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Aim: To investigate whether comparative analysis of microRNA (miR) expression patterns in complete hydatidiform moles (androgenic origin) and ovarian mature cystic teratomas (parthenogenetic origin) could form the basis of a systematic screening system for parental allele-specific miRs, we measured expression in these tissues of the chromosome 19 miR cluster (C19MC; miR-517a, miR-517c, and miR-518b), which has a paternal allele-specific expression pattern, and of C14MC (miR-323-3p), which also has a maternal allele-specific expression pattern. Materials and Methods: Sixteen cases of complete hydatidiform mole and 11 cases of ovarian teratoma were studied. Expression of each miR was measured by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and the expression levels were compared in copies/mL. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05 by the Mann-Whitney non-parametric U test. Results: The median and (range) expression levels of miR-517a, -517c, and -518b in the hydatidiform moles were 747,082.6 (5,075.7-4,701,041.6), 480,759.6 (3,436.5-2,053,419.8), and 192,930.1 (37,478.7-4,381,175.2) copies/mL, respectively. Conversely, their expression levels in ovarian teratomas were below the limit of detection. The expression level of miR-323-3p was significantly higher in the ovarian teratomas at 9,700.7 (1,663.8-144,248.0) copies/mL than in the hydatidiform moles at 1,665.1 (193.4-5,029.5) copies/mL (p = 0.02). Conclusions: C19MC miRs were detected only in androgenic tissues. The C14MC miR-323-3p was detected in both types but it was significantly higher in parthenogenetic than in androgenic tissues. Thus, comparative analysis of miR expression patterns between these tissue types will help in developing a screening system for parental-specific miRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To demonstrate the relationship between short physical performance battery (SPPB) and sarcopenia, and to determine the cut-off point for sarcopenia using SPPB scores in older cardiac inpatients. Methods This cross-sectional study included 74 older cardiac inpatients (mean age 78.2 years; 43.2% women). We evaluated the presence of sarcopenia and the SPPB before hospital discharge. We defined sarcopenia using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia-suggested diagnostic algorithm. The SPPB scores were categorised into three groups (0–6, 7–9, and 10–12). Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the relationships between various SPPB categories and the presence of sarcopenia using univariate and multivariate analyses. The cut-off point of SPPB score for determining sarcopenia was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Results The presence of sarcopenia in the 0–6, 7–9, and 10–12 of SPPB score groups were 87.5%, 78.6%, and 17.3%, respectively. After adjustments for conditions of cardiac diseases, the OR (95% CI) in reference to the patients with scores of 10–12 were 22.16 (1.53–321.45) in the patients with scores of 7–9, and 141.04 (1.90–10,481.96) in the patients with scores of 0–6. The cut-off point of SPPB score for determining sarcopenia was 9.5 (sensitivity, 0.92; specificity, 0.67; area under the curve, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.74–0.94; P < 0.01). Conclusions The SPPB score was significantly associated with sarcopenia. Additionally, the cut-off point of SPPB score for determining sarcopenia was 9/10 in older cardiac inpatients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In-office bleaching is a popular treatment in modern esthetic dentistry. However, bleaching agents sometimes accidentally adhere to the gingiva and peripheral tissues, even when applied by well-trained dentists. This can lead to transient pain and whitish changes in the gingiva. Although these symptoms disappear within several hours, the effects of bleaching agents on gingiva have not been well described in the literature. The present study aimed to elucidate the cytotoxic effects of a bleaching agent on cultured human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). We performed a comprehensive analysis of the toxic effects of in-office bleaching agents on gingiva using cultured HGFs and DNA microarray. Survival rates of HGFs decreased with increases in the concentration of hydrogen peroxide, which became significant at concentrations of 1.5 X 10-3% or higher at every time point. Concentrations lower than 1.5 X 10-3% did not affect survival rates of HGFs. Cytotoxicity of hydrogen peroxide was significantly weakened by the addition of vitamin E. Stimulation by in-office bleaching agents triggered the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α cascade in gingival fibroblasts. As the TNF-α cascade can be inhibited by vitamin E additives, treatment with vitamin E may protect gingival fibroblasts against the toxic effects of an in-office bleaching agent. The present results suggest that local administration of vitamin E to gingiva before in office bleaching may be useful for preventing gingival irritation due to accidental adhesion of a bleaching agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. For the screening of cervical abnormalities, human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing is widely used along with Papanicolaou (Pap) testing. Although the sensitivity of the HPV DNA testing is good, its specificity is relatively low. In the present study, the authors evaluated the use of the Gen-Probe APTIMA HPV Assay for the detection of