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Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) plays an important role in glucose metabolism, and its expression is regulated by DNA methylation (DNAm). Although the association between TXNIP DNAm and type 2 diabetes mellitus has been demonstrated in studies with a cross-sectional design, prospective studies are needed. We therefore examined the association between TXNIP DNAm levels and longitudinal changes in glycemic traits by conducting a longitudinal study involving 169 subjects who underwent two health checkups in 2015 and 2019. We used a pyrosequencing assay to determine TXNIP DNAm levels in leukocytes (cg19693031). Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the associations between dichotomized TXNIP DNAm levels and marked increases in glycemic traits. At four years, the TXNIP DNA hypomethylation group had a higher percentage of changes in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) compared to those in the hypermethylation group. The adjusted odds ratios for FPG and HbA1c levels were significantly higher in the TXNIP DNA hypomethylation group than in the hypermethylation group. We found that TXNIP DNA hypomethylation at baseline was associated with a marked increase in glycemic traits. Leukocyte TXNIP DNAm status could potentially be used as an early biomarker for impaired glucose homeostasis.

Background: The impact of single-sport specialization on performance and injury risk in youth and adolescent athletes remains debated. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of single-sport specialization and its association with pitch velocity, pitcher utilization, range of motion, strength, and injury history. Methods: High school pitchers in the Northeastern, Southeastern, Midwestern, and Western Regions of the United States were prospectively recruited. Prior to the season, pitchers were surveyed about their basic demographics, sport participation history, and injury history. At this timepoint, a standardized physical examination was performed and max pitch velocity was measured. They were then prospectively followed over the ensuing high school season, where pitch utilization and counts were followed and injuries were tracked. Results: Across the study, 115 pitchers were recruited, of whom 53% played baseball as their only sport and 47% played other sports. Single- position specialization within baseball was uncommon as 90% of athletes played positions other than pitcher. There were no differences in range of motion, strength, or pitch velocity between multisport athletes and single-sport specialists. Within the multisport group, 26% reported a history of injury, while 38% of the single-sport specialists reported a history of injury (P = .179). There were no significant differences in pitcher utilization between multisport athletes and single-sport specialists. Only a single prospective injury occurred in the 115 players. Conclusion: Although single-sport specialization is common, nearly half of all high school pitchers in this study were multisport athletes. While injury history was generally similar between the two groups, single-sport baseball players did not have the following: improved motion, increased strength, higher ball velocity, or greater pitching volumes during the high school baseball season compared to multisport athletes. Accordingly, single-sport specialization did not have a competitive advantage for these high school pitchers based on the performance factors studied. Further prospective studies are necessary to understand the association between single-sport specialization and injury risk in high school baseball players.

Abstract Under non-equilibrium conditions, liquid droplets dynamically couple with their milieu through the continuous flux of matter and energy, forming active systems capable of self-organizing functions reminiscent of those of living organisms. Among the various dynamic behaviors demonstrated by cells, the pairing of heterogeneous cell units is necessary to enable collective activity and cell fusion (to reprogram somatic cells). Furthermore, the cyclic occurrence of eruptive events such as necroptosis or explosive cell lysis is necessary to maintain cell functions. However, unlike the self-propulsion behavior of cells, cyclic cellular behavior involving pairing and eruption has not been successfully modeled using artificial systems. Here, we show that a simple droplet system based on quasi-immiscible hydrophobic oils (perfluorodecalin and decane) deposited on water, mimics such complex cellular dynamics. Perfluorodecalin and decane droplet duos form autonomously moving Janus or coaxial structures, depending on their volumes. Notably, the system with a coaxial structure demonstrates cyclic behavior, alternating between autonomous motion and eruption. Despite their complexity, the dynamic behaviors of the system are consistently explained in terms of the spreading properties of perfluorodecalin/decane duplex interfacial films.

