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Objective: Unusual setting of medical care Background: Subacute lower limb ischemia occurs more than 14 days and less than 3 months from symptom onset. Although endovascular procedures are the preferred treatment choice for a viable and not immediately threatened limb in patients with acute lower limb ischemia (<14 days), percutaneous catheter-directed thrombolysis, percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy, or percutaneous thromboaspiration are not recommended, and no treatment strategy has yet been established for nonacute lower limb ischemia (>14 days). A percutaneous Fogarty thrombectomy, an endovascular thrombus removal procedure with the use of a large-caliber sheath and a Fogarty balloon catheter, has recently been reported as a less invasive alternative to open surgery in patients with acute lower limb ischemia. In this report, we use this technique for a case of subacute lower limb ischemia caused by a resistant thrombus. Case Report: A 73-year-old man with a diagnosis of essential thrombocythemia presented with symptoms of right lower limb ischemia, which started about a month before. The diagnosis was subacute lower limb ischemia due to a resistant thrombus in the popliteal artery. First, we attempted percutaneous thromboaspiration and prolonged dilation with a large-caliber balloon catheter, but there were still severe residual stenoses with delayed blood flow. Although vascular scaffold implantation might have achieved complete revascularization, we avoided it because of a high probability of stent fracture in the popliteal artery. Thus, we performed a subsequent percutaneous Fogarty thrombectomy immediately after the conventional endovascular recanalization failed, achieving complete revascularization and next-day discharge without any complications. Conclusions: A percutaneous Fogarty thrombectomy could be a new treatment option for subacute lower limb ischemia due to a resistant thrombus, which can be performed immediately after failure of the conventional endovascular recanalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradable plastics applied to soil stimulate the production of greenhouse gases and inhibit plant growth under aerobic conditions. This study aimed to examine the effects of biodegradable plastics on paddy rice growth and greenhouse gas emission under flooding conditions in pot experiments and also on greenhouse gas production under flooding conditions in an incubation experiment. Two series of pot experiments were conducted with rice (Oryza sativa). First series as immediate flooded and 2nd series as 2 weeks nonflooding before flooded, and both kept flooded until harvest. The following four kinds of materials were added to the sandy paddy soil, (1) nonwoven fabric sheets made of polylactic acid and polybutylene-succinate, (2) laminate sheets made of polybutylene adipate terephthalate and pulp, (3) cellulose filter paper, and (4) rice straw. Only soil was used as control. Methane (CH4) emission, measured by chamber method followed by gas chromatography, was significantly larger only in the cellulose treatment than the laminate treatment in the immediate flooded series, indicating that biodegradable plastics had no significant impact on CH4 emission from paddy rice soil. Rice growth and yield did not show significant difference among treatments in both series. Incubation experiment showed the largest CH4 production in cellulose-amended soil, followed by straw-amended and laminate amended soils, and least in fabric-amended soil, while CO2 did not show significant differences among treatments. We need further examination with different biodegradable plastics for a longer period that test used in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the key processes in making beer is fermentation. In the fermentation process, brewer's yeast plays an essential role in both the production of ethanol and the flavor profile of beer. Therefore, the mechanism of ethanol fermentation by of brewer's yeast is attracting much attention. The high ethanol productivity of sake yeast has provided a good basis from which to investigate the factors that regulate the fermentation rates of brewer's yeast. Recent studies found that the elevated fermentation rate of sake Saccharomyces cerevisiae species is closely related to a defective transition from vegetative growth to the quiescent (G 0 ) state. In the present study, to clarify the relationship between the fermentation rate of brewer's yeast and entry into G 0 , we constructed two types of mutant of the bottom-fermenting brewer's yeast Saccharomyces pastorianus Weihenstephan 34/70: a RIM15 gene disruptant that was defective in entry into G 0 ; and a CLN3 Δ PEST mutant, in which the G 1 cyclin Cln3p accumulated at high levels. Both strains exhibited higher fermentation rates under high-maltose medium or high-gravity wort conditions (20° Plato) as compared with the wild-type strain. Furthermore, G 1 arrest and/or G 0 entry were defective in both the RIM15 disruptant and the CLN3 Δ PEST mutant as compared with the wild-type strain. Taken together, these results indicate that regulation of the G 0 /G 1 transition might govern the fermentation rate of bottom-fermenting brewer's yeast in high-gravity wort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in glucose/fructose-selective ethanol production have successfully enhanced raw sugar extraction from sugarcane juice by converting inhibitory substances (i.e., glucose/fructose) into ethanol, which is removed by subsequent operations in cane sugar mills. However, the commercial implementation of this breakthrough process in existing cane sugar mills requires a yeast strain that (i) can be used in food production processes, (ii) exhibits stable saccharometabolic selectivity, and (iii) can be easily separated from the saccharide solution. In this study, we developed a suitable saccharometabolism-selective and flocculent strain, Saccharomyces cerevisiae GYK-10. We obtained a suitable yeast strain for selective fermentation in cane sugar mills using a yeast mating system. First, we crossed a haploid strain defective in sucrose utilization with a flocculent haploid strain. Next, we performed tetrad dissection of the resultant hybrid diploid strain and selected GYK-10 from various segregants by investigating the sucrose assimilation and flocculation capacity phenotypes. Ten consecutive fermentation tests of the GYK-10 strain using a bench-scale fermentor confirmed its suitability for the implementation of practical selective fermentation in a commercial sugar mill. The strain exhibited complete saccharometabolic selectivity and sustained flocculation, where it maintained a high ethanol yield and conversion rate throughout the test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Expression of CCR1 was higher in paclitaxel-resistant PC3 cells than in PC3 cells. [•] Knockdown of CCR1 decreased CCL5-stimulated activation of ERK and Rac signaling. [•] CCR1 knockdown and ERK inhibition reduced CCL5-stimulated MMP secretion. [•] Knockdown of CCR1 and inhibition of ERK and Rac signaling attenuated cell invasion. [•] CCR1 could be a novel therapeutic target for taxane-resistant CRPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weprepared a clay aerogel by freeze drying an aqueous viscoussuspension of a synthetic saponite (a layered clay mineral of thesmectite family). The nanostructure and texture of the resulting aerogelvaried