Differential drivers of intraspecific and interspecific competition during malaria-helminth co-infection

Various host and parasite factors interact to determine the outcome of infection. We investigated the effects of two factors on the within-host dynamics of malaria in mice: initial infectious dose and co-infection with a helminth that limits the availability of red blood cells (RBCs). Using a statistical, time-series approach to model the within-host ‘epidemiology’ of malaria, we found that increasing initial dose reduced the time to peak cell-to-cell parasite propagation, but also reduced its magnitude, while helminth co-infection delayed peak cell-to-cell propagation, except at the highest malaria doses. Using a mechanistic model of within-host infection dynamics, we identified dose-dependence in parameters describing host responses to malaria infection and uncovered a plausible explanation of the observed differences in single vs co-infections. Specifically, in co-infections, our model predicted a higher background death rate of RBCs. However, at the highest dose, when intraspecific competition between malaria parasites would be highest, these effects of co-infection were not observed. Such interactions between initial dose and co-infection, although difficult to predict a priori, are key to understanding variation in the severity of disease experienced by hosts and could inform studies of malaria transmission dynamics in nature, where co-infection and low doses are the norm.

A 3-styrylchromone converted from trimebutine 3D pharmacophore possesses dual suppressive effects on RAGE and TLR4 signaling pathways

Receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) and Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. We previously reported that trimebutine, a spasmolytic drug, suppresses RAGE pro-inflammatory signaling pathway in macrophages. The aim of this study was to convert trimebutine to a new small molecule using in silico 3D pharmacophore similarity search, and dissect the mechanistic anti-inflammatory basis. Of note, a unique 3-styrylchromone (3SC), 7-methoxy-3-trimethoxy-SC (7M3TMSC), converted from trimebutine 3D pharmacophore potently suppressed both high mobility group box 1-RAGE and lipopolysaccharide-TLR4 signaling pathways in macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells. More importantly, 7M3TMSC inhibited the phosphorylation of extracellular signaling-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and downregulated the production of cytokines, such as interleukin-6. Furthermore, 3D pharmacophore-activity relationship analyses revealed that the hydrogen bond acceptors of the trimethoxy groups in a 3-styryl moiety and the 7-methoxy-group in a chromone moiety in this compound are significant in the dual anti-inflammatory activity. Thus, 7M3TMSC may provide an important scaffold for the development of a new type of anti-inflammatory dual effective drugs targeting RAGE/TLR4-ERK1/2 signaling.

Trimebutine attenuates high mobility group box 1-receptor for advanced glycation end-products inflammatory signaling pathways

We previously identified papaverine as an inhibitor of receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) and showed its suppressive effect on high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1)-mediated responses to inflammation. Here, we found trimebutine to be a 3D pharmacophore mimetics of papaverine. Trimebutine was revealed to have more potent suppressive effects on HMGB1-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α in macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells and mouse bone marrow primarily differentiated macrophages than did papaverine. However, the inhibitory effect of trimebutine on the interaction of HMGB1 and RAGE was weaker than that of papaverine. Importantly, mechanism-of-action analyses revealed that trimebutine strongly inhibited the activation of RAGE downstream inflammatory signaling pathways, especially the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), which are mediator/effector kinases recruited to the intracellular domain of RAGE. Consequently, the activation of Jun amino terminal kinase, which is an important effector kinase for the up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, was inhibited. Taken together, these results suggest that trimebutine may exert its suppressive effect on the HMGB1-RAGE inflammatory signal pathways by strongly blocking the recruitment of ERK1/2 to the intracellular tail domain of RAGE in addition to its weak inhibition of the extracellular interaction of HMGB1 with RAGE. Thus, trimebutine may provide a unique scaffold for the development of novel dual inhibitors of RAGE for inflammatory diseases.

FRI0097 EFFECTS OF BIOLOGICAL DISEASE-MODIFYING ANTI-RHEUMATIC DRUG TREATMENT ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, MUSCLE POWER, AGILITY AND INHIBITION OF FALL IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS -THE 2-YEAR RESULTS

Background:

Treatment with biological DMARDs (bDMARDs) rapidly improves signs and symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The efficacy of these bDMARDs was evaluated using composite measures or biomarkers used in daily clinical practice or clinical studies. Although a rapid improvement in composite measures or biomarkers is important in the treatment of RA, the primary goal of treatment is improvement of long-term health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) [1]. HR-QOL is evaluated based on physical functions (PF) such as muscle power and agility. We reported the 1-year results of our study presented at EULAR 2019 [2]. The present study was conducted to investigate the 2-year results of our study by including more patents than those included in the previous one.

