Hemodynamic Analysis of Cerebral AVMs with 3D Phase-Contrast MR Imaging

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The hemodynamics associated with cerebral AVMs have a significant impact on their clinical presentation. This study aimed to evaluate the hemodynamic features of AVMs using 3D phase-contrast MR imaging with dual velocity-encodings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-two patients with supratentorial AVMs who had not received any previous treatment and had undergone 3D phase-contrast MR imaging were included in this study. The nidus diameter and volume were measured for classification of AVMs (small, medium, or large). Flow parameters measured included apparent AVM inflow, AVM inflow index, apparent AVM outflow, AVM outflow index, and the apparent AVM inflow-to-outflow ratio. Correlation coefficients between the nidus volume and each flow were calculated. The flow parameters between small and other AVMs as well as between nonhemorrhagic and hemorrhagic AVMs were compared.

RESULTS

Patients were divided into hemorrhagic (n = 8) and nonhemorrhagic (n = 24) groups. The correlation coefficient between the nidus volume and the apparent AVM inflow and outflow was .83. The apparent AVM inflow and outflow in small AVMs were significantly smaller than in medium AVMs (P < .001 for both groups). The apparent AVM inflow-to-outflow ratio was significantly larger in the hemorrhagic AVMs than in the nonhemorrhagic AVMs (P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

The apparent AVM inflow-to-outflow ratio was the only significant parameter that differed between nonhemorrhagic and hemorrhagic AVMs, suggesting that a poor drainage system may increase AVM pressure, potentially causing cerebral hemorrhage.

Subnanosecond phase transition dynamics in laser-shocked iron

Iron is one of the most studied chemical elements due to its sociotechnological and planetary importance; hence, understanding its structural transition dynamics is of vital interest. By combining a short pulse optical laser and an ultrashort free electron laser pulse, we have observed the subnanosecond structural dynamics of iron from high-quality x-ray diffraction data measured at 50-ps intervals up to 2500 ps. We unequivocally identify a three-wave structure during the initial compression and a two-wave structure during the decaying shock, involving all of the known structural types of iron (α-, γ-, and ε-phase). In the final stage, negative lattice pressures are generated by the propagation of rarefaction waves, leading to the formation of expanded phases and the recovery of γ-phase. Our observations demonstrate the unique capability of measuring the atomistic evolution during the entire lattice compression and release processes at unprecedented time and strain rate.

P889Clinical significance of four-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging measurement of turbulent kinetic energy for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy

Purpose

The aims of this study were to investigate the relationship between TKE value and echocardiographic findings, clinical symptoms and evaluate the usefulness of 4D flow MRI to distinguish hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) from non-obstructive HCM (HNCM).

Methods

From April 2018 to January 2019, 18 hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) and 14 non-obstructive HCM (HNCM) patients underwent 4D flow MRI. We investigated TKE value calculated by 4D flow MRI, echocardiographic findings; left ventricular pressure gradient (LVPG), mitral regurgitation (MR) and clinical symptom.

Results

HOCM was defined by the 30 mmHg or greater of LVPG (HOCM: 87.7±47.3 mmHg, HNCM; 5.8±7.8 mmHg, p<0.001). TKE value in HOCM patients was significantly higher than HNCM (14.2±4.7 mJ vs. 9.0±4.6 mJ, p<0.001). There was a significant positive linear relationship between TKE value and LVPG (r=0.488, p=0.046). There was no significant relationship between NYHA functional class and TKE value (p=0.47) or LVPG (p=0.11). ROC curve analysis showed that optimal cut off point of TKE value between HOCM and HNCM (sensitivity=95%, specificity=62%, AUC=0.798) was 9.270 mJ. Multiple linear regression showed that there was significant association between severity of MR and combination of TKE (p=0.015) or LVPG (p–=0.012). A representative case demonstrated the significant reduction of TKE value 1 week and 3 months after alcohol septal reduction compared with that obtained before the procedure (Figure)

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that 4D Flow MRI can effectively evaluate the energy dissipation associated with LV outflow tract obstruction and TKE value is useful for identifying HOCM. TKE value also can be the novel parameter of the severity of HOCM.

Artificial Trachea and Long Term follow-up in Carinal Reconstruction in Dogs

We have already reported “del” successful carinal reconstruction of the trachea with an observation period of 1 – 2 years. In this study, we evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of the reconstruction after 5-years of follow-up.