with the freezing conditions. The freeze drying resulted inmicroporous aerogels with well-ordered (stacked) silicate layers.A fine texture was observed after freeze drying of a starting suspensionat a lower concentration. Freezing in liquid propane yielded a well-definedcontinuous network texture. Toluene in vapor phase was oxidativelydecomposed in air flow over aerogels on which platinum was depositedby an impregnation wetness method; the decomposition was probablyaffected by the size distribution of micropores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fermentation profiles of four different yeasts reportedly defective in sucrose utilization indicate that all strains tested removed particular sugar via selective conversion to ethanol in a saccharide mixture. At the temperature of pressed sugarcane juice, Saccharomyces dairenensis and Saccharomyces transvaalensis performed better in ethanol production rate and yield, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: ETS1, which belongs to the ETS transcription factor family, plays important roles in diverse aspects of cancer such as drug resistance and metastasis. In the present study, we examined the functional roles of ETS1 in paclitaxel resistance and invasion using human prostate cancer PC3cells and paclitaxel-resistant PC3PR cells established from PC3 cells. Our results showed that ETS1mRNA and protein expression was markedly up-regulated in paclitaxel-resistant PC3PR cells compared with paclitaxel-sensitive PC3 cells. The mRNA levels of MDR1 as well as MMP1, MMP3, MMP9 and uPA were positively correlated with that of ETS1. In PC3PR cells, silencing of ETS1 expression by siRNAs inhibited the activity of the MDR1 promoter containing ETS binding sites, reduced the mRNA and protein levels of MDR1 and suppressed paclitaxel resistance. Furthermore, ETS1 knockdown decreased secretion of MMP9 as well as its intracellular mRNA level, and dramatically inhibited invasion of PC3PR cells. Our results suggest that ETS1 promotes paclitaxel resistance and invasion in part by up-regulating MDR1 and MMP9 expression. Taken together, a novel therapeutic strategy targeting the ETS1 gene could be designed to overcome chemoresistance and metastasis of taxane-resistant, hormone-refractory prostate cancer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We previously demonstrated the presence and fragmentation of mitochondria during alcohol fermentation. Here, we show that Fis1p induces mitochondrial fragmentation, and inhibition of mitochondrial fragmentation causes higher malate production during sake brewing. These findings indicate that mitochondrial morphology affects the metabolism of constituents, providing a breeding strategy for high-malate-producing yeasts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The preparation of titania (TiO2), germania (GeO2) and binary TiO2–GeO2 oxide with different Ti/Ge ratio gels based on sol–gel method with surfactant-assisted mechanism and their application for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) were reported. The samples were calcined and characterized by nitrogen adsorption porosimetry, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and morphology was investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The XRD results suggested that germanium substituted for titanium in the TiO2 lattice because of the gradual shift of 101 diffraction peak of anatase type of TiO2. The higher surface area from binary oxides samples was due to the added oxide acting as a crystal growth inhibiter. For the application for DSCs, the electrodes fabricated from binary oxides sample gave significant higher J sc when compared to cell that fabricated by sample TiO2 electrode. The consequence effects of added germanium were analyzed and discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Phthalocyanine derivatives have attracted attention in the photodynamic therapy of cancer. The preparation of cationic amphiphilic zinc phthalocyanine derivatives is described. Novel amphiphilic non-peripheral substituted zinc phthalocyanine derivative is performed by quaternation. Amphiphilic zinc bis(1,4-didecylbenzo)-bis(3,4-pyrido)porphyrazine will be a useful photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy of cancer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The triplet state of zinc non-peripheral substituted alkylbenzopyridoporphyrazines and position isomers were measured, using laser-flash photolysis in poly(methyl methacrylate) film. The triplet lifetime increased with an increasing pyridine number in the molecule. The lowest symmetric isomer having two pyridine rings in the molecule showed the longest triplet state lifetime. The compound was suitable for the use the photosensitizer as a photodynamic therapy of cancer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• A new class of salicylideneanilines that show exclusive photochromism was prepared. • The photobleaching process under various temperatures was precisely analyzed. • A new kinetic model provided a distinct classification of photobleaching behavior. Three types of Schiff bases of anilines were derived from a salicylaldehyde bearing super bulky substituents, the dinuclear zinc complex [Zn 2 (bpsal)(CH 3 CO 2) 2 ](BF 4) 2 (Hbpsal = 3,5-bis(N , N -bis(2-pyridylmethyl)aminomethyl)-2,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde). These Schiff bases formed isomorphous crystal structures, which exhibited almost similar photochromism and no detectable thermochromism. Single-crystal microscopic UV–vis absorption spectroscopy was performed to track the time course of the photoproduct at various temperatures between −75 and 135 °C. The decay curves were characterized by two parameters, k 1 and k 2 , which contribute to linear and quadratic terms, respectively, in terms of the extent of reaction. The effects of temperature and visible-light intensity on the parameters were discussed. The analyzed data were compared to another series of Schiff bases with moderately bulky substituents derived from 3,5-di(tert -butyl)salicylaldehyde. The results suggested that the crystal packing is much more important than the electronic substituent effects in determining the photochromic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to develop a sandwich ELISA to detect prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on small extracellular vesicles (EVs) using T-cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain-containing protein 4 (Tim4) as a capture molecule for EVs and to evaluate its diagnostic potential in urologic malignancies. First, we optimized the conditions for sandwich ELISA measuring the PSMA level on EVs captured from serum by Tim4 and found that the use of highly-purified EVs released from Tim4 that had captured EVs in serum reduced the background. Second, we confirmed its validity by studying mouse xenograft model for prostate cancer (PC). Lastly, we measured PSMA-EVs in serum of patients with urologic malignancies. The PSMA-EV levels were significantly higher in metastatic PC and castration-resistant PC (CRPC) patients than in therapy-naïve PC patients. In renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients, PSMA-EVs were elevated in those with metastasis compared with those without metastasis, which may reflect the development of the neovasculature positive for PSMA in tumors. In conclusion, we developed a sandwich ELISA for detection of PSMA-EVs using highly-purified EVs isolated from serum by Tim4. Our results suggest that PSMA-EVs may be useful to diagnose and monitor not only PC but also RCC and possibly other hypervascular solid tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate long-term changes in lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) who underwent low-dose-rate brachytherapy with iodine-125 (LDR-BT).Patients and Methods: In this retrospective study, 313 patients with localized PCa underwent LDR-BT at Gifu University hospital between August 2004 and December 2013. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), and quality of life due to urinary symptoms (IPSS-QOL) were measured before LDR-BT; at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months after LDR-BT; and annually thereafter. Study endpoints were chronological changes in IPSS, OABSS, and IPSS-QOL compared to pretreatment values. A multivariable nonlinear regression model with robust sandwich estimator evaluated association between outcomes and time with adjustment for covariates.Results: All scores worsened immediately after LDR-BT compared to preoperative scores. However, symptoms improved with time and returned to baseline in 18-36 months. After a 5-year follow-up after LDR-BT, OABSS significantly worsened in almost all patients compared to baseline although there were gradual improvements in less than 5 years after LDR-BT.Conclusions: Our results may be of clinical importance in selecting treatment modalities for patients with localized PCa and long-term survival after definitive therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Longer root hair length (RHL) increases root surface area, thereby contributing to increased phosphorous uptake. This study aimed to identify useful germplasms and quantitative trait loci (QTL) for RHL improvement in wheat. Methods: The genetic variation in RHL was examined using hydroponic culture in 117 hexaploid wheat strains. Rhizosheath size and phosphorous uptake ability were also examined using high P-fixing soils with extremely low phosphorous availability (Andisols). QTL analysis was performed using backcross inbred lines from a cross between a Spanish spelt strain and a bread wheat variety. Results: A wide range in genetic variation was found, especially in spelt wheat and landraces of bread wheat, whereas modern bread wheat varieties tended to show shorter RHL. Interestingly, remarkably longer RHL were observed in Spanish spelt strains than in strains from other countries. RHL exhibited a significant positive correlation with rhizosheath size and phosphorous uptake in soils. A QTL on chromosome 2A (QRhl.obu-2A) conferring longer RHL by the allele of a Spanish spelt strain was identified. It was co-located with TaRSL4-2AS, a key regulator of root hair elongation. Conclusions: Spanish spelt wheat strains could be unique germplasms that provide a useful allele for increasing RHL to enhance phosphorous uptake ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We evaluated the feasibility and safety of the reverse catheterization technique of the superficial femoral artery (ReCAT) for single-stage endovascular treatment (EVT) in patients with bilateral infrainguinal diseases. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 24 consecutive patients (overall median age: 79 years; male patients: 21 [87.5%]) who underwent EVT for bilateral infrainguinal diseases. The objective of ReCAT was to perform single-stage EVT in patients with bilateral infrainguinal diseases with a one-time unilateral femoral artery puncture. The main outcomes were the incidence of puncture site complications, including major bleeding or hematoma requiring transfusion, pseudoaneurysm, and arteriovenous fistula, and ReCAT procedure-related arterial dissection or perforation, which were assessed by ultrasonography on the day after the procedure. The secondary outcome measures were in-hospital mortality and in-hospital amputation. Results: Reverse catheterization technique of the superficial femoral artery was successful in 23 (95.8%) of the 24 patients; it failed in 1 patient due to severe calcification and a previously implanted stent in the ipsilateral iliac artery. The median operation time, radiation time, and the volume of contrast media used were 108 (84-142) minutes, 37 (27-55) minutes, and 111 (80-157) mL, respectively. There were no incidences of puncture site complications and arterial dissection related to the ReCAT procedure. One case of vessel perforation in a branch of the ipsilateral superficial femoral artery occurred due to flipped guidewire injury. Conclusion: Reverse catheterization technique of the superficial femoral artery is safe and effective in performing single-stage EVT for bilateral infrainguinal diseases. It might also reduce the number of EVTs and complications due to multiple femoral artery punctures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Docetaxel is used as the first-line chemotherapy for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), but docetaxel resistance occurs in part owing to induction of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) encoded by multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) gene. A recently developed taxane—cabazitaxel—has poor affinity for P-gp and is thereby effective in docetaxel-resistant CRPC. It has been recently demonstrated that exosomes in the body fluids could serve as a diagnostic marker because they contain proteins and RNAs specific to the cells from which they are derived. In this study, we aimed to investigate if P-gp in blood exosomes could be a marker to diagnose docetaxel resistance and select a taxoid for patients with CRPC. Methods and materials Exosomes were isolated by differential centrifugation from docetaxel-resistant prostate cancer (PC-3) cells (PC-3R) and their parental PC-3 cells and from the serum of patients. Silencing of P-gp was performed by small interfering RNA transfection. Protein expression was examined by Western blot analysis. Viability of cells treated with docetaxel or cabazitaxel was determined by water soluble tetrazolium salt (WST) assay. Results The level of P-gp was higher in exosomes as well as cell lysates from PC-3R cells than in those from PC-3 cells. Cabazitaxel effectively killed PC-3R cells, and MDR1 knockdown improved the sensitivity of PC-3R cells to docetaxel but not to cabazitaxel. The P-gp level in blood exosomes was relatively higher in clinically docetaxel-resistant patients than in therapy-naïve patients. Conclusions Our results suggest that detection of P-gp in blood exosomes, which is involved in resistance to docetaxel but not to cabazitaxel, could be useful to diagnose docetaxel resistance and select an appropriate taxoid for patients with CRPC—docetaxel or cabazitaxel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiation therapy with permanent iodine-125 implant brachytherapy is well established for curable prostate cancer. To maximize the therapeutic potential of brachytherapy, delivered radiation doses have been increased accompanied by refined intraoperative procedures of radioactive seeds placement. However, dose escalation is a double-edged sword in prostate brachytherapy; it could induce rectal toxicity, yet is successful in curable treatment in prostate cancer. To reduce irradiation of the rectum, the SpaceOAR® system has been used to inject synthetic polyethylene glycol hydrogel between the prostate and the rectum. The present report describes a case of spontaneous healing of rectal penetration associated