Vacant Building Removals Associated with Relative Reductions in Violent and Property Crimes in Baltimore, MD 2014-2019.

Vacant and abandoned buildings are common features in many post-industrial US cities, and are consistent predictors of violence. Demolition programs are regularly employed as an urban land use policy to stabilize housing markets and mitigate public health problems including violence. The objective of this research was to examine the effect of vacant building removals on violent and property crimes in Baltimore, MD from 2014 to 2019. We conducted a difference-in-differences analysis using spatio-temporal Bayesian mixed models on six crime types on block faces with and without building removals, before compared with after removal. There were significant reductions in total, violent crimes (with and without assaults), thefts, and burglaries on block faces with building removals relative to their controls. Total crimes decreased 1.4% per mi2 (CrI: 0.5 - 2.3%), which translates to a relative reduction ~ 2.6 total crimes per mi2 per year. The largest relative decreases in crime were found among assaults (4.9%; CrI: 3.4 - 6.3%) and violent crimes (3.0%; CrI: 1.9 - 4.1%). Building removals were associated with relative reductions in crime in Baltimore City. The relative reductions in crime, at building removals compared to at control vacant lots, were found among assaults and violent crimes, the crimes of greatest public health concern. Building removals provide co-benefits to their communities, and may be considered part of a crime reduction strategy compatible with other approaches. A systematic effort to understand the role of care for remaining vacant lots could further inform our findings, and efforts to further decrease violence and improve community health.

A novel 5HT3 receptor-IGF1 mechanism distinct from SSRI-induced antidepressant effects.

Depression is a common mental disorder affecting around 350 million people worldwide. Although selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most widely used antidepressants, a significant proportion of depressed patients do not achieve remission with SSRIs. In this study, we show that a serotonin type 3 receptor (5HT3R) agonist induces antidepressant effects as well as hippocampal neurogenesis independent of fluoxetine (a commonly used SSRI). Notably, our histological analysis reveals that 5HT3R and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) are expressed in the same neurons in the subgranular zone of the hippocampal dentate gyrus. Furthermore, our in vivo microdialysis analysis shows that 5HT3R regulates hippocampal extracellular IGF1 levels, and we also show that 5HT3R-dependent hippocampal neurogenesis is mediated by increased IGF1 levels. Altogether, our findings suggest a novel 5HT3R-IGF1 mechanism that is distinct from fluoxetine-induced responses and that provides a new therapeutic target for depression, especially bringing significant benefits for SSRI-resistant depressed patients.

Isolation of human monoclonal antibodies that bind to two different antigens and are encoded by germline VH and VL genes.

This paper reports isolation of two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that bind to both a membrane protein and a cytoplasmic protein. Most Abs established as markers for autoimmune disease bind to cytoplasmic or nuclear substances. However, it remains unknown how these Abs are produced. On the other hand, there were examples where clones originally isolated as Abs that bind to membrane proteins also showed binding activity to cytoplasmic or nuclear substances. Based on these results, the following hypothesis has been proposed. The Abs that had been originally produced against a membrane protein showed cross-reactivity against cytoplasmic or nuclear substances. In the present study we reported isolation of Abs that bound to both a membrane protein, CADM1, and a cytoplasmic protein, α-actinin-4. The method adopted in the present study could be generally applicable to isolation of Abs showing such dual specificity. Firstly, we constructed a huge human Ab library using various organs including naïve B-cell-rich organs such as bone marrow and umbilical cords. Then, we developed a comprehensive screening method for isolation of Abs that bound to cell surface antigens. Through extensive screenings with many kinds of cell we newly obtained a library composed of around 4000 independent clones that bind to membrane proteins. We screened this library with α-actinin-4 and succeeded in isolating two Abs. They bound to α-actinin-4 and a membrane protein CADM1. Furthermore, they are encoded by naïve heavy and light chain variable genes (VH & VL). These results suggested that cross-reactive Abs to both a membrane protein and a cytoplasmic protein could be present in germline repertoire of Ab in humans. This methodology adopted in the present study could be applied to isolation of cross-reactive Abs possibly involved in autoimmune diseases.

