Cyanobacterial diacylglycerol kinase is involved in membrane lipid synthesis and contributes to high-light acclimation of photosystem II.

Photosynthetic organisms alter the lipid composition of the thylakoid membrane in response to environmental conditions. Phosphatidic acid (PA) is the branch point in the biosynthetic pathways of glycolipids and a phospholipid, phosphatidylglycerol (PG). PA and its dephosphorylated form, diacylglycerol (DG), are mutually convertible by PA phosphatase (PAP) and DG kinase (DGK).

Recurrent Hemorrhagic Stroke in a Patient with Neurosarcoidosis: A Case Report.

A 45-year-old Japanese woman had sudden-onset subarachnoid hemorrhage and subsequently developed recurrent intracerebral hemorrhages and multiple infarctions in the left and right cerebral hemispheres, respectively. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were elevated, and a pathological examination of brain biopsy samples demonstrated multinucleated giant cell infiltration and epithelial granuloma formation in thickened pial vessel walls. After treatment with intravascular methylprednisolone 1,000 mg for 3 days, followed by oral prednisolone, she had no recurrence of cerebrovascular events.

Clinical Application of a Novel Augmented Reality Navigation System for Chronic Subdural Hematoma Surgery Using a Single Quick Response Code Marker as a Tracking Target: Technical Note.

Background: Augmented reality (AR) can support neurosurgical procedures by integrating 3-dimensional (3D) images into real-world views to help anatomical understanding. However, current systems are cumbersome and not attractive for trainees. Studies on wearable AR devices show promise but need further refinement.

The Single-Delayed-Phase Contrast Computed Tomography Before Ablation to Reduce Radiation Exposure Without Compromising Diagnostic Pulmonary Vein Accuracy.

Introduction: Early-phase contrast-enhanced CT (CCT) is often used to plan and guide catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF), and delayed-phase images can be used to detect or exclude left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombosis. However, dual-phase CCT is associated with concerns about radiation exposure; hence, this study aimed to evaluate whether single-delayed-phase images can provide sufficient preoperative information while minimizing radiation exposure.

Methods And Results: A total of 102 patients who underwent dual-phase CCT were analyzed for pulmonary vein (PV) anatomy and LAA thrombus detection.

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.

Organic cation transporter-3 mediates exogenous histamine uptake by primary mast cells.

Background: Mast cells exhibit uptake of histamine from the extracellular microenvironment, which can affect the extent of histamine release following their activation. How mast cells take up exogenous histamine, however, is not fully understood. Organic cation transporter-3 (OCT3), which is encoded by , is a bidirectional plasma membrane transporter for small cation molecules (including histamine), which is expressed in many types of cells, including mast cells.

Renal Transplantation in Relation to Positive T-cell Flow Cytometric Crossmatch: A Retrospective Study.

Background: Human leukocyte antigen antibodies play a significant role in kidney transplant rejection at all stages. Cross-matching and human leukocyte antigen antibody testing, especially in donor-specific antibody (DSA)-positive cases, are essential for reducing the risk of antibody-mediated rejection. Despite increasing numbers of DSA-positive transplants with desensitization therapy, guidelines for assessing transplant suitability and therapy selection remain undefined.

Micro Crystalline Sponge Method Combined with Small-Wedge Synchrotron Crystallography for Nanogram Scale Molecular Structure Elucidation.

The crystalline sponge (CS) method enables X-ray structural analysis without the requirement of crystallization of the target compound. However, several technical and crystallographic challenges, such as low guest occupancy, static disorder, and crystal degradation, continue to limit both the accuracy and the success rate of the method. In this study, we explored the downsizing of CS crystals to the range of 1-10 μm to improve data quality and reduce the amount of sample required.

Preliminary Report on the Efficacy and Safety of Triplet Therapy in Patients With Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer: YUSHIMA Study.

Background: The phase 3 ARASENS and PEACE-1 studies demonstrated significant survival benefits from triplet therapy (androgen deprivation therapy [ADT] plus androgen receptor signaling inhibitor plus docetaxel) versus ADT plus docetaxel alone. We examined the efficacy and safety of triplet therapy using the prospective observational clinical study: YUSHIMA study database.

Methods: We analyzed data on patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) treated with triplet therapy extracted from the YUSHIMA study database.

Food-capture patterns and their influence on respiratory behavior.

Various mechanisms exist to reduce the risk of choking during eating, including regulating breathing patterns. Inspiration during food intake may increase the choking risk; however, changes in respiratory patterns during food capture remain unclear. We investigated inspiration and expiration during food capture in adults and children whilst eating different types of foods.

Effects of high-dose alacepril on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and autonomic nervous system function in healthy dogs.

This study investigated the effects of low-dose and high-dose alacepril on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and autonomic nervous system in healthy dogs. Six Beagle dogs received low-dose (2.0 mg/kg/day) or high-dose (6.

Type IV Collagen-Targeting Nanoparticles for Efficient Delivery to the Renal Interstitium in Fibrotic Kidneys.