The Y-shaped Marlex® mesh tube was reinforced with a polypropylene spiral and coated with atelocollagen made from porcine skin. The prosthesis was 60 mm long with an outer diameter of 18 mm. Replacement of the tracheobronchial bifurcation was preformed through a right thoracotomy in a beagle dog. Bronchoscopical examination and sampling of the tracheal epithelium was performed periodically to check the function of cilia.

The implanted prothesis was promptly infiltrated by the surrounding connective tissue and completely incorporated by the host trachea and bronchus. Bronchoscopically, sufficient epithelization was confirmed from the upper to the lower site of anastomosis. After 5 years neither stenosis nor dehiscence was observed. In spite of there being mesh-exposure at the luminal surface, the dog had no clinical symptoms until sacrifice for pathological examination. The bent frequency of the cilia was maintained within the normal range, indicating “del” functional recovery of the regenerating airway.

Our tracheal prosthesis is promising for clinical “del” repair of the tracheobronchial bifurcation.

Chemical array system, a platform to identify novel hepatitis B virus entry inhibitors targeting sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide

Current anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) agents including interferons and nucleos(t)ide analogs efficiently suppress HBV infection. However, as it is difficult to eliminate HBV from chronically infected liver, alternative anti-HBV agents targeting a new molecule are urgently needed. In this study, we applied a chemical array to high throughput screening of small molecules that interacted with sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP), an entry receptor for HBV. From approximately 30,000 compounds, we identified 74 candidates for NTCP interactants, and five out of these were shown to inhibit HBV infection in cell culture. One of such compound, NPD8716, a coumarin derivative, interacted with NTCP and inhibited HBV infection without causing cytotoxicity. Consistent with its NTCP interaction capacity, this compound was shown to block viral attachment to host hepatocytes. NPD8716 also prevented the infection with hepatitis D virus, but not hepatitis C virus, in agreement with NPD8716 specifically inhibiting NTCP-mediated infection. Analysis of derivative compounds showed that the anti-HBV activity of compounds was apparently correlated with the affinity to NTCP and the capacity to impair NTCP-mediated bile acid uptake. These results are the first to show that the chemical array technology represents a powerful platform to identify novel viral entry inhibitors.

Developing zero-discharge pig-farming system: a feasibility study in Malaysia

Pig production in many rapidly developing Asian countries evolved from traditional small-family farms without parallel increase in land resource for waste treatment, thus further worsening the already fragile environment. The present paper reports results of a feasibility study on developing a zero-waste discharge pig-farming system in the hot-humid environment such as Malaysia. The approach included (1) reduction in the usage of water, (2) use of micro-algal culture (MAC) system to reduce pollutants in the wastewater and (3) use of constructed wetlands to further clean up wastewater and reduce its volume via evapo-transpiration. Results of the study showed that water usage could be reduced from the current 40–50 to 7.5 L/pig.day. The biological oxygen demand of the effluent was reduced to below 10 mg/L, while other pollutants, such as suspended solid, total nitrogen and total ammonium nitrogen were also reduced to levels that meet the standards required for affluent discharge in most countries in this region. Water-balance study based on a 180-pig experiment showed that 1.15 m3 of water were used daily and this was reduced to 0.38 m3 at the end of the system. Financial projection study based on a farm size of 2000 pigs (which represents a typical pig-farm size in many developing countries, including Malaysia) was conducted to gauge the economical viability of the system. The results showed that the primary challenge to the adoption of this system is its high initial investment costs, estimated to be 1.8 times those for a similar-sized traditional farm with open-sided house and lagoons for wastewater treatment. However, higher productivity is expected from the use of a ventilated close-house that provides a cooler environment for the pigs. This, together with the premium price of the pigs that could be fetched from this eco-friendly production system, would make it a technically and economically viable system in the long run.

miR-10b-5p is a novel Th17 regulator present in Th17 cells from ankylosing spondylitis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the microRNA (miR) signature in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) T helper (Th)17 cells.

METHODS

Interleukin (IL)-17A-producing CD4+ T cells from patients with AS and healthy controls were FACS-sorted for miR sequencing and qPCR validation. miR-10b function was determined by miR mimic expression followed by cytokine measurement, transcriptome analysis, qPCR and luciferase assays.