Abstract We present a case of bilateral giant bullous emphysema (GBE) with rapidly progressive dyspnea. The dyspnea was thought to be due to tension bullae caused by the check valve mechanism in COVID‐19 bronchitis. Multiple nodules were also detected on both sides of the lung. As the patient had poor pulmonary reserve for surgical bullectomy, we first performed percutaneous intracavitary drainage. Prior to this procedure, we placed a chest tube in the thoracic cavity to avoid tension pneumothorax. As a result, the patient's remaining lung expanded and respiratory status improved, allowing him to undergo surgical bullectomy. Intraoperatively, needle biopsy of the lung nodule was directly performed, which led to a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma. Despite multiple distant metastases, the patient's general condition improved postoperatively, and chemotherapy was successfully initiated.

Key message Intertrabecular metastasis (ITM) is a type of bone metastasis characterized by tumour growth without significant trabecular changes. ITM is most commonly found in vertebral bodies, and rarely in long bones. We report a solitary rod‐shaped ITM of lung adenocarcinoma in the femur.

Objectives: The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is unique and circular with multiple copies of the genome. The lower mtDNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) in leukocytes is associated with the risk of all-cause mortality. However, its long-term association is unknown. Thus, the study examined the association between mtDNA-CN and the risk of all-cause mortality in a long-term follow-up study in the Japanese population. Design: This longitudinal study included the study cohort from an annual, population-based health checkup in the town of Yakumo, Hokkaido, Japan. Setting and Participants: 814 participants (baseline age range: 38–80 years, mean: 56.3 years) were included in this study in 1990. They were followed-up regarding mortality for about 30 years (median: 28.1 years) till 2019. Measures: The genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the mtDNA-CN was measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The level of the mtDNA-CN was divided into tertiles (low, middle, and high). The participants were categorized based on their age into middle-aged (

Objectives: The adverse health effects of consuming sugar-sweetened beverages have been studied worldwide. However, no recent report on the actual sugar contents of Japanese sugar-sweetened beverages is available. Therefore, we analyzed the glucose, fructose, and sucrose contents of common Japanese beverages. Methods: The glucose, fructose, and sucrose contents of 49 beverages (8 energy drinks, 11 sodas, 4 fruit juices, 7 probiotic drinks, 4 sports drinks, 5 coffee drinks, 6 green tea drinks, and 4 black tea drinks) were determined using enzymatic methods. Results: Three zero calorie drinks, 2 sugarless coffee drinks, and 6 green tea drinks contained no sugar. Three coffee drinks contained only sucrose. The orders of median glucose, fructose, and sucrose contents in the categories of beverages containing sugars were as follows: for glucose, fruit juice > energy drink ≥ soda ≫ probiotic drink > black tea drink > sports drink; for fructose, probiotic drink ≥ energy drink > fruit juice > soda ≫ sports drink > black tea drink; and for sucrose, black tea drink > energy drink ≥ probiotic drink > fruit juice > soda > coffee drink ≫ sports drink. The total fructose as a percentage of the total sugar content in the 38 sugar-containing beverages was between 40% and 60%. The total sugar content analyzed was not always equivalent to the carbohydrate content indicated on the nutrition label. Conclusions: These results indicate that information on the actual sugar content of common Japanese beverages is necessary for the exact assessment of beverage-derived sugar intake.

Background: Weighted-ball velocity training programs are popular but may be associated with increased injury risk. The purpose of this study was to determine the current frequency of these programs, as well as their association with range of motion, strength, velocity, injury, and utilization in high school baseball pitchers. Methods: This was a multicenter, prospective, community-based study including high schools from the Northeastern, Southeastern, Midwestern, and Western regions of the United States. Preseason pitchers were surveyed about their use of weighted ball velocity programs and history of injury. Preseason pitchers underwent standardized physical examinations and pitch velocity was measured. During a single high school season, pitch counts and injury incidence were prospectively collected. Results: In total, 115 pitchers were recruited, of whom 63% had participated in a weighted ball program. There were no differences in range of motion or strength between groups who used weighted balls and those who did not. Pitchers that utilized weighted ball programs demonstrated a higher average fastball velocity (114.26 vs. 106.22 km/h [71 vs. 66 mph]; P < .001) as well as peak fastball velocity (115.87 vs. 109.44 km/h [72 vs. 68 mph]; P = .001) compared to those that did not use weighted ball programs. Pitchers that utilized weighted ball programs were no more likely to be single-sport athletes (44%) than those who were multisport athletes (49%, P = .667). Within the group who had used a weighted ball program 29% (13/45) reported a history of injury and within the group who had not used a weighted ball program 25% (10/40) reported a history of injury (P = .687). As only a single injury occurred in the entire cohort, comparison of injury rates could not be completed. Conclusion: In this prospective study, the majority of high school pitchers reported using weighted ball programs to increase velocity, and these programs were associated with increased average and peak velocity compared to pitchers who did not use weighted ball programs. There were no significant differences in injury history between the 2 groups. Further study is necessary to understand the injury risk associated with weighted ball programs.

