OPERA tau neutrino charged current interactions

The OPERA experiment was designed to discover the vτ appearance in a vμ beam, due to neutrino oscillations. The detector, located in the underground Gran Sasso Laboratory, consisted of a nuclear photographic emulsion/lead target with a mass of about 1.25 kt, complemented by electronic detectors. It was exposed from 2008 to 2012 to the CNGS beam: an almost pure vμ beam with a baseline of 730 km, collecting a total of 1.8·1020 protons on target. The OPERA Collaboration eventually assessed the discovery of vμ→vτ oscillations with a statistical significance of 6.1 σ by observing ten vτ CC interaction candidates. These events have been published on the Open Data Portal at CERN. This paper provides a detailed description of the vτ data sample to make it usable by the whole community.

Daily oral supplementation of Hochu-Ekki-To prevents osteoclastic activation and bone loss in ovariectomized mice

Bone remodeling is sophisticatedly regulated by two different cell types: bone-resorbing osteoclasts and bone-forming osteoblasts. Hochu-Ekki-To, a Japanese traditional herbal medicine, is commonly used for the treatment of chronic diseases or frailty after an illness; however, its effects on metabolic bone diseases such as osteoporosis are not well known. We herein report that daily oral Hochu-Ekki-To administration significantly inhibits osteoclast activation as well as the reduction in bone volume in ovariectomized mice. Our results suggest that supplementation with Hochu-Ekki-To might be beneficial for the prophylaxis and treatment of metabolic bone diseases associated with abnormal osteoclast activation.

Elimination of senescent cells targeting Senescence associated glycoprotein (SAGP) improved the ageing-associated diseases and extended the lifespan

 

Cellular senescence entails an irreversible growth arrest and a pro-inflammatory secretory phenotype, which contributes to aging-associated disorders such as atherosclerosis and diabetes, however, underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. In this study, we identified a novel protein, senescence-associated glycoprotein (SAGP), as a biomarker of cellular senescence and we also found that elimination of senescent cells targeting SAGP attenuated aging-associated disorders such as atherosclerosis, diabetes and frailty.

First, we identified that SAGP as a senescent marker by microarray analysis of senescent human endothelial cells compared with young endothelial cells. The expression of SAGP was significantly increased in the aorta of chronological aging mice and ApoE-knockout mice. Then we measured SAGP expression in the patients registered in our hospital and found that mean SAGP expression was significantly higher in patients with atherosclerotic diseases compared to patients without atherosclerotic diseases. These data suggest that SAGP would become the novel marker of cellular senescence and/or aging-associated disorders.

We found SAGP co-localized with lysosome and bound to V-ATPase, proton pump in the acid organelles such as lysosome. The electron microscopy analysis revealed that the dysfunctional lysosomes were accumulated in SAGP knockdown endothelial cell. The genetic deletion of SAGP resulted in the increase of lysosomal pH and the suppression of mitochondrial autophagy, mitophagy. And this associated with the high level of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and promoted premature senescence in human endothelial cells. These data suggest that SAGP was induced by the lysosomal stress in the senescent cells to protects senescent cells by maintaining the lysosomal homeostasis.

Recently, it is reported that elimination of senescent cells (senolysis) reversibly improved pathological aging phenotypes and also extended the lifespan. We established senolytic therapy targeting SAGP. We generated SAGP-DTR (diphtheria toxin receptor) transgenic mice, in which we could eliminate the SAGP- positive senescent cells using DT (diphtheria toxin). We found elimination of SAGP positive senescent cells significantly reduced the atherosclerotic plaque burden in the aorta of ApoE-KO mice and improved the glucose metabolism of dietary obese mice, indicating that SAGP could be a useful target for senolytic therapy. For clinical implication, we then developed a cytotoxic vaccine targeting SAGP. Treatment with SAGP vaccine successfully eliminated SAGP positive senescent cells and attenuated atherosclerosis and metabolic dysfunction. Surprisingly, administration of SAGP vaccine to Zmpste24-KO mice, premature aging mice, extended the lifespan. These data indicate that targeting SAGP-positive cells could be a novel strategy for senolytic therapy.

Effect of SAGP vaccine

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research by Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)

Cardiac mitofusin-1 is declined in non-responding patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

Background/Introduction

Mitochondria are dynamic regulators of cellular metabolism and homeostasis. The dysfunction of mitochondria has long been considered a major contributor to aging and age-related diseases. The prognosis of severe heart failure is still unacceptably poor and it is urgent to establish new therapies for this critical condition. Some patients with heart failure do not respond to established multidisciplinary treatment and they are classified as “non-responders”. The outcome is especially poor for non-responders, and underlying mechanisms are largely unknown.

