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Wu M, Asami T. Taxonomical notes on Chinese camaenids with description of three new species (Gastropoda: Pulmonata). MOLLUSCAN RESEARCH 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/13235818.2017.1380145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Páll-Gergely B, Hunyadi A, Sáng ĐĐ, Naggs F, Asami T. Revision of the Alycaeidae of China, Laos and Vietnam (Gastropoda: Cyclophoroidea) I: The genera <i>Dicharax</i> and <i>Metalycaeus</i>. Zootaxa 2017; 4331:1-124. [PMID: 29242453 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4331.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
This is the first part of the revision of the Alycaeidae of China, Laos and Vietnam. Here we revise the species hitherto classified in Chamalycaeus Möllendorff, 1897 (genera Dicharax and Metalycaeus in this study). We show that no Chamalycaeus live in the region, and the alycaeid species of the investigated region can be classified into five genera: Alycaeus Baird, 1850, Dicharax Kobelt & Möllendorff, 1900, Dioryx Benson, 1859, Metalycaeus Pilsbry, 1900 and Pincerna Preston, 1907. We propose Dioryx dautzenbergi Páll-Gergely nom. nov. as a replacement name for Alycaeus (Dioryx) major Bavay & Dautzenberg, 1900, non Alycæus (Dioryx) granum var. major Godwin-Austen, 1893. Alycaeus anceyi Mabille, 1887, A. eydouxi Venmans, 1956, A. mouhoti L. Pfeiffer, 1862, A. rolfbrandti Maassen, 2006 and A. vanbuensis Bavay & Dautzenberg, 1900 are retained in Alycaeus. Alycaeus costulosa Bavay & Dautzenberg, 1912 and A. maolanensis Luo, Zhang & Zhuo 2009 were transferred to Pincerna. We examined newly collected specimens and the type specimens of all species with the exception of the following: A. elevatus Heude, 1886, A. expansus Heude, 1890, A. neglectus Heude, 1885, Chamalycaeus libonensis Chen, Li & Luo 2003, C. panshiensis Chen, 1989, C. tangmaiensis Chen & Zhang, 2001, C. zayuensis Zhang, Chen & Zhou, 2008. Fifteen new species are described as follows: Dicharax (?) abdoui Páll-Gergely, n. sp., Dicharax (?) alticola Páll-Gergely & Hunyadi n. sp., Dicharax (?) ellipticus Páll-Gergely n. sp., Dicharax (?) immaculatus Páll-Gergely n. sp., Dicharax bison Páll-Gergely & Hunyadi n. sp., Dicharax draco Páll-Gergely & Hunyadi n. sp., Dicharax imitator Páll-Gergely & Hunyadi n. sp., Dicharax microcostatus Páll-Gergely n. sp., Dicharax micropolitus Páll-Gergely & Hunyadi n. sp., Dicharax robustus Páll-Gergely & Hunyadi, n. sp., Metalycaeus (?) awalycaeoides Páll-Gergely & Hunyadi n. sp., Metalycaeus (?) ibex Páll-Gergely & Hunyadi n. sp., Metalycaeus laosensis Páll-Gergely n. sp., Metalycaeus oharai Páll-Gergely & Hunyadi n. sp., Metalycaeus (?) okuboi Páll-Gergely & Hunyadi, n. sp. A total of twelve names are synonymised with valid species. In this revision we payed special attention to conchological characters hitherto neglected, such as the fine sculpture of the embryonic whorls and the fine structure of the microtunnels along the breathing tube. We described the radula and penis morphology of five Dicharax species.
