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Accumulation profiles of wax esters in Euglena gracilis Z were studied under several environmental conditions. The highest amount of total wax esters accumulated under hypoxia in the dark, and C28 (myristyl-myristate, C14:0-C14:0) was prevalent among all conditions investigated. The wax ester production was almost completely suppressed under anoxia in the light, and supplying exogenous inorganic carbon sources restored wax ester fermentation, indicating the need for external carbon sources for the wax ester fermentation. 13C-labeling experiments revealed specific isotopic enrichment in the odd-numbered fatty acids derived from wax esters, indicating that the exogenously-supplied CO2 was incorporated into wax esters via the propionyl-CoA pathway through the reverse tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. The addition of 3-mercaptopicolinic acid, a phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) inhibitor, significantly affected the incorporation of 13C into citrate and malate as the biosynthetic intermediates of the odd-numbered fatty acids, suggesting the involvement of PEPCK reaction to drive wax ester fermentation. Additionally, the 13C-enrichment pattern of succinate suggested that the CO2 assimilation might proceed through alternative pathways in addition to the PEPCK reaction. The current results indicate that the mechanisms of anoxic CO2 assimilation are an important target to reinforce wax ester fermentation in Euglena., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Objectives: This study aimed to clarify the effects of dietary diversity on a decline in higher-level functional capacity among middle-aged and elderly subjects in Japan., Methods: Data were derived from the National Institute for Longevity Sciences - Longitudinal Study of Aging. Subjects comprised 1317 men and women aged 40 to 79 at baseline (1997-2000) who participated in a follow-up postal survey (2013). Higher-level functional capacity was measured using the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology index of competence (total score and 3 subscales). Dietary intake was assessed using a 3-d dietary record, and dietary diversity was determined using the Quantitative Index for Dietary Diversity (QUANTIDD). The odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for a decline in higher-level functional capacity in the follow-up study according to quartiles of QUANTIDD at baseline were estimated, controlling for age, sex, higher-level functional capacity scores at baseline, body mass index, alcohol consumption, physical activity, depressive score, household income, education, smoking, and disease history., Results: A total of 214 (16%), 145 (11%), 70 (5%), and 136 (10%) subjects showed a decline in total score for higher-level functional capacity (≥2), instrumental self-maintenance (≥1), intellectual activity (≥2), and social role (≥2), respectively. Multivariate-adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for the score for intellectual activity decline according to the lowest through highest quartiles of QUANTIDD were 1.00 (reference), 0.47 (0.23-0.95), 0.44 (0.22-0.90), and 0.41 (0.20-0.83), respectively (P for trend = 0.06)., Conclusions: Daily intake of various foods may protect against a decline in intellectual activity among middle-aged and elderly community dwellers in Japan., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Designed polymer hydrogel nanoparticles (NPs) capable of facilitating resolubilization and refolding of an aggregated protein, positively charged lysozyme, are prepared. NPs designed to interact strongly with denatured lysozyme and relatively weakly with native lysozyme, facilitated resolubilization and refolding of aggregated lysozyme. Such NPs could be prepared by copolymerizing optimized combinations and populations of functional monomers. The refolded lysozyme showed native conformation and enzymatic activity. Eleven grams of aggregated protein was refolded by 1 g of NPs. However, NPs having low affinity to denatured lysozyme and NPs having high affinity to both denatured and native lysozyme showed relatively low facilitation activity. Our results suggest a potential strategy for the design of artificial chaperones with high facilitating activity.

Background: Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors (PMTs) are rare neoplasms that are often associated with tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) due to excessive serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). PMTs share overlapping histologic features with other types of tumors; thus, accurate pathological diagnosis may be challenging. We performed an immunohistochemical examination of FGF23 expression in PMTs and other types of tumors, together with pertinent molecular analyses., Methods: Seven PMTs (5 with TIO and 2 without TIO) and 46 other types of bone and soft tissue tumors were retrieved, and immunohistochemistry was performed using a commercially available anti-FGF23 antibody. In addition, FGF23 mRNA expression was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), using RNA extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues., Results: Immunohistochemical analysis of FGF23 expression showed distinct, punctate staining in the cytoplasm in 5 PMTs with TIO, whereas FGF23 expression was negative in the 2 PMTs without TIO and the other 46 tumors. FGF23 mRNA expression was detected in all 4 PMTs examined, as well as in 1 chondromyxoid fibroma and 1 myxoid liposarcoma. The real-time RT-PCR data showed that the relative expression levels of the FGF23 mRNA tended to be higher in PMTs with TIO than in PMTs without TIO, or in the chondromyxoid fibroma specimen., Conclusions: Our data suggested that the feasibility of immunohistochemical detection of FGF23 may depend on the level of secreted FGF23 from tumor cells. Thus, immunohistochemistry for FGF23 is an useful diagnostic adjunct for PMT, although its utility appears to be limited in cases without TIO.

