Photo-induced glycosylation using the edible polyphenol curcumin.

Photo-induced glycosylations of trichloroacetimidate donors and alcohols using an edible polyphenol, curcumin, were examined under visible photo-irradiation (470 nm). It was found, for the first time, that these glycosylations proceed smoothly under mild reaction conditions to give the corresponding glycosides in high yields. In addition, the present glycosylation method was applicable to a wide range of trichloroacetimidate donors and alcohol acceptors and showed high chemoselectivity over glycosyl phosphite, phosphate, (N-phenyl)trifluoroacetimidate, fluoride, glycal and thioglycoside.

Designed Mannosylerythritol Lipid Analogues Exhibiting both Selective Cytotoxicity against Human Skin Cancer Cells and Recovery Effects on Damaged Skin Cells.

Mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs) are a class of amphipathic molecules bearing a hydrophilic 4-O-ß-D-mannopyranosyl-D-erythritol skeleton. Here, we designed and synthesized four kinds of MEL analogues R-MEL-A ([2R,3S]-erythritol type), S-mannosylthreitol lipid (MTL)-A ([2S,3S]-threitol type), R-MTL-A ([2R,3R]-threitol type), and α-S-MEL-A ([2S,3R]-erythritol type) using our previously reported boron-mediated aglycon delivery (BMAD) method and a neighboring group assisted glycosylation method. The selective cytotoxicity of the target compounds against cancer cells was evaluated, with R-MTL-A showing the highest selective cytotoxicity against human skin squamous carcinoma HSC-5 cells. Our findings suggest that R-MTL-A induces necrosis-like cell death against HSC-5 cells by decreasing cell membrane fluidity. R-MTL-A also exhibits an efficient recovery effect on damaged skin cells, indicating that R-MTL-A has potential as a lead compound for new cosmeceuticals with both cancer cell-selective toxicity and recovery effects on damaged skin cells.

Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, and Subchondral Insufficiency Fracture: Recent Insights.

The increased incidence of osteoarthritis (OA), particularly knee and hip OA, and osteoporosis (OP), owing to population aging, have escalated the medical expense burden. Osteoarthritis is more prevalent in older women, and the involvement of subchondral bone fragility spotlights its association with OP. Notably, subchondral insufficiency fracture (SIF) may represent a more pronounced condition of OA pathophysiology. This review summarizes the relationship between OA and OP, incorporating recent insights into SIF. Progressive SIF leads to joint collapse and secondary OA and is associated with OP. Furthermore, the thinning and fragility of subchondral bone in early-stage OA suggest that SIF may be a subtype of OA (osteoporosis-related OA, OPOA) characterized by significant subchondral bone damage. The high bone mineral density observed in OA may be overestimated due to osteophytes and sclerosis and can potentially contribute to OPOA. The incidence of OPOA is expected to increase along with population aging. Therefore, prioritizing OP screening, early interventions for patients with early-stage OA, and fracture prevention measures such as rehabilitation, fracture liaison services, nutritional management, and medication guidance are essential.

Cytosolic UDP-L-arabinose synthesis by bifunctional UDP-glucose 4-epimerases in Arabidopsis.

L-Arabinose (L-Ara) is a plant-specific sugar found in cell wall polysaccharides, proteoglycans, glycoproteins, and small glycoconjugates, which play physiologically important roles in cell proliferation and other essential cellular processes. L-Ara is synthesized as UDP-L-arabinose (UDP-L-Ara) from UDP-xylose (UDP-Xyl) by UDP-Xyl 4-epimerases (UXEs), a type of de novo synthesis of L-Ara unique to plants. In Arabidopsis, the Golgi-localized UXE AtMUR4 is the main contributor to UDP-L-Ara synthesis. However, cytosolic bifunctional UDP-glucose 4-epimerases (UGEs) with UXE activity, AtUGE1, and AtUGE3 also catalyze this reaction. For the present study, we first examined the physiological importance of bifunctional UGEs in Arabidopsis. The uge1 and uge3 mutants enhanced the dwarf phenotype of mur4 and further reduced the L-Ara content in cell walls, suggesting that bifunctional UGEs contribute to UDP-L-Ara synthesis. Through the introduction of point mutations exchanging corresponding amino acid residues between AtUGE1 with high UXE activity and AtUGE2 with low UXE activity, two mutations that increase relative UXE activity of AtUGE2 were identified. The crystal structures of AtUGE2 in complex forms with NAD+ and NAD+/UDP revealed that the UDP-binding domain of AtUGE2 has a more closed conformation and smaller sugar-binding site than bacterial and mammalian UGEs, suggesting that plant UGEs have the appropriate size and shape for binding UDP-Xyl and UDP-L-Ara to exhibit UXE activity. The presented results suggest that the capacity for cytosolic synthesis of UDP-L-Ara was acquired by the small sugar-binding site and several mutations of UGEs, enabling diversified utilization of L-Ara in seed plants.

