Spatiotemporal expression of TRPM4 in the mouse cochlea

The present study was conducted to elucidate the presence of the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 4, TRPM4, in the mouse inner ear. TRPM4 immunoreactivity (IR) was found in the cell body of inner hair cells (IHCs) in the organ of Corti in the apical side of marginal cells of the stria vascularis, in the apical portion of the dark cells of the vestibule, and in a subset of the type II neurons in the spiral ganglion. Subsequently, changes in the distribution and expression of TRPM4 in the inner ear during embryonic and postnatal developments were also evaluated. Immunohistochemical localization demonstrated that the emergence of the TRPM4-IR in IHCs occurs shortly before the onset of hearing, whereas that in the marginal cells happens earlier, at the time of birth, coinciding with the onset of endolymph formation. Furthermore, semiquantitative real-time PCR assay showed that expressions of TRPM4 in the organ of Corti and in the stria vascularis increased dramatically at the onset of hearing. Because TRPM4 is a Ca2+-activated monovalent-selective cation channel, these findings imply that TRPM4 contributes to potassium ion transport, essential for the signal transduction in IHCs and the formation of endolymph by marginal cells. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc

Inhomogeneous distribution of materials in lodranites-acapulcoites and IAB irons and their common formation processes

The two-dimensional chemical mapping analysis (CMA) techniques of EPMA and XRF were applied to a new polished thin section (PTS) of EET84302,28, Acapulco and a 5x3 cm slice of Caddo County to find heterogeneous regional distribution of low temperature fractions in the lodranite-acapulcoite groups and silicate inclusions in the IAB irons. A region richer in metal-plagioclase was found in EET84302,28 and Caddo County. The mineralogy of EET84302,28 is not much different from coarse-grained, metal-rich acapulcoite-like mineral assemblage in EET84302,19, which has chromite-orthopyroxene segregation. Nearly uniform Mg/Fe ratios of silicates modified by reduction at regional oxygen fugacity and large difference in modal abundances of minerals in this meteorite group can be explained by regional concentration of materials when the source materials were partly melted

Spermatic Cord Lymphoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Spermatic cord lymphoma is a rare lethal disease. It has a poor prognosis even in stage I or II disease when treated locally, therefore, multidisciplinary treatment for early stage is recommended. On the other hand, the treatment of choice for stage III or IV spermatic cord lymphoma remains to be determined. It is said that spermatic cord lymphoma is clinicopathologically similar to primary testicular lymphoma, therefore the treatment of spermatic cord lymphoma has often been determined by reference to the recommended treatment for primary testicular lymphoma. Here we report a new case of spermatic cord lymphoma, which was found in stage IV disease. We also review thirty-three cases which have been reported as spermatic cord lymphoma to date, and discuss treatment options

Riesgo de úlceras por presión (UPP) en pacientes internados en las unidades de cuidados intensivos

Introduction: Limited sensory perception, immobility, sedation, mechanical ventilation, tissue hypoperfusion, edema and moisture are considered predisposing factors for the development of pressure ulcers in critically ill patients. Objective: To characterize pressure ulcers in critically ill patients, determine the association with demographic variables, stay in hospital and clinical conditions, and identify risk factors for the development of pressure ulcers. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional was conducted with a sample of patients aged 18 years and older who had no pressure ulcers on admission and had been hospitalized > 24 hours in the Intensive Care Unit. The association of pressure ulcers with each of the variables was assessed using the Mann-Whitney U test, chi-squared test, likelihood ratio, and Fisher’s exact test. Risk factors were identified by multiple logistic regression. Results: Among 324 patients, 46 patients (14.2%) developed pressure ulcers most frequently in sacral and calcaneal regions. Risk factors for pressure ulcers development were age, length of hospital stay and hospital stay before admission to the Intensive Care Unit. Discussion: Such high incidence, location and stage of the identified pressure ulcers expose the vulnerability of intensive care unit patients to this type of injury. Risk factors for pressure ulcers development include aspects related to the patient, hospitalization and disease severity, and their combination should be assessed as part of the daily assessment of the critically ill patient. Conclusions: The occurrence of pressure ulcers in critically ill patients is a multifactorial phenomenon, for which the recognition of risk factors can contribute to the early rapid adoption of measures for their prevention. How to cite this article: Campos, Michelle Mayumi Yoshimura de; Souza, Mariana Fernandes Cremasco de;  Whitaker, Iveth Yamaguchi.  Risco para lesão por pressão em pacientes de unidade de terapia intensiva. Revista Cuidarte. 2021;12(2):e1196. http://dx.doi.org/10.15649/cuidarte.1196    Introdução: As limitações na percepção sensorial, a imobilidade, sedação, ventilação mecânica, hipoperfusão tecidual, edema e umidade são fatores que predispõem o aparecimento da lesão por pressão no paciente crítico. Objetivos: Caracterizar as lesões por pressão em pacientes críticos, verificar sua associação com as variáveis demográficas, da internação, condições clínicas e identificar fatores de risco para lesão por pressão. Método: Estudo transversal que incluiu na amostra pacientes com idade >18 anos, ausência de lesão por pressão à admissão e internação >24 horas na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. Associação da lesão por pressão com as variáveis foi verificada com testes de Mann-Whitney, Qui-quadrado, razão de verossimilhança ou teste exato de Fischer. Fatores de risco foram identificados pela Regressão Logística Multivariada. Resultados: Dos 324 pacientes, 46 (14,2%) desenvolveram lesão por pressão, sendo mais frequente nas regiões sacral e calcânea. Fatores de risco para lesão por pressão foram idade, tempo de internação e permanência na enfermaria antes da Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. Discussão: A incidência elevada, a localização corpórea e o estágio da lesão por pressão observados mostram a vulnerabilidade do paciente de Unidade de Terapia Intensiva a este tipo de lesão. Os riscos para lesão por pressão abrangem fatores relacionados ao paciente, à hospitalização e à gravidade da doença, sendo que a combinação entre eles deve ser valorizada na avaliação diária do paciente crítico. Conclusão: A lesão por pressão no paciente crítico é multifatorial e o reconhecimento dos fatores de risco pode contribuir para implementação precoce de ações para evitar essa lesão. Como citar este artigo: Campos, Michelle Mayumi Yoshimura de; Souza, Mariana Fernandes Cremasco de;  Whitaker, Iveth Yamaguchi.  Risco para lesão por pressão em pacientes de unidade de terapia intensiva. Revista Cuidarte. 2021;12(2):e1196. http://dx.doi.org/10.15649/cuidarte.1196   Introducción: Las limitaciones de la percepción sensorial, la inmovilidad, la sedación, la ventilación mecánica, la hipoperfusión tisular, el edema y la humedad se consideran factores que predisponen la aparición de úlceras por presión en pacientes en estado crítico. Objetivo: Caracterizar las úlceras por presión en pacientes críticos, determinar la asociación con variables demográficas, la hospitalización y las condiciones clínicas, e identificar los factores de riesgo para la aparición de úlceras por presión. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal mediante una muestra de pacientes > 18 años que no presentaban úlceras por presión al ingreso y habían estado hospitalizados >24 horas en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos. La asociación de las úlceras por presión con las variables se verificó a través de la prueba U de Mann-Whitney, prueba de chi-cuadrado, razón de verosimilitud y el test exacto de Fisher. Los factores de riesgo se identificaron mediante regresión logística múltiple. Resultados: De 324 pacientes, 46 (14.2%) desarrollaron úlceras por presión con mayor frecuencia en las regiones sacra y calcánea. Los factores de riesgo para la aparición de úlceras por presión fueron la edad, la duración de la hospitalización y la estancia hospitalaria antes de ingresar a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos. Discusión: La alta incidencia, la localización y el estadio de las úlceras por lesión observadas revelan la vulnerabilidad del paciente de la unidad de cuidados intensivos a este tipo de lesiones. Entre los riesgos de las úlceras por presión se encuentran factores relacionados con el paciente, la hospitalización y la gravedad de la enfermedad, y su combinación debe valorarse en la evaluación diaria del paciente crítico. Conclusión: La aparición de úlceras por presión en pacientes críticos es un fenómeno multifactorial, para la que el reconocimiento de factores de riesgo puede contribuir a una rápida adopción de medidas para su prevención Como citar este artículo: Campos, Michelle Mayumi Yoshimura de; Souza, Mariana Fernandes Cremasco de;  Whitaker, Iveth Yamaguchi.  Risco para lesão por pressão em pacientes de unidade de terapia intensiva. Revista Cuidarte. 2021;12(2):e1196. http://dx.doi.org/10.15649/cuidarte.1196   &nbsp

Validation of Addenbrooke's cognitive examination III for detecting mild cognitive impairment and dementia in Japan

BACKGROUND:Early detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia is very important to begin appropriate treatment promptly and to prevent disease exacerbation. We investigated the screening accuracy of the Japanese version of Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination III (ACE-III) to diagnose MCI and dementia. METHODS:The original ACE-III was translated and adapted to Japanese. It was then administered to a Japanese population. The Hasegawa Dementia Scale-revised (HDS-R) and Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) were also applied to evaluate cognitive dysfunction. In total, 389 subjects (dementia = 178, MCI = 137, controls = 73) took part in our study. RESULTS:The optimal ACE-III cut-off scores to detect MCI and dementia were 88/89 (sensitivity 0.77, specificity 0.92) and 75/76 (sensitivity 0.82, specificity 0.90), respectively. ACE-III was superior to HDS-R and MMSE in the detection of MCI or dementia. The internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and inter-rater reliability of ACE-III were excellent. CONCLUSIONS:ACE-III is a useful cognitive test to detect MCI and dementia. ACE-III may be widely useful in clinical practice

Improvement in Frailty in a Patient With Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease After Ninjin'yoeito Therapy: A Case Report

Frailty is a poor prognostic factor in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Although various studies have assessed the effects of conventional treatment with bronchodilators, nutritional support, and pulmonary rehabilitation for frailty in patients with COPD, none have addressed the effects of traditional Japanese medicine (Kampo medicine). Herein, we report the successful management of frailty using Ninjin'yoeito therapy in a 76-year-old patient with COPD. Despite being prescribed multiple bronchodilators, nutritional supplement therapy, patient education, and pulmonary rehabilitation, the patient exhibited unintentional weight loss, low energy, and low physical activity. Ninjin'yoeito was prescribed and these subjective symptoms began to improve 1 month after treatment initiation. In 6 months, the patient reported no frailty, had increased muscle mass, and had achieved an almost normal healthy state. Ninjin'yoeito has been associated with both physical effects, such as improvement in overall physical strength and appetite, and reduction in fatigue, and psychological effects, such as greater motivation and reduction of depression and anxiety symptoms. Physicians have usually treated COPD primarily with organ-specific treatments, such as bronchodilators; however, addressing both the physiological and psychological vulnerability has been difficult. This case report illustrates the potential usefulness of Ninjin'yoeito treatment for frailty in patients with COPD

Inhibitory Effects of Chlorella Extract on Airway Hyperresponsiveness and Airway Remodeling in a Murine Model of Asthma

Chlorella extract （CE） has been shown to induce production of T helper-1 cytokines, and regulate serum IgE levels in animal models of asthma. We aimed to evaluate whether CE could inhibit ovalbumin （OVA）-induced airway hyperresponsiveness （AHR） and airway remodeling in a murine model of asthma. Balb/c mice were allocated to four groups: a control group （no OVA exposure, not given CE）, a CE group （no OVA exposure, given CE）, an asthma group （sensitized/challenged with OVA, not given CE） and a CE＋asthma group （sensitized/challenged with OVA, given CE）. In the asthma and CE＋asthma groups, mice were sensitized with OVA on day 0 and day 12, and then challenged with OVA on three consecutive days. In the CE and CE＋asthma groups, the mice were given feed containing 2％ CE. We assessed AHR to methacholine, and analyzed bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF）, serum, lung tissue and spleen cells. Administration of CE was associated with significantly lower AHR in OVA-sensitized and challenged mice. CE administration was also associated with marked reduction of total cells, eosinophils and T helper-2 cytokines （IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13） in BALF. In addition, administration of CE significantly decreased the numbers of periodic acid-Schiff （PAS）-positive cells in OVA-sensitized and challenged mice. Administration of CE also directly suppressed IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 production in spleen cells of OVA-sensitized and challenged mice. These results indicate that CE can partly prevent AHR and airway remodeling in a murine model of asthma

Divulging the social sex change mechanism in a unique model system for studying the sexual plasticity of protogynous hermaphrodite fish, three bamboo leaf wrasse (Pseudolabrus sieboldi)

The gonadal sexual fate of vertebrates is either defined by genetics or environment, or a combination of both factors. Interestingly, in sequential hermaphroditism, the animal can undergo natural sex changes from female-to-male, male-to-female, and bidirectional way throughout their lives. This change exhibits the process which shifts between oogenesis and spermatogenesis and is regarded as an ideal instance of sexual plasticity. To develop the experimental model for studying the sexual plasticity of protogynous fish, the social conditions that induce sex changes were defined in wrasse, Pseudolabrus sieboldi. When six females were kept together in a tank, the largest female became a male, whereas a similar conversion did not occur when only two females were present in a tank. A semi-gonadectomy analysis developed in the present study verified the direct relationship between gonadal sex and body coloration. In P. sieboldi, the sex change is controlled by the relative body size of an individual within a group, rather than by absolute body size. When six females were kept in smaller sized tanks, delayed sex change or unchanged individuals was observed. Overall, more than 90% of the largest females demonstrated sex change after being housed with five smaller females in different sizes of tanks ranging from 80 to 500 L. Furthermore, the experiment using a transparent barrier suggested that visual stimuli are one of the major cues to initiate sex change. Our findings on the laboratory conditions leading to the initiation of sex change in wrasse suggest the usefulness of this species as a model organism for comparative studies in molecular, cellular, and physiological mechanisms of sexual plasticity, as well as on social and reproductive behaviors