Susceptibility to recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein entry in the lungs of high-fat diet-induced obese mice.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Obesity is a major risk factor for the development of COVID-19. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is an essential receptor for cell entry of SARS-CoV-2. The receptor-binding domain of the S1 subunit (S1-RBD protein) in the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein binds to ACE2 on host cells, through which the virus enters several organs, including the lungs. Considering these findings, recombinant ACE2 might be utilized as a decoy protein to attenuate SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here, we examined whether obesity increases ACE2 expression in the lungs and whether recombinant ACE2 administration diminishes the entry of S1-RBD protein into lung cells. We observed that high-fat diet-induced obesity promoted ACE2 expression in the lungs by increasing serum levels of LPS derived from the intestine. S1-RBD protein entered the lungs specifically through ACE2 expressed in host lungs and that the administration of recombinant ACE2 attenuated this entry. We conclude that obesity makes hosts susceptible to recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins due to elevated ACE2 expression in lungs, and this model of administering S1-RBD protein can be applied to new COVID-19 treatments.

Noninvasive holographic imaging through dynamically scattering media.

We present a noninvasive method for quantitative phase imaging through dynamically scattering media. A complex amplitude object, illuminated with coherent light, is captured through a dynamically scattering medium and a variable coded aperture, without the need for interferometric measurements or imaging optics. The complex amplitude of the object is computationally retrieved from intensity images that use multiple coded aperture patterns, employing a stochastic gradient descent algorithm. We demonstrate the proposed method both numerically and experimentally.

Prognostic Impact of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes, Tertiary Lymphoid Structures, and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Pulmonary Metastases from Uterine Leiomyosarcoma.

BACKGROUND: The presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) in tumor tissue has been related to the prognosis in various malignancies. Meanwhile, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a systemic inflammation marker also has been associated with the prognosis in them. However, few reports have investigated the relationship between pulmonary metastases from sarcoma and these biomarkers. METHODS: We retrospectively recruited 102 patients undergoing metastasectomy for pulmonary metastases from uterine leiomyosarcoma at Okayama University Hospital from January 2006 to December 2019. TILs and TLSs were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining of surgically resected specimens of pulmonary metastases using anti-CD3/CD8/CD103/Foxp3/CD20 antibodies. NLR was calculated from the blood examination immediately before the most recent pulmonary metastasectomy. We elucidated the relationship between the prognosis and these factors. Because we considered that the status of tumor tissue and systemic inflammation were equally valuable, we also assessed the impact of the combination of TILs or TLSs and NLR on the prognosis. RESULTS: As for TILs, CD3-positive cells and CD8-positive cells were correlated with the prognosis. The prognosis was significantly better in patients with CD3-high group, CD8-high group, TLSs-high group, and NLR-low group, respectively. The prognosis of CD8-high/NLR-low group and TLSs-high/NLR-low group was significantly better than that of CD8-low/NLR-high group and TLSs-low/NLR-high group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: CD3-positive TILs, CD8-positive TILs, TLSs, and NLR are correlated with the prognosis, respectively. The combination of CD8-positive TILs or TLSs and NLR may be the indicators to predict the prognosis of patients with pulmonary metastases from uterine leiomyosarcoma.

Roles of the SUMO-related enzymes, PIAS1, PIAS4, and RNF4, in DNA double-strand break repair by homologous recombination.

