Astragalus root increases Treg and Th17 involvement in embryo implantation and pregnancy maintenance by decreasing CTLA-4+ Tregs

Maintenance of pregnancy is highly dependent on the maternal immune system. High levels of regulatory T cells (Tregs) accumulate in the maternal placenta to suppress immunoreactivity against fetal antigens. We assessed whether Astragalus root (AsR) and AsR-containing Kampo medicines modulate immunoreactivity and thereby increase mouse litter size. AsR-exposed murine splenocytes exhibited significantly increased IL-2 secretion. In AsR-exposed mice, total Tregs were significantly increased, whereas cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4)-positive Tregs were decreased in AsR-exposed mice. Tregs express IL-2 receptor subunit alpha and are activated by IL-2. CTLA-4 interacts with B7 expressed in antigen-presenting cells (APCs) with high affinity, and CTLA-4/B7 signaling plays a critical role in inhibiting APC activity, thereby suppressing CD4+ T cell proliferation and activation. The decrease in CTLA-4+ Tregs in AsR-exposed mice is thought to induce an increase in CD4+ T cells, leading to increased IL-2 secretion from CD4+ T cells followed by Treg activation. Th17 cells prevent trophoblast apoptosis, resulting in trophoblast invasion into the decidua. AsR increases Th17 cells, thereby inducing dose-dependent increases in litter size. Although Keishikaogito (KO)- and Ogikenchuto (OK)-exposed mice exhibited increased IL-2 secretion and splenic Tregs, KO also increased CTLA-4+ Tregs. Therefore, KO promoted immunosuppression by increasing CTLA-4+ Tregs, which induced a decrease in Th17 and exerted little effect on litter size. Therefore, an increase in both Tregs and Th17 cells can be considered necessary for embryo implantation and pregnancy maintenance.

Phytochemical investigation of aerial parts of Woodsia ilvensis and its plasmin-inhibitory activity in vitro

The fern plant Woodsia ilvensis (L.) R. Br. belongs to the Woodsiaceae family and its leaves are used to treat diarrhea, soft-tissue injuries, and external injuries. Investigations of the compounds obtained from the plasmin-inhibitory-active extracts of W. ilvensis led to the isolation of two undescribed maleimide N-glycosides, an undescribed stilbenoid glycoside, and five undescribed acetylated flavonol bisdesmosides, together with 19 known compounds. The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were determined using spectroscopy. The absolute configurations of the sugar moieties were determined via HPLC after acid hydrolysis. Among the isolated compounds, some flavonoids and stilbenoid glycosides exhibited plasmin-inhibitory activity.

Dorsal Column Myelopathy Following Intrathecal Chemotherapy for Leukemia

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Intrathecal (IT) methotrexate (Mtx) and/or cytarabine (AraC) improve CNS disease control in patients (pts) with hematologic malignancies. There are increasing number of case reports of irreversible, primarily dorsal column myelopathy in pts treated with IT chemotherapy. By describing the largest case series of myelopathy following IT chemotherapy, we aim to raise awareness about this devastating albeit rare complication.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 25 pts with leukemia who developed paraplegia following IT chemotherapy between 2/2006 and 9/2021. Clinical/treatment characteristics, response, and toxicity were extracted from the medical records.

RESULTS

Seventeen pts (68%) were male, 16 had B-cell ALL (64%), 4 had AML (16%), 2 had CML (8%), 2 had T-ALL (8%), and 1 had BPDCN (4%). The median age at diagnosis was 38 years (IQR 30-59). All pts required systemic salvage treatment after induction chemotherapy with a median number of 3 regimens received (IQR 2-5.5). In total, the median number of IT treatments was 19 per pt (IQR 14-27). Most pts (84%, n = 21) received single agent IT Mtx alternating with single agent AraC. Fifteen pts (60%) received triple IT therapy with a median of 3 treatments (IQR 0-8). Prior to the onset of myelopathy, 10 pts (40%) received allogeneic SCT and 9 pts (36%) were treated with radiation therapy. Median follow-up from diagnosis was 1.9 yrs (IQR 1.3-4.1). Myelopathy was progressive and irreversible in all pts (n = 25); 84% (n = 21) experienced sensory loss, and all pts had extremity weakness. Symptoms were ascending in 11 pts (44%) and descending in 4 pts (16%). Irreversible bowel/bladder incontinence developed in 12 pts (48%). CSF analysis at the time of symptom onset was negative for leukemia cells in most pts (n = 21, 84%) and showed malignant cells in 4 pts (16%). CSF studies showed elevated protein in 21 pts (84%). Myelin basic protein was elevated in all 13 assessed pts. On T2 weighted spinal MRI, all pts had enhancement of the dorsal columns, including 80% of pts with this dorsal column abnormality reported at the time of the study and 20% of pts (n = 5) with the dorsal enhancement noted retrospectively. Due to concern for occult disease, 20 pts (80%) received additional CNS-directed therapy after symptom onset. Twenty-two pts (88%) died at last follow-up. The time between neurological symptom onset and death was a median 3.5 months (IQR 2.6 and 5). Three pts (12%) are alive with paraplegia at a median of 4.4 years from symptom onset.