Purpose

Studies indicate mitochondrial dysfunction has causal roles for metabolic remodeling in the failing heart, but underlying mechanisms remain to be explored. This study tried to elucidate the role of Mitofusin-1 in a failing heart.

Methods

We examined twenty-two heart failure patients who underwent endomyocardial biopsy of intraventricular septum. Patients were classified as non-responders when their left-ventricular (LV) ejection fraction did not show more than 10% improvement at remote phase after biopsy. Fourteen patients were classified as responders, and eight as non-responders. Electron microscopy, quantitative PCR, and immunofluorescence studies were performed to explore the biological processes or molecules involved in failure to respond. In addition to studies with cardiac tissue specific knockout mice, we also conducted functional in-vitro studies with neonatal rat ventricular myocytes.

Results

Twenty-two patients with IDCM who underwent endomyocardial biopsy were enrolled in this study, including 14 responders and 8 non-responders. Transmission electron microscopy (EM) showed a significant reduction in mitochondrial size in cardiomyocytes of non-responders compared to responders. Quantitative PCR revealed that transcript of mitochondrial fusion protein, Mitofusin-1, was significantly reduced in non-responders. Studies with neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) indicated that the beta-1 adrenergic receptor-mediated signaling pathway negatively regulates Mitofusin-1 expression. Suppression of Mitofusin-1 resulted in a significant reduction in mitochondrial respiration of NRVMs. We generated left ventricular pressure overload model with thoracic aortic constriction (TAC) in cardiac specific Mitofusin-1 knockout model (c-Mfn1 KO). Systolic function was reduced in c-Mfn1 KO mice, and EM study showed an increase in dysfunctional mitochondria in the KO group subjected to TAC.

Conclusions

Mitofusin-1 becomes a biomarker for non-responders with heart failure. In addition, our results suggest that therapies targeting mitochondrial dynamics and homeostasis would become next generation therapy for severe heart failure patients.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Stromal-type Nephroblastoma with or without Anaplasia in Two Hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris)

We describe the clinical and histological characteristics of stromal-type nephroblastomas that developed in two hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris). In case 1, the tumour was composed of a proliferation of anaplastic stromal cells with ductal structures resembling the epithelium of nephroblastoma. In case 2, spindle-shaped cells that were somewhat larger than nephroblasts were frequently seen surrounding the cell cluster, and there was proliferation of stromal cells with collagen fibres at the periphery. Immunohistochemically, the tumour cells labelled weakly to strongly for the nephroblast marker Wilms' tumour-1 and were positive for Ki67 with rates of 5% and 10% for cases 1 and 2, respectively. Based on the above, the diagnosis was of stromal-type nephroblastoma with anaplasia in case 1 and without anaplasia in case 2. Our findings suggest that stromal-type nephroblastomas arise in adult hedgehogs and are clinically benign, and that histological anaplasia does not affect the prognosis.

The L-type amino acid transporter LAT1 inhibits osteoclastogenesis and maintains bone homeostasis through the mTORC1 pathway

L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1), which is encoded by solute carrier transporter 7a5 (Slc7a5), plays a crucial role in amino acid sensing and signaling in specific cell types, contributing to the pathogenesis of cancer and neurological disorders. Amino acid substrates of LAT1 have a beneficial effect on bone health directly and indirectly, suggesting a potential role for LAT1 in bone homeostasis. Here, we identified LAT1 in osteoclasts as important for bone homeostasis. Slc7a5 expression was substantially reduced in osteoclasts in a mouse model of ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis. The osteoclast-specific deletion of Slc7a5 in mice led to osteoclast activation and bone loss in vivo, and Slc7a5 deficiency increased osteoclastogenesis in vitro. Loss of Slc7a5 impaired activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway in osteoclasts, whereas genetic activation of mTORC1 corrected the enhanced osteoclastogenesis and bone loss in Slc7a5-deficient mice. Last, Slc7a5 deficiency increased the expression of nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 1 (Nfatc1) and the nuclear accumulation of NFATc1, a master regulator of osteoclast function, possibly through the canonical nuclear factor κB pathway and the Akt-glycogen synthase kinase 3β signaling axis, respectively. These findings suggest that the LAT1-mTORC1 axis plays a pivotal role in bone resorption and bone homeostasis by modulating NFATc1 in osteoclasts, thereby providing a molecular connection between amino acid intake and skeletal integrity.

mTORC1 Activation in Osteoclasts Prevents Bone Loss in a Mouse Model of Osteoporosis

The mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is widely implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including cancer, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Bone homeostasis is maintained by the actions of bone-resorbing osteoclasts and bone-forming osteoblasts. An imbalance in the sophisticated regulation of osteoclasts and osteoblasts leads to the pathogenesis as well as etiology of certain metabolic bone diseases, including osteoporosis and osteopetrosis. Here, we identified mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) as a pivotal mediator in the regulation of bone resorption and bone homeostasis under pathological conditions through its expression in osteoclasts. The activity of mTORC1, which was indicated by the phosphorylation level of its downstream target p70S6 kinase, was reduced during osteoclast differentiation, in accordance with the upregulation of Hamartin (encoded by tuberous sclerosis complex 1 [Tsc1]), a negative regulator of mTORC1. Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-dependent osteoclastogenesis was impaired in Tsc1-deficient bone marrow macrophages. By contrast, osteoclastogenesis was markedly enhanced by Raptor deficiency but was unaffected by Rictor deficiency. The deletion of Tsc1 in osteoclast lineage cells in mice prevented bone resorption and bone loss in a RANKL-induced mouse model of osteoporosis, although neither bone volume nor osteoclastic parameter was markedly altered in these knockout mice under physiological conditions. Therefore, these findings suggest that mTORC1 is a key potential target for the treatment of bone diseases.

Basal Cell Adenoma of the Salivary Gland and Possible Recurrence as Basal Cell Adenocarcinoma in a Black-tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomys ludovicianus)

We describe a black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) with a benign biphasic nodular tumour that recurred as a malignant biphasic tumour at the same site 2 years after resection. Both tumours were biphasic with regard to the glandular epithelium and basal cells and contained little of the mucus, cartilage or fibrous tissue that characterize pleomorphic adenoma and carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma. Both the first and second tumours exhibited histopathological features similar to those exhibited by human basal cell adenoma and adenocarcinoma, respectively. Both were resected and the animal was alive with no recurrence or metastasis at the time of writing, 9 months after the second surgery.

Daily intake of polyamine-rich Saccharomyces cerevisiae S631 prevents osteoclastic activation and bone loss in ovariectomized mice

An imbalance in the sophisticated regulation between bone-resorbing osteoclasts and bone-forming osteoblasts leads to the pathogenesis and etiology of certain metabolic bone diseases including osteoporosis. Certain polyamines are related to the pathophysiology of some disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, infectious disease, cancer, and aging. Recently, we demonstrated that oral intake of polyamines (spermidine and spermine) prevented bone loss through preferential disturbance of osteoclastic activation in ovariectomy-induced mouse model of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Here, we showed that daily oral supplementation of a diet containing polyamine-rich Saccharomyces cerevisiae S631 significantly inhibited osteoclastic activation as well as reduction of bone volume in the cancellous bone without affecting uterine weight in ovariectomized mice. Our findings recommend that daily oral supplementation with polyamine-rich yeast diet would be beneficial for prophylaxis of metabolic bone diseases associated with abnormal osteoclast activation.

The MAPK Erk5 is necessary for proper skeletogenesis involving a Smurf-Smad-Sox9 molecular axis

Erk5 belongs to the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family. Following its phosphorylation by Mek5, Erk5 modulates several signaling pathways in a number of cell types. In this study, we demonstrated that Erk5 inactivation in mesenchymal cells causes abnormalities in skeletal development by inducing Sox9, an important transcription factor of skeletogenesis. We further demonstrate that Erk5 directly phosphorylates and activates Smurf2 (a ubiquitin E3 ligase) at Thr²⁴⁹, which promotes the proteasomal degradation of Smad proteins and phosphorylates Smad1 at Ser²⁰⁶ in the linker region known to trigger its proteasomal degradation by Smurf1. Smads transcriptionally activated the expression of Sox9 in mesenchymal cells. Accordingly, removal of one Sox9 allele in mesenchymal cells from Erk5-deficient mice rescued some abnormalities of skeletogenesis. These findings highlight the importance of the Mek5-Erk5-Smurf-Smad-Sox9 axis in mammalian skeletogenesis.

Translational Control of Sox9 RNA by mTORC1 Contributes to Skeletogenesis

The mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) regulates cellular function in various cell types. Although the role of mTORC1 in skeletogenesis has been investigated previously, here we show a critical role of mTORC1/4E-BPs/SOX9 axis in regulating skeletogenesis through its expression in undifferentiated mesenchymal cells. Inactivation of Raptor, a component of mTORC1, in limb buds before mesenchymal condensations resulted in a marked loss of both cartilage and bone. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that mTORC1 selectively controls the RNA translation of Sox9, which harbors a 5′ terminal oligopyrimidine tract motif, via inhibition of the 4E-BPs. Indeed, introduction of Sox9 or a knockdown of 4E-BP1/2 in undifferentiated mesenchymal cells markedly rescued the deficiency of the condensation observed in Raptor-deficient mice. Furthermore, introduction of the Sox9 transgene rescued phenotypes of deficient skeletal growth in Raptor-deficient mice. These findings highlight a critical role of mTORC1 in mammalian skeletogenesis, at least in part, through translational control of Sox9 RNA.

