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Scurvy, a condition caused by vitamin C deficiency, is rare, especially in high-income countries. Symptoms of scurvy are typically characterised by dermatological disorders such as poor wound healing and tooth loss, but there is not usually cardiac involvement. A case of reversible pulmonary hypertension and right-sided heart failure owing to scurvy in a 7-year-old boy with autism spectrum disorder is reported. He had a very restricted diet and presented with polyarthralgia, gingival hyperplasia with ecchymosis, and fatigue. His condition, including pulmonary hypertension and right-sided heart failure, completely resolved with vitamin C supplementation. Paediatricians should have a high index of suspicion for scurvy in children with nutritional selectivity and be aware that it can manifest with cardiac symptoms. Scurvy may be life-threatening if not treated, but the symptoms can improve rapidly with vitamin C supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An 11-month-old male infant with ascending paralysis had an unremarkable initial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and imaging. Progressive neurological symptoms resulted in repeated CSF sampling, microscopy, and plasma microbial cell-free DNA next-generation sequencing analysis, that in combination with epidemiology, confirmed the diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-grade iron ore with high combined water (CW) content (e.g., goethite) has been first dehydrated at low temperatures mildly to be slit-shaped nano-order pore, then has been reduced by ethanol (C 2 H 5 OH) charging under the heating conditions. Bioethanol as derived from biomass, regarded as a renewable and carbon-neutral resource, is a promising candidate as a reducing agent for ironmaking. In the experiments, ethanol was dropwise added to the mild-dehydrated, porous iron ore beds at heating conditions using the temperature-program. As a result, the ethanol was soon decomposed to CO and H 2 , which then reduced the iron oxides. Porous iron ore acts as a good catalyst for ethanol decomposition as it simultaneously reduces to metallic iron. Interestingly, iron oxides were reduced at a lower temperature, compared to conventional coal-based ironmaking in the blast furnace. Metallic Fe was obtained at only 750 °C, showing a reduction degree of 81%, due to the contribution of hydrogen reduction. The longer charging time of ethanol promotes the higher reduction degree as well as sufficient compositions of reducing gas (H 2 -CO) for the reduction process. The results of experiments using different iron ores revealed the general rule that the higher CW content in ore makes the larger surface area of the iron ore by mild-dehydration, causing higher reactivity in the reduction process. The results appealed that mild-dehydrated iron ore is good raw materials of bioethanol ironmaking, due to its nanopores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vacuum circuit breakers are widely used in medium-voltage class. In vacuum circuit breakers, restrikes and non-sustained disruptive discharges sometimes occur after current interruptions. It is said that these late breakdowns are triggered by the microparticles. This paper aims to investigate the relationship between the motion of microparticles and subsequent late breakdown phenomena. It does by artificially injecting microparticles into the vacuum gap and observing their motion using a highspeed video camera. We focused on the sputtering of the electrode material during the current interruption and the mechanical stress of the switching operation as being the origin of these microparticles. We found that the motion of microparticles can be grouped into two distinct patterns: bouncing and attaching. Bouncing microparticles seem to be made of metal, while most of the attaching microparticles attached themselves to the cathode, and their charge was about five times greater than that of the bouncing microparticles. The attaching microparticles seem to be positively charged by secondary electron emissions from the surface under electron bombardment due to the field emission current from the cathode. From these results, we believe that the surfaces of the attaching particles are covered with an insulating layer. From our observations of the production of microparticles by mechanical stress, we have found that the breakdown voltage of the gap drastically drops after a mechanical switching operation where microparticles are produced. The breakdown voltage is restored with repetitive mechanical switching operations and subsequent voltage application. However, the breakdown voltage drops again when the operating speed of the electrode is increased. We also found that microparticles are scattered from the cathode spots on electrodes that have not been current-conditioned, and they are hardly produced from electrodes that are current-conditioned. From these results, we believe that controlling the speed of the mechanical switching operation and the current conditioning are effective ways to prevent the microparticles from being produced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Fe2VAl was synthesized by single thermite-type combustion synthesis (STCS). [•] The Fe2VAl synthesized by STCS had low thermal conductivity. [•] The maximum value of the power factor was 99.6μWm−1 K−2. [•] The maximum value of the dimensionless figure of merit was 2.19×10−3 at 309K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Heat-resistant nanocomposite films with high refractive indices. [•] In situ polymerization to disperse refractive nanoparticles into polyimide films. [•] A combination of thermal and chemical imidizations to enhance refractive index. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

