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The influence of sugar consumption on the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains controversial. Prospective cohort studies focusing on total and specific types of sugar intake among the Asian population who have different patterns of sugar intake sources than American and European populations are scarce. We intended to examine the association of sugar intake with CRC risk among middle‐aged adults in a Japanese large‐scale population‐based cohort study. The participants (42,405 men and 48,600 women) who were 45–74 years old and answered the questionnaire in 1995–1999 in the Japan Public Health Center‐based Prospective Study were followed up until December 2013. Total sugars, total fructose, and specific types of sugar intake were estimated using a validated 147‐item food frequency questionnaire and divided into quintiles (Q1–Q5). We used Cox proportional hazard regression models adjusted for potential confounders to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). During the follow‐up, 2118 CRC cases (1226 men and 892 women) were identified. We did not observe any clear association between all types of sugar intake and an increased risk of CRC. Analyses by tumor sites yielded a positive association of total sugar consumption with rectal cancer in women (1.75 [1.07–2.87] for Q1 vs. Q5; plinear trend = 0.03), but no statistically significant trend was detected among men. Sugar intake was not associated with CRC risk in middle‐aged Japanese adults. However, for rectal cancer, the probability of an increased risk among women with a higher total sugar intake cannot be excluded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the viability and stability of probiotics (Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium animalis) encapsulated in a resistant starch medium through freeze‐drying is evaluated. Particle size, SEM, and color analysis are done on the microcapsules. The encapsulation yield after freeze‐drying is between 81.55% and 88.78%, with viability of the microcapsules analyzed in simulated gastric juice (SGJ) and simulated intestinal juice (SIJ) as well as in apple juice store at 4 °C over 28 days. The microencapsulated probiotics in this study has a substantial final count for SGJ and SIJ between 7.30–7.98 Log colony‐forming unit (CFU) mL‐1 and 7.26–7.89 Log CFU mL‐1, respectively. The Log CFU mL‐1 for free cells are significantly lower than the microcapsules. The final viability for microcapsules in the juice at the end of 28 days for resistant starch + L. casei (RSL), resistant starch + B. animalis (RSB), and resistant starch + L. casei + B. animalis(RSLB) are 7.53, 6.98, and 7.46 Log CFU mL‐1. This confirms that microencapsulation enhance the survival of L. casei and B. animalis in fruit juice under cold storage. Results from this study show that resistant starch has potential as an encapsulating material as it protected the probiotic cells in conditions such as freeze‐drying, simulated gastrointestinal digestion and low pH environments during beverage application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the displacement of tooth arrangement in dentures fabricated by additive manufacturing (AM) and heat curing. Methods: Three‐dimensional (3D) scanning was performed for edentulous jaw models. After the teeth were arranged, 3D scanning for the wax denture was performed. Heat‐cured dentures were fabricated with heat‐cure polymer resin. Based on data obtained by subtracting the model data from wax denture data, AM dentures were fabricated from ultraviolet‐cured acrylic resin. Accuracy was verified by superimposing heat‐cured and AM dentures on the tooth region data from the wax dentures and measuring displacement of the tooth arrangement. Results: In the maxillary dentures, the amount of tooth displacement for the heat‐cured dentures and for the AM dentures ranged from −0.08 to +0.06 mm and from −0.25 to +0.06 mm respectively. A significant difference was observed between two dentures. In the mandibular dentures, the amount of tooth displacement for the heat‐cured dentures and for the AM dentures ranged from −0.09 to +0.07 mm and from −0.03 to +0.07 mm respectively. No significant difference was observed between two dentures. Conclusions: The artificial teeth of the maxillary dentures fabricated by AM showed a greater displacement compared to those by heat curing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] is a valuable crop for subsistence farmers in sub‐Saharan Africa. Characterization and evaluation of cowpea germplasm collections based on seed yield for genotype × environment (GE) interactions can assist in improving the adaptability and stability across environments. The objectives of this study were to determine genetic variability in the germplasm collection, to determine the magnitude of GE interactions, to identify superior genotypes across environments, and to determine the phenotypic correlations among the seed yield and related traits. Seventy‐five cowpea genotypes were planted in three different locations during the 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 cropping seasons, and data were collected for seed yield and its components. Highly significant (P <.001) genotype effect for seed yield traits suggested great genetic differences among the tested populations. Significant (P <.05) genotype × location interaction (GL), genotype × season interaction (GS), and genotype × location × season interaction (GLS) effects were observed for seed yield traits, indicating the presence of complex GE interactions. The GLS effect was more than the GL and GS effects for seed yield, 100‐seed weight, number of pods, and pod width, highlighting the difficulty in genetic improvement of these traits. Cowpea genotypes 6 (ARC006), 49 (ARC049), 63 (IT90K‐76), and 57 (PAN311) showed high yield, wide adaptation, and stability. Genotype 58 (NGOII) and 1 (ARC001) showed high yield, instability, and specific adaptation. No clear mega‐environments were identified. Significant (P <.05) correlations were observed among most of the traits evaluated. The results obtained can serve as a guide and basis of germplasm management and improvement of cowpea seed yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Projected mortalities from cancer are expected to continue escalating, with conventional chemotherapeutic regimens having extensive side effects, hence the need for therapeutics capable