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Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease (MAC-PD) can be serologically diagnosed according to the presence of anti-glycopeptidolipid (GPL)-core IgA antibodies. However, few studies have examined the association between serum anti-GPL-core IgA antibody titers and the clinical characteristics of patients with MAC-PD. From April 2014 to June 2019, we determined the level of anti-GPL-core IgA antibodies in 489 MAC-PD patients at our institute. Of them, 89 patients fulfilled the criteria of the American Thoracic Society and the Infectious Diseases Society of America statement on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of nontuberculous mycobacterial diseases. These patients were divided into antibody-positive (n = 59) or -negative (n = 30) groups according to their serum anti-GPL-core IgA antibody results. Additionally, the positive antibody group was further divided into a strong positive group (n = 27) and a weak positive group (n = 32), and their clinical characteristics were retrospectively compared. Disease progression requiring treatment during the 12 months following diagnosis and extensive radiological findings were significantly abundant in the strong positive group compared with the weak positive group. Our findings revealed that serum anti-GPL-core IgA antibody titers are useful not only for diagnosing MAC-PD but also for predicting the risk of exacerbation.

Waterproofing spray-associated lung injury (WALI) is an acute respiratory disorder characterized by bilateral diffuse lung injury on chest computed tomography (CT). In most cases, the symptoms and abnormal radiographic findings of WALI patients improve spontaneously over several days; however, some cases have persistent symptoms and abnormal shadows for >1 week. The distinctive features of each WALI are unknown. Herein, we present two new cases of WALI that we encountered in our hospital, and we previously reported two other cases of WALI. We examined the characteristics of WALI in our cases and 39 other cases of WALI definitively diagnosed and reported in PubMed and the Japan medical board with verifiable data during a 15-year period. We compared the clinical characteristics of the 22 cases in which the patients’ symptoms were resolved within 1 week (early improvement) to those of the 21 cases in which the symptoms were resolved after >1 week (delayed improvement). The WALI cases with delayed improvement had significantly more shadowing that extended over the entire lung field and was not biased in intensity toward the upper or lower lung field. In addition, the serum white blood cell (WBC) counts and serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) levels differed significantly between the cases of early and delayed improvement of WALI.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a recently-emerged infectious disease that has caused millions of deaths, where comprehensive understanding of disease mechanisms is still unestablished. In particular, studies of gene expression dynamics and regulation landscape in COVID-19 infected individuals are limited. Here, we report on a thorough analysis of whole blood RNA-seq data from 465 genotyped samples from the Japan COVID-19 Task Force, including 359 severe and 106 non-severe COVID-19 cases. We discover 1169 putative causal expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) including 34 possible colocalizations with biobank fine-mapping results of hematopoietic traits in a Japanese population, 1549 putative causal splice QTLs (sQTLs; e.g. two independent sQTLs at TOR1AIP1), as well as biologically interpretable trans-eQTL examples (e.g., REST and STING1), all fine-mapped at single variant resolution. We perform differential gene expression analysis to elucidate 198 genes with increased expression in severe COVID-19 cases and enriched for innate immune-related functions. Finally, we evaluate the limited but non-zero effect of COVID-19 phenotype on eQTL discovery, and highlight the presence of COVID-19 severity-interaction eQTLs (ieQTLs; e.g., CLEC4C and MYBL2). Our study provides a comprehensive catalog of whole blood regulatory variants in Japanese, as well as a reference for transcriptional landscapes in response to COVID-19 infection., 「コロナ制圧タスクフォース」COVID-19患者由来の血液細胞における遺伝子発現の網羅的解析 --重症度に応じた遺伝子発現の変化には、ヒトゲノム配列の個人差が影響する--. 京都大学プレスリリース. 2022-08-23.

