Influence of Ambient Temperature on Autonomic Nerve Function and Peripheral Sensation from Moderate-Intensity Treadmill Exercise

Objective

The main objective was to ascertain the acute responses in autonomic nervous activity and peripheral sensation induced by moderate-intensity treadmill exercise performed under different ambient temperatures.

Methods

Twelve young healthy subjects underwent three sessions of moderate-intensity treadmill exercise (warming, 5 min and running, 25 min), on different days under 10°C, 20°C and 30°C room temperatures. Pre- and post-intervention, heart rate variability (HRV) and plantar vibrotactile perception threshold (VPT) were measured. Additionally, rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded after intervention.

Results

In comparison with the corresponding baseline values, after intervention, low frequency power (LF) and LF/high frequency power (HF) of HRV increased significantly and HF decreased significantly under the condition of 10°C only (p < .005). Following intervention, VPT increased significantly at the hallux for 31.5 Hz test frequency under 30°C and at the heel for 31.5 Hz test frequency under 10°C (both p < .05). In contrast, VPT decreased significantly at the hallux for 125 Hz test frequency under 10°C (p < .005). Exposure under the temperature of 20°C did not result in any significant change in VPT. After intervention, RPE under 30°C showed significantly higher values than those under 20°C (p < .01) and 10°C (p < .005) conditions with no difference between the latter two conditions.

Conclusions

Treadmill exercise under 20°C ambient temperature did not exert any negative impacts on autonomic and peripheral nerve function and resulted in a perceived exertion of moderate intensity among the study participants. Therefore, an ambient temperature around 20°C might be recommended for the mentioned purpose.

IL-6 Levels Correlate with Prognosis and Immunosuppressive Stromal Cells in Patients with Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND

The prognosis for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) is determined by tumor characteristics as well as the host immune response. This study investigated the relationship between an immunosuppressive state and patient prognosis by evaluating the systemic and tumor microenvironment (TME) interleukin (IL)-6 levels.

METHODS

Preoperative serum IL-6 levels were measured using an electrochemiluminescence assay. Expression of IL-6 in tumor and stromal cells was evaluated immunohistochemically in 209 patients with resected CRC. Single-cell analysis of tumor-infiltrating immune cells was performed using mass cytometry in 10 additional cases.

RESULTS

Elevated serum IL-6 levels were associated with elevated stromal IL-6 levels and a poor prognosis for patients with CRC. High IL-6 expression in stromal cells was associated with low-density subsets of CD3+ and CD4+ T cells as well as FOXP3+ cells. Mass cytometry analysis showed that IL-6+ cells among tumor-infiltrating immune cells were composed primarily of myeloid cells and rarely of lymphoid cells. In the high-IL-6-expression group, the percentages of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and CD4+FOXP3highCD45RA- effector regulatory T cells (eTreg) were significantly higher than in the low-IL-6-expression group. Furthermore, the proportion of IL-10+ cells in MDSCs and that of IL-10+ or CTLA-4+ cells in eTregs correlated with IL-6 levels.

CONCLUSION

Elevated serum IL-6 levels were associated with stromal IL-6 levels in CRC. High IL-6 expression in tumor-infiltrating immune cells also was associated with accumulation of immunosuppressive cells in the TME.

Development of the high energy engineering X-ray (HEX) superconducting wiggler, magnetic measurement, installation, and commissioning

The High energy Engineering X-ray (HEX) diffraction beamline at the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) at Brookhaven National Lab (BNL) is the first high-energy beamline capable of reaching 200 keV for a monochromatic beam. With the 3 GeV electron beam energy for the NSLS-II ring, only the superconducting wiggler (SCW) producing greater than 4 T peak field can cover these ranges with a sufficient number of photons. The 1.2 m-long HEX-SCW has a period length of 70 mm and a field strength on-axis of 4.3 T. It utilizes no liquid helium, and the vertical aperture size of the electron beam vacuum chamber is 8 mm. Unlike regular undulators/wigglers, there is no standard configuration for the magnetic measurement system for superconducting insertion devices. The NSLS-II Insertion Devices group has developed, in collaboration with the vacuum group, a novel in-vacuum Hall mapper with a 1.75 m in-vacuum linear motor and an in-vacuum flip coil system utilizing many commercial-off-the-shelf products. The measurements were conducted at the BNL, and the device was installed in the ring and commissioned. This paper provides a description of the SCW and its magnetic measurement systems, as well as a brief account of the installation and commissioning efforts.