Life Course Epidemiology of Hip Osteoarthritis in Japan: A Multicenter, Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in Japanese newborns has reduced drastically following a primary prevention campaign initiated around 1972 to 1973; this perinatal education campaign promoted maintaining the hips of newborns in the naturally flexed-leg position. The purpose of the present study was to describe the life course epidemiology of hip osteoarthritis (OA) in adolescent and adult patients and to assess its association with exposure to the primary prevention campaign for DDH. METHODS: We included new patients with hip OA diagnosed from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022, at 12 core hospitals (8 special-function hospitals and 4 regional medical care support hospitals). The trend in the percentage of hips with a history of DDH treatment in childhood was estimated with use of a centered moving average using the birth year of the patient. We compared the prevalence of severe subluxation (Crowe type II, III, or IV) between patients with secondary hip OA due to hip dysplasia who were born in or before 1972 and those who were born in or after 1973. RESULTS: Overall, 1,095 patients (1,381 hips) were included. The mean age at the time of the survey was 63.5 years (range, 15 to 95 years). A total of 795 patients (1,019 hips; 73.8% of hips) were diagnosed with secondary OA due to hip dysplasia. Approximately 13% to 15% of hips among patients born from 1963 to 1972 had a history of DDH treatment in childhood; however, the percentage decreased among patients born in or after 1973. The prevalence of severe subluxation (Crowe type II, III, or IV) among patients born in or after 1973 was 2.4%, which was significantly less than that among patients born in or before 1972 (11.1%; odds ratio, 0.20; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: As of 2022, secondary hip OA due to hip dysplasia is still responsible for most new cases of adolescent and adult hip OA seen in core hospitals in Japan. However, the perinatal education campaign initiated 50 years ago, which utilized a population approach and advocated for maintaining the hips of newborns in the naturally flexed-leg position, may have improved the environmental factors of DDH, as indicated by the apparently reduced need for treatment of DDH in childhood and the associated severe subluxation. This may result in a reduced need for challenging hip surgery later in life. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Total Synthesis of Mannosylerythritol Lipids and Structure-Function Relationship Studies.

Mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) has attracted much attention as an environmentally benign and biocompatible material in many research fields due to its significant biochemical and physiological properties. However, heterogeneity always exists in MEL obtained from microbial products with respect to the chain length of the fatty acids. In this context, the total synthesis of the 20 members of MEL was effectively and stereoselectively achieved using our boron-mediated aglycon delivery (BMAD) method. In addition, structure-function relationship (SFR) studies of antibacterial activity, self-assembling properties, and recovery effects on damaged skin cells have been conducted, and these results are introduced in this mini-review article.

Varicella-Zoster Meningitis and Myelitis After Herpes Zoster Dermatitis Treatment With Amenamevir: A Case Series and Literature Review.

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), known for causing chickenpox, establishes latent infections in neural tissues. Reactivation of VZV can lead to herpes zoster (HZ) and various neurological complications. In this report, we present four cases of VZV meningitis and myelitis following amenamevir treatment for HZ dermatitis with positive VZV DNA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) revealed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Three of them were considered immunocompromised hosts given the fact that two of these patients were taking immunosuppressive drugs for rheumatoid arthritis, and one patient had a history of sigmoid colon cancer (four months after resection). After HZ onset, amenamevir, which has poor CSF transfer, was prescribed for all the patients, and all of them developed central nervous complications by VZV (meningitis in three cases and myelitis in one case) confirmed by PCR. All the patients were treated with acyclovir, which has a higher CSF transfer, and fully recovered. We speculate that amenamevir might have failed to prevent VZV infection in the central nervous system (CNS) and think that consideration should be given to administering acyclovir in preference to amenamevir for ΗΖ patients at high risk of CNS VZV infection, such as immunocompromised hosts.

A novel immunocomplex capture fluorescence assay (ICFA) using fluorescent beads and transfected cells for specific identification of human neutrophil antigen (HNA)-1a and -1b antibodies.

BACKGROUND: To identify specific human neutrophil antigen (HNA) antibodies, assays using neutrophils such as monoclonal antibody-specific immobilization of granulocyte antigens (MAIGA) are recommended. However, these assays are limited by labor-intensive neutrophil preparation and varying antigen expression levels. METHODS: We evaluated a newly developed immunocomplex capture fluorescence assay (ICFA) for identifying HNA-1 antibodies and compared it to MAIGA and LABScreen Multi (LABM), which utilizes recombinant HNA-coated Luminex beads. For ICFA, HNA-1a or HNA-1b transfected cells replaced neutrophils. Cells incubated with serum were lysed, and immune complexes were captured using five CD16 monoclonal antibody-conjugated Luminex beads. Nine antisera with known specificity and 26 samples suspected of containing HNA antibodies were analyzed by ICFA and MAIGA using neutrophils or transfected cells (ICFA-N or ICFA-T, and MAIGA-N or MAIGA-T, respectively). RESULTS: ICFA-T and MAIGA-N accurately determined the specificity of all antibodies in the nine antiserum samples. The ICFA-T detection limit was 2048-fold for anti-HNA-1a and 256-fold for anti-HNA-1b; the limits of MAIGA-T, MAIGA-N, and LABM were 32-, 4 ~ 64-, and 128-fold for anti-HNA-1a and 64-, 16 ~ 64-, and 32-fold for anti-HNA-1b, respectively. Twelve and 7 of the remaining 26 samples tested negative and positive, respectively, in both ICFA-T and MAIGA-N. Antibody specificity against HNA-1a or HNA-1b determined using ICFA-T agreed with that determined using MAIGA-N and LABM. Another seven samples tested positive in ICFA-T but negative in MAIGA-N. CONCLUSION: The novel ICFA is highly sensitive and exhibits specificity similar to MAIGA and LABM for detecting HNA-1 antibodies.

[Long-term Outcomes of the Maze Procedure Omitting the Ablation Line to The Superior Vena Cava].

OBJECTIVE: In an effort to avoid postoperative sick sinus syndrome( SSS), we omit the ablation line to the superior vena cava( SVC) in the Cox-mazeⅢ lesion set. We report the long-term outcomes, including the freedom from SSS. METHODS: We studied 102 patients who underwent bi-atrial maze procedure for persistent atrial fibrillation (Af) from 2009 through 2023. Bipolar radio frequency ablation or cryoablation was used except for right-side atriotomy and right atriotomy. Cryoablation was used for atrioventricular annulus. The patient age was 68±9.4. Duration of Af was 3.4±6.5 years (unknown 9 cases). The amplitude of f-wave in V1 was 0.182±0.095 mV and it was<0.1 mV in 19 (18.6%). Diameter of the left atrium was 50±8.9 mm, and left atrial volume index was 89±37 ml/m2. Ninety-one (89.2%) patients underwent concomitant mitral valve surgery. RESULTS: Survival rate was 99% at 1 year and 96% at 5 years. Freedom from Af was 92% at 1 year and 88% at 5 years. Freedom from permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) was 87% at 1 year and 83% at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Defibrillation rate and the incidence of PPI was comparable to those in previous reports after standard Cox-mazeⅢ. SSS after maze for persistent Af seem due to patient.

Nephrotic syndrome with acute kidney injury due to combination therapy of immune checkpoint inhibitors: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have focused on immune checkpoint inhibitors. Renal complications associated with the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors are uncommon compared with other immune-related adverse events. Acute interstitial nephritis accounts for most of these renal complications, with nephrotic syndrome quite rare. We herein report a case of nephrotic syndrome associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors that was more severe than that in previous cases. By comparing this case with previous reports, the possible reasons for the particular severity of this case are discussed. CASE PRESENTATION: A 75-year-old man developed nephrotic syndrome with acute kidney injury after the first combination therapy of nivolumab and ipilimumab for malignant pleural mesothelioma. The results of a kidney biopsy indicated minimal change disease with mild atherosclerosis, acute interstitial nephritis, and fusion of nearly all podocyte foot processes. Nivolumab and ipilimumab therapy were stopped, and treatment with corticosteroids was initiated. We investigated previously reported cases of nephrotic syndrome using immune checkpoint inhibitors. Seventeen cases of immune checkpoint inhibitor-related nephrotic syndrome, including ours, have been reported. Two of the 17 patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor-related nephrotic syndrome required hemodialysis treatment for acute kidney injury. Unlike many previously reported cases, the present patient was administered two different immune checkpoint inhibitors, which may be one of the reasons for the development of severe nephrotic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to previously reported risk factors, immune checkpoint inhibitor combination therapy can exacerbate nephrotic syndrome compared to immune checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy.

