Evaluation of text-to-gesture generation model using convolutional neural network

Conversational gestures have a crucial role in realizing natural interactions with virtual agents and robots. Data-driven approaches, such as deep learning and machine learning, are promising in constructing the gesture generation model, which automatically provides the gesture motion for speech or spoken texts. This study experimentally analyzes a deep learning-based gesture generation model from spoken text using a convolutional neural network. The proposed model takes a sequence of spoken words as the input and outputs a sequence of 2D joint coordinates representing the conversational gesture motion. We prepare a dataset consisting of gesture motions and spoken texts by adding text information to an existing dataset and train the models using specific speaker's data. The quality of the generated gestures is compared with those from an existing speech-to-gesture generation model through a user perceptual study. The subjective evaluation shows that the model performance is comparable or superior to those by the existing speech-to-gesture generation model. In addition, we investigate the importance of data cleansing and loss function selection in the text-to-gesture generation model. We further examine the model transferability between speakers. The experimental results demonstrate successful model transferability of the proposed model. Finally, we show that the text-to-gesture generation model can produce good quality gestures even when using a transformer architecture.

A Review of Robotic Interventional Neuroradiology

Robotic interventional neuroradiology is an emerging field with the potential to enhance patient safety, reduce occupational hazards, and expand systems of care. Endovascular robots allow the operator to precisely control guidewires and catheters from a lead-shielded cockpit located several feet (or potentially hundreds of miles) from the patient. This has opened up the possibility of expanding telestroke networks to patients without access to life-saving procedures such as stroke thrombectomy and cerebral aneurysm occlusion by highly-experienced physicians. The prototype machines, first developed in the early 2000s, have evolved into machines capable of a broad range of techniques, while incorporating newly automated maneuvers and safety algorithms. In recent years, preliminary clinical research has been published demonstrating the safety and feasibility of the technology in cerebral angiography and intracranial intervention. The next step is to conduct larger, multisite, prospective studies to assess generalizability and, ultimately, improve patient outcomes in neurovascular disease.

AB0154 MERTK AND THE RESOLUTION OF INFLAMMATION IN IGG4-RELATED DISEASE

Background:

IgG4-Related Disease (IgG4-RD) is characterized by fibrotic lesions, serum IgG4 elevation, and prompt response to glucocorticoids. B and T lymphocytes are considered the initiators of tissue inflammation in IgG4-RD, but the prominent stromal reaction observed at disease sites suggest that a dysregulation of processes involved in the resolution of inflammation could be pathologically relevant as well. Mer receptor tyrosine kinase (MerTK) and its ligands protein S (Pros1) have a pivotal role in the resolution of inflammation through the activation of a well-characterized signaling pathway that ultimately dampens the immune response and promotes the recovery of tissue function. MerTK and the processes involved in the resolution of inflammation have never been addressed in IgG4-RD.

Objectives:

To investigate MerTK involvement in the pathogenesis of IgG4-RD by evaluating (a) the expression of MerTK and of its endogenous ligands in IgG4-RD tissues; (b) the presence of circulating precursors of MerTK+ cells infiltrating IgG4-RD lesions in the peripheral blood of IgG4-RD patients; (c) the effects of immunosuppressive therapies on MerTK expression in IgG4-RD tissues.

Methods:

Three distinct cohorts of IgG4-RD patients were included in this study. 8 active patients were used for immunohistochemistry studies for MerTK expression. 16 IgG4-RD and 14 Sjögren syndrome patients, together with 6 control tonsils, were used for multicolor immunofluorescence studies and TissueQuest software quantification of the expression of MerTK, CD68, CD163, Pros1, Gas6, CD4, SLAMF7, CD19, IgG4, cleaved caspase-3. 10 untreated IgG4-RD patients were used to evaluate MerTK expression in circulating monocytes subsets and fibrocytes by flow cytometry.

Results:

MerTK was highly expressed in IgG4-RD affected organs. MerTK+ cells accounted on average for 16% (range 5-35%) of all cells in the tissue, and the majority of them expressed CD68,reflecting a monocyte-macrophage origin. 33.5 % (interquartile range (IQR) 26-41%) of MerTK+ cells co-expressed CD68 and CD163, while 30.5% (IQR 19-41.5%) expressed CD68 but not CD163. CD68+MerTK+ cells displayed two main morphological appearances, compatible with those of macrophages and of myofibroblasts. In addition, MerTK+ cell number was significantly increased in salivary glands from IgG4-RD patients compared to Sjögren syndrome (p < 0.0001). Circulating precursors of CD68+MerTK+ cells infiltrating IgG4-RD lesions were identified by flow cytometery in the peripheral blood of patients with active IgG4-RD as MerTK+ populations of intermediate monocytes, nonclassical monocytes and collagen expressing fibrocytes. MerTK ligand Pros1 was exposed on 52% (IQR 42-57%) of infiltrating B lymphocytes, 74% (IQR 54-89%) of infiltrating T lymphocytes, and, likely, on apoptotic cells that were detected in IgG4-RD tissues. CD68+MerTK+ cells were found in physical contact with Pros1+ cells in IgG4-RD lesions and their number decreased by 56% after successful treatment with rituximab.

