Theoretical model for en face optical coherence tomography imaging and its application to volumetric differential contrast imaging

A new formulation of the lateral imaging process of point-scanning optical coherence tomography (OCT) and a new differential contrast method designed by using this formulation are presented. The formulation is based on a mathematical sample model called the dispersed scatterer model (DSM), in which the sample is represented as a material with a spatially slowly varying refractive index and randomly distributed scatterers embedded in the material. It is shown that the formulation represents a meaningful OCT image and speckle as two independent mathematical quantities. The new differential contrast method is based on complex signal processing of OCT images, and the physical and numerical imaging processes of this method are jointly formulated using the same theoretical strategy as in the case of OCT. The formula shows that the method provides a spatially differential image of the sample structure. This differential imaging method is validated by measuring in vivo and in vitro samples.

Label-free intratissue activity imaging of alveolar organoids with dynamic optical coherence tomography

An organoid is a three-dimensional (3D) in vitro cell culture emulating human organs. We applied 3D dynamic optical coherence tomography (DOCT) to visualize the intratissue and intracellular activities of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs)-derived alveolar organoids in normal and fibrosis models. 3D DOCT data were acquired with an 840-nm spectral domain optical coherence tomography with axial and lateral resolutions of 3.8 µm (in tissue) and 4.9 µm, respectively. The DOCT images were obtained by the logarithmic-intensity-variance (LIV) algorithm, which is sensitive to the signal fluctuation magnitude. The LIV images revealed cystic structures surrounded by high-LIV borders and mesh-like structures with low LIV. The former may be alveoli with a highly dynamics epithelium, while the latter may be fibroblasts. The LIV images also demonstrated the abnormal repair of the alveolar epithelium.

Detection of current-sheet and bipolar ion flows in a self-generated antiparallel magnetic field of laser-produced plasmas for magnetic reconnection research

Magnetic reconnection in laser-produced magnetized plasma is investigated by using optical diagnostics. The magnetic field is generated via the Biermann battery effect, and the inversely directed magnetic field lines interact with each other. It is shown by self-emission measurement that two colliding plasmas stagnate on a midplane, forming two planar dense regions, and that they interact later in time. Laser Thomson scattering spectra are distorted in the direction of the self-generated magnetic field, indicating asymmetric ion velocity distribution and plasma acceleration. In addition, the spectra perpendicular to the magnetic field show different peak intensity, suggesting an electron current formation. These results are interpreted as magnetic field dissipation, reconnection, and outflow acceleration. Two-directional laser Thomson scattering is, as discussed here, a powerful tool for the investigation of microphysics in the reconnection region.

High-power laser experiment on developing supercritical shock propagating in homogeneously magnetized plasma of ambient gas origin

A developing supercritical collisionless shock propagating in a homogeneously magnetized plasma of ambient gas origin having higher uniformity than the previous experiments is formed by using high-power laser experiment. The ambient plasma is not contaminated by the plasma produced in the early time after the laser shot. While the observed developing shock does not have stationary downstream structure, it possesses some characteristics of a magnetized supercritical shock, which are supported by a one-dimensional full particle-in-cell simulation taking the effect of finite time of laser-target interaction into account.

Direct observations of pure electron outflow in magnetic reconnection

Magnetic reconnection is a universal process in space, astrophysical, and laboratory plasmas. It alters magnetic field topology and results in energy release to the plasma. Here we report the experimental results of a pure electron outflow in magnetic reconnection, which is not accompanied with ion flows. By controlling an applied magnetic field in a laser produced plasma, we have constructed an experiment that magnetizes the electrons but not the ions. This allows us to isolate the electron dynamics from the ions. Collective Thomson scattering measurements reveal the electron Alfvénic outflow without ion outflow. The resultant plasmoid and whistler waves are observed with the magnetic induction probe measurements. We observe the unique features of electron-scale magnetic reconnection simultaneously in laser produced plasmas, including global structures, local plasma parameters, magnetic field, and waves.

Non-destructive characterization of adult zebrafish models using Jones matrix optical coherence tomography

The zebrafish is a valuable vertebrate animal model in pre-clinical cancer research. A Jones matrix optical coherence tomography (JM-OCT) prototype operating at 1310 nm and an intensity-based spectral-domain OCT setup at 840 nm were utilized to investigate adult wildtype and a tumor-developing zebrafish model. Various anatomical features were characterized based on their inherent scattering and polarization signature. A motorized translation stage in combination with the JM-OCT prototype enabled large field-of-view imaging to investigate adult zebrafish in a non-destructive way. The diseased animals exhibited tumor-related abnormalities in the brain and near the eye region. The scatter intensity, the attenuation coefficients and local polarization parameters such as the birefringence and the degree of polarization uniformity were analyzed to quantify differences in tumor versus control regions. The proof-of-concept study in a limited number of animals revealed a significant decrease in birefringence in tumors found in the brain and near the eye compared to control regions. The presented work showed the potential of OCT and JM-OCT as non-destructive, high-resolution, and real-time imaging modalities for pre-clinical research based on zebrafish.

