BACKGROUND Regenerating gene 4(REG4)has been proved to be carcinogenic in some cancers,but its manifestation and possible carcinogenic mechanisms in colorectal cancer(CRC)have not yet been elucidated.Our previous stud...BACKGROUND Regenerating gene 4(REG4)has been proved to be carcinogenic in some cancers,but its manifestation and possible carcinogenic mechanisms in colorectal cancer(CRC)have not yet been elucidated.Our previous study found that the drug resistance of CRC cells may be closely linked to their fat metabolism.AIM To explore the role of REG4 in CRC and its association with lipid droplet formation and chemoresistance.METHODS We conducted a meta-analysis and bioinformatics and pathological analyses of REG4 expression in CRC.The effects of REG4 on the phenotypes and related protein expression were also investigated in CRC cells.We detected the impacts of REG4 on the chemoresistance and lipid droplet formation in CRC cells.Finally,we analyzed how REG4 regulated the transcription and proteasomal degradation of lipogenic enzymes in CRC cells.RESULTS Compared to normal mucosa,REG4 mRNA expression was high in CRC(P<0.05)but protein expression was low.An inverse correlation existed between lymph node and distant metastases,tumor-node-metastasis staging or short overall survival and REG4 mRNA overexpression(P<0.05),but vice versa for REG4 protein expression.REG4-related genes included:Chemokine activity;taste receptors;protein-DNA and DNA packing complexes;nucleosomes and chromatin;generation of second messenger molecules;programmed cell death signals;epigenetic regulation and DNA methylation;transcription repression and activation by DNA binding;insulin signaling pathway;sugar metabolism and transfer;and neurotransmitter receptors(P<0.05).REG4 exposure or overexpression promoted proliferation,antiapoptosis,migration,and invasion of DLD-1 cells in an autocrine or paracrine manner by activating the epidermal growth factor receptor-phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt-nuclear factor-κB pathway.REG4 was involved in chemoresistance not through de novo lipogenesis,but lipid droplet assembly.REG4 inhibited the transcription of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1(ACC1)and ATP-citrate lyase(ACLY)by disassociating the complex formation of anti-acetyl(AC)-acetyl-histone 3-AC-histone 4-inhibitor of growth protein-5-si histone deacetylase;-sterol-regulatory element binding protein 1 in their promoters and induced proteasomal degradation of ACC1 or ACLY.CONCLUSION REG4 may be involved in chemoresistance through lipid droplet assembly.REG4 reduces expression of de novo lipid synthesis key enzymes by inhibiting transcription and promoting ubiquitination-mediated proteasomal degradation.展开更多
Dear Editor,This letter presents a novel segmentation approach that leverages dendritic neurons to tackle the challenges of medical imaging segmentation.In this study,we enhance the segmentation accuracy based on a Se...Dear Editor,This letter presents a novel segmentation approach that leverages dendritic neurons to tackle the challenges of medical imaging segmentation.In this study,we enhance the segmentation accuracy based on a SegNet variant including an encoder-decoder structure,an upsampling index,and a deep supervision method.Furthermore,we introduce a dendritic neuron-based convolutional block to enable nonlinear feature mapping,thereby further improving the effectiveness of our approach.展开更多
AIM To investigate the efficacy and safety of emergency endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) in elderly patients with acute cholangitis. METHODS From June 2008 to May 2016, emergency ERCPs were perform...AIM To investigate the efficacy and safety of emergency endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) in elderly patients with acute cholangitis. METHODS From June 2008 to May 2016, emergency ERCPs were performed in 207 cases of acute cholangitis at our institution. Patients were classified as elderly if they were aged 80 years and older(n = 102); controls were under the age of 80 years(n = 105). The patients' medical records were retrospectively reviewed for comorbidities, laboratory data, etiology of cholangitis(presence of biliary stones, biliary stricture and malignancy), details of the ERCP(therapeutic approaches, technical success rates, procedure duration), ERCP-related complications and mortality. RESULTS The frequency of comorbidities was higher in the elderly group than the control group(91.2% vs 67.6%). Periampullary diverticulum was observed in the elderly group at a higher frequency than the control group(24.5% vs 13.3%). Between the groups, there was no significant difference in the technical success rates(95.1% vs 95.2%) or endoscopicprocedure durations. With regard to the frequency of ERCP-related complications, there was no significant difference between the two groups(6.9% vs 6.7%), except for a lower rate of post-ERCP pancreatitis in the elderly group than in the control group(1.0% vs 3.8%). Neither angiographic nor surgical intervention was required in any of the cases with ERCP-related complications. There was no mortality during the observational periods. CONCLUSION Emergency ERCP for acute cholangitis can be performed safely even in elderly patients aged 80 years and older.展开更多
Tumor immunity proceeds through multiple processes, which consist of antigen presentation by antigen presenting cells(APCs) to educate effector cells and destruction by the effector cytotoxic cells. However, tumor imm...Tumor immunity proceeds through multiple processes, which consist of antigen presentation by antigen presenting cells(APCs) to educate effector cells and destruction by the effector cytotoxic cells. However, tumor immunity is frequently repressed at tumor sites. Malignantly transformed cells rarely survive the attack by the immune system, but cells that do survive change their phenotypes to reduce their immunogenicity. The resultant cells evade the attack by the immune system and form clinically discernible tumors. Tumor microenvironments simultaneously contain a wide variety of immune suppressive molecules and cells to dampen tumor immunity. Moreover, the liver microenvironment exhibits immune tolerance to reduce aberrant immune responses to massively-exposed antigens via the portal vein, and immune dysfunction is frequently associated with liver cirrhosis, which is widespread in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) patients. Immune therapy aims to reduce tumor burden, but it is also expected to prevent non-cancerous liver lesions from progressing to HCC, because HCC develops or recurs from noncancerous liver lesions with chronic inflammatory states and/or cirrhosis and these lesions cannot be cured and/or eradicated by local and/or systemic therapies. Nevertheless, cancer immune therapy should augment specific tumor immunity by using two distinct measures: enhancing the effector cell functions such as antigen presentation capacity of APCs and tumor cell killing capacity of cytotoxic cells, and reactivating the immune system in immune-suppressive tumor microenvironments. Here, we will summarize the current status and discuss the future perspective on immune therapy for HCC.展开更多
