Boron Clusters Alter the Membrane Permeability of Dicationic Fluorescent DNA-Staining Dyes

Membrane-permeable fluorescent dyes that stain DNA are useful reagents for microscopic imaging, as they can be introduced into living cells to label DNA. However, the number of these dyes, such as Hoechst 33342, is limited. Here, we show that the icosahedral dodecaborate B12Br122-, a superchaotropic carrier that delivers different types of molecules into cells, functions as an excellent carrier for membrane-impermeable fluorescent dyes. Propidium iodide (PI) and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), dicationic membrane-impermeable fluorescent dyes that stain DNA, can permeate cell membranes in the presence of boron clusters. Methyl green (MG), a dicationic dye used in the histological and fluorescent staining of DNA, permeated cell membranes in the presence of boron clusters. In contrast, monocationic membrane-permeable fluorescent dyes, such as acridine orange and pyronin Y, exhibited reduced fluorescence in cells in the presence of boron clusters. Boron clusters do not quench dicationic fluorescent dyes in water in vitro but have quenching effects on monocationic fluorescent dyes. We have demonstrated that the addition of B12Br122- to impermeable dicationic fluorescent DNA-staining dyes, such as DAPI, PI, and MG, which have been widely used for numerous years, imparts membrane permeability to introduce these dyes into living cells.

Nyamanini Virus Nucleoprotein and Phosphoprotein Organize Viral Inclusion Bodies That Associate with Host Biomolecular Condensates in the Nucleus

Many mononegaviruses form inclusion bodies (IBs) in infected cells. However, little is known about nuclear IBs formed by mononegaviruses, since only a few lineages of animal-derived mononegaviruses replicate in the nucleus. In this study, we characterized the IBs formed by Nyamanini virus (NYMV), a unique tick-borne mononegavirus undergoing replication in the nucleus. We discovered that NYMV forms IBs, consisting of condensates and puncta of various sizes and morphologies, in the host nucleus. Likewise, we found that the expressions of NYMV nucleoprotein (N) and phosphoprotein (P) alone induce the formation of condensates and puncta in the nucleus, respectively, even though their morphologies are somewhat different from the IBs observed in the actual NYMV-infected cells. In addition, IB-like structures can be reconstructed by co-expressions of NYMV N and P, and localization analyses using a series of truncated mutants of P revealed that the C-terminal 27 amino acid residues of P are important for recruiting P to the condensates formed by N. Furthermore, we found that nuclear speckles, cellular biomolecular condensates, are reorganized and recruited to the IB-like structures formed by the co-expressions of N and P, as well as IBs formed in NYMV-infected cells. These features are unique among mononegaviruses, and our study has contributed to elucidating the replication mechanisms of nuclear-replicating mononegaviruses and the virus-host interactions.

Borna disease virus phosphoprotein triggers the organization of viral inclusion bodies by liquid-liquid phase separation

Inclusion bodies (IBs) are characteristic biomolecular condensates organized by the non-segmented negative-strand RNA viruses belonging to the order Mononegavirales. Although recent studies have revealed the characteristics of IBs formed by cytoplasmic mononegaviruses, that of Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1), a unique mononegavirus that forms IBs in the cell nucleus and establishes persistent infection remains elusive. Here, we characterize the IBs of BoDV-1 in terms of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). The BoDV-1 phosphoprotein (P) alone induces LLPS and the nucleoprotein (N) is incorporated into the P droplets in vitro. In contrast, co-expression of N and P is required for the formation of IB-like structure in cells. Furthermore, while BoDV-1 P binds to RNA, an excess amount of RNA dissolves the liquid droplets formed by N and P in vitro. Notably, the intrinsically disordered N-terminal region of BoDV-1 P is essential to drive LLPS and to bind to RNA, suggesting that both abilities could compete with one another. These features are unique among mononegaviruses, and thus this study will contribute to a deeper understanding of LLPS-driven organization and RNA-mediated regulation of biomolecular condensates.

Impact of postoperative pleurodesis on pulmonary function after lung segmentectomy

Objective

Pleurodesis is among several treatment strategies for postoperative alveolo-pleural fistula (APF) after lung resection. Accordingly, the present study aimed to determine the influence of pleurodesis on postoperative pulmonary function.

Methods

Patients who underwent anatomical segmentectomy between January 2009 and March 2020 and pulmonary function tests 6 and 12 months after initial surgery were included in this study. Differences in pulmonary function decline between patients who did and did not undergo pleurodesis were compared.

