X-Ray Magnetic Circular Dichroism in Altermagnetic α-MnTe

Altermagnetism is a recently identified magnetic symmetry class combining characteristics of conventional collinear ferromagnets and antiferromagnets, that were regarded as mutually exclusive, and enabling phenomena and functionalities unparalleled in either of the two traditional elementary magnetic classes. In this work we use symmetry, ab initio theory, and experiments to explore x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) in the altermagnetic class. As a representative material for our XMCD study we choose α-MnTe with compensated antiparallel magnetic order in which an anomalous Hall effect has been already demonstrated. We predict and experimentally confirm a characteristic XMCD line shape for compensated moments lying in a plane perpendicular to the light propagation vector. Our results highlight the distinct phenomenology in altermagnets of this time-reversal symmetry breaking response, and its potential utility for element-specific spectroscopy and microscopy.

Structure-Based Site-Directed Mutagenesis of Hydroxynitrile Lyase from Cyanogenic Millipede, Oxidus gracilis for Hydrocyanation and Henry Reactions

Hydroxynitrile lyase (HNL) from the cyanogenic millipede Oxidus gracillis (OgraHNL) is a crucial enzyme in the cyanogenesis pathway. Here, the crystal structures of OgraHNL complexed with sulfate, benzaldehyde (BA), (R)-mandelonitrile ((R)-Man), (R)-2-chloromandelonitrile ((R)-2-Cl-Man), and acetone cyanohydrin (ACN) were solved at 1.6, 1.7, 2.3, 2.1, and 2.0 Å resolutions, respectively. The structure of OgraHNL revealed that it belonged to the lipocalin superfamily. Based on this structure, positive variants were designed to further improve the catalytic activity and enantioselectivity of the enzyme for asymmetric hydrocyanation and Henry reactions.

Nitrile-synthesizing enzymes and biocatalytic synthesis of volatile nitrile compounds: A review

Nitriles (R-CN) comprise a broad group of chemicals industrially produced and used in fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and bulk applications, polymer chemistry, solvents, etc. Nitriles are important starting materials for producing carboxylic acids, amides, amines, and several other compounds. In addition, some volatile nitriles have been evaluated for their potential as ingredients in fragrance and flavor formulations. However, many nitrile synthesis methods have drawbacks, such as drastic reaction conditions, limited substrate scope, lack of readily available reagents, poor yields, and long reaction times. In contrast to chemical synthesis, biocatalytic approaches using enzymes can produce nitriles without harsh conditions, such as high temperatures and pressures, or toxic compounds. In this review, we summarize the nitrile-synthesizing enzymes from microorganisms, plants, and animals. Furthermore, we introduce several examples of biocatalytic synthesis of volatile nitrile compounds, particularly those using aldoxime dehydratase.

Subgenomic T cell receptor alpha and delta (TRA/TRD) loci in common carp

In jawed vertebrates, the T cell receptor alpha (TRA) and delta (TRD) genes, which encode the TRα and TRδ chains, respectively, are located as a nested structure on a single chromosome. To date, no animal has been reported to harbor multiple TRA/TRD loci on different chromosomes. Therefore, herein, we describe the first full annotation of the TRA/TRD genomic regions of common carp, an allo-tetraploid fish species that experiences cyprinid-specific whole-genome duplication (WGD) in evolution. Fine genomic maps of TRA/TRD genomic regions 1 and 2, on LG30 and LG22, respectively, were constructed using the annotations of complete sets of TRA and TRD genes, including TRA/TRD variable (V), TRA junction (J), and constant (C), TRD diversity (D), and the J and C genes. The structure and synteny of the TRA/TRD genomic regions were highly conserved in zebrafish, indicating that these regions are on individual chromosomes. Furthermore, analysis of the variable regions of the TRA and TRD genes in a monoclonal T cell line revealed that both subgenomic regions 1 and 2 were indeed rearranged. Although carp TRAV and TRDV genes were phylogenetically divided into different lineages, they were mixed and organized into the TRA/TRD V gene clusters on the genome, similar to that in other vertebrates. Notably, 285 potential TRA/TRD V genes were detected in the TRA/TRD genomic regions, which is the most abundant number of genes in vertebrates and approximately two-fold that in zebrafish. The recombination signal sequences (RSSs) at the end of each V gene differed between TRAV and TRDV, suggesting that RSS variations might separate each V gene into a TRα or TRδ chain. This study is the first to describe subgenomic TRA/TRD loci in animals. Our findings provide fundamental insights to elucidate the impact of WGD on the evolution of immune repertoire.

Exploration and utilization of novel aldoxime, nitrile, and nitro compounds metabolizing enzymes from plants and arthropods

Aldoxime (R1R2C=NOH) and nitrile (R-C≡N) are nitrogen-containing compounds that are found in species representing all kingdoms of life. The enzymes discovered from the microbial "aldoxime-nitrile" pathway (aldoxime dehydratase, nitrile hydratase, amidase, and nitrilase) have been thoroughly studied because of their industrial importance. Although plants utilize cytochrome P450 monooxygenases to produce aldoxime and nitrile, many biosynthetic pathways are yet to be studied. Cyanogenic millipedes accumulate various nitrile compounds, such as mandelonitrile. However, no such aldoxime- and nitrile-metabolizing enzymes have been identified in millipedes. Here, I review the exploration of novel enzymes from plants and millipedes with characteristics distinct from those of microbial enzymes, the catalysis of industrially useful reactions, and applications of these enzymes for nitrile compound production.

