Effect of common sedation agents on feline splenic size determined via ultrasonography

AIMS

To evaluate the effect of IM administration of three sedative drugs, acepromazine, alfaxalone and dexmedetomidine, in combination with morphine, on the size of the feline spleen using ultrasonography.

METHODS

Twenty-four client-owned cats undergoing elective de-sexing or minor procedures were recruited for a focused ultrasonographic examination of the spleen prior to and at 10, 20 and 30 minutes following administration of one of three randomly assigned IM sedation protocols: 0.05 mg/kg acepromazine (ACE group), 3 mg/kg alfaxalone (ALF group), or 10 μg/kg dexmedetomidine (DEX group), in combination with 0.5 mg/kg morphine. B-mode images of the spleen were collected and measured following a standardised protocol. Cardiorespiratory parameters and sedation score were also recorded. Mean thickness of the head, body and tail of the spleen for each group at 10, 20 and 30 minutes after drug administration was compared to baseline.

RESULTS

Mean splenic thickness increased over time in the ACE group (thickness of body at T0 = 8.9 (SE 2.1) mm and at T30 = 10.5 (SE 2.0) mm; p = 0.001) and the ALF group (thickness of body at T0 = 8.8 (SE 1.0) mm and at T30 = 10.3 (SE 1.7) mm; p = 0.022) but not in the DEX group (thickness of body at T0 = 8.6 mm (1.2) and at T30 = 8.9 mm (0.6); p = 0.67). Mean arterial blood pressure in the DEX group was significantly higher than in the other groups (p = 0.002). Sedation scores in the DEX group were consistently high for the entire period. However, the sedation score in the ACE group increased over 30 minutes (p = 0.007). Sedation score in the ALF group was highest at 10 minutes but gradually decreased over the following 20 minutes (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Sedation with IM dexmedetomidine and morphine did not change splenic size, whereas acepromazine or alfaxalone and morphine increased it regardless of the degree of sedation.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Where splenomegaly is identified in a cat sedated with acepromazine or alfaxalone, the effects of the sedation protocol could be considered as a possible cause.

Identification of a Functionally Efficient and Thermally Stable Outward Sodium-Pumping Rhodopsin (BeNaR) from a Thermophilic Bacterium

Rhodopsins are transmembrane proteins with retinal chromophores that are involved in photo-energy conversion and photo-signal transduction in diverse organisms. In this study, we newly identified and characterized a rhodopsin from a thermophilic bacterium, Bellilinea sp. Recombinant Escherichia coli cells expressing the rhodopsin showed light-induced alkalization of the medium only in the presence of sodium ions (Na⁺), and the alkalization signal was enhanced by addition of a protonophore, indicating an outward Na⁺ pump function across the cellular membrane. Thus, we named the protein Bellilinea Na⁺-pumping rhodopsin, BeNaR. Of note, its Na⁺-pumping activity is significantly greater than that of the known Na⁺-pumping rhodopsin, KR2. We further characterized its photochemical properties as follows: (i) Visible spectroscopy and HPLC revealed that BeNaR has an absorption maximum at 524 nm with predominantly (>96%) the all-trans retinal conformer. (ii) Time-dependent thermal denaturation experiments revealed that BeNaR showed high thermal stability. (iii) The time-resolved flash-photolysis in the nanosecond to millisecond time domains revealed the presence of four kinetically distinctive photointermediates, K, L, M and O. (iv) Mutational analysis revealed that Asp101, which acts as a counterion, and Asp230 around the retinal were essential for the Na⁺-pumping activity. From the results, we propose a model for the outward Na⁺-pumping mechanism of BeNaR. The efficient Na⁺-pumping activity of BeNaR and its high stability make it a useful model both for ion transporters and optogenetics tools.

