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The treatment strategy for postmenopausal symptoms resulting from estrogen deficiency in breast cancer survivors receiving endocrine therapy should differ from that in normal women. Several nonhormonal pharmacological therapies can be used to treat vasomotor symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help alleviate psychophysiological symptoms, including depression and sleep disorders. Topical vaginal estrogen and moisturizers may aid in treating genitourinary symptoms. Additionally, chronic conditions must be individually managed. Prevention of osteoporosis should always be included in the management, and physicians should be alert to possible cardiovascular risk and cognitive function changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of aerosol has resulted in serious limitations in the data coverage and large uncertainties in retrieving carbon dioxide (CO2) amounts from satellite measurements. For this reason, an aerosol retrieval algorithm was developed for the Thermal and Near-infrared Sensor for carbon Observation-Cloud and Aerosol Imager (TANSO-CAI) launched in January 2009 on board the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT). The algorithm retrieves aerosol optical depth (AOD), aerosol size information, and aerosol type in 0.1° grid resolution by look-up tables constructed using inversion products from Aerosol Robotic NETwork (AERONET) sun-photometer observation over Northeast Asia as a priori information. To improve the accuracy of the TANSO-CAI aerosol algorithm, we consider both seasonal and annual estimated radiometric degradation factors of TANSO-CAI in this study. Surface reflectance is determined by the same 23-path composite method of Rayleigh and gas corrected reflectance to avoid the stripes of each band. To distinguish aerosol absorptivity, reflectance difference test between ultraviolet (band 1) and visible (band 2) wavelengths depending on AODs was used. To remove clouds in aerosol retrieval, the normalized difference vegetation index and ratio of reflectance between band 2 (0.674μm) and band 3 (0.870μm) threshold tests have been applied. To mask turbid water over ocean, a threshold test for the estimated surface reflectance at band 2 was also introduced. The TANSO-CAI aerosol algorithm provides aerosol properties such as AOD, size information and aerosol types from June 2009 to December 2013 in this study. Here, we focused on the algorithm improvement for AOD retrievals and their validation in this study. The retrieved AODs were compared with those from AERONET and the Aqua/MODerate resolution Imaging Sensor (MODIS) Collection 6 Level 2 dataset over land and ocean. Comparisons of AODs between AERONET and TANSO-CAI over Northeast Asia showed good agreement with correlation coefficient (R) 0.739 ± 0.046, root mean square error (RMSE) 0.232 ± 0.047, and linear regression line slope 0.960 ± 0.083 for the entire period. Over ocean, the comparisons between Aqua/MODIS and TANSO-CAI for the same period over Northeast Asia showed improved consistency, with correlation coefficient 0.830 ± 0.047, RMSE 0.140 ± 0.019, and linear regression line slope 1.226 ± 0.063 for the entire period. Over land, however, the comparisons between Aqua/MODIS and TANSO-CAI show relatively lower correlation (approximate R = 0.67, RMSE = 0.40, slope = 0.77) than those over ocean. In order to improve accuracy in retrieving CO2 amounts, the retrieved aerosol properties in this study have been provided as input for CO2 retrieval with GOSAT TANSO-Fourier Transform Spectrometer measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is the causal agent of bacterial blight of rice, one of the most devastating rice diseases. We analysed the time-resolved transcriptional expression of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (aaRS) genes in Xoo cells treated with rice-leaf extract. Most aaRS genes showed decreased expression in the initial 30 min and recovered or increased expression in the later 30 min. The protein-synthetic machinery of bacterial cells is an important target for developing antibiotic agents; aaRSs play an essential role in peptide synthesis by attaching amino acids onto the corresponding tRNA. In bacteria, glutaminyl-tRNA (Gln-tRNAGln) is synthesised in two steps by glutamyl-tRNA synthetase (GluRS) and tRNA-dependent aminotransferase, the indirect biosynthetic mechanism of which is not present in eukaryotes. We determined the crystal structure of GluRS from Xoo (XoGluRS) at resolution of 3.0 Å, this being the first GluRS structure from a plant pathogen such as Xoo. The XoGluRS structure consists of five domains, which are conserved in other bacterial GluRS structures. In the bacterial GluRS structures, the Rossmann-fold catalytic domain and the stem-contact domain are most conserved in both sequence and structure. The anticodon-binding domain 1 is less conserved in sequence but overall structure is conserved. The connective-polypeptide domain and the anticodon-binding domain 2 show various conformations in structure. The XoGluRS structure could provide useful information to develop a new pesticide against Xoo and bacterial blight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuro-tracing approach is a great option to study innervation of the visceral organs including the kidneys. Important factors contributing to the success of this technique include the choice of a neuro-tracer, and delivery methods to result in successful labeling of peripheral sensory and motor ganglia. The neuro-tracer is usually applied directly to the kidney accessed via a surgical opening of the abdominal wall under deep anesthesia. A