Expression and functional analysis of mouse chitinases without the ZZ domain of Staphylococcus aureus Protein A.

Chitinase plays a role in mammalian immune responses, particularly in the degradation of fungal cell walls. The aim of the present study was to express and characterize recombinant mouse chitotriosidase (Chit1) and acidic mammalian chitinase (AMCase) without the ZZ domain, a domain that may interfere with immunological analyses. We successfully expressed recombinant chitinases without the ZZ domain (Chit1-V5-His and AMCase-V5-His) as a soluble protein from an expression vector pET21a in the Escherichia coli Rosetta-gami B (DE3) strain.

Efficacy of the Direct Anterior Chamber Air Replacement Method During Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty.

Purpose: This study aimed to describe a novel technique of direct anterior chamber (AC) air replacement (DACAR) for the management of Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) in postvitrectomized eyes and eyes with previous glaucoma surgery.

Methods: DACAR was performed after a corneal donor graft was transplanted through a wound using the pull-through technique. DACAR involves stabilizing the graft with forceps while introducing air into the AC via an infusion cannula to ensure complete air exchange.

Screening to isolate Bacillus subtilis mutants with enhanced NADPH levels.

As the first step toward understanding how NADPH levels are regulated in Bacillus subtilis, we sought to obtain mutant strains with enhanced NADPH levels. Our previous study demonstrated that in a strain of B. subtilis expressing bacterial luciferase derived from Photorhabdus luminescens, artificially enhancing NADPH levels enhanced luciferase luminescence in the colonies.

Analysis and Categorization of Various Types of Vocal Distortion in Rock, Metal, Pop Styles, and Throat Singing Observed by High-Speed Digital Imaging.

Introduction: Vocal distortion, also known as a scream or growl, is used worldwide as an essential technique in singing, especially in rock and metal, and as an ethnic voice in Mongolian singing. However, the production mechanism of vocal distortion is not yet clearly understood owing to limited research on the behavior of the larynx, which is the source of the distorted voice.

Objectives: This study used high-speed digital imaging (HSDI) to observe the larynx of professional singers with exceptional singing skills and determine the laryngeal dynamics in the voice production of various vocal distortions.

Establishment of an Immortalized Porcine Alveolar Macrophage Cell Line That Supports Efficient Replication of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Viruses.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), which is caused by the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), has a significant impact on the global pork industry. It results in reproductive failure in sows and respiratory issues in pigs of all ages. Despite the availability of vaccines, controlling the PRRSV remains challenging, partly owing to the limitations of cell culture systems.

Lysyl Oxidase Mediates Proliferation and Differentiation in the Esophageal Epithelium.

In homeostatic conditions, the basal progenitor cells of the esophagus differentiate into a stratified squamous epithelium. However, in the setting of acid exposure or inflammation, there is a marked failure of basal cell differentiation, leading to basal cell hyperplasia. We have previously shown that lysyl oxidase (LOX), a collagen crosslinking enzyme, is upregulated in the setting of allergic inflammation of the esophagus; however, its role beyond collagen crosslinking is unknown.

Clinical implications of cerebral microbleeds in patients who undergo transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Background: The prognostic implications of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) in patients who undergo transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between the presence of CMBs and adverse outcomes post-TAVR.

Methods: In this single-center retrospective study, we included 124 patients who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging before TAVR.

Proactive Symptom Monitoring by Pharmacists Using a Cancer Patient Support App in Out-patient Oral Multi-kinase Inhibitor Therapy: Feasibility Study of a Small Patient Population.

Background/aim: Measures to control adverse events (AEs) in the use of oral multi-kinase inhibitors (OMI) are important for the continuation of treatment.

Patients And Methods: In this study, oncology pharmacists monitored symptoms of patients receiving outpatient therapy with OMIs in real-time using a smartphone Web app for the early detection/early treatment of AEs. This feasibility study evaluated the effects of using the app in 10 patients compared with data from 10 patients who did not use the app.

The Effectiveness and Safety of the Short-Course Therapy in Liver Transplant Recipients With Uncomplicated Gram-Negative Bacteremia: A Retrospective Study.

Introduction: The appropriate duration of therapy for uncomplicated gram-negative bloodstream infection (GN-BSI) in liver transplant (LTx) recipients remains unknown. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of a short-course antimicrobial therapy.

Methods: This retrospective study was performed in a single LTx center in Japan.

Assessment of factors associated with antipsychotic-induced weight gain: A nationwide cohort study.

Background: The incidence of antipsychotic-induced weight gain (AIWG) is difficult to predict in real-world practice because various factors influence it. This study aimed to explore background and medication-related factors associated with weight gain in patients newly prescribed with antipsychotic medication.

Methods: This nationwide, multicenter, prospective cohort study was conducted in Japan.

Deep learning detected histological differences between invasive and non-invasive areas of early esophageal cancer.

