The potential geographical distribution and phenology of Bemisia tabaci Middle East/Asia Minor 1, considering irrigation and glasshouse production.

The Bemisia tabaci species complex is one of the most important pests of open field and protected cropping globally. Within this complex, one species (Middle East Asia Minor 1, B. tabaci MEAM1, formerly biotype B) has been especially problematic, invading widely and spreading a large variety of plant pathogens, and developing broad spectrum pesticide resistance. Here, we fit a CLIMEX model to the distribution records of B. tabaci MEAM1, using experimental observations to calibrate its temperature responses. In fitting the model, we consider the effects of irrigation and glasshouses in extending its potential range. The validated niche model estimates its potential distribution as being considerably broader than its present known distribution, especially in the Americas, Africa and Asia. The potential distribution of the fitted model encompasses the known distribution of B. tabaci sensu lato, highlighting the magnitude of the threat posed globally by this invasive pest species complex and the viruses it vectors to open field and protected agriculture.

Precision Analysis of the

We present a precision analysis of the ^{136}Xe two-neutrino ßß electron spectrum above 0.8 MeV, based on high-statistics data obtained with the KamLAND-Zen experiment. An improved formalism for the two-neutrino ßß rate allows us to measure the ratio of the leading and subleading 2νßß nuclear matrix elements (NMEs), ξ_{31}^{2ν}=-0.26_{-0.25}^{+0.31}. Theoretical predictions from the nuclear shell model and the majority of the quasiparticle random-phase approximation (QRPA) calculations are consistent with the experimental limit. However, part of the ξ_{31}^{2ν} range allowed by the QRPA is excluded by the present measurement at the 90% confidence level. Our analysis reveals that predicted ξ_{31}^{2ν} values are sensitive to the quenching of NMEs and the competing contributions from low- and high-energy states in the intermediate nucleus. Because these aspects are also at play in neutrinoless ßß decay, ξ_{31}^{2ν} provides new insights toward reliable neutrinoless ßß NMEs.

[Intraoperative direct angiography for the diminutive central pulmonary artery in a patient with major aortopulmonary collateral arteries].

It can be difficult to judge the degree of arborization of diminutive central pulmonary arteries (cPA) in patients with major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCA). Even through preoperative cardiac catheterization may not give adequate information. We introduce intra-operative direct angiography of diminutive cPA for patients with MAPCA. This would be one of the good options to judge the degree of arborization of the diminutive cPA, and to decide an initial surgical treatment. In this case, unifocalization of MAPCA without patch augmentation of pulmonary arteries, and an aortopulmonary shunt were performed at the 1st procedure. As enough growth of the cPA was obtained, this patient did not require additional patch augmentation of the pulmonary artery at the time of complete repair.

Binding mode prediction for a flexible ligand in a flexible pocket using multi-conformation simulated annealing pseudo crystallographic refinement.

We describe multi-conformation simulated annealing-pseudo-crystallographic refinement (MCSA-PCR), a technique developed for predicting the binding mode of a flexible ligand in a flexible binding pocket. To circumvent the local-minimum problem efficiently, this method performs multiple independent cycles of simulated annealing with explicit solvent, "growing" the ligand in the binding pocket each time. From the ensemble of structures, a pseudo-crystallographic electron density map is calculated, and then conventional crystallographic refinement methods are used to best fit a single, optimal structure into the density map. The advantage of the MCSA-PCR method is that it provides a direct means to evaluate the accuracy and uniqueness of the calculated solution, provides a measure of ligand and protein dynamics from the refined B-factors, and facilitates comparison with X-ray crystallographic data. Here, we show that our MCSA-PCR method succeeds in predicting the correct binding mode of the VSV8 peptide to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) receptor. Importantly, there is a significant correlation between the experimentally determined crystallographic water molecules and water density observed in the pseudo map by MCSA-PCR. Furthermore, comparison of different approaches for extracting a single, most probable structure from the calculated ensemble reveals the power of the PCR method and provides insights into the nature of the energetic landscape.

Estimation of plasma and saliva levels of coenzyme Q10 and influence of oral supplementation.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ(10)) levels in human saliva were measured by HPLC with a highly sensitive electrochemical detector (ECD) and a special concentration column. This HPLC system showed satisfactory analytical results within the standard range of 0.78-50 ng/ml. We also found a significant correlation between CoQ(10) levels in plasma and in saliva from parotid glands, while this correlation was lacking between plasma CoQ10 and CoQ10 in whole saliva. Unlike in plasma, there are some fluctuations of saliva CoQ(10) levels throughout the day. A good correlation was obtained by collecting parotid gland saliva at times between meals. The mean saliva CoQ(10) level for 55 healthy volunteers was 17.0 ng/ml (S.D. 6.8 ng/ml); approximately one fiftieth of that in plasma. Regarding the influence of oral supplementation, CoQ(10) was analyzed in plasma and parotid gland saliva from 20 healthy volunteers supplemented daily with 100 mg of CoQ(10) for the first week and 200 mg for the second. The plasma CoQ(10) levels of all volunteers increased to different extents in accordance with the CoQ(10) daily intake and the corresponding change in saliva showed almost the same trend.

