Beta 1,3-1,6 Glucans Produced by Two Novel Strains of Aureobasidium Pullulans Exert Immune and Metabolic Beneficial Effects in Healthy Middle-aged Japanese Men: Results of an Exploratory Randomized Control Study.

Objectives: In this pilot study, we have evaluated the specific metabolic and immune-related benefits of the AFO-202 strain and N-163 strain of black yeast Aureobasidium pullulans-produced beta 1,3-1,6 glucan in healthy human subjects. Methods: Sixteen healthy Japanese male volunteers (aged 40 to 60 years) took part in this clinical trial. They were divided into four groups (n = 4 each): Group I consumed AFO-202 beta-glucan (2 sachets of 1 g each per day), IA for 35 days and IB for 21 days; Group II consumed a combination of AFO-202 beta-glucan (2 sachets of 1 g each) and N-163 beta-glucan (1 sachet of 15 g gel each per day), IIA for 35 days and IIB for 21 days. Results: Decrease in HbA1C and glycated albumin (GA), significant increase of eosinophils and monocytes and marginal decrease in D-dimer levels, decrease in neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), with an increase in the lymphocyte-to-CRP ratio (LCR) and leukocyte-to-CRP ratio (LeCR) was observed in Group I between pre- and post-treatment. Decrease in total and LDL cholesterol, a decrease of CD11b, serum ferritin, galectin-3 and fibrinogen were profound in Group II between pre- and post-treatment. However, there was no statistically significant difference between day 21 and day 35 among the groups. Conclusion: This outcome warrants larger clinical trials to explore the potentials of these safe food supplements in the prevention and prophylaxis of diseases due to dysregulated metabolism, such as fatty liver disease, and infections such as COVID-19 in which balanced immunomodulation are of utmost importance, besides their administration as an adjunct to existing therapeutic approaches of both communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Study of the N=32 and N=34 Shell Gap for Ti and V by the First High-Precision Multireflection Time-of-Flight Mass Measurements at BigRIPS-SLOWRI.

The atomic masses of ^{55}Sc, ^{56,58}Ti, and ^{56-59}V have been determined using the high-precision multireflection time-of-flight technique. The radioisotopes have been produced at RIKEN's Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory (RIBF) and delivered to the novel designed gas cell and multireflection system, which has been recently commissioned downstream of the ZeroDegree spectrometer following the BigRIPS separator. For ^{56,58}Ti and ^{56-59}V, the mass uncertainties have been reduced down to the order of 10 keV, shedding new light on the N=34 shell effect in Ti and V isotopes by the first high-precision mass measurements of the critical species ^{58}Ti and ^{59}V. With the new precision achieved, we reveal the nonexistence of the N=34 empirical two-neutron shell gaps for Ti and V, and the enhanced energy gap above the occupied νp_{3/2} orbit is identified as a feature unique to Ca. We perform new Monte Carlo shell model calculations including the νd_{5/2} and νg_{9/2} orbits and compare the results with conventional shell model calculations, which exclude the νg_{9/2} and the νd_{5/2} orbits. The comparison indicates that the shell gap reduction in Ti is related to a partial occupation of the higher orbitals for the outer two valence neutrons at N=34.

Observation of Cells on a Simulated Titanium Surface with Transparency.

