Did My Hand Move in a Mirror? Body Ownership Induced by the Mirror Hand Illusion

Although the illusion that the mirror image of a hand or limb could be recognized as a part of one’s body behind the mirror, the effect of adding tactile stimulation to this illusion remains unknown. We, therefore, examined how the timing of tactile stimulation affects the induction of body ownership on the mirror image. Twenty-one healthy, right-handed participants (mean age = 23.0 ± 1.0 years, no medical history of neurological and/or psychiatric disorders) were enrolled and a crossover design was adopted in this study. Participants’ right and left hands were placed on the front and back sides of the mirror, respectively, then they were asked to keep looking at their right hand in the mirror. All participants experienced two experiments; one was with tactile stimulation that was synchronized with the movement of a mirror image (synchronous condition), and the other one was with tactile stimulation that was not synchronized (asynchronous condition). The qualitative degree of body ownership for the mirrored hand was evaluated by a questionnaire. Proprioceptive drift (PD), an illusory shift of the felt position of the real hand toward the mirrored hand was used for quantitative evaluation of body ownership and measured at “baseline,” “immediately after stimulation,” “2 min after stimulation,” and “4 min after stimulation.” The results of the questionnaire revealed that some items of body ownership rating were higher in the synchronous condition than in the asynchronous condition (p < 0.05). We found that PD occurred from immediately after to 4 min after stimulation in both conditions (p < 0.01) and there was no difference in the results between the conditions. From the dissociation of these results, we interpreted that body ownership could be elicited by different mechanisms depending on the task demand. Our results may contribute to the understanding of the multisensory integration mechanism of visual and tactile stimulation during mirror illusion induction

Bisbenzamidine derivative, pentamidine represses DNA damage response through inhibition of histone H2A acetylation

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>MRE11 is an important nuclease which functions in the end-resection step of homologous recombination (HR) repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). As MRE11-deficient ATLD cells exhibit hyper radio-sensitivity and impaired DSB repair, MRE11 inhibitors could possibly function as potent radio-sensitizers. Therefore, we investigated whether a bisbenzamidine derivative, pentamidine, which can inhibit endoexonuclease activity, might influence DSB-induced damage responses <it>via </it>inhibition of MRE11.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We first clarified that pentamidine inhibited MRE11 nuclease activity and also reduced ATM kinase activity in vitro. Pentamidine increased the radio-sensitivity of HeLa cells, suggesting that this compound could possibly influence DNA damage response factors in vivo. Indeed, we found that pentamidine reduced the accumulation of γ-H2AX, NBS1 and phospho-ATM at the sites of DSBs. Furthermore, pentamidine decreased HR activity <it>in vivo</it>. Pentamidine was found to inhibit the acetylation of histone H2A which could contribute both to inhibition of IR-induced focus formation and HR repair. These results suggest that pentamidine might exert its effects by inhibiting histone acetyltransferases. We found that pentamidine repressed the activity of Tip60 acetyltransferase which is known to acetylate histone H2A and that knockdown of Tip60 by siRNA reduced HR activity.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These results indicate that inhibition of Tip60 as well as hMRE11 nuclease by pentamidine underlies the radiosensitizing effects of this compound making it an excellent sensitizer for radiotherapy or chemotherapy.</p

Inverted ductal papilloma arising from the buccal minor salivary gland: A case report and immunohistochemical study

AbstractOral inverted ductal papilloma is a rare, benign epithelial tumor that exhibits an endophytic growth pattern and is found almost exclusively in the minor salivary glands. We report on a case of inverted ductal papilloma in the buccal mucosa. We also performed an immunohistochemical study. The tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigen, while negative for calponin, S-100 protein, α-SMA, vimentin, and desmin. This result indicated that the lesion arises from the excretory duct near the oral mucosal surface but not the myoepithelial cells. In addition, Ki-67 labeling index of 3.96% indicated the low level of proliferation

Serum chemokine levels are associated with the outcome of pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C

