Spirodecosporaceae fam. nov. (Xylariales, Sordariomycetes) and two new species of Spirodecospora.

The genus Spirodecospora has been placed in Xylariaceae based on morphological similarities. Spirodecospora spp., found on bamboo in Japan, were taxonomically and phylogenetically studied using molecular data for first time. Molecular phylogenetic analyses were based on the DNA sequence data of three regions: the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, the large subunit (LSU) of rDNA, and the second largest RNA polymerase II subunit (rpb2) gene. Results showed that Spirodecospora formed an independent lineage from other known families in Xylariales. The new family Spirodecosporaceae is introduced in this study to accommodate this lineage based on the phylogenetic evidence and morphological differences from the other known families. Spirodecospora is characterised by having deeply immersed ascomata with a cylindrical ostiolar neck, unitunicate, cylindrical asci with I+, wedge-shaped apical ring, and broadly ellipsoidal to fusoid, aseptate, brown, verruculose ascospores with spirally or almost straight linear ornamentation. Based on morphological observations and molecular phylogenetic analyses, S. melnikii and two new species of Spirodecospora, S. paramelnikii and S. paulospiralis, are described and illustrated. A key to the four accepted species of Spirodecospora is provided. Citation: Sugita R, Hirayama K, Shirouzu T, Tanaka K (2022). Spirodecosporaceae fam. nov. (Xylariales, Sordariomycetes) and two new species of Spirodecospora. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 10: 217-229. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2022.10.09.

A pneumatic pressure-driven multi-throughput microfluidic circulation culture system.

Here, we report a pneumatic pressure-driven microfluidic device capable of multi-throughput medium circulation culture. The circulation culture system has the following advantages for application in drug discovery: (i) simultaneous operation of multiple circulation units, (ii) use of a small amount of circulating medium (3.5 mL), (iii) pipette-friendly liquid handling, and (iv) a detachable interface with pneumatic pressure lines via sterile air-vent filters. The microfluidic device contains three independent circulation culture units, in which human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured under physiological shear stress induced by circulation of the medium. Circulation of the medium in the three culture units was generated by programmed sequentially applied pressure from two pressure-control lines. HUVECs cultured in the microfluidic device were aligned under a one-way circulating flow with a shear stress of 10 dyn cm(-2); they exhibited a randomly ordered alignment under no shear stress and under reciprocating flow with a shear stress of 10 dyn cm(-2). We also observed 2.8- to 4.9-fold increases in expression of the mRNAs of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and thrombomodulin under one-way circulating flow with a shear stress of 10 dyn cm(-2) compared with conditions of no shear stress or reciprocating flow.

Characterization of ghrelin-sensitive neurons in the lumbosacral defecation center in rats.

BACKGROUND: Ghrelin is involved in the regulation of somatic growth, feeding behavior and energy homeostasis. Ghrelin stimulates neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons and activates intracellular AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the hypothalamus. These NPY neurons also express the leptin receptor and leptin inhibits ghrelin-induced activation of NPY neurons. In the spinal cord, we have demonstrated colokinetic action of ghrelin. However, the precise characteristics of the ghrelin-sensitive neurons remain to be clarified. The aim of this study was firstly to confirm that the action of ghrelin is mediated via a neurogenic pathway in the spinal cord, and secondly to characterize the ghrelin-sensitive neurons by comparing with hypothalamic ghrelin-sensitive neurons. METHODS: Rats were anesthetised with alpha-chloralose and ketamine, and colorectal intraluminal pressure and expelled volume were recorded in vivo. Drugs were applied intrathecally. KEY RESULTS: Ghrelin caused enhancement of propulsive contractions. Tetrodotoxin completely blocked the colokinetic effect of ghrelin. An AMPK activator, aminoimidazole carboxamide ribonucleotide, failed to mimic the ghrelin effect. Leptin had no effect on the spontaneous contractions and did not exert a suppressive effect on the ghrelin-enhanced colorectal motility. An NPY Y1 receptor antagonist did not affect the action of ghrelin. NPY had no effect on the colorectal motility. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: This study showed that intrathecal injection of ghrelin stimulates colorectal motility by acting on ghrelin-sensitive neurons in the lumbosacral defecation center. The characteristics of ghrelin-sensitive neurons in the spinal cord are quite different from those of ghrelin-sensitive neurons in the hypothalamus.

