Search

Background Combination therapy with dexamethasone, remdesivir, and baricitinib has become a promising treatment for moderate or severe COVID-19; however, we have observed transient leukocytopenia in COVID-19 patients who received combination therapy. Methods Twelve consecutive COVID-19 patients treated with combination therapy were included in this retrospective analysis. Blood cell counts collected at the following three time points were analyzed: before the start of therapy (period 1), within 24 h of starting therapy (period 2), and within 48 h of period 2 (period 3). Results The leukocyte count significantly decreased in period 2 compared to period 1 and then significantly increased in period 3 without withdrawal of baricitinib. The neutrophil count transiently decreased in period 2 and recovered in period 3. Conclusions Clinicians should be aware of transient leukocytopenia in patients with COVID-19 during the early phase of combination therapy.

Background Cough and sputum are the major symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). However, the relationship between these symptoms and treatment for TB is not fully understood. The aim of this prospective study was to clarify the cough- and sputum-related quality of life (QOL) in patients with pulmonary TB before and after initiation of treatment. Methods The study included 85 patients with active pulmonary TB who were hospitalized from July 2014 to August 2015. They completed the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ: range 3–21, the higher the better) and the Cough and Sputum Assessment Questionnaire (CASA-Q: range 0–100, the higher the better) on admission and at discharge after 2 months of treatment. Results The LCQ and CASA-Q scores were reduced on admission. A multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that younger age, more than two cavitary lesions, and the presence of bronchial TB were associated with reduced LCQ total score. However, each score significantly improved at discharge, regardless of the initial grade of the sputum smear, site of the lesion, number of cavitary lesions, and presence of bronchial TB. The change in the mean LCQ total score was 2.28 (95% confidence interval, 1.56–3.00). The changes in the mean CASA-Q cough symptoms, cough impact, sputum symptoms, and sputum impact scores were 22.84 (18.44–27.25), 10.96 (7.20–14.71), 17.25 (13.33–21.18), and 5.25 (2.49–8.00), respectively. Conclusions Cough- and sputum-related QOL was impaired in patients with pulmonary TB before treatment but improved after initiation of treatment regardless of the clinical characteristics.

Background: There are no standard cytotoxic treatments for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients beyond third-line therapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of amrubicin in pretreated NSCLC patients. Methods: The records of NSCLC patients who received amrubicin monotherapy as a third or later line of chemotherapy at Shizuoka General Hospital between April 2007 and March 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Tumor response was evaluated according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1. Toxicities were evaluated according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0. Results: Overall, 69 patients were enrolled in this study; 16 patients were female and the median age was 67 years. The median number of treatment cycles was 3. The response rate was 7.2%, and the disease control rate was 63.8%. The median progression-free survival was 2.8 months. The median overall survival was 7.7 months. Hematological toxicities of ≥ grade 3 included leukopenia (59.4%) and neutropenia (62.3%). Non-hematological toxicities of ≥ grade 2 included anorexia (27.5%) and fatigue (24.6%). Conclusion: Although hematological toxicities were severe, these results suggested that amrubicin in NSCLC patients beyond third-line therapy shows sufficient clinical benefit.

Background The effectiveness of the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) in preventing pneumococcal pneumonia has been controversial. Methods To evaluate the effectiveness of the PPSV23 in elderly outpatients with chronic respiratory diseases, we carried out a case–control study, including 4128 outpatients aged ≥ 65 years, in the respiratory department. Results There were 320 vaccinated patients, of which 164 were diagnosed with pneumococcal pneumonia. The adjusted odds ratio was 0.39 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.17 to 0.89). In the subsets consisting of age groups ≥ 70 and ≥ 75 years, the adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) was respectively 0.16 (0.04 to 0.67) and 0.15 (0.02 to 1.12). Conclusion This real-world study suggests that PPSV23 can be useful in preventing pneumococcal pneumonia in the elderly with chronic respiratory diseases.

The usefulness of the oscillometry, known as forced oscillation technique, for predicting exercise tolerance in subjects with COPD is unknown. To test the hypothesis, we investigated whether oscillometry could predict a 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) 1, 61.0%). Modified MRC dyspnea scale (mMRC), COPD Assessment Test (CAT), oscillometry, spirometry, and 6MWT were performed in a stable condition. The participants were classified into subjects with 6MWD ≥350 m or 6MWD 1, IC, 6MWD, lowest SpO2, maximum Borg scale, respiratory resistance (Rrs), and reactance (Xrs). In multivariate regression analysis, a 6MWD 20/L/s. In conclusion, the oscillatory parameter, inspiratory R5, predicted low exercise tolerance in COPD subjects.

