Fast and artifact-free circular dichroism measurement of solid-state structural changes

A novel chiroptical spectrophotometer, Multichannel (MC)-circular dichroism (CD), which does not require a wavelength scan and provides artifact-free CD spectra in seconds, was developed by solving the incompatibility problem between data acquisition and modulation timescales. The design and instrumentation are compared with the Universal Chiroptical Spectrophotometer (UCS)-1, which can measure artifact-free CD spectra in the solid state. Enantiomeric single crystals composed of achiral components, α-Ni(H2 O)6 ・SO4 , and achiral films with substantial macroscopic anisotropies were measured on both MC-CD and UCS-1 and compared.

Long-Term Outcomes in a Phase II Study of Hypofractionated IGRT 60Gy/ 20F in Patients with Isolated Lymph Node Recurrence after Surgery for Esophageal Carcinoma

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

In oligo metastases in lymph node recurrence after surgery for esophageal cancer, since SBRT (BED>100 Gy10) to mediastinal and abdominal lymph node lesions was not an option due to toxicities in the organs at risk (OAR) such as vessels and gastrointestinal tract, we performed a prospective cohort study of hypofractionated IGRT for isolated lesions. The primary end-points of this study are disease specific survival (DSS) and late treatment toxicities.

MATERIALS/METHODS

From 2011 to 2021, 60 Gy/20F/4-4.5wks (78 Gy10) hypofractionated IGRT was performed in a total ITT population of 70 patients after radical surgery (67 cases) and ESD (3 cases), who were diagnosed by CT/PET-CT as having solitary lymph node recurrence (62 cases) or up to 2 adjacent nodes (8 cases). The mean time from surgery to recurrence was 17.9 months (SD 18.1) with a mean age of 67.5 years (SD 9.3), and male to female ratio was 62:8. Pathological results showed that 63 patients (90%) had squamous cell carcinoma. The mean maximum diameter of lesions was 2.5 cm (SD; 1.1 cm). And 51 cases (73%) were treated with CRT concurrently using 5FU plus CDDP (FP), and the rest were treated with RT alone. Lymph node location was lower neck or upper mediastinum in 42 cases, middle and lower mediastinum in 16 cases, and abdomen in 12 cases, respectively. Treatment planning was performed by taking 4DCT fusing PET or MRI images. The Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox proportional hazards regression model were used for overall survival (OS), DSS, and progression free survival (PFS).

RESULTS

The mean observation period was 38 months. Primary efficacy was CR in 45 cases (64%), but CR was maintained only in 29 cases (41%). Twenty-two of the 70 patients were relapse-free. OS were 53% and 34% at 2 and 5 years, DSS were 56% and 38% at 2 and 5 years, and PFS were 40% and 39% at 2 and 5 years, respectively. The site of first recurrence was the same or adjacent lymph nodes in 33 cases (47%) and distant metastases in 9 cases (13%). Number of tumors (1 vs. 2), age, and CRT were not significant prognostic factors for OS, DSS, or PFS. In a multivariate analysis, the time from surgery to recurrence ≥12 months was the only significant prognostic factor for PFS (p = 0.018, HR0.50). The same multivariate analysis showed that the only significant prognostic factor for DSS was the location of the recurrent lymph node in the neck and upper mediastinal regions (p = 0.009, HR 0.59). The only late adverse events of Grade 2 or higher were Grade 2 pleural effusion (little and transient) in 6 cases and Grade 2 radiation pneumonitis in 1 case. No acute adverse events were observed other than hematologic toxicity due to FP administration.

CONCLUSION

In locally advanced esophageal cancer, a relatively reliable regional lymph node dissection is often performed, so there is still a chance to aim for cure in cases of solitary recurrence. We found that if the lesion is solitary, localized RT of about 60 Gy/20F/4-4.5 weeks with IGRT can achieve a long-term survival in 40% of patients without any significant adverse events.

Health-Related Quality of Life at Five Years for a Randomized Trial of Tri-Modality Therapy with I-125 Brachytherapy, External Beam Radiation Therapy, and Short- vs. Long-Term Androgen Deprivation Therapy for High-Risk Localized Prostate Cancer (TRIP)

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

To describe the patient-reported health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) outcomes at five years for a multicenter randomized trial of tri-modality therapy with iodine-125 brachytherapy, external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), and short- versus long-term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for high-risk localized prostate cancer (TRIP/TRIGU0907).

MATERIALS/METHODS

A total of 332 men with high-risk prostate cancer were randomized to either 6 months of ADT (n = 165) or 30 months of ADT (n = 167) in conjunction with combined modality radiation therapy. For the HR-QoL assessment, general HR-QoL and disease-specific HR-QoL were measured using the Japanese version of the Medical Outcomes Study 8-items Short-Form Health Survey (SF-8) and the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC). Patient-reported outcome questionnaires were filled out before ADT initiation, and five years after. Scores were reported as mean with the standard deviation. QoL end points were assessed as the change between pre and post treatment using paired student t-test. Changes in the International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS) score, including total score and subscores, were also evaluated. The study was powered according to the primary endpoint of biochemical progression free survival with HR-QoL as a secondary endpoint. In addition, recovery of testosterone level (300ng/dL or higher) was calculated as the cumulative incidence curve and compared between arms by log-rank test.

RESULTS

The cumulative incidence of biochemical progression, and salvage ADT treatment were not different between the arms. Mean domain scores at baseline were well balanced between the two arms in all HR-QoL. There were no differences in the SF-8 assessment and the total and subscore EPIC assessments between the arms. The average sexual function score was lower in short arm versus long arm; 16.24 versus 20.24 at baseline, but not different at five years, 9.96 versus 7.78 (p = 0.164). There were no significant differences between the arms for the total and subscore IPSS. Significantly higher percentage of patients, 71.7% in the short arm recovered to a normal testosterone level at 6 years after the initiation of ADT compared to 43.2% in long arm (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

At five years after ADT initiation, there were no significant differences in all score changes between the two arms with general HR-QoL and disease-specific HR-QoL. Most of HR-QoL returned to baseline level, and sexual function scores were low from baseline in this population. Two-years' adjuvant ADT did not affect HR-QoL at five years, although it significantly retarded testosterone recovery compared to 6 months of hormone therapy.

