Subzero saline chilling with or without prechilling in icy water improved chilling efficiency and meat tenderness of broiler carcasses

Freshly slaughtered carcasses need to be chilled to improve product quality, meat safety, and processing efficiency. This research investigated the effect of subzero saline chilling (SSC) on broiler carcasses with or without prechilling in icy water. Water immersion chilling at 0.5°C (WIC) or SSC at 4% NaCl/-2.41°C (SSC) was a major chilling step. For the combination of pre- and postchilling, the warm water immersion chilling (WWIC) at 10°C was used as prechilling and the WIC as postchilling (WWIC-WIC), and WIC was used as prechilling and the SSC as postchilling (WIC-SSC). The internal temperature of breast fillets was monitored during chilling. Carcasses in a prechiller were transported to a postchiller when their internal temperature reached 15°C. Chilling was completed when the carcass temperature reached 4.4°C or below, and breast fillets were harvested at 3-h postmortem to measure the pH and sarcomere length. Color (L*, a*, and b*) values were evaluated on both breast skin and skinless breast surfaces. Meat tenderness was evaluated using the breast fillets after overnight storage and cooking to an internal temperature of 76°C. The carcasses in the SSC and WIC-SSC showed shorter chilling times (85-91 min) than those (100-144 min) of WIC and WWIC-WIC. A higher chilling yield was observed for the carcasses in WIC-SSC, and a lower cooking yield was seen for the carcasses in WWIC-WIC than other chilling methods (P < 0.05). The breast fillets of broilers in the SSC and WIC-SSC showed lower shear forces and longer sarcomere length than the WIC and WWIC-WIC. No difference was found for L* and a* values, while lower b* value was observed in the SSC than the other chilling methods (P < 0.05). Based on these results, chilling of broiler carcasses in the SSC (4% NaCl/-2.41°C) with or without prechilling in WIC at 0.5°C significantly improved chilling efficiency and meat tenderness, with minor color changes on carcasses.

Percutaneous shunt vessel embolisation with Amplatzer vascular plugs II and IV in the treatment of dogs with splenophrenic shunts: four cases (2019-2022)

OBJECTIVES

To describe the treatment of four dogs with splenophrenic shunts using percutaneous shunting vessel embolisation with Amplatzer vascular plugs II and IV and provide information on their clinical outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Dogs with splenophrenic shunts treated at a veterinary hospital from January 2019 to December 2022 were identified through a medical record search.

RESULTS

Six dogs with splenophrenic shunts were identified. Two dogs were excluded because they were treated with laparoscopic surgery. Four underwent percutaneous shunting vessel embolization with Amplatzer vascular plugs and were included in the case series. A sheath was placed in the left external jugular vein and a balloon catheter was advanced to the shunting vessel under fluoroscopy. Portal vein pressure was confirmed to be within an acceptable range during temporary balloon occlusion. Based on preoperative CT angiography and intraoperative contrast examination, Amplatzer vascular plugs II were selected for two dogs and IV were selected for two dogs. Under fluoroscopy, the plug was deployed into the shunting vessel, and angiography confirmed occlusion. In all cases, the increase in portal pressure after temporary occlusion was within the acceptable range, and complete occlusion of blood flow was possible with a single plug. There were no major procedure-related complications. No dogs developed post-ligation seizures or signs of portal hypertension. In addition, improvements in ammonia values were observed in all cases.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Percutaneous splenophrenic shunt embolisation using Amplatzer vascular plugs II and IV is technically feasible in dogs, and assessed by intra-procedure angiography, a single plug completely obstructed blood flow in all dogs. Based on the literature search, this is the first report describing Amplatzer vascular plugs for the treatment of splenophrenic shunts.

An example of governance for AI in health services from Aotearoa New Zealand

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is undergoing rapid development, meaning that potential risks in application are not able to be fully understood. Multiple international principles and guidance documents have been published to guide the implementation of AI tools in various industries, including healthcare practice. In Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) we recognised that the challenge went beyond simply adapting existing risk frameworks and governance guidance to our specific health service context and population. We also deemed prioritising the voice of Māori (the indigenous people of Aotearoa NZ) a necessary aspect of honouring Te Tiriti (the Treaty of Waitangi), as well as prioritising the needs of healthcare service users and their families. Here we report on the development and establishment of comprehensive and effective governance over the development and implementation of AI tools within a health service in Aotearoa NZ. The implementation of the framework in practice includes testing with real-world proposals and ongoing iteration and refinement of our processes.

Combined Exercise and Education Program: Effect of Smaller Group Size and Longer Duration on Physical Function and Social Engagement among Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Background

Exercise, education, and social engagement are critical interventions for older adults for a healthy life expectancy and to improve their physical function.

Objective

To conduct a combined exercise and education (CEE) program for improved social engagement and physical function of older adults.

Design

Based on a short-term program we conducted in our previous study, in this study, the program was conducted for half the number of participants of the earlier study but for a longer duration.

Setting

A community of older adults in Ami, Japan, was the setting of the study.

Participants

23 healthy older adults >65 years living in the community were the participants in the study.

Interventions

Five 80-minute sessions conducted once in two weeks comprised 60-min exercise instruction and 20-min educational lectures per session on health. We examined the improvement in physical and social engagement before and after participation. Physical function and health-related questionnaire data were collected before and after the program.

Results

Data analysis from 15 participants showed improved physical performance but no effect on social engagement.

Conclusions

A higher program frequency, rather than program duration, may be vital to improving exercise performance and social engagement and maximizing the effects of high group cohesion in small groups. Further studies are needed to develop more effective interventions to extend healthy life expectancy.

Estimation of breeding population size using DNA-based pedigree reconstruction in brown bears

Robust estimates of demographic parameters are critical for effective wildlife conservation and management but are difficult to obtain for elusive species. We estimated the breeding and adult population sizes, as well as the minimum population size, in a high-density brown bear population on the Shiretoko Peninsula, in Hokkaido, Japan, using DNA-based pedigree reconstruction. A total of 1288 individuals, collected in and around the Shiretoko Peninsula between 1998 and 2020, were genotyped at 21 microsatellite loci. Among them, 499 individuals were identified by intensive genetic sampling conducted in two consecutive years (2019 and 2020) mainly by noninvasive methods (e.g., hair and fecal DNA). Among them, both parents were assigned for 330 bears, and either maternity or paternity was assigned to 47 and 76 individuals, respectively. The subsequent pedigree reconstruction indicated a range of breeding and adult (≥4 years old) population sizes: 128-173 for female breeders and 66-91 male breeders, and 155-200 for female adults and 84-109 male adults. The minimum population size was estimated to be 449 (252 females and 197 males) in 2019. Long-term continuous genetic sampling prior to a short-term intensive survey would enable parentage to be identified in a population with a high probability, thus enabling reliable estimates of breeding population size for elusive species.