Gastrointestinal Candida colonisation promotes sensitisation against food antigens by affecting the mucosal barrier in mice.

BACKGROUNDS AND AIMS: Controversy still exists as to whether gastrointestinal colonisation by Candida albicans contributes to aggravation of atopic dermatitis. We hypothesised that Candida colonisation promotes food allergy, which is known to contribute to a pathogenic response in atopic dermatitis. We tested this using a recently established murine Candida colonisation model. METHODS: Candida colonisation in the gastrointestinal tract was established by intragastric inoculation with C albicans in mice fed a synthetic diet. To investigate sensitisation against food antigen, mice were intragastrically administered with ovalbumin every other day for nine weeks, and antiovalbumin antibody titres were measured weekly. To examine gastrointestinal permeation of food antigen, plasma concentrations of ovalbumin were measured following intragastric administration of ovalbumin. RESULTS: Ovalbumin specific IgG and IgE titres were higher in BALB/c mice with Candida colonisation than in normal mice. Gastrointestinal permeation of ovalbumin was enhanced by colonisation in BALB/c mice. Histological examination showed that colonisation promoted infiltration and degranulation of mast cells. Candida colonisation did not enhance ovalbumin permeation in mast cell deficient W/Wv mice but did in congenic littermate control +/+ mice. Reconstitution of mast cells in W/Wv mice by transplantation of bone marrow derived mast cells restored the ability to increase ovalbumin permeation in response to Candida colonisation. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that gastrointestinal Candida colonisation promotes sensitisation against food antigens, at least partly due to mast cell mediated hyperpermeability in the gastrointestinal mucosa of mice.

Relationship between sympathetic skin response and power spectral analysis of heart rate variation in patients with type 2 diabetes.

We measured sympathetic skin response (SSR), a measure of sympathetic sudomotor function, and compared SSR with other quantitative neurological tests including power spectral analysis (PSA) of heart rate variations in 60 type 2 diabetic subjects. SSR was detected in all 20 age-matched healthy subjects but was absent in 17 patients with type 2 diabetes (28%) (P<.01). Even after exclusion of diabetic patients with absent SSR, the SSR amplitude in diabetic patients was significantly lower than in healthy subjects (P<.05). Both the low frequency power of R-R intervals, which reflects both cardiac sympathetic and parasympathetic function, and the postural fall in systolic blood pressure were significantly lower in the diabetic patients with absent SSR than in those with present SSR (P<.05 and.001, respectively). However, we found no significant difference in the high frequency power of R-R intervals, which reflects accurately cardiac parasympathetic function, between the diabetic patients with absent SSR and those with present SSR. In the diabetic patients with present SSR, SSR amplitude was also positively correlated with the postural fall in systolic blood pressure, low-frequency (LF) power, and high-frequency (HF) power. These results suggest that SSR is a useful and sensitive method for evaluating diabetic autonomic neuropathy, and that sympathetic sudomotor neuropathy may be preceded by cardiac parasympathetic neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes.

The connection between QT dispersion and autonomic neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes.

