Quantitative analyses of RBC movement in whole blood exposed to DC and ELF electric field

For the study of biological effects of direct current (DC) and extremely low frequency (ELF) electric fields, we have quantitatively analyzed red blood cell (RBC) movement in whole blood. Considering the inhomogeneous distribution of electric fields in vivo, five different electric field distributions were generated under a microscope. For theoretical analyses, we assumed electrophoresis and dielectrophoresis as basic motive forces and obtained the spatial distribution of blood cell velocity. The RBC velocity was measured using video image analysis. The spatial dependence of the velocity showed good agreement with that predicted by theoretical analysis. This result suggests the validity of the theoretical model based on electrophoresis and dielectrophoresis for the study of ELF electric field exposure to inhomogeneous animal and human bodies. Next, using the same measurement system, we attempted to find the electric field strength at which these effects occur. The threshold values were found to be 0.40 and 1.6 kV/m, respectively, for DC and AC electric field exposures. Furthermore, we investigated the reproducibility of the field effects in more realistic conditions of human exposure. The RBCs in microchannels were exposed to the electric field generated in capacitive coupling using electrodes separated by an air gap. Even in the new condition, similar effects were observed, which also verified the validity of the analysis described above. These results will provide useful information for the safety assessment of field exposure and for the future biomedical applications of electric fields to manipulate RBCs in vivo.

Proton Logic Gate Based on a Gramicidin-ATP Synthase Integrated Biotransducer

Ion channels are membrane proteins that allow ionic signals to pass through channel pores for biofunctional modulations. However, biodevices that integrate bidirectional biological signal transmission between a device and biological converter through supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) while simultaneously controlling the process are lacking. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to develop a hybrid biotransducer composed of ATP synthase and proton channel gramicidin A (gA), controlled by a sulfonated polyaniline (SPA) conducting polymer layer deposited on a microelectrode, and to simulate a model circuit for this system. We controlled proton transport across the gA channel using both electrical and chemical input signals by applying voltage to the SPA or introducing calcium ions (inhibitor) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid molecules (inhibitor remover). The insertion of gA and ATP synthase into SLBs on microelectrodes resulted in an integrated biotransducer, in which the proton current was controlled by the flux of adenosine diphosphate molecules and calcium ions. Lastly, we created an XOR logic gate as an enzymatic logic system where the output proton current was controlled by Input A (ATP synthase) and Input B (calcium ions), making use of the unidirectional and bidirectional transmission of protons in ATP synthase and gA, respectively. We combined gA, ATP synthase, and SPA as a hybrid bioiontronics system to control bidirectional or unidirectional ion transport across SLBs in biotransducers. Thus, our findings are potentially relevant for a range of advanced biological and medical applications.

Erratum: Optical parameters estimation in inhomogeneous turbid media using backscattered light: for transcutaneous scattering measurement of intravascular blood: erratum

[This corrects the article on p. 237 in vol. 15, PMID: 38223194.].

Optical parameters estimation in inhomogeneous turbid media using backscattered light: for transcutaneous scattering measurement of intravascular blood

In our earlier research, a technique was developed to estimate the effective attenuation coefficient of subcutaneous blood vessels from the skin surface using the spatial distribution of backscattered near-infrared (NIR) light. The scattering effect in surrounding tissues was suppressed through the application of a differential principle, provided that the in vivo structure is known. In this study, a new method is proposed enabling the separate estimation of both scattering and absorption coefficients using NIR light of different wavelengths. The differential technique is newly innovated to make it applicable to the subcutaneous structure without requiring explicit geometrical information. Suppression of the scattering effect from surrounding tissue can be incorporated into the process of estimating the scattering and absorption coefficients. The validity of the proposed technique can be demonstrated through Monte Carlo simulations using both homogeneous and inhomogeneous tissue-simulating models. The estimated results exhibit good coherence with theoretical values (r2 = 0.988-0.999). Moreover, the vulnerability and robustness of the proposed technique against different measurement errors are verified. Optimal conditions for practical measurement are specified under various light-detection conditions. Separate estimation of scattering and absorption coefficients improves the accuracy of turbidity measurements and spectroscopy in biomedical applications considerably, particularly for noninvasive measurements and analysis of blood, lipids, and other components in subcutaneous blood vessels.

