Factors associated with COVID-19 booster vaccine hesitancy: a nationwide, cross-sectional survey in Japan.

OBJECTIVES: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy/fatigue is increasing as the pandemic enters the endemic phase. The present study aimed to explore current perceptions about COVID-19 booster vaccination among the Japanese public. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used data from the Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Survey conducted in September 2021 and September 2022. The public's perceptions of COVID-19 vaccination and factors associated with COVID-19 booster vaccine hesitancy were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 56,735 respondents were included. In the Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Survey 2021, 75.1% of the participants (21,126/28,118) had completed the primary vaccination series. In the 2022 survey, 74.1% of the respondents (21,216/28,617) completed the primary series of vaccination with booster doses. The proportion of fear toward COVID-19 and obtaining information about COVID-19 has decreased from 2021 to 2022. Factors independently associated with booster vaccine hesitancy were young age (range: 18-29 years; adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 6.56), history of COVID-19 (aOR: 1.82), distrust of the Japanese government's COVID-19 prevention measures (aOR: 1.55), lack of confidence in COVID-19 vaccine efficacy (aOR: 1.30), lack of confidence in COVID-19 vaccine safety (aOR: 1.62), low reliance on the COVID-19 vaccine (aOR: 1.92), and belief in COVID-19 conspiracy theories (aOR: 1.77). CONCLUSIONS: Providing clear and trustworthy information is critically important, especially targeted and tailored messages for the young generation, to promoting COVID-19 booster vaccination. Policymakers should therefore develop consistent and transparent communication strategies and the ability to respond promptly and flexibly to mitigate the negative impact of COVID-19 on the public while preparing for the next pandemic.

Accessory right hepatic artery and aberrant bile duct in the hepatocystic triangle: a rare case with clinical implications.

Awareness of variations in the hepatic vasculature and biliary system is extremely important for avoiding iatrogenic injury in upper-abdominal surgery. The objective of this study is to describe a rare case of abnormal vascular and biliary structures in the hepatocystic triangle (HCT) (the modern Calot's triangle). During anatomical dissection of the coeliac trunk (CT) in an old man, the authors observed the presence of a hepatosplenic trunk arising from the CT and bifurcating into common hepatic and splenic arteries. The common hepatic artery divided into hepatic artery proper and gastroduodenal artery. The presence of accessory right hepatic artery (ARHA) arising from the superior mesenteric artery was also notable. The aberrant artery ascended retropancreatically ventral to the splenic vein, then posterolaterally to the portal vein before termination into the right hepatic lobe in the HCT. Within this triangle, there was an aberrant bile duct originating in the right hepatic lobe and ending in the common hepatic duct. This accessory duct crossed the ARHA and an associated branch (the cystic artery). There is no known previous report on the co-existence of an ARHA and an aberrant bile duct within the HCT, in addition to the hepatosplenic trunk. The clinical implications of the current case are addressed in discussion.

Nosocomial infection with rotavirus vaccine strain in paediatric patients with immunodeficiency.

In infants with immunodeficiency, rotavirus (RV) vaccines can be continuously excreted in stool. We analysed nosocomial infection with RV vaccine strain in immunodeficient paediatric patients. RV1 RNAs were detected in stool and serum samples from case A, who was vaccinated with RV1, and case B, who was not. PAGE analysis of serial stool samples of case A revealed several rearrangements of the RV genome. In case B, the only band pattern detected was the same as a rearrangement detected in case A at the same time. In summary, RV vaccination of infants with immunodeficiency poses a risk of nosocomial infections.

