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Lotus-type porous metal with many straight pores is attractive as a heat sink, because larger heat transfer capacity is obtained, owing to the small diameter of the pores. In order to use lotus-type porous metal effectively as a heat sink, it is important to clarify the effective conductivity and to consider the pore effect on heat conduction in the lotus-type porous metal. Because lotus-type porous metal is an anisotropic material, a steady state comparative-longitudinal heat flow (SCHF) method for thermal conductivity, referring to the ASTM standard, is thought to be better than a nonsteady method such as a laser flash method. This paper investigated the variable of the steady state comparative-longitudinal heat flow method by using specimens of different thicknesses (SCHF-DT) method for measuring the effective thermal conductivity. As a result, the uncertainty of effective thermal conductivity of a specimen was found to be smaller, as the diameter of a rod became larger and the length of a rod became shorter. In addition, it was found by error analysis that a dominant factor in the uncertainty of this method was the contact thermal difference between the rod and specimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lotus-type porous copper is a porous medium made of copper that contains many straight pores. To effectively employ lotus-type porous copper as a heat sink, it is necessary to clarify the pore effect on the thermal conductivity of lotus copper. This article describes an experimental and analytical investigation on the effective thermal conductivities of lotus copper parallel and perpendicular to the pores. The lotus copper displayed anisotropy of the effective thermal conductivity. The effective thermal conductivity k eff⊥ perpendicular to the pores was lower than that of the parallel ones k eff and was 40% that of lotus copper material k s with porosityε of 0.4. Experimental data for k eff showed good agreement with analytical results derived from the assumption that heat flow through the cross-sectional area parallel to the pore axis is proportional to (1-ε). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have performed the fs pump-probe experiment on the B˜→a˜ nonadiabatic transition in the Hg-CO vdW complex. It is found that the transition occurs near the point where Hg and CO come nearest to each other on the B˜-state surface with a probability of 0.07 for their single encounter. This experiment serves as the first observation of the wave packet dynamics associated with an intermolecular energy flow in the vdW interaction. © 2000 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chest computed tomography (CT) showed diffuse ground-glass opacity (GGO)s and consolidation in both lungs (Figure 1). The patient was a 30-year-old woman who has no chronic disease, has normal body mass index, had a fever for 5 days, and was diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) through a polymerase chain reaction test 3 days ago. [Extracted from the article]

A chest computed tomography showed new ground-glass opacities in the bilateral lower lobes (Figure 1C); suspecting COVID-19 pneumonia or exacerbation of HP, a transbronchial lung biopsy was performed. A 42-year-old woman was referred to the clinic 4 years ago for fever and dyspnea and was diagnosed with hypersensitivity pneumonia (HP) by surgical lung biopsy (Figure 1A). [Extracted from the article]

Studies the symmetries and dissociation dynamics of F 1s core excited states of BF[sub 3]. Use of the photoelectron-energy-selected photoion coincidence technique in the study; Partial cross sections obtained from the angular distribution measurement of energetic photoions; Symmetries of some F 1s core excited states.

Investigates the e' shape resonance above the B 1s ionization threshold of BF[sub 3]. Use of angle resolved photoelectron and photoion spectroscopy in the study; Agreement of the results with a theoretical prediction.