O-130 Reproductive outcomes of normal ovarian reserve patients after progestin-primed ovarian stimulation with chlormadinone acetate vs GnRH antagonist: A retrospective study with inverse-probability-of-treatment weighting

Study question

To evaluate the effectiveness of chlormadinone acetate (CMA) for preventing premature LH surge in patients with normal ovarian reserve compared to cetrorelix.

Summary answer

In progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) than GnRH antagonist (GnRH-ant), the incidence of premature LH surge was significantly lower, without significant difference in oocyte maturation rate.

What is known already

The GnRH-ant protocol is one of the conventional protocols which has some disadvantages including increased premature LH surge rate and cancelation rate. In recent years, the PPOS protocol has attracted attention as a new ovarian stimulation using progestin as an alternative to GnRH analog for suppressing a premature LH surge, however its efficacy is still controversial. In addition, many studies have investigated the reproductive outcomes of PPOS using medroxy-progesterone acetate or dydrogesterone; however, there are few reports of CMA, an oral progestin, which is inexpensive and widely used in Japan.

Study design, size, duration

This retrospective cohort study was performed in a reproduction center between March 2018 and October 2020 which included 977 Japanese patients with normal ovarian reserve undergoing PPOS with CMA (n = 299), or GnRH antagonist (GnRH-ant) with cetrorelix (n = 608) in their first IVF cycle at the reproduction center. In subgroup analysis, pregnancy outcomes after frozen embryo transfers (FET) between PPOS (n = 284) and GnRH-ant (n = 579) were also compared.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

The inclusion criteria were patients aged < 40 years and AMH ≧ 1.1 ng/mL, who underwent autologous oocyte retrieval in their first IVF cycle with freeze-all strategy. The primary outcome was the incidence of premature LH surge, the secondary outcomes was oocyte maturation rate. To reduce the impact of treatment bias and potential confounding factors, we conducted logistic regression models with inverse-probability-of-treatment weighting (IPTW).

Main results and the role of chance

After IPTW, baseline clinical data were well-balanced between the two groups, including age, AMH, BMI, the duration, type, and cause of infertility, antral follicle count, the history of recurrent spontaneous abortion, and previous IVF attempts. The premature LH surge rate was significantly lower with PPOS (3.1%) compared to GnRH-ant (20.1%) (odds ratio, 0.21; 95% confidence interval, 0.11–0.36). No significant differences were found in total gonadotropin dose (2400IU for PPOS vs 2400IU for GnRH-ant, p = 0.136), the number of oocyte retrieval (n = 15 vs n = 15, p = 0.484), oocyte maturation rate (78.8% vs 77.8%, p = 0.275), fertilization rate (73.0% vs 72.0%, p = 0.412), viable embryo rate per oocyte retrieval (40% vs 40%, p = 0.890), and good quality blastocyst rate (72.0% vs 69.6%, p = 0.092). However, the good quality day-3 embryo rate was significantly lower with PPOS (37.2% vs 49.1%, p < 0.05). There were no differences in the incidence of moderate-to-severe OHSS (0.3% vs 0.7%, p = 0.481). In FET cycles, the pregnancy outcomes, such as implantation rate (43.1 % vs 51.9 %, p = 0.013) and clinical pregnancy rate (46.5% vs 54.7%, p = 0.027) were significantly lower with PPOS, however, no significant differences were found in ongoing pregnancy rate (75.6% vs 80.5%, p = 0.325), and live birth rate (72.4% vs 79.5 %, p = 0.142).

Limitations, reasons for caution

This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in a single center. The participants in this study were limited to Japanese ethnicity. The results need to be validated across different centers and other ethnicities.

Wider implications of the findings

This is the first report assessing the reproductive outcomes on PPOS using CMA, widely used in Japan. The PPOS with CMA significantly suppressed the premature LH surge rate compared to GnRH-ant protocol, without decrease in oocyte maturation rate.