The effectiveness of dance movement therapy for individuals with Down syndrome: a pilot randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) exhibit deficits in static and dynamic balance abilities and maladaptive functions. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of dance movement therapy (DMT) group intervention in individuals with DS.

METHODS

The 31 participating individuals with DS, aged 5-29 years, were randomly divided into intervention (n = 16) and control (n = 15) groups. Posturography was used for static balance measurement, timed up and go test for dynamic balance measurement and the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment (ASEBA) questionnaire for adaptive function and behavioural problem measurement in participants before and after the DMT interventions. The intervention group underwent 60-min DMT intervention once a week for 10 times, while the control group had usual daily activities.

RESULTS

The results revealed a statistically significant difference and large effect sizes in dynamic balance [(f(1, 29) = 4.52, P = 0.04, η_p   ² = 0.14)] in the intervention group compared with the control group. There were no statistically significant differences in static balance and ASEBA scores between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that the DMT interventions helped to improve the dynamic balance in individuals with DS.

Mutation detection of urinary cell-free DNA via catch-and-release isolation on nanowires for liquid biopsy

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) are molecular biomarkers in liquid biopsies that can be applied for cancer detection, which are known to carry information on the necessary conditions for oncogenesis and cancer cell-specific activities after oncogenesis, respectively. Analyses for both cfDNA and EVs from the same body fluid can provide insights into screening and identifying the molecular subtypes of cancer; however, a major bottleneck is the lack of efficient and standardized techniques for the isolation of cfDNA and EVs from clinical specimens. Here, we achieved catch-and-release isolation by hydrogen bond-mediated binding of cfDNA in urine to zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires, which also capture EVs by surface charge, and subsequently we identified genetic mutations in urinary cfDNA. The binding strength of hydrogen bonds between single-crystal ZnO nanowires and DNA was found to be equal to or larger than that of conventional hydrophobic interactions, suggesting the possibility of isolating trace amounts of cfDNA. Our results demonstrated that nanowire-based cancer screening assay can screen cancer and can identify the molecular subtypes of cancer in urine from brain tumor patients through EV analysis and cfDNA mutation analysis. We anticipate our method to be a starting point for more sophisticated diagnostic models of cancer screening and identification.

Inference of transcriptome signatures of Escherichia coli in long-term stationary phase

"Non-growing" is a dominant life form of microorganisms in nature, where available nutrients and resources are limited. In laboratory culture systems, Escherichia coli can survive for years under starvation, denoted as long-term stationary phase, where a small fraction of cells manages to survive by recycling resources released from nonviable cells. Although the physiology by which viable cells in long-term stationary phase adapt to prolonged starvation is of great interest, their genome-wide response has not been fully understood. In this study, we analyzed transcriptional profiles of cells exposed to the supernatant of 30-day long-term stationary phase culture and found that their transcriptome profiles displayed several similar responses to those of cells in the 16-h short-term stationary phase. Nevertheless, our results revealed that cells in long-term stationary phase supernatant exhibit higher expressions of stress-response genes such as phage shock proteins (psp), and lower expressions of growth-related genes such as ribosomal proteins than those in the short-term stationary phase. We confirmed that the mutant lacking the psp operon showed lower survival and growth rate in the long-term stationary phase culture. This study identified transcriptional responses for stress-resistant physiology in the long-term stationary phase environment.

Effectiveness of patient and staff cohorting to reduce the risk of vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) acquisition: a retrospective cohort study during a VRE outbreak in Japan

BACKGROUND

Patient and staff cohorting is part of a bundle approach in the response to multi-drug-resistant organisms, but its effectiveness is not fully clarified. This study compared the risks of acquiring vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) at a hospital during a VREfm outbreak based on contact characteristics in order to better understand the effectiveness of cohorting.

METHODS

Exposure came from contact with patients with VREfm (infectors), including existing patients with VREfm and patients who acquired VREfm during the study period. Contact was defined as length of contact time, degree of sharing space, and care by the same nurses as those caring for infectors between January and March 2018. The outcome was VREfm acquisition as determined through monthly stool or rectal screening cultures. Incidence rates were calculated based on contact patterns, and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were compared.

FINDINGS

Among 272 inpatients (4038 patient-days), 43 patients acquired VREfm with the same or similar pulsotype. Incidence rates were 8.45 per 1000 patient-days when susceptible inpatients were on the same ward as an infector but cared for by different nurses (reference), 16.96 when susceptible inpatients were on the same ward as an infector and cared for by the same nurses [IRR 2.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62-10.28], and 52.91 when susceptible inpatients shared a room with an infector (IRR 6.26, 95% CI 1.61-35.40).

CONCLUSION

Compared with susceptible inpatients in a different room from infectors and not being cared for by the same nurses, the risk of VREfm acquisition could be six times higher for susceptible inpatients who are in the same room as infectors, and could be double for susceptible inpatients cared for by the same nurses as infectors.

[Accelerating drug discovery process with genome editing technology from Tokushima]

In a series of drug development processes from basic research to non-clinical and clinical trials, genome editing technologies have been making innovative breakthroughs. Genome editing using CRISPR/Cas9 system, which was awarded the Novel Prize in Chemistry in 2020, has greatly streamlined the production of genetically modified mice and cells, which have been used in a variety of drug discovery research and non-clinical trials. Setsuro Tech Inc. (Setsurotech) established in 2017 is a biotech startup originated in Tokushima University. In this paper, we will briefly review genome editing technology using CRISPR/Cas9 system, and then introduce our company, our fundamental technologies; GEEP method (Genome Editing by Electroporation of Cas9 Protein) developed by Takemoto et al., and VIKING method (Versatile NHEJ-based Knock-in using Genome Editing) established by Sawatsubashi et al. Also, we will introduce our contribution to the field of drug discovery research and industrial application of genome editing technology.