Dendritic cell CD83 homotypic interactions regulate inflammation and promote mucosal homeostasis.

Dendritic cells (DCs) form an extensive network in the intestinal lamina propria, which orchestrates the mucosal immune response. Alterations in DC function can predispose to inflammatory bowel disease, although by unknown mechanisms. We show that CD83, a highly regulated DC cell surface protein, modulates the immune response to prevent colitis. Mice with a conditional knockout of CD83 in DCs develop exacerbated colitis following dextran sodium sulfate challenge, whereas mucosal overexpression of CD83 inhibits DC inflammatory response and protects against colitis. These CD83 perturbations can be modeled in vitro where we show that CD83 homotypic interaction occurs via cell-cell contact and inhibits pro-inflammatory responses. CD83 knockdown or cytoplasmic truncation abrogates the effects of homotypic binding. We demonstrate that CD83 homotypic interaction regulates DC activation via the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway by inhibiting p38α phosphorylation. Our findings indicate that CD83 homotypic interactions regulate DC activation and promote mucosal homeostasis.

Enzyme specificity under dynamic control II: Principal component analysis of alpha-lytic protease using global and local solvent boundary conditions.

The contributions of conformational dynamics to substrate specificity have been examined by the application of principal component analysis to molecular dynamics trajectories of alpha-lytic protease. The wild-type alpha-lytic protease is highly specific for substrates with small hydrophobic side chains at the specificity pocket, while the Met190-->Ala binding pocket mutant has a much broader specificity, actively hydrolyzing substrates ranging from Ala to Phe. Based on a combination of multiconformation analysis of cryo-X-ray crystallographic data, solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and normal mode calculations, we had hypothesized that the large alteration in specificity of the mutant enzyme is mainly attributable to changes in the dynamic movement of the two walls of the specificity pocket. To test this hypothesis, we performed a principal component analysis using 1-nanosecond molecular dynamics simulations using either a global or local solvent boundary condition. The results of this analysis strongly support our hypothesis and verify the results previously obtained by in vacuo normal mode analysis. We found that the walls of the wild-type substrate binding pocket move in tandem with one another, causing the pocket size to remain fixed so that only small substrates are recognized. In contrast, the M190A mutant shows uncoupled movement of the binding pocket walls, allowing the pocket to sample both smaller and larger sizes, which appears to be the cause of the observed broad specificity. The results suggest that the protein dynamics of alpha-lytic protease may play a significant role in defining the patterns of substrate specificity. As shown here, concerted local movements within proteins can be efficiently analyzed through a combination of principal component analysis and molecular dynamics trajectories using a local solvent boundary condition to reduce computational time and matrix size.

Efficient transfer of intact oligonucleotides into the nucleus of ligament scar fibroblasts by HVJ-cationic liposomes is correlated with effective antisense gene inhibition.

The efficacy of two different cationic liposomes, Lipofectin and hemagglutinating virus of Japan (HVJ)-cationic liposomes, on nuclear uptake of fluorescence-labeled phosphorothioate oligodeoxyribonucleotide (S-ODN) by ligament scar fibroblasts and suppression of decorin mRNA expression when antisense decorin S-ODN was transferred was investigated. There was no significant difference in nuclear uptake of fluorescent ODN between the two methods. However, only HVJ-cationic liposomes had a significant effect on suppression of decorin mRNA expression levels. To address the discrepancy, the molecular integrity of the transferred ODN in the cells was assessed by analysis of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) within double-fluorescence-labeled S-ODN. More than 70% of the ODN transfected by HVJ-cationic liposomes remained intact within the nucleus at 20 h after transfection, while the majority of the ODN transferred by Lipofectin was degraded at this point. These results suggest a strong relationship between the nuclear integrity of transfected antisense ODN and its suppression of target mRNA expression.

Differential expression of RANKL and osteoprotegerin in gingival crevicular fluid of patients with periodontitis.

