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Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by large vessel occlusion requires rapid and reliable imaging of the vessel course including the clot to reduce complications and ensure success. However, no method to acquire this information has been established.Six consecutive patients with AIS caused by large vessel occlusion underwent EVT in our institute. High-resolution vessel wall MRI was performed using three-dimensional (3D) variable refocusing flip angle pulse and turbo spin-echo sequences (VRFA-TSE) with the volume isotropic turbo spin-echo acquisition (VISTA) technique. This study evaluated the effectiveness of 3D proton density-weighted (PDW) VRFA-TSE (called PDW-VISTA) compared with T2-weighted (T2W) VRFA-TSE (called T2W-VISTA) to demonstrate the cerebral vessels including the occluded invisible lesion.PDW-VISTA and T2W-VISTA were successfully performed in all cases. PDW-VISTA was more useful to visualize the anterior circulation than T2W-VISTA by clearly revealing invisible vessels, whereas PDW-VISTA and T2W-VISTA had similar findings in the posterior circulation. The vessel courses shown by 3D PDW-VISTA imaging before treatment and digital subtraction angiography after treatment showed good agreement in all cases. Furthermore, 3D PDW-VISTA imaging demonstrated the length and size of the clot.PDW-VISTA imaging was found to more clearly depict the cerebral vessels including occluded lesion than T2W-VISTA imaging. Findings of thrombus size and length were important for correctly placing the stent retriever and securing safety during the procedure.

Glucosinolates (GSL) are sulfur (S)-rich specialized metabolites produced by plants of the Brassicales order. Our previous study found that in Arabidopsis seedlings, S deficiency (−S) promoted GSL catabolism by activating two ß-glucosidases (BGLU), BGLU28 and BGLU30. The induced GSL catabolism was a survival strategy for seedlings grown under −S, because S released from GSL was reincorporated into primary S metabolites which are essential for plant growth. However, as GSL profile in plants vary among growth stages and organs, we set out to test a potential contribution of BGLU28/30-dependent GSL catabolism at the reproductive growth stage. Thus, in this study, we assessed growth, metabolic, and transcriptional phenotypes of maturebglu28/30double mutants grown under different S conditions. Our results showed that compared to wild-type plants grown under −S, maturebglu28/30mutants displayed impaired growth and accumulated increased levels of GSL in their mature seeds, siliques, flowers, and rosette leaves of before bolting plants. In contrast, the levels of primary S-containing metabolites, glutathione and cysteine, were decreased in mature seeds. Furthermore, the transport of GSL from rosette leaves to the reproductive organs was stimulated in thebglu28/30mutants under −S. Transcriptome analysis revealed that genes related to other biological processes, such as phytohormone signaling and plant response to heat, responded differentially to −S in thebglu28/30mutants. Altogether, these findings broadened our understanding of the roles of BGLU28/30-dependent GSL catabolism in plant adaptation to nutrient stress.One-sentence summaryDisruption of glucosinolate catabolic genes,BGLU28andBGLU30, in sulfur-starved matureArabidopsisimpaired growth, affected glucosinolate distribution, and altered transcriptional profiles.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the relationship between the creatinine reduction ratio between postoperative days 1 and 2 and post-transplantation clinical outcomes after living donor kidney transplantation. METHODS Clinical data of patients who underwent living donor kidney transplantation at Jichi Medical University Hospital, Tochigi, Japan, between 2006 and 2019 were retrieved. The creatinine reduction ratio between postoperative days 1 and 2 was calculated based on the formula: (Cre1 - Cre2) × 100/Cre1; patients were then classified into either the slow graft function (creatinine reduction ratio between postoperative days 1 and 2 ≤30%) or immediate graft function (creatinine reduction ratio between postoperative days 1 and 2 >30%) group. We carried out the log-rank test and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses to assess graft survival and rejection-free survival, and the unpaired t-test and multivariate linear regression to assess post-transplantation estimated glomerular filtration rates. Multivariate analyses used age, sex, dialysis duration, ABO compatibility, donor-specific antibody positivity and medically complex living donors as explanatory variables. RESULTS Of the 272 patients, 30 and 242 were in the slow graft function and immediate graft function groups, respectively. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses showed a significantly higher incidence of overall and death-censored graft loss in the slow graft function group than the immediate graft function group. The frequency of rejection after 1 week post-transplantation did not differ within the groups. Post-transplantation estimated glomerular filtration rates tended to decline earlier in the slow graft function group than in the immediate graft function group; however, the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS The creatinine reduction ratio between postoperative days 1 and 2 could potentially predict long-term outcomes after living donor kidney transplantation. Using the creatinine reduction ratio between postoperative days 1 and 2 and other conventional indicators might allow accurate risk classification and appropriate therapeutic interventions.

