Expression and characterization of cholesterol oxidase with high thermal and pH stability from .

Cholesterol oxidases (COXases) have a diverse array of applications including analysis of blood cholesterol levels, synthesis of steroids, and utilization as an insecticidal protein. The COXase gene from was cloned and expressed in . The purified COXase showed an optimal temperature of 60 °C and maintained about 96 and 72% of its initial activity after 30 min at 60 and 70 °C, respectively.

Influence of financial burden on withdrawal or change of cancer treatment in Japan: results of a bereavement survey.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effect of financial burden of cancer treatment from diagnosis to end-of-life on treatment withdrawal or change in Japan.

Methods: This study was part of a nationwide survey of bereaved family members of cancer patients in Japan (J-HOPE2016 study). Questions regarding withdrawal or change of cancer treatment (stratified according to whether the treatment was recommended by physicians or based on the patients' request), financial difficulties in coping with cancer treatment expenses, and the participants' socioeconomic background were asked.