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An analytical method to determine the electrochemical energy efficiencies of electrolytes with partial electronic conduction has been developed previously and reported in the literature. However, this analytical method does not address the effects of differing ionic species in electrolytes, i.e., the oxide‐ions or protons. Therefore, we aimed to modify this analytical method to account for the effects of differing ionic species, and applied it to compare the energy efficiencies of oxide‐ion conducting solid electrolytes such as yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and gadolinia‐doped ceria (GDC) to proton‐conducting solid electrolytes, such as yttria‐doped barium zirconate (BZY). With the modification, difference in the influence of the fuel consumption between the oxide‐ion conducting electrolyte and the proton‐conducting electrolyte has been successfully taken into account. The energy efficiency of the BZY electrolyte relatively increased against those of YSZ or GDC electrolytes by the modification. Additionally, partial oxide‐ion conduction in the proton‐conducting electrolyte was successfully estimated using the modified analytical method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early extensive treatment might prevent chronic inflammation and improve the quality of life in patients with HS and PCAS. Hidradenitis suppurativa with perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens successfully treated with a human anti-tumour necrosis factor monoclonal antibody Histological examination of a skin biopsy taken from the patient's scalp showed massive diffuse lymphocytic infiltration in the dermis (Fig. [Extracted from the article]

An analysis method based on virtual excitation processes is developed in numerical Liouville approach, which is a new nonperturbative method presented before. In this analysis method (NLA three-type analysis method), third-order nonlinear optical susceptibilities χ(3)g(ω) obtained by the NLA method can be divided into the three-type virtual excitation processes similar to the three-type analysis based on the time-dependent perturbation theory (TDPT three-type analysis). The NLA three-type analysis method is superior to the TDPT three-type analysis one in the points as follows: (1) the NLA three-type analysis can treat the phenomena caused by the intensity-dependent nonlinear susceptibilities including nonperturbative effects and (2) the NLA three-type analysis can divide the resonant nonlinear susceptibilities into three types of virtual excitation processes. In order to explain the procedure of the present analysis, we try to elucidate the characteristics of virtual excitation processes of nonlinear optical spectra in THG for a three-state model that mimics the electronic excited states of a system with noncentrosymmetric charge distribution. © 1995 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a continuation of a previous paper [Phys. Rev. A 50, 2989 (1994)], this article develops and describes in detail the new nonperturbative approach to the third-order nonlinear optical susceptibilities χ(3)g(ω) in third-harmonic generation (THG), electric-field-induced second-harmonic generation (EFISH), degenerate four-wave mixing (DFWM), electric-field-induced optical rectification (EFIOR), and electric-field-induced Kerr effect (EFIKE) for N-state quantum systems interacting with intense electric fields. The present method utilizes the Fourier transformation of numerically exact solutions of the Liouville equation, so that it can provide both real and imaginary nonlinear optical spectra valid for arbitrary laser intensities, frequencies, and relaxation. As an application of the method, we investigate the characteristics of nonlinear optical spectra in THG, EFISH, and DFWM for a three-state model that mimics the electronic excited states of t-octatetraene obtained from a full configuration interaction (FCI) calculation using the Pariser–Parr–Pople (PPP) Hamiltonian. Comparisons between the present nonperturbative and the conventional perturbative results are also carried out. The magnitudes of the third-order nonlinear susceptibilities in the off-resonant region show the following trend: χ(3)(THG)>=χ(3)(EFISH)>=χ(3)(DFWM), with χ(3)(THG) exhibiting the largest frequency dispersion. © 1995 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactions of a hydrogen molecule with small platinum clusters Ptn (n=1,2,3) are studied theoretically by ab initio methods. This provides a cluster model study for hydrogen chemisorption on a Pt surface. The results suggest that the Pt atom and the linear Pt3 cluster will react with H2 and dissociatively adsorb it, making two Pt–H bonds, whereas the Pt2 cluster will not react with H2 because of a high energy barrier. The dissociative adsorption of a hydrogen molecule occurs at a side-on, on-top site of a surface Pt atom and molecular adsorption does not seem to occur. Essentially only one Pt atom is involved in the initial adsorption process. These findings are in contrast to the palladium case previously reported. Almost no energy barrier exists for the hydrogen migration from one Pt atom to an adjacent one, with a preference being shown for one H atom on each Pt atom rather than two H atoms on one Pt atom. The heat of adsorption, the stability of the catalytic surface, etc., are best represented by the Pt3–H2 system. Spin–orbit coupling effect is examined for the Pt–H2 system and found to be small for the singlet A1 state which is the most important state for the dissociative adsorption. This effect is important, however, to obtain natural potential curve in the large Pt–H2 separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on enhancing the efficiency of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) by modulating the thickness of the highly resistive solid solution layer of (Ce,Zr)O formed between the yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte and the CeO-based interlayer on the cathode side. The effects of the concentration of dopant in CeO on the thickness of the solid solution were analyzed. Yttrium-doped CeO (YDC) interlayers were studied, with dopant concentrations in the range of 5-40 mol%. The results revealed that the thickness of the solid solution decreased with increasing dopant concentration up to 20 mol% and then saturated at higher dopant concentrations. In addition, the electrical conductivities of yttrium-doped ceria (YDC) and the solid solution of YSZ and YDC were measured. YDC with a dopant concentration of 20 mol% exhibited the highest conductivity. The conductivities of the YSZ/YDC solid solution decreased compared to those of YDC and YSZ for each dopant concentration, and the extent of the reductions was approximately the same for all dopant concentrations. These results indicate that a dopant concentration of 20 mol% is optimal to minimize the internal resistance of SOFCs when YDC is used as the interlayer material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human dental pulp stem/progenitor cells (hDPSCs) are attractive candidates for regenerative therapy because they can be easily expanded to generate colony-forming unit-fibroblasts (CFU-Fs) on plastic and the large cell numbers required for transplantation. However, isolation based on adherence to plastic inevitably changes the surface marker expression and biological properties of the cells. Consequently, little is currently known about the original phenotypes of tissue precursor cells that give rise to plastic-adherent CFU-Fs. To better understand the in vivo functions and translational therapeutic potential of hDPSCs and other stem cells, selective cell markers must be identified in the progenitor cells. Here, we identified a dental pulp tissue-specific cell population based on the expression profiles of 2 cell-surface markers LNGFR (CD271) and THY-1 (CD90). Prospectively isolated, dental pulp-derived LNGFR(Low+)THY-1(High+) cells represent a highly enriched population of clonogenic cells--notably, the isolated cells exhibited long-term proliferation and multilineage differentiation potential in vitro. The cells also expressed known mesenchymal cell markers and promoted new bone formation to heal critical-size calvarial defects in vivo. These findings suggest that LNGFR(Low+)THY-1(High+) dental pulp-derived cells provide an excellent source of material for bone regenerative strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transmission of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) among family members is not well understood. We identified 15 families in which multiple members were diagnosed with hMPV infection by real-time PCR in 2008 and 2010. Index patients ranged in age from 2 years to 11 years (median 5 years), and all 15 index cases were children who attended primary school, kindergarten, or nursery school. Contact patients ranged in age from 2 months to 46 years (median 6 years). Excluding five adult cases, contact patients were significantly younger than index patients (P = 0·0389). Of the 12 contact children, seven (58%) were infants who were taken care of at home. The serial interval between the onset of symptoms in an index patient and the onset of symptoms in a contact patient was estimated to be 5 days. These results suggest that the control of school-based outbreaks is important for preventing hMPV infection in infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensors based on crystal defects, especially nitrogen vacancy (NV) centres in nanodiamond, can achieve detection of single magnetic moments. Here, we show that this exquisite control can be utilized to entangle remote electronic spins for applications in quantum computing; the mobile sensor provides a 'flying' qubit while the act of sensing the local field constitutes a two-qubit projective measurement. Thus, the NV centre mediates entanglement between an array of well-separated (and thus well-controlled) qubits. Our calculations establish that such a device would be remarkably robust against realistic issues such as dephasing, inaccurate timing and both positioning errors and multimodal vibrations in the sensor tip. Interestingly, the fact that this form of flying qubit is readily measurable allows one to convert certain classes of unknown errors into heralded failures, which are relatively easy to deal with using established quantum information processing techniques. We also provide calculations establishing the feasibility of performing a demonstrator experiment with a fixed sensor in the immediate future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To isolate autoantigens possibly involved in the pathogenesis of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease. Methods: Autoantigens recognised by immunoglobulin G antibodies (IgG Ab) in sera from VKH patients were isolated by screening the lambda phage cDNA libraries made from melanocytes and a highly pigmented melanoma cell line with the patients' sera. Presence of IgG specific for the autoantigens in sera from patients with various panuveitis and healthy individuals was evaluated. Relation between the specific IgG and various clinicopathological features was examined. Results: KU-MEL-1 was found to be one of the 81 isolated positive clones representing 35 distinct genes, which is a previously isolated melanoma antigen preferentially expressed in melanocytes. The IgG Ab specific for KU-MEL-1 was detected in sera from patients with VKH in significantly higher amounts than in sera from patients with Behçet's disease, sarcoidosis, and from healthy individuals. Positive serum KU-MEL-1 Ab was significantly associated with HLA-DRB1 *0405 and male VKH patients. Conclusion: KU-MEL-1 was identified as a new autoantigen for VKH. The highly frequent induction of IgG Ab for KU-MEL-1 in HLA-DRB1 *0405 positive VKH patients may suggest the possible