Sensitivity Analysis of Excited-State Population in Plasma Based on Relative Entropy.

A highly versatile evaluation method is proposed for transient plasmas based on statistical physics. It would be beneficial in various industrial sectors, including semiconductors and automobiles. Our research focused on low-energy plasmas in laboratory settings, and they were assessed via our proposed method, which incorporates relative entropy and fractional Brownian motion, based on a revised collisional-radiative model.

Protocol for the nationwide registry of patients with polycystic kidney disease: japanese national registry of PKD (JRP).

Background: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) are major genetic polycystic kidney diseases that can progress to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Longitudinal data on the clinical characteristics associated with clinical outcomes in polycystic kidney disease (PKD), including the development of ESKD and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are lacking in Japan. To address this unmet need the authors are establishing a novel, web-based, Nationwide Cohort Registry Study-the Japanese Registry of PKD (JRP).

The impact of serum testosterone level to reflect age-related multi-organ functions.

The aim of this study is to examine the correlation between aging, serum total testosterone and biomarkers of multiple organ functions in men. The participants consisted of 12,547 outpatients, whose serum testosterone level was measured. A multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine whether biomarkers including hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin (ALB), creatinine (Cre), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), glucose (Glu), C-reactive protein (CRP), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) values were associated with serum total testosterone concentration.

Public support for patients with intractable diseases in Japan: impact on clinical indicators from nationwide registries in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

Background: Clinical practice guidelines recommend antihypertensive and tolvaptan therapies for patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) in Japan. However, tolvaptan therapy may pose an economic burden. The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare supports patients with intractable diseases.

Impact of cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury on long-term renal function in patients with solid tumors.

Background: The reality of cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (CIA) and its effects on long-term renal function remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors for CIA development, and if CIA is a useful predictor of long-term renal dysfunction after cisplatin treatment.

Methods: This was a retrospective, single-center, observational, longitudinal follow-up, large cohort study in adult patients with solid tumors treated with cisplatin-based systematic chemotherapy.

Bacteremia in systemic lupus erythematosus: Risk factors, clinical and microbiological characteristics, and outcomes in the largest single-center retrospective cohort in Japan.

Background: In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), infections, especially bacteremia, can occur throughout the course of the disease and are often fatal. We evaluated the characteristics of patients with bacteremia and SLE.

Methods: In this retrospective single-center observational study, we analyzed bacteremia in 65 patients with SLE.

Regulation of intestinal homeostasis by the ulcerative colitis-associated gene RNF186.

Genome-wide association studies and subsequent deep sequencing analysis have identified susceptible loci for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) including ulcerative colitis (UC). A gene encoding RING finger protein 186 (RNF186) is located within UC-susceptible loci. However, it is unclear whether RNF186 is involved in IBD pathogenesis.

Long-term natural remediation process in textile dye-polluted river sediment driven by bacterial community changes.

The textile and dyeing industries are major sources of environmental water pollution all over the world. The textile wastewater effluents discharged into rivers often appear dark red-purple in color due to azo dyes, which can be transformed into carcinogenic aromatic amines. The chemicals used in dyeing are not readily degraded in nature and thus precipitate in river sediment.

Generation of colonic IgA-secreting cells in the caecal patch.

Gut-associated lymphoid tissues are responsible for the generation of IgA-secreting cells. However, the function of the caecal patch, a lymphoid tissue in the appendix, remains unknown. Here we analyse the role of the caecal patch using germ-free mice colonized with intestinal bacteria after appendectomy.

Commensal bacteria-dependent indole production enhances epithelial barrier function in the colon.

Microbiota have been shown to have a great influence on functions of intestinal epithelial cells (ECs). The role of indole as a quorum-sensing (QS) molecule mediating intercellular signals in bacteria has been well appreciated. However, it remains unknown whether indole has beneficial effects on maintaining intestinal barriers in vivo.

A simplified 461-nm laser system using blue laser diodes and a hollow cathode lamp for laser cooling of Sr.

We develop a simplified light source at 461 nm for laser cooling of Sr without frequency-doubling crystals but with blue laser diodes. An anti-reflection coated blue laser diode in an external cavity (Littrow) configuration provides an output power of 40 mW at 461 nm. Another blue laser diode is used to amplify the laser power up to 110 mW by injection locking.

Critical role of AIM2 in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

Absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) is a sensor of cytosolic DNA that is responsible for activation of the inflammasome and host immune responses to DNA viruses and intracellular bacteria. However, the role of AIM2 in host defenses against Mycobacterium tuberculosis is unknown. Here, we show that AIM2-deficient mice were highly susceptible to intratracheal infection with M.

Innate immune effectors in mycobacterial infection.

Tuberculosis, which is caused by infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), remains one of the major bacterial infections worldwide. Host defense against Mtb is mediated by a combination of innate and adaptive immune responses. In the last 15 years, the mechanisms for activation of innate immunity have been elucidated.