Antifungal profile against Candida auris clinical isolates of tyroscherin and its new analog produced by the deep-sea-derived fungal strain Scedosporium apiospermum FKJ-0499

A new antifungal compound, named N-demethyltyroscherin (1), was discovered from the static fungal cultured material of Scedosporium apiospermum FKJ-0499 isolated from a deep-sea sediment sample together with a known compound, tyroscherin (2). The structure of 1 was elucidated as a new analog of 2 by MS and NMR analyses. The absolute configuration of 1 was determined by chemical derivatization. Both compounds showed potent in vitro antifungal activity against clinically isolated Candida auris strains, with MIC values ranging from 0.0625 to 4 µg ml-1.

Development of a nitrogen-bound hydrophobic auxiliary: application to solid/hydrophobic-tag relay synthesis of calpinactam

In the last couple of decades, technologies and strategies for peptide synthesis have advanced rapidly. Although solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) and liquid-phase peptide synthesis (LPPS) have contributed significantly to the development of the field, there have been remaining challenges for C-terminal modifications of peptide compounds in SPPS and LPPS. Orthogonal to the current standard approach that relies on installation of a carrier molecule at the C-terminus of amino acids, we developed a new hydrophobic-tag carbonate reagent which facilitated robust preparation of nitrogen-tag-supported peptide compounds. This auxiliary was easily installed on a variety of amino acids including oligopeptides that have a broad range of noncanonical residues, allowing simple purification of the products by crystallization and filtration. We demonstrated a de novo solid/hydrophobic-tag relay synthesis (STRS) strategy using the nitrogen-bound auxiliary for total synthesis of calpinactam.

Superoxide Dismutase-like Activity of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework Nanoparticles Comprising Biomimetic Imidazolato-bridged CuZn Units

Nanoparticles exhibiting enzymatic functions have garnered considerable attention due to their structural robustness and the profusion of active sites that can be introduced to a single nanosized particle. Here we report that nanosized mix-metal zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) show a superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like catalytic activity. We chose a ZIF composed of copper and zinc ions and 2-methylimidazole, CuZn-ZIF-8, in which the Cu and Zn ions are bridged by an imidazolato ligand. This coordination geometry closely mimics the active site of CuZn superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD). The CuZn-ZIF-8 nanoparticles exhibit potent SOD-like activity, attributed to their porous nature and numerous copper active sites, and also possess exceptional recyclability.

In situ decomposition of bromine-substituted catechol to increase the activity of titanium dioxide catalyst for visible-light-induced aerobic conversion of toluene to benzaldehyde

Surface-modified TiO2 generated by the photolysis of tetrabromocatechol showed higher activity than bare TiO2 in visible-light-induced photocatalytic toluene oxidation.

Apical-root apoplastic acidification affects cell wall extensibility in wheat under salinity stress

Plant salt tolerance is associated with a high rate of root growth. Although root growth is governed by cell wall and apoplastic pH, the relationship between these factors in the root elongation zone under salinity stress remains unclear. Herein, we assess apoplastic pH, pH- and expansin-dependent cell wall extensibility, and expansin expression in the root elongation zone of salt-sensitive (Yongliang-15) and -tolerant (JS-7) cultivars under salinity stress. A six-day 80 mM NaCl treatment significantly reduced apical root apoplastic pH in both cultivars. Using a pH-dependent cell wall extensibility experiment, we found that, under 0 mM NaCl treatment, the optimal pH for cell wall loosening was 6.0 in the salinity-tolerant cultivar and 4.6 in the salinity-sensitive cultivar. Under 80 mM treatment, a pH of 5.0 mitigated the cell wall stiffness caused by salinity stress in the salinity-tolerant cultivar but promoted cell wall stiffening in the salinity-sensitive cultivar. Salinity stress altered expansin expression and differentially affecting cell wall extensibility under pH 5.0 and 6.0. TaEXPA8 might be relative to cell wall loosening at pH 5.0, whereas TaEXPA5 relative to cell wall loosening at pH 6.0. These results elucidate the relationship between expansins and cell wall extensibility in the root elongation zone, with important implications for enhancing plant growth under salinity stress.

