Efficacy of 1-Kestose Supplementation in Patients with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.

Less than half of all patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) respond to chemotherapy, and the prognosis of PDAC is poor, which may be mediated by the gut microbiota. We investigated the clinical improvement effects of 1-kestose, a fructooligosaccharide, on PDAC chemotherapy in this single-center, randomized, controlled pilot trial conducted at Fujita Health University Hospital, which enrolled patients with PDAC. The trial included 1-kestose administration and non-administration groups. The 1-kestose group received 9 g of 1-kestose daily for 12 weeks, and their blood markers, imaging studies, physical findings, and gut microbiota were evaluated. In the 1-kestose administration group, the cancer marker CA19-9 significantly decreased, and there was a reduction in the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). There was also suppression of the reduction of albumin levels and of an increase in C-reactive protein. Additionally, Escherichia coli, which typically increases in PDAC, significantly decreased in the 1-kestose group. Thus, 1-kestose altered the gut microbiota and improved the prognostic factors for PDAC. Large-scale, long-term trials of 1-kestose interventions for PDAC are thus warranted to improve the prognosis of PDAC.

Factors Influencing the Postoperative Flexion Angle in Cruciate-Sacrificing Rotating Platform of Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Various factors affect the improvement of range of motion (ROM) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, there are few reports specific to cruciate-sacrificing rotating platform (CSRP) TKA. In this study, factors affecting postoperative ROM improvement of CSRP TKA were investigated. METHODS: The study included 79 patients with knee osteoarthritis who underwent unilateral CSRP TKA at our institution. The group with an improvement of 5° or more (Δflexion angle) than the preoperative was defined as the good Δflexion group (38 knees), and that with less than 5° was defined as the poor Δflexion group (41 knees). The assessments were performed one day before and one year after surgery. Factors including rest and walking pain, knee flexion and extension angle, isometric knee extension strength, the five subscales of Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), α, ß, γ and δ angles, femoro-tibial angle (FTA), and condylar twist angle were assessed. Unpaired t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Chi-square test were used to test differences between the good and poor Δflexion groups. Multiple logistic regression examined the association between each factor and the dependent variables (good Δflexion or poor Δflexion). RESULTS: Significant differences in the preoperative knee flexion, postoperative knee flexion, preoperative knee extension, and postoperative knee extension angles, postoperative KOOS pain and activity of daily living, ß, ɤ angles were observed between the good and poor Δflexion groups. The model Chi-squared test revealed that the ɤ angle was significantly affected by the Δflexion angle. CONCLUSIONS: With the CSRP TKA, flexion insertion of the femoral component was associated with postoperative flexion ROM improvement.

Altered intestinal Streptococcus anginosus and 5α-reductase gene levels in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and elevated Bacteroides stercoris in atezolizumab/bevacizumab non-responders.

Introduction. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide.Gap statement. Monitoring of HCC and predicting its immunotherapy responses are challenging.Aim. This study explored the potential of the gut microbiome for HCC monitoring and predicting HCC immunotherapy responses.Methods. DNA samples were collected from the faeces of 22 patients with HCC treated with atezolizumab/bevacizumab (Atz/Bev) and 85 healthy controls. The gut microbiome was analysed using 16S rRNA next-generation sequencing and quantitative PCR (qPCR).Results. The microbiomes of patients with HCC demonstrated significant enrichment of Lactobacillus, particularly Lactobacillus fermentum, and Streptococcus, notably Streptococcus anginosus. Comparative analysis between Atz/Bev responders (R) and non-responders (NR) revealed a higher abundance of Bacteroides stercoris in the NR group and Bacteroides coprocola in the R group. Using qPCR analysis, we observed elevated levels of S. anginosus and reduced levels of 5α-reductase genes, essential for the synthesis of isoallolithocholic acid, in HCC patients compared to controls. Additionally, the analysis confirmed a significantly lower abundance of B. stercoris in the Atz/Bev R group relative to the NR group.Conclusions. The gut microbiome analysis and specific gene quantification via qPCR could provide a rapid, less invasive, and cost-effective approach for assessing the increased risk of HCC, monitoring patient status, and predicting immunotherapy responses.