Spinal nerve roots have a peculiar structure, different from the arrangements in the peripheral nerve. The nerve roots are devoid of lymphatic vessels but are immersed in the cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) within the subara...Spinal nerve roots have a peculiar structure, different from the arrangements in the peripheral nerve. The nerve roots are devoid of lymphatic vessels but are immersed in the cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) within the subarachnoid space. The blood supply of nerve roots depends on the blood flow from both and peripheral direction(ascending) and the spinal cord direction(descending). There is no hypovascular region in the nerve root, although there exists a so-called water-shed of the bloodstream in the radicular artery itself. Increased mechanical compression promotes the disturbance of CSF flow, circulatory disturbance starting from the venous congestion and intraradicular edema formation resulting from the breakdown of the blood-nerve barrier. Although this edema may diffuse into CSF when the subarachnoid space is preserved, the endoneurial fluid pressure may increase when the area is closed by increased compression. On the other hand, the nerve root tissue has already degenerated under the compression and the numerous macrophages releasing various chemical mediators, aggravating radicular symptomsthat appear in the area of Wallerian degeneration. Prostaglandin E1(PGE1) is a potent vasodilator as well as an inhibitor of platelet aggregation and has therefore attracted interest as a therapeutic drug for lumbar canal stenosis. However, investigations in the clinical setting have shown that PGE1 is effective in some patients but not in others, although the reason for this is unclear.展开更多
Hormone replacement therapy is necessary for patients with adrenal and gonadal failure.Steroid hormone treatment is also employed in aging people for sex hormone deficiency.These patients undergo such therapies,which ...Hormone replacement therapy is necessary for patients with adrenal and gonadal failure.Steroid hormone treatment is also employed in aging people for sex hormone deficiency.These patients undergo such therapies,which have associated risks,for their entire life.Stem cells represent an innovative tool for tissue regeneration and the possibility of solving these problems.Among various stem cell types,mesenchymal stem cells have the potential to differentiate into steroidogenic cells both in vivo and in vitro.In particular,they can effectively be differentiated into steroidogenic cells by expressing nuclear receptor 5A subfamily proteins(steroidogenic factor-1 and liver receptor homolog-1)with the aid of cAMP.This approach will provide a source of cells for future regenerative medicine for the treatment of diseases caused by steroidogenesis deficiencies.It can also represent a useful tool for studying the molecular mechanisms of steroidogenesis and its related diseases.展开更多
AIM:To compare surgical outcomes of phacoemulsification combined with glaucoma surgical techniques performed with either Kahook Dual Blade(KDB)or iStent for Japanese patients with either primary open angle glaucoma or...AIM:To compare surgical outcomes of phacoemulsification combined with glaucoma surgical techniques performed with either Kahook Dual Blade(KDB)or iStent for Japanese patients with either primary open angle glaucoma or exfoliation glaucoma.METHODS:We retrospectively evaluated the surgical outcomes of 129 eyes of 84 Japanese patients with glaucoma who underwent KDB or 44 eyes of 34 patients who underwent phacoemulsification with iStent procedures combined with cataract surgery.The primary outcome was surgical success or failure[with surgical failure being indicated by<20%reduction from preoperative intraocular pressure(IOP)or IOP>18 mm Hg as criterion A;IOP>14 mm Hg as criterion B on two consecutive study visits;or reoperation requirement].In addition,we assessed the number of postoperative glaucoma medications and the resulting complications.RESULTS:The probability of success was significantly higher in the KDB group than in the iStent group for criterion A(60.2%vs 46.4%,P=0.019).In the KDB group,the mean preoperative IOP of 19.8±7.3 mm Hg decreased significantly to 13.0±3.1 mm Hg(P<0.01),and the mean number of glaucoma medications at 2.5±1.4 decreased significantly to 1.6±1.6(P<0.01)12 mo postoperatively.In the iStent group,the mean preoperative IOP of 17.8±2.9 mm Hg significantly decreased to 14.3±2.3 mm Hg(P<0.01),and the mean number of glaucoma medications at 2.2±1.1 decreased significantly to 0.9±1.4(P<0.01)12 mo postoperatively.The overall IOP reduction percentage was higher in the KDB group(26.2%)than in the iStent group(19.0%)12 mo postoperatively(P=0.03).Hyphema occurred significantly more frequently in the KDB group(16.3%)than in the iStent group(2.3%,P=0.017).CONCLUSION:KDB and iStent procedures combined with cataract surgery both result in significant IOP and glaucoma medication reductions after the 12-month followup.The patients in the KDB group have a higher success rate for the target IOP of less than 18 mm Hg and a higher complication rate than those in the iStent group.展开更多
Hydriding properties of uranium alloys have been studied to search for new hydrogen storage materials to be applied to hydrogen energy systems. Application of uranium-base hydrogen storage materials can be expected to...Hydriding properties of uranium alloys have been studied to search for new hydrogen storage materials to be applied to hydrogen energy systems. Application of uranium-base hydrogen storage materials can be expected to alleviate the risk, as well as to reduce the cost incurred by globally-stored large amounts of depleted uranium left after uranium enrichment. Various uranium alloys have been examined in terms of hydrogen absorptiondesorption properties, among which UNi Al intermetallic compound showed promising characteristics, such as lower absorption-desorption temperatures and better anti-powdering strength. First principle calculation has been carried out on UNi Al hydride to predict the change of crystal structure and the lattice constant with increasing hydrogen content, which showed this calculation to be promising in predicting candidates for good hydrogen absorbers.展开更多
This study aimed to examine trial-to-trial reliability of a new clinical test, rapid reaction step cued on a screen test, and its relationship with fall risk score, independence in activity of daily living score, and ...This study aimed to examine trial-to-trial reliability of a new clinical test, rapid reaction step cued on a screen test, and its relationship with fall risk score, independence in activity of daily living score, and various leg muscle function tests. One-hundred fifty seven older women participated in this study. Nine square plates (32 × 32 cm) were lined up with three plates. Participants stood on a center plate and were instructed to step, using one leg, to one of the other eight plates, as quickly as possible, when that plate changed in color from white to red. The mean total time and the mean total error time of rapid reaction step cued on a screen and, fall risk score, activity of daily living score, lower muscle function (isometric muscle strength: toe flexion, plantar flexion, knee extension, hip flexion;balance: one leg standing time with eye open, functional reach test;gait: 10 m walk time with maximal speed). Results: trial-to-trial reliabilities of step parameters were high (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.75 - 0.85). The step parameters correlated significantly with the other parameters except for toe flexion and hip flexion strengths. In conclusion, the present step test was found to evaluate physical function related to prevention of falls in older people.展开更多
The electricity-conducting rubber force sensor is an attractive candidate as a low-cost material for tactile sensors. This article shows the evidence that the output reproducibility is largely improved when two identi...The electricity-conducting rubber force sensor is an attractive candidate as a low-cost material for tactile sensors. This article shows the evidence that the output reproducibility is largely improved when two identical sheets of the sensors are stacked. The stacked structure may reduce accidental error that is a fatal obstacle in an accurate control system.展开更多
In this paper, the authors analyze the influence that connection of many distributed generators （DGs） has on the harmonics of the distribution network from the viewpoints of harmonic current, harmonic voltage, and v...In this paper, the authors analyze the influence that connection of many distributed generators （DGs） has on the harmonics of the distribution network from the viewpoints of harmonic current, harmonic voltage, and voltage total harmonic distortion （THD）, when it is assumed that the harmonic voltages or the harmonic currents in a distribution network increases by connection of many DGs through the inverters. The analysis on the influence of DGs is carried out by using a standard analytical model of distribution network with DGs based on the practical data. The authors evaluate quantitatively the influence which harmonics generated from DGs has on the harmonics of the distribution network, and analyze visually about propagation of harmonics within the distribution network. In addition, the authors also verify about the restraint effect of the harmonics in the network scale by the active filters installation.展开更多
The emission angle distribution of projectile fragments(PFs)and the temperature of PF emission sources for fragmentation of 56Fe on polyethylene,carbon,and aluminum targets at the highest energy of 497 A MeV are inves...The emission angle distribution of projectile fragments(PFs)and the temperature of PF emission sources for fragmentation of 56Fe on polyethylene,carbon,and aluminum targets at the highest energy of 497 A MeV are investigated on the basis of corrected data,using a CR-39 plastic nuclear track detector.It is found that the average emission angle of PFs increases with the decrease in PF charge for the same target,and no obvious dependence of angular distribution on the mass of the target nucleus is found for the same PF.The cumulative squared transverse momentum distribution of PFs can be well represented by a single Rayleigh distribution.The temperature of PF emission sources is extracted from the distribution,and it is about 1.0-8.0 MeV and does not depend on the mass of the target for PFs with charges of 9≤Z≤25.展开更多
The total and partial charge-changing cross sections of 28 Si on carbon targets at 736 and 723 A Me V are studied by CR-39 plastic nuclear track detectors using the HSP-1000 microscope system and the PitFit track meas...The total and partial charge-changing cross sections of 28 Si on carbon targets at 736 and 723 A Me V are studied by CR-39 plastic nuclear track detectors using the HSP-1000 microscope system and the PitFit track measurement software. The values of the total charge-changing cross section are σtot=（11794-50） mb and σtot=（11864-42） mb at 736 and 723A MeV, respectively. The result is compared with the ones obtained by other experimental and theoretical results. The odd-even effect of the partial charge-changing cross section is observed.展开更多
The superior colliculus (SC) is a laminated midbrain structure responsible for visual orientation behaviors. In the mature SC, neurons in the stratum griseum superficiale (SGS) receive visual inputs that contribute to...The superior colliculus (SC) is a laminated midbrain structure responsible for visual orientation behaviors. In the mature SC, neurons in the stratum griseum superficiale (SGS) receive visual inputs that contribute to exciting premotor neurons in the stratum griseum intermediale (SGI) through a dorsoventral pathway. SGI activation generates feedback signals to the SGS through a ventrodorsal pathway. However, the developmental changes in signal transmission within the SC around the time of eye opening are not yet well understood. We compared the functional connections between the SGS and SGI before and after eye opening by imaging the neuronal population responses using a voltage-sensitive absorption dye in mouse SC slices. Electrophoresis of a fluorescent dye from the stimulating electrodes was used to fill the cells in the stimulated site. We here show that the dorsoventral transmission is present both before and after eye opening. This is in contrast to our previous finding that the ventrodorsal transmission develops after eye opening. Functions of intrinsic inhibitory systems mediated by gamma-aminobutyric acid were also investigated with the antagonist. The processes stained by electrophoresis from stimulating electrodes before eye opening were confined within the respective stimulated layers. Whereas, after eye opening, the processes were widely extended especially dorsoventrally and ventrodorsally invading the SGI and SGS, respectively. These corresponded well to the early component of voltage responses that is known to reflect the activation of presynaptic elements, presumably the axonal arborizations and varicosities. Thus, the optically-revealed functional connections between the SGS and SGI were correlated to the morphology.展开更多
