Search

Saccharothriolides A-F are 10-membered microbial macrolides proposed to be generated from their precursors presaccharothriolides X-Z. Previously, we isolated presaccharothriolide X, and its unique natural prodrug-like properties have intrigued us. However, the other congeners were not detected. Herein, we detected presaccharothriolide Z using our highly sensitive labeling reagent. Moreover, chemical synthesis of presaccharothriolide Z, the first total synthesis of saccharothriolide-class macrolides, was achieved, and the structure and biological activity of presaccharothriolide Z were determined.

The efficacy of biologics in psoriasis treatment is clinically proven; however, biologics are expensive. In this study, we assessed the real-world cost-effectiveness of biologics for psoriasis treatment by evaluating the relationship between biologic drug survival (DS) and total medical-treatment costs from a pharmacoeconomic viewpoint. Furthermore, the effects of patient factors on cost-effectiveness were investigated. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 135 cases who received either a tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) monoclonal antibody (TNF-mab), interleukin (IL)-17 mab, or IL23p19-mab for psoriasis from January 2010 to June 2020 at Yamaguchi University Hospital. We compared the monthly medical-treatment costs according to biologic classification and found that costs of medical services, tests, and external preparations required for the treatment process were significantly higher in the TNF-mab group than in the other groups, and the total medical costs associated with TNF-mab treatment were significantly higher than those of IL17-mab treatment. The total monthly cost of medical care was lower in the long-term DS group than in the short-term group. The number of prescriptions for external preparations, comprising Vitamin D

Saccharothriolides A-F are 10-membered microbial macrolides proposed to be generated from their precursors presaccharothriolides X-Z. Previously, we isolated presaccharothriolide X, and its unique natural prodrug-like properties have intrigued us. However, the other congeners were not detected. Herein, we detected presaccharothriolide Z using our highly sensitive labeling reagent. Moreover, chemical synthesis of presaccharothriolide Z, the first total synthesis of saccharothriolide-class macrolides, was achieved, and the structure and biological activity of presaccharothriolide Z were determined.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Since January 2020, coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases have been confirmed in Japan, and the number of patients with COVID-19 has been increasing. Two emergency declarations have been made previously and one is currently in effect. Based on our experience of a situation that could affect cancer treatment, this study retrospectively examined the correlation between perioperative anticancer therapy and COVID-19 incidence in patients with breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent perioperative anticancer therapy for breast cancer at our hospital from February 2020 to February 2021 were included in this study. The presence or absence of COVID-19, timing of anticancer drug initiation, and clinical data were collected. RESULTS: No cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in patients receiving perioperative anticancer therapy at our hospital. CONCLUSION: Regimen modification, active use of supportive care, and patient lifestyle were factors reducing the incidence of COVID-19.

In the twentieth century, a substantial decline in Pinus thunbergii populations in Japan occurred due to the outbreak of pine wood nematode (PWN), Burshaphelencus xylophilus. A PWN-P. thunbergii resistant trees-breeding project was developed in the 1980s to provide reforestation materials to minimalize the pest damage within the population. Since climate change can also contribute to PWN outbreaks, an intensive reforestation plan instated without much consideration can impact on the genetic diversity of P. thunbergii populations. The usage and deployment of PWN-P. thunbergii resistant trees to a given site without genetic management can lead to a genetic disturbance. The Iki-no-Matsubara population was used as a model to design an approach for the deployment management. This research aimed to preserve local genetic diversity, genetic structure, and relatedness by developing a method for deploying Kyushu PWN-P. thunbergii resistant trees as reforestation-material plants into Iki-no-Matsubara. The local genotypes of the Iki-no-Matsubara population and the Kyushu PWN-P. thunbergii resistant trees were analyzed using six microsatellite markers. Genotype origins, relatedness, diversity, and structure of both were investigated and compared with the genetic results previously obtained for old populations of P. thunbergii throughout Japan. A sufficient number of Kyushu PWN-P. thunbergii resistant trees, as mother trees, within seed orchards and sufficient status number of the seedlings to deploy are needed when deploying the Kyushu PWN-P. thunbergii resistant trees as reforestation material planting into Iki-no-Matsubara population. This approach not only be used to preserve Iki-no-Matsubara population (genetic diversity, genetic structure, relatedness, and resilience of the forests) but can also be applied to minimize PWN damage. These results provide a baseline for further seed sourcing as well as develop genetic management strategies within P. thunbergii populations, including Kyushu PWN-P. thunbergii resistant trees.