Introduction: Renal fibrosis is widely recognized as the final common pathway in chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression, culminating in end-stage renal failure, and is characterized by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation by renal myofibroblasts within the renal interstitium, ultimately leading to functional decline. In this study, to establish an effective drug delivery system targeting fibrotic lesions in the renal interstitium, we developed nanoparticles modified with short-chain peptides that bind type IV collagen (Col IV), a distinct ECM component predominantly remodeled in fibrosis.

Methods: Col IV-targeting nanoparticles were intravenously administered to a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rat model of renal fibrosis.

Identification of biliverdin as a pigment involved in the seasonal variation of green lacewing body colour and the enzymes involved in its metabolism.

The green lacewing, Chrysoperla nipponensis, is an insect that undergoes complete metamorphosis, and its body colour changes depending on the developmental stage; adults and larvae are greenish and brownish, respectively. In addition, the body colour of some adults changes to brown in winter, suggesting that environmental factors influence pigment biosynthesis in this insect. However, the underlying colour regulation systems remain unknown.

Pirfenidone encapsulated in succinylated gelatin-coated liposomes exhibits sustained antifibrotic effects in vitro models of renal, pulmonary, and hepatic fibrosis.

Fibrosis is characterized by excessive extracellular matrix accumulation, leading to organ dysfunction and irreversible damage in advanced stages. Challenges in sustaining drug levels within fibrotic lesions with the currently used antifibrotic therapies, including pirfenidone, often necessitate high drug doses that can cause systemic side effects. Here, we introduce a succinylated gelatin (SG)-coated liposome (SG-lip) system, which enhances pirfenidone retention and enables enzyme-responsive release at sites of fibrosis in an in vitro model.

Pioneering AI-guided fluorescence-like navigation in urological surgery: real-time ureter segmentation during robot-assisted radical cystectomy using convolutional neural network.

Artificial intelligence (AI)-driven intraoperative navigation in urological surgery can enhance surgical precision through real-time structure identification and tracking. This study describes a novel AI solution that enables real-time fluorescence-like navigation (FLN) for robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with an initial focus on ureter, potentially enhancing outcomes and training efficacy. We established a new AI model using convolutional neural network (CNN) to achieve real-time intraoperative ureter recognition using 730 images from 17 RARC cases.

Renal Interstitial Distribution of Full-Length IgG and Fab Fragments in Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction-Induced Fibrotic Kidneys.

Renal fibrosis, a critical contributor to chronic kidney disease, is characterized by interstitial expansion and excessive extracellular matrix accumulation. Due to their specificity, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and their fragments are promising candidates for treating renal fibrosis, but their distribution characteristics in fibrotic kidneys, particularly within the renal interstitium, remain unclear. This study investigated the tissue distribution of full-length IgG and Fab fragments in a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced renal fibrosis mouse model.

Tacrolimus-Associated Leukoencephalopathy Following a Living Donor Kidney Transplant for Autosomal Recessive Alport Syndrome: A Case Report.

A 20-year-old male patient diagnosed with chronic renal failure owing to autosomal recessive Alport syndrome underwent kidney transplant, with his mother as the donor. After transplant, the patient's renal function was enhanced; however, owing to preoperative nonadherence, he required sedation and mechanical ventilation. Sedation and mechanical ventilation were discontinued on postoperative day 5.

Intravenous Methylprednisolone for Acute Right Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in Granulomatosis Polyangiitis: A Case Report.

A 17-year-old Japanese woman diagnosed with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and was treated with immunotherapy suddenly developed an impaired consciousness, left hemiplegia, and conjugate eye deviation to the right. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an acute cerebral infarction in the right striatum and right middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. As her GPA had worsened recently, intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) was started.

Gastric inverted polyp successfully resected by underwater endoscopic mucosal resection.

A 47-year-old man, who underwent an annual esophagogastroduodenoscopy as part of his routine check-up, was found to have a small subepithelial lesion on the posterior wall of the gastric body in 2013. The lesion gradually increased in size during follow-up. In 2024, 11 years after the initial detection, the lesion had grown to over 10 mm in diameter and exhibited central erythematous depression.

Infrequent Need for Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support After Mitral Valve Surgery.

Background: Temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS) may be necessary to treat low cardiac output syndrome after mitral valve surgery (MVS) for chronic severe mitral regurgitation (MR). However, prevalence and predictors remain undetermined.

Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study included 443 patients who underwent primary MVS for degenerative, ischemic, or functional MR between January 2013 and June 2023.

A Case of Acute Atherosclerotic Basilar Artery Occlusion Treated by Angioplasty with a Stent Retriever and Combined Antithrombotic Therapy.

Objective: The optimal treatment strategy for large-vessel occlusion (LVO) related to intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD), particularly for tandem lesions that complicate access and device delivery, remains unclear. We report a case in which angioplasty with a stent retriever (SR) and combined antithrombotic therapy was effective in treating re-occlusion associated with dissection of the residual stenosis after thrombectomy for acute atherosclerotic occlusion of the basilar artery (BA) with the left vertebral artery (VA) stenosis.

Case Presentation: An 80-year-old woman was brought to our hospital with progressively worsening consciousness and tetra-paresis.