A facile assay for zDHHC palmitoyl transferase activation elucidates effects of mutation and modification.

At least 10% of proteins constituting the human proteome are subject to S-acylation by a long-chain fatty acid, thioesterified to a Cys thiol side chain. Fatty S-acylation (prototypically, S-palmitoylation) operates across eukaryotic phylogeny and cell type. S-palmitoylation is carried out in mammalian cells by a family of 23-24 dedicated zDHHC palmitoyl transferase enzymes, and mutation of zDHHCs is associated with a number of human pathophysiologies.

A thorny tale: The origin and diversification of Cirsium (Compositae).

Widely distributed plant genera offer insights into biogeographic processes and biodiversity. The Carduus-Cirsium group, with over 600 species in eight genera, is diverse across the Holarctic regions, especially in the Mediterranean Basin, Southwest Asia, Japan, and North America. Despite this diversity, evolutionary and biogeographic processes within the group, particularly for the genus Cirsium, remain underexplored.

Direct Evaluation of Salivary Antioxidant Properties in Patients with Down Syndrome for assessment to Periodontal Disease and Premature Aging.

To evaluate oxidative stress involved in Down syndrome periodontal disease and pathological premature aging, reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide (O) and hydroxyl radical (HO) in human saliva were measured using electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. The groups consisted of 20 subjects in the Down syndrome (DS) child (DC) group (mean age 11.3 ± 4.

Risk of colorectal cancer associated with frequency of colorectal polyp diagnosis in relatives.

Background & Aims: We aimed to evaluate the association of frequency of polyp diagnosis in relatives with the risk of overall and early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods: We leveraged data from nationwide Swedish family cancer datasets (1964-2018) to calculate standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) for individuals with a family history of polyp by frequency of polyp diagnosis in family members.

Results: We followed up 11,676,043 individuals for up to 54 years.

Inclination of antidepressant medication continuation during pregnancy between 2012 and 2023 in Japan: A cohort study.

Background: As multiple Japanese academic societies have recently issued treatment guidelines for perinatal antidepressant treatments, it is considered worthwhile to evaluate the latest trends and continuation of antidepressant medication during pregnancy to optimize antenatal prescriptions.

Methods: The prevalence, trend, and continuation of antidepressant use during pregnancy in Japan from 2012 to 2023 were evaluated, using a large administrative claims database, in women whose pregnancies ended in live births. Annual changes were evaluated using a multivariate logistic regression model adjusted for maternal age at delivery.

Keratin nanoparticles derived from feather waste for novel antibacterial delivery.

The global rise of bacterial resistance demands innovative strategies to enhance antibiotic efficacy. This study investigates keratin nanoparticles (KNPs) derived from waste chicken feathers as sustainable drug carriers. Antibacterial activity of KNPs was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli using antibacterial sensitivity assays, including disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration tests, while cytotoxicity was evaluated on human lymphoma cells.

Analysis of Departures from Linearity in the Dose Response for Japanese Atomic Bomb Survivor Solid Cancer Mortality and Cancer Incidence Data and Assessment of Low-Dose Extrapolation Factors.

Although leukemia in the Japanese atomic bomb survivor data has long exhibited upward curvature, until recently this appeared not to be the case for solid cancer. It has been suggested that the recently observed upward curvature in the dose response for the Japanese atomic bomb survivor solid cancer mortality data may be accounted for by flattening of the dose response in the moderate dose range (0.3-0.

Traumatic injury mortality in the Gaza Strip from Oct 7, 2023, to June 30, 2024: a capture-recapture analysis.

Background: Accurate mortality estimates help quantify and memorialise the impact of war. We used multiple data sources to estimate deaths due to traumatic injury in the Gaza Strip between Oct 7, 2023, and June 30, 2024.

Methods: We used a three-list capture-recapture analysis using data from Palestinian Ministry of Health (MoH) hospital lists, an MoH online survey, and social media obituaries.