Standardization of preoperative stoma site marking and its utility for preventing stoma leakage: a retrospective study of 519 patients who underwent laparoscopic/robotic rectal cancer surgery

PURPOSE

Stoma site marking is an important preoperative intervention for preventing various stoma-associated complications. In our institution, standardized stoma site marking is routinely performed before rectal cancer surgery with stoma creation, and various stoma-associated factors are recorded in the ostomy-record template. The present study investigated risk factors for stoma leakage.

METHODS

Our stoma site marking is standardized so that it can be performed by non-stoma specialists. To identify risk factors of stoma leakage at 3 months after surgery, various preoperative factors associated with stoma site marking in our ostomy-record template were retrospectively analyzed in 519 patients who underwent rectal cancer surgery with stoma creation from 2015 to 2020.

RESULTS

Stoma leakage was seen in 35 of the 519 patients (6.7%). The distance between the stoma site marking and the umbilicus was less than 60 mm in 27 of the 35 patients (77%) who experienced stoma leakage, so a distance of less than 60 mm was identified as an independent risk factor for stoma leakage. Aside from preoperative factors, stoma leakage was also caused by postoperative skin wrinkles or surgical scars near the stoma site in 8 of 35 patients (23%).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative standardized stoma site marking is necessary to achieve reliable marking that is easy to perform. To reduce the risk of stoma leakage, a distance of 60 mm or more between the stoma site marking and the umbilicus is ideal, and surgeons need to contrive ways to keep surgical scars away from the stoma site.

Impairment of bimanual in-phase movement during recovery from frontal lobe tumor surgery: a case report

The mechanisms underlying bimanual coordination have not yet been fully elucidated. Here, we evaluated the clinical features of bimanual movement impairment in a patient following surgery for a frontal lobe tumor. The patient was an 80-year-old man who had undergone subtotal tumor resection for a tumor in the right superior frontal gyrus. Histological examination of the resected specimen led to the diagnosis of malignant lymphoma of the diffuse large B-cell type, and the patient subsequently received high-dose methotrexate-based chemotherapy. Postoperatively, the patient had difficulty with bimanual movement, and on the 5th postoperative day we found that the impairment could not be attributed to weakness. Temporal changes in the characteristics of manual movements were analyzed. Bimanual diadochokinesis (opening/closing of the hands, pronation/supination of the forearms, and sequential finger movements) was more disturbed than unilateral movements; in-phase movements were more severely impaired than anti-phase movements. Bimanual movement performance was better when cued using an auditory metronome. On the 15th postoperative day, movements improved. The present observations show that in addition to the disturbance of anti-phase bimanual movements, resection of the frontal lobe involving the supplementary motor area (SMA) and premotor cortex (PMC) can cause transient impairment of in-phase bimanual diadochokinesis, which can be more severe than the impairment of anti-phase movements. The effect of auditory cueing on bimanual skills may be useful in the diagnosis of anatomical localization of the superior frontal gyrus and functional localization of the SMA and PMC and in rehabilitation of patients with brain tumors, as in the case of degenerative movement disorders.

Whole-genome sequencing analysis of molecular epidemiology and silent transmissions causing meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections in a university hospital

BACKGROUND

The emergence of novel genomic-type clones, such as community-associated meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and livestock-associated MRSA, and their invasion into hospitals have become major concerns worldwide; however, little information is available regarding the prevalence of MRSA in Japan. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has been conducted to analyse various pathogens worldwide. Therefore, it is important to establish a genome database of clinical MRSA isolates available in Japan.

AIM

A molecular epidemiological analysis of MRSA strains isolated from bloodstream-infected patients in a Japanese university hospital was conducted using WGS and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. Additionally, through a review of patients' clinical characteristics, the effectiveness of SNP analysis as a tool for detecting silent nosocomial transmission that may be missed by other methods was evaluated in diverse settings and various time points of detection.

METHODS

Polymerase-chain-reaction-based staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing was performed using 135 isolates obtained between 2014 and 2018, and WGS was performed using 88 isolates obtained between 2015 and 2017.

FINDINGS

SCCmec type II strains, prevalent in 2014, became rare in 2018, whereas the prevalence of SCCmec type IV strains increased from 18.75% to 83.87% of the population, and became the dominant clones. Clonal complex (CC) 5 CC8 and CC1 were detected between 2015 and 2017, with CC1 being dominant. In 88 cases, SNP analyses revealed nosocomial transmissions among 20 patients which involved highly homologous strains.

CONCLUSIONS

Routine monitoring of MRSA by whole-genome analysis is effective not only for gaining knowledge regarding molecular epidemiology, but also for detecting silent nosocomial transmission.

AQDnet: Deep Neural Network for Protein-Ligand Docking Simulation

We have developed an innovative system, AI QM Docking Net (AQDnet), which utilizes the three-dimensional structure of protein-ligand complexes to predict binding affinity. This system is novel in two respects: first, it significantly expands the training dataset by generating thousands of diverse ligand configurations for each protein-ligand complex and subsequently determining the binding energy of each configuration through quantum computation. Second, we have devised a method that incorporates the atom-centered symmetry function (ACSF), highly effective in describing molecular energies, for the prediction of protein-ligand interactions. These advancements have enabled us to effectively train a neural network to learn the protein-ligand quantum energy landscape (P-L QEL). Consequently, we have achieved a 92.6% top 1 success rate in the CASF-2016 docking power, placing first among all models assessed in the CASF-2016, thus demonstrating the exceptional docking performance of our model.

