Relationship between malnutrition according to the global leadership initiative on malnutrition criteria and oral health among community-dwelling elderly aged 85 years and older: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: A new diagnostic criterion for malnutrition, the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria, has been proposed. Despite a recognized link between malnutrition and oral health, further clarification is needed regarding this association when using the GLIM criteria. This study examined the association between malnutrition and oral health in community-dwelling older adults aged ≥ 85. METHODS: This study was conducted using data from the Tokyo Oldest Old Survey on Total Health study, and altogether 519 participants ≥ 85 years were enrolled. Malnutrition was assessed using the GLIM criteria. Oral health information, on the number of teeth, maximum occlusal force (MOF), saliva production, denture-related questions (dissatisfaction and frequency of use), dental visit history in the past year, whether participants enjoyed meals, and oral-related quality of life was assessed using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) were collected. MOF was assessed the average values of three measurements and lower tertile by sex as decline in MOF. For GOHAI, the score for each items (Q1-Q12) was also evaluated, and further, the decline in each item (score: 1-2 points on a 5-point scale) was assessed as a "problem with each items." Oral health factors differing between those with and without malnutrition were analyzed. For differing items, malnutrition risk was evaluated using Cox regression. RESULTS: Eighty-nine (17.1%) participants experienced malnutrition. Significant differences were observed in the decline in MOF, enjoyment of meals, individual scores for Q2, Q4, and Q6, and the problem with Q3, Q6, Q7, and Q11. Cox regression analysis showed that decline in MOF (odds ratio [OR]: 1.728, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.010-2.959), enjoyment of meals (OR: 0.502, 95% CI: 0.289-0.873), problem with Q3 (OR: 5.474, 95% CI: 1.301-23.028), Q6 (OR: 5.325, 95% CI: 1.026-27.636), and Q7 (OR: 2.867, 95% CI: 1.397-5.882) were associated with ORs of malnutrition. CONCLUSION: Decline in MOF, enjoyment of meals, swallowing problem (problem with Q3), limit contact due to oral condition (problem with Q6), and esthetics problem (problem with Q7) were associated with malnutrition as assessed using the GLIM criteria.

Application of transition-edge sensors for micro-X-ray fluorescence measurements and micro-X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy: a case study of uranium speciation in biotite obtained from a uranium mine.

In this study, we successfully applied a transition-edge sensor (TES) spectrometer as a detector for microbeam X-ray measurements from a synchrotron X-ray light source in the hard X-ray region to determine uranium (U) distribution at the micro-scale and its chemical species in biotite obtained from a U mine. It is difficult to separate the fluorescent X-ray of the U Lα1 line at 13.615 keV from that of the Rb Kα line at 13.395 keV in the X-ray fluorescence spectrum with an energy resolution of approximately 220 eV using a conventional silicon drift detector (SDD). Meanwhile, the fluorescent X-rays of U Lα1 and Rb Kα were fully separated by a TES with 50 eV energy resolution at an energy of around 13 keV. The successful peak separation by the TES led to an accurate mapping analysis of trace U in micro-X-ray fluorescence measurements and a decrease in the signal-to-background ratio in micro-X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy. Thus, it could be a powerful tool for studying the U distribution and speciation in various environmental samples.

A vertebrate-wide catalogue of T1R receptors reveals diversity in taste perception.

Taste is a vital chemical sense for feeding behaviour. In mammals, the umami and sweet taste receptors comprise three members of the taste receptor type 1 (T1R/TAS1R) family: T1R1, T1R2 and T1R3. Because their functional homologues exist in teleosts, only three TAS1R genes generated by gene duplication are believed to have been inherited from the common ancestor of bony vertebrates. Here, we report five previously uncharacterized TAS1R members in vertebrates, TAS1R4, TAS1R5, TAS1R6, TAS1R7 and TAS1R8, based on genome-wide survey of diverse taxa. We show that mammalian and teleost fish TAS1R2 and TAS1R3 genes are paralogues. Our phylogenetic analysis suggests that the bony vertebrate ancestor had nine TAS1Rs resulting from multiple gene duplications. Some TAS1Rs were lost independently in descendent lineages resulting in retention of only three TAS1Rs in mammals and teleosts. Combining functional assays and expression analysis of non-teleost fishes we show that the novel T1Rs form heterodimers in taste-receptor cells and recognize a broad range of ligands such as essential amino acids, including branched-chain amino acids, which have not been previously considered as T1R ligands. This study reveals diversity of taste sensations in both modern vertebrates and their ancestors, which might have enabled vertebrates to adapt to diverse habitats on Earth.