Professional dental care provision systems for persons with disabilities by prefecture in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: The number of persons with disabilities has increased and aged. Although it is important to maintain good oral health to extend healthy life expectancy, it is difficult for such people. This study aimed to analyze regional disparities in dental care provision systems for disabled people and to propose measures for the establishment of an appropriate system. BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN: To examine regional disparities in dental care provision systems for persons with disabilities, the number of practicing dentists and dental clinics per 100,000 population, dentists certified by the Japanese Society for Disability and Oral Health, and institutions with certified dentists per 100,000 disabled persons for each prefecture were calculated. The Gini coefficient of each was also calculated to visualize and analyze regional disparities. RESULT: The Gini coefficients were 0.09 and 0.07 for practicing dentists and dental clinics and 0.32 and 0.28 for the certified dentists and institutions with the certified dentists, respectively. Dental institutions for the disabled abounded in the three metropolitan areas: Tokyo, Aichi, and Osaka, and their density tended to be lower in northern and southern Japan. In prefectures with few such institutions, there was no correlation between the number of institutions and prefectural residents' income, and some prefectures had similar incomes but had many institutions. CONCLUSION: The distribution of dental care to the disabled is highly uneven in Japan, therefore, a system needs to be established to address this issue.

Morphological characterization of small hepatocytes after bile duct ligation in chicken.

Small hepatocytes have hepatocyte-like characteristics and high proliferation activity. Most small hepatocyte studies report on in vitro rat or human hepatocytes. Only a few studies of small hepatocytes after bile duct ligation have been reported, and none of these have focused on these cells in birds. In this study, small hepatocytes appearing in bile duct ligation chicken liver were examined using the morphological method with histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural studies. Nine Boris Brown hens (over 744-d old) were used. In all chickens, both the common hepatoenteric duct and hepatocystic duct were ligated, and the livers were examined 1, 4, 6, 9, and 13 weeks after bile duct ligation. Histologically, the small cells were half the size of normal liver cells, and mitotic figures were often observed. The nuclei showed two forms: large and small. Many small cells were negative for periodic acid-Schiff stain, but positive cells were rarely observed. The cells existed in colonies on the side of the sinusoid of the hepatic lamina. Immunohistochemically, the small cells with large nuclei were strongly positive for CD44, albumin and proliferation cell nuclear antigen, and the cells with small nuclei were weakly positive. In the CD44-positive cell colony, negative cells were often observed to have mature hepatocyte-like morphology. Moreover, many of the cells were PAN cytokeratin negative. Ultrastructurally, the small cells had more nuclei with rich heterochromatin, poor cytoplasmic organelles, and narrow cytoplasm with a high electron density than mature hepatocytes. Moreover, cells having a middle ultrastructural characteristic existed between the small cells and mature hepatocytes. The small hepatocellular colony of the chicken appeared as a regeneration-related change in the liver after bile duct ligation. The cell had high cell proliferation activity and morphological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural characteristics similar to those of the mammalian small hepatocyte, as well as a similar progenitor cell.

Spontaneous endometriosis in cynomolgus monkeys as a clinically relevant experimental model.

