Potential of Cellulomonas fimi for polysaccharide-fueled microbial fuel cells.

To generate power from various biomass using microbial fuel cells (MFCs), microorganisms with high potential are essential. Therefore, this study examined the feasibility of using Cellulomonas fimi and Shewanella oneidensis as MFCs fueled by starch, cellulose, chitin, and chitosan. To our knowledge, this is the first report of power generation using C.

The role of semaphorin 3A on chondrogenic differentiation.

Osteoblast-derived semaphorin3A (Sema3A) has been reported to be involved in bone protection, and Sema3A knockout mice have been reported to exhibit chondrodysplasia. From these reports, Sema3A is considered to be involved in chondrogenic differentiation and skeletal formation, but there are many unclear points about its function and mechanism in chondrogenic differentiation. This study investigated the pharmacological effects of Sema3A in chondrogenic differentiation.

Cellulose-fueled microbial fuel cells equipped with a bipolar membrane using hydrogen phosphate as the final electron acceptor.

Objectives: A bipolar membrane microbial fuel cell (bMFC) is used to generate electricity using cellulose in phosphate buffer solution as fuel, and the mechanism of electricity generation is elucidated from five reference experiments.

Results: The bMFC was operated for 20 days using cellulose as fuel and Cellulomonas fimi. In the first reference experiment, no microorganism was used.

Longitudinal effects of estrogen on mandibular growth and changes in cartilage during the growth period in rats.

Estrogen is a steroid hormone that induces skeletal growth and affects endochondral ossification of the long tubular bone growth plate during the growth period. However, the effects of estrogen on endochondral ossification of the mandibular condylar cartilage are unclear. In this study, ovariectomized Wistar/ST rats were used to investigate the longitudinal effects of estrogen on mandibular growth.

Orthodontic Treatment for a Patient with Root Resorption of All Four Maxillary Incisors due to Bilaterally Impacted Canines.

Maxillary canines require the longest period from the generation of the tooth germ to the completion of eruption, and they have more difficulties in eruption than other teeth. The incisor roots are often resorbed due to malpositioned canines. An 11-year-old girl presented with an extremely rare case of root resorption of four maxillary incisors due to bilaterally impacted maxillary canines, which were located excessively mesially.

Characteristics of the Maxillofacial Morphology in Patients with Idiopathic Mandibular Condylar Resorption.

Idiopathic mandibular condylar resorption (ICR) is a pathological condition characterized by idiopathic resorption of the mandibular condyle, resulting in a decrease in the size and height of the mandibular condyle. The purpose of this study was to characterize the maxillofacial morphology of ICR patients. Subjects were selected from patients that attended our orthodontic clinic between 1991 and 2019.

Microbial fuel cells using α-amylase-displaying Escherichia coli with starch as fuel.

Escherichia coli JM109 (pGV3-SBA) can assimilate starch by fusing the starch-digesting enzyme α-amylase from Streptococcus bovis NRIC1535 to an OprI' lipoprotein anchor on the cell membrane. This study shows microbial fuel cells (MFCs) development using this recombinant type of E. coli and starch as fuel.

High-frequency near-infrared diode laser irradiation suppresses IL-1β-induced inflammatory cytokine expression and NF-κB signaling pathways in human primary chondrocytes.

Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are common inflammation-associated cartilage degenerative diseases. Recent studies have shown that low-level diode laser treatment can reduce inflammatory cytokine expressions in cartilage. We recently reported that high-frequency low-level diode laser irradiation attenuates matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) expression in human primary chondrocytes.

Ingestion of Okinawa Island Vegetables Increases IgA Levels and Prevents the Spread of Influenza RNA Viruses.

Background: It has been hypothesized that flavonoid ingestion stimulates immunity, promotes health, and prevents human illness. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the association of the levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA) with the prevention of influenza infections and with the polyphenols contained in Okinawan vegetables.