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Yagi K, Ishii M, Namkoong H, Asami T, Iketani O, Asakura T, Suzuki S, Sugiura H, Yamada Y, Nishimura T, Fujiwara H, Funatsu Y, Uwamino Y, Kamo T, Tasaka S, Betsuyaku T, Hasegawa N. The efficacy, safety, and feasibility of inhaled amikacin for the treatment of difficult-to-treat non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung diseases. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:558. [PMID: 28793869 PMCID: PMC5550988 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2665-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In multidrug regimens, including an intravenous aminoglycoside (e.g. amikacin [AMK]) is recommended for difficult-to-treat non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung diseases. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and feasibility of inhaled AMK therapy in patients with difficult-to-treat NTM lung diseases in a retrospective chart review. Methods The study population consisted of patients with NTM lung diseases who received combination therapy, including inhaled AMK therapy, at Keio University Hospital (Tokyo, Japan), from January 2014 through May 2016. A total of 26 cases, consisting of 23 Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) and three Mycobacterium abscessus complex (MABC) infections cases, were included in this study. The efficacy, safety, and feasibility of inhaled AMK therapy were retrospectively investigated. The Research Ethics Committee of Keio University Hospital approved this study, and informed consent was obtained from all patients. Results All 26 patients were culture-positive at enrolment. Twenty-three of the 26 patients (88.5%), including 21/23 MAC patients (91.3%) and 2/3 MABC patients (66.7%), were administered inhaled AMK therapy for >3 months. The proportion of patients who had clinical symptoms, including, cough and sputum, declined after inhalation AMK therapy. Ten of the 23 patients (43.5%) who received AMK inhalation, including 8/21 MAC (38.1%) and 2/2 MABC patients (100%), showed sputum conversion, defined as at least three consecutive negative sputum cultures. Seven of the 23 patients, including, 5/21 MAC and 2/2 MABC patients, showed improvements in high-resolution computed tomography imaging of the chest. In addition, the serum AMK trough levels before the second inhalation were <1.2 μg/mL in all 26 patients, with no occurrence of severe adverse events, such as renal toxicity. One patient (3.8%) experienced auditory toxicity, in the form of tinnitus. However, this symptom was reversible, after temporary interruption of AMK, the patient was able to safely resume the therapy. Conclusions Inhaled AMK therapy is an effective and feasible therapy for difficult-to-treat NTM lung disease. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-017-2665-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Páll-Gergely B, Hunyadi A, Asami T. A new diplommatinid genus and two new species from the Philippines (Gastropoda, Caenogastropoda, Cyclophoroidea). Zookeys 2017:1-10. [PMID: 28769693 PMCID: PMC5523359 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.678.13059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
A new diplommatinid genus, Luzonocoptis Páll-Gergely & Hunyadi, gen. n. is erected for two new species, Luzonocoptisantenna Páll-Gergely & Hunyadi, sp. n. and L.angulata Páll-Gergely & Hunyadi, sp. n. Both species inhabit the northeastern part of Luzon Island, Philippines. The genus Luzonocoptisgen. n. is mostly characterized by a very slender shell with 14–18 whorls, a strongly expanded peristome, an interrupted, weak columellar lamella, the absence of any additional plicae or lamellae, and a rachidian tooth having five cusps.
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Páll-Gergely B, Otani JU, Hosoda T, Asami T, Harl J. A new species of Camaenidae (Gastropoda, Pulmonata) from Nusa Penida and Lombok Islands, Indonesia: novelty in a well-known fauna. MOLLUSCAN RESEARCH 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/13235818.2017.1344903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Harl J, Haring E, Asami T, Sittenthaler M, Sattmann H, Páll-Gergely B. Molecular systematics of the land snail family Orculidae reveal polyphyly and deep splits within the clade Orthurethra (Gastropoda: Pulmonata). Zool J Linn Soc 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlx022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Páll-Gergely B, Jochum A, Asami T. Three new species and a new genus of Hypselostomatidae (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) from Cong Troi Cave, Northern Vietnam. ACTA ZOOL ACAD SCI H 2017. [DOI: 10.17109/azh.63.3.327.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Namkoong H, Ishii M, Funatsu Y, Kimizuka Y, Yagi K, Asami T, Asakura T, Suzuki S, Kamo T, Fujiwara H, Tasaka S, Betsuyaku T, Hasegawa N. Theory and strategy for Pneumococcal vaccines in the elderly. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2016; 12:336-43. [PMID: 26406267 PMCID: PMC5049722 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2015.1075678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pneumonia is the fourth-leading cause of death globally, and Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most important causative pathogen. Because the incidence of pneumococcal diseases is likely to increase with the aging society, we should determine an optimal strategy for pneumococcal vaccination. While consensus indicates that 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine prevents invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD), its effects on community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remain controversial. Recently, a 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) was released. The latest clinical study (CAPiTA study) showed that PCV13 reduced vaccine-type CAP and IPD. Based on these results, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended initial vaccination with PCV13 for the elderly. Scientific evidence regarding immunosenescence is needed to determine a more ideal vaccination strategy for the elderly with impaired innate and adaptive immunity. Continuing research on the cost effectiveness of new vaccine strategies considering constantly changing epidemiology is also warranted.