HPV mRNA and compared it with HPV DNA testing. Materials and Methods. Liquid cervical Pap specimens collected from 410 women were assessed using the APTIMA test, the Qiagen Hybrid Capture 2 HPV DNA (HC2) Test, and the AMPLICOR HPV Test. Results. The sensitivity and specificity for the detection of high-risk HPV were 85.6% and 99.2% for the APTIMA test, 94.1% and 98.4% for the HC2 test, and 90.2% and 95.7% for the AMPLICOR test, respectively. As the severity of the cervical lesion progressed, the positive rate of the three tests indicated a similar increase. The clinical sensitivity and specificity for the detection of squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) were 91.2% and 84.2% for the APTIMA test, 94.5% and 80.4% for the HC2 test, and 87.9% and 78.2% for the AMPLICOR test, respectively. Conclusion. The APTIMA is sensitive and specific for the detection of high-risk HPV. In the specimens with SIL, the APTIMA test is more specific than the HC2 and the AMPLICOR tests. This indicates that the APTIMA test may improve patient management and reduce the cost of screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The optimal glycemic target for elderly patients with diabetes has not been established. The purpose of this study was to elucidate relationship between HbA1c and mortality in elderly patients with diabetes. Subjects Three hundred consecutive elderly (≥ 65 yrs) patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus admitted for control of hyperglycemia between 2002 and 2010 were registered. Upon mortality survey at the end of 2012, 201 (70%) of them were traceable (men/women 121/80, mean age 71 yrs, duration of diabetes 11 yrs and HbA1c 9.9%). The analysis took account of the following baseline information: gender, age, duration of diabetes, HbA1c, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, eGFR, urinary albumin excretion, serum lipid levels and use of insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents. The follow-up HbA1c was also recorded. Results The mean follow-up period was 5.7 yrs and 45 of the patients have died. The mortality hazard as a function of the baseline HbA1c quartile was significantly V-shaped with the nadir in quartile 2 (HbA1c 8.5–9.4%) ( P = 0.02), and this relationship remained significant after adjustment for the confounders such as estimated glomerular filtration rate and insulin use. The follow-up HbA1c was 7.7 ± 1.6% and not significantly related to mortality. Discussion/Conclusion There was a V-shaped relationship between baseline HbA1c and all-cause mortality in elderly patients with insufficiently controlled glycemia. The nadir was in Q2 in which the HbA1c value was 8.5–9.4%. No significant relationship was found between the follow-up HbA1c and mortality. Further studies are needed to clarify the relationship between HbA1c and mortality in the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: While a universal definition of sarcopenia is desirable, ethnic diversity affects anthropometric measures, which in turn may affect the parameters used for the definition of sarcopenia. Other than Caucasian Asian differences, there may be diversity within different Asian populations. It is important to examine differences, if any, in the field of sarcopenia research. We compared available data (mean body mass index, muscle mass, grip strength, walking speed and chair stand times) for community living older people from different Asian locations and ethnicity to explore the extent of variation, and compared similar data from a Caucasian population. Subjects and methods: Recent community studies which contain anthropometric and physical performance variables for men and women in the three age groups (65–74, 75–84, 85+) were identified from participants of the Asian Working Group on Sarcopenia and from other known longitudinal studies in the region. Caucasian values from the UK Hertfordshire Cohort Study were also used for comparison. Results: There was considerable variation in mean values in body mass index, appendicular skeletal mass index (ASM/ht2), grip strength, walking speed between different Asian ethnic groups, and also between same ethnic groups living in different geographic locations. Differences in mean values were greater between the Asian groups compared with Caucasians. Comparison of ASM/ht2 between Asian groups was limited by the use of different instruments. Conclusion: A universal definition of sarcopenia that depends on absolute measurements may not be applicable to all ethnic groups and different geographic locations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: A central nervous system (CNS) disorder characterized by non-suppurative encephalomyelitis with neurological signs was induced experimentally in gnotobiotic pigs by intravenous and oral or intranasal inoculation of the porcine teschovirus (PTV) Toyama 2002 strain isolated from breeding pigs in Japan. Lesions consisting of perivascular cuffing of mononuclear cells, focal gliosis, neuronal necrosis and neuronophagia were observed in the brainstem, cerebellum and spinal cord. Non-suppurative ganglionitis in the spinal ganglion and neuritis in the spinal root were also observed. Regardless of the route of inoculation, all pigs infected experimentally with PTV showed a similar distribution of CNS lesions. Histological lesions in the CNS caused by oral or intranasal inoculation of the virus were mild compared with those induced by intravenous infection. Immunohistochemically, the distribution of PTV antigens corresponded closely with the distribution of brain lesions. PTV particles were detected via electron microscopy in the cytoplasm of nerve cells and the endothelial cells of blood vessels in the spinal cord of inoculated pigs. Polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated the presence of PTV RNA in the CNS, tonsils and large intestines of 21 of the 22 pigs inoculated. Direct CNS invasion via the blood vessels appears to be a major route of infection for PTV. The gnotobiotic pig provides a useful model for further study of PTV pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the number of participants partaking in fall prevention-related programs and fall rates in the community. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Japan as part of the Japan Multi-center Aging Cohort for Care prevention study. Data from 6423 healthy community-dwelling elderly adults living in 20 districts were used to identify the districts with high fall rates. An alternate survey was conducted to collect information on fall prevention-related programs held in each district between April 2010 and March 2011. Using the Mantel-Haenszel chi-square test, we identified districts with high fall rates and compared the number of participants in each fall prevention-related program between districts with high fall rates and other districts using the Mann-Whitney U test and chi-square test. Results: The districts determined as “non-high fall rate” had significantly more participants in exercise and education programs than the “high fall rate” districts (p =0.02). The “non-high fall rate” districts also had more participants than the “high fall rate” districts in public group exercise, private volunteer-led group exercise, and pamphlet distribution; however, this number was not significant. Conclusion: Interventions with exercise and educational aspects may be effective in preventing falls at the community level. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To evaluate the automated 2D-3D image overlay system (“3D Roadmap”) for use during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in the hybrid operating theater. Methods: Datasets of preoperative CT images were modified to subtract dense bone marrow to improve the visualization of vasculature on the overlaid image, and allow for accurate navigation of the endovascular devices. The 3D-CT overlay image was registered on the 2D fluoroscopy image to mark the iliac crest and lumbar vertebrae on both images as landmarks. Results: Arteriography was performed only twice to confirm the precision of the position of renal artery and the final evaluation. Twenty patients underwent EVAR with Medtronic Endurant, Gore Excluder, or COOK Zenith using “3D Roadmap”. The origin of the renal artery and iliac bifurcation were registered with complete accuracy in 10 patients (50%). The lower renal artery deviated toward the cranial side less than 3 mm in six patients. In all cases, EVAR was successful, and completed with the volume of contrast material limited to 43.8 ± 3.1 mL. Conclusion: “3D Roadmap” was confirmed to be valuable for visualization of vessel origin in a fused image and for reduction of contrast material during EVAR. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A night-break (i.e., a short exposure to light near the middle of the dark period) inhibits flowering in chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.), a short-day plant.We studied the effect of night-break light quality (wavelength) on flowering and on expression of the FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT)-like gene, CmFTL3. Night-break treatments with the yellow-to-red wavelength range showed strong inhibitory effects on flowering. Further studies using monochromatic light from panels of light emitting diodes (LEDs) showed that the maximum effect on the inhibition of flowering was around 596 nm, and that levels of CmFTL3 mRNA were reduced in a pattern consistent with the observed inhibition of flowering. Wavelengths from ultraviolet-A to blue, and far-red, had no inhibitory effects on flowering. Our results also showed that the inhibitory effect of red light on flowering responses could be reduced by far-red light. These results suggest that phytochromes are involved in night-break responses, and the absorption spectrum of leaf extracts indicated that the effect of wavelength might be distorted by the screening effect of the other pigments found in green leaves. We also discuss further developments of lighting techniques for commercial production of chrysanthemum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The great shipworm Teredo navalis is a bivalve of the Teredinidae family known for its efficient ability at degrading wood and feeding on sugar molecules constituting its building blocks. The aim of this study was to identify new endogenous genes encoding cellulose-degrading enzymes from the shipworm. We suspect those genes to play an important role in the efficient biomass degradation of T. navalis. We constructed an expressed sequence tag (EST) database of 3‘end cDNAs prepared by reverse transcription of mRNAs prepared from the shipworm whole body. A GS FLX 454 pyrosequencing system was used to sequence the transcriptome. A total of 12,879 contigs and 80,891 singlets were obtained and probed using blast2go. In this short paper we present the preliminary findings of our study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