Denosumab-related osteonecrosis of the jaw after tooth extraction and the effects of a short drug holiday in cancer patients: a multicenter retrospective study

Pre-existing inflammation, corticosteroid therapy, periapical periodontitis, longer duration of denosumab therapy, and female sex were significantly associated with an increased risk of denosumab-related osteonecrosis of the jaw after tooth extraction in patients with cancer on oncologic doses of denosumab. A short drug holiday did not protect against this complication.

INTRODUCTION

This study retrospectively investigated the relationship between various risk factors, including brief discontinuation of denosumab, and development of denosumab-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (DRONJ) after tooth extraction in patients with cancer who were receiving oncologic doses of this agent.

METHODS

Data were collected on demographic characteristics, duration of denosumab therapy, whether or not denosumab was discontinued before tooth extraction (drug holiday), duration of discontinuation, presence of pre-existing inflammation, and whether or not additional surgical procedures were performed. Risk factors for DRONJ after tooth extraction were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 136 dental extractions were performed in 72 patients (31 men, 41 women) with cancer who were receiving oncologic doses of denosumab. Post-extraction DRONJ was diagnosed in 39 teeth (28.7%) in 25 patients. Tooth extraction was significantly associated with development of DRONJ only in patients with pre-existing inflammation (odds ratio [OR] 243.77), those on corticosteroid therapy (OR 73.50), those with periapical periodontitis (OR 14.13), those who had been taking oncologic doses of denosumab for a longer period (OR 4.69), and in women (OR 1.04). There was no significant difference in the occurrence of DRONJ between patients who had a drug holiday before tooth extraction and those who did not.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that inflamed teeth should be extracted immediately in patients with cancer who are receiving oncologic doses of denosumab. Drug holidays have no significant impact on the risk of DRONJ.

AB0894-HPR THE JOURNEY OF PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background:

The course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) differs from patient to patient, and each patient has a unique story. The disease condition affects psychological and social aspects, greatly affecting the quality of life. The disease course is unpredictable, and each patient’s story can be seen as a lifelong journey, full of ups and downs. Therefore, it is crucial to know what kind of support is required during the course of their life.

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to examine the life story of patients with RA and clarify a common situation in their stories in order to consider what kind of support is needed.

Methods:

This is a qualitative study using life story interview for patients with RA in Japan. Interview included disease history, patients’ behaviors, effects on daily life, the patients’ perspectives regarding psychological considerations and useful support. Data were analyzed using content analysis. This study was approved by the ethics committee and informed consent was obtained.

Results:

Eight patients participated in this study. They were all females and the average age was 57 years old. As a result of the categorization, we extracted the following eight situations: (1) Emergence of symptom; patients thought joint pain would go away, however, the symptom did not improve and began to affect their daily life and work, (2) Choose a hospital to visit; pain and anxiety have continued and decided to visit a hospital, (3) Encounter with their doctors; patients expected their doctor to relieve their pain, while they were afraid of being told that they were suffering from a serious disease. (4) Diagnosis of RA; patients were shocked when diagnosed and anxious about what would happen and wondered why they had such a disease, (5) Choice of treatment; patients were afraid of the side effects. They wanted to make a decision discussing with their doctor, but they could not understand the explanation about drugs well and, therefore, followed the doctor’s opinion. (6) Change of treatment; a biological agent was often recommended. Patients were also worried about side effects and the financial burden. (7) Remission or stable phase; they felt better mentally too, however, they often felt anxiety about disease flare, side effect of drugs and financial burden, and (8) Flare and remission; patients felt shocked and disappointed when RA flared, and then, they noticed that patients with RA had alternating periods of relapse and remission and they had to live with RA.

These interviews revealed repeated worsening and improvement of symptoms and many similar repeated psychological reactions such as anxiety, shock, denial, conflict, acceptance, giving up and relief. To cope with these fluctuating disease and mental conditions, patients were supported by educational and psychological assistance, timely consultations, social life help from nurses and support from their family. The patients considered a trusting relationship with their doctors is necessary. The patients had also realized through their experience the importance of enhancing their own abilities, such as decision-making, prevention of infections and self-management skills. Moreover, they noticed that it is important to have their own goals including hobbies and work.