Diagnosis of superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma invasion depth before endoscopic submucosal dissection

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a widely accepted procedure for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SESCC) limited to the epithelium or lamina propria mucosae (EP/LPM). We aimed to compare the efficacy of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and magnifying endoscopy with narrow band imaging (ME-NBI) for predicting the tumor invasion depth in patients with SESCC. Specifically, we evaluated the ability of these examinations to distinguish EP/LPM from SESCC invading the muscularis mucosae or superficial submucosa (MM/SM1) and more deeply invasive lesions before ESD.We retrospectively analyzed a database of all patients with SESCC who had undergone both EUS and ME-NBI for pretreatment staging and ESD resection at Hiroshima University Hospital between September 2007 and June 2015. The clinicopathologic characteristics of SESCCs were classified according to the Japanese Classification of Esophageal Cancer.A total of 174 lesions in 174 patients were included: 124 (71%) EP/LPMs, 35 (20%) MM/SM1s, and 15 (9%) SESCCs invading the mid submucosae (SM2). The sensitivity of EUS and of ME-NBI in distinguishing EP/LPM from MM/SM1 and more invasive lesions was 72% and 83%, respectively. The accuracy of EUS and ME-NBI in distinguishing EP/LPM from MM/SM1 and more invasive lesions was 70% and 82%, respectively. Sensitivity and accuracy of ME-NBI in distinguishing EP/LPM from MM/SM1 and more deeply invasive SESCCs is significantly higher than those of EUS (P = 0.048 and P = 0.017, respectively).ME-NBI may be more useful than EUS for the determination of SESCC invasion depth before ESD.

Curative Criteria After Endoscopic Resection for Superficial Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinomas

BACKGROUND

According to the Japanese Esophageal Society (JES) guidelines, risk factors for lymph node (LN) metastasis in the muscularis mucosa (MM)/submucosa to a depth of up to 200 μm (SM1) in cases of esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs) include the presence of lymphatic invasion (ly), venous invasion (v), infiltration pattern (INF)c, and SM1. The long-term prognoses of these patients are unclear, and there are very few reports on the validation of the curative criteria for MM/SM1 ESCCs.

AIMS

To examine the long-term prognoses of these patients and the risk factors for LN metastasis of MM/SM1 ESCCs after endoscopic resection (ER).

METHODS

This study included patients with MM/SM1 ESCCs who underwent ER at Hiroshima University Hospital from December 1990 to November 2016. We evaluated the clinicopathological characteristics of 98 patients and overall survival, disease-specific survival, recurrence-free survival, and recurrence rates in the e-curative and non-e-curative groups.

RESULTS

The mean observation period was 75 months. There was no significant difference in disease-specific survival rate between the e-curative and non-e-curative groups (100 vs. 98%). There was no significant difference in disease-specific survival rates between the groups (100 vs. 98%). In contrast, the LN recurrence-free survival rate in patients with INFa, ly(-), and v(-) was significantly higher than that in patients with INFb/c, ly(+), or v(+) (100 and 87%, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Contrary to the JES guidelines, our findings suggest that new criteria (MM/SM1, INFa, negative vertical margin (VM0), ly[-], and v[-]) may be associated with curative ER without additional treatment.

Microbial rhodopsins: wide distribution, rich diversity and great potential

One of the major topics in biophysics and physicobiology is to understand and utilize biological functions using various advanced techniques. Taking advantage of the photoreactivity of the seven-transmembrane rhodopsin protein family has been actively investigated by a variety of methods. Rhodopsins serve as models for membrane-embedded proteins, for photoactive proteins and as a fundamental tool for optogenetics, a new technology to control biological activity with light. In this review, we summarize progress of microbial rhodopsin research from the viewpoint of distribution, diversity and potential.

Synthesis, Structure, and Redox Properties of [{(η(5) -C5 H5 )Co(S2 C6 H4 )}2 Mo(CO)2 ], a Novel Metalladithiolene Cluster

Metal-metal bond formation by a cobaltadithiolene complex was observed for the first time in the reaction of [Co(η(5) -C5 H5 )(S2 C6 H4 )] with [Mo(CO)3 (py)3 ] and BF3 to give the Co-Mo-Co cluster 1. Cyclic voltammetry reveals that 1 undergoes two one-electron reduction steps at the Co centers, which is indicative of transmission of the Co-Co electronic interaction through the Mo center.