of terminating cancer cells selectively, through apoptosis. Therapeutic protein isolates bind specifically to target proteins inducing cell death in vitro and in vivo in various cancer cells. Therefore, this study aimed at observing the antioxidant and anticancer potential of protein isolates from five cowpea cultivars (Glenda, Embu buff, Makhatini, Veg Cowpea 2 and Veg Cowpea 3). Cytotoxicity was conducted on cancerous and non‐cancerous cell lines. Apoptosis was quantified using flow cytometry, and caspase‐3/7 activity was determined. Cytotoxicity assays revealed that Embu buff was the pre‐eminent inhibitor of cancerous cells, while also acting as a protecting mediator in a stressed non‐cancerous cell line by causing a reversal in apoptotic activity. Therefore, cowpea isolates show high potential as candidates for the therapeutic intrusion of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: There has been growing interest in the use of resistant starch (RS) as a prebiotic for physiological benefits and to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. In this study, RS was isolated from samples of five cowpea cultivars (DT129‐4,TVU 11424,PAN 311, Fahari and Bechuana White) seeds to determine their potential prebiotic effects, and proximate and mineral composition. Results obtained showed samples of five cowpea cultivars to be high in protein (18.0–28.7%) and carbohydrates (54.9–66.0%) and low in fat (0.6–3.7%). The RS from cowpea samples ranged between 9.3 and 12.1% with cultivar DT129‐4 having the highest amount. Fermentation of RS using mixed and pure cultures was done, and bacterial growth was monitored over a 24‐h period. Resistant starch isolated from all cowpea samples fulfilled the criteria to be classified as a prebiotic which have a wide range of beneficial effects on the host, with cultivar DT129‐4 showing the most prebiotic potential amongst cowpea samples tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of improving the attitude of dental students towards the use of a full‐body patient simulation system (SIMROID) compared to the traditional mannequin (CLINSIM) for dental clinical education. Materials and methods: The participants were 10 male undergraduate dental students who had finished clinical training in the university hospital 1 year before this study started. They performed a crown preparation on an upper pre‐molar tooth using SIMROID and CLINSIM as the practical clinical trials. The elapsed time for preparation was recorded. The taper of the abutment teeth was measured using a 3‐dimensional shape‐measuring device after this trial. In addition, a self‐reported questionnaire was collected that included physical pain, treatment safety and maintaining a clean area for each simulator. Qualitative data analysis of a free format report about SIMROID was performed using text mining analysis. This trial was performed twice at 1‐month intervals. Results: The students considered physical pain, treatment safety and a clean area for SIMROID significantly better than that for CLINSIM (P < .01). The elapsed time of preparation in the second practical clinical trial was significantly lower than in the first for SIMROID and CLINSIM (P < .01). However, there were no significant differences between the abutment tapers for both systems. For the text mining analysis, most of the students wrote that SIMROID was similar to real patients. Conclusion: The use of SIMROID was proven to be effective in improving the attitude of students towards patients, thereby giving importance to considerations for actual patients during dental treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based cohort studies of maternal body mass index ( BMI) and risk of adverse birth and health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries. Pub Med, Embase, CINAHL and the British Nursing Index were searched from inception to February 2014. Forty-two studies were included. Our study found that maternal underweight was significantly associated with higher risk of preterm birth (odds ratio [ OR], 1.13; 95% confidence interval [ CI], 1.01-1.27), low birthweight ( OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.50-1.84) and small for gestational age ( OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.69-2.02). Compared with mothers with normal BMI, overweight or obese mothers were at increased odds of gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension, pre-eclampsia, caesarean delivery and post-partum haemorrhage. The population-attributable risk ( PAR) indicated that if women were entirely unexposed to overweight or obesity during the pre-pregnancy or early pregnancy period, 14% to 35% fewer women would develop gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia or pregnancy-induced hypertension in Brazil, China, India, Iran or Thailand. The highest PAR of low birthweight attributable to maternal underweight was found in Iran (20%), followed by India (18%), Thailand (10%) and China (8%). Treatment and prevention of maternal underweight, overweight or obesity may help reduce the burden on maternal and child health in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural hybrids between the boreal species Hexagrammos octogrammus and two temperate species Hexagrammos agrammus and Hexagrammos otakii were observed frequently in southern Hokkaido, Japan. Previous studies revealed that H. octogrammus is a maternal ancestor of both hybrids; the hybrids are all fertile females and they frequently breed with paternal species. Although such rampant hybridization occurs, species boundaries have been maintained in the hybrid zone. Possible explanations for the absence of introgressions, despite the frequent backcrossing, might include clonal reproduction: parthenogenesis, gynogenesis and hybridogenesis. The natural hybrids produced haploid eggs that contained only the H. octogrammus genome (maternal ancestor) with discarded paternal genome and generated F1‐hybrid type offspring by fertilization with the haploid sperm of H. agrammus or H. otakii (paternal ancestor). This reproductive mode was found in an artificial backcross hybrid between the natural hybrid and a male of the paternal ancestor. These findings indicate that the natural hybrids adopt hybridogenesis with high possibility and produce successive generations through hybridogenesis by backcrossing with the paternal ancestor. These hybrids of Hexagrammos represent the first hybridogenetic system found from marine fishes