RESULTS

AS Th17 cells exhibited a miR signature characterised by upregulation of miR-155-5p, miR-210-3p and miR-10b. miR-10b has not been described previously in Th17 cells and was selected for further characterisation. miR-10b is transiently induced in in vitro differentiated Th17 cells. Transcriptome, qPCR and luciferase assays suggest that MAP3K7 is targeted by miR-10b. Both miR-10b overexpression and MAP3K7 silencing inhibited production of IL-17A by both total CD4 and differentiating Th17 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

AS Th17 cells have a specific miR signature and upregulate miR-10b in vitro. Our data suggest that miR-10b is upregulated by proinflammatory cytokines and may act as a feedback loop to suppress IL-17A by targeting MAP3K7. miR-10b is a potential therapeutic candidate to suppress pathogenic Th17 cell function in patients with AS.

Multi-slice SPECT/CT vs. lymphoscintigraphy and intraoperative gamma ray probe for sentinel node mapping in HNSCC

To assess the diagnostic potential of multi-slice single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) for preoperative sentinel node (SN) mapping in early stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Retrospective case-control study including data of consecutive HNSCC patients treated between November 2011 and December 2015. The diagnostic accuracy of multi-slice SPECT/CT was assessed with regard to the gold standard intraoperative gamma ray detection probe, using McNemar's test and calculating the area under the ROC curve. Additionally, the hot spot yield of SPECT/CT and planar lymphoscintigraphy (LS) was compared. Compared to the intraoperative gold standard, SPECT/CT showed an overall positive predictive value of 60.3% [confidence interval (CI) 46.6-73.0%)], a negative predictive value of 96.3% (CI 93.6-98.1%), and an accuracy of 90.8% (CI 89.1-92.4%). SPECT/CT detected more hot spots than LS and provided detailed anatomical information as well as relevant additional findings with potential impact on further patient management. Sentinel lymph node biopsy proved to be a reliable and safe procedure with an excellent SN excision rate (97%). Multi-slice SPECT/CT is a highly accurate diagnostic test and matches the gold standard intraoperative gamma ray detection probe.

Latent cytomegalovirus infection enhances anti-tumour cytotoxicity through accumulation of NKG2C+ NK cells in healthy humans

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection markedly expands NKG2C+/NKG2A- NK cells, which are potent killers of infected cells expressing human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-E. As HLA-E is also over-expressed in several haematological malignancies and CMV has been linked to a reduced risk of leukaemic relapse, we determined the impact of latent CMV infection on NK cell cytotoxicity against four tumour target cell lines with varying levels of HLA-E expression. NK cell cytotoxicity against K562 (leukaemia origin) and U266 (multiple myeloma origin) target cells was strikingly greater in healthy CMV-seropositive donors than seronegative donors and was associated strongly with target cell HLA-E and NK cell NKG2C expression. NK cell cytotoxicity against HLA-E transfected lymphoma target cells (221.AEH) was ∼threefold higher with CMV, while NK cell cytotoxicity against non-transfected 721.221 cells was identical between the CMV groups. NK cell degranulation (CD107a(+) ) and interferon (IFN)-γ production to 221.AEH cells was localized almost exclusively to the NKG2C subset, and antibody blocking of NKG2C completely eliminated the effect of CMV on NK cell cytotoxicity against 221.AEH cells. Moreover, 221.AEH feeder cells and interleukin (IL)-15 were found to expand NKG2C(+) /NKG2A(-) NK cells preferentially from CMV-seronegative donors and increase NK cell cytotoxicity against HLA-E(+) tumour cell lines. We conclude that latent CMV infection enhances NK cell cytotoxicity through accumulation of NKG2C(+) NK cells, which may be beneficial in preventing the initiation and progression of haematological malignancies characterized by high HLA-E expression.