Pancreatic cancer is still one of the most lethal malignancies in the world, and a more thorough understanding of its detailed pathogenetic mechanisms and the development of more effective therapeutic strategies are urgently required. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), the most common type of pancreatic cancer, is characterized by consistent genetic abnormalities such as point mutations in the Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) and in the tumor suppressor protein p53 (TP53) genes. Alterations in intracellular core signal pathways have also been shown to induce the development or progression of PDA. The Wingless/int1 (WNT) signal pathway plays a pivotal role in embryonic development, cellular proliferation and differentiation, and dysregulation of WNT signaling can lead to neoplastic transformation in a variety of organ systems, including the pancreas. Recent studies have shown that altered WNT signaling is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with PDA, suggesting that the pathway is a predictor of patients' survival and a potential therapeutic target of PDA. In this review, the clinicopathological implications of WNT signaling in PDA are highlighted.

Using a newly prepared tridentate ligand, we isolated hypervalent sulfur and selenium radicals for the first time and characterized their structures. X-ray crystallography, electron spin resonance spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations revealed a three-coordinate hypervalent structure. Utilizing the reversible redox reactions between hypervalent radicals and the corresponding anions bearing Li(+), we developed organic radical batteries with these compounds as cathode-active materials. Furthermore, an all-radical battery, with these compounds as the cathode and a silyl radical as the anode, was developed that exhibited a practical discharge potential of ∼ 1.8 V and stable cycle performance, demonstrating the potential of these materials for use in metal-free batteries that can replace conventional Li-ion batteries where Li is used in the metal form.

We discovered the unique cell adhesive properties of ultraviolet (UV)-irradiated albumin films. Albumin films prepared using a cross-linking reagent with epoxy groups maintained native albumin properties, such as resistance to cell adhesion. Interestingly, the cell adhesive properties of films varied depending upon the UV irradiation time; specifically, cell adhesiveness increased until 2 h of UV irradiation, when the cell number attached to the film was similar to that of culture dishes, and then cell adhesiveness decreased until 20 h of UV irradiation, after which the surface returned to the initial non-adhesive state. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, we examined the effect of UV irradiation on albumin film properties. The following changes occurred in response to UV irradiation: decreased α-helical structure, cleavage of albumin peptide bonds, and increased hydrophilicity and oxygen content of the albumin film surface. In addition, we found a positive correlation between the degree of cell adhesion and the amount of fibronectin adsorbed on the film. Taken together, UV-induced changes in films highly affect the amount of cell adhesion proteins adsorbed on the films depending upon the irradiation time, which determines cell adhesion behavior.

Phytosterols are classified into C24-ethylsterols and C24-methylsterols according to the different C24-alkylation levels conferred by two types of sterol methyltransferases (SMTs). The first type of SMT (SMT1) is widely conserved, whereas the second type (SMT2) has diverged in charophytes and land plants. The Arabidopsis smt2 smt3 mutant is defective in the SMT2 step, leading to deficiency in C24-ethylsterols while the C24-methylsterol pathway is unchanged. smt2 smt3 plants exhibit severe dwarfism and abnormal development throughout their life cycle, with irregular cell division followed by collapsed cell files. Preprophase bands are occasionally formed in perpendicular directions in adjacent cells, and abnormal phragmoplasts with mislocalized KNOLLE syntaxin and tubulin are observed. Defects in auxin-dependent processes are exemplified by mislocalizations of the PIN2 auxin efflux carrier due to disrupted cell division and failure to distribute PIN2 asymmetrically after cytokinesis. Although endocytosis of PIN2-GFP from the plasma membrane (PM) is apparently unaffected in smt2 smt3, strong inhibition of the endocytic recycling is associated with a remarkable reduction in the level of PIN2-GFP on the PM. Aberrant localization of the cytoplasmic linker associated protein (CLASP) and microtubules is implicated in the disrupted endocytic recycling in smt2 smt3. Exogenous C24-ethylsterols partially recover lateral root development and auxin distribution in smt2 smt3 roots. These results indicate that C24-ethylsterols play a crucial role in division plane determination, directional auxin transport, and polar growth. It is proposed that the divergence of SMT2 genes together with the ability to produce C24-ethylsterols were critical events to achieve polarized growth in the plant lineage., (© 2015 The Authors The Plant Journal © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) have led to the development of a host of tiny machines and sensors over the past decade. Plasma physics is in great need of small detectors for several reasons. First of all, very small detectors do not disturb a plasma, and secondly some detectors can only work because they are very small. We report on the first of a series of small (sub-Debye length) probes for laboratory plasmas undertaken at the basic Plasma Science Facility at UCLA. The goal of the work is to develop robust and sensitive diagnostic probes that can survive in a plasma. The probes must have electronics packages in close proximity. We report on the construction and testing of probes that measure the electric field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study assessed whether physical function can indicate a risk of decline in higher-level functional capacity., Methods: Data were derived from the National Institute for Longevity Sciences-Longitudinal Study of Aging. Subjects comprised 466 men and 495 women aged 40-79 years at baseline (1997-2000), whose total score for the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence (TMIG-IC) at baseline was ≥11 and who participated in the follow-up survey. Baseline physical function examination included grip strength, comfortable gait speed, and sway area with eyes open. A decline in higher-level functional capacity was defined as a ≥2-point decrease in the TMIG-IC score after 14 years. The odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for decline in the TMIG-IC score for 14 years according to a 1-standard deviation (SD) increase in physical function measurements at baseline were estimated., Results: Subjects with decreased TMIG-IC scores included 78 (16.7%) men and 80 (16.2%) women. In women, the multivariate-adjusted OR (95% CI) for a TMIG-IC score decrease with a 1-SD increase in comfortable gait speed was 0.68 (0.50-0.92; p=0.013), and that with a 1-SD increase in sway area with eyes open was 1.49 (1.17-1.90; p=0.001). Grip strength was not associated with TMIG-IC score decline. None of the physical performance measures affected TMIG-IC score declines in men., Conclusion: These results suggest that gait speed decreases and sway area increases might predict a risk of decline in higher-level functional capacity among middle-aged and elderly women., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

