Microbiota-derived corisin accelerates kidney fibrosis by promoting cellular aging.

The increasing global prevalence of diabetic nephropathy poses substantial health and economic burdens. Currently, effective anti-fibrotic therapies for managing kidney fibrosis associated with chronic kidney disease are lacking. This study reveals corisin, a microbiota-derived peptide, as a central driver in the progression of diabetic kidney fibrosis.

Pathogen detection by multiplex PCR: A comparative study of pneumonia panel, bacterial culture, and respiratory panel in Japanese patients.

Background: Recently developed molecular diagnostic tools facilitate rapid pathogen detection; however, their clinical application in Japan remains limited due to insufficient comparative data. This study aimed to evaluate the pathogen detection rates of the pneumonia panel relative to bacterial culture and compare viral detection rates between pneumonia and respiratory panels in Japanese patients.

Methods: This retrospective study included 354 Japanese patients with suspected respiratory infections.

Suitability of Specimens from Pleural Dissemination of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer for Genetic Testing Using Forceps and Cryobiopsy.

Introduction: Pleuroscopy has significantly improved the diagnostic yield for pleural diseases, including lung cancer with pleural dissemination. However, obtaining suitable samples for genetic analysis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains challenging. Cryobiopsy enables the collection of larger specimens during pleuroscopy.

Exploratory Evaluation of Circulating Microbiota-Derived Corisin Levels in Women with Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes.

Preterm birth and low birth weight remain major contributors to neonatal morbidity and mortality, yet the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Maternal microbiota has been implicated in adverse pregnancy outcomes, but key mediators remain unidentified. We previously showed that the microbiota-derived peptide corisin induces epithelial apoptosis via mitochondrial membrane depolarization and reactive oxygen species accumulation.

Endobronchial tuberculosis mimicking malignancy: Lessons from a case report.

Endobronchial tuberculosis is characterized by the presence of tuberculous lesions within the bronchi, irrespective of the formation of pulmonary lesions. When these lesions are visible, their morphology often raises the differential diagnosis of malignancy. Diagnostic challenges arise as sputum smear tests-crucial for mycobacterial identification-may yield negative results in up to half of the cases.

Providencia rettgeri and Group G Streptococcus in Anorexia Nervosa-Related Empyema: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Anorexia nervosa, predominantly affecting young females, significantly compromises the immune system, rendering patients vulnerable to infections and contributing to a notably high mortality rate. The complexities involved in managing infections in immunocompromised patients with anorexia nervosa are often underappreciated. This case report aims to shed light on these challenges and the potential complications arising from treatment interventions.

Radiological and Pathological Analysis of Pembrolizumab-Associated Lung Lesions: Diagnostic Challenges and Management.

BACKGROUND Pembrolizumab, a programmed cell-death protein-1 (PD-1)-targeting antibody, extends survival in cancer patients but may cause lung injury as a side effect. This immunotherapy enhances the immune system's ability to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. However, its immunomodulatory action can sometimes lead to immune-related adverse events, including lung injury.

Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Transgenic Mice Carrying the Human rs35705950 Variant.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, often fatal lung disease characterized by tissue scarring and declining lung function. The promoter polymorphism rs35705950, a significant genetic predisposition for IPF, paradoxically associates with better survival and slower disease progression than other IPF genotypes. This study investigates the potential paradoxical protective effects of this variant in lung fibrosis.

The Protective Role of KANK1 in Podocyte Injury.

Approximately 30% of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndromes are attributed to monogenic disorders that involve 27 genes. Mutations in family members have also been linked to nephrotic syndrome; however, the precise mechanism remains elusive. To investigate this, podocyte-specific knockout mice were generated to examine phenotypic changes.

Impact of immune-related adverse events on survival outcomes in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors have recently become the standard of care in the first-line treatment of extensive-stage small cell lung cancer. Although immune-related adverse events have been reported to influence prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer patients, few studies have investigated the prognostic value of immune-related adverse events in small cell lung cancer patients. In this study, we evaluated the prognosis of patients who developed immune-related adverse events after first-line treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitor-based chemotherapy for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer.

Role of microbiota-derived corisin in coagulation activation during SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Background: Coagulopathy is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in COVID-19 patients. Hypercoagulability in COVID-19 results in deep vein thrombosis, thromboembolic complications, and diffuse intravascular coagulation. Microbiome dysbiosis influences the clinical course of COVID-19.

Bilateral Nephrectomy for Resistant Hypertension and Secondary Aldosteronism in a Hemodialysis Patient: A Case Report.

A 42-year-old Japanese woman with end-stage renal failure due to hypertension presented with a systolic blood pressure of 160-200 mmHg despite treatment with 4 different antihypertensive agents. The plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) and plasma renin activity (PRA) were elevated. Adrenal vein sampling suggested bilateral excessive aldosterone secretion, whereas adrenocortical scintigraphy showed right-dominant accumulation.

Close-to-lesion transbronchial biopsy: a novel technique to improve suitability of specimens for genetic testing in patients with peripheral pulmonary lesions.

Bronchoscopy with radial-probe endobronchial ultrasound, a guide sheath, and electromagnetic navigation can improve the diagnostic yield of peripheral lung nodules. However, the suitability of specimens for genetic analysis remains unsatisfactory. We hypothesized that a transbronchial biopsy performed after closely approaching the bronchoscope tip to the lesion might provide more suitable specimens for genetic analysis.

"Fruiting Liquid" of Mushroom-Forming Fungi, A Novel Source of Bioactive Compounds - Fruiting-Body Inducer and HIF and Axl Inhibitors.

In general, mushroom-forming fungi secrete liquid on the surface of mycelia just before fruiting-body formation. However, no researchers in mushroom science have paid attention to the liquid until now. We formulated a hypothesis that the liquid plays an important role(s) in the formation of the fruiting body and produces various bioactive compounds and named it the "fruiting liquid (FL)".

Prognostic Value of CXCL12 in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Undergoing Tumor Resection.

Adjuvant chemotherapy is commonly indicated in lung cancer patients undergoing surgical therapy because tumor recurrence is frequent. A biomarker that can predict tumor recurrence in the postoperative period is currently unavailable. CXCR4 receptor and its ligand CXCL12 play important roles in metastasis.

Culture Conditions for Mycelial Growth and Anti-Cancer Properties of .

sp. that grow in symbiosis with fungus-farming Termites have medicinal properties. However, they are rare in nature, and their artificial culture is challenging.

Antimicrobial Effects of Lactoferrin against Infection.

() is the primary causative agent of various gastroduodenal diseases. is an adapted microorganism that has evolved to survive in the acidic conditions of the human stomach, possessing a natural strategy for colonizing harsh environments. Despite the implementation of various eradication regimens worldwide, the eradication rate of has decreased to less than 80% in recent years due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains.