Caste‐specific microRNA expression in termites: insights into soldier differentiation

Eusocial insects have polyphenic caste systems in which each caste exhibits characteristic morphology and behaviour. In insects, caste systems arose independently in different lineages, such as Isoptera and Hymenoptera. Although partial molecular mechanisms for the development of eusociality in termites have been clarified by the functional analysis of genes and hormones, the contribution of microRNAs (miRNAs) to caste differentiation is unknown. To understand the role of miRNAs in termite caste polyphenism, we performed small RNA sequencing in a subterranean termite (Reticulitermes speratus) and identified the miRNAs that were specifically expressed in the soldier and worker castes. Of the 550 miRNAs annotated in the R. speratus genome, 74 were conserved in insects and 174 were conserved in other termite species. We found that eight miRNAs (mir‐1, mir‐125, mir‐133, mir‐2765, mir‐87a and three termite‐specific miRNAs) are differentially expressed (DE) in soldiers and workers of R. speratus. This differential expression was experimentally verified for five miRNAs by real‐time quantitative PCR. Further, four of the eight DE miRNAs in soldier and worker termite castes were also differentially expressed in hymenopteran castes. The finding that Isoptera and Hymenoptera shared several DE miRNAs amongst castes suggests that these miRNAs evolved independently in these phylogenetically distinct lineages.     

Clinical characteristics of external iliac artery branch injury in pelvic trauma

Introduction

The clinical characteristics of an injury of external iliac artery branches in blunt pelvic trauma have not yet been sufficiently studied. We evaluated the relationship between injury characteristics and the presence of an injury to external iliac artery branches in blunt pelvic trauma.

Circadian Clock mutation in dams disrupts nursing behavior and growth of pups

To understand the role of the circadian molecular clock in mouse reproduction, we investigated the daily rhythms associated with nursing and pup growth in Clock-mutant mice maintained under light-dark housing conditions. The daily rhythm associated with the maternal behavior of crouching had a strong diurnal peak and two weak nocturnal peaks in wild-type dams, whereas homozygotes (Clock/Clock) exhibited no significant peaks in activity. Wild-type, but not Clock-mutant, dams showed high, rhythmic levels of prolactin content in serum that corresponded with crouching. Pup body weight increased at a significantly slower rate in Clock-mutant dams compared with wild-type dams under all experimental conditions when the pups ranged from 10-15 in number. Heterozygote dams equally bred wild-type, heterozygote, or homozygote pups. The amount of milk secreted from dams, as calculated by the increase in pup body weight through suckling, was lower in Clock-mutant mothers vs. wild-type mice. When Clock-mutant dams gave birth to more than 10 pups, survival was poor for offspring until the time of weaning. The present results demonstrate that Clock mutation disrupts daily maternal behavior and the growth and survival rate of pups, especially with the breeding of more than 10 pups.     

Effect of lamivudine in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B： Discordant effect on HBeAg and HBV DNA according to pretreatment ALT level

AIM: To clarify differences in antiviral effect of the drug in patients with different ALT levels, we examined the changes in HBV markers in patients with high or low ALT levels with or without lamivudine treatment. METHODS: Thirty-seven HBeAg-positive patients were studied. Ten patients with ALT levels higher than 200 IU/L (group 1) and 8 patients with ALT below 200 IU/L (group 2) were treated orally with 100 mg/d of lamivudine. As untreated control, 9 patients with ALT above 200 IU/L (group 3) and 10 patients with ALT below 200 IU/L (group 4) were examined. ALT level, HBeAg/HBeAb status, and HBV DNA level were examined monthly for 11.9+/-0.4 mo. RESULTS: The ALT level normalized in all 10 patients of group 1, 7/8 of group 2, 4/9 of group 3, and 1/10 of group 4 within 6 mo (groups 1 vs 2, P = NS; groups 1 vs 3, P = 0.002; groups 1 vs 4, P<0.0001). HBV DNA fell below the detection limit in all 10 patients of group 1, 7/8 of group 2, 0/9 of group 3, and 0/10 of group 4 within 6 mo (groups 1 vs 2, P = NS). HBeAg became seronegative in 7/10 patients of group 1, 1/8 of group 2, 3/9 of group 3, and 0/10 of group 4 within 12 mo (groups 1 vs 2, P = 0.02; groups 1 vs 3, P = NS). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that HBeAg-positive patients with higher ALT levels can be considered good candidates for lamivudine therapy, probably because lamivudine accelerates the natural seroconversion of HBeAg, accompanied by HBV DNA loss, in these patients.     

Empowering older people with early dementia and family caregivers: a participatory action research study

BackgroundThe increase in the number of people suffering from dementia is of increasing global concern. A survey on the living conditions of the elderly in a Japanese rural community revealed a high prevalence of early dementia and the necessity for interventions not only for the elderly with early dementia but also for their families.ObjectiveTo describe the implementation and process evaluation of a programme based on cognitive rehabilitation aimed at empowering the elderly with early dementia and education and counselling programmes aimed at likewise empowering their family caregivers.DesignThis study used a community health action research model. Participatory action research (PAR) was conducted through a cycle of planning, action, and reflection to identify effective interventions to empower participants with dementia (PsWD) and their caregivers.SettingA rural town in Japan.ParticipantsThis project involved 37 community-dwelling elderly with early or mild dementia and 31 family caregivers.MethodsA focus group interview was used for assessment. A monthly activity-based programme based on cognitive rehabilitation was developed to improve cognitive function. Three types of data were collected: observational data collected during the activities, written comments from the caregivers, the record of phone interviews and counsellings with caregivers. These data were compiled in chronological order into a portfolio for analysis. To empower family caregivers, educational and counselling programmes were offered.ResultsThe PAR lasted for 5 years and evolved over three cycles: individual, group and community. In the first cycle, the major focus of the intervention was to regain procedural skills for each PWD through a cooking programme. In the second cycle, to increase interactions with family members and with other PsWD, group activities that promoted communication among family members as well as among PsWD were implemented. The collective values and the beliefs of the PsWD's generation were validated by a series of trips to temples and shrines. In the third cycle, community participation was planned and implemented through culturally relevant sequential activities. PsWD demonstrated their expert skills and regained confidence. For family caregivers, the educational programme provided knowledge about dementia and utilization of social resources. Face-to-face and phone counsellings were offered as needed to coach problem-focused coping. These programmes helped to interpret the symptoms of dementia and to reduce the behavioural problems.ConclusionsCognitive rehabilitation theory was useful to restore lost procedural skills and regain confidence for PsWD. This PAR illustrated the importance of interventions for both community dwelling elderly with early dementia and their family caregivers.     

A guideline for the treatment of dementia in Japan

Worldwide energetic efforts have provided several clues for the management of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in elderly people, although the history of dementia treatment is not long. Various pharmacological or non-pharmacological treatments are carried out in daily medical practice, but evidence for the validity of these treatments is limited. In United States and Europe, several pharmacological and a few non-pharmacological treatments have been proven effective and a few drugs are approved by various governments and used in practice. In contrast, only one acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, donepezil has been proven effective and used for patients with mild or moderate Alzheimer's disease in Japan. Anti-hypertensive or anti-platelet therapy has been shown to reduce the incidence or recurrence of stroke, probably preventing vascular dementia. Effectiveness of drugs and types of care awaits to be validated in the light of scientific procedures.