Nickel (Ni) is an essential cofactor for various microbial enzymes, but in higher plants, few Ni-containing enzymes (e.g., urease) have been identified. Here, we explored the use of liquid chromato...

Most phosphorus is stored as phytic acid in plant seed, although it is considered an anti-nutrient compound that reduces the bioavailability of minerals in monogastric animals. Low-phytic acid (LP) crops improve mineral bioavailability in monogastric animals, which can decrease environmental pollution due to phosphorus. Recently, we reported a newly developed LP soybean line by crossing the LP line CX1834 and Japanese normal phytic acid cultivar Natto-kotsubu (Natto), which showed superior traits in seedling emergence, growth, and yield compared with CX1834. The molecular mechanism underlying the LP trait in the LP line remains unclear. The LP line was used for a de novo RNA-Seq analysis, and we illustrated the aberrant RNA splicing of the phytic acid synthase gene inositol-1,3,4 trisphosphate 5/6-kinase 3 (GmITPK3) in the LP line. The expression level of phytic acid biosynthesis-related genes and inositol phosphate isomer concentrations were investigated. A de novo RNA-Seq analysis revealed that the intron retention (IR) transcript of GmITPK3 is highly expressed in the leaves of the LP line. Although expressed in both, the relative abundances of multiple IR transcripts were significantly higher in the LP line than that in the Natto cultivar. The IR transcripts of GmITPK3 encoding truncated proteins were missing an essential domain for their activity, while one possibly contained an abnormal ligand binding site. The relative abundance of IR transcripts was 1.9- to 5.4-times higher in the LP line than that in the Natto cultivar during seed development; accordingly, the production of phytic acid and its precursors in the developing seeds was lower in the LP line than that in the Natto cultivar. No mutation was detected at the exon–intron junction, where a splicing error occurs in GmITPK3 of the LP line, implying that a splicing error is attributed to unknown splicing factor genes involved in the splicing regulation of GmITPK3. Our results provide insights into the possible involvement of splicing errors in GmITPK3 for the trait of low phytic acid production in the LP line.

Objective Cortical spreading depolarization (CSD), cortical spreading ischemia (CSI), and early brain injury are involved in the occurrence of delayed brain ischemia after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We tested whether local application of magnesium (Mg) sulfate solution suppressed CSD and CSI, and decreased brain damage in a rat SAH-mimicking model. Methods Nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and high concentration potassium solution were topically applied to simulate the environment after SAH. We irrigated the parietal cortex with artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF), containing L-NAME (1 mM), K+ (35 mM), and Mg2+ (5 mM). Forty-five rats were divided into 3 groups: sham surgery (sham group), L-NAME + [K+]ACSF (control group), and L-NAME + [K+]ACSF + [Mg2+] (Mg group). CSD was induced by topical application with 1 M KCl solution in 3 groups. The effects of Mg administration on CSD and cerebral blood flow were evaluated. Histological brain tissue damage, body weight, and neurological score were assessed at 2 days after insult. Results Mg solution significantly shortened the total depolarization time, and reduced CSI, histological brain damage, and brain edema compared with those of the control group (P Conclusions Local application of Mg suppressed CSI and reduced brain damage in a rat SAH-mimicking model. Mg irrigation therapy may be beneficial to suppress brain damage due to CSI after SAH.