Summary Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection often exacerbates bronchial asthma, but there is no licensed RSV vaccine or specific treatments. Here we show that RSV-induced alveolar macrophages, which produce high levels of matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12), exacerbate allergic airway inflammation with increased neutrophil infiltration. When mice subjected to allergic airway inflammation via exposure to the house dust mite antigen (HDM) were infected with RSV (HDM/RSV), MMP-12 expression, viral load, neutrophil infiltration, and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) were increased compared to those in the HDM and RSV groups. These exacerbations in the HDM/RSV group were attenuated in MMP-12-deficient mice and mice treated with MMP408, a selective MMP-12 inhibitor, but not in mice treated with dexamethasone. Finally, M2-like macrophages produced MMP-12, and its production was promoted by increase of IFN-β-induced IL-4 receptor expression with RSV infection. Thus, targeting MMP-12 represents a potentially novel therapeutic strategy for the exacerbation of asthma., Graphical abstract, Highlights • RSV–induced MMP-12 exacerbates allergic airway inflammation • RSV–elicited IL-4Rαhigh M2-like macrophages highly express MMP-12 • MMP-12 enhances neutrophil infiltration via promotion of IL-17A and CXCL1 production • MMP-12 inhibitor attenuates RSV-induced neutrophilic airway inflammation, Pathophysiology; Immunology; Virology; Cell biology

Background: High-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) therapy is widely implemented for leukemia, osteosarcoma, and lymphoma. Although various measures have been taken to avoid toxicity from high serum MTX concentrations, there are many cases of delayed elimination of MTX. Objective: We suspected that delayed elimination of serum MTX was caused by unknown interactions between MTX and concomitant drugs. Methods: Concerning concomitant drugs in the case of delayed elimination of MTX, we performed screening tests in 35 patients who had undergone HD-MTX therapy. We then investigated the risk factors for delayed MTX elimination in 94 patients with leukemia, lymphoma, or osteosarcoma retrospectively. Results: The percentages of concomitant use of Stronger Neo-Minophagen C (SNMC), a glycyrrhizin preparation, and vincristine were higher in the delayed group. The percentage of delayed MTX elimination in patients receiving HD-MTX therapy was 41%. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the concomitant use of SNMC solely was a significant risk factor for delayed MTX (odds ratio = 12.20; 95% CI = 1.06-139.84). Conclusion and Relevance: Concomitant use of SNMC was shown to be related to delayed elimination of serum MTX, and our results suggested a previously unknown drug-drug interaction between MTX and SNMC.

No previous studies have examined Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease (MAC-PD) in only elderly patients ⩾75 years old. Here, we investigated the exacerbating factors of MAC-PD in elderly patients and clarified cases that can be followed up without MAC medication. From April 2011 to March 2019, 126 advanced aged patients at our institute were newly diagnosed with MAC-PD, and could be observed based on radiological findings for over a year. Their medical records were retrospectively examined for clinical and radiological findings at the time of diagnosis and 1 year later. To identify the predictors of exacerbation, clinical characteristics of 109 treatment-naïve patients were compared between exacerbated and unchanged groups. Additionally, the unchanged group was followed for one more year. In the current study, positive acid-fast bacilli smears from the sputum test, the presence of cavitary lesions and extensive radiological findings, particularly abnormal shadows in ⩾3 lobes, were predictive of exacerbation among treatment-naïve elderly MAC-PD patients. In the unchanged group

REVIEW ARTICLE, Introduction: The purpose of the present study was to determine the mechanisms of alcohol-induced asthma. Methods: Oral ethanol provocation test was performed in Japanese asthmatics to measure pulmonary function, blood ethanol, acetaldehyde and histamine. Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) genotype was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and ethanol patch test. Human bronchi and mast cells were stimulated with acetaldehyde in vitro. Pure ethanol was orally administered to ALDH2-deficient mice to determine the plasma concentrations of ethanol, acetaldehyde, histamine, and enhanced pause (Penh) values. Mite allergen-sensitized mice were inoculated with intranasal acetaldehyde. Results: Approximately half asthmatic subjects developed bronchoconstriction with concomitant increases in blood acetaldehyde and histamine, which was associated with genetically reduced ALDH2 activities. In vitro acetaldehyde stimulation induces bronchoconstriction and degranulation of human mast cells. ALDH2-deficient mice caused bronchoconstriction following oral ethanol provocation. Acetaldehyde also induced granulocytes macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) production and nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation in human bronchi and deteriorated mite allergen-sensitized inflammation in a murine model of asthma. Conclusions: Acetaldehyde has potential effects on human airway by two distinct mechanisms. As a metabolite of alcohol, its elevation following alcohol consumption induces airway mast cells to release histamine, which results in exacerbation of asthma in susceptible populations. As an air pollutant contained in products such as cigarette smoke, its inhalation potentially exacerbates airway inflammation.