CONCLUSION

Dorsal column myelopathy is a rare but devastating condition that can occur after IT chemotherapy in heavily pre-treated leukemia pts. T2 weighted spinal MRI can be helpful in the evaluation of pts that present with unexplained weakness and sensory changes. We recommend delaying additional CNS-directed therapy until work-up to rule out alternative etiologies is complete. Future strategies are desperately needed to address this irreversible treatment complication.

Phytochemical investigation of Scutellaria scordiifolia and its trypanocidal activity

Scutellaria scordiifolia Fisch. ex Schrank is used to treat various inflammatory diseases and other ailments in traditional and contemporary medicine. In this study, 10 undescribed compounds, including a flavanone (1), four chrysin C-glycosides (2-5), a phenanthrene glucoside (6), four iridoid glucosides (7-10) and 31 known compounds were identified from an extract of the aerial parts of S. scordiifolia. The absolute configurations of sugars in C-glycosides were determined by comparing electric circular dichroism spectra with calculated data. The flavanones (1 and 17), flavonols (11-13), flavone (14), and some of the flavone glucuronides (15, 16) exhibited trypanocidal activities against Trypanosoma congolense. The activity data and quantitative HPLC analysis of flavonoids from the aerial parts of S. scordiifolia suggest that they may effectively treat diseases caused by the aforementioned trypanosomes. Other compounds such as novel iridoids and phenanthrene glycosides, which may be useful for chemophenetic and chemoecological discussions, were also identified.

Polygonum tinctorium leaf extract ameliorates high-fat diet-induced intestinal epithelial damage in mice

Dietary fat strongly influences the intestinal mucosal barrier, which protects against invading pathogenic bacteria. A high-fat diet (HFD) compromises the integrity of epithelial tight junctions (TJs) and reduces mucin production, leading to intestinal barrier disruption and metabolic endotoxemia. It has been shown that the active constituents of indigo plants can protect against intestinal inflammation; however, their protective role in HFD-induced intestinal epithelial damage remains unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Polygonum tinctorium leaf extract (indigo Ex) on HFD-induced intestinal damage in mice. Male C57BL6/J mice were fed a HFD and injected intraperitoneally with either indigo Ex or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for 4 weeks. The expression levels of TJ proteins, zonula occludens-1 and Claudin-1, were analyzed by immunofluorescence staining and western blotting. The colon mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-12p40, IL-10 and IL-22 were measured by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. The results revealed that indigo Ex administration attenuated the HFD-induced shortening of the colon. Colon crypt length was shown to be significantly greater in the indigo Ex-treated group mice compared with that in the PBS-treated group mice. Moreover, indigo Ex administration increased the number of goblet cells, and ameliorated the redistribution of TJ proteins. Notably, indigo Ex significantly increased the colon mRNA expression levels of IL-10. Indigo Ex displayed little effect on the gut microbial composition of HFD-fed mice. Taken together, these results suggested that indigo Ex may protect against HFD-induced epithelial damage. The leaves of indigo plants contain promising natural therapeutic compounds that could be used to treat obesity-associated intestinal damage and metabolic inflammation.

Paeoniflorin, a constituent of Kami-shoyo-san, suppresses blood glucose levels in postmenopausal diabetic mice by promoting the secretion of estradiol from adipocytes

Ovarian functional deterioration in women with climacteric disorders increases the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Therefore, we revealed that paeoniflorin (PF), an ingredient of paeony root (PR), which is a constituent of Kami-shoyo-san (KS), promotes glucose uptake by increasing estradiol secretion from adipocytes. Adipocytes differentiated from 3T3-L1 cells were incubated in culture medium containing the extracts of KS, PR, KS excluding PR (KS-PR), or PF for 5 d at 37 °C and 5% CO₂. The estradiol and glucose concentrations in the medium were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Next, PF (1 or 10 mg/kg) was subcutaneously injected into ovariectomized mice (12-week-old, ICR strain) once daily for 19 d to perform the glucose tolerance test and determine blood estradiol and adiponectin levels. The release of estradiol from 3T3-L1 adipocytes was significantly increased by KS, PR, KS-PR, and PF, and the increased estradiol level caused by KS was significantly decreased by excluding PF from KS (KS-PR). Glucose concentration in the medium was significantly decreased by KS and PF. In in vivo experiments, the 10 mg/kg PF-treated group showed significantly suppressed blood glucose levels at 0 and 30 min after d-glucose loading by intraperitoneal injection. These findings indicate that KS, which includes PR-containing PF as the main ingredient, may have the potential to prevent T2D caused by ovarian dysfunction in menopausal women by increasing estradiol secretion from adipocytes.

