Maze-solving in a plasma system based on functional analogies to reinforcement-learning model.

Maze-solving is a classical mathematical task, and is recently analogously achieved using various eccentric media and devices, such as living tissues, chemotaxis, and memristors. Plasma generated in a labyrinth of narrow channels can also play a role as a route finder to the exit. In this study, we experimentally observe the function of maze-route findings in a plasma system based on a mixed discharge scheme of direct-current (DC) volume mode and alternative-current (AC) surface dielectric-barrier discharge, and computationally generalize this function in a reinforcement-learning model. In our plasma system, we install two electrodes at the entry and the exit in a square lattice configuration of narrow channels whose cross section is 1×1 mm2 with the total length around ten centimeters. Visible emissions in low-pressure Ar gas are observed after plasma ignition, and the plasma starting from a given entry location reaches the exit as the discharge voltage increases, whose route converging level is quantified by Shannon entropy. A similar short-path route is reproduced in a reinforcement-learning model in which electric potentials through the discharge voltage is replaced by rewards with positive and negative sign or polarity. The model is not rigorous numerical representation of plasma simulation, but it shares common points with the experiments along with a rough sketch of underlying processes (charges in experiments and rewards in modelling). This finding indicates that a plasma-channel network works in an analog computing function similar to a reinforcement-learning algorithm slightly modified in this study.

Low serum carnitine level is associated with increased urinary carnitine excretion in late pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Carnitine is essential for fatty acid metabolism. Free carnitine (FCA) is excreted in the urine in the glomerulus, but is partly reabsorbed by a carnitine transporter. The mechanism underlying the decrease in serum carnitine level during pregnancy is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether low carnitine level is associated with increased renal excretion in pregnant women. METHODS: We recruited 43 healthy pregnant and 25 non-pregnant women. Total carnitine (TCA) and FCA levels were measured using the enzymatic cycling method, and the acylcarnitine (ACA) level was calculated. Fractional excretion (FE) was calculated as carnitine clearance divided by creatinine clearance. RESULTS: The mean TCA, FCA, and ACA levels were lower at 12 weeks of gestation in pregnant than non-pregnant women (P < .001); the levels decreased further at 36 weeks, reaching 39%, 36%, and 52% of those in non-pregnant women, respectively (P < .001). The FEs were 3-4-fold higher in pregnant women than non-pregnant women. Pregnant women had a lower serum FCA/TCA ratio than non-pregnant women (0.788 ± 0.098 vs 0.830 ± 0.074, respectively; P < .05), whereas the urine FCA/TCA ratio was similar between the groups. CONCLUSION: Low carnitine level is associated with increased renal excretion during late pregnancy.

Dynamic capabilities of maritime infrastructure: conceptual design of merchant vessels with usability in crisis.

Today's social infrastructure, e.g., transportation, medical services, energy supply and distribution, may become temporarily unable to provide functions due to the damage to buildings or excessive congestion resulting from threats, such as natural disasters, rising sea levels, pandemics. Maritime-based responses, typified by hospital ships, are drawing attention as a method to mitigate these effects. However, while designing emergency infrastructure, it is necessary to consider not only the value of these systems in emergencies but also during normal times. This study adopts the systems approach, a set of methods to conduct decision-making when complex stakeholders' relationships are involved. We focus on medical functions and propose a conceptual design for a flexible hospital ship with dynamic capability during emergencies as well as normal times. Specifically, we examine the optimal combination of ship type, size, navigation range during normal times, operations during emergencies, and contract approaches. Quantitative evaluation of utility during emergencies and economic efficiency are considered in tradeoff. In addition to the conventional cost-based study, we examined benefit-cost through ship sharing, in which ships are leased to the private sector as merchant vessels during normal times to generate revenue.

Higher concentration of 25-hydroxycholesterol in treatment-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes compared to healthy individuals.

