Clinical course of two siblings with potassium voltage-gated channel modifier subfamily V member 2 (KCNV2)-associated retinopathy.

BACKGROUND: KCNV2-associated retinopathy causes a phenotype reported as "cone dystrophy with nyctalopia and supernormal rod responses (CDSRR; OMIM# 610356)," featuring pathognomonic findings on electroretinography (ERG). Here, we report the clinical courses of two siblings with CDSRR. CASE REPORTS: Patient 1: A 3-year-old boy with intermittent exophoria was referred to our hospital. The patient's decimal best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at age 6 was 0.7 and 0.7 in the right and left eyes, respectively. Photophobia and night blindness were also observed. Because the ERG showed a delayed and supernormal b-wave with a "squaring (trough-flattened)" a-wave in the DA-30 ERG, and CDSRR was diagnosed. The patient's vision gradually worsened, and faint bilateral bull's eye maculopathy was observed at the age of 27 years, although the fundi were initially unremarkable. Genetic examination revealed a homozygous missense variant, c.529T > C (p.Cys177Arg), in the KCNV2 gene. Patient 2: The second patient was Patient 1's younger sister, who was brought to our hospital at 3 years of age. The patient presented with exotropia, mild nystagmus, photophobia, night blindness, and color vision abnormalities. The patients' decimal BCVA at age 13 was 0.6 and 0.4 in the right and left eyes, respectively, and BCVA gradually decreased until the age of 24 years. The fundi were unremarkable. The siblings had similar ERG findings and the same homozygous missense variant in the KCNV2 gene. CONCLUSIONS: The siblings had clinical findings typical of CDSRR. High-intense flash ERG is recommended for identifying pathognomonic "squaring" a-waves in patients with CDSRR.

X-ray free electron laser observation of ultrafast lattice behaviour under femtosecond laser-driven shock compression in iron.

Over the past century, understanding the nature of shock compression of condensed matter has been a major topic. About 20 years ago, a femtosecond laser emerged as a new shock-driver. Unlike conventional shock waves, a femtosecond laser-driven shock wave creates unique microstructures in materials. Therefore, the properties of this shock wave may be different from those of conventional shock waves. However, the lattice behaviour under femtosecond laser-driven shock compression has never been elucidated. Here we report the ultrafast lattice behaviour in iron shocked by direct irradiation of a femtosecond laser pulse, diagnosed using X-ray free electron laser diffraction. We found that the initial compression state caused by the femtosecond laser-driven shock wave is the same as that caused by conventional shock waves. We also found, for the first time experimentally, the temporal deviation of peaks of stress and strain waves predicted theoretically. Furthermore, the existence of a plastic wave peak between the stress and strain wave peaks is a new finding that has not been predicted even theoretically. Our findings will open up new avenues for designing novel materials that combine strength and toughness in a trade-off relationship.

Evaluation of clinical effects of a multidisciplinary-collaborated cancer support team for gastrointestinal cancer chemotherapy: prospective observational study protocol of M-CAST study.

BACKGROUND: Although the multidisciplinary-collaborated team approach in cancer treatment has recently become popular, prospectively evaluated evidence is limited. We started a multidisciplinary-collaborated cancer support team (MCST) to facilitate cooperation across multidisciplinary medical staff in our hospital and established clinical evidence of supportive care. This study aimed to prospectively evaluate the clinical activity and effect of MCST in patients with gastrointestinal cancer receiving chemotherapy. METHODS: This is a single-center, single-arm, observational study. Patients with gastrointestinal cancer scheduled to receive chemotherapy are enrolled and supported by the MCST. The primary endpoints are the number of interventions by medical staff and the number of patients who showed improvement in side effects. The secondary endpoints are the severity of side effects, medical expenses, number of consultations, the acceptance rate of prescription recommendations, adjuvant chemotherapy completion rates, dose intensity, and time required for co-medical intervention. In addition, medical staff and attending physicians evaluate all adverse events. DISCUSSION: This study is expected to contribute to establishing new cancer-supportive care teams for patients with gastrointestinal cancer receiving chemotherapy and those with cancer receiving chemotherapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT) as jRCT1030220495. The date of first registration, 29/11/2022, https://jrct.niph.go.jp/search.

