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Lung cancer (LC) is currently the leading cause of cancer deaths in Japan. Early detection through lung cancer screening (LCS) is important for reducing mortality. Therefore, exploring the factors affecting willingness to undergo LCS, particularly among young people, is important. This study aimed to elucidate the inclination toward LCS and its determining factors among Japanese university students. This cross-sectional study, involving 10,969 Japanese university students, was conducted in April 2023. A Pearson's chi-square test and a binomial logistic regression analysis were used to analyze factors related to the dependent variable, willingness to undergo LCS in the future. Out of the 6779 participants (61.8%) involved in this study, 6504 (95.9%) provided valid responses, and 4609 (70.9%) expressed a willingness to undergo LCS in the future. Analysis revealed current smoking as a barrier to future willingness to undergo LCS. Other barriers included postponing the age of screening, anxiety about the screening content, and concerns about the possibility of having cancer after screening. Addressing barriers, such as current smoking and anxiety about screening, that prevent young people from undergoing LCS in the future is crucial. Therefore, universities should provide opportunities to educate students about LCS and explore various educational methods.
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Exertional heatstroke (EHS), a severe form of exertional heat illness (EHI), is the third leading cause of death in athletes; thus, early detection and prevention of EHI can help prevent EHS, which is a life-threatening condition. This study aimed to clarify the association between the cognizance of experiencing EHI and living conditions and specific EHI symptoms among collegiate athletes. This study was conducted in October 2022 by administering a questionnaire to 237 male collegiate athletes. Of the 215 (90.7%) respondents, 197 (91.6%) provided valid responses; among them, 88 (44.7%) responded they had experienced EHI, while 109 (55.3%) had not. A history of medical examinations due to EHI, having experienced headaches during summer activities, and having read the EHI manual were factors indicating cognizance of EHI. The number of times meals containing a staple food, main dish, and side dish were eaten in a day was a factor in preventing EHI. Early detection of EHI is important for its prevention, and it is important that athletes themselves have knowledge of symptoms and can correctly self-diagnose EHI. Emphasizing the potential of a well-balanced dietary intake has the potential to prevent EHI is crucial.
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Transtornos de Estresse por Calor , Condições Sociais , Humanos , Masculino , Temperatura Alta , Transtornos de Estresse por Calor/diagnóstico , Transtornos de Estresse por Calor/epidemiologia , Transtornos de Estresse por Calor/prevenção & controle , Atletas , EstudantesRESUMO
The ideal bone implant would effectively prevent aseptic as well as septic loosening by minimizing stress shielding, maximizing bone ingrowth, and preventing implant-associated infections. Here, a novel gradient-pore-size titanium scaffold was designed and manufactured to address these requirements. The scaffold features a larger pore size (900 µm) on the top surface, gradually decreasing to small sizes (600 µm to 300 µm) towards the center, creating a gradient structure. To enhance its functionality, the additively manufactured scaffolds were biofunctionalized using simple chemical and heat treatments so as to incorporate calcium and iodine ions throughout the surface. This unique combination of varying pore sizes with a biofunctional surface provides highly desirable mechanical properties, bioactivity, and notably, long-lasting antibacterial activity. The target mechanical aspects, including low elastic modulus, high compression, compression-shear, and fatigue strength, were effectively achieved. Furthermore, the biofunctional surface exhibits remarkable in vitro bioactivity and potent antibacterial activity, even under conditions specifically altered to be favorable for bacterial growth. More importantly, the integration of small pores alongside larger ones ensures a sustained high release of iodine, resulting in antimicrobial activity that persisted for over three months, with full eradication of the bacteria. Taken together, this gradient structure exhibits obvious superiority in combining most of the desired properties, making it an ideal candidate for orthopedic and dental implant applications.
