Protection of Macaques with Diverse MHC Genotypes against a Heterologous SIV by Vaccination with a Deglycosylated Live-Attenuated SIV

HIV vaccine development has been hampered by issues such as undefined correlates of protection and extensive diversity of HIV. We addressed these issues using a previously established SIV-macaque model in which SIV mutants with deletions of multiple gp120 N-glycans function as potent live attenuated vaccines to induce near-sterile immunity against the parental pathogenic SIVmac239. In this study, we investigated the protective efficacy of these mutants against a highly pathogenic heterologous SIVsmE543-3 delivered intravenously to rhesus macaques with diverse MHC genotypes. All 11 vaccinated macaques contained the acute-phase infection with blood viral loads below the level of detection between 4 and 10 weeks postchallenge (pc), following a transient but marginal peak of viral replication at 2 weeks in only half of the challenged animals. In the chronic phase, seven vaccinees contained viral replication for over 80 weeks pc, while four did not. Neutralizing antibodies against challenge virus were not detected. Although overall levels of SIV specific T cell responses did not correlate with containment of acute and chronic viral replication, a critical role of cellular responses in the containment of viral replication was suggested. Emergence of viruses with altered fitness due to recombination between the vaccine and challenge viruses and increased gp120 glycosylation was linked to the failure to control SIV. These results demonstrate the induction of effective protective immune responses in a significant number of animals against heterologous virus by infection with deglycosylated attenuated SIV mutants in macaques with highly diverse MHC background. These findings suggest that broad HIV cross clade protection is possible, even in hosts with diverse genetic backgrounds. In summary, results of this study indicate that deglycosylated live-attenuated vaccines may provide a platform for the elucidation of correlates of protection needed for a successful HIV vaccine against diverse isolates

Theoretical analysis of angular distribution of scattering in nozzle components using a response-function method for proton spot-scanning therapy

In spot-scanning proton therapy, highly precise beam control is required in the treatment nozzle such that the proton beam does not spread out during transportation by restraining the divergence of the beam angle and spot size, simultaneously. In order to evaluate the beam-broadening behaviour induced by passing through the various nozzle components, we have developed a new method to calculate the angular divergence profile of a proton beam in the nozzle. The angular divergence of the proton beam for each nozzle component is calculated by the Monte Carlo simulation code, Geant4, assuming that the initial beam has no divergence. The angular divergence profiles generated in the various nozzle components are then fitted by the analytic function formula with triple Gaussian distributions. The fitted profiles can be treated like analytic response functions and the angular divergence profile in the nozzle can be easily and systematically calculated by using a convolution theorem. The beam-broadening behaviour during transportation in the nozzle is carefully evaluated. The beam profiles are well-characterized by the proposed angular divergence analysis, i.e. triple Gaussian profile analysis. The primary Gaussian part of the beam profile is mainly generated by air and dose monitors with plate electrode components. The secondary and tertiary Gaussian parts are so-called wide-angle scattering and generated mainly by spot-position and profile monitors with metal window and wire components. The scattering of the nozzle component can be analysed using the proposed response function method for the angular distribution. Multiple convolved angular scattering can be determined from the response function of the individual nozzle components. The angular distribution from small to large angle regions can then be quantitatively evaluated by the proposed method. The method is quite simple and generalized, and is a straightforward way to understand the nozzle and component characteristics related to the beam-broadening behaviour

Ovarian mucinous epithelial neoplasm showing immunohistochemical pattern of lower gastrointestinal origin with stromal minor sex-cord elements: A case report

• We report a case of an ovarian mucinous cystadenoma that exhibited extensive sex-cord differentiation. • The ovarian tumor coincided with a uterine endometrial carcinoma. • The immunohistochemical pattern of mucinous epithelium of the ovarian tumor was suggestive of lower gastrointestinal origin

Percutaneous cardiopulmonary support for pulmonary thromboembolism caused by large uterine leiomyomata

AbstractObjectiveAcute pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a common illness that causes death and disability. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is often found in patients with a large myomatous uterus, and can occasionally result in acute PTE. Here, we describe the achievement of a favorable outcome in a case of acute PTE.Case ReportThe patient presented with acute PTE caused by a large uterine leiomyoma, without DVT of the lower extremities. Percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS) was used as an adjunct to thrombolytic therapy to treat the right ventricular thrombus with acute PTE. According to emergency practice, PCPS was initiated, and the patient was successfully treated with thrombolytic and anticoagulant therapy associated with total abdominal hysterectomy.ConclusionsThis case suggests that PCPS can lead to favorable clinical outcomes in patients with large uterine leiomyomata and severe PTE

Alien or native to Japan? : whether has a planktonic copepod recently described from Shimizu Port as a new species been introduced?

The planktonic calanoid copepod Centropages maigo Ohtsuka, Itoh & Mizushima, 2005 has been described from Shimizu Port, Middle Japan, as a new species, which was supposed to have been introduced from southeastern Asia via ballast water. Since it was first discovered from a sample collected from Japan in 1979, additional records of its occurrence all over Japan have been rapidly increasing. Whether this species is alien or native to Japan was investigated on the basis of the biology and zoogeography of other planktonic copepods. It is likely that C. maigo is widely distributed around Japan as a native species