Post-translational modification of proteins by small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) is known to be involved in a variety of cellular events. This modification, called SUMOylation, is carried out by the E1 activating enzyme, the E2 conjugating enzyme, and multiple E3 ligases. Previous studies have demonstrated that the SUMO E3 ligases, protein inhibitors of activated STAT 1 (PIAS1) and 4 (PIAS4), and the SUMO-targeted ubiquitin ligase, RING finger protein 4 (RNF4), play important roles in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). However, the mechanism by which these SUMO-related enzymes promote DSB repair is still poorly understood. In the present study, we focused on homologous recombination (HR), the most accurate DSB repair pathway, and aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which PIAS1, PIAS4, and RNF4 promote HR. In γ-ray-irradiated normal human fibroblasts, DSB end resection and RAD51 loading, the two essential steps of HR, were significantly impaired by small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated depletion of PIAS1, PIAS4, or RNF4. The recruitment of BRCA1, a major HR factor, to DSB sites was reduced in cells depleted of these SUMO-related enzymes. Consistent with the role of BRCA1 in counteracting the p53-binding protein 1 (53BP1)-mediated resection blockade, 53BP1 depletion rescued the reduced resection and RAD51 loading in the cells depleted of PIAS1, PIAS4, or RNF4. Moreover, Rap1-interacting factor 1 (RIF1), a resection inhibitor downstream of 53BP1, became more abundant at DSBs when PIAS1, PIAS4, RNF4, or BRCA1 was depleted. Importantly, the concomitant depletion of BRCA1 with either one of the SUMO-related enzymes did not further increase RIF1 at DSBs, when compared to single depletion of BRCA1. Collectively, these results suggest that PIAS1, PIAS4, RNF4, and BRCA1 work epistatically to counteract 53BP1/RIF1-mediated resection blockade, thereby promoting resection.

Effects of kinesthetic illusion induced by visual stimulation (KINVIS) therapy on patients with stroke in the subacute phase: a visual analysis based on paralysis severity.

We explored the effect of kinesthetic illusion induced by visual stimulation (KINVIS) therapy on motor function in patients with stroke during the subacute phase based on paralysis severity. The study was performed using an ABAB design (A1, B1, A2, B2; for 10 days each). KINVIS therapy was additionally administered in periods B1 and B2. Ten patients with stroke were classified according to severity. The improvement in upper limb motor function was higher after B1 and B2 than after A1 and A2 in the moderate group. The effect of KINVIS therapy increases the degree of improvement in motor function, especially in the moderate group.

Mechanism of chromosome rearrangement arising from single-strand breaks.

Chromosome rearrangements, which are structural chromosomal abnormalities commonly found in human cancer, result from the misrejoining between two or more DNA double-strand breaks arising at different genomic regions. Consequently, chromosome rearrangements can generate fusion genes that promote tumorigenesis. The mechanisms of chromosome rearrangement have been studied using exogenous double-strand break inducers, such as radiation and nucleases. However, the mechanism underlying the occurrence of chromosome rearrangements in the absence of exogenous double-strand break-inducing stimuli is unclear. This study aimed to identify the major source of chromosome rearrangements and the DNA repair pathway that suppresses them. DNA repair factors that potentially suppress gene fusion were screened using The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset. In total, 22 repair factors whose expression levels were negatively correlated with the frequency of gene fusion were identified. More than 60% of these repair factors are involved in homologous recombination, a major double-strand break repair pathway. We hypothesized that DNA single-strand breaks are the source of double-strand breaks that lead to chromosome rearrangements. This study demonstrated that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced single-strand breaks gave rise to double-strand breaks in a replication-dependent manner. Additionally, H2O2 induced the formation of RPA and RAD51 foci, which indicated that double-strand breaks derived from single-strand breaks were repaired through homologous recombination. Moreover, treatment with H2O2 promoted the formation of radial chromosomes, a type of chromosome rearrangements, only upon the downregulation of homologous recombination factors, such as BRCA1 and CtIP. Thus, single-strand breaks are the major source of chromosome rearrangements when the expression of homologous recombination factors is downregulated.

[Questionnaire Survey of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Workers in 2016 on Knowledge and Anxiety About Radiation].