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Páll-Gergely B, Fehér Z, Otani JU, Asami T. An integrative taxonomic approach to infer the systematic position of Chalepotaxis Ancey, 1887 (Gastropoda: Stylommatophora: Helicarionidae). MOLLUSCAN RESEARCH 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/13235818.2016.1234996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Funatsu Y, Tasaka S, Asami T, Namkoong H, Fujiwara H, Iketani O, Yagi K, Kimizuka Y, Ishii M, Nishimura T, Ogata H, Iwata S, Betsuyaku T, Hasegawa N. Pharmacokinetics of intravenous peramivir in the airway epithelial lining fluid of healthy volunteers. Antivir Ther 2016; 21:621-625. [PMID: 27694694 DOI: 10.3851/imp3096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some subtypes of influenza virus, such as H5N1 and H7N9, cause severe viral pneumonia, for which the intraluminal concentration of the anti-influenza agent in the airway is critical. However, the pharmacokinetics of peramivir, the only available injectable neuraminidase inhibitor formulation, in the airway epithelial lining fluid (ELF) remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to determine the time course of peramivir in the pharyngeal ELF, bronchial ELF and plasma of healthy volunteers using bronchoscopic microsampling technique. METHODS Six healthy volunteers were studied. After baseline plasma sampling, 0.3 g peramivir was intravenously injected over 0.5 h. ELF was obtained from the upper and lower airways using bronchoscopic microsampling at the end of the infusion (0.5 h) and after 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 h. The concentrations of peramivir in the ELFs and in the plasma were quantified by LC/MS/MS analysis. RESULTS The mean maximum concentration (Cmax) in pharyngeal ELF, bronchial ELF and plasma was 1.20 ±0.42, 9.60 ±2.30 and 50.52 ±17.51 ng/ml, respectively. The penetration ratio at Cmax in pharyngeal and bronchial ELFs was 2.4 and 19.0, respectively. The ratio of the area under the curve from 0 to infinity in pharyngeal and bronchial ELFs was 4.8 and 39.1 mg•min/l, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The time course of peramivir concentration in the ELFs revealed that concentrations above the 50% inhibitory concentration value of influenza were achieved in the upper and lower airways. Therefore, peramivir could be an important treatment option for influenza viral pneumonia.
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Sato Y, Asami T, Toriyabe Y, Sato T, Teramae N, Nishizawa S. Pteridine Derivatives Modified with a Guanidine for Binding and Sensing an Orphan Guanine in RNA Duplexes. CHEM LETT 2016. [DOI: 10.1246/cl.160425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Páll-Gergely B, Naggs F, Asami T. Novel shell device for gas exchange in an operculate land snail. Biol Lett 2016; 12:rsbl.2016.0151. [PMID: 27405378 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2016.0151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The operculum of terrestrial snails tightly seals the shell aperture providing protection from predators and body-water loss. To allow respiration with a closed operculum, operculate land snails repeatedly evolved shell devices such as tubes or channels that open to the air. In all Asian members of the Alycaeidae, an externally closed tube lies along the suture behind the aperture that possesses a small internal opening into the last whorl at the tube's anterior end. However, this structure presents a paradox: how is gas exchanged through an externally closed tube? Here we show that many microtunnels open into the tube and run beneath radial ribs along the growth line of the last whorl in Alycaeus conformis These tunnels open to the outside of the shell surface near the umbilicus. Examination under high magnification revealed that the outermost shell layer forms these tunnels only in the whorl range beneath the sutural tube. Each tunnel (ca 16 µm diameter) is far narrower than any known metazoan parasite. These findings support our hypothesis that the externally closed sutural tube functions with microtunnels as a specialized apparatus for predator-free gas exchange with minimal water loss when the operculum seals the aperture.