Fast Heating of Imploded Core with Counterbeam Configuration

A tailored-pulse-imploded core with a diameter of 70  μm is flashed by counterirradiating 110 fs, 7 TW laser pulses. Photon emission (>40  eV) from the core exceeds the emission from the imploded core by 6 times, even though the heating pulse energies are only one seventh of the implosion energy. The coupling efficiency from the heating laser to the core using counterirradiation is 14% from the enhancement of photon emission. Neutrons are also produced by counterpropagating fast deuterons accelerated by the photon pressure of the heating pulses. A collisional two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulation reveals that the collisionless two counterpropagating fast-electron currents induce mega-Gauss magnetic filaments in the center of the core due to the Weibel instability. The counterpropagating fast-electron currents are absolutely unstable and independent of the core density and resistivity. Fast electrons with energy below a few MeV are trapped by these filaments in the core region, inducing an additional coupling. This might lead to the observed bright photon emissions.

Abstract B131: Chemical array screen identifies a novel MMP inhibitor NPDK-18 that suppresses tumor cell migration

Background and Purpose: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent endopeptidases that degrade extracellular matrix components and that have been implicated in a wide range of pathological processes including tumor metastasis. Although many small-molecule MMP inhibitors have been developed, there are some problems related to specificity and side effects. In addition, recent studies have shown that several MMPs have nonproteolytic and tumor-suppressing functions depending upon the stage of cancer progression. Thus, much work remains for the elucidation of each MMP function and the development of new MMP inhibitors. Small-molecule microarrays represent a powerful new platform for facilitating target-based screens. Thousands of small molecules are arrayed on a slide glass and used to screen for protein-small molecule interactions in a high-throughput manner. We have developed unique photo-cross-linked chemical arrays, which enable the immobilization of a variety of small molecules on a solid support in a functional group-independent manner using a photoaffinity reaction. In this study, we screened MMP-9 inhibitors using the photo-cross-linked chemical arrays.

Methods and Results: The array slides with compounds of the RIKEN NPDepo chemical library were probed sequentially with His-Myc-tagged human recombinant MMP-9, anti-His antibody, and a Cy5-labeled secondary antibody, and then scanned with a microarray scanner. The fluorescence signals from two slides treated with and without His-Myc-tagged MMP-9 were quantified. We obtained 27 hit compounds among 24,275 compounds; 2 of the identified compounds (isoxazole compound NPDK-1 and naphthofluorescein) inhibited MMP-9 enzyme activity in vitro. We further explored 17 analogs of NPDK-1 and found that NPDK-18 showed the strongest inhibitory activity against MMP-9, with an IC50 value of 3.8 μM. NPDK-18 inhibited the enzyme activities of MMP-2, MMP-12 and MMP-13, as well as MMP-9 and MMP-9/ΔHemopexin, with almost identical potency, but showed no inhibition against MMP-1 and MMP-7. The biological potency of NPDK-18 was confirmed in a wound-healing scratch assay, where NPDK-18 significantly inhibited cell migration of human fibrosarcoma HT1080 cells with no cell toxicity at 10 μM.

Conclusion: These results suggest that NPDK-18 is a broad-spectrum MMP inhibitor. Our study has shown that the photo-cross-linked chemical arrays are useful for high-throughput drug screening.

Citation Format: Makoto Kawatani, Yasumitsu Kondoh, Kaori Honda, Tomomi Sekine, Hiroyuki Osada. Chemical array screen identifies a novel MMP inhibitor NPDK-18 that suppresses tumor cell migration. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2015 Nov 5-9; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2015;14(12 Suppl 2):Abstract nr B131.

Identification of matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors by chemical arrays

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent endopeptidases that degrade many extracellular matrix components and that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various human diseases including cancer metastasis. Here, we screened MMP-9 inhibitors using photo-cross-linked chemical arrays, which can detect small-molecule ligand-protein interactions on a chip in a high-throughput manner. The array slides were probed sequentially with His-MMP-9, anti-His antibody, and a Cy5-labeled secondary antibody and then scanned with a microarray scanner. We obtained 27 hits among 24,275 compounds from the NPDepo library; 2 of the identified compounds (isoxazole compound 1 and naphthofluorescein) inhibited MMP-9 enzyme activity in vitro. We further explored 17 analogs of 1 and found that compound 18 had the strongest inhibitory activity. Compound 18 also inhibited other MMPs, including MMP-2, MMP-12, and MMP-13 and significantly inhibited cell migration in human fibrosarcoma HT1080 cells. These results suggest that 18 is a broad-spectrum MMP inhibitor.