- Aim: Experimental materials incorporating fiberglass cloth were used to develop a thin and lightweight face guard (FG). This study aims to evaluate the effect of fiberglass reinforcement on the flexural and shock absorption properties compared with conventional thermoplastic materials. Material and Method: Four commercial 3.2-mm and 1.6-mm medical splint materials (Aquaplast, Polyform, Co-polymer, and Erkodur) and two experimental materials were examined for use in FGs. The experimental materials were prepared by embedding two or four sheets of a plain woven fiberglass cloth on both surfaces of 1.5-mm Aquaplast. The flexural strength and flexural modulus were determined using a three-point bending test. The shock absorption properties were evaluated for a 5200-N impact load using the first peak intensity with a load cell system and the maximum stress with a film sensor system. Results and Conclusions: The flexural strength (74.6 MPa) and flexural modulus (6.3 GPa) of the experimental material with four sheets were significantly greater than those of the 3.2-mm commercial specimens, except for the flexural strength of one product. The first peak intensity (515 N) and maximum stress (2.2 MPa) of the experimental material with four sheets were significantly lower than those of the commercial 3.2-mm specimens, except for one product for each property. These results suggest that the thickness and weight of the FG can be reduced using the experimental fiber-reinforced material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile radiography allows for the diagnostic imaging of patients who cannot move to the X-ray examination room. Therefore, mobile X-ray equipment is useful for patients who have difficulty with movement. However, staff are exposed to scattered radiation from the patient, and they can receive potentially harmful radiation doses during radiography. We estimated occupational exposure during mobile radiography using phantom measurements. Scattered radiation distribution during mobile radiography was investigated using a radiation survey meter. The efficacy of radiation-reducing methods for mobile radiography was also evaluated. The dose decreased as the distance from the X-ray center increased. When the distance was more than 150 cm, the dose decreased to less than 1 μSv. It is extremely important for radiological technologists (RTs) to maintain a sufficient distance from the patient to reduce radiation exposure. The spatial dose at eye-lens height increases when the bed height is high, and when the RT is short in stature and abdominal imaging is performed. Maintaining sufficient distance from the patient is also particularly effective in limiting radiation exposure of the eye lens. Our results suggest that the doses of radiation received by staff during mobile radiography are not significant when appropriate radiation protection is used. To reduce exposure, it is important to maintain a sufficient distance from the patient. Therefore, RTs should bear this is mind during mobile radiography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

n HPLC-peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence (PO-CL) method for simultaneous determination of methylphenidate (MPH) and ritalinic acid (RA) was developed. The method was used to monitor MPH and RA after administration of MPH to rats. Deproteinized plasma spiked with 1-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine (IS) was dried and labeled with 4-( N,N-dimethylaminosulfonyl)-7-fluoro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole (DBD-F). The labeled sample was cleaned with two kinds of solid-phase extraction cartridge, and the DBD-labels were separated on an ODS column with gradient elution using a mixture of CHCN and imidazole-HNO buffer. Separation of MPH and RA can be achieved within 33 min. The LODs of MPH and RA at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3 were 2.2 and 0.4 ng mL, respectively. Moreover, monitoring of MPH and RA after MPH administration (10 mg kg) to rat could be performed. The concentration of RA 480 min after administration was eight times higher than that of MPH. The proposed HPLC-PO-CL method was useful for determination of MPH and RA in rat plasma and was successfully used to monitor these substances after MPH administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the issues related to the scenario of politics in Japan. As mentioned, observers of Japanese law and politics have been concerned about the nationalistic attitude of Japanese politicians. It mentions of the Supreme Court case Kikuya v. Taniuchi regarding the issue concerning Japanese constitutional scheme its relation to separation of church and state.

