H. Saito

GaN photonic-crystal surface-emitting laser operating at blue-violet wavelengths

We report on a first successful operation of current-driven GaN photonic-crystal surface-emitting laser, which can operate in blue-violet wavelength regions at room temperature.

CpG-B directly induces CXCR3 chemokines via IFN-independent, NF-κB- and p38-dependent pathways in human B lymphocytes☆

Abstract Rationale Oligodeoxynucleotides containing unmethylated CpG motifs (CpG ODN) are known to elicit Th1 immune responses via TLR9 and are currently under investigation in patients with allergic diseases. However, the mechanisms involved are not fully understood. Methods To assess the effect of CpG ODN on the up-regulation of Th1-chemoattractant CXCR3 chemokines in human B cells, RPMI 8226 human B cell line and human peripheral B cells were cultured in the presence or absence of two distinct classes of CpG ODN - CpG-A and CpG-B - for up to 24 hours. mRNA levels of three CXCR3 chemokines - IP-10, Mig and I-TAC - were quantified by real-time PCR. Results In RPMI 8226 cells, mRNAs and proteins for IP-10, Mig and I-TAC were strongly up-regulated by CpG-B, but not by CpG-A. Though these CXCR3 chemokines are known to be induced by type I and II IFNs, blocking mAbs against IFN-α/β receptor or IFN-γ receptor did not inhibit induction of CXCR3 chemokines by CpG-B. Up-regulation of mRNAs for these CXCR3 chemokines was blocked by two NF-κB inhibitors - PDTC and MG132 - and a p38 inhibitor, SB202190, but not by a JNK inhibitor, SP600125 or a MEK inhibitor, U0126. In human B cells, exactly the same inhibitory pattern was observed. Conclusions These results strongly suggest that CXCR3 chemokines are directly induced by CpG-B but not by CpG-A via IFN-independent, NF-κB- and p38-dependent pathways in human B lymphocytes. This implies that CXCR3 chemokines may participate in part in the induction of Th1 responses by CpG-B.

To read food material labeling, it is important to understand cross-reactivity of IgE antibody

Abstract Rationale Food material labeling rule was effective April 2002 in Japan. Twenty-four food materials must be labeled on package. Twenty-four food materials are following; hen egg, milk, wheat, buckwheat, peanut, bearded clam, calamari, salmon roe, shrimp, orange, crab, kiwifruit, beef, walnut, salmon, mackerel, soybean, chicken, pork, matsutake mushroom, peach, yam, apple, gelatin. However most of foods cross-react with much food with same protein sequence. We should recognize cross-reactivity among food materials. Methods 80 children with any food allergy to food mentioned above were enrolled. IgE cross-reactivity was measured by inhibition ELISA and inhibition immunoblotting methods among (a) hen egg and salmon roe, (b) salmon roe, herring roe and Pollack roe, (c) salmon and salmon roe, (d) yam, Irish potato and sweet potato, (e) peanut, almond and cashew nut. Results There is no cross-reactivity of specific IgE among hen egg and salmon roe. Cross-reactivity among fish roes, potatoes, nuts was observed. Conclusions Because cross-reactivity is present among much food, it is necessary to well understand the thing when we watches food labeling.

Dramatic increase in the prevalence of allergic sensitization in Japanese adults born after the 1950s

Abstract Rationale An increasing prevalence of allergic sensitization has been shown worldwide, possibly influenced by hygienic conditions in early childhood that facilitate the development of Th2-skewed immune responses in later life. To examine this phenomenon further within the Japanese population, we investigated the prevalence of allergic sensitization using skin-prick tests (SPT) in adults from different age groups. Methods A cross-sectional survey of all adult employees of two companies in Tokyo was conducted. SPT was performed with 3 standardized allergen extracts (house dust mite (HDM), Japanese cedar pollen and egg white) and positive and negative controls (histamine and saline) using bifurcated needles. Results A total of 348 adults (218 males and 130 females, 20-66 years of age, median 37.8 years) were enrolled. Age-specific prevalence of SPT positive for at least one of the three allergens in 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60-69 year age groups was 78% (66/85), 70% (104/149), 69% (37/54), 40% (19/47) and 31% (4/13), respectively. A significant increase in the prevalence of positive SPT was observed between the 40-49 year and the 50-59 year age groups (logistic regression analysis, p 50 years or aged 0.05). In males aged 20-29 years, the prevalence reached 90%. Positive SPT to HDM is mostly due to the increase in prevalence in the under40 age group. Conclusions This dramatic increase implies that changes in environment starting around the 1950s may be associated with a Th2-skewed immune deviation in Japan.