A new interlacer is used in this paper to investigate the effect of processing conditions on the properties of interlaced yarn. The experimental results show that number of tangles of interlaced yarn changes little wi...A new interlacer is used in this paper to investigate the effect of processing conditions on the properties of interlaced yarn. The experimental results show that number of tangles of interlaced yarn changes little with air pressure from 0.2 MPa to 0.5 MPa, and the number of tangles has a maximum value with yarn speed changing. For two yarn directions of entering and leaving yarn guide of interalcer, the yarn speed for the maximum number of tangles is 400 m/rain and 600 m/rain, respectively. The number of tangles changes with air pressure and yarn speed for two yarn directions is compared.展开更多
A silver electrode was anodized in lowly concentrated potassium chloride solution almost under the steady state to generate a deposit of silver chloride on the electrode, and the deposit was cathodically stripped by l...A silver electrode was anodized in lowly concentrated potassium chloride solution almost under the steady state to generate a deposit of silver chloride on the electrode, and the deposit was cathodically stripped by linear potential scan to evaluate the reduction charge. Then the oxidation charge was larger than the reduction one. Since the equality was valid for long term chronocoulometry at the double potential step, the inequality is not due to any irreversibility of electrode reactions, but can be attributed to the process of the cathodic potential scan. A reason for the inequality is the negative charge of the capacitance involved in the electrode reaction, which has been observed in simple, dissolved redox species like a ferrocenyl derivative. The negative capacitive currents are conspicuous for high concentrations of redox species on the electrode because they result from the orientation of the dipoles of the redox species coupled with counterion, of which direction is opposite to that of the solvent dipoles. If a silver chloride film was thin enough to be regarded as a monolayer, we found that half of the cathodic stripping charge should be lost by the negative capacitance.展开更多
Several countries are developing and deploying SFRs even after the accident at Tokyo Electric Power Company’s Fukushima Dai-Ichi Nuclear Power Station. However, the Fukushima accident prompted all countries to redefi...Several countries are developing and deploying SFRs even after the accident at Tokyo Electric Power Company’s Fukushima Dai-Ichi Nuclear Power Station. However, the Fukushima accident prompted all countries to redefine the fast reactor programs. The drastic safety enhancement is the most important issue to be established. In light of this situation, key essence of the safety improvement is reviewed in this paper by referring the achievements of the recent International Workshop on Prevention and Mitigation of Severe Accidents in SFRs which was held by Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in June, 2012 and the findings published in the past journals including those of the International Conference on Fast Reactor and Related Fuel Cycles (FR09) held by IAEA in December, 2009.展开更多
BACKGROUND Although contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)using gadoxetic acid has been shown to have higher accuracy,sensitivity,and specificity for the detection and characterization of hepatic metastases...BACKGROUND Although contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)using gadoxetic acid has been shown to have higher accuracy,sensitivity,and specificity for the detection and characterization of hepatic metastases compared with other modalities,the long examination time would limit the broad indication.Several abbreviated enhanced MRI(Ab-MRI)protocols without dynamic phases have been proposed to achieve equivalent diagnostic performance for the detection of colorectal liver metastases.However,an optimal protocol has not been established,and no studies have assessed the diagnostic performance of Ab-MRI combined with contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CE-CT),which is the preoperative imaging of colorectal cancer staging in clinical settings,to determine the best therapeutic strategy.AIM To compare the diagnostic performance of two kinds of Ab-MRI protocol with the standard MRI protocol and a combination of the Ab-MRI protocol and CE-CT for the detection of colorectal liver metastases.METHODS Study participants comprised 87 patients(51 males,36 females;mean age,67.2±10.8 years)who had undergone gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI and CE-CT during the initial work-up for colorectal cancer from 2010 to 2021.Each exam was independently reviewed by two readers in three reading sessions:(1)Only single-shot fast spin echo(FSE)T2-weighted or fat-suppressed-FSE-T2-weighted,diffusion-weighted,and hepatobiliary-phase images(Ab-MRI protocol 1 or 2);(2)all acquired MRI sequences(standard protocol);and(3)a combination of an Ab-MRI protocol(1 or 2)and CE-CT.Diagnostic performance was then statistically analyzed.RESULTS A total of 380 Lesions were analyzed,including 195 metastases(51.4%).Results from the two Ab-MRI protocols were similar.The sensitivity,specificity,and positive and negative predictive values from Ab-MRI were non-inferior to those from standard MRI(P>0.05),while those from the combination of Ab-MRI protocol and CE-CT tended to be higher than those from Ab-MRI alone,although the difference was not significant(P>0.05),and were quite similar to those from standard MRI(P>0.05).CONCLUSION The diagnostic performances of two Ab-MRI protocols were non-inferior to that of the standard protocol.Combining Ab-MRI with CE-CT provided better diagnostic performance than Ab-MRI alone.展开更多
This study examines the difference of the center of gravity (CG) velocity during sit-to-stand (STS) movement between the elderly with and without fall experience. Fifteen elderly without fall experience (age: 75.7 ...This study examines the difference of the center of gravity (CG) velocity during sit-to-stand (STS) movement between the elderly with and without fall experience. Fifteen elderly without fall experience (age: 75.7 ± 4.8 yr), with one fall experience (age: 75.7 ± 5.0 yr), and two or more fall experiences (age: 75.7 ± 4.8 yr) participated in the measurement of 10m maximal walking speed, functional reach, one-legged standing duration with vision, maximal isometric knee extension, hip flexion, ankle extension and toe flexion muscle strengths, fall risk assessment and ADL questionnaire, and CG velocity during STS movement. No significant differences were found in muscle strength, walking and balance tests (F 0.078). The group with two or more fall experiences was significantly higher than the other groups in the fall risk assessment, and lower than the group without fall experience in ADL (F = 8.5 and 6.1, p = 0.001 and 0.005). Meanwhile, significant differences were found in the maximal and mean CG velocity during STS movement among all groups. The group without fall experience was the greatest, and the group with fall experience was less than half (F = 9.0 and 11.1, p = 0.001展开更多
基金Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province,No.21377772DNo.H2022406034National Natural Scientific Foundation of China,No.81672700.