Objectives:

This study was aimed at investigating the efficacy of bDMARDs with respect to PF and fall risk in RA patients.

Methods:

At our institute, in addition to routine rheumatology evaluation, periodic evaluation of physical function is performed by staff members in our rehabilitation center in RA patients in whom the first bDMARD treatment was initiated in Oct. 2015–Feb. 2018. In total, 41 cases were registered in this study. Evaluation of PF included evaluation of muscle power [grasping power (GP) and knee extension power (KEP)]; agility [time up and go test (TUG) and 10-m walking time (10 mW)]; and a questionnaire using modified HAQ, portable fall risk index [3], and the 25-question geriatric locomotive function scale (locomo25) [4] at baseline (BL), which implies the time at the initiation of bDMARD treatment, i.e., 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Disease activity of RA was evaluated at the same time points. Although 2 years had elapsed from BL in 37 patients, 13 patients dropped out from the evaluation of physical function owing to cessation of bDMARD treatment, rejection of evaluation for physical function, or major joint surgery performed in a patient. The results of 24 patients who completed the evaluation at 24 months were investigated in this study.

Results:

Baseline characteristics of the 24 patients were as follows: mean age 60.8 years, RA duration 12.3 years, mean SDAI 19.0, and mean CRP level 2.1 mg/dl. The bDMARDs used in the study were abatacept in 7 patients, adalimumab in 4 patients, tocilizumab in 4 patients, golimumab in 4 patients, etanercept in 3 patients, certolizumab in 1 patient, and an infliximab biosimilar in 1 patients. Data are presented as mean values at BL and at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months (Fig.1). SDAI and CRP levels were significantly improved at and after 1 month. GP and KEP were significantly improved at and after 3 and 6 months. TUG and 10 mW results were significantly improved at and after 3 and 6 months. Modified HAQ results were significantly improved at and after 3 months. Locomo25 scores were significantly improved at and after 1 month. Portable fall risk index values were significantly improved at and after 12 months.

Conclusion:

Although there was a rapid improvement in the signs and symptoms of RA after the initiation of bDMARD treatment, improvement in PF was slightly delayed. Significant improvement of muscle power and agility was achieved after 3–6 months onward. Inhibition of fall risk was achieved at and after 12 months after the initiation of bDMARD treatment. These results suggest that physiotherapy plays a vital role in RA patients who undergo treatment with bDMARDs to gain more rapid improvement of PF.

References:

[1]Smolen JS et al. Ann Rheum Dis, 2016.

[2]Hirano Y et al. Ann Rheum Dis, suppl. 2, 2019.

[3]Toba K et al. Jpn J Geriat, 2005.

[4]Seichi A at al. J Orthop Sci, 2012.

Disclosure of Interests:

Yuji Hirano Speakers bureau: Tanabe-Mitsubishi, Pfizer, Eisai, Abbie, Chugai, Bristol-Meyers, Jansen, Astellas, UCB, Eli-Lilly, Asahikasei, Daiichi-Sankyo, Amgen, Ayako Morisaka: None declared, Hironobu Kosugiyama: None declared, Shiori Inuzuka: None declared, Takeshi Kamiya: None declared, Hiroyuki Mori: None declared, Naohito Morishima: None declared, Tomoji Ishikawa: None declared

Randomized clinical trial of single skin sterilization with a povidone-iodine applicator versus conventional skin sterilization in abdominal surgery

Background

The efficacy of widely used povidone–iodine applicators for skin sterilization in abdominal surgery is unclear. The aim of this trial was to evaluate whether sterilization with a povidone–iodine applicator was not inferior to a conventional sterilization method.

Methods

Patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery were assigned randomly to receive single sterilization with the applicator or conventional sterilization. The primary endpoint was wound infection rate. Secondary endpoints were rate of organ/space surgical‐site infection (SSI), adverse effects of povidone–iodine, amount of povidone–iodine used and total cost of sterilization.

Results

Of 498 patients eligible for the study between April 2015 and September 2017, 240 were assigned and analysed in the applicator group and 246 in the conventional group. Wound infection was detected in 16 patients (6·7 per cent) in the applicator group and 16 (6·5 per cent) in the conventional group (absolute difference 0·0016 (90 per cent c.i. −0·037 to 0·040) per cent; P = 0·014 for non‐inferiority). There was no difference between the groups in the organ/space SSI rate (11 patients (4·6 per cent) in the applicator group and 16 (6·5 per cent) in the conventional group. Both the amount of povidone–iodine used and the total cost of sterilization were higher in the conventional group than in the applicator group (median 76·7 versus 25 ml respectively, P < 0·001; median €7·0 versus €6·4, P < 0·001). Skin irritation was detected in three patients in the conventional group.

Conclusion

In abdominal surgery, this povidone–iodine applicator was not inferior to conventional sterilization in terms of the wound infection rate, and it is cheaper. Registration number: UMIN000018231 (http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/).

Talbot interferometry for imaging two-dimensional electron density distribution over discharge plasma with higher sensitivity

The basic properties of a Talbot interferometer implementing pinhole arrays were experimentally and numerically investigated for the improvement of measurement sensitivity of laser wavefront sensors utilized for electron density imaging over discharge plasmas. A numerical simulation using a plane wave decomposition method indicated that the pinhole arrays with a pitch of 300 μm and a pinhole diameter of 150 μm were most suitable for the measurement of the millimetre-scale discharge plasmas, in consideration of the spatial resolution and measurement accuracy. The plane wave decomposition simulation expected that the measurement sensitivity of the 8th-Talbot-length interferometer could be improved by a factor of 4 compared with the previously developed Shack-Hartmann type laser wavefront sensors, which was experimentally verified by the self-image behavior of the pinhole arrays. The Talbot interferometric system was successfully used for electron density imaging over the vacuum arcs generated between a 3-mm gap. The electron density image observed by the Talbot interferometers was in excellent agreement with that visualized by the previously developed Shack-Hartmann sensors. The practical notification for the pinhole array fabrication was also presented.

Investigation of factors related to the occurrence of osteochondral lesions of the talus by 3D bone morphology of the ankle

Aims

The aims of this study were to evaluate the morphology of the ankle in patients with an osteochondral lesion of the talus using 3D CT, and to investigate factors that predispose to this condition.

Patients and Methods

The study involved 19 patients (19 ankles) who underwent surgery for a medial osteochondral lesion (OLT group) and a control group of 19 healthy patients (19 ankles) without ankle pathology. The mean age was significantly lower in the OLT group than in the control group (27.0 vs 38.9 years; p = 0.02). There were 13 men and six women in each group. 3D CT models of the ankle were made based on Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) data. The medial malleolar articular and tibial plafond surface, and the medial and lateral surface area of the trochlea of the talus were defined. The tibial axis-medial malleolus (TMM) angle, the medial malleolar surface area and volume (MMA and MMV) and the anterior opening angle of the talus were measured.

Results

The mean TMM angle was significantly larger in the OLT group (34.2°, sd 4.4°) than in the control group (29.2°, sd 4.8°; p = 0.002). The mean MMA and MMV were significantly smaller in the OLT group than in the control group (219.8 mm2, sd 42.4) vs (280.5 mm2, sd 38.2), and (2119.9 mm3, sd 562.5) vs (2646.4 mm3, sd 631.4; p < 0.01 and p = 0.01, respectively). The mean anterior opening angle of the talus was significantly larger in the OLT group than in the control group (15.4°, sd 3.9°) vs (10.2°, sd 3.6°; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

3D CT measurements showed that, in patients with a medial osteochondral lesion of the talus, the medial malleolus opens distally, the MMA and MMV are small, and the anterior opening angle of the talus is large. This suggests that abnormal morphology of the ankle predisposes to the development of osteochondral lesions of the talus. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1487–90.

Congenital Combined Deficiency of Factor V and Factor VIII

A case of congenital combined deficiency of factor V and factor VIII was reported. The patient, a 9 year old boy, gave a history of epistaxis, hematomas, and of hemorrhages following dental extraction since the age of 2 ; plasma levels of factor V and factor VIII were found to be 16% and 8% of normal, respectively. No one in his family had a deficiency of either factor. The effects of transfusion of normal fresh plasma and whole blood from a patient with hemophilia A were studied. While the former were similar to the pattern as seen in classical hemophilia, the latter consisted of an immediate increase of factor V activity and a delayed increase of factor VIII activity, despite the fact that factor VIII activity was almost absent from the donor’s blood.

