Metabolic analysis reveals the contribution of mechanosensitive channel MscM to extracellular release of glutamate in glycogen-deficient Synechococcus elongatus.

In bacteria, mechanosensitive channels mediate extracellular release of osmolytes, including glutamate, functioning as safety valves upon osmotic downshift. In cyanobacteria, the role of mechanosensitive channels has not been completely elucidated. Recently, the glycogen-deficient ΔglgC mutant of Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 was found to release glutamate extracellularly, giving rise to a hypothesis that the role of mechanosensitive channels in cyanobacteria is conserved.

Relationship Between the Subchondral Trabecular Bone Microstructure in the Hip Joint and Pain in Patients with Hip Osteoarthritis.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between clinical findings and the trabecular microstructure of the subchondral bone in patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA) due to developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) using multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT).

Design: A total of 63 patients (69 hips) with OA due to DDH were retrospectively reviewed, with 12 healthy controls being included for comparison. Clinical evaluation was performed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Hip Disease Evaluation Questionnaire (JHEQ).

Analysis of the Recovery Process and Activities of Daily Living Independence in Pusher Behavior and Unilateral Spatial Neglect.

Objective: To investigate the recovery processes of pusher behavior (PB) and unilateral spatial neglect (USN) based on the severity of PB and USN, and to determine the relationship between activities of daily living (ADL) independence levels.

Design: This retrospective study aimed to examine the temporal changes and their association with ADL independence levels based on the severity of PB and USN.

Setting: Recovery ward of Moriyama Neurological Center Hospital between March 2017 and October 2022.

Validity and Reliability of the Japanese Version of the Frontal Assessment Battery in Patients with Stroke.

Background: The Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), which is used to assess executive function, has been translated into several languages and shown to be valid and reliable. However, the validity and reliability of the Japanese version in patients with stroke are unknown. This study aimed to investigate the validity and reliability of the Japanese version of the FAB in patients with stroke.

Pioneering precision in markerless strain development for Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002.

Marine cyanobacteria such as Picosynechococcus sp. (formerly called Synechococcus sp.) PCC 7002 are promising chassis for photosynthetic production of commodity chemicals with low environmental burdens.

A serum-free culture medium production system by co-culture combining growth factor-secreting cells and L-lactate-assimilating cyanobacteria for sustainable cultured meat production.

Large-scale production of cultured meat requires bulk culture medium containing growth-promoting proteins from animal serum. However, animal serum for mammalian cell culture is associated with high costs, ethical concerns, and contamination risks. Owing to its growth factor content, conditioned medium from rat liver epithelial RL34 cells can replace animal serum for myoblast proliferation.

Quantitative evaluation of particle-binder interactions in ceramic slurries via differential centrifugal sedimentation.

In diverse materials science spanning from fine ceramics to lithium-ion batteries and fuel cells, the particle-binder interactions in slurries play a crucial role in governing the ultimate performance. Despite numerous efforts to date, quantitatively elucidating these hidden interactions has remained a longstanding challenge. Here, we demonstrate a dynamic approach to evaluate adsorptive interactions between ceramic particles and polymeric binders entangled in a slurry utilizing differential centrifugal sedimentation (DCS).

Mixotrophic culture enhances fucoxanthin production in the haptophyte Pavlova gyrans.

Fucoxanthin is a versatile substance in the food and pharmaceutical industries owing to its excellent antioxidant and anti-obesity properties. Several microalgae, including the haptophyte Pavlova spp., can produce fucoxanthin and are potential industrial fucoxanthin producers, as they lack rigid cell walls, which facilitates fucoxanthin extraction.

Clinical impact of fluoropolymer-based drug-eluting stent thrombosis in femoropopliteal artery occlusive lesions.

Background: Endovascular treatment (EVT) is recommended for superficial femoral artery (SFA) lesions, and good results have been reported after implantation of drug-eluting stents (DES) for SFA. However, the major concern after implantation is acute thrombosis during the follow-up period, resulting in major amputation and major adverse limb events. In this study, we examined the incidence and outcome of acute thrombosis after DES implantation in the SFA.

The Impact of Multileaf Collimator Size on Single Isocenter Dynamic Conformal Arcs-Based Radiosurgery for Brain Metastases.

Purpose: To compare the plan quality of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) between 2.5-mm and 5-mm multileaf collimator (MLC) and investigate the factors' influence on the differences by MLC size.

Methods: Seventy-six treatment plans including 145 targets calculated with a single isocenter multiple noncoplanar dynamic conformal arc (DCA) technique using automatic multiple brain metastases (MBM) treatment planning system.

Association between the executive dysfunction and balance function in patients with stroke.

