Rhamnogalacturonan-I as a nematode chemoattractant from Lotus corniculatus L. super-growing root culture

INTRODUCTION

The soil houses a tremendous amount of micro-organisms, many of which are plant parasites and pathogens by feeding off plant roots for sustenance. Such root pathogens and parasites often rely on plant-secreted signaling molecules in the rhizosphere as host guidance cues. Here we describe the isolation and characterization of a chemoattractant of plant-parasitic root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita, RKN).

METHODS

The Super-growing Root (SR) culture, consisting of excised roots from the legume species Lotus corniculatus L., was found to strongly attract infective RKN juveniles and actively secrete chemoattractants into the liquid culture media. The chemo-attractant in the culture media supernatant was purified using hydrophobicity and anion exchange chromatography, and found to be enriched in carbohydrates.

RESULTS

Monosaccharide analyses suggest the chemo-attractant contains a wide array of sugars, but is enriched in arabinose, galactose and galacturonic acid. This purified chemoattractant was shown to contain pectin, specifically anti-rhamnogalacturonan-I and anti-arabinogalactan protein epitopes but not anti-homogalacturonan epitopes. More importantly, the arabinose and galactose sidechain groups were found to be essential for RKN-attracting activities. This chemo-attractant appears to be specific to M. incognita, as it wasn't effective in attracting other Meloidogyne species nor Caenorhabditis elegans.

DISCUSSION

This is the first report to identify the nematode attractant purified from root exudate of L corniculatus L. Our findings re-enforce pectic carbohydrates as important chemicals mediating micro-organism chemotaxis in the soil, and also highlight the unexpected utilities of the SR culture system in root pathogen research.

Root-knot nematode chemotaxis is positively regulated by l-galactose sidechains of mucilage carbohydrate rhamnogalacturonan-I

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) are plant parasites and major agricultural pests. RKNs are thought to locate hosts through chemotaxis by sensing host-secreted chemoattractants; however, the structures and properties of these attractants are not well understood. Here, we describe a previously unknown RKN attractant from flaxseed mucilage that enhances infection of Arabidopsis and tomato, which resembles the pectic polysaccharide rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I). Fucose and galactose sidechains of the purified attractant were found to be required for attractant activity. Furthermore, the disaccharide α-l-galactosyl-1,3-l-rhamnose, which forms the linkage between the RG-I backbone and galactose sidechains of the purified attractant, was sufficient to attract RKN. These results show that the α-l-galactosyl-1,3-l-rhamnose linkage in the purified attractant from flaxseed mucilage is essential for RKN attraction. The present work also suggests that nematodes can detect environmental chemicals with high specificity, such as the presence of chiral centers and hydroxyl groups.

Calcium sulfate and calcium carbonate as root-knot-nematode attractants and possible trap materials to protect crop plants

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs, genus Meloidogyne) are a class of plant parasites that seek out and infect the roots of many plant species. The identification of RKN attractants can be used in agriculture in conjunction with nematode-trapping technology to redirect RKN movements and eventually reduce their prevalence in the field. Here, we discovered that some commercial silica gels can attract nematodes. Silica gels that attract nematodes contain calcium sulfate. Calcium sulfate and calcium carbonate showed strong nematode attraction properties. When plant seeds were surrounded by calcium sulfate or calcium carbonate, nematodes were not attracted to the plant seeds. We propose that calcium sulfate and calcium carbonate can be used in agriculture as a novel material to trap RKN.

Chemotactic Host-Finding Strategies of Plant Endoparasites and Endophytes

Plants interact with microorganisms in the environment during all stages of their development and in most of their organs. These interactions can be either beneficial or detrimental for the plant and may be transient or long-term. In extreme cases, microorganisms become endoparastic or endophytic and permanently reside within a plant, while the host plant undergoes developmental reprogramming and produces new tissues or organs as a response to the invasion. Events at the cellular and molecular level following infection have been extensively described, however the mechanisms of how these microorganisms locate their plant hosts via chemotaxis remain largely unknown. In this review, we summarize recent findings concerning the signalling molecules that regulate chemotaxis of endoparasitic/endophytic bacteria, fungi, and nematodes. In particular, we will focus on the molecules secreted by plants that are most likely to act as guidance cues for microorganisms. These compounds are found in a wide range of plant species and show a variety of secondary effects. Interestingly, these compounds show different attraction potencies depending on the species of the invading organism, suggesting that cues perceived in the soil may be more complex than anticipated. However, what the cognate receptors are for these attractants, as well as the mechanism of how these attractants influence these organisms, remain important outstanding questions. Host-targeting marks the first step of plant-microorganism interactions, therefore understanding the signalling molecules involved in this step plays a key role in understanding these interactions as a whole.

Identification of Naturally Occurring Polyamines as Root-Knot Nematode Attractants

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs; genus Meloidogyne) are a class of plant parasites that infect the roots of many plant species. It is believed that RKNs target certain signaling molecules derived from plants to locate their hosts; however, currently, no plant compound has been unambiguously identified as a universal RKN attractant. To address this question, we screened a chemical library of synthetic compounds for Meloidogyne incognita attractants. The breakdown product of aminopropylamino-anthraquinone, 1,3-diaminopropane, as well as its related compounds, putrescine and cadaverine, were found to attract M. incognita. After examining various polyamines, M. incognita were found to be attracted specifically by natural compounds that possess three to five methylene groups between two terminal amino groups. Using cryo-TOF-SIMS/SEM, cadaverine was indeed detected in soybean root cortex cells and the surrounding rhizosphere, establishing a chemical gradient. In addition to cadaverine, putrescine and 1,3-diaminopropane were also detected in root exudate by HPLC-MS/MS. Furthermore, exogenously applied cadaverine is sufficient to enhance M. incognita infection of Arabidopsis seedlings. These results suggest that M. incognita is likely attracted by polyamines to locate the appropriate host plants, and the naturally occurring polyamines have potential applications in agriculture in developing protection strategies for crops from RKN infection.

Experience using extended criteria donors in first 100 cases of deceased donor liver transplantation in Japan

Because of the serious organ shortage in Japan, the use of extended criteria (EC) donors is inevitable to increase the number of deceased donors. However, the influence of this practice on recipient outcomes has not been clarified yet. We analyzed donor and recipient factors to determine whether those factors, especially from EC donors impacted early recipient outcomes. From February 1999 to January 2011, 100 deceased liver transplantations were performed in Japan, including 85 consecutive adult cases (age≥18 years) who were studied to evaluate whether 6 recipient and 16 donor factors affected 3-month (90-day) recipient survival. Upon univariate analysis, Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score≥25 (P=.018), donor age≥55 years (P=.040), and cold ischemia time (CIT)≥10 hours (P=.00013) significantly reduced 3-month survival. Multivariate analysis confirmed the independent contributions of, three adverse factors including MELD score≥25 (P=.0133, odds ratio [OR]=12.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.7-90.3), donor age≥55 years (P=.013, OR=14.0, 95% CI=1.6-119.5), and CIT≥10 hours (P=.0024, OR=67.6, 95% CI=4.5-1024.9). Three-month recipient survivals with 0, 1, 2, and 3 positive factors were 100% (n=34), 94.4% (n=36), 53.8% (n=13), and 0% (n=2), respectively (P<.0001). In conclusion, to improve recipient short-term survivals, minimizing CIT is the first priority. In the long-term, we must promote deceased donation to reduce recipient MELD scores by shortening the waiting time, and revise the allocation system to minimize CIT by giving priority to the local area.

