Prediction of difficulty in cryoballoon ablation with a 3D deep learning model using polygonal mesh representation

Background

Cryoballoon ablation (CBA) is a useful treatment for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Some cases, however, are difficult to treat and may require multiple freezing procedures and/or touch-up ablation. Although several predictors of CBA difficulty have been reported, no report has been able to assess the spatial location and morphology of the left atrium (LA) and pulmonary veins (PVs). A polygonal mesh is a collection of vertices, edges, and faces that defines the shape of a polyhedral object, and is able to represent a spatial location with a small amount of information. We hypothesized that a deep learning model that learns mesh representation datasets could more accurately detect the CBA difficulty and that we could establish a novel evaluation method in CBA.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to create a model to predict CBA difficulty with a 3D deep learning model using polygonal mesh representation.

Methods and results

All the 140 patients who underwent CBA for drug-resistant atrial fibrillation between January 2015 and January 2022 were included. A 28-mm cryoballoon (Arctic Front Advance, Medtronic) was used in all cases. We defined CBA difficulty as requiring a touch-up ablation procedure to create complete PVI. We converted the volume data in DICOM format of the computed tomography images of PVs and LA to obj file format (shown in Figure 1), which supports the definition of the geometry for object surfaces using polygonal meshes. Next, we developed a deep learning model that could learn polygonal meshes and classify whether the CBA required touch-up ablation or not. Only a training dataset is used to train the deep learning model, and finally, a test dataset is used to evaluate the model metrics. The accuracy, area under the ROC curve, recall, precision, and f1-score of the deep learning model using the test dataset was 86.5%, 87.7%, 66.7%, 75.0%, 70.6%, respectively.

Conclusions

We developed a 3D deep learning model that can detect a difficulty in CBA using polygonal mesh representation. By predicting difficult cases in advance, we will be able to develop strategies to increase the success rate.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

POS0197 SARS-CoV-2 INFECTION CAUSED THROMBOSIS IN THE LUPUS MODEL WITH ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID ANTIBODY, WHEREAS COVID-19 ASSOCIATED THROMBOSIS WAS IRRELEVANT IN PATIENTS WITH POSITIVE ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID ANTIBODY

Background

Thrombosis is a unique complication in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We have reported that elevated ferritin and D-dimer on admission were the risk factors of thromboses by analyzing the patients sequentially admitted to our hospital due to COVID-19 (1). However, we have not analyzed thrombotic complications in the view of the antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs), which are frequently detected in the COVID-19 patients.

Objectives

To elucidate the thrombogenic effects of aPLs in COVID-19, we analyzed the development of thrombosis in three lupus models after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, we evaluated the association of thrombotic events and the serum profile of aPLs in Japanese patients with COVID-19.

Methods

Three animal models of lupus (MRL-lpr/lpr, NZBxNZW F1 and NZW×BXSB F1) were evaluated in this study. NZW×BXSB F1 was also considered as a model of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) since aPLs were detected with a high titer (2). Experimental SARS-CoV-2 infection was induced using mouse-passaged virus strain (3). The incidence of thromboses in the lungs and kidneys were identified by evaluating H&E staining and PTAH staining of paraffin-embedded sections. We have experienced 44 thrombotic events in 34 out of 594 patients admitted to our institute. As a non-thrombotic COVID-19, 68 patients were selected to make a 1 to 2 matched-pair based on the propensity score. In total 102 patients, seven types of aPLs (anti-cardiolipin (CL) IgG/IgM, anti-β2GP1 IgG/IgA/IgM, and anti-phosphatidyl serine/prothrombin complex (PS/PT) IgG/IgM) were measured using specific ELISA kits. The patients’ clinical characteristics and serological profile of aPLs were further evaluated.

Results

We identified the development of thromboses in the lungs or kidneys in 6 out of 12 (50%) NZW×BXSB F1 mice after the SARS-CoV-2 infection, whereas no thrombosis was observed in non-infected mice. Further, there was no thrombosis in the other lupus models (0%) after the infection. These findings might suggest the pathogenic role of aPLs under the SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Among our COVID-19 patients, 39 out of 102 (38%) were tested positive for one or more aPLs. The positive ratios of any aPLs were statistically indifferent between the patients with or without thrombosis; anti-CL IgG (8.8% vs 5.9%)/IgM (0% vs 5.9%), anti-β2GP1 IgG (21% vs 12%)/IgA (8.8% vs 15%)/IgM (0% vs 1.5%), and anti-PS/PT IgG (0% vs 2.9%)/IgM (12% vs 13%), respectively. In addition, their titers were relatively lower than those observed in APS patients. The patients’ characteristics and the prognosis of COVID-19 were comparable regardless of the detection of any aPLs. These findings suggested that COVID-19 associated aPLs were irrelevant to thrombotic complications.

Conclusion

Thromboses were induced after the infection of SARS-CoV-2 only in the APS model. However, aPLs detected in COVID-19 patients have little impact on the development of thrombosis. SARS-CoV-2 infection might have a high risk of thrombosis, especially in APS patients, as shown in the case report (4). The discrepancy of its thrombogenic effects of aPLs might be explained by the low titer of the antibody or the diversity of antibody epitope. Further analyses are required to clarify the mechanisms of aPLs production and the development of thrombosis in COVID-19.