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mTORC1 controls skeletogenesis both in skeletogenic progenitors and in chondrocytes

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mTORC1/4E-BPs cascade regulates the translation of Sox9 RNA

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SOX9 is a critical mediator in the control of skeletogenesis by mTORC1 in vivo

Final Results of the OPERA Experiment on ν_{τ} Appearance in the CNGS Neutrino Beam

The OPERA experiment was designed to study ν_{μ}→ν_{τ} oscillations in the appearance mode in the CERN to Gran Sasso Neutrino beam (CNGS). In this Letter, we report the final analysis of the full data sample collected between 2008 and 2012, corresponding to 17.97×10^{19} protons on target. Selection criteria looser than in previous analyses have produced ten ν_{τ} candidate events, thus reducing the statistical uncertainty in the measurement of the oscillation parameters and of ν_{τ} properties. A multivariate approach for event identification has been applied to the candidate events and the discovery of ν_{τ} appearance is confirmed with an improved significance level of 6.1σ. |Δm_{32}^{2}| has been measured, in appearance mode, with an accuracy of 20%. The measurement of the ν_{τ} charged-current cross section, for the first time with a negligible contamination from ν[over ¯]_{τ}, and the first direct evidence for the ν_{τ} lepton number are also reported.

Preliminary Study on Prevalence and Associated Factors with Sarcopenia in a Geriatric Hospitalized Rehabilitation Setting

The reported prevalence of sarcopenia has shown a wide range, crucially based on the diagnostic criteria and setting. This cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence of sarcopenia and sought to identify factors associated with sarcopenia on admission in a specialized geriatric rehabilitation setting based on the newly developed the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia algorithm. Among 87 participants (mean age, 76.05 ± 7.57 years), 35 (40.2%) were classified as showing sarcopenia on admission. Prevalence was high, particularly among participants ≥80 years old, with tendencies toward lower body mass index, smoking habit, lower cognitive function, and greater functional impairment compared with the non-sarcopenic group. Identification of sarcopenia in elderly patients before rehabilitation and consideration of risk factors may prove helpful in achieving rehabilitation outcomes.

Hypoxic Stress Upregulates the Expression of Slc38a1 in Brown Adipocytes via Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α

The availability of amino acid in the brown adipose tissue (BAT) has been shown to be altered under various conditions; however, little is known about the possible expression and pivotal role of amino acid transporters in BAT under physiological and pathological conditions. The present study comprehensively investigated whether amino acid transporters are regulated by obesogenic conditions in BAT in vivo. Moreover, we investigated the mechanism underlying the regulation of the expression of amino acid transporters by various stressors in brown adipocytes in vitro. The expression of solute carrier family 38 member 1 (Slc38a1; gene encoding sodium-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 1) was preferentially upregulated in the BAT of both genetic and acquired obesity mice in vivo. Moreover, the expression of Slc38a1 was induced by hypoxic stress through hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, which is a master transcription factor of the adaptive response to hypoxic stress, in brown adipocytes in vitro. These results indicate that Slc38a1 is an obesity-associated gene in BAT and a hypoxia-responsive gene in brown adipocytes.

Association of NOD2 Mutations with Aggressive Periodontitis

Aggressive periodontitis (AgP) is characterized by rapid alveolar bone destruction and tooth loss early in life, and its etiology remains unclear. To explore the genetic risk factors of AgP, we performed genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping for identity-by-descent mapping and identified 32 distinct candidate loci, followed by whole exome sequencing with 2 pedigrees of AgP consisting of 3 cases and 1 control in 1 family and 2 sibling cases in the other. After variant filtering procedures and validation by targeted Sanger sequencing, we identified 2 missense mutations at 16q12 in NOD2 (p.Ala110Thr and p.Arg311Trp), which encodes nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain protein 2. We further examined 94 genetically unrelated AgP patients by targeted sequencing of NOD2 and found that 2 patients among them also carried the p.Arg311Trp variant. Furthermore, we found 3 additional missense mutations in this gene (p.His370Tyr, p.Arg459Cys, and p.Ala868Thr). These mutations either had not been previously observed or are extremely rare (frequency <0.001) in Asian populations. NOD2 plays a crucial role in innate immunity as an intracellular receptor initiating nuclear factor κB-dependent and mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent gene transcription. These results demonstrated NOD2 as a novel gene involved in AgP.

