Immunostimulatory Effects of Guanine-Quadruplex Topologies as Scaffolds for CpG Oligodeoxynucleotides.

Synthetic cytosine-phosphate-guanine oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODNs) are promising candidates for vaccine adjuvants, because they activate immune responses through the Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) pathway. However, unmodified CpG ODNs are quickly degraded by serum nucleases, and their negative charge hinders cellular uptake, limiting their clinical application. Our group previously reported that guanine-quadruplex (G4)-forming CpG ODNs exhibit enhanced stability and cellular uptake.

Nestin Forms a Flexible Cytoskeleton by Means of a Huge Tail Domain That Is Reversibly Stretched and Contracted by Weak Forces.

Nestin is a type VI intermediate filament protein and a well-known neural stem cell marker. It is also expressed in high-grade cancer cells, forming copolymerized filaments with vimentin. We previously showed that nestin inhibits the binding of vimentin's tail domain to actin filaments (AFs) by steric hindrance through its large nestin tail domain (NTD), thereby increasing three-dimensional cytoskeleton network mobility, enhancing cell flexibility, and promoting cancer progression.

Experience of General Anesthesia for Glossopexy in Infants With Robin Sequence.

We present a case of an infant patient with Robin sequence (Pierre Robin sequence; PRS) who underwent general anesthesia for a glossopexy procedure. Pediatric patients with PRS are prone to upper airway obstruction during general anesthesia induction and intubation difficulties due to micrognathia and glossoptosis. In this case, we facilitated mask ventilation by inserting a nasopharyngeal airway before induction and successfully intubated the patient using a 2-person technique that combined the use of a video laryngoscope and a flexible fiber-optic scope.

Graph Network-Based Simulation of Multicellular Dynamics Driven by Concentrated Polymer Brush-Modified Cellulose Nanofibers.

Manipulating the three-dimensional (3D) structures of cells is important for facilitating to repair or regenerate tissues. A self-assembly system of cells with cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) and concentrated polymer brushes (CPBs) has been developed to fabricate various cell 3D structures. To further generate tissues at an implantable level, it is necessary to carry out a large number of experiments using different cell culture conditions and material properties; however this is practically intractable.

DNA Methylation in the Hypothalamic Feeding Center and Obesity.

Obesity rates have been increasing worldwide for decades, mainly due to environmental factors, such as diet, nutrition, and exercise. However, the molecular mechanisms through which environmental factors induce obesity remain unclear. Several mechanisms underlie the body's response to environmental factors, and one of the main mechanisms involves epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation.

Influence of the Charge Ratio of Guanine-Quadruplex Structure-Based CpG Oligodeoxynucleotides and Cationic DOTAP Liposomes on Cytokine Induction Profiles.

Cationic liposomes, specifically 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP) liposomes, serve as successful carriers for guanine-quadruplex (G4) structure-based cytosine-guanine oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODNs). The combined benefits of CpG ODNs forming a G4 structure and a non-viral vector carrier endow the ensuing complex with promising adjuvant properties. Although G4-CpG ODN-DOTAP complexes show a higher immunostimulatory effect than naked G4-CpG ODNs, the effects of the complex composition, especially charge ratios, on the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and interferon (IFN)-α remain unclear.

Efficient genome editing by controlled release of Cas9 ribonucleoprotein in plant cytosol using polymer-modified microneedle array.

Direct delivery of genome-editing proteins into plant tissues could be useful in obtaining DNA-free genome-edited crops obviating the need for backcrossing to remove vector-derived DNA from the host genome as in the case of genetically modified organisms generated using DNA vector. Previously, we successfully delivered Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) into plant tissue by inserting microneedle array (MNA) physisorbed with Cas9 RNPs. Here, to enhance protein delivery and improve genome-editing efficiency, we introduced a bioactive polymer DMA/HPA/NHS modification to the MNA, which allowed strong bonding between the proteins and MNA.

Antagonist of transient receptor potential melastatin 2 suppresses mechanical hypersensitivity and activation of microglia induced by infraorbital nerve ligation in male rats.

Activation of microglia is known to be involved in neuropathic pain. However, the pathway that regulates the microglial activation is not completely understood. Transient receptor potential (TRP) melastatin 2 (TRPM2), which is part of the TRP superfamily, is reportedly expressed on microglia and is suggested to be involved in neuropathic pain.

Non-Modified CpG Oligodeoxynucleotide Forming Guanine-Quadruplex Structure Complexes with ε-Poly--Lysine Induce Antibody Production as Vaccine Adjuvants.

Unmethylated cytosine-phosphate-guanosine oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODNs) induce inflammatory cytokines and type I interferons (IFNs) to activate the immune system. To apply CpG ODNs as vaccine adjuvants, the cellular uptake and stability of phosphodiester-based, non-modified ODNs require further improvement. Previously developed new CpG ODNs forming guanine-quadruplex (G4) structures showed higher nuclease resistance and cellular uptake than linear CpG ODNs; however, the complex formation of G4-CpG ODNs with antigen proteins is necessary for their application as vaccine adjuvants.

Giant splenic artery aneurysm rupture into the stomach that was successfully managed with emergency distal pancreatectomy.

Background: Splenic artery aneurysms usually rupture into the free peritoneal space and rarely into the gastrointestinal tract. We report the case of a patient with a giant splenic artery aneurysm that ruptured in to the stomach with hemorrhagic shock and was successfully treated with emergency surgery.

Case Presentation: A 59-year-old man presented to the emergency department with chest pain and syncope.

Cellular Flocculation Driven by Concentrated Polymer Brush-Modified Cellulose Nanofibers with Different Surface Charges.

This study examined the effect of the surface charge of concentrated polymer brush (CPB)-grafted cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) on HepG2 cell flocculation. Four polyelectrolytes, poly(-styrenesulfonic acid sodium salt) (PSSNa), poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA), and poly([(2-methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride) (PMTAC), were grafted onto the CNF surface via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization to form CNF-CPBs. The floc size of HepG2 cells depended on the surface charge of CNF-CPBs, where the anionic CNF-PSSNa formed larger flocs than CNF-PAA; due to the electrostatic repulsive forces, CNF-CPBs with a lower ζ-potential yielded smaller floc sizes.

Marine Antifouling Coatings Based on Durable Bottlebrush Polymers.

We report a next-generation, biocide-free, and durable marine antifouling coating technology. To achieve this, we combined two different polymers previously developed by us. First, we synthesized well-defined 2-hydroxypropyl acrylamide (HPA) based bottlebrush polymers with concentrated polymer brush (CPB) structures, which exhibit excellent bioinertness, and second, we synthesized photoreactive copolymers of 2-hydroxypropyl acrylamide (HPA) and -benzophenone acrylamide (BPA), which can be cross-linked by exposure to sunlight for 30 min.

Cerebroventricular administration of anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide antibody reduces the increase of dopamine D2 receptor observed in the trigeminal spinal subnucleus caudalis following infraorbital nerve ligation.

A dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) agonist and an anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antibody were separately reported to reduce neuropathic pain. To further attenuate neuropathic pain, co-administration of a D2R agonist and an anti-CGRP antibody was performed in a rat with the infraorbital nerve (ION) ligation. However, this co-administration showed no further attenuation of mechanical hypersensitivity compared to the administration of anti-CGRP antibody alone.

Serrated polyposis syndrome with multiple inverted lesions in the colon: Case report and elucidation of morphogenetic mechanism.

A 70-year-old man underwent surveillance colonoscopy following surgery for occlusive sigmoid colon cancer. The procedure revealed nine sessile serrated lesions (SSLs), including three inverted lesions. Endoscopic and surgical resections were performed.

Cellular Flocculation Using Concentrated Polymer Brush-Modified Cellulose Nanofibers with Different Fiber Lengths.

