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Key message: The N-terminal transmembrane domain of LPAT1 crosses the inner membrane placing the N terminus in the intermembrane space and the C-terminal enzymatic domain in the stroma. Galactolipids mono- and di-galactosyl diacylglycerol are the major and vital lipids of photosynthetic membranes. They are synthesized by five enzymes hosted at different sub-chloroplast locations. However, localization and topology of the second-acting enzyme, lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase 1 (LPAT1), which acylates the sn-2 position of glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P) to produce phosphatidic acid (PA), remain unclear. It is not known whether LPAT1 is located at the outer or the inner envelope membrane and whether its enzymatic domain faces the cytosol, the intermembrane space, or the stroma. Even the size of mature LPAT1 in chloroplasts is not known. More information is essential for understanding the pathways of metabolite flow and for future engineering endeavors to modify glycerolipid biosynthesis. We used LPAT1 preproteins translated in vitro for import assays to determine the precise size of the mature protein and found that the LPAT1 transit peptide is at least 85 residues in length, substantially longer than previously predicted. A construct comprising LPAT1 fused to the Venus fluorescent protein and driven by the LPAT1 promoter was used to complement an Arabidopsis lpat1 knockout mutant. To determine the sub-chloroplast location and topology of LPAT1, we performed protease treatment and alkaline extraction using chloroplasts containing in vitro-imported LPAT1 and chloroplasts isolated from LPAT1-Venus-complemented transgenic plants. We show that LPAT1 traverses the inner membrane via an N-terminal transmembrane domain, with its N terminus protruding into the intermembrane space and the C-terminal enzymatic domain residing in the stroma, hence displaying a different membrane topology from its bacterial homolog, PlsC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anal fistula cancer is rare and definitive treatment has not yet been established. Laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection is generally the first choice of treatment if the cancer is determined to be resectable. However, complicated anal fistula cancer often requires extensive resection. Using a myocutaneous flap for reconstruction after resection in such cases, radical resection can be performed regardless of the size of the anal fistula cancer. Case presentation: We report two cases in which we performed laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection with extensive buttock resection and myocutaneous flap reconstruction for widespread anal fistula cancer. One of the cases was reconstruction with a posterior thigh flap, the other was with a bilateral expanded gluteus maximus flap. Both cases were anal fistula cancers that developed from complicated anal fistulas. Conclusions: If the size of anal fistula cancer is large and extended buttock resection is necessary, radical resection of anal fistula cancer is possible using myocutaneous flap for reconstruction after extended abdominoperineal resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Positive peritoneal washing cytology is an indicator of poor prognosis in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC); however, its sensitivity is relatively low. This study evaluated the performance of peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-directed PCR clamping as a molecular-based peritoneal washing cytology for sensitive detection of KRAS mutation in PDAC. Intraoperative peritoneal washing fluid (IPWF) obtained from patients with PDAC who underwent surgery was analyzed. PNA-directed PCR clamping was performed on DNA extracted from IPWF. Among 54 patients enrolled, threshold cycle (Ct) was significantly lower in patients with positive peritoneal washing cytology than in those with negative peritoneal washing cytology (P < 0.001) and in patients with peritoneal dissemination than in those without peritoneal dissemination (P < 0.01). The optimal Ct cut-off to predict KRAS mutations in IPWF was 36.42 based on a receiver operating characteristic curve. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for molecular diagnosis were 100%, 80.0%, and 85.2%, respectively. Peritoneal dissemination recurrence was significantly more frequent in patients with a positive molecular diagnosis than in those with a negative diagnosis (38.9 vs. 8.0%, P = 0.013). The genomic approach might be clinically valuable for a more precise tumor cell detection in IPWF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic matter in the Martian sediments may provide a key to understanding the prebiotic chemistry and habitability of early Mars. The Curiosity rover has measured highly variable and 13C-depleted carbon isotopic values in early Martian organic matter whose origin is uncertain. One hypothesis suggests the deposition of simple organic molecules generated from 13C-depleted CO derived from CO2 photochemical reduction in the atmosphere. Here, we present a coupled photochemistry-climate evolution model incorporating carbon isotope fractionation processes induced by CO2 photolysis, carbon escape, and volcanic outgassing in an early Martian atmosphere of 0.5–2 bar, composed mainly of CO2, CO, and H2 to track the evolution of the carbon isotopic composition of C-bearing species. The calculated carbon isotopic ratio in formaldehyde (H2CO) can be highly depleted in 13C due to CO2-photolysis-induced fractionation and is variable with changes in atmospheric CO/CO2 ratio, surface pressure, albedo, and H2 outgassing rate. Conversely, CO2 becomes enriched in 13C, as estimated from the carbonates preserved in ALH84001 meteorite. Complex organic matter formed by the polymerization of such H2CO could explain the strong depletion in 13C observed in the Martian organic matter. Mixing with other sources of organic matter would account for its unique variable carbon isotopic values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extramural venous invasion (EMVI) is a prognostic factor in rectal cancer. There are two types: EMVI detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (mr-EMVI) and EMVI detected by pathology (p-EMVI). They have been separately evaluated, but they have not yet been concurrently evaluated. We therefore evaluate both mr-EMVI and p-EMVI in rectal cancer at the same time and clarify their association with prognosis. Patients and Methods: Included were the 186 consecutive patients who underwent complete radical resection of tumors ≤ stage III at Wakayama Medical University Hospital, Japan, between 2010 and 2018. All underwent preoperative MRI examination, and were reassessed for EMVI by a radiologist. Surgically resected specimens were then reassessed for EMVI by a pathologist. We assessed the correlation between positivity of mr-EMVI and p-EMVI and prognosis, and the clinicopathological background behind them. Results: Patients with double negativity for mr-EMVI and p-EMVI had better prognosis than patients with mr-EMVI or p-EMVI positivity (p < 0.0001). Positivity for mr-EMVI or p-EMVI was a poor independent prognostic factor in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Combined analysis of mr-EMVI and p-EMVI may enable prediction of postoperative prognosis of rectal cancer. Patients with double negativity of mr-EMVI and p-EMVI had better prognosis than patients with some form of positivity. Stated differently, patients with positivity of mr-EMVI, p-EMVI, or both had a poorer prognosis than those with double negativity. Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy may improve poor prognosis. Combined evaluation of mr-EMVI and p-EMVI may be used to predict clinical outcomes and may be an effective prognostic predictor of rectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formaldehyde (H2CO) is a critical precursor for the abiotic formation of biomolecules, including amino acids and sugars, which are the building blocks of proteins and RNA. Geomorphological and geochemical evidence on Mars indicates a temperate environment compatible with the existence of surface liquid water during its early history at 3.8–3.6 billion years ago (Ga), which was maintained by the warming effect of reducing gases, such as H2. However, it remains uncertain whether such a temperate and weakly reducing surface environment on early Mars was suitable for producing H2CO. In this study, we investigated the atmospheric production of H2CO on early Mars using a 1-D photochemical model assuming a thick CO2-dominated atmosphere with H2 and CO. Our results show that a continuous supply of atmospheric H2CO can be used to form various organic compounds, including amino acids and sugars. This could be a possible origin for the organic matter observed on the Martian surface. Given the previously reported conversion rate from H2CO into ribose, the calculated H2CO deposition flux suggests a continuous supply of bio-important sugars on early Mars, particularly during the Noachian and early Hesperian periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We investigated the potential clinical utility of short-term serial KRAS-mutated circulating cell-free tumor DNA (ctDNA) assessment for predicting therapeutic response in patients undergoing first-line chemotherapy for advanced pancreatic cancer. Methods: We collected 144 blood samples from 18 patients with locally advanced or metastatic cancer that were undergoing initial first-line chemotherapy of gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel (GEM plus nab-PTX). Analysis of KRAS-mutated ctDNA was quantified by digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) as mutant allele frequency (MAF). This study investigated pretreatment KRAS-mutated ctDNA status and ctDNA kinetics every few days (days 1, 3, 5 and 7) after initiation of chemotherapy and their potential as predictive indicators. Results: Of the 18 enrolled patients, an increase in KRAS-mutated ctDNA MAF values from day 0–7 after initiation of chemotherapy was significantly associated with disease progression (P < 0.001). Meanwhile, positive pretreatment ctDNA status (MAF ≥ 0.02%) (P = 0.585) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) values above the median (P = 0.266) were not associated with disease progression. In univariate analysis, this short-term increase in ctDNA MAF values (day 0–7) was found to be associated with significantly shorter progression free survival (PFS) (hazard ration [HR], 24.234; range, (2.761–212.686); P = 0.0002). Conclusion: This short-term ctDNA kinetics assessment may provide predictive information to reflect real-time therapeutic response and lead to effective refinement of regimen in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer undergoing systemic chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is important to assess whether the early detection of breast cancer affects medical care costs. However, research remains scant on the actual medical care costs associated with breast cancer treatment in Japan. This study aimed to determine the medical care costs of breast cancer treatment based on its stage using national health insurance claims data. Methods: This was an observational study including patients with breast cancer who had undergone breast cancer treatment, as defined by the disease name and related treatment codes. Between August 2013 and June 2016, patients who underwent surgical treatment without axillary lymph node dissection and other radical treatment were classified as the curable group, while those who underwent palliative treatment were classified as the non-curable group. Patients were further stratified by subtype. The total and treatment-specific medical care costs for the five years were calculated using the national health insurance claims data of Hachioji City between August 2013 and May 2021. Results: The mean total medical care costs for the curable and non-curable groups for the 5 years were JPY 3958 thousand (standard deviation 2664) and JPY 8289 thousand (8482), respectively. The mean medical care costs for specific breast cancer treatment for the curable and non-curable groups were JPY 1142 (728) thousand and JPY 3651 thousand (5337), respectively. Further, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 + , Hormone + patients had the highest mean cost over the 5 years. Conclusions: The results suggest that the early detection of breast cancer may reduce medical care costs at the patient level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evidence for pediatric patients with COVID-19 was very limited, which was attributed to the small number of the cases as well as the rare incidence of severe pneumonia in this population. This retrospective cohort study aimed to identify the characteristics of pediatric patients with COVID-19 in the early period of the pandemic by analyzing Diagnosis Procedure Combination (DPC) data in Japan. This retrospective cohort analysis of Japanese multicenter research on COVID-19 using DPC data compared the outcomes and costs of treatment for pediatric patients with COVID-19. Of 4700 patients with COVID-19, 186 pediatric patients were included in this study. Among the included pediatric patients, 17 received therapeutic drugs specifically for COVID-19, while the remaining 169 pediatric patients received only symptomatic therapy. There were no significant differences in the length of hospital stay (9 vs. 8 days, p = 0.96), and medical cost (97,585 vs. 73,291 JPY) for the intervention and control groups, respectively by multiple regression analysis. This is the first epidemiological study to use DPC data to summarize the pathophysiology of pediatric patients in the early period of COVID-19 pandemic. There was no significant difference in length of hospital stay or medical cost by intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bronchoscopy with radial-probe endobronchial ultrasound, a guide sheath, and electromagnetic navigation can improve the diagnostic yield of peripheral lung nodules. However, the suitability of specimens for genetic analysis remains unsatisfactory. We hypothesized that a transbronchial biopsy performed after closely approaching the bronchoscope tip to the lesion might provide more suitable specimens for genetic analysis. We enrolled 155 patients with peripheral pulmonary lesions who underwent bronchoscopy with a thin or ultrathin bronchoscope. Bronchoscopy was performed using virtual bronchoscopic navigation and radial-probe endobronchial ultrasound with a guide sheath. The bronchoscope tip was placed closer to the lesion during bronchoscopy to collect larger specimens with higher malignant cell content. The patients who underwent a close-to-lesion biopsy had higher rates of overall diagnostic yield, histopathological diagnostic yield, and specimen quality for genetic testing than those who did not. The significant determinants of the specimen's suitability were the close-to-lesion approach, within-the-lesion image, the use of standard 1.9-mm-forceps, and the number of cancer-cell-positive specimens. The significant predictors of the specimen's suitability for genetic analysis were close-to-lesion biopsy and the number of malignant cell-positive tissue samples. This study demonstrates that the close-to-lesion transbronchial biopsy significantly improves the suitability of bronchoscopic specimens for genetic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce a new flexible one-dimensional photochemical model