文摘BACKGROUND Regenerating gene 4(REG4)has been proved to be carcinogenic in some cancers,but its manifestation and possible carcinogenic mechanisms in colorectal cancer(CRC)have not yet been elucidated.Our previous study found that the drug resistance of CRC cells may be closely linked to their fat metabolism.AIM To explore the role of REG4 in CRC and its association with lipid droplet formation and chemoresistance.METHODS We conducted a meta-analysis and bioinformatics and pathological analyses of REG4 expression in CRC.The effects of REG4 on the phenotypes and related protein expression were also investigated in CRC cells.We detected the impacts of REG4 on the chemoresistance and lipid droplet formation in CRC cells.Finally,we analyzed how REG4 regulated the transcription and proteasomal degradation of lipogenic enzymes in CRC cells.RESULTS Compared to normal mucosa,REG4 mRNA expression was high in CRC(P<0.05)but protein expression was low.An inverse correlation existed between lymph node and distant metastases,tumor-node-metastasis staging or short overall survival and REG4 mRNA overexpression(P<0.05),but vice versa for REG4 protein expression.REG4-related genes included:Chemokine activity;taste receptors;protein-DNA and DNA packing complexes;nucleosomes and chromatin;generation of second messenger molecules;programmed cell death signals;epigenetic regulation and DNA methylation;transcription repression and activation by DNA binding;insulin signaling pathway;sugar metabolism and transfer;and neurotransmitter receptors(P<0.05).REG4 exposure or overexpression promoted proliferation,antiapoptosis,migration,and invasion of DLD-1 cells in an autocrine or paracrine manner by activating the epidermal growth factor receptor-phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt-nuclear factor-κB pathway.REG4 was involved in chemoresistance not through de novo lipogenesis,but lipid droplet assembly.REG4 inhibited the transcription of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1(ACC1)and ATP-citrate lyase(ACLY)by disassociating the complex formation of anti-acetyl(AC)-acetyl-histone 3-AC-histone 4-inhibitor of growth protein-5-si histone deacetylase;-sterol-regulatory element binding protein 1 in their promoters and induced proteasomal degradation of ACC1 or ACLY.CONCLUSION REG4 may be involved in chemoresistance through lipid droplet assembly.REG4 reduces expression of de novo lipid synthesis key enzymes by inhibiting transcription and promoting ubiquitination-mediated proteasomal degradation.
基金partially supported by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science(JSPS)KAKENHI(JP22H03643)Japan Science and Technology Agency(JST)Support for Pioneering Research Initiated by the Next Generation(SPRING)(JPMJSP2145)JST through the Establishment of University Fellowships Towards the Creation of Science Technology Innovation(JPMJFS2115)。
文摘Dear Editor,This letter presents a novel segmentation approach that leverages dendritic neurons to tackle the challenges of medical imaging segmentation.In this study,we enhance the segmentation accuracy based on a SegNet variant including an encoder-decoder structure,an upsampling index,and a deep supervision method.Furthermore,we introduce a dendritic neuron-based convolutional block to enable nonlinear feature mapping,thereby further improving the effectiveness of our approach.
文摘AIM To investigate the efficacy and safety of emergency endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) in elderly patients with acute cholangitis. METHODS From June 2008 to May 2016, emergency ERCPs were performed in 207 cases of acute cholangitis at our institution. Patients were classified as elderly if they were aged 80 years and older(n = 102); controls were under the age of 80 years(n = 105). The patients' medical records were retrospectively reviewed for comorbidities, laboratory data, etiology of cholangitis(presence of biliary stones, biliary stricture and malignancy), details of the ERCP(therapeutic approaches, technical success rates, procedure duration), ERCP-related complications and mortality. RESULTS The frequency of comorbidities was higher in the elderly group than the control group(91.2% vs 67.6%). Periampullary diverticulum was observed in the elderly group at a higher frequency than the control group(24.5% vs 13.3%). Between the groups, there was no significant difference in the technical success rates(95.1% vs 95.2%) or endoscopicprocedure durations. With regard to the frequency of ERCP-related complications, there was no significant difference between the two groups(6.9% vs 6.7%), except for a lower rate of post-ERCP pancreatitis in the elderly group than in the control group(1.0% vs 3.8%). Neither angiographic nor surgical intervention was required in any of the cases with ERCP-related complications. There was no mortality during the observational periods. CONCLUSION Emergency ERCP for acute cholangitis can be performed safely even in elderly patients aged 80 years and older.