Early results of multicenter phase II trial of perioperative oxaliplatin and capecitabine without radiotherapy for high-risk rectal cancer: CORONA I study

BACKGROUNDS

Perioperative introduction of developed chemotherapy into the treatment strategy for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) may be a promising option. However, the most prevalent treatment for high-risk LARC remains preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in Western countries.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A phase II trial was undertaken to evaluate safety and efficacy of perioperative XELOX without radiotherapy (RT) for patients with high-risk LARC. Patients received 4 cycles of XELOX before and after surgery, respectively. Primary endpoint was disease-free survival.

RESULTS

We enrolled 41 patients between June 2012 and April 2014. The completion rate of the preoperative XELOX was 90.3%. Twenty-nine patients (70.7%) could start postoperative XELOX, 15 of these patients (51.7%) completed 4 cycles. Allergic reaction to oxaliplatin was experienced by 5 patients (17.2%) during postoperative XELOX. One patient received additional RT after preoperative XELOX. Consequently, the remaining 40 patients underwent primary resection. Major complications occurred in 6 of 40 patients (15.0%). Pathological complete response (pCR) rate was 12.2%, and good tumor regression was exhibited in 31.7%. N down-staging (cN+ to ypN0) and T down-staging were detected in 56.7% and 52.5%, respectively. Clinical T4 tumor was a predictor of poor pathological response (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

We could show the favorable pCR rate after preoperative XELOX alone. However, the T and N down-staging rate was likely to be insufficient. When tumor regression is essential for curative resection, the use of preoperative CRT is likely to be recommended. For patients with massive LN metastasis, the additional Bev to NAC might be a promising option.

Clinical significance of dual-energy CT-derived iodine quantification in the diagnosis of metastatic LN in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in detecting lymph node (LN) metastasis in patients with colorectal cancer.

METHODS

Data from 81 LNs from 28 patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received DECT before surgery without any neoadjuvant therapy. The diagnostic value was assessed using the iodine concentration (IC).

RESULTS

In the pathological findings, 35 (43.2%) LNs from 13 patients were metastatic and 46 (56.8%) LNs from 17 patients were non-metastatic. The mean IC of metastatic LNs in the portal venous phase (PP) was 1.60 mg/ml, which was significantly lower compared with non-metastatic LNs (3.25 mg/ml, p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that the IC in PP had the highest ability to discriminate LN metastasis (area under the ROC curve [AUC] 0.932). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of IC in PP (cutoff 2.1 mg/ml) were 87.0%, 88.6%, 85.3%, 90.0%, and 87.9%, respectively. When clinically obvious metastatic LNs in conventional CT findings were excluded, 50 LNs remained (5 metastatic and 45 non-metastatic LNs). In this subgroup analysis, the IC in PP remained the most powerful predictor of metastatic LNs (cutoff: 2.1 mg/ml, AUC 0.933).

CONCLUSIONS

The evaluation of IC in DECT may improve the diagnostic capabilities of discriminating metastatic LNs. This method may be particularly useful when conventional CT findings lead to equivocal results.

Structure-activity relationships of the thujaplicins for inhibition of human tyrosinase

Tyrosinase inhibitors have become increasingly critical agents in cosmetic, agricultural, and medicinal products. Although a large number of tyrosinase inhibitors have been reported, almost all the inhibitors were unfortunately evaluated by using commercial available mushroom tyrosinase. Here, we examined the inhibitory effects of three isomers of thujaplicin (α, β, and γ) on human tyrosinase and analyzed their binding modes using homology model and docking studies. As the results, γ-thujaplicin was found to strongly inhibit human tyrosinase with the IC50 of 1.15 μM, extremely superior to a well-known tyrosinase inhibitor kojic acid (IC50 = 571.17 μM). MM-GB/SA binding free energy decomposition analyses suggested that the potent inhibitory activity of γ-thujaplicin may be due to the interactions with His367, Ile368, and Val377 (hot spot amino acid residues) in human tyrosinase. Furthermore, the binding mode of α-thujaplicin indicated that Val377 and Ser380 may cause van der Waals clashes with the isopropyl group of α-thujaplicin. These results provide a novel structural insight into the hot spot of human tyrosinase for the specific binding of γ-thujaplicin and a way to optimize not only thujaplicins but also other lead compounds as specific inhibitors for human tyrosinase in a rational manner.