Nanoscale defect evaluation framework combining real-time transmission electron microscopy and integrated machine learning-particle filter estimation

Observation of dynamic processes by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is an attractive technique to experimentally analyze materials’ nanoscale phenomena and understand the microstructure-properties relationships in nanoscale. Even if spatial and temporal resolutions of real-time TEM increase significantly, it is still difficult to say that the researchers quantitatively evaluate the dynamic behavior of defects. Images in TEM video are a two-dimensional projection of three-dimensional space phenomena, thus missing information must be existed that makes image’s uniquely accurate interpretation challenging. Therefore, even though they are still a clustering high-dimensional data and can be compressed to two-dimensional, conventional statistical methods for analyzing images may not be powerful enough to track nanoscale behavior by removing various artifacts associated with experiment; and automated and unbiased processing tools for such big-data are becoming mission-critical to discover knowledge about unforeseen behavior. We have developed a method to quantitative image analysis framework to resolve these problems, in which machine learning and particle filter estimation are uniquely combined. The quantitative and automated measurement of the dislocation velocity in an Fe-31Mn-3Al-3Si autunitic steel subjected to the tensile deformation was performed to validate the framework, and an intermittent motion of the dislocations was quantitatively analyzed. The framework is successfully classifying, identifying and tracking nanoscale objects; these are not able to be accurately implemented by the conventional mean-path based analysis.

Indigo plant leaf extract inhibits the binding of SARS‑CoV‑2 spike protein to angiotensin‑converting enzyme 2

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) uses its S1 spike protein to bind to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on human cells in the first step of cell entry. Tryptanthrin, extracted from leaves of the indigo plant, Polygonum tinctorium, using d-limonene (17.3 µg/ml), is considered to inhibit ACE2-mediated cell entry of another type of coronavirus, HCoV-NL63. The current study examined whether this extract could inhibit the binding of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to ACE2. Binding was quantified as cell-bound fluorescence intensity in live cell cultures in which canine kidney MDCK cells overexpressing ACE2 were incubated with fluorescein-labeled S1 spike protein. When indigo extract, together with S1 protein, was added at 8,650x and 17,300x dilutions, fluorescence intensity decreased in a dose- and S1 extract-dependent manner, without affecting cell viability. When 4.0-nM tryptanthrin was added instead of the indigo extract, fluorescence intensity also decreased, but to a lesser degree than with indigo extract. Docking simulation analyses revealed that tryptanthrin readily bound to the receptor-binding domain of the S1 protein, and identified 2- and 7-amino acid sequences as the preferred binding sites. The indigo extract appeared to inhibit S1-ACE2 binding at high dilutions, and evidently contained other inhibitory elements as well as tryptanthrin. This extract may be useful for the prevention or treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Intraventricular pressure gradient: a promising tool to predict the post-infarction chronic congestive heart failure in rats

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background/Introduction: Congestive heart failure (CHF), the main reason for morbidity and mortality, is considered a serious consequence of myocardial infarction (MI). The use of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) as a chief indicator of CHF becomes limited because of the possible impairment of cardiac function and induced aortic valve damage during its recording. Echocardiography is the gold standard approach to diagnose structural myocardial dysfunction. However, its ability to predict chronic CHF following MI is still limited. Recently, intraventricular pressure gradient (IVPG) was presented as a non-invasive, highly sensitive preload-independent diastolic function parameter to assess cardiac function, especially during cardiomyopathy. However, there have not been any investigations demonstrating the feasibility of IVPG in the evaluation of post-infarction chronic CHF.

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the utility of IVPG to assess the heart function in a rat model with chronic CHF following MI with evaluating its capacity to predict these changes.

Methods

Fifty male rats were included. MI was induced via ligation of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) at the level of the atrioventricular junction (MI animals, n = 35). Sham animals were subjected to the same left thoracotomy procedure without LAD ligation (Sham animals, n = 15). Transthoracic conventional echocardiography and colour M-mode echocardiography (CMME) for IVPG were performed in all animals 6 months post-surgery. The next day, animals were anesthetized, ventilated, and euthanized after the recording of hemodynamics. The heart weight, and lung and liver wet-to-dry weight ratios were recorded. J-tree cluster-analysis was performed based on ten echocardiographic variables indicative of CHF.

Results

Based on the cluster analysis, animals were joined into two clusters; CHF+ (n = 22) and named MI/HF+, and CHF- (n = 28) that was joined from sham (n = 15), and MI/HF- (n = 13). MI/HF+ presented the most severe anatomical and echocardiographic changes indicative of CHF with significant reduction of all IVPG indices and impairment of the hemodynamics. The IVPG indices were significantly (P< 0.0001) correlated with the anatomical and echocardiographic findings, LVDP, LVEDP, HR, -dP/dtmin, and Tau. Meanwhile, LVSP was only significantly correlated with apical IVPG (R = 0.677, P = 0.022). dP/dtmax was significantly correlated with total IVPG, basal IVPG, and apical IVPG (R = 0.797, P = 0.017, R = 0.724, P = 0.003, and R = 0.652, P = 0.026 ; respectively). Moreover, total, basal, mid-to-apical, mid-, and apical IVPG were significant (P< 0.0001) predictors of chronic CHF following MI.

Conclusion

Compared to the structural, and functional indices of conventional echocardiography, IVPG derived from CMME could provide a substantial non-invasive tool to diagnose and predict CHF after long-term MI.

Upcycling of Hazardous Metals and PET Waste derived Metal-Organic Frameworks: A Review in Recent Progress and Prospects

An intense increase in non-biodegradable plastics and waste metals is an immediate threat to the world and needs to be addressed urgently. There are several strategies deployed to control, eliminate,...