Objectives: International guidelines recommend the use of long-acting bronchodilators for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but the usefulness of short-acting bronchodilator assist use for stable COPD remains uncertain. The purpose of the present study was to objectively demonstrate the effects of assist use of procaterol, a short-acting β2-agonist, on the respiratory mechanics of stable COPD patients treated with a long-acting bronchodilator using forced oscillation technique (FOT) and conventional spirometry. We also confirmed the length of time for which procaterol assist could significantly improve the pulmonary function. Methods: We enrolled 28 outpatients with mild to severe COPD (Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease stages I–III), who had used the same long-acting bronchodilator for longer than 3 months and who were in stable condition. All measures were performed using both FOT and spirometry sequentially from 15 min to 2 h after inhalation. Results: Compared to baseline, inhaled procaterol assist use modestly but significantly improved spirometric and FOT measurements within 2 h after inhalation. These significant effects continued for at least 2 h. ­Significant correlations were found between parameters ­measured by spirometry and those measured by FOT. Conclusions: Procaterol assist use modestly but significantly improved pulmonary function determined by spirometry and respiratory mechanics in patients with stable COPD treated with long-acting bronchodilators. Thus, inhaled procaterol has the potential for assist use for COPD.

Background and Objectives Organizing pneumonia (OP) usually responds spectacularly well to initial treatment, but relapses can occur and some cases run a fatal course. Still the issue of relapse has been addressed in relatively few studies and predictors have not been clarified. The purpose of this study was to examine the pattern of relapses in OP, to determine whether relapse affects morbidity and mortality and to identify possible predictors of relapse. Methods Blood sampling, pulmonary function testing, computed tomography (CT) of the chest and bronchofiberscopy were performed for all patients and were retrospectively reviewed along with clinical information. To determine relapse of OP, additional chest CT was performed regularly or when relapse of OP was clinically suspected. All patients were followed regarding treatment response, treatment duration and presence of relapse. Results were compared between two groups based on serum concentrations of surfactant protein (SP)-D: normal SP-D; and high SP-D. Results Twenty-two patients were analyzed in this study. SP-D showed a negative correlation with percutaneous oxygen saturation, and positive correlations with serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Krebs von den Lungen (KL)-6 and percentage lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Prognosis was good for all patients, but relapse was significantly more frequent in the high SP-D group (6 cases) than in the normal SP-D group (0 cases; p=0.049). Serum KL-6 and percentage monocytes in BAL were significantly higher and pulmonary vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s were significantly lower in the high SP-D group than in the low SP-D group. Conclusions When treating cases of OP with high serum concentrations of SP-D, attention should be paid to the possibility of relapse.

Background and Objectives The number of patients with pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) disease is increasing worldwide, especially among middle-aged women and never-smokers. Although sex and smoking status have attracted attention as predictors of the development and exacerbation of pulmonary MAC disease, the exact associations remain unknown.The aim of the present study was to clarify the associations of sex and smoking status with the clinical characteristics of pulmonary MAC disease and to identify the predictors of exacerbations of pulmonary MAC disease. Methods From April 2011 to May 2016, 128 MAC patients at our institute were newly diagnosed with pulmonary MAC disease according to the 2007 American Thoracic Society/Infectious Disease Society guideline. Their medical records were retrospectively examined for their clinical findings. The radiological findings at the time of the diagnosis and 1 year later were evaluated. Clinical characteristics were compared by smoking status and sex. To identify the natural predictors of exacerbation, multivariable analysis was performed with the data of 80 treatment-naïve patients. Results Female, never-smoker, and nodular/bronchiectatic (NB) type were common in patients with pulmonary MAC disease. Univariate analysis of data from treatment-naïve subjects showed that female, never-smoker, fewer lung diseases other than MAC, extensive radiological findings, and ≥3 lobes involved were significantly associated with exacerbations. On multivariate analysis, fewer lung diseases other than MAC, extensive radiological findings, and ≥3 lobes involved were significantly associated with exacerbations, but female and never-smoker were not. Conclusions In this study, the presence of extensive radiological findings, especially abnormal shadows in ≥3 lobes and absence of lung diseases other than MAC, rather than sex and smoking status, was a predictor of exacerbations of treatment-naïve pulmonary MAC disease.