Serum CCL7 Is a Novel Prognostic Biomarker of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer globally, and the poor prognosis of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) warrants urgent attention. We previously obtained 10 candidate serum biomarkers for mCRC. Our aim with this study was to determine the prognostic performance of the pre-treatment serum C-C motif chemokine ligand 7 (CCL7) concentration in patients with mCRC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Protein concentrations of CCL7 were examined using ELISA and immunohistochemistry for serum (n=110) and surgical specimens (n=85), respectively, of patients with mCRC. The relationship between protein concentration and prognosis was examined using Cox regression analysis, receiver operator characteristic curve analysis and the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

The overall survival (OS) of patients with high concentrations of serum CCL7 was significantly poorer than that of patients with low concentrations. Patients with a high CCL7 concentration in the stroma had significantly poorer outcomes than those with a low concentration. The concentrations of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 were significantly higher in the high-CCL7 group, compared to those in the low-CCL7 group. Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that serum CCL7 concentration was a significant prognostic factor for mCRC. The combination of serum CCL and CEA concentrations was also useful in this regard (area under the curve=0.71).

CONCLUSION

The combined pre-treatment serum levels of CCL7 and CEA are useful prognostic biomarkers for mCRC.

Effect of moderate-intensity treadmill exercise under different ambient temperatures on peripheral circulatory responses in young healthy adults

Exercise training has the potential for inducing enhancements in peripheral circulation, which can play important preventive and therapeutic roles in peripheral circulatory diseases. However, the relevant published studies show conflicting and inconclusive results. Furthermore, useful or optimum ambient temperature for this purpose has not yet been established. Therefore, we investigated the acute responses in peripheral circulation from exposure of healthy subjects to treadmill exercise under different ambient temperatures; A total of 12 young adult volunteers (males 6, females 6) randomly underwent three sessions of treadmill exercise for 30 min under three different ambient temperatures (10°C, 20°C, and 30°C), at a predetermined exercise intensity. Before and after the intervention, leg skin blood flow (SBF) was measured by laser Speckle flowgraphy and hand skin temperature (ST), by digital thermometry; After the cessation of treadmill exercise, compared to the corresponding baseline values, a significant increase in SBF was observed under all ambient temperature conditions (P<0.005). During intervention, ST showed a significant decrease at 10th min of intervention under all ambient temperatures (P<0.005) with a subsequent increasing trend in it. After intervention, a significant increase in ST was observed under 20°C condition only (P<0.05). Also, after intervention, the observed increase in systolic blood pressure was less significant under 20°C condition; Treadmill exercise appears to be a useful intervention modality in inducing improvements in peripheral circulation. However, exposure to treadmill exercise under or near 20°C ambient temperature might be recommended for the purpose.

CD4 and FOXP3 as predictive markers for the recurrence of T3/T4a stage II colorectal cancer: applying a novel discrete Bayes decision rule

Background

We recently reported the relapse-free survival (RFS) significance of the combination of CD4⁺ and forkhead box P3⁺ (FOXP3) T-cell densities identified by immunohistochemistry in patients with stage I, II, and III colorectal cancer (CRC) who underwent curative resections. This study was designed to determine the optimal combination of markers that predict recurrence in patients with T factors of T3/T4a stage II CRC by applying a novel Bayes decision rule.

Methods

Using 137 cancer tissue specimens from T3/T4a stage II patients, 12 clinicopathologic and immune factors were analysed as predictive candidates for recurrence.

Results

Our study showed that the combination of low CD4⁺ and low FOXP3⁺ T-cell densities resulted in extremely poor RFS.