References

[1]Oba S, et al. Arterial and Venous Thrombosis Complicated in COVID-19: A Retrospective Single-Center Analysis in Japan. Front Cardiovasc Med. 2021 Nov 19;8:767074.

[2]Hashimoto Y, et al. Anticardiolipin antibodies in NZW x BXSB F1 mice. A model of antiphospholipid syndrome. J Immunol. 1992 Aug 1;149(3):1063-8.

[3]Iwata-Yoshikawa N, et al. A lethal mouse model for evaluating vaccine-associated enhanced respiratory disease during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Sci Adv. 2022 Jan 7;8(1):eabh3827.

[4]Chidharla A, et al. A Case Report of COVID-Associated Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome Successfully Treated with Eculizumab. J Blood Med. 2021 Oct 30;12:929-933.

Disclosure of Interests

Seiya Oba: None declared, Tadashi Hosoya Speakers bureau: Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K.

Daiichi Sankyo Company, limited

Asahi Kasei Corporation

Ono pharmaceuticals

Eisai

Eli Lilly, Daisuke Kawata: None declared, Wenshi Lee: None declared, Mari Kamiya: None declared, Yoji Komiya: None declared, Hideyuki Iwai: None declared, Yuko Nukui: None declared, Shuji Tohda: None declared, Shinsuke Yasuda Speakers bureau: Abbvie,

Asahi Kasei Pharma,

Chugai Pharmaceutical,

Eisai, Eli Lilly,

GlaxoSmithKline,

Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma,

Ono pharmaceutical,

Pfizer., Consultant of: ImmunoForge, Grant/research support from: Abbvie,

Asahi Kasei Pharma,

Chugai Pharmaceutical,

CSL Behring,

Eisai,

ImmunoForge,

Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma,

Ono pharmaceutical

Two cases of BRAF-mutated, bulbar conjunctival melanoma, and review of the published literature

We describe two patients with BRAF-mutated melanoma of the epithelioid cell type arising from primary acquired melanosis with severe atypia of the right bulbar conjunctiva. Patient 1 was a 71-year-old Japanese man. After adjuvant cryotherapy and enucleation of the right eyeball, therapy with vemurafenib was administered for a distant metastasis to a lumbar vertebra, accompanied by erythema multiforme and two keratinous tumours. The patient died due to metastases to the liver and multiple vertebrae, despite therapy with nivolumab and combination therapy with dabrafenib plus trametinib. Patient 2 was a 72-year-old Japanese man. After adjuvant cryotherapy, periodic mitomycin C eye drops, and excision of the superficial portion of the right parotid gland and the dissection of cervical lymph nodes, he was treated with adjuvant combination therapy with dabrafenib plus trametinib. Dermatologists should be familiar with BRAF-mutated conjunctival melanoma, which is usually located on the bulbar conjunctiva and associated with more frequent distant metastasis.

Indications for partial parotidectomy using retrograde dissection of the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve for benign tumours of the parotid gland

The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of partial parotidectomy using retrograde dissection of the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve for benign tumours of the parotid gland and to establish the indications for its use. We examined 106 consecutive patients with previously untreated benign tumours in the lower portion of the parotid gland who were treated by parotidectomy. The first group (anterograde group, n=52) consisted of those who had standard anterograde parotidectomy. The remaining patients, who underwent retrograde parotidectomy, were further divided into two groups: those in whom the upper edge of the tumour was located below the mastoid tip (below mastoid group, n=46) or those in whom it was above the mastoid tip (above mastoid group, n=8). The operating time was significantly shorter in the below mastoid group (141.2, 127.5, and 98.1minutes, respectively) as was intraoperative blood loss (41.1, 53.0, and 24.4ml, respectively), compared with the other two groups. There was a higher incidence of facial nerve dysfunction in the above mastoid group postoperatively (4/8) than in the other two groups. The results suggested that the presence of a tumour of any size located below the mastoid tip is a good indication for parotidectomy using retrograde dissection of the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve.

Effect of calcium salt of functional monomer on bonding performance

To determine the amount of 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP)-calcium (MDP-Ca) salt produced through the demineralization of enamel or dentin by MDP, we designed experimental MDP-based one-step adhesives with different amounts of MDP. The null hypotheses were that (1) the amount of MDP-Ca salt produced through the demineralization of enamel was the same as that for dentin, and (2) the amounts of MDP-Ca salt have no effect on bonding performance. Increases in the amount of MDP resulted in increased amounts of MDP-Ca salt. The production amount of MDP-Ca salt of the dentin was 1.3 times higher than that of the enamel. The predominant species of the MDP and enamel reactants was a calcium hydrogen phosphate of MDP. In contrast, the dentin yielded both calcium phosphate and calcium hydrogen phosphate of MDP. Increases in the amount of MDP-Ca salt decreased both enamel and dentin bond strengths. An optimal concentration of MDP exists in one-step self-etch adhesives.

Growth of dielectric-embedded silicon nanocrystallites for light-emitting device application

Dielectric films with embedded silicon Si nanocrystallites (Si-Nc) have been recognized as promising light-emitting materials for future integrated photonics based on silicon technology. This work reports a novel method of making this kind of material by high-temperature annealing of Si-rich oxide or nitride films which gives rise to the phase separation reaction and the formation of crystalline silicon nanoclusters in the films. Various characteristics of these materials were studied in detail by using transmission electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman, and photoluminescence (PL). Strong transverse optical (TO) mode of Si-Nc at around 516 cm(-1) was found in the Raman spectra of the annealed dielectric films. XPS studies indicate that the Si 2p spectra could be transformed from a random bonding structure (as-deposited) to a random mixing of Si-Nc with stoichiometric oxide or nitride phase after the high-temperature annealing. The energy locations of PL were found to depend on the amount of rich Si and the annealing conditions. Longer and higher temperature annealing can result in the growth of the Si-Nc size and leads to a red-shift of PL. Direct correlation among the crystallite sizes with the PL peaks was found.

Fusion product diagnostics planned for Large Helical Device deuterium experiment

Deuterium experiment on the Large Helical Device (LHD) is now being planned at the National Institute for Fusion Science. The fusion product diagnostics systems currently considered for installation on LHD are described in this paper. The systems will include a time-resolved neutron yield monitor based on neutron gas counters, a time-integrated neutron yield monitor based on activation techniques, a multicollimator scintillation detector array for diagnosing spatial distribution of neutron emission rate, 2.5 MeV neutron spectrometer, 14 MeV neutron counter, and prompt γ-ray diagnostics.

Development of neutron spectrometer toward deuterium plasma diagnostics in LHD

Neutron spectrometer based on coincident counting of associated particles has been developed for deuterium plasma diagnostics on Large Helical Device (LHD) at the National Institute for Fusion Science. Efficient detection of 2.5 MeV neutron with high energy resolution would be achievable by coincident detection of a scattered neutron and a recoiled proton associated with an elastic scattering of incident neutron in a plastic scintillator as a radiator. The calculated neutron spectra from deuterium plasma heated by neutral beam injection indicate that the energy resolution of better than 7% is required for the spectrometer to evaluate energetic deuterium confinement. By using a prototype of the proposed spectrometer, the energy resolution of 6.3% and the detection efficiency of 3.3×10(-7) count/neutron were experimentally demonstrated for 2.5 MeV monoenergetic neutron, respectively.

Pharmacokinetics of Fluorinated 2-nitroimidazole Hypoxic Cell Radiosensitizers in Murine Peripheral Nervous Tissue

We have previously reported that KU-2285, a 2-nitroimidazole with a fluorinated N1-substituent (-CH2-CF2CONH(CH2)nOH, n = 2), was a promising hypoxic cell radiosensitizer. In this study the pharmacokinetics of KU-2285 and its related compounds (n = 3 and n = 4) were compared with those of etanidazole (a 2-nitroimidazole with an N1-substituent of -CH2CONH(CH2)nOH, n = 2) and its related compounds (n = 3 and n = 4) to assess the effects of incorporation of a CF2 group. The lipophilicity of the fluorinated compounds was higher than that of etanidazole, as measured by the octanol/water partition coefficient. As the number of CH2 groups increased, the lipophilicity of the compounds in both the KU-2285 and etanidazole series increased. The brain tissue levels of the fluorinated compounds were as low as those of the etanidazole derivatives, while the biological half-lives of the fluorinated compounds in peripheral nervous tissues were shorter than those of related non-fluorinated compounds.

Effect of miglitol, an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, on atherogenic outcomes in balloon-injured diabetic rats

This study investigates the effects of miglitol, an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, on the development of balloon-injured neointimal thickening in left common carotid artery, and the changes of glucose metabolism and inflammatory responses in Wistar fatty rats, an obese-hyperglycemic animal model, and their littermates, Wistar lean rats. Miglitol was orally administered at 40 mg/100 g of high-fat diet containing 45% kcal as fat to 12-week-old rats for 29 days, and age-matched rats without the agent were used as the respective controls. Balloon catheterization in the left common carotid artery was performed on day 15, and the artery was removed on day 29. Compared with the area ratio of the neointima/media in fatty rats without treatment, those in fatty rats with miglitol and lean rats without treatment were significantly decreased to 80%. The administration of miglitol significantly decreased the levels of plasma glucose, glycoalbumin and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and elevated the high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level in fatty rats. These findings suggest that miglitol could be effective for the suppression of atherogenic outcomes in diabetic Wistar fatty rat, suggesting that the agent may have clinical benefits and contribute to prevent diabetic macroangiopathy.