with SpaceOAR® hydrogel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nonionic macroporous resin, Amberlite ® XAD-8, or its substitute, Supelite™ DAX-8, is used when isolating or quantifying aquatic humic substances (AHS). However, the effect of salinity on the adsorption behavior of AHS onto the resin is yet to be confirmed, rendering the possibility of salinity-induced changes in the values of quantified amounts or characteristics of AHS obtained from a salty system. To verify the results of quantification and isolation of AHS using the resin in different salinity systems, the effect of salinity on such quantitative analyses of AHS has been examined. It has been concluded that the salinity effect is in general trivial and will not hinder comparison of results regardless of sample solution salinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress are involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's diseases and Parkinson's disease. Naturally derived kavalactones isolated from Piper methysticum (Piperaceae) have been shown to exhibit neuroprotective effects. We have previously reported that a chemically synthesized kavalactone derivative, 2′,6′-dichloro-5-methoxymethyl-5,6-dehydrokawain (compound 1) protects against oxidative stress-induced neuronal cell death through activation of Nrf2 signaling. In the present study, we examined the effect of compound 1 on neuroinflammation. In BV2 microglial cells, compound 1 strongly inhibited LPS-stimulated iNOS induction and NO production, but did not affect LPS-stimulated induction of COX2. At 6h after LPS challenge, when iNOS induction was not clearly seen, treatment with LPS or compound 1 alone increased expression of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) whose transcription is regulated by Nrf2. When treated with both, compound 1 enhanced LPS-stimulated HO-1 induction, which was more evident at 24h after LPS treatment. Furthermore, LPS-stimulated activation of Nrf2 signaling and nuclear translocation of Nrf2 were potentiated by compound 1. The mechanism by which compound 1 activated Nrf2 signaling was supposed to be a covalent modification of the sulfhydryl groups of Keap1 by an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl group present in the compound 1. Treatment with hemin, a HO-1 inducer, and with [Ru(CO)3Cl2]2, a CO donor, decreased LPS-stimulated iNOS induction and NO production. In contrast, siRNA-mediated knockdown of HO-1 expression reduced the inhibitory effect of compound 1 on LPS-stimulated iNOS induction and NO production. The compound 1 inhibited LPS-stimulated ERK phosphorylation after LPS treatment. Finally, compound 1 suppressed LPS/IFN-γ-stimulated NO production in primary microglial cells. These results suggest that compound 1 is capable of inhibiting LPS-stimulated iNOS induction and NO production via activation of Nrf2 signaling and HO-1 induction in microglial cells. Taken together, compound 1 has a potential to reduce neuroinflammation as well as oxidative stress in neurodegenerative diseases through activation of Nrf2 signaling. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The phthalocyanine analogue containing non-peripheral, long alkyl-substituted benzenoid rings and pyridine rings, zinc bis(1,4-didecylbenzo)-bis(2,3-pyrido)porphyrazine was synthesized. The synthesized product is an interesting compound because quaternization of the pyridine nitrogen is expected to impart cationic amphiphilic character. Zinc bis(1,4-didecylbenzo)-bis(2,3-pyrido)porphyrazine was reacted with dimethyl sulfate and monochloroacetic acid to produce the quaternized products and with diethyl sulfate to produce the sulfo-substituted product; all such compounds displayed amphiphilic character. Identical peaks in cyclic voltammograms were obtained for the products before and after quaternization. Zinc bis(1,4-didecylbenzo)-bis(2,3-pyrido)porphyrazine had no changes in its reduction or oxidation properties compared to phthalocyanine analogues. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Novel bridged bis-azulenyl hafnocenes: dichlorodimethylsilylenebis(2-methyl-4-phenyl-4H-azulenyl) hafnium (4a) and dichlorodimethylsilylenebis[2-ethyl-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-4H-azulenyl] hafnium (4b) were synthesized from 2-methylazulene and 2-ethylazulene, respectively. Hydrogenation of 4a and 4b gave novel bis-tetrahydroazulenyl hafnocenes: dichlorodimethylsilylenebis(2-methyl-4-phenyl-4H-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroazulenyl) hafnium (5a) and dichlorodimethylsilylenebis[2-ethyl-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-4H-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroazulenyl] hafnium (5b). The structures of 4a and 5b were determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis to fold C 2 symmetry. These hafnocenes were found to be active catalysts for propylene polymerization in the presence of methylaluminoxane (MAO), and the preliminary polymerization behavior of these catalysts was evaluated. The melting point and molecular weight of resultant polypropylene were higher than those of the bis-azulenyl zirconocenes. In particular, a high melting point (160°C for 5a and 161°C for 5b) was observed with the bis-tetrahydroazulenyl system, although the activities by these hafnocenes were lower than those by the corresponding zirconocenes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Perforin secreted from cytotoxic lymphocytes plays a critical role in cancer immunosurveillance. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of liposomes containing perforin expression vector driven by the promotor of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The anti-tumor effect of perforin was analyzed using prostate cancer (PC) PC-3 cells in which perforin expression was controlled by Tet-on system (PC-3PRF cells). Liposomes encapsulating PSA promoter-driven perforin expression vector (pLipo) were constructed for its specific expression in PC. The anti-tumor effect of pLipo was evaluated in vitro using docetaxel-resistant PC 22Rv1 PC cell line, 22Rv1DR, and PC-3 cells in the presence of human peripheral blood mono nuclear cells (PBMCs) and also in vivo using male nude mice bearing 22Rv1DR cell-derived tumor xenograft. Induction of perforin significantly inhibited growth of PC-3PRF cells. Treatment with pLipo induced perforin expression in 22Rv1DR cells expressing PSA but not in PC-3 cells lacking it. Treatment with pLipo at a low concentration was prone to inhibit growth of both cell lines and significantly inhibited growth of 22Rv1DR cells when co-incubated with PBMCs. The combined use of pLipo at a high concentration with PBMCs showed nearly complete inhibition of 22Rv1DR cell growth. Intravenous administration of pLipo via tail vein increased the level of perforin in tumor and serum and significantly decreased the tumor volume. Our results suggest that liposome-mediated PC-specific expression of perforin could be a novel therapy for advanced PC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the culture conditions under which the Shochu Koji mold Aspergillus kawachii produces α-amylases. α-amylases genes of A. kawachii; Fractionation of α-amylases; Effects of carbon sources on α-amylase production in liquid culture; Identification of α-amylase produced in liquid culture.

