Inhibition of skin fibrosis via regulation of Th17/Treg imbalance in systemic sclerosis.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an idiopathic systemic connective tissue disorder characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, with growing interest in the imbalance between Th17 cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the disease's pathogenesis. Heligmosomoides polygyrus (Hp), a natural intestinal parasite of mice, is known to induce Tregs in the host. We aimed to investigate the effects of Hp-induced Tregs on bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis and clarify the role of the Th17/Treg balance in SSc fibrosis.

High-flow nasal cannula versus nasal continuous positive airway pressure on postnatal growth and feeding in preterm infants: a secondary analysis of the NIPPN study.

Objective: High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is generally considered to have fewer enteral feeding problems than nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) or nasal intermittent positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV). However, the effects of HFNC on the feeding outcomes in preterm infants are still controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of HFNC on postnatal growth and feeding.

Palmitic acid induces insulin resistance and oxidative stress-mediated cell injury through accumulation of lipid rafts in murine hepatocytes.

Lipid rafts are subdomains of the cell membrane that are rich in cholesterol and glycolipids, and they are involved in various cellular processes and pathophysiological mechanisms. However, the specific role of lipid rafts in hepatocyte dysfunction during the pathogenesis of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the impact of lipid rafts on insulin sensitivity and hepatocyte injury induced by saturated free fatty acids (sFFAs) using primary-cultured mouse hepatocytes.

Fulminant Clostridioides (Costridium) difficile infection caused by a rare strain of PCR-ribotype 153 in Japan: A case report.

Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile (C. difficile) infection (CDI), often severe when producing toxin A, toxin B, and CDT, can cause life-threatening fulminant infections, especially in vulnerable patients. This case report discusses a 39-year-old woman with no medical history who developed severe CDI after antibiotic treatment, leading to fatal hypovolemic shock.

Penile Strangulation by a Plastic Band With an Unknown Time of Onset: A Report of a Rare Case.

We report a case of penile strangulation by a plastic band with an unknown time of onset. A 61-year-old man was brought to the emergency department with complaints of painful edematous swelling of the penis caused by a plastic band. The patient had an intellectual disability and, thus, difficulties were associated with obtaining a detailed medical history, including the time of onset.

Stereoselective Synthesis of Spirolactone Analogues of Pyrrolomorpholine Alkaloids.

The synthesis of a spirolactone analogue of xylapyrraside B, a potent antioxidant agent, is described. The key step is the stereoselective formation of the spirolactone skeleton via the formal [3+2] annulation of the isopropylidene-protected glyceraldehyde and δ-methylene lactone, mediated by trifluoroborane etherate. This study addresses the stereoselective synthesis of pyrrolomorpholine spiroketal alkaloids, enabling the production of these bioactive compounds and their analogues.

Exposure to volatile ferroptosis inhibitor, TEMPO, reduced cutaneous ischemia-reperfusion injury progression to pressure ulcer formation in a mouse model.

Background: Ischemia- reperfusion (I/R) injury-induced oxidative stress is a key factor in the pathogenesis of pressure ulcer formation. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent programmed cell death that connects oxidative stress and inflammation in various diseases. Recent studies revealed the protective effect of inhibition of ferroptosis in I/R injury.

Exacerbated Inflammatory Gene Expression After Impaired G2/M-Checkpoint Arrest in Fibroblasts Derived From a Patient Exhibiting Severe Adverse Effects.

Purpose: Recent radiation therapy (RT), such as intensity modulated radiation therapy and particle RT, has improved the concentration of the radiation field targeting tumors. However, severe adverse effects still occur, possibly due to genetic factors in patients. We aimed to investigate the mechanism of exacerbated inflammation during RT.

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation for inherited metabolic disorders: 35 years' experience at a single institution.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplants for inherited metabolic disorders performed at Tokai University Hospital between June 5, 1986, and May 28, 2021, were analyzed and compared between the period before 2007 and the period from 2007 onward based on availability of medical resources. Transplants were performed for 38 patients with mucopolysaccharidosis, 33 with adrenoleukodystrophy, and 16 with another disorder. Before 2007, oral busulfan-based regimens were mainly used.

Spontaneously Resolved Suspected Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis or Macrophage Activating Syndrome Associated with Neonatal Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Report.

Objectives: To present a rare case of neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE) associated with suspected hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) or macrophage activation syndrome (MAS).

Case Presentation: A female infant weighing 2,995 g was born to a mother without medical history of any disease. At birth, the patient had erythematous papules on her face and trunk.

Daily Living Activity Recognition with Frequency-Shift WiFi Backscatter Tags.

To provide diverse in-home services like elderly care, versatile activity recognition technology is essential. Radio-based methods, including WiFi CSI, RFID, and backscatter communication, are preferred due to their minimal privacy intrusion, reduced physical burden, and low maintenance costs. However, these methods face challenges, including environmental dependence, proximity limitations between the device and the user, and untested accuracy amidst various radio obstacles such as furniture, appliances, walls, and other radio waves.

Combined Use of Alkaline Agents With Low-Flow Extracorporeal Carbon Dioxide Removal in Carbon Dioxide Inhalation Models Preserving Inspiratory Efforts.

Background: Low-flow extracorporeal CO removal (ECCO R), managed using a renal replacement platform, is useful in achieving lung-protective ventilation with low tidal volume. However, its capacity for CO elimination is limited. Whether this system is valuable in reducing strong inspiratory efforts in respiratory failure is unclear.

A case of peripheral T-cell lymphoma in which therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome developed and a second autologous transplantation was performed.

We report a case of therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), which developed 9 years after autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) for peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS). A 65-year-old male was diagnosed with PTCL-NOS. After 6 cycles of the CHOP (cyclophosphamide [CPA], doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) regimen, he achieved a first complete response (CR).

Impact of comprehensive quality improvement program on outcomes in very-low-birth-weight infants: A cluster-randomized controlled trial in Japan.

Background: Differences in outcomes among neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Japan have been noted, prompting the need for quality improvement.

Aim: To assess a comprehensive quality improvement program on outcomes in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants.

Study Design: A cluster-randomized clinical trial.