Conclusion:

MerTK is abundant in IgG4-RD affected organs and is preferentially expressed on CD68+ macrophages and myofibroblasts that infiltrate IgG4-RD lesions. MerTK+ cells might interact with apoptotic cells and Pros1 expressing T and B lymphocytes in IgG4-RD tissues, leading to the persistent activation of processes involved in the resolution of inflammation and promoting the development of tissue fibrosis.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Influence of Olfactory Function on Appetite and Nutritional Status in the Elderly Requiring Nursing Care

OBJECTIVE

To investigate olfactory function in elderly subjects requiring nursing care to clarify its association with appetite and nutritional status.

SETTING

Facility for the elderly requiring nursing care.

PARTICIPANTS

The subjects were 158 elderly people requiring nursing care and 37 elderly people not requiring nursing care.

MEASUREMENTS

Experiment I: Olfactory function and factors (cognitive function, appetite, and nutritional status) that may be associated with it were compared between the elderly subjects requiring nursing care and those not requiring nursing care using covariance analysis in consideration of age. For evaluation, the OSIT-J was used for olfactory function, the HDS-R for cognitive function, the CNAQ for appetite, and BMI for nutritional status. Experiment II: The subjects were the same elderly subjects requiring nursing care in Experiment I, and food intake was surveyed in addition to the OSIT-J, HDS-R, CNAQ, and BMI. A univariate linear regression analysis was performed with OSIT-J as the response variable, and age, HDS-R, CNAQ, BMI, and food intake as the explanatory variables.

RESULTS

Experiment I: On covariance analysis, the OSIT-J score was significantly lower for the elderly subjects requiring nursing care than for those not requiring nursing care (p<0.01). The mean score was 8 or lower in both groups, demonstrating lower olfactory function in both groups. Regarding factors that may be associated with olfactory function, a significant difference was noted in the HDS-R (p<0.01), confirming significantly lower cognitive function in the elderly subjects requiring nursing care. No significant difference was noted in the CNAQ or BMI. Experiment II: On a univariate linear regression analysis, an association with the OSIT-J was noted for age and HDS-R. Age was inversely correlated and the HDS-R was positively correlated. Factors associated with lower olfactory function in the elderly subjects requiring nursing were age and cognitive function, whereas appetite, nutritional status, and food intake were not associated.

CONCLUSION

Olfactory function in elderly subjects requiring nursing care was poorer than that in those not requiring nursing care, suggesting that aging and cognitive decline are associated with lower olfactory function. In addition, no association of lower olfactory function with appetite, nutritional status, or food intake was noted in the elderly subjects requiring nursing care.

New neurons use Slit-Robo signaling to migrate through the glial meshwork and approach a lesion for functional regeneration

After brain injury, neural stem cell-derived neuronal precursors (neuroblasts) in the ventricular-subventricular zone migrate toward the lesion. However, the ability of the mammalian brain to regenerate neuronal circuits for functional recovery is quite limited. Here, using a mouse model for ischemic stroke, we show that neuroblast migration is restricted by reactive astrocytes in and around the lesion. To migrate, the neuroblasts use Slit1-Robo2 signaling to disrupt the actin cytoskeleton in reactive astrocytes at the site of contact. Slit1-overexpressing neuroblasts transplanted into the poststroke brain migrated closer to the lesion than did control neuroblasts. These neuroblasts matured into striatal neurons and efficiently regenerated neuronal circuits, resulting in functional recovery in the poststroke mice. These results suggest that the positioning of new neurons will be critical for functional neuronal regeneration in stem/progenitor cell-based therapies for brain injury.

Identification of patterns of factors preceding severe or life-threatening asthma exacerbations in a nationwide study

BACKGROUND

Reducing near-fatal asthma exacerbations is a critical problem in asthma management.

OBJECTIVES

To determine patterns of factors preceding asthma exacerbations in a real-world setting.

METHODS

In a nationwide prospective study of 190 patients who had experienced near-fatal asthma exacerbation, cluster analysis was performed using asthma symptoms over the 2-week period before admission.

RESULTS

Three distinct clusters of symptoms were defined employing the self-reporting of a visual analogue scale. Cluster A (42.1%): rapid worsening within 7.4 hours from moderate attack to admission, young to middle-aged patients with low Body mass index and tendency to depression who had stopped anti-asthma medications, smoked, and hypersensitive to environmental triggers and furred pets. Cluster B (40.0%): fairly rapid worsening within 48 hours, mostly middle-aged and older, relatively good inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) or ICS/long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) compliance, and low perception of dyspnea. Cluster C (17.9%): slow worsening over 10 days before admission, high perception of dyspnea, smokers, and chronic daily mild-moderate symptoms. There were no differences in overuse of short-acting beta-agonists, baseline asthma severity, or outcomes after admission for patients in these 3 clusters.

CONCLUSION

To reduce severe or life-threatening asthma exacerbation, personalized asthma management plans should be considered for each cluster. Improvement of ICS and ICS/LABA compliance and cessation of smoking are important in cluster A. To compensate for low perception of dyspnea, asthma monitoring of peak expiratory flow rate and/or exhaled nitric oxide would be useful for patients in cluster B. Avoidance of environmental triggers, increase usual therapy, or new anti-type 2 response-targeted therapies should be considered for cluster C.