STUDY QUESTION: Does spontaneous endometriosis in cynomolgus monkeys have the characteristics required of a good experimental model? SUMMARY ANSWER: Spontaneous endometriosis in cynomolgus monkeys exhibited similar clinicopathological characteristics to the human disease and was useful as an experimental model. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: The prevalence of endometriosis in autopsied cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) in a breeding colony was reported to be 28.7% in 1993. The histopathological findings we reported recently showed that components of spontaneous endometriosis were not only endometriotic epithelium and stromal cells (CD10-positive) with hemorrhage and inflammation, but also smooth muscle metaplasia and nerve fibers. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: During routine medical examinations at a research facility from 2008 to 2012, 614 female cynomolgus monkeys of reproductive age (6-25 years) were screened for endometriosis by the presence of regular menstrual bleeding, serum CA125 levels and palpation of the abdomen. In total, 29 monkeys were selected as subjects for the following study. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Of the 29 monkeys selected, 15 were diagnosed with endometriosis by laparoscopy and/or open surgery. The monkeys were monitored by observing their general condition, and eight of these were monitored using laparoscopy and MRI. In addition, to investigate appropriate screening parameters and endometriosis-associated biological parameters in monkeys, we retrospectively examined general laboratory parameters that correlate to the menstrual cycle and disease status. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: The combination of CA125 serum levels (this was a useful marker for chocolate cysts), palpation of the abdomen, and fecal abnormalities was the most efficient screening method for diagnosing monkeys with endometriosis. Each animal could be diagnosed and assigned a disease stage by laparoscopy. While monitoring the disease stage by laparoscopy and/or MRI, disease status in individual monkeys was mainly stable or was progressive for 2-7 months. The detection rate by screening was low (15/614) but age-specific analysis suggests that screening would be more efficient if a colony for an endometriosis model is maintained with 11-20-year olds. As an endometriosis-associated biological parameter, the decrease in food consumption that coincided with menstruation was selected and correlated well (R2 value = 0.8239) with disease status (according to a modified adhesion revised American Fertility Society score). LARGE SCALE DATA: N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Peritoneal fluid was not analyzed because a smaller amount is produced in cynomolgus monkeys than in baboons. Although clinical endometriosis-associated pain is evaluated in women using a visual analog scale, pain could not be directly evaluated in this non-human primate model. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Although cynomolgus monkeys are relatively small (2-5 kg) primates, laparoscopy and MRI make it possible to evaluate spontaneous endometriosis in these monkeys and to monitor its development over time. Spontaneous endometriosis in cynomolgus monkeys is a useful model for evaluating disease progress and drug efficacy because they have similar lesions to those in humans, and conventional laboratory methods and parameters for assessment are well established. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): No external funds were used for this study. A.N.-K., K.T., H.T., A.K. and M.S. are full-time employees of Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. R.K. received a consultancy fee from Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and lecture fees from Chugai Pharmaceuticals, Japan Vaccine Co. Ltd., Merck & Co., Mochida Co. Ltd., Roche Diagnostics, and BD, unrelated to the submitted work. S.N., S.O. and T.S. have nothing to declare.

Web survey-based selection of controls for epidemiological analyses of a multi-prefectural outbreak of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157 in Japan associated with consumption of self-grilled beef hanging tender.

An outbreak of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157 occurred in multiple prefectures of Japan in November 2009. We conducted two case-control studies with trace-back and trace-forward investigations to determine the source. The case definition was met by 21 individuals; 14 (66.7%) were hospitalised, but no haemolytic uraemic syndrome, acute encephalopathy or deaths occurred. Median age was 23 (range 12-48) years and 14 cases were male (66.7%). No significant associations with food were found in a case-control study by local public health centres, but our matched case-control study using Internet surveys found that beef hanging tender (or hanger steak), derived from the diaphragm of the cattle, was significantly associated with illness (odds ratio = 15.77; 95% confidence interval, 2.00-124.11). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis of isolates from patients and the suspected food showed five different patterns: two in faecal and food samples, and another three in patient faecal samples only, although there were epidemiological links to the meat consumed at the restaurants. Trace-back investigation implicated a common food processing company from outside Japan. Examination of the logistics of the meat processing company suggested that contamination did not occur in Japan. We concluded that the source of the outbreak was imported hanging tender. This investigation revealed that Internet surveys could be useful for outbreak investigations.

Venous superdrained gastric tube pull-up procedure for hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal reconstruction reduces postoperative anastomotic leakage and stricture.

Gastric pull-up is a common procedure to reconstruct the continuity of the upper digestive tract after esophageal resection. However, this technique sometimes causes postoperative anastomotic leakage or stricture, resulting from insufficient blood flow at the distal end. To overcome this problem, additional microvascular venous anastomoses were performed. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of post-surgical anastomotic leakage and stricture in patients with and without additional microvascular venous superdrainage after cervical esophageal and hypopharyngeal resection and gastric tube reconstruction. A total of 29 consecutive patients with esophageal or hypopharyngeal cancer who underwent total esophagectomy and hypopharyngectomy with gastric tube reconstruction in the National Organization Nagasaki Medical Center between April 2014 and May 2016 were analyzed in this study. Of these patients, 20 underwent additional venous anastomoses (superdrainage group), and 9 did not undergo additional procedures (standard group). We compared the frequency of post-surgical stricture and leakage in the two groups retrospectively. Three of nine patients (33.3%) developed postoperative leakage in the standard group, and 1 of 20 (5.0%) did so in the superdrainage group. Six of nine patients (66.7%) showed postoperative anastomotic stricture in the standard group, but none did so in the superdrainage group. Patients who did not undergo additional venous superdrainage were significantly more likely to develop postsurgical leakage (P < 0.05, Chi-square test) and anastomotic stricture (P < 0.001, Chi-square test). Our study revealed that only additional venous anastomoses could reduce the incidence of postoperative anastomotic leakage and stricture. This procedure is of merit to perform after total esophagectomy and hypopharyngectomy with gastric tube reconstruction.