Introduction: A previous study has shown an association between executive dysfunction (ED) and balance function in patients with stroke. However, it is unclear what factors mediate the association between ED and balance function. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between ED and balance function and to identify mediating factors using mediation analysis.

Work engagement of psychiatric nurses: a scoping review.

Objectives: Work engagement is an essential factor in improving employee performance. However, no reviews on the work engagement of psychiatric nurses have been conducted to date. This study aimed to examine the current status of research on the work engagement of psychiatric nurses and identify salient factors.

Enhancing Long-Term Durability of Electrochemical Reactors Producing Formate from CO and Water Designed for Integration with Solar Cells.

Artificial photosynthetic cells producing organic matter from CO and water have been extensively studied for carbon neutrality, and the research trend is currently transitioning from proof of concept using small-sized cells to large-scale demonstrations for practical applications. We previously demonstrated a 1 m size cell in which an electrochemical (EC) reactor featuring a ruthenium (Ru)-complex polymer (RuCP) cathode catalyst was integrated with photovoltaic cells. In this study, we tackled the remaining issue to improve the long-term durability of cathode electrodes used in the EC reactors, demonstrating high Faradaic efficiencies exceeding 80% and around 60% electricity-to-chemical energy-conversion efficiencies of a 75 cm sized EC reactor after continuous operation for 3000 h under practical conditions.

Comparison of Aversion to Visual Dental Stimuli Between Patients and Dentists: A Preliminary Study.

Purpose: Fearful dental patients often cite various dental instruments or procedures as triggers for their dental fear. Thus, visual dental stimuli provoke anxiety. This preliminary study aimed to assess the level of aversion to visual stimuli in dental patients and compare it with that in dentists.

Glycogen deficiency enhances carbon partitioning into glutamate for an alternative extracellular metabolic sink in cyanobacteria.

Glycogen serves as a metabolic sink in cyanobacteria. Glycogen deficiency causes the extracellular release of distinctive metabolites such as pyruvate and 2-oxoglutarate upon nitrogen depletion; however, the mechanism has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of carbon partitioning in glycogen-deficient cyanobacteria.

Single isocenter dynamic conformal arcs-based radiosurgery for brain metastases: Dosimetric comparison with Cyberknife and clinical investigation.

Purpose: To compare the dosimetric quality of automatic multiple brain metastases planning (MBM) with that of Cyberknife (CK) based on the clinical tumor condition, such as the tumor number, size, and location.

Methods: 76 treatment plans for 46 patients treated with CK were recalculated with the MBM treatment planning system. Conformity index (CI), homogeneity index (HI), gradient index (GI), lesion underdosage volume factor (LUF), healthy tissue overdose volume factor (HTOF), geometric conformity index (g) and mean dose to normal organs were compared between CK and MBM for tumor number, size, shape and distance from the brainstem or chiasm.

Effect of aromatherapy with peppermint essential oil on the gag reflex: a randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blind, crossover study.

Background: Sensitive gag reflexes prevent dental patients from receiving appropriate treatment. Aromatherapy helps patients relax during dental procedures. However, the effect of aromatherapy on the gag reflex caused by the stimulation of the oral cavity is unknown.

Improvement in persistent idiopathic facial pain with comorbid ADHD using the combination of a dopamine system stabilizer and psychostimulant: A case report.

Key Clinical Message: Persistent idiopathic facial pain (PIFP) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may coexist and can be improved with ADHD medications. Thus, clinicians should screen for ADHD by a multidisciplinary approach when treating PIFP and differentiate between other odontogenic disorders.

Abstract: We report a case of a woman with persistent idiopathic facial pain (PIFP) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that markedly improved with the administration of a combination of aripiprazole (APZ) and methylphenidate (MP) treatment.

Case report: Remission of chronic low back pain and oral dysesthesia comorbid with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder by treatment with atomoxetine and pramipexole.

Introduction: Oral dysesthesia is a disease characterized by pain and/or abnormal sensations in the oral region, without any organic abnormality. Its symptoms include pain, and it is considered to be a disorder associated with idiopathic oral-facial pain. It is also known that idiopathic oral-facial pain tends to coexist with chronic musculoskeletal pain, including low back pain, even before its onset.

The Subchondral Bone Condition During Microfracture Affects the Repair of the Osteochondral Unit in the Cartilage Defect in the Rat Model.

Background: Microfracture (MF) is frequently performed as a first-line treatment for articular cartilage defects. Although good clinical outcomes are often obtained in the short term, poor clinical outcomes sometimes occur because of subchondral bone deterioration. The condition of the subchondral bone treated with MF may affect the repair of the osteochondral unit.