Proton-exchange mechanism of specific Cs+ adsorption via lattice defect sites of Prussian blue filled with coordination and crystallization water molecules

We have revealed the fundamental mechanism of specific Cs(+) adsorption into Prussian blue (PB) in order to develop high-performance PB-based Cs(+) adsorbents in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear accident. We compared two types of PB nanoparticles with formulae of Fe(III)4[Fe(II)(CN)6]3·xH2O (x = 10-15) (PB-1) and (NH4)0.70Fe(III)1.10[Fe(II)(CN)6]·1.7H2O (PB-2) with respect to the Cs(+) adsorption ability. The synthesised PB-1, by a common stoichiometric aqueous reaction between 4Fe(3+) and 3[Fe(II)(CN)6](4-), showed much more efficient Cs(+) adsorption ability than did the commercially available PB-2. A high value of the number of waters of crystallization, x, of PB-1 was caused by a lot of defect sites (vacant sites) of [Fe(II)(CN)6](4-) moieties that were filled with coordination and crystallization water molecules. Hydrated Cs(+) ions were preferably adsorbed via the hydrophilic defect sites and accompanied by proton-elimination from the coordination water. The low number of hydrophilic sites of PB-2 was responsible for its insufficient Cs(+) adsorption ability.

Protumoral roles of melanoma inhibitory activity 2 in oral squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The role of melanoma inhibitory activity 2 (MIA2) was examined in human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

METHODS

MIA2 role was examined by immunohistochemistry of human OSCCs and knockdown studies using human 3 OSCC cell lines with MIA2 expression.

RESULTS

MIA2 expression was observed in 62 (66.7%) of 93 OSCCs and was associated with tumour expansion and nodal metastasis. Melanoma inhibitory activity 2 expression was inversely correlated with intratumoral infiltration of lymphocytes. Invasion and anti-apoptotic survival were reduced by MIA2 knockdown in HSC3 cells. MOLT-3 lymphocytes infiltrating the HSC3 cell layer was enhanced by MIA2 knockdown or MIA2 depletion with the antibody. In HSC3 cells, MIA2 knockdown decreased the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF-C, and VEGF-D. The downregulation of VEGF-C and -D was caused by inhibition of p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, respectively. Melanoma inhibitory activity 2 was co-precipitated with integrin α4 andα5 in HSC3 cells. Integrin α4 knockdown decreased p38 phosphorylation and increased apoptosis, whereas integrin α5 knockdown decreased c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation and apoptosis. Inhibition of JNK decreased apoptosis in the HSC3 cells.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that the roles of MIA2 might be based on the variety of the integrins and the subtypes of mitogen-activated protein kinase.

Combination therapy with cisplatin, 5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5'-DFUR) and mitomycin (MMC) in patients with inoperable, advanced gastric cancer

The optimal dose of cisplatin (CDDP) for combination chemotherapy for the treatment of inoperable, advanced gastric cancer has yet to be established. We therefore performed a randomized study to compare the therapeutic usefulness of two dose levels of cisplatin. 5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5'-DFUR 1,400 mg/m(2)/d) was given orally on days 1 to 4 and 15 to 18. Mitomycin C (MMC, 5.75 mg/m(2)/d) was injected intravenously on day 5. In addition, 80 mg/m2/d of CDDP (regimen A) or 60 mg/m(2)/d of CDDP (regimen B) was given by 2-h intravenous drip infusion on day 5. This treatment cycle was repeated every four weeks. Fifty-six patients were enrolled. Clinical response was evaluated in 32 patients (regimen A, 16 patients; regimen B? 16 patients) with measurable lesions. The response rate was significantly higher with regimen A (9 PR/16, 56.3%) than with regimen B (3 PR/16, 18.9%) (p=0.028, chi(2) test). Median survival was slightly but not significantly longer with regimen A (7.4 months) than with regimen B (6.3 months). Drug toxicity included myelosuppression and gastrointestinal symptoms, but there were no serious adverse reactions or differences in safety between the treatment regimens. Regimen A was associated with a high response rate and low toxicity. The optimal dose of CDDP in combination with 5'-DFUR and MMC for the treatment of advanced gastric cancer is regarded to be 80 mg/m(2).