Development of an educational program for healthcare professionals who provide appearance care for patients with cancer: Feasibility study of an e-learning program.

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and utility of an e-learning training program to improve healthcare professionals' knowledge about providing appearance care to patients with cancer. Healthcare professionals who provide appearance support were invited to participate voluntarily and complete a survey before and after the program. Participation request letters were distributed to 133 individuals, including 75 from four facilities invited via professional connections, and agreed to participate in the study and 58 participated in the National Cancer Center's appearance care training and indicated an interest in participating in the study. The 100 participants (75.2%) included 96 females, with an average age of 40.5 years. The participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the program, where more than 90% responded "satisfied" or "somewhat satisfied" and eager to use the content they learned in the program when they returned to their workplaces. However, the participants identified several barriers to applying their newly acquired knowledge including lack of knowledge (about 80%). Participant knowledge scores about appearance support were significantly higher after program participation. The survey results indicated the high feasibility of the e-learning program through improved knowledge about appearance care and high satisfaction with the program. The program needs further improvements for its practical utility.

Responding to COVID-19: Establishing a nursing system that is appropriate for the new post-epidemic era.

Hospitals that admit patients with COVID-19 face the challenge of not only dealing with these patients but also balancing normal medical care and hospital management to cope with the challenges posed by the new post-epidemic era. Over the past two years of responding to COVID-19 as a front-line clinical nurse, my colleagues and I have fully appreciated the need to establish a nursing system that is appropriate for the new post-epidemic era. The following four aspects should be emphasized: i) the continuation of thorough infection control measures; ii) exploring new approaches to training for new recruits; iii) ensuring nursing workforce and improving the nursing capacity to cope with patients critically ill with COVID-19; and iv) teamwork and team care to provide nurses with timely psychological assistance.

[Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma diagnosed by total hysterectomy].

Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is a rare form of non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma which occurs mainly in capillaries and small blood vessels. Successful diagnosis of IVLBCL is challenging since it lacks tumor formation and presents various clinical manifestations. An 82-year-old Asian female patient presented to our emergency department with a history of general fatigue, weight loss, and fever for two weeks. The patient's random skin biopsy was negative, and her bone marrow biopsy revealed hemophagocytic syndrome with no obvious involvement of lymphoma cells. Gallium scintigraphy showed mild uptake in the uterus, pelvis, and spine. The repetitive bone marrow biopsy result and the endometrial cytology/biopsy were negative; however, the pelvic MRI was compatible with lymphoma, revealing lesions in the corpus uteri, pelvis, and vertebral body. After laparoscopic-assisted vaginal total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, the diagnosis of the Asian variant of IVLBCL was made. Although total hysterectomy remains controversial for elderly patients with declining performance status, we could successfully diagnose the condition and initiate the treatment. The patient's general condition improved soon after starting rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone regimen on day 26, and she was discharged on day 45.

Recurrent proliferative vitreoretinopathy in a patient with morning glory syndrome and intellectual disability.

PURPOSE: To report a case of morning glory syndrome (MGS) with retinal detachment, in whom unusually severe proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) developed after surgery. OBSERVATIONS: A 6-year-old boy with intellectual disability underwent vitrectomy for retinal detachment associated with MGS in the left eye. Vitrectomy was performed five times. C3F8 gas tamponade was used for the first and second surgeries. However, the retina developed PVR with a nearly 360-degree giant retinal tear after the second surgery. The third surgery required 360-degree retinotomy, followed by short-term perfluoro-n-octane (PFO) tamponade, which was removed ten days later. During the fourth surgery, the retina was found to be flipped over in a funnel-shape on the retinal pigment epithelium under the PFO. Silicone oil (SO) tamponade was used. During the fifth surgery, the retina was flipped over under the SO again. We found that the patient shook his head rapidly and vigorously while crying. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: We speculate that excessive head shaking associated with the patient's intellectual disability induced an unusual shape of the retina under PFO or SO. Although difficult to achieve, postoperative resting seems important in preventing such complications in intellectually disabled patients with retinal detachment.

Hypochlorous acid solution is a potent antiviral agent against SARS-CoV-2.