BACKGROUND: Oxysterols are cholesterol oxidation derivatives with diverse biological activities. However, little is known about the oxysterol levels in treatment-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes. OBJECTIVE: We utilized gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to investigate the potential association between oxysterol concentrations and type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis in treatment-naïve patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: This case-control study enrolled 53 eligible patients with type 2 diabetes and 50 healthy volunteers. We compared serum oxysterol concentrations between the two groups; we examined the correlation between the oxysterol concentrations and the carotid plaque score in the type 2 diabetes group. RESULTS: Univariate analysis revealed significant differences in the concentrations of oxysterols (i.e., cholesterol-5α, 6α-epoxide; cholesterol-5ß, 6ß-epoxide; 7ß-hydroxycholesterol; and 25-hydroxycholesterol [25-HC]) and other cardiovascular risk factors between the two groups. The 25-HC concentration was almost twofold greater in the type 2 diabetes group than in the healthy volunteers (median [interquartile range]: 8.52 [6.37-11.26] vs. 4.58 [3.45-5.44] ng/mL). After adjusting for multiple covariates, such as age, body mass index, mean arterial pressure, and triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels, only the concentration of 25-HC showed a significant association with type 2 diabetes. However, the univariate analysis failed to demonstrate any significant correlation between oxysterol concentrations and the carotid plaque score among individuals with type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: The levels of various oxysterols differ between treatment-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes and healthy individuals; the 25-HC level differs the most prominently.

Lipoprotein lipase concentration in umbilical cord blood reflects neonatal birth weight.

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance (IR) is exacerbated during pregnancy via increases in insulin counterregulatory hormones. Maternal lipids are strong determinants of neonatal growth, although triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TGRLs) cannot be transferred directly to the fetus through the placenta. The catabolism of TGRLs under physiological IR and the reduced synthesis of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) are poorly understood. We examined the association of maternal and umbilical cord blood (UCB)-LPL concentrations with maternal metabolic parameters and fetal development. METHODS: Changes in anthropometric measures and lipid-, glucose-, and insulin-related parameters, including maternal and UCB-LPL concentrations, were examined in 69 women during pregnancy. The relationship between those parameters and neonatal birth weight was assessed. RESULTS: Parameters reflecting glucose metabolism did not change during pregnancy, whereas those associated with lipid metabolism and IR changed markedly, particularly in the second and third trimesters. In the third trimester, the maternal LPL concentration gradually decreased, by 54%, whereas the UCB-LPL concentration was âˆ¼2-fold higher than the maternal LPL concentration. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the UCB-LPL concentration was a significant determinant of neonatal birth weight, together with placental birth weight. CONCLUSION: The LPL concentration in UCB reflects neonatal development under a decreased LPL concentration in maternal serum.

Evaluation of the mechanical behavior of bulk-fill and conventional flowable resin composites using dynamic micro-indentation.

The purpose of this research was to investigate the mechanical behavior of commercially available bulk-fill and conventional flowable resin composites using the dynamic micro-indentation method. The effect of inorganic filler content on mechanical properties was also assessed. Weight percentages of the inorganic filler in the resin composite were measured using the ashing technique. The results showed that dynamic hardness and elastic modulus tended to increase with inorganic filler content. Furthermore, the differences in mechanical properties between top and bottom surfaces were less pronounced in bulk-fill flowable resin composites compared with conventional flowable resin composites. In conclusion, the mechanical properties of bulk-fill flowable resin composites are affected by filler content. Moreover, bulk-fill flowable resin composites have a higher polymerization depth than conventional flowable resin composites when sample thickness is 4 mm.

Comparison of the Japan Society of Clinical Chemistry reference method and CDC method for HDL and LDL cholesterol measurements using fresh sera.

OBJECTIVES: In 2009, the Japan Society of Clinical Chemistry (JSCC) recommended a reference method for the measurement of serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. This automated method uses cholesterol esterase-cholesterol dehydrogenase to measure cholesterol levels in fractions obtained after ultracentrifugation and dextran sulfate/magnesium chloride precipitation. In the present study, using fresh samples, we compared the LDL-C and HDL-C levels measured using this method with those measured using the traditional Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-beta-quantification (BQ) method. DESIGN: and methods: Using both the JSCC and CDC-BQ methods, LDL-C/HDL-C levels were measured in 47 non-diseased and 126 diseased subjects, whose triglyceride levels were lower than 11.29 â€‹mmol/L (1000 â€‹mg/dL). RESULTS: For LDL-C, the equation of the line representing the correlation between the two methods was y â€‹= â€‹0.991x + 0.009 â€‹mmol/L; r â€‹= â€‹0.999; and Sy/x â€‹= â€‹0.025 â€‹mmol/L, where x is the mean LDL-C level measured using the CDC-BQ method. Similarly, for HDL-C, the equation of the line representing the correlation between the two methods was y â€‹= â€‹0.988x + 0.041 â€‹mmol/L, r â€‹= â€‹0.999, and Sy/x â€‹= â€‹0.019 â€‹mmol/L, where x is the mean HDL-C level measured using the CDC-BQ method. CONCLUSIONS: The JSCC method agreed with the CDC-BQ method in cases of both non-diseased and diseased subjects, including those with dyslipidemia.