Subphthalocyanine and its derivatives which possessed substituents such as thiobutyl and thiophenyl were synthesized. These compounds were measured using spectroscopic measurements and cyclic voltammetry. Sensitization properties of synthetic subphthalocyanine (SubPC) in 2,4,6-Tris(trichloromethyl)-1,3,5-triazine as radical generation reaction in a poly(methyl methacrylate) film have been investigated by laser flash photolysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Catechol-estrogens can cause genetic mutations and to counteract their oncogenicity, the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene is capable of neutralizing these reactive compounds. In this study, we determined the functional effects and regulation of COMT in prostate cancer. Both the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and immunohistochemical analysis of clinical specimens demonstrated a reduction of COMT expression in prostate cancer. Also, western analyses of prostate cancer cell lines show COMT levels to be minimal in DuPro and DU145 and thus, these cells were used for further analyses. Re-expression of COMT led to suppressed migration ability (wound healing assay) and enhanced apoptosis (flow cytometric analyses), and when challenged with 4-hydroxyestradiol, a marked reduction of cell proliferation (MTT assay) was observed. Xenograft growth in athymic mice also resulted in inhibition due to COMT. As a mechanism, western analyses show cleaved CASP3 and BID were increased whereas XIAP and cIAP2 were reduced due to COMT. As COMT expression is low in prostate cancer, its regulation was determined. Databases identified several miRNAs capable of binding COMT and of these, miR-195 was observed to be increased in prostate cancer according to TCGA. Real-time PCR validated upregulation of miR-195 in clinical prostate cancer specimens as well as DuPro and DU145 and interestingly, luciferase reporter showed miR-195 capable of binding COMT and overexpressing miR-195 could reduce COMT in cells. These results demonstrate COMT to play a protective role by activating the apoptosis pathway and for miR-195 to regulate its expression. COMT may thus be a potential biomarker and gene of interest for therapeutic development for prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the association between clinical covariates or the prescribed radiation dose for the prostate and rectal hemorrhage in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) who received iodine-125 low-dose-rate brachytherapy (LDR-BT group) or the combination of LDR-BT and external beam radiation therapy (CMT group). Methods and materials: In this retrospective study, we reviewed the clinical records of 298 consecutive PCa patients with clinical stage T1c/T2 who underwent LDR-BT between August 2004 and August 2016 at a single institution. The prescribed minimum peripheral doses were 145 Gy for the LDR-BT group and 104 Gy for the CMT group. The dosimetric parameters analyzed were minimal dose received by 90% of the prostate gland, biologically effective dose, and rectal volume receiving 100% (RV100) or 150% of the prescribed dose. The endpoint of this study was the onset of any-grade clinical rectal hemorrhage after treatment. Results: The median follow-up period was 6.8 years. The 5-year overall survival rate was found to be 98.3%, and two patients (0.7%) reported biochemical recurrence during follow-up period. A total of 33 patients (11%) experienced rectal hemorrhage. However, ≥ grade 2 rectal hemorrhage occurred in eight patients (2.7%). On multivariate analysis, CMT, RV100 ≥ 0.66 mL, and hemorrhoids before treatment were identified as predictors of rectal hemorrhage after radiation therapy. Conclusions: Maximal reduction of the rectal dose seems very important to prevent serious rectal hemorrhage. In addition, we should consider the risk of rectal toxicities in patients with abnormalities in the rectal mucosa, especially hemorrhoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate predictive factors for graft loss in patients who received kidney transplantation (KT) from living kidney donors (LKDs) at a single institute in Japan. Our study focused on patients with end-stage renal disease who underwent KT from LKDs and were followed up for at least 1 year after surgery. The primary end point was graft survival (GS). GS after KT was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. GS according to subgroup classification was analyzed using the log-rank test. A multivariate analysis was performed using a Cox proportional hazard model. The median follow-up period was 105.5 months after KT. The 5- and 10-year GS rates were 97.8% and 96.0% in KT recipients (KTRs) without posttransplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) and 89.9% and 63.2% in those with PTDM, respectively. The rate of graft loss was significantly higher in KTRs with PTDM than in those without PTDM (P <. 001). Of the KTRs whose diabetes mellitus (DM) was cured after KT, those who underwent dialysis because of diabetic nephropathy had no graft loss. In the multivariate analysis, the serum creatinine level at 1 month after KT, PTDM, and human leukocyte antigen mismatches were significantly associated with graft loss after KT. In this study, the rate of graft loss in KTRs with PTDM was significantly higher than that of KTRs without PTDM. However, among KTRs whose DM was cured after KT, those who underwent dialysis because of diabetic nephropathy had no graft loss. • The rate of graft loss in kidney transplantation recipients (KTRs) with posttransplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) was significantly higher than in those without PTDM. • Of the KTRs whose diabetes mellitus (DM) was cured after kidney transplantation (KT), those who underwent dialysis because of diabetic nephropathy had no graft loss. • The control of DM before KT may play an important role in high-risk recipients of KT who develop PTDM after KT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The risk of malignant neoplasms increases in kidney transplantation (KT) recipients (KTRs). However, Japanese registry studies have not been reported since 2000. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 346 patients who underwent KT at Gifu University Hospital, Japan since 2000. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether they developed malignancy after KT or not. The incidence, type of malignancy, risk factors, and prognosis for malignancy were examined. Results: In this study, 22 de novo malignant neoplasms were identified in 20 KTRs (7.3%), with a median follow-up period of 8.2 years. Cumulative incidence of any malignant neoplasms was 1.1% within 1 year and 4.4% within 5 years. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 71.8% in KTRs with malignant neoplasms and 98.6% in KTRs without malignant neoplasms. Uni- and multivariate analysis revealed that age at KT and acute rejection (AR) episode were significant predictors for incidence of malignancy. Conclusions: The development of malignant neoplasms was associated with poor OS and graft survival. We consider that appropriate screening and investigation of symptoms are important for KTRs, particularly for older KTRs at transplantation and those with AR episode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptin is an adipokine that regulates adipose tissue mass through membrane-anchored leptin receptor (Ob-R). Extracellular domain of Ob-R in plasma is called soluble leptin receptor (sOb-R), and is the main leptin-binding protein. Based on a previous DNA microarray analysis that showed induction of hepatic Ob-R mRNA in low-protein diet-fed mice, this study aimed to clarify the effect of dietary protein restriction on hepatic Ob-R mRNA and plasma sOb-R levels. First, the effect of protein restriction on hepatic Ob-R mRNA level was examined together with fasting and food restriction using male rats as common experimental model for nutritional research. Hepatic Ob-R mRNA level was increased by feeding low-protein diet for 7 d, although not significantly influenced by 12-h fasting and sixty percent restriction in food consumption. Then, effect of protein restriction on liver Ob-R and plasma sOb-R was investigated using male mice because specific sOb-R ELISA was more available for mice. Hepatic Ob-R mRNA level was also increased in protein restricted-mice although it did not increase in hypothalamus. Hepatic Ob-R protein was decreased, whereas plasma sOb-R was increased by protein restriction. Because the concentration of sOb-R increased without changing plasma leptin concentration, free leptin in plasma was significantly reduced. The direct effect of amino acid deprivation on Ob-R mRNA level was not observed in rat hepatoma cells H4IIE cultured in amino acid deprived medium. In conclusion, dietary protein restriction increased hepatic Ob-R mRNA, resulting in increased plasma sOb-R concentration, which in turn, reduces plasma free leptin level and may modulate leptin activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radical cystectomy remains the gold standard for treatment of muscle‐invasive bladder cancer. Robot‐assisted radical cystectomy has technical advantages over laparoscopic radical cystectomy and has emerged as an alternative to open radical cystectomy. Despite the advancements in robotic surgery, experience with total intracorporeal reconstruction of urinary diversion remains limited. Most surgeons have carried out the hybrid approach of robot‐assisted radical cystectomy and extracorporeal reconstruction of urinary diversion, as intracorporeal reconstruction of urinary diversion remains technically challenging. However, intracorporeal reconstruction of urinary diversion might potentially proffer additional benefits, such as decreased fluid loss, reduction in estimated blood loss and a quicker return of bowel function. The adoption of intracorporeal ileal neobladder reconstruction has hitherto been limited to high‐volume academic institutions. In the present review, we compare the totally intracorporeal robot‐assisted radical cystectomy approach with open radical cystectomy and robot‐assisted radical cystectomy + extracorporeal reconstruction of urinary diversion in muscle‐invasive bladder cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Human papillomavirus (HPV) was detected in 41% of patients with penile cancer. • HPV16 was detected most frequently in penile cancer. • In situ hybridization revealed an HPV-DNA punctate signal in the HPV-positive cases. • P16-INK4a expression was significantly stronger in high-risk HPV-positive cases. • mcm-7 and Ki-67 expression had no correlation with HPV status in penile cancer. Abstract Objective To examine the association between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and penile cancer among Japanese patients. Methods Thirty-four patients with penile cancer were enrolled in this study. DNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded tumor tissue samples, and HPV-DNA tests and genotyping were performed. For all of the samples, in situ hybridization (ISH) was performed to locate HPV-DNA in tumor tissue. Furthermore, expression levels of p16-INK4a, mini-chromosome maintenance protein 7 (mcm-7), HPV-L1, and Ki-67 were analyzed using immunohistochemical methods. Results HPV and high-risk (HR)-HPV were detected in 14 (41.1%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 24.6–57.7%) and 12 (35.2%; 95% CI 19.2–51.4%) cases, respectively. HPV16 was the most frequently detected HPV type. Among the HR-HPV-positive cases, a punctate HR-HPV-DNA signal pattern was detected by ISH in tumor cell nuclei. P16-INK4a was expressed in 66.7% (95% CI 42.8–90.1%) of HR-HPV-positive cases and was significantly more frequent and stronger in HR-HPV-positive cases than in HPV-negative cases. There was no significant difference in the occurrence or distribution of mcm-7 or Ki-67 expression between HPV-positive and HPV-negative cases. HPV-L1 expression was not observed in any of the cases examined. Conclusions HPV infection may have had an etiological role in 41% of the examined cases of penile cancer in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-gravity brewing has been used to reduce costs and energy, as well as to produce new types of beer with high alcohol content. To identify the key metabolic pathways underlying efficient high-gravity brewing, we explored metabolites that were highly accumulated during alcoholic fermentation under high-maltose conditions using bottom-fermenting brewer's yeast, Saccharomyces pastorianus. Based on metabolomic data, we focused on S -adenosylmethionine (SAM), which may be involved in glycolysis and alcoholic fermentation in the closely related yeast species Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Exogenous SAM led to an increase in fermentation rate in both high-maltose synthetic medium and high-gravity wort. Although SAM is composed of methionine and the adenosine moiety of ATP, neither methionine nor adenosine significantly increased the fermentation rate. These results suggest that SAM is specifically associated with the fermentation rate of bottom-fermenting brewer's yeast. Deletion of the adenosine kinase gene ADO1 , which leads to an accumulation of SAM in S. cerevisiae cells, elevated the fermentation rate in high-glucose synthetic medium at 15°C; however, this ado1 Δ effect became less significant at higher temperatures. Similarly, a SAM-accumulating S. pastorianus mutant strain, with enhanced resistance to the adenosine analog cordycepin, exhibited a higher fermentation rate in both high-maltose synthetic medium and high-gravity wort. Taken together, our study demonstrates that SAM acts as a positive regulator in high-gravity brewing at low temperatures and that cordycepin resistance could serve as a useful indicator for breeding S. pastorianus strains with high fermentation performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perivascular adipose tissue (PAT) is associated with vascular homeostasis; however, its causal effect on atherosclerosis currently remains undefined. Here, we investigated the effect of experimental PAT transplantation on atherosclerosis. The thoracic periaortic adipose tissue (tPAT) was dissected from 16-week-old wild-type mice and transplanted over the infrarenal aorta of 20-week-old apoE deficient ( apoE −/− ) mice fed high-cholesterol diet for 3 months. Oil-red O staining after 4 weeks showed a significant 20% decrease in the atherosclerotic lesion of suprarenal aorta compared with that of sham control mice, while that of infrarenal aorta showed no difference between the two groups. TGF-β1 mRNA expression was significantly higher in grafted tPAT than donor tPAT, accompanied by a significant increase in serum TGF-β1 concentration, which was inversely correlated with the suprarenal lesion area (r = −0.63, P  = 0.012). Treatment with neutralizing TGF-β antibody abrogated the anti-atherogenic effect of tPAT transplantation. Immunofluorescent analysis of grafted tPAT showed that TGF-β-positive cells were co-localized with Mac-2-positive cells and this number was significantly increased compared