To provide safe lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) at low cost, battery materials which lead to reduced Li dendrite formation are needed. The currently used anode materials have low redox voltages that are very close to the redox potential for the formation of Li metal, which leads to severe short circuiting. Herein, we report that when the three-dimensional amorphous silicon polymers poly(methylsilyne) and poly(phenylsilyne) are used as anode materials, dendritic Li formation on the anode surface is avoided up to a practical current density of 10 mA·g(-1) at 5 °C. Equally as significant, poly(methylsilyne) and poly(phenylsilyne) are capable of reacting with 0.45 and 0.9 Li atoms per formula unit, respectively, at an average voltage of approximately 1.0 V, affording reversible capacities of 244 mAh·g(-1) and 180 mAh·g(-1). Moreover, noteworthy is the fact that polysilynes are suitable for practical applications because they can be prepared through a simple and low-cost process and are easy to handle.

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to examine the association between soya food consumption and insulin resistance using baseline data of the Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort (J-MICC) Study in Tokushima, Japan., Design: This cross-sectional study included 1274 subjects, aged 34-70 years at baseline, living in Tokushima Prefecture between 2008 and 2013. Fasting blood samples were collected and information on lifestyle characteristics including soya food intake and medical history were obtained using a structured self-administered questionnaire. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was measured and those with HOMA-IR ≥ 2.5 were defined as having insulin resistance. Multiple logistic regression models were used to analyse the association between soya product intake and the prevalence of insulin resistance., Setting: Rural communities located in Tokushima Prefecture, Japan, between 2008 and 2013., Subjects: A total of 1148 adults (565 men and 583 women), aged 34-70 years., Results: The frequency of intake of miso soup, total non-fried soya products and total soya products showed significant inverse dose-response relationships with insulin resistance, after adjustments for potential confounders. When soya product intake was calculated as soya protein and isoflavone, the odds ratios of insulin resistance decreased significantly as the estimated intake of soya protein increased. Furthermore, significant inverse dose-response relationships were observed for total non-fried soya products and total soya products, after adjustment for total vegetable or total fibre consumption., Conclusions: The present results indicate that the intake of soya products and non-fried soya products is associated with reduced insulin resistance in the Japanese population.