Current Diagnosis and Management of Abetalipoproteinemia.

Abetalipoproteinemia (ABL) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by biallelic pathogenic mutations in the MTTP gene. Deficiency of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTTP) abrogates the assembly of apolipoprotein (apo) B-containing lipoprotein in the intestine and liver, resulting in malabsorption of fat and fat-soluble vitamins and severe hypolipidemia. Patients with ABL typically manifest steatorrhea, vomiting, and failure to thrive in infancy. The deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins progressively develops into a variety of symptoms later in life, including hematological (acanthocytosis, anemia, bleeding tendency, etc.), neuromuscular (spinocerebellar ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, myopathy, etc.), and ophthalmological symptoms (e.g., retinitis pigmentosa). If left untreated, the disease can be debilitating and even lethal by the third decade of life due to the development of severe complications, such as blindness, neuromyopathy, and respiratory failure. High dose vitamin supplementation is the mainstay for treatment and may prevent, delay, or alleviate the complications and improve the prognosis, enabling some patients to live to the eighth decade of life. However, it cannot fully prevent or restore impaired function. Novel therapeutic modalities that improve quality of life and prognosis are awaited. The aim of this review is to 1) summarize the pathogenesis, clinical signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and management of ABL, and 2) propose diagnostic criteria that define eligibility to receive financial support from the Japanese government for patients with ABL as a rare and intractable disease. In addition, our diagnostic criteria and the entry criterion of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) ＜15 mg/dL and apoB ＜15 mg/dL can be useful in universal or opportunistic screening for the disease. Registry research on ABL is currently ongoing to better understand the disease burden and unmet needs of this life-threatening disease with few therapeutic options.

Preß1-high-density lipoprotein metabolism is delayed in patients with chronic kidney disease not on hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Preß1-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is a lipid-poor cholesterol acceptor that is converted to lipid-rich HDL by lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT). In patients receiving hemodialysis, preß1-HDL metabolism is hampered even if HDL cholesterol is normal. Hemodialysis may affect preß1-HDL metabolism by releasing lipases from the vascular wall due to heparin. OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether preß1-HDL metabolism is delayed in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are not receiving hemodialysis. METHODS: We examined 44 patients with Stage 3 or higher CKD and 22 healthy volunteers (Control group). The patients with CKD were divided into those without renal replacement therapy (CKD group, n = 22) and those undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD group, n = 22). Plasma preß1-HDL concentrations were determined by immunoassay. During incubation at 37°C, we used 5,5-dithio-bis (2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) to inhibit LCAT activity and defined the conversion halftime of preß1-HDL (CHTpreß1) as the time required for the difference in preß1-HDL concentration in the presence and absence of 5,5-DTNB to reach half the baseline concentration. RESULTS: The absolute and relative preß1-HDL concentrations were higher, and CHTpreß1 was longer in the CKD and CAPD groups than in the Control group. Preß1-HDL concentration was significantly correlated with CHTpreß1 but not with LCAT activity in patients with CKD and CAPD. CONCLUSION: Preß1-HDL metabolism is delayed in patients with CKD who are not on hemodialysis. This preß1-HDL metabolic delay may progress as renal function declines.

Fasting serum free glycerol concentration is a potential surrogate marker of visceral obesity and insulin sensitivity in middle-aged Japanese men.

