Sequence analysis of ABO and its homologues is valid for species identification

BACKGROUND

ABO and its paralogues, such as A3GALT2 and GGTA1, encoding α1,3-Gal(NAc) transferases, belong to the glycosyltransferase 6 (GT6) gene family. We have developed an alternative method for the identification of species based on sequence variations within the GT6 gene family, which is applicable to degraded DNA.

METHODS/MATERIALS

DNA samples prepared from control mammalian species, together with an unknown sample, were polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-amplified using one universal primer pair targeting the sequences in the last coding exons of the GT6 gene family, yielding 141-bp products derived from those multiple loci. After cloning, sequence determination and Basic Local Alignment Search Tool analysis, phylogenetic trees were constructed.

RESULTS

Comparison of the sequences obtained with those references showed good concordance with each of the starting species of mammals. This system was able to identify 'mouse' or 'rodent' as the origin of the unknown sample.

CONCLUSION

For the identification of species, genotyping of ABO and its homologues would be applicable for the analysis of degraded DNA samples. Although the method employed in this study is likely valid for mammals, it would not be suitable for birds, fish and reptiles. It may be possible to improve the present method for use with other species by employing an alternative universal primer set.

Effect of dasatinib in a xenograft mouse model of canine histiocytic sarcoma and in vitro expression status of its potential target EPHA2

Canine histiocytic sarcoma (HS) is an aggressive and highly metastatic tumor. Previously, the kinase inhibitor dasatinib was shown to have potent growth inhibitory activity against HS cells in vitro, possibly via targeting the EPHA2 receptor. Here, the in vivo effect of dasatinib in HS cells was investigated using a xenograft mouse model. Moreover, the expression status of EPHA2 was examined in six HS cell lines, ranging from insensitive to highly sensitive to dasatinib. In the HS xenograft mouse model, dasatinib significantly suppressed tumor growth, as illustrated by a decrease in mitotic and Ki67 indices and an increase in apoptotic index in tumor tissues. On Western blot analysis, EPHA2 was only weakly detected in all HS cell lines, regardless of sensitivity to dasatinib. Dasatinib likely results in the inhibition of xenograft tumor growth via a mechanism other than targeting EPHA2. The findings of this study suggest that dasatinib is a targeted therapy drug worthy of further exploration for the treatment of canine HS.

Extensive use of vasodilator agents and functional echocardiography to monitor extremely-low-birth-weight infants in Japan

National surveys were conducted in Japan to assess the current practices for circulatory management of extremely-low-birth-weight infants (ELBWIs) in acute phases. Approximately 80 and 100 institutions were surveyed in 2006 and 2011, respectively. Echocardiography was identified as an important diagnostic tool at 95% of the surveyed institutions. Furthermore, 74% of the institutions survey in 2011 used vasodilator agents. In 2011, the mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (mVcfc) and left ventricular end-systolic wall stress (ESWS) were used by 60% of the surveyed institutions to evaluate the relationship between afterload of the left ventricle and left ventricular contractility. Overall, the data collected from these national surveys clarified the current practices for circulatory management of ELBWIs in Japan, particularly the use of echocardiography and cardiovascular agents, including catecholamines and vasodilators.

Significant augmentation of regulatory T cell numbers occurs during the early neonatal period

Regulatory T cells (T_regs ) control immune responses by suppressing various inflammatory cells. T_regs in newborn babies may play an important role in preventing excessive immune responses during their environmental change. We examined the number and phenotype of T_regs during the neonatal period in 49 newborn babies. T_regs were characterized by flow cytometry using cord blood (CB) and peripheral blood (PB) from the early (7-8 days after birth) and late (2-4 weeks after birth) neonatal periods. CD4⁺ forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3⁺ ) T cells were classified into resting T_regs (CD45RA⁺ FoxP3^low ), activated T_regs (CD45RA^- FoxP3^high ) and newly activated T cells (CD45RA^- FoxP3^low ). Compared with CB and PB during the late neonatal period, the percentage of T_regs and all T_reg subpopulations in the CD4⁺ lymphocyte population were increased significantly during the early neonatal period. Furthermore, the proportion and absolute number of activated T_regs were increased markedly compared with other T_reg subpopulations, such as resting T_regs and newly activated T cells (non-T_regs ), in the early neonatal period. Increased T_regs concomitantly expressed the suppressive molecule cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4). The up-regulated expression of chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) and down-regulated expression of CCR7 were also observed in expanded T_regs . When cord blood cells were cultured in vitro with CD3 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) for 5 days, CD4⁺ CD45RA^- FoxP3^high cells were increased significantly during the culture. Thus, the presence of increased activated T_regs in early neonates may play an important role in immunological regulation by suppressing excessive T cell activation caused by the immediate exposure to ubiquitous antigens after birth.

A multicenter retrospective study of the risk factors associated with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw after tooth extraction in patients receiving oral bisphosphonate therapy: can primary wound closure and a drug holiday really prevent MRONJ?

Root amputation, extraction of a single tooth, bone loss or severe tooth mobility, and an unclosed wound were significantly associated with increased risk of developing medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). We recommend a minimally traumatic extraction technique, removal of any bone edges, and mucosal wound closure as standard procedures in patients receiving bisphosphonates.

INTRODUCTION

Osteonecrosis of the jaws can occur following tooth extraction in patients receiving bisphosphonate drugs. Various strategies for minimizing the risk of MRONJ have been advanced, but no studies have comprehensively analyzed the efficacy of factors such as primary wound closure, demographics, and drug holidays in reducing its incidence. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively investigate the relationships between these various risk factors after tooth extraction in patients receiving oral bisphosphonate therapy.

METHODS

Risk factors for MRONJ after tooth extraction were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analysis. All patients were investigated with regard to demographics; type and duration of oral bisphosphonate use; whether they underwent a discontinuation of oral bisphosphonates before tooth extraction (drug holiday), and the duration of such discontinuation; and whether any additional surgical procedures (e.g., incision, removal of bone edges, root amputation) were performed.

RESULTS

We found that root amputation (OR = 6.64), extraction of a single tooth (OR = 3.70), bone loss or severe tooth mobility (OR = 3.60), and an unclosed wound (OR = 2.51) were significantly associated with increased risk of developing MRONJ.

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend a minimally traumatic extraction technique, removal of any bone edges, and mucosal wound closure as standard procedures in patients receiving bisphosphonates. We find no evidence supporting the efficacy of a pre-extraction short-term drug holiday from oral bisphosphonates in reducing the risk of MRONJ.

Position paper on olfactory dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Olfactory dysfunction is an increasingly recognised condition, associated with reduced quality of life and major health outcomes such as neurodegeneration and death. However, translational research in this field is limited by heterogeneity in methodological approach, including definitions of impairment, improvement and appropriate assessment techniques. Accordingly, effective treatments for smell loss are limited. In an effort to encourage high quality and comparable work in this field, among others, we propose the following ideas and recommendations. Whilst the full set of recommendations are outlined in the main document, points include the following: - Patients with suspected olfactory loss should undergo a full examination of the head and neck, including rigid nasal endoscopy with small diameter endoscopes. - Subjective olfactory assessment should not be undertaken in isolation, given its poor reliability. - Psychophysical assessment tools used in clinical and research settings should include reliable and validated tests of odour threshold, and/or one of odour identification or discrimination. - Comprehensive chemosensory assessment should include gustatory screening. - Smell training can be helpful in patients with olfactory loss of several aetiologies.

CONCLUSIONS

We hope the current manuscript will encourage clinicians and researchers to adopt a common language, and in so doing, increase the methodological quality, consistency and generalisability of work in this field.

