Search

In this paper, approximately 2,326,000 published patent applications applied between 2010 and 2019 by Japanese applicants in Japan were collected. 5 prefectures where patent applications much increased between 2010 and 2019 were identified, and their characteristics were analyzed. It was observed that they could be classified according to the diversity of the applicants and the IPC sections that contributed to the increase in patent applications. Based on these findings, this paper proposes a new model to classify regional patent application capability maturity. This model is useful for national and prefectural policy-makers to know the recommended policy to improve the maturity level of the target region and to assess the effectiveness of the implemented policy from the viewpoint of increases in patent applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We report here the identification and characterization of VIGG, a novel virus-induced grapevine protein. Analysis of VIGG expression in grapevine demonstrated that VIGG was constitutively expressed in leaves and stems in virus-infected grapevine, and that VIGG expression was induced by grapevine virus A (GVA) infection, but not by infection with other viruses. The virus-induced expression profile of VIGG was supported by the finding that virus-free meristem cultures prepared from virus-infected grapevines did not express VIGG. An experiment using GFP–VIGG fusion protein demonstrated that VIGG might be localized in or around the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Treatment of grapevine cells with ER stress inducers resulted in the induction of VIGG expression. Berries from VIGG-expressing grapevines had higher organic acid and phenolic contents than those from control grapevines that did not express VIGG. Interestingly, fruit composition of a grapevine that was simultaneously infected by GVA and grapevine virus B (GVB), which did not express VIGG, was significantly different from that of GVA-infected grapevines expressing VIGG, suggesting that the effector of fruit composition alteration might be VIGG expression, but not GVA infection. Taken together, VIGG expression might suppress the decrease in organic acid content and increase phenol content in berries. Further investigation of the biological function of VIGG is expected to provide new information on the fruit quality of grapevines. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Adenosine is an important metabolic modulator and its concentrations are affected by sympathetic nerve stimulation and cytokine production. Since hyperemesis gravidarum is characterized by overactivation of sympathetic nerves and enhanced production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, plasma adenosine concentrations may be altered. The present study evaluated plasma adenosine concentrations and their relation with norepinephrine and TNF-α concentrations in hyperemesis gravidarum. Methods: Plasma concentrations of adenosine, norepinephrine, and TNF-α were measured in 34 healthy nonpregnant women, and 34 women with hyperemesis gravidarum and normal pregnancies, matched for age, parity and gestational week. The relationships between plasma adenosine, and norepinephrine and TNF-α concentrations in hyperemesis gravidarum were evaluated. Results: Mean plasma adenosine, norepinephrine, and TNF-α concentrations were significantly increased in women with hyperemesis gravidarum compared to those in nonpregnant and normal pregnant women (p<0.05). The increase in plasma adenosine concentrations correlated with the increase of norepinephrine and TNF-α in hyperemesis gravidarum (r=0.50, p<0.05 and r=0.43, p<0.05, respectively). Conclusions: Adenosine is an established suppressor of excessive sympathetic nerves activation and cytokine production, so the increase in plasma adenosine in hyperemesis gravidarum might serve to counteract further progression of hyperemesis gravidarum. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Adenosine is an important metabolic modulator and adenosine concentrations are affected by sympathetic nerve stimulation and cytokine production. Since hyperemesis gravidarum is characterized by overactivation of sympathetic nerves and enhanced production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, plasma adenosine concentrations may be altered. The present study evaluated plasma adenosine concentrations and their relation with norepinephrine and TNF-α concentrations in hyperemesis gravidarum. Methods: Plasma concentrations of adenosine, norepinephrine, and TNF-α were measured in 34 healthy nonpregnant women, and 34 women with hyperemesis gravidarum and normal pregnancies, matched for age, parity and gestational