Conclusion:

This study elucidated the common behaviors of patients with RA, the impact of RA on their psychological state and daily and social life, and the required support. The psychological condition and daily and social life also had a great influence on medical behavior. Therefore, psychosocial support and establishment of trust between healthcare professionals and patients are crucial. In addition, improving patients’ self-management skills including self-efficacy and empowerment is also necessary. As patients with RA often feel anxious in various situations and expect nurses’ support, nurses should listen to patients, pay attention to their concerns and anxieties, and show a solution-oriented attitude. In order for patients to feel at ease in their Patient Journey, nurses should sail with them while maintaining a patient-centered perspective.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Induction of spontaneous phenotype conversion in Ralstonia solanacearum by addition of iron compounds in liquid medium

Ralstonia solanacearum is a soil-borne pathogen that causes bacterial wilt in plants. The wild-type strain of R. solanacearum undergoes spontaneous phenotype conversion (PC), from a fluidal to non-fluidal colony morphology. PC mutants are non-pathogenic due to reduced virulence factors, and can control wilt diseases as biological control agents. The induction factors of PC in R. solanacearum are currently unclear. Here, we investigated the effect of iron treatment on bacterial growth of wild-type strain and PC mutant, and PC of the wild-type strain in liquid medium. Interestingly, PC was frequently induced in the single cultured wild-type strain by iron treatment; however, PC was not induced in the co-culture. In a co-culture of both strains, the PC mutant showed increased growth compared to the wild-type strain by iron treatment. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of iron treatment on the bacterial growth and PC of the wild-type strain under different culture conditions of medium type (MM broth, BG broth, and water medium), iron compounds, and pH. In BG broth, PC occurred frequently regardless of iron treatment. In MM broth, the optimal conditions for high frequency induction of PC by iron treatments were treatment of iron (III) EDTA, and under pH 7-8. Conversely, PC was not induced by iron treatment in water medium and in MM broth under pH 5 conditions. Common to the culture conditions wherein PC was not induced by iron treatment, the bacterial density of the wild-type strain was as low as 10⁶ CFU mL^-1 or less. Finally, we investigated the effects on bacterial growth and PC of the wild-type strain by the iron treatment and addition of culture filtrate after cultivation of the wild-type strain at high concentration. In medium containing only the culture filtrate, PC did not occur. However, in medium containing the culture filtrate and iron, PC occurred frequently. Our results thus suggest that high-density growth of the wild-type strain as well as the presence of iron are involved in inducing PC in R. solanacearum.

Low-Dose of Intrapulmonary Pirfenidone Improves Human Transforming Growth Factorβ1-Driven Lung Fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic, progressive, and lethal lung disease of unknown etiology. Antifibrotic drugs, including pirfenidone, are currently used for the treatment of the disease. The oral administration of pirfenidone is an effective therapy, as demonstrated by several clinical trials, although it causes severe adverse events in some patients. We hypothesized that low-dose intrapulmonary delivery of pirfenidone is effective in human transforming growth factorβ1-driven pulmonary fibrosis. To demonstrate our hypothesis, we compared the therapeutic efficacy of varying doses of pirfenidone administered by oral and intranasal routes in a human transforming growth factor-β1 transgenic mouse with established pulmonary fibrosis. We found similar amelioration of lung cell infiltration, inflammatory and fibrotic cytokines, lung fibrosis score, and hydroxyproline content in mice with human transforming growth factor-β1-mediated pulmonary fibrosis treated with low-dose intranasal pirfenidone and high-dose oral pirfenidone. This study showed that pirfenidone is a potent inhibitor of human transforming growth factor-β1-driven lung fibrosis and that intrapulmonary delivery of low-dose pirfenidone produces therapeutic responses equivalent to high-dose of oral pirfenidone.

THU0646-HPR EXPLORING THE ROLE OF NURSE IN RHEUMATIC CARE AND FEASIBILITY OF ENHANCING TREAT TO TARGET STRATEGIES IN JAPAN

Background:

The role of rheumatology nurses is considered important for the implementation of T2T [1]. For nurses’ contribution to implementation of the T2T strategy, it is necessary to explore the nurses’ opinion on their roles in real clinical practice.