Significant association of increased PD-L1 and PD-1 expression with nodal metastasis and a poor prognosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and its receptor PD-1 are immune checkpoint molecules that attenuate the immune response. Blockade of PD-L1 enhances the immune response in a variety of tumours and thus serves as an effective anti-cancer treatment. However, the biological and prognostic roles of PD-L1/PD-1 signalling in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain to be elucidated. The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation of PD-L1/PD-1 signalling with the prognosis of OSCC patients to assess its potential therapeutic relevance. The expression of PD-L1 and of PD-1 was determined immunohistochemically in 97 patients with OSCC and the association of this expression with clinicopathological characteristics was examined. Increased expression of PD-L1 was found in 64.9% of OSCC cases and increased expression of PD-1 was found in 61.9%. Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that increased expression of PD-L1 and PD-1 positively correlated with cervical lymph node metastasis. The expression of CD25, an activated T-cell marker, was negatively correlated with the labelling index of PD-L1 and PD-1. Moreover, the patient group with PD-L1-positive and PD-1-positive expression showed a more unfavourable prognosis than the group with PD-L1-negative and PD-1-negative expression. These data suggest that increased PD-L1 and PD-1 expression is predictive of nodal metastasis and a poor prognosis and is possibly involved in cancer progression via attenuating the immune response.

Rare PDCD11 variations are not associated with risk of schizophrenia in Japan

AIM

Rare gene variations are thought to confer substantial risk for schizophrenia. We performed a three-stage study to identify rare variations that have a strong impact on the risk of developing schizophrenia.

METHODS

In the first stage, we prioritized rare missense variations using whole-exome sequencing (WES) data from three families, consisting of a proband, an affected sibling, and parents. In the second stage, we performed targeted resequencing of the PDCD11 coding region in 96 patients. In the third stage, we conducted an association study of rare PDCD11 variations with schizophrenia in a total of 1357 patients and 1394 controls.

RESULTS

Via WES, we identified two rare missense PDCD11 variations, p.(Asp961Asn) and p.(Val1240Leu), shared by two affected siblings within families. Targeted resequencing of the PDCD11 coding region identified three rare non-synonymous variations: p.(Asp961Asn), p.(Phe1835del), and p.(Arg1837His). The case-control study demonstrated no significant associations between schizophrenia and four rare PDCD11 variations: p.(Asp961Asn), p.(Val1240Leu), p.(Phe1835del), and p.(Arg1837His).

CONCLUSION

Our data do not support the role of rare PDCD11 variations in conferring substantial risk for schizophrenia in the Japanese population.

Rare UNC13B variations and risk of schizophrenia: Whole-exome sequencing in a multiplex family and follow-up resequencing and a case-control study

Rare genomic variations inherited in multiplex schizophrenia families are suggested to play a role in the genetic etiology of the disease. To identify rare variations with large effects on the risk of developing schizophrenia, we performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) in two affected and one unaffected individual of a multiplex family with 10 affected individuals. We also performed follow-up resequencing of the unc-13 homolog B (Caenorhabditis elegans) (UNC13B) gene, a potential risk gene identified by WES, in the multiplex family and undertook a case-control study to investigate association between UNC13B and schizophrenia. UNC13B coding regions (39 exons) from 15 individuals of the multiplex family and 111 affected offspring for whom parental DNA samples were available were resequenced. Rare missense UNC13B variations identified by resequencing were further tested for association with schizophrenia in two independent case-control populations comprising a total of 1,753 patients and 1,602 controls. A rare missense variation (V1525M) in UNC13B was identified by WES in the multiplex family; this variation was present in five of six affected individuals, but not in eight unaffected individuals or one individual of unknown disease status. Resequencing UNC13B coding regions identified five rare missense variations (T103M, M813T, P1349T, I1362T, and V1525M). In the case-control study, there was no significant association between rare missense UNC13B variations and schizophrenia, although single-variant meta-analysis indicated that M813T was nominally associated with schizophrenia. These results do not support a contribution of rare missense UNC13B variations to the genetic etiology of schizophrenia in the Japanese population. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Severe or life-threatening asthma exacerbation: patient heterogeneity identified by cluster analysis

BACKGROUND

Severe or life-threatening asthma exacerbation is one of the worst outcomes of asthma because of the risk of death. To date, few studies have explored the potential heterogeneity of this condition.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the clinical characteristics and heterogeneity of patients with severe or life-threatening asthma exacerbation.

METHODS

This was a multicentre, prospective study of patients with severe or life-threatening asthma exacerbation and pulse oxygen saturation < 90% who were admitted to 17 institutions across Japan. Cluster analysis was performed using variables from patient- and physician-orientated structured questionnaires.

