Thermal Resistance Enhancement and Wettability Amelioration of Poly(benzimidazole-aramid) Film by Silica Nanocomposites.

Polybenzimidazole (PBI) is a high-performance polymer known for its excellent thermal stability, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance, attributes that are derived from its unique structure comprising repeated benzene and imidazole rings. However, limitations such as relatively low thermal stability and moisture sensitivity restrict its application as a super engineering plastic. In this study, amide groups are incorporated into the PBI backbone to synthesize the copolymer poly(BI--A), effecting a structural modification at the molecular level.

Modification of Processability and Shear-Induced Crystallization of Poly(lactic acid).

We studied the rheological properties under both shear and elongational flow and crystallization behaviors after shear history for binary blends of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) with a slightly lower shear viscosity. EVA was immiscible with PLA and dispersed in droplets in the blend. The addition of EVA significantly reduced the shear viscosity, which is attributed to the interfacial slippage between PLA and EVA.

Polyvinyl Butyral Addition Effects on Notched Charpy Impact Strength of Injection-Molded Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polypropylene.

Glass short fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (GSFRTPs) are a cost-effective alternative to other short fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (SFRTPs). Their excellent mechanical properties make them a suitable material for components that require rigidity and light weight in widely diverse fields, including transportation and office automation equipment. The melt-mixing process is used to shorten glass fibers.

Optimizing Visualization of Pollen Tubes in Wheat Pistils.

Successful pollination and fertilization are crucial for grain setting in cereals. Wheat is an allohexaploid autogamous species. Due to its evolutionary history, the genetic diversity of current bread wheat () cultivars is limited.

Effect of Seed Hydropriming on the Elongation of Plumule and Radicle During the Germination Process and Changes in Enzyme Activity Under Water-Deficient Conditions.

Hydropriming rice seeds effectively improve the germination percentage, shortens the germination period, and promotes seedling growth. The impact of seed hydropriming is to speed up growth under dry soil conditions, thereby avoiding drought damage. This study analyzes the effect of hydropriming on morpho-physiological changes in the water uptake of rice seeds using "Kasalath" and "Nipponbare" under water-deficit conditions.

Response of to Flooding with Physical Flow.

Flooding causes severe yield losses worldwide, making it urgent to enhance crop tolerance to this stress. Since natural flooding often involves physical flow, we hypothesized that the effects of submergence on plants could change when combined with physical flow. In this study, we analyzed the growth and transcriptome of exposed to submergence or flooding with physical flow.

Hydroxylated-Benz[a]anthracenes Induce Two Apoptosis-Related Gene Expressions in the Liver of the Nibbler Fish .

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are known to have toxic effects on fish. In this study, we examined the effects of benz[a]anthracene (BaA), a type of PAH, on fish liver metabolism. Nibbler fish () were intraperitoneally injected with BaA (10 ng/g body weight) four times over a 10-day period.

Benchmark Dose of Urinary Cadmium for Assessing Renal Tubular and Glomerular Function in a Cadmium-Polluted Area of Japan.

The aim of the present study was to apply an updated benchmark dose (BMD) approach to estimate reference urinary cadmium (U-Cd) for renal tubular and glomerular effects. This cross-sectional survey was conducted 30 years ago in 30 men and 44 women living in a Cd-polluted area and in 18 men and 18 women living in a non-polluted area. We applied an updated hybrid approach to estimate the BMDs and 95% lower confidence limits (BMDLs) of U-Cd for creatinine (Cr) clearance (CrCl), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), and β2-MG tubular reabsorption (%TRβ2-MG).

Efficiency of Skeletal Muscle Mass/Weight Measurement for Distinguishing Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: A Prospective Analysis Using InBody Bioimpedance Devices.

Background/objectives: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is diagnosed when hepatic steatosis is proven by imaging and one of the five cardiometabolic criteria is present. The relationship between MASLD and body composition components has recently received increased research attention. However, the five cardiometabolic criteria do not include components of body composition.

Association Between Change in Prognostic Nutritional Index During Neoadjuvant Therapy and Dental Occlusal Support in Patients with Esophageal Cancer Under Neoadjuvant Therapy: A Retrospective Longitudinal Pilot Study.

A high prognostic nutritional index (PNI) is associated with good prognosis in patients with esophageal cancer. However, nutritional status often decreases during neoadjuvant therapy. Functional tooth units (FTUs) provide an index for the status of posterior occlusal support.

Regulates the Immune Response and Gut Microbiota in Mice.

Background: Cactus contains dietary fiber and minerals and is expected to have preventive effects against diabetes, arteriosclerosis, and other diseases. Additionally, cactus intake induces the production of short-chain fatty acids derived from the gut microbiota, which might influence immune functions. In this study, we examined the effects of a cactus (: NC)-supplemented diet on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced immune responses and intestinal barrier function.

Vitamin B, B, and B Intakes and Risk of Gastric Cancer: Findings from a Case-Control Study.

Background/objectives: Gastric cancer is one of the leading malignancies worldwide. B vitamins play important roles in DNA synthesis and methylation because they are considered co-enzymes in one-carbon metabolism. There is inconclusive evidence regarding the associations between dietary vitamins B, B, and B with the risk of gastric cancer in different epidemiologic studies.

Lutein Maintains Bone Mass In Vitro and In Vivo Against Disuse-Induced Bone Loss in Hindlimb-Unloaded Mice.

Background: Lutein, a carotenoid, exhibits various biological activities such as maintaining the health of the eye, skin, heart, and bone. Recently, we found that lutein has dual roles in suppressing bone resorption and promoting bone formation. In this study, we examined the effects of lutein in a disuse-induced osteoporosis model using hindlimb-unloaded (HLU) mice.