Results

Among the 319 patients included, 39 (12.2%) underwent pleurodesis. Among patients who did not receive pleurodesis, there were no difference in decline of vital capacity at 6 months (−13.7% ± 1.1% vs −11.2% ± 0.7%; P = .063) and 12 months (−10.7% ± 1.3% vs −9.5% ± 0.7%; P = .391) after surgery between patients who had APF on postoperative day 2 and those who did not. Patients who received pleurodesis had a significantly larger decline in vital capacity at 6 months (−19.4% ± 2.4% vs −13.7% ± 1.1%; P = .015) and 12 months (−16.2% ± 1.6% vs −10.7% ± 1.3%; P = .010) after surgery compared with those who had APF on postoperative day 2 and did not receive pleurodesis. There were no significant differences in decline of forced expiratory volume in 1 second.

Conclusions

Pleurodesis negatively influenced postoperative vital capacity after lung segmentectomy. Although the clinical influence of this is unknown, careful consideration is needed before performing pleurodesis given its potential influence on postoperative pulmonary function.

Differential roles of two DDX17 isoforms in the formation of membraneless organelles

The RNA helicase, DDX17 is a member of the DEAD-box protein family. DDX17 has two isoforms: p72 and p82. The p82 isoform has additional amino acid sequences called intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs), which are related to the formation of membraneless organelles (MLOs). Here, we reveal that p72 is mostly localized to the nucleoplasm, while p82 is localized to the nucleoplasm and nucleoli. Additionally, p82 exhibited slower intranuclear mobility than p72. Furthermore, the enzymatic mutants of both p72 and p82 accumulate into the stress granules. The enzymatic mutant of p82 abolishes nucleolar localization of p82. Our findings suggest the importance of IDRs and enzymatic activity of DEAD-box proteins in the intracellular distribution and formation of MLOs.

Negative pressure wound therapy for broncho-pleural fistula with collapsed lung

We present a case of the broncho-pleural fistula with a collapsed lung that was developed 2 weeks after right lower lobectomy. The patient urgently underwent open-window thoracostomy. However, the residual lung remained collapsed. To expand the lung and close the broncho-pleural fistula, negative pressure wound therapy was initiated 20 days after the procedure. The lung expanded within a few days, and the residual thoracic cavity gradually contracted. Subsequently, 2.5 months later, the remaining thoracic cavity was successfully closed using omentoplasty. No recurrence of the broncho-pleural fistula was observed for 1 year. If the lung could be inflated to reduce dead space in the thoracic cavity, broncho-pleural fistula with collapsed lung may be treated with bronchial stump coverage and negative pressure wound therapy.

Impact of muscle volume loss on acute oral mucositis in patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy after oral cancer resection

This study evaluated the association between skeletal muscle mass depletion and severe oral mucositis in patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy after oral cancer resection. Skeletal muscle mass was evaluated in 60 patients using the skeletal muscle index, which was based on skeletal muscle cross-sectional area (on computed tomography) at the level of the third lumbar vertebra. In accordance with the grading criteria of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group, patients with a grade ≥3 were defined as having severe oral mucositis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate independent risk factors for severe oral mucositis. Eleven patients (18.3%) were diagnosed with low skeletal muscle mass. Severe oral mucositis occurred in 17 (28.3%) patients, and the mean skeletal muscle index was 42.8 cm²/m². A low skeletal muscle mass (hazard ratio 18.1; P=0.001) and a chemotherapy regimen consisting of 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin (versus cisplatin only) (hazard ratio 5.5; P=0.015) were independent risk factors for severe oral mucositis. Future prospective studies are warranted to identify effective pre- and perioperative exercises and nutrition programmes to increase low skeletal muscle mass and reduce the incidence of severe oral mucositis in patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy after oral cancer resection.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery using a three-dimensional thoracoscopic system as an educational tool for surgical trainees in general thoracic surgery

OBJECTIVE

The clinical practice of safe and efficient surgery and professional development of general thoracic surgical trainee are both important issues for mentors. We investigated the usefulness of a three-dimensional (3D) endoscopic system application for lung cancer treatment as a tool for training surgical trainees.