The results of a survey of radiation workers suggest that they are worried about the effects of radiation exposure on health, and approximately 30% of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) workers have anxiety. This questionnaire survey reveals that the higher the frequency of radiation education, the higher the knowledge of radiation the workers will have, and that the higher the level of knowledge, the lower the anxiety. To reduce anxiety, it is important to increase knowledge about radiation through radiation education. However, even those workers who had radiation education several times still had anxiety. According to the Ordinance on the Prevention of Ionizing Radiation Hazards, the time spent on education about the effects of radiation on the human body is only about 30 minutes. This education is not enough to reduce anxiety. FDNPP workers needed more effective education to increase their knowledge and to reduce their anxiety.

In Situ Observation of Desorption and Direct Electron Transfer Reaction of Cytochrome c on Bare ITO Electrode with Electrochemical Slab Optical Waveguide Spectroscopy.

Cyclic voltammograms (CVs) of cytochrome c (cytc) on the bare ITO were measured with every 10 times of the continuous the solution exchange (SE) processes at the same time of slab optical waveguide (SOWG) spectral observation, and it was proved that direct electron transfer (DET) reaction functionality of cytc adsorbed on the bare ITO electrode was kept after 100 times SE processes. The existence of three kinds of cytc molecules which were weakly adsorbed, strongly adsorbed and immobilized on the bare ITO electrode below a monolayer coverage was indicated from the change in the Soret band absorbance at 408 nm due to the desorption reaction of cytc with In Situ observation by electrochemically controlled SOWG spectroscopy. As the actual procedure, 100 times of the SE process in the SOWG cell by hands induced the gradual decrease of the absorbance due to cytc desorption, and with every 10 times of the SE process SOWG absorption spectra were obtained. The SOWG absorbance decay curve was well fitted with two components exponential equation depending on the SE process numbers showing that around 31.6% of the cytc molecules adsorbed on bare ITO electrode were finally immobilized.

Effect of interfacial adhesion on the ultrasonic interaction with adhesive joints: A theoretical study using spring-type interfaces.

The effect of interfacial properties on the reflection and transmission characteristics of ultrasonic waves at adhesively bonded joints is theoretically investigated. An adhesive joint is modeled as a double-interface model, namely, a homogeneous layer coupled to adherends by two spring-type interfaces with different interfacial stiffnesses. For the normal incidence of a one-dimensional longitudinal wave, theoretical results are obtained and validated by finite element simulation. When the thickness of the adhesive layer is sufficiently small compared to the wavelength, the amplitude reflection and transmission coefficients show monotonic dependence on frequency, which can be explained by the theoretical relation of the double-interface model to a single spring-type interface model. The reflection and transmission behavior is invariant if the values of the two interfacial stiffnesses are interchanged. For a relatively thick adhesive layer, on the other hand, the reflection coefficient shows local minima at multiple frequencies. As one interfacial stiffness decreases, the local minimum frequencies decrease and the local minima increase. If the values of the two interfacial stiffnesses are interchanged, the reflection coefficient remains invariant but the reflection waveform shows different features. The obtained reflection and transmission characteristics are discussed in light of the characterization of the interfacial adhesion.

Automatic Quantitative Segmentation of Myotubes Reveals Single-cell Dynamics of S6 Kinase Activation.

Automatic cell segmentation is a powerful method for quantifying signaling dynamics at single-cell resolution in live cell fluorescence imaging. Segmentation methods for mononuclear and round shape cells have been developed extensively. However, a segmentation method for elongated polynuclear cells, such as differentiated C2C12 myotubes, has yet to be developed. In addition, myotubes are surrounded by undifferentiated reserve cells, making it difficult to identify background regions and subsequent quantification. Here we developed an automatic quantitative segmentation method for myotubes using watershed segmentation of summed binary images and a two-component Gaussian mixture model. We used time-lapse fluorescence images of differentiated C2C12 cells stably expressing Eevee-S6K, a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensor of S6 kinase (S6K). Summation of binary images enhanced the contrast between myotubes and reserve cells, permitting detection of a myotube and a myotube center. Using a myotube center instead of a nucleus, individual myotubes could be detected automatically by watershed segmentation. In addition, a background correction using the two-component Gaussian mixture model permitted automatic signal intensity quantification in individual myotubes. Thus, we provide an automatic quantitative segmentation method by combining automatic myotube detection and background correction. Furthermore, this method allowed us to quantify S6K activity in individual myotubes, demonstrating that some of the temporal properties of S6K activity such as peak time and half-life of adaptation show different dose-dependent changes of insulin between cell population and individuals.Key words: time lapse images, cell segmentation, fluorescence resonance energy transfer, C2C12, myotube.