High-power laser experiment forming a supercritical collisionless shock in a magnetized uniform plasma at rest

We present an experimental method to generate quasiperpendicular supercritical magnetized collisionless shocks. In our experiment, ambient nitrogen (N) plasma is at rest and well magnetized, and it has uniform mass density. The plasma is pushed by laser-driven ablation aluminum (Al) plasma. Streaked optical pyrometry and spatially resolved laser collective Thomson scattering clarify structures of plasma density and temperatures, which are compared with one-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. It is indicated that just after the laser irradiation, the Al plasma is magnetized by a self-generated Biermann battery field, and the plasma slaps the incident N plasma. The compressed external field in the N plasma reflects N ions, leading to counterstreaming magnetized N flows. Namely, we identify the edge of the reflected N ions. Such interacting plasmas form a magnetized collisionless shock.

Computational multi-directional optical coherence tomography for visualizing the microstructural directionality of the tissue

We demonstrate computational multi-directional optical coherence tomography (OCT) to assess the directional property of tissue microstructure. This method is the combination of phase-sensitive volumetric OCT imaging and post-signal processing. The latter comprises of two steps. The first step is an intensity-directional analysis, which determines the dominant en face fiber orientations. The second step is the phase-directional imaging, which reveals the sub-resolution depth-orientation of the microstructure. The feasibility of the method was tested by assessing muscle and tendon samples. Stripe patterns with several sizes were visualized in the phase-directional images. In order to interpret these images, the muscle and tendon structures were numerically modeled, and the phase-directional images were generated from the numerical model. The similarity of the experimental and numerical results suggested that the stripe patterns correspond to the muscle fiber bundle and its crimping.

Reforestation provides a foraging habitat for brown bears (Ursus arctos) by increasing cicada Lyristes bihamatus density in the Shiretoko World Heritage site

Reforestation, which converts abandoned farmland back into forestland by planting woody species, can provide habitat for wildlife, including the brown bear (Ursus arctos Linnaeus, 1758). In the Shiretoko World Heritage site, northern Japan, where brown bears occur at high density, conifers have been planted since the 1970s to reforest abandoned farmland. In this area, brown bears were first observed digging for cicada Lyristes bihamatus Motschulsky, 1861 = Auritibicen bihamatus (Motschulsky, 1861) nymphs from 2000. Our preliminary observations suggested that the emergence of digging behavior might be associated with reforestation. We examined whether reforestation provided a foraging habitat for brown bears. We found that digging occurred only within the restored conifer forests, but not within the natural forest. The densities of cicada nymphs in the restored forests were higher than in the natural forest. These results indicate that the reforestation of abandoned farmland provides a foraging habitat for brown bears by increasing the availability of cicada nymphs in the Shiretoko World Heritage site.

Complexos hidrogênio-ligados de para-nitrofenol e meta-nitrofenol com trifenilfosfinóxido e trifenilarsinóxido

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IL4Rα and ADAM33 as genetic markers in asthma exacerbations and type-2 inflammatory endotype

BACKGROUND

Genetic markers of susceptibility to asthma exacerbations in adults remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To identify genetic markers of asthma exacerbations, particularly in patients with type-2 inflammatory endotype.

METHODS

In this observational study of patients enrolled in the Kinki Hokuriku Airway disease Conference multicenter study, frequency of exacerbations requiring systemic corticosteroids during 2 years after enrolment and associated risk factors was determined. For genetic marker analysis, interleukin-4 receptor α (IL4RA) rs8832 and a disintegrin and metalloprotease 33 (ADAM33) S_2 (rs528557), T_1 (rs2280091), T_2 (rs2280090), and V_4 (rs2787094) variants were included. Elevated serum periostin levels at enrolment (≥95 ng/mL, defined as type-2 inflammatory endotype) were considered in the analysis.

