Reduced renal function is associated with prolonged hospitalization in frail older patients with non-severe pneumonia

Objective

Pneumonia is a disease with high morbidity and mortality among older individuals in Japan. In practice, most older patients with pneumonia are not required ventilatory management and are not necessarily in critical respiratory condition. However, prolonged hospitalization itself is considered to be a serious problem even in these patients with non-critical pneumonia and have negative and critical consequences such as disuse syndrome in older patients. Therefore, it is essential to examine the factors involved in redundant hospital stays for older hospitalized patients with non-severe pneumonia, many of whom are discharged alive.

Method

We examined hospitalized patients diagnosed with pneumonia who were 65 years and older in our facility between February 2017 and March 2020. A longer length of stay (LOS) was defined in cases in which exceeded the 80th percentile of the hospitalization period for all patients was exceeded, and all other cases with a shorter hospitalization were defined as a shorter LOS. In a multivariate logistic regression model, factors determining longer LOSs were analyzed using significant variables in univariate analysis and clinically relevant variables which could interfere with renal function, including fasting period, time to start rehabilitation, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), the Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) score of 2 or higher, bed-ridden state.

Results

We analyzed 104 eligible participants, and the median age was 86 (interquartile range, 82–91) years. Overall, 31 patients (30.7%) were bed-ridden, and 37 patients (35.6%) were nursing-home residents. Patients with a Clinical Frailty Scale score of 4 or higher, considered clinically frail, accounted for 93.2% of all patients. In multivariate analysis, for a decrease of 5 ml/min/1.73m² in eGFR, the adjusted odds ratios for longer LOSs were 1.22 (95% confidence interval, 1.04–1.44) after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusion

Reduced renal function at admission has a significant impact on prolonged hospital stay among older patients with non-severe pneumonia. Thoughtful consideration should be given to the frail older pneumonia patients with reduced renal function or with chronic kidney disease as a comorbidity at the time of hospitalization to prevent the progression of geriatric syndrome associated with prolonged hospitalization.

POS0432 MDSCs IN THE INFLAMMATORY JOINT OF SKG MICE HAVE BOTH T CELL SUPPRESSIVE ABILITY AND OSTEOCLAST DIFFERENTIATION POTENTIAL

Background

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are heterogeneous immature myeloid cells with suppressive functions (1). It is known that MDSCs are expanded in inflammatory sites after migrating from bone marrow (BM) or spleen. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized as polyarthritis. Although previous reports indicate that MDSCs are increased in BM and spleen of arthritis model mice, detailed analysis of MDSCs in inflammatory joints is limited.

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to characterize the MDSCs in the joints of autoimmune arthritis.

Methods

We isolated CD11b+Gr1+ cells as MDSCs from joints (Jo-MDSCs), bone marrow (BM-MDSCs) and spleen (Sp-MDSCs) of arthritis-induced SKG mice, and investigated differential expressed genes (DEGs) among MDSCs from three tissues by microarray expression analysis. Furthermore, we analyzed the suppressive function of each MDSCs by investigating the effect of them on T cell -proliferation and the osteoclast differentiation of each MDSCs stimulated by M-CSF and RANKL.

Results

Microarray analysis revealed that Jo-MDSCs highly expressed immunosuppressive DEGs (Pdl1, Arg1, Egr2 and Egr3) compared to BM MDSCs or Sp MDSCs. In addition, Jo-MDCSs highly expressed NF-κB non-canonical pathway DEGs (Nfkb2 and Relb), which are related to osteoclast differentiation. BM-MDSCs differentiated into osteoclasts but didn’t suppress T cell-proliferation and Sp-MDSCs suppressed T cell-proliferation but didn’t differentiate into osteoclasts. On the other hand, Jo-MDSCs was found to have both functions: T cell suppression and osteoclast differentiation potential.

Conclusion

Jo-MDSCs have a strong inhibitory effect on T cell proliferation and have the ability osteoclast differentiation potential.

References

[1]Veglia F, Perego M, Gabrilovich D. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells coming of age. Nat Immunol. 2018;19(2):108–19.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared.

AB0036 BUTYRIC ACID SUPPRESSES MIGRATION OF MONOCYTE-DERIVED DENDRITIC CELLS BY INHIBITING MDIA1-MEDICATED ACTIN POLYMERIZATION

Background

Butyric acid is known to improve chronic inflammation such as inflammatory bowel disease and arthritis [1, 2]. Dendritic cells activate in inflammatory condition, migrate to regional lymph nodes, and activate naive T cells.

Objectives

In this study, we investigated the effect of butyric acid on the migration ability of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDC).