Reverse osmosis membrane fouling caused by typical surfactants in the integrated circuit industry: Fouling mechanism and control strategies.

In the integrated circuit manufacturing process, reverse osmosis (RO) membranes are widely used for wastewater reclamation. However, fouling by typical surfactants significantly reduces membrane efficiency and lifespan. This study investigates the fouling mechanisms of typical surfactants-cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB, cationic), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS, anionic), and polyoxyethylene octyl phenyl ether (TX, nonionic)-on RO membranes.

Loss of tumor cell surface hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor-1 predicts worse prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor-1 (HAI-1) is an epithelial type-1 transmembrane protease inhibitor that regulates the pericellular activities of hepatocyte growth factor activator and type-2 transmembrane serine proteases. It is strongly expressed in the stratified squamous epithelium and functions on the cell surface. We previously reported that the cell surface immunoreactivity of HAI-1 was reduced at the invasion front of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

In silico evaluation of bisphosphonates identifies leading candidates for SARS-CoV-2 RdRp inhibition.

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in 777 million confirmed cases and over 7 million deaths worldwide, with insufficient treatment options. Innumerable efforts are being made around the world for faster identification of therapeutic agents to treat the deadly disease. Post Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 (PASC), also called Long COVID, is still being understood and lacks treatment options as well.

Methylglyoxal compromises callus mineralization and impairs fracture healing through suppression of osteoblast terminal differentiation.

Impaired fracture healing in diabetic patients leads to prolonged morbidity and increased healthcare costs. Methylglyoxal (MG), a reactive metabolite elevated in diabetes, is implicated in various complications, but its direct impact on bone healing remains unclear. Here, using a non-diabetic murine tibial fracture model, we demonstrate that MG directly impairs fracture healing.

Proline enhances the hepatic induction of lipogenic gene expression in male hepatic fasn reporter mice.

Hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) is increased by both carbohydrate intake and protein consumption. In hepatic fat synthesis, a key role is played by the induction of the hepatic expression of lipogenic genes, including Fasn, Scd1, and Srebf1. Regarding carbohydrate intake, increased blood glucose and insulin levels promote the expression of hepatic lipogenic genes.

Evolution and divergence of the role of plant ethylene receptor-related histidine kinases in abscisic acid signaling.

Plant responses to the water environment are mediated by ethylene (submergence response) and abscisic acid (ABA, drought response). Ethylene is perceived by a family of histidine kinase receptors (ETR-HKs), which regulate the activity of the downstream B3 Raf-like (RAF) kinase CONSTITUTIVE TRIPLE RESPONSE1 (CTR1) in an ethylene-dependent manner. We previously demonstrated in the moss Physcomitrium patens that SNF1-related protein kinase 2 (SnRK2), an essential kinase in osmostress responses in land plants, is activated by the B3-RAF kinase ARK, which is also regulated by ETR-HKs in an ABA- and osmostress-dependent manner.

Development of a practical conversion factor for evaluating radioactivity in mixed metal and plastic clearance objects.

In clearance measurements involving a single material type, a conversion factor was applied to convert measurement results to activity based on an assumed uniform density. However, this factor has been found to underestimate activity in material mixtures. In this study, we proposed a method to identify the location with the lowest detection sensitivity (minimum location) in a mixture and evaluated its applicability to the conversion factor.

Fluorescence microscopy of parathyroid and thyroid tissues for localization of autofluorescent substances using near-infrared wavelengths.

Objective: The parathyroid gland emits autofluorescence with a peak at 822 nm when excited using near-infrared light at 785 nm; this observation of autofluorescence using a near-infrared detection device is useful for identifying the parathyroid gland during surgery. We aimed to clarify the localization of autofluorescent substances in parathyroid and thyroid tissues by observing them under a fluorescence microscope through filters that selectively pass specific near-infrared wavelengths.

Methods: Four cases of parathyroid and three cases of thyroid were examined under a fluorescence microscope.

Treatment strategy for intermediate-risk papillary thyroid cancer: Focus on postoperative hypothyroidism following lobectomy.