Bioinformatics Analysis of the Molecular Networks Associated with the Amelioration of Aberrant Gene Expression by a Tyr-Trp Dipeptide in Brains Treated with the Amyloid-ß Peptide.

Short-chain peptides derived from various protein sources have been shown to exhibit diverse bio-modulatory and health-promoting effects in animal experiments and human trials. We recently reported that the oral administration of the Tyr-Trp (YW) dipeptide to mice markedly enhances noradrenaline metabolism in the brain and ameliorates the working-memory deficits induced by the ß-amyloid 25-35 peptide (Aß25-35). In the current study, we performed multiple bioinformatics analyses of microarray data from Aß25-35/YW-treated brains to determine the mechanism underlying the action of YW in the brain and to infer the molecular mechanisms and networks involved in the protective effect of YW in the brain. We found that YW not only reversed inflammation-related responses but also activated various molecular networks involving a transcriptional regulatory system, which is mediated by the CREB binding protein (CBP), EGR-family proteins, ELK1, and PPAR, and the calcium-signaling pathway, oxidative stress tolerance, and an enzyme involved in de novo l-serine synthesis in brains treated with Aß25-35. This study revealed that YW has a neuroprotective effect against Aß25-35 neuropathy, suggesting that YW is a new functional-food-material peptide.

High-sensitive XANES analysis at Ce L2-edge for Ce in bauxites using transition-edge sensors: Implications for Ti-rich geological samples.

Accurate determination of cerium (Ce) valence state is important for interpreting the Ce anomaly in geological archives for (paleo)redox reconstruction. However, the routine application of Ce L3-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy for detecting trace Ce in geological samples can often be restricted by coexisting titanium (Ti) due to the proximity of their fluorescence emission lines. Therefore, the signal-to-noise ratio of Ce L3-edge XANES spectra may not be sufficiently high for high-quality spectroscopic analysis. This study introduces a semi-quantitative approach appropriate for Ti-rich, Ce-dilute geological materials by synchrotron-based X-ray measurement at the Ce L2-edge. First, the results confirm that Ce L2-edge XANES spectra are able to avoid overlapping Ti Kß emissions and provide more reliable information on the Ce valence state in Ti-rich materials relative to L3-edge XANES. Moreover, the application of transition-edge sensor (TES) could reach the higher sensitivity with better energy resolution than conventional silicon drift detector (SDD) to detect fluorescence X-ray (Ce Lß1). The investigation on bauxites developed from the Columbia River Basalts shows that combining Ce L2-edge XANES and TES allows for resolving weak Ce fluorescence lines at the L2-edge from Ti-rich, Ce-dilute samples (Ti/Ce mass ratio up to ∼6000, tens of ppm Ce). The outcome emphasizes the practical possibility of investigating Ce redox state in Ti-rich geological samples.

Effectiveness of Acid-electrolyzed Functional Water for Mouth Wash: An In Vitro Study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Acid-electrolyzed functional water (FW) is an efficient bactericide and gargling with FW might be an effective method of oral care. We investigated the possible use of FW as a mouth wash by an in vitro study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The bactericidal effect of FW against different species of bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans) was evaluated using the numbers of colony-forming units (CFU). The experiment was conducted using PBS, LISTERINE, and ConCool F (undiluted, and the optimal concentration indicated). To investigate the bactericidal mechanism of FW, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), an indicator of oxidative action, was measured in S. aureus. FW was diluted with purified water to concentrations of 10, 30, 50, and 70%. The numbers of CFU were measured for each concentration. XTT assays were performed using HSC-3 and HeLa cells, to examine the viability of the cells following treatment with FW. The same experiment was conducted with PBS, LISTERINE, and undiluted ConCool F. RESULTS: No bacteria treated with FW formed colonies. SOD activity peaked at a 50% concentration of FW and was more than twice that of the control. A significant decrease in the number of CFU was observed following 50% treatment. Since the peaks of the SOD activity and the starting concentrations of the bactericidal effects coincided, the bactericidal effect of FW might be related to its oxidative effects. Bacteria treated with FW had the same survival rate as the other mouth washes. CONCLUSION: FW might be clinically applicable as a mouth wash.