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to evaluate what is required for nurses to implement T2T in real clinical practice in Japan.

Methods:

Registered nurses engaged in rheumatic care in clinical practice in Japan were enrolled. Focus group interviews were conducted exploring ‘What is necessary for RA nurses to implement T2T’using semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was used with Krippendorff’s content analysis method.

Results:

24 nurses (all females) from 10 hospitals were enrolled in this study. The results of the qualitative analysis were categorized in 10 main categories, derived from 37 subcategories based on 64 different codes: (1) provide basic knowledge of RA, (2) provide knowledge of RA drugs, (3) provide knowledge and skills of self-monitoring, (4) enhance self-efficacy and support self-management, (5) support decision-making, (6) psychological and social support, (7) understand the diversity and feelings of patients and their families, (8) support based on individual needs, (9) ensure continuing educational opportunities for nurses to enable the provision of high quality care, (10) collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

These categories are mostly covered in the contents of the 2018 updated EULAR recommendations for the role of nurses except “evidence-based rheumatic care”, “telehealth” and “comprehensive participation in disease management”.

Conclusion:

These findings indicate the areas of exploration including further educational and training needs, attitudes and the professional scope for nurses to extend their roles to provide greater value to patient care.

In Japan, evidence-based RA nursing and telehealth systems have not yet been established. In addition, therapeutic intervention by nurses and nurse-led clinic are not permitted. Our results might reflect this situation and possibly elucidates the gap between EULAR’s evidence-based recommendations and opinions of Japanese nurses working in daily clinical practice. As evidence-based nursing is considered to be crucial from both cost-effectiveness and improvement of patients QOL, this result also might shed light on what we need for future better rheumatic nursing in Japan.

References:

[1]van Eijk- Hustings Y, et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2012;71: 13–19.

Disclosure of Interests:

MIE FUSAMA: None declared, Miyabi Uda: None declared, Harumi Matsumura: None declared, Yvonne van Eijk-Hustings Grant/research support from: grand from sanofi and UCB, Consultant of: fee from amgen, Susan Oliver: None declared, Hideko Nakahara: None declared

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw after tooth extraction in cancer patients: a multicenter retrospective study

Root amputation, immunosuppressive therapy, mandibular tooth extraction, pre-existing inflammation, and longer duration of treatment with bone-modifying agents were significantly associated with an increased risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. Hopeless teeth should be extracted without drug holiday before the development of inflammation in cancer patients receiving high-dose bone-modifying agents.

INTRODUCTION

No studies have comprehensively analyzed the influence of pre-existing inflammation, surgical procedure-related factors such as primary wound closure, demographic factors, and drug holiday on the incidence of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). The purpose of this study was to retrospectively investigate the relationships between these various factors and the development of MRONJ after tooth extraction in cancer patients receiving high-dose bone-modifying agents (BMAs) such as bisphosphonates or denosumab.

METHODS

Risk factors for MRONJ after tooth extraction were evaluated with univariate and multivariate analyses. The following parameters were investigated in all patients: demographics, type and duration of BMA use, whether BMA use was discontinued before tooth extraction (drug holiday), the duration of such discontinuation, the presence of pre-existing inflammation, and whether additional surgical procedures (e.g., incision, removal of bone edges, root amputation) were performed.

RESULTS

We found that root amputation (OR = 22.62), immunosuppressive therapy (OR = 16.61), extraction of mandibular teeth (OR = 12.14), extraction of teeth with pre-existing inflammation, and longer duration (≥ 8 months) of high-dose BMA (OR = 7.85) were all significantly associated with MRONJ.

CONCLUSIONS

Tooth extraction should not necessarily be postponed in cancer patients receiving high-dose BMA. The effectiveness of a short-term drug holiday was not confirmed, as drug holidays had no significant impact on MRONJ incidence. Tooth extraction may be acceptable during high-dose BMA therapy until 8 months after initiation.