RESULTS

Among 217 patients who were successfully followed up for 2 years after enrolment, 60 patients showed at least one asthma exacerbation during the 2 years. Airflow limitation (%FEV₁ <80%) and recent exacerbations but not genetic variants were identified as risk markers of exacerbations. A total of 27 patients showed type-2 inflammatory endotype (serum periostin ≥95 ng/mL at enrolment) and subsequent exacerbations; risk factors in these patients were airflow limitation (odds ratio, 6.51; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.37-18.6; P=.0003), GG genotype of IL4RA rs8832 (odds ratio, 4.01; 95% CI: 1.47-11.0; P=.007), and A allele of ADAM33 T_2 (odds ratio, 2.81; 95% CI: 1.05-7.67; P=.04) by multivariate analysis. In addition, GG genotype of IL4RA rs8832 was associated with type-2 endotype, whereas A allele of ADAM33 T_2 was associated with mixed type of eosinophilic/type-2 and neutrophilic inflammations.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

IL4RA and ADAM33 variants may be risk markers of asthma exacerbations in type-2 inflammatory endotype. Precise endotyping may facilitate the identification of genetic risk markers of asthma exacerbations.

A Novel Assessment of Vascular Regions Using an Intraoperative Near-Infrared Fluorescence

INTRODUCTION

The risk of complications and transplant renal function increases in multiple arterial renal transplantations compared with single arterial renal transplantations. Even when multiple arteries are involved, with the introduction of laparoscopic nephrectomy, I mainly choose the left side kidney. Therefore, the number of renal artery reconstructions is increasing, and simultaneous imaging of arterial rebuilding during the donor nephrectomy is important.

MATERIAL

Between 2006 and 2015, we performed 132 living donor kidney transplantations at our center and analyzed 32 cases that were diagnosed pre- and intraoperatively.

METHOD

We compared the single renal artery (SRA) and multiple renal arteries (MRA) groups and analyzed the number of renal arteries, reconstruction methods, donor and recipient ages, sex, total ischemic times, and 1-month serum creatinine values.

RESULT

In the MRA and SRA groups, the average recipient age was 52.3 and 47.0 years, respectively, while the average donor age was 52.9 and 53.1 years, respectively. In SRA and MRA groups, total ischemic time (TIT) was 96.1 and 143.6 min (P < .01). Serum creatinine level 1 month post-transplantation was 1.54 and 1.25, respectively (P < .001). Here we experienced 12 cases of living renal donor nephrectomy with multiple vessels in which the vascular supply territory was first assessed in April 2013 using an intraoperative near-infrared fluorescence camera system. In addition, regarding TIT, it is possible to shorten surgery by using individual anastomosis and ligation.

CONCLUSION

By managing multiple donors; arteries by nephrectomy, it is possible to improve kidney transplantation results.

Novel scoring system and algorithm for classifying chronic rhinosinusitis: the JESREC Study

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) can be classified into CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP). CRSwNP displays more intense eosinophilic infiltration and the presence of Th2 cytokines. Mucosal eosinophilia is associated with more severe symptoms and often requires multiple surgeries because of recurrence; however, even in eosinophilic CRS (ECRS), clinical course is variable. In this study, we wanted to set objective clinical criteria for the diagnosis of refractory CRS.

Methods

This was a retrospective study conducted by 15 institutions participating in the Japanese Epidemiological Survey of Refractory Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis (JESREC). We evaluated patients with CRS treated with endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), and risk of recurrence was estimated using Cox proportional hazard models. Multiple logistic regression models and receiver operating characteristics curves were constructed to create the diagnostic criterion for ECRS.

Results

We analyzed 1716 patients treated with ESS. To diagnose ECRS, the JESREC scoring system assessed unilateral or bilateral disease, the presence of nasal polyps, blood eosinophilia, and dominant shadow of ethmoid sinuses in computed tomography (CT) scans. The cutoff value of the score was 11 points (sensitivity: 83%, specificity: 66%). Blood eosinophilia (>5%), ethmoid sinus disease detected by CT scan, bronchial asthma, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs intolerance were associated significantly with recurrence.

Conclusion

We subdivided CRSwNP in non‐ECRS, mild, moderate, and severe ECRS according to our algorithm. This classification was significantly correlated with prognosis. It is notable that this algorithm may give useful information to clinicians in the refractoriness of CRS before ESS or biopsy.

Patient-reported outcome and quality of life after total en bloc spondylectomy for a primary spinal tumour

Total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) is the total resection of a vertebra containing a tumour. Many authors have investigated patient-reported outcomes after routine spinal surgery and surgery for tumours in general. However, this is the first report of patient-reported outcomes, including health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and satisfaction, after en bloc vertebral resection for a spinal tumour.

Of the 54 patients who underwent TES for a primary tumour between 1993 and 2010, 19 died and four were lost to follow-up. In January 2012, a questionnaire was sent to the 31 surviving patients. This included the short form-36 to assess HRQoL and questions about the current condition of their disease, activities of daily living (ADL) and surgery. The response rate was high at 83.9% (26/31 patients). We found that most patients were satisfied and maintained good performance of their ADLs.