Effects of Nutritional Support with a Leucine-Enriched Essential Amino Acid Supplement on Body Composition, Muscle Strength, and Physical Function in Stroke Patients Undergoing Rehabilitation.

Background/objectives: Dietary protein intake can potentially influence renal function. This study aimed to elucidate the association between dietary protein supplementation and a decrease in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in Japanese stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation.

Methods: From July 2017 to June 2021, 60 patients undergoing post-stroke rehabilitation were randomly assigned to a rehabilitation alone or rehabilitation nutrition group, which received 120 g Reha-Time Jelly after each session.

Combination of Inulin and Resistant Dextrin Has Superior Prebiotic Effects and Reduces Gas Production During In Vitro Fermentation of Fecal Samples from Older People.

Background: Older people are more susceptible to deterioration of the gut microbiota. Prebiotics help improve the gut microbiota. Inulin, a major prebiotic, stimulates the growth of ; however, it produces a large amount of gas, which leads to abdominal symptoms.

Nitrogen-Fixing and : Two Novel Species from Plant Rhizospheres.

Two strains, M1 and H32 with nitrogen-fixing ability, were isolated from the rhizospheres of different plants. Genome sequence analysis showed that a (trogen ixation) gene cluster composed of nine genes () was conserved in the two strains. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strains M1 and H32 are members of the genus .

Effects of the Symbiotic on the Host Ciliate Phenotypes.

, a ciliated protist, forms a symbiotic relationship with the green alga . This endosymbiotic association is a model system for studying the establishment of secondary symbiosis and interactions between the symbiont and its host organisms. Symbiotic algae reside in specialized compartments called perialgal vacuoles (PVs) within the host cytoplasm, which protect them from digestion by host lysosomal fusion.

Transcriptional Regulation in Bacteria.

The goal of research in the post-genomic era, now that the full extent of the genes encoded on microbial genomes is known [https://www [...

The Yeast F-Box Protein Met30 Regulates Proline Utilization Independently of Transceptor Can1 Under Nutrient-Rich Conditions.

Proline is the most abundant amino acid in wine and beer, largely due to the limited utilization of proline by the yeast during fermentation. Previous studies have shown that the arginine transporter Can1 plays a role in regulating proline utilization by acting as a transceptor, combining the functions of both a transporter and a receptor for basic amino acids. However, the -disrupted strains have exhibited the inhibition of proline utilization under nutrient-rich conditions, indicating that additional factors beyond basic amino acids contribute to the inhibition of proline utilization.

Rice Kefiran Ameliorates Obesity and Hepatic Steatosis Through the Change in Gut Microbiota.

Obesity is a global epidemic and a significant risk factor for various diseases. Obesity and dysbiosis are associated, drawing attention to the mechanisms that regulate the gut microbiota. In this study, we focused on the postbiotic effects of rice kefiran (Kef), a functional product of cultured in a rice-based medium, on obesity and its complications.

Involvement of Species in Spotty Liver Disease-like Lesions in Broiler Chickens Detected at Meat Inspections in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan.

Spotty liver disease (SLD) affects free-range laying hens, leading to mortality and reduced egg production. species, including , have been associated with SLD cases worldwide. However, the cause of SLD-like lesions found in broilers in Japan still remains unclear.

Unveiling the Bioleaching Versatility of .

is a Gram-negative bacterium that thrives in extreme acidic conditions. It has emerged as a key player in biomining and bioleaching technologies thanks to its unique ability to mobilize a wide spectrum of elements, such as Li, P, V, Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Mo, W, Pb, U, and its role in ferrous iron oxidation and reduction. catalyzes the extraction of elements by generating iron (III) ions in oxic conditions, which are able to react with metal sulfides.

Novel Antigenic Variant Infectious Bursal Disease Virus Outbreaks in Japan from 2014 to 2023 and Characterization of an Isolate from Chicken.

Novel antigenic variant strains of the infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) classified into genogroup A2d have been found in the western part of Japan since 2017. Novel antigenic variant IBDVs now occur in higher frequencies in poultry houses and have been detected in the eastern part of Japan, indicating the spread of IBDVs despite the usual IBDV vaccination. We isolated a novel antigenic variant IBDV, designated as the B2977CE2C3 strain.

Clinical Cases of Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs During the Autumn-Winter Season in Poland.

Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) pose a growing threat to companion animals, especially dogs, due to the increasing abundance of tick populations in Europe, driven by climate change, urbanization, and the mobility of humans and animals. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in clinically ill dogs suspected of having developed TBDs during the autumn-winter season, as well as to detect pathogens in ticks collected during the same period in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship in Poland. A total of 30 dogs with clinical symptoms of babesiosis and 45 ticks from dogs were acquired for this study.

Role of Rab13, Protein Kinase A, and Zonula Occludens-1 in Hepatitis E Virus Entry and Cell-to-Cell Spread: Comparative Analysis of Quasi-Enveloped and Non-Enveloped Forms.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) exists in two distinct forms: a non-enveloped form (neHEV), which is present in feces and bile, and a quasi-enveloped form (eHEV), found in circulating blood and culture supernatants. This study aimed to elucidate the roles of Ras-associated binding 13 (Rab13) and protein kinase A (PKA) in the entry mechanisms of both eHEV and neHEV, utilizing small interfering RNA (siRNA) and chemical inhibitors. The results demonstrated that the entry of both viral forms is dependent on Rab13 and PKA.