The Anti-Obesity Effect of Fish Oil in Diet-Induced Obese Mice Occurs via Both Decreased Food Intake and the Induction of Heat Production Genes in Brown but Not White Adipose Tissue.

Omega-3 (ω-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids in fish oil have been shown to prevent diet-induced obesity in lean mice and to promote heat production in adipose tissue. However, the effects of fish oil on obese animals remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of fish oil in obese mice.

Effects of Antioxidant Amino Acids on Cancer Sarcopenia.

Cancer sarcopenia is highly prevalent in patients with advanced cancer, which is closely related to the disease prognosis. Overcoming cancer sarcopenia is important for cancer treatment. Cystine and theanine (CT), antioxidant amino acids, have been applied to the nutritional intervention of various diseases but their effects remain unclear on cancer sarcopenia.

Protein-Based Mechanism of Wheat Growth Under Salt Stress in Seeds Irradiated with Millimeter Waves.

Wheat is one of the most extensively grown crops in the world; however, its productivity is reduced due to salinity. This study focused on millimeter wave (MMW) irradiation to clarify the salt-stress tolerance mechanism in wheat. In the present study, wheat-root growth, which was suppressed to 77.

Localization of Melanocortin 1 Receptor in the Substantia Nigra.

Recent findings have revealed that melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) deficiency leads to Parkinson's disease-like dopaminergic neurodegeneration in the substantia nigra (SN). However, its precise distribution and expressing-cell type in the SN remain unclear. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed the localization and characteristics of MC1R in the SN using histological methods, including in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry.

Dynamic Changes in Circulating Tumor DNA During Immunotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer: SHIZUKU-HN Study.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are effective in treating recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), but only 20% of patients achieve durable responses. This study evaluated circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as a real-time biomarker for monitoring treatment response in HNSCC. The SHIZUKU-HN study prospectively collected and analyzed serial plasma samples (n = 27) from HNSCC patients undergoing ICIs, using Guardant360 to assess ctDNA variant allele frequency (VAF) and genetic mutations.

Detection of Human GPCR Activity in Drosophila S2 Cells Using the Tango System.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are essential cell surface proteins involved in transducing extracellular signals into intracellular responses, regulating various physiological processes. This study validated the use of the Tango assay, a sensitive method for detecting GPCR activation, in Schneider 2 (S2) cells, focusing on the human Dopamine Receptor D4 (DRD4). Plasmids encoding the LexA-tagged human DRD4 receptor and a luciferase reporter were co-transfected into S2 cells and stimulated with dopamine.

Niobium-Containing Phosphate Glasses Prepared by the Liquid-Phase Method.

Phosphate invert glasses (PIGs) have been attracting attention as materials for bone repair. PIGs have a high flexibility in chemical composition because they are composed of orthophosphate and pyrophosphate and can easily incorporate various ions in their glass networks. In our previous work, incorporation of niobium (Nb) into melt-quench-derived PIGs was effective in terms of controlling their ion release, and Nb ions promoted the activity of osteoblast-like cells.

Formation and Surface Structures of Long-Range Ordered Self-Assembled Monolayers of 2-Mercaptopyrazine on Au(111).

The effect of solution pH on the formation and surface structure of 2-pyrazinethiolate (2-PyzS) self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) formed by the adsorption of 2-mercaptopyrazine (2-PyzSH) on Au(111) was investigated using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and X-ray photoelectron microscopy (XPS). Molecular-scale STM observations clearly revealed that 2-PyzS SAMs at pH 2 had a short-range ordered phase of (2√3 × √21)R30° structure with a standing-up adsorption structure. However, 2-PyzS SAMs at pH 8 had a very unique long-range ordered phase, showing a "ladder-like molecular arrangement" with bright repeating rows.

Lethal Arrhythmogenic Role of Left Ventricular Myocardial Interstitial Fibrosis in Apolipoprotein E/Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor Double-Knockout Mice with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis.

