OP0047 IDENTIFICATION OF CLINICAL PHENOTYPES IN PATIENTS WITH AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS, PERIPHERAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS AND PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS ACCORDING TO PERIPHERAL MUSCULOSKELETAL MANIFESTATIONS: A CLUSTER ANALYSIS IN THE INTERNATIONAL ASAS-PERSPA STUDY

Background:

Patients with a diagnosis of Spondyloarthritis (SpA) and Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) may have predominant axial or peripheral symptoms, and the frequency and distribution of these symptoms may determine the clinical diagnosis by the rheumatologist (“clinical clusters”). Clustering analysis represents an unsupervised exploratory analysis which tries to identify homogeneous groups of cases (“statistical clusters”) without prior information about the membership for any of the cases.

Objectives:

To identify “statistical clusters” of peripheral involvement according to the specific location of these symptoms in the whole spectrum of SpA and PsA (without prior information about the diagnosis of the patients), and to evaluate whether these “statistical clusters” are in agreement with the “clinical clusters”.

Methods:

Cross-sectional and multicentre study with 24 participating countries. Consecutive patients considered by their treating rheumatologist as suffering from either PsA, axial SpA (axSpA) or peripheral SpA (pSpA) were enrolled. Four different cluster analyses were conducted: the first one using information about the specific location from all the peripheral musculoskeletal manifestations (i.e., peripheral arthritis, enthesitis and dactylitis), and thereafter a cluster analysis for each peripheral manifestation individually. Multiple correspondence analyses and k-means clustering methods were used. Distribution of peripheral manifestations and clinical characteristics were compared across the different clusters.

Results:

4465 patients were included in the analysis. Two clusters were found with regard to the location of all the peripheral manifestations (Fig. 1). Cluster 1 showed a low prevalence of peripheral manifestations in comparison with cluster 2; however, when peripheral involvement appeared in cluster 1, this was mostly represented by arthritis of hip, knee and ankle, as well as enthesitis of the heel. Patients from cluster 1 showed a higher prevalence of males (63% vs 44%), HLA-B27 positivity (69% vs 38%) and axial involvement (80% vs 52%), as well as more frequent diagnosis of axSpA (66% vs 21%) and more frequently fulfilling the ASAS axSpA criteria (69% vs. 41%). Patients from cluster 2 showed a higher prevalence of psoriasis (63% vs 25%), a more frequent diagnosis of PsA (61% vs 19%), and they fulfilled more frequently the peripheral ASAS (26% vs 11%) and the CASPAR criteria (57% vs 19%).

Figure 1.

Distribution of the peripheral involvement across clusters

Three clusters were found with regard to the location of the peripheral arthritis. Clusters 2 and 3 showed a high prevalence of peripheral joint disease, although this was located more predominantly in the lower limbs in cluster 2, and in the upper limbs in cluster 3. Cluster 1 showed a higher prevalence of males, HLA-B27 positivity, axial involvement, a lower presence of psoriasis, a more frequent diagnosis of axSpA and fulfilling the ASAS axSpA criteria in comparison with clusters 2 and 3, respectively. Clusters 2 and 3 showed a higher prevalence of enthesitis and dactylitis in comparison with cluster 1, a more frequent diagnosis of PsA and fulfillment of the CASPAR criteria.

Information about the location of enthesitis exhibited three groups: cluster 1 showed a very low prevalence of enthesitis, while cluster 2 and 3 showed a high prevalence of enthesitis, with a predominant involvement of axial enthesis in cluster 2 and peripheral enthesitis in cluster 3.

Finally, the analysis of dactylitis also exhibited three clusters that showed a very low prevalence of dactylitis, predominantly toes and predominantly fingers involvement, respectively.

Conclusion:

These results suggest the presence of heterogeneous patterns of peripheral involvement in SpA and PsA patients without clearly defined groups, confirming the clear overlap of these peripheral manifestations across the different underlying diagnoses.

Acknowledgements:

This study was conducted under the umbrella of ASAS with unrestricted grant of Abbvie, Pfizer, Lilly, Novartis, UCB, Janssen and Merck.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Unveiling axial involvement in psoriatic arthritis: An ancillary analysis of the ASAS-perSpA study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the clinical profile of axial psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in a worldwide setting. Secondly, to identify factors associated with the development of axial involvement in patients with PsA.