Trial registration number

N/A

Analysis of Red Blood Cell Movement in Whole Blood Exposed to DC and ELF Electric Fields

To evaluate hematological effects of direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) extremely low frequency (ELF) electric field exposure, this study investigated red blood cell (RBC) movement in whole blood. Video images of RBCs were recorded under a microscope using specially designed electrode systems. Video analysis software was then used to measure the RBC velocity. The noise level and measurement system stability were confirmed based on results of a no-field exposure experiment. Using the electrode system to produce a non-homogeneous electric field, different movements were found to occur in DC and AC field exposure. The RBCs moved in the directions of the electric field and the gradient of field distribution, respectively, in the DC and AC fields. Dependences of the RBC velocity on the field strength were, respectively, linear and quadratic in the DC and AC fields. These results suggest that electrophoretic and dielectrophoretic movements were, respectively, dominant in the DC and AC fields. The magnitude of the electric field necessary to cause these effects was found to be 10³ -10⁵ times greater than the internationally publicized guideline for human safety. © 2022 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

Fiber-crafted biofuel cell bracelet for wearable electronics

Wearable devices that generate power using sweat have garnered much attention in the field of skin electronics. These devices require high performance with a small volume and low production rate of sweat by living organisms. Here we demonstrate a high-power biofuel cell bracelet based on the lactate in human sweat. The biofuel cell was developed by using a lactate oxidase/osmium-based mediator/carbon nanotube fiber for lactate oxidation and a bilirubin oxidase/carbon nanotube fiber for oxygen reduction; the fibers were woven into a hydrophilic supportive textile for sweat storage. The storage textile was sandwiched between a hydrophobic textile for sweat absorption from the skin and a hydrophilic textile for water evaporation to improve sweat collection. The performance of the layered cell was 74 μW at 0.39 V in 20 mM artificial sweat lactate, and its performance was maintained at over 80% for 12 h. Furthermore, we demonstrated a series-connection between anode/cathode fibers by tying them up to wrap the bracelet-type biofuel cell on the wrist. The booster six-cell bracelet generated power at 2.0 V that is sufficient for operating digital wrist watches.

Effects of preemptive analgesia with intravenous acetaminophen on postoperative pain relief in patients undergoing third molar surgery: a prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of preemptive analgesia in managing postoperative pain remains controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of intravenous (IV) acetaminophen administered before or immediately after the surgical extraction of an impacted mandibular third molar.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This prospective randomized clinical trial included 120 patients. The patients were assigned to one of three groups: the preoperative-treatment group (pre-group), which received 1000 mg of IV acetaminophen 20 min before surgery; the postoperative-treatment group (post-group), which received 1000 mg of IV acetaminophen after surgery; the no-treatment group (control-group), which did not receive any analgesic. Rescue analgesic (60 mg loxoprofen) was issued to each patient, with instructions on self-administration if needed. For the rescue medication usage, the time of first loxoprofen usage and the total amount of loxoprofen consumption were obtained for a 17-hour period after surgery. We measured pain using the visual analogue scale at 1 hour and at 2, 3, 4, 5, and 15 hours after surgery.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in pain level among the three groups at any time interval. However, the pre-group demonstrated significantly lower rescue analgesic consumption and longer time until initial administration.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of IV acetaminophen before third molar surgery provides more effective pain control than postoperative administration and no treatment.

Radial Spin Texture in Elemental Tellurium with Chiral Crystal Structure

The chiral crystal is characterized by a lack of mirror symmetry and inversion center, resulting in the inequivalent right- and left-handed structures. In the noncentrosymmetric crystal structure, the spin and momentum of electrons are expected to be locked in the reciprocal space with the help of the spin-orbit interaction. To reveal the spin textures of chiral crystals, we investigate the spin and electronic structure in a p-type semiconductor, elemental tellurium, with the simplest chiral structure by using spin- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. Our data demonstrate that the highest valence band crossing the Fermi level has a spin component parallel to the electron momentum around the Brillouin zone corners. Significantly, we have also confirmed that the spin polarization is reversed in the crystal with the opposite chirality. The results indicate that the spin textures of the right- and left-handed chiral crystals are hedgehoglike, leading to unconventional magnetoelectric effects and nonreciprocal phenomena.