named Photochemical and RadiatiOn Transport model for Extensive USe (PROTEUS), which consists of a Python graphical user interface (GUI) program and Fortran 90 modules. PROTEUS is designed for adaptability to many planetary atmospheres, for flexibility to deal with thousands of or more chemical reactions with high efficiency, and for intuitive operation with GUI. Chemical reactions can be easily implemented into the Python GUI program in a simple string format, and users can intuitively select a planet and chemical reactions on GUI. Chemical reactions selected on GUI are automatically analyzed by string parsing functions in the Python GUI program, then applied to the Fortran 90 modules to simulate with the selected chemical reactions on a selected planet. We performed a benchmark test of PROTEUS to confirm its validity, by applying it to the Martian atmosphere and the Jovian ionosphere. PROTEUS can significantly save the time for those who need to develop a new photochemical model; users just need to write chemical reactions in the Python GUI program and just select them on GUI to run a new photochemical model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A notable advantage of laparoscopic colorectal surgery is that only a small incision at the extraction site is necessary, which is considered to be cosmetically beneficial. Meanwhile, the optimal extraction site for the resected specimen in laparoscopic colectomy is controversial in terms of cosmetic benefit. This randomized controlled trial compares midline and off-midline extraction sites in laparoscopic colectomy in patients with colon cancer, with consideration of cosmetic benefits as the primary endpoint. Methods: Included were patients that underwent elective laparoscopic colectomy at WMUH between October 2014 and February 2017. Patients were randomly assigned to either midline incision group or off-midline incision group. Prospectively collected data included cosmetic results (patients and observer assessment scale) and complications including incidence of incisional hernia, SSI, and pain. This trial was registered with UMIN Clinical Trials (UMIN000028943). Results: Finally, 98 patients with colorectal cancer were analyzed. No significant differences were found between the two groups in patient and observer assessment scales of cosmetic results (midline 8 ± 1.1 vs off-midline 11 ± 5.9 p = 0.16, midline 13.5 ± 6.6 vs off-midline 15 ± 11 p = 0.58, respectively) or in postoperative pain. However, incisional hernia occurred in four cases in the midline group (8%), which was significantly higher than that in the off-midline group (no cases, 0%). Conclusion: There was no significant difference in terms of cosmetic benefit, the primary endpoint, between the two groups. In this study, only the extraction site location was compared; future studies will examine differences depending on the incisional direction, including the incidence of incisional hernia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) has a wide range of severity. We investigate the relationship between human papillomavirus (HPV) particle production and severity of RRP. From September 2005 to June 2021, 68 RRP samples (from 29 patients) were included. HPV type was determined. HPV viral load, physical status, and demographic and clinical characteristics were assessed. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed for p16, Ki-67, L1, and E4. We used NanoSuit-CLEM (correlative light and electron microscopy) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to examine the samples. The total number of surgeries in HPV-positive and HPV-negative cases were 3.78 (n = 55/68, range: 1–16) and 1.30 (n = 13/68, range: 1–3), respectively (p = 0.02). IHC showed that L1 and E4 were correlated and expressed on the tumour surface. NanoSuit-CLEM and TEM revealed HPV particles in L1-positive nuclei. L1 IHC-positive cases had a shorter surgical interval (p < 0.01) and more frequent surgeries (p = 0.04). P16 IHC, viral load, and physical status were not associated with disease severity. This study visualised HPV particle production in RRP for the first time. Persistent HPV particle infection was associated with severity. We suggest L1 IHC for evaluating RRP severity in addition to the Derkay score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, to assess the utility of whole-body DWI (WB-DWI) as an imaging biomarker for metastatic hormone-naïve prostate cancer (mHNPC), we evaluated tumor diffusion volume based on apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. WB-DWI results obtained from 62 mHNPC patients were evaluated in this retrospective analysis. The association with castration resistant–free survival (CFS) was evaluated for both prostate and metastatic tumor diffusion volume (pDV and mDV, respectively) based on WB-DWI. The usefulness of pDV and mDV based on ADC values to predict CFS was also examined. During the follow-up period, 22 patients progressed to castration-resistant prostate cancer, and the median CFS was 42.6 months. The median mDV and pDV were 6.7 and 12.6 mL, respectively. mDV was a significant predictor of CFS (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.75; p = 0.022), while pDV was not significant. When DV was divided into groups by ADC values (× 10− 3 mm2/s) of 0.4–1.0 and 1.0–1.8 (× 10− 3 mm2/s), mDV with ADC values (× 10− 3 mm2/s) of 0.4–1.0 (mDV0.4−1.0) showed a more favorable association with CFS compared to total mDV. On multivariate analysis, mDV0.4−1.0 and Gleason grade group had a statistically significant association with CFS (HR: 4.0; p = 0.004, and HR: 3.4; p = 0.006, respectively), while pDV with ADC values (× 10− 3 mm2/s) of 0.4–1.0 did not have a significant association. mDV is useful for predicting CFS in mHNPC patients. mDV may be a better imaging biomarker when based on ADC values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This correction notice addresses errors in an article titled "Therapeutic interventions and the length of hospital stay for pediatric patients with COVID-19: a multicenter cohort study." The correction includes the addition of two authors, Atsushi Hirayama and Takashi Tagami, to the author list. It also corrects the number of participating hospitals in the study from 62 to 66. Additionally, there are corrections to the percentages of the most commonly administered drugs to pediatric patients. The correction notice also clarifies that the study was a sub-analysis of Japanese multicenter research on COVID-19 and provides the correct year for the introduction of a diagnosis group classification system based on the DPC in acute care hospitals. [Extracted from the article]