A Retrospective Comparison of the Clinical Efficacy of Gefitinib, Erlotinib, and Afatinib in Japanese Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are very effective against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) caused by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation. Before the approval of osimertinib in March 2016, there were only three available EGFR TKIs (gefitinib, erlotinib, and afatinib) for the therapy of NSCLC in Japan. Osimertinib can be indicated only against T790M⁺ lung cancer as a second-line therapy. However, whether gefitinib, erlotinib, or afatinib is most appropriate as a first-line therapy is still a controversial issue. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of gefitinib, erlotinib, and afatinib. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 310 patients with the diagnosis of EGFR mutation-associated NSCLC including 147 patients treated with EGFR TKIs. Time to treatment failure and overall survival were evaluated. There were no significant differences in time to treatment failure (gefitinib: 9.2 months; erlotinib: 9.8 months; afatinib: 13.1 months) and overall survival (gefitinib: 27.3 months; erlotinib: 29.3 months; afatinib data not available) among NSCLC patients treated with the three different EGFR TKIs. Subgroup analysis showed that smoking status has a significant influence on both time to treatment failure and overall survival. In conclusion, this study showed comparable clinical efficacy of gefitinib, erlotinib, and afatinib in Japanese patients with NSCLC.

Inhibition of Cell Apoptosis and Amelioration of Pulmonary Fibrosis by Thrombomodulin

Pulmonary fibrosis is the terminal stage of a group of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, of which idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is the most frequent and fatal form. Recent studies have shown that recombinant human thrombomodulin (rhTM) improves exacerbation and clinical outcome of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, but the mechanism remains unknown. This study evaluated the mechanistic pathways of the inhibitory activity of rhTM in pulmonary fibrosis. Transgenic mice overexpressing human transforming growth factor-β1 that develop spontaneously pulmonary fibrosis, and wild-type mice treated with bleomycin were used as models of lung fibrosis. rhTM was administered to mice by i.p. injection or by the intranasal route. Therapy with rhTM significantly decreased the concentration of high mobility group box1, interferon-γ, and fibrinolytic markers, the expression of growth factors including transforming growth factor-β1, and the degree of lung fibrosis. rhTM significantly suppressed apoptosis of lung epithelial cells in in vivo and in vitro experiments. The results of the present study demonstrated that rhTM can inhibit bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis and transforming growth factor-β1-driven exacerbation and progression of pulmonary fibrosis, and that apart from its well-recognized anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory properties, rhTM can also suppress apoptosis of lung epithelial cells.

A baseline impedance analysis in neurologically impaired children: A potent parameter for estimating the condition of the esophageal mucosa

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the baseline impedance (BI) value is a useful parameter to evaluate the condition of the esophageal mucosa in neurologically impaired (NI) children undergoing multichannel intraluminal impedance pH measurements (pH/MII).

METHODS

The retrospective study included 55 NI patients ≤15 years. The patients were divided into acid gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), non-acid GERD and GERD (-) groups. Furthermore, the patients in the acid GERD group were subdivided into erosive reflux disease (ERD) and non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) groups. pH/MII parameters and BI values (Z1-6) were compared among three groups or between two groups, respectively. A Spearman's correlation analysis was used for the correlation analysis of pH/MII parameters and BI values. A receiver operator characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate the optimum cut-off values of BI to discriminate ERD patients.

KEY RESULTS

The BI values of the proximal and the distal channels in ERD group were significantly lower than those in NERD group. The BI values of the distal channels demonstrated significant negative correlations with acid exposure related pH/MII parameters. The optimal cut off value of BI in the most distal channel was determined to be 1500 Ω.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

The present study suggested that NI children with reflux esophagitis were likely to suffer mucosal damage up to the proximal esophagus and cut-off BI values may help estimate the presence of reflux esophagitis. Baseline impedance is a potent parameter, reflecting the esophageal mucosal damage in NI children who have difficulty in undergoing endoscopic examinations.

Decomposition of powerful axisymmetrically polarized laser pulses in underdense plasma

Interaction of relativistically intense axisymmetrically polarized (radially or azimuthally polarized) laser pulses (RIAPLP) with underdense plasma is shown experimentally and theoretically to be essentially different from the interaction of conventional Gaussian pulses. The difference is clearly observed in distinct spectra of the side-scattered laser light for the RIAPLP and Gaussian pulses, as well as in the appearance of a spatially localized strong side emission of second harmonic of the laser pulse in the case of RIAPLP. According to our analysis based on three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations, this is a result of instability in the propagation of RIAPLP in uniform underdense plasma.

