Noble gases and nitrogen in samples of asteroid Ryugu record its volatile sources and recent surface evolution

The near-Earth carbonaceous asteroid (162173) Ryugu is expected to contain volatile chemical species that could provide information on the origin of Earth's volatiles. Samples of Ryugu were retrieved by the Hayabusa2 spacecraft. We measured noble gas and nitrogen isotopes in Ryugu samples and found that they are dominated by presolar and primordial components, incorporated during Solar System formation. Noble gas concentrations are higher than those in Ivuna-type carbonaceous (CI) chondrite meteorites. Several host phases of isotopically distinct nitrogen have different abundances among the samples. Our measurements support a close relationship between Ryugu and CI chondrites. Noble gases produced by galactic cosmic rays, indicating a ~5 million year exposure, and from implanted solar wind record the recent irradiation history of Ryugu after it migrated to its current orbit.

Heat-Induced Dolomitization of Amorphous Calcium Magnesium Carbonate in a CO2-Filled Closed System

We report a method to synthesize dolomite [CaMg(CO₃)₂] from amorphous calcium magnesium carbonate (ACMC) via solid-state transformation. When ACMC is heated in air, it does not crystallize into dolomite but decomposes into Mg calcite, magnesium oxide, and CO₂. Hence, we heated ACMC in a closed system filled with CO₂ gas (pCO₂ >1.2 bar at 420 °C) and produced submicron-sized dolomite. Single-phase dolomite was obtained after dissolving impurities in the run products, such as northupite [Na₃Mg(CO₃)₂Cl] and eitelite [Na₂Mg(CO₃)₂], in water. Also, we investigated the crystallization process of dolomite by changing the heating temperature and heating time. Despite crystallization by solid-state transformation, the heated samples crystallized to dolomite via Ca-rich protodolomite with no ordering reflection of X-ray diffraction as previously observed for hydrothermal synthesis. The results demonstrated that this crystallization pathway is kinetically favored even in solid-state transformation and that the Ca-rich protodolomite phase preferentially crystallizes during heating, leading to phase separation from the amorphous phase. Therefore, the crystallization process via protodolomite as a precursor is a common mechanism in dolomite crystallization, suggesting the presence of kinetic barriers other than hydration of cations.

First asteroid gas sample delivered by the Hayabusa2 mission: A treasure box from Ryugu

The Hayabusa2 spacecraft returned to Earth from the asteroid 162173 Ryugu on 6 December 2020. One day after the recovery, the gas species retained in the sample container were extracted and measured on-site and stored in gas collection bottles. The container gas consists of helium and neon with an extraterrestrial ³He/⁴He and ²⁰Ne/²²Ne ratios, along with some contaminant terrestrial atmospheric gases. A mixture of solar and Earth's atmospheric gas is the best explanation for the container gas composition. Fragmentation of Ryugu grains within the sample container is discussed on the basis of the estimated amount of indigenous He and the size distribution of the recovered Ryugu grains. This is the first successful return of gas species from a near-Earth asteroid.

Newly identified interferon tau-responsive Hes family BHLH transcription factor 4 and cytidine/uridine monophosphate kinase 2 genes in peripheral blood granulocytes during early pregnancy in cows

In cattle, interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) such as ISG15, MX1, MX2, and OAS1 are known as classic ISGs that are highly involved in the implantation process. Various molecules play a crucial role in the mechanisms underlying ISG effects. Although microarray analyses have highlighted the expression of various molecules during the implantation period, these molecules remain incompletely characterized. In the present study, various specifically expressed genes were selected and their characteristics were examined. The microarray data from peripheral blood leukocytes derived from artificially inseminated cows and granulocytes obtained from embryo-transferred cows, respectively, were used to identify new ISG candidates. Seven common genes, including ISG15 and OAS1, were confirmed, but only 4 of the 5 genes were amplified by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In addition, 3 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) exhibited significantly greater expression in granulocytes from pregnant cows than that observed in bred nonpregnant cows, and the expression in granulocytes increased after interferon-tau stimulation. Sequence alignment revealed similar sequences within 2 ESTs on the Hairy and enhancer of split (Hes) family basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor 4 (HES4) gene. An additional EST was identified as cytidine/uridine monophosphate kinase 2 (CMPK2). In silico analysis facilitated the identification of transcription factor-binding sequences, including an interferon-stimulated response element and interferon regulatory factor-binding sites, within the promoter region of HES4 and CMPK2. These genes may function as new ISGs in the context of implantation and may participate in the coordination of the feto-maternal interface in cows.