The spatially organized gene expression program within the liver specifies hepatocyte functions according to their relative distances to the bloodstream (i.e., zonation), contributing to liver homeostasis. Despite the knowledge that solid cancers remotely disrupt liver homeostasis, it remains unexplored whether solid cancers affect liver zonation. Here, using spatial transcriptomics, we thoroughly investigate the abundance and zonation of hepatic genes in cancer-bearing mice. We find that breast cancers affect liver zonation in various distinct manners depending on biological pathways. Aspartate metabolism and triglyceride catabolic processes retain relatively intact zonation patterns, but the zonation of xenobiotic catabolic process genes exhibits a strong disruption. The acute phase response is induced in zonated manners. Furthermore, we demonstrate that breast cancers activate innate immune cells in particular neutrophils in distinct zonated manners, rather than in a uniform fashion within the liver. Collectively, breast cancers disorganize hepatic transcriptomes in zonated manners, thereby disrupting zonated functions of the liver. Spatial transcriptomics reveal how distant cancer affect gene expression and zonation in mouse liver in a manner that differs between biological pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a self-induced spatially-coherent dot array consisting of fourteen units of vertical-cavity surface-emitting modes that exhibit spatially uniform spectra. A 47.5 µm total beam width and 0.5° narrow emission are achieved using an oblong cavity enclosed with a flat top mirror, cylindrically curved bottom mirror, and side facet. Notably, terminating the side of the cavity with a perpendicular facet enhances the horizontal propagation, which couples with the vertical resonance in each dot, similar to the case of master lasers in injection-locked lasers that delocalize the modes. Conventional semiconductor lasers, edge-emitting lasers, and vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers have a Fabry–Pérot cavity; furthermore, emission and resonance are in identical directions, limiting the beam width to micrometers. Though the present structure has the same scheme of propagation, the right-angled facet synchronizes the modes and drastically expands the beam width. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hematuria is the essential symptom of IgA nephropathy that has been suggested to be associated with long-term renal prognosis, Tonsillectomy and steroid pulse therapy (TSP), which is widely practiced in Japan, is effective for achieving hematuria remission. However, some cases are refractory to TSP, and additional steroid pulse therapy (SP) administered to these cases to achieve remission of hematuria. Nonetheless, the clinical significance of additional SP is unknown. Methods: In this retrospective study, we enrolled 99 patients from Okubo Hospital whose hematuria persisted following TSP. Patients were divided into the hematuria remission and non-remission groups. A multivariate regression analysis was performed on the factors that contributed to hematuria remission. Results: Following TSP, 103 of 403 patients (32.3%) did not achieve hematuria remission. Additional SP were performed in 99 of these patients, and remission of hematuria was achieved in 57 (57.6%). Patients with a greater degree of improvement in hematuria with TSP were significantly more likely to have remission of hematuria with additional SP (p = 0.0084*). Even in the hematuria non-remission group, both hematuria and proteinuria improved after additional SP. Conclusion: In IgA nephropathy, additional SP could induce hematuria remission and reduce proteinuria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Risks for postoperative small bowel obstruction have been demonstrated in several reports, most of which indicated male sex was a risk factor, but with the reason remaining unknown. We tested the hypothesis that it could be because males have more visceral fat than females. This prospective observational study aims to examine risks of early postoperative small bowel obstruction (EPSBO) after colorectal cancer surgery and the association between visceral to subcutaneous fat area ratio (V/S ratio) and EPSBO. Methods: Four hundred and seventy-four patients who underwent colectomy for colorectal cancer in our hospital were enrolled in this study. The influence of several factors including V/S ratio on the development of EPSBO was analyzed. Results: Thirty-one of the 474 patients (6.5%) developed EPSBO. EPSBO occurred more frequently in males (p = 0.03) and cases who developed postoperative anastomotic leakage (p < 0.001) or wound infection (p = 0.02). Higher V/S ratio was strongly related to male sex (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed higher V/S ratio (OR 2.25; p = 0.049) and anastomotic leakage (OR 5.86; p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for EPSBO. Conclusion: Higher V/S ratio was significantly related to EPSBO, suggesting that one of the reasons EPSBO was more likely to occur in males because they have more visceral fat than females. Preoperative identification of this risk factor could help us watch out for this potential complication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the case of a 79-year-old woman with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who presented with creatine kinase (CK)-MM elevation. On admission, her serum CK-MM level exceeded 4000 IU/L (normal, 44–206 IU/L), and computed tomography revealed two HCCs in hepatic segment VIII (23 mm, 86 mm). The patient denied experiencing muscular symptoms such as weakness or pain. Hypothyroidism, ischemic heart disease, muscular dystrophy, autoimmune myopathy, drug-induced rhabdomyolysis, and paraneoplastic inflammatory myositis syndrome (PIMS) were included in the differential diagnosis for high CK-MM, but none were suspected. Although the cause of elevated CK-MM was not elucidated, an HCC-related mechanism was considered and the tumor was resected. The CK-MM levels declined gradually to 300 IU/L postoperatively without any special perioperative management. Nineteen cases of HCC-associated CK-MM elevation have been reported in English thus far, in all of which, inflammatory myositis was concluded as the cause of CK-MM elevation. However, in this case, the elevation of CK-MM was associated with HCC-related mechanisms distinct from PIMS, suggesting HCC-related mechanisms should not be excluded as a cause of high CK-MM, even though PIMS is negative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Because patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD) have an impaired immune response to pathogens, they are at higher risk of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, data on antibody production among HD patients with COVID-19 is scarce. Thus, we performed a retrospective cohort study evaluating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus two antibody (SARS-CoV-2) production within 1 month after COVID-19 onset in hospitalized patients on HD. Methods: SARS-CoV-2-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) G levels were quantified using an iFlash 3000 Chemiluminescence Immunoassay analyzer (Shenzhen YHLO Biotech Co., Ltd.) to detect IgG antibodies specific for the S1 subunit of the spike protein (IgG-S1). Propensity score matching was used to balance covariate distribution in HD and non-HD patients. From April 2020 to February 2021, antibody testing was performed on 161 hospitalized patients with symptomatic COVID-19. Of them, 34 HD patients were matched to 68 non-HD patients. Results: After propensity score matching, the median levels of IgG-S1 in the HD patients at 7–13 days after symptom onset were significantly lower than in non-HD patients, especially in those with severe disease. Among all patients, those with severe disease produced lower levels of IgG-S1 at 7–13 days compared with non-severe patients. Conclusion: COVID-19 patients with severe disease, especially those undergoing HD, had lower IgG-S1 production in the second week of the disease. Thus, the increased risk of severe COVID-19 in HD patients may be, in part, due to a slow and reduced antibody response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known about the effectiveness of surface cooling (SC) and endovascular cooling (EC) on the outcome of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients receiving target temperature management (TTM) according to their initial rhythm. Methods: We retrospectively analysed data from the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine Out‐of‐Hospital Cardiac Arrest registry, a multicentre, prospective nationwide database in Japan. For our analysis, OHCA patients aged ≥ 18 years who were treated with TTM between June 2014 and December 2017 were included. The primary outcome was 30-day survival with favourable neurological outcome defined as a Glasgow–Pittsburgh cerebral performance category score of 1 or 2. Cooling methods were divided into the following groups: SC (ice packs, fans, air blankets, and surface gel pads) and EC (endovascular catheters and any dialysis technique). We investigated the efficacy of the two categories of cooling methods in two different patient groups divided according to their initially documented rhythm at the scene (shockable or non-shockable) using multivariable logistic regression analysis and propensity score analysis with inverse probability weighting (IPW). Results: In the final analysis, 1082 patients were included. Of these, 513 (47.4%) had an initial shockable rhythm and 569 (52.6%) had an initial non-shockable rhythm. The proportion of patients with favourable neurological outcomes in SC and EC was 59.9% vs. 58.3% (264/441 vs. 42/72), and 11.8% (58/490) vs. 21.5% (17/79) in the initial shockable patients and the initial non-shockable patients, respectively. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, differences between the two cooling methods were not observed among the initial shockable patients (adjusted odd ratio [AOR] 1.51, 95% CI 0.76–3.03), while EC was associated with better neurological outcome among the initial non-shockable patients (AOR 2.21, 95% CI 1.19–4.11). This association was constant in propensity score analysis with IPW (OR 1.40, 95% CI 0.83–2.36; OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.01–3.47 among the initial shockable and non-shockable patients, respectively). Conclusion: We suggested that the use of EC was associated with better neurological outcomes in OHCA patients with initial non-shockable rhythm, but not in those with initial shockable rhythm. A TTM implementation strategy based on initial rhythm may be important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muscle aging such as sarcopenia adversely affects motor activities. However, few studies have elucidated the aging physiological mechanism of tongue concerted with the changes muscle composition. The present study aimed to examine the tongue composition changes to detect the effect of tongue fat mass on tongue pressure and swallowing function with aging. Twenty community-dwelling elderly without head and neck cancer, stroke, or neuromuscular disease and 20 healthy young were included. Tongue volume, tongue fat mass, tongue lean muscle mass, and tongue fat percentage were evaluated with 3D magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Dixon MRI. Tongue pressure was also measured. Swallowing function among elderly individuals was assessed via videofluorography, which was evaluated using the penetration–aspiration scale (PAS) and normalized residue ratio scale (NRRS). Tongue fat mass and tongue fat percentage significantly increased with aging. The tongue fat percentage of elderly participants was 20%, which was two times greater than that of young participants. No significant difference was observed in tongue volume and tongue lean muscle mass. A significantly negative correlation was observed between tongue fat mass and tongue fat percentage as well as tongue pressure. Conversely, tongue volume was not significantly correlated with tongue pressure. Tongue muscle composition exhibited no effect in the PAS and NRRS. Increase of fat mass is a major change in tongue composition with aging, which is associated with low tongue pressure. Thus, attention must be paid not only to tongue quantity but also to the quality of tongue muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We aimed to clarify the normal values obtained by simultaneous use of shear wave imaging and strain imaging (combinational elastography) in liver and reveal how aging influences them. Methods: In our checkup center, 257 examinees were diagnosed with normal liver based on questionnaires about liver disease and their drinking history, liver function test results, and ultrasound B-mode study findings. We estimated the values of combinational elastography and considered the correlation between the values and age. A multivariate analysis was performed concerning several features and the liver fibrosis (LF) index. We divided examinees into a younger group (< 65 years old) and an older group (≥ 65 years old), and assessed the effect of age on the LF index. Results: The mean shear wave velocity (Vs) of shear wave measurement (SWM) was 1.10 ± 0.17 m/s (range 0.84–1.93), and the mean LF index of real-time tissue elastography (RTE) was 1.371 ± 0.458 (range 0.258–3.173). There was no significant correlation between Vs and age. However, the LF index increased significantly with age. The multivariate analysis showed that age (P < 0.001) and BMI (P < 0.05) significantly affected the LF index. Indeed, the LF index in the older group was significantly higher than that in the younger group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: In adult liver, the normal Vs of SWM was 1.10 ± 0.17 m/s, and the normal LF index of RTE was 1.371 ± 0.458. The LF index increased significantly with age in contrast to Vs; therefore, the influence of age should be considered when using combinational elastography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Systemic and local factors may lead to disruption of craniofacial growth and development, causing an imbalance between the orofacial skeleton, muscle and soft tissue, dental occlusion, and the dental arch during growth periods. We aimed to reveal whether the prevalence of incompetent lip seal (ILS) varies with age and region, as well as to clarify the factors related to an ILS, in a national, large-scale epidemiological study. Methods: We surveyed 3399 children, from 3 to 12 years of age, visiting 66 pediatric dental clinics throughout Japan. For this survey, we employed a questionnaire consisting of 44 questions regarding daily health conditions and lifestyle habits. We evaluated the differences in ILS prevalence by age and region (using a Cochran-Armitage test for trend and a Kruskal-Wallis test), and the relationship between ILS and factors investigated in the questionnaire (using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient). Results: We observed that 30.7% of Japanese children exhibited an ILS and that the ILS rate increased with age (p < 0.001). There were no regional differences in the rate of ILS in Japanese children (p = 0.506). We revealed that 12 of 44 survey items exhibited a statistically significant correlation with ILS (p < 0.001), using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. These items involved orofacial morphology, mouth breathing, and possibly, allergic rhinitis. Conclusion: The rate of ILS seems to increase with age in children, throughout Japan. Therefore, this disorder may not self-correct during the growth periods in these children. Guidelines are required for pediatric dentists to recognize ILS among children aged 3–12 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preoperative ctDNA status in relation to recurrence in cases of CRC remains unclear. We examined preoperative ctDNA detection by targeting KRAS gene mutations as a predictive marker for recurrence after CRC surgery. We measured the preoperative KRAS mutated ctDNA status and analyzed the correlation with clinicopathologic features of 180 patients that underwent surgery for CRC. We studied the association between preoperative KRAS mutated ctDNA and postoperative recurrence in patients (n = 150) that underwent radical surgery. KRAS mutated ctDNA was detected in 59 patients (32.8%). Median mutant allele frequency of KRAS in ctDNA was 0.20%. KRAS status in ctDNA and lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis were not significantly different. Among patients that underwent radical resection, recurrence occurred in 21 (14.0%, median follow-up 24 months). In Kaplan–Meier analysis, preoperative detection of KRAS mutated ctDNA was associated with inferior recurrence-free interval (RFI) (p = 0.002) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (p = 0.025). In a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model, preoperative detection of KRAS mutated ctDNA was an independent factor related to both RFI (HR = 3.08; p = 0.012) and RFS (HR = 2.18; p = 0.044). Preoperative measurement of KRAS mutated ctDNA could be useful to decide postoperative treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We investigated the association between recipient serum hemoglobin and primary graft dysfunction after heart transplantation. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated adult patients who underwent heart transplantation at our institution from 2007 to 2016. Patients were grouped into three quantiles based on serum hemoglobin level at the time of donor heart reperfusion. Primary graft dysfunction was analyzed in each quantile. Results: We assessed 69 patients, and 12 showed primary graft dysfunction. The mean hemoglobin levels at reperfusion in the low, middle, and high hemoglobin quantiles were 7.6 ± 0.9, 9.2 ± 0.3, and 10.4 ± 0.6 mg/dL, respectively. There were no significant between-group differences in pre-heart transplantation serum hemoglobin levels (p = 0.53). The odds ratio for primary graft dysfunction was significantly higher in the low hemoglobin quantile (5.80; 95% confidence interval, 2.32–14.5; p < 0.001) than in the middle (1.14; 95% confidence interval, 0.40–3.23) and high (reference) hemoglobin quantiles. The odds ratios for primary graft dysfunction in the three quantiles based on pre-heart transplantation hemoglobin levels did not differ significantly. Conclusions: Low recipient serum hemoglobin levels at the time of donor heart reperfusion was independently associated with primary graft dysfunction after heart transplantation. Intraoperative management of recipient hemoglobin using red blood cell transfusion may prevent post-heart transplantation primary graft dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-specific phospholipase C (NPC) is a novel class of phospholipase C found only in bacteria and higher plants. NPC hydrolyzes major phospholipid classes such as phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) to produce diacylglycerol (DAG) and a corresponding phosphate-containing polar head group. Originally known as a toxin in certain bacteria to invade the host cell, this class of phospholipase has been well-investigated in bacteriology. Since the first discovery of eukaryotic NPC in Arabidopsis in 2005, this emerging class of phospholipase has received greater attention in plant biology in elucidating the biochemical characteristics and physiological function in the context of plant growth regulation and stress response. Particularly in the last few years, there has been significant progress made in understanding the fundamental character of 6 NPC isoforms in Arabidopsis, as well as novel function in other plant models. Now that research with plant NPC is entering into a new phase, this review aims to summarize recent progress in plant NPC along with some future perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) contribute to the immune response of vertebrates and higher invertebrates. Animals have a varying number of PGRP genes: 4 in human and mouse, 13 in Drosophila, and 0 in an aphid. Transcriptome analyses revealed that numerous PGRP genes (> 300 in an RNA-Seq analysis) were expressed in the green rice leafhopper Nephotettix cincticeps (Uhler) (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae). PGRP genes were mostly expressed in the bacteriomes, in which two bacterial endosymbionts, Sulcia and Nasuia, are harbored. E. coli inoculation upregulated antimicrobial peptide gene expression in the leafhopper, whereas PGRP gene expression was not affected by the bacterial challenge. High and constant expression of PGRP genes in the bacteriomes and the lack of an immune response against invading bacteria suggest that these PGRPs play a hitherto unknown role in the bacteriomes, implicating a relationship with symbiotic association in N. cincticeps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avoiding immune rejection after allogeneic induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte (iPSC-CM) transplantation is a concern. However, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can suppress immune rejection. To determine whether MSC co-transplantation can reduce immune rejection after allogeneic iPSC-CM transplantation, the latter cell type, harbouring a luciferase transgene, was subcutaneously transplanted alone or together with syngeneic MSCs into BALB/c mice. Bioluminescence imaging revealed that MSC co-transplantation significantly improved graft survival (day 7: iPSC-CMs alone 34 ± 5%; iPSC-CMs with MSCs, 61 ± 7%; P = 0.008). MSC co-transplantation increased CD4 + CD25 + FOXP3 + regulatory T cell numbers, apoptotic CD8-positive T cells, and IL-10 and TGF-beta expression at the implantation site. Analysis using a regulatory T cell depletion model indicated that enhanced regulatory T cell populations in the iPSC-CM with MSC group partially contributed to the extended iPSC-CM survival. Further, MSCs affected activated lymphocytes directly through cell–cell contact, which reduced the CD8/CD4 ratio, the proportion of Th1-positive cells among CD4-positive cells, and the secretion of several inflammation-related cytokines. Syngeneic MSC co-transplantation might thus control allogeneic iPSC-CM rejection by mediating immune tolerance via regulatory T cells and cell–cell contact with activated lymphocytes; this approach has promise for cardiomyogenesis-based therapy using allogeneic iPSC-CMs for severe heart failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pool scrubbing is an important factor in the dischargement process of fission products during severe accidents in nuclear power plants. Therefore, a reliable model is required to analyze particle decontamination efficiency by pool scrubbing. However, the fundamental process of particle decontamination behavior during pool scrubbing remains unknown. In an experiment, an interferometer was built to measure particle decontamination behavior from interference fringe. From the interferometer, a bright field image and interference image around the bubble were obtained from high-speed cameras. However, it was difficult to apply existing interference fringe data processing method against our images, since the method requires to adjust the area of the phase extraction manually for each image. It was unrealistic to adjust the range of the extraction area manually for each image from high-speed camera measurement. As to overcome this problem, we developed a new data processing method to separate the phase information from qualitative criteria using data clustering, called the Gaussian mixture model method. From the data processing results, we measured the detailed particle decontamination behavior around a single bubble. From a series of experiments, we discovered that the particle distribution around the bubble tends to be unsteady, although existing models predict the decontamination phenomena to be steady. The results suggest that bubble deformation, which is not considered in existing pool scrubbing models, may be a dominant factor in particle decontamination. We also confirmed that the particle distribution in the lower part of the bubble is strongly affected by gravity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Juvenile hormone (JH) has crucial roles in insect physiology, including development, reproduction, and polyphenism. JH is synthesized in the corpora allata (CA) from acetyl-CoA through 13 enzymatic steps, which can be divided into the early mevalonate