DAPI (4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) as a novel fluorochrome for amyloid staining that binds to β-pleated sheet.

Amyloidosis is caused by the extracellular deposition of amyloid fibrils with a β-pleated sheet structure. Diagnosis typically relies on Congo red or Thioflavine T staining. Recently, DAPI (4',6-Diamidino-2-Phenylindole), which is a common nuclear fluorochrome, has been reported to stain amyloid.

Validity of a self-administered food frequency questionnaire for assessing carotenoid intakes using serum biomarkers in Japan: the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project.

Background: More research is needed to clarify the health effects of dietary carotenoid intakes, and this requires the use of high-quality assessments of habitual dietary intake. Cohort studies from the Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization included a self-administered food frequency questionnaire (TMM-FFQ) for community-dwelling adults. This study evaluated the validity of carotenoid intakes derived from the TMM-FFQ using serum carotenoid concentrations as the gold standard.

Subtalar joint kinematics defined by a rotational axis translating along the posterior talocalcaneal facet.

The subtalar joint is essential for the normal function of the human foot during bipedal walking, with its kinematics being pivotal for understanding foot biomechanics, disorders, and evolution. Traditionally, the helical axis representation has been used to assess subtalar joint movement, assuming translational motion along the rotational axis. However, recent observations challenge this assumption, revealing predominantly mediolateral translation during walking.

Effect of a Low-Lysine Diet Based on Newly Estimated Lysine Requirements on the Intramuscular Fat Content in the Longissimus Dorsi Muscle of Fattening Pigs.

We have previously reported the new lysine requirements for fattening pigs raised in Japan. This study aimed to determine whether a low-lysine diet based on this newly estimated requirement could increase the intramuscular fat content in fattening pigs. Twenty-nine (Large White × Landrace) × Duroc crossbreeds, 14 weeks old and weighing 50 kg, were used in this experiment.

Genetic Variant of the Canine Gene for the Hair Length Trait in the Akita: Utility for Hair Coat Variations and Welfare in Conservation Breeding.

: Variations in hair length are observed in many dog breeds, as determined by the canine gene. Long-haired Akitas, which are disqualified under breeding standards of Akitas, are sometimes born to short-haired parents and may have been subjected to treatments compromising animal welfare. Here, we aimed to identify an variant associated with hair coat variations in Akitas in Japan, and to assess how welfare of this breed can be improved by carefully planned breeding.

Neurophysiological Basis of Short-Chain Fatty Acid Action in Pain Modulation: Therapeutic Implications.

The gut microbiota influences both energy metabolism and central nervous system (CNS) functions. This influence is mediated by humoral factors, including various metabolites, neurotransmitters, cytokines, and hormones, in addition to neural pathways such as the vagus nerve. Notably, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-comprising acetic, propionic, and butyric acids-merit specific attention.

Exploring the effect of canine cancer-associated fibroblasts on T cell dynamics through the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis modulated by TGF-β1.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) that modulate T cell immunity by secreting humoral factors and forming structural barriers. CAFs secrete the chemokine C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12), which binds to C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) on T cells and induces chemotaxis. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), another humoral factor secreted by CAFs, has been reported to regulate the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis; however, a direct association between them has not been demonstrated in human medicine or veterinary medicine.

Development of rematuration of canine chemically induced hepatic progenitor cells using 3D rocking culture.

Introduction: Developing canine hepatocyte culture systems is critical for liver transplantation, toxicity evaluation, and drug metabolism studies. However, maintaining viable and functional hepatocytes in long-term cultures remains challenging. Our prior research demonstrated differentiation of cryopreserved canine hepatocytes into hepatic progenitor cells (cHPCs) using three small-molecule compounds: Y-27632 (ROCK inhibitor), A-83-01 (TGFβ inhibitor), and CHIR99021 (GSK3 inhibitor).

Chimeric SF-25 monoclonal antibody as a targeted therapy for SLC3A2 in adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma.