The combination of alcohol and a low-carbohydrate, high-protein, high-fat atherogenic diet (AD) increases the risk of lethal arrhythmias in apolipoprotein E/low-density lipoprotein receptor double-knockout (AL) mice with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This study investigates whether left ventricular (LV) myocardial interstitial fibrosis (MIF), formed during the progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), contributes to this increased risk. Male AL mice were fed an AD with or without ethanol for 16 weeks, while age-matched AL and wild-type mice served as controls.

Exploring the Biological Impact of β-TCP Surface Polarization on Osteoblast and Osteoclast Activity.

β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) is a widely utilized resorbable bone graft material, whose surface charge can be modified by electrical polarization. However, the specific effects of such a charge modification on osteoblast and osteoclast functions remain insufficiently studied. In this work, electrically polarized β-TCP with a high surface charge density was synthesized and evaluated in vitro in terms of its physicochemical properties and biological activity.

In Silico Analysis Revealed Marco (SR-A6) and Abca1/2 as Potential Regulators of Lipid Metabolism in M1 Macrophage Hysteresis.

Macrophages undergo polarization, resulting in distinct phenotypes. These transitions, including de-/repolarization, lead to hysteresis, where cells retain genetic and epigenetic signatures of previous states, influencing macrophage function. We previously identified a set of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) associated with high lipid levels in macrophages that exhibited hysteresis following M1 polarization, suggesting potential alterations in lipid metabolism.

Genome Deletions and Rewiring of the Transcriptome Underlying High Antimonite Resistance in sp. SMAs-55.

Microbes have been shown to adapt to stressful or even lethal conditions through displaying genome plasticity. However, how bacteria utilize the ability of genomic plasticity to deal with high antimony (Sb) stress has remained unclear. In this study, the spontaneous mutant strain SMAs-55 of sp.

Enhancing the Resilience of Agroecosystems Through Improved Rhizosphere Processes: A Strategic Review.

As farming practices evolve and climate conditions shift, achieving sustainable food production for a growing global population requires innovative strategies to optimize environmentally friendly practices and minimize ecological impacts. Agroecosystems, which integrate agricultural practices with the surrounding environment, play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and ensuring food security. Rhizosphere management has emerged as a pivotal approach to enhancing crop yields, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers, and supporting sustainable agriculture.

Starvation Metabolism Adaptations in Tick Embryonic Cells BME26.

Ticks are hematophagous ectoparasites that transmit pathogens and inflict significant economic losses on the cattle industry. Remarkably, they can survive extended periods of starvation in the absence of a host. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the metabolic adaptations that enable the tick to endure starvation using the BME26 cell line as a model system.

Neutrophil and Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is often associated with metastasis and recurrence and is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. In the progression of CRC, recent studies have highlighted the critical role of neutrophils, particularly tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs). TANs have both tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressing activities, contributing to metastasis, immunosuppression, angiogenesis, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.

Advanced Thermoelectric Performance of SWCNT Films by Mixing Two Types of SWCNTs with Different Structural and Thermoelectric Properties.

Semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are significantly attractive for thermoelectric generators (TEGs), which convert thermal energy into electricity via the Seebeck effect. This is because the characteristics of semiconducting SWCNTs are perfectly suited for TEGs as self-contained power sources for sensors on the Internet of Things (IoT). However, the thermoelectric performances of the SWCNTs should be further improved by using the power sources.

Hydrogen-Free Plasma Nitriding Process for Fabrication of Expanded Austenite Layer on AISI 316 Stainless Steel Surface.

The addition of hydrogen to nitrogen facilitates the formation of nitride phases in the plasma nitriding processes of stainless steels, though it also induces the deterioration of their mechanical properties. This study presents a hydrogen-free plasma nitriding process for fabricating a nitrogen-expanded austenite phase (γ) on an AISI 316 stainless steel surface. The steel substrate was nitrided in N-Ar plasma with various gas compositions discharged by radio frequency (RF) and direct current (DC) modes.