Mid-term results of alumina ceramic unlinked total elbow arthroplasty with cement fixation for patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Aims

The aim of this study was to report the mid-term clinical outcome of cemented unlinked J-alumina ceramic elbow (JACE) arthroplasties when used in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 87 elbows, in 75 patients with RA, which was replaced using a cemented JACE total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) between August 2003 and December 2012, with a follow-up of 96%. There were 72 women and three men, with a mean age of 62 years (35 to 79). The mean follow-up was nine years (2 to 14). The clinical condition of each elbow before and after surgery was assessed using the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI, 0 to 100 points). Radiographic loosening was defined as a progressive radiolucent line of >1 mm that was completely circumferential around the prosthesis.

Results

The mean MEPI scores significantly improved from 40 (10 to 75) points preoperatively to 95 (30 to 100) points at final follow-up (p < 0.0001). Complications were noted in ten elbows (ten patients; 11%). Two had an intraoperative humeral fracture which was treated by fixation and united. One had a postoperative fracture of the olecranon which united with conservative treatment and one had a radial neuropathy which resolved. Further surgery was required for one with a dislocation, three with an ulnar neuropathy and one with a postoperative humeral fracture. Revision with removal of the components was performed in one elbow due to deep infection. There was no radiographic evidence of loosening around the components.With any revision surgery or revision with implant removal as the endpoint, the rates of survival up to 14 years were 93% (95% confidence interval (CI), 83.9 to 96.6) and 99% (95% CI 91.9 to 99.8), respectively, as determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis.

Conclusion

With the appropriate indications, the mid-term clinical performance of the cemented JACE TEA is reliable and comparable to other established TEAs in the management of the elbow in patients with RA.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1066–73.

Evaluation of interferon-stimulated genes in peripheral blood granulocytes as sensitive responders to bovine early conceptus signals

Early detection of gestation is important in the bovine industry. New methods have been developed to detect gene expression in leucocytes induced by interferon-tau (IFNT) as gestation biomarkers. However, it is debatable which blood cell is suitable for detecting gene expression. This study was aimed at confirming whether granulocytes respond to IFNT specifically. Granulocytes and mononuclear cells (MNCs) from cows, and several types of bovine cultured cells, were treated with recombinant (r) IFNT and gene expression was analysed by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR and microarray analysis. Expression levels of IFN receptors (R1 and R2) were approximately 30- to 900-fold higher in granulocytes than in other cultured cells, and 1.5- to 2.5-fold higher in MNCs than in granulocytes. Microarray analysis following a 2h recombinant IFNT (rIFNT) treatment revealed expression changes for 900 genes in granulocytes. Genes with expression changes included known IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs; ISG15, OAS1, MX1, and MX2). Eighteen genes were selected following granulocyte microarray analysis and their expression changes were confirmed in early gestation, which revealed that nine genes had significantly higher expression levels in pregnant than in non-pregnant animals. In conclusion, granulocytes specifically responded to rIFNT treatment and the resulting gene expression changes correlated with those in vivo. Microarray analysis indicated that various genes showed expression changes in rIFNT-treated granulocytes, which may result in the identification of alternate candidate genes for the early detection of gestation. These results strongly indicate that gene expression in granulocytes is a suitable tool to determine pregnancy status.

POU3F2 participates in cognitive function and adult hippocampal neurogenesis via mammalian-characteristic amino acid repeats

POU3F2/BRN-2 is a transcription factor that is mainly expressed in the central nervous system and plays an important role in brain development. The transactivation domain of POU3F2 includes multiple mammalian-characteristic tandem amino acid repeats (homopolymeric amino acid repeats). We previously generated knock-in mice (Pou3f2^Δ/Δ mice) in which all three homopolymeric amino acid repeats were deleted from the Pou3f2 transactivation domain and identified phenotypic impairments in maternal behavior and pup recognition. Yet, the exact biological implications of homopolymeric repeats are not completely understood. In this study, we investigated cognitive function and hippocampal neurogenesis in Pou3f2^Δ/Δ mice. Pou3f2^Δ/Δ mice exhibited cognitive impairment in object recognition and object location tests. Immunohistochemistry for doublecortin, a marker of immature neurons, showed a lower number of newborn neurons in the dentate gyrus of adult Pou3f2^Δ/Δ mice compared with wild-type mice. Consistent with this observation, adult Pou3f2^Δ/Δ mice had lower numbers of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) and NeuN double-positive cells at 4 weeks after BrdU injection compared with control mice, indicating the decreased generation of mature granule cells in Pou3f2^Δ/Δ mice. Taken together, these results suggest that POU3F2 is involved in cognitive function as well as adult hippocampal neurogenesis, and that homopolymeric amino acid repeats in this gene play a functional role.

