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Constant changes during the seed maturation process affect its final quality and the post-harvest fruit resting, which can improve seed physiological quality. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological and enzymatic activities of eggplant seeds extracted from fruits harvested at different ages and resting periods after harvest. Fruits were harvested presenting different colors at 40, 50, 60, and 70 days after anthesis (DAA) and rested for 0 (freshly harvested fruits), 10, and 20 days. The experimental design was set as completely randomized, with four replications and evaluated seeds extracted from six fruits per plot. The resting periods in eggplant fruits harvested at less than 60 DAA improved the mass of 1000 seeds, germination, vigor, and protein content. Seeds with higher germination and vigor presented lower dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POX) enzymatic activity. The results indicated that the ideal moment of eggplant harvest for seed production is when the fruit reaches the yellowish-brown color corresponding to about 60 DAA; however, if the eggplant fruit is harvested earlier (40 or 50 DAA), it has to rest for about 10 to 20 days to achieve high physiological quality (germination and vigor). RESUMO Mudanças constantes durante o processo de maturação das sementes afetam sua qualidade final, assim como o repouso pós colheita dos frutos pode melhorar a qualidade fisiológica das sementes. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a qualidade fisiológica e a atividade enzimática de sementes de berinjela provenientes de frutos com diferentes idades e períodos de repouso após a colheita. Os frutos foram colhidos apresentando cores diferentes aos 40, 50, 60 e 70 dias após a antese (DAA) e mantidos em repouso por 0 (frutos recém-colhidos), 10 e 20 dias. Foi utilizado delineamento experimental inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro repetições e foram avaliadas as sementes extraídas de seis frutos por parcela. O repouso dos frutos de berinjela colhidos com menos de 60 DAA possibilitou maiores massas de 1000 sementes, germinação, vigor e teor de proteínas das sementes. As sementes com maior germinação e vigor apresentaram baixa atividade enzimática da superóxido dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) e peroxidase (POX). Os resultados indicaram que o momento ideal da colheita é quando o fruto atinge a cor amarelada-marrom correspondente a cerca de 60 DAA; no entanto, se o fruto de berinjela for colhido precocemente (40 a 50 DAA), ele tem que permanecer em repouso por cerca de 10 a 20 dias para as sementes alcançarem alta qualidade fisiológica (germinação e vigor).

A new 320 GHz solid-state source interferometer is installed in the Heliotron J helical device to explore the physics of high-density plasmas (ne > 2–3 × 1019 m−3, typically) realized with advanced fueling techniques. This interferometry system is of the Michelson type and is based on the heterodyne principle, with two independent solid-state sources that can deliver an output power of up to 50 mW. A high time resolution measurement of

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We report a case of uterine adenomatoid tumor (AT) with regional lymph node involvement in a 49-year-old woman. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an aggregated cystic mass in the posterior uterine wall with partial protrusion of the tumor outside the uterus, and cystic masses of same characteristics in the bilateral obturator and right common iliac lymph nodes. FDG PET/CT revealed no significant FDG uptake in the uterine and lymph node lesions. Taking possible lymph node metastasis into consideration, hysterectomy and lymph node biopsy were performed and it revealed AT of the uterus and the lymph nodes histopathologically.

Aims Recent studies suggest that cumulative exposure to LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) leads to the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). However, few studies have investigated whether this link extends to individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a relevant patient population. We aimed to determine whether cholesterol-year-score, an indicator of cumulative exposure to LDL-C, is associated with ASCVD events among Japanese patients with FH Methods and results We retrospectively investigated the health records of 1,050 patients with clinical FH diagnosis who were referred to our institute between April 1990 and March 2019. We used Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for established ASCVD risk factors to assess the association between cholesterol-year-score and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), including death from any cause or hospitalization due to ASCVD events. Cholesterol-year-score was calculated as LDL-C max × [age at diagnosis / statin initiation] + LDL-C at inclusion × [age at inclusion − age at diagnosis / statin initiation]. The median follow-up period for MACE evaluation was 12.3 (interquartile range, 9.1–17.5) years, and 177 patients experienced MACEs during the observation period. Cholesterol-year-score was significantly associated with MACEs (hazard ratio [HR], 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–1.53; P=0.0034, per 1,000 mg-year/dL), independent of other traditional risk factors including age and LDL-C, based on cross-sectional assessment. Cholesterol-year-score improved the discrimination ability of other traditional risk factors for ASCVD events (C-index, 0.901 versus 0.889; P=0.00473). Conclusion Cumulative LDL-C exposure was strongly associated with MACEs in Japanese patients with FH, warranting early diagnosis and treatment initiation in these patients. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