A candidate-SNP retrospective cohort study for fracture risk in Japanese Thoroughbred racehorses

Fractures are medical conditions that compromise the athletic potential of horses and/or the safety of jockeys. Therefore, the reduction of fracture risk is an important horse and human welfare issue. The present study used molecular genetic approaches to determine the effect of genetic risk for fracture at four candidate SNPs spanning the myostatin (MSTN) gene on horse chromosome 18. Among the 3706 Japanese Thoroughbred racehorses, 1089 (29.4%) had experienced fractures in their athletic life, indicating the common occurrence of this injury in Thoroughbreds. In the case/control association study, fractures of the carpus (carpal bones and distal radius) were statistically associated with g.65809482T/C (P = 1.17 x 10^-8 ), g.65868604G/T (P = 2.66 x 10^-9 ), and g.66493737C/T (P = 6.41 x 10^-8 ). In the retrospective cohort study using 1710 racehorses born in 2000, the relative risk (RR) was highest for male horses at g.65868604G/T, based on the dominant allele risk model (RR = 2.251, 95% confidence interval 1.407-3.604, P = 0.00041), and for female horses at g.65868604G/T, based on the recessive allele risk model (RR = 2.313, 95% confidence interval 1.380-3.877, P = 0.00163). Considering the association of these SNPs with racing performance traits such as speed, these genotypes may affect the occurrence of carpus fractures in Japanese Thoroughbred racehorses as a consequence of the non-genetic influence of the genotype on the distance and/or intensity of racing and training. The genetic information presented here may contribute to the development of strategic training programs and racing plans for racehorses that improve their health and welfare.

6108Efficacy of the PCSK9 inhibitor for lipid-rich coronary plaque reduction: a near-infrared spectroscopy analysis

Background

Recently, some studies have highlighted proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors produce incremental low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering effect. However, it is unknown whether the lipid composition of plaque changes is associated with serum LDL-C reduction due to PCSK9 inhibitors administration.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of PCSK9 inhibitor (PCSK9i) on coronary plaque component in patients with a history of coronary artery disease (CAD) assessed by near-infrared spectroscopy intravascular ultrasound (NIRS-IVUS).

Methods

A total of 67 non-culprit coronary segments were identified in 34 patients. These lesions were analyzed utilizing NIRS-IVUS at baseline and follow-up coronary angiography (CAG). The subjects were divided into two groups according to lipid-lowering treatment; administration of PCSK9i group (PCSK9i: 19 segments, 9 patients) and traditional statin treatment group (Control: 48 segments, 25 patients). The change of lipid-rich plaque distribution between baseline and follow-up NIRS-IVUS was defined as the change of maximal lipid core burden index (LCBI) score for each of the 4-mm longitudinal segments (maxLCBI4mm).

Results

Mean duration from baseline to follow-up CAG was 239.4±52.4 days in the PCSK9i group and 341.0±84.1 days in the Control group (p<0.001). Despite the higher total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the PCSK9i group at baseline (206.6±40.9 mg/dl vs. 168.5±37.1 mg/dl, 131.5±35.4 mg/dl vs. 100.0±29.5 mg/dl; respectively, p<0.001 for both), the PCSK9i group was significantly lower TC and LDL-C at the follow-up (111.5±23.5 mg/dl vs. 157.4±27.8 mg/dl, 40.8±15.7 mg/dl vs. 86.2±19.6 mg/dl; respectively, p<0.001 for both). Furthermore, the PCSK9i group induced greater regression of maxLCBI4mm than that of Control group (99.6±156.6 vs. 27.9±118.0, p=0.046) (Figure).

Figure 1

Conclusion

Compared with traditional statin therapy, PCSK9i treatment resulted in a greater decrease in lipid component in non-culprit coronary plaques. Therefore, PCSK9i may be useful option in preventing from adverse coronary events for the patients with CAD.

Reappraisal of classification of distal cholangiocarcinoma based on tumour depth

Background

In the eighth edition of the AJCC cancer staging classification, the T system for distal cholangiocarcinoma (DCC) has been revised from a layer-based to a depth-based approach. The aim of this study was to propose an optimal T classification using a measured depth in resectable DCC.

Methods

Patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for DCC at 32 hospitals between 2001 and 2010 were included. The distance between the level of the naive bile duct and the deepest cancer cells was measured as depth of invasion (DOI). Invasive cancer foci were measured as invasive tumour thickness (ITT). Log rank χ2 scores were used to determine the cut-off points, and concordance index (C-index) to assess the survival discrimination of each T system.

Results

Among 404 patients, DOI was measurable in 182 (45·0 per cent) and ITT was measurable in all patients, with median values of 2·3 and 5·6 mm respectively. ITT showed a positive correlation with DOI (rs = 0·854, P &lt; 0·001), and the cut-off points for prognosis were 1, 5 and 10 mm. Median survival time was shorter with increased ITT: 12·4 years for ITT below 1 mm, 5·2 years for ITT at least 1 mm but less than 5 mm, 3·0 years for ITT at least 5 mm but less than 10 mm, and 1·5 years for ITT 10 mm or more (P &lt; 0·001). This classification exhibited more favourable prognostic discrimination than the T systems of the seventh and eighth editions of the AJCC (C-index 0·646, 0·622 and 0·624 respectively).