Aim: The deep squat test (DST) is a screening test to assess the function of the lower extremity and the flexibility of ankle dorsiflexion. Previous study reported that approximately 70% of players with disabled throwing shoulder and/or elbows were unable to perform DST. The aim of this study was to reveal the relationship between performance of DST and history of disabled throwing shoulder/elbow. Methods: A total of 1,439 youth baseball players (10.9 years; range 6–16 years), who participated in pre-season medical examination were included in the study. Players who experienced shoulder or elbow pain of the throwing side during or after playing baseball in the past were defined as players with a history of disabled throwing shoulder/elbow. The DST was evaluated by having the players perform a full squat with while having their arms crossed in front of their chest and their feet apart without lifting the heel off the floor or falling backwards. The relationship between a history of disabled throwing shoulder/elbow and the ability to perform DST was analyzed. Results: Among the study participants, 499 (34.7%) had a history of disabled throwing shoulder/elbow, and 532 players (37.0%) were unable to perform DST. Of the players with disabled throwing shoulder/elbow history, 227 players (45.5%) were unable to perform DST, as were 305 players out of 940 players (32.5%) without a disability; this difference was statistically significant (P

Purpose: To clinically evaluate a subset of patients who underwent a revision subpectoral biceps tenodesis for a clinically failed proximal biceps tenodesis. Methods: This is a retrospective case series of patients with at least 2-year follow-up who had undergone a revision biceps tenodesis after clinical failure of a proximal biceps tenodesis between January 2008 and February 2020 by a single surgeon. Patients who underwent concomitant procedures, such as revision cuff repair, were excluded. Patients with a minimum of 2 years duration status postrevision subpectoral tenodesis were contacted for informed consent and outcome data, which included Simple Shoulder Test, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, visual analog scale for pain, and subjective reporting of arm weakness and satisfaction. Results: Fourteen patients were initially identified as meeting inclusion criteria with a minimum 2-year follow-up achieved for 11 of 14 patients (78.5% follow-up). The mean follow-up time was 8.1 years (range, 2.7-14.8 years). After the primary biceps tenodesis, a mean of 8.0 ± 9.6 months passed before the revision subpectoral biceps tenodesis was performed. The average postoperative active forward elevation and adducted external rotation were 159 ± 7° and 47 ± 17°, respectively. The mean ± standard deviation (range) follow-up American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was 79 ± 23 (30-100), Simple Shoulder Test was 11 ± 2 (7-12), and visual analog scale for pain was 2.6 ± 2.8 (0-9). All 11 patients reported being satisfied with their operation and would elect to have the operation again. Conclusions: Revision subpectoral biceps tenodesis is a viable procedure for addressing patients with persistent pain following initial proximal biceps tenodesis. Although some persistent pain is common, revision subpectoral biceps tenodesis demonstrates a high patient satisfaction and good functional outcomes. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Background: Physical risk factors for osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the humeral capitellum in young baseball players have not been fully elucidated. We aimed to identify the risk factors for capitellar OCD in baseball players aged 8-14 years. Methods: Between December 2018 and December 2019, young baseball players were recruited from 8 regional baseball leagues. Ultrasonography and physical assessments were performed preseason and at the end of the study period. Bilateral passive ranges of motion (ROM) of horizontal adduction of the shoulders, internal rotation (IR) of the hips, and the thoracic kyphosis angle were measured. 1-year follow-ups were scheduled to determine the occurrence of OCD. Players with OCD were categorized into an OCD group; those without OCD and any elbow pain for one year were categorized into a non-injured group. The players’ baseline data (age, sex, position in baseball, and Rohrer's Index) were analyzed using univariate analyses. Their physical parameters were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures to investigate OCD-related risk factors. Results: In total, 3651 baseball players attended the 1-year follow-up. Of these, 71 (1.9%) players had OCD of the humeral capitellum. In the OCD group, a significant association was found at baseline and at the end of the study period between a higher Rohrer index at the baseline and a smaller hip IR ROM on the nondominant side. Conclusions: Loss of hip IR ROM on the nondominant side is a newly discovered risk factor related to physical function in the development of OCD.