series of local microinjections of the dye are performed followed by a wound closure, and recovery period from the surgery. An extra care should be taken to prevent neuro-tracer spillage and accidental labeling of the surrounding organs during injections of the dye. Retrograde neuro-tracers like Fast Blue do not cross synapses, therefore, only neuronal bodies located within dorsal root ganglion neurons and major peripheral ganglia will be labeled by this approach. Retrogradely labeled peripheral neurons could be freshly isolated and dissociated for electrophysiological recordings and biochemical analyses (gene and protein expression), whereas the whole fixed ganglia could be sectioned to undergo immunohisto- and immunocytochemical targeted staining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In East Asia, where aerosol concentrations are persistently high throughout the year, most satellite CO2 retrieval algorithms screen out many measurements during quality control in order to reduce retrieval errors. To reduce the retrieval errors associated with aerosols, we have modified YCAR (Yonsei Carbon Retrieval) algorithm to YCAR-CAI to retrieve XCO2 from GOSAT FTS measurements using aerosol retrievals from simultaneous Cloud and Aerosol Imager (CAI) measurements. The CAI aerosol algorithm provides aerosol type and optical depth information simultaneously for the same geometry and optical path as FTS. The YCAR-CAI XCO2 retrieval algorithm has been developed based on the optimal estimation method. The algorithm uses the VLIDORT V2.6 radiative transfer model to calculate radiances and Jacobian functions. The XCO2 results retrieved using the YCAR-CAI algorithm were evaluated by comparing them with ground-based TCCON measurements and current operational GOSAT XCO2 retrievals. The retrievals show a clear annual cycle, with an increasing trend of 2.02 to 2.39 ppm per year, which is higher than that measured at Mauna Loa, Hawaii. The YCAR-CAI results were validated against the Tsukuba and Saga TCCON sites and show an root mean square error of 2.25, a bias of -0.81 ppm, and a regression line closer to the linear identity function compared with other current algorithms. Even after post-screening, the YCAR-CAI algorithm provides a larger dataset of XCO2 compared with other retrieval algorithms by 21% to 67%, which could be substantially advantageous in validation and data analysis for the area of East Asia. Retrieval uncertainty indicates a 1.39 to 1.48 ppm at the TCCON sites. Using Carbon Tracker-Asia (CT-A) data, the sampling error was analyzed and was found to be between 0.32 and 0.36 ppm for each individual sounding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the present study, we investigated the effects of oil products from two Allium species: Allium sativum (garlic) and Allium hookeri (Chinese chives) on cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation in the mouse dentate gyrus. Methods: Using corn oil as a vehicle, the essential oil from garlic (10 ml/kg), or Chinese chives (10 ml/kg) was administered orally to 9-week-old mice once a day for 3 weeks. One hour following the last treatment, a novel object recognition test was conducted and the animals were killed 2 h after the test. Results: In comparison to the vehicle-treated group, garlic essential oil (GO) treatment resulted in significantly increased exploration time and discrimination index during the novel object recognition test, while Chinese chives essential oil (CO) reduced the exploration time and discrimination index in the same test. In addition, the number of Ki67-immunoreactive proliferating cells and doublecortin-immunoreactive neuroblasts significantly increased in the dentate gyrus of GO-treated animals. However, administration of CO significantly decreased cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation. Administration of GO significantly increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and decreased acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the hippocampal homogenates. In contrast, administration of CO decreased BDNF protein levels and had no significant effect on AChE activity, compared to that in the vehicle-treated group. Conclusions: These results suggest that GO significantly improves novel object recognition as well as increases cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation, by modulating hippocampal BDNF protein levels and AChE activity, while CO impairs novel object recognition and decreases cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation, by reducing BDNF protein levels in the hippocampus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Midlife is often a significant period as individuals experience changes in various dimensions of life. During this phase, women experience a multitude of biological adaptations and social transitions that negatively influence psychosocial outcomes which may be mediated through participation in meaningful recreational activities. Leisure-time physical activities have been positively associated with psychological health, social interactions, and personal development during midlife which can promote psychological well-being. The current qualitative study incorporated a phenomenological hermeneutic design to explore dimensions of self-efficacy manifested during pole dancing experiences among middle-aged women. In-depth interviews were conducted with ten middle-aged women who regularly participated in pole dancing in South Korea. Data analysis revealed self-mastery, observation, social feedback and positive energy experienced during pole dancing were significant factors that positively impacted emotional health and well-being. In