Longitudinal change in the physical performance of older adults in the community

The primary purposes of this study were 1) to confirm age-related deterioration of physical performance in older adults longitudinally, and 2) to predict future functional status and mortality by initial level of physical performances. The subjects were 517 older adults examined both in 1992 and 1996 in the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Longitudinal Interdisciplinary Study on Aging. The same battery consisting of muscle strength, balance, walking, and manual speed was administered to the subjects in the baseline and follow-up examinations. A significant longitudinal decline was observed in all physical performances except for grip strength. The age-related decline accelerated with aging for preferred walking velocity. Inter-subject variability in walking velocity significantly increased for 4 years period. Maximum walking velocity was a common predictor for functional status and mortality. The results suggest that physical performance measures, especially maximum walking velocity, is a valid means for physical therapy to evaluate physical functioning of community-living older persons.

Microarray-based gene expression profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in dairy cows with experimental hypocalcemia and milk fever

Although a molecular diagnostic assay using clinically accessible tissue, such as blood, would facilitate evaluation of disease conditions in humans and animals, little information exists on microarray-based gene expression profiling of circulating leukocytes from clinically hypocalcemic cows. Therefore, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from dairy cows with experimentally induced hypocalcemia or spontaneous milk fever were subjected to oligo-microarray analysis to identify specific biomarker genes. In experimental hypocalcemia induced by a 4-h infusion of 10% disodium EDTA (n=4), 32 genes were significantly up- or downregulated compared with control treatment (4-h infusion of 11% calcium EDTA; n=4). In cows with milk fever (n=8), 98 genes were expressed differentially (either up- or downregulated) compared with healthy parturient cows (n=5). From these data, the following 5 genes were selected as being strongly related to both experimental hypocalcemia and milk fever: protein kinase (cAMP-dependent, catalytic) inhibitor β (PKIB); DNA-damage-inducible transcript 4 (DDIT4); period homolog 1 (PER1); NUAK family, SNF1-like kinase, 1 (NUAK1); and expressed sequence tag (BI537947). Another gene (neuroendocrine secretory protein 55, NESP55) was also determined to be specific for milk fever, independently of hypocalcemia. The mRNA expression of these 6 genes in milk fever cases was verified by quantitative real-time reverse-transcription PCR and was significantly different compared with their expression in healthy parturient cows. In the present study, the selected genes appeared to be candidate biomarkers of milk fever because the continuous interactions between blood cells and the entire body suggest that subtle intracellular changes occur in association with disease. However, before any genomic biomarkers are incorporated into clinical evaluation of the disease, the effect of hypocalcemia on the mRNA expression of these genes in the tissues that regulate calcium homeostasis in dairy cows should be determined.

Expression of ADAMTS1 mRNA in bovine endometrium and placenta during gestation

A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 1 (ADAMTS1) is a secreted protease. Through the regulation of extracellular matrix remodeling or developmental processes or both, ADAMTS1 is involved in several biological functions, including ovulation and embryo receptivity. However, the expression and possible role of ADAMTS1 in bovine endometrium is unknown. In this study, we analyzed ADAMTS1 mRNA expression in bovine endometrium during the estrous cycle, peri-implantation period, and at different stages of gestation by using quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qPCR) and in situ hybridization. The qPCR results indicated that the expression of ADAMTS1 mRNA was not affected by the day of the estrous cycle and was similar to cyclic levels on day 35 of gestation; however, the expression was more abundant in cotyledonary tissues of the placenta during late gestation. The in situ hybridization study showed that ADAMTS1 mRNA was detected mainly in uterine luminal epithelia and stromal cells during the estrous cycle and peri-implantation period. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 1 mRNA was also expressed in the peri-implantation conceptus as well as in trophoblast cells, which include binucleate cells, and increased during late gestation. Furthermore, treatment of stromal cell with progesterone (300 nM) stimulated the expression of ADAMTS1 mRNA. This study indicates that ADAMTS1 participates in bovine endometrial remodeling, which is required for implantation and placental development in coordination with ovarian steroids.