The SF-25 antigen (SF-25 Ag), which functions as the amino acid transporter solute carrier family 3 member 2 (SLC3A2), is essential for regulatory T (Treg) cell maintenance and is highly expressed in adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) cells. We analyzed SF-25 Ag expression in CD4+peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) from 28 ATL patients, 52 healthy human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) carriers, and eight non-infected individuals. Inverse polymerase chain reaction was used to detect monoclonal integration of HTLV-1 proviral DNA.

Development of a Reusable Universal Head Immobilization Method for Radiotherapy in Dogs.

The reproducibility of immobilization is critical in small animal radiotherapy, especially for the head region. We developed a reusable immobilization method using a thermoplastic mask molded with cylinders that can be universally applied, eliminating the need for individual patient-specific masks. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of this method with two conventional techniques, namely immobilization using a cylinder and patient-specific thermoplastic mask immobilization.

Recurrence patterns and clinical outcomes in adult cerebellar glioblastoma.

Background: Cerebellar glioblastoma in adults is a rare brain tumor with poor outcomes. This study aimed to assess the clinical characteristics, genetic features, and prognosis of a series of cerebellar glioblastomas, with special attention to their recurrence patterns.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent treatment between 2008 and 2023.

Influence of senescence on the sensitization potential of chemicals detected by local lymph node assays in aged mice.

The global population is aging rapidly, posing new challenges for the safety evaluation of chemicals. Most toxicity studies use suitably aged animals that resemble healthy adults if they have similar responses. However, this assumption may not be valid because aging affects various physiological functions, such as immunity.

Performance of a salt check sheet for screening salt intake estimated from 24-hour urinary sodium excretion in middle-aged Japanese adults following a salt reduction intervention.

Background: One of the factors for not achieving a reduced salt diet may be the difficulties in screening individuals according to their quantitative salt consumption. Accordingly, we examined the performance of the simplified salt check sheet (13 items) as a quantitative tool for screening excessive salt intake by comparing with the salt intake amount measured by 24-hour urinary sodium (salt equivalent g/day) excretion.

Methods: One hundred fifty-four participants (57 males and 97 females) from Kanagawa, Tokyo, and Nara prefectures in Japan were included.

Epidermal growth factor-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix 1-derived amyloidosis with fatal gastric bleeding in a Tsushima leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus).

Epidermal growth factor-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix 1 (EFEMP1)-derived amyloidosis causes gastrointestinal bleeding in humans. Amyloidosis has also been reported in the Tsushima leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus) and rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta). However, the clinical signs and lesions in humans and animals differ.

AHRR DNA methylation levels in leukocytes identify people at risk for cancer mortality overlooked by questionnaire-based smoking indices.

Background: Current evidence suggested an increased risk for cancer mortality in those with low AHRR DNAm levels. Therefore, AHRR DNAm could identify a more "fragile" group at risk for cancer mortality than questionnaire-based evaluations. Given this, the aim was to identify "fragile" groups at risk of cancer mortality by integrating questionnaire-based smoking indices and leukocyte AHRR DNAm levels in the Japanese population.

Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effect of Levamisole on Subclinical Mastitis in Bovine Leukemia Virus-Infected Cows Classified by Proviral Load.

Subclinical mastitis causes economic losses due to reduced milk yield and elevated somatic cell counts (SCCs), despite no visible clinical signs. A higher incidence of subclinical mastitis has been reported in cattle infected with bovine leukemia virus (BLV). Levamisole (LMS), known for its immunomodulatory properties, has been suggested as a potential alternative to antibiotics for mastitis treatment; however, its efficacy in BLV-infected cows, particularly in relation to proviral load (PVL), remains unclear.

Multiple Estradiol Benzoate Treatment Enhances Milk Production on Induction of Artificial Lactation in Pseudopregnant Pigs.

This study investigated the effects of multiple treatments of estradiol benzoate (EB) prior to the induction of luteal regression on the efficiency of artificial lactation induction and milk yield in pseudopregnant sows. Pseudopregnant females induced by treatment with 30 mg estradiol dipropionate (EDP) were administered 2 mg (Group EB 2 mg, n = 5) or 3 mg (Group EB 3 mg, n = 6) EB on Days-10, -7, and -4 (Day 0 = the day of prostaglandin F [PGF] treatment). Six pseudopregnant sows (Group EDP) received 5 mg EDP on Day -10.

