Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester Enhances Bone Repair-related Factors in MC3T3-E1 Cells.

Apical periodontitis is an inflammatory disease caused by bacterial infection in the root canal that spreads to the apical periodontal tissues, resulting in bone resorption around the root apex as the disease progresses. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a growth factor involved in angiogenesis, plays an important role in bone remodeling. We reported that caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a bioactive substance of propolis, induces VEGF in odontoblast-like cells and dental pulp cells.

Particulate Hexavalent Chromium Exposure Induces DNA Double-Strand Breaks and Inhibits Homologous Recombination Repair in Rat and Human Lung Tissues.

Lung cancer is an important human health concern because of its high mortality rate, with many cases caused by environmental chemicals other than tobacco. Particulate hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is a well-established human lung carcinogen, but how Cr(VI) induces lung cancer is poorly understood. Chromosome instability, a hallmark of lung cancer, is considered a major driving factor in Cr(VI)-induced lung cancer.

Impact of redox status of donor cows before superovulation treatment on in vivo embryo production.

This study investigated the relationship between oxidation and antioxidation parameters before superovulation (SOV) treatment and embryo recovery in donor cows. The relative redox status of the 61 donor cows was evaluated based on the median values of diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP) measurements (d-ROMs of 100 U.CARR; BAP of 2413  mol L ) before SOV treatment.

Impact of pure desmoplastic histological growth patterns in colorectal liver metastasis.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) has increasingly come into worldwide cancer and almost half of patients have liver metastasis (CRLM) during the progression. Therefore, treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM) is important to improve the prognosis of CRC patients. Histopathological growth patterns (HGPs) of CRLM have emerged as a reliable prognostic marker.

Tumor- and host-derived heparanase-2 (Hpa2) attenuates tumorigenicity: role of Hpa2 in macrophage polarization and BRD7 nuclear localization.

Little attention was given to heparanase 2 (Hpa2) over the last two decades, possibly because it lacks a heparan sulfate (HS)-degrading activity typical of heparanase. Emerging results suggest, nonetheless, that Hpa2 plays a role in human pathologies, including cancer progression where it functions as a tumor suppressor. Here, we examined the role of Hpa2 in cervical carcinoma.

Triadenosides A-F, benzophenone rhamnosides from Triadenum japonicum and their anti-ferroptosis activity.

Previously undescribed benzophenone rhamnosides, triadenosides A-F (1-6), were isolated from the aerial parts of Triadenum japonicum (Blume) Makino (Hypericaceae), where known compounds including benzophenone rhamnosides (7 and 8), benzophenone C-glucoside (9), flavonols and their glycosides (10-17), and biflavone (18) were also isolated and identified. Detailed spectroscopic analysis revealed that triadenoside A (1) was 2,3',5'-trihydroxy-4,6-dimethoxybenzophenone 2-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside, while the absolute configuration of the rhamnosyl moiety was confirmed by HPLC analysis. Triadenosides B-E (2-5) were assigned as acetyl derivatives of 1 in their rhamnosyl moieties.

Porphyromonas gingivalis outer membrane vesicles increase vascular permeability by inducing stress fiber formation and degrading vascular endothelial-cadherin in endothelial cells.

Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) is a keystone bacterium associated with systemic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) released from Pg have been implicated in systemic diseases by delivering Pg virulence factors to host cells in distant organs and inducing cellular dysfunction. Pg OMVs also have the potential to enter distant organs via the bloodstream.

Pathological Complete Response to a Single Dose of Pembrolizumab-Based Chemoimmunotherapy for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lung: A Case Report.

We herein describe a patient with non-small-cell lung cancer who achieved pCR with a single dose of pembrolizumab-based chemoimmunotherapy followed by surgery. A 61-year-old man was referred to our hospital with wheezing and an abnormal chest shadow. Squamous cell carcinoma of the left lower lobe, cT2aN1M0 stage IIB, was diagnosed and pembrolizumab-based chemoimmunotherapy was initiated at the patient's request.

Effects of nintedanib on circulating biomarkers of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Background: Biomarkers that change in response to nintedanib in subjects with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) would be valuable. We investigated the effects of nintedanib on circulating biomarkers in subjects with IPF in the INMARK trial.

Methods: Subjects with IPF were randomised 1:2 to receive nintedanib 150 mg twice daily or placebo for 12 weeks, after which all patients received open-label nintedanib for 40 weeks.

Hypoxia-inducible factor-targeting therapy augmented the sensitivity to programmed death ligand-1 blockade by enhancing interferon-γ-induced chemokines in tumor cells.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) provide clinical benefits for various advanced malignancies. However, the predictive factors that determine sensitivity to ICIs have not been fully elucidated. We focused on tumor-derived CXCL10/11 as a pivotal factor that determines the response to PD-L1 blockade by regulating T cell accumulation and tumor angiogenesis.

Research on Natural Fiber Microstructure Detection Method Based on CA-DeepLabv3.

Natural fibers exhibit noticeable variations in their cross-sections, and measurements assuming a circular cross-section can lead to errors in the values of their properties. Providing more accurate geometric information of fiber cross-sections is a key challenge. Based on microscopic images of natural fiber structures, this paper proposes a natural fiber microstructure detection method based on the CA-DeepLabv3+ network model.

Intraoperative Transbronchial Metallic Coil Marking for Small Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions in a Hybrid Operation Room.

: Computed tomography (CT)-guided transbronchial metallic coil marking is useful for identifying the locations of small peripheral pulmonary lesions. Even deeply located lesions may be accurately identified and resected with adequate margins. This method is also applicable to multiple lesions.

