Evaluation of a bipolar ionization device in inactivation of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, yeast, Aspergillus spp. and human coronavirus.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of bipolar ionization in the healthcare setting has yet to be proven. A major limitation of studies sponsored by industry has been the assessment of efficiency within test chambers in which ozone levels are not adequately controlled. AIM: To assess the effectiveness of bipolar ionization against antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, fungi and human coronavirus within a controlled test chamber designed to mitigate the effect of ozone. METHODS: Bacteria- and fungi-inoculated gauze pads, and human coronavirus 229E-inoculated stainless steel plates were placed within the vicinity of the AIO-2 bipolar ionizer and left at room temperature (2 h for coronavirus and 4 h for bacteria and fungi). FINDINGS: Four hours of exposure to bipolar ionization showed a 1.23-4.76 log reduction, corresponding to a 94.2->99.9% colony-forming units/gauze reduction, in Clostridioides difficile, Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae, meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and multi-drug-resistant S. aureus. A 1.2 log 50% tissue culture infectious dose reduction in human coronavirus was observed after 2 h. CONCLUSION: The assessment of bipolar ionization systems merits further investigation as an infection control measure.

Genetic diversity and relationships among native Japanese horse breeds, the Japanese Thoroughbred and horses outside of Japan using genome-wide SNP data.

Eight horse breeds-Hokkaido, Kiso, Misaki, Noma, Taishu, Tokara, Miyako and Yonaguni-are native to Japan. Although Japanese native breeds are believed to have originated from ancient Mongolian horses imported from the Korean Peninsula, the phylogenetic relationships among these breeds are not well elucidated. In the present study, we compared genetic diversity among 32 international horse breeds previously evaluated by the Equine Genetic Diversity Consortium, the eight Japanese native breeds and Japanese Thoroughbreds using genome-wide SNP genotype data. The proportion of polymorphic loci and expected heterozygosity showed that the native Japanese breeds, with the exception of the Hokkaido, have relatively low diversity compared to the other breeds sampled. Phylogenetic and cluster analyses demonstrated relationships among the breeds that largely reflect their geographic distribution in Japan. Based on these data, we suggest that Japanese horses originated from Mongolian horses migrating through the Korean Peninsula. The Japanese Thoroughbreds were distinct from the native breeds, and although they maintain similar overall diversity as Thoroughbreds from outside Japan, they also show evidence of uniqueness relative to the other Thoroughbred samples. This is the first study to place the eight native Japanese breeds and Japanese Thoroughbred in context with an international sample of diverse breeds.

Modular cis-regulatory logic of yellow gene expression in silkmoth larvae.

Colour patterns in butterflies and moths are crucial traits for adaptation. Previous investigations have highlighted genes responsible for pigmentation (ie yellow and ebony). However, the mechanisms by which these genes are regulated in lepidopteran insects remain poorly understood. To elucidate this, molecular studies involving dipterans have largely analysed the cis-regulatory regions of pigmentation genes and have revealed cis-regulatory modularity. Here, we used well-developed transgenic techniques in Bombyx mori and demonstrated that cis-regulatory modularity controls tissue-specific expression of the yellow gene. We first identified which body parts are regulated by the yellow gene via black pigmentation. We then isolated three discrete regulatory elements driving tissue-specific gene expression in three regions of B. mori larvae. Finally, we found that there is no apparent sequence conservation of cis-regulatory regions between B. mori and Drosophila melanogaster, and no expression driven by the regulatory regions of one species when introduced into the other species. Therefore, the trans-regulatory landscapes of the yellow gene differ significantly between the two taxa. The results of this study confirm that lepidopteran species use cis-regulatory modules to control gene expression related to pigmentation, and represent a powerful cadre of transgenic tools for studying evolutionary developmental mechanisms.

Simultaneous measurement of patient dose and distribution of indoor scattered radiation during digital breast tomosynthesis.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer incidence increases from the age of 30 years. As this age range coincides with that in which women usually pursue pregnancy, undergoing medical examinations for conditions such as breast cancer is a concern, especially when pregnancy is uncertain during the first eight weeks. Moreover, in this age range, breast often exhibits a high density, thus compromising diagnosis. For such density, digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) provides a more accurate diagnosis than 2D mammography given its higher sensitivity and specificity. However, radiation exposure increases during DBT, and it should be determined. METHODS: We determined the entrance surface dose, scattered radiation dose, and average glandular dose (AGD), which can be mutually compared following an international protocol. Using our proposed method, the distribution of scattered radiation can be easily and quickly obtained with a minor load to the equipment. Then, we can determine the indoor scattered radiation and surface dose on patients during DBT. RESULTS: We obtained a maximum AGD of 2.32 mGy. The scattered radiation was distributed over both sides with maximum of approximately 40 µGy, whereas the maximum dose around the eye was approximately 10 µGy. CONCLUSION: By measuring doses using the proposed method, a correct dose information can be provided for patients to mitigate their concerns about radiation exposure. Although the obtained doses were low, their proper management is still required. Overall, the results from this study can help to enhance dose management for patients and safety management regarding indoor radiation.

Public health and healthcare-associated risk of electric, warm-water bidet toilets.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, installation of bidet toilets within hospitals in Japan has raised concerns regarding potential for cross-contamination by antimicrobial-resistant bacteria from patients who are hospitalized over an extended period. AIM: To investigate the distribution of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria recovered from bidet toilets at a university-affiliated hospital in Japan. METHODS: All 292 electric bidet toilets at a university hospital were sampled for contamination. Swabs for culture were used to sample water-jet nozzles and toilet seats. FINDINGS: Of the 292 toilet seats sampled, warm-water nozzles of 254 (86.9%) were found to be contaminated by one or more of the following organisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., Enterobacteriaceae and non-Enterobacteriaceae Gram-negative bacteria. S. aureus was recovered from one water-jet nozzle and nine toilet seats; of these, meticillin-resistant S. aureus was recovered from the water-jet nozzle and from one toilet seat. Both the water-jet nozzle and seat of the same toilet were contaminated with a CTX-M-9 group extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli. Of the Gram-negative isolates recovered from samples, the organism with the highest frequency of isolation was Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, which was recovered from 39 bidet toilets. CONCLUSION: Warm-water nozzles of bidet toilets are contaminated with a wide range of bacteria, making them a potential vehicle for cross-infection. In the hospital setting, shared use of bidet toilets must consider the clinical background of patients. Based on these findings, these devices must be part of the risk management programme, and steps should be included for monitoring and disinfection.

Sandwich ELISA Using a Mouse/Human Chimeric CSLEX-1 Antibody.

BACKGROUND: An assay using a mouse antisialyl Lewis X (sLeX) antibody (CSLEX-1) is used clinically for screening and monitoring patients with breast cancer in Japan. However, the IgM isoform of CSLEX-1 is not preferred for the assay because the bulkiness of IgM generally causes poor accessibility to the antigen. To solve this problem, we developed an antisLeX mouse/human chimeric IgG antibody, CH-CSLEX-1, using transgenic silkworms. The performance of a homologous sandwich ELISA of CH-CSLEX1 was then evaluated. METHODS: To generate CH-CSLEX-1, we used a GAL4/UAS binary gene expression system in transgenic silkworms. The reactivities of CSLEX-1 and CH-CSLEX-1 were determined in a Biacore analysis. To confirm antigen specificity, 3 antigens [sLeX, sLeA, and Lewis Y (LeY)] were used. RESULTS: CH-CSLEX-1 formed correctly as an IgG class of immunoglobulin molecule with an isoelectric point close to the predicted value. The best combination for capturing and probing in a sandwich ELISA was determined as a homologous combination of CH-CSLEX-1. The CH-CSLEX-1 assay specifically detected sLeX, but not sLeA and LeY. A correlation analysis with 107 human samples showed good concordance between the conventional CSLEX-1 assay (homologous sandwich ELISA using CSLEX-1) and the CH-CSLEX-1 assay (r = 0.98). Moreover, the CH-CSLEX-1 assay was not affected by either human antimouse IgG antibodies (HAMA IgG) or HAMA IgM. CONCLUSIONS: The mouse/human chimeric antibody CH-CSLEX-1 allowed the establishment of a highly specific sandwich ELISA for sLeX that was not affected by HAMA.