Structural changes in cell wall pectic polymers contribute to freezing tolerance induced by cold acclimation in plants.

Subzero temperatures are often lethal to plants. Many temperate herbaceous plants have a cold acclimation mechanism that allows them to sense a drop in temperature and prepare for freezing stress through accumulation of soluble sugars and cryoprotective proteins. As ice formation primarily occurs in the apoplast (the cell wall space), cell wall functional properties are important for plant freezing tolerance. Although previous studies have shown that the amounts of constituent sugars of the cell wall, in particular those of pectic polysaccharides, are altered by cold acclimation, the significance of this change during cold acclimation has not been clarified. We found that ß-1,4-galactan, which forms neutral side chains of the acidic pectic rhamnogalacturonan-I, accumulates in the cell walls of Arabidopsis and various freezing-tolerant vegetables during cold acclimation. The gals1 gals2 gals3 triple mutant, which has reduced ß-1,4-galactan in the cell wall, exhibited impaired freezing tolerance compared with wild-type Arabidopsis during initial stages of cold acclimation. Expression of genes involved in the galactan biosynthesis pathway, such as galactan synthases and UDP-glucose 4-epimerases, was induced during cold acclimation in Arabidopsis, explaining the galactan accumulation. Cold acclimation resulted in a decrease in extensibility and an increase in rigidity of the cell wall in the wild type, whereas these changes were not observed in the gals1 gals2 gals3 triple mutant. These results indicate that the accumulation of pectic ß-1,4-galactan contributes to acquired freezing tolerance by cold acclimation, likely via changes in cell wall mechanical properties.

A purified diet affects intestinal epithelial proliferation and barrier functions through gut microbial alterations.

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining epithelial barrier function. Although multiple studies have demonstrated the significance of dietary factors on the gut microbiota and mucosal barrier function, the impact of a purified diet, which has long been used in various animal experiments, on intestinal homeostasis remains to be elucidated. Here, we compared the impact of two different types of diets, a crude diet and an AIN-93G-formula purified diet, on epithelial integrity and the gut microbiota. Purified diet-fed mice exhibited shorter villi and crypt lengths and slower epithelial turnover, particularly in the ileum. In addition, antimicrobial products, including REG3γ, were substantially decreased in purified diet-fed mice. Purified diet feeding also suppressed α1,2-fucosylation on the epithelial surface. Furthermore, the purified diet induced metabolic rewiring to fatty acid oxidation and ketogenesis. 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing of the ileal contents and mucus layer revealed distinct gut microbiota compositions between the purified and crude diet-fed mice. Purified diet feeding reduced the abundance of segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB), which potently upregulate REG3γ and fucosyltransferase 2 (Fut2) by stimulating group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) to produce IL-22. These observations illustrate that the intake of a crude diet secures epithelial barrier function by facilitating SFB colonization, whereas a purified diet insufficiently establishes the epithelial barrier, at least partly owing to the loss of SFB. Our data suggest that the influence of purified diets on the epithelial barrier integrity should be considered in experiments using purified diets.

Effect of longer femoral head on leg length, offset, and range of motion in total hip arthroplasty: a simulation study.

In this study, we investigated the relationship between head length, leg length, offset, and dislocation resistance using range of motion (ROM) simulations based on computed tomography data to examine if a longer femoral head reduces the risk of dislocation. The femoral components were set to eliminate leg length differences with a + 0 mm head, and variations for + 4-, + 7-, and + 8-mm heads were analyzed. Offset and ROM were assessed when longer heads were used, with the leg length adjusted to be similar to that of the contralateral side. While internal rotation at flexion and external rotation at extension increased with + 4-mm longer heads, the + 7- and + 8-mm heads did not increase dislocation resistance. When adjusting for leg length, the longer heads showed no significant differences in offset and ROM. Enhancing dislocation resistance by solely increasing the offset with a longer head, while simultaneously adjusting the depth of stem insertion, may be a beneficial intraoperative technique. Although a + 4-mm longer head possibly increases ROM without impingement, heads extended by + 7 or + 8 mm may not exhibit the same advantage. Therefore, surgeons should consider this technique based on the implant design.