The depth of invasion plays a critical role in predicting the prognosis of early esophageal cancer, but the reasons behind invasion and the changes occurring in invasive areas are still not well understood. This study aimed to explore the morphological differences between invasive and non-invasive areas in early esophageal cancer specimens that have undergone endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), using artificial intelligence (AI) to shed light on the underlying mechanisms. In this study, data from 75 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) were analyzed and endoscopic assessments were conducted to determine submucosal (SM) invasion.

Hepatobiliary scintigraphy of bile excretion after endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy for malignant biliary obstruction: a retrospective study in Japan.

Background/aims: Hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HBS) is used to evaluate bile excretion. This study aimed to evaluate biliary excretion during endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) using HBS.

Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 78 consecutive patients with malignant extrahepatic biliary obstruction, who underwent HBS after EUS-HGS between April 2015 and July 2022.

Early Cryoablation After First Diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation Reduces Arrhythmia Recurrence in Heart Failure Patients.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) often coexist, leading to increased mortality. A cryoballoon-based approach is a potential treatment for patients with HF because of its safety and efficacy.

Objectives: The authors sought to evaluate the optimal timing of cryoballoon ablation after the first clinical diagnosis of AF and its prognosis for patients with HF.

Quantification of Goldmann Visual Fields During Resolution of Traumatic Optic Neuropathy.

We describe the clinical findings in a Japanese patient with unilateral traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) who underwent steroid pulse therapy followed by optic canal decompression surgery. The optic nerve function was assessed longitudinally and quantitatively by Goldmann visual fields (GVFs). This was accomplished by measuring the area of each isopter and scotoma, and the findings were compared with the visual acuities recorded during the course of the resolution of the TON.

A lacrimal drainage pathway disease-associated keratopathy (LDAK) case with non-infectious endophthalmitis.

Purpose: To report a case of lacrimal drainage pathway disease-associated keratopathy (LDAK) with endophthalmitis.

Observations: An 80-year-old man with diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy was referred to our hospital with endophthalmitis of the left eye. Slit-lamp examination revealed slight eye discharge, peripheral corneal ulcers, diffuse hyperemia of the conjunctiva, iris synechia, and a large amount of fibrin in the anterior chamber of the left eye.

Spontaneous rupture of an ovarian artery aneurysm complicated by postpartum hypertensive disorders of pregnancy after caesarean section: a case report and literature review.

Background: The spontaneous rupture of an artery aneurysm during the perinatal period is considered a serious complication associated with the physiological alteration by pregnancy and delivery. The rupture of an ovarian artery aneurysm is rare and leads to rapid retroperitoneal hemorrhage. Here, we report one case complicated by postpartum hypertensive disorder of pregnancy associated with massive bleeding into retroperitoneal cavity by the spontaneous rupture of ovarian artery aneurysm after caesarean section, and reviewed previous literature.

Bacillus velezensis S141 improves the root growth of soybean under drought conditions.

Bacillus velezensis S141 helps soybean establish specific symbiosis with strains of Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens to form larger nodules and improve nitrogen fixation efficiency. In this study, we found that the dry weight of soybean roots increased significantly in the presence of S141 alone under drought conditions. Hence, S141 improved the root growth of soybean under limited water supply conditions.

Feasibility study of the e-learning version of the "Journey of the Brave:" a universal anxiety-prevention program based on cognitive behavioral therapy.

Background: School-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) programs could contribute toward preventing anxiety disorders in children. However, setting aside class time for such programs is difficult. Internet-based CBT (I-CBT) is an efficient way to provide CBT.

Bacterial endocarditis caused by contact lens usage.

A 17-year-old female was transferred to our hospital due to high fever, general fatigue, and dim eyesight. Three weeks before, she had used cosmetic colored contact lenses and then suffered from bloodshot eyes associated with dim eyesight. Intermittent fever and general fatigue were followed by eye symptoms.

Suspected Postpartum Depression Revealed to be CSF1R-Related Leukoencephalopathy: A Case Report.

Introduction: This is a case of a 32-year-old woman who developed postpartum depression (PPD). She became anxious and depressive about caring for her child, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) test showed a score of 9 at 2 weeks after delivery, and at 7 months postpartum, she presented with major melancholic depression followed by mild cognitive decline without any neurological symptoms except cluttering speech.

Case Presentation: Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging showed confluent fluid-attenuated inversion recovery hyperintensities in the periventricular and frontal deep white matter, with multiple spotty calcifications in the frontal white matter by cerebral CT.

Delays in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Defibrillation, and Epinephrine Administration in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest - Composite Time-Dependent Effects of Prehospital Interventions on 30-Day Favorable Neurological Outcomes and Social Implications From a Prospective Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study.

Background: Our study investigated the prognostic impacts of the interval between collapse and the initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and subsequent intervals to defibrillation or epinephrine administration, on 30-day favorable neurological outcomes following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

Methods And Results: This nationwide population-based cohort study used the All Japan Utstein Registry, encompassing OHCA patients in Japan between January 2006 and December 2021. The primary outcome was 30-day favorable neurological outcomes, defined as Cerebral Performance Category 1 or 2.