Methods: IgA, immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) levels were measured in 44 outpatients who regularly ingested vegetables grown on Okinawa Island (200-300 g/day for ≥ 300 days/year) with no history of influenza infection and in 73 patients who ingested the vegetables irregularly or not at all with a history of influenza infection.

ANGPTL2 Induces Synovial Inflammation via LILRB2.

Angiopoietin-like proteins (ANGPTLs) are circulating proteins that are expressed in various cells and tissues and are thought to be involved in the repair and remodeling of damaged tissues; however, ANGPTL2 hyperfunction has been shown to cause chronic inflammation, leading to the progression of various diseases. ANGPTL2 is known to exert cellular effects via receptors such as integrin α5β1 and leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor subfamily B member 2 (LILRB2); however, their roles in ANGPTL2-induced inflammation remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying ANGPTL2-induced inflammation involving LILRB2 and various signaling pathways in human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (HFLS).

Examination of the effect of combined use of Er:YAG laser irradiation and mechanical force loading on bone metabolism using primary human gingival fibroblasts.

Prolonged treatment and painful tooth movement are major problems for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Accelerating the movement of teeth leads to shortening of the treatment period, so various studies on the movement of teeth have been conducted in the field of orthodontics. In previous studies, we performed a fiber incision-like fiberotomy using an Er:YAG laser in rats and confirmed acceleration of tooth movement.

FAK inhibition protects condylar cartilage under excessive mechanical stress.

Objectives: Excessive mechanical stress is assumed to be a major cause of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis (OA). +Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a cytoplasmic non-receptor tyrosine kinase involved in a variety of signaling pathways. Little has been reported on the function of FAK in TMJ-OA.

High-Frequency Near-Infrared Diode Laser Irradiation Attenuates IL-1β-Induced Expression of Inflammatory Cytokines and Matrix Metalloproteinases in Human Primary Chondrocytes.

High-frequency near-infrared diode laser provides a high-peak output, low-heat accumulation, and efficient biostimulation. Although these characteristics are considered suitable for osteoarthritis (OA) treatment, the effect of high-frequency near-infrared diode laser irradiation in in vitro or in vivo OA models has not yet been reported. Therefore, we aimed to assess the biological effects of high-frequency near-infrared diode laser irradiation on IL-1β-induced chondrocyte inflammation in an in vitro OA model.

Protective effects of cilengitide on inflammation in chondrocytes under excessive mechanical stress.

Chondrocytes constantly receive external stimuli, which regulates remodeling. An optimal level of mechanical stress is essential for maintaining chondrocyte homeostasis, however, excessive mechanical stress induces inflammatory cytokines and protease, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Therefore, excessive mechanical stress is considered to be one of the main causes to cartilage destruction leading to osteoarthritis (OA).

ANGPTL2 Promotes Inflammation via Integrin α5β1 in Chondrocytes.

Background: Angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL2) is a secreted molecule with numerous physiologic and pathologic functions, for example, in angiogenesis, hematopoiesis, and tumorigenesis. Although recent studies implicated ANGPTL2 in chronic inflammation in mouse peritoneal macrophages, human ligamentum flavum fibroblasts, and human retinal microvascular endothelial cells, the mechanism underlying ANGPTL2-associated inflammation in chondrocytes remains unclear. Therefore, it was investigated whether ANGPTL2 is expressed in or functions in chondrocytes.

Anti-stress and Antioxidant Effects of Non Centrifuged Cane Sugar, Kokuto, in Restraint-Stressed Mice.

Stress is a part of everyday life, but excessive stress can be related to diverse diseases. Recently, oral intake of a non-centrifuged cane sugar, Kokuto, was reported to produce potential anti-stress effects in humans. However, the molecular components associated with the anti-stress property of Kokuto remain mostly unknown.

Semaphorin 3A Inhibits Inflammation in Chondrocytes under Excessive Mechanical Stress.