BACKGROUND: There are many reports that the antibody against heat shock protein 60 (Hsp60) is present in most patients with coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis, and that its titer correlates with disease severity. However, few reports have described the association between anti-Hsp60 antibody and cerebrovascular disease. METHODS: We determined the anti-Hsp60 antibody titer in patients with neurologic diseases and healthy subjects using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and evaluated their findings of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the white matter. White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) on T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images were classified into 2 categories: periventricular hyperintensity (PVH) and deep white matter hyperintensity (DWMH). The lesions in each category were then divided into 4 grades (grades 0-3) according to the Fazekas rating scale. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the titer between patients with neurologic diseases and healthy subjects. The mean grade of DWMHs (mean ± SD, 1.56 ± 0.70) was significantly higher in 18 subjects in the high-titer group (>=39.8 ng/mL; mean titer + 2 SD in sera from 23 healthy subjects) than in 86 subjects (mean ± SD, 0.09 ± 0.76) in the normal-titer group (<39.8 ng/mL; P < .003). The mean grade of PVHs (mean ± SD, 1.50 ± 0.71) was also significantly higher in the high-titer group than in the normal-titer group (mean ± SD, 1.17 ± 0.62; P < .02). CONCLUSIONS: A significant correlation was noted between anti-Hsp60 antibody titer and the severity of WMHs on brain MR images. We suggest that an elevated titer of the anti-Hsp60 antibody could be a risk factor for cerebral small-vessel disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: By using a scanning infrared polariscope (SIRP), the residual strain distribution has been characterized in specially-prepared vertical slices of rectangular blocks cut from two conventional casting ingots in production scale. All the blocks clearly revealed local strain increase in the shapes of straight-pillar and long-pyramid but its distribution was significantly different from block to block. The averaged vertical profiles exhibited common W-shape in the center blocks, while it was more distorted in the peripheral blocks, which may reflect casting process condition such as thermal stress applied to the whole ingot. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ultraviolet (UV)-photofunctionalization of titanium substantially enhances the strength and quality of osseointegration by promoting osteogenic cellular attachment and proliferation. However, the mechanism underlying the initial interaction between the cells and the surface of the material remains to be elucidated, especially where the influence of surface roughness is excluded as a factor. The effect of UV-photofunctionalization on the adhesive strength and cellular stiffness of a single osteoblast and its association with the extent of cell spread, cytoskeletal development and focal adhesion assembly on a very smooth titanium surface was evaluated. Rat bone marrow-derived osteoblasts were cultured on UV-treated or untreated mirror-polished titanium disks. The mean critical shear force required to initiate detachment of a single osteoblast (n =10) was >2000nN on a UV-treated surface at 3h incubation, which was 17 times greater than that on an untreated surface. The mean total energy required to complete the detachment of osteoblasts (n =10) was consistently >60pJ on a UV-treated titanium surface after 24h culture, which was up to 42 times greater than that on an untreated surface. Cellular shear modulus, which represents cellular stiffness, was consistently greater on a UV-treated surface than on an untreated surface after 24h incubation (n =10). This strengthening of cell adhesion and cellular mechanical properties on UV-treated titanium was accompanied by enhanced cell spread and actin fiber development and increased levels of vinculin expression. These results indicate that UV-photofunctionalization substantially strengthens osteoblast retention on titanium bulk material with no topographical features, and that this is associated with enhancement of intracellular structural development during the cell adhesion process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated muscle activities of the above-knee circumferential muscle at the time of squat exercise with a balance ball (hereafter referred to as 'balloon squat') using an electromyogram. The evaluation was performed for a comparative study of the value of said activities with that at the time of static half squat which was frequently conducted after Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction. We installed surface electrodes on the rectus, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, and semitendinosus muscle to record the knee-flexion angle as well as muscle potential at the time of balloon squat. Next, we compared the value of muscle potential of the rectus, vastus medialis, and vastus lateralis at the knee flexion of about 70° with that in the static half squat at the same angle. The result is as follows : First, we were able to obtain the maximum muscle activities of the knee circumferential muscle in the potential of any muscle at about 70°. second, a significantly larger muscle activity of the vastus medialis was produced at the same angle compared to that at the time of static half squat ; finally, we recognized that the muscle potential declined with the increase in the knee-flexion angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Nonsuppurative encephalomyelitis with neurological signs expressed as flaccid paralysis of the hindlimbs was experimentally induced in three-week-old piglets by a single intravenous injection of the Toyama 2002 strain of porcine teschovirus (PTV) isolated from field pigs in Japan. Lesions characterized by perivascular cuffing of mononuclear cells, focal gliosis, neuronal necrosis and neuronophagia were observed, mainly in the ventral horn of the spinal cord. Nonsuppurative ganglionitis of the spinal ganglion and neuritis of the spinal root were also detected. PTV antigens were detected immunohistochemically and the distribution of these antigens corresponded closely with the distribution of brain lesions. PTV antigens were observed in the ganglion cells before the appearance of the inflammatory changes 3 days post-inoculation (dpi) and were present in the dorsal root and spinal cord on 9dpi. No lesions of the central nervous system were induced in pigs by oral or intranasal inoculation of this strain of PTV. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Non-suppurative encephalitis was experimentally induced in three-week-old piglets by a single intranasal inoculation of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) isolated from field pigs. The lesions consisted of glial cell aggregates and perivascular cuffing throughout the olfactory tract and pyriform cortex. JEV antigens were detected in the cytoplasm and neuronal processes of small nerve cells in the granule cell layer of the olfactory bulb, in the neuronal processes of the olfactory tract and in the cytoplasm of neurons in the pyriform cortex. The distribution of the antigens corresponded closely with the distribution of brain lesions. These findings suggest that JEV may enter the brain by the olfactory pathway in addition to via haematogenous spread in piglets. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Our previous study showed that diacylglycerol kinase zeta (DGKzeta), which degenerates diacylglycerol (DAG), inhibits ventricular structural remodeling and rescues activated G protein (alpha)q (G(alpha)q)-induced heart failure. However, whether DGKzeta inhibits atrial remodeling is still unknown.Objective: This study aimed to elucidate the effects of DGKzeta on atrial remodeling.Methods: A transgenic mouse (G(alpha)q-TG) with cardiac expression of activated G(alpha)q and a double transgenic mouse (G(alpha)q/DGKzeta-TG) with cardiac overexpression of DGKzeta and activated G(alpha)q were created.Results: During electrocardiogram (ECG) recording for 10 min, atrial fibrillation was observed in 5 of 11 anesthetized G(alpha)q-TG mice but not in any wild-type (WT) and G(alpha)q/DGKzeta-TG mice (P <.05). All of the ECG parameters measured were prolonged in the G(alpha)q-TG compared with WT mice. Interestingly, in G(alpha)q/DGKzeta-TG mice, although the PR and RR intervals were still prolonged, the P interval, QRS complex, and QT interval were not different from those in WT mice. In Langendorff-perfused hearts, the incidence of atrial tachyarrhythmia induced by rapid atrial pacing was greater in G(alpha)q-TG hearts than in G(alpha)q/DGKzeta-TG hearts (P <.05). Action potential duration prolongation and impulse conduction slowing were observed in G(alpha)q-TG atria compared with G(alpha)q/DGKzeta-TG atria. Dilatation of the left atrium with thrombus formation was observed in 9 G(alpha)q-TG hearts but not in any G(alpha)q/DGKzeta-TG hearts. Moreover, the degree of extensive interstitial fibrosis in the left atrium was greater in G(alpha)q-TG hearts than that in G(alpha)q/DGKzeta-TG hearts (P <.05).Conclusion: These results show that DGKzeta inhibits G(alpha)q-induced atrial remodeling and suggest that DGKzeta is a novel therapeutic target for atrial fibrillation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background and aim: Several uncontrolled studies have reported on the efficacy of adsorptive depletion of peripheral blood granulocytes and monocytes/macrophages (GM) in patients with moderate or severe ulcerative colitis. This study was to compare the efficacy and safety of intensive GMA with intensive intravenous prednisolone in patients with severe ulcerative colitis. Methods: Seventy patients with clinical activity index 10–23 were randomly assigned to intensive GMA with the Adacolumn, at 2 sessions/week in the first 3 weeks and then 1 session/week for up to 11 sessions (n =35) or intravenous prednisolone, 40–60mg/day for 5–10 days (n =35). No patient received immunomodulators within 8 weeks prior to entry. Clinical response based on intention to treat was assessed at weeks 2, 6 and 12. Results: Four patients in the prednisolone group and two patients in the GMA group discontinued in week 1. At weeks 2, 6 and 12, the remission (clinical activity index≤4) rates (%) in the GMA group were 17.1, 54.4, 74.3, respectively. The corresponding values in the prednisolone group were 25.7, 51.4 and 48.6. Further, at week 12, 27 patients (77%) in the GMA group and 5 patients (14%) in the prednisolone group were steroid free (P =0.0076). In the GMA group, flushing and light-headedness were observed in 5 patients versus typical steroid side effects in 29 patients of the prednisolone group. Conclusions: In this clinical response to GMA was comparable or better than prednisolone. Further, the response to GMA was slower than to intravenous prednisolone, but was more sustainable than the latter. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]