Transcription of human β4-galactosyltransferase 3 is regulated by differential DNA binding of Sp1/Sp3 in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma and A549 human lung cancer cell lines.

Poor prognosis of neuroblastoma patients has been shown to be associated with increased expression of β4-galactosyltransferase (β4GalT) 3. To address the underlying mechanism of the increased expression of β4GalT3, the transcriptional regulation of the human β4GalT3 gene was investigated in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line comparing with A549 human lung cancer cell line, in which the β4GalT3 gene expression was the lowest among four cancer cell lines examined. The core promoter region was identified between nucleotides -69 and -6 relative to the transcriptional start site, and the same region was utilized in both cell lines.

Identification of a gene encoding glutathione S-transferase that is related to anthocyanin accumulation in buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum).

Anthocyanins are a group of flavonoids found in buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) and many other plant species; however; little is known about their mechanisms of synthesis and regulation in buckwheat. We previously reported a spontaneous mutant buckwheat line that shows the green stem phenotype; this line does not accumulate anthocyanins but synthesizes flavonol and proanthocyanidin in the stem. Here, we used this line and lines developed by this line to search for genes related to anthocyanin accumulation in buckwheat.

The Impaired Balance Systems Identified by the BESTest in Older Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis.

Background: Balance decreases and activities of daily living (ADLs) deteriorate in older people with knee osteoarthritis (KOA); however, little is known about the systems underlying poor balance control and how those impaired systems are related to decreased ADL.

Objectives: To explore which balance systems are particularly impaired and to examine the relationship between physical ADL and balance in older people with KOA.

Design: Case-control study.

Catastrophic head and neck injuries in judo players in Japan from 2003 to 2010.

Background: Few studies have documented catastrophic head and neck injuries in judo, but these injuries deserve greater attention.

Purpose: To determine the features of catastrophic head and neck injuries in judo.

Study Design: Descriptive epidemiological study.

Efficacy of acupuncture during post-acute phase of rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether acupuncture is effective in reducing pain and swelling around the knee and improving range of motion (ROM) during the post-acute phase of rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods: Following TKA, 80 knees in 80 patients were randomly assigned to either an acupuncture treatment group (Group A) or a control group (Group C). In Group A, the complementary treatment of acupuncture was performed three times/week from postoperative day 7 until postoperative day 21.