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Páll-Gergely B, Muratov IV, Asami T. The family Plectopylidae (Gastropoda, Pulmonata) in Laos with the description of two new genera and a new species. Zookeys 2016:1-26. [PMID: 27408542 PMCID: PMC4926634 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.592.8118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously only a single plectopylid species, Helixlaomontana L. Pfeiffer, 1862 was reported from Laos. Here we erect Naggsia Páll-Gergely & Muratov, gen. n. for Helixlaomontana based on the description of its reproductive anatomy and radula. Another species, Hunyadiscussaurini Páll-Gergely, gen. & sp. n. is described from Northern Laos based on conchological data. Helix (Plectopylis) andersoni Blanford, 1869, which is known from the Burmese-Chinese border region, is also classified within Hunyadiscus Páll-Gergely, gen. n. A third species, Gudeodiscus (Gudeodiscus) messageriraheemi Páll-Gergely & Hunyadi, 2015 is reported from Laos for the first time. The new localities represent the westernmost sites of the genus Gudeodiscus. The reproductive anatomy of the latter species is described.
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Suzuki S, Morino E, Ishii M, Namkoong H, Yagi K, Asakura T, Asami T, Fujiwara H, Uwamino Y, Nishimura T, Tasaka S, Betsuyaku T, Takasaki J, Iwata S, Hasegawa N. Clinical characteristics of pulmonary Mycobacterium scrofulaceum disease in 2001-2011: A case series and literature review. J Infect Chemother 2016; 22:611-6. [PMID: 27406572 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Revised: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mycobacterium scrofulaceum is a well-known pathogen associated with cervical lymphadenitis in children. However, pulmonary M. scrofulaceum disease is a rare condition with unknown clinical features. The present study aimed to clarify the clinical features of pulmonary M. scrofulaceum disease described in recent cases and reports. METHODS We reviewed the medical records of all adult patients with pulmonary M. scrofulaceum disease at Keio University Hospital and the National Center for Global Health and Medicine Center Hospital between 2001 and 2011. We also conducted a review of the PubMed database to identify additional cases of pulmonary M. scrofulaceum disease in adults. RESULTS Our study identified 8 cases of pulmonary M. scrofulaceum disease at the 2 identified institutions during our study period. Most cases were diagnosed in middle-aged and elderly men with underlying pulmonary diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and Mycobacterium avium complex lung disease, as well as those with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis. In contrast, most previously reported cases identified through our literature review had a history of dust inhalation or underlying silicosis. Three of 8 cases at our institutions and 20 of 23 cases from the literature were treated with combination therapies. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that in the recent histories of our institutions, pulmonary M. scrofulaceum disease has mainly occurred in patients with chronic pulmonary diseases. We further conclude that combination therapies that include clarithromycin might yield better patient outcomes.
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Páll-Gergely B, Asami T. A new species of Gudeodiscus Páll-Gergely, 2013 from China, with extraordinary conchological and anatomical features (Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Plectopylidae). Zookeys 2016:1-19. [PMID: 27081330 PMCID: PMC4820089 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.564.6560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A new species of the Plectopylidae, Gudeodiscuslongiplica is described from northern Guangxi Province, southern China. The shell, anatomical and radular characters are figured and described. This new species is characterized by long plicae on its parietal shell wall, which have not been observed in any other Gudeodiscus species. In contrast, the long parietal plicae are characteristic for the genera Plectopylis and Chersaecia, which mainly inhabit Thailand and Myanmar. These two genera are, however, only distantly related to the new species, as other characters (anatomy, protoconch sculpture, parietal plicae) suggest. The male portion of the genital structure of the new species is characterized by two separate penial caeca with different lengths, but similar in outer and inner structure. The relevance of this anatomical character is discussed. Gudeodiscuslongiplicasp. n. occurs sympatrically with Gudeodiscussoosi Páll-Gergely, 2013. The anatomy and radula characters of the latter species are also described and figured.