Methods

Human CD14+ Monocytes were purified by positive selection from PBMC using CD14 magnetic beads. Cells were cultured in the presence of GM-CSF (50 ng/ml) and IL-4 (20 ng/ml) for 5 days. After culturing for 5 days, cells were matured with LPS (1ug/ml) for 24 hours. Butyric acid was administered at different dose or period. Surface antigen on moDC was analyzed by flow cytometry (BD FACS VERSE). Migration assay was performed on Boyden chamber CytoSelect 24-Well Cell Migration Assay (5um). Actin was stained with Alexa Fluor 488 Phalloidin before and after migration assay. After administration with butyric acid assigned to each period and concentration, moDC were lysed for western blot analysis for evaluating signaling. Chemiluminescent signals were detected and calculated by Amersham Imager.

Results

We demonstrated that butyric acid decreased the CCR7 expression of moDC, which has a key role in DC homing to the lymph nodes and intestinal Peyer’s patches. We also showed that butyric acid decreased the migration ability of moDC. Furthermore, moDCs cultured with butyric acid showed a round shape and poor formation of dendrites and pseudopodia. Then we studied the effect of butyric acid on cytoskeleton, which plays an important role in migration and pseudopodia formation of DCs. Polymerized Actin (F-Actin) staining revealed that butyrate suppressed actin polymerization of moDC in a dose dependent manner. CDC42 works important role of lamellipodia and membrane protrusions. RhoA is upstream of mDia1, and mDia1 was reported to accelerate actin nucleation and elongation. We revealed that butyrate decreased the protein expression of mDia1, RhoA, and CDC42, while beta actin was not downregulated, by Western blot analysis. Our results suggested that butyric acid suppresses migration of moDCs by inhibiting mDia1-medicated actin polymerization.

Conclusion

Butyric acid suppresses migration of moDCs by inhibiting mDia1-medicated actin polymerization.

References

[1]Mafalda R Couto 1, Pedro Gonçalves 2, Fernando Magro 3, Fátima Martel, et al. Microbiota-derived butyrate regulates intestinal inflammation: Focus on inflammatory bowel disease Pharmacol Res. 2020 Sep;159:104947.

[2]Wenpeng Hui, Dapeng Yu, Zhong Cao, Xiwu Zhao, et al. Butyrate inhibit collagen-induced arthritis via Treg/IL-10/Th17 axis Int Immunopharmacol. 2019 Mar;68:226-233.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Behçet's Disease with Extremely High Levels of Urinary β2-Microglobulin after Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Treatment

Behçet's disease is an inflammatory disease which manifests itself as various symptoms, such as uveitis, oral and genital aphthae, erythema nodosa, gastro-intestinal ulcerations and encephalopathy. Among the manifestations, renal dysfunction is reported in some percentage of the patients with this disorder. We experienced a middle-aged male with Behçet's disease who showed an extremely high level of urinary β2-microglulin, which is one of the markers of renal dysfunction, despite normal serum creatinine levels. The patient was on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy for 7 weeks, and this could have affected his renal dysfunction. The present report suggests that renal injury should not be underestimated in patients with Behçet's disease, especially in patients using NSAIDs.

Constraints on Cosmic Strings Using Data from the Third Advanced LIGO-Virgo Observing Run

We search for gravitational-wave signals produced by cosmic strings in the Advanced LIGO and Virgo full O3 dataset. Search results are presented for gravitational waves produced by cosmic string loop features such as cusps, kinks, and, for the first time, kink-kink collisions. A template-based search for short-duration transient signals does not yield a detection. We also use the stochastic gravitational-wave background energy density upper limits derived from the O3 data to constrain the cosmic string tension Gμ as a function of the number of kinks, or the number of cusps, for two cosmic string loop distribution models. Additionally, we develop and test a third model that interpolates between these two models. Our results improve upon the previous LIGO-Virgo constraints on Gμ by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude depending on the model that is tested. In particular, for the one-loop distribution model, we set the most competitive constraints to date: Gμ≲4×10^{-15}. In the case of cosmic strings formed at the end of inflation in the context of grand unified theories, these results challenge simple inflationary models.

Constraints on Cosmic Strings Using Data from the Third Advanced LIGO-Virgo Observing Run

We search for gravitational-wave signals produced by cosmic strings in the Advanced LIGO and Virgo full O3 dataset. Search results are presented for gravitational waves produced by cosmic string loop features such as cusps, kinks, and, for the first time, kink-kink collisions. A template-based search for short-duration transient signals does not yield a detection. We also use the stochastic gravitational-wave background energy density upper limits derived from the O3 data to constrain the cosmic string tension Gμ as a function of the number of kinks, or the number of cusps, for two cosmic string loop distribution models. Additionally, we develop and test a third model that interpolates between these two models. Our results improve upon the previous LIGO-Virgo constraints on Gμ by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude depending on the model that is tested. In particular, for the one-loop distribution model, we set the most competitive constraints to date: Gμ≲4×10^{-15}. In the case of cosmic strings formed at the end of inflation in the context of grand unified theories, these results challenge simple inflationary models.