Abstract: Enhancement of peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence (PO-CL) intensity by a surfactant in the H2O2/bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)oxalate (TCPO)/rhodamine B system was described. The effects of 15 surfactants were evaluated by comparing the ratio of a relative CL intensity (RCI) with surfactant to that of the blank in each system. In preliminary study, H2O2/imidazole-HNO3 buffer/TCPO/rhodamine B system was used to study the effects of surfactants on PO-CL intensity. Fourteen surfactants reduced the CL intensity at the 2% concentration, where their relative CL intensities ranged from 0.6 to 93.5%. Some of these phenomena may be caused by a notable change of pH that was occurred by adding the surfactant. Additionally, enhancement of PO-CL intensity was studied by using system (1) H2O2/TCPO/rhodamine B and (2) H2O2/imidazole-HNO3 buffer/TCPO/systems. In the system 1, the favorable enhancement of CL intensity (ranged from 124 to 472%) was observed with 9 surfactants at the 0.5% concentration. This result suggested that several surfactants might play a role as a catalyst in the PO-CL reaction. There was no tendency to enhance CL intensity among the surfactant types. In the system 2, the enhancement of CL intensity was also observed by adding with 11 surfactants, which might be mainly caused by the fluorescent impurities of surfactants used. Furthermore, detection of detergent commercially available was applied by using the system 1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, we investigated the effects of δ-opioid receptor antagonists on the G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channel currents induced by serotonin (5-HT) and noradrenaline (NAd) in the dorsal raphe and the locus coeruleus neurons, respectively. Perforated patch and conventional whole-cell patch clamp recording techniques were used for the study. Neurons were acutely dissociated from neonatal rats. Both naltrindole (NTI) and naltriben (NTB), which are selective δ-antagonists possessing antitussive activity in in vivo animal studies, reversibly inhibited the 5-HT-induced GIRK channel currents (I5-HT) in dorsal raphe neurons. This inhibition was concentration-dependent and voltage-independent. The half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) on I5-HT was 9.84×10−5 M for NTI and 1.28×10−5 M for NTB. The inhibition was not reversed by 10−5 M DPDPE, a selective δ-opioid receptor agonist. NTI did not affect 50% effective concentration (EC50) on the concentration–response relationship for 5-HT but inhibited the maximum response. In neurons internally perfused with GTPγS, both NTI and NTB also inhibited the GIRK channel currents irreversibly activated by 5-HT. Furthermore, these antagonists concentration dependently inhibited 10−6 M NAd-induced currents (INAd) in locus coeruleus neurons. The IC50 of NTI on INAd was 8.44×10−5 M, which was close to that on I5-HT. The results suggest that NTI and NTB, which are δ-opioid receptor antagonists possessing antitussive activity, may inhibit GIRK channel currents through a non-opioid action, and give further support to our idea previously proposed that centrally acting non-narcotic antitussives have a common characteristic of the inhibitory action on GIRK channels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A spectroscopic investigation was undertaken to determine cationic micellar effects on the ground-state and excited singlet-state proton transfer reactions of the title compounds with and without triethylamine (TEA). It was found that the presence of hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (HTAC) micelles containing TEA apparently lowers the equilibrium constant for the formation of tautomer anions having hydrophobic alkyl or aryl side chains (owing to a decrease of the effective concentration of TEA in the micellar phase) but exerted only a minor effect on the tautomerization of 7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin. The latter finding was explained in terms of the adsorption of this guest on the cationic head group with the hydroxy group directed toward the bulk aqueous phase. Analysis of HTAC micellar effects on the fluorescence spectra and lifetimes of the guests and their tautomer anions in the absence of TEA revealed that the orientation of our bichromophoric guest molecules in the micellar phase is subject to dramatic electronic effects of aryl substituents attached at the 4-position of the hydroxycoumarin ring. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Focuses on a study on the role of the cytoplasmic tail of tissue factor in the regulation of vascular endothelial production in human melanoma cell lines. Methodology of the study; Results and discussion; Conclusion.