week. The relationships between plasma adenosine, and norepinephrine and TNF-α concentrations in hyperemesis gravidarum were evaluated. Results: Mean plasma adenosine, norepinephrine, and TNF-α concentrations were significantly increased in women with hyperemesis gravidarum compared to those in nonpregnant and normal pregnant women (p<0.05). The increase in plasma adenosine concentrations correlated with the increase of norepinephrine and TNF-α in hyperemesis gravidarum (r=0.50, p<0.05 and r=0.43, p<0.05, respectively). Conclusions: Adenosine is an established suppressor of excessive sympathetic nerves activation and cytokine production, so the increase in plasma adenosine in hyperemesis gravidarum might serve to counteract further progression of hyperemesis gravidarum. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Uterine leiomyoma is a common disease. The tumor gradually increases and becomes a target for treatment when accompanied by certain symptoms. It rarely grows into a giant uterine leiomyoma, which is defined as leiomyoma weighing >11.34 kg. A 58-year-old Japanese woman had a history of putamen hemorrhage and deep vein thrombosis. A giant uterine leiomyoma prevented her from walking, and she scheduled surgery for its removal. The tumor was 46 × 35 × 27 cm, and the uterine arteries and veins were extremely dilated. A blocking balloon catheter was placed in the abdominal aorta to prevent massive bleeding, and a filter was placed in the inferior vena cava to prevent pulmonary thromboembolism. The surgery focused on careful vascular treatment, with selective ligation of the ovarian arteries and veins and the uterine arteries. The total amount of bleeding was 1130 g, and the uterus was removed without complications. The weight of the excised tissue was 22.6 kg. Surgical treatment of the largest giant uterine leiomyomas is rare and challenging. Previous reports addressed the risk of massive bleeding and perioperative death. Surgery is the best treatment for giant uterine leiomyomas, but perioperative management and surgical procedures require complex and elaborate planning. Very few gynecologists have experience treating giant uterine leiomyomas. Successful surgery requires careful surgical preparation, and the gynecological oncologist must have extensive experience with giant leiomyomas. • Giant uterine leiomyomas are extremely rare. • We report one of the world's largest cases of uterine leiomyoma. • Surgical resection preceded by uterine artery ligation was successful. • Sufficient preparation is necessary for safe surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The relationship between adenosine deaminase activity and plasma adenosine was examined in non-pregnancy as well as in singleton and twin pregnancies.Methods: Whole-blood samples were taken from 11 singleton and 11 dichorionic twin pregnant women during the third trimester. The plasma adenosine levels were assayed with a modified high-performance liquid chromatographic method, while the adenosine deaminase levels were measured enzymatically.Results: The adenosine deaminase and plasma adenosine levels were both higher in twin pregnancies compared to singleton and non-pregnancies.Conclusion: Increased plasma adenosine is not due to decreasesd serum adenosine deaminase levels in twin pregnant women. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Vine vigor or vegetative growth is an important factor related to berry quality and vinicultural training management, but brassinosteroid (BR)-induced molecular mechanisms underlying vine growth remain unclear. In this study, the hypothesis that the Vitis vinifera CYP90D1 gene VvCYP90D1 , one of the genes for BR biosynthesis, plays a critical role in shoot elongation was tested. RNA sequencing analysis of shoots collected from the vigorous cultivar Koshu (KO) and the reference cultivar Pinot Noir (PN) 7 days after bud break showed higher expression levels of various genes in the BR biosynthesis pathway in KO than in PN. The VvCYP90D1 expression level in KO was highest in meristems, followed by internodes and leaves. Cluster analysis of amino acid sequences including those in other plant species showed that the isolated gene belonged to the CYP90D1 group. The vegetative growth and the endogenous BR (brassinolide; BL) content were significantly higher in VvCYP90D1-overexpressing Arabidopsis than in wild type. VvCYP90D1-overexpressing Arabidopsis treated with brassinazole (Brz), a BR biosynthesis inhibitor, showed recovery of vegetative growth. These results indicate that VvCYP90D1 in grapevine has a vegetative growth promoting effect via BR biosynthesis. Our findings on the mechanism of BR-induced grape shoot growth will contribute to