A randomized, controlled trial of once-weekly teriparatide injection versus alendronate in patients at high risk of osteoporotic fracture: primary results of the Japanese Osteoporosis Intervention Trial-05

In this randomized, controlled trial, treatment with once-weekly subcutaneous injection of teriparatide for 72 weeks was found to be associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of morphometric vertebral fractures compared with alendronate in women with primary osteoporosis who were at high risk of fracture.

INTRODUCTION

To determine whether the anti-fracture efficacy of teriparatide is superior to that of alendronate, a prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded-endpoint trial was performed.

METHODS

Japanese women aged at least 75 years were eligible for the study if they had primary osteoporosis and were at high risk of fracture. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive sequential therapy (once-weekly subcutaneous injection of teriparatide 56.5 μg for 72 weeks followed by alendronate for 48 weeks) or monotherapy with alendronate for 120 weeks. The primary endpoint was the incidence of morphometric vertebral fractures at 72 weeks (at the end of teriparatide treatment).

RESULTS

Between October 2014 and December 2017, 1011 patients (505 in the teriparatide group and 506 in the alendronate group) were enrolled. Of these, 778 patients (351 and 427, respectively) were included in the primary analysis. The incidence of morphometric vertebral fractures was significantly lower in the teriparatide group (56 per 419.9 person-years, annual incidence rate 0.1334) than in the alendronate group (96 per 553.6 person-years, annual incidence rate 0.1734), with a rate ratio of 0.78 (95% confidence interval 0.61 to 0.99, P = 0.04). In both groups, adverse events were most frequently reported in the following system organ classes: infections and infestations, gastrointestinal disorders, and musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders.

CONCLUSION

Once-weekly subcutaneous injection of teriparatide significantly reduced the incidence of morphometric vertebral fractures compared with alendronate in women with primary osteoporosis who were at high risk of fracture.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

jRCTs031180235 and UMIN000015573, March 12, 2019.

Synthesis and evaluation of trypanocidal activity of derivatives of naturally occurring 2,5-diphenyloxazoles

African trypanosomiasis is a zoonotic protozoan disease affecting the nervous system. Various natural products reportedly exhibit trypanocidal activity. Naturally occurring 2,5-diphenyloxazoles present in Oxytropis lanata, and their derivatives, were synthesized. The trypanocidal activities of the synthesized compounds were evaluated against Trypanosoma brucei brucei, T. b. gambiense, T. b. rhodesiense, T. congolense, and T. evansi. Natural product 1 exhibited trypanocidal activity against all the species/subspecies of trypanosomes, exhibiting half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀) of 1.1-13.5 μM. Modification of the oxazole core improved the trypanocidal activity. The 1,3,4-oxadiazole (7) and 2,4-diphenyloxazole (9) analogs exhibited potency superior to that of 1. However, these compounds exhibited cytotoxicity in Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells. The O-methylated analog of 1 (12) was non-cytotoxic and exhibited selective trypanocidal activity against T. congolense (IC₅₀ = 0.78 µM). Structure-activity relationship studies of the 2,5-diphenyloxazole analogs revealed aspects of the molecular structure critical for maintaining selective trypanocidal activity against T. congolense.

Hyaluronidase and degranulation inhibitors from the edible roots of Oenanthe javanica including seric acids F and G that were obtained by heating

Oenanthe javanica is a vegetable grown in East Asia and Australia in which the roots and aerial parts are boiled together to make certain traditional dishes. Nineteen compounds (1-19) were isolated from O. javanica roots and the chemical structures of 2 new norlignans were determined. The inhibitory effects of the compounds on hyaluronidase and degranulation in RBL-2H3 cells were evaluated to determine antiallergic and antiinflammation activities. Saponins (2-4) and the new norlignan seric acid G (12) were among the active compounds identified. Seric acid G (12), a methoxy derivative of seric acid F (11), was obtained as an interconverting mixture of 3:1 trans-cis isomers. Seric acids F and G (11, 12) were derived from seric acids C (10) and E, respectively, by decarboxylation and dehydration reactions that occurred during heating. It was confirmed by HPLC analysis that all eleven of the O. javanica cultivars contained seric acid C (10).

Classification of the colonic splenic flexure based on three-dimensional CT analysis

Background

Mobilization of the splenic flexure can be a challenging surgical step in colorectal surgery. This study aimed to classify the splenic flexure based on the three-dimensional (3D) coordinates of the splenic hilum and left renal hilum. This classification was used to compare splenic flexure mobilization during colorectal resection.

Methods

CT images of patients with colorectal cancer treated between April 2018 and December 2019 were analysed retrospectively. 3D mutual positioning of the splenic flexure from the ligament of Treitz to the splenic hilum or the left renal hilum was used to classify patients into three groups using cluster analysis. The difference in the procedure time between groups was also analysed in a subset of patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy with complete splenic flexure mobilization.