Conclusion

ITT is an accurate approach for depth assessment in DCC. The four-tier ITT classification with cut-off points of 1, 5 and 10 mm seems to be a better T system than those in the seventh and eighth editions of the AJCC classification.

Accelerated Wound Healing on Skin by Electrical Stimulation with a Bioelectric Plaster

Wound healing on skin involves cell migration and proliferation in response to endogenous electric current. External electrical stimulation by electrical equipment is used to promote these biological processes for the treatment of chronic wounds and ulcers. Miniaturization of the electrical stimulation device for wound healing on skin will make this technology more widely available. Using flexible enzymatic electrodes and stretchable hydrogel, a stretchable bioelectric plaster is fabricated with a built-in enzymatic biofuel cell (EBFC) that fits to skin and generates ionic current along the surface of the skin by enzymatic electrochemical reactions for more than 12 h. To investigate the efficacy of the fabricated bioelectric plaster, an artificial wound is made on the back skin of a live mouse and the wound healing is observed for 7 d in the presence and absence of the ionic current of the bioelectric plaster. The time course of the wound size as well as the hematoxylin and eosin staining of the skin section reveals that the ionic current of the plaster leads to faster and smoother wound healing. The present work demonstrates a proof of concept for the electrical manipulation of biological functions by EBFCs.

Squamous cell carcinoma arising from lupus vulgaris with a >60-year history

We report the case of a 71-year-old Japanese man with squamous cell carcinoma arising from lupus vulgaris on the face, >60 years after the appearance of the lupus vulgaris. The red plaque on the patient's face had been diagnosed as a hemangioma or rosacea at several hospitals, although he had had lung tuberculosis at the age of 4 and his father died from lung tuberculosis at 38 years of age. Although lupus vulgaris was the most frequent clinical form of true skin tuberculosis until the 1960s, it has become rare since then. Malignant tumors are known to occur in individuals with lupus vulgaris, with a reported rate of 0.5-10.5%. In light of Japan's "graying society," tuberculosis is still an important disorder, and clinicians must remain aware of cutaneous tuberculosis.

Abstract P2-01-27: Sentinel lymph node biopsy by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography with sonazoid in patients with breast cancer - Prospective multicenter study

Background: The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate feasibility of the periareolar injection of contrast agent (Sonazoid (SNZ)) followed by ultrasonography (US) for identification of sentinel lymph node (SLN) in breast cancer patients with clinically negative node.

Patients and Methods: Patients with T1-2N0M0 breast cancer were recruited in this study. They received the periareolar injection of SNZ followed by US to identify contrast-enhanced SLN. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) was done for each CE-SLN. Then, they underwent SLN biopsy with the conventional method, blue dye and/or radiotracer (B/R).

Results: In almost all cases, contrast-enhanced lymphatic vessels were clearly visualized US soon after the periareolar injection of SNZ, and SLN, into which lymphatic flow was draining, was easily identified. The identification rate of SLN was 98% (98/100) by SNZ and 100% (100/100) by B/R. The number of SLNs identified by SNZ (mean per patient, 1.52) was significantly (P &lt; 0.001) lower than that of those by B/R (2.22). Twenty-five patients had at least one metastasis in the SLNs identified by SNZ and/or B/R. In these patients, SLNs (n=39) identified by both SNZ and B/R showed a significantly (P &lt; 0.0001) higher positivity (74.4%) for metastases than those (n=19) identified by B/R alone (21.1%).

Conclusion: Identification of SLN by periareolar injection of SNZ followed by US is a technically easy method and the identification rate of SLN was as high as 98%, being comparable to the conventional B/R. SLNs detected by SNZ seem to represent the true SLNs which first receive lymphatic flow from the tumor among the SLNs detected by B/R.