AIM: A novel coronavirus, termed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) suddenly appeared in Wuhan, China, and has caused pandemic. In this study, we evaluated antiviral activity of purified hypochlorous acid (HClO) against coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) responsible for pig diseases. MATERIALS AND RESULTS: In a suspension test, 28.1 ppm HClO solution inactivated SARS-CoV-2 in phosphate-buffered saline with the reduction of 104 of 50% tissue culture infectious dose per ml (TCID50 per ml) within 10 s. When its concentration increased to 59.4 ppm, the virus titre decreased to below the detection limit (reduction of 5 logs TCID50 ) within 10 s even in the presence of 0.1% foetal bovine serum. In a carrier test, incubation with 125 ppm HClO solution for 10 min or 250 ppm for 5 min inactivated SARS-CoV-2 by more than 4 logs TCID50 per ml or below the detection limit. Because the titre of TGEV was 10-fold higher, TGEV was used for SARS-CoV-2 in a suspension test. As expected, 56.3 ppm HClO solution inactivated TGEV by 6 logs TCID50 within 30 s. CONCLUSIONS: In a carrier test, 125 ppm HClO solution for 10 min incubation is adequate to inactivate 4 logs TCID50 per ml of SARS-CoV-2 or more while in a suspension test 56.3 ppm HClO is adequate to inactivate 5 logs TCID50 per ml of SARS-CoV-2 when incubated for only 10 s regardless of presence or absence of organic matter. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Effectiveness of HClO solution against SARS-CoV-2 was demonstrated by both suspension and carrier tests. HClO solution inactivated SARS-CoV-2 by 5 logs TCID50 within 10 s. HClO solution has several advantages such as none toxicity, none irritation to skin and none flammable. Thus, HClO solution can be used as a disinfectant for SARS-CoV-2.

The Evaluation of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services With a Physician for Acute Myocardial Infarction in Japan: A Registry-Based Study of Prognosis and Time Reduction.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the prognosis and time reduction between helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) with a physician and ground emergency medical services (GEMS) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) cases. METHODS: This is a registry-based study of the Japan Helicopter Emergency Medical Service Registry from April 1, 2015, to March 31, 2018. RESULTS: A total of 605 cases of AMI were registered in the HEMS group and 794 cases in the GEMS group. In the cases of non-cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA), the prognosis between HEMS and GEMS did not differ significantly. Regarding the road distance, for ranges of 20 to 40 km and > 40 km, the times from the call to the angiography room were significantly shorter with HEMS than GEMS (median 91 vs. 97 minutes, P = .036 and 101 vs. 132 minutes, P = .002, respectively). In cases of CPA, HEMS had a higher rate of return of spontaneous circulation than GEMS (55.3% vs. 36.8%, P = .038), but HEMS had a lower prognosis than GEMS (22.9% vs. 38.9%, P = .036). CONCLUSION: The present study suggested that HEMS had an advantage in reducing the time to angiography in AMI cases of non-CPA. In cases of CPA, HEMS increased the return of spontaneous circulation without improving the prognosis.

Ultrafast olivine-ringwoodite transformation during shock compression.

Meteorites from interplanetary space often include high-pressure polymorphs of their constituent minerals, which provide records of past hypervelocity collisions. These collisions were expected to occur between kilometre-sized asteroids, generating transient high-pressure states lasting for several seconds to facilitate mineral transformations across the relevant phase boundaries. However, their mechanisms in such a short timescale were never experimentally evaluated and remained speculative. Here, we show a nanosecond transformation mechanism yielding ringwoodite, which is the most typical high-pressure mineral in meteorites. An olivine crystal was shock-compressed by a focused high-power laser pulse, and the transformation was time-resolved by femtosecond diffractometry using an X-ray free electron laser. Our results show the formation of ringwoodite through a faster, diffusionless process, suggesting that ringwoodite can form from collisions between much smaller bodies, such as metre to submetre-sized asteroids, at common relative velocities. Even nominally unshocked meteorites could therefore contain signatures of high-pressure states from past collisions.

Substrate Specificities of GH8, GH39, and GH52 ß-xylosidases from Bacillus halodurans C-125 Toward Substituted Xylooligosaccharides.

