Design of a multiplex quantitative reverse transcription-PCR system to simultaneously detect 16 pathogens associated with bovine respiratory and enteric diseases

AIM

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and bovine enteric disease (BED) are two major diseases in cattle, resulting in severe economic losses in the dairy and beef industries. The two major diseases are associated with several factors such as viruses, bacteria, the health condition of the host and environmental factors. We aimed to design a new efficient diagnostic method, which rapidly detect causative pathogens, minimizing economic loss due to BRD and BED.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We designed a multiplex quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) system for the simultaneous diagnosis of 16 pathogens, including 12 viruses and 4 bacteria related to BRD and BED, based on single qRT-PCR assays in previous studies. The designed multiplex qRT-PCR was highly sensitive and has minimal detection levels which will be no different from those of single qRT-PCR. Moreover, the multiplex qRT-PCR could more efficiently detect the causative pathogens than conventional RT-PCR in test using a part of BRD and BED clinical samples. Furthermore, our data revealed that the multiplex qRT-PCR had high performance in its specificity and reproducibility tests.

CONCLUSIONS

Our system can effectively detect multiple BRD or BED related pathogens from each animal while testing several clinical samples via the multiplex qRT-PCR. It is more time-, cost- and labour-efficient than other diagnostic methods.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Rapid detection of infected animals from the herd using our system will greatly contribute to infection control and prompt treatment in field.

Swelling of Doubly Magic ^{48}Ca Core in Ca Isotopes beyond N=28

Interaction cross sections for ^{42-51}Ca on a carbon target at 280  MeV/nucleon have been measured for the first time. The neutron number dependence of derived root-mean-square matter radii shows a significant increase beyond the neutron magic number N=28. Furthermore, this enhancement of matter radii is much larger than that of the previously measured charge radii, indicating a novel growth in neutron skin thickness. A simple examination based on the Fermi-type distribution, and mean field calculations point out that this anomalous enhancement of the nuclear size beyond N=28 results from an enlargement of the core by a sudden increase in the surface diffuseness of the neutron density distribution, which implies the swelling of the bare ^{48}Ca core in Ca isotopes beyond N=28.

Intracellular Localization of Mycoplasma bovis in the Bronchiolar Epithelium of Experimentally Infected Calves

Lung tissues from calves infected experimentally with Mycoplasma bovis were examined by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. All inoculated calves had dark red areas of consolidation affecting both left and right lungs, which were characterized microscopically by subacute purulent bronchiolitis with hyperplasia of the surrounding lymphoid tissue. Immunohistochemically, M. bovis antigen was detected on the surface and inside the cytoplasm of bronchiolar epithelial cells in the pneumonic foci. The antigen was also found in the cytoplasm of phagocytes at the margin of bronchiolar exudates. Electron microscopically, numerous organisms were demonstrated in the immunohistochemically-positive sites. These findings suggest that M. bovis organisms adhere to the bronchiolar epithelium and at least some of them invade the epithelium.

Subcalcaneal bursitis as the initial manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis: ultrasonographic observation of two cases

In early rheumatoid arthritis (RA), proliferative synovitis sometimes occurs earlier in the tenosynovium or bursal synovium than in the articular synovium. Here we report two patients who presented with subcalcaneal bursitis while progressing from undifferentiated arthritis with high-titer anti-CCP antibodies (ACPA) to a diagnosis of RA. They had initially presented with palindromic transient pain in the hands and the feet. They were strongly positive for ACPA and negative for rheumatoid factor (RF) at the onset of symptoms. A few years later, they developed persistent plantar heel pain and underwent musculoskeletal ultrasonography (MSUS). MSUS revealed subcalcaneal bursitis with synovial proliferation. At that time, they became positive for RF and they were clinically diagnosed and began receiving treatment for RA. They developed overt synovitis in their wrists and fingers several months later. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on MSUS-detection of subcalcaneal bursitis with synovial proliferation in patients in the very early phase of RA, although there have been many reports of forefoot bursitis. These cases suggest that MSUS scanning of the plantar surface of the heel may be useful for patients with plantar heel pain who are suspected of having a very early phase of RA, because proliferative synovitis can be detected as subcalcaneal bursitis.