Conclusions

Adjuvant chemotherapy may be considered for patients with a combination of low CD4⁺ and low FOXP3⁺ T-cell densities. The discovery of this new prognostic indicator is important for the appropriate management of patients undergoing curative resection for T3/T4a stage II CRC.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-10181-7.

Fungal Arthritis of a Lumbar Facet Joint Because of Candida albicans: A Case Report

CASE

A 73-year-old man who was treated in our hospital for pyelonephritis because of left ureteral stones and fungemia was referred to our orthopaedic department for persistent right lower-back pain. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography findings showed pyogenic arthritis of the right L4/5 facet joint with a paraspinal muscle abscess. Based on cultures of samples aspirated from the lesions, we diagnosed the patient with fungal arthritis of the lumbar facet joint. We treated him conservatively with an antifungal agent for a year, and the infection resolved.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report of hematogenous fungal arthritis of a lumbar facet joint.

Risk factors for non‐gastric‐cancer‐related death after gastrectomy in elderly patients

Aim

To identify preoperative factors, especially other diseases that cause death, that are associated with the prognosis of gastrectomy in elderly patients with gastric cancer.

Methods

This retrospective study included a total of 211 consecutive patients aged ≥75 years who underwent radical gastrectomy due to gastric cancer. Time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the optimal cutoff values for various perioperative factors. Risk factors for the overall survival and death from other diseases were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

Among the all perioperative factors, sex, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, skeletal muscle mass index, and lymph node dissection in accordance with guidelines or not extracted as independent risk factors for death from other diseases. In an analysis restricted to the preoperative factors, sex, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, and skeletal muscle mass index of the patients were extracted as independent risk factors for death from other diseases and overall survival. We divided the patients into four groups according to the number of preoperative risk factors for death from other diseases and found that the 5‐year non‐gastric‐cancer‐related survival was different among the four groups (risk factor 0, 91.7%; risk factor 1, 83.3%; risk factor 2, 56.3%; risk factor 3, 27.2%; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Male sex, low skeletal muscle mass index, and high neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio are risk factors for non‐gastric‐cancer‐related death and the overall survival of elderly patients undergoing gastrectomy. Cautious treatment strategies are needed for elderly gastric cancer patients with many risk factors.

Association of Plasma Branched-Chain and Aromatic Amino Acids with Reduction in Kidney Function Evaluated in Apparently Healthy Adults

The published literature on the association of circulatory branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and aromatic amino acids (AAAs) with reduced kidney function is inconsistent or conflicting. Clarification of it might help to better understand the underlying pathophysiology and to determine potential biomarkers for early detection and evaluation of kidney function decline. Our main purpose was to explore and clarify the potential relationships of individual BCAAs and AAAs with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline. We included the data from 2804 healthy subjects and categorized them into three groups based on eGFR tertiles. The associations between individual amino acids and eGFR were explored by covariate-adjusted logistic regression models. There was a progressive increase in the concentrations of BCAAs and AAAs from the upper to the lower tertiles. We revealed significant positive associations of isoleucine, leucine, and phenylalanine with lower tertiles of eGFR in the adjusted models (p < 0.01-0.001). The findings hold a promising potential of using plasma isoleucine, leucine, and phenylalanine levels for evaluation of kidney function decline. Future longitudinal studies should investigate the causal association between altered levels of these amino acids and impaired kidney function and also the utility of the former as potential biomarkers for evaluating the risk and early detection of the latter.

Analysis of Relationships between Immune Checkpoint and Methylase Gene Polymorphisms and Outcomes after Unrelated Bone Marrow Transplantation

Simple Summary

Hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) is a curative therapy for blood disorders. Unrelated bone marrow transplantation (uBMT) is a type of allogeneic HSCT that uses the bone marrow of an unrelated donor. While HLA mismatch is a risk factor for poor outcomes in HSCT, such as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), the importance of non-HLA single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) remains unclear. The clinical application of immune checkpoint and chromatin methylation inhibitors to cancer has been attracting attention. In the present study, we retrospectively genotyped five SNPs in four immune checkpoint genes, BTLA, PD-1, LAG3, and CTLA4, and two SNPs in methylase genes, DNMT1 and EZH2, in 999 uBMT pairs. Although no correlations were observed between these SNPs and post-uBMT outcomes, recipient EZH2 SNP exhibited a low p-value in the analysis of grade 2–4 acute GVHD (p = 0.010). This SNP may be useful for outcome predictions and needs to be confirmed in a larger-scale study.