Background: Some patients present clinical features of both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which has led to the recent proposal of asthma-COPD overlap (ACO) as a diagnosis. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a candidate biomarker to diagnose ACO. We assessed the effect of an add-on treatment with budesonide/formoterol (BUD/FM) combination in patients with ACO, which was diagnosed by FeNO. Methods: This was a prospective, single-arm, open-label, before and after comparison study. Subjects included 83 patients with COPD who attended outpatient clinics for routine checkups at Shizuoka General Hospital between June and November 2016. All patients fulfilled the GOLD definition of COPD and were receiving long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) or LAMA/long-acting β2 agonist (LABA) combinations. After an 8-week run-in period, BUD/FM was added to the patients with FeNO levels of ≥35 ppb, defined as having ACO. For patients receiving LAMA/LABA, BUD/FM was added after the discontinuation of LABA. The modified British Medical Research Council (mMRC) score, COPD assessment test (CAT) score, spirometric indices, forced oscillation parameters, and FeNO were assessed before and after 8 weeks of BUD/ FM add-on treatment. Results: Twenty-four patients (28.9%) had FeNO levels ≥ 35 ppb, and 17 patients completed the study (mean age: 73 years and GOLD I/II/III/IV, 5/10/1/1). The mean CAT scores significantly improved (9.2 to 5.4, p = 0.015) and 10 patients (58.8%) showed ≥2 points improvement, a minimal clinically important difference. The mean FeNO levels significantly decreased from 63.0 to 34.3 ppb (p < 0.006). However, there were no changes in mMRC scores, spirometric indices, or forced oscillation parameters. Conclusions: FeNO-guided treatment with BUD/FM improves symptoms in patients with ACO.

© The Author(s), 2016. This is the authors version of the work and is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License. The definitive version was published in Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 486 (2017): 368-372, doi:10.1016/j.jembe.2016.11.003. The hypothesis that life cycle of an epibiotic suctorian ciliate Ephelota plana is adapted to the molt cycle of the krill Euphausia pacifica collected in Saanich Inlet, Canada was evaluated. The infestation prevalence of E. plana and the number of individuals attached increased from postmolt stage to premolt stage of E. pacifica, and concurrently cell growth of E. plana was observed. Budding individuals of E. plana first appeared at early premolt stage and increased to 21% at late premolt stage. Thus the life cycle of E. plana seems to be adapted to the molt cycle of E. pacifica. 2018-11-12

Background: The usefulness of the forced oscillation technique (FOT) in diagnosing cough variant asthma (CVA) has not been demonstrated. Aims: This retrospective study aimed to evaluate diagnostic accuracy of the changes in respiratory system resistance (Rrs) and reactance (Xrs) as possible predictors of CVA. Methods: Twenty-six patients with CVA and 20 with non-CVA (gastroesophageal reflux disease, rhinosinusitis, and post-infectious cough) were enrolled. FOT (MostGraph-01) and spirometry were performed in airway reversibility testing. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) was also measured before the testing. A diagnosis of CVA was based on an isolated cough lasting for at least 8 weeks without wheezing, which was relieved by β2 agonists. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to assess which parameters would predict CVA diagnosis. Results: CVA patients showed a significant improvement in Rrs at 5 Hz (R5), Xrs at 5 Hz (X5), resonant frequency (Fres), and a low-frequency reactance area (AX), but not in spirometric indices. ROC curve analyses revealed that the changes in R5, X5, Fres, and AX were superior to the change in FEV1 or the FeNO value to diagnose CVA. The best area under the curve was 0.72 for AX with the optimal cutoff point of 0.41 cmH2O/L (sensitivity, 0.98; and specificity, 0.62). Conclusion: The FOT is superior to spirometry or FeNO measurements in predicting CVA.

