The Effect of Lateralization and Distalization After Grammont-Style Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between multiple radiographic measures of lateralization and distalization and clinical outcome scores after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated all RTSAs performed by the senior author between January 1, 2007, and November 1, 2017. We then evaluated the visual analog scale for pain (VAS pain), Simple Shoulder Test (SST), and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores and complication and reoperation rates at a minimum of 2-year follow-up. We measured preoperative and postoperative (2-week) radiographs for the lateralization shoulder angle (LSA), the distalization shoulder angle (DSA), lateral humeral offset (LHO), and distance from glenoid to lateral aspect of the greater tuberosity (GLAGT). A multivariable analysis was performed evaluating the effect of the postoperative radiographic measurements on final patient reported outcomes (ASES scores, SST, VAS pain). RESULTS: The cohort included 216 shoulders from unique patients who had patient reported outcome scores available at a minimum of 2-year follow-up (average, 4.0±1.9 years) for a total follow-up rate of 70%. In the multivariable models, more lateralization (LSA) was associated with worse final ASES scores -0.52 (95% CI: -0.88 to -0.17; p=0.004), and more distalization (DSA) was associated with better final ASES scores 0.40 (95% CI: 0.11, 0.69; p=0.007). More lateralization (LSA) was associated with worse final SST scores -0.06 (95% CI: -0.11, -0.003; p=0.039). Finally, greater distalization (DSA) was associated with lower final VAS pain scores, Ratio = 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96, 1.00; p=0.021). CONCLUSION: Greater distalization and less lateralization are associated with better function and less pain after Grammont-style RTSA. If utilizing a Grammont-style implant, remaining consistent with Grammont's principles of implant placement will afford better final clinical outcomes.

Approaches to nutritional research using organoids; Fructose treatment induces epigenetic changes in liver organoids.

Nutritional researches have successfully used animal models to gain new insights into nutrient action. However, comprehensive descriptions of their molecular mechanisms of action remain elusive as appropriate in vitro evaluation systems are lacking. Organoid models can mimic physiological structures and reproduce in vivo functions, making them increasingly utilized in biomedical research for a better understand physiological and pathological phenomena. Therefore, organoid modeling can be a powerful approach for to understand the molecular mechanisms of nutrient action. The present study aims to demonstrate the utility of organoids in nutritional research by further investigating the molecular mechanisms responsible for the negative effects of fructose intake using liver organoids. Here, we treated liver organoids with fructose and analyzed their gene expression profiles and DNA methylation levels. Microarray analysis demonstrated that fructose-treated organoids exhibited increased selenoprotein p (Sepp1) gene expression, whereas pyrosequencing assays revealed reduced DNA methylation levels in the Sepp1 region. These results were consistent with observations using hepatic tissues from fructose-fed rats. Conversely, no differences in Sepp1 mRNA and DNA methylation levels were observed in two-dimensional cells. These results suggest that organoids serve as an ideal in vitro model to recapitulate in vivo tissue responses and help to validate the molecular mechanisms of nutrient action compared to conventional cellular models.

Association between DNA methylation levels of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) and changes in glycemic traits: a longitudinal population-based study.

Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) plays an important role in glucose metabolism, and its expression is regulated by DNA methylation (DNAm). Although the association between TXNIP DNAm and type 2 diabetes mellitus has been demonstrated in studies with a cross-sectional design, prospective studies are needed. We therefore examined the association between TXNIP DNAm levels and longitudinal changes in glycemic traits by conducting a longitudinal study involving 169 subjects who underwent two health checkups in 2015 and 2019. We used a pyrosequencing assay to determine TXNIP DNAm levels in leukocytes (cg19693031). Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the associations between dichotomized TXNIP DNAm levels and marked increases in glycemic traits. At four years, the TXNIP DNA hypomethylation group had a higher percentage of changes in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) compared to those in the hypermethylation group. The adjusted odds ratios for FPG and HbA1c levels were significantly higher in the TXNIP DNA hypomethylation group than in the hypermethylation group. We found that TXNIP DNA hypomethylation at baseline was associated with a marked increase in glycemic traits. Leukocyte TXNIP DNAm status could potentially be used as an early biomarker for impaired glucose homeostasis.

