Comparative Evaluation of Cyclooxygenase Inhibition Profiles Across Various NSAID Forms and Doses: Implications for Efficacy and Adverse Effects.

Introduction: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used for pain disorders and exert pharmacological effects by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX). Although previous studies have evaluated the COX inhibitory activity and selectivity of NSAIDs, none has compared COX inhibitory concentrations with the plasma concentrations of clinical doses or investigated the efficacy and adverse effects of different dosage forms. Therefore, in this study we evaluated the COX inhibitory activities and inhibition rates of clinical doses of the various NSAID formulations, especially diclofenac sodium.

Assessment of sediment yield and accumulation in reservoir: The case of Gibe One Reservoir, Southwestern Ethiopia.

Soil erosion and sediment buildup are the factors that speed up the decline in capacity and function of reservoirs, agricultural products, and water resources. In order to simulate sediment and runoff and map high sediment-yielding sub-basins in the Gibe Gojeb catchment in southwest Ethiopia, this study used the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model. Using data on sediment and river flow, calibration and validation were carried out.

The effects of dienogest and combined oral contraceptives on protein S-specific activity in endometriosis patients.

Objective: One serious side effect of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) is venous thromboembolism. Reduced activity in activated protein C-related coagulation pathways is attributable to low protein S activity in one-third of Japanese patients with deep vein thrombosis. Herer, we quantified the behavior of protein S-specific activity in response to dienogest (DNG) and COCs using the protein S-specific activity assay system to explore its potential utility as a thrombosis marker.

A quantitative assay system for protein C activity, the regulator of blood coagulation, based on a chromogenic method mimicking the blood coagulation cascade.

Background And Aims: Protein C is a plasma protein, and its active form regulates blood coagulation. The recommended unit of protein C activity is IU/mL; however, some laboratories use percentage. Some deficiencies cannot be detected owing to measurement principles.

Non-invasive Microneedle Application Increases Ceramide and Natural Moisturizing Factors in a Reconstructed Human Skin Model.

Recently, microneedling as a cosmetic product has attracted attention as one way to improve skin barrier function and moisturizing function to reduce wrinkle formation. However, some cases of erythema and edema have been reported as side effects. In order to develop safer microneedle cosmetics, we investigated whether microneedles can improve skin barrier function and moisturizing function even when applied in a non-invasive manner that does not penetrate the stratum corneum.

Land-use/land-cover changes and implications in Southern Ethiopia: evidence from remote sensing and informants.

Understanding land use/cover (LULC) changes and their impacts on the catchment are imperative for proper land management. Hence, useful information concerning responses to LULC changes becomes important to minimize negative impacts on future land uses. The aim of the study was to evaluate the LULC changes and consequences of the change at Bilate catchment from 1986 to 2018.

The role of epidermal growth factor-like domain-related abnormalities, protein S Tokushima, and anti-protein S autoantibodies in pregnancy loss.

Background: Protein S (PS) deficiency and autoantibodies that bind to PS (anti-PS) have been described in patients with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including pregnancy loss. PS Tokushima is a congenital abnormality of the second epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domain, and anti-PS has been reported to recognize EGF-like domains.

Objectives: We evaluated the role of PS Tokushima and anti-PS in patients with pregnancy loss.

van der Waals solid solution crystals for highly efficient in-air photon upconversion under subsolar irradiance.

Triplet-sensitized photon upconversion (UC) has been proposed for broad applications. However, the quest for superior solid materials has been challenged by the poor exciton transport often caused by low crystallinity, a small crystal domain, and aggregation of triplet sensitizers. Here, we demonstrate substantial advantages of the van der Waals solid solution concept to yield molecular crystals with extraordinary performance.

Reduced Activity of Protein S in Plasma: A Risk Factor for Venous Thromboembolism in the Japanese Population.

The quantitative assay of protein S can help in rapidly identifying carriers of abnormal protein S molecules through a simple procedure (by determining the total protein S mass, total protein S activity, and protein S-specific activity in blood), without genetic testing. To clarify the relationship between venous thromboembolism (VTE) and protein S-specific activity, and its role in the diagnosis of thrombosis in Japanese persons, the protein S-specific activity was measured and compared between patients with thrombosis and healthy individuals. The protein S-specific activity of each participant was calculated from the ratio of total protein S activity to total protein S antigen level.

Involvement of Band3 in the efflux of sphingosine 1-phosphate from erythrocytes.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive lipid mediator that is thought to be involved in various diseases. Although the main source of S1P in the plasma is erythrocytes, how S1P is exported from erythrocytes has not been elucidated. When we differentiated K562 cells into erythroblast-like cells with sodium butyrate, we observed that the efflux of S1P was increased without increased expression of previously proposed S1P transporters, while the expression levels of Band3 were increased.

Genotyping analysis of protein S-Tokushima (K196E) and the involvement of protein S antigen and activity in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss.