Lansoprazole Exacerbates Pemetrexed-Mediated Hematologic Toxicity by Competitive Inhibition of Renal Basolateral Human Organic Anion Transporter 3

Pemetrexed, a multitargeted antifolate, is eliminated by tubular secretion via human organic anion transporter 3 (hOAT3). Although proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are frequently used in cancer patients, the drug interaction between PPIs and pemetrexed remains to be clarified. In this study, we examined the drug interaction between pemetrexed and PPIs in hOAT3-expressing cultured cells, and retrospectively analyzed the impact of PPIs on the development of hematologic toxicity in 108 patients who received pemetrexed and carboplatin treatment of nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer for the first time between January 2011 and June 2015. We established that pemetrexed was transported via hOAT3 (Km = 68.3 ± 11.1 µM). Lansoprazole, rabeprazole, pantoprazole, esomeprazole, omeprazole, and vonoprazan inhibited hOAT3-mediated uptake of pemetrexed in a concentration-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of lansoprazole was much greater than those of other PPIs and the apparent IC50 value of lansoprazole against pemetrexed transport via hOAT3 was 0.57 ± 0.17 µM. The inhibitory type of lansoprazole was competitive. In a retrospective study, multivariate analysis revealed that coadministration of lansoprazole, but not other PPIs, with pemetrexed and carboplatin was an independent risk factor significantly contributing to the development of hematologic toxicity (odds ratio: 10.004, P = 0.005). These findings demonstrated that coadministration of lansoprazole could exacerbate the hematologic toxicity associated with pemetrexed, at least in part, by competitive inhibition of hOAT3. Our results would aid clinicians to make decisions of coadministration drugs to avoid drug interaction-induced side effects for achievement of safe and appropriate chemotherapy with pemetrexed.

Two-mode fission – experimental verification and characterization of two fission-modes

Experimental verification and characterization of the two-mode fission are reviewed. The presence of two independent deformation-paths in low energy fission of actinides is demonstrated by studying correlation among saddle-point configurations, scission-point configurations, and mass-yield distributions; the elongated scission configuration is related with the fission process that goes over a higher threshold energy and results in a symmetric mass-division mode, while the compact scission configuration with the process that experiences a lower threshold ends up with an asymmetric mass-division mode. Based on an extensive systematic analysis of scission properties in a wide range of actinide fission, the bimodal fission observed in the spontaneous fission of the heavy actinides is interpreted as the result of the presence of two fission paths, namely, the ordinary asymmetric fission path and a strongly shell-influenced symmetric mode.

Effect of membrane solubilization on the inhibition of rat and hamster liver microsomal type I 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase by bile acids

The aim of this study was to investigate the differences between rats and hamsters, Two of the most widely used experimental animals, with respect to the effects of microsomal membrane solubilization on the inhibition of liver 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSDI) enzyme by bile acids. Liver microsome fractions were prepared, and the 11β-HSDI enzymatic activity was measured using cortisone as a substrate. The substrate and various concentrations of bile acids were added to the assay mixtures. After incubation, the products were extracted and analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. To investigate the effect of detergent on the inhibitory effects of bile acids, we conducted inhibition tests using Triton X-100-solubilized animal liver microsomes. When solubilized microsomes were used, all bile acids inhibited 11β-HSDI from rats and hamsters to various degrees. 7α-Hydroxycholanoic acids (cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid) in particular had strong inhibitory activities. In hamsters, 7β-hydroxycholanoic acid (ursodeoxycholic acid) was the strongest inhibitor among the bile acids tested, although its effect was not very strong. When nonsolubilized microsomes were used, deoxycholic acid did not inhibit but rather enhanced the enzymatic activity in both animals. Microsomal content of cholesterol and phospholipids are significantly different between rats and hamsters. Species differences in bile acid inhibition of nonsolubilized microsomes might be reflected not only by structural difference of bile acids, which affect membrane solubilization and enzyme activity directly, but also species difference in microsomal membrane lipid content.