Observation of Coulomb-Assisted Nuclear Bound State of Ξ^{-}-^{14}N System

In an emulsion-counter hybrid experiment performed at J-PARC, a Ξ^{-} absorption event was observed which decayed into twin single-Λ hypernuclei. Kinematic calculations enabled a unique identification of the reaction process as Ξ^{-}+^{14}N→_{Λ}^{10}Be+_{Λ}^{5}He. For the binding energy of the Ξ^{-} hyperon in the Ξ^{-}-^{14}N system a value of 1.27±0.21  MeV was deduced. The energy level of Ξ^{-} is likely a nuclear 1p state which indicates a weak ΞN-ΛΛ coupling.

Rikkunshito simultaneously improves dyspepsia correlated with anxiety in patients with functional dyspepsia: A randomized clinical trial (the DREAM study)

BACKGROUND

Functional dyspepsia (FD), a heterogeneous disorder, involves multiple pathogenetic mechanisms. Developing treatments for FD has been challenging. We performed a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial to determine the efficacy of rikkunshito, a Japanese herbal medicine, in FD patients.

METHODS

FD patients (n = 192) who met the Rome III criteria without Helicobacter pylori infection, predominant heartburn, and depression were enrolled at 56 hospitals in Japan. After 2 weeks of single-blind placebo treatment, 128 patients with continuous symptoms were randomly assigned to 8 weeks of rikkunshito (n = 64) or placebo (n = 61). The primary efficacy endpoint was global assessment of overall treatment efficacy (OTE). The secondary efficacy endpoints were improvements in upper gastrointestinal symptoms evaluated by the Patient Assessment of Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders-Symptom Severity Index (PAGI-SYM), the Global Overall Symptom scale (GOS), and the modified Frequency Scale for the Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (m-FSSG), and psychological symptoms evaluated by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

KEY RESULTS

Rikkunshito increased OTE compared to placebo at 8 weeks (P = .019). Rikkunshito improved upper gastrointestinal symptoms (PAGI-SYM, GOS, and m-FSSG) at 8 weeks, especially postprandial fullness/early satiety (P = .015 and P = .001) and bloating (P = .007 and P = .002) of the PAGI-SYM subscales at 4 weeks and 8 weeks. Improvement of HADS at 8 weeks (P = .027) correlated with those of PAGI-SYM (r = .302, P = .001), GOS (r = .186, P = .044), and m-FSSG (r = .462, P < .001), postprandial fullness/early satiety (r = .226, P = .014), dyspepsia (r = .215, P = .019), and PDS (r = .221, P = .016).

CONCLUSION & INFERENCES

Rikkunshito may be beneficial for FD patients to simultaneously treat gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms.

Time-Reversal Measurement of the p-Wave Cross Sections of the ^{7}Be(n,α)^{4}He Reaction for the Cosmological Li Problem

The cross sections of the ^{7}Be(n,α)^{4}He reaction for p-wave neutrons were experimentally determined at E_{c.m.}=0.20-0.81  MeV slightly above the big bang nucleosynthesis (BBN) energy window for the first time on the basis of the detailed balance principle by measuring the time-reverse reaction. The obtained cross sections are much larger than the cross sections for s-wave neutrons inferred from the recent measurement at the n_TOF facility in CERN, but significantly smaller than the theoretical estimation widely used in the BBN calculations. The present results suggest the ^{7}Be(n,α)^{4}He reaction rate is not large enough to solve the cosmological lithium problem, and this conclusion agrees with the recent result from the direct measurement of the s-wave cross sections using a low-energy neutron beam and the evaluated nuclear data library ENDF/B-VII.1.

Enteric glial cells are associated with stress-induced colonic hyper-contraction in maternally separated rats

BACKGROUND

Enteric glial cells (EGCs) play important roles in enteric integrity and regulation of gastrointestinal function. However, whether EGCs undergo pathophysiological changes in stress-associated gastrointestinal disorders is unknown. We investigated structural and functional alterations in colonic EGCs and their roles in colonic contraction in an irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) model.

METHODS

As a chronic stress, male Wistar rats underwent 3-h maternal separation during postnatal days 2-14. As an acute stress, we used water-immersion stress (4 h) in adulthood (at 8 weeks). We quantitatively and morphologically evaluated enteric neurons and EGCs using whole-mount longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus preparations. Colonic contraction was analyzed with electrical field stimulation (EFS).

KEY RESULTS

Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression and the number of total, cholinergic, and nitrergic neurons were unchanged in maternally separated rats with acute stress (combined stress: an IBS model) compared with controls. However, the density of GFAP-positive EGC processes that apparently overlapped with the neurons and the extent of bulbous swelling of terminals increased according to the stress intensity: control, acute stress, maternal separation, and combined stress. EFS-induced colonic contractions were significantly greater in the combined stress rats than in controls. Higher dose of fluorocitrate, a selective inhibitor of EGC metabolism, was required to inhibit both EFS-induced contraction and EGCs activation in the combined stress rats than in controls.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Colonic EGCs exhibited structural alterations according to the stress intensity. EGCs were associated with stress-induced colonic hyper-contraction in the combined stress rats, which may underlie the pathogenesis of IBS.