Base-stabilized silanone complex Cp*(OC)2W(SiMe3){O═SiMes2(DMAP)} (2) was synthesized by the reaction of (silyl)(silylene)tungsten complex Cp*(OC)2W(SiMe3)(═SiMes2) (1) with 1 equiv of pyridine-N-oxide (PNO) in the presence of 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP). Further oxygenation of 2 with 3 equiv of PNO at 80 °C resulted in the formation of a W-O-Si-O-Si framework to give disiloxanoxy complex Cp*(O)2W{OSiMes2(OSiMe3)} (3). Complex 3 was also obtained by the direct reaction of complex 1 with 4 equiv of PNO at 80 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors would like to make the following corrections to the above paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The angular dependence of de Haas–van Alphen effect has been measured to reveal the electronic structure of filled skutterudite PrRu4Sb12. The angular dependence of de Haas–van Alphen frequency of PrRu4Sb12 is in good agreement with that of LaRu4Sb12. Compared with PrFe4P12, no anomalous enhancement of cyclotron effective mass has been observed in this system. This change of electronic structure is attributed to the difference in the c−f hybridization strength, which is expected from the large difference in the lattice parameters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper describes the biological response of cultured HeLa S3 cells to non-thermal, intense burst sinusoidal electric fields (IBSEF). The proliferation activity of the cells subjected to 300 kV/m, 200 μs-long IBSEF with a frequency between 0.3 MHz and 100 MHz was evaluated by using an automatic cell event monitor, xCELLigence, for 48 hours. The experiment showed that the cell proliferation depended on the pulse number and the frequency band of the IBSEF. The application of the smaller number of the pulses enhances the proliferation, whereas the large number of pulses tends to kill the cells. The dependence on the pulse number indicates the effect of the pulse is accumulated. The cells seem to be more sensitive to the pulses at the lower frequencies less than 1 MHz. The frequency of 100 MHz, which is sufficiently large for the field to penetrate into the cell, did not appear to influence the proliferation and the immediate death process. When the cells were subjected to 30 pulses of 3 MHz IBSEF, the proliferation was promoted 1.6 times as fast as that of the sham exposure. The frequency dependence of the proliferation might be associated with the electrical stress at the plasma membrane where several proteins related to the cell cycling are located. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: To prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, various vaccines have been developed and used in a large number of people worldwide. One of the most commonly used vaccines is the mRNA vaccine developed by Moderna. Although several studies have shown this vaccine to be safe, the full extent of its side effects has not yet been known. Miller-Fisher syndrome (MFS) is a rare condition that manifests ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and loss of tendon reflexes. It is a subtype of Guillain-Barré syndrome and an immune-mediated disease related to serum IgG anti-GQ1b antibodies. Several vaccines including those for COVID-19 have been reported to induce MFS. However, there have been no reports of MFS following Moderna COVID-19 vaccine administration.Case Presentation: A 70-year-old man was referred to our hospital due to diplopia that manifested 1 week after receiving the second Moderna vaccine dose. The patient presented with restricted abduction of both eyes, mild ataxia, and loss of tendon reflexes. He was diagnosed with MFS based on his neurological findings and detection of serum anti-GQ1b antibodies. The patient was administered intravenous immunoglobulin, and his symptoms gradually improved. Five days after admission, the patient showed peripheral facial paralysis on the right side. This symptom was suggested to be a delayed onset of peripheral facial nerve palsy following MFS that gradually improved by administration of steroids and antiviral drugs.Conclusion: There have been no previous reports of MFS after Moderna COVID-19 vaccination. This case may provide new information about the possible neurological side effects of COVID-19 vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A reticulated dome supported by a substructure composed of BRBs is investigated. • The response reduction of the dome due to plasticization of the BRBs is analyzed. • Feasibility of construction of 120 m span single layer dome in seismic prone zone. This study investigates the effectiveness of buckling restrained braces (BRBs) adopted for reducing dynamic responses of a grid dome to severe earthquakes. The diameter of