Vascular calcification and cellular signaling pathways as potential therapeutic targets

Increased vascular calcification (VC) is observed in patients with cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. VC is divided into three types according to its location: intimal, medial, and valvular. Various cellular signaling pathways are associated with VC, including the Wnt, mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/Akt, cyclic nucleotide-dependent protein kinase, protein kinase C, calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin, Ras homologous GTPase, apoptosis, Notch, and cytokine signaling pathways. In this review, we discuss the literature concerning the key cellular signaling pathways associated with VC and their role as potential therapeutic targets. Inhibitors to these pathways represent good candidates for use as potential therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of VC.

Statistical (n, γ ) cross section model comparison for short-lived nuclei

Neutron-capture cross sections of neutron-rich nuclei are calculated using a Hauser-Feshbach model when direct experimental cross sections cannot be obtained. A number of codes to perform these calculations exist, and each makes different assumptions about the underlying nuclear physics. We investigated the systematic uncertainty associated with the choice of Hauser-Feshbach code used to calculate the neutron-capture cross section of a short-lived nucleus. The neutron-capture cross section for 73 Zn (n, γ ) 74 Zn was calculated using three Hauser-Feshbach statistical model codes: TALYS, CoH, and EMPIRE. The calculation was first performed without any changes to the default settings in each code. Then an experimentally obtained nuclear level density (NLD) and γ -ray strength function ( γ SF ) were included. Finally, the nuclear structure information was made consistent across the codes. The neutron-capture cross sections obtained from the three codes are in good agreement after including the experimentally obtained NLD and γ SF , accounting for differences in the underlying nuclear reaction models, and enforcing consistent approximations for unknown nuclear data. It is possible to use consistent inputs and nuclear physics to reduce the differences in the calculated neutron-capture cross section from different Hauser-Feshbach codes. However, ensuring the treatment of the input of experimental data and other nuclear physics are similar across multiple codes requires a careful investigation. For this reason, more complete documentation of the inputs and physics chosen is important.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1140/epja/s10050-023-00920-0.

Calculated covariance matrices for fission product yields using BeoH

Fission product yields (FPY) are important for a variety of applications (reactor neutronics, spent fuel, dosimetry, radiochemistry, etc.) and are currently included in many of the evaluated libraries around the world. The FPYs in the current US evaluation, ENDF/B-VIII.0, are mainly based on the 1994 evaluation of England and Rider and have only had slight updates—such as the inclusion of a 2 MeV point for 239Pu—since their development. Additionally, only mean values and uncertainties are included in the evaluation, not full correlations. Los Alamos National Laboratory, in collaboration with several other institutes, has been working on an updated evaluation for the FPYs of 239Pu(n,f), 235U(n,f), 238U(n,f), and 252Cf(sf) using the deterministic, Hauser-Feshbach, fission fragment decay code, BeoH. BeoH calculates the FPYs consistently with many other prompt and delayed fission observables, explicitly taking into account multi-chance fission and ensuring consistency between observables. In addition to providing updated means and uncertainties for the FPYs on a pointwise energy grid from thermal to 20 MeV, we calculate correlations between all FPYs at each incident energy and across incident energies. Here, we discuss the development of these covariance matrices, differences in the correlations between FPYs based on the parameters that are included in the model optimization, and correlations across incident energies for neutron-induced fission.

Protein Kinase C (PKC) Isozymes as Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets for Cancer

Protein kinase C (PKC) is a large family of calcium- and phospholipid-dependent serine/threonine kinases that consists of at least 11 isozymes. Based on their structural characteristics and mode of activation, the PKC family is classified into three subfamilies: conventional or classic (cPKCs; α, βI, βII, and γ), novel or non-classic (nPKCs; δ, ε, η, and θ), and atypical (aPKCs; ζ, ι, and λ) (PKCλ is the mouse homolog of PKCι) PKC isozymes. PKC isozymes play important roles in proliferation, differentiation, survival, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and anticancer drug resistance in cancer cells. Several studies have shown a positive relationship between PKC isozymes and poor disease-free survival, poor survival following anticancer drug treatment, and increased recurrence. Furthermore, a higher level of PKC activation has been reported in cancer tissues compared to that in normal tissues. These data suggest that PKC isozymes represent potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancer. This review summarizes the current knowledge and discusses the potential of PKC isozymes as biomarkers in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of cancers.

β-Delayed One and Two Neutron Emission Probabilities Southeast of ^{132}Sn and the Odd-Even Systematics in r-Process Nuclide Abundances

The β-delayed one- and two-neutron emission probabilities (P_{1n} and P_{2n}) of 20 neutron-rich nuclei with N≥82 have been measured at the RIBF facility of the RIKEN Nishina Center. P_{1n} of ^{130,131}Ag, ^{133,134}Cd, ^{135,136}In, and ^{138,139}Sn were determined for the first time, and stringent upper limits were placed on P_{2n} for nearly all cases. β-delayed two-neutron emission (β2n) was unambiguously identified in ^{133}Cd and ^{135,136}In, and their P_{2n} were measured. Weak β2n was also detected from ^{137,138}Sn. Our results highlight the effect of the N=82 and Z=50 shell closures on β-delayed neutron emission probability and provide stringent benchmarks for newly developed macroscopic-microscopic and self-consistent global models with the inclusion of a statistical treatment of neutron and γ emission. The impact of our measurements on r-process nucleosynthesis was studied in a neutron star merger scenario. Our P_{1n} and P_{2n} have a direct impact on the odd-even staggering of the final abundance, improving the agreement between calculated and observed Solar System abundances. The odd isotope fraction of Ba in r-process-enhanced (r-II) stars is also better reproduced using our new data.

Activated protein kinase C-alpha as a simple test for urothelial cancer screening

e16552

Background: The development of a non-invasive, highly predictive diagnostic test for urothelial cancer (UC) would greatly benefit patients. Although numerous urine-based tests have been developed, it is not widely used, except for urine cytology, due to insufficient sensitivity, negative predictive value and high cost. Previously we reported that protein kinase C-alpha (PKCα) is overexpressed or activated in several cancer tissues but not in normal tissue, and we developed an activated PKCα-specific peptide substrate (FKKQGSFAKKK; Patent No. 5476559). The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential for UC screening of simple test detecting activated PKCα. Methods: This institutional review board-approved prospective study included patients with bladder cancer or upper urinary tract UC who underwent surgery at Kyushu University Hospital between September 2018 and December 2020. Patients with benign urologic disorders or healthy volunteers were included as a control group. Patients with prostate cancer (PC) or renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who underwent curative surgery were included as other genitourinary (GU) cancer group. Patients with other coexisting malignant tumors were excluded. Urine samples were collected prior to surgery, 20 mL of urine was centrifuged, and the pellet was lysed for analysis. We evaluated the phosphorylation status of the activated PKCα-specific peptide substrate by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The utility of activated PKCα as a urinary biomarker was evaluated by its sensitivity and negative predictive value when compared to control group or other GU cancers group. Results: Urine samples were obtained from 226 individuals, which included 98 patients with UC, 51 with other GU caners, and 77 with control group. Of the 98 patients with UC, activated PKCα was detected in 75 patients, with sensitivity of 76.5%. The sensitivity in patients with high-grade and low-grade UC were 84% and 62%, respectively. The sensitivity in those with high-grade UC increased to 93% when combined with urine cytology. On the other hand, activated PKCα were rarely detected in non-UC patients which includes other GU cancers group and control group. The specificity among the non-UC patients was 74.2%. In the comparison between patients with UC and non-UC, the negative predictive value of activated PKCα was 80.5%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for detecting UC of activated PKCα was 0.80. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the utility of activated PKCα as a novel urine screening test for UC. (Patent Application No. PCT/JP2020/045257) Since this test is based on a single target, inexpensive detection devices can be developed.

Macrophages are primed to transdifferentiate into fibroblasts in malignant ascites and pleural effusions

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important role in cancer progression. However, the origin of CAFs remains unclear. This study shows that macrophages in malignant ascites and pleural effusions (cavity fluid-associated macrophages: CAMs) transdifferentiate into fibroblast-like cells. CAMs obtained from gastrointestinal cancer patients were sorted by flow cytometry and cultured in vitro. CD45⁺CD14⁺ CAMs transdifferentiated into CD45^-CD90⁺ fibroblast-like cells that exhibited spindle shapes. Then, cDNA microarray analysis showed that the CD45^-CD90⁺ fibroblast-like cells (macrophage-derived CAFs: MDCAFs) had a fibroblast-specific gene expression signature and produced growth factors for epithelial cell proliferation. Human colon cancer cells transplanted into immunodeficient mice with MDCAFs formed larger tumors than cancer cells alone. Gene ontology analyses showed the involvement of TGFβ signaling and cell-matrix adhesion in MDCAFs, and transdifferentiation of CAMs into MDCAFs was canceled by inhibiting TGFβ and cell adhesion. Furthermore, the acquired genetic alterations in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) were shared in CAMs and MDCAFs. Taken together, CAMs could be a source of CAFs and might originate from HSCs. We propose the transdifferentiation process of CAMs into MDCAFs as a new therapeutic target for fibrosis associated with gastrointestinal cancer.

Bioinspired macrophage-targeted anti-inflammatory nanomedicine: A therapeutic option for the treatment of myocarditis

Myocarditis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the heart muscle, which increases the risk of dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Macrophage migration is a major histopathological hallmark of myocarditis, making macrophages a potential therapeutic target for the management of this disease. In the present study, we synthesized a bioinspired anti-inflammatory nanomedicine conjugated with protein G (PSL-G) that could target macrophages and induce macrophage polarization from the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. Notably, PSL-G exhibited a higher affinity for macrophages than non-macrophage cells. The addition of PSL-G decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-1α, IL-6, and TNF-α), but increased the level of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in macrophages treated with lipopolysaccharide and/or interferon-γ. Furthermore, the lifetime of PSL-G in murine blood circulation was found to be significantly higher than that of PSL. Systemic injection of PSL-G into a mouse model of experimental autoimmune myocarditis remarkably reduced macrophage migration in the myocardium (16-fold compared with the positive control group) and myocardial fibrosis (8-fold). Based on these results and the fact that macrophages play a critical role in the pathogenesis of various diseases, we believe that bioinspired macrophage-targeted anti-inflammatory nanomedicines may be effective therapeutic options for the treatment of autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases, especially myocarditis.

Angular Momentum Removal by Neutron and γ-Ray Emissions during Fission Fragment Decays

We investigate the angular momentum removal from fission fragments (FFs) through neutron and γ-ray emission, finding that about half the neutrons are emitted with angular momenta ≥1.5ℏ and that the change in angular momentum after the emission of neutrons and statistical γ rays is significant, contradicting usual assumptions. Per fission event, in our simulations, the neutron and statistical γ-ray emissions change the spin of the fragment by 3.5-5ℏ, with a large standard deviation comparable to the average value. Such wide angular momentum removal distributions can hide any underlying correlations in the fission fragment initial spin values. Within our model, we reproduce data on spin measurements from discrete transitions after neutron emissions, especially in the case of light FFs. The agreement further improves for the heavy fragments if one removes from the analysis the events that would produce isomeric states. Finally, we show that while in our model the initial FF spins do not follow a sawtoothlike behavior observed in recent measurements, the average FF spin computed after neutron and statistical γ emissions exhibits a shape that resembles a sawtooth. This suggests that the average FF spin measured after statistical emissions is not necessarily connected with the scission mechanism as previously implied.

Protein Nanoparticles Modified with PDGF-B as a Novel Therapy After Acute Cerebral Infarction

Treatment options for cerebral infarction beyond the time window of reperfusion therapy are limited, and novel approaches are needed. PDGF-B is considered neuroprotective; however, it is difficult to administer at effective concentrations to infarct areas. Nanoparticles (NPs) are small and stable; therefore, we modified PDGF-B to the surface of naturally occurring heat shock protein NPs (HSPNPs) to examine its therapeutic effect in cerebral infarction. PDGF-B modified HSPNPs (PDGF-B HSPNPs) were injected 1 d after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (t-MCAO) in CB-17 model mice. We analyzed the infarct volume and motor functional recovery at 3 and 7 d. PDGF-B HSPNPs were specifically distributed in the infarct area, and compared with HSPNPs alone, they significantly reduced infarct volumes and improved neurologic function 3 and 7 d after administration. PDGF-B HSPNP administration was associated with strong phosphorylation of Akt in infarct areas and significantly increased neurotrophin (NT)-3 production as well as reduced cell apoptosis compared with HSPNPs alone. Moreover, astrogliosis in peri-infarct area was significantly upregulated with PDGF-B HSPNPs compared with HSPNPs alone. Treatment with PDGF-B HSPNPs might be a novel approach for treating cerebral infarction.

Identification of Activated Protein Kinase Cα (PKCα) in the Urine of Orthotopic Bladder Cancer Xenograft Model as a Potential Biomarker for the Diagnosis of Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer has a high recurrence rate; therefore, frequent and effective monitoring is essential for disease management. Cystoscopy is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis and continuous monitoring of bladder cancer. However, cystoscopy is invasive and relatively expensive. Thus, there is a need for non-invasive, relatively inexpensive urinary biomarker-based diagnoses of bladder cancer. This study aimed to investigate the presence of activated protein kinase Cα (PKCα) in urine samples and the possibility of PKCα as a urinary biomarker for bladder cancer diagnosis. Activated PKCα was found to be present at higher levels in bladder cancer tissues than in normal bladder tissues. Furthermore, high levels of activated PKCα were observed in urine samples collected from orthotopic xenograft mice carrying human bladder cancer cells compared to urine samples from normal mice. These results suggest that activated PKCα can be used as a urinary biomarker to diagnose bladder cancer. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the presence of activated PKCα in the urine of orthotopic xenograft mice.

Reflectance spectra analysis for mucous assessment

This review report represents an overview of research and development on medical hyperspectral imaging technology and its applications. Spectral imaging technology is attracting attention as a new imaging modality for medical applications, especially in disease diagnosis and image-guided surgery. Considering the recent advances in imaging, this technology provides an opportunity for two-dimensional mapping of oxygen saturation (SatO₂) of blood with high accuracy, spatial spectral imaging, and its analysis and provides detection and diagnostic information about the tissue physiology and morphology. Multispectral imaging also provides information about tissue oxygenation, perfusion, and potential function during surgery. Analytical algorithm has been examined, and indication of accurate map of relative hemoglobin concentration and SatO₂ can be indicated with preferable resolution and frame rate. This technology is expected to provide promising biomedical information in practical use. Several studies suggested that blood flow and SatO₂ are associated with gastrointestinal disorders, particularly malignant tumor conditions. The use and analysis of spectroscopic images are expected to potentially play a role in the detection and diagnosis of these diseases.

