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Oral mucositis significantly affects the quality of life in hematologic cancer patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Despite global evidence supporting the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for mucositis prevention, its clinical adoption in Japan is limited. This study aimed to fill this gap by evaluating the safety and efficacy of LLLT in a Japanese patient population. In a single-group, non-blinded, exploratory trial, we compared 21 LLLT-treated patients against a historical control of 96 patients. The primary endpoint was the incidence of Grade ≥ 2 mucositis, based on NCI-CTCAE ver. 4.0. The LLLT group showed a significantly lower incidence of Grade ≥ 2 mucositis (23.8%) compared to the control group (64.6%) (p = 0.0006). Furthermore, Grade ≥ 2 mucositis correlated with increased oral dryness and longer hospital stays. Our study confirms the efficacy of LLLT in reducing the onset of severe oral mucositis among Japanese hematologic cancer patients, advocating for its clinical introduction as a preventive measure in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Febrile neutropenia (FN) is an infectious complication that develops during chemotherapy. Although the oral cavity can be an important infection route, it is unknown whether the oral environment is associated with FN. The present study examined the relationship between the oral environment using periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA), a new periodontal disease parameter, and FN in hematologic cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. In this retrospective cohort study, 157 patients were divided into FN onset during chemotherapy (n = 75) and the FN negative groups (n = 82). The associations of risk factors related to the intraoral environment were assessed. Logistic regression analysis showed that types of blood cancer (odds ratio 1.98; P < 0.01), use of a high-risk regimen (odds ratio 4.44; P < 0.05), prophylaxis treatment with human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) (odds ratio 4.15; P < 0.01) and PISA (odds ratio 1.02; P < 0.01) were independent factors associated with FN onset. Finally, propensity score matching was performed between two groups; 37 matched pairs were generated. PISA was significantly higher in the FN group than the FN negative group. There was a significant relationship between PISA and FN onset (P = 0.035). The present findings indicate that periodontitis treatment before starting cancer treatment is recommended as supportive care for preventing FN onset during chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Febrile neutropenia (FN) is an infectious complication that develops during chemotherapy. Although the oral cavity can be an important infection route, it is unknown whether the oral environment is associated with FN. The present study examined the relationship between the oral environment using periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA), a new periodontal disease parameter, and FN in hematologic cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. In this retrospective cohort study, 157 patients were divided into FN onset during chemotherapy (n = 75) and the FN negative groups (n = 82). The associations of risk factors related to the intraoral environment were assessed. Logistic regression analysis showed that types of blood cancer (odds ratio 1.98; P < 0.01), use of a high-risk regimen (odds ratio 4.44; P < 0.05), prophylaxis treatment with human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) (odds ratio 4.15; P < 0.01) and PISA (odds ratio 1.02; P < 0.01) were independent factors associated with FN onset. Finally, propensity score matching was performed between two groups; 37 matched pairs were generated. PISA was significantly higher in the FN group than the FN negative group. There was a significant relationship between PISA and FN onset (P = 0.035). The present findings indicate that periodontitis treatment before starting cancer treatment is recommended as supportive care for preventing FN onset during chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Whether oral health care during the perioperative period can lead to a better outcome after heart valve surgery has not been adequately elucidated. We examined the effects of perioperative oral care on postoperative inflammation response in patients who underwent heart valve surgery. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 223 patients scheduled for single valve heart surgery were divided into the oral care, who underwent professional teeth cleaning or scaling within 3 days prior to surgery, and also following surgery at least twice a week (n = 111), and non‐oral care (n = 112) groups. After propensity score matching, records of both groups (80:80) were examined after surgery to evaluate inflammation markers (white blood cell count [WBC], neutrophil/white blood cell ratio [NWR], C‐reactive protein [CRP] level, body temperature [BT]). Results: WBC, NWR, CRP level, and BT were increased in both groups the day following surgery. Thereafter, CRP level, WBC, NWR, and BT on various days after surgery in the oral care group showed greater decreases as compared to the non‐oral care group. Conclusions: Perioperative oral health care can decrease postoperative inflammation in patients undergoing heart valve surgery and may be important to ensure a better outcome in those patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Subjects and Methods Results Conclusion The objective of this study was to clarify the association between preoperative periodontitis and postoperative systemic inflammation in patients with gastric cancer.This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 140 gastric cancer patients who underwent surgery at Hiroshima University Hospital between May 2019 and May 2022. Periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) scores were determined to assess periodontitis severity using modified Nesse's methods. Propensity score matching was used to compare patients with high and low PISA scores (> or < the median PISA score of 92.4, respectively). Propensity scores were calculated using a logistic regression model, based on 17 clinical parameters: age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, stroke, clinical stage, surgical procedure, surgical approach, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgery duration, blood loss during surgery, remaining teeth, and denture use.Thirty‐seven patients were propensity‐score‐matched. Participants with high PISA scores had a higher incidence of surgical site infection (10.5%) than those with low PISA scores (5.3%). Moreover, participants with high PISA scores had significantly higher C‐reactive protein levels on postoperative days 1 than those with low PISA scores.Preoperative periodontitis may determine the level of postoperative systemic inflammation in patients with gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral fibroblasts as well as keratinocytes are thought to influence host inflammatory responses against Candida albicans. However, little is known about chemokine expressions in oral fibroblasts against C. albicans infection. We therefore examined whether C. albicans induced several chemokines including fractalkine/CX3CL1 (CX3CL1), a unique chemokine that has properties of both chemoattractants and adhesion molecules, in fibroblasts and keratinocytes. The addition of C. albicans live cells to human immortalized oral keratinocytes (RT7) resulted in increases in the mRNA levels of multiple chemokines, but not of CX3CL1. In contrast, live and heat-killed C. albicans caused an increase in CX3CL1 mRNA and protein expression in human immortalized oral fibroblasts (GT1). CX3CL1 mRNA expression in GT1 cells was also enhanced by stimulation with a nonalbicans species of Candida. Further, the CX3CL1 chemokine domain showed antifungal activity against C. albicans. CX3CL1 secreted by oral fibroblasts appears to play an important role in the oral immune response to C. albicans infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: ACE2, known as a host receptor involved with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, binds to viral spike proteins for host cell entry. However, details regarding its induction and function in oral mucosal cells remain unknown. Materials and Methods: We examined ACE2 expression and its induction by transfected mimic nucleotides and pro‐inflammatory cytokines in oral keratinocytes (RT7) and fibroblasts (GT1). Subsequently, the effects of viral spike S1 protein via ACE2 on CXCL10 expression induced by pro‐inflammatory cytokines in both cells were examined. Results: ACE2 was constitutively expressed in RT7 and GT1. Transfected Poly(I:C) and Poly(dA:dT) increased ACE2 expression in those cells, while knockdown of RIG‐I decreased ACE2 expression induced by those transfected ds nucleotides. IFN‐γ and TNF‐α enhanced transfected ds nucleotides‐induced ACE2 expression in RT7 but not GT1. S1 protein alone did not affect CXCL10 expression in either cell type, whereas it enhanced IFN‐β‐induced CXCL10 in both, while immune responses of IFN‐γ‐ and TNF‐α‐induced CXCL10 enhanced by S1 protein were different between RT7 and GT1. Finally, knockdown of ACE2 decreased cytokines and S1 protein mediated‐CXCL10 levels in both cells. Conclusions: ACE2 in oral mucosal cells may contribute to development of infection and inflammation in cooperation with pro‐inflammatory cytokines following SARS‐CoV‐2 invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Sunitinib, a targeted cancer drug, inhibits tyrosine kinases receptors and is widely used as first‐line treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Patients undergoing chemotherapy with sunitinib frequently have oral mucosal complications, such as oral stomatitis, though cytotoxic effects of the drug on oral keratinocytes remain unknown. Methods: The effects of sunitinib on immortalized oral keratinocytes, RT7 cells, in regard to cell injury and apoptosis, as well as apoptosis‐mediated signaling pathways were investigated. Results: Sunitinib treatment caused a significant increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in RT7 cells and primary oral keratinocytes. Additionally, the drug induced apoptosis‐related events, such as DNA fragmentation, decreased anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 protein expression, and induction of cleaved PARP and caspase 3/9 in RT7 cells. Furthermore, phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, but not of ERK or JNK, was increased. On the contrary, constitutive phosphorylated STAT3 was decreased by sunitinib treatment, which was recovered by exposure to SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor. Finally, SB203580 was found to reduce sunitinib‐induced cell injury and apoptosis. Conclusion: The present results indicate that sunitinib promotes cell injury and apoptosis in oral keratinocytes via p38 activation and STAT3 downregulation. Sunitinib‐mediated oral complications may be associated with cytotoxic effects of the drug on oral keratinocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the influence of periodontal disease on cerebral hemorrhage and its clinical course, we examined the association of the serum IgG titer of periodontal pathogens with hemorrhage growth and 3-month outcome. We consecutively enrolled 115 patients with acute cerebral hemorrhage (44 females, aged 71.3 ± 13.1 years) and used ELISA to evaluate the serum IgG titers of 9 periodontal pathogens: Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter (A.) actinomycetemcomitans, Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella nigrescens, Fusobacterium (F.) nucleatum, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythensis, Campylobacter rectus, and Eikenella corrodens. Significant hematoma growth was defined as an increase in the volume of >33% or an absolute increase in the volume of >12.5 mL. A poor outcome was defined as a 3 or higher on the modified Rankin Scale. We observed hemorrhage growth in 13 patients (11.3%). Multivariate analysis revealed that increased IgG titers of A. actinomycetemcomitans independently predicted the elevated hemorrhage growth (odds ratio 5.26, 95% confidence interval 1.52–18.25, p = 0.01). Notably, augmented IgG titers of F. nucleatum but not A. actinomycetemcomitans led to a poorer 3-month outcome (odds ratio 7.86, 95% confidence interval 1.08–57.08, p = 0.04). Thus, we demonstrate that elevated serum IgG titers of A. actinomycetemcomitans are an independent factor for predicting cerebral hemorrhage growth and that high serum IgG titers of F. nucleatum may predict a poor outcome in patients with this disease. Together, these novel data reveal how systemic periodontal pathogens may affect stroke patients, and, should, therefore, be taken into consideration in the management and treatment of these individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several cohort studies have shown that periodontal disease is associated with an increased risk for stroke. However, it remains unclear whether serum antibody titers for a specific periodontal pathogen are associated with outcome after ischemic stroke, and which kinds of pathogens are associated with ischemic stroke. We examined the relationship between serum IgG titers to periodontal pathogens and outcome in ischemic stroke patients. A total of 445 patients with acute ischemic stroke (194 female [44.0%], mean age 71.9±12.3 years) were registered in this study. Serum IgG titers to 9 periodontal pathogens (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella nigrescens, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythensis, Campylobacter rectus, Eikenella corrodens) were evaluated using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. An unfavorable outcome was defined as a 3 or higher on the modified Rankin Scale. The proportion of patients with unfavorable outcome was 25.4% (113 patients). Based on multivariate logistic regression analysis, numbers of IgG antibodies positive for periodontal pathogens (odds ratio 1.20, 95% CI 1.02–1.41, p = 0.03) were independent predictors of unfavorable outcome in ischemic stroke patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Chemotherapy-induced taste alteration is a side effect that can result in malnutrition and reduced quality of life in cancer patients. However, the underlying causes of this phenomenon remain unclear, and evidence-based treatments have not been established. This study focused on patients’ subjective symptoms of taste alterations aimed to explore how the sensitivity to basic tastes changes due to anticancer agents and how alterations in one taste perception are associated with changes in other tastes during chemotherapy. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based interview survey was conducted on 215 patients undergoing chemotherapy. The subjective sensitivity to each basic taste was assessed using a visual analog scale, and the incidence of taste alterations due to different chemotherapy regimens was calculated. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine whether there were associations between changes in one taste sensitivity and changes in other taste sensitivities. Results: Approximately half (49.5%) of the patients experienced chemotherapy-induced taste alterations. An analysis of subjective changes in basic tastes revealed that the salt and umami taste systems were more sensitive to chemotherapy than other taste systems. Patients with altered sensitivity to sweet taste were significantly more likely to report altered sensitivity to salt, bitter, and sour tastes. Moreover, umami–salt and bitter–sour taste sensitivities were significantly related to each other. Conclusion: This study suggests that changes in subjective sensitivities to one basic taste during chemotherapy may be accompanied by changes in other tastes in specific combinations. Considering taste associations in dietary guidance may help improve the nutritional status of cancer patients experiencing taste alterations due to chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recognition of nucleic acids as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) promotes an inflammatory response. On the other hand, LL-37, an antimicrobial peptide, is a multifunctional modulator of immune response, though whether it modulates inflammatory responses induced by nucleic acids in oral keratinocytes is unknown. In this study, we firstly investigated the effect of LL-37 on CXCL10 induced by DAMPs and PAMPs in immortalized oral keratinocytes, RT7. Furthermore, the effects of LL-37 on translocation of exogenous nucleic acids into cytoplasm as well as cytosolic receptor, RIG-I on immune responses mediated by LL-37-nucleic acid complexes were examined. From these results, LL-37 enhanced necrotic cell supernatant (NCS)–induced CXCL10 expression in RT7, while the response was decreased by RNase. Complexes of LL-37 and double-stranded (ds) RNA, Poly(I:C) enhanced CXCL10 expression in comparison with each alone, which were associated with NF-κB activation. Furthermore, LL-37 was shown to bind with ds nucleotides and translocate into cytoplasm. Knockdown of RIG-I decreased expression of CXCL10 induced by LL-37-Poly(I:C) complexes, and RIG-I were co-localized with Poly(I:C) entered by LL-37 in cytoplasm. LL-37 modulates dsRNA-mediated inflammatory response via RIG-I in oral keratinocytes, which may play an important role in the pathogenesis of oral inflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical isolates of Clostridioides difficile sometimes exhibit multidrug resistance and cause diarrhea after antibiotic administration. Metronidazole and vancomycin are often used as therapeutic agents, but resistance to these antibiotics has been found clinically. Therefore, the development of alternative antimicrobial agents is needed. Nisin A, produced by Lactococcus lactis, has been demonstrated to be effective against C. difficile infection. In this study, we evaluated the susceptibility of 11 C. difficile clinical isolates to nisin A and found that they could be divided into 2 groups: high and low susceptibility. Since CprABC and DltDABC, which are responsible for nisin A efflux and cell surface charge, respectively, have been reported to be related to nisin A susceptibility, we investigated the expression of cprA and dltA among the 11 strains. cprA expression in all strains was induced by nisin A, but dltA expression was not. The expression levels of both genes did not correlate with nisin A susceptibility in these clinical isolates. To evaluate cell surface charge, we performed a cytochrome C binding assay and found no relationship between charge and nisin A susceptibility. Then, we determined the whole genome sequence of each clinical isolate and carried out phylogenetic analysis. The 11 isolates separated into two major clusters, which were consistent with the differences in nisin A susceptibility. Furthermore, we found common differences in several amino acids in