Anti-A and anti-B titers, age, gender, biochemical parameters, and body mass index in Japanese blood donors

It has been reported that anti-A and anti-B (ABO antibody) titers decrease with age, but little is known about the association between ABO antibody titers and physiologic/biochemical parameters such as body mass index (BMI), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), and total cholesterol (T-Cho). We investigated the present situation of ABO antibody titers among healthy blood donors in Japan and the physiologic/biochemical factors that may be associated with changes in ABO antibody titers. Plasma from 7450 Japanese blood donors was tested for ABO antibody titers using ABO reverse typing reagents by an automated microplate system; donor samples were classified into low, middle, and high titers according to the agglutination results obtained with diluted plasma samples. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to analyze the association between ABO antibody titers and age, gender, biochemical parameters (alanine transaminase [ALT], GGT, globulin, T-Cho, and glycosylated albumin [GA]), and BMI according to the ABO blood groups. A significant correlation between ABO antibody titers and age/gender, except for gender in anti-A of blood group B donors, was observed. BMI showed significant but negative correlations with anti-A and anti-B (β = -0.085 and -0.062, respectively; p < 0.01) in blood group O donors. In addition, significant but negative correlations between GGT and T-Cho with anti-B of blood group A donors (β = -0.055 and -0.047, respectively; p < 0.05) were observed. Although differences existed among the ABO blood groups, ABO antibody titers seem to be associated with physiologic and biochemical parameters of healthy individuals.

Correction: Imamichi et al. Extracellular Release of HMGB1 as an Early Potential Biomarker for the Therapeutic Response in a Xenograft Model of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy. Biology 2022, 11, 420

In the original publication [...].

Radiosensitization to γ-Ray by Functional Inhibition of APOBEC3G

The radiosensitization of tumor cells is one of the promising approaches for enhancing radiation damage to cancer cells and limiting radiation effects on normal tissue. In this study, we performed a comprehensive screening of radiosensitization targets in human lung cancer cell line A549 using an shRNA library and identified apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme catalytic subunit 3G (APOBEC3G: A3G) as a candidate target. APOBEC3G is an innate restriction factor that inhibits HIV-1 infection as a cytidine deaminase. APOBEC3G knockdown with siRNA showed an increased radiosensitivity in several cancer cell lines, including pancreatic cancer MIAPaCa2 cells and lung cancer A549 cells. Cell cycle analysis revealed that APOBEC3G knockdown increased S-phase arrest in MIAPaCa2 and G2/M arrest in A549 cells after γ-irradiation. DNA double-strand break marker γH2AX level was increased in APOBEC3G-knocked-down MIAPaCa2 cells after γ-irradiation. Using a xenograft model of A549 in mice, enhanced radiosensitivity by a combination of X-ray irradiation and APOBEC3G knockdown was observed. These results suggest that the functional inhibition of APOBEC3G sensitizes cancer cells to radiation by attenuating the activation of the DNA repair pathway, suggesting that APOBEC3G could be useful as a target for the radiosensitization of cancer therapy.

Extracellular Release of HMGB1 as an Early Potential Biomarker for the Therapeutic Response in a Xenograft Model of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a non-invasive therapeutic technique for treating malignant tumors, however, methods to evaluate its therapeutic efficacy and adverse reactions are lacking. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is an inflammatory molecule released during cell death. Therefore, we aimed to investigate HMGB1 as a biomarker for BNCT response, by examining the early responses of tumor cells to 10B-boronophenylalanine (BPA)-based BNCT in the Kyoto University Nuclear Reactor. Extracellular HMGB1 release was significantly increased in human squamous carcinoma SAS and melanoma A375 cells 24 h after neutron irradiation but not after γ-irradiation. At 3 days post-BPA-based BNCT irradiation in a SAS xenograft mouse model, plasma HMGB1 levels were higher than those in the non-irradiation control, and HMGB1 was detected in both nuclei and cytoplasm in tumor cells. Additionally, increased plasma HMGB1 levels post-BNCT irradiation were detected even when tumors decreased in size. Collectively, these results indicate that the extracellular HMGB1 release occurs at an early stage and is persistent when tumors are reduced in size; therefore, it is a potential biomarker for evaluating the therapeutic response during BNCT.

Simulation of Compression Molding with Matrix-Fibre Separation and Fibre Orientation for Long Fibre-Reinforced Thermoplastics**

A model is presented which can be used to predict the flow under consideration of fibre-matrix separation and fibre orientation during sheet-like parts compression molding of long fibre-reinforced thermoplastics for isothermal state. During a molding, fibre content and fibre orientation distributions are calculated from the separation and orientation equations, and the viscosity of composites is expressed as a function of fibre content and fibre orientation. Based on the viscosity, the model was developed using the finite element method, and random and unidirectional reinforced composites are simulated. By comparing the theory with experimental results, the model accurately predicts mold filling patterns for the composite materials.

A newly established monoclonal antibody against ERCC1 detects major isoforms of ERCC1 in gastric cancer

Identifying patients resistant to cisplatin treatment is expected to improve cisplatin-based chemotherapy for various types of cancers. Excision repair cross-complementing group 1 (ERCC1) is involved in several repair processes of cisplatin-induced DNA crosslinks. ERCC1 overexpression is reported as a candidate prognostic factor and considered to cause cisplatin resistance in major solid cancers. However, anti-ERCC1 antibodies capable of evaluating expression levels of ERCC1 in clinical specimens were not fully optimized. A mouse monoclonal antibody against human ERCC1 was generated in this study. The developed antibody 9D11 specifically detected isoforms of 201, 202, 203 but not 204, which lacks the exon 3 coding region. To evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of this antibody, we have focused on gastric cancer because it is one of the major cancers in Japan. When ERCC1 expression was analyzed in seventeen kinds of human gastric cancer cell lines, all the cell lines were found to express either 201, 202, and/or 203 as major isoforms of ERCC1, but not 204 by Western blotting analysis. Immunohistochemical staining showed that ERCC1 protein was exclusively detected in nuclei of the cells and a moderate level of constant positivity was observed in nuclei of vascular endothelial cells. It showed a clear staining pattern in clinical specimens of gastric cancers. Antibody 9D11 may thus be useful for estimating expression levels of ERCC1 in clinical specimens.

P6461The long-term clinical comparisons of symptomatic patients of pulmonary embolism with and those without deep vein thrombosis: from the COMMAND VTE Registry

Background

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), has significant morbidity and mortality. Acute PE, in particular, is fatal if we miss it, and symptomatic patients of PE sometimes have concomitant DVT.

Purpose

This study compared the risk of mortality in symptomatic patients of PE with and those without DVT in the long term.

Methods

The COMMAND VTE Registry is a multicenter registry enrolling consecutive 3027 patients with acute symptomatic VTE objectively confirmed by imaging examination or by autopsy among 29 centers in Japan between January 2010 and August 2014. Patients with both PE and DVT (N=1334) were regarded as PE patients, and the current study population consisted of 1715 PE patients and 1312 DVT patients.

Results

There were 1203 symptomatic patients of PE, including 381 without and 822 with DVT. In our cohort, the mean age was 67.9±14.9 years, 63% was female, 44% had hypertension, 12% diabetes mellitus, 5% history of VTE. There were 20% of active cancer. Baseline characteristics were well matched except for dyslipidemia (18% vs. 23%, p=0.021) and atrial fibrillation (8% vs. 5%, p=0.045). Patients without DVT had a more severe clinical presentation compared to those with DVT, including hypoxemia, shock and arrest. Moreover, Initial parenteral anticoagulation therapy in the acute phase was administered less frequently in patients without DVT (89% vs. 96%, P=0.0001). Two groups received thrombolysis (20% vs. 26%, P=0.18) and mechanical supports (Ventilator 14% vs. 5%, p<0.001, PCPS 5% vs. 3%, p<0.001, respectively). During follow-up, 93 (8%) patients experienced recurrent VTE events and 98 (8%) major bleeding events, and 323 (27%) patients died. The most frequent cause of death was cancer (11%). There were a significant differences in the cumulative incidences of all-cause death between the groups (32% vs. 24%, P=0.006), whereas there was significant difference in VTE-related death (13% vs. 4%, p<0.001). Estimated freedom rates from death for patients of PE without and those with DVT were as follows: 88% vs 99% at 10-day, 86% vs 95% at 1-month, 75% vs 83% at 1-year, and 64% vs 71% at 5-year, respectively.

Landmark analysis

Conclusions

In symptomatic patients of PE, there was a difference in mortality between groups, but no difference in recurrent VTE. Patients without DVT had a more severe clinical presentation compared to those with DVT, and many VTE-related deaths in the acute phase. The one-month mortality rate differed statistically between groups, but there was no significant difference in long-term survival beyond one month. Most of deaths were due to underlying diseases, mainly cancer, and less commonly due to VTE in the long term.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Research Institute for Production Development, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation

Dysfunction of Poly (ADP-Ribose) Glycohydrolase Induces a Synthetic Lethal Effect in Dual Specificity Phosphatase 22-Deficient Lung Cancer Cells

Poly (ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG) is the main enzyme responsible for catabolism of poly (ADP-ribose) (PAR), synthesized by PARP. PARG dysfunction sensitizes certain cancer cells to alkylating agents and cisplatin by perturbing the DNA damage response. The gene mutations that sensitize cancer cells to PARG dysfunction-induced death remain to be identified. Here, we performed a comprehensive analysis of synthetic lethal genes using inducible PARG knockdown cells and identified dual specificity phosphatase 22 (DUSP22) as a novel synthetic lethal gene related to PARG dysfunction. DUSP22 is considered a tumor suppressor and its mutation has been frequently reported in lung, colon, and other tumors. In the absence of DNA damage, dual depletion of PARG and DUSP22 in HeLa and lung cancer A549 cells reduced survival compared with single-knockdown counterparts. Dual depletion of PARG and DUSP22 increased the apoptotic sub-G₁ fraction and upregulated PUMA in lung cancer A549, PC14, and SBC5 cells, and inhibited the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in A549 cells, suggesting that dual depletion of PARG and DUSP22 induced apoptosis by upregulating PUMA and suppressing the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Consistently, the growth of tumors derived from double knockdown A549 cells was slower compared with those derived from control siRNA-transfected cells. Taken together, these results indicate that DUSP22 deficiency exerts a synthetic lethal effect when combined with PARG dysfunction, suggesting that DUSP22 dysfunction could be a useful biomarker for cancer therapy using PARG inhibitors. SIGNIFICANCE: This study identified DUSP22 as a novel synthetic lethal gene under the condition of PARG dysfunction and elucidated the mechanism of synthetic lethality in lung cancer cells.

Coordinated existence of multiple gangliosides is required for cartilage metabolism

OBJECTIVE

Gangliosides, ubiquitously existing membrane components that modulate transmembrane signaling and mediate cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix interactions, are key molecules of inflammatory and neurological disorders. However, the functions of gangliosides in the cartilage degradation process remain unclear. We investigated the functional role of gangliosides in cartilage metabolism related to osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis.

DESIGN

We generated knockout (KO) mice by targeting the β1, 4-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase (GalNAcT) gene, which encodes an enzyme of major gangliosides synthesis, and the GD3 synthase (GD3S) gene, which encodes an enzyme of partial gangliosides synthesis. In vivo OA and in vitro cartilage degradation models were used to evaluate the effect of gangliosides on the cartilage degradation process.

RESULTS

The GalNAcT and GD3S KO mice developed and grew normally; nevertheless, OA changes in these mice were enhanced with aging. The GalNAcT KO mice showed significantly enhanced OA progression compared to GD3S mice in vivo. Both GalNAcT and GD3S KO mice showed severe IL-1α-induced cartilage degradation ex vivo. Phosphorylation of MAPKs was enhanced in both GalNAcT and GD3S KOs after IL-1α stimulation. Gangliosides modulated by GalNAcT or GD3S rescued an increase of MMP-13 induced by IL-1α in mice lacking GalNAcT or GD3S after exogenous replenishment in vitro.

CONCLUSION

These data show that the deletion of gangliosides in mice enhanced OA development. Moreover, the gangliosides modulated by GalNAcT are important for cartilage metabolism, suggesting that GalNAcT is a potential target molecule for the development of novel OA treatments.

Silent KEL alleles identified from Japanese individuals with the Ko phenotype

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The rare K_o phenotype lacks all 36 antigens in the Kell blood system. The molecular basis of the K_o phenotype has been investigated, and more than 40 silent KEL alleles are reported by many investigators. The majority of silent alleles are the KEL*02 background. Here, we report molecular genetic analysis of the KEL gene in Japanese individuals with the K_o phenotype.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The K_o phenotype was screened from Japanese blood donors for several years using monoclonal anti-Ku or anti-K14 by an automated blood grouping system PK7300. Kell-related antigens were typed by standard tube tests. Genomic DNA was extracted from the blood samples, and KEL gene was analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing.

RESULTS

We collected 35 K_o blood samples with K-k-, Kp(a-b-), Js(a-b-) and K14-. PCR and sequence analysis revealed that 11 individuals were homozygous for a mutant KEL allele with a c.299G>C (p.Cys100Ser) mutation (rs. 200268316). Three individuals were homozygous for the KEL*02N.24 allele that is c.715G>T (p.Glu239*), and one individual was homozygous for the KEL*02N.40 allele that is c.1474C>T (p.Arg492*). Five individuals were homozygous for novel KEL alleles with single-nucleotide mutations, four individuals had a c.2175delC (p.Pro725 fs*43), and one individual had a c.328delA (p.Arg110 fs*79). The remaining 15 individuals were compound heterozygous, and eight new alleles were identified from them.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified three known and ten new silent KEL alleles from Japanese individuals with the K_o phenotype. The KEL allele with the c.299G>C (p.Cys100Ser) mutation was the most frequent.

Proliferative Enteropathy caused by Lawsonia intracellularis in Chickens

Proliferative enteropathy (PE) is an infectious disease caused by Lawsonia intracellularis (Li), an obligate intracellular bacterium. PE is endemic in swine herds and has been reported in a variety of mammals including horses, hamsters, rabbits, rats, guinea pigs, ferrets, foxes, dogs, sheep, deer and non-human primates. Avian cases are reported only in ratite birds, including emus and ostriches. Some studies show an absence of Lawsonia spp. infection in chickens. In this study, we performed morphological and bacteriological examinations on the intestines of two broiler chickens that had been condemned at a poultry slaughter plant in Japan due to intestinal haemorrhage, which was a result of focal coccidial enteritis. Histopathology revealed proliferation of the villous epithelium in the small and/or large intestines, especially the caeca, regardless of coccidial lesions. Warthin-Starry silver staining and immunohistochemistry using anti-Li monoclonal antibody revealed numerous bacteria and/or antigens in the villous epithelium. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of curved rods, morphologically compatible with Li, in the apical cytoplasm of the epithelium. Polymerase chain reaction products specific for Li were amplified from DNA samples extracted from formalin-fixed and paraffin wax-embedded tissue. These results suggest that Li can cause PE, characterized by proliferation of the villous epithelium, in chickens.

Production of human monoclonal anti-Jk3, recognising an epitope including the Jk(a) /Jk(b) polymorphic site of the Kidd glycoprotein

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The Kidd blood group system consists of polymorphic antigens, Jk(a) (JK1) and Jk(b) (JK2), and a high-incidence antigen, Jk3. Anti-Jk3 is often observed in immunised Jk(a-b-) individuals. In this study, we aimed to establish a human hybridoma cell line secreting monoclonal anti-Jk3 (HIRO-294).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Peripheral blood lymphocytes of a Filipino woman with the Jk(a-b-) phenotype having anti-Jk3 were transformed with Epstein-Barr virus and then hybridised with the myeloma cell line JMS-3 using the polyethylene glycol (PEG) method. The reactivity and specificity of the anti-Jk3 were examined by serology and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Four hybridoma clones secreting anti-Jk3 were established and the antibody from one of these clones, HIRO-294, was examined. The reactivity of HIRO-294 was positive with 227 Jk(a+b-) red blood cells (RBCs), 298 Jk(a-b+) RBCs, and 1043 Jk(a+b+) RBCs, but was negative with 21 Jk(a-b-) RBCs. Eluates from Jk(a+b-) RBCs and Jk(a-b+) RBCs sensitised with the anti-Jk3 were cross-reacted with Jk(a-b+) RBCs and Jk(a+b-) RBCs, respectively. The reactivity of HIRO-294 was enhanced by the treatment of RBCs with ficin, trypsin, pronase and α-chymotrypsin, but was not changed by their treatment with neuraminidase, dithiothreitol and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) glycine acid (GA). The RBCs sensitised by the anti-Jk3 were not agglutinated with the commercial reagents of anti-Jk(a) and anti-Jk(b) by saline test, whereas the nonsensitised RBCs or those sensitised by monoclonal anti-D [HIRO-3, immunoglobulin G (IgG) class] were agglutinated with those reagents.