A synopsis of global frontiers in fertility preservation

Since 2007, the Oncofertility Consortium Annual Conference has brought together a diverse network of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and professional levels to disseminate emerging basic and clinical research findings in fertility preservation. This network also developed enduring educational materials to accelerate the pace and quality of field-wide scientific communication. Between 2007 and 2019, the Oncofertility Consortium Annual Conference was held as an in-person event in Chicago, IL. The conference attracted approximately 250 attendees each year representing 20 countries around the world. In 2020, however, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted this paradigm and precluded an in-person meeting. Nevertheless, there remained an undeniable demand for the oncofertility community to convene. To maintain the momentum of the field, the Oncofertility Consortium hosted a day-long virtual meeting on March 5, 2021, with the theme of "Oncofertility Around the Globe" to highlight the diversity of clinical care and translational research that is ongoing around the world in this discipline. This virtual meeting was hosted using the vFairs ® conference platform and allowed over 700 people to participate, many of whom were first-time conference attendees. The agenda featured concurrent sessions from presenters in six continents which provided attendees a complete overview of the field and furthered our mission to create a global community of oncofertility practice. This paper provides a synopsis of talks delivered at this event and highlights the new advances and frontiers in the fields of oncofertility and fertility preservation around the globe from clinical practice and patient-centered efforts to translational research.

Diel and monthly activity pattern of brown bears and sika deer in the Shiretoko Peninsula, Hokkaido, Japan

Mammals exhibit several types of diel activity pattern, including nocturnal, diurnal, crepuscular, and cathemeral. These patterns vary inter- and intra-specifically and are affected by environmental factors, individual status, and interactions with other individuals or species. Determining the factors that shape diel activity patterns is challenging but essential for understanding the behavioral ecology of animal species, and for wildlife conservation and management. Using camera-trap surveys, we investigated the species distributions and activity patterns of terrestrial mammals on the Shiretoko Peninsula, Hokkaido, Japan, with particular focus on brown bears and sika deer. From June to October 2019, a total of 7,530 observations were recorded by 65 camera-traps for eight species, including two alien species. The diel activity pattern of brown bears was diurnal/crepuscular, similar to that of bears in North America, but different from European populations. Bear observations were more frequent during the autumnal hyperphagia period, and adult females and sub-adults were more diurnal than adult males. In addition, bears inside the protected area were more diurnal than those outside it. These findings suggest that appetite motivation, competitive interactions between conspecifics, and human activities potentially affect bear activity patterns. Similar to other sika deer populations and other deer species, the diel activity patterns of sika deer were crepuscular. Deer showed less variation in activity patterns among months and sex-age classes, while adult males were observed more frequently during the autumn copulation period, suggesting that reproductive motivation affects their activity patterns.

P-603 Presence of an asymmetrical response to ovarian stimulation in patients with low ovarian reserve

Study question

Does ovarian reserve decline with a symmetrical manner between right and left ovaries in poor responders (POR) with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR)?

Summary answer

Asymmetrical ovarian response to ovarian stimulation with the left-side dominance was found in POR with DOR.

What is known already

Ovarian follicles are produced during fetal stage and not regenerated after birth. Thus, the number of ovarian follicles declines with age, resulting in infertile POR with DOR. In the morphometric study of human neonatal ovaries, no significant difference was found in the number of follicles between the right and left ovaries in the same individual. A previous study demonstrated that there is a difference in the number of follicles between right and left ovaries in patients with normal ovarian reserve with the right-side dominance, suggesting the asymmetrical activation and growth of follicles.

Study design, size, duration

A retrospective analysis was conducted in patients with POR with DOR based on the Bologna Criteria. Inclusion criteria was patients who received more than five times of ovarian stimulations followed by oocyte retrievals. Data were obtained from a total of 265 participants who received IVF-ET treatments from April 2015 to March 2021 after receiving written informed consents under an approval from the institutional ethical committee. Patients with the history of previous ovarian surgery were excluded.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

The enrolled patients were received ovarian simulation under short or GnRH antagonist protocols for oocyte retrieval. We collected the data of retrieved oocyte number as well as the outcome of IVF from medical chart. We defined the right-left asymmetry of ovarian reserve (%) based on the number of retrieved oocytes from dominant side ovary per total number of retrieved oocytes. Statistical significance was determined using Dunnett or chi-square tests, with P &lt; 0.05 being statistically significant.

Main results and the role of chance

The average age of participants was 37.2±5.99 years of age exhibiting low serum AMH levels (average 0.09±0.20 ng/ml). We analyzed 2,181 cycles of ovarian stimulation (average 8.3±3.9 cycles/patient). The number of retrieved oocytes were 3, 882 in total cycles (average 12.8±7.1/patient). Among participants, 22 cases (8.4%) showed left and right equal in the number of retrieved oocytes, whereas &gt;70% asymmetry was observed in 107 cases (40.7%) and &gt;80% asymmetry was detected in 60 cases (22.8%). In 18 cases (6.9%), oocytes were collected from one side ovary only showing 100% asymmetry. In the cases with &gt;70 and 100% asymmetry, the left-side dominance was 1.3-fold and 5.0-fold higher than right-side dominance, respectively. In cases with 100% asymmetry, there was no difference in the number of cryopreserved high-quality embryos between left and right sides of ovary.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Although we enrolled POR with DOR patients who received ovarian stimulations more than five times, the duration of ovarian stimulation was different among patients. It affects the numbers of ovarian stimulation cycles and retrieved oocytes in each patient.

Wider implications of the findings

Considering the finding of right-side dominance in the number of follicles with normal ovarian reserve, the activation and development of follicles might be accelerated in the right side due to asymmetric blood supply to the ovaries, and thus follicles are likely remained in the left-side ovary with low ovarian reserve.

Trial registration number

not applicable

Hyperacute postprocedural high platelet reactivity: a novel predictor for in-hospital adverse events in acute coronary syndrome with prasugrel loading

Introduction

Postprocedural High platelet reactivity (HPR) seems to associate long term adverse cardiovascular events, mainly intrastent thrombosis. However, the relationship between hyper-acute postprocedural HPR with prasugrel loading and clinical outcomes in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is still unclear. Moreover, factors contributing HPR in ACS with prasugrel loading are also unknown.

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the impact of hyper-acute postprocedural HPR with prasugrel loading on clinical outcomes in ACS during hospitalization, as well as to define appropriate cut-off values and identify contributing factors of HPR.

Methods

We performed a single-centre, retrospective observational study that enrolled 207 patients who underwent emergent PCI for ACS with prasugrel loading. The P2Y12reaction unit (PRU) value was measured immediately after PCI with the VerifyNow System. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE, defined as the composite of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, ventricular arrhythmia needing defibrillation).

Results

Mean patient age (standard deviation) was 70.5 (±13.0) years, 78.7% were male, and average time from prasugrel intake to PRU calculation was 98.3 (±49.1) min. During a mean hospital stay of 15.9 (±9.3) days, there were 34 in-hospital MACE (16.4%) and 10 deaths (4.8%). Thrombosis events, didn't stand out and mechanical complications, such as cardiac rupture and cardiac tamponade occupies most of cardiovascular death which occurred before 10 days on admission. PRU was significantly higher in MACE group than Non-MACE group (279±65 vs 227±72, p&lt;0.001 respectively). The ROC curve analysis of PRU for discriminating significant in-hospital MACE showed the cut off value of 293 (sensitivity:52.9%, specificity:83.2% [AUC=0.709, p&lt;0.0001]). 47patients (29.4%) were thus categorized as HPR (PRU&gt;293) immediately after emergent PCI. Kaplan-Meyer curve showed MACE events occurred in HPR group than non-HPR group (38.2% vs 10.0%, p&lt;0.001). Multiple cox analysis demonstrated that HPR was independent predictors of MACE in patients with ACS underwent PCI (OR 5.416, 95% CI 2.157–13.598, p&lt;0.0001). Multiple logistic regression model showed female sex, low haemoglobin value, and large mean platelet volume were independent predictors of HPR.