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Iodo , Titânio , Titânio/farmacologia , Equipamentos de Proteção , Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Iodo/farmacologia , ÍonsRESUMO
Postoperative infection and subsequent device loss are serious complications in the use of titanium dental implants and plates for jawbone reconstruction. We have previously reported that NaOH-CaCl2 -thermal-ICl3 -treated titanium (NaCaThIo) has a nano-scale surface and exhibits antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The present study examined the surface properties of mixed-acid treated and then iodine-treated titanium (MA-NaCaThIo), and evaluated oral antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity compared with the results obtained with NaCaThIo. MA-NaCaThIo formed a surface layer with a nano-scale network structure having microscale irregularities, and both the thickness of the surface layer (1.49 ± 0.16 µm) and the average surface roughness (0.35 ± 0.03 µm) were significantly higher than those of NaCaThIo. Furthermore, MA-NaCaThIo maintained high hydrophilicity with a contact angle of 7.5 ± 1.7° even after 4 weeks, as well as improved apatite formation, iodine ion release, and antibacterial activity against Prevotella intermedia compared to NaCaThIo. Cell culture test revealed that MA-NaCaThIo exhibited no cytotoxicity against MG-63 and Vero cells, while increased cell proliferation, ALP activity and mineralization of MG-63 compared to NaCaThIo. This treated titanium is expected to be useful for the development of next-generation titanium devices having both bone-bonding and antibacterial properties.
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Iodo , Titânio , Animais , Chlorocebus aethiops , Titânio/farmacologia , Titânio/química , Iodo/farmacologia , Células Vero , Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Antibacterianos/química , Propriedades de SuperfícieRESUMO
This study aimed to explore the factors influencing subjective health views based on the living conditions and concerns of university students during the coronavirus infection 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. From March to April 2021, a questionnaire survey was administered to 8,547 Japanese university students, and logistic regression analysis was used to explore factors related to subjective health views. The results showed that satisfaction with quality of sleep (OR = 2.651, 95% Cl 2.370-2.966,p < 0.001), satisfaction with university life (OR = 2.486, 95%Cl 2.215-2.789, p < 0.001), satisfaction with diet (OR = 1.849, 95% CI: 1.496-2.285, p < 0.001), regular exercise (OR = 1.759, 95% CI: 1.594-1.941, p < 0.001), consciousness of nutritional balance (OR = 1.276, 95% CI: 1.147-1.420,p < 0.001), eating breakfast every day (OR = 1.247, 95% CI: 1.121-1.387, p < 0.001), and consuming soft drinks at least once a week (OR = 0.865, 95% CI: 0.755-0.966, p = 0.010) were positive factors for subjective views of health. On the other hand, anxiety about whether the necessary credits can be obtained (OR = 0.885, 95% CI: 0.799-0.980, p = 0.019), infection from minimal outings (OR = 0.881, 95% CI: 0.794-0.976, p = 0.016) building and maintaining friendships on campus (OR = 0.867, 95% CI: 0.767-0.980, p = 0.023), and being able to continue working (OR = 0.713, 95% CI: 0.640-0.795, p < 0.001) were identified as negative factors. To ensure a healthy university life during the COVID-19 pandemic or future pandemic, supports tailored to students' living conditions and measures to address their anxieties are required.
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COVID-19 , Humanos , Estudos Transversais , COVID-19/epidemiologia , Autoavaliação Diagnóstica , Pandemias , Condições Sociais , Universidades , EstudantesRESUMO
This study investigated nicotine dependence among Japanese university students who had reached the smoking age (20 years or older) by the time of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and examined factors that encourage early smoking cessation. Social dependence on nicotine was evaluated using the Kano Total Social Nicotine Dependence Level (KTSND), and physiological dependence was evaluated using the Fagerström Nicotine Dependence Index (FTND). Of the 356 college students who smoked (4.4% of the total), 182 (51.1%) stated that they were not interested in quitting. Furthermore, 124 (68.1%) of those with no interest in quitting smoking were aware that smoking is a high-risk factor for COVID-19, and 58 (31.9%) were unaware. The group not aware of this risk had significantly higher KTSND scores than the group aware of it. The examination of cigarette type that indicated the users of non-conventional cigarette products and dual-user groups scored significantly higher than the cigarette group on FTND items. Overall, the smokers scored above the normal range for social nicotine dependence, suggesting the need to reduce nicotine dependence to encourage college students who continue to smoke to quit smoking.
