To assess the potential of long-lived freshwater bivalve shells as a proxy for river environments, we examined daily and annual growth increments and analysed trace elements in the shells of ...Margaritifera laevis collected alive from the Shiribetsu River, located in the central western region of Hokkaido, Japan. The sum of the daily growth lines within a single annual increment corresponded to the days when the average daily water temperature was greater than 9 °C, suggesting that shell deposition occurred from spring to autumn. The growing degree days (GDD) are correlated with the maximum snow depth in winter and the average river discharge in spring. We conducted trace element microanalysis across daily and annual growth increments by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and compared the results with in situ environmental data. Sharp peaks in the barium/calcium ratio (Ba/Ca) observed during spring river discharge also suggest that the growth of Margaritifera shells is influenced by winter snow volume and meltwater. A 67-year profile of the standard growth index (SGI) estimated from twelve individual annual growth histories correlates to the annual snowfall accumulation. Distinct decadal variability is observed in the SGI and synchronized with the North Pacific Index and Pacific Decadal Oscillation. Sclerochronological approaches using Margaritifera shells could be valuable for reconstructing river and atmospheric conditions during the winter season, which is influenced by the Asian winter monsoon in the central Hokkaido region.
•The freshwater bivalve shells were examined as a proxy of river environments.•The growth degree days are correlated with the maximum snow depth.•Ba/Ca ratios in bivalve shells increase during spring river discharge.•Annual growth histories are corresponding to change in annual snowfall.•Decadal variation of annual growth index synchronizes with NPI and PDO indices.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Aims: Though the number of patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and critical limb ischemia (CLI) is increasing, few histopathological studies of PAD, particularly that involving ...below-the-knee arteries, has been reported. We analyzed the pathology of anterior tibial artery (ATA) and posterior tibial artery (PTA) specimens obtained from patients who underwent lower extremity amputation due to CLIMethods: Dissected ATAs and PTAs were subjected to ex-vivo soft X-ray radiography, followed by pathological examination using 860 histological sections. This protocol was approved by the Ethics Review Board of Nihon University Itabashi Hospital (RK-190910-01) and Kyorin University Hospital (R02-179).Results: The calcified area distribution was significantly larger in PTAs than in ATAs on soft X-ray radiographic images (ATAs, 48.3% ±19.2 versus PTAs, 61.6% ±23.9; p＜0.001). Eccentric plaque with necrotic core and macrophage infiltration were more prominent in ATAs than in PTAs (eccentric plaque: ATAs, 63.7% versus PTAs, 49.1%; p＜0.0001, macrophage: ATAs, 0.29% 0.095 - 1.1% versus PTAs, 0.12% 0.029 - 0.36%; p＜0.001), histopathologically. Thromboembolic lesions were more frequently identified in PTAs than in ATAs (ATAs, 11.1% versus PTAs 15.8%; p＜0.05). Moreover, post-balloon injury pathology differed between ATAs and PTAs.Conclusions: Histological features differed strikingly between ATAs and PTAs obtained from CLI patients. Clarifying the pathological features of CLI would contribute to establishing therapeutic strategies for PAD, particularly disease involving below-the knee-arteries.