Bone Resorption Is Regulated by Circadian Clock in Osteoblasts

We have previously shown that endochondral ossification is finely regulated by the Clock system expressed in chondrocytes during postnatal skeletogenesis. Here we show a sophisticated modulation of bone resorption and bone mass by the Clock system through its expression in bone-forming osteoblasts. Brain and muscle aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator-like protein 1 (Bmal1) and Period1 (Per1) were expressed with oscillatory rhythmicity in the bone in vivo, and circadian rhythm was also observed in cultured osteoblasts of Per1::luciferase transgenic mice. Global deletion of murine Bmal1, a core component of the Clock system, led to a low bone mass, associated with increased bone resorption. This phenotype was recapitulated by the deletion of Bmal1 in osteoblasts alone. Co-culture experiments revealed that Bmal1-deficient osteoblasts have a higher ability to support osteoclastogenesis. Moreover, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2 D3 ]-induced receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (Rankl) expression was more strongly enhanced in both Bmal1-deficient bone and cultured osteoblasts, whereas overexpression of Bmal1/Clock conversely inhibited it in osteoblasts. These results suggest that bone resorption and bone mass are regulated at a sophisticated level by osteoblastic Clock system through a mechanism relevant to the modulation of 1,25(OH)2 D3 -induced Rankl expression in osteoblasts. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

The transcriptional modulator Ifrd1 controls PGC-1α expression under short-term adrenergic stimulation in brown adipocytes

Sympathetic tone activates the function of classical brown adipocytes, which constitutively exist in the brown adipose tissue (BAT), and inducible brown adipocytes (so-called beige adipocytes), which sporadically reside within the white adipose tissue (WAT). Here we identified the transcriptional modulator interferon-related developmental regulator 1 (Ifrd1) as a negative regulator of thermogenic and mitochondrial gene expression in brown adipocytes. Ifrd1 expression was markedly induced by cold exposure and administration of CL-316243 (a β3 adrenergic agonist) in interscapular brown adipose and inguinal subcutaneous WATs, but not in epididymal visceral WAT, in vivo. Adrenergic stimulation also induced Ifrd1 expression in brown adipocytes in a cAMP responsive element binding protein-dependent manner in vitro. CL-316243 injection markedly elevated thermogenic and mitochondrial gene expression, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (Pgc1a) in the subcutaneous WAT of Ifrd1 knockout mice compared with gene expression in wild-type mice. Pgc1a promoter activity enhanced by the transcription factor specificity protein 1 (Sp1) was markedly repressed by co-introduction of Ifrd1 in brown adipocytes, whereas the repression was markedly prevented by the addition of trichostatin A, a histone deacetylase inhibitor. Moreover, adrenergic stimulation induced complex formation between Ifrd1, Sp1 and mSIN3B, which is a component of the SIN complex containing histone deacetylase, in brown adipocytes. These findings, therefore, suggest that Ifrd1 could be a pivotal negative regulator of sympathetic regulation of thermogenic and mitochondrial gene expression in brown adipocytes by interacting with Sp1 and the mSIN3 complex.

Daily oral intake of β-cryptoxanthin ameliorates neuropathic pain

β-cryptoxanthin, a xanthophyll carotenoid, exerts preventive effects on various lifestyle-related diseases. Here, we found that daily oral administration of β-cryptoxanthin significantly ameliorated the development of tactile allodynia following spinal nerve injury but was ineffective in mechanical allodynia in an inflammatory pain model in mice. Our results suggest that β-cryptoxanthin supplementation would be beneficial for the prophylaxis of neuropathic pain.

Novel reuterin-related compounds suppress odour by periodontopathic bacteria

OBJECTIVE

Halitosis is caused by volatile sulphur compounds including methyl mercaptan (CH₃ SH) in the oral cavity and is a serious problem that limits interpersonal social communication. The aim of study was to evaluate the effects of reuterin-related compounds (RRCs) on halitosis-related periodontopathic bacteria in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

RRC-01, RRC-02 and RRC-03 (32 and 64 μg ml^-1 ) in culture media containing Fusobacterium nucleatum JCM8523 and Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC33277 were used. The effects of RRCs on CH₃ SH production and detectable odour by F. nucleatum and P. gingivalis were examined by CH₃ SH production assay and organoleptic test, respectively. The number of bacterial cells was also measured using an ATP assay. In P. gingivalis treated with RRCs, the expression of mgl gene, which is responsible for CH₃ SH production, was examined by qRT-PCR.

RESULTS

CH₃ SH production and the score of detectable odour from F. nucleatum and P. gingivalis culture media containing RRCs were significantly lower than that without RRCs (P < 0.05). The expression of mgl gene in P. gingivalis was significantly downregulated by RRC-01 (P < 0.01), but not by RRC-02 or RRC-03.

CONCLUSIONS

RRCs are potent oral care products for preventing halitosis via reducing CH₃ SH production.

