Entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana-based bioinsecticide suppresses severity of powdery mildews of vegetables by inducing the plant defense responses

The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana is used commercially as a microbial insecticides against a wide range of agricultural insect pests. Some strains of B. bassiana protect the plants from pathogens, but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we found that prophylactic sprays of commercial bioinsecticide Botanigard on cucumber, tomato, and strawberry plants suppressed the severity of economically damaging powdery mildews. On leaf surfaces, hyphal elongation and spore germination of cucumber powdery mildew, Podosphaera xanthii, were inhibited, but B. bassiana strain GHA, the active ingredient isolated from Botanigard, only inhibited hyphal elongation but had no effect on spore germination of P. xanthii. In addition, strain GHA suppressed powdery mildew symptoms locally, not systemically. Treatment with Botanigard and strain GHA induced a hypersensitive response (HR)-like cell death in epidermal cells of the cucumber leaves in a concentration-dependent manner and inhibited penetration by P. xanthii. Transcriptome analysis and mass spectrometry revealed that GHA induced expression of salicylic acid (SA)-related genes, and treatment with Botanigard and GHA increased the SA level in the cucumber leaves. In NahG-transgenic tomato plants, which do not accumulate SA, the biocontrol effect of tomato powdery mildew by GHA was significantly reduced. These results suggested that B. bassiana GHA induces SA accumulation, leading to the induction of HR-like cell death against powdery mildew and subsequent suppression of fungal penetration. Thus, Botanigard has the potential to control both insect pests and plant diseases.

Different changes in the biomarker C-terminal telopeptides of type II collagen (CTX-II) following intra-articular injection of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid and oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a multi-center randomized controlled study

OBJECTIVES

We previously reported, based on a multicenter randomized-control study, that the efficacy of intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid (IA-HA) was not inferior to that of oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, the molecular effects on the pathophysiology of knee OA remain unclear. C-terminal telopeptides of type II collagen (CTX-II) is reported to primarily originate from the interface between articular cartilage and subchondral bone, which is a site of potential remodeling in OA. We performed a predefined sub-analysis of the previous study to compare the changes of urinary CTX-II (uCTX-II) in response to IA-HA to those in response to NSAID for knee OA.

DESIGN

A total of 200 knee OA patients were registered from 20 hospitals and randomized to receive IA-HA (2,700 kDa HA, 5 times at 1-week intervals) or NSAID (loxoprofen sodium, 180 mg/day) for 5 weeks. The uCTX-II levels were measured before and after treatment.

RESULTS

The uCTX-II levels were significantly increased by IA-HA treatment (337.7 ± 193.8 to 370.7 ± 234.8 ng/μmol Cr) and were significantly reduced by NSAID treatment (423.2 ± 257.6 to 370.3 ± 250.9 ng/μmol Cr). The %changes of uCTX-II induced by IA-HA (11.6 ± 29.5%) and NSAID (-9.0 ± 26.7%) was significantly different (between-group difference: 20.6, 95% confidence intervals: 10.6 to 30.6).

CONCLUSIONS

While both IA-HA and NSAID improved symptoms of knee OA, uCTX-II levels were increased by IA-HA and reduced by NSAIDs treatment, suggesting these treatments may improve symptoms of knee OA through different modes of action.

Mice with cleavage-resistant N-cadherin exhibit synapse anomaly in the hippocampus and outperformance in spatial learning tasks

N-cadherin is a homophilic cell adhesion molecule that stabilizes excitatory synapses, by connecting pre- and post-synaptic termini. Upon NMDA receptor (NMDAR) activation by glutamate, membrane-proximal domains of N-cadherin are cleaved serially by a-disintegrin-and-metalloprotease 10 (ADAM10) and then presenilin 1(PS1, catalytic subunit of the γ-secretase complex). To assess the physiological significance of the initial N-cadherin cleavage, we engineer the mouse genome to create a knock-in allele with tandem missense mutations in the mouse N-cadherin/Cadherin-2 gene (Cdh2 R714G, I715D, or GD) that confers resistance on proteolysis by ADAM10 (GD mice). GD mice showed a better performance in the radial maze test, with significantly less revisiting errors after intervals of 30 and 300 s than WT, and a tendency for enhanced freezing in fear conditioning. Interestingly, GD mice reveal higher complexity in the tufts of thorny excrescence in the CA3 region of the hippocampus. Fine morphometry with serial section transmission electron microscopy (ssTEM) and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction reveals significantly higher synaptic density, significantly smaller PSD area, and normal dendritic spine volume in GD mice. This knock-in mouse has provided in vivo evidence that ADAM10-mediated cleavage is a critical step in N-cadherin shedding and degradation and involved in the structure and function of glutamatergic synapses, which affect the memory function.

Detection of Culturable Bacteria from Tomato Seeds on Media Semi-selective for the Canker Pathogen

Culturable bacteria were isolated from tomato seeds using media selective for the canker pathogen Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis. Clustering analysis (>99% identity) revealed the presence of 16 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) among isolates detected on semi-selective media. Three OTUs belonged to the phylum Actinobacteria, including those of Micrococcus and Dermacoccus, and 13 OTUs belonged to the phylum Firmicutes, including Bacillus and related genera. These Gram-positive endophytic bacteria have the potential to provide false-positive results in seed health tests using media considered semi-selective for the cancer pathogen.

