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Purpose: Frailty and sarcopenia may progressively worsen physical function, and studies have noted the frequent presence of sarcopenia in patients who undergo total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study aimed to examine the prevalence of comorbid frailty and sarcopenia in older patients undergoing THA and to determine the impact of these conditions on lower limb strength and hip function. Methods: Patients aged ≥65 years who had undergone THA at least 1 year previously were divided into five groups according to the presence and severity of frailty and sarcopenia. Lower limb strength [hip abductor (HA) and knee extensor (KE)], balance, and hip function were compared. Results: Sarcopenia and frailty affected lower limb muscle strength and hip function in a staircase-like manner, with mean ​± ​standard deviation values for the five groups as follows: HA muscle strength (in Nm/body weight), robust 0.80 ​± ​0.23, pre-frail ​+ ​non-sarcopenia 0.69 ​± ​0.17, pre-frail ​+ ​sarcopenia 0.58 ​± ​0.20, frail ​+ ​non-sarcopenia 0.54 ​± ​0.16, frail ​+ ​sarcopenia 0.50 ​± ​0.16; KE muscle strength (in kgf/body weight), robust 1.17 ​± ​0.23, pre-frail ​+ ​non-sarcopenia 1.03 ​± ​0.32, pre-frail ​+ ​sarcopenia 0.90 ​± ​0.31, frail ​+ ​non-sarcopenia 0.84 ​± ​0.27, frail ​+ ​sarcopenia 0.74 ​± ​0.21; and Harris Hip Score, robust 96.8 ​± ​4.6, pre-frail ​+ ​non-sarcopenia 94.3 ​± ​7.9, pre-frail ​+ ​sarcopenia 88.6 ​± ​9.6, frail ​+ ​non-sarcopenia 87.5 ​± ​10.3, frail ​+ ​sarcopenia 83.5 ​± ​8.6. Conclusion: Progression of sarcopenia and frailty affects lower limb muscle strength and physical function in a staircase-like fashion, suggesting the need to assess the cumulative effects of the two. Among this population, rather than interventions to improve muscle strength and balance in specific areas, interventions to maintain a comprehensive level of physical fitness and muscle mass (including nutrition and lifestyle changes) may be necessary.

Elevated liver enzymes are commonly observed among adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD), but severe acute liver failure is extremely rare. Although severe acute liver failure associated with AOSD poses a life-threatening condition, the appropriate treatment is unclear. Some case reports have demonstrated the efficacy of high-dose prednisolone (PSL) and cyclosporin A (CyA), although the adverse effects of CyA led certain patients to cease its use. Therefore, an alternative treatment option is crucial, and thus far, there have been no reports of tocilizumab (TCZ) being used for this severe phenotype. Here, we report the first case of successful treatment using TCZ as maintenance therapy for severe ALF associated with AOSD. Following initial treatment with high-dose PSL and CyA, our case was switched to TCZ due to CyA-related side effects including alopecia and tremors. Our case highlights TCZ as a potential option for maintenance therapy of this severe condition.

Anti-mitochondrial antibody (AMA)-positive myopathy, a recently identified condition with significant cardiac involvement, poses a serious challenge in treatment consensus due to its extreme rarity. While several studies demonstrate the efficacy of high-dose prednisolone in managing this disease, the current literature lacks substantial evidence regarding the effectiveness of biologic therapy or low-dose prednisolone for remission induction. Here, we present a case of AMA-positive myocarditis that emerged during rheumatoid arthritis treatment with tocilizumab (TCZ) and low-dose prednisolone (PSL). Successfully, intensive immunosuppressive therapy with high-dose PSL proved effective in stabilizing this condition. Our case highlights the necessity of a robust immunosuppressive approach, favoring high-dose PSL over the combination of low-dose PSL and TCZ in this disease.

Background: As urban landscapes rapidly integrate e-scooters into their transportation ecosystems, understanding pedestrian-e-scooter interactions becomes paramount for safety and planning. This study investigates pedestrian discomfort levels and avoidance strategies when encountering an e-scooter approaching from the front. Methods: 25 participants were exposed to e-scooters approaching at three different speeds and lateral distances. Avoidance paths were plotted, and subjective discomfort levels were recorded and analysed. Results: Our findings underscored two key behaviours: 1) As the speed of the e-scooter increased, participants initiated avoidance manoeuvres from a further distance ahead, suggesting a heightened perception of risk. 2) Regardless of the e-scooter's speed, the lateral distance maintained during passing remained fairly constant. However, when the e-scooter's initial lateral position was closer to participants, both the initiation distance for avoidance and the reported discomfort level increased noticeably. Conclusion: The findings underscore the critical influence of lateral distance and e-scooter speed on pedestrian comfort and avoidance behaviour. These insights can guide urban planners and policymakers in designing safer and more efficient shared spaces.

Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) plays an important role in glucose metabolism, and its expression is regulated by DNA methylation (DNAm). Although the association between TXNIP DNAm and type 2 diabetes mellitus has been demonstrated in studies with a cross-sectional design, prospective studies are needed. We therefore examined the association between TXNIP DNAm levels and longitudinal changes in glycemic traits by conducting a longitudinal study involving 169 subjects who underwent two health checkups in 2015 and 2019. We used a pyrosequencing assay to determine TXNIP DNAm levels in leukocytes (cg19693031). Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the associations between dichotomized TXNIP DNAm levels and marked increases in glycemic traits. At four years, the TXNIP DNA hypomethylation group had a higher percentage of changes in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) compared to those in the hypermethylation group. The adjusted odds ratios for FPG and HbA1c levels were significantly higher in the TXNIP DNA hypomethylation group than in the hypermethylation group. We found that TXNIP DNA hypomethylation at baseline was associated with a marked increase in glycemic traits. Leukocyte TXNIP DNAm status could potentially be used as an early biomarker for impaired glucose homeostasis.

Abstract The renal angina index (RAI) is a validated scoring tool for predicting acute kidney injury (AKI). We investigated the efficacy of the RAI in 2436 heterogeneous patients (mean age, 70 years) treated in cardiac intensive care units (CICUs). The RAI was calculated from creatinine and patient condition scores. AKI was diagnosed by the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcome criteria. The primary and secondary endpoints were the development of severe AKI and all-cause mortality, respectively. Four hundred thirty-three patients developed AKI, 87 of them severe. In multivariate analyses, the RAI was a significant independent predictor of severe AKI. During the 12-month follow-up period, 210 patients suffered all-cause death. Elevated RAI was independently associated with all-cause mortality, as was NT-proBNP (p

A patient with GATA2 deficiency developed corticosteroid-responsive sterile granulomatous lung disease despite monocytopenia. The presence of B-lymphopenia, autoimmunity, an elevated level of serum B-cell–activating factor, and pulmonary plasma cell infiltration, which together suggested an underlying mechanism similar to that of combined variable immunodeficiency lung disease.