Objective: Preston et al. indicated that Protein S (PS) deficiency was associated with stillbirths but not miscarriages. The PS-Tokushima missense variant was reported to serve as a genetic risk factor for deep vein thrombosis in the Japanese population.

Crystal structure of the anion exchanger domain of human erythrocyte band 3.

Anion exchanger 1 (AE1), also known as band 3 or SLC4A1, plays a key role in the removal of carbon dioxide from tissues by facilitating the exchange of chloride and bicarbonate across the plasma membrane of erythrocytes. An isoform of AE1 is also present in the kidney. Specific mutations in human AE1 cause several types of hereditary hemolytic anemias and/or distal renal tubular acidosis.

Blue fluorescent OLED materials and their application for high-performance devices.

The authors applied two technologies to improve the efficiency of fluorescent blue organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). First, an efficiency-enhancement layer (EEL) was introduced to boost triplet-triplet fusion (TTF). Second, new blue dopants with a higher orientation factor in the emitting layer were developed.

Serious photocontact dermatitis induced by topical ketoprofen depends on the formulation.

Background: Topical administration of ketoprofen to treat local subcutaneous pain significantly reduces gastrointestinal and cardiovascular adverse effects associated with oral delivery. However, this benefit must be weighed against the risk of photosensitisation/phototoxicity.

Objective: To substantiate the safety and efficacy of topical ketoprofen delivery from a patch.

Hypercalcemia with renal failure.

We report a cse of nephrocalcinosis with renal failure which on evaluation was found to have hypercalcemia. Further investigations showed an inappropriately normal intact parathormone (iPTH) and 1,25 dihydroxy-vitamin D level in the setting of renal failure. Probing for a cause of non-PTH mediated hypercalcemia led to the diagnosis of sarcoidosis.

Activated protein C anticoagulant system dysfunction and thrombophilia in Asia.

Thrombophilia that is common among Caucasians is caused by genetic polymorphisms of coagulation factor V Leiden (R506Q) and prothrombin G20210A. Unlike that in Caucasians, thrombophilia that is common in the Japanese and Chinese involve dysfunction of the activated protein C (APC) anticoagulant system caused by abnormal protein S and protein C molecules. Approximately 50% of Japanese and Chinese individuals who develop venous thrombosis have reduced activities of protein S.

Addition of UVA-absorber butyl methoxy dibenzoylmethane to topical ketoprofen formulation reduces ketoprofen-photoallergic reaction.

Topical application of ketoprofen (KP) clinically evokes the allergic type of photocontact dermatitis. To avoid this adverse reaction, we investigated the beneficial effect of each ultraviolet (UV) filter that was included in topical ketoprofen formulation. We first tested the inhibitory effects of four UVA filters by a modified local lymph node assay following KP application on the mouse skin and UVA irradiation on the same site.

Distribution of IgG4- and/or IgG-positive plasma cells in Hashimoto's thyroiditis: an immunohistochemical study.

Background And Study Aim: Recently, immunohistochemistry has shown numerous IgG4-positive plasma cells in a subset of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), and this type of HT (IgG4 HT) appears to be a subtype of IgG4-related sclerosing disease. However, little is known about the distribution pattern of plasma cells in IgG4 thyroiditis. To clarify the distribution pattern of IgG4-positive plasma cells, 33 cases of HT demonstrating abundant lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate were studied.

Liquid phase immunoassays utilizing magnetic markers and SQUID magnetometer.

Background: Immunoassays are one main detection system used in the field of clinical chemistry. Recent developments of a new detection method utilizing a magnetic marker and magnetic sensor have enabled rapid and sensitive immunoassay without the need for bound/free (BF) separation.

Methods: Newly-synthesized conjugated avidin was used as the magnetic marker for quantitative analysis of human interleukin-8 (hIL-8) and immunoglobulin E (hIgE) in several media.

Structure of the membrane domain of human erythrocyte anion exchanger 1 revealed by electron crystallography.

The membrane domain of human erythrocyte anion exchanger 1 (AE1) works as a Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) antiporter. This exchange is a key step for CO(2)/O(2) circulation in the blood. In spite of their importance, structural information about AE1 and the AE (anion exchanger) family are still very limited.

Skin application of ketoprofen systemically suppresses contact hypersensitivity by inducing CD4(+) CD25(+) regulatory T cells.

Background: Ketoprofen (KP) is a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that inhibits prostaglandin biosynthesis. We have previously shown that topical KP treatment at the sensitizing site inhibits the development of contact hypersensitivity (CHS) to picryl chloride (PCl).

Objective: We investigated the mechanism underlying the KP-induced immunosuppression of CHS by application of KP.

Early postnatal ethanol exposure induces fluctuation in the expression of BDNF mRNA in the developing rat hippocampus.

Effects of early postnatal ethanol exposure on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA expression in the rat hippocampus were investigated. Wistar rats were assigned to either ethanol treatment (ET) separation control (SC) or mother-reared control (MRC) groups. Ethanol exposure was achieved by a vapor inhalation method for 3 hours a day between postnatal days (PND) 1015.