Composting Characteristics of Bovine Manure Produced by Conventional Stacked Processing and an Experimental Small-Scale Apparatus

Southern Kyushu is an important center of beef production in Japan and the large amounts of bovine waste that are produced in the region need to be utilized in a way that is not harmful to the environment. One such method is to use the manure to produce organic fertilizer, which can then be used to replace the chemical fertilizer that is used for forage production (Hasyim et al., 2014). The composting of bovine manure involves co-digestion of cow manure with substrates such as sawdust and hay. The composting characteristics of these mixtures are influenced by the relative amounts of manure and the substrate used, and by external and internal composting conditions (Guo et al., 2012). Conventional stacked composting requires large volumes of materials, and repeating the composting procedure to produce compost with uniform characteristics is difficult (Kajiya et al., 2013). However, optimization of bovine manure composting has been established using a small-scale apparatus that can be operated by hand (Kajiya et al., 2014). However, the composting characteristics of the apparatus have not yet been compared with those associated with conventional stacked processing. The present study therefore compared the composting characteristics of these two methods in terms of the temperature profile during the composting process, physicochemical properties of composted manure, and percentage germination of plants; all of these methods have been advocated for use as safety indices for compost intended for application to cultivated crops (Cobo et al., 2002)

GlmS and NagB Regulate Amino Sugar Metabolism in Opposing Directions and Affect Streptococcus mutans Virulence

Streptococcus mutans is a cariogenic pathogen that produces an extracellular polysaccharide (glucan) from dietary sugars, which allows it to establish a reproductive niche and secrete acids that degrade tooth enamel. While two enzymes (GlmS and NagB) are known to be key factors affecting the entrance of amino sugars into glycolysis and cell wall synthesis in several other bacteria, their roles in S. mutans remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated the roles of GlmS and NagB in S. mutans sugar metabolism and determined whether they have an effect on virulence. NagB expression increased in the presence of GlcNAc while GlmS expression decreased, suggesting that the regulation of these enzymes, which functionally oppose one another, is dependent on the concentration of environmental GlcNAc. A glmS-inactivated mutant could not grow in the absence of GlcNAc, while nagB-inactivated mutant growth was decreased in the presence of GlcNAc. Also, nagB inactivation was found to decrease the expression of virulence factors, including cell-surface protein antigen and glucosyltransferase, and to decrease biofilm formation and saliva-induced S. mutans aggregation, while glmS inactivation had the opposite effects on virulence factor expression and bacterial aggregation. Our results suggest that GlmS and NagB function in sugar metabolism in opposing directions, increasing and decreasing S. mutans virulence, respectively

Optineurin regulates osteoblastogenesis through STAT1

A sophisticated and delicate balance between bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts regulates bone metabolism. Optineurin (OPTN) is a gene involved in primary open-angle glaucoma and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Although its function has been widely studied in ophthalmology and neurology, recent reports have shown its possible involvement in bone metabolism through negative regulation of osteoclast differentiation. However, little is known about the role of OPTN in osteoblast function. Here, we demonstrated that OPTN controls not only osteoclast but also osteoblast differentiation. Different parameters involved in osteoblastogenesis and osteoclastogenesis were assessed in Optn−/- mice. The results showed that osteoblasts from Optn−/- mice had impaired alkaline phosphatase activity, defective mineralized nodules, and inability to support osteoclast differentiation. Moreover, OPTN could bind to signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) and regulate runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) nuclear localization by modulating STAT1 levels in osteoblasts. These data suggest that OPTN is involved in bone metabolism not only by regulating osteoclast function but also by regulating osteoblast function by mediating RUNX2 nuclear translocation via STAT1

Effect of lamotrigine in the treatment of bipolar depression with psychotic features: a case report

Abstract Background Major depressive episodes with psychotic features are more common in bipolar disorder than in major depressive disorder; however, there is little information on the optimal treatment for bipolar depression with psychotic features. Case presentation The patient was a 69-year-old man. At the age of 66, he was admitted to the hospital for the treatment of bipolar depression with psychotic features. He was treated with a combination therapy of antipsychotics and antidepressants during long-term hospitalization. At the age of 69, he relapsed and was admitted to the hospital again. He was initially treated with olanzapine and lithium for the treatment of bipolar depression with psychotic features. He partially responded to the combination therapy, and psychomotor retardation and delusion of guilt disappeared; however, he developed psychomotor agitation and delusion of persecution, which was a mood-incongruent psychotic feature. Finally, he fully recovered with an additional dosage of lamotrigine, and had no experience of relapse after discontinuation of olanzapine. Conclusions This case report implicates the utility of lamotrigine for bipolar depression with psychotic features, and further studies are needed to establish the optimal treatment

Supramolecular Porphyrin‐Based Metal–Organic Frameworks with Fullerenes: Crystal Structures and Preferential Intercalation of C70