It is controversial whether an increase in the QT dispersion (QTd) on the electrocardiogram (ECG) reflects cardiac autonomic neuropathy in diabetic patients. In the current study, the QTd was compared in 60 type 2 diabetic patients and in 30 healthy subjects, and its association with autonomic neuropathy in diabetic patients was investigated. An increased QTd was found in diabetic patients, compared to healthy subjects. The QTd had significant negative associations with the log of the low and high frequency power (log LF and HF, respectively) of the power spectral analyses (PSA) of heart rate variations and the systolic blood response during standing (Delta BP). There was no significant difference in the QTd between patients with and without sympathetic skin response (SSR), reflecting peripheral sympathetic function. A significant positive correlation was also found between QTd and the systolic blood pressure (SBP). On the other hand, there was no correlation between QTd and serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), hemoglobin (Hb) A (1C) concentrations or body mass index (BMI). By multiple regression analysis, the log HF, which reflects cardiac parasympathetic function, and the SBP alone were significantly associated with QTd as the dependent variable. The Delta BP and log LF, which partially reflect sympathetic nerve function, had no significant associations with QTd. These findings suggest that QTd reflects cardiac autonomic neuropathy (relative parasympathetic neuropathy) and that the QTd is also influenced by SBP, independent of autonomic neuro-function.

Clinical usefulness of corrected QT intervals in diabetic autonomic neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: It is recognized that QTc intervals reflect autonomic nerve function. To investigate the clinical usefulness of corrected QT intervals (QTc) in assessing autonomic nerve function in type 2 diabetes, we measured QTc intervals using Bazett's formula in 58 type 2 diabetic patients and 20 age-matched healthy subjects. METHODS: We examined relationships between QTc intervals and the coefficient of variation of RR intervals (CV(RR)), systolic blood pressure response to standing, and sympathetic skin response (SSR) whose tests reflect autonomic nerve function. We also studied the correlation between QTc and blood pressure or serum lipid concentrations. RESULTS: QTc intervals in diabetic patients were significantly longer than those in healthy subjects and showed a significant but weak negative correlation with CV(RR), as well as systolic blood pressure response to standing. No significant difference in QTc intervals was observed between patients with and without a detectable SSR. QTc intervals showed a significant positive correlation with systolic and diastolic blood pressure although it did not correlate with serum lipid concentrations. QTc also tended to be long in obese diabetic subjects (body mass index > 25). CONCLUSION: QTc intervals might also be affected by other factors such as arteriosclerotic macroangiopathy and obesity, and not only autonomic nerve function. Therefore it might be considered as an overall index for complications, and not for pure autonomic impairment.

Screening of soil evidence by a combination of simple techniques: validity of particle size distribution.

The validity of the determination of particle size distribution for forensic soil identification was studied using 73 soil samples collected from a 20 km x 15 km area. Soil particles were first divided into two fractions by wet sieving with a sieve with a 0.05 mm aperture size. Dry sieving was used to analyze the coarse particle fraction and a particle size analyzer was used for the fine particle fraction. The number of particle size classes measured by sieving could be reduced to three, <0.05, 0.05-0.2, and 0.2-2 mm, which enabled 87.9% of the soil samples to be discriminated. Measurements made with the particle size analyzer on the fine particle fraction increased the discriminating power to 95.9%. The use of particle size analysis by sieving in combination with color examination allowed us to discriminate 99.5% of the soil samples, even when particle size analysis of the fine particle fraction was not carried out.

Low concentrations of mupirocin in the pharynx following intranasal application may contribute to mupirocin resistance in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

We describe a patient with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonizing the pharynx. The MIC of mupirocin was 0.25 microg/ml before treatment and increased after treatment to 8 microg/ml. Using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, we confirmed that the genotypes of MRSA that colonized the pharynx before and after the use of mupirocin were identical. We measured the delivery of mupirocin to the pharynx in three normal volunteers and two patients. Low concentrations of mupirocin were present in the pharynx in all cases 10 min to 3 days after intranasal application. Our data suggested that low concentrations of the drug in the pharynx after intranasal application of mupirocin ointment might explain the selection of mupirocin resistance in MRSA.

[Effect of low-dose sulpiride on dopamine metabolism in rat nucleus accumbens and locomotor activity: studies with intracerebral dialysis].