the dome is 120 m of a circular plan. The dome is supported by a ductile substructure composed of BRBs, and the substructure is proportioned so as to initially yield under a base shear coefficient of approximately 0.30 and to bear a base shear coefficient of 0.40 against earthquake motions of the ultimate limit state. Artificial seismic accelerations based on a design spectrum specified in a Japanese code are applied in the present analysis. The intensity of the applied accelerations ranges from the serviceability limit level to the ultimate limit level. The results of responses have provided us with valuable information indicating that the ductile substructure of the dome absorbs seismic energy with a stable hysteresis loop, significantly decreasing the responses of the dome. The responses also show that the dynamic amplification within the dome is greatly suppressed in comparison with those in domes supported by elastic substructures. A formulation for the response reduction rate is proposed. The present paper clearly indicates the feasibility of constructing large reticulated domes of this type in regions prone to severe seismicity using such BRBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We have previously shown FSH promotes spermatogonial proliferation and their differentiation into primary spermatocytes in organ culture of newt testicular fragments. Several growth factors identified in newt testis, such as stem cell factor (SCF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, and neuregulin (NRG)1, also stimulate spermatogonial proliferation in the organ culture. However, any growth factor added in vitro might not work on spermatogonia directly, but act on somatic cells such as Sertoli cells or pericystic cells, because size-selective barrier exists around a cyst which is enclosed by Sertoli cells. In order to determine the target somatic cells of the growth factors as well as the role of pericystic cells in spermatogonial proliferation and differentiation, we searched for agents that kill pericystic cells selectively. We found that treatment of the testicular fragments with trypan blue (TB) caused cell death of only pericystic cells and significant abolishment of the activity of SCF to stimulate spermatogonial proliferation, while the activities of neither IGF-I nor NRG1 were affected. In addition, the potency of neither IGF-I nor FSH to stimulate the differentiation of spermatogonia into primary spermatocytes was abolished by TB treatment. Consistent with these results, only the mRNA expression of c-kit was reduced by TB treatment, whereas those of FSH receptor, SCF, IGF-I, IGF-I receptor, Immunoglobulin-like domain-containing NRG1, ErbB2, and ErbB4 were unaffected. These results indicate that SCF stimulates pericystic cells, while IGF-I and NRG1, as well as FSH, activate Sertoli cells, resulting in stimulation of spermatogonial proliferation in organ culture of testicular fragments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Short-term cultured suspension cells of rice (Oryza sativa L.) are capable of regeneration, but not in long-term culture. For clarification of the mechanism of regeneration, protein phosphorylation in short-term and long-term cultured suspension cells was compared by two dimensional- polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A 56 kDa protein having an isoelectric point of 4.5 was phosphorylated in vitro in short-term cultured suspension cells, but was not phosphorylated after regeneration. This protein in longterm cultured suspension cells remained phosphorylated after transfer to the regeneration medium. However, using an antibody raised against this protein from short-term cultured suspension cells, it was always detected in long-term and short-term cultured suspension cells after transfer to the regeneration medium. The partial amino acid sequence of the HPLC-purified protein showed homology to a calcium-binding protein from maize. The phosphorylation of the 56 kDa protein (pp56) appears to be associated with the regeneration of cultured rice cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brownmillerite-structured Ca 2 AlMnO 5 is inexpensive and capable of rapid oxygen storage and release. This study focused on improving the oxygen storage/release rate of Ca 2 AlMnO 5 , which is essential for its application in practical oxygen production systems. Two approaches were investigated for improving the oxygen-trapping ability of Ca 2 AlMnO 5 : heat treatment for 2 h and 24 h after solution combustion synthesis (SCS) and the addition of Pt nanoparticles as a catalyst. Noticeably, crystalline Ca 2 AlMnO 5 was formed after heat treatment at 1250 °C for at least 2 h. For the 2-h heat treatment, the average particle size of Ca 2 