Diversity of Antibiotic Biosynthesis Gene-possessing Rhizospheric Fluorescent Pseudomonads in Japan and Their Biocontrol Efficacy

More than 3,000 isolates of fluorescent pseudomonads have been collected from plant roots in Japan and screened for the presence of antibiotic-synthesizing genes. In total, 927 hydrogen cyanide (HCN)-, 47 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (PHL)-, 6 pyoluteorin (PLT)-, 14 pyrrolnitrin (PRN)-, and 8 phenazine (PHZ)-producing isolates have been detected. A cluster analysis (≥99% identity) identified 10 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in antibiotic biosynthesis gene-possessing pseudomonads. OTU HLR (PHL, PLT, and PRN) contained four antibiotics: HCN, PHL, PLT, and PRN, while OTU RZ (PRN and PHZ) contained three: HCN, PRN, and PHZ. OTU H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6, and H7 (PHL1-7) contained two antibiotics: HCN and PHL, while OTU H8 (PHL8) contained one: PHL. Isolates belonging to OTU HLR and RZ suppressed damping-off disease in cabbage seedlings caused by Rhizoctonia solani. Effective strains belonging to OTU HLR and RZ were related to Pseudomonas protegens and Pseudomonas chlororaphis, respectively. Antibiotic biosynthesis gene-possessing fluorescent pseudomonads are distributed among different geographical sites in Japan and plant species.

An fMRI Study of the Brain Network Involved in Teeth Tapping in Elderly Adults

Cortical activity during jaw movement has been analyzed using various non-invasive brain imaging methods, but the contribution of orofacial sensory input to voluntary jaw movements remains unclear. In this study, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to observe brain activities during a simple teeth tapping task in adult dentulous (AD), older dentulous (OD), and older edentulous subjects who wore dentures (OEd) or did not wear dentures (OE) to analyze their functional network connections. (1) To assess the effect of age on natural activation patterns during teeth tapping, a comparison of groups with natural dentition—AD and OD—was undertaken. A general linear model analysis indicated that the major activated site in the AD group was the primary sensory cortex (SI) and motor cortex (MI) (p < 0.05, family wise error corrected). In the OD group, teeth tapping induced brain activity at various foci (p < 0.05, family wise error corrected), including the SI, MI, insula cortex, supplementary motor cortex (SMC)/premotor cortex (PMA), cerebellum, thalamus, and basal ganglia in each group. (2) Group comparisons between the OD and OEd subjects showed decreased activity in the SI, MI, Brodmann’s area 6 (BA6), thalamus (ventral posteromedial nucleus, VPM), basal ganglia, and insular cortex (p ¡ 0.005, uncorrected). This suggested that the decreased S1/M1 activity in the OEd group was related to missing teeth, which led to reduced periodontal afferents. (3) A conjunction analysis in the OD and OEd/OE groups revealed that commonly activated areas were the MI, SI, cerebellum, BA6, thalamus (VPM), and basal ganglia (putamen; p < 0.05, FWE corrected). These areas have been associated with voluntary movements. (4) Psychophysiological interaction analysis (OEd vs OE) showed that subcortical and cortical structures, such as the MI, SI, DLPFC, SMC/PMA, insula cortex, basal ganglia, and cerebellum, likely function as hubs and form an integrated network that participates in the control of teeth tapping. These results suggest that oral sensory inputs are involved in the control of teeth tapping through feedforward control of intended movements, as well as feedback control of ongoing movements.

Reward-related brain structures are smaller in patients with schizophrenia and comorbid metabolic syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is highly prevalent in schizophrenia and often a consequence of unhealthy behaviour. Reward-related brain areas might be associated with MS, since they play a major role in regulating health behaviour. This study examined the relationship between MS and brain volumes related to the reward system in schizophrenia.

METHOD

We included patients with schizophrenia, with MS (MS+; n = 23), patients with schizophrenia, without MS (MS-; n = 48), and healthy controls (n = 54). Global brain volumes and volumes of (sub)cortical areas, part of the reward circuit, were compared between patients and controls. In case of a significant brain volume difference between patients and controls, the impact of MS in schizophrenia was examined.

RESULTS

Patients had smaller total brain (TB; P = 0.001), GM (P = 0.010), larger ventricles (P = 0.026), and smaller reward circuit volume (P < 0.001) than controls. MS+ had smaller TB (P = 0.017), GM (P = 0.008), larger ventricles (P = 0.015), and smaller reward circuit volume (P = 0.002) than MS-. MS+ had smaller orbitofrontal cortex (OFC; P = 0.002) and insula volumes (P = 0.005) and smaller OFC (P = 0.008) and insula cortical surface area (P = 0.025) compared to MS-.

CONCLUSION

In schizophrenia, structural brain volume reductions in areas of the reward circuitry appear to be related to comorbid MS.

