Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

DOI： 10.1016/j.apradiso.2020.109271

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Graduate School of Environmental Science, Okayama University  

DOI： 10.3107/jesss.9.1

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

DOI： 10.12950/rsm.180918

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：SPRINGER  

Monoterpenes are naturally occurring hydrocarbons composed of two units of isoprenes. They exhibit antioxidant activity to scavenge reactive oxygen species, such as hydroxyl radicals. We investigated the potential of monoterpenes such as thymol, linalool, and menthol to act as radioprotectants. The proliferation of EL4 cells, a mouse lymphoma cell line, treated with linalool at a concentration of 500 mu M or more was not affected by X-ray irradiation. Plasmid-nicking assay performed using formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase showed that linalool prevented single strand breaks and oxidized purines on pUC19 plasmid DNA. These findings indicate that linalool has the ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species and is a potential radioprotector.

DOI： 10.1007/s10967-017-5268-0

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：IMPACT JOURNALS LLC  

To study the mechanisms of gastric tumorigenesis, we have established CSN cell line from human normal gastric mucosa, and CS12, a tumorigenic and invasive gastric cancer cell line from CSN passages. Many stem cell markers were expressed in both CSN and CS12 cells, but LGR5 and NANOG were expressed only in CS12 cells. Increased expression of homeobox A13 (HoxA13) and its downstream cascades was significant for the tumorigenic activity of CS12 cells, and was associated with recruitment of E2F-1 to HoxA13 promoter accompanied with increased trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4me3) at the hypomethylated E2F motifs. Knockdown of HoxA13 caused the downregulation of long non-coding RNA HOTTIP and insulin growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) genes, indicating that both were targets of HoxA13. Concurrent regulation of HoxA13-HOTTIP was mediated by the mixed lineage leukemia-WD repeat domain 5 complex, which caused the trimethylation of H3K4 and then stimulated cell proliferation. HoxA13 transactivated the IGFBP-3 promoter through the HOX-binding site. Activation of IGFBP-3 stimulated the oncogenic potential and invasion activity. Increased expression of HoxA13 (63.2%) and IGFBP-3 (28.6%) was detected in human gastric cancer tissues and was found in the gastric cancer data of The Cancer Genome Atlas. Taken together, the HoxA13 HOTTIP IGFBP-3 cascade is critical for the carcinogenic characteristics of CS12 cells.

DOI： 10.18632/oncotarget.9102

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：SPRINGER  

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) is a main mineral constituent of bone and tooth and has an outstanding bio-compatibility. HAP is a possible sorbent for heavy metals in wastewater due to its high adsorption capacity and low water solubility. We developed a removal system of Sr-90 from aqueous solution by HAP column procedure. More than 90 % of Sr-90 was adsorbed and removed from the Sr-90 containing solution. Divalent cations, Ca2+, had little effect on the removal of Sr-90 up to a concentration of 1 mmol L-1. This clearly indicates that the HAP column technique is advantageous with respect to the capacity to adsorb Sr-90 from water present in the environment.

DOI： 10.1007/s10967-015-4228-9

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

DOI： 10.11269/jjrsm.14.91

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Japanese Society of Radiation Safety Management  

Passive diffusion sampling has been widely used to monitor organic and inorganic pollutants in the environment. We herein developed a new and simple passive diffusion sampling method to monitor ¹⁴C in the indoor working environment of radioisotope facilities. The badge-type Shikata sampler is an open-end type with no diffusion cap that fits a collection filter with a diameter of 25 mm. This sampler could efficiently collect indoor ¹⁴C with good reliability and a collection efficiency that was 10-fold higher than that of the conventional active pumped method. The Shikata sampler is small, simple, and easy to handle. It may be subsidiary used to monitor indoor ¹⁴C concentrations in radioisotope working rooms, in which radioactivity must be measured once a month as recommended by the Industrial Safety and Health Law.<br>

DOI： 10.12950/rsm.14.9

CiNii Article

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Other Link： http://search.jamas.or.jp/link/ui/2016061476