High-pressure synthesis of L10 MnAl with near-stoichiometric composition

L10 MnAl, which is a nonequilibrium ferromagnetic phase, is fabricated successfully with various compositions via high-pressure synthesis. The L10 phase is observed at pressures higher than 5 GPa, indicating that the volume effect is crucial for the stabilization of this phase. The employed synthesis route does not require a Mn-rich ε-phase, which has conventionally been used as the precursor compound. This allows for the synthesis of the L10 phase with a near-stoichiometric composition. In addition to variations in the composition in terms of the Mn/Al ratio, the axial ratio (c/a) as well as the ordering parameter (S) are modified systematically, with the maximum c/a and S values corresponding to the stoichiometric composition. With this structural change, the highest coercive force is also observed at the stoichiometric composition.

Accumulation of a soluble form of human nectin-2 is required for exerting the resistance against herpes simplex virus type 2 infection in transfected cells

Cell entry of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) requires the interaction of viral glycoprotein D (gD) with the receptor nectin-1 and herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM). In addition, it is known that nectin-2 is also functional as a receptor for HSV-2, although the binding to the gD is weak. To examine an antiviral potential of a soluble form of human nectin-2 (hNectin-2Ig), transfected Vero cells expressing the entire ectodomain of nectin-2 fused to the Fc portion of human IgG were established. Specific binding of hNectin-2Ig to HSV-2 gD was confirmed by ELISA. Competitive ELISA demonstrated that accumulation of hNectin-2Ig in transfected cells increased significantly in a cell culture time dependent manner. Viral growth of several HSV-2 strains was significantly inhibited in the transfected cells that were cultured for 72 hr compared with control Vero cells, but not in cells that were cultured for 24 hr. These results indicate that accumulation of a soluble form of nectin-2 is required for exerting the resistance against HSV-2 infection.

T-Cell Lymphoma with Eosinophilic Infiltration Involving the Intestinal Tract in 11 Dogs

Among the intestinal tumors of hematopoietic cell origin, lymphoma is the most common in the dog. Herein, we characterized the clinical and pathologic features of 11 dogs (average age, 10.6 ± 2.5 years) with T-cell lymphoma of the intestinal tract with eosinophil infiltrates. No sex predominance was apparent. All had localized tumor masses in the small intestine. Grossly, the intestinal wall was thickened, and the lumen of the affected intestine was usually narrowed. Microscopically, we observed transmural diffuse invasion of round to pleomorphic tumor cells. Tumor cells showed varying morphology, from scanty to abundant cytoplasm, and round to ovoid nuclei with scattered to dense chromatin. In seven of the dogs, tumor cells had infiltrated into the epithelium. All showed infiltration of eosinophils and all 11 tumors had a T-cell phenotype (CD3+,CD79-). Only one tumor stained positive for the mast cell marker c-kit and none was positive for mast cell tryptase. We did not observe ultrastructurally apparent granules in any of the tumor cells. These results suggest that, in dogs, T-cell lymphomas of intestinal origin resemble mast cell tumors of intestinal origin with respect to cell structure and eosinophil infiltration. Therefore, in the absence of epitheliotropism, it is difficult to confirm the differential diagnosis without immunostaining for mast cell and lymphocyte markers, including mast cell tryptase, c-kit, CD3, and CD79.

Mast Cell Tumors of the Gastrointestinal Tract in 39 Dogs

Mast cell tumors (MCTs) of gastrointestinal origin that had been surgically removed from 39 dogs were examined to evaluate their pathologic features. Miniature breeds, especially Maltese, were most frequently affected. The average age of affected dogs was 9.7 ± 2.6 years. No sex difference was apparent. The most frequently affected sites were in the upper digestive tract, and the prognosis was very poor. Grossly, the gastrointestinal wall was prominently thickened, and the lumen of the affected gut was usually narrowed. Microscopically, there was diffuse transmural invasion of round to pleomorphic tumor cells. Tumor cells had moderate to abundant cytoplasm, round to ovoid nuclei with scattered chromatin, and mitotic figures. Fibrous stroma was observed in about half of the tumors. There was variable infiltration of eosinophils. In all tumors, cytoplasmic granules showed weak metachromasia, but the number of granules was very small. Immunohistochemical staining for c-kit and mast cell tryptase was positive in 77% and 62% of tumors, respectively. All tumors were positive for at least two of these markers. Immunohistochemical staining for p53 was positive in 13% of the tumors. Reactivity for staining markers and p53 was unrelated to cell pleomorphism, vessel invasion, or survival time. Gastrointestinal MCTs have histologic and immunohistochemical features completely different from those of other primary or metastatic gastrointestinal tumors. The combination of immunostaining for mast cell tryptase and c-kit and histochemical staining for metachromasia appears to be a powerful tool for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal MCTs.