Synthesis and properties of fully-modified 4'-selenoRNA, an endonuclease-resistant RNA analog

A large number of chemically modified oligonucleotides (ONs) have been developed for RNA-based technologies. In most modified RNAs, the characteristic 2'-hydroxyl (2'-OH) groups are removed to enhance both nuclease resistance and hybridization ability. However, the importance of the 2'-OH group in RNA structure and function is well known. Here, we report the synthesis and properties of 4'-selenoRNA in which all four nucleoside units retain the 2'-OH groups but contain a selenium atom instead of an oxygen atom at the 4'-position of the furanose ring. 4'-SelenoRNA has enhanced ability to form duplexes with RNA, and high endonuclease resistance despite the presence of the 2'-OH groups. X-ray crystallography analysis showed that the 4'-selenoRNA duplex adopts an A-conformation, similar to natural RNA, although one 4'-selenocytidine residue has unusual South-type sugar puckering. Furthermore, preliminary studies using 4'-seleno-modified siRNAs suggest that 4'-selenoRNA may be applicable to RNA interference technology. Collectively, our results raise the possibility of a new class of modified RNA in which 2'-OH groups do not need to be masked.

Joint instability causes catabolic enzyme production in chondrocytes prior to synovial cells in novel non-invasive ACL ruptured mouse model

OBJECTIVE

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)-deficient model helps to clarify the mechanism of knee osteoarthritis (OA); however, the conventional ACL injury model could have included concurrent onset factors such as direct compression stress to cartilage and subchondral bone. In this study, we established a novel Non-invasive ACL-Ruptured mouse model without concurrent injuries and elucidated the relationship between OA progression and joint instability.

DESIGN

We induced the ACL-Rupture non-invasively in twelve-week-old C57BL/6 male mice and evaluated histological, macroscopical, and morphological analysis at 0 days. Next, we created the ACL-R, controlled abnormal tibial translation (CATT), and Sham groups. Then, the joint stability and OA pathophysiology were analyzed at 2, 4, and 8 weeks.

RESULTS

No intra-articular injuries, except for ACL rupture, were observed in the ACL-R model. ACL-R mice increased anterior tibial displacement compared to the Sham group (P < 0.001, 95% CI [-1.509 to -0.966]) and CATT group (P < 0.001, 95% CI [-0.841 to -0.298]) at 8 weeks. All mice in the ACL-R group caused cartilage degeneration. The degree of cartilage degeneration in the ACL-R group was higher than in the CATT group (P = 0.006) at 8 weeks. The MMP-3-positive cell rate of chondrocytes increased in the ACL-R group than CATT group from 4 weeks (P = 0.043; 95% CI [-28.32 to -0.364]) while that of synovial cells increased at 8 weeks (P = 0.031; 95% CI [-23.398 to -1.021]).

CONCLUSION

We successfully established a Non-invasive ACL-R model without intra-articular damage. Our model revealed that chondrocytes might react to abnormal mechanical stress prior to synovial cells while the knee OA onset.

Reducing the number of accepted species in Aspergillus series Nigri

The Aspergillus series Nigri contains biotechnologically and medically important species. They can produce hazardous mycotoxins, which is relevant due to the frequent occurrence of these species on foodstuffs and in the indoor environment. The taxonomy of the series has undergone numerous rearrangements, and currently, there are 14 species accepted in the series, most of which are considered cryptic. Species-level identifications are, however, problematic or impossible for many isolates even when using DNA sequencing or MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, indicating a possible problem in the definition of species limits or the presence of undescribed species diversity. To re-examine the species boundaries, we collected DNA sequences from three phylogenetic markers (benA, CaM and RPB2) for 276 strains from series Nigri and generated 18 new whole-genome sequences. With the three-gene dataset, we employed phylogenetic methods based on the multispecies coalescence model, including four single-locus methods (GMYC, bGMYC, PTP and bPTP) and one multilocus method (STACEY). From a total of 15 methods and their various settings, 11 supported the recognition of only three species corresponding to the three main phylogenetic lineages: A. niger, A. tubingensis and A. brasiliensis. Similarly, recognition of these three species was supported by the GCPSR approach (Genealogical Concordance Phylogenetic Species Recognition) and analysis in DELINEATE software. We also showed that the phylogeny based on benA, CaM and RPB2 is suboptimal and displays significant differences from a phylogeny constructed using 5 752 single-copy orthologous proteins; therefore, the results of the delimitation methods may be subject to a higher than usual level of uncertainty. To overcome this, we randomly selected 200 genes from these genomes and performed ten independent STACEY analyses, each with 20 genes. All analyses supported the recognition of only one species in the A. niger and A. brasiliensis lineages, while one to four species were inconsistently delimited in the A. tubingensis lineage. After considering all of these results and their practical implications, we propose that the revised series Nigri includes six species: A. brasiliensis, A. eucalypticola, A. luchuensis (syn. A. piperis), A. niger (syn. A. vinaceus and A. welwitschiae), A. tubingensis (syn. A. chiangmaiensis, A. costaricensis, A. neoniger and A. pseudopiperis) and A. vadensis. We also showed that the intraspecific genetic variability in the redefined A. niger and A. tubingensis does not deviate from that commonly found in other aspergilli. We supplemented the study with a list of accepted species, synonyms and unresolved names, some of which may threaten the stability of the current taxonomy. Citation: Bian C, Kusuya Y, Sklenář F, D'hooge E, Yaguchi T, Ban S, Visagie CM, Houbraken J, Takahashi H, Hubka V (2022). Reducing the number of accepted species in Aspergillus series Nigri. Studies in Mycology 102: 95-132. doi: 10.3114/sim.2022.102.03.