Conclusion

PRU was significantly higher in MACE group, and appropriate cut-off value of HPR in this study was 293. HPR was independent predictor of MACE during hospitalization, however thrombosis event was not significant. Evidence of clinical impact with postprocedural HPR within 120 minutes after prasugrel loading is scarce. This study shows post-procedural HPR, even without sufficient time after prasugrel intake, can be a useful predictive marker of adverse events during hospitalization.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. PRU between Non-MACE and MACE groupKaplan-Meyer curve

Association between adherence to home-based walking exercise with a pedometer and one-year adverse outcomes among lower extremity peripheral artery disease patients with endovascular treatment

Background

Home-based exercise after endovascular treatment (EVT) for lower extremity peripheral artery disease (LE-PAD) patients with intermittent claudication is suggested as an alternative therapy for supervised exercise; however, an association of adherence to home-based exercise with clinical adverse events has not been fully investigated.

Purpose

We aimed to investigate the association of adherence to home-based exercise with 1-year major adverse events (MAE), patency, and leg symptoms after EVT in a contemporary Japanese registry.

Methods

A total of 500 patients with LE-PAD within the Long Term Outcome of Endovascular Therapy for PAD with Intermittent Claudication Observational Prospective Multicenter (ASHIMORI-IC) registry (UMINCTR, UMINehab724.203718753) who underwent EVT between January 2016 and March 2019 were included in the analysis. After EVT, all patients were instructed to do home-based walking exercise with a pedometer. The study population was divided and compared between 2 groups according to adherence to home-based exercise: well-adherence and poor-adherence. The adherence of home-based exercise was as defined by step count derived from a pedometer on sites. The primary outcome was MAE defined as composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, target vessel revascularization, and major amputation of target lower limb for one year. The main secondary outcome was 1-year primary patency of the treated lesion, and the improvement of leg symptom (6-minute walk distance [6MWD] and claudication distance). The study followed the Consensus definitions from peripheral academic research consortium criteria.

Results

Overall, the mean age was 72.8 years, and 78% were men. At 1 year, MAE occurred in 45 patients (9.0%), and the primary patency rate was 85.3% (94.2% of EVT for aortoiliac and 71.9% of EVT for femoropopliteal). A significant difference in the incidence of MAE was observed between the well-adherence group and the poor-adherence group (10 of 233 patients [4.3%] vs. 35 of 267 patients [13.1%]; P&lt;0.001). After multivariate Cox regression analysis, patients in the well-adherence group showed the lower hazard ratio for 1-year MAE (0.30; 95% confidence interval, 0.15–0.58; P&lt;0.001) compared to those in the poor-adherence group. In the well-adherence group, compared with the poor-adherence group, higher primary patency rate (88.9% vs 81.5%; p=0.015), longer claudication onset distance (370 m [IQR 240–453 m] vs 240m [IQR 126–324 m]; P&lt;0.001), and longer 6MWD (422 m [IQR 359–483 m] vs 325 m [IQR 213–400 m]; P&lt;0.001) were observed even after adjusting for each baseline value.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates the importance of adherence to home-based walking exercise after EVT in LE-PAD patients.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Cardio-ankle vascular index is useful screening method to detect obstructive coronary artery disease in asymptomatic diabetes patients with subclinical atherosclerosis

Background

Patients with diabetes mellitus are at very high risk for obstructive coronary artery disease; however, invasive coronary angiography is not allowed to apply in all patients. Cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), a marker of arterial stiffness has been reported to reflect atherosclerotic burden.

Purpose

To assess the diagnostic performance of CAVI vs. coronary calcium score for detecting obstructive coronary artery disease determined by Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) in asymptomatic diabetes patients.

Methods

During May 2015 to December 2019, 816 patients with diabetes mellitus were evaluated. First, intima-media thickness of carotid artery was measured in all subjects. Then, patients with intima-media thickness over 11mm underwent CAVI. Finally, 209 patients who have one or more cardiovascular risk factors other than diabetes mellitus were enrolled (68±11 years, 68% men). Patients were excluded if they had a disorder of the kidney, a prior history of coronary artery revascularization, atrial fibrillation, LV ejection fraction &lt;50%, ABI &lt;0.9 or allergy to contrast. Diagnostic performance of CAVI was evaluated with coronary stenosis &gt;50% by CCTA.

Results

CAVI, Agatston score, and intima-media thickness of carotid artery were 9.2±1.3, 396±621 and 2.0±0.7mm, respectively. CAVI was significantly correlated with age (r=0.530, p&lt;0.001), coronary artery calcification (r=0.182, p=0.008), and intima-media thickness of carotid artery (r=0.195, p=0.005). Among them, 108 patients (48%) had coronary stenosis. CAVI, Agatston score and intima-media thickness of carotid artery in patients with coronary stenosis were higher than that without coronary stenosis, respectively (9.8±1.1 vs 8.5±1.0, p&lt;0.001, 526±676 vs. 255±525, p=0.001, 2.2±0.7 vs. 1.8±0.6, p&lt;0.001). The ROC curve analysis of CAVI for discriminating coronary stenosis showed that the sensitivity 75.0% and specificity 77.2% at the cut off value of 9.23 (AUC=0.812, p&lt;0.001). Contrastingly, diagnostic performance of coronary calcium score and intima-media thickness of carotid artery were less than CAVI (sensitivity: 91.7%, specificity: 56.4%, AUC=0.753, p&lt;0.05 vs. CAVI, sensitivity: 68.5%, specificity: 59.4%, AUC=0.663, p&lt;0.05 vs. CAVI). Multivariate logistic analysis demonstrated that CAVI was significantly associated with coronary stenosis (OR=4.133, p&lt;0.001) after adjustment of conventional risk factors, although coronary calcium score was not correlated with coronary stenosis.

Conclusion

CAVI could be informative to select patients having obstructive coronary artery disease in asymptomatic diabetes patients with thick intima-media thickness.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Impact of high platelet reactivity on left ventricular remodeling in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Background/Introduction

Previous studies demonstrated that high platelet reactivity (HPR) predicts future cardiovascular death and coronary events in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, few studies have focused on the impact of HPR on left ventricular remodeling (LVR) and each echocardiographic parameter.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of HPR in ACS patients on LVR and changes in echocardiographic volume indexes and LV ejection fraction.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data in a single center that enrolled patients who underwent emergency PCI for ACS including STEMI and NSTEMI with prasugrel loading. The primary outcome of the study was LVR associated with HPR. Secondary endpoints were changes in indexed LVESV, LVEDV, LVEF, E/e' and LAVI between baseline and follow-up. The P2Y12 reaction unit (PRU) value in response to prasugrel was assessed by the VerifyNow P2Y12 assay. Blood samples were collected once per procedure immediately after PCI. LVR index was calculated as the relative change in LVEDV observed at follow-up compared with baseline. LVR was defined as a relative increase in LVEDV ≥20%, measured at follow-up visit compared with the baseline value before discharge.