Here we compare mineral accumulation and global gene expression patterns between two metal hyperaccumulator plants - Noccaea japonica, originating from Ni-rich serpentine soils, and Noccaea caerulescens (ecotype Ganges), originating from Zn/Pb-mine soils - under excess Ni conditions. Significant differences in the accumulation of K, P, Mg, B, and Mo were explained by the expression levels of specific transporters for each mineral. We previously showed that total Ni accumulation in the whole plant is higher in N. caerulescens than in N. japonica. Here we found a similar tendency for Fe under excess Ni; however, the expression of iron-regulated transporter 1 (IRT1), which encodes the primary Fe uptake transporter and causes excess Ni uptake in Arabidopsis thaliana, was higher in N. japonica. NjIRT1 has a point mutation at Asp100, which is essential for Fe transport, and so might lack its Fe and possibly Ni transport function. Noccaea japonica might have lost its IRT1 function, which would prevent excess Ni uptake via IRT1 in Ni-rich soils, and come to rely on other transporters.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the uncertainty of elemental analytical methods that use laser ablation in liquid (LAL) as a pretreatment. After LAL sampling of silicon carbide (SiC), trace impurities were quantified using inductively coupled plasma-sector field mass spectrometry (ICP-SFMS) with external calibration (EC). The expanded uncertainty (k = 2) of the concentrations was less than 10 %. To obtain more precise values, the Ti, the element homogeneously distributed on the sample surface of SiC, was quantified using ICP-SFMS with isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS). The expanded uncertainty (k = 2) was reduced to 3.4 %. The smaller uncertainty associated with IDMS reflected the fact that measuring the isotope ratio of the same element with IDMS and high-speed isotope measurements at 10-ms intervals reduced the variability of signal intensities, the primary source of uncertainty, more effectively than EC. Moreover, the combination with ID improved the sample amount-dependent unrepeatability in pretreatment.

BackgroundPreoperative characteristics of living kidney donors are commonly considered during donor selection and postoperative follow-up. However, the impact of preoperative uric acid (UA) levels is poorly documented. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between preoperative serum UA levels and post-donation long-term events and renal function.MethodsThis was a single-center retrospective analysis of 183 living kidney donors. The donors were divided into high (≥5.5 mg/dl) and low (ResultsIn total, 44 donors experienced 52 adverse events over 5 years. The incidence of adverse events within 5 years was significantly higher in the high UA group than in the low UA group (50% vs. 24%,p = 0.003); this was true even after the exclusion of hyperuricemia-related events (p = 0.047). UA emerged as an independent risk factor for adverse events (p = 0.012). Donors with higher UA levels had lower eGFRs after donation, whereas body mass index, hemoglobin A1c, blood pressure, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol did not have any impact on the eGFR.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that preoperative UA levels should be considered during donor selection and postoperative follow-up.

Background The renal function of the remaining kidney in living donors recovers up to 60~70% of pre-donation estimated-glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by compensatory hypertrophy. However, the degree of this hypertrophy varies from donor to donor and the factors related to it are scarcely known. Methods We analyzed 103 living renal transplantations in our institution and divided them into two groups: compensatory hypertrophy group [optimal group, 1-year eGFR ≥60% of pre-donation, n = 63] and suboptimal compensatory hypertrophy group (suboptimal group, 1-year eGFR n = 40). We retrospectively analyzed the factors related to suboptimal compensatory hypertrophy. Results Baseline eGFRs were the same in the two groups (optimal versus suboptimal: 82.0 ± 13.1 ml/min/1.73m2 versus 83.5 ± 14.8 ml/min/1.73m2, p = 0.588). Donor age (optimal versus suboptimal: 56.0 ± 10.4 years old versus 60.7 ± 8.7 years old, p = 0.018) and uric acid (optimal versus suboptimal: 4.8 ± 1.2 mg/dl versus 5.5 ± 1.3 mg/dl, p = 0.007) were significantly higher in the suboptimal group. The rate of pathological chronicity finding on 1-h biopsy (ah≧1 ∩ ct + ci≧1) was much higher in the suboptimal group (optimal versus suboptimal: 6.4% versus 25.0%, p = 0.007). After the multivariate analysis, the pathological chronicity finding [odds ratio (OR): 4.8, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3–17.8, p = 0.021] and uric acid (per 1.0 mg/dl, OR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1–2.2, p = 0.022) were found to be independent risk factors for suboptimal compensatory hypertrophy. Conclusion Chronicity findings on baseline biopsy and higher uric acid were associated with insufficient recovery of the post-donated renal function.