Background: Historically, imaging osseous detail in three dimensions required a computed tomography (CT) scan with ionizing radiation that poorly visualizes the soft tissues. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy and reliability of ultrashort echo time (UTE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in measuring humeral cortical thickness and cancellous density as compared with CT. Methods: This was a comparative radiographic study in nine cadavers, each of which underwent CT and UTE MRI. On images aligned to the center of the humeral shaft, anterior, posterior, medial, and lateral humeral cortical thickness was measured 5, 10, and 15 cm distal to the top of the head. Cancellous density was measured as signal within a 1-cm diameter region of interest in the center of the head, the subtuberosity head, the subarticular head, and the subarticular glenoid vault. Glenoid cortical thickness was measured at the center of the glenoid. Cortical measurements were compared using mean differences and 95% confidence intervals, paired Student’s t-tests, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). We compared cancellous measurements using Pearson’s correlation coefficients. For all measurements, we calculated interobserver and intraobserver reliability using ICCs with 0.75 as the lower limit for acceptability. Results: With regard to accuracy, for humeral cortical thickness measurements, there were no significant differences between MRI and CT measures, and ICCs were >0.75. The glenoid cortical thickness ICC was 0.75) for almost all humeral cortical thickness measures. Conclusion: UTE MRI can reliably and accurately measure humeral cortical thickness, but cannot accurately measure cancellous density or accurately and reliably measure glenoid cortical thickness.

Background: Although nonoperative treatment is effective for degenerative rotator cuff tears (RCTs), it remains unclear whether the delay created by a trial of nonoperative treatment negatively influences the outcome of a subsequent surgical repair. In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an involuntary delay in the surgical treatment of rotator cuff disease, creating a natural experiment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes and healing of patients who underwent delayed surgical treatment of chronic degenerative RCTs as compared with the nondelayed surgical treatment of RCTs. Methods: This was a prospective study of two groups: patients planned to undergo arthroscopic rotator cuff repair between March 16, 2020 and May 1, 2020—the end of the ban on elective surgery—and patients who underwent rotator cuff repair starting six weeks after the ban on elective surgery had been lifted. Preoperatively and at six months postoperatively, we collected the Simple Shoulder Test, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and the visual analog scale for pain. We also obtained magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at six months postoperatively. A power analysis was conducted, and assuming a mean ± standard deviation ASES score of 93.1 ± 13.9 points and a minimum clinically important difference in the ASES score of 27.1 points, 7 patients per group (14 patients in total) would be necessary to have 90% chance of finding a difference. Results: We included 15 patients within each group and obtained 100% follow-up at six months. In the delay group, the mean ± standard deviation delay was 63 ± 24 days. There were no significant preoperative differences between groups in demographics or tear characteristics. Intraoperatively, there were no differences between groups in repair characteristics. Using a repeated-measures analysis of variance, there were significant preoperative vs. postoperative differences in ASES scores (P

Eukaryotic cilia and flagella are microtubule-based organelles whose relatively simple shape makes them ideal for investigating the fundamental question of organelle size regulation. Most of the flagellar materials are transported from the cell body via an active transport process called intraflagellar transport (IFT). The rate of IFT entry into flagella, known as IFT injection, has been shown to negatively correlate with flagellar length. However, it remains unknown how the cell measures the length of its flagella and controls IFT injection. One of the most-discussed theoretical models for length sensing to control IFT is the ion-current model, which posits that there is a uniform distribution of Ca2+ channels along the flagellum and that the Ca2+ current from the flagellum into the cell body increases linearly with flagellar length. In this model, the cell uses the Ca2+ current to negatively regulate IFT injection. The recent discovery that IFT entry into flagella is regulated by the phosphorylation of kinesin through a calcium-dependent protein kinase has provided further impetus for the ion-current model. To test this model, we measured and manipulated the levels of Ca2+ inside of Chlamydomonas flagella and quantified IFT injection. Although the concentration of Ca2+ inside of flagella was weakly correlated with the length of flagella, we found that IFT injection was reduced in calcium-deficient flagella, rather than increased as the model predicted, and that variation in IFT injection was uncorrelated with the occurrence of flagellar Ca2+ spikes. Thus, Ca2+ does not appear to function as a negative regulator of IFT injection, hence it cannot form the basis of a stable length control system.