Direct heating of a laser-imploded core by ultraintense laser-driven ions

A novel direct core heating fusion process is introduced, in which a preimploded core is predominantly heated by energetic ions driven by LFEX, an extremely energetic ultrashort pulse laser. Consequently, we have observed the D(d,n)^{3}He-reacted neutrons (DD beam-fusion neutrons) with the yield of 5×10^{8} n/4π sr. Examination of the beam-fusion neutrons verified that the ions directly collide with the core plasma. While the hot electrons heat the whole core volume, the energetic ions deposit their energies locally in the core, forming hot spots for fuel ignition. As evidenced in the spectrum, the process simultaneously excited thermal neutrons with the yield of 6×10^{7} n/4π sr, raising the local core temperature from 0.8 to 1.8 keV. A one-dimensional hydrocode STAR 1D explains the shell implosion dynamics including the beam fusion and thermal fusion initiated by fast deuterons and carbon ions. A two-dimensional collisional particle-in-cell code predicts the core heating due to resistive processes driven by hot electrons, and also the generation of fast ions, which could be an additional heating source when they reach the core. Since the core density is limited to 2 g/cm^{3} in the current experiment, neither hot electrons nor fast ions can efficiently deposit their energy and the neutron yield remains low. In future work, we will achieve the higher core density (>10 g/cm^{3}); then hot electrons could contribute more to the core heating via drag heating. Together with hot electrons, the ion contribution to fast ignition is indispensable for realizing high-gain fusion. By virtue of its core heating and ignition, the proposed scheme can potentially achieve high gain fusion.

Fusion using fast heating of a compactly imploded CD core

A compact fast core heating experiment is described. A 4-J 0.4-ns output of a laser-diode-pumped high-repetition laser HAMA is divided into four beams, two of which counterilluminate double-deuterated polystyrene foils separated by 100  μm for implosion. The remaining two beams, compressed to 110 fs for fast heating, illuminate the same paths. Hot electrons produced by the heating pulses heat the imploded core, emitting x-ray radiations >20  eV and yielding some 10(3) thermal neutrons.

Fabry Disease Presenting with Multiple Hemorrhagic Cerebral Infarction

We describe a 57-year-old woman, a heterozygote for Fabry disease who had multiple hemorrhagic cerebral infarctions. Her clinical course and radiological findings suggested cardiogenic cerebral embolus, but distinction from multiple cerebral infarction associated with Fabry disease seemed necessary. Our present case is reported with reference to the literature to introduce various types of stroke, which can develop in patients with Fabry disease.

Deficiency in chromosome congression by the inhibition of Plk1 polo box domain-dependent recognition

Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) is one of the key regulators of mitotic cell division. In addition to an N-terminal protein kinase catalytic domain, Plk1 possesses a phosphopeptide binding domain named polo box domain (PBD) at its C terminus. PBD is postulated to be essential for Plk1 localization and substrate targeting. Here, we developed a high-throughput screening system to identify inhibitors of PBD-dependent binding and screened a chemical library. We isolated a benzotropolone-containing natural compound derived from nutgalls (purpurogallin (PPG)) that inhibited PBD-dependent binding in vitro and in vivo. PPG not only delayed the onset of mitosis but also prolonged the progression of mitosis in HeLa cells. Although apparently normal bipolar spindles were formed even in the presence of PPG, the perturbation of chromosome alignment at metaphase plates activated the spindle assembly checkpoint pathway. These results demonstrate the predominant role of PBD-dependent binding on smooth chromosome congression at metaphase.

Molecular analysis of digenic inheritance in Bartter syndrome with sensorineural deafness

BACKGROUND

Bartter syndrome (BS) is a genetic disorder accompanied by hypokalaemic metabolic alkalosis. BS with sensorineural deafness (SND, OMIM602522) is a newly identified phenotype caused by mutations in the BSND gene that encodes barttin, a beta-subunit for chloride channel ClC-Ka and ClC-Kb and classified as type IV BS. Type IV BS features the most severe phenotype entailing life-threatening neonatal volume depletion and chronic renal failure developing during infancy. A recent report described a case of BS with SND from a consanguineous family who showed homozygous mutations in the CLCNKA and CLCNKB genes. This case indicated the possibility of the occurrence of digenic inheritance in BS with SND resulting from double mutations in the CLCNKA and CLCNKB genes.