Use of percutaneous image-guided coaxial core-needle biopsy for diagnosis of intraabdominal lymphoma

Although pathological diagnosis is essential for managing malignant lymphoma, intraabdominal lesions are generally difficult to approach due to the invasiveness of abdominal surgery. Here, we report the use of percutaneous image-guided coaxial core-needle biopsy (CNB) to obtain intraabdominal specimens for diagnosing intraabdominal lymphomas, which typically requires histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation. We retrospectively reviewed consecutive cases involving computed tomography (CT)- or ultrasonography (US)-guided CNB to obtain pathological specimens for intraabdominal lesions from 1999 to 2011. Liver, spleen, kidney, and inguinal node biopsies were excluded. We compared CNBs with laparotomic biopsies. A total of 66 CNBs were performed for 59 patients (32 males, 27 females; median age, 63.5), including second or third repeat procedures. Overall diagnostic rate was 88.5%. None of the patients required additional surgical biopsies. Notably, the median interval between recognition of an intraabdominal mass and biopsy was only 1 day. Forty-five procedures were performed for hematological malignancies. Adequate specimens were obtained for histopathological diagnosis in 86% of cases. Flow cytometry detected lymphoma cells in 79.5% of cases. Twelve patients (nine males, three females; median age, 60) were eligible for surgical biopsy. While every postoperative course was satisfactory, median duration from lesion recognition to therapy initiation for lymphoma cases was significantly shorter for CNB than for surgical biopsy (14 vs. 35 days). While one-fourth of the patients were not eligible for the procedures, CNB is safe and highly effective for diagnosis of intraabdominal lymphomas. This method significantly improves sampling and potentially helps attain immunohistological distinction, allowing for more timely therapy initiation.

[Congenital dysfibrinogenemia coincidentally diagnosed at the onset of chronic myelogenous leukemia]

A 34-year-old man was referred to our hospital for leukocytosis and fundal hemorrhage. Peripheral blood and coagulation tests showed increases in cells at all stages of the neutrophilic series and a low level of fibrinogen (Fbg). Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) was diagnosed, and nilotinib was administered. During the clinical course of CML treatment, plasma Fbg levels continued to be low, but the patient showed neither hemorrhagic nor thrombotic complications. Fbg analysis showed normal antigen levels and low activity levels, which indicated dysfibrinogenemia. Genetic analysis revealed a heterozygous gene mutation (γ308AAT→AAG), a mutation which was also found in the patient's mother. Asymptomatic patients with dysfibrinogenemia have a low risk of hemorrhage in daily life and do not require treatment. However, in those undergoing major surgery or in serious accidents, replacement therapy may be required. When the cause of low Fbg levels is unknown, dysfibrinogenemia or fibrinogen deficiency should be considered. Even asymptomatic patients may benefit from more detailed immunologic and genetic analyses.

[Fatal bone marrow necrosis and fat embolism following sepsis in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia after consolidation chemotherapy]

We report a 58-year-old Japanese man with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. On the seventh day of his second course of consolidation therapy, he developed herpes zoster, and on the 17th day, he developed a high fever, dyspnea, and lapsed into a coma. Streptococcus constellatus was isolated from blood culture. Despite intensive therapy, multiple organ failure progressed rapidly, and he died on the 19th day. Pathological examination of autopsy specimens revealed bone marrow necrosis and fat embolism in multiple organs. In this patient, sepsis led to bone marrow necrosis and, subsequently, to fat embolism.

Osteoclast differentiation factor induces synovial macrophage-osteoclast differentiation in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract The aim of this study was to clarify the role of osteoclast differentiation factor (ODF) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in synovial macrophage-osteoclast differentiation. Synovial macrophages were cultured in the presence of macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and/or ODF. OPG was added to cocultures of synovial macrophages and UMR106. The cultures on glass coverslips were stained with osteoclast-associated markers, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), and vitronectin receptor (VNR), as well as macrophage-associated markers CD11b and CD14. Functional evidence of osteoclast formation was determined by a resorption pit assay. To investigate whether rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial cells expressed messenger RNA (mRNA) for ODF, OPG, and the receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK), we performed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. The addition of M-CSF or ODF alone induced TRAP-positive multinucleated cell formation. Resorption pits were rarely detected with M-CSF alone. ODF was capable of inducing bone resorption and enhancing osteoclastogenesis, as well as bone resorption in the presence of M-CSF. In the coculture system, both osteoclast formation and bone resorption were inhibited by OPG in a dose-dependent manner. In all experiments, synovial cells, including macrophages and fibroblasts, expressed the mRNA for RANK, ODF, and OPG. Our findings suggest that ODF plays a role in regulating RA synovial macrophage-osteoclast differentiation, and that synovial cells might have the ability to produce ODF. OPG might be further developed as a new strategy for treating bone destruction in RA joints.