The Pa α line (1875.13 nm) in the near-infrared (NIR) region was evaluated to apply Stark broadening of the line spectrum to the electron density measurement of the small-pellet ablation cloud in Heliotron J, a medium-sized helical-axis heliotron device. Pa α is three-to-four times broader than the visible H β line (486.13 nm) for the same electron density. Using a portable NIR spectrometer, preliminary proof-of-concept experiments determined the marginal density, below which the broadening was undetectable. The lower detection density limit can be decreased using a narrower entrance slit or a denser grating.

The most common procedure for the treatment of painful median nerve neuroma is coverage with vascularized soft tissue following external neurolysis. However, the ideal treatment should include reconnecting the proximal and distal stumps of the damaged nerve to allow the growth of regenerating axons to their proper targets for a functional recovery. We developed a useful technique employing radial artery perforator adipofascial flap including the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve (LABCN) to repair the median nerve by vascularized nerve grafting and to achieve coverage of the nerve with vascularized soft tissue. In an anatomical study of 10 fresh-frozen cadaver upper extremities, LABCN was constantly bifurcated into two branches at the proximal forearm (mean: 8.2 cm distal to the elbow) and two branches that run in a parallel manner toward the wrist. The mean length of the LABCN branches between the bifurcating point and the wrist was 18.2 cm, which enabled inclusion of adequate length of the LABCN branches into the radial artery perforator adipofascial flap. The diameters of the LABCN branches (mean: 1.7 mm) were considered suitable to bridge the funiculus of the median nerve defect after microsurgical internal neurolysis. In all cadaver upper extremities, the 3-cm median nerve defect at the wrist level could be repaired using the LABCN branches and covered with the radial artery perforator adipofascial flap. On the basis of this anatomical study, the median nerve neuroma was successfully treated with radial artery perforator adipofascial flap including vascularized LABCN branches.

This work aimed to evaluate the effect of different priming treatments in the longevity of H. serratifolius seeds. Seeds were osmo-conditioned in PEG -1.0 MPa at 10, 15 and 20°C or hydro primed at 5, 10 and 15°C. Final germination, speed and uniformity of germination were assessed. Priming did not affect the final percentage nor uniformity of germination; however, the germination speed was increased after hydropriming at 15°C and osmo-conditioning at 15°C compared to the control. Primed and not primed seeds were placed into an incubator (25°C, dark, 100% RH) until they reached 15% moisture content. Then, seeds were incubated in a container at 40°C for 0 to 144 hours, so, samples were taken in each period for determination of viability. The results suggest that priming increases longevity of H. serratifolius seeds. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de diferentes tratamentos de primer na longevidade de H. sementes de serratifolius. As sementes foram osmo-condicionadas em PEG -1,0 MPa a 10, 15 e 20°C ou hidrocondicionadas a 5, 10 e 15°C. A germinação final, velocidade e uniformidade de germinação foram avaliadas. O condicionamento não afetou a porcentagem final nem a uniformidade de germinação; no entanto, a germinação velocidade foi aumentada após hidrocondicionamento a 15°C e condicionamento osmo a 15°C em comparação com o ao controle. Sementes com primer e sem primer foram colocadas em uma incubadora (25°C, escuro, 100% RH) até atingiram 15% de umidade. Em seguida, as sementes foram incubadas em um recipiente a 40°C por 0 a 144 horas, portanto, foram retiradas amostras em cada período para determinação da viabilidade. Os resultados sugerem que o condicionamento aumenta a longevidade de sementes de H. serratifolius.