METHODS

Data from 3684 patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) or PsA from the ASAS-perSpA study were analysed. The ASAS-perSpA is a cross-sectional study that recruited consecutive patients with SpA (as diagnosed by their rheumatologist) from 68 centers worldwide and collected patient and disease data. First, 2651 axSpA patients and 367 PsA patients with any history of axial involvement (axPsA) were compared using logistic regression to later identify predictive factors for rheumatologist diagnosis of axPsA. Secondly, 367 axPsA patients were compared with 666 PsA patients lacking axial involvement (peripheral PsA [pPsA]) and the characteristics associated with axial manifestations were explored by logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Patients with axPsA were older and less frequently males or HLA*B27 positive in comparison with axSpA patients. Additionally, while patients with axPsA had more peripheral manifestations and psoriasis, other extra-musculoskeletal manifestations (IBD and uveitis) were more frequent in those with axSpA. In the multivariable analysis, older age at diagnosis (OR = 1.04), peripheral arthritis (OR = 7.32) and dactylitis (OR = 2.82) were significantly associated with the diagnosis of axPsA. However, uveitis (OR = 0.22), IBD (OR = 0.12), HLA*B27 carriership (OR = 0.26) or sacroiliitis on imaging (OR = 0.5) were inversely associated with axPsA diagnosis as compared to axSpA. Axial involvement in patients with PsA was significantly associated with male gender (OR = 1.68), elevated CRP (OR = 2.87) and the absence of psoriasis (OR = 0.33).

CONCLUSION

In this worldwide setting axPsA was defined by rheumatologists as a unique phenotype, with disease features lying between axSpA and pure pPsA.

Mastomys natalensis is a possible natural rodent reservoir for encephalomyocarditis virus

Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) infects a wide range of hosts and can cause encephalitis, myocarditis, reproductive disorders and diabetes mellitus in selected mammalian species. As for humans, EMCV infection seems to occur by the contact with animals and can cause febrile illnesses in some infected patients. Here we isolated EMCV strain ZM12/14 from a natal multimammate mouse (Mastomys natalensis: M. natalensis) in Zambia. Pairwise sequence similarity of the ZM12/14 P1 region consisting of antigenic capsid proteins showed the highest similarity of nucleotide (80.7 %) and amino acid (96.2%) sequence with EMCV serotype 1 (EMCV-1). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that ZM12/14 clustered into EMCV-1 at the P1 and P3 regions but segregated from known EMCV strains at the P2 region, suggesting a unique evolutionary history. Reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) screening and neutralizing antibody assays for EMCV were performed using collected tissues and serum from various rodents (n=179) captured in different areas in Zambia. We detected the EMCV genome in 19 M. natalensis (19/179=10.6 %) and neutralizing antibody for EMCV in 33 M. natalensis (33/179=18.4 %). However, we did not detect either the genome or neutralizing antibody in other rodent species. High neutralizing antibody litres (≧320) were observed in both RT-PCR-negative and -positive animals. Inoculation of ZM12/14 caused asymptomatic persistent infection in BALB/c mice with high antibody titres and high viral loads in some organs, consistent with the above epidemiological results. This study is the first report of the isolation of EMCV in Zambia, suggesting that M. natalensis may play a role as a natural reservoir of infection.

TMPRSS11D and TMPRSS13 Activate the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) utilizes host proteases, including a plasma membrane-associated transmembrane protease, serine 2 (TMPRSS2) to cleave and activate the virus spike protein to facilitate cellular entry. Although TMPRSS2 is a well-characterized type II transmembrane serine protease (TTSP), the role of other TTSPs on the replication of SARS-CoV-2 remains to be elucidated. Here, we have screened 12 TTSPs using human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2-expressing HEK293T (293T-ACE2) cells and Vero E6 cells and demonstrated that exogenous expression of TMPRSS11D and TMPRSS13 enhanced cellular uptake and subsequent replication of SARS-CoV-2. In addition, SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 share the same TTSPs in the viral entry process. Our study demonstrates the impact of host TTSPs on infection of SARS-CoV-2, which may have implications for cell and tissue tropism, for pathogenicity, and potentially for vaccine development.