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：SPRINGER JAPAN KK  

One year after the deposition of radionuclides from the Fukushima 1 Nuclear Power Plant (A formal name is Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station) in March 2011, radiocesium (Cs-134, Cs-137) concentrations ([Cs]) were comprehensively investigated in the wild plants of 99 species most of which were annual or summer green perennial herbs and started to grow from April 2012 at the heavily contaminated fields of paddy (three study sites) and upland (one study site) in Fukushima Prefecture. The survey was conducted three times (April, July and October) in the year. In each site, soils (soil cores of 5-cm depth) and plants (aerial shoots) were collected for determination of [Cs] on a dry weight basis, and then the transfer factor (TF) of radiocesium from soil to plant ([Cs](plant)/[Cs](soil)) was estimated in each species. The [Cs] values of both soils and plants largely varied. However, some species exhibited relatively high TF values (more than 0.4) (e.g., Athyrium yokoscense, Dryopteris tokyoensis, and Cyperus brevifolius), while others exhibited almost negligible values (less than 0.01) (e.g., Salix miyabeana, Humulus scandens, and Elymus tsukushiensis). In addition, judging from the 11 species grown in both paddy and upland fields, TF values were generally higher in the paddy fields. The estimation of phytoextraction efficiency of soil radiocesium by weed communities in the paddy fields suggests that the weed community is not a practical candidate for phytoremediation technique.

DOI： 10.1007/s10265-013-0605-z

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Authorship：Lead author   Language：Japanese   Publisher：Japanese Society of Radiation Safety Management  

We proposed a practical protocol for the safe handling of radiation and radioisotopes using the naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) ⁸⁷Rb and ⁴⁰K. The protocol can be utilized for the education and training course for radiation handling workers. Rubidium chloride solutions were used for the practice of dilution of unsealed radioisotopes instead of ³²P. Rubidium chloride and potassium chloride solid radiation sources were used for the practice of monitoring of the surface contamination using the GM survey meter instead of ³²P and ¹⁴C. Rubidium chloride solutions were also used for the practice of the contamination check by the smear method. Substitution of the radioisotopes under the Laws Concerning the Prevention from Radiation Hazards due to Radioisotope and others to NORMs can be successfully achieved without notable demerits. We supposed that most of the practice for the safe handling of radioisotopes could be carried out outside a controlled area.<br>

DOI： 10.11269/jjrsm.13.166

CiNii Article

CiNii Books

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Other Link： https://jlc.jst.go.jp/DN/JALC/10041555346?from=CiNii

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Ion exchange is a simple and efficient method for separating no-carrier-added 64Cu from an irradiated Ni target. We developed a semi-automated two-round 64Cu separation system equipped with a strong-base anion exchange resin column. We first verified the efficiency of the system using a non-radioactive substitute consisting of 25 mg of Ni and 127 ng of Cu, and confirmed that Cu was completely eluted at the second round of the separation step. After the bombardment, separation of 64Cu from the Ni target was achieved with high radiochemical purity. 64Cu produced and separated in this study had an extremely low level of Ni impurity. It could be used for labeling monoclonal antibodies for antibody positron emission tomography imaging and synthesizing radiopharmaceuticals. © 2012 The Author(s).

DOI： 10.1007/s10967-012-2340-7

Scopus

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Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：BIOMED CENTRAL LTD  

Background: Identification of new cancer antigens is necessary for the efficient diagnosis and immunotherapy. A variety of tumor antigens have been identified by several methodologies. Among those antigens, cancer/testis (CT) antigens have became promising targets.
Methods: The serological identification of antigens by the recombinant expression cloning (SEREX) methodology has been successfully used for the identification of cancer/testis (CT) antigens. We performed the SEREX analysis of colon cancer.
Results: We isolated a total of 60 positive cDNA clones comprising 38 different genes. They included 2 genes with testis-specific expression profiles in the UniGene database, such as TEKT5 and a CT-like gene, A kinase anchoring protein 3 (AKAP3). Quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis showed that the expression of TEKT5 was restricted to the testis in normal adult tissues. In malignant tissues, TEKT5 was aberrantly expressed in a variety of cancers, including colon cancer. A serological survey of 101 cancer patients with different cancers by ELISA revealed antibodies to TEKT5 in 13 patients, including colon cancer. None of the 16 healthy donor serum samples were reactive in the same test.
Conclusion: We identified candidate new CT antigen of colon cancer, TEKT5. The findings indicate that TEKT5 is immunogenic in humans, and suggest its potential use as diagnostic as well as an immunotherapeutic reagent for cancer patients.

