In vitro investigation of the effects of Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus OLL1073R-1 exopolysaccharides on tight junction damage caused by influenza virus infection

It is a problem that influenza virus infection increases susceptibility to secondary bacterial infection in lungs leading to lethal pneumonia. We previously reported that exopolysaccharides (EPS) derived from Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus OLL1073R-1 (OLL1073R-1) could prevent against influenza virus infection followed by secondary bacterial infection in vitro. Therefore, the present study assessed whether EPS derived OLL1073R-1 protects the alveolar epithelial barrier disfunction caused by influenza virus infection. After A549 cells treated with EPS or without EPS were infected influenza virus A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (IFV) for 12 h, the levels of tight junction genes expression and inflammatory genes expression were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. As results, EPS treatment could protect against low-titer IFV infection, but not high-titer IFV infection, followed by suppression of the increased expression of inflammatory cytokine gene levels and recovery of the decrease in the expression level of ZO-1 gene that was caused by low-titer IFV infection, leading to an improvement trend in the barrier function. Our findings showed that EPS derived from OLL1073R-1 could inhibit low-titer IFV infection leading to maintenance of the epithelial barrier function through the suppression of inflammatory cytokine genes expression.

Impact of control measures including decolonization and hand hygiene for orthopaedic surgical site infection caused by MRSA at a Japanese tertiary-care hospital

BACKGROUND

Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is the most common pathogen in orthopaedic surgical site infections (SSIs). However, few studies have investigated the transmission process of orthopaedic MRSA SSI.

AIM

To investigate the transmission process of orthopaedic MRSA SSI using epidemiological and molecular analyses and to determine a method to prevent MRSA SSI in nosocomial orthopaedic surgery.

METHODS

Active MRSA surveillance, preoperative decolonization and contact precautions for MRSA-positive cases was performed at our institution. Changes in epidemic strains were evaluated and the possibility of transmission from patients in an orthopaedic ward of a Japanese tertiary-care hospital was assessed by genotyping stored MRSA strains. In addition, data on the prevalence of MRSA SSI, MRSA colonization, and use of an alcohol antiseptic agent (mL/patient-days) during 2005-2022 were retrospectively assessed.

FINDINGS

SCCmec type II strain in the SSI group decreased over time, associated with fewer outbreaks. Even during a period of high infection rates, no cases of transmission-induced SSI from nasal MRSA carriers were identified. The infection rate correlated negatively with the use of an alcohol antiseptic agent (r = -0.82; P < 0.0001). Two cases among five nasal carriers developed MRSA SSI caused by strains different from those related to nasal colonization.

CONCLUSION

The infection control measures for transmission from the hospital reservoirs including strict adherence to hand hygiene and decolonization of carriers is likely to be important for the prevention of orthopaedic MRSA SSI. However, the need for contact precautions for decolonized nasal carriers might be low.

Effects of NKT Cells on Metabolic Disorders Caused by High-Fat Diet Using CD1d-Knockout Mice

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether NKT cells play an important role in preventing or exacerbating diseases caused by high-fat diet (HFD) using CD1d-knockout (KO) mice which lack NKT cells.

Methods

Five-week-old male Balb/c (wild-type; WT) or CD1dKO mice were fed with control-diet (CTD) or HFD for 16 weeks.

Results

The present study revealed four main findings. First, CD1dKO mice were susceptible to obesity caused by HFD in comparison to WT mice. Second, clinical conditions of fatty liver caused by HFD were comparable between CD1dKO mice and WT mice. Third, HFD-fed WT mice showed high levels of serum biochemical markers, involved in lipid metabolisms, in comparison to WT mice fed a CTD. Notably, the serum concentrations of ALT, T-CHO, TG and HDL-C in CD1dKO mice fed a HFD were almost comparable to those of CD1dKO mice fed a CTD. Fourth, the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ, low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), CD36 of epididymal adipose tissue enhanced and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type (PCSK) 9 in serum decreased.

Conclusion

NKT cells were responsible for protection against HFD-induced obesity. However, CD1dKO mice were resistant to serum biochemical marker abnormalities after HFD feeding. One possible explanation is that the epididymal adipose tissue of CD1dKO mice could take up greater amounts of excess lipids in serum in comparison to WT mice.

Fecal microbiota transplantation from Suncus murinus, an obesity-resistant animal, to C57BL/6NCrSIc mice, and the antibiotic effects in the approach

Introduction

Important studies on the relationship of the intestinal microbial flora with obesity have uncovered profound changes in the composition of the gut microbiota in obese individuals. Animal studies successfully altered body phenotypes by fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT).

Methods

In this study, we analyzed the gut microbiome of Suncus murinus (S. murinus), a naturally obesity-resistant animal, and the changes of the gut flora of C57BL/6NCrSIc mice that received gut bacteria transplantation from S. murinus by 16S rRNA gene analysis method. And analyzed and discussed the possible impact of the use of antibiotics before transplantation on the outcome of transplantation.