SAT0520 CONTROVERSY ON DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF ADULT PATIENTS WITH SAPHO SYNDROME: MULTI-DISCIPLINARY INTERNATIONAL SURVEY

Background:

Synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, osteitis (SAPHO) is a rare disease involving skin and skeleton, with a potentially complicated and severe course, optimal management of which seems to require a collaborative rheumatology and dermatology care. Diagnostic criteria for SAPHO remain preliminary and lack validation. There are no evidence-based treatment algorithms in SAPHO due to lack of clinical trials in this rare medical condition.

Objectives:

This study aimed to investigate the current practice in the diagnosis and treatment of SAPHO syndrome among the international rheumatology and dermatology communities.

Methods:

We conducted a survey among the members of the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) combining international rheumatologists and dermatologists as well as members of the Japanese and Israeli Societies of Rheumatology.

Results:

A total of 78 physicians participated in the survey: rheumatologists (83%, n=65), dermatologists (11.5%, n=9), and orthopedics (3.8%, n=3). SAPHO was considered a subtype of spondylarthritis by 48.7% (n=38), a subtype of psoriatic arthritis by 19.2% (n=15), a separate entity by 25.6% (n=20), and a subtype of reactive arthritis by 6.4% (n=5). Palmoplantar pustulosis was the most prevalent cutaneous manifestation (n=44, 56.4%) and anterior chest pain - the most prevalent osteoarticular manifestation (n=66, 84.6%). The majority (84.6%, n=66) voted for the update of the present diagnostic criteria by Khan 1994. Magnetic resonance imaging was considered the preferred imaging modality for the diagnosis of SAPHO by 41% (n=32). Conduction of bone biopsy for diagnosis of non-infectious osteitis was supported only by 10.3% (n=8). Patient-reported outcomes were considered the most appropriate measure for the assessment of disease activity by 47.4% (n=37). The treatment approach was overall similar among the rheumatology and dermatology communities, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, bisphosphonates, conventional disease-modifying anti-inflammatory drugs, and biologics (Table 1).

Table 1.

Preferences in the treatment choice of SAPHO

Treatment% of respondersNSAIDs76.6%Glucocorticoids32.5%Conventional DMARDs57.1%Bisphosphonates48.1%Anti-TNF biologic therapy75.3%Other biologic therapy20.8%Antibiotic14.3%Tonsillectomy5.1%Isotretinoin5.2%Topical therapy10.4%Intra-articular steroid injection7.8%

Legend: NSAIDs – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; DMARDs – disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs

Conclusion:

Our study underlines the controversy on diagnosis and treatment of SAPHO syndrome among specialists in rheumatology and dermatology and emphasizes an unmet need for update and validation of diagnostic criteria and treatment approach.

Acknowledgments:

GRAPPA, Japanese Society of Rheumatology, Israeli Society of Rheumatology

Disclosure of Interests:

Victoria Furer: None declared, Mitsumasa Kishimoto: None declared, Shigeyoshi Tsuji Grant/research support from: Eli Lilly, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Asahi Kasei, Chugai, Daiichi Sankyo, Eli Lilly, Eisai, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Celgene, and Novartis Pharma K.K., Yoshinori Taniguchi: None declared, Yoko Ishihara: None declared, Tetsuya Tomita Consultant of: Eli Lilly and Company, Ori Elkayam Speakers bureau: AbbVie, BMS, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi-Aventis, Novartis, Jansen

LB0001 EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF UPADACITINIB VERSUS PLACEBO AND ADALIMUMAB IN PATIENTS WITH ACTIVE PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS AND INADEQUATE RESPONSE TO NON-BIOLOGIC DISEASE-MODIFYING ANTI-RHEUMATIC DRUGS (SELECT-PsA-1): A DOUBLE-BLIND, RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED PHASE 3 TRIAL

Background:

Upadacitinib (UPA) is an oral, reversible, JAK inhibitor approved for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and currently under evaluation for treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Objectives:

To assess the efficacy and safety of UPA vs placebo (PBO) and adalimumab (ADA) in patients (pts) with PsA and prior IR or intolerance to ≥1 non-biologic DMARD (non-bDMARD).

Methods:

Pts with active PsA (≥3 swollen and ≥3 tender joints), active or historical psoriasis, and on ≤2 non-bDMARDs were randomized 1:1:1:1 to once daily UPA 15 mg (UPA15), UPA 30 mg (UPA30), ADA 40 mg every other week, or PBO. The primary endpoint was the proportion of pts achieving ACR20 for UPA vs PBO at Wk 12. Multiplicity controlled secondary endpoints for each dose of UPA vs PBO included change in HAQ-DI, FACIT-F, and SF-36 PCS (Wk 12); static Investigator Global Assessment of Psoriasis of 0 or 1, PASI75, and change in Self-Assessment of Psoriasis Symptoms (Wk 16); change in modified Sharp/van der Heijde Score (mTSS), proportion of pts achieving MDA, and resolution of enthesitis (LEI=0) and dactylitis (LDI=0) (Wk 24). For each dose of UPA, the multiplicity-controlled analysis also included non-inferiority and superiority vs ADA for ACR20 and superiority for HAQ-DI and pt’s assessment of pain NRS (Wk 12). ACR50/70 at Wk 12 and ACR20 at Wk 2 were additional secondary endpoints. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) through 24 wks are reported for pts who received ≥1 dose of study drug.

Results:

1705 pts were randomized; 1704 received study drug (53.2% female, mean age 50.8 yrs, mean duration of PsA diagnosis 6.1 yrs). 82% were on ≥1 concomitant non-bDMARD, of whom 84% received MTX +/- another non-bDMARD.

At Wk 12, ACR20 rates were 70.6% with UPA15 and 78.5% with UPA30 vs 36.2% with PBO (p < .001 for UPA15/30 vs PBO) and 65.0% with ADA (non-inferiority, p < .001 for UPA15/30 vs ADA; superiority, p < .001 for UPA30 vs ADA). A greater proportion of pts achieved ACR50/70 with UPA15/30 vs PBO and UPA30 vs ADA. Improvements were observed with UPA15/30 vs PBO for all multiplicity controlled secondary endpoints and for UPA 15/30 vs ADA for HAQ-DI and UPA 30 vs ADA for improvement in pain (Figure 1A-1B). At Wk 24, change in mTSS was 0.25 for PBO, -0.04 for UPA15, 0.03 for UPA30, and 0.01 for ADA (p < 0.001 for UPA15/30 vs PBO). The rates of TEAEs and serious AEs, including serious infections, were similar in the PBO, UPA15, and ADA arms and higher with UPA30 (Figure 2). The rate of herpes zoster was similar for PBO and UPA15/30. No MACE was reported with UPA. One malignancy occurred in each of the PBO and UPA15 arms, and 3 malignancies were reported in each of the UPA30 and ADA arms. VTE were reported in 1 pt on PBO, 1 pt on UPA30, and 2 pts on ADA. One death occurred in the PBO arm.

Conclusion:

In this non-bDMARD-IR PsA population, treatment with UPA15/30 demonstrated improvement in musculoskeletal symptoms, psoriasis, physical function, pain, and fatigue and inhibited radiographic progression; improvements were observed by Wk 2. At Wk 12, UPA15/30 were non-inferior to ADA for ACR20, with superiority demonstrated for UPA30. Greater percentages of UPA vs PBO pts achieved stringent measures of disease control (MDA, ACR50/70, sIGA 0/1). No new safety signals were identified compared with the safety profile observed in RA.

Disclosure of Interests:

Iain McInnes: None declared, Jaclyn Anderson Shareholder of: AbbVie Inc., Employee of: AbbVie Inc., Marina Magrey Grant/research support from: Amgen, AbbVie, and UCB Pharma, Consultant of: Novartis, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, and Janssen, Joseph F. Merola Consultant of: Merck, Abbvie, Dermavant, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Janssen, UCB, Celgene, Sanofi, Regeneron, Arena, Sun Pharma, Biogen, Pfizer, EMD Sorono, Avotres and Leo Pharma, Yi Liu: None declared, Mitsumasa Kishimoto Consultant of: bbVie, Eli Lilly, Celgene, Pfizer, Gilead, Janssen, and UCB Pharma, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Eisai, Celgene, Pfizer, Novartis, Eli Lilly, Tanabe-Mitsubishi, Ayumi, Janssen, Astellas, and UCB Pharma, Sławomir Jeka Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Pfizer, Roche, Novartis, MSD, Sandoz, Eli Lilly, Egis, UCB, Celgene, Cesar Francisco Pacheco Tena: None declared, xin wang Shareholder of: AbbVie Inc., Employee of: AbbVie Inc., Liang Chen Shareholder of: AbbVie Inc., Employee of: AbbVie Inc., Patrick Zueger Shareholder of: AbbVie Inc., Employee of: AbbVie Inc., Aileen Pangan Shareholder of: AbbVie Inc., Employee of: AbbVie Inc., Frank Behrens Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Janssen, Chugai, Celgene and Roche, Consultant of: Pfizer, AbbVie, Sanofi, Lilly, Novartis, UCB, Genzyme, Boehringer, Janssen, MSD, Celgene, Roche and Chugai

Development of a one-run real-time PCR detection system for pathogens associated with porcine respiratory diseases

The etiology of Porcine respiratory disease complex is complicated by infections with multiple pathogens, and multiple infections increase the difficulty in identifying the causal pathogen. In this present study, we developed a detection system of microbes from porcine respiratory by using TaqMan real-time PCR (referred to as Dempo-PCR) to screen a broad range of pathogens associated with porcine respiratory diseases in a single run. We selected 17 porcine respiratory pathogens (Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Boldetella bronchiseptica, Haemophilus parasuis, Pasteurella multocida, Pasteurella multocida toxin, Streptococcus suis, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Mycoplasma hyorhinis, Mycoplasma hyosynovie, porcine circovirus 2, pseudorabies virus, porcine cytomegalovirus, swine influenza A virus, porcine reproductive and respiratory virus US strain, EU strain, porcine respiratory coronavirus and porcine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus) as detection targets and designed novel specific primer-probe sets for seven of them. In sensitivity test by using standard curves from synthesized DNA, all primer-probe sets showed high sensitivity. However, porcine reproductive and respiratory virus is known to have a high frequency of genetic mutations, and the primer and probe sequences will need to be checked at a considerable frequency when performing Dempo-PCR from field samples. A total of 30 lung samples from swine showing respiratory symptoms on six farms were tested by the Dempo-PCR to validate the assay’s clinical performance. As the results, 12 pathogens (5 virus and 7 bacteria) were detected and porcine reproductive and respiratory virus US strain, Mycoplasma hyorhinis, Haemophilus parasuis, and porcine cytomegalovirus were detected at high frequency. These results suggest that Dempo-PCR assay can be applied as a screening system with wide detection targets.

Rapid detection of pathogenic virus genome sequence from throat and nasal swab samples using an exhaustive gene amplification method

Rapid identification of pathogenic agents is important in response to the emergence of biocrime and bioterrorism, to facilitate appropriate confinement and treatment. As the rapid determination system of viral genome sequences (RDV method) using exhaustive gene amplification is useful for rapid identification, we examined whether this method could be applied to forensic samples. To detect pathogenic virus in a cat with suspected viral infections, fluid swab samples were applied to the RDV method. The following steps were performed: viral propagation, extraction of the viral genome, amplification of the first library, fragmentation of the library, amplification of the second library using non-specific primer sets, and direct sequencing of the amplicon. To confirm the viruses detected by this method, we performed conventional PCR using virus-specific primers. We detected pathogenic virus genome sequences from the swab samples and confirmed infection with these viruses. In addition, we directly detected a viral genome sequence from the nasal swab sample without the viral propagation step. The RDV method is infrequently used in forensic analysis. This method is practicable with equipment existing in a normal laboratory and is useful for rapid detection and identification of pathogenic viruses in forensic samples. This method would also be applicable to the detection of bacteria and fungi.

A Supramolecular Approach to the Preparation of Nanographene Adlayers Using Water-Soluble Molecular Capsules

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are excellent building blocks for the creation of two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets. However, large PAHs tend to exhibit poor or no solubility in organic solvents and water. To overcome this issue, we employed water-soluble micellar capsules consisting of V-shaped amphiphilic molecules. Characteristic electrochemical behavior was observed in 0.1 m H₂ SO₄ in the presence of the water-soluble capsules containing PAHs, such as ovalene, circobiphenyl, and dicoronylene. Furthermore, under these conditions, PAHs were released from the capsules, resulting in the formation of a 2D adlayer of PAHs at the electrochemical interface. Finally, using electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy, we demonstrate that our molecular containers based on water-soluble molecular capsules allow the facile preparation of 2D PAH adlayers in addition to structurally controlling nanostructure formation on Au surfaces.

Dembo polymerase chain reaction technique for detection of bovine abortion, diarrhea, and respiratory disease complex infectious agents in potential vectors and reservoirs

Bovine abortion, diarrhea, and respiratory disease complexes, caused by infectious agents, result in high and significant economic losses for the cattle industry. These pathogens are likely transmitted by various vectors and reservoirs including insects, birds, and rodents. However, experimental data supporting this possibility are scarce. We collected 117 samples and screened them for 44 bovine abortive, diarrheal, and respiratory disease complex pathogens by using Dembo polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which is based on TaqMan real-time PCR. Fifty-seven samples were positive for at least one pathogen, including bovine viral diarrhea virus, bovine enterovirus, Salmonella enterica ser. Dublin, Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium, and Neospora caninum; some samples were positive for multiple pathogens. Bovine viral diarrhea virus and bovine enterovirus were the most frequently detected pathogens, especially in flies, suggesting an important role of flies in the transmission of these viruses. Additionally, we detected the N. caninum genome from a cockroach sample for the first time. Our data suggest that insects (particularly flies), birds, and rodents are potential vectors and reservoirs of abortion, diarrhea, and respiratory infectious agents, and that they may transmit more than one pathogen at the same time.

A case of feline gastrointestinal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia limited to the mesentery

An entire, female, mixed‐breed cat of unknown age was presented with a 6‐week history of lethargy, anorexia and vomiting. There was an increase in the number of white blood cells in the blood, including neutrophils and eosinophils; moderate anaemia; ascites; and possible mesenteric peritonitis. Exploratory laparotomy revealed firm, multifocal small nodules in the mesentery. As the nodules were surgically unresectable, they were biopsied. Histologically, the nodules were composed of thin trabeculae of dense collagen fibres mixed with plump fibroblasts and numerous eosinophils, consistent with feline gastrointestinal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia. Bacteria were not detected on histological examination of the nodules and cytology of the ascites. Remission of disease occurred following treatment with prednisolone and ciclosporin A for 22 days and antibiotics for 40 days. After remission, ciclosporin A was administered for 236 days and then discontinued. Eosinophilia also resolved after treatment with ciclosporin A. The cat is still alive and in good condition on day 689. This report describes what may be an atypical case of feline gastrointestinal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia, lacking involvement of the gastrointestinal tract, and was apparently cured by treatment that involved ciclosporin A.

Encapsulation-induced emission enhancement (EIEE) of Eu(iii)-complexes by aromatic micelles in water

Eu(iii)-complexes emit highly pure and intense red luminescence in aprotic organic solvents, yet the emission is usually quenched completely in the presence of aqueous solvents. Here we report that typical Eu(iii)-complexes are readily encapsulated in the hydrophobic cavities of aromatic micelles, composed of amphiphilic molecules with bent aromatic frameworks. Whereas the emissivity of the Eu(iii)-complexes themselves is zero in aqueous solutions, the resultant host-guest nanocomposites exhibit relatively strong red emission (up to Φ = 48%) with long emission lifetimes (up to τ = 1.05 ms) even in water. Thus, encapsulation-induced emission enhancement (EIEE) of the otherwise water-deactivated luminescent compounds is demonstrated by the aromatic micelle.

Genetic diversity and intergenogroup recombination events of sapoviruses detected from feces of pigs in Japan

Sapoviruses (SaV) are enteric viruses infecting humans and animals. SaVs are highly diverse and are divided into multiple genogroups based on structural protein (VP1) sequences. SaVs detected from pigs belong to eight genogroups (GIII, GV, GVI, GVII, GVIII, GIX, GX, and GXI), but little is known about the SaV genogroup distribution in the Japanese pig population. In the present study, 26 nearly complete genome (>6000 nucleotide: nt) and three partial sequences (2429nt, 4364nt, and 4419nt in length, including the entire VP1 coding region) of SaV were obtained from one diarrheic and 15 non-diarrheic porcine feces in Japan via a metagenomics approach. Phylogenetic analysis of the complete VP1 amino acid sequence (aa) revealed that 29 porcine SaVs were classified into seven genogroups; GIII (11 strains), GV (1 strain), GVI (3 strains), GVII (6 strains), GVIII (1 strain), GX (3 strains), and GXI (4 strains). This manuscript presents the first nearly complete genome sequences of GX and GXI, and demonstrates novel intergenogroup recombination events.