Histidine-Rich Glycoprotein Alleviates Liver Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Mice With Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is a major complication of liver surgery and transplantation, especially in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The mechanism of NASH susceptibility to IRI has not been fully clarified. We investigated the role of liver-produced histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) in NASH IRI. A NASH mouse model was established using C57BL/6J mice fed a methionine-choline-deficient diet (MCDD) for 6 weeks. The MCDD and standard diet groups were exposed to 60 minutes of partial hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). We further evaluated the impact of HRG in this context using HRG knockdown (KD) mice. IRI increased HRG expression in the standard diet group, but not in the MCDD group after I/R. HRG expression was inversely correlated with neutrophil infiltration and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). HRG KD mice showed severe liver injury with neutrophil infiltration and the formation of NETs. Pretreatment with supplementary HRG protected against I/R with the inhibition of neutrophil infiltration and the formation of NETs. In vitro, hepatocytes showed that the expression of HRG was upregulated under hypoxia/reoxygenation conditions, but not in response to oleic acid-treated hepatocytes. The decrease in HRG expression in fatty hepatocytes was accompanied by decreased farnesoid X receptor and hypoxia inducible factor 2 alpha subunit expression. HRG is a hepatoprotective factor during hepatic IRI because it decreases neutrophil infiltration and the formation of NETs. The decrease in HRG is a cause of susceptibility to IRI in steatotic livers. Therefore, HRG is a new therapeutic target for minimizing liver damage in patients with NASH.

Sodium thiosulfate prevents doxorubicin-induced DNA damage and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes in mice

AIM

Doxorubicin (DOX) induces dose-dependent cardiotoxicity due to reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative stress and subsequent apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. We aimed to assess whether sodium thiosulfate (STS), which has antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties, exerts cardioprotective effects on DOX-induced cardiomyopathy.

MAIN METHODS

Male C57BL/6N mice were divided into four groups, control, DOX, STS, and DOX + STS, and administered DOX (20 or 30 mg/kg) or normal saline intraperitoneally, followed by an injection of STS (2 g/kg) or normal saline 4 h later.

KEY FINDINGS

The DOX group showed a poorer 6-day survival and decreased cardiac function than the DOX + STS group. The DOX group showed a marked increase in the plasma creatine kinase isoenzyme myocardial band (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels 10 h after DOX injection, while the DOX + STS group showed suppression of DOX-induced elevation of CK-MB and LDH levels. The DOX group showed increased 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels in the heart, whereas the DOX + STS group showed increased catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and decreased 8-OHdG levels in the heart compared with DOX group, suggesting that STS reduces DOX-induced DNA damage by improving antioxidant enzymes activities in cardiomyocytes. Additionally, the DOX + STS group showed attenuation of cleaved caspase-3 and DNA fragmentation in cardiomyocytes compared with the DOX group, suggesting that STS suppresses DOX-induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes.

SIGNIFICANCE

STS exerts cardioprotective effects against DOX-induced cardiac dysfunction partly by improving antioxidant defense and suppressing apoptosis, indicating the therapeutic potential of STS against DOX-induced cardiomyopathy.

AB0196 THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN OSTEOPOROSIS AND FUNCTIONAL IMPAIRMENT EVALUATED BY THE LOCOMO25 IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background:

Locomotive syndrome is a condition in which activities of daily living are affected by impairment of the motor organs, most often due to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Locomo25 is a new index developed for the early detection of locomotive syndrome. It consists of 25 items associated with pain, physical activity, and subjective state of health, with a score of 7 points or higher classed as Grade 1 locomotive syndrome and a score of 16 points or higher as Grade 2. In RA, joint impairment causes the appearance of problems affecting motor organs as a whole, as well as progressive functional impairment. As functional impairment progresses, it causes increasing immobility, which raises the risk of osteoporosis.

Objectives:

Locomo25 was used to investigate functional impairment and its association with RA disease activity and osteoporosis indicators.

Methods:

The subjects were 105 patients with RA (24 men and 81 women) with a mean age of 68.7 (28–91) years. In terms of staging, 25 were Stage I, 22 Stage II, 17 Stage III, and 41 Stage IV, and their motor disability was Steinbrocker Class 1 in 68 cases, Class 2 in 27, Class 3 in 9, and Class 4 in 1. Disease activity according to the Disease Activity Score 28 with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28 ESR) was assessed as remission in 44 cases, low disease activity in 24, moderate in 33, and high in 4. The associations between the Locomo25 score and disease activity indices, bone mineral density (BMD), and bone turnover markers (TRACP-5b, NTX, urinary DPD, BAP, total P1NP, and 25(OH)D) were investigated.

Results:

Locomo25 grade was 0 in 37 cases (35.2%), 1 in 24 (22.9%), and 2 in 44 (41.9%). Locomo25 grade was significantly associated with Steinbrocker class (r= 0.4299, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient,p< 0.0001). DAS28 ESR and Health Assessment Questionnaire scores increased as locomotive syndrome progressed. There was no significant difference in eGFR between groups, but bone resorption markers (TRACP-5b, NTX, and urinary DPD) and a bone quality marker (pentosidine) decreased significantly as locomotive syndrome progressed. There were no significant differences in BMD or other bone turnover markers.

Conclusion:

The Locomo25 score was useful for evaluating functional impairment in RA. The prevalence of Grade 2 locomotive syndrome in the general population is reported to be around 25%, and many patients with RA had advanced locomotive syndrome. Although there was no significant difference in BMD, elevated bone resorption and deteriorating bone quality were associated with progressive functional impairment, suggesting that RA patients with advanced locomotive syndrome may be at risk of increasingly severe osteoporosis as a result of immobility.