Abstract

Unrelated bone marrow transplantation (uBMT) is performed to treat blood disorders, and it uses bone marrow from an unrelated donor as the transplant source. Although the importance of HLA matching in uBMT has been established, that of other genetic factors, such as single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), remains unclear. The application of immunoinhibitory receptors as anticancer drugs has recently been attracting attention. This prompted us to examine the importance of immunoinhibitory receptor SNPs in uBMT. We retrospectively genotyped five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the immune checkpoint genes, BTLA, PD-1, LAG3, and CTLA4, and two SNPs in the methylase genes, DNMT1 and EZH2, in 999 uBMT donor–recipient pairs coordinated through the Japan Marrow Donor Program matched at least at HLA-A, -B, and -DRB1. No correlations were observed between these SNPs and post-uBMT outcomes (p > 0.005). This result questions the usefulness of these immune checkpoint gene polymorphisms for predicting post-BMT outcomes. However, the recipient EZH2 histone methyltransferase gene SNP, which encodes the D185H substitution, exhibited a low p-value in regression analysis of grade 2–4 acute graft-versus-host disease (p = 0.010). Due to a low minor allele frequency, this SNP warrants further investigation in a larger-scale study.

Middle meningeal artery embolization for chronic subdural hematoma with cerebrospinal fluid hypovolemia: A report of 2 cases

BACKGROUND

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) with cerebrospinal fluid hypovolemia syndrome (CHS) remains refractory to standard treatment with hematoma drainage by burr hole and irrigation and/or epidural blood patch. Previously, we reported the utility of middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization for intractable CSDH. In this study, we present the usefulness of MMA embolization as a treatment for CSDHs with CHSs.

CASES

We present two cases of CSDHs with CHSs occurring in patients, 1 treated with burr hole craniotomy and irrigation, and the other treated with the epidural blood patch. Both patients exhibited similar-appearing bilateral relatively-thin hematomas, hyperplasia, and enhanced contrast effects in the dura mater, and extradural hygroma in the cervical portion on enhanced magnetic resonance imaging scans. Also, to reviewing prior literature and imaging findings, they had already undergone conventional treatment. We added MMA embolization treatment and they followed a good course.

RESULTS

Despite the known intractable outcomes of patients with CSDHs with CHSs, MMA embolization worked well in the current case series.

CONCLUSION

MMA embolization might be considered as a preferred therapeutic option for CSDHs with CHSs in order to buy time before the epidural blood patch starts working.

A novel mutation in early-onset sarcoidosis/Blau syndrome: an association with Propionibacterium acnes

BACKGROUND

Early-onset sarcoidosis (EOS) and Blau syndrome (BS) are systemic inflammatory granulomatous diseases without visible pulmonary involvement, and are distinguishable from their sporadic and familial forms. The diseases are characterized by a triad of skin rashes, symmetrical polyarthritis, and recurrent uveitis. The most common morbidity is ocular involvement, which is usually refractory to conventional treatment. A gain-of-function mutation in the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 (NOD2) gene has been demonstrated in this disease; however, little is known about the relationship between the activation of NOD2 and the pathophysiology of EOS/BS. Here we describe EOS/BS with a novel mutation in the NOD2 gene, as well as detection of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) in the granulomatous inflammation.

CASE PRESENTATION

An 8-year-old Japanese girl presented with refractory bilateral granulomatous panuveitis. Although no joint involvement was evident, she exhibited skin lesions on her legs; a skin biopsy revealed granulomatous dermatitis, and P. acnes was detected within the sarcoid granulomas by immunohistochemistry with P. acnes-specific monoclonal (PAB) antibody. Genetic analyses revealed that the patient had a NOD2 heterozygous D512V mutation that was novel and not present in either of her parents. The mutant NOD2 showed a similar activation pattern to EOS/BS, thus confirming her diagnosis. After starting oral prednisolone treatment, she experienced an anterior vitreous opacity relapse despite gradual prednisolone tapering; oral methotrexate was subsequently administered, and the patient responded positively.