Methyl methacrylate (MMA) was grafted onto silk fiber in a one-step emulsion system using a diethylzinc and 1,10-phenanthroline complex. The reaction conditions were investigated by varying temperature and initiator to monomer ratio. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEC) techniques were used to characterize the structure, thermal stability, and surface morphology of the obtained product, respectively. Grafting of MMA onto silk increased the thermal stability of silk. The FTIR spectrum and SEM images provided further evidence that MMA has been successfully grafted onto the silk fiber. A peak ascribed to the C=O stretching vibration of MMA was detected in the FTIR spectrum of grafted silk fiber, which was not present in the spectrum of pure silk fiber. Moreover, the SEM images illustrated the increase in diameter and surface roughness of grafted silk compared with pure silk. Lastly, the dyeing performance of the modified silk was significantly increased.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T15:03:58Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 National Council for Scientific and Technological Development The scarcity of information on the maturation physiology of the peanut seed (Arachis hypogaea L.; Virgi ' nia group) makes harvesting high quality seeds a challenge for the seed industry. During two consecutive crop seasons, we studied the acquisition of physiological quality of peanut seeds during maturation in tropical conditions. We bring new insights about the period of late maturation of seeds and the influence of the maternal environment on physiological quality. We monitored water content, dry weight, ability of germination, desiccation tolerance, vigor and longevity. In addition, we monitored temperature and precipitation throughout plant growth. We demonstrate that the physiological quality of peanut seeds is acquired during development, with a maximum between 57 and 76 days after flowering in the late stage of maturation. This final period represents about 25% of the development, considered the best time to harvest peanut seeds with the highest quality. Our findings also support the idea that the adequate proportion of rainfall and thermal sum in the maternal environment are factors that favor the acquisition of peanut seed longevity. Univ Estadual Paulista, Crop Prod Dept, Botucatu, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Crop Prod Dept, Botucatu, SP, Brazil National Council for Scientific and Technological Development: 130193/2017-8 National Council for Scientific and Technological Development: 142236/2020-9 National Council for Scientific and Technological Development: 309718/2018-0

In this revisionist study of texts from the mid-Heian period in Japan, H. Richard Okada offers new readings of three well-known tales: The Tale of the Bamboo-cutter, The Tale of Ise, and The Tale of Genji. Okada contends that the cultural and gendered significance of these works has been distorted by previous commentaries and translations belonging to the larger patriarchal and colonialist discourse of Western civilization. He goes on to suggest that this universalist discourse, which silences the feminine aspects of these texts and subsumes their writing in misapplied Western canonical literary terms, is sanctioned and maintained by the discipline of Japanese literature. Okada develops a highly original and sophisticated reading strategy that demonstrates how readers might understand texts belonging to a different time and place without being complicit in their assimilation to categories derived from Western literary traditions. The author’s reading stratgey is based on the texts’ own resistance to modes of analysis that employ such Western canonical terms as novel, lyric, and third-person narrative. Emphasis is also given to the distinctive cultural circles, as well as socio-political and genealogical circumstances that surrounded the emergence of the texts. Indispensable readings for specialists in literature, cultural studies, and Japanese literature and history, Figures of Resistance will also appeal to general readers interested in the problems and complexities of studying another culture.

The dependence of the cathodic behavior of a Ti ion on the molar ratio of CaO to TiO2 (RCaO/TiO2) was investigated in molten CaCl2 above 1373 K, and the influence of RCaO/TiO2 on Ti metal deposition was discussed. The reduction mechanism changed at RCaO/TiO2 = 1.5; a three-step reduction of Ti was suggested in the melt of RCaO/TiO2 < 1.5, while a two-step reduction seemed to occur above RCaO/TiO2 = 1.5. Titanium metal deposition was also affected by RCaO/TiO2 as well as by the cathode potential, and the suitable RCaO/TiO2 was likely 1.5. Since this value was the same as the suitable value in the molten fluoride system, Ti metal was thought to be obtained only from Ti2O76-. Silicon and Al metal were obtained electrochemically in molten CaCl2 containing calcium silicate and aluminate more easily than Ti metal. The difficulty of the Ti metal deposition is likely to be caused by the so-called shuttle reaction; the shuttle reaction can occur in the Ti metal electrolysis because some ionic states of Ti are stable in the bath. To realize better Ti metal deposition, the control of the shuttle reaction should be important.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of size specific dose estimates (SSDE) to estimate patient dose in Fast kVp switching dual energy CT. An anthropomorphic phantom (RAN-110) was repeatedly scanned (chest, abdomen and the pelvis) using a 64 detector row MDCT (Discovery CT750 HD, GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI, USA) with various CT parameters, including Fast kVp switching. Dosimetry was performed using thermo-luminescent dosimeters, positioned both superficially and within the phantom. SSDE was calculated for all slices of the anthropomorphic phantom using both the localiser and axial images. In Fast kVp switching, SSDE underestimated the measured absorbed dose for the chest/abdomen region ~35% at the maximum, but were in closer agreement for the pelvic region about within 10%. In single energy techniques, SSDE could not be applied in the estimation of organ doses, but in Fast kVp switching dual energy techniques, SSDE could be applied for anatomical regions with larger thicknesses.