The Transcriptional Modulator Interferon-Related Developmental Regulator 1 in Osteoblasts Suppresses Bone Formation and Promotes Bone Resorption

Bone homeostasis is maintained by the synergistic actions of bone-resorbing osteoclasts and bone-forming osteoblasts. Although interferon-related developmental regulator 1 (Ifrd1) has been identified as a transcriptional coactivator/repressor in various cells, little attention has been paid to its role in osteoblastogenesis and bone homeostasis thus far. Here, we show that Ifrd1 is a critical mediator of both the cell-autonomous regulation of osteoblastogenesis and osteoblast-dependent regulation of osteoclastogenesis. Osteoblast-specific deletion of murine Ifrd1 increased bone formation and decreased bone resorption, causing high bone mass. Ifrd1 deficiency enhanced osteoblast differentiation and maturation along with increased expression of Runx2 and osterix (Osx). Mechanistically, Ifrd1 deficiency increased the acetylation status of p65, a component of NF-κB, at residues K122 and K123 via the attenuation of the interaction between p65 and histone deacetylase (HDAC). This led to the nuclear export of p65 and a decrease in NF-κB-dependent Smad7 expression and the subsequent enhancement of Smad1/Smad5/Smad8-dependent transcription. Moreover, a high bone mass phenotype in the osteoblast-specific deletion of Ifrd1 was markedly rescued by the introduction of one Osx-floxed allele but not of Runx2-floxed allele. Coculture experiments revealed that Ifrd1-deficient osteoblasts have a higher osteoprotegerin (OPG) expression and a lower ability to support osteoclastogenesis. Ifrd1 deficiency attenuated the interaction between β-catenin and HDAC, subsequently increasing the acetylation of β-catenin at K49, leading to its nuclear accumulation and the activation of the β-catenin-dependent transcription of OPG. Collectively, the expression of Ifrd1 in osteoblasts repressed osteoblastogenesis and activated osteoclastogenesis through modulating the NF-κB/Smad/Osx and β-catenin/OPG pathways, respectively. These findings suggest that Ifrd1 has a pivotal role in bone homeostasis through its expression in osteoblasts in vivo and represents a therapeutic target for bone diseases.

Decoupling grain growth from densification during sintering of oxide nanoparticles

Unique shrinkage mode of oxide nanoparticles enables densification without grain growth.

GDF1 is a novel mediator of macrophage infiltration in brown adipose tissue of obese mice

We previously demonstrated a marked upregulation in the bone morphogenic protein (BMP)/growth differentiation factor (GDF) family member, GDF5, which is capable of promoting brown adipogenesis, in brown adipose tissue (BAT) of obese mice. In this study, we identified other GDF family members, besides GDF5 that are responsive to different obesogenic signals in BAT using inborn and acquired obesity animal models. In BAT from leptin-deficient ob/ob mice, GDF1 expression was preferentially downregulated, whereas the expression of several other genes in the BMP/GDF family, including GDF5, was upregulated. Moreover, in cultured brown adipocytes exposed to tunicamycin and hydrogen peroxide, at concentrations not affecting cellular viability, GDF1 expression was significantly downregulated. Recombinant GDF1 failed to significantly alter brown adipogenesis, despite the promoted phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8 in cultured brown adipocytes, but accelerated Smad1/5/8 phosphorylation with a concomitant increase in the number of migrating cells during exposure in a manner sensitive to activin-like kinase inhibitors in macrophagic RAW264.7 cells. Similarly, accelerated migration was observed in murine peritoneal macrophages exposed to GDF1. These results indicate that obesity could lead to predominant downregulation of GDF1 expression in BAT, which can modulate cellular migration through a mechanism relevant to activation of the downstream Smad signaling pathway in adjacent macrophages.

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GDF1 expression is downregulated in BAT of obese mice.

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GDF1 expression is decreased in brown adipocytes by oxidative and ER stress.

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GDF1 does not alter brown adipogenesis.

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GDF1 accelerates migration of macrophages through the BMP receptor.

Operative Results and Clinical Features of Chronic Stanford Type B Aortic Dissection: Examination of 234 Patients Over 6 Years

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND

Recently, the indications for thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) have been expanding, and the applicability of TEVAR for acute type B aortic dissection (TBAD) is proposed with regard to the high mortality of open surgery for chronic TBAD. TEVAR in the acute phase may lead to remodeling of the false lumen (FL), but it is controversial whether it completely resolves the aortic expansion in the chronic phase. In this study, operative results and the relationship between FL status and the time before surgical intervention were retrospectively analyzed.

