Predicting interindividual response to theta burst stimulation in the lower limb motor cortex using machine learning.

Using theta burst stimulation (TBS) to induce neural plasticity has played an important role in improving the treatment of neurological disorders. However, the variability of TBS-induced synaptic plasticity in the primary motor cortex prevents its clinical application. Thus, factors associated with this variability should be explored to enable the creation of a predictive model.

Quantitative analysis of effects of hemodynamic stress on temporal variations of cardiac phases in models of human carotid bulbs.

In this study, we evaluated the hemodynamics of carotid artery models with carotid bulbs of various sizes using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and the Fluent CFD software. The oscillatory shear index (OSI) and flow velocity distribution were evaluated in carotid models without a carotid bulb and with carotid bulbs of known geometry (major axis of 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 mm; carotid bifurcation angle of 50°). Furthermore, the diameters of the common carotid artery, the external carotid artery, and the internal carotid artery were defined as 7.

Characteristics of lactic acid bacteria isolates and their effect on the fermentation quality of Napier grass silage at three high temperatures.

Background: The poor fermentation quality of silage is an important issue for silage production during the high temperatures of summer. Pediococcus acidilactici GG13 (GG13) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG26 (GG26) isolated from Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) silage were characterised by morphological and physiological tests and 16S rRNA sequencing analysis, and their effects, along with those of a commercial lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculant (CB), on the fermentation quality of facultative halophyte Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach) ensiled at 30 °C, 40 °C and 50 °C were studied, respectively.

Evaluation of the impact of carotid artery bifurcation angle on hemodynamics by use of computational fluid dynamics: a simulation and volunteer study.

In this study, we evaluated the hemodynamics of carotid artery bifurcation with various geometries using simulated and volunteer models based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was analyzed by use of OpenFOAM. The velocity distribution, streamline, and wall shear stress (WSS) were evaluated in a simulated model with known bifurcation angles (30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, derived from patients' data) and in three-dimensional (3D) healthy volunteer models.

[Quantitative Analysis of Wall Shear Stress for Human Carotid Bifurcation at Cardiac Phases by the Use of Phase Contrast Cine Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Computational Fluid Dynamics Study].

Purpose: Detailed strategy for regional hemodynamics is significant for knowledge of plaque development on vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to derive relation between atherosclerosis and hemodynamics at human carotid bifurcation by the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and to provide more accurate hemodynamic information.

Methods: Blood velocity datasets at common carotid artery were obtained by phase-contrast cine magnetic resonance imaging (PC cine MRI).

Quantitative comparison of hemodynamics in simulated and 3D angiography models of cerebral aneurysms by use of computational fluid dynamics.

In this study, we evaluated hemodynamics using simulated models and determined how cerebral aneurysms develop in simulated and patient-specific models based on medical images. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was analyzed by use of OpenFOAM software. Flow velocity, stream line, and wall shear stress (WSS) were evaluated in a simulated model aneurysm with known geometry and in a three-dimensional angiographic model.

A comparison of bolus injection of landiolol versus oral administration of propranolol before cardiac computed tomography.

Heart rate (HR) reduction is essential to achieve good image quality for cardiac computed tomography (CCT). We evaluated the efficacy of a bolus injection of landiolol, an ultra-short acting β-blocker, without the administration of oral β-blocker to reduce HR prior to CCT. We enrolled 678 consecutive patients who underwent CCT from December 2011 to March 2012 and divided them into three groups, which were a propranolol group (n = 277), a low-dose landiolol group (n = 188), and a high-dose landiolol group (n = 213).

[Tackling hemodynamic analysis of the carotid artery using open-source software and computational fluid dynamics].

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of wall share stress (WSS) in the carotid artery using a computed fluid dynamics analysis system and adopting open-source software.

Methods: The dependence of element number (computation time and analytical accuracy) were considered with simple vessel models. We evaluated WSS and flow velocity using a carotid artery model that was based on the outcome of simple vessel models.

Differential impact of multi-focus fan beam collimation with L-mode and conventional systems on the accuracy of myocardial perfusion imaging: Quantitative evaluation using phantoms.