Collision tumors involving the metastasis of malignant neoplasms to pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) are extremely rare. We herein report a case involving a patient with lung adenocarcinoma metastasis within a PitNET who exhibited relatively rapid progression of neurological symptoms. A 75-year-old man who underwent tumor resection 36 and 18 years prior to presentation for bladder and colon cancer, respectively, without recurrence presented with bitemporal hemianopsia, ptosis, and diplopia of the right eye. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a tumor 3.2 cm in diameter that extended from the anterior pituitary gland to the suprasellar region. Gadolinium-enhanced MRI of the tumor showed heterogeneous contrast enhancement. Considering the relatively rapid progression of neurological symptoms, semi-emergency endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery was performed. Histopathological examination revealed a group of thyroid transcription factor-1- and napsin A-positive papillary proliferating cells intermingled with α-subunit- and steroidogenic factor-1-positive PitNET cells. Thus, the patient was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma metastasis within a gonadotroph PitNET. Genetic testing revealed the presence of an EGFR (Ex-19del) mutation, after which chemotherapy was initiated. Additional stereotactic radiotherapy was performed for the residual tumor in the sella turcica. With continued chemotherapy, good control of both the primary and metastatic tumors was noted after 24 months after surgery. Cases of malignant neoplasm metastasis within a PitNET are difficult to diagnose. In the case of a sella turcica tumor with relatively rapid progression of neurological symptoms, early surgical intervention is recommended given the possibility of a highly proliferative tumor and the need to obtain pathologic specimens.

Objectives: The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is unique and circular with multiple copies of the genome. The lower mtDNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) in leukocytes is associated with the risk of all-cause mortality. However, its long-term association is unknown. Thus, the study examined the association between mtDNA-CN and the risk of all-cause mortality in a long-term follow-up study in the Japanese population. Design: This longitudinal study included the study cohort from an annual, population-based health checkup in the town of Yakumo, Hokkaido, Japan. Setting and Participants: 814 participants (baseline age range: 38–80 years, mean: 56.3 years) were included in this study in 1990. They were followed-up regarding mortality for about 30 years (median: 28.1 years) till 2019. Measures: The genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the mtDNA-CN was measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The level of the mtDNA-CN was divided into tertiles (low, middle, and high). The participants were categorized based on their age into middle-aged (

Many previous studies have already pointed out that health concerns influence people's choice of drinking water. The health concerns discussed in the preceding studies are those that are associated with the choice of a particular type of water. On the other hand, people also experience health concerns in their daily lives, unrelated to the choice of drinking water. These two need to be discussed separately, but preceding studies have failed to make a distinction. In this study, we refer to the former as ‘health concerns attributable to water characteristics’ and the latter as ‘health concerns stemming from personality traits.’ The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship, if any, between people's health concerns stemming from personality traits and their choice of drinking water. We use three types of health concerns that are stemming from personality traits (e.g. health maintenance, pesticide residues in food, and COVID-19 infection) to elucidate their influences on the choice of drinking water. Based on the results of the analysis, this study reveals that the influence of health concerns stemming from personality traits on the choice of drinking water differs depending on its typology. HIGHLIGHTS Concern about health maintenance urges the choice of untreated tap water.; Concern about pesticide residues in food urges the choice of purified tap water.; Concern about COVID-19 infection has no clear influences on the choice of drinking water.;

Abstract Background Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) area mask correction reduces the influence of low [123I]-N-fluoropropyl-2b-carbomethoxy-3b-(4-iodophenyl) nortropane (123I-FP-CIT) accumulation in the volume of interest (VOI) by CSF area dilatation on the specific binding ratio (SBR) calculated using the Southampton method. We assessed the effect of CSF area mask correction on the SBR for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) characterized by CSF area dilatation. Methods We enrolled 25 patients with iNPH who were assessed using 123I-FP-CIT single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) before shunt surgery or the tap test. The SBRs with and without CSF area mask correction were calculated, and changes in quantitative values were verified. Additionally, the number of voxels in the striatal and background (BG) VOI before and after CSF area mask correction were extracted. The number of voxels after correction was subtracted from that before correction, and the volume removed by the CSF area mask correction was calculated. The volumes removed from each VOI were compared to verify their effect on SBR. Results The images of 20 and 5 patients with SBRs that were decreased and increased, respectively, by CSF area mask correction showed that the volumes removed from the BG region VOI were higher and lower, respectively than those in the striatal region. Conclusions The SBR before and after CSF area mask correction was associated with the ratio of the volume removed from the striatal and BG VOIs, and the SBR was high or low according to the ratio. The results suggest that CSF area mask correction is effective in patients with iNPH. Trial registration This study was registered in the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR) as UMIN study ID: UMIN000044826. 11/07/2021.

Objectives: The adverse health effects of consuming sugar-sweetened beverages have been studied worldwide. However, no recent report on the actual sugar contents of Japanese sugar-sweetened beverages is available. Therefore, we analyzed the glucose, fructose, and sucrose contents of common Japanese beverages. Methods: The glucose, fructose, and sucrose contents of 49 beverages (8 energy drinks, 11 sodas, 4 fruit juices, 7 probiotic drinks, 4 sports drinks, 5 coffee drinks, 6 green tea drinks, and 4 black tea drinks) were determined using enzymatic methods. Results: Three zero calorie drinks, 2 sugarless coffee drinks, and 6 green tea drinks contained no sugar. Three coffee drinks contained only sucrose. The orders of median glucose, fructose, and sucrose contents in the categories of beverages containing sugars were as follows: for glucose, fruit juice > energy drink ≥ soda ≫ probiotic drink > black tea drink > sports drink; for fructose, probiotic drink ≥ energy drink > fruit juice > soda ≫ sports drink > black tea drink; and for sucrose, black tea drink > energy drink ≥ probiotic drink > fruit juice > soda > coffee drink ≫ sports drink. The total fructose as a percentage of the total sugar content in the 38 sugar-containing beverages was between 40% and 60%. The total sugar content analyzed was not always equivalent to the carbohydrate content indicated on the nutrition label. Conclusions: These results indicate that information on the actual sugar content of common Japanese beverages is necessary for the exact assessment of beverage-derived sugar intake.

Abstract Training kits for laparoscopes for deep suturing under endoscopes are commercially available; however, previously reported training kits for endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal pituitary/skull base surgery (eTSS) were not available in the market. Moreover, the previously reported low cost, self-made kit has the drawback of being unrealistic. This study aimed to create a low cost training kit for eTSS dura mater suturing that was as close to real as possible. Most necessary items were obtained from the 100-yen store ($1 store) or from everyday supplies. As an alternative to the endoscope, a stick-type camera was used. Through the assembly of the materials, a simple and easy-to-use training kit was created, which is almost identical to the actual dural suturing situation. In eTSS, a simple and easy-to-use training kit for dural suturing was successfully created at a low cost. This kit is expected to be used for deep suture operations and the development of surgical instruments for training.