Northward expansion of the bivoltine life cycle of the cricket over the last four decades.

Recent climate warming has affected some life-history traits of insects, including voltinism and body size. The magnitude of changes in these traits may differ latitudinally within a species because of the differing lengths of season available for growth. The present study aims to estimate the change in voltinism of the lawn ground cricket, Polionemobius mikado (Shiraki) (Orthoptera: Trigonidiidae), over the last four decades by comparing the body size between adults collected from a wide range of latitudes in Japan in recent years (2015-2017) and those collected four decades ago (1969-1976). The body size of adults collected in recent years showed a latitudinal saw-tooth cline, in the same way as body size did four decades ago, and the cline shifted northward over the last four decades: In 2015-2017, the body size decreased slightly with increasing latitude from 31°N to 36°N, and then increased to 40°N, and again decreased from 40°N to 44°N. Comparison of the body size between recent years and four decades ago revealed that the body size has decreased significantly at the middle latitudes (36-40°N), suggesting that the proportion of smaller bivoltine individuals there has increased over the last four decades. The sum of effective temperatures for postdiapause embryonic development at around 36°N in recent years was comparable to that at 31-35°N four decades ago, at which P. mikado populations were bivoltine. Taken together, these findings suggested that the latitudinal range suitable for the bivoltine life cycle of P. mikado has expanded northward over the last four decades because of climate warming. This is the first report that shows that a decrease in body size can be caused by climate warming via an increase in voltinism.

System identification of signaling dependent gene expression with different time-scale data.

Cells decode information of signaling activation at a scale of tens of minutes by downstream gene expression with a scale of hours to days, leading to cell fate decisions such as cell differentiation. However, no system identification method with such different time scales exists. Here we used compressed sensing technology and developed a system identification method using data of different time scales by recovering signals of missing time points. We measured phosphorylation of ERK and CREB, immediate early gene expression products, and mRNAs of decoder genes for neurite elongation in PC12 cell differentiation and performed system identification, revealing the input-output relationships between signaling and gene expression with sensitivity such as graded or switch-like response and with time delay and gain, representing signal transfer efficiency. We predicted and validated the identified system using pharmacological perturbation. Thus, we provide a versatile method for system identification using data with different time scales.

Direct parental CRISPR gene editing in the predatory bug Orius strigicollis, a biocontrol agent against small arthropods.

BACKGROUND: The predatory flower bug Orius strigicollis serves as a valuable biocontrol agent against small arthropods; however, its effectiveness can vary, especially when population establishment fails due to low prey/pest densities. A promising approach to improve the efficacy of O. strigicollis as a biocontrol agent is through gene editing. However, as females lay their eggs in plant tissue, the conventional embryo injection approach is challenging in this species. RESULTS: In this study, we aimed to develop an efficient and practical gene editing technique for O. strigicollis using direct parental CRISPR (DIPA-CRISPR). Female bugs at various postemergence stages received Cas9 ribonucleoprotein injections, with subsequent genotyping of their offspring (G0) using PCR and a heteroduplex mobility assay. We targeted the kynurenine 3-monooxygenase gene (cinnabar), pivotal for insect ommochrome pigment biosynthesis. Through experimental optimization, we achieved a peak gene editing efficiency of 52%, i.e., 52% of G0 progeny carried gene-edited alleles when injecting 1 day postemergence. Notably, some gene-edited G0 adults exhibited a red-eye mosaic phenotype, in contrast to the black-eyed wild type. Crossing experiments confirmed the heritability of the introduced mutations in the subsequent generation (G1), enabling the establishment of a cinnabar-knockout line with bright red eyes. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate that our DIPA-CRISPR gene editing method tailored for O. strigicollis is efficient and practical. Our findings highlight the potency of DIPA-CRISPR as a tool for O. strigicollis genetic engineering and suggest broader applications for enhancing other biocontrol agents. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

The influence of revised ordinance on radiation protection management in Japanese hospitals: device deployment and involvement of radiology technologists.