Results

Our results showed no significant changes in body weight in the FMT group compared to the control (AB) group, but large fluctuations due to antibiotics. There was no change in blood lipid levels between groups before and after FMT. The gut microbiota of S. murinus were enriched in Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, while Bacteroidetes were not detected, and fewer OTUs were detected in the intestine gut in comparison to other mouse groups. Statistically significant differences in alpha diversity were observed between the FMT group and other groups. Furthermore, a beta diversity analysis indicated an apparent structural separation between the FMT group and other groups.

Conclusion

It was suggested that the gut flora of S. murinus was not well established in the gut trace of mice through FMT, and the administration of antibiotics before transplantation was an important factor affecting the overall composition of the gut flora. Although FMT of S. murinus failed to completely colonize the intestinal tract of the mice, it still had a certain effect on the establishment of the intestinal flora of the mice. The unpredictable effects of pre-transplantation antibiotics on the results of transplantation cannot be ignored.

Genomic and pathogenic characterization of RTX toxin producing Rodentibacter sp. that is closely related to Rodentibacter haemolyticus

Rodentibacter spp. are opportunistic pathogens that are often isolated from the upper respiratory tracts of laboratory rodents. In particular, R. pneumotropicus and R. heylii require considerable caution in rodent colonies, as they cause lethal pneumonia in rodents. A new species, R. haemolyticus, has recently been classified in the genus, and a very closely related strain, Rodentibacter sp. strain JRC, has been isolated in Japan. This study focused on strain JRC by performing genomic and pathogenic analyses. Draft genome sequencing of strain JRC identified several genes coding for putative virulent proteins, including hemolysin and adhesin. Furthermore, we found a new RTX (repeats-in-structural toxin) toxin gene in the genome, which was predicted to produce a critical virulence factor (RTXIA) similar to Enterobacteriaceae. The concentrated culture supernatant containing RTX toxin (RTXIA) showed cytotoxicity toward RAW264.7 cells. Pre-incubation with anti-CD11a attenuated the cytolysis, suggesting that the concentrated culture supernatant containing RTXIA is cell surface LFA-1 mediated cytolysin. Experimental infection of strain JRC intranasally with 5 female BALB/c-Rag2^-/- mice showed 60% lethality and was not significantly different from those of R. pneumotropicus ATCC 35149^T using the log-rank test. Combined with our finding that RTXIA has an almost identical amino acid sequence (98% identity) to that of R. haemolyticus 1625/19^T, these results strongly suggest that RTXIA-producing strain JRC (and related R. haemolyticus) is pathogenic to immunodeficient rodents, and both agents should be excluded in laboratory rodent colonies.

P-205 Blastocyst derived from oocytes with smooth endoplasmic reticulum aggregates (SERa) has similar clinical and perinatal outcomes with those of oocytes without SER

Study question

This study was to investigate effect of SERa on the fertilization rate, embryonic development after ICSI, and clinical and perinatal outcomes after single blastocyst transfer.

Summary answer

SERa (+) derived embryo can be selected as embryos for transfer when no available SERa (-) derived embryos.

What is known already

Based on findings that the risk of congenital abnormalities in the newborn is higher in ovum with SERa in the cytoplasm, the Istanbul consensus workshop at the 2011 meeting of the ESHRE recommended against fertilizing ovum with SERa due to these risks. However, there have been several reports of healthy infants born from embryos derived from SERa, suggesting that, while more long-term follow-up is necessary, healthy births are possible from such embryos. In 2017, the 2011 recommendations were reviewed in the Alpha/ESHRE consensus (Vienna), which said the approach should be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Study design, size, duration

We retrospectively investigated 23,007 oocytes which was retrieved between January 2016 and March 2020. Of these, 1,038 oocytes (4.5%) with visible SERa comprised SERa (+), while 21,969 oocytes (95.5%) without SERa comprised SERa (-).

Participants/materials, setting, methods

SERa were observed under the microscopy after denudation. The rate of fertilization, good-quality day-3 embryos, good-quality day-5 blastocysts, and day-5, 6 or 7 blastocysts were evaluated for both groups. We also compared the rate of clinical pregnancy, live birth, miscarriage, and birth defects in single blastocyst transfer between SERa (+) derived 114 blastocysts and SERa (-) derived 6,290 blastocysts from January 2016 and December 2018.