Background: Endocrine therapy is the most important treatment option for women with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer. We recently reported that approximately two-thirds of patients who relapsed within 5 years had received anthracyclins and/or taxanes as adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy in addition to adjuvant endocrine therapy. New strategies, such as signal transduction inhibitors together with endocrine therapy are required to improve survival. PIK3CA mutations are detected in almost 40% of early ER-positive breast cancers, and are therefore the most frequent genetic alterations in this subtype. PIK3CA mutation status is reported to affect activation of AKT and ERα. Moreover, recent studies demonstrate that patients had a better prognosis when tumors expressed ER, androgen receptor (AR), and vitamin D receptor (VDR). Methods: Expression of AR and VDR, phosphorylation of AKT serine (Ser) 473 (AKT phospho-Ser473) and ERα Ser167 (ERα phospho-Ser167) were examined by immunohistochemistry in ER-positive, HER2-negative early breast cancer tissues. Seventeen mutations in exons 1, 4, 7, 9, and 20 of the PIK3CA gene were detected in genomic DNA extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor blocks. Correlations between these biological markers and clinicopathological factors and prognosis were analyzed separately in pre- and postmenopausal women. Results: Levels of AKT phospho-Ser473 were significantly higher in premenopausal women (n = 62) than in postmenopausal women (n = 152) (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.014, respectively). In contrast, expression levels of AR were significantly higher in postmenopausal women than in premenopausal women (P < 0.0001). In premenopausal women, 26 tumors (43%) had a single mutation of PIK3CA gene, and 3 tumors (5%) had mutations at two sites. In postmenopausal women, 64 tumors (44%) had a single PIK3CA mutation, 6 tumors (4%) had mutations at two sites, and one tumor (1%) had mutations at three sites. In premenopausal women, wild type PIK3CA was associated with smaller tumor size, higher ER expression levels, and lower AR expression levels when compared with women in the same cohort with PIK3CA mutant tumors. In postmenopausal women, patients with PIK3CA wild-type tumors had higher Ki67 labeling index, higher AKT phospho-Ser473, and lower ERα phospho-Ser167 when compared to patients with PIK3CA mutant tumors. Postmenopausal women with PIK3CA wild-type tumors had significantly worse disease-free survival than patients with PIK3CA mutant tumors (P = 0.007). In contrast, PIK3CA mutation status was not correlated with survival in premenopausal women. Low levels of AKT phospho-Ser473 and high levels of ERα phospho-Ser167 were strongly associated with increased disease-free survival in postmenopausal women (P = 0.016 and P = 0.0016, respectively). Conclusion: ERα activation, in addition to PIK3CA mutation, may be biomarkers for highly endocrine-responsive tumors. This would facilitate the selection of postmenopausal ER-positive breast cancer patients who are likely to benefit from endocrine therapy alone from those who are not. Citation Format: Ishida N, Hatanaka Y, Baba M, Hagio K, Okada H, Hatanaka KC, Matsuno Y, Yamashita H. PIK3CA mutation, reduced AKT serine 473 phosphorylation, and increased ERα serine 167 phosphorylation are positive prognostic indicators in postmenopausal estrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative early breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-08-07.

Background Oral or intravenous beta-blockers have commonly been used to control the heart rate (HR) prior to coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). However, the administration after arrival at the hospital was time-consuming, and could not achieve the target heart rate in several cases. Moreover, the efficacy of transdermal beta blockers in HR control for patients who underwent CCTA have not been fully reported. Purpose The purpose of this study was to clarify the usefulness of the bisoprolol patch prior to the arrival at the hospital in HR control for patients who underwent CCTA. Methods A total of 282 consecutive patients (160 male, age 64±12 years) who underwent CCTA were included in this study. The bisoprolol transdermal patch (8mg) was administered before arrival at the hospital in 191 patients (beta group), and no additional medication was administered in 91 patients (control group). Intravenous landiolol hydrochloride was administered when HR remained over 65 bpm on arrival at the hospital. The HR on arrival, during and after CCTA was evaluated. Results The baseline HR was significantly higher in the beta group (80±15 vs. 72±15, P Conclusions The administration of bisoprolol transdermal patch before arrival at the hospital was useful for HR control and reduced the rate of additional intravenous treatment in patients who underwent CCTA.