Sudden infant death due to Lactococcal infective endocarditis.

Infective endocarditis (IE) of infants is rare, most of which occur associated with congenital heart disease or its cardiac surgery. We experienced a case of sudden death of a four-month-old male infant without congenital heart disease. It was elucidated by postmortem examination that the dead had suffered severe IE, which led him to death. In the microbiological genetic analysis using histological section, the pathogen causing inflammation in the present case was identified as Lactococcus lactis subspecies, although Staphylococci have been reported to be common and important one. Previously reported infectious diseases by Lactococcus lactis subspecies were all adult cases and this is the first report of an infantile death due to Lactococcal IE according to our knowledge. Any fatal disease may be included in sudden death cases targeted for forensic autopsy, even if it is rare. It is expected for forensic pathologists that they note such case and share each experience among themselves and other medical fields to develop a strategy for prevention.

Targeting colorectal cancer via its microenvironment by inhibiting IGF-1 receptor-insulin receptor substrate and STAT3 signaling.

The tumor microenvironment (TME) exerts critical pro-tumorigenic effects through cytokines and growth factors that support cancer cell proliferation, survival, motility and invasion. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) stimulate colorectal cancer development and progression via cell autonomous and microenvironmental effects. Using a unique inhibitor, NT157, which targets both IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) and STAT3, we show that these pathways regulate many TME functions associated with sporadic colonic tumorigenesis in CPC-APC mice, in which cancer development is driven by loss of the Apc tumor suppressor gene. NT157 causes a substantial reduction in tumor burden by affecting cancer cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) and myeloid cells. Decreased cancer cell proliferation and increased apoptosis were accompanied by inhibition of CAF activation and decreased inflammation. Furthermore, NT157 inhibited expression of pro-tumorigenic cytokines, chemokines and growth factors, including IL-6, IL-11 and IL-23 as well as CCL2, CCL5, CXCL7, CXCL5, ICAM1 and TGFß; decreased cancer cell migratory activity and reduced their proliferation in the liver. NT157 represents a new class of anti-cancer drugs that affect both the malignant cell and its supportive microenvironment.

Photo anthropometric variations in Japanese facial features: Establishment of large-sample standard reference data for personal identification using a three-dimensional capture system.

This study clarifies the anthropometric variations of the Japanese face by presenting large-sample population data of photo anthropometric measurements. The measurements can be used as standard reference data for the personal identification of facial images in forensic practices. To this end, three-dimensional (3D) facial images of 1126 Japanese individuals (865 male and 261 female Japanese individuals, aged 19-60 years) were acquired as samples using an already validated 3D capture system, and normative anthropometric analysis was carried out. In this anthropometric analysis, first, anthropological landmarks (22 items, i.e., entocanthion (en), alare (al), cheilion (ch), zygion (zy), gonion (go), sellion (se), gnathion (gn), labrale superius (ls), stomion (sto), labrale inferius (li)) were positioned on each 3D facial image (the direction of which had been adjusted to the Frankfort horizontal plane as the standard position for appropriate anthropometry), and anthropometric absolute measurements (19 items, i.e., bientocanthion breadth (en-en), nose breadth (al-al), mouth breadth (ch-ch), bizygomatic breadth (zy-zy), bigonial breadth (go-go), morphologic face height (se-gn), upper-lip height (ls-sto), lower-lip height (sto-li)) were exported using computer software for the measurement of a 3D digital object. Second, anthropometric indices (21 items, i.e., (se-gn)/(zy-zy), (en-en)/(al-al), (ls-li)/(ch-ch), (ls-sto)/(sto-li)) were calculated from these exported measurements. As a result, basic statistics, such as the mean values, standard deviations, and quartiles, and details of the distributions of these anthropometric results were shown. All of the results except "upper/lower lip ratio (ls-sto)/(sto-li)" were normally distributed. They were acquired as carefully as possible employing a 3D capture system and 3D digital imaging technologies. The sample of images was much larger than any Japanese sample used before for the purpose of personal identification. The measurements will be useful as standard reference data for forensic practices and as material data for future studies in this field.