Effects of cigarette smoking on endurance performance levels of 16- to 19-year-old males

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of cigarette smoking on the levels of endurance performance in teenagers. Longitudinal data of physical characteristics, smoking habits, exercise habits, and time records in both 1500-meter run and 10-kilometer run of 202 sixteen-to-nineteen-year-old male students were retrieved and analyzed retrospectively. The results showed that the performance levels of exercise-neversmokers in the 1500-meter run did improve as the subjects grew older, and that over the same period, the exercise-smokers did not improve but were able only to maintain their performance levels. The results of two way analysis of variance(ANOVA) indicated that smoking negatively and independently impacts how eighteen and nineteen-year-olds will perform in a 10-kilometer run. The reduced levels of endurance performance in the non-exercise smokers showed up in their results in the 10-kilometer run, and the diminished performance levels of the exercise-smokers were revealed in their 1500-meter run times. These results suggest that smokers obtain less benefits from training than non-smokers, and that we need to assess endurance performance levels among the young by paying careful attention to their smoking habits.

Expression of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) and its expected roles in the bovine endometrium during gestation

Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) and its induced matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a crucial role in tissue remodeling during the peri-implantation period. However, the role of EMMPRIN in the bovine placenta is still unclear. We have postulated that EMMPRIN might play a regulatory role in trophoblastic cell functions during gestation by itself or through the regulation of MMP expression. In this study, EMMPRIN mRNA was detected in the bovine placentome and interplacentome throughout gestation, and its expression was significantly higher in the cotyledon during late gestation. In situ hybridization showed that EMMPRIN mRNA was expressed in the caruncular epithelium and the cotyledonary epithelium, including binucleate cells. Western blot analysis detected a band representing a protein of approximately 65 kDa in the caruncular and cotyledonary tissues, and the intensity of its expression was increased in both of these tissues during late gestation. The expression levels of MMP-2 and MMP-14 in the bovine placenta were higher during late gestation, as was observed for EMMPRIN. Therefore, EMMPRIN might regulate trophoblastic cell functions, especially those of binucleate cells, through MMP expression in the bovine placenta.

Oxygen isotopic compositions of asteroidal materials returned from Itokawa by the Hayabusa mission

Meteorite studies suggest that each solar system object has a unique oxygen isotopic composition. Chondrites, the most primitive of meteorites, have been believed to be derived from asteroids, but oxygen isotopic compositions of asteroids themselves have not been established. We measured, using secondary ion mass spectrometry, oxygen isotopic compositions of rock particles from asteroid 25143 Itokawa returned by the Hayabusa spacecraft. Compositions of the particles are depleted in (16)O relative to terrestrial materials and indicate that Itokawa, an S-type asteroid, is one of the sources of the LL or L group of equilibrated ordinary chondrites. This is a direct oxygen-isotope link between chondrites and their parent asteroid.

Suppression of Common Scab of Potato Caused by Streptomyces turgidiscabies Using Lopsided Oat Green Manure

Field experiments were conducted to determine the effect of green manure as fallow on common scab of potato caused by Streptomyces turgidiscabies. Significantly fewer diseased tubers were harvested from soil incorporated with lopsided oat or woolly pod vetch compared with those from oat and continuous potato cultivation in a planter experiment. Each field experiment consisted of lopsided oat cultivated during the spring and summer prior to the potato planting. Comparisons were also made with several other treatments, including cultivation of woolly pod vetch, oat, soybean, sugar beet, and potato ('Yukirasya', which is resistant to potato common potato scab) and soil application of Ferosand (Fe, mainly FeSO₄, to decrease the soil pH). In field experiments conducted during 1999-2000, treatment with lopsided oat followed by lopsided oat or woolly pod vetch was significantly more effective at suppressing the disease severity than oat and continuous potato cultivation (P < 0.001). An increase in the marketable tuber ratio was also more significant than for oat and continuous potato cultivation (P < 0.001). In field experiments conducted during 2000-01, lopsided oat cultivation alone and with the application of Ferosand (1.8 t/ha) or resistant potato cultivar treatment were significantly more effective at suppressing the disease severity and incidence than sugar beet cultivation (P < 0.001), even under high disease intensity in the field. However, potato yield had a tendency to reduce after lopsided oat treatment with an application of Ferosand (1.8 t/ha) compared with lopsided oat alone or the application of Ferosand at 600 kg/ha, due to low pH conditions. In field experiments conducted during 2001-02, the lowest severity and incidence of common scab of potato were observed in soil treated with lopsided oat than with other treatments (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). These findings suggest that lopsided oat used as fallow green manure can reduce the severity of common scab and increase potato yield.