RESULTS

Analysis of data from 175 patients with severe or life-threatening asthma exacerbation revealed five distinct clusters. Cluster 1 (n = 27) was younger-onset asthma with severe symptoms at baseline, including limitation of activities, a higher frequency of treatment with oral corticosteroids and short-acting beta-agonists, and a higher frequency of asthma hospitalizations in the past year. Cluster 2 (n = 35) was predominantly composed of elderly females, with the highest frequency of comorbid, chronic hyperplastic rhinosinusitis/nasal polyposis, and a long disease duration. Cluster 3 (n = 40) was allergic asthma without inhaled corticosteroid use at baseline. Patients in this cluster had a higher frequency of atopy, including allergic rhinitis and furred pet hypersensitivity, and a better prognosis during hospitalization compared with the other clusters. Cluster 4 (n = 34) was characterized by elderly males with concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Although cluster 5 (n = 39) had very mild symptoms at baseline according to the patient questionnaires, 41% had previously been hospitalized for asthma.

CONCLUSIONS & CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study demonstrated that significant heterogeneity exists among patients with severe or life-threatening asthma exacerbation. Differences were observed in the severity of asthma symptoms and use of inhaled corticosteroids at baseline, and the presence of comorbid COPD. These findings may contribute to a deeper understanding and better management of this patient population.

Association analysis of putative cis-acting polymorphisms of interleukin-19 gene with schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and gene expression analyses have revealed that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with multifactorial diseases, such as schizophrenia, are significantly more likely to be associated with expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL). It was recently suggested that an immune system imbalance plays an important role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Interleukin-19 is a novel cytokine that may play multiple roles in immune regulation and various diseases.

METHOD

We selected eight tag SNPs in the eQTL of the IL-19 gene. Seven of the SNPs are putative cis-acting SNPs. Then, we conducted a case-control study using two independent samples. The first sample comprised 567 schizophrenia patients and 710 controls, and the second sample comprised 677 schizophrenia patients and 667 controls.

RESULT

We identified the TGAA haplotype as being significantly associated with schizophrenia (p=0.0036 and corrected p=0.0264), although a combined analysis of the TGAA haplotype with the replication samples exhibited a nominally significant difference (p=0.022 and corrected p=0.235).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the IL-19 gene might slightly contribute to the genetic risk of schizophrenia. Thus, further research on the association of eQTL SNPs with schizophrenia is warranted.

Interleukin 1 beta gene and risk of schizophrenia: detailed case-control and family-based studies and an updated meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. To assess whether the IL1B gene confers increased susceptibility to schizophrenia, we conducted case-control and family-based studies and an updated meta-analysis.

METHODS

We tested the association between IL1B and schizophrenia in 1229 case-control and 112 trio samples using 12 markers, including common tagging single nucleotide variations (SNVs) and a rare non-synonymous variation detected by resequencing the coding regions. We also performed a meta-analysis of rs16944 using a total of 8724 case-control and 201 trio samples from 16 independent populations.

RESULTS

We found no significant associations between any of the 12 SNVs examined and schizophrenia in either case-control or trio samples. Moreover, our meta-analysis results showed no significant association between the common SNV, rs16944, and schizophrenia.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study does not support a role for IL1B in schizophrenia susceptibility.

Resequencing and association analysis of MIR137 with schizophrenia in a Japanese population

MicroRNA may play a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. A recent meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies indicated a significant association between schizophrenia and a common intronic variation in MIR137HG (microRNA 137 host gene) encoding the primary microRNA-137. To explore additional risk variations for schizophrenia, we resequenced MIR137 and performed an association analysis in 1321 Japanese individuals. By resequencing, we detected four sequence variations in the 5' and 3' flanking regions. There were no significant associations between these variations and schizophrenia. Our resequencing and association analysis of MIR137 failed to find additional risk variations for schizophrenia.

Serum antibody to Porphyromonas gingivalis in chronic kidney disease

Potentially significant associations between periodontal disease and chronic kidney disease (CKD) have been reported in recent studies. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between serum antibody to the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) and CKD in 215 Japanese individuals, aged 79 yrs. Serum antibody levels to P. gingivalis were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. An elevated serum antibody response was defined as the upper quartile and was compared with the bottom three quartiles. Participants were classified as having CKD when their glomerular filtration rate was between 15 and 59 mL/min/1.73 m(2). A multivariable logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association between elevated antibody status and the presence of CKD. Study participants with an elevated serum antibody to P. gingivalis were 2.6 times more likely to have CKD. The adjusted odds ratio of CKD for participants in the highest quartile of serum antibody to P. gingivalis was 2.59 (95% confidence interval, 1.05-6.34) when compared with others in lower quartiles after simultaneous adjustment for other covariates. In conclusion, the present study suggests that elevated serum antibody to P. gingivalis was significantly associated with decreased kidney function in a community-based cohort of elderly Japanese.

The effect of K201 on isolated working rabbit heart mechanical function during pharmacologically induced Ca2+ overload

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Reduced cardiac contractility has been associated with disrupted myocardial Ca(2+) signalling. The 1,4 benzothiazepine K201 (JTV-519) acts on several Ca(2+) handling proteins and improves cardiac contractility in vivo in a variety of animal models of myocardial dysfunction. However, it is unclear whether this improvement depends on the systemic effects of K201 or if K201 reverses the effects of Ca(2+) dysregulation, regardless of the cause.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The effect of K201 on cardiac mechanical function was assessed in isolated working hearts from adult rabbits, using a ventricular pressure-volume catheter. In separate experiments, the effect of K201 was investigated in hearts following pharmacologically induced Ca(2+) overload using elevated extracellular [Ca(2+) ] ([Ca(2+) ](o) ) and β-adrenoceptor stimulation.