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of transrectal compression of the prostate for intra-operative prostatic swelling and intraprostatic point shift during high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment of localized prostate cancer., Methods: Patients treated with whole-gland high-intensity focused ultrasound as primary monotherapy for localized prostate cancer were enrolled in the study. Using the standard and compression method, the volumes of degassed water in the balloon covering the high-intensity focused ultrasound probe were 50 mL and 80-160 mL, respectively. To identify prostatic swelling and shift during high-intensity focused ultrasound and the volume occupied by the non-enhanced area, three-dimensional prostate models were reconstructed using ultrasound and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging., Results: In comparison with the standard (n = 40) and compression (n = 48) methods, intraoperative increase in the prostate volume (21% vs 5.3%; P = 0.044), intraprostatic point shift (4 mm vs 2 mm, P = 0.040 in the transition zone; 3 mm vs 0 mm; P = 0.001 in the peripheral zone) and the volume occupied by the non-enhanced area (89% vs 96%; P = 0.001) were significantly suppressed. The biochemical disease-free survival rate in patients treated using the compression method was significantly improved relative to the standard method (92.6% vs 76.5%; P = 0.038). Regarding complications, there was no significant difference in the rate of urethral stricture (P = 0.9), urinary tract infection (P = 0.9), incontinence (P = 0.3), erectile dysfunction (P = 0.9) or recto-urethral fistula between the patients treated using the standard and compression methods., Conclusions: Intraoperative transrectal compression suppresses intraoperative increase in the prostate volume and intraprostatic point shift during high-intensity focused ultrasound, having the potential to achieve precise whole-gland and lesion-targeted focal therapy., (© 2015 The Japanese Urological Association.)

Neural epidermal growth factor-like like (NELL) 1 and 2 constitute a family of multimeric and multimodular extracellular glycoproteins. Although the osteogenic effects of NELL1 and functions of NELL2 in neural development have been reported, their expression and functions in cancer are largely unknown. In this study, we examined expression of NELL1 and NELL2 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) using clinical specimens and cell lines. We show that, whereas NELL1 and NELL2 proteins are strongly expressed in renal tubules in non-cancerous areas of RCC specimens, their expression is significantly downregulated in cancerous areas. Silencing of NELL1 and NELL2 mRNA expression was also detected in RCC cell lines. Analysis of NELL1/2 promoter methylation status indicated that the CpG islands in the NELL1 and NELL2 genes are hypermethylated in RCC cell lines. NELL1 and NELL2 bind to RCC cells, suggesting that these cells express a receptor for NELL1 and NELL2 that can transduce signals. Furthermore, we found that both NELL1 and NELL2 inhibit RCC cell migration, and NELL1 further inhibits RCC cell adhesion. These results suggest that silencing of NELL gene expression by promoter hypermethylation plays roles in RCC progression by affecting cancer cell behavior., (© 2015 The Authors. Cancer Science published by Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd on behalf of Japanese Cancer Association.)

Objectives: To assess the feasibility of a novel percutaneous navigation system (Translucent Medical, Inc., Santa Cruz, CA, USA) that integrates position-tracking technology with a movable tablet display., Materials and Methods: A total of 18 fiducial markers, which served as the target centres for the virtual tumours (target fiducials), were implanted in the prostate and kidney of a fresh cadaver, and preoperative computed tomography (CT) was performed to allow three-dimensional model reconstruction of the surgical regions, which were registered on the body intra-operatively. The position of the movable tablet's display could be selected to obtain the best recognition of the interior anatomy. The system was used to navigate the puncture needle (with position-tracking sensor attached) using a colour-coded, predictive puncture-line. When the operator punctured the target fiducial, another fiducial, serving as the centre of the ablative treatment (treatment fiducial), was placed. Postoperative CT was performed to assess the digitized distance (representing the real distance) between the target and treatment fiducials to evaluate the accuracy of the procedure., Results: The movable tablet display, with position-tracking sensor attached, enabled the surgeon to visualize the three-dimensional anatomy of the internal organs with the help of an overlaid puncture line for the puncture needle, which also had a position-tracking sensor attached. The mean (virtual) distance from the needle tip to the target (calculated using the computer workstation), was 2.5 mm. In an analysis of each digitalized axial component, the errors were significantly greater along the z-axis (P < 0.01), suggesting that the errors were caused by organ shift or deformation., Conclusion: This virtual navigation system, integrating a position-tracking sensor with a movable tablet display, is a promising advancement for facilitating percutaneous interventions. The movable display over the patient shows a preoperative three-dimensional image that is aligned to the patient. Moving the display moves the image, creating the feeling of looking through a window into the patient, resulting in instant perception and a direct, intuitive connection between the physician and the anatomy., (© 2014 The Authors. BJU International © 2014 BJU International.)

