An Autopsy Case of Post-COVID-19 Interstitial Lung Disease with Acute Exacerbation

The prognosis of patients with post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) interstitial lung disease remains unclear. We herein report an autopsy case in which serial progression after the onset of post-COVID-19 interstitial lung disease resulted in an acute exacerbation, leading to a fatal outcome. Autopsy findings included hyaline membrane formation/interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration, suggestive of acute lesions, and severe regional fibrosis, indicating a preexisting chronic condition. In the present case, we histopathologically confirmed the acute exacerbation of post-COVID-19 interstitial lung disease.

Influence of using history of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy for neutropenia caused by combination therapy of ramucirumab and docetaxel

Recently, pretreatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has been shown to enhance the therapeutic effects of the combination therapy of ramucirumab (RAM) and docetaxel (DTX); however, its influence on the drug's side effects remains unclear. This study investigated the influence of pretreatment with ICIs on the incidence of neutropenia caused by RAM + DTX therapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients with NSCLC who received RAM + DTX therapy at Gifu Prefectural General Medical Center between April 2016 and December 2020 were enrolled. Retrospective data regarding age, sex, performance status and detailed treatment history, among others, at treatment initiation were collected from the patients' electronic medical records. Additionally, data on the course number of RAM + DTX therapy, supportive therapy and blood biochemical parameters, including leukocyte and neutrocyte counts, during the treatment period were collected. We identified 41 patients receiving RAM + DTX therapy. Among the more than grade 3 adverse events caused by this therapy, neutropenia was the most common (78.1%). Despite the fact that all previous risk factors influencing this incidence rate had corresponded, the only factor influencing the incidence rate of neutropenia more than grade 3 was ICI treatment history. A difference in the incidence of neutropenia more than grade 3 in the Kaplan-Meier curve was observed between patients with and without ICI pretreatment history (p = 0.037). The pretreatment history of ICI therapy affects the incidence of neutropenia caused by RAM + DTX therapy in patients with NSCLC.

Simultaneous assessment of coronary flow reserve and left ventricular function during vasodilator stress evaluated by 13N-ammonia hybrid PET/MRI

AIM

To explore changes in left ventricular (LV) function and the relationship of these changes with myocardial blood flow (MBF) evaluated by ¹³N-ammonia hybrid positron-emission tomography (PET)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during vasodilator stress in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-two consecutive patients with suspected CAD, who underwent ¹³N-ammonia PET/MRI, were enrolled. Vasodilator stress was induced by intravenous injection of adenosine. MBF and coronary flow reserve (CFR) were calculated from dynamic acquisition of ¹³N-ammonia PET. LV function was evaluated by MRI both at rest and during vasodilator stress. An abnormal perfusion on myocardial images was defined as a summed difference score of ≥4.

RESULTS

MRI showed that the LV end-diastolic volume, LV end-systolic volume, and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) remained unchanged during vasodilator stress in all patients (n=52) as well as in the patients with CFR of <2 (n=27), stress MBF of <1.3 ml/g/min (n=28), abnormal myocardial perfusion (n=30), and more than one diseased vessel (n=46). In only four patients, the LVEF measured by MRI decreased by >5% during vasodilator stress. In these four patients, CFR was lower (1.57 ± 0.12 versus 2.18 ± 0.86, p<0.01) and the number of diseased vessels was higher (2.75 ± 0.50 versus 1.48 ± 0.92, p<0.01) than in patients without post-stress LV dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

The LV volume and systolic function evaluated by cardiac MRI remained unchanged during vasodilator stress; however, LV dysfunction during vasodilator stress may occur in patients with severe CAD.

A Patient with Lung Adenocarcinoma Accompanied by Whole Right Lung Torsion Induced by the Accumulation of a Large Amount of Pleural Effusion

A 68-year-old man visited a physician with a chief complaint of difficulty breathing. Right pleural effusion was noted, and he was referred to our department for a close examination and treatment. Thoracoscopy was performed under local anesthesia, and pleural dissemination of lung adenocarcinoma was noted, so a chest drain was placed. Since poor right lung inflation persisted and whole right lung torsion was observed on computed tomography, thoracoscopy-assisted thoracotomic reduction of lung torsion was performed. In this patient, the right middle lobe and anterior chest wall were adhered, suggesting that whole right lung torsion occurred when atelectasis was formed due to pleural effusion.