In this study, concentrated polymer brush-modified cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) with different fiber lengths were used for the flocculation of cells for systematically studying the mechanism of this unique cellular flocculation based on colloidal flocculation theory. Concentrated poly(-styrenesulfonic acid sodium salt) brush-grafted CNF (CNF-PSSNa) with different fiber lengths were cultured with three different cell types to examine their influence on floc (cell clusters formed by cellular flocculation) characteristics. The floc size and survival rate could be controlled by modifying the CNF-PSSNa fiber lengths.

Concentrated polymer brush-modified cellulose nanofibers promote chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells by controlling self-assembly.

In order to develop new three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems for articular cartilage regeneration, concentrated poly(styrene sulfonate sodium salt) brush-modified cellulose nanofibers were employed as building blocks for the self-assembly of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Unique 3D cellular structures, such as giant spheres and sheets, were formed by controlling hMSC self-assembly.

Of Our Territory, We Know: social mapping experience for emergencies and disasters.

The article presents the project "Of Our Territory, We Know" (De Nosso Território Sabemos Nós), carried out in two communities in the mountain cities of the state of Rio de Janeiro that suffered the 2011 disaster, aiming at creating a device for online communication, associated with social cartography, seeking to establish a dialogue between the city management and citizens in a permanent and dynamic way. The device allows local needs to be visible for the creation of public policies. The implementation of the Extended Research Communities (Comunidades Ampliadas de Pesquisa), consisting of residents and their associations, participants of the municipal management, and researchers in a regime of ecology of knowledges, took place through cartographic workshops.

Anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide antibody attenuates orofacial mechanical and heat hypersensitivities induced by infraorbital nerve injury.

Currently, limited information regarding the role of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in neuropathic pain is available. Intracerebroventricular administrations of an anti-CGRP antibody were performed in rats with infraorbital nerve ligation. Anti-CGRP antibody administration attenuated mechanical and heat hypersensitivities induced by nerve ligation and decreased the phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase expression levels in the trigeminal spinal subnucleus caudalis (Vc) following mechanical or heat stimulation.

Construction of 7-Diethylaminocoumarins Promoted by an Electron-Withdrawing Group.

The coumarin skeleton has been a focus of attention for many years, and its fluorescence properties vary depending on the substituents. Fluorescent coumarin derivatives are useful tools for many strategies have been developed for their synthesis. Although 7-diethylaminocoumarin has excellent fluorescence properties, it is unstable.

and blood compatibility of concentrated polymer brushes.

Concentrated polymer brushes (CPBs) and semi-dilute polymer brushes (SDPBs) of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate), poly[poly(ethylene glycol)methyl ether methacrylate] (PPEGMA) and poly(2-methoxyetyl acrylate) were prepared on silica particles and silicon wafers by surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP). In order to evaluate in vitro blood compatibility, plasma protein adsorption on the brushes was quantified with a BCA protein assay, and the adsorbed proteins on the brushes were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). All four CPBs displayed much less protein adsorption than their corresponding SDPBs.

Effects of canola oil and antioxidants on performance, serum parameters, carcass traits, and rumen fermentation patterns of Nellore cattle.

Several nutritional strategies have been used in beef cattle production in order to increase animal performance and profitability. However, in the past two decades, the increase of consumer preference for functional foods has driven the investigation for improving food via adding functional substances to animal diets. We evaluated the effect of canola oil supplementation associated with vitamin E and selenium on performance, rumen metabolism, carcass traits, meat tenderness, and serum, liver, and meat status of antioxidants in finishing Nellore males.

Nonbiofouling Coatings Using Bottlebrushes with Concentrated Polymer Brush Architecture.

Concentrated polymer brushes (CPBs) are known to suppress biofouling phenomena, such as protein adsorption and cell adhesion. However, a cumbersome process is needed for their synthesis. Here, we report a simple and versatile method for fabricating nonbiofouling coatings that uses well-defined bottlebrushes instead of CPBs.