EROS: an internal open multilingual platform for image content retrieval dedicated to conservation-restoration exchange between cultural institutions

An Open Source high performance and flexible database system dedicated to art conservation-restoration and research has been developed by Celartem Technology in association with the C2RMF to handle information on works of art. This includes detailed information on the works themselves as well as information relating to digital images of the works, restoration reports and image recognition meta-data. Other kinds of information can also be added as required. The system includes advanced multilingual searching and indexing capabilities as well as a high resolution image viewer and image content recognition modules. The data can be presented in XML or other formats. Separate databases can also be linked together to allow information to be exchanged and analysed not only within museum laboratories, but between different institutions also

Beneficial effects of a new neuroprotective compound in neuronal cells and MPTP-administered mouse model of Parkinson's disease

A new compound, a derivative of 3,4,5-trimethoxy-N-phenyl benzamide bearing an 8 ''-methylimidazopyridine moiety, is found to demonstrate neuroprotective effects by preventing cell death caused by oxidative stress. The compound possesses high solubility and metabolic stability, and inhibits MPTP-induced effects in vivo, indicating high potential as a therapeutic drug for Parkinson's disease. A new compound, a derivative of 3,4,5-trimethoxy-N-phenyl benzamide bearing an 8 ''-methylimidazopyridine moiety, is found to demonstrate neuroprotective effects by preventing cell death caused by oxidative stress

Clinical and genomic features of non‐small cell lung cancer occurring in families

Abstract Background Exposure to environmental carcinogens, such as through smoking, is a major factor in the carcinogenesis of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, genetic factors may also contribute. Methods To identify candidate tumor suppressor genes for NSCLC, we included 23 patients (10 related pairs and 3 individuals) with NSCLC who had other NSCLC‐affected first‐degree relatives in a local hospital. Exome analyses for both germline and somatic (NSCLC specimens) DNA were performed for 17 cases. Germline exome data of these 17 cases revealed that most of the short variants were identical to the variants in 14KJPN (a Japanese reference genome panel of more than 14 000 individuals) and only a nonsynonymous variant in the DHODH gene, p.A347T, was shared between a pair of NSCLC patients in the same family. This variant is a known pathogenic variant of the gene for Miller syndrome. Results Somatic genetic alterations in the exome data of our samples showed frequent mutations in the EGFR and TP53 genes. Principal component analysis of the patterns of 96 types of single nucleotide variants (SNVs) suggested the existence of unique mechanisms inducing somatic SNVs in each family. Delineation of mutational signatures of the somatic SNVs with deconstructSigs for the pair of germline pathogenic DHODH variant‐positive cases showed that the mutational signatures of these cases included SBS3 (homologous recombination repair defect), SBS6, 15 (DNA mismatch repair), and SBS7 (ultraviolet exposure), suggesting that disordered pyrimidine production causes increased errors in DNA repair systems in these cases. Conclusion Our results suggest the importance of the detailed collection of data on environmental exposure along with genetic information on NSCLC patients to identify the unique combinations that cause lung tumorigenesis in a particular family

Novel artificial nerve transplantation of human iPSC-derived neurite bundles enhanced nerve regeneration after peripheral nerve injury

Abstract Background Severe peripheral nerve damage always requires surgical treatment. Autologous nerve transplantation is a standard treatment, but it is not sufficient due to length limitations and extended surgical time. Even with the available artificial nerves, there is still large room for improvement in their therapeutic effects. Novel treatments for peripheral nerve injury are greatly expected. Methods Using a specialized microfluidic device, we generated artificial neurite bundles from human iPSC-derived motor and sensory nerve organoids. We developed a new technology to isolate cell-free neurite bundles from spheroids. Transplantation therapy was carried out for large nerve defects in rat sciatic nerve with novel artificial nerve conduit filled with lineally assembled sets of human neurite bundles. Quantitative comparisons were performed over time to search for the artificial nerve with the therapeutic effect, evaluating the recovery of motor and sensory functions and histological regeneration. In addition, a multidimensional unbiased gene expression profiling was carried out by using next-generation sequencing. Result After transplantation, the neurite bundle-derived artificial nerves exerted significant therapeutic effects, both functionally and histologically. Remarkably, therapeutic efficacy was achieved without immunosuppression, even in xenotransplantation. Transplanted neurite bundles fully dissolved after several weeks, with no tumor formation or cell proliferation, confirming their biosafety. Posttransplant gene expression analysis highlighted the immune system’s role in recovery. Conclusion The combination of newly developed microfluidic devices and iPSC technology enables the preparation of artificial nerves from organoid-derived neurite bundles in advance for future treatment of peripheral nerve injury patients. A promising, safe, and effective peripheral nerve treatment is now ready for clinical application