Hypoxia-Inducible Factor Prolyl Hydroxylase Inhibitor Roxadustat Accelerates Wound Healing in a Mouse Hind limb Lymphedema Model.

Drugs regulating hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α have not been investigated for wound healing in lymphedema. Therefore, we examined the effects of drug modulation of HIF-1α activity for wound healing in our previously developed mouse model of nonirradiated hind limb lymphedema. Mouse hind limb lymphedema models ( = 17) and a sham group ( = 6) were created using 8- to 10-week-old male C57BL/6N mice.

Narratives of Chinese kindergarteners with Autism spectrum disorder: Comparison with typically developing children.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an early-onset neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by highly heterogeneous language abilities. These variations necessitate sensitive and comprehensive assessments, with narrative analysis being an effective method. This study aimed to examine the micro- and macrostructural aspects of narratives of Mandarin-speaking children with ASD.

Molecular study of the status of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in rats in Haiti.

Angiostrongylus cantonensis, commonly known as the rat lungworm, causes Eosinophilic meningitis in humans. Our study aimed to investigate the prevalence and distribution of this parasite in rats in Haiti. Rats were trapped at 8 sites, 7 in Artibonite (rural region) and one in an urban area of Port-au-Prince.

Overexpression of the RNA-binding protein NrdA affects global gene expression and secondary metabolism in species.

RNA-binding protein Nrd1 plays a role in RNA polymerase II transcription termination. In this study, we showed that the orthologous NrdA is important in global mRNA expression and secondary metabolism in species. We constructed an conditional expression strain using the Tet-On system in mut.

Phytotoxic Effects of Polystyrene Microplastics on Growth Morphology, Photosynthesis, Gaseous Exchange and Oxidative Stress of Wheat Vary with Concentration and Shape.

Microplastics pose a serious ecological threat to agricultural soils, as they are very persistent in nature. Microplastics can enter the soil system in different ways and present different shapes and concentrations. However, little is known about how plants react to microplastics with different concentrations and shapes.

The Role of Indoxyl Sulfate in Exacerbating Colorectal Cancer During Chronic Kidney Disease Progression: Insights into the Akt/β-Catenin/c-Myc and AhR/c-Myc Pathways in HCT-116 Colorectal Cancer Cells.

Epidemiological studies suggest an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) aggravation in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Our previous study demonstrated that indoxyl sulfate, a uremic toxin whose concentration increases with CKD progression, exacerbates CRC through activation of the AhR and Akt pathways. Consequently, indoxyl sulfate has been proposed to be a significant link between CKD progression and CRC aggravation.

A Simple and Sensitive RT-qPCR Technology for Rapid Detection of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus.

To establish a rapid and sensitive detection method for the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), gene-specific primers and a TaqMan probe were designed based on the gene of PRRSV, and a new stable fully pre-mixed reverse transcription real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) reaction mixture was developed. A simple and rapid RT-qPCR detection method for PRRSV was developed by optimizing nucleic acid amplification conditions. The results showed that the method was able to specifically detect PRRSV without cross-reactivity with the other 11 porcine susceptible viruses.

Antibody Responses to mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Among Healthcare Workers in Outpatient Clinics in Japan.

Background: This study aimed to assess the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines among healthcare workers (HCWs) from multiple outpatient clinics in Japan, examining the effects of baseline characteristics (e.g., sex, age, underlying condition, smoking history, occupation) and prior infections.

Single Dose of Attenuated Vaccinia Viruses Expressing H5 Hemagglutinin Affords Rapid and Long-Term Protection Against Lethal Infection with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A H5N1 Virus in Mice and Monkeys.

Background/objectives: In preparation for a potential pandemic caused by the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus, pre-pandemic vaccines against several viral clades have been developed and stocked worldwide. Although these vaccines are well tolerated, their immunogenicity and cross-reactivity with viruses of different clades can be improved.

Methods: To address this aspect, we generated recombinant influenza vaccines against H5-subtype viruses using two different strains of highly attenuated vaccinia virus (VACV) vectors.

SARS-CoV-2 Evolution: Implications for Diagnosis, Treatment, Vaccine Effectiveness and Development.