that widely inhabit the North Pacific Ocean. In contrast with other hybridogenetic systems, these Hexagrammos hybrids coexist with all three ancestral species in the hybrid zone. The coexistence mechanism is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five Japanese families showing aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss were genetically as well as clinically investigated. A mitochondrial mutation at nucleotide 1555 was found in 28 out of 32 subjects. One hundred American control subjects did not show any evidence of the mutation at nucleotide 1555, suggesting that the 1555 A-->G (A1555G) mitochondrial mutation may be found more frequently among populations in the Asian continent. Many subjects who harbor this mitochondrial mutation exhibit a mild, high-frequency, progressive hearing loss even without aminoglycoside injection. The results presented here appear to support the hypothesis that the A1555G mutation may play a more general role in causing hearing loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the impact of tongue-thrusting on lingual pressure during fluid intake with a straw. In this study, 12 healthy young dentate individuals (two women and 10 men; 19-33 years) were instructed to drink 15 mL of water with a regular drinking straw at 37 °C, when indicated by the investigator. Participants drank after adjusting tongue position to one of the following patterns: (i) Holding the tip of the straw between the lips (Normal Position: NP), (ii) Sticking out the tongue to the vermilion zone of the lower lip and inserting the straw 1 cm past the front teeth (Tongue-thrusting Position: TP). Five recordings were conducted for each participant in a randomised order. To measure tongue pressure during swallowing, a specially designed 0·1-mm thick sensor sheet (Nitta, Osaka, Japan) with a tactile system for measurement of pressure distribution (I-SCAN; Nitta) was used. Duration, maximal magnitude and integrated value of tongue pressure were analysed based on the wave of tongue pressure recorded while water was swallowed. Magnitude, duration and integrated value of tongue pressure were significantly lower in TP than in NP at the median line (Ch1-3). Magnitude and integrated value of tongue pressure at the lateral part of the tongue (Ch5) were significantly lower in TP than in NP. When duration, maximal magnitude and integrated values were compared by channel, no significant differences were observed in NP, but a significant difference was found between Ch3 and the lateral areas Ch4/Ch 5 in TP. When the tongue was thrust forward, movement dynamics of the entire tongue changed and influenced contact between the tongue and palate during liquid intake with a straw. The impact was noticeably weaker on the median line than in lateral areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The articular disc of the temporomandibular joint is a constant structure in mammals. According to Parsons' report in 1900, however, it is absent in four animals: the armadillo, two kinds of monotremes and the Tasmanian devil. Thereafter, no research was performed to confirm this observation. The aim of this study was to determine by anatomical and histological examination whether the Tasmanian devil has an articular disc in its temporomandibular joint. Six fresh frozen corpses and one dry skull of Tasmanian devils were obtained from the School of Zoology, University of Tasmania. The corpses were dissected and the morphology of the temporomandibular joint was carefully observed by gross anatomical and histological examination. The structure of the temporomandibular joint of the dry skull was examined macroscopically and by micro-computed tomography. In all cases, absence of the articular disc in the Tasmanian devil temporomandibular joint was morphologically confirmed. The surface layer of both the condyle and the glenoid fossa comprised a thick fibrous tissue. Micro-computed tomography revealed dense and fine trabecular bone in the condyle. The thick fibrous tissue covering the condyle and high-density trabecular bone in the condyle might play a role in absorption against powerful mastication and heavy loading of the Tasmanian devil temporomandibular joint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated whether a bolus injection of 20 ml saline with arm elevation might shorten the onset time of vecuronium administered via a dorsal hand vein. Thirty patients were randomly allocated to the bolus saline group or control group. General anaesthesia was induced and maintained with remifentanil and propofol. Vecuronium 0.1 mg.kg−1 was administered to all patients, followed in the treatment group by bolus injection of 20 ml saline and arm elevation. Response to train-of-four stimulation was measured by acceleromyography at the adductor pollicis muscle. The mean (SD) lag time was 47.2 (14.5) s in the bolus saline group and 67.9 (12.2) s in the control group (p = 0.0002). The time to 95% block of T1 was 104.6 (29.9) s in the bolus saline group and 128.3 (15.8) s in the control group (p = 0.011). Bolus saline injection results in shortened lag time and onset time of neuromuscular block with vecuronium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Patients with peripheral facial palsy frequently complain of fluid leakage and food retention during meals. We investigated oral function during eating in adults with peripheral facial palsy. Design A prospective two-phase controlled observational study. Setting Data were collected at the ENT clinic in Nihon University Itabashi Hospital (patients) and Nihon University Dental Hospital (controls) between September 2009 and August 2011 and analysed at the Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences in Nihon University School of Dentistry. Participants Fourteen patients with acute idiopathic facial palsy and 14 controls completed Study 1. Sixteen patients with acute idiopathic facial palsy and 16 controls completed Study 2. Main outcome measures In Study 1, oral vestibular cleansing capability was assessed by measuring the amount of rice remaining in the oral vestibule after mastication. In Study 2, masticatory efficiency was evaluated by measuring glucose eluted from gummy jelly during chewing. These oral functions were observed at the first visit and final visit (after patients with facial palsy had recovered). Results Oral vestibular cleansing capability at the first visit was significantly decreased by facial palsy ( P < 0.001 