In the present study, a set of ten Expressed Sequence Tag-Simple Sequence Repeats (EST-SSR) markers have been developed to contribute to the genetic studies of Pinus thunbergii. The number of alleles in the developed EST-SSR markers ranged from one to six. Observed heterozygosity was 0.000 to 0.707; the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.000 to 0.720. Polymorphism information content (PIC) was ranged from 0.000 to 0.669. The mean of the probability of identity between two unrelated individuals (PI) and two siblings (PI-Sib) were 0.540 and 0.719, respectively. The EST-SSR markers developed in the present study, in combining with the previously developed markers, can help in understanding the genetic diversity and genetic structure of P. thunbergii populations.

Oligometastatic breast cancer (OMBC) is characterized by limited metastatic tumor numbers and sites. We have reported a 20-year overall survival (OS) rate and relapse-free rate (RFR) of 34.1% and 27.4%, respectively, in a retrospective analysis of OMBC patients treated with curative intent including a multidisciplinary approach. Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is generally incurable; however, OMBC might be a potentially curable subset. The previous analysis included isolated locoregional recurrence (ILRR) cases, which differs from distant metastasis in treatment strategies. Therefore, in this study, we excluded ILRR cases and provided an update on clinical outcomes. We also performed a detailed subgroup analysis of OMBC patients by introducing new prognostic variables. Data of 73 OMBC patients, including 10 ILRR cases, treated in our institution between 1980 and 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. OMBC was defined as the presence of metastatic lesions in 1–2 organs

The transport of monolignols from the cytosol to the cell wall is essential for lignin synthesis. The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters may be involved in the transport of lignin precursors. ABC transporter genes subjected to expression analysis were chosen based on two criteria for screening candidate transporter genes related to lignification. The expression levels of 15 target genes in five plant organs were analyzed by real-time PCR. Five transporter genes (ABCG29, ABCG30, ABCG33, ABCG34, and ABCG37), which were simultaneously expressed with the reference genes, were selected as candidates. The candidate gene expression levels in root tissues of T-DNA insertion mutants were determined by semi-quantitative reverse transcription PCR. ABCG30 was more highly expressed in the abcg34 mutant than in the wild-type plants, while the expression of ABCG34 was twofold higher in the abcg30 mutant plants than in the wild-type plants. Thus, the expression of ABCG30 and ABCG34 may affect each other. There was no significant change in lignin content and composition in the single-gene knockout mutants of the candidate transporter genes, which suggested that each candidate gene did not solely contribute to lignin synthesis.

Although most molecular ecology studies examining genetic variation have focused on natural forests, for some major tree species, natural forests are nearly extinct, and the remaining genetic resources are mainly planted forests. In order to manage the genetic variability and develop a conservation strategy for such species, it is important to examine genetic variation resulting from historical processes during repeated artificial population development through plantations. The geographic pattern of genetic diversity and structure of 49 old planted Pinus thunbergii populations (2755 trees) distributed across Japan was examined using seven nuclear microsatellite markers. We found that allelic diversity was generally lower in both northern and eastern populations; however, locally, some populations in other regions also exhibited low allelic diversity. The overall value of the standardized measure of population differentiation (G′ST = 0.206) was higher than that of both other widespread Japanese conifers and continental Pinus species. STRUCTURE software revealed a general gradual cline in genetic structure from southwestern to northeastern populations; however, some populations on the Japan Sea side showed quite a different local proportion of cluster memberships from nearby populations. These observations indicated that most of the preserved, planted populations of P. thunbergii possess regional genetic variation, but some populations were developed from seed pools derived from other regions, possibly through distribution by ship along the Japan Sea. Information on this specific genetic variation as a result of historical seed use and transfer should assist the design of several conservation units and breeding zones, while also taking care of a deep-seated need for conservation of pine forests by local people.