Background: Excessive mechanical stress causes inflammation and destruction of cartilage and is considered one of the cause of osteoarthritis (OA). Expression of semaphorin 3A (Sema3A), which is an axon guidance molecule, has been confirmed in chondrocytes. However, there are few reports about Sema3A in chondrocytes, and the effects of Sema3A on inflammation in the cartilage are poorly understood.

Cyclic Tensile Strain Upregulates Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Expression Via FAK-MAPK Signaling in Chondrocytes.

Excessive mechanical stimulation is considered an important factor in the destruction of chondrocytes. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is non-receptor tyrosine kinase related to a number of different signaling proteins. Little is known about the function of FAK in chondrocytes under mechanical stimulation.

The C-terminus of the amelogenin peptide influences the proliferation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.

Background: Amelogenins are a family of enamel matrix proteins that are important for formation of enamel. Amelogenins may induce division of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), among others. Recently, the C-terminus of the amelogenin peptide (AMG-CP) has been shown to enhance the proliferation of cementoblast lineage cells.

Flavor characteristics and antioxidant capacities of hihatsumodoki ( Vahl) fresh fruit at three edible maturity stages.

To determine the effect of maturity stage on the food attributes of hihatsumodoki ( Vahl) fresh fruit, the flavor characteristics and antioxidant capacities were investigated at green (GM), orange (OM), and red maturity (RM) stages. Total organic acids, total free amino acids (FAA), and piperine decreased with increasing fruit maturation, reaching minima at the RM stage. Conversely, total sugars and the FAA that contribute to both umami and sweetness were the highest RM stage.

Effect of high-frequency near-infrared diode laser irradiation on periodontal tissues during experimental tooth movement in rats.

Background And Objectives: Tooth movement during orthodontic treatment is associated with bone neoplasticity and bone resorption on the tension and pressure sides. Previous clinical studies have suggested that low-power laser irradiation can accelerate tooth movement during orthodontic treatment, although the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we used a high-frequency near-infrared diode laser that generates less heat and examined the histologic changes in periodontal tissue during experimental tooth movement with laser irradiation.

Extended aroma extract dilution analysis profile of Shiikuwasha (Citrus depressa Hayata) pulp essential oil.

Shiikuwasha pulp is an important raw material for producing citrus essential oils. The volatile aroma composition of pulp essential oil was evaluated using gas chromatography (GC) methods, and its aroma profile was assessed using GC-olfactometry with an extended aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) technique in regard to alterations of odor strength and sensorial perception throughout serial dilution steps. The essential oil comprised a mixture of 55 aroma compounds, including monoterpene hydrocarbon, sesquiterpene hydrocarbon, alcohol, aldehyde, ester, and oxide compounds.

Effects of high-frequency near-infrared diode laser irradiation on the proliferation and migration of mouse calvarial osteoblasts.

Laser irradiation activates a range of cellular processes and can promote tissue repair. Here, we examined the effects of high-frequency near-infrared (NIR) diode laser irradiation on the proliferation and migration of mouse calvarial osteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1). MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured and exposed to high-frequency (30 kHz) 910-nm diode laser irradiation at a dose of 0, 1.

Effects of C-terminal amelogenin peptides on the metabolism of osteoblasts.

Objectives: Amelogenins, enamel matrix proteins secreted by ameloblasts, comprise 90% of the developing extracellular enamel matrix. Recent evidence suggests that amelogenins might induce the proliferation of various cells. However, the residues comprising the active site of amelogenin remain unclear.

Composition, Taste, Aroma, and Antioxidant Activity of Solidified Noncentrifugal Brown Sugars Prepared from Whole Stalk and Separated Pith of Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.).

In this study, 2 types of solidified noncentrifugal brown sugars (W-NCS and P-NCS) were prepared from the whole stalk and separated pith, respectively, of raw sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.). These products were discriminated in terms of their quality attributes, including color, sugars and minerals composition, taste, aroma, and antioxidant activity.