Heterogeneous Immunoreactivity of Emerin,a Nuclear Envelope LEM-domain Protein,in Normal Thyroid Follicles

Emerin is a LEM domain-containing integral membrane protein of the vertebrate nuclear envelope. Recently it has been reported that emerin regulates tissue-specific gene/protein expression. We studied the relationship between emerin expression and follicle function in normal and hyperplastic human thyroid tissues using immunohistochemistry and statistical methods. Emerin immunoreactivity was heterogeneous among follicular cells and follicles in normal thyroid tissue. It tended to be strong in the nuclei of tall follicular cells of small follicles and weak or negative in the nuclei of flat follicular cells of large follicles. Follicles with strong expression of emerin were also strongly positive for thyroglobulin (Tg) and thyroxine (T4) in follicular cells and colloid substance, suggesting active functioning follicles. In contrast, large follicles with weak expression of emerin were also weak or negative for Tg and T4. Emerin immunoreactivity was strong in almost all nuclei of hyperplastic follicular cells in Graves’ disease tissues. These findings suggest that emerin expression may be related with follicular function and may contribute to the understanding of hormonogenesis in normal thyroid follicles.     

All solid state rechargeable aluminum–air battery with deep eutectic solvent based electrolyte and suppression of byproducts formation

In order to create a rechargeable aluminum (Al)–air battery, an aluminum–air battery with a deep eutectic solvent-based solid electrolyte was prepared. The prepared battery demonstrated a capacity smaller than the theoretical value although we observed stable electrochemical reactions. When TiN was used as an air cathode material, byproducts of the aluminum–air battery such as Al(OH)₃ and Al₂O₃ were not detected on either the Al anode nor the air cathode. Even though we did not detect byproducts, we observed NaCl and NH₄Cl phases on the air cathode, and they did not hinder the electrochemical reaction.

In order to create a rechargeable aluminum (Al)–air battery, an aluminum–air battery with a deep eutectic solvent-based solid electrolyte was prepared.     

Drinking frequency modifies an association between salt intake and blood pressure: A cohort study

Salt sensitivity is one of the crucial risk factors of hypertension. The aim of the present prospective cohort study was to assess the clinical impact of alcohol drinking on an association between salt intake and blood pressure. The present study included 451 employees at a pharmaceutical company in Japan who underwent annual health checkups in both 2017 and 2018. The main exposure of interest was self‐reported drinking frequency at their first checkups: rarely, occasionally, and daily. To assess the association between the change of salt intake estimated from single‐spot urine specimens and that of blood pressure, the differences in systolic/diastolic blood pressure and salt intake between 2017 and 2018 were calculated for each subject. Multivariable‐adjusted linear regression models adjusting for clinically relevant factors clarified a drinking frequency‐dependent association between Δsalt intake and Δsystolic blood pressure (per 1 g/d of Δsalt intake adjusted β [95% confidence interval] 0.19 [−0.73, 1.12], 0.84 [0.14, 1.53], and 1.78 [0.86, 2.69] in rare, occasional, and daily drinkers). A similar association between Δsalt intake and Δdiastolic blood pressure was also observed (−0.24 [−1.02, 0.54], 0.67 (0.18, 1.16), 0.95 [0.38, 1.51], in rare, occasional, and daily drinkers). The interactions between drinking frequency and Δsalt intake were found to be statistically significant (P for interaction = .028 and .006 for ∆systolic blood pressure and ∆diastolic blood pressure, respectively). The present study identified enhanced salt sensitivity in the subjects who drink at a higher frequency, suggesting that the reduction in alcohol consumption may improve salt sensitivity in higher frequency drinkers.     