the context of leisure and physical activity, self-efficacy establishes a motivational and behavioural framework to gain a deeper understanding of leisure participation, health outcomes and well-being. Findings suggest leisure-based physical activities such as pole dancing may serve as an outlet for women that enhances perceived capabilities through achievement, competence and social interaction which can contribute to personal and psychosocial benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile method was developed for the detection of Troponin I (Tnl) using dendritic platinum nanoparticles and capillary tube indicators. Dendritic platinum nanopartides were functionalized with Tnl antibodies, which were used to capture Tnl in human serum. The captured Tnl was conjugated to the inner surface of a glass vial, to which a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solution was added. After the glass vial was sealed with a screw cap containing a silicon septum, a capillary tube containing a drop of ink was inserted through the septum. The catalytic dissociation of H2O2 to water and oxygen increased the pressure inside the glass vial and raised the ink level in the capillary tube. The ink level increased with the platinum nanoparticle concentration, which is proportional to the Tnl concentration. The sensitivity of this assay for Tnl in human serum after a 5 min dissociation reaction, detected with the naked eye, was 0.1 ng/mL, which was better than the sensitivity of the conventional colorimetric method using the TMB oxidation reaction under the same experimental conditions. A control experiment using alpha-fetoprotein, interleukin-5, and C-reactive protein revealed that the developed method was highly selective for the detection of Tnl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) plays essential roles in eukaryotic cells during DNA replication, DNA mismatch repair (MMR), and other events at the replication fork. Earlier studies show that PCNA is regulated by posttranslational modifications, including phosphorylation of tyrosine 211 (Y211) by the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). However, the functional significance of Y211-phosphorylated PCNA remains unknown. Here, we show that PCNA phosphorylation by EGFR alters its interaction with mismatch-recognition proteins MutSα and MutSβ and interferes with PCNA-dependent activation of MutLα endonuclease, thereby inhibiting MMR at the initiation step. Evidence is also provided that Y211-phosphorylated PCNA induces nucleotide misincorporation during DNA synthesis. These findings reveal a novel mechanism by which Y211-phosphorylated PCNA promotes cancer development and progression via facilitating error-prone DNA replication and suppressing the MMR function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

S-Allyl-L-cysteine (SAC), the most abundant organosulfur compound derived from garlic, has multifunctional biological activities that occur via different mechanisms. A sensitive, rapid and simple LC- ESI-MS/MS method using a mixed-mode reversed-phase and cation-exchange column containing C18 silica particles and sulfonic acid cation-exchange particles has been developed and validated for the analysis of SAC in rat plasma. The mobile phase was optimized at 2 mM ammonium acetate buffer (pH 5 3.5) and acetonitrile (75:25, v/v). The assay utilized 0.6% acetic acid in methanol to achieve simple and rapid deproteinization. Quantification was conducted using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) of the transitions of m/z 162.0 → 145.0 for SAC. The standard curve for SAC was linear (r2 ⩾ 0.999) over a range from 5 to 2,500 ng/mL. The intra- and interday precision (relative standard deviation) of the method was not >6.0% at three quality control levels. The limit of quantification (LOQ) was 5.0 ng/mL. After being fully validated, the method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic monitoring of SAC in rat plasma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A higher incidence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) among diabetic men is unexplained. Recently, prostate inflammation and fibrosis have been implicated as major contributing factors to bladder outlet obstruction and LUTS. We characterized the inflammatory cell infiltrate and collagen content of the anterior, dorsal, and ventral lobes of 18-week-old DBA2J.Ins2-Akita mice (Akita) and age-matched control mice. We performed hematoxylin and eosin staining to score tissue injury and inflammation, picrosirius red staining to quantitate collagen content, and immunostaining to identify monocytes/macrophages and infiltrating fibrocytes. We observed significantly greater numbers of monocytes/macrophages and fibrocytes specifically in the ventral prostate of the Akita mice and found that this was associated with significant greater collagen content specifically in the ventral prostate of the Akita mice. These observations support the inference that diabetes elicits monocyte/macrophage infiltration and collagen accumulation in the prostate and suggest that further study of Akita micemay inform translational studies of diabetes in the genesis prostatic inflammation, prostatic fibrosis, and LUTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative energy resources have become an important issue due to the limited stocks of petroleum-based fuel. Microalgae, a source of renewable biodiesel, use solar light to convert CO2 into lipid droplets (LDs). Quantification of LDs in microalgae is required for developing and optimizing algal bioprocess engineering. However, conventional quantification methods are both time and labor-intensive