Introduction: There are few published reports regarding the clinical benefits of pneumococcal vaccination for the prevention of pneumococcal pneumonia among elderly outpatients with chronic respiratory diseases. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of a 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) and a 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) among elderly outpatients. Methods: This report describes a case-control study including 4124 outpatients aged ≥65 years with chronic respiratory diseases, treated from 2015 to 2017 in our department. Study outcomes were pneumococcal pneumonia incidence rates in the PPSV23 group, the PCV13 group and the non-vaccination group. The effect of each vaccination within 5 years was evaluated as an odds ratio (OR) adjusted by a propensity score, which was predicted using age, gender, comorbidities, and steroid use. ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of vaccination were calculated using a logistic regression model. Results: There were 377 vaccinated patients (PPSV23, 327 and PCV13, 50), and 143 were diagnosed with pneumococcal pneumonia (Table). Conclusions: There were no significant differences between the vaccination group and the non-vaccination group, possibly because of the differences in background factors and physicians’ recmmendations.

Introduction: A treatment strategy for COPD patients with eosinophilic airway inflammation has not yet been established. Objective: To examine the effects of an add-on treatment with budesonide/formoterol (BUD/FM) combination in COPD patients with eosinophilic airway inflammation. Methods: Subjects included 83 patients with COPD receiving long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) or LAMA/long-acting β2 agonist (LABA) combinations. This was a prospective, single center, open-label, uncontrolled longitudinal study. After an 8-week run-in period, patients underwent measurements of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO); patients with FeNO levels of >35 ppb were eligible for this study. BUD/FM was used as an add-on therapy in patients receiving LAMA. In patients receiving LAMA/LABA, BUD/FM was added after discontinuation of LABA. Study outcomes included mMRC, CAT, spirometric indices, forced oscillation parameters, and FeNO after 8 weeks of BUD/FM add-on treatment. Results: Of the 83 patients assessed for eligibility, 18 patients (21.7%) had FeNO levels of >35 ppb, and 16 patients completed the study (median age: 74 years). The median CAT score significantly improved (5 to 4, p = 0.032) and nine patients (56.0%) showed >2 points improvement. The median FeNO levels significantly decreased from 52.5 to 35.0 ppb (p Conclusions: Add-on treatment with BUD/FM improves symptoms in COPD patients with eosinophilic airway inflammation. Data are expressed as the median.

Large numbers of swimming and stranding Urechis unicinctus were observed at night during low tide in Sasuhama, Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan, during the periods from January to February in 2012 and 2013. Worms did not drift passively but swam actively, therefore hinting at a certain purpose for such behavior. As trochophore larvae of U. unicinctus were observed to occur simultaneously in the plankton, we infer the possibility that this is an event of reproductive swarming. Anatomical observations of both swimming and stranding U. unicinctus showed that none of the specimens had gametes, which may suggest that these were completely spent after spawning. Urechis unicinctus seemed to begin swimming after dusk and the observed swimming behavior occurred during the evening ebb tide throughout the night low tide during winter time. Stranding U. unicinctus have long been known in Japan and have been attributed to sea storms. The present study shows for the first time the possibility that U. unicinctus swims in order to reproduce at night and that this swimming behavior is closely linked to the stranding of U. unicinctus individuals.

H.,�Sato-Okoshi,�W.,�Nishitani,�G.�andEndo,�Y.�2014.�Verticaldistributionandmigrationofplanktonicpolychaete� larvae in Onagawa Bay, north-eastern Japan. Memoirs of Museum Victoria�71:�1-9. The planktonic larvae of polychaetes are one of the most numerous and diverse groups in coastal zooplankton; however, little is known about their larval dynamics and the factors that affect their vertical distribution. We investigated the vertical distribution and migration of planktonic polychaete larvae in Onagawa Bay, north-eastern Japan, particularly focusingonthedominantspionidlarvae.�Intotal,�14�familiesofplanktonicpolychaetelarvaeand�14�speciesorgeneraof� spionidlarvaewereidentifiedduringourstudy.�Theirdensitygreatlyfluctuatedaccordingtoseasonanddepth,�withthe� polychaetelarvaegenerallydistributedinthelowerlayersofthewatercolumn.�Furthermore,�trendsinverticaldistribution� ofspionidlarvaevariedbetweenspecies.�Inwinterandspring,�larvaeofPolydora onagawaensis were the most prevalent, withawiderangeinverticaldistribution.�Insummerandautumn,�larvaeofPseudopolydora achaeta and Prionospio spp. were the most prevalent spionid larvae and were primarily distributed in the lower layers of the water column. Trends in larval vertical distribution varied as a result of differences in adult habitat; these variations would enable the larvae to efficientlyrecruitintotheirappropriateadulthabitats.�Spionidlarvaedidnotshowdielverticalmigration.�Larvaeoftwo� spionid taxa, Pseudopolydora achaeta and Prionospio spp., exhibited tidal vertical migration, with larvae appearing to avoiddispersalbymovingtoslower-flowingdeeperwaterduringfloodandebbtides.�Althoughmanypreviousstudies� assume that, because of their limited swimming capacity, polychaete larvae are passively dispersed within the water column, this study indicates that polychaete larvae can control their vertical distribution to some extent, and this small- scale vertical migration may be important as a retention mechanism for polychaete larvae.