the development of new shoot control techniques for grapevine. • BR biosynthesis pathway genes were highly expressed in vigorous Koshu grapevine. • Overexpression of grape cytochrome P450 CYP90D1 increased endogenous BR content in Arabidopsis thaliana. • VvCYP90D1 increased vegetative growth in Arabidopsis thaliana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We report the characterization of low-temperature-induced transcription factors in grapevine (Vitis vinifera). Four transcription factors were identified in low-temperature-treated grapevine. The expression of V. vinifera C-repeat-binding factors, VvCBF2, VvCBF4, and VvCBFL, and V. vinifera B-box-type zinc finger protein, VvZFPL, was immediately induced and upregulated in leaves by the low-temperature treatment. Similar induction of the gene expression was observed in low-temperature-treated stems and flowers, although VvZFPL was constitutively expressed in flowers. Tendrils expressed all the four genes constitutively. In berry skin, VvCBF2 and VvCBFL were induced by the low-temperature treatment before the onset of véraison, while only VvCBF2 was induced under the low-temperature condition after the onset of véraison. The overexpression of VvCBF2 and VvZFPL in Arabidopsis plants led to longer hypocotyls than the control plants. The rosette leaves of these plants were smaller and had lower chlorophyll contents than those of the control plants, resulting in a pale green color. Finally, the VvCBF2- and VvZFPL-overexpressing plants revealed growth retardation. These results suggest that VvCBF2 and VvZFPL may affect photomorphogenesis and growth in grapevine. Meanwhile, no morphological changes were detected in the VvCBF4- and VvCBFL-overexpressing plants. The cold tolerance test demonstrated that all of the overexpressing plants remained viable and noticeably healthy compared with the control plants even after exposure to severe cold treatment, suggesting that VvCBF2, VvCBF4, VvCBFL, or VvZFPL may enhance cold tolerance in grapevine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: To investigate the relation between plasma adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity and cytokine-producing T cells in preeclampsia.Design and methods: Plasma ADA activity and the proportions of cytokine-producing T cells were measured in peripheral blood of 28 women with normal pregnancies and preeclampsia. The proportion of CD4-positive T cells producing interferon-γ and interleukin-4 were analyzed by flow cytometry.Results: Plasma ADA activity in preeclampsia was significantly higher than that in normal pregnancy (p < 0.05). In preeclampsia, the proportion of interferon-γ producing cells significantly increased, and the proportion of interleukin-4 producing cells was significantly decreased compared with normal pregnancy. A significant correlation was found between ADA activity and the proportion of interferon-γ producing cells in preeclampsia (r = 0.58, p < 0.05).Conclusions: Increased plasma ADA activity in preeclampsia may be in part associated with changes in the proportion of interferon-γ secreting cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Plants are known to utilize electrical signals under several physiological conditions and electrical stimulation from the outside induces physiological changes in plants. In this study, to improve grape berry composition in field-grown grapevines, electrical stimulation of grapevine using solar panels was undertaken as an abiotic stress generator in 2015 and 2016 growing seasons. Electrical stimulation had a notable effect on grapevine growth and development as well as photosynthetic performance. Berry weight and tartaric acid and total phenolic contents in berries of grapevines exposed to electrical stimulation were similar among the grapevines tested. Brix in berries of grapevines exposed to electrical stimulation and electrode-treated grapevines was higher than that in control grapevines in both years. Electrical stimulation increased anthocyanin and resveratrol contents in berries of grapevines in both years relative to those of control grapevines and electrode-treated grapevines. The alteration of Brix and anthocyanin and resveratrol contents in berries was supported by the results of microarray analysis demonstrating the transcriptional upregulation of genes related to sucrose metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, stilbenoid biosynthesis, and anthocyanin biosynthesis in grape cells exposed to electrical stimulation. Taken together, the results suggested that electrical stimulation of grapevine enhanced anthocyanin and resveratrol biosynthesis by activating their biosynthetic pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the