Effects of fat-enriched diet and methionine on insulin sensitivity in lactating cows.

The hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (EGC) technique was used to investigate the effects of calcium salts of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA-Ca) and rumen-protected Met (RPM) on insulin sensitivity in the peripheral tissues of lactating cows. Six multiparous Holstein cows were used in a 3 × 3 Latin square experiment in each 14-d period. Dietary treatments were 0 (RPM0), 20 (RPM20), and 60 (RPM60) g/d of RPM, supplemented with a diet containing 1.5% of LCFA-Ca equal to 110% of the cows' ME requirement. And as a control for the 3 LCFA-Ca-containing diets, a dietary treatment without LCFA-Ca (Con) was also included. After a 10-d adaptation period, milk samples were collected for 4 d, and EGC experiments were performed on d 14 of each treatment period. Insulin solution was infused through a jugular vein catheter at a rate of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 milliunits·kg BW-1·min-1 for 30 min and then at a rate of 0.5 milliunits·kg BW-1·min-1 for 60 min. Glucose solution was variably infused to maintain plasma glucose at steady state through the same catheter. Blood samples for measurements were taken using the contralateral catheter. Plasma total cholesterol, cholesterol ester, free cholesterol, and phospholipid concentrations in RPM0 and RPM20 were higher than those in Con, whereas the concentrations in RPM60 were low at the same degree of those in RPM0 (P < 0.05). Plasma Met concentration was greatest in RPM60 (P < 0.05). In the EGC experiment, the glucose infusion rate was greater in RPM60 than in RPM0 and RPM20 and an effective concentration of insulin resulting in 50% maximal glucose infusion rate was lower in RPM60 compared with RPM0 (P < 0.05), indicating that insulin sensitivity was intensified in RPM60. Although the insulin sensitivity evaluated from the EGC data in RPM0, RPM20, and RPM60 was not different from Con, a slight decline was observed in RPM0 and insulin sensitivity in RPM60 was higher than Con. Our results from the EGC experiment demonstrated that the feeding RPM lead to increased insulin sensitivity, which suggests that dietary Met affects lipid metabolism via insulin action in lactating dairy cows fed a LCFA-Ca-containing diet.

A patient with elderly-onset atypical hydroa vacciniforme with an indolent clinical course.

Hydroa vacciniforme (HV) is a rare photodermatosis that mainly affects children and manifests as vesiculopapular eruptions in sun-exposed areas without systemic symptoms. HV-like lymphoma (HVLL) is one of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD) of childhood. Its diagnosis is based on monoclonal T-cell proliferation; however, its degree of malignancy is controversial owing to its variable prognosis. Elderly-onset cases of these diseases are extremely rare, and the clinical features remain unknown. It has been shown that late onset is closely associated with a severe phenotype in EBV-associated LPD including atypical HV. Here we describe a case of elderly-onset atypical HV accompanied by T-cell monoclonality, but with a very indolent clinical course. Our patient indicates a possible case with elderly-onset atypical HV manifesting a favourable course, and that T-cell monoclonality and age of onset cannot always predict the disease severity, and highlights the difficulty of prognosis prediction in elderly-onset atypical HV.

Acute decrease in the stiffness of resting muscle belly due to static stretching.