A new species of spionid polychaete, Polydora onagawaensis, is described from mol- lusk shells in Pacific waters of northeastern Japan. Its nuclear 18S rRNA gene sequence as well as its morphology, reproductive features, life history and infestation characteristics are reported. Polydora onagawaensis sp. nov. belongs to the Polydora ciliata/websteri group and has a moder- ate size and variable black pigmentation on the palps and body. Up to 115 worms were found bor- ing in a single scallop shell from suspended cultures in Onagawa Bay, with significantly higher numbers in the right than in the left valve. Females repeatedly deposited a string of egg capsules from around October to June (seawater temperature was below 15°C). The larvae developed inside the egg capsules for 2 wk (10°C, laboratory conditions), until the 3-chaetiger stage, before being released as planktonic larvae. The main spawning occurred in December, recruitment onto the shells increased after January, and most large worms disappeared between July and October. Thus, the estimated life span is around 1.5 yr after settlement. Details on biology and gene infor- mation not only contribute to distinguishing the species from other polydorids similar in morpho - logy, but also allow control of polydorid infestation in mollusk aquaculture.

In recent years, several marine heterotrophic nanoflagellates have been reported to feed on diatoms much larger than themselves. However, very little is known about the grazer-prey relationships between heterotrophic nanoflagellates and diatoms in aquatic ecosystems. A diatom-feeding flagellate was discovered in the bottom sediment of OnagawaBay. It fed and proliferated on diatoms, especially Skeletonema costatum sensu lato. This study determined growth and ingestion rates of the flagellate on Skeletonema costatum s.l. under laboratory conditons. Its grazing pressure on the sinking flux of S. costatum s.l. was calculated by combining field data. Specific growth rate of the flagellate increased with increasing prey concentration. The maximum specific growth rate was 0.79 d–1 and maximum ingestion rate of the flagellate was 0.66 ng·C·grazer–1·d–1. Calculated grazing pressure of the flagellate on S. costatum s.l. flux was up to 25.6%. The results imply that the flagellate has a considerable grazing impact on S. costatum s.l. flux at least in a restricted season of the year. Therefore, the present study suggests that this benthic flagellate plays an important role in pelagic-benthic coupling inOnagawaBay.

Introduction: The 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) in the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) has been used to examine subjective dyspnea and clinical outcomes and predict mortality in patients with COPD. Aims and objectives: We hypothesized that the total step count (TSC) during the 6MWT would be a more useful index than the 6MWD. In this prospective observational study, we assessed the utility of the TSC in patients with mild to moderate COPD. Methods: Subjects included 59 outpatients with COPD (56 males and 3 females; median age: 72 (49-82) years; %FEV1, 64.4%). Spirometry and the 6MWT were performed while the subjects were in a stable condition. A 3-axis accelerometer (Anypal Walk, FUKUDA DENSHI Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) was used to measure the 6MWD, TSC, and the number of steps per second (NSPS). Results: The mean values of the examined parameters were as follows: 6MWD, 407.8 m; TSC, 618.3 steps; and NSPS, 1.78 steps/sec. Significant correlations were detected between the TSC and the lowest oxygen saturation value obtained by pulse oximetry (SpO 2 ), max Borg scale, modified Medical Research Council (MRC) scale, and %FEV1(Table1). NSPS was also correlated with the lowest SpO 2 value, max Borg scale, modified MRC scale, and the %FEV1. The 6MWD was correlated with the max Borg scale, modified MRC scale, and %FEV1, but not with the lowest SpO 2 value. Conclusions: TSC is more useful than the 6MWD for evaluating dyspnea and oxygen desaturation during the 6MWT.