Detection of copy number variations in epilepsy using exome data

Epilepsies are common neurological disorders and genetic factors contribute to their pathogenesis. Copy number variations (CNVs) are increasingly recognized as an important etiology of many human diseases including epilepsy. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) is becoming a standard tool for detecting pathogenic mutations and has recently been applied to detecting CNVs. Here, we analyzed 294 families with epilepsy using WES, and focused on 168 families with no causative single nucleotide variants in known epilepsy-associated genes to further validate CNVs using 2 different CNV detection tools using WES data. We confirmed 18 pathogenic CNVs, and 2 deletions and 2 duplications at chr15q11.2 of clinically unknown significance. Of note, we were able to identify small CNVs less than 10 kb in size, which might be difficult to detect by conventional microarray. We revealed 2 cases with pathogenic CNVs that one of the 2 CNV detection tools failed to find, suggesting that using different CNV tools is recommended to increase diagnostic yield. Considering a relatively high discovery rate of CNVs (18 out of 168 families, 10.7%) and successful detection of CNV with <10 kb in size, CNV detection by WES may be able to surrogate, or at least complement, conventional microarray analysis.

Biocontrol Potential of an Endophytic Streptomyces sp. Strain MBCN152-1 against Alternaria brassicicola on Cabbage Plug Seedlings

In the present study, 77 strains of endophytic actinomycetes isolated from cabbage were screened in order to assess their biocontrol potential against Alternaria brassicicola on cabbage seedlings. In the first and second screening trials, cabbage seedlings pretreated with mycelial suspensions of each isolate were spray-inoculated with A. brassicicola. Strain MBCN152-1, which exhibited the best protection in screening trials and had no adverse effects on seedling growth, was selected for the greenhouse trial. In the greenhouse trial, cabbage seedlings, which had been grown in plug trays filled with soil mix containing spores of MBCN152-1 (1×108 spores g-1 of soil mix), were spray-inoculated with A. brassicicola and grown in greenhouse conditions. MBCN152-1 reduced disease incidence and significantly increased the number of viable seedlings. The efficacy of MBCN152-1 against damping-off caused by seed-borne A. brassicicola was then evaluated. Cabbage seeds, artificially infested with A. brassicicola, were sown in soil mix containing MBCN152-1 spores. The disease was completely suppressed when infested seeds were sown in a soil mix blended with MBCN152-1 at 1.5×107 spores g-1 of soil mix. These results strongly suggest that MBCN152-1 has the potential to control A. brassicicola on cabbage plug seedlings. MBCN152-1 was identified as a Streptomyces humidus-related species based on 16S rDNA sequencing. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the hyphae of MBCN152-1 multiplied on the surface of the seedlings and penetrated their epidermal cells. In conclusion, strain MBCN152-1 is a promising biocontrol agent against A. brassicicola on cabbage plug seedlings.

A nationwide survey of pediatric acquired demyelinating syndromes in Japan

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical and epidemiologic features of pediatric acquired demyelinating syndromes (ADS) of the CNS in Japan.

METHODS

We conducted a nationwide survey and collected clinical data on children with ADS aged 15 years or younger, who visited hospitals between 2005 and 2007.

RESULTS

Among 977 hospitals enrolled, 723 (74.0%) responded to our inquiries and reported a total of 439 patients as follows: 244 with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), 117 with multiple sclerosis (MS), 14 with neuromyelitis optica (NMO), and 64 with other ADS. We collected and analyzed detailed data from 204 cases, including those with ADEM (66), MS (58), and NMO (10). We observed the following: (1) the estimated annual incidence rate of pediatric ADEM in Japan was 0.40 per 100,000 children (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.34-0.46), with the lowest prevalence in the north; (2) the estimated prevalence rate of MS was 0.69 per 100,000 children (95% CI, 0.58-0.80), with the lowest prevalence in the south; (3) NMO in Japan was rare, with an estimated prevalence of 0.06 per 100,000 children (95% CI, 0.04-0.08); and (4) the sex ratio and mean age at onset varied by ADS type, and (5) male/female ratios correlated with ages at onset in each ADS group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results clarify the characteristic clinical features of pediatric ADS in the Japanese population.

Pharmacogenomic Study of Clozapine-Induced Agranulocytosis/Granulocytopenia in a Japanese Population

BACKGROUND

Clozapine-induced agranulocytosis (CIA)/clozapine-induced granulocytopenia (CIG) (CIAG) is a life-threatening event for schizophrenic subjects treated with clozapine.

METHODS

To examine the genetic factor for CIAG, a genome-wide pharmacogenomic analysis was conducted using 50 subjects with CIAG and 2905 control subjects.

RESULTS

We identified a significant association in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region (rs1800625, p = 3.46 × 10(-9), odds ratio [OR] = 3.8); therefore, subsequent HLA typing was performed. We detected a significant association of HLA-B*59:01 with CIAG (p = 3.81 × 10(-8), OR = 10.7) and confirmed this association by comparing with an independent clozapine-tolerant control group (n = 380, p = 2.97 × 10(-5), OR = 6.3). As we observed that the OR of CIA (OR: 9.3~15.8) was approximately double that in CIG (OR: 4.4~7.4), we hypothesized that the CIG subjects were a mixed population of those who potentially would develop CIA and those who would not develop CIA (non-CIA). This hypothesis allowed the proportion of the CIG who were non-CIA to be calculated, enabling us to estimate the positive predictive value of the nonrisk allele on non-CIA in CIG subjects. Assuming this model, we estimated that 1) ~50% of CIG subjects would be non-CIA; and 2) ~60% of the CIG subjects without the risk allele would be non-CIA and therefore not expected to develop CIA.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that HLA-B*59:01 is a risk factor for CIAG in the Japanese population. Furthermore, if our model is true, the results suggest that rechallenging certain CIG subjects with clozapine may not be always contraindicated.