Endogenous lipoid pneumonia is an uncommon inflammatory pulmonary disease that is caused by lipids from an endogenous source, the treatment for which has not been established. We report the first case of endogenous lipoid pneumonia presenting as lung consolidation and which was associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment was successful with intensive immunosuppressive therapy. When a physician finds lung consolidation in a patient with active rheumatic disease, lipoid pneumonia should be considered.

To clarify the clinical features of organizing pneumonia (OP) associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to determine whether development of OP is related to RA activity.A cross-sectional study was conducted, in which medical records of 499 consecutive RA patients who visited our hospital during one month were reviewed. OP was diagnosed by pathological findings by trans-bronchial biopsy or by clinical features (typical computed tomography findings, no causative agents, good response to glucocorticoids, and lack of response to antibiotics).Among 499 patients, OP was found in 19 patients and the estimated prevalence was 1.9-4.8%. No differences in clinical features were noted between the OP and non-OP groups. The mean age of OP development was 57.2 years and the period from the onset of RA to OP ranged from -4 to +34 years. Although 14 patients presented OP after the onset of RA, two developed OP before RA and three developed OP simultaneously with RA. Patients receiving tumor necrosis factor inhibitors also developed OP. RA disease activity just before onset of OP was low in 8 of 14 RA cases. At the onset of OP, only two patients showed exacerbations of arthritis, whereas most patients presented with fever and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) elevations. Glucocorticoids were effective for OP in all patients who received them. Relapse occurred in 4 of 19 cases.OP develops in approximately 4% of RA patients, which occurs independently from arthritis activity and at any time in RA patients.

The purpose of this study was to identify the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of uterine endometrial carcinoma (EC) with DNA mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency. This was a retrospective study approved by our institutional review board. The study included 118 patients pathologically diagnosed as having EC in our institution from April 2014 to December 2016. Of 118 patients, 8 were excluded because of insufficient data. Immunohistochemical analysis of MMR was performed retrospectively to observe the expressions of MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2. A tumor with MMR deficiency was detected in 17 of 110 cases (15%). Clinical background characteristics and MRI findings were reviewed. These findings were compared between MMR deficiency group and the other group as a control group. Statistical significance was determined using the Fisher’s exact test and the Mann–Whitney U test, as appropriate. The clinical background characteristics of patients with EC with MMR deficiency were not significantly different from those of other patients. On MRI, the tumor was significantly more often located in the lower uterine site (MMR(−) vs. MMR(+): 29.4 vs. 8.9% [p = 0.0366]). EC with MMR deficiency tends to be located lower in the uterus, though most other findings were not significantly different from those of EC without MMR deficiency.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia is associated with high morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. In this study, we assessed risk factors for clinical failure of first definitive therapy for P. aeruginosa bacteremia in critically ill patients. All patients with P. aeruginosa bacteremia who entered the intensive care unit in Gifu University Hospital from January 2006 to December 2015 were retrospectively identified from electronic records. Risk factors associated with clinical failure of the first definitive therapy for P. aeruginosa bacteremia were analyzed by logistic regression analysis. A total of 28 patients were enrolled in the analysis. On multivariate analysis, severe burns (odds ratio [OR] = 70.9, 95% CI 2.9-1720.3; p = 0.009) and SOFA score ≥ 10 (OR = 28.5, 95% CI 1.1-754.3; p = 0.045) were significant factors in the clinical failure of first definitive therapy for P. aeruginosa bacteremia. The clinical success rate of first definitive therapy was significantly reduced in patients with these risk factors compared with those without them (p0.001). Severe burns and a SOFA score (≥ 10) were significant risk factors associated with the clinical failure of first definitive therapy for P. aeruginosa bacteremia in critically ill patients. We therefore recommend the use of therapeutic drug monitoring to optimize antibiotic dosing in these critically ill patients.