Roles of resonant muonic molecule in new kinetics model and muon catalyzed fusion in compressed gas.

Muon catalyzed fusion ([Formula: see text]CF) in which an elementary particle, muon, facilitates the nuclear fusion between the hydrogen isotopes has been investigated in a long history. In contrast to the rich theoretical and experimental information on the [Formula: see text]CF in cold targets, there is relatively scarce information on the high temperature gas targets of deuterium-tritium mixture with high-thermal efficiency. We demonstrate new kinetics model of [Formula: see text]CF including three roles of resonant muonic molecules, (i) changing isotopic population, (ii) producing epi-thermal muonic atoms, and (iii) inducing fusion in-flight. The new kinetics model reproduces experimental observations, showing higher cycle rate as the temperature increasing, over a wide range of target temperatures ([Formula: see text] K) and tritium concentrations. Moreover, it can be tested by measurements of radiative dissociation X-rays around 2 keV. High energy-resolution X-ray detectors and intense muon beam which are recently available are suitable to reveal these dynamical mechanism of [Formula: see text]CF cycles. Towards the future [Formula: see text]CF experiments in the high-temperature gas target we have clarified the relationship between the fusion yield and density-temperature curve of adiabatic/shock-wave compression.

Dietary Alaska Pollack Protein Induces Acute and Sustainable Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy in Rats.

Our previous studies suggested that Alaska pollack protein (APP) intake increases skeletal muscle mass and that it may cause a slow-to-fast shift in muscle fiber type in rats fed a high-fat diet after 56 days of feeding. In this study, we explored whether dietary APP induces acute and sustainable skeletal muscle hypertrophy in rats fed a normal-fat diet. Male 5-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups and fed a purified ingredient-based high-fat diet or a purified ingredient-based normal-fat diet with casein or APP, containing the same amount of crude protein. Dietary APP significantly increased gastrocnemius muscle mass (105~110%) after 2, 7 days of feeding, regardless of dietary fat content. Rats were separated into two groups and fed a normal-fat diet with casein or APP. Dietary APP significantly increased gastrocnemius muscle mass (110%) after 56 days of feeding. Dietary APP significantly increased the cross-sectional area of the gastrocnemius skeletal muscle and collagen-rich connective tissue after 7 days of feeding. It decreased the gene expression of Mstn /Myostatin, Trim63/MuRF1, and Fbxo32/atrogin-1, but not other gene expression, such as serum IGF-1 after 7 days of feeding. No differences were observed between casein and APP groups with respect to the percentage of Type I, Type IIA, and Type IIX or IIB fibers, as determined by myosin ATPase staining after 7 days of feeding. In the similar experiment, the puromycin-labeled peptides were not different between dietary casein and APP after 2 days of feeding. These results demonstrate that APP induces acute and sustainable skeletal muscle hypertrophy in rats, regardless of dietary fat content. Dietary APP, as a daily protein source, may be an approach for maintaining or increasing muscle mass.

Septic shock caused by a carbon dioxide-dependent and extended spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Proteus mirabilis small colony variant in a long-term bedridden patient.

Here, we report a 60-year-old chronically bedridden man with cerebral palsy who had septic shock following a history of urinary tract infection with extended spectrum ß-lactamase-producing and auxotrophic Proteus mirabilis detected on blood and urine cultures. This auxotroph formed small colonies only on the blood agar at 24 h in 5% CO2, but not in the conditions without CO2, and lacked motility and some biochemical activities. The five-year history of stones in the right renal pelvis suggests chronic urinary tract infection with P. mirabilis requiring a 28-day antibiotic treatment. This paper highlights that the CO2-dependent P. mirabilis small colony variant may cause sepsis, probably due to chronic infection in uroliths, which should warrant immediate identification.