Erratum: Pairing-induced motion of source and inert particles driven by surface tension [Phys. Rev. E 106, 024604 (2022)].

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.106.024604.

Giant bullous emphysema successfully treated with percutaneous drainage followed by resection: A case complicated by lung cancer diagnosed by intraoperative biopsy.

We present a case of bilateral giant bullous emphysema (GBE) with rapidly progressive dyspnea. The dyspnea was thought to be due to tension bullae caused by the check valve mechanism in COVID-19 bronchitis. Multiple nodules were also detected on both sides of the lung. As the patient had poor pulmonary reserve for surgical bullectomy, we first performed percutaneous intracavitary drainage. Prior to this procedure, we placed a chest tube in the thoracic cavity to avoid tension pneumothorax. As a result, the patient's remaining lung expanded and respiratory status improved, allowing him to undergo surgical bullectomy. Intraoperatively, needle biopsy of the lung nodule was directly performed, which led to a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma. Despite multiple distant metastases, the patient's general condition improved postoperatively, and chemotherapy was successfully initiated.

A solitary rod-shaped intertrabecular metastasis in the femur.

Intertrabecular metastasis (ITM) is a type of bone metastasis characterized by tumour growth without significant trabecular changes. ITM is most commonly found in vertebral bodies, and rarely in long bones. We report a solitary rod-shaped ITM of lung adenocarcinoma in the femur.

Low mitochondrial DNA copy number in peripheral blood mononuclear cells is associated with future mortality risk: a long-term follow-up study from Japan.

OBJECTIVES: The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is unique and circular with multiple copies of the genome. The lower mtDNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) in leukocytes is associated with the risk of all-cause mortality. However, its long-term association is unknown. Thus, the study examined the association between mtDNA-CN and the risk of all-cause mortality in a long-term follow-up study in the Japanese population. DESIGN: This longitudinal study included the study cohort from an annual, population-based health checkup in the town of Yakumo, Hokkaido, Japan. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: 814 participants (baseline age range: 38-80 years, mean: 56.3 years) were included in this study in 1990. They were followed-up regarding mortality for about 30 years (median: 28.1 years) till 2019. MEASURES: The genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the mtDNA-CN was measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The level of the mtDNA-CN was divided into tertiles (low, middle, and high). The participants were categorized based on their age into middle-aged (<60 years old) or old-aged (≥60 years old). Survival analysis was performed for tertile of mtDNA-CN and compared using the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to assess the association between mtDNA-CN and all-cause mortality. The model adjusted with age, sex, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, smoking habit, alcohol consumption, exercise habit, and education level. RESULTS: The low levels of mtDNA-CN resulted in a significant decrease in cumulative survival rate (P < 0.05). The risk of mortality was significantly higher in the middle-aged cohort when mtDNA-CN levels were low (hazard ratios [95% confidence intervals]: 1.98 [1.10-3.56]). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that leukocyte mtDNA-CN is associated with future mortality risk. Our study findings may lead to further research on the early prediction of mortality and its underlying mechanisms.

Three-month Delay in Rotator Cuff Repair: 2-year Follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: This study examined 2-year outcomes of patients who underwent delayed rotator cuff repair (RCR) compared with those who underwent RCR without delay. METHODS: In this prospective comparative study, two groups were formed: (1) patients planning RCR during a 6-week elective surgery ban and (2) patients undergoing RCR at least 6 weeks after the ban. The Simple Shoulder Test, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon score, and visual analog scale for pain were collected preoperatively and at 2 years postoperatively. Magnetic resonance imaging assessed healing 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: With a 93.3% 2-year follow-up (13/15 delay group, 15/15 control), there was an 87-day difference in presentation to surgery (P = 0.001), with no significant preoperative demographic or tear characteristic differences between groups. Intraoperatively, there were no differences between groups in repair characteristics. Preoperative versus postoperative differences in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon score (P < 0.001), visual analog scale (P < 0.001), and Simple Shoulder Test scores (P < 0.001) were significant but not between groups (P = 0.650, 0.586, 0.525). On MRI, 58% in the delay group and 85% in the control group had healed (P = 0.202). DISCUSSION: Although a 3-month delay showed no statistically significant effect on outcomes, the delay group had an approximately 27% higher failure rate. Thus, although a 3-month period of nonsurgical treatment before RCR may be reasonable, larger studies are warranted for definitive conclusions.