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-producing gastric cancer (AFPGC) is a relatively rare type of gastric cancer characterized by a high incidence of liver and lymph node metastases, and a poor prognosis. Few advanced AFPGC cases treated successfully with conventional chemotherapy have been reported thus far. Although the development of molecular-targeted therapy has improved the prognosis of various types of cancer, there are currently no tailored therapies for AFPGC. In the present report, the case of a chemotherapy-resistant recurrent AFPGC patient who exhibited a significant response to ramucirumab monotherapy is presented. Following six doses of ramucirumab, a metastatic lymph node displayed central necrosis, and the patient's serum AFP levels decreased from 12,800 to 225 ng/ml. AFPGC is known to have increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and rich neovascularization. Furthermore, in the present case, tumor cells were positive for VEGF. Ramucirumab is a monoclonal antibody for VEGF receptor-2 and the first anti-angiogenic drug approved for the treatment of advanced gastric cancer. However, the clinical efficacy of ramucirumab in patients with AFPGC has not been reported previously. The present report suggests that AFP production in gastric cancer can be a predictor for the response to anti-angiogenic drugs such as ramucirumab.

Studies that have evaluated the prognostic value of body mass index (BMI) in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma have recently been reported. However, the impact of BMI on survival outcomes remains controversial. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 406 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients treated with R-CHOP or R-CHOP-like regimens. The number (%) of patients that were categorized into 1 of 4 groups according to BMI were underweight (

Seasonal phenomena in plants are primarily affected by day length and temperature. The shoot transcriptomes of trees grown in the field and a controlled-environment chamber were compared to characterize genes that control annual rhythms and the effects of day length- and temperature-regulated genes in the gymnosperm Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don), which exhibits seasonally indeterminate growth. Annual transcriptome dynamics were clearly demonstrated by principal component analysis using microarray data obtained under field-grown conditions. Analysis of microarray data from trees grown in a controlled chamber identified 2,314 targets exhibiting significantly different expression patterns under short-day (SD) and long-day conditions, and 2,045 targets exhibited significantly different expression patterns at 15°C (LT; low temperature) versus 25°C. Interestingly, although growth was suppressed under both SD and LT conditions, approximately 80% of the SD- and LT-regulated targets differed, suggesting that each factor plays a unique role in the annual cycle. The top 1,000 up-regulated targets in the growth/dormant period in the field coincided with more than 50% of the SD- and LT-regulated targets, and gene co-expression network analysis of the annual transcriptome indicated a close relationship between the SD- and LT-regulated targets. These results indicate that the respective effects of day length and temperature interact to control annual transcriptome dynamics. Well-known upstream genes of signaling pathways responsive to environmental conditions, such as the core clock (LHY/CjLHYb and CCA1/CjLHYa) and PEBP family (MFT) genes, exhibited unique expression patterns in Japanese cedar compared with previous reports in other species, suggesting that these genes control differences in seasonal regulation mechanisms between species. The results of this study provide new insights into seasonal regulation of transcription in Japanese cedar.

Central nervous system (CNS) relapse in patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an uncommon event, and the outcome of patients with CNS relapse is poor. However, no reliable prediction models for CNS relapse have been developed. We retrospectively analyzed consecutive de novo DLBCL patients referred to our department between September 2004 and August 2015 and treated with R-CHOP or R-CHOP-like regimens. Of 413 patients analyzed in this study, a total of 27 patients (6.5 %) eventually developed CNS relapse. The 5-year probability of CNS relapse was 8.4 %. The median time from diagnosis of DLBCL to CNS relapse was 15 months, and the median survival after CNS relapse was 7 months. In univariate analysis, the risk factors significantly associated with CNS relapse were Ann Arbor stage 3 or 4, albumin level3.2 mg/L, number of extranodal sites1, and involvement of retroperitoneal lymph node. We developed a new prognostic model consisting of these four factors. The 5-year probability of CNS relapse was significantly higher in patients with at least three of these four factors than in those with two or fewer factors (26.4 vs. 3.0 %, P 0.001). Using this model, we evaluated the incidence and the risk factors of CNS relapse in DLBCL patients. The new risk model consisting of the four factors demonstrated good risk stratification for CNS relapse, and could help to identify high-risk patients for whom CNS prophylaxis is warranted.