Whole genome analysis of porcine astroviruses detected in Japanese pigs reveals genetic diversity and possible intra-genotypic recombination

Porcine astroviruses (PoAstVs) are ubiquitous enteric virus of pigs that are distributed in several countries throughout the world. Since PoAstVs are detected in apparent healthy pigs, the clinical significance of infection is unknown. However, AstVs have recently been associated with a severe neurological disorder in animals, including humans, and zoonotic potential has been suggested. To date, little is known about the epidemiology of PoAstVs among the pig population in Japan. In this report, we present an analysis of nearly complete genomes of 36 PoAstVs detected by a metagenomics approach in the feces of Japanese pigs. Based on a phylogenetic analysis and pairwise sequence comparison, 10, 5, 15, and 6 sequences were classified as PoAstV2, PoAstV3, PoAstV4, and PoAstV5, respectively. Co-infection with two or three strains was found in individual fecal samples from eight pigs. The phylogenetic trees of ORF1a, ORF1b, and ORF2 of PoAstV2 and PoAstV4 showed differences in their topologies. The PoAstV3 and PoAstV5 strains shared high sequence identities within each genotype in all ORFs; however, one PoAstV3 strain and one PoAstV5 strain showed considerable sequence divergence from the other PoAstV3 and PoAstV5 strains, respectively, in ORF2. Recombination analysis using whole genomes revealed evidence of multiple possible intra-genotype recombination events in PoAstV2 and PoAstV4, suggesting that recombination might have contributed to the genetic diversity and played an important role in the evolution of Japanese PoAstVs.

Identification of a novel bovine enterovirus possessing highly divergent amino acid sequences in capsid protein

BACKGROUND

Bovine enterovirus (BEV) belongs to the species Enterovirus E or F, genus Enterovirus and family Picornaviridae. Although numerous studies have identified BEVs in the feces of cattle with diarrhea, the pathogenicity of BEVs remains unclear. Previously, we reported the detection of novel kobu-like virus in calf feces, by metagenomics analysis. In the present study, we identified a novel BEV in diarrheal feces collected for that survey. Complete genome sequences were determined by deep sequencing in feces. Secondary RNA structure analysis of the 5' untranslated region (UTR), phylogenetic tree construction and pairwise identity analysis were conducted.

RESULTS

The complete genome sequences of BEV were genetically distant from other EVs and the VP1 coding region contained novel and unique amino acid sequences. We named this strain as BEV AN12/Bos taurus/JPN/2014 (referred to as BEV-AN12). According to genome analysis, the genome length of this virus is 7414 nucleotides excluding the poly (A) tail and its genome consists of a 5'UTR, open reading frame encoding a single polyprotein, and 3'UTR. The results of secondary RNA structure analysis showed that in the 5'UTR, BEV-AN12 had an additional clover leaf structure and small stem loop structure, similarly to other BEVs. In pairwise identity analysis, BEV-AN12 showed high amino acid (aa) identities to Enterovirus F in the polyprotein, P2 and P3 regions (aa identity ≥82.4%). Therefore, BEV-AN12 is closely related to Enterovirus F. However, aa sequences in the capsid protein regions, particularly the VP1 encoding region, showed significantly low aa identity to other viruses in genus Enterovirus (VP1 aa identity ≤58.6%). In addition, BEV-AN12 branched separately from Enterovirus E and F in phylogenetic trees based on the aa sequences of P1 and VP1, although it clustered with Enterovirus F in trees based on sequences in the P2 and P3 genome region.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified novel BEV possessing highly divergent aa sequences in the VP1 coding region in Japan. According to species definition, we proposed naming this strain as "Enterovirus K", which is a novel species within genus Enterovirus. Further genomic studies are needed to understand the pathogenicity of BEVs.

Development of a one-run real-time PCR detection system for pathogens associated with bovine respiratory disease complex

Bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) is frequently found in cattle worldwide. The etiology of BRDC is complicated by infections with multiple pathogens, making identification of the causal pathogen difficult. Here, we developed a detection system by applying TaqMan real-time PCR (Dembo respiratory-PCR) to screen a broad range of microbes associated with BRDC in a single run. We selected 16 bovine respiratory pathogens (bovine viral diarrhea virus, bovine coronavirus, bovine parainfluenza virus 3, bovine respiratory syncytial virus, influenza D virus, bovine rhinitis A virus, bovine rhinitis B virus, bovine herpesvirus 1, bovine adenovirus 3, bovine adenovirus 7, Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni, Trueperella pyogenes, Mycoplasma bovis and Ureaplasma diversum) as detection targets and designed novel specific primer-probe sets for nine of them. The assay performance was assessed using standard curves from synthesized DNA. In addition, the sensitivity of the assay was evaluated by spiking solutions extracted from nasal swabs that were negative by Dembo respiratory-PCR for nucleic acids of pathogens or synthesized DNA. All primer-probe sets showed high sensitivity. In this study, a total of 40 nasal swab samples from cattle on six farms were tested by Dembo respiratory-PCR. Dembo respiratory-PCR can be applied as a screening system with wide detection targets.

