Cancer stem cells have been proposed to be responsible for tumorigenesis and recurrence in various neoplastic diseases, including multiple myeloma (MM). We have previously reported that MM cells ...specifically express HLA class I at high levels and that single-chain Fv diabody against this molecule markedly induces MM cell death. Here we investigated the effect of a new diabody (C3B3) on cancer stem cell-like side population (SP) cells. SP fraction of MM cells highly expressed ABCG2 and exhibited resistance to chemotherapeutic agents; however, C3B3 induced cytotoxicity in both SP cells and main population (MP) cells to a similar extent. Moreover, C3B3 suppressed colony formation and tumorigenesis of SP cells in vitro and in vivo. Crosslinking of HLA class I by C3B3 mediated disruption of lipid rafts and actin aggregation, which led to inhibition of gene expression of β-catenin and pluripotency-associated transcription factors such as Sox2, Oct3/4 and Nanog. Conversely, knockdown of Sox2 and Oct3/4 mRNA reduced the proportion of SP cells, suggesting that these factors are essential in maintenance of SP fraction in MM cells. Thus, our findings reveal that immunotherapeutic approach by engineered antibodies can overcome drug resistance, and provide a new basis for development of cancer stem cell-targeted therapy.
Nuclear states observed around threshold energies provide us with interesting problems associated with the nuclear cluster structure 1, 2, 3, 4. The first excited Jπ = 1/2+ state of 9Be 5, which is ...an α+ α + n Borromean nucleus, is one of the typical examples in light nuclei. This state of 9Be has been observed as a sharp peak above the 8Be + n threshold energy in the photo-disintegration cross section of γ+9Be→ α + α + n 6, 7. The strength of the peak has a strong influence on the reaction rate of the 9Be synthesis. We performed the calculations using an α + α + n three-body model 8, 9 and the complex scaling method (CSM), which well reproduces the observed photo-disintegration cross section. However, the result indicates that the 1/2+ state shows the s-wave virtual-state character of 8Be+n. In addition to this problem, we discuss a mirror state problem of the first excite 1/2+ state in 9B.
Summary
The present study focused on the sexual dimorphism of yellow baboon (Papio cynocephalus) to clarify its relationship with social behaviour. The degree of sexual dimorphism in the endocranial ...volume is the lowest among the investigated measurements. Among the facial measurements, the degree value of sexual dimorphism was the maximum (38.4%) for palate length and the minimum for palate breadth at the upper second molar (M2) (16.8%). Reduced major axis (RMA) regression analysis indicated that most positive allometry in relation to body mass was barely shown in the endocranial volume, palate length, palate breadth at M2 and mandibular ramal width. On the other hand, most negative allometry in relation to body mass was barely indicated in the bizygomatic breadth, skull length, humeral length and femoral length. The plate breadth at M2 in males was smaller than that in females in equivalent to body mass. The results of the present study suggest that more males have longer pointed muzzles than females, which is considered to create an impressive view of large canine teeth. This contributes to display among males and agonistic encounters rather than to necessity of increased facial size due to larger body size or dietary influences.
RNA aptamers are artificial nucleic acids that specifically bind to a wide variety of targets. They are an effective tool for pharmaceutical research and development of antiviral agents. Here, we ...describe four Hirame rhabdovirus (HIRRV)‐RNA aptamers (H1, H2, H3 and H4) that we obtained from an in vitro process called the systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). The HIRRV‐RNA aptamers specifically bind to HIRRV. Hirame natural embryo (HINAE) cells treated with virus and the RNA aptamer showed a decrease in appearance of cytopathic effect when compared with control (treated only with virus). Rhodovulum sulfidophilum was transformed with genes for the RNA aptamers, and the aptamers were detected in the culture medium, indicating that they were secreted from the cells. Thus, the recombinant R. sulfidophilum might be a powerful tool for the prevention of HIRRV in aquaculture.
Urogynecologic disorders are highly prevalent, and many physicians across various specialties will encounter and care for patients with pelvic floor disorders. Yet most medical students have had ...limited to no experience in diagnosing and managing pelvic floor disorders, resulting in a gap in clinical education.
Three virtual and interactive urogynecologic patient cases were developed on an e-learning platform with an overall goal of increasing clinical exposure to various pelvic floor disorders. The cases were integrated into the medical student obstetrics and gynecology clerkship during the 2020-2021 academic year (
= 40). Participants provided feedback regarding usability, acceptability, and educational value of the cases.
Twenty-one students (52%) completed the survey. Ninety percent (
= 19) agreed or strongly agreed that they were satisfied with the cases, and 71% (
= 15) agreed or strongly agreed that they would recommend the virtual patient cases to other students. All students (
= 21) felt that the format was easy to use and reported that the cases were appropriate for their level of learning. Most students felt that the cases increased or significantly increased their confidence regarding nonsurgical and surgical management options for pelvic floor disorders.