Introduction: Airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR) is a cardinal feature of asthma. In a continuous methacholine challenge test (MCT) using Astograph (Chest, Tokyo, Japan), AHR is measured by the methacholine respiratory system resistance dose-response curve. However, information regarding the relationship between AHR and the broadband frequency forced oscillation technique (FOT) is limited. Aims and objective: To investigate the relationship between AHR and the FOT parameters. Methods: Subjects included 37 patients with asthma. AHR and FOT parameters were measured with Astograph and MostGraph (Chest, Tokyo, Japan), respectively. FOT, spirometry, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) were performed before MCT. We used the value of the cumulative dose of inhaled methacholine measured at the inflection point at which respiratory conductance starts to decrease (Dmin) as an index of AHR. This variable was measured in terms of a unit defined as a 1-minute inhalation of methacholine (1 mg/ml). We defined Dmin less than 10 units as AHR. Results: Dmin correlated with inspiratory respiratory system resistance at 5 Hz (R5), 20 Hz (R20), low-frequency area (ALX) and FeNO before MCT (r=-0.495, -0.489, -0.367 and -0.383, respectively). An ROC curve analysis to identify AHR revealed that the area under the curve of R5 (0.741) was larger than those of other parameters. Conclusions: R5, a forced oscillatory parameter, before MCT predicts AHR.

Endo & Yamano (2006) investigated the diel vertical migration of Euphausia pacifica Hansen, 1911 in relation to molt and reproductive processes and feeding activity off northeastern Japan. They showed that diel vertical migration of this species was influenced by molt processes because upward migration of molting individuals was restricted compared with non-molting ones. Feeding activity, assessed by stomach fullness, was reduced in molting individuals throughout the day, similar to or lower than the daytime feeding activity of nonmolting individuals. The percentage of molting individuals was lowest for gravid females, which suggests that gravid females molt less frequently than other stages of females and males. Therefore, molt and reproductive processes seemed to be coupled in this species. However, the MTD nets (Motoda 1971) used for sampling in their study were not large enough to collect active individuals quantitatively. Inactive molting individuals were collected more easily and in larger numbers than active non-molting ones, and this tendency was emphasized in the daytime. As a result, the relationship between molting and reproductive processes was not clear, and the total number of molting individuals was too small to examine if there was a significant difference in stomach fullness between molting and non-molting individuals. In the present study, we used a larger net and collected more individuals to fully elucidate the relationship between molting and reproductive processes and feeding activity.

The species composition of euphausiids was investigated in relationship to the hydrographic conditions in the North Atlantic cold-core rings (CCR) and adjacent waters to elucidate species succession in evolving water masses. Using data, dating back to the 1970s, from as many CCRs as possible and selecting typical cases where no major physical perturbations occurred, a general pattern of euphausiid succession and change in vertical distribution in rings with time was obtained. This pattern was related to the general distribution of euphausiids in the northwestern North Atlantic Ocean, aiming at providing basic information on probable response of North Atlantic marine ecosystem to global warming. Of the 34 euphausiid species identified, 5 were cold-water species, 17 were warm-water species, 6 were wide-ranging warm-water species, 1 was transitional, 4 were cosmopolitan and the remaining was Thysanoessa parva . Among cold-water species, Euphausia krohni and Nematoscelis megalops were dominant in CCRs. E. krohni became rare in rings older than 6 months, whereas N. megalops survived longer, being abundant in some rings of 9 months or older, by staying within its preferred temperature range as the CCR elevated isotherms sank to depths where they are normally found in the Sargasso Sea and because it is an omnivore–carnivore. Among warm-water species, epipelagic species appeared first in rings, corresponding to the physical change occurring most rapidly in the surface layers. Mesopelagic species appeared later. Cold-water species made up 65–85% of the total euphausiid population in number in younger rings (1–5 months old), while warm-water species contributed only 2–7%. Wide-ranging warm-water species made up about up to one fourth of the total in rings 5 and 7 months old. Warm-water species, mainly E. brevis , increased in older rings (9 months old or older) and made up 50% of the total in the oldest ring. The contribution of cold-water species decreased to 14% in older rings. T. parva made up 26–38% of the total in rings 6 months or older. CCR populations can be characterized by high species number, but intermediate evenness between the Slope Water and northern Sargasso Sea. In CCRs, only a limited number of species were dominant even if there were more species present in rings as old as 9–12 months than in the northern Sargasso Sea. In rings older than 9 months, euphausiids showed two peaks in their vertical distribution: a shallow daytime peak at about 400 m and a nighttime peak in the upper 100 m consisting of warm-water species (mainly E. brevis ) and a deeper persistent peak at 800 m or deeper consisting of the species N. megalops and T. parva . This shallow peak in CCRs is shallower than that in the surrounding northern Sargasso Sea, and the deep peak is rarely observed in these waters.