Iodine is an essential element for humans; however, it can be toxic depending on its chemical form. A variety of toxic and non-toxic iodine species have been identified in environmental water and in the drinking water produced by public water treatment plants. Here, we examined the change of iodine species during the water treatment process at a public water treatment plant in Japan. Samples of raw water and of treated water immediately after each of eight treatment stages comprising the treatment process were collected, and a speciation analysis was conducted by means of ion chromatography– and size-exclusion chromatography–inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. In the raw water, iodine was found mainly as iodide or iodinated humic substances that were ultimately oxidized and transformed into iodate, a form non-toxic to humans, by two independent oxidation stages in the water treatment process – ozone treatment and chlorine treatment. No disinfection byproducts were detected at any stage of the treatment process. Fluorescence spectrometry with multivariate analysis revealed that humic substances were markedly decreased by ozone treatment, but not by chlorine treatment. The present results show that, at the plant-scale, ozone treatment is an effective means of removing toxic iodine species from raw water.

Our earlier study demonstrated that the landrace of Japonica rice, Akamai exhibits low-P (phosphorous) tolerance mechanisms compared to the conventional type cultivar, Koshihikari. The present study examined the genotypic difference of yield, plasticity of root growth, and internal utilization of acquired P (allocation pattern of biomass and P among different vegetative and reproductive organs) of two contrasting cultivars in response to P-deficiency. Each cultivar was grown until maturity with (+P) and without (–P) P supply in pots (two plants per pot) filled with 15 kg of Regosol soil. Grain yield and yield components were determined along with biomass and P accumulation in different vegetative and reproductive organs. To assess the plasticity of root growth, the soil column in the pot was divided into two equal portions (upper and lower soil layers) in which the root dry weight and length were measured separately. Among the investigated yield components, the number of filled grains per panicle ...

Phosphorus (P) is a major nutrient supporting rice productivity. Improving low-P tolerance of rice is expected to reduce dependence on P fertilizer, thereby reducing rice production costs and envir...

Phosphorus (P) acquisition through extensive root growth and P allocation to different plant organs through efficient remobilization are important for acclimation of crop plants to P-limited environments. This study elucidated changes in rice root growth and leaf P-remobilization and their influence on grain yield under P deficiency. Two pot experiments were conducted with (P100) and without (P0) inorganic P supply using two Japanese rice cultivars: Akamai (Yamagata) and Koshihikari. Multiple harvests were made until the panicle initiation stage. Root and shoot growth response, P acquisition, and temporal leaf P-remobilization efficiency were measured. A separate experiment ascertained the final yield and grain P status. The Akamai rice cultivar showed enhanced root growth and more acquired soil P. The Akamai root dry weight was 66% greater than that of Koshihikari under P0. Confronting P deficiency, Akamai remobilized some P from its lower mature leaves to upper younger leaves starting from early growth. The remobilized P fraction increased to 72% at panicle initiation under P0. Under P0, Akamai exhibited two-fold higher leaf P-remobilization efficiency than under P100. Enhanced root growth that facilitates acquisition of more soil P through better soil exploration coupled with efficient leaf P remobilization from the early growth stage improves adaptation of Akamai rice cultivar to P-limited environments. Nevertheless, P-starvation responses did not facilitate higher grain yields in P-limited conditions.

Long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) play critical roles in transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in a wide variety of organisms. Thousands of lincRNAs have been identified in plant genomes, although their functions remain mostly uncharacterized. Here, we report a genome-wide survey of lincRNAs involved in the response to low-nutrient conditions in Arabidopsis thaliana. We used RNA sequencing data derived from A. thaliana roots exposed to low levels of 12 different nutrients. Using bioinformatics approaches, 60 differentially expressed lincRNAs were identified that were significantly upregulated or downregulated under deficiency of at least one nutrient. To clarify their roles in nutrient response, correlations of expression patterns between lincRNAs and reference genes were examined across the 13 conditions (12 low-nutrient conditions and control). This analysis allowed us to identify lincRNA-RNA pairs with highly positive or negative correlations. In addition, calculating interaction energies of those pairs showed lincRNAs that may act as regulatory interactors; e.g. small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). Among them, trans-acting siRNA3 (TAS3), which is known to promote lateral root development by producing siRNA against Auxin response factor 2, 3, and 4, was revealed as a nitrogen (N)-responsive lincRNA. Furthermore, nitrate transporter 2 was identified as a potential target of TAS3-derived siRNA, suggesting that TAS3 participates in multiple pathways by regulating N transport and root development under low-N conditions. This study provides the first resource for candidate lincRNAs involved in multiple nutrient responses in plants.