with donor tPAT. There was also marked increase in mRNA expression of alternatively activated macrophages-related genes. Furthermore, the percentage of eosinophils in stromal vascular fraction of donor tPAT was much higher than that in epididymal white adipose tissue, concomitant with the significantly higher protein level of IL-4. IL-4 mRNA expression levels in grafted tPAT were increased in a time-dependent manner after tPAT transplantation. Our findings show that tPAT transplantation inhibits atherosclerosis development by exerting TGF-β1-mediated anti-inflammatory response, which may involve alternatively activated macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) has been found as an endocrine organ that maintains metabolic homeostasis; however, the effects on atherosclerosis remain undefined. Here, we investigated the effect of experimental BAT transplantation on atherosclerosis. Interscapular BAT was dissected from wild-type mice and transplanted into the visceral cavity of 12-week-old apoE −/− mice. Oil-red O staining of whole aortas after 3 months of a high-cholesterol diet showed a significant decrease in atherosclerotic lesion area in BAT-transplanted mice by 32% compared with the sham control mice. Lipid profiles, except for serum triglyceride level, showed no difference between the 2 groups. BAT-transplanted mice showed higher concentrations of serum noradrenalin, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21), and adiponectin. Treatment with the β3-adrenergic receptor (AR) blocker completely abrogated the atheroprotective effects of BAT transplantation, with serum concentrations of FGF-21 and adiponectin being equivalent between the 2 groups. Homologous transplantation of BAT from apoE −/− mice also showed a significant decrease in atherosclerotic lesion area by 28% without affecting lipid profiles, while epidydimal white adipose tissue transplantation did not affect atherosclerosis. Serum and endogenous BAT concentrations of FGF-21 were significantly higher in BAT-transplanted mice than sham control mice. Concomitantly, serum adiponectin levels were elevated in BAT-transplanted mice and showed a significant inverse correlation with atherosclerotic lesion area. Our findings show for the first time that atheroprotective effect of BAT transplantation is BAT-specific and independent of lipid-lowering effect, accompanied by AR-mediated activation of the FGF-21-adiponectin axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exosomes or extracellular vesicles have the potential as a diagnostic marker for various diseases including cancer. In order to identify novel exosomal markers for prostate cancer (PC), we performed proteomic analysis of exosomes isolated from PC cell lines and examined the usefulness of the marker in patients.Methods: Exosomes isolated by differential centrifugation from the culture medium of androgen-dependent LNCaP prostate cancer cell line and its sublines of partially androgen-independent C4, androgen-independent C4-2 and bone metastatic C4-2B were subjected to iTRAQ-based proteomic analysis. Exosomes were also isolated by immunocapture and separated by size exclusion chromatography and density gradient centrifugation. Protein expression was determined by Western blot analysis. GGT activity was measured using a fluorescent probe, γ-glutamyl hydroxymethyl rhodamine green (gGlu-HMRG). Immunohistochemical analysis of tissues was performed using anti-GGT1 antibody.Results: Among proteins upregulated in C4-2 and C4-2B cells than in LNCaP cells, we focused on gamma-glutamyltransferase 1 (GGT1), a cell-surface enzyme that regulates the catabolism of extracellular glutathione. The levels of both GGT1 large and small subunits were elevated in exosomes isolated from C4-2 and C4-2B cells by differential centrifugation and by immunocapture with anti-CD9 or -prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) antibody. In cell lysates and exosomes, GGT1 expression correlated with GGT activity. Size exclusion chromatography of human serum demonstrated the presence of GGT activity and GGT1 subunits in fractions positive for CD9. Density gradient centrifugation revealed the co-presence of GGT1 subunits with CD9 in exosomes isolated by differential centrifugation from human serum. Since GGT activity correlated with GGT1 expression in serum exosomes isolated by differential centrifugation, we measured serum exosomal GGT activity in patients. Unexpectedly, we found that serum exosomal GGT activity was significantly higher in PC patients than in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients. In support of this finding, immunohistochemical analysis showed increased GGT1 expression in PC tissues compared with BPH tissues.Conclusions: Our results suggest that serum exosomal GGT activity could be a useful biomarker for PC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquatic humic substances (AHSs) are major constituents of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in freshwater bodies. We performed quantitative analyses of AHSs in Japanese lake and wetland waters, focusing mainly on clear waters with low carbon contents, by using a resin isolation technique based on the carbon concentration in the AHSs of each sample. The proportion of AHS to DOM in the clear waters ranged from 38.4 to 64.1 %; these proportions are lower than those widely assumed for freshwater of 20-80 %. Moreover, the proportions of AHSs in DOM were not constant, so regression analysis cannot be used to predict the AHS concentration from the DOM concentration. Thus, AHS and DOM concentrations must be determined separately for each water sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the practical usefulness of dual lumen catheter-facilitated reverse wire technique.Background: We sometimes encounter difficulty in introducing a guidewire to the highly angulated side branch. In those cases, the reverse wire technique is considered as a last resort to overcome the situation.Methods: Between January 2013 and June 2015, we performed the reverse wire technique for guidewire crossing into an extremely angulated side branch in consecutive seven cases with true bifurcated lesions. We retrospectively evaluated patients' backgrounds, lesion characteristics, and details of the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures.Results: Three interventional cardiologists with various levels of experience in coronary intervention performed this technique. A polymer-jacket hydrophilic-coated guidewire was used for the reverse wire system excluding in one case, and we adopted a sharp curve for the tip shape in all cases. After crossing the reverse wire into a highly angulated side branch, we usually deliver a flexible micro catheter over the guidewire for the purpose of guidewire exchange. We deployed a stent in the side branch in three cases. We successfully performed all PCI procedures without any complications and no major adverse cardiac event was observed during hospitalization.Conclusions: We could safely and effectively perform the reverse wire technique for guidewire crossing into a markedly angulated side branch. We recommend a polymer-jacket hydrophilic-coated guidewire with a sharp curve in the tip shape for this technique. All interventional cardiologists should acquire knowledge and skills regarding this guidewire manipulation technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquatic humic substances (AHS) have been intensively studied because they have a number