METHODS

Supervised by mentors, general thoracic surgical trainees were trained with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for primary lung cancer using a 3D endoscopic system to enable them to become operators. Video clinics using 3D images were held weekly. The group using 3D endoscopic system (66 cases in the 3D-VATS group) was compared with the group using conventional two-dimensional (2D) thoracoscopic system (35 cases in the 2D-VATS group) to perform VATS lobectomies.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in operative time between both groups. However, the 3D-VATS group comprised significantly less experience than the 2D-VATS group. The intraoperative blood loss was significantly reduced for the 3D group (34 mL in the 3D-VATS group vs. 76 mL in the 2D-VATS group, P = 0.0007). There were no cases of conversion from VATS to open thoracotomy and intraoperative transfusion in either group.

CONCLUSION

3D-VATS and video clinics using 3D videos are useful training tools for general thoracic surgical trainees with little experience in open thoracotomy.

Knockdown of sphingomyelin synthase 2 inhibits osteoclastogenesis by decreasing RANKL expression in mouse primary osteoblasts

Sphingomyelin is a major lipid of the plasma membrane and is enriched in microdomains of the plasma membrane that are critical for signal transduction. However, the function of sphingomyelin in the cell membrane of osteoblasts has not been clarified. Therefore, we examined how sphingomyelin synthase 2 (SMS2) affects osteoclast differentiation by osteoblasts. We knocked down the expression of SMS2 with siRNA targeting the Sgms2 gene in mouse primary osteoblasts. The effects of SMS2 knockdown in osteoblasts were examined using polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. The knockdown of SMS2 suppressed the formation of TRAP-positive multinucleated cells by co-culture of osteoblasts and bone marrow cells compared to the control. We found that receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) mRNA expression was significantly reduced by 1,25(OH)₂D₃ stimulation in SMS2 siRNA osteoblasts. The knockdown of SMS2 repressed the expression of retinoid-X-receptor-α (RXRα) regardless of 1,25(OH)₂D₃ stimulation. TRAP-positive multinucleated cell formation was significantly reduced by RXRα siRNA in osteoblasts in a co-culture system. These results suggest that SMS2 regulates osteoclast differentiation by inducing RANKL expression via RXRα.

Intracellular dynamics of actin affects Borna disease virus replication in the nucleus

Borna disease virus (BoDV) is a nonsegmented, negative-strand RNA virus that uniquely replicates and establishes persistent infection in cell nucleus. Recent studies have demonstrated the presence of actin in the nucleus and its role in intranuclear phenomena such as transcription and DNA repair. Although nuclear actin is involved in the life cycle of some intranuclear DNA viruses, the interaction between BoDV and nuclear actin has not been reported. In this study, we show that the inhibition of the nucleocytoplasmic transport of actin affects the replication of BoDV in the nucleus. The knockdown of a nuclear export factor of actin, exportin 6, results in the induction of structural aberration in intranuclear viral factories of BoDV. Furthermore, the inhibition of the nuclear export of actin promotes accumulation of viral matrix protein in the cytoplasm and periphery of the infected cells. These results suggest that the dynamics of actin affect the replication of BoDV by disturbing the structure of viral factories in the nucleus.

Human Vγ9Vδ2 T cells show potent antitumor activity against zoledronate-sensitized OSCC cell lines

PURPOSE

Vγ9Vδ2 T cells exhibit potent antitumor effects against multiple types of tumors in preclinical models. In the present study, we examined whether human Vγ9Vδ2 T cells can be effective against oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines in vitro because the interaction between OSCC and Vγ9Vδ2 T cells has not been explored previously.

METHODS

Eight OSCC cell lines were analyzed for their expression of ligands that potentially activate Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. Vγ9Vδ2 T cells were expanded in vitro from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using zoledronate and IL-2. Expanded Vγ9Vδ2 T cells were tested for IFNγ production and cytotoxicity in response to zoledronate-treated OSCC cell lines. Flow cytometry was used to obtain and analyze data.

RESULTS

All OSCC cell lines expressed CD277. The cell lines also expressed at least one type of NKG2D ligand. Zoledronate-treated OSCC cell lines induced IFNγ expression in Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. We thus found that Vγ9Vδ2 T cells efficiently kill zoledronate-sensitized OSCC cell lines.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that zoledronate-treated OSCC cell lines are effectively killed by Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. Our results indicate that developing Vγ9Vδ2 T cell-based immunotherapy will be promising in treating patients with OSCC.