Ad libitum feeding of silkworm larvae powder-containing diets specifically influences metabolism-related and short-chain fatty acid-producing gut bacteria in mice.

Silkworm (Bombyx mori) larvae are expected to be useful as an ingredient in entomophagy. They are full of nutrients, including indigestible proteins; however, there have been few studies on the effects of the consumption of the entire body of silkworms on the intestinal microflora. We prepared a customized diet containing silkworm larval powder (SLP), and investigated the effects of ad libitum feeding of the SLP diet on the intestinal microbiota and the amount of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in mice. We found that the diversity of the cecal and fecal microbiota increased in the mice fed the SLP diet (SLP group), and that the composition of their intestinal microbiota differed from that of the control mice. Furthermore, a genus-level microbiota analysis showed that in the SLP group, the proportions of Alistipes, Lachnospiraceae A2, and RF39, which are associated with the prevention of obesity, were significantly increased, while the proportions of Helicobacter and Anaerotruncus, which are associated with obesity, were significantly decreased. Additionally, the level of butyrate was increased in the SLP group, and Clostridia UCG 014 and Lachnospiraceae FCS020 were found to be associated with the level of butyrate, one of the major SCFAs. These findings indicated that silkworm powder may be useful as an insect food that might also improve obesity.

Impaired Fat Absorption from Intestinal Tract in High-Fat Diet Fed Male Mice Deficient in Proglucagon-Derived Peptides.

(1) Background: Proglucagon-derived peptides (PDGPs) including glucagon (Gcg), GLP-1, and GLP-2 regulate lipid metabolism in the liver, adipocytes, and intestine. However, the mechanism by which PGDPs participate in alterations in lipid metabolism induced by high-fat diet (HFD) feeding has not been elucidated. (2) Methods: Mice deficient in PGDP (GCGKO) and control mice were fed HFD for 7 days and analyzed, and differences in lipid metabolism in the liver, adipose tissue, and duodenum were investigated. (3) Results: GCGKO mice under HFD showed lower expression levels of the genes involved in free fatty acid (FFA) oxidation such as Hsl, Atgl, Cpt1a, Acox1 (p < 0.05), and Pparα (p = 0.05) mRNA in the liver than in control mice, and both FFA and triglycerides content in liver and adipose tissue weight were lower in the GCGKO mice. On the other hand, phosphorylation of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) in white adipose tissue did not differ between the two groups. GCGKO mice under HFD exhibited lower expression levels of Pparα and Cd36 mRNA in the duodenum as well as increased fecal cholesterol contents compared to HFD-controls. (4) Conclusions: GCGKO mice fed HFD exhibit a lesser increase in hepatic FFA and triglyceride contents and adipose tissue weight, despite reduced ß-oxidation in the liver, than in control mice. Thus, the absence of PGDP prevents dietary-induced fatty liver development due to decreased lipid uptake in the intestinal tract.

Levels of 5α-reductase gene in intestinal lavage fluid decrease with progression of colorectal cancer.

Introduction. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer deaths, closely linked to the intestinal microbiota and bile acid metabolism. Secondary bile acids, like deoxycholic and lithocholic acid, are associated with increased CRC risk due to their disruption of vital cellular functions. In contrast, isoallolithocholic acid (isoalloLCA) shows potential health benefits, highlighting the complex role of bile acids in CRC. A specific primer set was previously developed to amplify homologs of the 5α-reductase gene (5ar), which are involved in the biosynthesis of isoalloLCA, thereby enabling the estimation of abundance of 5ar (5ar levels) in the intestine.Hypothesis/Gap Statement. We hypothesized that 5ar levels in the intestine are associated with CRC.Aim. This study aimed to investigate intestinal 5ar levels and compare them across different stages of the adenoma-carcinoma sequence, providing insights into novel strategies for monitoring CRC risk.Methodology. DNA was extracted from intestinal lavage fluids (ILF) collected during 144 colonoscopies. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was employed to examine the sequence of 5ar homologues, using a specific primer set on DNA from seven selected ILFs - four from carcinoma patients and three from individuals with non-neoplastic mucosa. Additionally, we used quantitative PCR (qPCR) to measure 5ar levels in all 144 DNA samples.Results. We conducted 144 colonoscopies and categorized patients according to the adenoma-cancer sequence: 52 with non-neoplastic mucosa, 69 with adenomas and 23 with carcinoma. Analysis of 292,042 NGS-derived 5ar sequences revealed the seven most prevalent amplicon sequence variants, each 254 base pairs in length. These closely matched or were identical to 5ar sequences in Bacteroides uniformis, Phocaeicola vulgatus and Phocaeicola dorei. Furthermore, qPCR analysis demonstrated significantly lower 5ar levels in the carcinoma group compared to those in the non-neoplastic mucosa group (P = 0.0004). A similar, though not statistically significant, trend was observed in the adenoma group (P = 0.0763), suggesting that 5ar levels decrease as CRC progresses.Conclusion. These findings indicate that PCR-based monitoring of 5ar levels in intestinal samples over time could provide a non-invasive, rapid and cost-effective method for assessing an increased risk of CRC.