Previous reports have evaluated the prognostic value of serum beta-2 microglobulin (B2MG) level in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. However, its role in predicting clinical outcome of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in the rituximab era has not been extensively investigated. Here, we evaluated the prognostic value of B2MG and proposed a new prognostic model including B2MG for patients with DLBCL. A total of 274 patients with newly diagnosed de novo DLBCL were retrospectively analyzed. We defined the best cutoff value as 3.2 mg/L by using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Patients with a B2MG level ≥3.2 mg/L had significantly lower overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival than those with a B2MG level

A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted on more than 30,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in unrelated first-generation plus tree genotypes from three populations of Japanese cedar Cryptomeria japonica D. Don with genomic prediction for traits of growth, wood properties and male fecundity. Among the assessed populations, genetic characteristics including the extent of linkage disequilibrium (LD) and genetic structure differed and these differences are considered to be due to differences in genetic background. Through population-independent GWAS, several significant SNPs found close to the regions associated with each of these traits and shared in common across the populations were identified. The accuracies of genomic predictions were dependent on the traits and populations and reflected the genetic architecture of traits and genetic characteristics. Prediction accuracies using SNPs selected based on GWAS results were similar to those using all SNPs for several combinations of traits and populations. We discussed the application of genome-wide studies for C. japonica improvement.

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) solutions were evaluated for their virucidal ability against a low pathogenic avian influenza virus (AIV), H7N1. HOCl solutions containing 50, 100 and 200 ppm chlorine (pH 6) or their sprayed solutions (harvested in dishes placed at 1 or 30 cm distance between the spray nozzle and dish) were mixed with the virus with or without organic materials (5% fetal bovine serum: FBS). Under plain diluent conditions (without FBS), harvested solutions of HOCl after spraying could decrease the AIV titer by more than 1,000 times, to an undetectable level (< 2.5 log10TCID50/ml) within 5 sec, with the exception of the 50 ppm solution harvested after spraying at the distance of 30 cm. Under the dirty conditions (in the presence of 5% FBS), they lost their virucidal activity. When HOCl solutions were sprayed directly on the virus on rayon sheets for 10 sec, the solutions of 100 and 200 ppm could inactivate AIV immediately after spraying, while 50 ppm solution required at least 3 min of contact time. In the indirect spray form, after 10 sec of spraying, the lids of the dishes were opened to expose the virus on rayon sheets to HOCl. In this form, the 200 ppm solution inactivated AIV within 10 min of contact, while 50 and 100 ppm could not inactivate it. These data suggest that HOCl can be used in spray form to inactivate AIV at the farm level.

Nutritional control has been proposed as a potential therapy for slowing the senescence of immune function and decreasing mortality. This study investigated whether sesamin could modify host defense systems and extend the lifespan of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.Nematodes were fed standard food (the bacterium Escherichia coli strain OP50) supplemented with various doses of sesamin/γ-cyclodextrin inclusion compounds starting from young adulthood. The mean lifespan, muscle function, lipofuscin accumulation, protein carbonyl content, and stress resistance of the worms were examined. Then, C. elegans mutants harboring loss-of-function lesions in longevity- and host defense-related signaling pathways were supplemented with sesamin to identify the genes involved in the longevity effects.Worms supplemented with sesamin displayed higher locomotion and prolongevity and produced offspring at levels similar to unsupplemented control animals. The growth curves of nematodes were similar to those of controls, suggesting that sesamin did not induce prolongevity effects through dietary restriction. Notably, sesamin made the worms more resistant to infection by Legionella pneumophila and more resistant to oxidative stressors such as paraquat and hydrogen peroxide and prolonged the lifespan of a mev-1 mutant that produces abundant superoxide anions. However, the accumulation of protein carbonyls and lipofuscin was similar in sesamin-exposed and control worms, suggesting that sesamin is unlikely to work simply as an antioxidant. Sesamin supplementation failed to extend the lifespan of loss-of-function mutants of daf-2, daf-16, pmk-1, and skn-1.Sesamin enhances the host defense of C. elegans and increases the average lifespan via activation of both skn-1 (encoding a component of the p38 MAPK pathway) and daf-16 (encoding a component of the IGF-1 pathway).