Effects of Soy Isoflavones, Resistant Starch and Antibiotics on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)-Like Features in Letrozole-Treated Rats.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in reproductive-aged women. Recently, various dietary interventions have been used extensively as a novel therapy against PCOS. In the present study, we show that soy isoflavone metabolites and resistant starch, together with gut microbiota modulations, were successful in decreasing the severity of PCOS-like reproductive features while increasing the expression of gut barrier markers and butyric acid in the gut. In the letrozole-induced PCOS model rats, the intake of both 0.05% soy isoflavones and 11% resistant starch, even with letrozole treatment, reduced the severity of menstrual irregularity and polycystic ovaries with a high concentration of soy isoflavones and equol in plasma. Antibiotic cocktail treatment suppressed soy isoflavone metabolism in the gut and showed no considerable effects on reducing the PCOS-like symptoms. The mRNA expression level of occludin significantly increased with soy isoflavone and resistant starch combined treatment. Bacterial genera such as Blautia, Dorea and Clostridium were positively correlated with menstrual irregularity under resistant starch intake. Moreover, the concentration of butyric acid was elevated by resistant starch intake. In conclusion, we propose that both dietary interventions and gut microbiota modulations could be effectively used in reducing the severity of PCOS reproductive features.

Testing Quantum Electrodynamics with Exotic Atoms.

Precision study of few-electron, high-Z ions is a privileged field for probing high-field, bound-state quantum electrodynamics (BSQED). However, the accuracy of such tests is plagued by nuclear uncertainties, which are often larger than the BSQED effects under investigation. We propose an alternative method with exotic atoms and show that transitions may be found between circular Rydberg states where nuclear contributions are vanishing while BSQED effects remain large. When probed with newly available quantum sensing detectors, these systems offer gains in sensitivity of 1 to 2 orders of magnitude, while the mean electric field largely exceeds the Schwinger limit.

De novo transcriptome analysis and comparative expression profiling of genes associated with the taste-modifying protein neoculin in Curculigo latifolia and Curculigo capitulata fruits.

BACKGROUND: Curculigo latifolia is a perennial plant endogenous to Southeast Asia whose fruits contain the taste-modifying protein neoculin, which binds to sweet receptors and makes sour fruits taste sweet. Although similar to snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) agglutinin (GNA), which contains mannose-binding sites in its sequence and 3D structure, neoculin lacks such sites and has no lectin activity. Whether the fruits of C. latifolia and other Curculigo plants contain neoculin and/or GNA family members was unclear. RESULTS: Through de novo RNA-seq assembly of the fruits of C. latifolia and the related C. capitulata and detailed analysis of the expression patterns of neoculin and neoculin-like genes in both species, we assembled 85,697 transcripts from C. latifolia and 76,775 from C. capitulata using Trinity and annotated them using public databases. We identified 70,371 unigenes in C. latifolia and 63,704 in C. capitulata. In total, 38.6% of unigenes from C. latifolia and 42.6% from C. capitulata shared high similarity between the two species. We identified ten neoculin-related transcripts in C. latifolia and 15 in C. capitulata, encoding both the basic and acidic subunits of neoculin in both plants. We aligned these 25 transcripts and generated a phylogenetic tree. Many orthologs in the two species shared high similarity, despite the low number of common genes, suggesting that these genes likely existed before the two species diverged. The relative expression levels of these genes differed considerably between the two species: the transcripts per million (TPM) values of neoculin genes were 60 times higher in C. latifolia than in C. capitulata, whereas those of GNA family members were 15,000 times lower in C. latifolia than in C. capitulata. CONCLUSIONS: The genetic diversity of neoculin-related genes strongly suggests that neoculin genes underwent duplication during evolution. The marked differences in their expression profiles between C. latifolia and C. capitulata may be due to mutations in regions involved in transcriptional regulation. Comprehensive analysis of the genes expressed in the fruits of these two Curculigo species helped elucidate the origin of neoculin at the molecular level.

Pathognomonic Hypersensitivity of the Oral Mucosa and Tongue Induced by Diabetes Mellitus Accompanied by Saliva Reduction in Rats.

AIMS: To clarify the mechanisms of hypersensitivity and spontaneous pain in intraoral structures in rats with diabetes mellitus (DM) accompanied by reduced saliva. METHODS: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats received a single injection of streptozocin (50 mg/kg) to induce DM. Saliva volume, intraoral hypersensitivity to menthol and capsaicin solutions, and head-withdrawal thresholds (HWTs) to noxious heat and mechanical stimulation of the tongue and whisker pad were measured. RESULTS: On day 7 after streptozocin injection, rats with DM had a significantly reduced spontaneous saliva volume, polydipsia, capsaicin aversion of the intraoral mucosa, and a reduced HWT to noxious mechanical stimulation of the whisker pad skin. The HWT to noxious mechanical stimulation of the tongue reduced further on day 14 after streptozocin injection. These symptoms are similar to the orofacial and intraoral complaints of patients with DM. Meanwhile, reduction of HWT to noxious heat stimulation of the tongue and whisker pad were not observed. These results indicate that spontaneous intraoral mucosal pain and mechanical facial hypersensitivity are antecedent symptoms before mechanical hypersensitivity of the tongue. CONCLUSION: The mechanisms of saliva reduction, spontaneous intraoral mucosa pain, and mechanical hypersensitivity of intraoral and facial structures induced by DM involve both peripheral and autonomic neuropathies. Tongue hypersensitivity to noxious mechanical stimulation might be aggravated by xerostomia.

