Pulmonary abscess caused by Cladosporium cladosporioides after receiving outpatient chemotherapy

Cladosporium cladosporioides is one of the most ubiquitous dematiaceous fungi that seldomly occur human infection. Here, we demonstrate a rare case of pulmonary phaeohyphomycosis with a distinctive pulmonary lesion during the nadir period of outpatient chemotherapy against endometrial cancer. In addition to severe neutropenia, excessive exposure to C. cladosporioides at patient's residence was considered as dominant causative factor. More caution is considered necessary for pulmonary phaeohyphomycosis in patients who receive outpatient chemotherapy and are homebound during neutropenic status.

Quantitative Trait Loci Analysis Based on High-Density Mapping of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms by Genotyping-by-Sequencing Against Pine Wilt Disease in Japanese Black Pine (Pinus thunbergii)

Identifying genes/loci for resistance to pine wilt disease (PWD) caused by the pine wood nematode (PWN) is beneficial for improving resistance breeding in Pinus thunbergii, but to date, genetic information using molecular markers has been limited. Here, we constructed a high-density linkage map using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) and conducted quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis for PWD resistance for the self-pollinated progeny of "Namikata 73," which is the most resistant variety among resistant varieties of P. thunbergii, following inoculation tests with PWN. An S₁ mapping population consisting of the 116 progenies derived from self-pollination of the resistant variety, "Namikata 73" (resistance rank 5 to PWN), was inoculated with PWN isolate Ka-4 and evaluated for disease symptoms. To construct a high-density linkage map, we used single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified by GBS based on next-generation sequencing technology and some anchor DNA markers, expressed sequence tag (EST)-derived SNP markers and EST-derived simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, and genomic SSR markers. The linkage map had 13 linkage groups (LGs) consisting of 2,365 markers including 2,243 GBS-SNP markers over a total map distance of 1968.4 centimorgans (cM). Results from QTL analysis using phenotype data and the linkage map indicated that PWD resistance is controlled by a single locus located on LG-3, as identified in a previous study. This locus showed overdominant genetic action in the present study. With the confirmation of PWD1 in two different mapping populations (present study and a previous study), the locus associated with this region is thought to be a good target for marker-assisted selection in P. thunbergii breeding programs in order to obtain high levels of resistance to PWD caused by PWN.

First-principles based theoretical calculations of atomic structures of hydroxyapatite surfaces and their charge states in contact with aqueous solutions

Surface charge states of biomaterials are often important for the adsorption of cells, proteins, and foreign ions on their surfaces, which should be clarified at the atomic and electronic levels. First-principles calculations were performed to reveal thermodynamically stable surface atomic structures and their charge states in hydroxyapatite (HAp). Effects of aqueous environments on the surface stability were considered using an implicit solvation model. It was found that in an air atmosphere, stoichiometric {0001} and P-rich {101̄0} surfaces are energetically favorable, whereas in an aqueous solution, a Ca-rich {101̄0} surface is the most stable. This difference suggests that preferential surface structures strongly depend on chemical environments with and without aqueous solutions. Their surface potentials at zero charge were calculated to obtain the isoelectric points (pH_PZC). pH_PZC values for the {0001} surface and the Ca-rich {101̄0} surface were obtained to be 4.8 and 8.7, respectively. This indicates that in an aqueous solution at neutral pH, the {0001} and Ca-rich {101̄0} surfaces are negatively and positively charged, respectively. This trend agrees with experimental data from chromatography and zeta potential measurements. Our methodology based on first-principles calculations enables determining macroscopic charge states of HAp surfaces from atomic and electronic levels.

An origin of excess vibrational entropies at grain boundaries in Al, Si and MgO: a first-principles analysis with lattice dynamics

First-principles lattice dynamics is applied to symmetric tilt grain boundaries (GBs) in Al, Si and MgO, with the goal of revealing critical factors in determining excess vibrational entropies at the atomic level. Excess vibrational entropies at GBs are found to vary depending on the substances. Al GBs tend to show larger excess entropies and hence larger temperature dependence of the GB free energies than those in Si and MgO. Most of the Si GBs show small excess entropies. For Al and MgO, atom-projected vibrational entropies are well correlated with bond-length changes at GB cores, and have large positive values as bond lengths increase for GB atoms. This demonstrates that a similar mechanism likely dominates excess vibrational entropies of GBs for both substances, despite their dissimilar bonding nature. For Si GBs, atoms with threefold coordination do not simply follow such a correlation, implying the importance of other factors that are different from bond-length changes. These systematic comparisons will be a foothold for understanding a physical origin of excess entropies at GBs even in more complex substances.

AB1137 CLASSIFICATION OF THE EARLY STAGE OF RAPIDLY DESTRUCTIVE COXOPATHY ACCORDING TO THE FEMORAL HEAD DESTRUCTION

Background:

Rapidly destructive coxopathy (RDC) is an unusual subset of osteoarthritis of the hip characterized by rapid chondrolysis with progressive loss of the joint space as the first manifestation of the disease. Because rapid progression of RDC makes it difficult to obtain sequential radiographs in its early stage, the process of disease progression in the early stage remains unclear. Although the pathogenesis of RDC is still unclarified, the potential causes of RDC include subchondral insufficiency fracture of the femoral head resulting from osteoporosis, pelvic posterior inclination in RDC as a mechanical factor, and increased serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 as a biological factor.