Association between postoperative fall history and toe grip strength in patients after total knee arthroplasty: A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Factors associated with falls after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have been rarely reported. The aim of this study was to identify factors that influence the incidence of falls after TKA, focusing on toe grip strength (TGS) in particular, which has been associated with falls in older adults. METHODS: 217 patients who underwent TKA were included and followed up for 1 year. Main study outcome measures were the presence or absence of falls within 1 year after TKA. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used with postoperative falls as the dependent variable and preoperative falls and postoperative TGS on the affected sides as independent variables. RESULTS: 170 (43 and 127 in the fall and non-fall groups) patients were included in the analysis. The presence of a preoperative falls history before TKA and a weak postoperative affected TGS indicated an increased susceptibility of the patient to fall postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the current study revealed the association between postoperative TGS and postoperative falls. We highlight the importance of preoperative fall monitoring and postoperative TGS evaluation to prevent falls after TKA.

Co-administration of the prebiotic 1-kestose and the paraprobiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum FM8 in magellanic penguins promotes the activity of intestinal Lactobacillaceae and reduces the plc gene levels encoding Clostridium perfringens toxin.

Despite the well-known potential health benefits of prebiotics and non-viable probiotics (paraprobiotics) in various animal species, research regarding their use in penguins is scarce. Our study aimed to investigate the impact of a combined administration of prebiotics and paraprobiotics (referred to here as "parasynbiotics") on the gut microbiome and overall health of Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus). The parasynbiotics consisted of 1-kestose, which is a fructooligosaccharide comprising sucrose and fructose, and heat-killed Lactiplantibacillus plantarum FM8, isolated from pickled vegetables. It was administered to eight penguins aged <3 years (Young-group) and nine penguins aged >17 years (Adult-group) for 8 weeks. Results from 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that compared to baseline, parasynbiotic administration significantly decreased the relative abundance of intestinal Clostridiaceae_222000 in both groups and significantly increased that of Lactobacillaceae in the Young-group. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed a significant decrease in the plc gene levels encoding alpha-toxin of Clostridium perfringens in the Young-group after parasynbiotic administration (P=0.0078). In the Young-group, parasynbiotic administration significantly increased the plasma levels of total alpha-globulin (P=0.0234), which is associated with inflammatory responses. Furthermore, exposure of dendritic cells to heat-killed L. plantarum FM8 promoted the secretion of interleukin 10, a major anti-inflammatory cytokine. Overall, parasynbiotic administration enhanced the activity of gut Lactobacillaceae, decreased the levels of C. perfringens and its toxin encoding plc gene, and reduced inflammatory response in penguins. These results provide novel insights into the potential benefits of parasynbiotics for improving penguin health.

Establishment and characterization of a novel cell line and xenotransplant mouse model derived from feline colorectal adenocarcinoma.