Laser-pump/probe and double-beam absorption/dispersion approaches have been applied to the far wings of the Hg 3P1–1S0 resonance line broadened by collisions with H2. Absolute reduced absorption coefficients of the Hg–H2 quasimolecules have been determined as a function of the wave-number shift Δ from the resonance-line center both in the red and blue wings. Decay probabilities of the excited Hg*(3P1)–H2 quasimolecule into the reactive channel (hGH formation) or into the elastic channel (Hg*(3P1) formation) have been determined as a function of Δ both for the red-wing excited Ãi and blue-wing excited B states. The rest of these decay probabilities have been attributed to three-body dissociation Hg(1S0)+H+H. These results indicate that (a) the Ã-state surface serves more effectively in HgH formation than the B-state surface by a factor of about 2.3; but (b) three-body dissociation, in turn, proceeds far more efficiently on the B-state surface than on the Ã-state surface. Discussions about the energy barriers and the orbital correlations for HgH formation are presented, based on the Δ dependence of these decaying probabilities. © 1996 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have applied the laser-pump/probe and double-beam absorption/dispersion approaches to the far wings of the Hg 3P1–1S0 resonance line broadened by collisions with H2, D2, and HD. Absolute reduced absorption coefficients of the Hg–D2 quasimolecules have been determined as a function of the wave-number shift Δ from the resonance-line center both in the red and blue wings. The nascent rotational distributions have been determined for the v=0 and 1 levels of HgH (X 2Σ+) and the v=0 level of HgD (X 2Σ+) formed from the Hg*(3P1)–H2, D2, and HD collisional–quasimolecular states à and B attained by the red- and blue-wing excitation, respectively. Both of the intermediate states à and B give quite similar rotational distributions peaking around N[bar_over_tilde:_approx._equal_to]18 for HgH and N[bar_over_tilde:_approx._equal_to]25 for HgD insensitive to the excitation-wave-number shift Δ. However, a small difference is found: the red-wing excitation gives larger populations in the low-N levels than the blue-wing one. The departing atom isotope effect is observed in these low-N populations of HgD from Hg–D2 and Hg–HD. The absolute ratio of the nascent yields of v=1 to 0 has been measured to be 0.3, being nearly constant against Δ in both the red and blue wings. These observations indicate that HgH is formed predominantly from a bent H–Hg–H configuration on both the pathways via the à and B states. The different type of transition state, however, may be encountered on the pathways producing the minor components in the low-N levels. © 1996 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser-pump and probe approach has been applied to the far wings of Hg 3P1-1S0 resonance line broadened by collisions with N2 and CO to measure excitation spectra for the formation of Hg(6 3P0) and Hg(6 3P1). The excitation spectra are highly asymmetric with the red wing being much more extended than the blue wing. The absolute ratio of nascent yields of Hg 3P0 to 3P1 is determined as a function of the excitation wave number. From these measurements, it is found, commonly for Hg–N2 and Hg–CO systems, that (a) the nascent product ratio, Hg(3P0)/Hg(3P1), grows on the red-wing surface (the A state) with increasing shift, Δν, of the excitation wave number from the line center and finally surpasses unity; (b) the blue-wing surface (the B state) gives mostly Hg(3P1) but has a small chance to give Hg(3P0). Time constant τ0 for the A→3P0 process of Hg–N2 is found to change from 17 to 35 ns as the absorption distance Rc between Hg and N2 changes from 3.6 to 4.7 Å. From these values of τ0, the transition probability P(A→3P0) for a single approach of Hg–N2 to the turning point region is estimated to be about 3.7×10-5. The transition probability P(B→3P0) is about 270 times larger than P(A→3P0).CO is about 20 times more effective than N2 for the B→3P0 process. The Rc dependence of τ0 can be qualitatively explained by the vibrational frequencies of the bound A state and the Franck–Condon factor between the bound A state and the free (repulsive) a state arising from Hg(3P0)+N2. These findings suggest that the direct A→a transition is realized in these Hg–N2 and Hg–CO collisions. This gives a remarkable contrast to Hg-atom collisions, where the A→3P0 process is parity-forbidden due to the 0+ and 0- characters of the A and a states, respectively. The coupling mechanisms for the A→a and B→a transitions in Hg–N2 collisions are... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The B KVV and Cl LVV normal and resonance Auger electron spectra in gaseous BCl3 have been observed with use of tunable photon beam from synchrotron radiation. The spectrum excited by photons with energy above the B K and the Cl L2,3 thresholds shows preferentially Cl LVV normal Auger bands. The pure B KVV normal Auger spectrum is obtained using the photons with energy between the B K threshold and the Cl L pre-edge excitation threshold. The spectator and participant Auger processes are observed at the B 1s→2a2‘(2pπB) and 1s→4e’(σBCl*) resonances. The spectator Auger processes are also observed in the Cl L2,3 excitation region, while the participant Auger processes are not significant in this region. The observed spectra are discussed with the aid of the one-electron properties of the valence orbitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electron spectroscopy has been carried out to investigate spectator and participant resonance Auger decay processes following the B 1s→2a2‘ excitation in gaseous BF3 molecules using monochromatized synchrotron radiation. The resonance-enhanced satellite bands corresponding to the spectator Auger electron emission form six broad peaks showing good correspondence with the normal Auger bands. Resonance enhancement of the photolines corresponding to the participant Auger electron emission occurs only for the bonding orbitals having B character. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have determined reduced absorption coefficients in far wings of the Yb (6s2)1S0–(6s6p)1P1 line broadened by He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe, and Yb. We find a prominent blue-satellite peak for all perturbers and undulations between the satellite peak and the line center for Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe. Analyzing the satellite band with the aid of the unified Franck–Condon method, we obtain the position and the height of the extremum on the difference potential-energy curves concerned. We have also observed collision-induced-dipole absorption bands associated with the transition (6s2)1S0–(6s5d)3D2 of atomic Yb for Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe perturbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the "hot lung" sign on positron emission tomography (PET)-CT (Figure 1a), we suspected the presence of lung involvement and performed a transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) of the right lower lobe. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed diffuse ground-glass shadows in the bilateral lungs. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Signalling of angiotensin II via angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1) promotes cardiac and renal fibrosis, but its role in lung fibrosis is little understood. Using a rat bleomycin (BLM) induced model of pulmonary fibrosis, we examined the expression of AT1 in the lung and the effect of an AT1 antagonist on pulmonary fibrosis.Methods: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were given 0.3 mg/kg BLM intratracheally. Two days earlier they had received 10 mg/kg/day of the AT1 antagonist candesartan cilexetil mixed in the drinking water. AT1 expression in the lungs was examined by immunohistochemistry and immunoblot methods. The effect of the AT1 antagonist on pulmonary fibrosis was studied by analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, histopathology, and hydroxyproline assay.Results: Immunohistochemical studies showed overexpression of AT1 in inflammatory immune cells, alveolar type II cells, and fibroblasts. A quantitative assay for AT1 showed that AT1 expression was significantly upregulated in cells from BAL fluid after day 3 and in the lung homogenates after day 21. Candesartan cilexetil significantly inhibited the increase in total protein and albumin, as well as the increase in total cells and neutrophils in BAL fluid. On day 21 candesartan cilexetil also ameliorated morphological changes and an increased amount of hydroxyproline in lung homogenates. In addition, BLM increased the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 in BAL fluid on day 7; this increase was significantly reduced by candesartan cilexetil.Conclusion: AT1 expression is upregulated in fibrotic lungs. Angiotensin II promotes lung fibrosis via AT1 and, presumably, in part via TGF-beta1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well established that 1α-25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D3) regulates osteoblast function and stimulates mineralization by human osteoblasts. The aim of this study was to identify processes underlying the 1,25D3 effects on mineralization. We started with gene expression profiling analyses of differentiating human pre-osteoblast treated with 1,25D3. Bioinformatic analyses showed interferon-related and -regulated genes (ISG) to be overrepresented in the set of 1,25D3-regulated genes. 1,25D3 down-regulated ISGs predominantly during the pre-mineralization period. This pointed to an interaction between the vitamin D and IFN signaling cascades in the regulation of osteoblast function. Separately, 1,25D3 enhances while IFNβ inhibits mineralization. Treatment of human osteoblasts with 1,25D3 and IFNβ showed that 1,25D3 completely overrules the IFNβ inhibition of mineralization. This was supported by analyses of extracellular matrix gene expression, showing a dominant effect of 1,25D3 over the inhibitory effect of IFNβ. We identified processes shared by IFNβ- and 1,25D3-mediated signaling by performing gene expression profiling during early osteoblast differentiation. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that genes being correlated or anti-correlated with interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 1 (IFIT1) were associated with osteoblast proliferation. In conclusion, the current study demonstrates a cross talk between 1,25D3 and IFNβ in osteoblast differentiation and bone formation/mineralization. The interaction is complex and depends on the process but importantly, 1,25D3 stimulation of mineralization is dominant over the inhibitory effect of IFNβ. These observations are of potential clinical relevance considering the impact of the immune system on bone metabolism in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 3258-3266, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoimmunology is an emerging field of research focused on the interaction of the immune system and bone. In this study we demonstrate that human osteoblasts are sensitive to the immune cytokine interferon (IFN)β. Osteoblasts respond to IFNβ as shown by the induction of several known IFN target genes such as interferon-induced (IFI) proteins (IFIT1, IFI44L), interferon-stimulated gene factor 3 (ISGF3) complex and the induction of IFNβ itself. We demonstrated that IFNβ has severe inhibitory effects on mineralization of osteoblast-derived extracellular matrix (ECM). Analysis of the timing of the IFNβ effects revealed that committed osteoblasts in early stage of differentiation are most sensitive to IFNβ inhibition of mineralization. A single IFNβ treatment was as effective as multiple treatments. During the progress of differentiation osteoblasts become desensitized for IFNβ. This pinpoints to a complex pattern of IFNβ sensitivity in osteoblasts. Focusing on early osteoblasts, we showed that IFNβ decreased gene expression of ECM-related genes, such as type I Collagen (COL1A1), fibronectin (FN1), fibullin (FBLN1), fibrillin (FBN2), and laminin (LAMA1). Additionally, ECM produced by IFNβ-treated osteoblasts contained less collagen protein. IFNβ stimulated gene expression of osteopontin (OPN), annexin2 (ANXA2), and hyaluronan synthase 1 (HAS1), which are important factors in the adhesion of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) in the HSC niche. In conclusion, IFNβ directly modifies human osteoblast function by inhibiting ECM synthesis eventually resulting in delayed bone formation and mineralization and induces a HSC niche supporting phenotype. These effects are highly dependent on timing of treatment in the early phase of osteoblast differentiation. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 2668-2676, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek) has been described earlier and its use in ancient medicinal practice is well known. The hypoglycemic effects of fenugreek have been studied in many animal models and diabetic patients. The purpose of this study was to examine the preventive efficiency of dietary fenugreek on dietinduced metabolic diseases in rats. The diets used in this study were a standard diet, a highfat high-sucrose (HFS) diet, and a HFS diet containing 0.5 g/kg b. w./day fenugreek based on the modified version of the AIN-93G purified diet, for 12 weeks, respectively. The rats fed the HFS diet containing fenugreek showed significantly lower fasting insulin levels and HOMA-IR than the rats fed the HFS diet. Therefore, fenugreek improved insulin sensitivity in rats. The triglyceride and total cholesterol levels in the plasma were significantly lower in the fenugreek-administered group. Moreover, distinct reductions of triglyceride, total cholesterol, free fatty acid, and phospholipid levels in the liver were found in the rats fed the HFS diet containing fenugreek. These results suggest that fenugreek enhanced insulin sensitivity at least partly by improving lipid metabolism disorders in the plasma and the liver in the rats induced by the HFS diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and study aims: A standard training system for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) remains to be established. In this study, we evaluated the validity of our training program for gastric ESD. Patients and methods: Four trainees performed gastric ESD for a total of 117 lesions in 107 patients (27 to 30 consecutive lesions per trainee) at a tertiary referral center during 2 years in the training program. Trainees, who already had the fundamental skills and knowledge needed for ESD, each assisted at 40 gastric ESD procedures, then in 20 cases applied post-ESD coagulation (PEC) to gastric mucosal defects; they then began to perform ESD, starting with gastric antral lesions. Treatment outcomes, including mean procedure time, and rates of en bloc resection, en bloc plus R0 resections, complications, and self-completion, were evaluated, for the initial 15 and subsequent 12 to 15 cases. Results: Overall rates of en bloc resection and en bloc plus R0 resection were as high as 100% and 96.6 %, respectively. Regarding complications, seven cases of delayed hemorrhage (6.0 %) and three cases of perforation (2.6 %) occurred; all complications were solved endoscopically. The most frequent reason for operator change was lack of submucosal dissection skill. The self-completion rate was more than 80% even in the early period, and did not increase for later cases. Conclusions: Our training system enabled novice operators to perform gastric ESD without a decline in clinical outcomes. Key features of this training are prior intensive learning and actual ESD during the learning period under expert supervision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The endangered black-footed albatross Phoebastria nigripes exhibits strong nest fidelity and natal philopatry. These biological features can strongly affect population dynamics and population genetic structure. Therefore, for its long-term conservation, it is important to estimate