The mental health status and social roles of the HRQoL scores were nearly equivalent to those of healthy individuals, regardless of the time since surgery. There was significant impairment of physical health in the early post-operative years, but this usually returned to normal approximately three years after surgery.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1693–8.

Insulin stimulates the expression of the SHARP-1 gene via multiple signaling pathways

The rat enhancer of split- and hairy-related protein-1 (SHARP-1) is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor. An issue of whether SHARP-1 is an insulin-inducible transcription factor was examined. Insulin rapidly increased the level of SHARP-1 mRNA both in vivo and in vitro. Then, signaling pathways involved with the increase of SHARP-1 mRNA by insulin were determined in H4IIE rat hepatoma cells. Pretreatments with LY294002, wortmannin, and staurosporine completely blocked the induction effect, suggesting the involvement of both phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-K) and protein kinase C (PKC) pathways. In fact, overexpression of a dominant negative form of atypical protein kinase C lambda (aPKCλ) significantly decreased the induction of the SHARP-1 mRNA. In addition, inhibitors for the small GTPase Rac or Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) also blocked the induction of SHARP-1 mRNA by insulin. Overexpression of a dominant negative form of Rac1 prevented the activation by insulin. Furthermore, actinomycin D and cycloheximide completely blocked the induction of SHARP-1 mRNA by insulin. Finally, when a SHARP-1 expression plasmid was transiently transfected with various reporter plasmids into H4IIE cells, the promoter activity of PEPCK reporter plasmid was specifically decreased. Thus, we conclude that insulin induces the SHARP-1 gene expression at the transcription level via a both PI 3-K/aPKCλ/JNK- and a PI 3-K/Rac/JNK-signaling pathway; protein synthesis is required for this induction; and that SHARP-1 is a potential repressor of the PEPCK gene expression.

GLCCI1 variant accelerates pulmonary function decline in patients with asthma receiving inhaled corticosteroids

BACKGROUND

In steroid-naive patients with asthma, several gene variants are associated with a short-term response to inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) treatment; this has mostly been observed in Caucasians. However, not many studies have been conducted for other ethnicities. Here, we aimed to determine the relationship between the annual decline in forced expiratory flow volume in one second (FEV1 ) and the variant of the glucocorticoid-induced transcript 1 gene (GLCCI1) in Japanese patients with asthma receiving long-term ICS treatment, taking into account the effect of high serum periostin levels, a known association factor of pulmonary function decline and a marker of refractory eosinophilic/Th2 inflammation.

METHODS

In this study, 224 patients with asthma receiving ICS treatment for at least 4 years were enrolled. The effects of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in GLCCI1, stress-induced phosphoprotein 1 (STIP1), and T gene on the decline in FEV1 of 30 ml/year or greater were determined.

RESULTS

Besides the known contributing factors, that is, the most intensive treatment step, ex-smoking, and high serum periostin levels (≥95 ng/ml), the GG genotype of GLCCI1 rs37973, and not other SNPs, was independently associated with a decline in FEV1 of 30 ml/year or greater. When patients were stratified according to their serum periostin levels, the GG genotype of rs37973 was significantly associated with blood eosinophilia (≥250/μl) in the high serum periostin group.

CONCLUSIONS

A GLCCI1 variant is a risk factor of pulmonary function decline in Japanese patients with asthma receiving long-term ICS treatment. Thus, GLCCI1 may be associated with response to ICS across ethnicities.

Trans fatty acids exacerbate dextran sodium sulphate-induced colitis by promoting the up-regulation of macrophage-derived proinflammatory cytokines involved in T helper 17 cell polarization

Numerous reports have shown that a diet containing large amounts of trans fatty acids (TFAs) is a major risk factor for metabolic disorders. Although recent studies have shown that TFAs promote intestinal inflammation, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. In this study, we examined the effects of dietary fat containing TFAs on dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-induced colitis. C57 BL/6 mice were fed a diet containing 1·3% TFAs (mainly C16:1, C18:1, C18:2, C20:1, C20:2 and C22:1), and then colitis was induced with 1·5% DSS. Colonic damage was assessed, and the mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines and major regulators of T cell differentiation were measured. The TFA diet reduced survival and exacerbated histological damage in mice administered DSS compared with those fed a TFA-free diet. The TFA diet significantly elevated interleukin (IL)-6, IL-12p40, IL-23p19 and retinoic acid-related orphan receptor (ROR)γt mRNA levels in the colons of DSS-treated animals. Moreover, IL-17A mRNA levels were elevated significantly by the TFA diet, with or without DSS treatment. We also examined the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and peritoneal macrophages. These cells were exposed to TFAs (linoelaidic acid or elaidic acid) with or without LPS and the mRNA levels of various cytokines were measured. IL-23p19 mRNA levels were increased significantly by TFAs in the absence of LPS. Cytokine expression was also higher in LPS-stimulated cells exposed to TFAs than in unexposed LPS-stimulated cells. Collectively, our results suggest that TFAs exacerbate colonic inflammation by promoting Th17 polarization and by up-regulating the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the inflamed colonic mucosa.