[Abdominoperineal Resection for Anal Metastasis of Rectal Cancer]

Anal metastasis of colorectal cancer is rare, and no standardized effective therapeutic strategy exists. We report a case of abdominoperineal resection for anal metastasis of rectal cancer. A 65-year-old man underwent laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer in August 2013. Histopathological examination revealed a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma( tub2, pSS, ly3, v2, pN1, H0, P0, M0, Stage III a, Cur A). In February 2015, he complained of anal discomfort, and tumor markers were elevated. Enhanced CT revealed a 15-mm high-density solid tumor in the anal canal. The results of needle biopsy indicated a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. This tumor was suspected to be metastasis from rectal cancer, and we performed abdominoperineal resection. Histopathological examination revealed a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma, which was the same histological type as the primary rectal cancer and was covered with normal anal epithelium. Collectively, the findings indicated anal metastasis from rectal cancer. The patient is alive without recurrence for 18 months after resection. Anal metastasis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with anal discomfort who have a history of colon/rectal cancer. Abdominoperineal resection may be an effective treatment modality for this condition.

Borna Disease Virus Assembles Porous Cage-like Viral Factories in the Nucleus

Animal-derived RNA viruses frequently generate viral factories in infected cells. However, the details of how RNA viruses build such intracellular structures are poorly understood. In this study, we examined the structure and formation of the viral factories, called viral speckle of transcripts (vSPOTs), that are produced in the nuclei of host cells by Borna disease virus (BDV). Super-resolution microscopic analysis showed that BDV assembled vSPOTs as intranuclear cage-like structures with 59-180-nm pores. The viral nucleoprotein formed the exoskeletons of vSPOTs, whereas the other viral proteins appeared to be mainly localized within these structures. In addition, stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy revealed that filamentous structures resembling viral ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs) appeared to protrude from the outer surfaces of the vSPOTs. We also found that vSPOTs disintegrated into RNPs concurrently with the breakdown of the nuclear envelope during mitosis. These observations demonstrated that BDV generates viral replication factories whose shape and formation are regulated, suggesting the mechanism of the integrity of RNA virus persistent infection in the nucleus.

Inter-observer reproducibility of endometrial cytology by the Osaki Study Group method: utilising the Becton Dickinson SurePath™ liquid-based cytology

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the reproducibility of the cytological diagnosis of endometrial lesions by the Osaki Study Group (OSG) method of new cytological diagnostic criteria using BD SurePath^™ (SP)-liquid-based cytology (LBC).

METHODS

This cytological classification using the OSG method consists of six categories: (i) normal endometrium (NE), (ii) endometrial glandular and stromal breakdown (EGBD), (iii) atypical endometrial cells, cannot exclude atypical endometrial hyperplasia or more (ATEC-A), (iv) adenocarcinoma including atypical endometrial hyperplasia or malignant tumour (Malignancy), (v) endometrial hyperplasia without atypia (EH) and (vi) atypical endometrial cells of undetermined significance (ATEC-US). For this study, a total 244 endometrial samplings were classified by two academic cytopathologists as follows: 147 NE cases , 36 EGBD cases , 47 Malignant cases, eight ATEC-A cases, two EH cases and four ATEC-US cases. To confirm the reproducibility of the diagnosis and to study the inter- and intra-observer agreement further, a second review round followed at 3-month intervals, which included three additional cytopathologists.

RESULTS

The inter-observer agreement of NE classes improved progressively from 'good to fair' to 'excellent', with values increasing from 0.70 to 0.81. Both EGBD and Malignancy classes improved progressively from 'good to fair' to 'excellent', with values increasing from 0.62-0.63 to 0.84-0.95, respectively. The overall intra-observer agreement between the first and the second rounds was 'good to fair' to 'excellent', with values changing from 0.79 to 0.85. All kappa improvements were significant (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

In this study, it seemed that the use of the OSG method as the new diagnostic criteria for SP-LBC preparation, may be a valid method to improve the precision (reproducibility) of endometrial cytology.

Bach1 deficiency reduces severity of osteoarthritis through upregulation of heme oxygenase-1

Introduction

BTB and CNC homology 1 (Bach1) is a transcriptional repressor of Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which is cytoprotective through its antioxidant effects. The objective of this study was to define the role of Bach1 in cartilage homeostasis and osteoarthritis (OA) development using in vitro models and Bach1^-/- mice.