Efficacy of cancer-specific anti-podoplanin CAR-T cells and oncolytic herpes virus G47Δ combination therapy against glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is a devastating malignant brain tumor with a poor prognosis despite standard therapy. Podoplanin (PDPN), a type I transmembrane mucin-like glycoprotein that is overexpressed in various cancers, is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of glioblastoma. We previously reported the efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells using an anti-pan-PDPN monoclonal antibody (mAb; NZ-1)-based third-generation CAR in a xenograft mouse model. However, NZ-1 also reacted with PDPN-expressing normal cells, such as lymphatic endothelial cells, pulmonary alveolar type I cells, and podocytes. To overcome possible on-target-off-tumor effects, we produced a cancer-specific mAb (CasMab, LpMab-2)-based CAR. LpMab-2 (Lp2) reacted with PDPN-expressing cancer cells but not with normal cells. In this study, Lp2-CAR-transduced T cells (Lp2-CAR-T) specifically targeted PDPN-expressing glioma cells while sparing the PDPN-expressing normal cells. Lp2-CAR-T also killed patient-derived glioma stem cells, demonstrating its clinical potential against glioblastoma. Systemic injection of Lp2-CAR-T cells inhibited the growth of a subcutaneous glioma xenograft model in immunodeficient mice. Combination therapy with Lp2-CAR-T and oncolytic virus G47Δ, a third-generation recombinant herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1, further inhibited the tumor growth and improved survival. These findings indicate that the combination therapy of Lp2-CAR-T cells and G47Δ may be a promising approach to treat glioblastoma.

Force plate analysis of ground reaction forces in relation to gait velocity of healthy Beagles

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate changes in ground reaction forces (GRFs) in relation to gait velocity using 2 force plates (FPs) for healthy Beagles.

ANIMALS

18 healthy Beagles were included (body weight, 10.45 ± 1.28 kg; age, 26 ± 11 months).

PROCEDURES

Ten GRF parameters were measured at three gait velocities (walk, 0.9 to 1.2 m/s; trot 1, 1.6 to 2.0 m/s; and trot 2, 2.1 to 2.5 m/s): peak lateral force (PLF), peak medial force (PMF), lateral impulse (LI), medial impulse (MI), peak propulsive force (PPF), peak braking force (PBF), propulsive impulse (PI), braking impulse (BI), peak vertical force (PVF), and vertical impulse (VI).

RESULTS

As velocity increased, the PVF of all limbs increased, the VI of all limbs decreased, and the PPF of the forelimbs increased. At all velocities, PBF and BI were significantly higher than the PPF and PI in forelimbs; however, PBF and BI were significantly lower than the PPF and PI in hindlimbs. There were no significant differences in the PLF, PMF, LI, and MI of the forelimbs and hindlimbs among all velocities. The PLF was significantly higher than the PMF of forelimbs during trot 1 and trot 2.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

These results may be useful when comparing healthy Beagles with diseased ones when premorbid data are not available. Because the forelimbs are mainly responsible for the braking force, it is suggested that weight bearing is more stable in the forelimbs than in the hindlimbs, which are mainly responsible for the propulsive force, and that a greater force is generated laterally than medially during trot.

OP0112 THE EVER-LARGEST ASIAN GWAS FOR SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS AND TRANS-POPULATION META-ANALYSIS IDENTIFIED SEVEN NOVEL LOCI AND A CANDIDATE CAUSAL SNP IN A CIS-REGULATORY ELEMENT OF THE FCGR REGION

Background

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified 29 disease-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for systemic sclerosis (SSc) in non-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) regions (1-7). While these GWASs have clarified genetic architectures of SSc, study subjects were mainly Caucasians limiting application of the findings to Asians.

Objectives

The study was conducted to identify novel causal variants for SSc specific to Japanese subjects as well as those shared with European population. We also aimed to clarify mechanistic effects of the variants on pathogenesis of SSc.

Methods

A total of 114,108 subjects comprising 1,499 cases and 112,609 controls were enrolled in the two-staged study leading to the ever-largest Asian GWAS for SSc. After applying a strict quality control both for genotype and samples, imputation was conducted using the reference panel of the phase 3v5 1,000 genome project data combined with a high-depth whole-genome sequence data of 3,256 Japanese subjects. We conducted logistic regression analyses and also combined the Japanese GWAS results with those of Europeans (6) by an inverse-variance fixed-effect model. Polygenicity and enrichment of functional annotations were evaluated by linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC), Haploreg and IMPACT programs. We also constructed polygenic risk score (PRS) to predict SSc development.

Results

We identified three (FCRLA-FCGR, TNFAIP3, PLD4) and four (EOMES, ESR1, SLC12A5, TPI1P2) novel loci in Japanese GWAS and a trans-population meta-analysis, respectively. One of Japanese novel risk SNPs, rs6697139, located within FCGR gene clusters had a strong effect size (OR 2.05, P=4.9×10-11). We also found the complete LD variant, rs10917688, was positioned in cis-regulatory element and binding motif for an immunomodulatory transcription factor IRF8 in B cells, another genome-wide significant locus in our trans-ethnic meta-analysis and the previous European GWAS. Notably, the association of risk allele of rs10917688 was significant only in the presence of the risk allele of the IRF8. Intriguingly, rs10917688 was annotated as one enhancer-related histone marks, H3K4me1, in B cells, implying that FCGR gene(s) in B cells may play an important role in the pathogenesis of SSc. Furhtermore, significant heritability enrichment of active histone marks and a transcription factor C-Myc were found in B cells both in European and Japanese populations by LDSC and IMPACT, highlighting a possibility of a shared disease mechanism where abnormal B-cell activation may be one of the key drivers for the disease development. Finally, PRS using effects sizes of European GWAS moderately fit in the development of Japanese SSc (AUC 0.593), paving a path to personalized medicine for SSc.

Conclusion

Our study identified seven novel susceptibility loci in SSc. Downstream analyses highlighted a novel disease mechanism of SSc where an interactive role of FCGR gene(s) and IRF8 may accelerate the disease development and B cells may play a key role on the pathogenesis of SSc.

