Notes

Atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome: an instance of unusual genetic mutation.
The proportions of patients who withdrew from the study (p=0.0019), whose medication was discontinued owing to adverse events (p=0.0007), or whose dose was reduced owing to adverse events (p less then 0.0001) were significantly higher for "lower-dose prescription drugs" than those for other drugs; however, the proportion of elderly patients did not show this significant increase in the "lower-dose prescription drugs" group.In 2010, the in-hospital practical training period for pharmacy students was extended from 4 to 11 weeks. We have conducted questionnaire surveys of these students every year with the aim of reviewing the quality of training by conduction of surveys and evaluations. However, it was not clear whether reviewing based on the questionnaire results improved student satisfaction with the in-hospital practical training. Therefore, the aim of this study was to verify the validity of reviewing based on the questionnaire results by analyzing the data accumulated during the long-term practical training. A questionnaire survey was conducted of 333 5th-year students upon completion of practical training at Chiba University Hospital from 2010 to 2017. Students self-evaluated their attitude toward practical training on a 6-point scale and their satisfaction level for each component of the practical training on a 5-point scale. The students were also allowed to share their feelings about hospital pharmacy work. Repeated review of the training content can facilitate communication with patients, which was lacking at the beginning of the training period. Improved communication led to higher-quality pharmacy practice and increased student satisfaction. Meanwhile, changes to work procedures may reduce student satisfaction unless the training strategy is reviewed accordingly. Because the work of hospital pharmacists is constantly changing, it is considered that the content of the practical training should be revised accordingly through continuous conduction of surveys and evaluations, thereby enabling optimal practical training.Fungi are eukaryotic microorganisms that show complex life cycles, including both anamorph and teleomorph stages. Beta-1,3-1,6-glucans (BGs) are major cell wall components in fungi. BGs are also found in a soluble form and are secreted by fungal cells. Studies of fungal BGs extensively expanded from 1960 to 1990 due to their applications in cancer immunotherapy. However, progress in this field slowed down due to the low efficacy of such therapies. In the early 21st century, the discovery of C-type lectin receptors significantly enhanced the molecular understanding of innate immunity. Moreover, pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) were also discovered. Soon, dectin-1 was identified as the PRR of BGs, whereas BGs were established as PAMPs. Then, studies on fungal BGs focused on their participation in the development of deep-seated mycoses and on their role as a source of functional foods. Fungal BGs may have numerous and complex linkages, making it difficult to systematize them even at the primary structure level. Moreover, elucidating the structure of BGs is largely hindered by the multiplicity of genes involved in cell wall biosynthesis, including those for BGs, and by fungal diversity. The present review mainly focused on the characteristics of fungal BGs from the viewpoint of structure and immunological activities.Na ionophores increase intracellular Na+ ([Na+]i). Membrane potentials and currents were measured using microelectrode and whole-cell patch-clamp techniques. Omilancor concentration Monensin (10-6-3×10-5 M) reduced the slope of the pacemaker potentials and shortened the action potential duration (APD) in sino-atrial nodal and Purkinje cells. Monensin (10-5 M) shortened the APD and reduced the amplitude of the plateau phase in ventricular myocytes. Monensin decreased the hyperpolarization-activated inward current (If), and it increased the transient outward potassium current (Ito) in Purkinje cells. In addition, monensin decreased the sodium current (INa), shifting the inactivation curve to the hyperpolarized direction. Moreover, monensin decreased the L-type calcium current (ICa) in ventricular myocytes. The Na+-Ca2+ exchange current (INa-Ca) was augmented particularly in the reverse mode, and the Na+-K+ pump current (INa-K) was also activated by monensin in cardiomyocytes. The ATP-activated potassium current (IK,ATP) could be induced by monensin. Notably, the inward rectifying K+ current (IK1), and the slow delayed outward K+ current (IKs) were not affected evidently by monensin. Collectively, alteration of [Na+]i can influence the activities of various ion channels and transporters. Thus, the significance of altered [Na+]i should be taken into consideration in the action of drugs affecting [Na+]i such as digitalis, Na+ channel blockers, and Na+ channel activating agents.Cellular transport systems for both essential and toxic trace elements remain elusive. In our studies on the transport systems for cadmium (Cd), we found that the cellular uptake of Cd is mediated by the transporter for manganese (Mn). We identified ZIP8 and ZIP14, members of the ZIP zinc (Zn) transporter family, as transporters having high affinities for both Cd and Mn. Notably, the uptake of Cd into rice root from soil is mediated by a transporter for Mn as well. We found that ZIP8 is highly expressed at the S3 segment of the kidney proximal tubule and can transport glomerulus-filtered Cd and Mn ions in the lumen into epithelial cells of the proximal tubule, suggesting that ZIP8 has an important role in the renal reabsorption of both toxic Cd and essential Mn. Mutations in ZIP8 and ZIP14 genes were found in humans having congenital disorders associated with the disturbed transport of Mn, although ZIP8 mutation causes whole-body Mn deficiency while ZIP14 mutation causes Mn accumulation in the brain. Mutations in ZnT10, a Zn transporter responsible for Mn excretion, also cause hyperaccumulation of Mn in the brain. Results of genome-wide association studies have indicated that ZIP8 SNPs are involved in a variety of common diseases. Thus, ZIP8, ZIP14, and ZnT10 play crucial roles in the transport of Mn and thereby control Mn- and Cd-related biological events in the body.
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