versus healthy volunteers and P < 0.001 versus contralateral side) but recovered as facial muscular function improved ( P = 0.034). There was a significant correlation between improvement in paralysis and decreased food retention ( r = −0.528, P = 0.010). At the first visit, masticatory efficiency on the affected side was significantly lower than that of controls ( P = 0.002) but had mostly recovered after resolution of facial palsy ( P = 0.033). Conclusions Oral functions were decreased by peripheral facial palsy. Oral vestibular cleansing capability was more significantly associated than masticatory efficiency with facial muscle function. Our data suggest that peripheral facial palsy impairs eating and worsens oral hygiene, which may result in oral disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parafunctional habits, such as prolonged clenching and bruxism, have been associated with dysfunctional overloading in the temporomandibular joint ( TMJ). In this study, stress distributions in the TMJ were analysed during prolonged clenching, using three-dimensional finite element ( FE) models of the TMJ with and without disc displacement. The aim of this study was to investigate stress distribution of the cartilaginous tissues in the TMJ with and without disc displacement. Finite element models were developed on the basis of magnetic resonance images from two subjects with and without anterior disc displacement. Condylar movements recorded during a 5-min clenching were used as the loading condition for stress analysis. In the asymptomatic model, the highest von Mises stresses were located in the lateral area (4·91 MPa) of the disc surfaces, and after 5-min clenching, the higher stresses were still located at the lateral area (3·65 MPa). In all the cartilaginous tissues, 30-50% of stress reduction occurred during 5-min clenching. In contrast, the von Mises stress in the cartilaginous tissues of the symptomatic model with disc displacement was markedly lower, compared with the asymptomatic model. However, in the condylar cartilage, stress relaxation during clenching was not recognised. Furthermore, relatively high stresses were observed in the retrodiscal tissues throughout clenching. The present results indicate that disc position could be involved in the stress distribution of the TMJ components during prolonged clenching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active oxygens and free radicals are involved in the metabolism and clinical conditions of tissues; however, little is known about the localisation and expression levels of associated enzymes. The expressions of active oxygens, free radicals and associated enzymes are reported to be site-specific; therefore, the expression states of free radical enzymes differ between sites, even within the same cell. In particular, there has been no report concerning the catabolic enzymes of active oxygens in osteoblasts of the maxilla, other than normal osteoblasts that were weakly positive by immunohistochemical staining. We conducted this study to elucidate the relationship between osteodystrophy and radical-associated enzymes by investigating mRNAs of enzymes associated with active oxygens and free radicals using osteoblasts from the maxilla of normal and osteopetrotic model (op/op) mice. In op/op mouse maxilla osteoblasts, mRNAs of Mn-SOD, i-NOS and e-NOS were strongly positive. Mn-SOD and iNOS enzymes were considered to be highly expressed in osteoblasts of the narrowed medullary cavity of this bone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Usami S, Abe S, Nishio S, Sakurai Y, Kojima H, Tono T, Suzuki N. Mutations in the NOG gene are commonly found in congenital stapes ankylosis with symphalangism, but not in otosclerosis. Human noggin ( NOG) is a responsible gene for multiple synostosis syndrome (SYNS1) and proximal symphalangism (SYM1), two conditions that are recently known to be within a wider range of clinical manifestations of stapes ankylosis with symphalangism. This study was performed to determine the range of phenotype caused by NOG mutations, using Japanese patients with various phenotypes including sporadic inherited SYM1, dominantly inherited SYM1, stapes ankylosis with broad thumb and toes (Teunissen and Cremer syndrome). In addition, 33 patients with typical otosclerosis (without symphalangism) were studied. Direct sequencing analysis disclosed three novel mutations of the NOG gene in three SYM1 families. None of the otosclerosis patients without symphalangism had NOG mutations, indicating that NOG mutations may be restrictively found within patients with various skeletal abnormalities. These results together with the literature review indicated that there are no clear genotype-phenotype correlations for NOG mutations. With regard to surgical outcome, most of the patients in these three families with NOG mutations showed remarkable air-bone gap recovery after stapes surgery. Molecular genetic testing is useful to differentiate syndromic stapes ankylosis from otosclerosis, and even mild skeletal anomalies can be a diagnostic indicator of NOG-associated disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In adults, the lateral pterygoid muscle (LPM) is usually divided into the upper and lower heads, between which the buccal nerve passes. Using sagittal or horizontal sections of 14 fetuses and seven embryos (five specimens at approximately 20-25 weeks; five at 14-16 weeks; four at 8 weeks; seven at 6-7 weeks), we examined the topographical relationship between the LPM and the buccal nerve. In large fetuses later than 15 weeks, the upper head of the LPM was clearly discriminated from the lower head. However, the upper head was much smaller than the lower head in the smaller fetuses. Thus, in the latter, the upper head was better described as an 'anterior slip' extending from the lower head or the major muscle mass to the anterior side of the buccal nerve. The postero-anterior nerve course seemed to be determined by a branch to the temporalis muscle (i.e. the anterior deep temporal nerve). At 8 weeks, the buccal nerve passed through the roof of the small, fan-like LPM. At 6-7 weeks, the LPM anlage was embedded between the temporobuccal nerve trunk and the inferior alveolar nerve. Therefore, parts of the LPM were likely to 'leak' out of slits between the origins of the mandibular nerve branches at 7-8 weeks, and seemed to grow in size during weeks 14-20 and extend anterosuperiorly along the infratemporal surface of the prominently developing greater wing of the sphenoid bone. Consequently, the topographical relationship between the LPM and the buccal nerve appeared to 'change' during fetal development due to delayed development of the upper head. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Clinicians and investigators need a simple and reliable recording device to diagnose or monitor sleep bruxism (SB). The aim of this study was to compare recordings made with an ambulatory electromyographic telemetry recorder (TEL-EMG) with those made with standard sleep laboratory polysomnography with synchronised audio-visual recording (PSG-AV). Eight volunteer subjects without current history of tooth grinding spent one night in a sleep laboratory. Simultaneous bilateral masseter EMG recordings were made with a TEL-EMG and standard PSG. All types of oromotor activity and rhythmic masseter muscle activity (RMMA), typical of SB, were independently scored by two individuals. Correlation and intra-class coefficient (ICC) were estimated for scores on each system. The TEL-EMG was highly sensitive to detect RMMA (0·988), but with low positive predictive value (0·231) because of a high rate of oromotor activity detection (e.g. swallowing and scratching). Almost 72% of false-positive oromotor activity scored with the TEL-EMG occurred during the transient wake period of sleep. A non-significant correlation between recording systems was found ( r = 0·49). Because of the high frequency of wake periods during sleep, ICC was low (0·47), and the removal of the influence of wake periods improved the detection reliability of the TEL-EMG (ICC = 0·88). The TEL-EMG is sensitive to detect RMMA in normal subjects. However, it obtained a high rate of false-positive detections because of the presence of frequent oromotor activities and transient wake periods of sleep. New algorithms are needed to improve the validity of TEL-EMG recordings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early embryos of inviable hybrids between female masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou masou and male rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss at 9, 12, 15 and 20 days after fertilization were examined for protein expression profiles. A total of 44 proteins, mostly down-regulated products of house-keeping genes and those involved in nucleic acid metabolism or chromatin replication, were identified in hybrid embryos by mass spectrometry analysis and protein database searching. The identified down-regulated proteins may be responsible for the inviability in the hybrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of the oceanic and near-shore distributions of Pacific salmon, whose migrations typically span thousands of kilometres, have become increasingly valuable in the presence of climate change, increasing hatchery production and potentially high rates of bycatch in offshore fisheries. Genetics data offer considerable insights into both the migratory routes as well as the evolutionary histories of the species. However, these types of studies require extensive data sets from spawning populations originating from across the species' range. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been particularly amenable for multinational applications because they are easily shared, require little interlaboratory standardization and can be assayed through increasingly efficient technologies. Here, we discuss the development of a data set for 114 populations of chum salmon through a collaboration among North American and Asian researchers, termed PacSNP. PacSNP is focused on developing the database and applying it to problems of international interest. A data set spanning the entire range of species provides a unique opportunity to examine patterns of variability, and we review issues associated with SNP development. We found evidence of ascertainment bias within the data set, variable linkage relationships between SNPs associated with ancestral groupings and outlier loci with alleles associated with latitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined expression of four important members of myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs) in the myoblasts both at mRNA and protein levels, which were subjected to mechanical stretching in in vitro condition. Our results showed that MyoD expression existed both in the stretch and in the control group at all time periods of the mechanical stimulus. Myf-5 expressed only at early stage of the stretch group. Although mRNA and protein expressions of myogenin and MRF4 were detected both in the stretch and in the control group at 12 h after the stretching, their expressions were only shown in the stretch group at 24 h after the mechanical stimulus. However, at 36 and 48 h, none of the MRFs examined except MyoD appeared in both groups. Our results suggest that the MRFs are up-regulated upon mechanical stimulus and each member plays a different major role for either proliferation or differentiation of the myoblasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mitochondrial 1555A>G mutation is one of the most common mutations responsible for hearing loss in Asians. Although the association with aminoglycoside exposure is well known, there is great variation in the severity of hearing loss. We analyzed hearing levels in 221 Japanese individuals with this mutation and attempted to identify relevant covariants including (i) age, (ii) aminoglycoside exposure, (iii) heteroplasmy ratio, and (iv) other gene mutations. At every age, average hearing levels were worse than those in normal subjects, suggesting that mitochondrial function itself may affect the severity of hearing loss. Although the hearing loss in individuals with the 1555A>G mutation progressed with age, the rate did not differ from that of the normal subjects. Those who had reported aminoglycoside exposure had moderate-to-severe hearing impairment regardless of age, confirming that such exposure is the most important environmental variable. We also confirmed the presence of heteroplasmy, which is known to modify the expression of other mitochondrial diseases, but found no evidence for a significant correlation with hearing impairment. A high prevalence of GJB2 heterozygous mutations was noted, indicating that these mutations may exhibit epistatic interaction with the 1555A>G mutation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey of mtDNA variation among populations of chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta around the Pacific Rim revealed four large population groups: Rim of the Sea of Japan, the Rim of the Okhotsk Sea and West Bering Sea, North-west Alaska and Gulf of Alaska. The observed population structure appears to reflect isolation by distance with limited gene flow between regions and larger amounts of gene flow between populations within these four regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Awake bruxism is defined as the awareness of jaw clenching. Its prevalence is reported to be 20% among the adult population. Awake bruxism is mainly associated with nervous tic and reactions to stress. The physiology and pathology of awake bruxism is unknown, although stress and anxiety are considered to be risk factors. During sleep, awareness of tooth grinding (as noted by sleep partner or family members) is reported by 8% of the population. Sleep bruxism is a behaviour that was recently classified as a ‘sleep-related movement disorder’. There is limited evidence to support the role of occlusal factors in the aetiology of sleep bruxism. Recent publications suggest that sleep bruxism is secondary to sleep-related micro-arousals (defined by a rise in autonomic cardiac and respiratory activity that tends to be repeated 8–14 times per hour of sleep). The putative roles of hereditary (genetic) factors and of upper airway resistance in the genesis of rhythmic masticatory muscle activity and of sleep bruxism are under investigation. Moreover, rhythmic masticatory muscle activity in sleep bruxism peaks in the minutes before rapid eye movement sleep, which suggests that some mechanism related to sleep stage transitions exerts an influence on the motor neurons that facilitate the onset of sleep bruxism. Finally, it remains to be clarified when bruxism, as a behaviour found in an otherwise healthy population, becomes a disorder, i.e. associated with consequences (e.g. tooth damage, pain and social/marital conflict) requires intervention by a clinician. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the process of growth and development, the digastric muscle is subjected to marked functional changes, including the change from suckling to mastication. In particular, because the anterior belly of the digastric muscle, which is one of the suprahyoid muscles, plays an important role in mastication. Therefore, this muscle seems to undergo a marked functional change before and after weaning. However, the details remain unknown. Here, to clarify the changes in the muscle fibre characteristics of the anterior belly of the digastric muscle before and after weaning, we examined myosin heavy chain isoforms at the protein (immunohistochemistry) and mRNA (transcription) levels. As a control, the changes in the muscle fibre characteristics of the sternohyoid muscle, which is anatomically aligned in the same direction as the anterior belly of the digastric muscle, were analyzed. The results showed that, in the anterior belly of the digastric muscle that is involved in mandibular movements in mice, the ratio of a fast-contraction isoform with strong contractile force increased after weaning. We believe that this occurred in response to a functional change from suckling to mastication. On the other hand, there was little change in the composition of sternohyoid muscle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Questions: 1. Is there a trade-off between gap dependency and shade tolerance in each of the life-history stages of three closely related, coexisting species, Acer amoenum (Aa), A. mono (Am) and A. rufinerve (Ar)? 2. If not, what differences in life-history traits contribute to the coexistence of these non-pioneer species? Location: Ogawa Forest Reserve, a remnant (98 ha), speciesrich, temperate deciduous forest in central Japan (36°56' N, 140°35' E, 600 - 660 m a.s.l.). Methods: We estimated the demographic parameters (survival, growth rate and fecundity) by stage of each species growing in gaps and under closed canopy through observations of a 6-ha permanent plot over 12 years. Population dynamics were analysed with stage-based matrix models including gap dynamics. Results: All of the species showed high seedling and sapling survival rates under closed canopies. However, demographic parameters for each growth stage in gaps and under closed canopies revealed inter-specific differences and ontogenetic shifts. The trade-off between survival in the shade and growth in gaps was detected only at the small sapling stage (height < 30 cm), and Ar had the highest growth rate both in the shade and in the gaps at most life stages. Conclusions: Inter-specific differences and ontogenetic shifts in light requirements with life-form differences may contribute to the coexistence of the Acer species in old-growth forests, with Aa considered a long-lived sub-canopy tree, Am a long-lived canopy tree, and Ar a short-lived, 'gap-phase' sub-canopy tree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Respiratory infection is a major cause of death in the elderly. We have evaluated the role of professional oral health care (POHC) by dental hygienists in reducing respiratory infections in elderly persons requiring nursing care. Methods: Two populations of elderly persons, one receiving POHC and one not, were examined to determine numbers of microorganisms, potent pathogens of respiratory infection, enzymatic activity in saliva, fevers, prevalence of fatal aspiration pneumonia and prevalence of influenza. Results: In the first population, we found a high prevalence of potent respiratory pathogens such as Staphylococcus species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. Patients who received POHC showed a lower prevalence for these pathogens than those who did not. The ratio of fatal aspiration pneumonia in POHC patients was significantly lower than that in patients without POHC (non-POHC) over a 24-month period ( P < 0.05). The prevalence of a fever of 37.8°C or more in POHC patients was significantly lower than that in the non-POHC group ( P < 0.05). In the second study population, we investigated the effects of POHC on infection with influenza over a 6-month period. In the POHC group, neuraminidase and trypsin-like protease activities decreased, and one of 98 patients was diagnosed with influenza; whereas, in the non-POHC group, nine of 92 patients were diagnosed with influenza. The relative risk of developing influenza while under POHC was 0.1 (95% CI 0.01–0.81, P = 0.008). Conclusion: These results suggest that POHC by dental hygienists is effective in preventing respiratory infections in elderly persons requiring nursing care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To clarify changes in the muscle fibre properties of the temporal muscle related to the start of masticatory movement, we immunohistochemically investigated myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoform protein expression using pre-weaning and post-weaning mice. In addition, we examined the expression of a gene coding for those MyHC proteins. Immediately after weaning, isoforms with fast and potent contractility were frequent. This suggests that the temporal muscle plays an important role in a marked functional change in the oral cavity from lactation to mastication, contributing to oral function in cooperation with other masticatory muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Effects of long-term administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the colon have not been well characterized. Aim To investigate colonoscopic findings and prevalence of adverse events following long-term use of NSAIDs. Methods The study included 425 patients (mean 66.4 years) treated for over one year with NSAIDs, and 2125 age- and sex-matched patients without NSAIDs as controls. Eligible candidates were selected by medical record review for underlying diseases, pre-endoscopic symptoms, category of NSAIDs used, and duration of use. We used endoscopy to study lesion characteristics. Results The occurrence rate of colonic lesions or bleeding in the NSAIDs user (13/425, 3.1%) was higher than that in controls (28/2125, 1.3%) ( p = 0.017). Colitis was found in 10 of the 13 patients. The sigmoid colon, descending colon or both (70.0%) was commonly involved, and showed segmental ischemic colitis features in 8 of the 13 patients (61.5%). Among these, duration of use ranged from 1-30 years (mean 7.8). Nine of 13 patients (69.2%) took low-dose aspirin. Conclusion The prevalence of colonic lesions in long-term NSAIDs users is much lower than that of upper gastrointestinal side effects, but higher than that of colonic lesions in non-NSAIDs users. The most common features of NSAIDs-associated colitis were segmental ischeznia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Colorectal depressed tumours have a tendency to invade deeper mucosal layers and metastasize in the lymph nodes, despite their small size. Aim To investigate the clinical and endoscopic characteristics of depressed early colorectal cancers (intramucosal and submucosal adenocarcinoma) compared with non-depressed early cancers. Methods Five hundred and seventy consecutive early colorectal cancers obtained through endoscopic resection or surgical operation were studied. Early cancers were endoscopically classified as either the depressed or non-depressed type. The age and gender of the patients as well as the size and distribution of the cancers were compared between types. The tumour locations were classified into three groups: caecum to transverse colon (right colon), descending to sigmoid colon (left colon) and rectum. Results Patients were similar with respect to age and gender. The mean size of the depressed type was smaller than that of the non-depressed type (mean 8.4 mm vs. 13.3 mm; P < 0.0001). The rate of occurrence of depressed type in the right colon was higher than that of non-depressed type (49% vs. 23%) ( P = 0.0006). Among the early cancers, the incidence of the depressed type in the right colon was higher than that in the left colon and rectum (15% in the right colon, 7% in the left colon and 4% in the rectum; P < 0.01). Conclusions Compared with non-depressed early colorectal cancers, depressed cancers were smaller in size and more likely to be distributed in the right colon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of transglutaminase 2 (TG2) activity on the proliferative effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and on EGF receptor affinity in periportal hepatocytes (PPH) and perivenous hepatocytes (PVH) has been investigated using a primary culture system. PPH and PVH subpopulations have been isolated using the digitonin/collagenase perfusion technique. DNA synthesis was assessed by [3H] thymidine incorporation into hepatocytes. The assay for binding of [125I] EGF to cultured hepatocytes was analysed by Scatchard plot analysis. Pretreatment with the TG2 inhibitor monodansylcadaverine (MDC) greatly increased EGF-induced DNA synthesis in both PPH and PVH. Furthermore, [125I] EGF binding studies in PVH treated with MDC indicated that high-affinity EGF receptor expression was markedly up-regulated, whereas in PPH, there was no significant effect. Treatment with retinoic acid (RA), an inducer of TG2 expression, significantly decreased EGF-induced DNA synthesis in both PPH and PVH. Binding studies in the presence of RA revealed that the high-affinity EGF receptor was down-regulated and completely absent in both PPH and PVH. These results suggest that TG2 was involved in the differential growth capacities of PPH and PVH through down-regulation of high-affinity EGF receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To analyse the effects of small-scale dams on fish communities, species diversity, population density, biomass, migration over dams and trophic relationships were investigated in the above- and below-dam sections of three Japanese streams. The dams were 1·5–3·9 m high, constructed within 400 m of the sea, and had no impoundment or fishway. Fish communities were mainly composed of diadromous fishes. Of the 17 species sampled, only a few species of gobies, Rhinogobius spp. and Gymnogobius spp. were able to climb and migrate upstream over the dams. Consequently the number of species, and total density and biomass of fishes below the dams was high, but low above the dams. One of the most dominant fish below dams, Plecoglossus altivelis altivelis, predominantly fed on benthic algae, whereas other fishes preyed on benthic invertebrates. Trophic relationships above dams were very simple, the few species of gobies preying on chironomid larvae and other aquatic invertebrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the characterization of 13 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping assays for chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta). These assays are based on the 5′-nuclease reaction and thus facilitate high-throughput