Results

Of 515 patients reviewed, 319 with colorectal cancers were included in the study and categorized based on the 3D coordinates of the splenic hilum and left renal hilum as caudal (100 patients), cranial (118) and lateral (101) positions. Male sex (P < 0.001), older age (P = 0.004) and increased bodyweight (P = 0.043) were independent characteristics of the lateral group in multiple logistic regression analysis. Thirty-four patients underwent complete splenic flexure mobilization during the study period; this took significantly longer (mean 78.7 min) in the lateral group than in the caudal and cranial groups (41.8 and 43.2 min respectively; P = 0.006).

Conclusion

Locating the splenic flexure using 3D coordinates could be helpful in predicting a longer duration for mobilization of the splenic flexure.

Utility of computed tomography and 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose with positron emission tomography/computed tomography for distinguishing appendiceal mucocele caused by mucinous adenocarcinoma from other pathologies

AIM

Differentiating appendiceal mucocele with mucinous adenocarcinoma from other pathologies before surgery is difficult. The objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of CT and ¹⁸ F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) with positron emission tomography (PET)/CT for differentiating mucinous adenocarcinoma of appendiceal mucocele from other pathologies.

METHOD

The study included 25 patients who underwent surgery for clinically diagnosed appendiceal mucoceles detected on CT at the University of Tokyo Hospital. Among these patients, 19 underwent FDG-PET/CT preoperatively. We compared features of the CT imaging findings and maximum standard uptake values (SUV_max ) detected by FDG-PET/CT between mucocele with mucinous adenocarcinoma and other pathologies.

RESULTS

A total of 13 men (52%) and 12 women (48%) were included in this study, with a median age of 65 years (range 34-83). There were six patients (24%) with pathologically confirmed mucinous adenocarcinoma, 15 patients (60%) with appendiceal mucinous neoplasm and four patients (16%) with simple mucocele caused by chronic inflammation. On the CT findings, wall irregularity was the only significant feature for the two groups in this study (83.3% vs 0.0%, P < 0.01). There was a significant difference in the SUV_max levels on PET/CT between the two groups (100.0% vs 20.0%, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Distinguishing between mucocele with mucinous adenocarcinoma and other pathologies using imaging modalities is challenging. Our results suggest that wall irregularity on CT and elevated SUV_max on PET/CT are useful factors that can be employed for such discrimination.

Effects of preceding endoscopic treatment on laparoscopic surgery for early rectal cancer

AIM

Endoscopic treatment for rectal cancer, such as endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal dissection, causes inflammation, oedema and fibrosis in the surrounding tissue. However, little is known about the effect of these endoscopic therapies on salvage laparoscopic rectal surgery. The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to analyse the effect of preceding endoscopic treatment on the outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer.

METHOD

We analysed 53 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer with clinical Tis or T1 at our department between May 2011 and June 2019. Data from 30 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery after preceding endoscopic treatment (Group E + S) were compared with those of 23 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery alone (Group S).

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to preoperative details. The mean operative time tended to be longer in Group E + S, and the volume of intra-operative blood loss was greater in Group E + S than in Group S (median 63 ml vs 10 ml, P = 0.049). There were no significant differences between the groups in other surgical parameters or oncological outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic surgery after endoscopic treatment for rectal cancer may be difficult due to an increased risk of intra-operative bleeding. Long-term prognosis after surgery was not affected by preceding endoscopic treatment in rectal cancer.

Isolation and evaluation of trypanocidal activity of sesquiterpenoids, flavonoids, and lignans in Artemisia sieversiana collected in Mongolia

Artemisia sieversiana is an annual herbaceous plant distributed throughout Central and East Eurasia and is regarded as an undesirable forage plant in Mongolia. It affects livestock, so information about its chemical composition is needed. We isolated three new sesquiterpenoids (1-3) and known compounds from A. sieversiana and investigated their activities. The absolute configuration of 1 was established using single-crystal X-ray diffraction crystallography, and its configuration differed from those of reported compounds with similar structures. Two additional new sesquiterpenoids (2 and 3) with similar structures were identified, and their configurations were determined. The trypanocidal activities of the isolated compounds (1-18) against Trypanosoma congolense and the pathogen responsible for fatal trypanosomosis in animals were estimated. Flavonoids and lignans were identified as active compounds with IC₅₀ values ranging from 2.9 to 90.2 µM.

Transfer of orbital angular momentum of light to plasmonic excitations in metamaterials

The emergence of the vortex beam with orbital angular momentum (OAM) has provided intriguing possibilities to induce optical transitions beyond the framework of the electric dipole interaction. The uniqueness stems from the OAM transfer from light to material, as demonstrated in electronic transitions in atomic systems. In this study, we report on the OAM transfer to electrons in solid-state systems, which has been elusive to date. Using metamaterials (periodically textured metallic disks), we show that multipolar modes of the surface electromagnetic excitations (so-called spoof localized surface plasmons) are selectively induced by the terahertz vortex beam. Our results reveal selection rules governed by the conservation of the total angular momentum, which is confirmed by numerical simulations. The efficient transfer of light's OAM to elementary excitations in solid-state systems at room temperature opens up new possibilities of OAM manipulation.