Ethnic Difference in the Pharmacodynamics-efficacy Relationship of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors Between Japanese and non-Japanese Patients: A Systematic Review

A systematic review of the differences in the efficacy of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors between Japanese and non-Japanese subjects was conducted. We searched for randomized controlled trials in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) that studied the intervention of a DPP-4 inhibitor once-daily vs. placebo, as monotherapy or as add-on therapy. Data regarding placebo-corrected HbA1c reduction and trough DPP-4 inhibition rate after ≥12 weeks' treatment were extracted. In the 12 eligible studies, linear regression analysis revealed that the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) reduction at each DPP-4 inhibition level was larger in studies involving Japanese patients than in studies involving non-Japanese patients, with statistical significance between the two groups (P < 0.0001). Sensitivity analysis excluding studies of add-on therapies supported the robustness of the result. Our study indicated that DPP-4 inhibitors show greater efficacy in Japanese patients than in non-Japanese patients, which may be an important consideration in the global development strategy of new diabetic medications.

Evaluation of circadian phenotypes utilizing fibroblasts from patients with circadian rhythm sleep disorders

We evaluated the circadian phenotypes of patients with delayed sleep-wake phase disorder (DSWPD) and non-24-hour sleep-wake rhythm disorder (N24SWD), two different circadian rhythm sleep disorders (CRSDs) by measuring clock gene expression rhythms in fibroblast cells derived from individual patients. Bmal1-luciferase (Bmal1-luc) expression rhythms were measured in the primary fibroblast cells derived from skin biopsy samples of patients with DSWPD and N24SWD, as well as control subjects. The period length of the Bmal1-luc rhythm (in vitro period) was distributed normally and was 22.80±0.47 (mean±s.d.) h in control-derived fibroblasts. The in vitro periods in DSWPD-derived fibroblasts and N24SWD-derived fibroblasts were 22.67±0.67 h and 23.18±0.70 h, respectively. The N24SWD group showed a significantly longer in vitro period than did the control or DSWPD group. Furthermore, in vitro period was associated with response to chronotherapy in the N24SWD group. Longer in vitro periods were observed in the non-responders (mean±s.d.: 23.59±0.89 h) compared with the responders (mean±s.d.: 22.97±0.47 h) in the N24SWD group. Our results indicate that prolonged circadian periods contribute to the onset and poor treatment outcome of N24SWD. In vitro rhythm assays could be useful for predicting circadian phenotypes and clinical prognosis in patients with CRSDs.

Comparison of TachoSil and TachoComb in patients undergoing liver resection-a randomized, double-blind, non-inferiority trial

Background

This study aimed to demonstrate the noninferior efficacy of TachoSil vs. TachoComb in Japanese patients undergoing liver resection and to assess the safety of TachoSil vs. TachoComb in these patients.

Methods

This randomized, double-blind, noninferiority study (JapicCTI-090684) involved participants scheduled for liver resection/living donors (age ≥ 20 years). TachoSil or TachoComb (1:1 allocation ratio) was applied to control persistent exudative bleeding after primary hemostasis during liver resection/removal for donation. The primary outcome was hemostasis 5 min after study treatment application. The 95% confidence interval (CI) for the difference in the proportion of participants with hemostasis 5 min after application of TachoSil/TachoComb was determined; noninferiority of TachoSil was indicated if the lower limit of the CI was ≥−14%. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded.

Results

All participants in the efficacy analysis (TachoSil: 54/54, 100%; TachoComb: 54/54, 100%) achieved hemostasis 5 min after study treatment application. Therefore, TachoSil was noninferior to TachoComb. All participants experienced ≥1 AE; however, none discontinued because of an AE. Most (≥97.8%) AEs were mild or moderate in severity.

Conclusions

These findings confirm the safety profile and noninferior hemostatic efficacy of TachoSil compared with TachoComb.