AlMnO 5 was 11.4 μm, while that for the 24-h treatment was 18.9 μm. This reduction in the particle size increases the oxygen storage/release rate because of the relatively short diffusion distance within the particles. The oxygen storage rate increased with the addition of Pt nanoparticles because the nanoparticles were distributed across the surface and acted as catalyst. This catalyst accelerated the oxygen-evolution reaction by activating the surface reactions between oxygen ions and the Ca 2 AlMnO 5 particles. The short 2-h heat treatment prevented the Pt nanoparticles from aggregating. When the Pt nanoparticle addition was implemented in combination with the 2-h heat treatment, the storage and release rates were drastically improved, i.e., by 2.5 and 6.1 times, respectively, compared with the sample after 24-h heat treatment without Pt nanoparticles. The oxygen storage/release rate remained constant even after repeated use at 550 °C, for over 25 cycles. Furthermore, Ca 2 AlMnO 5 suffered no surface damage, and none of the Pt nanoparticles re-agglomerated after this test, further indicating the durability of the treated material. • Solution combustion synthesis of Ca 2 AlMnO 5 as oxygen storage material was studied. • Effects of heating time and Pt nanoparticles as catalysts were investigated. • Short heat treatment and Pt addition increased the storage/release rate. • The combination of Pt addition and 2 h heat treatment was a good condition. • The Pt/2 h condition achieved 2.5- and 6.1-times higher storage and release rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bickerstaff's brainstem encephalitis (BBE) and Fisher syndrome (FS) are immune-mediated diseases associated with anti-ganglioside antibodies, specifically the anti-GQ1b IgG antibody. These two diseases potentially lie on a continuous spectrum with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). There are some reports of family cases of GBS and fewer of FS. However, there are no reports of family cases of BBE and FS.Case Presentation: We report a familial case of an 18-year-old son who had BBE and his 52-year-old mother diagnosed with FS within 10 days. The son showed impaired consciousness 1 week after presenting with upper respiratory symptoms and was brought to our hospital by his mother. He showed decreased tendon reflexes, limb ataxia, albuminocytologic dissociation in his spinal fluid, and positive serum anti-GQ1b antibodies. Haemophilus influenzae was cultured from his sputum. He was diagnosed with BBE and treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy, which led to an improvement in symptoms. The mother presented with upper respiratory symptoms 3 days after her son was hospitalized. Seven days later, she was admitted to the hospital with diplopia due to limited abduction of the left eye. She showed mild ataxia and decreased tendon reflexes. Her blood was positive for anti-GQ1b antibodies. She was diagnosed with FS and treated with IVIg, which also led to symptomatic improvement.Conclusions: There are no previous reports of familial cases of BBE and FS; therefore, this valuable case may contribute to the elucidation of the relationship between genetic predisposition and the pathogenesis of BBE and FS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Daily treatment with 25(OH)D 3 rescued rachitic phenotypes in the Cyp27b1 KO mice. • 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 was detected at a normal level in the plasma of Cyp27b1 KO mice. • The most probable candidate of another 1α-hydroxylase is Cyp27a1. • 25(OH)D 3 may be useful for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. Abstract We have reported that 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 [25(OH)D 3 ] binds to vitamin D receptor and exhibits several biological functions directly in vitro. To evaluate the direct effect of 25(OH)D 3 in vivo, we used Cyp27b1 knockout (KO) mice, which had no detectable plasma 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 [1,25(OH) 2 D 3 ] when fed a diet containing normal Ca and vitamin D. Daily treatment with 25(OH)D 3 at 250 μg kg-1 day-1 rescued rachitic phenotypes in the Cyp27b1 KO mice. Bone mineral density, female sexual cycles, and plasma levels of Ca, P, and PTH were all normalized following 25(OH)D 3 administration. An elevated Cyp24a1 mRNA expression was observed in the kidneys, and plasma concentrations of Cyp24a1-dependent metabolites of 25(OH)D 3 were increased. To our surprise, 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 was detected at a normal level in the plasma of Cyp27b1 KO mice. The F1 to F4 generations of Cyp27b1 KO mice fed 25(OH)D 3 showed normal growth, normal plasma levels of Ca, P, and parathyroid hormone, and normal bone mineral