Garlic allergy in an infant: Identification of alliin lyase 1 and 2 as causative allergens.

Garlic allergy is rare and is infrequently reported as a food allergy. This report details the case of a 13-month-old girl who developed an allergy to garlic. The consumption of a stew containing undercooked garlic triggered her allergic reaction.

Oral Exposure to Detoxifies Deoxynivalenol, Ochratoxin A, and Fumonisin B1 In Vitro and In Vivo.

Mycotoxins are synthesized by various fungal species and are known to exert toxic effects on vertebrates and other animals, even at low concentrations. However, the current countermeasure for mycotoxin contamination is random inspection of samples prior to shipment. In this study, we focused on () from Ishigaki Island, Japan, and examined its ability to detoxify deoxynivalenol (DON), ochratoxin A (OTA), and fumonisin B1 (FB1) in vitro and in vivo.

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Suppresses Hyperexcitability in Rat Primary Nociceptive Neurons Innervating Inflamed Tissues: A Comparison with Lidocaine.

Given the side effects and reduced efficacy of conventional local anesthetics in inflammatory conditions, there is a compelling need for complementary alternative medicine (CAM), particularly those based on phytochemicals. While a previous study showed that in vivo local injection of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) into the peripheral receptive field suppresses the excitability of rat trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons in the absence of inflammation, the acute effects of EGCG in vivo, especially on TG neurons under inflammatory conditions, are still unknown. We aimed to determine if acute local EGCG administration into inflamed tissue effectively attenuates the excitability of nociceptive TG neurons evoked by mechanical stimulation.

Association between adherence to the Japanese meal-based dietary guideline and all-cause and cause-specific mortalities: A Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study.

Background: The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in Japan has published a meal-based dietary guideline (Healthy Meal); however, its relationship with health outcomes remains unclear. This observational study examined the association between adherence to Healthy Meal and all-cause and cause-specific mortalities.

Methods: We analyzed data from the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study (JPHC Study) with a mean follow-up of 19.

Predictive value of physical and blood examination findings for short-term mortality in dogs with respiratory disorders.

Background: Similar to human medicine, attempts have been made in veterinary medicine to assess the severity of respiratory disorders using methods other than respiratory function evaluation; however, such approaches remain insufficient.

Measurements And Main Results: Medical records at a single small animal private referral center for emergency care were reviewed to identify dogs with respiratory disorders diagnosed by radiography during 2016-2019. The variables of screening test evaluated in this study included patient characteristics, physical examination, and blood test findings.

Prevalence of major diseases in common marmosets () at the Central Institute for Medicine and Life Science: a retrospective study.

Common marmosets () are increasingly being used in neuroscience and biomedical research due to their small size, and ease of handling. Despite their growing research importance, marmoset colonies face health management challenges. Marmoset wasting syndrome (MWS), marmoset duodenal dilatation syndrome (DDS), and -associated disease (CDAD) are the leading causes of mortality in marmosets.

Multivariate Effects of SNPs on Environmental Streptococcal Mastitis Evaluated With an NGS-Based Association Study Using Targeted Resequencing in the Bovine MHC Region.

Mastitis is an inflammatory reaction caused by bacterial infection of the teat, and a relationship between its onset and cattle major histocompatibility complex (BoLA) region has been reported. However, no comprehensive genetic analysis of mastitis caused by environmental streptococci has been reported. Here, we resequenced the BoLA region using a hybridisation capture target next-generation sequencing (NGS) method to identify disease susceptibility markers mapped to the BoLA region in environmental streptococcal mastitis.

Pain Management with Natural Products: Neurophysiological Insights.

Recently, complementary and alternative medicine have been actively employed for patients experiencing symptoms unresponsive to Western medical treatments like drug therapy. Natural compounds, including polyphenols, carotenoids, and omega fatty acids, have demonstrated various beneficial biological actions for human health in several studies. Given their broad pharmacological activities and reduced toxicity, these compounds possess significant potential as resources for the development of natural analgesic drugs.