Colorectal adenocarcinoma is an aggressive malignant tumor in cats that frequently metastasizes to the lymph nodes and/or distant organs. However, research on feline colorectal adenocarcinoma is limited, and experimental models have not been established. A novel cell line, FeLeco-G7, was established from the lymph node of a 12-year-old spayed female Maine Coon cat with metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma. FeLeco-G7 cells were polygonal with abundant cytoplasm and adherent growth. The population-doubling time was approximately 28.3 hours, and the mean number of chromosomes was 37.6±0.1 per cell (ranging between 32 and 41). Consistent with the original tumor, FeLeco-G7 cells were immunopositive for cytokeratin (CK) 20 and CDX2, and immunonegative for CD10 and CK7. Nuclear accumulation of ß-catenin was rarely observed. Mutation analysis suggested TP53 gene alterations. A subcutaneous injection of FeLeco-G7 cells into immunodeficient mice resulted in the formation of a mass at the injection site without the development of metastatic lesions. An orthotopic (intrarectal) transplantation of FeLeco-G7 cells caused cachexia and diffuse involvement of the rectal mucosa in one of the 3 mice and the formation of masses around the rectum in the other 2 mice. Metastases to the regional lymph nodes and lungs were detected in three of the 3 and one of the 3 mice, respectively. The histological findings and immunohistochemical features of these masses were similar to those of the original tumor. These results suggest that FeLeco-G7 cells and the orthotopically transplanted mouse model are valuable tools for further molecular and therapeutic research on feline colorectal adenocarcinoma.

Oral administration of Brevibacterium linens from washed cheese increases the proportions of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and lactobacilli in the gut microbiota of mice.

Brevibacterium linens (B. linens) is a dairy microorganism used in the production of washed cheese. However, there has been little research on B. linens, especially regarding its effects in vivo. Herein, we report the morphological characteristics of B. linens, such as its two-phase growth and V- and Y-shaped bodies. We also report that oral administration of B. linens increased the diversity of the gut microbiota and promoted the growth of lactobacilli and short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, such as Lachnospiraceae and Muribaculaceae. These findings suggest that the ingestion of B. linens may have beneficial effects in humans and animals.

Reliability and validity of the Japanese short-form arthritis self-efficacy scale in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional study.

Self-efficacy is the belief that one can perform a specific behavior or task in the future, and it has been associated with physical and psychological aspects in people with chronic musculoskeletal disorders. The self-efficacy of individuals with arthritis can be assessed using the Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale. The 8-item Short-Form ASES (ASES-8) has been employed in recent times. However, the reliability and validity of the Japanese ASES-8 (ASES-8J) have not been investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the reliability and validity of the ASES-8J. Overall, 179 Japanese participants with knee osteoarthritis (OA) were enrolled. Cronbach's alpha was calculated to confirm internal validity. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to estimate test-retest reliability. Construct validity was analyzed using the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ) and the problem-solving and positive thinking subscales of Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (Brief COPE). Discriminant validity was analyzed by comparing "worse" and "better" groups based on pain severity; short-form version of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21); Brief Fear of Movement Scale for Osteoarthritis (BFOMSO); Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS); and physical function subscale of Western Ontario and McMaster Arthritis Index. Cronbach's alpha and ICC were 0.94 and 0.81, respectively. Correlation coefficients among ASES-8J, PSEQ, and Brief COPE problem-solving and positive thinking subscales were 0.42, 0.43, and 0.32, respectively. Regarding the depression and stress subscales of DASS-21, BFOMSO, and PCS, the worse group showed significantly lower ASES-8J scores than the better group. Coefficients of correlation among ASES-8J, PSEQ, and the problem-solving and positive thinking subscales of Brief COPE were low to moderate. These findings suggest that the ASES-8J is a valid and reliable tool for assessing self-efficacy in Japanese patients with knee OA and can facilitate comparisons of arthritis self-efficacy between Japanese patients and non-Japanese patients.

Erythritol alters gene transcriptome signatures, cell growth, and biofilm formation in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius.