Aim: Serum chemokine levels and amino acid substitutions in the interferon-sensitivity determining region (ISDR) and core region have been associated with treatment outcome of pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy in genotype 1 hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients. The present study was conducted to clarify the association between serum chemokines and treatment outcome in patients with chronic HCV-1 infection in a Japanese cohort. Methods: A total of six serum chemokines were quantified before, during and after pegylated interferon and ribavirin treatment in 79 genotype 1 chronic HCV patients using a multiple bead array system. Viral ISDR and core region variants were determined by direct sequencing. Results: The baseline serum levels of eotaxin, IP-10 and RANTES were significantly higher in chronic HCV patients than in controls. High levels of eotaxin and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1 beta before therapy and more than two mutations in the ISDR were associated with a sustained virological response, and patients with more than two mutations in the ISDR also had significantly higher MIP-1 beta levels. Receiver-operator curve analysis showed a 77% sensitivity and 73% specificity for predicting an SVR using MIP-1 beta values. Conclusion: Serum MIP-1 beta levels may predict the response to HCV treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin and are associated with amino acid substitutions in the ISDR.ArticleHEPATOLOGY RESEARCH. 41(6):587-593 (2011)journal articl

Serum interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-12 levels and IL28B gene polymorphisms: pretreatment prediction of treatment failure in chronic hepatitis C

Background: Both IL28B gene polymorphisms and serum levels of interleukin (IL)-10, IL-12p40 and IL-18 have been reported to affect the outcome of natural and pegylated interferon and ribavirin-treated HCV infection. Methods: To clarify their association and predictive value in treatment outcome of genotype 1 HCV-infected patients, we measured pretreatment serum IL-10, IL-12p40 and IL-18 levels using multiplex assays and determined IL28B gene polymorphisms (rs 8099917) in 52 cases with chronic hepatitis C. Results: High baseline levels of IL-10 (P<0.001) and low levels of IL-12p40 (P<0.001) were significantly associated with a non-virological response (NVR) in our cohort. The IL28B polymorphism was tested and TT, TG or GG genotypes were found in 60%, 38% and 2% of patients, respectively, with corresponding NVR rates of 10%, 60% and 100% (P<0.001). Serum cytokine levels were significantly correlated with IL28B gene polymorphisms. When serum IL-10 levels were stratified at 5.0 pg/ml, NVR rates were 50% versus 0% (P=0.004) for the IT genotype and 87% versus 0% (P=0.001) for the TG or GG genotypes. Similarly, low IL-12p40 levels were associated with an NVR in patients with TG or GG genotypes (P=0.006). In multivariate analysis, high IL-10, low IL-12p40 and IL28B TG or GG genotypes were independently associated with an NVR. Conclusions: Serum IL-10 and IL-12p40 levels in combination with IL28B genotype, especially G-allele carriage, are strong predictive markers of an NVR to HCV treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin.ArticleANTIVIRAL THERAPY. 16(7):1073-1080 (2011)journal articl

Juvenile Granulosa Cell Tumor with an Unusual Clinical Course: A Late-onset and Late Recurrent Case

Juvenile granulosa cell tumors (JGCTs) are rare ovarian tumors with overall good prognoses. They differ from adult granulosa cell tumors (AGCTs), which are well known for late recurrence. Most JGCTs (～97%) occur in individuals G missense point mutation of FOXL2 gene (characteristic of AGCT but absent in JGCT) allowed differentiation from AGCT. This is the first comprehensive report of JGCT with late recurrence. Although rare, late recurrence of JGCT can occur; long-term surveillance is suggested