Co-Flocculation of Mixed-Sized Colloidal Particles in Aqueous Dispersions Under a DC Electric Field.

When an electric field is applied to or removed from colloidal particle aqueous dispersions, a reversible increase in sedimentation velocity of the colloidal particles, referred to as the Electrically Induced Rapid Separation (ERS) effect, is observed. While electrophoresis and other interfacial electrokinetic phenomena under applied electric fields are well-studied, the phenomena of particle aggregation and re-dispersion caused by the application and removal of the field remain largely unexplored despite their significance. Experiments using mixed aqueous dispersions of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) particles of different sizes revealed that applying an electric field induced the formation of co-flocs involving both large and small particles, significantly enhancing the sedimentation velocity.

Development and Characterization of Biodegradable, Binderless Fiberboards from Eggplant Straw Fibers.

Currently, wood-based panels are mainly made from wood and adhesives containing formaldehyde. With the growing demand for raw materials and increasing concern for human health, the use of residues from annual crops to manufacture binder-free biodegradable biomass boards has attracted increasing interest. The aim of this study was to develop a biodegradable bio-board without any adhesives using eggplant straw fibers.

Effects of Rice Husk Ash Particle Size and Luxan Value Influence on Mortar Properties and Proposal of Hydration Ratio Measurement Method.

A fundamental study has been conducted on the effective utilization of rice husk ash (RHA) in concrete. RHA is an agricultural byproduct characterized by silicon dioxide as its main component, with a content of 90% or more and a porous structure that absorbs water during mixing, thereby reducing fluidity. The quality of RHA varies depending on the calcination environment; however, the effect is not consistent.

Indolent Angiomatoid Fibrous Histiocytoma Mimicking a Benign Cystic Tumor.

Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (AFH) is a rare intermediate tumor that is often difficult to diagnose radiologically and pathologically. Herein, we report a case of AFH in the knee that was initially misdiagnosed as a cystic lesion. The tumor was first identified eight years earlier during the patient's initial visit, when plain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed, leading to a diagnosis of a cystic lesion.

Dynamics and Half-Life of Cell-Free DNA After Exercise: Insights from a Fragment Size-Specific Measurement Approach.

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is present in healthy individuals but is elevated in those undergoing physical exertion, trauma, sepsis, and certain cancers. Maintaining cfDNA concentrations is vital for immune homeostasis and preventing inflammatory responses. Understanding cfDNA release and clearance is essential for using cfDNA as a biomarker in clinical diagnostics.

Relationship Between Diaphragm Function and Sarcopenia Assessed by Ultrasound: A Cross-Sectional Study.

: The diaphragm is important for respiration, but the effects of age-related muscle loss and sarcopenia on diaphragm function are unclear. We evaluated the associations of sarcopenia and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) with diaphragm function. : This study was conducted at three Japanese hospitals from May 2023 to September 2024.

Ultrasound Diagnosis of Hamstring Muscle Complex Injuries Focus on Originate Tendon Structure-Male University Rugby Players.

With the remarkable advances in diagnostic ultrasound equipment, there is a growing need for ultrasound diagnosis of muscle and soft tissue injuries in sports injuries. Among these, hamstring strains are often difficult to treat and require early and accurate diagnosis. Injuries to the proximal part of the hamstring often take a long time to heal.

Ibuprofen-Induced Multiple Fixed Drug Eruption Confirmed by Re-Challenge: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Fixed drug eruption (FDE) is a type of drug-induced skin inflammation characterized by the recurrence of lesions in the same region following repeated exposure to the causative drug. FDE typically presents as localized spots or plaques without systemic symptoms; however, it can manifest in other forms, such as blisters and papules. In FDE, effector memory CD8-positive T cells that remain dormant in the basal layer after a previous inflammation are reactivated upon re-exposure to the causative drug, leading to the development of erythema at the same sites.