[Clinical managements for intractable pneumothorax with interstitial pneumonia]

Intractable pneumothorax with interstitial pneumonia (IP) is famous for the disease finally to lead to death in case of persistent air leakage. It is because severe infection, respiratory insufficiency and tissue healing insufficiency by treatments with steroid hormones and immune-suppressants on IP. Pleurodesis is generally performed although the effect of it is questionable. It is important to stop immune-suppressants and reduce steroid hormones before the treatments to succeed in thoracoscopic surgery and thoracographic fibrin glue sealing method (TGF) if possible. Less invasive interventional treatments like TGF are recommendable because intractable pneumothorax with IP is in the high risk group to need to avoid surgery. Hand suturing, looping, covering and putting TachoComb on the air leak point instead of end-stapling should be performed in order to stop air leakage when forced to choose thoracoscopic surgery.

Interim analysis of a single-arm, phase II study of bevacizumab (BV) with modified OPTIMOX1 as first-line treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): TCOG-GI0802

578

Background: BV is widely used for treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. Although BV was often administrated to mCRC patients in combination with oxaliplatin, optimal schedule remains unclear. Many mCRC patients cannot continue to use oxalipatin because of cumulative neurotoxity, which decreases patient's QOL and motivation.We postulated that modification of oxaliplatin schedule would improve TTF in intermittent oxaliplatin usage. Therefore, we planned to use BV with original OPTIMOX1 adiministration schedule; modified oxaliplatin dose (85 mg/m3).

Methods: Patients were enrolled with the criteria excluding neuropathy, PS ≥ 1, or no previous usage of oxaliplatin and BV, and then were received modified FOLFOX6 regimen (L-OHP 85 mg/m2, l-LV 200 mg/m2, 5-FU 400 mg/m2 bolus, 5-FU 2,400 mg/m2 46h continuous infusion) plus BV (5 mg/kg) q2wks x 6 cycles, followed sLV5FU2 (omit L-OHP) plus BV x 12 cycles regimen. After that, oxaliplatin reintroduction was done and mFOLFOX6 plus BV regimen was continued until PD. The evaluation of antitumor effect was done according to RECIST Criteria.

Results: 40 patients accrued this trial. Median age was 65 years old. PS0: 89.5%, male: 75%, female: 25%, colon: 65.8%, rectal: 31.6%,colon + rectal: 2.6%. During initial 6 cycles of chemotherapy, 90% patients could continue chemotherapy. Response rate was 50%, and clinical benefit (including SD) was 92.1%. During Intial 6 cycles, G3 neuropathy occurred 2.6%, and G2 were 5%. Most frequent toxicity (≥G3) was neutropenia (30.8%) and anorexia (5.3%). One patient could complete the scheduled regimen. This patient continued mFOLFOX6+BV for 12 cycles after reintroduction keeping with PS 0, and was received FOLFIRI+BV regimen as second-line chemotherapy. Further information are under examination.

Conclusions: This administration schedule was well tolerated and could continue chemotherapy longer than usual method. sLV5FU2+BV regimen was not affected reintroduction rate and progression free survival. BV with mOPTIMOX1 regimen can be expected to become a good treatment options for mCRC patients.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Difference in the nature of tannins on in vitro ruminal methane and volatile fatty acid production and on methanogenic archaea and protozoal populations

Six plant sources of hydrolyzable tannins (HT) or HT and condensed tannins (CT; designated as HT1, HT2, HT3, HT + CT1, HT + CT2, and HT + CT3) were evaluated to determine their effects in vitro on CH(4) production and on ruminal archaeal and protozoa populations, and to assess potential differences in biological activities between sources containing HT only or HT and CT. Samples HT1, HT2, and HT3 contained only HT, whereas samples HT + CT1, HT + CT2, and HT + CT3 contained HT and CT. In experiment 1, in vitro incubations with samples containing HT or HT + CT resulted in a decrease in CH(4) production of 0.6 and 5.5%, respectively, compared with that produced by incubations containing the added tannin binder polyethylene glycol-6000. Tannin also suppressed the population of methanogenic archaea in all incubations except those with HT2, with an average decrease of 11.6% in HT incubations (15.8, 7.09, and 12.0 in HT1, HT2, and HT3) and 28.6% in incubations containing HT + CT (35.0, 40.1, and 10.8 in HT + CT1, HT + CT2, and HT + CT3) when compared with incubations containing added polyethylene glycol-6000. The mean decrease in protozoal counts was 12.3% in HT and 36.2% in HT + CT incubations. Tannins increased in vitro pH, reduced total VFA concentrations, increased propionate concentrations, and decreased concentrations of iso-acids. In experiment 2, when a basal diet was incubated with graded levels of HT + CT1, HT + CT2, and HT + CT3, the total gas and CH4 production and archaeal and protozoal populations decreased as the concentration of tannins increased. Our results confirm that tannins suppress methanogenesis by reducing methanogenic populations in the rumen either directly or by reducing the protozoal population, thereby reducing methanogens symbiotically associated with the protozoal population. In addition, tannin sources containing both HT and CT were more potent in suppressing methanogenesis than those containing only HT.

High performance RO membranes for desalination and wastewater reclamation and their operation results

Reverse osmosis (RO) membrane is one of the most powerful tools for solving the global water crisis, and is used in a variety of water treatment scenes such as drinking water purification, waste-water treatment, boiler feed water production, ultra pure water production for semiconductor industry, etc. The desired performance of RO membrane varies according to quality of feed water being treated, and Toray has been developing RO membranes with suitable characteristic for each operating condition. RO membranes for seawater desalination and wastewater reclamation are especially regarded as most promising targets. Recently, high boron removal and energy saving RO membrane for seawater desalination and low fouling RO membrane for wastewater reclamation have been developed. In this paper, the prospect of attaining these renovative RO membrane, and furthermore, job references will be discussed.

Evaluation of group-specific, 16S rRNA-targeted scissor probes for quantitative detection of predominant bacterial populations in dairy cattle rumen

AIMS

To develop a suite of group-specific, rRNA-targeted oligonucleotide scissor probes for the quantitative detection of the predominant bacterial groups within the ruminal microbial community with the rRNA cleavage reaction-mediated microbial quantification method.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Oligonucleotides that complement the conserved sites of the 16S rRNA of phylogenetically defined groups of bacteria that significantly contribute to the anaerobic fermentation of carbohydrates in ruminal ecosystems were selected from among published probes or were newly designed. For each probe, target-specific rRNA cleavage was achieved by optimizing the formamide concentration in the reaction mixture. The set of scissor probes was then used to analyse the bacterial community in the rumen fluids of four healthy dairy cows. In the rumen fluid samples, the genera Bacteroides/Prevotella and Fibrobacter and the Clostridium coccoides-Eubacterium rectale group were detected in abundance, accounting for 44-48%, 2.9-10%, and 9.1-10% of the total 16S rRNA, respectively. The coverage with the probe set was 71-78% of the total bacterial 16S rRNA.

CONCLUSIONS

The probe set coupled with the sequence-specific small-subunit rRNA cleavage method can be used to analyse the structure of a ruminal bacterial community.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The probe set developed in this study provides a tool for comprehensive rRNA-based monitoring of the community members that dominate ruminal ecosystems. As the ruminal microbial community can be perturbed, it is important to track its dynamics by analysing microbiological profiles under specific conditions. The method described here will provide a convenient approach for such tracking.

Albumin and urea production by hepatocytes cultured on extracellular matrix proteins-conjugated poly(vinyl alcohol) membranes

Production of albumin and urea by mouse hepatocytes on poly(vinylalcohol-co-ethylamine) (PVA-EA) membranes containing immobilized extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins was investigated for 7 days. The amount of ECM proteins (collagen, vitronectin and laminin) immobilized on PVA-EA and PVA-ECM membranes was determined to range from 1.09 microg/cm2 to 1.60 microg/cm2. Hepatocytes cultured on PVA-ECM membranes in serum-free media showed higher albumin production than those cultured on PVA-EA membranes after a 7-day incubation under the conditions in this study. Urea production by hepatocytes on PVA-ECM membranes was also determined to be higher than that on PVA-EA membranes up until day 5 of incubation in serum-free media, whereas no difference of urea production by hepatocytes on different PVA-ECM membranes and PVA-EA membranes was observed at 7 days of incubation. The effect of ECM proteins in PVA-ECM membranes on hepatocyte function (such as albumin and urea production) was observed in hepatocytes cultured in serum-free media up to day 5 of incubation. The ECM proteins immobilized on the PVA-ECM membranes contributed not only to the long-term stable production of albumin and urea by hepatocytes, but also the improved surviVal (viability) of hepatocytes on PVA-ECM membranes.