BACKGROUND: Triglyceride (TG) is a tri-ester composed of a glycerol and 3 fatty acids. Degradation of TG in adipose tissue is increased in the fasting state but inhibited in the postprandial state. Although insulin suppresses adipose TG degradation, patients with insulin resistance have high concentrations of insulin and free glycerol (FG) in the fasting state. OBJECTIVE: We examined whether the fasting FG concentration reflects visceral obesity and insulin sensitivity in middle-aged Japanese men. METHODS: We measured the fasting serum FG concentration in 72 males aged 30 to 50 years using a simple enzymatic method. The subjects were divided into tertiles according to their homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Besides routine glucose- and lipid-related parameters, we determined insulin sensitivity as the rate of glucose disappearance in a 2-step hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp and the abdominal visceral fat area (VFA) by magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: The highest HOMA-IR tertile group had a higher fasting FG concentration than the middle- and lowest-tertile groups (0.077 ± 0.024 vs 0.063 ± 0.017 and 0.061 ± 0.016 mmol/L, P < .05 and P < .01). The FG concentration was positively correlated with VFA (rs = 0.36; P < .01) and the HOMA-IR score (rs = 0.26, P < .05) but negatively correlated with insulin sensitivity (rs = -0.26, P < .05). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the FG concentration is independently associated with VFA and insulin sensitivity. CONCLUSION: The fasting FG concentration reflects VFA and insulin sensitivity in middle-aged Japanese men. The fasting FG concentration may be a potential surrogate marker of visceral obesity and insulin resistance in outpatients.

Hemolysis Is Responsible for Elevation of Serum Iron Concentration After Regular Exercises in Judo Athletes.

Serum iron concentration increases in marathon athletes after running due to mechanical destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis). This study was performed to examine whether serum iron concentration increases after regular Judo exercise, and if so, whether such post-exercise iron increase is caused by hemolysis. We examined biochemical parameters related to red blood cell and iron metabolism in 16 male competitive Judo athletes before and after traditional exercise training composed of basic movements and freestyle matchup. The parameters were adjusted for changes in plasma volume based on simultaneously measured albumin concentration. The red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit levels decreased significantly, by 6.0-8.4%, after Judo exercise. The serum iron concentration and transferrin saturation increased significantly, from 87 ± 34 µg/dL to 98 ± 29 µg/dL and from 27.1 ± 9.7% to 31.2 ± 9.0%, respectively. Furthermore, the serum free hemoglobin level increased by 33.9% (p < 0.05), and haptoglobin concentration decreased by 19.2% (p < 0.001). A significant negative correlation was observed between Δ haptoglobin concentration and Δ serum iron concentration (r = - 0.551, p = 0.027). The results of this study indicate that serum iron concentration increases significantly after Judo exercise due to hemolysis.

Skeletal muscle function and need for long-term care of urban elderly people in Japan (the Bunkyo Health Study): a prospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: The proportion of elderly individuals (age ≥65 years) in Japan reached 27.7% in 2017, the highest in the world. A serious social problem in a super-aged society is the rise in the number of elderly people who need long-term care (LTC), which is mainly due to cerebrovascular disease, dementia, age-related frailty, falls and fractures, and joint disease. We hypothesised that decreased muscle mass, muscle strength and insulin sensitivity are the common risk factors for these diseases related to needing LTC. We developed a prospective cohort study of elderly subjects in an urban community to test this hypothesis. The primary objective is to prospectively investigate associations between muscle mass, muscle strength, and insulin sensitivity and incidence of main disease and risk factors of needing LTC. The primary outcomes are the incidence of cerebrovascular disease and cognitive decline. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were 1629 people aged 65-84 years living in 13 communities in an urban area (Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan). Average age was 73.1±5.4 years. FINDINGS TO DATE: We obtained baseline data on cognitive function, cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) determined by brain MRI, body composition, bone mineral density, arteriosclerosis, physical function, muscle mass, muscle strength and insulin sensitivity. Mild cognitive impairment and dementia were observed in 18.1% and 3.3% of participants, respectively. The prevalence of cerebral SVD was 24.8%. These characteristics are similar to those previously reported in elderly Japanese subjects. FUTURE PLANS: We will ask participants about their health status, including incidence of cerebrovascular disease, falls, fractures and other diseases every year by mail. We plan to re-evaluate cognitive function, brain MRI parameters and other parameters at 5 and 10 years after the baseline evaluation. We will evaluate whether low muscle function (muscle mass, muscle strength or insulin sensitivity) is a risk factor for cognitive decline or cerebrovascular disease.

Shearing-induced contact pattern formation in hydrogels sliding in polymer solution.