References:

[1]Yoshimura Y, Ishijima M, Ishibashi M, Liu L, Arikawa-Hirasawa E, Machida S, Naito H, Hamada C, Kominami E. J Orthop Sci. 2019 Nov;24(6):1094-1104. doi: 10.1016/j.jos.2019.08.009. Epub 2019 Sep 3.

[2]Siu PPY, Cheung PWH, Cheung JPY. J Orthop Sci. 2019 Nov;24(6):1110-1117. doi: 10.1016/j.jos.2019.07.012. Epub 2019 Aug 14.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0964 THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN RESIDUAL SYMPTOMS AND CERVICAL SPINE LESIONS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background:

Treatment outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been improved with advances in drug therapy. In daily clinical practice, the outcomes are assessed based on the presence of swollen or tender joints, global assessment using a visual analog scale by a patient (GVAS) and a physician (DrVAS), etc., in addition to inflammatory findings. Although inflammation and joint symptoms are suppressed, many patients show no improvement in GVAS scores. The reported residual RA symptoms include morning stiffness (MS), pain (P), and dullness (D), but their causes are not completely known. Latent cervical spine lesions sometimes exist in RA, but their association with residual RA symptoms is unknown.

Objectives:

We examined cervical spine lesions and residual symptoms in patients with RA who achieved the therapeutic goal.

Methods:

Of 124 patients with RA, 82 (25 men and 57 women) who achieved a low disease activity (LDA) state on the Disease Activity Score for 28 joints with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) were included. The mean age was 65.7 (28- 83) years, and the disease stage was Stage I in 28 patients, Stage II in 14, Stage III in 13, and Stage IV in 27. Dysfunction was graded as Class 1 in 63 patients, Class 2 in 18, and Class 3 in one (Steinbrocker classification). Biopharmaceuticals had been administered in 27 patients. As for disease activity, the DAS28-ESR scores indicated complete remission in 54 patients and LDA in 28. The survey form was used to investigate the presence or absence/duration of MS, the presence or absence/severity of P (Pain VAS), and the presence or absence/severity of D (Dullness VAS). On lateral functional radiographs of the cervical spine, patients with spinal lesions were selected and divided into the asymptotic stability (ASS; atlantoaxial dislocation ≥3 mm) + vertical setting (VS; Ranawat value <13 mm) group, the cervical spondylolisthesis group (≥3 mm of slippage on dynamic radiographs), and the spondylolisthesis group (≥3 mm of slippage on dynamic radiographs). They were examined for association with residual symptoms.

Results:

According to cervical spine lesions, the patients who achieved the therapeutic goal were divided into the ASS+VS group comprising 15 patients (18.3%), the spondylolisthesis group comprising 11 (13.4%), and the stenosis group comprising 18 (22.0%). Among them, only the spondylolisthesis group showed significant differences in residual RA symptoms. In the spondylolisthesis group, the disease duration was longer, but there was no difference in age. MS, P, and D were significantly severer. The duration of MS was longer, and both Pain and Dullness VAS scores were higher. The score on each component of the DAS28 showed no difference in inflammatory findings. GVAS and DrVAS scores were higher. No common perceptions of spinal symptoms were shared between any patients with cervical spine lesions and physicians.

Conclusion:

Improved patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are considered to be important to achieve more complete remission. There are various reports on the causes of residual RA symptoms, but many aspects remain unknown. Based on the results of this study, because asymptomatic subaxial subluxation is one of concerns in patients with spondylolisthesis with dynamic instability of the cervical spine, cervical spine diseases should also be considered in patients with severe residual symptoms. Not only radiography but also magnetic resonance imaging needs to be performed.

Acknowledgments:

The authors wish to acknowledge Miss Sasaki

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0899 TREATMENT STATUS OF PATIENTS WITH GLUCOCORTICOID-INDUCED OSTEOPOROSIS IN THE AKITA ORTHOPEDIC GROUP ON RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS REGISTRY

Background:

Glucocorticoids (GC) have potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects and are used to treat a variety of diseases. However, GC are associated with several adverse effects. Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO), a bone metabolism disorder, accounts for 25% of the side effects associated with GC, and long-term use of these agents leads to fragility fractures in 30 to 50% of patients [1]. GC are frequently used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). No report on the current treatment status for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO) has been published following the publication of the new guidelines for the management and treatment of GIO issued by the Japanese Society for Bone Mineral Research provided in 2014 (Figure 1) [2].

Objectives:

The present study aimed to investigate the current treatment status of GIO patients in the Akita Orthopedic Group on Rheumatoid Arthritis (AORA) registry.

Methods:

This retrospective, multicenter study included 683 patients (138 men, 545 women) with fracture risk factor scores ≥3 based on the new guidelines who were in the AORA registry. We examined patient characteristics, differences in patient backgrounds between treated and non-treated groups.