The influence of a single 30-pitch session on elbow laxity in adolescent and collegiate baseball pitchers.

BACKGROUND: Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries are a source of significant injury among baseball players, and are increasingly evaluated under ultrasound. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of a single session of pitching upon UCL thickness and laxity via a cross sectional, controlled ultrasonographic study. We hypothesize that a single session of pitching will cause the ulnar collateral ligament to thicken and become more lax. METHODS: This was a cross sectional comparative study of collegiate and high school pitchers. Pitchers underwent an ultrasonographic assessment of the UCL before and after a thirty-pitch bullpen warm-up. Laxity was measured as the change in the distance between the ulna and the trochlea with and without a 5-pound weight held in hand with the elbow at 30° of flexion. Pre- and post-throwing UCL thickness and medial laxity were statistically compared with paired tests. RESULTS: Our study included 15 pitchers, 8 collegiate and 7 high school level athletes. All played baseball at least 6 days a week, and nearly all played for at least 10 months a year. Pitchers reported a peak velocity of 89 ± 6 (77 to 98) miles per hour. In the prior season, these pitchers pitched 56 ± 33 (10 to 120) games, throwing 62 ± 34 (25-140) pitches per game on average. After throwing, there was significantly less UCL laxity (P = .013). Post-throwing laxity was significantly positively correlated with both peak pitch velocity (P = .009) and an average number of pitches thrown per game (P = .10). CONCLUSION: Throwing 30 pitches significantly decreases medial elbow laxity with stress, possibly due to flexor-pronator activation. Post-throwing medial laxity is correlated with both peak pitch velocity and average number of pitches thrown per game. Future studies should be conducted to determine the number of throws at which laxity begins to increase, as this may provide a workload management guideline for injury prevention.

Impact of maternal fructose intake on liver stem/progenitor cells in offspring: Insights into developmental origins of health and disease.

AIMS: The developmental origin of health and disease (DOHaD) theory postulates that poor nutrition during fetal life increases the risk of disease later in life. Excessive fructose intake has been associated with obesity, diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and maternal fructose intake during pregnancy has been shown to affect offspring health. In this study, we investigated the effects of high maternal fructose intake on the liver stem/progenitor cells of offspring. MAIN METHOD: A fructose-based DOHaD model was established using Sprague-Dawley rats. Small hepatocytes (SHs), which play an important role in liver development and regeneration, were isolated from the offspring of dams that were fed a high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) diet. The gene expression and DNA methylation patterns were analyzed on postnatal day (PD) 21 and 60. KEY FINDINGS: Maternal HFCS intake did not affect body weight or caloric intake, but differences in gene expression and DNA methylation patterns were observed in the SHs of offspring. Functional analysis revealed an association between metabolic processes and ion transport. SIGNIFICANCE: These results suggest that maternal fructose intake affects DNA methylation and gene expression in the liver stem/progenitor cells of offspring. Furthermore, the prolonged retention of these changes in gene expression and DNA methylation in adulthood (PD 60) suggests that maternal fructose intake may exert lifelong effects. These findings provide insights into the DOHaD for liver-related disorders and highlight the importance of maternal nutrition for the health of the next generation.

Early single sport specialization does not improve pitching velocity, motion, strength, or utilization in high school baseball pitchers.