Disaster early warning information, if it reaches the communities at-risk with enough lead time, allows individuals to evacuate and subsequently save their lives and livelihoods. However, in many areas of Asia, early warning information does not reach the communities at-risk. Even if it does reach them, the warning information is unclear, distorted, or delayed. This paper aims to understand the underlying factors affecting the dissemination of early warning information, and how it hinders community evacuation in the event of a disaster. It specifically looks into the tools and procedures that are adopted in early warning systems (EWS) as well as the challenges that the communities experienced in receiving the warning information. The paper presents three case studies, including the coastal communities in Bangladesh, the Himalayan communities in Bhutan, and the herder communities in Mongolia to investigate the challenges in EWS. In these communities, the ground-based telecommunication systems, internet and cellular network, have limited coverage. Additionally, the communication infrastructures in these areas are vulnerable to disruptions during extreme disaster events. Using satellites to transmit the warning information to communities at-risk will not only augment the existing ground-based EWS but will also improve evacuation procedures. While this paper builds the case for using the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) to enhance the effectiveness of disseminating early warning information, such effort alone is not enough. Subsequent policy and practical actions must be also undertaken to improve the early warning systems to facilitate effective evacuation.

ABSTRACT Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus are the two dominant picocyanobacteria in the low-nutrient surface waters of the subtropical ocean, but the basis for their coexistence has not been quantitatively demonstrated. Here, we combine in situ microcosm experiments and an ecological model to show that this coexistence can be sustained by specialization in the uptake of distinct nitrogen (N) substrates at low-level concentrations that prevail in subtropical environments. In field incubations, the response of both Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus to nanomolar N amendments demonstrates N limitation of growth in both populations. However, Prochlorococcus showed a higher affinity to ammonium, whereas Synechococcus was more adapted to nitrate uptake. A simple ecological model demonstrates that the differential nutrient preference inferred from field experiments with these genera may sustain their coexistence. It also predicts that as the supply of NO3− decreases, as expected under climate warming, the dominant genera should undergo a nonlinear shift from Synechococcus to Prochlorococcus, a pattern that is supported by subtropical field observations. Our study suggests that the evolution of differential nutrient affinities is an important mechanism for sustaining the coexistence of genera and that climate change is likely to shift the relative abundance of the dominant plankton genera in the largest biomes in the ocean. IMPORTANCE Our manuscript addresses the following fundamental question in microbial ecology: how do different plankton using the same essential nutrients coexist? Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus are the two dominant picocyanobacteria in the low-nutrient surface waters of the subtropical ocean, which support a significant amount of marine primary production. The geographical distributions of these two organisms are largely overlapping, but the basis for their coexistence in these biomes remains unclear. In this study, we combined in situ microcosm experiments and an ecosystem model to show that the coexistence of these two organisms can arise from specialization in the uptake of distinct nitrogen substrates; Prochlorococcus prefers ammonium, whereas Synechococcus prefers nitrate when these nutrients exist at low concentrations. Our framework can be used for simulating and predicting the coexistence in the future ocean and may provide hints toward understanding other similar types of coexistence.

Abstract Recent studies have described active nitrogen fixation in high‐latitude waters, but the ecological controls on the occurrence or activity of nitrogen‐fixing organisms (diazotrophs) in such systems remain unknown. Turnover rates and top‐down controls are also general knowledge gaps for marine diazotrophs. We detected abundant UCYN‐A (endosymbiotic nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacteria) in the Gulf of Anadyr, western Bering Sea, which correlated with high dissolved iron to dissolved inorganic nitrogen ratios (Fe : DIN) due to riverine input. Growth and grazing mortality of UCYN‐A sublineages were almost balanced with higher biomass‐turnover rates compared to the whole phytoplankton community, indicating selective grazing of UCYN‐A in nitrogen‐depleted waters. Grazing rates on UCYN‐A1 (small cells) were higher than for UCYN‐A2/3/4 (large cells), consistent with the general size dependence of phytoplankton growth and grazing mortality. We found that Fe : DIN is a major determinant of UCYN‐A abundances in high‐latitude waters, where UCYN‐A could make substantial contributions to plankton food‐web cycling.

Introduction Ewing sarcoma family tumor is a malignant tumor that is primarily of bone origin; it rarely occurs in the kidney. Case presentation A 22‐year‐old woman presented with hematuria. Computed tomography revealed a 6 × 6‐cm mass in the lower pole of the right kidney with invasion into the right renal vein. A right laparoscopic radical nephrectomy was performed. The tumor was completely encapsulated. Based on the small‐round‐cell histology, diffusely CD99‐positive tumor cells, and EWS (ex7)–FLi1 (ex6) fusion gene break point transcript, we diagnosed Ewing sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the kidney. After surgery, eight cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy including vincristine, doxorubicin (Adriamycin®), cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, and etoposide were given. No evidence of recurrence has been observed 13 months from diagnosis. Conclusion This was a rare Ewing sarcoma family tumor in the kidney of a young female with no remarkable family medical history.

DNA methylation (DNAm) is one of the most studied epigenetic modifications. DNAm has emerged as a key biological mechanism and biomarkers to test associations between environmental exposure and outcomes in epidemiological studies. Although previous studies have focused on associations between DNAm and either exposure/outcomes, it is useful to test for mediation of the association between exposure and outcome by DNAm. The purpose of this scoping review is to introduce the methodological essence of statistical mediation analysis and to examine emerging epidemiological research applying mediation analyses. We conducted this scoping review for published peer-reviewed journals on this topic using online databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and CINAHL) ending in December 2020. We extracted a total of 219 articles by initial screening. After reviewing titles, abstracts, and full texts, a total of 69 articles were eligible for this review. The breakdown of studies assigned to each category was 13 for smoking (18.8%), 8 for dietary intake and famine (11.6%), 6 for other lifestyle factors (8.7%), 8 for clinical endpoints (11.6%), 22 for environmental chemical exposures (31.9%), 2 for socioeconomic status (SES) (2.9%), and 10 for genetic factors and race (14.5%). In this review, we provide an exposure-wide summary for the mediation analysis using DNAm levels. However, we found heterogenous methods and interpretations in mediation analysis with typical issues such as different cell compositions and tissue-specificity. Further accumulation of evidence with diverse exposures, populations and with rigorous methodology will be expected to provide further insight in the role of DNAm in disease susceptibility.

Oral administration of rhamnan sulfate (RS), derived from the seaweed Monostroma nitidum, markedly suppresses inflammatory damage in the vascular endothelium and organs of lipopolysaccharide-treated mice. This study aimed to analyze whether orally administered RS inhibits the development of atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammation of the arteries. ApoE-deficient female mice were fed a normal or high-fat diet (HFD) with or without RS for 12 weeks. Immunohistochemical and mRNA analyses of atherosclerosis-related genes were performed. The effect of RS on the migration of RAW264.7 cells was also examined in vitro. RS administration suppressed the increase in blood total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In the aorta of HFD-fed mice, RS reduced vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, macrophage accumulation, and elevation of VCAM-1 and inhibited the reduction of Robo4. Increased mRNA levels of Vcam1, Mmp9, and Srebp1 in atherosclerotic areas of HFD-fed mice were also suppressed with RS. Moreover, RS directly inhibited the migration of RAW264.7 cells in vitro. Thus, in HFD-fed ApoE-deficient mice, oral administration of RS ameliorated abnormal lipid metabolism and reduced vascular endothelial inflammation and hyperpermeability, macrophage infiltration and accumulation, and smooth muscle cell proliferation in the arteries leading to atherosclerosis. These results suggest that RS is an effective functional food for the prevention of atherosclerosis.