CONCLUSIONS

We established a human hybridoma cell line secreting monoclonal anti-Jk3 (HIRO-294). This antibody had unique specificity, recognising the Kidd glycoprotein including the Jk(a) /Jk(b) polymorphic site.

JK null alleles identified from Japanese individuals with Jk(a−b−) phenotype

The Kidd blood group system consists of three common phenotypes: Jk(a+b−), Jk(a−b+) and Jk(a+b+), and one rare phenotype, Jk(a−b−). Jka/Jkb polymorphism is associated with c.838G>A (p.Asp280Asn) in exon 9 of the JK (SLC14A1) gene, and the corresponding alleles are named JK*01 and JK*02. The rare phenotype Jk(a−b−) was first found in a Filipina of Spanish and Chinese ancestry, and to date, several JK null alleles responsible for the Jk(a−b−) phenotype have been reported. We report seven novel JK null alleles, 4 with a JK*01 background and 3 with a JK*02 background, identified from Jk(a−b−) Japanese.

Depletion of gangliosides enhances cartilage degradation in mice

OBJECTIVE

Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are ubiquitous membrane components that play a functional role in maintaining chondrocyte homeostasis. We investigated the potential role of gangliosides, one of the major components of GSLs, in osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis.

DESIGN

Both age-associated and instability-induced OA models were generated using GM3 synthase knockout (GM3S(-/-)) mice. A cartilage degradation model and transiently GM3S-transfected chondrocytes were analyzed to evaluate the function of gangliosides in OA development. The amount of each series of GSLs in chondrocytes after IL-1α stimulation was profiled using mass spectrometry (MS).

RESULTS

OA changes in GM3S(-/-) mice were dramatically enhanced with aging compared to those in wild-type (WT) mice. GM3S(-/-) mice showed more severe instability-induced pathologic OA in vivo. Ganglioside deficiency also led to the induction of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 and ADAMTS-5 secretion and chondrocyte apoptosis in vitro. In contrast, transient GM3S transfection of chondrocytes suppressed MMP-13 and ADAMTS-5 expression after interleukin (IL)-1α stimulation. GSL profiling revealed the presence of abundant gangliosides in chondrocytes after IL-1α stimulation.

CONCLUSION

Gangliosides play a critical role in OA pathogenesis by regulating the expression of MMP-13 and ADAMTS-5 and chondrocyte apoptosis. Based on the obtained results, we propose that gangliosides are potential target molecules for the development of novel OA treatments.

Sugarcane molasses-based bio-ethanol wastewater treatment by two-phase multi-staged up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) combination with up-flow UASB and down-flow hanging sponge

This study was designed to evaluate a treatment system for high strength wastewater (vinasse) from a sugarcane molasses-based bio-ethanol plant in Thailand. A laboratory-scale two-phase treatment system composed of a sulfate reducing (SR) tank and multi-staged up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (MS-UASB) reactor was used as the pre-treatment unit. Conventional UASB and down-flow hanging sponge (DHS) reactors were used as the post-treatment unit. The treatment system was operated for 300 days under ambient temperature conditions (24.6-29.6 °C). The hydraulic retention time (HRT) in each unit was kept at 25 h for the two-phase system and 23 h for the UASB&DHS. The influent concentration was allowed to reach up to 15,000 mg chemical oxygen demand (COD)/L. COD removal efficiency (based on influent COD) of the two-phase MS-UASB and the UASB&DHS was 54.9 and 18.7%, respectively. Due to the effective removal of sulfide in the SR tank, the MS-UASB achieved a high methane conversion ratio of up to 97%. In DHS, nitrification occurred at the outside portion of the sponge media while denitrification occurred at the inside. Consequently, 27% of the total nitrogen (TN) was removed. An amount of 32% of residual nitrogen (28 mgN/L) was in the form of nitrate, a better nitrogen state for fertilizer.

Position of Neutral Surface during Hollow Disk Compression Molding of Long Fibre-Reinforced Thermoplastics**

A model is presented which can be used to explain the friction condition on the interface between the composites and the mold during sheet-like parts compression molding of fibre-reinforced thermoplastics. The composites is treated as an incompressible isotropic fluid. Circular hollow disk is compressed in order to derive the position of the neutral surface which can explain the interfacial friction from consideration of minimum energy dissipation. From the theory and the experiment, it is clear that there is slip on the mold surface. By using the nondimensional parameter which measures the ratio ofvicous to frictional resistance, the phenomenon of the friction can be well explained.