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Nitrogen (N) is an essential nutrient for plant growth and development; therefore, N deficiency is a major limiting factor in crop production. Plants have evolved mechanisms to cope with N deficiency, and the role of protein-coding genes in these mechanisms has been well studied. In the last decades, regulatory non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), have emerged as important regulators of gene expression in diverse biological processes. Recent advances in technologies for transcriptome analysis have enabled identification of N-responsive ncRNAs on a genome-wide scale. Characterization of these ncRNAs is expected to improve our understanding of the gene regulatory mechanisms of N response. In this review, we highlight recent progress in identification and characterization of N-responsive ncRNAs in Arabidopsis thaliana and several other plant species including maize, rice, and Populus.

One mechanism of arsenic detoxification in plants is synthesis of phytochelatins from glutathione in a sulfur-dependent manner. This study examined the contribution of a sulfate transporter, SULTR1;2, in arsenic tolerance in terms of sulfur metabolism in Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. Comparative analysis of SULTR mutants showed that defective mutations of SULTR1;2 resulted in an increased arsenic sensitivity, in both shoots and roots, establishing that SULTR1;2 is required for arsenic tolerance. We subsequently quantified total sulfur content and levels of sulfur compounds (phytochelatins, glutathione, cysteine) in a SULTR1;2 mutant, sel1-8. Arsenic treatments increased sulfur uptake of sel1-8, but the mutant was unable to maintain the proper basal level of sulfur. Despite drastic reduction of total sulfur content, the mutant accumulated substantial or rather excess phytochelatins in shoots under arsenic stress conditions. The levels of glutathione and cysteine in shoots were lower in sel1-8 th...

Improving the nutritional value of cereal grains and reducing the intake of toxic elements, such as cadmium (Cd), from grains contribute to food quality. Here, we report a large-scale profiling of the brown rice ionome in an ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS)-mutagenized population of the commercial rice cultivar ‘Hitomebore’. Broad-sense heritability for manganese, zinc, and cesium were greater than 0.5, suggesting that the EMS population is suitable for screening mutants with different concentrations of these elements. From the EMS-mutagenized population, we isolated two mutant lines with high and low Cd levels. Sequence analysis revealed that the high-Cd line had a mutation at position 105 (leucine to histidine) in OsHMA3, a gene that regulates Cd accumulation in rice shoots. The low-Cd line had a mutation at position 242 (histidine to glutamine) in OsNramp5, a gene responsible for Cd uptake. Agronomical traits of the low-Cd line were indistinguishable from those of the wild type, indicating that the low-Cd line which we isolated is applicable to Hitomebore farming areas. The present study shows the effectiveness of mutant lines derived from elite cultivars in developing agriculturally useful lines with different mineral contents.

We previously reported that allografts from living donors may have pre-existing histopathological damages, defined as the combination of interstitial fibrosis (ci), tubular atrophy (ct), and arteriolar hyalinosis (ah) scores of ≧1, according to the Banff classification. We examined preoperative characteristics to identify whether the degree of these damages was related to metabolic syndrome-related factors of donors. We conducted a single-center cross-sectional analysis including 183 living kidney donors. Donors were divided into two groups: chronic change (ci + ct ≧ 1 &cap, ah ≧ 1, n = 27) and control (n = 156). Preoperative characteristics, including age, sex, blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), aortic calcification index (ACI), and psoas muscle index (PMI), were analyzed. Comparing the groups, the baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate was not significantly different, however, we observed a significant difference for ACI (p = 0.009). HbA1c (p = 0.016) and ACI (p = 0.006) were independent risk factors to predict pre-existing histopathological damages, whereas PMI was not. HbA1c correlated with ct scores (p = 0.035), and ACI correlated with ci (p = 0.005), ct (p = 0.021), and ah (p = 0.017). HbA1c and ACI may serve as preoperative markers for identifying pre-existing damages on the kidneys of living donors.