CONCLUSIONS

We presented a case of EOS/BS with a novel D512V mutation in the NOD2 gene. In refractory granulomatous panuveitis cases without any joint involvement, EOS/BS should be considered as a differential diagnosis; genetic analyses would lead to a definite diagnosis. Moreover, this is the first report of P. acnes demonstrated in granulomas of EOS/BS. Since intracellular P. acnes activates nuclear factor-kappa B in a NOD2-dependent manner, we hypothesized that the mechanism of granuloma formation in EOS/BS may be the result of NOD2 activity in the presence of the ligand muramyl dipeptide, which is a component of P. acnes. These results indicate that recognition of P. acnes through mutant NOD2 is the etiology in this patient with EOS/BS.

Plasma Branched-Chain and Aromatic Amino Acids in Relation to Hypertension

Findings of the available studies regarding the roles of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and aromatic amino acids (AAAs) in hypertension are inconsistent, conflicting and inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to explore and clarify the existence of any relationships of individual BCAAs and AAAs with hypertension with adjustments for potential relevant confounders. A total of 2805 healthy controls and 2736 hypertensive patients were included in the current analysis. The associations between individual amino acids and hypertension were explored by logistic regression analyses adjusted for potential confounding variables. Among the investigated amino acids, only the BCAAs showed consistently significant positive associations with hypertension in the adjusted models (p-trend < 0.05 to 0.001). However, compared with the corresponding lowest quartile of individual BCAAs, the positive association with hypertension remained significant only in the highest quartile (p < 0.01 to 0.001). We confirmed in a relatively large cohort of subjects that BCAAs, not AAAs, demonstrated consistent positive associations with hypertension. The results display the promising potential for the use of BCAAs as relevant and accessible biomarkers, and provide perspectives on interventions directed towards the reduction in plasma BCAA levels in the prevention and management of hypertension.

Factors predicting early postpartum glucose intolerance in Japanese women with gestational diabetes mellitus: decision-curve analysis

AIMS

To identify factors predicting early postpartum glucose intolerance in Japanese women with gestational diabetes mellitus, using decision-curve analysis.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed. The participants were 123 Japanese women with gestational diabetes who underwent 75-g oral glucose tolerance tests at 8-12 weeks after delivery. They were divided into a glucose intolerance and a normal glucose tolerance group based on postpartum oral glucose tolerance test results. Analysis of the pregnancy oral glucose tolerance test results showed predictive factors for postpartum glucose intolerance. We also evaluated the clinical usefulness of the prediction model based on decision-curve analysis.

RESULTS

Of 123 women, 78 (63.4%) had normoglycaemia and 45 (36.6%) had glucose intolerance. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed insulinogenic index/fasting immunoreactive insulin and summation of glucose levels, assessed during pregnancy oral glucose tolerance tests (total glucose), to be independent risk factors for postpartum glucose intolerance. Evaluating the regression models, the best discrimination (area under the curve 0.725) was obtained using the basic model (i.e. age, family history of diabetes, BMI ≥25 kg/m² and use of insulin during pregnancy) plus insulinogenic index/fasting immunoreactive insulin <1.1. Decision-curve analysis showed that combining insulinogenic index/fasting immunoreactive insulin <1.1 with basic clinical information resulted in superior net benefits for prediction of postpartum glucose intolerance.

CONCLUSIONS

Insulinogenic index/fasting immunoreactive insulin calculated using oral glucose tolerance test results during pregnancy is potentially useful for predicting early postpartum glucose intolerance in Japanese women with gestational diabetes.

A Case of Diabetic Retinopathy with both Retinal Neovascularization and Complete Posterior Vitreous Detachment

PURPOSE

Report of a case with retinal neovascularization developing in the setting of diabetic retinopathy despite complete posterior vitreous detachment (PVD).

