Sulfidation of metallic iron in the primordial solar nebura

The phase diagram of the Fe-S-H system was constructed based on thermochemical calculations at low total pressure (p(total)=p(H_2)=10^ and 10^ atm). Under these conditions both metallic iron and troilite, and troilite and pyrite are in reaction relation over a wide range of the phase diagram. The most important characteristic of the phase diagram is that the peritectic line is highly proximate to the H-S tie line. Based on the reaction relation the rate of the reaction in the solar gas was studied by applying the experimental data of the FeS formation reaction in the field of corrosion science of metals. The rate is controlled by diffusion in a FeS layer and the parabolic rate constant, k, is approximately given by k (cm^2/s)=0.3 exp (-3.5×10^4(cal/mol)/RT) in the solar nebula condition. The reaction degree was estimated based on various conditions of the cooling solar nebula : (1) contant p (S_2), (2) decreasing p (S_2) and (3) a certain saturation temperature above 0K, when the grain size of metallic iron was controlled by homogeneous nucleation theory

Phytosphingosine degradation pathway includes fatty acid alpha-oxidation reactions in the endoplasmic reticulum

Although normal fatty acids (FAs) are degraded via beta-oxidation, unusual FAs such as 2-hydroxy (2-OH) FAs and 3-methyl-branched FAs are degraded via alpha-oxidation. Phytosphingosine (PHS) is one of the long-chain bases (the sphingolipid components) and exists in specific tissues, including the epidermis and small intestine in mammals. In the degradation pathway, PHS is converted to 2-OH palmitic acid and then to pentadecanoic acid (C15:0-COOH) via FA alpha-oxidation. However, the detailed reactions and genes involved in the alpha-oxidation reactions of the PHS degradation pathway have yet to be determined. In the present study, we reveal the entire PHS degradation pathway: PHS is converted to C15: 0-COOH via six reactions [phosphorylation, cleavage, oxidation, CoA addition, cleavage (C1 removal), and oxidation], in which the last three reactions correspond to the alpha-oxidation. The aldehyde dehydrogenase ALDH3A2 catalyzes both the first and second oxidation reactions (fatty aldehydes to FAs). In Aldh3a2-deficient cells, the unmetabolized fatty aldehydes are reduced to fatty alcohols and are incorporated into ether-linked glycerolipids. We also identify HACL2 (2-hydroxyacyl-CoA lyase 2) [previous name, ILVBL; ilvB (bacterial acetolactate synthase)-like] as the major 2-OH acyl-CoA lyase involved in the cleavage (C1 removal) reaction in the FA alpha-oxidation of the PHS degradation pathway. HACL2 is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum. Thus, in addition to the already-known FA alpha-oxidation in the peroxisomes, we have revealed the existence of FA alpha-oxidation in the endoplasmic reticulum in mammals

Mizoribine Inhibits the Proliferation of Renal Stem/Progenitor Cells by G1/S Arrest during Renal Regeneration

Immunosuppressive agents are generally administered to treat kidney diseases. However, it is unclear whether renal stem/progenitor cells are directly affected by the immunosuppressive agents. We used normal rat kidney cells, ureteric bud cells and rat kidney stem/progenitor cells in this study. Mizoribine (MZR), cyclophosphamide (CPA) and cyclosporine (CyA) were added to the culture media of these cells. We evaluated the effects of these immunosuppressive agents on cell proliferation using an electrical cell-substrate impedance sensing system (ECIS) and their effects on the process of renal regeneration using the ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury rat model. The ECIS data showed that proliferation of each of the 3 types of cells was significantly suppressed by MZR. MZR treatment enhanced renal tubular injury in ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injured rats, and significantly decreased levels of M-phase cells and Nestin-positive cells. These results suggested that MZR inhibits the cell cycle of renal stem/progenitor cells;thus, physicians should take note that MZR might affect not only inflammation but also renal regeneration

統合失調症，発達障害，感情障害に対する認知リハビリテーション（NEAR：Neuropsychological and Educational Approach to cognitive Remediation）の効果に関する検討