PURPOSE: This study evaluates the impact of the 2021 revision of Japan's Ordinance on the Prevention of Ionizing Radiation Hazards on radiation protection practices, focusing on the deployment of radiation protection devices and the involvement of radiology technologists in Japanese hospitals. METHODS: A two-phase web-based questionnaire survey was conducted among hospitals registered as training facilities with the Japanese Radiological Society. The survey included 53 questions covering facility information, radiation worker management, training, and working environment. RESULTS: The use of lens-specific dosimeters significantly increased post-revision (p = 0.005). Protective eyewear availability showed minor improvements, particularly in angiographic rooms (p = 0.019). The involvement of radiology technologists remained high in angiographic rooms but showed no significant changes in endoscopy and fluoroscopy rooms. Larger hospitals exhibited better compliance with protective measures, though gaps in resource allocation persisted. CONCLUSION: The ordinance revision led to significant improvements in dosimeter usage but only minor changes in protective eyewear deployment and technologist involvement.

Radiation Exposure Characteristics among Healthcare Workers: Before and After Japan's Ordinance Revision.

ABSTRACT: Radioactive materials and ionizing radiation have both medical value and disease risks, necessitating radiation dose measurement and risk reduction strategies. The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) lowered the lens of the eye exposure limit, leading to Japan's revised "Ionizing Radiation Ordinance." However, the effects on radiation exposure in medical settings and compliance feasibility remain unclear. To examine the impact of the revision to the "Ionizing Radiation Ordinance" and use it for measures to reduce exposure to radiation, a comprehensive analysis was conducted on data collected from Nagasaki University Hospital, Hiroshima University Hospital, and Fukushima Medical University Hospital in 2018, 2020, and April to September 2021. This included information on age, sex, occupation, department, and monthly radiation doses of workers, aiming to assess the impact of the revision to the "Ionizing Radiation Ordinance" on radiation exposure before and after its enforcement. Out of 9,076 cases studied, 7,963 (87.7%) had radiation doses below the measurable limit throughout the year. Only 292 cases (3.2%) exceeded 1 mSv y -1 , with 9 doctors and 2 radiological technologists surpassing 5 mSv y -1 . Radiological technologists showed significantly higher doses compared to doctors, dentists, and nurses (p < 0.01), while male subjects had significantly higher exposure doses than females (p < 0.01). No significant changes in radiation exposure were observed before and after the revision of the Ionizing Radiation Ordinance; however, variations in radiation exposure control were noted, particularly among nurses and radiological technologists, suggesting the impact of the revision and the need for tailored countermeasures to reduce radiation dose in each group.