Although, gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) producing human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive gastric cancers are rare. AFP producing gastric cancer has a poor prognosis and an appropriate treatment option has not been established to date. A 75-year-old woman with AFP- producing gastric cancer was treated with S-1, an oral fluoropyrimidine derivative, chemotherapy after distal gastrectomy. Recurrence of gastric cancer was observed after 18 months and immunohistochemistry analysis showed AFP and HER2 positive gastric cancer. The patient received combination therapy containing capecitabine, cisplatin, and trastuzumab. Computed tomography scans showed regression of the lymph node metastasis. The patient's quality of life substantially improved after the treatment. Thus, the present case suggests that AFP and HER2 positive gastric cancer can be effectively treated with, capecitabine, cisplatin, and trastuzumab combination therapy.

The mechanism of monolignol transportation from the cytosol to the apoplast is still unclear despite being an essential step of lignification. Recently, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters were suggested to be involved in monolignol transport. However, there are no reliable clues to the transporters of the major lignin monomers coniferyl and synapyl alcohol. In this study, the lignification progress of Arabidopsis cultured cells during tracheary element differentiation was monitored. The expression of selected transporter genes, as well as lignification and cell-wall formation related genes as references, in differentiating cultured cell samples harvested at 2-day intervals was analyzed by real-time PCR and the data were statistically processed. The cell wall formation transcription factor MYB46, programmed-cell death related gene XCP1 and lignin polymerization peroxidase AtPrx25 were classified into the same cluster. Furthermore, the cluster closest to the abovementioned cluster contained the lignin synthesis transcription factor MYB58 and the Arabidopsis ABC transporters ABCG11, ABCG22, ABCG36 and ABCG29. This result suggested that these four ABC transporters may be involved in lignification. In the expression analysis, unexpectedly, the lignification-related genes CAD5 and C4H were not included in the same cluster as MYB58 and AtPrx25. The expression data also suggested that the lignification of tracheary elements in the culture, where lignification ratio finally reached to around 40%, continued after cell death because lignification actively progressed after programmed cell death-related gene started to be expressed.

Positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET–CT) is performed as the standard method for response assessment of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients. However, a substantial proportion of patients experience relapse even if they have achieved complete response (CR) defined by PET–CT. We validated the prognostic value of CR by PET–CT and applied the National Comprehensive Cancer Network-International Prognostic Index (NCCN–IPI) and cell of origin (COO) to patients with CR by PET–CT to evaluate their additional predictive ability for survival outcomes. We retrospectively analyzed DLBCL patients who were treated with R-CHOP or an R-CHOP-like regimen and who achieved CR by PET–CT or CT only. A total of 185 patients were analyzed: 114 patients achieved CR by PET–CT and 71 patients by CT only. Patients with CR by PET–CT had significantly better overall survival (OS) than those with CR by CT (5-year OS, 87.5 vs. 62.4%, P = 0.003). Patients with high risk according to the NCCN–IPI had a dismal outcome despite achieving CR by PET–CT (5-year OS, 61.8%). In contrast, low-, low-intermediate-, and high-intermediate-risk patients had excellent outcomes (5-year OS, 100, 89.7, and 93.5%, respectively). Among patients with CR by PET–CT, patients with germinal center B cell (GCB) DLBCL (n = 40) had significantly better survival than those with non-GCB DLBCL (n = 57) (5-year OS, 96.9 vs. 75.5%, P = 0.039). We demonstrated that CR by PET–CT was a better predictor of survival outcomes than CR by CT only. The NCCN–IPI and COO subtypes could identify a subpopulation of poor-risk patients among those who achieved CR by PET–CT.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subgroup of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.[1] The survival outcome of older patients with DLBCL has improved dramatically with addition of rituximab ...

Previous reports have evaluated the prognostic value of serum beta-2 microglobulin (B2MG) level in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. However, its role in predicting clinical outcome of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in the rituximab era has not been extensively investigated. Here, we evaluated the prognostic value of B2MG and proposed a new prognostic model including B2MG for patients with DLBCL. A total of 274 patients with newly diagnosed de novo DLBCL were retrospectively analyzed. We defined the best cutoff value as 3.2 mg/L by using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Patients with a B2MG level ≥3.2 mg/L had significantly lower overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival than those with a B2MG level3.2 mg/L (3-year OS, 50.9% vs. 89.4%, p 0.001; 3-year progression-free survival, 45.3% vs. 79.7%, p 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that B2MG, age, performance status, and Ann Arbor stage were independent prognostic factors for OS. We developed a new prognostic model consisting of these four significant factors. We stratified patients into four-risk groups: low (L, 0 factor), low-intermediate (LI, 1-2 factors), high-intermediate (HI, 3 factors), high (H, 4 factors). This new prognostic model showed better risk discrimination compared with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network-International Prognostic Index (5-year OS: 100% and 23.4% vs. 100% and 27.1%, in L and H risk groups, respectively). Our study suggested that B2MG level is a significant prognostic factor in patients with DLBCL. A new prognostic index composed of age, performance status, stage, and B2MG could stratify the outcomes of patients with DLBCL effectively and appears to be a valuable risk model for these patients. Copyright © 2016 John WileySons, Ltd.