Von Willebrand Factor Antigen Levels Predict Poor Outcomes in Patients With Stroke and Cancer: Findings From the Multicenter, Prospective, Observational SCAN Study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with acute ischemic stroke and active cancer have more severe neurological symptoms, elevated risks of stroke recurrence, and death compared with the general population. We examined whether von Willebrand factor (vWF) antigen levels at stroke onset were associated with the poor outcomes of patients with stroke and cancer. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using data from 90 patients with acute ischemic stroke and active cancer who were registered in the SCAN (Ischemic Stroke in Patients With Cancer and Neoplasia) study, a prospective multicenter, observational study in Japan, we divided patients into 2 groups according to their median vWF antigen levels (high, n=46; or low, n=44). The high-vWF group had a significantly higher initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (median, 7 [interquartile range, 3-11.25] versus 3 [interquartile range, 1-8.5]; P<0.05) and a significantly higher incidence of cryptogenic stroke (32 [70%] versus 16 [36%]; P<0.01) and venous thromboembolism (7 [15%] versus 0 [0%]; P<0.01), as well as multiple lesions (28 [62%] versus 12 [27%]; P<0.001), than the low-vWF group. We observed no significant difference in the rate of stroke recurrence within 1 year between the groups. However, increased vWF levels were an independent predictor of death within 1 year of stroke onset, after adjusting for potential confounders (odds ratio, 6.77 [95% CI, 1.49-30.78]; P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated vWF antigen levels were associated with adverse outcomes in patients with cancer-associated stroke and may represent a useful biomarker to guide future therapeutic interventions.

A case of carcinoid syndrome probably exacerbated by hemodialysis in which prochlorperazine maleate was effective.

Carcinoid syndrome is caused by the release of serotonin and other substances, which commonly occurs due to liver metastasis of neuroendocrine tumors. It rarely occurs due to liver metastasis of neuroendocrine carcinoma. We report the case of a patient with liver metastasis of neuroendocrine carcinoma who suffered from acute abdominal pain and diarrhea triggered by hemodialysis. Various differential diagnoses were considered, but we concluded these symptoms to be probably caused by exacerbation of carcinoid syndrome, as the serum 5HIAA level was markedly elevated, and a drug with anti-serotonin activity was effective. Prochlorperazine maleate, which has anti-serotonin activity, was effective for these symptoms, and the patient was able to continue maintenance hemodialysis, which contributed to his quality of life and prognosis. We speculated the mechanism of carcinoid exacerbation was that substances such as serotonin had entered the systemic circulation via the increased extrahepatic shunt of the portal venous blood flow, entering the inferior vena cava and that this condition had been triggered by hemodialysis via the same mechanism as portal systemic encephalopathy.

Joint instability in patients with borderline developmental dysplasia of the hip.

BACKGROUND: The treatment strategy for developmental dysplasia of the hip is determined based on the lateral center-edge angle. Nonetheless, an evaluation of joint instability may be important in determining the treatment strategy. This study classified the displacement patterns of the femoral head center during hip abduction. METHODS: Ten patients with borderline developmental dysplasia of the hip, 10 patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip, and 10 patients with normal hips were analyzed. Image matching was performed using X-ray images of hip abduction with a three-dimensional hip model. The displacement of the femoral head center and its trajectory length were measured. A cluster analysis was conducted to classify the displacement pattern of the femoral head center, and trajectory lengths were compared. FINDINGS: Displacement was classified into three patterns: medialization, hinge abduction, and centering. Patients with borderline developmental hip dysplasia exhibited all three patterns. Almost all patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip showed medialization and hinge abduction, whereas all normal patients had the centering type. The mean trajectory length indices for the medialization and hinge abduction types were significantly longer than those for the centering type (P = 0.01 and P = 0.016, respectively). INTERPRETATION: Borderline developmental dysplasia of the hip is a heterogeneous condition characterized by varying hip instability levels. Our findings suggest that uniform evaluation based on the lateral center-edge angle is inappropriate and that joint instability must be evaluated in each patient with borderline developmental dysplasia of the hip.

Internal circular suture annuloplasty for aortic valve repair.