近年，様々な精神疾患において認知機能障害があることが分かってきており，それらは日常生活や社会生活に大きな影響を及ぼしている．投薬によって精神症状が改善しても，認知機能障害の影響で家庭生活や社会生活に支障を来し，病前と同様の生活に復帰できないことが多い．それらを改善する方法として注目されているのが認知リハビリテーションである．なかでもNEAR（Neuropsychological and Educational Approach to cognitive Remediation）は，学習理論と教育原理を背景に，パソコンソフトを使用するセッションと，生活における認知機能を話し合うセッションから成る，統制のとれたプログラムである．著者は平成23年からNEAR を実施してきた．NEAR は元々統合失調症における認知機能障害のトレーニングプログラムとして開発されたものであるが，同時に発達障害や感情障害に対してもNEAR を実施してきた．本研究での解析症例は，統合失調症群12例，発達障害群13例（広汎性発達障害，注意欠陥／多動性障害，特定不能の学習障害），感情障害群５例（うつ病性障害，双極性障害）である．NEAR の前後で測定した認知機能評価尺度（BACS: The Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia）を解析したところ，統合失調症群における運動機能，感情障害群における遂行機能などを除き，ほとんどの項目で改善傾向を認めた．各疾患別にNEAR 前後のBACS 下位検査平均値を比較すると，運動機能において発達障害群が統合失調症群に比べ有意に改善し，遂行機能において統合失調症群が感情障害群に比べ有意に改善した．NEAR 前後のBACS 下位検査のプロフィールも疾患ごとに特徴的であった．NEAR は発達障害など統合失調症以外の精神疾患に対しても有効であり，疾患ごとに効果の現れ方が異なることが示唆された．Today, it is known that cognitive impairment accompanying various neuropsychiatric conditions deters success at work, school, and activities of daily living. Although symptoms may improve, it is difficult to recover to a fully functional life because they cannot stay at home independently, nor continue their occupation owing to cognitive impairment. Cognitive remediation is a rehabilitation program focused on improving cognitive impairment. NEAR (Neuropsychological and Educational Approach to cognitive Remediation) is a well-regulated program consisting of two types of sessions: one that employs computerassisted software and the other that discusses cognitive function in daily life with the learning theory and the principles of education as back ground. We have used the NEAR program for rehabilitation since 2011. Originally, NEAR is a program designed for schizophrenia, but we have also used it for developmental disorders and affective disorders. The subjects of this study were patients with schizophrenia (N=12), developmental disorder (pervasive developmental disorder, attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder, and learning disorder not otherwise specified, N=13), and affective disorder (depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, N=5). We found improvements in all aspects of cognition assessed by BACS (The Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia) except motor function in schizophrenia and executive function in affective disorder, at baseline and follow-up. Motor function in the developmental disorder group improved significantly compared to the schizophrenia group, and executive function in the schizophrenia group improved significantly compared to the affective disorder group. The six assessment profiles, provided by BACS, were unique to each disorder at baseline and followup. We found that NEAR is an effective program for the improvement of cognitive function in other psychiatric disorders as well as schizophrenia, and represented effects differently in each disorder

Involvement of Fusobacterium Species in Oral Cancer Progression : A Literature Review Including Other Types of Cancer

Chronic inflammation caused by infections has been suggested to be one of the most important cause of cancers. It has recently been shown that there is correlation between intestinal bacteria and cancer development including metastasis. As over 700 bacterial species exist in an oral cavity, it has been concerning that bacterial infection may cause oral cancer. However, the role of bacteria regarding tumorigenesis of oral cancer remains unclear. Several papers have shown that Fusobacterium species deriving the oral cavities, especially, play a crucial role for the development of colorectal and esophageal cancer. F. nucleatum is a well-known oral bacterium involved in formation of typical dental plaque on human teeth and causing periodontal diseases. The greatest characteristic of F. nucleatum is its ability to adhere to various bacteria and host cells. Interestingly, F. nucleatum is frequently detected in oral cancer tissues. Moreover, detection of F. nucleatum is correlated with the clinical stage of oral cancer. Although the detailed mechanism is still unclear, Fusobacterium species have been suggested to be associated with cell adhesion, tumorigenesis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, inflammasomes, cell cycle, etc. in oral cancer. In this review, we introduce the reports focused on the association of Fusobacterium species with cancer development and progression including oral, esophageal, and colon cancers