Main results and the role of chance

The results are shown. 2PN fertilization rate outcomes after ICSI (SERa(-) eggs vs. SERa(+)eggs),81.4%(17,873/21,969) vs.79.4% (823/1,038),and good-quality day3 rate was 61.1%(10,927/17,873)vs.60.9% (501/823) which was not significantly different. Good-quality day5 blastocyst rate was 46.5% (7,876/16,955) vs. 39.8%(304/763), and day 5 blastocyst success rate was 60.8% (10,317/16,955) vs.54.3% (414/763), which were both significantly lower with SERa(+). (P &lt; 0.001) The day 6 blastocyst success rate was 69.9% (11,849/16,955) vs. 65.5% (500/763) (P = 0.01), and the day 7 blastocyst success rate was 70.9% (12,024/16,955) vs. 67.5% (515/763) (P = 0.04), which were all significantly lower with SERa(+).The clinical pregnancy rate was 39.4% (2,481/6,290) vs. 35.1% (40/114), the live birth rate was 27.7% (1,745/6,290) vs. 26.3% (30/114), and the miscarriage rate was 27.5% (683/2,481) vs. 20.0% (8/40) and the congenital abnormality rate was 1.6% (29/1,757) vs. 0% (0/30) for SERa(-) embryos and SERa(+) embryos, respectively, which were not significantly different. Blastocyst derived from oocytes with SERa has similar clinical and perinatal outcomes with those of oocytes without SERa. Significant differences were examined using the chi-squared test, with p &lt; 0.05, indicating a significant difference.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Embryos derived SERa (+) were transferred when the patient did not want any more oocytes retrievals, no embryos derived SERa (-) were available, and only if the couple desired embryo transfer after the problems associated with SERa (+) embryos were fully explained.

Wider implications of the findings

To the best of our knowledge, this study is the largest number of live births investigating the outcome of SERa (+) derived embryos. SERa (+) derived embryo can be selected as embryos for transfer when no available SERa (-) derived embryos.

Trial registration number

Not Applicable

POS0472 AGONISTIC STIMULATION OF GLUCAGON-LIKE PEPTIDE-1 RECEPTOR AMELIORATED INFLAMMATORY MYOPATHIES THROUGH SUPPRESSING MUSCLE FIBER NECROPTOSIS

Background

While glucocorticoids (GC) are the cornerstone of the treatment for polymyositis (PM), GC-induced myopathy is inevitable, which further deteriorates muscle weakness. Therefore, novel therapeutic strategy that not only suppresses muscle inflammation but also improves muscle strength is awaited. We recently found that injured muscle fibers in PM undergo FASLG-mediated necroptosis1, a form of regulated cell death accompanied with release of pro-inflammatory mediators such as HMGB1, which contributes to accelerate muscle inflammation and muscle weakness. We also showed that inhibition of necroptosis or HMGB1 ameliorated the muscle weakness and muscle inflammation1 in C protein-induced myositis (CIM), a murine model of PM. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists, which have been developed as an anti-diabetic therapy, have pleiotropic actions including anti-inflammatory effects2, suppression of muscle wasting3, and inhibition of cell death4. Accordingly, we hypothesized that GLP-1R agonists have beneficial effects on PM to recover muscle strength and to suppress muscle inflammation.

Objectives

The aims of this study are to examine the role of GLP-1R in PM and the effect of a GLP-1R agonist on in vivo and in vitro models of PM.

Methods

Muscle specimens of PM patients and CIM were examined with immunofluorescence staining for the expression of GLP-1R. The effect of PF1801, a GLP-1R agonist, on CIM was examined in monotherapy or in combination with prednisolone (PSL). As an in vitro model of PM, C2C12-derived myotubes were treated with FAS ligand (FASLG) to induce necroptosis. The levels of HMGB1, TNF-α, and IL-6 in the serum of CIM and in the culture supernatant of the in vitro model were measured by ELISA. The effect of PF1801 on the myotube necroptosis was examined using time lapse imaging 5 and its effect on the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), the expression of PGAM5, and ubiquitination of PGAM5 was assessed with immunoblotting. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the myotubes were analyzed with CellROX assay. The effect of PF1801 on the expression of antioxidant molecules in the myotubes was analyzed with quantitative real-time PCR.

Results

GLP-1R was expressed on the inflamed muscle fibers of PM and CIM. The treatment with PF1801 in monotherapy or in combination with PSL suppressed CIM-induced muscle weakness and the muscle weight loss as well as the severity of histological myositis while the monotherapy with PSL did not suppress muscle weakness and muscle weight loss. PF1801 decreased the levels of inflammatory mediators such as HMGB1, TNF-α, and IL-6 in the serum of CIM. In vitro, PF1801 inhibited FASLG-induced myotube necroptosis and decreased the levels of HMGB1, TNF-α, and IL-6 in the supernatant. PF1801 activated AMPK and decreased the levels of PGAM5, which was crucial for FASLG-induced necroptosis of the myotubes. The inhibitory effect of PF1801 on myotube necroptosis was cancelled by compound C, an AMPK-kinase inhibitor, or MG132, a proteasome inhibitor, suggesting that PF1801 promoted ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated PGAM5 degradation through the activation of AMPK. Furthermore, PF1801 suppressed FASLG-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in myotubes, which was also crucial for the execution of necroptosis, thorough up-regulating the antioxidant molecules such as Nfe2l2, Hmox1, Gclm, and Nqo1.