involvement of KU-MEL-1 specific CD4+ T cells in the pathogenesis of VKH, suggesting the possible use in the development of diagnostic and therapeutic treatments for VKH patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is the goal of this section to publish material that provides information regarding specific issues, aspects of artificial organ application, approach, philosophy, suggestions, and/or thoughts for the future Abstract: In this series, we investigated the meaning of the t-point of index of motor current amplitude (ICA) curve from a point of view of flow rate on in vitro and in vivo studies. On mock circulation loop and left ventricular assist device (LVAD)–equipped pigs, we detected the t-point and compared the pump flow at the t-point with the simultaneous cardiac output. The pump flow at the t-point showed high correlation against the simultaneous cardiac output for in vitro or in vivo study. By detection of the t-point of the ICA curve and measuring or estimating the pump flow at t-point, the cardiac output may be assessed without any sensor in various cardiac conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acinetobacter sp. CR was grown on a model oil, which consisted of an inert oil matrix of pristane with n-heneicosane dissolved in it as the sole carbon source, in a stirred-tank bioreactor. This bacterium takes up substrates from the oil phase by direct contact with the oil phase. A previously established mathematical model was applied to reveal the effect of agitation conditions on the growth and n-alkane degradation kinetics of the bacterium. Higher impeller speed resulted in both lower microbial growth and lower n-alkane degradation rate of the bacterium, although it increased the specific surface area of the oil, which was measured by a previously developed device. This result was due to the decreased number of cells adhering to the oil surface, i.e., intense agitation inhibited the adhesion of cells to the oil surface. The addition of a surfactant below a critical micelle concentration (CMC) inhibited the degradation of n-heneicosane dissolved in pristane, although the biodegradability of the substrate recovered gradually with the increase in the dose of surfactant over CMC. The results suggest that efforts to increase the specific surface area of the oil phase have the undesirable result of inhibiting oil degradation when the dominant microbial degraders take up substrates in oil by direct contact with the oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary. Previous studies of the hemagglutinin (HA) genes of various influenza B virus isolates demonstrated the existence of two antigenically distinct virus lineages represented by B/Victoria/2/87 and B/Yamagata/16/88, respectively. Here, we investigated the antigenic and genetic characteristics of influenza B viruses isolated from children living in Lusaka, Zambia between January and May 1999. Antigenic analysis with chicken antiviral sera showed that all the Zambian isolates had the HA protein belonging to B/Yamagata/16/88-related lineage. Furthermore, phylogenetic analyses of the eight RNA segments performed by using the total or partial nucleotide sequences of the two representative Zambian strains (B/Lusaka/270/99 and B/Lusaka/432/99) as well as the previously reported sequences suggested that the Zambian viruses are closely related to the recently circulating reassortants represented by B/Shiga/T30/98 and B/Yamanashi/166/98 which acquired the genes coding for three polymerase proteins (PB2, PB1, and PA), HA, nucleoprotein, and matrix protein from a B/Yamagata/16/88-like parent and the gene encoding nonstructural proteins (NS1 and NS2) from a B/Guandong/8/93-like parent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on the change of peripheral T and B lymphocytes and T cells bearing Fc receptors for IgG and IgM in pregnant women were performed by using rosette-formation tests. There was no significant difference in the proportion of T and B lymphocytes between pregnant and non-pregnant women. The percentage of T cells bearing Fc receptors for IgG in the T lymphocytes which are considered to have suppressive activity increased in the various stages of pregnancy and post-partum as compared with that in non-pregnant women. On the contrary, the percentage of T cells bearing Fc receptors for IgM in the T lymphocytes which have a helper function decreased in pregnant and post-partum women. The results of this investigation suggest that the depression of cell-mediated immunity during pregnancy depends on the qualitative change of T lymphocytes, i.e. increased suppressor and decreased helper T lymphocyte subpopulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To elucidate the risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver cirrhosis (LC), we examined 204 cirrhotic patients negative for hepatitis B surface antigen and positive for HCV antibodies. The independent influence of various clinical characteristics in these patients was analyzed by multiple logistic regression, and the risk factors for HCC were identified. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified and ranked the following four risk factors: male sex (P < 0.001), habitual heavy drinking (P < 0.005), hepatitis B virus antibody positivity (anti-HBs and/or anti-HBc, P < 0.05), and age greater than 60 years (P < 0.05). The odds ratio of HCC was 4.20 (95% confidence interval; CI, 1.80-9.78) in male patients, 3.27 (95% CI, 1.46-7.30) in habitual heavy drinkers, 2.01 (95% CI, 1.01-3.99) in patients positive for hepatitis B virus antibodies, and 2.06 (95% CI, 1.00-4.23) in patients older than 60 years. The cumulative occurrence rates of HCC after blood transfusion were significantly higher in habitual heavy drinkers (4.8%, 49.4%, and 74.7% at 10, 20, and 30 years, respectively) than in non-drinkers (0%, 21.0%, and 23.3% at 10, 20, and 30 years, respectively, P < 0.0003). The mean interval for progression to LC after blood transfusion was significantly shorter in the habitual heavy drinkers than in the non-drinkers (22.4 +/- 4.4 years vs 28.4 +/- 3.9 years; P < 0.0003). This multivariate analysis revealed that habitual heavy drinking and hepatitis B virus antibody positivity are significant risk factors for HCC in HCV-related liver cirrhosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined integrase-defective lentiviral vectors (IDLVs) with a mutant (D64V) integrase in terms of their residual integration capability, the levels and duration of transgene expression and their therapeutic potential in comparison to wild-type lentiviral vectors (WTLVs) with a wild-type integrase gene. Compared with WTLVs, the IDLV-mediated proviral integration into host-cell chromosomes was approximately 1/3850 in HeLa cells and approximately 1/111 in mouse cerebellar neurons in vivo. At 2 months, transgene expression by IDLVs in the mouse cerebellum was comparable to that by WTLVs, but then significantly decreased. The mRNA levels at 6 and 12 months after injection in IDLV-infected cerebella were approximately 26% and 5%, respectively, of the mRNA levels in WTLV-injected cerebella. To examine the therapeutic potential, IDLVs or WTLVs expressing a molecule that enhances the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway were injected into the cerebella of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 model mice (SCA3 mice). IDLV-injected SCA3 mice showed a significantly improved rotarod performance even at 1 year after-injection. Immunohistochemistry at 1 year after injection showed a drastic reduction of mutant aggregates in Purkinje cellsfrom IDLV-injected, as well as WTLV-injected, SCA3 mice. Our results suggest that because of the substantially reduced risk of insertional mutagenesis, IDLVs are safer and potentially effective as gene therapy vectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transmission of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) among family members is not well understood. We identified 15 families in which multiple members were diagnosed with hMPV infection by real-time PCR in 2008 and 2010. Index patients ranged in age from 2 years to 11 years (median 5 years), and all 15 index cases were children who attended primary school, kindergarten, or nursery school. Contact patients ranged in age from 2 months to 46 years (median 6 years). Excluding five adult cases, contact patients were significantly younger than index patients (P = 0·0389). Of the 12 contact children, seven (58%) were infants who were taken care of at home. The serial interval between the onset of symptoms in an index patient and the onset of symptoms in a contact patient was estimated to be 5 days. These results suggest that the control of school-based outbreaks is important for preventing hMPV infection in infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The palmoplantar keratodermas (PPKs) are a large group of genodermatoses comprising nearly 60 genetically distinct diseases. They are characterized by hyperkeratosis on the palms and soles with or without extrapalmoplantar hyperkeratotic lesions. Focal PPK is one of the hallmarks of pachyonychia congenita, a rare autosomal dominant disorder resulting from mutations in the keratin genes KRT6A, KRT6B, KRT16 or KRT17. Recently, in-frame deletion mutations of KRT6C have been identified in three families with focal PPK with slight or no nail changes. We report here a novel KRT6C mutation identified in a Japanese family with PPK with phenotypic heterogeneity, presenting with not only focal but also diffuse hyperkeratosis. The proband had diffuse hyperkeratosis on the soles and small focal hyperkeratoses on the palms, while the two other affected individuals showed focal hyperkeratoses on the soles. All three patients were heterozygotes for c.1414G>A in KRT6C, predicted to result in p.Glu472Lys. These findings strongly suggest that screening of patients with nonepidermolytic diffuse PPK, in whom the pathogenic mutations are yet to be determined, might identify mutations in KRT6C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of cancer is due to the growth and proliferation of transformed normal cells. Recent evidence suggests that the nature of oncogenic stress and the state of the cell of origin critically affect both tumorigenic activity and tumor histological type. However, this mechanistic relationship in mesenchymal tumors is currently largely unexplored. To clarify these issues, we established a mouse osteosarcoma (OS) model through overexpression of c-MYC in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) derived from Ink4a/Arf (−/−) mice. Single-cell cloning revealed that c-MYC-expressing BMSCs are composed of two distinctly different clones: highly tumorigenic cells, similar to bipotent-committed osteochondral progenitor cells, and low-tumorigenic tripotent cells, similar to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). It is noteworthy that both bipotent and tripotent cells were capable of generating histologically similar, lethal OS, suggesting that both committed progenitor cells and MSCs can become OS cells of origin. Shifting mesenchymal differentiation by depleting PPARγ in tripotent MSC-like cells and overexpressing PPARγ in bipotent cells affected cell proliferation and tumorigenic activity. Our findings indicate that differentiation potential has a key role in OS tumorigenic activity, and that the suppression of adipogenic ability is a critical factor for the development of OS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of an 11-year-old Japanese girl who was presented with erythematous skin eruptions and the scalp was covered with scaly erythematous plaques and reddish papules and pustules were noted on both axillae. It is stated that the patient had repeatedly experienced lung abscesses, phlegmon and otitis media after diagnosis with pyoderma and measles at 3 months of age.