DOI： 10.1186/1471-2407-12-520

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Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD  

Serological analysis of a recombinant cDNA expression library (SEREX) derived from two lung adenocarcinoma cancer cell lines using autologous sera led to the isolation of 41 positive cDNA clones comprising 28 different antigens. They coded for a variety of nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins. Among the antigens, nucleoporin 107 (NUP107) was isolated most frequently (5 of 41 clones). The second most frequently isolated antigen was coded for by C21orf58 (4 of 41 clones). During serological analysis of selected antigens based on their reactivity to sera from normal individuals and lung cancer patients, none of the antigens showed a cancer-restricted recognition pattern. However, five genes including NUP107 showed higher expression when we examined the changes in gene expression in five different adenocarcinoma cell lines, including those used in SEREX, compared with their levels in normal lung tissues by cDNA microarray analysis. On the other hand, the expression levels of five genes including C21orf58 were down regulated in all adenocarcinoma cell lines. This SEREX study combining comprehensive gene expression assays has added to the growing list of lung cancer antigens, which may aid the development of diagnostic and immunotherapeutic reagents for patients with lung cancer. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.canlet.2010.10.024

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Japanese Society of Radiation Safety Management  

DOI： 10.12950/rsm.10.8

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Japanese Society of Radiation Safety Management  

Radioactive waste generated from research laboratories and other facilities is regulated by the Law Concerning Prevention from Radiation Hazards due to Radioisotopes etc. (Prevention Law). However, the Prevention Law does not provide the level of clearance or the procedures to follow for compliance monitoring. To assess radioactivity amounts for making decisions about clearance levels, the radioactivity levels in dry solid semi-combustible wastes generated from biomedical research, such as ⁵¹Cr-release assays, were measured and evaluated. Radioactivity of semi-combustible waste was 1.42-6.32% of the initial level. In comparison, records for the past 8 years in the Shikata Laboratory, Department of Radiation Research, Okayama University Advanced Science Research Center, indicated 7% to 90% of the initial radioactivity remained in the waste and was differed widely among researchers. This study determined an accurate radioactivity level in dry solid waste, which could lead to savings in disposal costs.<br>

DOI： 10.12950/rsm.9.7

CiNii Article

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Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：NATL ACAD SCIENCES  

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease resulting from defects in central and peripheral tolerance and characterized by T cell-mediated destruction of islet beta cells. Cytotoxic CD8(+) T cells, reactive to beta cell antigens, are required for T1D development in the NOD mouse model of the disease, and CD8(+) T cells specific for beta cell antigens can be detected in the peripheral blood of T1D patients. It has been evident that in nonautoimmune-prone mice, dendritic cells (DCs) present model antigens in a tolerogenic manner in the steady state, e.g., in the absence of infection, and cause T cells to proliferate initially but then to be deleted or rendered unresponsive. However, this fundamental concept has not been evaluated in the setting of a spontaneous autoimmune disease. To do so, we delivered a mimotope peptide, recognized by the diabetogenic CD8(+) T cell clone A14 to DCs in NOD mice via the endocytic receptor DEC-205. Proliferation of transferred antigen-specific T cells was initially observed, but this was followed by deletion. Tolerance was achieved because rechallenge of mice with the mimotope peptide in adjuvant did not induce an immune response. Thus, targeting of DCs with P cell antigens leads to deletion of autoreactive CD8+ T cells even in the context of ongoing autoimmunity in NOD mice with known tolerance defects. Our results provide support for the development of DC targeting of self antigens for treatment of chronic T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases.

DOI： 10.1073/pnas.0802644105

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Japanese Society of Radiation Safety Management  

DOI： 10.12950/rsm2002.7.6

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：WILEY-LISS  

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) is postulated to be a mediator of growth suppression signals. Here, we examined the methylation status of IGFBP-3 to correlate to clinicopathological factors in human cancers. The methylation status of IGFBP-3 was determined by bisulfite DNA sequencing and was correlated with expression semi-quantified by real-time RT-PCR to develop a methylation-specific PCR (MSP) assay for IGFBP-3. Using the MSP assay, we examined the methylation status of IGFBP-3 in gastric cancer (GC), colorectal cancer (CRC), breast cancer (BC) and malignant mesothelioma (MM). IGFBP-3 methylation was detected in 6 of 13 (46%) and 16 of 24 (67%) GC cell lines and tumors, respectively; 4 of 8 (50%) and 15 of 26 (58%) CRC cell lines and tumors, respectively; 3 of 11 (27%) and 7 of 39 (18%) BC cell lines and tumors, respectively and 1 of 5 (20%) and 18 of 56 (32%) MM cell lines and tumors, respectively. Interestingly, the methylation status of MM specimens from Japanese patients (75%, 12 out of 16 patients) was significantly higher than those from the USA (15%, 6 out of 40 patients) (p &lt; 0.0001), suggesting the presence of ethnic differences in the IGFBP-3 methylation status. We also found that IGFBP-3 methylation was preferentially present in GCs arising in the lower-third of the stomach (p = 0.079). In summary, our results showed that IGFBP-3 methylation played an important role in the silencing of its expression, suggesting that IGFBP-3 may act as a tumor suppressor gene in several human cancers examined. (c) 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