Results

A total of 196 ACS patients who underwent emergency PCI between January 2016 and July 2020 were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the study population was 69.9 years, and 76.0% were male. On echocardiography at follow up visit of mean duration of 7.0±4.0 months, LVR was found in 38 patients (19.4%). The optimal cutoff for PRU associated with increased LVR assessed by receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis was 245.5 (AUC: 0.656; 95% CI: 0.564 to 0.749; p=0.003). On the basis of this cutoff, HPR was found in 82 patients (42.1%) and the prevalence of LVR was significantly higher in the HPR group compared to the non-HPR group (30.5% vs. 11.4%; p=0.001). Multiple Cox regression analysis showed that HPR was an independent predictor of LVR (OR 4.22, 95% CI 1.83–9.71, p=0.001). In addition, Δ% EDV and Δ% ESV increased in the HPR group, and decreased in the non-HPR group with significant differences (5.8±32.6% vs. −8.0±26.2% in Δ% EDV; p=0.002, 2.0±37.5% vs. −13.3±33.0% in Δ% ESV; p=0.004, respectively). Δ%EF, Δ%E/e', Δ%LAVI were numerically improved in the non-HPR group compared with the HPR group, but this difference did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

In patients with ACS, HPR defined as PRU ≥246 immediately after emergency PCI was an independent predictor of LVR in the chronic phase.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Predictors of the presence of LVRChanges (Δ%) of LVEDV and LVESV

Ageing and chronic disease-related changes in the morphometric characteristics of ovarian follicles in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)

STUDY QUESTION

How is the localisation of ovarian follicles affected by ageing and chronic diseases?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Ovarian follicles shift deeper towards the medulla, due to thickening of the tunica albuginea (TA), with ageing and some major common chronic diseases.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

The ovary undergoes morphological and functional changes with ageing. The follicular pool follows these changes with alterations in the amount and distribution of residual follicles. Diseases causing a chronic inflammatory process are associated with morphological changes and impaired ovarian function.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

We conducted a cross-sectional study, examining 90 ovaries from 90 female monkeys. The samples were collected from April 2018 to March 2019 at Tsukuba Primate Research Center in National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Japan.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Ovarian samples were obtained from cynomolgus monkeys that died from natural causes or were euthanised. Ovarian sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) for histological analyses. In ovarian sections from 64 female macaques aged 0-25 years, a total of 13 743 follicles at different developmental stages (primordial, intermediary, primary, early secondary and late secondary) were assessed to determine the depth of each follicle from the outer surface of the ovarian cortex to the far end of the follicle, by using a digital imaging software. TA thickness was measured as sum of basal membrane and tunica collagen layer for each ovary under H&E staining. To explore the possibility of age-related trends in ovarian morphometric characteristics, samples were divided into four different age groups (0-3 years (pre-menarche), 4-9 years, 10-14 years and 15-20 years). To evaluate the effect of common chronic diseases on ovarian morphometric characteristics, macaques with diabetes mellitus (DM) (n = 10), endometriosis (n = 8) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (n = 8) were compared to age-matched controls without chronic diseases.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Ovarian morphometric analysis revealed that the relative location of follicles became deeper in all age groups according to development of follicles (P < 0.05). Total follicle distance from the ovarian surface was increased with ageing (P < 0.05). In a sub-analysis according to developmental stage, only primordial and intermediary follicles were localised deeper with increasing age (P < 0.05). TA thickness was also increased with ageing (P < 0.05). The localisation of the total number of follicles became deeper in ovaries from monkeys with DM, endometriosis or IBD as compared to the control group (P < 0.05). With DM, analysis of follicles distance at almost each developmental stage was significantly deeper compared to controls (P < 0.05) with the exception of early secondary follicles. With endometriosis, follicles at primary and early and late secondary stages were significantly deeper compared to controls (P < 0.05). Also with IBD, follicles at primary and early and late secondary follicles were significantly deeper compared to controls (P < 0.001). The TA was thicker with DM and endometriosis compared to controls (P < 0.05), but not with IBD (P = 0.16).

LARGE SCALE DATA

NA.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Two-dimensional histology was used to assess follicle localisation. The possibility of minimal variations between the measured distance to the actual distance in a spherical structure cannot be excluded. Additionally, the severity of disease was not assessed.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

This study is the first step towards enhancing our understanding of how ageing and chronic diseases affect the relative localisation of dormant and developing follicles. These observations, combined with possible future human studies, may have managerial implications in the field of fertility preservation and other conditions involving ovarian tissue cryopreservation.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

The present work was supported by the Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research B (19H03801) (to K.K.), Challenging Exploratory Research (18K19624), Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Mochida Memorial Foundation for Medical and Pharmaceutical Research, Takeda Science Foundation and Naito Foundation (to K.K.). All authors have no conflicts of interest directly relevant to the content of this article.

P–678 Increased luteinizing hormone in ovarian dysfunction attenuates follicle development and oocyte quality in human

Study question

Can increased luteinizing hormone impair follicular development and oocyte quality in patients with ovarian dysfunction?

Summary answer

Increased luteinizing hormone attenuates follicular development and oocyte quality, resulting in arrest of follicle growth and empty follicles and low-quality embryos.

What is known already

Patients with ovarian dysfunction exhibit elevated gonadotropins and low estrogen levels reflecting their low ovarian reserve. For ovarian stimulation in these patients, natural or mild stimulation protocols are likely used, but we often experienced the arrest of follicle growth and empty follicles at oocyte retrieval. Animal studies demonstrated that chronic high LH exposure impaired the growth of antral follicles by suppressing the expression of FSHR in granulosa cells via a modulation of intraovarian regulators, including the LH-induced thecal factors. Study design, size, duration: Retrospective analysis was conducted in 72 patients with ovarian dysfunction who received ovarian stimulations followed by IVF-ET from April 2018 to March 2020 after obtaining written informed consents under an approval from the ethical committee of our hospital.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

The data of hormonal levels, transvaginal ultrasound during ovarian stimulation and clinical outcome of IVF were extracted from electric chart. For evaluation of embryo, high quality embryos referred to embryos having Veeck classification &gt;grade 3 and &gt;4 blastomeres. Statistical significance was determined using Dunnett or chi-square tests, with P &lt; 0.05 being statistically significant.

Main results and the role of chance

The median age of participants was 42 years of age (range 26–49) with low serum AMH levels (median 0.9 ng/ml, range 0–1.83). We analyzed 361 cycles of ovarian stimulation in total (median 4 cycles/patient, range 1–21). These stimulation cycles were classified into 3 groups; group A (n = 230): normal LH level, group B (n = 93): elevated LH level (&gt; 10 mIU/ml) after ovarian stimulation and group C (n = 33): elevated LH level from the initiation of ovarian stimulation. Among 361 cycles, the arrest of follicle growth was detected in 5 cycles (group A: 0%, group B: 60%, group C: 40%). The proportions of empty follicle in group A, B and C were 17.3±2.0%, 20.9±3.3%and 38.6±7.2%, respectively. The rate of empty follicle was significantly high in group C. Although there was no significant difference in the rates of oocyte degeneration and fertilization, the rate of high-quality embryos in group C was 0.8-fold lower than that of group A.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Due to limitation of participants, we could not determine the appropriate LH level for ovarian stimulation in patients with ovarian dysfunction based on receiver operatorating characteristic curve.