of significant biogeochemical functions in water chemistry. In order to evaluate such functions, which are regulated by their quantity and quality, a quantitative understanding of AHS is necessary. This study shows the seasonal and vertical changes in the AHS concentration in Lake Biwa, the largest monomictic lake in Japan, over 4 years. The concentration of dissolved organic matter carbon (DOM-C) and AHS carbon (AHS-C) ranged from 0.85–1.6 mg C/l and 0.32–0.71 mg C/l, respectively. The percentages of AHS-C in the DOM-C ranged from 32% to 65%. At all depths, the DOM-C decreased and the AHS-C slightly increased or remained at nearly the same level, suggesting that the quality of the water may have changed mainly due to changes in the composition of the organic matter. Although the AHS-C to DOM-C ratio fluctuated and had no seasonal tendency, the average AHS-C ratio increased during the 4 year monitoring period. Because AHS can influence the entire food web starting with phytoplankton, unraveling the mechanism by which they accumulate remains an important goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Cortactin is overexpressed in various types of cancer and enhances cell motility. It has been recently reported that silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 interacts with cortactin and promotes cell migration. Here, we examined the role of cortactin and silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 in migration and invasion of prostate cancer cells. Methods: The cortactin expression levels in DU145, LNCaP and PC3 prostate cancer cells, and in PrEC normal human prostate epithelial cells were evaluated by western blot analysis. In DU145 cells, the expression of cortactin or silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 was inhibited by small interfering RNA, and the effects of their knockdown on migration and invasion were examined by cell migration and invasion assays. To determine the localization of cortactin and silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1, western blot and immunofluorescence microscopic analyses were carried out. The functional interaction between silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 and cortactin was also studied by in vivo acetylation assay. Results: The protein expression of cortactin was significantly higher in DU145 cells than in other cell lines. Knockdown of cortactin or silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 expression inhibited both migration and invasion of DU145 cells. Similarly to cortactin, silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 was found to be predominantly expressed in the cytoplasm. Finally, the knockdown of silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 expression increased the acetylation level of cortactin. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that inhibition of cortactin or silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 expression attenuates migration and invasion of DU145 cells and this could represent a promising strategy to regulate metastasis of prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a study on a clinical Neisseria gonorrhoeae strain, known as GU140106, with decreased susceptibility to ceftriaxone in Japan. It discusses the isolation of the strain from a male patient with acute urethritis, treatment given to the patient and tests that confirmed the strain as a gonococcal species.

The gene responsible for Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS),LKB1(also calledSTK11) was mapped to chromosome 19p13.3 and was found to encode a putative serine/threonine protein kinase, LKB1. As only a limited number (~100) of germline mutations of the gene have been reported, and because the protein function is still unclear, information aboutLKB1mutations and their expression should be accumulated to understand the phenotype-genotype correlation of this disease. Here we report a patient with sporadic PJS with early-onset gastric cancer. We found a novel germline frameshift mutation (757-758insT) in theLKB1gene and a marked reduction in LKB1 protein expression in the carcinoma cells, suggesting that the loss of LKB1 function may have led to the carcinogenesis of the gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlike urinary tract infection (UTI), asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU) should not be treated, with some exceptions such as pregnant women and patients who will undergo traumatic urologic interventions. However, there has been no clinically available marker for their differential diagnosis. Exosomes or small extracellular vesicles carry proteins contained in cells from which they are derived, thus having the potential as a biomarker of several diseases. On the basis of the hypothesis that the molecular signature of exosomes in urine may differ between UTI and ABU patients, we examined if urinary exosomes could serve as a marker for their differential diagnosis. Exosomes were isolated by ultracentrifugation or affinity‐based method from cell culture medium of monocytic THP‐1 and uroepithelial SV‐HUC‐1 cells and human urine. Protein expression was examined by Western blot analysis, ELISA, and CLEIA. The results showed that the levels of intracellular signalling molecules Akt and ERK and transcription factor NF‐κB increased in exosomes isolated from THP‐1 and SV‐HUC‐1 cells cocultured with Escherichia coli and/or treated with lipopolysaccharide. In urinary exosomes of UTI patients, Akt significantly diminished, and an exosomal marker CD9 showed a trend to decrease after treatment with antimicrobial agents. More importantly, Akt and CD9 levels in urinary exosomes were higher in UTI patients than in ABU patients, which was also observed after correction by urine creatinine. Collectively, these results suggest that Akt and CD9 in urinary exosomes could be useful markers for differential diagnosis of UTI and ABU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Because of the unusual anatomy of an anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the left sinus of Valsalva, selective cannulation of the guiding catheter in percutaneous coronary intervention for these cases is always challenging.Case Presentation: A 58-year-old Japanese man was admitted to our hospital complaining of worsening exertional chest pain. He was suspected of having unstable angina pectoris and underwent cardiac catheterization. We found a subtotal occlusive lesion in the mid-portion of his right coronary artery that originated from the left sinus of Valsalva. On the previous percutaneous coronary intervention, we failed to cannulate the guiding catheter to the anomalous orifice of the right coronary artery. Therefore, we decided to use the GuideLiner catheter for stable back-up support from the beginning. A 6Fr GuideLiner catheter was introduced into the right coronary artery by anchoring it coaxially with a semi-compliant balloon catheter. And we successfully deployed two drug-eluting stents by crossing over the posterior-descending artery. Final angiography demonstrated favorable dilatation of the target lesion, and native blood flow in the right coronary artery was completely recovered.Conclusion: GuideLiner is a monorail-type "child" support catheter that facilitates coaxial guiding catheter engagement and an appropriate back-up force, achieving successful device delivery to target lesions in this kind of complex percutaneous coronary intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]