density. The curative effect of 25(OH)D 3 was considered to depend on the de novo synthesis of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 in the Cyp27b1 KO mice. This suggests that another enzyme than Cyp27b1 is present for the 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 synthesis. Interestingly, the liver mitochondrial fraction prepared from Cyp27b1 KO mice converted 25(OH)D 3 to 1,25(OH) 2 D 3. The most probable candidate is Cyp27a1. Our findings suggest that 25(OH)D 3 may be useful for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis for patients with chronic kidney disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: Acute Wallenberg's syndrome (WS) is sometimes misdiagnosed as a nonstroke disease including auditory vertigo, and careful neurological examination is required for a precise diagnosis. Lateral difference of body surface temperature (BST) had been reported as a symptom of WS, although further details of this symptom are currently lacking. Our aim was to investigate the laterality of BST of patients with acute WS using thermography and the usefulness of thermography to detect acute WS. Methods: Nine consecutive patients with new‐onset acute WS and nine patients with acute pontine infarction, intended for a comparison, were enrolled. Using thermography, the BST of patients was measured and initially evaluated visually. Detailed BSTs were measured using dedicated software. We examined the relationship between BST and other clinical factors, including first diagnosis, clinical symptoms, and MRI findings. Results: Four patients with WS (44.44%) were misdiagnosed with nonstroke disease and did not receive a thermography assessment at their first visit; in contrast, all acute pontine infarction patients were diagnosed with brain infarction. Eight patients with WS (89%) showed a laterality of BST at multiple sites, and three of eight patients showed a whole‐body laterality of BST; in contrast, only two pontine infarction patients showed laterality of BST at one or two sites. These lateral BST differences were easily observed visually using thermography within two minutes. The BST laterality gradually decreased over time in almost all patients with WS. The infarction size in the WS patients with whole‐body laterality of BST was craniocaudally larger than in the other patients, and the size was smallest in the patient showing no BST laterality. Conclusions: In contrast to acute pontine infarction patients, almost all patients with acute WS showed lateral BST differences, which was easily detected with thermography. Thermography may thus be a useful tool to prevent misdiagnosis of acute WS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracellular DNA damages caused by intense burst sinusoidal electric fields (IBSEFs) were investigated by means of an alkaline comet assay method. Non-thermal, 200 μs-long IBSEF with various frequency values (300 kHz-100MHz) and strengths (up to 200 kV/m) was applied to Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells in a suspending medium between 1 mm gap parallel electrodes. The comet assay suggests that 100 kV/m IBSEF with frequencies exceeding 1 MHz or 100 MHz IBSEFs with field strengths exceeding 3 kV/m induces significant DNA damage. According to the numerical calculation of the electric field over a simplified cell model under an alternating electric field, the intracellular field strength increases with increasing alternating frequency. The minimum level of the field strength that induces the DNA damage is in the range of 10-30 kV/m. This intracellular strong field might trigger biological processes leading to the DNA damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Licorice, the primary ingredient of the Japanese herbal medicine shakuyaku-kanzo-to, can cause pseudoaldosteronism. Thus, shakuyaku-kanzo-to can cause this condition. Case description: A 79-year-old woman was brought to the emergency room. She had been experiencing general fatigue, numbness in the hands, and weakness in the lower limbs and could not stand up without assistance. She presented with hypokalemia (potassium level, 1.7 mEq/L), increased urinary excretion of potassium (fractional excretion of K, 21.2%), abnormalities on an electrocardiogram (flat T waves in II, III, AVF, and V1-6), rhabdomyolysis (creatine kinase level, 28,376 U/L), myopathy, metabolic alkalosis with respiratory compensation (O2 flow rate, 2 L/min; pH, 7.473; p2, 61.0 mm Hg; p2, 78.0 mm Hg; HCO3, 44.1 mmol/L), hypertension (174/93 mm Hg), hyperglycemia (blood glucose level, 200–300 mg/dL), frequent urination, suppressed plasma renin activity (0.1 ng/mL/hour), decreased aldosterone levels (2.6 ng/dL), and increased urinary cortisol levels (600.6 μg/day; reference