The purpose of the study was to examine the acute effect of static stretching exercise on the resting stiffness of gastrocnemius muscle belly. Ten healthy young adults performed standing wall stretching in dorsiflexion for 1 min at a time and repeated five times. Before and after stretching, the shear modulus was measured in medial and lateral heads of the resting gastrocnemius muscle with ultrasound shear-wave elastography. After the stretching, dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) of the ankle joint increased (P < 0.01) by 3.9° and returned in 20 min. Immediately after stretching, shear modulus decreased (P < 0.01) by 14%, compared with before stretching across muscle heads. The decrease in shear modulus returned in 20 min after stretching. In the comparison group of 10 additional subjects, the standing intervention without stretching had no influence on these measures. There was a negative correlation between dorsiflexion ROM and shear modulus in either head before and after stretching. The results demonstrate the transient decreases in the stiffness of the resting gastrocnemius muscle belly and indicate that joint flexibility is greater in individuals with lower resting stiffness of the muscle belly.

Epidemiological analysis of a large enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O111 outbreak in Japan associated with haemolytic uraemic syndrome and acute encephalopathy.

A large outbreak of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O111 and O157 occurred in Japan in April 2011. We conducted an unmatched case-control study and trace-back investigation to determine the source of EHEC O111 infection and risk factors for severe complications. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis was performed to help define cases. A total of 86 individuals met the case definition. Of these, 40% experienced haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), 24% acute encephalopathy, and 6% died. Illness was significantly associated with eating the raw beef dish yukhoe (odds ratio 19·64, 95% confidence interval 7·03-54·83), the likely food vehicle. EHEC O111 and its closely related stx-negative variants were found in the beef. HUS occurred most frequently in individuals aged 5-9 years, and this age group was significantly associated with acute encephalopathy. The prevalence of HUS and acute encephalopathy was higher than in previous non-O157-related outbreaks, indicating a high risk of severe complications.

Simultaneous immunostaining with anti-S100P and anti-SV40 antibodies revealed the origin of BK virus-infected decoy cells in voided urine samples.

BACKGROUND: Methods for determining the origin of BK virus (BKV)-infected cells (decoy cells) in clinical urine samples have not been established although they could enhance the diagnosis of BKV infection in immunocompromised patients. METHODS: We performed simultaneous immunostaining with anti-S100P (a urothelial marker) and anti-SV40 antibodies in 66 clinical urine samples exhibiting SV40 positivity and a decoy-cell appearance on Papanicolaou staining. The clinical voided urine samples included seven cases of renal transplantation, 47 cases of cancer therapy and 12 cases of non-neoplastic disease. SurePath(™) liquid-based cytology was used for the urine samples. RESULTS: BKV-infected cells were categorized as SV40(+)/S100P(+) and SV40 (+)/S100p(-). SV40(+)/S100P(-) cells were found in 55 cases (83.4%); nine cases (13.6%) carried both SV40(+)/S100P(-) and SV40(+)/S100P(+) cells. The former were identified as BKV infection in renal tubules and the latter in both the renal tubules and urothelial epithelia. The remaining two cases (3.0%) had only SV40(+)/S100P(+) cells of urothelial origin. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous immunostaining with anti-S100P and anti-SV40 is a useful method for determining the origin of BKV-infected cells in clinical urine samples from immunocompromised patients such as renal transplantation recipients.

Monitoring gastric cancer progression with circulating tumour DNA.

BACKGROUND: Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) is an emerging candidate biomarker for malignancies and may be useful for monitoring the disease status of gastric cancer. METHODS: We performed targeted deep sequencing of plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) by massively parallel sequencing in patients with tumours harbouring TP53 mutations. The quantitative values of TP53-ctDNA during the clinical course were compared with the tumour status. RESULTS: Three out of ten patients with TP53 mutations in primary tumours showed detectable TP53 mutation levels in preoperative cfDNA. Although the cfDNA concentrations were not always reflective of the disease course, the ctDNA fraction correlated with the disease status. CONCLUSIONS: ctDNA may serve as a useful biomarker to monitor gastric cancer progression and residual disease.

