Impact of amino acid 233 in Tax on bovine leukemia virus infection in Japanese Black cattle.

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is an economically important pathogen that both causes fatal enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) and reduces lifetime milk production, reproductive efficiency, carcass weight, and longevity in dairy cows. The virus can be divided into two categories based on the amino acid at position 233 in Tax protein, which activates viral transcription and probably plays crucial roles in leukemogenesis. We recently reported that early-onset EBL in Japanese Black (JB) cattle was frequently caused by L233-Tax-carrying virus. This study examined the impact of BLV infection, the proviral load (PVL), and amino acid 233 in Tax on the outcomes of JB cattle. We measured PVL in cattle enrolled between February 2016 and December 2018, determined the Tax type of the isolates, and performed follow-up until March 2022. The results demonstrated that BLV infection increased the risk of involuntary culling and mortality in JB cattle in a PVL-dependent manner. Infection with L233-Tax-carrying virus increased the likelihood of mortality by 1.6-fold compared with the effects of P233-Tax-carrying virus infection. Intrauterine and perinatal infections were frequently caused by L233-Tax-carrying virus, and these infections were likely to influence the early onset of EBL in JB cattle. Conversely, breeding cows infected with P233-Tax-carrying virus were often eliminated by involuntary culling. These findings indicate that amino acid 233 in Tax has importance in terms of preventing economic loss attributable to EBL in JB cattle.

Assessment of the middle mesial canals of mandibular first molars using cone-beam computed tomography: an in vivo study.

OBJECTIVE: For a successful root canal therapy, it is necessary to locate all the canals debride and seal them with an inert filling material. The clinician must be aware of the internal morphology and variations in a permanent tooth. Mandibular first molars are widely studied to identify variations in the anatomy of the pulp space. In this study, the primary objective was to measure the distance between the mesiobuccal (MB) and mesiolingual (ML) canals in patients with and without a middle mesial canal (MMC) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The secondary objectives were to assess the tapering degree of the mesial root and to measure the dentinal thickness in relation to the danger-zone area in patients with and without an MMC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 200 CBCT scans were evaluated for the presence of an MMC. Two observers performed the observations, and the results obtained were subject to statistical analyses. RESULTS: The results revealed the prevalence of MMC was 5%. The average distance between the MB and ML canals was higher when there was an MMC [M(SD) = 3.61 (0.6) vs. 2.69 (0.66)]. However, there were no differences between the groups in the distance to the danger-zone area and the tapering degree of the mesial root. On CBCT images, the MMC was clearly visible 3 mm apical to the level of the cementoenamel junction; beyond 3 mm, the MMC could not be traced. CONCLUSIONS: Based upon the results of this study, the average distance between the MB and ML canals was higher when there was an MMC. A lesser degree of taper would be preferred to prepare the MMC than to prepare the other canals. It is recommended that careful examination of the canal 3 mm apical to the cementoenamel junction should be carried out when attempting to detect an MMC.

Effect of the duration of previous osteoporosis treatment on the effect of romosozumab treatment.

The effect of romosozumab is affected by previous osteoporosis treatment. Here we showed that the duration of the previous treatment just before romosozumab affects the therapeutic effect of romosozumab. Using denosumab and oral bisphosphonates for more than 1 year attenuates the effect of romosozumab. INTRODUCTION: As an anti-sclerostin antibody, romosozumab suppresses bone resorption and stimulates bone formation. We investigated whether the effectiveness of 12 months of romosozumab treatment depended on the duration of previous treatment with teriparatide, denosumab, or oral bisphosphonates. METHODS: In total, 259 osteoporosis patients received subcutaneous injections of romosozumab (210 mg) every 4 weeks during 2019 and 2020. This study was designed as a pre-post comparison. The end points were the percent changes of bone mineral density (BMD) after 12 months of romosozumab treatment. The patients were divided into seven groups depending on the type and duration of previous treatment before starting romosozumab as follows: non-previous treatment group, change from teriparatide used for 1 year or less/more than 1 year, change from denosumab used for 1 year or less/more than 1 year, and change from oral bisphosphonates used for 1 year or less/more than 1 year. RESULTS: The effects of previous treatment with teriparatide on the effectiveness of 12-month romosozumab did not clearly depend on the duration of treatment (p > 0.05). In contrast, the effects of previous treatments with denosumab or oral bisphosphonates on the effectiveness of 12-month romosozumab depended on the previous treatment duration, which was reflected by the differences in percent change of the spine BMD (both p < 0.05), however, there were no significant differences in the percent change of the total hip BMD (both p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The duration of the previous treatment affected the effectiveness of romosozumab. Using denosumab and oral bisphosphonate for more than 1 year attenuated the effect of romosozumab.

