Suzaku Observation of Abell 1555 and Abell 1558: Searching for Non-thermal Emission from Large Scale Structure Formation

We report X-ray observations of two galaxy clusters Abell 1555 and Abell 1558 with Suzaku, which are included in a large scale filamentary structure and a supercluster, to search for non-thermal emission driven by shocks produced in structure formation. These two clusters are detected by Suzaku/XIS for the first time in the X-ray band of 0.5-7 keV. No significant flux is detected by HXD in the energy band of 13-40 keV, and upper limits are reported. From the analysis of the XIS data, we find that the spectrum of A1555 is fit by a thermal plus power-law model, significantly better than a single-temperature pure thermal spectrum. If this power-law component is due to inverse-Compton scattering, the fraction of total baryon energy imparted to non-thermal electrons is consistent with the typical value inferred from the observation of other clusters. However, other scenarios (e.g., under lying AGNs, multi-temperature thermal models) cannot be excluded and further investigation of this system is desired. Basic physical properties of A1555 (e.g., total mass) are also reported.Comment: 10 pages, 6 figures. Accepted for publication in the PAS

Development of a low-alpha-emitting {\mu}-PIC for NEWAGE direction-sensitive dark-matter search

NEWAGE is a direction-sensitive dark-matter-search experiment that uses a micro-patterned gaseous detector, or {\mu}-PIC, as the readout. The main background sources are {\alpha}-rays from radioactive contaminants in the {\mu}-PIC. We have therefore developed a low-alpha-emitting {\mu}-PICs and measured its performances. We measured the surface {\alpha}-ray emission rate of the {\mu}-PIC in the Kamioka mine using a surface {\alpha}-ray counter based on a micro TPC.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figure

Recovery of Cryo-injured Rabbit Urethras by Biofabricated C-shaped Adipose-derived Mesenchymal Cell Structures

Article信州医学雑誌 68(6): 357-370(2020)journal articl

Pathways Involving Beta-3 Adrenergic Receptors Modulate Cold Stress-Induced Detrusor Overactivity in Conscious Rats

ObjectiveTo investigate pathways involving beta-3 adrenergic receptors (ARs) in detrusor overactivity induced by cold stress, we determined if the beta-3 AR agonist CL316243 could modulate the cold stress-induced detrusor overactivity in normal rats. MethodsTwodays prior to cystometric investigations, the bladders of 10-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were cannulated. Cystometric measurements of the unanesthetized, unrestricted rats were taken to estimate baseline values at room temperature (RT, 272 degrees C) for 20min. They were then intravenously administered vehicle, 0.1, or 1.0mg/kg CL316243 (n=6 in each group). Fiveminutes after the treatments, they were gently and quickly transferred to the low temperature (LT, 42 degrees C) room for 40min where the cystometric measurements were again made. Afterward, the rats were returned to RT for final cystometric measurements. The cystometric effects of CL316243 were also measured at RT (n=6 in each group). ResultsAt RT, both low and high dose of CL316243 decreased basal and micturition pressure while the high dose (1.0mg/kg) significantly increased voiding interval and bladder capacity. During LT exposure, the high dose of CL316243 partially reduced cold stress-induced detrusor overactivity characterized by increased basal pressure and urinary frequency. The high drug dose also significantly inhibited the decreases of both voiding interval and bladder capacity compared to the vehicle- and low dose (0.1mg/kg)-treated rats. ConclusionA high dose of the beta-3 agonist CL316243 could modulate cold stress-induced detrusor overactivity. Therefore, one of the mechanisms in cold stress-induced detrusor overactivity includes a pathway involving beta-3 ARs.ArticleLUTS-LOWER URINARY TRACT SYMPTOMS.7(1):50-55(2014)journal articl

Combined treatment with β3-adrenergic receptor agonist and a muscarinic receptor antagonist inhibits detrusor overactivity induced by cold stress in spontaneously hypertensive rats

AimsThis study determined if combined treatment with the muscarinic receptor (MR) antagonist solifenacin and the (3)-adrenergic receptor (AR) agonist mirabegron could inhibit detrusor overactivity induced by cold stress in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). MethodsThirty-two female 10-week-old SHRs were fed an 8% NaCl-supplemented diet for 4 weeks. Cystometric measurements of the unanesthetized, unrestricted rats were performed at room temperature (RT, 272 degrees C) for 20min. The rats were then intravenously administered vehicle, 0.1mg/kg solifenacin alone, 0.1mg/kg mirabegron alone, or the combination of 0.1mg/kg mirabegron and 0.1mg/kg solifenacin (n=8 each group). Five minutes later, the treated rats were exposed to low temperature (LT, 42 degrees C) for 40min. Finally, the rats were returned to RT. After the cystometric investigations, the (3)-ARs and M-3-MRs expressed within the urinary bladders were analyzed. ResultsJust after transfer from RT to LT, vehicle-, solifenacin-, and mirabegron-treated SHRs exhibited detrusor overactivity that significantly decreased voiding interval and bladder capacity. However, treatment with the combination of solifenacin and mirabegron partially inhibited the cold stress-induced detrusor overactivity patterns. The decreases of voiding interval and bladder capacity in the combination-treated rats were significantly inhibited compared to other groups. Within the urinary bladders, there were no differences between expression levels of M-3-MR and (3)-AR mRNA. The tissue distribution of M-3-MRs was similar to that of the (3)-ARs. ConclusionsThis study suggested that the combination of solifenacin and mirabegron act synergistically to inhibit the cold stress-induced detrusor overactivity in SHRs. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:1026-1033, 2017. (c) 2016 The Authors. Neurourology and Urodynamics Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.ArticleNEUROUROLOGY AND URODYNAMICS.36(4):1026-1033(2016)journal articl