SBRT FOR CENTRAL LUNG TUMORS WITH 56 Gy/7 fr

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for centrally‑located lung tumors remains a challenge because of the increased risk of treatment‑related adverse events (AEs), and uncertainty around prescribing the optimal dose. The present study reported the results of central tumor SBRT with 56 Gy in 7 fractions (fr) at the University of Tokyo Hospital. A total of 35 cases that underwent SBRT with or without volumetric‑modulated arc therapy consisting of 56 Gy/7 fr for central lung lesions between 2010 and 2016 at the University of Tokyo Hospital were reveiwed. A central lesion was defined as a tumor within 2 cm of the proximal bronchial tree (RTOG 0236 definition) or within 2 cm in all directions of any critical mediastinal structure. Local control (LC), overall survival (OS), and AEs were investigated. The Kaplan‑Meier method was used to estimate LC and OS. AEs were scored per the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Version 4.0. Thirty‑five patients with 36 central lung lesions were included. Fifteen lesions were primary non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), 13 were recurrences of NSCLC, and 8 had oligo‑recurrences from other primaries. Median tumor diameter was 29 mm. Eighteen patients had had prior surgery. At a median follow‑up of 13.1 months for all patients and 18.3 months in surviving patients, 22 patients had died, ten due to primary disease (4 NSCLC), while three were treatment‑related. The 1‑ and 2‑year OS were 57.3 and 40.4%, respectively, and median OS was 15.7 months. Local recurrence occurred in only two lesions. 1‑ and 2‑year LC rates were both 96%. Nine patients experienced grade ≥3 toxicity, representing 26% of the cohort. Two of these were grade 5, one pneumonitis and one hemoptysis. Considering the background of the subject, tumor control of our central SBRT is promising, especially in primary NSCLC. However, the safety of SBRT to central lung cancer remains controversial

Association of Serum Cytokine Levels With Treatment Response to Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin Therapy in Genotype 1 Chronic Hepatitis C Patients

Methods. We quantified a total of 8 serum cytokines before, during, and after treatment in 79 genotype 1 chronic HCV patients. Viral ISDR and core region variants were determined by direct sequencing. Results. High levels of interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-18 and more than 2 mutations in the ISDR were associated with a sustained virological response (SVR). Conversely, high baseline IL-10 levels and glutamine at amino acid 70 of the HCV core protein (Gln70) were significantly associated with a nonresponse to treatment, and patients with Gln70 had significantly higher IL-10 levels. In multivariate analysis, low IL-10, high IL-12, and high IL-18 levels were independently associated with an SVR. These 3 cytokine levels were decreased from baseline levels 4 weeks into treatment and remained low in patients with an SVR. Conclusion. Serum IL-10, IL-12, and IL-18 levels are predictive of the response to HCV treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin and are associated with amino acid substitutions in the ISDR and core region.ArticleJOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES. 203(8):1087-1095 (2011)journal articl

Irregular atrial flutter following pulmonary vein isolation for persistent atrial fibrillation

AbstractA 65-year-old man with a history of refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) underwent catheter ablation for persistent AF lasting 2 months. AF was not terminated after complete isolation of the 4 pulmonary veins (PV). Instead, it was transformed to a sustained atrial tachyarrhythmia with beat-to-beat variability in the atrial cycle length. A 12-lead electrocardiogram during tachycardia showed negative flutter-like waves in the inferior leads. Entrainment pacing along the tricuspid annulus confirmed the diagnosis of irregular cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI)-dependent typical atrial flutter (AFL). Linear ablation of the CTI terminated AFL and restored sinus rhythm

Association analysis of toll-like receptor 4 polymorphisms in Japanese primary biliary cirrhosis

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is characterized by portal inflammation and immune-mediated destruction of intrahepatic bile ducts that often result in liver failure. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 recognizes lipopolysaccharides of Gram-negative bacteria. Infectious agents have been suspected to play a crucial role in PBC pathogenesis since TLR4 expression was found in bile duct epithelial cells and periportal hepatocytes in liver tissues of PBC. To assess the potential contribution of TLR4 SNPs to the development of this disease, we genotyped five SNPs in TLR4 in 261 PBC patients and 359 controls using a TaqMan assay. No significant positive associations with either PBC susceptibility or progression were uncovered. These results indicate that TLR4 polymorphisms do not play a prominent role in the development of PBC in Japanese patients. (C) 2012 American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.ArticleHUMAN IMMUNOLOGY. 74(2):219-222 (2013)journal articl