The largest group of plant resistance (R) genes contain the regions that encode the nucleotide-binding site (NBS) and leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domains (NBS-LRR genes). To gain new resistance, amino acid substitutions and changes in number of the LRRs that recognize the presence of pathogens are considered important. In this study, we focus on the evolution of the number of LRRs and analyze the genome data of five plant species, Arabidopsis thaliana, Oryza sativa, Medicago truncatula, Lotus japonicus and Populus trichocarpa. We first categorized the NBS-LRR genes in each species into groups and subgroups based on the phylogenetic relationships of their NBS domain sequences. Then we estimated the evolutionary rate of the number of LRRs relative to the synonymous divergence in the NBS domain sequences by a maximum likelihood method assuming the single stepwise mutation model. The estimates ranged from 4.5 to 600 and differed between groups in the same species or between species. This indicated different roles played by different groups of the NBS-LRR genes within a species or the effects of various life history characteristics, such as generation time, of the species. We also tested the fit of the model to the data using the variance of number of LRRs in each subgroup. In some subgroups in some plants (16 out of 174 subgroups), the results of simulation using the estimated rates significantly deviated from the observed data. Those subgroups may have undergone different modes of selection from the other subgroups.

Conifers have larger genomes than most angiosperms, long generation times, and undergone relatively few chromosome duplications during their evolution. Thus, conifers are interesting targets for molecular evolutionary studies. Despite this, there have been few studies regarding their genome structure, and these studies are mostly limited to the Pinaceae. Our target species, Cryptomeria japonica, belongs to the Cupressaceae family, which is phylogenetically separated from the Pinaceae family by a few hundred million years, and is the most important timber tree in Japan, making investigation of its genome structure both interesting and worthwhile. We analyzed the sequences of eight random bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones from C. japonica and compared them with sequences of comparable size from eight other model plants, including Arabidopsis thaliana and Pinus taeda. From this analysis, we identified several features of the C. japonica genome. First, the genome of C. japonica has many divergent repetitive sequences, similar to those of Physcomitrella patens and P. taeda. Additionally, some C. japonica transposable elements (TEs) seem to have been active until recently, and some might be unidentified novel TEs. We also found a putative protein-coding gene with a very long intron (approximately 70 kb). The three Pinaceae species whose genome sequences have been determined share these features, despite the few hundred million years of independent evolution separating the Pinaceae species from C. japonica.

The efficacy and stability of scallop shell powder (SSP) were investigated, in terms of its capacity to inactivate avian influenza virus (AIV), and compared with slaked lime (SL). An environmental simulation was conducted by emulating sunlight and wet-dry conditions. The powders were collected at consecutive 2-week intervals under sunlight and upon every resuspension. These materials were tested by mixing them with AIV and incubating the mixture for 3 min or 20 h, followed by AIV titration. At the same time, a pH buffering test was conducted by neutralization with Tris-HCl. The results revealed that SSP and SL have high alkalinity and excellent ability to inactivate AIV. In a simulated harsh environment, SSP and SL retained a satisfactory ability to inactivate AIV within 20 h throughout the experimental procedure. However, SSP was able to inactivate AIV during a short contact period (3 min), even under harsh conditions, and it was more resistant than SL to neutralization.