effect of vanillylacetone (VA) on anthocyanin accumulation with aim of improving grape berry coloration. Spraying Vitis vinifera cv. Muscat Bailey A berries with VA at veraison increased sugar/acid ratio, an indicator of maturation and total anthocyanin accumulation. To elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the effect of VA on anthocyanin accumulation, in vitro VA treatment of a grapevine cell culture was carried out. Endogenous abscisic acid (ABA) content was higher in the VA-treated cell cultures than in control at 3 h after treatment. Consistent with this, the relative expression levels of anthocyanin-synthesis-related genes, including DFR , LDOX , MybA1 and UFGT, in VA-treated cell cultures were much higher than those in control, and high total anthocyanin accumulation was noted in the VA-treated cell cultures as well. These results suggest that VA up-regulates the expression of genes leading to anthocyanin accumulation by inducing endogenous ABA. In addition, VA increased total anthocyanin content in a dose-dependent manner. Although VA treatment in combination with exogenous ABA did not exhibit any synergistic effect, treatment with VA alone showed an equivalent effect to that with exogenous ABA alone on total anthocyanin accumulation. These findings point to the possibility of using VA for improving grape berry coloration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preterm birth (PB) is the most-frequent complication occurring during pregnancy, with a significant impact on neonatal morbidity and mortality. Chorioamnionitis (CAM), the neutrophil infiltration into chorioamniotic membranes, is a major cause of PB. However, several cases of PB have also been reported without apparent pathogenic infection or CAM. Such cases are now attributed to "sterile inflammation." The concept of sterile inflammation has already attracted attention in various diseases, like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases; recently been discussed for obstetric complications such as miscarriage, PB, gestational hypertension, and gestational diabetes. Sterile inflammation is induced by alarmins, such as high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), interleukins (IL-33 and IL-1α), and S100 proteins, that are released by cellular damage without apparent pathogenic infection. These antigens are recognized by pattern-recognition receptors, expressed mainly on antigen-presenting cells of decidua, placenta, amnion, and myometrium, which consequently trigger inflammation. In reproduction, these alarmins are associated with the development of various pregnancy complications, including PB. In this review, we have summarized the development of PB related to acute CAM, chronic CAM, and sterile inflammation as well as proposed a new mechanism for PB that involves innate immunity, acquired immunity, and sterile inflammation. • Preterm birth (PB) is induced by pathogenic/non-pathogenic inflammation. • Acquired and innate immunity are involved in sterile inflammation leading to PB. • The novel mechanism of PB may elicit the development of new therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify apoplasmic proteins in grape cells, we investigated proteins secreted into grape cell culture medium and detected β-1,3-glucanase VvGHF17 in the medium. VvGHF17 is expressed constitutively in grape leaves and berry pulp and skin. Experiments using VvGHF17:GFP fusion protein demonstrated that VvGHF17 is localized at the apoplasmic space of cells, suggesting that VvGHF17 is apoplasmic β-1,3-glucanase. To understand how VvGHF17 protects grapevine against phytopathogens, we created Arabidopsis transgenic plants expressing VvGHF17. VvGHF17-expressing Arabidopsis plants exhibited disease resistance to both Botrytis cinerea and Colletotrichum higginsianum , but not to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000. The inhibitory effect of VvGHF17 to the infection by the fungi was promoted when VvGHF17 protein was expressed in large amounts in the plants. In conclusion, apoplasmic VvGHF17 may be a candidate for the transgene to create transgenic grapevines that are robust to multiple fungal attacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radionuclide ( 131 I, 134 Cs, and 137 Cs) concentrations of monitored freshwater fish species collected from different habitats (rivers, lakes, and culture ponds) in Fukushima Prefecture during March 2011–December 2014 (total 16 species, n = 2692) were analyzed to present a detailed description of radionuclide contamination after the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident, and to elucidate species-specific spatiotemporal declining trends of 137 Cs concentration for