Changes in peripheral anti-Müllerian hormone concentration and their relationship with testicular structure in beef bull calves.

The aim of this study was to clarify the time-course of changes in anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and testosterone (T) concentrations in peripheral blood and to determine the relationships between blood AMH concentration and testicular development during the early postnatal and prepubertal periods in beef bull calves. A total of 17 Japanese Black bull calves were enrolled in this study. The wk in which the calf was born (within 6 d after birth) was defined as M 0. Blood samples were taken once in every mo from M 0 to M 6 from each bull calf, and plasma AMH and T concentrations were determined. Of the 17 calves, 10 were castrated at 6 mo of age (prepuberty) and the right testis was histologically examined. Plasma AMH concentration (means ± SE) at M 0, 1, and 2 were 123.5 ± 9.8, 189.6 ± 18.7, and 254.6 ± 14.1 ng/mL, respectively. From M 0 through M 2, plasma AMH concentration was significantly greater each mo than in the previous mo (P < 0.05); however, plasma AMH concentration significantly decreased over the last 3 mo of the study (P < 0.05). The average age at which plasma AMH concentration was the highest was 2.3 ± 0.1 mo of age. Plasma T concentration significantly increased from M 0 (0.18 ± 0.02 ng/mL) until M 6 (6.52 ± 1.41 ng/mL). Plasma AMH and T concentrations at M 4, 5, and 6 were significantly negatively correlated (P < 0.05). Linear regression did not reveal a significant relationship between Sertoli or Leydig cell numbers and plasma AMH or T concentrations, respectively. In conclusion, blood AMH concentration peaks at 2 mo of age and is negatively correlated with blood T concentration from 4 to 6 mo of age. Although prepubertal blood AMH or T concentrations did not reflect Sertoli or Leydig cell numbers at the end of the prepubertal period, blood AMH concentration may be indicative of abnormal Sertoli cells function.

Comprehensive data on ionising radiation from Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in the town of Miharu, Fukushima Prefecture: The Misho Project.

Data related to radioactivity released from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident on 15 March 2011 gathered by residents of Miharu, Fukushima Prefecture, and by Tohoku University are presented. These data sets consist of (1) the earliest radiation monitoring by a Geiger counter in the town, (2) ratios of radioactivity between (132)Te and (137)Cs for a wide area between Fukushima and Tokyo, (3) radiation measurement of soil samples collected from 18 school grounds, and (4) external radiation exposure of 1400 students using OSL badges. By combining and analysing these various data sets, a curve for the cumulative total external exposure as a function of time, with 16 : 00 h on 15 March 2011 being time zero, is obtained. The average cumulative external dosage is estimated to be 10 mSv (σ = 4.2 mSv) over 10 years. In addition, the initiative that the residents of Miharu took in response to the FDNPP accident, which became known as The Misho Project (MP), is documented; in particular, the time at which the municipality instructed the immediate ingestion of iodine tablets by those under the age of 40, 13 : 00 h on 15 March 2011, is assessed.

A preliminary study to determine the diagnostic reference level using dose-area product for limited-area cone beam CT.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to measure the dose-area product (DAP) of limited-area cone beam CT (CBCT) units used by dental offices, and to evaluate the rationale of the DAP with an aid of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosemeter in measuring radiation dose. METHOD: The DAPs of 21 CBCT units used in the dental offices of Tokyo and the surrounding areas from five different manufacturers were measured using OSL nanoDot dosemeter. An assembly of OSL dosemeters with an X-ray film was exposed by CBCT units at exposure parameters commonly used in each dental office. DAP values were then calculated as expressed in mGy cm(2). RESULTS: DAP values ranged from 126.7 mGy cm(2) to 1476.9 mGy cm(2), depending on the units used. CONCLUSION: OSL dosemeter coupled with film can be utilized for a large-scale study to measure DAP. The DAP values for individual CBCT units depend not only on the field of view, but also on the exposure parameters adapted by the dental offices.

Retroperitoneal approach for laparoscopic nephroureterectomy with stripping technique: extracorporeal ligation of ureter and ureteral catheter.