Expression of endogenous retrovirus-like transcripts in bovine trophoblastic cells

Endogenous retrovirus envelope elements are considered to participate in trophoblastic cell fusion and multinucleate cell formation in humans, mice, and sheep. However, there is limited information about their roles in the ruminant placenta.

OBJECTIVES

We explore and identify the endogenous retrovirus envelope element genes expressed in bovine trophoblasts.

METHODS

The NCBI UniGene database (Build #97 Bos taurus) was screened by in silico analysis. After cloning endogenous retrovirus envelope element-like transcript (ERVE), expression profiles were analyzed with quantitative RT-PCR and in situ hybrizaidation.

RESULTS

Two UniGene clusters, UniGene ID: Bt.68042 and Bt.85243, were detected, and ERVE-A gene was cloned. Weak expression of this gene was first detected on Day 20 of gestation, and the intensity of its expression increased up to Day 70 of gestation. The intensity of its expression was maintained throughout gestation in the placenta, and its specific expression in trophoblastic binucleate cells was confirmed by in situ hybridization.

CONCLUSIONS

bERVE-A has a similar sequence to human syncytin-1, although it lacks an intact envelope sequence, and is specifically expressed in binucleate cells. This is the first evidence that endogenous retrovirus envelope element genes are expressed in bovine binucleate cells.

Spiking expression of mu-crystallin mRNA during treatment with methimazole in patients with graves' hyperthyroidism

mu-Crystallin is an NADPH-dependent cytosolic T3-binding protein. A knockout study in mice showed that mu-crystallin has a physiological function as a reservoir of T3 in the cytoplasm in vivo. Patients with nonsyndromic deafness were reported to have point mutations in the mu-crystallin gene. The expression of mu-crystallin is regulated by multiple factors. The present study was performed to determine whether thyroid function is related to the expression of mu-crystallin mRNA in peripheral mononuclear cells. We examined 23 normal healthy male and female subjects and 15 patients with Graves' disease. mu-Crystallin protein expression was determined immunohistochemically in peripheral mononuclear cells. The expression of mu-crystallin mRNA was assessed by reverse transcription of total RNA from peripheral mononuclear cells followed by quantitative PCR. mu-Crystallin protein was detected in peripheral mononuclear cells. The mRNA expression was negatively correlated with age in normal female subjects. The values in female subjects were significantly higher than those in males. The values were positively correlated with serum TSH concentration. The values of the thyrotoxic patients with Graves' disease were lower than those in healthy subjects. A transient increase in mu-crystallin expression was observed within 14-42 days after the initial treatment with antithyroid medication. Thyroid hormone inversely relates to the expression of mu-crystallin mRNA in euthyroid mononuclear cells. Abrupt suppression of thyroid function leads to overexpression of mu-crystallin mRNA in thyrotoxic mononuclear cells. Thyroid hormone-regulated mu-crystallin expression may control thyroid hormone action via the intracytoplasmic T (3) capacity.

[C-reactive protein, white blood cell and body temperature following cardiovascular surgery, as predicting factors of postoperative infection]

The aim of this study is to clarify the relationship between CRP and postoperative infection after cardiovascular surgery. We had 5 cases of surgical site infection, and 3 cases of infective endocarditis (IE) among 57 patients selected for this study out of 405 patients who had undergone cardiovascular surgery from May 1995 to March 2005. CRP, WBC and body temperature (BT) were evaluated during 1 week after the operation. Our results showed not only that the mean value of CRP level in the 49 non-infection patients attained the peak on the 2nd or 3rd day after the operation (18.2 +/- 4.7 and 17.7 +/- 5.7 mg/dl), but also that each patient in this group showed the same pattern of CRP sequence. CRP in the 5 cases of postoperative infection showed different patterns from that in the non-infection group. CRP in 3 cases of valve replacement for IE showed significantly higher level than that in 16 cases of valve replacement without IE through 1 week after the surgery. WBC level in the non-infection group reached the peak just after the operation (11.3 +/- 4.4 x 10(3)/microl) and then decreased gradually during 1 week after the operation. WBC in the 3 cases of valve replacement for IE, did not show different sequence pattern from that in the 16 cases of valve replacement without IE. WBC in a case of postoperative mediastinal infection showed a similar pattern of sequence to that in the non-infection group although it showed a remarkably high level of CRP sequence through 1 week after the surgery. BT in the non-infection group became the lowest just after the operation and reached the peak 8 hours after the operation. It then decreased gradually during 1 week after the operation. Our study demonstrates that CRP sequence after the surgery might be useful to detect postoperative infection after cardiovascular surgery.