Role of prostatic fluid in cooled canine epididymal sperm

In this study, sperms collected from the right and left cauda epididymis were grouped into having canine prostatic fluid (PF) sensitization or not diluted with egg yolk Tris-fructose citrate extender, and stored at 4°C. The necessity of canine PF in cooled preservation was determined by elucidating the sperm quality after the storage. As a result, while there was no difference among all groups up to 48 hr of storage, after storage for 96 hr and more, a significantly lower sperm motility was observed in the group without being sensitized to PF than the groups with being sensitized to PF (p < .05, p < .01). Although sperm abnormality increased in all groups with increased storage time, the group without being sensitized to PF showed significantly higher sperm abnormality than did the groups with being sensitized to PF after storage for 24 hr and more (p < .01). From these findings, we concluded that PF was necessary for the cooled preservation of the canine sperm because these sperms were protected from any effects of low temperatures by being sensitized to PF.

Evaluation of cellular purine transport and metabolism in the Caco-2 cell using comprehensive high-performance liquid chromatography method for analysis of purines

Using Caco-2 cells and our previously developed high-performance liquid chromatography method for quantification of purine bases, nucleosides, and nucleotides, we evaluated cellular purine transport and uptake. The analytes were separated using YMC-Triart C18 column with gradient elution. We used Caco-2 cells as intestinal model cells and monitored purine transport across a monolayer for 2 h. The degree of change of purine concentrations in the permeate was very slight; however, it was possible to simultaneously determine these parameters for all purines because of our method's high sensitivity. In the present study, the purine bases (adenine, guanine, hypoxanthine, and xanthine) showed a relatively high permeability as compared with the nucleosides (adenosine, guanosine, inosine, and xanthosine). Increased concentration of metabolites in the permeate was also observed following the addition of purines. In a cell uptake assay, both the cell culture medium (extracellular) and the cells extracted from Caco-2 with acetonitrile:water (7:3) (intracellular) were measured. The additional nucleoside did not increase significantly within the cells. On the other hand, we observed that nucleotide, such as ATP, increased in the cell in a time-dependent manner following the addition of nucleoside. The additional nucleosides were considered to be rather recycled via the salvage pathway than metabolized to purine bases and/or uric acid in the cell. Such differences might have affected the increase in the serum uric acid levels depending on purine form.

Wash or wipe? A comparative study of skin physiological changes between water washing and wiping after skin cleaning

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Presently, skin-cleaning agents that claim to be removed by water or wiping alone are commercially available and have been used for the purpose of bed baths. However, there is a lack of knowledge on how water washing and wiping differently affect skin physiological functions or ceramide content. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of water washing and wiping on skin physiological functions and ceramide content.

METHODS

Three kinds of the cleaning agents with different removal techniques (ie, water washing and wiping) were used in this study. Skin physiological functions (ie, transepidermal water loss, skin hydration, and skin pH) and skin ceramide content were measured before and after seven consecutive days of the application of each cleaning agent.

RESULTS

No significant differences in skin physiological functions or ceramide content were observed between water washing and wiping.

CONCLUSION

Cleaning agents that claim to be removed by water washing or wiping do not affect skin physiological functions or ceramide content by either removal method.

Space-resolved visible spectroscopy for two-dimensional measurement of hydrogen and impurity emission spectra and of plasma flow in the edge stochastic layer of LHD

A space-resolved visible spectrometer system has been developed for two-dimensional (2D) distribution measurements of hydrogen and impurity emission spectra and of plasma flow in the edge stochastic layer of Large Helical Device (LHD). Astigmatism of the spectrometer has been suppressed by introducing additional toroidal and spherical mirrors. A good focal image at the exit slit is realized in a wide wavelength range (75 nm) as well as in a wide slit height direction (26 mm) with a 300 grooves/mm grating. The capability of the spectrometer optical system for the 2D measurement and further possible improvements are discussed in detail. An optical fiber array of 130 channels with a lens unit is used to spatially resolve the edge plasma into different magnetic field structure components: divertor strike points, divertor legs, X-point of the legs, the stochastic layer, and the last closed flux surface. With a 300 grooves/mm grating, the 2D distributions of several hydrogen and impurity line emissions are simultaneously obtained with absolute intensities. A clear correlation is obtained between the magnetic field structure and the emission intensity. With a 2400 grooves/mm grating with a good spectral resolution (0.03 nm/pixel), the 2D distributions of impurity flow velocity are obtained from the Doppler shift measurement. The wavelength position is accurately calibrated by investigating the wavelength dispersion as well as by correcting a mechanical error of the optical setting in the spectrometer. The uncertainty in the velocity is reduced to less than 10% of a typical impurity velocity ∼10⁴ m/s. A temporal change in the flow directions is observed at different spatial locations in divertor detachment plasma.

[Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Detected by Spontaneous Rupture of a Giant Renal Angiomyolipoma : A Case Report]

A woman in her 30s was admitted with abdominal pain and nausea. CT scan revealed a spontaneous rupture of the right giant renal angiomyolipoma, and trans-arterial embolization was performed successfully. With further examination, she was found to be affected with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and she finally wastreated with everolimusfor prevention of recurrent spontaneous-rupture of renal angiomyolipoma.

Costal cartilage transplantation for treatment of growth plate injury in a rabbit model

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of allogenic costal cartilage transplantation on preventing bony bridge formation and angular deformities for the treatment of partial growth plate injury using a rabbit model.

METHODS

An experimental model of partial growth injury was created by resecting the medial part of the proximal tibial growth plate in male six-week-old New Zealand White rabbits. The rabbits were divided into four groups: no surgery; no transplantation; bone wax transplantation; and allogenic costal cartilage transplantation. The angular deformities of the tibia and bony bridge were analysed using radiographs and microcomputed tomography, and the repair of the injured growth plate cartilage and bony bridge formation rate were histologically evaluated.

RESULTS

On radiographic evaluation, the varus deformities in the costal cartilage group were significantly improved compared with the no transplantation group at four and eight weeks after operation and with the bone wax group at eight weeks after operation. Micro-computed tomography showed that the bony bridge formation was prevented in the bone wax and costal cartilage groups. Histological findings showed that the bony bridge formation in the bone wax and costal cartilage group was decreased. In addition, the growth plate was continuous and stained with safranin O and immunohistochemically stained for type II collagen.

CONCLUSION

Transplantation of costal cartilage improved angular deformities and decreased bony bridge formation in the partial growth plate injury. Costal cartilage might be a suitable graft for the treatment of growth plate injury.

Pertussis outbreak among patients and healthcare workers in a provincial dialysis facility in Japan

BACKGROUND

Sixteen pertussis cases in haemodialysis patients and healthcare workers were detected in a 25-bed outpatient haemodialysis facility in Japan between October 2013 and April 2014.

AIM

To describe an outbreak of pertussis among patients and healthcare workers, and to identify risk factors for pertussis infection.

METHODS

Sputum cultures, loop-mediated isothermal amplification assays performed on nasopharyngeal swabs to detect respiratory pathogens including Bordetella pertussis, and serum anti-pertussis toxin immunoglobulin G measurements were performed for all haemodialysis patients and healthcare workers. A retrospective case-control study was performed to identify the risk factors for pertussis infection in the clinic.

FINDINGS

Only six of the 16 pertussis patients (37.5%) had respiratory symptoms. Recent exposure to an unmasked individual with a cough was associated with pertussis infection (odds ratio 6.25, P<0.05). The outbreak was terminated successfully after enforcing the use of surgical masks among both patients and healthcare workers.

CONCLUSION

This report demonstrates the risk of pertussis transmission in a haemodialysis facility, and underscores the importance of wearing surgical masks to control a pertussis outbreak.

Observation of π^{-}K^{+} and π^{+}K^{-} Atoms

The observation of hydrogenlike πK atoms, consisting of π^{-}K^{+} or π^{+}K^{-} mesons, is presented. The atoms are produced by 24  GeV/c protons from the CERN PS accelerator, interacting with platinum or nickel foil targets. The breakup (ionization) of πK atoms in the same targets yields characteristic πK pairs, called "atomic pairs," with small relative momenta Q in the pair center-of-mass system. The upgraded DIRAC experiment observed 349±62 such atomic πK pairs, corresponding to a signal of 5.6 standard deviations. This is the first statistically significant observation of the strange dimesonic πK atom.