Dose-dependent differential effects of thrombin in allergic bronchial asthma

BACKGROUND

Apart from its role in the coagulation system, thrombin plays an important role in the inflammatory response through its protease-activated receptors (PARs). However, the role of thrombin in the immune response is not clear.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether thrombin has a modulatory role in allergic bronchial asthma.

METHODS

Bronchial asthma was induced in mice by intraperitoneal sensitization and inhalation challenge with ovalbumin. Thrombin or its inhibitors were administered by inhalation before each allergen challenge.

RESULTS

Mice with low but sustained coagulation activation had reduced allergic inflammation, and allergic asthma was inhibited by low doses of thrombin but worsened by high doses. Allergic asthma was worsened by antithrombin, argatroban, hirudin, and anti-thrombomodulin antibody. Mice with a higher level of an inhibitor of both thrombin and activated protein C had worse disease. Heterozygous PAR-1 mice had less allergic inflammation, but PAR-1 agonist worsened it. Allergic bronchial inflammation was worsened in mice that received adoptive transfer of PAR-1 agonist-treated Th2 cells as compared with controls. Low levels of thrombin suppressed the maturation and secretion of cytokines in dendritic cells, but high levels enhanced this.

CONCLUSIONS

The effects of thrombin on allergic asthma are dose-dependent, with detrimental effects at high doses and protective effects at low doses. These data demonstrate that thrombin modulates the outcome in allergic bronchial asthma.

Non-destructive elemental analysis of large meteorite samples by prompt gamma-ray neutron activation analysis with the internal mono-standard method

Prompt gamma-ray neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) using the internal mono-standard method was tested for its applicability to analyzing large solid samples including irregularly shaped meteorite samples. For evaluating the accuracy and precision of the method, large quantities of the Geological Survey of Japan standardized rock powders (JB-1a, JG-1a, and JP-1) were analyzed and 12 elements (B, Na, Mg, Al, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Sm, and Gd) were determined by using Si as an internal standard element. Analytical results were mostly in agreement with literature values within 10 %. The precision of the method was also shown to be within 10 % (1σ) for most of these elements. The analytical procedure was then applied to four stony meteorites (Allende, Kimble County, Leedey, Lake Labyrinth) and four iron meteorites (Canyon Diablo, Toluca (Mexico), Toluca (Xiquipilco), Squaw Creek) consisting of large chunks or single slabs. For stony meteorites, major elements (Mg, Al, Si, S, Ca, and Ni), minor elements (Na and Mn) and trace element (B, Cl, K, Ti, Co, and Sm) were determined with adequate accuracy. For iron meteorites, results for the Co and Ni mass fractions determined are all consistent with corresponding literature values. After the analysis, it was confirmed that the residual radioactivity remaining in the sample after PGNAA was very low and decreased down to the background level. This study shows that PGNAA with the internal mono-standard method is highly practical for determining the elemental composition of large, irregularly shaped solid samples including meteorites.

Upsizing the femoral component increases patellofemoral contact force in total knee replacement

In posterior stabilised total knee replacement (TKR) a larger femoral component is sometimes selected to manage the increased flexion gap caused by resection of the posterior cruciate ligament. However, concerns remain regarding the adverse effect of the increased anteroposterior dimensions of the femoral component on the patellofemoral (PF) joint. Meanwhile, the gender-specific femoral component has a narrower and thinner anterior flange and is expected to reduce the PF contact force. PF contact forces were measured at 90°, 120°, 130° and 140° of flexion using the NexGen Legacy Posterior Stabilized (LPS)-Flex Fixed Bearing Knee system using Standard, Upsized and Gender femoral components during TKR. Increasing the size of the femoral component significantly increased mean PF forces at 120°, 130° and 140° of flexion (p = 0.005, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). No difference was found in contact force between the Gender and the Standard components. Among the patients who had overhang of the Standard component, mean contact forces with the Gender component were slightly lower than those of the Standard component, but no statistical difference was found at 90°, 120°, 130° or 140° of flexion (p = 0.689, 0.615, 0.253 and 0.248, respectively). Upsized femoral components would increase PF forces in deep knee flexion. Gender-specific implants would not reduce PF forces.