events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the impact in this 2nd- and 3rd-generation drug-eluting stent (DES) era remains to be elucidated.

Purpose

To clarify the impact of cancer on clinical outcomes in patients after 2nd- or 3rd -generation DES implantation.

Methods

A total of 932 patients who underwent PCI with 2nd- or 3rd -generation DES were included. Patients who were diagnosed with cancer after PCI were excluded from the present cohort. The incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) including cardiac death, myocardial infarction and target or non-target vessel revascularization, and bleeding events was compared between the patients with cancer or the history of treatment for cancer (cancer group, n=140) and the patients without cancer (no cancer group, n=792). Bleeding events were evaluated according to the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction definition. Further comparisons were performed between the 2 groups (cancer group, n=126; no cancer group, n=252) after the adjustment of baseline clinical characteristics using 1:2 propensity score-matching analysis.

Results

The incidence of MACE at median 577 [340–1043] days after the PCI was comparable between the 2 groups in both unadjusted (15.0% vs. 15.0%, p=0.984) (Panel A) and adjusted cohorts (14.3 vs. 13.1%, p=0.796), although the incidence of all cause death in the cancer group was significantly greater than the no cancer group (15.1 vs. 9.5%, p=0.007, in the adjusted cohort). The increased risk of MACE was not observed in any types of cancer or treatment (Panel B). The incidence of bleeding events was also comparable between the 2 groups (4.0 vs. 2.0%, p=0.297, in the adjusted cohort).

Conclusion

The increased incidence of MACE and bleeding events in patients with cancer was not demonstrated after the 2nd- or 3rd-generation DES implantation. Further studies are required to clarify the safety and efficacy of PCI in patients with cancer.