The potyvirus associated with the dappled fruit of Passiflora edulis in Kagoshima prefecture, Japan is the third strain of the proposed new species East Asian Passiflora virus (EAPV) phylogenetically distinguished from strains of Passion fruit woodiness virus

A potyvirus (isolate IB) causing dappled or faded fruits and foliar mosaic symptoms of purple passionfruit, was found in the botanical garden of Kagoshima University, Japan. This isolate--differed in host range from isolates of Passion fruit woodiness virus (PWV)-AO, previously reported to cause "woodiness" in Japan. Isolates IB and AO had 83% amino acid identity in their coat proteins (CPs). In phylogenetic analysis, East Asian isolates IB, AO, and PWV-Taiwan clustered together, and were distinguishable from Australian PWV and Brazilian Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus isolates, which also cause "woodiness" in passionfruit. We propose the name "East Asian Passiflora virus (EAPV)" for the new potyvirus species.

Isolation of equine herpesvirus-1 lacking glycoprotein C from a dead neonatal foal in Japan

We isolated a variant equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1), strain 5089, from the lung of a dead neonatal foal in Japan and characterized the biological nature of the virus. The virus spread in cultured cells mainly by cell-to-cell infection, unlike wild-type EHV-1, which spreads efficiently as a cell-free virus. The virus titer in cultured supernatant and the intracellular virus titer were low compared to those of wild-type EHV-1. Heparin treatment of the virus had no effect on viral infectivity in cell culture. Glycoprotein C (gC) was not detected by Western blotting and fluorescent antibody tests in 5089 virions and 5089-infected cells, respectively. RT-PCR analysis revealed that the expression level of 5089 gC mRNA was reduced considerably compared to that of wild-type EHV-1. Sequencing analysis of the 5089 gC coding region showed a point mutation in the promoter region of the gC open reading frame. However, the mutation did not affect the promoter activity. These results suggested that the lack of gC in 5089 virions might be one of the reasons for spread of the virus by cell-to-cell infection and that gC mRNA expression might not be activated efficiently due to factors other than the mutation in the gC promoter region.

Experimental vertical transmission of Borna disease virus in the mouse

We demonstrated the experimental vertical transmission of Borna disease virus (BDV) in pregnant BALB/c mice. Giessen strain He/80 of BDV was used in the present study. Six six-week-old mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with 10(5) 50% tissue culture infective doses (TCID50), and were bred immediately. Four pregnant mice were sacrificed under anaesthesia on the 10th and 14th days after vaginal plug formation. Nine newborns from two maternal mice were sacrificed under anaesthesia on the 7th day after birth. Positive signals with RT-nested PCR techniques for BDV p24-RNAs were seen in the fetuses, placentas and brains of all newborn mice. No immunopositivities for BDV p40 were found in the fetuses or placentas at 10 days' gestation. BDV p40 immunopositivities were found in neurons of the fetal brains and in decidual cells of the placentas at 14 days' gestation. They were also found in neurons of the brains of newborn mice. At 10 days' gestation, no positive signals for BDV p40 sense or antisense riboprobes were seen in the fetal brains or placentas. Positive signals were found in neurons of the fetal brains and decidual cells of the placentas at 14 days' gestation. Positive signals for BDV p40 sense and antisense riboprobes were found in almost all neurons throughout the brains of nine newborn mice. These results suggest that persistent infection with BDV in newborn mice may be induced by vertical transmission during gestation.

Front-loading of Groningen voice prosthesis in alaryngeal patients requiring prosthetic replacement

The Groningen voice prosthesis can be successfully replaced using the back-loading system. We have attempted to minimize patient stress by developing a front-loading system that does not require insertion of the introducer via the tracheo-oesophageal shunt to the oral cavity or the mesopharyngeal anaesthetization regularly used with the back-loading system. Using our front-loading system, the existing prosthesis is removed, then the posterior portion of the replacement Groningen prosthesis is grasped by a pair of nasal forceps with a small jaw to make an acute angle and inserted into the oesophageal cavity through the shunt at a stroke. All 20 patients who underwent forward-loading replacement of a Groningen (n = 17) or Blom-Singer (n = 3) valve with a Groningen valve tolerated the procedure well and experienced no complications except, in some cases, for minor bleeding just after insertion of the prosthesis. The procedure was completed within 30 seconds.

Borna disease in a dog in Japan

Borna disease (BD) was diagnosed in a 3-year-old male Welsh corgi suffering from a severe and acute progressive disorder of the central nervous system. Histopathologically, neuronal lesions were characterized by a non-suppurative encephalomyelitis dominated by large perivascular cuffs consisting of lymphocytes, macrophages and plasma cells; also present were inflammatory cell infiltrates in the neural parenchyma, neuronophagia and focal gliosis. Strong immunolabelling with BD virus (BDV) p40 antibody was diffusely distributed in the cytoplasm of small and large neurons in areas of the brain with and without inflammatory changes, and also in the spinal cord. Positive hybridization signals with BDV p40 sense and antisense riboprobes were seen in the nucleus and cytoplasm of the neurons throughout the whole brain and spinal cord. BDV p24 RNA in formalin-fixed brain tissue was detected by reverse transcriptase (RT)-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). BDV p24 RNA-positive signals were detected in the temporal lobe. This is the first report of spontaneous canine BD in Japan.

Protective effect of OK-432 on mice against endotoxemia and infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enteritidis

OK-432 has been used clinically as a biological response modifier for cancer therapy. We investigated here the protective effects of OK-432 against endotoxic shock and infectious death caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enteritidis in mice and proposed a possible mechanism. Pretreatment of OK-432 reduced the lethality of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxic shock in D-(+)-galactosamine-sensitized C3H/HeN mice. OK-432 did not affect the TNFalpha production in blood, but it did decrease the susceptibility to TNFalpha. Furthermore, an acceleration of LPS clearance from blood was detected. The pretreatment of OK-432 also decreased the lethality of mice in bacterial infection caused by P. aeruginosa and S. enteritidis. The rapid decrease of the viable bacteria from the circulating blood and in spleen and liver in mice was observed in a manner similar to LPS clearance. These findings indicate that the protective effect of OK-432 against the endotoxemia and bacteremia may depend on an up-regulation of clearance of LPS and bacteria and the augmented resistance to TNFalpha.

Absence of arabinan in the side chains of the pectic polysaccharides strongly associated with cell walls of Nicotiana plumbaginifolia non-organogenic callus with loosely attached constituent cells

When leaf disks from haploid plants of Nicotiana plumbaginifolia Viv. were transformed with T-DNA and cultured on shoot-inducing medium, nonorganogenic callus. designated nolac (for non-organogenic callus with loosely attached cells), appeared on approximately 7% of leaf disks. In contrast, normal callus was generated on T-DNA-transformed leaf disks from diploid plants and on non-transformed leaf disks from haploid and diploid plants. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the middle lamellae and the cell walls of one line of mutant callus (nolac-H14) were barely stained by ruthenium red. even after demethylesterification with NaOH, whereas the entire cell wall and the middle lamella were strongly stained in normal callus. In cultures of nolac-H14 callus, the level of sugar components of pectic polysaccharides in the hemicellulose fraction was reduced and that in the culture medium was elevated, as compared with cultures of normal callus. These results indicate that pectic polysaccharides are not retained in the cell walls and middle lamellae of nolac-H14 callus. In nolac-H14, the ratio of arabinose to galactose was low in the pectic polysaccharides purified from all cell wall fractions and from the medium, in particular, in the hemicellulose fractions. The low levels of arabinofuranosyl (T-Araf, 5-Araf, 2,5-Araf, and 3,5-Araf) residues in the pectic polysaccharides of the hemicellulosic fraction of nolac-H,14 indicated that no neutral-sugar side chains, composed mainly of linear arabinan. were present in nolac-H14. Arabinose-rich pectins. which are strongly associated with cellulose-hemicellulose complexes, might play an important role in intercellular attachment in the architecture of the cell wall.

New method for thyroid transplantation across major histocompatibility complex barriers using allogeneic bone marrow transplantation

BACKGROUND

It has been shown that allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) after lethal irradiation elicits donor-specific tolerance for organ or tissue transplantation across major histocompatibility complex (MHC) barriers. Recently, we have demonstrated that the portal venous (p.v.) administration of donor bone marrow cells (BMCs) elicits donor-specific tolerance across MHC barriers by only two administrations of an immunosuppressant (CsA or FK-506). In our study, using the central and intrahepatic tolerance-inducing system, we have established a new method for thyroid transplantation with BMT that would be more applicable to humans.

METHODS

In addition to sublethal (6-5 Gy) irradiation, recipient B6 (H-2b) mice received injections i.p. with the myeloablative drug busulfan (BU) on day -2 to provide a sufficient "space" for the donor hematopoietic cells to expand in the recipients. To induce the intrahepatic tolerance, donor BALB/c (H-2d) BMCs were treated with neuraminidase (Neu), which enhances the trapping of i.v. injected BMCs in the liver. After the injection of Neu-treated BMCs, the thyroid organs from the BALB/c mice were engrafted under the renal capsules.

RESULTS

A 90% graft survival rate was obtained over 100 days by a combination of BU administration, 6 Gy irradiation, and i.v. injection of Neu-treated BMCs [BU+6 Gy+(Neu) i.v.], and a 70% graft survival rate was obtained by [BU+5 Gy+(Neu) i.v.]. However, the graft survival rate significantly decreased when either the BU or Neu treatment was omitted. T cells collected from the tolerant recipients suppressed the proliferative responses to donor alloantigens.

CONCLUSIONS

Using both BU and Neu treatments, we have succeeded in inducing long-term tolerance and preventing the rejection of thyroid allografts by the single-day protocol.

Comparison of endo-polygalacturonase activities of citrus and non-citrus races of Geotrichum candidum, and cloning and expression of the corresponding genes

summary Geotrichum candidum citrus race, a fungus that causes a sour rot disease in citrus fruits, secretes an endo-polygalacturonase (PG) that may facilitate the disease. There also exists a non-citrus race that is non-pathogenic to citrus fruits. In this research, we found that the PG activity of the citrus race isolates was much higher than that of the non-citrus race isolates in culture medium and inoculated lemon peel, and that there was a significant correlation between the PG activity and pathogenicity. We isolated the two corresponding PG genes, S31pg1 and S63pg1, from citrus race S31 and non-citrus race S63, respectively. S31PG1 and S63PG1 consisted of 368 and 369 amino acids, respectively. The two PG genes showed 68% identity at the amino acid level. In expression studies, S31pg1 transcript was detected in mycelia grown in liquid cultures of citrus race S31 containing either glucose, pectin or lemon peel broth. The transcript was also detected in lemon peel inoculated with the isolate. On the other hand, no transcript of S63pg1 was detected in mycelia grown on any liquid cultures of non-citrus race S63 and lemon peel inoculated with the isolate. These results indicate that PG may play an important role in the development of the sour rot symptom and be involved in the difference of pathogenicity between the two races.

Interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels in sera and whey of cattle with naturally occurring coliform mastitis

Concentrations of interferon-gamma (lFN-gamma) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were determined in serum and whey samples from cattle with naturally occurring coliform mastitis for two weeks after onset using bovine INF-gamma and TNF-alpha-specific ELISA. In serum and whey samples from healthy cows. IFN-gamma was almost undetectable and TNF-alpha was detected at low levels. At the onset of illness, INF-gamma in sera and whey and TNF-alpha in whey from the mastitic cows were significantly higher than their respective values in healthy cows. Concentrations of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha in whey from mastitic cattle decreased significantly as the cows recovered.

Oral administration of IL-1 beta enhanced the proliferation of lymphocytes and the O(2)(-) production of neutrophil in newborn calf

Recently, we demonstrated the presence of IL-1 beta in the colostral whey from dairy cows. Here, authors examined oral transmission of colostral IL-1 beta and its immunological effects on the neonatal calves. Biotin-labeled recombinant bovine (rb) IL-1 beta was administered orally to newborn calves and monitored in the serum. The results disclosed the passive transfer of colostral cytokines via the oral route, and a potent increase in white blood cell (WBC) count was observed in all calves administered with rbIL-1 beta. Oral administration of IL-1 beta significantly increased the proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stimulated with concanavalin A, and the O(2)(-) production of stimulates neutrophils in newborn calves. These results suggest that the oral administration of IL-1 beta has an immunostimulatory activity in the newborn calf.

Effect of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist on concanavalin A response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from newborn calves

The coexistence of interleukin (IL)-1beta with IL-1 receptor antagonist (ra) in bovine colostrum and the possibility of simultaneous transfer of these cytokines to neonates via colostrum have been demonstrated. In the present study, we investigated the effect of IL-1ra on the mitogenic response of calf peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) stimulated by concanavalin A (ConA), which was mediated by IL-1. Pretreatment of PBMC with recombinant bovine (rb) IL-1ra alone significantly suppressed the proliferation of ConA-stimulated cells. However, in the presence of rbIL-1beta, the suppressive activity of rbIL-1ra was counteracted. These results suggest that coexistence of IL-1ra with IL-1 in colostrum may have no effect on the activation of the neonatal immune system by IL-1beta.

Prevention of accelerated presbycusis by bone marrow transplantation in senescence-accelerated mice

A substrain of the senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM), the SAMP1 mouse, is an animal model for accelerated senescence including the age-related acceleration of both immunological dysfunction and hearing loss caused by the impairment of spiral ganglion cells. In the present study, we examine whether the accelerated presbycusis can be prevented by allogeneic BMT. Young SAMP1 (H-2(k)) mice were irradiated with 9 Gy and then reconstituted with bone marrow cells from normal BALB/c (H-2(d)) mice. Allogeneic BMT was found to prevent the development of immunological dysfunction, hearing loss, and apoptosis of spinal ganglion cells in SAMP1 mice. These findings indicate that some types of accelerated presbycusis do not result from defects in the cochlea, but do from defects in the hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and immunocompetent cells derived from the HSC. If this is the case, either allogeneic BMT, which replaces abnormal HSC with normal HSC and reconstructs a normal immune system in the recipients, or autologous BMT using genetically modified bone marrow cells, could become a new strategy for the treatment of presbycusis.

Asymmetric Mukaiyama-Michael addition of acyclic enones catalyzed by allo-threonine-derived B-aryloxazaborolidinones

[reaction: see text] O-(2-Naphthoyl)-N-tosyl-L-allo-threonine-derived B-phenyloxazaborolidinone catalyzes the asymmetric Mukaiyama-Michael addition of simple acyclic enones to give adducts of 54-85% ee. 2,6-Diisopropylphenol as an additive is demonstrated to effectively retard the undesirable Si(+)-catalyzed racemic pathway.

Cyclic green fluorescent protein produced in vivo using an artificially split PI-PfuI intein from Pyrococcus furiosus

A cyclic protein was produced in vivo using the intein from Pyrococcus furiosus PI-PfuI in a novel approach to create a circular permutation of the precursor protein by introducing new termini in the intein domain. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) was cyclized with this method in vivo on milligram scales. There was no by-product of linear or polymerized species isolated, unlike with other in vitro or in vivo cyclization methods utilizing inteins. Cyclized GFP unfolded at half the rate of the linear form upon chemical denaturation and required >2 days in 7 m guanidine hydrochloride until a residual fast folding phase (consistent with a persistent cis-proline) had disappeared. Cyclic GFP might become a novel tool for studying the role of termini and backbone topology in various biological processes such as protein degradation and translocation in vivo as well as in vitro.

