Publications by authors named "Soga T"

Although mutations in human patatin-like phospholipase PNPLA6 are associated with hereditary retinal degenerative diseases, its mechanistic action in the retina is poorly understood. Here, we uncover the molecular mechanism by which PNPLA6 dysfunction disturbs retinal homeostasis and visual function. PNPLA6, by acting as a phospholipase B, regulates choline mobilization from phosphatidylcholine and subsequent choline turnover for phosphatidylcholine regeneration in retinal pigment epithelial cells.

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Introduction: Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a condition in which patients suffering from depression no longer respond to common methods of treatment, such as anti-depressant medication. Neurosurgical procedures such as ablative surgery, deep brain stimulation, and vagus nerve stimulation have been used in efforts to overcome TRD.

Objectives: This review aims to provide an overview of the side effects of neurosurgery performed in clinical studies related to depression.

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Hepatic glucose metabolism serves dual purposes: maintaining glucose homeostasis and converting glucose into energy sources; however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We quantitatively measured liver metabolites, gene expression, and phosphorylated insulin signaling molecules in mice orally administered varying doses of glucose, and constructed a transomic network. Rapid phosphorylation of insulin signaling molecules in response to glucose intake was observed, in contrast to the more gradual changes in gene expression.

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The growing interest in high-efficiency solar energy technologies has driven research on multijunction solar cells to flourish over the last several years. This study sheds light on the optical, structural, and morphological aspects of the (CHNH)BiI ((MA)BiI) film by fabricating and analyzing it experimentally. This thorough investigation lays the groundwork for more research into the film's possible uses in solar cell technology.

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  • Vaccine protection against SARS-CoV-2 relies on T cells and neutralizing antibodies, and a new antigen delivery system called pullulan nanogel (PNG) enhances the induction of CD8 T cells.
  • PNG selectively targets medullary macrophages by binding to the C-type lectin SIGN-R1, which is crucial for effective vaccine delivery.
  • In mouse models, vaccinations with PNG-encapsulated spikes reduced viral load and improved survival, emphasizing that even low-frequency specific CD8 T cells significantly contribute to clearing the virus and improving vaccine effectiveness.
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  • - The study aimed to analyze the electromyography (EMG) activity of the biceps femoris (BF) muscle during the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) before and after a critical angle known as the break-point angle (BPA), using data collected through a smartphone app.
  • - Researchers set out to validate the hypothesis that BF EMG activity would peak at the BPA and then gradually decline, measuring activity through specific knee flexion angles during the exercise.
  • - Findings indicated there was no significant difference in EMG activity at BPA compared to peak activity, but BF EMG significantly decreased 20-25° after BPA, emphasizing the need for knee flexion exercises to maintain higher BF EMG at certain angles
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Metabolic abnormalities play a pivotal role in various pathological conditions, necessitating the quantification of specific metabolites for diagnosis. While mass spectrometry remains the primary method for metabolite measurement, its limited throughput underscores the need for biosensors capable of rapid detection. Previously, we reported that pillar[6]arene with 12 carboxylate groups (P6AC) forms host-guest complexes with 1-methylnicotinamide (1-MNA), which is produced in vivo by nicotinamide -methyltransferase (NNMT).

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Recent studies reveal that biosynthesis of iron-sulfur clusters (Fe-Ss) is essential for cell proliferation, including that of cancer cells. Nonetheless, it remains unclear how Fe-S biosynthesis functions in cell proliferation/survival. Here, we report that proper Fe-S biosynthesis is essential to prevent cellular senescence, apoptosis, or ferroptosis, depending on cell context.

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Background/aim: F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) is reportedly associated with the malignant potential of cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the association between FDG accumulation and tumor metabolism in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Patients And Methods: A prognostic analysis of data from 131 patients with PDAC who underwent FDG-PET/CT before curative-intent pancreatic surgery was performed.

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Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes to the poor prognosis of patients with cancer by promoting distant metastasis and anti-cancer drug resistance. Several distinct metabolic alterations have been identified as key EMT phenotypes. In the present study, we further characterize the role of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-induced EMT in non-small-cell lung cancer.

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  • Gut bacteria are connected to neurodegenerative diseases, but understanding their role is limited due to the complexities beyond just microbiota composition.
  • In a study using a mouse model for multiple sclerosis, researchers tested various genotypes and microbiota combinations to see how they affected neuroinflammation severity.
  • They found that while certain bacteria like Akkermansia muciniphila are linked to MS, other factors like individual immune responses and the overall microbial community play a crucial role in predicting disease severity.
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Major depressive disorder (MDD) patients commonly encounter multiple types of functional disabilities, such as social, physical, and role functioning. MDD is related to an accreted risk of brain atrophy, aging-associated brain diseases, and mortality. Based on recently available studies, there are correlations between notable biological brain aging and MDD in adulthood.

