Distribution of myogenic stem cell activator, hepatocyte growth factor, in skeletal muscle extracellular matrix and effect of short-term disuse and reloading.

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a key myogenic stem cell (satellite cells) activator, that resides in the extracellular matrix (ECM). However, HGF distribution in the ECM varies depending on the muscle fiber type. Furthermore, aging impedes the binding of HGF to its receptors owing to nitration by peroxynitrite (ONOO-).

Lineage-specific transcription factor landscape of thymic neuroendocrine tumors.

Introduction: Thymic neuroendocrine tumors (TNETs) are rare malignancies characterized by aggressive clinical behavior and limited therapeutic options. In small cell lung cancer (SCLC), molecular subtypes based on the expression of lineage-defining transcription factors (TFs)-ASCL1, NEUROD1, POU2F3, and YAP1-have been proposed. However, the TF landscape of TNETs remains poorly defined.

IL-15 Promotes the Survival of Anti-Inflammatory (M2), Immunoinhibitory (IL-10+) Dermal Macrophages in Human Eyelid Skin Under IFNγ-Dominated Inflammatory Conditions.

Interleukin (IL)-15 is primarily known as a pro-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic cytokine, which stimulates the proliferation and survival of key immunocytes, including macrophages (MACs). Yet, it remains unclear how IL-15 specifically impacts MACs in intact human skin, particularly immunoinhibitory, IL-10-producing/secreting M2 MACs (CD206IL-10). In the current pilot study, we explored this in organ-cultured healthy human eyelid skin in the presence of IFNγ (100 IU/mL) to mimic a pro-inflammatory signaling milieu found in several chronic immunodermatoses.

Efficacy of a radiofrequency thermocoagulation strategy targeting the propagation network in MRI-negative post-encephalitic insular epilepsy: a case report.

Insular epilepsy after encephalitis is often drug-resistant and MRI-negative, limiting resection due to eloquent cortex involvement. We describe a case in which radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFTC) was applied to disconnect the propagation network (PN) identified by stereoelectroencephalography. In a woman with focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures, the epileptogenic network (EN) was in the left insula and temporal operculum, and the PN spread to the perirolandic area.

Synthesis of Cyclobuta[]pentalenes via an Intramolecular Double Michael Addition Reaction of 1,3-Cyclopentanedione Derivatives.

We describe an intramolecular double Michael addition reaction using 1,3-cyclopentanediones with a Michael acceptor at the C3' position of the C2 side chain through the formal umpolung of the 1,3-cyclopentanedione moiety. Silylation of the reactants generates 1,4-bis(silyloxy)cyclopentadienes, a silyloxy-substituted carbon which attacks the Michael acceptor to afford bicyclic scaffolds. Appropriate selection of the Michael acceptor induces further cyclization toward the activated cyclopentenone moiety to form a cyclobutane ring, affording cyclobuta[]pentalenes.

Molecular and genetic evidence for the role of AMBRA1 in suppressing S-phase entry and tumorigenesis.

AMBRA1, which was initially reported to be essential for nervous system development via autophagy and cell proliferation control, also functions as a tumor suppressor by regulating the ubiquitination of D-type cyclins through interaction with DDB1-Cullin4A/4 B E3 ligase. We had identified a missense mutation in through exome analysis of a family with Cowden syndrome. The patient-type mutant showed reduced DDB1 binding and impaired cyclin D degradation.

Derivation of Dilution Factors for 1st Tier Exposure Assessment in Asian Rivers Using a High Spatio-Temporal Resolution Chemical Exposure Analysis Model.

In recent years, the environmental impacts of down-the-drain chemicals on consumer products have received increasing attention. For a comprehensive environmental risk assessment, dilution factors (DF), which are used for 1st tier exposure assessment, are lacking, especially for the direct discharge scenario. In this study, DFs were derived for 101 rivers in nine Asian countries, considering two exposure scenarios for chemicals discharged from households into rivers-wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) and direct discharge.

Risk-Stratified Prognostic Implications of Contrast-Associated Acute Kidney Injury After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Background: The clinical importance of contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI), the most common complication after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is debated.

Objectives: We aimed to assess the association between CA-AKI and long-term outcomes, overall and across the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) AKI risk categories.

Methods: We analyzed patients undergoing PCI between September 2008 and October 2021 from a Japanese registry aligned with the NCDR and categorized them by the NCDR AKI risk score tertiles (low-risk [<4.

Impact of experimentally derived surface water half-lives on the accuracy of exposure modeling for readily biodegradable substances.

The half-lives of chemical substances in river water are important for assessing environmental persistence and estimating chemical concentrations through exposure modeling. Reports on the half-lives of readily biodegradable substances are limited, and regulatory guidelines provide default values for these substances in the absence of actual data. However, few studies have assessed the effect of experimentally derived half-lives on exposure estimates compared to default values.

Left-Digit Bias in Serum Creatinine Levels and Contrast Administration: A Nationwide Cohort Study Using a Japanese Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Registry.

Background: Contemporary quality initiatives emphasize minimizing contrast volume as a key modifiable factor to prevent acute kidney injury (AKI) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Left-digit bias is a cognitive bias where the leftmost digit of a number disproportionately influences decisions. This bias may unintentionally affect contrast administration when interpreting laboratory values like serum creatinine.