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Danaisawadi P, Asami T, Ota H, Sutcharit C, Panha S. A snail-eating snake recognizes prey handedness. Sci Rep 2016; 6:23832. [PMID: 27046345 PMCID: PMC4820687 DOI: 10.1038/srep23832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Specialized predator-prey interactions can be a driving force for their coevolution. Southeast Asian snail-eating snakes (Pareas) have more teeth on the right mandible and specialize in predation on the clockwise-coiled (dextral) majority in shelled snails by soft-body extraction. Snails have countered the snakes' dextral-predation by recurrent coil reversal, which generates diverse counterclockwise-coiled (sinistral) prey where Pareas snakes live. However, whether the snake predator in turn evolves any response to prey reversal is unknown. We show that Pareas carinatus living with abundant sinistrals avoids approaching or striking at a sinistral that is more difficult and costly to handle than a dextral. Whenever it strikes, however, the snake succeeds in predation by handling dextral and sinistral prey in reverse. In contrast, P. iwasakii with little access to sinistrals on small peripheral islands attempts and frequently misses capturing a given sinistral. Prey-handedness recognition should be advantageous for right-handed snail-eating snakes where frequently encountering sinistrals. Under dextral-predation by Pareas snakes, adaptive fixation of a prey population for a reversal gene instantaneously generates a sinistral species because interchiral mating is rarely possible. The novel warning, instead of sheltering, effect of sinistrality benefitting both predators and prey could further accelerate single-gene ecological speciation by left-right reversal.
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Páll-Gergely B, Budha PB, Naggs F, Backeljau T, Asami T. Review of the genus Endothyrella Zilch, 1960 with description of five new species (Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Plectopylidae). Zookeys 2015:1-70. [PMID: 26692792 PMCID: PMC4668899 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.529.6139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
All known taxa of the genus Endothyrella Zilch, 1960 (family Plectopylidae) are reviewed. Altogether 23 Endothyrella species are recognized. All species are illustrated and whenever possible, photographs of the available type specimens are provided. Five new species are described: Endothyrellaangulata Budha & Páll-Gergely, sp. n., Endothyrelladolakhaensis Budha & Páll-Gergely, sp. n. and Endothyrellanepalica Budha & Páll-Gergely, sp. n. from Nepal, Endothyrellarobustistriata Páll-Gergely, sp. n. from the Naga Hills, India, and Endothyrellainexpectata Páll-Gergely, sp. n. from Sichuan, China. Helix (Plectopylis) munipurensis Godwin-Austen, 1875 is synonymized with Helix (Plectopylis) serica Godwin-Austen, 1875, and Plectopylis (Endothyra) gregorsoni Gude, 1915 is synonymized with Helix (Plectopylis) macromphalus W. Blanford, 1870. Plectopylisplectostomavar.exerta Gude, 1901 is a synonym of Plectopylisplectostomavar.tricarinata Gude, 1896, which is a species in its own right. Five species of the genus Chersaecia viz. Plectopylis (Chersaecia) bedfordi Gude, 1915, Helix (Plectopylis) brahma Godwin-Austen, 1879, Helix (Plectopylis) Oglei Godwin-Austen, 1879, Helix (Plectopylis) serica Godwin-Austen, 1875, and Plectopylis (Endothyra) williamsoni Gude, 1915 are moved to Endothyrella. The holotype of Plectopylishanleyi Godwin-Austen, 1879 seems to be lost; therefore, Plectopylishanleyi is considered to be a nomen dubium.