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutation testing is essential for choosing appropriate treatment options in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, a time delay occurs between histological diagnosis and molecular diagnosis in clinical situations. To minimize this delay, we developed a novel point-of-care test for EGFR mutations, based on a high-speed real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system designated here as ultrarapid PCR combined with highly accurate bronchoscopic sampling. We investigated whether our system for detecting EGFR mutations was valid by comparing test results with those obtained using a commercialized EGFR mutation test. We obtained small amounts of bronchial lavage fluids after transbronchial biopsies (TBBs) were performed on enrolled patients (n=168) who underwent endobronchial ultrasonography using a guide sheath (EBUS-GS). EGFR mutation analysis was performed by ultrarapid PCR immediately after EBUS-GS-TBBs were obtained (on the same day). After pathological diagnoses of NSCLC, EGFR mutation status in formalin-fixed, paraffin- embedded samples was confirmed by the PCR-invader method, and the concordance rates between the PCR methods were compared. The total diagnostic yield of EBUS-GS-TBB was 91.0%. The positive concordance rates for detecting 19del and L858R with the ultrarapid PCR and PCR-invader methods were both 100%. Negative concordance rates were 97.2 and 98.1%, respectively. We also demonstrated a dramatic effect of early erlotinib administration, based on ultrarapid PCR results, for a 52-year-old woman suffering from respiratory failure due to severe intrapulmonary metastases with poor performance status. In conclusion, ultrarapid PCR combined with EBUS-GS-TBB enabled rapid and reliable point-of-care testing for EGFR mutations.

Background: Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that possesses anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Although recent data suggests that macrolide antibiotics enhance Pseudomonas aeruginosa clearance from the lung, involving natural killer (NK) T cells in this process by activating the NKG2D-NKG2D ligand system, the precise underlying mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we examined the effect of clarithromycin on a potent NKG2D ligand, UL16-binding protein 2 (ULBP2), in the lung and its shedding mechanism., Methods: The gene expressions of ULBP2 and the shredder proteinases of ULBP2, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain 10 (ADAM10) and ADAM17, were measured using real-time PCR. The cell surface ULBP2 expression was measured by flow cytometry. The amount of solubilized ULBP2 (sULBP2) was measured using an ELISA. The activity of ADAM17 was examined by measurement of fluorescence intensity from the fluorescence resonance energy transfer peptide substrate cleaved by ADAM17., Results: Clarithromycin significantly induced transcription of ULBP2 and ADAM17 in both A549 and LCSC #2 cells, which endogenously express minimal and abundant levels of ULBP2, respectively. However, there was no significant change on transcription of ADAM10. The same tendency was observed when LCSC #2 cells were treated with tumor necrosis factoralpha processing inhibitor-2 to inhibit ADAM17 activity. The amount of sULBP2 was significantly decreased in both A549 and LCSC #2 cells by treatment with clarithromycin. Finally, clarithromycin significantly inhibited the activity of ADAM17 in LCSC #2 cells., Conclusion: These findings suggest that clarithromycin induces ULBP2 expression and reduces the amount of sULBP2, by possibly inhibiting the activity of the potent ULBP2-shedding enzyme ADAM17. Because these changes in ULBP2 and sULBP2 levels could activate NKT cells, this finding might indicate a novel mechanism by which clarithromycin improves the clearance of P. aeruginosa in chronic respiratory diseases.

Mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene are associated with a favorable clinical response to the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors gefitinib and erlotinib in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We present here, a new method for the rapid detection of the two most common EGFR mutations (delE746-A750 and L858R) from clinical samples. The methodology involves the combination of newly designed mutation-specific primers and a novel real-time PCR machine with an innovative thermo-control mechanism that enables ultrarapid PCR. We evaluated this method using a cell mixture composed of various ratios of lung cancer cells harboring mutated or wild-type EGFR, lung cancer tissues obtained by surgery, and a cytology sample obtained by bronchoscopy from a lung cancer patient. In the cell mixture analysis, our method detected 0.1% of cells with delE746-A750 and 1% of cells with L858R among cells with wild-type EGFR. In 143 lung cancer tissues, the result of this assay was concordant with those of direct sequencing in 138 samples. The five samples with discordant results were tested using a PCR-Invader assay and the result matched those of our method at 100%. We also successfully detected EGFR mutations in the lavage obtained from a lung cancer patient. The turnaround time for this method was <10 min, and all steps could be accomplished in <50 min after sample collection. Thus, our novel PCR method offers a rapid, simple, and less expensive test for EGFR mutations and can be applied as a point-of-care diagnostic test.

Background: Esophageal injury following catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is reported to occur in 35% of patients. Even with a low energy setting (20-25 W), lesions develop in 10% of patients. Body mass index (BMI) has been reported to be a predictor of esophageal injury, indicating that patients with a low BMI (<24.9 kg/m(2)) are at a higher risk. We hypothesized that catheter ablation with a lower energy setting of 20 W controlled by esophageal temperature monitoring (ETM) at 39 °C could prevent esophageal injury even in patients with a BMI <24.9 kg/m(2)., Methods: Twenty patients with AF were included (age, 63±8 years; BMI, 22.9±1.3 kg/m(2), left atrium diameter, 44±11 mm). If the esophageal temperature probe registered a temperature of >39 °C, radiofrequency (RF) application was stopped immediately. RF application could be performed in a "point by point" manner for a maximum of 20 s. Endoscopy was performed 1-5 days after ablation., Results: Esophageal mucosal injury was not observed in any patient in the study., Conclusions: Catheter ablation using ETM reduced the incidence of esophageal injuries, even in patients with a low BMI.