The contact of a hydrogel during the rotational shearing on a glass surface in concentrated polymer solution was observed in situ. Dynamic contact patterns that rotate in-phase with the rotational shearing of the gel were observed for the first time. The contact patterns with a periodicity in the circumferential direction appeared and became fine with the shearing time. The patterns appeared more quickly at an elevated sliding velocity, polymer concentration, and normal pressure. Furthermore, the softness of the gel also substantially influenced the characteristics of the patterns. The pattern formation was discussed in terms of the non-linear rheology of the polymer solution at the rotational soft interface.

Controversy over the atherogenicity of lipoprotein-X.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Lipoprotein-X (Lp-X) is an abnormal lipoprotein containing abundant free cholesterol and phospholipids, as well as some apolipoprotein E (apoE). Serum Lp-X increases in patients with cholestasis and lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase deficiency, as well as in those receiving intravenous lipid emulsion. Lp-X is often associated with skin xanthomas in cholestatic patients. However, earlier studies showed that Lp-X is not taken up by murine macrophages, but exerts antiatherogenic actions. In this review, we discuss the heterogeneity of Lp-X and its potential atherogenicity. RECENT FINDINGS: Mass spectrometry revealed that Lp-X of cholestatic patients is similar in lipid composition to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein, but not to bile acids, suggesting that Lp-X is synthesized in the liver. Palmar xanthomas appear in patients with cholestasis, but regress over months after improvement of hypercholesterolemia. Lp-X isolated from cholestatic patients is rich in apoE, and causes more lipid accumulation than oxidized LDL and acetyl LDL in human monocyte-derived macrophages. SUMMARY: Lp-X is heterogeneous in apoE content. Lp-X is taken up in cholestatic patients by apoE-recognizing lipoprotein receptors. Further research is warranted to fully understand the atherogenicity of Lp-X and the clinical significance of elevated Lp-X concentrations, particularly in cholestatic patients.

Soluble LR11 competes with amyloid ß in binding to cerebrospinal fluid-high-density lipoprotein.

BACKGROUND: LR11 is a member of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor family with high expression in neurons. Some cell surface LR11 is cleaved and secreted into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as soluble LR11 (sLR11). Patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), particularly apolipoprotein E4 carriers, have high CSF-sLR11 and low CSF-amyloid ß (Aß) concentrations. Therefore, we assessed whether sLR11 is bound to CSF-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and whether sLR11 competes with Aß in binding to apoE in CSF-HDL. METHODS: We measured CSF-sLR11 concentrations (50 controls and 16 patients with AD) using enzyme immunoassay. sLR11 and apoE distribution in the CSF was evaluated using non-denaturing two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (N-2DGE). ApoE bound to sLR11 or Aß was identified using co-immunoprecipitation assay. RESULTS: CSF-sLR11 concentrations were higher in patients with AD than controls (adjusted for sLR11 using phospholipid). N-2DGE analysis showed that sLR11 and Aß comigrated with a large apoE-containing CSF-HDL. Moreover, fewer apoE was bound to Aß when a higher amount of apoE was bound to sLR11 in patients with AD who presented with ε4/4. CONCLUSION: sLR11 binds to CSF-HDL and competes with Aß in binding to apoE in CSF-HDL, indicating that sLR11 affects Aß clearance via CSF-HDL.

Serum Amino Acid Profiling in Citrin-Deficient Children Exhibiting Normal Liver Function During the Apparently Healthy Period.