Objectives:

This study aimed to differentiate the process of disease progression in the early stage of RDC and provide its new classification system.

Methods:

This monocentric retrospective study included 42 female patients who met the criteria of RPOH, chondrolysis >2 mm during 12 months from the onset of hip pain based on a series of radiographs and computed tomography (CT). This study also included 9 female patients with osteoarthritis secondary to developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), who demonstrated chondrolysis >2 mm during 12 months from the onset of hip pain. Cortical thickness index (CTI) correlated with bone mineral density of the hip, pelvic tilt, and serum concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 were analyzed.

Results:

RDC were classified into two types based on the absence (type 1, n=17) and presence (type 2, n=25) of subsequent femoral head destruction shown by CT within 12 months after the onset of hip pain. MMP-3 significantly increased in RDC type 2 compared with type 1 and DDH. Increased posterior pelvic tilt was found in RDC type 2 compared with DDH. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses indicated that MMP-3 may be associated with differentiation between RDC types 1 and 2. No difference was found in CTI between RDC types and DDH.

RDC type 2 hips developed partial (type 2A) and massive (type 2B) femoral head destruction within the first 12 months. Whereas partial destruction showed <20% collapse ratio, massive destruction demonstrated >40% collapse ratio. Increased posterior pelvic tilt was found in massive destruction. Femoral head destruction started earlier within the first 6 months in massive destruction compared with that in partial destruction. From receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, pelvic tilt differentiated the femoral head destruction types using the initial radiograph at the onset before first demonstration of femoral head destruction. No difference was found in CTI or MMP-3 between the two subtypes.

Conclusion:

Disease progression of RDC during 12 months after the onset of hip pain could be classified into two distinct types based on the absence (type 1) and presence (type 2) of femoral head destruction in association with MMP-3 and pelvic tilt as biological and mechanical factors, respectively. MMP-3 may be helpful to differentiate those two types in the early stage of RPOH. The extent of femoral head destruction could further differentiate RDC type 2 into two subtypes based on pelvic tilt.

Acknowledgments :

This study was supported by the Japan Hip Joint Foundation.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Construction of genetic linkage map and identification of a novel major locus for resistance to pine wood nematode in Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergii)

BACKGROUND

Pine wilt disease (PWD), which is caused by the pine wood nematode (PWN) Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is currently the greatest threat to pine forests in Europe and East Asian countries including Japan. Constructing a detailed linkage map of DNA markers and identifying PWD resistance genes/loci lead to improved resistance in Pinus thunbergii, as well as other Pinus species that are also susceptible to PWD.

RESULTS

A total F₁ mapping population of 188 individuals derived from a cross between the PWD-resistant P. thunbergii varieties 'Tanabe 54' (resistant rank 2 to PWD) and 'Tosashimizu 63' (resistant rank 4 to PWD) was inoculated with PWN, and was evaluated for disease symptoms. To perform linkage analysis for PWN resistance, a set of three maps was constructed; two parental maps generated using the integrated two-way pseudo-testcross method, and a consensus map with population-type cross-pollination. The linkage map of 'Tanabe 54' consisted of 167 loci, and covered 14 linkage groups (LGs), with a total genetic distance of 1214.6 cM. The linkage map of 'Tosashimizu 63' consisted of 252 loci, and covered 14 LGs, with a total genetic distance of 1422.1 cM. The integrated consensus map comprised 12 LGs with the basic chromosome number of P. thunbergii, and a total genetic distance of 1403.6 cM. Results from quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis using phenotype data and linkage maps indicated that PWN resistance is controlled by a single dominant allele, which was derived from the 'Tanabe 54' female parent. This major QTL was located on linkage group 3 and was designated PWD1 for PINE WILT DISEASE 1.

CONCLUSIONS

The PWD1 locus is a major resistance QTL located on the Pinus consensus LG03 that acts in a dominant manner to confer pine wood nematode resistance. Information from the present study will be useful for P. thunbergii breeding programs to improve resistance to PWD, and also to help identify susceptibility genes in Pinus species.

P6578Development of the novel program to diagnose atrial fibrillation using automated blood pressure monitor

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is often asymptomatic and contributes to an increased risk of strokes. The development of proper screening device of AF is unmet medical needs worldwide. Recently, we had reported that multiple measurements using Omron automated blood pressure (BP) monitor with irregular heartbeat detection showed high sensitivity and specificity for AF detection in general cardiac patients, however, this method had limitations in discriminating between AF and other arrhythmias.

Purpose

The aim of this study is to develop a novel program that can accurately diagnose AF by discriminating it from other arrhythmias using the pressure pulse waveform data outputted from Omron automated BP monitor.