Acute exacerbation of Toxoplasma gondii infection after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: five case reports among 279 recipients

Toxoplasmosis is a rare and possibly underestimated complication following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) associated with a high mortality rate, although the incidence of toxoplasmosis after HSCT in Japan has not been established. We retrospectively studied patients with toxoplasmosis after HSCT, and identified five patients who had been diagnosed with an acute exacerbation of toxoplasmosis among 279 HSCT recipients at our institution between 1998 and 2011, representing an incidence of 1.8 %. Among 87 autologous HSCT recipients, one definite case was diagnosed. The serological test for Toxoplasma gondii before HSCT was positive in 18 of 192 allogeneic HSCT recipients. Of the 18 seropositive patients, three had definite infections, and one had possible infection. All four definite cases were diagnosed at autopsy. In the definite cases, three allogeneic HSCT recipients had disseminated or pulmonary toxoplasmosis and one autologous HSCT recipient had toxoplasmic encephalitis, although toxoplasmosis was not suspected at the premortem examination due to non-specific clinical and radiological manifestations. Thus, acute exacerbation of toxoplasmosis should be suspected in recipients after HSCT. Early diagnosis and treatment for toxoplasmosis would certainly contribute to a decrease in mortality after HSCT.

[Long-term remission of Langerhans cell sarcoma by AIM regimen combined with involved-field irradiation]

A 67-year-old woman presented with a right inguinal mass in May 2006. CT scan showed lymph node involvement from the right inguinal to the common iliac and (18)F-FDG-PET revealed uptake in those areas. Biopsy results indicated Langerhans cell sarcoma (LCS). Interestingly, tumor cells expressed a high MIB1 index of 30%. We administered doxorubicin, ifosfamide, and mesna (AIM) chemotherapy, which were reported to effectively treat soft tissue sarcoma. After 5 courses of AIM therapy and involved-field radiation for residual diseases and a relapsed lesion on her right cervical node, she has remained in complete remission for more than 4 years. LCS is an intractable malignant disease and the optimal therapeutic strategy remains unclear. The AIM regimen combined with radiation therapy may be an effective treatment option for this disease.

[Successful treatment with low-dose etoposide for hemophagocytic syndrome following reduced-intensity conditioning for cord blood transplantation in a patient with acute myelgenous leukemia]

A 56-year-old man was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia with myelodysplasia-related changes. Chromosomal analysis showed a complex karyotype. Complete remission could not be achieved even after several induction chemotherapy regimens, and the patient suffered from invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. He was transferred to our hospital and underwent reduced-intensity conditioning cord blood transplantation (RIC-CBT) in a non-remission state. The conditioning regimen involved fludarabine 125 mg/m2 combined with melphalan 140 mg/m2 and total body irradiation (4 Gy). GVHD prophylaxis was tacrolimus alone at relatively low concentrations (app. 5 ng/ml). On days 6 and 9 after CBT, he experienced a pre-engraftment immune reaction and hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS). We started steroid pulse therapy, but this failed to resolve the symptoms. We then administered low-dose etoposide (50 mg/m2). The symptoms gradually resolved after three administrations of etoposide and engraftment was achieved on day 35. Satisfactory hematological recovery was noted on day 300 after CBT and the patient has maintained complete remission to date. HPS is one of the most serious complications following CBT and often results in engraftment failure. This case suggests that repeated administration of etoposide may safely and effectively overcome this serious complication in some cases.

Severe pulmonary toxoplasmosis mimicking viral pneumonitis after a third allogeneic stem cell transplantation in a man with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

A 22-year-old man with acute lymphoblastic leukemia underwent allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) twice, then underwent allo-SCT a third time due to relapse. On day 27, he developed acute respiratory distress, and bilateral interstitial infiltrates were noted on CT images. Despite receiving intensive treatment, the patient died on day 32 from progressive respiratory failure. An autopsy revealed evidence of diffuse alveolar damage caused by the genus Toxoplasma. At present, toxoplasmosis is considered to be a rare infectious complication in Japan. However, the actual incidence of toxoplasmosis may be higher than currently believed due to a lack of suspicion of the diagnosis in patients, difficulty in making a diagnosis and low autopsy rates.

Mapping quantitative trait loci for egg production traits in an F2 intercross of Oh-Shamo and White Leghorn chickens