References

[1]F. C. Arnett et al. Ann Rheum Dis, 2010.

[2]T. R. Radstake et al. Nat Genet, 2010.

[3]Y. Allanore et al. PLoS Genet, 2011.

[4]O. Gorlova et al. PLoS Genet, 2011.

[5]C. Terao et al. Ann Rheum Dis, 2017.

[6]E. López-Isac et al. Nat Commun, 2019.

[7]W. Pu et al. J Invest Dermatol, 2021.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Gray matter volume and burnout severity among medical professionals

Introduction

Occupational burnout has become a pervasive problem in human services. Medical professionals are particularly vulnerable to burnout, which may lead to reduced motivation, medical errors, and voluntary absenteeism. To ensure effect functioning of medical systems, better understanding of burnout among medical professionals is warranted.

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the structural brain correlates of burnout severity among medical professionals.

Methods

Nurses in active service underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging. We assessed their burnout severity using self-reported psychological questionnaires. This study was approved by the Committee on Medical Ethics of Kyoto University and was conducted in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the World Medical Association.

Results

The results reflected considerable individual differences in burnout severity in our sample. Our findngs revealed that the levels of burnout severity were associated with the regional gray matter volumes in brain areas such as ventromedial prefrontal cortex and insula.

Conclusions

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, medical professionals have faced even greater stress. We hope that our findings will contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms of burnout and offer useful insights for developing effective interventions to manage stress and burnout.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Precise Measurement of Differential Cross Sections of the Σ^{-}p→Λn Reaction in Momentum Range 470-650 MeV/c

The differential cross sections of the Σ^{-}p→Λn reaction were measured accurately for the Σ^{-} momentum (p_{Σ}) ranging from 470 to 650  MeV/c at the J-PARC Hadron Experimental Facility. Precise angular information about the Σ^{-}p→Λn reaction was obtained for the first time by detecting approximately 100 reaction events at each angular step of Δcosθ=0.1. The obtained differential cross sections show a slightly forward-peaking structure in the measured momentum regions. The cross sections integrated for -0.7≤cosθ≤1.0 were obtained as 22.5±0.68 [statistical error(stat.)] ±0.65 [systematic error(syst.)] mb and 15.8±0.83(stat)±0.52(syst)  mb for 470<p_{Σ}(MeV/c)<550 and 550<p_{Σ}(MeV/c)<650, respectively. These results show a drastic improvement compared with past measurements of the hyperon-proton scattering experiments. They will play essential roles in updating the theoretical models of the baryon-baryon interactions.

Preparation status of missing-mass spectroscopy for 𝚵 hypernuclei with S-2S magnetic spectrometer

J-PARC E70 experiment measures the missing-mass of Ξ hypernuclei (12ΞBe) in Hadron Experimental Facility at J-PARC. We aim to reach the best missing-mass resolution of 2 MeV/c2 in FWHM with a new magnetic spectrometer S-2S. The high-resolution spectroscopy of Ξ hypernuclei will play an important role to understand the unknown ΞN interaction. The experiment will start at the beginning of 2023. This article presents the preparation status.

Recent progress and future prospects of hyperon nucleon scattering experiment

A new hyperon-proton scattering experiment, dubbed J-PARC E40, was performed to measure differential cross sections of the Σ+p, Σ−p elastic scatterings and the Σ−p → Λn scattering by identifying a lot of Σ particles in the momentum ranging from 0.4 to 0.8 GeV/c produced by the π±p → K+Σ± reactions. We successfully measured the differential cross sections of these three channels with a drastically improved accuracy with a fine angular step. These new data will become important experimental constraints to improve the theories of the two-body baryon-baryon interactions. Following this success, we proposed a new experiment to measure the differential cross sections and spin observables by using a highly polarized Λ beam for providing quantitative information on the ΛN interaction. The results of three Σp channels and future prospects of the Λp scattering experiment are described.

Are tri-pronuclear embryos that show two normal-sized pronuclei and additional smaller pronuclei useful for embryo transfer?

Purpose

This study aimed to analyze whether tripronuclear (3PN) zygotes, with two normal‐sized PNs and an additional smaller PN (2.1PN), can be used for embryo transfer.

Method(s)

A retrospective embryo cohort study was conducted on 695 patients who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment. Blastocyst formation rates were compared between 2.1PN and 2PN zygotes and PGT‐A analysis was performed on 15 blastocysts derived from 2.1PN zygotes.

Result(s)

Blastocyst formation rates were comparable between 2.1PN (43.8%) and 2PN zygotes (54.8%; p = 0.212). The rates of blastocysts with good morphology derived from 2.1 PN and 2PN zygotes were 18.8% and 25.5%, respectively. No significant differences were detected (p = 0.383). All of the analyzed blastocysts were diploid; however, 13 of these were found to be aneuploid, with a further two being mosaic.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that 2.1PN embryos can reach blastocyst stage. These blastocysts were diploid, however, predominantly aneuploid, and therefore could not be used for embryo transfer.

Oxide nanowire microfluidics addressing previously-unattainable analytical methods for biomolecules towards liquid biopsy

Nanowire microfluidics using a combination of self-assembly and nanofabrication technologies is expected to be applied to various fields due to its unique properties. We have been working on the fabrication of nanowire microfluidic devices and the development of analytical methods for biomolecules using the unique phenomena generated by the devices. The results of our research are not just limited to the development of nanospace control with "targeted dimensions" in "targeted arrangements" with "targeted materials/surfaces" in "targeted spatial locations/structures" in microfluidic channels, but also cover a wide range of analytical methods for biomolecules (extraction, separation/isolation, and detection) that are impossible to achieve with conventional technologies. Specifically, we are working on the extraction technology "the cancer-related microRNA extraction method in urine," the separation technology "the ultrafast and non-equilibrium separation method for biomolecules," and the detection technology "the highly sensitive electrical measurement method." These research studies are not just limited to the development of biomolecule analysis technology using nanotechnology, but are also opening up a new academic field in analytical chemistry that may lead to the discovery of new pretreatment, separation, and detection principles.