Wider implications of the findings: Normalization of LH levels for ovarian simulation in patients with ovarian dysfunction could improve follicle development and oocyte quality.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

Impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak on Activity and Exercise Levels among Older Patients

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to clarify the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak on the levels of activity among older patients with frailty or underlying diseases. A total of 175 patients (79.0±7.0 years) undergoing outpatient or home-based rehabilitation, stratified into groups, based on frailty status. The percentage of patients who went out at least once a week decreased after the outbreak from 91% to 87%, from 65% to 46%, and from 47% to 36% in the non-frail, frail, and nursing care requirement groups, respectively. The proportion of older patients participating in exercise during the outbreak was 75%, 51%, and 41% in the non-frail, frail, and nursing care requirement groups, respectively. The proportion of older patients participating in voluntary exercise after instruction was lowest in the frail group (35%). Older patients with frailty are susceptible to the negative effects of refraining from physical activity and require careful management.

Effects of preemptive analgesia with intravenous acetaminophen on postoperative pain relief in patients undergoing third molar surgery: a prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of preemptive analgesia in managing postoperative pain remains controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of intravenous (IV) acetaminophen administered before or immediately after the surgical extraction of an impacted mandibular third molar.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This prospective randomized clinical trial included 120 patients. The patients were assigned to one of three groups: the preoperative-treatment group (pre-group), which received 1000 mg of IV acetaminophen 20 min before surgery; the postoperative-treatment group (post-group), which received 1000 mg of IV acetaminophen after surgery; the no-treatment group (control-group), which did not receive any analgesic. Rescue analgesic (60 mg loxoprofen) was issued to each patient, with instructions on self-administration if needed. For the rescue medication usage, the time of first loxoprofen usage and the total amount of loxoprofen consumption were obtained for a 17-hour period after surgery. We measured pain using the visual analogue scale at 1 hour and at 2, 3, 4, 5, and 15 hours after surgery.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in pain level among the three groups at any time interval. However, the pre-group demonstrated significantly lower rescue analgesic consumption and longer time until initial administration.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of IV acetaminophen before third molar surgery provides more effective pain control than postoperative administration and no treatment.

Post-procedural high platelet reactivity with prasugrel loading predicts in-hospital adverse events in ACS patients

Background/Introduction

High platelet reactivity (HPR) is associated with adverse cardiovascular events, primarily intrastent thrombosis, after a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the relationship between hyperacute postprocedural HPR with prasugrel loading and clinical outcomes in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains unclear. Moreover, factors contributing to HPR in ACS with prasugrel loading are also unknown.

Purpose

To assess the effects of post-procedural HPR with prasugrel loading on clinical outcomes in ACS during hospitalization, and to define the appropriate cut-off values and identify factors contributing to HPR.

Methods

A single-center, retrospective observational study that enrolled 154 patients who underwent emergent PCI for ACS with prasugrel loading was performed. The P2Y12 reaction unit (PRU) value was measured immediately after PCI using the VerifyNowR system. The primary end-point was major adverse cardiac events (MACE, defined as the composite of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, ventricular arrhythmia needing defibrillation).

Results

The mean patient age (standard deviation) was 70.7 (±12.5) years, 76.6% were men, and the average time from the prasugrel intake to PRU calculation was 103.2 (±48.5) min. During the mean hospital stay of 15.6 (±8.5) days, 24 in-hospital MACE (15.5%) and 8 deaths (5.2%) occurred. Thrombosis events, including myocardial infarction recurrence, did not occur (only one case of spontaneous coronary artery dissection was considered as myocardial infarction recurrence). PRU was significantly higher in the MACE group than that in Non-MACE group (287±55 and 232±64, respectively, p&lt;0.001). The ROC curve analysis of PRU for discriminating the significant in-hospital MACE showed the cut-off value of 293 (sensitivity: 62.5%, specificity: 83.1% [AUC=0.756, p&lt;0.0001]). A total of 37 patients (24%) were thus categorized as HPR (PRU&gt;293) immediately after the emergent PCI. Kaplan-Meier curve showing MACE events occurred in the HPR group than that in the non-HPR group (40.5% vs 7.6%, p&lt;0.001). Multiple cox analysis demonstrated that HPR was independent predictors of MACE in patients with ACS who underwent PCI (OR 11.01, 95% CI 2.39–20.2, p&lt;0.0001). Multiple logistic regression model showed old age, female sex, low systolic blood pressure, short prasugrel intake to measure time, and large acute gain were independent predictors of HPR.

Conclusion

PRU was significantly higher in the MACE group, with an appropriate cut-off value of HPR of 293 in this study. HPR was an independent predictor of MACE during hospitalization; however, thrombosis events were not significant. HPR predictors were old age, female sex, low systolic blood pressure, short prasugrel intake to measure time, and large acute gain. This study shows the post-procedural HPR with prasugrel loading in patients with ACS can be a useful predictive marker of adverse events during hospitalization.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Cardio-ankle vascular index as an arterial stiffness marker improves on cardiovascular events by adding to framingham risk score

Background

The cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) is a non-invasive measurement that evaluates arterial stiffness using the analysis of oscillometric waveform during cuff-Inflation. Several studies reported that CAVI is associated with cardiovascular risk factors, while the clinical prognostic value of CAVI as a surrogate marker of atherosclerosis has not been fully elucidated. Meanwhile, the Framingham risk score (FRS) is an established marker of cardiovascular outcomes.

Purpose

To investigate whether adding CAVI to Framingham risk score improves the prediction of cardiovascular events.

Methods

This prospective observational study included consecutive 422 patients with cardiovascular risk factors but without known coronary artery disease (69±8 years, 63% men). CAVI was measured by the oscillometric method with VaSera vascular screening system. Patients with atrial fibrillation, left ventricular ejection fraction &lt;50%, both ABI&lt;0.9, severe valvular diseases, or hemodialysis were excluded. Primacy outcomes were cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalization for heart failure and revascularization.

Results

During a median follow-up of 3.1 years, cardiovascular events occurred in 12.8% (3.3%, 15.7%, and 19.1% in the low, intermediate and high-risk group of stratification by FRS, respectively). The ROC curve analysis for discriminating cardiovascular events showed that the AUC of CAVI added to Framingham risk score was the highest compared to Framingham risk score and CAVI alone (CAVI added to Framingham risk score: AUC 66.9, 95% CI 59.6–74.2, Framingham risk score alone: AUC 61.5, 95% CI 53.8–69.1, CAVI alone: AUC 62.3, 95% CI 54.1–70.6). The logistic regression analysis demonstrated that CAVI and Framingham risk score were independent predictors of cardiovascular events (CAVI: OR 1.381, 95% CI 1.164–1.597, p=0.004, Framingham risk score: OR 1.135, 95% CI 1.044–1.225, p=0.007). Next, when logistic regression analysis was performed simultaneously on Framingham risk factor and CAVI, CAVI was an independent predictor of cardiovascular events (OR 1.347, 95% CI 1.124–1.569, p=0.009). Furthermore, in the likelihood ratio test, CAVI added to Framingham risk score significantly improved the cardiovascular event prediction ability than Framingham risk factor alone. Next, when patients with intermediate risk (n=217) were divided into two groups based on CAVI of 9.0, the Kaplan-Meier estimate showed that events occurred more frequently in higher CAVI group (9.3% and 29.1%, log-rank, P=0.009) and the C-statistic was 0.662. Multiple Cox analysis showed that, in the intermediate risk group, CAVI was an independent predictor of primary outcomes (HR 1.387 per 1 index, 95% CI 1.081–1.779, p=0.010).