We performed quantitative trait locus (QTL) analyses for egg production traits, including age at first egg (AFE) and egg production rates (EPR) measured every 4 weeks from 22 to 62 weeks of hen age, in a population of 421 F(2) hens derived from an intercross between the Oh-Shamo (Japanese Large Game) and White Leghorn breeds of chickens. Simple interval mapping revealed a main-effect QTL for AFE on chromosome 1 and four main-effect QTL for EPR on chromosomes 1 and 11 (three on chromosome 1 and one on chromosome 11) at the genome-wide 5% levels. Among the three EPR QTL on chromosome 1, two were identified at the early stage of egg laying (26-34 weeks of hen age) and the remaining one was discovered at the late stage (54-58 weeks). The alleles at the two EPR QTL derived from the Oh-Shamo breed unexpectedly increased the trait values, irrespective of the Oh-Shamo being inferior to the White Leghorn in the trait. This suggests that the Oh-Shamo, one of the indigenous Japanese breeds, is an untapped resource that is important for further improvement of current elite commercial laying chickens. In addition, six epistatic QTL were identified on chromosomes 2, 4, 7, 8, 17 and 19, where none of the above main-effect QTL were located. This is the first example of detection of epistatic QTL affecting egg production traits. The main and epistatic QTL identified accounted for 4-8% of the phenotypic variance. The total contribution of all QTL detected for each trait to the phenotypic and genetic variances ranged from 4.1% to 16.9% and from 11.5% to 58.5%, respectively.

A simple energy filter for low energy electron microscopy/photoelectron emission microscopy instruments

Addition of an electron energy filter to low energy electron microscopy (LEEM) and photoelectron emission microscopy (PEEM) instruments greatly improves their analytical capabilities. However, such filters tend to be quite complex, both electron optically and mechanically. Here we describe a simple energy filter for the existing IBM LEEM/PEEM instrument, which is realized by adding a single scanning aperture slit to the objective transfer optics, without any further modifications to the microscope. This energy filter displays a very high energy resolution ΔE/E = 2 × 10(-5), and a non-isochromaticity of ∼0.5 eV/10 µm. The setup is capable of recording selected area electron energy spectra and angular distributions at 0.15 eV energy resolution, as well as energy filtered images with a 1.5 eV energy pass band at an estimated spatial resolution of ∼10 nm. We demonstrate the use of this energy filter in imaging and spectroscopy of surfaces using a laboratory-based He I (21.2 eV) light source, as well as imaging of Ag nanowires on Si(001) using the 4 eV energy loss Ag plasmon.

Comparative studies of pentacene and perfluoropentacene grown on a Bi(0001) surface

We report two distinct growth modes of pentacene (PEN) and perfluoropentacene (PFP) films on a Bi(0001) substrate investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). PEN grows epitaxially on Bi(0001) at room temperature (RT), resulting in the formation of bulk-like crystalline films. In contrast, submonolayer PFP forms a two-dimensional (2D) liquid-like phase with PFP molecules loosely bound on Bi(0001). Beyond one monolayer, the PFP molecules diffuse over very long distances to aggregate into three-dimensional (3D) islands, leading to a rough film morphology. Utilizing the stacking interaction at the PFP/PEN interface, we deposited PFP on the template of an ordered PEN monolayer formed on Bi. It is found that PFP molecules nucleate into ordered crystalline islands with PFP molecules standing-up. The different morphologies of PEN and PFP overlayers can be understood in terms of perfluorination induced decoupling of PFP molecules from the Bi substrate below.

Fluorine diffusion assisted by diffusing silicon on the Si(111)-(7x7) surface

The diffusion process of fluorine (F) atoms on the Si(111)-(7x7) surface is investigated using high-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy. The kinetic parameters of F hopping agree well with those of the diffusing silicon (Si) atoms, which implies that of all reaction processes, the Si diffusion serves as the rate-determining one. Deposition of Si on the surface is found to enhance F hopping, which supports the above-mentioned observation. Theory reveals that the replacement of F adsorption sites by diffusing Si atoms is the key process in the diffusion mechanism.

Surface plasmon microscopy using an energy-filtered low energy electron microscope

We present low energy electron microscope (LEEM) spectromicroscopy studies of surface plasmons, localized on micro- and nanoscale epitaxial Ag islands. Excellent agreement is found in a direct comparison of wave vector dependent plasmon intensity with theory, demonstrating that high quality quantitative data can be obtained with a large improvement in both spatial and temporal resolution over traditional electron scattering experiments. The plasmon signal from Ag islands is successfully imaged with a spatial resolution of less than 35 nm. LEEM based plasmon spectromicroscopy promises to be a powerful tool for furthering our understanding of nanoplasmonics.

Single-nucleus polycrystallization in thin film epitaxial growth

We have observed, by use of low-energy electron microscopy, the first direct evidence of self-driven polycrystallization evolved from a single nucleus in the case of epitaxial pentacene growth on the Si(111)-H terminated surface. In this Letter we demonstrate that such polycrystallization can develop in anisotropic systems (in terms of crystal structure and/or the intermolecular interactions) when kinetic growth conditions force the alignment of the intrinsic preferential growth directions along the density gradient of diffusing molecules. This finding gives new insight into the crystallization of complex molecular systems, elucidating the importance of nanoscale control of the growth conditions.

Surface and interface studies of GaN epitaxy on Si(111) via buffer layers

Gallium nitride films, epitaxially grown on Si(111) via a lattice-matched ZrB(2) buffer layer by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy, have been studied in situ by noncontact atomic force microscopy and also in real time by reflection high-energy electron diffraction. The grown films were determined to be always N-polar. First-principles theoretical calculations modeling the interface structure between GaN(0001) and ZrB(2)(0001) clarify the origin of the N polarity.