Dietary iso-α-acids prevent acetaldehyde-induced liver injury through Nrf2-mediated gene expression.

Acetaldehyde is the major toxic metabolite of alcohol (ethanol) and enhances fibrosis of the liver through hepatic stellate cells. Additionally, alcohol administration causes the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which induce hepatocyte injury-mediated lipid peroxidation. Iso-α-acids, called isohumulones, are bitter acids in beer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects of iso-α-acids against alcoholic liver injury in hepatocytes in mice. C57BL/6N mice were fed diets containing isomerized hop extract, which mainly consists of iso-α-acids. After 7 days of feeding, acetaldehyde was administered by a single intraperitoneal injection. The acetaldehyde-induced increases in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were suppressed by iso-α-acids intake. Hepatic gene expression analyses showed the upregulation of detoxifying enzyme genes, glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). In vitro, iso-α-acids upregulated the enzymatic activities of GST and ALDH and induced the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nfe2l2; Nrf2), a master regulator of antioxidant and detoxifying systems. These results suggest that iso-α-acid intake prevents acetaldehyde-induced liver injury by reducing oxidative stress via Nrf2-mediated gene expression.

Broadband high-energy resolution hard x-ray spectroscopy using transition edge sensors at SPring-8.

We have succeeded in operating a transition-edge sensor (TES) spectrometer and evaluating its performance at the SPring-8 synchrotron x-ray light source. The TES spectrometer consists of a 240 pixel National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) TES system, and 220 pixels are operated simultaneously with an energy resolution of 4 eV at 6 keV at a rate of ∼1 c/s pixel-1. The tolerance for high count rates is evaluated in terms of energy resolution and live time fraction, leading to an empirical compromise of ∼2 × 103 c/s (all pixels) with an energy resolution of 5 eV at 6 keV. By utilizing the TES's wideband spectroscopic capability, simultaneous multi-element analysis is demonstrated for a standard sample. We conducted x-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) analysis in fluorescence mode using the TES spectrometer. The excellent energy resolution of the TES enabled us to detect weak fluorescence lines from dilute samples and trace elements that have previously been difficult to resolve due to the nearly overlapping emission lines of other dominant elements. The neighboring lines of As Kα and Pb Lα2 of the standard sample were clearly resolved, and the XANES of Pb Lα2 was obtained. Moreover, the x-ray spectrum from the small amount of Fe in aerosols was distinguished from the spectrum of a blank target, which helps us to understand the targets and the environment. These results are the first important step for the application of high resolution TES-based spectroscopy at hard x-ray synchrotron facilities.

Dietary Intake of Carotenoid-Rich Vegetables Reduces Visceral Adiposity in Obese Japanese men-A Randomized, Double-Blind Trial.

Metabolic syndrome, whose main diagnostic component is obesity, is a risk factor for lifestyle-related diseases, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Diet is known to affect the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. However, the effect of diet on metabolic syndrome in Japanese subjects has not been thoroughly explored. In the present study, we investigated the effect of carotenoid-rich vegetables, particularly lycopene- and lutein-rich vegetables, on the metabolic syndrome in obese Japanese men. We conducted an 8-week long randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial in which, 28 middle-aged (40 ≤ age < 65) Japanese men with high body mass index (BMI ≥ 25) were randomized into four dietary groups: high lycopene + high lutein (HLyHLu), high lycopene + low lutein (HLyLLu), low lycopene + high lutein (LLyHLu), and low lycopene + low lutein (LLyLLu). Our results showed that daily beverage-intake increased the plasma levels of carotenoids without adverse effects, and the visceral fat level was significantly decreased in all the groups. The waist circumference was significantly decreased only in the HLyLLu group, whereas the CoQ10 oxidation rate was decreased in all the groups. The gene expression profiles of whole blood samples before and after ingestion differed only in the LLyLLu group, indicating the effect of carotenoids on gene expression profile. In conclusion, our results suggest that dietary uptake of carotenoid-rich vegetables increases their concentration in blood and reduces the intra-abdominal visceral fat.