pathway and the late JH branch pathway. Genes for these 13 enzymes have been identified in several insect species, although the three genes for the first three steps in the late pathway are unclear in many insect species. Information about the regulatory mechanism of JH biosynthesis in the CA has been accumulated in previous researches, but the process is not fully understood. In this study, we identified two genes that are expressed highly and selectively in the CA of the silkworm, Bombyx mori (L.) (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae), through the screening using EST library, DNA microarray, and qRT-PCR analyses. These genes showed developmental expression patterns that correlate well with the fluctuation pattern of JH biosynthetic activity in the CA, suggesting important roles in JH biosynthesis or its regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous modeling studies have shown that global primary production will decrease in the future because stratification caused by global warming will reduce the supply of nutrients from the deep ocean. Previous studies have primarily emphasized the importance of nutrient limitation when explaining changes in primary production; however, phytoplankton growth is actually determined by temperature, light, and nutrient limitations. Moreover, although future changes in primary production differ depending on the area, it is not well understood how these mechanisms differ among oceans. The purpose of this study is to quantitatively evaluate the contribution of each limitation factor to explaining future changes in primary production in individual oceans using nine Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) models. First, for each model, we calculate the temperature, light, and nutrient limitations, which are not directly available from CMIP5 output data. Next, we quantitatively evaluate the main drivers of changes in primary production not only for the global ocean, but also separately for low latitudes, the North Atlantic, the North Pacific, the Arctic, and the Southern Ocean. Via a quantitative evaluation of the limitation factors of primary production, we show that, in addition to nutrient limitation, future changes in primary production due to global warming are controlled by warming-induced enhancement of phytoplankton growth and decreasing biomass caused by enhanced grazing. Moreover, we show that future changes in primary production and its mechanisms differ among the various ocean basins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Sleep duration is known to affect physiological and circadian metabolites and human homeostasis. However, little is known about the relationship between sleep quality and metabolite and cognitive function during exercise. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of sleep quality on metabolite level and cognitive function in female volleyball athletes.Methods: Twelve female volleyball athletes participated in this study. Sleep efficiency was measured for 1 week using NemuriSCAN (Paramount Bed Co. Ltd., Japan) as an index of sleep quality. The subjects were divided into better (n = 6) and lesser (n = 6) sleep quality groups by the median value of sleep efficiency. Saliva samples were collected using a Salimetric oral swab cotton and salivary metabolites were analysed using capillary electrophoresis and time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The subjects performed Stroop tasks (simple and difficult tasks) at rest and during aerobic exercise in recumbent cycle ergometer at light and heavy intensity.Results: Increased sleep efficiency was found in the better sleep quality group, whereas total sleep time was similar. There were differences in urea cycle and Krebs cycle metabolites between the two groups; their levels were correlated with sleep efficiency. The difficult-task response time during heavy exercise was faster in the better sleep quality group.Conclusion: We demonstrated that sleep efficiency was associated with urea cycle and Krebs cycle metabolite levels and response time during heavy exercise in volleyball athletes. These results suggested that sleep quality may affect amino acid and energy metabolism and cognitive function during heavy exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Creation of defunctioning loop ileostomy is a standard procedure in laparoscopic lower rectal surgery. Stoma-related obstruction sometimes occurs, but its cause has not been fully analyzed. This study aims to assess stoma obstructive complications and clarify the risk factors of stoma-related obstructions. Methods: Two hundred and thirty consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery with defunctioning loop ileostomy between April 2007 and December 2017 were recruited, numbering 230. We statistically examined the frequency and risk factor of stoma outlet obstruction. Results: Postoperative stoma-related complications developed in 41 patients (17.8%) overall, and there was no 30-day mortality. Stoma outlet obstructions occurred in 16 patients (7.0%) during postoperative course. Thick subcutaneous fat at the stoma-marking site (vertical distance ≥ 20 mm) and body mass index (≥ 22.2) were significantly associated with the risk of stoma outlet obstruction in univariate analysis. Thick subcutaneous fat was a significant predictive factor of stoma outlet obstruction according to multivariate analysis (odds ratio 3.80). Conclusions: This report investigates significant predictors of stoma outlet obstruction in laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery for the first time. In laparoscopic procedure, stoma outlet obstruction should be particularly considered in obese patients who have especially thick subcutaneous fat of the abdominal wall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has very poor prognosis despite existing multimodal therapies. This study aimed to investigate whether KRAS mutations at codons 12/13 in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from preoperative and postoperative sera from patients with PDAC can serve as a predictive biomarker for treatment response and outcomes after surgery.Methods:Preoperative and postoperative serum samples obtained from 45 patients with PDAC whom underwent curative pancreatectomy at our institution between January 2013 and July 2016 were retrospectively analysed. Peptide nucleic acid-directed PCR clamping was used to identify KRAS mutations in cfDNA.Results:Among the 45 patients enrolled, 11 (24.4%) and 20 (44.4%) had KRAS mutations in cfDNA from preoperative and postoperative sera, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that KRAS mutations in postoperative serum (hazard ratio (HR)=2.919; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.109-5.621; P=0.027) are an independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival. Furthermore, the shift from wild-type KRAS in preoperative to mutant KRAS in postoperative cfDNA (HR=9.419; 95% Cl=2.015-44.036; P=0.004) was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival.Conclusions:Changes in KRAS mutation status between preoperative and postoperative cfDNA may be a useful predictive biomarker for survival and treatment response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of sleep on the acquisition of motor skills in young badminton players. Thirteen badminton players, aged 6-9 years (8.0 ± 0.3 years; mean ± SE), practiced the shuttle bouncing drill, and a skill none of the players had prior experience with. After practice sessions, shuttle bouncing performance was immediately tested and then retested 1 week later. We evaluated sleep parameters for 7 consecutive days using actigraphy. Using the median value of sleep efficiency, subjects were divided into two groups: good sleepers and poor sleepers. Good