Substrate specificities of glycoside hydrolase families 8 (Rex), 39 (BhXyl39), and 52 (BhXyl52) ß-xylosidases from Bacillus halodurans C-125 were investigated. BhXyl39 hydrolyzed xylotriose most efficiently among the linear xylooligosaccharides. The activity decreased in the order of xylohexaose > xylopentaose > xylotetraose and it had little effect on xylobiose. In contrast, BhXyl52 hydrolyzed xylobiose and xylotriose most efficiently, and its activity decreased when the main chain became longer as follows: xylotetraose > xylopentaose > xylohexaose. Rex produced O-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-[O-α-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1 → 3)]-O-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-ß-D-xylopyranose (Ara2Xyl3) and O-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-[O-4-O-methyl-α-D-glucuronopyranosyl-(l → 2)]-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-ß-D-xylopyranose (MeGlcA2Xyl3), which lost a xylose residue from the reducing end of O-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-[O-α-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1 → 3)]-O-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-ß-D-xylopyranose (Ara3Xyl4) and O-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-[O-4-O-methyl-α-D-glucuronopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-ß-D-xylopyranose (MeGlcA3Xyl4). It was considered that there is no space to accommodate side chains at subsite -1. BhXyl39 rapidly hydrolyzes the non-reducing-end xylose linkages of MeGlcA3Xyl4, while the arabinose branch does not significantly affect the enzyme activity because it degrades Ara3Xyl4 as rapidly as unmodified xylotetraose. The model structure suggested that BhXyl39 enhanced the activity for MeGlcA3Xyl4 by forming a hydrogen bond between glucuronic acid and Lys265. BhXyl52 did not hydrolyze Ara3Xyl4 and MeGlcA3Xyl4 because it has a narrow substrate binding pocket and 2- and 3-hydroxyl groups of xylose at subsite +1 hydrogen bond to the enzyme.

Stimulation of Phagocytic Activity in Cultured Human Corneal Fibroblasts by Plasminogen.

Purpose: Plasminogen has been detected in the corneal stroma after tissue injury and interacts with corneal fibroblasts during wound healing. We examined the effect of plasminogen on phagocytic activity of corneal fibroblasts. Methods: Cultured human corneal fibroblasts were exposed to plasminogen and then incubated with fluorescent microparticles before measurement of phagocytic activity by confocal microscopy or flow cytometry. The binding of corneal fibroblasts to immobilized plasminogen was quantitated with a real-time biomolecular interaction assay. The production of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and IL-1ß by corneal fibroblasts was measured by fibrin zymography, by immunoblot analysis or gelatin zymography, or with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Results: Plasminogen increased phagocytic activity of corneal fibroblasts in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, with the maximal effect apparent at 30 µg/mL and 24 hours. Corneal fibroblasts bound to immobilized plasminogen in a manner dependent on time and cell number, and the stimulatory effect of plasminogen on phagocytic activity was blocked in the presence of epsilon-aminocaproic acid, an inhibitor of plasminogen binding to cell surface receptors. Plasminogen-induced phagocytic activity was not associated with changes in the production of uPA, MMPs, or IL-1ß by corneal fibroblasts. Conclusions: Plasminogen induced phagocytic activity in corneal fibroblasts in a manner dependent on its binding to the cell surface. This effect was not associated with increased production of proteases or IL-1ß. Thus, plasminogen may promote the clearance of foreign particles or damaged tissue components by corneal fibroblasts early after tissue injury.

The Prognostic Impact of Pretransplantation Inflammatory and Nutritional Status in Adult Patients after Myeloablative Single Cord Blood Transplantation.

Markers of inflammatory and nutritional status, such as the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score, Prognostic Nutritional Index, Glasgow Prognostic Score, and C-reactive protein-albumin ratio (CAR) has been demonstrated to be associated with poor prognosis in patients with various cancers. Although the relatively low cell dose of a single cord blood unit restricts the indication for cord blood transplantation (CBT) to pediatric and relatively smaller and lighter adult patients, the impact of malnutrition on outcomes after CBT is unclear. We retrospectively analyzed 165 adult patients who underwent myeloablative single-unit CBT in our institute. In multivariate analysis, a higher CONUT score, which is indicative of poor inflammatory and nutritional status, was significantly associated with poor outcomes, including low neutrophil engraftment and development of extensive chronic graft-versus-host disease. A higher CAR, which is also suggestive of poor inflammatory and nutritional status, was significantly associated with poor neutrophil engraftment and higher overall mortality. Body mass index (BMI) was not associated with transplantation outcomes. These data suggest that poor pretransplantation inflammatory and nutritional status might be a more practical parameter than lower BMI, for predicting transplantation outcomes after single CBT for adults.