Viral gene transfer to developing mouse salivary glands

Branching morphogenesis is essential for the formation of salivary glands, kidneys, lungs, and many other organs during development, but the mechanisms underlying this process are not adequately understood. Microarray and other gene expression methods have been powerful approaches for identifying candidate genes that potentially regulate branching morphogenesis. However, functional validation of the proposed roles for these genes has been severely hampered by the absence of efficient techniques to genetically manipulate cells within embryonic organs. Using ex vivo cultured embryonic mouse submandibular glands (SMGs) as models to study branching morphogenesis, we have identified new vectors for viral gene transfer with high efficiency and cell-type specificity to developing SMGs. We screened adenovirus, lentivirus, and 11 types of adeno-associated viruses (AAV) for their ability to transduce embryonic day 12 or 13 SMGs. We identified two AAV types, AAV2 and bovine AAV (BAAV), that are selective in targeting expression differentially to SMG epithelial and mesenchymal cell populations, respectively. Transduction of SMG epithelia with self-complementary (sc) AAV2 expressing fibroblast growth factor 7 (Fgf7) supported gland survival and enhanced SMG branching morphogenesis. Our findings represent, to our knowledge, the first successful selective gene targeting to epithelial vs. mesenchymal cells in an organ undergoing branching morphogenesis.

Simulating the bovine spongiform encephalopathy situation in Japan

Despite various measures taken by the Japanese government to protect the cattle population from exposure to the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) agent, the first case of BSE was detected in September 2001. Subsequently, BSE surveillance was enhanced, involving mandatory reporting and investigation of all clinical BSE suspects, and testing of fallen stock and all cattle slaughtered for human consumption. Tests on over nine million cattle led to the detection of 35 additional cases by the end of May 2009. Using the surveillance data and other information as input variables, models were developed to explore the possible source of introduction of BSE into Japan, evaluate the effectiveness of control measures, estimate the prevalence of BSE in different birth cohorts, predict a future BSE epidemic, and simulate the impact of changes in surveillance strategies. Despite difficulties associated with the availability and uncertainty of some of the input variables, these models provided an objective insight into the BSE situation in Japan.

Evaluation of sludge properties in a pilot-scale UASB reactor for sewage treatment in a temperate region

In this study, continuous operation of a pilot-scale upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor for sewage treatment was conducted for 630 days to investigate the physical and microbial characteristics of the retained sludge. The UASB reactor with a working volume of 20.2 m(3) was operated at ambient temperature (16-29 °C) and seeded with digested sludge. After 180 days of operation, when the sewage temperature had dropped to 20 °C or lower, the removal efficiency of both total suspended solids (TSS) and total biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) deteriorated due to washout of retained sludge. At low temperature, the cellulose concentration of the UASB sludge increased owing to the rate limitation of the hydrolytic reaction of suspended solids in the sewage. However, after an improvement in sludge retention (settleability and concentration) in the UASB reactor, the process performance stabilized and gave sufficient results (68% of TSS removal, 75% of total BOD removal) at an hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 9.7 h. The methanogenic activity of the retained sludge significantly increased after day 246 due to the accumulation of Methanosaeta and Methanobacterium following the improvement in sludge retention in the UASB reactor. Acid-forming bacteria from phylum Bacteroidetes were detected at high frequency; thus, these bacteria may have an important role in suspended solids degradation.

THE BEHAVIOR OF THREE DIFFERENT KINDS OF ANTIBODIES IN TUBERCULOSIS: ANTIPROTEIN, ANTIPOLYSACCHARIDE, AND ANTIPHOSPHATIDE : I. EXPERIMENTAL TUBERCULOSIS

The mode and the level of production of the three different kinds of antibodies, antipolysaccharide, antiprotein, and antiphosphatide, were found to differ considerably with the mode of infection and the virulence of tubercle bacilli. Evidence is given that production of the antipolysaccharide and antiprotein is stimulated without regard to the mode of infection and the virulence of bacilli, while the antiphosphatide is produced chiefly under conditions where in vivo bacilli might have undergone destruction. Of the three antibodies, the level of antiphosphatide was shown to reflect most faithfully the progression of experimental tuberculous infection. The amounts of the three circulating antibodies were found to have no direct relationship to the degree of tuberculin skin hypersensitivity.

Epidemiological features of the bovine spongiform encephalopathy epidemic in Japan

On 10 September 2001, the first case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Japan was confirmed in a five-year-old dairy cow born in Hokkaido and raised in Chiba prefecture. Subsequently, BSE surveillance was enhanced. As a result, 35 additional cases were detected by the end of March 2009, with two to ten cases being detected each year up to the end of 2007. The epidemic appeared to peak in 2006. Cases are detected mostly in dairy cattle; in cattle born in 1996 and 2000; and in cattle born in Hokkaido. Two were atypical cases of BSE and the remainder classical cases. This paper describes and discusses the demographic structure of dairy and beef cattle, surveillance programmes in place and the epidemiological features of the BSE epidemic in Japan.

Recent outbreaks of avian influenza in Japan

Recently Japan had three outbreaks of avian influenza (Al) in 2004, 2005 and 2007. An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was recorded in early 2004, the first for 79 years, with four farms being infected with HPAI virus subtype H5N1. In 2005, 41 farms were found to be infected with AI virus subtype H5N2. In early 2007, four farms were infected with HPAI virus subtype H5N1 again. In all of these outbreaks, the disease was eradicated without resorting to vaccination, through a campaign of culling, movement control of chickens in areas around infected premises, and intensive clinical and serological surveillance. This paper describes the nature of the outbreaks, the eradication measures implemented, clinical and serological surveillance techniques used, and the possible sources of infection.

Frequency of rate of body temperature chart at mid cycle in pregnant women and the subsequent effect on pregnancy

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION

To determine if changes in basal body temperature (BBT) during the ovuratory phase are related to subsequent effects on pregnancy.

