Moderate cryptoxanthin intake correlates with maintenance of a proper PINT index in a general Japanese population.

INTRODUCTION: Small fibre neuropathy (SFN) is an early manifestation of diabetic polyneuropathy. Although oxidative stress, inflammation and change of intestinal bacterial population are assumed to be their pathogenesis, the effects of dietary nutrition have not been evaluated. The relationship between dietary nutrition intake and pain sensation was evaluated in the Japanese population. METHODS: We conducted the Iwaki project, a population-based study recruiting 1,028 individuals, in 2018. The relationships between the pain threshold from intraepidermal electrical stimulation (PINT) and the amount of dietary nutrition evaluated by a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire were examined. The odds ratio was further explored after categorizing subjects based on low (< 63.7 µg/day), intermediate (63.7-159.2 µg/day), and high cryptoxanthin levels (> 159.2 µg/day). RESULTS: Univariate linear regression analyses showed significant correlations between PINT and cryptoxanthin intake even after adjustments for other nutritional intakes (ß = 0.107, p < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed low and high cryptoxanthin intake as significant risk factors for abnormal PINT (≥ 0.20 mA). Multivariate linear regression analyses showed significant correlations between PINT and cryptoxanthin intake levels after adjustment for other clinically PINT-related factors (ß = 0.09, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Adequate intake of cryptoxanthin is recommended to maintain the pain threshold in the Japanese population.

[Long-term Outcomes of the Maze Procedure Omitting the Ablation Line to The Superior Vena Cava].

OBJECTIVE: In an effort to avoid postoperative sick sinus syndrome( SSS), we omit the ablation line to the superior vena cava( SVC) in the Cox-mazeⅢ lesion set. We report the long-term outcomes, including the freedom from SSS. METHODS: We studied 102 patients who underwent bi-atrial maze procedure for persistent atrial fibrillation (Af) from 2009 through 2023. Bipolar radio frequency ablation or cryoablation was used except for right-side atriotomy and right atriotomy. Cryoablation was used for atrioventricular annulus. The patient age was 68±9.4. Duration of Af was 3.4±6.5 years (unknown 9 cases). The amplitude of f-wave in V1 was 0.182±0.095 mV and it was<0.1 mV in 19 (18.6%). Diameter of the left atrium was 50±8.9 mm, and left atrial volume index was 89±37 ml/m2. Ninety-one (89.2%) patients underwent concomitant mitral valve surgery. RESULTS: Survival rate was 99% at 1 year and 96% at 5 years. Freedom from Af was 92% at 1 year and 88% at 5 years. Freedom from permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) was 87% at 1 year and 83% at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Defibrillation rate and the incidence of PPI was comparable to those in previous reports after standard Cox-mazeⅢ. SSS after maze for persistent Af seem due to patient.

Exploratory Study of Growth of Circumference of Mandibular Fossa Adjacent to Petrous Portion of Temporal Bone Using Dried Skulls.

The morphogenetic process of development of the circumference of the mandibular fossa during tooth eruption, which involves the replacement of deciduous teeth with permanent teeth, is strongly affected by occlusion. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have investigated the effect of occlusion on this process. This study investigated the morphogenetic process of development during tooth eruption using dried skulls harvested from Indian donors. The average distance between the ala-major-squamosa suture and the foramen ovale according to age group was as follows: 3.24 mm in the 8-month-old group and 8.92 mm in the adult group. The average distance between the ala-major-squamosa suture and the apex of the articular tubercle according to age groups was as follows: 10.38 mm in the 8-month-old group and 19.34 mm in the adult group. The average distance between the point of intersection of the petrosquamous fissure and petrotympanic fissure located on the perpendicular line drawn posteriorly from the shortest distance of the medio-lateral axis between the ala-major-squamosa suture and the apex of the articular tubercle according to age group was as follows: 9.68 mm in the 8-month-old group and 14.3 mm in the adult group. These results suggest that the mandibular fossa is strongly affected by load due to occlusion, unlike the growth of the neurocranium. This indicates that the effect of occlusion is a secondary element in the morphogenetic process of development of the circumference of the mandibular fossa.

