Feasibility study of a novel wireless localization technique using radiofrequency identification markers for small and deeply located lung lesions

Objectives: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel wireless localization technique that uses radiofrequency identification markers for small and deep lung lesions. Methods: Preliminary use of the device was retrospectively evaluated in 2 Japanese centers. Under general anesthesia, a marker was placed as close as possible to the tumor via computed tomography-guided bronchoscopy in a hybrid operation theater. Surgeons located the marker without lung palpation using a detection probe the tone of which changed to indicate the marker-probe distance. Efficacy was defined as functional marker placement (bronchoscopy time and marker position) and deep margin distance. Results: Twelve markers were placed for 11 lesions (mean size, 6.8 ± 2.7 mm) located at a mean depth from the pleura of 11.4 ± 8.4 mm (range = 0-26.0 mm). Of 12 markers, 7 markers (58.3%) were placed within 10 mm from the lesion in 25.5 ± 14.4 minutes. For the 11 wedge resections, markers were placed at a mean distance of 6.7 mm (range, 0-13.0 mm) from the lesion and a mean distance of 14.4 mm (range, 3.0-42.0 mm) from the pleura. All markers were recovered without complications, and all tumors were resected with negative margins. For 5 lesions >10 mm deep to the pleura (mean depth, 18.9 ± 5.5 mm; range, 11.0-26.0 mm), the median depth of the surgical margin was 11.6 ± 2.1 mm (range, 9.0-14.0 mm). Conclusions: Radiofrequency identification marking was safe and precisely localized small lung lesions, including their depth

Monitoring of IP3 dynamics during Ca2+ oscillations in HSY human parotid cell line with FRET-based IP3 biosensors

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) is an intracellular messenger that elicits a wide range of spatial and temporal Ca2+ signals, and this signaling versatility is exploited to regulate diverse cellular responses. In the present study, we have developed a series of IP3 biosensors that exhibit strong pH stability and varying affinities for IP3, as well as a method for the quantitative measurement of cytosolic concentrations of IP3 ([IP3]i) in single living cells. We applied this method to elucidate IP3 dynamics during agonist-induced Ca2+ oscillations, and demonstrated cell type-dependent differences in IP3 dynamics ; a non-fluctuating rise in [IP3]i and repetitive IP3 spikes during Ca2+ oscillations in COS-7 cells and HSY-EA1 cells, respectively. The size of the IP3 spikes in HSY-EA1 cells varied from 10 to 100 nM, and the [IP3]i spike peak was preceded by a Ca2+ spike peak. These results suggest that repetitive IP3 spikes in HSY-EA1 cells are passive reflections of Ca2+ oscillations, and are unlikely to be essential for driving Ca2+ oscillations. The novel method described herein as well as the quantitative information obtained by using this method should provide a valuable and sound basis for future studies on the spatial and temporal regulations of IP3 and Ca2+

Reduction of Mevalonate Pyrophosphate Decarboxylase in Mouse Melanoma Cells Treated with δ-Toeotrienol Is Not Associated with Reduction of Cholesterol Content or Release of Lysosomes and Melanosomes

σ-tocotrienolの引き起こす副作用(細胞からのリソソーム放出と細胞のcholesterol含有量減少)について検討した。また、メラノソーム(リソソームに関連した細胞小器官)の放出についても調べた。β-glucuronidase(メラノソームおよびリソソーム酵素)活性、melanin含有量(メラノソームマーカー)、tyrosinase(メラノソーム酵素)活性は、細胞培養培地において増加しなかったため、リソソーム、メラノソームのどちらも、σ-tocotrienolで処理した細胞からは放出されなかった。Mevalonate pyrophosphate decarboxylase(MPD、cholesterolの合成酵素)は、σ-tocotrienolで処理した細胞において有意に減少したが、cholesterol含有量は減少しなかった。σ-tocotrienolはMPDを引き起こすが、σ-tocotrienolは色素過剰の治療薬または予防薬として、また重症の副作用(cholesterol含有量の減少とリソソーム/メラノソームの放出)を引き起こさないホワイトニングおよび/または美白化粧品の成分として有用となる可能性が示唆された。σ-tocotrienolの引き起こす副作用(細胞からのリソソーム放出と細胞のcholesterol含有量減少)について検討した。また、メラノソーム(リソソームに関連した細胞小器官)の放出についても調べた。β-glucuronidase(メラノソームおよびリソソーム酵素)活性、melanin含有量(メラノソームマーカー)、tyrosinase(メラノソーム酵素)活性は、細胞培養培地において増加しなかったため、リソソーム、メラノソームのどちらも、σ-tocotrienolで処理した細胞からは放出されなかった。Mevalonate pyrophosphate decarboxylase(MPD、cholesterolの合成酵素)は、σ-tocotrienolで処理した細胞において有意に減少したが、cholesterol含有量は減少しなかった。σ-tocotrienolはMPDを引き起こすが、σ-tocotrienolは色素過剰の治療薬または予防薬として、また重症の副作用(cholesterol含有量の減少とリソソーム/メラノソームの放出)を引き起こさないホワイトニングおよび/または美白化粧品の成分として有用となる可能性が示唆された

Spectral analysis of erector spinae muscle surface electro-myography as an index of exercise performance in maximal treadmill running

Thirteen male athletes (mean 20.7 years) participated in the present study which investigated the relationship between mean power frequency (MPF) and exercise intensity determined from gas analysis during maximal treadmill running. All subjects performed two consecutive ramp exercise tests on the treadmill. Myoelectric signals from surface electrodes on the erector spinae muscles were digitized and MPF was calculated every ten seconds. Gas exchange data was collected using an automated breath-by-breath system, from which the anaerobic threshold (AT), respiratory gas exchange ratio (R=VCO2/VO2) and %VO2=VO2/VO2max were obtained. During loading, MPF showed a steady decrease, followed by a sudden fall to a base level in both tests. After loading, MPF recovered within 30 seconds in all subjects. The test-retest reliability coefficient of MPF and R at the point of sudden fall in MPF were0.757 (p=0.0018), and 0.808 (p=0.0004). These findings suggest that a sudden fall and a base level of MPF indicate local muscle fatigue, and the spectral analysis of trunk muscle surface EMG provides a reliable index of exercise performance in maximal treadmill running

Analysis of Cs Removal Process from Phytoliths by FIB-TOF-SIMS

We have been conducting research on the development and analysis of FIB-TOF-SIMS (Focused Ion Beam Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry) instrumentation. As a part of this research, we are also working on the content of research for decontamination activities in the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. In our previous study, we confirmed that Cs is adsorbed on phytolith, which is a silicate material contained in plants. In this study, we analyzed the desorption process of Cs from plant opal using FIB-TOF-SIMS from the viewpoint of heat treatment