Naked plasmid DNA transfer to the porcine liver using rapid injection with large volume

The naked plasmid DNA transfer method of rapid injection with large volume has been useful for gene therapy in experimental study. However, only small animals like rodents have usually been reported on. In this study, the authors attempted to transfect naked plasmid DNA to the porcine liver by modified hydrodynamic method. We decided to transfer plasmid DNA to a part of the liver using the angio-catheter to reduce the liver damage. To discern the condition of injection, naked plasmid DNA-encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) was transferred for use as a marker gene. The GFP gene expression was markedly observed in gene-transferred pig livers. In large animals, not only the naked gene quantity, the solution volume containing the plasmid DNA and the injection speed, but also the additional treatments of the portal vein and the hepatic artery preparation were crucial. We found that the following injection condition were needed: plasmid DNA, 3 mg; the solution volume, 150 ml and the injection speed, 5 ml/s. The portal vein and the hepatic artery were clamped during gene delivery and the blood flow of the portal vein was flushed out using normal saline. Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4-immunoglobulin (CTLA4-Ig) gene was used to test for secretory protein. CTLA4-Ig gene was injected with a large volume of solution via the hepatic vein to the left outer lobe of the liver selectively. CTLA4-Ig was detected in the pig blood at a maximum serum level of 161.7 ng/ml 1 day after gene transfer, and the CTLA4-Ig was detected for several weeks. Our new technique of inserting a catheter into only a selected portion of the liver reduced liver toxicity and increased gene transfer efficiency. This is the first report of successful gene transfer, using a hydrodynamic method, to the segmental liver in pigs, and achieved more than enough secretory protein for the clinically therapeutic level in pigs.

[Coronary artery bypass grafting to left anterior descending coronary artery diagnosed by multidetector-row computed tomography]

A 64-year-old male received coronary angiography because of chest pain. Although coronary angiography showed total occlusion of right coronary artery (RCA) # 2 and left anterior descending branch (LAD) #6, and a significant stenosis of left circumflex (LCx) #11, it could not visualize LAD distal to LAD # 6. Since coronary multidetector-row computed tomography (MD CT) could visualize the distal LAD, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was indicated for this patient. Left internal thoracic artery (LITA) was anastomosed to LAD and saphenous vein graft (SVG) was used for distal anastomoses to obtuse marginal branch (OM) and 4-posterior descending branch (# 4 PD). Postoperative course was uneventful. LITA anastomosed to LAD and SVG to OM and # 4 PD were visualized by postoperative coronary angiography. MD CT in addition to coronary angiography was demonstrated useful to assess precise lesions of the coronary artery disease in this case.

CRYM mutations cause deafness through thyroid hormone binding properties in the fibrocytes of the cochlea

BACKGROUND

In a search for mutations of mu-crystallin (CRYM), a taxion specific crystalline which is also known as an NADP regulated thyroid hormone binding protein, two mutations were found at the C-terminus in patients with non-syndromic deafness.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the mechanism of hearing loss caused by CRYM mutations

METHODS

T3 binding activity of mutant mu-crystallin was compared with that of wild-type mu-crystallin, because mu-crystallin is known to be identical to T3 binding protein. To explore the sites within the cochlea where mu-crystallin is functioning, its localisation in the mouse cochlea was investigated immunocytochemically using a specific antibody.

RESULTS

One mutant was shown to have no binding capacity for T3, indicating that CRYM mutations cause auditory dysfunction through thyroid hormone binding properties. Immunocytochemical results indicated that mu-crystallin was distributed within type II fibrocytes of the lateral wall, which are known to contain Na,K-ATPase.

CONCLUSIONS

CRYM mutations may cause auditory dysfunction through thyroid hormone binding effects on the fibrocytes of the cochlea. mu-Crystallin may be involved in the potassium ion recycling system together with Na,K-ATPase. Future animal experiments will be necessary to confirm a causal relation between Na,K-ATPase, T3, and deafness.