Glial differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells: implications for cell-based transplantation therapy

Increasing evidence has shown that adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) could transdifferentiate into Schwann cell (SC)-like cells to enhance nerve regeneration, suggesting potential new cell-based transplantation therapy for peripheral nerve injuries and neurodegenerative disorders. For the implementation of these results to the clinical setting, it is of great importance to establish the differentiation of human ASCs (hASCs) into a SC phenotype. In this study, we studied hASCs obtained from subcutaneous fat tissue of healthy donors. By a mixture of glial growth factors we differentiated them into Schwann cell-like cells (dhASCs). We then assessed their ability to act as Schwann cells in vitro and in vivo and also compared them with primary human Schwann cells (hSCs). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that dhASCs secreted brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/nerve growth factor (NGF) at a comparable level, and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) at a level even higher than hSCs, whereas undifferentiated hASCs (uhASCs) secreted low levels of these neurotrophic factors. In co-culture with NG108-15 neuronal cells we found that both dhASCs and hSCs significantly increased the percentage of cells with neurites, the neurite length, and the number of neurites per neuron, whereas uhASCs increased only the percentage of cells with neurites. Finally, we transplanted green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled hASCs into the crushed tibial nerve of athymic nude rats. The transplanted hASCs showed a close association with PGP9.5-positive axons and myelin basic protein (MBP)-positive myelin at 8weeks after transplantation. Quantitative analysis revealed that dhASCs transplantation resulted in significantly improved survival and myelin formation rates (a 7-fold and a 10-fold increase, respectively) as compared with uhASCs transplantation. These findings suggest that hASCs took part in supporting and myelinating regenerating axons, and thus have achieved full glial differentiation in vivo. In conclusion, hASCs can differentiate into SC-like cells that possess a potent capacity to secrete neurotrophic factors as well as to form myelin in vivo. These findings make hASCs an interesting prospect for cell-based transplantation therapy for various peripheral nerve disorders.

Variants in the 17q21 asthma susceptibility locus are associated with allergic rhinitis in the Japanese population

BACKGROUND

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a very common disorder peaking in the teenage years that is mediated by hypersensitivity responses to environmental allergens. Although it is well established that the ORMDL3 locus at chromosome 17q21 is associated with susceptibility to bronchial asthma, the genetic influences of the polymorphisms of the locus in allergic rhinitis are unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether the polymorphisms in the 17q21 asthma susceptibility locus are associated with allergic rhinitis in the Japanese population.

METHODS

We performed linkage disequilibrium (LD) mapping of the locus using the HapMap database and conducted an association study of the locus with a total of 15 tag SNPs in two independent populations. We further evaluated correlations of genotypes with changes in expression of genes at the region in lymphoblastoid cell lines in the Japanese population and assessed the expression levels of the genes in nasal epithelium and various human tissues.

RESULTS

We found a significant association between a total of five polymorphisms in the 17q21 asthma susceptibility locus, rs9303277, rs7216389, rs7224129, rs3744246, and rs4794820, and AR (minimum P(combined)  = 0.00074, rs4794820). The expression level of the ORMDL3 transcript was significantly correlated with the genotype of rs12150079, rs7216389, rs3744246, and rs4794820 with P < 0.01 (minimum P = 0.0058, rs7216389), and ORMDL3 mRNA was highly expressed in nasal epithelium.

CONCLUSION

Genetic variants in the 17q21 asthma susceptibility locus are significantly associated with AR in the Japanese population.