Conclusion

The measurement of CAVI could be a useful predictor for cardiovascular events. In addition, the combination of CAVI and Framingham risk score could improve the predictability compared to the Framingham risk score alone.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type Q in cerebrospinal fluid reflects ependymal cell dysfunction and is a potential biomarker for adult chronic hydrocephalus

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type Q (PTPRQ) was extracted from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with probable idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) by proteome analysis. We aimed to assess the feasibility of using CSF PTPRQ concentrations for the additional diagnostic criterion of iNPH in Japanese and Finnish populations.

METHODS

We compared PTPRQ concentrations among patients with probable iNPH and neurologically healthy individuals (normal control [NC] group), patients with normal-pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) of acquired and congenital/developmental aetiologies, patients with Alzheimer's disease and patients with Parkinson's disease in a Japanese analysis cohort. A corresponding iNPH group and NC group in a Finnish cohort was used for validation. Patients in the Finnish cohort who underwent biopsy were classified into two groups based on amyloid and/or tau deposition. We measured PTPRQ expression levels in autopsied brain specimens of iNPH patients and the NC group.

RESULTS

Cerebrospinal fluid PTPRQ concentrations in the patients with NPH of idiopathic, acquired and congenital/developmental aetiologies were significantly higher than those in the NC group and those with Parkinson's disease, but iNPH showed no significant differences when compared with those in the Alzheimer's disease group. For the patients with iNPH, the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve was 0.860 in the Japanese iNPH and 0.849 in the Finnish iNPH cohorts. Immunostaining and in situ hybridization revealed PTPRQ expression in the ependymal cells and choroid plexus. It is highly possible that the elevated PTPRQ levels in the CSF are related to ependymal dysfunction from ventricular expansion.

CONCLUSIONS

Cerebrospinal fluid PTPRQ levels indicated the validity of this assay for auxiliary diagnosis of adult chronic hydrocephalus.

Difference in Freezing Tolerance Between Young Potato Plants Derived From Tissue Culture Plantlets and Seed Tubers

BACKGROUND

Although potato as a crop is commercially grown from seed tubers, plants grown from tissue culture plantlets are often used in physiological studies including freezing tolerance determination.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the effects of the source of plants on freezing tolerance of potato plants at young developmental stages.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We compared freezing tolerance and contents of soluble proteins and sugars of Solanum tuberosum plants derived from tissue culture with those derived from tubers before and after cold acclimation.

RESULTS

Tuber-derived plants showed significantly higher freezing tolerance than tissue-culture-derived plants after cold acclimation, although non-acclimated plants did not show any marked differences. Soluble protein contents were higher in tuber-derived plants regardless of cold acclimation. Sucrose content increased to a higher level in tuber-derived plants after cold acclimation.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that source of plant tissue can have a significant effect on the response of young potato plants to freezing stress and that the use of tissue culture plants in freezing tolerance studies may not accurately reflect the frost tolerance of commercially grown plants.

Surface Proton Conduction of Sm-Doped CeO2-δ Thin Film Preferentially Grown on Al2O3 (0001)

Sm-doped CeO_2-δ (Ce_0.9Sm_0.1O_2-δ; SDC) thin films were prepared on Al₂O₃ (0001) substrates by radio frequency magnetron sputtering. The prepared thin films were preferentially grown along the [111] direction, with the spacing of the (111) plane (d₁₁₁) expanded by 2.6% to compensate for a lattice mismatch against the substrate. The wet-annealed SDC thin film, with the reduced d₁₁₁ value, exhibited surface protonic conduction in the low-temperature region below 100 °C. The O1s photoemission spectrum exhibits H₂O and OH^- peaks on the SDC surface. These results indicate the presence of physisorbed water layers and the generation of protons on the SDC (111) surface with oxygen vacancies. The protons generated on the SDC surface were conducted through a physisorbed water layer by the Grotthuss mechanism.

P4634Acute-phase high platelet reactivity with prasugrel loading is correlated with clinical outcomes during hospitalization in acute coronary syndrome

Background/Introduction

Although high platelet reactivity (HPR) seems to be associated with adverse cardiovascular events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), the relationship between post-procedure HPR with prasugrel loading and clinical outcomes in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is still unclear. Moreover, factors contributing to HPR in ACS with prasugrel loading are also unknown.

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the impact of post-procedure HPR with prasugrel loading on clinical outcomes in ACS during hospitalization, as well as to define appropriate cut-off values and identify factors contributing to HPR.

Methods

We performed a single-centre, retrospective observational study that enrolled 132 patients who underwent emergent PCI for ACS with prasugrel loading. The P2Y12 reaction unit (PRU) value was measured immediately after PCI with the VerifyNowR System. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE, defined as the composite of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, ventricular arrhythmia needing defibrillation).

Results

Mean patient age (standard deviation) was 70.7 (±12.5) years, 76% were male, and average time from prasugrel intake to PRU calculation was 101 (±48.8) min. During a mean hospital stay of 15.4 (±8.0) days, there were 22 (16%) MACE events and 6 (4%) deaths. The post-procedure PRU value was 241±66. HPR was significantly higher in MACE group than non-MACE group [287 (±55) vs 232 (±64), p<0.001]. The ROC curve analysis of PRU for discriminating significant in-hospital MACE showed a cut off value of 293 (sensitivity: 64%, specificity: 84% [AUC=0.764, p<0.0001]). Thus, 33 patients (25%) were found to have HPR (PRU>293) immediately after emergent PCI. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed MACE events occurred more frequently in the HPR group than in the non-HPR group (42% vs 8%, log rank p<0.001). Multiple Cox regression analysis showed that peak creatine phosphokinase >3,000 U/L and HPR were independent predictors of MACE in patients with ACS who underwent PCI (OR 4.96, 95% CI 1.86–13.26, p=0.001, and OR 7.52, 95% CI 2.73–20.7, p<0.0001, respectively). HPR was significantly correlated with age, female sex, and reference lumen short diameter (pre-dilation) used in PCI.

Conclusion

HPR was significantly associated with adverse event during hospitalization in ACS patients. Female patients with large culprit lesion diameter were more likely to have HPR. Appropriate cut-off value of HPR in this study was 293. HPR in early-phase of ACS with prasugrel loading is a useful predictor of adverse events during hospitalization.