P93 The usefulness of dual cardiac autonomic nervous modulation assessment for prediction of mortality in patients with relatively preserved left ventricular ejection fraction

Background

Recent guidelines have stated that reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is the gold standard marker for identifying patients at risk for cardiac mortality. Although reduced LVEF identifies patients at an increased risk of cardiac arrest, sudden cardiac deaths (SCDs) occur considerably more often in patients with relatively preserved LVEF. Current guidelines on SCDs risk stratification do not adequately cover this general population pool. Heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate turbulence (HRT) are non-invasive electrocardiography (ECG)-based techniques capable of providing relevant information on the cardiac autonomic nervous modulation. Although a large body of evidence about autonomic nervous modulation markers has been reported, the usefulness of HRV and HRT parameters for risk stratification in such patients with relatively preserved LVEF has not yet been elucidated.

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate HRV and HRT parameters for predicting cardiac mortality in patients with structural heart disease (SHD), including ischemic heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy and valvular heart disease, who have mid-range left ventricular dysfunction (LVD).

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 229 patients (187 men, age 63 ± 13 years) with SHD who have mid-range LVD (LVEF > 40%). HRV and HRT parameters based on 24-hour ambulatory ECG recordings (Fukuda Denshi Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) were evaluated as follows; SDNN, triangular index, high and low frequency HRV, turbulence onset and slope. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to assess the association between these cardiac autonomic nervous modulation and mortality.

Results

During a mean follow-up of 21 ± 11 months, all-cause mortality was seen in 11 (4.8%) patients. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that reduced SDNN (<50ms), reduced triangular index (<20ms) and HRT category 2 were significantly associated with the primary endpoint (P < 0.05). When HRT category 2 combined with reduced SDNN, Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that this combination more strongly associates with the primary endpoint (hazard ratio =7.91, 95%CI, 1.82-34.2; P = 0.006).

Conclusion

Dual cardiac autonomic nervous modulation assessment which combined HRT and HRV could be a superior technique to predict mortality in patients with relatively preserved LVEF.

Novel AP3B1 compound heterozygous mutations in a Japanese patient with Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome type 2

Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome type 2 (HPS2) is an extremely rare autosomal recessive inherited disease characterized by partial oculocutaneous albinism (OCA), bleeding diathesis due to a storage pool deficiency and immunodeficiency. The disorder is caused by disruption of the adapter protein 3 complex, which is involved in impaired intracellular vesicle transport. Here, we report the first case of a 1-year-old girl with HPS2 in Asia. She had no specific symptoms other than OCA and neutropenia. We analyzed her platelet function using transmission electron microscopy and a platelet aggregation test, cytotoxic degranulation assay of her natural killer (NK) cells and bleeding time, the results of which led to the diagnosis of HPS2. Although her NK-cell cytotoxic degranulation was impaired, she had not developed signs of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) or fibrosing lung disease. Molecular genetic analyses showed novel heterozygous mutations (c.188T>A [p.M63K] and c.2546>A [p.L849X]) in AP3B1. When examining patients with OCA, blood tests should be performed to confirm neutrophil count, bleeding time and platelet agglutination. When HPS2 is suspected, detailed immunological tests should be considered, and attention should be paid to HLH and pulmonary lesions immediately and over the long term.

Surface structural phase transition induced by the formation of metal-organic networks on the Si(111)--In surface

We studied the adsorption of 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) on the Si(111)- -In surface, a known surface superconductor. Scanning tunneling microscopy shows the development of a surface-confined metal-organic network (SMON) where TCNQ molecules coordinate with indium atoms from the underlying reconstruction. The formation of the SMON causes a surface structural phase transition from the reconstruction to a previously unknown 5 × 5 reconstruction of the Si(111)-In surface. Scanning tunneling spectroscopy measurements indicate that the 5 × 5 reconstruction has a stronger insulating character than the reconstruction. Density-functional-theory calculations are used to evaluate the atomic arrangement and stability of the 5 × 5 and reconstructions as a function of In coverage, and suggest that the structural phase transition is driven by a slight reduction of the In coverage, caused by the incorporation of indium atoms into the SMON.