Nonmagnetic J=0 State and Spin-Orbit Excitations in K_{2}RuCl_{6}

Spin-orbit Mott insulators composed of t_{2g}^{4} transition metal ions may host excitonic magnetism due to the condensation of spin-orbital J=1 triplons. Prior experiments suggest that the 4d antiferromagnet Ca_{2}RuO_{4} embodies this notion, but a J=0 nonmagnetic state as a basis of the excitonic picture remains to be confirmed. We use Ru L_{3}-edge resonant inelastic x-ray scattering to reveal archetypal J multiplets with a J=0 ground state in the cubic compound K_{2}RuCl_{6}, which are well described within the LS-coupling scheme. This result highlights the critical role of unquenched orbital moments in 4d-electron compounds and calls for investigations of quantum criticality and excitonic magnetism on various crystal lattices.

Impact of Magnetic Field Configuration on Heat Transport in Stellarators and Heliotrons

We assess the magnetic field configuration in modern fusion devices by comparing experiments with the same heating power, between a stellarator and a heliotron. The key role of turbulence is evident in the optimized stellarator, while neoclassical processes largely determine the transport in the heliotron device. Gyrokinetic simulations elucidate the underlying mechanisms promoting stronger ion scale turbulence in the stellarator. Similar plasma performances in these experiments suggests that neoclassical and turbulent transport should both be optimized in next step reactor designs.

Analysis of clinical characteristics, prognosis and antibody pathogenicity of pemphigus patients positive for anti-desmoglein IgG autoantibodies in remission: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The detection of serum anti-desmoglein (Dsg) IgG autoantibodies has been reported to be useful for assessment of disease activity in pemphigus. However, previous studies have reported that anti-Dsg autoantibodies remain detectable in some patients without active pemphigus lesions.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the clinical characteristics and antibody pathogenicity of pemphigus patients positive for anti-Dsg IgG autoantibodies in remission.

METHODS

We retrospectively investigated pemphigus patients with a history of clinical remission who visited the Department of Dermatology of Keio University during 2019 and 2020. The antibody pathogenicity was assessed by bead aggregation assay.

RESULTS

When patients were recognized as having entered remission (PDAI = 0 and PSL ≦ 10 mg/day for 2 months), serum autoantibodies against Dsg were detected in 72 of 132 patients (54.5%, positive group; PG), but were not detected in 60 patients (45.5%, negative group; NG). Anti-Dsg antibody titres in remission declined from the active phase in 33 patients in the PG for whom data were available. There were no differences in the chance of reducing PSL to 5 mg/day (P = 0.885) and rate of relapse (P = 0.279) between PG and NG, but fewer patients in PG discontinued corticosteroids (P = 0.004). The ability of patients' sera to block aggregation of Dsg/desmocollin beads was significantly reduced in remission compared to the active phase. However, our results revealed that whole sera in remission still had pathogenic activity in seven of nine patients, and the approximately equal amounts of anti-Dsg antibodies in active phase and remission showed similar pathogenicity.

CONCLUSIONS

This study will provide guidance in cases where autoantibodies are found to be positive in pemphigus patients during remission or steroid reduction.

Impact of State of Emergency Declaration for COVID-19 on Cancer Screening Behavior in Japan

 

Status of cancer screening behavior is changing due to the effects of the state of emergency for Covid-19 in Japan. Based on data from three medical institutions that provide cancer screening throughout Japan, we compared the number of examinees undergoing cancer screening by month in 2019 and 2020. From April to May 2020, the number of examinees decreased by about 50-80% compared to the previous year, but after June, recovered to the same level as previous year. In addition, the number of examinees undergoing resident cancer screening tended to decrease more than that of occupational screening. The causes of the decrease are 1. examinee was wary of the risk of infection at the examination site. 2. medical institution postponed cancer screening because the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare issued a notice to refrain from endoscopy, which is less urgent. 3. It was considered that the municipalities that carried out the examinations were wary of the spread of the infection and postponed or canceled the recommendation of the cancer screening.

Key messages

Declaration of emergency has reduced the number of cancer screening examinees. Impact on cancer mortality will be an issue for the future.

Effect of endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphism on cardiovascular death and nonfatal myocardial infarction in Japanese general population

Introduction

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) have been reported to be associated with diabetes mellitus and myocardial infarction. However, few reports have prospectively investigated the effects of NOS3 SNP on cardiovascular death and nonfatal myocardial infarction.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of NOS3 SNP on cardiovascular death and the development of nonfatal myocardial infarction.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 2,752 subjects (aged ≥40) who participated in a community based health checkup. We genotyped two SNPs within NOS3 (rs1808593, rs1799983). All subjects were prospectively followed during the median follow-up period of 15.4 years with the end point of cardiovascular death and nonfatal myocardial infarction.

Results

The homozygous G-allele (GG), heterozygous (GT), and homozygous T-allele (TT) carriers of rs1808593 were identified in 60 (2%), 706 (26%), and 1,986 (72%) subjects, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that homozygous G-allele carriers of rs1808593 had the greater risk than those without. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis revealed that the homozygous G allele of rs1808593 was associated with cardiovascular death and the development of nonfatal myocardial infarction after adjusting for confounding risk factors.

Conclusions

NOS3 gene polymorphism could be a genetic risk factor for cardiovascular death and nonfatal myocardial infarction in the Japanese general population.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1

URAT1-selective inhibition ameliorates insulin resistance by attenuating diet-induced hepatic steatosis and BAT whitening in mice

Background

Accumulating evidence suggests that high uric acid is strongly associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome and drives the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and insulin resistance. Although urate transporter-1 (URAT1), which is primarily expressed in the kidney, plays a critical role in the development of hyperuricemia, its pathophysiological implication in NAFLD and insulin resistance remains unclear.