A simplified chart to determine the initial loading dose of teicoplanin (TEIC chart) for achieving the target trough concentration was developed. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of this chart in critically ill patients.The initial loading dose and maintenance dose to achieve a target trough concentration ≥10 μg/mL on day 4 was determined using the teicoplanin TDM software and presented in a TEIC chart. The dosage of teicoplanin, including the loading dose for the first 2 days and the maintenance dose thereafter, was selected from the chart (chart method, N = 41) or calculated using TDM software (software method, N = 39).The performance rate of initial loading of teicoplanin increased from 83.0% to 100% after the TEIC chart was introduced (P = 0.016). The TEIC chart significantly reduced the time required for determining the initial loading dose compared with the use of software (1.9±0.6 min vs. 29.7±13.8 min, P0.001). No significant differences were observed in the rates of achieving a target level ≥10 μg/mL (P = 0.766).The TEIC chart enables a simple, rapid, and reliable determination of teicoplanin dosage.

Background Olanzapine (OLZ) 10 mg added to standard antiemetic therapy including aprepitant (APR), palonosetron (PALO), and dexamethasone (DEX) has been recommended for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) caused by cisplatin. Guidelines suggest that OLZ at a dose of 5 mg should be taken into consideration in patients at risk of sedation. OLZ 5 mg showed an equivalent activity and favorable toxicity to somnolence in several phase II studies. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III trial to evaluate OLZ 5 mg in addition to standard antiemetic therapy for the prevention of CINV. Methods Patients receiving cisplatin (≥ 50 mg/m2) were randomly assigned to either OLZ 5 mg or placebo on days 1–4, combined with APR, PALO and DEX. The primary endpoint was complete response (CR), defined as no vomiting and no rescue medications in the delayed phase (24–120 h). As the secondary endpoints, frequency of sleepiness during daytime and appetite loss were assessed by patient reported outcome. Results A total of 710 patients were enrolled (OLZ 356 and placebo 354). CR in the delayed phase was significantly increased with OLZ than with placebo (79% vs. 66%, P Conclusions OLZ 5 mg can be considered a new standard antiemetic therapy in patients receiving cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Sleepiness during daytime due to OLZ 5 mg seems to be tolerable and addition of OLZ 5mg to the standard antiemetic therapy may reduce appetite loss. Legal entity responsible for the study Masakazu Abe. Funding Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development. Disclosure S. Iwasa: Honoraria (self): Taiho pharmaceutical; Honoraria (self), Research grant / Funding (institution): Lilly Japan; Honoraria (self), Research grant / Funding (institution): Chugai Pharma; Honoraria (self): Ono Pharmaceutical; Research grant / Funding (institution): Daiichi Sankyo; Research grant / Funding (institution): Bristol-Myers Squib; Research grant / Funding (institution): Eisai; Research grant / Funding (institution): Novartis; Research grant / Funding (institution): Merck Serono; Research grant / Funding (institution): Otsuka; Research grant / Funding (institution): Bayer. N. Yamamoto: Honoraria (self): AstraZeneca; Honoraria (self), Research grant / Funding (institution): Pfizer; Honoraria (self), Research grant / Funding (institution): Chugai Pharma; Honoraria (self), Research grant / Funding (institution): Bristol-Myers Squibb Japan; Honoraria (self), Research grant / Funding (institution): Ono Pharmaceutical; Honoraria (self), Research grant / Funding (institution): Lilly Japan; Research grant / Funding (institution): Taiho Pharmaceutical; Advisory / Consultancy, Research grant / Funding (institution): Eisai; Research grant / Funding (institution): Astellas Pharma; Research grant / Funding (institution): Novartis; Research grant / Funding (institution): Daiichi Sankyo; Advisory / Consultancy, Research grant / Funding (institution): Boehringer Ingelheim; Advisory / Consultancy, Research grant / Funding (institution): Takeda; Research grant / Funding (institution): Kyowa Hakko Kirin; Research grant / Funding (institution): Bayer; Research grant / Funding (institution): Janssen; Research grant / Funding (institution): IQVIA; Research grant / Funding (institution): MSD; Research grant / Funding (institution): Abbvie; Research grant / Funding (institution): Merck Serono. Y. Ohe: Honoraria (self), Advisory / Consultancy, Research grant / Funding (institution): AstraZeneca; Honoraria (self), Advisory / Consultancy, Research grant / Funding (institution): Chugai Pharma; Honoraria (self), Advisory / Consultancy, Research grant / Funding (institution): Lilly Japan; Honoraria (self), Advisory / Consultancy, Research grant / Funding (institution), Shareholder / Stockholder / Stock options, An Immediate Family Member : Ono Pharmaceutical; Honoraria (self), Advisory / Consultancy, Research grant / Funding (institution): Novartis; Honoraria (self), Advisory / Consultancy, Research grant / Funding (institution): Kyorin; Honoraria (self), Advisory / Consultancy, Research grant / Funding (institution): Takeda; Honoraria (self), Advisory / Consultancy: Celltrion; Honoraria (self), Advisory / Consultancy: Amgen; Honoraria (self), Research grant / Funding (institution): Bristol-Myers Squibb Japan; Honoraria (self): Boehringer Ingelheim; Honoraria (self): Bayer; Honoraria (self), Research grant / Funding (institution): Pfizer; Honoraria (self): MSD; Honoraria (self), Research grant / Funding (institution): Taiho pharmaceutical; Honoraria (self): Kyowa Hakko Kirin; Research grant / Funding (institution): Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma; Research grant / Funding (institution): Ignyta. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