Imaging of all dangling bonds and their potential on the Ge/Si105 surface by noncontact atomic force microscopy

High-resolution noncontact atomic force microscope (AFM) images were successfully taken on the Ge105-(1 x 2) structure formed on the Si105 substrate and revealed all dangling bonds of the surface regardless of their electronic situation, surpassing scanning tunneling microscopy, whose images strongly deviated from the atomic structure by the electronic states involved. An atomically resolved electrostatic potential profile by a Kelvin-probe method with AFM shows potential variations among the dangling bond states, directly observing a charge transfer between them. These results clearly demonstrate that high-resolution noncontact AFM with a Kelvin-probe method is an ideal tool for analysis of atomic structures and electronic properties of surfaces.

Nanofilm allotrope and phase transformation of ultrathin Bi film on Si(111)-7x7

Our scanning tunneling microscopy and electron diffraction experiments revealed that a new two-dimensional allotrope of Bi forms on the Si(111)-7x7 surface. This pseudocubic [012]-oriented allotrope is stable up to four atomic layers at room temperature. Above this critical thickness, the entire volume of the film starts to transform into a bulk single-crystal (001) phase, as the bulk contribution in the cohesion becomes dominant. Based on ab initio calculations, we propose that the new allotrope consists of black phosphorus-like puckered layers stabilized by saturating all the p(z) dangling bonds in the film.

Transforming growth factor-beta induces osteoclast formation in the absence of RANKL

Transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) is a multifunctional growth factor that is produced by many cells in bone and is abundant in the bone matrix. TGFbeta is known to regulate RANKL-induced osteoclast formation and bone resorbing activity. In this study we sought to determine whether TGFbeta could directly induce osteoclast formation by a RANKL-independent mechanism. We found that the addition of TGFbeta to cultures of human monocytes and RAW 264.7 cells (in the presence of M-CSF and the absence of RANKL, TNFalpha or IL-6/IL-11) was sufficient to induce the formation of TRAP+ and VNR+ cells, which formed actin rings and were capable of extensive lacunar resorption. The addition of osteoprotegerin or antibodies to TNFalpha and its receptors, as well as antibodies to gp130, did not inhibit lacunar resorption, indicating that TGFbeta did not act by stimulating RANKL, TNF or IL-6 production by monocytes. TGFbeta-induced osteoclast formation was qualitatively different from that induced by RANKL with numerous TRAP+/VNR+ mononuclear and small multinucleated cells being formed; these cells produced many small resorption lacunae. Our results indicate that TGFbeta, which is abundant in the bone matrix, can, in the presence of M-CSF, directly induce mononuclear phagocyte osteoclast precursors to differentiate into osteoclastic cells capable of lacunar resorption.

Re-evaluation and reconstruction of water purification system using soil. I. Assessment of soil as a sorbent of humic substances and phosphate ion

The purpose of our study is to develop a treatment procedure for humic substances (HS hereafter) and phosphate ion in wastewater and environmental water by percolation of the water through a constructed soil layer at the hydraulic loading of a few metres per day. In the present work, batch sorption tests were conducted for more than 80 samples of soil, sludge, mineral and organic materials in order to find good sorbents for fulvic acid (FA hereafter) and phosphate ion. The results showed that the sorption of FA was high for some charcoal, and apatite and goethite minerals. Comparatively high sorption of FA was found for some Andosols and volcanic ash soil. Significant sorption of phosphate ion, on the other hand, was found for various types of soil, sludge from water treatment plants and some waste materials. The linear isotherm was obtained for the sorption of FA to a charcoal, apatite and goethite minerals, and Andosols.

Re-evaluation and re-construction of water purification system using soil. II. Removal of pollutants from infiltrating water

Presented in this paper are the results of a series of column experiments and a pilot scale test conducted to develop the treatment system of freshwater and wastewater by their percolation through soil and the other materials at the rate of a few metres per day. Materials that had high ability to sorb fulvic acid (FA hereafter) and phosphate ion were selected based on the results of the batch sorption tests and were processed into beads before subjecting them to the column test. The results of the column experiment suggested that the reagents added to increase the strength of the beads reduced the sorption of FA, thus causing the early breakthrough of the FA injected into the column. Less effect from the bead processing was observed for the removal of phosphate ion. Pilot scale test showed that the removal of particulate fraction of phosphorus differed among the materials used. The bead processing technique that can ensure the high water permeability while maintaining the sorption capacity of the material was required for further development of the treatment system.

