Effects of chocolate containing strain NTM048 on immune function: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Previous reports showed that oral administration of strain NTM048 increases IgA levels and CD4+ T cell population in feces and mice, respectively, as revealed by flow cytometric analysis of splenocytes. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of chocolate supplemented with strain NTM048 (> 1.00 × 10 CFU/day, NTM048) on the immune parameters of healthy subjects, using a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study design.

Etv1 and Ewsr1 cooperatively regulate limb mesenchymal Fgf10 expression in response to apical ectodermal ridge-derived fibroblast growth factor signal.

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) expressed in the apical ectodermal ridge (AER) and FGF10 expressed in the underlying mesoderm are essential for limb bud outgrowth. Their expression is maintained through a positive feedback loop. We identified the cis-regulatory element and trans-acting factors involved in the AER-FGF-dependent transactivation of Fgf10.

Suppressive effect of mangosteen rind extract on the spontaneous development of atopic dermatitis in NC/Tnd mice.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and relapsing skin disorder characterized by pruritic and dry skin lesions with allergic inflammation. Recent studies have revealed anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects of xanthones in mangosteen through regulation of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway. Activation of NF-κB signals is responsible for allergic inflammation in AD.

Fibroblast growth factor 10 gene regulation in the second heart field by Tbx1, Nkx2-5, and Islet1 reveals a genetic switch for down-regulation in the myocardium.

During cardiogenesis, Fibroblast Growth Factor (Fgf10) is expressed in the anterior second heart field. Together with Fibroblast growth factor 8 (Fgf8), Fgf10 promotes the proliferation of these cardiac progenitor cells that form the arterial pole of the heart. We have identified a 1.

Selective extraction and recovery of cytochrome c by liquid-liquid extraction using a calix[6]arene carboxylic acid derivative.

Recently, we reported that a calix[6]arene carboxylic acid derivative can selectively extract the lysine-rich protein cytochrome c by interacting with amino groups on the protein surface. In the present article, quantitative extraction and recovery of cytochrome c using this calix[6]arene carboxylic acid derivative are described. Both adjustment of the pH under acidic conditions and addition of an alcohol are necessary to strip the extracted protein from an organic solution to an aqueous solution.