Background Although cisplatin is a widely used anticancer drug for treating various types of cancer, its clinical application is limited by severe systemic toxicities, such as nephropathy, hematologic toxicity, and gastrointestinal toxicity. There are no reliable and validated biomarkers to predict adverse events caused by cisplatin. Methods Sixty-six patients who underwent cisplatin-containing first-line chemotherapy between June 2010 and November 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Data on urinary N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase activities measured 24–48 h after cisplatin infusion were retrieved, and adverse events during the first course of chemotherapy were recorded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0. Results Patient characteristics were: male/female 60/6, median age 65 (range 36–78) years, esophageal/gastric/other cancer 60/4/2, chemotherapy regimen docetaxel-cisplatin-fluorouracil/fluorouracil-cisplatin/S-1-cisplatin 54/8/4, cisplatin dose (mg/sm) 60/70/80 16/43/7. Grade 3/4 adverse events were leukopenia (40.9%), neutropenia (54.4%), febrile neutropenia (37.9%), hyponatremia (28.8%), and acute kidney injury (37.9%). Patients with 20 units/gram creatinine or higher urinary N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase developed statistically lower minimum serum sodium concentration (median 126 vs. 134 mEq/L, p = 0.0053). There were no significant correlations between urinary N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase and the development of other severe adverse events. Conclusion Early significant increase in urinary N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase predicts subsequent development of severe hyponatremia after cisplatin-containing chemotherapy.

2例2組の母親と子どもが入院中に一週間に一度, 合計4回, 面接者と病について回想した.患児は, CMAS (子ども顕在性不安テスト) とCAT (子ども用絵画統覚検査) を, 母親はPOMS (気分プロフィール尺度) とTAT (絵画統覚検査) を受けた.その結果, 患児は, 退院が近く, 運動制限が自由であったため, 精神的健康は高かった.患児らは, 良好な人間関係であったが, CATの結果から問題が示唆された.2組の母親の一人は, 家族について多大な困難を抱えていることがTATから明らかになり, これらの問題は入院の早期に生じていたと回想した.2組の親子の関係は, 母親は心理的に煩っていたが, 子どもはそうでない, あるいはその逆であった.回想の一貫した効果はみられなかった.これらの結果から次のことが明らかになった.患児の心理に及ぼす要因は, 退院の見通し, 運動制限, 患児同士あるいは患児と親との人間関係であり, 患児同士の人間関係を調整することが必要である.母親には入院早期に援助が必要である.病の回想による一貫した効果はみられなかったが, 心理テストを用いて回想することは心理に影響する要因を検討するには有効である.

The inactivation effect of a novel photocatalyst on polyethylene terephthalate film on goose parvovirus (GPV), avian influenza virus (AIV) and Qβ phage was evaluated. Under a light emitting diode (LED) light (range 410-750 nm), GPV was inactivated by irradiation at 1,000 lux for 6 hr, while AIV and Qβ phage were inactivated by irradiation at 150 lux for 2 hr. These data suggest that this new photocatalyst can potentially be used as one of the materials to inactivate viruses in the indoor environment and help us to prevent viral infectious diseases through indirect contact.

The effects of ablation with various settings of powers and times using a newly developed radiofrequency (RF) ablation device, the Habib™ EndoHPB catheter, are not well known. In the present study, we examined the effects of a novel RF ablation catheter using resected fresh pig livers and evaluated the macro- and microscopic effects of RF ablation under various conditions.The RF application was performed step by step at 5, 10, 15, and 20 W power and 60, 90, 120 s, respectively. Macroscopic and microscopic findings of the ablation area were evaluated at each setting.The mean lengths of the short axis of the ablation area at 10 W and 60, 90 and 120 s were 8.0 ± 1.0, 8.3 ± 1.2, and 9.7 ± 0.6 mm, respectively. The mean lengths of the long axis at 10 W power and 60, 90 and 120 s were 20.3 ± 0.6, 21.3 ± 1.6, and 28.3 ± 2.1 mm, respectively. Although the lengths of the short and long axes at 5 and 10 W increased gradually with power, there were no obvious differences in either short or long axis lengths between 15 and 20 W. Of all the settings, only at 5 W and 60 and 90 s did the long axis of the ablation show separate areas around the 2 ring electrodes.Although other sequelae including hemorrhage, pancreatitis, acute inflammatory changes, perforation and late fibrosis could not be investigated in our ex-vivo pig model, our study clarified the relationship between ablation powers and times and the effects concerning depth and longitudinal spread of ablation. Although the clinical ablation setting at 7-10 W power and 2 min is suitable, ultimately the ablation power and time should be adjusted according to the size of masses using examples from the present results.