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This article discusses a novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system for the diagnosis and monitoring of anti-integrin β4 mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP). MMP is an autoimmune blistering disease that primarily affects mucous membranes. The ELISA system utilizes the epidermal basement membrane zone protein complex derived from keratinocytes and can detect autoantibodies targeting integrin β4. The study presents a case of a patient with MMP and demonstrates the potential of the ELISA system to detect and quantify MMP autoantibodies and monitor disease activity. [Extracted from the article]

We are developing detector arrays using microwave kinetic inductance detectors (MKIDs) for astronomical observations in the 100-GHz band and a readout system for MKID arrays with frequency sweeping scheme. Probe tones in this scheme are generated and acquired by a frequency sweep probe (FSP) which is a digital fast Fourier transform spectrometer (FFTS), while the probe tones are converted and modulated by an intermediate frequency (IF) section. Since the values of the resonance frequencies change under different photon backgrounds, an appropriate method to configure the probe tones is essential to preserve the dynamic of the detected signals. We considered a general IF section which is a cascade of up/down converter pairs and found that its characteristics can be described with the base band, the target band, the sign of probe tone order, and the sign of frequency sweep direction. We implemented an algorithm to make a list of tone frequencies from a list of resonance frequencies given. Using this configuring method, we assembled IF sections for an antenna-coupled MKID array and for a LEKID array and set up a prototype FSP. The resonance frequencies of the antenna-coupled MKIDs and the LEKIDs are at 4.6–5.1 GHz and 0.6–1.0 GHz, respectively, and their spectra were obtained successfully. The method enables us to configure the readout system for both types of arrays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is regarded as a systemic auto-inflammatory condition, and its various complications include arthritis.[1] Uveitis is another complication, and it causes secondary ophthalmic symptoms such as cataracts, glaucoma and blindness.[2] Therefore, appropriate management for psoriatic uveitis (PsU) is mandatory, especially in paediatric cases. Anterior uveitis was found in all cases, and bilateral uveitis was found in 72.7% of cases. These results imply that skin severity, nail lesions and PsA are potential risk factors for juvenile PsU. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: Background: Mogamulizumab (Mog) is a defucosylated, therapeutic monoclonal antibody, targeting CCR4 and was first approved in Japan for the treatment of adult T‐cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATLL), followed by cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma and peripheral T‐cell lymphoma. Objective: To retrospectively investigate development of photosensitivity in patients with mycosis fungoides and other T‐cell neoplasms after treatment with Mog. Methods: We treated seven cutaneous lymphoma patients with Mog. Upon combination treatment with narrow‐band UVB, we noticed that four patients developed photosensitivity dermatitis following Mog therapy, including two cases of mycosis fungoides, one case of adult T‐cell leukaemia/lymphoma and one case of EB virus‐associated T‐cell lymphoproliferative disorder. Phototest was performed with UVA and UVB, and immunohistochemical staining for CD4, CD8 and Foxp3 was conducted in both photosensitivity and lymphoma lesions. Results: Phototest revealed that the action spectrum of the photosensitivity was UVB in three cases and both UVB and UVA in one case. Histopathologically, the photosensitive lesions were characterized by a lichenoid tissue reaction with a CD8+ T cell‐dominant infiltrate, sharing the feature with chronic actinic dermatitis, an autoreactive photodermatosis with a cytotoxic T‐cell response. Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) were decreased in the photosensitivity lesions compared with the lymphoma lesions. Conclusion: Increased incidence of photosensitivity reaction was observed during Mog treatment. Decreased number of Tregs in the lesional skin suggests that this reaction is possibly induced by autoreactive cytotoxic T cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Previous reports suggest that several serum biomarkers play roles in the pathogenesis, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress in periodontitis caused by bacterial infections, linking chronic periodontitis to atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD). The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate, in a Japanese cross‐sectional community survey, potential serum biomarkers of periodontitis that are associated with ASVD and chronic periodontitis. Material and Methods: The study cohort included a