range, 26.0–187.0 μg/day). Conclusions: In this case, the observed reduction in the urinary cortisol levels, from 600.6 to 37.8 μg/day, led to a definitive diagnosis of pseudoaldosteronism instead of the apparent mineralocorticoid excess syndrome. Discontinuing shakuyaku-kanzo-to treatment and administering spironolactone and potassium proved effective in improving the patient's condition. Medical practitioners prescribing shakuyaku-kanzo-to should take into account the association between licorice, which is its main ingredient, and pseudoaldosteronism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present report describes for the first time that anticholinesterase type insecticides specifically inhibit the fatty acid amide hydrolase and/or monoacylglycerol lipase, as secondary target(s), in the murine male reproductive system (testis and epididymis cauda), thereby presumably being involved with spermatotoxicity such as deformity, underdevelopment, and reduced motility. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background AC or Rat Lungworm meningitis usually presents as a self-limited illness with headache and sensory changes, rarely progressing to coma, death, or permanent brain damage. It is usually diagnosed by eosinophils in the CSF. Once limited to Asia and the tropical Pacific AC transmission via slugs and snails documented on US mainland in 2018. We describe 2 unusual, severe examples of AC infection in infants presenting with ascending paralysis and initial CSF without eosinophilia suggesting Guillain–Barre syndrome (GBS). Methods Conventional lab testing of serum and CSF, brain and spine MRI, AC PCR by Hawaii Department of Health, and mcfDNA next-generation sequencing (NGS) of plasma (Karius). Results Two infants, aged 8 and 11 months, presented with fever, lower extremity weakness, and ascending paralysis. An initial evaluation in both included normal brain/spine imaging and CSF with modest lymphocytic pleocytosis without eosinophils. Paralysis progressed despite IVIG. Case 1: 11-month male: Admitted on fever day 5. Paralysis progressed to respiratory failure requiring ventilation for 20 days. Illness day 16: MRI showed spinal cord swelling C3-C7, Brain normal. CSF#3: WBC 269 28% eos, ↑ protein. Visible 8 mm long young adult worms, PCR positive for AC. Rx high-dose corticosteroids, albendazole for >4 weeks. Day 29 illness MRI: Cerebral infarct L frontal lobe, worm tracks medulla, inflammation cauda equina. Slow improvement over 5 months. Case 2: 8-month-old female: Admitted fever day 8. Weakness progressed to arms and trunk. Day 10 illness: CSF #2: Visible worms present, WBC 84, 26% eos. PCR positive for AC. Rx: High-dose steroids and albendazole x4 weeks. MRI spine illness day 30: inflammation cauda equina. Weakness improved by illness day 37. McfDNA sequencing of plasma detected AC in acute stage peaks of 123 and 12 molecules/microliter in cases 1 and 2. Serial mcfDNA testing showed a decline in the AC DNA level in plasma which correlated with treatment and clinical response. Conclusion AC infection may mimic GBS or transverse myelitis. AC diagnosis may require repeat CSF testing. NGS detection of AC in plasma holds promise as rapid, noninvasive diagnosis and assessment of response to therapy. High-dose steroids with albendazole may be effective even in severe AC. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study elucidates the influence of the pulsing sequence of repetitive nanosecond pulsed electric fields on the viability of human cancer (HeLa S3) cells. A magnetic pulse compressor was used to repetitively deliver 70 ns-long high voltage pulses to cultured HeLa cells in a 4 mm-gap cuvette electrode. The repetition frequency was varied between 0.01 and 250 pulses per second (pps), corresponding to interval from 100 to 0.004 s, respectively. The electric field and the number of pulses were fixed at 25 kV/cm and 25, respectively, which is a sub-lethal condition for the cells. Propidium iodide was used to identify dead cells in the population. Statistical analysis of a cell death ratio in approximately 5000 cells was performed using a flow cytometer. This experiment shows repetition frequency affects cell viability even with identical intra-medium electrical energy expenditure. The dead cell ratio was increased with decreasing pulse repetition frequency down to 0.33 pps, whereas the ratio is decreased with decreasing frequency below 0.1 pps. Since the resealing mechanism of nano-pores caused by the application of ns pulse lasts for a minute, the dependence of the cell viability on the pulsing sequence might be associated with time constants of biological processes related to recovery from field-induced damage. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]