Methods

In our previous clinical research, BP measurements were performed 3 times each for 303 general cardiac patients (mean age: 72.2 years, 69.8% male) with recording the real-time single lead ECG, and a total of 909 pressure pulse waveforms were obtained. Among them, 840 pressure pulse waveforms from 280 patients (include 40 AF patients) used for further analysis. We developed a program to analyze and visualize uniquely the characteristics of AF waveform through the autocorrelation-based waveform processing system produced by Melody International Ltd, Kagawa, Japan. All visualized results were judged and classified into Sinus, Non-AF and AF by two individuals blinded to the results. For each patient who obtained 3 results, a two by two contingency table was created and sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for diagnosing AF were calculated.

Results

Among 840 pressure pulse waveforms, only 21 (2 Sinus and 19 Non-AF) out of 720 Sinus and Non-AF waveforms were judged as AF, and 7 out of 120 AF waveforms were judged as Non-AF. None of AF waveforms was absolutely misjudged as Sinus. In analysis for each patient, when one or more AF judgements were found in 3 waveforms, the diagnosis of AF has sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 95.8%, respectively. When two or more AF judgements were found in 3 waveforms, the diagnosis of AF has sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 97.9%, respectively. In this rule, the diagnostic accuracy of AF reached up to 98.8%, and no sinus patients were misjudged as AF.

Conclusion

The novel program, which applied autocorrelation methods uniquely to analysis of the pressure pulse waveforms recorded by automated BP monitor, showed high sensitivity and high specificity for AF diagnosis in general cardiac patients. This program is expected to be useful for early diagnosis for asymptomatic AF patients.

Acknowledgement/Funding

The present research is supported by a grant through the SCOPE from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Japan.

Contribution to oral and maxillary surgery and surgical technique of osteo-odontokeratoprosthesis in Japan

Osteo-odontokeratoprosthesis (OOKP) is a technique invented by Strampelli in 1963, in which the patient's own tooth root is used to support an optical cylinder. It uses an autologous tooth-bone-periodontal complex to mount an optical cylinder, which is stabilised by overlying autologous buccal mucosa. OOKP involves two, staged procedures done by ophthalmologists and oral surgeons, and the main contribution from the oral surgeon is during the first stage. To date we have done nine first-stage, and completed eight second-stage, OOKP operations in Japan with a mean follow-up of eight years and 11 months by modifying the original method of the oral surgery. All OOKP procedures were unilateral, and canines were selected as the donor teeth. Patients developed ocular blindness as a result of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, and chemical and thermal burns to the cornea and ocular surface. All eight patients who completed the second stage have been stable, and there have been no major perioperative or postoperative oral complications. The patients' visual acuities were stable with no serious complications. Here we report the technical details of the oral contribution to OOKP.

Development of a simple analytical method to determine arsenite using a DNA aptamer and gold nanoparticles

A simple analytical method was developed to determine the arsenite (As(III)) concentration using a DNA aptamer and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Prior to sample measurements, the method sensing mechanism was confirmed by analyzing the particle size of the AuNPs at each step of the analysis procedure, and the key operational parameters that affect the method performance were optimized. The optimal final NaCl concentration, incubation time with NaCl and pH of a 3-(N-morpholino) propanesulfonic acid buffer were 60 mM, 10 min and 7.3, respectively. A calibration curve was created under optimized operational conditions. The calibration curve was linear from a 1.0- to 10-μM As(III) concentration. The detection limit was 2.1 μM (161 μg/L). Using the calibration curve, we evaluated groundwater samples spiked with As(III). As(III) concentrations in groundwater pretreated with a 0.2-μm-pore-size membrane filter and cation-exchange resin were determined by using the method, which suggests that the proposed method can be used to determine the As(III) concentration in groundwater.

Evaluation of serum IgE in peach-allergic patients with systemic reaction by using recombinant Pru p 7 (gibberellin-regulated protein)

BACKGROUND

Lipid transfer protein (LTP) is a major fruit allergen. It has, however, recently been revealed that the systemic reaction in peach-allergic patients is related not only to LTP (Pru p 3) but also to gibberellin-regulated protein (Pru p 7). We investigated recombinant Pru p 7 (rPru p 7) for its potential use in worldwide standardization for the diagnosis of peach allergy.

METHODS

Natural Pru p 7 (nPru p 7) was purified from peach crude extract using a monoclonal antibody affinity column. Complementary DNA for Pru p 7 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli and Pichia pastoris. Serum immunoglobulin (Ig) E in peach-allergic patients was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using nPru p 7 and rPru p 7 (E. coli product: erPru p 7 and P. pastoris product: prPru p 7).

RESULTS

Peach-allergic patients (n=27) were diagnosed and categorized into oral reaction (n=10) or systemic reaction (n=17). The nPru p 7 positivity based on serum IgE levels was 52% in the systemic-reaction group and 0% in the oral-reaction group (P<0.05). In the systemic-reaction group, there was no significant difference in reactivity between nPru p 7 and prPru p 7, but the reactivity of erPru p 7 was significantly lower than those of nPru p 7 and prPru p 7 (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that prPru p 7 exhibited reactivity in ELISA comparable to that of nPru p 7 for the diagnosis of peach allergy with systemic reaction.