Pleomorphic Carcinoma with Exophthalmos and a Subsequent Diagnosis of Paraneoplastic Syndrome

The patient was a 75-year-old man who developed polyopia and exophthalmos. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed a mass in the left upper lobe. A CT-guided biopsy suggested lung adenocarcinoma. He was treated by neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by left upper lobectomy. He was diagnosed with stage IIB pleomorphic carcinoma postoperatively. Preoperative head magnetic resonance imaging revealed exophthalmos and bilateral swelling of the extraocular muscles. The thyroid function of the patient was within the normal range, and he tested negative for autoantibodies. As his symptoms and swelling of the extraocular muscles improved postoperatively, he was diagnosed with paraneoplastic syndrome.

Iriomoteolides-9a and 11a: two new odd-numbered macrolides from the marine dinoflagellate Amphidinium species

Iriomoteolides-9a (1) and 11a (2), new 15- and 19-membered macrolides, respectively, have been isolated from the marine dinoflagellate Amphidinium species (strain KCA09052). Compounds 1 and 2 were obtained from the extracts of the algal cells inoculated in the PES and TKF seawater medium, respectively. The structures of 1 and 2 were assigned on the basis of detailed NMR analyses. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited cytotoxic activity against human cervix adenocarcinoma HeLa cells.

CHARACTERIZATION OF A THIN SILICON SENSOR FOR ACTIVE NEUTRON PERSONAL DOSEMETERS

A thin silicon sensor has been developed for active neutron personal dosemeters for use by aircrews and first responders. This thin silicon sensor is not affected by the funneling effect, which causes detection of cosmic protons and over-response to cosmic neutrons. There are several advantages to the thin silicon sensor: a decrease in sensitivity to gamma rays, an improvement of the energy detection limit for neutrons down to 0.8 MeV and an increase in the sensitivity to fast neutrons. Neutron response functions were experimentally obtained using 2.5 and 5 MeV monoenergy neutron beams and a (252)Cf neutron source. Simulation results using the Monte Carlo N-Particle transport code agree quite well with the experimental ones when an energy deposition region shaped like a circular truncated cone is used in place of a cylindrical region.

Advantageous characteristics of the diatom Chaetoceros gracilis as a sustainable biofuel producer

BACKGROUND

Diatoms have attracted interest as biofuel producers. Here, the contents of lipids and photosynthetic pigments were analyzed in a marine centric diatom, Chaetoceros gracilis. This diatom can be genetically engineered using our previously reported transformation technique and has a potential to produce valuable materials photosynthetically. Sustainable culture conditions for cost-effective production of biological materials under autotrophic conditions with atmospheric carbon dioxide were investigated in the laboratory. A large-scale, open-air culture was also performed.

RESULTS

Cell population doubling time was ~10 h under continuous illumination without CO₂ enrichment, and large amounts of triacylglycerols (TAG) and fucoxanthin accumulated under a wide range of salinity and nutrient conditions, reaching ~200 and 18.5 mg/L, respectively. It was also shown that C. gracilis produced high amounts of TAG without the need for nitrogen or silica deprivation, which is frequently imposed to induce lipid production in many other microalgae. Furthermore, C. gracilis was confirmed to be highly tolerant to changes in environmental conditions, such as salinity. The diatom grew well and produced abundant lipids when using sewage water or liquid fertilizer derived from cattle feces without augmented carbon dioxide. High growth rates (doubling time <20 h) were obtained in a large-scale, open-air culture, in which light irradiance and temperature fluctuated and were largely different from laboratory conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

The ability of this microalga to accumulate TAG without nutrient deprivation, which incurs added labor, high costs, and complicates scalability, is important for low-cost industrial applications. Furthermore, its high tolerance to changes in environmental conditions and high growth rates observed in large-scale, open-air culture implied scalability of this diatom for industrial applications. Therefore, C. gracilis would have great potential as a biofactory.