Serum immunoglobulin G4 associated with number and distribution of extrapancreatic lesions in type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis patients

Background and Aim: Type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is characterized by the increase of serum immunoglobulin (Ig)G4 and abundant IgG4 plasma cell infiltration in the pancreas and various extrapancreatic lesions (EPL), which are proposed as IgG4‐related disease. We assessed the correlation between serum IgG4 and the number of EPL, and the association between serum IgG4 and the distribution of EPL in type 1 AIP patients. Methods: Serum IgG4 was measured in 35 type 1 AIP patients and 71 non‐AIP patients. The clinical characteristics and distribution of eight EPL were determined in 35 type 1 AIP patients. Results: Serum IgG4 in type 1 AIP was significantly higher than in non‐AIP (P < 0.001). A total of 33 patients had EPL among 35 patients with type 1 AIP (94.3%). There was a significant correlation between serum IgG4 and the number of EPL (ρ = 0.75, P < 0.001). Further, to assess the association between serum IgG4 and the distribution of EPL, type 1 AIP patients were divided into two groups: as abdominal localized EPL and systemic EPL. Both serum IgG4 and total numbers of EPL in systemic EPL were remarkably higher than those in abdominal localized EPL. Serum IgG4 cut‐off value was 346 mg/dL to distinguish between abdominal localized EPL and systemic EPL according to the receiver–operator characteristic curve data. Conclusions: Our findings indicated that serum IgG4 was useful in both the diagnosis of type 1 AIP and the detection of systemic EPL. Our finding may help the concept and diagnostic criteria of IgG4‐related disease with type 1 AIP.     

Can decompression surgery relieve low back pain in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis combined with degenerative lumbar scoliosis?

Introduction

Decompression with fusion is usually recommended in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) combined with degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS). However, elderly patients with LSS and DLS often have other comorbidities, and surgical treatment must be both safe and effective. The aim of this study was to investigate whether decompression surgery alone alleviates low back pain (LBP) in patients with LSS and DLS, and to identify the predictors of postoperative residual LBP.

Materials and methods

A total of 75 patients (33 males and 42 females) with a mean age of 71.8 years (range 53–86 years) who underwent decompression surgery for LSS with DLS (Cobb angle ≥ 10°) and had a minimum follow-up period of 1 year, were retrospectively reviewed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scoring system for the assessment of lumbar spinal diseases (JOA score). Radiographic measurements included coronal and sagittal Cobb angles, apical vertebral rotation (Nash-Moe method), and anteroposterior and lateral spondylolisthesis. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the predictors of residual LBP after surgery.

Results

Forty-nine patients had preoperative LBP, of which 29 (59.1 %) experienced postoperative relief of LBP. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the degree of apical vertebral rotation on preoperative radiography was significantly associated with postoperative residual LBP (odds ratio, 8.16, 95 % confidence interval, 1.55–83.81, p = 0.011).

Conclusion

A higher degree of apical vertebral rotation may therefore be an indicator of mechanical LBP in patients with LSS and DLS. Decompression with fusion should be recommended in these patients.     

The effect of a prostaglandin E1 derivative on the symptoms and quality of life of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis

Background

Quality of life (QOL) is a concern for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). In this study, QOL was examined using the 5-item EuroQol (EQ-5D).

Methods

QOL and activities of daily living (ADL) were surveyed for 91 patients who visited 18 medical institutions in our prefecture and were diagnosed with LSS-associated intermittent claudication. A second survey was performed after ≥6 weeks for 79 of the subjects to evaluate therapy with limaprost (an oral prostaglandin E1 derivative) or etodolac (an NSAID). Symptoms, maximum walking time, QOL, ADL items, and relationships among these variables were investigated for all 91 patients. Leg pain, leg numbness, and low back pain while walking were surveyed by use of VAS scores (0–100).

Results

Leg pain, leg numbness, and low back pain while walking (VAS ≥25) were present in 83.5, 62.6, and 54.9 % of the patients in the first survey, and approximately half of the patients had a maximum walking time <15 min. The mean EQ-5D utility value for QOL was 0.59 ± 0.12. This value was significantly associated with maximum walking time (p = 0.030) based on classification of patients into groups with walking times <7.5, 7.5–15, 15–30, and >30 min, showing that maximum walking time affected health-related QOL. Of the 79 patients who completed the second survey, 56 had taken limaprost and 23 (control group) had received etodolac. Limaprost improved possible walking time, reduced ADL interference, and significantly increased the EQ-5D utility score, whereas no significant changes occurred in the control group. Maximum walking time was prolonged by ≥10 min and the EQ-5D utility value was improved by ≥0.1 points in significantly more patients in the limaprost group than in the control group.

Conclusion

According to the findings of this survey, at an average of 8 weeks after administration limaprost improved symptoms, QOL, and ADL in LSS patients whereas treatment with an NSAID reduced pain but did not have any other effects.