Pirarubicin (THP) therapy for elderly aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma— T-COP vs reduced CHOP, and reduced T-COP in the patients with poor physical status

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Background: We have previously reported that T-COP using pirarubicin (THP) is useful in treatment of NHL in elderly patients. In the present study on elderly aggressive NHL, the usefulness and safety were compared between THP and ADM using the optimum dose of THP (ML1). In patients with poor physical status, reduced dose T-COP was conducted (ML2). Methods: ML1 protocol: PS 0–3 and Alb ≥ 3.0 g/dl Patients in their 70s were assigned randomly to either T-COP (A group) or CHOP (B group) receiving THP (A) or ADM (B) 40 mg/m2,CPA 650 mg/m2, VCR 1 mg/m2dayl, P 40 mg/m2dayl -5. Patients in their 80s were assigned randomly to either T-COP (C) or CHOP (D) receiving THP (C) or ADM (D) 30, CPA 400, VCR 1, P 30. ML2 protocol: PS 4 or Alb < 3.0 g/dl. Patients in their 70s (E group) received THP 26, CPA 430, VCR 1, P 40. Patients in their 80s (F group) received THP 20, CPA 260, VCR 1, P 30. Each group underwent 3 courses every 3 weeks. CR (CR+CRu) patients underwent 6 courses or more. Results: Analyzed as competent cases were 173 out of 207 patients who were registered between Aug 99 and Dec 03. The CR rates were A: 83% (39/47), B: 74% (37/50), C: 67% (14/21), D: 74% (14/19), E: 58% (7/12), F: 33% 2/6, and 78% in T-COP (A + C) and 74% in CHOP (B + D). The 5-year survival rates were A: 50%, B: 35% (p < 0.05) and C: 26% D: 55% (p < 0.05.), demonstrating that T-COP in their 70s and CHOP in their 80s were significantly higher. The 5-year survival rate in ML1 was 41%. In multivariate analysis, factors influencing the survival (p < 0.01) in ML1 were age, the primary effect and treatment method. There were no significant differences in PS, CS, LDH and lesions outside nodes. Conclusions: Patients aged 70 years or older had the CR rate at 75.9% and a 5-year survival rate at 41%, demonstrating satisfactory outcomes. The results suggested that in 70s, THP 40 mg/m2 was more effective than ADM 40 mg/m2. In their 80s, ADM30 mg/m2 was more effective than THP30 mg/m2. ML2 was feasible in elderly patients with poor physical status.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

[Effective combination chemotherapy for a recurrent case of carcinoma of the remnant stomach]

A 69-year-old-man underwent distal gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma in 1988. Another gastric carcinoma was discovered in the remnant stomach in March 1995. Total gastrectomy and lymph node dissection were performed. CEA was up and we detected a big left suprarenal mass by abdominal CT. Suprarenalectomy was performed in June 1997. The swelling of lymph nodes was detected by CT and CEA was up to 1,000. Combination chemotherapy with intermittent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and low-dose cisplatin (CDDP) was performed. CEA suddenly decreased and lymph node swelling was reduced.

[Modified Jekler and Lhotka operation in minimized laparotomy for achalasia]

The rationale for surgery in achalasia is to reduce lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and recontruct an antireflux mechanism. Fundopexy as an antireflux procedure after LES myotomy (modified Heller myotomy), called the Jekler and Lhotka method or the Heller and Dor operation, is commonly performed as standard surgery. In our institution, this method has been used since 1982. We have performed the modified Jekler and Lhotha method including long myotomy to confirm complete reduction of LES pressure as measured by intraoperative manometry and fundopexy plus posterior wall fixation to contract the long abdominal esophagus since 1986. Satisfactory results with this procedure have been obtained and reported. Furthermore, we have recently performed this procedure with minilaparotomy. In this review, we describe the modified Jekler and Lhotha method in minimized laparotomy and evaluate this procedure using intraoperative manometry.