Road traffic crashes (RTCs) are influenced by a driver's awareness and attitude toward road safety, as well as the socio-economic status, infrastructure development level, traffic status, social system, and traffic safety culture of the area to which the driver belongs. In this study, based on the results of a questionnaire survey conducted in seven countries, the characteristics of each country concerning tolerance for traffic violations, dangerous driving, and acceptance for road safety measures were studied. It was suggested that a high tolerance for traffic violations and dangerous driving might affect traffic violations and RTCs in each country. Additionally, to reduce the tolerance for traffic violations and dangerous driving, the promotion of road safety education, especially among young and male drivers, and stricter regulations and enforcement were suggested.

The number of patients with heat illness transported by ambulance has been gradually increasing due to global warming. In intense heat waves, it is crucial to accurately estimate the number of cases with heat illness for management of medical resources. Ambient temperature is an essential factor with respect to the number of patients with heat illness, although thermophysiological response is a more relevant factor with respect to causing symptoms. In this study, we computed daily maximum core temperature increase and daily total amount of sweating in a test subject using a large-scale, integrated computational method considering the time course of actual ambient conditions as input. The correlation between the number of transported people and their thermophysiological temperature is evaluated in addition to conventional ambient temperature. With the exception of one prefecture, which features a different Köppen climate classification, the number of transported people in the remaining prefectures, with a Köppen climate classification of Cfa, are well estimated using either ambient temperature or computed core temperature increase and daily amount of sweating. For estimation using ambient temperature, an additional two parameters were needed to obtain comparable accuracy. Even using ambient temperature, the number of transported people can be estimated if the parameters are carefully chosen. This finding is practically useful for the management of ambulance allocation on hot days as well as public enlightenment.

Introduction Certain low-molecular-weight heparins have been reported to reduce tumor growth and metastasis in tumor cell-inoculated mouse models and cancer patients. Recently, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been widely used in patients with thromboembolism. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of DOACs, which target thrombin or factor Xa, on tumor growth in a syngeneic mouse model comprising BALB/c mice inoculated with colon cancer Colon26 cells. Materials and Methods DOACs targeting thrombin (dabigatran etexilate [DABE]) or factor Xa (rivaroxaban [RVX] and edoxaban [EDX]) were orally administered daily to male BALB/c mice inoculated with Colon26 cells, followed by analyses of tumor growth and plasma levels of coagulation- and tumor-related factors such as tissue factor (TF), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). Results Colon26 cells expressed significant amounts of functionally active TF. Tumor growth in Colon26-inoculated mice was significantly suppressed in DABE- or RVX-treated mice (p

Aims Low-energy distal radius fractures (DRFs) are the most common upper arm fractures correlated with bone fragility. Vitamin D deficiency is an important risk factor associated with DRFs. However, the relationship between DRF severity and vitamin D deficiency is not elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the correlation between DRF severity and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D level, which is an indicator of vitamin D deficiency. Methods This multicentre retrospective observational study enrolled 122 female patients aged over 45 years with DRFs with extension deformity. DRF severity was assessed by three independent examiners using 3D CT. Moreover, it was categorized based on the AO classification, and the degree of articular and volar cortex comminution was evaluated. Articular comminution was defined as an articular fragment involving three or more fragments, and volar cortex comminution as a fracture in the volar cortex of the distal fragment. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D level, bone metabolic markers, and bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine, hip, and wrist were evaluated six months after injury. According to DRF severity, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D level, parameters correlated with bone metabolism, and BMD was compared. Results The articular comminuted group (n = 28) had a significantly lower median serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D level than the non-comminuted group (n = 94; 13.4 ng/ml (interquartile range (IQR) 9.8 to 17.3) vs 16.2 ng/ml (IQR 12.5 to 20.4); p = 0.005). The AO classification and volar cortex comminution were not correlated with the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D level. Bone metabolic markers and BMD did not significantly differ in terms of DRF severities. Conclusion Articular comminuted DRF, referred to as AO C3 fracture, is significantly associated with low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D levels. Therefore, vitamin D3 supplementation for vitamin D deficiency might prevent articular comminuted DRFs. Nevertheless, further studies must be conducted to validate the results of the current study. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(3):261–267.

Do different degrees of cleanliness preference affect consumers' choice of daily drinking water at home? The purpose of the present paper is to test the validity of various hypotheses related to this question by analyzing the results of an online survey conducted in the Tokyo area. Cleanliness has an aspect of personal norm for normalcy of things. Preference of cleanliness can be divided into the following two types. One is orderly cleanliness and the other is aversive cleanliness. Orderly cleanliness is oriented toward the control of impure things, while aversive cleanliness is oriented toward retention of immaculacy. We demonstrate that each of these cleanliness preference is involved in the choice of drinking water in its own way. Our survey results suggest that orderly cleanliness encourages the choice of tap water filtered through water purifier, while aversive cleanliness urges the choice of bottled water. HIGHLIGHTS Orderly cleanliness urges the choice of tap water filtered through a water purifier.; Orderly cleanliness urges the choice of bottled water.; Aversive cleanliness inhibits the choice of untreated tap water.; Aversive cleanliness urges the choice of bottled water.;

Abstract Dairy products have been indicated as a risk factor for prostate cancer. However, only a few epidemiological studies have reported dairy products as being a risk factor for prostate cancer in Japan, reporting contradictory results. We therefore investigated the association between the intake of dairy products and the occurrence of prostate cancer through a large‐scale cohort study. The Japan Collaborative Cohort study analyzed approximately 110,000 residents from various Japanese districts who participated in our questionnaire survey during 1988–1990. The subjects of the present study were 26,464 men (age range: 40–79 years) from 24 districts wherein cancer incidence was reported. Their clinical course was followed up until 2009. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using Cox's proportional hazards model, adjusted for age, survey area, family history of prostate cancer, body mass index, and total energy intake. For diet, we calculated the HRs associated with intermediate and high consumption of dairy products and compared them with those associated with low consumption. There were 412 cases of prostate cancer in the survey population. As dairy products, milk, yogurt, cheese, and butter were evaluated. Among them, milk consumption was associated with a significant risk (HR = 1.37, p = 0.009) and a dose‐dependent response (p for trend = 0.009) adjusted for age and family history of prostate cancer, stratified by area. Milk and yogurt consumption showed a significantly positive risk and a dose–response relationship adjusted for age, family history of prostate cancer, body mass index, and total energy intake, stratified by area. In summary, a high intake of dairy products such as milk increased the risk of developing prostate cancer in Japanese men.