基金Supported by(in part)Research Programs on the Innovative Development and Application for New Drugs for Hepatitis B(No.17fk0310116h0001) from the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development(AMED)Extramural Collaborative Research Grant of Cancer Research Institute,Kanazawa University
文摘Tumor immunity proceeds through multiple processes, which consist of antigen presentation by antigen presenting cells(APCs) to educate effector cells and destruction by the effector cytotoxic cells. However, tumor immunity is frequently repressed at tumor sites. Malignantly transformed cells rarely survive the attack by the immune system, but cells that do survive change their phenotypes to reduce their immunogenicity. The resultant cells evade the attack by the immune system and form clinically discernible tumors. Tumor microenvironments simultaneously contain a wide variety of immune suppressive molecules and cells to dampen tumor immunity. Moreover, the liver microenvironment exhibits immune tolerance to reduce aberrant immune responses to massively-exposed antigens via the portal vein, and immune dysfunction is frequently associated with liver cirrhosis, which is widespread in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) patients. Immune therapy aims to reduce tumor burden, but it is also expected to prevent non-cancerous liver lesions from progressing to HCC, because HCC develops or recurs from noncancerous liver lesions with chronic inflammatory states and/or cirrhosis and these lesions cannot be cured and/or eradicated by local and/or systemic therapies. Nevertheless, cancer immune therapy should augment specific tumor immunity by using two distinct measures: enhancing the effector cell functions such as antigen presentation capacity of APCs and tumor cell killing capacity of cytotoxic cells, and reactivating the immune system in immune-suppressive tumor microenvironments. Here, we will summarize the current status and discuss the future perspective on immune therapy for HCC.
基金Supported by Grant-in Aid from the Ministry of Education,Science and Culture of Japan,No,25460719
文摘Spinal nerve roots have a peculiar structure, different from the arrangements in the peripheral nerve. The nerve roots are devoid of lymphatic vessels but are immersed in the cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) within the subarachnoid space. The blood supply of nerve roots depends on the blood flow from both and peripheral direction(ascending) and the spinal cord direction(descending). There is no hypovascular region in the nerve root, although there exists a so-called water-shed of the bloodstream in the radicular artery itself. Increased mechanical compression promotes the disturbance of CSF flow, circulatory disturbance starting from the venous congestion and intraradicular edema formation resulting from the breakdown of the blood-nerve barrier. Although this edema may diffuse into CSF when the subarachnoid space is preserved, the endoneurial fluid pressure may increase when the area is closed by increased compression. On the other hand, the nerve root tissue has already degenerated under the compression and the numerous macrophages releasing various chemical mediators, aggravating radicular symptomsthat appear in the area of Wallerian degeneration. Prostaglandin E1(PGE1) is a potent vasodilator as well as an inhibitor of platelet aggregation and has therefore attracted interest as a therapeutic drug for lumbar canal stenosis. However, investigations in the clinical setting have shown that PGE1 is effective in some patients but not in others, although the reason for this is unclear.
基金Supported by Ministry of Education,Culture,Sports,Science and Technology of Japan,No.23590329the Terumo Life Science Foundationthe Smoking Research Foundation
文摘Hormone replacement therapy is necessary for patients with adrenal and gonadal failure.Steroid hormone treatment is also employed in aging people for sex hormone deficiency.These patients undergo such therapies,which have associated risks,for their entire life.Stem cells represent an innovative tool for tissue regeneration and the possibility of solving these problems.Among various stem cell types,mesenchymal stem cells have the potential to differentiate into steroidogenic cells both in vivo and in vitro.In particular,they can effectively be differentiated into steroidogenic cells by expressing nuclear receptor 5A subfamily proteins(steroidogenic factor-1 and liver receptor homolog-1)with the aid of cAMP.This approach will provide a source of cells for future regenerative medicine for the treatment of diseases caused by steroidogenesis deficiencies.It can also represent a useful tool for studying the molecular mechanisms of steroidogenesis and its related diseases.
文摘AIM:To compare surgical outcomes of phacoemulsification combined with glaucoma surgical techniques performed with either Kahook Dual Blade(KDB)or iStent for Japanese patients with either primary open angle glaucoma or exfoliation glaucoma.METHODS:We retrospectively evaluated the surgical outcomes of 129 eyes of 84 Japanese patients with glaucoma who underwent KDB or 44 eyes of 34 patients who underwent phacoemulsification with iStent procedures combined with cataract surgery.The primary outcome was surgical success or failure[with surgical failure being indicated by<20%reduction from preoperative intraocular pressure(IOP)or IOP>18 mm Hg as criterion A;IOP>14 mm Hg as criterion B on two consecutive study visits;or reoperation requirement].In addition,we assessed the number of postoperative glaucoma medications and the resulting complications.RESULTS:The probability of success was significantly higher in the KDB group than in the iStent group for criterion A(60.2%vs 46.4%,P=0.019).In the KDB group,the mean preoperative IOP of 19.8±7.3 mm Hg decreased significantly to 13.0±3.1 mm Hg(P<0.01),and the mean number of glaucoma medications at 2.5±1.4 decreased significantly to 1.6±1.6(P<0.01)12 mo postoperatively.In the iStent group,the mean preoperative IOP of 17.8±2.9 mm Hg significantly decreased to 14.3±2.3 mm Hg(P<0.01),and the mean number of glaucoma medications at 2.2±1.1 decreased significantly to 0.9±1.4(P<0.01)12 mo postoperatively.The overall IOP reduction percentage was higher in the KDB group(26.2%)than in the iStent group(19.0%)12 mo postoperatively(P=0.03).Hyphema occurred significantly more frequently in the KDB group(16.3%)than in the iStent group(2.3%,P=0.017).CONCLUSION:KDB and iStent procedures combined with cataract surgery both result in significant IOP and glaucoma medication reductions after the 12-month followup.The patients in the KDB group have a higher success rate for the target IOP of less than 18 mm Hg and a higher complication rate than those in the iStent group.