Background: The impact of single-sport specialization on performance and injury risk in youth and adolescent athletes remains debated. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of single-sport specialization and its association with pitch velocity, pitcher utilization, range of motion, strength, and injury history. Methods: High school pitchers in the Northeastern, Southeastern, Midwestern, and Western Regions of the United States were prospectively recruited. Prior to the season, pitchers were surveyed about their basic demographics, sport participation history, and injury history. At this timepoint, a standardized physical examination was performed and max pitch velocity was measured. They were then prospectively followed over the ensuing high school season, where pitch utilization and counts were followed and injuries were tracked. Results: Across the study, 115 pitchers were recruited, of whom 53% played baseball as their only sport and 47% played other sports. Single- position specialization within baseball was uncommon as 90% of athletes played positions other than pitcher. There were no differences in range of motion, strength, or pitch velocity between multisport athletes and single-sport specialists. Within the multisport group, 26% reported a history of injury, while 38% of the single-sport specialists reported a history of injury (P = .179). There were no significant differences in pitcher utilization between multisport athletes and single-sport specialists. Only a single prospective injury occurred in the 115 players. Conclusion: Although single-sport specialization is common, nearly half of all high school pitchers in this study were multisport athletes. While injury history was generally similar between the two groups, single-sport baseball players did not have the following: improved motion, increased strength, higher ball velocity, or greater pitching volumes during the high school baseball season compared to multisport athletes. Accordingly, single-sport specialization did not have a competitive advantage for these high school pitchers based on the performance factors studied. Further prospective studies are necessary to understand the association between single-sport specialization and injury risk in high school baseball players.

Characteristics Associated With Noncompliance of Current Pitch Smart Guidelines in High School Baseball Pitchers Throughout the United States.

Background: Although pitch count and rest guidelines have been promoted for youth and adolescent baseball players for nearly 2 decades, compliance with guidelines remains poorly understood. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of compliance with Major League Baseball (MLB) Pitch Smart guidelines as well as the association between compliance and range of motion (ROM), strength, velocity, injury, and pitcher utilization. It was hypothesized that pitchers in violation of current recommendations would have increased strength, velocity, and injury. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This was a prospective, multicenter study of 115 high school pitchers throughout the United States. Pitchers were surveyed about their compliance with current off-season, rest-related guidelines, and history of injury. During the preseason, pitchers underwent standardized physical examinations, and pitch velocity was measured. Pitch counts were collected during the baseball season that followed. Dynamometer strength testing of shoulder forward flexion, and external rotation as well as grip strength was recorded. We compared pitchers who were compliant with recommendations with those who were noncompliant using Student t and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: Based on preseason data, 84% of pitchers had violated current Pitch Smart guidelines. During the season, 14% had at least 1 violation of the Pitch Smart guidelines. Across both the preseason survey and in-season pitch counts, 89% of players had at least 1 violation of the Pitch Smart guidelines. While there were no significant differences in ROM or strength, the noncompliant group had higher maximum pitch velocity than the compliant group (74 ± 8 vs 69 ± 5 mph [119 ± 13 vs 111 ± 8 kph], respectively; P = .009). Players' self-reported velocity differed significantly from the direct measurement, for both peak velocity (80 ± 6 vs 73 ± 8 mph [129 ± 9 vs 117 ± 13 kph], respectively; P < .001) and mean velocity (73 ± 8 vs 53 ± 27 mph [117 ± 13 vs 85 ± 43 kph], respectively; P < .001). Conclusion: Most high school pitchers were not fully compliant with current Pitch Smart guidelines, and they tended to overestimate their peak velocity by 7 mph (11 kph). Pitchers who threw with greater velocity were at higher risk for violating Pitch Smart recommendations.

Revision Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis Demonstrates a High Patient Satisfaction and Good Functional Outcomes.

Purpose: To clinically evaluate a subset of patients who underwent a revision subpectoral biceps tenodesis for a clinically failed proximal biceps tenodesis. Methods: This is a retrospective case series of patients with at least 2-year follow-up who had undergone a revision biceps tenodesis after clinical failure of a proximal biceps tenodesis between January 2008 and February 2020 by a single surgeon. Patients who underwent concomitant procedures, such as revision cuff repair, were excluded. Patients with a minimum of 2 years duration status postrevision subpectoral tenodesis were contacted for informed consent and outcome data, which included Simple Shoulder Test, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, visual analog scale for pain, and subjective reporting of arm weakness and satisfaction. Results: Fourteen patients were initially identified as meeting inclusion criteria with a minimum 2-year follow-up achieved for 11 of 14 patients (78.5% follow-up). The mean follow-up time was 8.1 years (range, 2.7-14.8 years). After the primary biceps tenodesis, a mean of 8.0 ± 9.6 months passed before the revision subpectoral biceps tenodesis was performed. The average postoperative active forward elevation and adducted external rotation were 159 ± 7° and 47 ± 17°, respectively. The mean ± standard deviation (range) follow-up American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was 79 ± 23 (30-100), Simple Shoulder Test was 11 ± 2 (7-12), and visual analog scale for pain was 2.6 ± 2.8 (0-9). All 11 patients reported being satisfied with their operation and would elect to have the operation again. Conclusions: Revision subpectoral biceps tenodesis is a viable procedure for addressing patients with persistent pain following initial proximal biceps tenodesis. Although some persistent pain is common, revision subpectoral biceps tenodesis demonstrates a high patient satisfaction and good functional outcomes. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Serum carotenoid levels are positively associated with DNA methylation of thioredoxin-interacting protein.

Background: Carotenoids have been reported to exert protective effects against age-related diseases via changes in DNA methylation. Although lower thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) DNA methylation is associated with age-related diseases, only a few studies have investigated the factors influencing TXNIP DNA methylation. Carotenoids may be a factor linking TXNIP to specific pathophysiological functions. The aim of this study was to examine whether serum carotenoid levels are associated with TXNIP DNA methylation levels. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using 376 health examination participants (169 men). DNA methylation levels were determined using a pyrosequencing assay. Serum carotenoid levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to examine the associations between TXNIP DNA methylation levels and serum carotenoid levels with adjustment for age, BMI, HbA1c, CRP, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, exercise habits, and percentage of neutrophils. Results: Multiple linear regression analyses showed that TXNIP DNA methylation levels were positively associated with serum levels of zeaxanthin/lutein (ß [95%CI]: 1.935 [0.184, 3.685]), ß-cryptoxanthin (1.447 [0.324, 2.570]), α-carotene (1.061 [0.044, 2.077]), ß-carotene (1.272 [0.319, 2.226]), total carotenes (1.255 [0.040, 2.469]), total xanthophylls (2.133 [0.315, 3.951]), provitamin A (1.460 [0.402, 2.519]), and total carotenoids (1.972 [0.261, 3.683]) in men (all p<0.05). Of these, provitamin A showed the stronger association (standardized ß=0.216). No significant association of TXNIP DNA methylation and serum carotenoid was observed in women. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that carotenoid intake may protect against age-related diseases by altering TXNIP DNA methylation status in men.

Most high school baseball pitchers are using weighted ball throwing programs to increase ball velocity: crosssectional analysis of US high school pitchers.

Background: Weighted-ball velocity training programs are popular but may be associated with increased injury risk. The purpose of this study was to determine the current frequency of these programs, as well as their association with range of motion, strength, velocity, injury, and utilization in high school baseball pitchers. Methods: This was a multicenter, prospective, community-based study including high schools from the Northeastern, Southeastern, Midwestern, and Western regions of the United States. Preseason pitchers were surveyed about their use of weighted ball velocity programs and history of injury. Preseason pitchers underwent standardized physical examinations and pitch velocity was measured. During a single high school season, pitch counts and injury incidence were prospectively collected. Results: In total, 115 pitchers were recruited, of whom 63% had participated in a weighted ball program. There were no differences in range of motion or strength between groups who used weighted balls and those who did not. Pitchers that utilized weighted ball programs demonstrated a higher average fastball velocity (114.26 vs. 106.22 km/h [71 vs. 66 mph]; P < .001) as well as peak fastball velocity (115.87 vs. 109.44 km/h [72 vs. 68 mph]; P = .001) compared to those that did not use weighted ball programs. Pitchers that utilized weighted ball programs were no more likely to be single-sport athletes (44%) than those who were multisport athletes (49%, P = .667). Within the group who had used a weighted ball program 29% (13/45) reported a history of injury and within the group who had not used a weighted ball program 25% (10/40) reported a history of injury (P = .687). As only a single injury occurred in the entire cohort, comparison of injury rates could not be completed. Conclusion: In this prospective study, the majority of high school pitchers reported using weighted ball programs to increase velocity, and these programs were associated with increased average and peak velocity compared to pitchers who did not use weighted ball programs. There were no significant differences in injury history between the 2 groups. Further study is necessary to understand the injury risk associated with weighted ball programs.

Integration of methylation quantitative trait loci (mQTL) on dietary intake on DNA methylation levels: an example of n-3 PUFA and ABCA1 gene.

BACKGROUND: Epigenetic studies have reported relationships between dietary nutrient intake and methylation levels. However, genetic variants that may affect DNA methylation (DNAm) pattern, called methylation quantitative loci (mQTL), are usually overlooked in these analyses. We investigated whether mQTL change the relationship between dietary nutrient intake and leukocyte DNAm levels with an example of estimated fatty acid intake and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1). METHODS: A cross-sectional study on 231 participants (108 men, mean age: 62.7 y) without clinical history of cancer and no prescriptions for dyslipidemia. We measured leukocyte DNAm levels of 8 CpG sites within ABCA1 gene by pyrosequencing method and used mean methylation levels for statistical analysis. TaqMan assay was used for genotyping a genetic variant of ABCA1 (rs1800976). Dietary fatty acid intake was estimated with a validated food frequency questionnaire and adjusted for total energy intake by using residual methods. RESULTS: Mean ABCA1 DNAm levels were 5% lower with the number of minor alleles in rs1800976 (CC, 40.6%; CG, 35.9%; GG, 30.6%). Higher dietary n-3 PUFA intake was associated with lower ABCA1 DNAm levels (1st (ref) vs. 4th, ß [95% CI]: -2.52 [-4.77, -0.28]). After controlling for rs180076, the association between dietary n-3 PUFA intake and ABCA1 DNAm levels was attenuated, but still showed an independent association (1st (ref) vs. 4th, ß [95% CI]: -2.00 [-3.84, -0.18]). The interaction of mQTL and dietary n-3 PUFA intake on DNAm levels was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: This result suggested that dietary n-3 PUFA intake would be an independent predictor of DNAm levels in ABCA1 gene after adjusting for individual genetic background. Considering mQTL need to broaden into other genes and nutrients for deeper understanding of DNA methylation, which can contribute to personalized nutritional intervention.

Interaction between Prenatal and Postnatal Exposure to High-Fructose Corn Syrup Increases Gene Expression of Tnfa in Hippocampus of Offspring.

Concerns about the negative intergenerational effects of excessive fructose intake are being raised, with evidence suggesting that prenatal fructose intake increases susceptibility to metabolic and cognitive dysfunction later in life. In the present study, we hypothesized that prenatal and postnatal fructose intake acts synergistically to impact on hippocampus of adult offspring. Female Sprague-Dawley rats received distilled water or 20% high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) solution in addition to standard chow throughout gestation and lactation. Male offspring were weaned at postnatal day 21 (PD21) and were randomized to receive distilled water or 20% HFCS solution until PD60. The following experimental groups were: CC: distilled water dams and post-weaning distilled water, CH: distilled water dams and post-weaning HFCS solution, HC: HFCS solution dams and post-weaning distilled water and HH: HFCS solution dams and post-weaning HFCS solution. The synergistic effect of maternal and post-weaning HFCS intake on the hippocampus was investigated by studying the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes (Tnfa, Il1b, and Il6). At weaning, expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines between the offspring of the distilled water and HFCS solution fed dams were not significantly different. At PD60, Tnfa expression was significantly higher in the HH group than in the CC, HC and CH groups, whereas no significant differences were found between the CC, HC, and CH groups. These results suggest that postnatal fructose intake negatively impacts the hippocampus by acting synergistically with prenatal fructose intake.