CASE REPORT

A 76-year-old man had had type II diabetes mellitus for more than 30 years. Weiss' ring was detected by direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy. PVD was thus considered to be complete. On the other hand, fluorescein angiography showed two areas of hyperfluorescence at the margin of the retinal nonperfusion area.

CONCLUSIONS

The present case underscores the importance of periodic follow-up using fluorescein angiography, given the probability of retinal neovascularization development and proliferative changes for many years even in diabetic retinopathy associated with complete PVD.

The different roles of innate immune receptors in inflammation and carcinogenesis between races

Innate immune factors exert widespread effects on cytokine secretion, cell survival, autophagy, and apoptosis. Nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain-like receptors (NLRs) are members of the innate immune system in the cytosol that sense pathogens, endogenous danger molecules such as uric acid, and pollutants. Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 1 and 2 (NOD1 and NOD2) are components of NLR family, and ligands of these factors are γ-D-glutamyl-meso-diaminopimelic acid (iE-DAP) and muramyl dipeptide (MDP), respectively. Upon recognition of ligands, NOD1 and NOD2 induce the production of inflammatory cytokines and transcription factors including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). We examined the function of NOD1 and NOD2 in innate immunity, with a focus on their differing roles in disease pathogenesis between Japanese and Caucasian populations. Susceptibility to several immune-related diseases, including Crohn's disease, colorectal and breast cancers, and graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) showed a correlation with genetic variants of NOD2 in Caucasian, but not in Japanese, populations. This difference may be primarily due to the fact that three major NOD2 SNPs (R702W, G908R, L1007insC) prevalent in Caucasians are rare or absent in Japanese populations. Because NLR has diverse effects on immune function, it is possible that many as yet uncharacterized immune-related diseases will also show different susceptibilities between races due to the different ratio of genetic variants in innate immune genes.

Plasma free amino acid profiles evaluate risk of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension in a large Asian population

Background

Recently, the association of plasma free amino acid (PFAA) profile and lifestyle-related diseases has been reported. However, few studies have been reported in large Asian populations, about the usefulness of PFAAs for evaluating disease risks. We examined the ability of PFAA profiles to evaluate lifestyle-related diseases in so far the largest Asian population.

Methods

We examined plasma concentrations of 19 amino acids in 8589 Japanese subjects, and determined the association with variables associated with obesity, blood glucose, lipid, and blood pressure. We also evaluated the PFAA indexes that reflect visceral fat obesity and insulin resistance. The contribution of single PFAA level and relevant PFAA indexes was also examined in the risk assessment of lifestyle-related diseases.

Results

Of the 19 amino acids, branched-chain amino acids and aromatic amino acids showed association with obesity and lipid variables. The PFAA index related to visceral fat obesity showed relatively higher correlation with variables than that of any PFAA. In the evaluation of lifestyle-related disease risks, the odds ratios of the PFAA index related to visceral fat obesity or insulin resistance with the diseases were higher than most of those of individual amino acid levels even after adjusting for potential confounding factors. The association pattern of the indexes and PFAA with each lifestyle-related disease was distinct.

Conclusions

We confirmed the usefulness of PFAA profiles and indexes as markers for evaluating the risks of lifestyle-related diseases, including diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, and hypertension in a large Asian population.

Alteration in plasma free amino acid levels and its association with gout

Background

Studies on the association of plasma-free amino acids with gout are very limited and produced conflicting results. Therefore, we sought to explore and characterize the plasma-free amino acid (PFAA) profile in patients with gout and evaluate its association with the latter.

Methods

Data from a total of 819 subjects (including 34 patients with gout) undergoing an annual health examination program in Shimane, Japan were considered for this study. Venous blood samples were collected from the subjects and concentrations of 19 plasma amino acids were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry. Student’s t-test was applied for comparison of variables between patient and control groups. The relationships between the presence or absence of gout and individual amino acids were investigated by logistic regression analysis controlling for the effects of potential demographic confounders.

