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Triokinase/FMN cyclase (Tkfc) is involved in fructose metabolism and is responsible for the phosphorylation of glyceraldehyde to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate. In this study, we showed that refeeding induced hepatic expression of Tkfc in mice. Luciferase reporter gene assays using the Tkfc promoter revealed the existence of 2 hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α)-responsive elements (HNF4RE1 and HNF4RE2) and 1 carbohydrate-responsive element-binding protein (ChREBP)-responsive element (ChoRE1). Deletion and mutation of HNF4RE1 and HNF4RE2 or ChoRE1 abolished HNF4α and ChREBP responsiveness, respectively. HNF4α and ChREBP synergistically stimulated Tkfc promoter activity. ChoRE1 mutation attenuated but maintained HNF4α responsiveness, whereas HNF4RE1 and HNF4RE2 mutations abolished ChREBP responsiveness. Moreover, Tkfc promoter activity stimulation by ChREBP was attenuated upon HNF4α knockdown. Furthermore, Tkfc expression was decreased in the livers of ChREBP −/− and liver-specific HNF4 −/− (Hnf4α ΔHep) mice. Altogether, our data indicate that Tkfc is a target gene of ChREBP and HNF4α, and Tkfc promoter activity stimulation by ChREBP requires HNF4α. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the current implementation status of and opinions and concerns regarding suicide education at schools of social work in Japan. We conducted a survey of faculty members who taught at least one of the social work subjects. About half the respondents had given a lecture of some kind on suicide, and more than 80% agreed that suicide is an important topic to include in social work program curricula. However, more than half indicated they did not have enough knowledge or skills to teach students about suicide, and more than 60% were concerned about adverse psychological effects of suicide education on students. Our findings highlight the importance of providing faculty members with guidelines for teaching students about suicide.

Elevated plasma low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level is a risk factor for developing atherosclerosis. Increased LDL receptor (LDLR) expression is expected to reduce the risk of atherosclerotic disease since hepatic LDLR is essential for clearing plasma LDL cholesterol. Here, we screened human LDLR promoter effectors and observed that extracts from peduncles of sweet cherry (Prunus avium) 'Sato‐Nishiki' induce LDLR gene promoter activity. We used several analytical and chemical methods to show that chrysin 7‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside (chrysin‐7G) is one of the compounds that stimulate LDLR gene promoter activity in cherry peduncle extracts. Furthermore, synthetic chrysin‐7G increased the expression and activity of LDLR. The chrysin‐7G–mediated increase in LDLR expression and activity was completely abolished by treatment with an AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor, compound C. These results indicate that chrysin‐7G increases LDLR expression through AMPK activation and may be a useful compound that can be recycled from waste parts of agricultural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Under-recognition of depression is common in many countries. Education of medical staff, focusing on their attitudes towards depression, may be necessary to change their behavior and enhance recognition of depression. Several studies have previously reported on attitudes toward depression among general physicians. However, little is known about attitudes of non-psychiatric doctors in Japan. In the present study, we surveyed non-psychiatric doctors’ attitude toward depression. Methods The inclusion criteria of participants in the present study were as follows: 1) Japanese non-psychiatric doctors and 2) attendees in educational opportunities regarding depression care. We conveniently approached two populations: 1) a workshop to depression care for non-psychiatric doctors and 2) a general physician-psychiatrist (G-P) network group. We contacted 367 subjects. Attitudes toward depression were measured using the Depression Attitude Questionnaire (DAQ), a 20-item self-report questionnaire developed for general physicians. We report scores of each DAQ item and factors derived from exploratory factor analysis. Results We received responses from 230 subjects, and we used DAQ data from 187 non-psychiatric doctors who met the inclusion criteria. All non-psychiatric doctors (n = 187) disagreed with "I feel comfortable in dealing with depressed patients' needs," while 60 % (n = 112) agreed with "Working with depressed patients is heavy going." Factor analysis indicated these items comprised a factor termed "Depression should be treated by psychiatrists" - to which 54 % of doctors (n = 101) agreed. Meanwhile, 67 % of doctors (n = 126) thought that nurses could be useful in depressed patient support. The three factors derived from the Japanese DAQ differed from models previously derived from British GP samples. The attitude of Japanese non-psychiatric doctors concerning whether depression should be treated by psychiatrists was markedly different to that of British GPs. Conclusions Japanese non-psychiatric doctors believe that depression care is beyond the scope of their duties. It is suggested that educational programs or guidelines for depression care developed in other countries such as the UK are not directly adaptable for Japanese non-psychiatric doctors. Developing a focused educational program that motivates non-psychiatric doctors to play a role in depression care is necessary to enhance recognition and treatment of depression in Japan.

Transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) plays versatile roles in the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation. TAZ activity changes in response to the cellular environment such as mechanic and nutritional stimuli, osmolarity, and hypoxia. To understand the physiological roles of TAZ, chemical compounds that activate TAZ in cells are useful as experimental reagents. Kaempferol, TM-25659, and ethacridine are reported as TAZ activators. However, as each TAZ activator has a distinct property in cellular functions, additional TAZ activators are awaiting. We screened for TAZ activators and previously reported IB008738 as a TAZ activator that promotes myogenesis in C2C12 cells. In this study, we have characterized IBS004735 that was obtained in the same screening. IBS004735 also promotes myogenesis in C2C12 cells, but is not similar to IBS008738 in the structure. IBS004735 activates TAZ via Akt and has no effect on TAZ phosphorylation, which is the well-described key modification to regulate TAZ activity. Thus, we introduce IBS004735 as a novel TAZ activator that regulates TAZ in a yet unidentified mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Although the female suicide rate in Japan is one of the highest among OECD countries, little has been done to assess the psychosocial and psychiatric characteristics of Japanese female suicide completers. This study aimed to examine sex differences in psychosocial and psychiatric characteristics of suicide completers using a psychological autopsy study method, and to identify female suicide factors and intervention points to prevent female suicides. Methods A semi-structured interview was conducted with close family members of adult suicide completers. The interview included questions regarding sociodemographic factors, suicide characteristics, previous suicidal behaviors and a family history of suicidal behaviors, financial problems, and physical/psychiatric problems. Fisher's exact test and the Student's t-test were used to explore sex differences in these survey items, and individual descriptive information of female suicide cases was also examined. Results Of the 92 suicide completers, 28 were female and 64 were male. Females had a significantly higher prevalence of a history of self-harm/suicide attempts ( P < 0.001). The prevalence of eating disorders was significantly higher among females than males ( P < 0.01). Conclusion The findings of this study highlight the importance of providing psychological and social support to caregivers of those who repeatedly attempt suicide and express suicidal thoughts, and to suggest the need to improve community care systems to be aware of suicide risk factors among female suicide attempters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on various factors of social workers' positions towards suicide. It states that the study mailed a self-administered questionnaire to participants who are registered with the Japanese Association of Certified Social Workers in Tokyo. It used Attitudes Toward Suicide Scale (ATTS) and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). Results show that those who have a history of suicidal behavior had firm stands towards the right to suicide.