The Ratio of miR-122 to miR-20a (miR-122/miR-20a) Is a Useful Minimally Invasive Biomarker for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Detection.

Background: The increasing prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a global health problem. NAFLD has few initial symptoms and may be difficult to detect early, so there is need for a minimally invasive early detection marker. We hypothesized that miR-122 and miR-20a levels combined, as the miR-122/miR-20a ratio might detect NAFLD more sensitively. Methods: This study involved 167 participants with low alcohol intake. Those who had an increase in echogenicity of the liver parenchyma and hepato-renal contrast on ultrasonography were classified as the NAFLD group (n = 44), which was further classified into mild (n = 26) and severe (n = 18) groups based on echogenic intensity and hepatic vessel and diaphragm visualization. Participants without fatty liver were included in the normal group, except for those with an abnormal body mass index, glycated hemoglobin, and systolic blood pressure (n = 123) values. Serum miR-122 and miR-20a expression levels in participants were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction, and the miR-122/miR-20a was calculated. Results: In the NAFLD group, miR-122 expression was significantly higher and the miR-20a was significantly lower than in the normal group, in agreement with previous studies. miR-122/miR-20a was also significantly higher in the NAFLD group. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed with miR-122/miR-20a as an NAFLD detection marker, and the area under the curve of miR-122/miR-20a was significantly larger than that of miR-122 or miR-20a alone. Conclusions: The miR-122/miR-20a ratio, combined with miR-122 and miR-20a levels, is a useful biomarker to detect NAFLD with high sensitivity.

Droplet duos on water display pairing, autonomous motion, and periodic eruption.

Under non-equilibrium conditions, liquid droplets dynamically couple with their milieu through the continuous flux of matter and energy, forming active systems capable of self-organizing functions reminiscent of those of living organisms. Among the various dynamic behaviors demonstrated by cells, the pairing of heterogeneous cell units is necessary to enable collective activity and cell fusion (to reprogram somatic cells). Furthermore, the cyclic occurrence of eruptive events such as necroptosis or explosive cell lysis is necessary to maintain cell functions. However, unlike the self-propulsion behavior of cells, cyclic cellular behavior involving pairing and eruption has not been successfully modeled using artificial systems. Here, we show that a simple droplet system based on quasi-immiscible hydrophobic oils (perfluorodecalin and decane) deposited on water, mimics such complex cellular dynamics. Perfluorodecalin and decane droplet duos form autonomously moving Janus or coaxial structures, depending on their volumes. Notably, the system with a coaxial structure demonstrates cyclic behavior, alternating between autonomous motion and eruption. Despite their complexity, the dynamic behaviors of the system are consistently explained in terms of the spreading properties of perfluorodecalin/decane duplex interfacial films.

Maternal High-Fructose Corn Syrup Intake Impairs Corticosterone Clearance by Reducing Renal 11ß-Hsd2 Activity via miR-27a-Mediated Mechanism in Rat Offspring.

We previously reported that maternal fructose consumption increases blood corticosterone levels in rat offspring. However, the underlying mechanism of action remains unclear. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which maternal high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) intake increases circulating GC levels in rat offspring (GC; corticosterone in rodents and cortisol in humans). Female Sprague Dawley rats received HFCS solution during gestation and lactation. The male offspring were fed distilled water from weaning to 60 days of age. We investigated the activities of GC-metabolizing enzymes (11ß-Hsd1 and 11ß-Hsd2) in various tissues (i.e., liver, kidney, adrenal glands, muscle, and white adipose tissue) and epigenetic modification. 11ß-Hsd2 activity decreased in the kidney of the HFCS-fed dams. Moreover, the epigenetic analysis suggested that miR-27a reduced Hsd11b2 mRNA expression in the kidney of offspring. Maternal HFCS-induced elevation of circulating GC levels in offspring may be explained by a decrease in 11ß-Hsd2 activity via renal miR-27a expression. The present study may allow us to determine one of the mechanisms of GC elevation in rat offspring that is often observed in the developmental origins of the health and disease (DOHaD) phenomenon.