Non-genomic inhibitory effect of glucocorticoids on activated peripheral blood basophils through suppression of lipid raft formation

We investigated the non-genomic effects of glucocorticoids (GCs) on inhibition of plasma membrane lipid raft formation in activated human basophils. Human basophils obtained from house dust mite (HDM)-sensitive volunteers were pretreated with hydrocortisone (CORT) or dexamethasone (Dex) for 30 min and then primed with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 10 ng/ml) or HDM (10 µg/ml). The expression of CD63, a basophil activation marker, was assessed by flow cytometry. Membrane-bound GC receptors (mGCRs) were analysed by flow cytometry and confocal laser microscopy. Lipid rafts were assessed using a GM1 ganglioside probe and visualization by confocal laser microscopy. Pretreatment of basophils with CORT (10(-4) M and 10(-5) M) and Dex (10(-7) M) significantly inhibited CD63 expression 20 min after addition of PMA or HDM. The inhibitory effects of GCs were not altered by the nuclear GC receptor (GCR) antagonist RU486 (10(-5) M) or the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (10(-4) M) (P < 0·05). CORT coupled to bovine serum albumin (BSA-CORT) mimicked the rapid inhibitory effects of CORT, suggesting the involvement of mGCRs. mGCRs were detectable on the plasma membrane of resting basophils and formed nanoclusters following treatment with PMA or HDM. Pretreatment of cells with BSA-CORT inhibited the expression of mGCRs and nanoclustering of ganglioside GM1 in lipid rafts. The study provides evidence that non-genomic mechanisms are involved in the rapid inhibitory effect of GCs on the formation of lipid raft nanoclusters, through binding to mGCRs on the plasma membrane of activated basophils.

Differential Expression of Cyclins B1 and B2 during Medaka (Oryzias latipes) Spermatogenesis

The Cdc2-cyclin B complex (named the M-phase-promoting factor, MPF) is well known to be a key regulator of G2-M transition in both mitosis and meiosis. However, MPF may have functions other than the cell cycle regulation, since its activity is detectable in post-mitotic (or post-meiotic) non-dividing cells. Cyclin B comprises several subtypes, but their functional differences are still unknown. Despite the established function of MPF during oocyte maturation, its role during spermatogenesis, where spermatogenic cells undergo drastic morphological changes after meiosis, remains to be elucidated. To address these issues, we have isolated cDNA clones encoding cyclins B1 and B2 from medaka testis and raised polyclonal antibodies against their products. Using these as probes, we examined the expression patterns of cyclins B1 and B2 in medaka testis at both mRNA and protein levels. Cyclin B1 and B2 mRNAs were expressed in all stages of spermatogenic cells except for spermatozoa, although the expression levels varied according to the spermatogenic stages. Cyclin B1 protein was expressed only in spermatogonia and spermatocytes at prophase and metaphase with a transient disappearance at anaphase. On the other hand, cyclin B2 protein was continuously expressed throughout spermatogenesis, even in spermatogonia and spermatocytes at anaphase and in post-meiotic spermatids and spermatozoa. The difference in their expression patterns suggests that cyclins B1 and B2 have distinct roles in medaka spermatogenesis; i.e., cyclin B1 controls the meiotic cell cycle, whereas cyclin B2 is involved in process(es) other than meiosis.

Intraarterial Cisplatin and caffeine with/without Doxorubicin for musculoskeletal high-grade spindle-cell sarcoma

We report on the effects of intraarterial cisplatin and caffeine with/without doxorubicin on high-grade spindle cell sarcomas of bone and soft tissue based on the fact that caffeine enhances cytocidal effects of DNA-damaging agents. Intraarterial cisplatin and caffeine with/without doxorubicin was preoperatively given three times to ail patients and two courses of high-dose methotrexate with the citrovorum factor and vincristine were administered to the patients with skeletal spindle cell sarcoma. Tumor response was assessed radiographically and histologically. Seventeen (90%) of 19 patients with bone sarcoma and 7 (70%) of 10 patients with soft-tissue sarcoma showed good response. All patients with osteosarcoma demonstrating good radiological response underwent marginal excision without subsequent local tumor recurrence. Histologically, there were no viable cells in resected specimen of 14 patients with bone sarcoma. Other 8 cases with soft-tissue sarcoma treated by unplanned surgery were included to assess side effects. Twenty-five out of 37 patients are still free of disease. There was local tumor recurrence in 2 patients who did not respond to the chemotherapy. Toxic effects noted in the clinical study included moderate myelosuppression, nausea and vomiting, renal insufficiency and cutaneous injury. No toxic effects were directly attributable to 1.2-1.5 g/m(2) caffeine. The intraarterial infusion of cisplatin and caffeine combined with/without doxorubicin was tolerable in all patients and led to good response in high-grade spindle cell sarcomas. In patients with good response, limb-salvage surgery can be conducted safely without local relapse and good limb function is preserved by chemotherapy and marginal excision.

Case of anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody-induced glomerulonephritis with cytomegalovirus-induced thrombotic microangiopathy

Although the involvement of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in the development of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) in HIV patients and transplant recipients has been reported, it is still controversial whether CMV itself can cause TMA. We report herein a rare case with rapid improvement of TMA by ganciclovir treatment in a patient who is neither HIV-positive nor a transplant recipient, suggesting a pathogenic role for CMV in TMA.

