Review
Genetics & Heredity
David M. Dolivo
Summary: Fibrosis is a pathological tissue repair process that leads to nearly half of deaths in developed countries. Current therapies targeting fibrosis are lacking, highlighting the significance of basic science research and anti-fibrotic modalities.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR MEDICINE-JMM
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Chi Zhang, Jianxiong Wang, Yujie Xie, Li Wang, Lishi Yang, Jihua Yu, Akira Miyamoto, Fuhua Sun
Summary: This study successfully fabricated waterborne polyurethane fibrous membranes loaded with fibroblast growth factor-2, which can promote periodontal tissue regeneration through mimicking the vascularization of the biomimetic membrane.
REGENERATIVE BIOMATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jan Vilim, Tereza Ghazalova, Eliska Petulova, Aneta Horackova, Veronika Stepankova, Radka Chaloupkova, David Bednar, Jiri Damborsky, Zbynek Prokop
Summary: Researchers have successfully enhanced the stability of FGF18 through rational protein engineering, resulting in a stable variant called FGF18-E4, which shows promise in treating osteoarthritis.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Joshua M. Hack, Nareen Z. Anwar, John G. Jackson, Meagan E. Furth, Victor D. Varner
Summary: During heart tube formation in the early avian embryo, the endoderm around the anterior intestinal portal (AIP) actively contracts, pulling the cardiac progenitor cells toward the midline. This study used fluorescent labeling to track the motion of endodermal cells and computed strains along the anterior endoderm, revealing a mediolateral gradient in endodermal shortening around the AIP and significant convergence and extension movements. These active endodermal deformations were disrupted when actomyosin contractility or FGF signaling was inhibited, highlighting their importance in heart tube formation.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Melany D. Rosas, Cristian M. Piqueras, Gryele K. Piva, M. Veronica Ramirez-Rigo, Lucio Cardozo Filho, Veronica Bucala
Summary: In this study, co-precipitation of α-cyclodextrin and ABZ was successfully achieved using supercritical antisolvent technique, resulting in a new solid form which significantly increased the dissolution rate of ABZ, primarily due to the formation of inclusion complex and synergistic effect between the two components.
JOURNAL OF CO2 UTILIZATION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ryunosuke Nozaki, Atsushi Kasamatsu, Joel Moss, Katsuhiro Uzawa
Summary: The study suggests that LH2 deficiency may prevent fibrosis by reducing the accumulation of LH2-crosslinked collagen, and fibroblasts with LH2 deficiency exhibit faster migration, contributing to enhanced wound healing activity.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yukei Matsumoto, Hirotaka Mutsuzaki, Yuki Hara, Katsuya Nagashima, Eriko Okano, Yohei Yanagisawa, Hiroshi Noguchi, Tadashi Sankai, Masashi Yamazaki
Summary: Coating pedicle screws with an FGF-2-calcium phosphate composite layer can enhance osteointegration in spinal implants, reducing the risk of implant loosening.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL BIOMATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sanjay Kumar, Rakesh Sehgal, M. F. Wani, Mukund Dutt Sharma
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the rheological and stabilization characteristics of MR suspension using core-shell particles (graphene oxide (GO) as a shell and carbonyl iron (CI) as a core). The encapsulation of CI particles with GO enhanced surface roughness and improved stability against sedimentation. GO@g-CI based MR suspensions exhibited promising magnetorheological performance and identical MR characteristics, with varying yield stress.