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Asakura T, Funatsu Y, Ishii M, Namkoong H, Yagi K, Suzuki S, Asami T, Kamo T, Fujiwara H, Uwamino Y, Nishimura T, Tasaka S, Betsuyaku T, Hasegawa N. Health-related quality of life is inversely correlated with C-reactive protein and age in Mycobacterium avium complex lung disease: a cross-sectional analysis of 235 patients. Respir Res 2015; 16:145. [PMID: 26635226 PMCID: PMC4668618 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-015-0304-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung diseases generally cause chronic disease in immunocompetent hosts. Although a few studies have examined health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with MAC lung disease, there have been no large studies. This study aimed to evaluate HRQL and its correlation with clinical outcomes in MAC lung disease. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at Keio University Hospital to investigate the factors associated with HRQL in pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial diseases. MAC lung diseases were diagnosed according to the 2007 ATS/IDSA guidelines for nontuberculous mycobacterial diseases. The 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) was administered to assess clinical outcomes. Clinical variables included treatment status, latest haematological data, and bacterial smear and culture results. Results The SF-36 scores for the 235 patients (median age, 69 years; 45 men and 190 women) with MAC lung disease, except for the bodily pain and mental health subscale scores, were significantly lower than the Japanese population norms. In the multivariable analyses, current treatment for MAC and a positive sputum smear or culture within the past year were significantly associated with lower SF-36 scores. C-reactive protein (CRP) and age showed stronger inverse correlations with SF-36 scores. Conclusions HRQL, especially the physical component, was impaired in patients with MAC lung diseases; this appears to be related with current treatment status, positive sputum smear or culture within the previous year, and particularly CRP and age. Further studies including qualitative assessments are needed to investigate the efficacy of CRP as a marker for progression or treatment response in MAC lung disease. Trial registration Clinical trial registered with UMIN (UMIN000007964).
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Takahashi S, Ishii M, Namkoong H, Hegab AE, Asami T, Yagi K, Sasaki M, Haraguchi M, Sato M, Kameyama N, Asakura T, Suzuki S, Tasaka S, Iwata S, Hasegawa N, Betsuyaku T. Pneumococcal Infection Aggravates Elastase-Induced Emphysema via Matrix Metalloproteinase 12 Overexpression. J Infect Dis 2015; 213:1018-30. [PMID: 26563237 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiv527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)--typically caused by bacterial or viral infection--is associated with poor prognosis and emphysema progression through unknown mechanisms. We aimed to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for the poor prognosis and emphysema progression associated with COPD exacerbation. METHODS We established a mouse model mimicking acute human COPD exacerbation, wherein mice with elastase-induced emphysema were intranasally infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae. RESULTS In mice with elastase-induced emphysema, infection with S. pneumoniae resulted in increased mortality, an increased number of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and increased matrix metalloproteinase 12 (MMP-12) production in the lungs, as well as enhanced emphysema progression. The increased MMP-12 production was mostly due to alveolar type II cells, alveolar macrophages, and lymphocytes that aggregated around vessels and bronchioles. Dexamethasone treatment suppressed the mortality rate and number of inflammatory cells in BALF but not emphysema progression, possibly owing to the failure of MMP-12 suppression in the lungs, whereas treatment with the MMP inhibitor ONO-4817 dramatically suppressed both mortality rate and emphysema progression. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that MMP-12 production during COPD exacerbation results in increased mortality and emphysema progression. Our study identifies MMP-12 as a target to prevent further aggravation of COPD.
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Páll-Gergely B, Hunyadi A, Jochum A, Asami T. Seven new hypselostomatid species from China, including some of the world's smallest land snails (Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Orthurethra). Zookeys 2015:31-62. [PMID: 26478698 PMCID: PMC4602296 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.523.6114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Seven new species of Hypselostomatidae are described from the Chinese province Guangxi: Angustopiladominikae Páll-Gergely & Hunyadi, sp. n., Angustopilafabella Páll-Gergely & Hunyadi, sp. n., Angustopilasubelevata Páll-Gergely & Hunyadi, sp. n., Angustopilaszekeresi Páll-Gergely & Hunyadi, sp. n., Hypselostomasocialis Páll-Gergely & Hunyadi, sp. n., Hypselostomalacrima Páll-Gergely & Hunyadi, sp. n. and Krobylossinensis Páll-Gergely & Hunyadi, sp. n. The latter species is reported from three localities. All other new species are known only from the type locality. Specimens nearly identical to the type specimens of Angustopilahuoyani Jochum, Slapnik & Páll-Gergely, 2014 were found in a cave in northern Guangxi, 500 km from the type locality. Adult individuals of Angustopilasubelevatasp. n. (shell height = 0.83–0.91 mm, mean = 0.87 mm) and Angustopiladominikaesp. n. (shell height of the holotype = 0.86 mm) represent the smallest known members of the Hypselostomatidae, and thus are amongst the smallest land snails ever reported. We note that Pyramidulalaosensis Saurin, 1953 might also belong to Krobylos. Paraboysidianeglecta van Benthem Jutting, 1961, which was previously included in Angustopila, is classified in Hypselostoma.
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Kakishima S, Morita S, Yoshida K, Ishida A, Hayashi S, Asami T, Ito H, Miller DG, Uehara T, Mori S, Hasegawa E, Matsuura K, Kasuya E, Yoshimura J. The contribution of seed dispersers to tree species diversity in tropical rainforests. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2015; 2:150330. [PMID: 26587246 PMCID: PMC4632518 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.150330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Tropical rainforests are known for their extreme biodiversity, posing a challenging problem in tropical ecology. Many hypotheses have been proposed to explain the diversity of tree species, yet our understanding of this phenomenon remains incomplete. Here, we consider the contribution of animal seed dispersers to the species diversity of trees. We built a multi-layer lattice model of trees whose animal seed dispersers are allowed to move only in restricted areas to disperse the tree seeds. We incorporated the effects of seed dispersers in the traditional theory of allopatric speciation on a geological time scale. We modified the lattice model to explicitly examine the coexistence of new tree species and the resulting high biodiversity. The results indicate that both the coexistence and diversified evolution of tree species can be explained by the introduction of animal seed dispersers.
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Nyumura N, Asami T. Synchronous and Non-Synchronous Semelparity in Sibling Species of Pulmonates. Zoolog Sci 2015; 32:372-7. [PMID: 26245224 DOI: 10.2108/zs150020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Diverse life histories have been documented in terrestrial pulmonates, which inhabit different regions in climate. Life history traits are often phenotypically plastic and vary depending on the environment. Thus, surveys using designs that control for the confounding effects of environment are needed to evaluate the evolutionary differences between populations of closely related species in the wild. We examined the life histories of sibling species of terrestrial pulmonate within two regions of similar climates. Bradybaena pellucida (BP) is endemic to Japanese islands, and has recently been expanding its distribution northeastward, whereas B. similaris (BS) has been introduced by humans into temperate and tropical regions worldwide. We found that these species exhibit discrete differences in population dynamics and life cycle, despite their close relatedness. The annual life cycle of BP is synchronized among individuals in a population. Thus, BP is univoltine with discontinuous generation. In contrast, BS individuals do not synchronize their growth or reproduction, and thus exhibit overlapping generations. Our results indicate that synchronized and non-synchronized population dynamics diverge relatively rapidly in semelparous pulmonates. This type of difference has not been documented in pulmonate life history, and may have been overlooked because only a few studies have explicitly compared life cycles of closely related species within the same climate. Our results provide a basis for further studies of life history evolution in pulmonates.
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Namkoong H, Fujiwara H, Ishii M, Yagi K, Haraguchi M, Matsusaka M, Suzuki S, Asakura T, Asami T, Saito F, Fukunaga K, Tasaka S, Betsuyaku T, Hasegawa N. Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome due to Mycobacterium avium complex successfully followed up using 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus infection: A case report. BMC Med Imaging 2015; 15:24. [PMID: 26187282 PMCID: PMC4506418 DOI: 10.1186/s12880-015-0063-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients, immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) due to nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection is one of the most difficult types of IRIS to manage. 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18 F-FDG PET/CT) has been suggested as a useful tool for evaluating the inflammatory status of HIV-infected patients. We present the first case of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC)-associated IRIS (MAC-IRIS) that was successfully followed up using 18 F-FDG PET/CT. Case presentation A 44-year-old homosexual Japanese man was referred to our hospital with fever and dyspnea. He was diagnosed with Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia and found to be HIV positive. After the initiation of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), the patient’s mediastinal and bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy gradually enlarged, and bilateral infiltrates appeared in the upper lung fields. 18 F-FDG PET/CT was performed five months after the initiation of cART and showed intense accumulation of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) corresponding to the lesions of infiltration as well as the mediastinal and bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy. A bronchial wash culture and pathology findings led to a diagnosis of MAC-IRIS. Anti-mycobacterial chemotherapy with rifampicin, ethambutol, clarithromycin, and levofloxacin was started. One year after the chemotherapy was initiated, there was a significant reduction in FDG uptake in the area of the lesions except in the mediastinal lymph node. This implied incomplete resolution of the MAC-IRIS-related inflammation. Anti-mycobacterial chemotherapy was continued because of the residual lesion. To date, the patient has not experienced a recurrence of MAC-IRIS, a period of nine months. Conclusion We present a case of MAC-IRIS in an HIV-infected patient whose disease activity was successfully followed up using 18 F-FDG PET/CT. Our data suggest that 18 F-FDG PET/CT is useful for evaluating the disease activity of NTM-IRIS and assessing the appropriate duration of anti-mycobacterial chemotherapy for NTM-IRIS in HIV-infected patients.