Secondary flow effect to heat transfer of a duct with discrete rib turbulators

In the present study, three-dimensional numerical simulation is carried out for discrete rib arrays to investigate the local fluid and heat transfer characteristics. Rib pitch and gap width were varied in several steps. Furthermore, two kinds of rib arrays were studied, i.e. an array of ribs having the gaps at both spanwise ends and a staggered array of ribs with gaps at both spanwise ends and with gaps in the middle. Eventually, the staggered arrayed ribs is suggested to be best in performance of heat transfer.

Dilatation of stent-grafts by luminal pressures: experimental evaluation of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and woven polyester grafts

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect on dilatation of three types of covering materials used for endovascular stent-grafts.

METHODS

Stent-grafts with three types of covering material [0.1-mm polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), 0.2-mm PTFE, and 0.15-mm woven polyester] were placed in a fluid circuit. For the pulsatile pressure test, the luminal pressure of 190/130 mmHg was loaded up to 300,000 pulses. For the static pressure test, the luminal pressure was increased from 50 to 300 mmHg at 50-mmHg increments. The percent of dilatation of each stent-graft was compared.

RESULTS

The 0.1-mm PTFE stent-graft was significantly more dilated than the 0.2-mm PTFE and the 0.15-mm woven polyester stent-graft (p < 0.005) in both examinations. There was no significant difference between the 0.2-mm PTFE and the 0.15-mm woven polyester stent-grafts. The dilatation of the 0.1-mm PTFE stent-graft was irreversible.

CONCLUSION

The 0.15-mm woven polyester and the 0.2-mm PTFE stent-grafts may be preferable to the 0.1-mm PTFE stent-graft with regard to dilatation and deformity.

Consecutive imaging of the facial nerve using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging

This study examined the signal intensity of the facial nerve on T1-weighted images using the multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) method of the high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging technique. The facial nerves of 12 sides in 6 normal adults were consecutively observed from the mastoid area to the intraparotid area. Results indicated that facial nerves showed similar or relatively high signal intensity compared with the intensity of the parotid parenchyma. Although previous studies have indicated that the intraparotid facial nerve had a low signal intensity, facial nerves were probably confused with the intraparotid ductal system or vessels which show low signal intensity on T1-weighted images or with low signal lines due to chemical artifacts. All facial nerve trunks were clearly identified; however, 33% (4/12) of second branches of the nerves shifted or curved too strongly to be detected in the parotid parenchyma with this method.

Concentrations of IL-6 in serum and whey from healthy and mastitic cows

Inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6, have been shown to reflect clinical signs in certain conditions in diseased animals. In this study, we quantified the IL-6 concentrations in the serum and milk whey from 94 dairy cows with acute clinical mastitis and 55 healthy lactating cows. The IL-6 concentrations in serum from mastitic cows were significantly higher on the first day of illness compared to those of normal cows. Higher concentrations of IL-6 were also detected in the whey from mastitic cows, whereas low concentrations of IL-6 were detected in both serum and whey samples from normal cows. IL-6 concentrations in the serum taken at the onset of illness from cows that later required euthanasia were significantly higher than those in samples from cows that later recovered. These results suggest that serum IL-6 concentrations may be of prognostic value in identifying cows with severe mastitis.

Alteration of peripheral blood dendritic cells in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome

OBJECTIVE

We recently identified 3 fractions of human peripheral blood (PB) dendritic cells (DC), including the monocyte-associated fractions 1 and 2 (CD1a+,CD11c+ and CD1a-,CD11c+, respectively) and the lymphoid-associated fraction 3 (CD1a-,CD11c-). We attempted to determine whether these fractions were altered in Sjögren's syndrome (SS).

METHODS

We examined 23 patients with primary SS and 22 normal control subjects. DC were purified from PB and analyzed by flow cytometry. Immunohistochemical staining of labial salivary glands of SS patients was performed with monoclonal antibodies against fascin, which is known to be specific for DC.

RESULTS

The total numbers of PB DC and fraction 1 DC were decreased in SS. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that fascin+,CD11c+,HLA-DR+ mononuclear cells were present and scattered among numerous fascin-hyperfiltrating cells in SS patients. Interferon-gamma (IFNgamma)-producing Th1 cells were shown to be increased in both PB and salivary glands of patients, indicating the presence of general IFNgamma-producing Th1 polarization in SS. Furthermore, numbers of Thl cells were increased when naive T cells were cocultured with fraction 1 DC in vitro.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest selective trafficking of fraction 1 DC into focal sites of inflammation and subsequent promotion of Th1 balance, suggesting a novel pathogenesis of SS.