Results

Among 19 amino acids, the levels of 10 amino acids (alanine, glycine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, tryptophan, valine) differed significantly (P < .001 to .05) between the patient and control groups. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that plasma levels of alanine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, tryptophan and valine had significant positive associations (P < .005 to .05) whereas glycine and serine had significant inverse association (P < .05) with gout.

Conclusions

The observed significant changes in PFAA profiles may have important implications for improving our understanding of pathophysiology, diagnosis and prevention of gout. The findings of this study need further confirmation in future large-scale studies involving a larger number of patients with gout.

Porcine Amelogenin is Expressed from the X and Y Chromosomes

Amelogenin is the major enamel matrix component in developing teeth. In eutherian mammals, amelogenin is expressed from the X chromosome only, or from both the X and Y chromosomes. Two classes of porcine amelogenin cDNA clones have been characterized, but the chromosomal localization of the gene(s) encoding them is unknown. To determine if there are sex-based differences in the expression of porcine amelogenin, we paired PCR primers for exons 1a, 1b, 7a, and 7b, and amplified enamel organ-derived cDNA separately from porcine males and females. The results show that exons 1a/2a and 7a are always together and can be amplified from both males (XY) and females (XX). Exons 1b/2b and 7b are also always paired, but can be amplified only from females. We conclude that porcine amelogenin is expressed from separate genes on the X and Y chromosomes, and not, as previously proposed, from a single gene with two promoters.

[Immune System Reaction against Environmental Pollutants]

Environmental pollutants (such as diesel exhaust particles and silica) cause disorders ranging from bronchial asthma to malignant tumors. In recent years, it has been reported that some of the signaling pathways in which environmental contaminants act in vivo are associated with innate immunity. Innate immunity recognizes ligands and induces inflammation. Those ligands are pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs: e.g., lipopolysaccharide) and danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs: e.g., cholesterol crystallization or uric acid crystal). Activation of innate immunity stimulates the acquired immunity system. Therefore, innate immunity regulates the strength of the general immune system. Furthermore, crystal silica, which is an environmental pollutant, activates innate immunity as a ligand. Innate immunity involves the membrane-bound Toll-like receptors (TLR) and cytoplasm-localized nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptors (NLR). We reported the innate immunity-system-related diseases such as Crohn's disease, Blau syndrome, myelogenous leukemia, and sarcoidosis. An inflammasome complex containing NLR has attracted attention owing to its correlation with the onset of several diseases. It is reported that the inflammasome activation is related to the development of lifestyle-related diseases such as myocardial infarction and fatty liver. It is also reported that the mechanism by which crystal silica and asbestos cause inflammation involves the inflammasome activation. Analyzing the genes of innate immunity contributes to the clarification of the mechanism of disease onset caused by environmental pollutants.

Secretory phospholipases A2 are secreted from ciliated cells and increase mucin and eicosanoid secretion from goblet cells

BACKGROUND

Secretory phospholipases A2 (sPLA2) initiate the biosynthesis of eicosanoids, are increased in the airways of people with severe asthma, and induce mucin hypersecretion. We used IL-13-transformed, highly enriched goblet cells and differentiated (ciliary cell-enriched) human bronchial epithelial cell culture to evaluate the relative contribution of ciliated and goblet cells to airway sPLA2 generation and response. We wished to determine the primary source(s) of sPLA2 and leukotrienes in human airway epithelial cells.

METHODS

Human bronchial epithelial cells from subjects without lung disease were differentiated to a ciliated-enriched or goblet-enriched cell phenotype. Synthesis of sPLA2, cysteinyl leukotrienes (cysLTs), and airway mucin messenger RNA and protein was measured by real-time-polymerase chain reaction and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the localization of mucin and sPLA2 to specific cells types was confirmed by confocal microscopy.