Changes in the concentration of dopamine (DA) and its metabolites, 3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl-acetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA), were determined sequentially in freely moving rats by using a brain dialysis method. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between changes in the dopamine metabolism in the nucleus accumbens and locomotor activities following low-dose (5 mg/kg) sulpiride administration. The DA content in the dialysis fluid rose significantly 4 to 6 h after sulpiride administration. The DOPAC content rose significantly 6 h after sulpiride administration. The HVA content did not show a significant change. A slight increase of locomotor activity was found, but it was not statistically significant. The elevation of DA release in nucleus accumbens by sulpiride might relate to the clinical efficacy of low-dose administration of this drug for mood disorders.

Intrapleural bronchogenic cyst.

We report the first case of a 14-year-old male presenting with intrapleural bronchogenic cyst investigation by CT and MRI. Our findings emphasize the value of the combination of CT and MRI for differential diagnosis of intrapleural tumors.

[A clinicobacteriologic study on clavulanic acid/amoxicillin in pediatric acute otitis media].

We carried out clinical and bacteriological studies on clavulanic acid/amoxicillin and amoxicillin in pediatric acute otitis media at 14 general practice settings. The results are summarized as follows. 1. The major isolated organisms from content of middle ear effusion were Streptococcus pneumoniae 31.8%, Haemophilus influenzae 35.8% and Moraxella subgenus Branhamella catarrhalis 1.5%. Similar results were observed for the major isolates organisms from content of nasopharynx Streptococcus pneumoniae 31.1%, Haemophilus influenzae 33.9% and Moraxella subgenus Branhamella catarrhalis 19.2%. 2. 42.2% of S. pneumoniae isolated from middle ear effusion were drug resistant S. pneumoniae (PISP, PRSP) and they were increasing year by year. 3. 46.7% of S. pneumoniae isolated from nasopharyngeal swab were drug resistant S. pneumoniae (PISP, PRSP) and they were increasing year by year. The incidence of drug resistant S. pneumoniae isolated from all cases and organisms were 26.3% and 14.5%, respectively. 4. On MIC90, antimicrobial activity of CVA/AMPC against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella subgenus Branhamella catarrhalis was superior to SBTPC. 5. In the evaluation of clinical efficacy, bacteriological efficacy and utility, CVA/AMPC-treated group was significantly superior to AMPC-treated group. 6. Adverse reactions were observed in 22% of CVA/AMPC-treated group, involving diarrhea and loose stool.

[A clinicobacteriologic study on clavulanic acid/amoxicillin in pediatric sinusitis].

We carried out clinical and bacteriological studies on clavulanic acid/amoxicillin and amoxicillin in pediatric sinusitis at 11 general practice settings. The results are summarized as follows. 1. The major isolated organisms from content of middle meatus were Streptococcus pneumoniae 32.2%, Haemophilus influenzae 32.0% and Moraxella subgenus Branhamella catarrhalis 25.1%. Similar results were observed for the major isolates from nasopharynx. 2. 62.1% of S. pneumoniae isolated were drug resistant S. pneumoniae (PISP, PRSP) and they were increasing year by year. 3. Drug resistant S. pneumoniae was isolated from 38.6% of all cases. 4. Regarding MIC90, CVA/AMPC showed superior antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella subgenus Branhamella catarrhalis. 5. The clinical efficacy, bacteriological efficacy and utility of CVA/AMPC-treated group were 78%, 58% and 72.8%, respectively, and they were significantly superior to AMPC-treated group. 6. Adverse reactions were observed in 11.2% of CVA/AMPC group, involving diarrhea and stool loose and there was no statistical deference from those of AMPC group.

Inflammatory pseudotumour of the bladder: CT and MRI findings.

The MRI findings are described in a case of inflammatory pseudotumour of the bladder. The signal characteristics are correlated with the histological findings.

The usefulness of computed tomography in the diagnosis of impacted fish bones in the oesophagus.