BACKGROUND: Citrin (mitochondrial aspartate-glutamate transporter) deficiency causes the failures in both carbohydrate-energy metabolism and the urea cycle, and the alterations in the serum levels of several amino acids in the stages of newborn (NICCD) and adult (CTLN2). However, the clinical manifestations are resolved between the NICCD and CTLN2, but the reasons are still unclear. This study evaluated the serum amino acid profile in citrin-deficient children during the healthy stage. METHODS: Using HPLC-MS/MS analysis, serum amino acids were evaluated among 20 citrin-deficient children aged 5-13 years exhibiting normal liver function and 35 age-matched healthy controls. RESULTS: The alterations in serum amino acids characterized in the NICCD and CTLN2 stages were not observed in the citrin-deficient children. Amino acids involved in the urea cycle, including arginine, ornithine, citrulline, and aspartate, were comparable in the citrin-deficient children to the respective control levels, but serum urea was twofold higher, suggestive of a functional urea cycle. The blood sugar level was normal, but glucogenic amino acids and glutamine were significantly decreased in the citrin-deficient children compared to those in the controls. In addition, significant increases of ketogenic amino acids, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), a valine intermediate 3-hydroxyisobutyrate, and ß-alanine were also found in the citrin-deficient children. CONCLUSION: The profile of serum amino acids in the citrin-deficient children during the healthy stage showed different characteristics from the NICCD and CTLN2 stages, suggesting that the failures in both urea cycle function and energy metabolism might be compensated by amino acid metabolism. SYNOPSIS: In the citrin-deficient children during the healthy stage, the characteristics of serum amino acids, including decrease of glucogenic amino acids, and increase of ketogenic amino acids, BCAAs, valine intermediate, and ß-alanine, were found by comparison to the age-matched healthy control children, and it suggested that the characteristic alteration of serum amino acids may be resulted from compensation for energy metabolism and ammonia detoxification.

Effect of the demineralisation efficacy of MDP utilized on the bonding performance of MDP-based all-in-one adhesives.

OBJECTIVES: The amounts of calcium salt of 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP-Ca salt) and dicalcium phosphate dihydride (DCPD) with an amorphous phase produced by the demineralisation of enamel and dentin were determined using commercial MDP-based 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA)-containing and HEMA-free all-in-one adhesives. The effect of the amount of MDP-Ca salt produced on bonding performance to enamel and dentin was then characterized. METHODS: Three types of commercial HEMA-containing adhesives (Scotchbond Universal Adhesive, Clearfil Tri-S Bond ND, Clearfil Tri-S Bond ND Quick), a commercial HEMA-free adhesive (G-Bond Plus) and an experimental HEMA-free adhesive were used. The reactant residues of each adhesive were prepared after interacting with enamel and dentin samples for 60 s. The amounts of MDP-Ca salt and amorphous DCPD produced were determined using a phosphorous-31 nuclear magnetic resonance technique. Enamel and dentin bond strengths were measured for each adhesive, with and without thermocycling. RESULTS: The amounts of MDP-Ca salt and amorphous DCPD formed after interacting with enamel and dentin differed among the five adhesives and were independent of their pH values. Enamel showed a strong positive-correlation of the bond strength of the all-in-one adhesives to the amount of MDP-Ca salt produced, however, the dentin showed a weak negative-correlation. CONCLUSION: The HEMA-free all-in-one adhesives showed a greater efficacy to demineralise the enamel and dentin than the HEMA-containing all-in-one adhesives. The dentin showed a different effect of the amount of MDP-Ca salt produced on the bonding performance compared with enamel. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The enamel bond strength of MDP-based all-in-one adhesives strongly contributes to the demineralisation efficacy by the incorporation of MDP, in contrast to the dentin bond strength. However, the efficacy of MDP-based all-in-one adhesives to demineralise the enamel and dentin is not directly related to the pH value of the MDP-based all-in-one adhesive.

Demineralization capacity of commercial 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate-based all-in-one adhesive.

OBJECTIVE: We determined the amounts of calcium salt of 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP-Ca salt) and dicalcium phosphate dihydride (DCPD) with an amorphous phase developed during the application of commercial MDP-based all-in-one adhesives to enamel and dentin. This is because the demineralization by MDP and following calcium salt formation of MDP may be limited by an ionic bond formation of MDP to hydroxyapaptite in the enamel and dentin and following intermediary layer formation of MDP, since MDP forms a chemically-stable adsorption layer. METHODS: Scotchbond Universal Adhesive, Clearfil Tri-S Bond ND, Clearfil Tri-S Bond ND Quick, G-Bond Plus and our designed MDP-based all-in-one adhesive were used. Enamel and dentin reactant residues of each adhesive were prepared by varying the adhesive application periods: 1, 30 and 60min, and were analyzed using phosphorous-31 nuclear magnetic resonance and X-ray diffraction. RESULTS: Increasing the adhesive application period to enamel and dentin led to the increased amount of MDP-Ca salt in contrast to amorphous DCPD. In the dentin, each adhesive showed a saturated value on the production amount of MDP-Ca salt when the adhesive was applied more than 30min. In contrast, in the enamel, each adhesive showed an intermediate value on the saturated production amount of MDP-Ca salt that the respective adhesive exhibited. This is due to MDP employed demineralizes the enamel and dentin until MDP was completely consumed yielding MDP-Ca salt. CONCLUSION: Commercial MDP-based all-in-one adhesives would not form an intermediary layer of MDP on hydroxyapatite throughout their application period to enamel and dentin. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The rate of MDP-Ca salt produced by the demineralization of enamel and dentin depends on the components that constitute commercial adhesive more strongly than on the concentrations of MDP and water in the respective adhesive. This is because HEMA-containing adhesive shows a slower production rate of MDP-Ca salt than HEMA-free adhesive in the enamel and dentin samples.