Plasminogen-Dependent Collagenolytic Properties of Staphylococcus aureus in Collagen Gel Cultures of Human Corneal Fibroblasts.

Purpose: Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of corneal ulceration, and staphylokinase (SAK) produced by this bacterium is a plasminogen activator. To investigate the pathogenesis of corneal ulceration induced by S. aureus, we examined the effects of bacterial culture broth and SAK on collagen degradation in a culture model in which human corneal fibroblasts are embedded in a collagen gel. Methods: Corneal fibroblasts embedded in collagen were exposed to S. aureus culture broth or SAK. Collagen degradation was assessed by measurement of hydroxyproline in acid hydrolysates of culture supernatants. Expression of pro-matrix metalloproteinase-1 (pro-MMP-1) was detected by immunoblot analysis as well as reverse transcription and real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Results: Both S. aureus culture broth and SAK markedly increased collagen degradation in the presence of corneal fibroblasts and plasminogen. This effect of the culture broth was dependent on cell number to a greater extent than was that of SAK. Whereas the culture broth also increased the expression of pro-MMP-1 in corneal fibroblasts at both mRNA and protein levels, SAK did not. Conclusions: Our results suggest that S. aureus may promote collagen degradation both by upregulating pro-MMP1 expression in corneal fibroblasts, with pro-MMP-1 then being converted to active MMP-1 by plasmin, and by directing plasmin activity toward collagen in a SAK-dependent manner.

Neurotrophic Keratopathy after Trigeminal Nerve Block for Treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia.

PURPOSE: To report a case of persistent corneal epithelial defect that had occurred after a trigeminal nerve block. CASE PRESENTATION: A 75-year-old female had suffered from postherpetic neuralgia for 8 years. She underwent Gasserian ganglion block surgery and noticed declining visual acuity in the right eye on the following day. She presented with severe hyperemia and corneal epithelial defects in the right eye and experienced remarkable reduction of sensitivity in the right cornea. She was diagnosed with neurotrophic keratopathy. Ofloxacin eye ointment and rebamipide ophthalmic suspension ameliorated the corneal epithelial defects but superficial punctate keratopathy, corneal superficial neovascularization, and Descemet's fold persisted. Although the epithelial defects occasionally recurred, the corneal sensation and epithelial defects, Descemet's fold, and corneal superficial neovascularization all improved around 5 months after trigeminal nerve block. The HRT II Rostock Cornea Module (RCM) could not detect any corneal subbasal nerve fibers at postoperative 4 months; however, it could detect them at postoperative 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: As the nerve block effect wore off, the corneal subbasal nerve fibers slowly regenerated. As the corneal sensation improved, the corneal epithelial defects and superficial neovascularization also improved. The HRT II RCM appeared useful for observing loss and regeneration of the corneal subbasal nerve fibers.

A Case of Neurotrophic Keratopathy Associated with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To report a case of neurotrophic keratopathy associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. CASE REPORT: A 59-year-old man who had been diagnosed with a nasopharyngeal carcinoma was referred to the authors because of visual disturbance and pain in his right eye. Slit-lamp examination revealed a corneal epithelial defect and corneal stromal edema surrounding the epithelial defect area in his right eye. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a mass in his cavernous sinus, which was identified as nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We diagnosed neurotrophic keratopathy associated with NPC and initiated treatment with preservative-free artificial tears, antibiotic eye drops, fibronectin, a therapeutic contact lens, and amniotic membrane transplantation. However, the persistent corneal epithelial defect was unresponsive to these treatments. CONCLUSION: Neurotrophic keratopathy secondary to NPC is thought to be rare. We presented a case of neurotrophic keratopathy associated with cavernous sinus metastasis of an NPC. The development of new and more effective treatments for this refractory disease is anticipated.

GH30 Glucuronoxylan-Specific Xylanase from Streptomyces turgidiscabies C56.