Mitochondrial oxygen metabolism in primary human lens epithelial cells: Association with age, diabetes and glaucoma

PURPOSE

The hypoxic environment around the lens is important for maintaining lens transparency. Lens epithelial cells (LECs) play a key role in lens metabolism. We measured oxygen consumption to assess the role of human LECs in maintaining hypoxia around the lens, as well as the impact of systemic and ocular diagnosis on these cells.

METHODS

Baseline cellular respiration was measured in rabbit LECs (NN1003A), canine kidney epithelial cells (MDCK), trabecular meshwork cells (TM-5), and bovine corneal endothelial cells (CCEE) using a XF96 Extracellular Flux Analyzer (Seahorse Bioscience, North Billerica, MA), which measures oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) in vitro. Following informed written consent, lens capsule epithelial cells were obtained from patients during cataract surgery and were divided into small explants in 96-well plates. Capsules were removed when LECs became confluent. OCR was normalized to the number of cells per well using rabbit LECs as a standard. The effect of patient age, sex, race, and presence of diabetes or glaucoma on oxygen consumption was assessed by using the Mann-Whitney U test and multivariate regression analysis.

RESULTS

Primary LECs were obtained from 69 patients. The OCR from donors aged 70 and over was lower than that of those under 70 years (2.21±1.037 vs. 2.86±1.383 fmol/min/cell; p<0.05). Diabetic patients had lower OCR than non-diabetic patients (2.02±0.911 vs. 2.79±1.332fmol/min/cell; p<0.05), and glaucoma patients had lower OCR than non-glaucoma patients (2.27±1.19 vs. 2.83±1.286 fmol/min/cell; p<0.05). Multivariate regression analysis confirmed that donors aged 70 and over (p<0.05), diabetic patients (p<0.01), and glaucoma patients (p<0.05) had significantly lower OCR, independent of other variables. Gender and race had no significant effect on OCR.

CONCLUSIONS

The lower oxygen consumption rate of human LECs in older donors and patients with diabetes or glaucoma could contribute to cataract development. Diabetes and glaucoma are particularly important factors associated with decreased OCR, independent of age. Ongoing studies are examining pO2 at the anterior surface of the lens in vivo and oxygen consumption in the patient's LECs.

Cytokine-related and sodium channel polymorphism as candidate predisposing factors for childhood encephalopathy FIRES/AERRPS

Febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES), or acute encephalitis with refractory, repetitive partial seizures (AERRPS), is an epileptic encephalopathy beginning with fever-mediated seizures. The etiology remains unclear. To elucidate the genetic background of FIRES/AERRPS (hereafter FIRES), we recruited 19 Japanese patients, genotyped polymorphisms of the IL1B, IL6, IL10, TNFA, IL1RN, SCN1A and SCN2A genes, and compared their frequency between the patients and controls. For IL1RN, the frequency of a variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) allele, RN2, was significantly higher in the patients than in controls (p=0.0067), and A allele at rs4251981 in 5' upstream of IL1RN with borderline significance (p=0.015). Haplotype containing RN2 was associated with an increased risk of FIRES (OR 3.88, 95%CI 1.40-10.8, p=0.0057). For SCN1A, no polymorphisms showed a significant association, whereas a missense mutation, R1575C, was found in two patients. For SCN2A, the minor allele frequency of G allele at rs1864885 was higher in patients with borderline significance (p=0.011). We demonstrated the association of IL1RN haplotype containing RN2 with FIRES, and showed a possible association of IL1RN rs4251981 G>A and SCN2A rs1864885 A>G, in Japanese patients. These preliminary findings suggest the involvement of multiple genetic factors in FIRES, which needs to be confirmed by future studies in a larger number of FIRES cases.

Characterization of SPATA5-related encephalopathy in early childhood

Mutations in SPATA5 have recently been shown to result in a phenotype of microcephaly, intellectual disability, seizures, and hearing loss in childhood. Our aim in this report is to delineate the SPATA5 syndrome as a clinical entity, including the facial appearance, neurophysiological, and neuroimaging findings. Using whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing, we identified three children with SPATA5 mutations from two families. Two siblings carried compound heterozygous mutations, c.989_991del (p.Thr330del) and c.2130_2133del (p.Glu711Profs*21), and the third child had c.967T>A (p.Phe323Ile) and c.2146G>C (p.Ala716Pro) mutations. The three patients manifested microcephaly, psychomotor retardation, hypotonus or hypertonus, and bilateral hearing loss from early infancy. Common facies were a depressed nasal bridge/ridge, broad eyebrows, and retrognathia. Epileptic spasms or tonic seizures emerged at 6-12 months of age. Interictal electroencephalography showed multifocal spikes and bursts of asynchronous diffuse spike-wave complexes. Augmented amplitudes of visually evoked potentials were detected in two patients. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed hypomyelination, thin corpus callosum, and progressive cerebral atrophy. Blood copper levels were also elevated or close to the upper normal levels in these children. Clinical delineation of the SPATA5-related encephalopathy should improve diagnosis, facilitating further clinical and molecular investigation.

High glucose-induced oxidative stress increases IL-8 production in human gingival epithelial cells

OBJECTIVE

Diabetes is often associated with increased prevalence and severity of periodontal disease. We hypothesized that gingival epithelial cells modify periodontal disease progression and predicted that hyperglycemia would activate an inflammatory response in human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We tested our hypothesis in immortalized HGECs (epi 4 cells) isolated from periodontal tissue and transfected with the simian virus 40 T antigen. The epi 4 cells were cultured in high (25 mM, HG) and normal (6 mM, NG) glucose conditions.

RESULTS

The epi 4 cells showed increased interleukin-8 (IL-8) protein secretion and mRNA expression when cultured in HG, compared with in NG. These effects were not associated with increased cell proliferation and were not observed in a hyperosmolar control group (normal glucose with 19 mM mannitol). Increased IL-8 secretion in HG was inhibited by pretreatment with an antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine, or a protein kinase C inhibitor, Ro31-8220. Hyperglycemia did not affect IL-8 secretion by gingival fibroblasts or periodontal ligament cells. In epi 4 cells, hyperglycemia also induced expression of toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) but not TLR4.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest a potential participation of epithelial cells in periodontal disease during diabetes by evoking an excessive host inflammatory response.

Thermal Generation of Spin Current in an Antiferromagnet

The longitudinal spin Seebeck effect has been investigated for a uniaxial antiferromagnetic insulator Cr(2)O(3), characterized by a spin-flop transition under magnetic field along the c axis. We have found that a temperature gradient applied normal to the Cr(2)O(3)/Pt interface induces inverse spin Hall voltage of spin-current origin in Pt, whose magnitude turns out to be always proportional to magnetization in Cr(2)O(3). The possible contribution of the anomalous Nernst effect is confirmed to be negligibly small. The above results establish that an antiferromagnetic spin wave can be an effective carrier of spin current.

Large anisotropic deformation of skyrmions in strained crystal

Mechanical control of magnetism is an important and promising approach in spintronics. To date, strain control has mostly been demonstrated in ferromagnetic structures by exploiting a change in magnetocrystalline anisotropy. It would be desirable to achieve large strain effects on magnetic nanostructures. Here, using in situ Lorentz transmission electron microscopy, we demonstrate that anisotropic strain as small as 0.3% in a chiral magnet of FeGe induces very large deformations in magnetic skyrmions, as well as distortions of the skyrmion crystal lattice on the order of 20%. Skyrmions are stabilized by the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction, originating from a chiral crystal structure. Our results show that the change in the modulation of the strength of this interaction is amplified by two orders of magnitude with respect to changes in the crystal lattice due to an applied strain. Our findings may provide a mechanism to achieve strain control of topological magnetic structures based on the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction.

Necrosis-induced TLR3 Activation Promotes TLR2 Expression in Gingival Cells

Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), endogenous molecules released from injured or dying cells, evoke sterile inflammation that is not induced by microbial pathogens. Periodontal diseases are infectious diseases caused by oral microorganisms; however, in some circumstances, DAMPs might initiate inflammatory responses before host cells recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns. Here, we showed that the necrotic cell supernatant (NCS) functioned as an endogenous danger signal when released from necrotic epithelial cells exposed to repeat freeze thawing. The NCS contained RNA and stimulated the production of inflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-8 from gingival epithelial cells and gingival fibroblasts. Targeted knockdown of Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) in these cells significantly suppressed the ability of the NCS to induce IL-6 and IL-8 production. Epithelial cells and fibroblasts recognized the NCS from heterologous cells. Interestingly, the activation of TLR3, rather than other TLRs, induced TLR2 mRNA expression and proteins in gingival epithelial cells, and pretreatment with the NCS or polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly(I:C)), a strong TLR3 activator, enhanced inflammatory cytokine production induced by subsequent stimulation with Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) lipopolysaccharide, a TLR2 agonist. Moreover, the NCS reduced the expression of epithelial tight junction molecules zona occludens 1 and occludin and increased the permeability of epithelial tight junctions. These findings suggest that endogenous danger signal molecules such as self-RNA released from necrotic cells are recognized by TLR3 and that a subsequent increase of TLR2 expression in periodontal compartments such as gingival epithelial cells and gingival fibroblasts may enhance the inflammatory response to periodontopathic microbes recognized by TLR2 such as P. gingivalis, which also disrupts epithelial barrier functions. Thus, DAMPs may be involved in the development and prolongation of periodontal disease.