Therapeutic indications for sinonasal topical steroid treatment and its effects on eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis after endoscopic sinus surgery.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the post-operative indications for sinonasal topical steroid treatment using a corticosteroid (steroid)-eluting, sinus-bioabsorbable device and its effects in patients with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis. METHOD: Post-operative courses were investigated in two groups: group A with patients who underwent sinonasal topical steroid treatment, and group B with control patients who did not. RESULTS: Group A was significantly younger than group B (p < 0.01), and the pre-operative computed tomography score was significantly higher in group A than in group B (p < 0.05). In the post-operative stage, the nasal symptoms questionnaire component of olfactory loss and the post-operative endoscopic appearance score were significantly worse in group A than in group B (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that younger age, more severe rhinosinusitis and post-operative olfactory loss led to the need for sinonasal topical steroid treatment to prevent relapsing inflammation after functional endoscopic sinus surgery in patients with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis.

Early clinical effects, safety, and predictors of the effects of romosozumab treatment in osteoporosis patients: one-year study.

Romosozumab is an effective treatment for spine osteoporosis because it reduces the incidence of new fractures and significantly increases the percent change in the spine BMD at 12 months. The percent change in the spine BMD is higher in patients not previously treated with other anti-osteoporosis medications. INTRODUCTION: Romosozumab appeared as a new osteoporosis medication in Japan in 2019. It is an anti-sclerostin antibody, which increases bone formation and suppresses bone resorption. The aim of our study was to elucidate the clinical effects, safety, and predictors of the effects of one-year romosozumab treatment. METHODS: This study was an observational study designed as a pre-post study in 262 patients. Romosozumab (210 mg) was administered subcutaneously once every 4 weeks during 12 months. We focused on incidence of new fractures, safety, bone mineral density (BMD) at the spine and total hip, and bone metabolism markers. RESULTS: There were five cases of new fractures during one-year romosozumab treatment. There were no fatal adverse events. Percent changes from baseline in the spine and total hip BMD after 12 months of romosozumab treatment were 10.67% and 2.04%, respectively. Romosozumab had better effects in cases of severe osteoporosis with low spine BMD, high TRACP-5b, and high iP1NP at the start of romosozumab treatment. The percent change in the spine BMD at 12 months was significantly lower in the group transitioning from bisphosphonates than in the group not previously treated with other anti-osteoporosis medications. CONCLUSION: Romosozumab is an effective treatment for spine osteoporosis because it significantly increases the percent change in the spine BMD at 12 months. The percent change in the spine BMD is higher in patients not previously treated with other anti-osteoporosis medications.

Early clinical effects, safety, and appropriate selection of bone markers in romosozumab treatment for osteoporosis patients: a 6-month study.

