RGD peptide promotes follicle growth through integrins αvβ3/αvβ5 in three-dimensional culture.

In Brief: Three-dimensional ovarian tissue culture is a unique model to define the effects of molecules on folliculogenesis. Using this model, we determined that RGD-integrin interaction plays a role in antrum formation and theca cell differentiation.

Abstract: We recently developed a three-dimensional (3D) ovarian tissue culture system supported by bacterial-derived dextran hydrogel.

Respiratory system compliance during anesthesia induction and postoperative mechanical ventilation needs: An observational study.

Background And Aims: Respiratory system compliance (Crs) is a simple indicator of lung flexibility. However, it remains unclear whether a low Crs during anesthesia induction (iCrs) is associated with an increased risk of postoperative mechanical ventilation.

Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted using a local database.

Comparison of Left Ventricular End-Diastolic Volume Approximated from Mean Blood Pressure and Stroke Volume and End-Diastolic Volume Calculated from Left Ventricular-Aortic Coupling.

The purpose of this study was to compare left ventricular end-diastolic volume (EDV), derived from left ventricular arterial coupling (Ees/Ea), and mean arterial blood pressure. Both of these methods of measuring EDV require some invasive procedure. However, the method of measuring EDV approximate is less invasive than the EDV coupling measuring method.

A method for calculating left ventricular ejection fraction noninvasively from left ventricular arterial coupling (Ees/Ea).

Background: Ejection fraction (EF), which is assessed using ultrasonography, is a standard parameter for evaluating cardiac function in clinical cardiology and for cardiovascular management during general anesthesia. However, it is impossible to continuously and non-invasively assess EF using ultrasonography. The aim of our study was to develop a method for estimating EF non-invasively using the left ventricular arterial coupling ratio (Ees/Ea).

The association between initial calculated driving pressure at the induction of general anesthesia and composite postoperative oxygen support.

Purpose: Early discontinuation of postoperative oxygen support (POS) would partially depend on the innate pulmonary physics. We aimed to examine if the initial driving pressure (dP) at the induction of general anesthesia (GA) predicted POS prolongation.

Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective study using the facility's database.

RGD-modified dextran hydrogel promotes follicle growth in three-dimensional ovarian tissue culture in mice.

In vitro follicle growth is a promising technology to preserve fertility for cancer patients. We previously developed a three-dimensional (3-D) ovarian tissue culture system supported by mouse tumor cell-derived Matrigel. When murine ovarian tissues at 14 days old were cultured in Matrigel drops, antrum formation and oocyte competence were significantly enhanced compared with those cultured without Matrigel.

Deletion of Orc4 during oogenesis severely reduces polar body extrusion and blocks zygotic DNA replication†.

Origin recognition complex subunit 4 (ORC4) is a DNA-binding protein required for DNA replication. During oocyte maturation, after the last oocyte DNA replication step and before zygotic DNA replication, the oocyte undergoes two meiotic cell divisions in which half the DNA is ejected in much smaller polar bodies. We previously demonstrated that ORC4 forms a cytoplasmic cage around the DNA that is ejected in both polar body extrusion (PBE) events.

Potential of pure cellulose nanofibers as a denture base material.

A study was conducted to evaluate the basic mechanical properties of a pure cellulose nanofiber (CNF) material in comparison with a commercial denture base material (polymethylmethacrylate [PMMA] acrylic resin). The working hypothesis was that CNFs have potential for use as denture base materials. Pure CNF specimens fabricated under various conditions were examined.

Selenoprotein I is essential for murine embryogenesis.

Selenoprotein I (SELENOI) is an ethanolamine phosphotransferase that catalyzes the third reaction of the Kennedy pathway for the synthesis of phosphatidylethanolamine. Since the role of SELENOI in murine embryogenesis has not been investigated, SELENOI mating pairs were used to generate global KO offspring. Of 323 weanling pups, no homozygous KO genotypes were found.

Retinoic acid-stimulated ERK1/2 pathway regulates meiotic initiation in cultured fetal germ cells.

In murine fetal germ cells, retinoic acid (RA) is an extrinsic cue for meiotic initiation that stimulates transcriptional activation of the Stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (Stra8), which is required for entry of germ cells into meiotic prophase I. Canonically, the biological activities of RA are mediated by nuclear RA receptors. Recent studies in somatic cells found that RA noncanonically stimulates intracellular signal transduction pathways to regulate multiple cellular processes.

Use of cellulose nanofibers as a denture immersing solution.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) solution on the mechanical and biological properties of denture base resins (DBR). Two types of CNFs obtained from bamboo (BB) and needle-leaved (NB) trees were used in this study. We prepared 18 different CNF solutions based on their fibrillation (A-low, B-middle, and C-high) and concentration (0.

Luteinizing Hormone Facilitates Antral Follicular Maturation and Survival via Thecal Paracrine Signaling in Cattle.