Objectives

We hypothesizes that URAT1 plays an important role in obesity-induced metabolic disorders, and URAT1-selective inhibitor treatment ameliorates systemic insulin resistance, NAFLD and adipose tissue dysfunction using diet-induced obese mice.

Methods

Mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 16 to 18 weeks or a normal-fat diet (NFD) were treated with or without a novel oral URAT1-selective inhibitor (dotinurad [50 mg/kg/day]) for another 4 weeks.

Results

Dotinurad administration significantly ameliorated HFD-induced obesity and insulin resistance. We found that URAT1 was also expressed in the liver and brown adipose tissue (BAT) other than kidney. HFD markedly induced NAFLD, which was characterized by severe hepatic steatosis, as well as the elevation of serum ALT activity and tissue inflammatory cytokine genes (Ccl2 and TNFα), all of which were attenuated by dotinurad. Likewise, HFD significantly increased URAT1 expression in BAT, resulting in the lipid accumulation (whitening of BAT) and increased production of tissue reactive oxygen species, which were reduced by dotinurad via UCP1 activation.

Conclusions

A novel URAT1-selective inhibitor, dotinurad, ameliorates insulin resistance by attenuating hepatic steatosis and promoting rebrowning of lipid-rich BAT in HFD-induced obese mice. URAT1 serves as a key regulator of the pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome, and may be a new therapeutic target for insulin-resistant individuals, particularly those with concomitant NAFLD.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Gender differences in the impact of plasma xanthine oxidoreductase activity on coronary artery spasm

Background

It has been reported that decreased nitric oxide bioavailability due to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) is one of the most important causes of coronary artery spasm (CAS). Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) is the rate-limiting enzyme for uric acid (UA) production and plays a pivotal role in generating ROS. It was reported that the gender differences exist in the impact of serum UA levels on cardiovascular risks. We previously demonstrated that increased plasma XOR activity is significantly associated with the incidence of CAS. However, the gender differences in the impact of plasma XOR activity on CAS remain unclear.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine the gender differences in the clinical impact of plasma XOR activity on CAS.

Methods

We investigated plasma XOR activity in 132 patients suspected for CAS (male, n=78; female, n=54), and underwent intracoronary acetylcholine provocation test. XOR activity assay was performed using stable isotope-labeled substrate and liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Provoked CAS was defined as total or subtotal occlusion (≥90%) with accompanying symptoms of chest pain and/or ischemic ST-segment changes on the electrocardiogram. We excluded the patients who had significant coronary artery stenosis (≥50%) and/or were taking XOR inhibitors.

Results

Plasma XOR activity was significantly lower in female compared with male patients (30.3 pmol/h/mL, interquartile range (IQR) 22.8–42.7 vs. 51.7 pmol/h/mL, IQR 34.7–101.8; P&lt;0.001). CAS was provoked in 36 male patients and 17 female patients, and they each had significantly higher plasma XOR activity compared with those without, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that plasma XOR activity was independently associated with the incidence of CAS in both genders after adjustment for confounding factors. The optimal cut-off values for predicting CAS were lower in female than those in male patients (52.3 vs. 91.6 pmol/h/mL). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that female patients with high XOR activity (≥52.3 pmol/h/mL; odds ratio [OR] 22.6, P&lt;0.001) exhibited a higher incidence of CAS compared with that in male patients (≥91.6 pmol/h/mL; OR 8.2, P&lt;0.001).

Conclusions

Plasma XOR activity was an independent predictor for the incidence of CAS in both genders. The impact of plasma XOR activity on CAS was stronger in female patients than in male patients.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1Figure 2

Proximate ferromagnetic state in the Kitaev model material α-RuCl3

α-RuCl₃ is a major candidate for the realization of the Kitaev quantum spin liquid, but its zigzag antiferromagnetic order at low temperatures indicates deviations from the Kitaev model. We have quantified the spin Hamiltonian of α-RuCl₃ by a resonant inelastic x-ray scattering study at the Ru L₃ absorption edge. In the paramagnetic state, the quasi-elastic intensity of magnetic excitations has a broad maximum around the zone center without any local maxima at the zigzag magnetic Bragg wavevectors. This finding implies that the zigzag order is fragile and readily destabilized by competing ferromagnetic correlations. The classical ground state of the experimentally determined Hamiltonian is actually ferromagnetic. The zigzag state is stabilized by quantum fluctuations, leaving ferromagnetism – along with the Kitaev spin liquid – as energetically proximate metastable states. The three closely competing states and their collective excitations hold the key to the theoretical understanding of the unusual properties of α-RuCl₃ in magnetic fields.

RuCl₃ has stood out as a prime candidate in the search for quantum spin liquids; however, its antiferromagnetic ordering at low temperature suggests deviations from typical QSL models. Here, using resonant inelastic x-ray scattering, the authors provide a comprehensive determination of the low energy effective Hamiltonian.

Constraints on Cosmic Strings Using Data from the Third Advanced LIGO-Virgo Observing Run

We search for gravitational-wave signals produced by cosmic strings in the Advanced LIGO and Virgo full O3 dataset. Search results are presented for gravitational waves produced by cosmic string loop features such as cusps, kinks, and, for the first time, kink-kink collisions. A template-based search for short-duration transient signals does not yield a detection. We also use the stochastic gravitational-wave background energy density upper limits derived from the O3 data to constrain the cosmic string tension Gμ as a function of the number of kinks, or the number of cusps, for two cosmic string loop distribution models. Additionally, we develop and test a third model that interpolates between these two models. Our results improve upon the previous LIGO-Virgo constraints on Gμ by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude depending on the model that is tested. In particular, for the one-loop distribution model, we set the most competitive constraints to date: Gμ≲4×10^{-15}. In the case of cosmic strings formed at the end of inflation in the context of grand unified theories, these results challenge simple inflationary models.