Conclusion

GLP-1R agonist could be a novel therapy for PM that restores muscle strength as well as suppresses muscle inflammation through inhibiting muscle fiber necroptosis.

References

[1]Kamiya M, et al. Nat Commun. 2022;13:166

[2]Du X, et al. Int Immunopharmacol. 2019;75:105732.

[3]Hong Y, et al. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle. 2019;10:903–918.

[4]Younce CW, et al. Am J Physiol - Cell Physiol. 2013;304:508–518.

[5]Kamiya M, et al. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2020; 59:224-232

Acknowledgements

We thank Katsuko Yamasaki for the histological analysis.

Disclosure of Interests

Mari Kamiya Speakers bureau: Pfizer and Ono Pharmaceutical, Grant/research support from: GlaxoSmithKline, Fumitaka Mizoguchi Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Asahi Kasei Pharma, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Eizai, Eli Lilly and Company, Glaxo Smith Kline, Ono Pharmaceutical, and Pfizer., Consultant of: Asahi Kasei Pharma and ImmunoForge., Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Astellas Pharma, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Daiichi Sankyo Company, Eisai, Eli Lilly and Company, ImmunoForge, Japan Blood Products Organization, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, Novartis Pharma Japan, Ono Pharmaceutical, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory, Pfizer, Sanofi, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company and Teijin, Hirokazu Sasaki: None declared, Natsuka Umezawa: None declared, Shinsuke Yasuda Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Asahi Kasei Pharma, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Eisai, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, Ono pharmaceutical, and Pfizer., Consultant of: ImmunoForge, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Asahi Kasei Pharma, Chugai Pharmaceutical, CSL Behring, Eisai, ImmunoForge, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, and Ono pharmaceutical.

Exopolysaccharides from Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus OLL1073R-1 prevent influenza virus infection and attenuate secondary bacterial infection risk

The present study assessed the inhibitory action of exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by Lactobacillus delbrueckii spp. bulgaricus OLL1073R-1 against influenza virus infection followed by secondary bacterial infection. We found that the presence of 200 or 400 μg ml^-1 of EPS significantly protected against influenza virus infection in a dose-dependent manner when A549 cells were treated with EPS before infection but not after it. The expression of carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM-1), an adhesion molecule for bacteria adherence, on A549 cells was significantly enhanced during influenza virus infection compared to viral-non-infected A549 cells. However, this upregulated CEACAM-1 expression was significantly decreased by EPS treatment before viral infection in association with the reduction in the virus titer in A549 cells. In a bacterial adhesion assay using Staphylococcus aureus, the bacterial adherence to viral-infected A549 cells was significantly greater than that to viral-non-infected A549 cells, and the increased bacterial adherence induced by influenza virus infection tended to be decreased by EPS treatment before the infection. Our findings show that EPS treatment before viral infection can inhibit influenza virus infection and alleviate secondary bacterial infection through decreased CEACAM-1 expression.

Seroprevalence of anti-mumps virus IgG antibody titer and voluntary mumps vaccination coverage in young adults in Japan

In Japan, monovalent vaccine against mumps virus (MuV) infection was shifted to a voluntary basis vaccination due to the incidences of aseptic meningitis in the past. According to an analysis of a total of 409 participants aged 18-20 years, overall vaccination coverage rate was 48%. The mean anti-MuV IgG antibody titer of participants with medical history and more than two times vaccination was significantly higher than that in those without a medical history and unvaccinated and single vaccination, respectively. Seropositivity against MuV infection was >50% regardless of the number of vaccinations. Although these results suggest that seropositivity may persist due to asymptomatic infection, it is necessary to implement either a high vaccine coverage or routine vaccination for prevention of periodic mumps epidemics.

Persistence of anti-rubella immunoglobulin G antibody titers in young adults involved in a short-term periodic immunization in Japan

In Japan, several rubella outbreaks in adults have erupted due to insufficient immunity against rubella virus (RUBV). Although selective immunization is being promoted in addition to a routine rubella vaccine program as a rubella eradication strategy, serosurveillance against RUBV needs to be implemented in the generations corresponding to the transition period of vaccination. In this study, a survey of anti-rubella immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody titers was conducted among young adults involved in the transitional periods of the routine rubella vaccine program. Serosurveillance was performed in 370 healthy young adults aged 18-20 years, and their serum samples were analyzed using an enzyme immunoassay to determine rubella-specific IgG antibody titers. Although multiple regression analysis revealed significant differences only in medical history, more than 90% of participants exhibited seropositivity, excluding those who received single-dose vaccine alone. Based on elapsed periods after the last vaccination, rubella-specific IgG antibody titers in less than a 6-year period were higher compared to that in the more than 10-year period. Although almost all study participants in the transitional period had seropositivity, the results may indicate that the persistence of seropositivity is related to past rubella outbreaks.