Objective: An optimal surgical approach for intermediate-risk papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) has not yet been established. The surgical procedure should be determined based on treatment outcomes and postoperative complications. This study aimed to evaluate appropriate surgical strategies for patients with intermediate-risk PTC by comparing treatment outcomes and postoperative complications following total thyroidectomy and lobectomy.

The role of sleep quality in mediating the relationship between habenula volume and resilience.

Background: Our human volumetric MRI study (Dai et al., 2024) demonstrated that habenula (Hb) volume is associated with psychological resilience, a key protective factor against depression. However, the biological mechanisms underpinning this relationship remain unclear.

Asian Thoracic Oncology Research Group expert consensus statement on the peri-operative management of non-small cell lung cancer.

The peri-operative management of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in earlier stage disease has seen significant advances in recent years with the incorporation of immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapy. However, many unanswered questions and challenges remain, including the application of clinical trial data to routine clinical practice. Recognising the unique demographic profile of Asian patients with NSCLC and heterogeneous healthcare systems, the Asian Thoracic Oncology Research Group (ATORG) convened a consensus meeting in Singapore on 26 April 2024 to discuss relevant issues spanning diagnostic testing to post-neoadjuvant treatment considerations and future directions.

Novel screening approach for stem cell selective inhibitors and their possible translational therapeutic potential for endometriosis.

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent benign disease characterized by growth of the endometrial tissue outside the uterine wall. Several reports suggest the possibility of the pathogenesis and recurrence of endometriosis being related to functions of stem/progenitor cells of the endometrium. The drawback of the widely used method of using Hoechst 33342, a fluorescent dye, to collect stem cell-like populations, is the requirement of an ultraviolet (UV) excitation source not commonly provided on standard flow cytometers.

Parental occupational exposure to anticancer drugs and radiation: Risk of fetal loss and physical abnormalities in The Japan Environment and Children's Study.

Background: Many studies have indicated an association between maternal occupational exposure to hazardous agents, such as anticancer drugs and ionizing radiation, and an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including stillbirths or miscarriages and physical abnormalities in offspring. However, the effects of recent advancements in protective measures to reduce these risks have not been clarified. Aim To investigate the current impact of parental occupational exposure to anticancer drugs and ionizing radiation on stillbirths or miscarriages as well as physical abnormalities under the circumstances of the developed safety protocols.

Ten-year analysis of non-research industry payments to anesthesiologists in the United States between 2014 and 2023.

Study Objective: This study aimed to examine extent, fraction, and trends of general payments to anesthesiologists and non-physician anesthesia providers (NPAPs) in the United States.

Design: This is a cross-sectional analysis of general payments by pharmaceutical and medical device industry to all anesthesiologists (2014-2023) and NPAPs (2021-2023) for non-research purposes using the Open Payments Database, a federal transparency database under the Physician Payments Sunshine Act between 2014 and 2023.

Setting: The United States.

CD63 as a potential biomarker for patients with ovarian cancer.

Introduction: Exosomes play an important role in regulating physiological processes and mediating the systemic dissemination of various types of cancer. We investigated the association of exosomal tetraspanins CD9, CD63, and CD81 in patients with ovarian cancer (OC).

Material And Methods: We measured the plasma tetraspanins CD9, CD63, and CD81 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 91 patients who underwent treatment for OC between April 2018 and March 2024.

A Case of Robot-Assisted Pylorus-Preserving Pancreatoduodenectomy for Branch-Duct Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms Complicated With an Annular Pancreas.

Annular pancreas is a rare congenital anatomical anomaly, in which the pancreatic parenchyma surrounds the descending duodenum. Generally, annular pancreas is diagnosed on the basis of symptoms associated with complications of peptic ulcer, pancreatitis, cholelithiasis, and rarely, malignant tumors. Herein, we report an 84-year-old man for whom, during hospitalization for a urinary tract infection, pancreatic cystic lesions and an annular pancreas were noted incidentally on computed tomography.