Excessive salt intake reduces bone density in the general female population.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a multifactorial disorder in which nutrition is associated with its onset and progression. Excessive salt intake is closely associated with the onset and progression of various diseases, such as osteoporosis and hypertension. We investigated the effects of dietary salt intake on bone density in the general female population. METHODS: In 884 female participants (60.1 ± 10.1 years old) who visited our hospital for an annual physical checkup, salt intake (g/day) was assessed using a spot urine sample, and bone density was evaluated as a speed of sound (m/s) of ultrasonic pulses in a calcaneus by quantitative ultrasound. We investigated the relationship between bone density and salt intake and the differences in bone density or salt intake between the presence and absence of lifestyle-related diseases such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia. RESULTS: The average bone density and salt intake were 1497 ± 26 m/s and 8.5 ± 1.8 g/day, respectively. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses revealed that bone density was significantly negatively associated with salt intake. Bone density was lower, and salt intake was higher in participants with hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia than in those without. After adjusting for age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia, bone density was negatively correlated with salt intake. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed that excessive salt intake reduces bone density independently of age and lifestyle-related diseases in the general female population. Since dietary salt intake is a modifiable factor, osteoporosis can be prevented by dietary intervention, including salt reduction.

Safety and Efficacy of Sedation During Emergency Endoscopy for Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: This study aimed to compare patients with and without sedation during emergency endoscopy for upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) and to clarify the safety and efficacy of sedation in emergency endoscopy. METHODS: We retrospectively collected 389 patients who underwent emergency endoscopy for UGIB at Ureshino Medical Center from 2016 to 2021. Patients were divided into two groups: sedation group during emergency endoscopy and nonsedation group. Clinical characteristics, patient status on admission, and UGIB etiology were evaluated. Treatment outcomes and adverse events were evaluated using propensity score matching (PSM), and risk factors for mortality from UGIB were investigated using Cox multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The sedation group was significantly younger, composed of a higher proportion of males, and had chronic liver disease. Blood pressure and hemoglobin level on admission were significantly higher in the sedation group. The main cause of bleeding was peptic ulcer, which was significantly higher in the nonsedation group. PSM created 133 matched pairs. The success rate of endoscopic hemostasis was similar in both groups, and procedure time was significantly shorter in the sedation group than in the nonsedation group (17.6 ± 10.0 versus 20.2 ± 10.2 min, P = 0.04). There were no significant differences in adverse events between groups. Cox multivariate analyses revealed that red blood cell transfusion [hazard ratio (HR) 4.45, P < 0.02] and rebleeding (HR 3.30, P = 0.03) were associated with increased risk of 30-day mortality from UGIB. CONCLUSIONS: Sedation reduced the procedure time during emergency endoscopy for UGIB. Sedation during emergency endoscopy for UGIB is acceptable for safe endoscopic procedures.

Symptoms of sacral fractures after posterior spinal instrumented fusion: A case series.

BACKGROUND: Improvements in spinal fusion devices and techniques have enabled stronger spinal fusion, resulting in excellent clinical outcomes. Nevertheless, complications associated with implants, such as screw misalignment, screw lubrication, cage dislocation, and skin issues, might occur. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and symptoms of sacral fractures after spinal instrumented fusion. METHODS: This case series retrospectively examined the medical records of eight patients (one man and seven women; mean age: 74 years) diagnosed with sacral fractures after undergoing posterior spinal instrumented fusion from February 2015 to March 2022. RESULTS: The average number of fusion levels in all patients was 3.5 (range, 1-10). The lowest instrumented vertebrae (LIV) ranged from L5 to the ilium. Sacral fractures were diagnosed at 18.8 (range, 0.5-84) months postoperatively. The average time from consultation to diagnosis was nine days (range, 0-25 days). Two patients had subclinical fractures, two had H-shaped fractures with the LIV at L5, and four had U-shaped fractures, including screw holes. Buttock pain and lower extremity pain, the most commonly reported symptoms, were observed in seven patients each. There were also instances of leg numbness, muscle weakness, and unilateral leg pain that may be related to L5 or S1 radiculopathy. In all patients, leg and buttock pain were worse during movement and in the sitting position, and better while resting and in the supine position. Three patients were treated conservatively, and five were treated with extended fixation to the ilium. CONCLUSIONS: Sacral fractures following posterior spinal fusion can cause radiculopathy and buttock pain. Symptoms are especially severe when instability occurs in the pelvic region, such as during movements or sitting. As atypical radiculopathy may lead to delays in diagnosis, spine surgeons should recognize the symptoms of this condition.