The advanced lung cancer inflammation index predicts outcomes in patients with Crohn's disease after surgical resection

AIM

Precise biomarkers for predicting prognosis could help to identify high-risk Crohn's disease (CD) patients to facilitate better follow-up during the postoperative course. In this study, the primary aim is the identification of the most reliable nutrition marker that predicts surgical relapse in CD patients.

METHOD

We first evaluated the predictive value of various nutrition markers for postoperative surgical relapse in CD patients and identified the advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI) as a promising biomarker. Then, we assessed the clinical significance of preoperative ALI in CD patients using two cohorts.

RESULTS

Preoperative ALI showed the highest correlation with reoperation rate compared with other nutritional parameters in CD patients receiving surgical resection (sensitivity 53%, specificity 86%, area under the curve 0.71). Lower levels of preoperative ALI were significantly correlated with the presence of perianal disease. A lower level of preoperative ALI was an independent prognostic factor for reoperation rate after an intestinal resection (hazard ratio 3.37, 95% CI 1.38-10.12, P = 0.006), and the prognostic impact of preoperative ALI was successfully validated in an independent cohort using the same cut-off value.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative ALI might be useful for postoperative management of CD patients.

Beneficial effects of balloon pulmonary angioplasty on clinical outcomes in patients with residual pulmonary hypertension after pulmonary endarterectomy

Background

Although pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) is an established surgical treatment for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), a part of patients after PEA show residual pulmonary hypertension, leading to limited exercise capacity. Recently, several studies have indicated that balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) improves hemodynamics, exercise capacity and prognosis in inoperable CTEPH patients. However, the effects of BPA in patients with residual pulmonary hypertension after PEA remain to be elucidated.

Aim

In the present study, we investigated comprehensive efficacy of BPA on hemodynamics, exercise capacity and right ventricular function in those with residual pulmonary hypertension after PEA.

Methods

From October 2010 to February 2019, 227 patients with CTEPH underwent PEA in our institution. Right heart catheterization after PEA (median follow up period from PEA to right heart catheterization 39 [10.5, 90] months) showed that 55 patients showed residual PH (mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP)≥25mmHg), and 38 of them referred to BPA (mean age 57 years old, male 8 (21%)) due to residual symptoms. In 29 out of 38 patients (76%) who completed BPA and underwent follow-up right heart catheterization, we examined hemodynamics, exercise capacity and right ventricular function before and after BPA. Follow-up examination was performed 3 months after last BPA session.

Results

In this study population (N=29), PEA significantly improved mPAP (47±7 to 38±10 mmHg), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR, 14.6±4.6 to 9.2±4.6 WU) and right ventricular ejection fraction measured by magnetic resonance imaging (26.6±11.3 to 38.4±6.8%) (Figure). Median period from PEA to first BPA procedure was 42 [13.5, 94] months. Total session number during study period was 160 sessions, and mean session number of BPA was 5.5±1.5 per patient. Follow-up study revealed that BPA additionally improved mPAP (38±10 to 27±8 mmHg) and PVR (9.2±4.6 to 5.1±2.2 WU) (Figure). Similarly, 6-minute walk distance (393±125 to 452±125 m) and peak VO2 (16.4±3.8 to 18.1±4.6 ml/min/kg, p&lt;0.05) were increased, and WHO functional class also significantly improved by BPA (I/II/III/IV, 0/21/8/ 0 to 1/27/1/0, p&lt;0.01). In addition, right ventricular ejection fraction (38.4±6.8 to 44.2±7.1%) was increased after BPA (Figure). There were no procedure-related deaths and major lung injuries requiring oral intubation during study period. 3-year survival in patients after BPA was 100% (median follow-up period after last BPA session, 32 [18, 46] months).

Conclusion

In CTEPH patients with residual pulmonary hypertension after PEA, additional BPA significantly improved hemodynamics, right ventricular function, exercise capacity and residual symptoms without severe complications, leading to good prognosis. These results suggest that combination therapy of PEA and BPA could be an effective therapeutic option for post PEA patients with residual symptoms and exercise limitation.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Suppressing dynamical diffraction artefacts in differential phase contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy of long-range electromagnetic fields via precession

It is well known that dynamical diffraction varies with changes in sample thickness and local crystal orientation (due to sample bending). In differential phase contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy (DPC-STEM), this can produce contrast comparable to that arising from the long-range electromagnetic fields probed by this technique. Through simulation we explore the scale of these dynamical diffraction artefacts and introduce a metric for the magnitude of their contribution to the contrast. We show that precession over an angular range of a few milliradian can suppress this contribution to the contrast by one-to-two orders of magnitude. Our exploration centres around a case study of GaAs near the [011] zone-axis orientation using a probe-forming aperture semiangle on the order of 0.1 mrad at 300 keV, but the trends found and methodology used are expected to apply more generally.