Microwave Magnetochiral Dichroism in the Chiral-Lattice Magnet Cu_{2}OSeO_{3}

Through broadband microwave spectroscopy in Faraday geometry, we observe distinct absorption spectra accompanying magnetoelectric (ME) resonance for oppositely propagating microwaves, i.e., directional dichroism, in the multiferroic chiral-lattice magnet Cu_{2}OSeO_{3}. The magnitude of the directional dichroism critically depends on the magnetic-field direction. Such behavior is well accounted for by considering the relative direction of the oscillating electric polarizations induced via the ME effect with respect to microwave electric fields. Directional dichroism in a system with an arbitrary form of ME coupling can be also discussed in the same manner.

Novel Mutations Detected in Avirulence Genes Overcoming Tomato Cf Resistance Genes in Isolates of a Japanese Population of Cladosporium fulvum

Leaf mold of tomato is caused by the biotrophic fungus Cladosporium fulvum which complies with the gene-for-gene system. The disease was first reported in Japan in the 1920s and has since been frequently observed. Initially only race 0 isolates were reported, but since the consecutive introduction of resistance genes Cf-2, Cf-4, Cf-5 and Cf-9 new races have evolved. Here we first determined the virulence spectrum of 133 C. fulvum isolates collected from 22 prefectures in Japan, and subsequently sequenced the avirulence (Avr) genes Avr2, Avr4, Avr4E, Avr5 and Avr9 to determine the molecular basis of overcoming Cf genes. Twelve races of C. fulvum with a different virulence spectrum were identified, of which races 9, 2.9, 4.9, 4.5.9 and 4.9.11 occur only in Japan. The Avr genes in many of these races contain unique mutations not observed in races identified elsewhere in the world including (i) frameshift mutations and (ii) transposon insertions in Avr2, (iii) point mutations in Avr4 and Avr4E, and (iv) deletions of Avr4E, Avr5 and Avr9. New races have developed by selection pressure imposed by consecutive introductions of Cf-2, Cf-4, Cf-5 and Cf-9 genes in commercially grown tomato cultivars. Our study shows that molecular variations to adapt to different Cf genes in an isolated C. fulvum population in Japan are novel but overall follow similar patterns as those observed in populations from other parts of the world. Implications for breeding of more durable C. fulvum resistant varieties are discussed.

Vitamin D metabolism in nephrotic rats

It is well known that patients with nephrotic syndrome and normal renal function have hypocalcemia in spite of high PTH concentration, caused by the low serum concentration of the active vitamin D metabolite, 1,25(OH)2D, presumably due to its loss in urine. However, it has been uncertain whether the conversion of 25(OH)D into 1,25(OH)2D in the kidney is impaired. In this study, we examined the responsibility of 1,25(OH)2D in PAN-induced nephrotic rats. Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250 g were given subcutaneous injections 1.5 mg/100 g PAN for 12 days prior to use. Some of these rats were given intraperitoneal injection of 100 IU of 25(OH)D3 for 3 days prior to use and of 10 IU of PTH. We measured Ca2+ in plasma, vitamin D metabolites and mid-molecule PTH in serum, renal 25(OH)D-1-hydroxylase activity in vitro, and response of nephrogenous cyclic AMP to exogenous PTH administration. In nephrotic rats, plasma Ca2+, serum 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D were lower than in control rats, and the serum PTH level was higher than in controls. In 25(OH)D3-injected nephrotic rats, Ca2+ and 1,25(OH)2D were higher than in nephrotic rats, indicating that the decreased level of 1,25(OH)2D in nephrotic rats was partially due to the low serum level of 25(OH)D. Despite the elevation of the serum level of PTH, the Vmax of renal 25(OH)D-1-hydroxylase in nephrotic rats was lower than in controls. Response of nephrogenous cyclic AMP to PTH in nephrotic rats was lower than in controls. Although nephrotic rats had higher PTH levels than control rats, Vmax of renal 25(OH)D-1-hydroxylase and response of cyclic AMP to exogenous PTH administration in nephrotic rats were lower than in controls, suggesting that abnormalities of calcium metabolism in patients with nephrotic syndrome might be partially attributed to the impaired renal response to PTH.

Crystallization and Structural Analysis of Intact Maltotetraose-forming Exo-amylase from Pseudomonas stutzeri

The intact maltotetraose-forming exo-amylase from Pseudomonas stutzeri (G4-1), which has a raw starch binding domain, has been crystallized. The structure was identified (PDB entry 1GCY) by the molecular replacement method using the structure of its catalytic domain (G4-2). The result showed that the raw starch binding domain is in a disordered state, the corresponding electron densities being almost invisible. Superposition of these two enzyme forms showed evidence for the possible location of the raw starch binding domain (SBD). This crystal is a novel case, in that it forms a regular lattice incorporating flexibly bound SBD in the channel of crystal packing of the catalytic domains.

Enhanced insulin action following subcutaneous co-administration of insulin and C-peptide in rats

BACKGROUND

This study was undertaken to examine if C-peptide (C) may interact with hexameric insulin and facilitate its disaggregation into the physiologically active monomeric form.

METHODS

Regular insulin (I) or an insulin analogue (IA) were injected s.c. in rats together with C or its C-terminal pentapeptide (PP). I or IA and C or PP were administered either as a physical mixture or into two separate s.c. depots. Whole body glucose utilization was evaluated using the euglycemic clamp technique. Phosphorylation of Akt/PKB and GSK in liver and skeletal muscles and ⁸⁶Rb⁺ uptake by L6 cells were measured.