Transcriptionally linked simultaneous overexpression of P450 genes for broad-spectrum herbicide resistance

Broad-spectrum herbicide resistance (BSHR), often linked to weeds with metabolism-based herbicide resistance, poses a threat to food production. Past studies have revealed that overexpression of catalytically-promiscuous enzymes explains BSHR in some weeds; however, the mechanism of BSHR expression remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the molecular basis of high-level resistance to diclofop-methyl in BSHR late watergrass (Echinochloa phyllopogon) found in the US, which cannot be solely explained by the overexpression of promiscuous cytochrome P450 monooxygenases CYP81A12/21. The BSHR late watergrass line rapidly produced two distinct hydroxylated-diclofop-acids, only one of which was the major metabolite produced by CYP81A12/21. RNA-seq and subsequent RT-qPCR-based segregation screening identified the transcriptionally-linked overexpression of a gene, CYP709C69, with CYP81A12/21 in the BSHR line. The gene conferred diclofop-methyl resistance in plants and produced another hydroxylated-diclofop-acid in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Unlike CYP81A12/21, CYP709C69 showed no other herbicide-metabolizing function except for a presumed clomazone-activating function. The overexpression of the three herbicide-metabolizing genes was also identified in another BSHR late watergrass in Japan, suggesting a convergence of BSHR evolution at the molecular level. Synteny analysis of the P450 genes implied that they are located at mutually independent loci, which supports the idea that a single trans-element regulates the three genes. We propose that transcriptionally-linked simultaneous overexpression of herbicide-metabolizing genes enhances and broadens the metabolic resistance in weeds. The convergence of the complex mechanism in BSHR late watergrass from two countries suggests that BSHR evolved through co-opting a conserved gene-regulatory system in late watergrass.

Identification and characterization of cytochrome P450 CYP77A59 of loquat (Rhaphiolepis bibas) responsible for biosynthesis of phenylacetonitrile, a floral nitrile compound

MAIN CONCLUSION

Cytochrome P450 CYP77A59 is responsible for the biosynthesis of phenylacetonitrile in loquat flowers. Flowers of some plants emit volatile nitrile compounds, but the biosynthesis of these compounds is unclear. Loquat (Rhaphiolepis bibas) flowers emit characteristic N-containing volatiles, such as phenylacetonitrile (PAN), (E/Z)-phenylacetaldoxime (PAOx), and (2-nitroethyl)benzene (NEB). These volatiles likely play a defense role against pathogens and insects. PAN and NEB are commonly biosynthesized from L-phenylalanine via (E/Z)-PAOx. Two cytochrome P450s-CYP79D80 and "promiscuous fatty acid ω-hydroxylase" CYP94A90, which catalyze the formation of (E/Z)-PAOx from L-phenylalanine and NEB from (E/Z)-PAOx, respectively-are involved in NEB biosynthesis. However, the enzymes catalyzing the formation of PAN from (E/Z)-PAOx in loquat have not been identified. In this study, we aimed to identify candidate cytochrome P450s catalyzing PAN formation in loquat flowers. Yeast whole-cell biocatalyst assays showed that among nine candidate cytochrome P450s, CYP77A58 and CYP77A59 produced PAN from (E/Z)-PAOx. CYP77As catalyzed the dehydration of aldoximes, which is atypical of cytochrome P450; the reaction was NADPH-dependent, with an optimum temperature and pH of 40 °C and 8.0, respectively. CYP77As acted on (E/Z)-PAOx, (E/Z)-4-hydroxyphenylacetaldoxime, and (E/Z)-indole-3-acetaldoxime. Previously characterized CYP77As are known to hydroxylate fatty acids; loquat CYP77As did not act on tested fatty acids. We observed higher expression of CYP77A59 in flowers than in buds; expression of CYP77A58 was remarkably reduced in the flowers. Because the flowers, but not buds, emit PAN, CYP77A59 is likely responsible for the biosynthesis of PAN in loquat flowers. This study will help us understand the biosynthesis of floral nitrile compounds.

Oxidative Stress Inhibits Endotoxin Tolerance and May Affect Periodontitis

Periodontal disease is caused by dysbiosis of the dental biofilm and the host inflammatory response. Various pathogenic factors, such as proteases and lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) produced by bacteria, are involved in disease progression. Endotoxin tolerance is a function of myeloid cells, which sustain inflammation and promote tissue regeneration upon prolonged stimulation by endotoxins such as LPS. The role of endotoxin tolerance is gaining attention in various chronic inflammatory diseases, but its role in periodontal disease remains elusive. Oxidative stress, one of the major risk factors for periodontal disease, promotes disease progression through various mechanisms, of which only some are known. The effect of oxidative stress on endotoxin tolerance has not yet been studied, and we postulated that endotoxin tolerance regulation may be an additional mechanism through which oxidative stress influences periodontal disease. This study aimed to reveal the effect of oxidative stress on endotoxin tolerance and that of endotoxin tolerance on periodontitis progression. The effect of oxidative stress on endotoxin tolerance was analyzed in vitro using peritoneal macrophages of mice and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The results showed that oxidative stress inhibits endotoxin tolerance induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS in macrophages, at least partially, by downregulating LPS-elicited negative regulators of Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling. A novel oxidative stress mouse model was established using SMP30KO mice incapable of ascorbate biosynthesis. Using this model, we revealed that oxidative stress impairs endotoxin tolerance potential in macrophages in vivo. Furthermore, gingival expression of endotoxin tolerance-related genes and TLR signaling negative regulators was decreased, and symptoms of ligature-induced periodontitis were aggravated in the oxidative stress mouse model. Our findings suggest that oxidative stress may contribute to periodontitis progression through endotoxin tolerance inhibition.