Postobstructive pulmonary edema that developed immediately after the removal of an endobronchial foreign body

The patient was a 5-year-old boy who was transported to our hospital for a paroxysmal cough, disturbance of consciousness, tonic-clonic convulsions and labored breathing. The patient's respiratory failure persisted after the convulsions remitted, and the presence of an endobronchial foreign body was suspected based on the findings of chest CT performed the following day. A peanut was subsequently removed from the right main bronchus using a bronchoscope with tracheal intubation and bag valve mask ventilation. Immediately after removal, the patient rapidly developed exacerbated hypoxemia, and a reduction in right lung lucency was noted on chest radiography. He was therefore diagnosed with type II postobstructive pulmonary edema, and his condition improved within a short period of time.

Amphirionin-4 with potent proliferation-promoting activity on bone marrow stromal cells from a marine dinoflagellate amphidinium species

A linear polyketide, amphirionin-4 (1), has been isolated from cultivated algal cells of the marine dinoflagellate Amphidinium species. The structure was elucidated on the basis of detailed analyses of 1D and 2D NMR data, and the absolute configurations of C-4 and C-8 were determined using the modified Mosher's method. Amphirionin-4 (1) exhibited extremely potent proliferation-promoting activity on murine bone marrow stromal ST-2 cells (950% promotion) at a concentration of 0.1 ng/mL.

Changes in microtubule-related proteins and autophagy in long-term vitamin E-deficient mice

Vitamin E deficiency induces neuronal dysfunction and while oxidative stress is likely to be involved in mediating this process, the detailed mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Previously, we found axonal degeneration in the hippocampal CA1 region in vitamin E-deficient mice of 6 months of age (long-term). However, 3 month-old (short-term) vitamin E-deficient mice did not exhibit axonal degeneration in same region. In order to characterize the mechanisms involved in axonal degeneration in long-term vitamin E-deficient mice, we examined changes in microtubule-related proteins. Long-term vitamin E-deficiency led to significantly increased expression of the phosphorylated form of collapsin response mediator protein (CRMP)-2 compared to short-term deficiency. It is well known that CRMP-2 plays a crucial role in the maintenance of neurite function. Similarly, long-term vitamin E-deficiency significantly decreased the expression of silent mating type information regulation (SIRT)-2 mRNA compared to short-term deficiency. SIRT-2 belongs to a family of class III histone deacetylases (HDACs) and functions in the deacetylation of tubulins. Furthermore, the expression of microtubule-associated protein light chain (MAP-LC)3-2, which is a key autophagy protein was significantly higher in the short-term vitamin E-deficiency than the long-term deficiency. These results indicate that the mechanisms of axonal injury in long-term vitamin E-deficient mice are related to dysfunction in microtubules assembly via alterations in microtubule-related proteins and autophagy.

Hemothorax with a high carbohydrate antigen 19-9 level caused by a bronchogenic cyst

A 58-year-old man presented with right-sided chest pain. Radiography and computed tomography showed a pleural effusion in the right chest and a mass in the right hilum. Thoracentesis showed a hemothorax. The carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 level in the pleural effusion was very high, requiring differentiation from malignancy. Positron emission tomography showed no significant fluorodeoxy glucose (FDG) accumulation. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cystic lesion. The tumor was resected for both a diagnosis and treatment. A pathological examination demonstrated a bronchogenic cyst. An immunohistochemical study suggested that the cyst was the source of the hemothorax and the high CA19-9 level.

Anti-MuSK autoantibodies block binding of collagen Q to MuSK

OBJECTIVE

Muscle-specific receptor tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibody-positive myasthenia gravis (MG) accounts for 5%-15% of autoimmune MG. MuSK mediates the agrin-signaling pathway and also anchors the collagenic tail subunit (ColQ) of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The exact molecular target of MuSK-immunoglobulin G (IgG), however, remains elusive. As acetylcholine receptor (AChR) deficiency is typically mild and as cholinesterase inhibitors are generally ineffective, we asked if MuSK-IgG interferes with binding of ColQ to MuSK.