P377Zero-fluoroscopy ablation with ultrasound-guided sheath insertion

Background

Radiation exposure during catheter ablation procedures is a risk for both the patient and electrophysiology staff. Recently, the feasibility and effectiveness of zero-fluoroscopy ablation have been shown. However, ensuring a safe sheath insertion through the venous system toward the heart is a concern in catheter ablation using the zero-fluoroscopy technique. 

Purpose

The objective of this study was to confirm feasibility and safety for zero-fluoroscopy ablation using ultrasound-guided sheath insertion.

Methods

Zero-fluoroscopy catheter ablation was performed in 220 patients (185 patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), 26 patients with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), and nine patients with ventricular arrhythmias (VA)) using a 3-dimensional electro-anatomical mapping system, contact force monitoring, and intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) imaging. In all cases, ultrasound-guided sheath insertion was performed through the femoral vein. In 6 cases of VA, the retrograde approach through the femoral artery was performed with ICE imaging and contact-force monitoring. The endpoint of ablation for AF was pulmonary vein ablation in all cases and addition of left atrial posterior wall isolation in persistent AF cases. The endpoint of ablation for SVT and VA was noninducibility after ablation.

Results

The endpoints of ablation were achieved in all cases. The fluoroscopic time during ablation procedures was 0 seconds. There were two complications (one cardiac tamponade and one acute heart failure). There were no complications related to sheath insertion. 

Conclusions

Zero-fluoroscopy catheter ablation with ultrasound-guided sheath insertion may be feasible and can be performed safely. This method eliminates exposure radiation safely, which is a concern of zero-fluoroscopy endocardial catheter ablation.

Excellent performance of aromatic polyguanamines induced by multiple hydrogen bondable tetraazacalix[2]arene[2]-triazine ring in their main chain

A series of poly(guanamine) (c-PG)s containing tetraazacalix[2]arene[2]-triazine (mPDA₂CyC₂) were successfully prepared by solution polycondensation of mPDA₂CyC₂ with various aromatic diamines in an aprotic organic solvent with a lithium chloride additive (5 wt%) at 150 °C for 6 hours. The number-average molecular weights (M_n)s of these c-PG polymers reached up to 31 500, with a relatively broad molecular weight distribution (M_w/M_n) of 5.3. They showed good solubility in aprotic organic solvents, such as N-methylpyrrolidone and N,N-dimethylacetamide at a concentration of 2 mg mL⁻¹. The glass transition temperatures (T_g) of the c-PG polymers were in the range 359 °C–392 °C, approximately 160 °C higher than those of counterpart polymers (i.e., with no aza-calixarene-based PG (l-PG)). The coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) of the c-PG polymers were 29.7–48.1 ppm K⁻¹ (at 100 °C–150 °C), much lower than those of l-PG samples, i.e., 59.1–85.1 ppm K⁻¹. Transparent and almost colorless c-PG films were successfully prepared by a solution casting method, showing maximum tensile strength (σ_S), modulus (E_γ), and elongation at break (E_b) values of 151 MPa, 6.3 GPa, and 4.4%, respectively, for the c-PG polymer from mPDA₂CyC₂ and 4,4′-oxydianiline monomers. The corresponding l-PG film exhibited σ_S, E_γ, and E_b values of just 76 MPa, 5.4 GPa, and 1.6%, respectively. These outstanding thermal and mechanical properties of the c-PG polymers can be attributed to their multiple hydrogen bonding interaction between mPDA₂CyC₂ residues in the polymer backbone. This interaction was identified by infrared spectroscopy measurements at the broad absorption band around 3000–3400 cm⁻¹.

Poly(guanamine)s containing tetraazacalix[2]arene[2]triazine ring within the polymer main-chain show outstanding thermal and mechanical properties arisen from the multiple-hydrogen bond.

NKT cells are responsible for the clearance of murine norovirus through the virus-specific secretory IgA pathway

Norovirus infection cause epidemic nonbacterial gastroenteritis in patients. The immune mechanisms responsible for the clearance of virus are not completely understood. We examined whether NKT cells are effective against norovirus infection using CD1d KO mice. The body weights of 4-weeks-old CD1d KO mice that were infected with murine norovirus-S7 (MNV-S7) were significantly lower than those of non-infected CD1d KO mice. On the other hand, the body weights of infected WT mice were comparable to those of non-infected WT mice. Correspondingly, CD1d KO mice had an almost 1000-fold higher MNV-S7 burden in the intestine after infection in comparison to WT mice. The mechanism responsible for the insufficient MNV-S7 clearance in CD1d KO mice was attributed to reduced IFN-γ production early during MNV-S7 infection. In addition, the markedly impaired IL-4 production in CD1d KO mice resulted in an impaired MNV-S7-specific secretory IgA production after MNV-S7 infection which is associated with mucosal immunity. Thus, the present results provide evidence that NKT cells play an essential role in MNV-S7 clearance.