Association of immunoglobulin G4 and free light chain with idiopathic pleural effusion

The cause of pleural effusion remains uncertain in approximately 15% of patients despite exhaustive evaluation. As recently described immunoglobulin (Ig)G4-related disease is a fibroinflammatory disorder that can affect various organs, including the lungs, we investigate whether idiopathic pleural effusion includes IgG4-associated etiology. Between 2000 and 2012, we collected 830 pleural fluid samples and reviewed 35 patients with pleural effusions undiagnosed after pleural biopsy at Yamaguchi-Ube Medical Center. Importantly, IgG4 immunostaining revealed infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells in the pleura of 12 patients (34%, IgG4⁺ group). The median effusion IgG4 level was 41 mg/dl in the IgG4⁺ group and 27 mg/dl in the IgG4^- group (P < 0·01). The light and heavy chains of effusion IgG4 antibodies of patients in the IgG4⁺ group were heterogeneous by two-dimensional electrophoresis, indicating the absence of clonality of the IgG4 antibodies. Interestingly, the κ light chains were more heterogeneous than the λ light chains. The measurement of the κ and λ free light chain (FLC) levels in the pleural fluids showed significantly different κ FLC levels (median: 28·0 versus 9·1 mg/dl, P < 0·01) and κ/λ ratios (median: 2·0 versus 1·2, P < 0·001) between the IgG4⁺ and IgG4^- groups. Furthermore, the κ/λ ratios were correlated with the IgG4⁺ /IgG⁺ plasma cell ratios in the pleura of the IgG4⁺ group. Taken together, these results demonstrate the involvement of IgG4 in certain idiopathic pleural effusions and provide insights into the diagnosis, pathogenesis and therapeutic opportunities of IgG4-associated pleural effusion.

Relationship between pine wilt-tolerance rankings of Pinus thunbergii trees and the number of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus passing through branch sections

To establish a simple, time-saving method for selecting Pinus tree candidates tolerant to the infection of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, the causative agent of pine wilt disease, three experiments were conducted. When two virulent isolates Sc-9 and T-4 were inoculated on cut ends of branch sections, more nematodes were inhibited from passing through P. taeda branch sections than P. thunbergii sections. Sc-9 tended to pass through P. thunbergii sections more easily than T-4. The probability of nematodes passing through 5-cm-long P. thunbergii branch sections was greater when 200 nematodes were inoculated. When 200 Sc-9 nematodes were inoculated on 5-, 10- or 15-cm-long branch sections of P. taeda trees and P. thunbergii clones of different tolerance classes in late August, an insignificant correlation was found between the tolerance class of P. thunbergii clones and the number of nematodes passing through 5-cm-long branch sections, although nematode dispersal ability could distinguish between tolerant and susceptible pine clones in mid-August, suggesting it was a helpful method for selecting tolerant tree candidates. Abrupt seasonal increases in tolerance level suggested that weather conditions, such as hot temperatures and drought, may have disrupted the tolerance mechanism of resistant species of P. taeda.

Case report of multiple pustules of the bilateral lower limbs caused by a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-producing solid pseudopapillary tumour of the pancreas

Here we report a rare case of neutrophilic dermatoses related to a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-producing solid pseudopapillary tumour (SPT). The patient was a 39-year-old woman presenting with scattered pustules and crusts of the palms, heels and thighs and plaques of the bilateral lower legs. The skin biopsy revealed dense neutrophil infiltration in the epidermis to the dermis. A pancreatic head tumour was detected using computed tomography. A pathological examination of the resected specimen suggested an SPT. As the skin eruption promptly disappeared after SPT resection, we hypothesized that SPT secretes growth factors including epidermal growth factor (EGF) and G-CSF. The SPT cells stained positive for both EGF and G-CSF tumour cells. The serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 and tumour necrosis factor-α were within normal limits before and after the SPT resection. In contrast, the serum IL-8, EGF and G-CSF levels decreased after the SPT resection. This is a rare case of neutrophilic dermatoses related to a G-CSF-producing SPT. The present case suggests that physicians should be aware that a G-CSF-producing tumour is a differential diagnosis to consider in patients with unusual aseptic pustulosis.

The Effect of Fexofenadine on Pruritus in a Mouse Model (HR-ADf) of Atopic Dermatitis

Fexofenadine, a histamine H1-receptor antagonist, is approved for the treatment of pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis. The effects of fexofenadine on scratching behaviour, and plasma levels of histamine and eotaxin were assessed in a new model of atopic dermatitis. Mice fed a diet low in Mg2+ and Zn2+ (special diet S) were compared with mice on a normal diet (N) or diet S plus fexofenadine HCl for weeks 0-10 (S + F0-10), 0-5 (S + F0-5) or 6-10 (S + F6-10) (seven mice per group). Compared with group N, group S mice showed significantly greater scratching frequency, and plasma histamine and eotaxin concentrations; these three variables were significantly lower in group S + F0-10 than in group S. Scratching frequency increased when fexofenadine was discontinued. Fexofenadine significantly reduced mast cell and eosinophil numbers. Histamine may be important in the pathological changes seen in this model of atopic dermatitis, suggesting that it might aid future development of antihistamines for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

Lactobacillus gasseri requires peptides, not proteins or free amino acids, for growth in milk