Results:

There were no significant differences in mean GC dose between men and women (4.0 ± 2.3 mg/day vs 3.6 ± 1.8 mg/day, p = 0.08). The mean disease duration of RA in women was significantly longer than in men (180.2 ± 140.2 months vs 143.8 ± 129.6 months, Untreated GIO patients were significantly more likely to be men and younger. The univariate analysis showed that clinic visits, male sex, younger age, and longer disease duration were significant risk factors for lack of therapeutic intervention for GIO. Multivariate analysis showed that being treated in a clinic, male sex, and younger age were significant risk factors for lack of therapeutic intervention for GIO.

Conclusion:

Our results emphasize the importance of considering the prevention and treatment of GIO in all patients with RA, including younger and male patients, who have lower intervention rates.

References:

[1]Weinstein RS. Clinical practice. Glucocorticoid-induced bone disease. New Engl J Med. 2011; 365(1): 62-70.

[2]Suzuki Y, Nawata H, Soen S, Fujiwara S, Nakayama H, Tanaka I, et al. Guidelines on the management and treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis of the Japanese Society for Bone and Mineral Research: 2014 update. J Bone Miner Metab. 2014; 32(4): 337-350.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Effect of Fetal Bovine Serum Concentration on Lysophosphatidylcholine-mediated Proliferation and Apoptosis of Human Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells

Lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPtdCho) is produced by the phospholipase A₂-mediated hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine and can stimulate proliferation and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells. We examined the influence of fetal bovine serum (FBS) concentration in the culture medium on lysoPtdCho-mediated apoptosis and proliferation of human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) as well as on the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK)1/2. In the presence of 1% FBS, HASMC viability increased after lysoPtdCho treatment at 1 and 10 μM but decreased at 25 and 50 μM. However, lysoPtdCho increased HASMC viability in a dose-dependent manner in the presence of 10% FBS. The activity of caspase 3/7 in HASMCs was increased by 25 μM lysoPtdCho in the presence of 1% FBS, but not 10% FBS. Furthermore, lysoPtdCho at 1 and 10 μM triggered ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the presence of 1% FBS, but not at 10% FBS. Thus, lysoPtdCho-mediated HASMC apoptosis, proliferation, and ERK1/2 activation are dependent on the concentration of FBS.

The Los Alamos fission yield evaluation pipeline

The nuclear data team at Los Alamos National Laboratory has undertaken a campaign to construct new fission yield evaluation. Significant advances have been made on a number of fronts. Nuclear potential energy surfaces can now be generated with the newly developed MicMac code based off the Finite Range Liquid-Drop Model (FRLDM). This model can be incorporated into the Los Alamos de-excitation framework codes BeOH and CGMF to perform modeling of prompt, independent (IFY) and cumulative (CFY) fission yields that take into account prompt and beta-delayed neutrons and photons consistent with decay data. This is in stark contrast to what exists in evaluated nuclear data libraries today, where only a few incident energy points are used with limited physical insights and no consistency between IFY, CFY and decay data. We highlight the latest progress with application of neutron-induced fission of 235 U and 239 Pu.

Description of the Fission Process: Nuclear Models for Fission Dynamics

Nuclear fission is the splitting of a heavy nucleus into two or more fragments, a process that releases a substantial amount of energy. It is ubiquitous in modern applications, critical for national security, energy generation and reactor safeguards. Fission also plays an important role in understanding the astrophysical formation of elements in the universe. Eighty years after the discovery of the fission process, its theoretical understanding from first principles remains a great challenge. In this paper, we present promising new approaches to make more accurate predictions of fission observables.

New paradigm for nuclear data evaluation

A new paradigm for nuclear reaction data evaluations is proposed to produce adjusted libraries that take into account integral experiments on the same footing as the differential ones. These evaluations will provide comprehensive covariance matrices including cross-correlations among different materials/reactions that are critical for realistic propagation of data uncertainties to integral quantities. The new approach should also reduce error compensation issues and facilitate updating of the library to account for new or corrected experiments and advances in reaction modeling.

Quality evaluation of health foods containing licorice in the Japanese Market

Focusing on licorice, a highly used raw material in health foods, quantitative analysis of functional/medicinal components and a safety and functional evaluation was carried out for herbal medicines, health food ingredients, and so-called health foods. A functional component, glabridin, was detected in herbal medicines from Glycyrrhiza glabra and G. inflata, health food ingredients, and in commercially available health foods that contain licorice. Likewise, glycyrrhizin, a medicinal component, was detected in these sources, except in licorice oil extract. Estrogen activity in vitro was detected in some of the herbal medicines, health food ingredients, and in health foods containing licorice. In the in vivo study, liver weight in ovariectomized (OVX) mice treated with licorice oil extract was significantly higher than that in OVX and sham mice in a dose dependent manner. These results suggest that excessive intake of licorice oil extract from health foods should be avoided, even though these ingredients might be beneficial for medical use in order to maintain bone health in postmenopausal women. Measurement of hepatic cytochrome P-450 (CYP) activity, reproductive organ weight, and fat and bone mass in OVX mice was considered useful for evaluating the safety and efficacy of estrogenic health food ingredients derived from herbal medicines.

