Recurrent acute pancreatitis in a patient with peanut allergy.

Peanut allergy is a common food allergy. Accidental peanut exposure can induce anaphylactic symptoms in allergic individuals. In rare cases, pancreatitis can be induced by food allergies.

Deciphering social traits and pathophysiological conditions from natural behaviors in common marmosets.

Nonhuman primates (NHPs) are indispensable animal models by virtue of the continuity of behavioral repertoires across primates, including humans. However, behavioral assessment at the laboratory level has so far been limited. Employing the application of three-dimensional (3D) pose estimation and the optimal integration of subsequent analytic methodologies, we demonstrate that our artificial intelligence (AI)-based approach has successfully deciphered the ethological, cognitive, and pathological traits of common marmosets from their natural behaviors.

Retrograde Transgene Expression via Neuron-Specific Lentiviral Vector Depends on Both Species and Input Projections.

For achieving retrograde gene transfer, we have so far developed two types of lentiviral vectors pseudotyped with fusion envelope glycoprotein, termed HiRet vector and NeuRet vector, consisting of distinct combinations of rabies virus and vesicular stomatitis virus glycoproteins. In the present study, we compared the patterns of retrograde transgene expression for the HiRet vs. NeuRet vectors by testing the cortical input system.

Threshold dose of cow's milk in sensitization to casein higher than those of casein and β-lactoglobulin in children with cow's milk allergy.

Background: Recent treatment for food allergies involves the intake of allergy-causing foods at doses lower than the threshold dose determined by the oral food challenge (OFC). For a more successful treatment, it is necessary to identify a biomarker to establish safer doses of allergens in foods consumed at home.

Objective: In this study, we aim to investigate whether the pattern of sensitization to cow's milk (CM) is related to the threshold dose of CM.

Relationship between plasma protein S levels and apolipoprotein C-II in Japanese middle-aged obese women and young nonobese women.

: Protein S, a nonenzymatic cofactor to activated protein C, presents in two forms in plasma, free form and in a complex with C4b-binding protein. The aim of this study was to determine the association of plasma protein S levels with the variables related to cardiovascular disease risk. The relationships between plasma protein S levels with lipids, inflammation markers, and adiposity were first examined on middle-aged obese women (n = 62), then on young nonobese women (n = 160) to verify the findings in the obese women.

Strong expression of steroid sulfatase in human cumulus cells in patients with endometriosis.

Objective: To investigate the localization and expression of steroid sulfatase (STS) in cumulus cells obtained from subjects with and without endometriosis.

Design: Case-control study.

Setting: In vitro fertilization program at the Showa University School of Medicine.

Differences in gene expression in the proliferative human endometrium.

Objective: To use microdissection and DNA microarray technology to demonstrate differences in gene expression between epithelial and stromal areas in the proliferative human endometrium.

Design: Pilot study.

Setting: University hospital.

Localization and gene expression of steroid sulfatase by RT-PCR in cumulus cells and relationship to serum FSH levels observed during in vitro fertilization.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to localize the expression of steroid sulfatase (STS) in cumulus cells and to determine the relationship between STS mRNA expression and the serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol and progesterone. METHODS: The subject group included 49 women (29 to 44 years old) for whom in vitro fertilization treatment was indicated. All subjects gave informed consent.

Reduction of progesterone receptor expression in human cumulus cells at the time of oocyte collection during IVF is associated with good embryo quality.

Background: It has been reported that the progesterone receptor (PR) level is transiently increased within the follicle by LH stimulation and controls cumulus cells in follicles and oocyte maturation. The purpose of this study was to predict developmental competence of human oocytes during IVF via analysis of PR in cumulus cells surrounding mature oocytes.

Methods: Prior to oocyte retrieval, the follicular diameter was measured and follicular fluid was collected from each mature follicle.

Comparison in gene expression of secretory human endometrium using laser microdissection.

Background: The endometrium prepares for implantation under the control of steroid hormones. It has been suggested that there are complicated interactions between the epithelium and stroma in the endometrium during menstrual cycle. In this study, we demonstrate a difference in gene expression between the epithelial and stromal areas of the secretory human endometrium using microdissection and macroarray technique.