LH supplementation in assisted reproductive technology cycles improves the ongoing pregnancy rate in women with poor ovarian response (POR). However, our knowledge of the precise role of LH during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle is incomplete. To explore the role of LH in the maturation of small antral follicles, we used an in vitro two-cell system that involved coculturing bovine granulosa cells (GCs) and theca cells (TCs) on a collagen membrane.

Dose-dependent functions of fibroblast growth factor 9 regulate the fate of murine XY primordial germ cells.

Male differentiation of primordial germ cells (PGCs) is initiated by the inhibition of entry into meiosis and exposure to male-inducing factor(s), which are regulated by somatic elements of the developing gonad. Fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) produced by pre-Sertoli cells is essential for male gonadal differentiation and also contributes to survival and male differentiation of XY PGCs. However, it is not clear how FGF9 regulates PGC fate.

Transcription profile of Escherichia coli: genomic SELEX search for regulatory targets of transcription factors.

Bacterial genomes are transcribed by DNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RNAP), which achieves gene selectivity through interaction with sigma factors that recognize promoters, and transcription factors (TFs) that control the activity and specificity of RNAP holoenzyme. To understand the molecular mechanisms of transcriptional regulation, the identification of regulatory targets is needed for all these factors. We then performed genomic SELEX screenings of targets under the control of each sigma factor and each TF.

TOMATOMA Update: Phenotypic and Metabolite Information in the Micro-Tom Mutant Resource.

TOMATOMA (http://tomatoma.nbrp.jp/) is a tomato mutant database providing visible phenotypic data of tomato mutant lines generated by ethylmethane sulfonate (EMS) treatment or γ-ray irradiation in the genetic background of Micro-Tom, a small and rapidly growing variety.

A Simplified Method for Three-Dimensional (3-D) Ovarian Tissue Culture Yielding Oocytes Competent to Produce Full-Term Offspring in Mice.

In vitro growth of follicles is a promising technology to generate large quantities of competent oocytes from immature follicles and could expand the potential of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Isolated follicle culture is currently the primary method used to develop and mature follicles in vitro. However, this procedure typically requires complicated, time-consuming procedures, as well as destruction of the normal ovarian microenvironment.

Efficacy of Dabigatran for Dissolving Deep Vein Thromboses in Outpatients With a Deteriorated General Condition.

Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have been widely used for the prevention of ischemic strokes in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF). At present, NOACs have been evaluated for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). We examined the efficacy of dabigatran, the first NOAC for anticoagulation of AF in Japan, in outpatients who suffered from DVTs under a deteriorated general condition.

Early-Morning Type Ventricular Fibrillation With J Wave.

A 67-year-old man who had cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) at home was admitted to our institution. His spontaneous circulation was restored by bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performed by his wife and an automated external defibrillator (AED). J waves were observed in the inferior leads of an electrocardiogram.

NIG_MoG: a mouse genome navigator for exploring intersubspecific genetic polymorphisms.

The National Institute of Genetics Mouse Genome database (NIG_MoG; http://molossinus.lab.nig.

Novel essential gene Involved in 16S rRNA processing in Escherichia coli.

Biogenesis of ribosomes is a complex process mediated by many factors. While its transcription proceeds, ribosomal RNA (rRNA) folds itself into a characteristic three-dimensional structure through interaction with ribosomal proteins, during which its ends are processed. Here, we show that the essential protein YqgF, a RuvC family protein with an RNase-H-like motif, is involved in the processing of pre-16S rRNA during ribosome maturation.

Intravenous Administration of Apomorphine Does NOT Induce Long QT Syndrome: Experimental Evidence from In Vivo Canine Models.

Apomorphine is a non-selective dopamine D1/D2 receptor agonist, which has been used for patients with Parkinson's disease and reported to induce QT interval prolongation and cardiac arrest. To clarify their causal link, we assessed the cardiovascular and pharmacokinetic profile of apomorphine with the halothane-anaesthetized canine model (n = 4), whereas pro-arrhythmic potential of apomorphine was analysed with the chronic atrioventricular block canine model (n = 4). In the halothane-anaesthetized model, 0.

Azithromycin Can Prolong QT Interval and Suppress Ventricular Contraction, but Will Not Induce Torsade de Pointes.

Azithromycin has been reported to increase the risk of death from cardiovascular causes among patients with high baseline risk. Since the information is still limited to bridge the gap between electrophysiological properties of azithromycin in vitro and cardiac death in patients, we initially assessed its electropharmacological effects in doses of 3 and 30 mg/kg, i.v.

Effects of selective IKr channel blockade by E-4031 on ventricular electro-mechanical relationship in the halothane-anesthetized dogs.

An inversion of electro-mechanical coupling: namely, mechanical relaxation which precedes electrical repolarization, has been proposed as a surrogate marker to predict the occurrence of drug-induced arrhythmias. The present study was designed to qualitatively and quantitatively clarify the effects of rapidly activating delayed rectifier K+ current (IKr)-selective blockade by E-4031 on the electro-mechanical relationship in vivo. We adopted the halothane-anesthetized canine model (n=4).