No abstract available.
Eosinophils ; Tacrolimus ; Vasculitis

Oral infection with Porphyromonas (P.) gingivalis causes periodontitis that is manifested by the destruction of gingival connective tissues. Although a few types of antibiotics are effective against the infection, its use induces the appearance of drug-resistant bacteria. The present study shows that the fermented product of Aspergillus (A.) oryzae S-03, cultivated on the fat-removed soybean, inhibits the cell growth of the P. gingivalis. Likewise, the fermented product of the S-03 strain cultured for 26~42 h displays an inhibitory activity to gingipain as a virulence factor of P. gingivalis. The activity is not lost even with heat treatment at 100degrees C for 15 min. We also demonstrate that the S-03 strain exhibits high protease activity. In addition, the strain does not produce aflatoxin because of the loss of a regulatory gene, aflR, necessary for the toxin biosynthesis.
Aflatoxins ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Aspergillus ; Aspergillus oryzae* ; Bacteria ; Connective Tissue ; Genes, Regulator ; Hot Temperature ; Oryza ; Periodontitis ; Porphyromonas ; Porphyromonas gingivalis* ; Soybeans ; Virulence*

In this study, we aimed to clarify awareness regarding genetic testing among pharmacists in Hiroshima City to contribute to regional medical care provided in pharmacies. Pharmacists should consider the advantages and disadvantages of being able to easily receive genetic tests. We conducted an awareness survey on genetic testing among pharmacists belonging to the Hiroshima Pharmaceutical Association, at 645 pharmacies in Hiroshima City. Responses were received from 674 pharmacists, yielding a response rate of 43.4% (280 pharmacies). In response to the question, “Can you perform genetic testing at a pharmacy?”, 6.7% of pharmacists answered yes and 65.4% said this was impossible. Among the 92.4% of pharmacists other than those available, 79.6% answered “I am worried about my knowledge of genetic testing,” followed by 39.3% “cannot take the time,” 29.2% “hurdles for new business,” 28.1% “problems such as pharmacy facilities to protect personal information,” and 15.7% “ethical difficulties.” From the age difference, pharmacists do not carry out genetic testing even if they have knowledge; they need to make an ethical judgment to determine whether to conduct genetic testing. Additionally, although pharmacies provide medication guidance and protect personal information, 28.1% of pharmacists answered that there are problems with their pharmacy’s ability to protect personal information when handling “genetic information.” Pharmacists should consider it critical to treat “genetic information” as personal information, with the utmost care and understanding.

Purpose : The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcome of aortic valve replacement (AVR) with ascending aorta grafting under hypothermic circulatory arrest for patients with shaggy/calcified ascending aorta based on preoperative and intraoperative assessment of ascending aorta. Methods : From April 2010 to July 2019, 133 patients with aortic stenosis underwent AVR. Based on preoperative computed tomography and intraoperative epi aortic ultrasound, 121 patients were able to have their aorta clamped (C-AVR), while clamping was not possible for 12 patients due to shaggy/calcified in the ascending aorta (Asc-AVR). In Asc-AVR, ascending aorta was replaced to the vascular graft under hypothermic circulatory arrest with retrograde cerebral perfusion followed by AVR. Results : Although operative time and cardiopulmonary bypass time were prolonged and blood transfusion volume was significantly high in Asc-AVR, there were no significant differences in postoperative complications. Although postoperative MRI revealed two silent strokes, no symptomatic neurologic complications occurred in Asc-AVR. Five-year survival rates between groups were comparable (64.2% in Asc-AVR vs. 79.9% in C-AVR, p=0.420). Replacement of ascending aorta was not a risk factor of late death. Conclusion : AVR with ascending aorta grafting under hypothermic circulatory arrest based on preoperative and intraoperative assessment of ascending aorta is an acceptable method for patients with shaggy/calcified aorta.