Our findings suggest that these interactive virtual patient cases are an acceptable, valuable, and effective tool for learners. Utilizing the cases can help mitigate existing disparities in exposure to pelvic floor disorders both highlighted by and preceding the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this study, we focused on the magnetically tunable changes in the reflectivity of the protein reflectin, which is generated by squid and used to control their body surface color for camouflage in ...seawater. A cellular organelle called an iridosome was separated from the skin of the dorsal part of a squid (cuttlefish; Sepia esculenta), and the light reflection dynamics of iridosomes containing reflectin were measured with and without exposure to a magnetic field of 500 mT. The magnetic field induced both steady and transient increases of reflection by the iridosomes, suggesting that a reversible conformational change occurred inside the iridosomes when the magnetic field was switched on and off. The intensity of light scattering perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field increased when the magnetic field was applied. This kind of behavior (Type I) occurred in the majority (60%) of the measured samples. Another kind of reflection change (Type II) was a transient increase in light reflection. It is speculated that the wave-shaped structure of the lipid membrane connected to reflectin proteins changed to enhance the light reflection of reflectin by altering the diamagnetic orientation of the lipid layer in the bent part of the membrane under the applied magnetic field. Overall, our results suggest that the mesoscale lipid layers changed their alignment diamagnetically and the length between iridescent layers was modified by the magnetic field, even though no obvious change in alignment occurred at the microscale.
Hypnotics may be used by athletes to avoid sleep disturbance or insufficient sleep the night before sports events. However, in the past, taking hypnotics for sleep disturbances resulted in an ...unsuccessful attempt due to residual effects. The purpose of this study is to assess the residual effects of eszopiclone (2 mg), one of the non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, on physical performance, psychomotor function and subjective evaluations in 12 healthy athletes. Eszopiclone did not have serious side effects in athletic evaluations. This medication significantly improved short-term memory test rather than placebo and did not impair any other objective evaluations in athletes. There was no change in well-being and fatigue scales on the following day in the eszopiclone session, but daytime alertness was significantly worsened in the subjective evaluations. Eszopiclone has a hypnotic activity without disturbing psychomotor and physical performance on the following day when given to healthy adults, suggesting eszopiclone may be used in healthy athletes to adjust their extrinsic sleep disturbances and their consecutive psychomotor and physical impairments.
The adsorption and desorption equilibrium and kinetics of lead ions from aqueous solutions on a granular activated carbon (GAC) were examined. Rapid increase followed by slow increase in Pb(II) ...amount on the GAC was observed as a function of time for the adsorption, while rapid decrease and consecutive very slow decrease was observed in desorption. Based on the experimental results, a two-site adsorption model was proposed for the adsorption and the desorption of Pb(II) under the study conditions. The Pb(II) adsorption on the GAC was estimated to have simultaneously occurred on the strong and the weak adsorption sites. Conventional Langmuir-type kinetic equations were introduced to quantitatively predict the adsorption and desorption with the two-site model by optimizing the parameters to fit the equilibrium and the kinetic experimental results. The equilibrium and kinetic experimental results could be represented by the equations by using one set of the common Langmuir parameters. Resultant kinetic parameters revealed that the adsorption equilibrium constant was two orders of magnitude greater for strong adsorption site than for weak adsorption site, though the maximum number of weak adsorption site was 1.5 times as great as that of strong adsorption site. The strong adsorption equilibrium constant resulted from a small desorption rate constant for the site. The equations were demonstrated to be applicable for predicting other desorption performances as well.
Field-collected specimens of glossiphoniid leeches, Torix tagoi, Torix tukubana, Hemiclepsis marginata, and Hemiclepsis japonica, were surveyed for Rickettsia infection by using a diagnostic PCR ...assay. Rickettsia was detected in 96% (69/72) of T. tagoi, 83% (24/29) of T. tukubana, 29% (33/113) of H. marginata, and 0% (0/30) of H. japonica. The frequencies of Rickettsia infection were stably maintained in different seasons. In H. marginata and T. tukubana, distant local populations exhibited remarkably different frequencies of Rickettsia infection. Eggs carried by infected females of T. tagoi and H. marginata were all Rickettsia-positive, indicating nearly 100% vertical transmission. Analysis of 16S rDNA sequences revealed that phylogenetic relationship of the leech-associated Rickettsia reflected the specific and populational divisions of the host leeches. However, circumstantial lines of evidence strongly suggested that horizontal transmission of Rickettsia must have occurred in the ancestors of these leeches. In T. tagoi and T. tukubana, infected individuals were remarkably larger in size than uninfected individuals, whereas in H. marginata, infected and uninfected individuals were almost comparable in size. This study first provides information on ecological aspects of leech-bone endocellular bacteria of the genus Rickettsia. On the basis of these data, we discuss possible mechanisms whereby Rickettsia infection is maintained in natural populations of these leeches in the freshwater ecosystem.
Vapour shielding at solid walls is expected for a future fusion reactor in case of large heat load due to transient events. In order to estimate the dissipation of the incoming heat flux by the ...vapour shielding, a simulation code called PIXY, using a weighted particle model, is developed. First, a validation study is undertaken. Vapour shielding of an aluminium‐coated tungsten specimen was experimentally observed in a plasma gun device. Results are reproduced by the PIXY simulation. Then, the code is applied to the transient edge‐localized mode (ELM) heat flux for the reactor condition. It was found that the ion–neutral collision, as well as radiative cooling, is a dominant phenomenon for the heat flux dissipation in both cases. As the maximum heat flux increases, oscillating phenomena appear remarkably, which have been observed in other experimental studies on vapour shielding.
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