The main driving force of osseointegration on titanium implants is believed to be the calcification caused by cellular activity. However, owing to the opacity of bulk titanium, live cells on titanium surfaces cannot be observed using an inverted microscope. To overcome this limitation, this study proposes a transparent titanium thin layer as a simulated titanium surface that allows live-cell observation from below. The titanium layer was fabricated on a polystyrene culture dish by magnetron DC sputtering using a pure Ti(JIS1) target. The titanium layer was characterized by transparency, composition, structure, and wettability. Osteoblast-like cells were cultured in the titanium-coated dishes. The cell culture was observed periodically using an inverted microscope, and the images were compiled into time-lapse videos. Cells on the titanium layer were characterized by movement speeds and doubling times. The titanium-coated dish was transparent gray, and its transmittance profile was consistent with that of the polystyrene dish. The titanium layer showed similarities to bulk titanium surfaces in terms of composition and structure; that is, it showed an oxidized titanium outermost layer and titanium metal basal layer. The wettability of the titanium layer was hydrophilic with mean contact angles of 67.52°. Osteoblast-like cells successfully adhered to the titanium layer and proliferated to confluence. The time-lapse videos demonstrated active movement of the cells on the titanium layer, which suggested the involvement of the titanium surface in cellular motility. The cell culture on the titanium layer can be considered cell culture on a titanium surface. In short, the titanium layer enabled the acquisition of information for living cells on titanium that has either been unknown or analogically understood based on cell culture on polystyrene dishes.

Difference in the antibacterial action of epigallocatechin gallate and theaflavin 3,3'-di-O-gallate on Bacillus coagulans.

AIMS: To study the mechanism of the antibacterial action of tea polyphenols such as catechins and theaflavins against Bacillus coagulans, and the interaction of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) or theaflavin 3,3'-di-O-gallate (TFDG) with the surface of B. coagulans cells was investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS: The antibacterial activities of EGCg and TFDG against B. coagulans cells were measured by counting of the viable cells after the mixing with each polyphenol. Bactericidal effect of TFDG was shown at the concentration of greater than or equal to 62·5 mg l-1 ; however, at the same concentration, EGCg did not. According to the results of two dimensional (2D)-electrophoresis analysis, TFDG seemed to interact with cytoplasmic membrane proteins. The activity of the glucose transporters of the cells decreased 40% following the treatment with TFDG of 62·5 mg l-1 ; however, this decrease was only slight in case of EGCg. This result was in accordance with the strength of their bactericidal activities. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the direct interaction between membrane proteins and TFDG is an important factor in the antibacterial activity of polymerized catechins, affecting their functions and leading to cell death. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Tea polyphenols can effectively use the prevention of product spoilage in the food and beverage industry.

Peripheral administration of κ-opioid receptor antagonist stimulates gonadotropin-releasing hormone pulse generator activity in ovariectomized, estrogen-treated female goats.

Pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion is indispensable for reproduction in mammals. Kisspeptin neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC), referred to as KNDy neurons because of the coexpression of neurokinin B and dynorphin A, are considered as components of the GnRH pulse generator that produces rhythmic GnRH secretion. The present study aimed to investigate if peripheral administration of PF-4455242, a κ-opioid receptor (KOR, a dynorphin A receptor) antagonist, facilitates pulsatile luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion and GnRH pulse generator activity in estrogen-treated ovariectomized Shiba goats to determine the possibility of using KOR antagonists to artificially control ovarian activities. PF-4455242 was intravenously infused for 4 h (1 or 10 µmol/kg body weight/4 h) or as a single subcutaneous injection (1 or 10 µmol/kg body weight). In a separate experiment, the same KOR antagonist (10 µmol/kg body weight/4 h) was intravenously infused during the recording of multiple unit activity (MUA) in the ARC that reflects the activity of the GnRH pulse generator to test the effects of KOR antagonist administration on GnRH pulse generator activity. Intravenous infusion and single subcutaneous injection of the KOR antagonist significantly increased the frequency of LH pulses compared with controls. Intravenous infusion of KOR antagonist also significantly increased the frequency of episodic bursts in the MUA. The present study demonstrates that peripherally administered KOR antagonist stimulates pulsatile LH secretion by acting on the GnRH pulse generator, and peripheral administration of PF-4455242 can be used to facilitate pulsatile LH secretion, which in turn facilitates ovarian activities in farm animals.

Impact of bowel resection on postoperative mortality in patients with obturator hernias.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify any potential correlation between postoperative mortality and bowel resection in patients with obturator hernias. METHODS: In total, 21 patients who underwent emergency surgery for a primary incarcerated obturator hernia during a 9-year period were retrospectively assessed regarding the correlation between postoperative mortality within 30 days from surgery and bowel resection. RESULTS: The 21 hernias occurred in 20 women and 1 man. The mean age at presentation was 83.3 years. Eight hernias required bowel resection, and operations using mesh were performed for eight hernias. Complications occurred in association with nine hernias, and three patients died. Postoperative mortality was correlated with complications (p = 0.016) and bowel resection (p = 0.010). Patients undergoing bowel resection had a significantly longer operation time (p = 0.009) and a higher rate of postoperative complications (p = 0.018). The systolic blood pressure, pH, and base excess were significantly lower in patients who did than did not undergo bowel resection (p = 0.017, 0.009, and 0.015, respectively). CONCLUSION: As the aging population continues to expand, the number of patients with obturator hernias is speculated to increase. Elderly people with comorbidities require immediate operative procedures because their general condition tends to be exacerbated by bowel obstruction. Postoperative management may be carefully performed in patients with bowel resection because the postoperative mortality rates may be higher in these patients.

Changing trends in surgery for abdominal Crohn's disease.

AIM: The introduction of biological agents and laparoscopy are, arguably, the most important developments for the treatment of Crohn's disease (CD) in the last two decades. Due to the efficacy of biological agents in treating mild disease, it is likely that the percentage of surgery for complex cases may have increased. The objective of this study was to analyse the changing characteristics and results of the surgical treatment of patients with CD over the past 13 years. METHODS: All patients who underwent abdominal surgery for CD between 2004 and 2016 were retrospectively identified. Data were compared between two periods (2004-2010 and 2011-2016). RESULTS: A total of 908 procedures were performed (48% men, mean age 43 ± 16 years). Demographic and CD characteristics changed significantly over time: comorbidities were more frequent (35% vs 46%, P < 0.0001), and preoperative steroids (28% vs 36%, P < 0.01) and anti-tumour necrosis factor (20% vs 40%, P < 0.0001) treatments were more frequently used in the second period. Smoking (14% vs 8%, P < 0.0001) and use of immunosuppressors (32% vs 22%, P < 0.001) decreased significantly. More cases of penetrating disease (22% vs 32%, P < 0.001) were operated upon in the second period. The laparoscopic approach (49% vs 57%, P < 0.04) was more frequently performed and mean blood loss (167 ± 222 vs 123 ± 243 ml, P < 0.01) decreased significantly. Postoperative morbidity did not change between the two periods. CONCLUSION: Despite a higher incidence of comorbidities and the use of biologics postoperative morbidity remained unchanged. An increased use of laparoscopy and a decreased intra-operative blood loss may have contributed to offsetting the impact of increased comorbidity.

Mechanism for antibacterial action of epigallocatechin gallate and theaflavin-3,3'-digallate on Clostridium perfringens.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to clarify the mechanism of the antibacterial action of two high potential and natural food additives, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) and theaflavin-3,3'-digallate (TF3), on Clostridium perfringens. METHODS AND RESULTS: Minimal inhibitory concentrations were determined by the serial dilution method. Afterwards, the cells were treated with 250 or 1000 mg l-1 of EGCg and 125 or 500 mg l-1 of TF3 and morphological changes were observed and cell sizes were also measured under fluorescence microscopy. Our results showed that TF3 had a twice stronger antibacterial activity than EGCg against C. perfringens. Phase-contrast and fluorescence microscopy confirmed that the bacterial cells elongated without DNA segregation and septum formation in the presence of 250 mg l-1 EGCg. While in the higher concentration of EGCg and TF3, cell growth was suppressed. Bacterial cells reached to around 12 µm after the 24 h incubation with 250 mg l-1 EGCg, but the cells were shorter than the control at 1000 mg l-1 of EGCg. After washing and incubating the elongated cells in fresh medium, DNA segregated at 2 h of incubation. The average cell length decreased gradually and reached the normal size at 8 h. CONCLUSION: It seems that EGCg at a low concentration affected the proteins involved in the septum formation, DNA segregation and cell division. Furthermore, the high concentration of EGCg and TF3 seemed to cause stronger cellular damage to C. perfringens. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: These polyphenols are widely distributed in all higher plants especially in tea plants, and people tend to use natural food additives rather than synthetic ones. EGCg and TF3, as natural food additives, can prevent C. perfringens food poisoning along with other potential health benefits.

A gas circulation and purification system for gas-cell-based low-energy RI-beam production.

A gas circulation and purification system was developed at the RIKEN Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory that can be used for gas-cell-based low-energy RI-beam production. A high-flow-rate gas cell filled with one atmosphere of buffer gas (argon or helium) is used for the deceleration and thermalization of high-energy RI-beams. The exhausted buffer gas is efficiently collected using a compact dry pump and returned to the gas cell with a recovery efficiency of >97%. The buffer gas is efficiently purified using two gas purifiers as well as collision cleaning, which eliminates impurities in the gas. An impurity level of one part per billion is achieved with this method.

A prospective trial evaluating the clinical performance of a novel surgical energy device in laparoscopic colon surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this prospective human trial was to evaluate the clinical performance of a novel THUNDERBEAT (TB) energy device in laparoscopic colon surgery. This study reports the first human trial in USA with this combined energy device in colon surgery. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: This is a prospective pilot study with 30 subjects undergoing left or right laparoscopic colon resection for neoplasm in a single institution. All soft tissue dissections and all vessel ligations were performed using TB. No other energy device was used within the abdomen. Recorded end-points were dissection time (from the start of colon mobilization to specimen removal), surgical procedure time, the number of times TB taken out of the abdominal cavity, intraoperative complications (bleeding at the time of mesenteric dissection or vessel ligation, thermal injury during surgery, injury of other organs), technical device problems, postoperative complications (bleeding, delayed thermal injuries, other complications within 30 days), length of hospital stay, and mortality. RESULTS: Thirty subjects (15 males) were enrolled in the study with median age and range 68.5 (21-86) and BMI kg/m(2) 25.5 (20-35). Twelve subjects underwent right and 18 left laparoscopic hemicolectomy. The mean surgical procedure time was 163 ± 86 min and for dissection using TB device 80.6 ± 35 min. Major vessel ligation was successful in all subjects. The median number of TB applications to seal inferior mesenteric artery was 3 (2-8). TB was taken out of the abdominal cavity during dissection for tip cleaning a medium number of two times/per case. No intraoperative or postoperative complications (bleeding, thermal injuries, etc.) related to use of TB were noted. CONCLUSIONS: The TB device demonstrated efficient and successful performance at tissue dissection and vessel ligation in left and right colectomies. TB technology can be employed in complex abdominal surgery and may save time through faster dissection but comparative studies with other energy devices are needed to confirm this.

Hyperfine structure constant of the neutron halo nucleus (11)Be(+).

The hyperfine splittings of ground state Be+11 have been measured precisely by laser-microwave double resonance spectroscopy for trapped and laser cooled beryllium ions. The ions were produced at relativistic energies and subsequently slowed down and trapped at mK temperatures. The magnetic hyperfine structure constant of Be+11 was determined to be A11=-2677.302 988(72) MHz from the measurements of the mF-mF'=0-0 field independent transition. This measurement provides essential data for the study of the distribution of the halo neutron in the single neutron halo nucleus Be11 through the Bohr-Weisskopf effect.

Experience of a specialist centre in the management of anastomotic sinus following leaks after low rectal or ileal pouch-anal anastomosis with diverting stoma.