Cognitive Frailty and Incidence of Dementia in Older Persons

BACKGROUND

Cognitive frailty may be a preventive or therapeutic target for preventing dementia and functional decline with age.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the relationship between physical and cognitive frailty and the incidence of dementia in community-living older persons.

DESIGN

A prospective cohort study.

SETTING

General community in Japan.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 4072 persons aged ≥ 65 years.

SETTING

A community in Japan.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 4072 community-dwelling older persons aged ≥ 65 years participated in the study.

MEASUREMENTS

We characterized physical frailty as ≥ 3 of the following criteria: slow walking speed, muscle weakness, exhaustion, low physical activity, and weight loss. We used the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Functional Assessment Tool, which includes tests of word list memory, attention, and executive function, and processing speed to screen for cognitive frailty. The presence of ≥ 2 cognitive impairments, indicated by an age-adjusted score of at least 1.5 standard deviations below the reference threshold, was defined as cognitive frailty. The incidence of dementia was determined using data collected by the Japanese Health Insurance System over 24 months.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence rates of physical frailty, cognitive impairment, and cognitive frailty (i.e., coexistence of frailty and cognitive impairment) were 5.1%, 5.5%, and 1.1%, respectively. During the follow-up period, 81 participants (2.0%) developed dementia. We found significant relationships between the incidence of dementia and cognitive impairment (hazard ratio (HR): 3.85, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 2.09-7.10) and cognitive frailty (HR: 6.19, 95% CI: 2.7-13.99). However, the association between dementia and physical frailty did not reach significance (HR: 1.95, 95% CI: 0.97-3.91).

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with cognitive frailty had the highest risk of dementia. Future research should implement dementia prevention strategies among older persons with cognitive frailty.

COMPARATIVE STUDY ON PERFORMANCE OF VARIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL RADIATION MONITORS

After the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, the radiation dose for first responders was not evaluated accurately due to lack of the monitoring data. It has been important to evaluate a radiation dose for workers in emergency response at a nuclear accident. In this study, a new device which can evaluate both of external and internal exposure doses was developed and the performance of various environmental radiation monitors including commercially available monitors were tested and compared from the viewpoint of an environmental monitoring at emergency situation. Background counts of the monitors and the ambient dose equivalent rate were measured in Fukushima Prefecture. The detection limit for beta particles was evaluated by the method of ISO11929. The sensitivity for gamma-rays of the dust monitor using a ZnS(Ag) and a plastic scintillator was high, but that of the external exposure monitor using a silicon photodiode with CsI(Tl) crystal was relatively low. The detection limit ranged 190-280 Bq m-3 at 100 μSv h-1, exceeding the detection limit of 100 Bq m-3 in the minimum requirement by the National Regulation Authority in Japan. Use of the shielding with lead is necessary to achieve the minimum requirement. These results indicate that the dust monitor using a ZnS(Ag) scintillator and a plastic scintillator is suitable for the external exposure monitor and the developed internal exposure monitor is for the internal exposure monitor at emergency situation among the evaluated monitors. In the future study, the counting efficiency, the relative uncertainty and the performance of the detection for alpha particles will be evaluated, and it will be considered which type of a monitor is suitable after taking the portability into account.