KEY RESULTS

K201 induced a concentration-dependent decline in systolic function (peak pressure, dP/dt(max) and preload recruitable stroke work), lusitropy (reduced dP/dt(min) and increased end diastolic pressure) and stroke volume, independent of decreased heart rate. In separate experiments, mechanical function in hearts exposed to 4.5 mmol·L(-1) [Ca(2+) ](o) and 150 nmol·L(-1) isoprenaline declined until cessation of aortic flow (in 6 out of 11 hearts). However, all hearts perfused with the addition of 1 µmol·L(-1) K201 maintained aortic flow and demonstrated significantly improved peak systolic pressures, dP/dt(max) and dP/dt(min) .

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

K201 significantly improved mechanical function of the heart during Ca(2+) overload. This suggests that K201 can limit the detrimental effects of elevated intracellular Ca(2+) and exert beneficial effects on cardiac contractile function, independent of systemic effects previously observed in vivo.

A detailed association analysis between the tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) gene and autism spectrum disorders in a Japanese population

We conducted a detailed association analysis between the tryptophan hydroxylase 2 gene and autism spectrum disorders in a Japanese population using 19 markers, including tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms and a novel missense variation, p.R225Q, identified through exon resequencing. However, we failed to obtain supportive evidence for an association.

Tablets containing a cysteine protease, actinidine, reduce oral malodor: a crossover study

Tongue coating (TC) mainly consists of protein mostly from exfoliated epithelial cells. Until now, to reduce TC accumulation, only mechanical measures have been available, and the procedure involves unpleasant side effects, such as gagging reflex or carcinogenesis related to mechanical stimulation. We expected that protease might be effective in reducing the accumulation of TC causing oral malodor. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of long-term use of candy tablets containing protease, actinidine, on both TC accumulation and concentration of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in mouth air. We employed 14 subjects aged 24 to 54 years old for this study, and conducted a double-blind randomized crossover trial. The subjects sucked the tablets containing actinidine three times a day until the sixth day after starting the study. The tablets without actinidine were utilized as a placebo. Measurements of VSC concentration and TC accumulation were carried out before and after chewing tablets on the first day, and also on the seventh day. The levels of VSC and TC significantly (p < 0.05) decreased after tablets were taken on the first day in both the test and placebo groups. There was a statistically significant decrease (p < 0.05) in VSC after seven days of use only in the test group. The results of the study suggest that the tablets containing actinidine had an accumulative effect in reducing VSC in mouth air with long-term use.

K201 (JTV-519) alters the spatiotemporal properties of diastolic Ca(2+) release and the associated diastolic contraction during β-adrenergic stimulation in rat ventricular cardiomyocytes

K201 has previously been shown to reduce diastolic contractions in vivo during β-adrenergic stimulation and elevated extracellular calcium concentration ([Ca²⁺]_o). The present study characterised the effect of K201 on electrically stimulated and spontaneous diastolic sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR)-mediated Ca²⁺ release and contractile events in isolated rat cardiomyocytes during β-adrenergic stimulation and elevated [Ca²⁺]_o. Parallel experiments using confocal microscopy examined spontaneous diastolic Ca²⁺ release events at an enhanced spatiotemporal resolution. 1.0 μmol/L K201 in the presence of 150 nmol/L isoproterenol (ISO) and 4.75 mmol/L [Ca²⁺]_o significantly decreased the amplitude of diastolic contractions to ~16% of control levels. The stimulated free Ca²⁺ transient amplitude was significantly reduced, but stimulated cell shortening was not significantly altered. When intracellular buffering was taken into account, K201 led to an increase in action potential-induced SR Ca²⁺ release. Myofilament sensitivity to Ca²⁺ was not changed by K201. Confocal microscopy revealed diastolic events composed of multiple Ca²⁺ waves (2–3) originating at various points along the cardiomyocyte length during each diastolic period. 1.0 μmol/L K201 significantly reduced the (a) frequency of diastolic events and (b) initiation points/diastolic interval in the remaining diastolic events to 61% and 71% of control levels respectively. 1.0 μmol/L K201 can reduce the probability of spontaneous diastolic Ca²⁺ release and their associated contractions which may limit the propensity for the contractile dysfunction observed in vivo.

Examination of gas desorption by B4C resin for use in neutron scattering experiment

Gas desorption rates for several types of B(4)C resins were investigated using a throughput method. The investigation was particularly focused on determining the out gas composition, effects of dry air, grain size (density) effects on the gas desorption rates. It is found that water is the main component of out gas and that dry air can effectively reduce gas desorption.