Lactobacillus gasseri is a widespread commensal lactic acid bacterium inhabiting human mucosal niches and has many beneficial effects as a probiotic. However, L. gasseri is difficult to grow in milk, which hurts usability for the food industry. It had been previously reported that supplementation with yeast extract or proteose peptone, including peptides, enables L. gasseri to grow well in milk. In this study, our objective was to confirm peptide requirement of L. gasseri and evaluate efficacy of peptide release by enzymatic proteolysis on growth of L. gassei in milk. Three strains of L. gasseri did not grow well in modified DeMan, Rogosa, Sharpe broth without any nitrogen sources (MRS-N), but addition of a casein-derived peptide mixture, tryptone, promoted growth. In contrast, little effect was observed after adding casein or a casein-derived amino acid mixture, casamino acids. These results indicate that L. gasseri requires peptides, not proteins or free amino acids, among milk-derived nitrogen sources for growth. Lactobacillus gasseri JCM 1131T hardly had growth capacity in 6 kinds of milk-based media: bovine milk, human milk, skim milk, cheese whey, modified MRS-N (MRSL-N) supplemented with acid whey, and MRSL-N supplemented with casein. Moreover, treatment with digestive proteases, particularly pepsin, to release peptides made it grow well in each milk-based medium. The pepsin treatment was the most effective for growth of strain JCM 1131T in skim milk among the tested food-grade proteases such as trypsin, α-chymotrypsin, calf rennet, ficin, bromelain, and papain. As well as strain JCM 1131T, pepsinolysis of milk improved growth of other L. gasseri strains and some strains of enteric lactobacilli such as Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus gallinarum, Lactobacillus johnsonii, and Lactobacillus reuteri. These results suggest that some relatives of L. gasseri also use peptides as desirable nitrogen sources, and that milk may be a good supplier of nutritious peptides to enteric lactobacilli including L. gasseri after peptic digestion in the gastrointestinal tract. This is the first report showing peptide requirement of L. gasseri and efficacy of pepsinolysis on the growth of L. gasseri and its relatives in milk. This study would contribute to increasing usability of L. gasseri and its relatives as probiotics in dairy foods.

A multi-ring optical packet and circuit integrated network with optical buffering

We newly developed a 3 × 3 integrated optical packet and circuit switch-node. Optical buffers and burst-mode erbium-doped fiber amplifiers with the gain flatness are installed in the 3 × 3 switch-node. The optical buffer can prevent packet collisions and decrease packet loss. We constructed a multi-ring optical packet and circuit integrated network testbed connecting two single-ring networks and a client network by the 3 × 3 switch-node. For the first time, we demonstrated 244 km fiber transmission and 5-node hopping of multiplexed 14-wavelength 10 Gbps optical paths and 100 Gbps optical packets encapsulating 10 Gigabit Ethernet frames on the testbed. Error-free (frame error rate < 1 × 10(-4)) operation was achieved with optical packets of various packet lengths. In addition, successful avoidance of packet collisions by optical buffers was confirmed.

Associated demographics of persistent exhaled nitric oxide elevation in treated asthmatics

BACKGROUND

The fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) is reduced by anti-inflammatory treatment in asthma. However, the FENO level is also regulated by individual demographics and there is considerable variation among clinically stable patients.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized that some demographics may be responsible for persistent FENO elevation despite inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) therapy in asthma.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational study. We initially screened 250 stable asthmatics and determined the FENO cut-off point for identifying poorly controlled asthma defined by one of the following criteria: Asthma control test <20, or forced expiratory volume in one-second % of predicted <80%, or peak expiratory flow variability <80% (Study 1). After 12-weeks, 229 patients who maintained high or low FENO were selected and the independent factors which might contribute to a high FENO were examined (Study 2).

RESULTS

A FENO level >39.5 p.p.b. yielded 67% sensitivity and 76% specificity for identifying the patients with poorly controlled asthma. The persistent high FENO group (≥ 40 p.p.b.) was more likely to be ex-smokers, to show evidence of atopy (positive specific IgE, higher serum IgE and blood eosinophils), and to have allergic comorbidities. Especially, past smoking history, blood eosinophils, and chronic rhinosinusitis were identified to be independent predictors of high FENO. Neither the dose of ICS nor other medication use showed any difference between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

These results suggested that past smoking history, blood eosinophilia, and chronic rhinosinusitis are involved in the persistent airway inflammation detected by FENO. Although their relative contributions on FENO values should be further quantified, clarification of the features of the subjects with high FENO might provide clues for adjustment of the treatment approach in asthma.

Temporal changes in characteristics of populations originating from interbreeding between Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and B. mucronatus

Abstract

To determine the likelihood of introgressive hybridisation between Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and B. mucronatus, interbreeding experiments were performed. Of 240 trials involving 24 reciprocal crosses (ten trials per cross, ten virgin females and ten virgin males per trial) between three B. xylophilus isolates and four B. mucronatus isolates under conditions that allowed F1 hybrids to backcross with parents, 174 produced hybrid juveniles. The others failed to generate juveniles. Twenty trials in four crosses successfully established populations which persisted for 65.8-179.5 days, corresponding to 10-40 generations. Analyses of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) fragments for 20 hybrid-derived populations and analysis of inheritance mode of mitochondrial DNA indicated that three crosses produced populations whose members had the B. mucronatus nuclear genome and B. mucronatus or B. xylophilus cytoplasm, whereas the remaining interbreeding produced populations in which 79% of members examined had the B. xylophilus rDNA and cytoplasm and 17% had rDNA fragments of the two species. Populations composed of heterospecific cytonuclear individuals took longer to eat up Botrytis cinerea mycelial mat in a rearing flask than others. Formation of a tail tip mucro in adult females, a characteristic of B. mucronatus, was suggested to be controlled by nuclear and cytoplasmic genes. The results suggested that the introgression of B. xylophilus genes into the B. mucronatus genome was easier than introgression in the opposite direction.