[A case of sarcoidosis characterized by a nasopharyngeal tumor and neurological lesions]

A 20-year-old man was admitted to a hospital complaining a slight fever lasting for 3 months associated with a dull headache and weight loss. A tumor was found in the nasopharynx of which biopsy specimen revealed granulomas with Langhans' giant cells. He was given antituberculous agents without symptomatic improvement, and transferred to our hospital. Serum levels of soluble IL-2 receptor and lysozyme were increased, and a significant uptake was observed by Ga scintigraphy at the nasopharynx and bilateral hilar lymphnodes. Furthermore, spinal fluid contained increased number of mononuclear cells, and T2-weighted MRI scans showed an enhanced lesion at the pituitary stalk. The specimen of both TBLB and repeated biopsy of the nasopharyngeal tumor showed granulomas without caseous necrosis. Taken together with these findings, a diagnosis of sarcoidosis with CNS involvement was finally made, and he made a favorable progress by treatment with prednisolone. This is an unique case which emphasizes importance of differential diagnosis of nasopharyngeal tumors with neurological manifestations in the clinicalsetting of rheumatology.

Quinolactacins A, B and C: novel quinolone compounds from Penicillium sp. EPF-6. I. Taxonomy, production, isolation and biological properties

Quinolactacins A (1), B (2) and C (3), novel quinolone antibiotics have been found from the cultured broth of a fungal strain isolated from the larvae of the mulberry pyralid Margaronia pyloalis Welker). The fungal strain, EPF-6 was identified as Penicillium sp. from its morphological characteristics. Quinolactacins were obtained from the culture medium by solvent extraction and chromatographic purification. Compound 1 showed inhibitory activity against tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production induced by murine peritoneal macrophages and macrophage-like J774.1 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Quinolactacins A, B and C: novel quinolone compounds from Penicillium sp. EPF-6. II. Physico-chemical properties and structure elucidation

Three novel quinolone compounds, quinolactacins A (1), B (2) and C (3), have been found from the fermentation broth of Penicillium sp. EPF-6, a fungus isolated from the larvae of mulberry pyralid (Margaronia pyloalis Welker). The molecular formulas of 1, 2 and 3 were determined to be C16H18N2O2, C15H16N2O2 and C16H18N2O3, respectively by FAB-MS and NMR spectral analyses. The structures of these compounds have a novel quinolone skeleton with a gamma-lactam ring consisting of C12H8N2O2 as the common chromophore.

Detection of cytokines in bovine colostrum

Colostrum contains factors that are protective for the neonate and may be a source of immunomodulary molecules that positively influence the immune status of the neonate. To confirm that colostrum contains a variety of cytokines with immunomodulatory properties, we established a bovine cytokine specific ELISA and five cytokines (IL-1 beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha, INF-gamma or IL-1 receptor antagonist, IL-1ra) in the whey samples from cows at different stages of lactation were monitored. The expression of cytokine mRNAs (IL-1 beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha and INF-gamma) in the colostral cells was detected by RT-PCR. The concentrations of cytokines in colostrum were significantly higher concentrations than those in the mature milk. A positive correlation was observed between the concentrations of IL-1ra and IL-1 beta in the colostrum samples. In conclusion, colostrum contains high levels of cytokines that could be produced and secreted in the mammary gland and that may have an immunomodulatory activity and influence neonatal immunity.

High levels of serum interleukin-10 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha are associated with fatality in fulminant hepatitis

Serum pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators in patients with acute liver diseases were assessed to clarify the clinical significance of these measurements in relation to disease severity. Concentrations of circulating tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, and soluble TNF receptors (sTNFR) p55 and p75 were measured at admission in patients with fulminant hepatitis (FH; n=19), severe acute hepatitis (AHS, n=15), or acute hepatitis (AH, n=7). Serum concentrations of TNF-alpha, IL-10, and sTNFR-55 were significantly higher in patients with FH than in those with AHS (P<.05, <.05, and <.01, respectively) or AH (P<.05). Serum IL-10 and TNF-alpha levels were higher in patients who died of FH (n=13) than in FH survivors (n=6; P<.05). The ratios between TNF-alpha and IL-10 and sTNFR-55 or sTNFR-75 were not valuable in predicting mortality and disease severity. However, both proinflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 levels at admission were associated with fatal outcome among patients with FH.

Prevention of autoimmune hearing loss in MRL/lpr mice by bone marrow transplantation

We examined the effects of bone marrow transplantation (BMT) on immune-mediated inner ear diseases in MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr (MRL/lpr) mice, which manifest not only lupus nephritis but also sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) at the age of 20 weeks. These mice were treated with cyclophosphamide (CY) and irradiation (5 Gy x 2), followed by the transplantation of bones plus bone marrow cells from allogeneic normal C57BL/6 mice at the age of 12 weeks. Hematolymphoid cells were reconstituted with donor-derived cells 3 months after BMT. Thus-treated MRL/lpr mice showed neither lupus nephritis nor SNHL even 24 weeks after BMT. No pathological findings were observed in either glomeruli or cochleae. These findings suggest that BMT can be used to prevent the development of autoimmune SNHL in MRL/lpr mice.