Roquin-2 promotes oxidative stress-induced cell death by ubiquitination-dependent degradation of TAK1.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive and their accumulation causes oxidative damage to cells. Cells maintain survival upon mild oxidative stress with anti-oxidative systems, such as the kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)-nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) system. On the other hand, upon severe oxidative stress, cells undergo regulated cell death, including apoptosis, for eliminating damaged cells.

Development of an on-site therapeutic drug monitoring method using a portable spectrometer.

We report on the development of an on-site therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) method for vancomycin (VCM) utilizing a portable spectrometer and commercially available immunoturbidimetric assay reagents designed for automated clinical chemistry analyzers. The method enables the quantification of VCM in plasma samples within 10 min, with a good correlation between the measured values and the theoretical values (r = 0.995).

Supermassive black hole feeding and feedback observed on subparsec scales.

Active galaxies contain a supermassive black hole at their center that grows by accreting matter from the surrounding galaxy. The accretion process in about the central 10 parsecs has not been directly resolved in previous observations because of the small apparent angular sizes involved. We observed the active nucleus of the Circinus Galaxy using submillimeter interferometry.

Synthesis, Structure, and Redox and Optical Properties of 5,10,15,20-Tetraaryl-5-azaporphyrinium Salts.

The fundamental properties of azaporphyrins can be modulated over a wide range by changing the number of meso-nitrogen atoms. Reported herein are the first examples of 5,10,15,20-tetraaryl-5-azaporphyrinium (MTAMAP) salts, which were prepared via metal-templated cyclization of the corresponding zinc(II) and copper(II) complexes of 10-aryl-1-chloro-19-benzoyl-5,15-dimesityl-10-azabiladiene-ac. The inclusion of one meso-nitrogen atom in the 5,10,15,20-tetraarylporphyrin skeleton considerably changes the redox and optical properties as well as the degree of aromaticity of the porphyrin ring.

Synthesis and Optical Properties of 1,2,5,10-Tetraphenylanthra[2,3-]phosphole Derivatives.

1,2,5,10-Tetraphenylanthra[2,3-]phosphole oxides and 1-methyl-1,2,5,10-tetraphenylanthra[2,3-]phospholium salts were prepared, and their optical properties were investigated. The substituent at the position and the fused anthracene moiety were found to exert significant impacts on the fluorescence properties of the P-bridged 2-styrylanthracene skeleton.

Synthesis, Electrochemical Behavior, and Catalytic Activity of Cobalt Complexes of 5,10,15,20-Tetraaryl-5,15-diazaporphyrinoids.

A one-pot synthesis of cobalt(II) complexes of 5,10,15,20-tetraaryl-5,15-diazaporphyrins (CoTADAPs) from the corresponding 5-aryl-1-arylamino-9-chlorodipyrrins and cobalt(II) acetate is reported. The CoTADAPs exhibited characteristic electrochemical behavior and catalyzed the intramolecular cyclization of -benzyl--Boc-3-diazopropan-1-amines, probably via σ-Co-alkyl radical intermediates.

Fabrication of Transparent and Conductive SWCNT/SiO Composite Thin-Film by Photo-Irradiation of Molecular Precursor Films.

A single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)-silica composite thin film on a quartz glass was formed by ultraviolet irradiation (20-40 °C) onto a spin-coated precursor film. With 7.4 mass% SWCNTs, the electrical resistivity reached 7.

Toe Clearance Rehabilitative Slippers for Older Adults With Fall Risk: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction: To evaluate fall-prevention rehabilitative slippers for use by self-caring, independent older adults.

Materials And Methods: This assessor-blinded, randomized, and controlled 1-year study included 59 self-caring, independent participants (49 women) who attended day services. The mean age of participants was 84.

The E3 Ubiquitin-Protein Ligase RNF4 Promotes TNF-α-Induced Cell Death Triggered by RIPK1.

Receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) is a key component of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor signaling complex that regulates both pro- and anti-apoptotic signaling. The reciprocal functions of RIPK1 in TNF signaling are determined by the state of the posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of RIPK1. However, the underlying mechanisms associated with the PTMs of RIPK1 are unclear.

Gefitinib initiates sterile inflammation by promoting IL-1β and HMGB1 release via two distinct mechanisms.

Anticancer drug gefitinib causes inflammation-based side effects, such as interstitial pneumonitis. However, its mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we provide evidence that gefitinib elicits pro-inflammatory responses by promoting mature-interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) release.

Compression of the Left Atrium and Left Ventricle by a Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Case Report.

We describe the case of a 66-year-old man with a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm, who presented with cardiac failure; he had complained of shortness of breath. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan and transthoracic echocardiography showed compression of the left atrium and ventricle by a giant thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. The cardiac failure resolved after early prosthetic graft replacement surgery.

Combination of risk factors affecting retear after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a decision tree analysis.

Background: Several risk factors for postoperative retear after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) have been cited in a large number of reports; various combinations of these seem to be present in the clinical setting.

Purpose: Using a combination model for decision tree analysis, we aimed to investigate the combination of risk factors that affect postoperative retear the most.

Methods: A total of 286 patients who underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging at 6 months after surgery were included in this study.

The anti-cancer drug gefitinib accelerates Fas-mediated apoptosis by enhancing caspase-8 activation in cancer cells.