Citation Format: Shimazu K, Ito T, Uji K, Miyake T, Motomura K, Noguchi S. Sentinel lymph node biopsy by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography with sonazoid in patients with breast cancer - Prospective multicenter study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-01-27.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy and prevalence of erectile dysfunction in Japanese patients aged <65 years with type 2 diabetes mellitus: The Dogo Study

Only limited epidemiological evidence exists regarding the relationship between diabetic neuropathy and erectile dysfunction (ED) among Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. To investigate the relationship between diabetic neuropathy and ED among Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, a multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in 287 male Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, age (19-65 years). Diabetic neuropathy was diagnosed if the patients showed two or more of the following three characteristics: neuropathic symptoms, decreased or disappeared Achilles tendon reflex and/or abnormal vibration perception. ED, moderate to severe ED, and severe ED were defined as present when a subject had a Sexual Health Inventory for Men score <22, <12 and <8, respectively. The prevalence values of diabetic neuropathy and severe ED were 47.0 and 39.0%, respectively. Diabetic neuropathy was independently positively associated with severe ED, but not ED and moderate ED: the adjusted odds ratio was 1.90 (95% confidence interval: 1.08-3.38). No relationships were found between diabetic retinopathy or diabetic nephropathy and ED. Diabetic neuropathy is positively associated with severe erectile dysfunction among Japanese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients aged <65 years.

Electronic control of H+ current in a bioprotonic device with Gramicidin A and Alamethicin

In biological systems, intercellular communication is mediated by membrane proteins and ion channels that regulate traffic of ions and small molecules across cell membranes. A bioelectronic device with ion channels that control ionic flow across a supported lipid bilayer (SLB) should therefore be ideal for interfacing with biological systems. Here, we demonstrate a biotic-abiotic bioprotonic device with Pd contacts that regulates proton (H+) flow across an SLB incorporating the ion channels Gramicidin A (gA) and Alamethicin (ALM). We model the device characteristics using the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz (GHK) solution to the Nernst-Planck equation for transport across the membrane. We derive the permeability for an SLB integrating gA and ALM and demonstrate pH control as a function of applied voltage and membrane permeability. This work opens the door to integrating more complex H+ channels at the Pd contact interface to produce responsive biotic-abiotic devices with increased functionality.

A Disposable paper breathalyzer with an alcohol sensing organic electrochemical transistor

Breathalyzers estimate Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) from the concentration of ethanol in the breath. Breathalyzers are easy to use but are limited either by their high price and by environmental concerns, or by a short lifetime and the need for continuous recalibration. Here, we demonstrate a proof-of-concept disposable breathalyzer using an organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) modified with alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) as the sensor. The OECT is made with the conducting polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), and is printed on paper. ADH and its cofactor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) are immobilized onto the OECT with an electrolyte gel. When the OECT-breathalyzer is exposed to ethanol vapor, the enzymatic reaction of ADH and ethanol transforms NAD⁺ into NADH, which causes a decrease in the OECT source drain current. In this fashion, the OECT-breathalyzer easily detects ethanol in the breath equivalent to BAC from 0.01% to 0.2%. The use of a printed OECT may contribute to the development of breathalyzers that are disposable, ecofriendly, and integrated with wearable devices for real-time BAC monitoring.

Fish collagen is an important panallergen in the Japanese population

Collagen was identified as a fish allergen in early 2000s. Although its allergenic potential has been suggested to be low, risks associated with collagen as a fish allergen have not been evaluated to a greater extent. In this study, we aimed to clarify the importance of collagen as a fish allergen. Our results showed that 50% of Japanese patients with fish allergy had immunoglobulin E (IgE) against mackerel collagen, whereas 44% had IgE against mackerel parvalbumin. IgE inhibition assay revealed high cross-reactivity of mackerel collagen to 22 fish species (inhibition rates: 87-98%). Furthermore, a recently developed allergy test demonstrated that collagen triggered IgE cross-linking on mast cells. These data indicate that fish collagen is an important and very common panallergen in fish consumed in Japan. The high rate of individuals' collagen allergy may be attributable to the traditional Japanese custom of raw fish consumption.

Grotthuss mechanisms: from proton transport in proton wires to bioprotonic devices

In 1804, Theodore von Grotthuss proposed a mechanism for proton (H(+)) transport between water molecules that involves the exchange of a covalent bond between H and O with a hydrogen bond. This mechanism also supports the transport of OH(-) as a proton hole and is essential in explaining proton transport in intramembrane proton channels. Inspired by the Grotthuss mechanism and its similarity to electron and hole transport in semiconductors, we have developed semiconductor type devices that are able to control and monitor a current of H(+) as well as OH(-) in hydrated biopolymers. In this topical review, we revisit these devices that include protonic diodes, complementary, transistors, memories and transducers as well as a phenomenological description of their behavior that is analogous to electronic semiconductor devices.