Introduction: Prevention and effective treatment of radiation-induced pneumonitis (RP) could facilitate greater use of radiation therapy (RT) for lung cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine clinical parameters useful for early prediction of RP. Methods: Blood sampling, pulmonary function testing, chest computed tomography, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were performed in patients with pathologically confirmed lung cancer who had completed ≥60 Gy of RT, at baseline, shortly after RT, and at 1 month posttreatment. Results: By 3 months post-RT, 11 patients developed RP (RP group) and the remaining 11 patients did not (NRP group). RT significantly increased total cell counts and alveolar macrophages in BAL of the NRP group, whereas lymphocyte count was increased in both groups. Matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9) increased and vascular endothelial growth factor decreased significantly in the BAL fluid (BALF) of the RP group following RT. Serum surfactant protein D (SP-D) increased significantly in the NRP group. SP-D in BALF from the RP group increased significantly with a subsequent increase in serum SP-D. Pulmonary dilution decreased similarly in both groups of patients. Conclusions: Increased SP-D in BALF, rather than that in serum, could be useful biomarkers in predicting RP. The MMP-9 in BALF might play a role in the pathogenesis of RP. Pulmonary dilution test may not be predictive of the development of RP.

Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) is a representative pathogen for severe asthma with fungal sensitization (SAFS), which has been coined to define a particular phenotype of severe asthma despite the use of high-dose inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators. Since current therapies cannot adequately control SAFS, a new therapeutic modality is required. Focusing on the immunoregulatory profile of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), the purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of intranasal transfer of pDCs to a murine model of Af sensitized and infected asthma mimicking SAFS on airway inflammation and cytokine profiles. Splenic pDCs were obtained from Af sensitized and infected donor mice. Thereafter, these pDCs were intranasally transferred into the airway of Af sensitized and infected recipient mice. pDCs inhibited both eosinophilic and neutrophilic airway inflammation. Analysis of cytokine profiles in lung tissue revealed that pDCs significantly inhibited proinflammatory cytokines, MIP-2, IL-5 and IL-17, and significantly increased an immunoregulatory cytokine, IL-10. In contrast, pDCs did not significantly modulate IFN-γ, a critical cytokine for antifungal immunity, suggesting the absence of immunosuppressive effects. Transfer of pDCs into the airway could be an effective and safe therapeutic modality for SAFS.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) requires appropriate treatment regimens, since it is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recently, several clinical trials confirmed that compared with tiotropium monotherapy and combination therapy of long-acting β2 agonist (LABA) plus inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs), maintenance therapy with once-daily dosing of a fixed-dose combination (FDC) of tiotropium plus olodaterol was safe and effective in improving the lung function, associated symptoms, and health status of patients with moderate to very severe COPD. Overall, tiotropium plus olodaterol FDC should be considered as an option for maintenance therapy in patients with moderately severe and severe COPD. Further studies will be required to show the effectiveness of this FDC in preventing COPD exacerbations and as maintenance therapy in patients with asthma–COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS).

Bronchial asthma is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide. Although first-line therapy with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) with or without long-acting β2 agonists (LABA) has significantly improved the clinical outcomes of asthma, they cannot provide all asthmatics with good control and thus alternatives or add-on drugs are required. Tiotropium is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist that has been used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and it has been approved for treating asthma in some countries. This agent has similar bronchodilatory effects to those of LABA and might also have anti-inflammatory and anti-remodeling effects.Some pivotal clinical trials have found tiotropium effective as an add-on medication for low-to-medium doses of ICS for treating symptomatic asthma and asthma that remains uncontrolled despite ICS plus LABA therapy.Whether or not tiotropium has anti-inflammatory and anti-remodeling effects in humans with asthma is an important issue. Predictors that would identify patients who would derive the maximal potential benefit from treatment with tiotropium in addition to their current therapy are also needed. Although the cardiovascular toxicity of tiotropium is less remarkable in asthma than in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, longer and larger studies are still needed to confirm the safety of tiotropium for treating asthma.

Noise stress generated in industry is one of the environmental factors that physically affects the functions of the inner ear. Exposure to noise can cause hearing loss, resulting in serious problems in occupational and daily life. At present, however, there are very limited ways to prevent hearing impairments. The inner ear consists of the organ of Corti, vestibule and semicircular canal. Functional or morphological damage of these tissues in the inner ear caused by genetic factors, aging or environmental factors can result in hearing or balance impairments. In this review, we first introduce a deafness-related molecule found by our clinical research. Our experimental research using genetically engineered mice further demonstrated that impaired activity of the target molecule caused congenital and age-related hearing loss with neurodegeneration of spiral ganglion neurons in the inner ears. We also describe impaired balance in mice caused by exposure to low-frequency noise under experimental conditions with indoor environmental monitoring. We believe that our approaches to pursue both experimental research and fieldwork research complementarily are crucial for the development of a method for prevention of impairments of the inner ear.