Our 6-month study showed the usefulness of romosozumab for preventing fractures and its safety. It was effective in patients with low baseline spine BMD, high TRACP-5b, and high iP1NP. Percent change from baseline of TRACP-5b and iP1NP after 1 month correlated with that from baseline of BMD after four to 6-month treatment. INTRODUCTION: Romosozumab appeared as a new osteoporosis medication in Japan in 2019. It is an anti-sclerostin antibody which increases bone formation and suppresses bone resorption. In this study, we analyzed the actual clinical effects, adverse effects, and the optimal way to evaluate the treatment. METHODS: Romosozumab was administered as subcutaneous injection of 210 mg once every 4 weeks. We conducted pre-post study in 185 patients treated for 6 months. We focused on the incidence of new vertebral fractures, safety, bone mineral density (BMD) at the spine and total hip, and bone metabolism markers. We evaluated BMD before romosozumab treatment and after 4 to 6 months and performed the serum analysis before romosozumab treatment, after 1, 3, and 6 months. RESULTS: There was no new fracture during treatment, and there was no fatal adverse event including cardiovascular disease. Since percent changes from baseline of the spine and total hip BMD were 6.34% and 1.53% after 4- to 6-month treatment, the treatment was effective for spine osteoporosis. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b) and intact type I procollagen N-terminal propeptide (iP1NP) had significant changes during romosozumab treatment (p < 0.05). Percent change from baseline of TRACP-5b and iP1NP after 1 month correlated with percent change from baseline of BMD after 4 to 6 months of treatment. CONCLUSION: Romosozumab is effective in preventing fractures and useful for increasing the spine BMD. Also, romosozumab is relatively safe to use. It is especially effective in patients with low baseline spine BMD, high TRACP-5b, and high iP1NP.

Devil's staircase transition of the electronic structures in CeSb.

Solids with competing interactions often undergo complex phase transitions with a variety of long-periodic modulations. Among such transition, devil's staircase is the most complex phenomenon, and for it, CeSb is the most famous material, where a number of the distinct phases with long-periodic magnetostructures sequentially appear below the Néel temperature. An evolution of the low-energy electronic structure going through the devil's staircase is of special interest, which has, however, been elusive so far despite 40 years of intense research. Here, we use bulk-sensitive angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and reveal the devil's staircase transition of the electronic structures. The magnetic reconstruction dramatically alters the band dispersions at each transition. Moreover, we find that the well-defined band picture largely collapses around the Fermi energy under the long-periodic modulation of the transitional phase, while it recovers at the transition into the lowest-temperature ground state. Our data provide the first direct evidence for a significant reorganization of the electronic structures and spectral functions occurring during the devil's staircase.

Odontogenic chronic rhinosinusitis patients undergoing tooth extraction: oral surgeon and otolaryngologist viewpoints and appropriate management.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to propose appropriate management for odontogenic chronic rhinosinusitis. METHOD: Thirty-one adult patients with odontogenic chronic rhinosinusitis undergoing maxillary extraction were retrospectively analysed. Patients with (n = 21) and without (n = 10) oroantral fistula on computed tomography were classified. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery was performed when sinusitis did not improve after extraction. The critical indicators for surgical requirement in the management of odontogenic chronic rhinosinusitis were analysed. RESULTS: Sinusitis significantly improved after extraction in both groups. Patients without oroantral fistula had significantly more severe remnant sinusitis than those with oroantral fistula after extraction on computed tomography (p = 0.0037). The requirement for functional endoscopic sinus surgery was statistically significant for patients without orofacial fistula over those with orofacial fistula (p < 0.0001). The surgical improvement ratio was 93 per cent. CONCLUSION: The absence of oroantral fistula and severe sinusitis can be critical indicators for the requirement of functional endoscopic sinus surgery after extraction in the management of odontogenic chronic rhinosinusitis.

Risk model for severe postoperative complications after total pancreatectomy based on a nationwide clinical database.

BACKGROUND: Total pancreatectomy is required to completely clear tumours that are locally advanced or located in the centre of the pancreas. However, reports describing clinical outcomes after total pancreatectomy are rare. The aim of this retrospective observational study was to assess clinical outcomes following total pancreatectomy using a nationwide registry and to create a risk model for severe postoperative complications. METHODS: Patients who underwent total pancreatectomy from 2013 to 2017, and who were recorded in the Japan Society of Gastroenterological Surgery and Japanese Society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery database, were included. Severe complications at 30 days were defined as those with a Clavien-Dindo grade III needing reoperation, or grade IV-V. Occurrence of severe complications was modelled using data from patients treated from 2013 to 2016, and the accuracy of the model tested among patients from 2017 using c-statistics and a calibration plot. RESULTS: A total of 2167 patients undergoing total pancreatectomy were included. Postoperative 30-day and in-hospital mortality rates were 1·0 per cent (22 of 2167 patients) and 2·7 per cent (58 of 167) respectively, and severe complications developed in 6·0 per cent (131 of 2167). Factors showing a strong positive association with outcome in this risk model were the ASA performance status grade and combined arterial resection. In the test cohort, the c-statistic of the model was 0·70 (95 per cent c.i. 0·59 to 0·81). CONCLUSION: The risk model may be used to predict severe complications after total pancreatectomy.