Increase in the infield critical current density of MgB₂ thin films by high-temperature post-annealing

We propose a novel fabrication technique based on the formation of a Nb protective layer on a MgB₂ hin film and high-temperature post-annealing to increase the critical current density (Jc) of MgB₂ films under an external magnetic field. Analyses of the crystal structure and the composition of the processed MgB₂ films confirmed the suppression of the evaporation and oxidation of Mg by high-temperature annealing above 550 °C. The MgB₂ film annealed at 650 °C exhibited a Jc of 1.62 MA cm⁻² under 5 T, which is the highest reported value for MgB₂ films, wires, and bulk samples to date

Epidemiology and Natural History of Prostatic Diseases

Abstract: The understanding of the epidemiology and natural history of a disease strongly contributes to appropriate diagnoses and the selection of optimal therapies. Epidemiological studies reveal that there are a large number of patients with benign diseases, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis, and there are also many men who do not visit the hospital but who have lower urinary tract symptoms (ULTS). On the other hand, a substantial percentage of prostate cancer is detected in patients who seek medical care because of LUTS. Studies of the natural history of diseases demonstrate the importance of identifying factors that denote progressive BPH. Better identification of these factors will enable us to individualize treatment in a more effective way. The same is true for prostate cancer. To determine which treatment is best suited to each type of patient, we need to understand the natural history of prostate cancer, including observation. This approach will enable us to tailor individualized treatment

Helping-Like Behaviour in Mice Towards Conspecifics Constrained Inside Tubes

Prosocial behaviour, including helping behaviour, benefits others. Recently, helping-like behaviour has been observed in rats, but whether it is oriented towards rescue, social contact with others, or other goals remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated whether helping-like behaviour could be observed in mice similar to that in rats. Because mice are social animals widely used in neuroscience, the discovery of helping-like behaviour in mice would be valuable in clarifying the psychological and biological mechanisms underlying pro-sociability. We constrained mice inside tubes. Subject mice were allowed to move freely in cages with tubes containing constrained conspecifics. The subject mice released both cagemates and stranger mice but did not engage in opening empty tubes. Furthermore, the same behaviour was observed under aversive conditions and with anesthetised conspecifics. Interestingly, hungry mice opened the tubes containing food before engaging in tube-opening behaviour to free constrained conspecifics. Mice showed equal preferences for constrained and freely moving conspecifics. We demonstrated for the first time that mice show tube-opening behaviour. Furthermore, we partly clarified the purpose and motivation of this behaviour. An effective mouse model for helping-like behaviour would facilitate research on the mechanisms underlying prosocial behaviour

Layer-specific expression of extracellular matrix molecules in the mouse somatosensory and piriform cortices

In the developing central nervous system (CNS), extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules have regulating roles such as in brain development, neural-circuit maturation, and synaptic-function control. However, excluding the perineuronal net (PNN) area, the distribution, constituent elements, and expression level of granular ECM molecules (diffuse ECM) present in the mature CNS remain unclear. Diffuse ECM molecules in the CNS share the components of PNNs and are likely functional. As cortical functions are greatly region-dependent, we hypothesized that ECM molecules would differ in distribution, expression level, and components in a region- and layer-dependent manner. We examined the layer-specific expression of several chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (aggrecan, neurocan, and brevican), tenascin-R, Wisteria floribunda agglutinin (WFA)-positive molecules, hyaluronic acid, and link protein in the somatosensory and piriform cortices of mature mice. Furthermore, we investigated expression changes in WFA-positive molecules due to aging. In the somatosensory cortex, PNN density was particularly high at layer 4 (L4), but not all diffuse ECM molecules were highly expressed at L4 compared to the other layers. There was almost no change in tenascin-R and hyaluronic acid in any somatosensory-cortex layer. Neurocan showed high expression in L1 of the somatosensory cortex. In the piriform cortex, many ECM molecules showed higher expression in L1 than in the other layers. However, hyaluronic acid showed high expression in deep layers. Here, we clarified that ECM molecules differ in constituent elements and expression in a region- and layer-dependent manner. Region-specific expression of ECM molecules is possibly related to functions such as region-specific plasticity and vulnerability