The COVID-19 pandemic, driven by the rapid evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, presents ongoing challenges to global public health. SARS-CoV-2 is characterized by rapidly evolving mutations, especially in (but not limited to) the spike protein, complicating predictions about its evolutionary trajectory. These mutations have significantly affected transmissibility, immune evasion, and vaccine efficacy, leading to multiple pandemic waves with over half a billion cases and seven million deaths globally.

Reactions of Hydrogen-Passivated Silicon Vacancies in -Quartz with Electron Holes and Hydrogen.

We used density functional theory with a hybrid functional to investigate the structure and properties of [4H] (hydrogarnet) defects in -quartz as well as the reactions of these defects with electron holes and extra hydrogen atoms and ions. The results demonstrate the depassivation mechanisms of hydrogen-passivated silicon vacancies in -quartz, providing a detailed understanding of their stability, electronic properties, and behaviour in different charge states. While fully hydrogen passivated silicon vacancies are electrically inert, the partial removal of hydrogen atoms activates these defects as hole traps, altering the defect states and influencing the electronic properties of the material.

In Situ TEM Study of Electrical Property and Mechanical Deformation in MoS/Graphene Heterostructures.

We present a versatile method for synthesizing high-quality molybdenum disulfide (MoS) crystals on graphite foil edges via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). This results in MoS/graphene heterostructures with precise epitaxial layers and no rotational misalignment, eliminating the need for transfer processes and reducing contamination. Utilizing in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) equipped with a nano-manipulator and tungsten probe, we mechanically induce the folding, wrinkling, and tearing of freestanding MoS crystals, enabling the real-time observation of structural changes at high temporal and spatial resolutions.

'Ship-in-a-Bottle' Integration of pH-Sensitive 3D Proteinaceous Meshes into Microfluidic Channels.

Microfluidic sensors incorporated onto chips allow sensor miniaturization and high-throughput analyses for point-of-care or non-clinical analytical tools. Three-dimensional (3D) printing based on femtosecond laser direct writing (fs-LDW) is useful for creating 3D microstructures with high spatial resolution because the structures are printed in 3D space along a designated laser light path. High-performance biochips can be fabricated using the 'ship-in-a-bottle' integration technique, in which functional microcomponents or biomimetic structures are embedded inside closed microchannels using fs-LDW.

Stable Field Emissions from Zirconium Carbide Nanoneedle Electron Source.

In this study, a single zirconium carbide (ZrC) nanoneedle structure oriented in the <100> direction was fabricated by a dual-beam focused ion beam (FIB-SEM) system, and its field emission characteristics and emission current stability were evaluated. Benefiting from controlled fabrication with real-time observation, the ZrC nanoneedle has a smooth surface and a tip with a radius of curvature smaller than 20 nm and a length greater than 2 μm. Due to its low work function and well-controlled morphology, the ZrC nanoneedle emitter, positioned in a high-vacuum chamber, was able to generate a single and collimated electron beam with a current of 1.

Comparative Sensitivity of MRI Indices for Myelin Assessment in Spinal Cord Regions.

Although multiple magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indices are known to be sensitive to the noninvasive assessment of myelin integrity, their relative sensitivities have not been directly compared. This study aimed to identify the most sensitive MRI index for characterizing myelin composition in the spinal cord's gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM). MRI was performed on a deer's ex vivo cervical spinal cord.

Influence of Nursing Time and Staffing on Medication Errors: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Administrative Data.

: Medication errors cause adverse events; however, studies have yet to examine medication errors related to nursing hours while considering ward characteristics in Japan. Purpose: This study investigated medication errors caused by nurses to quantitatively assess ward activity as busyness in nursing duties. : This study considered patients hospitalized in the general wards of 10 National Hospital Organization institutions between April 2019 and March 2020.

Influence of Hospital Bed Count on the Positioning of Cardiovascular Interventional Radiology (IR) Nurses: Online Questionnaire Survey of Japanese IR-Specialized Radiological Technologists.

Background/objectives: Interventional radiology (IR) utilizing X-rays can lead to occupational radiation exposure, posing health risks for medical personnel in the field. We previously conducted a survey on the occupational radiation exposure of IR nurses in three designated emergency hospitals in Japan. Our findings indicated that a hospital with 214 beds showed a higher lens-equivalent dose than hospitals with 678 and 1182 beds because the distance between the X-ray irradiation field and the IR nurse's position of the hospital with 214 beds was shorter than those of 678 and 1182 beds.