METHODS

BBT records from 216 pregnant women in a spontaneous cycle or a clomiphene citrate cycle during a recent 6-year period were studied. The last day of low phase (LDLP) and the number of days until high phase (NDHP) were determined for all subjects.

RESULTS

In the spontaneous cycle group, medium-cycle cases were most frequent and long-cycle cases were most frequent in the clomiphene cycle group. The NDHP ranged between one and three days in 82.8% of the subjects in the spontaneous cycle group and in 86.1% of the subjects in the clomiphene cycle group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate the importance of properly evaluating an NDPH of two or even three days in a BBT-based assessment of ovarian function in the ovulatory phase.

Elimination of CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells breaks down reovirus type 2-triggered and CpG ODN-induced prolonged mild autoimmune insulitis in DBA/1 mice

We have reported previously that subclinical prolonged mild T helper (Th) 1-dependent autoimmune insulitis with impaired glucose tolerance in wealing DBA/1J mice, which is induced by the combined effects of reovirus type 2 (Reo-2) and synthetic 20-base oligodeoxynucleotides with CpG motifs (CpG ODN) (control mice). Compared with the control mice, newborn mice treated with monoclonal antibody (MoAb) against mouse CD25(+) CD4(+) T cells together with Reo-2 and CpG ODN greatly reduced the absolute number of splenic CD25(+) T cells and resulted in the development of severe insulitis, leading to an overt early diabetes. Moreover, the treatment of the MoAb increased production of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and decreased that of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and developed high titre of autoantibodies against pancreatic islet cells. These evidences suggest that CD4(+) CD25(+) T cell may, at least in part, maintain tolerance to Reo-2-triggered and CpG ODN-induced prolonged mild Th1-dependent autoimmune insulitis, leading to the overt disease. This system may give a novel model to elucidate the mechanisms of the development of overt diabetes from borderline subclinical diabetes in virus-triggered autoimmune type I diabetes in human.

Extracellular matrix modulates expression of cell-surface proteoglycan genes in fibroblasts

Cell-surface proteoglycans are involved in many functions, including interactions with components of the extracellular microenvironment. They also act as coreceptors that bind and modify the actions of various growth factors, cytokines, and the extracellular matrix (ECM). This study investigated the regulation by the ECM of the expression of cell-surface proteoglycans (CD44, syndecan-1-4, betaglycan, glypican-1). We examined the changes in the expression levels of cell-surface proteoglycan genes in intact tendon, monolayer culture, and under various culture conditions. There was a significant increase in the expression of CD44 and syndecan-4 mRNAs during cell isolation from the tendon. With the switch to a 3D culture environment, there was a significant increase in the expression of CD44 at each passage point relative to its expression in 2D at those passage points. Syndecan-4 mRNA also increased steadily at each passage point in 3D culture environment. This influence on cell surface proteoglycans gene expression may indicate that collagen gel culture mimics in vivo tendon environment. This study provides further insight into the regulation of cell-surface proteoglycans in ligament and tendon fibroblasts by the ECM and 3D culture conditions.

Serological and immunohistochemical studies on porcine-serum-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats

We previously reported that the strain difference in the development of porcine-serum (PS)-induced rat hepatic fibrosis was closely related to the difference in the mode of MHC class-II-related genes expression. This study was carried out to clarify the serological and immunohistochemical changes in this hepatic fibrosis model. Six-week-old male Brown Norway (BN) and Wistar rats were injected with 0.5 ml of sterile PS twice a week for up to 8 weeks. The serum levels of PS-specific IgG1, IgG2a, and IgM were elevated more prominently in BN rats than Wistar rats. In the liver, significant increases in the numbers of PS-, OX-6 (RT1.B)-, CD4-, CD8, ED1-, and ED2-positive cells occurred earlier in BN rats than Wistar rats. At 8 weeks, deposition of PS and immunoglobulins was observed in hepatic fibrous septa and renal glomerular mesangium, and IgG1- and IgG2a-positive cells were found in the white pulp of the spleen. The present results suggest that humoral immunity probably regulated by MHC class II molecules and inflammatory cells may be involved in PS-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats.

Hypoglycemia enhances the expression of prion protein and heat-shock protein 70 in a mouse neuroblastoma cell line

Cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) expression can be regulated by heat-shock stress, and we designed the present study to determine whether hypoglycemia could affect PrP(C) expression. RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to measure the expression of PrP(C) and heat-shock protein (Hsp70) in mouse neuroblastoma (N18) cells cultured 3 hr to 3 days in media deprived of 97.5% (L) or 75% (M) of its glucose. Hypoglycemia caused a concomitant time-dependent and glucose dose-dependent increase in PrP(C) and Hsp70. In addition, hypoglycemia also increased phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) protein levels in a time-dependent manner. The upregulation of PrP(C) and Hsp70 under hypoglycemic conditions was disrupted by the specific JNK inhibitor SP600125. It was also found from in vitro studies that hypoglycemic conditions induced higher levels of PrP(C) promoter activity in PrP(C) promoters containing a heat-shock element (HSE) than in PrP(C) promoters lacking HSE. We propose that hypoglycemia-increased PrP(C) expression might be due to JNK phosphorylation of a heat-shock transcriptional factor, which then interacts with HSE in the promoter of PrP(C).