INTRODUCTION: The pluck and stripping techniques are used for lower ureter management in renal pelvic cancer patients. Herein, we report our experience of extracorporeal ligation of the ureter and the ureteral catheter through the trocar port, which differs from conventional laparoscopic ligation in the retroperitoneal space. This technique was selected to reduce the time needed for ureter management using the stripping technique and to provide secure ligation. MATERIALS AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: We performed this stripping technique in patients with T1 and T2 stage renal pelvic cancer without imaging-evident lymph node metastasis. After transurethrally placing a ureteral catheter, we resected the circumference of the ureteral orifice. After laparoscopic nephrectomy via a retroperitoneal approach, the ureteral catheter and distal ureter were ligated extracorporeally. The catheter was pulled to invaginate the ureter so it could then be pulled through the external urethral orifice. DISCUSSION: This technique of extracorporeal ligation ensures more a secure ligation of the ureter and ureteral catheter. This modified stripping technique does not require lower ureter management with laparotomy, and it is also useful in shortening the operative time. This method is effective for relatively early stage renal pelvic cancer.

PhiC31 integrase-mediated cassette exchange in silkworm embryos.

To construct an effective site-specific integration system in the silkworm, we examined if phiC31 integrase works in silkworm embryos. As an assay system, we constructed an extrachromosomal cassette exchange reaction system between two attP sites of an acceptor plasmid and two attB sites of a donor plasmid. To evaluate the activity, integrase mRNAs synthesized from three different plasmids were used. We injected a mixture of the acceptor and donor plasmids with the mRNA synthesized in vitro from one of the three plasmids into silkworm embryos at 4-6 h after oviposition and recovered plasmid DNAs from the embryos 3 days after injection. The resultant plasmids were transformed into Escherichia coli and spread on selection medium plates containing the appropriate antibiotics. A colony-forming assay and restriction enzyme digestion of the plasmids purified from the colonies showed that the phiC31 integrase worked very efficiently in the silkworm embryos. Notably, a phiC31 integrase mRNA synthesized from two of the plasmids produced cassette exchange plasmids at a high frequency, suggesting that the mRNA can be used to construct a targeted integration system in silkworms.

Characterization of optically stimulated luminescence dosemeters to measure organ doses in diagnostic radiology.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the characteristics of an optically stimulated luminescence dosemeter (OSLD) for use in diagnostic radiology and to apply the OSLD in measuring the organ doses by panoramic radiography. METHODS: The dose linearity, energy dependency and angular dependency of aluminium oxide-based OSLDs were examined using an X-ray generator to simulate various exposure settings in diagnostic radiology. The organ doses were then measured by inserting the dosemeters into an anthropomorphic phantom while using three panoramic machines. RESULTS: The dosemeters demonstrated consistent dose linearity (coefficient of variation<1.5%) and no significant energy dependency (coefficient of variation<1.5%) under the applied exposure conditions. They also exhibited negligible angular dependency (≤ 10%). The organ doses of the X-ray as a result of panoramic imaging by three machines were calculated using the dosemeters. CONCLUSION: OSLDs can be utilized to measure the organ doses in diagnostic radiology. The availability of these dosemeters in strip form proves to be reliably advantageous.

Study of the excited-state proton-transfer reaction of 5-cyano-2-naphthol in sub- and supercritical water.

The excited-state proton-transfer (ESPT) reaction of 5-cyano-2-naphthol (5CN2) has been investigated in sub- and supercritical water using time-resolved fluorescence measurements. Under ambient conditions, a very fast decay of the fluorescence from the excited state of normal 5CN2 (ROH*) and a simultaneous increase of the fluorescence from the excited state of the anion species (RO(-)*) were observed, as reported previously. The very high ESPT rate was evaluated as 0.12 ps(-1). With increasing temperature at a constant pressure of 39.0 MPa, the proton transfer became slow. At 615 K and 39.0 MPa, another fluorescence from a new unknown chemical species appeared, which was assigned to the contact ion pair (CIP) of RO(-)* and the hydronium ion. With decreasing pressure at 664 K, the fluorescence from RO(-)* disappeared, and the fluorescence from ROH* and CIP was observed. At the very low density of supercritical water, only the fluorescence decay of ROH* was detected. The reaction dynamics was analyzed with the help of singular value decomposition and spectral decomposition using model functions. The ESPT rate was correlated with the solvent dielectric constant and/or the hydrogen-bonding ability.