The usefulness of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of fish bone impaction in the oesophagus was evaluated. Thirty-two patients were examined by plain X-ray followed by direct oesophagoscopy for suspected fish bone impaction. Among 25 cases in which fish bones were actually removed, foreign bodies were not clearly demonstrated by plain X-ray in 14 cases (56 per cent). Eleven cases underwent CT prior to the oesophagoscopic examination. Fish bones were clearly demonstrated by CT in all patients. CT also clearly visualized secondarily-induced inflammatory changes in the neighbouring structures. In order to confirm this result, we made a simulation model of oesophageal fish bone impaction, using fish bones of three different species surrounded by a water bag. In comparison with plain X-ray, CT depicted a superior image of fine fish bones and provides extremely useful information for the management of impacted fish bones in the oesophagus.

[Clinical efficacy in pediatrics sinusitis infections of cefditoren pivoxil granule therapy and its in vitro antibacterial activity against clinically isolated strains].

We investigated the clinical efficacy in pediatrics sinusitis infections of cefditoren pivoxil granule therapy and its in vitro antibacterial activity against clinically isolated strains. The results are summarized as follows. The specimens from 343 patients were cultured and 595 strains of bacteria were isolated and identified. Oral doses of 3 and 5 mg/kg of CDTR-PI were clinically effective at high percentages, 85.1% and 89.5%, respectively, of treated patients. CDTR-PI at 3 mg/kg orally was clinically effective in 80.8% of patients with PCG intermediate S. pneumoniae (PISP) infections, 80.0% of those with PCG susceptible S. pneumoniae (PSSP) infections, 81.8% of those with H. influenzae infections and 78.3% of those with M. (B.) catarrhalis infections among the infections by major causative agents. The frequent isolates included S. pneumoniae accounting for 33.1%, H. influenzae accounting for 32.1%, M. (B.) catarrhalis accounting for 17.6% and S. pyogenes accounting 3.7% of all the isolates. PISP accounted for 16.1% of all the isolates and for 49.8% of the isolates of S. pneumoniae, and were isolated from 28.6% of the 343 patients. The isolation of PISP was frequent from children of 4 and under especially, and especially frequent from those below age 2. Of the isolates of S. pneumoniae, the biotype frequencies among PSSP were in the order of type I > type II > type III, while those among PISP were in the order of type I < type II with none of type III. Bacteriologically, an eradication rate of 89.4% was achieved with 3 mg/kg and 93.5% with 5 mg/kg of CDTR-PI.

Isoform-specific activation and structural diversity of calmodulin kinase I.

We earlier confirmed that there are isoforms of Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase I (CaM kinase I) (CaM kinase Ibeta1 and Igamma) beside CaM kinase Ialpha by cDNA cloning (Yokokura, H., Terada, O., Naito, Y., and Hidaka, H. (1997) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1338, 8-12). Here, we demonstrate the existence of an isoform-specific activation mechanism of CaM kinase I and alternative splicing specifically regulating CaM kinase I (CaM kinase Ibeta2) in the central nervous system. To cast light on isoform structure-enzyme activity relationships, CaM kinase Ibeta1, Ibeta2, and Ialpha were expressed separately using a baculovirus/Sf9 cell expression system. The novel CaM kinase Ibeta2 isoform demonstrated similar catalytic activity to those of CaM kinase Ibeta1 and Ialpha. Interestingly, CaM kinase Ibeta1 and Ibeta2 both can activate CaM kinase Ialpha activity via phosphorylation at Thr177. Reverse transcribed-polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that CaM kinase Ibeta2 is dominant in the cerebrum and cerebellum, whereas CaM kinase Ibeta1 is present in peripheral tissues such as liver, heart, lung, kidney, spleen, and testis. CaM kinase Ibeta2 was also detected with an anti-CaM kinase Ibeta2 antibody in PC12 cells. The results indicate that alternative splicing is a means for tissue-specific expression of CaM kinase Ibeta. Thus the Thr177 residue of CaM kinase Ialpha is phosphorylated by not only CaM kinase kinase but also CaM kinase Ibeta for activation of the enzyme.