Randomized clinical trial: rikkunshito in the treatment of functional dyspepsia--a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study

BACKGROUND

Rikkunshito, a standardized Japanese herbal medicine, is thought to accelerate gastric emptying and relieve dyspepsia, although no large-scale, randomized, placebo-controlled trials of rikkunshito have been conducted. This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of rikkunshito for treating functional dyspepsia (FD).

METHODS

FD patients received 2.5 g rikkunshito or placebo three times a day for 8 weeks in this multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial. The primary end point was the proportion of responders at 8 weeks after starting test drug, determined by global patient assessment (GPA). The improvement in four major dyspepsia symptoms severity scale was also evaluated. In addition, plasma ghrelin levels were investigated before and after treatment.

KEY RESULTS

Two hundred forty-seven patients were randomly assigned. In the eighth week, the rikkunshito group had more GPA responders (33.6%) than the placebo (23.8%), although this did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.09). Epigastric pain was significantly improved (p = 0.04) and postprandial fullness tended to improve (p = 0.06) in the rikkunshito group at week 8. Rikkunshito was relatively more effective among Helicobacter pylori-infected participants (rikkunshito: 40.0% vs placebo: 20.5%, p = 0.07), and seemed less effective among H. pylori-uninfected participants (rikkunshito: 29.3% vs placebo: 25.6%, p = 0.72). Among H. pylori-positive individuals, acyl ghrelin levels were improved just in rikkunshito group. There were no severe adverse events in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Administration of rikkunshito for 8 weeks reduced dyspepsia, particularly symptoms of epigastric pain and postprandial fullness. (UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, Number UMIN000003954).

Behavioural plasticity of social trematodes depends upon social context

Members of some social insects adjust their behaviours depending upon social context. Such plasticity allows colonies to sustain efficiency of the whole without the cost of additional production of individuals or delayed responses to perturbations. Using the recently discovered social clonal stage of trematode parasites, we investigated whether members of the reproductive caste adjust their defensive behaviour according to the local availability of non-reproductive defensive specialists, and if so whether the plasticity affects the short-term reproductive success of reproductive morphs. In vitro experiments demonstrated plasticity in competitive interactions of the reproductive morphs depending on the number of non-reproductive defensive specialists present nearby, which lead to differences in reproductive output at the individual level. This study provides support for the benefit of maintaining non-reproductive morphs in competitive situations, arising through socially mediated behavioural plasticity.

Caste ratios affect the reproductive output of social trematode colonies

Intraspecific phenotypic diversification in social organisms often leads to formation of physical castes which are morphologically specialized for particular tasks within the colony. The optimal caste allocation theory argues that specialized morphological castes are efficient at specific tasks, and hence different caste ratios should affect the ergonomic efficiency, hence reproductive output of the colony. However, the reproductive output of different caste ratios has been documented in few species of insects with equivocal support for the theory. This study investigated whether the ratios of nonreproductive and reproductive morphs affect the reproductive output of a recently discovered social trematode, Philophthalmus sp., in which the nonreproductive members are hypothesized to be defensive specialists. A census of natural infections and a manipulative in vitro experiment demonstrated a positive association between the reproductive output of trematode colonies and the ratio of nonreproductive to reproductive morphs in the presence of an intra-host trematode competitor, Maritrema novaezealandensis. On the contrary, without the competitor, reproductive output was negatively associated with the proportion of nonreproductive castes in colonies. Our findings demonstrate for the first time a clear fitness benefit associated with the nonreproductive castes in the presence of a competitor while illustrating the cost of maintaining such morphs in noncompetitive situations. Although the proximate mechanisms controlling caste ratio remain unclear in this trematode system, this study supports the prediction that the fitness of colonies is influenced by the composition of specialized functional morphs in social organisms, suggesting a potential for adaptive shifts of caste ratios over evolutionary time.

Spontaneous endometriosis in a mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx)

A 25-year-old female mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx) died after exhibiting weakness and recumbency with serosanguineous ascites. Gross findings included haemoperitoneum and multifocal to diffuse serosal thickening with petechiae and ecchymoses throughout the peritoneum. The uterus was covered entirely with large blood clots and was adherent to the ovaries and pelvic wall. Microscopical and immunohistochemical examination revealed extra- and intra-uterine growth of ectopic endometrial tissue with marked fibrosis. The ectopic endometrial tissues predominantly consisted of stromal cells expressing CD10 and progesterone receptor and variably-sized glands lined by the epithelium with occasional slight expression of oestrogen receptor α. A diagnosis of endometriosis was made. This is the first report of naturally occurring endometriosis in a mandrill.