The viscosity of a magnetorheological fluid (MRF) changes with the magnetic field; however, the behavior of magnetic particles in an MRF under the application of a magnetic field has not been fully clarified. In our previous work, we proposed a real-time observation system in which the torque is simultaneously measured. Textured poles concentrated on a magnetic field, increasing the transfer of torque. In this paper, the behavior of magnetic particles, such as the formation, fracture, and sliding of clusters, in the presence of textured poles as well as the transfer of torque was investigated by in situ observation using our torque measurement system. With increasing depth of the pole texture, the magnetic-field gradient increased, the magnetic field at the edges of the texture increased, the clusters became concentrated in a narrower region, and the maximum torque increased. These results are expected to lead to the design of more efficient torque transfer devices using MRFs.

Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory disease that affects joints and various organs including the lung. The pulmonary involvement is critical for prognosis of the patients and decision of the treatment. Moreover, the pulmonary involvement showed various abnormalities such as interstitial pneumonia (ILD) and airway disease (AD). Importantly, a pulmonary abnormality coexists with other ones in RA patients. There have been large numbers of studies on the prevalence of pulmonary abnormalities and clinical features of patients with these lesions. However, it remains to be elucidated what existence pattern of pulmonary abnormalities RA patients have. Objectives To reveal the existence pattern of the pulmonary abnormalities in RA patients using cluster analysis, and to clarify the clinical features of patients with multiple pulmonary abnormalities. Methods Subjects were consecutive 208 RA patients who were treated with bDMARDs as the first one from Feb. 2004 to Sep. 2015 in our department and received HRCT scan before and after the therapy. Pulmonary abnormalities were classified into 4 categories (ILD, nodular lesions, AD and other) and 20 lesions such as ground-glass opacity, reticular pattern, bronchiolitis and bronchiectasis and were examined their existence and distribution. Cluster analysis was conducted according to the existence of the lesions by Ward method. Clinical features were analyzed through reviewing medical records. Results Subjects were 208 RA cases (M/F; 64/144, mean age 59.2 year-old, disease duration 13.1 years). Pulmonary lesions were found in 146 (70.2%) of RA patients before treatment Imaging findings were 81of ILD (39%),45 of nodular lesion (21.6%) and 115 of AD (55%). Cluster analysis showed 6 clustered (Fig.), 1; no pulmonary lesions, 2; AD without bronchoectasia, 3; AD with bronchoectasia, 4; AD with curved linear opacities, 5; AD with nodular lesions, and 6; reticular pattern with AD. AD was common abnormalities and coexisted with other pulmonary lesions in RA. AD was found in 79%, 78% and 71% of patients with pulmonary abnormalities, ILD and nodular lesions, respectively. AD alone, AD with ILD, and AD with nodular pattern were found in 16.3%, 8.6% and 28.9%, respectively, while patients without pulmonary lesions were 29.8% in RA. AD was frequently associated with ILD and nodule compare to non-AD. No differences were found in gender, smoking history, disease duration and disease activity between patients with and without AD. New emergence or exacerbation of pulmonary abnormalities developed in AD patients compared to those without pulmonary abnormalities or AD. No significant differences were found in clinical features, among AD alone, AD with ILD and AD with nodules. Conclusions Pulmonary abnormalities were found in 70% in RA. AD was found in 55% of RA patients and coexisted with other pulmonary lesions such as ILD and nodular lesions. Patients with AD frequently showed newly emerging or worsening pulmonary lesions, regardless of the coexistence of other pulmonary lesions. Thus, AD is shared and critical pulmonary abnormality in RA. Disclosure of Interest None declared