SUBJECT AND RESULTS

The current report concerns a 2-year-old girl from a non-consanguineous family with BS accompanied by SND. In our case, four loss-of-function mutations, consisting of mutations in both parental alleles in both CLCNKA and CLCNKB, were identified. The paternal allele had a nonsense mutation (Q260X) in CLCNKA and a splicing site mutation (IVS17+1 g>a) in CLCNKB. The maternal allele had a large deletion mutation (about 12 kbp) extending from CLCNKA to CLCNKB. Our case provides clear evidence that loss-of-function alleles in both alleles of both CLCNKA and CLCNKB results in a phenotype indistinguishable from that of mutations in BSND (type IV BS).

CONCLUSIONS

Recent advances in genetics have resulted in a better understanding of many human inherited diseases, but most of them are monogenic disorders and more complex inheritance patterns remain unresolved. Our case provides clear evidence of digenic inheritance outside the scope of Mendelian inheritance disorders.

[Pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma with rapid and peculiar metastases; report of a case]

A 54-year-old man was pointed out a mass shadow during treatment of suspected acute pyothorax. He was diagnosed as large cell carcinoma by transbronchial biopsy. Preoperative chemotherapy and right lower lobectomy were done. In pathological examination, he was diagnosed as pulmonary pleomorpic carcinoma. Postoperatively, he had rapid metastases of the pancreas, skin, muscle, brain and oral cavity. We reported a case of pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma with rapid and peculiar metastases.

Expression of proteinase-activated receptors (PAR)-2 in articular chondrocytes is modulated by IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and TGF-beta

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the modulation of expression of proteinase-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) in articular chondrocytes by inflammatory cytokines.

DESIGN

Articular synovium and cartilage tissues were collected from eight patients with osteoarthritis (OA), and three patients without arthropathy ("normal"). Chondrocytes were stimulated with interleukin (IL)-1beta, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha or transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1. The expression of PAR-2 was detected using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Quantitative PCR was performed to assess the expression levels of PAR-2 messenger RNA (mRNA).

RESULTS

The expression of PAR-2 mRNA was demonstrated in both OA and normal chondrocytes as well as in synovial fibroblasts. However, the level of PAR-2 in OA chondrocytes was much higher than in normal chondrocytes. Long-term culture revealed that PAR-2 mRNA expression was maintained up to three passages in OA but not in normal chondrocytes. IL-1beta and TNF-alpha both upregulated PAR-2 expression in normal and OA chondrocytes. In contrast, TGF-beta1 significantly decreased expression of PAR-2 in OA chondrocytes but increased PAR-2 in normal chondrocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

Overexpression of PAR-2 in OA chondrocytes is upregulated by proinflammatory cytokines IL-1beta and TNF-alpha, and down-regulated by regulatory cytokine TGF-beta1. PAR-2 may be involved in the pathogenesis of OA.

Transition to a virtually incompressible oxide phase at a shock pressure of 120 GPa (1.2 Mbar): Gd3Ga5O12

Cubic, single-crystal, transparent Gd(3)Ga(5)O(12) has a density of 7.10 g/cm(3), a Hugoniot elastic limit of 30 GPa, and undergoes a continuous phase transition from 65 GPa to a quasi-incompressible (QI) phase at 120 GPa. Only diamond has a larger Hugoniot elastic limit. The QI phase of is more incompressible than diamond from 170 to 260 GPa. Electrical conductivity measurements indicate the QI phase has a band gap of 3.1 eV. Gd(3)Ga(5)O(12) can be used to obtain substantially higher pressures and lower temperatures in metallic fluid hydrogen than was achieved previously by shock reverberation between Al(2)O(3) disks.

Molecular and clinical studies of Dent's disease in Japan: biochemical examination and renal ultrasonography do not predict carrier state

BACKGROUND

Dent's disease is an X-linked renal tubular disorder characterized by low-molecular-weight-proteinuria, hypercalciuria, nephrolithiasis and renal failure. The disease is due to inactivation of a renal chloride channel gene, CLCN5. We have investigated 3 unrelated Japanese families for CLCN5 mutations and assessed the carrier mothers biochemically and ultrasonogaraphically to ascertain whether these clinical examinations can predict the carrier state of the disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twelve members from these families were studied biochemically and ultrasonographically. Leukocyte DNA from probands was used with CLCN5-specific primers for PCR amplification of the coding region and exon-intron boundaries, and the DNA sequences of the products determined to identify abnormalities in the gene.