their respective habitats. Low concentrations of 131 I (≤24 Bq kg −1 -wet) were detected from only 11 samples collected during March–June 2011, demonstrating that 131 I transferred to freshwater fish were not intense. In river and lake fishes, a more gradual decrease and higher radiocesium ( 134 Cs, 137 Cs) concentrations were observed than in culture pond fishes, which strongly implied that radiocesium in freshwater fish species was mainly bioaccumulated through the food web in the wild. During 2011–2014, percentages above the Japanese regulatory limit of 100 Bq kg −1 -wet for radiocesium in river and lake fish (14.0% and 39.6%, respectively) were higher than in monitored marine fish (9.9%), indicating longer-term contamination of freshwater fish species, especially in lakes. Higher radiocesium concentrations (maximum 18.7 kBq kg −1 -wet in Oncorhynchus masou ) were found in the northwestern areas from the FDNPP with higher deposition. However, radiocesium contamination levels were regarded as 1–2 orders of magnitude less than those after the Chernobyl accident. Lagged increase of 137 Cs concentration and longer ecological half-lives ( T eco : 1.2–2.6 y in the central part of Fukushima Prefecture) were observed in carnivorous salmonids ( O . masou , Salvelinus leucomaenis ), whereas a rapid increase and decrease of 137 Cs concentration and shorter T eco (0.99 and 0.69 y) were found in herbivorous and planktivorous osmerids ( Plecoglossus altivelis , Hypomesus nipponensis ) with younger age at maturity. Comparison of T eco among salmonids, osmerids, and cyprinids suggests that, in addition to the fish feeding habits and life-cycles, hydraulic conditions in rivers and lakes (e.g., turnover time), which are expected to affect radiocesium concentration in prey items, are an important factor affecting the 137 Cs decreasing rate of freshwater fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IL-18 has pro- and anti-inflammatory effects. However, only a few studies have demonstrated its role in reproduction. Here, we developed the fetal growth restriction model mouse and examined the effect of IL-18 on fetal growth. The C57BL/6 female mice were mated with the BALB/c male mice, the anti-IL-18 neutralizing antibody was administered intraperitoneally, and the placenta and birth weight were measured. The pregnant uteri were analyzed using flow cytometry, western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining. The blockade of IL-18 significantly decreased in placenta and birth weight compared with control. The blockade of IL-18 also induced a decreased production of IFN-γ in the uterine T cells and NK cells, M2-polarization of uterine macrophages, and suppressed IL-12 production. Histologically, the vascular remodeling failure of the placental labyrinth was shown in mice with the blockade of IL-18. Importantly, we found that macrophages and smooth muscle cells are essential sources of IL-18. These findings indicate that IL-18 enhances an appropriate type 1 immune response leading to the proper placental development and fetal growth via the feedback between IFN-γ and IL-12. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We here report characterization of a grape (Vitis vinifera) acyl-CoA-binding protein (VvACBP). Expression of VvACBP was detected in grape leaves exposed to tunicamycin-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress as well as cold and heat shock treatments. In tendrils and peduncles, however, high-temperature treatment induced BiP (luminal binding protein) expression, a marker of ER stress in berry skin, but not VvACBP expression. We hypothesize that VvACBP may be sorted to the periphery of plant cells. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants, expressing VvACBP, exhibited slowed-down floral transition. The gene expression of proteins related to the photoperiodic pathway, CONSTANS, FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT), and SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS 1 (SOC1), was down-regulated in transgenic seedlings. These results underscore the possibility that VvACBP may affect the regulation of floral transition in Arabidopsis by suppressing the photoperiodic pathway. The transgenic Arabidopsis plants also exhibited morphological changes such as thicker inflorescences and rosette leaves. In addition, the rosette leaves of the transgenic plants had higher anthocyanin, total phenol, and chlorophyll contents than those of the control plants. Finally, the transgenic plants showed disease resistance to Pseudomonas syringae and Colletotrichum higginsianum, suggesting that VvACBP may also enhance disease resistance in grapevine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]