and difficult to apply in high-throughput screening systems. LDs in plant and mammalian cells can be visualized by staining with various fluorescence probes such as the Nile Red, BODIPY, and Seoul-Fluor (SF) series. This report describes the optimization of LD staining in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii with SF probes via systematic variations of dye concentration, staining time, temperature, and pH. A protocol for quantitative measurement of accumulation kinetics of LDs in C. reinhardtii was developed using a spectrofluorimeter and the accuracy of LD size measurement was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Our results indicate that our spectrofluorimeter-based measurement approach can monitor kinetics of intracellular LDs (in control and nitrogen-source-starved Chlamydomonas reinhardtii) accumulation that has not been possible in the case of conventional imaging-based methods. Our results presented here confirmed that an SF44 can be a powerful tool for in situ monitoring and tracking of intracellular LDs formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Hyalinizing trabecular tumors of the thyroid (HTT) is a rare entity. Most behave as benign neoplasms, but their cytological features are challenging and can be similar to those of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). The aim of this study was to compare the ultrasonography (US) readings of HTT with the cytology and frozen section readings.Methods:We retrospectively analyzed the US and cytology features in 10 patients (mean age, 47.5 years, range 26–81; M:F, 1:9) seen between March 2006 and November 2009 who had a histopathological diagnosis of HTT. The US findings were categorized according to the size, shape, margin, echogenicity, echotexture, presence of hypoechoic halo, and microcalcifications. Preoperative fine-needle aspiration cytology, frozen section results, and surgical treatment were reviewed. US features of HTT were compared with those of other tumors including follicular adenomas, follicular variant of PTCs, and conventional PTC.Results:Out of the 10 patients in our series, 7 underwent total thyroidectomy, and 3 had lobectomy. The sizes of the HTTs ranged from 0.6 to 4.2 cm (mean, 1.77 cm). The most common US features were solid texture (10/10), oval to round shape (10/10), a well-defined aspect (10/10), hypoechoic character (8/10), heterogeneous character (7/10), the presence of a hypoechoic halo (8/10), and no microcalcifications (10/10). The US diagnosis was indeterminate in all but one case and that was read as a benign lesion. As far as the shape and margin US features were concerned, HTT was considered to be most similar to follicular adenomas and follicular variant of PTC, but not to classical PTC. The cytology reading was PTC in 6 of 10 cases, suspicious for PTC in 2, and a HTT versus PTC in 2. The histological diagnosis of frozen sections, when performed, was PTC in three, HTT in three, medullary thyroid carcinoma in two, and deferred in one.Conclusion:HTT often appears similar to follicular neoplasm on US, but it can be misjudged on cytology as PTC, even in frozen sections. HTT should be included in the list of discordant US—cytology readings of thyroid tumors. This rare tumor might be suspected more often preoperatively by careful attention to cytology in the context of the US reading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Punica granatum (pomegranate) is kind of a fruit consumed fresh or in beverage. It has been widely used in traditional medicine in various parts of the world. In this study, we examined the efficacy of a Punica granatum (PG) extract in protecting skin against UVB-induced damage using cultured human skin fibroblasts. Methods A Korean red PG sample was used, and its effects classified according to if the PG source originated from the rind, seed and fruit. The polyphenol content of PG, which is known to prevent other adverse cutaneous effects of UV irradiation, was measured by GC-MS. The protective effects of PG on UVB-induced skin photoaging were examined by determining the level of procollagen type I and MMP-1 after UVB irradiation. Results Based on the GC-MS quantitative analysis, catechin, quercetin, kaempferol, and equol were the predominant compounds detected in PG. In the changes of expression of procollagen type I and MMP-1 in UV irradiated human skin fibroblasts treated PG, especially extract prepared from rind, the synthesis of collagen was increased and the expression of MMP-1 was decreased. Conclusion The major polyphenols in PG, particularly catechin, play a significant role in its photoprotective effects on UVB-induced skin damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Measurement of Pollution in the Troposphere (MOPITT) instrument is an eight-channel gas correlation radiometer, which was launched on the Earth Observing System (EOS) Terra satellite in 1999. Carbon monoxide (CO) is one of the important trace gases because its concentration in the troposphere directly influences the concentrations of tropospheric hydroxyl (OH), which controls the lifetimes of tropospheric trace gases. CO traces the transport of global and regional pollutants from industrial activities and large scale biomass burning. The global and regional distributions of CO were analyzed using the MOPITT data for East Asia, which were compared with the ozone distributions. In general, seasonal CO variations are characterized by a peak in the spring, which decrease in the summer. This work also revealed that the seasonal cycles for CO are at a maximum in the spring and a minimum in the summer, with average concentrations ranging from 118 to 170 ppbv. The monthly average for CO shows a similar profile to that for O3. This fact clearly indicates that the high concentration of CO in the spring is possibly due to one of two causes: the photochemical production of CO in the troposphere, or the transport of the CO into East Asia. The seasonal cycles for CO and O3 in East Asia are extensively influenced by the seasonal exchanges of different air mass types due to the Asian monsoon. The continental air masses contain high concentrations of O3 and CO, due to the higher continental background concentrations, and sometimes to the contribution from regional pollution. In summer this transport pattern is reversed, where the Pacific marine air masses that prevail over Korea bring low concentrations of CO and O3, which tend to give the apparent summer minimums. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used a transgenic approach and yeast two-hybrid experiments to study the role of the rice ( Oryza sativa L.) B-function MADS-box gene, OsMADS16. Transgenic rice plants were generated that ectopically expressed OsMADS16 under the control of the maize ( Zea mays L.) ubiquitin1 promoter. Microscopic observations revealed that the innermost-whorl carpels had been replaced by stamen-like organs, which resembled the flowers of the previously described Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. mutation superman as well as those ectopically expressing the AP3 gene. These results indicate that expression of OsMADS16 in the innermost whorl induces stamen development. Occasionally, carpels had completely disappeared. In addition, ectopic expression of OsMADS16 enhanced expression of OsMADS4, another B-function gene, causing superman phenotypes. In the yeast two-hybrid system, OsMADS16 did not form a homodimer but, rather, the protein interacted with OsMADS4. OsMADS16 also interacted with OsMADS6 and OSMADS8, both of which are homologous to SEPALLATA proteins required for the proper function of class-B and class-C genes in Arabidopsis. Based on the gene expression pattern and our yeast two-hybrid data, we discuss a quartet model of MADS-domain protein interactions in the lodicule and stamen whorls of rice florets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an effort to discover novel scaffolds of non-nucleotide-derived Ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1) inhibitors to stimulate the Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) pathway, we designed and synthesised pyrrolopyrimidine and pyrrolopyridine derivatives and performed structure-activity relationship (SAR) study. We found 18p possessed high potency (IC50 = 25.0 nM) against ENPP1, and activated STING pathway in a concentration dependent manner. Also, in response to STING pathway activation, cytokines such as IFN-β and IP-10 were induced by 18p in a concentration dependent manner. Finally, we discovered that 18p causes inhibition of tumour growth in 4T1 syngeneic mouse model. This study provides new insight into the designing of novel ENPP1 inhibitors and warrants further development of small molecule immune modulators for cancer immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV) infections cause liver disease, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV infection remains a major global health problem. In 2019, 296 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B and about 5% of them were co-infected with HDV. In vitro cell culture systems are instrumental in the development of therapeutic targets. Cell culture systems contribute to identifying molecular mechanisms for HBV and HDV propagation, finding drug targets for antiviral therapies, and testing antiviral agents. Current HBV therapeutics, such as nucleoside analogs, effectively suppress viral replication but are not curative. Additionally, no effective treatment for HDV infection is currently available. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop therapies to treat both viral infections. A robust in vitro cell culture system supporting HBV and HDV infections (HBV/HDV) is a critical prerequisite to studying HBV/HDV pathogenesis, the complete life cycle of HBV/HDV infections, and consequently identifying new therapeutics. However, the lack of an efficient cell culture system hampers the development of novel antiviral strategies for HBV/HDV infections. In vitro cell culture models have evolved with significant improvements over several decades. Recently, the development of the HepG2-NTCP sec+ cell line, expressing the sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide receptor (NTCP) and self-assembling co-cultured primary human hepatocytes (SACC-PHHs) has opened new perspectives for a better understanding of HBV and HDV lifecycles and the development of specific antiviral drug targets against HBV/HDV infections. We address various cell culture systems along with different cell lines and how these cell culture systems can be used to provide better tools for HBV and HDV studies.

This study explores factors that contribute to college students' subjective well-being (SWB). Using the experience sampling method, the investigators collected data from an urban university in a mid-western state in the United States. We analyzed 963 experience sampling forms from 21 college students. Results showed that participants' SWB was higher when they were with others than when they were alone. With regard to social contexts, being with family and being with friends were also positively associated with SWB. Participants reported significantly higher SWB when they were engaged in active leisure and lower SWB when they were involved in learning activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]