Sarcomere gene variants did not improve cardiac function in pediatric patients with dilated cardiomyopathy from Japanese cohorts.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by impaired cardiac contraction and ventricular dilation. However, some patients with DCM improve when experiencing left ventricular reverse remodeling (LVRR). Currently, the detailed association between genotypes and clinical outcomes, including LVRR, particularly among children, remains uncertain.

Metasurface absorber enhanced thermoelectric conversion.

Metasurfaces are artificial thin materials that achieve optical thickness through thin geometrical structure. This feature of metasurfaces results in unprecedented benefits for enhancing the performance of optoelectronic devices. In this study, we report that this metasurface feature is also essential to drive photo-thermoelectric conversion, which requires the accumulation of thermal energy and effective heat conduction.

Intraoperative transbronchial metallic coil marking guided by mobile 3D C-arm for resection of a small peripheral lung lesion.

Sublober resection of small peripheral lung lesions using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery may require marking and confirmation using 3D imaging in the interventional radiology suite or in the hybrid operating room (HOR) before surgery is started. We report a novel approach for intraoperative transbronchial metallic coil marking followed by thoracoscopic wedge resection in a conventional operating room under mobile 3D C-arm guidance. Under general anesthesia, an ultrathin video-bronchoscope was inserted into an objective bronchus guided with virtual bronchoscopic navigation, and a coil-feeding microcatheter was introduced through the bronchoscope's channel.

Assisted reproductive technology in Japan: A summary report for 2022 by the Ethics Committee of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Purpose: This descriptive analysis evaluated the 2022 assisted reproductive technology (ART) data collected by the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology registry.

Methods And Results: In 2022 (cutoff date 30 November 2023), 634 of 635 registered ART facilities participated; 602 implemented ART treatment, with 543 630 registered cycles and 77 206 neonates (9.1% and 10.

Anacardic Acid Derivatives Isolated from Fungal Species as New Histone Acetyltransferase Inhibitors.

Anacardic acid (AA) was first detected in the shells of cashew nuts, Anacardium occidentale, and is known to possess inhibitory activity against acetyltransferases. Recently, several anacardic acid derivatives (AAds) were isolated from the wild fungus, Tyromyces fissilis, which has been reported as xanthine oxidase inhibitors. In the present study, we investigated whether nine AAds function as acetyltransferase inhibitors.

Being underweight or obese in adolescence may increase the risk of female infertility later in life: The Japan Nurses' Health Study.

Objectives: Underweight or obesity is associated with infertility in women, but large cohort studies with a life course perspective are rare. We explored the association between body mass index (BMI) at age 18 and subsequent infertility among Japanese women.

Study Design: In total, 15,907 married women aged 30-44 years who participated in a prospective cohort baseline survey during 2001-2007 were cross-sectionally analyzed.

Rhythmic forces shaping the zebrafish cardiac system.

The structural development of the heart depends heavily on mechanical forces, and rhythmic contractions generate essential physical stimuli during morphogenesis. Cardiac cells play a critical role in coordinating this process by sensing and responding to these mechanical forces. In vivo, cells experience rhythmic spatial and temporal variations in deformation-related stresses throughout heart development.

Task Shifting in Cardiac Catheterization to Sustain Physicians and Acute Coronary Syndrome Response Centers - Findings From the 2024 Japanese Circulation Society Chugoku-Shikoku Regional Survey.

Background: Sustainability of the 24/7 acute coronary syndrome response system is at risk due to the Work Style Reform for physicians.

Methods And Results: A survey of 93 facilities in Chugoku-Shikoku region found that 30% of facilities expected acute coronary syndrome services to be restricted due to the Work Style Reform. Approximately 35% had implemented task shifting, which reduced physicians' workload by 30% and improved team care.

Development of New Surgical Training for Full Endoscopic Surgery Using 3D-Printed Models.

Introduction: Full endoscopic spine surgery continues to spread worldwide but has a long learning curve. Conventional endoscopy training uses live pigs or human cadavers, which has disadvantages such as high costs and limited availability. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and evaluate three-dimensional (3D)-printed models for endoscopy training.

Time-course assessment of oral intake function and its impact on end-of-life in older individuals over 90 years with frailty.

Aim: The study investigates end-of-life trajectories, focusing on the degree of oral intake function in older individuals with frailty aged over 90 years.

Methods: This retrospective observational study examined individuals aged 90 years and older who passed away at a long-term chronic care hospital and related facilities in Japan. We assessed their Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) and Function Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), categorizing them into two groups-"preserved CFS" (CFS score ≤7) and "poor CFS" (CFS score ≥8)-considering evaluations conducted 6 months before death.

Lineage-specific duplication and functional diversification of DOPA-decarboxylase genes in the Gryllidae family, as revealed in Gryllus bimaculatus.

The DOPA-decarboxylase (DDC) gene is crucial for dopamine synthesis and influences various biological functions in insects, including body coloration, behavior, learning, and sleep. However, its evolutionary impact remains largely unexplored. This study reports on the tandem duplication of two bona fide ddc genes (ddc1 and ddc2) in the Gryllidae cricket family.

Cholangiolocellular Carcinoma Misdiagnosed As Hemangioma: Unique Central Fibrotic Area Devoid of Cancer Cells Detected on a Seven-Year Follow-Up.

Cholangiolocellular carcinoma, a subtype of peripheral-type intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, is a relatively rare primary liver tumor. This case report describes a patient with cholangiolocellular carcinoma that was initially misdiagnosed as hemangioma, and ultimately underwent complete tumor resection after a seven-year follow-up period. A 72-year-old female patient with a history of chronic hepatitis C was followed up regularly at the hospital.