AIM: The natural history and appropriate management of anastomotic sinus has not been clearly defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence, management and outcomes of anastomotic sinus. METHOD: The medical records of all patients who underwent a low anterior resection (LAR) or an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) with a diverting loop ileostomy (LI) and with contrast enema performed before planned stoma closure between 2001 and 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. The radiological features of the sinus tract, treatment and outcome of anastomotic sinus were studied. RESULTS: Twenty patients (8.2%) were found to have anastomotic sinuses out of the total of 244 patients who had undergone LAR (n = 146) or IPAA (n = 98) with LI. Of these, 13 (65%) had prior symptomatic leaks, while seven did not. Twelve patients (60%) were found to have simple sinus tracts, while eight had complex sinuses (associated with either pelvic cavities or severe strictures). Five patients with simple tracts were treated with observation alone. Fifteen patients underwent surgical interventions. Overall, with a median follow-up of 28 (6-73) months, 16 patients (80%) had resolution of their sinuses. All of 12 patients (100%) with simple sinus tracts and four of eight patients (50%) with complex sinuses underwent successful stoma reversals after 8 (3.5-24) months following the initial surgery (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Patients with simple tracts are significantly more likely to have complete resolution of sinuses than patients with complex sinuses. Persistent sinus associated with either a pelvic cavity or severe stricture despite surgical intervention is likely to lead to a permanent stoma.

Functional folate receptor beta-expressing macrophages in osteoarthritis synovium and their M1/M2 expression profiles.

OBJECTIVE: The distribution of folate receptor (FR)-ß+ macrophages and their M1/M2 expression profiles were examined in osteoarthritis (OA) synovial tissues, and compared to those in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial tissues and CD163+ macrophages in both OA and RA synovial tissues. METHOD: The phenotypes and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-folate uptake of FR-ß+ synovial macrophages were analysed by flow cytometry. The distribution of FR-ß+ macrophages in OA and RA synovial tissues was examined by immunofluorescent microscopy. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin (IL)-10, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß expression in FR-ß+ macrophages was detected by double-immunostaining in both OA and RA synovial tissues. RESULTS: FR-ß+ macrophages were predominantly present in the synovial lining layer in OA patients. The proportion of CD163-FR-ß+ cells in synovial mononuclear cells (MNCs) was increased in OA compared to RA synovial tissues. FR-ß(high) macrophages from OA synovial tissues represented the majority of folic acid-binding cells. Although FR-ß+ or CD163+ macrophages in the synovial tissues of OA and RA patients expressed a mixed pattern of M1 and M2 macrophage markers, there were more M2 markers expressing synovial macrophages in OA than in RA patients. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution and M1/M2 expression profiles of FR-ß+ synovial macrophages were different between OA and RA synovial tissues. Thus, the findings underscore that the M1/M2 paradigm using surface markers FR-ß and CD163 is an oversimplification of macrophage subsets. Functional FR-ß present on OA synovial macrophages provides a potential tool for the diagnosis and treatment of OA.

Pedometer-Based Behavioral Change Program Can Improve Dependency in Sedentary Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies suggested that pedometer-based walking programs are applicable to older adults. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of pedometer in sedentary older adults to improve physical activity, fear of falling, physical performance, and leg muscle mass. DESIGN: This was a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT). SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-seven community dwelling sedentary older adults living in Japan. INTERVENTION: The intervention group (n=43) received a pedometer-based behavioural change program for 6 months, while the control group (n=44) did not. The participants in the intervention group were instructed to increase their mean daily steps by 10% each month. Thus, at the end of 6 months, participants in the intervention group were expected to have 77 % more daily steps than their baseline step counts. Written activity logs were monthly averaged to determine whether the participants were achieving their goal. MEASUREMENTS: Outcome measures were physical activity, fear of falling, physical performances, and leg muscle mass. RESULTS: In this 6-month trial 40 older adults (93%) completed the pedometer protocol with good adherence. In the intervention group, average daily steps were increased by 83.4% (from 20311323 to 3726 1607) during the study period, but not in the control group (from 20471698 to 22671837). The pedometer-based behavioral change program was more effective to improve their physical activity, fear of falling, locomotive function, and leg muscle mass than control (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggested that the pedometer-based behavioral change program can effectively improve the physical activity, fear of falling, physical performance, and leg muscle mass in sedentary older adults.