Cholesterol Metabolism Is Enhanced in the Liver and Brain of Children With Citrin Deficiency.

Context: Citrin-deficient infants present neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency (NICCD), which resolves at 12 months. Thereafter, they have normal liver function associated with hypercholesterolemia, and a preference for lipid-rich carbohydrate-restricted diets. However, some develop adult-onset type II citrullinemia, which is associated with metabolic abnormalities. Objectives: To identify the causes of hypercholesterolemia in citrin-deficient children post-NICCD. Design and Setting: We determined the concentrations of sterol markers of cholesterol synthesis, absorption, and catabolism by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry and evaluated serum lipoprotein profiles. Subjects: Twenty citrin-deficient children aged 5 to 13 years and 37 age-matched healthy children. Intervention: None. Main Outcome Measures: Relationship between serum lipoproteins and sterol markers of cholesterol metabolism. Results: The citrin-deficient group had a significantly higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration than did the control group (78 ± 11 mg/dL vs 62 ± 14 mg/dL, P < 0.001), whereas the two groups had similar low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. The concentrations of markers of cholesterol synthesis (lathosterol and 7-dehydrocholesterol) and bile acids synthesis (7α-hydroxycholesterol and 27-hydroxycholesterol) were 1.5- to 2.8-fold and 1.5- to 3.9-fold, respectively, higher in the citrin-deficient group than in the control group. The concentration of 24S-hydroxycholesterol, a marker of cholesterol catabolism in the brain, was 2.5-fold higher in the citrin-deficient group. In both groups, the HDL-C concentration was significantly positively correlated with that of 27-hydroxycholesterol, the first product of the alternative bile acid synthesis pathway. Conclusions: HDL-C and sterol marker concentrations are elevated in citrin-deficient children post-NICCD. Moreover, cholesterol synthesis and elimination are markedly enhanced in the liver and brain of citrin-deficient children.

Treatment with medium chain fatty acids milk of CD36-deficient preschool children.

OBJECTIVE: CD36 deficiency is characterized by limited cellular long chain fatty acid uptake in the skeletal and cardiac muscles and often causes energy crisis in these muscles. However, suitable treatment for CD36 deficiency remains to be established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and metabolic effects of medium chain triacylglycerols (MCTs) in two CD36-deficient preschool children who often developed fasting hypoglycemia and exercise-induced myalgia. METHODS: Fasting blood glucose, total ketone bodies, and free fatty acids were examined and compared for usual supper diets and for diets with replacement of one component with 2 g/kg of 9% MCT-containing milk (MCT milk). Changes in serum creatine kinase and alanine aminotransferase levels, resulting from replacement of glucose water intake with 1 g/kg of MCT milk and determined by using bicycle pedaling tasks, were examined and compared. Hypoglycemic and/or myalgia episodes in daily life were also investigated. RESULTS: Biochemically, participants' blood glucose and total ketone bodies levels after overnight fasting substantially increased after dietary suppers containing MCT milk. Increases in serum creatine kinase and alanine aminotransferase levels resulting from the bicycle pedaling task were suppressed by MCT milk. Hypoglycemia leading to unconsciousness and tachycardia before breakfast decreased after introduction of dietary suppers containing MCT milk. Occurrence of myalgia in the lower limbs also decreased after intakes of MCT milk before long and/or strenuous exercising. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that MCTs can prevent fasting hypoglycemia and exercise-induced myalgia in CD36-deficient young children.