Fourier transform microwave and millimeter-wave spectroscopy of bromoiodomethane, CH2BrI.

Bromoiodomethane, CH2BrI, is a molecule of natural origin emitted in significant amount into the marine boundary layer. It can easily be decomposed by solar radiation, releasing Br and I atoms in the troposphere, which in turn impacts the atmospheric chemistry. Spectroscopy is an invaluable tool to monitor species present in the atmosphere. Since no high-resolution spectroscopic studies are available for this dihalomethane, we have investigated the rotational spectra of the two bromine isotopologues of CH2BrI in its vibrational ground state in the microwave and millimeter-wave regions. Transitions of b-type have been recorded by Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy below 25 GHz while both a- and b-type spectral lines have been measured below 230 GHz. Observed transitions correspond to energy levels with J ≤ 132 and Ka ≤ 14. Molecular constants including those describing the nuclear quadrupole coupling tensors for (79)Br, (81)Br, and (127)I were accurately determined from the least-squares analysis of a total of 1873 distinct transition frequencies (of which 943 belong to the CH2(79)BrI isotopologue). An experimental (r0) structure of the title species has been derived from the two sets of rotational constants.

Dienogest improves human leucocyte antigen-DR underexpression and reduces tumour necrosis factor-α production in peritoneal fluid cells from women with endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the immunological effect of dienogest (DNG), an oral anti-endometriosis drug, on peritoneal fluid (PF) macrophages collected from women with endometriosis. Although it has been suggested that DNG has direct effects on endometriotic cells, including decreased cell proliferation and decreased anti-inflammatory cytokine production, the effects of DNG on PF cells are unclear. STUDY DESIGN: The effects of DNG on PF cells from 34 women with endometriosis and 22 women without endometriosis (controls) were investigated. Expression of human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-DR in PF macrophages, obtained from the peritoneal cavity during laparoscopic surgery, was determined by flow cytometry. HLA-DR expression was measured again after PF cells had been cultured for 72 h in a humidified atmosphere at 37 °C in 5% CO2-95% air with or without DNG. After 72 h of incubation, the concentration of pro-inflammatory tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the media was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: HLA-DR expression was lower in PF macrophages from women with endometriosis compared with controls. However, after DNG treatment, HLA-DR expression in PF macrophages from women with endometriosis was increased to the same level as in controls. The TNF-α concentration in the media was decreased by DNG. CONCLUSIONS: DNG can restore the antigen-presenting ability of PF macrophages by increased HLA-DR expression, and may have an anti-inflammatory effect on PF macrophages in women with endometriosis.

DNA survival and physical and histological properties of heat-induced alterations in burnt bones.

During forensic casework, it is vital to be able to obtain valuable information from burnt bone fragments to ascertain the identity of the victim. Here, we report the findings of an experimental study on burnt bovine compact bone segments. Compact bones were cut to size and heated in an electric furnace at a temperature range of 100­1,100 °C with 100 °C increments. Heat-induced alterations to the bone color,weight, volume, and density were monitored using gross morphology and micro-focus X-ray computed tomography.We found that the increase in temperature caused the color of the compact bones to change in order of yellow, brown, gray,and white. In contrast to the weight reduction that occurred immediately after burning, we measured no significant reduction in volume even at 600 °C; however, volume reduced drastically once the temperature reached 700 °C. Light microscopic histological observations of burnt bone revealed heat induced alterations such as cracking and separation of the osteons at higher temperatures. In addition to these findings,we sought to examine the survival of DNA in the burnt bones using polymerase chain reaction of mitochondrial DNA. No amplification was found in the specimens burnt at 250 °C or higher, indicating the likely difficulty in testing the DNA of burnt bones from forensic casework. The results of this study will enable an estimation of the burning temperatures of burnt bones found in forensic cases and will provide an important framework with which to interpret data obtained during anthropological testing and DNA typing.