genotyping with minimal optimization time. Because data generated using these markers may be transported and combined across laboratories, SNPs offer the potential to reduce the amount of redundant work being done in mixture and migratory studies of chum salmon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We previously reported that two-third of workers in a Bunashimeji mushroom (Hypsizigus marmoreus) farm complained of respiratory allergic symptoms, but one-third workers did not suffer from such symptoms even when working for a long period. CD4+ T-helper (Th) cells increased, and Th2/Th1 ratio increased in the allergic workers. To address these immunological backgrounds, we have investigated whether there is any relationship between mushroom allergy and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II alleles of DPB1, DQA1, DQB1, and DRB1 by using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and sequencing-based typing methods. We observed that the allele frequencies of DQA1*0103, DQB1*0601, and DRB1*0803 were significantly higher in the workers having no allergic symptoms than allergic workers (DQA1*0103: 57vs25%, DQB1*0601: 49vs14%, and DRB1*0803: 29vs0%). However, this phenomenon was not seen in workers producing another kind of mushroom, Honshimeji (Lyophyllum aggregatum). The HLA-DRB1*0803 allele alone, the DRB1*0803, DQA1*0103, DQB1*0601 haplotype, or both were negatively associated with allergy to Bunashimeji, and these alleles might be involved in the prevention of Bunashimeji mushroom-specific respiratory allergy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: A decrease in pepsinogen and gastrin levels 1–3 months after Helicobacter pylori eradication is well known. However, few data are available on the long-term progression of these decreases beyond 1 year after eradication, and there has been no investigation into whether pepsinogen and gastrin levels return to normal levels as defined by data from H. pylori-negative patients with dyspepsia. : We studied the effect of H. pylori eradication on pepsinogen and gastrin levels for more than 1 year, and compared levels to those in H. pylori-negative patients with dyspepsia. We also investigated the effect of H. pylori eradication on the course of atrophic corpus gastritis as reflected by histology, and on PGI levels and PG I/II ratio. : We enrolled 172 H. pylori-positive patients with dyspepsia who had undergone successful eradication therapy of more than 1 year's duration and 101 non-treated H. pylori-negative patients with dyspepsia. H. pylori status was assessed at entry and at each endoscopy after eradication by culture, histological results, the rapid urease test and the urea breath test. In both groups, patients were evaluated for fasting serum pepsinogen I and II and gastrin using a radioimmunoassay technique, and underwent detailed histological assessment according to the updated Sydney System. : In the H. pylori-negative patients, mean serum pepsinogen I and II, I/II ratio and gastrin levels were 52.6 ± 20.8 ng/mL, 9.2 ± 4.2 ng/mL, 6.0 ± 1.7 and 53.5 ± 29.2 pg/mL, respectively. In H. pylori-positive patients with long-term eradication, pepsinogen I and II, I/II ratio and gastrin levels were 81.3 ± 46.6 ng/mL, 25.9 ± 17.1 ng/mL, 3.4 ± 1.3 and 131.9 ± 130.8 pg/mL, respectively, before treatment. At 1–3 months after eradication, serum pepsinogen I and II levels in the H. pylori-positive patients decreased to levels similar to those in the negative patients, whereas pepsinogen I/II ratio and gastrin levels remained lower and higher, respectively, than in the negative patients. Serum pepsinogen I/II ratio and gastrin levels then became similar between the groups at 12–15 months after eradication. In histological findings, inflammation and neutrophil activity decreased by 1–3 months, and atrophy in the corpus and metaplasia in the antrum decreased by 12–15 months. : The results suggest that atrophic corpus gastritis and superficial gastritis are reversible, as indicated by both histological and serological findings in a long-term follow-up study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staphylococcus chromogenes strains were isolated in pure culture from six to eight adult pigs affected with exudative epidermitis (EE), while those were isolated from healthy adult pigs, piglets affected with EE and healthy piglets at low rate. The culture filtrates (CFs) of the above isolates caused rounding effect on cultured cells and exfoliation in 1-day-old chickens. The exfoliative toxin was isolated from CF of a strain (PC-16) possessed strong toxic activity and designated S. chromogenes exfoliative toxin (SCET). The SCET was purified by gel filtration on a Sephadex 0-75 column, and sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The purified SCET caused exfoliation in 1-day-old chickens. The SCET has no caseinolytic protease activity. The SCET was serologically different from S. aureus exfoliative toxins (ETA, ETB and ETC), S. hyicus exfoliative toxins (SHETA and SHETB), and S. intermedius exfoliative toxin (SIET). The molecular weights of SCET (30 kDa) were slightly larger than those of ETs (27 kDa) and SHETs (27 kDa), but almost same as SIET. The SCET caused exfoliation in 1-day-old chickens, but not in suckling mice. The SCET was a heat-stable toxin as well as a S. aureus exfoliative toxin A (ETA). When SCET was inoculated subcutaneously into piglets, the exfoliation were observed in the skin of piglets after 24 h of injection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Masticatory muscles that are derived from the branchial arches express different compositions of myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms during the transitional phase from suckling to mastication. To clarify the developmental changes of murine masseter muscle, the composition of MHC isoforms was examined using immunohistochemical staining and competitive reverse transcription PCR. We found that MHC1 was expressed transiently in the pre and post-natal stages. In the compositional change of isoforms, the embryonic type MHCp was expressed consistently, whereas the adult isoforms increased with the developmental process. In particular, a significant change was observed between embryonic days 14 and 16, a stage when murine facial development is conspicuous. This suggests that the development of murine masseter muscle is closely associated with facial development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]