We have fabricated silver nanoprisms of 100–600 nm side length by focussed ion beam lithography and measured the light intensity scattering spectra using dark-field microscopy. Two resonance peaks due to localized surface plasmon excitation were observed in the spectra and their central frequency shown to depend on the prism size. The near-field electromagnetic intensity distribution with TE-polarized light at the vacuum wavelength of 632.8 nm was measured. We have obtained a much lower light intensity enhancement than previously numerically predicated. However, scattering spectra obtained numerically, taking into account roundness of the prism corners, agree well with experimental ones. At the same time, the numerically determined field distribution was different to the near-field intensity obtained experimentally. Our results suggest the particular shape of the corner region of the prism is a key factor for obtaining a large light intensity enhancement and shaping the local field distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have fabricated silver nanoprisms of 100–600 nm side length by focussed ion beam lithography and measured the light intensity scattering spectra using dark-field microscopy. Two resonance peaks due to localized surface plasmon excitation were observed in the spectra and their central frequency shown to depend on the prism size. The near-field electromagnetic intensity distribution with TE-polarized light at the vacuum wavelength of 632.8 nm was measured. We have obtained a much lower light intensity enhancement than previously numerically predicated. However, scattering spectra obtained numerically, taking into account roundness of the prism corners, agree well with experimental ones. At the same time, the numerically determined field distribution was different to the near-field intensity obtained experimentally. Our results suggest the particular shape of the corner region of the prism is a key factor for obtaining a large light intensity enhancement and shaping the local field distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mortality and morbidity of esophageal anastomotic leaks or perforations remain high. We performed retrograde transanastomotic esophageal sump tube drainages for esophageal anastomotic leak or perforation in three patients. Our method is a modified procedure of the T-tube drainage. The Levin gastric tube was simply inserted into the esophagus via anastomotic leak or perforation to develop a defined fistula. All three patients were treated with a satisfactory outcome. An advantage of this method is that it is technically easy, and available for patients whose diseases are difficult to treat with standard T-tube drainage. In addition, one of our patients was successfully managed non-operatively by fluoroscopical guidance. This retrograde esophageal sump tube drainage was technically very easy, safe and useful for esophageal anastomotic leaks or perforations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary. Objectives. The aim of this study was to examine the simultaneous interrelationships between parents’ oral health behaviour and the oral health status of their school children. Sample and methods. Subjects comprized 296 pairs of parents (mother or father) and their children at an elementary school in Hiroshima. The child’s dental examination was performed using the World Health Organization (WHO) caries diagnostic criteria for decayed teeth (DT) and filled teeth (FT). The Oral Rating Index for Children (ORI-C) was used for the child’s gingival health examination. Hiroshima University Dental Behavioural Inventory (HU-DBI) was used for the assessment of the parents’ oral health behaviour. A parent–child behavioural model was tested by the linear structural relations (LISREL) programme. Results. There was a significant correlation between DT and ORI-C (r = – 0·168; P < 0·01). Correlation was found between ORI-C and oral health behaviour in children (OHB-C) (r = 0·182; P < 0·01). OHB-C was significantly associated with the HU-DBI (r = 0·251; P < 0·001). The hypothesized model after some revisions was found to be consistent with the data (χ2 = 1·3, d.f. = 6, P = 0·97; Goodness of Fit Index = 0·999). Parents’ oral health behaviour affected their children’s oral health behaviour (P < 0·001). Children’s oral health behaviour affected their DT through its effect on gingival health level. Parents’ oral health behaviour also had a significant direct effect on their children’s DT (P < 0·05). Children’s grade affected both DT and their oral health behaviour. Conclusions. Parents’ oral health behaviour could influence their children’s gingival health and dental caries directly and/or indirectly through its effect on children’s oral health behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association of mast cells with tumor angiogenesis was investigated in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Surgical specimens from 48 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were studied. Mast cells in tumor sections were stained with Alcian blue and safranin O. The number of mast cells was counted under light microscopy and the average count recorded. To highlight the microvessels, endothelial cells were stained with anti-human factor VIII antibody. Microvessel density was also counted. We found a significant correlation between mast cell count and microvessel density in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Double staining of the microvessels revealed highly angiogenic areas densely populated with mast cells. There appears to be a direct correlation between the number of mast cells and tumor angiogenesis in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 59-year-old Japanese man with myasthenia gravis, who had a 10-year history of temperature-sensitive pain in the lower extremities, i.e. improved by cooling and worsened by warming, consulted us because the pain had become intolerable during the previous 4 months. Bilateral erythema, swelling and large ulcers were noted on the calves, dorsal aspects of the feet, and soles. Laboratory data showed thrombocythaemia and a positive antibody to the acetylcholine receptor, but were negative for antinuclear and antiphospholipid antibodies. A diagnosis of secondary erythermalgia was made because of the clinical