Brain cancers are the leading cause of cancer related mortality and morbidity in children and young adults. Children with diffuse intrinsic brainstem malignant gliomas have one-year progression-free survival rates below 25% and median overall survival of 9 to 10 months with current treatment options and hence represent a significant unmet medical need. Genome-wide sequencing efforts of pediatric gliomas have identified a recurrent and shared missense mutation in the gene encoding the replication-independent variant of histone 3, H3.3. Approximately 70% of diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG) and 50% of thalamic and other midline gliomas harbor the amino-acid substitution from lysine (K) to methionine (M) at the position 27 of H3.3 gene (H3.3.K27M mutation). Tumor-specific missense mutations are not subjected to self-tolerance and can be suitable targets (i.e. neoantigen) for cancer immunotherapy. We evaluated whether the H3.3.K27M mutation can induce specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response in HLA-A2+ human T cells. In vitro stimulation of HLA-A2+ donor-derived CD8+ T-cells with a synthetic peptide encompassing the H3.3.K27M mutation (H3.3.K27M epitope) induced CTL lines which recognized not only T2 cells loaded with the synthetic H3.3.K27M epitope peptide but also lysed HLA-A2+ DIPG cell lines which endogenously harbor the H3.3.K27M mutation. On the other hand, the CTL lines did not react to either HLA-A2+ H3.3.K27M -negative DIPG cell lines or H3.3K27M-positive but HLA-A2-negative cells. The H3.3.K27M epitope peptide, but not the non-mutant counterpart, indicated an excellent affinity (Kd 151nM) to HLA-A2 based on competitive binding inhibition assay. From CTL clones with high and specific affinities to HLA-A2-H3.3.K27M-tetramer, cDNAs for T cell receptor (TCR) α- and β-chains were cloned into a retroviral vector. Human HLA-A2+ T-cells transduced with the TCR demonstrated antigen-specific reactivity as well as anti-glioma responses in vitro. Peptide titration assay suggested that the H3.3.K27M-specific TCR had the half-maximal reactivity for peptide recognition of around 100nM. Furthermore, critically important for safety of clinical application, alanine scanning demonstrated that the key amino-acid sequence motif in the epitope for the TCR reactivity is not shared by any known human protein. Finally, intravenous administration of T-cells transduced with the H3.3.K27M-specific TCR significantly inhibited the growth of intracranial HLA-A2+ H3.3.K27M-positive glioma xenografts in immune-deficient mice. These data provide us with a strong basis for developing peptide-based vaccines as well as adoptive transfer therapy using autologous T-cells transduced with the H3.3.K27M-specific TCR.

We examined the genetic transformation of the biotechnologically relevant yeast Rhodotorula gracilis ATCC 26217 by electroporation. To evaluate the yeast transformation, we created a genomic integration cassette that was targeted to the yeast orotidine-5′-phosphate decarboxylase gene (URA3 gene) locus and composed of the zeocin-resistant gene (Sh ble gene) with the URA3 promoter and terminator of the yeast. The yeast was unable to grow on medium containing 2.0 μg/mL zeocin, even with the inoculation of a large number of cells (approximately 1.0 × 108 cells/plate). Using the integrative cassette and zeocin-containing medium, we successfully obtained yeast transformants by electroporation, and the highest transformation efficiency of approximately 40 colony-forming units/μg DNA was obtained with a 0.6-kV electrical pulse. No homologous integration of the cassette at the URA3 gene locus was detected by the analyses of uracil auxotrophy and genomic PCR of transformants, suggesting that this method is a useful tool for randomly mutating the yeast genome.

One of the reasons of the deterioration of the power generation efficiency of the thermal power generation is the adhesion of the iron scale generated by the corrosion of the pipe to the inner wall of the feed-water system. Focusing on the magnetic property of scale, we studied on the removal of scales in the feed-water system by high gradient magnetic separation (HGMS) using the superconducting magnet. In this study, we targeted the thermal power plants adopting oxygenated treatment (OT). In order to determine the installation site and the magnetic separation condition of the HGMS system, we analyzed the OT scale and then clarified the aggregation/composite states by magnetic separation experiment. It is concluded that low-pressure feed-water heater drain is suitable for installation site of HGMS system. In addition, it was clarified that homogeneous aggregation particles existed in the OT scale.