Novel concept microarray enabling PCR and multistep reactions through pipette-free aperture-to-aperture parallel transfer

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The microarray has contributed to developing the omic analysis. However, as it depends basically on the surface reaction, it is hard to perform bulk reactions and sequential multistep reactions. On the other hand, the popular microplate technology, which has a great merit of being able to perform parallel multistep reactions, has come to its limit in increasing the number of wells (currently, up to 9600) and reducing the volume to deal with due to the difficulty in operations.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Here, we report a novel microarray technology which enables us to explore advanced applications, termed <it>microarray-with-manageable volumes </it>(MMV). The technical essence is in the pipette-free direct parallel transfer from well to well performed by centrifugation, evading the evaporation and adsorption-losses during handling. By developing the MMV plate, accompanying devices and techniques, generation of multiple conditions (256 kinds) and performance of parallel multistep reactions, including PCR and <it>in vitro tr</it>anslation reactions, have been made possible. These were demonstrated by applying the MMV technology to searching lysozyme-crystallizing conditions and selecting peptides aimed for Aβ-binding or cathepsin E-inhibition.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>With the introduction of a novel concept microarray (MMV) technology, parallel and multistep reactions in sub-μL scale have become possible.</p

Early-term birth and hypoglycaemia

Background : The effect of early-term birth on the development of hypoglycaemia in large-for gestational-age (LGA) neonates is yet to be clarified. This study aimed to clarify the association between hypoglycaemia and early-term birth in LGA neonates. Methods : This single-centre retrospective cohort study evaluated LGA neonates born at term at Tsurugi Municipal Handa Hospital, Japan. Blood glucose levels were measured immediately and at 1, 2, and 4 hours after birth. The association between early-term birth and hypoglycaemia was evaluated using logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of severe hypoglycaemia and hypoglycaemia according to its timing of development was analysed using Fisher’s exact test. Results : In total, 295 neonates were included. Among them, 113 neonates (38.3%) were born at early term and 91 infants (30.8%) had hypoglycaemia. Logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between early-term birth and hypoglycaemia (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval] : 2.691 [1.597 to 4.535]). However, there was no significant between-group difference among those with severe hypoglycaemia. Conclusions : Among LGA neonates, early-term birth is positively associated with neonatal hypoglycaemia. This indicates that among LGA neonates, those born at early term require more careful observation for hypoglycaemia than do those born at later term

Vedolizumab for pediatric IBD

Pediatric ulcerative colitis is likely to be more severe than adult ulcerative colitis. Failure to thrive should be considered during therapy. A 10-year-old boy was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis based on his clinical presentation and colonoscopy and biopsy results. The administration of 5-aminosalicylic acid and prednisolone resulted in remission ; however, the symptoms reappeared after the discontinuation of prednisolone. Then, infliximab was administered ; however, the patient was resistant to it and appeared to be dependent on prednisolone. Vedolizumab, a monoclonal antibody against α4β7 integrin, was administered, which resulted in rapid remission. A steady decrease in prednisolone followed, and remission was maintained even after prednisolone discontinuation. Vedolizumab may be effective in pediatric patients with moderate-to-severe refractory ulcerative colitis. Vedolizumab prevents lymphocytes from binding to MAdCAM-1, which is selectively expressed in the gastrointestinal submucosa, leading to the mitigation of the systemic side effects of immunosuppression, such as infections. In Japan, vedolizumab use is not yet approved for use in children, but its effectiveness and safety in children is expected to be investigated in the future

Osteoarticular infections in childhood

Objectives : Osteomyelitis (OM) and septic arthritis (SA) in childhood might cause complications, sequelae, or even death if diagnosis and treatment are delayed. Here, we examined the outcomes of OM / SA at a pediatric emergency core hospital in Japan. Methods : This was a single-center, retrospective, observational cohort study at a pediatric emergency core hospital in Japan. Pediatric outpatients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging at the hospital in the period 2012–2020 were recruited. Primary outcomes were sequelae, recurrent symptoms, chronicity, and death. Results : Fifteen OM / SA patients (9 OM, 4 SA, 2 OM+SA) were recruited. The identified major pathogens included methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (40.0 %, n = 6) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (13.3 %, n = 2). Mean time from onset to first hospital visit, hospitalization, and initiation of effective antibiotics was 2 days, 3.9 ± 1.8 days, and 4.9 ± 2.2 days, respectively. All OM / SA patients recovered without complications or sequelae. Conclusions : In this study, all patients with OM / SA showed a good prognosis. Despite the small sample size, this pilot study suggests that the pediatric emergency core system in Japan provides early treatment and a good prognosis for patients diagnosed with OM / SA

Preoperative management using Impella support for acute aortic dissection with left coronary malperfusion: a case report

Abstract Background Acute aortic dissection (AAD) with impaired perfusion of the left coronary artery has a poor prognosis, even after urgent radical aortic surgery, due to extensive myocardial damage. Although Impella, a microaxial-flow catheter pump, is useful in managing acute myocardial infarction, it is generally contraindicated in patients with AAD because it is an intra-aortic device and the aortic structure is compromised in these cases. Here, we introduce a novel intervention that allowed a planned aortic repair after managing circulation using Impella and venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a case of AAD with left main trunk malperfusion. Case presentation A 40-year-old man presented with cardiogenic shock. Percutaneous coronary intervention was performed to address left main trunk obstruction using an intra-aortic balloon pump; however, circulatory instability persisted. The patient was transferred to our hospital after venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Impella CP™ was used to improve his circulatory status. However, a subsequent CT scan confirmed an AAD diagnosis. After 5 days of stable circulatory support, the patient underwent aortic root replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting. Conclusions In patients with AAD and coronary malperfusion, adjunctive circulatory management with Impella may be a valuable therapeutic option

Internet Addiction and Self-Evaluated Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Traits Among Japanese College Students

Aim: Internet addiction (IA), also referred to as Internet use disorder, is a serious problem all over the world, especially in Asian countries. Severe IA in students may be linked to academic failure, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and forms of social withdrawal, such as hikikomori. In this study, we performed a survey to investigate the relation between IA and ADHD symptoms among college students. Methods: Severity of IA and ADHD traits was assessed by self-report scales. Subjects were 403 college students (response rate 78%) who completed a questionnaire including Young\u27s Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale–V1.1. Results: Out of 403 subjects, 165 were male. The mean age was 18.4 ± 1.2 years, and mean total IAT score was 45.2 ± 12.6. One hundred forty-eight respondents (36.7%) were average Internet users (IAT \u3c 40), 240 (59.6%) had possible addiction (IAT 40–69), and 15 (3.7%) had severe addiction (IAT ≥ 70). Mean length of Internet use was 4.1 ± 2.8 h/day on weekdays and 5.9 ± 3.7 h/day on the weekend. Females used the Internet mainly for social networking services while males preferred online games. Students with a positive ADHD screen scored significantly higher on the IAT than those negative for ADHD screen (50.2 ± 12.9 vs 43.3 ± 12.0). Conclusion: Our results suggest that Internet misuse may be related to ADHD traits among Japanese youth. Further investigation of the links between IA and ADHD is warranted