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COVID-19 , Abandono do Hábito de Fumar , Tabagismo , Humanos , Adulto Jovem , Adulto , Tabagismo/epidemiologia , Tabagismo/diagnóstico , Estudos Transversais , Pandemias , COVID-19/epidemiologia , Nigéria , Nicotina , Estudantes , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, firefighters have been working in an environment that is both physically and mentally taxing. This study aimed to investigate factors affecting health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among firefighters in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 227 firefighters from a single firefighting organization were surveyed in June 2021, during the fourth infection spread period of COVID-19 in Japan. Regression analysis was performed to examine factors affecting HRQOL of firefighters measured with the SF-8. In the present study, factors affecting HRQOL among firefighters during the COVID-19 pandemic were lack of sleep, physical abnormalities due to infection control measures, exercise habits, living with family members, and history of suspected COVID-19 infection. The present findings may help develop support services for first responders, including firefighters during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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COVID-19 , Bombeiros , Humanos , Qualidade de Vida , Pandemias , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has decreased bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (BCPR) intervention rates. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the willingness of university freshmen to provide BCPR during the COVID-19 pandemic and the predictors thereof. A cross-sectional survey of 2789 newly enrolled university students was conducted after the end of the sixth wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in Japan; predictors of willingness to provide BCPR were assessed by regression analysis. Of the 2534 participants 1525 (60.2%) were willing to intervene and provide BCPR during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hesitancy due to the anxiety that CPR intervention might result in poor prognosis was a negative predictor of willingness. In contrast, anxiety about the possibility of infection during CPR intervention did not show a negative impact. On the other hand, interest in CPR and willingness to participate in a course, confidence in CPR skills, awareness of automated external defibrillation, and knowledge of CPR during the COVID-19 pandemic, were also positive predictors. This study suggests that the barrier to willingness to intervene with BCPR during a COVID-19 pandemic is not fear of infection, but rather hesitation due to the possibility of poor prognosis from the intervention. The significance of conducting this study during the COVID-19 epidemic is great, and there is an urgent need for measures to overcome hesitation regarding BCPR.
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COVID-19 , Reanimação Cardiopulmonar , Parada Cardíaca Extra-Hospitalar , Humanos , Pandemias , Estudos Transversais , População do Leste Asiático , COVID-19/epidemiologia , Reanimação Cardiopulmonar/educaçãoRESUMO
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), is found primarily in the respiratory tract secretions of infected individuals with one of the main routes of transmission being direct or indirect contact. In this study, using fluorescent paint, we evaluated the spread of contaminants while playing catch with a baseball. Fluorescent paint was applied to the right hand of a right-handed baseball player who then engaged in playing catch with 10 other right-handed players (partners) for 5 min each. The fluorescent paint was detected on the right hands (inside) and gloves (inside) of all the 10 partners as well as on the ball; in some partners it was also detected on the back of the right hands or the back of the gloves. However, except for their right hands, fluorescent paint was not detected on the surface of the bodies of the partners. These observations indicated that the fluorescent paint (mimicking virus-containing contaminants) on the hand spreads very efficiently from person to person during the throwing and catching of a baseball, suggesting that a thorough and frequent disinfection of the hands and equipment is important in the prevention of infections that may occur while playing baseball.
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Beisebol , COVID-19 , Infecção Hospitalar , Humanos , Pandemias , SARS-CoV-2 , COVID-19/epidemiologiaRESUMO
School-based coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing is an important part of a comprehensive prevention strategy in public health. To assess the prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies in a university athletic club community with repeated occurrences of SARS-CoV-2 infections, we conducted a cross-sectional survey for asymptomatic antibody prevalence using a SARS-CoV-2 rapid antibody test kit. On January 26, 2021 we administered questionnaires to determine their history of contact with infected individuals and took blood samples from 129 undergraduates. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among the subjects was 3.9%. Only 6.2% of the participants reported close contact with infected individuals. In this study, we clarified the prevalence of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in university athletic clubs where SARS-CoV-2 infections had repeatedly occurred, which will be helpful in discussing how to identify and prevent the transmission of infections within university athletic club communities.