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

AIMS: To identify factors predicting early postpartum glucose intolerance in Japanese women with gestational diabetes mellitus, using decision-curve analysis. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed. The participants were 123 Japanese women with gestational diabetes who underwent 75-g oral glucose tolerance tests at 8-12 weeks after delivery. They were divided into a glucose intolerance and a normal glucose tolerance group based on postpartum oral glucose tolerance test results. Analysis of the pregnancy oral glucose tolerance test results showed predictive factors for postpartum glucose intolerance. We also evaluated the clinical usefulness of the prediction model based on decision-curve analysis. RESULTS: Of 123 women, 78 (63.4%) had normoglycaemia and 45 (36.6%) had glucose intolerance. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed insulinogenic index/fasting immunoreactive insulin and summation of glucose levels, assessed during pregnancy oral glucose tolerance tests (total glucose), to be independent risk factors for postpartum glucose intolerance. Evaluating the regression models, the best discrimination (area under the curve 0.725) was obtained using the basic model (i.e. age, family history of diabetes, BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and use of insulin during pregnancy) plus insulinogenic index/fasting immunoreactive insulin <1.1. Decision-curve analysis showed that combining insulinogenic index/fasting immunoreactive insulin <1.1 with basic clinical information resulted in superior net benefits for prediction of postpartum glucose intolerance. CONCLUSIONS: Insulinogenic index/fasting immunoreactive insulin calculated using oral glucose tolerance test results during pregnancy is potentially useful for predicting early postpartum glucose intolerance in Japanese women with gestational diabetes.

Chloride ion transport and overexpression of TMEM16A in a guinea-pig asthma model.

BACKGROUND: TMEM16A, a Ca-activated Cl channel, regulates various physiological functions such as mucin secretion. However, the role of TMEM16A in hyper-secretion in asthma is not fully understood. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate Cl ion transport via TMEM16A and determine the localization of TMEM16A in a guinea-pig asthma model. METHODS: Guinea-pigs were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) i.p. on Days 1 and 8. On Day 22, we assessed OVA challenge-induced Cl ion transport in the sensitized tracheas ex vivo in an Ussing chamber, compared with the non-sensitized tracheas. We then examined the effect of T16Ainh-A01, a TMEM16A inhibitor, on the increase in Cl ion transport. The tracheal epithelium was immunostained with an anti-TMEM16A antibody. Epithelial cells from guinea-pig tracheas were cultured at the air-liquid interface in the presence of IL-13 for in vitro study. We studied the effect of TMEM16A inhibitors on Ca-dependent agonist, uridine triphosphate (UTP)-induced increases in Cl ion transport in the cultured cells. The cells were immunostained with an anti-TMEM16A antibody, an anti-MUC5AC antibody and an anti-α-tubulin antibody. RESULTS: OVA challenge induced an increase in short circuit current within 1 min in the OVA-sensitized tracheas but not in the non-sensitized tracheas, which was inhibited by pretreatment of T16Ainh-A01. Sensitized tracheas showed goblet cell metaplasia with more positive TMEM16A immunostaining, particularly in the apical portion compared with the non-sensitized tracheas. The in vitro UTP-induced increase in Cl ion transport was strongly inhibited by pretreatment with T16Ainh-A01, benzbromarone, and niflumic acid. TMEM16A was positively immunostained at the apical portion and in the MUC5AC-positive area in IL-13-induced goblet cell metaplasia. CONCLUSIONS: Antigen challenge and Ca-dependent agonist treatment increased Cl ion transport via the overexpression of TMEM16A in goblet cell metaplasia in a guinea-pig asthma model. TMEM16A inhibitors may be useful for the treatment of hyper-secretion in asthma.

Role for neonatal D-serine signaling: prevention of physiological and behavioral deficits in adult Pick1 knockout mice.

NMDA glutamate receptors have key roles in brain development, function and dysfunction. Regulatory roles of D-serine in NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic plasticity have been reported. Nonetheless, it is unclear whether and how neonatal deficits in NMDA-receptor-mediated neurotransmission affect adult brain functions and behavior. Likewise, the role of D-serine during development remains elusive. Here we report behavioral and electrophysiological deficits associated with the frontal cortex in Pick1 knockout mice, which show D-serine deficits in a neonatal- and forebrain-specific manner. The pathological manifestations observed in adult Pick1 mice are rescued by transient neonatal supplementation of D-serine, but not by a similar treatment in adulthood. These results indicate a role for D-serine in neurodevelopment and provide novel insights on how we interpret data of psychiatric genetics, indicating the involvement of genes associated with D-serine synthesis and degradation, as well as how we consider animal models with neonatal application of NMDA receptor antagonists.