Diversity in VP3, NSP3, and NSP4 of rotavirus B detected from Japanese cattle

Bovine rotavirus B (RVB) is an etiological agent of diarrhea mostly in adult cattle. Currently, a few sequences of viral protein (VP)1, 2, 4, 6, and 7 and nonstructural protein (NSP)1, 2, and 5 of bovine RVB are available in the DDBJ/EMBL/GenBank databases, and none have been reported for VP3, NSP3, and NSP4. In order to fill this gap in the genetic characterization of bovine RVB strains, we used a metagenomics approach and sequenced and analyzed the complete coding sequences (CDS) of VP3, NSP3, and NSP4 genes, as well as the partial or complete CDS of other genes of RVBs detected from Japanese cattle. VP3, NSP3, and NSP4 of bovine RVBs shared low nucleotide sequence identities (63.3-64.9% for VP3, 65.9-68.2% for NSP3, and 52.6-56.2% for NSP4) with those of murine, human, and porcine RVBs, suggesting that bovine RVBs belong to a novel genotype. Furthermore, significantly low amino acid sequence identities were observed for NSP4 (36.1-39.3%) between bovine RVBs and the RVBs of other species. In contrast, hydrophobic plot analysis of NSP4 revealed profiles similar to those of RVBs of other species and rotavirus A (RVA) strains. Phylogenetic analyses of all gene segments revealed that bovine RVB strains formed a cluster that branched distantly from other RVBs. These results suggest that bovine RVBs have evolved independently from other RVBs but in a similar manner to other rotaviruses. These findings provide insights into the evolution and diversity of RVB strains.

A pH-responsive molecular capsule with an acridine shell: catch and release of large hydrophobic compounds

Reversible assembly and disassembly of a supramolecular capsule bearing multiple acridine panels occur in water under neutral and acidic conditions, respectively. The pH-responsive capsule encapsulates various hydrophobic compounds in neutral water and subsequently releases them by simple acidification.

Identification of further diversity among posaviruses

Recently, there have been reports of new members of posavirus-like viruses in the order Picornavirales. In this study, using a metagenomics approach, 11 posavirus-like sequences (>7,000 nucleotides) were detected in 155 porcine fecal samples. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the newly identified virus sequences, together with other posavirus-like viruses, form distinct clusters within the order Picornavirales, composed of eight genogroups and unassigned sequences based on amino acid sequences of the helicase and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase regions, with <40 % and <50 % sequence identity, respectively. We propose further classifications of highly diverse posavirus populations based on newly identified sequences from Japanese pig feces.

Whole genome sequences of Japanese porcine species C rotaviruses reveal a high diversity of genotypes of individual genes and will contribute to a comprehensive, generally accepted classification system

Porcine rotavirus C (RVC) is distributed throughout the world and is thought to be a pathogenic agent of diarrhea in piglets. Although, the VP7, VP4, and VP6 gene sequences of Japanese porcine RVCs are currently available, there is no whole-genome sequence data of Japanese RVC. Furthermore, only one to three sequences are available for porcine RVC VP1-VP3 and NSP1-NSP3 genes. Therefore, we determined nearly full-length whole-genome sequences of nine Japanese porcine RVCs from seven piglets with diarrhea and two healthy pigs and compared them with published RVC sequences from a database. The VP7 genes of two Japanese RVCs from healthy pigs were highly divergent from other known RVC strains and were provisionally classified as G12 and G13 based on the 86% nucleotide identity cut-off value. Pairwise sequence identity calculations and phylogenetic analyses revealed that candidate novel genotypes of porcine Japanese RVC were identified in the NSP1, NSP2 and NSP3 encoding genes, respectively. Furthermore, VP3 of Japanese porcine RVCs was shown to be closely related to human RVCs, suggesting a gene reassortment event between porcine and human RVCs and past interspecies transmission. The present study demonstrated that porcine RVCs show greater genetic diversity among strains than human and bovine RVCs.