DOI： 10.1002/ijc.22341

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：PROFESSOR D A SPANDIDOS  

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) is a mediator of growth suppression signals and a putative tumor suppressor gene. The growth suppression mechanisms of IGFBP-3 have not been well clarified. We examined the expression of IGFBP-3 transcripts in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the relationship between IGFBP-3 expression and the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and/or retinoblastoma (Rb) signaling pathways. In situ hybridization revealed IGFBP-3 transcripts in cancer cells in 6 of 57 (10%) HCCs, including moderately and poorly differentiated HCCs with intrahepatic metastasis. In contrast, all lung metastatic nodules of 4 HCCs showed IGFBP-3 transcripts in cancer cells. The cDNA microarray showed that genes for the TGF-beta pathway and Rb were up-regulated in IGFBP-3-expressing HCCs. In 6 HCCs presenting IGFBP-3, immunohistochemical analyses showed abnormalities in the TGF-beta and/or Rb pathways; the loss of phosphorylated-Smad2 was observed in 2, and overexpression of phosphorylated-Rb was observed in the remaining 4 HCCs. The present study suggests that IGFBP-3 mediates growth suppression signals via the TGF-beta and/or Rb pathways in HCC.

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：BLACKWELL PUBLISHING ASIA  

Background: Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in humans is characterized by hypervascularity. In the present study, the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) and endostatin were analyzed in patients with chronic liver disease to clarify the effect of these major angiogenic factors.
Methods: Serum concentrations of VEGF, FGF-2 and endostatin in 24 patients with HCC, 16 patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) and 13 healthy volunteers were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of VEGF in 21 surgically resected HCC samples was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, and that of VEGF isoforms in 15 HCC samples was assessed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
Results: Serum VEGF, FGF-2 and endostatin concentrations were significantly elevated in patients with HCC compared with healthy volunteers; but there was no significant difference between patients with HCC and those with non-HCC liver disease. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that VEGF protein was strongly expressed in both well-differentiated HCC cells and non-cancerous hepatocytes, whereas in moderately and poorly differentiated HCC the expression was stronger in the endothelial cells (EC) lining intratumor vessels than in the cancer cells. On RT-PCR for VEGF isoforms it was found that VEGF-121, VEGF-165 and VEGF-189 were expressed in all but one of the HCC samples and in all corresponding non-HCC samples.
Conclusions: The results suggest that VEGF, FGF-2, and endostatin concentrations are elevated prior to the emergence of HCC and that the distribution of VEGF changes dynamically during the development of HCC. (C) 2005 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

DOI： 10.1111/j.1400-1746.2005.03726.x

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Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：BIOMED CENTRAL LTD  

Background: Insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-3 functions as a carrier of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) in circulation and a mediator of the growth suppression signal in cells. There are two reported p53 regulatory regions in the IGFBP3 gene; one upstream of the promoter and one intronic. We previously reported a hot spot of promoter hypermethylation of IGFBP-3 in human hepatocellular carcinomas and derivative cell lines. As the hot spot locates at the putative upstream p53 consensus sequences, these p53 consensus sequences are really functional is a question to be answered.
Methods: In this study, we examined the p53 consensus sequences upstream of the IGFBP-3 promoter for the p53 induced expression of IGFBP-3. Deletion, mutagenesis, and methylation constructs of IGFBP-3 promoter were assessed in the human hepatoblastoma cell line HepG2 for promoter activity.
Results: Deletions and mutations of these sequences completely abolished the expression of IGFBP-3 in the presence of p53 overexpression. In vitro methylation of these p53 consensus sequences also suppressed IGFBP-3 expression. In contrast, the expression of IGFBP-3 was not affected in the absence of p53 overexpression. Further, we observed by electrophoresis mobility shift assay that p53 binding to the promoter region was diminished when methylated.
Conclusion: From these observations, we conclude that four out of eleven p53 consensus sequences upstream of the IGFBP-3 promoter are essential for the p53 induced expression of IGFBP-3, and hypermethylation of these sequences selectively suppresses p53 induced IGFBP-3 expression in HepG2 cells.