Impacts of Racket Handle Design on Table Tennis Topspin Forehand Rally Performance Among Beginner Players.

Physical inactivity is a major global public health concern, and table tennis offers a low-impact, engaging way to promote physical activity across various age groups. However, many beginners struggle to maintain effective participation due to their lower skill levels. Therefore, the development and reinforcement of stable grip techniques is crucial because it will help beginners achieve sustainable improvements in performance.

Effect of Body-Weight-Based Resistance Training on Balance Ability and Fear of Falling in Community-Dwelling Older Japanese Women.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week body-weight-based resistance training program on balance ability and fear of falling in community-dwelling older women.

Methods: Twenty-three older women were assigned to either an intervention group that performed the low-load resistance training with slow movement using the body weight (LRT group; = 12) or a control group (CON group; = 11). The LRT group participated in the exercise session twice weekly for 12 weeks, while the CON group maintained their daily routine.

An Evaluation of the Biocompatibility and Chemical Properties of Two Bioceramic Root Canal Sealers in a Sealer Extrusion Model of Rat Molars.

This study assessed the biocompatibility and chemical properties of two bioceramic root canal sealers, EndoSequence BC Sealer (EBC) and Nishika Canal Sealer BG (NBG), using a sealer extrusion model. Eight-week-old male Wistar rats were used. The mesial root canals of the upper first molars were pulpectomized and overfilled with EBC, NBG, or, as reference, epoxy resin-based AH Plus (AHP).

Evaluation of Extra-High Translucent Dental Zirconia: Translucency, Crystalline Phase, Mechanical Properties, and Microstructures.

Highly translucent zirconia (TZ) is frequently used in dentistry. The properties of several highly translucent zirconia materials available in the market require an in-depth understanding. In this study, we assessed the translucency, crystalline phase, mechanical properties, and microstructures of three newly developed highly translucent zirconia materials (Zpex 4.

Wear Resistance of Light-Cure Resin Luting Cements for Ceramic Veneers.

The purpose of this study was to compare the wear resistance of light-cure resin luting cements for veneers with that of other luting materials investigated in earlier studies. An Alabama wear-testing machine was used to measure the wear resistance of four recent light-cure resin luting cements for veneers (G-Cem Veneer; Panavia V5 LC; RelyX Veneer Cement; and Vario-link Esthetic LC). The volume loss ranged from 0.

Insights and trends review: Use of extended reality (xR) in hand surgery.

Digital transformation through extended reality (xR)-comprising virtual, augmented, mixed, and substitutional reality-has become an integral part of the future of clinical and surgical practice. xR technologies facilitate advanced surgical planning, training, therapies and education, reshaping both personal and institutional healthcare. This paper examines the potential changes that xR has introduced into the field of hand surgery, exploring how xR enhances patient-centric care, increases medical service efficiency and revolutionizes surgical training, planning and therapeutic interventions.

Structure of a Sulfated Capsular Polysaccharide from the Marine Bacterium KMM 1449 and a Genomic Insight into Its Biosynthesis.

Some marine and extremophilic microorganisms are capable of synthesizing sulfated polysaccharides with a unique structure. A number of studies indicate significant biological properties of individual sulfated polysaccharides, such as antiproliferative activity, which makes them a promising area for further research. In this study, the capsular polysaccharide (CPS) was obtained from the bacterium KMM 1449, isolated from a marine sediment sample collected along the shore of the Sea of Japan.

Expression Analysis of Heavy-Chain-Only Antibodies in Cloudy Catshark and Japanese Bullhead Shark.

Heavy chain-only antibodies in sharks are called immunoglobulin new antigen receptors (IgNAR), consisting of one variable region (VNAR) and five constant regions (C1-C5). The variable region of IgNAR can be expressed as a monomer composed of a single domain, which has antigen specificity and is thus gaining attention as a next-generation antibody drug modality. In this study, we analyzed IgNAR of the cloudy catshark and Japanese bullhead shark, small demersal sharks available in the coastal waters of Japan.