A new hexenoic acid glycoside with cytotoxic activity from the leaves of Psychotria luzoniensis

A new hexenoic acid glycoside (1) together with known compounds, flavonol glycosides (2-4), iridoid glycoside (5), megastigmane glycoside (6), and amino acid (7) were isolated from the leaves of P. luzoniensis by resin column chromatography and preparative HPLC. Their structures were determined based on spectroscopic analysis, including HRFABMS and NMR (¹H and ¹³C, ¹H-¹H COSY, HMQC, and HMBC) data. All compounds tested for cytotoxicity were active (IC₅₀ < 50 μM) with IC₅₀ values ranging from 1.97 to 32.85 μM against human colon adenocarcinoma cell line, compared to etoposide (IC₅₀ 1.19 μM).

Hyaluronidase inhibitory saponins and a trypanocidal isoflavonoid from the aerial parts of Oxytropis lanata

A chemical examination of an extract from the aerial part of Oxytropis lanata led to the isolation and identification of 36 compounds, including saponins, isoflavonoids, oxazoles, and glycosides. The three among them were previously unreported oleanane-type saponins. In trypanocidal screening, 5,7,4'-trihydroxyisoflavone showed inhibitory activity against Trypanosoma congolense (IC₅₀ = 10.5 μM), the causative agent of African trypanosomosis in animals; this activity was similar to that of active compounds from the roots of this plant. O. lanata is known to be a traditional medicinal plant in Mongolia for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. The anti-hyaluronidase effect of saponins 3, 5, 8, and 9, (IC₅₀ = 0.15-0.22 mM) was stronger than that of sodium cromoglicate, which was used as a reference drug (IC₅₀ = 0.37 mM). The chemical structures of the new saponins were determined based on HRFABMS, ¹H and ¹³C NMR, ¹H-¹H COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and ROESY spectroscopic data along with chemical procedures.

Vascular anatomy of the splenic flexure, focusing on the accessory middle colic artery and vein

AIM

Recently, the accessory middle colic artery (AMCA) has been recognized as the vessel that supplies blood to the splenic flexure. However, the positional relationship between the AMCA and inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) has not been evaluated. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the anatomy of the AMCA and the splenic flexure vein (SFV).

METHOD

Two hundred and five patients with colorectal cancer who underwent enhanced CT preoperatively were enrolled in the present study. The locations of the AMCA and IMV were evaluated, focusing on the positional relationship between the vessels and pancreas - below the pancreas or to the dorsal side of the pancreas.

RESULTS

The AMCA was observed in 74 (36.1%) patients whereas the SFV was found in 177 (86.3%) patients. The left colic artery (LCA) was the major artery accompanying the SFV in 87 (42.4%) of patients. The AMCA accompanied the SFV in 65 (32.7%) patients. In 15 (7.8%) patients, no artery accompanied the SFV. The origin of the AMCA was located on the dorsal side of the pancreas in 15 (20.3%) of these 74 patients. Similarly, the destination of the IMV was located on the dorsal side of the pancreas in 65 (31.7%) of patients.

CONCLUSION

The SFV was observed in most patients, and the LCA or AMCA was the common accompanying artery. In some patients these vessels were located on the dorsal side of the pancreas and not below it. Preoperative evaluation of this anatomy may be beneficial for lymph node dissection during left-sided hemicolectomy.

Possible Lightest Ξ Hypernucleus with Modern ΞN Interactions

Experimental evidence exists that the Ξ-nucleus interaction is attractive. We search for NNΞ and NNNΞ bound systems on the basis of the AV8 NN potential combined with either a phenomenological Nijmegen ΞN potential or a first principles HAL QCD ΞN potential. The binding energies of the three-body and four-body systems (below the d+Ξ and ^{3}H/^{3}He+Ξ thresholds, respectively) are calculated by a high precision variational approach, the Gaussian expansion method. Although the two ΞN potentials have significantly different isospin (T) and spin (S) dependence, the NNNΞ system with quantum numbers (T=0, J^{π}=1^{+}) appears to be bound (one deep for Nijmegen and one shallow for HAL QCD) below the ^{3}H/^{3}He+Ξ threshold. Experimental implications for such a state are discussed.

Indirubin promotes adipocyte differentiation and reduces lipid accumulation in 3T3‑L1 cells via peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor γ activation

The peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor γ (PPARγ) plays an important role in insulin sensitivity and adipocyte differentiation. It is known as ligand‑receptor that improves insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Several kinds of indigo plant have been already used to treat diabetes in oriental traditional medicine, but its mechanism has not been clarified yet. To investigate the effect of indirubin, which is a component of Polygonum tinctorium on the cell differentiation and adipprocess in 3T3‑L1 cells, 3T3‑L1 cells were cultured to determine the effect of cell differentiation and glucose uptake with indirubin. As a result, Indirubin compound enhanced adipocyte differentiation in 3T3‑L1 cells similar to rosiglitazone. This effect was terminated by cotreatment with GW9662, a PPARγ antagonist. In mature 3T3‑L1 adipocytes, the lipid droplet size and accumulation were reduced by this compound. The basal and insulin‑stimulated glucose uptakes were also significantly increased. In addition, indirubin treatment significantly enhanced estrogen level by 1.64‑fold with mature adipocytes which can be attributed to its aromatase activity. Conclutionaly, this finding suggested that indirubin is a potential anti‑diabetic compound for type 2 diabetes mellitus by promoting adipocyte differentiation and glucose uptake via PPARγ.