METHODS

We used 3 assays: in vitro overlay of the human ColQ-tailed AChE to muscle sections of Colq-/- mice; in vitro plate-binding assay to quantitate binding of MuSK to ColQ and to LRP4; and passive transfer of MuSK-IgG to mice.

RESULTS

The in vitro overlay assay revealed that MuSK-IgG blocks binding of ColQ to the neuromuscular junction. The in vitro plate-binding assay showed that MuSK-IgG exerts a dose-dependent block of MuSK binding to ColQ by but not to LRP4. Passive transfer of MuSK-IgG to mice reduced the size and density of ColQ to ∼10% of controls and had a lesser effect on the size and density of AChR and MuSK.

CONCLUSIONS

As lack of ColQ compromises agrin-mediated AChR clustering in Colq-/- mice, a similar mechanism may lead to AChR deficiency in MuSK-MG patients. Our experiments also predict partial AChE deficiency in MuSK-MG patients, but AChE is not reduced in biopsied NMJs. In humans, binding of ColQ to MuSK may be dispensable for clustering ColQ, but is required for facilitating AChR clustering. Further studies will be required to elucidate the basis of this paradox.

The performance of a novel ball-tipped Flush knife for endoscopic submucosal dissection: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) using short needle knives is safe and effective, but bleeding is a problem due to low haemostatic capability.

AIM

To assess the performance of a novel ball-tipped needle knife (Flush knife-BT) for ESD with particular emphasis on haemostasis.

METHODS

A case-control study to compare the performance for ESD of 30 pairs of consecutive early gastrointestinal lesions (oesophagus: 12, stomach: 32, colorectum: 16) with standard Flush knife (F) vs. Flush knife-BT (BT). Primary outcome was efficacy of intraprocedure haemostasis. Secondary outcomes included procedure time, procedure speed (dividing procedure time into the area of resected specimen), en bloc resection rate and recurrence rate.

RESULTS

Median intraoperative bleeding points and bleeding points requiring haemostatic forceps were smaller in the BT group than in the F group (4 vs. 8, P < 0.0001, 0 vs. 3, P < 0.0001). There was no difference between groups for procedure time; however, procedure speed was shorter in the BT group (P = 0.0078). En bloc and en bloc R0 resection rates were 100%, with no perforation or post-operative bleeding. No recurrence was observed in either group at follow-up 1 year postprocedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Ball-tipped Flush knife (Flush knife-BT) appears to improve haemostatic efficacy and dissection speed compared with standard Flush knife.

The performance of a novel ball-tipped Flush knife for endoscopic submucosal dissection: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) using short needle knives is safe and effective, but bleeding is a problem due to low haemostatic capability.

AIM

To assess the performance of a novel ball-tipped needle knife (Flush knife-BT) for ESD with particular emphasis on haemostasis.

METHODS

A case-control study to compare the performance for ESD of 30 pairs of consecutive early gastrointestinal lesions (oesophagus: 12, stomach: 32, colorectum: 16) with standard Flush knife (F) vs. Flush knife-BT (BT). Primary outcome was efficacy of intraprocedure haemostasis. Secondary outcomes included procedure time, procedure speed (dividing procedure time into the area of resected specimen), en bloc resection rate and recurrence rate.

RESULTS

Median intraoperative bleeding points and bleeding points requiring haemostatic forceps were smaller in the BT group than in the F group (4 vs. 8, P < 0.0001, 0 vs. 3, P < 0.0001). There was no difference between groups for procedure time; however, procedure speed was shorter in the BT group (P = 0.0078). En bloc and en bloc R0 resection rates were 100%, with no perforation or post-operative bleeding. No recurrence was observed in either group at follow-up 1 year postprocedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Ball-tipped Flush knife (Flush knife-BT) appears to improve haemostatic efficacy and dissection speed compared with standard Flush knife.