Methods

HO-1 expression in Bach1^-/- mice was analyzed by real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. Knee joints from Bach1^-/- and wild-type mice with age-related OA and surgically-induced OA were evaluated by OA scoring systems. Levels of autophagy proteins and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) were determined by immunohistochemistry. The relationship between HO-1 and the protective effects for OA was determined in chondrocytes treated with small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting HO-1 gene.

Results

HO-1 expression decreased with aging in articular cartilages and menisci of mouse knees. Bach1^-/- mice showed reduced severity of age-related OA and surgically-induced OA compared with wild-type mice. Microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), autophagy marker, and SOD2 were increased in articular cartilage of Bach1^-/- mice compared with wild-type mice. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) induced a significant increase in Adamts-5 in wild-type chondrocytes but not in Bach1^-/- chondrocytes. The expression of SOD2 and the suppression of apoptosis in Bach1^-/- chondrocytes were mediated by HO-1.

Conclusions

Bach1 deficiency reduces the severity of OA-like changes. This may be due to maintenance of cartilage homeostasis and joint health by antioxidant effects through HO-1 and downregulation of extracellular matrix degrading enzymes. These results suggest that inactivation of Bach1 is a novel target and signaling pathway in OA prevention.

X-linked RNA-binding motif protein (RBMX) is required for the maintenance of Borna disease virus nuclear viral factories

Borna disease virus (BDV) is a non-segmented, negative-strand RNA virus that establishes persistent infection in the nucleus. Although BDV forms viral inclusion bodies, termed viral speckles of transcripts (vSPOTs), which are associated with chromatin in the nucleus, the host factors involved in the maintenance of vSPOTs remain largely unknown. In this study, we identified X-linked RNA-binding motif protein (RBMX) as a nuclear factor interacting with BDV nucleoprotein. Interestingly, knockdown of RBMX led to disruption of the formation of vSPOTs and reduced both transcription and replication of BDV. Our results indicate that RBMX is involved in the maintenance of the structure of the virus factory in the nucleus.

ASSESSMENT OF MOLECULAR GENETIC STABILITY BETWEEN LONG-TERM CRYOPRESERVED AND TISSUE CULTURED WASABI (Wasabia japonica) PLANTS

BACKGROUND

Maintaining the genetic integrity in long-term tissue cultured and cryopreserved plants is important for the conservation of plant genetic resources.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, the genetic stability of cryopreserved wasabi shoot tips stored for 10 years at -150 degree C was visualized using Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) and Methylation Sensitive Amplified Polymorphism (MSAP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included plants derived from cryopreserved shoot tips after 10.5 years storage at -150 degree C (LN10yr), after 2 h storage at -196 degree C (LN2hr), cryopreservation controls (No LN cooling (TC)) and non-treated controls without LN cooling (LC). The donor plants for LN2hr, TC and LC were also maintained in vitro at 20 degree C for the same period.

RESULTS

Neither technique detected genetic variations in either control or cryopreserved plants. Some mutations were noted in plants maintained in tissue culture for 10 years. Comparison of genome stability for TC and LN2hr plants showed only a minor change in DNA. However, when comparing the LC and Ln10yr, many differences were found.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that cryopreservation is a superior conservation method compared to tissue culture in maintaining genetic stability for a long-term storage of wasabi germplasm.

Reinforced shape-tunable microwrinkles formed on a porous-film-embedded elastomer surface

A new structural design is proposed for wrinkling to improve mechanical durability by exploiting a porous polymer film embedded on the surface of an elastomer, which acts as a hard layer, buckles into wrinkles and effectively suppresses fatal failures such as delamination and cracking.

Dynamics of WD-repeat containing proteins in SSU processome components

Nine WD-repeat containing proteins in human SSU processome components have been found in a HeLa cell nuclear matrix fraction. In these proteins, t-UTP sub-complex components, i.e., CIRH1A, UTP15, and WDR43, were shown to be immobilized in the fibrillar centers of nucleoli in living cells. In this study, the dynamics of the remaining six proteins fused with green fluorescent protein (GFP), i.e., PWP2-GFP, TBL3-GFP, GFP-UTP18, GFP-NOL10, GFP-WDR46, and GFP-WDSOF1, were examined in living cells. The findings were as follows. (i) The majority of UTP-B sub-complex components, i.e., PWP2-GFP, TBL3-GFP, and GFP-UTP18, are localized to the dense fibrillar component and granular component regions in nucleoli; (ii) When rRNA transcription is suppressed, the majority of GFP-fused UTP-B sub-complex components are localized in the cap and body regions of nucleoli. (iii) The mobility of these proteins except for GFP-WDSOF1, and half of GFP-UTP18 and GFP-WDR46, respectively, is very low in living cells. (iv) When rRNA transcription is suppressed, the mobility of these proteins except for GFP-WDSOF1 is accelerated but still slow. These findings and others suggest that these WD-repeat proteins other than GFP-WDSOF1 found in the nuclear matrix fraction bind tightly to some macro-protein complexes and act as a scaffold or a core for the complexes in nucleoli.