BACKGROUND: Organizing pneumonia (OP) usually responds spectacularly well to initial treatment, but relapses can occur and some cases run a fatal course. Still, the issue of relapse has been addressed in relatively few studies, and predictors have not been clarified. The purpose of this study was to examine the pattern of relapses in OP, to determine whether relapse affects morbidity and mortality, and to identify possible predictors of relapse. METHODS: Blood sampling, pulmonary function testing, computed tomography (CT) of the chest, and bronchofiberscopy were performed for all patients and were retrospectively reviewed along with clinical information. Periodical chest CT was conducted and additional chest CT was performed when relapse of OP was clinically suspected. All patients were followed regarding treatment response, treatment duration, and presence of relapse. Results were compared between two groups based on serum concentrations of surfactant protein (SP)-D: normal SP-D and high SP-D. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were analyzed in this study. SP-D showed a negative correlation with percutaneous oxygen saturation and positive correlations with serum lactate dehydrogenase, Krebs von den Lungen (KL)-6, and percentage of lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Prognosis was good for all patients, but relapse was significantly more frequent in the high SP-D group (6 cases) than in the normal SP-D group (0 cases; P = 0.049). Serum KL-6 and percentage of monocytes in BAL were significantly higher, and pulmonary vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s were significantly lower in the high SP-D group than in the low SP-D group. CONCLUSIONS: When treating cases of OP with high serum concentrations of SP-D, attention should be paid to the possibility of relapse.

We showed that 2.1% of 233 pieces of lumber debris after the Great East Japan Earthquake was chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood. Since hexavalent chromium (Cr), copper (Cu) and pentavalent arsenic (As) in the debris may be diffused in the air via incineration, we exposed human lung normal (BEAS-2B) and carcinoma (A549) cells to Cr, Cu and As at the molar ratio in a representative CCA-treated wood. Co-exposure to 0.10 μM Cr and 0.06 μM As, which solely had no effect on colony formation, synergistically promoted colony formation in BEAS-2B cells, but not A549 cells, with activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Sole exposure and co-exposure to Cu showed limited effects. Since previous reports showed Cr and As concentrations to which human lungs might be exposed, our results suggest the importance to avoid diffusion of Cr and As in the air via incineration of debris including CCA-treated wood after the disaster.

Since effective therapies for melanoma with BRAF(V600E) mutation are being developed, interest has been shown in the development of therapies for melanoma without BRAF(V600E) mutation. Recently, interest has also been shown in medical application of non-nequilibrium atmospheric pressure plasmas (NEAPPs). We previously suggested that repeated NEAPP irradiation to spontaneously developed benign melanocytic tumors in RFP-RET-transgenic mice (RET-mice) not only suppresses tumor growth but also prevents malignant transformation. In this study, we first confirmed that transcript expression levels of tumor growth regulators (CyclinD1, D2, E1, E2, G2 and PCNA but not CyclinG1) and tumor invasion regulators [Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, -9 and -14 and melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM)] in melanomas were significantly higher than those in benign melanocytic tumors in RET-mice. We then showed that transcript expression levels of CyclinE1, G1 and G2 and MMP-2 and -9 in melanomas from RET-mice were significantly decreased by single NEAPP irradiation, whereas transcript expression levels of CyclinD1, D2, E2, PCNA, MCAM and MMP-14 were comparable in untreated and NEAPP-treated melanomas. Since no Braf(V600E) mutation melanomas have been found in RET-mice, our results suggest that single NEAPP irradiation is a potential therapeutic tool for melanoma without BRAF(V600E) mutation through modulation of the expression levels of tumor growth and invasion regulators.

Diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS, dapsone) is a widely used drug in dermatology. We report the case of a patient with pemphigus foliaceus (PF) who experienced fever and dyspnea during treatment with DDS and was later diagnosed with DDS-induced eosinophilic pneumonia. A 34-year-old woman presented to our hospital with a 2-year history of slightly itchy erythema and erosion on her trunk. Physical examination revealed small round flaccid bullae, erythema, pigmentation and erosion on her trunk and thighs [...]