Oral tolerance is a phenomenon of induction of systemic unresponsiveness to antigens ingested by the oral route and loss of immune response. Studies have shown the importance of vitamin A in oral tolerance in vitro but not in an in vivo experimental model. Therefore, we carried out experiments to determine how vitamin A deficiency affects tolerance induction and the ability of mesenteric lymph node (MLN) CD11c(+) cells to induce regulatory T cells (Tregs). Immunological tolerance was induced by oral ovalbumin (OVA) administration in vitamin A-sufficient mice. OVA-specific antibody and cytokine production were significantly reduced. On the other hand, in vitamin A-deficient mice, both OVA-specific antibody and cytokine production were not suppressed by oral OVA administration. Regarding induction of Tregs, the conversion rate of Foxp3(+) cells from naïve CD4(+) cell by CD11c(+) cells was decreased in vitamin A-deficient mice. Our study indicates that vitamin A deficiency causes the breakdown of oral tolerance in vivo.

Recent evidence suggests that immune cells play an important role in differentiation of inflammatory macrophages in adipose tissue, which contributes to systemic chronic inflammation. Dietary ribonucleic acid (RNA) has been shown to modulate immune function. We hypothesized that RNA affects immune cell function in adipose tissue and then improves inflammatory response in adipose tissue. C57/BL6 mice and recombination activating gene-1 (RAG-1) knockout mice on a C57BL/6 mice background were fed a high-fat diet containing 1% RNA for 12 wk. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed. Supplementation of dietary RNA in C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet resulted in a smaller area under the curve (AUC) after oral glucose administration than that for control mice. The mRNA expression levels of inflammation-related cytokines in adipose tissue and serum interleukin-6 levels were reduced by dietary RNA supplementation. Interestingly, reduction of the AUC value by RNA supplementation was abolished in T and B cell-deficient RAG-1 knockout mice. These results indicate that RNA improves inflammation in adipose tissue and reduces the AUC value following oral glucose administration in a T and B cell-dependent manner.

Familial adenomatous polyposis is associated with a high incidence of malignancies in the upper gastrointestinal tract (particularly ampullary adenocarcinomas). However, few reports have described a correlation between familial adenomatous polyposis and gallbladder neoplasms. We present a case of a 60-year-old woman with familial adenomatous polyposis who presented with an elevated mass in the neck of the gallbladder (measuring 16 mm × 8 mm in diameter) and multiple small cholecystic polyps. She had undergone a total colectomy for ascending colon cancer associated with familial adenomatous polyposis 22 years previously. The patient underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy under a preoperative diagnosis of multifocal gallbladder polyps. Pathologic examination of the resected gallbladder revealed more than 70 adenomatous lesions, a feature consistent with adenoma of the gallbladder. This case suggests a requirement for long-term surveillance of the biliary system in addition to the gastrointestinal tract in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis.

Background: Studies on the association between family history of cardiovascular disease and arterial stiffness are rare., Aims: This study evaluated the possible relationship between family history of cardiovascular disease and arterial stiffness in the Japanese population, by measuring brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV)., Methods: A total of 1004 eligible subjects (664 men and 340 women) aged 35-69 years, who were enrolled in the baseline survey of a cohort study in Tokushima Prefecture (Japan) and who underwent ba-PWV measurement, were analysed. Information about their lifestyle characteristics and first-degree family histories of ischaemic heart disease (i.e. myocardial infarction or angina pectoris), stroke or hypertension were obtained from a structural self-administered questionnaire., Results: Subjects of both sexes with a family history of stroke showed significantly higher multivariable-adjusted means of ba-PWV than those without that trait (P values were 0.001 in men and 0.002 in women), while those with a family history of ischaemic heart disease did not. Subjects of both sexes with a family history of hypertension showed significantly higher age-adjusted means of ba-PWV than those without that trait, although these differences disappeared after further adjusting for blood pressure or multivariable covariates. When family histories of these diseases were inserted simultaneously into the same model, these results did not alter substantially., Conclusion: A family history of stroke might be associated with increased arterial stiffness, independent of other known atherosclerotic risk factors, including hypertensive elements, in both sexes in the Japanese population., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Background: Performing multiple blood culture sets simultaneously is a standard blood culture methodology, although it is often difficult to distinguish true bacteremia from contamination when only one of several blood culture sets is positive. This study clarified the relationship between the number of positive blood culture sets and clinical significance in patients with positive blood culture., Methods: Patients aged 18 years and over with at least 1 positive blood culture were enrolled. Positive blood culture episodes were categorized from clinical records as true bacteremia, contamination, or unknown clinical significance. The associations among episodes of true bacteremia, isolated bacteria, the number of positive blood culture sets from among the performed sets, and the clinical background of patients were analyzed., Results: Among a total of 407 episodes, 262, 67 and 78 were true bacteremia, contamination and unknown clinical significance, respectively. The positive predictive values (PPVs) of 1 out of 1, 1 out of 2 and 2 out of 2 positive sets in cases of Staphylococcus aureus, were 81.3%, 50% and 100% respectively; those in cases of coagulase-negative Staphylococci were 20.5%, 10.8% and 63.5%, respectively. Almost all cases of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella species and Candida species were true bacteremia. The probability of true bacteremia was strongly associated with recent surgery in multivariate analysis (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: The probability of true bacteremia based on the number of positive culture sets from among the performed sets varies by microorganism. Therefore, PPVs calculated using this method may help physicians distinguish true bacteremia from contamination.