Short Communication: Amino Acids Antagonistic to the Amino Acids Inhibitory for Growth Rate of Mixed Ruminal Bacteria

Antagonism of some amino acids (AA) to the inhibitory effects of other AA (Ile, Phe, and Thr) on the growth rate of mixed ruminal bacteria was investigated. In vitro growth rate of the mixed ruminal bacteria was inhibited when the 3 inhibitory AA (1 mM each) were each added to individual control treatments in which an ammonium salt was included as a sole N source. The inhibitory effect caused by Ile was relieved by addition of Leu or Val (equimolar to Ile), and no significant inhibition was shown when both Leu and Val were added together with Ile. The growth inhibition caused by Phe was also alleviated by supplementing with Trp, and was completely negated by adding Tyr. The inhibitory effect of Thr, on the other hand, was not affected by addition of Lys or Met (which are synthesized using a common pathway with Thr), but was mitigated by supplementation with Glu, Ser, Val, Ala, or Gln. Among the antagonistic AA, Leu, Val, Trp, Tyr, and Glu were indispensable for the maximum growth rate of the ruminal bacteria under the experimental condition of supplementation of amino-N, the removal of which from a mixture of 20 protein AA caused the growth rate to decline. Removals of Ile along with Leu or Val or both, of Phe along with Trp or Tyr, and of Thr along with Glu recovered the promotion of bacterial growth rate. It was concluded that inhibitions of the bacterial growth rate caused by Ile, Phe, or Thr could be antagonized by some other AA (Leu, Val, Tyr, Trp, or Glu), and the role of these latter AA as relievers of the inhibitory effects could explain why they are indispensable for maximum growth rate of ruminal bacteria.

Phase 1/11 study of bi-weekly irinotecan plus cisplatin in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer

OBJECTIVES

To conduct a phase I/II study of irinotecan with cisplatin to establish a recommended dose, and assess the safety, efficacy and feasibility of this regimen in unresectable advanced or recurrent gastric cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In the phase I portion of the study, patients received a fixed dose of cisplatin (30 mg/m2) with escalating doses of irinotecan, ranging from 30 mg/m2 to 70 mg/m2, on days 1 and 15. In the phase II portion of the study, 40 patients were evaluated for response and safety at the recommended dose.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients were enrolled in the phase I study. Dose-limiting toxicity (diarrhea and neutropenia) appeared at the irinotecan dose of 70 mg/m2. Therefore, the recommended irinotecan dose was 60 mg/m2. In the phase II study, 40 patients received cisplatin (30 mg/m2) plus irinotecan (60 mg/m2). Twenty-five out of 40 patients had received prior chemotherapy. The median number of cycles was 3.5. The response rate was 32.5% (13/40) overall, and 53.3% (8/15) in patients without prior chemotherapy. The median time to tumor progression (TTP) was 162 days. The median survival time was 288 days. Four patients (10%) developed grade 4 neutropenia and 3 patients (7.5%) developed grade 4 anemia. The only observed non-hematological toxicity at grade 3 or higher was diarrhea, seen in 2.5% (1/40) of the patients.

CONCLUSION

Bi-weekly administration of irinotecan and cisplatin is safe and active for the management of unresectable advanced or recurrent gastric cancer.

Meta-analysis on the validity of pepsinogen test for gastric carcinoma, dysplasia or chronic atrophic gastritis screening

AIM

To assess the validity of the measurement of pepsinogen I and II as a screening test for gastric cancer and pre-malignant lesions, namely low-grade dysplasia, both in the general population and in selected groups of patients.

METHODS

A meta-analysis of sensitivity and specificity results from individual papers on the use of the pepsinogen test. An intrinsic cut-off effect was assumed and a random effect model was used for pooling.