An anatomical hypothesis: a "concentric-structured model" for the theoretical understanding of the surgical anatomy in the upper mediastinum required for esophagectomy with radical mediastinal lymph node dissection

Understanding the surgical anatomy is the key to reducing surgical invasiveness especially in the upper mediastinal dissection for esophageal cancer, which is supposed to have a significant impact on curability and morbidity. However, there is no theoretical recognition regarding the surgical anatomy required for esophagectomy, although the surgical anatomy in abdominal digestive surgery has been developed on the basis of embryological findings of intestinal rotation and fusion fascia. Therefore, we developed a hypothesis of a 'concentric-structured model' of the surgical anatomy in the upper mediastinum based on human embryonic development. This model was characterized by three factors: (1) a concentric and symmetric three-layer structure, (2) bilateral vascular distribution, and (3) an 'inter-layer potential space' composed of loose connective tissue. The concentric three-layer structure consists of the 'visceral layer', the 'vascular layer', and the 'parietal layer': the visceral layer containing the esophagus, trachea, and recurrent laryngeal nerves as the central core, the vascular layer of major blood vessels surrounding the visceral core to maintain the circulation, and the parietal layer as the outer frame of the body. The bilateral vascular distribution consists of the inferior thyroid arteries and bronchial arteries originating from the bilateral dorsal aortae in an embryo. This bilateral vascular distribution may be related to the formation of the proper mesentery of the esophagus and frequent lymph node metastasis observed in the visceral layer around recurrent laryngeal nerves. The three concentric layers are bordered by loose connective tissue called the 'inter-layer potential space'. This inter-layer potential space is the fundamental factor of our concentric-structured model as the appropriate surgical plane of dissection. The peripheral blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics transition between each layer, thereby penetrating this loose connective tissue forming the inter-layer potential space. Recurrent laryngeal nerves also transition from the vascular layer after branching off from the vagal nerves and then ascend consistently in the visceral layer. We investigated the validity of this concentric-structured model, confirming the intraoperative images and the surgical outcomes of thoracoscopic esophagectomy in a prone position (TSEP) before and after the introduction of this hypothetical anatomy model. A total of 226 patients with esophageal cancer underwent TSEP from January 2015 to December 2016. After the introduction of this model, the surgical outcomes in 105 patients clearly improved for the operation time of the thoracoscopic procedure (160 min vs. 182 min, P = 0.01) and the incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (19.0% vs. 36.4%, P = 0.004). Moreover, we were able to identify the concentric and symmetric layer structure through surgical dissection along the inter-layer potential space between the visceral and vascular layers ('viscero-vascular space') in all 105 cases after introduction of the hypothetical model. The concentric-structured model based on embryonic development is clinically beneficial for achieving less-invasive esophagectomy by ensuring a theoretical understanding of the surgical anatomy in the upper mediastinum.

Preequilibrium Asymmetries in the ^{239}Pu(n,f) Prompt Fission Neutron Spectrum

The physical properties of neutrons emitted from neutron-induced fission are fundamental to our understanding of nuclear fission. However, while state-of-the-art fission models still incorporate isotropic fission neutron spectra, it is believed that the preequilibrium prefission component of these spectra is strongly anisotropic. The lack of experimental guidance on this feature has not motivated incorporation of anisotropic neutron spectra in fission models, though any significant anisotropy would impact descriptions of a fissioning system. In the present work, an excess of counts at high energies in the fission neutron spectrum of ^{239}Pu is clearly observed and identified as an excess of the preequilibrium prefission distribution above the postfission neutron spectrum. This excess is separated from the underlying postfission neutron spectrum, and its angular distribution is determined as a function in incident neutron energy and outgoing neutron detection angle. Comparison with neutron scattering models provides the first experimental evidence that the preequilibrium angular distribution is uncorrelated with the fission axis. The results presented here also impact the interpretation of several influential prompt fission neutron spectrum measurements.

The involvement of calmodulin and protein kinases in the upstream of cytosolic and nucleic calcium signaling induced by hypoosmotic shock in tobacco cells

Changes in Ca2+ concentrations in cytosol ([Ca2+]C) or nucleus ([Ca2+]N) may play some vital roles in plants under hypoosmotic shock (Hypo-OS). Here, we observed that Hypo-OS induces biphasic increases in [Ca2+]C and [Ca2+]N in two tobacco cell lines (BY-2) expressing apoaequorin either in the cytosol or in the nucleus. Both [Ca2+]C and [Ca2+]N were sensitively modulated by the inhibitors of calmodulin and protein kinases, supporting the view that calmodulin suppresses the 1st peaks and and protein kinases enhance 2nd peaks in [Ca2+]C and [Ca2+]N. Data also suggested that the 1st and 2nd events depend on the internal and extracellular Ca2+ sources, respectively.

Inhibition of Tissue Activator by Urokinase Inhibitor

Inhibition of tissue activator purified from human heart by urokinase inhibitor purified from human placenta was observed by both the fibrin plate method and fibrin clot lysis time method. It was shown to be of much less on extent in comparison with urokinase, that is, 20 Ploug units of urokinase were completely inhibited by approximately 100 or 200 u of urokinase inhibitor in the respective methods but 6 Ploug units of tissue activator were inhibited only 25% to 50% even though 1,000 u of urokinase inhibitor were used.