[A case of extensive digestive tract metastasis from invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast].

A 59-year-old female patient underwent surgery for invasive lobular carcinoma of the right breast 12 years ago. The final diagnosis was invasive lobular carcinoma (T4N1M0 stage IIIB). She underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormonal therapy after surgery. She had abdominal bloating and vomiting 12 years after surgery. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) and esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed edematous thickening from the stomach to the duodenum and moderate amounts of ascites. Lymph node metastasis was not observed. Biopsy specimens of the stomach revealed signet ring cell carcinoma. Immunochemical studies (ER, GCDFP-15, MUC1, MUC5AC, and MUC6) confirmed gastroduodenal metastasis of invasive lobular carcinoma. Ascites disappeared after she underwent chemotherapy with paclitaxel and bevacizumab; however, wall thickening had spread from the lower esophagus to the stomach, small intestine, colon, and rectum on the CECT. She died 7 months after the diagnosis of gastroduodenal metastasis. Herein, we report a case of invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast with extensive digestive tract metastasis.

The diversity and abundance of gut microbiota are associated with the pain sensation threshold in the Japanese population.

Small fibre neuropathy (SFN) is an initial pathology of diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN). Serum lipopolysaccharide binding protein levels are positively correlated with the pain threshold in the foot, suggesting that the abundance of gut Gram-negative bacilli, which are a source of lipopolysaccharides, may be involved in the development of DPN. Furthermore, the abundance of the gut and oral microbiota is assumed to be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Nevertheless, the association between SFN and the microbiota has not been clarified. A total of 1056 individuals were recruited in the 2018 Iwaki Health Promotion Project. Pain sensation was evaluated based on the pain threshold from intraepidermal electrical stimulation (PINT). Patients with PINT scores <0.15 mA were categorized into the low-PINT group (n = 718); otherwise, they were categorized into the high-PINT group (n = 283). Furthermore, each group was divided into the subjects with or without glucose tolerance based on HbA1c levels, fasting blood glucose levels and diabetic history. Principal coordinate analysis and α- and ß-diversity of the microbiota were evaluated. The correlation between clinical and microbiota data was examined. Oral microbiota diversity showed no structural differences according to PINT scores, whereas principal coordinate analysis and α- and ß-diversity revealed significant structural differences in gut microbiota (p < 0.01, p < 0.05 and p < 0.05, respectively), even after the participants with glucose intolerance were excluded (p < 0.01, p < 0.05 and p < 0.05, respectively). The relative abundance of the genus Bacteroides was significantly lower in high-PINT participants compared with low-PINT participants (10 ± 6.7% vs. 11.3 ± 7.0%, p < 0.01), even after the exclusion of subjects with diabetes and impaired fasting glucose (10.0 ± 6.5% vs. 11.2 ± 6.9%, p < 0.05). In univariate linear regression analyses, PINT was significantly correlated with metabolic syndrome parameters, eGFR, uric acid level and the abundance of Bacteroides. The correlation between Bacteroides and PINT scores remained significant after adjustment for multiple factors (ß = -0.07181, p < 0.05). Changes of bacterial diversity and a low abundance of gut Bacteroides were correlated with elevated PINT scores in the Japanese population. This correlation may represent a new therapeutic option for SFN.

Correlation of magnetic resonance images with neuropathology of irreversible metronidazole-induced encephalopathy: an autopsy case report.