Inhibition response of Pinus densiflora clones to Bursaphelenchus xylophilus systemic dispersal and their resistance to pine wilt disease

Abstract

To determine the relationship between resistance to pine wilt disease and the inhibition of nematode systemic dispersal in Pinus densiflora, a suspension of 200 Bursaphelenchus xylophilus was placed on the upper cut end of 5-cm-long, living or boiled branch sections of 17 clones of pine that had different resistance levels. Significantly more nematodes passed through boiled sections than living sections during 24 h. Living branches of the resistant P. densiflora clone group significantly suppressed the dispersal of B. xylophilus compared with those of the susceptible group, suggesting that the inhibition of nematode systemic dispersal was involved in the resistance mechanism of selected disease-resistant pine clones. However, there was no significant correlation between the resistance class and the mean number of nematodes passing through live branch sections within the resistant clone group. The reason for the lack of correlation is discussed in relation with the resistance mechanism.

Pourbaix diagrams of alkaline earth metal elements by combination of first principles calculations and thermochemical data

Based on first principles calculations for crystals and experimental thermochemical data for aqueous solutions and molecules, Pourbaix diagrams of alkaline earth metal systems at 298.15 K are constructed. Phonon frequencies are computed for all crystals of interests by the first principles method. Then individual contributions of zero-point energies and vibrational free energies are examined. The contribution of the zero-point energy is found to be 7-8% of the total formation free energy at 298.15 K in hydroxides, which can be ascribed to the presence of high frequency OH stretching modes. The agreements between computed and experimental Pourbaix diagrams are quite satisfactory.

Ribosomal DNA haplotype distribution of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in Kyushu and Okinawa islands, Japan

Ribosomal DNA region sequences (partial 18S, 28S and complete ITS1, 5.8S, and ITS2) of the pinewood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) were obtained from DNA extracted directly from wood pieces collected from wilted pine trees throughout the Kyushu and Okinawa islands, Japan. Either a 2569bp or 2573bp sequence was obtained from 88 of 143 samples. Together with the 45 rDNA sequences of pinewood nematode isolates previously reported, there were eight single nucleotide polymorphisms and two indels of two bases. Based on these mutations, nine haplotypes were estimated. The haplotype frequencies differed among regions in Kyushu island (northwest, northeast and center, southeast, and southwest), and the distribution was consistent with the invasion and spreading routes of the pinewood nematode previously estimated from past records of pine wilt and wood importation. There was no significant difference in haplotype frequencies among the collection sites on Okinawa island.

Interface structures of gold nanoparticles on TiO2 (110)

Scanning transmission electron microscopy and density functional theory are used to characterize atomic structures of nanoscale heterointerfaces between gold nanoparticles and a TiO2 (110) surface. It is found that when the gold nanoparticle size is smaller than a few nanometers, gold atoms preferentially attach to specific sites on the TiO2 surface and thus form an epitaxial and coherent heterointerface. Conversely, as the gold size becomes larger, the gold-TiO2 interface loses lattice coherency in order to accommodate the large lattice mismatch between the two dissimilar crystals.

Seasonal change in susceptibility of Pinus densiflora to Bursaphelenchus xylophilus infection, determined from the number of nematodes passing through branch sections

Abstract

Pine wilt disease by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus has been causing devastating damage to Pinus densiflora and P. thunbergii forests in Japan. Reforestation using resistant trees is one of the most effective control measures. In this study we examined the seasonal change in the number of nematodes passing through 5 cm long P. densiflora branch sections during 24 h, to determine the season of greatest susceptibility when resistant candidates can be identified easily. We inoculated 200 nematodes of each of four B. xylophilus and one B. mucronatus isolate on the cut end of individual branch sections. The overall seasonal change in the number of nematodes passing was similar among the five isolates. Peaks occurred in August and between December and February for four isolates. A virulent isolate, T-4, exhibited remarkable fluctuations, with the highest peak in August, suggesting that a test in August with T-4 is most informative. Another study showed that the passage ability, which is a measure of the dispersal ability in branches, was low for eggs and second-stage propagative juveniles and high for other developmental stages. This indicates that the composition of developmental stages in the inoculum is important when comparing the numbers of passing nematodes obtained on different occasions and in different places.

