Development of detection system for lead ions in mixture solutions using UV-Vis measurements with peptide immobilized microbeads.

Environmental pollution caused by heavy metals are problems worldwide. In particular, pollution and poisoning by lead ions (Pb) continue to be common and serious problems. Hence, there is a need for a widely usable method to easily detect Pb from solutions containing organic materials from environmental water such as seas, ponds, etc.

Bacterial expression, purification and characterization of the human Dectin-1 lectin domain for structural and functional studies.

Dectin-1 (CLEC7A), a C-type lectin-like receptor that recognizes β-1,3 glucans, has a key role in the innate immune system. While the lectin domain of mouse Dectin-1 has been solubilized and refolded from inclusion bodies in Escherichia coli, similar refolding of the human Dectin-1 lectin domain is hindered by the formation of misfolded multimers with aberrant intermolecular disulfide bonds. The aim of this study was to develop a method for the large-scale production of the human Dectin-1 lectin domain.

Potential risk factors of protein aggregation in syringe handling during antibody drug dilution for intravenous administration.

Protein aggregation, a major concern in biopharmaceutical quality control, can be accelerated by various stresses during clinical handling. This study investigated potential aggregation risk factors during dilution process with syringe handling for intravenous administration. Using γ-globulin and IgG solutions as surrogate models of antibody therapeutics, we examined the effects of high sliding speeds and piston operations of the syringe on protein aggregation during saline dilution.

The Importance of Lung Innate Immunity During Health and Disease.

The lung is a vital organ for the body as the main source of oxygen input. Importantly, it is also an internal organ that has direct contact with the outside world. Innate immunity is a vital protective system in various organs, whereas, in the case of the lung, it helps maintain a healthy, functioning cellular and molecular environment and prevents any overt damage caused by pathogens or other inflammatory processes.

efficacy and safety of systemically administered serinol nucleic acid-modified antisense oligonucleotides in mouse kidney.

Nucleic acid medicine encompassing antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) has garnered interest as a potential avenue for next-generation therapeutics. However, their therapeutic application has been constrained by challenges such as instability, off-target effects, delivery issues, and immunogenic responses. Furthermore, their practical utility in treating kidney diseases remains unrealized.

Reaction and interaction dynamics of azobenzene-tethered DNA with T7 RNA polymerase.

Reaction and interaction dynamics of azobenzene-tethered DNA (photoresponsive DNA) with T7 RNA polymerase (T7RNAP) were studied after photoisomerization of azobenzene from the - to -forms using the transient grating (TG) and time-resolved fluorescence polarization techniques. Two types of photoresponsive DNA were examined: AzoPBD, tethered at the protein binding site, and AzoTATA, tethered at the unwinding site. A diffusion change was observed after photoexcitation of -AzoPBD within 1 ms, and this change is explained in terms of a structural change from a bent to an extended conformation upon the -to- photoisomerization.

Rosae Multiflorae Fructus Extracts Regulate the Differentiation and Vascular Endothelial Cell-mediated Proliferation of Keratinocytes.

Keratinocytes are the primary component of the epidermis, so maintaining the precise balance between proliferation and differentiation is essential for conserving epidermal structure and function. Rosae multiflorae fructus extract (RMFE) has wide application in the cosmetic industry, but the molecular mechanisms underlying beneficial effects on keratinocytes are still not fully understood. In this study, we found that RMFE promoted epidermal differentiation and enhanced the barrier function of normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) and three-dimensional epidermis model in culture.

Effects of Acute Phase Intensive Exercise Training in Patients With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure.

Background: Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) leads to hospitalizations and functional decline in older adults. Although cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is effective for stable heart failure, its impact on ADHF patients, particularly those without frailty, is unclear.

Objectives: The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of early in-hospital CR for patients hospitalized with ADHF who are not frail.

Survival Outcomes Associated With Radiological Progressive Disease Subtypes in Patients With Atezolizumab and Bevacizumab-Treated HCC.

Background And Aim: To assess the relationship between survival outcomes and subtypes of radiological progressive disease (PD) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with atezolizumab and bevacizumab (Atezo/Bev).

Methods: A total of 462 patients with Atezo/Bev-treated HCC diagnosed with radiological PD during follow-up were enrolled. PD was classified into three categories: progression or emergence of intrahepatic lesions (PD-IH), macroscopic vascular invasion (PD-MVI), and extrahepatic spread lesions (PD-EHS).

Insights into balloon pulmonary angioplasty and the WHO functional class of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients: findings from the CTEPH AC registry.

Advances in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) treatment have improved prognosis, shifting focus towards symptom management. This study aimed to identify factors influencing the World Health Organization functional class (WHO-FC) in CTEPH patients. The CTEPH AC registry is a prospective, multicenter database from 35 Japanese institutions, analyzing data from August 2018 to July 2023.

Propagation of neuronal micronuclei regulates microglial characteristics.

Microglia-resident immune cells in the central nervous system-undergo morphological and functional changes in response to signals from the local environment and mature into various homeostatic states. However, niche signals underlying microglial differentiation and maturation remain unknown. Here, we show that neuronal micronuclei (MN) transfer to microglia, which is followed by changing microglial characteristics during the postnatal period.

Clinical characteristics affecting weight loss in an East Asian population receiving semaglutide: A STEP 6 subgroup analysis.

Objective: To explore the effects of semaglutide versus placebo on body weight (BW) by subgroups of baseline characteristics.

Methods: In STEP 6, Japanese and Korean adults with overweight or obesity were randomized to subcutaneous semaglutide 2.4 mg, semaglutide 1.

Transplantation of genome-edited retinal organoids restores some fundamental physiological functions coordinated with severely degenerated host retinas.