Successful reduced-intensity SCT from unrelated cord blood in three patients with X-linked SCID.

We describe three males with X-linked SCID (X-SCID) who were successfully treated by reduced-intensity SCT from unrelated cord blood (CB). Mean age at transplant was 5.7 months (range, 3-9 months). Pre-transplant conditioning for all patients consisted of fludarabine (FLU) (30 mg/m(2) per day) from day -7 to day -2 (total dose 180 mg/m(2)) and BU 4 mg/kg per day from day -3 to day -2 (total dose 8 mg/kg). All CB units were serologically matched at HLA-A, B and DR loci. Although two patients had suffered from fungal or bacterial pneumonia before transplantation, there were no other infectious complications during transplantation. All patients engrafted and achieved 100% donor chimerism. We also confirmed full donor chimerism of both T and B cells. Only one patient developed acute GVHD grade III, which was resolved by increasing the dose of oral corticosteroid. None of the patients has developed chronic GVHD during follow up for 21-77 months. None of the patient received i.v. Ig replacement post transplant, or showed delay in psychomotor development. Reduced-intensity conditioning consisting of FLU and BU and transplantation from unrelated CB was an effective and safe treatment for these patients with X-SCID.

Formation of biocompatible nanoparticles via the self-assembly of chitosan and modified lecithin.

The formation of biocompatible nanoparticles via the self-assembly of chitosan (CHI) and modified lecithin (ML) was studied. Stable nanoparticles in the size range of 123 to 350 nm were formed at over a wide molar mixing ratios of CHI/ML solutions (amino group/phosphate group) (NH(3) (+)/PO(3) (-)) and total polyelectrolyte (PE) concentrations (0.1 to 1 wt%) except at intermediate molar ratios when the surface charge was close to neutrality. Zeta-potentials of the nanoparticles were found to be independent of the total PE concentrations. Nanoparticles exhibited excellent stability at over an extended pH (pHs 3 to 6) and ionic strength range (< or = 500 mM NaCl concentration). The particle size and zeta-potential of the nanoparticles increased with the molecular weight of CHI. Transmission electron microscopy suggested that nanoparticles were generally spherical in shape with CHI constituting the exterior of its surface at high molar mixing ratios. Dextran-fluorescein isothiocyanate, bovine serum albumin, and Coomassie brilliant blue as models of nonionic, positively and negatively charged compounds were encapsulated within the nanoparticles at between 8.7% and 62.7% efficiency. The ability of the nanoparticle suspensions to be converted to lyophilized powder or concentrated suspension was also demonstrated.

Static bone cavity in the condylar neck and mandibular notch of the mandible.

This study presents the radiographic findings of two cases of static bone cavity in the inferior aspect of the condylar neck and mandibular notch of the mandible. On plain CT, a soft tissue mass was observed in each cavity. The submandibular gland and the other glands were not found in each cavity. On contrast-enhanced CT, the soft tissue in the cavity in the inferior aspect of the condylar neck had marked linear enhancement and dilated vasculature structure was observed in the cavity. On the contrast-enhanced MRI, the soft tissue in the cavity of the mandibular notch had marked enhancement and flow void was detected in the cavity. In the inferior aspect of the condylar neck, the cavity size had enlarged radiographically over a period of three years. Vascular lesions were found in the cavity located in the inferior aspect of the condylar neck and mandibular notch of the mandible by both CT and MRI. The vascular lesion might explain the enlargement of the static bone cavity.

Case of pregnancy in two cows with unicorn horn of the uterus either by artificial insemination at ipsilateral or embryo transfer at contralateral corpus luteum in the ovary.

Two Holstein heifers and a cow were diagnosed with White Heifer Disease by ultrasonography. Case 1 was a 14 month-old heifer with aplasia of both sides of the uterine horn. In case 2, a primiparous cow and case 3, an 18 month-old heifer, both showed aplasia of the right uterine horn. Case 2 became pregnant by artificial insemination at ipsilateral ovulatory follicle and corpus luteum in the left ovary, while case 3 became pregnant by embryo transfer at 7 days after oestrus with contralateral corpus luteum in the right ovary.