genetic diversity and population genetic structure. We performed genetic analyses, using 11 polymorphic microsatellite markers of 77 black-footed albatrosses from six breeding colonies on the Bonin Islands, an important breeding area in the western North Pacific. In the population-based analysis, AMOVA results showed that almost all genetic variations existed among individuals in each subpopulation. Most F and R values among the subpopulations were 0.000 and the migration rates were 3.0-5.3%. In the individual-based analysis, the results of analysis suggested that all the individuals were clustered into the same genetic group. In the principal coordinates analysis based on kinship among individuals, most of the individuals were distributed as a single group. Although albatross species are strongly philopatric, the present results indicate a lack of population genetic differentiation among six subpopulations and the presence of sufficient gene flow to maintain the genetic homogeneity. In the principal coordinates analysis, a few individuals were genetically different from most of the other individuals, indicating a probability of immigration. The black-footed albatrosses on the Bonin Islands are in a good condition to maintain genetic diversity and can be treated as a single genetic management unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1α,25-dihydroxyitamin D3 (1,25D3) deficiency leads to impaired bone mineralization. We used the human pre-osteoblastic cell line SV-HFO, which forms within 19 days of culture an extracellular matrix that starts to mineralize around day 12, to examine the mechanism by which 1,25D3 regulates osteoblasts and directly stimulates mineralization. Time phase studies showed that 1,25D3 treatment prior to the onset of mineralization, rather than during mineralization led to accelerated and enhanced mineralization. This is supported by the observation of unaltered stimulation by 1,25D3 even when osteoblasts were devitalized just prior to onset of mineralization and after 1,25D3 treatment. Gene Chip expression profiling identified the pre-mineralization and mineralization phase as two strongly distinctive transcriptional periods with only 0.6% overlap of genes regulated by 1,25D3. In neither phase 1,25D3 significantly altered expression of extracellular matrix genes. 1,25D3 significantly accelerated the production of mature matrix vesicles (MVs) in the pre-mineralization. Duration rather than timing determined the extent of the 1,25D3 effect. We propose the concept that besides indirect effects via intestinal calcium uptake 1,25D3 directly accelerates osteoblast-mediated mineralization via increased production of mature MVs in the period prior to mineralization. The accelerated deposition of mature MVs leads to an earlier onset and higher rate of mineralization. These effects are independent of changes in extracellular matrix protein composition. These data on 1,25D3, mineralization, and MV biology add new insights into the role of 1,25D3 in bone metabolism and emphasize the importance of MVs in bone and maintaining bone health and strength by optimal mineralization status. J. Cell. Physiol. 225: 593–600, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production by stromal fibroblasts plays an important role in tumor angiogenesis. However, VEGF is also expressed by normal tissue fibroblasts, raising the question of how the VEGF activity of fibroblasts is regulated. Here we report that the latent VEGF angiogenic activity of fibroblasts is activated by cancer cells, resulting in tumor-selective utilization of fibroblast-derived VEGF. Through the production of VEGF, human VA-13 fibroblasts promote angiogenesis in and growth of human pancreas cancer Capan-1 xenograft tumors, whereas VA-13 fibroblasts alone do not show significant angiogenesis. Treatment of VA-13 fibroblast supernatant with matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7), an extracellular proteinase characteristically expressed by cancer cells, elicits endothelial tube formation. This effect is abrogated by anti-VEGF antibody or connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), which was previously reported to sequester VEGF and be degraded by MMP-7. Suppression of MMP-7 in Capan-1 cells abrogates the tumor angiogenic activity of VA-13 fibroblasts, which is restored by suppression of CTGF in VA-13 fibroblasts. We further show that these molecular mechanisms that trigger angiogenesis are effective in human primary fibroblasts and human colorectal tissue. These data suggest that fibroblasts may store VEGF in a latent state in the extracellular environment for urgent use in angiogenesis.Oncogene (2007) 26, 7194–7203; doi:10.1038/sj.onc.1210535; published online 21 May 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In HIV-1-infected patients, oral manifestations such as recurrent apthous ulcers are often seen. A total of 29 HIV-infected patients were examined to determine salivary tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) concentrations by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the amount of HIV-1 RNA copy by Amplicor HIV-1 Monitor test, number of CD4 cells by flow cytometry and oral manifestations by oral examination. TNFalpha concentration was significantly correlated with the amount of HIV-1 RNA, however, not with the number of CD4 cells in HIV-1-infected