Failure to find an association between myosin heavy chain 9, non-muscle (MYH9) and schizophrenia: a three-stage case-control association study

Several genome-wide linkage studies have suggested linkage between markers on the long arm of chromosome 22 and schizophrenia. It has also been reported that 22q11.2 deletions increase the risk of schizophrenia. Therefore, 22q is a candidate region for schizophrenia. To search for genetic susceptibility loci for schizophrenia on 22q, we conducted a three-stage case-control association study in Japanese individuals. In the first stage, we examined 13 microsatellite markers on 22q in 766 individuals (340 patients with schizophrenia and 426 control individuals) and found a potential association of AFM262VH5 (D22S283) with schizophrenia. In the second stage, we performed fine mapping of the myosin heavy chain 9, non-muscle (MYH9) gene, where AFM262VH5 is located, using 25 tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We obtained potential associations between three SNPs in MYH9 and schizophrenia in 1193 individuals (595 patients and 598 controls), which included the individuals analyzed in the first stage. In the third stage, however, we could not replicate these associations in 4694 independent individuals (2288 patients and 2406 controls). Our results suggest that MYH9 does not confer increased susceptibility to schizophrenia in the Japanese population, although we could not exclude possible contributions of other genes on 22q to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.

The dopamine D3 receptor (DRD3) gene and risk of schizophrenia: case-control studies and an updated meta-analysis

The dopamine D3 receptor (DRD3) has been suggested to be involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. DRD3 has been tested for an association with schizophrenia, but with conflicting results. A recent meta-analysis suggested that the haplotype T-T-T-G for the SNPs rs7631540-rs1486012-rs2134655-rs963468 may confer protection against schizophrenia. However, almost all previous studies of the association between DRD3 and schizophrenia have been performed using a relatively small sample size and a limited number of markers. To assess whether DRD3 is implicated in vulnerability to schizophrenia, we conducted case-control association studies and performed an updated meta-analysis. In the first population (595 patients and 598 controls), we examined 16 genotyped single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including tagging SNPs selected from the HapMap database and SNPs detected through resequencing, as well as 58 imputed SNPs that are not directly genotyped. To confirm the results obtained, we genotyped the SNPs rs7631540-rs1486012-rs2134655-rs963468 in a second, independent population (2126 patients and 2228 controls). We also performed an updated meta-analysis of the haplotype, combining the results obtained in five populations, with a total sample size of 7551. No supportive evidence was obtained for an association between DRD3 and schizophrenia in our Japanese subjects. Our updated meta-analysis also failed to confirm the existence of a protective haplotype. To draw a definitive conclusion, further studies using larger samples and sufficient markers should be carried out in various ethnic populations.

Preliminary genome-wide association study of bipolar disorder in the Japanese population

Recent progress in genotyping technology and the development of public databases has enabled large-scale genome-wide association tests with diseases. We performed a two-stage genome-wide association study (GWAS) of bipolar disorder (BD) in Japanese cohorts. First we used Affymetrix 100K GeneChip arrays in the analysis of 107 cases with bipolar I disorder and 107 controls, and selected markers that were nominally significant (P < 0.01) in at least one of the three models (1,577 markers in total). In the follow-up stage, we analyzed these markers using an Illumina platform (1,526 markers; 51 markers were not designable for the platform) and an independent sample set, which consisted of 395 cases (bipolar I + II) and 409 controls. We also assessed the population stratification of current samples using principal components analysis. After the two-stage analysis, 89 markers remained nominally significant (allelic P < 0.05) with the same allele being consistently over-represented in both the first and the follow-up stages. However, none of these were significant after correction for multiple-testing by false discovery rates. Sample stratification was virtually negligible. Collectively, this is the first GWAS of BD in the Japanese population. But given the small sample size and the limited genomic coverage, these results should be taken as preliminary.

Evaluation of the distinction between responder and non-responder in FOLFOX/FOLFIRI based on the alteration of serum iron level

e15110

Background: The alteration of serum-iron level during chemotherapy is already reported (Follezou, NEOPLASMA 1985). However, the correlation to prognosis has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between prognosis and serum-iron level in advanced / metastatic colorectal cancer (aCRC / mCRC) patients treated by FOLFOX / FOLFIRI. Methods: Serum-iron levels, hemoglobin, AST and ALT serum levels in immediately pre and post chemotherapy were analyzed in 58 aCRC / mCRC patients received FOLFOX-4 / FOLFIRI therapy between April 2005 and September 2008. 26 patients received FOLFOX-4 / FOLFIRI therapy as the final chemotherapy died by the time of analysis. These patients were categorized into the high increase group and the low increase group using 200% increase as cut-off value and the prognosis was compared. Results: Mean serum-iron levels in immediately pre and post chemotherapy were 71.7±29.0μg/dl and 186.8±83.2μg/dl, respectively, and significant increase after chemotherapy was observed (p<0.001). This increase was transient and returns to pre chemotherapy level by the start of next course. This alteration was always observed on the chemotherapy. The median survival times from the initiation of FOLFOX-4 / FOLFIRI therapy for the high increase group (n: 5) and the low increase group (n: 21) were 487 and 182 days, respectively, and was significantly better in the high increase group (p=0.004). The alterations of hemoglobin, AST and ALT serum levels in immediately pre and post chemotherapy were not observed. Conclusions: It is suggested that serum-iron increase is a biological response not attributed to leakage from erythrocyte and hepatocyte. Significantly better prognosis in high serum-iron group may suggest the usefulness of serum-iron level to distinguish responder and non-responder in FOLFOX-4/FOLFIRI therapy.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Laminoplasty for patients aged 75 years or older with cervical myelopathy

PURPOSE

To assess the neurological and walking status of 56 elderly patients after cervical myelopathy to determine whether the surgery was justified.