BACKGROUND: Neurological symptoms and radiographic abnormalities may remain in a small proportion of patients with metronidazole-induced encephalopathy (MIE). Although experimental animal models of MIE have suggested a Wernicke's encephalopathy-like pathology, little is known about the histopathological features of MIE. Here we report the first autopsy case of irreversible MIE. CASE PRESENTATION: A 72-year-old Japanese woman with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour and metastatic tumours in the liver developed intraabdominal bleeding from a hepatic abscess. She was administered metronidazole for 79 days (1.5 g/day), which caused dysarthria followed by hand tremor and altered mental status. Brain magnetic resonance imaging at the time of onset revealed hyperintensities in the deep white matter of the bilateral parietal lobes and splenium of the corpus callosum on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with reduced apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. Despite the improvement of dysarthria and hand tremor, her cognition remained affected even after the withdrawal of metronidazole. She died of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour at the age of 74 years. Histopathological examinations of the brain confirmed a combination of severe demyelination and moderate axonal degeneration, which corresponded to the regions showing abnormal signal intensities on DWI with reduced ADC values. There were no pathological findings suggestive of Wernicke's encephalopathy in the brain. CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated the clinical, radiographic and histopathological aspects of irreversible MIE. Hyperintensities on DWI with reduced ADC values in affected regions may indicate a poor clinical prognosis due to irreversible pathological damage.

Usefulness of discharge standards in outpatients undergoing sedative endoscopy: a propensity score-matched study of the modified post-anesthetic discharge scoring system and the modified Aldrete score.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of discharge standards in outpatients undergoing sedative endoscopy by comparing the modified post-anesthetic discharge scoring system (MPADSS) and the modified Aldrete score. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 376 outpatients who underwent gastrointestinal endoscopy under midazolam sedation; 181 outpatients were assessed regarding discharge after sedative endoscopy using the MPADSS (group M), and 195 patients were assessed by the modified Aldrete score (group A). The clinical characteristics, types of endoscopy, endoscopic outcomes, and anesthesia outcomes were evaluated between the two groups. We compared discharge score, recovery time, and adverse events using propensity-score matching. RESULTS: Propensity-score matching created 120 matched pairs. The proportion of patients who had a recovery time within 60 min after endoscopy was significantly higher in group A than that in group M (42.5% versus 25.0%, respectively; P < 0.01). The proportion of patients who required > 120 min of recovery time after endoscopy was significantly lower in group A than that in group M (0.0% versus 5.0%, respectively; P = 0.03). However, significantly more patients had drowsiness at discharge in group A compared with group M (19.1% versus 5.0%, respectively; P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the adverse event rate within 24 h of discharge between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients assessed by the modified Aldrete score were allowed to discharge earlier than those assessed by the MPADSS. However, a patient's level of consciousness should be assessed carefully, especially in patients who visit the hospital alone.

Efficacy of elobixibat as bowel preparation agent for colonoscopy: Prospective, randomized, multi-center study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Elobixibat is a novel ileal bile acid transporter inhibitor. This study aimed to compare the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of the combination of elobixibat and 1 L of polyethylene glycol formulation containing ascorbic acid (PEG-Asc) solution versus the combination of sodium picosulfate and 1-L PEG-Asc solution as bowel preparation for colonoscopy. METHODS: This multi-center, randomized, observer-blinded, non-inferiority study recruited 210 outpatients who were assigned to either the elobixibat plus 1-L PEG-Asc group (group A) or the sodium picosulfate plus 1-L PEG-Asc group (group B). The quality of the bowel cleansing level was assessed by the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) and compared the bowel cleansing level between the groups. Data regarding bowel preparation time, patients' tolerability, and adverse events were also analyzed. RESULTS: Data for 196 patients (99 in group A and 97 in group B) were analyzed finally. BBPS was comparable between group A and B (8.3 ± 0.9 vs. 8.3 ± 0.7; P = 0.88). Consequently, the adequate bowel preparation rate in groups A and B was 95.0% and 99.0%, respectively (-4.0%, 95% CI -9.3 to 1.5). Bowel preparation time in group A was similar to that in group B (348.2 ± 79.8 min vs. 330.8 ± 82.5 min; P = 0.13), whereas, sleep disturbance was significantly less frequent in group A than in group B (10.2% vs. 22.7%; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of elobixibat and 1-L PEG-Asc can be considered an alternative bowel preparation for colonoscopy considering the equivalent bowel cleansing effect and less frequent sleep disturbance. The Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCTs41180026).

Effect of short- and long-term melatonin treatments on the reproductive activity of the tropical damselfish Chrysiptera cyanea.