RESULTS

S.c. injection of a mixture of I and C or I and PP resulted in a 30-55% greater (P < 0.01-0.001) and 15-27% (P < 0.05-0.001) longer stimulation of whole body glucose utilization than after separate injections. Insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt/PKB in liver increased 35% more after injection of I and C in mixture compared with after separate injections. Phosphorylation of GSK3 was augmented by 50% (P < 0.05) following the injection of I and C in mixture compared with separate injections. Stimulation of myotubes with premixed I and C (1 nM) elicited 20% additional increase in ouabain-sensitive ⁸⁶Rb⁺ uptake (P < 0.05) in comparison with the effect when I and C were added separately.

CONCLUSIONS

Subcutaneous co-administration of insulin and C results in augmented insulin bioactivity at the level of tissue glucose uptake, intracellular signalling, and enzyme activation. These effects may be attributed to augmented C mediated disaggregation of hexameric insulin into its physiologically active monomeric form.

Self-monitoring has potential for home exercise programmes in patients with haemophilia

Haemophiliacs who have had to keep a physically inactive lifestyle due to bleeding during childhood are likely to have little motivation for exercise. The purpose of this study is to clarify the effectiveness of the self-monitoring of home exercise for haemophiliacs. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with intervention over 8 weeks at four hospitals in Japan. Subjects included 32 male outpatients aged 26-64 years without an inhibitor who were randomly allocated to a self-monitoring group and a control group. Individual exercise guidance with physical activity for improvement of their knee functions was given to both groups. The self-monitoring materials included an activity monitor and a feedback system so that the self-monitoring group could send feedback via the Internet and cellular phone. The self-monitoring was performed by checking exercise adherence and physical activity levels, bleeding history and injection of a coagulation factor. Both groups showed significant improvements in exercise adherence (P < 0.001) and physical function such as the strength of knee extension (P < 0.001), range of knee extension (P < 0.001), range of ankle dorsiflexion (P < 0.01), a modified Functional Reach (P < 0.05) and 10 metre gait time (P < 0.01). In particular, improvements in exercise adherence (P < 0.05), self-efficacy (P < 0.05), and strength of knee extension (P < 0.05) were significant in the self-monitoring group compared with those in the control group. No increase in bleeding frequency and pain scale was noted. The self-monitoring of home exercise for haemophilic patients is useful for the improvement of exercise adherence, self-efficacy and knee extension strength.

Cooperative effects of FGF-2 and VEGF-A in periodontal ligament cells

We previously demonstrated that topical application of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 enhanced periodontal tissue regeneration. Although angiogenesis is a crucial event for tissue regeneration, the mechanism(s) by which topically applied FGF-2 induces angiogenesis in periodontal tissues has not been fully clarified. In this study, we investigated whether FGF-2 could induce vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A expression in periodontal ligament (PDL) cells and whether cell-to-cell interactions between PDL cells and endothelial cells could stimulate angiogenesis. FGF-2 induced VEGF-A secretion from MPDL22 cells (mouse periodontal ligament cell line) in a dose-dependent manner. Transwell and wound-healing assays revealed that co-stimulation with FGF-2 plus VEGF-A synergistically stimulated the migration of MPDL22 cells. Interestingly, co-culture of MPDL22 cells with bEnd5 cells (mouse endothelial cell line) also stimulated VEGF-A production from MPDL22 cells and tube formation by bEnd5 cells. Furthermore, time-lapse analysis revealed that MPDL22 cells migrated close to the tube-forming bEnd5 cells, mimicking pericytes. Thus, FGF-2 induces VEGF-A expression in PDL cells and induces angiogenesis in combination with VEGF-A. Cell-to-cell interactions with PDL cells also facilitate angiogenesis.

Effects of stocking hatchery fish on the phenotype of indigenous populations in the amago salmon Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae in Japan

The expression of colour marks (parr marks, red and black spots) of the amago salmon Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae was compared with microsatellite information, to see the effects of stocking hatchery fish on the phenotype of indigenous populations, which face extinction through extensive stocking. A Bayesian-based assignment test suggested introgression of two exotic clusters into one indigenous cluster in the stocked area and its vicinity. The number of parr marks was significantly higher in one hatchery-origin population, which exclusively comprised one exotic cluster. An increased number of red spots in stocked hatchery fish was probably a consequence of hatchery feeding conditions. The number of black spots was correlated with body size in many populations, except for hatchery and heavily introgressed populations. Coefficients of correlation and regression of black spots with body size, which were largest in indigenous populations, decreased with an increase of introgression by hatchery fish. As indigenous populations have low genetic diversity with high relatedness, it was inferred that the height of correlation and regression coefficients in black spots is caused by high genetic homogeneity and fixation of alleles in loci related to the increase of black spots, both of which might have collapsed with introgression by hatchery fish. These results suggest the possibility that introgression by stocked fish causes a change of phenotype in indigenous populations.

Endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal dissection for en bloc resection of superficial pharyngeal carcinomas

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) are being used increasingly to treat superficial oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinomas. The aim of this study was to clarify whether ESD provided better results than EMR for en bloc and complete resection of superficial pharyngeal carcinomas.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 76 superficial pharyngeal carcinomas in 59 consecutively treated patients were included. Patients underwent either conventional EMR (using a transparent cap or strip biopsy) (n = 45 lesions) or ESD (n = 31 lesions) between October 2006 and January 2011. The rates of en bloc resection, complete resection (defined as en bloc resection with tumor-free margins), major complications, and local recurrence were evaluated retrospectively as the therapeutic outcomes.

RESULTS

ESD yielded significantly higher rates of both en bloc and complete resection compared with EMR (en bloc 77.4 % [24/31] vs. 37.8 % [17/45], P = 0.0002; complete 54.8 % [17/31] vs. 28.9 % [13/45], P = 0.0379). ESD was more frequently complicated by severe laryngeal edema (4/21 [19.0 %] vs. 1/31 [3.2 %], P = 0.1446) and was also more time-consuming (124.9 ± 65.1 minutes vs. 57.2 ± 69.6 minutes; P = 0.0014). Local recurrence was observed more often after EMR than after ESD (3/45 [6.7 %] vs. 0/31 [0 %]), although this difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.2658).

CONCLUSIONS

ESD appears to be a superior method of endoscopic resection of superficial pharyngeal carcinomas for achieving both en bloc and complete resection, although these benefits were also associated with a higher incidence of complications and a significantly longer procedure time. Large prospective studies are needed to compare ESD with conventional EMR for superficial pharyngeal carcinomas.

Adiponectin regulates functions of gingival fibroblasts and periodontal ligament cells

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Adiponectin is a cytokine constitutively produced by adipocytes and exhibits multiple biological functions by targeting various cell types. However, the effects of adiponectin on primary gingival fibroblasts and periodontal ligament cells are still unexplored. Therefore, we investigated the effects of adiponectin on gingival fibroblasts and periodontal ligament cells.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The expression of adiponectin receptors (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2) on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs), mouse gingival fibroblasts (MGFs) and human periodontal ligament (HPDL) cells was examined using RT-PCR and western blotting. HGFs and MGFs were stimulated with interleukin (IL)-1β in the presence or absence of adiponectin, and the expression of IL-6 and IL-8 at both mRNA and protein levels was measured by real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively. Furthermore, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) in MGFs were used to knock down the expression of mouse AdipoR1 and AdipoR2. The effects of adiponectin on the expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) genes were evaluated by real-time PCR. Mineralized nodule formation of adiponectin-treated HPDL cells was revealed by Alizarin Red staining.

RESULTS

AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 were expressed constitutively in HGFs, MGFs and HPDL cells. Adiponectin decreased the expression of IL-6 and IL-8 in IL-1β-stimulated HGFs and MGFs. AdipoR1 siRNA in MGFs revealed that the effect of adiponectin on reduction of IL-6 expression was potentially mediated via AdipoR1. Adiponectin-treated HPDL cells promoted the expression of ALP and Runx2 mRNAs and up-regulated ALP activity. Furthermore, adiponectin enhanced mineralized nodule formation of HPDL cells.

CONCLUSION

Our observations demonstrate that adiponectin exerts anti-inflammatory effects on HGFs and MGFs, and promotes the activities of osteoblastogenesis of HPDL cells. We conclude that adiponectin has potent beneficial functions to maintain the homeostasis of periodontal health, improve periodontal lesions, and contribute to wound healing and tissue regeneration.

Long-term outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection for undifferentiated-type early gastric cancer

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of undifferentiated-type early gastric cancer (UD-EGC) is technically feasible; however, the long-term clinical outcomes of the procedure have not yet been fully investigated. The aim of our study was to elucidate long-term outcomes of ESD for UD-EGC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between September 2003 and October 2009, a total of 153 patients were diagnosed endoscopically as having UD-EGC fulfilling the expanded criteria for ESD. After informed consent was obtained, 101 patients were selected to undergo ESD and 52 to undergo surgical operation. We assessed the clinical outcomes of ESD in 101 consecutive patients with 103 UD-EGC lesions who were undergoing ESD for the first time. The overall mortality and disease-free survival rates after ESD were evaluated as the long-term outcomes.

RESULTS

The rates of en bloc and curative resection were 99.0% (102/103) and 82.5% (85/103), respectively. We encountered one patient with nodal metastasis detected by computed tomography before diagnostic ESD, although curative resection of the primary lesion was achieved based on routine histological examination. Among the 78 patients without a past history of malignancy within the previous 5 years in whom curative resection of the primary lesion was achieved, no cases of local recurrence or distant metastasis were observed during follow-up; however, 1 synchronous and 2 metachronous lesions were detected in 2 patients (2.6%) after primary ESD. Thus, estimated over a median follow-up period of 40.0 months (range 19-92 months) and 36.0 months (range 9-92 months), the 3-and 5-year overall mortality rates were 1.9% and 3.9%, respectively, and the 3-and 5-year overall disease-free survival rates were both 96.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

Although our single-center retrospective study may be considered to be only preliminary, our data indicate that ESD for UD-EGC may yield good long-term outcomes.