We investigated the diel vertical migration of Euphausia pacifica in relation to molt and reproductive processes and feeding activity in April and September 2001 at fixed stations off northeastern Japan. The vertical distribution of this species was shallower in April than in September during both day and night, which was partly explained by a high surface temperature (19°C) and the existence of a subsurface chlorophyll maximum in September. It has been demonstrated for the first time that diel vertical migration of this species is influenced by molt processes because upward migration of molting individuals was restricted compared with non-molting ones. Feeding activity of molting individuals was reduced throughout the day, being lower than or similar to the daytime feeding activity of non-molting ones. The percentage of molting individuals was least (2–4%) among the gravid females, which suggests that gravid females molt less frequently than other stages of females and males. Molt and reproductive processes therefore seemed to be coupled in this species.

Zooplankton collections were made with a multiple opening/closing net and environmental sensing system (MOCNESS) both day and night in warm-core ring 82B in the North Atlantic Ocean and at night in the Slope Water between March and August 1982. Species succession of euphausiids in 82B was presented during the lifespan of this warm-core ring, aiming at providing basic information on possible response of North Atlantic marine ecosystem to global warming. Species succession of euphausiids (32 species) in this long-lived warm-core ring was investigated. Major physical changes of 82B occurred in March to April by convective mixing and thermostad cooling, in April/May by stratification of the surface waters and in August by the interaction with Gulf Stream. Substantial changes in species composition were observed that corresponded to these physical changes. Four different patterns were found in temporal change in abundance of warm-water species. There were species that decreased in number from March to August, species that decreased from March to June, but increased in August, species that increased from Match to August and species that showed no systematic trend. These differences may be attributable to a species tolerance to the thermostad temperature decrease and their vertical distribution. There was also a large change from April to June with ascendance of the transition species, Thysanoessa gregaria. Cold-water species had variable patterns of abundance in 82B and occurred more abundantly in the Slope Water than in the ring. The monthly percentage decrease in the abundance of warm-water species in 82B was high compared with that of cold-water species in cold-core rings as a result of the more rapid changes in the physical structure and the shorter lifetimes of warm-core rings in the western North Atlantic.

We investigated the feeding of Euphausia pacifica on ciliates, especially naked ciliates, in laboratory and field experiments in which cultured Strombidium conicum, or natural food assemblages, or both were given, and estimated the importance of ciliates as prey. E. pacifica ingested cultured S. conicum at rates of 0.04 to 0.07 μgC krill -1 h -1 at low ciliate concentration and 1.01 to 3.24 μgC krill -1 h -1 at high ciliate concentration, when S. conicum was given as the sole prey. The daily ration on naked ciliates ranged from 0.02 to 1.8% of body carbon when natural food assemblages enriched with S. conicum were given, and from 0.05 to 2.3 % of body carbon when S. conicum was given as the sole prey. Our results provide indirect evidence that E. pacifica ingests naked ciliates and plays a role in linking microbial food webs to the classical grazing food chains.

We investigated the feeding rhythm and diel vertical migration of Euphausia pacifica in coastal waters of north-eastern Japan in September 2000. The euphausiids arrived at the surface early in the night and sank just after satiation. Gut pigment contents and stomach fullness were higher in the food-rich surface layer at night than in the food-poor deep layer during the day. Feeding activity of E. pacifica during daytime was low even if food organisms were abundant in the ambient water in the top 50 m. Therefore, the feeding rhythm of E. pacifica is explained by decreased feeding activity during the day rather than by reduced food availability.