Comparison of herbicide specificity of CYP81A cytochrome P450s from rice and a multiple-herbicide resistant weed, Echinochloa phyllopogon

BACKGROUND

CYP81A cytochrome P450s (CYP81As) play a key role in herbicide detoxification in Poaceae plants. Crop CYP81As confer natural tolerance to multiple herbicides, whereas CYP81As in weeds disrupt herbicide action. Identifying differences in CYP81A herbicide specificity between crops and weeds could provide valuable information for controlling weeds. In this study, we quantitatively compared herbicide specificity between CYP81A6 from rice (Oryza sativa) and CYP81A12 and CYP81A21 from a weed, Echinochloa phyllopogon, using transgenic Escherichia coli and Arabidopsis.

RESULTS

All three CYP81As metabolized the five tested herbicides and formed similar metabolites, with the highest relative activities of 400 to 580% toward bentazone compared to their activity on bensulfuron-methyl (defined as 100%). However, they showed differing activity toward propyrisulfuron. The relative activities of Echinochloa phyllopogon CYP81A12 (12.2%) and CYP81A21 (34.4%) toward propyrisulfuron were lower than that of rice CYP81A6 (98.5%). Additionally, rice CYP81A6 produced O-demethylated propyrisulfuron and hydroxylated products, whereas Echinochloa phyllopogon CYP81As produced only hydroxylated products. Arabidopsis expressing CYP81A12 and CYP81A21 exhibited lower levels of resistance against propyrisulfuron compared to that in Arabidopsis expressing CYP81A6. Homology modeling and in silico docking revealed that bensulfuron-methyl docked well into the active centers of all three CYP81As, whereas propyrisulfuron docked into rice CYP81A6 but not into Echinochloa phyllopogon CYP81As.

CONCLUSION

The differing herbicide specificity displayed by rice CYP81A6 and Echinochloa phyllopogon CYP81A12 and CYP81A21 will help design inhibitors (synergists) of weed CYP81As, as well as develop novel herbicide ingredients that are selectively metabolized by crop CYP81As, to overcome the problem of herbicide resistance. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Pyramiding of multiple strong-culm genes originating from indica and tropical japonica to the temperate japonica rice

Severe lodging has recurrently occurred at strong typhoon’s hitting in recent climate change. The identification of quantitative trait loci and their responsible genes associated with a strong culm and their pyramiding are important for developing high-yielding varieties with a superior lodging resistance. To evaluate the effects of four strong-culm genes on lodging resistance, the temperate japonica near isogenic line (NIL) with the introgressed SCM1 or SCM2 locus of the indica variety, Habataki and the other NIL with the introgeressed SCM3 or SCM4 locus of the tropical japonica variety, Chugoku 117 were developed. Then, we developed the pyramiding lines with double,triple and quadruple combinations derived from step-by-step crosses among NIL-SCM1–NIL-SCM4. Quadruple pyramiding line (NIL-SCM1 + 2 + 3 + 4) showed the largest culm diameter and the highest culm strength among the combinations and increased spikelet number due to the pleiotropic effects of these genes. Pyramiding of strong culm genes resulted in much increased culm thickness, culm strength and spikelet number due to their additive effect. SCM1 mainly contributed to enhance their pyramiding effect. These results in this study suggest the importance of identifying the combinations of superior alleles of strong culm genes among natural variation and pyramiding these genes for improving high-yielding varieties with a superior lodging resistance.

Abstract 6026: A novel humanized mouse model based on NOG-FcgR-/-mice recapitulates anti-tumor immune reactions by human immune systems in response to anti-PD-1 antibody (Nivolumab)

Humanized mice with human hematopoietic and immune systems have been frequently used for examining in vivo anti-cancer effects of various drugs, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) like anti-PD-1 or anti-CTLA-4 antibodies, yet the reliability of the mouse models to be improved. We have recently developed NOD-scid, IL-2Rγ KO (NOG) mice deficient for the mouse FcεRI and FcγIIb genes, thus lacking the expression of functional mouse FcγRs, (NOG-FcγR-/-) and the activity of endogenous antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Reconstitution experiments with human hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) showed that NOG-FcγR-/- mice had higher engraftment capacity for human leucocytes than NOG mice, namely the numbers of HSC-derived human CD19+ B cells and CD33+ myeloid cells, but not CD3+ T cells, were higher in the various tissues in NOG-FcγR-/- mice than those in NOG mice. In tumor-bearing experiments using those reconstituted mice, it was of interest that humanized NOG-FcγR-/- mice (huNOG-FcγR-/-) could invoke strong tumor growth suppression or rejection in response to anti-PD-1 antibody (Nivolumab) treatment in several cancer cell lines, which was absent in conventional huNOG mice. Accordingly, Nivolumab treatment in huNOG-FcγR-/- mice induced a significant increase of human T cells in number in the spleen and infiltration of human T cells with Granzyme B and Perforin-expression into tumor. Furthermore, the composition of activated T cells was different between huNOG-FcγR-/- and huNOG mice. HuNOG-FcγR-/- mice had elevated numbers of activated T cells, both T central memory cells (TCM) and T effector memory cells (TEM), whereas huNOG mice showed an opposite trend, reduced TCM and TEM and increase of naïve T cells. Our results suggest that the novel NOG-FcγR-/- mice become a good model for elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms of human tumor rejection by human T cells, and that they will provide a superior in vivo platform for evaluation of anti-cancer drugs, especially, in combination with ICIs like Nivolumab.