Temporospatial expression of placental lactogen and prolactin-related protein-1 genes in the bovine placenta and uterus during pregnancy

The anatomical location of binucleate cells (BNC) influences protein expression but not steroid synthesis in ruminants. In order to determine if BNC in disparate locations differentially express bovine placental lactogen (bPL) and prolactin-related protein-1 (bPRP-1), we quantitated bPL and bPRP-1 transcripts in placentomal (cotyledonary, caruncular) and interplacentomal (intercotyledonary, intercaruncular) tissues throughout pregnancy in the bovine using real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and in situ hybridization. Levels of both bPL and bPRP-1 transcripts at peri-implantation were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the fetal membrane than in caruncular and intercaruncular tissues. Thereafter, mRNA for these related proteins demonstrated different spatial as well as temporal patterns of expression. Levels of bPRP-1 transcripts peaked at day 60 of pregnancy. Between day 60 and 100, bPRP-1 transcripts fell by approximately sevenfold (P < 0.01) in cotyledonary and intercotyledonary tissues, and fourfold in caruncular (P < 0.01) tissue. Levels of bPRP-1 transcripts remained low in the cotyledonary, intercotyledonary, and caruncular tissues until peripartum. In contrast, bPL expression in placentomes increased with progression of gestation (P < 0.01), but decreased in interplacentomal tissue around peripartum. To conclude, disparate patterns of bPRP-1 and bPL genes are transcribed in the placentomal and interplacentomal tissues during gestation in the bovine, suggesting that these prolactin-like hormones serve distinct functions and are regulated differently in the uteroplacental unit in this species.

The cytoplasmic expression of E-cadherin and beta-catenin in bovine trophoblasts during binucleate cell differentiation

Binucleate cells are endocrine cells generated by the acytokinesis and endoreduplication of the trophectoderm in the ruminant placenta. These cells are migratory and secrete hormones into the maternal circulation after fusing with uterine epithelial cells. In this study, we performed immunohistochemistry for E-cadherin and beta-catenin in bovine placenta and a bovine trophoblast cell line (BT-1). We found that E-cadherin and beta-catenin were distributed not only at the cell to cell boundary but throughout the cytoplasm in binucleate cells, although they were concentrated at the cell to cell boundary in epithelial cells in bovine placenta. Moreover, beta-catenin was detected in the nuclei of binucleate cells. Binucleate cells after fusion with uterine epithelial cells (feto-maternal hybrid cells) in the maternal side showed no intracellular expression of E-cadherin and beta-catenin. The transformation into binucleate cells in the BT-1 cell line was also accompanied by the cytoplasmic accumulation of E-cadherin and beta-catenin. We further demonstrated that levels of cytoplasmic beta-catenin were well correlated with the DNA content of binucleate cells in BT-1. The dynamic changes in the distribution of E-cadherin and beta-catenin suggest an important role in binucleate cells, including the rearrangement of cadherin-mediated cell adhesions during cell migration and the onset of endoreduplication probably via the nuclear transfer of beta-catenin.

A non-terrestrial 16O-rich isotopic composition for the protosolar nebula

The discovery in primitive components of meteorites of large oxygen isotopic variations that could not be attributed to mass-dependent fractionation effects has raised a fundamental question: what is the composition of the protosolar gas from which the host grains formed? This composition is probably preserved in the outer layers of the Sun, but the resolution of astronomical spectroscopic measurements is still too poor to be useful for comparison with planetary material. Here we report a precise determination of the oxygen isotopic composition of the solar wind from particles implanted in the outer hundreds of nanometres of metallic grains in the lunar regolith. These layers of the grains are enriched in 16O by >20 +/- 4 per thousand relative to the Earth, Mars and bulk meteorites, which implies the existence in the solar accretion disk of reactions--as yet unknown--that were able to change the 17O/16O and 18O/16O ratios in a way that was not dependent strictly on the mass of the isotope. Photochemical self-shielding of the CO gas irradiated by ultraviolet light may be one of these key processes, because it depends on the abundance of the isotopes, rather than their masses.

Efficiency of adenovirus-mediated gene transduction in heart grafts in rats

AIM

We determined the characteristics of transgene expression of heart grafts following ex vivo gene transfer using an adenovirus vector. Transgene expression was assessed periodically in the same animals by a non-invasive bioimaging system.

METHODS

Rat heterotopic heart transplantation was performed in a syngenic combination. We infused 1 x 10(9) plaque-forming units of adenovirus vectors containing firefly luciferase gene into the heart graft via the coronary artery, with preservation at 4 degrees C and transplanted into the cervix of the recipient. Transgene expression was periodically visualized and quantified by a noninvasive bioimaging system without sacrificing experimental animals.

RESULTS

Transgene expression in the graft peaked at day 7 and then fell gradually. Transgene expression was also observed in the recipient liver.