We examined the biological characteristics of euphausiids found in the stomachs of Adelie penguins in relation to sea-ice conditions in Lutzow-Holm Bay over three seasons. Euphausiids, especially Euphausia superba, proved to be a staple food for Adelie penguins irrespective of the ice condition. Body length and maturity-stage compositions of euphausiids were different among seasons, probably reflecting sea-ice condition in summer. The mean body length decreased and maturity regressed during each season in E. superba, which was partly attributable to the selective feeding on large, mature female krill by Adelie penguins. The 1995/1996 year class of E. superba, which was spawned when the sea ice was most developed, was strong and conspicuous in the 1996/1997 and 1997/1998 seasons. This vigor indicates that sea ice provided females with good spawning conditions and larvae with good growth and survival rates.

Asthma exacerbation is associated with respiratory infections, including those by viruses and atypical bacteria. We herein report a case of severe acute asthma in an adult caused by Chlamydophila pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae) infection. A 39-year-old woman without a history of asthma reported to the emergency department with progressive worsening of cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing with low oxygen saturation. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed patchy ground-glass opacity and bronchial wall thickening. She was treated with systemic corticosteroids, inhaled short-acting β2 agonists, aminophylline, doripenem, and levofloxacin. Through successful treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU), her condition and the chest X-ray and CT findings improved. Chlamydophila pneumoniae infection was confirmed by elevated paired serum C. pneumoniae-specific IgA antibodies. Chlamydophila pneumoniae infection is an important cause of severe acute asthma. On CT, findings typical of C. pneumoniae pneumonia were noted.

Concentrations of heavy metals and their chemical forms were analyzed in the Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) collected from the Scotia Sea in December, 1987, and the results were discussed in relation to sex and maturity stages. The whole body metal concentrations were in the order of Zn〓Cu>Fe>Mn>Ni>Cd. The values of Fe, Mn and Zn were higher in females than in males. The values of Cu, Fe, Ni and Cd in adult females were highest in stage IIIA. Also, the values for Cu was higher in juveniles than in adults. Concentrations of the metals were generally higher in cephalothorax than in abdomen. In particular, a majority of Cu burden in the cephalothorax existed as Cu-binding proteins, which were likely to be mainly hemocyanin and metallothionein. We speculate that changes in amounts of Cu-binding proteins by physiological conditions might be important causes for the variations of Cu concentration between sexes and between maturity stages of the Antarctic krill.

Quantitative data on the vertical distribution and biomass of microzooplankton are presented for the western subtropical Pacific west of the Bonin Islands in winter. Microzooplankton other than foraminifera and radiolarians showed similar vertical distribution to chlorophylla. Among microzooplankters, naked ciliates, tintinnids and copepod nauplii were dominant components both in number and volume. Naked ciliates were the most dominant, comprising 82.2 % and 47.7 % of the total microzooplankton by number and volume, respectively. Copepod nauplii, occupying less than 10 % by number, accounted for 35.7 % of the volume of all microzooplankton. Tintinnids contributed less to the microzooplankton standing crop, 12.6 % of the total by number and 17.3 % by volume. Calculated microzooplankton wet weight varied from 0.84 to 1.80 g m−2 and corresponded to 9.9–18.1 % of net zooplankton weight. The relative abundance of microzooplankton to net zooplankton in this study is comparable to that previously reported in the tropical and subtropical Pacific Ocean, but a little higher than in oceanic subarctic areas.

Juvenile and adult Euphausia superba were collected in the northwest of the Antarctic Peninsula, eastern Drake Passage, and the Scotia and Weddell Seas during the SIBEX II cruise of R. V. KAIYO MARU. Average biomass estimated from blind tows was 145g/1000m^3 (838g/1000m^3,if aimed tows were included). The biomass was especially abundant along the Antarctic Peninsula, in the east of Elephant Island and west and southeast of South Sandwich Islands. E. superba wet weight represented 88% of total wet weight from blind tows (99%, if aimed tows were included). Copulated females and males with developed spermatophores were numerous along the Antarctic Peninsula and in the west of South Sandwich Islands. Copulated females were rather abundant off Queen Maud Land, although male maturity was not high. Juveniles were almost absent in the northwest of the Antarctic Peninsula and in eastern Drake Passage; in number they were dominant in the west and southeast of South Sandwich Islands.