features, the laboratory data, and the lack of family history of this disease. Although steroid pulse therapy, oral aspirin and antiserotonin drugs were ineffective, bilateral lumbar sympathetic ganglion block succeeded in relieving the severe pain and curing the ulcers. The clinical course in our patient suggests that sympathetic ganglion block may be one of the most effective treatments for secondary erythermalgia. Although the mechanism of this effect is uncertain, microcirculation disturbance in secondary erythermalgia, if any, may be improved by this block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is a recessively inherited birth disorder caused by a defect in 7-dehydrocholesterol (3β-hydroxysteroid) Δ7-reductase, the final enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis. To investigate in vivo regulation of the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway in SLOS, we measured hepatic microsomal sterol concentrations and activities of several key enzymes in the pathway, including HMG-CoA synthase, HMG-CoA reductase, squalene synthase and 7-dehydrocholesterol Δ7-reductase in liver specimens from a patient with SLOS and 11 controls. Hepatic microsomal 7-dehydrocholesterol Δ7-reductase activity in the patient was less than 1% of the control mean, and decreased cholesterol concentration and markedly increased 7- and 8-dehydrocholesterol concentrations were observed in the patient's microsomes. HMG-CoA synthase and squalene synthase activities in the patient were upregulated to 149% and 532%, respectively, while the activity of HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the pathway, was reduced to 39% of the control mean. Downregulation of HMG-CoA reductase activity in SLOS was supported by measuring plasma levels of mevalonic acid, the immediate product of HMG-CoA reductase. The levels in SLOS patients (n=9) were significantly low compared with age-matched controls (n=8) (12±2 vs 28±6 nmol/L, p<0.05). These results suggest that in most SLOS patients in vivo HMG-CoA reductase is not stimulated in spite of blocked cholesterol biosynthetic pathway and reduced plasma and hepatic cholesterol concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractBackground and Methods: We have previously reported that CD4+ T cells induced primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC)-like hepatic lesions in mice with graft-versus-host reaction due to major histocompatibility complex class II disparity. To clarify the relationship between the cytokine profile produced by CD4+ T cells and the formation of hepatic lesions, we sorted CD4+ T cells from the liver by using flow cytometry and examined their cytokine mRNA expression at various times after GVHR induction. We also examined the associated changes in the serum levels of antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA). Results: Histologically, the infiltration of CD4+ T cells around the bile ducts was observed from day 5, and the lesions deteriorated gradually until day 14. On day 14, CD8+, B220+ and Mac-1+ cells, as well as CD4+ T cells were seen around the bile ducts. In the liver-infiltrating CD4+ T cells, the expression level of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) mRNA was observed to increase at an early phase (day 3), whereas that of interleukin (IL)-10 mRNA was elevated at a later phase (day 14). The elevation of IFN-γ mRNA expression at an early phase before the appearance of non-suppurative destructive cholangitis suggests that IFN-γ may be related to the pathogenesis of PBC in this model. Serum levels of AMA on day 14 were significantly higher than those on day 5. Interleukin-10 was considered to stimulate antibody production, to show an inhibitory effect upon the function of T helper 1 cells, and to inhibit fibrosis. Conclusions: Interferon-γ may play an important role in the pathogenesis of this model. Moreover, delayed expression of IL-10 mRNA may control PBC-like hepatic lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document is a corrigendum published in the journal "Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience" on September 26, 2024, regarding an error in Figure 1 of the article "Contribution of thyrotropin-releasing hormone to cerebellar long-term depression and motor learning." The correction involves the reversal of captions in the upper left panel of Figure 1A. The authors acknowledge the error but clarify that it does not impact the scientific conclusions of the original article. The corrected figure is provided in the document. [Extracted from the article]

The document is a corrigendum published in the journal "Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience" on September 26, 2024. It addresses an error in Figure 1 of the article "Contribution of thyrotropin-releasing hormone to cerebellar long-term depression and motor learning." The correction involves the reversal of captions in the upper left panel of Figure 1A. The authors clarify that this correction does not impact the scientific conclusions of the original article. [Extracted from the article]

Peptide hormones are defined as small secreted polypeptide-based intercellular communication signal molecules. Such peptide hormones are encoded by nuclear genes, and often go through proteolytic processing of preproproteins and post-translational modifications. Most peptide hormones are secreted out of the cell to interact with membrane-associated receptors in neighboring cells, and subsequently activate signal transductions, leading to changes in gene expression and cellular responses. Since the discovery of the first plant peptide hormone, systemin, in tomato in 1991, putative peptide hormones have continuously been identified in different plant species, showing their importance in both short- and long-range signal transductions. The roles of peptide hormones are implicated in, but not limited to, processes such as self-incompatibility, pollination, fertilization, embryogenesis, endosperm development, stem cell regulation, plant architecture, tissue differentiation, organogenesis, dehiscence, senescence, plant-pathogen and plant-insect interactions, and stress responses. This article, collectively written by researchers in this field, aims to provide a general overview for the discoveries, functions, chemical natures, transcriptional