C-type natriuretic peptide promotes human granulosa cell growth and estradiol production: Implications for early follicle development.

Purpose: To investigate the effects of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) on human granulosa cell growth and elucidate its regulatory mechanisms.

Methods: A human non-luteinizing granulosa cell line (HGrC) developed from small antral follicles was used to assess the impact of CNP on cell proliferation and estrogen synthesis. cGMP production via the guanylate cyclase domain of the CNP receptor, natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2), was confirmed.

deficiency in mouse oocytes during in vitro maturation increases chromosome segregation errors with a reduced BUBR1 at kinetochore.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms associated with chromosome segregation errors caused by intrinsic oxidative stress during in vitro oocyte maturation (IVM) using oocytes from -deficient (KO) mice.

Methods: Ovulated or in vitro matured cumulus-cells oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected from wild-type (WT) and KO mice and evaluated chromosome alignment, chromosome segregation, meiotic progression, and BUBR1 and REC8 protein expression levels.

Results: In 21% O IVM, the KO had significantly higher frequencies of chromosome misalignment and segregation errors compared to the WT, and they also reached Germinal Vesicle Break Down (GVBD) and M I stages peak earlier and showed a shorter M I stage residence time compared to the WT.

Possible mechanisms of spermatogenic dysfunction induced by viral infections: Insights from COVID-19.

Background: As the COVID-19 pandemic nears resolution in 2024, the mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 and other viral infections induce spermatogenic dysfunction remain poorly understood. This review examines the mechanisms by which viral infections, particularly COVID-19, disrupt spermatogenesis and highlights the implications for male reproductive health. While reports suggest that spermatogenic dysfunction caused by COVID-19 is mild and transient, these findings may have broader applications in understanding and treating spermatogenic dysfunction caused by future viral infections.

Establishment of a 3D spheroid culture system to evaluate the responsiveness of uterine leiomyoma cells to female hormones.

Purpose: Uterine leiomyomas (ULMs) are classified into those with and without MED12 mutations (MED12m(+) and MED12m(-), respectively). This study was undertaken to establish a culture system to evaluate the effect of female hormones on the growth of ULM cells in each ULM subtype.

Methods: ULM cells isolated from MED12m(+) or MED12m(-) tissues were cultured in a monolayer for 7 days with four hormone treatments: estrogen (E) and progesterone (P) (E + P), E only (E), P only (P), and medium only (CTRL).

Polycystic ovary syndrome: Criteria, phenotypes, race and ethnicity.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrinopathy, which leads to ovulation dysfunction and infertility, as well as metabolic and mental disorders. Women with PCOS exhibit several characteristic symptoms, with marked heterogeneity across different races and ethnicities.

Methods: In this review, the author outlines the phenotypic disparities of PCOS among various racial and ethnic populations.

Embryologist staffing in assisted reproductive technology laboratories: An international comparative review.

Background: Embryologists are crucial in assisted reproductive technology (ART), yet their duties, education, and licensing requirements vary significantly across countries, complicating the determination of optimal staffing levels in ART laboratories. With anticipated advancements such as automation in ART laboratories, this review comprehensively analyzes factors necessary for appropriate future staffing.

Main Findings: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed to identify relevant articles up to July 2024, employing keywords such as "embryologist," "staffing," and "certification.

Effects of aging on diurnal transcriptome change in the mouse corpus callosum.

The corpus callosum, a major white matter region central to cognitive function, is vulnerable to aging. Using zeitgeber time (ZT) aligned with environmental light/dark cycles, we investigated temporal gene expression patterns in the corpus callosum of young (5-month-old) and aged (24-month-old) mice using RNA-seq. Comparative analysis revealed more differentially expressed genes across ZT pairs in young mice than aged mice.

Indocyanine green faecal excretion holds potential for diagnosis of neonatal biliary atresia.

Aim Of The Study: This study aimed to establish an objective, simple, and minimally invasive screening method to detect patients with biliary atresia during neonatal checkups by using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence in the stool.

Material And Methods: We produced a rat model of extrahepatic biliary obstruction (group O, = 9) and compared the stools from these rats with those of control group rats (group C, = 6) by a fluorescence technique. ICG was administered (0.

Proteasome inhibitors prevent tumor cell proliferation in HHV-8-unrelated PEL-like lymphoma.

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL)-like lymphoma is a rare variant of PEL that exhibits diverse clinical behaviors, ranging from mild to aggressive disease courses. The clinicopathological features and effective treatments for this type of lymphoma have not been well defined. We found that proteasome inhibitors were effective in inhibiting the growth and survival of OGU1 cells, which were derived from a patient with aggressive PEL-like lymphoma, highlighting the critical role of proteasome activity in the proliferation of PEL-like lymphoma cells.

Modeling analysis of depolarization-assisted afterdischarge in hippocampal mossy fibers.

A strong repetitive stimulus can occasionally enhance axonal excitability, leading to the generation of afterdischarge. This afterdischarge outlasts the stimulus period and originates either from the physiological spike initiation site, typically the axon initial segment, or from ectopic sites for spike generation. One of the possible mechanisms underlying the stimulus-induced ectopic afterdischarge is the local depolarization due to accumulated potassium ions surrounding the axonal membranes of the distal portion.

Characterizing microbial communities and their correlation with genetic mutations in early-stage lung adenocarcinoma: implications for disease progression and therapeutic targets.

Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), the most prevalent form of lung cancer. The transition from adenocarcinoma (AIS), and minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA) to invasive adenocarcinoma (IAC) is not fully understood. Intratumoral microbiota may play a role in LUAD progression, but comprehensive stage-wise analysis is lacking.

Indications for chemoradiotherapy in older patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer in Japan: a questionnaire survey in the JCOG head and neck cancer study group.

Introduction: Chemoradiation therapy (CRT) with concurrent high-dose cisplatin (CDDP) is one of the standard treatment options for locally advanced head and neck cancer. Since the indications specific to the older population have not been reported, we conducted a multicenter survey on the indications.

Methods: In April and May 2023, a questionnaire survey was emailed to all institutions belonging to the JCOG-HNCSG, consisting of 37 institutions.

Brain mapping for lower-grade glioma around Wernicke's area.

Surgery of lesions around Wernicke's area is challenging for several reasons. The anatomical boundaries are not clearly defined, necessitating functional identification in addition to anatomical landmarks. There are potential complications secondary to injury of the surrounding structures.

A Case of Radical Resection of Esophageal Basaloid Cell Carcinoma After Hemostasis by Transarterial Embolization.

Esophageal bleeding management typically involves endoscopy but becomes challenging with large or hemorrhagic tumors, especially in cases of rare basal cell carcinoma. This malignancy, with a poorer prognosis than squamous cell carcinoma, often requires definitive surgery. A 78-year-old man with severe hematemesis underwent transarterial embolization (TAE) after failed endoscopic hemostasis for a middle thoracic esophageal tumor.

Patient-Centered Discharge and Postoperative Length of Hospital Stay in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Background This study aimed to identify factors affecting the length of hospital stay (LOS) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I or II, with a focus on patient-dependent determination of discharge. The goal was to explore strategies to shorten LOS. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 398 patients (494 knees) who underwent primary TKA.

Optimal Machine Learning Models for Developing Prognostic Predictions in Patients With Advanced Cancer.

Context: Accurate prognosis prediction for cancer patients in palliative care is critical for clinical decision-making and personalized care. Traditional statistical models have been complemented by machine learning approaches; however, their comparative effectiveness remains underexplored.

Objectives: To assess the prognostic accuracy of statistical and machine learning models in predicting 30-day survival in patients with advanced cancer using objective data, such as the result of the blood test.

Perceptions of Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Practice Among Primary Care Physicians in Japan: A Questionnaire Survey Analysis of Jichi Medical University Graduates.

Background Primary care physicians (PCPs) are expected to engage in comprehensive medical care, including orthopedic and musculoskeletal problems. This study aimed to assess perceptions and current status regarding orthopedic and musculoskeletal practice among PCPs in Japan. Methodology A cross-sectional survey was conducted among PCPs who graduated from Jichi Medical University (JMU) with opportunities to treat orthopedic and musculoskeletal problems.

Research on blood donation and supply of red blood cell products to medical institutions under the spread of COVID-19 disease in Japan.

Due to the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus infectious disease (COVID-19), blood donation events had to be cancelled, and there were concerns about a decrease in the number of blood donors from late February 2020 in Japan. The purpose of this study is to investigate the numbers of whole blood donation, manufacture and inventory adjustment of red blood cell (RBC) products at the Japanese Red Cross Society (JRCS), and to evaluate the effects of COVID-19 on the donation of blood and the supply of RBC products to medical institutions for transfusion medicine in Japan. We focused on RBC products, which are the most frequently used blood products and are easily reflected under the spread of COVID-19.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in chronic liver disease: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control studies.

Background: Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of chronic liver disease (CLD). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess and compare the prevalence of SIBO among CLD patients (with and without with complications of end stage liver disease) and healthy controls.

Methods: Electronic databases were searched from inception up to July-2024 for case-control studies reporting SIBO in CLD.

Muscarinic receptor agonists and positive allosteric modulators in animal models of psychosis: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Muscarinic receptor agonism and positive allosteric modulation is a promising mechanism of action for treating psychosis, not present in most D2R-blocking antipsychotics. Xanomeline, an M1/M4-preferring agonist, has shown efficacy in late-stage clinical trials, with more compounds being investigated. Therefore, we aim to synthesize evidence on the preclinical efficacy of muscarinic receptor agonists and positive allosteric modulators in animal models of psychosis to provide unique insights and evidence-based information to guide drug development.

Application of Gastric Tube Decompression for Rapid Tip Positioning in Bedside Blind Insertion of Nasoenteric Tubes.

Objective: This study aims to examine the efficacy of gastric tube decompression in rapid tip positioning during bedside blind insertion of nasoenteric tubes.

Methods: Between August 2023 and July 2024, patients who were critically ill in the emergency intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital in Beijing who required nasoenteric tube placement were enrolled in this study. Gastric tube decompression was used to facilitate the tip positioning of nasoenteric tubes inserted blindly (without direct visualization), at the bedside.

Pharmacist accessibility for non-native Japanese speakers: A cross-sectional study in Japan.

Background: Pharmacists, being one of the more readily accessible primary health care professionals, must ensure accessibility. With growing internationalization, those in Japanese community pharmacies increasingly interact with non-Japanese speakers. This study aimed to understand how Japanese pharmacies can fulfill accessibility needs by accounting for patients' native language and culture.

Patent research in academic literature. Landscape and trends with a focus on patent analytics.

Patent analytics is crucial for understanding innovation dynamics and technological trends. However, a comprehensive overview of this rapidly evolving field is lacking. This study presents a data-driven analysis of patent research, employing citation network analysis to categorize and examine research clusters.