Proinflammatory cytokine-induced matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis is regulated by multiple intracellular mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways.

Objectives: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis (OA) is an inflammatory disease that involves periarthritis of the TMJ and destruction of cartilage tissue in the mandibular condyle. However, the role of proinflammatory cytokines in the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) remains inconclusive. Thus, in this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of proinflammatory cytokines on the expression of MMPs.

In vivo imaging of adipose-derived stem cell sheets on biodegradable nonwoven fabric using X-ray CT.

Background: A biodegradable nonwoven fabric that can be used to extract adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) from adipose tissue slices was developed, which were cultured rapidly without enzymatic treatment. The extracted and cultured ADSCs remain on the nonwoven fabric and form a thick cell sheet. The aim was to use the thick cell sheet as a treatment by transplanting it into the living body.

Brucella anthropi bacteremia: persistent bacteremia with minimal symptoms.

Brucella anthropi, an aerobic, glucose-nonfermenting gram-negative rod, is predominantly an opportunistic pathogen affecting immunosuppressed patients. This case report describes a 27-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus who developed persistent B. anthropi bacteremia following a pregnancy termination.

Optimizing post-harvest processing conditions for Angelica acutiloba roots in Hokkaido: storage temperature and duration.

The traditional post-harvest processing method of Angelica acutiloba roots, which involves hanging the roots outdoors after being harvested, is known to promote the conversion of starch in roots into sucrose, thereby increasing sweetness. At the same time, this method increases the dilute ethanol-soluble extract (DEE) content in A. acutiloba roots to meet the standard set by the Japanese Pharmacopoeia 18th edition.

Closed-Loop Automated Control System of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Left Ventricular Assist Device Support in Cardiogenic Shock.

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) benefits patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) but can increase left ventricular afterload and exacerbate pulmonary edema. Adding a percutaneous left ventricular assist device (LVAD) to VA-ECMO can optimize the hemodynamics. Because managing VA-ECMO and LVAD simultaneously is complex and labor-intensive, we developed a closed-loop automated control system for VA-ECMO and LVAD.