COMPARATIVE STUDY ON PERFORMANCE OF VARIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL RADIATION MONITORS

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

Percentage of CD19+ Cells in Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes After Rituximab-Based Desensitization as a Predictor of Acute Antibody-Mediated Rejection in ABO-Incompatible Kidney Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Rituximab (RIT) is effective as a part of the desensitization therapy before ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation (ABOi-KTx), and a single dose of RIT at 375 mg/m² or less is recommended. However, adequate RIT dose recommendations have not yet been established for individual recipients. Therefore, we evaluated the relationship between the proportion of B cells in peripheral blood and acute antibody-mediated rejection (AAMR).

METHODS

Forty-four consecutive ABOi-KTx recipients were enrolled in this retrospective study. Before transplantation, subjects were treated with RIT at various doses, ranging from 65 to 400 mg/body (46-263 mg/m²), followed by plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin as a desensitization therapy. The percentage of CD19⁺ cells in the total peripheral blood lymphocytes population (%CD19) was determined the day before transplantation. Transplant recipients were divided into 2 groups according to pretransplant %CD19, as follows: low %CD19 group, ≤ 1.2% (n = 35) and high %CD19 group, > 1.2% (n = 9). The relationship between %CD19 and incidence of AAMR was evaluated, and the predicting factors for AAMR incidence were determined by univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

The incidence of AAMR was significantly higher in the high %CD19 group than in the low %CD19 group (44.4% vs 5.7%, P = .006). Furthermore, multivariate analysis showed that %CD19 > 1.2% was the only independent factor to predict AAMR, with an odds ratio of 14.31 (P = .038).

CONCLUSION

High %CD19 values after rituximab administration in ABOi-KTx recipients implies insufficient depletion of B cells, which can lead to AAMR.

A Case of Feline T-cell Lymphoma with Tropism for Striated Muscle and Peripheral Nerve

An 11-year-old female American shorthair cat was presented with a 3-month history of hindlimb ataxia and knuckling of the left forelimb. Clinical abnormalities included weight loss, hyperaesthesia of the neck and back, cardiac murmur and systemic muscle atrophy. The cat died 10 days after the initial presentation and a necropsy examination was performed. Grossly, extensive pale lesions were seen in the wall of the left ventricle and the septum of the heart. There were no detectable masses in the heart, skeletal muscles or peripheral nerves. Histopathological examination revealed diffuse, extensive infiltration of atypical lymphoid cells in the heart; the cardiac muscles were markedly degenerate and atrophic and were replaced by the neoplastic cells. Neoplastic cells with similar morphology were seen in all specimens of the skeletal muscles and peripheral nerves. Clonality analysis of the paraffin wax-embedded heart tissue revealed a monoclonal rearrangement of the gene encoding the T-cell receptor γ chain. Based on these findings, the case was diagnosed as T-cell lymphoma with tropism for striated muscle and peripheral nerve.

Serum Amyloid A Contributes to Chronic Apical Periodontitis via TLR2 and TLR4

In the current concept of bacterial infections, pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) derived from pathogens and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) released from damaged/necrotic host cells are crucial factors in induction of innate immune responses. However, the implication of DAMPs in apical and marginal periodontitis is unknown. Serum amyloid A (SAA) is a DAMP that is involved in the development of various chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. In the present study, we tested whether SAA is involved in the pathogenesis of periapical lesions, using human periapical surgical specimens and mice deficient in SAA and Toll-like receptors (TLR). SAA1/2 was locally expressed in human periapical lesions at the mRNA and protein levels. The level of SAA protein appeared to be positively associated with the inflammatory status of the lesions. In the development of mouse periapical inflammation, SAA1.1/2.1 was elevated locally and systemically in wild-type (WT) mice. Although SAA1.1/2.1 double-knockout and SAA3 knockout mice had redundant attenuation of the extent of periapical lesions, these animals showed strikingly improved inflammatory cell infiltration versus WT. Recombinant human SAA1 (rhSAA1) directly induced chemotaxis of WT neutrophils in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. In addition, rhSAA1 stimulation significantly prolonged the survival of WT neutrophils as compared with nonstimulated neutrophils. Furthermore, rhSAA1 activated the NF-κB pathway and subsequent IL-1α production in macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. However, TLR2/TLR4 double deficiency substantially diminished these SAA-mediated proinflammatory responses. Taken together, the SAA-TLR axis plays an important role in the chronicity of periapical inflammation via induction of inflammatory cell infiltration and prolonged cell survival. The interactions of PAMPs and DAMPs require further investigation in dental/oral inflammation.