sleepers had shorter sleep latency ( p < 0.05), longer wake after sleep onset ( p < 0.001), longer total sleep time ( p < 0.005), and higher sleep efficiency ( p < 0.001) than the poor sleepers. Interestingly, improvement in shuttle bouncing performance was significantly greater in the good sleeper group than that in the poor sleeper group ( p < 0.05). In addition, we found that changes in the shuttle bouncing performance positively correlated with sleep efficiency ( β = 0.765, p < 0.01) and total sleep time ( β = 0.588, p < 0.05) after adjusting for their badminton career. These data suggest that sleep may affect the acquisition of motor skills in young players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Wisteria floribunda agglutinin positive human Mac-2-binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) is a novel serum glycomarker for liver fibrosis. However, it is not known whether or not M2BPGi reflects only liver fibrosis. We measured serum M2BPGi levels in patients with acute liver injury.Methods: Fifty-one patients with acute liver injury were enrolled. M2BPGi levels were measured at the initial visit and at achievement of recovery. The relationship between M2BPGi values at the initial visit and clinical outcomes was analyzed.Results: Serum M2BPGi levels at the initial visit were elevated in 47 of 51 acute liver injury patients (8.33 ± 7.56 cutoff index). M2BPGi values were associated with prothrombin activity (r = -0.600, P = 0.001), total bilirubin level (r = 0.588, P = 0.001), and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score (r = 0.490, P = 0.001) but not with aspartate aminotransferase (r = -0.070) and alanine aminotransferase (r = -0.073) levels. M2BPGi values at the initial visit were significantly higher in patients with acute liver failure (diagnosed by prothrombin activity of 40% or less; P < 0.001), subsequent development of hepatic coma (P = 0.036), and subsequent requirement of liver transplant (P = 0.014), and in a patient who died (P = 0.045). M2BPGi values decreased after aminotransferase level normalization in patients who recovered from acute liver injury; however, M2BPGi level was not a predictive factor for recovery with medical therapy.Conclusions: Serum M2BPGi values increased in patients with acute liver injury and decreased following recovery. The marker seems to reflect not only liver fibrosis but also other factors, such as liver inflammation, liver damage, and hepatocyte regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal conductivity of molten Cu-Co alloy with different compositions around the liquidus line temperature was measured by the periodic laser-heating method using an electromagnetic levitator superimposed with a static magnetic field to suppress convection in a levitated droplet sample. During the measurement, a static magnetic field of 10 T was applied to the levitated droplet. To confirm that the strength of the static magnetic field was sufficient to suppress convection in the droplet, numerical simulations were performed for the flow and thermal fields in an electromagnetically levitated droplet under a static magnetic field, and moreover, for the periodic laser-heating method to determine the thermal conductivity. It was found that the thermal conductivity of molten Cu-Co alloy increased gradually with increasing Cu composition up to 80 at. pct, beyond which it increased markedly and reached that of pure Cu. In addition, it was found that the composition dependence of the thermal conductivity can be explainable by the Wiedemann-Franz law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of mechanisms of feeding behavior are important in a society where aging- and disease-related feeding disorders are increasingly prevalent. It is important to evaluate the clinical relevance of animal models of the disease and the control. Our present study quantifies macaque hyolingual and jaw kinematics around swallowing cycles to determine the extent to which macaque swallowing resembles that of humans. One female and one male adult Macaca mulatta were trained to feed in a primate chair. Videofluoroscopy was used to record kinematics in a sagittal view during natural feeding on solid food, and the kinematics of the hyoid bone, thyroid cartilage, mandibular jaw, and anterior-, middle-, and posterior-tongue. Jaw gape cycles were defined by consecutive maximum gapes, and the kinematics of the swallow cycles were compared with those of the two consecutive non-swallow cycles preceding and succeeding the swallow cycles. Although there are size differences between macaques and humans, and macaques have shorter durations of jaw gape cycles and hyoid and thyroid upward movements, there are several important similarities between our macaque data and human data reported in the literature: (1) The durations of jaw gape cycles during swallow cycles are longer than those of non-swallow cycles as a result of an increased duration of the jaw-opening phase; (2) Hyoid and thyroid upward movement is linked with a posterior tongue movement and is faster during swallow than non-swallow cycles; (3) Tongue elevation propagates from anterior to posterior during swallow and non-swallow cycles. These findings suggest that macaques can be a useful experimental model for human swallowing studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cholesterol oxidation products (oxycholesterols) are produced from cholesterol by automatic and/or enzymatic oxidation of the steroidal backbone and side-chain. Oxycholesterols are present in plasma and serum, suggesting that oxycholesterols are related to the development and progression of various diseases. However, limited information is available about the absolute amounts of oxycholesterols in organs and tissues, and the physiological significance of oxycholesterols in the body. In the present study, we quantified the levels of 13 oxycholesterols in white adipose tissue (WAT) of mice and then evaluated correlations between each oxycholesterol level and WAT weight. The sum of the levels of 13 oxycholesterols in WAT (white adipose tissue) was 15.9 ± 3.4 μg/g of WAT weight and approximately 1 % of cholesterol level. Among oxycholesterols, the levels of 27-hydroxycholesterol (27-OH), an endogenous oxycholesterol produced by enzymatic oxidation, and the relative WAT weights were significantly negatively correlated. Next, we evaluated the effects of 27-OH on lipogenesis and adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells. TO901317 (TO), a potent and selective agonist for LXRα, significantly increased intracellular TAG contents, while 27-OH significantly reduced the contents to half when compared with control (DMSO) and completely abolished the effect of TO. In addition, 27-OH significantly reduced the mRNA levels of lipogenic (LXRα and FAS) and adipogenic genes (PPARγ and aP2) during adipocyte maturation of 3T3-L1 cells. In conclusion, our results indicate that 27-OH suppresses lipid accumulation by down-regulating lipogenic and adipogenic gene expression in 3T3-L1 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of patients with end-stage heart failure treated by a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is dramatically increasing, because the LVAD has been widely accepted for its clinical results. According to the initiation of destination therapy, the prevalence of malignancy in patients with an LVAD is estimated to increase. In patients with LVADs, abdominal surgery for visceral malignancy is associated with technical difficulties because of the presence of an LVAD pump or the driveline which is located transversely in the preperitoneal space. Herein, we describe the technical management for complete resection of gastric cancer in a patient with an LVAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]