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COVID-19 , Esportes , COVID-19/epidemiologia , Estudos Transversais , Humanos , Prevalência , SARS-CoV-2 , UniversidadesRESUMO
This study examined college students' perceptions of the association between smoking and novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), changes in smoking behavior, and interest in quitting categorized by smoking device, to identify public health challenges. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 8,547 students in a Japanese university in March and April 2021. In response to "Awareness of the increased risk of COVID-19 infection due to smoking and the tendency to develop severe disease", current smokers (70.2%) were more aware of the risk than non-smokers (49.8%) (p < 0.001), with no significant difference according to smoking device (p = 0.213). "Interest in quitting smoking" (p = 0.323), and "Changes in smoking behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic" (p = 0.146) did not differ by smoking device. However, approximately 50% of the respondents answered that they were not interested in quitting smoking, while two-thirds reported that the number of cigarettes they smoked did not change during the pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, college students were found to be less interested in quitting and not likely to change their smoking behavior, despite the knowledge of the increased risk of COVID-19 transmission and severity of disease from smoking, regardless of smoking device.
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COVID-19 , Abandono do Hábito de Fumar , COVID-19/epidemiologia , Humanos , Japão/epidemiologia , Pandemias , Percepção , Saúde Pública , Fumar/efeitos adversos , Fumar/epidemiologia , Estudantes , UniversidadesRESUMO
Smokers may have lower antibody titers after vaccination with a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccine. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study has evaluated antibody titers after COVID-19 vaccination based on the level of smokers' cigarette dependence. In this study, we measured the level of serum anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (anti-SARS-CoV-2) spike protein receptor-binding domain (S-RBD) immunoglobulin-G (IgG) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay of 55 actively smoking Japanese social workers (firefighters, paramedics, and rescue workers) who had received two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine. Further, we assessed their cigarette dependence using the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), measured their serum cotinine levels, and tested for their correlation with anti-RBD IgG levels. Serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD protein IgG levels after BNT162b2 vaccination showed a significant negative correlation with FTND (ρ = -0.426, p = 0.001). In addition, serum cotinine level showed a significant positive correlation with FTND (ρ = 0.470, p = 0.000). However, no significant negative correlation was noted between serum cotinine and serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD protein IgG levels (ρ = -0.156, p = 0.256). Our results suggest that smokers with strong cigarette dependence have inadequate anti-SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD protein IgG levels after COVID-19 mRNA vaccination.
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COVID-19 , Produtos do Tabaco , Anticorpos Antivirais , Formação de Anticorpos , Vacina BNT162 , COVID-19/prevenção & controle , Vacinas contra COVID-19 , Cotinina , Humanos , Imunoglobulina G , SARS-CoV-2 , Fumantes , Vacinação/métodos , Vacinas Sintéticas , Vacinas de mRNARESUMO
This study aimed to examine the reliability and validity of using a smartphone to measure the multi-joint range of motion of the lower limbs. We measured the straight leg raise angle, ankle dorsiflexion angle, and hip internal rotation angle in each of the 40 lower extremities of 20 healthy adults. Measurements were compared between a conventional method using a goniometer and a smartphone application method. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to evaluate the reliability of each smartphone measurement, and Bland-Altman analysis was used to examine measurement errors. The criterion-related validity of the two methods was also examined. Intra-rater reliability (ICC 0.668-0.939) was substantial to almost perfect, with no systematic errors found for all items, and the standard errors of measurement were acceptable. Inter-rater reliability (ICC 0.701-0.936) was also substantial to almost perfect, but the straight leg raise angle and hip internal rotation angle showed fixation errors. For these two measurements, with more than one examiner, the limit of agreement of error needs to be considered. No systematic errors were found in the ankle dorsiflexion angle, and the standard error of measurement was within the acceptable range. A moderate to strong correlation (r = 0.626-0.915) was found between the conventional and smartphone methods, demonstrating good criterion-related validity. However, in the ankle dorsiflexion angle measurements, the reliability and validity were shown to be lower than the other two items. This suggested the necessity of changing the measurement conditions in order to use the ankle dorsiflexion angle in clinical practice.
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Aplicativos Móveis , Smartphone , Adulto , Humanos , Extremidade Inferior , Amplitude de Movimento Articular , Reprodutibilidade dos TestesRESUMO
It was reported by Jung and Day in 2011 that a cotton-like glass fiber pad made of borate glass 13-93B3 demonstrated a remarkable wound healing effect. It was approved for sale as a novel wound dressing in the management of acute and chronic wounds in 2016. However, the detailed mechanism of its wound healing effect has not been reported. In the present study, glass fibers of different composition in the system CaO-B2O3-SiO2 were prepared and their in vitro properties investigated to determine the role of the constituent components in wound healing. Fine glass fibers that were 0.6-2.0 µm in diameter were obtained by a melt blown method. However, these fibers were accompanied by small glass beads because of the low viscosity of the glass melts. 13-93B3 glass released an appreciable amount of borate and calcium ions into simulated body fluid (SBF). The amounts of these released ions decreased with partial replacement of the B2O3 in 13-93B3 with SiO2. The addition of large amounts of the borate and calcium ions into the culture medium decreased the viability of the L929 fibroblasts. Partial replacement of the B2O3 in 13-93B3 with SiO2 induced the formation of an apatite-like phase amenable to the adsorption of biological components on its surface in SBF. The wound healing effect of these glass fibers of different composition is worth examining in future animal experiments.
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Compostos de Boro/farmacologia , Compostos de Cálcio/farmacologia , Fibroblastos/fisiologia , Vidro/química , Óxidos/farmacologia , Dióxido de Silício/farmacologia , Animais , Bandagens , Compostos de Boro/química , Compostos de Cálcio/química , Linhagem Celular , Sobrevivência Celular , Teste de Materiais , Camundongos , Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura , Óxidos/química , Dióxido de Silício/químicaRESUMO
Since the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, educational institutions have implemented measures such as school closures, raising concerns regarding the increase in psychological distress among university students. The purpose of this study is to identify factors that have influenced psychological distress among college freshmen during the COVID-19 pandemic. A questionnaire survey was conducted at the conclusion of the sixth wave of COVID-19 in Japan. Psychological distress was measured using the six-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6). Factors affecting psychological distress were calculated using regression analysis. Of the 2536 participants, 1841 (72.6%) reported having no psychological distress, while 695 (27.4%) reported having psychological distress. Factors that were identified to contribute to psychological distress were lack of sleep, weight gain or loss, worsening of interpersonal relationships, and physical symptoms and illnesses. A willingness to join an athletic club and having an environment in which it is easy to discuss worries and anxieties with others were factors that were identified to hinder psychological distress. It is necessary for universities to offer enhanced supports for physical and interpersonal activities. Additionally, it is imperative to encourage students to look after their physical health and to actively utilize university-based consultation systems.
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Saliva and salivary antimicrobial proteins play important roles in the innate immunity, which prevents infections of orally invading bacteria and viruses. In this study, we compared the secretion rates of salivary lactoferrin (Lac) and lysozyme (Lys) in heat-not-burn (HNB) cigarette smokers and non-smokers. The analysis population for this study included 212 members of the fire department, including 32 HNB cigarette smokers, 17 paper cigarette smokers, 14 combined HNB and paper cigarette smokers, and 149 non-smokers. Salivary Lac and Lys concentrations were assessed using enzyme immunoassay. Saliva secretion was significantly lower among HNB cigarette smokers (p < 0.01) than among non-smokers. Accompanying this result, salivary Lac and Lys secretion rates were significantly lower among smokers, particularly HNB cigarette smokers, than among non-smokers (all p < 0.01). Our findings suggest a possible adverse effect of HNB cigarette on the amount of Lac and Lys released into the oral cavity.
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In the orthopedic and dental fields, simultaneously conferring titanium (Ti) and its alloy implants with antibacterial and bone-bonding capabilities is an outstanding challenge. In the present study, we developed a novel combined solution and heat treatment that controllably incorporates 0.7% to 10.5% of iodine into Ti and its alloys by ion exchange with calcium ions in a bioactive calcium titanate. The treated metals formed iodine-containing calcium-deficient calcium titanate with abundant Ti-OH groups on their surfaces. High-resolution XPS analysis revealed that the incorporated iodine ions were mainly positively charged. The surface treatment also induced a shift in the isoelectric point toward a higher pH, which indicated a prevalence of basic surface functionalities. The Ti loaded with 8.6% iodine slowly released 5.6 ppm of iodine over 90 days and exhibited strong antibacterial activity (reduction rate >99%) against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), S. aureus, Escherichia coli, and S. epidermidis. A long-term stability test of the antibacterial activity on MRSA showed that the treated Ti maintained a >99% reduction until 3 months, and then it gradually decreased after 6 months (to a 97.3% reduction). There was no cytotoxicity in MC3T3-E1 or L929 cells, whereas apatite formed on the treated metal in a simulated body fluid within 3 days. It is expected that the iodine-carrying Ti and its alloys will be particularly useful for orthopedic and dental implants since they reliably bond to bone and prevent infection owing to their apatite formation, cytocompatibility, and sustainable antibacterial activity.