A self-supervised learning system for pattern recognition by sensory integration

Artificial neural networks are useful tools for pattern recognition because they realize nonlinear mapping between input and output spaces. This ability is tuned by supervised learning methods such as back-propagation. In the supervised learning methods, desired outputs of the neural network are needed. However, the desired outputs are usually unknown in unpredictable environments. To solve this problem, this paper presents a self-supervised learning system for category detection. This system learns categories of objects automatically by integrating information from several sensors. We assume that these sensory inputs are always ambiguous patterns that include some noises according to deformations of the objects. After the learning, the system recognizes objects, also controlling the priority of each sensor, according to the deformation of the sensory input pattern.In the simulation, the system is applied to several learning and recognition tasks using artificial or actual sensory inputs. In all tasks, the system found the categories. Particularly, we applied the new system to the learning of five Japanese vowels with the corresponding shapes of the mouth. As result, the system became to yield specific outputs corresponding to each vowel.

[Effective treatment of AFP-producing lung cancer with UFT]

The main form of chemotherapy for non small cell lung cancer is a multiple combination therapy centered on cisplatin (CDDP). We herein report a case in which a favorable course was obtained for a patient with extremely rare AFP-producing lung cancer by single oral administrations of UFT, following extirpation of brain metastasis. The patient was an 80-year-old male whose main complaints were headache and aphasia. Following close examination, a diagnosis was made of moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma with the primary lesion in S6 of the right lung. A metastatic lesion was found in the left occipital lobe. Blood AFP was an abnormally high 17,000 ng/ml. No tumorous lesions were found in the liver. The brain metastasis were extirpated to alleviate cranial nerve symptoms, and the tissue was found to be the same as that of the primary lesion. AFP staining of the tumor tissue revealed positive cells. Because there was proliferation in the primary tumor following surgery, administration of UFT (300 mg/day Tegafur) was begun. Four weeks later the tumor had begun to shrink, and at 15 weeks was judged to be a partial response. A reduction in AFP was also seen. The patient showed absolutely no side effects from UFT, thus enabling outpatient treatment. Good results were obtained both in reducing the tumor and in maintaining the patient's quality of life.

[A long-term histological prognosis after IFN therapy for chronic hepatitis C]

In 72 chronic hepatitis C patients treated with IFN, liver biopsies were performed before and after IFN treatment, and histological changes were examined. In complete responders, the grading score improved significantly since 6-mo after IFN treatment, and the staging score improved significantly since 12-mo after IFN treatment. In long-term responders underwent a following liver biopsy 4-5 yr after IFN treatments; 5 had normal liver histology. In partial responders, both the grading and staging score did not improve significantly. But, in the cases who had sustained normalization of ALT levels after IFN treatment, both the grading and staging score improved after treatment. In non-responders, both the grading and staging score did not improve significantly.

Clinical evaluation of the results of open or transurethral surgery for prostate hypertrophy

We evaluated the outcome of surgery for prostate hypertrophy through measurement of the urine flow rate and the Boyarsky symptom score. The study covered 108 patients admitted to Showa University School of Medicine, Fujigaoka Hospital. Thirty-eight had been admitted for retropubic prostatectomy and the remaining 70 patients for transurethral resection of the prostate. Their ages ranged from 48 to 84 years, with an average age of 64.4 years. The urine flow rate was measured before and after prostatic operation using Dantec Urodyn 1000. The symptom scores were calculated according to the Boyarsky symptom score. The Student's t test was used for statistical analysis. Frequency (daytime, nighttime) was the most common preoperative symptom (97.2%, 96.3%), followed by impairment of stream (88.0%), and intermittency (78.7%). Frequently observed symptoms tended to raise the symptom scores. The period of admission, age and prostatic size did not correlate with the preoperative urine flow rate and symptom score. Significant improvements in the urine flow rate occurred after the operation. Frequency (daytime, nighttime) was the most common postoperative symptom (82.7%, 81.1%), followed by urgency (37.0%), then terminal dribbling (32.2%). Of 39 patients who were evaluated by symptom score and urine flow simultaneously, 6 patients (15.1%) failed to show improvement in 1 of the 2 evaluations, while 9 (23.1%) patients failed to show improvement in either. The irritative symptoms (frequency, urgency) tended not to show significant postoperative improvement.