The 5-HT3 receptor is essential for exercise-induced hippocampal neurogenesis and antidepressant effects.

Exercise has a variety of beneficial effects on brain structure and function, such as hippocampal neurogenesis, mood and memory. Previous studies have shown that exercise enhances hippocampal neurogenesis, induces antidepressant effects and improves learning behavior. Brain serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) levels increase following exercise, and the 5-HT system has been suggested to have an important role in these exercise-induced neuronal effects. However, the precise mechanism remains unclear. In this study, analysis of the 5-HT type 3A receptor subunit-deficient (htr3a(-/-)) mice revealed that lack of the 5-HT type 3 (5-HT3) receptor resulted in loss of exercise-induced hippocampal neurogenesis and antidepressant effects, but not of learning enhancement. Furthermore, stimulation of the 5-HT3 receptor promoted neurogenesis. These findings demonstrate that the 5-HT3 receptor is the critical target of 5-HT action in the brain following exercise, and is indispensable for hippocampal neurogenesis and antidepressant effects induced by exercise. This is the first report of a pivotal 5-HT receptor subtype that has a fundamental role in exercise-induced morphological changes and psychological effects.

Nodules behind the ears: IgG4-related skin disease.

A 53-year-old healthy factory worker consulted our hospital complaining of small nodules of similar size, shape and location on both ears. The nodules revealed focal and massive infiltration of lymphocytes, plasma cells and eosinophils with fibrosis. They had no specific structure on pathological staining with haematoxylin and eosin. Immunostaining for IgG4 revealed that a large majority of the IgG+ cells were positive for IgG4. The ratio of IgG4+ to IgG+ plasma cells was approximately 40%. IgG4+ plasma cells were present at approximately 250 per high-power field. The patient was diagnosed with IgG4-related skin disease without multiple organ involvement in the systemic syndrome of IgG4-related diseases. Because the patient was a factory worker and exposed to an environment of metallic dust, a skin patch test that included a metal series was performed. Zinc and manganese produced positive reactions. Because only skin lesions were observed in this case, not multiple organ involvement, tissue infiltration by IgG4+ plasma cells might have resulted from continuous sensitization to zinc and/or manganese.

Increased Syk phosphorylation leads to overexpression of TRAF6 in peripheral B cells of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: Activation of B cells is a hallmark of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Syk and TRAF6 are key signaling molecules in B-cell activation through BCR and CD40/TLR, respectively. Nevertheless, whether expression of Syk and TRAF6 is altered in SLE B cells remains unknown. METHODS: Phosphorylation and/or expression of Syk and TRAF6 were analyzed by flow cytometry in peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from SLE patients. RESULTS: Pronounced phosphorylation and expression of Syk were noted in B cells from SLE patients compared with healthy donors. Levels of Syk phosphorylation correlated with the disease activity score. TRAF6 was significantly over-expressed in B cells of SLE patients as compared with healthy donors, and significant correlation of levels of TRAF6 expression and Syk phosphorylation was observed in SLE patients. Levels of TRAF6 expression were more pronounced in CD27+ memory B cells than in CD27-naïve B cells. In vitro treatment of SLE B cells with a Syk inhibitor (BAY61-3606) reduced Syk phosphorylation as well as TRAF6 expression. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the activated Syk-mediated TRAF6 pathway leads to aberrant activation of B cells in SLE, and also highlight Syk as a potential target for B-cell-mediated processes in SLE.

Survival of HER2-positive primary breast cancer patients treated by neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus trastuzumab: a multicenter retrospective observational study (JBCRG-C03 study).

We investigated the disease-free survival (DFS) of HER2-positive primary breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus trastuzumab, as well as predictive factors for DFS and pathologic response. Data from 829 female patients treated between 2001 and 2010 were collected from 38 institutions in Japan. Predictive factors were evaluated using multivariate analyses. The 3-year DFS rate was 87 % [95 % confidence interval (CI) 85-90]. The pathologic complete response (pCR: ypT0/is + ypN0) rate was 51 %. The pCR rate was higher in the ER/PgR-negative patients than in the ER/PgR-positive patients (64 vs. 36 %, P < 0.001). Patients with pCR showed a higher DFS rate than patients without pCR (93 vs. 82 %, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed three independent predictors for poorer DFS: advanced nodal stage [hazard ratio (HR) 2.63, 95 % CI 1.36-5.21, P = 0.004 for cN2-3 vs. cN0], histological/nuclear grade 3 (HR 1.81, 95 % CI 1.15-2.91, P = 0.011), and non-pCR (HR 1.98, 95 % CI 1.22-3.24, P = 0.005). In the ER/PgR-negative dataset, non-pCR (HR 2.63, 95 % CI 1.43-4.90, P = 0.002) and clinical tumor stage (HR 2.20, 95 % CI 1.16-4.20, P = 0.017 for cT3-4 vs. cT1-2) were independent predictors for DFS, and in the ER/PgR-positive dataset, histological grade of 3 (HR 3.09, 95 % CI 1.48-6.62, P = 0.003), clinical nodal stage (HR 4.26, 95 % CI 1.53-13.14, P = 0.005 for cN2-3 vs. cN0), and young age (HR 2.40, 95 % CI 1.12-4.94, P = 0.026 for ≤40 vs. >40) were negative predictors for DFS. Strict pCR (ypT0 + ypN0) was an independent predictor for DFS in both the ER/PgR-negative and -positive datasets (HR 2.66, 95 % CI 1.31-5.97, P = 0.006 and HR 3.86, 95 % CI 1.13-24.21, P = 0.029, respectively). These results may help assure a more accurate prognosis and personalized treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer patients.

Long-term outcome in Japanese patients with lupus nephritis.

The objective of this study was to clarify the long-term outcome in patients with lupus nephritis (LN) according to the International Society of Nephrology and Renal Pathology Society classification. This retrospective analysis comprised 186 Japanese patients given a diagnosis of LN by renal specimen with a mean observation period of 12 years. Primary end point was defined as death or end-stage renal disease, and standardized mortality ratios were calculated. Five patients presented with histopathological class I, 62 with II, 21 with III or III+V, 73 with IV or IV+V and 25 with V. Fourteen deaths occurred, corresponding to an overall standardized mortality ratio of 3.59 (95% confidence interval 2.02-5.81, p < 0.0001). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a 10-year overall survival of 95.7%. Nephrotic proteinuria (≥3.5 g/day) at baseline was identified as an independent poor prognostic factor for overall survival in Cox regression analysis. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a 10-year renal survival as 94.3%. Male gender and nephrotic proteinuria at baseline were identified as independent poor prognostic factors for renal survival in Cox regression analysis. In conclusion, LN was associated with a 3.59-fold increase in mortality compared with the general population. Male gender and nephrotic proteinuria were predictive for poor renal outcome.

A comparative study of the CT effective dose in whole-body 18F-FDG PET/CT for arm-raised position and arm-lowered position.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate and compare the effective dose (ED) delivered by computed tomography (CT) in whole-body positron emission tomography/CT (WB-PET/CT) scans between patients positioned with their arms-raised and those with their arms-lowered during the scan on a large population. METHODS: The retrospective study involved 785 oncology patients who underwent WB-PET/CT scans with 18F-FDG between January and June 2019. Exclusion criteria were applied, resulting in a final analysis of data from 732 adult patients. All of the patients were measured height and weight, and the ED from CT in WB-PET/CT was estimated using the dose length product value and a conversion factor. Statistical analyses were conducted to explore relationships between factors and the ED. Linear regression analysis was performed to investigate connections between weight and ED, and height and ED. Multiple linear regression was used to predict ED based on sex, weight, and arm position. RESULTS: The arm-lowered group had a higher ED than the arm-raised group, and the median dose was 1.1 times higher in the arm-lowered group. The difference in ED between the two groups was found to be greater with higher body weight. Arm-position (ß = 0.460), sex (ß = -0.190), and weight (ß = 0.057) were significant predictors of ED. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that arm position, sex, and weight were significant factors influencing the ED from CT scans in WB-PET/CT. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The research underscores the importance of considering these factors when evaluating radiation exposure in clinical practice, particularly for patients undergoing WB-CT imaging. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the radiation dosimetry associated with different patient positions during WB-PET/CT scans.

Nrl is required for rod photoreceptor development.