Measurement of xenon plasma properties in an ion thruster using laser Thomson scattering technique

This paper reports on the development of a method for measuring xenon plasma properties using the laser Thomson scattering technique, for application to ion engine system design. The thresholds of photo-ionization of xenon plasma were investigated and the number density of metastable atoms, which are photo-ionized by a probe laser, was measured using laser absorption spectroscopy, for several conditions. The measured threshold energy of the probe laser using a plano-convex lens with a focal length of 200 mm was 150 mJ for a xenon mass flow rate of 20 μg/s and incident microwave power of 6 W; the probe laser energy was therefore set as 80 mJ. Electron number density was found to be (6.2 ± 0.4) × 10(17) m(-3) and electron temperature was found to be 2.2 ± 0.4 eV at a xenon mass flow rate of 20 μg/s and incident microwave power of 6 W. The threshold of the probe laser intensity against photo-ionization in a miniature xenon ion thruster is almost constant for various mass flow rates, since the ratio of population of the metastable atoms to the electron number density is little changed.

Efficient antitumor effects of carrier cells loaded with a fiber-substituted conditionally replicating adenovirus on CAR-negative tumor cells

Carrier cells delivering a conditionally replicating adenovirus (CRAd), which selectively replicates in tumor cells and induces tumor cell lysis, have promising potential for treatment of cancer because CRAd-loaded carrier cells evade inhibition by neutralizing anti-adenovirus (Ad) antibodies and because the carrier cells are locally retained at the injection point after local injection. A previous study by Hamada et al. demonstrated that carrier cells (CRAd-containing cell fragments derived from the carrier cells) are engulfed into the target cells, probably through a pathway independent of the primary receptor for Ad, the coxsackievirus and Ad receptor (CAR) (Mol Ther, 15: 1121-1128; 2007); however, it remains to be elucidated whether carrier cells infected with a conventional CRAd, which is composed of subgroup-C Ad serotype-5 (Ad5), mediate antitumor effects on CAR-negative cells. In order to examine whether carrier cells delivering a conventional CRAd (Carrier-F5) induce lysis of CAR-negative tumor cells, CAR-positive and CAR-negative tumor cells were incubated with Carrier-F5. Carrier-F5 mediated efficient killing of CAR-positive tumor cells; however, CAR-negative tumor cells were almost refractory to Carrier-F5. On the other hand, carrier cells loaded with a fiber-substituted CRAd containing fiber proteins of Ad serotype-35 (Ad35) (CRAd-F35), which binds to human CD46 for infection, showed efficient killing of both CAR-positive and CAR-negative tumor cells. Intra-tumoral injection of carrier cells loaded with CRAd-F35 (Carrier-F35) also resulted in efficient regression of both CAR-positive and CAR-negative tumors. These results demonstrated that the expression levels of receptors for Ad are an important factor for CRAd-loaded carrier cell-mediated cancer therapy, and that Carrier-F35 would have potential as a cancer treatment for not only CAR-positive tumors but also CAR-negative tumors.

Clinicopathological Features of Solitary Fibrous Tumours in the Extremities: Four Case Reports and a Literature Review

This paper reports on the clinicopathological features of four patients with solitary fibrous tumours arising from the extremities and presents a review of the relevant literature. The patients consisted of three women and one man, with a mean age of 47.8 years. Standard pre-operative work-up data were examined, including: history, clinical examination, plain radiography, computed tomography scans of the lesion and chest, magnetic resonance imaging, angiography, technetium-99m bone scan, thallium-201 scintigraphy and routine laboratory tests. Immunohisto chemical staining was performed for CD34, Bcl-2 protein, vimentin, S-100 protein, desmin and smooth muscle actin, and pathological material was reviewed for the presence of histologically malignant components. Immunohistochemically, all of the tumours were diffusely positive for CD34. Clinical and radiological findings of solitary fibrous tumours affecting the extremities are reminiscent of those of aggressive or malignant soft tissue tumours. Pathological and immunohistochemical studies are important in making the correct diagnosis.