The syntheses and characterization of two new porphyrin‐based metal–organic frameworks (P‐MOFs), through the complexation of 5,10,15,20‐tetra‐4‐pyridyl‐21 H,23 H‐porphine (H2TPyP) and copper(II) acetate (CuAcO) in the presence of the fullerenes C60 or C70 are reported. Complex 1 was synthesized in conjunction with C60, and this reaction produced a two‐dimensional (2D) porous structure with the composition CuAcO‐CuTPyP⊃m‐dichlorobenzene (m‐DCB), in which C60 molecules were not intercalated. Complex 2 was synthesized in the presence of C70, generating a three‐dimensional (3D) porous structure, in which C70 was intercalated, with the composition CuAcO‐CuTPyP⋅C70⊃m‐DCB⋅CHCl3. The structures of these materials were determined by X‐ray diffraction to identify the supramolecular interactions that lead to 2D and 3D crystal packing motifs. When a combination of C60 and C70 was employed, C70 was found to be preferentially intercalated between the porphyrins.How Porefessional: Solutions of copper(II) acetate (CuAcO), 5,10,15,20‐tetra‐4‐pyridyl‐21 H,23H‐porphine (H2TPyP), and fullerenes C70 or C60 produce crystalline precipitates with the compositions CuAcO‐CuTPyP⊃m‐dichlorobenzene (m‐DCB) (1) and CuAcO‐CuTPyP⋅C70⊃m‐DCB⋅CHCl3 (2). The structures of these materials have been determined by X‐ray diffraction to identify the supramolecular interactions that lead to two‐ and three‐dimensional crystal packing motifs. Complexation in the presence of both C60 and C70 leads to preferential intercalation of C70 between the porphyrins.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/137276/1/asia201501422-sup-0001-misc_information.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/137276/2/asia201501422.pd

Supramolecular Porphyrin‐Based Metal–Organic Frameworks with Fullerenes: Crystal Structures and Preferential Intercalation of C70

The syntheses and characterization of two new porphyrin‐based metal–organic frameworks (P‐MOFs), through the complexation of 5,10,15,20‐tetra‐4‐pyridyl‐21 H,23 H‐porphine (H2TPyP) and copper(II) acetate (CuAcO) in the presence of the fullerenes C60 or C70 are reported. Complex 1 was synthesized in conjunction with C60, and this reaction produced a two‐dimensional (2D) porous structure with the composition CuAcO‐CuTPyP⊃m‐dichlorobenzene (m‐DCB), in which C60 molecules were not intercalated. Complex 2 was synthesized in the presence of C70, generating a three‐dimensional (3D) porous structure, in which C70 was intercalated, with the composition CuAcO‐CuTPyP⋅C70⊃m‐DCB⋅CHCl3. The structures of these materials were determined by X‐ray diffraction to identify the supramolecular interactions that lead to 2D and 3D crystal packing motifs. When a combination of C60 and C70 was employed, C70 was found to be preferentially intercalated between the porphyrins.How Porefessional: Solutions of copper(II) acetate (CuAcO), 5,10,15,20‐tetra‐4‐pyridyl‐21 H,23H‐porphine (H2TPyP), and fullerenes C70 or C60 produce crystalline precipitates with the compositions CuAcO‐CuTPyP⊃m‐dichlorobenzene (m‐DCB) (1) and CuAcO‐CuTPyP⋅C70⊃m‐DCB⋅CHCl3 (2). The structures of these materials have been determined by X‐ray diffraction to identify the supramolecular interactions that lead to two‐ and three‐dimensional crystal packing motifs. Complexation in the presence of both C60 and C70 leads to preferential intercalation of C70 between the porphyrins.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/137276/1/asia201501422-sup-0001-misc_information.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/137276/2/asia201501422.pd

Multiple External Root Resorption of Teeth as a New Manifestation of Systemic Sclerosis—A Cross-Sectional Study in Japan

Background: Multiple external root resorption (MERR) has been reported in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients in Japan and Spain. To establish whether MERR is a new manifestation, we investigated the prevalence of MERR and systemic and oral manifestations to be associated with MERR in patients with SSc. Methods: Root resorption was detected by dental X-rays, panoramagraphy or cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The prevalence of systemic and oral manifestations was examined by rheumatologists and dentists, respectively. Autoantibodies were investigated using laboratory tests. Results: MERR was detected in four out of the 41 patients (9.8%) who participated in the present study. The prevalence of digital ulcers was significantly higher in patients with MERR (MERR vs. non-MERR, 75% vs. 16.2%, p < 0.05), whereas that of other systemic manifestations was not. The prevalence of face skin sclerosis (100% vs. 10.8%, p < 0.01), calcinosis at the facial region (75% vs. 0%, p < 0.01), limited mouth opening (75% vs. 18.9% p < 0.05), temporomandibular disorder symptoms (50% vs. 2.7%, p < 0.05), and tongue rigidity (75% vs. 2.7%, p < 0.05) was significantly higher in patients with MERR. Conclusion: SSc patients with MERR had highly homogenous maxillofacial manifestations. Further clinical and basic studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying MERR in SSc patients

<i>Streptococcus mutans</i> growth curves in various bacterial media.

<p>A small aliquot of an overnight culture of WT (circle), <i>glmS</i> mutant (square), <i>nagB</i> mutant (triangle), <i>glmS</i> complement strain (square, dashed line) or <i>nagB</i> complement strain (triangle, dashed line) cells was inoculated into TSB or CDM-G50 with or without 10 mM GlcNAc and incubated at 37°C with 5% CO₂. Growth was monitored by measuring the OD₆₆₀.</p

GlmS, NagB, and virulence factor expression in WT UA159 cells, its deletion mutants, and complementation strains.

<p>After washing overnight cultures of WT and mutant cells, a small aliquot of each was inoculated into CDM-G50 containing various concentrations of GlcNAc and incubated at 37°C with 5% CO₂. At an OD₆₆₀ of 0.5, the cells were collected and prepared for immunoblotting (A) and quantitative PCR (B) as described in the <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0033382#s2" target="_blank">Materials and Methods</a>. *<i>p</i> < 0.05, as determined by Tukey’s HSD; **<i>p</i> < 0.005, as determined by Tukey’s HSD.</p