METHODS

Records of 23 men and 33 women aged 75 to 86 (mean, 79) years who underwent laminoplasty for cervical myelopathy were retrospectively reviewed. They had been followed up for a mean of 3.5 (range, 0.2-8.6) years. Walking status was assessed according to long-term care insurance criteria. In 45 patients with more than 2 years of follow-up, neurological status was evaluated according to the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score. Neurological recovery rate was classified as excellent, good, fair, poor, and worse.

RESULTS

Postoperatively, of the 47 patients still living, 22 could walk independently, 22 required assistance outdoors, 2 were using a wheelchair, and one was bedridden. The mean JOA score was 9.7 preoperatively, 12.2 one year postoperatively, and 11.8 at final assessment (p<0.001). The mean neurological recovery rate was 29% at one-year follow-up and 24% at final assessment (p=0.06).

CONCLUSION

Although excellent results were not expected in elderly patients, surgery to maintain independent walking status was justified in most of our patients.

Behaviors of physiologically active bacteria in water environment and chlorine disinfection

Direct microscopic methods using several fluorescent staining were applied to estimate the proportion of physiologically active bacteria in the water environment and evaluate the efficacy of disinfection with chlorine. 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) was used to determine total bacterial numbers, and 5-cyano-2,3-ditolyl tetrazolium chloride (CTC) was chosen for direct detection of respiring bacteria. BacLight kit was used to assess bacterial membrane integrity. Bacteria with growth potential were enumerated using the DVC method and microcolony technique. The total bacterial number in river was 8 x 10(6)-3 x 10(10) cells/mL, and colony forming units on R2A medium were 1 x 10(4)-4 x 10(5) cfu/mL. In the case of wastewater treatment plant, 1-10% of total bacterial cells could form colonies. Physiologically active bacteria in river and wastewater treatment plant determined by fluorescent staining were much higher than those obtained by plate counting. The effect of chlorine on the physiological viability of Escherichia coli was also investigated. Microscopic viable bacteria were even more chlorine resistant than culturable bacteria. The inactivation rate coefficients of direct viable bacteria were one-second to third those of culturable bacteria.

The post-operative changes in the level of inflammatory markers after posterior lumbar interbody fusion

Inflammatory markers such as the C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count and body temperature are easy to measure and are used as indicators of infection. The way in which they change in the early post-operative period after instrumented spinal surgery has not been reported in any depth.

We measured these markers pre-operatively and at one, four, seven and 14 days postoperatively in 143 patients who had undergone an instrumented posterior lumbar interbody fusion.

The CRP proved to be the only sensitive marker and had returned to its normal level in 48% of patients after 14 days. The CRP on day 7 was never higher than that on day 4. Age, gender, body temperature, operating time and blood loss were not related to the CRP level. A high CRP does not in itself suggest infection, but any increase after four days may presage infection.

K201 modulates excitation–contraction coupling and spontaneous Ca2+ release in normal adult rabbit ventricular cardiomyocytes

OBJECTIVES

The drug K201 (JTV-519) increases inotropy and suppresses arrhythmias in failing hearts, but the effects of K201 on normal hearts is unknown.

METHODS

The effect of K201 on excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling in normal myocardium was studied by using voltage-clamp and intracellular Ca(2+) measurements in intact cells. Sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) function was assessed using permeabilised cardiomyocytes.

RESULTS

Acute application of <1 micromol/L K201 had no significant effect on E-C coupling. K201 at 1 micromol/L decreased Ca(2+) transient amplitude (to 83+/-7%) without affecting I(Ca,L) or the SR Ca(2+) content. At 3 micromol/L K201 caused a larger reduction of Ca(2+) transient amplitude (to 60+/-7%) with accompanying reductions in I(Ca,L) amplitude (to 66+/-8%) and SR Ca(2+) content (74+/-9%). Spontaneous SR Ca(2+) release during diastole was induced by increasing intracellular [Ca(2+)]. At 1 micromol/L K201 reduced the frequency of spontaneous Ca(2+) release. The effect of K201 on SR-mediated Ca(2+) waves and Ca(2+) sparks was examined in beta-escin-permeabilised cardiomyocytes by confocal microscopy. K201 (1 micromol/L) reduced the frequency and velocity of SR Ca(2+) waves despite no change in SR Ca(2+) content. At 3 micromol/L K201 completely abolished Ca(2+) waves and reduced the SR Ca(2+) content (to approximately 73%). K201 at 1 micromol/L reduced Ca(2+) spark amplitude and frequency. Assays specific to SR Ca(2+)-ATPase and RyR2 activity indicated that K201 inhibited both SR Ca(2+) uptake and release.

