非症候群性歯牙欠損症における新規PAX9遺伝子変異

PAX9 is a transcription factor expressed in the tooth mesenchyme during tooth morphogenesis. In Pax9-null mice, tooth development is arrested at the bud stage. In humans, heterozygous mutations in PAX9 have been associated with non-syndromic tooth agenesis, predominantly in the molars. Here, we report 2 novel mutations in the paired domain of PAX9, a three-nucleotide deletion (73-75 delATC) and a missense mutation (C146T), in two unrelated Japanese patients with non-syndromic tooth agenesis. The individual with the 73-75del ATC mutation was missing all maxillary molars and mandibular second and third molars. The individual with the C146T mutation was missing the mandibular central incisors, maxillary second premolars, and first molars, along with all second and third molars. Both mutations affected amino acids that are highly conserved among different species and are critical for DNA binding. When both mutants were transfected to COS7 cells, nuclear localization of PAX9 proteins was not affected. However, reduced expression of the mutant proteins and almost no transcriptional activity of the target BMP4 gene were observed, suggesting haploinsufficiency of PAX9 as the cause of nonsyndromic tooth agenesis

The kinetics of neutrophils in photodynamic theraphy as anti-tumor

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is known for its antitumor property. PDT uses a photosensitizer combined with light to kill cancer cells. Different to other non-surgical cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy which suppress immune system, it is suggested that PDT promotes an accumulation of neutrophils causing destruction of tumor cells; however, this is not be fully elucidated. Neutrophils is known to be a main player in the innate immunity and is closely related to the inflammation of the tumor site after PDT. Therefore, in this research, we investigated the relationship of neutrophils kinetics and anti-tumor property of PDT

Expression of ACYL-Coenzyme A:Cholesterol Acyltransferase-1 (ACAT-1) Protein in Human Atherosclerotic Lesions and Cultured Monocytes-Macrophages

The ACAT gene was first cloned in 1993 (Chang et al., J. Biol. Chem. 1993;268:20747-20755; designated as ACAT-1). Using affinity purified antibodies raised against N-terminal portion of human ACAT-1 protein, we performed immunohistochemical localization studies, and showed that the ACAT-1 protein was highly expressed in the atherosclerotic lesions of human aorta. We also performed cell-specific localization studies using double immunostaining, and showed that ACAT-1 was predominantly expressed in macrophages, but not in smooth muscle cells. We then used cell culture system in vitro to monitor the ACAT-1 expression in differentiating monocytes-macrophages</p

Meiotic spindle size is a strong indicator of human oocyte quality

Abstract Purpose To investigate the relationship between the meiotic spindle size in human metaphase II oocytes and embryo developmental potential after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Methods Analyzed were 1302 oocytes with a visible meiotic spindle from 281 patients aged under 40 years undergoing ICSI cycles. The meiotic spindle was imaged by using PolScope before ICSI. The oocytes were classified into three groups, according to spindle size: group A (120 μm2). Results Overall, 389 (29.9%) oocytes were classified into group A, 662 (50.8%) into group B, and 251 (19.3%) into group C. The fertilization rate of the group B oocytes was significantly higher than for the A and C oocytes. The blastocyst formation rate in group B was significantly higher than in group A. In addition, the pregnancy rate in group B was significantly higher than in the other two groups. Conclusion The oocytes with a spindle size of 90‐120 μm2 showed higher fertilization, blastocyst formation, and clinical pregnancy rates than those with larger or smaller spindles. The measurement of the meiotic spindle size thus has a positive predictive value for identifying human embryo developmental potential clinically

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Loose and Compressed Wood Chip Mulch in Field-Grown Blueberries—A Preliminary Study

Blueberry production in the field faces several challenges, including competition from weeds and soil suitability. Different mulch types are widely used in blueberry cultivation to control weeds, conserve moisture, and mitigate soil erosion. However, the comparative effects of loose and compressed wood chips on fruit quality and weed control in blueberry production systems have not been studied. Many farmers use expensive imported peat moss as soil covers, while others apply organic mulches such as chips or chaff, which can be easily washed away by runoff. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of compressed mulching boards (MB) fabricated without the use of chemical adhesives using pressurized steam and compression technologies in blueberry cultivation. During the two growing seasons, the effectiveness of compressed MB on soil moisture retention, fruit quality, and weed biomass was compared to that of wood chip (WC) and control treatments in a blueberry field. Although a significant difference was observed in the fruit fresh weight, no significant differences were observed in the other fruit growth parameters for all the treatments. Generally, the compressed MB significantly improved soil moisture retention capacity compared to WC and control during the two-year study. The compressed MB showed effective weed suppression ability by significantly reducing the weed biomass at all sampling times.Research on Agriculture and Food ScienceJST CRESTPeer Reviewe

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Loose and Compressed Wood Chip Mulch in Field-Grown Blueberries—A Preliminary Study

Blueberry production in the field faces several challenges, including competition from weeds and soil suitability. Different mulch types are widely used in blueberry cultivation to control weeds, conserve moisture, and mitigate soil erosion. However, the comparative effects of loose and compressed wood chips on fruit quality and weed control in blueberry production systems have not been studied. Many farmers use expensive imported peat moss as soil covers, while others apply organic mulches such as chips or chaff, which can be easily washed away by runoff. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of compressed mulching boards (MB) fabricated without the use of chemical adhesives using pressurized steam and compression technologies in blueberry cultivation. During the two growing seasons, the effectiveness of compressed MB on soil moisture retention, fruit quality, and weed biomass was compared to that of wood chip (WC) and control treatments in a blueberry field. Although a significant difference was observed in the fruit fresh weight, no significant differences were observed in the other fruit growth parameters for all the treatments. Generally, the compressed MB significantly improved soil moisture retention capacity compared to WC and control during the two-year study. The compressed MB showed effective weed suppression ability by significantly reducing the weed biomass at all sampling times