BACKGROUND: Erythritol was found to inhibit the growth of microorganisms. The present study aimed to demonstrate the growth inhibition of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius by erythritol and to define the changes in gene transcription signatures induced by erythritol. Changes in the gene transcription profiles were analysed by RNA sequencing and quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Gene ontology analysis was performed to assign functional descriptions to the genes. RESULTS: Erythritol inhibited S. pseudintermedius growth in a dose-dependent manner. We then performed a transcriptome analysis of S. pseudintermedius with and without 5% (w/w) erythritol exposure to validate the mechanism of growth inhibition. We revealed that erythritol induced up-regulation of three genes (ptsG, ppdK, and ppdkR) that are related to the phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent sugar phosphotransferase system (PTS). Glucose supplementation restored the up-regulation of the PTS-related genes in response to erythritol. In addition, erythritol down-regulated eleven genes that are located in a single pur-operon and inhibited biofilm formation of S. pseudintermedius. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicated that erythritol antagonistically inhibits PTS-mediated glucose uptake, thereby exerting a growth inhibitory effect on S. pseudintermedius. Moreover, erythritol inhibits the 'de novo' IMP biosynthetic pathway that may contribute to biofilm synthesis in S. pseudintermedius.

Combined oral intake of short and long fructans alters the gut microbiota in food allergy model mice and contributes to food allergy prevention.

BACKGROUND: It has become clear that the intestinal microbiota plays a role in food allergies. The objective of this study was to assess the food allergy-preventive effects of combined intake of a short fructan (1-kestose [Kes]) and a long fructan (inulin ([Inu]) in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced food allergy mouse model. RESULTS: Oral administration of fructans lowered the allergenic symptom score and alleviated the decreases in rectal temperature and total IgA levels and increases in OVA-specific IgE and IgA levels induced by high-dose OVA challenge, and in particular, combined intake of Kes and Inu significantly suppressed the changes in all these parameters. The expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-4, which was increased in the allergy model group, was significantly suppressed by fructan administration, and the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was significantly increased upon Kes administration. 16 S rRNA amplicon sequencing of the gut microbiota and beta diversity analysis revealed that fructan administration may induce gut microbiota resistance to food allergy sensitization, rather than returning the gut microbiota to a non-sensitized state. The relative abundances of the genera Parabacteroides B 862,066 and Alloprevotella, which were significantly reduced by food allergy sensitization, were restored by fructan administration. In Parabacteroides, the relative abundances of Parabacteroides distasonis, Parabacteroides goldsteinii, and their fructan-degrading glycoside hydrolase family 32 gene copy numbers were increased upon Kes or Inu administration. The concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (acetate and propionate) and lactate were increased by fructan administration, especially significantly in the Kes + Inu, Kes, and Inu-fed (Inu, Kes + Inu) groups. CONCLUSION: Combined intake of Kes and Inu suppressed allergy scores more effectively than single intake, suggesting that Kes and Inu have different allergy-preventive mechanisms. This indicates that the combined intake of these short and long fructans may have an allergy-preventive benefit.

Characterization and alteration of product specificity of Beijerinckia indica subsp. indica ß-fructosyltransferase.

The trisaccharide 1-kestose, a major constituent of fructooligosaccharide, has strong prebiotic effects. We used high-performance liquid chromatography and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to show that BiBftA, a ß-fructosyltransferase belonging to glycoside hydrolase family 68, from Beijerinckia indica subsp. indica catalyzes transfructosylation of sucrose to produce mostly 1-kestose and levan polysaccharides. We substituted His395 and Phe473 in BiBftA with Arg and Tyr, respectively, and analyzed the reactions of the mutant enzymes with 180 g/L sucrose. The ratio of the molar concentrations of glucose and 1-kestose in the reaction mixture with wild-type BiBftA was 100:8.1, whereas that in the reaction mixture with the variant H395R/F473Y was 100:45.5, indicating that H395R/F473Y predominantly accumulated 1-kestose from sucrose. The X-ray crystal structure of H395R/F473Y suggests that its catalytic pocket is unfavorable for binding of sucrose while favorable for transfructosylation.