Effects of dexamethasone on the pathogenesis of porcine circovirus type 2 infection in piglets

To investigate the effect of immunosuppression on porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infection, hysterectomy-produced, colostrum-deprived piglets were inoculated with the virus by the intranasal or intraperitoneal route, with or without dexamethasone (DEX) treatment. Eleven piglets aged 8 days were divided into four groups, namely group A (four animals given PCV2), B (three given PCV2 with DEX), C (two given sterile medium with DEX) and D (two given sterile medium). No significant clinical signs were observed. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examination revealed granulomatous inflammation and PCV2 antigen in the lymphoid tissues of group B piglets, but not in the other three groups. Flow cytometric analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes showed a reduced number of CD4+ T cells in DEX-treated piglets (groups A and C). No differences between groups were observed in respect of the number of B cells, serum IgG concentration, or PCV2 antibody titre. These results indicate that DEX influenced the pathogenic effects of PCV2 infection in lymphoid organs, and that suppression of cell-mediated immunity may play a role in the aetiology of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome.

A model to assess the risk of the introduction into Japan of the bovine spongiform encephalopathy agent through imported animals, meat and meat-and-bone meal

The authors developed a mathematical model to assess the release risk of the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) agent into a country through the importation of live cattle, bone-in bovine meat and meat-and-bone meal (MBM) from the United Kingdom and other countries with BSE. Monte Carlo simulation was attempted using this model and input variables. The release risk in Japan, expressed as the weight of infected MBM released in Japan between 1993 and 2000, was estimated to be 23.4 kg to 53.8 kg. The simulation also indicated that imported MBM represented the most important risk factor for releasing the BSE agent into Japan. This paper also provides details of the first five cases of BSE detected in Japan between September 2001 and the end of 2002. In addition, the results of the investigation conducted to determine the source of infection and the measures taken by the Government of Japan to prevent the BSE agent from entering the food and feed chains are also outlined.

Effect of antibodies to intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and lymphocyte function-associated antigen (LFA)-1 on cytokine mRNA expression in reovirus type-2-triggered autoimmune insulitis in suckling DBA/1 mice

Interleukin (IL)-12 in the presence of IL-18 induces T helper (Th) 1 dominated systemic immune reactions, such as those that occur in autoimmune insulitis in suckling mice infected with reovirus type-2 (Reo-2). The role of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and lymphocyte function-associated antigen (LFA)-1 on the induction of cytokines responsible for Reo-2-triggered insulitis with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) was examined. One-day-old DBA/1 mice infected with Reo-2 intraperitoneally (i.p.) were treated i.p. with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against ICAM-1 and LFA-1 (ICAM-1/LFA-1) at 5 days post-infection (d.p.i.). At 10 d.p.i., the administration of the mAbs was seen to have prevented the development of insulitis with IGT. This was associated with a decrease in the mRNA expression for IL-12(p40) and IL-18 by splenic cells. The present study suggests that ICAM-1/LFA-1 may be required for the differentiation of Th0 cells to Th1 cells, which mediate insulitis with IGT in Reo-2-infected suckling mice.

Interleukin-4-expressing plasmid DNA inhibits reovirus type-2-triggered autoimmune insulitis in DBA/1 J suckling mice

In this study we have examined the effect of systemic administration of T helper (Th) 2 cytokines on reovirus type-2 (Reo-2)-triggered Th1-mediated autoimmune insulitis with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in DBA/1J suckling mice. We have demonstrated clearly that the systemic administration of both interleukin (IL)-4-expressing plasmid DNA (pIL-4) and recombinant IL-4 (rIL-4) inhibited the development of insulitis with IGT in a dose dependent manner as compared to untreated groups in Reo-2-infected DBA/1J suckling mice. The inhibitory effects of IL-4 on the development of insulitis with IGT and the advantages of pIL-4 as compared to rIL-4 in this model are discussed.

DNA immunization of mice against the VP1 capsid protein of coxsackievirus B4

The protective activity of a DNA plasmid encoding the immunodominant capsid protein VP1 of coxsackievirus B4 (CBV-4) was studied in BALB/c mice. The plasmid pCI-B4-1-c - which gave the highest expression level of VP1 in cultured monkey and human cells - was chosen for immunization. Two injections of pCI-B4-1-c (1 month apart) into the regenerating mouse muscle tissue induced a specific antibody response to CBV-4, as shown by immunoenzyme and neutralization assays. Upon challenge with live CBV-4, the mortality rate of mice vaccinated with the recombinant plasmid was significantly reduced (21% versus >58%) as compared with that of mice that had been either nontreated or injected with a control plasmid devoid of the insert. The VP1-based vaccine, however, did not provide complete protection as - after virus challenge - moderate viraemia occurred together with modest plasma elevations of pathogenesis-related enzymes (amylase and creatine kinase). Yet, immunofluorescence of the small intestine and heart did confirm the protective effect of the VP1-encoding vaccine. In order to obtain a more complete protection against CBV-4, it may be beneficial to immunize mice with combinations of separate DNA plasmids encoding not only VP1 but also the VP2 and VP3 capsid proteins.

CpG oligodeoxynucleotides accelerate reovirus type 2-triggered insulitis in DBA/1 suckling mice

We reported previously that reovirus type-2 (Reo-2) triggers T-helper (Th) 1-mediated autoimmune insulitis resulting in temporal impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) approximately 10 days post infection (d.p.i) in suckling DBA/1 mice. We hypothesized that CpG motifs in bacteria may enhance virus-induced insulitis through its content of unmethylated CpG motifs. In the infected mice, the intraperitoneal treatment of synthetic 20-base oligodeoxynucleotides with CpG motifs (CpG ODN) caused increase in cumulative incidence of insulitis with IGT, increased serum interferon (IFN)-gamma concentration, and high frequency of autoantibody against pancreatic islet cells, compared to the infected mice without CpG ODN at 17 d.p.i. Also CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes infiltrated in and/or around pancreatic islets in the CpG ODN-treated mice. This evidence suggests that CpG ODN may contribute to accelerate Reo-2-induced autoimmune reaction against pancreatic islet cells via additional effects of Th1 cytokines especially IFN-gamma.