Endoxylanases are important enzymes in bioenergy research because they specifically hydrolyze xylan, the predominant polysaccharide in the hemicellulose fraction of lignocellulosic biomass. For effective biomass utilization, it is important to understand the mechanism of substrate recognition by these enzymes. Recent studies have shown that the substrate specificities of bacterial and fungal endoxylanases classified into glycoside hydrolase family 30 (GH30) were quite different. While the functional differences have been described, the mechanism of substrate recognition is still unknown. Therefore, a gene encoding a putative GH30 endoxylanase was cloned from Streptomyces turgidiscabies C56, and the recombinant enzyme was purified and characterized. GH30 glucuronoxylan-specific xylanase A of Streptomyces turgidiscabies (StXyn30A) showed hydrolytic activity with xylans containing both glucuronic acid and the more common 4-O-methyl-glucuronic acid side-chain substitutions but not on linear xylooligosaccharides, suggesting that this enzyme requires the recognition of glucuronic acid side chains for hydrolysis. The StXyn30A limit product structure was analyzed following a secondary ß-xylosidase treatment by thin-layer chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis. The hydrolysis products from both glucuronoxylan and 4-O-methylglucuronoxylan by StXyn30A have these main-chain substitutions on the second xylopyranosyl residue from the reducing end. Because previous structural studies of bacterial GH30 enzymes and molecular modeling of StXyn30A suggested that a conserved arginine residue (Arg296) interacts with the glucuronic acid side-chain carboxyl group, we focused on this residue, which is conserved at subsite -2 of bacterial but not fungal GH30 endoxylanases. To help gain an understanding of the mechanism of how StXyn30A recognizes glucuronic acid substitutions, Arg296 mutant enzymes were studied. The glucuronoxylan hydrolytic activities of Arg296 mutants were significantly reduced in comparison to those of the wild-type enzyme. Furthermore, limit products other than aldotriouronic acid were observed for these Arg296 mutants upon secondary ß-xylosidase treatment. These results indicate that a disruption of the highly conserved Arg296 interaction leads to a decrease of functional specificity in StXyn30A, as indicated by the detection of alternative hydrolysis products. Our studies allow a better understanding of the mechanism of glucuronoxylan recognition and enzyme specificity by bacterial GH30 endoxylanases and provide further definition of these unique enzymes for their potential application in industry.IMPORTANCE Hemicellulases are important enzymes that hydrolyze hemicellulosic polysaccharides to smaller sugars for eventual microbial assimilation and metabolism. These hemicellulases include endoxylanases that cleave the ß-1,4-xylose main chain of xylan, the predominant form of hemicellulose in lignocellulosic biomass. Endoxylanases play an important role in the utilization of plant biomass because in addition to their general utility in xylan degradation, they can also be used to create defined compositions of xylooligosaccharides. For this, it is important to understand the mechanism of substrate recognition. Recent studies have shown that the substrate specificities of bacterial and fungal endoxylanases that are classified into glycoside hydrolase family 30 (GH30) were distinct, but the difference in the mechanisms of substrate recognition is still unknown. We performed characterization and mutagenesis analyses of a new bacterial GH30 endoxylanase for comparison with previously reported fungal GH30 endoxylanases. Our study results in a better understanding of the mechanism of substrate specificity and recognition for bacterial GH30 endoxylanases. The experimental approach and resulting data support the conclusions and provide further definition of the structure and function of GH30 endoxylanases for their application in bioenergy research.

A cross-sectional study on late taste disorders in survivors of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Taste disorders are one of the most common complications in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). They persist in some patients as a late complication 3 months or more after HCT. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate the prevalence and predictive factors of late taste disorders, with the help of a self-reporting and closed-ended questionnaire, which was distributed among 91 patients in our institute. The median age at this study was 50 (range, 25-69) years. The median follow-up period was 54 (range, 3-234) months after HCT. Taste disorders were observed in 43 patients (47%). The most frequent form of late taste disorders was reduced appetite in 18 patients (20%). The most frequent form of decline of basic taste was umami, which was observed in 12 patients (13%). Almost all taste disorders were mild in their severity. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that the duration of less than 1 year post HCT and the presence of oral chronic graft-versus-host disease are important risk factors for late taste disorders in survivors of HCT. These data suggested that taste disorders usually return to normal levels more than a year after HCT in most recipients.