Objectives: A novel IQ-SPECT™ method has become widely used in clinical studies. The present study compares the quality of myocardial perfusion images (MPI) acquired using the IQ-SPECT™ (IQ-mode), conventional (180° apart: C-mode) and L-mode (90° apart: L-mode) systems. We assessed spatial resolution, image reproducibility and quantifiability using various physical phantoms.

Mutation of Phe318 within the NPxxY(x)(5,6)F motif in melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 1 results in an efficient signaling activity.

Melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 1 (MCHR1) is a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that plays an important role in feeding by coupling to Gα(q)- and Gα(i)-mediated signal transduction pathways. To interrogate the molecular basis for MCHR1 activation, we analyzed the effect of a series of site-directed mutations on rat MCHR1 function. In the highly conserved NPxxY(x)(5,6)F domain of GPCRs, the phenylalanine residue is involved in structural constraints; replacement with alanine generally leads to impaired/lost GPCR function.

[Validation of optimal coronary angiography angle for the branch form of the left main trunk by use of multi detector computed tomography].

Purpose: The aim of this study was to derive optimal coronary angiography (CAG) angle for the form information on the left main trunk (LMT) by use of multi detector computed tomography (MDCT).

Methods: To verify the accuracy of angle measurement with MDCT, the angle of phantom with known angle was compared with MDCT (CT method) and angiography (AG method). The take-off angle of LMT was derived using CT method from 200 cases who underwent cardiac CT in this institution.

Human gingival epithelial cells produce chemotactic factors interleukin-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 after stimulation with Porphyromonas gingivalis via toll-like receptor 2.

Background: The mechanism of stimulation of human gingival epithelial cells (HGEC) by Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) has not been fully clarified yet. In order to investigate the possible activation of HGEC by Pg through Toll-like receptors (TLRs), we analyzed the production of chemotactic factors and the activated nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB).

Methods: The mRNA expression of TLRs and the protein expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in HGEC and gingival tissue were assessed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay and immunohistochemical staining.

Induction of CD13 on T-lymphocytes by adhesive interaction with gingival fibroblasts.

Lymphocytes in peripheral blood do not express CD13 (aminopeptidase N), a membrane alanyl metallopeptidase. However, it has been demonstrated that locally infiltrated lymphocytes in chronic inflammatory sites can be CD13-positive, and possible involvement of stromal cell adherence in the induction of CD13 has been suggested. In this study, we examined whether T-lymphocyte/gingival-fibroblast interaction can activate T-lymphocytes to express CD13.

Involvement of CD73 (ecto-5'-nucleotidase) in adenosine generation by human gingival fibroblasts.

Adenosine has various biological effects on human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) and epithelial cells closely associated with inflammation, such as cytokine production and cell adhesion. However, the mechanism of adenosine formation in periodontal tissues is not yet defined. In this study, we examined the involvement of CD73 (ecto-5'-nucleotidase) in adenosine generation by HGF.

Recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) stimulates periodontal regeneration in class II furcation defects created in beagle dogs.

Several growth factors (or cytokines) have been recently investigated for their use as potential therapeutics for periodontal tissue regeneration. The objective of this study was to evaluate periodontal tissue regeneration, including new bone and cementum formation, following topical application of recombinant basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF, FGF-2) to furcation class II defects. Twelve furcation class II bone defects were surgically created in six beagle dogs, then recombinant bFGF (30 micro g/site) + gelatinous carrier was topically applied to the bony defects.

IL-15 up-regulates iNOS expression and NO production by gingival epithelial cells.

To investigate the biological activity of epithelial cells in view of host defense, we analyzed the mRNA expression of inducible NOS (iNOS) as well as NO production by human gingival epithelial cells (HGEC) stimulated with IL-15. RT-PCR analysis revealed that HGEC expressed IL-15 receptor alpha-chain mRNA. In addition, stimulation with IL-15 enhanced iNOS expression by HGEC through an increase of both mRNA and protein levels.

Activation of adenosine-receptor-enhanced iNOS mRNA expression by gingival epithelial cells.