Nosocomial Candida parapsilosis candidaemia: risk factors, antifungal susceptibility and outcome

A retrospective analysis was undertaken from 2000 to 2010 to show the risk factors associated with death within 30 days in patients with C. parapsilosis candidaemia (CPC). Fifty-one cases of nosocomial CPC were included in the analysis. All isolates from blood cultures were susceptible to micafungin and fluconazole. The overall mortality rate was 23.5%, and the most severe complications were endocarditis (5.9%) and endophthalmitis (5.9%). On multi-variate analysis, APACHE II score >25 (odds ratio 43.9) and retained cardiovascular prosthetic materials (RCPM) (prosthetic valve or graft) (odds ratio 14.6) were found to be risk factors associated with death. Prompt surgical removal should be considered in CPC patients with RCPM.

Nucleolar scaffold protein, WDR46, determines the granular compartmental localization of nucleolin and DDX21

The nuclear scaffold is an insoluble nuclear structure that contributes to the inner nuclear organization. In this study, we showed that one of the nuclear scaffold proteins, WDR46, plays a role as a fundamental scaffold component of the nucleolar structure. WDR46 is a highly insoluble nucleolar protein, and its subcellular localization is dependent on neither DNA nor RNA. The N- and C-terminal regions of WDR46 are predicted to be intrinsically disordered, and both regions are critical for the nucleolar localization of WDR46 and the association with its binding partners. When WDR46 was knocked down, two of its binding partners, nucleolin and DDX21 (involved in 18S rRNA processing), were mislocalized from the granular component to the edges of the nucleoli, whereas other binding partners, NOP2 and EBP2 (involved in 28S rRNA processing), were not affected. This is because the proper recruitment of nucleolin and DDX21 to the nucleoli in daughter cells after cell division is ensured by WDR46. These findings suggest a structural role for WDR46 in organizing the 18S ribosomal RNA processing machinery. This role of WDR46 is enabled by its interaction property via intrinsically disordered regions.

Antibody-based analysis reveals "filamentous vs. non-filamentous" and "cytoplasmic vs. nuclear" crosstalk of cytoskeletal proteins

To uncover the molecular composition and dynamics of the functional scaffold for the nucleus, three fractions of biochemically-stable nuclear protein complexes were extracted and used as immunogens to produce a variety of monoclonal antibodies. Many helix-based cytoskeletal proteins were identified as antigens, suggesting their dynamic contribution to nuclear architecture and function. Interestingly, sets of antibodies distinguished distinct subcellular localization of a single isoform of certain cytoskeletal proteins; distinct molecular forms of keratin and actinin were found in the nucleus. Their nuclear shuttling properties were verified by the apparent nuclear accumulations under inhibition of CRM1-dependent nuclear export. Nuclear keratins do not take an obvious filamentous structure, as was revealed by non-filamentous cytoplasmic keratin-specific monoclonal antibody. These results suggest the distinct roles of the helix-based cytoskeletal proteins in the nucleus.

Phase II study of S-1, an oral fluoropyrimidine, in patients with advanced or recurrent cervical cancer

Background: S-1 is an oral fluoropyrimidine. This phase II study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of S-1 in patients with advanced or recurrent uterine cervical cancer.

Patients and methods: S-1 35 mg/m² was given twice daily for 28 days repeated every 6 weeks. Eligible patients were women aged 20–74 years, who had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of zero or one, who had stage IVB or recurrent uterine cervical cancer, and who had received no more than one platinum-containing chemotherapy regimen for stage IVB or recurrent disease. The primary end point was overall response rate (ORR) determined by RECIST.