Squid beak inspired water processable chitosan composites with tunable mechanical properties

By modulating the degree of cross-linking, this lightweight composite can be tuned with a range of mechanical properties.

Stretchable biofuel cell with enzyme-modified conductive textiles

A sheet-type, stretchable biofuel cell was developed by laminating three components: a bioanode textile for fructose oxidation, a hydrogel sheet containing fructose as fuel, and a gas-diffusion biocathode textile for oxygen reduction. The anode and cathode textiles were prepared by modifying carbon nanotube (CNT)-decorated stretchable textiles with fructose dehydrogenase (FDH) and bilirubin oxidase (BOD), respectively. Enzymatic reaction currents of anode and cathode textiles were stable for 30 cycles of 50% stretching, with initial loss of 20-30% in the first few cycles due to the partial breaking of the CNT network at the junction of textile fibers. The assembled laminate biofuel cell showed power of ~0.2 mW/cm(2) with 1.2 kΩ load, which was stable even at stretched, twisted, and wrapped forms.

A genome-wide scan for tying-up syndrome in Japanese Thoroughbreds

Tying-up syndrome, also known as recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis in Thoroughbreds, is a common muscle disorder for racehorses. In this study, we performed a multipoint linkage analysis using LOKI based on the Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo method using 5 half-sib families (51 affected and 277 nonaffected horses in total), and a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using microsatellites (144 affected and 144 nonaffected horses) to map candidate regions for tying-up syndrome in Japanese Thoroughbreds. The linkage analysis identified one strong L-score (82.45) between the loci UCDEQ411 and COR058 (24.9-27.9 Mb) on ECA12. The GWAS identified two suggestive genomic regions on ECA12 (24.9-27.8 Mb) and ECA20 (29.3-33.5 Mb). Based on both results, the genomic region between UCDEQ411 and TKY499 (24.9-27.8 Mb) on ECA12 was the most significant and was considered as a candidate region for tying-up syndrome in Japanese Thoroughbreds.

Organic transdermal iontophoresis patch with built-in biofuel cell

A completely organic iontophoresis patch is reported. A built-in biofuel cell is mounted on the patch that generates transdermal iontophoretic administration of compounds into the skin. The amplitude of transdermal current is tuned by integrating a conducting polymer-based stretchable resistor of predetermined resistance.

FT-NMR Detection of 45Sc, 49Ti and 93Nb in TiO2 Single Crystal

In order to determine the electric quadrupole moment of the short-lived β-emitter 41Sc from the quadrupole coupling constant in TiO2 , we measured the field gradient by detecting the Fourier-Transformed-NMR of stable isotope 45Sc doped in TiO2. Also, in order to study the electronic structure of impurities systematically, EFGs were measured for 45Sc, 49Ti and 93Nb in a TiO2 ingle single crystal.

Electric Quadrupole Interactions of the Short-Lived β-Emitter 12N in Insulator Crystals (12N Implanted in Single Crystal TiO2)

The electronic structure of nitrogen atoms as impurities in an ionic TiO2 crystal has been investigated by analyzing electric field gradients (EFGs) measured by use of short-lived β-emitting 12N implant-ed following nuclear reactions. Conventional β-NMR and its modification, suitable for the detection of quadrupole effects in the NMR spectra, were used for the investigation of hyperfine interactions of 12N located in substitutional sites of O atoms and interstitial sites in the crystal. In order to deduce absolute values of the EFGs from the obtained eqQ/h, the quadrupole moment of 12N has been determined from the NMR detection of 12N implanted in BN(hexagonal) crystal. Here the EFG at the N atom in BN was measured by detecting the FT-NMR of 14N in the crystal. The EFGs in TiO2 are compared with the theoretical predictions based on the ab initio band-structure calculation in the framework of the KKR method.

Surfactant-assisted direct electron transfer between multi-copper oxidases and carbon nanotube-based porous electrodes

The pre-treatment of carbon nanotube-based nanostructured porous electrodes with surfactant enhanced the efficiency of direct electron transfer of multi-copper oxidases.