total of 108 male subjects who underwent annual health examinations. Serum biomarkers (high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein [hs‐CRP], proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 [PCSK9], interleukin‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α, soluble CD14, myeloperoxidase, matrix metalloproteinase‐3, adiponectin, total bilirubin [TBIL], and serum lipids) were analyzed to determine their association (if any) with periodontal parameters. Aortic stiffness was evaluated using the brachial‐ankle aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) index and the cardio‐ankle vascular index (CAVI). Results: The concentrations of PCSK9 and hs‐CRP were increased (P = .001 and .042, respectively), and the concentration of TBIL was decreased (P = .046), in subjects with periodontal disease (determined as a probing depth of ≥4 mm in at least one site) compared with periodontally healthy subjects. The ratio of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) to high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and the concentrations of triglycerides, remnant‐like particles‐cholesterol, and oxidized LDL were elevated in subjects with periodontal disease compared with periodontally healthy subjects (P = .038, .007, .002, and .049, respectively). Multivariate regression analyses indicated that the number of sites with a pocket depth of ≥4 mm was associated with the concentration of PCSK9 and inversely associated with the concentration of TBIL independently (standardized β = .243, P = .040; standardized β = −.443, P = .0002; respectively). Analysis of receiver operating characteristic curves of PCSK9 indicated moderate accuracy for predicting the presence of disease sites (probing depth ≥ 4 mm) (area under the curve = 0.740). No significance in the values of PWV and CAVI was observed between subjects with periodontal disease and periodontally healthy subjects. Conclusion: In Japanese male subjects, the concentrations of serum PCSK9 and TBIL were correlated with periodontal parameters. Moreover, PCSK9 could be a candidate biomarker for diagnosing chronic periodontitis, and may also have potential to evaluate the risk for periodontitis to cause ASVD. Longitudinal studies of larger populations are necessary to confirm the exact association of periodontitis with increased serum PCSK9 and decreased TBIL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic antigen-mediated clinicopathologic disease of the esophagus characterized by an eosinophil-predominant inflammatory infiltrate. A clinical hallmark is extensive tissue remodeling including basal zone hyperplasia, fibrosis, and angiogenesis. However, the cellular mechanisms responsible for these processes are not fully defined. We hypothesized that targeting granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor ( GM- CSF; an agonist cytokine linked with eosinophil survival and activation) would be protective in a preclinical model of EoE. Methods Eosinophilic esophagitis-like esophageal inflammation was induced in the L2- IL5OXA EoE mouse model, and GM- CSF production was assessed by m RNA and protein analyses. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor-receptor-alpha expression patterns were examined by flow cytometric and immunofluorescence analysis. L2- IL5OXA EoE mice were treated with anti- GM- CSF neutralizing antibody or isotype control and assessed for histopathological indices of eosinophilia, epithelial hyperplasia, and angiogenesis by immunohistochemistry and RT- PCR. Results Significantly increased levels of esophageal GM- CSF expression was detected in the L2- IL5OXA mouse EoE model during active inflammation. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor-receptor-alpha was predominantly expressed on esophageal eosinophils during EoE, in addition to select cells within the lamina propria. Anti- GM- CSF neutralization in L2- IL5OXA EoE mice resulted in a significant diminution of epithelial eosinophilia in addition to basal cell hyperplasia and vascular remodeling. This treatment response was independent of effects on esophageal eosinophil maturation or activation. Conclusion Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor is a potential therapeutic target to reduce esophageal eosinophilia and remodeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study that discussed the design method for further miniaturization of a cloth-structured magnetic device. Frequency characteristics of the relative permeability of an amorphous magnetic fiber; Estimation of the stray capacitance of the device; Inductance of the cloth-structured device.

The article presents case studies of two Japanese patients, a 58-year-old man and a 72-year-old man, who were diagnosed with thymoma-associated multi-organ autoimmunity (TAMA). The 58-year-old man was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis and pure red cell aplasia associated with thymoma, both the patients were treated with oral prednisolone, and fatal side effects of the treatment for both the men.