the sequences of CprA, CprB, and CprC between the two clusters. Therefore, we speculated that the different amino acid sequences of CprABC might be related to nisin A susceptibility. In addition, C. difficile strains could be divided in the same two groups based on susceptibility to epidermin and mutacin III, which are structurally similar to nisin A. These results suggest that genotypic variations in C. difficile strains confer different susceptibilities to bacteriocins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Double‐strand (ds) DNA‐enveloped viruses can cause oral infection. Our aim is to investigate whether oral mucosal cells participate in immune response against cytosolic dsDNA invasion. Methods: We examined the response to transfected herpes simplex virus (HSV) dsDNA via intracellular receptors in oral keratinocytes (RT7) and fibroblasts (GT1), and the effect of TNF‐α on those responses. Results: Transfected dsDNA increased CXCL10 expression via NF‐κB activation in both cell types, while those responses were inhibited by knockdown of RIG‐I, an RNA sensor. Although IFI16, a DNA sensor, was expressed in the nuclei of both types, its knockdown decreased transfected dsDNA‐induced CXCL10 expression in GT1 but not RT7 cells. IFI16 in GT1 cells was translocated into cytoplasm from nuclei, which was attributed to immune response to cytosolic dsDNA. TNF‐α enhanced transfected dsDNA‐induced CXCL10, and knockdown of IFI16 decreased TNF‐α and dsDNA‐driven CXCL10 expression in both RT7 and GT1 cells. Finally, the combination of TNF‐α and transfected dsDNA resulted in translocation of IFI16 from nuclei to cytoplasm in RT7 cells. Conclusion: RIG‐I and IFI16 in oral mucosal cells may play important roles in host immune response against DNA viral infection, while TNF‐α contributes to development of an antiviral system via those intracellular receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glucosamine-6-P occupies a central position between cell wall synthesis and glycolysis. In the initial steps leading to peptidoglycan precursor formation glucosamine-6-P is processed sequentially to UDP- N-acetylglucosamine, while to enter the glycolysis pathway, glucosamine-6-P is isomerized by NagB to fructose-6-P. Although we could not demonstrate NagB activity, nagB inactivation significantly reduced growth. Mutational analysis showed that NagA was involved in glucosamine-6-P formation from N-acetylglucosamine-6-P, and GlmS in that from fructose-6-P. Inactivation of glmS prevented growth on glucose as sole carbon source, which resumed after complementation with N-acetylglucosamine. Transcription of glmS as well as the amount of GlmS was reduced in the presence of N-acetylglucosamine. This and the preferential incorporation of N-acetylglucosamine over glucose into cell wall material showed that N-acetylglucosamine was used exclusively for cell wall synthesis, while glucose served both cell wall synthesis and glycolysis. These observations suggest furthermore GlmS to be the key and only enzyme leading from glucose to cell wall synthesis in Staphylococcus aureus, and show that there exists a tight regulation and hierarchy in sugar utilization. Inactivation of nagA, nagB or glmS affected the susceptibility of S. aureus to cell wall synthesis inhibitors, suggesting an interdependence between efficiency of cell wall precursor formation and resistance levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

External cervical resorption may occur in patients with MOG antibody–associated disease, which is clearly detected on cone‐beam computed tomography. Therefore, dental screening is essential for these patients before initiating bisphosphonate therapy. Larger sample sizes are crucial to determine any possible association between external cervical resorption and MOG antibody–associated disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Inflammation is one of the main causes of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after ablation. Porphyromonas gingivalis is a key periodontal pathogen in the oral–systemic disease connection and serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody titers against P. gingivalis reflect the clinical status of periodontitis. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between late recurrence of AF after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) and serum IgG antibody titers against P. gingivalis. Methods: A total of 596 AF patients (mean age, 64.9 ± 10.0 years; 69% male; 61% paroxysmal AF) who underwent a first session of RFCA were enrolled. Patients were carefully examined for late recurrence during a mean follow‐up period of 17.1 ± 14.5 months. Serum IgG antibody titers against P. gingivalis (types I–IV) were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The results of serum antibody titers were divided into a high‐value and a low‐value group. Results: Among the five P. gingivalis subtypes, serum antibody titer against P. gingivalis type IV was associated with late recurrence (odds ratio, 1.937; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.301–2.884; p =.002). Multivariate Cox proportional‐hazards regression analysis revealed that high‐value serum antibody titer against P. gingivalis type IV independently predicted late recurrence (paroxysmal AF: adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.569; 95% CI, 1.010–2.427; p =.04; non‐paroxysmal AF: adjusted HR, 1.909; 95% CI, 1.213–3.005; p =.004). Conclusion: Periodontitis was related to the late recurrence of AF after RFCA. P. gingivalis type IV may be pathogenic for AF recurrence after RFCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral health conditions and cerebral small vessel disease, such as white matter lesions or cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), are associated with the incidence of stroke. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between oral health conditions (serum IgG titers of periodontal pathogens) with the presence or severity of CMBs in acute stroke patients. From January 2013 to April 2016, acute stroke patients were registered in two hospitals. Serum samples were evaluated for antibody titers against 9 periodontal pathogens using the ELISA method. The cut-off points for reactivity (the positive decision point) to each antigen were defined as more than a mean ELISA unit + 1 standard deviation (after logarithmic transformation) in all subjects. CMBs were evaluated on T2*-weighted MRI. In all, 639 patients were evaluated (ischemic, n = 533 and hemorrhagic, n = 106; 73.1 ± 12.9 years old). Among these patients, 627 were available for CMB evaluation. Among the 9 evaluated periodontal pathogens, only Campylobacter rectus (C. rectus) was associated with the presence of CMBs. the prevalence of positive serum antibody titers against C. rectus was higher among patients with CMBs than among those without CMBs (14.6% vs. 8.7%, P = 0.025). In addition, positive serum antibody titers against C. rectus remained one of the factors associated with the presence of CMBs in multivariate logistic analysis (odds ratio 2.03, 95% confidence interval 1.19–3.47, P = 0.010). A positive serum antibody titer against C. rectus was associated with the presence of CMBs in acute stroke patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combined effects of irradiance and temperature on photosystem II (PSII) photochemical efficiency were investigated in the microscopic sporophyte and macroscopic gametophyte stages of the cultivated red algae Pyropia yezoensis f. narawaensis and Pyropia tenera (Bangiales) from Kyushu Island, Japan. Continuous 12-h exposures to 10, 100, and 1000 μmol photons m−2 s−1 at 8, 20, and 28 °C revealed that sporophyte and gametophyte stages of both species have different tolerance characteristics to irradiance and temperature. Effective quantum yields (ΦPSII) of sporophytes declined at 100 and 1000 μmol photons m−2 s−1, and their maximum quantum yields (Fv/Fm) did not fully recover even after 12 h of dark acclimation, indicating photodamage. Furthermore, this depression was greatest at 8 °C, suggesting low temperature-enhanced photoinhibition. Larger declines of ΦPSII and subsequent failure of Fv/Fm recovery in the gametophyte were observed only at 1000 μmol photons m−2 s−1, suggesting that the macroscopic stage is more tolerant to relatively higher irradiance than the sporophyte. Farming protocols, including the timing of conchospore seeding, as well as depth range and duration for Nori-net cultivation need to be optimized to ensure sustainable production of these high-valued seaweed cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the Kaneka DNA chromatography chip (KDCC) for the Alexandrium species was successfully developed for simultaneous detection of five Alexandrium species. This method utilizes a DNA–DNA hybridization technology. In the PCR process, specifically designed tagged-primers are used, i.e. a forward primer consisting of a tag domain, which can conjugate with gold nanocolloids on the chip, and a primer domain, which can anneal/amplify the target sequence. However, the reverse primer consists of a tag domain, which can hybridize to the solid-phased capture probe on the chip, and a primer domain, which can anneal/amplify the target sequence. As a result, a red line that originates from gold nanocolloids appears as a positive signal on the chip, and the amplicon is detected visually by the naked eye. This technique is simple, because it is possible to visually detect the target species soon after (<5 min) the application of 2 μL of PCR