RESULTS

Three novel CLCN5 mutations consisting of a single base "A" insertion between nucleotides 590 and 591, a nonsense mutation (R28X) and a missense mutation (G506R) were exhibited. Hypophosphatemia was detected in 2 patients, beta2-microglobulinuria, alpha1-microglobulinuria, and hyperretinol binding proteinuria in 6 patients, hypercalciuria in 5 patients, decreased urine osmolality in 3 patients, and nephrocalcinosis or nephrolithiasis in 4 patients. Biochemical analysis of the urine and the renal ultrasonography in each carrier mother were completely normal.

CONCLUSIONS

Neither urinary low-molecular-weight-proteins, urinary calcium to creatinine ratio, nor renal ultrasonography was predictive of carrier state in the 3 families with this disease, although each carrier mother had CLCN5 mutation. Hypophosphatemia and decreased urine osmolality might be a hint to suspect the carrier state of Dent's disease, although these findings are not found frequently.

CT is useful for identifying patients with complicated appendicitis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

We often come across patients with complicated appendicitis (perforation, abscess formation, or peritonitis) and it is essential to get accurate and detailed information on these patients preoperatively. In this study, we investigated whether or not preoperative computed tomography is useful for identifying these patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Plain and intravenously-contrasted helical computed tomography was obtained preoperatively in 94 (75%) of 125 patients who underwent appendectomy. Twenty-eight (30%) of the 94 patients had complicated appendicitis (Compli(+) group). We compared clinical factors and computed tomography findings of the Compli(+) group with those of 66 other patients (Compli(-) group).

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the Compli(+) and Compli(-) groups in gender, white blood cell count, the present rate of an enlarged appendix, or appendicolith. Fat stranding and free fluid on computed tomography were significantly associated with complicated appendicitis by both univariate and multilogistic regression analysis. Fourteen (70%) of the 20 patients with fat stranding and free fluid on computed tomography had complicated appendicitis and only 1 (4%) of the 28 Compli(+) patients had neither fat stranding nor free fluid on computed tomography.

CONCLUSION

Our study has indicated that fat stranding and free fluid on computed tomography are significant for complicated appendicitis and helical computed tomography is a powerful tool for identifying patients with complicated appendicitis preoperatively.

Wedelolactone suppresses LPS-induced caspase-11 expression by directly inhibiting the IKK Complex

Caspase-11 is a key regulator of proinflammatory cytokine IL-1beta maturation and pathological apoptosis. Caspase-11 is not expressed in most tissues under normal condition, but highly inducible upon pathological stimulation such as in the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Here, we describe the identification and characterization of wedelolactone, a natural compound that inhibits LPS-induced caspase-11 expression in cultured cells by inhibiting NF-kappaB-mediated transcription. We demonstrate that wedelolactone is an inhibitor of IKK, a kinase critical for activation of NF-kappaB by mediating phosphorylation and degradation of IkappaBalpha.

A nonaqueous potentiometric titration study of the dissociation of t-butyl methacrylate-methacrylic acid copolymers

The dissociation of t-butyl methacrylate-methacrylic acid copolymers in dimethyl sulfoxide was analyzed by a nonaqueous potentiometric titration technique. The negative logarithm of the dissociation constant of the monomer unit of a methacrylic acid (MAA) monotonously increased with the increasing degree of dissociation corresponding to the titrant/MAA amount ratio, and was highly influenced by the copolymerization ratio. The results are discussed in terms of the suppression of the dissociation of MAA by a neighboring charged methacrylate anion unit.

Transfer function analysis of positron-emitting tracer imaging system (PETIS) data

Quantitative analysis of the two-dimensional image data obtained with the positron-emitting tracer imaging system (PETIS) for plant physiology has been carried out using a transfer function analysis method. While a cut leaf base of Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum Rottler) or a cut stem of soybean (Glycine max L.) was immersed in an aqueous solution containing the [18F] F- ion or [13N]NO3- ion, tracer images of the leaf of Chinese chive and the trifoliate of soybean were recorded with PETIS. From the time sequence of images, the tracer transfer function was estimated from which the speed of tracer transport and the fraction moved between specified image positions were deduced.