IDENTIFICATION OF NOVEL BIOMARKERS FOR LUNG CANCER RISK IN HIGH LEVELS OF RADON BY PROTEOMICS: A PILOT STUDY

Radon is the second most important risk factor for lung cancer after tobacco smoking. In Chiang Mai, Thailand, the values of indoor radon activity concentrations are considerably higher than global average values and it is a highest level among East Asian countries. The aim of our study is to identify novel biomarkers for lung cancer risk in high radon areas using a proteomic approach. In our transitional study, a total of 81 participants of non-smokers were examined, consist of 25 lung cancer patients (LC), 16 healthy controls from low levels of natural radiation areas (LLNRA) and 40 healthy controls from high levels of natural radiation areas (HLNRA). The results showed that a total of 799 differentially expressed proteins were identified. Among these, a total of 25 proteins were observed in both LC and HLNRA, but not in LINRA. Owing to the results obtained from this study, we also point out the research direction regarding the validation of some new candidate protein as a biomarker to screen population with high risk for lung cancer in the area with high levels of radon.

P974Efficacy of plaque debulking for bifurcated or ostial lesion by directional coronary atherectomy before 2nd generation drug eluting stent (PERFECT2)

Objectives

We sought to evaluate the efficacy of plaque debulking by directional coronary atherectomy (DCA) before 2nd generation drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation for bifurcated coronary lesions.

Background

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for bifurcated lesions still remains complex and challenging in terms of restenosis or stent thrombosis regardless of whether simple or complex stenting used.

Methods

Patients with bifurcated lesions were enrolled in this prospective multicenter registry. Pre-2nd generation DES plaque debulking with a novel DCA was conducted. All patients were scheduled to perform a follow up (9–12 months) angiography (coronary angiography or coronary computed tomography). The primary end point was the target vessel failure (TVF) at follow-up. Secondary end points were procedure-related events and major adverse cardiac events at 1 year.

Results

A total of 77 patients with bifurcated lesions were enrolled. PCI with DCA was performed successfully in all without any major procedure-related event and only 1 case needed complex stenting. TVF rate at 9–12 months follow up was 3.9% (3 of 77) and those were all associated with revascularization of the target vessel. Restenosis was only observed at ostial of main-branch in 3cases. No death, no coronary artery bypass grafting, and no myocardial infarction were reported in the patients within the first year.

Figure1

Conclusion

DCA before 2nd generation DES implantation can possibly avoid complex stenting and provide a good mid-term outcome in patients with bifurcated lesions.

Acknowledgement/Funding

None

INVESTIGATION OF EXTERNAL RADIATION DOSES DURING RESIDENTS' TEMPORAL STAY TO NAMIE TOWN, FUKUSHIMA PREFECTURE

Namie Town in Fukushima Prefecture, the majority of which was an evacuation area as a result of the effects of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, carried out a 'temporal stay' in September 2016 so that residents could check their houses. Therefore, in cooperation with the town authorities, the authors distributed personal dosemeters and behaviour record forms to record the personal dose equivalent rate and investigate the relationship between residents' external radiation dose and their behaviour. When the personal dose equivalent rate was calculated from the measured personal dose equivalent per hour, the median was 0.12 μSv h-1, the maximum value and the minimum value were 0.58 and 0.06 μSv h-1, respectively. Meanwhile, since personal fluctuations were observed in personal dose equivalent, grasping the relationship between residents' behaviour and exposed dose can be applied to risk communication.

P5608Acute respiratory failure after type A aortic dissection repair: data from the International Registry of Aortic Dissection (IRAD)

Background

Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF) has been noted in up to 20% of patients undergoing cardiac surgery and is associated with increased mortality. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is often followed by pulmonary dysfunction, although literature on the subject in the setting of Type A acute aortic dissection (TAAAD) is limited.

Methods

This study identified the incidence of ARF after TAAAD, associated risk factors, and the impact of ARF on early and late outcomes. All data have been derived from the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD).