Images from the surface of asteroid Ryugu show rocks similar to carbonaceous chondrite meteorites

The near-Earth asteroid (162173) Ryugu is a 900-m-diameter dark object expected to contain primordial material from the solar nebula. The Mobile Asteroid Surface Scout (MASCOT) landed on Ryugu's surface on 3 October 2018. We present images from the MASCOT camera (MASCam) taken during the descent and while on the surface. The surface is covered by decimeter- to meter-sized rocks, with no deposits of fine-grained material. Rocks appear either bright, with smooth faces and sharp edges, or dark, with a cauliflower-like, crumbly surface. Close-up images of a rock of the latter type reveal a dark matrix with small, bright, spectrally different inclusions, implying that it did not experience extensive aqueous alteration. The inclusions appear similar to those in carbonaceous chondrite meteorites.

Hepatocellular carcinoma tumour burden score to stratify prognosis after resection

BACKGROUND

Although the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system has been largely adopted in clinical practice, recent studies have emphasized the need for further refinement and subclassification of this system.

METHODS

Patients who underwent hepatectomy with curative intent for BCLC-0, -A or -B hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) between 2000 and 2017 were identified using a multi-institutional database. The tumour burden score (TBS) was calculated, and overall survival (OS) was examined in relation to TBS and BCLC stage.

RESULTS

Among 1053 patients, 63 (6·0 per cent) had BCLC-0, 826 (78·4 per cent) BCLC-A and 164 (15·6 per cent) had BCLC-B HCC. OS worsened incrementally with higher TBS (5-year OS 77·9, 61 and 39 per cent for low, medium and high TBS respectively; P < 0·001). No differences in OS were noted among patients with similar TBS, irrespective of BCLC stage (61·6 versus 58·9 per cent for BCLC-A/medium TBS versus BCLC-B/medium TBS, P = 0·930; 45 versus 13 per cent for BCLC-A/high TBS versus BCLC-B/high TBS, P = 0·175). Patients with BCLC-B HCC and a medium TBS had better OS than those with BCLC-A disease and a high TBS (58·9 versus 45 per cent; P = 0·005). On multivariable analysis, TBS remained associated with OS among patients with BCLC-A (medium TBS: hazard ratio (HR) 2·07, 95 per cent c.i. 1·42 to 3·02, P < 0·001; high TBS: HR 4·05, 2·40 to 6·82, P < 0·001) and BCLC-B (high TBS: HR 3·85, 2·03 to 7·30; P < 0·001) HCC. TBS could also stratify prognosis among patients in an external validation cohort (5-year OS 79, 51·2 and 28 per cent for low, medium and high TBS respectively; P = 0·010).

CONCLUSION

The prognosis of patients with HCC varied according to the BCLC stage but was largely dependent on the TBS.

Incidence of and risk factors for lymphocele formation after lateral pelvic lymph node dissection for rectal cancer: a retrospective study

AIM

Pelvic lymphocele is a common complication that develops after pelvic lymph node dissection. The incidence of pelvic lymphocele formation has been reported to be 10.5-51% after gynaecological or urological procedures. However, no evidence has been reported thus far with regard to the development of pelvic lymphocele following lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (LPND) for low rectal cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of and risk factors for lymphocele formation after LPND for low rectal cancer and to examine its clinical management.

METHOD

We retrospectively analysed the incidence of and risk factors for pelvic lymphocele formation after LPND for rectal cancer in our hospital between January 2012 and December 2017. We also compared the size of the lymphocele between asymptomatic and symptomatic patients by using CT volumetry and examined its clinical management.

RESULTS

A total of 30 out of 98 patients (30.8%) developed pelvic lymphocele after rectal LPND. The number of resected nodes was significantly higher in patients with a pelvic lymphocele (P < 0.01). The median volume was significantly higher in patients with symptomatic pelvic lymphocele (P = 0.011). Among the nine symptomatic patients, two underwent CT-guided drainage, one underwent transurethral ureteral stent placement and one underwent laparoscopic marsupialization.

CONCLUSION

It is essential to keep in mind the possibility of pelvic lymphocele formation during follow-up of patients who undergo LPND, and to consider an appropriate treatment when these patients are symptomatic.

Obstruction is associated with perineural invasion in T3/T4 colon cancer

AIM

Perineural invasion (PNI) is a risk factor for recurrence and metastasis and consequently leads to decreased survival in patients with various malignancies. Recent studies showed that stent placement in obstructive colon cancer increases the frequency of PNI. We hypothesized that mechanical stress including obstruction itself may be associated with PNI.