We present a 78-year-old male with renal cell carcinoma who developed myasthenia gravis complicated by myositis after nivolumab administration, which was verified by the presence of antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor. The initial symptom was posterior neck pain, and biochemical examination of blood showed elevated levels of hepatic enzymes and creatine phosphokinase. The level of antibody against the acetylcholine receptor increased 4.1-fold. His condition progressed rapidly resulting in respiratory failure 15 days after conservative therapy., 論文

The spread of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)infection may result in an increased likelihood of surgery in patients with HIV infection. We treated a patient with intracranial malignant lymphoma associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome(AIDS)caused by HIV infection. The recommendations of the countermeasure manual for AIDS were followed. Only surgical staff without finger injury or inflammation were permitted to be involved in the operation. All staff were dressed in a waterproof, full-body surgical gown, and wore double gloves, double foot covers, and an N95 mask. The surgery could be performed safely with such infection control measures. Histological examination revealed a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The patient was referred to the Division of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine for chemotherapy.

Phytic acid (myo-inositol hexakisphosphate; InsP6) is the storage compound of phosphorus and many mineral elements in seeds. To determine the role of InsP6 in the accumulation and distribution of mineral elements in seeds, we performed fine mappings of mineral elements through synchrotron-based X-ray microfluorescence analysis using developing seeds from two independent low phytic acid (lpa) mutants of rice (Oryza sativa L.). The reduced InsP6 in lpa seeds did not affect the translocation of mineral elements from vegetative organs into seeds, because the total amounts of phosphorus and the other mineral elements in lpa seeds were identical to those in the wild type (WT). However, the reduced InsP6 caused large changes in mineral localization within lpa seeds. Phosphorus and potassium in the aleurone layer of lpa greatly decreased and diffused into the endosperm. Zinc and copper, which were broadly distributed from the aleurone layer to the inner endosperm in the WT, were localized in the narrower space around the aleurone layer in lpa mutants. We also confirmed that similar distribution changes occurred in transgenic rice with the lpa phenotype. Using these results, we discussed the role of InsP6 in the dynamic accumulation and distribution patterns of mineral elements during seed development.

Excessive accumulation of nickel (Ni) can be toxic to plants. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the Fe2+ transporter, iron (Fe)-regulated transporter1 (IRT1), mediates Fe uptake and also implicates in Ni2+ uptake at roots, however, the underlying mechanism of Ni2+ uptake and accumulation remains unelucidated. In the present study, we found that zinc (Zn) deficient conditions resulted in increased accumulation of Ni in plants, particularly in roots, in A. thaliana. In order to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of Ni uptake correlating zinc condition, we traced 63Ni isotope in response to Zn and found that (i) Zn deficiency induces short-term Ni2+ absorption and (ii) Zn2+ inhibits Ni2+ uptake, suggesting competitive uptake between Ni and Zn. Furthermore, the Zrt/Irt-like protein 3 (ZIP3)-defective mutant with an elevated Zn-deficient response exhibited higher Ni accumulation than the wild type, further supporting that the response to Zn deficiency induces Ni accumulation. Previously, expression profile study demonstrated that IRT1 expression is not inducible by Zn deficiency. In the present study, we found increased Ni accumulation in IRT1-null mutant under Zn deficiency in agar culture. These suggest that Zn deficiency induces Ni accumulation in an IRT1-independen manner. The present study revealed that Ni accumulation is inducible in response to Zn deficiency, which may be attributable to a Zn uptake transporter induced by Zn deficiency.