NiAl intermetallic compound, B2 type nickel-aluminide, is of particular interest because it combines good oxidation-resistance with a high melting point. In this study, NiAl alloys were produced by the mechanical alloying (MA) process for the purpose of refine-ment of microstructures. The MA was carried out in the attritor mill using pure nickel powder(4-7μm in diameter) and alloy powder (Ni-62.5at%Al, 43μm in average diameter) as starting materials. Mechanically alloyed powders were consolidated by the hot pressing. Changes of microstructures and mechanical properties during MA were investigated. MA proc-essing for longer periods produced the grain refinement and led to the formation of α-Al2O3 and Ni3Al phase in the NiAI matrix due to the oxidation of aluminum during MA. In the bending test for NiAl specimens produced under the condition of optimum MA processing time, the large deflection was obviously obtained above about 673K. Observing fracture surfaces, it was also found that the transition from a brittle cleavage fracture mode to a ductile fracture mode was caused by the application of the MA process even at the room temperature . These results are suggesting that MA process has good effect on the improvement of the ductility for NiAl.

毎年,全国でムササビの幼獣や傷病獣が保護されている。しかしながら,これらの保護個体に対する飼育管理の基礎的知見は少ない。このため,飼育管理の状況を把握することを目的に全国の動物園施設に対しアンケート調査を行うと共に,飼料給与の基礎的な知見を得るために飼育下の個体を用いて樹葉の嗜好性を試験した。アンケートでは,対象動物をムササビと他のリス科動物とし,飼養実態,繁殖状況,疾病寄生虫について調査した。リス類は1施設の飼育頭数が多く群飼育していた。導入経路は,ムササビでは野生保護個体が半数であるのに対し,リス類は施設内での繁殖個体がほとんどであった。繁殖状況では,ムササビは13年間飼育していて1回だけ繁殖したといった例があげられた。リス類は年に1～2度出産するといった安定した成績がみられる施設が多かった。給与飼料は,ムササビでは樹葉を給与している施設が多く,他には果物,根菜,葉菜を給与し,リス類では果物類に加え動物質の飼料や種子,堅果などが給与されていた。これら飼料の栄養成分としてムササビは食物繊維含量が高く,リス類ではタンパク質,脂質含量,エネルギーが高い傾向にあった。ムササビ,リス類共に寄生虫は少なく,ムササビでは肺炎,リス類では外傷由来の死亡原因が多かった。飼育個体を対象とした樹葉の嗜好性について,厚木キャンパス内の16の樹種を用いて,カフェテリア方式で調査した。その結果,ニセアカシア,イヌシデ,コナラの順に嗜好性は高く,逆に,イチョウ,マツ,ツバキ,スギの順に嗜好性は低かった。この結果は,一般的な森林に棲息するムササビの食性調査のデータと同様の傾向と考えられた。, In Japan young, juvenile and wounded adult of the Japanese giant flying squirrel Petaurista leucogenys are frequently found and brought to animal rescue facilities. Feeding techniques of these animals, however, have not been established. With the aim of establishing feeding techniques of P.l., management status of P.l. and other sciurid species (Sciurus lis, Sciurus vulgaris and Pteromys momonga and Pteromys volans) the situation in 38 zoos in Japan was investigated through questionnaire which included 1) feeding conditions, 2) breeding status, 3) hygenic status, and 4) food. Both species, S.l. and S.v. were often fed in groups. Feeding of P.l. were mainly of those rescued from harm and left in the wild, while S.l. and S.v. were mainly those fed in captivity. Two cases of breeding in were recorded in P.l. An animal bred only once during 13 years in captivity. On the other hand, S.l. and S.v. tended to breed more regularly, once or twice a year. Main feed for P.l. was tree leaves. Fruits, rootcrops and green vegetables were among major food. Major food for S.l., S.v. and P.m. and P.v. were in the order of fruits, animal origin food, seeds and nuts. Feed for P.l. contained much dietary fiber, while food for S.l. and S.v. contained more lipid and protein. Parasites were not many in any species. Mortality in P.l. mostly came from pneumonia, while major causes in other squirrels were injury-induced. In order to examine food preference of P.l., leaves of 16 tree species were given. Preference was in the order of Robunia pseudoacacia, Carpinus tschonoskii and Quercus serrata. Least preferred foods were in the order of Ginkgo biloba, Pinus densifroa, Camellia japonica. Results of food preference test coincide with food habit of P.l. in the wild.