ANTECEDENTES: La pancreatectomía total está indicada cuando se requiere la resección completa de tumores localmente avanzados o ubicados en el centro del páncreas. Sin embargo, existen pocos artículos que describan los resultados clínicos después de una pancreatectomía total. El objetivo de este estudio observacional retrospectivo fue evaluar los resultados clínicos después de una pancreatectomía total utilizando un registro nacional y crear un modelo de riesgo de complicaciones postoperatorias graves. MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron aquellos pacientes que se sometieron a una pancreatectomía total entre 2013 y 2017 y que fueron registrados en la base de datos de la Sociedad Japonesa de Cirugía Gastrointestinal y de la Sociedad Japonesa de Cirugía Hepato-Bilio-Pancreática. Las complicaciones graves a los 30 días se definieron como Clavien-Dindo grado III con reintervención o grado IV/V. Se analizó la aparición de complicaciones graves de los pacientes desde 2013 a 2016 y se evaluó la precisión del modelo entre los pacientes operados desde 2017 usando estadísticos c y un gráfico de calibración. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 2.167 pacientes sometidos a una pancreatectomía total. La mortalidad postoperatoria a los 30 días y la mortalidad hospitalaria fueron del 1,0% (22/2167) y del 2,7% (58/2167), respectivamente, y las complicaciones graves ocurrieron en el 6,0% (131/2167) de los pacientes. Los factores que mostraron una fuerte asociación positiva con los resultados en este modelo de riesgo fueron el estado funcional según la Sociedad Americana de Anestesiología y la resección arterial combinada. En la cohorte de prueba, el estadístico c del modelo fue de 0,70 (i.c. del 95% 0,59-0,81). CONCLUSIÓN: El modelo de riesgo puede usarse para predecir las complicaciones graves después de una pancreatectomía total.

Direct observation of imploded core heating via fast electrons with super-penetration scheme.

Fast ignition (FI) is a promising approach for high-energy-gain inertial confinement fusion in the laboratory. To achieve ignition, the energy of a short-pulse laser is required to be delivered efficiently to the pre-compressed fuel core via a high-energy electron beam. Therefore, understanding the transport and energy deposition of this electron beam inside the pre-compressed core is the key for FI. Here we report on the direct observation of the electron beam transport and deposition in a compressed core through the stimulated Cu Kα emission in the super-penetration scheme. Simulations reproducing the experimental measurements indicate that, at the time of peak compression, about 1% of the short-pulse energy is coupled to a relatively low-density core with a radius of 70 µm. Analysis with the support of 2D particle-in-cell simulations uncovers the key factors improving this coupling efficiency. Our findings are of critical importance for optimizing FI experiments in a super-penetration scheme.

Band-dependent superconducting gap in SrFe2(As0.65P0.35)2 studied by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy.

The isovalent-substituted iron pnictide compound SrFe2(As1-xPx)2 exhibits multiple evidence for nodal superconductivity via various experimental probes, such as the penetration depth, nuclear magnetic resonance and specific heat measurements. The direct identification of the nodal superconducting (SC) gap structure is challenging, partly because the presence of nodes is not protected by symmetry but instead caused by an accidental sign change of the order parameter, and also because of the three-dimensionality of the electronic structure. We have studied the SC gaps of SrFe2(As0.65P0.35)2 in three-dimensional momentum space by synchrotron and laser-based angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. The three hole Fermi surfaces (FSs) at the zone center have SC gaps with different magnitudes, whereas the SC gaps of the electron FSs at the zone corner are almost isotropic and kz-independent. As a possible nodal SC gap structure, we propose that the SC gap of the outer hole FS changes sign around the Z-X [(0, 0, 2π) - (π, π, 2π)] direction.