Results

Postoperative ARF (defined as ventilator support for ≥3 days, tracheostomy, and/or pneumonia) occurred in 434 (24.6%) of 1764 surgically managed TAAAD patients (mean age 60.1±14.2 years) from November 2001 until November 2017. Peripheral vessel procedures (6.4% v 2.8%, p=0.002), cerebral perfusion (89.2% v 82.3%, p<0.001), use of hypothermic circulatory arrest (93% v 87.7%), longer arrest time (median 39 (Q1-Q3 27–128 minutes) v 31 (Q1-Q3 22.0–52.9 minutes)), and lower extremity ischemia (18.8% v 6.7%, p<0.001) were more common in ARF patients.

On multivariable logistic regression analysis, age ≥70 years (OR 1.019, 95% CI 1.005–1.034, p=0.008), current smoking (OR 1.744, 95% CI 1.184–2.570, p=0.005), peripheral vessel procedures (OR 2.457, 95% CI 1.132–5.334, p=0.023), presenting hypotension/shock (OR 2.036, 95% CI 1.336–3.102, p=0.001), lower extremity ischemia at surgery (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.574–4.875, p<0.001), concomitant coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) (OR 2.982, 95% CI 1.597–5.568, p=0.001), pre-operative acute renal failure (OR 2.532, 95% CI 1.350–4.749, p=0.004), and prolonged circulatory arrest time in minutes (OR 1.005, 95% CI 1.003–1.007, p<0.001) were independently associated with ARF development. Patients with aortic valve replacement (AVR) were less likely to develop ARF (OR 0.497, 95% CI 0.308–0.802, p=0.004).

Post-operative complications were more common in ARF patients. In-hospital mortality was higher in the ARF cohort (16.4% v 4.7%, p<0.001). Multivariable logistic regression identified ARF (OR 2.686, 95% CI 1.647–4.381, p<0.001) as well as pre-operative hypotension (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.130–3.159, p=0.015), lower extremity ischemia (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.545–4.998, p=0.001), pre-operative myocardial infarction (OR 3.141, 95% CI 1.058–9.33, p=0.039), and CABG (OR 1.988, 95% CI 1.011–3.909, p-value 0.047) as independent predictors of death.

Conclusions

Post-operative ARF is common after TAAAD repair; in-hospital complications and death are higher in this cohort.

Acknowledgement/Funding

W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.; Medtronic; Varbedian Aortic Fund; Hewlett Foundation; Mardigian Foundation; UM Faculty Group Practice; Ann & Bob Aikens

P1493Prognostic significance of right ventricular function during exercise in patients with non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Background

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a heterogeneous condition that may present crucial complication including life-threatening arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. However, the risk stratification of HCM without left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction had not been fully elucidated. Moreover, although recent studies have revealed the right ventricle (RV) involvement of HCM, the prognostic importance of RV function during exercise is unclear.

Purpose

To investigate the prognostic significance of RV function in patients with non-obstructive HCM using exercise stress echocardiography (ESE).

Methods and results

This study conducted on 100 HCM patients (age 62.9±13.6 years, 63% men) with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction who underwent ESE using semi-supine bicycle ergometer. Ten patients with significant LVOT obstruction (≥30mmHg) were excluded and 9 were also excluded because of the inadequate imaging quality or insufficiency of data. Among remaining 81 non-obstructive HCM patients, 9 patients suffered from HCM related cardiac events including cardiac death, unexpected hospitalization, life-threatening arrhythmias, and new-onset of syncope during the mean follow up period of 2.6±1.6 years. A multivariate Cox Hazard analysis revealed that low tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion during exercise (Ex-TAPSE, cut-off: 24mm) was an independent predictor of cardiac events. (hazard ratio: 18.66, 95% confidence interval: 3.66–338.46, P<0.001) The estimated cumulative cardiac event free survival using the Kaplan-Meier method was significantly lower in patients with reduced Ex-TAPSE (<24mm) than those with preserved Ex-TAPSE (Log-rank, P<0.01).

K-M curve according to Ex-TAPSE

Conclusion

Ex-TAPSE had a strong predictive value of clinical outcomes in non-obstructive HCM patients. Right ventricular function during exercise may have crucial role in the risk stratification of non-obstructive HCM.