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Researchers from the University of Kitakyushu in Fukuoka, Japan have developed cyclodextrin-based nanoparticles that successfully encapsulate a hydrophobic xanthone compound called alpha-mangostin (MGS). These nanoparticles showed anticancer efficacy in vivo, specifically the beta-cyclodextrin-based nanoparticles containing MGS. The researchers aimed to create libraries of beta-cyclodextrin-based nanoparticles, characterize them, and understand the relationship between physical parameters, release behavior, and anticancer efficacy. They found that the release behavior of MGS from the nanoparticles, characterized by the lifetime of complexes tau(2), can be a critical quality attribute for designing the nanoparticles. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, explores the link between energy poverty and acute respiratory infections (ARIs) among young children in South Asia. The study utilized data from five demographic and health surveys conducted between 2015 and 2018, encompassing 292,196 young children. The findings reveal that multidimensional energy poverty significantly increases the risk of ARI among young children, with a 1% increase in energy poverty leading to a 48% increase in the odds of developing ARI. The research emphasizes the importance of sustainable energy services in improving children's health and aligning with sustainable development goals. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan have developed a novel antimicrobial active packaging using mung bean starch (MBS) modified with citric acid (CA) and terpinen-4-ol (TP4O) for strawberry preservation. The packaging increased film thickness and moisture content, while maintaining low water vapor permeability. Storage tests showed that the incorporation of TP4O reduced weight loss and lesion diameter of strawberries inoculated with Botrytis cinerea. This research highlights the potential of biodegradable antimicrobial packaging to prolong the shelf-life of perishable products. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, examined the long-term treatment of sacubitril/valsartan in Japanese patients with chronic heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The study enrolled 150 patients who received sacubitril/valsartan in addition to optimal background heart failure therapy. The researchers found that long-term sacubitril/valsartan at doses up to 200 mg, b.i.d., was safe and well-tolerated in Japanese patients with chronic HFrEF. The study concluded that sacubitril/valsartan has a positive risk-benefit profile for these patients. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report discusses research conducted at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, on the role of gut microbiota in anorexia nervosa (AN). The study used advanced technology to analyze the gut microbiota of individuals with AN over a three-month period. The findings revealed that despite weight gain and improvements in psychological features during treatment, individuals with AN still exhibited persistent gut microbial dysbiosis. The study suggests that therapeutic interventions targeting the microbiota through dietary modifications or live biotherapeutics may be necessary to restore gut dysbiosis in individuals with AN. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, has explored the potential therapeutic effects of ethoxyquin, a lipid peroxidation inhibitor, on white matter lesions caused by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. The study found that ethoxyquin demonstrated a cytoprotective effect on neuronal cells and suppressed white matter lesions, blood-brain barrier disruption, and glial cell activation in a mouse model. The researchers suggest that inhibiting lipid peroxidation could be a promising therapeutic approach for chronic cerebrovascular disease and its associated white matter lesions. This research has been peer-reviewed and published in Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by investigators at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, examined the feasibility and outcomes of living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for recipients aged 70 and older. The study found that there were no significant differences in postoperative complications, 30-day mortality rates, or hospital stays between elderly recipients and younger recipients. The graft survival rates for elderly recipients were also comparable to those of younger recipients. The study concluded that age alone should not be considered an absolute contraindication for LDLT. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the University of Occupational and Environmental Health in Fukuoka, Japan discusses the use of deep learning-based reconstruction (DLR) technique to improve the image quality of thin-slice 2D MRI for the detection of multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions. The researchers compared the diagnostic value of 1 mm-slice-thickness 2D T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) with DLR to conventional MRI in 42 MS patients. They found that MRI with 1 mm T2WI with DLR enabled increased MS lesion detection, particularly in the brain stem. The study suggests that this technique could be used in routine clinical practice. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from Fukuoka University in Japan explored the use of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in treating hepatitis C virus (HCV)-associated cryoglobulinemic livedo reticularis. The study focused on a woman in her 60s who experienced hyperpigmentation in her lower legs, which was confirmed to be livedo reticularis related to cryoglobulinemia and HCV infection. The woman was treated with DAAs for eight weeks and achieved a sustained virological response (SVR), leading to the disappearance of serum cryoglobulin and improvement in livedo reticularis. The research suggests that DAA therapy can be an effective treatment option for extrahepatic complications associated with HCV infection. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Fukuoka Children's Hospital in Japan investigated the pathophysiology of Kawasaki Disease (KD) and identified real-time biomarkers linked to innate immunity and oxidative stress in KD. The study found that during the acute phase of KD, there was a prominent down-modulation of CD14 on monocytes, indicating the presence of circulating innate immune molecular patterns. Additionally, patients with KD showed higher levels of oxidative stress compared to patients with other diseases. Monitoring CD14 down-modulation on monocytes in real-time could be a valuable strategy for assessing treatment response and selecting appropriate therapy for KD patients. The study suggests that inflammation and oxidative stress play a crucial role in the development of KD. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan have developed a gene delivery carrier that responds to the activated c-Src protein-tyrosine kinase. The carrier consists of a neutral main chain with a peptide substrate of c-Src, and when phosphorylated in the presence of c-Src, it releases DNA. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that the carrier enabled specific gene expression in cells and tumors. This research provides promising insights into cancer gene therapy and the potential for targeted treatment. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan discusses the prevalence and prognostic significance of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) in squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx, larynx, and oropharynx. The study found that HR-HPV infection was observed in 24% of tumors, with a higher prevalence in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (64.6%) compared to hypopharyngeal and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (0.4%). In cases of combined-type squamous cell carcinoma involving multiple sites, HR-HPV infection was observed in 25% of cases. The study suggests that HR-HPV infection may be rare in pure hypopharyngeal and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and that it may not improve prognosis in advanced disease stages. Further research with larger cohorts is needed to confirm these findings. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan discusses the etiology and outcome of Area Postrema Syndrome (APS) in childhood. APS is a rare condition that presents with intractable nausea and hiccups, and it can be an initial symptom of serious diseases such as brainstem glioma. The report describes two cases of APS in Japanese patients and reviews the literature on the prognosis of pediatric APS symptoms. The findings highlight the wide spectrum and prognosis of pediatric-onset APS, with distinct time courses and neuroimaging features being important for diagnosis and treatment. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, aimed to validate the effectiveness of Deflux(R) treatment for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) following pediatric renal transplantation (RT). The study involved a retrospective analysis of medical records from pediatric patients who underwent Deflux(R) treatment for VUR after RT between April 2008 and March 2022. The results showed that Deflux(R) treatment may help reduce the frequency of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and preserve renal function after RT. However, the treatment is technically challenging due to the anatomical changes caused by the transplantation. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, aimed to identify genes involved in phage resistance in Escherichia coli O157:H7, a foodborne pathogen. The researchers screened 3,909 single gene-deletion mutants of E. coli and found that 10 gene-deletion mutants showed increased susceptibility to a specific phage. Among these mutants, the priA gene-deletion strain showed significant susceptibility to the phage. The researchers also investigated substances that inhibit the function of primosomal protein A (PriA) and found that they had synergistic effects with the phage against E. coli O157:H7. These findings suggest that the combination of PriA inhibitors and phages could be a promising biocontrol tool. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan have conducted a study on the effects of breast cancer cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) on osteoblast differentiation and functions. The study found that these EVs inhibit the maturation of osteoblasts, which are responsible for bone formation. The researchers also discovered that the EVs regulate the activity of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), a protein involved in osteoblast differentiation. This research provides new insights into the impact of bone metastasis and the role of EVs in osteoblast differentiation. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan have made progress in the field of supramolecular research by developing a method called triplet dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) to improve the sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This technique has potential applications in cancer diagnosis using hyperpolarized C-13-labeled pyruvate. The researchers used supramolecular complexation with beta-cyclodextrin to disperse a hydrophilic pentacene derivative, allowing for the transfer of polarization from photoexcited triplet electron spins to the C-13 spins of sodium pyruvate. This development is an important step towards the widespread use of ultra-sensitive MRI for cancer diagnosis. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Kyushu University in Japan has found that there is an association between preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm) and an increased risk of dementia in older Japanese individuals. The study followed 1,202 participants aged over 65 years without dementia for a median of 5.0 years. The results showed that participants with PRISm had a higher risk of developing dementia compared to those with normal lung function. The findings suggest that PRISm may be a potential risk factor for dementia in the general older Japanese population. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Occupational and Environmental Health in Fukuoka, Japan, aimed to evaluate the effects of prenatal exposure to atomic bomb radiation on neurocognitive function in aged survivors. The study involved 444 individuals with a mean age of 66.9 years who were prenatally exposed to radiation. The researchers found no significant effects of radiation on neurocognitive function, even when considering factors such as clinic visit and gestational age at the time of the bombings. However, it is important to note that this study only included healthy survivors. The research has been peer-reviewed and published in Radiation Research. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, examined the risk of developing peptic ulcers in kidney transplant patients. The study compared the clinical and endoscopic features of gastroduodenal ulcers between kidney transplant patients and patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The results showed that kidney transplant patients had a higher frequency of gastroduodenal ulcers compared to CKD patients. The study also found that kidney transplant patients were more likely to be treated with acid secretion inhibitors. The researchers concluded that there may be an association between immunosuppressive medications and the development of gastroduodenal ulcers in kidney transplant patients. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan discusses the development of a miniature human liver using a decellularized mouse liver template. The researchers successfully removed the cells from the mouse liver and preserved the vascular network, allowing for the infusion of primary human hepatocytes. The recellularized liver constructs expressed liver-specific mRNA markers and showed potential for applications in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. The study highlights the potential of decellularized liver tissue as a scaffold for creating functional human livers on a small scale. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Kyushu University Hospital in Fukuoka, Japan, examined the effects of ondansetron on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and food intake in Japanese women undergoing laparoscopic gynecological surgery. The study included 632 adult patients and found that ondansetron administration during surgery was associated with a decreased risk of PONV, but did not have a significant impact on food intake the day after surgery. The study concluded that preventing PONV is important for postoperative recovery, and ondansetron can be effective in achieving this goal. This research has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, explored the use of a new MRI reconstruction technique called Multi-Resolution Convolutional Neural Network (MR CNN) for brain tumor classification. The researchers used the Figshare brain tumor dataset, consisting of 3064 T1-weighted contrast-enhanced MRI scans, to train the MR CNN model. They found that the proposed brain tumor classifier achieved a classification accuracy of 92.79% for a 10% sampling rate, outperforming other methods. The study concluded that MR CNN significantly improves the accuracy of brain tumor classification based on tumor location using under-sampled k-space signals. This research has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan have conducted a study on the isolation and characterization of Enterococcus phages and their application in controlling E. faecalis in milk. The study found that a cocktail of three phages displayed strong antibacterial and biofilm removal activities, reducing viable E. faecalis in biofilm by 6 log within 6 hours. The cocktail also gradually reduced the viable count of E. faecalis in milk, suggesting its potential as a natural biocontrol agent. The research was supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, explored the impact of dilution rates and transition modes on organic acid productivity and bacterial community structure in continuous meta-fermentation using complex microorganisms. The study found that the number of bacterial species decreased with increasing dilution rates in the constant mode, while the up and down modes maintained high and low values, respectively. The researchers also proposed a new parameter called species-specific productivity (SSP) to estimate the contribution of specific bacteria to organic acid productivity. The study concluded that dilution rates and transition modes are significant factors in establishing a highly productive process in continuous meta-fermentation. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, aimed to determine the effects of corticosteroid treatment on human rhinovirus (HRV)-induced asthma exacerbations in pediatric inpatients. The study collected nasopharyngeal samples and clinical information from 59 patients with asthma exacerbations and analyzed 54 samples. The results showed that maintenance inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) reduced the detection rates of HRV, particularly HRV-C, in school-age inpatients with asthma exacerbations. Additionally, the duration of systemic corticosteroid treatment during exacerbations affected lung function after HRV-induced exacerbations. The study concluded that the protective effects of corticosteroids on virus-induced asthma exacerbations may depend on the types of viral pathogens. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Fukuoka University Hospital in Japan explored the occurrence of chemotherapy-induced fatigue (CIF) in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The study analyzed data from 415 patients and identified several risk factors for CIF, including nausea and vomiting, anorexia, hypoalbuminemia, and a high blood urea nitrogen/creatinine (BUN/Cr) ratio. The researchers concluded that early control of these risk factors could help healthcare providers avoid or reduce CIF and improve patients' quality of life. This study provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals in managing the side effects of chemotherapy. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Fukuoka University in Japan explored the visualization of absorbed lipids in the normal duodenal epithelium using magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging. The researchers aimed to determine if a white opaque substance (WOS) could be visualized in the duodenum after exogenous fat loading (FL) administration. The study involved 20 patients who were randomly assigned to either the FL or non-FL group. The results showed that the absorbed lipid droplets appeared as WOS on magnifying narrow-band imaging. This research provides insights into the absorption of lipids in the duodenum and its visualization through endoscopy. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, evaluated the usefulness of the Atopic Dermatitis Control Tool (ADCT) in assessing disease control in individuals with atopic dermatitis (AD). The study involved an online questionnaire completed by 5,546 AD patients. The results showed that the ADCT scores had strong correlations with established AD assessment tools, indicating that the ADCT can effectively characterize the multidimensional burden of AD. This research has been peer-reviewed and published in the British Journal of Dermatology. For more information, readers can contact Takeshi Nakahara at Kyushu University. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Kurume University in Fukuoka, Japan discusses the findings of a study on peritoneal dialysis and glucocorticoid therapy. The study focused on a 68-year-old man who developed encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS), a fatal complication of peritoneal dialysis, after receiving glucocorticoids for idiopathic pulmonary sclerosis. The researchers found that glucocorticoids may conceal peritoneal inflammation, which is a main contributor to EPS. This research has been peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights into the potential risks associated with glucocorticoid therapy in peritoneal dialysis patients. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, has explored the development of anti-cancer agents to target the tolerance of pancreatic cancer cells to nutritional starvation. The researchers used a chemical biology approach called the Ugi reaction to synthesize new anti-austerity agents and evaluate their effectiveness. One particular Ugi adduct, Ugi adduct 11, showed strong anti-austerity activity and preferential cytotoxicity against PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells. The study also demonstrated the potential of the Ugi reaction-based chemical engineering of natural product extracts as a rapid method for discovering novel anti-austerity agents for combating pancreatic cancer. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Fukuoka University in Japan have reported new findings on adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma (ATL), a hematopoietic malignancy with a poor prognosis that develops in approximately 5% of human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) carriers. The researchers investigated the effect of a novel CDK9 selective inhibitor, LY2857785, on ATL-related cell lines in vitro, freshly isolated cells from ATL patients ex vivo, and ATL tumor xenografts in mice. They found that LY2857785 significantly reduced cell viability, induced apoptosis, and suppressed the levels of anti-apoptotic protein MCL-1. The inhibitor also increased autophagy and decreased the growth of ATL tumor xenografts. These findings suggest that LY2857785 has potential as a treatment for ATL. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the Kurume University School of Medicine in Fukuoka, Japan, discusses the increasing use of hypnotic drugs for insomnia treatment in Japan and the issue of over-dependence on these drugs. The study examined the factors related to the elimination of prescriptions of three or more hypnotic drugs within one year in their clinic. The research found that the frequency of prescribing three or more hypnotic drugs was higher in psychiatry compared to other departments, and identified age, trazodone addition, and years of psychiatric experience as success factors for reducing drug use. The study's findings may contribute to addressing the problem of multiple prescriptions of hypnotic drugs. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the Kyushu Institute for Technology in Fukuoka, Japan have conducted a study on the apatite formation on a titanium-zirconium (Ti-50Zr) alloy in a simulated body environment. The Ti-50Zr alloy is a strong material that can be used for bone and teeth repair, but it has limited bonding ability with bone. The researchers compared different surface treatments of the alloy and found that treatment with 5 M NaOH followed by 1 M CaCl2 was the most effective in promoting apatite formation, while samples treated with 10 M NaOH did not form any apatite. This research has been peer-reviewed and published in the Dental Materials Journal. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Fukuoka, Japan, has focused on lymphedema, a condition that often occurs as a result of cancer treatment. The study estimates that 100,000-150,000 patients in Japan are affected by lymphedema, with around 3,500 new cases each year related to uterine and breast cancer treatment. The Japanese Lymphedema Society has developed evidence-based practice guidelines for the management of lymphedema, which aim to provide adequate care for patients by medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, physical technicians, and occupational therapists. The guidelines have been peer-reviewed and are available for further reference. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan discusses the role of Tsukushi (TSK), a leucine-rich peptidoglycan, in mammalian development, disorders, and therapy. TSK regulates signaling pathways that control cellular communication, proliferation, and cell fate determination. Recent research has shown that TSK therapy can reverse pathophysiological abnormalities in the brain. The report provides a review of TSK's roles in key signaling processes and explores its potential for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of Cell Communication and Signaling. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan compared the outcomes of two different biliary reconstruction methods in pediatric living donor liver transplantation. The study found that duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction (DD) was as safe and effective as Roux-en-Y hepatic jejunectomy (HJ) in terms of 5-year survival rates and the incidence of biliary complications. However, the HJ group had a higher rate of intestinal complications. The researchers concluded that DD could be a safe method for biliary reconstruction in pediatric recipients, with a reduced risk of intestinal complications. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, explores the use of a gel-in-oil nanogel dispersion called G/O-NGD as a transdermal carrier of proliferative factors to promote angiogenesis in subcutaneous graft beds before cell transplantation. The researchers observed robust subcutaneous angiogenesis by delivering varying amounts of bFGF using the G/O-NGD emulsion. The study concludes that this method has significant implications in both medical and industrial fields. The research has been peer-reviewed and published in Biomaterials Advances. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Japan examined the survival outcomes of adult patients with head and neck para-meningeal rhabdomyosarcoma (PM-HNRMS), a rare form of soft tissue sarcoma. The study found that PM-HNRMS has a poor prognosis in adults, and there is limited data on salvage therapy. The research evaluated the overall survival and progression-free survival of patients who received first-line therapy, as well as the outcomes of patients who received salvage therapy after progressing against first-line treatment. The study concluded that salvage therapy, including local therapy for all detected lesions, may prolong survival in patients with PM-HNRMS. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, aimed to understand the characteristics and outcomes of pediatric patients with solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs) who underwent pancreatectomy. The study included 12 patients between the ages of 6 and 15 who underwent pancreatectomy for SPNs. The most common postoperative complication was postoperative pancreatic fistula, and patients who underwent enucleation had higher complication rates. However, all patients were alive without recurrence at the end of the study period, indicating a good prognosis for SPN regardless of the surgical procedure. Surgeons should be aware of the higher complication rate associated with enucleation when selecting a surgical approach for pediatric SPNs. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Fukuoka University in Japan have reported on two cases of rapidly progressive fatty liver disease (FL) due to pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) without a history of surgery. Two women, aged 59 and 72, presented with severe anorexia and nausea, and examinations revealed marked FL disease with hepatomegaly and PEI. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy was effective in treating the condition. The researchers noted that the commonly known causes of PEI, such as chronic pancreatitis and abdominal surgery, were not present in these cases. This research has been peer-reviewed and published in Internal Medicine. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Kyushu University Hospital in Fukuoka, Japan explores the use of amide proton transfer (APT) imaging to detect changes in tissue pH. The study investigates the effect of saturation pulse duration and power on the APT effect in phantoms with different pH values. The research finds that the combination of saturation pulse duration of 1.0 second or longer and power of 1.5 mu T or higher is useful for detecting changes in APT effects. This study provides new insights into the potential applications of APT imaging in identifying the penumbra in ischemic stroke patients. [Extracted from the article]

Japan, Asia, Adenomas, Health and Medicine, Lymphadenoma, Fukuoka, Lymphatic Diseases and Conditions Keywords: Fukuoka; Japan; Asia; Adenomas; Health and Medicine; Lymphadenoma; Lymphatic Diseases and Conditions EN Fukuoka Japan Asia Adenomas Health and Medicine Lymphadenoma Lymphatic Diseases and Conditions 6361 6361 1 11/06/23 20231110 NES 231110 2023 NOV 10 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Health & Medicine Week -- A new study on Lymphatic Diseases and Conditions - Lymphadenoma is now available. [Extracted from the article]