The growth mechanism of thiolate-protected gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) has been advanced, but precise crystal structure information is lacking. Recent mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis experiments traced the Au24(SR)18 cluster as a non-negligible byproduct intermediate during the reaction between [Au25(SR)18]−, the flagship cluster of the remarkable nanocluster ship, and Au25(SR)19, a cluster with 25 Au atoms but featuring a completely different structure than the [Au25(SR)18]− cluster. However, the precise structure of the Au24(SR)18 cluster is unknown. In this study, a total of seven Au24(SR)18 isomers were constructed using the grand unified model. Density functional theory calculations demonstrated that two of them could be considered quasi-degenerate suggesting that both might coexist in experiments. Geometrical features, electronic structures, and absorption spectra were calculated for potential future comparisons. This work contributes to fully interpreting the growth mechanism of AuNCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the simplicity of their composition, the study of the superconducting properties of elemental substances holds significant importance for understanding the mechanisms of high-temperature superconductivity. This work involves simulated calculations to investigate the phase transition sequence and superconducting properties of Sr under pressure. The stability range of the Sr-IV phase C2/c was redefined, determining that it can extend up to 150 GPa, and the phase transition sequence of Sr under high pressure was studied. It was discovered that the d-electrons in the Sr-IV phase significantly contribute to the Fermi surface, a phenomenon closely related to the Van Hove singularity (VHS) near the saddle points. The increase in Tc of Sr under pressure is attributed to phonon softening and strong coupling resulting from the gradual overlap of VHS with the Fermi level, which is associated with the incomplete saturation of s–d electron transfer. Ultimately, the Tc of Sr reaches 17.65 K at 150 GPa, with a λ value of 1.26. This strong EPC is contributed by the interaction between d-electrons and medium-high-frequency phonons. This study extends new pathways for investigating the superconductivity of high-pressure phases of Sr and provides new insights for the theoretical study of elemental superconductors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a new method for real-time uncertainty monitoring of earthquake and volcano source models using data from the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and explore its application concerning observation station placement. The Geospatial Information Authority of Japan operates two main types of GNSS earth observation network system (GEONET) coordinates for crustal deformation monitoring on different time scales: post-processing analysis values and real-time GEONET analysis system for rapid deformation monitoring (REGARD). REGARD uses the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method termed real-time automatic uncertainty estimation of a coseismic single rectangular model using GNSS data (RUNE) for single rectangular fault model estimation to handle uncertainty. Thus far, no GNSS monitoring system can automatically detect transient crustal deformation events, such as volcanic activity and earthquake swarms, on timescales of a day or less. We extended RUNE and developed a core program for a new monitoring system for earthquake and volcanic source models and their uncertainties. Our program achieved automatic and stable MCMC utilization for rectangular fault, dike, Mogi, and spheroid models by increasing the computational speed, improving search efficiency, and adjusting hyperparameters. The program automatically determines the standard deviation of the likelihood function assuming a normal distribution with weights for each observation station. The calculation time was within 15 s for 1 × 106 samples on a standard 1U server. We assessed the reliability of the developed method using synthetic and observed GNSS data from the 2015 Sakurajima volcanic event. The results were consistent with the assumed model and previous studies and indicated an advantage in automatically quantifying uncertainty in a short computation time. Based on MCMC samples, we developed a new visualization algorithm to indicate areas on a map in which the number of observation stations should be expanded. We assessed the reliability using data from the 2023 Noto Peninsula earthquake [Mj 6.5]. The results indicate that the algorithm is helpful in studying the placement of stations. The above model extensions and their application are essential to achieve a rapid quantitative understanding of disaster events near urban areas and for utilizing this information in emergency response activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (LDI-MS) techniques have emerged as powerful tools for analyzing compounds of natural and synthetic origins. However, conventional methods like matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) often suffer from background signals and limited detection capabilities, particularly for low molecular weight compounds. Surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization (SALDI) methodologies, utilizing nanomaterials, have shown promise in overcoming these limitations. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are among the most widely utilized nanomaterials in SALDI-MS applications. AuNPs offer several advantages over traditional MALDI matrices, such as reduced interference, internal calibration potential, and enhanced stability. They have been successfully employed for analyzing a diverse range of analytes, from low molecular weight (LMW) compounds to peptides, proteins, and biological entities. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of various synthesis methods, morphological properties, and comparisons with conventional MALDI matrices. Furthermore, it explores the application of AuNPs for analyzing LMW compounds and imaging various surfaces using LDI-MS techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoemulsions are kinetically stable emulsions with droplet size distribution in the range of 10–500 nm. Low interfacial tension (IFT), small droplet size, and wettability alteration properties of nanoemulsions have led to their application for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) EOR. The current study deals with the formulation and characterization of Tergitol 15-S-9 surfactant stabilized oil/water nanoemulsion (NE). Optimal surfactant concentration accompanied by optimal salinity determination was done by observing long-term stability. The stability of the nanoemulsions was analyzed by Turbiscan and Zeta potential analysis. The optimal nanoemulsion was characterized in terms of droplet size, rheology, wettability, miscibility, and IFT. All the prepared nanoemulsion showed particle size < 300 nm. optimized nano emulsion, that is, 0.5 wt.% surfactant +0.5 wt.% salinity showed good IFT reduction and wettability alteration capability. Nanoemulsion also showed good miscibility behavior with actual crude oil at 60 °C. Rheology of the formed emulsion shows a mixed nature that is shear thinning as well as shear thickening nature which is favorable for heterogeneous reservoirs. Core-flooding experiments were conducted at optimized nanoemulsion formulation, and additional oil recovery of 13.93% of the original oil in place was obtained after the conventional water flooding. Highlights: Experimental and mechanistic investigation of nanoemulsions for oil recovery. Enhanced miscibility of Tergitol 15-S-9 stabilized nanoemulsion with crude oil. Viscosity enhancement by macromolecular and supramolecular network structures. Low IFT achieved for the nanoemulsion resulting enhanced oil displacement. Encouraging oil displacement by injection of formulated nanoemulsion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study investigates the association between dietary flavonoid intake and the incidence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) through a matched case-control design. Methods: Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, comparing the intake of flavonoids between individuals with MCI and those with normal cognitive function. Logistic regression analysis was employed to evaluate the correlation between dietary flavonoid intake and the risk of MCI. Additionally, blood concentrations of S100β, a marker of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, were measured using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, and Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between dietary flavonoid intake and blood S100β levels. Results: Compared to participants with normal cognition, those with MCI had significantly lower dietary intakes of total flavonoids, isoflavones, daidzein, glycitein, genistein, kaempferol, myricetin, flavonols, and anthocyanidins, while the intake of peonidin was significantly higher. Univariate logistic regression analysis indicated that high dietary intake of total flavonoids, isoflavones, daidzein, glycitein, genistein, kaempferol, myricetin, and flavonols was negatively correlated with MCI, whereas peonidin intake was positively correlated with MCI. Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed these findings. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between dietary intake of kaempferol and myricetin and blood S100β levels. Conclusion: Increasing the dietary intake of total flavonoids, isoflavones, daidzein, glycitein, genistein, and flavonols appears to be a protective factor against MCI, while higher intake of peonidin is associated with an increased risk of MCI. The protective or adverse effects of these flavonoids may not be related to the permeability of the BBB. Myricetin and kaempferol intake may protect cognitive function by maintaining BBB integrity. Plain language and summary: Brief highlights: More attention to neurons Previous studies on the cognitive effects of flavonoid intake have mainly focused on their direct effects on central neurons and glial cells. Less attention to BBB damage Few studies have investigated the effects of flavonoid intake on the BBB, which indirectly affects cognitive function. Negative correlation between BBB damage and Myricetin and Kaempferol It was found that Myricetin and Kaempferol, two components of flavonoids, were negatively correlated with the risk of MCI and negatively correlated with blood levels of the BBB integrity marker S100β. They may protect cognitive function in middle-aged and elderly people by preserving the integrity of the BBB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]