patients. Further, patients with oral manifestations showed significantly higher concentrations of TNFalpha in saliva and HIV-1 RNA copies in serum than those without oral manifestations. Following recovery from oral ulcers, TNFalpha concentration was decreased by half to 20 times lower than the level of that during ulcer incidence. Our results suggest that salivary TNFalpha is a good indicator for oral manifestations and HIV RNA amounts in HIV-1-infected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effect of recombinant human lactoferrin (rhLF) on cervical ripening using a rabbit model in which preterm labor was induced by bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Timed pregnant rabbits (New Zealand White, 3–4 kg, day 14) were randomly assigned to the following treatment groups: Group A, LPS + rhLF ( n = 4); Group B, LPS ( n = 4); and Group C, control ( n = 4). Recombinant human lactoferrin (10 μg) was administrated to pregnant rabbits in Group A and not in Group B. Lipopolysaccharide (100 μg) was given to the rabbits in both groups for 3 days (days14–16). Drugs were administered as a vaginal suppository. On day 18, the rabbits were anesthetized with intramuscular ketamine hydrochloride (20 mg/kg) and diazepam (4 mg/kg). Both cervices of the rabbit uterus, which is bicorpus-bicolli, were taken out. One cervix was placed in 10% formalin solution for a histological study with standard hematoxylin-eosin staining. The other was used for an extension test to assess the grade of ripening. Extension was measured after a 5-mm length of cervical tissue was loaded with 5.8 g. The histological study showed remarkably loose and edematous connective tissue in Group B cervices. Cervical tissues in Group A was not different from those in Group C. Extension lengths were 2.2 ± 0.2 mm in Group A, 7.0 ± 2.7 mm in Group B, and 1.7 ± 0.3 mm in Group C. These results suggest that rhLF inhibits cervical maturation induced by LPS in a rabbit model and may have a potential to prevent preterm delivery caused by cervical infection and ripening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is an autosomal recessive disorder in which microliths are formed in the alveolar space. Objectives: To identify the responsible gene that causes pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis. Methods: By means of a genomewide single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis using DNA from three patients, we have narrowed the region in which the candidate gene is located. From this region, we have identified a gene that has mutations in all patients with pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis. Measurements and Main Results: We identified a candidate gene, SLC34A2, that encodes a type IIb sodium phosphate cotransporter and that is mutated in six of six patients investigated. SLC34A2 is specifically expressed in type II alveolar cells, and the mutations abolished the normal gene function. Conclusion: Mutations in the SLC34A2 gene that abolish normal gene function cause pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) produced by osteoblasts play an essential role in bone remodeling. Hence, these proteins could provide an interesting means by which mechanical loading leads to adaptation of bone. Here, we examined the effect of stretch on MMP-1, -2, -3, -8, -9, -13, and -14, as well as TIMP-1 and -2 gene expression in differentiating, mineralizing, and nonmineralizing human SV-40 immortalized preosteoblast cells. In the mineralizing osteoblast culture, but not in the nonmineralizing cultures, cyclic stretch for only 15 min resulted in an increase of MMP-1 (fourfold) and -3 (depending on differentiation stage up to 25-fold) transcript abundance. No clear effect was observed for other MMPs, TIMP-1 or -2. The increase of MMP-1 and -3 was confirmed on the protein level. Stretching experiments performed in the presence of a specific inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) showed a strong suppression of the stretch-induced increase in MMP-1 and -3. In conclusion, we show that MMP-1 and MMP-3 are mechanosensitive genes in mineralizing the human osteoblast, and that the mechano-induction of these genes is mediated via the ERK pathway. Our findings implicate that these MMPs are important factors in the mechanoregulation of bone turnover. With the ability to generate MMPs at highly stretched sites, osteoblasts can potantially direct osteoclasts to specific bone surface areas prepared for resorption. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:1480-1488, 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Itoh K, Kawasaki S, Kawamoto S, Seishima M, Chiba H, Michibata H, Wakimoto K, Imai Y, Minesaki Y, Otsuji M, Okubo K. Identification of differentially expressed genes in psoriasis using expression profiling approaches. To identify differentially expressed genes which play causal roles in pathogenesis and maintenance for psoriasis, we used BodyMapping and introduced amplified fragment length polymorphism approaches. From the BodyMap database, we selected 2007 genes which specifically expressed in epithelial tissues. Among 2007 genes, we surveyed genes which differentially expressed in involved or uninvolved psoriatic lesional skin samples compared with atopic dermatitis, mycosis fungoides, and normal skin samples. As a result of surveying 2007 genes, 241 genes were differentially expressed only in involved psoriatic skin but not in the other samples. Hierarchical cluster analysis of gene expression profiles showed that 13 independent psoriatic-involved skin samples clustered tightly together, reflecting highly similar expression profiles. Using the same 2007 gene set, we examined gene expression levels in five serial lesions from distal uninvolved psoriatic skin to involved psoriatic plaque. We identified seven genes such as alpha-1-microglobulin/bikunin precursor, calnexin, claudin 1, leucine zipper down-regulated in cancer 1, tyrosinase-related protein 1, Yes-associated protein 1, and unc-13-like protein ( Coleonyx elegans) which show high-expression levels only in uninvolved psoriatic lesions. These seven genes, which were reported to be related to apoptosis or antiproliferation, might have causal roles in pathophysiology in psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The following animal studies have been conducted to investigate whether recombinant human lactoferrin (rh-LF) has the same effect as bovine lactoferrin (b-LF) in the prevention of preterm delivery. Study DESIGN: Female C3H/HeNCrj mice were pair-mated with male Crj:B6D2F1 mice. On day 15 of gestation, as a model of preterm delivery, a 50 microg/kg intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was administered twice with a 3-h interval between injections (2:00 and 5:00 PM). One hour prior to each LPS injection (1:00 and 4:00 PM), an intraperitoneal injection of saline, b-LF, or rh-LF (1 mg/body) was administered. In non-LPS-treated controls, an intraperitoneal injection of saline was administered 4 times (1:00, 2:00, 4:00 and 5:00 PM). Body weights and delivery times were recorded. To compare plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) between experimental and other pregnant mice, prepared as above, were sacrificed 6 h after the second LPS injection, and then blood samples were obtained and analyzed. RESULTS: Preterm delivery occurred (16.2+/-0.4 days of gestation) in all LPS-treated mice that were not administered LF. LF significantly prolonged gestation of LPS-treated mice: b-LF+LPS, 17.8+/-0.3 days; rh-LF+LPS, 18.0+/-0.8 days (P<0.05). LF (1 mg/body) significantly suppressed plasma IL-6 in LPS-treated mice:b-LF+LPS, 1060+/-154; rh-LF+ LPSF, 244+/-59; LPS without LF, 1628+/-115 pg/mL (P<0.05). As well, LF (1 mg/body) significantly suppressed plasma TNF-alpha in LPS-treated mice: b-LF+LPS, 88+/-36; rh-LF+LPS, 37+/-30; LPS without LF, 114+/-49 pg/mL (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Rh-LF may prolong gestation in LPS-induced preterm delivery in mice, by suppressing LPS-induced plasma IL-6 and TNF-alpha augmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A previous study showed expression of CD36, recently reported to play important roles in metabolism of oxidized low-density lipoprotein and long-chain fatty acids and to be positively correlated with colon cancer prognosis. To examine relationships between colorectal cancer and the CD36 gene A52C polymorphism according to meat consumption as a surrogate for saturated fatty acid intake, we conducted the present hospital-based, case-control study of 128 cases and 238 non-cancer controls. Consumption of meat and vegetables/fruit was divided into three (low, moderate, and high) and two (low and high) groups, respectively. Regarding the risk of colorectal cancer on cross-classifying subjects for the CD36 genotype and meat consumption, the odds ratio (OR) for the C/C genotype with moderate meat consumption relative to the A/A genotype with low meat consumption was 8.30 (95% confidence interval, CI=2.15-32.00). None of individuals with the C/C genotype was in the high meat consumption group. In the low vegetables/fruit consumption group, the OR for the C/C genotype relative to the A/A genotype was 3.03 (95% CI=1.12-7.90). Our findings suggest that interactions between moderate-high meat consumption and the CD36 gene A52C polymorphism may increase the risk of colorectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on thyroxine (T4) release in vivo and in vitro were studied in barfin flounder Verasper moseri, masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou and goldfish Carassius auratus. Seabream GnRH (sbGnRH) at a dose of 200 ng/50 g body weight (BW) significantly increased plasma T4 levels 1 h after the in vivo injection in the barfin flounder, but thereafter the levels normalized. Salmon GnRH (sGnRH) significantly increased plasma T4 levels l h after the injection with a significant return to initial levels in male masu salmon and male goldfish. In contrast, sGnRH and cGnRH-II in barfin flounder, and cGnRH-II in male masu salmon and male goldfish were not effective in stimulating T4 release. To clarify direct involvement of GnRH in T4 release, dissected lower jaw including scattered thyroid follicles was incubated with sbGnRH (1 µg/well) in barfin flounder, and with two doses (0.1 and 1 µg/well) of sGnRH in masu salmon and goldfish in vitro. T4 concentrations of control were stable during 24 h. Incubation of lower jaw with high dose (1 µg/well) of GnRH significantly (P<0.05) increased T4 concentrations of incubation medium at 1 h in all experimental fishes. These results indicate that direct stimulation of T4 secretion by GnRH occurs widely in teleost fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]