Phase II study of radiation therapy combined with weekly nedaplatin in locally advanced uterine cervical carcinoma (LAUCC): Kitasato Gynecologic Radiation Oncology Group (KGROG 0501)--initial analysis

OBJECTIVE

Locally advanced uterine cervical carcinoma (LAUCC) treated with chemoradiotherapy is considered to be the standard treatment regimen. However, no evidence of its efficacy and safety has been obtained from the Japanese population. Furthermore, the total dose of Japanese radiation therapy protocol is less than that of the USA which indicated that chemoradiotherapy for LAUCC is better than radiation therapy alone by phase III clinical trials. Thus, the current phase II study was designed to evaluate chemoradiotherapy with a lower radiation dose for LAUCC using weekly nedaplatin effectively and safely in the Japanese population. Nedaplatin is a platinum drug and no hydration is required to infuse patients because it is less toxic on renal function. If this phase II trial is successful, chemoradiotherapy for LAUCC in out-patient clinics could be possible.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients registered in the current study were found to have LAUCC based on the following criteria i) pathologically proven squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma, ii) FIGO clinical Stage Ib, IIa, IIb with bulky tumor (diameter > 40 mm assessed by pelvic magnetic resonance imaging) or pelvic lymph node swelling (diameter > 10 mm assessed by pelvic computed tomography); iii) FIGO clinical Stage IIIa, IIIb and IVa with no paraaortic lymph node swelling (diameter > 10 mm) observed by abdominal computed tomography; iv) age: 20-75 years; v) performance status: 0-2. The treatment protocol was as follows: Radiation therapy in a combination of external beam radiation therapy (total dose: 50 Gy-52 Gy/25-27 fractions with central shielding after 30-32 Gy) with high-dose rate intracavitary irradiation (24-30 Gy/4-6 fractions to point A). Chemotherapy applied in the current study was weekly nedaplatin infused intravenously (30 mg/mm2/time, once a week, total 150 mg/mm2/5 weeks). Sample size in the current study was 45 LAUCC patients recruited for three years at a single institution. This protocol was permitted by the ethics committee of Kitasato University Hospital.

RESULTS

Ten patients were registered in this study between June 2005 and March 2006. The median age was 57.5 years (range 36-73). PS0 was five and PS1 was five. As for clinical stage, nine were IIIb and only one was IIb. Nine patients were proven to have squamous cell carcinoma and one adenocarcinoma. The median maximum tumor diameter was 62.5 mm (range 30-100 mm). As for initial response, eight had CR and two had PR (100% response rate). As for hematological acute morbidity, three were grade 2, six were grade 3, and one was grade 4.

CONCLUSIONS

This initial analysis of the phase II study confirmed that concurrent chemoradiotherapy using nedaplatin is safe and efficacious, thus we decided to undergo further studies.

Improvement of pulmonary function and dyspnea by tiotropium in COPD patients using a transdermal β2-agonist

BACKGROUND

A combination of bronchodilators may be effective in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We examined the effect of adding a long-acting anti-cholinergic agent (tiotropium) to a transdermal-type beta(2)-agonist (tulobuterol) on dyspnea as well as pulmonary function.

METHODS

In a multicentre, randomized, parallel design study, 60 COPD patients treated with the transdermal beta(2)-agonist tulobuterol were divided into a tiotropium added group (Tulo+Tio group, n=40) or transdermal beta(2)-agonist tulobuterol alone group (Tulo group, n=20), and then treated for 4 weeks after a 2 week run-in period. Pulmonary function and a dyspnea (Medical Research Council (MRC)) scale were assessed before and after the treatment. Daily peak expiratory flow (PEF) monitoring was also performed.

RESULTS

After 4 weeks, the Tulo+Tio group showed a significant increase in pulmonary function compared with the Tulo group; DeltaFVC (0.31+/-0.06 L vs. 0.06+/-0.05 L, p< 0.01), DeltaFEV(1) (0.15+/-0.03 L vs. -0.02+/-0.02 L, p<0.0001), and DeltaPEF (41.0+/-5.1 L/min vs. 0.5+/-3.5 L/min, p<0.0001). The MRC dyspnea scale was also significantly improved in Tulo+Tio, but not in Tulo group.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that tiotropium caused a significant improvement in both pulmonary function and dyspnea in COPD patients already treated with the transdermal beta(2)-agonist tulobuterol.

Possible Impact of Salivary Influence on Cytokine Analysis in Exhaled Breath Condensate

Background

Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is thought to contain substances of the lower airway epithelial lining fluid (ELF) aerosolized by turbulent flow. However, contamination by saliva may affect the EBC when collected orally.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to compare the cytokine expression levels in EBC with those in saliva, and to clarify the influence of saliva on cytokine measurements of EBC.

Methods

EBC and saliva samples were obtained from 10 adult subjects with stable asthma. To estimate differences in the contents of substances between EBC and saliva, the total protein concentration of each sample was measured. Further, we also measured the total protein concentration of ELF obtained from another patient group with suspected lung cancer using a micro sampling probe during bronchoscopic examination and roughly estimated the dilution of EBC by comparing the total protein concentration of EBC and ELF from those two patient groups. The cytokine expression levels of EBC and saliva from asthmatic group were assessed by a cytokine protein array.