Background and Objective T and B cells are known to be involved in the disease process of periodontitis. However, the role of natural killer T cells in the pathogenesis of periodontitis has not been clarified. Materials and Methods To examine the role of these cells, C57 BL/6J (wild-type), CD1d−/− and α-galactosylceramide (α GC)-stimulated wild-type mice were orally infected with Porphyromonas gingivalis strain W83. Results Apart from CD1d−/− mice, the level of alveolar bone resorption was elevated by the infection and was further accelerated in α GC-stimulated mice. The infection induced elevated levels of serum amyloid A and P. gingivalis-specific IgG in the sera, although the degree of elevation was much smaller in the CD1d−/− mice. Infection-induced RANKL elevation was only observed in α GC-stimulated mice. Although the cytokines produced by splenocytes were mainly T-helper 1 type in wild-type mice, those in α GC-stimulated mice were predominantly T-helper 2 type. In the liver, the infection demonstrated no effect on the gene expression for interferon-γ, interleukin-4 and RANKL except α GC-stimulated mice in which the infection upregulated the gene expressions. Conclusion This study is the first to show that natural killer T cells upregulated systemic and local inflammatory responses induced by oral infection with P. gingivalis, thereby contributing to the progression of alveolar bone resorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Miyauchi S, Maekawa T, Aoki Y, Miyazawa H, Tabeta K, Nakajima T, Yamazaki K. Oral infection with Porphyromonas gingivalis and systemic cytokine profile in C57BL/6.KOR-ApoEshl mice. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 402-408. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S Background and Objective: Periodontal infection affects atherosclerotic diseases, such as coronary heart diseases. Mouse models have revealed that oral infection with Porphyromonas gingivalis induces changes in inflammatory- and lipid metabolism-related gene expression, regardless of the development of atherosclerotic lesions. However, the serum protein expression profile in the oral infection model has not been investigated. The present study aimed to analyse the effect of oral infection with P. gingivalis on the expression levels of multiple cytokines in the serum in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice by using a cytokine antibody array. Material and Methods: C57BL/6.KOR- Apoe shl mice were orally infected with P. gingivalis five times at 3 day intervals and were then killed. Splenocytes were isolated and analysed for proliferative activity and immunoglobulin G (IgG) production in response to in vitro restimulation with P. gingivalis. The expression levels of various cytokines in the sera were analysed using a mouse antibody array glass chip. Results: Splenocytes from P. gingivalis-infected mice demonstrated significantly greater proliferation and IgG production in response to P. gingivalis compared with those from sham-infected mice. Antibody array analysis revealed the selective upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase 3, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 7 and the downregulation of interleukin-17, tumor necrosis factor-α and L-selectin. Conclusion: These data demonstrate that oral infection with P. gingivalis induces alterations in systemic cytokine production. These cytokines could play roles in the development not only of periodontitis but also of atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Odontoclasts and cementoclasts are considered to play major roles in the internal resorption of dentin and the external resorption of tooth roots. In this study, we evaluated the osteoclast-inducing ability of human dental pulp and periodontal ligament cells, which are mesenchymal cells in dental tissues.These cells expressed RANKL and OPG mRNA constitutively. As osteoclast precursors, CD14+ monocytes derived from human peripheral blood were isolated, and incubated together with human dental pulp or periodontal ligament cells. Both cell types spontaneously induced the differentiation of CD14+ monocytes into osteoclasts without osteotropic factors. These results suggest that dental pulp and periodontal ligament cells are involved in regulating the differentiation and function of osteoclasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the 1 + 1 dimensional hydrodynamics originally proposed by Landau, we derive a new potential and distribution function including the Heaviside function and investigate their mathematical and physical properties. Using the original distribution derived by Landau, a distribution function found by Srivastava et al., our distribution function, and the Gaussian distribution proposed by Carruthers et al., we analyze the data of the rapidity distribution on charged pions and K mesons at RHIC energies ( $ \sqrt{{s_{NN}}}$ = 62.4 GeV and 200GeV). Three distributions derived from the hydrodynamics show almost the same chi-squared values provided the CERN MINUIT is used. We know that our calculations of hadron’s distribution do not strongly depend on the range of integration of fluid rapidity, contrary to that of Srivastava et al. Finally, the roles of the Heaviside function in concrete analyses of data are investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SEMA3B, a member of class 3 semaphorins, is a tumor suppressor. Competition with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)165 explains a portion of the activity, whereas the VEGF-independent mechanism was not elucidated. We employed a microarray and screened for the genes whose expression was increased by SEMA3B in NCI-H1299 cells. Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-6 (IGFBP-6), a tumor suppressor, showed greatest difference in the expression level. Introduction of IGFBP-6 cDNA reduced colony formation both on the dish surface and in soft agar. Insulin-like growth factor II, which antagonizes IGFBP-6, partly abrogated the effect. Inhibition of IGFBP-6 by small interfering RNA diminished the sub-G0/G1 population that was induced by SEMA3B and abrogated the growth suppressive effect of SEMA3B. We concluded that IGFBP-6 is the effector of tumor suppressor activity of SEMA3B in NCI-H1299 cells. It has been reported that β-catenin suppresses the expression of IGFBP-6. Introduction of β-catenin into the cells partly abrogated the growth suppressive effect of SEMA3B. Our result indicates that semaphorin signaling and β-catenin signaling converge on IGFBP-6 and antithetically affect their functions.Oncogene (2008) 27, 6581–6589; doi:10.1038/onc.2008.263; published online 11 August 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which baseline clinical and radiographic features were associated with long-term outcomes in patients with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD). Methods: 49 patients with unilateral radiographically proven TMJD were available in this study. Self-reported long-term (mean 96.2 months) outcomes (current joint pain, maximum mouth opening and joint noise) after TMJD treatments were assessed by questionnaire. The impact of multiple initial clinical/radiographic findings (gender, age at first visit, time interval between first visit and questionnaire survey, treatment method, disc displacement, disc morphology, disc mobility, condylar bony change and morphology of the articular eminence) on the long-term outcomes was assessed using stepwise multiple regression and logistic regression analysis. Results: Patient age at the first visit was significantly correlated with current joint pain. Disc mobility and morphology of the articular eminence were significantly correlated with current range of maximal mouth opening. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that patients who appeared symptomatic at a younger age or who initially had a fixed disc were the most likely to have recurrent or persisting clinical signs/symptoms of TMJD after 8 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is an autosomal recessive disorder in which microliths are formed in the alveolar space. Objectives: To identify the responsible gene that causes pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis. Methods: By means of a genomewide single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis using DNA from three patients, we have narrowed the region in which the candidate gene is located. From this region, we have identified a gene that has mutations in all patients with pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis. Measurements and Main Results: We identified a candidate gene, SLC34A2, that encodes a type IIb sodium phosphate cotransporter and that is mutated in six of six patients investigated. SLC34A2 is specifically expressed in type II alveolar cells, and the mutations abolished the normal gene function. Conclusion: Mutations in the SLC34A2 gene that abolish normal gene function cause pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The histopathology revealed naevus cells closely aggregated around hair follicles. Therefore, there were layered structures, consisting of hair follicle, naevus cells, capsule-like rete ridges and naevus cells, from the inside to the outside. The distribution of naevus cells around hair follicle is frequently seen in congenital naevus.[4] To our knowledge, however, the capsule-like structure, as seen in our case, has not been reported. [Extracted from the article]

This study was prospectively designed to evaluate a phase II study of gefitinib for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. Clinical samples were tested for EGFR mutations by peptide nucleic acid-locked nucleic acid PCR clamp, and patients having EGFR mutations were given gefitinib 250 mg daily as the second treatment after chemotherapy. Poor PS patients omitted chemotherapy. Of 107 consecutive patients enrolled, samples from 100 patients were informative, and EGFR mutations were observed in 38 patients. Gefitinib was given to 27 patients with EGFR mutations, and the response rate was 78% (one complete response and 20 partial responses; 95% confidence interval: 58–93%). Median time to progression and median survival time (MST) from gefitinib treatment were 9.4 and 15.4 months, respectively. Grade 3 hepatic toxicity and skin toxicity were observed in one patient each. There were significant differences between EGFR mutations and wild-type patients in response rates (78 vs 14%, P=0.0017), and MST (15.4 vs 11.1 months, P=0.0135). A Cox proportional hazards model indicated that negative EGFR mutation was a secondary prognostic factor (hazards ratio: 2.259, P=0.036). This research showed the need for screening for EGFR mutations in NSCLC patients.British Journal of Cancer (2006) 95, 1483–1489. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6603466 www.bjcancer.com Published online 14 November 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a low-crosstalk multichannel wavelength conversion scheme based on a parametric process. Simultaneous wavelength conversion of 25 GHz spaced 103 channeltimes10 Gb/s (1.03 Tb/s) wavelength-division multiplexing signals with an 8- and 4-nm guard band is successfully demonstrated by using a quasi-phase-matched lithium niobate waveguide. The method is evaluated both theoretically and experimentally [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives – To evaluate the association between callosal or periventricular lesions, and the presence of oligoclonal IgG bands (OB) or the IgG index in Japanese patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Materials and methods – Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was studied in 34 Japanese clinically definite MS cases. Sagittal 2-mm fast fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) imaging was added to the routine MRI studies. Results – Among the 34 patients, 20 (59%) were OB positive. Among the 20 patients with OB-positive MS, 17 (85%) had callosal lesions, although only two (14%) of 14 OB-negative MS patients had callosal lesions. The periventricular lesion area was significantly larger in the OB-positive patients compared with the OB-negative patients. Conclusionsv– The present study clearly demonstrated a strong association between the periventricular lesions and OB in Japanese MS. Certain OB-related immune mechanisms may contribute to the development of callosal and periventricular lesions in MS. OB may be an important factor to understand the pathomechanisms of MS lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Systemic allergic reactions to Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine that include urticaria, angioedema, and rash have been reported. In Japan, children who suffered from allergic immediate-type reactions to JE vaccine had antigelatin IgE in their sera. However, the immunologic mechanism of allergic nonimmediate-type reactions that consist of cutaneous signs appearing several hours or more after JE vaccination has not been defined. Methods: Serum samples were taken from 28 children who showed allergic nonimmediate-type cutaneous reactions to JE vaccine. Furthermore, serum samples were taken from 10 children who showed allergic immediate-type reactions with cutaneous signs and/or respiratory symptoms to JE vaccine. We have defined an immediate-type reaction as one occurring within 1 h after vaccination. Results: Of 10 children who showed immediate-type reactions, all had antigelatin IgE and IgG. Of 28 children who showed systemic nonimmediate-type reactions, one had antigelatin IgE and nine (32%) had antigelatin IgG. The child who had antigelatin IgE showed urticaria 2 h after JE vaccination. Conclusions: These results suggest that some children who showed allergic nonimmediate-type reactions to JE vaccine were sensitized to gelatin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a fully electrical 40-Gb/s time-division-multiplexing (TDM) system prototype transmitter and receiver. The input and output interface of the prototype are four-channel 10-Gb/s signals. The prototype can be mounted on a 300-mm-height rack and offers stable 40-Gb/s operation with a single power supply voltage. InP high-electron mobility transistor (HEMT) digital IC's perform 40-Gb/s multiplexing/demultiplexing and regeneration. In the receiver prototype, unitraveling-carrier photodiode (UTC-PD) generates 1 Vpp output and directly drives the InP HEMT decision circuit (DEC) without any need for an electronic amplifier. A clock recovery circuit recovers a 40-GHz clock with jitter of 220 fspp from a 40-Gb/s nonreturn-to-zero (NRZ) optical input. The tolerable dispersion range of the prototype within a 1-dB penalty from the receiver sensitivity at zero-dispersion is as wide as 95 ps/nm, and the clock phase margin is wider than 70° over almost all the tolerable dispersion range. A 100-km-long transmission experiment was performed using the prototype. A high receiver sensitivity [-25.1 dBm for NRZ (27-1) pseudorandom binary sequence (PRBS)] was obtained after the transmission. The 40-Gb/s regeneration of the InP DEC suppressed the deviation in sensitivity among output channels to only 0.3 dB. In addition, four-channel 40-Gb/s wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM) transmission was successfully performed [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A novel ultrafast optical signal measurement technique is proposed that uses a fast photodetector and electrooptic (EO) sampling. The technique can satisfy three requirements for the measurement: large bandwidth, high sensitivity, and polarization independence. The measurement systems are demonstrated using two kinds of EO sampling configurations. One system uses direct EO sampling. It affords a larger bandwidth. The system can discern 100-Gbits−1 return-to-zero (RZ) optical pulse-pattern signals with an on–off ratio of 22dB. The other system uses a waveguide intensity modulator in EO sampling. It affords higher sesitivity and can measure an 80-Gbits−1 RZ optical eye diagram. It is theoretically expected that the sensitivity of our system is higher than that of the all-optical technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifty-two patients with cerebrovascular risk factors without neurological abnormalities were reviewed with respect to periventricular hyperintensity (PVH) on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); brain atrophy was also assessed by CT and T1-weighted MRI. Extensive PVH showed a stronger correlation with agerelated atrophy than mild or absent PVH. The relative volume of brain affected by PVH, calculated by computer, also correlated with brain atrophy, especially ventricular enlargement. The effects of PVH on brain ageing and atrophy is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]