RESULTS

sPLA2 group IIa, V, and X messenger RNA expression was increased in ciliated-enriched cells (P < .001) but not in goblet-enriched cells. sPLA2 were secreted from the apical (air) side of ciliated-enriched cells but not goblet-enriched cells (P < .001). Immunostaining of sPLA2 V was strongly positive in ciliated-enriched cells but not in goblet-enriched cells. sPLA2 released cysLTs from goblet-enriched cells but not from ciliated-enriched cells, and this result was greatest with sPLA2 V (P < .05). sPLA2 V increased goblet-enriched cell mucin secretion, which was inhibited by inhibitors of lipoxygenase or cyclooxygenase (P < .02).

CONCLUSIONS

sPLA2 are secreted from ciliated cells and appear to induce mucin and cysLT secretion from goblet cells, strongly suggesting that airway goblet cells are proinflammatory effector cells.

Bronchoscopy-Guided Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation as a Novel Intervention Therapy for Peripheral Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND

Our previous animal and preliminary human studies indicated that bronchoscopy-guided cooled radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the lung is a safe and feasible procedure without major complications.

OBJECTIVES

The present study was performed to evaluate the safety, effectiveness and feasibility of computed tomography (CT)-guided bronchoscopy cooled RFA in patients with medically inoperable non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

Patients with pathologically diagnosed NSCLC, who had no lymph node involvement or distant metastases (T1-2aN0M0) but were not surgical candidates because of comorbidities (e.g., synchronous multiple nodules, advanced age, cardiovascular disease, poor pulmonary function, etc.) were enrolled in the present study. The diagnosis and location between the nearest bronchus and target tumor were made by CT-guided bronchoscopy before the treatment. A total of 28 bronchoscopy-guided cooled RFA procedures were performed in 20 patients. After treatment, serial CT imaging was performed as follow-up.

RESULTS

Eleven lesions showed significant reductions in tumor size and 8 lesions showed stability, resulting in a local control rate of 82.6%. The median progression-free survival was 35 months (95% confidence interval: 22-45 months), and the 5-year overall survival was 61.5% (95% confidence interval: 36-87%). Three patients developed an acute ablation-related reaction (fever, chest pain) and required hospitalization but improved with conservative treatment. There were no other adverse events in the present study.

CONCLUSIONS

CT-guided bronchoscopy cooled RFA is applicable for only highly selected subjects; however, our trial may be an alternative strategy, especially for disease local control in medically inoperable patients with stage I NSCLC.

IL-33 stimulates CXCL8/IL-8 secretion in goblet cells but not normally differentiated airway cells

BACKGROUND

IL-13, a helper T cell type 2 (Th2) cytokine, transforms cultured airway epithelial cells to goblet cells, and this is not inhibited by corticosteroids. IL-33 stimulates Th2 cytokines and is highly expressed in airways of persons with asthma. The effect of IL-33 on goblet cell differentiation and cytokine secretion has not been described.

OBJECTIVE

We examined the effect of IL-33 on CXCL8/IL-8 secretion from goblet or normally differentiated human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells and signalling pathways associated with IL-33 activation in these cells.

METHODS

Normal human bronchial epithelial cells were grown to goblet or normally differentiated ciliated cell phenotype at air-liquid interface in the presence or absence of IL-13. After 14 days, differentiated cells were exposed to IL-33 for 24 h.

RESULTS

CXCL8/IL-8 secretion into the apical (air) side of the goblet cells was greater than from normally differentiated cells (P < 0.01), and IL-33 stimulated apical CXCL8/IL-8 release from goblet cells, but not from normally differentiated cells (P < 0.01). IL-33 increased ERK 1/2 phosphorylation in goblet cells (P < 0.05), and PD98059, a MAPK/ERK kinase inhibitor, attenuated IL-33-stimulated CXCL8/IL-8 secretion from goblet cells (P < 0.001). IL-13 induced ST2 mRNA (P < 0.02) and membrane-bound ST2 protein expression on the apical side surface of goblet cells compared with normally differentiated cells, and neutralization with anti-ST2R antibody attenuated IL-33-induced apical CXCL8/IL-8 secretion from goblet cells (P < 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Goblet cells secrete CXCL8/IL-8, and this is increased by IL-33 through ST2R-ERK pathway, suggesting a mechanism for enhanced airway inflammation in the asthmatic airway with goblet cell metaplasia.