Plasmid encoding interferon-gamma exacerbates reovirus type-2-induced diabetes in DBA/1 suckling mice

This study was designed to examine the effects of administration of a plasmid encoding interferon(IFN)-gamma on reovirus type-2(Reo-2)-induced autoimmune insulitis in suckling DBA/1 mice. Cumulative incidences of diabetes and insulitis at 17 days post-infection in the mice treated with IFN-gamma-encoding plasmid were higher than those in control mice treated with "empty" plasmid. These results suggested that the IFN-gamma-encoding plasmid promoted autoimmune insulitis in Reo-2-induced diabetes.

Comparative analysis of the prion protein open reading frame nucleotide sequences of two wild ruminants, the moufflon and golden takin

The prion protein (PrP) nucleotide sequences of two ruminants were determined in order to elucidate the differences in susceptibility to spongiform encephalopathy agents in each species. The nucleotide sequences of PrP coding regions of the moufflon and the golden takin encompassed 771 bp in length. The PrP gene sequences of the golden takin were closely related to those of sheep with one amino acid difference. The PrP gene sequence of the moufflon was identical to that of sheep. The similarities between the PrP genes of these two animals and sheep imply that the species barriers between these animals are small or non-existent. These PrP genes could be used to establish transgenic mice with higher susceptibility to prion-related diseases.

Effects of recombinant bovine interferon gamma on Strongyloides papillosus infection in calves

The effects of interferon (IFN) gamma on the course of infection with Strongyloides papillosus in calves were investigated. Calves (N = 7 each) were inoculated with recombinant bovine IFNy or control solution daily from day 0 to day 15 following S. papillosus infection. Treatment with IFN-gamma induced an increase in faecal egg output in the peak stage of infection. The IFNgamma-treated animals harboured more worms, especially more immature worms, in the small intestine than control animals at necropsy on day 17, with no decreases in intestinal mucosal mast cells. Both animal groups had similar small numbers of intestinal worms at necropsy on day 26. All control animals developed peripheral blood eosinophilia on day 7, while five of seven IFN-gamma-treated animals did not. Serum alpha1-acid glycoprotein concentrations increased on day 7 in both animal groups, with higher values in control animals than in IFNgamma-treated animals. Control animals mounted a predominant IgG1 response to S. papillosus from day 10, while IFNgamma-treated animals did from day 22. These data suggested that IFNgamma inhibited some host protective responses to S. papillosus migrating larvae, resulting in an improvement of worm survival after a period when protective responses should be activated during the early stage of infection. The effects of IFNgamma on intestinal worm expulsion should be confirmed by further experiments.

Systemic administration of histamine reduces reovirus type 2-induced insulitis in suckling DBA/1 mice

Previously we suggested that reovirus type 2 (Reo-2) infection induced autoimmune insulitis, resulting in mild diabetes in suckling mice. The effect of histamine (a lymphocyte function suppressor) on Reo-2-induced insulitis was examined. Systemic histamine administration reduced the development of insulitis and blood glucose elevation. Endogenous interleukin-2 (IL-2) activity by splenic cells and the production of antibodies to pancreatic islet cells were reduced by histamine treatment. In addition, histamine treatment increased cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) concentrations in the plasma. These results further suggest that the insulitis seen in Reo-2 infection in suckling mice is induced by an immune reaction.

DNA mediated immunization with encoding the nucleoprotein gene of porcine transmissible gastroenteritis virus

The immune response to a naked plasmid DNA encoding the nucleoprotein (N protein) of porcine transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) was investigated in this study. A complementary DNA of the entire N gene was amplified by RT-PCR, and inserted into a mammalian expression vector (pcDNA3.1) to construct a recombinant plasmid (pcDNA/N). To evaluate the immunogenicity of the construct, BALB/c mice were intramuscularly immunized with different doses (50, 100 and 200 microg/mouse) of pcDNA/N twice at a 5-week interval. An optimal antibody response was achieved with 100 microg of pcDNA/N. The response lasted at least 11 weeks after primary immunization. By western blotting analysis, the antibodies specifically recognized a 47 kDa protein corresponding to the viral N protein, but they did not reveal neutralizing activity against infectious TGEV in vitro. Immunoglobulin G2a was predominant among these antibodies, which was indicative of Th1 type cell activation in pcDNA/N immunized mice. Moreover, spleen cells from these mice showed stronger immune responses than those from live vaccine or parental vector immunized mice. These results suggest that the construct can elicit both humoral and cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses against TGEV N protein in mice.

A serodiagnostic ELISA using recombinant antigen of swine transmissible gastroenteritis virus nucleoprotein

A serodiagnostic ELISA utilizing the recombinant nucleoprotein (rN protein) of transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) was developed, and evaluated by examining a panel of 141 virus neutralization (VN) positive and 101 negative sera. The rN protein-based ELISA (rnELISA) appeared to be highly sensitive and specific (98.6% and 98.0%, respectively) when it was compared to the VN test. The result was similar to that of an ELISA based on purified viral antigens with showing good correlation (R=0.829). No cross-reaction was detected with antisera against porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, hog cholera virus, type A rotavirus, pseudorabies virus and swine vesicular disease virus in this ELISA. The rnELISA can be an alternative for the diagnosis of TGE with a great advantage in antigen preparation.