DOI： 10.1186/1471-2407-5-9

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：BLACKWELL PUBLISHING ASIA  

Background and Aim: Telomerase activation is essential for the immortality of cancer cells. The expression of telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), the catalytic component of the telomerase complex, regulates telomerase activity in human cancers. Amplification of the hTERT gene, located at chromosome 5p, is thought to be a potential genetic event contributing to telomerase activation in sporadic tumors.
Methods: The amplification of the hTERT gene was examined in 46 surgically resected hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) by real-time polymerase chain reaction and the status was compared with the expression of hTERT mRNA and clinicopathological parameters.
Results: Amplified hTERT genes were found in 21.7% (10/46) of HCC. The incidence of amplified hTERT genes in poorly differentiated HCC (6/12, 50%) was significantly higher than that in highly to moderately differentiated HCC (4/34, 11.8%; P = 0.012). Tumor size in those cases with hTERT gene amplification was larger compared to those cases with no amplification (P = 0.047). Amplification of the hTERT gene was not observed in non-cancerous tissues. The hTERT mRNA level did not correlate with the number of hTERT genes.
Conclusions: Based on these results, it is thought that hTERT gene amplification is a cancer-specific event, and may furthermore contribute to the dedifferentiation and development of HCC. However, hTERT gene overexpression was rarely due to an increased hTERT gene copy number in HCC. (C) 2004 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pry Ltd.

DOI： 10.1111/j.1400-1746.2004.03447.x

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：BLACKWELL PUBLISHING ASIA  

Background and Aim: We analyzed the expression of antigen-processing and antigen-presenting molecules in surgically resected fresh samples of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissue to elucidate a mechanism of immune escape. We also examined the expression of interleukin (IL)-10 protein, which might act to downregulate expression of antigen-processing and antigen-presenting molecules.
Methods: Twenty-eight HCC samples obtained by surgical resection were analyzed for the expression of beta2-microglobulin, heat-shock protein (HSP)-70, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class-I, CD80 (B7-1), CD86 (B7-2) and IL-10 by immunostaining.
Results beta2-Microglobulin and HSP-70 were preserved in all samples. In contrast, the expression of HLA class-I molecules was significantly reduced according to lowering in the histological grading of tumor differentiation (P = 0.024). Furthermore, B7-1 and B7-2 expression was reduced in tumor cells compared with corresponding areas of liver tissue without malignant involvement irrespective of the histological grading of tumors (21% and 36%, respectively). Although IL-10 protein was expressed in 54% of HCC, no relationship between the expression of IL-10 and downregulation of B7-1, B7-2, and HLA class-I was evident.
Conclusion: These findings suggest the potential role of B7 co-stimulatory molecules and HLA class-I molecules in facilitating HCC escape from immune surveillance without the involvement of IL-10. (C) 2004 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

DOI： 10.1111/j.1400-1746.2004.03467.x

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：BLACKWELL PUBLISHING ASIA  

Background and Aim: Telomerase is the enzyme that synthesizes telomeric DNA, and the activation of telomerase is closely related to cellular immortality. Telomerase activity has been reported in many human cancer tissues and is regulated by the expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase ( hTERT). The aim of the present study was to identify hTERT-expressing cells in human liver tissues and evaluate the feasibility of the hTERT promoter for gene therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Methods: The authors examined the cellular distribution of hTERT transcripts in surgically resected HCC by in situ hybridization.
Results: Among 20 samples, hTERT expression was observed in 15 HCC. Transcripts of hTERT were homogenously distributed in the cytoplasm of HCC cells in nine of 15 cases; six of 15 cases displayed a heterogeneous staining pattern. All poorly differentiated HCC that expressed hTERT showed a homogenous pattern of staining. None of the non-cancerous hepatocytes were positive for the transcripts, but infiltrating lymphocytes were faintly stained. The homogenous expression of hTERT was also observed in the vascular invasion of HCC.
Conclusions: The results indicate that most HCC cells express hTERT RNA and that the promoter is a good candidate as a target for gene therapy. However, careful consideration must be taken concerning the potential effects on lymphocytes. (C) 2003 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