The inhibitory effects of intravenous administration of rabbit immunoglobulin G on airway inflammation are dependent upon Fcγ receptor IIb on CD11c(+) dendritic cells in a murine model

Immunoglobulins (Igs) play important immunomodulatory effects on allergic asthma. Among these, IgG has been reported to regulate allergic inflammation in previous studies about immunotherapy and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. In this study, to examine the immunomodulatory mechanisms of IgG and FcRs we evaluated the effects of intravenous (i.v.) rabbit IgG administration (IVIgG) on allergic airway inflammation and lung antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in a murine model of ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenge. In OVA-challenged mice, IVIgG attenuated airway eosinophilia, airway hyperresponsiveness and goblet cell hyperplasia and also inhibited the local T helper type (Th) 2 cytokine levels. Additionally, IVIgG attenuated the proliferation of OVA-specific CD4(+) T cells transplanted into OVA-challenged mice. Ex vivo co-culture with OVA-specific CD4(+) cells and lung CD11c(+) APCs from mice with IVIgG revealed the attenuated transcription level of Th2 cytokines, suggesting an inhibitory effect of IVIgG on CD11c(+) APCs to induce Th2 response. Next, to analyse the effects on Fcγ receptor IIb and dendritic cells (DCs), asthmatic features in Fcγ receptor IIb-deficient mice were analysed. IVIgG failed to attenuate airway eosinophilia, airway inflammation and goblet cell hyperplasia. However, the lacking effects of IVIgG on airway eosinophilia in Fcγ receptor IIb deficiency were restored by i.v. transplantation of wild-type bone marrow-derived CD11c(+) DCs. These results demonstrate that IVIgG attenuates asthmatic features and the function of lung CD11c(+) DCs via Fcγ receptor IIb in allergic airway inflammation. Targeting Fc portions of IgG and Fcγ receptor IIb on CD11c(+) DCs in allergic asthma is a promising therapeutic strategy.

Vitamin K3 attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury through inhibition of nuclear factor-kappaB activation

Vitamin K is a family of fat-soluble compounds including phylloquinone (vitamin K1), menaquinone (vitamin K2) and menadione (vitamin K3). Recently, it was reported that vitamin K, especially vitamins K1 and K2, exerts a variety of biological effects, and these compounds are expected to be candidates for therapeutic agents against various diseases. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin K3 in in vitro cultured cell experiments and in vivo animal experiments. In human embryonic kidney (HEK)293 cells, vitamin K3 inhibited the tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-evoked translocation of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB into the nucleus, although vitamins K1 and K2 did not. Vitamin K3 also suppressed the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB and production of TNF-alpha in mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, the addition of vitamin K3 before and after LPS administration attenuated the severity of lung injury in an animal model of acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which occurs in the setting of acute severe illness complicated by systemic inflammation. In the ARDS model, vitamin K3 also suppressed the LPS-induced increase in the serum TNF-alpha level and inhibited the LPS-evoked nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB in lung tissue. Despite marked efforts, little therapeutic progress has been made, and the mortality rate of ARDS remains high. Vitamin K3 may be an effective therapeutic strategy against acute lung injury including ARDS.

Central nervous system is a sanctuary site for chronic myelogenous leukaemia treated with imatinib mesylate

Imatinib mesylate (IM) is currently used as the first therapeutic choice against chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML). Because IM poorly penetrates the blood-brain barrier, IM-treated CML patients may have a potential risk of central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Here we report a case with lymphoid blast crisis isolated only in CNS after bacterial meningitis, although the patient achieved and maintained complete cytogenetic response by IM therapy. It is important to consider isolated CNS blast crisis as a possible event in IM-treated CML patients.

Regioselective biotransformation of (+)- and (-)-citronellene by the larvae of common cutworm ( Spodoptera litura )

Terpenoids, which have many biological activities and have occurred widely in nature, can be artificially synthesized. However, regioselective oxidation of terpenoids is difficult by chemical methods. In this study, (+)- and (-)-citronellene were biotransformed with Spodoptera litura to define the mechanism of metabolism of citronellene and gain a new natural terpenoid. (+)-Citronellene was converted to (2S,3S)-3,7-dimethyl-6-octene-1,2-diol and (2R,3S)-3,7-dimethyl-6-octene-1,2-diol (89.7%), (3S,6S)-(-)-3,7-dimethyl-1-octene-6,7-diol (3.8%), (3S)-(6E)-(+)-3,7-dimethyl-1,6-octadien-8-ol (4.2%), and (3S)-(6E)-(+)-3,7-dimethyl-1,6-octadien-8-oic acid (2.3%). In contrast, (-)-citronellene was converted to (2R,3R)-3,7-dimethyl-6-octene-1,2-diol and (2S,3R)-3,7-dimethyl-6-octene-1,2-diol (56.3%), (+)-iridan-7,8-diol (3.5%), and (3R)-(6E)-(-)-3,7-dimethyl-1,6-octadien-8-oic acid (40.2%). The main metabolic pathway of (+)- and (-)-citronellene by larvae of S. litura was oxidized at the terminal double bond and trans-allylic methyl position. Particularly on (+)-citronellene, the regioselective reaction was shown. On the oxidation of C-6, C-7, and C-8 positions, four new compounds (3S,6S)-(-)-3,7-dimethyl-1-octene-6,7-diol, (3S)-(6E)-(+)-3,7-dimethyl-1,6-octadien-8-oic acid, (+)-iridan-7,8-diol, and (3R)-(6E)-(-)-3,7-dimethyl-1,6-octadien-8-oic acid were produced in regioselective oxidation. It noted that stereoselective oxidation occurred between the enantiomers. The C-6 position was oxidized on the (+)-(3S) form, whereas cyclized and the C-7 position were oxidized on the (-)-(3R) form.

Comparative IgG recognition of tick extracts by sera of experimentally infested bovines

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot were used to investigate the pattern of antibody responses of six bovines infested twelve times with Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Canestrini, 1887) (Acari: Ixodidae) (six heavy infestations followed by six light infestations) against salivary gland, gut and larvae extracts. During heavy infestations, bovine IgG levels were shown to be higher, and a decrease in the number and weight of ticks that completed the parasitic cycle was observed. The pattern changed starting from the seventh infestation, showing a decrease in IgG levels. An initial increase followed by a significant decrease in the proportion of ticks that completed the parasitic cycle was also observed from the seventh infestation. The number of molecules recognized by Western blot was higher from sera collected following heavy infestations than after light infestations, although a great variation in the profiles detected could be seen when the bovines were compared. These results indicate that IgG responses to different tick antigens may not be generally associated with bovine resistance, and that infestation levels modulate the magnitude of humoral responses and possibly the immune mechanisms in the natural acquisition of tick resistance.

Iriomoteolide-3a, a cytotoxic 15-membered macrolide from a marine dinoflagellate amphidinium species

A 15-membered macrolide, iriomoteolide-3a (1), with an allyl epoxide has been isolated from a marine benthic dinoflagellate Amphidinium sp. (strain HYA024), and the structure was assigned by detailed analyses of 2D NMR data. Relative and absolute configurations were elucidated on the basis of conformational studies of 1 and its acetonide (2) and modified Mosher's method of 1, respectively. Iriomoteolide-3a (1) and the acetonide (2) exhibited potently cytotoxic activity against antitumor cells.

Amphidinolides B6 and B7, cytotoxic macrolides from a symbiotic dinoflagellate Amphidinium species

Two 26-membered macrolides, amphidinolides B6 ( 2) and B7 ( 1), have been isolated from a marine symbiotic dinoflagellate Amphidinium sp., and the structures were elucidated on the basis of detailed analyses of 2D NMR data. The relative and absolute configurations for 1 and 2 were assigned by comparison of NMR data and CD data with those of known amphidinolides.

Iriomoteolides-1b and -1c, 20-membered macrolides from a marine dinoflagellate Amphidinium species

Two 20-membered macrolides, iriomoteolides-1b ( 1) and -1c ( 2), have been isolated from a marine dinoflagellate Amphidinium sp. (strain HYA024), and the structures were elucidated on the basis of detailed analyses of 2D NMR data and chemical correlation.

Lipopolysaccharide inhalation exacerbates allergic airway inflammation by activating mast cells and promoting Th2 responses

BACKGROUND

Bacterial infection occasionally exacerbates asthma, although the cellular and molecular mechanisms have not been well defined. An involvement of mast cells has been suggested, as lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced cytokine production from mast cells in vitro.