Review of metastatic spine tumour classification and indications for surgery: the consensus statement of the Global Spine Tumour Study Group

Choosing the right operation for metastatic spinal tumours is often difficult, and depends on many factors, including life expectancy and the balance of the risk of surgery against the likelihood of improving quality of life. Several prognostic scores have been devised to help the clinician decide the most appropriate course of action, but there still remains controversy over how to choose the best option; more often the decision is influenced by habit, belief and subjective experience. The purpose of this article is to review the present systems available for classifying spinal metastases, how these classifications can be used to help surgical planning, discuss surgical outcomes, and make suggestions for future research. It is important for spinal surgeons to reach a consensus regarding the classification of spinal metastases and surgical strategies. The authors of this article constitute the Global Spine Tumour Study Group: an international group of spinal surgeons who are dedicated to studying the techniques and outcomes of surgery for spinal tumours, to build on the existing evidence base for the surgical treatment of spinal tumours.

Targeted therapy of spinal cord glioma with a genetically modified Salmonella typhimurium

OBJECTIVE

Spinal cord tumours are highly malignant and often lead to paralysis and death due to their infiltrative nature, high recurrence rate and limited treatment options. In this study, we measured antitumour efficacy of the Salmonella typhimurium A1-R tumour-targeting bacterium strain, administered systemically or intrathecally, to spinal cord cancer in orthotopic mouse models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Tumour fragments of U87-RFP were implanted by surgical orthotopic implantation into the dorsal site of the spinal cord. Five and 10 days after transplantation, eight mice in each group were treated with A1-R (2 x 10(7) CFU/200 microL i.v. injection or 2 x 10(6) CFU/10 microL intrathecal injection).

RESULTS

Untreated mice showed progressive paralysis beginning at day 6 after tumour transplantation and developed complete paralysis between 18 and 25 days. Mice treated i.v. with A1-R had onset of paralysis at approximately 11 days and at 30 days; five mice developed complete paralysis, while the other three mice had partial paralysis. Mice treated by intrathecal injection of A1-R had onset of paralysis at approximately 18 days and one mouse was still not paralysed at day 30. Only one mouse developed complete paralysis at day 30 in this group. Intrathecally treated animals had a significantly better survival than the i.v. treated group as well as over the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that S. typhimurium A1-R monotherapy can effectively treat spinal cord glioma.

Heparin versus danaproid for prevention of venous thromboembolism after hip surgery

PURPOSE

To compare the prevalence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE), and bleeding complications in patients receiving heparin or danaproid after hemiarthroplasty or osteosynthesis for hip fractures.

METHODS

37 men and 138 women aged 47 to 100 (mean, 80) years underwent either hemiarthroplasty or osteosynthesis for hip fractures; 5 patients with dementia were excluded. All patients received preoperative elastic stocking and postoperative intermittent pneumatic compression. They were divided into 3 groups based on their admission period: controls (n=71), unfractionated heparin (n=44), and danaproid sodium (n=55). Drugs were administered from postoperative day 1 to 7. At day 7, all patients undertook radioisotope venography of the legs and lung perfusion scintigraphy.

RESULTS

In the control, heparin, and danaproid groups respectively, the DVT rates were 31%, 9.1%, and 5.5%, and the PTE rates were 5.6%, 4.5%, and 1.8%. Only the DVT rate in the control group was significantly higher than that in the heparin and danaproid groups. In the heparin group, one patient had gastrointestinal bleeding, 5 developed wound haematomas, and one had leakage from the drain site for 2 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Danaproid sodium appeared more effective and safer than heparin, with no bleeding complications occurred.

A color-coded orthotopic nude-mouse treatment model of brain-metastatic paralyzing spinal cord cancer that induces angiogenesis and neurogenesis

OBJECTIVE

Cancer of the spinal cord is highly malignant and often leads to paralysis and death. A realistic mouse model would be an important benefit for the better understanding and treatment of spinal cord glioma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To develop an imageable, patient-like model of this disease, U87 human glioma tumour fragments (expressing red fluorescent protein), were transplanted by surgical orthotopic implantation into the spinal cord of nontransgenic nude mice or transgenic nude mice expressing nestin-driven green fluorescent protein (ND-GFP). In ND-GFP mice, GFP is expressed in nascent blood vessels and neural stem cells. The animals were treated with temozolomide or vehicle control.

RESULTS

The intramedullary spinal cord tumour grew at the primary site, caused hind-limb paralysis and also metastasized to the brain. Temozolomide inhibited tumour growth (P<0.01) and prevented metastasis, as well as prevented paralysis in four mice and delayed paralysis in two mice of the six tested (P=0.005). In the ND-GFP-expressing host, ND-GFP cells staining positively for neuronal class III-beta-tubulin or CD31, surrounded the tumour. These results suggest that the tumour stimulated both neurogenesis and angiogenesis, respectively.

CONCLUSION

A patient-like model of spinal cord glioma was thus developed, which can be used for the discovery of new agents, including those that inhibit invasion and metastasis of the disease as well as those that prevent paralysis.