Photoperiod plays a role in controlling the initiation and termination of reproduction in fish. Melatonin is an internal transducer of environmental photoperiod and is involved in regulating reproduction. The present study aimed to examine how melatonin impacts the transcript levels of kisspeptin (kiss1 and kiss2), gonadotropin-releasing hormones (gnrh1), and the ß-subunit of gonadotropins (fshß and lhß) in the brain of the sapphire devil, a tropical damselfish with long photoperiod preference. Feeding mature females with melatonin-containing pellets inhibited increases in the transcript levels of kiss1, gnrh1, and lhß within 3 h. Continuous melatonin treatment for 1 week resulted in oocyte regression and downregulation of kiss2, gnrh1, fshß, and lhß. When the transcript levels of kiss1 and gnrh1 were measured at 4-h intervals in the brain of sapphire devil, a day-high/night-low fluctuation was observed. The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis may be influenced by melatonin, exerting a negative effect at night because the transcript levels of aralkylamine N-acetyltransferase (aanat2) increased during the scotophase. The expression of aanat2 was higher under short-day than long-day conditions, suggesting that there is a seasonal change in melatonin levels at night. It was concluded that change in photoperiod becomes a key factor for controlling the hormone synthesis in the HPG axis through melatonin.

Inhibitory effects of xanthine oxidase inhibitor, topiroxostat, on development of neuropathy in db/db mice.

Inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to the pathophysiology of diabetic neuropathy. According to recent evidence, the modulation of macrophage polarization in peripheral nerves represents a potential therapeutic target for diabetic neuropathy. Xanthine oxidase, which is a form of xanthin oxidoreductase, is the rate-limiting enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of hypoxanthine and xanthine into uric acid. Activation of xanthine oxidase promotes oxidative stress and macrophage activation. A preclinical study reported the beneficial effects of xanthine oxidase inhibitors on peripheral nerve dysfunction in experimental models of diabetes. However, the detailed mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, we examined the effect of the xanthine oxidase inhibitor topiroxostat on macrophage polarization and peripheral neuropathy in an obese diabetic model, db/db mice. First, the effects of xanthine oxidase inhibitors on cultured macrophages and dorsal root ganglion neurons exposed to xanthine oxidase were assessed. Furthermore, five-week-old db/db mice were administered the xanthine oxidase inhibitors topiroxostat [1 mg/kg/day (dbT1) or 2 mg/kg/day (dbT2)] or febuxostat [1 mg/kg (dbF)]. Glucose metabolism and body weight were evaluated during the experimental period. At 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, peripheral nerve functions such as nerve conduction velocities, thermal thresholds and pathology of skin and sciatic nerves were evaluated. The mRNA expression of molecules related to inflammation and oxidative stress was also measured in sciatic nerves. Untreated db/db mice and the nondiabetic db strain (db/m) were studied for comparison. An in vitro study showed that topiroxostat suppressed macrophage activation and proinflammatory but not anti-inflammatory polarization, and prevented the reduction in neurite outgrowth from neurons exposed to xanthine oxidase. Neuropathic changes exemplified by delayed nerve conduction and reduced intraepidermal nerve fiber density developed in db/db mice. These deficits were significantly prevented in the treated group, most potently in dbT2. Protective effects were associated with the suppression of macrophage infiltration, cytokine expression, and oxidative stress in the sciatic nerve and decreased plasma xanthine oxidoreductase activity. Our results revealed the beneficial effects of the xanthine oxidase inhibitor topiroxostat on neuropathy development in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes. The suppression of proinflammatory macrophage activation and oxidative stress-induced damage were suggested to be involved in this process.

Potential benefits of volumetric modulated arc therapy to reduce the incidence of ≥ grade 2 radiation pneumonitis in radiotherapy for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: The use of volumetric modulated arc therapy is gradually widespread for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that caused ≥ grade 2 radiation pneumonitis and evaluate the impact of using volumetric modulated arc therapy on the incidence of ≥ grade 2 radiation pneumonitis by comparing three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 124 patients who underwent radical radiotherapy for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer in our institution between 2008 and 2019. The following variables were analysed to detect the factors that affected ≥ grade 2 radiation pneumonitis; age, sex, the presence of interstitial lung disease, pulmonary emphysema, tumour location, stage, PTV/lung volume, lung V20Gy, total dose, concurrent chemoradiotherapy, adjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitor, radiotherapy method. Radiation pneumonitis was evaluated using the common terminology criteria for adverse events (version 5.0). RESULTS: A total of 84 patients underwent three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT group) and 40 patients underwent volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT group). The cumulative incidence of ≥ grade 2 radiation pneumonitis at 12 months was significantly lower in the VMAT group than in the 3D-CRT group (25% vs. 49.1%). The use of volumetric modulated arc therapy was a significant factor for ≥ grade 2 radiation pneumonitis (HR:0.32, 95% CI: 0.15-0.65, P = 0.0017) in addition to lung V20Gy (≥ 24%, HR:5.72 (95% CI: 2.87-11.4), P < 0.0001) and total dose (≥ 70 Gy, HR:2.64 (95% CI: 1.39-5.03), P = 0.0031) even after adjustment by multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: We identified factors associated with ≥ grade 2 radiation pneumonitis in radiotherapy for patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Volumetric modulated arc therapy has potential benefits to reduce the risk of ≥ grade 2 radiation pneumonitis.