The manipulation of seed phosphorus is important for seedling growth and environmental P sustainability in agriculture. The mechanism of regulating P content in seed, however, is poorly understood. To study regulation of total P, we focused on phytic acid (inositol hexakisphosphate, InsP6) biosynthesis-related genes, as InsP6 is a major storage form of P in seeds. The rice (Oryza sativa L.) low phytic acid mutant lpa1-1 has been identified as a homolog of archael 2-phosphoglycerate kinase. The homolog might act as an inositol monophosphate kinase, which catalyzes a key step in InsP6 biosynthesis. Overexpression of the homolog in transgenic rice resulted in a significant increase in total P content in seed, due to increases in InsP6 and inorganic phosphates. On the other hand, overexpression of genes that catalyze the first and last steps of InsP6 biosynthesis could not increase total P levels. From the experiments using developing seeds, it is suggested that the activation of InsP6 biosynthesis in both very early and very late periods of seed development increases the influx of P from vegetative organs into seeds. This is the first report from a study attempting to elevate the P levels of seed through a transgenic approach.

Protein phosphorylation events play key roles in maintaining cellular ion homeostasis in higher plants, and the regulatory roles of these events in Na+ and K+ transport have been studied extensively. However, the regulatory mechanisms governing Mg2+ transport and homeostasis in higher plants remain poorly understood, despite the vital roles of Mg2+ in cellular function. A member of subclass III sucrose nonfermenting-1-related protein kinase2 (SnRK2), SRK2D/SnRK2.2, functions as a key positive regulator of abscisic acid (ABA)-mediated signaling in response to water deficit stresses in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Here, we used immunoprecipitation coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analyses to identify Calcineurin B-like-interacting protein kinase26 (CIPK26) as a novel protein that physically interacts with SRK2D. In addition to CIPK26, three additional CIPKs (CIPK3, CIPK9, and CIPK23) can physically interact with SRK2D in planta. The srk2d/e/i triple mutant lacking all three members of subclass III SnRK2 and the cipk26/3/9/23 quadruple mutant lacking CIPK26, CIPK3, CIPK9, and CIPK23 showed reduced shoot growth under high external Mg2+ concentrations. Similarly, several ABA biosynthesis-deficient mutants, including aba2-1, were susceptible to high external Mg2+ concentrations. Taken together, our findings provided genetic evidence that SRK2D/E/I and CIPK26/3/9/23 are required for plant growth under high external Mg2+ concentrations in Arabidopsis. Furthermore, we showed that ABA, a key molecule in water deficit stress signaling, also serves as a signaling molecule in plant growth under high external Mg2+ concentrations. These results suggested that SRK2D/E/I- and CIPK26/3/9/23-mediated phosphorylation signaling pathways maintain cellular Mg2+ homeostasis.

We report a case of foramen magnum meningioma manifesting as hypoglossal nerve palsy. A 72-year-old woman presented with progressive hypoglossal nerve palsy and lingual atrophy on the left side. Gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging revealed a heterogeneously enhanced mass lesion with dural tail sign partially extending into the hypoglossal canal. The transcondylar approach was performed to expose the hypoglossal canal and resect the tumor completely. Histological examination revealed a transitional meningioma. The postoperative course was uneventful. Hypoglossal nerve palsy improved gradually after the operation.

Arbuscular mycorrhizas support nutrient uptake from the soil. Here we demonstrated Iron-59 (59Fe) uptake in maize (Zea mays L.) through the mycorrhizal roots. Arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization did not strongly induce Strategy II-related genes, but the putative iron transporter genes, OPT8a and OPT8b, were induced by more than 50-fold. Our data provide a previously undescribed gene expression mode related to the iron uptake system of Strategy II plants.

Background: Internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm may be a good target for supraorbital keyhole clipping. We discuss the surgical indications and risks of keyhole clipping for ICA aneurysms based on long-term clinical and radiologic results. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 51 patients (aged 35–75 years, mean 62 years) with ICA aneurysms (mean 5.8 ± 1.8 mm) who underwent clipping via the supraorbital keyhole approach between 2005 and 2017. Neurologic and cognitive functions were examined by several methods, including the modified Rankin Scale and Mini-Mental Status Examination. The state of clipping was assessed 1 year and then every few years after the operation. Results: Complete clipping was confirmed in 45 patients (88.2%), dog-ear remnants behind the clip persisted in 4 patients, and wrapping was performed in 2 patients. Mean duration of postoperative hospitalization was 3.4 ± 6.9 days. The mean clinical follow-up period was 6.6 ± 3.2 years. The overall mortality was 0, and overall morbidity (modified Rankin Scale score ≥2 or Mini-Mental Status Examination