Tyr-Trp administration facilitates brain norepinephrine metabolism and ameliorates a short-term memory deficit in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

The physiological actions of orally ingested peptides on the brain remain poorly understood. This study examined the effects of 39 orally administered synthetic Tyr-containing dipeptides on the enhancement of brain norepinephrine metabolism in mice by comparing the concentration of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethyleneglycol (MHPG). Although Tyr-Tyr administration increased blood and cerebral cortex (Cx) Tyr concentrations the most, Tyr-Trp increased Cx MHPG concentration the most. The oral administration of Tyr-Trp ameliorated a short-term memory deficit of a mouse model of cognitive dysfunction induced by amyloid beta peptide 25-35. Gene expression profiling of mouse brain using a microarray indicated that Tyr-Trp administration led to a wide variety of changes in mRNA levels, including the upregulation of genes encoding molecules involved in catecholamine metabolism. A comparative metabolome analysis of the Cx of mice given Tyr-Trp or Tyr-Tyr demonstrated that Tyr-Trp administration yielded higher concentrations of Trp and kynurenine pathway metabolites than Tyr-Tyr administration, as well as higher L-dopa levels, which is the initial product of catecholamine metabolism. Catecholamines were not significantly increased in the Cx of the Tyr-Tyr group compared with the Tyr-Trp group, despite a marked increase in Tyr. Presumably, Tyr-Trp administration enhances catecholamine synthesis and metabolism via the upregulation of genes involved in Tyr and Trp metabolism as well as metabolites of Tyr and Trp. These findings strongly suggest that orally ingested Tyr-Trp modulates the brain metabolome involved in catecholamine metabolism and contributes to higher brain function.

Changes in Whole-Blood microRNA Profiles during the Onset and Treatment Process of Cerebral Infarction: A Human Study.

Circulating miRNA species are promising symptom markers for various diseases, including cardiovascular disease. However, studies regarding their role in the treatment process are limited, especially concerning cerebral infarction. This study aimed to extract miRNA markers to investigate whether they reflect both onset and treatment process of cerebral infarction. A total of 22 patients (P-group) and 22 control subjects (C-group) were examined for their whole-blood miRNA profiles using DNA GeneChip™ miRNA 4.0 Array, with six patients examined after treatment (T-group). A total of 64 miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed between the C- and P-groups. Out of 64 miRNAs, the expression levels of two miRNAs correlated with hypertension. A total of 155 miRNAs were differentially expressed between the P- and T-groups. Five common miRNAs were found among the 64 and 155 miRNAs identified. Importantly, these common miRNAs were inversely regulated in each comparison (e.g., C < P > T), including miR-505-5p, which was previously reported to be upregulated in aortic stenosis patients. Our previous study using rat cerebral infarction models detected the downregulation of an apoptosis repressor, WDR26, which was repressed by one of the five miRNAs. Our results provide novel information regarding the miRNA-based diagnosis of cerebral infarction in humans. In particular, the five common miRNAs could be useful makers for the onset and the treatment process. Trial registration: This study was registered in the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000038321).

Intake of a Mixture of Sake Cake and Rice Malt Increases Mucin Levels and Changes in Intestinal Microbiota in Mice.

Amazake is a traditional Japanese beverage. Its main ingredients are sake cake and rice malt. In this study, we examined the effect of sake cake and rice malt on the intestinal barrier function and gut microbiota. BALB/c mice were fed a control diet or a diet containing a mixture of sake cake and rice malt powder (SRP) for four weeks. Fecal IgA values did not change between groups, but the fecal mucin level was significantly greater in the SRP-fed group. Gene expression analysis in the ileum by real-time PCR demonstrated Muc2 expression did not change, while the Muc3 expression was upregulated in the SRP-fed group. Furthermore, microbiota analysis demonstrated a change by SRP intake at the family level, and the proportion of Lactobacillaceae significantly increased in the SRP-fed group. At the genus level, the proportion of Lactobacillus also significantly increased in the SRP-fed group. These results suggest that the intake of a mixture of sake cake and rice malt improves intestinal barrier function by increasing mucin levels and inducing changes in intestinal microbiota.