AFP-L3 as a Prognostic Predictor of Recurrence in Hepatoblastoma: A Pilot Study.

The α-fetoprotein (AFP) level is a sensitive biomarker of active hepatoblastoma (HB). This study aimed to clarify whether the Lens culinaris agglutinin A-reactive fraction of AFP (AFP-L3) after complete resection is a prognostic predictor of HB recurrence. Fourteen HB patients who underwent complete resection of HB were divided into the recurrence group (RG, n=4) and the non-recurrence group (NRG, n=10). The AFP level and AFP-L3 before and after radical surgery were compared between the 2 groups. There was no significant difference in AFP levels in the early postoperative period between the 2 groups (P=0.54), and AFP was not an early prognostic factor for HB recurrence. At 2 months after surgery, the AFP-L3 fell below the detection limit only in the NRG (7/10 cases) (NRG=70.0% vs. RG=0%, P=0.03). In addition, there were some cases of recurrence in those whose AFP level decreased to the normal range, but none in those whose AFP-L3 fell below the detection limit. In conclusion, the AFP-L3 decreased earlier than did the AFP level; thus, the AFP-L3 after complete resection may be a predictor for HB recurrence.

Does estrogen regulate vitellogenin synthesis in corals?

Most broadcast spawner corals have a vitellogenic phase that lasts at least 6 months. It is established that estrogen regulates vitellogenin synthesis in vertebrates. Although some research have been conducted on the physiological role of sex steroids in corals, little is known about their involvement in oocyte development. This study aimed to detect steroid hormones - progesterone, testosterone, and estradiol-17ß (E2) - in Acropora tenuis and study the relationships between vitellogenesis/vitellogenin synthesis and these steroids. This study also investigated the effect of E2 on vitellogenin synthesis in corals and identified steroidogenic enzymes in A. tenuis genome. Branches from tagged coral colonies were collected monthly from March to November. Histological observations showed that oocytes were vitellogenic from March to May (Stage IV and V), but not in June, and that gonads were occupied by immature oocytes in September (Stage I). Real-time qPCR revealed that vitellogenin (vg1 and vg2) transcript levels in coral branches were high in April and May, implying that corals actively underwent vitellogenesis during these months, and spawned before June. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed that E2 could be detected in coral branches in March, April, and May, but not in June, whereas testosterone and progesterone did not fluctuate much in the same months. Immersing branches in E2-containing seawater failed to increase vitellogenin transcript levels. The results indicate that E2 is involved in oogenesis but does not positively regulate vitellogenin synthesis. Steroidogenic enzymes (except CYP19A) were identified in A. tenuis, suggesting that corals may endogenously synthesize progestogens and androgens from cholesterol.

Early results of expanding the anatomical indications for using a Gore Iliac branch endoprosthesis to treat aortoiliac and iliac aneurysms.