A high-quality genome sequence of Rosa chinensis to elucidate ornamental traits

Rose is the world's most important ornamental plant, with economic, cultural and symbolic value. Roses are cultivated worldwide and sold as garden roses, cut flowers and potted plants. Roses are outbred and can have various ploidy levels. Our objectives were to develop a high-quality reference genome sequence for the genus Rosa by sequencing a doubled haploid, combining long and short reads, and anchoring to a high-density genetic map, and to study the genome structure and genetic basis of major ornamental traits. We produced a doubled haploid rose line ('HapOB') from Rosa chinensis 'Old Blush' and generated a rose genome assembly anchored to seven pseudo-chromosomes (512 Mb with N50 of 3.4 Mb and 564 contigs). The length of 512 Mb represents 90.1-96.1% of the estimated haploid genome size of rose. Of the assembly, 95% is contained in only 196 contigs. The anchoring was validated using high-density diploid and tetraploid genetic maps. We delineated hallmark chromosomal features, including the pericentromeric regions, through annotation of transposable element families and positioned centromeric repeats using fluorescent in situ hybridization. The rose genome displays extensive synteny with the Fragaria vesca genome, and we delineated only two major rearrangements. Genetic diversity was analysed using resequencing data of seven diploid and one tetraploid Rosa species selected from various sections of the genus. Combining genetic and genomic approaches, we identified potential genetic regulators of key ornamental traits, including prickle density and the number of flower petals. A rose APETALA2/TOE homologue is proposed to be the major regulator of petal number in rose. This reference sequence is an important resource for studying polyploidization, meiosis and developmental processes, as we demonstrated for flower and prickle development. It will also accelerate breeding through the development of molecular markers linked to traits, the identification of the genes underlying them and the exploitation of synteny across Rosaceae.

A high-quality genome sequence of Rosa chinensis to elucidate ornamental traits

Rose is the world's most important ornamental plant, with economic, cultural and symbolic value. Roses are cultivated worldwide and sold as garden roses, cut flowers and potted plants. Roses are outbred and can have various ploidy levels. Our objectives were to develop a high-quality reference genome sequence for the genus Rosa by sequencing a doubled haploid, combining long and short reads, and anchoring to a high-density genetic map, and to study the genome structure and genetic basis of major ornamental traits. We produced a doubled haploid rose line ('HapOB') from Rosa chinensis 'Old Blush' and generated a rose genome assembly anchored to seven pseudo-chromosomes (512 Mb with N50 of 3.4 Mb and 564 contigs). The length of 512 Mb represents 90.1-96.1% of the estimated haploid genome size of rose. Of the assembly, 95% is contained in only 196 contigs. The anchoring was validated using high-density diploid and tetraploid genetic maps. We delineated hallmark chromosomal features, including the pericentromeric regions, through annotation of transposable element families and positioned centromeric repeats using fluorescent in situ hybridization. The rose genome displays extensive synteny with the Fragaria vesca genome, and we delineated only two major rearrangements. Genetic diversity was analysed using resequencing data of seven diploid and one tetraploid Rosa species selected from various sections of the genus. Combining genetic and genomic approaches, we identified potential genetic regulators of key ornamental traits, including prickle density and the number of flower petals. A rose APETALA2/TOE homologue is proposed to be the major regulator of petal number in rose. This reference sequence is an important resource for studying polyploidization, meiosis and developmental processes, as we demonstrated for flower and prickle development. It will also accelerate breeding through the development of molecular markers linked to traits, the identification of the genes underlying them and the exploitation of synteny across Rosaceae.

Suggestion of the updated IVIS cut-off values for identifying non-ocular irritants in the bovine corneal opacity and permeability (BCOP) assay

The bovine corneal opacity and permeability (BCOP) assay is an alternative to the Draize test in rabbits. Although it can be used to evaluate ocular non-irritants and severe irritants, it is not used for the assessment of mild-irritating substances. In this assay, a chemical with an in vitro irritancy score (IVIS)≤3 is defined as a "non-irritant" while one with an IVIS>55 is defined as a "corrosive" or "severe irritant." We attempted to evaluate mild eye irritants by assessing the recovery of corneal lesions histopathologically. Our results indicated that chemicals with IVIS≤6 may be defined as "non-irritants," because the rapid recovery of lesions limited to the squamous layer was predicted by the histopathology. In cases where lesions extended to the wing and basal cell layers, when some intact basal cells remained, the lesions were also predicted to be reversible. Thus, chemicals which induce lesions in which basal cells remain intact can be considered to be mild irritants.

Impact of the presence of HLA 1-locus mismatch and the use of low-dose antithymocyte globulin in unrelated bone marrow transplantation

HLA 1-locus-mismatched unrelated donors (1MMUD) have been used in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) for patients who lack an HLA-matched donor. We retrospectively analyzed 3313 patients with acute leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome who underwent bone marrow transplantation from an HLA allele-matched unrelated donor (MUD) or 1MMUD between 2009 and 2014. We compared the outcomes of MUD (n=2089) and 1MMUD with antithymocyte globulin (ATG) (1MM-ATG(+); n=109) with those of 1MMUD without ATG (1MM-ATG(-); n=1115). The median total dose of ATG (thymoglobulin) was 2.5 mg/kg (range 1.0-11.0 mg/kg) in the 1MM-ATG(+) group. The rates of grade III-IV acute GvHD, non-relapse mortality (NRM) and overall mortality were significantly lower in the MUD group than in the 1MM-ATG(-) group (hazard ratio (HR) 0.77, P=0.016; HR 0.74; P<0.001; and HR 0.87, P=0.020, respectively). Likewise, the rates of grade III-IV acute GVHD, NRM and overall mortality were significantly lower in the 1MM-ATG(+) group than in the 1MM-ATG(-) group (HR 0.42, P=0.035; HR 0.35, P<0.001; and HR 0.71, P=0.042, respectively). The outcome of allo-HCT from 1MM-ATG(-) was inferior to that of allo-HCT from MUD even in the recent cohort. However, the negative impact of 1MMUD disappeared with the use of low-dose ATG without increasing the risk of relapse.

Importance of absorbable surgical sutures for the prevention of stitch abscess after surgery in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma

Background

To elucidate the significance of absorbable surgical sutures in the occurrence of stitch abscess after surgery in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Material and Methods

The subjects were 251 patients who underwent excision and/or reconstruction and/or neck dissection for oral SCC using absorbable surgical sutures. Detection rates and characteristics of patients with stitch abscess were retrospectively evaluated by comparing between our present and previous data.

Results

There was only one stitch abscess among the 251 patients. A significant difference in the incidence of stitch abscess was found between the present data and our previous data. Of course, no significant correlations were found between the occurrence of stitch abscess using absorbable surgical sutures and the various factors seen in our previous analysis.

Conclusions

A complete switch of surgical sutures from silk to absorbable surgical sutures is needed for surgery in patients with oral SCC.

Key words:Stitch abscess, oral cancer, occurrence, absorbable surgical sutures, silk suture.