JOURNAL OF MAGNETISM AND MAGNETIC MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Mary Flokis, Frank J. Lovicu
Summary: FGF-2 and TGF-beta can regulate LEC behavior, with FGF-2 promoting fiber differentiation and TGF-beta inducing EMT. When used together, central LECs undergo EMT while peripheral LECs favor fiber differentiation. This differential regulation is important in the development of lens pathology.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mayuree Rodrat, Kannikar Wongdee, Wasutorn Chankamngoen, Jarinthorn Teerapornpuntakit, Jirawan Thongbunchoo, Duangrudee Tanramluk, Narattaphol Charoenphandhu
Summary: The study found that an excessive influx of calcium ions induced a calcium hyperabsorptive state (CHS) and regulated it through the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23 to prevent excessive calcium uptake and its toxicity. Calcineurin may mediate CaSR's regulatory effect on FGF-23, inhibiting calcium transport by enhancing FGF-23 production.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tasuku Murakami, Daisuke Matsugami, Wataru Yoshida, Kentaro Imamura, Takahiro Bizenjima, Fumi Seshima, Atsushi Saito
Summary: The combination therapy of FGF-2 and DBBM showed better healing effects on experimental periodontal defects compared to using FGF-2 alone. This combined treatment may enhance healing by promoting cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and osteogenic differentiation.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Xuanbin Wang, Xiaohua Liu, Lifeng Tan
Summary: Two new chiral ruthenium (II) complexes, A-1 and A-1, have been synthesized and characterized. The study reveals that A-1 has a weaker binding affinity towards the RNA triplex compared to A-1. Viscosity experiments show that both enantiomers can intercalate into the triplex, but A-1 is a better intercalator than A-1. Thermal denaturation experiments demonstrate that A-1 can more selectively stabilize the Watson-Crick base-paired duplex and the Hoogsteen base-paired third strand of the triplex, and its overall triplex stabilization is stronger than A-1.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
J. Queiros Campos, M. Boulares, M. Raboisson-Michel, G. Verger-Dubois, J. M. Garcia Fernandez, G. Godeau, P. Kuzhir
Summary: Molecular adsorption on the surface of nanoparticles can promote nanoparticle agglomeration and enhance their response to external magnetic fields, especially in the case of magnetic nanoparticles. The synergy between adsorption, agglomeration, and magnetism allows for high specific area nanoparticles to be easily guided or separated by magnetic fields, overcoming limitations in biomedical applications. By utilizing curcumin binding to beta-cyclodextrin-coated iron oxide nanoparticles, this concept has been tested and shown promising results for magnetic drug delivery applications within a short timescale.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zebediah C. Girvin, Laura F. Cotter, Hyung Yoon, Steven J. Chapman, James M. Mayer, Tehshik P. Yoon, Scott J. Miller
Summary: High selectivity in photochemical reactions can be achieved by controlling the transition state.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Jan-Niklas Weber, Rieke Minner-Meinen, Maria Behnecke, Rebekka Biedendieck, Veit G. Haensch, Thomas W. Hercher, Christian Hertweck, Lena van den Hout, Lars Knueppel, Simon Sivov, Jutta Schulze, Ralf-R. Mendel, Robert Haensch, David Kaufholdt
Summary: Molybdenum (Mo) is an essential micronutrient for plants and plays a crucial role in various metabolic processes. A second family of molybdate transporters (MOT2) has been identified, showing involvement in the distribution and usage of molybdate. The MOT2 family is responsible for cellular import of molybdate in leaves and reproductive organs. Additionally, the study also discovered a glutathione-molybdate complex, providing insights into vacuolar storage of molybdate.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shingo Nakamura, Naoko Ando, Masahiro Sato, Masayuki Ishihara
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2020)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Masaaki Matsushima, Ichiro Yabe, Ken Sakushima, Yasuhiro Kanatani, Naoki Nishimoto, Takeshi Matsuoka, Jun Sawada, Haruo Uesugi, Kazuya Sako, Asako Takei, Akiko Tamakoshi, Shun Shimohama, Norihiro Sato, Seiji Kikuchi, Hidenao Sasaki
Summary: This study is the first large-scale prospective MSA cohort study in Asia. MSA-C was dominant, but the use of antiparkinsonian drugs increased over the study period. Changes from MSA-C to MSA-P occurred, but not vice versa.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shutaro Karashima, Alexander Humeniuk, Ryuta Uenishi, Takuya Horio, Manabu Kanno, Tetsuro Ohta, Junichi Nishitani, Roland Mitric, Toshinori Suzuki
Summary: The photoinduced ring-opening reaction of 1,3-cyclohexadiene to produce 1,3,5-hexatriene plays a crucial role in the photobiological synthesis of vitamin D-3, following the Woodward-Hoffmann rule and proceeding via nonadiabatic transitions.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Review
Biology
Akiko Eto, Norio Yamamoto, Yasuhiro Kanatani
Summary: Research on vaccines, particularly focusing on safety and efficacy, is crucial for vaccine development, and understanding individual responses to vaccines is important in predicting adverse events. Highly attenuated vaccines, achieved through gene mutations, play a significant role in vaccine development, as they can help identify potential adverse reactions in individuals. The study of LC16m8, a highly attenuated smallpox vaccine, provides insights into individual immune responses and genetic factors that can be valuable in predicting adverse vaccine events.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Masahiro Sato, Shingo Nakamura, Emi Inada, Shuji Takabayashi
Summary: The rat is an important animal model for studying gene function and human diseases. Recent advancements in genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9, have made gene modification in rats easier and more widely used. Traditional methods like microinjection and in vitro electroporation have limitations, but the use of oviductal nucleic acid delivery shows promise in avoiding these limitations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuuki Hata, Hiromi Miyazaki, Masayuki Ishihara, Shingo Nakamura
Summary: Heparin-protamine particles possess self-assembly and adhesive properties, making them functional materials for various biomedical applications.
Article
Biology
Yasuhiro Kanatani, Yoko Sato, Shota Nemoto, Manabu Ichikawa, Osamu Onodera
Summary: Diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases involves a comprehensive evaluation of various characteristics such as family history, neurological findings, brain imaging, and genetic testing. Early diagnosis of diseases like multiple-system atrophy (MSA) can be challenging due to the evolving nature of the condition. Machine learning has the potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy, particularly in identifying important features for disease differentiation among MSA subtypes.