Diatoms form dense blooms in the Pacific Arctic region from spring to summer, supporting the unique benthic-pelagic coupling ecosystems. Although the Arctic has a severe light-limited season from autumn to winter, diatoms can proliferate in spring when sufficient light becomes available for photosynthesis. One of the crucial strategies for diatoms to survive in unfavorable growing conditions is to form resting stages. Because of enhanced primary and export production in the Pacific Arctic shelves, many viable diatom resting stages can be detected in the surface sediments. However, little is known about the photophysiological response of viable diatom cells, including resting stages, in sediments to light availability. We conducted a laboratory experiment investigating the photophysiological capabilities of the diatom cells containing resting stages using surface sediments from the Chukchi Sea shelf. As a result, diatoms grew dramatically after light exposure, and Chaetoceros socialis complex highly contributed to the enhanced diatom abundance. Their photophysiological changes were also evident from the maximum quantum efficiency (Fv/Fm) of photochemistry in photosystem II, 13C-based photosynthetic-energy (PE) parameters, diadinoxanthin (DD)-diatoxanthin (DT) pool size, and the de-epoxidation state (DES) of DD. Even after the excess light exposure suppressed the photosynthetic activity in the microalgal cells, the diatoms recovered quickly, indicating the high photophysiological plasticity to dynamic light changes. Therefore, our results suggest that diatoms in surface sediments have a high seeding potential for blooms in the Pacific Arctic shelf region.

We previously reported that maternal fructose consumption increases blood corticosterone levels in rat offspring. However, the underlying mechanism of action remains unclear. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which maternal high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) intake increases circulating GC levels in rat offspring (GC; corticosterone in rodents and cortisol in humans). Female Sprague Dawley rats received HFCS solution during gestation and lactation. The male offspring were fed distilled water from weaning to 60 days of age. We investigated the activities of GC-metabolizing enzymes (11β-Hsd1 and 11β-Hsd2) in various tissues (i.e., liver, kidney, adrenal glands, muscle, and white adipose tissue) and epigenetic modification. 11β-Hsd2 activity decreased in the kidney of the HFCS-fed dams. Moreover, the epigenetic analysis suggested that miR-27a reduced Hsd11b2 mRNA expression in the kidney of offspring. Maternal HFCS-induced elevation of circulating GC levels in offspring may be explained by a decrease in 11β-Hsd2 activity via renal miR-27a expression. The present study may allow us to determine one of the mechanisms of GC elevation in rat offspring that is often observed in the developmental origins of the health and disease (DOHaD) phenomenon.

Abstract Primary prevention of premature death is a public health concern worldwide. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have been described as potential diagnostic biomarkers for diseases as cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD). This case-cohort study aimed to investigate the potential relationship between circulating miRNAs and the risk of premature death. A total of 39,242 subjects provided baseline serum samples in 1988–1990. Of these, 345 subjects who died of intrinsic disease (

ABSTRACT Phytoplankton diversity and community compositions vary across spaces and are fundamentally affected by several deterministic (e.g., environmental selection) and stochastic (e.g., ecological drift) processes. How this suite of different processes regulates the biogeography of phytoplankton remains to be comprehensively explored. Using high-throughput sequencing data and null model analysis, we revealed the ecological processes shaping the latitudinal community structure of three major phytoplankton groups (i.e., diatoms, Synechococcus, and haptophytes) across the Pacific Ocean (70°N, 170°W to 35°S, 170°W). At the basin scale, heterogeneous selection (selection under heterogeneous environmental conditions) dominated the assembly processes of all phytoplankton groups; however, its relative importance varied greatly at the climatic zonal scale, explaining the distinct latitudinal α- and β-diversity among phytoplankton groups. Assembly processes in Synechococcus and haptophyte communities were mainly controlled by physical and nutrient factors, respectively. High temperature drove Synechococcus communities to be more deterministic with higher diversity, while haptophyte communities were less environmentally selected at low latitudes due to their wide niche breadth and mixotrophic lifestyle. Diatom communities were overwhelmingly dominated by the selection process but with low correlation of measured environmental factors to their community compositions. This could be attributed to the high growth rate of diatoms, as indicated by their lower site occupation frequency than predicted in the neutral community model. Our study showed that heterogeneous selection is the main force that shaped the biogeography of three key phytoplankton groups in the Pacific Ocean, with a latitudinal variation of relative importance due to the distinct traits among phytoplankton. IMPORTANCE Phytoplankton are diverse and abundant as primary producers in the ocean, with diversity and community compositions varying spatially. How fundamental processes (e.g., selection, dispersal, and drift) regulate their global biogeography remains to be comprehensively explored. In this study, we disentangled the ecological processes of three key phytoplankton groups (i.e., diatoms, Synechococcus, and haptophytes) along the same latitudinal gradients in the Pacific Ocean. Heterogeneous selection, by promoting species richness and reducing similarity between communities, was the dominant process shaping the communities of each phytoplankton group at the basin scale. However, its relative importance varied greatly among different phytoplankton groups in different climate zones, explaining the uneven latitudinal α- and β-diversity. We also highlight the importance of identifying key factors mediating the relative importance of assembly processes in phytoplankton communities, which will enhance our understanding of their biogeography in the ocean and future patterns under climate changes.

Consumption of fructose-containing beverages such as high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is increasing, raising concerns about the negative effects of excessive fructose intake. A recent report indicated that excess HFCS intake impairs hippocampal function. In this study, we focused on neurotrophic factors (NFs) in the hippocampus from the viewpoint of epigenetics to clarify the adverse effects of fructose. We analyzed the effects of HFCS intake on hippocampal function in three age categories: childhood and adolescence (postnatal day (PD) 21-60), young adulthood (PD60-100), and late adulthood (PD100-140). For the experiments, male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three age categories, the control group was received distilled water and the HFCS group was received 20% HFCS solution for 40 days in each period. We analyzed mRNA and protein levels for qPCR and western blotting, respectively, of a hippocampal NF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf). HFCS consumption reduced hippocampal Bdnf mRNA and protein expressions in childhood and adolescence. Moreover, pyrosequencing assays revealed increased DNA methylation at the Bdnf promoter in childhood and adolescence. This Bdnf levels reduction may be due to hypermethylation of the promoter regions. It should be noted that this phenomenon was observed only in childhood and adolescence fructose consumption. Our results indicate that the sensitivity of the hippocampus to fructose may vary with age. This study provides insight into the adverse effects of excessive HFCS consumption on the hippocampus in children.