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy using a combination of mitomycin C,5-fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin in patients at high risk of colorectal peritoneal metastasis: A Phase I clinical study

INTRODUCTION

The drugs and protocols used for hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) vary among institutions. Here we show the efficacy of the 3-drug combination of mitomycin C (MMC), 5-fluorouracil (5FU), and oxaliplatin (OHP) in an in vitro simulation of HIPEC and the safety of HIPEC with these drugs during a Phase I study of patients at high risk of developing colorectal peritoneal metastasis.

METHODS

To simulate HIPEC, we used HCT116 and WiDr cells to assess the growth inhibitory efficacy of MMC 2 μg/mL, 5FU 200 μg/mL, and OHP 40 μg/mL as single drugs or their combination after an exposure time of 30 min at 37 or 42 °C. In addition, nine patients underwent surgical resection of tumors and HIPEC with MMC, 5FU, and an escalating dose of OHP (90/110/130 mg/m²). Dose-limiting toxicity was monitored.

RESULTS

In the simulation, the 3-drug combination showed marked tumor-suppressive effects compared with those from ten times higher dose of OHP 400 μg/mL, with significant augmentation under hyperthermic conditions. No dose-limiting toxicity occurred in the clinical study. Dose escalation was completed at the final level of OHP.

CONCLUSIONS

The MMC-5FU-OHP combination showed marked growth inhibition against colorectal cancer cells under hyperthermic conditions in vitro. In the phase I study, the recommended dose of OHP was determined as 130 mg/m² when used with MMC and 5FU; HIPEC using MMC-5FU-OHP appears to be safe and feasible for patients at high risk of colorectal peritoneal metastasis.

Empirical growth curve estimation considering multiple seasonal compensatory growths of body weights in Japanese Thoroughbred colts and fillies

Thoroughbred horses are seasonal mating animals, and their foals are born yearly in spring seasons. In northern regions or countries, the foals generally show a typical seasonal compensatory growth pattern, where their growth rate declines in winter and increases in the next spring. In this study, a new empirical approach is proposed to adjust for this compensatory growth when growth curve equations are estimated, by using BW of Japanese Thoroughbred colts and fillies raised in Hidaka, Hokkaido. Based on the traditional Richards growth curve equation, new growth curve equations were developed and fit to the weight-age data. The foals generally experience 2 major winter seasons before their debut in horseracing. The new equations had sigmoid subfunctions that can empirically adjust the first and second year compensatory growths, combined with the Richards biological parameter responsible for the maturity of animals. The unknown parameters included in the equations were estimated by SAS NLMIXED procedure. The goodness-of-fit was examined by using several indices of goodness-of-fit (i.e., Akaike's information criterion, Bayesian information criterion, -2 log likelihood, and residual sum of squares) for the multiple applications of the subfunctions. The indices indicated the best fit of the new equations including both subfunctions for the first and second compensatory growths to the weight-age data. The shapes of the growth curves were improved during the periods of compensatory growth. The proposed method is one of the useful approaches for adjusting multiple seasonal compensatory growths in growth curve estimations of Thoroughbreds and for the management of young horses during the compensatory periods.

Signal-dependent fra-2 regulation in skeletal muscle reserve and satellite cells

Activator protein-1 (AP-1) is a ubiquitous transcription factor that paradoxically also has some tissue-specific functions. In skeletal muscle cells, we document that the AP-1 subunit, Fra-2, is expressed in the resident stem cells (Pax7-positive satellite cells) and also in the analogous undifferentiated ‘reserve' cell population in myogenic cultures, but not in differentiated myofiber nuclei. Silencing of Fra-2 expression enhances the expression of differentiation markers such as muscle creatine kinase and myosin heavy chain, indicating a possible role of Fra-2 in undifferentiated myogenic progenitor cells. We observed that Fra-2 is a target of cytokine-mediated extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 signaling in cultured muscle cells, and extensive mass spectrometry and mutational analysis identified S320 and T322 as regulators of Fra-2 protein stability. Interestingly, Fra-2 S320 phosphorylation occurs transiently in activated satellite cells and is extinguished in myogenin-positive differentiating cells. Thus, cytokine-mediated Fra-2 expression and stabilization is linked to regulation of myogenic progenitor cells having implications for the molecular regulation of adult muscle stem cells and skeletal muscle regeneration.