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to examine the effects of LPS inhalation on mast cell functions and allergen-specific immune responses in a murine model of asthma.

METHODS

Female BALB/c mice or mast cell-deficient W/W(v) mice were immunized intraperitoneally with ovalbumin (OVA). Mice were challenged with aerosolized OVA or OVA with LPS daily from day 21 to day 24. Twenty-four hours after the last challenge, airway inflammation and OVA-specific immune responses were examined. Allergen-specific T cell responses were further analysed by adoptively transferring OVA-specific CD4(+) T cells. Expression of chemokines in the lung was also examined.

RESULTS

LPS inhalation with OVA resulted in exacerbated airway infiltration, which was not evident in mast cell-deficient mice. IL-5 production by mast cells in the lung was enhanced by LPS inhalation. OVA-specific IgE production as well as proliferation, cytokine production and local infiltration of OVA specific T-helper lymphocytes type 2 (Th2) were also enhanced. Up-regulated expression of Th2- and/or eosinophil-attracting chemokines was observed in the lung of mice inhalated with LPS.

CONCLUSIONS

LPS inhalation exacerbates airway inflammation, which is accompanied by mast cell activation and enhanced Th2 responses. These observations provide clues towards understanding the mechanisms of bacterial infection-induced exacerbation of the clinical features of asthma.

Iriomoteolide-1a, a Potent Cytotoxic 20-Membered Macrolide from a Benthic Dinoflagellate Amphidinium Species

A potent cytotoxic 20-membered macrolide, iriomoteolide-1a (1), has been isolated from a benthic dinoflagellate Amphidinium sp. (strain HYA024), and the structure was elucidated on the basis of detailed analyses of 2-D NMR data. The relative and absolute stereochemistries were assigned by the combination of conformational analyses using NMR data and modified Mosher's method of 1.

Cell death during preoviposition period in Boophilus microplus tick

Programmed cell death (PCD) is present during the development of multicellular organisms and occurs from embryogenesis to death. In females of Boophilus microplus, the mass of several organs is reduced after the detachment from the host. In order to better characterize the cell death process that eliminates unnecessary tissues, the degeneration of salivary glands, ovaries and synganglia was investigated using DNA fragmentation in agarose gel, comet and TUNEL assays, and apoptosis activation pathway by the caspase assay. DNA fragmentation and enzymatic activity of caspase-3 were observed in salivary glands and ovaries at 48 and 72h after tick removal from the host; in synganglia these parameters were maintained at low levels upon 48h. The results obtained suggest that there is a refined control of tissue maintenance through apoptosis.

Relationship between glutathione S-transferase, catalase, oxygen consumption, lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in eggs and larvae of Boophilus microplus (Acarina: Ixodidae)

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are enzymes that act in excretion of physiologic and xenobiotic substances, protecting cells against chemical toxicity and stress. In this work, we characterized the enzymatic activity of GST in eggs and larvae of cattle tick Boophilus microplus, on different days after oviposition and eclosion. The results showed that the GST activity varied depending on the time elapsed after oviposition and eclosion. Molecules involved in mechanism of protection from oxidative stress are correlated with the increase in GST activity. The oxygen consumption kinetics showed a positive correlation with the increase in GST activity during embryogenesis. A high content of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were observed in egg and larva extracts, indicating that ticks face high oxidative stress during embryogenesis and aging. In eggs and larvae, GST activity can be correlated to kinetic parameters of oxidative stress such as catalase and glutathione. In addition, GST activity showed strong positive correlation with lipid peroxidation, an indication that it plays a role in oxidant defences in eggs.

NK026680, a novel compound suppressive of dendritic cell function, ameliorates mortality in acute lethal graft-versus-host reaction in mice

A role for dendritic cells (DCs) has been emphasized in the onset of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). We have made efforts to develop a new strategy for suppression of DC functions with a chemical compound in the treatment of acute GVHD. We here describe the immunological characterization of the new chemical compound NK026680. It was found that NK026680 significantly suppressed (1) expression of CD83, CD86, and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II antigens on human monocyte-derived DCs, (2) excretion of interleukin-12p40 on activation of monocyte-derived DCs, (3) allogeneic responses of human and mouse T cells and (4) mortality in mice with acute GVHD evoked across MHC class I or II. The beneficial effect of NK026680 administered orally was without any recognizable adverse effects. Early intervention in acute GVHD was required for this effect, indicating that an early event in acute GVHD is a critical target of NK026680. We propose the use of NK026680 as a prophylactic for acute GVHD.