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in the development of various diseases, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although previous studies in clinically severe patients have investigated associations between CKD and miRNAs, with particular attention on renal fibrosis, relationships in a general population have yet to be established. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between expression level of circulating miRNAs and CKD in a middle-aged Japanese population. Methods: A final total of 513 individuals (216 men and 297 women) who participated in the health check-up program in 2012 were included in our analysis. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine expression levels of 22 miRNAs. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated based on serum creatinine level, sex, and age. Participants with eGFR

Abstract Background A recent study has reported that incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is higher in evacuees, but the molecular mechanism still remains unclear. One plausible hypothesis is a change in vascular function following to psychological distress. In order to assess molecular mechanisms underlying this association, we examined whether cardiovascular disease (CVD)-associated miRNAs (miR-126, miR-197, and miR-223) were associated with CKD among Japanese elderly survivors after an earthquake. Methods We analyzed 1385 individuals (670 men and 715 women) who participated in a post-disaster health check-up after the Great East Japan Earthquake, which occurred in 2011. The check-up involved collection of information about lifestyle, clinical history, the degree of housing damage, and baseline measurement of the estimated glomerular filtration rate. Expression levels of miRNAs were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using sex, age, and serum creatinine. CKD was defined as eGFR

Pituitary incidentalomas are tumors or mass lesions of the pituitary gland. These are incidentally discovered during imaging studies for symptoms that are not causally related to pituitary diseases. The most common symptom that triggers an examination is headache, and the most common type of pituitary incidentalomas are pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) and Rathke cleft cysts. The existing treatment strategy is controversial; however, surgical resection is recommended in cases of clinically non-functioning PitNETs with optic chiasm compression. In contrast, cystic lesions, such as Rathke cleft cysts, should be followed if the patients are asymptomatic. In this case, MRI and pituitary function tests are recommended every six months to one year; if there is no change, the follow-up period should be extended. The natural history of PitNET is partially known, and the management of pituitary incidentalomas is determined by this history. However, the pathogenesis of PitNET has significantly changed with the new World Health Organization classification, and follow-up is important based on this new classification. Therefore, a high level of evidence-based research is needed to consider treatment guidelines for pituitary incidentalomas in the future.

We have demonstrated a novel semiconductor rechargeable battery (capacitor-like device), which uses electrons, holes and no mobile ions, having a TiOx/SiNy/NiOz laminated structure with a capacity 5000 times larger than that of a conventional parallel plate capacitor. In this study, photoluminescence, cathodoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy of TiOx (x = 1.92, 2.00 and 2.04) films were carried out. We showed some correlations between these spectroscopic characteristics of TiOx having different oxygen compositions and the capacitor performance of a TiOx/SiNy/NiOz laminated structure.

Sea-ice algae play a crucial role in the ecology and biogeochemistry of sea-ice zones. They not only comprise the base of sea-ice ecosystems, but also seed populations of extensive ice-edge blooms during ice melt. Ice algae must rapidly acclimate to dynamic light environments, from the low light under sea ice to high light within open waters. Recently, iron (Fe) deficiency has been reported for diatoms in eastern Antarctic pack ice. Low Fe availability reduces photosynthetic plasticity, leading to reduced ice-algal primary production. We developed a low-Fe ice tank to manipulate Fe availability in sea ice. Over 20 days in the ice tank, the Antarctic ice diatom Fragilariopsis cylindrus was incubated in artificial low-Fe sea ice ([total Fe] = 20 nM) in high light (HL) and low light (LL) conditions. Melted ice was also exposed to intense light to simulate light conditions typical for melting ice in situ. When diatoms were frozen in, the maximum photochemical quantum efficiency of photosystem II (PSII), Fv/Fm, was suppressed by freezing stress. However, the diatoms maintained photosynthetic capability throughout the ice periods with a stable Fv/Fm value and increased photoprotection through non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) via photoprotective xanthophyll cycling (XC) and increased photoprotective carotenoid levels compared to pre-freeze-up. Photoprotection was more pronounced in the HL treatment due to greater light stress. However, the functional absorption cross section of PSII, σPSII, in F. cylindrus consistently increased after freezing, especially in the LL treatment (σPSII > 10 nm2 PSII–1). Our study is the first to report such a large σPSII in ice diatoms at low Fe conditions. When the melted sea ice was exposed to high light, Fv/Fm was suppressed. NPQ and XC were slightly upregulated, but not to values normally observed when Fe is not limiting, which indicates reduced photosynthetic flexibility to adapt to environmental changes during ice melt under low Fe conditions. Although ice algae can optimize their photosynthesis to sea-ice environments, chronic Fe starvation led to less flexibility of photoacclimation, particularly in low light conditions. This may have detrimental consequences for ice algal production and trophic interactions in sea-ice ecosystems if the recent reduction in sea-ice extent continues.

Sparassis crispa (SC), a mushroom abundantly containing β(1–3)-glucan, is known to activate the innate immunity. Lactic acid bacteria are also known to activate the immunity. Here, we investigated the effects of SC and Lactobacillus-fermented SC (LFSC) on the innate immunity and tumor growth in mice. LFSC treatment promoted the higher accumulation of innate immune cells than the SC treatment. However, the antitumor activity of the LFSC was lower than that of the fluorouracil (5-FU). Furthermore, LFSC significantly reduced the serum levels of interleukin-6 in mice and enhanced the apoptosis rate and the production of reactive oxygen species in mouse tumor tissues. These effects were not observed in 5-FU-treated mice. LFSC also significantly enhanced the phagocytic activity of and the mRNA expression of thrombotic/inflammatory factors in human monocytes. These findings suggest that LFSC significantly enhances the innate immunity and exhibits antitumor effects by a mechanism different from that of 5-FU.

A large part of marine dissolved organic matter (DOM) is considered to be recalcitrant DOM (RDOM) produced by marine bacteria. However, it is still unclear whether differences in bacterial species and/or physiology control the efficiency of RDOM production. Here, batch culture experiments with glucose as the sole carbon source were carried out using three model marine bacterial strains, namely, Alteromonas macleodii (Alt), Vibrio splendidus (Vib), and Phaeobacter gallaeciensis (Pha). Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations drastically decreased during the exponential growth phases of these bacteria due to the consumption of glucose. The efficiency of bacterial DOC production at the end of incubation was largely different among the strains and was higher for Vib (20%) than for the other two strains (Alt, 4%; Pha, 6%). All strains produced fluorescent DOM (FDOM), including humic-like FDOM which is considered as recalcitrant component in the ocean, even though the composition of bacterial FDOM was also different among the strains. The efficiency of humic-like FDOM production during the exponential growth phase was different among the bacterial strains; that is, Pha produced humic-like FDOM efficiently compared with the other two species. The efficiency of humic-like FDOM production with mineralization of organic matter was lower during the exponential growth phase than during the stationary phase of Alt and Pha. Four processes for the production of bacterially derived recalcitrant humic-like FDOM are suggested from this study: (1) production during active growing (in all strains), (2) production with the reutilization of bacterial DOM (Alt), (3) production with the consumption of cellular materials (Pha), and (4) release from lysis (Vib). Our results suggest that bacterial species and physiology can regulate RDOM production and accumulation in the ocean.

The hardware and software capabilities of the compact-profiling hybrid instrumentation for radiometry and ecology (C-PHIRE) instruments on an unmanned surface vessel (USV) are evaluated. Both the radiometers and USV are commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) products, with the latter being only minimally modified to deploy the C-PHIRE instruments. The hybridspectral C-PHIRE instruments consist of an array of 18 multispectral microradiometers with 10 nm wavebands spanning 320–875 nm plus a hyperspectral compact grating spectrometer (CGS) with 2048 pixels spanning 190–1000 nm. The C-PHIRE data were acquired and processed using two architecturally linked software packages, thereby allowing lessons learned in one to be applied to the other. Using standard data products and unbiased statistics, the C-PHIRE data were validated with those from the well-established compact-optical profiling system (C-OPS) and verified with the marine optical buoy (MOBY). Agreement between algorithm variables used to estimate colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) absorption and chlorophyll a concentration were also validated. Developing and operating novel technologies, such as the C-PHIRE series of instruments, deployed on a USV increase the frequency and coverage of optical observations, which are required to fully support the present and next-generation validation exercises in radiometric remote sensing of aquatic ecosystems.

We previously reported that rhamnan sulfate (RS) purified from Monostroma nitidum significantly suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in cultured human vascular endothelial cells. Here, we analyzed the effect of orally administered RS on LPS-induced damage to mouse organs and vascular endothelium. RS (1 mg) was orally administered daily to BALB/c mice, 50 μg of LPS was intraperitoneally administered on day 8, and Evans blue was injected into the tail vein 6 h later. After 30 min, LPS-treated mice showed pulmonary Evans blue leakage and elevated plasma levels of liver damage markers, whereas this reaction was suppressed in LPS + RS-treated mice. Immunohistochemical and Western blot analysis of mouse organs 24 h after LPS treatment showed significant neutrophil infiltration into the lung, liver, and jejunum tissues of LPS-treated mice and high expression levels of inflammation-related factors in these tissues. Expression levels of these factors were significantly suppressed in LPS + RS-treated mice. Analysis of lung glycocalyx showed a significant reduction in glycocalyx in LPS-treated mice but not in LPS + RS-treated mice. Levels of syndecan-4, one of the glycocalyx components, decreased in LPS-treated mice and increased in LPS + RS-treated mice. The current results suggest that orally administered RS protects organs and vascular endothelium from LPS-induced inflammation and maintains blood circulation.

Abstract Background and Purpose Since falls after total hip arthroplasty (THA) cause severe complications such as dislocation and fractures around the femoral stem, it is important to investigate what factors predict of falls. Thus, investigating predictors of falls in patients waiting for THA would be valuable as it lead to more strategic interventions to prevent these problems. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictors of falls in patients during the first year after THA. Methods This is a prospective cohort study. A total of 157 patients who underwent THA for unilateral hip osteoarthritis were analyzed. The incidence of falls during the first year after THA was monitored, and patients were classified into a “faller” and “non‐faller” group. The following factors were compared between the two groups: demographic data (age, sex, body mass index, leg length discrepancy, length of hospital stay, and history of falling), preoperative hip abductor muscle strength, functional performance (single leg stance and maximum walking speed), pain during walking, and physical activity. Results On multivariate logistic regression analysis, preoperative hip abductor muscle strength on the affected side and a history of falling were predictors of falls during the first year after THA. On subsequent receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, preoperative hip abductor muscle strength on the affected side was retained as a significant predictor, with a cut‐off strength of 0.46 Nm/kg differentiating the faller and non‐faller groups with a specificity of 73.6%, specificity of 50.0%, and area under the curve of 70.2%. Conclusions Finding from the present study suggested that clinicians should focus on low preoperative hip abductor muscle strength on the affected side and a history of falling to prevent falls during the first year after THA.

Phytoplankton communities in seasonally ice-covered areas are largely affected by ice algae. The Okhotsk Sea is the southernmost sea ice zone in the northern hemisphere with a sizeable seasonal ice cover, thus ice algae of the Okhotsk sea ice have a large potential to seed the early spring bloom. Little is known about the Okhotsk ice algal communities and their seeding effects. We investigated the dynamics of the composition and the photophysiological performances of an Okhotsk ice algal community in a 6-day laboratory incubation experiment that simulated the natural ice melt conditions. Centric diatoms, especially Thalassiosira spp., overwhelmingly dominated the ice algal community throughout incubation, whereas pennate diatoms, mostly Navicula and Nitzschia, showed little growth with much higher mortality. The maximum photochemical efficiency of Photosystem II (Fv/Fm) was the lowest at the beginning of the ice melt, suggesting a suppressed photosynthetic functioning by changes in salinity. The cellular pigment contents decreased by 30% due to osmotic stress, evidenced by deformed plastids under a microscope. The transcript level of the rbcL gene that encodes the large subunit of RubisCO was significantly higher during ice melt and decreased in the no-ice period, suggesting an urgent need for carbon fixation under the melt condition. Full recovery of photosynthesis and growth was also made after complete ice melt. Our results indicated high seeding potential of Thalassiosira to spring blooms owing to their photophysiological plasticity to dynamic salinity changes.

Dimethyl sulfide (DMS) is an important component of the global sulfur cycle as it is the most abundant sulfur compound that is emitted via the ocean surface to the atmosphere. Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), the precursor of DMS, is mainly produced by phytoplankton and is degraded by marine bacteria. To reveal the role of bacteria in the regulation of DMSP degradation and DMS production, mesocosm and field studies were performed in the Sanriku Coast on the Pacific Ocean in northeast Japan. The responsible bacteria for the transformation of DMSP to DMS and the assimilation of DMSP were monitored, and the genes encoding DMSP lyase (dddD and dddP) and DMSP demethylase (dmdA) were analyzed. The mesocosm study showed that the dmdA subclade D was the dominant DMSP degradation gene in the free-living (FL) and particle-associated (PA) fractions. The dddD gene was found in higher abundance than the dddP gene in all the tested samples. Most importantly, DMS concentration was positively correlated with the abundance of the dddD gene. These results indicated that bacteria possessing dmdA and dddD genes were the major contributors to the DMSP degradation and DMS production, respectively. The genes dmdA subclade D and dddP were abundant in the Tsugaru Warm (TW) Current, while the dmdA subclade C/2 and dddD genes were dominant in the Oyashio (OY) Current. Functional gene network analysis also showed that the DMSP degradation genes were divided into OY and TW Current-related modules, and genes sharing similar functions were clustered in the same module. Our data suggest that environmental fluctuations resulted in habitat filtering and niche partitioning of bacteria possessing DMSP degradation genes. Overall, our findings provide novel insights into the distribution and abundance of DMSP degradation genes in a coastal region with different water current systems.

The preventive efficacies and safety of Emblica Officinalis Gatertn (Amla), a most important and extensively studied plant in the traditional Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine, are presented. Eligible healthy adult subjects (n = 15) were randomized to receive either amla or placebo (500 mg per day) during an 18-week study. The efficacy parameters evaluated were the vascular function, blood hematology, oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers, glucose and lipid profiles, urinalysis, and liver hepatotoxicity. The amla intake showed significant improvements in the primary efficacy parameter of blood fluidity. There were also improvements in the secondary endpoints including lowering of von Willebrand factor (vWF), reduced 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) as well as thrombin (TM) biomarkers of oxidative stress along with a significant improvement in HDL-cholesterol and lowering the LDL-cholesterol levels. No substantial changes were observed in liver hepatotoxicity, urinalysis, and hematology after consumption of amla compared to baseline or placebo. In addition, no adverse events, changes safety parameters or tolerance issues were observed after consumption of amla. In conclusion, amla supplementation showed acceptable palatability, improved endothelial functions and reduced oxidative stress. Keywords: Amla (Emblica Officinalis Gaertn), Clinical trial, Vascular functions, Hematology, Lipid profile

Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) inhibits the activity of thioredoxin (TXN), leading to increased oxidative stress. Expression of the TXNIP gene is regulated by DNA methylation. However, no study has reported the influence of lifestyle factors on TXNIP DNA methylation. Our goal was to determine the association between smoking habits and TXNIP DNA methylation levels in a Japanese population. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 417 subjects (180 males and 237 females) participating in a health examination. We used a pyrosequencing assay to determine TXNIP DNA methylation levels in leukocytes. The mean TXNIP DNA methylation level in current smokers (75.3%) was significantly lower than that in never and ex-smokers (never: 78.1%, p < 0.001; ex: 76.9%, p = 0.013). Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that the OR for TXNIP DNA hypomethylation was significantly higher in current smokers than that in never smokers, and significantly higher in current smokers with years of smoking ≥ 35 and Brinkman Index ≥ 600 compared to that in non-smokers. In conclusion, we found that current smokers had TXNIP DNA hypomethylation compared to never and ex-smokers. Moreover, long-term smoking and high smoking exposure also were associated with TXNIP DNA hypomethylation.

Background: Most studies of plasma adiponectin (APN) and mortality among community-dwelling elderly focus on cardiovascular disease, but data on the relationship between plasma APN and cancer mortality is exiguous. We investigated whether APN is associated with cancer mortality in community-dwelling elderly people. Methods: We conducted a case-cohort study within the New Integrated Suburban Seniority Investigation (NISSIN) Project using a randomly drawn sub-cohort of 697 subjects (351 men and 346 women; mean age 64.5 [standard deviation, 0.5] years) among whom we compared cases of all-cause death (n = 269) and cancer death (n = 149) during a mean follow-up duration of 10.8 (standard deviation, 3.7) years. Associations between APN and mortality were assessed using weighted Cox regression analyses. Results: We observed significant positive associations between the APN concentration and cancer death in the first and third APN tertiles compared with the second APN tertile (hazard ratio [HR]T1 vs T2, 1.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00–2.79 and HRT3 vs T2, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.30–3.40). Further adjustment for possible confounders attenuated the association (HRT1 vs T2, 1.63; 95% CI, 0.93–2.84 and HRT3 vs T2, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.26–3.50). A similar but weaker association was seen for all-cause mortality (multivariate HRT1 vs T2, 1.45; 95% CI, 0.95–2.21 and HRT3 vs T2, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.01–2.25). Conclusion: Plasma APN and cancer mortality have a significant relationship among community-dwelling elderly people, which warrants further study.

Background: Improving lower limb muscle strength is important in preventing progression of osteoarthritis (OA) and its symptoms. Exercise with branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation has been reported to affect protein anabolism in young and elderly persons. However, few studies provided daily BCAAs for patients with OA. Objective: This study examined the effects of combined BCAAs and exercise therapy on physical function improvement in women with hip OA scheduled for total hip arthroplasty. Methods: The subjects were 43 women with OA (age: 64.2±9.4). The participants were randomly divided into two groups: BCAA (n=21) and control (n=22). The combined therapy was carried out for one month. Exercise intervention involved hip abductor muscle exercise in both groups. For the nutritional intervention, 6g of BCAAs or 1.2g of starch were consumed within 10min before starting the exercise. Results: There was a marginally significant difference in the main effect between the groups in 10-m timed gait time. The improvement rate in hip abductor muscle strength of the contralateral side was significantly greater in the BCAA group. Conclusion: By combining BCAA intake and exercise therapy, a significant improvement in hip abductor muscle strength of the contralateral side was achieved in women with OA.

Abstract Background The effect of the redox state of human serum albumin (HSA) on the antioxidant properties of the entire body has been a focus of recent research. The usefulness of HSA redox state as a biomarker for reducing oxidative stress has been investigated in clinical settings; however, evidence for its significance as a health index in non-clinical settings is yet to be established. This study aimed to examine the associations between HSA redox state and the atherosclerotic indices of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and plaque formation in a rural Japanese population. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study as part of a health check-up program in the rural area of Hokkaido, Japan, at the end of August 2013. A total of 281 residents (124 men and 157 women) were included in the final analysis. Lifestyle-related data were obtained through a self-reported questionnaire, and ultrasound examinations were performed to measure IMT and determine plaque formation. The high-performance liquid chromatography postcolumn bromocresol green method was used to separate HSA into human nonmercaptalbumin and human mercaptalbumin (HMA). Results We found a significant negative relationship between the fraction of HMA [f(HMA)] and IMT (standardized β = − 0.132, p = 0.03). Moreover, f(HMA) was significantly associated with plaque formation (p

The colored (or chromophoric, depending on the literature) dissolved organic matter (CDOM) spectral absorption coefficient, aCDOM(λ), is a variable of global interest that has broad application in the study of biogeochemical processes. Within the funding for scientific research, there is an overarching trend towards increasing the scale of observations both temporally and spatially, while simultaneously reducing the cost per sample, driving a systemic shift towards autonomous sensors and observations. Legacy aCDOM(λ) measurement techniques can be cost-prohibitive and do not lend themselves toward autonomous systems. Spectrally rich datasets carefully collected with advanced optical systems in diverse locations that span a global range of water bodies, in conjunction with appropriate quality assurance and processing, allow for the analysis of methods and algorithms to estimate aCDOM(440) from spectrally constrained one- and two-band subsets of the data. The resulting algorithms were evaluated with respect to established fit-for-purpose criteria as well as quality assured archival data. Existing and proposed optical sensors capable of exploiting the algorithms and intended for autonomous platforms are identified and discussed. One-band in-water algorithms and two-band above-water algorithms showed the most promise for practical use (accuracy of 3.0% and 6.5%, respectively), with the latter demonstrated for an airborne dataset.

The ratio of human nonmercaptalbumin (HNA) and reduced albumin (HMA) may be a new marker for oxidative stress. Locomotive syndrome (LS) is reduced mobility due to impairment of locomotive organs. We investigated whether the HNA/HMA ratio could be a new biomarker of LS. This study included 306 subjects (mean age 64.24 ± 10.4 years) who underwent LS tests, grip strength, walking speed, and tests for HNA and HMA. Oxidative stress was measured by the ratio of HMA (f(HMA) = (HMA/(HMA + HNA) × 100)), and the subjects were divided into normal (N group; f[HMA] ≥ 70%) and low (L group; f[HMA] < 70%) groups. There were 124 non-elderly (