Occupational radiation exposure among medical personnel in university and general hospitals in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the occupational radiation exposure of medical workers between general hospitals and university hospitals. METHODS: Radiation exposure data from three hospitals in Hiroshima city, including one university hospital and two general hospitals, were collected using personal dosimeters. Monthly radiation doses were analyzed, and the annual sum of radiation exposure dose was calculated for 538 subjects in general hospitals and 1224 subjects in the university hospital. To assess the impact of locality, additional data from Nagasaki University Hospital and Fukushima Medical University Hospital were included for comparative analysis. Professional affiliations, such as doctors, nurses, and radiological technologists, were considered in the evaluation. RESULTS: The study revealed slight but significant differences in radiation doses between general and university hospitals. In general hospitals, except for radiological technologists, a slightly higher radiation dose was observed compared to university hospitals. Despite the annual increase in the use of medical radiation, the majority of hospital workers in both settings adhered to safety guidelines, with occupational radiation exposure remaining below the limit of detection (LOD). Workers who involved in fluoroscopic procedure, whether at university or general hospitals, had higher radiation doses than those who did not. CONCLUSION: The study's primary conclusion is that workers in general hospitals experience a slight but significantly higher radiation dose and a lower percentage below the LOD compared to university hospitals. The observed difference is attributed to the greater workload at general hospitals than at university hospitals, and also may be due to the different nature of university hospital and general hospital. University hospitals, characterized by greater academic orientation, tend to benefit from comprehensive support systems, specialized expertise, and advanced technology, leading to more structured and regulated radiation control. These findings provide a basis for targeted interventions, improved safety protocols.

Effects of esaxerenone on blood pressure, urinary albumin excretion, serum levels of NT-proBNP, and quality of life in patients with primary aldosteronism.

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is typically managed with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) barring adrenalectomy. The efficacy of esaxerenone, a nonsteroidal MRA, were explored in patients with PA. Various parameters such as the urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) and serum levels of N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were evaluated in 25 PA patients before and 3 and 6 months after esaxerenone treatment. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), and the estimated glomerular filtration rate decreased after treatment, while serum levels of potassium and active renin increased. Significant reductions were observed in UACR 3 and 6 months after treatment. A significant decrease in NT-proBNP was evident at 6 months but not 3 months after treatment. Correlation analysis indicated that the reductions in BP and UACR at 3 months were independent of estimated daily salt intake. Furthermore, the effect of esaxerenone treatment on lowering UACR and NT-proBNP levels was independent of BP reduction. Responders whose systolic BP decreased 6 months after esaxerenone treatment by more than 10 mmHg compared to pretreatment had higher pretreatment NT-proBNP and similar UACR before and after treatment when compared with nonresponders. Esaxerenone improved mental, physical, and social quality of life (QOL) 6 months after treatment compared to healthy controls and increased over time. No patients discontinued treatment due to severe hyperkalemia or renal dysfunction. In conclusion, esaxerenone is a safe and effective MRA for PA treatment, offering significant benefits in terms of hypertension, albuminuria, NT-proBNP levels, and QOL improvement. Esaxerenone effectively lowers BP, UACR, and serum levels of NT-proBNP independent of dietary salt intake in mild PA patients. ARC active renin concentration, DBP diastolic blood pressure, MR mineralocorticoid receptor, MRA mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, NT-proBNP N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, PA primary aldosteronism, QOL quality of life, SBP systolic blood pressure, SF-36 Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, UACR urinary albumin to creatinine ratio.

Involvement of the splicing factor SART1 in the BRCA1-dependent homologous recombination repair of DNA double-strand breaks.

Although previous studies have reported that pre-mRNA splicing factors (SFs) are involved in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) via homologous recombination (HR), their exact role in promoting HR remains poorly understood. Here, we showed that SART1, an SF upregulated in several types of cancer, promotes DSB end resection, an essential first step of HR. The resection-promoting function of SART1 requires phosphorylation at threonine 430 and 695 by ATM/ATR. SART1 is recruited to DSB sites in a manner dependent on transcription and its RS domain. SART1 is epistatic with BRCA1, a major HR factor, in the promotion of resection, especially transcription-associated resection in the G2 phase. SART1 and BRCA1 accumulate at DSB sites in an interdependent manner, and epistatically counteract the resection blockade posed by 53BP1 and RIF1. Furthermore, chromosome analysis demonstrated that SART1 and BRCA1 epistatically suppressed genomic alterations caused by DSB misrepair in the G2 phase. Collectively, these results indicate that SART1 and BRCA1 cooperatively facilitate resection of DSBs arising in transcriptionally active genomic regions in the G2 phase, thereby promoting faithful repair by HR, and suppressing genome instability.