The protein neural retina leucine zipper (Nrl) is a basic motif-leucine zipper transcription factor that is preferentially expressed in rod photoreceptors. It acts synergistically with Crx to regulate rhodopsin transcription. Missense mutations in human NRL have been associated with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa. Here we report that deletion of Nrl in mice results in the complete loss of rod function and super-normal cone function, mediated by S cones. The photoreceptors in the Nrl-/- retina have cone-like nuclear morphology and short, sparse outer segments with abnormal disks. Analysis of retinal gene expression confirms the apparent functional transformation of rods into S cones in the Nrl-/- retina. On the basis of these findings, we postulate that Nrl acts as a 'molecular switch' during rod-cell development by directly modulating rod-specific genes while simultaneously inhibiting the S-cone pathway through the activation of Nr2e3.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the subserosal layer dissection technique in dogs: 34 cases (2015-2021).

OBJECTIVES: To describe a standardised subserosal layer dissection technique and evaluate its outcomes in canine laparoscopic cholecystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of dogs undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the standardised subserosal layer dissection technique for the treatment of cholecystolithiasis, cholecystitis, and gall bladder mucocele at a single veterinary hospital from January 2015 to September 2021 were extracted. Operative time, subserosal layer dissection achievement rate, open conversion rate, and complication rate were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-four dogs were included. The most common preoperative diagnosis was cholecystolithiasis (n=29). Operative time was 190 minutes (range: 110 to 330 minutes). Subserosal layer dissection of more than 90% of the gall bladder bed was achieved in 27 (79%) dogs. Conversion to open surgery was required in three (8.8%) dogs. There were no cases of intraoperative bleeding, bile duct injury, or reoperation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study showed that laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the standardised subserosal layer dissection technique could be performed successfully in dogs. Future prospective clinical studies are needed to determine safety and effectiveness of this technique compared to standard techniques.

In vitro fertilization: an unexpected finding in a cohort of patients with biliary atresia.

In biliary atresia (BA), efforts to prevent premature liver transplantation (LT) are aimed at early diagnosis, timing of Kasai-portoenterostomy (KPE), and centralization of care. This report presents the clinical picture, treatment strategies, and outcomes of BA patients with no previous treatment. A retrospective cohort study (Jan/2001 to Jan/2021) was conducted to evaluate the outcome of patients with BA referred to a single team. Study groups were: 1) Kasai-only group (K-only) n=9), 2) LT-only group (n=7), and 3) Kasai+LT group (K+LT) (n=23). Survival with native liver and overall survival were 22.9 and 94.8%, respectively, at 120 months of follow-up. There was no difference in age at KPE in the K-only group (46.8±21.8 days) vs K+LT (52.1±22 days), P=0.4. Ten (25.6%) patients were babies conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF). Four IVF patients (40%) presented associated congenital heart disease vs 5 patients (17%) in the remaining group (P=0.14). Two of the IVF patients were premature (<37 weeks). Median maternal age at birth was 35 years (33 to 41 years). Excellent patient survival is expected for patients with BA with the available treatment strategies. IVF+BA was an unexpected prevalent association in this cohort, and further studies are required to better understand these findings.

Predictions of the pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with primary breast cancer using a data mining technique.

Nomogram, a standard technique that utilizes multiple characteristics to predict efficacy of treatment and likelihood of a specific status of an individual patient, has been used for prediction of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in breast cancer patients. The aim of this study was to develop a novel computational technique to predict the pathological complete response (pCR) to NAC in primary breast cancer patients. A mathematical model using alternating decision trees, an epigone of decision tree, was developed using 28 clinicopathological variables that were retrospectively collected from patients treated with NAC (n = 150), and validated using an independent dataset from a randomized controlled trial (n = 173). The model selected 15 variables to predict the pCR with yielding area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) values of 0.766 [95 % confidence interval (CI)], 0.671-0.861, P value < 0.0001) in cross-validation using training dataset and 0.787 (95 % CI 0.716-0.858, P value < 0.0001) in the validation dataset. Among three subtypes of breast cancer, the luminal subgroup showed the best discrimination (AUC = 0.779, 95 % CI 0.641-0.917, P value = 0.0059). The developed model (AUC = 0.805, 95 % CI 0.716-0.894, P value < 0.0001) outperformed multivariate logistic regression (AUC = 0.754, 95 % CI 0.651-0.858, P value = 0.00019) of validation datasets without missing values (n = 127). Several analyses, e.g. bootstrap analysis, revealed that the developed model was insensitive to missing values and also tolerant to distribution bias among the datasets. Our model based on clinicopathological variables showed high predictive ability for pCR. This model might improve the prediction of the response to NAC in primary breast cancer patients.