基金Supported by Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research(No.25420903)from the Ministry of Education,Culture,Sports,Science and Technology of Japan and Japan Industrial Location Center
文摘Hydriding properties of uranium alloys have been studied to search for new hydrogen storage materials to be applied to hydrogen energy systems. Application of uranium-base hydrogen storage materials can be expected to alleviate the risk, as well as to reduce the cost incurred by globally-stored large amounts of depleted uranium left after uranium enrichment. Various uranium alloys have been examined in terms of hydrogen absorptiondesorption properties, among which UNi Al intermetallic compound showed promising characteristics, such as lower absorption-desorption temperatures and better anti-powdering strength. First principle calculation has been carried out on UNi Al hydride to predict the change of crystal structure and the lattice constant with increasing hydrogen content, which showed this calculation to be promising in predicting candidates for good hydrogen absorbers.
文摘This study aimed to examine trial-to-trial reliability of a new clinical test, rapid reaction step cued on a screen test, and its relationship with fall risk score, independence in activity of daily living score, and various leg muscle function tests. One-hundred fifty seven older women participated in this study. Nine square plates (32 × 32 cm) were lined up with three plates. Participants stood on a center plate and were instructed to step, using one leg, to one of the other eight plates, as quickly as possible, when that plate changed in color from white to red. The mean total time and the mean total error time of rapid reaction step cued on a screen and, fall risk score, activity of daily living score, lower muscle function (isometric muscle strength: toe flexion, plantar flexion, knee extension, hip flexion;balance: one leg standing time with eye open, functional reach test;gait: 10 m walk time with maximal speed). Results: trial-to-trial reliabilities of step parameters were high (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.75 - 0.85). The step parameters correlated significantly with the other parameters except for toe flexion and hip flexion strengths. In conclusion, the present step test was found to evaluate physical function related to prevention of falls in older people.
文摘The electricity-conducting rubber force sensor is an attractive candidate as a low-cost material for tactile sensors. This article shows the evidence that the output reproducibility is largely improved when two identical sheets of the sensors are stacked. The stacked structure may reduce accidental error that is a fatal obstacle in an accurate control system.
文摘In this paper, the authors analyze the influence that connection of many distributed generators （DGs） has on the harmonics of the distribution network from the viewpoints of harmonic current, harmonic voltage, and voltage total harmonic distortion （THD）, when it is assumed that the harmonic voltages or the harmonic currents in a distribution network increases by connection of many DGs through the inverters. The analysis on the influence of DGs is carried out by using a standard analytical model of distribution network with DGs based on the practical data. The authors evaluate quantitatively the influence which harmonics generated from DGs has on the harmonics of the distribution network, and analyze visually about propagation of harmonics within the distribution network. In addition, the authors also verify about the restraint effect of the harmonics in the network scale by the active filters installation.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.11075100 and 11565001)the Natural Foundation of Shanxi Province(No.2011011001-2)the Shanxi Provincial Foundation for Returned Overseas Chinese Scholars,China(No.2011-058)
文摘The emission angle distribution of projectile fragments(PFs)and the temperature of PF emission sources for fragmentation of 56Fe on polyethylene,carbon,and aluminum targets at the highest energy of 497 A MeV are investigated on the basis of corrected data,using a CR-39 plastic nuclear track detector.It is found that the average emission angle of PFs increases with the decrease in PF charge for the same target,and no obvious dependence of angular distribution on the mass of the target nucleus is found for the same PF.The cumulative squared transverse momentum distribution of PFs can be well represented by a single Rayleigh distribution.The temperature of PF emission sources is extracted from the distribution,and it is about 1.0-8.0 MeV and does not depend on the mass of the target for PFs with charges of 9≤Z≤25.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos 11075100,11347198 and 11565001the Shanxi Provincial Science Foundation under Grant No 2011011001-2
文摘The total and partial charge-changing cross sections of 28 Si on carbon targets at 736 and 723 A Me V are studied by CR-39 plastic nuclear track detectors using the HSP-1000 microscope system and the PitFit track measurement software. The values of the total charge-changing cross section are σtot=（11794-50） mb and σtot=（11864-42） mb at 736 and 723A MeV, respectively. The result is compared with the ones obtained by other experimental and theoretical results. The odd-even effect of the partial charge-changing cross section is observed.
文摘The superior colliculus (SC) is a laminated midbrain structure responsible for visual orientation behaviors. In the mature SC, neurons in the stratum griseum superficiale (SGS) receive visual inputs that contribute to exciting premotor neurons in the stratum griseum intermediale (SGI) through a dorsoventral pathway. SGI activation generates feedback signals to the SGS through a ventrodorsal pathway. However, the developmental changes in signal transmission within the SC around the time of eye opening are not yet well understood. We compared the functional connections between the SGS and SGI before and after eye opening by imaging the neuronal population responses using a voltage-sensitive absorption dye in mouse SC slices. Electrophoresis of a fluorescent dye from the stimulating electrodes was used to fill the cells in the stimulated site. We here show that the dorsoventral transmission is present both before and after eye opening. This is in contrast to our previous finding that the ventrodorsal transmission develops after eye opening. Functions of intrinsic inhibitory systems mediated by gamma-aminobutyric acid were also investigated with the antagonist. The processes stained by electrophoresis from stimulating electrodes before eye opening were confined within the respective stimulated layers. Whereas, after eye opening, the processes were widely extended especially dorsoventrally and ventrodorsally invading the SGI and SGS, respectively. These corresponded well to the early component of voltage responses that is known to reflect the activation of presynaptic elements, presumably the axonal arborizations and varicosities. Thus, the optically-revealed functional connections between the SGS and SGI were correlated to the morphology.