METHODS

From January 2008 to September 2013, 234 patients underwent open surgery for chronic TBAD. Most patients were on left heart bypass. By considering Japanese aortic disease treatment guidelines and the smaller physique of Japanese patients, operative indications were aneurysm >50 mm in diameter or rapid aneurysm enlargement of >5 mm in a 6 month period.

RESULTS

In 180 cases, the FL was patent. The mean interval between onset of TBAD and operation was 61 ± 54 months. There was no significant difference between patients in the patent FL group and those in the thrombosed FL group (p = .44). Mean ratio of FL diameter to maximum aortic diameter (FL/AD) was 0.64 ± 0.21. There was no correlation between FL and AD before the operation (r = .12). Descending thoracic aortic replacement (DTAR) was performed in 127 cases and thoracic ascending aortic replacement (TAAR) in 107 cases (Crawford type I, n = 9; Crawford type II, n = 65; Crawford type III and IV, n = 22, respectively; Safi type V, n = 11). The overall operative mortality was 6.8%: 3.9% (5/127) for DTAR and 10.3% (11/107) for TAAR. The three year survival was 86.7, and the freedom from re-intervention rate was 97.0%.

CONCLUSION

Enlargement of uncomplicated TBAD in the chronic phase was poorly related to FL status and the results of open repair have improved. However, further prospective study is necessary.

Discovery of τ Neutrino Appearance in the CNGS Neutrino Beam with the OPERA Experiment

The OPERA experiment was designed to search for ν_{μ}→ν_{τ} oscillations in appearance mode, i.e., by detecting the τ leptons produced in charged current ν_{τ} interactions. The experiment took data from 2008 to 2012 in the CERN Neutrinos to Gran Sasso beam. The observation of the ν_{μ}→ν_{τ} appearance, achieved with four candidate events in a subsample of the data, was previously reported. In this Letter, a fifth ν_{τ} candidate event, found in an enlarged data sample, is described. Together with a further reduction of the expected background, the candidate events detected so far allow us to assess the discovery of ν_{μ}→ν_{τ} oscillations in appearance mode with a significance larger than 5σ.

Nucleotide Sequence of the Gene for an Alkaline Endoglucanase from an AlkalophilicBacillusand Its Expression inEscherichia coliandBacillus subtilis

The gene for an alkaline endoglucanase from the alkalophilic Bacillus sp. KSM-64 was cloned into the HindIII site of pBR322 and expressed in Escherichia coli HB101. The nucleotide sequence of a 4.1-kb region of the HindIII insert had two open reading frames, ORF-1 and ORF-2. The protein deduced from ORF-1 was composed of 244 amino acids with an M(r) of 27,865. Subcloning analysis proved that the alkaline endoglucanase was encoded by ORF-2 (822 amino acids with an M(r) of 91,040). Upstream from ORF-2, there were three consensus like sequences of the sigma A-type promoter of Bacillus subtilis, a putative Shine-Dalgarno sequence (AGGAGGT), and a catabolite repression operator-like sequence (TGTAAGCGGTTAACC). The HindIII insert was subcloned into a shuttle vector, pHY300PLK, and the encoded alkaline endoglucanase gene was highly expressed both in E. coli and B. subtilis. One of the three promoter-like sequences in ORF-2 could be suitable for high levels of enzyme expression in both host organisms.

Catalytic lectin (leczyme) from bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) eggs

Catalytic lectins (leczymes) of frog eggs are sialic acid-binding lectins that have intrinsic RNase activity. They inhibit tumor cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo, although their cytotoxic mechanism remains unclear. RNase A has no tumoricidal activity. It is hypothesized that leczymes bind to cell surface sialoglycoconjugate receptors, enter the cell, and subsequently degrade RNA. In order to investigate the cytotoxic mechanism of cSBL, a leczyme from Rana catesbeiana eggs, we established cSBL-resistant clone RC-150 from mouse leukemia P388 cells. cSBL-treated P388 cells showed extensive RNA degradation over the course of 1 h, whereas cSBL-treated RC-150 cells showed no RNA degradation even over the course of 24 h. Treatment of P388 cells with cSBL led to decreased concentration of intracellular Ca2+, decreased protein kinase A activity, and increased protein kinase G activity. Incubation with cSBL decreased glutathione levels and enhanced glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity in P388 cells, but had no effect on RC-150 cells. We conclude that cSBL-specific degradation of RNA occurs in cSBL-sensitive tumor cells, that cSBL leads to alteration of signal transduction and an intracellular protein kinase cascade reaction, and that internalized cSBL is detoxified by GST or thioltransferase. Our findings support a bifunctional model in which a leczyme is both an adhesive protein (binding to sialoglycoconjugates) and an enzyme (displaying RNnase activity).