regulations, and post-translational modifications of peptide hormones in plants. We also updated recent discoveries in receptor kinases underlying the peptide hormone sensing and down-stream signal pathways. Future prospective and challenges will also be discussed at the end of the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While protein-protein docking is fundamental to our understanding of how proteins interact, scoring protein-protein complex conformations is a critical component of successful docking programs. Without accurate and efficient scoring functions to differentiate between native and non-native binding complexes, the accuracy of current docking tools cannot be guaranteed. Although many innovative scoring functions have been proposed, a good scoring function for docking remains elusive. Deep learning models offer alternatives to using explicit empirical or mathematical functions for scoring protein-protein complexes. Results: In this study, we perform a comprehensive survey of the state-of-the-art scoring functions by considering the most popular and highly performant approaches, both classical and deep learning-based, for scoring protein-protein complexes. The methods were also compared based on their runtime as it directly impacts their use in large-scale docking applications. Conclusions: We evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of classical and deep learning-based approaches across seven public and popular datasets to aid researchers in understanding the progress made in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The skin is a barrier that protects the human body against environmental factors (physical, including solar radiation, chemicals, and pathogens). The integrity and, consequently, the effective metabolic activity of skin cells is ensured by the cell membrane, the important structural and metabolic elements of which are phospholipids. Phospholipids are subject to continuous transformation, including enzymatic hydrolysis (with the participation of phospholipases A, C, and D) to free polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which under the influence of cyclooxygenases (COX1/2), lipoxygenases (LOXs), and cytochrome P450 (CYPs P450) are metabolized to various classes of oxylipins, depending on the type of PUFA being metabolized and the enzyme acting. The most frequently analyzed oxylipins, especially in skin cells, are eicosanoids, which are derivatives of arachidonic acid (AA). Their level depends on both environmental factors and endogenous metabolic disorders. However, they play an important role in homeostasis mechanisms related to the structural and functional integrity of the skin, including maintaining redox balance, as well as regulating inflammatory processes arising in response to endogenous and exogenous factors reaching skin cells. Therefore, it is believed that dysregulation of eicosanoid levels may contribute to the development of skin diseases, such as psoriasis or atopic dermatitis, which in turn suggests that targeted control of the generation of specific eicosanoids may have diagnostic significance and beneficial therapeutic effects. This review is the first systemic and very detailed approach presenting both the causes and consequences of changes in phospholipid metabolism leading to the generation of eicosanoids, changes in the level of which result in specific metabolic disorders in skin cells leading to the development of various diseases. At the same time, existing literature data indicate that further detailed research is necessary to understand a clear relationship between changes in the level of specific eicosanoids and the pathomechanisms of specific skin diseases, as well as to develop an effective diagnostic and therapeutic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Liver transplantation (LT) is an optimal treatment option for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with cirrhosis. Additionally, the transplantation community is eager to expand the criteria for transplantation to accommodate more patients with HCC. Despite numerous efforts to broaden LT eligibility, HCC with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) remains a contraindication due to the associated risk of poor prognosis after transplantation. However, there have been arguments addressing the dilemma of LT in cases of HCC with PVTT. This study aimed to analyze the outcomes of LT in patients with HCC and portal vein thrombosis, specifically evaluating the impact of PVTT on long-term outcomes. The results indicate that the presence of residual viable tumor within the portal vein thrombus may lead to poor outcomes following LT. Therefore, patients with HCC and PVTT could still be considered for LT after appropriate downstaging treatment. However, caution should be exercised regarding the potential for residual viable PVTT, which may result in unsatisfactory outcomes after LT. Background: Liver transplantation (LT) is a promising treatment option for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) comorbid with cirrhosis. However, HCC with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) remains an absolute contraindication for LT. This study aimed to analyze the outcomes of LT in patients with HCC plus portal vein thrombosis and further evaluate the impact of PVTT on the long-term outcomes of patients. Methods: Among the 501 patients who underwent LT for HCC between January 2000 and March 2023, 29 (5.8%) patients with HCC who had portal vein thrombosis were further analyzed. Of these 29 patients with portal vein thrombosis, 12 (41.4%) were preoperatively diagnosed with PVTT and underwent LT after receiving downstaging therapy. The remaining 17 (58.6%) patients were PVTT-free prior to LT. Results: Overall, the recurrence-free survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 96.3%, 74.2%, and 74.2%, respectively, while the 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 82.4%, 74.2%, and 70.1%, respectively. However, patients with viable PVTT had significantly worse outcomes than those without viable PVTT (p = 0.030). The 5-year recurrence-free and overall survival rates for patients with viable PVTT were 57.5% and 57.0%, respectively. Conclusions: LT may still be a promising option for patients with HCC and PVTT after appropriate