amplicon and 65 μL of development buffer to the sample pad of the chip. Further, this technique is relatively inexpensive and does not require expensive laboratory equipment, such as real-time Q-PCR machines or DNA microarray detectors, but a thermal cycler. Regarding the detection limit of KDCC for the five Alexandrium species, it varied among species and it was <0.1–10 pg and equivalent to 5–500 copies of rRNA genes, indicating that the technique is sensitive enough for practical use to detect several cells of the target species from 1 L of seawater. The detection sensitivity of KDCC was also evaluated with two different techniques, i.e. a multiplex-PCR and a digital DNA hybridization by digital DNA chip analyzer (DDCA), using natural plankton assemblages. There was no significant difference in the detection sensitivity among the three techniques, suggesting KDCC can be readily used to monitor the HAB species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Innate immune response by oral mucosal cells may be the first line of host defense against viral infection. Retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I) recognizes viral dsRNA in the cytoplasm, and RIG-I-mediated signaling regulates antiviral type I IFN, and inflammatory chemokine production. Here, we tested the hypothesis that oral mucosal cell participation in host defense against viral infection via RIG-I. Methods: RIG-I expression was detected in immortalized oral keratinocytes (RT7), oral fibroblasts (GT1) using and RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. RT7 and GT1 were exposed to dsRNA virus mimic Poly I:C-LMW/LyoVec (PLV). Expression of IFN-β and CXCL10 via RIG-I was examined by Real-time RT-PCR and ELISA. Phosphorylation of IRF3 and STAT1 were detected by western blotting. Results: RT7 and GT1 constitutively expressed RIG-I in the cytoplasm. Furthermore, PLV increased IFN-β and CXCL10 productions in both RT7 and GT1 via RIG-I concurrent with phosphorylation of IRF3 and STAT1. PLV-induced CXCL10 production was attenuated by neutralization of IFN-β and blocking of IFN-α/β receptor (IFNAR), indicating primal IFN-β production via the RIG-I-IRF3 axis, which eventually induces CXCL10 production via the IFNAR -STAT1 axis. Conclusion: We propose that RIG-I in oral keratinocytes and fibroblasts may cumulatively develop host-defense mechanisms against viral infection in oral mucosa. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innate immune systems in the oral cavity have important roles in the host defense against viral invasion of oral mucosa. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 13 (PARP13), which has a strong antiviral ability, has been reported to possess two isoforms; a full-length protein, zinc-finger antiviral protein long (ZAPL), and a shorter protein (ZAPS). However, the expression and function of these two isoforms in oral mucosa remain unknown. In the present study, the expression levels of ZAPL and ZAPS induced by transfected double-stranded (ds) RNA, Poly(I:C), and dsDNA, Poly(dA:dT), in immortalized oral keratinocytes and fibroblasts (RT7 and GT1 cell lines, respectively) were investigated. Subsequently, the effects of the knockdown of ZAPL and ZAPS on transfected nucleotide-induced antiviral factors were examined. The results demonstrated constitutive expression of ZAPL and ZAPS in RT7 and GT1 cells, and their expression in both cell types was notably increased by transfection of Poly(I:C) and Poly(dA:dT) when compared with no transfection. Specific knockdown of ZAPL and ZAPS in RT7 cells decreased IFN-β and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) expression induced by transfected Poly(I:C) and Poly(dA:dT). On the other hand, knockdown of ZAPL and ZAPS in GT1 cells decreased the expression of CXCL10 induced by the transfected nucleotides, whereas that had no effect on IFN-β expression induced by Poly(dA:dT). Their knockdown was also associated with transfected nucleotides-induced IFN regulatory factor 3 phosphorylation in both cell types. Taken together, these results indicate that ZAPL and ZAPS, isoforms of PARP13, in oral mucosal cells participate in host defense against viral infection of oral mucosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Algicidal and growth-inhibiting bacteria (GIB) are promising tools for mitigating the negative impacts of harmful algal blooms in coastal environments; however, there is a paucity of quantitative data describing their ecological effects. Here, we investigate their temporal and spatial distribution in the southwest Yatsushiro Sea during the summer of 2011, by co-culturing bacterial isolates with an axenic culture of a fish-killing raphidophyte Chattonella antiqua. This novel co-culturing method excludes other biological influences, such