CONCLUSIONS

We have determined the time course of transgene expression in the heart graft. This constitutes important information about ex vivo gene therapy for heart grafts.

Characterization of native and recombinant bovine pregnancy-associated glycoproteins

Pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) are products of the ruminant placenta that belong to the aspartic proteinase family. Extensive glycosylation may account for the size and heterogeneity of their molecules. To assess this we investigated the effect of glycosidase and tunicamycin treatments on native (n) and mammalian-cell generated recombinant (r) bovine PAGs. Native PAG came from explant culture conditioned medium (150 days pregnancy) while rPAG was obtained by transfection of HEK 293 cells with the bPAG-1 gene employing the PRcRSV expression vector. The undigested nPAG gave a homogenous band at 67 kDa after one-dimensional SDS-PAGE, silver staining and Western blotting, but rPAG gave dual bands at 54 and 52 kDa. PNGase F digestion of nPAG gave five bands ranging from 60 to 37 kDa and digestion of rPAG gave three bands ranging from 54 to 37 kDa. On two-dimensional electrophoresis, the undigested pI ranges of n- and rPAGs were 4.7-5.6 and 7.3-8.8, respectively. The digested isoforms of n- and rPAGs had pI ranges from 5.1 to 8.5 and 7.9-8.5, respectively. Tunicamycin treatment had no effect on the mobility of nPAG but it had a pronounced time-dependant effect on the mobility of rPAG. Our findings indicate that both n- and rPAGs have principally N-linked oligosacharides.

Vascular-pedicled costal cartilage graft for the treatment of subglottic and upper tracheal stenosis

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Free costal cartilage graft for the treatment of subglottic and tracheal stenosis is widely used, but postoperative granulation formation is a problem. To reduce the risk of granulation formation after free costal graft, a new operation of costal cartilage graft with vascular pedicle was introduced.

METHODS

A vascular pedicled fifth costal cartilage graft is prepared using internal thoracic artery and vein and intercostal artery and vein as a vascular pedicle. The prepared graft is brought to the upper trachea. The anterior wall of cricoid is split, and the costal cartilage graft is implanted to the split part and tracheostomy. Extubation on the next day is possible if the general condition of the patient permits.

RESULTS

In 3 cases of subglottic or upper tracheal stenosis, this operation was performed. All the patients had tracheostomy made during early infancy. The postoperative course was uneventful, and all the patients were extubated soon after the operation. No granulation tissue was observed by postoperative bronchoscopic examinations.

CONCLUSIONS

Costal cartilage graft with vascular pedicle is a safe and useful new operation for the treatment of subglottic and upper tracheal stenosis. There also is a possibility of using this procedure for the treatment of long segment tracheal stenosis.

High expression of telomerase is an independent prognostic indicator of poor outcome in hepatoblastoma

Telomerase, an enzyme related with cellular immortality, has been extensively studied in many kinds of malignant tumours for clinical diagnostic or prognostic utilities. Telomerase activity is mainly regulated by the expression of hTERT (human telomerase reverse transcriptase), which is a catalytic component of human telomerase. To evaluate whether the levels of hTERT mRNA provides a molecular marker of hepatoblastoma malignancy, we examined hTERT mRNA expression levels in the primary hepatoblastoma tissues by fluorescent RT–PCR using LightCycler technology and followed up the clinical outcomes in 63 patients listed in the Japanese Study Group of Pediatric Liver Tumor between 1991 and 2002. The hTERT mRNA expression was detected in 61 (96.8%) specimens and their expression levels ranged between 0.1/1000 and 745.1/1000 copies of PBGD gene that was used as an internal control. Among these cases, frozen 39 tumour samples and 14 adjacent noncancerous liver tissues were analysed for semiquantitative telomerase assay. In the 39 tumour samples, the levels of telomerase activity ranged between 0.11 and 2709 TPG and 12 (30.7%) had high telomerase activity (>100 TPG), whereas only nine of 14 noncancerous liver tissue samples showed telomerase activity which was less than 1.0 TPG. The levels of telomerase activity were significantly correlated with the levels of hTERT mRNA expression (P<0.001). The frequency of high hTERT mRNA expression and/or high telomerase activity did not significantly associate with the clinicopathological factors except for stage of disease. The prognosis of the patients with high hTERT mRNA expression was significantly worse than that of others (P<0.01), as was the patients with high telomerase activity (P<0.01). Multivariate analysis indicated that high levels of hTERT mRNA expression as well as telomerase activity are independent prognosis-predicting factors in patients with hepatoblastoma.