Expression of 5-Hydroxytryptamine Receptors in Human Urinary Bladders with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Introduction: This study investigated the mRNA expression pattern and distribution of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, 5-HT3A, 5-HT4, and 5-HT7 within the urothelium and detrusor of normal bladder tissue and in the urothelium of bladders from patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods: Normal urinary bladder specimens were obtained from 13 patients undergoing radical cystectomy due to bladder cancer (normal group) and BPH specimens were obtained from 27 benign prostatic obstruction patients receiving transurethral prostatectomy or retropubic prostatectomy. Receptor subtype mRNA expression was determined by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction on urothelium, detrusor, and whole mucosal preparations. Receptor distribution was determined by immunohistochemistry. Results: In normal tissues, expressions of 5-HT2B and 5-HT7 receptor mRNAs in the urothelium, detrusor, and whole mucosa were greater than the average expression for all receptor subtype mRNAs. 5-HT2B receptor protein was distributed in the apical urothelium and among the detrusor smooth muscle layers. In contrast, the 5-HT7 receptors were within the urothelium middle cell layers and detrusor smooth muscle cells. The expression pattern of each 5-HT receptor subtype mRNA within the BPH urothelium was similar to that in the normal urothelium. The expression level of 5-HT2A receptor mRNA in the BPH group was significantly lower than the normal group; however, the expressions of both 5-HT3A and 5-HT7 mRNAs were significantly higher. The expressions of both 5-HT2B and 5-HT4 mRNAs were not significantly different between the normal and BPH groups. Conclusion: In normal urinary bladders, the expressions of both 5-HT2B and 5-HT7 mRNAs were higher compared to the 5-HT2A, 5-HT3A, and 5-HT4 mRNAs. The distributions of 5-HT2B and 5-HT7 receptors were different in the urothelium and detrusor layers. The 5-HT3A and 5-HT7 receptor mRNAs in the BPH group were significantly higher compared to the normal urothelium, while the 5-HT2A mRNA was significantly lower.ArticleADVANCES IN THERAPY.32:S29-S37(2015)journal articl

Treatment for recurrence after esophagectomy

Background : With regard to the recurrence of esophageal cancer after surgery, the prognosis has improved with the progress of multimodal perioperative treatment. In this study, the recurrence pattern, treatment method, and prognosis of recurrent cases following esophageal cancer surgery were retrospectively examined. Materials and Methods : Three hundred seven patients with histologically proven squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and others were enrolled in the study. With respect to clinicopathologic factors and recurrence patterns, recurrence risk factors, recurrence period, treatment for recurrence, and prognosis were investigated. Results : Ninety two percent of all recurrent cases were observed within two years after radical esophagectomy. Locoregional recurrence, distant recurrence, and mixed recurrence were observed in 38 (35%), 56 (51%), and 16 (14%) cases, respectively. Patients with lymph node metastasis showed a significantly longer survival in comparison to those with metastasis to other organs (p = 0.0032). When analyzed using the treatment method, patients who underwent surgery (only surgery or additional postoperative chemotherapy) exhibited better survival in comparison to those who underwent other treatments. Discussion : Detailed and strict follow-up within two years are necessary in cases with deeper than muscular invasion, cases with extensive lymph node metastasis, or cases with lymphatic or vascular invasion

Increased nerve growth factor expression in the synovial tissues of patients with rotator cuff tears

BACKGROUND: Rotator cuff tears (RCTs) are often associated with severe shoulder pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, not recommended for long-term use, do not effectively manage RCT-induced pain, resulting in reduced quality of life. To improve management, a better understanding of the fundamental properties of RCT pain is needed. Here, we aimed to compare the expression levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA in the synovial tissues of patients with RCT-induced pain and patients with non-painful recurrent shoulder dislocation (RSD). METHODS: The study included 32 patients with RCT who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and 28 patients with non-painful RSD who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair. Synovial tissue samples were harvested from subacromial bursa and rotator interval of RCT patients and from the rotator interval of RSD patients. Samples were analyzed quantitatively expression levels for NGF and COX2 mRNA and NGF protein. RESULTS: NGF mRNA and protein levels were significantly higher in the rotator interval of RCT patients than in the rotator interval of RSD patients (p = 0.0017, p = 0.012, respectively), while COX2 mRNA levels did not differ significantly between the two patient groups. In RCT patients, COX2 mRNA was more highly expressed in the rotator interval than in the subacromial bursa (p = 0.038), whereas the mRNA and protein levels of NGF did not differ between the two tissues. The expression of NGF mRNA in the synovium of the rotator interval was significantly correlated with the numeric rating scale of pain (ρ = 0.38, p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: NGF mRNA and protein levels were elevated in patients with painful RCT compared with those in patients with non-painful RSD, whereas COX-2 levels were comparable in the two patient groups. These findings provide insights into novel potential strategies for clinical management of RCT