DOI： 10.1046/j.1440-1746.2003.03137.x

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：JOHN WILEY & SONS INC  

BACKGROUND. To identify antigens specifically recognized by the immune surveillance system in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the authors examined two complementary DNA (cDNA) libraries of moderately differentiated HCC by serologic analysis of recombinant cDNA expression libraries (SEREX).
METHODS. The libraries were screened with autologous patients' sera, and sequences of the reacted clones were determined. To study the immunoreactivity of the antigens, sera from 20 patients with HCC, from 20 healthy volunteers, and from 16 patients with chronic viral hepatitis were examined.
RESULTS. Twenty-seven antigens were identified. They included SART1, p57Kip2, ROCK-1, gamma-catenin, and heat shock proteins, which are classified as tumor-associated genes. Three of 27 antigens-Tat-binding protein-1 (TBP-1), beta4 integrin-binding protein (p27[BBP]), and ribosomal protein L30 (rpL30)-were reacted predominantly with sera from patients with HCC (55% of patients, 45% of patients, and 20% of patients, respectively). Patients in the control group had no antibodies against these three antigens. Seventy percent of patients with HCC had the antibody against at least one of these antigens.
CONCLUSIONS. Disease specific humoral immune response against TBP-1, p27(BBP), and rpL30 was induced in patients with HCC, and the antibodies against these antigens also may be used as tumor markers. (C) 2003 American Cancer Society.

DOI： 10.1002/cncr.11374

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：AMER ASSOC CLINICAL CHEMISTRY  

Background: 2',5.-Oligoadenylate synthetases (2-5AS) are type I interferon (IFN)-induced proteins with antiviral capacity. Three major forms of 2-5AS with distinct enzymatic activities have been described in IFN-treated human cells. We. measured, distinct forms of 2-5AS MRNA to analze the relationship with its enzymatic activity and response to IFN therapy in chronic hepatitis C.
Methods: We established a method to quantify p40/p46 and p69/p71 forms of 2-5AS mRNA by use of reverse transcription followed by competitive PCR. The 2-5AS mRNA concentrations, were measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 40 patients with chronic hepatitis C and 28 control individuals.
Results: Reconstitution experiments and comparison with Northern blot analyses revealed that our method accurately. and linearly quantified 2-5AS mRNA. 2-5AS mRNA concentrations and 2-5AS enzymatic activity were correlated (P &lt;0.03). Our data demonstrated a correlation in 2-5AS mRNA between p40/p46 and p69/p71 (P &lt;0.02), indicating a. similar regulation of the expression of these genes. Our data also demonstrated that pretreatment concentrations of 2-5AS mRNA correlated with responses to IFN therapy in chronic hepatitis C.
Conclusions: Our method for measuring 2-5AS mRNA concentrations could provide art important marker for selecting patients for IFN therapy and may be useful for the development of more effective therapeutic strategies for chronic hepatitis C. (C) 2002 American Association for Clinical Chemistry.

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Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：H G E UPDATE MEDICAL PUBLISHING S A  

Background/Aims: The genes responsible for hepatocellular carcinoma have not been identified. To identify the relevant genes of hepatocellular carcinoma, detailed and comprehensive information of genomic aberrations must be obtained. To reveal the chromosomal aberrations in hepatocellular carcinoma, we carried out a restriction landmark genome scanning analysis of various types of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Methodology: Samples of various types of hepatocellular carcinoma, including two with multinodular-hepatocellular carcinomas, one hepatocellular carcinoma showing nodules in a nodule pattern, one hepatocellular carcinoma metastasized to different tissues, three small (&lt;2.0 cm) hepatocellular carcinomas and four large (&gt;5.0 cm) hepatocellular carcinomas were examined by the restriction landmark genome scanning method with corresponding nonhepatocellular carcinoma tissues. Restriction enzyme (N) under bar(o) under bar(t) under bar I was used as a landmark enzyme, (E) under bar(c) under bar(o) under bar RV was used as a fragmentation enzyme, and (H) under bar(i) under bar(n) under bar fI was used as a digestion enzyme in the gel for two-dimensional electorophoresis.
Results: We observed spot aberrations with different origins. Frequently observed spot aberrations originated from the change in the methylation status of repetitive sequences. No clear correlation between the pathological grade and the number or type of spot aberrations was observed.
Conclusions: We demonstrated that major aberrations of restriction landmark genome scanning spots originated from the change of methylation status in hepatocellular carcinoma.