METHOD

We retrospectively reviewed 496 patients with pathological T3 or T4 colon cancer who did not receive preoperative treatment. Data were collected from medical charts and pathological findings. The relationships between PNI and other clinicopathological factors were analysed using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

PNI was observed in 239 (48%) patients. Obstruction was markedly more frequent in PNI-positive cancer (39%) than in PNI-negative cancer (24%, P = 0.0003). Multivariate analyses identified obstruction as one of the significant factors associated with PNI (OR 1.68, P = 0.028). Moreover, in 414 patients without distant metastasis who underwent complete resection, PNI was an independent factor associated with poor recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio 2.35, P = 0.003). The coexistence of PNI and obstruction resulted in greater decreases in recurrence-free survival than PNI-negative and/or non-obstructive cases.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that obstruction is associated with PNI and consequently contributes to an increased postoperative recurrence in colon cancer.

Inhibitory Effects of Phenylpropanoid Derivatives from Oenanthe javanica on Antigen-Stimulated Degranulation in RBL-2H3 Cells

Two diacyldaucic acids (1 and 2), an α,β-unsaturated γ-lactone-type lignan (3) and its derivatives (4-6), and 12 known compounds were isolated from a traditional East Asian vegetable, Oenanthe javanica. The absolute configuration of 1 was validated by obtaining (+)-osbeckic acid through acid hydrolysis. The absolute configurations of 3-5 were determined by comparing their experimental and computed ECD data. The conclusion was supported by applying the phenylglycine methyl ester method to 3. Compound 6 was obtained as an interconverting mixture of isomers in a 3:1 trans- cis ratio. Several water-soluble components (1, 3, and 6) showed concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on antigen-stimulated degranulation in RBL-2H3 cells without producing any direct cytotoxicity against RBL-2H3 or HeLa cells.

Acylated Lignans Isolated from Brachanthemum gobicum and Their Trypanocidal Activity

Eight isovaleryllignans (1-4 and 8-11), three isovalerylphenylpropanoids (5-7), three known lignans (12-14), and four known compounds were isolated from an extract of the aerial part of Brachanthemum gobicum. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated based on NMR and MS data analyses. The enantiomers of compounds 1-3, 5, 8, and 9 were isolated using chiral-phase HPLC, and the absolute configurations of 1a/1b-3a/3b, 5a/5b, 8a/8b, and 9a/9b were elucidated from their optical rotations and ECD spectra; the other lignans were assumed to be racemic or scalemic by chiral-phase HPLC analyses and optical rotation data. Some of the acylated lignans (racemic mixtures) (1-4, 8, 9, and 12-14) exhibited moderate inhibitory activities against Trypanosoma congolense, the causative agent of nagana disease in animals.

Flavonoids isolated from the flowers of Pulsatilla flavescens and their anti-piroplasm activity

Pulsatilla species are known as "Yargui", and their flowers are traditionally used in Mongolia as a tonic and for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. By chemical investigation of P. flavescens flowers, 21 flavonoids, including a new chalcone C-glucoside, chalconaringenin 2'-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-5'-β-D-glucopyranoside, and two new flavanone C-glucosides, (2R)- and (2S)-naringenin 8-β-D-glucopyranosyl-4'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, were isolated. The absolute configurations of the seven flavanone glucosides were elucidated by ECD spectra. For the isolated compounds, inhibitory activity against Babesia caballi and Theileria equi, which cause fatal diseases in horses, was estimated. Although most of the isolated chalcone and flavanone derivatives did not show any anti-piroplasm activity, all the isolated flavone and flavonol derivatives showed moderate effects against B. caballi and/or T. equi.

New precise measurements of muonium hyperfine structure at J-PARC MUSE

High precision measurements of the ground state hyperfine structure (HFS) of muonium is a stringent tool for testing bound-state quantum electrodynamics (QED) theory, determining fundamental constants of the muon magnetic moment and mass, and searches for new physics. Muonium is the most suitable system to test QED because both theoretical and experimental values can be precisely determined. Previous measurements were performed decades ago at LAMPF with uncertainties mostly dominated by statistical errors. At the J-PARC Muon Science Facility (MUSE), the MuSEUM collaboration is planning complementary measurements of muonium HFS both at zero and high magnetic field. The new high-intensity muon beam that will soon be available at H-Line will provide an opportunity to improve the precision of these measurements by one order of magnitude. An overview of the different aspects of these new muonium HFS measurements, the current status of the preparation for high-field measurements, and the latest results at zero field are presented.

Three-dimensional localization spectroscopy of individual nuclear spins with sub-Angstrom resolution

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful method for analyzing the chemical composition and molecular structure of materials. At the nanometer scale, NMR has the prospect of mapping the atomic-scale structure of individual molecules, provided a method that can sensitively detect single nuclei and measure inter-atomic distances. Here, we report on precise localization spectroscopy experiments of individual 13C nuclear spins near the central electronic sensor spin of a nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in a diamond chip. By detecting the nuclear free precession signals in rapidly switchable external magnetic fields, we retrieve the three-dimensional spatial coordinates of the nuclear spins with sub-Angstrom resolution and for distances beyond 10 Å. We further show that the Fermi contact contribution can be constrained by measuring the nuclear g-factor enhancement. The presented method will be useful for mapping atomic positions in single molecules, an ambitious yet important goal of nanoscale nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.