Effects of transglucosidase on diabetes, cardiovascular risk factors and hepatic biomarkers in patients with type 2 diabetes: a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

In this 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, the efficacy and safety of transglucosidase (TGD) were compared with placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). At 12 weeks, TGD 300 mg/day and TGD 900 mg/day significantly reduced HbA1c (0.18 and 0.21%) and insulin concentration (19.4 and 25.0 pmol/l), respectively, vs. placebo. TGD 300 mg/day and TGD 900 mg/day also significantly reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (0.22 and 0.17 mmol/l, respectively). TGD 900 mg/day significantly reduced triglyceride by 0.24 mmol/l and diastolic blood pressure by 8 mmHg. Placebo was associated with a significant increase from baseline in body mass index, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (0.17 kg/m(2) , 3 and 2 U/l, respectively), whereas TGD was not. TGD 300 mg/day significantly increased high-molecular-weight adiponectin by 0.6 µg/ml. Adverse events did not differ significantly between the groups. TGD resulted in lowering of HbA1c and blood insulin level and improvements in metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors in T2DM.

MFM and PEEM observation of micrometre-sized magnetic dot arrays fabricated by ion-microbeam irradiation in FeRh thin films

FeRh thin films were irradiated with a 10 MeV iodine ion microbeam to produce micrometre-scale ferromagnetic microstructures by modifying the local magnetic character from antiferromagnetism to ferromagnetism using ion-microbeam irradiation. Two-dimensional magnetic dot arrays of dimensions ∼2 µm × 4 µm as well as 10 µm × 10 µm were successfully produced on the FeRh surface, which was confirmed by magnetic force microscopy (MFM). The results of photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM) combined with X-ray magnetic circular dichroism reveal that the easy axis of the magnetization of the ion-beam-irradiated ferromagnetism in the FeRh thin films lies in the film planes along the <001> direction of the MgO substrates.

Acid inhibits TRPV4-mediated Ca²⁺ influx in mouse esophageal epithelial cells

BACKGROUND

The transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), a thermo-sensitive stretch-activated cation channel, is expressed in the skin stratified squamous epithelium, contributing to the acquisition of barrier function. Similarly, functional TRPV4 may be located in the stratified squamous epithelial lining of the esophagus, being involved in the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Here we investigated the expression of TRPV4 in the mouse esophageal epithelium.

METHODS

TRPV4 expression at the mRNA and protein levels was examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry. A calcium imaging technique and ATP assay were used to evaluate the functionality of TRPV4 in freshly isolated esophageal epithelial cells.

KEY RESULTS

Transcripts and proteins encoding TRPV4 were colocalized in the basal and intermediate layers of the esophageal epithelium. Both 4α-phorbol 12,13- didecanoate (4α-PDD), a selective agonist for TRPV4, and hypo-osmolar solution (160 mOsm) elevated the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+) ](i) ) in a subset of the isolated cells (70%). These [Ca(2+) ](i) increases were potently inhibited by ruthenium red (RuR), a TRPV4 channel antagonist, and were suppressed by extracellular protons (pH 5.0). Finally, application of 4α-PDD evoked ATP release in primary esophageal epithelial cells.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Acid-sensitive TRPV4 channels were mainly expressed in the esophageal epithelial cells of the basal and intermediate layers. Direct exposure of TRPV4-expressing cells to gastric acid, as would occur in cases of GERD, could influence their cellular functions, possibly aggravating the disease state.

Extremely Narrow Band Gap,∼1·50Ev, Amorphous Silicon

Hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) films were prepared by a layer-by-layer (LBL) argon treatment technique. Thin amorphous silicon layers are first deposited and then treated by Ar. Thick films are built up by repeatedly the process many times. By reducing the deposition rate during deposition time (T, sec), a-Si:H with the gaps narrower than 1·55eV were prepared at substrate temperature lower than 300°C. These narrow-gap films contained less than 2 at.% hydrogen and had rigid Si network. Also, these narrow gap films exhibited good light soaking stability.

