Two reductases complete steroidal glycoalkaloids biosynthesis in potato.

Steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGAs) are specialized metabolites primarily produced by Solanaceae plants such as potatoes and tomatoes. Notably, α-solanine and α-chaconine are recognized as toxic substances in potatoes. While the biosynthetic pathways of SGAs are largely understood, the final steps of α-solanine and α-chaconine biosynthesis remained elusive.

A lymph node lesion of hyper IL-6 syndrome mimicking plasmacytoma, IgG4-related disease, and Castleman disease.

A 72-year-old male patient presented fatigue, anemia, elevated total protein, IgG, IgG4, IL-6, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels. Initial diagnostics suspected multiple myeloma. A plane computed tomography (CT) scan showed pneumonia and the enlargement of generalized lymph nodes.

Complete genome of the mutualistic symbiont AIST from a Japanese strain of the pea aphid .

The genome of National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), an obligate bacterial endosymbiont from a Japanese strain of the pea aphid , was determined. The genome sequence provides valuable information for comparative and evolutionary aspects of the intimate insect-microbe mutualism.

A cellulose synthase-like protein governs the biosynthesis of alkaloids.

Decades of research on the infamous antinutritional steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGAs) in Solanaceae plants have provided deep insights into their metabolism and roles. However, engineering SGAs in heterologous hosts has remained a challenge. We discovered that a protein evolved from the machinery involved in building plant cell walls is the crucial link in the biosynthesis of SGAs.

Approach of design for air mass balance in an aseptic processing area for cell-based products.

Introduction: The manufacture of cell-based products requires assuring sterility through all processes, with aseptic processing in a cleanroom. The environment consists of a critical processing zone (CPZ) that can ensure a level of cleanliness that allows cell culture containers to be opened, and a support zone (SZ) adjacent to it and accessed by an operator. In this study, an environment for cell manufacturing was proposed by designing an air mass balance in an aseptic processing area (APA).

Immunotherapy Following Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Inhibitor Therapy for Patients with Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase‑Positive Non‑small Cell Lung Cancer in Japan.

Background: Although anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitors (ALKis) are the effective initial treatment for patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), most patients experience resistance to ALKis, leading to the need for alternative therapies. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a standard NSCLC treatment. On the other hand, their efficacy remains unclear for ALK-positive NSCLC.

Identification of as a positive awn regulator from two wild rice species.

The awn is a bristle-like appendage that protrudes from the seed tip and plays a critical role in preventing feed damage and spreading habitats in many grass species, including rice. While all wild species in the genus have awns, this trait has been eliminated in domesticated species due to its obstructive nature to agricultural processes. To date, several genes involved in awn development have been identified in wild rice, and which are ancestral species of cultivated rice in Asia and Africa, respectively.

Predictors of Gait Variability in Older Inpatients: An Exploratory Study Among Orthopedic Patients.

Aim Older inpatients have reduced physical function and walking ability with a higher risk of falls after being discharged home. Gait variability can assess ambulation and is strongly related to the risk of falls. However, the clinical factors affecting gait variability in inpatients have not been identified.

Establishing a new human lung squamous cell carcinoma cell line, OMUL-1, expressing insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor and programmed cell death ligand 1.

The Main Problem: Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most prevalent type of non-small cell lung cancer. Analyzing the molecular mechanisms underlying lung carcinoma requires useful tools, such as squamous lung cancer cell lines.

Methods: A novel new lung squamous cell carcinoma cell line, OMUL-1, was developed from the primary lung cancer of a 74-year-old man.

Radiographic Predictors of Lateral Translation in Patients With Residual Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis and Thoracolumbar/Lumbar Curves: A Focus on L3 Lateral Translation.

Background: Patients with residual adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and thoracolumbar/lumbar curves may present with progression after cessation of growth, with lateral translation as a major risk factor. Nonetheless, radiographic predictors and underlying mechanisms remain indefinite. This study aimed to determine these radiographic predictors and structural mechanisms in patients with residual AIS.

Feasibility of modified double-layered suturing for a large mucosal defect after duodenal endoscopic submucosal dissection (origami method).

A modified double-layered suturing procedure (origami method; OGM) can achieve robust closure, even for large mucosal defects, by folding the muscle layer using through-the-scope clips. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of OGM in duodenal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD).This retrospective, observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital.

Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor expression correlates with programmed death ligand 1 expression and poor survival in non-small cell lung cancer.

The insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) has been associated with growth and metastasis in various cancers. However, its role in postoperative recurrence and prognosis in lung cancer lacks clear consensus. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential relationship between IGF1R and postoperative recurrence as well as long-term survival in a large cohort.

Crucial roles of exosomes secreted from ganglioside GD3/GD2-positive glioma cells in enhancement of the malignant phenotypes and signals of GD3/GD2-negative glioma cells.

Neuroectoderm-derived tumors characteristically express gangliosides such as GD3 and GD2. Many studies have reported that gangliosides GD3/GD2 enhance malignant phenotypes of cancers. Recently, we reported that human gliomas expressing GD3/GD2 exhibited enhanced malignant phenotypes.

Long-standing preservation of levodopa response in progressive supranuclear palsy.

The clinical and neuropathological characteristics of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) with preservation of levodopa (L-dopa) response are described in this report. We present the case of a 73-year-old Japanese man with a 13-year history of dopa-responsive Parkinsonism and abnormalities observed in metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) myocardial scintigraphy, suggesting Parkinson's disease. However, autopsy results revealed PSP pathology, including tuft-shaped astrocytes and globose-type neurofibrillary tangles, without Lewy body pathology.

Derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio has the potential to predict safety and outcomes of durvalumab after chemoradiation in non-small cell lung cancer.

The usefulness of the derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (dNLR) and its dynamics before/after durvalumab consolidation therapy to predict safety or efficacy remains unclear. We retrospectively reviewed patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer treated with durvalumab consolidation therapy after chemoradiotherapy (D group) or chemoradiotherapy alone (non-D group) at multiple institutions. We investigated the association between dNLR, or its dynamics, and pneumonitis, checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis (CIP), irAEs, and efficacy.

Distinctive duodenal microbiomes and bile acid profiles in duodenal tumor patients revealed by prospective observational study.

The incidence of duodenal tumors (DTs) is increasing. However, the mechanisms underlying its development remain unclear. Environmental factors, including the microbiome and bile acids (BAs), are believed to influence tumor development.