Padding the seat of a wheelchair reduces ischial pressure and improves sitting comfort.

In this study, we aimed to examine whether a wheelchair cushion placed directly atop a sling seat or deflection of the sling seat compensated by a pad along with the placement of a wheelchair cushion changed sitting pressure. Additionally, we examined whether these additions changed sitting comfort. For twenty healthy adults who consented to participate, measurements were taken for three types of cushions, each with and without padding, under six conditions.

Causes of Hospitalization in Children with Down Syndrome.

: Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal disorder in the world. It is caused by the imbalance of the chromosomal constitution of 21 by free trisomy, translocation or mosaicism. Children and adolescents with Down syndrome have immune dysregulation and are more susceptible to infections.

Stability of ischial pressure with 3D thermoplastic elastomer cushion and the characteristics of four types of cushions in pressure redistribution.

Wheelchair cushions are recommended to be used with wheelchair and can protect the buttocks from pain and injury by relieving interface pressure for wheelchair users. However, further investigations are required for proper use in response to the development of new types of wheelchair cushions. The objective of this study was to evaluate physical characteristics of wheelchair cushions by comparing pressure redistributing effects of four types of cushions.

Rhodopsin mislocalization drives ciliary dysregulation in a novel autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa knock-in mouse model.

Rhodopsin mislocalization encompasses various blind conditions. Rhodopsin mislocalization is the primary factor leading to rod photoreceptor dysfunction and degeneration in autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP) caused by class I mutations. In this study, we report a new knock-in mouse model that harbors a class I Q344X mutation in the endogenous rhodopsin gene, which causes rod photoreceptor degeneration in an autosomal dominant pattern.

Phage single-stranded DNA-binding protein or host DNA damage triggers the activation of the AbpAB phage defense system.

Although numerous phage defense systems have recently been discovered in bacteria, how these systems defend against phage propagation or sense phage infections remains unclear. The AbpAB defense system targets several lytic and lysogenic phages harboring DNA genomes. A phage-encoded single-stranded DNA-binding protein, Gp32, activates this system similar to other phage defense systems such as Retron-Eco8, Hachiman, ShosTA, Nhi, and Hna.

Optimization of Apta-Sensing Platform for Detection of Prostate Cancer Marker PCA3.

This work is a continuation of our research into the development of simple, reliable, and cost-effective methods for the early diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa). The proposed method is based on the electrochemical detection of the PCA3 biomarker of PCa (long non-coded RNA transcript expressed in urine) using a specific aptamer labeled with a redox group (methylene blue). The electrochemical measurements (cyclic voltammograms) obtained from electrodes functionalized with the aptamer were complemented in this work by another biosensing technique: total internal reflection ellipsometry (TIRE).

Oxidized Phospholipids and Neutrophil Elastase Coordinately Play Critical Roles in NET Formation.

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are web-like structures consisting of decondensed chromatin DNA and contents of granules, such as myeloperoxidase (MPO) and neutrophil elastase (NE). NETs are usually released from neutrophils undergoing NETosis, a neutrophil-specific cell death mode characterized by the collapse and disappearance of cell membranes and nuclear envelopes. It is well known that production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) triggers NETosis and NET formation.

; Zebrafish Reveals Lrp5 Can Be the Receptor of Retinol in the Visual Cycle.

Vision is essential for vertebrates including humans. Sustained vision is accomplished by retinoid metabolism, the "visual cycle," where all- retinol (atROL) is incorporated into the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) from photoreceptors presumably through decade-long missing receptor(s). Here, we show that the LDL-related receptor-5 (Lrp5) protein is linked to the retinol binding protein 1a (Rbp1a), the transporter of atROL in the visual cycle, by generating and analyzing the digenic ; zebrafish, the same form of gene defect detected in a human case of inherited retinal degeneration.

Periodontal disease: Repercussions in pregnant woman and newborn health-A cohort study.

Objective: To investigate the repercussion of periodontal disease (PD) in the pregnant woman health and the complications during pregnancy and delivery, as well as negative outcomes for the newborn (as infections, prematurity, low birth weight and fetal growth restriction).

Method: Retrospective cohort study, based on medical records of 142 pregnant women assisted at a prenatal service of usual risk between 2012-2014, with a dental evaluation for PD. Maternal variables, along with labor and newborn variables, were analyzed.

Intra- and interspecies comparison of transcripts highlights its characteristics in the eye.

Inherited mutations in the eyes shut homolog () gene cause retinitis pigmentosa. Although knock out of in zebrafish is pathogenic, the molecular function of in vertebrate photoreceptors is poorly understood. Here, we show that the 5' portion of is eye-specific across vertebrates.

The manner of decay of genetically defective EYS gene transcripts in photoreceptor-directed fibroblasts derived from retinitis pigmentosa patients depends on the type of mutation.

Background: Generation of induced photoreceptors holds promise for in vitro modeling of intractable retinal diseases. Retinitis pigmentosa is an inherited retinal dystrophy that leads to visual impairment. The EYS gene was reported to be the most common gene responsible for autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (arRP).

[Usefulness of Intraoperative Cone Beam CT Images on Video-assisted Thoracic Surgery].

For the resection of pulmonary ground glass opacity (GGO) or non-palpable nodule on video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), preoperative computed tomography (CT)-guided VATS marker pricking is usually performed. Recently, air embolisms after VATS marker pricking have been reported to be serious problems. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of intraoperative cone beam CT images on VATS to avoid preoperative VATS marker pricking.