Routine Referral by Urologists Increase Opportunities for Corneal Donation

BACKGROUND

The levels of corneal donation are insufficient to meet the demand for corneal transplantation in Japan. To overcome this problem, we started to routinely mention the possibility of corneal donation to the families of patients who died in our hospital's Urology Department in February 2008. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of this approach.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of the patients who died in the Department of Urology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine Hospital, and analyzed the patients' characteristics and information about corneal donation.

RESULTS

In total, 211 patients died in our department between February 2008 and March 2017, and 155 patients were medically suitable corneal donors. We mentioned the possibility of corneal donation to 129 (83.2%) families, and 29 (18.7%) families agreed. Three families subsequently withdrew their consent. Finally, 26 (16.8%) of the families that were approached about corneal donation by urologists agreed to donate their relatives' corneas. Another 2 families voluntarily offered to donate their relatives' corneas. Thus, 28 (18.1%) of 155 medically suitable donors donated their corneas for transplantation. Twenty-six (92.8%) donors were 60 years or older and all donors were affected with malignant genitourinary tumors. Fifty-four (96.4%) corneas were successfully transplanted into recipients.

CONCLUSIONS

Even elderly patients who die of solid carcinoma can be an important source of corneal donors. In this study, we showed that routine referral by urologists increased corneal donation. If this approach were adopted by other departments, it might further increase the number of corneal donations.

The relationship of waist circumference and body mass index to grey matter volume in community dwelling adults with mild obesity

Objective

Previous work has shown that high body mass index (BMI) is associated with low grey matter volume. However, evidence on the relationship between waist circumference (WC) and brain volume is relatively scarce. Moreover, the influence of mild obesity (as indexed by WC and BMI) on brain volume remains unclear. This study explored the relationships between WC and BMI and grey matter volume in a large sample of Japanese adults.

Methods

The participants were 792 community-dwelling adults (523 men and 269 women). Brain magnetic resonance images were collected, and the correlation between WC or BMI and global grey matter volume were analysed. The relationships between WC or BMI and regional grey matter volume were also investigated using voxel-based morphometry.

Results

Global grey matter volume was not correlated with WC or BMI. Voxel-based morphometry analysis revealed significant negative correlations between both WC and BMI and regional grey matter volume. The areas correlated with each index were more widespread in men than in women. In women, the total area of the regions significantly correlated with WC was slightly greater than that of the regions significantly correlated with BMI.

Conclusions

Results show that both WC and BMI were inversely related to regional grey matter volume, even in Japanese adults with somewhat mild obesity. Especially in populations with less obesity, such as the female participants in current study, WC may be more sensitive than BMI as a marker of grey matter volume differences associated with obesity.

Ostomy creation with fewer sutures using tissue adhesives (cyanoacrylates) in inflammatory bowel disease: a pilot study

Introduction Fistula formation around the ostomy site is a stoma-related complication often requiring surgical intervention. This complication may be caused by sutures or may develop as a complication of inflammatory bowel disease. Before conducting a clinical trial, we set out to investigate the safety of ostomy creation with fewer sutures using tissue adhesives in this pilot study. Methods Patients with inflammatory bowel disease who required surgery with ostomy creation at the Hyogo College of Medicine between January 2014 and December 2015 were enrolled. Safety was assessed by evaluating the incidence of stoma-related complications. Ostomy was restricted to loop ileostomy and was created with two sutures and tissue adhesives. Results A total of 14 patients were enrolled. Mean body mass index was 18.9 ± 2.0 kg/m². There were no cases of ostomy retraction and no severe adverse events were observed. Conclusions This pilot study demonstrates that ostomy creation using tissue adhesives is safe. Although retraction and adverse events were not observed, even in patients with inflammatory bowel disease who generally exhibit delayed wound healing, the body mass index was extremely low in this series. This study does not strongly recommend ostomy creation with tissue adhesives; further studies are needed to clarify the efficacy and safety of the procedure.

Cutaneous Angiolymphoid Hyperplasia in a Dog

A 5-year-old male miniature dachshund was presented with a dermal nodule on the left forelimb that increased to 5 mm in diameter over a 2-month period. Grossly, the nodule was firm, and both the external and cut surfaces were homogeneously pale pink in colour. Microscopically, the nodule was comprised of mainly plump endothelial cells and inflammatory cells; among the latter, lymphocytes were predominant, with few scattered plasma cells, mast cells and macrophages. Lymphoid follicles with germinal centres were often observed. Mitotic figures were not observed amongst the endothelial cells. Immunohistochemically, the endothelial cells were positive for vimentin, factor VIII-related antigen and CD31, and the surrounding cells were positive for smooth muscle actin. Lymphocytes expressed CD3 or BLA36. These findings led to a diagnosis of cutaneous angiolymphoid hyperplasia. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a cutaneous proliferative disorder comprising an admixture of proliferating vascular endothelial cells and lymphocytic infiltration with follicle formation in a dog.