PURPOSE: To assess the safety and anatomical suitability of using a Gore Iliac Branch Endoprosthesis (IBE) in aortoiliac and iliac aneurysm repair. METHODS: Between 2017 and 2020, 20 patients underwent endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) with a Gore IBE device (bilateral IBE, n = 1) after expanding the instructions for use (IFU) criteria. We evaluated the early clinical outcomes and suitability of the IFU criteria, retrospectively. RESULTS: Six patients (30%) met all the IFU criteria. Anatomical suitability according to the IFU criteria for the collective total of 21 IBE limbs was confirmed for 10 (47.6%) proximal common iliac arteries, 21 (100%) external iliac arteries, 18 (85.7%) internal iliac arteries, and in the length from the lowest renal artery to the iliac bifurcation in 15 (71.8%) patients. Assisted primary technical success was achieved in all patients with various bail-out techniques. One patient (5%) required a bare-stent insertion 7 days after EVAR for severe stenosis in the ipsilateral limb caused by a small terminal aorta. There was no case of occlusion of an iliac branch component device. CONCLUSIONS: Gore IBEs were implanted safely and effectively with various bail-out techniques to repair aortoiliac and iliac aneurysms in our Japanese patients with a low rate of inclusion IFU criteria.

Immunohistochemical staining of phosphorylated-ERK in post-chemotherapeutic samples is a potential predictor of the prognosis of neuroblastoma.

PURPOSE: The majority of relapsed neuroblastomas have mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway activating mutations. We previously showed the in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor effects of MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK) inhibitors in MAPK-activated neuroblastoma. We herein assessed the correlation between MAPK activation and the prognosis in neuroblastoma patients using phosphorylated extra-cellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK) immunohistochemistry to establish the protocol for the clinical administration of MEK inhibitors. METHODS: Neuroblastoma samples from patients treated in our hospital were immunostained with pERK. The clinical outcomes were retrospectively collected from medical records. The correlation between pERK positivity and the prognosis was analyzed. RESULTS: Regarding pre-chemotherapeutic specimens, there were no differences in the pERK status between tumors with a good and bad prognosis in both the nuclei and cytoplasm. Regarding post-chemotherapeutic specimens, one of eight tumors with a good prognosis and four of six tumors with a poor prognosis showed pERK-positive nuclear staining (p = 0.0909) and five of eight tumors with a good prognosis and four of six tumors with a poor prognosis showed pERK-positive cytoplasmic staining (p > 0.9999). CONCLUSION: These findings suggested post-chemotherapeutic-not pre-chemotherapeutic-nuclear pERK-positive neuroblastoma tends to be associated with a poor prognosis and may be a potential therapeutic target for MEK inhibitor treatment.

[Repeated Heart Failure after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Using Self-expandable Bioprosthetic Valve:Report of a Case].

The patient was an 81-year-old man. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation( TAVI) was performed for severe aortic stenosis using Evolut R. The patient moved to intensive care unit without an adverse event after the operation. But repeated acute heart failure occurred several times during hospital stay. Mitral regurgitation (MR) was worsened from mild at baseline to moderate or more by transthoracic echocardiography. Various factors that worsened MR after TAVI have been reported, and treatment strategy for severe aortic stenosis patients with MR should be carefully developed.

Clock Gene Expression in the Eye Exhibits Circadian Oscillation and Light Responsiveness but is Not Necessary for Nocturnal Locomotor Activity of Japanese Loach, Misgurnus anguillicaudatus.

There are few model fish that are both edible and suitable for use in the laboratory. The Japanese loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) is a traditional food in Japan, but is highly neglected despite its great nutritional value. To understand its circadian system and photic input pathway for synchronization of physiological activities to environmental light-dark cycles, we measured locomotor activity under light-dark and constant dark (DD) conditions. Locomotor activity was found to be higher in the nighttime than daytime, and its rhythmicity was weakened under DD conditions. The nocturnal activity of the Japanese loach is mainly controlled by environmental light, rather than the circadian clock. We explored the circadian regulation and light-responsiveness of clock gene expression in the eyes of loaches. The daily expression profiles of its mRNA revealed that most of the examined Cry and Per genes were likely regulated by internal circadian and/or environmental light signals. Among the Opsin genes transcribed in the eye, we detected the retinal photopigment porphyropsin at the protein level, which was lower than in mice. This property of loach eyes prompted us to analyze the locomotor activities of eye-enucleated fish. As a result, they still showed nocturnal circadian activity. Thus, it is likely that extraocular photoreceptive tissue(s) also contribute to the photic input pathway, although loach eyes are a circadian photosensitive tissue. This suggests that the loach mainly uses not its vision but other stimuli, such as mechanical or chemical stimuli, detected by barbels, to coordinate its nocturnal behavior.