as promotion of algal growth by some bacteria. The highest density (1.6 × 104 cells mL−1) of algicidal bacteria (AB) was detected at the surface of the nearshore station on 3 August 2011 when the maximum chlorophyll a concentration was observed, associated with the high abundance of two centric diatoms, low abundance of dinoflagellates and the absence of C. antiqua. On 10 August, total bacterial abundance increased at 10 m, suggesting that the bacteria used decaying organic matter derived from dead microalgae sinking to the bottom to promote their growth. Most of AB (87.5%) were found to be particle associated, suggesting these bacteria attached to the dead phytoplankton particles after killing them. Two types of GIB impaired co-cultured C. antiqua by inducing unusual cell deformations, including round and elongated cell morphologies. Partial 16S rRNA sequencing showed that algicidal and GIB were mainly comprised of “γ- and a-proteobacteria”. This study provides a new perspective on the dynamics of AB, suggesting that they play a significant role in regulating microalgal composition, physiology and abundance in coastal marine environments. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: A harmful bloom due to the raphidophycean flagellate, Chattonella antiqua, was found in the Yatsushiro Sea, western Kyushu, Japan, from the end of July to the beginning of August 2009. The bloom resulted in enormous economic damage to cultured finfish production in aquaculture farms concentrated in the southwestern area. To investigate the factors controlling the spatio-temporal distribution of the bloom, data analysis and numerical simulations were conducted using field monitoring data and a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model coupled to a Lagrangian particle-tracking model. Results of the monitoring data analysis showed that the initial development of the C. antiqua bloom occurred in Kusuura Bay and the northeastern area near the mouth of the Kuma River, and subsequently the bloom expanded rapidly to the whole area. The simulation results indicated that the source region of the widespread bloom was not Kusuura Bay but the northeastern area. The southwestward evolution of the bloom was primarily controlled by the passive transport due to the surface residual current driven by fresh water discharge from the Kuma River and northeasterly winds. On the favorable conditions of river discharge and wind, the massive bloom of C. antiqua that formed in the northeastern area was quickly transported southwestward within a few days. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present study examined the bactericidal effects of orexin B (ORXB) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) alone or combined with cationic antimicrobial peptides, such as LL-37, on Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus. The bactericidal effect of ORXB or VIP alone was detected in low NaCl concentration, but attenuated in physiological NaCl concentration (150mM). However, such attenuated bactericidal activities of ORXB and VIP in 150mM NaCl were regained by adding LL-37. Therefore, our results indicate that VIP and ORXB appear to mediate bactericidal effects in concert with LL-37 in the physiological context of mucosal tissue. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Multiple external root resorption (MERR) has been reported in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients in Japan and Spain. To establish whether MERR is a new manifestation, we investigated the prevalence of MERR and systemic and oral manifestations to be associated with MERR in patients with SSc. Methods: Root resorption was detected by dental X-rays, panoramagraphy or cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The prevalence of systemic and oral manifestations was examined by rheumatologists and dentists, respectively. Autoantibodies were investigated using laboratory tests. Results: MERR was detected in four out of the 41 patients (9.8%) who participated in the present study. The prevalence of digital ulcers was significantly higher in patients with MERR (MERR vs. non-MERR, 75% vs. 16.2%, p < 0.05), whereas that of other systemic manifestations was not. The prevalence of face skin sclerosis (100% vs. 10.8%, p < 0.01), calcinosis at the facial region (75% vs. 0%, p < 0.01), limited mouth opening (75% vs. 18.9% p < 0.05), temporomandibular disorder symptoms (50% vs. 2.7%, p < 0.05), and tongue rigidity (75% vs. 2.7%, p < 0.05) was significantly higher in patients with MERR. Conclusion: SSc patients with MERR had highly homogenous maxillofacial manifestations. Further clinical and basic studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying MERR in SSc patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]