downstaging. However, caution should be adopted, as remnant viable PVTT might lead to unsatisfactory outcomes after transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies in quantum information have recognized that specific types of noise can encode information in certain applications. However, the role of noise in quantum hypothesis testing, traditionally assumed to undermine performance, has not been thoroughly explored. Our study provides sufficient conditions for general noisy dynamics to surpass noiseless (unitary) dynamics within certain time interval. We then design and experimentally implement a noise-assisted quantum hypothesis testing protocol on ultralow-field nuclear magnetic resonance systems, which demonstrates that the success probability under certain noisy dynamics can indeed surpass the ceiling set by unitary evolution. Moreover, we show that in cases where noise initially hampers performance, strategic application of coherent controls on the system can transform those previously detrimental noises into advantageous ones. Our results, both theoretical and experimental, demonstrates the potential to leveraging noise in quantum hypothesis testing, which pushes the boundaries of quantum hypothesis testing and general quantum information processing. In quantum science, quantum hypothesis testing (QHT) is used to determine the model of a given quantum system, but normally the presence of inherent quantum noise hampers perfect hypothesis testing. The authors theoretically and experimentally explore the potential of leveraging noise in quantum hypothesis testing (QHT) to surpass the success probabilities achievable under noiseless dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black sesame seeds, known for their rich flavor and medicinal properties, hold significant potential as natural therapeutics against prostate cancer, a major health challenge for men today. This study explores the traditional processing technique of nine cycles of steaming and drying, which enhances the bioactive potential of these seeds. The impact of this processing on the antioxidant and anti-prostate cancer properties of black sesame seeds was systematically investigated, focusing on the key lignans, sesamin and sesamolin. HPLC was utilized to analyze the content ratios of sesamin and sesamolin, while DPPH and FRAP assays evaluated antioxidant capabilities, and MTT assays assessed anti-cancer properties against DU145 cells. Findings reveal that three cycles of steaming and drying significantly enhance antioxidant and anti-cancer activities against DU145, achieving peak concentrations of sesamin and sesamolin of 21.583% and 14.991%, respectively, with an optimal ratio of 1.4397:1. The superior antioxidant and anti-prostate cancer activity of this sample is attributed to optimal processing conditions that maximize the stability and extraction of bioactive compounds, particularly non-lignan antioxidants, while minimizing degradation; this is likely enhanced by the interplay between various phytochemicals and the effects of thermal processing on cellular structure. Processed seeds consistently outperformed raw seeds—except for those subjected to a single cycle. Additionally, molecular docking analyses revealed compelling interactions between sesamin and sesamolin and key proteins implicated in prostate cancer (FYN, ITGB3, PDGFRA, PDGFRB, and PIK3R1), demonstrating higher LibDock scores than the standard anti-cancer drug 5-fluorouracil. This research highlights the exceptional antioxidant and anti-cancer potential of black sesame seeds, particularly through the three-steaming and three-drying method, emphasizing the importance of the sesamin to sesamolin ratio in developing future anti-cancer therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA computing represents a subfield of molecular computing with the potential to become a significant area of next-generation computation due to the high programmability inherent in the sequence-dependent molecular behaviour of DNA. Recent studies in DNA computing have extended from mathematical informatics to biomedical applications, with a particular focus on diagnostics that exploit the biocompatibility of DNA molecules. The output of DNA computing devices is encoded in nucleic acid molecules, which must then be decoded into human-recognizable signals for practical applications. Nanopore technology, which utilizes an electrical and label-free decoding approach, provides a unique platform to bridge DNA and electronic computing for practical use. In this tutorial review, we summarise the fundamental knowledge, technologies, and methodologies of DNA computing (logic gates, circuits, neural networks, and non-DNA input circuity). We then focus on nanopore-based decoding, and highlight recent advances in medical diagnostics targeting microRNAs as biomarkers. Finally, we conclude with the potential and challenges for the practical implementation of these techniques. We hope that this tutorial will provide a comprehensive insight and enable the general reader to grasp the fundamental principles and diverse applications of DNA computing and nanopore decoding, and will inspire a wide range of scientists to explore and push the boundaries of these technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death and serious illness in Europe and worldwide. Conventional treatment—replacing the damaged blood vessel with an autologous graft—is not always affordable for the patient, so alternative approaches are being sought. One such approach is patient-specific tissue bioprinting, which allows for precise distribution of cells, material, and biochemical signals. With further developmental support, a functional replacement tissue or vessel can be created. This review provides an overview of the current state of bioprinting for vascular graft manufacturing and summarizes the hydrogels used as bioinks, the material of carriers, and the current methods of fabrication used, especially for vessels smaller than 6 mm, which are the most challenging for cardiovascular replacements. The fabrication methods are divided into several sections—self-supporting grafts based on simple 3D bioprinting and bioprinting of bioinks on scaffolds made of decellularized or nanofibrous material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]