We have previously shown that the transplantation of stem cell-derived retinal organoid (RO) sheets into animal models of end-stage retinal degeneration can lead to host-graft synaptic connectivity and restoration of vision, which was further improved using genome-edited Islet1 ROs (gROs) with a reduced number of ON-bipolar cells. However, the details of visual function restoration using this regenerative therapeutic approach have not yet been characterized. Here, we evaluated the electrophysiological properties of end-stage rd1 retinas after transplantation (TP-rd1) and compared them with those of wild-type (WT) retinas using multi-electrode arrays.

Re-evaluating prognostic factors for cervical cancer with lymph node metastasis: a Japanese multicenter cohort study based on FIGO 2018.

Background: In 2018, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) revised its cervical cancer staging system to enhance clinical relevance, notably by categorizing lymph node metastases (LNM) as an independent stage IIIC. This multicenter study evaluates the prognostic implications of the FIGO 2018 classification within a Japanese cohort.

Methods: This study included 1468 patients with cervical cancer.

Total Synthesis of Antiausterity Agent Callistrilone O Reveals Promising Antitumor Activity in a Melanoma Homograft Mouse Model.

The antiausterity strategy in anticancer drug discovery has attracted much attention as a way to exterminate cancer cells under nutrient deprived conditions which are commonly found in solid tumors. These tumors under low nutrient stress are known to be malignant and often resist conventional drug therapy. As a potential drug candidate, we focused on the meroterpenoid natural product callistrilone O which has demonstrated extremely potent antiausterity properties toward PANC-1 pancreatic carcinoma in vitro.

Corticosteroid therapy and long-term outcomes in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis stratified by left ventricular ejection fraction.

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between corticosteroid therapy and long-term outcomes in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis, stratified by left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at diagnosis.

Methods And Results: This study conducted a analysis of the ILLUstration of the Management and prognosIs of JapaNese PATiEnts with Cardiac Sarcoidosis, a retrospective multicentre registry. Cardiac sarcoidosis was diagnosed based on the 2016 Japanese Circulation Society and 2014 Heart Rhythm Society criteria.

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.

Usefulness of serial in vivo imaging to directly assess the role of inflammation in thrombus resolution and organization.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) remains a significant health problem. Although animal models have provided significant insights into the DVT pathophysiology, time-course assessment in a same animal is technically limited. Recently, we reported a novel murine saphenous DVT model for in vivo visualization of spatiotemporal dynamics of inflammatory cells.

Detection of Eimeria oocysts in chicken feces using flotation recovery with sucrose or saturated saline solution.

Purpose: Flotation methods are widely used to detect oocysts/cysts of protozoans and eggs of helminths, except trematodes. However, details regarding the concentration and recovery rates of these parasites are poorly understood.

Methods: Using Eimeria tenella oocysts as a model parasite, the present study evaluated three check points: (1) the proportion of parasites that remain floating in flotation solution (sucrose or saturated saline) during centrifugation, (2) the proportion of oocysts that naturally float after addition of flotation solution after centrifugation, and (3) the rate of recovery on cover slips after completion of the flotation protocol.

Catalytic acceptorless complete dehydrogenation of cycloalkanes.

The advancement of an effective hydrogen liberation technology from liquid organic hydrogen carriers, particularly cycloalkanes such as cyclohexane and methylcyclohexane, holds significance in realizing a hydrogen-centric society. However, the attainment of homogeneous catalytic acceptorless dehydrogenation characterized by elevated selectivity for thorough aromatization under mild conditions remains unrealized. In this study, a catalyst system, facilitated by a double hydrogen atom transfer processes, has been devised for the catalytic acceptorless dehydrogenation of inert cycloalkanes at ambient temperature under visible light irradiation.

Identification of key gene signatures for predicting chemo-immunotherapy efficacy in extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer using machine learning.

Objectives: The lack of definitive biomarkers presents a significant challenge for chemo-immunotherapy in extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). We aimed to identify key genes associated with chemo-immunotherapy efficacy in ES-SCLC through comprehensive gene expression analysis using machine learning (ML).

Methods: A prospective multicenter cohort of patients with ES-SCLC who received first-line chemo-immunotherapy was analyzed.

Development and Healing Process of Severe Radiodermatitis in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Undergoing Radiotherapy: A Scoping Review.

To summarize the morphological characteristics and development and healing processes of severe radiodermatitis for examining the factors contributing to the development of severe radiodermatitis in patients with head and neck cancer. This scoping review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews. Data were extracted from selected references describing detailed conditions of severe radiodermatitis in patients with head and neck cancer.

Nrf2-Independent Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Dimethyl Fumarate: Challenges and Prospects in Developing Electrophilic Nrf2 Activators for Neurodegenerative Diseases.

The NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway is a potential therapeutic target for central nervous system diseases. This review emphasizes the role of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting the therapeutic potential of Nrf2 activators such as dimethyl fumarate (DMF). DMF, initially administered for treating psoriasis, has demonstrated efficacy in multiple sclerosis and is metabolized to monomethyl fumarate, which may exert significant therapeutic effects.

Short-term outcomes of robot-assisted versus conventional minimally invasive esophagectomy: A propensity score-matched study via a nationwide database.

Background: The advantages of robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RA-MIE) over conventional minimally invasive esophagectomy (C-MIE) are unknown. This nationwide large-scale study aimed to compare surgical outcomes between RA-MIE and C-MIE using rigorous propensity score methods, including detailed covariates and relevant outcomes.

Methods: This Japanese nationwide retrospective cohort study included RA-MIE or C-MIE for esophageal malignant tumors performed between October 2018 and December 2019 and registered in the Japanese National Clinical Database.