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Páll-Gergely B, Hunyadi A, Asami T. A new Chinese species of Eostrobilops Pilsbry, 1927 with a checklist of Eostrobilops and Enteroplax Gude, 1897 species (Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Strobilopsidae). Zookeys 2015:85-95. [PMID: 26167122 PMCID: PMC4492207 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.508.10004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2015] [Accepted: 06/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Eostrobilopshumicolus Páll-Gergely & Hunyadi, sp. n. is described from Guangxi Province, China. It is characterized by the combination of a small shell (diameter: 2.3–2.4 mm), strongly ribbed dorsal surface, an infraparietal lamella not reaching the callus, and long basal folds. The new species is found approximately 500 and 800 km from the two nearest species Eostrobilopsinfrequens (northern Vietnam), and Eostrobilopsdiodontina (Hunan, China), respectively. A checklist of extant Eostrobilops Pilsbry, 1927 and Enteroplax Gude, 1899 species is provided. Enteroplaxyaeyamensis Habe & Chinen, 1974, Enteroplaxkanjiokuboi Minato & Tada, 1992 and Enteroplaxtaiwanica Minato & Tada, 1992 are moved to the genus Eostrobilops because of the lack of an elevated parietal callus and a peripheral thread. A map showing all Eostrobilops records is provided.
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Páll-Gergely B, Hunyadi A, Ablett J, Lương HV, Fred Naggs, Asami T. Systematics of the family Plectopylidae in Vietnam with additional information on Chinese taxa (Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Stylommatophora). Zookeys 2015:1-118. [PMID: 25632253 PMCID: PMC4304041 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.473.8659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Vietnamese species from the family Plectopylidae are revised based on the type specimens of all known taxa, more than 600 historical non-type museum lots, and almost 200 newly-collected samples. Altogether more than 7000 specimens were investigated. The revision has revealed that species diversity of the Vietnamese Plectopylidae was previously overestimated. Overall, thirteen species names (anterides Gude, 1909, bavayi Gude, 1901, congesta Gude, 1898, fallax Gude, 1909, gouldingi Gude, 1909, hirsuta Möllendorff, 1901, jovia Mabille, 1887, moellendorffi Gude, 1901, persimilis Gude, 1901, pilsbryana Gude, 1901, soror Gude, 1908, tenuis Gude, 1901, verecunda Gude, 1909) were synonymised with other species. In addition to these, Gudeodiscushemmenisp. n. and Gudeodiscusmessageriraheemissp. n. are described from north-western Vietnam. Sixteen species and two subspecies are recognized from Vietnam. The reproductive anatomy of eight taxa is described. Based on anatomical information, Halongellagen. n. is erected to include Plectopylisschlumbergeri and Plectopylisfruhstorferi. Additionally, the genus Gudeodiscus is subdivided into two subgenera (Gudeodiscus and Veludiscussubgen. n.) on the basis of the morphology of the reproductive anatomy and the radula. The Chinese Gudeodiscusphlyariuswerneri Páll-Gergely, 2013 is moved to synonymy of Gudeodiscusphlyarius. A spermatophore was found in the organ situated next to the gametolytic sac in one specimen. This suggests that this organ in the Plectopylidae is a diverticulum. Statistically significant evidence is presented for the presence of calcareous hook-like granules inside the penis being associated with the absence of embryos in the uterus in four genera. This suggests that these probably play a role in mating periods before disappearing when embryos develop. Sicradiscusmansuyi is reported from China for the first time.
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