Relationship between fall history and toe grip strength in older adults with knee osteoarthritis in Japan: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA), one of the most common musculoskeletal diseases in older adults, is associated with a high incidence of falls. Similarly, toe grip strength (TGS) is associated with a history of falls in older adults; however, the relationship between TGS and falls in older adults with KOA who are at risk of falling is not known. Therefore, this study aimed to determine if TGS is associated with a history of falls in older adults with KOA. METHODS: The study participants, older adults with KOA scheduled to undergo unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA), were divided into two groups: non-fall (n = 256) and fall groups (n = 74). Descriptive data, fall-related assessments, modified Fall Efficacy Scale (mFES), radiographic data, pain, and physical function including TGS were evaluated. The assessment was conducted on the day before performing TKA. Mann-Whitney and chi-squared tests were performed to compare the two groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association of each outcome with the presence or absence of falls. RESULTS: Mann-Whitney U test revealed that the fall group had statistically significantly lower height, TGS on the affected and unaffected sides, and mFES. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the incidence of fall history is associated with TGS on the affected side; the weaker the affected TGS of the KOA, the more likely the individual is to fall. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that TGS on the affected side is related to a history of falls in older adults with KOA. The significance of evaluating TGS among patients with KOA in routine clinical practice was demonstrated.

Erythritol alters phosphotransferase gene expression and inhibits the in vitro growth of Staphylococcus coagulans isolated from canines with pyoderma.

Staphylococcus coagulans (SC) belongs to a group of coagulase-positive staphylococci occasionally isolated from the skin lesions of dogs with pyoderma. We recently revealed that erythritol, a sugar alcohol, inhibited the growth of SC strain JCM7470. This study investigated the molecular mechanisms involved in this growth inhibition of JCM7470 by erythritol, and determine whether erythritol inhibits the growth of SC isolated from the skin of dogs with pyoderma. Comprehensive analysis of the gene expression of JCM7470 in the presence of erythritol revealed that erythritol upregulated the expression of glcB and ptsG genes, both of which encode phosphotransferase system (PTS) glucoside- and glucose-specific permease C, B, and A domains (EIICBA), respectively, associated with sugar uptake. Moreover, erythritol suppressed in vitro growth of all 27 SC strains isolated from the skin lesions of canine pyoderma, including 13 mecA gene-positive and 14 mecA gene-negative strains. Finally, the growth inhibition of the SC clinical isolates by erythritol was restored by the addition of glucose. In summary, we revealed that erythritol promotes PTS gene expression and suppresses the in vitro growth of SC clinical isolates from dogs with pyoderma. Restoration of the erythritol-induced growth inhibition by glucose suggested that glucose starvation may contribute to the growth inhibition of SC.

1-Kestose Supplementation Increases Levels of a 5α-Reductase Gene, a Key Isoallolithocholic Acid Biosynthetic Gene, in the Intestinal Microbiota.

1-Kestose (kestose) is the smallest fructooligosaccharide component and shows a particularly high prebiotic function. Both kestose and the bile acid metabolite isoallolithocholic acid (isoalloLCA) are known to be beneficial for human health, especially in terms of immune homeostasis in the gastrointestinal system; however, the effect of kestose on the levels of microbial isoalloLCA producers remains to be clarified. IsoalloLCA is known to be produced by several members of the phylum Bacteroidota that carry the 5α-reductase (5AR) gene, a key isoalloLCA biosynthetic gene. Thus, we designed a specific primer set to detect the 5AR gene based on the consensus sequences of the genes from several isoalloLCA producers. Using real-time quantitative PCR with this primer set and fecal DNA samples, we compared the 5AR gene level (5ar-level) in the intestinal microbiota of a kestose-supplemented group (n=20) and a placebo group (n=16) before and after intake for 12 wk. The 5ar-level was significantly increased in the kestose-supplemented group (p=0.015), but not in the placebo group (p=0.379), indicating that kestose supplementation increased the 5ar-level in human intestinal microbiota. Our findings suggest that targeting functional gene levels could potentially be used to predict and understand the beneficial prebiotic effects associated with changes in gut microbiota.