Constraints on Cosmic Strings Using Data from the Third Advanced LIGO-Virgo Observing Run

We search for gravitational-wave signals produced by cosmic strings in the Advanced LIGO and Virgo full O3 dataset. Search results are presented for gravitational waves produced by cosmic string loop features such as cusps, kinks, and, for the first time, kink-kink collisions. A template-based search for short-duration transient signals does not yield a detection. We also use the stochastic gravitational-wave background energy density upper limits derived from the O3 data to constrain the cosmic string tension Gμ as a function of the number of kinks, or the number of cusps, for two cosmic string loop distribution models. Additionally, we develop and test a third model that interpolates between these two models. Our results improve upon the previous LIGO-Virgo constraints on Gμ by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude depending on the model that is tested. In particular, for the one-loop distribution model, we set the most competitive constraints to date: Gμ≲4×10^{-15}. In the case of cosmic strings formed at the end of inflation in the context of grand unified theories, these results challenge simple inflationary models.

Measurement of uranium isotope ratios in Fukushima-accident contaminated soil samples using multi collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

In the present study, ¹³⁷Cs and ²³⁸U activity concentrations, ²³⁴U/²³⁸U activity ratio, and ²³⁵U/²³⁸U isotope ratio were measured in fifteen soil samples collected from the exclusion zone around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS). The ¹³⁷Cs activity concentrations of Fukushima-accident contaminated soil samples ranged from 29.9 to 4780 kBq kg^-1 with a mean of 2007 kBq kg^-1. On the other hand, the ²³⁸U activity concentrations of these soil samples ranged from 5.2 to 22.4 Bq kg^-1 with a mean of 13.2 Bq kg^-1. The activity ratios of ²³⁴U/²³⁸U ranged from 0.973 to 1.023. The ²³⁵U/²³⁸U isotope ratios of these exclusion zone soil samples varied from 0.007246 to 0.007260, and they were similar to the natural terrestrial ratio confirming the natural origin. Using isotope dilution technique, the ²³⁵U/¹³⁷Cs activity ratio was theoretically estimated for highly ¹³⁷Cs contaminated soil samples from Fukushima exclusion zone ranged from 5.01 × 10^-8 - 6.16 × 10^-7 with a mean value of 2.51 × 10^-7.

Microheater-integrated zinc oxide nanowire microfluidic device for hybridization-based detection of target single-stranded DNA

Detection of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has an impact on DNA analysis in liquid biopsies. However, current strategies to detect cfDNA have limitations that should be overcome, such as having low sensitivity and requiring much time and a specialized instrument. Thus, non-invasive and rapid detection tools are needed for disease prevention and early-stage treatment. Here we developed a device having a microheater integrated with zinc oxide nanowires (microheater-ZnO-NWs) to detect target single-stranded DNAs (ssDNAs) based on DNA probe hybridization. We confirmed experimentally that our device realizedin-situannealed DNA probes by which we subsequently detected target ssDNAs. We envision that this device can be utilized for fundamental studies related to nanobiodevice-based DNA detection.

Correlation between alterations in blood flow of malignant lymphomas after induction chemotherapies and clinical outcomes: a pilot study utilising contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for early interim evaluation of lymphoma treatment

AIM

To clarify the utility of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) for interim evaluation of response to chemotherapy in lymphoma treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CEUS was performed both before (day 0) and after the treatment (7 and/or 14 days), and a time-intensity curve was obtained. The patients were divided into two groups (complete remission [CR] group and non-CR group) according to the results of conventional response evaluation, and peak enhancement (PE), time to peak enhancement, perfusion index (PI), the total area under the curve during wash-in (AUC-in), and the total AUC were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

Among 27 patients with various types of lymphoma, the median change ratio of PE and PI at day 7 evaluation were significantly different between the CR group and the non-CR group (0.81 versus 1.39, p=0.017 for PE and 0.92 versus 2.09, p=0.010 for PI). The change ratio of PE < 1.09 (specificity: 86%; sensitivity, 88%) and PI < 1.65 (specificity: 86%; sensitivity: 94%) distinguished CR from non-CR. Patients who achieved a PE change ratio <1.09 or a PI change ratio <1.65 had significantly better estimated progression-free survival (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated that changes in tumour perfusion parameters evaluated with CEUS at 1 week after the treatment initiation were significantly different between lymphoma patients in CR group and non-CR group. Alterations in perfusion parameters evaluated via CEUS could impact the prognosis of lymphoma patients.

Humanized NOD/SCID/IL2rγnull mice exhibit functionally augmented human regulatory T cells associated with enzymatic up-regulation of H3K27me3 in comparison with humans

Humanized non-obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency/interleukin-2 receptor-γ-null (NOD/SCID/IL2rγ^null ) [humanized (huNSG)] mice engrafted with human hematopoietic cells have been used for investigations of the human immune system. However, the epigenetic features of the human regulatory T (T_reg ) cells of huNSG mice have not been studied. The objective of this study was to clarify the characteristics of human T_reg cells in huNSG mice, especially in terms of the epigenetic aspects. We compared the populations, inhibitory molecule expression and suppressive capacity of human T_reg cells in spleens harvested from the huNSG mice 120 days after the engraftment of human umbilical cord blood CD34⁺ cells with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Histone modifications and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (Ezh2), an H3K27 methyltransferase, of human T_reg cells were quantified in huNSG mice and human PBMCs. The effect of Ezh2 inhibitor on human T_reg cells exposed to interleukin (IL)-6 was also compared between them. Human T_reg cells in the spleens of huNSG mice showed an increased proportion among CD4⁺ T cells, higher expressions of forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3), cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor-related protein (GITR), a higher production of IL-10 and enhanced suppressive capacity when compared with those in human PBMCs. H3K27me3 and Ezh2 were specifically up-regulated in human T_reg cells of huNSG mice in comparison with those of human PBMCs. The decrease in T_reg cells induced by IL-6 exposure was attenuated in huNSG mice when compared with human PBMCs, while the difference between them was cancelled by addition of Ezh2 inhibitor. In conclusion, huNSG mice exhibit functionally augmented human T_reg cells owing to enzymatic up-regulation of H3K27me3.