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  • Recent research shows a link between gut microbiota and sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC), but its relationship with hereditary Lynch Syndrome (LS) is not well understood.
  • A study examined the gut microbiota and metabolites in 71 Japanese LS patients compared to 437 non-LS controls, revealing that LS patients have lower microbial diversity and specific metabolite profiles.
  • The findings indicate that gut microbiota may be more actively involved in tumor formation in LS patients than in those with sporadic CRC.
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  • The study investigates the common marmoset as a potential animal model for predicting the pharmacokinetics of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), an area traditionally studied using cynomolgus monkeys and human FcRn transgenic mice.
  • Three mAbs (canakinumab, adalimumab, and bevacizumab) with known linear pharmacokinetics in humans were tested, with marmoset data for canakinumab already available and additional data for the other two acquired in-house.
  • The results suggested that marmosets could effectively predict human pharmacokinetic outcomes, although more research with a wider range of mAbs is needed to confirm their versatility as a model.
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  • Accumulation of senescent cells leads to pathological aging, but removing these cells (senolysis) can improve age-related issues.
  • The SGLT2 inhibitor canagliflozin helps eliminate senescent cells in mice with dietary obesity, reducing inflammation and metabolic problems without relying on insulin treatment.
  • Canagliflozin not only extends lifespan in mice with premature aging but also enhances immune clearance of senescent cells by affecting specific metabolic pathways.
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First-time lateral ankle sprains often lead to chronic ankle instability (CAI), with 47% facing recurrent injuries, emphasizing the need for preventive measures. Side-cutting movements in sports pose a risk for CAI individuals due to potential biomechanical control alterations. While the hop-stabilization warm-up program has proven effective in preventing ankle sprains, its specific acute impact on CAI individuals lacks substantial evidence.

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Malignant tumors are characterized by a hypoxic microenvironment, and metabolic reprogramming is necessary to ensure energy production and oxidative stress resistance. Although the microenvironmental properties of tumors vary under acute and chronic hypoxia, studies on chronic hypoxia-induced metabolic changes are limited. In the present study, we performed a comprehensive metabolic analysis in a chronic hypoxia model using colorectal cancer (CRC) organoids, and identified an amino acid supply system through the γ-glutamyl cycle, a glutathione recycling pathway.

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  • The study focuses on using metabolomics profiles in urine and plasma to improve health risk assessments for low-level cadmium exposure in a large population sample.
  • Researchers analyzed 123 urinary and 94 plasma metabolites from over 3,400 participants, adjusting for various factors like age, gender, and lifestyle choices.
  • Findings indicated that certain urinary metabolites, especially N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), were linked to cadmium levels, with specific metabolites showing consistent associations across different exposure levels and pathways related to mitochondria being affected.
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  • Overcoming resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors is critical for treating non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which includes different molecular subtypes with distinct immune landscapes.
  • The study identifies three adenocarcinoma subtypes (TRU, PP, PI) and their immune responses, finding that the PI subtype has a stronger immune activation while the PP subtype shows features that suppress the immune response.
  • Understanding these immune characteristics can guide personalized treatment strategies, suggesting that immune checkpoint inhibitors may work well for the PI subtype and that targeting glycolysis could help improve the immune response in the PP subtype.
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  • Obesity disrupts liver metabolism during both feeding and fasting, leading to a loss of metabolic balance, though the exact mechanisms are still unclear.
  • A study gathered multi-omics data from both normal mice and leptin-deficient obese mice to analyze the differences in metabolic reactions during feeding and after 16 hours of fasting.
  • The research found that metabolic intermediates fluctuate between feeding and fasting, with certain regulations reversing their effects, indicating a complex dysregulation of metabolism associated with obesity.
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Lipoma of the corpus callosum, also known as pericallosal lipoma, is a rare congenital brain abnormality associated with corpus callosum dysgenesis or agenesis. Two morphological types are described: tubulonodular and curvilinear, with the latter being mostly asymptomatic. We present the case of a 30-year-old woman with epilepsy, whose magnetic resonance imaging revealed a "caterpillar sign" in the corpus callosum associated with a curvilinear pericallosal lipoma.

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Background: The benefit of performing the Nordic Hamstring Exercise (NHE) on an inclined board has been described, however, isometric hamstring activation in different knee and hip angles has not yet been thoroughly explored.

Purpose: This study investigated the effect of variations in knee and hip angles during the isometric performance of the NHE on electromyographic activity of the hamstring muscles.

Study Design: Crossover study.

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Inorganic metal halide solar cells made from perovskite stand out for having outstanding efficiency, cheap cost, and simple production processes and recently have generated attention as a potential rival in photovoltaic technology. Particularly, lead-free CaAsBr inorganic materials have a lot of potential in the renewable industry due to their excellent qualities, including thermal, electric, optoelectronic, and elastic features. In this work, we thoroughly analyzed the stress-driven structural, mechanical, electrical, and optical properties of CaAsBr utilizing first-principles theory.

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