RESULTS

Forty-two data sets were included: 27 (64%) population-based screening studies (n=296,553) and 15 (36%) sets of selected individuals (n=4385). Homogenous sensitivity and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) estimates were found in studies using both pepsinogen I levels and pepsinogen I/II ratio calculations. Pooled pairs of sensitivity and false positive rates (FPr) for pepsinogen I < or = 70; pepsinogen I/II ratio < or = 3, pepsinogen I < or =50; pepsinogen I/II ratio < or = 3, and pepsinogen I < or = 30; pepsinogen I/II ratio < or = 2, were sensitivity 77%/FPr 27%, sensitivity 68%/FPr 31%, and sensitivity 52%/FPr 84%, respectively. Positive predictive values (PPV) varied between 0.77% and 1.25%, and negative predictive values (NPV) varied between 99.08% and 99.90%. In selected groups, pooling was only possible when considering pepsinogen I < or = 70; pepsinogen I/II ratio < or = 3: giving sensitivity 57%, specificity 80%, PPV 15% and NPV 83%. As for the diagnosis of dysplasia, studies considering pepsinogen I <50; pepsinogen I/II ratio <3 obtained sensitivity 65% and specificity ranging from 74%-85%, both with NPV >95%.

CONCLUSION

Pepsinogen test definition should include pepsinogen I/II ratio as consistency was obtained, both in population based studies and in selected groups for those studies that used pepsinogen I serum levels together with pepsinogen I/II ratio for screening for gastric cancer in high-incidence regions other than Japan. Further studies of this test in the management of high-risk patients seem to be worthwhile.

Phylogenetic analysis of methyl coenzyme-M reductase detected from the bovine rumen

AIMS

The object of the present study is isolation of methyl coenzyme-M reductase (MCR) genes (mcrA) from the bovine rumen fluid and determination of phylogenetical placements of the genes to investigate mechanisms of methanogenesis in the rumen from a point of view of mcrA genes.

METHODS

Genes for methanogen-specific MCR were isolated from the bovine rumen by PCR amplification. The deduced amino acid sequences were fitted to the alignments of mcrA gene products from the referred sequences.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Although the deduced amino acid sequences of mcrA genes, isolated from the bovine rumen in the present study, were close to that of Methanobrevibacter ruminantium, these amino acid sequences did not fall into known clusters of MCR. The findings suggest that methanogenesis in the rumen would be partially carried out by unknown methanogens.

Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus orf8 encodes a nucleic acid binding protein that colocalizes with IE1 during infection

This report describes the characterization of the Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) orf8 gene. Immunoblot analyses demonstrated that orf8 was expressed as an early gene. The ORF8 protein accumulated in the nucleus, and was maintained at relatively constant levels from 4 to 24 h postinfection. Immunoblot analysis failed to detect ORF8 protein associated with budded virus and occlusion derived virus. In addition, immunohistochemical analysis by confocal microscopy showed that ORF8 protein colocalized with IE1 to specific nuclear foci throughout infection. To further examine the function of ORF8, a reporter gene was inserted into the orf8 reading frame. One orf8 disruption mutant (BmD8), which expressed the N-terminal half of ORF8, was isolated. However, it was not possible to isolate a null mutant, suggesting that orf8 may have an important role during viral infection. Single-step growth curves showed that BV production was reduced in BmD8 infected cells. Biochemical analyses indicated that ORF8 bound to nucleic acids. Together, these results suggest that BmNPV ORF8 may be involved in viral DNA replication and/or transcription.

Detection of Proteobacteria from the rumen by PCR using methanotroph-specific primers

AIMS

To detect Proteobacteria, including methanotrophs, from the rumen fluid and the bacteria inhabiting the rumen epithelium.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Proteobacteria inhabiting the rumen were detected by PCR using methanotroph-specific primers. The detected Proteobacteria were divided into clusters A, B, and C in addition to one clone, which was distinct from the clusters and closely related to Nitrosomonas sp. The clusters A, B, and C were close to Succinivibrio dextrinosolvens, Enterobacter cloacae, and Actinobacillus minor, respectively. The clones obtained from the rumen fluid each belonged to cluster A or B. The clones obtained from the rumen epithelium belonged to cluster B or C or to Nitrosomonas sp.

CONCLUSIONS

It has been assumed that the rumen fluid and the rumen epithelium host different populations of Proteobacteria. Moreover, detection of Nitrosomonas from the rumen epithelium would indicate the possibility that the bacterium oxidizes ammonia and methane on the rumen surface.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

These findings suggest that the rumen fluid and the epithelium support different microbial populations, which would play specific roles in rumen function. Future study should focus on the relationship between these communities and physiological functions in the rumen.