Key message Tension pneumomediastinum is a rare complication of interstitial pneumonia. This case shows computed tomography findings of the Macklin effect, in which air dissection along the bronchovascular interstitium caused by alveolar rupture leads to pneumomediastinum.

Background: Altered scapular motion is thought to be one of the factors associated with the development of symptomatic rotator cuff tears. However, the differences in kinematics and muscle activities of scapular upward/downward rotation between patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic tears are unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare the differences in kinematics and muscle activities of scapular rotation among patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic tears, and healthy individuals. Methods: Twenty-three patients with rotator cuff tears and 9 healthy individuals (healthy group) participated in this study. Based on a visual analog scale (VAS, 0-100 mm), the patients were divided into symptomatic (13 patients; VAS ≥20 mm) and asymptomatic (10 patients; VAS

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in the development of various diseases, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although previous studies in clinically severe patients have investigated associations between CKD and miRNAs, with particular attention on renal fibrosis, relationships in a general population have yet to be established. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between expression level of circulating miRNAs and CKD in a middle-aged Japanese population. Methods: A final total of 513 individuals (216 men and 297 women) who participated in the health check-up program in 2012 were included in our analysis. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine expression levels of 22 miRNAs. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated based on serum creatinine level, sex, and age. Participants with eGFR

Abstract Background Marfan Syndrome (MFS) is a heritable connective tissue disorder with a high degree of clinical variability including respiratory diseases; a rare case of MFS with massive intrathoracic bleeding has been reported recently. Case presentation A 32-year-old man who had been diagnosed with MFS underwent a Bentall operation with artificial valve replacement for aortic dissection and regurgitation of an aortic valve in 2012. Warfarin was started postoperatively, and the dosage was gradually increased until 2017, when the patient was transported to our hospital due to sudden massive haemoptysis. Computed tomography (CT) with a maximum intensity projection (MIP) revealed several giant pulmonary cysts with fluid levels in the apex of the right lung with an abnormal vessel from the right subclavian artery. Transcatheter arterial embolization was performed with angiography and haemostasis was achieved, which suggested that the bleeding vessel was the lateral thoracic artery (LTA) branch. CT taken before the incident indicated thickening of the cystic wall adjacent to the thorax; therefore, it was postulated that the bleeding originated from fragile anastomoses between the LTA and pulmonary or bronchial arteries. It appears that the vessels exhibited inflammation that began postoperatively, which extended to the cysts. Conclusion We experienced a case of MFS with massive haemoptysis from the right LTA. We have to be aware of the possibility that massive haemoptysis could be induced in MFS with inflamed pulmonary cysts.

Consumption of fructose-containing beverages such as high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is increasing, raising concerns about the negative effects of excessive fructose intake. A recent report indicated that excess HFCS intake impairs hippocampal function. In this study, we focused on neurotrophic factors (NFs) in the hippocampus from the viewpoint of epigenetics to clarify the adverse effects of fructose. We analyzed the effects of HFCS intake on hippocampal function in three age categories: childhood and adolescence (postnatal day (PD) 21-60), young adulthood (PD60-100), and late adulthood (PD100-140). For the experiments, male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three age categories, the control group was received distilled water and the HFCS group was received 20% HFCS solution for 40 days in each period. We analyzed mRNA and protein levels for qPCR and western blotting, respectively, of a hippocampal NF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf). HFCS consumption reduced hippocampal Bdnf mRNA and protein expressions in childhood and adolescence. Moreover, pyrosequencing assays revealed increased DNA methylation at the Bdnf promoter in childhood and adolescence. This Bdnf levels reduction may be due to hypermethylation of the promoter regions. It should be noted that this phenomenon was observed only in childhood and adolescence fructose consumption. Our results indicate that the sensitivity of the hippocampus to fructose may vary with age. This study provides insight into the adverse effects of excessive HFCS consumption on the hippocampus in children.

Abstract Background A recent study has reported that incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is higher in evacuees, but the molecular mechanism still remains unclear. One plausible hypothesis is a change in vascular function following to psychological distress. In order to assess molecular mechanisms underlying this association, we examined whether cardiovascular disease (CVD)-associated miRNAs (miR-126, miR-197, and miR-223) were associated with CKD among Japanese elderly survivors after an earthquake. Methods We analyzed 1385 individuals (670 men and 715 women) who participated in a post-disaster health check-up after the Great East Japan Earthquake, which occurred in 2011. The check-up involved collection of information about lifestyle, clinical history, the degree of housing damage, and baseline measurement of the estimated glomerular filtration rate. Expression levels of miRNAs were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using sex, age, and serum creatinine. CKD was defined as eGFR

Abstract Background Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is traditionally defined as a resting mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) of ≥25 mmHg, while mPAP in the range of 21 to 24 mmHg is recognized as “borderline PH.” Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is complicated by the development of PH, which is known to be linked with exercise intolerance and a poor prognosis. Even though it has recently been recommended that PH is redefined as a mPAP of > 20 mmHg, little is known about the clinical significance of borderline PH in ILD. We evaluated whether borderline PH has an impact on the exercise capacity, risk of acute exacerbation (AE), and mortality in patients with ILD. Methods A total of 80 patients with ILD who underwent right heart catheterization (RHC) between November 2013 and October 2016 were included. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the mPAP values: mPAP ≤20 mmHg (No-PH group; n = 56), 20

Abstract Background Excessive inhalation of aluminium powder occasionally results in upper lobe predominant lung fibrosis, which is similar to idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (IPPFE) and has been suggested to be secondary PPFE. Case presentation A 67-year-old man who had worked in an aluminum-processing factory for 50 years visited our hospital complaining of exertional dyspnea. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed bilateral dense sub-pleural consolidation in the upper and middle lung fields, which was consistent with IPPFE; however, the possibility of secondary PPFE associated with aluminosis was not ruled out. Considering the patient’s critical condition, trans-bronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) rather than surgical lung biopsy was performed, with elemental analysis of the biopsied specimen. Unfortunately, the specimen obtained by TBLB did not contain alveolar tissue; therefore, pathological diagnosis of PPFE was not possible. However, radiographic findings were highly suggestive of PPFE. On elemental analysis, excessive amounts of aluminum were detected in the bronchiolar walls, establishing a diagnosis of airway aluminosis with likely secondary PPFE resulting from aluminium exposure. Conclusions TBLB with elemental analysis might be useful in differentiating idiopathic PPFE from secondary causes in dust inhalation related disease, such as aluminosis. This case indicated that inhalation of aluminium might cause secondary PPFE, with attention needing to be paid to avoid further exposure.

Pasteurella multocida, which colonizes upper respiratory and digestive tracts, is a leading cause of respiratory diseases in many host species. Here, we describe a case of P. multocida pneumonia with hemoptysis. A 72-year-old female diagnosed with bronchiectasis with a 36-year history presented with a worsened infiltrative and granular shadow in the lower right lobe and lingular segment. Bronchial lavage fluid culturing suggested Pasteurella pneumonia. P. multocida was confirmed by 16S rRNA sequencing. The patient was readmitted to our hospital because of hemoptysis, and she was treated successfully with antibiotic therapy. The possibility of P. multocida infection must be considered in patients who own pets. Keywords: Pasteurella multocida, Pasteurella canis, Hemoptysis, Pasteurellosis

Summary: Any proposed mechanism for organelle size control should be able to account not only for average size but also for the variation in size. We analyzed cell-to-cell variation and within-cell variation of length for the two flagella in Chlamydomonas, finding that cell-to-cell variation is dominated by cell size, whereas within-cell variation results from dynamic fluctuations. Fluctuation analysis suggests tubulin assembly is not directly coupled with intraflagellar transport (IFT) and that the observed length fluctuations reflect tubulin assembly and disassembly events involving large numbers of tubulin dimers. Length variation is increased in long-flagella mutants, an effect consistent with theoretical models for flagellar length regulation. Cells with unequal flagellar lengths show impaired swimming but improved gliding, raising the possibility that cells have evolved mechanisms to tune biological noise in flagellar length. Analysis of noise at the level of organelle size provides a way to probe the mechanisms determining cell geometry.

Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) inhibits the activity of thioredoxin (TXN), leading to increased oxidative stress. Expression of the TXNIP gene is regulated by DNA methylation. However, no study has reported the influence of lifestyle factors on TXNIP DNA methylation. Our goal was to determine the association between smoking habits and TXNIP DNA methylation levels in a Japanese population. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 417 subjects (180 males and 237 females) participating in a health examination. We used a pyrosequencing assay to determine TXNIP DNA methylation levels in leukocytes. The mean TXNIP DNA methylation level in current smokers (75.3%) was significantly lower than that in never and ex-smokers (never: 78.1%, p < 0.001; ex: 76.9%, p = 0.013). Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that the OR for TXNIP DNA hypomethylation was significantly higher in current smokers than that in never smokers, and significantly higher in current smokers with years of smoking ≥ 35 and Brinkman Index ≥ 600 compared to that in non-smokers. In conclusion, we found that current smokers had TXNIP DNA hypomethylation compared to never and ex-smokers. Moreover, long-term smoking and high smoking exposure also were associated with TXNIP DNA hypomethylation.

Tagging proteins with fluorescent proteins is a powerful method for both imaging and non-imaging applications. Here the authors use the eleventh β-strand of sfGFP and sfCherry as epitope tags for multicolour imaging and amplified signals by tandem arrangement; shortness of the tag enabled introduction into genomic loci using CRISPR/Cas9.

Objectives: Circulating micro (mi)RNA profiles are influenced by various medical conditions, and miRNAs have been examined as potential biomarkers for cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. However, few studies have investigated whether circulating miRNAs and cigarette smoking are correlated. Our aim was to determine the association between smoking status and expression of various miRNAs in a Japanese population sample. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 526 subjects (219 men and 307 women) aged 39 years and older who had undergone a health examination at a clinic in Yakumo, Hokkaido in August 2012. We used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to determine serum miRNA expression. We then calculated the odds ratios for elevated serum miRNA levels according to smoking status using never-smokers as the reference group. Results: Expression of lethal (let)-7d, miRNA(miR)-150, miR-192, miR-197 and miR320 was significantly higher in current smokers than in never-smokers. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that while current smokers were significantly more likely to have elevated serum levels of miRNA let-7d, miR-21, miR-122, miR-146, miR-150, miR-192, miR-197, and miR320 than never-smokers, former smokers had significantly higher odds of having elevated miR-1, miR-146, miR-150, miR-195, and miR-320 levels in their sera. Conclusions: We found that cigarette smoking is associated with elevated expression of various serum miRNAs. Our results suggest that it is necessary to consider the confounding effect caused by smoking when evaluating expression of serum miRNAs for diagnosing pathological conditions.

Cilia/flagella are assembled and maintained by the process of intraflagellar transport (IFT), a highly conserved mechanism involving more than 20 IFT proteins. However, the functions of individual IFT proteins are mostly unclear. To help address this issue, we focused on a putative IFT protein TTC26/DYF13. Using live imaging and biochemical approaches we show that TTC26/DYF13 is an IFT complex B protein in mammalian cells and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Knockdown of TTC26/DYF13 in zebrafish embryos or mutation of TTC26/DYF13 in C. reinhardtii, produced short cilia with abnormal motility. Surprisingly, IFT particle assembly and speed were normal in dyf13 mutant flagella, unlike in other IFT complex B mutants. Proteomic and biochemical analyses indicated a particular set of proteins involved in motility was specifically depleted in the dyf13 mutant. These results support the concept that different IFT proteins are responsible for different cargo subsets, providing a possible explanation for the complexity of the IFT machinery.