Altered regulation of c-jun and its involvement in anchorage-independent growth of human lung cancers

The c-jun oncogene is frequently overexpressed in non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLC), but its functional involvement in lung cancer development has not been clearly elucidated. In this study, we found that among the immediate-early serum responsible genes, exemplified by c-jun, c-fos and c-myc, induction of c-jun in a human bronchial epithelial cell line, BEAS-2B, was dependent on anchorage, in contrast to clear induction of c-fos and c-myc under both anchorage-dependent and -independent conditions. In fact, forced expression of c-jun in BEAS-2B cells significantly increased cell viability and colony formation in soft agar. Furthermore, we also found that such anchorage-dependent regulation of c-jun was lost in a significant fraction of human lung cancer cell lines. Interestingly, suppressed anchorage-independent but not anchorage-dependent growth was noted by constitutive expression of a dominant-negative c-jun mutant in a lung cancer cell line showing dysregulated and sustained c-jun expression in the absence of anchorage. These findings suggest that dysregulated c-jun expression may be involved in the acquisition of anchorage independence in the process of human lung carcinogenesis.

Biomechanical Rationale of Endoscopic Decompression for Lumbar Spondylolysis as an Effective Minimally Invasive Procedure - A Study Based on the Finite Element Analysis

We evaluated the biomechanical behavior of the endoscopic decompression for lumbar spondylolysis using the finite element technique. An experimentally validated, 3-dimensional, non-linear finite element model of the intact L3 - 5 segment was modified to create the L4 bilateral spondylolysis and left-sided endoscopic decompression. The model of Gill's laminectomy (conventional decompression surgery of the spondylolysis) was also created. The stress distributions in the disc and endplate regions were analyzed in response to 400 N compression and 10.6 Nm moment in clinically relevant modes. The results were compared among three models. During the flexion motion, the pressure in the L4/5 nucleus pulposus was 0.09, 0.09 and 0.16 (MPa) for spondylolysis, endoscopic decompression and Gill's procedure, respectively. The corresponding stresses in the annulus fibrosus were 0.65, 0.65 and 1.25 (MPa), respectively. The stress at the adjoining endplates showed an about 2-fold increase in the Gill's procedure compared to the other two models. The stress values for the endoscopic and spondylolysis models were of similar magnitudes. In the other motions, i. e., extension, lateral bending, or axial rotation, the results were similar among all of the models. These results indicate that the Gill's procedure may lead to an increase in intradiscal pressure (IDP) and other biomechanical parameters after the surgery during flexion, whereas the endoscopic decompression did not change the segment mechanics after the surgery, as compared to the spondylolysis alone case. In conclusion, endoscopic decompression of the spondylolysis, as a minimally invasive surgery, does not alert mechanical stability by itself.

Lytic infection of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in hemophagocytic syndrome associated with EBV-induced lymphoproliferative disorder

This report describes lytic infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in three cases of hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) presumably associated with EBV-induced lymphoproliferative disorder. All cases were previously healthy females with ages ranging from 52 to 87 years who showed a fulminant clinical course with accompanying fever, liver dysfunction, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Cases 1 and 2 showed proliferation of atypical T lymphocytes, and case 3 showed proliferation of atypical B lymphocytes. Hemophagocytic histiocytes were observed in the bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen, and liver. Atypical lymphocytes in all cases showed a positive reaction for both EBV-encoded small RNA (EBER) indicating latent infection with EBV and immediate early mRNAs of the Bam HI fragment of lower stranded frame (BHLF), indicating lytic infection by in situ hybridization. Interestingly, BHLF-positive cells were predominant in all cases. It is possible that reactivation of EBV infection may be involved in triggering the induction of cytokines and abnormal activation of histiocytes.