Stabilizing the aorto-ventricular junction is integral in aortic valve repair. We report our technique of internal circular suture annuloplasty. We used a continuous horizontal mattress suture of a single thick expanded polytetrafluoroethylene suture (CV-3). We put 4 stitches per sinus, so the suture was below the cusp attachment line at the nadirs and passed through the interleaflet triangle at the upper aorto-ventricular junction level. The suture was reinforced with pericardial pledgets on both sides of each commissure. We used this technique in 12 patients. The diameter of aorto-ventricular junction was reduced from 25 ± 2 mm to 22 ± 1 mm (n = 11) and was 22 ± 1 mm at the latest follow-up (4-74 months, median 41, n = 10). In 2 patients with large aorto-ventricular junction (27 mm or more), expected annular reduction was not achieved. Our modified technique is simple and seems durable. It may be useful for mild annular dilatation.

In vitro analysis of anti-HPA-1a dependent platelet phagocytosis and its inhibition using a new whole blood phagocytosis assay (WHOPPA).

Fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) is a serious bleeding condition mostly caused by the reaction between maternal anti-HPA-1a antibodies and fetal platelets. This reaction leads to Fc-dependent platelet phagocytosis. Although several serological methods have been developed to identify maternal antibodies, a reliable laboratory parameter as a prognostic tool for FNAIT severity is still lacking. In this study, we developed whole blood platelet phagocytosis assay (WHOPPA), a flow cytometry-based phagocytosis assay that uses a pH-sensitive fluorescent dye (pHrodo-SE) to analyze anti-HPA-1a-dependent platelet phagocytosis in whole blood. WHOPPA revealed a high phagocytosis rate for the anti-HPA-1a opsonized platelets by monocytes but not by neutrophils. Analysis of different monocyte populations showed that all monocyte subsets, including classical (CD14++CD16-), intermediate (CD14++CD16+), and nonclassical (CD14+CD16++) monocytes, were able to engulf opsonized platelets. A unique monocyte subset, termed shifted monocytes (CD14+CD16-), showed the highest phagocytosis rate and was detected after platelet engulfment. FcγR inhibition tests revealed that except for FcγRIIa, FcγRI and FcγRIII on monocytes were responsible for the phagocytosis of anti-HPA-1a opsonized platelets. Analysis of anti-HPA-1a antibodies from FNAIT cases (n = 7) showed the phagocytosis of HPA-1aa but not of HPA-1bb platelets by monocytes. The phagocytosis rate was highly correlated with bound antibodies measured by flow cytometry (p < 0001; r = 0.9214) and MAIPA assay (p < 0.001; r = 0.7692). The phagocytosis rates were equal for type I and II anti-HPA-1a antibodies recognizing the plexin-semaphoring-integrin (PSI) domain and PSI/epidermal growth factor 1 domain of ß3 integrin, respectively. By contrast, type III anti-HPA-1a antibodies reacting with αvß3 integrin did not induce platelet phagocytosis. Furthermore, effector-silenced mAbs against HPA-1a inhibited the phagocytosis of anti-HPA-1a opsonized platelets. In conclusion, WHOPPA is a reliable in vitro platelet phagocytosis assay that mimics the phagocytosis of anti-HPA-1a opsonized platelets in whole blood. This assay allows to prove platelet phagocytosis ex vivo and evaluate the inhibitory capacity of different inhibitors as therapeutically strategies for the prevention of fetal thrombocytopenia in FNAIT in the future.

Stroke classification and treatment support system artificial intelligence for usefulness of stroke diagnosis.

Background and aims: It is important to diagnose cerebral infarction at an early stage and select an appropriate treatment method. The number of stroke-trained physicians is unevenly distributed; thus, a shortage of specialists is a major problem in some regions. In this retrospective design study, we tested whether an artificial intelligence (AI) we built using computer-aided detection/diagnosis may help medical physicians to classify stroke for the appropriate treatment. Methods: To build the Stroke Classification and Treatment Support System AI, the clinical data of 231 hospitalized patients with ischemic stroke from January 2016 to December 2017 were used for training the AI. To verify the diagnostic accuracy, 151 patients who were admitted for stroke between January 2018 and December 2018 were also enrolled. Results: By utilizing multimodal data, such as DWI and ADC map images, as well as patient examination data, we were able to construct an AI that can explain the analysis results with a small amount of training data. Furthermore, the AI was able to classify with high accuracy (Cohort 1, evaluation data 88.7%; Cohort 2, validation data 86.1%). Conclusion: In recent years, the treatment options for cerebral infarction have increased in number and complexity, making it even more important to provide appropriate treatment according to the initial diagnosis. This system could be used for initial treatment to automatically diagnose and classify strokes in hospitals where stroke-trained physicians are not available and improve the prognosis of cerebral infarction.