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Slc1a5 (ASCT2) encodes a small neutral amino-acid exchanger and is the most well-studied glutamine transporter in cancer cells. To investigate the role of Slc1a5 in osteoclastogenesis, we developed Slc1a5-deficient mice by using a conventional gene-targeting approach. The Slc1a5-/- mice showed no obvious abnormalities in growth. Glutamine uptake was assessed in Slc1a5+/+ and Slc1a5-/- bone marrow cells stimulated with RANKL. The rate of glutamine uptake in Slc1a5-/- bone marrow cells was reduced to 70% of that of cells from Slc1a5+/+ bone marrow. To confirm the involvement of Slc1a5 in osteoclast formation, bone marrow cells derived from Slc1a5+/+ or Slc1a5-/- mice were stimulated with RANKL and macrophage colony-stimulating factor and stained with tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase. The bone resorption activity and actin ring formation of stimulated cells were measured. The formation of multinucleated osteoclasts in bone marrow cells isolated from Slc1a5-/- mice was severely impaired compared with those from Slc1a5+/+ mice. RANKL-induced expression of ERK, NFκB, p70S6K, and NFATc1 was suppressed in Slc1a5-/- osteoclasts. These results show that Slc1a5 plays an important role in osteoclast formation.
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Reabsorção Óssea , Osteogênese , Sistema ASC de Transporte de Aminoácidos , Animais , Células da Medula Óssea , Diferenciação Celular , Camundongos , Antígenos de Histocompatibilidade Menor , Osteoclastos , Fosfatase Ácida Resistente a TartaratoRESUMO
Selective laser melting (SLM) is a promising technology capable of producing individual characteristics with a high degree of surface roughness for implants. These surfaces can be modified so as to increase their osseointegration, bone generation and biocompatibility, features which are critical to their clinical success. In this study, we evaluated the effects on preosteoblast proliferation and differentiation of titanium metal (Ti) with a high degree of roughness (Ra = 5.4266 ± 1.282 µm) prepared by SLM (SLM-Ti) that was also subjected to surface bioactive treatment by mixed acid and heat (MAH). The results showed that the MAH treatment further increased the surface roughness, wettability and apatite formation capacity of SLM-Ti, features which are useful for cell attachment and bone bonding. Quantitative measurement of osteogenic-related gene expression by RT-PCR indicated that the MC3T3-E1 cells on the SLM-Ti MAH surface presented a stronger tendency towards osteogenic differentiation at the genetic level through significantly increased expression of Alp, Ocn, Runx2 and Opn. We conclude that bio-activated SLM-Ti enhanced preosteoblast differentiation. These findings suggest that the mixed acid and heat treatment on SLM-Ti is promising method for preparing the next generation of orthopedic and dental implants because of its apatite formation and cell differentiation capability.
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Impaired wound healing is one of the most common complications of diabetes, and is known to be caused by multiple complicated factors. For instance, impaired angiogenesis, neuropathy, and hyperglycemia all function to delay subsequent wound closure. Alternatively, moist wound healing, which provides an appropriate environment for wounds, was reported to permit rapid healing by managing wound exudate. Accordingly, wound dressing materials that facilitate moist healing have been developed. The present study sought to clarify the effects of wound dressing material for moist healing of diabetic wounds, in terms of the dynamics of angiogenic factors and macrophages, using a mouse model of naturally occurring diabetes. Wounds with full-thickness skin defects were inflicted on the backs of mice and covered with dressing materials of hydrogel or gauze (control), which were retained for 3, 5, 7, 10, or 14 days following wound generation. During this time, the localization of neutrophils, fibroblasts and macrophages as well as the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the wounds and surrounding areas was observed each day. Healing clearly occurred in the hydrogel group with an increase in neutrophils and the angiogenic factor, VEGF. Moreover, the use of hydrogel resulted in a rapid rise in M1 macrophages, which appeared in the early stage of the injury, as well as rapid subsequent appearance of M2 macrophages. Thus, herein, we demonstrate that the formation of a moist environment via wound dressing material effectively improves diabetic wound healing.