UNLABELLED: The receptor activator for NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) plays an important role in osteoclast formation. A recent study with animal models suggests the involvement of RANKL in the pathogenesis of this periodontal disease. However, no one has examined the level of RANKL in the body fluid of human subjects. This communication reports on the in vivo concentrations of RANKL and the RANKL decoy receptor osteoprotegerin (OPG) in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of periodontal subjects with severe, moderate, and mild forms of the disease. An increased concentration of RANKL and a decreased concentration of OPG were detected in GCF from patients with periodontitis (*p < 0.05 vs. control subjects). The ratio of the concentration of RANKL to that of OPG in the GCF was significantly higher for periodontal disease patients than for healthy subjects (*p < 0.01). Taken together, these data suggest that RANKL and OPG contribute to osteoclastic bone destruction in periodontal disease. ABBREVIATIONS: GCF, gingival crevicular fluid; IL, interleukin; OPG, osteoprotegerin; RANKL, receptor activator for NF-kappaB ligand.

Protein chemotaxonomy of genus Datura: identical amino acid sequence of ferredoxin from two varieties of Datura stramonium.

The complete amino acid sequence of the respective [2Fe-2S] ferredoxins from two varieties of Datura stramonium, D. stramonium var. stramonium and D. stramonium var. tatula, have been determined by automated Edman degradation of the entire Cm-protein and of the peptides obtained by tryptic digestion and CNBr treatment. The ferredoxins from the two plants exhibited identical amino acid sequences, suggesting a very close taxonomic relationship between the two. This result supports the proposal by Blakeslee and others that these plants, at first named by Linnaeus as two distinct species, i.e. D. stramonium L. and D. tatula L., should be considered two varieties of a single species.

Study of stomach cancer in atomic bomb survivors. Report 1. Histological findings and prognosis.

For the purpose of studying the histological findings and prognosis of stomach cancer in atomic bomb survivors, a histological diagnosis of 600 cases of stomach cancer observed between 1964 and 1986 in three medical institutions in Hiroshima City was made by a single pathologist and, furthermore, analysis of 231 cases thereof was performed using the DS86 dose estimated by the Radiation Effects Research Foundation. 1) By histological type of stomach cancer, the frequency of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma and signet ring cell carcinoma) was significantly higher in the 1 rad or more group (average stomach organ dose of 30.6 rad) than in the 0 rad group. 2) As for stromal type, the frequency of scirrhous type was significantly higher in the 1 rad or more group, but no difference in infiltrative behavior could be demonstrated. 3) Early cancer tended to be observed at a low rate in the 1 rad or more group. 4) As for average survival time, of the early cancers only well differentiated adenocarcinoma showed a significantly lower survival time in the 1 rad or more group when compared to the 0 rad group.

Interleukin 1 beta, interleukin 6, beta 2-microglobulin, and transforming growth factor-alpha in gingival crevicular fluid from human periodontal disease.

Inflammatory mediators are central to the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases and may be used as markers in diagnosis. The aim of this study was to identify and quantify the various growth factors, apoptosis-related modifiers [soluble form of Fas (sFas) and bcl-2] and cytokines in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients with different severities of periodontitis as compared with those of controls. GCF samples were taken from patients with periodontal disease and from controls. The concentrations of epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-6, interferon-gamma, beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-MG), and apoptosis-related modifiers sFas and bcl-2 in the samples were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. TGF-alpha was significantly lower in patients with periodontal disease than in the controls. In contrast, the concentrations of IL-1 beta, IL-6; and beta 2-MG were significantly higher in the group with severe periodontal disease than in the controls. The amount of total protein in the GCF was considerably higher in the disease group than the controls (p < 0.05). TGF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and beta 2-MG concentrations were associated (Spearman rank correlation, r < 0.05 for all) with clinical measures of disease severity (pocket depth) and inflammation (bleeding when probed). Apoptosis-related modifiers (sFas and bcl-2) could not be detected in any samples. These results suggest that the growth factor TGF-alpha and certain cytokines are associated with the presence of periodontal disease.

Dietary supplementation of catechins and alpha-tocopherol accelerates the healing of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats.

The effects of dietary catechins and alpha-tocopherol on inflammatory bowel disease in rats were examined. Male 9-week-old rats were intracolonically administrated trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) and fed the experimental diets containing 0.05% catechin and 0.025% alpha-tocopherol for 1 week, then dissected. The extent of colitis-induced TNBS was assessed macroscopically. The supplementation of catechins and alpha-tocopherol significantly decreased colonic damage compared with the group fed the basal diet (the disease control). In particular, catechin feeding completely inhibited the development of colon adhesions. Colonic myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, which is a marker of neutrophil infiltration into the colonic mucosa, was lower in the groups that had been given catechins and alpha-tocopherol. The levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in colon was highest in the disease control group; however, the differences among the groups were not significant. Plasma alkaline phosphatase activity was maintained at normal levels in the rats supplemented with catechins and alpha-tocopherol. These results suggest that catechins and alpha-tocopherol have anti-inflammatory effects on TNBS-induced rat colitis.

[Operative fiberoptic nephroureteroscope--removal of renal and upper ureteral stones].

Two types of operative fiberoptic nephroureteroscopes were developed with the cooperation of the Olympus Optical Company mainly to remove the upper urinary tract calculi. Removal of the renal and upper ureteral stones was attempted in nine cases. The ureter was dilated with olive tip, balloon and Teflon dilators alone or in combination. The combination of balloon and Teflon dilators seemed the most promising. As a result of ureteral dilation, operative fiberoptic nephroureteroscopes, 4.5 mm and 3.5 mm in diameter, could be passed into the ureter in all the cases and the stones could be visualized clearly. Four of the 7 upper ureteral stones and 1 of the 2 pelvic stones could be removed. The success ratio was 56%. The method of stone removal still requires improvement. At present, application of the operative fiberoptic nephroureteroscope is indicated for upper ureteral and renal stones less than 1.0 cm in diameter. With the improved techniques of stone removal using this fiberscope, the indications of extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy or percutaneous nephrolithotripsy will probably be greatly reduced in the near future.

[The usefulness of 18F-FDG SPECT imaging in evaluating myocardial viability].

UNLABELLED: We compared myocardial viability evaluated by 18F-deoxyglucose (FDG) SPECT in 14 old myocardial infarction patients with that evaluated by 201TI SPECT and 123I-beta-methyl-iodophenyl pentadecanoic acid SPECT as imaging of fatty acid metabolism. FDG-SPECT was performed after oral administration of glucose. From each SPECT image which was divided into 7 segments, the degree of accumulation of each radioisotope (RI) was visually classified into four grades of defect score (ranging from 0 as normal to 3 as severe defect). The % uptake in the same area was also quantitatively calculated. RESULTS: The degree of accumulation of myocardial Rl relative to regional wall motion. FDG is the most wide for a range of accumulation of Rl of infarct area. Also, at FDG, in the area of wall motion had done a disorder, the degree of accumulation was higher than other two methods. In the infarcted area, the degree of accumulation on FDG-SPECT in the area of decreased wall motion was greater than that on the other two procedures. These results suggest that FDG-SPECT is useful for evaluating myocardial viability.

[Outpatient chemotherapy with continuous intravenous infusion for patients with recurrent renal cell carcinoma or advanced prostate carcinoma].

We tried outpatient chemotherapy with continuous intravenous infusion of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin (CDDP) for patients with recurrent renal cell carcinoma or advanced prostate carcinoma. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of our drug delivery system using two disposable balloon pumps and subcutaneous port, subjective symptoms caused by chemotherapy, and quality of life (QOL). There were 12 patients, including 7 cases of recurrent renal cell carcinoma and 5 cases of advanced prostate carcinoma. Their performance status (PS) was grade 0 or 1. The protocol for renal cell carcinoma consisted of combined chemotherapy with continuous infusion of 5-FU 250 mg/m2/day and CDDP 3 mg/m2/day in 2 weeks for 1 cycles (4 weeks). 5-FU and CDDP were administered with the Baxter infuser pumps (Intermate LV 1.5) and after 1 week we changed the new pumps. In treating advanced prostate carcinoma, Honvan 100 mg/day was substituted for 5-FU. We experienced 2 cases of problems with the drug delivery system during 10 months, which needed a change of the subcutaneous port. QOL score and subjective symptoms showed that patients were not always free because of carrying pumps and the side effects of chemotherapy, but they can return to social life and family instead of spending much time in the hospital. In conclusion, our drug delivery system is safe for outpatient chemotherapy, and QOL of patients with home anti-cancer chemotherapy is higher than that of patients with chemotherapy in the hospital.

[Splenic autotransplantation restores the immune function of the spleen].

Splenectomy has been reported to reduce the immune function. Fischer rats were subjected to 1), splenectomy, 2) splenectomy and autotransplantation and 3) sham control, respectively and examined for the production of antibodies against heterogeneic red blood cells, natural killer (NK) activity of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL), and the effects against tumor metastasis. Autotransplanted spleen started to produce antibody against the intravenously injected the sheep red blood cells (SRBC) even 2 weeks after autotransplantation and produce high titer of antibody as like sham operated rats 8 weeks after the operation. NK activity was decreased 2 weeks after splenectomy, but not after splenic autotransplantation. Immunohistopathological examination with monoclonal antibody against rat's lymphocytes showed the similar regeneration of B cells and T cells with normal spleen. Fischer rats which had been inoculated with FMC7 (fibrosarcoma) had their tumors resected 12 days after the inoculation and were divided into the 3 groups according to the operative procedures mentioned above and were operated on respectively. Then FMC7 were challenged intravenously or intraperitoneally, and their survival times were examined. No significant difference was found in the groups of intraperitoneal inoculation. But in the case of intravenous challenge, averaged survival time was significantly prolonged in the group of sham operation. These results suggested the spleen worked against intravenous antigens including even tumor cells. Heterotopic splenic autotransplantation is a method to restore some parts of the splenic immune function.

[Prognostic significance of internal mammary lymph node metastases in breast cancer patients].

Examination was made of clinical, histological and biological prognostic factors in 207 patients with invasive breast cancer, and determination was made as to whether variable prognostic factors, especially internal mammary lymph node metastases, would serve as a basis for the prognosis of breast cancer. In a univariate study, overall survival was significantly corrected with tumor size, axillary lymph node status, axillary and internal mammary lymph node metastases and DNA ploidy status. In a multivariate study, however, only axillary and internal mammary lymph node metastases were recognized as important, and independent prognostic factors on survival. Neither axillary lymph node status nor DNA ploidy status appeared an important prognostic factor. Axillary and internal mammary lymph node metastases could not be predicted from their clinical assessment. Only axillary lymph node dissection and biopsy of first and second intercostal spaces were concluded to be useful for accurately indicating the status of these lymph nodes.

TNF superfamily member TL1A elicits type 2 innate lymphoid cells at mucosal barriers.

Immune responses at mucosal barriers are regulated by innate type 2 lymphoid cells (ILC2s) that elaborate effector cytokines interleukins 5 and 13 (IL5 and IL13). IL25 and IL33 are key cytokines that support ILC2s; however, mice deficient in these pathways retain some functional ILC2s. Analysis of human and murine cells revealed that ILC2s highly express tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-receptor superfamily member DR3 (TNFRSF25). Engagement of DR3 with cognate ligand TL1A promoted ILC2 expansion, survival, and function. Exogenous protein or genetic overexpression of TL1A activated ILC2s independent of IL25 or IL33. Dr3(-/-) mice failed to control gut helminthic infections, and failed to mount ILC2 responses in the lung after nasal challenge with papain. Our data demonstrate a key role for TL1A in promoting ILC2s at mucosal barriers.

Estimation of regional cerebral blood flow using N-isopropyl-p-123I iodoamphetamine acquisition data from the lungs and brain. An improved non-invasive technique.

AIM: Previously, we devised a method for estimating123I labeled N-isopropyl-p-iodoamphetamine (123I IMP) arterial blood activity at 10 minutes after intravenous injection of 123I IMP (Ca10) without any blood sampling using 123I IMP autoradiography (ARG) acquisition data, and verified its usefulness for quantification of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF). In this study, we attempted to develop an improved noninvasive method for estimating rCBF. PATIENTS, METHODS: 123I IMP studies with 23 patients and 15O-H2O positron emission tomography (PET) ARG studies with 20 patients were evaluated. Multiple regression analysis was used to estimate an integral of the arterial blood counts during the time after injection of 123I (∫Ca) using parameters from the time series of the lung counts and brain counts as the explanatory variables and the fraction [brain single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) average count / the mean of rCBFs (mean CBF) measured by 15O-H2O PET ARG method] as the objective variable. RESULTS: The regression equation was as follows: Estimated ∫Ca = (7.09×10⁻³ · Cb12) - (1.57×10⁻4 · CbpreSPECT) + (9.48×10⁻5 · CbpostSPECT) + (1.35×10⁻4 · L15) - (6.95×10⁻4 · L33) + (7.61×10⁻4 · L81) - (0.417), where Cb12: brain count at 12 minutes, Cbpre-SPECT: brain count before SPECT, Cbpost-SPECT: brain count after SPECT, L15, L33, and L81: lung count at 15, 33, and 81 seconds, respectively. The mean CBF values (ml/min/100g) calculated using the estimated ∫Ca values more closely correlated with those measured by 15O-H2O PET ARG method (r = 0.833, p < 0.01) than those obtained by our previous method (r = 0.590, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The rCBFs obtained by this method approximated more accurately to the values measured by 15O-H2O PET ARG method than those obtained by our previous method.