MOB1-YAP1/TAZ-NKX2.1 axis controls bronchioalveolar cell differentiation, adhesion and tumour formation

Mps One Binder Kinase Activator (MOB)1A/1B are core components of the Hippo pathway. These proteins, which coactivate LArge Tumour Suppressor homologue kinases, are also tumour suppressors. To investigate MOB1A/B's roles in normal physiology and lung cancer, we generated doxycycline (Dox)-inducible, bronchioalveolar epithelium-specific, null mutations of MOB1A/B in mice (SPC-rtTA/(tetO)₇-Cre/Mob1a^flox/flox/Mob1b^-/-; termed luMob1DKO mice). Most mutants (70%) receiving Dox in utero (luMob1DKO (E6.5-18.5) mice) died of hypoxia within 1 h post-birth. Their alveolar epithelial cells showed increased proliferation, impaired YAP1/TAZ-dependent differentiation and decreased surfactant protein production, all features characteristic of human respiratory distress syndrome. Intriguingly, mutant mice that received Dox postnatally (luMob1DKO (P21-41) mice) did not develop spontaneous lung adenocarcinomas, and urethane treatment-induced lung tumour formation was decreased (rather than increased). Lungs of luMob1DKO (P21-41) mice exhibited increased detachment of bronchiolar epithelial cells and decreased numbers of the bronchioalveolar stem cells thought to initiate lung adenocarcinomas. YAP1/TAZ-NKX2.1-dependent expression of collagen XVII, a key hemidesmosome component, was also reduced. Thus, a MOB1-YAP1/TAZ-NKX2.1 axis is essential for normal lung homeostasis and expression of the collagen XVII protein necessary for alveolar stem cell maintenance in the lung niche.

Reduction in chlorhexidine efficacy against multi-drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii international clone II

BACKGROUND

Nosocomial infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii international clone II (IC II) can cause severe clinical outcomes.

AIM

Differential evaluation of bactericidal efficacy of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) and benzethonium chloride (BZT) disinfectants against IC II and non-IC II isolates.

METHODS

Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of CHX and BZT were determined for 137 A. baumannii IC II, 99 non-IC II and 69 non-baumannii isolates, further classified according to MIC values into disinfectant-reduced susceptible (DRS) and disinfectant-susceptible (DS) groups. Time-kill curves and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were evaluated for representative isolates in each group.

RESULTS

CHX and BZT MIC₉₀s for IC II isolates were 100 and 175mg/L, respectively, but those for non-IC II and non-baumannii isolates were <100mg/L. Nevertheless, time-kill curves indicated that CHX and BZT reduced live bacterial cell number by 5 log₁₀ for IC II and non-IC II isolates within 30s when used at 1000mg/L, comparable to practical use concentrations. CHX MBC at 30s was 1000mg/L for IC II and non-IC II isolates, and was not influenced by addition of 3% bovine serum albumin (BSA); BZT MBC at 30s was 100mg/L without BSA and increased up to 500mg/L upon addition of BSA. No significant differences in BSA were found between DRS and DS isolates.

CONCLUSION

CHX and BZT were effective against Acinetobacter spp. including IC II at a concentration of 1000mg/L and exposure for at least 30s, but their concentrations should be considered carefully to ensure sufficient effects in both clinical and healthcare settings.

Hygroscopic growth of water-soluble matter extracted from remote marine aerosols over the western North Pacific: Influence of pollutants transported from East Asia

We examined the hygroscopic properties of water-soluble matter (WSM) nebulized from water extracts of total suspended particles (TSP) collected at Chichijima Island in the western North Pacific during January to September 2003. The hygroscopic growth factor g(RH) of the aerosol particles was measured using a hygroscopic tandem differential mobility analyzer (HTDMA) with an initial dry particle diameter of 100nm and relative humidity (RH) of 5-95%. The measured growth factor at 90% RH, g(90%), ranged from 1.51 to 2.14 (mean: 1.76±0.15), significantly lower than that of sea salts (2.1), probably owing to the heterogeneous reactions associated with chloride depletion in sea-salt particles and water-soluble organic matter (WSOM). The g(90%) maximized in summer and minimized in spring. The decrease in spring was most likely explained by the formation of less hygroscopic salts or particles via organometallic reactions during the long-range transport of Asian dust. Cl(-) and Na(+) dominate the mass fractions of WSM, followed by nss-SO4(2-) and WSOM. Based on regression analysis, we confirmed that g(90%) at Chichijima Island largely increased due to the dominant sea spray; however, atmospheric processes associated with chloride depletion in sea salts and WSOM often suppressed g(90%). Furthermore, we explored the deviation (average: 18%) between the measured and predicted g(90%) by comparing measured and model growth factors. The present study demonstrates that long-range atmospheric transport of anthropogenic pollutants (SO2, NOx, organics, etc.) and the interactions with sea-salt particles often suppress the hygroscopic growth of marine aerosols over the western North Pacific, affecting the remote background conditions. The present study also suggests that the HCl liberation leads to the formation of less hygroscopic aerosols over the western North Pacific during long-range transport.

Serum Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Composition and Serum High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Levels in Healthy Japanese Residents: The KOBE Study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Serum polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) composition reflects dietary intake and is related to risks for cardiovascular diseases. We hypothesized that serum n-3 PUFA composition, especially including long-chain n-3 PUFA such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is associated with inflammatory status, which is related to increased risk for cardiovascular diseases.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

We investigated the relationship between serum PUFA composition and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in a cross-sectional study among 1,102 healthy men and women aged 40-74 years who reside in Kobe City. Multiple linear regression models that predict hs-CRP level were prepared to confirm the contribution of serum total n-3 PUFA, long-chain n-3 PUFA, EPA and DHA compositions after adjusting for other PUFAs and atherosclerotic risk factors.

RESULTS

The serum n-3 PUFA, particularly long-chain n-3 PUFA, compositions were inversely associated with the hs-CRP levels. The standardized regression coefficient was -0.089 (p < 0.01) for total n-3 PUFA, -0.091 (p < 0.01) for long-chain n-3 PUFA, -0.071 (p = 0.03) for EPA, and -0.068 (p = 0.04) for DHA. The n-6 PUFA compositions were also inversely associated with the hs-CRP levels (-0.169 [p < 0.01] for total n-6 PUFA and -0.159 [p < 0.01] for linoleic acid).

CONCLUSIONS

The serum n-3 PUFA compositions were inversely related with the hs-CRP levels, similar associations were also observed in n-6 PUFA compositions. Our results suggest that dietary PUFA intake was inversely associated with attenuated inflammation in healthy Japanese population.

Genotype of FLOWERING LOCUS T homologue contributes to flowering time differences in wild and cultivated roses

Rose flowers have long delighted humans as ornamental plants. To improve the ornamental value of roses it is necessary to understand the regulatory mechanisms of flowering. We previously found that flowering time is controlled by three minor quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and a major QTL co-localised with RoFT. In this study, we isolated three RoFT alleles encoding completely identical amino acid sequences from the parents of a mapping population. Correlation analysis of the RoFT genotypes and flowering time phenotypes in the mapping population showed that the RoFT_f and RoFT_g alleles contribute to the early-flowering phenotype, while the RoFT_e allele contributes to the late-flowering phenotype. We developed two novel cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) markers based on the genomic sequences of the RoFT alleles and clearly showed that the relationship between RoFT genotype and flowering time was applicable to 12 of 13 cultivated roses grown at the Higashiyama Botanical Gardens, Japan. Allele-specific expression analysis using a reverse transcription CAPS assay suggested that these RoFT alleles are regulated differentially at the transcription level. Furthermore, transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants ectopically expressing the RoFT gene showed an early-flowering phenotype. Conversely, in roses, RoFT was continuously expressed after floral bud formation, and RoFT transcript accumulation reached its peak after that of the floral meristem identity gene RoAP1b. These data suggest that RoFT may be essential not only for floral transition but also for normal floral development and flowering in roses.