Citation Format: Ikumi Katano, Asami Hanazawa, Iyo Otsuka, Takuya Yamaguchi, Misa Mochiduki, Kenji Kawai, Ryoji Ito, Motohito Goto, Takahiro Kagawa, Takeshi Takahashi. A novel humanized mouse model based on NOG-FcgR-/-mice recapitulates anti-tumor immune reactions by human immune systems in response to anti-PD-1 antibody (Nivolumab) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 6026.

Discharge characteristics of steady-state high-density plasma source based on cascade arc discharge with hollow cathode

We developed a steady-state high-density plasma source by applying a hollow cathode to a cascade arc discharge device. The hollow cathode is made of a thermionic material (LaB₆) to facilitate plasma production inside it. The cascade arc discharge device with the hollow cathode produced a stationary plasma with an electron density of about 10¹⁶ cm^-3. It was found that the plasma source produces a strong pressure gradient between the gas feed and the vacuum chamber. The plasma source separated the atmospheric pressure (100 kPa) and a vacuum (100 Pa) when the discharge was performed with an argon gas flow rate of 5.0 l/min and a discharge current of 40 A. An analysis of the pressure gradient along the plasma source showed that the pressure difference between the gas feed and the vacuum chamber can be well described by the Hagen-Poiseuille flow equation, indicating that the viscosity of the neutral gas is the dominant factor for producing this pressure gradient. A potential profile analysis suggested that the plasma was mainly heated within cylindrical channels whose inner diameter was 3 mm. This feature and the results of the pressure ratio analysis indicated that the temperature, and, thus, viscosity, of the neutral gas increased with the increasing number of intermediate electrodes. The discharge characteristics and shape of the hollow cathode are suitable for plasma window applications.

First Application of Mass Measurements with the Rare-RI Ring Reveals the Solar r-Process Abundance Trend at A=122 and A=123

The Rare-RI Ring (R3) is a recently commissioned cyclotronlike storage ring mass spectrometer dedicated to mass measurements of exotic nuclei far from stability at Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory (RIBF) in RIKEN. The first application of mass measurement using the R3 mass spectrometer at RIBF is reported. Rare isotopes produced at RIBF-^{127}Sn, ^{126}In, ^{125}Cd, ^{124}Ag, ^{123}Pd-were injected in R3. Masses of ^{126}In, ^{125}Cd, and ^{123}Pd were measured whereby the mass uncertainty of ^{123}Pd was improved. This is the first reported measurement with a new storage ring mass spectrometry technique realized at a heavy-ion cyclotron and employing individual injection of the preidentified rare nuclei. The latter is essential for the future mass measurements of the rarest isotopes produced at RIBF. The impact of the new ^{123}Pd result on the solar r-process abundances in a neutron star merger event is investigated by performing reaction network calculations of 20 trajectories with varying electron fraction Y_{e}. It is found that the neutron capture cross section on ^{123}Pd increases by a factor of 2.2 and β-delayed neutron emission probability, P_{1  n}, of ^{123}Rh increases by 14%. The neutron capture cross section on ^{122}Pd decreases by a factor of 2.6 leading to pileup of material at A=122, thus reproducing the trend of the solar r-process abundances. The trend of the two-neutron separation energies (S_{2n}) was investigated for the Pd isotopic chain. The new mass measurement with improved uncertainty excludes large changes of the S_{2n} value at N=77. Such large increase of the S_{2n} values before N=82 was proposed as an alternative to the quenching of the N=82 shell gap to reproduce r-process abundances in the mass region of A=112-124.

WHO informal consultation on revision of guidelines on evaluation of similar biotherapeutic products, virtual meeting, 30 June – 2 July 2021

The WHO informal consultation was held to promote the revision of WHO guidelines on evaluation of similar biotherapeutic products (SBPs) adopted by the Expert Committee on Biological Standardization (ECBS) in 2009. It was agreed in the past consultations that the evaluation principles in the guidelines are still valid, but a review was recommended to provide more clarity and case-by-case flexibility. The opportunity was therefore taken to review the experience and identify areas where the current guidance could be more permissive without compromising its basic principles, and where additional explanation could be provided regarding the possibility of reducing the amount of data needed for regulatory approval. The meeting participants applauded the leading role taken by the WHO in providing a much-needed streamlined approach for development and evaluation of SBPs which will provide efficient and cost-effective product development and increase patient access to treatments. It was recognized that the principles as currently described in the draft WHO guidelines are based on sound science and experience gained over the last fifteen years of biosimilar approvals. However, since these guidelines when finalised will constitute the global standard for biosimilar evaluation and assist national regulatory authorities in establishing revised guidance and regulatory practice in this complex area, it was felt that further revision and clarity on certain perspectives in specific areas was necessary to dispel uncertainties arising in the current revised version. This report describes the principles in the draft guidelines, including topics discussed and consensus reached.

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WHO guidelines serve as a basis for the development of national regulatory framework for biosimilars.

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Revision of guidelines is to provide more flexibility and clarification on data required for regulatory approval.

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Revised guidelines would contribute to improving consistency on regulatory decision and patient access to treatments.

Construction of the UDP-Glucose Biosynthetic Enzyme Gene Coexpression Plasmid for Prunasin Production in Escherichia coli

Microbial production of bioactive glucosides using uridine diphosphate glucosyltransferase (UGT) is an efficient glucoside production method. Here, we describe a detailed method for the construction of a UDP-glucose biosynthetic enzyme gene coexpression plasmid, that is, pCDF-PGP and the microbial production of prunasin from racemic mandelonitrile using Escherichia coli possessing UGT85A47 obtained from Japanese apricot. Furthermore, this constructed vector can find application in the production of various other glucosides that utilize other UGTs and aglycons.

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.

Population-based incidence and outcomes of acute aortic dissection in Japan

Background

The population-based incidence and outcomes of acute aortic dissection (AAD) are still unknown because some patients are already dead on arrival at the hospital, and the accurate diagnosis of AAD is difficult due to the low autopsy rate for patients with cardiopulmonary arrest outside of the hospital. We performed a population-based review of all patients with AAD in a well-defined geographical area in the southern part of Japan between 2016 and 2018.

Methods

Data of all patients with AAD at our Hospital, which performs medical care for 120,000 residents, were collected retrospectively. The emergency medical service is dedicated to the transfer of all patients in this area to the MPNH. For all patients who were dead on arrival, the diagnosis of AAD was made by autopsy imaging (AI) using computed tomography. The age-adjusted incidence and mortality per 100,000 population were calculated using the Japanese population distribution model in 2015.

Results

The total incidence of AAD was 79 (type A: 64.5%, n=51). Of those, 60.8% (31/51) of patients with type A and 21.4% (6/28) with type B were dead on arrival and diagnosed by AI. The 30-day mortality rates after the onset of AAD were 74.5% (38/51) in type A and 25.0% (7/28) in type B. Excluding the dead-on-arrival patients, the 30-day mortality rates were 35.0% (7/20) in type A and 4.5% (1/22) in type B. The age-adjusted incidence and mortality of AAD per 100,000 inhabitants were 17.3 (type A: 11.3, type B: 6.0) and 9.6 (type A: 8.4, type B: 1.2), respectively. Both values were significantly higher in men than in women.

Conclusions

The population-based survey of emergency medical care for AAD showed that the age-adjusted incidence of AAD was two-fold higher than in previous reports, and the actual mortality rates after AAD onset were markedly higher due to the high incidence of dead-on-arrival.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Representative CT images of type A AAD

Transmission of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae associated with sinks in a surgical hospital ward, confirmed by single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis

BACKGROUND

Although sink- and drain-related carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales transmission has been reported previously, there is limited research regarding the transmission of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales.

AIM

To investigate nosocomial ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae transmission via patient sinks and drains on a general surgical hospital ward.

METHODS

ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae transmission on a surgical ward at Tokyo Medical University Hospital (built in July 2019) from July 2019 to February 2020 was investigated. Information regarding the relatedness of the isolates from the patients and the environment was provided by whole-genome sequence analysis.

FINDINGS

Four clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae (TUM19831, TUM19832, TUM19833 and TUM19834) were detected during the study. TUM19831 was identified prior to moving to the new building and was detected again in the new building. TUM19832 and TUM19833 were detected in July 2019, and TUM19834 was detected in December 2019. TUM19835 and TUM19836 were detected in two different sinks and drains in July 2019, while a further two sinks and drains tested positive for TUM19837 and TUM19838 in February 2020. Whole-genome analysis revealed that all strains were ST307 and CTXM15 sequence types, and the isolates were indistinguishable by genetic analysis. Due to inadequate removal of the slime biofilm coating, the sinks needed to be cleaned again before TUM19837 and TUM19838 could be detected.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the transmission of indistinguishable ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae strains from sinks and drains in the patient area of a general surgical hospital ward. There is a need to recognize this risk and develop optimal management strategies for plumbing systems in hospitals and other healthcare settings.

Transmission properties of microwaves at an optical Weyl point in a three-dimensional chiral photonic crystal

Microwave transmission measurements were performed for a three-dimensional (3D) layer-by-layer chiral photonic crystal (PhC), whose photonic band structure contains 3D singular points, Weyl points. For the frequency and wavevector in the vicinity of a Weyl point, the transmitted intensity was found to be inversely proportional to the square of the propagation length. In addition, the transmitted wave was well-collimated in the plane parallel to the PhC layers, even for point-source incidence. When a plane wave was incident on the PhC containing metal scatters, the planar wavefront was reconstructed after the transmission, indicating a cloaking effect.

P–611 Innovative controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) produces high-quality oocytes and no ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome (OHSS)

Study question

How can we find an ovarian stimulation method that does not cause hyper stimulation syndrome but can produce a high pregnancy rate at one cycle?

Summary answer

This newly developed method for PCOS has a higher accumulative clinical outcome for one trial and no OHSS.

What is known already

Almost all conventional treatments for PCOS have managed to avoid OHSS by reducing the number of growing follicles, which are associated with high Estradiol levels and stimulate the production of vessel endothelial growth hormone (VEGF), leading to increased vessel permeability. Low dose FSH administration, In vitro maturation (IVM), Ovarian Drilling and Coasting have been performed to achieve this. However, their actual clinical outcome is still unsatisfactory.

Study design, size, duration

Evaluation of the efficiency of this method was conducted retrospectively at St. Mother Clinic. The embryonic development and the clinical outcome were studied for 34 PCOS patients during the period between November 2018 and December 2019.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

We started injections of FSH (150iu/ml), then we did ultrasound follicle monitoring. GnRH antagonist shots were started when the leading follicle reached 18mm and continued until the largest follicle was 22–24mm and the E2 value was over 4000pg/ml. Letrozole (2.5mg) and leuprorelin acetate (1.88mg) was injected as trigger. Two tablets each of Letrozole, Cabergoline and GnRH antagonist were given for 5 consecutive days after the oocyte retrieval. All embryos were cryopreserved.

Main results and the role of chance

Number of patients and cycles were 34 and 59. Average number of cryopreserved blastocysts was 6.12 (1–16). The frequencies of OHSS (mild, moderate, severe) were 29.4% (10/34), 0% (0/34), 0% (0/34). Average days between oocyte collection and withdrawal hemorrhage was 5.44(5–7). Cryopreservation rate was 100.0% (34/34). Clinical pregnancy rate and miscarriage rate was 42.3% (25/59) and 16.0% (4/25). The cumulative pregnancy rate was 73.7% (25/34). The four remaining unsuccessful cases still have 10,6,3 and 7 frozen embryos. So, there is a high possibility that they become successful, that would bring the cumulative pregnancy rate up to 82.3% (28/34).

Limitations, reasons for caution

This COS for PCOS seems promising, however it is premature to conclude that this method is established. This method requires caution monitoring for hormone level, follicle size and number and coagulant function. It also accompanied with the risk of ovarian hemorrhage on aspiration of a great number of oocytes.

Wider implications of the findings: This COS seems viable for PCOS cases. It could control the cohort of antral follicles with different doses of Letrozole to find the optimal COH method and it could become the first option for COS of PCOS.

Trial registration number

N/A

P–023 Innovative ultra-rapid vitrification method for five or fewer testicular spermatozoa from non-obstructive azoospermic men after microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (Micro-TESE)

Study question

What technique can be used to successfully cryopreserve five or fewer testicular spermatozoa from non-obstructive azoospermic men?

Summary answer

This method for cryopreserving five or fewer spermatozoa from non-obstructive azoospermic men showed a recovery rate above 90% and a survival rate of about 70%.

What is known already

Clinical outcomes of ICSI when using only five or fewer testicular spermatozoa after cryopreservation have been unsuccessful and are considered to be inferior to those using testicular fresh spermatozoa from Micro-TESE. A possible cause of these poor results has been the lack of a successful freezing technique. In these cases, repeated Micro-TESE and simultaneous oocyte pick up has been the only available treatment.

Study design, size, duration

Evaluation of the efficiency of cryopreservation by modified permeable cryoprotectant-free vitrification method (HTF supplemented with 0.1M sucrose and 10% SPS) for five or fewer testicular spermatozoa from 113 non-obstructive azoospermic men using Micro-TESE was conducted retrospectively at St. Mother Clinic between 2011 and 2018.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

This study included 113 non-obstructive azoospermic men. Each motile spermatozoon was carefully aspirated tail first into the pipette, put into a 2-μl microdroplet media of the vitrification medium near the tip of the Cryotop (Kitazato Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) submerged in liquid nitrogen vapor for 2 min and then immediately plunged in liquid nitrogen. The vitrified spermatozoa were warmed by dipping them into a droplet media. Successfully recovered motile sperm were selected and used for ICSI.

Main results and the role of chance

Number of patients, transfer cycles and collected sperms were 113, 192 and 560. Mean age of patients and their wives were 32.0±3.7y and 28.4±5.8y. Clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, live birth rate and number of live offspring were 24.0% (46/192), 19.6% (9/46), 19.3% (37/192) and 37 (Male: Female = 17: 20). Sperm recovery rate and survival rate were 90.3% (506/560) and 70.4% (356/506). Fertilization rate and mean number of transferred embryos were 51.6% (99/192) and 1.73 (1–2). Mean gestational weeks and mean body weight at birth were 39.23±5.27w and 2852.31±314.28g. No congenital anomalies were observed in any of the babies.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The maximum number of spermatozoa to which this method can be applied successfully is about 10. When the number of aspirated spermatozoa is over 10, some of them change direction and reach the mineral oil, and once this happens, they cannot be expelled out of the pipette.

Wider implications of the findings: This technique is very useful for the cryopreservation of very small numbers of testicular spermatozoa (fewer than 10) in order to avoid or reduce Micro-TESE interventions.

Trial registration number

N/A

A promiscuous fatty acid ω-hydroxylase CYP94A90 is likely to be involved in biosynthesis of a floral nitro compound in loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)

Nitro groups are often associated with synthetically manufactured compounds such as medicines and explosives, and rarely with natural products. Loquat emits a nitro compound, (2-nitroethyl)benzene, as a flower scent. The nitro compound exhibits fungistatic activity and is biosynthesised from l-phenylalanine via (E/Z)-phenylacetaldoxime. Although aldoxime-producing CYP79s have been intensively studied, it is unclear what enzymes form nitro groups from aldoximes either in plants or in other organisms. Here, we report the identification of two cytochrome P450s that are likely to be involved in (2-nitroethyl)benzene biosynthesis in loquat through differential gene expression analysis using RNA-seq and functional identification using yeast and tobacco. CYP79D80 and CYP94A90 catalysed the formation of (E/Z)-phenylacetaldoxime from l-phenylalanine and (2-nitroethyl)benzene from the aldoxime, respectively. Expression profiles of CYP79D80 and CYP94A90 were correlated with the emission of (2-nitroethyl)benzene from loquat flowers. CYP94A90 also functioned as a fatty acid ω-hydroxylase as do other CYP94A fatty acid ω-hydroxylases. The CYP94As tested from other plants were all found to catalyse the formation of (2-nitroethyl)benzene from (E/Z)-phenylacetaldoxime. CYP79D80 and CYP94A90 are likely to operate in concert to biosynthesise (2-nitroethyl)benzene in loquat. CYP94A90 and other CYP94As are 'promiscuous fatty acid ω-hydroxylases', catalysing the formation of nitro groups from aldoximes, and are widely distributed in dicot plants.

Generation of Novel Human Red Blood Cell-Bearing Humanized Mouse Models Based on C3-Deficient NOG Mice

Despite recent advances in immunodeficient mouse models bearing human red blood cells (hRBCs), the elimination of circulating hRBCs by residual innate immune systems remains a significant challenge. In this study, we evaluated the role of mouse complement C3 in the elimination of circulating hRBCs by developing a novel NOG substrain harboring a truncated version of the murine C3 gene (NOG-C3^ΔMG2-3). Genetic C3 deletion prolonged the survival of transfused hRBCs in the circulation. Chemical depletion and functional impairment of mouse macrophages, using clodronate liposomes (Clo-lip) or gadolinium chloride (GdCl₃), respectively, further extended the survival of hRBCs in NOG-C3^ΔMG2-3 mice. Low GdCl₃ toxicity allowed the establishment of hRBC-bearing mice, in which hRBCs survived for more than 4 weeks with transfusion once a week. In addition, erythropoiesis of human hematopoietic stem cells (hHSCs) was possible in NOG-C3^ΔMG2-3/human GM-CSF-IL-3 transgenic mice with Clo-lip treatment. These findings indicate that mouse models harboring hRBCs can be achieved using NOG-C3^ΔMG2-3 mice, which could facilitate studies of human diseases associated with RBCs.

The structure of aqueous solutions of hexafluoro-iso-propanol studied by neutron diffraction with hydrogen/deuterium isotope substitution and empirical potential structure refinement modeling

Neutron diffraction measurements of H/D isotopic substitution are made at room temperature for seven H/D substituted hexafluoro-iso-propanol (HFIP; 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol)-water mixtures at 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 HFIP mole fraction (xHFIP). The eight partial structure factors except for the H(CH)-H(CH) pair obtained are subjected to an empirical potential structure refinement (EPSR) method to derive all site-site pair correlation functions. It is found that with increasing HFIP concentration the ice-like network of water disappears between xHFIP = 0.1 and 0.2, followed by the formation of a chain-like water structure embedded in an intrinsic structure of HFIP evolved at xHFIP = 0.4. The hydroxyl group of HFIP forms hydrogen bonds with the surrounding water molecules at all HFIP mole fractions investigated. There is no evidence that the water structure is well defined around the CF3 groups of HFIP, but water molecules surround tangentially the CF3 groups of HFIP.

Investigation of clomazone-tolerance mechanism in a long-grain cultivar of rice

BACKGROUND

Clomazone is a potent herbicide for controlling weeds that have evolved resistance to other herbicides due to its unique mode of action. Clomazone is used in rice cultivation, but is limited to long-grain cultivars because other cultivars are highly sensitive to it. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of clomazone tolerance in a long-grain cultivar.

RESULTS

The long-grain cultivar Kasalath tolerated approximately five-fold higher doses of clomazone compared to two short-grain cultivars, Nipponbare and Koshihikari. While Arabidopsis thaliana transformed with a rice cytochrome P450, CYP81A6, showed resistance to clomazone, the cyp81a6 knockout Kasalath was unchanged in its clomazone sensitivity. The inheritance of clomazone sensitivity in the F1 and F2 of Kasalath and Nipponbare indicated the involvement of multiple loci for clomazone tolerance. Four chromosome segment substitution lines of Nipponbare/Kasalath and Koshihikari/Kasalath exhibited partial tolerance to clomazone. The overlapping DNA region among the four lines is on chromosome 5 within 11.5 Mb.

CONCLUSION

Multiple loci are involved in clomazone tolerance in Kasalath, one of which is located on chromosome 5. This information will help develop short-grain cultivars tolerant to clomazone. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.