Preoperative Factors Affecting Patient-reported Outcome Measures for Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the preoperative factors affecting health-related quality of life (HRQOL) at 3 and 12 months after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: In total, 156 patients who underwent unilateral TKA for knee osteoarthritis were included in the study. The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) was used as a measure of HRQOL before surgery and 3 and 12 months post-TKA. The Modified Gait Efficacy Scale (mGES) score, tibiofemoral angle, rest pain, walking pain, knee joint range of motion, knee joint extensor strength, and walking speed were recorded preoperatively. Pearson's correlation coefficient and the correlation ratio were used to calculate the correlation between KOOS and preoperative factors at 3 and 12 months post-TKA. Multiple regression analysis was performed using the stepwise method with the five postoperative KOOS subscales as dependent variables and the other preoperative factors as independent variables. Results: Preoperative mGES scores were significantly correlated with KOOS Activities of Daily Living, Sport/Rec, and QOL subscores at 3 months post-TKA and with all five KOOS subscales at 12 months post-TKA. Multiple regression analysis identified mGES as an influencing factor for all KOOS subscales except Pain at 3 months post-TKA and all KOOS subscales except Symptoms at 12 months post-TKA. Conclusions: Preoperative walking self-efficacy influenced HRQOL at 3 and 12 months post-TKA. Psychological factors such as self-efficacy should be considered when predicting postoperative outcomes.

Enhanced Properties of 3-MHz Sliver-Mode Vibrators for Cardiac Probes With Alternating Current Poling for Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 Single Crystals.

We investigated the effects of alternating current poling (ACP) on the piezoelectric and dielectric properties of 3-MHz sliver mode (L13 mm × W0.10-0.25 mm × T0.48 mm) vibrators fashioned from Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.30PbTiO3 (PMN-0.30PT) single crystal (SC) plate manufactured using the continuous-feeding Bridgman (CF-BM) method for cardiac probes. The ACP SC plate (L13 mm × W24 mm × T0.48 mm) exhibited ultrahigh dielectric permittivity ( εT33/ε0 ) and piezoelectric coefficient ( d33 ) of 9690 and 2920 pC/N, respectively. After array dicing, the SC slivers with widths of 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, and 0.25 mm were obtained, and their average εT33/ε0 values decreased from the SC plate εT33/ε0 by 45% (5330), 29% (6880), 19% (7840), and 15% (8240), respectively, possibly because of heat and mechanical damage during the dicing. A combination of the ACP and a postdicing direct current poling (ACP-DCP) recovered their εT33/ε0 values to 6050, 7080, 8140, and 8540, respectively. The sliver mode electromechanical coupling factors ( k'33 ) were confirmed to exceed 93% after the ACP-DCP process, which were more than 4% higher than those of DCP-DCP SC slivers. The measured impedance spectra indicated that the SC slivers with 0.10-0.20 mm in width showed no spurious mode vibration near the fundamental k'33 mode. We conclude that the ACP-DCP SC slivers maintained more enhanced piezoelectric and dielectric properties than the DCP-DCP samples. These results will have important implications for the commercial application of ACP technology to medical imaging ultrasound probes.

Association between foot posture and tibiofemoral contact forces during barefoot walking in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence indicates that abnormal foot posture are risk factors for knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, the relationship between foot posture and tibiofemoral contact force (CF) during habitual weight-bearing activities remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the association between tibiofemoral CF and foot posture while walking. METHODS: In total, 18 patients with knee OA and 18 healthy individuals participated in this cross-sectional study. Foot parameters were evaluated by Foot Posture Index (FPI), Staheli Arch Index (SAI), hallux valgus angle, calcaneus inverted angle relative to the floor as a static rearfoot posture, navicular height, and toe grip strength. In addition, all participants underwent kinetic and kinematic measurements during a self-selected speed gait. The measurement device used was the three-dimensional motion analysis system with a sampling rate of 120 Hz. The musculoskeletal model, which has 92 Hill-type muscle-tendon units with 23 degrees of freedom, was used to calculate tibiofemoral CF. Partial correlations was used to investigate the association between foot parameters and total, medial, and lateral tibiofemoral CF of the first and second peaks while controlling for gait speed. RESULTS: A significant negative correlation was observed between Walking SAI and first peak medial tibiofemoral CF in control participants (r = -0.505, p = 0.039). SAI was also significantly positively correlated with first peak medial tibiofemoral CF in patients with knee OA (r = 0.482, p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings revealed a correlation between the medial first peak tibiofemoral CF and the SAI. This study indicates that people with knee OA and flatfoot have excessive first medial tibiofemoral CF during walking.