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), causes a potentially life-threatening infection in humans worldwide. Serovar O157:H7, and to a lesser extent serovars O26 and O111, are the most commonly ...reported EHEC serovars responsible for a large number of outbreaks. We have established a rapid discrimination method for E. coli serovars O157, O26 and O111 from other E. coli serovars, based on the pattern matching of mass spectrometry (MS) differences and the presence/absence of biomarker proteins detected in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight MS (MALDI-TOF MS). Three biomarkers, ribosomal proteins S15 and L25, and acid stress chaperone HdeB, with MS m/z peaks at 10138.6/10166.6, 10676.4/10694.4 and 9066.2, respectively, were identified as effective biomarkers for O157 discrimination. To distinguish serovars O26 and O111 from the others, DNA-binding protein H-NS, with an MS peak at m/z 15409.4/15425.4 was identified. Sequence analysis of the O157 biomarkers revealed that amino acid changes: Q80R in S15, M50I in L25 and one mutation within the start codon ATG to ATA in the encoded HdeB protein, contributed to the specific peak pattern in O157. We demonstrated semi-automated pattern matching using these biomarkers and successfully discriminated total 57 O157 strains, 20 O26 strains and 6 O111 strains with 100% reliability by conventional MALDI-TOF MS analysis, regardless of the sample conditions. Our simple strategy, based on the S10-spc-alpha operon gene-encoded ribosomal protein mass spectrum (S10-GERMS) method, therefore allows for the rapid and reliable detection of this pathogen and may prove to be an invaluable tool both clinically and in the food industry.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Although SARS-CoV-2 can infect human placental tissue, vertical transmission is rare. Therefore, the placenta may function as a barrier to inhibit viral transmission to the foetus, though the ...mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we confirmed the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 genome in human placental tissue by in situ hybridization with antisense probes targeting the spike protein; tissue staining was much lower when using sense probes for the spike protein. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first evidence directly indicating inefficient viral replication in the SARS-CoV-2-infected placenta. Additional studies are required to reveal the detailed mechanisms.
•The mechanisms of the placental barrier against SARS-CoV-2 are still unknown.•Replication of SARS-CoV-2 may be restricted in the placenta.•The first compelling evidence of inefficient viral replication in the placenta.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is frequently associated with extrapulmonary complications, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Persistent, low-grade, systemic ...inflammation underlies these comorbid disorders. Tetraspanins, which have a characteristic structure spanning the membrane four times, facilitate lateral organization of molecular complexes and thereby form tetraspanin-enriched microdomains that are distinct from lipid rafts. Recent basic research has suggested a preventive role of tetraspanin CD9 in COPD. CD9-enriched microdomains negatively regulate LPS-induced receptor formation by preventing CD14 from accumulating into the rafts, and decreased CD9 in macrophages enhances inflammation in mice. Mice doubly deficient in CD9 and a related tetraspanin, CD81, show pulmonary emphysema, weight loss, and osteopenia, a phenotype akin to human COPD. A therapeutic approach to up-regulating CD9 in macrophages might improve the clinical course of patients with COPD with comorbidities.
The aim of this study was to retrospectively estimate intervention outcomes and to establish suitable indications for autogenous tiered cartilage augmentation (ATCA) of the posterior pharyngeal wall ...for velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). The sample cohort comprised 17 consecutive patients with VPI (10 boys, 7 girls), excluding syndromic cases. Pre- and postoperative findings were comprehensively evaluated using a combination of speech assessment and lateral pharyngography (LPG). Hypernasality and consonant distortion were scored (normal: 0; mild: 1; moderate: 2; severe: 3). Velopharyngeal gap size at rest (AC) and at maximum closure (BC) were measured on LPG. All patients displayed improvements in velopharyngeal function and speech score, and no patients required re-operation. Pre- and postoperative hypernasality scores were 1.9 ± 0.5 and 0.6 ± 0.5, respectively (P < .001). Pre- and postoperative consonant distortion scores were 1.9 ± 0.6 and 0.6 ± 0.5, respectively (P < .001). Pre- and postoperative AC distances were 8.2 ± 3.4 mm and 5.9 ± 2.6 mm, respectively (P < .001). Pre- and postoperative BC distances were 3.9 ± 2.4 mm and 0.3 ± 0.8 mm, respectively (P < .001).