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Takuya Horio, Kento Minamikawa, Tasuku Nishizato, Haruki Hashimoto, Kazuaki Matsumoto, Masashi Arakawa, Akira Terasaki
Summary: This article presents a novel high-repetition-rate photoelectron imaging apparatus for studying the electronic structures of metal cluster anions. The apparatus can generate and manipulate ion bunches to obtain photoelectron images with high kinetic energy resolution. The technique allows for high-count-rate acquisition of photoelectron spectra and angular distributions from various types of anions.
REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
K. Minamikawa, T. Nishizato, H. Hashimoto, K. Matsumoto, M. Arakawa, T. Horio, A. Terasaki
Summary: Valence s electrons in alkali- or coinage-metal clusters delocalize over the metal frameworks, occupying superatomic orbitals (SAOs). This study focuses on exploring SAOs formed in Sc-doped and undoped silver cluster anions using photoelectron imaging and density functional theory calculations. The characterization of SAOs in heteroatom-doped metal clusters has remained challenging due to the doping effects on energy levels and ordering of SAOs.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shun Kawamura, Masato Yamaguchi, Satoshi Kono, Masashi Arakawa, Tomokazu Yasuike, Takuya Horio, Akira Terasaki
Summary: This study investigates the photodestruction of selected size silver cluster anions, Ag- N (-) (N = 3-19), using action spectroscopy to reveal bound electronic states embedded in the continuum. The experiment utilizes a linear ion trap to measure high-quality photodestruction spectra at well-defined temperatures, enabling the identification of bound excited states, Ag- N (-*), above their vertical detachment energies. Structural optimization using density functional theory (DFT) and calculation of vertical excitation energies by time-dependent DFT are performed to assign the observed bound states. Spectral evolution with cluster size is also discussed, revealing a plasmonic band consisting of nearly degenerate individual excitations for N = 19.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Yoshiaki Nakagawa, Kaoru Irisa, Yoshinobu Nakagawa, Yasuhiro Kanatani
Summary: The rising medical costs due to the development of medical care, technological advances, and the ageing society have led to the demand for efficiency improvement in healthcare delivery systems. This study examines whether the National Hospital Organization (NHO) in Japan, formed as part of civil service reform, was able to maintain its key function in the national infrastructure. The results suggest the need for further organizational reforms to sustain the NHO infrastructure in the long term.
Review
Biology
Yuuki Hata, Masayuki Ishihara, Sumiyo Hiruma, Tomohiro Takayama, Shingo Nakamura, Naoko Ando
Summary: Scallop shell-derived calcium oxide (CaO) as a raw material for next-generation disinfectants has shown significant virucidal and microbicidal activities while being compatible with living tissues and the environment. Recent progress in the development of disinfectants from scallop shell-CaO has focused on clinical and daily use applications, including the disinfection of contaminated masks and treatment of infected wounds.
BIOCONTROL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tetsuichiro Hayakawa, Masashi Arakawa, Satoshi Kono, Takefumi Handa, Naho Hayashi, Kento Minamikawa, Takuya Horio, Akira Terasaki
Summary: Small copper-oxide cluster cations CuOAr+ and Cu2O2+ were studied using mass spectrometry and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The oxidation numbers of Cu were found to be approximately +2.1 and +2.3 for CuOAr+ and Cu2O2+, consistent with quantum chemical calculations. The unexpectedly high binding energy of Ar to CuO+ results in the dominant formation of CuOAr+ due to significant charge transfer to the Ar atom.
ZEITSCHRIFT FUR PHYSIKALISCHE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY & CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Biology
Sumiyo Hiruma, Yuuki Hata, Masayuki Ishihara, Tomohiro Takayama, Shingo Nakamura, Naoko Ando, Koichi Fukuda, Yoko Sato, Kaoru Murakami, Hidetaka Yokoe
Summary: BiSCaO Water, derived from scallop shells, shows excellent disinfection activity on contaminated masks.
BIOCONTROL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Naoya Kurahashi, Stephan Thurmer, Suet Yi Liu, Yo-ichi Yamamoto, Shutaro Karashima, Atanu Bhattacharya, Yoshihiro Ogi, Takuya Horio, Toshinori Suzuki
Summary: The magnetic bottle time-of-flight electron spectrometer is designed for time-resolved photoemission spectroscopy of liquid microjet using extreme UV and X-ray radiation. It can be easily reconfigured based on experimental requirements and energy range of interest. A gated electron detector was developed to reject intense parasitic signal from light scattered off the surface of the cylindrically shaped liquid microjet, achieving time-resolved photoelectron spectra measurement for ultrafast charge transfer to solvent reaction.
STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS-US
(2021)