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：BLACKWELL PUBLISHING ASIA  

Background and Aims: The aim was to determine the role of T-helper (Th)1/Th2 cytokine responses in the clinical outcome of patients with acute liver injury.
Methods: The serum levels of the cytokines, interleukin (IL)-18, gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma), IL-10 and IL-4 were measured in 20 fulminant hepatic failure (FHF), 18 acute hepatitis (AH), 30 chronic viral hepatitis and 20 liver cirrhosis (LC) patients. Thirteen cases were from the intensive care unit (ICU) and there were 21 healthy volunteers. Immunohistochemical staining of liver biopsies for IL-18 expression was also performed.
Results: Serum IL-18 levels in patients with FHF were significantly more elevated than in patients with other liver diseases, ICU cases and healthy volunteers. Furthermore, serum IFN-gamma levels in patients with FHF were also significantly higher than in patients with chronic viral hepatitis, LC and healthy volunteers. We found a positive correlation between the levels of IL-18 and IFN-gamma. However, no relationship was observed between these and clinical outcome. In immunohistochemical staining, CD68+ macrophage cells and IL-18-positive cells were observed in portal zones. Elevated serum IL-10 levels were restricted to patients presenting with FHF, and were significantly higher in surviving cases (P &lt; 0.01). Furthermore, serum IL-10 levels, but not IL-4 levels, were inversely correlated with serum total bilirubin concentrations (P = 0.045) and the death rate (p) outlined in Japan (P = 0.030).
Conclusion: These results suggest that IL-18 and IFN-gamma are involved in the pathogenesis of acute hepatic injury in humans, and that, in particular, elevated serum levels of IL-10 may be predictive of improved outcomes for these patients. (C) 2002 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd.

DOI： 10.1046/j.1440-1746.2002.02690.x

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Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ELSEVIER SCI IRELAND LTD  

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) is postulated to be a mediator of growth suppression signals. Reduced expression Of the IGFBP-3 was observed in nine out of 12 human hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) (75%). Promoter hypermethylation of the IGFBP-3 was detected in four out of 12 HCCs (33%) although mutations were not identified. The expression of IGFBP-3 was restored by the demethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine in HCC cell line with promoter hypermethylation (HepG2). As IGFBP-3 functions like a tumor suppressor gene, it may be used as a therapeutic target for HCC. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/S0304-3835(01)00736-4

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Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Academic Press Inc.  

Targeting a specific DNA sequence to the desired tissues is an important step in gene therapy. The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the only DNA virus that has hepatocyte specificity. We attempted to construct an HBV-based vector for targeting the liver. We observed the replication and secretion of virus particles in an HBV construct that lacks X gene and carries an extra 63 bp DNA fragment in vitro. Replication was observed in the cell line HuH-7 but not HepG2. From this construct, we designed an HBV-based vector that could carry foreign DNA. HBV based vectors provide for the possibilities of generating therapeutic agents for individual patients. Our host vector system may be used to clear out the HBV from the HBV carrier or chronic hepatitis B patients by introducing a genetically engineered HBV into these patients.

DOI： 10.1006/bbrc.1999.1224

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Language：English   Publisher：Japan Radioisotope Association  

We want to establish a system of volume reduction by the incineration of the combustible radioactive solid wastes from radioisotope usage at the utilization facility. We have been performing experiments using an experimental incineration system to examine the distribution of radionuclides during incineration and to collect basic data. To reproduce the realistic conditions of incineration of low-level radioactive wastes in an experimental system, we adopted new incineration methods in this study. Low level radioactive samples (LLRS) were set up in a mesh container of stainless steel and incinerated at high temperature (over 800°C) generated by two sets of high calorie gas burners. Low energy β-emitters ³⁵S, ⁴⁵Ca, ³³P, and a high energy β-emitter ³²P were used for the experiment. Their translocation percentages in exhaust air and dust were estimated using the Imaging Plate. Distribution of radionuclides during the incineration was similar to that estimated by conventional methods by our study or to that reported in incineration of liquid scintillation cocktail waste. We concluded that the use of the Imaging Plates is a simple and reliable method for estimation of the distribution of low energy β-emitters in incineration gas and ash.