A series of reports has revealed that adenosine has a plethora of biological actions toward a large variety of cells. In this study, we investigated the influence of adenosine receptor activation on iNOS mRNA expression in human gingival epithelial cells (HGEC) and SV-40-transformed HGEC. HGEC expressed adenosine receptor subtypes A1, A2a, and A2b, but not A3 mRNA.

Adenosine regulates the IL-1 beta-induced cellular functions of human gingival fibroblasts.

In this study we examined the influence of adenosine on the cellular functions of human gingival fibroblasts (HGF), such as the production of inflammatory cytokines and extracellular matrices (ECM), and the expression and function of adhesion molecules. Concerning the expression of adenosine receptors, RT-PCR analysis revealed that HGF expressed adenosine receptor A1, A2a and A2b, but not A3 mRNA. Ligation of adenosine receptors by adenosine or its related analogue, 2-chloroadenosine (2-CADO), N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) or CGS21680 synergistically increased IL-1beta-induced IL-6 and IL-8 production.

Adenosine regulates the production of interleukin-6 by human gingival fibroblasts via cyclic AMP/protein kinase A pathway.

Adenosine has been reported to alter a variety functions of the cells that participate in inflammatory responses. However, the effect(s) of adenosine on human gingival fibroblasts (HGF), one of the immunomodulator cells in inflamed periodontal lesions, remains to be established. In this study, we examined the influence of adenosine on the production of interleukin (IL)-6 by HGF.

Direct interaction between gingival fibroblasts and lymphoid cells induces inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression in gingival fibroblasts.

In inflamed periodontal lesions, dense infiltration of lymphocytes is usually observed in the extravascular periodontal connective tissue, adjacent to gingival fibroblasts. Our previous study revealed that activated lymphocytes can adhesively interact with gingival fibroblasts in vitro. In the present study, we investigated whether gingival fibroblasts are activated through direct interaction with lymphoid cells by monitoring the expression of inflammatory cytokine mRNA in human gingival fibroblasts (HGF).

Immunoregulatory roles of adhesive interactions between lymphocytes and gingival fibroblasts.

Chronic adult periodontitis is usually characterized by inflammatory cell accumulation in the extravascular periodontal connective tissue. In order to reveal how the lymphocyte migration and retention in periodontal lesions is regulated, we have focused on the molecular basis for the adhesive interactions between lymphocytes and human gingival fibroblasts (HGF). In this study, we investigated the involvement of cell adhesion molecules in adhesive interactions between lymphocytes and HGF.

CD44-hyaluronate interaction participates in the adherence of T-lymphocytes to gingival fibroblasts.

It has already been clarified that peripheral blood T-lymphocytes which had been activated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) acquired the ability to bind to human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) and that the adherence was mediated by VLA integrins. However, these studies also raised the possibility that molecules other than VLA integrins should be involved in the adherence between T-lymphocytes and HGF. In this study, the possible involvement of CD44, a hyaluronate receptor, in heterotypic cell-cell interactions was investigated.

Diagnostic strategies of periodontitis based on the molecular mechanisms of periodontal tissue destruction.

Objective: Periodontitis is a disease showing differences in disease progression between patients and between sites within a patient. Routine clinical examinations today are not useful enough to distinguish susceptible patients and active lesions from resistant patients and chronic lesions. Diagnostic markers should be pathogenic and inflammatory factors participating in periodontal tissue destruction.

Inducible binding of human lymphocytes to hyaluronate via CD44 does not require cytoskeleton association but does require new protein synthesis.

We have examined molecular mechanisms of the PMA-inducible HA binding ability of human lymphocytes. Newly established OS/6 and OS/37, specific for human CD44, specifically inhibited PMA-induced HA binding of several human cell lines, suggesting that both mAb detect HA binding epitope(s) on CD44. Sequential staining revealed that these mAb cross-blocked each other's binding to Molt-4, T lymphoblast lines, and that neither of them interfered with staining of Molt-4 by other anti-CD44 mAb which induced significant homotypic cell aggregation.