Possible thyroidal involvement in a case of Fabry disease

Endocrinological evaluations of a 48-year-old man with Fabry disease revealed low levels of serum thyroid hormones and high levels of serum thyrotropin (TSH), indicating that the patient had primary hypothyroidism. Also, an exaggerated growth hormone (GH) response to hypoglycemic stimuli was observed. Thin layer chromatography of the lipid extract of the thyroid gland obtained by biopsy demonstrated marked accumulation of ceramide trihexoside (CTH) and ceramide dihexoside (CDH). These findings strongly suggest that thyroid hypofunction and hypothalamic dysfunction could be involved in Fabry disease.

Prognostic significance of the number of metastatic lymph nodes in patients with gastric cancer

To confirm the prognostic significance of the number of the metastatic lymph nodes (MLN) in cases of gastric cancer, the results of surgical treatment of 668 patients with primary gastric cancer were analyzed retrospectively. Five-year survival rates were calculated with reference to the number of MLN, namely, none (89.2%), one to three (77.4%), four to six (55.8%), and seven or more (36.2%). Furthermore, even when the cancer had invaded the serosa, 5-year survival was significantly more frequent in patients with one to three MLN (71.7%) than in those with four to six (35.5%) or more than six (31.5%) (P less than 0.01), and the 5-year survival was close to that of patients with no MLN (70.5%). Not only qualitative but also quantitative evaluation of lymph node metastasis is essential for estimating the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer.

[A case of unresectable liver metastasis from leiomyosarcoma of the stomach successfully treated by intra hepato-arterial chemotherapy with Infuse-A-Port]

This report describes a 55-year-old man who had a curative operation for leiomyosarcoma of the stomach 6 years ago. Unresectable liver metastases was discovered during the second laparotomy and successfully treated by intra hepato-arterial chemotherapy, which included MMC, ADM and Therarubicin with Infuse-A-Port. He remains well presently with a decrease in the size of the liver metastases and no metastasis to any other organs upon investigation by an abdominal CT 2 years and 2 months after the second laparotomy.

Causes of death in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia

Five out of 15 homozygotes and 41 out of 527 heterozygotes of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) died during the past 10 years. Sudden death or heart failure was the cause of death in each of the 5 deceased homozygotes. Twenty heterozygotes died of myocardial infarction, 9 of sudden death, and 1 died after AC bypass surgery. Thus, 30 heterozygotes (73.2%) died of coronary heart disease (CHD). The mean age of death was significantly younger in male heterozygotes (54 years) than in the females (68 years). Rate of death from CHD in heterozygotes was 11 times higher than in the general population in Japan. Rate of death from pancreas cancer in FH was significantly higher than in the general population. These results suggest that FH is highly associated with pancreas cancer as well as CHD.

[Surgery of ulcerative colitis using ileoanal anastomosis]

The ideal surgical treatment for ulcerative colitis is the ileoanal anastomosis (IAA), which, however, is not yet generally accepted as a practical procedure because of a suboptimal fecal function, frequent postoperative complications and technical difficulties. Based on one (U.) of the authors experiences on 36(34) polyposis and 19(12) colitis (paracentesis indicate the number of cases in (U.)'s previous appointment, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1977-1983). The practical procedure of IAA can be achieved by combining the following basic principles; a direct anastomosis of J-shape ileal pouch to the anal sphincteric mechanism, temporarily exclusion of the anastomosis by a loop-ileostomy, mucosectomy confined to the lower rectum leaving the short muscular cuff, and meticulous dissection of inflamed mucosa of the anal canal minimizing the damage to the internal sphincter which is achieved by the prone ano-abdominal approach. At elective operation, the procedure can be performed either as primary surgery or as the secondary following rectum preserving operation, in which, coeco-rectal anastomosis is advisable for preserving the ileocolic vessels that is helpful for J-pouch construction. In emergency surgical program, IAA is still be preserved as a final restructive surgery following colectomy with an open rectal exclusion or Turnbull' s total colonic exclusion. In this occasion, an ascendicostomy is advisable for preserving the ileocolic vessels.