DOI： 10.3769/radioisotopes.48.320

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Other Link： https://jlc.jst.go.jp/DN/JALC/00060829443?from=CiNii

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：Japan Radioisotope Association  

An incineration system was constructed which were composed of a combustion furnace (AP-150R), a cyclone dust collector, radioisotope trapping and measurement apparatus and a radioisotope storage room built in the first basement of the Radioisotope Center.<BR>Low level radioactive samples (LLRS) used for the combustion experiment were composed of combustible material or semi-combustible material containing 500 kBq of ^99mTcO₄ or 23.25 kBq of ¹³¹INa. The distribution of radioisotopes both in the inside and outside of combustion furnace were estimated. We measured radioactivity of a smoke duct gas in terminal exit of the exhaust port. In case of combustion of LLRS containing ^99mTcO₄ or ¹³¹INa, concentration of radioisotopes at the exhaust port showed less than legal concentration limit of these radioisotopes. In cases of combustion of LLRS containing ^99mTcO₄ or ¹³¹INa, decontamination factors of the incineration system were 120 and 1.1, respectively.

DOI： 10.3769/radioisotopes.46.443

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：H G E UPDATE MEDICAL PUBL LTD.  

Background: Inactivation of the retinoblastoma (Rb) gene is considered to play a fundamental role in the genesis and progression of several human cancers. In retinoblastoma, the inactivation of Rb promoter by mutations or hypermethylation has been reported. Although genetic changes of Rb gene have been described in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) an, epigenetic change such as hypermethylation of the Rb promoter as reported in, retinoblastoma has not been described.
Materials and Methods: We examined the hypermethylation in the promoter region of Rb gene by restriction fragment length polymorphism in 19 HCCs, as well as the expression of Rb mRNA and protein by RT-PCR and by immunoblotting, respectively.
Results: We found no evidence of hypermethylation. in the promoter region, of the Rb gene in all HCCs analyzed. However, the expression of Rb mRNA and protein was lost in one HCC, and no mutation was detected in the Rb promoter region of this patient. The inactivation of Rb promoter by hypermethylation or by inhibition of binding of transcription factors due to point mutations did not contribute to the loss of mRNA and protein in. the patient.
Conclusions: Hypermethylation in the Rb promoter region appeared to have little causal effect on HCC.

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

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Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer-Verlag  

The nucleotide sequence of Salmonella abortus-equi fljA, which together with the phase 2 flagellin gene constitutes the fljBA operon and encodes the repressor for the phase 1 flagellin gene fliC, was determined. The repressor was predicted to be a basic protein consisting of 179 amino acid residues (Mr = 20419 Da) encoded by ORFII. This was confirmed by the fact that host fliC is repressed by plasmid-encoded ORFII, which indeed expresses a 20 kDa product as determined by urea SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. An amino acid sequence capable of forming a helix-turn-helix type of structure was predicted in the C-terminal region of FljA. A rho-independent intercistronic terminator was detected between fljB and ftjA. Chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) assays of fusions indicated that the terminator is capable of reducing expression of fljA to the level of a few percent, relative to fljB in broth cultures and to 1 % in M9 glycerol cultures. © 1993 Springer-Verlag.

DOI： 10.1007/BF00277121

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Language：English  

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Authorship：Lead author   Language：English  

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

We detected an antibody to HCV envelope protein (E1) in sera of patients with HCV-related chronic liver diseases (20 patients with chronic hepatitis and 5 patients with liver cirrhosis) by Western blotting using the fusion protein of E1 envelope protein and beta-galactosidase as an antigen. The antibody to HCV E1 (anti-HCV E1) was detected in 8 (42%) of 19 patients positive for HCV-RNA (16 were positive and 3 were negative for antibody to C100-3) and in 1 (17%) of 6 patients negative for HCV-RNA but positive for antibody to C100-3. HCV-RNA was detected in 8 (89%) of 9 anti-HCV E1 positive sera. The value of alanine aminotransferase was significantly higher in patients positive for anti-HCV E1 than in patients negative for the antibody. Although an antibody to the envelope protein of HCV is suspected to be one of the candidates of virus-neutralizing antibodies, our results suggest this hypothesis appears to be unlikely.

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Language：English   Publisher：Okayama University Medical School  

DOI： 10.18926/AMO/32196

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DOI： 10.1016/0147-619X(91)90052-X

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本肝臓学会  

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Language：Japanese  

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