Nutritional Supplementation during Resistance Training Improved Skeletal Muscle Mass in Community-Dwelling Frail Older Adults.

OBJECTIVE: Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass, is highly prevalent in older adults. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the combination of resistance training and multinutrients supplementation (including vitamin D and protein) on muscle mass and physical performance in frail older adults. METHODS: This trial was conducted in Japanese frail older adults (n=77), which underwent a standardized protocol of a 3-month physical exercise intervention. The sample population was divided into two groups, according to the adoption (S/Ex: n = 38) or not (Ex: n = 39) of the additional multinutrient supplementation. The outcome measures of interest for the present analyses were the skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and several physical performance tests. RESULTS: Participants in S/Ex group had significant improvements for the outcome measures, including SMI and maximum walking time (P<0.05), compared to those in Ex group. The prevalence of sarcopenia decreased from 65.7% to 42.9% in S/Ex group, while that in Ex group remained unchanged (68.6% to 68.6%) (relative risk = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.03-2.49). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the combination of resistance training and multinutritional supplementation may be more effective at improving muscle mass and walking speed than an intervention only based on resistance training.

Reactor decay heat in 239Pu: solving the γ discrepancy in the 4-3000-s cooling period.

The ß feeding probability of (102,104,105,106,107)Tc, 105Mo, and 101Nb nuclei, which are important contributors to the decay heat in nuclear reactors, has been measured using the total absorption technique. We have coupled for the first time a total absorption spectrometer to a Penning trap in order to obtain sources of very high isobaric purity. Our results solve a significant part of a long-standing discrepancy in the γ component of the decay heat for 239Pu in the 4-3000 s range.

Minimally invasive surgery is safe and effective for urgent and emergent colectomy.

OBJECTIVE: There are a limited number of studies describing the role of minimally invasive colectomy for urgent or emergent conditions of the large bowel. We hypothesize that laparoscopic colectomy in urgent and emergent setting can be performed safely in select settings. METHOD: A cohort of patients treated at a single institution from 2001 to 2006 was identified from a prospective database. Patients who underwent open or minimally invasive surgery (MIS), including laparoscopic (LAP) or hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) colectomy for urgent and emergent conditions were included. RESULTS: A total of 68 [open 32, MIS 36 [HALS 22, LAP 14)] patients underwent urgent or emergent colectomy on our colorectal service during the 5-year time period. Patients with toxic colitis were more often selected for MIS. Patients with colon perforation or large bowel obstruction were more often selected for open surgery. The MIS group had a lower body mass index (BMI), lower American Society of Anesthesiologists fitness grade and was more likely to have been immunosuppressed. There was no difference in patient morbidity between the open and MIS groups. The MIS group had a longer median operative time and fewer cases of prolonged hospitalization. CONCLUSION: We conclude that minimally invasive colectomy by experienced surgeons appears to be safe and effective for appropriately selected patients with emergent and urgent conditions of the large bowel.

Magnetic dipole moment of (57,59)Cu measured by in-gas-cell laser spectroscopy.

For the first time, in-gas-cell laser spectroscopy study of the (57,59,63,65)Cu isotopes has been performed using the 244.164 nm optical transition from the atomic ground state of copper. The nuclear magnetic dipole moments for (57,59,65)Cu relative to that of (63)Cu have been extracted. The new value for (57)Cu of mu((57)Cu) = +2.582(7)mu(N) is in strong disagreement with the previous literature value but in good agreement with recent theoretical and systematic predictions.