Outline of a Study of Religion in Ancient China

【研究ノート

Inhibition of Notch and HIF enhances the antitumor effect of radiation in Notch expressing lung cancer

Background: The Notch receptor plays an important role in various cell fate decisions during development and in cancer. We have previously reported that Notch3 is upregulated by radiation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines and that the Notch pathway inhibitor γ secretase inhibitor GSI (gamma-secretase inhibitor), when combined with radiation therapy, significantly suppressed the growth of lung cancer cells. However, little is known about the mechanism of Notch upregulation induced by radiation. Based on reports of Notch expression being activated through the hypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) under hypoxic conditions, we hypothesized that HIF-1 would be involved in radiation-induced Notch activation in NSCLC. Methods: Changes in HIF-1 and Notch expression in two Notch expressing NSCLC cells line after radiation treatment were examined using Western blotting. Notch expression was evaluated after the suppression of HIF-1α by small interfering RNA. The cytotoxic effect of YC-1, a HIF inhibitor, GSI and radiation was examined using the MTT assay in vitro and the xenograft model. Result: We found radiation-induced expression of HIF-1α protein at 2-6 h after treatment and upregulated expression of Notch3 protein at 24 h after treatment under hypoxic conditions. Specific suppression of HIF-1α expression downregulated the radiation-induced Notch3 activation, suggesting that the Notch pathway is activated though HIF-1α after radiation. An antitumor effect of YC-1 was evident under hypoxic conditions only when there was simultaneous radiation treatment. GSI and YC-1 had a synergistic antitumor effect in vitro, and the combination of GSI and YC-1 showed the greatest radiosensitivity in vivo. Conclusion: Radiation-induced upregulation of the Notch pathway and HIF-1α protein may be potential therapeutic targets for more effective radiation therapy

Fiber optic sensors: current status and future possibilities

This book describes important recent developments in fiber optic sensor technology and examines established and emerging applications in a broad range of fields and markets, including power engineering, chemical engineering, bioengineering, biomedical engineering, and environmental monitoring. Particular attention is devoted to niche applications where fiber optic sensors are or soon will be able to compete with conventional approaches. Beyond novel methods for the sensing of traditional parameters such as strain, temperature, and pressure, a variety of new ideas and concepts are proposed and explored. The significance of the advent of extended infrared sensors is discussed, and individual chapters focus on sensing at THz frequencies and optical sensing based on photonic crystal structures. Another important topic is the resonances generated when using thin films in conjunction with optical fibers, and the enormous potential of sensors based on lossy mode resonances, surface plasmon resonances, and long-range surface exciton polaritons. Detailed attention is also paid to fiber Bragg grating sensors and multimode interference sensors. Each chapter is written by an acknowledged expert in the subject under discussion

EBUS-GS and VBN for GGO lesions

Background: Endobronchial ultrasonography with guide sheath (EBUS-GS) could be useful for diagnosing ground-glass opacity (GGO) predominant-type lesions in the peripheral lung. Furthermore, several studies have reported that transbronchial biopsy using EBUS-GS and virtual bronchoscopic navigation (VBN) was safe and effective for diagnosing small peripheral lung lesions. Our objectives were to diagnose solitary peripheral GGO predominant-type lesions by transbronchial biopsy using EBUS-GS and VBN under radiographic fluoroscopic guidance, and to evaluate the clinical factors associated with diagnostic yield. Methods: The medical records of 169 patients with GGO predominant-type lesions who underwent transbronchial biopsy using EBUS-GS and VBN under radiographic fluoroscopic guidance were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Endobronchial ultrasonography images could be obtained for 156 (92%) of 169 GGO predominant-type lesions, and 116 (69%) were successfully diagnosed by this method (20 of 31 pure GGO lesions [65%]; 96 of 138 mixed GGO predominant-type lesions [70%]). The mean size of diagnosed lesions was significantly larger than that of nondiagnosed lesions (22 mm versus 18 mm, p < 0.01). Regarding diagnostic yield based on computed tomography sign, cases with presence of a bronchus leading directly to a lesion had significantly higher diagnostic yield than the other lesions (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The addition of VBN to EBUS-GS could be useful in clinical practice for diagnosing GGO predominant-type lesions in the peripheral lung