Na adsorption on the Si111-(7 x 7) surface: from two-dimensional gas to nanocluster array

We have systematically investigated Na adsorption on the Si(111)-(7 x 7) surface at room temperature using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Below the critical coverage of 0.08 monolayer, we find intriguing contrast modulation instead of localized Na adsorbates, coupled with streaky noise in the STM images, which is accompanied by monotonic work function drop. Above the critical coverage, Na clusters emerge and form a self-assembled array. Combined with first-principles theoretical simulations, we conclude that the Na atoms on the (7 x 7) surface are, while strongly bound ( approximately 2.2 eV) to the surface, highly mobile in "basins" around the Si rest atoms, forming a two-dimensional gas phase at the initial coverage, and that the cluster at the higher coverage consists of six Na atoms together with three Si adatoms.

Menatetrenone (vitamin K2) acts directly on circulating human osteoclast precursors

It is still not certain what the direct effect of menatetrenone is on osteoclast precursors. In the present study, we investigated whether menatetrenone has a direct effect on circulating osteoclast precursors to influence osteoclast differentiation. Monocytes isolated from human peripheral blood were cultured with receptor-activated NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF). Menatetrenone or vitamin K1 was then added to the cultures. Geranylgeraniol or phytol (the respective side chain) was also added to the cultures instead of menatetrenone or vitamin K1, respectively. After 7 and 14 days incubation, cultures were evaluated for cytochemical and functional evidence of osteoclast formation. The number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multinucleated cells (MNCs) and the percentage area of lacunar resorption induced by RANKL and M-CSF were decreased when menatetrenone or geranylgeraniol was added to the cultures. Dose-dependent inhibition of osteoclast formation and lacunar resorption was seen when the cultures were treated with menatetrenone or geranylgeraniol. In contrast, vitamin K1 or phytol did not affect the number of TRAP-positive MNCs nor the percentage area of lacunar resorption. These results indicate that menatetrenone not only influences osteoclast formation via bone stromal cells but also acts directly on circulating osteoclast precursors to influence osteoclast differentiation. These findings also suggest that geranylgeraniol, the side chain of menatetrenone, plays an important role in this inhibitory effect.

Interleukin-6 and interleukin-11 support human osteoclast formation by a RANKL-independent mechanism

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-11 (IL-11) are known to influence osteoclast formation and bone resorption. In order to determine whether IL-6 and IL-11 could independently support human osteoclast formation, these factors were added to cultures of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells of the monocyte (CD14(+)) fraction in the presence of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF). Under these conditions, IL-6 and IL-11 induced the formation of multinucleated cells which were positive for TRAP, VNR, and calcitonin receptor and capable of lacunar resorption. Osteoclastogenesis induced by IL-6 and IL-11 was inhibited by the addition of an anti-gp130 antibody but not by osteoprotegerin. These results indicate that IL-6 and IL-11, which are thought to play a role in several osteolytic bone disorders, are directly capable of inducing osteoclast formation by a RANKL-independent mechanism.

Localization of group IB phospholipase A(2) isoform in the gills of the red sea bream, Pagrus (Chrysophrys) major

We previously reported that PLA(2) activity in the gills is higher than that in other tissues in red sea bream and purified PLA(2) from the gills belongs to the group IB PLA(2) as well as other red sea bream PLA(2)s. In this study, we reconfirmed that the level of PLA(2) activity is extremely high in the gills compared with other tissues, and gill PLA(2) was detected only in the gills by immunoblotting and inhibition test using anti-gill PLA(2) monoclonal antibody. The level of PLA(2) activity and protein expression in the gills are well correlated. Fish can be roughly divided into high and low groups based on the level of PLA(2) activity. Gill PLA(2) was detected in the gills of the high group, but not the low group by immunoblotting. In the gills of the high group, gill PLA(2) was detected in the mucous cells and pavement cells located on the surface of gill epithelia by immunohistochemistry. On the other hand, positive signals were observed only in the mucous cells by in situ hybridization. We also isolated inactive proPLA(2), having AR propeptide, preceding the mature enzyme from the gill extract. These results suggest that gill PLA(2) is synthesized as an inactive proPLA(2) in the mucous cells and is secreted to the surface of gill epithelia.

Long-term response to zonisamide in patients with West syndrome

The long-term effectiveness of zonisamide (ZNS) was evaluated in 11 patients with West syndrome (7 symptomatic) who had cessation of spasms with ZNS monotherapy. During the follow-up period (24 to 79 months, mean = 53 months), this response was maintained in 7 patients (3 symptomatic, relapse rate = 36%), including 2 children in whom ZNS was successfully discontinued. No serious adverse reactions were noted. ZNS may be both effective and well tolerated for the treatment of West syndrome.

Origin of the stability of Ge(105) on si: a new structure model and surface strain relaxation

The structure of Ge(105)-(1 x 2) grown on Si(105) is examined by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and first-principles calculations. The morphology evolution with an increasing amount of Ge deposited documents the existence of a tensile surface strain in Si(105) and its relaxation with increasing coverage of Ge. A detailed analysis of high-resolution STM images and first-principles calculations produce a new stable model for the Ge(105)-(1 x 2) structure formed on the Si(105) surface that includes the existence of surface strain. It corrects the model developed from early observations of the facets of "hut" clusters grown on Si(001).