Publisher Correction: Shedding new light on the Crab with polarized X-rays

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Developing reliable reaction gamma-ray data

We report on efforts to develop reliable photonuclear cross section and photon strength function data by measuring, compiling, assessing, evaluating the available data, and producing tables of Giant Dipole Resonance parameters and global models for use in basic sciences and applications.

Ligand-Mediated Coating of Liposomes with Human Serum Albumin

Coating liposome surfaces with human serum albumin (HSA) can improve the colloidal stability and prevent opsonization. HSA coating via specific binding with alkyl ligands is promising because although the ligand-mediated coating is relatively stable it can spontaneously exchange with fresh HSA. However, to achieve surface coating with HSA, multiple hydrophobic ligands must be exposed to an aqueous medium prior to binding with HSA. This presents a challenge, as hydrophobic ligands tend to be buried in the liposomal membrane. Here we present the first HSA modification of liposome surfaces via alkyl ligands. We found that a relatively short alkyl ligand, or a long alkyl ligand with a terminal carboxylate, could be exposed on the liposome surface without causing aggregation of the liposomes and these ligands could subsequently bind HSA. The resulting HSA-coated liposomes were as inert as conventional PEGylated liposomes in terms of macrophage recognition.

Sex-based differences in CD103+ dendritic cells promote female-predominant Th2 cytokine production during allergic asthma

BACKGROUND

Gender disparities in adult patients with asthma regarding its prevalence and severity are mainly due to enhanced type 2 T-helper (Th2) cytokine production in female patients compared to that in male patients. However, the pathways mediating this effect remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine the roles of two major subsets of dendritic cells (DCs) in females, specifically those displaying CD11b or CD103, during enhanced Th2 priming after allergen exposure, using an ovalbumin-induced asthma mouse model.

METHODS

Sex-based differences in the number of DCs at inflamed sites, costimulatory molecule expression on DCs, and the ability of DCs to differentiate naïve CD4⁺ T cells into Th2 population were evaluated after allergen exposure in asthmatic mice. In addition, we assessed the role of 17β-oestradiol in CD103⁺ DC function during Th2 priming in vitro.

RESULTS

The number of CD11b^high DCs and CD103⁺ DCs in the lung and bronchial lymph node (BLN) was increased to a greater extent in female mice than in male mice at 16 to 20 hours after ovalbumin (OVA) inhalation. In BLNs, CD86 and I-A/I-E expression levels and antigen uptake ability in CD103⁺ DCs, but not in CD11b^high DCs, were greater in female mice than in male mice. Furthermore, CD4⁺ T cells cultured with CD103⁺ DCs from female mice produced higher levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13, compared with CD4⁺ T cells cultured with CD103⁺ DCs from male mice. The 17β-oestradiol-oriented enhancement of CD86 expression on CD103⁺ DCs after allergen exposure induced the enhanced IL-5 production from CD4⁺ T cells.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

These findings suggest that with regard to asthma, enhanced Th2 cytokine production in females might be attributed to 17β-oestradiol-mediated Th2-oriented CD103⁺ DCs in the BLN.

Exit-Channel Suppression in Statistical Reaction Theory

Statistical reaction theories such as the Hauser-Feshbach theory assume that branching ratios follow Bohr's compound nucleus hypothesis by factorizing into independent probabilities for different channels. Corrections to the factorization hypothesis are known in both nuclear theory and quantum transport theory, particularly an enhanced memory of the entrance channel. We apply the Gaussian orthogonal ensemble to study a complementary suppression of exit channel branching ratios. The combined effect of the width fluctuation and the limitation on the transmission coefficient can provide a lower bound on the number of exit channels. The bound is demonstrated for the branching ratio in neutron-induced reactions on a ^{235}U target.

Increased hepatic inflammation in a normal-weight mouse after long-term high-fat diet feeding

Among five C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks, one mouse showed a body weight (BW) similar to normal diet (ND)-fed mice. We compared obesity-related parameters of three groups (ND-fed mice, one HFD-fed normal-weight mouse, and HFD-fed overweight mice), including visceral fat weight, serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), glucose, and aminotransferases (AST and ALT), adipocyte size, percentage of crown-like structures, severity of hepatic steatosis, and number of inflammatory foci. Compared to ND-fed mice, the HFD-fed normal-weight mouse exhibited a similar visceral fat weight, similar serum levels of glucose and aminotransferases, and a similar percentage of crown-like structures. On the other hand, the serum TC level, adipocyte size, and hepatic steatosis severity of the HFD-fed normal-weight mouse were intermediate between those of ND-fed mice and HFD-fed overweight mice. Interestingly, the number of hepatic inflammatory foci in the HFD-fed normal-weight mouse was remarkably increased compared with those in HFD-fed overweight mice. These results suggest that having BW or serum ALT levels within normal ranges may not guarantee absence of hepatic inflammation and that the HFD-fed normal-weight mouse can be used as an animal model for the study of liver inflammation, particularly in patients with normal BWs and/or serum ALT values.