CONCLUSIONS

K201 modifies E-C coupling in normal cardiomyocytes. A dual inhibitory action on SERCA and RyR2 explains the ability of K201 to suppress spontaneous diastolic Ca(2+) release during Ca(2+) overload without significantly affecting Ca(2+) transient amplitude.

No association between the tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene promoter polymorphisms and schizophrenia in a Japanese population

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a pleiotrophic cytokine and exerts neuroprotective and neurodegenerative effects in brain. Several studies have indicated that TNF-alpha is likely related to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Recent genetic investigations have revealed that a TNF-alpha gene promoter polymorphism (-G308A) is associated with schizophrenia, although negative findings have also been reported. To assess whether the TNF-alpha gene promoter variants including -G308A could be implicated in vulnerability to schizophrenia, we conducted a case-control association analysis (265 cases and 424 controls) and the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) analysis (83 trios) for four polymorphisms (-G238A, -G308A, -C857T and -T1031C) in Japanese subjects. In a case-control analysis, there was no significant association between the promoter polymorphisms or haplotypes in the TNF-alpha gene and schizophrenia. In the TDT analysis, we also did not observe transmission distortion. Our results suggest that the above four polymorphisms in the promoter region of the TNF-alpha gene appear not to confer increased susceptibility for schizophrenia in a Japanese population.

Autosomal linkage analysis of a Japanese single multiplex schizophrenia pedigree reveals two candidate loci on chromosomes 4q and 3q

We analyzed a large multiplex schizophrenia pedigree collected in mid-eastern Japan using 322 microsatellite markers distributed throughout the whole autosome. Under an autosomal-dominant inheritance model, the highest pairwise LOD score (LOD = 1.69) was found at 4q (D4S2431: theta = 0.0), and LOD scores at two other loci 3q (ATA34G06) and 8q (D8S1128) were 1.62 and 1.46, respectively. In multipoint analysis, LOD scores of the regions on 4q and 3q remained at a similar level; however, the LOD score of the region on 8q apparently decreased. Additional dense map analysis revealed haplotypes on 4q and 3q regions shared by affected individuals. On chromosome 4q, the haplotype spanning about 8 centiMorgans (cM) was shared by four of six genotyped individuals with schizophrenia and one affected individual whose haplotype was estimated. On 3q, the haplotype spanning about 20 cM was shared by five genotyped individuals with schizophrenia. We obtained two candidate regions of major susceptibility loci for schizophrenia on chromosomes 3q and 4q.

The tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) gene and risk of schizophrenia: a moderate-scale case-control study and meta-analysis

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) may be implicated in both the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and in mediating atypical antipsychotic drug effects. Tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) is the rate-limiting enzyme involved in the synthesis of 5-HT. Some genetic variants of the TPH1 gene have been tested for their associations with schizophrenia, but with conflicting results. To assess whether TPH1 is implicated in vulnerability to schizophrenia, we conducted a case-control association study (409 patients and 440 controls) for six single nucleotide polymorphisms in Japanese subjects and performed an updated meta-analysis. There were no significant associations between the polymorphisms or haplotypes of TPH1 and schizophrenia in our Japanese subjects. Our updated meta-analysis, which included six population-based case-control studies, suggests the possible involvement of the TPH1 218A allele in susceptibility to schizophrenia. To draw any conclusion, however, further studies using larger sample sizes should be carried out in various ethnic populations.

Lack of association between the interleukin-1 gene complex and schizophrenia in a Japanese population

Interleukin-1 (IL1) is an inflammatory cytokine and exerts neurodegenerative effects in the brain. Several studies have indicated that IL1 is likely to be involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Recent genetic studies have revealed that the IL1 gene complex (IL,1 alpha, IL1, beta and IL1 receptor antagonist) was associated with schizophrenia, although contradictory findings have also been reported. To assess whether the IL1 gene complex was implicated in vulnerability to schizophrenia, the authors conducted a case-control association study (416 patients with schizophrenia and 440 control subjects) for nine polymorphisms in Japanese subjects. The authors found no association between the IL1 gene complex polymorphisms and schizophrenia using either single-marker or haplotype analyses. The results of the present study suggest that the IL1 gene complex does not play a major role in conferring susceptibility to schizophrenia in the Japanese population.

No associations exist between five functional polymorphisms in the catechol-O-methyltransferase gene and schizophrenia in a Japanese population

Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is one of the enzymes that degrade catecholamine neurotransmitters including dopamine. The COMT gene is located on 22q11.2, a common susceptibility locus for schizophrenia. Therefore, COMT is a strong functional and positional candidate gene for schizophrenia. A common functional polymorphism (rs4680, Val158Met) has been extensively tested for an association with schizophrenia, but with conflicting results. Recent studies indicate that if COMT is implicated in susceptibility to schizophrenia, this cannot be wholly accounted for by the Val158Met polymorphism. To assess this view, the authors conducted a case-control association study (399 patients with schizophrenia and 440 control subjects) for five functional polymorphisms (rs2075507, rs737865, rs6267, rs4680 and rs165599) in Japanese subjects. There were no significant associations found between the polymorphisms or haplotypes of COMT and schizophrenia. The present study shows that these five functional COMT polymorphisms do not play a major role in conferring susceptibility to schizophrenia in Japanese.