Results: A total of 37 patients were enrolled in the trial and 36 were eligible. The median number of cycles administered was 4. The confirmed ORR was 30.6% (95% confidence interval 15.5% to 45.6%). The response rate for patients who had received platinum-based treatment including chemoradiotherapy was 31.8% (7 of 22). After a median follow-up duration of 25 months, the median time to progression and the median survival time were 5.2 and 15.4 months, respectively. The most frequent grade 3 or 4 adverse events were anemia (16%), anorexia (16%), and diarrhea (22%).

Conclusions: This phase II study of S-1 in cervical cancer suggests a promising response rate and a contribution toward prolonging survival, with modest toxic effects. Phase III studies of S-1 in patients with advanced or recurrent cervical cancer are thus warranted.

Inhibition of Bach1 ameliorates indomethacin-induced intestinal injury in mice

BTB and CNC homolog 1 (Bach1) is a transcriptional repressor of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). It plays an important role in the feedback regulation of HO-1 expression, which protects cells from various insults including oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines. However, the role of Bach1 in intestinal inflammation remains unclear. In this study, the role of Bach1 in intestinal mucosal injury was elucidated using 8-week-old female C57BL/6 (wild-type) and homozygous Bach1-deficient C57BL/6 mice. Intestinal mucosal injuries induced by a single subcutaneous administration of indomethacin were evaluated macroscopically, histologically, and biochemically. Mucosal protein content and chemokine mRNA levels were determined by real-time PCR. Our results showed that the indomethacin-induced intestinal injury was remarkably improved in Bach1-deficient mice. Histological examination showed that the area of injured lesion was decreased in Bach1-deficient mice compared to wild-type mice. Administration of indomethacin induced expression of inflammatory chemokines such as KC, MIP1alpha and MCP1, which was suppressed in Bach1-deficient mice. Myeloperoxidase activity in the intestinal mucosa was also significantly decreased in Bach1-deficient mice. Additionally, Bach1 deficiency enhanced immunopositivity of HO-1 in the intestinal mucosa after indomethacin administration. Disruption of the Bach1 gene thus caused inhibition of mucosal injury, indicating that inhibition of Bach1 may be a novel therapeutic strategy for treating indomethacin-induced intestinal injury.

Radiofrequency ablation therapy: results in 100 patients with breast cancer

Abstract #5153

Background: Radiofrequency ablation therapy (RFA) is one of the most minimally invasive approaches for the treatment of hepatic cancers and other solid malignancies. The aim of this study is to assess the safety and local controllability of RFA against breast cancer.&#x2028; Patients and Methods: A total of 100 pts with localized early breast cancer were enrolled. Ductal spreading and/or daughter nodules were preoperatively checked with mammography, ultrasound and MRI. Tumor size was 0.5-2.0cm (median 1.5cm). LeVeen system and Cool-tip RF system was used in 5 pts and 95 pts respectively. One session of RFA was applied to 96 pts, 2 sessions to 4 pts. To avoid skin burn, 5% glucose was injected subcutaneously just above the tumor and the skin was cooled during RFA. After completing RFA, temperatures along the needle tract were measured at 1 cm intervals in 89 pts. All pts underwent cytological and MR-imaging study 3-4 weeks after operation, and received adjuvant radiotherapy (50Gy) to the breast.&#x2028; Results: RFA heated the tumors up to over 60° in 1 pt, 70° in 4 pts, 80° in 21 pts, 90° in 51 pts, and 100° in 13 pts. Skin burn was found in 2 pts over the tumor, and 1 pt at the grounding pads. No major side effects except for skin burn were found. Postoperative cytological and imaging study showed complete ablation of all the target tumors. No pts developed local and distant recurrence for 16-54 months (median 31 months).&#x2028; Discussion: Our RFA procedures can offer good local control without serious adverse events to breast cancer patients.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 5153.

Unit-charging programs for municipal solid waste in Japan

Unit-charging programs known as pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) for municipal solid waste in Japan were surveyed. The number of municipalities that have implemented PAYT for combustible waste totaled 954 (30%) in 2003. The introduction of PAYT programs peaked in the early 1970s and again in the 1990s. PAYT has tended to be adopted by municipalities with small populations (less than 30,000). PAYT charging systems can be roughly divided into two groups: simple unit-pricing programs and two-tiered pricing programs. It is difficult to see the relationship between PAYT and waste reduction by simple inspection of the overall changes throughout Japan. Case studies of four municipalities showed that the implementation of PAYT programs reduced the amount of residual waste generated by 20% to 30%. In combination with other measures, especially the recycling of containers and packaging, PAYT programs can bring about a dramatic reduction in waste.