Predictors of disease progression after endoscopic sinus surgery in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the predictors of disease progression after functional endoscopic sinus surgery in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. METHOD: A total of 281 adult chronic rhinosinusitis patients who underwent primary bilateral functional endoscopic sinus surgery between 2007 and 2017 and had at least 12 months of follow-up endoscopic evaluation were examined. Patients were divided into eosinophilic (n = 205) and non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis groups (n = 76). In order to determine adverse factors, post-operative endoscopic appearance scores were analysed in relation to the pre- and intra-operative findings using multiple regression analyses. RESULTS: The post-operative course of eosinophilic cases deteriorated over time, like the early period for non-eosinophilic cases. Frontal sinus polyps recurred early in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis. Multivariate analyses indicated young adulthood, asthma, high computed tomography score and frontal sinus polyps as significant adverse predictors. CONCLUSION: Early, appropriate estimation of sinonasal conditions appears to be crucial for successful surgical management of chronic rhinosinusitis.

Post-operative course prediction during endoscopic sinus surgery in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyse findings of functional endoscopic sinus surgery to estimate the post-operative course of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. METHODS: From 2007 to 2015, 291 adult patients with bilateral chronic rhinosinusitis, divided into eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (n = 210) and non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (n = 81) groups, who underwent primary functional endoscopic sinus surgery were enrolled. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery findings, scored as operating score, were analysed in relation to pre-operative olfactory recognition threshold and sinonasal computed tomography imaging score, as well as post-operative endoscopic appearance. RESULTS: Operating scores in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis were significantly worse than those in non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis. The anterior ethmoid sinus and superior meatus were predominantly inflamed. Operating score significantly correlated with pre-operative olfaction recognition threshold, computed tomography score and pre-operative endoscopic appearance score. In eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis, higher operating scores were related to post-operative deterioration of endoscopic appearance score. CONCLUSION: The operating score reflects the course following functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Patients with more severe operative findings require longer post-operative treatment.

Variable tibiofemoral articular contact stress in fixed-bearing total knee arthroplasties.

BACKGROUND: Rotational allowance at the tibiofemoral joint would be required during deep flexion. However, the amount of flexion and rotation has not been investigated in modern total knee arthroplasty (TKA) designs. The present study aimed to determine the contact stress in five posterior-stabilized fixed-bearing TKA designs. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that the contact area and stresses at the tibiofemoral articular surfaces vary according to the type of implant design and tested condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The contact area and mean and peak contact stresses at the tibiofemoral articular surfaces were determined when a compressive load of 1200N was applied to a NexGen LPS Flex, Scorpio NRG, Genesis II, PFC Sigma, and Foundation implant. Measurements were performed at 0° and 45° flexion with 0°, 5°, 10°, and 15° rotation, and at 90° and 135° flexion with 0, 5°, 10°, 15°, and 20° rotation. RESULTS: The LPS Flex showed that the femoral component could not achieve 20° rotation at 135° flexion. The Scorpio NRG showed less than 20MPa of contact stress at all conditions. The Genesis II showed higher contact stress than 20MPa at 135° flexion with 20° rotation. The PFC Sigma showed that the femoral component could not achieve >10° rotation at any flexion angle. The Foundation showed more than 20MPa of contact stress at 90° flexion with 20° rotation and at 135° flexion with 10°, 15°, and 20° rotation. DISCUSSION: Surgeons should be more aware of the variable contact conditions of the tibiofemoral articular surfaces in individual TKA designs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, basic science study.

Clinical practice guidelines for pancreatic cancer 2016 from the Japan Pancreas Society: a synopsis

OBJECTIVES: Clinical Practice Guidelines for Pancreatic Cancer based on Evidence-Based Medicine 2006 were first published by the Japan Pancreas Society, and they were revised to Clinical Practice Guidelines for Pancreatic Cancer 2009 in July 2009 and were further revised to Clinical Practice Guidelines for Pancreatic Cancer 2013 in October 2013. These guidelines were established according to evidence-based medicine. In October 2016, the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Pancreatic Cancer were newly revised in Japanese. METHODS: In the revised version, we introduced the concepts of GRADE - grading recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation approach for better understanding of the current guidelines. RESULTS: The guidelines show algorithms for the diagnosis, treatment, and chemotherapy of pancreatic cancer and address 7 subjects: diagnosis, surgical therapy, adjuvant therapy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, stent therapy, and palliative medicine. They include 51 clinical questions and 76 statements. There are statements corresponding to clinical questions, evidence levels, recommended strengths, and agreement rates. CONCLUSIONS: These guidelines represent the most standard clinical and practical management at this time in Japan. This is the English synopsis of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Pancreatic Cancer 2016 in Japanese, which aims to disseminate the Japanese guidelines worldwide for the introduction of Japanese clinical management of these diseases.

Influence of opacification in the frontal recess on frontal sinusitis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to radiologically evaluate the influence of inflammatory changes in frontal recess cells on frontal sinusitis. METHODS: A total of 93 patients (186 sides) who underwent primary sinonasal surgery at Hyogo College of Medicine were enrolled in 2015 and 2016. Opacification of agger nasi, fronto-ethmoidal, ethmoid bulla, suprabullar and frontal bulla cells was determined by pre-operative computed tomography and its influence on frontal sinusitis was investigated. RESULTS: In all, 42 per cent of 186 sides were affected by frontal sinusitis. Agger nasi, ethmoid bulla, fronto-ethmoidal, suprabullar and frontal bulla cells were identified in 99 per cent, 100 per cent, 38 per cent, 69 per cent, and 16 per cent of sides, respectively. The presence of frontal recess cells and frontal ostium size did not significantly influence frontal sinusitis development. However, opacification of agger nasi, type 1 fronto-ethmoidal and suprabullar cells significantly influenced frontal sinusitis development. CONCLUSION: Frontal sinusitis is caused by inflammatory changes in frontal recess cells.

Characterisation of osteophytes as an autologous bone graft source: An experimental study in vivo and in vitro.

OBJECTIVES: Osteophytes are products of active endochondral and intramembranous ossification, and therefore could theoretically provide significant efficacy as bone grafts. In this study, we compared the bone mineralisation effectiveness of osteophytes and cancellous bone, including their effects on secretion of growth factors and anabolic effects on osteoblasts. METHODS: Osteophytes and cancellous bone obtained from human patients were transplanted onto the calvaria of severe combined immunodeficient mice, with Calcein administered intra-peritoneally for fluorescent labelling of bone mineralisation. Conditioned media were prepared using osteophytes and cancellous bone, and growth factor concentration and effects of each graft on proliferation, differentiation and migration of osteoblastic cells were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, MTS ((3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium)) assays, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and migration assays. RESULTS: After six weeks, the area of mineralisation was significantly higher for the transplanted osteophytes than for the cancellous bone (43803 µm2, sd 14660 versus 9421 µm2, sd 5032, p = 0.0184, one-way analysis of variance). Compared with cancellous bone, the conditioned medium prepared using osteophytes contained a significantly higher amounts of transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 (471 pg/ml versus 333 pg/ml, p = 0.0001, Wilcoxon rank sum test), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 (47.75 pg/ml versus 32 pg/ml, p = 0.0214, Wilcoxon rank sum test) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 (314.5 pg/ml versus 191 pg/ml, p = 0.0418, Wilcoxon rank sum test). The stronger effects of osteophytes towards osteoblasts in terms of a higher proliferation rate, upregulation of gene expression of differentiation markers such as alpha-1 type-1 collagen and alkaline phosphate, and higher migration, compared with cancellous bone, was confirmed. CONCLUSION: We provide evidence of favourable features of osteophytes for bone mineralisation through a direct effect on osteoblasts. The acceleration in metabolic activity of the osteophyte provides justification for future studies evaluating the clinical use of osteophytes as autologous bone grafts.Cite this article: K. Ishihara, K. Okazaki, T. Akiyama, Y. Akasaki, Y. Nakashima. Characterisation of osteophytes as an autologous bone graft source: An experimental study in vivo and in vitro. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:73-81. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.62.BJR-2016-0199.R1.

Suppression of the antiferromagnetic pseudogap in the electron-doped high-temperature superconductor by protect annealing.

In the hole-doped cuprates, a small number of carriers suppresses antiferromagnetism and induces superconductivity. In the electron-doped cuprates, on the other hand, superconductivity appears only in a narrow window of high-doped Ce concentration after reduction annealing, and strong antiferromagnetic correlation persists in the superconducting phase. Recently, Pr(1.3-x)La0.7Ce(x)CuO4 (PLCCO) bulk single crystals annealed by a protect annealing method showed a high critical temperature of around 27 K for small Ce content down to 0.05. Here, by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy measurements of PLCCO crystals, we observed a sharp quasi-particle peak on the entire Fermi surface without signature of an antiferromagnetic pseudogap unlike all the previous work, indicating a dramatic reduction of antiferromagnetic correlation length and/or of magnetic moments. The superconducting state was found to extend over a wide electron concentration range. The present results fundamentally challenge the long-standing picture on the electronic structure in the electron-doped regime.

Phosphorylation of Smad2/3 at the specific linker threonine residue indicates slow-cycling esophageal stem-like cells before re-entry to the cell cycle.

UNLABELLED: The stem cell compartment in the esophageal epithelium is possibly located in the basal layer. We have identified significant expression of Smad2/3, phosphorylated at specific linker threonine residues (pSmad2/3L-Thr), in the epithelial cells of murine stomach and intestine, and have suggested that these cells are epithelial stem cells. In this study, we explore whether pSmad2/3L-Thr could serve as a biomarker for esophageal stem cells. We examined esophageal tissues from normal C57BL/6 mice and those with esophagitis. Double immunofluorescent staining of pSmad2/3L-Thr with Ki67, CDK4, p63, or CK14 was performed. After immunofluorescent staining, we stained the same sections with hematoxylin-eosin and observed these cells under a light microscope. We used the 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling assay to examine label retention of pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells. We collected specimens 5, 10, 15 and 20 days after repeated BrdU administrations and observed double immunofluorescent staining of pSmad2/3L-Thr with BrdU. In the esophagus, pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells were detected in the basal layer. These cells were detected between Ki67 immunostaining-positive cells, but they were not co-localized with Ki67. pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells showed co-localization with CDK4, p63, and CK14. Under a light microscope, pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells indicated undifferentiated morphological features. Until 20 days follow-up period, pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells were co-localized with BrdU. pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells significantly increased in the regeneration phase of esophagitis mucosae, as compared with control mice (esophagitis vs. CONTROL: 6.889 ± 0.676/cm vs. 4.293 ± 0.659/cm; P < 0.001). We have identified significant expression of pSmad2/3L-Thr in the specific epithelial cells of murine esophagi. We suggest that these cells are slow-cycling epithelial stem-like cells before re-entry to the cell cycle.

Discovering metabolic indices for early detection of squash (Cucurbita maxima) storage quality using GC-MS-based metabolite profiling.

Squash (Cucubita maxima) cultivars with good storage qualities are needed for breeding to improve poor crop supply during winter in Japan. We measured changes in squash constituents during different storage periods to identify compounds that were suitable to be used as indices of storage quality. Principal components analysis of compounds at 1-5 months after harvest showed that PC1 scores were lower for cultivars with a higher rather than lower SQ (storage quality) ranks. Partial least-squares regression analysis was performed using the peak areas of all compounds identified from the 15 cultivars at 1 month after harvest as explanation variables and SQ as the target variable. Variable influence on projection scores and rank correlation coefficients were higher for arabinose and xylose, which showed less temporal change during the storage period; hence, they were considered to be suitable indicators for storage evaluation. These data will be useful for future studies aiming to improve storage quality of squash.