Background: Studies on attitudes toward suicide are of great interest to researchers worldwide. Although various instruments have been developed to measure attitudes toward suicide, psychometric properties of these instruments have not been systematically reviewed and organized.Aim: We aimed to identify valid, reliable and feasible attitudinal scales by systematically reviewing published articles on scale development and validation studies. In particular, this study focused on scales used for a wide range of populations to measure multidimensional attitudes toward suicide and related issues.Methods: Electronic searches of two databases, PubMed and PsychInfo, were performed. Scales with unique names were identified and listed after reviewing selected publications, and then evaluated for psychometric properties, multidimensionality and appropriateness for a wide range of populations.Results: A total of 2,210 publications were identified by the first electronic search. In the final review process of the selected publications, three scales — the Suicide Opinion Questionnaire (SOQ), Suicide Attitude Questionnaire (SUIATT) and Attitudes Toward Suicide (ATTS) — were identified.Conclusion: Each of these scales has its own characteristics and should be used in accordance with research purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Liver X receptors (LXR) α and β are a family of nuclear receptors that regulate lipogenesis by controlling the expression of the genes involved in the synthesis of fatty acids. MID1IP1 , which encodes MIG12, is a target gene of LXR. MIG12 induces fatty acid synthesis by stimulating the polymerization-mediated activation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). Here, we show that LXR's activation stimulates ACC polymerization in HepG2 cells by increasing the expression of MIG12. A knockdown of MID1IP1 abrogated the stimulation completely. The mutations of MIG12's leucine-zipper domain reduced the interaction between MIG12 and ACC, thus decreasing the MIG12's capacity to stimulate ACC polymerization. These results indicate that LXR's activation stimulates lipogenesis not only through the induction of the genes encoding lipogenic enzymes but also through MIG12's stimulation of ACC polymerization. • LXR activation stimulates ACC polymerization. • MIG12 is required for the LXR activation-induced ACC polymerization. • The leucine-zipper domain of MIG12 is important for its function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muscle wasting or sarcopenia contributes to morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer, renal failure, or heart failure, and in elderly individuals. Na+-K+-2Cl− cotransporter 1 (NKCC1) is highly expressed in mammalian skeletal muscle, where it contributes to the generation of membrane ion currents and potential. However, the physiologic function of NKCC1 in myogenesis is unclear. We investigated this issue using the NKCC1 inhibitors bumetanide and furosemide, which are commonly used loop diuretics. NKCC1 protein levels increased during C2C12 murine skeletal myoblast differentiation, similarly to those of the myogenic markers myogenin and myosin heavy chain (MHC). NKCC1 inhibitors markedly suppressed myoblast fusion into myotubes and the expression of myogenin and MHC. Furthermore, phosphorylated and total NKCC1 levels were elevated in mouse skeletal muscles after 6 weeks' voluntary wheel running. Immunofluorescence analyses of myofiber cross-sections revealed more large myofibers after exercise, but this was impaired by daily intraperitoneal bumetanide injections (0.2 or 10 mg/kg/day). NKCC1 plays an essential role in myogenesis and exercise-induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy, and sarcopenia in patients with renal or heart failure may be attributable to treatment with loop diuretics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) is composed of 11 β-strands, and loses GFP signals, when divided into the N-terminal ten β-strands (GFP1-10) and the C-terminal last β-strand (GFP11). However, when GFP1-10 and GFP11 encounter, they reassemble into the fluorescent GFP. We expressed GFP1-10 and blasticidin resistance gene product-fused GFP11 (BSR-GFP11) in C2C12 cells. Both the cell lines do not show GFP but when they undergo myogenesis and myofusion, GFP1-10 and BSR-GFP11 form the fluorescent complex in multi-nuclear myotubes, so that GFP signals reflect myogenesis and myofusion.

Objectives: We previously reported that many non-psychiatric doctors in Japan believe that treating depression was not part of their duties. Educational interventions must address motivation of physicians to play a role in depression care. In this study, we explored factors associated with perceived feasibility and willingness of non-psychiatric doctors in Japan to treat depression., Methods: The study population included non-psychiatric doctors of the General Physician-Psychiatrist (G-P) Network group in Japan. We explored perceived feasibility and willingness to treat depressed patients, and examined preliminary associations with attitudes toward depression (the Depression Attitude Questionnaire: DAQ) and current depression treatment in routine medical practice., Results: Responses were obtained from 56 non-psychiatric doctors (response rate: 35.4%). The doctors who scored high on the "Professional" and "Pessimism" subscale of the DAQ believed that treating depressed patients was not feasible (chi2 = 13.6, p < 0.01; chi2 = 7.3, p < 0.05, respectively) and were not willing to treat depressed patients (chi2 = 9.4, p < 0.01; chi2 = 6.6, p < 0.05, respectively) as part of their routine medical practice. The doctors who scored high on the "Professional" subscale referred fewer depressed patients to psychiatrists (r = -0.33, p < 0.05), and those who scored high on the "Pessimism" subscale recognized fewer depressed patients (r = -0.39, p < 0.01)., Conclusions: The present study showed that attitudes toward depression were associated with perceived feasibility and willingness to treat depressed patients and with under-diagnosis of depression. Educational interventions optimized for these attitudes should be developed to improve recognition and treatment of depression in Japan.