文摘A new interlacer is used in this paper to investigate the effect of processing conditions on the properties of interlaced yarn. The experimental results show that number of tangles of interlaced yarn changes little with air pressure from 0.2 MPa to 0.5 MPa, and the number of tangles has a maximum value with yarn speed changing. For two yarn directions of entering and leaving yarn guide of interalcer, the yarn speed for the maximum number of tangles is 400 m/rain and 600 m/rain, respectively. The number of tangles changes with air pressure and yarn speed for two yarn directions is compared.
文摘A silver electrode was anodized in lowly concentrated potassium chloride solution almost under the steady state to generate a deposit of silver chloride on the electrode, and the deposit was cathodically stripped by linear potential scan to evaluate the reduction charge. Then the oxidation charge was larger than the reduction one. Since the equality was valid for long term chronocoulometry at the double potential step, the inequality is not due to any irreversibility of electrode reactions, but can be attributed to the process of the cathodic potential scan. A reason for the inequality is the negative charge of the capacitance involved in the electrode reaction, which has been observed in simple, dissolved redox species like a ferrocenyl derivative. The negative capacitive currents are conspicuous for high concentrations of redox species on the electrode because they result from the orientation of the dipoles of the redox species coupled with counterion, of which direction is opposite to that of the solvent dipoles. If a silver chloride film was thin enough to be regarded as a monolayer, we found that half of the cathodic stripping charge should be lost by the negative capacitance.
文摘Several countries are developing and deploying SFRs even after the accident at Tokyo Electric Power Company’s Fukushima Dai-Ichi Nuclear Power Station. However, the Fukushima accident prompted all countries to redefine the fast reactor programs. The drastic safety enhancement is the most important issue to be established. In light of this situation, key essence of the safety improvement is reviewed in this paper by referring the achievements of the recent International Workshop on Prevention and Mitigation of Severe Accidents in SFRs which was held by Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in June, 2012 and the findings published in the past journals including those of the International Conference on Fast Reactor and Related Fuel Cycles (FR09) held by IAEA in December, 2009.
基金approved by our institutional review board(No.20210035).
文摘BACKGROUND Although contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)using gadoxetic acid has been shown to have higher accuracy,sensitivity,and specificity for the detection and characterization of hepatic metastases compared with other modalities,the long examination time would limit the broad indication.Several abbreviated enhanced MRI(Ab-MRI)protocols without dynamic phases have been proposed to achieve equivalent diagnostic performance for the detection of colorectal liver metastases.However,an optimal protocol has not been established,and no studies have assessed the diagnostic performance of Ab-MRI combined with contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CE-CT),which is the preoperative imaging of colorectal cancer staging in clinical settings,to determine the best therapeutic strategy.AIM To compare the diagnostic performance of two kinds of Ab-MRI protocol with the standard MRI protocol and a combination of the Ab-MRI protocol and CE-CT for the detection of colorectal liver metastases.METHODS Study participants comprised 87 patients(51 males,36 females;mean age,67.2±10.8 years)who had undergone gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI and CE-CT during the initial work-up for colorectal cancer from 2010 to 2021.Each exam was independently reviewed by two readers in three reading sessions:(1)Only single-shot fast spin echo(FSE)T2-weighted or fat-suppressed-FSE-T2-weighted,diffusion-weighted,and hepatobiliary-phase images(Ab-MRI protocol 1 or 2);(2)all acquired MRI sequences(standard protocol);and(3)a combination of an Ab-MRI protocol(1 or 2)and CE-CT.Diagnostic performance was then statistically analyzed.RESULTS A total of 380 Lesions were analyzed,including 195 metastases(51.4%).Results from the two Ab-MRI protocols were similar.The sensitivity,specificity,and positive and negative predictive values from Ab-MRI were non-inferior to those from standard MRI(P>0.05),while those from the combination of Ab-MRI protocol and CE-CT tended to be higher than those from Ab-MRI alone,although the difference was not significant(P>0.05),and were quite similar to those from standard MRI(P>0.05).CONCLUSION The diagnostic performances of two Ab-MRI protocols were non-inferior to that of the standard protocol.Combining Ab-MRI with CE-CT provided better diagnostic performance than Ab-MRI alone.
文摘This study examines the difference of the center of gravity (CG) velocity during sit-to-stand (STS) movement between the elderly with and without fall experience. Fifteen elderly without fall experience (age: 75.7 ± 4.8 yr), with one fall experience (age: 75.7 ± 5.0 yr), and two or more fall experiences (age: 75.7 ± 4.8 yr) participated in the measurement of 10m maximal walking speed, functional reach, one-legged standing duration with vision, maximal isometric knee extension, hip flexion, ankle extension and toe flexion muscle strengths, fall risk assessment and ADL questionnaire, and CG velocity during STS movement. No significant differences were found in muscle strength, walking and balance tests (F 0.078). The group with two or more fall experiences was significantly higher than the other groups in the fall risk assessment, and lower than the group without fall experience in ADL (F = 8.5 and 6.1, p = 0.001 and 0.005). Meanwhile, significant differences were found in the maximal and mean CG velocity during STS movement among all groups. The group without fall experience was the greatest, and the group with fall experience was less than half (F = 9.0 and 11.1, p = 0.001