Results

The mean total protein concentrations in EBC, saliva and ELF were 4.6 μg/ml, 2,398 μg/ml and 14,111 μg/ml, respectively. The dilution of EBC could be estimated as 1:3000. Forty cytokines were analyzed by a cytokine protein array and each cytokine expression level of EBC was found to be different from that of saliva. Corrected by the total protein concentration, all cytokine expression levels of EBC were significantly higher than those of saliva.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the salivary influence on the cytokine assessment in EBC may be negligible.

Possible impact of salivary influence on cytokine analysis in exhaled breath condensate

BACKGROUND

Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is thought to contain substances of the lower airway epithelial lining fluid (ELF) aerosolized by turbulent flow. However, contamination by saliva may affect the EBC when collected orally.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare the cytokine expression levels in EBC with those in saliva, and to clarify the influence of saliva on cytokine measurements of EBC.

METHODS

EBC and saliva samples were obtained from 10 adult subjects with stable asthma. To estimate differences in the contents of substances between EBC and saliva, the total protein concentration of each sample was measured. Further, we also measured the total protein concentration of ELF obtained from another patient group with suspected lung cancer using a micro sampling probe during bronchoscopic examination and roughly estimated the dilution of EBC by comparing the total protein concentration of EBC and ELF from those two patient groups. The cytokine expression levels of EBC and saliva from asthmatic group were assessed by a cytokine protein array.

RESULTS

The mean total protein concentrations in EBC, saliva and ELF were 4.6 microg/ml, 2,398 microg/ml and 14,111 microg/ml, respectively. The dilution of EBC could be estimated as 1:3000. Forty cytokines were analyzed by a cytokine protein array and each cytokine expression level of EBC was found to be different from that of saliva. Corrected by the total protein concentration, all cytokine expression levels of EBC were significantly higher than those of saliva.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the salivary influence on the cytokine assessment in EBC may be negligible.

Comparison of bronchodilatory properties of transdermal and inhaled long-acting beta 2-agonists

BACKGROUND

Regular use of long-acting bronchodilators is recommended for symptomatic COPD patients. A transdermal type of beta 2-agonist, tulobuterol, was recently developed. This agent shows the pharmacokinetic property of a sustained serum concentration for 24h. However, little has been reported about the bronchodilatory properties of this agent.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to compare the bronchodilatory action of transdermal beta 2-agonist tulobuterol with that of inhaled long-acting beta 2-agonist salmeterol.

METHODS

An open-label, randomized crossover study was performed. Eleven patients with stable COPD were enrolled in the study. Tulobuterol (2mg/day) or salmeterol (50 microg, twice daily) was administered in a randomized, crossover manner. Forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and inspiratory capacity (IC) were measured before administration, every 2h from 12 to 24h, and at 36 h after the initial administration.

RESULTS

Transdermal beta 2-agonist tulobuterol showed an improvement in FEV1, FVC and IC after dosing compared with those at baseline. Salmeterol also improved all parameters of FEV1, FVC and IC, and showed a greater improvement compared with the transdermal beta 2-agonist tulobuterol (p<0.05). The values of the area under the curve (AUC) of FEV1, FVC and IC during the administration of tulobuterol were 2.98+/-1.05, 1.81+/-0.98, 0.75+/-0.85 L h, respectively, and during the administration of salmeterol they were 6.39+/-1.12, 6.61+/-1.34, 4.28+/-0.91 L h, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The transdermal beta 2-agonist tulobuterol showed bronchodilatory action for at least 24h by once daily administration. However, its bronchodilatory potency was about three times less than that of the inhaled beta 2-agonist salmeterol.

Pharmacokinetics and enhanced PKR response in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with pegylated interferon alpha-2b and ribavirin

This study investigated the molecular and pharmacokinetic mechanisms of the enhanced antiviral efficacy associated with pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) alpha-2b and ribavirin. The study involved comparing the expression of serial double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase (PKR) before and during treatment in 26 PEG-IFN alpha-2b and 26 conventional IFN alpha-2b recipients matched for age, body weight and dose of ribavirin. The pharmacokinetics of PEG-IFN alpha-2b and ribavirin was analysed in 15 of the 26 PEG-IFN recipients. There was a rapid increase in PKR expression in both treatment groups, although expression from day 2 onwards was maintained at a significantly higher level in the PEG-IFN recipients (P < 0.05). C(max) of PEG-IFN occurred 12-48 h after the initial administration, with t(1/2) and C(min) being 49 h and 190 pg/mL, respectively. In contrast to ribavirin, accumulation of PEG-IFN was minimal. There was no association between serum PEG-IFN and ribavirin levels and virological response. Although baseline expression of PKR before treatment was marginally higher in nonresponders (NRs), from day 2 onwards, sequential PKR expression in response to PEG-IFN was higher in sustained viral responders compared with the NRs (P < 0.05). Significant correlations were found between kinetics of PKR expression and viral decline rates in each phase of hepatitis C virus dynamics (first phase, r = 0.67, P = 0.0006; second phase, r = 0.67, P = 0.001). In conclusion, improvement in pharmacokinetics following pegylation led to higher intracellular PKR expression, which was associated with enhanced virological efficacy of PEG-IFN-based combination therapy. The concentrations of both ribavirin and PEG-IFN alpha-2b were not associated with viral response and PKR expression.