After the accident of the Fukushima 1 nuclear power plant in March 2011, radioactive cesium was released and paddy field in a wide area of Fukushima Prefecture was contaminated. To reduce radioactive Cs uptake by rice, it is important to understand factors that affect Cs uptake in rice. Here we describe our study in 2011 and 2012 to investigate Cs concentration in two rice cultivars, Koshihikari and Hitomebore, the top two cultivars in Fukushima prefecture, grown under different fertilizer conditions in the contaminated paddy field. Our study demonstrated that high nitrogen and low potassium conditions increase Cs concentrations both in straw and brown rice.

The expression of a multispecific organic anion transporter, OATP1B3/SLCO1B3, is associated with clinical prognosis and survival of cancer cells. The aims of present study were to investigate the involvement of epigenetic regulation in mRNA expression of a cancer-type variant of OATP1B3 (Ct-OATP1B3) in cancer cell lines. The membrane localization and transport functions of Ct-OATP1B3 were investigated in HEK293 cells transiently expressing Ct-OATP1B3. DNA methylation profiles around the transcriptional start site of Ct-OATP1B3 in cancer cell lines were determined. The effects of a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor and siRNA knockdown of methyl-DNA binding proteins (MBDs) on the expression of Ct-OATP1B3 mRNA were investigated. 5′-RACE identified the TSS of Ct-OATP1B3 in PK-8 cells. Ct-OATP1B3 was localized on the plasma membrane, and showed the transport activities of E217βG, fluvastatin, rifampicin, and Gd-EOB-DTPA. The CpG dinucleotides were hypomethylated in Ct-OATP1B3-positive cell lines (DLD-1, TFK-1, PK-8, and PK-45P) but were hypermethylated in Ct-OATP1B3-negative cell lines (HepG2 and Caco-2). Treatment with a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor and siRNA knockdown of MBD2 significantly increased the expression of Ct-OATP1B3 mRNA in HepG2 and Caco-2. Ct-OATP1B3 is capable of transporting its substrates into cancer cells. Its mRNA expression is regulated by DNA methylation-dependent gene silencing involving MBD2.

Summary The alteration of transcript structure contributes to transcriptome plasticity. In this study, we analyzed the genome-wide response of exon combination patterns to deficiencies in 12 different nutrients in Arabidopsis thaliana roots. RNA sequencing analysis and bioinformatics using a simulation survey revealed more than 600 genes showing varying exon combinations. The overlap between genes showing differential expression (DE) and genes showing differential exon combination (DC) was notably low. Additionally, gene ontology analysis showed that gene functions were not shared between the DE and DC genes, suggesting that the genes showing DC had different roles than those showing DE. Most of the DC genes were nutrient specific. For example, two homologs of the MYB transcription factor genes MYB48 and MYB59 showed differential alternative splicing only in response to low levels of potassium. Alternative splicing of those MYB genes modulated DNA-binding motifs, and MYB59 is reportedly involved in the inhibition of root elongation. Therefore, the increased abundance of MYB isoforms with an intact DNA-binding motif under low potassium may be involved in the active inhibition of root elongation. Overall, we provide global and comprehensive data for DC genes affected by nutritional deficiencies, which contribute to elucidating an unknown mechanism involved in adaptation to nutrient deficiency.

As a part of systematic investigation of synthesis and biologically active compounds of pyrazole derivatives containing transition metal, several new pyrazole copper(II) complexes 3a−f were synthesized from pyrazole sodium salts 2a−f, which were produced from spiro-pyrazoles 1a−f and sodium hydride by a ring-opening reaction. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by spectroscopic analysis. Pyrazole copper(II) complexes 3a−d and 3f exhibited high DNA cleavage activity in vitro. Furthermore, compounds 3a−f were tested for their growth inhibitory activity in A549 lung cancer, B16F10 murine melanoma, and HeLa human uterine carcinoma cells. Compounds 3c,d displayed moderate B16F10 and HeLa inhibitory activity levels (3c: IC50 = 45 μM in B16F10 cells and 34 μM in HeLa cells, 3d: IC50 = 50 μM in B16F10 cells and 32 μM in HeLa cells).