Influence of tissue particles on Fas expression in idiopathic interstitial pneumonia

Idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) is a progressive fibrosing interstitial pneumonia of unknown etiology with a poor prognosis. The aim of this study is to prove the occurrence of particle deposition and particle-induced tissue damage in IIP by examining proapoptotic Fas expression with in-air microparticle induced X-ray emission (in-air micro-PIXE) analysis. A total of 21 patients were enrolled. Lung tissues from 12 IIP patients and nontumorous lung tissues from 9 lung cancer patients (as a control) were subjected to in-air micro-PIXE analysis. The distribution of particles in lung tissue was compared with the localization of Fas expression by immunohistochemistry. Silicon (Si) was identified in 58.3% of IIP samples and 44.4% of control samples. Iron (Fe) was identified 25% in IIP samples and 11.1% in control samples. The mean lung tissue content of Si and Fe relative to S did not differ between IIP and control patients. Only two IIP patients showed the co-localization of Si and Fe deposition with Fas expression. Adaptation of this method would contribute to assess the influence of particles on IIP.

The effectiveness of packed therapy with three drugs in Helicobacter pylori eradication in Japan

Primary Helicobacter pylori eradication rate using triple therapy (a proton pump inhibitor [PPI] + amoxicillin [AMPC] + clarithromycin [CAM], over 7 days) is showing a declining trend. In this study we report recent eradication rates and have evaluated the usefulness of a pack preparation of three drugs. H. pylori eradication rate was 85.1% (57/67) in 2004 but then fell to 75.2% (79/105) in 2005, 70.1% (68/97) in 2006 and 69.9% (58/83) in 2007. With the introduction of packs (lansoprazole [LPZ] 60 mg, AMPC 1500 mg, CAM 400 mg) the eradication rate recovered to 78.0% (110/141) in 2008. A comparative study in 2008 delineated that the eradication rate in the pack group (88.4%, 38/43) was significantly higher than that of the conventional group (73.5%, 72/98). These results suggest that packs of eradication medicine are useful in increasing eradication success.

Analysis on the co-localization of asbestos bodies and Fas or CD163 expression in asbestos lung tissue by in-air micro-pixe

To prevent and control disease caused by exposure to various agents, it is necessary to determine the harmful level of intervention and to establish a method for measuring that level. In-air microparticle-induced X-ray emission (in-air micro-PIXE) analysis is based on irradiation of specimens with a proton ion microbeam, and has been modified for biological application. Two-dimensional analysis and quantitative analysis using the system confirmed that asbestos induced apoptosis by upregulating Fas expression and also revealed the accumulation of CD163-expressing macrophages in the lungs of patients with asbestosis. By quantitative comparison of the area of Fas or CD163 expression and the Fas- or CD163-negative area in asbestos lung tissue, the harmful levels which caused the expression of Fas or CD163 could be estimated on Silica, Ferrous iron, and Magnesium (the components of asbestos) deposition. These results indicate that the system could be useful for investigating the pathogenesis of inhaled particle-induced immune reactions and for determining harmful levels of exogenous agents.

Effects of mechanical stimuli on the synthesis of superficial zone protein in chondrocytes

Superficial zone protein (SZP) has been demonstrated to contribute to the boundary lubrication in synovial joints. This study was designed to clarify the modulation of SZP expression by mechanical stress in articular chondrocytes. Cyclic tensile strains of 7 and 21% cell elongation were applied to cultured chondrocytes obtained from porcine mandibular condylar cartilage. The mRNA levels of SZP, IL-1 beta, and TGF-beta1 were examined by a quantitative real-time PCR analysis. Protein level of SZP was examined by Western blotting. The SZP mRNA level was significantly upregulated after 12, 24, and 48 h by 7% elongation. Although SZP mRNA level was upregulated by 21% elongation after 12 h, it decreased to a lower level than the control after 48 h. The TGF-beta1 mRNA level exhibited an almost similar change to SZP. The IL-1 beta mRNA level was not changed markedly by 7% elongation. However, the IL-1 beta mRNA level was significantly increased by a 12-h application of 21% elongation. Western blot analysis revealed that the SZP expression was increased by 7% elongation, but decreased remarkably by 21% elongation. It is suggested from these findings that the SZP expression level in the chondrocytes is enhanced by optimal mechanical stimuli, but inhibited by excessive loading partly affected by TGF-beta1 and IL-1 beta, leading to the deterioration of joint lubrication.