Conclusions: ATCA appears effective for surgical treatment of VPI patients with a gap less than 10 mm.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Handling errors with household flammables, for example pan burning, may result in serious accidents, which may be caused by decreased attention or executive function. Objective: The manuals by ...several cities simply suggest the use of induction heating (IH) cookers. However, it requires complicated operation of buttons. Furthermore, no previous studies have examined the difficulty of IH operation in older adults. Methods: We examined 166 residents aged 75+ years in Wakuya, consisting 66 Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) 0 (healthy), 79 CDR 0.5 (very mild dementia), and 21 CDR 1+ (dementia) participants. Based on fire accident, they were classified into “high-risk,” “low-risk,” and “safety” groups. They were asked to actually use an IH as an examination. The participants who passed all procedures were classified as “good users,” and the remaining who failed were classified as “poor users.” Their overall cognitive and executive functions were assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Trail Making Test A and Digit Symbol (DS), respectively. Results: The proportions of “good users” in the CDR 0, CDR 0.5, and CDR 1+ groups were 7 (10.6%), 6 (7.3%), and 0 (0%), respectively. For the CDR 0 and CDR 0.5 group, the good users had higher scores on the MMSE and DS than do the poor users. Conclusions: The introduction of IH is too late for “high-risk group.” Since the IH cooker requires complicated operation of buttons, they may be difficult for older residents to handle. Executive function may be examined for early detection of handling errors with household flammables.
RESUMO. Erros no manuseio de artigos domésticos muito aquecidos, por exemplo, panelas, podem resultar em acidentes graves, que podem ser causados por diminuição da atenção ou de funções executivas. Objetivo: Manuais de várias cidades sugerem simplesmente o uso de fogões de aquecimento por indução (FAI), mas esses aparelhos requerem uma operação complexa, com necessidade de uso de diversos botões. No entanto, nenhum estudo anterior examinou a dificuldade de operação de FAI em adultos mais velhos. Métodos: Foram examinados 166 residentes de Wakuya, Japão, com mais de 75 anos, entre os quais 66 participantes com classificação clínica de demência (CDR) 0 (saudável), 79 CDR 0,5 (demência muito leve) e 21 CDR 1+ (demência). Em função do risco de queimadura, eles foram classificados nos grupos “alto,“ “baixo risco” e “sem risco”. Solicitou-se que realmente utilizassem o FAI como parte do exame. Os participantes que passaram em todos os procedimentos foram classificados como “bons usuários”, enquanto os demais foram classificados como “usuários fracos”. As funções cognitivas e executivas globais foram avaliadas por meio do Miniexame do Estado Mental (MEEM), do Teste de Trilha A e do Teste Dígito-Símbolo (DS), respectivamente. Resultados: As proporções de “bons usuários” nos grupos CDR 0, CDR 0,5 e CDR 1+ foram 7 (10,6%), 6 (7,3%) e 0 (0%), respectivamente. Para os grupos CDR 0 e CDR 0,5, os “bons usuários” tiveram pontuações mais altas no MEEM e no DS em comparação com os “usuários fracos”. Conclusões: A introdução de FAI é muito tardia para o grupo de “alto risco”. Uma vez que o FAI requer uma operação complicada com o uso de botões, o seu manuseio pode ser difícil para os residentes mais velhos. A função executiva pode ser examinada para a detecção precoce de erros de manuseio de aparelhos domésticos que podem causar acidentes.
Obirafructus kokubunii gen. & sp. nov. (family Incertae Sedis; order Saxifragales) is proposed based on a permineralized reproductive axis bearing at least 42 spirally arranged follicles. No bracts, ...perianth, stamens, nor their vestiges are present on the axis or the follicle stalk. It is therefore part of single flower and not an inflorescence. The axis is 57 mm long, woody, and contains scalariform perforations on the vessel walls. The flower is inferred to be unisexual, as in Cercidiphyllaceae (Saxifragales). The lower part, which may have borne male organs, is missing. The follicles consist of a conduplicate carpel with marginal placentas alternately bearing 90–100 seeds in two rows. The follicle has dorsal and ventral ridges and the ventral suture dehisces at maturity. The carpel probably has an apical style and stigma at anthesis. The ovules are bitegmic, anatropous. A nucellar cap plugs the micropyle. The seeds are slightly winged, which may represent hydrochory and/or anemochory. Based on these features, Obirafructus kokubunii probably inhabited a fluvial plain. The follicle clusters of Joffrea and Jenkinsella (fossil Cercidiphyllaceae) apparently resemble those of O. kokubunii; but they represent inflorescences. Obirafructus kokubunii adds a new morphotype to the past diversity of basal Saxifragales.
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