Fas/CD95 plays a pivotal role in T cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Accumulating evidence has suggested that resistance to Fas-mediated apoptosis contributes to the escape of cancer cells from immune destruction, and allows to undergo proliferation and outgrowth of cancer cells. In this study, we found that the anti-cancer drug gefitinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), has an ability to enhance Fas-mediated cytotoxicity.

Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO)-mediated de novo synthesis of glycolate-based polyhydroxyalkanoate in Escherichia coli.

Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) generates 2-phosphoglycolate (2PG) as one of the metabolites from the Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB) cycle. In this study, we focused on the fact that glycolate (GL) derived from 2PG can be incorporated into the bacterial polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) as the monomeric constituent by using the evolved PHA synthase (PhaC1STQK). In this study, the function of the RuBisCO-mediated pathway for GL-based PHA synthesis was evaluated using Escherichia coli JW2946 with the deletion of glycolate oxidase gene (ΔglcD) as the model system.

Sensitive and Comprehensive LC-MS/MS Analyses of Chiral Pharmaceuticals and Their Hepatic Metabolites Using Ovomucoid Column.

A sensitive analytical method was developed for the simultaneous detection of 11 chiral pharmaceuticals and their hepatic metabolites by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) using an ovomucoid chiral column. After optimization of the LC conditions, all pharmaceuticals examined were enantio-separated with R of >0.82 in LC-MS/MS analysis.

-Fatty acids promote proinflammatory signaling and cell death by stimulating the apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1)-p38 pathway.

Food-borne -fatty acids (TFAs) are mainly produced as byproducts during food manufacture. Recent epidemiological studies have revealed that TFA consumption is a major risk factor for various disorders, including atherosclerosis. However, the underlying mechanisms in this disease etiology are largely unknown.

Activation of nuclear receptor CAR by an environmental pollutant perfluorooctanoic acid.

Perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are environmental pollutants showing high accumulation, thermochemical stability and hepatocarcinogenicity. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α is suggested to mediate their toxicities, but the precise mechanism remains unclear. Previous reports also imply a possible role of constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), a key transcription factor for the xenobiotic-induced expression of various genes involved in drug metabolism and disposition as well as hepatocarcinogenesis.

[Occupational exposures among nurses caring for chemotherapy patients -Quantitative analysis of cyclophosphamide and α-fluoro-β-alanine in urine].

Objectives: The aim of this study was to measure the antineoplastic drug content in urine and verify the situation of occupational exposure of the antineoplastic drug among nurses who care for patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods: Ten female nurses who were caring for patients receiving chemotherapy were the subjects of this study. Urine samples were collected over 24-hour periods, and each sample was analyzed.

Sonographic findings of immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing sialadenitis.

Purpose: We evaluated the sonographic findings of immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing sialadenitis (IgG4-SS).

Methods: Nineteen patients with IgG4-SS and 12 healthy volunteers (controls) were enrolled. The following sonographic features were evaluated: (1) enlargement of the submandibular gland by measurement of the longitudinal diameter and thickness; (2) the contour texture of the submandibular gland (smooth or rough); (3) the internal echo texture, categorized into three sonographic patterns (homogeneous, multiple hypoechoic nodule, and diffuse hypoechoic); and (4) quantitative color Doppler signaling.

Reliability of peripheral intraneural microhemodynamics evaluation by using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to validate the reliability of quantitative intraneural enhancement patterns by using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS).

Methods: Nine asymptomatic wrists underwent a total of three CEUS examinations each conducted at 1-month intervals. The CEUS enhancement pattern of median nerves was quantitatively evaluated.

Long-term effects of oral L-carnitine supplementation on anemia in chronic hemodialysis.

Background: The therapeutic role of L-carnitine (LC) on the anemia of chronic hemodialized patients is still controversial. In order to clarify the long-term effects of LC administration on renal anemia, an open, observational 12-month study was performed.

Methods: Twenty stable outpatients undergoing hemodialysis were administered LC 900 mg p.

The effects of oral L-carnitine supplementation on physical capacity and lipid metabolism in chronic hemodialysis patients.

Background: It is well known that the physical activity in chronic hemodialysis patients decreases compared to that in normal subjects. In order to investigate the effects of L-carnitine on physical capacity and lipid metabolism, a cardiopulmonary exercise test using a bicycle ergometer was performed before and after 3 months of oral L-carnitine supplementation under double-blind conditions.

Methods And Results: A total of 20 stable outpatients undergoing hemodialysis treatment were randomly divided into 2 groups: controls receiving placebo and patients receiving 900 mg L-carnitine p.

Hemodynamic stabilizing effects of L-carnitine in chronic hemodialysis patients.

Background: The effects of L-carnitine on the hemodynamic state of chronic hemodialysis patients have been debated. In order to clarify the effect of administered L-carnitine on cardiac function and hypotensive episodes during the hemodialysis procedure, a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study was performed for 3 months.

Methods And Results: TWENTY STABLE OUTPATIENTS UNDERGOING HEMODIALYSIS TREATMENT WERE DIVIDED INTO TWO GROUPS: controls (placebo) and treated patients (L-carnitine 900 mg p.

[A case of gastric cancer treated with modified docetaxel, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil(mDCF)with ingestion inability].

The standard regimen of S-1 and cisplatin is not adaptable for patients with gastric cancer with an ingestion inability. A 74- year-old man was revealed to have unresectable gastric cancer with severe pyloric stenosis(cT4, cN3, cH1, cP0, cStage IV). He was treated with systemic chemotherapy using modified docetaxel, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil(mDCF).