Effects of NDRG1 family proteins on photoreceptor outer segment morphology in zebrafish.

Rods and cones are functionally and morphologically distinct. We previously identified N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1b (ndrg1b) in carp as a cone-specific gene. Here, we show that NDRG1b and its paralog, NDRG1a-1, contribute to photoreceptor outer segment (OS) formation in zebrafish.

Phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Part 6: design, synthesis, and structure-activity relationships of PDE4-inhibitory pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridines with anti-inflammatory activity.

We previously identified KCA-1490 [(-)-6-(7-methoxy-2-trifluoromethyl-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridin-4-yl)-5-methyl-4,5-dihydro-3-(2H)-pyridazinone], a dual PDE3/4 inhibitor. In the present study, we found highly potent selective PDE4 inhibitors derived from the structure of KCA-1490. Among them, N-(3,5-dichloropyridin-4-yl)-7-methoxy-2-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine-4-carboxamide (2a) had good anti-inflammatory effects in an animal model.

Phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Part 5: hybrid PDE3/4 inhibitors as dual bronchorelaxant/anti-inflammatory agents for inhaled administration.

(-)-6-(7-Methoxy-2-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridin-4-yl)-5-methyl-4,5-dihydropyridazin-3(2H)-one (KCA-1490) exhibits moderate dual PDE3/4-inhibitory activity and promises as a combined bronchodilatory/anti-inflammatory agent. N-alkylation of the pyridazinone ring markedly enhances potency against PDE4 but suppresses PDE3 inhibition. Addition of a 6-aryl-4,5-dihydropyridazin-3(2H)-one extension to the N-alkyl group facilitates both enhancement of PDE4-inhibitory activity and restoration of potent PDE3 inhibition.

Phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Part 4: design, synthesis and structure-activity relationships of dual PDE3/4-inhibitory fused bicyclic heteroaromatic-4,4-dimethylpyrazolones.

(-)-6-(7-Methoxy-2-trifluoromethylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridin-4-yl)-5-methyl-4,5-dihydro-3-(2H)-pyridazinone (KCA-1490) is a dual PDE3/4 inhibitor that exhibits potent combined bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory activity. Here we show that a 4,4-dimethylpyrazolone subunit serves as an effective surrogate for the 5-methyl-4,5-dihydropyridazin-3(2H)-one ring of KCA-1490 whilst lacking a stereogenic centre. The 2- and 7-substituents in the pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine subunit markedly influence the PDE-inhibitory profile and can be adjusted to afford either potent PDE4-selective inhibitors or dual PDE3/4 inhibitors.

Phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Part 3: Design, synthesis and structure-activity relationships of dual PDE3/4-inhibitory fused bicyclic heteroaromatic-dihydropyridazinones with anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory activity.

(-)-6-(7-Methoxy-2-trifluoromethylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridin-4-yl)-5-methyl-4,5-dihydro-3-(2H)-pyridazinone (KCA-1490) is a dual PDE3/4 inhibitor that exhibits potent combined bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory activity. A survey of potential bicyclic heteroaromatic replacement subunits for the pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine core of KCA-1490 has identified the 4-methoxy-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzo[d]thiazol-7-yl and 8-methoxy-2-(trifluoromethyl)quinolin-5-yl analogues as dual PDE3/4-inhibitory compounds that potently suppress histamine-induced bronchoconstriction and exhibit anti-inflammatory activity in vivo.

A practical synthesis of (-)-kainic acid.

A highly practical stereoselective total synthesis of (-)-kainic acid is described. This synthesis features the stereoselective alkylation of an iodolactone intermediate that was efficiently prepared from (+)-carvone and introduction of carboxylic acid by hydrolysis of a nitrile accompanied by epimerizaion. This synthetic route enabled us to obtain 14.

Search for a light pseudoscalar particle in the decay K_{L};{0}-->pi;{0}pi;{0}X.

We performed a search for a light pseudoscalar particle X in the decay K_{L};{0}-->pi;{0}pi;{0}X, X-->gammagamma with the E391a detector at KEK. Such a particle with a mass of 214.3 MeV/c;{2} was suggested by the HyperCP experiment.

Search for the Decay K L0-->pi0nu nu[over].

We performed a search for the K L0-->pi0nu nu[over] decay at the KEK 12-GeV proton synchrotron. No candidate events were observed. An upper limit on the branching ratio for the decay was set to be 6.

Altered tissue concentration of minerals in spontaneous diabetic rats (Goto-Kakizaki rats).

A relationship has been reported between trace elements and diabetes mellitus. This study examined the concentration of several trace elements (Zn, Mg, Ca, Fe, Cu, Mn, P) in each organ from spontaneous type 2 diabetic model rat (GK rat) and compared with control. Results showed that diabetic rat excreted 1.

[The efficacy and problems with influenza vaccination among hospital workers].

Purpose: The purposes of this study were: (1) to assess the therapeutic and side effects of influenza vaccination during a winter season by comparison of vaccinated and non-vaccinated subjects; and (2) to survey their willingness to receive vaccination in the future based on their experience with the present vaccination.

Method: The subjects were 185 vaccinated hospital workers and 450 unvaccinated city office workers. We explained to the first group the desirability of receiving vaccination for the purpose of preventing in-hospital infections and received informed consent before administering influenza vaccinations.