The relationship between lesion overlap with automatically segmented structures and treatment outcomes following MR-guided focused ultrasound thalamotomy for tremor.

Objective: Optimal lesioning is essential for successful MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) thalamotomies targeting the ventral intermediate nucleus (Vim) for tremors. This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between postoperative lesions that overlapped with the Vim and surrounding structures segmented automatically and the treatment outcomes.

Methods: This study included 48 patients who underwent MRgFUS thalamotomy targeting the Vim for essential tremors.

Spatiotemporal fluctuations in fluorescence intensity of rhodamine phalloidin-labeled actin filaments.

Phalloidin (Ph) is widely used for fluorescent labeling of actin filaments. We observed ADP-actin filaments labeled with rhodamine phalloidin (RhPh) or Alexa488-Ph in vitro and discovered that the fluorescence intensities along the filaments showed a mottled pattern of bright and dark regions. Filaments labeled with substoichiometric RhPh exhibited more significant fluorescence inhomogeneities than those labeled with excess RhPh.

Ultrasound-guided lateral pterygoid muscle injection for inferior alveolar nerve block in sagittal split ramus osteotomy: a three-case series.

Background: Sagittal split ramus osteotomy is often associated with significant postoperative pain. Intraoral inferior alveolar nerve blocks have variable success rates and higher risks of vascular complications, while ultrasound-guided approaches to the pterygomandibular space require precise needle placement in a narrow anatomical space. We present a novel perioperative application of ultrasound-guided lateral pterygoid muscle injection for regional anesthesia.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of salvage photodynamic therapy with talaporfin sodium for lesions beyond those indicated for investigator-initiated clinical trials.

Objectives: Since the efficacy of salvage photodynamic therapy (PDT) for locally recurrent esophageal cancer after definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) was proven for the first time in an investigator-initiated clinical trial, various reports have supported the clinical utility of PDT for these lesions. However, the clinical trial had limited indications, including a luminal circumference of ≤1/2, maximum longitudinal lesion length of 3 cm, and no invasion into the cervical esophagus, and there have been few reports of treatment outcomes for lesions exceeding the indications used in the investigator-initiated clinical trial. Therefore, this study was performed to assess the outcomes of treating lesions exceeding the above indications.

Thalamic neural activity and epileptic network analysis using stereoelectroencephalography: a prospective study protocol.

Introduction: Epilepsy is a prevalent chronic neurological disorder, with approximately one-third of patients experiencing intractable epilepsy, often necessitating surgical intervention. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the thalamus has been introduced as a palliative surgical option for seizure control; however, its precise mechanisms remain largely unclear. The thalamus plays a crucial role in coordinating neural networks, both in normal brain function and the propagation of epileptic activity.

IL-17A inhibitor-induced ulcerative colitis treated with an anti-IL-23 antibody.

Interleukin-17 (IL-17) has been suggested to have a protective effect on the intestinal mucosa. The administration of an anti-IL-17 receptor monoclonal antibody has been associated with the onset of inflammatory bowel disease. We present a case of ulcerative colitis caused by secukinumab, an anti-IL-17 receptor A monoclonal antibody, that was treated with mirikizumab, a p19-directed antibody against IL-23.

Prognostic factors and overall survival for recurrent and metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a multicenter retrospective analysis.

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) improve outcomes in recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC). However, some patients remain unresponsive to treatment, necessitating further investigation into optimal therapeutic strategies and prognostic biomarkers. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of various therapies and identify factors influencing overall survival (OS) in these patients.

Rationale and Trial Design of Feedbacks Using Behavioural Economic Theories on STEP Counts (FOOTSTEPS) Trial in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease.

Unlabelled: Physical activity is crucial for reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Interventions for nonsupervised exercise therapy have not been broadly implemented, and few patients with CVD achieve the recommended activity levels (eg, 8000 daily steps). Behavioural economics-based programs increased physical activity in the general population; however, their effectiveness-including the impact of gain vs loss framing-in patients with CVD remains unclear.

Identifying Factors Associated with the Efficacy of Lasmiditan 50 mg as an Acute Treatment for Migraine Attacks Under Various Dosing Conditions in Real-World Clinical Practice.

: Lasmiditan is a newly developed drug for the acute treatment of migraine attacks, but factors associated with its efficacy remain unclear. This study aimed to confirm the efficacy of lasmiditan started at 50 mg under various dosing conditions and identify factors associated with its efficacy. : There are four reasons for prescribing lasmiditan: as an add-on to triptan, if triptan is ineffective, if triptan produces side effects, and when triptan is contraindicated.

Effects of Maillard Reaction Products on Skeletal Muscle Cells: An In Vitro Study Using C2C12 Myotubes.

: Maillard reaction products (MRPs) are known for their antioxidant properties; however, their effects on muscle cells remain unclear. This study aims to elucidate the effects of MRPs on muscle hypertrophy and atrophy in C2C12 myotubes. : MRPs were prepared by heating L-lysine and D-glucose, and their antioxidant activity was assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay.